Demons

Chapter Two

Megura

He whispered my name with a harsh tone, his blue eyes flaming. They bored into my own until I had to blink. I felt like fading into the shadows just to get away from the acidic stare. He opened his mouth to say something but seemed to think better of it. Instead he just shook his head and walked away, barging past the group of dwarves that were gathered in the hallway. My heart sank slightly as I watched his retreating form and I felt the sting of gathering tears in my eyes. I blinked rapidly to rid myself of them. Looking up at Gandalf, I saw that he wore a sad smile.

"What are you all gawking at?" he snapped at the dwarves, who had been staring at me, open mouthed. They quickly despersed around the hobbit's home. Gandalf chuckled before taking my hand and leading me into the living room. He gestured towards an armchair and he took a seat opposite me."I apologise for Thorin's behaviour, I didn't think he'd react like that."

"It's alright, Gandalf. It was silly of me to think that he would be pleased to see me." I answered, my voice taut.

"He'll come around, don't you worry." the wizard gave me a warm smile, that I did my best to return. "I need to tell them about my little secret. Feel free to join us when you are ready." With that, he got up and returned to the dining room. I sat by myself for a good five minutes before creeping into the room and standing with Master Baggins, who smiled at me with polite curiosity.

"If there is a key, there must be a door." stated Fíli, who sat in the corner with his younger brother. His eyes were directed at the key that Thorin clutched in his hand. I smiled at the memories of babysitting the pair for Dís when they were just a few months old, though I doubt they remember me.

My eyes travelled around the table recollecting memories as I gazed at the familiar faces. My smile dropped when I reached Dwalin. The well-built dwarf had his elbows leant of the table, his chin resting on his fists. I wonder if he was as upset as Thorin was upon my arrival. I had been very close with him while I lived in Erebor. He would help me train when Thorin had other duties to attend to. While I was thinking, I noticed his eyes flicker up to mine before looking back at the Dwarf Prince.

Thorin

I felt her presence in the room as I listened to Gandalf's explanation of how he came about possessing the key and map. I forced myself to focus on the task at hand but I couldn't ignore the thoughts that were racing through my mind. My fists clenched on the table and I gritted my teeth in an attempt to calm down.

How could she possibly be here? She died in my arms, so many years ago! I felt the warmth leave her body. I felt her cold lips on mine! I carried her lifeless her body to my room and I left her there to rest! And, if she didn't really die, how could she possibly have the nerve to turn up now?

I was pulled from my thoughts by Balin tapping my shoulder. Looking around, I realised that the rest of the company had left the room and were now scattered around the house. "Do you need to talk, laddie?" my old friend asked. Slowly, I nodded, standing up and walking into the corridor. I could hear Gandalf talking to Master Baggins through the walls. I would not get my hopes up about him joining the quest, although we would be better off without him.

"Miss Megura has returned, I see." said Balin, gazing down the corridor. I followed his eye line and saw that he was looking at her. I tore my eyes away from her back and stared at the aged dwarf.

"Aye, it would seem so." I answered, my voice gruff and tight with emotion.

"Are you not happy?" asked Balin, looking me in the eye. Not wanting to answer that question, I averted my eyes and stared at the floor. Realising that I wasn't going to respond, Balin sighed, "How do you feel?"

My eyes snapped up, "I do not know. How is one supposed to feel when their childhood friend returns, after they died in your arms?!" I growled. Immediately, I regretted my tone. "Sorry."

"Don't worry, laddie." Balin smiled and placed a hand on my shoulder, "Just don't make any rash decisions." I managed to muster a smile.

"Thank you, Balin."

Just then, we heard a door slam. Balin and I turned to look down the hallway. Mister Baggins had just stormed out of the living room and was now making his way towards the back of the house. The rest of the company were staring at him too.

Balin sighed, "It appears we have lost our burglar." He smiled sadly, "Probably for the best. The odds were always against us. After all, what are we? Merchants, minors, tinkers, toy makers. Hardly the stuff of legend."

Returning my full attention back to Balin, I gave him a meaningful look, "There are a few warriors amongst us." I said, a cheeky smirk playing on my lips.

"Old warriors." My smile faltered at Balin's words.

"I would take each and every one of these dwarves over an army from the Iron Hills," I declared, "for when I called upon them, they answered. Loyalty, honour, a willing heart; I can ask for no more than that."

"You don't have to do this. You have a choice. You've done honourably by our people. You have built a new life for us in the Blue Mountains. A life of peace and plenty. A life worth more than all the gold in Erebor."

While Balin was talking, I let my eyes wander to the key that I clutched in my hand. The metal was cool against my rough flesh. My heart pounded as I thought about the winding corridors of Erebor, the shimmering glow of the gold... "From my grandfather to my father, this has come to me." I held up the key for Balin to see, "They dreamt of the day when the dwarves of Erebor would reclaim their homeland. There is no choice, Balin. Not for me."

He smiled. I recognised the expression from when I was a young boy. Balin would take me out on 'adventures', but sometimes I would want to go further than my Father would ever allow. However, Balin understood my eagerness and we would slip away from the Lonely Mountain. "Then we are with you, laddie. We will see it done."

Megura

We had all gathered in the living room, save Kili, Thorin and Bilbo. Bilbo, I knew would never show up. Gandalf had informed me of his decision and I couldn't help but feel disappointed. But adventures weren't for everyone.

Soon enough, Kili entered the room, closely followed by Thorin. The Prince's strides were purposeful and proud, just as they had been when he walked through Erebor. He filled the small room with a sense of power and strength as he approached the fireplace and lit his pipe. He rested one elbow on the mantlepiece and began to sing, staring into the distance.

"Far over the Misty Mountains cold." His baritone voice sent shivers down my spine as I stared into the flickering embers that licked the coals, "To dungeons deep and caverns old. We must away, 'ere break of day. To find our long forgotten gold."

Now the rest of the dwarves joined in. Their voices blended together and created a beautiful sound, "The pines were roaring in the night. The fire was red, it flaming spread. The trees like torches blazed with light."

The song came to an end and I felt tears in my eyes. Quickly, I wiped them away before anyone noticed. The dwarves began to rise and make their way to the bed rolls that they had set out. I followed suit and curled up on the floor, waiting for sleep to consume me. Tomorrow we would begin our journey; tomorrow we would go home.