The Split Horizons: The Love Of Two Dwarves

4

Dwalin spent the rest of the day until the moon had almost reached its peak showing Shadelia all of Erebor. Currently, they were seated some distance from the gates watching the night sky.

"The stars here are so different from the ones at home," Shadelia commented.

"What's it like?"

"What do you mean?"

"Your home. Avantika told us all about hers, but you were quiet."

"Oh, Powerna is beautiful! It's so big that all four seasons can occur at the same time, and the music is wonderful!"

"What about your family?"

"I have six younger siblings. I'm five years older."

"What about your parents?"

"They... They are forcing me into marrying a noble that I had never met before the announcement... that... that is why I left."

"Why would you be marrying a noble as a commoner?" That is when she realized her slip up.

"I... um... the family is friends with my parents. They grew up together." She could tell he didn't quite believe her coverup. However, he did not press the subject.

"Well, I was contemplating heading to the tavern for a few hours. Care to join me?"

"Um... I guess..." she replied.

Once there, it took a while, but Dwalin got her to have a few drinks. She wasn't a fan of the beer, but enjoyed the wine.

When the band retired for the night, there were groans of disappointment from all around the tavern.

"I'll be back," Shadelia told the dwarf.

Confused, Dwalin watched as she pulled a flute from her bag and  stood on the table in the center of the room and began playing the songs the band had played. The dwarf was surprised she had learned them so quickly.

She soon had all the patrons dancing, singing and clapping along with her.

After almost two hours of that, she came back to her seat by Dwalin rather winded.

"That was amazing, how did you learn the songs so fast?"

"Um... just a natural affinity for music I guess.." she replied shyly. In all reality, it was the first opportunity she had to use her powers in a while undetected.

"Well its late. We should be going. I'll show you to the guest room Thorin ordered for you."

Shadelia finished her glass of wine and followed the dwarf. Once in her room and alone, she realized she missed home. She missed the music, the stars, everything. Even her father... sort of.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock on her door.

"It's Ava. Can I come in?"

"Yeah," she replied.

The other princess opened the door just enough to slide through and came to sit on Shadelia's bed with her.

"You seemed like you were having fun with Dwalin in the tavern earlier."

"Yes, it was a lot of fun. How was your day with Thorin?"

"Oh, he had a few things to attend to but then we sat and talked about Erebor. I never thought I'd say it, but I think I have a crush on him."

"Well he is kinda handsome," Shadelia replied.

"You seemed to have caught Dwalin's attention," Ava said.

"He's just lonely."

"Lonely and interested in you."

"I think you're reading too much into it."

"Well, I'm off to bed. I'll let you get back to whatever you were doing."

Once the other woman left, Shadelia thought about home once more. Maybe she would remain in Erebor. She had two friends already and possibly more if she continued to play in the taverns.

Yes, she would remain in Erebor. But she couldn't stay in a guest room forever. Eventually she would need a place of her own, but how would she afford it?

That was a problem for in the morning.