Calm The Fire

29

When the evening's activity had died down, everyone was a little shocked to find themselves being given rooms to stay in. Proper rooms, with comfortable beds, shuttered windows; it was a luxury. One which had been missing from all their lives for quite some time. The rooms were rather simply furnished though. Chest of drawers, a wardrobe, a small desk, chair and a seat which ran the length of the large windows.

It was one of these window seats which Náriel found herself sitting on. The cold silver moonlight flooded through the window, which she hadn't shuttered yet. The cooling night light and pin prick stars were being blocked by the thick wood of the shutters on the other windows. She stretched her legs out slowly and crossed her arms over her stomach. She let out a low, quiet yawn, yet her head quickly turned in the direction of the door. Someone was knocking quietly. Rolling her eyes slowly, she moved off of her comfortable seat and reached out for the door handle.

She wasn't at all surprised to see Thorin standing there leaning against the doorframe. "Let me guess," Náriel smiled while drumming her fingers on the door. She looked at him sceptically. "Can't sleep?"

"You're such a mind reader," Thorin countered with a growing smile. Náriel gestured to the room behind her. She couldn't help but laugh quietly over their slight joking. Shutting the door behind him, she turned and watched as he walked over to the window. Náriel walked quietly over and sat back down on the cushioned seat and looked out of the window. She nodded to the cushions opposite her, Thorin slowly sat down and leaned back against the wall behind him.

"Mind elsewhere?" She asked while looking from the night sky to him.

Thorin looked troubled. Frowning slightly, he gave a small fidget and looked to her. "I keep thinking over things." He paused. Náriel pulled her knees to her chest and leaned her chin against her knees, she gave the slightest of nods at his words. "And I can't help but think...what would my father or grandfather do if they were in my position?"

"That's a heavy thought. One which I fear may bother you for quite some time." Náriel answered while pushing herself forward so she was now kneeling. Leaning forward, she grasped onto his hands. Running her thumbs over his knuckles, she smiled slowly. "It is a troubling thought too. Mind you...just remember all the troubles which arose for both Thrór and Thráin." Náriel stated quietly. "Though I think they did dream of being in your position. Reclaiming the Lonely Mountain, yes, that I am sure, they'd have wished to be in your position." Náriel smiled, though Thorin still looked a little troubled.

"It should have been them."

"Ah," Náriel could see what was really troubling him. Guilt that he should fulfil in the task where his grandfather and father failed. Letting go of one of his hands, she placed it against his cheek and made him look at her. "I'm going to tell you something, and I don't want you to forget it, even if things end up getting tough...just don't go forgetting." Náriel said, Thorin raised a curious eyebrow. "They would be proud of you, because I am proud of you. As is everyone else because you're here, so close." She said while glancing out of the window, in the night shadows Erebor stood silent and dark in the distance.

The silver light of the moon shone through the window, bathing the both of them and the room beside them in a pale glowing blanket. The light caused Náriel to look even more ethereal than she usually did. Her pale skin took on an almost translucent look, whereas her emerald eyes glowed brightly and looked sharper. Thorin's form was rather shadowed as he stayed leaning against the wall, yet her eyes flicked over to look at him. She smiled suddenly, turning away from the window she shuffled along the seat.

Thorin raised an eyebrow at her when she waved her hands at him. "What?" He questioned and continued to look slightly baffled as she looked at him plainly. He didn't understand what she was doing or what she wanted. She rolled her eyes and reached out to uncross his arms, once she had she seemed to contently settle in his lap. As one finishing touch she reached over and held onto his arms again and placed them around herself.