The Split Horizons: The Love Of Two Dwarves

13

It was almost nightfall before Ava returned, a copy of the treaty in hand. Shadelia's father had haggled over small details, and refused to provide information about his family's powers.

When Shadelia had returned to the Gratician camp after storming out, she had a breakdown. She would never see her mother or brothers ever again, and all because of her father's pride.

She disappeared into the tent they were using, resolving to stay hidden there until composed once more. She grabbed Dwalin's extra cloak from by their rolls, laid down, and curled up underneath the cloak, face hidden.

She couldn't go back to Powerna. She wasn't sure she had wanted to until he had said that.

She jumped when she felt and arm reach around her, but relaxed as the smell of Dwalin overwhelmed her senses. Instead of stopping the tears though, it just helped more come out.

"I don't know why he hates me so much," she sobbed, turning and pressing her face into his chest.

"It doesn't matter. You don't ever have to see him again. And your mother wants to visit you in Erebor."

"Please don't let me be alone," she pleaded, turning her red, puffy eyes up to look at his face.

"I told you, as long as you can put up with me, you will never be alone again."

The tears still flowed as he stroked her hair and pressed his lips to her forehead. Before long, she had cried herself to sleep, but Dwalin still held her.

The next morning, the departed for Erebor. When she finally woke, Shadelia was not much better. Her eyes were still puffy and she said she felt sick.

"I think it best for you to ride with someone else then," Ava said, "alone, your reaction times are not what they should be."

Shadelia made no verbal response, just gripped Dwalin's arm.

Once Shadelia was mounted behind Dwalin with her arms around his torso, the trio set out with only three guards this time.

The former princess drifted to sleep several times, holding tightly to the dwarf each time. She was unsure how long it took them to get to Erebor, but she didn't remember making camp at all.

"Dwalin?" She asked shyly.

"Yes, Shadelia?"

"Is it alright if I stay at your place? My guest quarters make me think of Powerna and I don't like it."

"That's not a problem, we can go get the rest of your stuff now. I even have a spare bedroom. If you want it that is."

"I will send men to move her belongings," came Thorin's voice from behind the trio and their guards. "For now we will celebrate your return, and the success of the mission." His sentence was ended abruptly by Ava kissing him.

Celebrating sounded good to Shadelia, especially if there was food involved.

Shadelia and Dwalin laughed and partied well into the night, Dwalin barely drinking at all, but Shadelia indulged herself deeply.

She was giggly and holding on to Dwalin tightly when he finally decided it was time for them to go home.

Once home, Shadelia changed in the bathroom, but then came to lay in on Dwalin's bed.

"Hold me," she told him, reaching her arms out for him.

"Let me change," he chuckled.

Soon they lay side by side with his arms around her, and her sleepy smile looking up at him.

"Never alone again," she whispered.

"Never," he confirmed, and kissed her forehead as she fell asleep.

Shadelia was happy to do most of Dwalin's housework for him now that she lived there too. He loved working with her, watching her movements and hearing her whistling as she worked.

She also started a small garden for them, which is something he never would've imagined trying to do. He barely liked any vegetables, why would he make himself take care of them?

Shadelia still had her habit of watching the sunrise from outside of Erebor. One morning, as she was sitting there, she felt Dwalin's arms go around her as usual, but something felt different.

"Dwalin," she whispered. "I love you."

The dwarf was shocked by her words, but did not hesitate to kiss her. She let herself melt into him slowly as he held her.