Fire and Water ThorinxMermaid!OC

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As soon as Loreth saw the water she knew where she needed to go. The water was always a source of healing whenever she was injured. A dip in a nice cool pool sounded to die for at this point.

Thorin had a rather heated discussion with Gandalf about needing help from the elves and the company was really in no place to argue. There were questions that needed answering and these elves had the ability to give them that.

Thorin kept close to Loreth's side which was more than okay in her book. When he was close, she felt safer. Although she'd never admit such a thought out loud.

Once they were at the entrance of the elven kingdom, Loreth watched with held breath as a man, the size of Gandalf glided down the stairs. He was very fair looking with long brown hair. He and Gandalf greeted each other warmly like they'd been friends for a very long time. This had to be an elf—and the very first one Loreth had ever seen in her life. Lindir was his name.

Just as he had said that Lord Elrond was not in, a horn sounded from behind them. That must be him. Larger versions of ponies quickly approached, with Elves on their backs.

"Close ranks!" Thorin ordered and the dwarves followed. Loreth was pulled by the hand to the center of the circle with Bilbo. The horses circled around them, intimidatingly. The mermaid had never seen such large beasts, they were quite terrifying up close. Without knowing she had slunk back into the presence behind her. A calming hand was placed gently around her hip, keeping her close.

The elf, that Gandalf regarded as Elrond, came forward. From the dazzling craftsmanship of his armor, he had to be the ruler of this place. He and Gandalf spoke in Elvish for a moment and Loreth is taken aback by such a beautiful language. That was when the hand around her waist was released and Thorin stepped forward. Her face went red. She hadn't realized it was Thorin's arm around her.

Elrond looked on the dwarf in surprise, "welcome, Thorin, son of Thrain."

"I do not believe we have met," Thorin was surprisingly collected for speaking with an elf.

Elrond nodded, "you have your grandfathers bearing. I knew Thror when he ruled under the Mountain."

"Indeed?," began Thorin, "he made no mention of you." Even Loreth felt that his words were a little harsh. She had half a mind to elbow him but her pain was just too great.

Lord Elrond was about to speak when someone in the circle of dwarves caught his eye. A fair haired woman, with skin that held flecks of gold, glittering in the sun.

"Ah, I thought my eyes had deceived me. The last of the mermaids, traveling with dwarves. That is most curious. I imagine you should like to swim again." He wondered.

Loreth nodded yes, but Thorin stood in her way making Elrond raise an eyebrow. Loreth didn't know why Thorin was acting like this. He wasn't the one that decided what she can and can't do.

Lord Elrond thought for a moment before speaking in elvish again, while looking directly into Thorin's eyes.

Gloin growled, "What is he sayin'? Does he offer us insult?!"

Gandalf chuckled, "No, master Gloin, he's offering you food." A small smile appeared on Loreth's face at that. The dwarves agreed to the safe housing of the elves and followed Lord Elrond up the most beautiful stone staircase Loreth had ever seen.

An elven maid led the dwarves to a shared area with beds where they could sleep, but gently guided Loreth away, with many protests coming from the dwarves. Loreth was honestly happy to have some time to herself. The elf walked her up another flight of stairs that came to a dead end. A little stone cottage sat beside a little small waterfall, beneath was a small pool of water. The trickle of water beckoning her closer. It had been so long. Too long. The sight nearly had her trembling.