Warrior's Heart

Chapter Twenty-Six

"Papa!"

Thorin caught Tiriana as she launched herself at him, scooping her up into his arms. "Take care, little bit, you are like a small cannonball at times."

"Sorry, Papa." She rested her head against his shoulder. "Where's Mama?"

He looked at her. "She isn't here?"

Tiriana shook her head. "No. She and Dwalin went for a walk." She lifted her head and pointed toward the entrance. "That way."

"That way?" He looked to where she pointed, then turned back. "Well, someone must know where she is."

He carried her down into the great room, where Balin and Bofur sat at the table, sharpening their blades. Bofur looked up. "Ah, how'd the meet go?"

"Dull, as they all are. It will cost a small fortune to restore both Dale and Laketown to their former glories. I've half a mind to walk away, what with some the demands Bard makes."

Balin frowned. "You should not go back on your word again."

"I am not about it. I just toy with it from time to time." He shifted Tiriana to his right shoulder. "Where has Arielle gone? Tiri said she went for a walk?"

Balin nodded. "She did. She took Dwalin as her escort, though, so she was in good hands."

"When did she leave?"

"Sometime after luncheon."

"And where did she go?"

"That I don't know."

"She went up to Ravenhill." This came from Kili as he came into the room.

Thorin turned toward him. "What?"

He nodded. "I overhead her and Dwalin arguing about it. He didn't want her to go, but she said she's been having nightmares about... about that happened there, and had to see it to put her mind at rest. I sent Tauriel up there as well, but I have to admit, I thought they'd be back long before now."

"Ravenhill?" Thorin shook his head. "What nightmares? She hasn't said anything to me about nightmares."

Tiriana lifted her head again. "Mama having bad dreams, Papa?"

"Apparently. Balin, please go find Narnerra for me?"

Balin rose. "Of course."

"Kili, go find your brother."

"Are we—"

"Just go find him." He smoothed his hand along Tiriana's back. He didn't want to worry her or frighten her, but his gut twisted sharply with the knowledge that she'd left Erebor around luncheon and it was nearly eight at night and she still had not returned.

And nightmares? What nightmares? As far as he knew, she slept peacefully and had since Rivendell. Worry turned his stomach and the need to get to Ravenhill as soon as possible burned through him.

"My king," Narnerra came into the room, her forehead creased with worry, "you sent for me?"

"Would you take Tiriana to your quarters and keep an eye on her."

"Of course. Is something the matter?"

"I'm not certain, but it might be." He held Tiriana away. "Sweetling, would you like to play with Gimli a bit longer?"

"Why? I"m hungry."

Narnerra smiled. "You can have supper with us, love. And perhaps we can tell stories around the fire with Gloín and Oín? And you and Gimli can sleep in bedrolls and pretend you're on a quest."