Hummingbird Heartbeat

Chapter 10

Chapter 10

"Nooo!" Maranda roared a day and a half later. She glared at the boys who were moping. They had demanded she play the song every chance they got and despite the repetition, no one seemed disturbed by hearing the same song over and over. "I'm not playing that song again until we reach the Misty Mountains," she snapped and flew to the front of the group. Fili and Kili smirked at one another.

Thorin became aware of Maranda at his side, moments after the song in his head quieted. She flew beside him, her wings buzzing cheerily as she looked around, eyes slightly unfocused. He didn't speak, and neither did she, until she squeaked and shot straight up. Thorin glanced up at her in surprise then shook his head, returning his gaze to Gandalf's back. The wizard was leading them over some clear fields towards a stretch of wood. Maranda finally stopped to hover beside him and was looking upset.

"Something wrong?" Thorin asked at length. She lurched slightly and blushed.

"Nothing I can't handle," she said and flipped suddenly, squealing again. Thorin frowned. He still couldn't believe this girl was his One. He sighed and grabbed her arm, pulling her towards his pony. "No, I'm fine!" she said, but her wings buzzed suddenly and she landed facing Thorin in the saddle. Minty seemed less than interested by the latest development. Thorin glared at Maranda and she sighed, cheeks red. She swung her legs around and sat with her wings pressed to his chest like the first day they rode together. Thorin fought a small smile as her wings hummed slightly into his chest.

"It's strange," he said.

"Hmm?" she asked casually turning her head slightly.

"Ever since I've been sent from the Mountain I've had little cause to be merry," he said.

"I'm sorry," she said and pressed back against him slightly.

"Ever since we've left the Shire, I have had a new reason to show cheer," he said. Maranda frowned slightly and turned back around to look at him.

"And what's that?" she asked and of all the things, he smiled at her.

"You," he said and she blushed brilliantly.

"I win," she said facing the front as her ankle wings fluttered wildly.

"Oh?" he said, a bit upset at her reaction.

"Yes. I won because you-"

"THORIN!" Gandalf called from beside a small stone shelter. Maranda sighed.

"Go on, I'll tell you later," she said touching his hand lightly. She pushed herself off and shot off into the sky. As Thorin dismounted he heard wild whooping from the air and cocked his head to one side. Odd. After a fight with Gandalf he would learn to regret, he had everyone start setting up camp. Maranda came back around twilight and landed, but her wings still fluttered slightly, making her steps into large bounds. She smiled at Thorin and was heading over to him when her eyes focused on something behind him. She paled and walked over to him.

"Thorin, we need to leave. Like now," she said urgently and Thorin frowned.

"Why, did you see something?"

"Yes. No. It's complicated, you know that," she said in some distress. He raised his eyebrows. "Oh, that's why Gandalf called you over, I shouldn't have flown off like that," she said stamping her foot. "We need to go and get to the Hidden Valley," she said firmly and Thorin bristled, forgetting who she was for a moment.

"So you too seek to turn against me and dispose me into the lap of Elves," he growled and Maranda's eyebrows shot up. "I have already told Gandalf, and now I am telling you. I will not take up with Elves!" he roared in her face and she stumbled back. The camp fell silent and Bilbo frowned in worry. But Maranda was preoccupied.