~Burn~ Hobbit Fanfiction

Chapter Three: The City of Elves

( Thorin )

As we all look out to the Kingdom of Rivendell, this city of Elves, I burn even more in anger. The wizard has tricked me and alluded to the truth from me once more. I turn on my heel facing him "So this was your plan all along? To seek refuge with the enemy?!"

"You have no enemies here, Thorin Oakenshield. The only ill will to be found in this valley is that which you bring yourself." Gandalf quips back down at me "We need food, rest, and advice, and the Elves can give us just that."

I grumble but lower my voice as the young half-Elf glances at us listening in on the conversation "You think the Elves will give our mission their blessing? They will try to stop us."

Gandalf almost laughs "Of course, they will but we have questions that need to be answered. So, this will be handled with tact, respect, and no small amount of charm, which is why you will leave all the talking to me."

I huff and avert my eyes from the wizard who seems pleased and proud of himself. Just as he steps away he calls to the others "Onward now! Food and rest are just beyond the city gates."

The other Dwarves murmur and converse with one another. Many of them disapprovingly as they follow the wizard down the path into the valley. The Hobbit follows them giving me a nervous side glance before moving on. As they begin their descent I bring up the rear, however, as I glance over my shoulder I notice the young half-Elf has yet to begin her descent into the valley. As I study her face she seems almost saddened or has reservations to go back. As she looks to the city she grips her bow and lowers her eyes as if she is forcing herself to go back. By the looks of her gaze and body posture, I can see that if able she would turn around right back to the open ocean field of gold and the woods beyond from where she appeared. 

I sigh breaking my gaze on her "Come on now I can't wait on you all day."

She turns her attention to me seeming a little startled "Oh, I did not know you had stayed behind master Dwarf."

"Thorin, actually." I correct seeming indifferent "Still, come on now girl before I leave you and an Orc snatches you up."

She almost mockingly scoffs as she smiles humored by my sourness "It's Mia, actually, and I do believe I'm quite capable of handling myself. Although I am very grateful for your concern."

I clench my jaw and roll my eyes "Yes, of course, how foolish of me to doubt a woman of your capabilities. Well then, Mia, let me rephrase, are you coming or not?"

She nods walks towards me and starts down the path. I follow next to her but turn my attention elsewhere. I feel myself recoil from the half-Elf until I hear her gentle laugh.

"What?" I question annoyed as my attention is back on her.

She smiles looking back at me and then to the path ahead "Nothing master Dwarf it's just that...you don't like me, do you?"

"I don't even know you," I state.

"Precisely." she adds giggling more "And yet since we've met I get the feeling you have a disdain for me. Most people do but you particularly seem very unhappy with me."

I scoff finding myself almost laughing "It is not you personally, but your kind in itself."

"Which part?" she questions raising a brow "The human part or Elf?"

"Elf." I grumble averting my eyes again.

I can hear the smile in her voice "Well, suppose it's a good thing I am only half-Elf. That means you only halfway hate me."