A shiver of cold ran through you as you walked through the market, and a breeze from one of the alleyways passed you. Durin's day was close, and you needed some last-minute supplies for the celebrations of the days following, having invited your family over for dinner to celebrate. Your husband had a day off and had quickly told you he would be accompanying you, following behind you like a guard dog as you weaved your way through the crowds to get to the market stalls, which you knew had the products you needed.
You were not looking forward to the end of the year, already dreading the cold to come as you shivered again. Dwalin was quick to notice now that you stood still in front of a stall. "Givashel," He called. You looked up at him, your arms tugged to your body as you looked over the products, humming in response. "'Come here," He beckoned you over, blowing into the palms of his hands, rubbing them together before wrapping them around your freezing ones. The warmth of it had feeling quickly returning to your fingertips. As you returned to shopping, his hands moved to rub up your arms.
Summary: When someone in Erebor threatens you, your brother Thorin places you under the protection of his closest and best warrior. Meddling Thorin hopes to finally bring the two of you together, but will it work?
Word Count: 1.3k, one shot
Warnings: swearing, one slight sexual innuendo, talk of threats toward reader
A/N: Hello friends! Hope everyone is having a lovely week! I randomly decided to write this. I didn't edit this really so excuse any errors. I've been itching to write Dwalin for so long but couldn't decide what the plot would be but it finally came to me. I love this giant secret soft dwarf so much. He doesn't get enough love. Anyways I hope everyone likes this cause I had tons of fun writing it! Let me know what you think ❤️
Masterlist
You stalked down the hallways of Erebor, heading toward your older brother Thorin’s office. You learned from your elder sister Dis that Thorin was placing you under the supervision of a protection detail, something you completely disagreed with.
“Thorin!” You yelled as you slammed his office doors open. “How dare you assign me a protection detail when you know I can defend myself, and you didn’t even ask me before you did it.”
Thorin heaved out a heavy sigh, gesturing for me to sit. “I did it for your own safety y/n. I know you can handle yourself but the threat against you seemed legitimate. So I want your safety in the hands of my best warrior.”
Oh no. His best fighter was without a doubt Dwalin, your brother’s closest friend and the dwarf you had been pining after since you were younger. You gulped. “T-thorin, who did you ask to protect me?”
Thorin shot you a confused look. “I thought it was obvious. Dwalin will be your primary bodyguard until we get to the bottom of this.
Well fuck. That made things… difficult. Were you excited to spend time with Dwalin? Yes. Were you probably going to be incredibly awkward and self-conscious the entire time? Also yes.
A knock on Thorin’s office door pulled you from your thoughts. “Actually, that should be Dwalin now,” Thorin shot you wink as he yelled for the person to come in. Of course Thorin knew about your feelings for his friend and was using the situation to push the both of you together. What most dwarves don’t realize is that the King Under the Mountain loves to meddle in the lives of his family members.
Dwalin entered the room, bowing before taking a seat in the chair next to you. You felt my face heating as Dwalin sent you a nod in greeting before turning his attention to your brother.
“Dwalin, as you know, our dearest y/n was sent multiple threats over the past month. My nephews are currently looking into the matter, but until the perpetrator is found I need you to protect y/n.” Dwalin simply nodded as Thorin continued detailing his requests. Still annoyed with your brother’s antics, you zoned out as they continued their conversation about your protection.
“Y/n?”
You flinched, quickly turning towards the person calling your name. Dwalin was standing beside your chair, Thorin nowhere in sight.
“Oh, umm, sorry. I zoned out a little,” you said, face heating under Dwalin’s piercing gaze.
Dwalin grunted. “Where shall I escort you, little one?”
You rolled your eyes at Dwalin’s old nickname for you. “I’m not a child anymore, haven’t been for a long time.” Well that sounded like an innuendo, you cringed internally at the realization.
“Anyways,” you quickly said, “I was planning to go see little Gimli.” Dwalin nodded and accompanied me to Glóin’s chambers.
Gimli was a precious little Dwarrow. He reminded you so much of your nephews when they were younger. As a result, you had quickly become attached to the child. Glóin had taken to leaving Gimli in your care whenever his wife and him were unavailable.
Recently, you’d been teaching Gimli how to ride wild boar. You were a talented rider so teaching Gimli came naturally to you. When you entered Glóin’s chambers, Gimli came sprinting at you. You picked him up, spinning him around before placing him back on the ground.
Little did you know, Dwalin was beaming seeing you interact with Gimli. He thought it was quite adorable.
“Do you want to go riding today,” you asked Gimli. He shook his head vigorously, excited to get to his lesson. Dwalin trailed behind the two of you as you made your way, hand in hand, out of Erebor.
Gimli was able to handle the boar on his own now, so you and Dwalin stood off to the side if Gimli needed either of you. You twiddled your fingers trying to think of something to talk about but drawing a blank in Dwalin’s presence.
“You’ve taught him well, little one,” Dwalin muttered.
You avoided his gaze knowing if you met it, your feelings would be blatantly obvious. “Thank you. Truthfully I didn’t have to try very hard. He loves it.” Gimli was smiling and giggling as the boar trotted through the grass. Dwalin nodded and went back to observing the surrounding area.
You brought Gimli back to his parents once your lesson finished for the day. Dwalin accompanied you around Erebor the rest of the day. His face rarely changed from his typical handsome, stoic expression and conversation was limited to discussing the next activity for the day.
The next couple weeks continued much the same way. You continuously tried to talk to Dwalin but either conversation fell flat or you simply couldn’t get courage to say anything. Dwalin seemed indifferent to his bodyguard duties and you worried he was hating it.
You decided to take the situation into your own hands… by discussing the situation with Thorin. You sat across from your brother, internally freaking out about Dwalin’s lack of interaction with you.
“Ok out with it y/n. You’ve been sitting here staring off into the distance for 10 minutes,” Thorin said.
“It’s just— is Dwalin annoyed having to follow me around all day? I try to talk with him but my awkwardness with him makes it difficult and he never seems to want to interact with me. He just stands there all brooding and menacing.”
Before Thorin could respond a cough sounded behind you. You knew instantly from the deepness of the cough that Dwalin had just heard everything you said.
“Well, I’m just going to leave you both to discuss this,” Thorin said, hurriedly exiting the room.
“My apologies if I gave the impression that I was unhappy with my placement as your bodyguard,” Dwalin said.
“No it’s ok I just don’t want you to dislike me.”
“Why?”
You froze. “Umm, because I sort of like you,” you mumbled, hoping he didn’t hear you.
Dwalin looked shocked. His mouth opened and closed multiple times, not able to form the words to respond. Finally, he steeled himself and poured out his innermost feelings.
“I didn’t want to get too attached to you, even though I already was. I’m some lowly warrior and you’re part of the royal family, what could you ever see in me.”
Now it was your turn to be shocked. Did he just admit he also had feelings for you? The vulnerability on Dwalin’s eyes pushed you into action. You stepped up to Dwalin, gently laying your hand against his cheek, fingers running through his beard.
“You think too little of yourself, Dwalin son of Fundin. I see a strong, capable warrior who will do anything to protect those he loves. A handsome, admirable dwarf with a large heart. You are everything to me,” You said, voice laced with emotion.
Dwalin’s hand came up to gently cup your. His eyes shone with unshed tears born of love. Dwalin’s other hand tenderly grasped the back of your neck, drawing you into his chest. His head dipped down and your lips met in a tender kiss. The stoic warrior and the soft royal fully realizing their love for one another in that moment.
A knock sounded on the door pulling the both of you apart. Thorin’s voice sounded through the door. “I have news that may be of interest to the both of you. There is no longer any eminent danger for y/n as the dwarf who threatened y/n was apprehended by Fili and Kili,” there was silence from Thorin’s side of the door for a moment. “Although I have a feeling separating the two of you might be quite difficult.” Thorin snickered as he walked away, leaving the two alone.
Dwalin’s gaze found yours again. “Even though the perpetrator was caught I promise to still protect you from anything and anyone who wishes you harm to the end of my days, amrâlimê.”
You smiled widely at Dwalin. Once you could finally pull yourself from Dwalin’s embrace, you owed your brother a thank you for his meddling.
A/N: I drabble no one asked for? You got it! Spreading some Dwalin love. Also, there’s gonna be a part two, since that’s the only way for me to keep on writing.
Dwalin was known as the grumpy and gruff dwarf but, beside everything he was a true fighter. He fought many battles and the scars were still visible. He may looked tough, but every warrior has a soft spot. Living in the Blue Mountains, he found himself in the forges everyday. Working hard and breaking many a sweat. Dwalin was a lonely dwarf who never wed. Not that he never wanted a wife, he just thought it wasn’t something for him. He could never picture himself with a wife and children. He was alone and he was content with it. Something Balin could never understand. But there were times Dwalin had needs as well.
Tonight Dwalin stood in front of a brothel. Someplace he’d always promised himself to never turn to, but tonight he did. He despised himself for it. It was located in a dark alley, a secluded place far from town. In front of the entrance hung a thick red velvet curtain. He looked nervously around him, praying he wouldn’t see someone familiar. Two sparsely dressed dwarrowdams walked past by him closely, as they heard them whisper something to each other, words he wished he’d heard. The two women disappeared into another alley. Dwalin looked up to the sky, it was a full moon and the air was cold. He was attempting to sort his thoughts, but he couldn’t. He took a deep breath as he stepped towards the red curtain and pulled it away.
He stepped into a small room, with in the back a wooden counter. There were dwarrows everywhere he could look. The usually tough and burly dwarf never felt smaller and more insecure than in this very moment.
An older dwarrow welcomed him. “Goodnight master! How may I help you?” She asked politely.
“I-I’d like a room please.” He answered nervously. Was he really doing this?
She looked questionable as she furrowed her eyebrows. “Very well! Tonight is not very busy, so we have enough girls to assist you.” She smiled. “Is there anyone of your liking?”
Dwalin took a quick look around. Sure they were all beautiful but none of them really caught his eye. And then his gaze landed on you. You wore a blue robe, made of a see through linen and left almost nothing to his imagination. You made him think of a warm breeze on a summer evening or a red wine with with hints of peaches and plums.
“Her.” He said without breaking eye contact with you. “Marvelously!” She said joyful. “Y/N will you take it from here?”
You nodded and without saying a word you walked up the dark wooden stairs as Dwalin followed you. Walking past by three other doors you reached yours. You didn’t even had a key. When you opened the door you let Dwalin in first, you followed after. Your room was small, and only contained a bed, a couch, a wooden chair and a small cabinet for your belongings, which weren’t many.
He sat down on the end of the bed while you stood in front of him. “What’s your name?” You asked sudden and you looked into his eyes. You heard the fire crackling in the fireplace behind you. “Dwalin.” He answered shortly as if he wanted to keep it a secret. “Well, I’m Y/N.” He hadn’t shown any reaction. “Is this your first time here?” You wondered when you turned your head sideways a little. He nodded. “Do I need to explain how this works?” You said as you stepped closer to him. Your hand reached for the buckle that kept your robe together but then you felt a large hand on your upper arm. “Don’t.” Dwalin enjoined. “I’ll pay you so you’ll be not getting in trouble.”
“W-why? Am I not what you expected?” You startled and took a step back.
“No no you are. It’s just…” He paused. “It doesn’t feel right.” He said and took a glance at you.
You felt relieved, not understanding why. You’ve done this many times. You put on your grey robe, which covered most of your body now. Dwalin sat down on the old couch and you sat down on a dark brown chair at the opposite of him.
“I have heard about you. You’re well known in the Blue Mountains.” You acknowledged.
Dwalin chuckled softly, it sounded more like a grumble. “Positive things I hope?”
“Yes, about your battles. How many you’ve won.” You turned your face to him. “But I never expected to meet you in a place like this.”
“Me neither.” He chortled. “What about you?” He questioned.
“I have worked here ever since I was young. I really don’t know anything better than this.”
“Was it your own choice?” He questioned. You shook your head while staring at the wall.
“The lady downstairs, I assume she’s your boss. Does she treat you well?”
“She is, and she does, in her own way.” You shrugged and lied. Dwalin nodded.
“I have a ten-year* old daughter, her name is Mera.” You revealed. “I really don’t want to let her grow up in this wretched place. I hope one day we can escape this. I’m saving every coin I can.” You looked down while fiddling with the fabric of your robe.
Dwalin sighed, his heart was swelled with sympathy. He couldn’t believe he was going to ask this. “Would you like to move into my house?” He asked, glaring at you.
“Do you really mean that? I’m not sure if I can accept such an offer.” You said surprised. Dwalin nodded. If any other man would’ve asked you this you would’ve definitely said no, you could already guess their intentions. But something about him felt…reliable.
“This is no place for a child to grow up.” He paused. “My house, it’s not big, but it’s decent.” You didn’t know what to say. “You can find a job in town and find your own place for you and your daughter when you’re able to.” He continued, sharing a glance. You could even see a twinkle in his eye.
“I don’t want to seem like as if I’m taking advantage of you.” You said. “I would love to come with you, but aren’t you afraid of what people are going to say?”
“Couldn’t care less about what the folks may think.”
You smiled. “Alright, I’ll just go grab my stuff.” You walked towards the drawer as you pulled out a large bag and started to gather your most important stuff. The last thing you packed was a stuffed animal, a rabbit, for Mera.
“I’ll go fetch Mera.” You said. She was with your friend, Bronn, on the top floor, where the living space was located. “Yes, just take your time.” Dwalin said.
You walked out of your room, heading towards the stairs and then Bronn’s room when you knocked on the door. “Amad!!” You heard a high pitched voice scream. The door flew open. “Sanûrzud!” You said lovingly as you picked her up, her little arms around you neck. “Shouldn’t you be asleep my dear?” You asked curiously. “No Bronn let me stay up!” You smiled at the chemistry they had. “No I didn’t! She just didn’t want to sleep!” Bronn chimed in as you laughter followed.
But then your face turned serious. “Bronn I need to tell you something."
"What is it?" She said when she sat down on her bed. Her long brown hair fell in waves over her shoulders. You sat down next to her with Mera on your lap who quietly snuggled into you.
"We're going to leave tonight." You paused shortly. "Permanently."
Bronn needed to process it all. "Where are you going?"
"I had a client tonight. We didn't do anything, he even gave me money so i wouldn't get in trouble. And he offered me to go with him." You told her.
"I understand, I would've done the same. You want the best for Mera." Bronn acknowledged.
Tears welled up in her eyes. "I'm going to miss you two girls so much!" She said, hugging the both of you. “We’re going to miss you too!” You said as you embraced her. “We will meet again, I’m sure.” Bronn nodded, almost crying.
You stood up while carrying Mera on one arm, she fit in perfectly. Bronn walked you towards the door and embraced you once more. “Take care.” She said at last.
While walking down the stairs and towards your room, you felt a relieve. None of these rooms you will ever see again.
“We’re ready.” You said while standing on the sill and Dwalin rose from the chair and smiled when he noticed Mera in your arms, who couldn’t fight the battle of sleep. “So this is Mera.” He said, looking delighted, mimicking your expression. You chuckled. “Yes, this is my little ball of sunshine.” His gaze softened.
You looked around your room, as if you we’re saying goodbye.
“I’ll take your bag.” He said, when he picked it up from your bed.
“You ready?” Dwalin asked. You nodded slowly as your gaze turned to his.
“Ready.”
Miss Vogur, your boss, looked up disapproving when she saw you walking towards her counter. “And where do you think you’re going?” She never took a liking of you, and when you became pregnant she treated you even worse. No matter how hard you tried to be nice to her, she always found something on you to pick on. “I’m leaving for a better life.”
“A better life.” She almost choked on her words. “You should be thankful to me for taking care of you all these years you ungrateful girl.” Miss Vogur said with a mocking voice. It made you shudder.
“You were born a whore and you will always be a whore!” She spit the words in your face as you took a step back, in shock.
“That’s enough!” Dwalin chimed in and stood in front of you protectively. “You’re nothing!” Miss Vogur was the last thing she managed to say when Dwalin led you towards the exit of the building. The sudden quietness and the cold air outside immediately calmed you down. “What a wretched woman.” He said. “Trust me, I’ve met women worse than her.” You answered with a glance.
You looked down at Mera, who managed to sleep throughout the entire argument. This was really for the best. For the both of you.
“This way.” Dwalin said and gestured towards an alley. You let out a soft sigh as you walked next to him.
Fandom: The Hobbit
Pairing: Dwalin x (wife)reader
Genres: domestic fluff
Words: 1.161
Summary: You enjoy a lazy morning with Dwalin and your children - requested by Anonymous
A/N: I altered the request a little, I hope you don’t mind, darling! :)
Bright rays of morning sun sneak through heavy curtains and shine onto your face. You wrinkle your nose, turning to your side to nuzzle into a warm, solid body, seeking more sleep.
A soft grunt meets you, and strong arms grip around your frame tighter. However, the slumber is long gone – the light have rouse you and there is no way you can back to sleep now.
You let out a huff, but don’t move even a bit. If you as much as flinch, the cuddle bear beside you will be awake and he needs as much as he can get. Being the head of training new recruits and the Captain of Erebor’s army, Dwalin has more duties that you’d like him to.
Yet, he always come home for dinner. Every day, despite waking up at dawn and coming back at dusk, Dwalin takes a break to eat a meal with you and your two little rascals.
Your daughter, Lote, the younger, always eagerly awaits by the door for her father to step in, and throws herself into his arms, as if she hasn’t seen him for a month. She’s got Dwalin wrapped around her tiny finger but you don’t mind. You love watching your husband doing things you’d never thought he would for her. Gather the pinkest flowers he can get and then make a wreath for her? If Lote wants, Dwalin will do everything to fulfill her wish.
Dwagu, your first-born, is a bit more reserved, just as his father. Dwalin adores him, with all his heart and you know your son is very much aware of it.
They still young, barely 10 years old. Three years between them, but your son and daughter are as close as twins and you hope it will stay like this for their whole life.
“Are they up?” a quiet, raspy whisper comes from above your head and you feel a kiss pressed to the crown of your head.
“I don’t think so,” you answer as quietly. There are two doors separating you from your children’s room but somehow they manage to figure out when the two of you are awake, or when you’re about to start enjoying each other when Dwalin gets back home earlier.
“You don’t need to get up?” you ask after a moment of silence and tilt your head to look at Dwalin. His eyes are still heavy with sleep, his face relaxed, a small smirk ghosting over his lips.
“I’ve got a day off, sweetheart. Thought I told ye?”
“It probably slipped my mind.”
“Well, ye were busy with somethin’ else, if I recall correctly,” he teases cheekily and you giggle, a delightful soreness still present between your legs.
“I sure was, my dear husband. Although, care to refresh my memory?” you taunt and before you can register what’s happening, Dwalin flips you onto your back, hovering above you with very much awake and very much lustful gaze.
“Aye, my beautiful wife. I will gladly refresh-“
“Papa!” a tiny voice bellows, the sound of feet scurrying nears the door and seconds after Dwalin props himself against the headboard, it opens and Lote storms in, Dwagu hot on her feet.
“He’s tickling me!”
You suppress a sigh and a roll of your eyes as Lote climbs onto your bed and settles on Dwalin’s lap, a sad, hurt expression etched on her little face.
“Dwagu,” Dwalin begins while your son slowly climbs next to you, and you open your arms as an invitation for cuddles. As much as Dwagu claims he’s already too old for hugs with Mama, he never refused when you initiate them.
Now’s no different as he readily lays his head on your chest, your arms wrapped around his chubby body.
“She bit my ear because I didn’t wake up when she wanted me to ,” your son mumbles and you kiss his head, looking at your daughter sternly.
“Lote, what did I tell you about biting your brother?”
“That it’s bad.”
“And?”
“And that I need to stop doing it.”
“And you promised me you will,” you quirk up a brow and Lote lowers her head, pouting.
Dwalin heaves out a sight, reaching to rise your daughter’s chin with his fingers.
“My little sunflower, you need to listen to your mother. And now, to make up for hurting your brother, let’s go make breakfast. Al right?”
“Yes, Da!” she claps her hands and Dwalin grins, gathering your little girl into his arms and heading to the kitchen. You smile brightly at him as he tosses you a wink, turning your attention to Dwagu once your husband and daughter are out.
“Did she bite you hard?”
“No, just a little.”
“Do you want me to kiss it better?” you ask softly and Dwagu looks at you, utterly offended.
“Ma, I’m not a baby,” he says matter-of-factly but you only raise your brows. Eventually he nods, and you gladly bring your lips to his ear, pressing a kiss to reddened flesh. He nuzzles into your embrace further, both of you remaining silent while you listen to a merry chatter and laughter coming from the kitchen.
“Da made pancakes!” Lote announces proudly as she jumps onto the bed, taking a spot in the middle while Dwalin carefully balances a tray full of said food, slowly stepping to the bed.
He places it between you and his previous spot, right in front of Lote, who quite literally begins to devour the meal, forgoing a plate. Dwagu puts a few of pancakes on a plate and hands it to you, then second one to Dwalin.
You beam with happiness as you watch the scene in front of you, your heart swelling with joy.
“Dwalin,” you mutter between one bite and another and your husband shifts his gaze at you. Meanwhile, Lote steals one of his pancakes.
“Aye, Y/N?”
“Any chance you remember when you put that old cradle?”
“It should be somewhere-“ he gasps, his eyes growing wide as his falls agape. He slides his gaze at your stomach, a question is his eyes and you only nod, chewing last slice of your meal.
A fork clatters onto the plate as it falls from Dwalin’s hand and in next moment you are squished to his chest, Lote, luckily, having escaped the possible squeezing to death.
“What’s happening?! What Ma did?!” she questions as she stares at Dwalin peppering your face with hundreds of kisses. You can hear Dwagu’s chuckle and an amusement in his voice when he answers.
“I think Ma’s pregnant.”
“What does that mean?”
“It means we’ll have a sister or brother.”
“Ma, really?!”
“Yes, honey,” you say and burst into laughter when Lote cheers loudly. Soon, both of your children sneak between you and Dwalin, Lote still asking question after a question, her brother replying patiently.
Dwalin cradles your face in his hands, his forehead rested against yours, his eyes full of love and adoration.
You drifted awake slowly, feeling surprisingly warm and comfortable in the chilly spring morning. Along your back lay a nice warm cushion, and even your nose felt warm, resting on the lovely pillow beneath your head. It was firm but soft and it smelled…woodsy. Why did your pillow smell? You wondered, but your brain drowsily informed you that you were camped in the woods, what else would your pillow smell like besides woods and a hint of smoke? Thus, satisfied that you had made sense of your surroundings you kept drifting.
“I’ve never seen anything like it,” someone exclaimed, the words drifting vaguely through your haze. Your pillow rose slightly, in time with the wind that ruffled your hair.
“Should we try to wake him?” someone else asked, beginning to break through your fog. You frowned. Couldn’t these dwarrow see that you were busy sleeping?!
“I don’t see how we can save her,” the first voice whispered. “What if he comes out of it badly?”
“Ssshhh,” you hissed and the voices shut up, letting you fall back into the nice sleepy fog of lying on Dwalin’s chest.
Wait.
Your mind quickly rewound that, growing more alert by the second. Woodsy smell, moving pillow, Dwalin’s chest… oh, Mahal, Sulladad, and Kementari help you.
You blinked slowly. Green met your eyes, your face pressed too closely against Dwalin’s chest to see anything but the colour of his tunic. The warm cushion along your back was obviously his arm, and you blushed fiercely – glad your face was hidden against his chest – when you realised how intimately your legs were tangled with his.
Twisting your neck to peer sideways, you caught sight of Balin’s worried face.
“I’m sorry lass, he was too quick for us,” he admitted sheepishly. You glared. “It’s when the battle-dreams take him, you see, normally he curls up with one of his axes or I have to wake him by tossing my boot at him… but when he started to move that way, one of his arms flopped out and found your hair… and well,” he paused, embarrassed, “I’m not sure it’d be safe for you if we wake him,” Balin whispered, “He tends to wake up… violently.” You shuddered at those words, while Balin grimaced. The only other dwarf awake was Thorin, and you really wished it had been anyone else on watch, feeling more than a little humiliated for the both of you to be caught like this… cuddling… by your King. Your face once more flaming with embarrassment, you returned to your previous position, wondering if it was possible to die of mortification.
“Don’t worry,” Thorin Oakenshield said, his voice a quiet rumble by the fire as he lay down, letting Balin take the last watch. “Dwalin would never hurt you.”
“I know…” but that’s when Dwalin is awake, you didn’t add. Thorin probably knew it anyway, having spent more time in Dwalin’s company than anyone else.
At least I’m not cold, you thought, listing the good sides to your predicament in an effort to stave off panic. Dwalin might never wish to hurt you, you were absolutely sure of that, but his arms would be capable of doing a lot of damage even to a frame as sturdy as yours. He does smell quite nice, you thought, feeling the fog of sleep sneaking up on you once more. Burrowing deeper into Dwalin’s hold without even realising it, you sighed softly.
Dwalin felt comfortable. His arms were wrapped around the most beautiful dam he’d ever had the pleasure of meeting, her little mewl-like snores as adorable as she was. He could feel every curve of her, wedged tightly along the length of him, as though she had been cold and sought his heat for comfort. The thought elicited a smug male pride. She picked me, his heart crowed. Dwalin smiled, sleepily nuzzling against the top of her head as he wondered what it would feel like to braid her hair. A vision came to him then, all her hair unbound, the only covering for her nakedness as she walked to him, letting him touch everything. Dwalin groaned, waking himself up from his lovely dream with the sound.
It was not a dream.
Looking down the length of his body, she was definitely tangled up with him, his personal goddess was in his arms. Dwalin froze, panicked. What in the name of Mahal’s beard had happened last night?
Summary/Imagine: Imagine Dwalin carrying you on his back, a human, and saying that you are lighter than his axes + Imagine refusing to hit Dwalin while sparring.
Gender: neutral
Sweat dripped down your back, soaking your tunic as you maneuvered around Dwalin. His shoulders were tense, muscled arms rippling in the morning light as his fists tightened around his axes. Though you were looking to improve on sword fighting, he insisted that he fought with his axes. You had rolled your eyes when he said that your enemy wouldn’t put down his weapon to pick up a sword when fighting you, so you needed to get ready to face anything. He was right, of course, but those axes were far too intimidating…
You realized that your sword was angled, your thoughts distracting you from holding your weapon properly.
“Fix your stance, Y/N!” advised Dwalin, stopping his circling of you momentarily and waiting for you to ready yourself.
You nodded, and he continued. You jumped back as he lunged at you, axes swinging in a blur. He wouldn’t hit you too hard- after all, there were protective wood covering on the blades- but boy, did he scare the hell out of you in that moment. Your sword thumped against his axes before shooting off, almost falling from your hands.
“Keep a tighter grip!” he barked and lunged once more.
You whirled out of the way, kicking the back of his knee with your boot. He stumbled before righting himself. You could faintly hear the dwarves yelling on the sidelines for you to tap his chest with your sword, signaling the end of the match and your victory. You went to do just that, but hesitated. You were both in thin layers. Wouldn’t the wood hurt his chest?
You felt his axe swinging right by you, close to your ribcage. You stumbled backwards, falling flat on your behind with your ankle flaring in pain as it twisted, and rolled out of the way until you were back on your feet. Breathing heavily and pain blurring your vision, you tried to ignore the dwarves and focus on learning-
Thunk!
You looked down, feeling a slight ache in your chest as you saw Dwalin’s axe resting against your sternum. You sighed in disappointment as the dwarves booed and cheered.
“How come you didn’t hit me?” he asked, taking the coverings off of his axes and sheathing them on his back. You looked at your scuffed shoes, pulling off the wood from your sword.
“Didn’t get the chance,” you lied.
He snorted humorlessly. “Nah, you had several chances. Next time don’t be so afraid to tap me out. It doesn’t hurt unless you slam it against me.”
You nodded, glad to see the fierce glint was gone from his eyes to be replaced by the unreadable look he gazed at you with. You slapped your hand against his calloused one and a grin flashed across his bearded face briefly. He left to join Thorin and Balin, hardly knowing that your chest was fluttering and your ankle was stinging.
***
“Just a moment,” you breathed, your breath coming out in wheezes you tried to calm. The pain in your ankle had intensified, though Oin had pulled you aside shortly and told you it was nothing major. Yet it hurt to walk on, and with each step the pain seemed to grow stronger and stronger.
Kili looked at you worriedly, calling for Thorin. “We need to stop for a few minutes. Y/N is running out of breath-”
“I’m fine!” you said quickly, sending a glare at Kili. After you teaching him and Fili ever since they were young about the ways of Men, they seemed to know your every move. “I’ll be up and about in no time at all, Thorin.”
“How are you out of breath? We haven’t been walking for long,” said Thorin, moving closer and looking at you with concern. Dwalin hovered nearby, as did Balin who you had become close friends with over the years.
“Ah,” you hesitated and shrugged. You made to stand up and stumbled, quickly being caught around your bicep by Balin. “Ouch.”
Thorin sighed. “Do you need one of us to carry you?”
“What? No!” You blushed at the thought. “No, I can walk. Besides, you’re all too short to carry me.”
“Then Dwalin can carry you,” said Kili and you resisted the strong urge to smack him. “He is the tallest out of us all.” You looked at the warrior dwarf to see him give a short nod. Thorin clapped his hands together, instantly going on about resuming the journey without any more delays.
The Company began moving once more as you were in Dwalin’s arms, bridal style since it was easiest. You could hear snickering behind you and turned your head to glare mercilessly at Fili and Kili until they looked down at the ground in shame. You adjusted your hands around Dwalin’s neck, fists knotting in his chocolate brown hair, and felt his arms tighten around your back and legs.
“A- are you sure this isn’t any trouble?” you asked hesitantly, hoping he couldn’t see the deep blush on your cheeks.
“Positive! You’re lighter than my axes,” he laughed.
Words: 3,563
Pairing: Dwalin/Hobbit!Reader
Based on this imagine by imaginexhobbit
Why had you agreed to go on this stupid, ridiculous journey in stead of your stubborn brother? You grumbled as yet again you scratched at the bug bite that threatened to swell up your arm. Since the rain had begun, any encampment that was relatively dry and been swarming with insects.
And that meant that you were subjected to all of the bites that didn't go through the dwarves' thick coats. At least you weren't wearing the skirts you had run out of the Shire with. That was a change to your lifestyle that you now were extremely welcoming to. You did not want to be scratching your ankles from atop a pony.
The insist for the exchange of clothes had come from Dwalin during a brief stop in Bree. He insisted that skirts were impractical on the road if you were to outrun any Orc alive. You had not hesitated once you heard that living or dying was the result of your answer.
You groaned in frustration as you scratched at the thin tunic you had bargained for, and did little to relieve the itch that rested underneath.
“Scratching it makes it worse,” a gruff voice spoke up behind you. You turned sharply, startled, but when you saw it was just the grumpy, severe dwarf, you gave him a small smile and settled back down.
“There's absolutely nothing else to occupy my time, so since I cannot fall asleep, I will scratch until I no longer feel the need to.” You punctuated your sentence by spitting as you felt like a bug had flown into your mouth. It was the least attractive way to end your stubborn sentence. But one that had the severe dwarf chuckling all the same.
You flushed, and crossed your arms while you waited for him to stop, discreetly knocking away a few more that threatened to be swallowed as well. “Well, lass, I don't know about how much that bugs ye, but I know a thing or two about boredom. Have to when your brother recites the history of the Iron Hills like a bedtime story.” You giggled, and glanced to him as he settled down beside you. “So, what can I do fer ye?”
You held his gaze for a second before looking under the overhead shelter, seeing the heavy rainfall soak the ponies and the already wet blankets for the night. “Oh, I don't think anything, really. It's just when it gets dark and the day's over, I realize that I'm another day away from home.” Dwalin nodded as if he understood. “I miss the flowers, I think. Us hobbit rather like flowers and food, you know. Comforts.” You gave a soft smile. “But there aren't any flowers I this weather. And my hair hangs in my face for every meal because of this downpour. You'd think Gandalf would have enough magic to keep us dry, truly-”
“I could take care of your hair for you. Got a few extra hair beads… I won't be needing them, but the others … well, with Fili and Kili murking around, can't be too prepared,” Dwalin explained. You glanced to him in surprise, before giving him a grateful smile.
“Would you? Oh, you're the greatest, Dwalin, truly.”
His cheeks flushed, but you took it for the humid heat under the trees. It was making you feel rather warm, as well. You could imagine what a sight you looked. Hair unbrushed because of the inability to do so, wearing men's clothing, and drenched to the bone.
“Aye, I'll be right back, lass.” You heard him lumber off, and a few hushed voices, before Dwalin was back at your side, holding out three beads in his hand. They were silver, with the same markings etched into them as the tattoos atop his head and stretched across his knuckles. “Oh, they're lovely, thank you for letting me borrow them.” His answer smile was small, but one that insisted it was nothing. His beefy fingers closed around them and he gave you an expectant look. One you gave him a confused one in return for.
“You'll need to turn if I'm to pull your hair back.”
“Oh! Silly me, forgive me.” You adjusted in the only patch of dry grass you had found, until your back was to him. And the hand of the metal beads was held out in front of you, bringing Dwalin close to you.
“You'll need to hold them so that I can use my hands.”
“Right, of course.” You took them quickly, and held your breath for a second to calm down the jittery-ness you felt. Honestly, there was no reason to feel such. His fingers were gentle as they lifted your wet hair and began to untangle it with his fingers. And as he finished a section, you could feel him slowly wrapping it together until it was a braid.
“A bead, please.”
At least he had manners. Some of the dwarves were hardly someone a conversation could be held with without a stiff smile as you struggled to find a way to exit. They were just so loud and obnoxious… well, not all of them. Dwalin, and his elder brother Balin, were sociable. Balin was certainly warmer than Dwalin, but Dwalin was one you felt you were closer to. He rode his pony beside yours, seemed to keep an eye out on the horizons for any danger. He was a protector. A warrior.
You passed him a bead and felt a gentle tug as he secured it into place.
“What do the markings on them mean?” you asked as your thumb ran over one of them.
He was silent a moment as he began to work on another section of hair, this time underneath, and you waited patiently. When he answers, his tone was quiet, soft, and almost as if he was lost in his head. “Protection. Stealth. Strength. Sign of a warrior.”
“Oh… I hope that I'm not dishonoring any dwarf traditions by wearing them, then. I'm not really a warrior. Two left feet, really. And I can barely life my bag without tripping in the mud because of its weight.” He chuckled. “I don't know why you insisted on so many provisions.”
“Yer a lass. Lasses carry an abundance of things. They also get quite irritable when hungry.” You felt yourself flush. You weren't really that irritable, were you? You had tried to keep your complaining to a minimum, as it was obvious by the way Thorin spoke of you, that he did not care for you to accompany them. Nor did he seem to care if you suddenly left. You were to far from home to know your way back now. The mountains were only a few days away, and then it would be the point of no return.
“I do hope I haven't been complaining too much.”
“We all miss home. No one minds it when ye get home sick.” You chewed on your lip, and when he requested another bead, passed it to him silently. “But to answer yer question, or what ye intended to be a question, ye've complained less than the King's nephews, and that's a great compliment.”
You giggled and felt him begin to twist your hair once more, before the last bead was requested and placed in your hair. “Thank you,” you said quietly when he declared it done. You reached up to touch it gently finding that he had not only gotten it out of your eyes, but braided it up so that it wouldn't drip down your back either. It was exactly what you had needed. “Oh, I'm sure it's absolutely stunning,” you said softly, as you glanced to Dwalin. “I never learned how to braid. My mother died when I was very young, and … well, my father and Bilbo were useless when it came to that.” You gave him a bright smile. “Thank you.”
He cleared his throat, as if something was stuck in it. “Anytime.” And you smiled more before glancing to the ponies once more. “Get some rest, you'll be needing it.”
“I will,” you sighed. “Just a moment longer.”
He merely nodded and returned to camp. You sat still and once his footsteps faded, your hand reached up and gently touched the hair neatly clipped together. He always seemed to know what was more practical. You heard the sounds of hoots of cries and surged to your feet, following Dwalin's path back to the company.
Panting, you asked, in concern. “What's happened?”
“Nothing short of wonderful, lass,” Balin said warmly.
You frowned in confusion. “Has something important happened? Have Fili and Kili finally grown out of their pranks?”
Balin chuckled, and stepped towards you, making you even more aware that the Company was staring at you. “Oh, lass, you know. Wonderful things-” You blinked as he stopped himself and stared at you. And then he seemed to catch himself on something, giving you an almost sad smile. “Aye, lass, Fili and Kili have vowed to stop their pranks. How long that lasts, however, we've yet to see.” Perhaps he had thought of something he had seen years ago. But either way, you let the subject drop as you glanced back towards the Company, who were all busying themselves with something. And you simply shrugged.
“I give them a week.”
It wasn't until the freezing mountains that he offered you his coat and a warm seat by the fire, as any gentledwarf would do when a hobbit was sitting there with blue lips and numb fingers. And though you had insisted that he keep his coat, lest he get cold himself, he merely chuckled and promised you that dwarves didn't get cold like the fair hobbits seemed to. None the less, he sat beside you as you curled up in the massive fur-lined coat, smelling of tobacco and the road, and proved to be a wonderful pillow when you eventually fell asleep.
Reaching the other side of the mountain after the run in with the goblins, Dwalin stuck close. “Can't have ye disappearing again, lass.”
You had not spoken of the creature in the deep of the mountain that had lost its treasure – a treasure which had found its way in your pocket. And you did not speak of the riddles that you had been forced to answer to save your own life. The Orcs were testament enough to how wary it was necessary to be.
But you appreciated Dwalin's company because he always seemed ready with a conversation should you need one. If the road wasn't full of obnoxious dwarves, then it was full of sullen ones. You had walked off to bathe one morning in the wooden land that surrounded you for days now, and when you returned to the Company, Dwalin saddled over to you with a grin.
“What happened?” you asked, carefully touching your hair in worry. Had you done something to your hair? It was still in braids – braids that Dwalin happily re-did every time they came loose, but he merely bowed when he was a few steps away, and pulled a flower from behind his back.
You stared at him in surprise, before you took the flower. “Oh, Dwalin, it's beautiful!”
“Comforts of home,” he stated.
You had not thought he would remember that conversation, but you were pleasantly surprised. You sniffed the flower and sighed quietly as it reminded you of the days you would spend in the garden under the hill, growing your mother's perennials as the season bloomed. “Oh, these are some of my favorites. Wherever did you find this?” He made a gesture to the left and you followed the direction until you spotted dense trees and a rare flower or two poking out of the brush.
“First life we've run into on this journey that hasn't looked like it was either Elven or Godforsaken.”
“Thank you,” you insisted. “Really, you are a dear friend. And this is wonderful. It means so much.”
His grin faltered slightly, and you, for the life of you, couldn't figure out why it would be. “Right, then, I had best be washin' up or the orcs will sure find us.” You laughed quietly, watching him walk off, before you twirled the flower in your hands and moved towards the campfire. Gandalf was sitting beside the only available one, and so you sat beside the wizard, staring at the golden flower.
“Ah, and who has given you such a gift?”
“Dwalin found a few flowers, and remembered a conversation I had with him months ago,” you responded to the wizard almost immediately. “Flowers remind me of home.”
“Well, it is about time you've accepted a gift from him while seeing the intentions.” You blinked in confusion and glanced up at the tall wizard.
“I'm sorry, what was that?” Surely he didn't mean… Dwalin was your best friend on this voyage. There was no more intentions than friendship. You were certain.
“Well, he's been trying for months now. First with Bree, then with the braids – courting tradition for dwarves you know. I've, quite honestly, never seen a dwarf try so hard to win a female's affection.” Gandalf must have seen your alarmed expression because he huffed. “Well, don't tell me that you've only spurned the dwarf again? If you do not care for his affections, then you must tell him so. But it is very rude to string someone along-”
“I didn't know this was all…” You touched your hair in alarm. “He's been trying to court me this entire time? I thought he was just being friendly!”
Gandalf sighed. “Dwarvish courting customs are to impress the woman, while also make them happy. He foresaw that you’d be uncomfortable in a dress, and made an effort to keep you happy in the long run. And the flowers, well, you told him they made you happy, did you not?” You nodded slowly. “And braids, well, those are dwarf tradition, to be worn by someone they fancy.” You blinked and touched your hair again, worriedly. “Added to the fact that he gave you his father’s own beads that his mother gave him for safe keeping, it wasn’t just getting hair out of your eyes.” You had no idea they had meant that much to him. “He asked me about hobbit courting habits, to perhaps appeal to your side, and when I told him that hobbits often gave one another flowers, it was, apparently, the first thing he did here.”
“But... I had no idea-”
“Well, if you return the feelings, I’d hurry along and catch him.”
“What? Now?” you gasped.
“No time like the present,” Gandalf insisted. “Go on.”
Right. Now. Go. You hopped to your feet, the grip on the flower incredibly tight, and rushed off towards where Dwalin had disappeared. Thankfully, he had not begun washing, but was only hanging his heavy coat on a tree. “Dwalin!” you called. He spun in surprise, and looked upon you with confusion as you emerged from the brush.
“Y/N? What on earth are you doing-?”
“Is what Gandalf says true?” you rushed out. You gestured to the flower in your hands, the stem already wilting, but you had a feeling that had to do with the fact that you couldn't grip it any tighter. Your brain wasn't listening to you. “All this time – the braids, the flower – you've been trying to court me?”
Dwalin glanced off to the trees where you had come from, as if cursing everyone back there, before he heaved a heavy sigh. “Aye.”
“Why didn't you tell me?” you asked quietly, stepping closer. Somehow, knowing that it was true, took away all of your nerves. “I had no idea.”
“I… was a coward.”
“A coward?” you repeated skeptically. You rolled your eyes, giving a laugh. “You are the least cowardly of all of the dwarves, Dwalin. I've heard stories of you in battle from the others, and from yourself.”
“Aye, a coward. A coward for ye.” Oh, you melted. You were quite sure of it, because your shoulders dropped and your smile was effortless as you gave a soft sigh. “Do anything for ye, but the moment it came to speaking to ye, I didn't know a tree from a stone. And once I knew ye didn't know anythin' of dwarf culture, though I don't know why I thought ye might in the first place, I couldn't muster up the courage to explain what it all was about.”
You sighed, shaking your head as you stepped closer. You were only feet from each other now, and you could see the thick hair on his chest peeking out from the top of his untied tunic. Your gaze, perhaps, lingered a little longer than was proper, so you glanced away with red cheeks and cleared your throat. “I had an interest in you from the moment you showed up at my home. Hobbits value punctuality, you know, and you were the first to arrive to a time I knew not of, but that was punctuality, at least. We also value politeness, which you are rather good at. I can't say the same for a few others in this Company. And kindness. I did not think dwarves were attracted to women that weren't… well, dwarves themselves.” You glanced back to him, and he was frowning now. “I think it's the hair. I've no beard, in case you've failed to notice.”
He chuckled, his features relaxing. “Well, I've hardly any hair myself.”
Oh, he had plenty. But you laughed quietly as his effort at a joke, and touched the petals of the flower in your hand gently. “I'm sorry I hadn't opened my eyes and noticed that you were attempting to court me.”
He shrugged. “It's alright, lass.”
“Y/N. It's my name, and you're more than welcome to use it.”
“Y/N.” You felt your cheeks flush slightly at the warm caress in which he spoke it, his thick accent making it sound like a poem.
“If you still wish to court… I… I would accept it.”
When you glanced back up, he was grinning now, positively delighted. “Aye?”
“Yes,” you answered warmly.
“Oh, I'm quite honored, lass.” He winced slightly. “Y/N.” You laughed and when he bowed, he took your free hand, giving it a gentle kiss across your knuckles.
“Now, I don't know anything about dwarf courting, so you'll have to enlighten me.”
Dwalin gave a nod. “Gladly.”
He didn't release your hand from his grip and you bit your lip as you coyly asked, “And what is the courting rules for kissing?”
Dwalin's eyebrows skyrocketed up his forehead. “Well, that's up for the lass to decide, you see. Dwarrowdams are rare, and no dwarf in their right mind would do anything to scare them off.” You raised an eyebrow. “And though yer not a dwarrowdam, I spend every minute prayin' I'm in my right mind.”
You hummed, and he quickly continued, as if he had offended you. “But I still find you acceptable – even more acceptable than a dwarrowdam, to spend the rest of my life with.”
That alone made you pause. You glanced down and he released your hand, only for it to gently touch your chin, lifting up your gaze. “What's the matter? Second thoughts already?”
“I… I'm not a dwarf, and while you say it doesn't matter… I will die within the next seventy years, and Thorin's already in his two hundreds… and I know you're quite far behind him…” He frowned slightly. “Not to mention, we belong on opposite sides of Middle Earth. The Shire's my home.”
“As Ered Luin's mine. Tis not too far from the Shire. I dare say, the Shire could be a nice change of pace.”
You blinked rapidly. “You would… you would live in the Shire?”
“Oh, aye. I'd do anythin'.” You didn't have words. “I'd live wherever ye wanted to. The Misty Mountains, Mordor, go so far as to say Rivendell, as long as I get some meat.” You laughed quietly, amused. “I've spent a lot of these last few months thinkin' about it. I'd live there, with your brother if you'd want, or in our own little place. I'd work in a smithy, do odd jobs here or there to keep food on our table… Whatever you'd like.”
“But.. your brother. Your friends and family. Don't you want to stay near them?”
“There's nothing against visiting every few years, I'd reckon. Either they to us, or us to them. A little adventure.” You smiled as your gaze dropped to the hand on your chin, and it moved so that it cupped your cheek. The rough callouses from years of hard work and swordplay and battle were comforting, despite being so foreign to you. “If we can manage it. But otherwise, there's nothing a few letters can't gap. I went on this quest knowing what I could lose, but I'll be damned if I lose ye most of all.”
You had never heard such sweeter words in your life. You bit your lip again, meeting his eyes. “I'll definitely be taking that kiss now.”
He gave a gruff laugh, before his hand lifted your chin. And then you were suddenly encased in your dwarf, and you did not open your eyes until your lungs screamed for air.
