The Shapeshifter (A Hobbit Fanfiction)

Chapter 32

I waited until night fall before I decided to go find Thorin.  First, I checked the throne room, then the treasury.  The latter is where I found him, pacing and looking for the Arkenstone.  I stood at the doorway.

"Thorin?"  He didn't turn, but he at least responded.

"I have to find it...  It has to be here..."  I walked towards him.

"Thorin...  It's late.  You need to rest!"  He shook his head as I approached him.

"No...  I have to find it."  As soon as I reached him, I placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Thorin..."  He turned, the feverish look replacing the cloudy look as I lowered my gaze.  "I forbid you to go to battle tomorrow without any rest."  He huffed and nodded.

"Alright, fine..."  He took my hand in his.  "Only if you come with me."  I swallowed hard, feeling my stomach flip.  However, if it would get him to rest, then I might as well do as he says.  Nodding, I met his gaze.

"Very well."  Allowing him to hold my hand, I started towards his chambers.  Walking through the halls, I couldn't help but wonder if Bilbo was doing as I said to.  As soon as we reached his chambers, I smiled.

"Good night, Thorin."  I tried to free my hand, but his grip was strong.  He shook his head as he opened the door.

"Where are you going?"  I swallowed hard.

"To my chambers...?"  He shook his head.

"Tonight, where you go, I go."  I understood what he meant and nodded as he lead me into the room.  His furs covered the bed, but the room was damp and cold.  He turned to shut and lock the door before turning to me.  "Shall we?"

My heart pounded as I nodded and watched him remove his clothing.  I turned and removed my clothing as well, feeling scared as well as...  Well, I was nervous as I turned to face him again.  He picked me up and carried me over to the bed, laying me down on the nest of furs.  Laying down beside me, he smiled.

"I love you, Skyrena.  I always have, and I always will..."

*Bilbo's Pov-

Sneaking out wasn't easy, especially with the Arkenstone in my pocket.  Finally, after scaling the wall where the front gates used to stand, I swam through the creek and made it to the ruins of Dale.  Inside one of the tents, I heard some argueing.

"Listen to me...!"

"No, you listen to me.  Skyrena was most likely the one who freed them, anyways.  How do you know she won't come back for revenge on your people?"  I soon realized it was Bard and Lord Thraudril debating over what is to be done about Skyrena.  I watched as Bard shook his head.

"I know she wouldn't!  She battled the dragon for us and helped me get a clear shot.  If it weren't for her, I never would have been able to argue our case with Thorin.  She saved my children from the Orcs, and she freed me from prison.  When offered the chance for her revenge, she said she'd rather face death by the dragon.  She is not a monster, my Lord.  Why treat her like such?"  The elf huffed.

"I do not treat her like a monster.  She is a criminal.  She came into my lands, despite being banished, and broke my prisoners out of my prisons.  She owes me for having not killed her yet."  I swallowed hard.  Skyrena...  No, I couldn't let myself become distracted.  I watched the arguement die as Lord Thraudril sighed.  "I do wish they had consented, though."  That's when I stepped out.

"Thorin won't consent..."  Everyone present turned to face me.  I swallowed hard and shook my head.  "Skyrena pleaded with him, but he refused.  He has dragon sickness."  Nearby, I saw Gandalf shake his head.

"That would explain why Thorin won't even listen to Skyrena."  Bard looked confused.

"But..."  Lord Thraudril raised his hand, silencing Bard, as he spoke to me.

"How do we know this is not a trick?"  I removed the Arkenstone from my pocket.

"Because I have brought you something that may help you get through to him..."  Lord Thraudril frowned as he looked between me and the Arkenstone.  "He's been searching for days for it, but I hid it from him.  Skyrena told me to rid myself of it, so I figured, if it would avoid war, it best be brought to you."  Lord Thraudril looked at me.

"Skyrena bid you to rid them of it?  Why?"  I lowered my head.

"Because, if Thorin gets it, it'll make him less agreeable than before.  If he truly wants it, he'll do anything for it, even if he has to part with half the treasure.  I know it's not as effective as bringing Skyrena would have, but it may still be effective."  Bard looked over at Lord Thraudril.

"With the Arkenstone, we may be able to bargain for what we need.  We can leave Skyrena out of this and live in peace with the dwarves!"  Lord Thraudril nodded in agreement.

"Very well...  We accept this gift and will attempt to avoid war."  As they left the tent, Gandalf turned to me.

"I would not suggest you return to Erabor.  Thorin will be enraged when he discovers what you have done."  I shrugged.

"I'm not afraid of him."  Gandalf shook his head.

"Not as afraid as you should be..."  With that, he lead me to a ruined building where I was to spend the night.