The Split Horizons: The Love Of Two Dwarves

5

In the morning nearly a week later, Shadelia had no idea what to do. She still did not know her way around, but she could find the gates, so that is where she went. It was a beautiful autumn day, a little chilly, but nice all the same.

She watched the sun rise over the red/golden trees. When she heard footsteps behind her, she knew it was Dwalin.

"Good morning," she said, not turning to him.

"Good morning Teresa." She kept forgetting that no one really knew her name.

"What brings you out here so early?"

"Had a tip from a friend that you were out here."

"A tip, or a gut feeling?"

"Well, I trusted you would still be lost." He took a seat beside her on the rock she had claimed, and as he did so, his hand brushed hers for a brief moment.

"If I may ask, what is all the commotion inside about?"

"Durin's Day. It is that last sun of autumn until the first sun of winter, basically our New Year. Thorin plans on going all out this year. There will be a feast and party and everything."

"It sounds like fun."

"Well, as a royal guest, you are invited."

"Really? But I barely know anyone!"

"Then I will be your guide, m'lady," he said with a grin on his face.

"I would like that. When is Durin's Day?"

"The day after tomorrow."

"Oh! I need to get a dress for it!" She jumped up and headed towards the gate.

"Teresa!" Dwalin called, causing her to turn back to him. "Meet me at the tavern for lunch at noon?"

"Sure, that sounds great."

When she got to her room, she unpacked her plain white dress.

I can work with this, she thought. But she would need more cloth.

She went to the hallway and found the nearest guard.

"Where would King Thorin be?"

"He is drafting a treaty with the Princess Ava in his office. I will take you there."

The guard lead her through several hallways and then held open a door for her.

"What is it, Theresa?" Thorin asked after looking up to see who had entered.

"Well I was talking to Dwalin and he said that Durin's Day is the day after tomorrow and I don't have an appropriate dress but I have a plain one that I want to spruce up a bit. I was wondering where I could get some cloth and sewing materials."

"There are plenty of seamstresses in Erebor who would be happy to fit you to their dresses."

"I... I really want to do it myself." She couldn't really explain why.

"Very well. Here is a letter to show the shopkeepers to let them know to send the bill to my treasury." He scribbled something on a piece of parchment and handed it to her before stepping into the hallway. "Ori! I have a task for you."

A younger dwarf stepped into the room with him, looking as though he had been caught doing something he was not supposed to.

"Teresa, this is Ori. He will take you to the shops you need," Thorin told her.

"Where are we heading, miss?" Ori asked politely.

"I need some lace and ribbon, as well as some plain cloth. And some needles and thread."

An hour later, they emerged from a shop that sold all of those items.

"Are you sure white is a good color for a Durin's day dress?" Ori asked uncertainly.

"It will not be white long. I know what I'm doing, I promise, but thank you for your concern. Can you guide me back to my room please?" Shadelia assured him.

"Yes miss."

Once in her room again, she got to work. She used her Shadow powers to create a mannequin in her likeness. It would be easy enough to get rid of if someone came by. After draping the dress around it she got to work layering the fine lace over it.

She used the ribbon to create a waistband and then realized the time. It was almost noon, she should head to lunch with Dwalin.

As soon as she left her room, she bumped in to the Dwarf in question.

"I was coming to get you so you wouldn't lose your way," he said with a grin on his face.

"Oh, I knew I wouldn't get lost, I just got a little wrapped up in a project is all. But I appreciate the company."

"What kind of project? Can I see?"

"It's a surprise." That's when she remembered to dispel the mannequin in case anyone came snooping.

She had a lovely lunch with Dwalin, but he wouldn't answer any of her questions about Durin's day. He wanted her to get the full experience and surprise at its wonder. So in return, she refused to tell him about her dress.

Right after lunch she returned to work. She soon finished adding the extra fabrics, and began working on the colors. Her fire powers allowed her to add many shades of red and orange and yellow, while Shadows gave her purples and hints of black. To finish it, her music added royal blue.

Her dress was ready for Durin's Day  and she was excited. She spent the rest of the evening and most of the next day in the tavern, playing her flute for its patrons. She was so caught up in her music she did not notice Dwalin there the entire time.

He came to see her. She seemed like a different person as she played. She seemed like... a happier person. And he enjoyed it.