Of Mine

II

Thorin wandered about Mirkwood, revelling in its golden daylight. It was a beautiful place, and he wasn't completely sure how he had found the ElvenKing's palace, but he did. He did not go near it, though. Elves and Dwarves were known to have a fragile relationship.

Despite Thorin only being a Dwarfling, still less than half his average lifespan, he didn't want to be accused of being a spy. And being the grandson of Thrór, King Under the Mountain, did not help. He crept quietly through the forest, staying hidden from sight.

It grew to be night, and despite Thorin's tiredness from walking the forest all day, he caught a glimpse of the beautiful gardens of the King.

He did not have the best view, and decided he would climb the nearest tree to watch the moonlit water spill over the great marble fountains, only to run through small streams on the ground, under and around bushes and trees.

He watched the nighttime birds flit through the trees and swoop down the rest on the fountains, then bathe themselves in the water. Their small bodies made ripples in the moonlit water, which were mesmerizing to watch. Silver rings flowed outward from the birds, making the sound of the water become slightly distorted as it flowed over the lip of the fountain.

Then he saw him. The ghostly silver figure that emerged from the balcony entrance to the garden. He was even more ethereal than all the other Elves he had seen this day. His hair practically twinkled like the stars above him, the moonlight creating what looked like a halo of light around him. He walked with a grace and air of authority like none Thorin had ever seen or even heard of. His breath hitched in his throat as he watched the tall and slender figure come to the edge of the garden nearest to Thorin.

He watched him for hours, unable to turn away from the beauty that was in front of him. Despite being so far away, he could still see the piercing blue of the man's eyes. He determined that this must be the King. No other could be this perfect.

Then, he saw the King turn, bending slightly, hearing the voice of another. He saw another Elf, who looked to be his son. He watched as the King and his son embraced, then walked together, speaking for a long time. The King held his son closely as they tarried through the garden. Then, at sunrise, the King left. His son followed closely, and Thorin, seeing them depart, finally felt the heaviness of his body. He was so much more tired than only a moment ago.

It was a strange sensation, but he found a nook in the meeting of three large boughs in his tree, and curled up. Soon, he was asleep.