Demons

Chapter Seven

Silence.

My words hung in the air like shards of glass. As the seconds turned into minutes, I felt my heart rate slowing and my anger subsiding. Too little, too late... The eyes of my company were boring into the back of my head. Confusion and horror radiated from them. But I was too focussed on Meg to care.

Her face was a blank canvas, void of all emotion. I do not know what I expected her to do, but it was not this. Part of me wanted to beg her to scream, cry, even hit me. Anything would be better than the hurt and pain that swam in her brown, unblinking eyes! As I watched her, Meg opened her mouth to say something but clearly thought better of it because she promptly snapped it shut. What was she going to say? She repeated this action several times before giving up completely. Slowly, she shook her head, finally blinking, and turned away from me. Meg headed towards the forest that lined our camp. She didn't look back...

I was aware of a new presence by my side. Glancing discreetly to my left, I saw Dwalin watching Meg disappear into the trees. No words were needed, his expression spoke volumes; he was dissapointed. My best friend, my greatest warrior, was dissapointed in me. As an adolescent, Megura had shared her true parentage with just two people: myself and Dwalin. She had trusted me and I threw that trust away.

Hours had passed since my outburst and Megura had not returned. I spent the evening hunched in the corner of our camp, avoiding the gaze of my fellow dwarves. I knew what they were all thinking, I didn't need them to tell me. During that time, the only thought that occupied my mind was Meg...

How could I have been so stupid?

Megura

Darkness had fallen. The refreshing night air kissed my cheeks as it whispered through the trees. A strong oak tree supported me as I slouched in a small clearing. I had no idea how long I had been there, and I had no desire to know.

Thorin's words played through my head as though they were on loop. '"Loathsome Elven mongrel.'"... Try as I might, I could not erase the words of hatred from my mind.

I did not cry. I could not cry. I was in shock. How could he say such a thing? I had trusted him with my only secret and he had broken the silent promise that accompanied it. I should be angry, shouldn't I? Well, I'm not. I don't know why. I can't feel anything...

Gradually, the night was becoming bitterly cold. I drew my cloak tight around my torso to protect myself from the cruel arctic wind. A low growl reminded me that I hadn't eaten for a good five hours... Logic and confusion battled in my head; I should get dinner. But I couldn't face returning to the camp. Not yet, not while he was there... Ignoring the insistent complaints from my empty stomach, I adjusted my position and attempted to catch up on some sleep.

No such luck!

Thorin

"He's been gone a long time." Our burglars voice made me prickle with annoyance. He had still not adapted to life on the road and the hobbit was testing my patience...

"Who?" Inquired Bofur, serving two portions of soup into wooden bowls.

Glancing around at our surroundings, Master Baggins replied, "Gandalf."

Like myself, Bofur dismissed his the hobbit's concerns, "He's a wizard! He does as he chooses." The dwarf held the bowls of soup towards Master Baggins, "Here, do us a favour: take this to the lads." Bilbo took the bowls and headed towards my nephews, who currently resided in the forest with the ponies.

Looking at the forest reminded me of the brutal words I'd thrown at Meg. Where was she? Was she coming back?

Desperate to take my mind of the maiden, I returned my attention to my company. A small chuckle was enticed from my lips upon seeing Bofur batting his brother's hand away from the food, "Stop it, you've had plenty."