Knights of Erebor: Blade of Durin

Past Times Pt. 1

Therina and the band of derfruli'va'ari walked down the dirt road toward Thorin's Hall. They had sparred for two hours but still managed to rinse the sweat off in the waterfall that resided behind the main village of Ered Luin. Sashe was telling jokes and all of them were giggling; even Therina cracked a small smile at the last one.

"Ok, what did one tooth say to the other?" Sashe asked cryptically. The others shook their heads and shrugged.

"You look sharp..."

Kit giggled as the rest burst into laughter. Therina glanced back at the smiling women and grinned.

"Nice one, merar."

The entrance gate to Thorin's Hall was surrounded by guards and archers atop a wall. The dwarf sentinels eyed the women cautiously as they stepped through the doors. Therina slowed down slightly and alertly looked around. A white-haired dwarf with a long white beard that curled on the ends, noticed them and strode towards them.

"Can I help you, my ladies?" He asked kindly.

"Yes, perhaps you could tell us where a dwarf named Bofur is? We were supposed to meet him, here at noon." Therina asked politely, despite her unease. Though before the old dwarf could answer, a loud cheerful voice called out;

"Ah! There yea lassies are! I'twas wonder'in if ye were gonna show up!"

The entire group looked down a large open corridor to see a company of dwarves strolling towards them. Therina immediately recognized Bofur, Ori, and Dwalin, who was walking slightly behind them with four others. Some seemed more familiar but the lot of them were new to her. The white-haired dwarf gestured for the young women to follow him into what looked like a dining room...a huge dining room. The elderly dwarrow then glanced at Therina;

"Pardon me lass, I didn't introduce myself. Balin, at your service." He apologized, briefly bowing. Therina gave a small smile.

"You're pardoned, Mr. Balin. Therina at your service, and these are my friends; Kit, Darcy, Deanta, and Flaire. Darla, Vixen, Sashe, Freya, Gale, and Monika."

Each maiden tilted their head or bowed slightly as Therina introduced them.

"Pleasure to meet you all. And it's just Balin, lass. No mister needed. " Balin said, smiling kindly.

Therina was taken aback by the kindness of these dwarves. The way Balin smiled at her was as if he had known her all his life. Like she wasn't a complete stranger or even a distant friend; it was the smile one gave their family. 'Maybe there is hope for our people.' Therina scurried out of her thoughts and beamed back a genuine smile; one of very few.

No m'ladies or misses, Balin." Darcy chuckled.

"Very well then, please take a seat lassies!" Balin replied. As soon as they were all seated; the tall dark haired dwarf, at the head of the table, stood and addressed them all.

"Afternoon everyone!" He gestured around the wooden table as he spoke. It was only as he introduced his companions and himself that Therina recognized him. He was the same dwarf from the tavern last night! She glanced at Kit who was also staring but, with a pained expression. Therina was confused but turned her attention back to the dwarrow.

"This is my company; Balin, Dwalin, Nori, Dori, Ori, Oin, Gloin, Bifur, Bofur, and Bombur. My nephews; Fili, Kili, and this is my adopted niece, Cinnamon." He introduced. Therina's eyes grew wide and her gaze shot Kit who was close to tears! Balin was the first to notice the azbád's reaction.

"Lassie? Are you alright?" He exclaimed with concern. Kit didn't answer nor did she look at him, for her eyes were glued to the girl, Cinnamon...her little baby sister! All went quiet and Cinnamon glanced at the golden haired girl and lightly gasped! Memories flooded and swamped her brain as her eyes began to water.

FLASHBACK*************

I followed the flowing dress of my big sister as we ran up and down the river bank. My hair waving behind me in auburn strings. I giggled as she splashed and chased me through the cool water. Suddenly, a loud screech rang close by and I turned just in time to see a buckskin stallion; galloping down the grassy hill toward us. 'My father' I thought as my gaze shifted to the gray-palomino mare behind Athair. 'That must be my mother...' I was thrown out of my thoughts, literally, by my sister hoisting me upon my father's back before her body shifted into a golden coated yearling mare.

"Kit!" I screamed.

"Cindy!" She shouted back. Hanging onto my father's mane as he sprinted through the trees. Then...'whack' I was knocked to the ground and everything went black.

FLASHBACK ENDED*********

"C-Cinna-mon..." Kit managed to breathe out. She stood, up stumbling slightly.

"You know, Cindy?" Kili asked gently. All the dwarves looked at Kit, curious as to the answer. She nodded and a single tear finally made its way down her cheek.

"Do you remember me Cinnamon?" Kit asked earnestly. Everyone's gaze turned over onto Cinnamon who beamed, though tears were streaming down her cheeks.

"Yes! Yes, I remember you, sister!" She cried and jumped up from the chair, ran around the table and into Kit's arms.

Translations:

Derfruli'va'ari: horse shifters; dwarvish

Merar: friend; dwarvish

Azbád: lady; dwarvish

Athair: father; Irish

Thank you loyal readers for your patience! So the company has been introduced and the two sisters are reunited! Whoop! 😎 But...this is only the beginning so keep your hats on.😈 Also thought I'd mention that the joke credit goes to my brother. Any way this is dedicated to....ValinorsTwilight who by the way has a pretty sweet Loki fanfic- The Sweetest Rose.🌹 Be sure to check it out and stay tuned for more updates. Bye for now!👋👍