the Stowaway (Hobbit fan-fic)

Chapter 20

I woke up before the others. The sun was barely peaking through the windows of Erebor. I sat up slowly and ran my hands through my hair, getting the knots out of it. Once I had finished, I took my hair and began to put it into a fishtail braid to keep it out of the way. I glanced up as I worked to look at the company.

The dwarves were sleeping peacefully. I didn't know if Thorin was sleeping or not, which worried me a little. I sighed, wondering how many of us would make it out of the battle. I knew it was inevitable, but I knew I would fight to protect the company.

Standing, I quietly left the room, heading to the throne room. I wanted to see if Thorin was there and how he was doing. I stopped outside the throne room doors and quietly slipped inside, hiding behind a pillar. I peeked around the corner and saw Thorin sitting on his throne. He looked tired and sick. I sighed, hiding again and shaking my head. He had refused to sleep. He had sat on that stupid throne of his all night, wearing his armor and crown.

My ear perked up when I heard him move off his throne. I kept quiet and listened as he moved. His footsteps were growing louder until they stopped close to the pillar I was behind.

"I know you are here," he said softly. "Why have you come?"

I glanced around the pillar and saw him looking at the pillars around him. He didn't know which I was behind, but he knew I was there. I pulled back quickly as he turned his head in my direction. I heard him sigh and walk towards my hiding spot. I waited for him to appear, but I simply heard his back hit the pillar and him slide down it to sit on the ground. After a moment, I did the same.

"Aeareth," he said, quieter this time. "Why are you here?"

"I wanted to check on you," I whispered. "I wasn't sure if you had slept at all."

"I'm fine," he grumbled.

"Thorin, you haven't slept or ate in days," I sighed. "You need rest."

"I said I am fine, elf." I froze. "My well being is none of your concern."

I quickly stood up and walked to the door. Without glancing behind me, I walked through the door and down the halls, back towards the company. When I arrived, I found Bilbo sitting by the wall. I gave him a small smile.

"We should wake up the company soon," I said. "I have a feeling it will be an eventful morning."

~

I watched as Thranduil and Bard led an army of elves, with about a hundred men from Laketown, towards the gate of Erebor. I was standing slightly behind Fili, Balin, and Ori, observing everything from behind them. I looked down at the approaching army, making brief eye contact with my father. I quickly looked away, glancing around at the company.

My eyes snapped to Thorin when I saw him raise a bow. He fired an arrow which landed at the feet of Thranduil's elk. The two leaders stopped in surprise.

"I will put the next one between your eyes!" Thorin shouted, putting another arrow on the string of his bow.

The dwarves behind him cheered happily. I rolled my eyes. I stared as my father made a slight movement. Suddenly, the entire elvish army moved in unison, pulling out arrows and drawing them back on their bows. I sighed at my father's dramatics. The dwarves quickly hid behind the stone wall, surprised. Thorin stayed standing, an arrow aimed at my father.

Bard looked at Thranduil, who then raised his hand to signal the army to put their arrows away. The elves did as commanded. I glanced at Thorin, who kept his bow up.

"We've come to tell you," Thranduil said, causing me to look at him again, "payment of your debt has been offered...and accepted."

I raised an eyebrow at his words.