Torn In Two | Thorin Oakenshield |

17. Feelings

Dragon Sickness. A fierce and jealous love that has the power to send anyone into a state of madness.

When I first entered the great chamber of riches, Thorin was actually easy to find since I simply had to follow the sound of his roars.

He was so busy kicking the gold around that he failed to notice my presence, too enraged and I was nearly frightened by the similarities he possessed to Azog. All the anger and wanting to destroy everything in sight until he got what he wanted. I knew it wouldn't be long until he started turning against everyone too.

Another unexpected shout causes me to jump and I nearly slip on the gold coins eating at my feet. At least I won't have to scale any of these mountains, I huff out and slightly crouch to slowly slide down the small golden hill.

I nearly gag for the third time at the lingering stench of dragon breath, it's horrid essence still very potent. My foot nearly trips over a crack upon reaching solid ground and I yelp before swiftly catching myself.

How has Thorin not noticed me yet? I'm being very clumsy here and my voice is bouncing off these vast walls.

Letting the question go, I shake my head and slightly wobble on the new surface, still feeling as though I'm trapped atop the makeshift quicksand.

"Thorin?" I call out with hesitation as he kicks another pile, sending more riches away. "Thorin." My voice raises a bit, not enough to be threatening but hopefully he hears me.

The furs of his long cloak brush against the stone floor as he moves and I can't believe he's nearly dressed like Thranduil. Littered in royalty that screams a large ego.

I sigh and stare at his back while stopping, coming to the conclusion that it'd be dangerous to approach from this side. He could think I'm a threat and lash out blindly, which doesn't sound too pleasing.

"It is here in these halls." His murmuring is more clear now that I'm close and I gulp.

"What is?" I chance asking and slowly maneuver around at a good distance away, watching his body language intently.

"The Arkenstone." Thorin replies with a hiss and keeps his gaze lowered, though I can see how clouded his eyes are.

His hand balls into a fist when my foot clinks against some coins and I hurriedly move forward to appease him.

"Thorin. You've been down here for days." I state and stare at his unreadable expression as he finally locks eyes with mine. "You must rest."

It only takes a few seconds until the tension within his face softens, orbs still glazed but a smile creeps onto his lips.

"Arina." Hearing my name come out of his mouth sends a shiver down my spine, and the anxiety instantly melts away.

The hammering of my heart sends my lungs into a state of confusion and there's moments where I've forgotten how to breathe.

Was he always this magnificent? I question and feel my mouth grow dry with heat at my cheeks. His intense stare brings my mind crashing and if it wasn't for the growling of his stomach, I would've forgotten why I was here.

"Come." I gently say and mindlessly bring my hand out towards him, my skin noticeably cold. "Let's get you something to eat."

I half expected him to protest, since leaving means he wouldn't be near his gold or be able to search for the jewel. But Balin's words prove to be true.

His rough hand slips into mine easily, spreading warmth into my being and I take a moment to gaze upon our intertwined fingers. Even though his is much bigger than mine, they somehow mold together perfectly and the sight brings more redness onto my cheeks.