The Prophecy

The Real Treasures

The following week kept Zarina on her toes. Her ankle and most of her cuts healed up rather quickly, as well did her hand. Oin found it strange but didn't question her rapid healing. He blamed it on the fresh mountain air of Erebor. Zarina occupied herself with helping the people of Dale. Some of them were still badly injured from the battle and she would treat their wounds each day when she arrived at the city. Then, after she made sure that she didn't forget about anyone, she would pick random women to help in the houses they chose to live in. She would help them clean up the rubble and cobwebs and finally, fix the few usable furniture they could find.

But food was scarce around those part while there wasn't any trade going on yet and she needed to think of a plan to feed the people. Bard mentioned that King Thranduil had aided them the first time with food and drink, but Zarina doubted he will help them again after everything that happened. But she had to try at least.

She would visit Thorin every morning and in the evenings before she went to bed. He was healing, but slower than usual since Azog's blade damaged some of his organs. He was sleeping during her morning visits, for she rose at sunrise to start working. But Zarina always left him something to tell him she was there. The evening visits were short, for then Oin would rewrap his wound after treating it with new herbs and ointments, leaving him tired after a few minutes. It made Zarina feel lonely to see him as less as she did, but she comforted herself by thinking it was a temporary loneliness. It wasn't like the last time when he was still under the influence of dragon sickness. This time he would heal and recover and return to her.

Thorin was awake when she entered his room late that night, waiting for her to drop by, "You are later than usual."

She faked a displeased look, "I am terribly sorry, your Highness, but not all of us can laze about all day while others have to work to restore a whole kingdom."

Thorin raised an eyebrow but held an amused smile, "Mahal, you have grown ballsy. What has the world done to you?"

She chuckled and crawled onto the bed and snuggled up against his side, "To be honest, you told me to take care of thing and that's exactly what I'm doing. I actually find it enjoyable, it keeps me occupied."

Thorin brought her hand to his lips and kissed every knuckle lovingly, "How is the Company?"

"They're doing alright. Fili and Kili are both still a little traumatized for almost dying, but it will pass with time." She played with his fingers as she spoke, "Kili is not the same, though. His spirit is dampened, and it is not just because of the war. I suspect it is because he is in love."

Thorin tilted his head to look at her, "In love?" Zarina nodded, making him frown, "Why did I now know about this?"

"Maybe because he thought you would never approve." She sighed into him, "She isn't a normal woman."

"Why would he think that?" Thorin was taken aback, "Why would I not approve? You are a human and I would not want it any other way! Why would I not give my blessing for the one he fancies?"

Zarina cringed when remembering that she still had to tell him about her parents. How would he react when he found out that she's not entirely human as he believes?

"You have grown quiet. What is troubling you?" his voice drew her out of her thoughts.

"I just remembered that you won't be seeing me tomorrow." She told him and immediately saw the confusion and worry in his eyes, "Before you start worrying, I'm only going to Mirkwood to ask King Thranduil for his aid. The people of Dale have almost run out of food and as well did we. If everything goes according to plan, I'll be able to convince Thranduil to help us."