A Ruby's Shine (Thorin Oakenshield X OC)

19. Leaving Rivendell

I climbed up more and more of the steps that are made for tall people, not me. At least my clothes were cleaned of dirt and grass from previous traveling. My hair was somewhat tamed, at least easier to braid and stay in a braid, so I was very glad to be able to take that bath before we left Rivendell, and collect a few useful items only found here in Rivendell.

The steps up and out of the eastern entrance of the valley are steep and winding, as this portion of the valley is much taller and steeper than the rest. The sounds of the waterfalls on either side were soothing at least, as the first few rays of the sun broke into the valley, signalling early morning.

I followed behind Bofur, climbing up the steps with the dwarves in a single file line. The steps were not quite that wide for more than one person at a time as we climbed up the winding steps. I pulled my bag higher on my shoulder, Fairfin swaying with my steps, partly asleep on my shoulder if his tipping beak was any sign. I felt bad, but none of us got any sleep last night. I could see poor Ori up ahead nearly run into Bombur's back with his drooping head.

I was at the back of the line, with just enough distance from the dwarves to hum softly to myself, softly humming one of my favorite songs, one I've played on the violin a few times in pubs. A song that I vaguely remember there being words but I... can't remember the words, and the locals of the pubs I've gone to wanted the name of the song. I sadly don't know the name of the song, I don't even remember where I learned it.

It is... soothing though, something I hum to myself often.

I wish I could sit at a simple campfire, tune up my violin, and fall into the rhythm of the music. It was one of the only times I felt... free from my burdens.

I looked out of the edge of my eye to see the cloth covering the battered old instrument, hoping at some point in the future I can play the violin once more... maybe even play the song I knew, but didn't know the words to, one I can only assume is from my past.

I continued humming the tune in a low voice, so the dwarves don't hear. I really don't need them questioning why I am humming a very unique tune. We continued up the steps, silence among us as we were in a hurry. Sadly, people like Bombur are just not used to climbing this many stairs clearly designed for elves and not dwarves, so moving was a bit slower than I liked.

Fairfin shook himself, annoyed with nearly falling asleep again and spread his wings, flying off my shoulder to stretch his wings and keep himself awake. I smiled at the bird in amusement as he spun and twisted around all of us, doing his best to stay awake, pulling off little air aerobatics. Fairfin nearly made me chuckle as he spun quickly around Thorin's head, before shocking me to my core at what the raven did next.

Fairfin lighted down on Thorin's shoulder, beak tilted towards Thorin as he examined Thorin closely, tilting his beak and head down a touch.

My eyes were as wide as saucers. Fairfin was asking for Thorin to pet him. Fairfin only did that if he absolutely trusts someone, and I have never seen him land on anyone else's shoulder but my own. I was so shocked that I stopped where I was, staring at Fairfin with wide shocked eyes as he waited for Thorin to pet his head. Thorin reached out and carefully ran two fingers down Fairfin's head, looking back at me in confusion. Fairfin lifted his head, croaking at Thorin as Fairfin remained on Thorin's shoulder. I shook my head in shock before going up the steps once more.

I didn't miss a few eyeing the bird, probably wondering why the raven, that is clearly attached to me, is sitting on Thorin's shoulder. I continued to watch Fairfin, awed by the fact that Fairfin trusts Thorin that much even after having known him for such a short time. Fainfin is innocent in many ways, but ever since the incident of me gaining the scars on my arm, he is more vigilant, much more careful about who he trusts.