Cloaked in Green

Chapter 6: Smell of Troll

Walking over towards the group with Gandalf, Aranea couldn't help but wandering back to Fili...

She wasn't sure what that feeling she had was, with her heart nearly escaping her chest. It was almost too much. Why was looking at him at that time any different than before? Not completely wanting to admit it to herself, she did have to say that over the past few days she has caught herself looking over at him more and more often.

He always was with a smile when she watched him, chatting with his brother mostly. It was interesting to see someone so carefree and happy...He reminded herself of her own brother in a way.

As her mind wandered, Aranea was caught unaware when suddenly she became overwhelmed with a horrendous stench.

"Be careful what you touch." Gandalf said as he ducked into the cave, meanwhile she gagged into her palm before having to take a step back from the entrance. Taking a couple breaths of clear air before entering.

"Seems a shame, just to leave it lying around." Bofur spoke quite loudly, "Anyone could take it."

"Agreed." Gloin replied "Nori, get a shovel."

Aranea bit back a smile as Nori raised his hand in a small wave as he met her in the small entrance way of the cave, before taking off towards the camp. Braving the stench farther, she was amazed by the sight of such...treasure. Gold coins were littered across the floor of the cave. Dwalin, Bofur and Gloin were standing near the mouth of the cave.

"We are making a long term deposit." Gloin looked up, seeming to explain why he and Bofur were on their knees scooping up a good size pile of coins. Dwalin huffed in response, making her shake in her head in silent laughter as she moved to stand near Balin, who was farther back into the cave.

She did feel the eyes of the members of the company as she walked over to the older dwarf. It was expected that they would stare, she meant in the case, she would probably stare as well. So it's hard to internally blame them for their rudeness.

"Ah Aranea" Balin grinned as she leaned against the wall with him. "Glad of you could join us." he winked.

"I probably would have came in earlier but I had let the stench grow on me first." he laughed at her comment while nodding his head. "I dare say, I can't judge ya on that, lass." he wrinkled his nose into his handkerchief.

"I do want to apologize for my over-excitement earlier. I know how protective your lot can be. It's just.." he shook his head, resting her hand on his shoulder. Aranea smiled at the gentle dwarf.

"It's truly okay. I don't mind answering some of your questions. I can tell that you are genuine in your questions." Balin smiled broadly at her as he patted the top of her hand with his.

"You are the most gracious."

"Aranea? Ah yes, there you are. May you please come down here" Gandalf waved her over. To where he and Thorin were standing by barrels of what to seem to be swords and a few spears. As she got closer, he held out a beautiful sword handle.

"What do these runes mean to you?" taking the sword from his hand, Aranea glanced over the engravings that followed the curve of the guard. She could see out of the corner of her eye Thorin was holding the sheath of the sword, looking at her with keen interest as I studied the sword.

"You are..familiar with runes?" he grumbled with a perplexed expression. Aranea smiled gently and rotated the sword softly to study the full body. She nodded answering his words as her eyes read. "A duty that I was made to learn for my title. Though I admit my brother is the better translator." she trailed.

"If I am not mistaken..this sword has seen its fair share of battle" she murmured as she twirled the sword at her side.''First age...This sword is Orchrist, or Goblin-Cleaver." she moved to hand the hilt down for Thorin to take. He kept his eyes on the sword as flexing his grip on the handle. He seemed to be debating on taking it, Aranea figured easily it was the fact that it is of elven-made, that was causing him to hesitate.