Nathaniela's Destiny

Chapter Five: Not a Warm Welcome In Ered Luin

Later that same night, Thorin had asked Nattie if she would move to Ered Luin, and stay with them in their home. Nattie's eye's lit up in delight,but then she frowned again, as she remembered the terrible memories of her last encounter in Ered Luin.  "I'm sorry, Thorin, but I cannot go with you." Nattie replied coldly. "But why? Ered Luin is a nice place to stay! You have to go with me! It sure beats better than staying here tending to drunks all the time!" said Thorin.  "Just so you know, Thorin, those DRUNKS are MY FRIENDS! And I am quite happy here!" Nattie snapped back angrily. "Nattie, what has gotten into you?" asked Thorin, sharply.  Nattie remained silent.  How would she explain to Thorin of her mistreatment that happened years ago in Ered Luin? How would she explain this to him? 

  

 "Nattie, you can tell me! I won't tell anyone, I swear to you! Just tell me why are you not wanting to go to Ered Luin with me?" asked Thorin.    You might as well tell him, Nat! Thorin needs to know,  thought Nattie.   And so Nattie told him.  "This happened, long before I met you and your family in Erebor, Thorin.  Ered Luin is where I was born and raised, up until I grew up when the dwarves discovered I was born half bred.  And that is when they forced my mother and I to leave. As for my father, he had became nasty towards me after that." said Nattie.  "Nattie--I'm so sorry.  Listen to me Nattie, nobody is going to send you away, I promise you! I will protect you from anyone who will mistreat you! Even if it's my own kin!" said Thorin, firmly.  "You really mean that?" said Nattie.  "I mean it with all my heart, Nattie!" said Thorin gently, as he placed his hand on Nattie's face.  "I love you Thorin!" Nattie whispered.  "I love you too, Nattie! And if you need time to think about this, I will give you time." said Thorin, as he leaned towards her, kissing her on the lips. 

  When the kiss broke, Thorin bid Nattie good night, and he left her room.    The next morning, Nattie had made her decision. She had chosen to join Thorin and the Dwarves to go to Ered Luin with them.  She thought over Thorin's words to her, as he promised Nattie he would protect her.   And so after Nattie got dressed, she went down to the Common area and joined Thorin and the Dwarves for breakfast.  Nattie announced to the Dwarves she will be going with them to Ered Luin.  Balin, whom seemed to already know of Nattie's horrible past in Ered Luin,  looked at Nattie with concern. "Are you sure this is a good idea Nattie, considered of what happened to you years ago, when you had been forced to leave?" asked Balin.  "Balin, I will take care of the problem when it arises.  I made a promise to Nattie of this last night." spoke up Thorin.   "Okay, thank you for assuring us that Nattie will be alright.  We just don't want anything bad to happen to her." said Dwalin.   After breakfast, Nattie informed the Inn Keeper that she would be resigning from her duties as bar maid, and she is leaving with the Dwarves to Ered Luin.    After that, she went to her room and packed her belongings. 

  After that, she met up with the Dwarves outside the Inn, as Nattie loaded her pony, and they begin their journey home to Ered Luin. 

************************************************************************************

Five Days later..

Ered Luin

  Several days had passed, as the group entered Ered Luin.  They went through with out further incident, and there were a few dwarves out and about,  and some of them stopped to talk to Thorin.  To Nattie's relief, the dwarves only acknowledged Nattie as a companion, and they didn't make an issue out of it, at least for now.   As they ridden further,  Nattie noticed some dwarven women walking about, as one of the dwarven women had instantly recognized Nattie.  "TRAITOR! The little wretch! What is she doing back here?!" shouted the woman.  Nattie scowled.  Thorin turned to Nattie. "Don't pay any heed to that wretched old hen!" growled Thorin, as he sent an angry glance at the woman who shouted at Nattie.  It wasn't long as they stopped in front of Thorin's home, and they entered.  Once they entered, Thorin's sister Dis greeted them. When Dis saw that Nattie is with them, she exclaimed in delight, as she darted towards Nattie and hugged her. "We all thought you died, Nattie! It's so good to see you again!" exclaimed Dis.