The Fifteenth Member (Thorin Oakenshield/OFC)

Chapter 22

Over the next few days, I spent most of my time in my room. If I ever ventured outside, I had a guard follow me, even when I went to see Thorin. I was treated very well otherwise. Tauriel came by every day to show me around Mirkwood should I wish it or otherwise to just chat. I told her much about my home and how I used to live but she knew nothing of my secret. When I was alone, I spoke with Thorin through my mind or read my book. The spider bite had healed completely but I continued to throw up every morning and have constant headaches. I was also snapping at Thorin more than normal, every time he complained about not being able to be with me. I had yet to tell Tauriel or Fenriel about this because I thought this was happening because my mermaid side was allergic to the toxin or some type of food here. Tauriel knew about the headaches but I convinced her it was because I wasn't drinking enough water.

On the fourth morning, I woke up to a knocking at my door.

"Mereniver?" It was Tauriel.

"Come in." She came in, dressed for a patrol.

"I'm on guard duty all day today but if you need anything, Fenriel will come by in my place. I also have your breakfast." I groaned inwardly. The mention of food made my stomach do acrobatics. I shot up out of bed and booked it for the bathroom where I threw up. Again. I felt something pull my hair away from my face and a hand rubbing my back.

"I'll go get my sister." Before I could protest, she fled the room, leaving my breakfast on my bed.

Thorin!

What is it? What's wrong?

I think they're going to find out about me.

What do you mean?

I threw up this morning

Again?

Uh-huh, and Tauriel saw, she went to get her sister. My mermaid side must be having an allergic reaction to the spider toxin or something.

Or you could be–

Thorin, FOR THE LAST TIME, I'M NOT PREGNANT!!! I told you Gandalf gave me the medication to prevent it! There was a knock on the door. I have to go, I love you.

"Come in!" Fenriel opened the door and came over to me.

"How many times has this happened since you got here?" She demanded. I was speechless, really didn't want anyone finding out about my tail but she was scary.

"Just come sit down. I'm sorry I scared you. Shirt off." I sat down on the bed and pulled my nightdress off. I could feel her hands examining the spider sting, pressing and pulling the skin in all directions.

"Well, what I can tell you is that it's not the spider venom that caused this." She spent several more minutes doing whatever she did to see if she could find out what's wrong with me. Suddenly, she grinned from ear to ear.

"Well, well, well. It seems that one of those dwarves is more than just a protector!"

"What do you mean by that?"

"My dear, there is no need to get so defensive. Tauriel told me about your headaches and I could tell from your silence that you threw up before this morning. It is now very obvious to me that you now carry the child of one of them. Don't worry, your secret is safe with me." She winked, "Let me know if you need anything. From the look on your face, you took precautions to stop this from happening so I won't pester you now as to who the father is. It's possible that whatever you took doesn't work on dwarves." She left the room and as soon as the door shut, I laid down on my bed. Pregnant? But Gandalf had given me the drink that should've prevented this! I can't tell Thorin, at least not yet... he would leave me behind the instant he found out! I reached for my book, hoping to find answers there. Before I could even open it, there was a soft knock on my door, so soft I thought it was my imagination. Curious, I got up and walked over to the door and opened it. There was no one there. I felt something brush past me and into the room. I gasped and shut the door, preventing the escape of whatever it was and made a beeline for my sword.