Chapter 7

Originally posted on: 12th February 2014

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Fire and smoke.

Everywhere.

Flames were closing up around him in a tightening circle.

He could feel the heat on his skin, and his chest ached.

It was not just a fire.

This fire was able to burn down everything.

Moreover, it seemed to have its own, dark and powerful will.

I am fire ... I am ... death.

This voice echoed in his mind when he realized that he was in Rivendell, safe and sound.

What could have that meant?

Yet, even if that dream was a nightmare, the effect of it was cleansing. Dorian felt much better comparing to the day when he had come here. Frequent walks around his room no longer caused him much touble. Surprisingly, he had been here with his sister for six days. Sybil had been visiting him rarely, and according to what Ireth had told him, except that she didn't come out of her room.

Dorian chuckled. She was probably afraid of meeting with one of the members of the Company.

When Dorian was admiring the view through his window, his nurse entered the room, carrying a tray full of food. Beautiful aromas began to spread in the air.

“How good to see you in a better state,” Ireth said. “I've brought a lunch and the medicaments for you, but before you will dive in,” Dorian didn't dream about anything else.”I must let you know that Lord Elrond wants to see you in his private chamber this afternoon.” Son of Brandon shivered.“There are outfits in your wardrobe that my lord wants you to wear. If you need help, call me,” the she-elf added and left.

What a grace. Why he deserved such a distinction?

The clothes he had been given were worthy of some young prince. These were the clothing that men in Imladris wore - high boots, long tunics and specific cloaks. Dorian could not have a good look in at them. He had a very feminine dilemma - what should he wear?

In the end, he chose probably the most modest set - black leather shoes, trousers and simply tailored, graphite tunic with fine silver threads sewn into it.

One look at the mirror and he decided that he was presenting decently enough to show himself to the rest of the Eldar.

He went out of his room and watched passed rooms, corridors, halls, courtyards, porches with growing admiration. A curious glances and whispers of the elves accompanied him, but also for their kind regards. Dorian was shocked to discover that not all the elves here were dignified and serious. A large part of them were giggling and frivolous, as if they were children.

His feet led him to the Elrond’s chamber.

He would never be ready for this conversation.

“Hello Dorian,” his heart leapt into his throat as he heard Elrond’s greeting. 

  

“My lord,” he bowed low.

“I am sure that you wonder why I want to talk to you,” the Half-elven said. “Well, the whole Rivendell gossips only about the children of Brandon and Cora. My people are very curious about you and they cannot wait to meet you. Taking into account that yours and your sister condition has improved enough, I want you to join us on the supper tonight, of course if you feel up to it."

There was a long silence as Dorian remained speechless.

“We will be honored,” he finally choked out while in his mind, he feared the possibility of meeting Thorin. It was still too early for that.

“Worry not, son of Thrain is not quite fond of elves. He likely will excuse himself out of the supper before you will manage to come,” Elrond said, and smiled slightly at the sight of shock on the boy's face.

“My lord ... Me ... and my sister ... we want the King Under the Mountain to be unaware of our presence as long as it’s possible. Whether we can protect him depends on it in large part. If he recognizes us, he will force us to join the Company, and if the Pale Orc discovers it ..." Dorian stopped. It was better to leave these words unspoken.

“Your connections with orcs are striking,” Elrond murmured. Saving the life of the mother and father was a meritorious deed, but the siblings would not be so madly protective of Thorin and Company only because of that reason ... there was something more about the whole case. Much more.

However, the children of Brandon and Cora depended on a discretion. If the son of Thrain stayed at the feast for so long that he would see the young people, Elrond decided that he wouldn't draw the dwarf’s attention to the two. Perhaps the King Under the Mountain wouldn't recognize them. If Elrond  had read the paths that draw in the mists of the future ahead Dorian and Sybil, he could be comforted that it makes appropriate. It would be better if Thorin knew nothing for now.

Difficult moments waited for them already. Elrond doubted whether the siblings could cope with the challenges that would be placed in front of them. Lord of Rivendell was overcome with sorrow, seeing only the further suffering for them.

And there was a little he could do about it.

***

Elves. They were everywhere. They surrounded him from all sides. Everything was elvish. The food, drinks, hall. The rustling robes, laughter and conversations which he didn't understand  pressed in on him from all sides.

What a horror.

Thorin stared at his glass of wine. Only this excellent liquor allowed him to survive the anguish of being stuck here and pretending to be having good time.

He sat on the dais, his chair next to Gandalf’s, and reamined silent.

He glanced at his men sitting in the middle of a big, long table. At least they were having fun. Even Fili and Kili, who recently had been acting very suspiciously, now were laughing and talking with everyone. Maybe they simply had been tired, like every member of the Company.

Excited whispers resounded in the Hall entrance. Even Elrond was saying something to magnificent Glorfindel. A twosome had joined the feast. As they walked along the table in search of seats, the elves looked at those two and spoke quietly among themselves.

This aroused Thorin’s curiosity.

“You know who is it? “ he asked Gandalf.

“I have no idea,” the wizard answered, hiding a lie skillfully.

Thorin looked at the two once again.

“Though they’re just elven children,” he snorted immediately.

Again, he kept busy himself with the wine.

However, a few moments later he become aware of the absurdity of what he had said.

The elven children?

As far as he was concerned, such creatures had not been seen in ages. So who were they?

His sapphire eyes stared intentsively at the place where those two had sat - a few chairs away from the Company. Unfortunately, he could not see their faces clearly, for the elves surrounded them from all sides, desiring to talk.

Yet again, he kept busy himself with the wine.

***

Just wonderful. Those whispers were all what they needed. She felt as if the whole Rivendell was staring at them.

Why, oh why they had dressed up so nicely?

She glanced at the dais. Her heart sank. No! He should not be there!

“Dorian ...” she whispered without stopping. “Thorin's here! He’s sitting on the table top. To the Elrond’s left, next to that old man with a long, gray beard.”

“Oh bloody hell!” she heard in response.

As they sat down, Sybil sighed in relief. They become surrounded by elves, necessarily wanting to meet her and her brother.

***

Kili  had been watching the beautiful she-elves’ faces when he spotted them. He choked on his wine.

He had expected to see Dorian and Sybil on ongoing supper or the next  one, but didn't expect this.

“Fee...” he poked his brother with an elbow. The blond was just running a very funny conversation with Bofur.  

“Wait a minute,” he threw out into Kili’s direction, not even glancing at his younger brother.

Kili looked at the upcoming two again, then kicked Fili under the table with all his strength.

It worked.

“Oi! Kee, what the hell are you doing? Do you always have to …” the older brother stopped his angry speech because he laid his gaze on Dorian and Sybil.

“Durin’s beard …” he whispered.

Dorian was wearing high leather boots, a gold tunic reaching his mid-calf, with stand-up collar and slit at the front down from the waist. It emphasized his broad shoulders nicely. He was also dressed in magnificent, scarlet elven cloak touching the ground. Even his hair was combed to the elven fashion, and he wore a delicate gold diadem.  

Sybil was wearing a trailing scarlet gown made of a heavy material, all embroidered in gold floral patterns. The dress had a corset emphasizing the girl’s narrow waist as well as sleeves reaching the ground, and quite daring neckline. Her hair flowed down her back in gentle waves. There was a diadem on her head, the same as her brother’s, which looked liked it was made of thin twigs.

They looked great, so dignified, as if they were of some royal family. It was not even about what they were wearing. They held themselves proudly, as if they really were of noble blood.

Fili and Kili were in shock. Huge, pure, all-encompassing shock.

“Oh, have they dolled up,” Kili finally chocked.

“You’ve never spoke more truly, brother,” Fili nodded. He could not take his eyes off Sybil. Maybe Cora was right, trying to make her daughter a lady? She looked so beautiful now.

“I have a feeling that we have such a lot to discuss with them,” Kili said with an ominous smile.

“Kee, it’d be better not to have any ideas, though we don’t know them, don’t you remember?” the older brother objected.

“And why shouldn’t we want to meet them?”

“It will draw our friends’ attention, and especially Thorin’s!”

“It's high time them to find out about Dorian and Sybil, don’t you think?”

“Well, I don’t know ...”

“Oh, come on! Let's do a show!”

Thus, when all the elves had left young people alone, the dwarves gave them some time for calm nourishment, then got up from the table and sneaked up to Dorian and Sybil from behind.

“I didn’t know you from this side, your majesty,” they whispered in their ears, Kili in Sybil’s and Fili in Dorian’s, at the same time.

Young people jumped in their chairs, clutching their chests and breathing heavily.

“Fee, Kee, you fools!” Dorian hissed. “Though we don’t know each other, me and Sybil don’t exist for you, Thorin can’t find out anything about us, and so on.”

“A reversal of his attention would be our task, if necessary,” Kili replied.

“And what about the rest of the Company? They’re looking at us,” Sybil snapped.  

“Don’t worry about it,”Fili said quietly. “Since the first time I saw you, I knew that we must be introduced,” he added aloud. “Therefore, let me to do so. Fili …”

“... And Kili ...”

“At your service,” both dwarves said, bowing low.

People quickly spotted the clue. They got up from the table.

“We feel honored. Dorian, son Brandon and ...”

“... Sybil, daughter of Cora. At yours and your families service.”

Young people bowed. They did not notice when the dwarves become serious for a short moment.

At yours and yours families service - how accurate these words were.

***

Thorin rolled his eyes as he saw his nephews talking to this extraordinary two.

"Of course. Boys have a natural, physiological, and absolute need to like and be liked by everyone. They couldn’t refuse to introduce themselves," he thought.

Unexpectedly, some cheerful, catchy music could be heard. Elves, those kind of frivolous certainly, grabbed each other’s hands and formed a dance pageant. They began to move to the rhythm of the melody along the table. The others joined them. The pageant was already quite substantial, as it circled around the table top for the first time. The part of the Company had been drawn into it. Then the rest, sitting on the opposite side of the table. Now, a ring closed around the table. Gandalf, Lord Elrond, Glorfindel and all the noble elves looked at it with joy and a smile. Thorin could do nothing more than observe. Suddenly, he realized that the two, holding hands with Fili and Kili, were approaching the table top.

As soon as the boy, then the girl, looked him straight in the eye, his heart sank.

'I know these faces. Those eyes. These smiles,' was his first thought.

'How?' he scolded himself then.

Wine surely had stirred his mind.

When he shook off the shock, these two were gone. He looked for them in the dance parade.

As they approached, Thorin had confirmed the belief that somehow, he knows these young people! 

Especially, when he heard their laughter.

Being with him face to face, they stared at him almost cheekily.

“Thorin Oakenshield …” he herad the boy’s voice as they were right behind him.

“It’s so nice to see you again,” the girl ended.  

After that, they walked away, giggling.

Thorin was willing to do anything, only to get a chance to talk to them. But the music had trailed off.

And the two had disappeared into thin air.

From now on, he wouldn't miss a single feast.

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Someone has prophetic dreams here... 

Let's be sad together with Elrond. 

Thorin is disturbingly fond of wine. 

Yes, Kili feels attracted to she-elves. 

Fili and Kili are an evil. 

If someone didn't guess, the supper takes place in the Hall, which is mentioned in "The Lord of the Rings". 

This is the same room in which Frodo feasted after his arrival at Rivendell. 

I don't know if the elves could form this dance parade ... It was a boost to my creative inspiration, which I could not resist.

Chapter 6

Originally posted on: 12th February 2014

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So close yet so far away.

Dorian looked at the Company sitting on the terrace through the window of his room. Inability to go to them and tell them that everything was okay was driving him mad.

He was aware of how much Fili and Kili were worried.

Unfortunately, even getting out of his bed was a huge effort. He felt every single blow he had received, and there had been many. Now, when he thought about how long and quickly they had ran, it all seemed impossible to him, as well as that they had rode a stolen warg for some time.

He was sore and weary. This kind of situation was not new to him of course, but still, it bothered him.

Sybil was in even worse state. She had been sleeping constantly as long as he had remained unconcious, that was for at least two days, and she was still asleep, and the sky outside had already began to dusk. Ireth, their nurse, had been informing him about his sister’s condition from time to time. As she-elf claimed, at the beginning Sybil had been screaming a lot in her sleep. She had been shouting three names, to be precise - Dorian, Fili, Kili. But she had calmed down quite a long ago. Dorian feared for her. She was strong, but there were some limits. He was afraid that the burden of worries would break Sybil.

He felt weak and he needed to lie down. He was lying in a comfortable bed (he had almost forgotten what it is like to sleep in a warm, normal bed, under a roof, with a full belly and without fear). Whilst being engrossed in admiring the floral patterns on the ceiling, Ireth entered the room.

“Your sister has woken up,” the she-elf said. “The surprise is that she stood to her feet at once, asked about the Company, and, after finding out that all of them were okay, blithely stated that she was hungry.”

Dorian chuckled.

“I’m very happy to hear that and not surprised at all. Please tell her that as I’m not able to and meet her, but the thought of coming to me can’t even cross her mind. Say to her that she don’t have to worry about anything and should relax.”

“I'll tell her word for word, but I cannot make any promises,” Ireth grinned. “She suddenly became so full of energy, therefore I assume that she'll not sit still for a long time.”

“I brought you a dinner, a bowl of water and the medicines,” she added. “If you need something more before bedtime, just call me."

“Thank you,” Dorian smiled gratefully.

After Ireth left, Dorian enthusiastically started to eat up the delicious food.

He would never understand why Thorin hated elves so much.

***

The elves were surely amazing. As soon as she said that she was hungry, a tray was delivered to her room immediately. It had been filled with various fruits and vegetables, fragrant bread and toast with honey, as well as a large piece of butter, white and yellow cheese, a pitcher of water, juice and unusual, refreshing golden drink. At first, Sybil could not believe what she was looking at. She hadn't had such a quantity of food only for herself for a long time. As Ireth saw her greedily consuming everything she had been given, the she-elf grinned with satisfaction. The nurse repeated her brother's words and noticed concern on the girl’s face.

“Don't worry, daughter of Cora! Your brother will quickly return to health after taking medications that and I bring for you as well. I understand that you will have  difficulties in not going out of the room and resting, as Dorian told you. If you really feel up to walk freely around Rivendell, I'm obliged to inform you that Lord Elrond wants you ...” Sybil shivered at these words. “To dress up in one of the dresses which are put in the wardrobe.”

Ireth smiled even wider at the sight of shock on her patient's face.

“If you need anything else, call me,” she said, then left.

Sybil immediately forgot about food. Before she forgot about the whole world, she had remembered to take the medications, which were two infusions of herbs unfamiliar to her. When she drank the first one, she suddenly felt something like a delicate shade slowly sweeping through her ​​body, not  at all unpleasant but soothing. It was just as if the water slowly washed over a cracked, thirsty soil. Sybil had the impression that the liquid brewed every wound and eased every sore spot. After drinking the second one she felt a sudden rush of heat and energy. It seemed that she was completely healthy.

Then, she ran to the closet, took a deep breath and looked inside.

That was impossible.

She closed and opened the door once again, and again. So she was not hallucinating. She had never seen such a beautiful things. Yes, her mom had had some nice dresses for important occasions, but none of them were even in a half that lovely as the ones in the wardrobe.

Sybil had been given at least ten dresses. There were in all sorts of colors and shapes, very richly decorated.

(Lack of time and space for accurate and the most reliable description of all of them.)

And what should she wear?

What a difficult choice it was!

In the end, she concluded that the white gown would be the most suitable, perhaps due to the fact that it looked the most demurely. It was made of fine wool, if Sybil remembered correctly this stuff was called cashmere. The dress had a simple tight-fitting sleeves, and was belted under the bust. It was decorated in delicate black accents - there were visible as narrow black belt, moreover, the sleeves ends as well as the gown’s edges were trimmed with black pearls. When Sybil put the dress on, and white soft slippers after that, she looked around the room in search of a mirror.

When she saw this girl, she almost cried in astonishment.

What was she doing in her room?!

Long later, Sybil discovered that, shockingly, she was looking at her own reflection. Well, well. Someone had bathed her and combed her hair, so that it run down her back in gentle waves. She was presenting very... femininely. She had never wanted to be a lady, which sometimes had driven her mom mad. Now however, Sybil understood perfectly well that among the Eldar she had to behave as befits a dame.

How was it? Your back straight, the shoulders joined, head slightly raised, hands off and gentle, natural smile. When after a several tries she mastered the proper posture, and the effect was rewarding, Sybil went out of the room to explore Rivendell.

She was startled not to see any elves, but what she guessed, they all were at supper.

Thehouse was truly blessed. It could cure of sorrow, doubt and fear.

But it did not work on Sybil, not yet. Firstly, she needed to see Dorian, safe and sound.

***

Bilbo had been walking like that for a long time, savoring the magical aura of this place. He had realized that this was what he had longed for - all comforts of home. 

With a highest reluctance, he gathered himself to return to his dwarven companions. He was walking slowly, chasing rainbows, as out of a blue, somebody bumped right into him. At the very last minute, Bilbo was saved from falling over by someone’s strong yet small hands. When the person who had almost knocked him over spoke up, the Hobbit was thoroughly shocked.

“Oh, I beg your pardon Mister ...” Sybil groaned.

“Baggins, Bilbo Baggins,” he came to her rescue.

“Ah, Mr Baggins. I'm looking for someone who’s very important to me, I'm in rush  and ... Sorry again, Mr. Baggins. Oh, what an awkward situation. How can I repay you my carelessness?” she asked with a disarming smile.

“There is one thing ... Tell me how did you manage to come here with your brother so fast?”

The girl's jaw dropped. She opened and closed her mouth, not knowing what to say.

“How… how…” she finally choked out. “How did you find out about us?”

“Shame on me for this, but the last time Fili and Kili slipped out of the camp, taking away large amounts of beer with themselves, I felt obliged to find them. I were watching you for a long time. You dance very nicely,” he finished with an apologetic smile.

Sybil blushed to the roots of her hair. She looked like she did not know what she could laid her eyes upon. Whole range of emotions were visible on her face, from disbelief, through the embarrassment and awkwardness, to anger.

“Mr Baggins, it was very intimate moments, not intended for anyone's ears or eyes.” she said coldly as she calmed down. “I hope that in an exchange for following us, you will at least retain discretion.”

“I assure you that I will,” Bilbo told her solemnly. “Do you want me to take a message to Fili and Kili?” he asked, for he did not want to part with Sybil in such a hostile atmosphere.

The girl smiled happily.

“Pray tell them that we're here, safe and sound. We'll see soon. They better stay tuned,” she winked mischievously. “Now, forgive me, but I must see with Dorian. My brother doesn’t have enough strength to get out of his bed,” the lass sighed. “It was an honor to meet you, Mr. Baggins,” she curtsied and walked away briskly.

“All pleasure on mine,” Bilbo replied, wondering what glorious Sybil and Dorian had done this time. Numerous wounds on the girl’s hands, neck and face had not escaped the Hobbit’s attention.

When he returned to his companions, he spotted  Fili and Kili sitting apart from the rest and discussing something quietly, excitedly. Bilbo decided to play a quite cruel prank on them. He sneaked up to the boys from behind, getting so close that he could easily touch them.

“You know, I was just coming back here from a pleasant stroll ...” the brothers jerked and turned to him sharply. “When Sybil bumped into me. Literally. She clearly was in hurry. Puzzling, but she seemed quite healthy and well-rested, however, a fresh wounds on her hands, neck and face could belie it. It’s such a pity that you haven’t seen her, because you’ve missed a lot. She was dressed in a white elvish dress and looked truly lovely. She apologized me repeatedly and very politely. We had a small talk, then asked me to say to you these words: ‘we're here, safe and sound, we’ll see you soon. Stay tuned.’ After that, she said she had to see with Dorian, because he was too weak to get out of his bed. Then, she curtsied and walked away.”

The boys’ expressions were so priceless that Bilbo burst out laughing at the very memory for the rest of his live.

***

In the next day in the morning, Ireth was going to Dorian’s room, very concerned. He had a sad and serious news for him. However, as she crossed the threshold of her patient room, she stood still, rooted to the spot. Since the crack of dawn, Ireth had set on legs a half of Rivendell, even the horsemen had been sent to the area, after she had  discovered that he could not find Sybil. Meanwhile, the girl was sitting on the floor beside the bed where her brother was sleeping, and the siblings were holding hands, both of them asleep. 

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If things wren't interesting, I promise that something will finally happen. 

Chapter 5

Originally posted on: 11th February 2014

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They ran, ran as fast, as long and as tirelessly as if superhuman strength had joined them.

Blood, their blood was everywhere - in their hair, on theirs clothes, on theirs arms and legs, theirs faces.

Everything hurt, the whole body, but it didn't matter.

Their lungs were on fire, but it didn't matter.

They ran and ran because the lives of those they loved depended on it.

They ran and ran, as if death itself was chasing them, whose judgment they had been fleeing from stubbornly for so long.

Help, they needed help. Dorian and Sybil had realized how little they could do on their own. How ridiculously small their capabilities were. Azog’s chase counted a lot more orcs than they had assumed. The siblings had attacked the gang at night. They hadn't thought through the course of the skirmish well enough. They had been surrounded, bitten, wounded and had got shot. Terrible end had been close. Only Sybil's crazy idea to mount a warg devoid of its master had saved them from the worst. Since then, they had been running  almost without stop. They had killed many of those filthy creatures, but still about two dozen of them had stayed alive. Wrath of the Pale Orc was huge. This caused that he was getting closer to Thorin and his Company very quickly. Too fast. If Thorin doesn't agree on visiting Rivendell, all will be lost.

Rivendell. Imladris. The Last Homely House East of the Sea. Only there they could search for hope of finding help. Perhaps it was too bold, brazen, naïve and stupid to enter there and beg Elrond Half-elven for rescue. Yet, he did not meet them. Sybil and Dorian had never been to his house, even though they knew the way. They had heard all best about the host of Rivendell. From his mother’s site he came from lineage of Eldar, so surely he could be characterized as brigh and kindn. From the paternal lineage he was of human race - that made him seem somehow closer. He should not remain deaf to their entreaties. They understood that there were nobodies, just ordinary people in comparison to the High Elves living in Imladris. Why would these magnificent creatures expose themselves to danger in a combat with the orcs, in order to protect dwarves, at the request of two children?

But it was their last, futile hope that they would cling to until the very last minute.

When they felt that, in a minute, their hearts would break of effort, legs fall off and they were close to spitting out their own lungs, Dorian and Sybil entered the Hidden Valley.

Their breaths caught in throats. This place ... this place was ... they ran out of words. The watched The Last Homely House, shinning in the rays of the rising Sun, amazed. They forget about all their worries. An incredible aura of the place worked on them right away. Blissful smiles spread on their faces. This spot seemed to be blessed. Dorian and Sybil walked toward the splendid house shyly. Elf, whose task was apparently greeting guests, came up to meet them.  

“Welcome to our valley, elf-friends!” he said. “My name’s Lindir. I see that you need help. It will be given to you with a greatest joy. Make yourself at home and stay with us for how long you want. Lord Elrond would be delighted to welcome so young people. We didn’t have someone like you here for years. But first let us take care of you, you’re seriously wounded,” the beautiful elf ended with a note of concern in his voice.

The siblings bowed low.

“Hail Lindir! I'm Dorian, son Brandon, and this is my sister Sybil, daughter of Cora. We’re honored to be so welcomed. Our first request is a moment of private conversation with the venerable Lord Elrond, preferably immediately. We got a matter of urgency which we much desire to discuss with him,” the boy spoke quickly.

Time is running out, time is running out!

Big astonishment appeared on Lindir’s fine features.

“If that is your wish. Come with me,” he just said.

He led them through the stunning garden full of waterfalls, streams and gazebos, followed by a large, wonderful rooms, up to the point where there was a single stone table, which Elrond Half-elven was standing beside, his turned back to them, and looking down upon the entire valley.

“Wait here,” Lindir whispered to them and then stepped closer to his ruler. “My lord, two children have just come to our house. They say that they desire to speak with you about some matter of urgency.”

Lord Elrond turned around and glanced at the young people. Sybil and Dorian suddenly felt extremely intimidated by his beauty and majesty. They realized how small, ridiculous, meaningless and little knowing they were. It also seemed to them that his gorgeous eyes pierced through their souls.

“Truly remarkable guests you are, children of Brandon and Cora.” Lord of Rivendell stated. “Come closer.”

So siblings did, bowing very low, whilst Lindir departed.

There was a moment of silence. Elrond gazed at his new guests thoroughly and he had read a lot in their eyes. He saw the tragedy as well as sacrifice to the heirs of Durin. He saw the faces of their parents, whom they had loved above all and lost, and also the calculates those who had done them so much harm. He comprehended how precious their hearts were, their fortitude great, and they were also very brave and unyielding. These children gained his respect immediately. ‘People like that are hardly to meet in recent times,’ he thought, amazed greatly. ‘In addition, there are still so young, too young to suffer so much.’

“So you are in a dramatic need of help,” only that Elrond said aloud. “And it is not help for your tortured, wounded bodies. You desire rescue for those whose lives you value more than your own …”

“Lord Elrond, forgive us our audacity,” Dorian interrupted him quickly. “Thoirn, son of Thrain and his companions are in a grave danger. They are chased by the Pale Orc and about two dozen of others, all mounting wargs ... I don’t know if Thorin is going to pay you a visit and stay in your house that is truly blessed. However, if he doesn’t do this and no one comes to his rescue, the King Under the Mountain together with his people will be wiped out.”

“So what do you want from me exactly?” Elrond asked, knowing the answer far too well.

“We beg you to go off with your knights as soon as possible and kill the orcs chasing Thorin Oakenshield and his Company,” Sybil asked, almost bumping in tears.

“Rightly I would do, fulfilling your request. It is disturbing that a group of orcs dared to cross Brunien and step into my lands. I will do what you want, although I am sure that will not hear a word of thanks from the dwarves,” Elrond said with a hint of bitterness in his voice. “I will do it because of you,” he added. 

Relief. Warm wave of incerdible relief rushed through the siblings’ hearts. They did achieve almost impossible. They did! Suddenly, they felt with the full force how much they were exhausted, wounded, weak. They became deadly tired, so much that they could not stand on their feet and sank to their knees in front of Elrond.

“If it means anything, you have our greatest thanks, my lord,” Dorian mumbled. 

“Will we ever reward your generosity and kindness, Lord Elrond?” Sybil said, audibly touched.

“Thanks from beings as good as you mean very much to me,” the half-elf stated.“If you return to full strength while being my guests for the next few days, I'll feel sufficiently rewarded. Meanwhile, please let yourself go under my people’s care. I'm setting off immediately,” Elrond said and after that, he summoned an she-elf called Ireth, ordered her to take care of Sybil and Dorian. Then, he went away briskly.

Before they fell lifeless, Sybil and Dorian heard the beautiful sound of elven war horns piercing the morning air.

***

It had been a bittersweet meeting.

Curiosity killed the cat indeed.

Fili and Kili, however, felt as if they were in its most horrific depths.

The news about Brandon’s and Cora’s deaths as well as about the burning of Ettinor, had caused the dwarves’ hearts to fall apart into pieces.

They felt as if they had lost their own family members.

And home.

How could they live, play and sleep peacefully for two years while their loved Dorian and Sybil were starving, freezing to the bone and rubbing shoulders with death, being left alone to the mercy of fate?

In addition, they sacrificed their lives for them.

Fili and Kili had determined that they do not agree on it. In their view, Dorian and Sybil should be exalted above every earthly honors.

And that would happen. They didn't know how, didn't know when, but they were sure that when Thorin would become the King Under the Mountain, those two people would be the only ones the king would bow to. Fili and Kili would take care of it.

How difficult it was be to hold their tongues, knowing that Azog the Defiler was alive and chasing them! But they had promised staying mum to Dorian and Sybil when they parted with them.

They did not remember how they came back to camp after the meeting. Consciousness returned to them with all its cruelty when they had been awakened in the morning. They had had horrible headaches. First of all, because of crying. But they also had had a slight hangover.

This morning was one of few moments when Kili wanted to be the person who didn'd draw the other’s attention. He felt the stares of the Company upon him when he silently functioned throughout the day. He wasn’t up to anyting, he didn't laugh at all, and often stared into the distance, his head ducked and his arms slumped. And he obeyed Thorin’s commands without any objection.

It was behavior odd enough to trigger a stir among the rest. Only Bilbo did not seem to be surprised, though, he also was as quiet as Kili and his brother.

Fili had noticed it quickly, too.

He did not want to accept the truth. He wanted to make sure that he had dreamed. That Brandon and Cora were alive, and lead a happy life for which they deserve a hundredfold. Fili wanted to make sure everything was nothing more than a nightmare.

On the other hand, he did not. He wanted his dance with Sybil not to be only a dream.

Fili had tried, tried so hard to behave normally, but with a little success. Knowing about the tragedy that had befell Sybil and Dorian, he couldn't think about anything else. Even the reclaiming of Erebor had lost its significance. His feelings had to be visible, as he had noticed the growing tension among the members of the Company. They were whispering among themselves about him and Kili. Only Bilbo did not. Their Burglar knew something.

It would have to be explained.

This was something that Fili was afraid of the most - a time for explanations. He was not ready for it.

However, before any time like that could have come, they had been caught by Azog’s chase.

A huge fear wrapped around Fili's and Kili's hearts. They didn't fear for their own lives very much, make no mistake. The feared for their siblings’s lives. Since they had designated themselves to the task of stopping the orcs, did that mean that they were dead?

When Lord Elrond came, together with a handful of his knights, killed their oppressors, and then accommodated the Company of Thorin Oakenshield in Rivendell, Fili and Kili were the only ones not at peace.

Dorian, Sybil, where are you?

______________________________

A few days after the bittersweet meeting, our beloved siblings paid for their temerity.

But they should be congratulated because of their physical condition.

Elrond will play a significant role in my story.

That's half of the first book.

Should I post on?

Chapter 4

Originally posted on: 11th February 2014

ATTENTION! Slight Thilbo Bagginshield.

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Bilbo wouldn't forgive these brats this time. They were gone, again! In addition, a substantial amount of beer had disappeared, to Bombur’s horror (who had a watch over it and with whom the Hobbit had just finished his watch) ... These two facts had to have something in common. Bilbo had no idea how they had slipped out of the camp unnoticed, stealing such a lot of drink, but it didn't bode any good. The Hobbit felt extremely obliged to take care of Thorin’s nephews safety. Thorin ... this ruggedly handsome, strong dwarf with unearthly voice and marvelous sapphire eyes, King under the Mountain, a great leader ... Bilbo shook his head. There was no time for such thoughts! Where those two rascals could have gone with beer? Everywhere. Very helpful, really. Mr. Baggins was searching for any signs in the heavens or on earth that could lead him to his dear dwarves. And then, his sharp hobbitish eyes saw a light. Far from the place where he stood, at least a mile. Took won in him. Oin and Gloin, being now on watch, most likely wouldn't notice his absence, if he put blankets in his sleeping bag in an appropriate manner, just like Fili and Kili had done. Moreover, the guardians were too engrossed in considerations if Bombur hand't drunk everything himself.

The time that took him to get closer to that place seemed like an age. Even from a distance, Bilbo heard two familiar laughter and two unknown to him. What did that mean? The Hobbit crept up very close, unnoticed.

"Ah, yes ... no, wait a minute. Something's not right,” Bilbo told himself in mind. “Fili and Kili take the beer, escape from the camp just to drink it with ... who are they, actually? They look partly like elves, partly as humans, but they’re so short. However they’re at least a head higher than the boys ... Elves are very tall. So young people! A boy and a girl ... they must be someone important and valuable for Fili and Kili. You can notice it at first glance.”

Bilbo’s conclusion turned out to be very true, of course. The Hobbit hadn’t seen the young heirs of Durin as happy as at this moment. They behaved incredibly freely in the company of these two, like they had known them forever. The same went for the people. Wrangling, wrestling, jokes and mockery, laughter and joyful songs – that was what Bilbo saw when observing the slightly drunk four. Suddenly, someone got an idea of the dance competition without music. The Hobbit rolled his eyes at such a ridiculous activity, but curiously watched the first couple taking part in the contest.

The boy and the girl.

‘Considering their appearance and growth they’re virtually identical! Siblings, certainly’ Mr. Baggins thought.

 They stood opposite each other.

“Sybil,” the lad bowed.

“Dorian,” the lass curtsied gracefully.

“Will you make this honor and dance with me?”

“I’d be delighted, brother," the girl replied with difficulty in keeping a straight face.

They danced one of people’s dances, quite serious and calm, requiring grace and skill, which usually the balls were opened with. The siblings were coping very well. They would bring pride to their parents dancing even on a royal court. When they finished, the applause rang out alive.

Then, the second kinsfolk came out. Fili and Kili danced one of dwarves dances, very cheerful, lively and spectacular. Among the ‘audience’, tense “oh” and “ah” could be heard repeatedly, then there was a loud plaudit. Bilbo had no idea who should be given a winner laurel.

Then, Kili and Dorian danced together. It was not even a dance, it was a show! The boys behaved so seriously as they were dancing the dance of human elites. After that, funny dialogue parodying upper classes' ways of speaking established between them. Fili and Sybil were crying of mirth. Bilbo giggled likewise, quietly, but still. 

Next couple was Kili and Sybil. They danced dwarvish dance, in which, to the delight of all, Kili was on the place of woman, and he was being thrown in the air like a child. Oh, what sort of comical! Bilbo also, like Fili and Dorian, was chocking on laughter. He had tried to sit silently, but this task was simply impossible.

Penultimate pair in the competition was Dorian and Fili. To Bilbo’s surprise, they started to dance a hobbitish dance! Simple, cheerful and joyful dance, often danced on birthdays and this type of occasions. Bilbo was looking at it with a pleasure, and his heart rejoiced. Thunderous applause, thunderous applause!

But the last couple won. Fili and Sybil danced the elven dance. Initially, Bilbo could not get over how on earth they know this dance, however, he couldn’t bring himself to care for longer than a few moments. The only thing he was able to do was keep staring at them. This pair aroused pure delight. Frankly, Bilbo didn’t expect such a grace of Fili. Royal majesty was radiating from him. Girl exceeded grace of many she-elves. It was the dance of elites of the elites, yet danced not to ridicule, but for serious. The choreography should be described nothing more, nothing less as enchanting. Furthermore, the music played in ears itself. When they finished,  Sybil and Fili were announced as winners.

When the couple bowed for the hundredth time and  the applause died down, finally, all four of them wallowed on the ground and laughed to tears. Bilbo didn't approve of such a carelessness .

“It’s wonderful to see you,” Dorian said. “Everything was so sad and difficult without you.”

“Believe me, we missed you, too,” Fili replied.

They were silent for a long moment, stargazing.

“I have a feeling that we’re true brothers and sisters, aren’t we?” Kili asked .

“Indeed.,” Sybil nodded cheerfully. “And at last we're all together!”

“Maybe we'll be meeting every seven days?” Fili suggested.

“Yes!” the rest answered in choir.

“But in the next few days we’ll be in Rivendell,’  Kili muttered.

“Come on, uncle will never agree on this!” Fili objected.

“And if so, what then?” the younger dwarf asked.

“Then … we’ll arrive at Rivendell,” Dorian said with a smile.

“And you’ll show yourselves up!” Kili exclaimed.

“Maybe ...” Sybil answered cryptically.

“We beg you!” Fili groaned.

“You’ll see,” Dorian cut the conversation off with a sinister smile.

“What are you up to?” Kili asked, his voice suspicious.

Bilbo chuckled. So there was someone who could surpass sons of Dis in attenuating intrigues.

“You’ll see,” Sybil echoed her brother.

 There was a long silence afterwards.

“Er, are you going to sleep here with us?” Sybil snapped.

“And why not?” Fili said, a hint of challenge in his voice.

“Oh, yes, sorry, I’ve forgotten that we’re the same crazy,” Dorian mentioned slightly sarcastically.

 Peals of laughter erupted.

“We won’t leave until you tell us one thing,” Kili said.

“What is it?” Sybil murmured.

“What do you mean by ‘a life for a life’?” Fili asked curiously.

Sybil and Dorian exchanged glances, as if asking each other whether to tell or not.

“Don’t you remember?” Sybil started hesitantly. “Thorin saved our mother and father from a terrible death, risking his own life. I don’t know what would have happened to us if he hadn’t done that... We’re so indescribably grateful for it,” the girl's voice was overflowing with a wave of sadness, which disturbed the dwarves.

“How are your wonderful parents?” they enquired.

“The thing is that Azog and his band visited our village and ... dad died in mum’s defense, pierced with a sword by Azog himself, mum died covering us with her own body, pierced with an arrow in the abdomen by one of the subordinates of the Pale Orc. Then ... they wanted to capture us, but parents’ sacrifice was not in vain and we managed to escape. We had nothing to go back to. They looted and burned down everything ...” Sybil burst into tears.

Fili and Kili fell to their knees, unable to hold back tears.

“It was over two years ago. Since then we've been wandering around the world without any purpose. But now you’ve become the meaning of our lives. Ever since we’ve discovered Azog’s conspiracy to kill Thorin... Don’t ask about the circumstances... we’ve decided to do everything to prevent it. It consists mainly rendering this monster’s life unpleasant. You, Dis, but especially Thorin, gave us so much happiness. Kili showed Sybil how to shoot a bow. You, Fili, taught me swordfighting. When we met you for the first time, we were extremely impressed by your ability to use weapons, and that’s why we begged you to show us how to do it. After your departure we perfected what we'd learnt. If not you, we would have probably died together with our parents, or soon afterwards. Furthermore, if Thorin hadn’t forged this great weapon as a gift for our father, I would have suffered death a couple of times. We devote our lives to you because thanks to you we still exist. We won’t rest until we are sure that you’re safe,” Dorian said, his voice cracking .

Fili and Kili were speechless . They were clearly devastated at the news of the death of Barndon and Cora. Dumbstruck because of pain, disbelief and no less compassion, they gaped at Dorian and Sybil.

“You ... you don’t deserve such a fate,” Kili objected. “You’re young people, who should enjoy life! Why do you bear so great a sacrifice?”

“It was my and Dorian shared decision. After the orcs’ attack we had no home, no money to buy it, nor the skills to earn it. Everywhere we were unwanted. Two nightmarish years of fighting for survival. When we’d realized what Azog was up to, we agreed that we couldn't watch it and do nothing. We can’t let the evil win this time, nor let it tear your family apart. Although our abilities are small ... we’ll do what we can not to let you be hurt,” Sybil announced with fierceness.

Bilbo was astonished. He hadn't known the Big Folk in this light. How was it possible that these practically children carried so much weight? That this noble decision had been made by so young people? Bilbo felt anger at the thought of  Dorian and Sybil's family targedy. He felt that it was unacceptable that such a great people had suffered so much. He started to admire the siblings. Now Bilbo understood why Fili and Kili hold affection for Dorian and Sybil. He also supposed that he had heard enough. He watched with watering eyes as all four hugged each other and wept. The Hobbit realized that it was time for him to leave. He felt overwhelmed by the new known secret. How long would he be able to to keep it? He didn't want to be aware of what he knew now.

______________________________

I just had to involve our lovley hobbit in the intrigue. 
As for these dances - I don't see anything wrong in the fact that two boys dance with each other. 
I think that Thilbo Bagginshield is a sick overinterpretation, which does not change the fact that I love it. 
It will be mentioned in my "masterpiece" frequently. 
If I made somebody pissed off... it makes me laugh. 

Chapter 3

Originally posted on: 11th February 2014

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At the beginning, there were their voices in praise of Elbereth.

A! Elbereth Gilthoniel!
silivren penna míriel
o menel aglar elenath,
Gilthoniel, A! Elbereth!

He heard his own voice - DORIAN?! SYBIL?!
He heard their shared laughter, almost felt the happiness ...
We must do everything in our power to repay the debt which we have to Thorin Oakenshield.
A Life for a life.
And shouldn’t we simply reveal ourselves?
And fight with Thorin and his Company?
We ... don’t want him to know about us.
The chase will participate at least two, maybe three dozen of  orcs.
It’s just the two of us.
How are we supposed to protect them?
We have a job to do.
We need to stop Azog.
He knows that Thorin is here.
He wants to kill him ...
It's them!
You don’t understand, they'll kill you if they see you with us!
There’s no time to explain, it's all about your safety!
By Aulë, I beg you, go away!
I see them already!
RUN!
Then, there was a scream. His own. It woke him up.
Kili had nightmares about the meeting with Dorian and Sybil, he still heard these snippets of conversations.
Young dwarf looked around. Luckily, he did not wake anyone. Only Gandalf, who had a watch, knelt beside him. 

“Everything all right, Kili?” he asked, his expression full of concern.  

“Yes, everything’s fine,” Kili lied. 

The wizard was not fooled that easily, so he just stared at him for a moment, as if to look into the dwarf’s mind. After that, Gandalf departed. More and more members of the Company suspected something. He and Fili rarely were so silent, pensive and slow to fun and jokes.

How to stay unchanged after such a meeting?
How to forget the hymn to Elbereth?
How not to be sad after a better idea of ​​that people grow old so fast?
How not to wonder about their mission?
What if what they say about Azog is true?
Who came then, why we had to leave?

These questions had circulated persistently in Fili’s head when he was waking up from an unpleasant dream he couldn’t remember. He woke up even more tired than he had been before he had gone to sleep.

Today was the day of their next encounter. 

He had planned something special with Kili due to this fact. It would require a lot of effort, but in the end, he and his brother would satisfy curiosity.

***

She felt only guilt. Damn overwhelming sense of guilt. Sybil had realized how great Azog’s wrath would be. How much the dwarves would suffer.

She didn't balme Dorian. He had always been the one to talks and negotiations. Besides, she would have acted the same if the had been in his place.

There had been about eight messengers, moreover, everyone of them had mounted wargs. She and her brother had had to consider that battle very well. Thankfully, she get along with Dorian without words. They ended up with scratches, bruises, no serious injuries.

But after that they had to rest. Without fire, of course. The corwns of trees were safe.

Dorian couldn’t bear sleeping in this way. He was afraid of falling down in every coming second, and the rope which was always tied to the branches did not convince him.

What was more, they had only heat of their own bodies. Covered with flimsy blankets which they had scunged, found or even stolen, they were often freezing to the bone.

 They didn’t complain because they didn't have anyone to complain to.

Once again they were caught up by their usual signs of human mortality - even though they were trying to keep pace with the Thorin’s Company, that wouldn’t do. Dwarves were tough and they had ponies.

Even so many months of wandering, hunger and cold hadn't prepared Dorian and Sybil for this rate of travel.

Moreover, they were mentally depressed. Awareness of the evil caused by killing the messengers killed them too. The only thing which kept them on their feet was the thought that they still could fix it.

The whole seven days after the last meeting with Fili and Kili were one endless nightmare filled with exhaustion, pain, famine, sadness, fear, coldness as well as lack of sleep, full of bad dreams anyway. It seemed that Dorian had known exactly how much they could withstand, wandering in this way. One more day and they would give up.

The seventh day was a true blessing. Just one more step, two, three, yet only a hundred yards, a mile, two, just a little, and they would appease their hunger, bathe and warm up again.

When they had noticed the Company in the distance, stopping for the night, Dorian and Sybil began to prepare their own accommodation with energy from nowhere.

Brother gathered wood and set fire. She hunted, groomed and cooked the game, while he guarded if there was safe. After a dip in a cruelly cold stream and washing their clothes, they began to feast. This scheme they had known by heart.

As they had eaten two rabbits in fricassee of wild parsley, which was even better than the previous one, they waited.

Why Fili and Kili weren’t coming?     

                                                

They combed their hair without such emotions as the last time.

Out of boredom Dorian began to sharpen and oil his magnificent sword. It was so big that he had to carry it on his back. The weapon seemed to glow with its own light. It was made of the finest steel and had a simple, mercilessly sharp blade. What was more, it always fit perfectly to the hand holding it. It was a masterpiece of the art of making swords.

Sybil wanted to carve a few arrows, but she couldn’t concentrate. She wanted to see with her brothers!

With Fili in particular.

She polished her bow, washed the dishes, did everything useful that she could.

And they were still not here!

Anxiety started to bother the siblings. They understood that it was not so easy just to get out of the camp but they were supposed to meet, weren’t they?

“Dorian …”

“Hm?”

“I’m afraid.”

“That they won’t come?”

“Yes … maybe … let’s sing to Elbereth, shall we? It always helps me.”

“Well then,” he sighed and started a song:

A Elbereth Gilthoniel,
silivren penna míriel

Sybil joined her brother:

o menel aglar elenath!

Then they sang together:

Na-chaered palan-díriel
o galadhremmin ennorath,
Fanuilos, le linnathon
nef aear, sí nef aearon!

“Don’t stop, ever,” came a familiar voice, or a combination of two voices actually. Fili and Kili came out from nowhere. There was general rejoicing, everyone exchanged hugs, smiles and jokes. Fun has reached a higher level, when Fili and Kili triumphantly announced that they brought beer.

It was very cunning, clever indeed. To make people get drunk. You could draw a lot of information from them without much resistance.

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So here it is, another chapter. It doesn't explain anything, really.
In my first post I claimed that the story would be slow to update. And it will be, but not yet. Chapters in the Tome I aren't long and Tome I isn't large as well. Tome II is a different matter. It will be much more difficult to translate it. Moreover, I finally have to finish writing "A life for a life" in original. I'm just pretty sick of Dorian and Sybil. I've been writing Tome III since... hell, four months and I'm not even in a halfway...