Ch. 8 Start of Something
Now for the eighth chapter of this tale. I know its been a while but college has been me busy nonstop. I’m behind on reading that isn’t due for another two weeks lol. So here is a rather long update. @silverscreenwriter @mikariell95
Song Inspo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fngvQS_PmQ
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The following morning, Eira awoke early and had her travel bag packed. She wore black riding pants, her dirty, mud stained black boots, a black long sleeved traveling tunic, her dark brown leather jacket, and a dark forest green cloak that the elves had gifted her years before. Her back was to the door as she did a mental check of what she had. Some of her things were still there for when she returned. Legolas was going to Mirkwood to see if any developments had been made with the spiders and Gollum while Gloin and Gimli went to the Blue Mountains to speak with their kin. Boromir and his men were going south to Gondor. Each had the main purpose to learn of orc sightings and darkness that was spreading. They would reconvene in two months. Eira was to go north to Dale and Erebor to speak with King Brand and Thorin.
Aragorn knocked on the doorframe of her room, watching the woman. She turned around to face him with a hand on the pummel of the sword at her hip. “I’m sorry Aragorn.” She chuckled moving her hand away, “You caught me off guard.”
He smiled stepping into the room clad in his ranger uniform of travelers clothes. “I assumed you would stay here with the hobbits.” He commented, misty blue eyes roaming over her room and finally stopping on her, taking in her outfit and the Rohirrim sword at her hip.
“Lord Elrond and Gandalf thought it best if I get in touch with my kin to see what news they have.” Eira replied fiddling with something at her neck but tucked it underneath her collar, to quick for the man to see.
“I’ve sent word to the rangers that were in my command. Some of them have returned to the old posts near Lake Town. Would you mind if I accompanied you?” Aragorn asked. The woman looked at him as she thought it over for a moment and nodded.
She replied with a smile. “I would be honored Aragorn, though I hope you are ready. I was just about to head out.”
Aragorn nodded chuckling. “My horse is ready.”
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The two traveled for two weeks with Legolas and the Mirkwood elves through the mountain pass and through the enchanted forests before reaching the river. They parted with Legolas and his kin and made their way towards the rivers end. There they set up camp in the same spot that her and Gandalf met the dwarves on her 20th birthday.
“We can meet in Dale in two weeks then return to Rivendell together.” Aragorn suggested that evening as he sat taking a drag from his pipe. The smoke framing his face before drifting up into the night sky.
“That would work, however, I am to only spend a week in Dale.” Eira informed the relaxed ranger. She took her hair out of its long braid and leaned back against Eske, who was laying behind her, and continued. ”I shall be in Erebor for two weeks to get information from King Thorin and his council as well.”
“Erebor?” He asked curiously, more to himself then aloud. ”I thought the dwarves from the council were going to speak with him.”
Eira shook her head. “No they are going to the Blue Mountains and the Iron Hills.” She explained and added with a hidden smile. “They thought it best that I bring word of the council to the King.”
“I will meet you in a week then. After the rumors I have heard of the King I would much like to accompany you in case things go awry.”
“I would appreciate that Aragorn.” She replied ignoring a snort from Eske. “There are rumors for a reason.”
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Eira parted ways with Aragorn early the next morning and rode to Dale to speak with King Brand, her nephew of sorts, and his court. Aragorn went to the outskirts of Lake Town and met with one of his captains. The week went by filled with news from all around and catching up with their kin. At least that is how Aragorn’s week played out. Eira had somewhat of a family in Dale with Bard’s grandchildren but those she considered kin were in the mountain. On her last day she said goodbye to Brand and his elder aunt Tilda before leaving the city. She was to camp on the land between Dale and Erebor and wait for Aragorn.
Between Eske’s breathing and the crackling of the small fire, Eira couldn’t hear much that was in the distance. Her eyes looked out at the dark land around her and she was swept back to a memory of Bilbo and Gandalf leading her across the battlefield, littered with bodies of dwarves, men, elves, and orcs. Her father’s sword lay across her lap as she ran a whetstone over the blade, the one thing to keep her hands steady as her memories clouded her thoughts. Bilbo and Gandalf had tried their best to distract her from the blood and gore but she still witnessed the aftermath.
Eske whinnied hearing the sound of approaching hoof steps in the distance. Eira leapt to her feet with her sword at the ready. Ghosts of the past drifting through her peripheral vision. “Birâbkhun zefsu!” She demanded in khuzdul and repeated in common, “Who is there? Show yourself!”
“It is I. Aragorn,” The figure stated with a smile as he climbed down from his horse. “Son of Arathorn...and friend.” Finally, he was visible in the fire light, hands raised showing now threat. Eira’s body relaxed and she sheathed her sword.
“Once again you catch me with a weapon at the ready. One day you’ll really get hurt my friend.” She teased sitting on the ground. He unraveled his bedroll across the fire from her and sat on it. Their horses grazed nearby. The pair looked on past the horses and fire towards the entrance to the mountain. From where they camped they could make out the small fires of the night patrol on the gates.
“Are you ready for tomorrow?” Aragorn asked looking over at her, the excited smile throwing him off a little bit, but he did not show it.
“That could be one word to describe it. I’ll take watch.” She replied stretching her legs out in front of her. The dark haired ranger was ready to argue but she cut him off before he could speak. “My nerves won’t let me get any sleep even if I tried.”
- - - - - -
A soft humming woke Aragorn the following morning. The suns light slowly starting to rise above the Lonely Mountain. Eira was fixing her pack on the back of her horse. She had changed into a clean navy blue tunic with black trousers and her boots that seemed to be brighter than the night before. She must have cleaned them while he slept. Her hair was pulled back away from her face by two braids and she had smaller braids on both sides of her head that curved from her temple and went around her ears. There was a bead at the end of each braid with intricate details carved into them, but he could not tell what they stood for from the distance between them. The two braids that pulled parts of her hair back also had beads on them. Four in total.
“Good morning.” Eira greeted cheerily upon seeing him sit up.
Aragorn nodded smiling at her. “To you as well.” Curiosity overpowered his wakening mind as he took in her appearance and he asked. “What do your beads stand for? If you do not wish to answer I will not be hurt.”
The golden haired women took a seat on a rock looking at him. The ranger ran his fingers through his own messy hair, growing more awake with each passing second. “They were given to me by my family. My father and uncles engraved this one,” she commented touching the closest bead on the left side of her head. “This one stands for our family.” As she spoke of each bead she touched it. “This one is from my brothers, the rune is Shamrùnayusullu. It means protector of all. The darker bead is from my uncle and represents me as a warrior.” Her fingers held the fourth and final bead gently. “This one…well this one represents my status in Erebor.” She put it plainly and Aragorn did not push her any further.
“Thank you for sharing that with me.” He said softly smiling.
A faint blush rose on Eira’s cheeks and she stood on her feet. “Are you ready?” With a laugh he got to his feet and stretched his arms above his head before gathering his bedroll and putting his pack on the back of his saddle. Eira climbed up onto her saddle and scratched Eske behind the ears. The large black horse stood at attention like a war horse. His tack was all dwarven made and resembled the chain mail that dwarven mountain goats wore into battle. “We best hurry, the King does not like to wait.”
Aragorn could not help but laugh as she tapped her heels into her horses sides and they took off from their camp. The woman was a puzzle to him, one he was intrigued to learn more about. They made their way across the field at a fast pace, his horse always a couple of feet behind the large stead. Around noon they finally reached the great gates of Erebor. Without worry or fear, Eira and Eske moved closer as one unit. Aragorn stayed back, one hand resting on the hilt of his sword.
“E zarl asakhi id-uzbad!” She called out to the men guarding the gate. Aragorn was a little surprised to see that there was no questioning her request or who she was. The gate opened moments later and a dwarf came to them as they dismounted their horses. “Uzrak Hurim.” She greeted with a smile. “I am a few days early to meet with the King. Any way you can get a meeting with him and the company for me and my friend here?”
The graying dwarf smiled bowing his head to her respectfully, as well as keeping an eye on the strange man behind her. “Of course Lady Eira. I will go alert the king of his guests. You know your way, I assume?” Eira nodded with a bright grin. “Then I shall take my leave.” He bowed at them once more and hurried off into the kingdom after instructing a couple stable hands to gather their horses.
Eira led Aragorn down several corridors to a private room that looked more like an office then a meeting hall. He had questions on his tongue but couldn’t bring himself to ask them. He knew she was a courier to the King but the way she held herself and the respect the dwarves gave her showed that there was more then what met the eye. His eyes landed on her and the look upon her face left him speechless. For the short time he had known Eira, he had never seen her so at peace except for sitting beside Bilbo and reminiscing about their adventures. The golden haired woman truly looked at home here. Outside in the hall, a loud sound of approaching footfalls shook through the door.
“Let me do the talking.” She told Aragorn, smoothing out her tunic nervously.
The first to enter the room was a tall dwarf with a regal air about him. His long raven black hair was braided at his temples and wisps of silver ran through it resembling the silver cracks in the mines themselves. This was the great King Thorin of Erebor. Aragorn bowed to the king, glancing at Eira only to find her down on right knee, right arm crossed over her chest at an angle, and her head bowed.
The king looked upon his two guests clearly surprised and confused. Icy blue eyes moved from the bowed ranger to the kneeling figure before him. The silver beads that sparkled in the torch light of the room was one hint at the identity of the kneeling guest, but Thorin would know braids anywhere.
“You are early Eira.” He said sternly, like a scolding father, but he could not hide the growing grin. “Your family will not be happy. They’ve yet to clean their home. It’s a mess when you’re gone.” Aragorn observed in shock and awe as Thorin walked over to her. He placed two fingers beneath her chin and tilted up her head to look at him. Her kneeled form just barely reached his shoulders. He helped her to her feet, now a little under half a foot shorter than the women, and pulled her into a hug.
“I missed you Uncle Thorin.” She whispered kissing his cheek. This action proving to the ranger that she was no mere courier. Eira pulled away smiling. “My king, this is Aragorn, son of Arathorn. Aragorn, this is Thorin Oakenshield, son of Thráin, son of Thrór, King under the mountain.”
The king shook his head slightly at her extravagant use of his titles and addressed the man. “I have heard of you.” He said with small nod in meeting. “How did you come to accompany my niece?” He demanded, wanting to know why a stranger was with the woman he practically considered a daughter.
Aragorn opened his mouth to speak but Eira answered for him. “We are traveling together on errand for Gandalf.” She quickly explained. Thorin looked less than pleased with her explanation, turning to the woman beside him. “It is something we need to talk about, but it can wait until morning. I know the company is anxiously waiting outside to see why they were summoned.”
Thorin narrowed his eyes but let it slide for the moment. He turned to Aragorn and looked him over, studying him.“You are welcome to Erebor. I trust Eira to bring those that mean my kingdom no harm.” He turned and moved to the door. With his hand resting on the handle he looked back at Aragorn once more. “Compared to some members of my company, I am one of the nicer dwarves.” With that he ushered the company inside.
Aragorn stood back against the bookshelves lining the office and observed what happened next. His dark brown traveling clothes made him blend in with the books. The golden haired women continued to surprise him. He was still in awe after the interaction between Eira and the notorious king.
Thorin’s company, minus five dwarves, filed into the room with Dwalin at the lead followed closely by Nori, Bifur, Bofur, Bombur, Fili, and Kili. A whisper broke amongst them when their eyes landed on the women in the center of the room. One particular dwarf with a large hat on his head nearly tripped over himself as he pushed past everyone and the king to get to her.
“Nâthuê kurdu!” He cried. Eira took a few steps forward and held her arms open, meeting him as he pulled her in for a bear hug. Her body leaning down some to rest her forehead against his shoulder. She was just over half a foot taller then the dwarf. He placed a hand lightly on the back of her head and patted it lightly, an embrace only a parent and child would share. The group of dwarves moved closer, circling around them. Not a single dwarf could contain the surprised and excited looks that spread across their faces.
Bofur kissed her head, right where a faint scar was from the battle of five armies, and held her tight for another minute before letting go to look her over like a worried mother hen. “No scrapes or cuts?” He asked.
“I’m fine adad.” Eira chuckled smiling at the dwarf.
He gave her a stern fatherly look in return. “Then why did I not get word you would arrive earlier than expected?” This made everyone laugh, even Aragorn chuckled lightly to himslef.
While she opened her mouth to give an excuse, a wild looking dwarf with a huge crater of a scar on his forehead pushed the fatherly dwarf out of the way and hugged Eira who only laughed. Hushed words in the ancient dwarven language were spoken between the two causing Eira to laugh even harder. As the shock wore off the others moved closer to greet her.
Bombur stepped in and gave her a crushing hug, he was much larger then when she was a child. “Tomorrow we’ll make your favorite supper.” He promised.
Nori beamed when it was his turn, giving her a hug and patted her shoulder before commenting about her short stature even though she was still about a foot taller than the dwarf.
Eira scrunched her nose grumbling under her breath about unfair treatment and turned to the tallest and most intimidating dwarf, Dwalin. He looked her over as if she were a threat before a smirk broke onto his face. He held out his right arm to her and she clasped his forearm in her right hand and he did the same. “Uzrak Dwalin.” She greeted grinning.
“Little lass.” He replied, leaning forward and she leaned down a few inches and bumped her forehead against his lightly. She giggled throwing her arms around his neck and hugging him close.
The two princes pushed through the crowd to the hugging pair. “Dwalin let the younger and more attractive dwarves have a turn at hugging the lovely lady.” Fili, the bearded blonde dwarf grumbled.
Aragorn tilted his head watching them. Eira laughed looking over Dwalin’s shoulder to see the dwarves she claimed as brothers. “Kharâm? Fili! Kili!” She quickly moved the few steps over to them and wrapped an arm around each dwarves neck. “I didn’t know you were back.”
“Uncle told us you were to be here this month and I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to try courting you once more.” Kili teased kissing her cheek. They let go of each other and there was an obvious blush on Eira’s cheeks.
“I was a child Kee. You need to stop holding that over my head.” She muttered hitting his shoulder.
The dwarf laughed shaking his head. Fili chuckled bumping his shoulder against hers. “We could never do that namadith. The blush you get on your cheeks makes it funnier each time.” Bofur stood back smiling bright as he watched Eira interact with her family. He looked around at the dwarves in the room before catching sight of the stranger toward the back. His brown eyes narrowing at the tall man. Thorin had been keeping an eye on the protective father and moved over putting a hand on his shoulder and shook his head at Bofur.
“Eira!” Thorin said loudly gaining the attention of the room. “Please introduce your travel companion.” Eira moved over to Aragorn smiling at him assuringly.
“Baraf this is my friend Aragorn, son of Arathorn.” She introduced the man and gestured to each individual dwarf for him. “That there is the fierce warrior Dwalin, beside him is Nori an excellent thief. The handsome lads are Princes Fili and Kili. Then my uncles Bombur and Bifur. And lastly is Bofur, my father in all but blood.” Aragorn bowed to each dwarf as she listed them off. They did the same in return. “We are here on errand for Gandalf and Thorin has agreed to a meeting in the morning about this.”
“Tonight we feast.” Thorin told her and announced to his men. “Let talk of your travels wait for the morning. Let us celebrate your safe arrival home.” The company cheered at the prospect of food and booze and left the room for one of the dining halls. Aragorn and Eira were soon left with Thorin and Bofur.
“Thank you for your hospitality, my lord.” Aragorn said finally speaking.
“Any friend of Eira is a friend of the company.” Thorin told him gesturing for them to leave the office. Eira took the lead and led the small group through the maze of hallways to the dining hall. The three men were quiet as they followed. Bofur keeping a close eye on the stranger and his daughter and Thorin keeping an eye on Bofur.
Even before the dining hall came into view one could smell the intoxicating aroma of the dwarven meal that awaited them inside. They entered the room to find the company waiting to sit at the long table. Thorin took his place at the head of the table with Eira, Bofur, Kili, and Bifur on his left; Dwalin, Aragorn, Fili, and Nori on his right with Bombur across from him at the opposite end of the table. The meal conversation went by with tales of Fili and Kili’s latest journey to the Blue Mountains and slowly but surely some of Eira’s journey from the forest where Radagast lived to Bree emerged. The group finished their meals and moved toward the grand fireplace in the adjoining room. There a couple of the dwarves got out musical instruments and started playing, entertaining the others.
Eira sat near Aragorn with a large grin on her face, patting her hand on her thigh to the rhythm of a song Bofur sang. Every couple of minutes or so Aragorn would glance over at her with a soft smile. He and the king were discussing some of the events that had gone on over the past couple of years in the north, relaying some of what his rangers had told him.
“Kidhuzel why don’t you bless us with a song.” Bofur called over to his golden haired daughter. She shook her head immediately blushing and waved her hand dismissively.
“No adad. I think singing once every decade is good enough for me. How about the young princes?” She quickly said trying to get the attention off of her. Kili and Fili both piped in trying to convince her to give in.
Thorin stopped his conversation with Aragorn to watch his niece and nephews arguing with a fond smile. “If I do recall correctly, a decade has passed since the last birthday you celebrated in Erebor.” His smile turning into that mischievous Durin smirk. “Just one song iraknâtha.”
Eira slowly turned away from the grinning faces of Fili and Kili to their uncle. “Thorin…”
“Do as your king commands soldier.” Dwalin stated with a matching smirk, as if what his friend had said was an order.
Aragorn grinned at her now. “Don’t mind me. Please partake in your rituals.” He said trying to contain a snicker at the look on her face. She pursed her lips and took a deep breath but rose to her feet and walked over to the fire and talking quietly with her father. She turned back to the king and guest and bowed, her eyes on Aragorn and a faint blush on her cheeks. This went unnoticed by the others and the ranger but not by her brother Kili. Eira closed her eyes and started to sing.
“Oh, misty eye of the mountain below Keep careful watch of my brothers' souls And should the sky be filled with fire and smoke Keep watching over Durin's sons”
Her father and uncle accompanied her voice by playing their instruments softly.
“If this is to end in fire Then we should all burn together Watch the flames climb high into the night Calling out father oh Stand by and we will Watch the flames burn auburn on The mountain side"
Aragorn watched her sing, eyes either closed or looking down at the floor in front of her. His eyebrows scrunched together slightly, picking up the words in the song and wondering where she got the story that belonged with them.
“And if we should die tonight Then we should all die together Raise a glass of wine for the last time
Calling out father oh Prepare as we will Watch the flames burn auburn on The mountain side Desolation comes upon the sky
Now I see fire Inside the mountain I see fire Burning the trees And I see fire Hollowing souls I see fire Blood in the breeze And I hope that you remember me”
Eira’s eyes slowly opened looking to Nori, Kili, Fili, and Bombur. Her right foot tapped against the stone floor keeping her on rhythm.
“Oh, should my people fall Then surely I'll do the same Confined in mountain halls We got too close to the flame
Calling out father oh Hold fast and we will Watch the flames burn auburn on The mountain side Desolation comes upon the sky
Now I see fire Inside the mountain I see fire Burning the trees I see fire Hollowing souls I see fire Blood in the breeze And I hope that you remember me”
“You and your kin retell the story of reclaiming Erebor very clearly my lord.” Aragorn commented quietly as they listened to Eira. “She’s retold it beautifully.” Thorin turned his head away from his niece to his guest with a small, sad smile that you could barely see from beneath his beard. He stayed quiet and put his attention back on Eira. She looked up from the floor to a space above Thorin’s head, her eyes glazed over as her mind went off into the distance. She poured her heart into the next verse. In her mind the event that took place that fateful night over 70 years ago was replaying vividly. Fire flew from Smaug’s mouth and encased the buildings around their small boat as Kili, Oin, and Fili paddled the group out of the burning town, Bofur had her tight in his arms trying to shield her from the terrifying sight around them. A tear slipped down her cheek as she remembered seeing her mother for the last time. The fire beside her reflected in her jade green eyes.
‘Much like the fires did the night Smaug fell into the village.’ Bofur thought to himself as he played the guitar. Kili placed a hand on her shoulder and gave it a squeeze to let her know he was beside her and that what her minds eye saw had long passed. He, Fili, Bofur, and Thorin were the only ones in the company that truly knew of her darkest thoughts and memories of that night. The others only thought of it merely as a fear of dragons and nothing more. Eira raised her hand and placed it on Kili’s, continuing her song.
“And if the night is burning I will cover my eyes For if the dark returns Then my brothers will die And as the sky is falling down It crashed into this lonely town And with that shadow upon the ground I hear my people screaming out”
As she finished the verse, the dwarves around her chimed in singing with her as the song came to a close. Their voices adding an eerie echo throughout the hall.
“Now I see fire Inside the mountains I see fire Burning the trees I see fire Hollowing souls I see fire Blood in the breeze
I see fire; oh you know I saw a city burning out And I see fire; feel the heat upon my skin, yeah And I see fire; uh-uh-uh-uh And I see fire burn auburn on the mountain side”
Thorin beamed proudly at her and clapped with the dwarves when the song finished. Eira shook her head coming back to middle earth and blushed, wiping away the tear as she turned to Fili who came over and patted her back. The king rose to his feet and began to move over to the group but stopped for a moment.
“Eira’s parents perished in the fires caused by Smaug. That song, the story within, is her own tale.” He said simply to the ranger before joining his nephews in complimenting the woman. Aragorn watched the king hug Eira, a hand petting her hair comfortingly. Her hands visibly shaking as she held him tight.
Khuzdul to English Birâbkhun zefsu! - Show yourself! E zarl asakhi id-uzbad!— I wish to see the King! Uzrak - Master Kharâm - brothers / kinsmen (plural) Baraf - family Kidhuzel - gold of gold (the most golden) iraknâtha - niece, “side daughter”