The Sacrifice

  Thorin sat on his throne with Fili and Kili by his side. Lothiriel walked towards him with her guards. She kneeled before him and bowed her head.

    "You may speak, but do so quickly." Thorin's tone was harsh but not angry.

She stood and smiled slightly.

    "Thorin, your father once made a promise to my people. That should the mountain be won, we would be rewarded with the jewels of pure starlight that my kin hold so dear. The mountain is yours and still you refuse. I am here to offer a trade. For the sake of my father, King Thranduil of the Woodland Realm."

Thorin leaned forward and studied her. Her eyes were pleading with him. He could not help but notice the porcelain skin of her breasts straining against her emerald gown with each breath.

    "So, what do you have to offer?"

    "Myself. In whatever way you see fit."

Thorin heard Kili gasp. He was surprised himself. He stood from his throne and walked down to her. He weighed the different outcomes in his head as he circled around her.

    "Is this your father's idea?"

    "No my lord. He has no knowledge of this bargain. Since the battle and my brother leaving the realm he has not been himself. He just sits on his throne and wanders the woods day and night. These men are here, should you agree, to take the gems back to him. Our life force is tied to these gems Thorin. To you, they may be no more than trinkets. To us, they are far more precious than you can ever imagine. They are memory. I cannot bear to see my father this way. I would give you my life to save his."

Thorin looked into her eyes. They blazed with passion and grief. They reminded him of a sea just before a raging storm. Grey and blue, tossed and shining. He walked back to his throne and stood for a moment.

    "I accept this offer my lady. Your sacrifice has touched me." He sat on his stone and merely glanced at the Arkenstone that shone above him. "I know all too well the feeling of missing something precious to you."

She smiled warmly and spoke to her companions is elvish.

    "Fili, you will escort these men to where the jewels are kept and see to it that they are given all that we have of what belongs to them. Kili, please show our guest to a room and see her horse is taken care of."

Fili briskly walked out of the throne room, the elvish guards following closely behind him. Kili began to leave when Thorin grabbed his arm and pulled him close.

    "There is a suite adjoining my chamber, see to it that you put here there. I want to keep my eye on her." her whispered in Kili's ear.

    "Something tells me that's not all you want to do Thorin." Kili whispered back cracking a smirk.

Thorin smiled slightly and ruffled his nephews hair. Kili ran to Lothieriel's side.

    "Thank you my lord. You have no idea what this means to me. I promise, you will not be disappointed with your choice."

She followed Kili out of the hall. Thorin was left alone in the silence of his throne room and his heart beat racing in his chest.