Book 2: Hanging On [Thorin Oakenshield]

Chapter 16

With the dawn quickly approaching, Poppy made her way back to her own quarters after a few more hours of sleep. She bathed once more before realizing a set of clothing sat on the untouched bed. It wasn't hers, but a tunic and trousers that appeared similar. The Half-breed didn't blame the people of Lake-town for giving her something else to wear. Hers had been dirtied beyond repair and Poppy was glad to no longer be wearing something covered in blood. Dressing, the young woman then went to tie back the hair when realizing something foreign in the strands. Picking it out Poppy saw the beautiful, yet simple braid and a bead attached at the end. It looked familiar in a sense only then realizing this had been what Thorin worked on while sitting beside her on the bed early this morning. It made her smile, wrapping it up in the strand before making her way down the hall. She could hear the noises of the company growing closer the farther she went, coming towards the entrance. It was only then the young woman caught sight of Bifur passing through an archway. She didn't bother to run in order to keep up, feeling a bit sore and the thought made her cheeks tint. Being unaware of her surroundings, when a hand clasped a shoulder Poppy jumped and a low chuckle reached her ears.

"My apologies, you're usually more alert," Thorin stated.

Shooting the prince a playful glare she could not hold the expression from the teasing looking in his eyes. She huffed in amusement, failing to stay annoyed at him.

"Yes, well, I had a lot on my mind," the blacksmith stated.

"So it seems, Poppy."

Before the Half-breed could continue to move down the hall Thorin quickly turned Poppy around in order to kiss her passionately. A noise of surprise escaped her throat, only for the young woman's eyes to close rapidly, fingers tangling in his hair to pull them closer.

"What was that for?" Poppy whispered breathlessly.

"We may not get a chance such as this for a long time," he answered, pressing their foreheads together. "Erebor is unpredictable. Allow me to enjoy this a moment longer."

She smiled, this time the one moving forward and kissing him slowly. It was like nothing he ever felt. She always surprised him, and that's what Thorin loved about the Half-breed.

He struggled to pull away, almost wishing they had but one more day in Lake-town in order to have her alone in his presence. And with a heavy sigh the prince managed to break their contact, subtly kissing a cheek before taking her hand and pulling them towards the company. Though as the others greeted their arrival both had already let go.

All were dressed in warm clothing for the trek up the mountain, being offered helmets and weapons of various sorts from the armory to carry out their quest. Examining their find Poppy noted how the metal seemed to be in proper condition, only needing a short period of time to finish sharpening them. Though the Half-breed doubted it was enough to go up against a dragon. The young woman could only hope Thorin had a plan on how to handle that matter.

"You do realize we're one short?" Bilbo stated as they walked towards the waiting boat.

The guards stocked it with various supplies as the whole town gathered around the docks to bid them farewell. All were excited at the prospects that were to come into their favor when this was all over. Hopeful to once more be a thriving region without struggles or starvation.

Except Bard. He was nowhere to be seen.

There were horns blaring loudly that made it a bit difficult to hear each other, the young woman cringing as one played a handful of notes out of tune.

"Where's Bofur?" the Hobbit asked.

Poppy then noticed the absence of the Dwarf's hat bouncing about with his steps. "If he's not here we leave him behind," Thorin answered.

"We have to if we wish to find the door before nightfall," Balin agreed.

Many felt for the Dwarf and how he'd miss out on such a monumental occasion, but there wasn't time to waste.

"Not you," Thorin said.

Poppy's head lifted to find the prince directing the comment towards Kíli, holding him back from entering the boat. Though last night he acted rather enthusiastically as the others this morning he looked far worse. It had been his fault they were captured by the men of Lake-town in the first place when holding a handful of weapons and trying to move down the stairs. His injured leg gave out, falling to the bottom as the iron forged items escaped his grasp. Today all could clearly see the bags under his eyes from lack of sleep, skin pale as a thin coating of sweat covered him. Though the Dwarf tried to hide it they knew he was suffering from a sickness of some kind due to the wound in his leg.

"What are you talking about, I'm coming with you," Kíli stated with a strained smile. Thinking this to be a joke, he waited for his uncle to remove the hand from him. But when it never came his face began to fall.

Not wishing to intrude, Poppy climbed in after Bilbo situating a few more things with Glóin being sure they were secure.

"I stay with the lad, my duties lie with the wounded," Óin grunted, removing himself from the wooden vessel.

And then, much to Thorin's displeasure, Fíli stayed behind as well, refusing to leave his brother behind. It was difficult for Poppy to be happy as they pushed off of the dock and the Dwarves waved to the crowd with smiles. Kíli's pained expression caused her own merriment to disappear. All she could offer was a reassuring smile that everything would be alright as their eyes met. The young woman wished she could do more for him.