~Fourteen~

*Thorin*

I know when I am right and I know when I am wrong. I am not wrong in believing the Elves are meddling and problematic for us Dwarves, but I must admit they do show great decorum and have an eye for architecture. Rivendell is as lovely as some might say but nonetheless boastful in its lavish ways and open space for any passing eye to see. Lord Elrond and the others here seem to reflect the boastfulness in various ways but yet the Rivendell ruler seems in one way or another different. Perhaps it is his acts towards Enola or his demeanor but I can't help at least have some respect for him. He certainly isn't Enola's father or any close relation but he takes up the gauntlet as if he is just as Gandalf has. Sitting next to him as he and Gandalf join us I try to keep to myself still brooding in distrust but the Elf quickly pulls me into the conversation.

"So, Thorin, what have you and your Company found yourselves in to end up here in Rivendell?"

I glance down at the others who are wrapped up in their own conversation before turning back to the Elf "Just passing through. We are trying to get to the mountains and hopefully soon rejoin with our kin."

Elrond hums in suspicion "Hmm, long way from your new fortified home. Does not explain why mithrandir and our dear Enola are with you."

I look to Gandalf who seems nervous but before either of us can speak I hear Enola "They helped us."

The three of us turn as Enola stands just behind Elrond. She's dressed in a radiant purple gown that fits her round and curved figure perfectly. Her honey-colored hair is pinned halfway up and tucked behind her ears with a few stray curls and her bangs smoothly combined to shape her face. With what little makeup she wears her blue hues seem magnified as her gentle gaze looks to the table.

She smiles and it is as if her eyes are locked on me "If it weren't for Thorin and the others we wouldn't have made it here in one piece. We ran into them near the Shire and they have helped us thus far. Haven't you Thorin?"

Blinking out of my daze realizing she has spoken to me I shift in my seat and lean into the table with a nod "Yes, well, I'm sure you and the wizard would have faired just fine without us."

She nods "I don't know, with those Orcs and Wargs I am not so sure. If you hadn't stopped that one I wouldn't be standing here now."

I look to Enola who smiles then to Elrond who looks respectfully to me with a smirk "You are very brave Thorin Oakenshield. I give you my thanks for aiding Gandalf and protecting Enola. You all have a place here. Whatever you may need all you must do is ask."

Almost surprised I look to Elrond then to Gandalf who smirks cheekily. Then my sights lock back on Enola who has a small smile playing in the corner of her mouth. I can't help but feel my own forming. Looking to her I speak to Elrond "Thank you for our generosity Lord Elrond, but I believe lady Enola was plenty capable of handling her own. Still, I am glad to have offered support to them both."

"Either way we are glad to have run into you when we did." Gandalf adds but my eyes remain on Enola whose cheeks are now a bright red from my gaze. 

Elrond nods and looks back to Enola "Come, my dear, you must be fed then rested up. I know you have all traveled a long way."

Enola looks to our table and then to the other two. It's as if she doesn't feel welcomed anywhere. I furrow my brow watching her almost nervous gaze around. I can't help but feel that maybe I have made her feel such away. It wouldn't be the first time I've scared off a woman or even some of my old companions that barely made it out of my falling Erebor.

Just as I watch her take a step back I slowly stand "Enola, would you care to join us?"

She seems surprised and a little embarrassed but nods with a small smile. I smirk back and pull up another chair next to me at our table. Slowly she walks around looking to the ground to avoid my gaze. Awkwardly she sits in the chair and then I take my own seat as well while we both turn from one another to avoid the other's gaze. Elrond and Gandalf exchange odd glances but smirk bringing back up the conversation.

The slow and almost somber Elvish music fills the air much to the other's distaste. I can hear them muttering "Did someone die?" "Are we at a funeral?"

However, the Elvish music does not disturb me. While I am more accustomed to the upbeat and loud clamor of Dwarven music I find this atmosphere more to my liking. Glancing back over at Enola I watch her silently nibble at the greenery on her plate and sip her water until she sees my eyes on her. Nervously she looks away setting her water down. I'm not used to conversing with women especially those I do not know. Still, now seems just as good of a time as any.

"Thank you." I mutter.

She looks back at me furrowing her brows "What for?"

I sigh and lean in a little closer "You know. For-well, earlier?"

She looks to Elrond and then back to me forming a small smile "You're welcome. I spoke of nothing but the truth. Just may have rearranged some events and manners of meeting."

I smirk at her mischievous expression as she takes a sip of wine. Nodding I sit back but think about what she had said. When she mentioned the "one" I rescued her from I realized it was not about the Orc but the man on the road between the Shire and Bree.

"What an admirable sword." Elrond pipes up taking my attention away from Enola.

I look from my sword to Elrond who motions. Taking it I hand it over as he inspects it. I see the glimmer in his eye as he holds it under inspection.

"This is Orcrist. The goblin cleaver. A famous blade forged by the high Elves of the West, my kin. May it serve you well."

He hands it back to me and I accept it with a gracious nod. As Elrond turns to inspect Gandalf's sword I look back at Orcrist. Never did I imagine accepting a blade let alone anything from an Elf, but one blessing such as this must not go to waste. Even it is from an Elf.

"Bloody hell Enola...!" Kili gasps as the others at their tables fall silent. All of us look at them as they stare at Enola. Kili grins devilishly at Enola giving her a wink, Fili smirks drinking his ale, and Ori is propped on the table with his face in his hands looking at her in her radiance. 

"Who knew she could look like that." Dwalin mutters but offers a small smile.

Bilbo smirks "Y-you look lovely Enola."

"Prettiest lass in all of the hills." Bofur adds.

Enola smiles sheepishly but giggles "Thank you, that's very sweet of you to say."

"We ain't just sayin' it!" Bofur exclaims "You look as if you don't believe us."

"No, i-its not that. I just-I don't-"

"Well, I wouldn't say she's the prettiest." Dori pipes up talking to Nori.

I nearly choke on my wine at his words and look over burning holes in his forehead. I can see the confusion on Enola's face but she seems more surprised than hurt.

"What do you mean by that?" Fili grumbles.

"She's pretty but not the prettiest. Who knows who the prettiest is?"

"I know..." Ori says dreamily.

"I will say this. She is fairly soft and round. And we men do like em round." Kili says seductively causing an uproar of cheers and ruckus from most of the other Dwarves. They bang on the table, howl, and holler on Enola's behalf. However, as I look at the poor young woman her face is entirely red and she seems as if she will faint or die of embarrassment. She now has her back turned to the others and her head down almost wincing. Sadly I look at her as she glances at me from the side under her hand shading her face. She tries to seem aloof at their remarks giving me a crooked smile but I can see the way it is affecting her.

"Oi, lay off 'er lads." I say with a slightly raised voice as the Dwarves fall to silence "None of you have a way with words or luck with women. Just leave 'er be and keep yer pride while you can."

Enola smirks as I glance at her taking another sip of wine. The others mutter until Dwalin calls back "Come on then Thorin, what do you say? How would you speak to a woman such as lady Enola?"

The others look at me from their tables and even Gandalf and Elrond have turned their attention to me. Swallowing my gulp of wine down I set down my cup and look at Enola who is still red in the face but looking at me awaiting with curious eyes.

Despite trying to find the words my mouth runs dry and all I can do is look at her. She smirks a little and sits more upright whispering "You don't have to say anything. They're just having a laugh is all."

"There is much to be said of you, my lady." I reply gently "But words alone would not suffice." Enola's eyes widen in disbelief at my words. Quite frankly I'm surprised myself that some form of ridiculous gibberish did not flow from my mouth. I smirk back at her before holding my cup of wine back to my mouth and taking another sip.


*Enola*

Dinner with the Dwarves in Rivendell had been very interesting, to say the least. I never thought it was possible to be complimented and insulted all in one sitting yet here we are. Despite the odd mannerisms of the Dwarves, I found it somewhat comforting and flattering that my lack of petite feminine shape was appealing to them. At least they have led me to believe so. Despite some of their bold statements I still find Thorin's words or lack there the most heartfelt and mesmerizing. I do believe there is more to this Dwarf than what is on the surface. 

"How did you come by these weapons?" Elrond asks detering my train of thought back to the conversations at the table. 

Swallowing the last of my wine I glance at Thorin who looks almost nervously back at me. Gandalf however seems perfectly at ease "We found them in a troll hoard on the great east road. Shortly before we were ambushed by Orcs."

Elrond smirks "And what were you doing on the great east road?"

Gandalf now realizing that he has resurfaced Elrond's suspicion only stares back at the smirking Elven leader. I however think back to the forest and what had transpired with Radagas and the others. As the world around me falls silent all I can hear is the high-pitched ringing in my ears. Looking down at the table I catch the glimpse of Thorin's wrist. His sleeve is pulled back just enough for me to see the scarring of his burnt flesh with the indentions of my hand. 

"Excuse me." I hear him mutter as he stands leaving the table but his departure and leave of us do not take my mind off of what I had done. Even now I can see the burning trees, feel the power in my veins, and can hear the voice of darkness in my mind.

"Enola...clever girl."

"Enola?"

"I can see you even now...ENOLA!"

"Enola?" I gasp snapping out of it as the world comes back into focus and the ruckus of the Dwarves fills my ears. From behind me on the table, Bofur begins to sing an old Dwarvish song as the others join him and bang on the tables. Looking up Elrond has his eyes on me as he extends his hand "Whatever is the matter?"

I flinch from the banging of the Dwarves on their table and quickly stand to my feet. Elrond and Gandalf both seemed concerned but the wizard evermore so. I swallow feeling the dryness in my throat as I step away "Th-thank you for dinner but I must be excused please."

Before they can protest I turn away and quickly begin leaving the dining area. The Dwarves do not seem to notice my departure as far as I know. It is for the best because now I feel as if my powers have grown stronger and I am losing control.

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