Thorin's Heart ~ Chapter 8

Chapter 8 ~ Stolen Moments

Thorin awoke days later, stiff and bruised. A soft glowing light was coming from a fire in a hearth on the far side of the room and he blinked trying to remember where he was.  He rubbed his eyes and blinked again as his vision adjusted to the lighting.  He struggled to sit up and then gasped as he saw her lying by his side, her hand on his heart.  

“Try not to wake her,” came a familiar voice from the corner of the room.  It was Kili and Fili was standing at the fire smoking his pipe.  They had not left his side.

“She has been exhausted from trying to heal you.”  Thorin lay his head back down on his pillow and held her hand thankful.
 
“Where, How?” he whispered with a hoarse voice.

“We are at the Carrock, home of Gwaihir, Lord of the Eagles.  They saved our miserable selves on the cliffs.” Fili answered.

“What were you thinking?” whispered Kili who had joined him at the bedside.

“We thought you were going to die until Gandalf remembered Kale’s healing powers. He convinced Gwaihir to send some of his eagles to get her.  She has not left your side and I’m sure has used herself up to save you.”

Thorin could hear the hurt in Kili’s voice and saw the sadness in Fili’s eyes.  He had almost abandoned all three with such a bad choice.  

“I’m sorry,” Thorin whispered sadly.  These were words the boys had never heard him say.

“I was blinded by rage trying to avenge our grandfather. I put you all in a terrible position.”

“Well, just remember if something happens to you. We’ll have to take care of your pretty wife here and she might just see what a real dwarf is like.”

Fili hit Kili in the back of the head and then put his hand on Thorin’s shoulder.  

“It was reckless, but we are thankful you’re ok.”  He looked over at Kale and then smiled softly. “A treasure you have already found uncle, she really does love you, as do we. We’ll leave you two alone.”

They left the room shutting the door softly behind them.  He lay there stroking her cheek, kissing her hand, and listening to her breathing.  God had blessed him and Thorin was so thankful to have her back in his arms.  Thankful he was alive to experience it again.

They rested there together until she finally stirred.  Tears of joy filled her eyes as she realized he was awake and she tenderly kissed everywhere that was exposed to her.  He was still sore and bruised but that would not keep him from the desire that overtook him with her in his arms.  They held each other with tears in their eyes, loving and consuming each other with every breath. They reunited their bodies as one, until they were exhausted.

In between their moments of rest and the need they craved for each other, she told him of her connection with Aiden.  He told her the missing things she could not see of their mishaps and imprisonment, but the worst was the grim conversation that almost cost him his life.  

“You can’t ever do that again, Thorin.” She said lying on his chest looking up at him.  “If you die, I will surely die as well!”

“Shhh,” he whispered stroking her face.  I am so sorry I have caused you this much hurt.  It almost killed me to leave you in Rivendell.  Every step I took made me want to turn and head back to you.  I knew you would be safe and I knew you were protected.  I promised I would fight to get back to you and I will.”

“I know you have a duty to uphold and people to lead.  I promised I would be strong, but I’m losing this battle that is trying to take you from me,” she choked. “I’m weak, so weak. I can’t do this!”

“We’re here together now aren’t we?  Fate is on our side, Kale. You’re giving me the strength to carry on.  Please believe and have faith in me.  Give me this time and we will never be parted again forever more.  Even death’s doorstep will not separate me from you.”

She closed her eyes and whimpered.  “Take me with you Thorin, do not leave me again, it’s killing me.” He could not calm her down as the pain was his own.   Her words were cutting, a blow more hurtful than the pale orc himself. He fell apart. He was broken, wounded, hurt and altogether determined to give up completely as he wept.  They kissed each others’ tears and held each other as if any moment they would be separated again.  There were no words that he could find to comfort her.  How could anyone love him when he had let so many down? Even the one that was more important to him than any kingdom or amount of treasure he had fought so hard to regain.

“Can I stay here then?” She whispered later lying on his tear dampened chest.  Calm and silence had finally found them as they lie quietly in each other’s arms.  “Don’t send me back to Rivendell without you.”

“Whatever keeps you out of harms way and closer to me, I’ll agree.”  It sounded rational enough and the great eagles had few, if any, predators that could overcome them.  He did not ask why she didn’t want to be back with her family or the company of the elves, but he knew that she would be safe.

The next morning, she helped him get dressed, but would then quickly get him undressed and pull him back to the bed with her again.  They eventually found their way from the room when hunger began to make her tummy growl.  She held him as he walked slowly and stiffly to find the others.  Everyone cheered when he walked into the grand hall and then cheered for Kale, his savior.  She blushed shyly and hid in his side and they saw again the rarity of his smile and knew he was going to be ok.  Everyone cheered again as Thorin grabbed Bilbo holding him in an embrace and thanked him for saving his life.  It was joyous moment and the day seemed at ease as Thorin and his company laughed and dined in such a magnificent place.  

The eagles were pleased to have guests.  They longed for the company of others that they once had long ago.  They had brought them piles of fruits from nearby trees and meats that the dwarves gladly roasted in large beautiful carved hearths.  Such gracious hosts were very rare and they were thankful for such hospitality and the comfort of their rooms with soft beds.

The day seemed carefree and full of happiness as no one thought of the journey ahead.  They took turns telling large tales trying to impress Kale and make her laugh, a sound that Thorin’s would give all the gold in Erebor to hear.   Gandalf noticed that she never let go of Thorin or left his side. She clung to him as if any minute he would be ripped from her.  He smiled knowing that just her presence alone would help him heal.  As the day drew on everyone seemed to retire to their rooms with full bellies and need for a nap.  She helped him undress and get back into bed, and then crawled into his arms.

Thorin awoke that night in a cold sweat and reached over quickly to make sure Kale was there.  He had dreamed that Azog, the pale orc, was standing over him and he had a baby in his arms, their baby.  The fire was too low and he could barely see.  He kissed her back softly and then slowly stood to grab some logs and stoke the fire.  As the fire grew to an acceptable height to keep them warm, he stood by the bed watching her sleep while saying silent prayers of thankfulness.  She was so innocent, beautiful, and everything he needed in life.  The fact that he now had someone to love and that loved him was hard to believe.  Could he ask for more?

He suddenly longed for a baby and a quiet life with them both in his arms.  He climbed onto the bed and began kissing her back up and down until she giggled.

“Have I not bedded you well my love?” she teased sleepily as his hand began to explore.  He made his way back up kissing her neck and making her hungry for more of him.
 
“To well, and it just leaves me wanting more,” he whispered in her ear sending a ripple of tingles through her body. “I guess I’ve been trying for a baby,” he finally added waiting for her reply.

This woke Kale up enough for her to turn to him and look deeply in his eyes and she smiled the most precious smile and tears touched her eyes as she saw the longing in his.  
“I hope for us to be blessed with a child as well,” she said with a beaming smile as she wrapped her arms around his neck.  

“You do?”  He whispered hopeful.

“With all my heart, but I think we need to work harder,” she smiled as she climbed onto his lab sealing their hope.

Thorin found Gandalf the next day and asked if they could speak alone. He wanted to talk and thank Gwaihir for being such a gracious host and also ask him for one more favor, the protection of his wife.  He had left Kale sleeping soundly with Bilbo at her door.  He knew if she awoke, she would need a quick explanation and Fili and Kili were out roaming the Carrock and the other dwarves seemed to be all tucked away in their rooms.  He did not want to relive his last experience with her waking without him there.

“I believe you look younger in your old age,” laughed Gandalf as they reached the king of eagles’ chambers.  Thorin smiled as he thought to himself that he felt younger and stronger than ever.  

The discussion of the parlous journey soon revealed its ugly head and preparation was well under way.  Thorin was mending well and quickly and everyone was eager to finish what they had started, even if it meant leaving the comfort of this beautiful place.  Gwaihir was eager to have her stay.  Her company delighted him and he promised her presence was welcome and would not trouble them at all.  Thorin was not happy until Gwaihir swore to protect her with his own life, something an eagle would never do.  Gandalf found the boldness of Thorin unbelievable and the willingness of Gwaihir astounding. Gwaihir agreed to bring Kale the rest of the way as long as the dragon was slain.  Thorin was glad of the agreement, but secretly thought he may have to make the return journey for her himself.  The chance of slaying the dragon seemed unreachable and the hope of him already being dead seemed unlikely the closer they got, but try they would.  

“She may end up being a queen of eagles.”  Gwaihir said jokingly as Thorin and Gandalf started to leave.  

This angered Thorin.  “Kale is Durin, Queen of Erebor!” he announced.  

“Gwaihir is only joking my dear Thorin.” Gandalf said putting his hand on Thorin’s shoulders.  

Thorin had to breathe in and out before he spoke.  “Your help is greatly appreciated Gwaihir, but do not mock me.”  

Gandalf gave an apologetic sigh to Gwaihir as Thorin stormed from the room.  Gandalf followed and could barely keep up.  

“I believe your charm wears off the further you are from Kale.” smiled Gandalf. Thorin did not answer.

“I know you’re on edge and fear what lies ahead, or should I say what’s left behind, but I hope you can travel soundly knowing that she is closer than ever. She is in the best protection middle earth could offer. It did cross my mind that we may have a larger eagle looking over us this time,” he puckered his lips trying to hold in a smile, but Thorin did not.  

“It’s killing me, Gandalf,” Thorin said suddenly putting his hand on the wall for support.  He looked out at the light coming from the open gate that led outside.  “I almost wanted the old bird to tell me no and then that would leave me with no choice but to stay.  I should’ve known no one would resist her. She has a hold on me that makes me unable to breathe without her. I have been dreaming of a family, a baby.” He looked up with pleading desperation in his eyes.  “And I want it, Gandalf, more than I have ever wanted anything.”

“Oh, of course you do,” Gandalf whispered.  “Sometimes love is too great to be spent between two people.  So it creates another to share it with, a place where such love can live. Just the thought of having a baby, my goodness Thorin, I’m so happy for you.  I wish you and Kale the very best.”

“Thank you, Gandalf,” Thorin whispered in a small soft voice.

“I have never known anyone that has deserved it more,” Gandalf added.

“Do I?” Thorin spoke sadly and with that they looked up and Kale and Bilbo were standing there. Bilbo had an apologetic look on his face but Kale just smiled and ran to Thorin’s arms.
 
“You do.” She whispered in his ear and then kissed him there.

“He has been very irritable my dear Kale.  So glad he has found you again,” and then he winked and let them be, taking Bilbo with him.
 
“Not my sweet Thorin,” she said taking his face between her hands and kissing him slowly as he wrapped his arms around her waist and then he took her hand and walked her through the open gate that led to the outside cliff.  

The sinking sun painted pinks, blues, and purples that streaked the sky. A small thrush flew by and Thorin sighed knowing they would have to leave soon. The sun was setting on another day they had together.  She helped him sit on a beautifully carved stone bench. He then wrapped her in his arms pulling her into his lap.  They looked out across the open lands that lay before him. The lonely mountain was as far as they could see into the distance.

“It seems so far.” she whispered laying her head on his shoulder.

“I know my love.”