Book 2: Hanging On [Thorin Oakenshield]

Chapter 15

Chapter Inspiration: Hanging On by Ellie Goulding

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Eventually everyone gathered as food platters were set out on the long table. Their mugs filled with various ales that soon had the Dwarves barking across the room at each other with boisterous laughs and jests. Their loud chatter carried throughout the near, darkened halls as various songs filled the space. Thorin watched as their mugs clinked together before downing their drinks with big gulps that made them belching loudly afterwards. He nearly smiled that their hearts had not waned in their trials and struggles. Still, the prince found it difficult to join in their merriment. There were far too many things on his mind concerning tomorrow. Their last chance to find the hidden door into Erebor. Sighing, the Dwarf quietly excused himself from the table not wishing to dispel their joyous mood.

His eyes searched the dimly lit hall, as his comrades were involved in the festivities. However, as his gaze scanned the room once more he came to realize one person seemed to be absent. Surprisingly it wasn't Bilbo, who sat at one of the tables squeezed in between Dwalin and Fíli. Unlikely he would be escaping any time soon as a mug of ale was pushed in front of him. The Hobbit attempted to brush it aside to no avail. Pulling away the Dwarf moved completely into the joining hall, which sat in the shadows, just able to see the silhouettes of people moving into the room. In one of the archways that led out to a balcony stood the outline of a person, causing Thorin to pause. The faint flicker of the torches highlighted the hair giving away exactly who stood there.

"You do not join them?" Thorin questioned.

Startled, the person turned as half of their face illuminated in the light. Though Poppy smiled kindly and answered, "I had my fill earlier."

The prince moved forward till he stood beside the Half-breed, looking down at her. And she stared back as the two shared a comfortable silence. In his eyes, Poppy was indeed beautiful, and even more hauntingly so in the drastic light that cascaded over the cheek, eyes, and braided hair. And her outfit, of course, was completely different from what she wore on the road. Reminding him of the fact that she indeed was a young woman. A hand reached forward, tucking a loose strand of hair back behind the Half-breed's ear. She could feel the roughness of his palm linger, the pads calloused from decades of fighting. Poppy's cheeks heated at the fact that the prince had yet to pull away and from the intensity in his eyes.

"Poppy..." She said nothing, waiting for him to continue. "What have you done to me?" the Dwarf breathed.

A small laugh left her lips. "I should ask you the same thing."

When he didn't return the similar emotion the Half-breed grew a little worried that she had spoken out of turn.

But when the hand moved into the hair and gripped the back of the head to pull her forward in a searing kiss all thoughts were dashed. Something drew her to him, clutching at the front of his clothing so there was no space between them. None were aware of the moment they shared out of view from those at the festive table, hidden in the shadows. Just how Thorin wished it. He did not want to be interrupted, only briefly parting for air before moving in once more. Poppy felt the cold wood press against her back, having been unaware of his guidance and shivered as a hand traveled down a side only to clutch at the hip in need. How long he had been waiting to feel the Half-breed's lips against his and properly touch her form in the most sensual way possible. And the prince knew in that moment what he wished for. Pulling away their foreheads pressed against each other, breathing ragged. It was hard to see in the dark shadows, but Poppy could feel his burning gaze by the way he held her tightly. Never had she felt such passion or felt her breath taken away in an instant, but the blacksmith was almost certain this night was not over.