Different Sense

Different Sense: 38

Lothiriel had spent a good while wandering around, she received several more messages from Faelon in the space of her walk. Turning she walked quickly and quietly up to where their rooms were.

Stopping at her door she placed her hand against the handle. Frowning she moved away and walked forwards and stopped in front of another door.

Listening she couldn't hear anything from within. Opening the door anyway she peeked in. Using her stealth she crept into the room and silently shut the door behind her. Walking on the balls of her toes she slowly knelt on the bed where Thorin laid motionless.

Upon feeling the bed dip from the sudden weight, Thorin opened his eyes and looked up. He just glanced up at her. He shut his eyes again and seemed to let out a quiet huffing noise.

He was seemingly still in a bad mood. Reaching down Lothiriel ran a hand through his dark hair. “They'll be here tomorrow morning.” She whispered, one of her messages from Faelon was reporting on the fact that they were venturing near the end of Mirkwood. “I need to speak with you about this.”

“You plan to stay and then catch up.” Thorin stated while sitting up slowly.

“I do.” Lothiriel answered simply, Thorin didn't look pleased with her words. “Listen,” she fidgeted to sit cross legged. “How do I put this?” She looked up at the ceiling. “Returning back will cause a reaction, I think you need someone down here in case the Town Master does go back on his word.” She paused, Thorin looked thoughtful over her words. “I do not wholly trust Bard to help either, but I could be wrong.”

Thorin looked at her. “You'd be on the front lines.”

“Eh,” Lothiriel shrugged. “There's a first time for everything, right?” Smiling she settled down, Thorin looked over his shoulder. “I'm not leaving.”

“I wasn't going to ask you to leave.” He laid down beside her.

“You'll come back in one piece, right?” Lothiriel looked from the ceiling to him, Thorin frowned lightly yet nodded slowly. “Your uncertainty is not needed at this time, or at a time like this!” She laughed while playfully hitting him on the arm.

----

Thorin had naturally been the one to break the news to everyone about Lothiriel staying behind. They had all individually exclaimed something about it.

Shaking her hands she smiled. “I am not running off. I am going to be right here awaiting all of you to return. Just....I won't be on my own, if Smaug follows you down, we will be here.” Lothiriel said strongly with a nod.

They had all accepted this, and no matter how much they tried to persuade her to come along, they all failed.

Gandalf accepted her staying as soon as Thorin had told him. He already knew of her kind trailing behind them, desperately searching for their rightful leader. Although their timing could have been a little better. 

Lothiriel draped an arm around Bilbo's shoulders. “Be safe, Bilbo. I wish you luck and I am sorry I cannot be there with you. But I have faith that you will do your part.”

“I'm glad someone has faith.” He said nervously.

She gave a smile, “You will find your faith and courage at the right time, of that I am sure.”

He glanced at her. “You'll really be here?”

“I am not running off!” She exclaimed, Kili and Fili glanced at her oddly. They were nearest in earshot to them. “I'm...back up? If the dragon follows you, you'll need someone to cover your backs.”

“And your that person, as a precaution too I am guessing?”

“Yes.” Lothiriel smiled sadly.

“Oh yes,” Kili popped up by her side, Fili was not far behind. “Do you not feel instantly safer knowing that people who once tried to kill us, are effectively now watching our backs?”

“So much safer!” Fili responded.

“Ah! Sarcasm!” Lothiriel clasped her hands over her ears and narrowed her eyes at either of them. “Silence, please.” She tottered away from them and looked up at Gandalf and Thorin. “You already knew?”

“Yes.”

“And you wisely didn't prewarn me?”

“No, I thought better of it considering the last time I bought up your kin you didn't react well.” Gandalf knelt to her level, he placed a hand on her shoulder and gave it a light squeeze before leaving them two.

“I mean it, come back in one peace!” She lectured jokingly, or as jokingly as she could.

“We will expect to see you awaiting us.”

“You shall.” She put a hand over her heart. “I promise.” She bowed, upon standing back up she got scooped up tightly. Lothiriel wriggled awkwardly from the unexpected embrace. Giving up on trying to get even slightly comfortable she just leant her chin against his shoulder.