Devotion (Thorin/OC)

Chapter Nine: All A King Truly Needs...

Luka POV

I reached for the door handle, but the beast reared it's ugly head again. I staggered back, using the wall as support. It felt like I was pushing as hard as I could against a rock wall, no a mountain. The beast was demanding freedom, demanding...something I could not give it. I didn't understand why it fought so hard right now, as if the person on the other side of that door meant something...be it good or bad I did not know.

"You alright, lass?" A kind voice asked, I did not answer, but nodded wordlessly, before retreating into the shadows. Bilbo opened the door, to reveal another dwarf. All of a sudden, the beast stopped fighting me. I sagged against the wall, breathing a sigh of release. I felt like I had just ran a thousand miles, and not slept for a hundred years. I realised I'd been fighting the beast for years and years, and for it just to stop...

I looked up, and a funny feeling burst to life in my chest, making me want to laugh and cringe at the same time.

The dwarf before me held an air of importance, of royalty, and judging by the royal blue clothing he wore and the thick fur coat, that was defiantly what he was. His hair was black with a few strands of grey and it went well past his shoulders with two plaits framing his handsome face. His eyes were a piercing ice blue, and held a sadness that broke my heart. But why? I knew why, but I did not want to admit it.

'Vasva' the beast purred, before her...its voice faded again. The first word it had spoken in years and this is what it says? I had to admit, my heart sang when I realised and the beast became almost...tame.

"Gandalf. I thought you said this place would be easy to find. I lost my way, twice. Wouldn't have found it at all had it not been for that mark on the door." The dark haired dwarf growled at Gandalf, his voice sending shivers down my spine. I almost snarled at Bilbo when his voice destroyed my moment of bliss.

"Mark? There's no mark on that door. It was painted a week ago!" Bilbo squeaked, his eyes wide and, once again, horrified. A soft growl escaped me, but thankfully no one heard.

"There is a mark; I put it there myself-"

"Indeed, it's what informed me of your coming, Gandalf" I spoke up, drawing attention to myself. When my- I mean when the dwarf looked at me, the beast purred whilst I scowled at myself. There was a look on his face that I couldn't place, but i shook it off.

"Indeed, we will speak of this later. Bilbo Baggins...Luka, allow me to introduce the leader of our company, Thorin Oakenshield."

Thorin Oakensheild.

It fitted him, it was powerful and...king like. I was snapped out of my thoughts when Thorin spoke.

"So, this is the Hobbit. Tell me, Mr. Baggins, have you done much fighting?" Thorin growled, towering over Bilbo and staring him down.

"Pardon me?" Bilbo squeaked, cowering under Thorin's glare.

"Axe or sword? What's your weapon of choice?" Thorin snapped, his glare intensifying.

"Well, I have some skill at Conkers, if you must know, but I fail to see why that's relevant." Bilbo frowned, crossing his arms defensively.

"Thought as much. He looks more like a grocer than a burglar-" Thorin scoffed, before his icy gaze turned to me, leaning against the wall with my arms crossed. I found I could now relax now the beast wasn't fighting me constantly, and it showed in my posture.

" What about you? Done much fighting? Judging by that scar you have" Thorin pointed out, walking towards me. I panicked when I realised my left eye wasn't covered, and I hurried to fix it, patting my dark hair into place over the ugly rip in my flesh. Thorin stood infront of me now, and I swear the beast became submissive.