[IC] Middle-Earth: Bright Stars & Durin's Folk { Wolf & Angel }

[AngelBites15]

Fili did feel a little guilty when he heard his brother accuse him for being secretive, but he did this for, not just him, but for both of them as well. He knew of Saeril's encounters with them, and truth be told, the eldest was the first one to actually see her, in person. But his devotion was for his little brother, and he only did it to surprise him. Kind of like how he used to surprise his brother on his birthday. All he could do was smile at the sight.

Saeril watched the young dwarf approach her before she felt him wrap his arms around her waist. Since he was only five feet tall, he could only reach so much. To allow him a better angle, the she-elf bent down to his height, so they could do it properly. Feeling his warmth, Saeril gave an relieving exhale, gently resting her hand on the back of his head.

[WolfLover]

As annoying as it was for Kili. It also felt nice. His big brother, once again managed to surprise him. It was a nice, wonderful surprise. One he did not expect. Whilst he had always wanted to meet 'Delva.' He sometimes wondered if it would be possible. And it was...she was here. For a few moments, it felt surreal. He had to remind himself, that it was real.

When she bent down to his height, the hug felt more natural. Her touch was soothing, motherly. Kili held onto her, like a small child would cling to it's mother. The hug felt nice, and he didn't want to let go. Holding it for a long while.

It was a happy moment for the young Dwarf. To meet her and to know, she was family.

---

Meanwhile, Bilbo had been talking to Gandalf. He eventually sighed "I am sorry Gandalf...I can't do this. You've got the wrong Hobbit." he told the Wizard, before he walked out of the room, with his empty tea cup in hand.

Balin whom had been sitting down with Thorin, sighed. As he saw Bilbo walking away. "It appears, we have lost our Burglar." he said, before he pursed his lips slightly "Maybe it's for the best. The odds were always against us. After all what are we? Merchants, Miners, Tinkers, Toymakers. Hardly the stuff of legend."

Thorin watched the elderly Dwarf, with a slight raised eyebrow. But his look softened towards Balin "There are a few warriors among us." he smiled at Balin softly.

"Old Warriors." Balin said, with a slight head nod.

"And I'd take each and everyone of these Dwarfs, over any army." Thorin said. "For when I called upon them, they answered. Loyalty, Honor, a willing heart...I cannot ask for more than that." he shook his head slightly. The thought of someone else helping him...it didn't seem right. These were his people, his friends...they shared the same cause.

Balin stood up, looking at Thorin "You don't have to do this." he replied. "You have a choice, you've done Honorably by our people. You have build a new life for us in the Blue Mountains. A life of peace and plenty." he pointed out kindly "A life that is worth more than, all the gold in Erebor."

Holding up a long golden Key, Thorin looked at the white haired Dwarf. "From my grandfather, to my father this came to me." he spoke. Thorin was determined to go ahead with this task "They dreamt of the day, Dwarfs would reclaim their homeland. There is no choice, Balin." Thorin then shook his head softly. "Not for me." He said. Balin was quite, but he nodded in understanding. He understood where Thorin was coming from. Whilst he was willing to support him, he also knew how risky it was to do so.

"Then we are with you Laddie." Were Balin's words of support. "We will see it done." he patted his arm softly.

[AngelBites15]

Saeril just wanted to hold him forever, encase him in the warmth of her wings, and not let the danger touch him. But if she really wanted to do this: redeem her wrongdoings, then she was on the right track with them both. After what felt like hours of their embrace, she gave a sigh of relief before pulling away, still remaining at his level.

She was beginning to warm up to him a little bit, and for that, he didn't push her away. Good start so far, she thought to herself. "If the mountain is what your kin wants, I will gladly help you get there", she promised before placing her hands on the sides of his face. "All the way", she whispered fondly before placing a gentle kiss on his forehead.

Fili watched the scene with a smile. But then a thought came to him: Their uncle's hatred for elves. He understood how Thorin felt when they denied their people help. But Saeril had no part of the ones who have denied that help, though. Surely his uncle would not object to her -- would he? This was upsetting. This thought made him become worried. But he had to try. Without even giving them a sign, the blonde stepped out, and found Thorin at the end of the hallway, talking to Balin.

Approaching his role model, he quickly composed himself. "Uncle. I know how much the mountain means to you, but there is a certain someone that Gandalf wants to assist with us on the journey", he began to explain to Thorin, hoping he would understand.

[WolfLover]

Kili felt the warmth of her wings. It felt nice, it tickled a little bit. But he didn't mind. It made him feel safe in her arms. He had no idea, how much time had passed. But when she pulled back from their embrace, Kili smiled up at her.

"It means a lot to uncle Thorin especially." Kili said. "I know, we all got settled in the Blue Mountains. But Erebor...well it'll be a true home, to most. So we promised, Uncle...we'd help him get it back." Kili said. He then smiled at her touch, closing his eyes a little. He enjoyed the tender moment, between them. He then nodded "Thank you, it means a lot, that you're willing to help." Kili said, looking grateful. "There's just a slight issue..." Kili said with a slight frown across his face. "Uncle Thorin, doesn't care for Elves much. He felt betrayed, when King Thranduil, denied our kind help those many years ago. If he's cold, it's because he doesn't like elves." Kili warned her.

As Thorin and Balin's conversation, got interrupted by his eldest nephew. Balin smiled softly, at the blonde. As Thorin watched his nephew with a curiosity. "And who may that be young Fili?" Thorin asked. Wondering whom Gandalf asked for extra help.

"He asked an elf?!" Thorin growled out in annoyance, as he learned Gandalf had asked for a help from an elf. His jaw clenched, in anger. Thorin still remembered, the day King Thranduil didn't offer the people of Erebor help against Smaug. His kin, just rode away...letting the Dwarf's homeland be taken from them. That had angered Thorin gratefully. He could not rely, on the elves since that day. And since, his distaste towards them was very great.

As His nephew tried to explain the situation. Thorin sighed. He didn't look very happy. "And she can be trusted?" he asked Fili, looking a little doubtful.

[AngelBites15]

"Uncle, please!", Fili was quick to counter; he rarely spoke out like this, having to be quite reserved and respectful in his nature. "She won't turn her back, nor will she steal from us", he countered again, just as desperate. He bit his bottom lip, already regretting on speaking such a tone towards his uncle. "Me and Kili, we know her. Mum knew her", he was putting on a brave face, determination rising in his voice. He couldn't let these news crush his baby brother; not after he just got to know her for the first time.

Fili immediately regretted what he was gonna say next, and he couldn't exactly describe her for him, since 'time' was never really Thorin's top priority when it came to this quest. "Come see her yourself", he said calmly with determination, not backing down before turning around to slowly walk back to the living room, slightly anxious on what he just dragged over.

[WolfLover]

Thorin rose an eyebrow, as he heard the tone his nephew Fili began to talk to him with. He didn't look pleased. Fili, was always so composed. He never spoke to him like that. His jaw clenched slightly. "You don't know that...don't you remember, the last time we thought we could trust the elves?!" Thorin asked, with anger in his voice. "They betrayed us last time. I wouldn't be so quick, to trust another elf!" He looked angry. "What was Gandalf thinking?" he muttered, mostly to himself.

Balin sighed, seeing how angry Thorin looked. "Thorin, maybe it's time we forget the past and heal. Not all Elves are..." Thorin just shot him a look, which made Balin trail off. Balin knew it was tricky to try and reason with Thorin, when it came to the Elves. But not every elf, deserved to be shunned because of what happened in the past...not every single elf, deserted them in the time of need.

Thorin then rose an eyebrow, hearing that his believed sister knew this she-elf. His jaw clenched. He didn't like the idea, of his nephews or his sister knowing this woman. "Well...very well." he huffed. "I'll meet her." He didn't look too pleased about this.

[AngelBites15]

Fili was very anxious, almost regretting on his decision to even bring his uncle into this situation. Worse, he'll see their godmother as a burden, and even make her leave. How could he explain that to Kili? If something was to blame, Thorin was gonna choose Gandalf. But the wizard only brought her along for a good cause, not because he just wanted to. But no, the blonde was gonna take the blame; he will willingly take it for both Delva, and Kili.

As Saeril gave the youngest a light-hearted smile, her yellow-green eyes gazed upon Fili, and then to the Dwarven Prince in the doorway, behind him. Her smile faltering into an expression of slight fear, the she-elf backed away a little. The blonde tried to keep himself composed at the situation, but he was already regretting by the time he led Thorin completely into the room. Gandalf took notice of their gathering, and followed. "Uncle, this is--", just before he could say more, the wizard stepped in. "I'll handle this, Fili", he softly intterupted. With that, the blonde could finally breathe. "Thorin, this is Saeril, the last of the Elves of Fangorn, and the godmother to the heirs of Durin; and a friend of your family", he introduced the she-elf.

[WolfLover]

A she-elf. On this quest with them? Thorin, certainly didn't like that idea. It was hard enough, being betrayed by their kind...let alone, having one of them tug along for the ride. It wasn't even her business. When he saw Saeril, besides his youngest nephew...he watched her, with a cold look in his eyes. He noticed the dark wings, her odd horns...everything about her looked odd.

She didn't look, like a normal elf. He frowned, as he heard Gandalf. "She's no friend of ours!" Thorin breathed out, looking unhappy. "What made, you consider bringing that...along with us?!" he snapped...nodding towards Saeril. "I don't need a burden of an elf...in our presence." he looked irritated.

With a frown, Kili stepped in front of Saeril. Even though, he was shorter than her. He stood in front of her protectively "She's not a burden! You might not, think of her as a friend. But she is to me and to my brother. She means a lot to us, has since we were little." Young Kili had raised his voice...clearly upset with his uncle. "You're not sending her away!" he yelled out. Suspecting, that's where his uncle was going to go next. "She's family...and she's coming. Wether you like it or not!" Kili looked determined, and stubborn. He wasn't going to let Thorin, chase his God-mother away.

"But the..." Thorin was about to say.

"No.." Kili frowned cutting in. "Just because, one group of Elves, deserted us and didn't help our cause. Doesn't make every single one of them guilty! I wish, you'd stop blaming every single elf. Not all of them, are cruel...not all of them, would desert us!" Kili pointed out.

[AngelBites15]

Saeril stiffened, silently praying that he didn't know what she wanted him to know. She stayed quiet, and slowly composed herself, standing tall. "I am", she began, with confidence slowly embracing her Elven features. "Going to guess that Gandalf never told you about me?", she said next, out of curiosity. "There's no need to warrant your trust in me. I pose no threat to you, Thorin Oakenshield", Saeril kept her ground, as soon as she heard the bitterness come from the Dwarven Prince. She sighed sadly; she did figure that he was just trying to protect his family, and his heirloom. However, she didn't take it much for granted, as much as she did for them.

Sighing, the she-elf bowed down her head to look down at the floor to the side. "What have I done to make you hate me so?", her accented voice was heavily apparent within the sadness of her voice. "I'll tell you one thing, and one thing only, Oakenshield: gold means nothing to me. Nor does betrayal mean anything to me", she confessed. It wasn't wealth that she wanted nor did it attract her. Not to mention that greed was disgusting. "Gandalf wanted me to redeem my past mistakes by doing something for someone else. Starting for me to help take you and your kin to the Lonely Mountain", she explained to his question.

Fili silently stood beside his baby brother, taking his side for the argument of Saeril's case. He just hoped everything before him would resolve. "Please trust her word, uncle. Mum did; so can you", he pleaded.

[WolfLover]

Thorin narrowed his eyes at the she-elf, as she looked confident. His jaw clenched, and the look in his eyes darkened. How dare, she looked so confident? It annoyed him. "No, he hasn't mentioned the she-devil, that'd be among us." he said, in an agitated tone at her curiosity. "I'll be the judge of that!" Thorin replied, to her no threat comment.

He was weary of her. Why should he trust her? Just because his nephews and sister trusted her? He would need proof, she meant no harm. He did not trust easily...especially the Elves.

Kili's jaw clenched, at his uncle's words. "Don't you dare talk to her like that!" He sounded both hurt and angry. "Don't you, dare raise your voice at me young Kili!" Thorin, looked at his nephew with a frown. Not liking his tone.
"No...I will!" Kili said "I don't like, how you're talking to my God-mother. She never done anything to hurt you! She's not the enemy! She's on our side!" Kili frowned, his arm went in front of Delva, protectively. Keeping her away from Thorin.

"Now...now, Thorin." Balin sighed, as he looked at the Dwarf Prince. "Don't be so harsh." he shook his head. "I do apologize, his hatred of elves is rather deep. I am not sure, he always thinks straight." he looked at Saeril apologetically.
"I am not putting, my Nephews, in danger...with her around." Thorin said,looking at Balin. He wanted to keep Fili and Kili Safe. But would they be? Especially with her around?

"She wouldn't hurt us." Kili said, looking displeased with his uncle. He glanced over at his big brother and Gandalf, for some help. "Why do you have to be so unreasonable?" he asked his uncle, with a frown. Thorin sighed,as he heard his nephew.
"Can't she go help someone else, if she wants to redeem herself?" Thorin retorted back. "I don't like, the idea of an elf coming along with us."

[AngelBites15]

An arguement between nephew and uncle was high, and Saeril couldn't allow it to go on. She made another sigh of sadness once the she-elf realized that this fight was between family. "Thorin!", the wizard shouted over, to silence them. "I brought her here, so she could repay for her mistakes!", his voice reverberated off the walls in the room, and perhaps the whole Hobbit house.

"Your situation would be better replenished if she tagged along. Besides, you might need someone with sharp eyes and ears on the ground. As much as from above. For your sake, getting to the Lonely Mountain alive would require stealth, as well as far greater senses to our surroundings. Saeril will give us a far better chance of survival on a treacherous road", Gandalf had to explain for the Dwarven Prince what it is she would be needed for. Enhanced senses would be one of them.

Fili had to agree with the wizard's claim, and couldn't help but accept in agreement. He was confident of this. To show this feeling, the blonde grasped his little brother's hand; to show that he would go die-trying to protect their godmother.

[WolfLover]

Kili felt his heart clench, as he heard how sad Saeril's sighs were. He knew, she wanted to help. But it probably wouldn't do much good, if she got into a fight with his uncle. He flinched, at how loud Gandalf's voice boomed through the Hobbit house.

Feeling his brother's, hand grip his. Kili glanced at the elder Dwarf. With a releaved look on his face. He knew, his brother was protective. They would both protect their God-mother. Kili wouldn't let his uncle, debase her the way he had done. As much, as Kili loved his uncle and looked up to him. He hated, the tone and words he had spoken to his God-Mother.

Thorin's jaw clenched, as he heard Gandalf. "Fine." he huffed, with a sigh "But if something, happens to Fili or Kili, under her watch! It's her fault." Thorin grumbled, before he left the room annoyed.

[AngelBites15]

Saeril watched and listened as Thorin warned her about the safety of his nephews, and she did feel herself relax once he complied and left the room. She managed to release a breath of air that she didn't realize she was holding when she saw him leave, either.

Saeril wasn't at all surprised nor was she dissapointed. It was an expression that she understood Thorin, and she pitied him. It wasn't his fault for showing a distrusting relationship with the Elven race, and she didn't blame him for their betrayal against him and his kin. With that, the she-elf looked at the young dwarves, before sitting down on the couch, right across from the hearth. "It's going to be a long journey", she finally spoke after a moment of silence.

Fili looked to his brother and gestured him to approach her, right on cue when she opened one of her wings, giving Kili a spot to sit with her. With that said, he lightly squeezed his hand before giving him a reassuring smile, and let go to move out of the room.

[WolfLover]

Kili sighed, as he watched his uncle leave the room. He wasn't sure, how angry his uncle was. But he could tell, he still didn't like the idea of Delva coming with them. Even if it, it would be for their own good. "You can say that again." he said softly, as his God-Mother, stated the journey would be long.

Would it be too much to hope, that his uncle would try and be nice? Mhh, it was probably a lot to ask. The journey ahead of them, seemed awfully long. Especially, if you'd think about the arguments that would lie ahead, between his God-Mother and Uncle.

He smiled at his brother, gently. Before he joined Saeril on the couch. Her wing, was warm and he wrapped an arm around her waist. Giving her a small squeeze. Her reassuring smile, seemed to make him feel a lot better. He just smiled at her warmly.

The rest of the evening seemed to go by quick. By the time, morning came around. The Hobbit house was quite, and empty. Upon Bilbo waking up, he rolled over on his bed. He couldn't hear anything. As he got up, he peeked his head around the corner of his room. "Hello?" he called out softly. There was no answer...checking the living room...it was empty. So was the empty pantry, and the kitchen...he was alone...at last.

It seemed, like the Dwarfs, Gandalf and Mystery lady left. But something caught his eye on the table...the contract. Balin had left the contact for Bilbo, in case he changed his mind.

A few moments passed, before Bilbo grabbed a quilt. And scribbled his name down on the contract. He wasn't sure, what it was. Maybe something inside of him had clicked...or he suddenly had the desire to get out of the Shire. See the world. He quickly grabbed a bag, packing up a few necessities...before he run out of his hobbit house. The contact in hand. The parchment flaying in the wind...as he run through the hills of the Shire.

A few of the other Hobbits, watched Bilbo in shock and surprise. "Bilbo...Mr Baggins, where are you going?" one of them yelled.

"I am going, on an Adventure!" Bilbo yelled back. Somewhat sounding excited, as he leaped over a fence. It wasn't long, before Bilbo had reached the woods...ahead of him he spotted, small ponies. On which upon the Dwarfs were sat. "Wait...wait." Bilbo yelled, as he run faster...trying to catch up them...

"I signed the contract!" Bilbo waved the piece of parchment, as he stopped besides Balin's horse. Out of breath.

Taking the piece of Parchment, Balin glanced down at the contract. Reading it over. He then pursed his lips "Mhh, everything seems to be in order."

[AngelBites15]

Saeril heard Kili speak to her, and she did appreciate hearing his agreement. This made her show a small smile while allowing her yellow-green eyes to lightly reflect from the flames of the fire. "He'll warm up, Kili. In time", she reassured him before narrowing her eyes when she gazed at the hearth. The she-elf exhaled the breath she was holding through her nose, and let one of her huge feathered wings move, and wrap itself around the youngest Durin, to keep him warm.

Sometime later, everyone was near the fire, and to Saeril's ears, she could hear them humming. It was something she believed that she heard during her time in the Lonely Mountain itself. She kept her place with Kili, while the fire danced in front of her. Fili was standing nearing the fire, smoking his pipe, and was, funny enough, standing near Thorin, staring into the hearth.

Saeril felt a weight on her side, and she shifted herself a little to allow Kili's head to rest against her at a comfortable angle. Once she has done so, the she-elf, upon instinct, tenderly moved his dark ebony hair from his face, before letting her wing cover the rest of his body like a blanket.

With the song of the Lonely Mountain coming to an end, Saeril dozed off; after a long time staring into the hearth of the fire, she allowed herself to let the young dwarf lay on her feathered wing. Not that she minded, but she was just happy that they finally had a chance to meet. Otherwise, she won't have anyone else to trust, apart from Gandalf.

The next day, at the first speck of light, Saeril was ready: armed and prepared to get on the road. The dwarves had ponies, and she allowed her straight, ashy-brown hair to flow freely in the warm and sunny outdoors. To everyone's surprise, the she-elf preferred to walk; not that it's wrong, but elves could walk great distances without leaving a trace of a footprint behind. She walked beside Kili's pony, holding onto one of the laces attached to it, along with a few laughs during her time with her two godsons. Although, it was sad that Bilbo declined to come.

Her wing-cloak wasn't too long, so her booted-feet wouldn't become tripped as she walked. That was until she heard yelling. She looked behind her, only to see Bilbo running towards them, obviously out of breath.

Hearing the Hobbit be accepted, Saeril smiled, until a thought came to her. "My elf ears don't deceive me. Did you make a bet on the young Hobbit?", Saeril asked in curiosity to Kili, narrowing her eyes.

[WolfLover]

That morning, was rather cheerful for Kili and Fili. As the pair seemed to enjoy the banter, they had with their God-mother. Each of the Dwarfs and Gandalf had a Pony, there was a spare pony for Bilbo...if had decided to come. a Few members, including Kili had been hopeful that the hobbit would change his mind. And he had.

Kili just grinned, when he heard Bilbo. "I knew, he'd come with us." he said with a smile. He then noticed the look his God-mother gave him. He looked as innocent as he could.

Balin smiled down at Bilbo. "Welcome Master Baggins, to the company of Thorin Okeanshield." he said. Thorin was surprised, that the Hobbit had changed his mind...he slightly rose an eyebrow down at the Hobbit...before he glanced over at his Nephew, whom tried to act as innocent as possible.

"Maybe...I did...maybe I didn't." Kili retorted smartly. "Besides, me and Fili are loveable...I knew Bilbo would miss us two eventually." he smiled.

[AngelBites15]

Dwalin scoffed a bit from where he'd overheard the two. "Didn't? You bet more than half your coin, lad. Lost it, too." The burlier dwarf had no faith in the too-skittish hobbit. Bilbo had turned their offer down, he would not come. Most had bet against him, and for a good reason, in his opinion. However, when the Hobbit did turn up, Dwalin was surprised. How could he be so foolish?

Saeril listened to Dwalin, and thought back on the wages. It sounded fair, nor was the concept itself greedy, but if she figured that if Kili wagered big, who knows what she might say? It was pure amusement as she listened and watched. "So, if I say that if we make it to the mountain alive, you would owe me?", she butted in, teasing the youngest.

The she-elf heartedly chuckled, in a soft way. She was enjoying her time so far. She was wrong to hide from them. She liked dwarves, but it varied. Those who can make her laugh or smile, are easily those she would see as friends, but others? Only Mahal will tell...

[WolfLover]

Kili rose an eyebrow, as he heard Dwalin. "What were you saying, about me loosing?" he asked, looking rather Smug. He had won the bet. Well so did his brother, Fili along with Balin, and a numerous number of Dwarves.

Bilbo rose a slight eyebrow, as he heard Kili. He just shook his head. God help him, if he could survive with the Dwarves. But he smiled a little. He climbed up onto the pony, that was meant for him...it took him a while to climb on there...but he managed to get on. Before holding onto the reigns, as his pony marched along with the others.

Kili gasped, as he heard his god-mother. Pretending to look shocked. "You wouldn't dare, make a bet with one of your God-sons?" he teased her, but he smirked playfully. "Mhh, I might have to think about that one." he said, with his lips pursed. Pretending to look deep in thought.

[AngelBites15]

Saeril heard the youngest's responding retort, and she couldn't help but smile playfully back at him, and chuckle good-heartedly. Even Fili snickered at the response from next to his little brother's horse.

The walk was long, but the she-elf didn't complain. Saeril's biology was beyond that of humans and dwarves, so moving by foot was no problem. Not a single ache came for her feet, but she was pretty certain that the ponies can't walk forever, which also became one of the reasons they had to stop and camp for the following night.

That night, Saeril let her cloak transform into her feathered wings, tucked in behind her as she sat with her godsons near the fire. Only being dressed in her black, tight, catsuit-like outfit with feathers embedded in the fabric, Saeril wasn't cold, and she certainly wasn't tired; not with her godsons still awake; she could stay awake for the longest of periods.

Saeril was enjoying the company of her new family, and she certainly felt herself grow close to the young heir. She hoped that Fili didn't mind, but of course, the she-elf will accept them both, and she would have to. Good laughs they had, good stories to tell. It was purely familial. Saeril was about to reach behind her waist for one of her curved blades to sharpen it, but froze once a loud shriek sounded in the distance. It can't be, can it?

[WolfLover]

Kili had smiled to himself. He had seemed to amuse, his God-Mother. It made it worth while. Along the long journey, he amused many of the others. Even Bilbo seemed to chuckle once. Even if the young Hobbit tried to deny it. Kili had known what he had heard.

When they had set up camp. Kili stayed in the presence of his elder brother and their God-Mother. Just talking, getting to know her a little bit more. Aswell, as sharing a few stories, adventures that he and Fili had been on, growing up. The ponies were resting. The Dwarfs were taking turns watching them...it was to be Fili and Kili's turn next.

Bilbo noticed the loud shriek and he tensed slightly. "What was that?" the Hobbit asked.

Kili's hand instantly went to his sword. Gripping it...listening carefully. It didn't seem like the sound was getting much closer. When the noises, had died down...Kili's hand dropped back down his side.