The Truth Beneath the Rose

Precious Time

Perhaps it was the cool darkness of night. Perhaps it was the uncertainty of what he might find in the darkness. Whatever the reason, Thorin was chilled to the bone. It was so dark he could hardly see three feet in front of him. A dreadful silence had slipped upon the forest. The only sound to be heard was the crunching of leaves under his heavy boots. The sound seemed to echo loudly through the trees. With each step his heart thumped harder. He had been walking for what seemed like hours and still there was no sign of Nevaeh. He was beginning to lose hope. But just as he began to turn back, a loud thud in the darkness caused him to freeze. His heart was in his throat and it beat wildly. It did not happen often, but in that moment, Thorin Oakenshield was truly afraid. His ears strained to pick up any sounds hidden in the dark. There was a sound, so faint that he almost missed it. He could not make out what it was, but he could not risk leaving her. He followed the sounds, weaving through the trees. And as he drew closer, the sounds became more distinct, making his heart sink heavily. When he finally found her, it nearly crumbled in his chest. There she was, crumpled on the ground before him, slumped against a tree. Her knees pulled to her chest, her hands covering her head, she wept and sniffed. She looked completely pitiful. Thorin took a step forward, unsure if it was safe to approach her. The sound of his heavy boot brought her attention to him. She looked healthy again, but the pain on her delicate face was more than he could bear. He swiftly knelt beside her and pulled her into her embrace. Holding her tightly as she wailed and heaved, he could not let her go. Her hands knotted into his coat. He fought his own tears as best he could. As she continued to sob into his chest, he pressed his lips to her head and smoothed her hair with his hand. The gesture seemed to calm Nevaeh's hysteria. Her cries soon faded into small whimpers and snivels, but her grip never ceased.

The night grew later and all had grown silent, but she remained in his arms. He never said a word. He only held her and ran his hand through her long dark hair. He noticed her breaths become steady and shallow. The stress of the the night's events had taken a heavy tole on her body. She was sleeping safe and warm in Thorin's arms. He did not dare wake her. She needed the rest and he needed to hold her. It had be an eternity since he'd had that chance. He was not going to let slip away now. He would use his time wisely. He held her like a precious jewel; one he could not dream to let go. Nevaeh slept peacefully, dreams entertaining her mind. She dreamed of a great city beneath a mighty mountain. She was in Dale. The smell of the market filled the air and people bustled around her. Children laughed and scurried about. A warm feeling settled over her. She walked along the cobblestone street, taking in everything happening around her. Suddenly, a tiny laugh from behind her caught her attention. When she turned to see who it was, a small figure ran right through her body. A wave of energy and emotion rushed through Nevaeh, leaving her nearly breathless. She swung herself around and found the source of her disturbance. It was a child. A girl. The same raven haired girl she envisioned in the gardens of Rivendell. She stood at the end of the street, looking straight at Nevaeh, smiling and giggling to herself. Nevaeh could only stare at her. The little girl waved for Nevaeh to follow her, and so she did. The girl took off running around the corner, leaving Nevaeh to chase after her. They ran through the city until it ended, but the little girl did not stop. She led Nevaeh through meadows and hills, far away from the bustling city. When she finally stopped, she touched her tiny finger to her lips, telling Nevaeh to be very quiet. She tiptoed away and Nevaeh silently watched. She watched the little girl disappear into the border of the trees. Moments later, Thorin appeared. And again, he was younger than she knew him to be. He was searching rather frantically for something. He was calling for someone, the child most likely, but Nevaeh could not hear him clearly. She came closer. He was beginning to panic. He kept calling out, but Nevaeh could not understand him. It was as if the world was submerged in water. Everything was muffled and drowned out. Suddenly, the girl flung herself from the tree and latched onto Thorin's back. Nevaeh laughed at the startled look on Thorin's face. They both turned to look at her. The little girl was beaming brightly, but Thorin's brow was furrowed. His eyes connected with Nevaeh's and he began to stride toward her. She stood still, not sure of what to do. He stood directly in front of her. The little girl whispered something in his ear. The more she whispered, the clearer her words became to Nevaeh. But she would only hear the two final words that the little girl said to him. "Tell her..." Nevaeh's brow creased. Tell her what, she thought. Thorin seemed to be struggling. "Tell her..." The girl's whisper echoed around them. "Tell her..." Neaveh was growing uncomfortable, frightened even. "Tell her..."