Knights of Erebor: Blade of Durin

Thief Pt.1

"Kit..."

Therina slowly turned around and quietly sighed. There, standing tall and scuttling it feet nervously, was a beautiful golden palomino mare! Her coat shimmered in the dull torchlight. Her flaxen mane and tail, framed her sturdy build, while her steel blue eyes stared skittishly at Thorin then shifted between Balin and Dwalin. However, Kit refused to make eye contact with Therina who looked slightly angry but more suprised that Kit morphed in front of the dwarves. Dwalin then elbowed Thorin who looked to his right and once again, gaped. Therina didn't need to see to know what they were staring at; the other derfrauli had shifted as well. Therina sucked in a sharp breath and literally glared at her boots. She was determined not to morph but her resolve vanished when her gaze found the dwarf-king's. She suddenly felt her change, her bones crack and bend. She only opened her eyes when she could hear every sound in the mountain hall, and smell every aroma. She slowly looked up and narrowed her gaze on the four dwarrows.

Thorin almost thought he was hallucinating! He gazed over every single mare until he lingered on the small dark bay mare. Her mane and tail were a glistening black that complimented her reddish brown body. One of the other mares, with a snowwhite coat, nickered at them. To the dwarves, it sounded like she was laughing at their expressions, and before they could blink; the mares, one by one, shook their manes and with a rush of air, shifted back into maidens. Therina fiddled with her cloak edge and peeked up the dwarves, expecting a hard glare. But what she saw instead was expressions of respect and curiosity.

"We...I-" Kit stuttered, nervously, but was interrupted.

"I have only ever been told about the mysteries of your kind. It's a privilege and an honour to see for myself." Balin smiled with a low bow.

"Agreed, may I say, my ladies, that your coats are most beautiful! You have nothing to fear from me, Therina Atgeir. You have my word." Thorin assured, landing his cobalt eyes on Therina's hesitant gaze. Only then did she realize how genuine he was. The other derfruli'va'ari visibly relaxed as the tension in the air thinned ever so slightly. Suprisingly, Sashe was the first to speak, as she placed a fist over her heart.

"Thank you, my lords!" She beamed, her dark hazel eyes twinkling.
Kit also placed a her fist above her heart and offered a bright smile.

"And thank you, for taking in Cinnamon as if she were your own. I feared that she no longer lived!" She inclined her head toward Thorin, who returned both of the women's gesture with a smile of his own.

"I'm overjoyed that her kin still live. You and your friends are most welcome to stay here as long as you need." He softly replied.

Therina glanced at the other azbáds. She wanted to move on and keep searching for her sister. But, then she stopped that thought in it's tracks. Perhaps, a break would do them all some good and if anything, maybe they would hear something of Therisa's whereabouts. She was pulled from her thoughts as she noticed Thorin approahing her.

"My lady." He greeted, cautiously. Therina cleared her throat and straightened her back, before she finally locked her gaze with Thorin's. His dark blue eyes, were like a deep sea, and the few silver streaks he had, humored his raven black hair quite well. Therina also noted that his demeanor held a deep pride, respect and majestic dignity. She had only felt that, a long time ago, in the presence of Prince Thrain and Lord Fundin. Clasping her hands in front of her to hide their shaking, she offered him a somewhat small but bright smile.

"Good evening, your majesty." She returned quietly, not missing the way he barely stiffen and desperately tried not to smirk at his annoyance of being called by a title. Unfortunately for her, he noticed and smirked.

"There is a house not far from this hall that has been abandoned for some time. You and your companions are welcome to have it, for as long as you need." He stated, suddenly serious.

"You have my thanks, a place to stay would be most appreciated." Therina replied, feeling relieved. But that feeling was short lived; she was dreading, oh so dreading the next questions that could possibly come from his mouth. 'What happened? How did you survive Azanulbizar? Do the rest of the derfruli'va'ari live?' That was the question she most dreaded. She had enough trouble reliving those memories in her sleep, let alone being awake. While her mind raced, Thorin cleared his throat, and she restrained herself from leaping into the air. Although her exterior appeard calm, her interior was on alert and her mind raced.

"Lass, what happened during the battle of Moria? Do any other warriors live?" He asked more bluntly then he expected it to sound, but still albeit carefully. And there it was: that bloody question and Therina had no idea how to answer it! Her heart sunk down into her stomach. Clearing her throat nervously, and staring down at her booted toes, she avoided her gaze like the plague.

"All I can say, my lord, is that it did not go as we hoped it would've." She whispered ever so softly. Thorin quickly noticed her hesitation and decided not to press further, they could discuss this later. He gently touched her shoulder and instantly recoiled a few feet when flinched away out of reflex. Inhaling sharply, he gestured to the other maidens who were mingled with the all of the dwarves. Therina nodded and smiled the smallest of smiles, as she walked over to the happy, bubbly people.

As they finally dispersed for the evening; upon the large rafters, a figure lounged as they watched the feast below them. The door to the Ered Luin dining hall closed shut for the night, the dark figure glanced around and jumped down. It stalked over to the large wooden table where an unlucky dearf had forgotten their watch piece. The mysterious thief took its time examining it and feeling satisfied, slipped it into their pocket. Just then, the watch loudly chimed the strike of midnight and suddenly loud footsteps sounded from outside and some muffled voices. The figure had just enough time to fling a bronze coin in place of the heirloom and leapt back into the rafters before the door creaked opened. The two dwarrow froze dead in their tracks when they found the coin unstead of the watch piece. They frantically began looking around for any sign of the intruder. Quiet as a mouse, the figure crept across the sturdy oak beam, out the small vent window and into the moonlit night!

Translations:

Derfruli'va'ari: horseshifters; dwarvish

Azbáds: ladies; dwarvish

Defrauli: horses; dwarvish

Azanulbizar: Drimrill Dale or Moria

And finally! Yes, I'm still alive and back with another chapter. Apologies for dropping off the map but life is busy. Anyway, enjoy, thumbs up and comment what you think! See ya later👋❤