Child Of Light

Where there is light,there will always be darkness

"It's not much but it'll keep you warm" Bard said softly as he handed Erica some blankets. She thanked him and wrapped herself in them. She may not have need the heat but she liked the feeling of warmth against her skin, especially after being in water so much. She glanced at Thorin who was looking out the window. His face had gone pale and it worried her slightly. She stood up and laid a hand on his arm making him jump a little "you look as if you've seen a ghost" she spoke softly

"He has me dear. See that weapon up there" Balin said pointing to a building with a large crossbow on it "that was used to try and kill the dragon by a lord, but he was unsuccessful" he explained. Erica nodded in understandment.

"Miss Erica? Can I braid your hair? It's ever so lovely!" Tilda begged. Erica smiled and nodded, sitting down so little Tilda could play with her hair. But her courting braid still remained in tact with the bead at the bottom to which the child noticed "that's a really pretty bead. Who gave it to you?" She asked

"Thorin did. It's a courting bead" she explained.

"He's courting your? how romantic!" Singrid jumped in. Erica laughed "is he a romantic dwarf?" Tilda asked. Erica smiled and fiddled with the bead "he is. He makes me happy and feel safe. I don't know where I'd be without him" she confessed.

"I wish I had a special someone like you do Erica" singrid said sadly.

"You'll find him honey. It takes patience and time"

Singrid sighed "but I'm not....beautiful like you. I'm a plain jane" she mumbled. Erica tilted her chin up " I see a strong beautiful woman before me and any man would be lucky to have you. Trust me, you'll know in time" Erica spoke wisely. Singrid smiled and hugged her "thank you. I've never been able to talk to anyone about this stuff since my mum died" she whispered. Erica patted her back and brushed some hair from the young girls face "I know how you feel sweet heart. If you need to talk to me I'll listen" she said.

Tilda finished braiding Erica's hair and hugged her as well.

"Erica"

The girls looked up to see Thorin "the boatman didn't give us good weapons, we are going to fetch some then we will return for you" he explained.

"You are mad Thorin! You will get caught!" Erica hissed. Thorin grasped her shoulder gently with a serious look laced in his eyes.

"Erica I realise that, that's why I need you to stay here where you'll be safe" Thorin said

"But..."

"Erica..." Thorin warned. Erica sighed and nodded. Thorin smiled and kissed her lips softly "I'll be back soon my love" he whispered. Erica huffed as the group of dwarves left the house with bilbo scurrying behind them. She sighed and sat on the chair to wait while Singrid and tilda went off to make dinner. Without realising it she fell asleep.

Erica woke up only to find herself in darkness. She knew then she was in her subconscious "Yue?" She called

Silence filled the air. She looked in the mirror where Yue usually was...but it was empty. All Erica could see was black.

'Thats strange' Erica thought walking forward slightly. "Yue! Answer me!" Erica called

"Shes not here" a giggly voice sounded. Erica froze and began to ice up her hands "show yourself!" She yelled.

"As you wish"

A mist drifted through the darkness over Erica's feet making her step back as a dark figure appeared. "Wha...what is this?" Erica whispered.

The figure giggled and dropped their hood to reveal her own self but more sinister and deadly "hello Erica" she said darkly. Erica stumbled back "who, wha..."

The girl giggled "wow someone's very surprised. You never did realise that with a light side there is always a dark side...me" she whispered.

"A dark side?" Erica questioned. The girl nodded and circled her "yes Erica. With your friend Yue she is your light. The light that keeps you safe and happy...it disgusts me"

Erica was thrown back into a wall by the girl "my name is drax. I'm your worst nightmare! Now that I have that light pest out of the way I can finally be rid of you and be free!" She cackled.

Erica grunted and tried to run but two shadowy chains wrapped themselves over her ankles making her fall "oh no you don't! I've worked too hard to get out of here! Your not ruining it for me! For that you'll slowly be tortured to die!" Drax growled. She wiggled her fingers making ice appear and before Erica could even blink Drax shot the ice towards her and she was hit....