Saving the Sons of Durin

Thand Otoquë

~ Part Seventeen ~

The company had just finished a long day searching the vast treasure halls for the Arkenstone, when Balin came to get Ellía for a ... meeting. "It is in these halls. I know it." Thorin growled as he looked up at the alter where the jet was meant to sit above the throne. "We have searched and searched." Dwalin said. "Not well enough." Thorin snapped at him.

"Thorin, we all would see the stone returned." Balin said, trying to ease the tension. "And yet, it is still not found!" The dwarf raised his voice once more. It was silent for a moment before Balin asked carefully, "Do you doubt the loyalty of anyone here? The Arkenstone is the birthright of our people.". This made Thorin finally turn away from the throne and walk forward. The elf noticed Bilbo ease up next to her and she'd be lying ion she said she wasn't nervous as well.

"It is the King's Jewel. Am I not the King!?" Thorin shouted and his voice echoed through the halls. Ellía had to force herself not to flinch at his tone. Thorin had changed drastically in the few days he had spent in the mountain and by the looks on Dwalin and Balin's faces, they were noticing it too.

Ellía's breath hitched when Thorin turned his fiery gaze on her and said, "Elves are know for how insightful they are. They are able to read people very well. That is why I wanted you here. Have you noticed a change in anyone?" The elf's eyes widened at his question. The irony of him asking if anyone's behavior had changed recently....

As she was about to answer a firm no, she realized Bilbo had become quite skittish lately. Sneaking away, hiding in the shadows, always resting his hands over his pockets... "Well?" Thorin demanded, breaking her from her thoughts. "N-no. I haven't noticed anything." she forced out. She sent a worried look to Balin who only shook his head looked to the ground. "Watch them and report anything of notice directly to me." Thorin ordered and she gave him a slight bow of the head in response.

Thorin walked back up the steps and stood in front of the throne as he turned around and said, "Know this. If anyone should find it and withhold it from me... I will be avenged." The group watched silently as the king walked off and disappeared down a hallway, presumably one that lead back to the treasure hoard.

Just as Ellía was about to wander off somewhere and sit with her thoughts fora bit, a small hand clasped onto her's and began to pull her along with them. "Where are we going?" she asked the hobbit, but he only hushed her and lead them up a set of stairs and into a dusty room. The elf had to knock a few cobwebs out of the way as they approached Balin who had braced himself against an old bookcase and was taking in a shaky breath.

"Dragon sickness. I've seen it before. That look. That terrible need. It is a fierce and jealous love. It sent his grandfather mad." Balin said as he turned to look at them. Bilbo cleared his throat and hesitantly stepped forward. "Balin, if-if Thorin had the Arkenstone... Or if it was found... Would it help?" Bilbo whispered with a look and lightly patted his pocket. Both Ellía's and Balin's eyes widened as they realized what he was hinting at.

"That stone crowns all. It is the summit of this great wealth, bestowing power upon he who bears it. Would it stay his madness? No, laddie. I fear it would make him worse." Balin replied quietly before motioning for both Bilbo and Ellía to lean in closer. "Perhaps it is best it remains lost." The wise dwarf suggested with an arched brow.

~~~~~

Ellía had been exploring one of the large libraries when Fili came to fetch her. "Uncle has summoned everyone to the gate." he told her as she put away an old manuscript she had been looking at. She brushed the dust off her hands as she followed him through the hallways. It was quiet for a few moments before Fili spoke up.