•As the lamplighters finished their routes, setting ablaze each and every tourch, candle, and wick within the halls of Erebor, one human would find themselves wandering the halls in search of adventure.
•Walking barefoot, your body had years to adjust to the cool mountainous kingdom. Anything warmer than spring weather would send you high tailing back to the cool caverns of Erebor.
•The dwarven kingdom within the Lonely Mountain was your home now.
•Not only that but nobody would dare try and kick you out. You did help reclaim this home with Thorin's Company.
•You could recall all the events, meeting Bilbo on his doorstep with Gandalf, all the orc raids, the dragon, and the elves too. Burned into memory forever, it would be a slap in the face to not give you a spot within Erebor considering it was your knowledge that saved the line of Durin from their fates.
•However, you weren't a freeloader. Work did come your way in the form of maid-like duties and studies with Balin but that didn't offend you. Each day was full of new knowledge and peace. Sometimes, you'd introduce your new dwarven companion with oddities and stories from Earth just as you did when you were traveling with The Company.
•Most took to your strange other worldy activities and explanations with good humor and curiosity.
•Though as the work pilled up and, the rebuilding of this once grand kingdom was not nearly as finished as Thorin would have hoped, your story times faded away and the company and other dwarves would soon settle back into their old lives.
•Tonight, and many other nights would become your play place. Your sanctuary. Your one moment of a break before the morning swept you off to your duties.
•Wasn't always lonely. Sometimes Fili and Kili would be awake, up to some mischief again. Some of the guards became your new company and a bar or two would still be serving ale to late workers.
•Though this night you were hoping that your adventure would be solo mission. Continuing to walk on the cool stone path, leading to the entrance, you put on your boots as you braced the outdoors. Tonight, rumors bounced off the halls of the nearby lakes being frozen over. A sign that winter was finally here.
•Trekking down the mountain side you made your way past Dale and down to the nearest lake that was once a popular fishing spot turned into your soon to be makeshift ice rink.
•Truth be told you weren't sure if you should be out here by yourself especially since you were about to go on a frozen lake that could potentially break under your weight.
•What would Thorin say? How would he react come morning and you weren't there by his side, safe within the mountain. Would he ban you from ever leaving if he found out? It was already a battle trying to convince the guards to let you leave. No. You couldn't wait anymore. Who knows when this opportunity will come again. It's been far too long since you've gotten some well deserved "me time".
•Shaking off your doubt you made your way to the bank of this lake. Scooting down on your bum like a child. Finding the right spot you scooted a bit more onto the frozen ice ensuring your body wouldn't cave into the frigid waters. Slowly you stood up and as if all your cautious thoughts disappeared your body couldn't stop itself from moving and gliding.
•Slow twirls quickly turned into great leaps and stunts as your groove came back like instinct. It was refreshing to just be out on the ice while the moon's glow was your only light.
•Several nights did you find yourself venturing out onto the ice. Your schedule soon looked liked "get off of duty, eat dinner, rest for three hours, wake up during night, climb down the mountain, skate till early morning, rush up the mountain, sleep for two hours, and get back to work". Rinse and repeat.
•In no way shape or form was this kind of schedule healthy but, the ice called to you and with each night you went out the more and more you got used to doing intricate moves. You got a piece of your old life back. Something you never would have thought you'd miss in a world full of magic and wonder.
•Your plan, as expected, wasn't perfect. Those sleepless nights did come for you as you yawned more than ever. Balin was starting to get worried thar his studies were the cause of your tired appearance. You tried reassuring him that you were just staying up a little later than usual for some, "me time". Though when pressed for answers you didn't know how to answer.
•The old dwarf sighed and smiled reassuringnly but, sternly told you to go to bed on time and that todays lessons could be cut short so you could rest.
•Stumbling out the door to escape the building pressure of your secret becoming more exposed you wack into a body behind you. It was Dwalin, who looked displeased more than usual, at you of all people.
•Appologizing you turn and high tail it out of there.
•Dwalin: *grunts while turning to face his brother*
•Balin: Ohho Mornin' brother! I sent our friend hone early for the day. Seem 'cited enough! Ran into you like ye were a stone wall.
•Dwalin: *sigh* Ye know there lyin to ye, right?
•Balin: I beg yer pardon? .wh . . who's lyin'?
•Dwalin: Yer little scholar thats who.
•Balin: That's strange. I could 'ave sworn they were understandin' all the material?
•Dwalin: Not 'bout yer teachin'. They're up to somethin' and Thorin's worried too. They're slow to respond and they seem more tired then ever.
•Balin: Aye. I have noticed, but they've reassured me that they're just doin' some "me time"... whatever that's supposed to mean.
•Dwalin: Well I've been visitin'.
•Balin: YE'VE BEEN SNOOPIN'!?
•Dwalin: I have been doin' my job.
•Balin: Well I don't recall that bein' yer responsibility to peep up on the human at ye hours.
•Dwalin: It's my job as a friend. They've been unresponsive about their tired behavior.
•Balin: Well if they want to be private, respect it.
•Dwalin: Well if they're doing "me time" why can't I hear any noise comin' from their room? No footsteps, no writin' of pens. Not even a peep! I've chatted up the local late bars by the forge and the one by the workers hall. None have seen the human in a few weeks.
•Balin was beginning to worry. His face said it all as he tried to piece together this mystery.
•Dwalin: *patting his brothers shoulders* I don't believe they're gettin' into trouble. Rumor has it they've been venturin' outside.
•Balin: Ha well THATS not confortin'. Past the gate? Are ye sure?
•Dwalin: I'm not entirely but it doesn't make a lick of sense to me. What business would they even have past the gate 'specially at night.
•(A voice can be heard outside Balin's study): Ye know what I think?
•Dwalin and Balin are startled
•(Appearing): I think we got a case of a spy amongst our ranks.
•Dwalin: MAHALS BALLS. NORI!
•Nori: Haha never knew the kings guard to be so jumpy.
•Dwalin: *Sneering* (*to Balin* Don't welcome him!) and what's this "spy" blabber? What business would the human have besides the business with Thorin!?
•Nori: *squating on Balins desk* *Pointing with his knife* My point exactly! They're with the king more than you and your brother these days! What information they must possessn! If my eyes still work then they must be spyin' on the king for that Bard guy. See them most nights wanderin down the mountain to Dale.
•Balin: *angered* You get yer dirty feet off me desk! And what ridiculously low statements comin' from ye. Spyin'? Have ye forgotten the memories we shared with (Y/A). Was savin' the line of Durin's folk some act to ye? My brother may be on to ye about yer sly behavior. Thought ye were a changed dwarrow. Why I oughta!
Dwalin: Easy brother. I'll handle him. *Addressing Nori* 'Right talk NOW! Ye say ue saw (Y/A) right?. They were indeed travelin towards Dale?.
•Nori: Hey it's not as if I saw them go IN. They looked to be takin' a different route completely. Like more off to the side. Could be some secret side entrance. .
•Dwalin: "Nough with the spy nonsense. They no next to nothin' bout dwarven political matters. 'Sides Dale is our ally! They wouldn't need to know anythin' since they attend meetin's regularly with Thorin. What are even doin' late at night anyways.
•Nori: Now now. This isn't the misadventures of Nori we're uncoverin' last I checked wasn't against the law to wander at night.
•Balin: *Sighing* 'right 'right we should focus on the task at hand. Nori if what yer sayin' is true what other idea do ye think (Y/A) is up too?
•Nori: Well since my spy idea is rubish. Um. . latw night shoppin?
•Dwalin: Can't be shops close.
•Dwalin: Ye have bars here.
•Nori: *Mockin ye have bars here!* uhh could be . . a secret lover?
•Dwalin: *sigh* Now thats. .
(Two voices who've been spying themselves into this conversation): *A SECRET LOVER* *falling over each other*
•Balin: Speakin' of spyin'.
•Fili: *picking himself off the floor*: does (Y/A) have a lover we don't know about?
•Kili: Well they didn't tell us!
•Balin: Oh . OH I wasn't aware that my study was Erebors new meetin' hall! OUT! All of ye ! OuT! *shoving the group out*.
•Nori: See the princess believe me.
•Dwalin: They're is no secret LOvEr! Does anyone else have any grand ideas.
•Fili: Um whats this 'bout anyways? So what if (Y/A)'s been leavin' maybe they're sleep walkin'!
•Kili: Yeah and they always come back.
•Balin: Sleep walkin' within Erebor is one thin' but outdoors is another level of dangerous!
•Nori: Couldn't be, they seemed awake enough to navigate 'round the boarders of Dale.
•Balin: Well this conversation is gettin us no where and I doubt asking (Y/A) outright will produce any results.
•Nori: Well why don't we follow them?
•The group ponders for a moment until Fili speaks up.
•Fili: It could work but how are we supposed to go unnoticed. They could easily turn around to see us huddled together and then our plan is ruined!
•Nori: Ehhh I'll just ask Ori to let us stay in the library since he does the nightshift. He probably knows more 'bout what (Y/A) does since they have to pass right by the library doors to get to the gates in the first place.
Dwalin: YE DECIDED TO KEEP THIS FROM US NOW?!
Nori: what ye never asked.
•Dwalin: know what. Drop it. Yer causen me a headache.
•And so the plan commenced! All returned to their duties until nightfall where an unsuspecting you strolled on down to the gates.
•Trailing behind all was perfect as the group managed to sneak up behind you without setting off an clues. That was until they got to the actual gates themselves. How were they to get passed the guards? They'd have to leave a little bit after you as to not alert their presence but to too late to were they lose your trail.
•They could use one of the Fundin brothers to persuade the guards but what would they say to seeing the guard of the king, the scribe, the two princes and one semi-criminal leaving at this hour?
•Kili: It seems that we've hit a bump in our plan.
•Fili: Yeah uhh haven't really thought this through now did we.
•Dwalin: WILL YE TWO SHUT IT! Look it's not as if we had loads of time to prepare. I was busy doin' my duties protectin' yer uncle. It took me some time to finally rid him so I wouldn' miss our meetin' spot!
•Fili: Oh well. . actually how did you manage to do that?
(Behind the group) Thorin: He didn't.
•Startling the group, the true king of Erebor, Thorin Oakenshield makes himself know.
•Thorin: You think I wouldn't notice the absence of my nephews, how my guard and old friend was tryin' to cast me aside and how (Y/A) condition has been worsenin' with each passin' day?
•Nori: Not entirely my idea this time!
•Thorin: *rolls eyes* Whatever idea you've been entertaining, I'll say hiding in a dark corner by the gate was not my first thought.
•Nori: Well ye saw right? Our human friend has been leavin' doin' Mahal knows what!
•Thorin: *nodding* I will admit I too showed curiosity to why they've been tired and so I decided to keep a closer eye on then personally tonight. I guess I'm not the only one concerned too. Seein' your plan is foiled we might as well see together what our friend has been doing.
•The repetitive nature of how you moved on the ice was far better than any repetitive work you've done while working under Thorin.
•The thrill of the ice beneath your feet, carrying you to daydreams far away as you thought of songs that could go with your movements.
•The speed of skating backyards as you reenacted your favorite hockey moments using nothing more than a log and some pebbles as makeshift sticks and pucks.
•Throwing away your coat as your body began to sweat. Despite the cool night's, skating would seem to warm both soul and body.
•Tonight was simple. Just glidding effortlessly while enjoying the world around you. A few skips and tricks to shaken the movements but nothing crazy.
•While you skated the band of dwarved had been watching you the whole time. Mouths agape unaware of what magic you possessed to be able to stand upon ice without fear of ever falling in.
•Watching as you skated towards the Lake's river entrance Thorin called out to you.
•Startling your blissful trance you, rightfully so, fell smack onto the icy surface. It looked painful and felt worse.
•Fili: *hissing* welp . . . uh nice goin' uncle!
•Thoirn: *Glaring* just go an help them 'right!
•Making the way towards your fallen form the group tried to help you back to shore.
•(Y/A): uhhh . *hiss* ahhh damn it. Who was . oh . Ah damn.
•Realization settling in that your secrets been uncovered you make your way to the shore limping a bit.
•(Y/A): ah yeah . . that's gonna bruise. Ohhh hey guys. Uhhh what brings you out here?
•Thorin: So this is were you've been sneaking off too.
•Kili: Sneaking, leaving, lying WHO CARES! What was that? What were you doing? How are you not falling into the ice? Those movements were incredible!
•(Y/A): It's just ice skating. An activity I used to do back on Earth. I haven't done it in a while. .and.
•Dwalin: And what? Decided to risk gettin' hurt in the middle of the night!
•(Y/A): Well it's the only time I could have done this!
•Nori: Well why didn't you tell us!
•Fili: Or at least Uncle.
•Kili: Hey let's not fight. Who cares they're walking on water!
•Dwalin: Lad it DOES matter.
•As the groups voices drowned your pleas, Thorin aserts himself to give you an opportunity to speak.
•Thorin: Enough! (Y/A) speak!
•(Y/A): uh. . well I don't know. It's not like I feel forced to stay behind the walls or anything.. .its just dumb. . . look like I love working for all of you but breaks are few and far between. . not that I'm ungrateful its just my only alone time is at night. And when I heard those rumors that the lake was frozen I just had to check to see if it was true! And when I got my answer I found it hard to stay away. I'm far away from my home planet and not alot came with me. So I wanted to experience something from my old life again. Even if it is reckless or dangerous and I certainly didn't want to drag any of you into this. Its just some dumb human thing. I don't see why I should have woken you up to watch me . .
•Fili: Watch you have fun and do somethin' incredible!
•Kili: Whatever you've been doin' I would have stayed up all these nights just to watch you!
•(Y/A): seriously? It's the middle of the night!
•Nori: Well look whos talkin'? You could have at least asked!
•Balin: (Y/A) you could have asked fer a vreak anytime. I think I can speak fer all of us when we say we would have loved to get to know ye better.
•(Y/A): So what happens now?
•Thorin: Given that there is no point in doin' this by yourself why don't we all take a break tomorrow. I can forgive you for leavin' if you would be happy to teach us all your "ice skating".
•In the morning all of the company was given "Thorin approved leave" to endulge in your human activities. They were impressed by your displays of ice skating that Fili and Kili were rushing to get on the ice. They fell, but hey baby steps right? The princess took to the concept of hockey while Ori, Balin, and Thorin were trying to copy your figure skating techniques. Nori and Bofur were naturals as they competed to be the better of the two skaters. Dwalin was stiff as a board, internally panicking about falling into the ice that you and Bombur had to help push him just to get him moving. All was magical as you got to finally rest and enjoy the wonder of ice skating together with friends.