Queen under the Mountain (Thorin Oakenshield fanfic)

Striking a Bargain

Myra P.O.V

Bilbo made a makeshift rope out of clothes. We snuck around the mountain and remained in the shadows. I knew that the gate would be empty before the next guard change. This was our only chance to negotiate before the fight. We made it undetected to the wall. I found a chain that we could loop the rope through. I helped Bilbo secure it just as Bofur found us. 

"You both should be inside, out of the wind." Bofur said as he warmed his hands

"Naaah, we needed some air. The place still stinks of dragon." Bilbo lied miserably but Bofur let it go

"The Elves have been moving their archers into position. The battle will be over by tomorrow's eve. Though, I doubt that we will live to see it." Bofur told us

"These are dark days." Bilbo replied

"These are dark days indeed." Bofur agreed as he moved closer to us "No one could blame a soul for wishing themselves elsewhere...It must be near midnight. Bombur's got the next watch. It'll take a bit to wake him." Bofur coyly said before leaving 

"Bofur. We will see you in the morning." Bilbo said endearingly 

"Goodby Bilbo, Myra." Bofur said with a smile before departing. 

Bilbo threw the rope over the wall. It landed with a small plunk into the water. Good to know we wouldn't have to swim. I went down first in case anything happened. I got down first and waited for Bilbo on a fallen stone. He nearly fell but quickly regained his grip. I caught him as he dropped down and we ran for Dale. 

We arrived in Dale a few moments later. I used my ring to conceal us from view. I didn't want anyone to alert Thranduil of our presence. We weaved through the crowd until I spotted Gandalf and Bard talking. I nudged Bilbo towards them and stopped the spell. 

"That won't stop them. You think the dwarves will surrender, they won't. They will fight to the death to defend their own." Bilbo explained

"Bilbo Baggins." Gandalf happily said before turning to me. He was about to speak but my nod stopped him. Gandalf led us to the tent where Thranduil was waiting.

"If I'm not mistaken, this is the halfling who stole the keys to my dungeons from under the nose of my guards and niece." Thranduil sneered 

"Yes...sorry about that. We came to give you this." Bilbo said as I placed the Arkenstone on the table. Everyone, especially Thranduil, was drawn to the table in disbelief as it glittered brightly.

" How is this yours to give?" Bard asked as everyone turned to us

"I took it as my 14th share of the treasure. Though, she has a stronger reason than I. One that might save us all." Bilbo answered as he nudged me. Now the spotlight was on me. 

"As Queen under the Mountain, consider this a peace offering. I give you my Kingdom's greatest treasure on behalf of myself and my husband, the King, as a sign of goodwill." I answered sternly which shocked Thranduil and Bard

"Cin arn a digath na mín núr. Hum berth- cin near a norn bo mín molth sacad thrún. Hi erthad na- a sharn ú- witarths." (You are a disgrace to our people. How dare you place a dwarf on our most sacred throne. This union is a sham without witnesses.) Thranduil roared at me. Bard and Bilbo looked confused as to what he said. 

"The marriage is not a sham, Lord Thranduil. There are witnesses such as the company, Mr. Baggins, her family and myself. Since a witness is present, I can testify that the marriage was lawful on both sides. You are not only speaking to your queen but also the Queen of Erebor. The only person who can make this deal legitimate." Gandalf said as he delved into a bit of black speech. Thranduil immediately shut up out of fear

"Why would you both do this? You owe us no loyalty." Bard asked quietly 

"We're not doing this for you. I know that dwarves can be obstinate and pigheaded and difficult and suspicious and secretive, with the worst manners you can possibly imagine." Bilbo said which made me laugh in agreement. "But, they are also brave and kind and loyal to a fault. I've grown very fond of them and I will save them if I can." Bilbo continued with utter sincerity.

"Now, Thorin values this stone above all else. In exchange for its return, I believe he will give you what you are owed. There will be no need for war." Bilbo suggested. Thranduil ushered us out to talk with Bard alone. Gandalf led us out and guided us around the ruins. 

"Rest up tonight. You both must leave on the morrow. Get as far away from here as possible." Gandalf ordered us

"What?! I'm not leaving. You picked me as the 14th man. I'm not about to leave the company now." Bilbo argued

"There is no company, not anymore. And I don't like to think what Thorin will do when he finds out what you've both done." Gandalf warned us

"I'm not afraid of Thorin." Bilbo retorted

"Well you should be." Gandalf sternly urged us as he quickly turned around. "Don't underestimate the evil of gold. Gold of which a serpent has long brooded. Dragon-sickness seeps into the hearts of all who come near this mountain. Almost all." 

"Gandalf, I honestly can't leave him." I said which confused him a bit. "I'm with child. I cannot run away with his child." I whispered which made his jaw drop

"Myra, that's wonderful news. I'm so happy for the both of you. you both deserve happiness. I can't wait to meet the child." Gandalf wished me while we hugged. Bard's lackey was passing by us. "You there find these two beds. Yes, fill their bellies with hot food. They've earned it." Gandalf ordered. He gave another command before the assistant begrudgingly accompanied us. 

We were treated with a fine meal. The elves accompanied my every move in the camp. I knew it was a power play on Thranduil's part. However, I had greater authority over them than he did. They formed a shield around me and Bilbo. Our room was secured with guards outside. Bilbo and I both knew that we had to get back soon. We would take a quick rest before returning, against Gandalf's wishes. With my ring, we could easily sneak out as long as we didn't knock into anyone or anything along the way.