Emerge the Dragonborn | The Hobbit

Chapter 5 - Burdens and Bonds

Nightfall crept over the Lonely Mountain, casting long shadows and a cool stillness across Erebor. Thorin had allowed some of the Company to rest whilst others continued searching and some prepared for the battle.
Anaynah found a quiet moment to escape the relentless search for the Arkenstone, slipping away to a balcony overlooking the ruined landscape. The weight of the day's events pressed heavily on her, and she sighed deeply, leaning against the stone railing.

The crisp air was a welcome relief, but her solace was soon interrupted by a loud grumble from her stomach. She realised that she hadn't eaten for what may have been days, the hunger now gnawing at her insides.

A soft chuckle came from behind her.

"Sounds like your stomach's trying to start a rebellion," Fili said, stepping onto the balcony with a grin.

Anaynah laughed, a light sound that seemed to lift the weight of the day, if only for a moment. "It does seem to have a mind of its own," she replied, turning to face him.

Fili leaned against the wall beside her, his presence warm and reassuring. "Would you like me to help you find something to eat? I think I saw a stash of supplies we missed earlier. Bombur may have fixed up a stew."

She shook her head, smiling. "It's okay, Fili. I think I might have some bread left somewhere. I'll manage."

Fili gave her a sceptical look, then reached into his satchel and pulled out a piece of dried meat. "Here, take this. You need more than bread."

Anaynah accepted it gratefully, her fingers brushing against his as she took the offered food. "Thank you, Fili," she said softly, the words carrying a depth of appreciation that went beyond the simple act of sharing a meal.

They stood there in a comfortable silence for a moment, the night air cool and filled with the distant sounds of their companions still searching through the treasure hoard. As Anaynah took a bite of the meat, savouring the taste, she felt a strange mix of exhaustion and solace settle over her.

They found a spot to sit on the balcony, The night wrapped around them like a comforting blanket, stars beginning to peek through the darkness. Anaynah took another bite from the dried meat, her hunger abating slowly.

"It's strange, isn't it?" Fili said, breaking the silence. "Our quest is over, yet it feels like so much is still ahead of us. Exciting and scary all at once."

Anaynah nodded, staring out into the night. "Yes, it does. It's hard to believe it's really over."

Fili turned to her, his eyes reflecting both curiosity and concern. "You've been quiet about it," he observed gently.

She stiffened slightly, a shadow flickering across her features. "About what?" she asked, her tone guarded.

"Smaug," Fili replied softly, his voice carrying a note of empathy. "Finding out he was your brother. It was quite unexpected."

Anaynah's face tightened, a shadow passing over her features. She turned her gaze away, trying to shut down the conversation before it could delve deeper into her pain. "There's nothing to talk about."

Fili sighed, his expression one of understanding yet unwavering determination. "Perhaps not, but it weighs on you, nonetheless. Facing him, only just finding out he was your brother... It took immense courage and will. The whole Company is in awe still."

Her breath caught in her throat, the weight of his acknowledgment almost too much to bear.

"Courage," she echoed, the word tasting bitter on her tongue. "Perhaps. Or perhaps it was dumb luck." She closed her eyes for a moment, the weight of his words sinking in.
"I shouldn't feel bad," she began, her voice trembling slightly. "I shouldn't feel remorse. But when he showed himself as a human, I realised that he, like so many others, was simply not shown kindness or the right path. It turned him into a monster. But, there was no other choice. I was expected to do this. There was no other way."