Knights of Erebor: Blade of Durin

Friend or Foe Pt. 1

Previously on Knights of Erebor

Theodren; in a last line of defense for Therina was sacrificing himself for her. Azog was struck by Theodren but got a harsh back hand to the face with a branch. The pale orc was going in for the kill when an orc came up and shouted in Black Speech;

"The dwarves are here, Master! The king is leading them!"

Azog snarled and let out a strangled whistle. A snow-white warg came into view and growled as it passed a groaning Therina, before trotting up to it's rider. Just before he walked over, he raised his foot and slammed it down on a gasping Theodren. His thick heavy, metal boots slashed into the young man's neck who screamed in pure agony! Azog then turned away, mounted his beast and rode off toward Moria!

Therina sat up breathing heavily, drenched in sweat! She ran her shaking fingers through her hair as she panted, trying to hold in burning tears. 'Why must I relive this all the time' she mentally screamed. Therina sat there several minutes before she had finally calmed down. Looking out across the wooden room, she noticed it was nearly dawn. The first touches of light were beginning to brush the mountains, and early morning birds were chirping happily. Therina untangled her body from the damp sheets and stumbled over her sleeping companions to the wash basin.

She wiped all the sweat from her body and small amount of dried blood from her hands and wrapped them. She dressed then strapped on her weapons before she looked around the room and walked softly to the door. Creeping down the stairs and carefully peeking around the corner into the main room, Therina saw at least one or two dwarves, passed out from last night's drinking games. Holding in a smirk of amusement, she stalked to the door and stepped out into the crisp morning breeze. Therina took in the beautiful scenery that encompassed the Blue Mountains. She closed her eyes and breathed in the fresh air that calmed her racing mind.

"Good morning ma'am!" A gruff but kind voice grunted. Opening her eyes, she looked to her left and there stood a dwarf. He was taller than average, bald and covered in tattoes. His hands were decorated with knuckle dusters and he had two large axes strapped to his back. After looking him over, she finally answered.

"Morning, Master Dwarf." She replied evenly.

"Name's Dwalin, lass, and you are?" He said stoutly, as he stuck out his hand.

Therina was slightly taken back. He had called her lass...no one, not even polite strangers during her travels had called her lass...only her father, her Ada...much less anyone really; at least not for a long time! Resisting the urge to stiffen, she gripped onto Dwalin's thick forearm.

"Therina, at your service." She stated as she shortly inclined her head.

"Pardon meh for saying so; but ya don't look much like a dwarf. He said when they dropped each other's hands. What are ye?"
He started eyeing her suspiciously. There was something familiar...but different about her.

"No. No, I do not. Nor am I a dwarf, but I'd rather not say what I am for my own sake, if you don't mind." She returned, almost a warning in her tone. Dwalin frowned but decided that he kinda liked this girl so he didn't press.

"Well normally, I would mind. But, yeh don't seem the type to want to cause trouble. However...if ye intend to stay longer, I might be more likely to question yer intentions." He sternly said.

"I understand your caution, Dwalin. And I have no ill intentions towards you or your kinsmen. She assured. Therina then paused and decided she should probably go wake the others. Well, I should be going. It was a pleasure." She ever so slightly bowed her head and he returned the gesture.

"Good day, M'lady Therina." And he was off down the road, a smirk playing on his lips. Lucky for Therina, he didn't turn around or stay any longer; for he would have seen a rare thing indeed: Therina's slightly tinted cheeks!

Time skip----Breakfast

Therina woke everyone and as they dressed; she warned them about speaking Khuzdul around dwarves. After they were ready, she led them them down to eat. While they sat at the table, talking over what to do and where they could go next, when, the subject of elves  came about.

"Keep your voices down!" Therina hissed, anger lacing her tone, as a few heads turned their way.

"Despite the fact that I trust Lord Elrond more than most...I still refuse to go there!"

"But Therina, I understand your grudge towards elves in general but-"

"BUT NOTHING! Your right! There is nothing that the elves can offer me...not when they turned me down, even when my need was greater than it is now!!"

By now, they were all whispering harshly as Therina's friend and oldest member of the group tried to reason with her. Some of of the others exchanged sorrowful glances, but Darcy just shook her head in sadness.

"Therina plea-"
"End of discussion, Darcy! We are not going to the elves...Imladris or GreenWood!" Therina spat, thus effectively silencing everyone present.

After they ate; they trudged to an empty training ground. Breaking into pairs, some started with hand to hand combat; while others charged at each other with swords. Therina was more skilled, so she decided to challenge herself by facing two at a time. Kit; her close friend whom Therina had met at the battle of Azanulbizar and the strongest of them all, Deanta. She stood at the side, waiting to jump in. The two friends circled each other, then Therina and Kit charged at the exact same time! Therina swung at Kit's head, who ducked. She slid down on one knee and swiped at Therina's legs. Therina leapt over her friend's body, dropped into a roll before stopping and then charging again. But as they did, an unknown whistle stopped them short, midswing.

Kit and Therina looked over and there stood; Sashe, Vixen, Darcy, Flaire with two dwarrows. Looking to her right, Therina noticed Deanta, Darla, Freya, Gale, and Monika, who were slightly sweaty and also staring at the dwarves. Grumbling and muttering about being interrupted in the heat of a duel;  Therina drove her sword into the ground and marched over with Kit on her heels.

So yasss! It finally posted! 🎉This chapter is dedicated to ValinorsTwilight Thank you so much for sticking with me! See you in the next chapter, bye for now!👋