Finding Myself

Chapter 9

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There wasn't much celebration to be honest. Once I had safely returned back down to the ruins of Dale, the remaining people of Lake Town were already starting to regroup. Everyone's faces were covered in soot and ashes, most of them were spotting different degrees of injuries. But at least, there weren't screams anymore. There was a serene silence, we were all commiserating. The horn of lament and victory was blown from the tallest remaining walls of Dale. There was no celebration, we simply stood there, watching the sunrise. The devastating battle had lasted an entire day, not too long, but not short.

A second horn sounded next, coming from the castle under the mountain. They added harmony to the sound of man. None of the thirteen dwarfs had perished in the fight, however badly injured they were. The house of Durin had finally reclaimed its rightful crown and place.

Seven years later...

It has been seven years since the Battle of the Five Armies. Seven years since Uncle Thorin claimed his throne of King under the Mountain, seven years since my father became King Bard, Lord of Dale, five years since the Mirkwood elves, the dwarfs and the people of Dale reforged their alliance. The cities have never been more peaceful and prosperous in the near century.

And today is my twenty-first birthday. My birthday celebration was held in the halls of the Lord of Dale, Kili and Fili attended and brought their uncle's blessings and gifts along with Tauriel from Mirkwood(Thranduil). I was offered the job as scribe and librarian in the Dwarfan castle.

"Come on little Sylvie, accept uncle's offer, as princes of Erebor, we implore that you must join our scholars in renovating our libraries," Kili said, giving his infamous dough eyes, "we need your expertise. Also, I need you because I'm bored in the castle, Fili is handling everything as heir to the throne and I'm just the spare."

"As long as you don't set a fire when I'm working and burn all my books, it'll be my honour to accept King Thorin's author." I said, mock-bowing. Then, I smirked mischievously, "Then do I get to learn the language of the dwarfs? I know only dwarfs are allowed to but you know it is my ambition to learn all the languages of Middle-Earth. We could have secret code when speaking."

That night, we partied, played songs, sang songs, and danced to songs. I had to kick Kili under the table to prevent him from throwing his plate. We had plenty of fine wine and food. Father presented me with a necklace made of silver which was designed in the form of two triangles connected with an arrow. I got a new blade from Kili. It was so well-balanced. I promised to take good care of it.

(I realize that I'm babbling at this point, but this marks an important day and it shows that I have a good relationship with the dwarfs and everything is perfect for me both physically and mentally)

15 years later...

It was my thirty-sixth birthday. But, the peculiar thing was, I haven't aged a day since I was twenty-one. People were starting to ask questions and were more severe in their judgement of me. Since my father had become the Lord of Dale, the scrutiny had somewhat subsided, plus my contribution during the war, however, ever since my younger siblings started to grow older than me, they started to notice and point whenever I appeared. Therefore, I often spent my time hidden in the deep halls of either the Dale Library or Erebor Library. Kili would often visit when he was not meeting Tauriel. Most often, he would be hiding from Princess Dis in the library.

But today, I had made a grand decision, a bold one that my parents would definitely not agree to. During the afternoon, while Kili was hiding from Princess Dis once again in the library, I told him of my decision.

"Kili?"

"hmm" he hummed, absentmindedly playing with his beard which took him so long to grow out compared to the other dwarfs.

"I'm going on an adventure soon," he swiveled around to look at me stunned. I could hear the crick of his bones with the speed he spun his head.

"What? Where? Why?" he asked.

"I want to find out why I'm not ageing, why my skin is impenetrable, why the sky listens to my emotions," I stared at him determined, "And none of the books here in Erebor, nor Dale, nor Mirkwood hosts the answers. I must travel away from home in order to discover my identity."

Kili's eyes soften in empathy, "And do it as you may." He then jokingly punched my arm, "I knew one day you would finish all the books in this library. You little bookworm. Our collection of books would not sate your curiosity for long."

I mockingly rubbed my arm and punched him back, "yeah, can't believe it actually took me that long to finish."

"Go if you must, I'll be back here. You'll know where to find me if you need me."

"Promise to keep my family safe ok Kili? I've left them a letter telling them of my departure, since I know they would not allow me to go. Could you give it to them after I've left?"

"Wait, are you leaving tonight? On your birthday?" Kili stared disbelievingly at me.

I nodded, "My bag is all packed." I reached behind my work desk and produced my traveling sack. From within, I took out the carefully sealed letter and passed it to Kili.

Kili took the letters, placed them down and then said, "Wait, let me grab something for you." Then proceeded to run off, slamming the great library doors on his way out.

A few moments passed and he came back with a small pouch. He dumped it into my hands and it was heavy. "Here, extra coins in case you need more money, you can never have enough when you travel."

I tried to refuse, "Look, as the princess of Dale, you should always provide enough to make yourself presentable. Take it as a precaution. Also, in which direction will you travel?"

"Professor Wright gave me a map when he passed, he said that wisdom lies in the West where many ancient beings dwell. I shall start my quest westbound." I winked at Kili, "Hopefully, I wouldn't get lost on the way."

"Yeah, we all know your sense of direction. Which is terrible."

Kili walked with me towards the west mountain tops of Erebor, there we parted ways and I started my journey to discover my true identity.