#sons of durin | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

enchantingkryptoniteheart-blog · 8 months

Text

~The Best Of Intentions~

Chapter 13

This chapter is still a little bit too rough for my personal taste, but I am at a loss as to what else I can do with it. THis entire fic is a roough draft, and i plan to flesh it out once I've finished. I am planning on making this a trilogy of sorts. The ideas and direction i want to take are just too much for one book length fic.

Any constructive critisism is most welcome.

*Another important author note! I realize the approach I'm taking with Arda historical events/family ties is not exact according to canon. I have done alot of reading and research and I am weaving my OC and her people in. The timeline on certain events may speed up due to certain *changes* that occur. The dwarven history is so rich and fascinating and i have really enjoyed adding my own little twists.

Hope you enjoy! Happy trails.

****************

Chapter 12

The next week passed in a dreamlike blur. Mistlynn found herself swept up in a whirlwind of erratic emotions, the first being excitement and wonder in her newly established relationship with the formidable King Under the Mountain.

She was scared to label it as love and felt it unfair to brand it as such when she couldn't even understand what that kind of love was. This was obviously different from the love she felt for her father, Argos, and even Valinn. Not the same as the love she held for Luna.

This feeling she felt for him came from deep within her. It was fire, all-consuming. Heated. The desire and need to see and be with him was growing stronger with each passing day, she couldn't deny that even if she tried. It was the kind of emotion that made her heart ache, yearning for his presence when she could not see him throughout the day.

This struggle of not knowing led perfectly into the second emotion of an all-encompassing fear. She was not as naïve to think that she was going to live life as she always had. Besides the obvious changes in her living situation, sturdy rock walls and roof, unmovable and sturdy over her head; she was expected to be something that she never had to prove to be before.

A lady. And not just any lady, but a lady about to become a Queen to a living legend of a King, in the mightiest Dwarven Kingdom in all Arda.

If that wasn't a sobering realization, she didn't know what else could be. She had not been prepared for a role of leadership in her kingdom. She had been allowed to pursue her desire to be an in formidable warrior. She would have eventually married another warrior within her kingdom, but no one that held a position of power. She felt woefully unprepared to this life that was suddenly thrust upon her. But she couldn't bring herself to turn back now, she was in too deep with Thorin. Whatever it was she felt for him, she knew she could not walk away from him. She just knew she would fade, like a fire slowly losing the air that encouraged it to burn. She had to push ahead, and just hope that she wouldn't lose herself in the process.

Which is why she found herself in her current situation. She was wearing another breathtaking gown of Durin's blue perfectly form fitted to her body, her hair a cascade of platinum curls running down her back in tamed waves, and her face enhanced with rouge, eyelash tint, and lip oil. She was holding onto Thorin's arm tightly as she shifted nervously from one foot to another.

"This is just an announcement, M'eudail. There is no need to be nervous." Thorin leaned down to whisper in her ear, sensing her nervousness. His low timbre would have had its normal calming affect if it had been any other occasion.

"The King of Mirkwood and Dale are currently awaiting with all of Erebor to hear of our engagement Thorin, not an update on the weather or your recent trade agreement with Rohan." Mistlynn's smile was forced through clenched teeth as she stared resolutely at the door that would lead them out to the Hall of Kings.

Thorin looked down at her, his expression not hiding his concern. His other hand came to rest on top of hers. He was about to speak as Dis, Fili, Kili, Dwalin and Balin walked up behind them.

"Ready?" Balin smiled.

"As ready as I can be." Mistlynn groused, shifting again. Her tone made guilt jab Thorin in the gut. He was about to ask if she would like to be excused from accompanying him when a loud clatter of metal hitting the ground captured everyone's attention.

Thorin caught the slight twitch of her lips as she let a curse slip out under her breath. He raised an eyebrow. "What was that?" His tone had slight amusement coloring it.

She cleared her throat before crouching down and removing one of her daggers from underneath her skirts. Fili and Kili standing behind them concealed their laughs poorly, their shoulders shaking as they fought the urge to laugh out loud.

"Mistlynn! What on Mahal's green earth! Where did you get that?!" Dis gasped as she took the dagger from Mistlynn's hand before shooting her sons an accusing glare.

"It's difficult to properly attach a sheath on one's leg when wearing a fully cinched corset I'll have you know." Mistlynn huffed, trying to not make eye contact with any of her companions. Thorin started shaking his head as he started to chuckle.

“What are ye thinkin ya need a dagger for lass?" Dwalin couldn't disguise the humor in his voice, talking over the pained gasps of Fili and Kili who were losing the fight to not laugh.

"It never hurts to be prepared, Master Dwalin. Dinners and events have plenty of opportunity for enemies to take advantage of one's guard being down." She gestured emphatically, in turn making Thorin bite his bottom lip to fight the smile threatening to take over his face.

“Sounds like my kind of dinner." Dwalin groused as he shot Thorin an amused look.

"I don't know what kind of events you've experienced, my dear, but I assure you such measures are not needed." Balin chuckled, shaking his head his head at his brother's remark.

Dis gave her sons a stern look. Kili was wiping his eyes as tears of mirth rolled down his cheeks as Fili rubbed his face as he fought to get his snickering under control. She held out her hand to Mistlynn. "I know you Mist!" she growled. "Hand them over. Now."

Mistlynn's eyes widened before narrowing as she put her hands on her hips. "I should be allowed at least one weapon on my person!"

"Oh, I know for a fact you have more than one! Now hand them over." Dis stepped closer, her tone and expression giving no room for argument.

The two dams glared at each other challengingly, before Mistlynn rolled her eyes and growled in defeat. "Fine!" She lifted her skirts, making Balin and Dwalin turn away swiftly in surprise, Dwalin sputtering in shock as Balin just chortled as he rubbed the bridge of his nose. "She is Thorin's One, are you truly surprised?" he asked aloud.

At his comment, Fili and Kili lost the fight and burst out in breathless laughter while Thorin's eyebrows disappeared into his hairline as he watched, dagger after dagger emerge from underneath her skirts. Mist shoved each one, along with their sheaths into Dis's waiting arms.

By the time Mistlynn was done, Dis was holding six daggers and sheathes in her arms, her look full of sarcasm and resignation. "What? No war mount? I'm almost disappointed." Dis drawled, as she turned and handed the weapons to a shocked guard.

Mistlynn straightened out her skirts with sharp, jerky movements. "That would be in my wedding gown." She replied dryly.

Thorin snorted loudly and covered his mouth with his hand, as his nephews continued to die from laughter behind him. They were now leaning against each other, as Dwalin surprisingly gave in and joined in on the laughter.

Balin ran his hands down his beard as he fought to tame his chuckles. "Alright, now that's done. We don't want to keep our guests waiting." He shot a reprimanding look over his shoulder at the princes and his brother, but the sternness was lost as he watched them fight to control their mirth.

Thorin was still standing next to the disgruntled warrior princess, his hands crossed over his chest as he looked up towards the ceiling, trying to get his expression under control. "Six? Were six truly necessary?"

Mistlynn huffed. "If I am to be expected to wear these death traps on a daily basis, I need to ascertain the best way to carry my weapons on my person and how to move in them without tripping myself."

“It appears you can retire now Dwalin." Kili snickered, prompting a harmless glare from the fierce warrior. "Mist can protect us poor, defenseless nobles."

"Utter nonsense, Mist. As future queen, it is unseemly to carry such weaponry within your own kingdom. One dagger perhaps. Not the whole armory!" Dis scolded, as her keen eyes scanned her friends figure suspiciously.

Mistlynn raised her chin defiantly as she wrapped her arm through Thorin's arm. Dis stepped in front of her and snapped her fingers and held her hand out demandingly. "Hand it over."

"Dis! She gave you everything!" Thorin protested, eager to move on with their evening.

“No, she didn't. Last one Mist, I mean it!" Dis stood resolute, authority seeping from her.

Mistlynn rolled her eyes while letting out a frustrated growl. Thorin watched in shock along with everyone else as his fiancé sucked in a deep breath and reached down in between her breasts. After a moment of adjusting herself, she pulled out a long, thin lethal looking dagger with a very lithe sheath over its deadly blade.

Dwalin threw his head back and laughed uproariously, slamming his hand on Thorin's back who was still staring, his jaw agape in shock. The princes joined in on the laughter anew, their laughs becoming pained gasps as they clutched their aching stomachs. "She puts you to shame brother!" Kili gasped between bouts of laughter.

Thorin was now sharing an incredulous look with his sister. "M'eudail, I'm starting to get the impression you think I am incapable of protecting you in my own kingdom."

"You and every male in this kingdom gets to walk around with their weapons at their side. Why am I not allowed the same privilege? Instead, I am made to wear these cumbersome gowns and these infernal shoes that make it nearly impossible to walk, let alone run!" Mistlynn's voice hid none of her frustration.

"It is the duty of Dwarrow's to protect their women. All dams are precious and are to be protected at all costs. Dam's may be trained in self-defense with a weapon but to have you fully armed would be seen as an insult to Thorin's ability to care and protect you." Balin explained patiently, not at all surprised that Mistlynn was struggling with this matter.

The fire in Mistlynn's eyes diminished slightly. "That was not my intention. I just feel defenseless and that I'm good for nothing but a trophy." Her tone was bitter, and she didn't recognize her error until it was too late to take back. The snickering from Fili and Kili stopped abruptly. Dwalin and Balin looked away uncomfortably. Thorin breathed in deeply and glanced at Dis with an apology evident in his eyes. Dis held her hand up, signaling that she would handle the situation.

Dis pulled herself to her full height, as she looked down at Mistlynn with feigned patience. "We are so much more than a 'trophy' as you so eloquently put it." She stated emotionlessly. "We support our men, and our kingdom by fighting with our wits, with our carefully chosen words. We are not rash, we think before we act, before we speak." She scolded coolly, making Mistlynn's face flush in shame. "You may be an accomplished fighter, and more capable defending yourself physically than any dam here in Erebor. But remember that you are not in your kingdom, and that you are indeed a stranger here. A stranger that needs to learn our customs and our social decorum; and accept the fact that things are done differently here, and that they are in place for good reason. You are to become Erebor's Queen, and more importantly, a wife to my brother and you must humble yourself and accept that you are no longer free to act without reaping the consequences of such childish actions."

"Dis." Thorin broke the awkward silence, "She didn't mean it as insult to you."

Dis sighed. "I know, but better she hears it from me than somebody else with a sharper tongue who only wants to see her fail." She grabbed Mistlynn's chin, who had been looking at her feet to hide her flaming face and forced her to look up. "Never bow your head. You take the criticism, and you learn from it. In front of our people, we must never show weakness, this I know you can do well. We will finish this discussion later."

Mistlynn swallowed thickly and nodded, keeping her eyes adverted from meeting anyone's gaze. She could feel Fili and Kili's sympathetic looks from behind her as they fell into place by Dis, behind her and Thorin.

"Let's proceed Balin." Thorin nodded towards the door as he took Mistlynn's hand and placed it through the crook of his arm. He squeezed her hand comfortingly as he led her after Balin. She couldn't bring herself to squeeze back, as the doors opened, and a deafening roar of cheering and clapping flooded her ears. She forced a smile onto her face as she stepped out on her One's arm.

*********************

She navigated the evening in a distant haze. She had always had the tendency to drift, to detach herself from situations and people in moments of duress. She knew she was safe, and she knew that she was surrounded by friends and those who cared for her. She just couldn't help the feeling of mortification that had swallowed her after Dis's thorough tongue lashing. She knew she deserved it, without question. She had behaved abhorrently due to this desperation she found herself fighting in her moments alone.

She couldn't associate a reason to it, other than the simple fact that she found herself being pulled into a new orbit, away from what she knew. She knew it was for the better, that she chose this path for herself. She didn't want to live a lie any longer, and the world was so vast and full of wonder. Full of promises for a good life. She was now living a good life, with Thorin, with her new friends and this beautiful city that had arisen from the ashes like a victorious phoenix. It was poetic, really. She had arisen from near death, after losing all that had mattered to her in a world that no longer held anything for her; and had been given a new life, full of the promises of love and beauty.

So why was she fighting it? Why was she so scared of it?

She smiled and nodded to all their well-wishers, her hand holding onto Thorin's muscular forearm tightly. Her cheeks were aching, feeling as if her smile was permanently etched onto her face. She had the perfect answers for each question, showing off her quick wit and gift for effortless, well natured banter.

King Bard accompanied by his beautiful daughters had been a pleasure to meet. His well wishes had been heartfelt, and she found herself thankful they were such close neighbors and allies.

She had spotted King Thranduil across the room as he made his way towards them accompanied by Tauriel and another tall male elf with the same platinum hair as the king. They were impossible to miss, how they seemingly floated across the floor effortlessly.

Besides Tauriel, they were the only pure elves she had ever met. It was startling to see they had the same color hair as hers. Her family were the only ones in the White Kingdom to have the platinum blonde hair, and it had been viewed it as a sign of their royal lineage. She knew that pure elves were immortal, and that there was a strong possibility Thranduil had personally known or knew of her ancestors.

Panic seized her. Was he a distant relative of the slain king? Was he going to seek revenge for the assassination of Thingol and the resulting downfall of Menegroth? She knew her ancestors in Belegost bore none of Nogrod's dispute over the Nauglamir, and since the priceless necklace was forever lost to the sea amidst the ruins of Beleriand, their innocence was not easy to prove. They were just as blood guilty in the eyes of all elves, this she knew. It had been ingrained in her from her teachings on her grandfather's lap. Thorin still didn't know the details of her ancestors and their story. The possibility that her association as Thorin's betrothed could ruin all alliances with Mirkwood if Thranduil knew or suspected her lineage. She couldn't let that happen.

Dain, who had been standing next to her and Thorin with Sindri on his arm, noticed Mistlynn's face was paler than usual and looked to see who was approaching. "Och now lass, pay the pretty tree shagger no mind, eh? He's harmless, too afraid to muck up his pretty hair." He whispered over to her conspiringly.

Sindri smacked his arm in admonition. "They can probably hear, ya great lummox." She seethed, as she shared a long-suffering look with Thorin.

"Just trying to assist the poor lass, she looks like she's seen a ghost." Dain grumbled.

Mistlynn couldn't even bring herself to smile at his attempt of humor as she watched them approach. The events of the day were beginning to weigh on her heavily, and this rather abrupt reminder of her family and kingdom unsettled her greatly. Thorin found her hand and squeezed it, drawing her eyes from the Elf King to him. "Are you alright?" he whispered, thankful that she was once again meeting his gaze. She had been avoiding looking at anyone directly since her exchange with Dis. She nodded stiffly, her jaw tense. What worried him most was how haunted her eyes now appeared.

Thorin turned, smiling politely as Thranduil and Legolas reached them with tame smiles on their faces. Tauriel shot a brief look of concern at Mistlynn from where she stood behind her king before bowing gently before Thorin.

"I'm glad to see you were able to join us." He nodded amicably towards the elves. "May I introduce my betrothed, Mistlynn."

Thranduil nodded graciously. "We were honored to receive an invitation to join you in celebrating this happy occasion. I was eager to meet the woman who managed to steal the heart of the King Under the Mountain. It is a pleasure to meet you, my Lady Mistlynn." His bright grey eyes landed on Mistlynn, and she found herself squeezing Thorin's hand tightly. It was hard to read him, and his very presence was imposing. She was told stories of the dynamic presence of elves, but she felt those stories were sorely lacking significant details. It was as if he was seeing right through her, peering into her past of her ancestors and their transgressions. She couldn't help but tremble.

Remembering herself, she curtsied and bowed her head gracefully. She could not allow herself to be cowed. "It is an honor to meet you, King Thranduil."

"I must say, rumors do not do your exquisite beauty justice. Very seldom have I had the pleasure of meeting a dwarrowdam, let alone one of your stunning features. What kingdom is it that you hail from?" He was looking at her, obviously intrigued yet not surprised that her hair color was a near match to his and his son's. It felt like her heart was hammering in the back of her throat. He knew something, there was no question of that.

"A small settlement farther North." Was her edgy reply.

"Interesting. I've heard stories that you ride a Dire-Wolf, my lady. It has been many centuries since I have seen or heard of a Dire Wolf rider, not since the Wars of Beleriand. I believe it was Azaghal of Belegost who rode a white Dire-Wolf when he defeated Glaurung, the Father of dragons."

Her smile was pained as she felt her mask cracking at the mention the famous dwarf warrior king who gave his life to defeat Glaurung. It was his blood that ran through her very veins. She had to change the topic and quickly. "I raised Luna from a pup, and since horses were so hard to come by it was just a natural solution to train her as a mount. Hardly a story of legend."

Thranduil cocked a lofty brow. "Most interesting." His smile was coy, "And you traveled all this way on your own? No kin?"

"No, just me. Last of my kin sadly." She pulled her hand out of Thorin's and stepped off to the side. "I hope you don't mind; I must excuse myself. I am absolutely parched and must seek refreshment."

Thorin looked at her, trying to contain his surprise. "I can have someone fetch you some…"

"I thank you, My King, but I truly don't mind. I could use a brisk walk anyways; this standing is making my feet ache." She hoped fervently that desperation wasn't bleeding through her words, as her eyes implored Thorin to understand her need to leave.

“I could use a drink too, Let me walk with you my dear." Sindri smiled winningly as she stepped behind Thorin to the other side of Mistlynn, linking her arm through hers. Thorin nodded begrudgingly. "Of course. I'll find you later."

Mistlynn tried to not exhale in relief. "It was a pleasure, King Thranduil." She nodded quickly before turning and practically dragging Sindri alongside in her haste.

"The pleasure was mine." Thranduil called after her as they watched her walk off and quickly disappear into the crowd.

The muscle in Thorin's jaw ticked as he stared off in the direction his fiancé disappeared. "I take it you are aware of Mistlynn's true origins. I'm surprised you know so much of dwarven history," His words were tense, still not quite grasping why she had lied to Thranduil. Of all the guests to lie to, honestly.

The Elf King chuckled, much to Thorin's surprise. It was a rare thing for Thranduil to chuckle, let alone while talking with a dwarf. "Belegost and Nogrod were allies to my distant kin in Menegroth. They fought side by side in the Wars of Beleriand and formed the Union of Maedhros. Due to my ties with Beleriand I became curious and made my own inquiries about this mysterious 'White Kingdom' and their origins. I gather she is nervous about me knowing about her rather unique lineage. It isn't hard to deduce that we share common … attributes. Certain characteristics that are not found in your kin, but rather mine."

Thorin swallowed thickly. "You would be correct in that assumption." He crossed his arms over his chest, turning his full attention to Thranduil, eyes flashing with an unspoken challenge.

"Legolas, Tauriel. Would you mind giving us a moment?" They both bowed promptly and left. Thorin turned to his left to see that Dain had managed to quietly wander off without him noticing, probably in search of company that didn't make him so uncomfortable.

"I understand her initial response of withholding such information to a stranger. I will not hold it against her. And after learning about her supposed … lineage and seeing her in person, It lays to rest some of my initial concerns regarding your request to consider a union between your youngest nephew and of my…Emissary."

Thorin raised his eyebrow as a smirk teased the side of his mouth. "That is good to hear. My nephew will be most pleased, as will Tauriel I'm sure."

Thranduil nodded. "We now live in the most interesting of times. And I do share your sentiment that we are stronger together than we are apart, especially with the darkness that is starting to rear its ugly head so close to our borders. My forests are becoming more overrun with this evil each passing day," He paused, and his face became somber. "And I do believe that some of that darkness is heading your way as well. In my search for information, I came across some disturbing stories regarding this White Kingdom. I am not accusing your intended of anything nefarious. But they are not mere nomads. They are a mixed race, all of them, And they possess the unrivaled skillset of both our races, and if my suspicions are correct her line is not to be trifled with."

Thorin cleared his throat, not liking the route this conversation was going. "What are your concerns exactly about her kingdom? She left of her own accord, due to a family tragedy."

Thranduil stepped closer to him. "I could not get a direct answer of their standing number. They are guarding their numbers fiercely. I have heard how skilled your intended is in the art of fighting, and I fear their numbers could easily outnumber ours if they choose to do so. Especially if they are as skilled as her."

"What makes you think they would want to leave their lands to invade ours? What are you not telling me?" Thorin tried to keep his temper level.

"The King of this White Kingdom is said to have one of the last seven rings of your race. And with the evil I know is awakening in our lands, they will not be immune to the influence of that ring if that evil chooses to sway them. You know the power that ring holds." Thranduil watched an old seeded fear flash through the dwarf king's eyes. "Just be aware. Her ancestors that escaped Belegost may have not had any part of Nogrod's treachery, but they lost their kingdom due to the turmoil that followed. They have lost their elven elders due to their fading; we can only speculate what they have been taught regarding our history. There are strong bloodlines of both our races that run strong in her kingdom. We cannot ignore that."

Thorin nodded in understanding, his mind racing with this information. "Thank you for sharing what you have learned. I haven't been able to uncover much, and Mistlynn is very reluctant to share such information."

"Knowing how long her Kingdom has stayed hidden from us, I am not surprised, I am sure she will reveal all to you as time passes. Finding your One is the greatest blessing the Valar has bestowed upon all of us, you both were meant to find one another in this life."

Thorin's smile was faint. The Elf King's words were still racing through his mind. Mistlynn's odd behavior wasn't helping his unease either.

"You said you had your suspicions of her lineage …" he let the statement hang in the air, not quite able to bring himself to ask the question.

Thranduil gave him a knowing look. "That is for your Lady to bestow upon you. After all, it is merely a suspicion of mine."

#erebor #hobbit thorin oakenshield #hobbit thorin oakenshield x oc fanfiction #thorin and company #thorin durin #thorin fanfiction #thorin oakenshield #hobbit fanfic #fili durin #dwalin #dis durin #fili and kili #king thorin #thrandiul #alternate ending #alternate history #the hobbit #sons of durin

19 notes · View notes