Book 2: Hanging On [Thorin Oakenshield]

Chapter 7

Being led through the great doors to the Elven Kingdom, Poppy could only marvel at the interior that seemed to mirror the forest's intricate trees. The ceilings were high, halls and gates guarded by various warriors in full armor. But unlike Rivendell there were few common Elves roaming about. In fact, the great city appeared to be deserted, the only sound coming from their footsteps that echoed in the vast halls. The company were led further down the staircases as they pulled Thorin in a different direction. Dwalin put up a fight, but it was useless without a weapon and being clearly outnumbered.

"Where is he going?" Fíli questioned.

"He's being taken before the Elven King, Thranduil," Balin replied glumly.

The dungeons was massive, each cell stacking along the winding stairs. Some of the Dwarves were forced to share quarters, others left to themselves. As Poppy found herself shoved into a stone chamber she stumbled before hearing the door loudly close behind her. Rushing to the bars the Half-breed witnessed Dwalin shove a shoulder against the door just across the space to attempt breaking free. But their captors paid no mind as they filed out when the company continued their efforts to escape. Poppy's fingers ran along the surface of the metal taking in its appearance and knocked the knuckles against the surface to test its density.

"Leave it! It's no use!" Balin shouted. All of their struggles stopped. "This is no Orc dungeon. These are the halls of the Woodland Realm. No one leaves without the king's consent."

The older Dwarf spoke the truth, causing the young woman to sigh and press her forehead against the door. Even if the blacksmith possessed her tools it was a fool's hope to think they could make a dent in this metal. A foot came into view of her downcast eyes. Poppy quickly glanced up seeing the She-Elf from before that saved Kíli in the forest.

"You're a woman," she spoke. The Half-breed watched the Elf's eyes examine her carefully. "And not a Dwarf."

"That's right," Poppy answered.

Another guard opened the door only then realizing there was something in the She-Elf's hands. The blacksmith stepped away as the warrior entered and set the large bowl on what was supposed to be a bed carved into the stone. How one could sleep on it she did not know.

"You look like you would want to wash up a bit," the Elf said.

The dark blood had dried on Poppy's clothing and skin. It produced an uncomfortable feeling and the gesture mildly surprised the blacksmith. After all, they were enemies, yet this warrior showed her kindness.

"What is your name?" the She-Elf asked.

"Poppy. Who are you?"

"Tauriel." The room fell silent. "I would give you new clothing, but we have nothing in your size."

A light laugh escaped the Half-breed's lips. "That does not surprise me. But thank you."

Her manners were definitely not that of a Dwarf. Which was how Tauriel knew the prisoner didn't lie about her race.

"I'll leave you to it then," the Elf said.

The door closed once more behind the Elf and using the cloth left behind the young woman began to wipe away the blood on her hands, face, and arms. Poppy attempted to wash as much blood as she could out of the clothing, but it only made the fabric damp and rumpled. The blacksmith groaned in response. Still, it was better than nothing.

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The Elven King was seething as his guards dragged Thorin from the throne room. The Dwarvish insults fresh in his mind, taking pleasure in the fact that the filthy scum and his kind would rot in the dungeons before he would allow them to pass through his realm. No, he would take great pleasure in hearing the King Under the Mountain beg before sanctioning such a thing. Thranduil wished for the white gems of pure starlight buried in the mountain guarded by Smaug. Only by reclaiming what belonged to him would the King of the Woodland Realm allow the Dwarves to pass though his land. He'd offer no other bargain to the prince.

His attention drifted towards his son, who stood by the staircase. Clearly his mind was elsewhere. "What is it that troubles you, Legolas?" the king wondered.

The Elf's eyes flickered up to him, useless to deny that it was nothing. "It is within their company," Legolas said. The king watched his son carefully. "There is a woman who travels among them."

This caught his attention. "A woman you say?"

"Yes. And not a Dwarf."

This was most intriguing as Thranduil mulled over the information. A woman among Dwarves was not common and the king thought of the ways he could use this to his advantage. His eyes flickered to a guard.

"Bring her to me," Thranduil ordered.

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When Thorin entered the dungeon the Dwarves rushed to their doors in curiosity. The guards forced the prince into a cell with a grunt before the company were left to themselves again.

"Did he offer you a deal?" Balin asked right away.

"He did," Thorin answered. "I told him he could go îsh kakhfê ai-'d dûr-rugnu!" His voice grew louder with every word till it echoed in the high ceilings for anyone near to hear. "Him and all his kin!"

The older Dwarf sighed heavily in defeat. "Well, that's that, then. A deal was our only hope."

"Not our only hope," the prince muttered under his breath. A part of him still believed they would find their way out of this accursed place.

Poppy sighed just as Balin did, slumping against a wall. What on earth were they going to do? A shadow cast over the floor from the door, causing her head to turn and see a guard.

"The king requests your presence," the Elf said.

She said nothing, standing from where she sat, as the door unlocked. Though the Elves were sure to keep a strong grip on her, unaware of what she may be capable of.

"What are you doing?" Bofur asked, when seeing the blacksmith being taken away.

"Where are you taking Poppy?" Ori pressed.

The question caught Thorin's attention, rushing to his door and watched as the guards led the young woman up the steps he just descended. She did not appear to be panicking, though the thought of her going before the king did not sit well with him.

"Poppy!" he shouted.

But she was already gone from sight.