Eclipse of Hearts ✔

Chapter 99. [Dwalin]

Dwalin stood up when he heard voices, although he did not know where his strength was coming from. The hunger had exhausted him and his surroundings turned around by every move he made. The bars of the cell felt ice cold beneath his fingers and when he thought to recognize Iorwen, he expected his end had come. That was how he wanted to die, her face forever imprinted in his memory. 
The door was opened and before he could take a step, Iorwen wrapped her arms around him. "We're not too late."
He realized the meaning of her words: he was still alive. Relief came over him, although it all felt very surreal. He let her hold him, but quickly stepped back when he saw Thorin. 
"Did Vaughn lock you up here?"
Dwalin nodded. "Although I think Eldinòr killed the bastard."
He hadn't seen anything, had only heard noises, but he couldn't think of any other reason that Alyssae was freed. Dwalin wondered how many time had passed since she had left. He couldn't imagine she had let him here for days, but it felt like at least a week had gone by.
Thorin disappeared out of sight and Iorwen and Kíli helped him outside. 
"And that asshole is now nowhere to be found," Thorin grumbled when he came back.
Dwalin closed his eyes. His head was pounding and he had the feeling he could collaps any moment. Something he didn't want to happen as long as he was around Iorwen. 
"So Eldinòr walked off with Alyssae," Thorin continued. "It doen't make me very happy that he hasn't brought her back."
Dwalin didn't know what to tell his friend. Thinking was very difficult all of a sudden, and he only spoke up again when he was back in Erebor and had eaten something.
"So we won the battle?" Dwalin asked. He felt much better. 
Thorin nodded, but he stared in the distance. It was clear he was brooding on something, but his despondent posture showed he didn't make much process.
"What do you think?" Dwalin asked after a while. "Why did he take her?"
"I bet he wants her for himself. He has cast it in my teeth more than once."
Dwalin suppressed a sigh, not knowing if he had to believe that. Alyssae and Eldinòr had had good contact, but he doubted the man would abduct her, nor that Alyssae would leave Thorin in the lurch on purpose.
"She'll come back,' he said, yawning. 
"You have to sleep," Iorwen spoke softly. Softer than he was used to. 
He nodded and stood up. Thorin could take care of himself for the rest of the day and he wanted to bring a stop to all the thoughts that were running through his head. 
He was glad Iorwen walked with him, and felt even more happier when she took his hand. "I am glad you're back, Dwalin."
He felt his cheeks glow and ashamed he turned his head away. It was ridiculous he allowed this embarrassment and he decided to get over with it immediately. "I was afraid I would die without ever kissing you."
Iorwen chuckled softly and pushed him against the wall. She ignored the people around them, but firmly pressed her lips against his, and as soon their tongues entwined, all his weariness diseappared immediately.