Where She Went

Understands

For two days, they stayed in Beorn's house. It wasn't until the last day there that it had hit Talia that they would be leaving. She was a little sad to leave, even more sad than she was when they left Rivendell. The Terran grew very fond of Beorn, and she enjoyed being around him. They had some fun conversations during those two days. Talia also loved being able to relax, as well as make amends with Thorin.

She never knew he could be like that. The way they laughed together, it almost sounded like he had never laughed like that in his life. Talia never thought she'd say this, but she was actually growing fond of Thorin.

Underneath the hard shell, there was actually a person there. A person who could laugh, and smile, and feel. Talia couldn't help but wonder why Balin or even Kili hadn't told her what he was really like at the beginning of the journey. She figured that it was because they thought she wouldn't listen. Talia hoped that from now on, she and Thorin could continue this journey as friends.

...

Thorin couldn't believe how wrong he had been. How had he underestimated someone so horribly? The woman...Talisa, really was a good person. Balin had tried to tell him before, and he wouldn't listen. She really was kind, and funny, and cheeky, and sweet. He couldn't help but be a little shocked, especially last night, when he heard about what happened to her.

He never would have guessed that something like that could have occurred in her life. Thorin wondered how she could stay so happy when one of her parents had abandoned her. He remembered Rivendell, and how he yelled in her face, accusing her of not knowing loss.

The Dwarf king had felt a lump in his throat when she told the company that her father had intentionally left, and she talked about it so casually. And she was so young when it happened! Thorin had never felt more pain than when he lost his father. Thrain was missing, and would never be seen again. He tried comparing that pain to hers, but there was something different. Thorin knew that his father loved him.

Did Talisa's father love her? He doubted that she'd be able to answer that question if he asked, plus he didn't want to upset her. Thorin had to admit that he was glad that they were becoming friends. It would be a nice change from the constant bickering that occurred between the two of them.

"You seemed to be enjoying yourself these past few days, laddie."

Thorin turned to see Balin walking towards him. "Yes, but I am ready to get a move on. If we stay here too long, we will run out of time." he responded.

Balin let out a chuckle. "I see you've finally decided to carry out my advice concerning our burglar." he told him.

Thorin raised an eyebrow, but wasn't quite ready to give Balin all the glory. "Yes, you were right. She is a decent person." the leader told him in a professional manner.

"Oh, decent is she? When was the last time you laughed so hard, eh? The day Kili was born?" the old Dwarf asked. Thorin said nothing, only widened his eyes. "That little lass must have some kind of special magic up her sleeve to get you joking around." Balin teased.

Thorin looked around everywhere except for Balin's eyes. "Yes, well, now we need to get back on the road. Durin's Day is approaching a little too quickly for my liking."

Balin let out a small laugh and gave Thorin a knowing smirk. "Alright. I'll leave you to your new happy thoughts then." he said, and before Thorin could counter him, Balin had already made his way around the corner.

...

"Well? What did you find out?"

Balin turned his head around once before looking back to his brother. "Not much, but enough. "A decent person" he says. Oh, well that's such an adorable thought! Does he really believe he can fool me?" Balin silently outraged.