My Own Star In The Sky

Chapter 17: Queen Under the Mountain (or not yet)

Thorin's POV:

I woke up the next morning like I had fallen asleep. Dakota's little figure was wrapped in my arms where I can keep her safe. She was still sleeping and I didn't bother waking her up. She was still wearing my coat. It looked quite silly but on the other hand very cute. I unwrapped my arms and wrapped the blankets around her resting body. I joined some of the dwarves who were already awake and sitting at a table talking to each other. "Hey, uncle!" Fili exclaimed. I smiled at him and bowed my head. "Did you sleep well?" Kili asked smirking. I chuckled. "Yes thank you. I must say I did sleep way better than you have ever slept." I said to him and he grinned.

I turned to Gandalf who was smoking his pipe. "When will we thank our host for staying in his house?" He looked unsure for a second but then answered my question. "When everyone is awake. But I must warn you Thorin. He doesn't take kindly to strangers, especially dwarves." I nodded understanding. "We will follow your lead."

Within 15 minutes all the dwarves were standing around the big table. Bilbo stood next to me. "Dakota just woke up. She'll be here in something like 2 minutes." He said shortly. "Thank you, Bilbo." I said and Bilbo walked over to Bofur and they started chatting.

I waited for Dakota to join us and when she reached the table, Fili and Kili immediately walked over to her. The boys said something making her laugh. They were having a conversation and I didn't want to interrupt. "Are you really that afraid of showing any affection towards her when the others are around?" Balin asked me making me jump slightly. I shook my head. "No, not really. I just think it's rude to interrupt their conversation. Besides, maybe Dakota will think I'm too clingy. I'm almost positive she doesn't like that." I said quietly. "Just make sure she knows you love her, otherwise this will turn into a disaster." He said seriously. I gave him a quick nod. "When will you ask her?" Balin asked, lowering his voice. "I don't know... maybe this afternoon?" I answered. Balin smiled and placed a hand on my shoulder. "Best of luck, laddie." I smiled gratefully and looked up when someone was speaking to me. "Good luck with what?" Dakota asked curiously. I looked at Balin but he walked away with a grin. "Uhh... nothing. It's nothing." I said shortly. She smiled and I pulled her towards me. "Did you sleep well?" She asked. I nodded. "Yes, very well thank you." Dakota slid off my coat and gave it back. "Here, this belongs to you." I grabbed the coat and placed it on the table. "Thank you." I said before pecking her lips.

Dakota's POV:

Gandalf told us to gather around the door. We were going to introduce our selves to Beorn our host. Some dwarves were saying we should just leave unseen and not taking the risk of getting in trouble. "There is no point in arguing! We cannot pass through the wilderlands without Beorn's help. We'll be hunted down before we get to the forest." Gandalf said. Bilbo slipped through the circle of dwarves behind me. "Ah, Bilbo. There you are. Now this will require some delicate handling. We must be very careful. The last person to startle him was torn to shreds. I will go first, Bilbo you'll come with me." Bilbo looked startled. He was going to protest. Thorin slightly pushed him forwards. "Is this a good idea?" Bilbo asked timidly. "Yes, now the rest of you just wait here and don't come out until I give the signal." Gandalf turned to walk away. "Got it! Wait for the signal." Bofur said. "And no sudden moves and loud noises and not over crowd and only come out in pairs." Gandalf said strictly. "Actually, Bombur. You count as two so you should come out alone." Bombur nodded while munching on a carrot. We hadn't had breakfast yet and this only made me hungrier. "Remember, wait for the signal." Gandalf repeated and walked out with Bilbo. "What signal would that be?" Bofur asked when Gandalf was gone. No one answered. Thorin rolled his eyes at me and made me chuckle. The other dwarves immediately signed me to be quiet. "When are we actually leaving?" I asked Thorin in a whisper. He turned to me. "If this goes well, we'll leave tomorrow." I nodded. Bofur said Gandalf gave a sign and Dwalin and Balin walked outside. Shortly after Oin and Gloin walked out. Then Dori and Ori. They were quickly followed by Fili and Kili. And the remaining dwarves Nori, Bofur, Bifur and Bombur walked outside and Thorin and I were alone. I heard a voice say. "Is that it? Are there anymore?" Thorin grabbed my hand and pulled me towards the others. I smiled at Beorn and he narrowed his eyes at me. "You even have a woman." Beorn bluntly said. I bowed my head. "Indeed they do, Mister Beorn." I said politely.