Surviving The Storm (Evergreen #3)

An Old Friend

You woke up a few hours later, Thranduil's arms still around you, the two of you buried under blankets.

"How could Galadriel take care of things herself?" You said aloud, causing Thranduil to stir.

"Hmm?" Thranduil said, still half asleep.

"What did Galadriel do? How does she know that there is no need for war?" Your mind was racing, fear creeping into your chest.

"Go back to sleep." Thranduil said, softly stroking your hair.

"I can't." You said, irritated that he wasn't concerned too.

"If we need to fight, then we have an army. We have more important things to worry about right now. Things that we know are coming for sure." Thranduil said.

You sat up, throwing the blankets off and climbing out of bed. The sun had disappeared, the moon taking its place.

"Where are you going?" Thranduil asked, sitting up. You could tell he was annoyed, and still half asleep.

"I'm just going to walk around, maybe eat something." you said, realizing you hadn't had dinner.

"I'll come with you." He offered, slowly crawling off the bed.

"No it's fine. Just go back to sleep." You said, smoothing down your hair.

Without letting him protest, you left the room, heading towards the dining hall.

Why is he so calm about this?? What if we have to go to war? I can't lead an army in my condition! I can't handle all of this at once. A war. A baby. What if something happens and the kingdom is raided again? I've failed to protect one child. I cannot lose another. A familiar face jerked you from your thoughts.

"Thorin?" You asked, curiosity distract you for the moment.

"Just the person I was looking for." He stated, standing in front of you. "Can we talk?"

"Yes, you can accompany me to the dining hall." You agreed, leading the way. It had been hours since your last meal, and your stomach demanded food.

"Isn't it a little late for dinner?" Thorin asked.

"Well I missed dinner." You snorted, not sure if you wanted to tell him what was going on.

"Is everything okay?" Thorin eyed you, searching for an answer.

"Galadriel stopped by." Was the only answer you offered.

You remained quiet for the rest of the walk to the dining hall.

You took a seat and food was placed before you and Thorin. Both of you ate silently for a moment before he began.

"Galadriel is the reason I am here." He said between bites. "I don't believe that she could really have taken care of it herself. I think we are still in danger. Now you were chosen to lead our army, and I'm asking you to help me."

You looked at him for a moment, your stomach starting to twist.

"I also feel like we might still have a war, I do not think the danger is over, but I also have to trust Lady Galadriel right now." You spoke softly, your voice barely above a whisper.

"Unlike you, I cannot take the word of an elf!" Thorin protested, his voice booming in the dining hall.

"I have to!" You matched his tone, you could not fight. You knew that.

"Why?" Thorin demanded, swiping his glass of the table. The sound of it shattering echoed in the room.

You felt the tears swelling behind your eyes. "I'm pregnant."