A Ruby's Shine (Thorin Oakenshield X OC)

9. Feeling Fire

Soon a dilapidated farmhouse came into view and we all slowed our horses around it. I jumped off of my pony, walking around the partially destroyed house, studying it with narrowed eyes as this isn't the ware and tare of time... Something tore a hole in that roof, something large. I need to check the area. Once out of sight of the dwarves so they would ask question or see me doing anything odd, I leaned against a stable beam of the house and closed my eyes, breathing in and out as I stretched my senses, feeling out into the forest to see the emotions of the animals out there.

I frowned, opening my eyes as I felt very little, some feelings of fear from smaller, hidden creatures but nothing big, that isn't normal at all. Just like the look of this house isn't normal either, something happened here that is outside of the ordinary and it is more recent than the look of this house suggests. I opened my eyes as Fairfin's emotions alerted me to someone approaching. I looked to my left to see Gandalf leaning around the building to be able to see me. I frowned to show him something was wrong with this place, something we definitely should linger here because of whatever it is. He slowly nodded before vanishing around the building itself as I remained leaning against the beam, peeking through a break in the planks to watch the conversation unfold.

Thorin walked into the house, Gandalf following behind him. "We'll camp here for the night. Fili, Kili, look after the ponies. Make sure you stay with them." Thorin said, giving out orders as the others began unloading their packs. I frowned at that, not sure staying here is wise considering the unknown of what this large threat is...

Gandalf inspected the house while I petted Fairfin on my shoulder for comfort, watching through the hole. "A farmer and his family used to live here." Gandalf said, covering up the fact that I'm actually the one who tipped him off something is wrong.

"Oin, Gloin." Thorin said, either ignoring or not hearing Gandalf's words.

Oin spoke up, "Aye?"

"Get the fire going." Thorin said.

"Right you are." Gloin replied, walking off for wood.

Gandalf spoke exactly what I wanted to, "I think it would be wiser to move on. We could make for the hidden valley." My eyes brightened slightly, imagining the beautiful valley in which I grew up, a place of brilliant green foliage and bright flowers, magnificent trees and elf architecture. I could visit Lord Elrond and Maerwen, the elleth who raised me as her own... I miss her at times, while I never considered her mother after my failed attempted at calling her mom, I definitely saw her like an aunt, one who cared for me so much as a child, even when I was hard to handle.

And I know I was, with my love for weapons and lack of love for dresses and pretty things. Also how I challenged everything I was told... I did not make it easy for her to raise me.

Thorin seemed adamantly opposed to Gandalf's offer though, "But I've told you already. I will not go near that place." Thorin growled angrily as I swallowed, realizing keeping my past hidden from these dwarves was very wise or I would have never been allowed on this journey.

Gandalf argued his point, "Why not? The Elves could help us, we could get food, rest, advice."

"I do not need their advice." Thorin growled, making me glare at him. He really covers himself in many different layers of grumpiness, such that I was tempted to walk around this building and sock him in the face. I had a feeling my want to punch him was going to become a common temptation. I yet again resisted the urge, knowing the dwarves would not like me punching their leader... As much as I am tempted to, not worth the anger from the others.