The Truth Beneath the Rose

One Chance

The sun was just beginning to peak over the horizon when the company left the inn. It was freezing and the snow from the night before had not yet begun to melt. The company was anxious as they made their way toward the docks. The town was already bustling with people readying themselves for their mundane day. But there were many that had come to see the company off. Most of them believed that they were getting one last look at them before they headed for their doom. Few held onto the thought of sharing in the wealth of the mountain. Even fewer only wished for the company's safety. Nevaeh knew that the townspeople felt this way. They had every right to. But still, it bothered her. Thorin's success would benefit them. His death would not affect them in the slightest. Nevaeh trekked behind Thorin and the others followed.

"You do know we're one short." Bilbo piped from behind her. "Where's Bofur?"

Thorin did not even pause. "If he's not here, we leave him behind." There was no time to spare. They had to reach the mountain and find the door today or the entire quest will have been for nothing.

"We'll have to." Balin agreed. "If we're to find the door before nightfall, we can risk no more delays."

"This is it." Bilbo muttered. "This is really it."

Nevaeh glanced at him. "This is it." She repeated. She knew he was a nervous wreck. So was she. She wanted to say something encouraging, something inspiring. But she came up empty. "Nice hat." She smirked at the hobbit who was wearing a metal helmet far too big for his head. He rolled his eyes at her and adjusted his pack on his shoulder before walking forward. Nevaeh glanced toward the crowd of people lined up along their path and found a pair of doe eyes staring back at her. Sigrid and little Tilda stood just feet away. Nevaeh stopped and starred at Tilda for a moment. The men marched on and began to ready the boat. The worry in Tilda's eyes made Nevaeh's heart warm. She walked over to her and knelt down in front of her. "What's this frown for?" She took both her little hands in her own. "I'm headed to find my prince. Don't you remember our promise?"

Tilda nodded and her eyes became glassy. "But the dragon is in the mountain. Do you have to go there to find a prince?"

"If that is my prince's kingdom, then that is where I must go." She smiled sadly at the girl. "Besides, all the best tales have dragons." She winked. Tilda grinned and nodded her head. Nevaeh was warring with her own emotions as well.

"Nevaeh..." Thorin's voice came softly from behind. She turned to look up at him, already knowing it was time to leave. He stood with his hands behind his back, allowing her to finish saying goodbye.

Nevaeh turned back to Tilda and whispered in her ear. "I think my prince is ready to go home." Tilda's eye widened as she looked up at Thorin, then to Nevaeh, then back again. Her face lit up. "Remember our promise."

"I promise." Tilda said and Nevaeh wrapped her in her arms, relishing that this innocent life cared for her.

She reluctantly let go and stood to hug Sigrid. "Take care." She whispered. "If I do not return, write letters to her, say that they're from me, please. She shouldn't know."

"I will." Said Sigrid with a gracious nod. She appreciated Nevaeh's concern for her little sister.

Nevaeh returned to Thorin's side. He bowed his head to the girls, before returning to the boat. Nevaeh noticed Kili, Fili and Oin staying behind on the dock. She looked up at Thorin and he shook his head. They both knew Kili was too ill to travel and Fili refused to be parted from his brother. But it was painful to know that they were leaving them behind. The blaring of the trumpets caused Nevaeh to jump. Thorin's hand found hers and he gave it a squeeze. It was meant to comfort her. They were both too anxious for it to do much good.