Warrior's Heart

Chapter Thirteen

It was well into the night before the Company began taking their leave. Finally, only Balin remained, saying, "I beg your pardon, Miss Arielle, but might I speak with Thorin alone?"

She nodded, smothering a yawn with one hand. "Absolutely. I am half-asleep, so you'll excuse me both so I might go to bed?"

Thorin caught her hand, bringing to his lips to brush the back of it with a kiss as he said, "I'll be in soon. Don't wait up, though."

She smiled. "I don't think I'll have a choice."

Balin waited until she left the room and they both heard the soft click of the door closing. Thorin held his breath, waiting to see if Balin had another lecture ready for him.

But, instead Balin smiled. "It seems I should eat my words where your princess is concerned, shouldn't I?"

Sitting back in his chair, Thorin shook his head. "I don't think that necessary, my friend. You were only looking out for my best interests and you needn't ever apologize for that."

"Does she know what you plan to do by summer's end?"

"She does. I see no reason to not be honest with her." He traced his fingertip along the pattern of the brightly checked tablecloth. "She has offered to come with us, offered us the use of her bow and arrow."

"I thought she said Thranduíl destroyed them."

"He did. And Gandalf restored and returned them."

"He thinks her worthy." Balin nodded.

"I am not so certain. He warned me away from her. He shared the same misgivings as you."

"I have admitted I was wrong. I am sure he would do the same."

Thorin's finger went still. "I am of two minds about her offer. Despite what she has told me, she's a skilled warrior. I've not seen her with her bow and arrow, but elves are natural archers, so I cannot think she would be any less. And I do not wish to leave her for an unknown amount of time.

"But, I cannot allow her to risk her own life, either. Should she fall, I would never forgive myself."

Balin sipped his cup of tea, then lowered the cup to its saucer. "Do you intend to wed her before you go?"

"I do, yes. That way, should something happen to me, not only would she be here, but perhaps she might already carry my heir. I want her protected and I cannot do that on a battlefield. Especially if by then, she is with my child."

"You speak of things I've never heard you mention before now. Marriage. Children. A future."

"I've never had reason to mention them. I had no reason to think about them before I met Arielle, before she came into my life."

"And yet we all were taking wagers on whether or not Gamella Asharm would be Erebor's queen," Balin chuckled.

"She stood no chance. Not a single one."

"Well, far be it from me to keep you away from your princess." Balin pushed back his chair and rose, then hesitated and dug into his waistcoat pocket. "I almost forgot. I finished it just before I left to come here."

He set a small leather box on the table and Thorin reached for it, smiling as he lifted the lid. There, on a bed of pure white velvet, lay a delicate ring of pure gold, with a flawless emerald in a raised setting, surrounded by clear diamonds and smaller, equally flawless emeralds. The stones glittered in the low light, throwing off sparks of colors as they did. It was a stunning piece and one he knew would look beautiful on Arielle's hand.