#edris

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“For better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health. Till death do us apart.”

Edris was thinking of her wedding vows. Ever since Thorin proposed to her, she had been planning her oaths to recite on the formal union. Memorizing them and practicing out loud had been a source of entertainment during the long cold days inside the Lonely Mountain. The dark rooms of Erebor were so different from the bright halls of the Blue Mountains. The home they left months ago to look for a new one. Where he once got on his knees to confess his feelings for her.

Edris held onto that memory dearly, reminding herself of the love between them, how it only seemed to strengthen when things got bad during the Quest, motivating her to follow him further. She needed the motivation more than ever right then, when Thorin seemed to be overwhelmed by the events unleashing after Smaug’s death. He had shut everyone out, refusing to get any advice, not communicating much and only speaking to order them around. He had also commanded that she stayed hidden inside Erebor, to not let the Men and Elves see her, or they could think of hurting her. She thought her lover was being overprotective, but it made sense he feared for her safety after everything they went through. And anyways, there wasn’t much beyond the walls of the Mountain that excited her.

Because of this, Edris hadn’t been allowed near the Main Gate, so she got all the important news when speaking with members of the Company. When she could speak with them. The Dwarves were always busy, whether it was by looking for the Arkenstone or, Edris observed in horror, preparing for a war. Thorin wouldn’t give her any explanations, stating it shouldn’t concern her, that she should only worry about her safekeeping. But she was concerned. Very afraid, actually. So it felt like torture to be pushed aside by the group.

Right before the Company headed to the Main Gate to wait until dawn, Bofur met with her to give her the news: Elves of Mirkwood and men from Lake-town would march to Erebor at the first light and demand the King under the Mountain to give them a piece of the dwarvish treasure, or there would be war.

“That’s outrageous!” Edris exclaimed, fear setting in her heart at the realization that thirteen Dwarves couldn’t fight an entire army who wanted to take dwarvish gold by force.

“And that’s not all,” Bofur added, a gloomy expression set on his face.

Bilbo had left. She didn’t blame the hobbit at all for not wishing to witness what would happen, and possibly even get hurt in the process. He had been hired for one thing only that didn’t involve all this, even if he had failed to do the job. Yet, for some reason, she felt lonelier than before. Edris had hoped that Bilbo would stay with them until the very end, as they all seemed to have become friends. But long would pass before she found out that the hobbit intended to help them.

A bit of hope stirred in her heart when Bofur mentioned Thorin had sent a raven to the Iron Hills. His plan was to delay the attack as much as they could, waiting for backup. A very much needed backup. But would an army of their kin arrive on time? Maybe if they marched all day and all night. It was very unlikely, even if the Company managed to entertain the enemy. Still, she prayed that, whatever the outcome would be, not much dwarvish blood would be spilled. And hopefully not any other.

Edris told Bofur she would speak with Thorin. She needed to. Never mind the direct order of staying hidden! She had to see what was going on by herself and consult with him. By Durin, if Edris was to become Queen, she had to have some experience on handling conflicts! She couldn’t hide inside the halls and do nothing!

But her friend stopped her. He said it wouldn’t do any good. Thorin had made up his mind and there was nothing left to do. Elves and Men would attack at dawn, and the Company wanted to make sure she was safe even if they failed to protect the Mountain. Besides, the King had a lot in his mind. He was restless, disturbed, angry. The last thing he needed was another source of concern. The King under the Mountain was ready for battle and it was better not to distract him or the Company.

So, Edris was left alone with her sad heart. Again. But this time, she felt helpless and useless too. The worst scenario could be unravelling outside and she was hiding inside the walls of the Mountain. Curse the Elves! Curse the Men! And curse every event that led them to that hopeless situation. She prayed the conflict would be stopped somehow or that warriors of the Iron Hills would arrive on time.

As she walked through endless corridors and hallways, Edris remembered the moment it all began, as her heart needed some happiness, even if only brought by a memory. Before they arrived in Erebor, before they crossed the Misty Mountains, before the Quest began and even before they even agreed on going on the journey.

Thorin and Edris were lying on her bed, having spent a blissful night together. He had just confessed his feelings and she couldn’t hold back from kissing him so lustfully something ignited inside the Dwarf-lord. A primal desire. A need so feral he couldn’t stop his hands from roaming her body. And she also felt her insides burning like a forge had been lit, urging her to get a relief, to take off the suffocating clothes and put out the wildfire.

And that’s how they ended under the bedsheets, naked, exhausted but satisfied, holding each other in a warm embrace as their bodies cooled down. While keeping her in his strong arms, Thorin told her, with utter trust (and maybe a bit dizzy from the waves of pleasure that had crashed over him), about his intention to reclaim Erebor. And then marry her in their homeland.

Edris was so tired her mind worked slowly, looking at him with some difficulty as her eyelids were heavy and she struggled to keep her eyes open. She barely understood his plan and didn’t think of how dumb and dangerous it sounded. Until the next morning, when her thoughts were fresh and she was no longer under the happy enchantment of pleasure.

Edris tried to talk him out of it, but even after hours of arguing, Thorin stood his ground. She asked him, voice loud in anger and tears of desperation in her eyes, why he would do something like that to her. To confess deep feelings of love, ask her to marry him, unite them in the deepest way, make her see stars even though they were underground, show her how happy and content she could be by his side… Only to leave without knowing if he’d survive. Thorin could condemn her to solitude and grief now that she was attached to him, physically and spiritually.

He admitted that, in a moment of utter selfishness, he thought about ensuring she could still be his after the Quest. Thorin didn’t know how long the journey would last, and he feared that she might go on with her life in his absence with fair ease, because other Dwarves would definitely try to court her. Edris had been followed around by suitors since reaching the appropriate age of seventy. And why would she not be desired? Edris was the definition of beauty. Her blonde hair was bright like the reflection of fire upon metal. Her eyes were of a color that Thorin couldn’t quite describe; sometimes a clear brown, sometimes a deep amber, sometimes brilliant like sunlight. The way they glowed under light reminded him of melted gold. A soft beard, the same tone of her hair, adorned her jaw, tempting him to caress its short hairs and make little braids with them. Her nose wasn’t rounded like most, but rather pointy. It made him wish to place a kiss on the tip. Her cheeks were always a light shade of red, as if she was always blushing. That was adorable. She was slightly shorter than him, and chubbier than most working ladies. This made her best attributes, the best ones to grab, were thick and meaty. He had wondered, many times, what it would feel like to try and wrap his hands around her fat thighs, her large breasts, her meaty waist…

Thorin wasn’t sure why Edris would give herself to him. He was a lowly Dwarf-lord, stripped from his riches and his kingdom. His beard hadn’t grown past his neck since he had cut it when grieving his father and grandfather, and he constantly thought of how unattractive it was that he looked more like Edris than friends of his like Glóin. He never gave much care to the style of his hair, it was plain and boring. There was nothing in him that stood out from other Dwarves. Therefore, he felt blessed when she reciprocated his feelings and gifted him her consent, for he was able to observe every inch of her and got to touch and squeeze, very lovingly gentle but firm with desire, all of her body. He had been given a gift from the gods, something that exceeded what he deserved, and which he enjoyed more than anything before. Edris was his gift. She was his treasure. He loved and cared for her in ways he never thought were possible for him.

And just as she hypnotized Thorin, many others fell under her spell, fantasizing about her even if they had decided not to marry. Yet despite all this, Edris was well known not only for her beauty, but for her tough personality and untamed behavior too. She was waiting to meet the best suitor, someone who would have her besotted for him like many were for her. Someone who wouldn’t bore her. Who would start a fire in her heart. One so ardent that she would give herself to him freely and eagerly. Everyone would pity the new Dwarves that tried to court her, because none of them could ever meet her expectations, let alone convince her to settle down. None of them knew how to fuel the fire in her.

But Thorin wasn’t aware of this. He had set his eyes on Edris for years, yet he never really observed her. He never really saw the way she would appear extremely bored by whoever wished to woo her. Or how she would turn down all the gifts offered to her. Or how her amber eyes would lit up when exchanging glances with him. No one could make her dream like Thorin did. No one could have her waiting so patiently. And she could have waited more, way more, unless he stopped being available (either by finding another lover, disappearing or dying).

But now they were tied together. They confessed their feelings and made love, confirming that they burned together deliciously and didn’t want to be apart. Therefore, if he was to never come back, Edris could never have another opportunity to fall in love. Thorin had, indeed, condemned her. And his blinded, infatuated mind hadn’t thought of it before giving himself to her and accepting her gift to him. He was too desperately in love to think of leaving without holding her like he did that special night, without tasting ecstasy and love for the first time. That one night had felt like the best decision of his life, but slowly turned into the worst.

Edris hated him for it. And Thorin hated himself too. He regretted his actions so much that he promised to care for her as if they were already married. He would keep her safe and happy by any means, and make sure she was protected and had all her needs covered even while he was away. She would be treated like royalty already, even though they didn’t have time for marriage. But despite this luxurious offer, Edris immediately ignored his order of staying in the Blue Mountains until his adventure was over. She said, now that they were tied together, she had to follow him anywhere he went, and support him in any of his projects. Even one as dangerous as this. This provoked an even longer fight as Thorin refused to bring her on the Quest “even if Durin woke and ordered it directly”, as he stated. He would lock her in the Halls of the Blue Mountains and put her under surveillance if necessary.

But anybody who knew Edris would have known the Dwarf-lord had lost that argument before it had even begun. Once the beautiful dwarrowmaid had made up her mind, it was over. She packed her own bags and followed him, turning deaf at any complaint. She felt there was no time for courting gifts and wedding plans, since now their love had to endure a new test. And Edris was ready for it. Not only was she as stubborn as Thorin and fierce like any dwarf, but her heart controlled her mind at all times. And it was a dangerously passionate heart. She would die for her loved ones, and Edris’ ambition to marry was her greatest wish. She was willing to live and to die for her lover, to place him as a priority in any circumstance… If he was the perfect one, of course, which explained why no common dwarf would win her over. Edris needed someone whose passion equaled hers, someone she could give her heart and body to in exchange of his own. No simple soul would be the perfect match for such an intense desire.

Except for someone like the King of the Longbeards. Even if his serious semblance never gave it away, even if he acted calm and collected at all times, like nothing but duty was in his mind, his heart burned with the strength of a thousand forges. He loved his family, his friends and his people with such ardor he made it his life purpose to bring them a stable, happy and wealthy home. It was more than just duty; it was his life purpose, fueled by the undying fire in his soul. And of course, when someone so emotional falls in love, there’s nothing he wouldn’t do for his lover. Just like Edris would for him.

In that way, two stubborn, passionate, fierce Dwarves set off to an adventure. Thorin repeated constantly that Edris could turn around and stay safe somewhere else whenever she wished. And she said, over and over again, that he better take care of himself and keep her by his side at all times, or he would face her wrath. They always traveled close, even if they couldn’t look at each other in the face without breaking into an argument. That’s how strange, but definitely unbreakable, their love was.

But now Edris was alone. Of course, once the Quest was over, his promise of keeping her by his side and not putting himself in danger was over, too. And her oath to never be separated from him was also done. They were in a completely new situation. But they had never expected that it would be worse than the dangerous journey they’d just endured. All of this was going through her mind despite her attempts to distract herself by reciting her vows. Oh, Mahal, Edris had prepared her wedding vows her entire life. She always knew what kind of dwarf she wanted and just what she would be willing to give to him. What she would be willing to promise. And she hoped, on that day filled with uncertainty, that there would be a wedding in the end, where she could make the oath…

“... in sickness and in health. Till death do us apart.”

…

Thorin’s steps were heavy against the golden floor. He felt heavy, the crown weighing on his head. Memories of the day rushed through his mind, filling him with hate. All the betrayal, all the power slipping through his fingers. Rebellion from his own Company. They didn’t understand what was really important! And Bilbo had given the Arkenstone, the King’s jewel, to the enemy. Never mind his reasons! Dwarves were strong enough to defend themselves, but the disgusting hobbit had given away their greatest power! But never mind that. After Dáin was over smashing their enemies, he would get his rightful Arkenstone back. And as if to compensate for all the stress he was feeling, he thought the treasure and the throne were already his.

The gold under his feet was shining, capturing his attention. When the King lowered his eyes to observe the glowing floor, he was reminded of golden locks. Blonde hair, as blinding as this precious metal. And just as hypnotizing. Edris’ hair. Edris. Thorin came to a halt and saw her face reflecting on the gold. He missed her. His body missed hers. He ached to hold her and possess her once more. A burning sensation ran through him as he craved for his lover. All worries were suddenly drifting from his mind and only one question remained; where was she?

Thorin’s cloak did a voluminous whirl in the air as he turned and rushed out of the Great Hall. He walked hurriedly through empty halls, corridors and rooms, looking for his beloved. His voice rumbled across the stone walls of the city as he called out her name. Edris. Edris. Edris, accompanied by the rhythmic metallic sound of his armoured feet hitting the floor. Darkness began to set over the King as he moved further and further away from the Main Gate and the very few windows that let sunlight illuminate inside the Mountain. The Company had not gone too further into the city, and no torches were lit on the place where Thorin finally stopped, looking around in despair, trying to spot shiny golden hair amidst the darkness, a light that would save him from the darkness. Edris. Edris. Edris…

“Edris!!”

She came to a halt when hearing Thorin’s shout breaking the deadly silence. She leaned on the handrail of the long stairs she was climbing and looked down, way down, trying to spot the figure of her beloved. Edris shouted out his name, worried that she couldn’t find him amongst so much darkness. The King heard her call and looked up, his heart beating faster now that he felt her closer. The two lovers ran, desperate to find each other after hours of loneliness and uncertainty, going either up or down the stairs. And finally, they met in between.

She didn’t have time to try and scrutinize his face in the shadows before he grabbed her by the wrist and brought her close to him, aching to meet her body and have her so close that not even the darkness could hide her beauty from his eyes.

“For Durin’s sake, Edris!” Thorin exclaimed, and she was so close to him she could feel his agitated breath against her face. His grip on her wrist was as tight as a chain that burns around the skin, not wanting to let her go. Despite the rareness of the situation, it felt reassuring. Finally some warmth after so much cold. “I thought I had lost you.”

Edris was stunned for a few seconds. He sounded scared, broken, out of his mind. His voice seemed on the edge of crying, only a whisper coming out of his tight throat, as if he was holding back sobs. She had never heard him like that, ever. It worried her to think of what could have him, the strongest dwarf she knew, so agitated.

“I’m here, mudtuê.” Edris tried to calm him by speaking softly and placing one hand on his cheek.

Thorin took in a shaky breath and leaned his head into her touch, rejoicing in feeling her skin against his. So soft, so soothing.

“But why are you here?” he asked, now more calmly but with a low, dangerous voice. “What on earth were you doing?”

“Just walking around,” she explained worriedly, stroking his cheek with her thumb. “Trying to remember how the city used to be."

“I told you to stay in a safe room, not to wander around.” Thorin looked into her eyes, cursing the darkness of the place for robbing the shine out of her gaze.

“I know.” Edris sighed and let her hand fall to her side. She tried to pull her wrist away from his grip, but he kept holding onto it firmly. “But I’m alright, Thorin! You don’t have to worry like this. Let go now.”

The King squinted his eyes, observing her closely in silence. He was trying to understand her behavior and her expression, wondering if it was safe to free her from his secure hold. Edris began to feel nervous.

“Let go,” she repeated more slowly.

He reluctantly loosened his hand and she moved away from him. Now it was her turn to eye him closely, worried and confused as to why he was so tense and his breathing was so loud.

“What happened?” Edris asked in a low whisper, heavy with concern. “Why are you so… Agitated?”

Thorin shook his head, sighing with frustration. “When I couldn’t find you, I thought… I thought you had left.”

“Left? How could I leave? And why would I even do that? I would never leave you.”

He began to regulate his breathing and looked at her again, his eyes burning with an intensity she hadn’t seen in a long time, so ardent that it broke through the darkness so Edris could see him.

“Never? Will you always be by my side?” Thorin asked with a low voice, careful, hopeful, luring her towards him. The dwarf she loved and missed so much.

But she still wondered what he meant. What was the reason he was asking something like that? Something happened that she didn’t know about, something so terrible that it sent this stoic leader into a state of distress and doubt. Why would he need confirmation of her devotion after everything they went through? Why did he act so scared? Edris wanted to ask many questions, but her heart had been aching for him. She ached for him, and wanted nothing but to be alone with her beloved. Even though she was confused and alarmed by his state, Edris couldn’t deny her feelings. She would always speak her truth.

“Yes. I want to marry you, to bond myself to you so we can be united forever.” Edris took his hands on hers and brought them to her chest. He could feel the vibrations of her beating through her flesh, her heart so loud and powerful for him, full of adoration. “You shall never doubt that, mudtuê.”

Thorin closed his eyes and sighed, the previous fear of losing her abandoning his body and relaxing his muscles. She was right; he should never doubt how deeply she loved him… But the King still needed something more. A clear proof of her desire to be with him. A test that her loyalty would be forever. That Edris would never, ever, leave him. Thorin wanted her as much as he wanted the treasure of Erebor. He wouldn’t let any danger threaten their union just like he’d make sure the gold was safe from any outsiders. He’d protect her like a dragon broods over its riches. That was his oath. What was hers?

The Dwarf-king had been silent for a long time, thinking, worrying her. But then he finally said: “Then come with me.”

Thorin rushed down the stairs, making the clinking of his golden armour echo inside the walls of the Mountain. Edris felt a bit colder when he started to walk away, and stood still in confusion for a moment before hurrying behind him, careful with her steps as they went down the stairs in the dark. She observed Thorin carefully, yet could only see the crown, his hair and the back of his cloak, its end dragging behind him. Somehow, he looked bigger than ever. He was also walking with an aggressive confidence, typical of him. But for some reason, it didn’t feel like the normal Thorin was under that loud armour. That just worried her even more.

“Thorin, you need to tell me what is going on,” Edris said as he guided her into a corridor. “Bofur told me-”

“Never mind what he told you,” He spit with a loud, baritone voice. But then he spoke softer, and she noticed the way his shoulders relaxed. “I’ll keep you safe. It is all you must know.”

That only made her even more anxious and worried. She insisted on knowing more. “But the war-”

“Edris.” Thorin came to a halt and turned to look at her. His voice was on edge and low-pitched, as if he was pronouncing a warning.

She stopped right in front of him, looking up and into his intense eyes. A source of light at the end of the corridor lightened only one side of Edris’ face, but it was enough to highlight how pretty she was. The color of amber stared into his soul, and the King suddenly felt weaker. Her gaze had an effect on him that nothing else had, disarming him completely and making him forget about any other feelings apart from his love for her. Thorin’s frown relaxed and he sighed loudly, letting go of the distress and fear he felt at the moment. He searched for Edris’ hands with his, not daring to take his eyes off her face.

“It’s all good,” the King whispered and held her firmly.

“You are acting strange, and that worries me,” she said quickly, barely holding back her nerves. Edris wrapped her fingers around his hands and squeezed them tightly.

“Don’t. Have faith in me. I’ll make things right.”

“What does that mean?”

Thorin stayed silent again, only observing her features closely, admiring her, feeling her skin on his as if it was fire in a winter night. He was thinking if he should explain the situation to her, and at the same time he admired how one of her eyes shone under the fire light, acquiring a clear brown color, while the other remained in the shadows, keeping its intense amber tone. The King was supposed to rule under his own judgment, but she was so astonishing he felt like telling her everything she asked about and more, just to indulge her beautiful soul. Edris noticed his light blue eyes had turned a deep blue, hardening under his intense emotions, and felt as if they were burning her as they studied her face.

“Follow me and I’ll tell you,” Thorin said suddenly, his voice nothing but a low murmur, so deep it rumbled inside her like thunder.

Then he started walking away without waiting for her again. Edris sighed in frustration before going after him. She was tired of all the mystery and the fact that she was the only one who didn’t know what was going on. It felt as if he was pushing her away, and it wasn’t fair nor a good sign. Did he not need her?

Edris thoughts continued to torture her as they silently walked through Erebor. Thorin was swift and sure with every step, every turn, every staircase he walked down or up. She wondered where he was taking her and only felt more nerves. Soon they were eased, because she saw some natural light coming down into the mountain. Edris understood they were walking closer to the Main Gate, but before the entrance to the Mountain, there was the throne room they had to walk by. The Dwarf-king suddenly took a turn and walked down one of the bridges that led to the throne, the rock it was made of evenly crafted and smoothed by great Dwarves of old. She frowned, wondering why he would take her there. Lately, she didn’t understand him at all.

But Edris still went after him, like she had done since leaving the Blue Mountains. She trusted him and knew that she could follow him. Thorin walked up the few stairs leading to the throne and came to a halt, staring at the seat of stone. His big dark cape wrapped around him as if it was his new body, giving him a somber and brooding appearance. There was silence for a few seconds and the dark was barely kept at bay by the torches lit near them, the fire glowing lightly against the gold veins in the rock above the throne. The cold and lifeless ambience made her uneasy, but his deep voice managed to calm her, as usual.

“Come closer,” he instructed her, extending his hand to the side.

Edris went up the stairs too and stood next to him, but as she tried to take his hand, he suddenly began approaching the throne.

“I’m expected to sit here, alone in this big hall,” the King said as he sat down. His voice echoed softly along with the clinking of his armour against the floor and seat made of stone. It always took the echo a while to fade in the darkness surrounding them. “I used to stand next to my grandfather, wondering what it would be like to take his place… I must say, it does not satisfy me.”

Edris just stared at him as Thorin seemed to get lost in his thoughts while monologuing. She was confused, not sure of what he meant or why he was talking about that in the first place, instead of explaining the situation to her like he promised he would.

“Thorin-” she said softly and walked closer to him. But her words were interrupted and the way his eyes landed on her froze her movements.

“It’s rather lonely. I have no son and grandsons like Thrór did. Who will stand beside me then, Edris?”

The situation was so strange she didn’t answer. But it wasn’t necessary, because he intended to continue his speech without any addition from her.

“You, of course. I only trust you enough to be by my side. But…” His eyes drifted to the floor, his mouth left open as he seemed lost in his thinking. “I am not my grandfather. I want my wife to be my equal. I want you to sit with me: To rule with me. I want you to be Queen under the Mountain as I will be King.”

Edris’ body suddenly relaxed and she looked at him lovingly. She hadn’t thought much about becoming queen, not even during the Quest. But as they made it to Lake-town, and she could see the imposing Lonely Mountain from afar, it started to weigh on her. What would it really be like? Would she be up to the expectations? Would Thorin even have time for her if both of them were busy running the realm of Erebor? She didn’t want to admit it, not even to him, but she was afraid, and the fear grew in her heart to the point in which Edris was insecure of her capacities and whether she even wanted to be the Queen at all. But her lover’s recent words managed to ease the worry a bit. Maybe, if everything went well for them, and they became the royalty of Erebor, as long as they were together, they could sort anything out. If he was with her, and he loved and respected her… It sounded like the idealistic view of love only a child can have, but Edris thought that she would be fine and things would always work out fine once they were married.

She waited a few seconds before making sure he was done talking.

“Well, there’s only one throne. Where will I be supposed to sit?” Edris asked, not really knowing what to say but desperate to fill the silence.

“On my lap.” Thorin answered lightly and turned to look at her.

When he noticed her expression turning into a horrified face, he laughed loudly. His face was suddenly illuminated with joy, changing the eerie energy of the hall as his laugh echoed through the walls.

“I’m just joking, bunnel.” The Dwarf-king catched himself and enjoyed watching the way she smiled in relief. “I’ll have a throne made for you. Just as big as mine! It can be made entirely out of gold. Embedded with hundreds of precious stones, the best we can find…”

His voice progressively turned into a whisper as he thought of ideas for her throne and his eyes shone at the possibility of exhibiting his new riches. Thorin seemed to get lost in his mind once more, finding himself in an imaginary world of piles of gold and mountains of riches… And instantly he came back. He turned his head to her again and smiled lovingly, content with her presence. Her previous smile had faded, but the King could only notice that she was standing right next to him, so close. He lifted his hand and reached out to stroke her arm slowly, making his fingers travel down to her hand in a soft caress.

“Although, you sitting on my lap doesn’t sound too bad,” Thorin murmured lowly, smirking playfully at her.

Edris barely had time to answer with another smile before Thorin pulled from her hand. He brought her right in front of him and then wrapped his other arm around her waist. He helped Edris sit on his lap, holding her firmly by her hips and smiling at the way she secured herself by wrapping her arms around his neck. So lovingly, so trusting, and so heavy on him that her presence felt overwhelmingly blissful. It filled the King’s chest with a sense of victory and affection, making him bring her even closer to him, as if wishing to join their bodies into one. She could feel his cold and hard armour pressing against her torso, her arms, her legs, and it was very uncomfortable. But his secure grip, his warm touch, his charming smile, his alluring eyes, the way the fur of his cape and his black mane caressed the skin of her arms so softly… It sent her into a dreamy state, and for a second, Edris forgot about everything, wishing to stay like that forever and sleep in his warm embrace.

Thorin observed her and the way the fire illuminated certain areas of her face, highlighting her jaw and the lovely beard that adorned it, accentuating her pointy nose and letting him notice her aroused blushed cheeks. His gaze turned lustfull, and his lips parted. Edris noticed his deep breathing and the way his eyes were shining in a dark blue color. It was all very familiar. But as she took in his expression, Edris was reminded of the place they were at and how, only a minute ago, she was nervous over her lack of news on the siege of the Mountain.

“Mudtuê, you promised me you would tell me what is going on. Please, you can’t keep me like this,” she whispered softly, trying to hide her exasperation, and even a slight fear.

“Like what?” Thorin’s voice rumbled through her as he squinted his eyes slightly.

“Like this!” Edris exclaimed and lifted one hand, pointing up as if addressing the entire place. “I have done nothing but roam through dark and cold corridors, exploring each room within the area that you allowed me to stay in because, oh you want to keep me safe, but you won’t even tell me what you’re keeping me safe from! I’m scared, Thorin. It’s like you’ve been pushing me away and you’re not like this. It led me to worry. I feel left out and that’s not fair-”

The King quickly placed one finger on her lips, instructing her to stop her ranting. Edris felt a tip of the gauntlet poking her chin while he looked at her thoughtfully, studying her face.

“You have the right to be angry,” he said. “It’s true, I’ve been neglecting you. Forgive me. It’s just that I’ve been trying to keep it together… The truth is, I’m scared too.”

That single sentence chilled her to the bone. It was the most terrifying statement she’d ever heard him say. Thorin was their pillar, the strong leader who led the Quest and kept the Company together. If he stumbled, the entire group would trip. If he fell, the entire mission would fail. If he couldn’t keep his hopes up, the morale of the Company would shatter. It was fundamental that Thorin maintained a confident behavior to guide his followers through the hardships, and he even kept that facade up even in her presence.

It had taken her a long time, back in the Blue Mountains, to get him to be honest about his real feelings and act more freely. She was one of the few that had seen him as he really was, and who heard his thoughts when he felt exhausted and overwhelmed. And now, he was trusting her again with his darkest secret: Thorin had no idea what he was doing. He wasn’t confident that they would be victorious, and feared that, if luck wasn’t on their side, their long journey would end badly.

This revelation set a stinging fear in her heart. If he was scared, what was she supposed to feel? Utter despair? Thank Mahal his arms were holding her, or she would have broken down. Some of this terror must have shown in her face, because Thorin squinted his eyes and held her chin with one hand with some urgence.

“Of losing you. That’s what I meant. I fear losing you,” he insisted unconvincingly, “and losing what we fought so hard to reclaim. I can’t let that happen. By my life, they will never take you. They will never take our treasure. I won’t let go of a single coin!”

Thorin called it their treasure. And when he said he wouldn’t part with a single coin, he also meant that he wouldn’t let her go. This hysterical behavior of his unsettled her.

“They won’t. Please, stop torturing yourself like this.” Edris placed her hand on his lifted arm, holding him lovingly despite only feeling the cold metal and not his flesh.

He sighed softly and started to absently caress the beard on her chin with his finger.

“I know they won’t. I would never let that happen,” Thorin spoke more seriously, and his gaze hardened, “But what about you?”

“What?”

“Would you run away? Would you take a part of the gold too?”

“Thorin, what are you talking about?” She scowled in confusion.

The King used both hands to grab her by the waist and bring her closer to his face. Edris placed her hands on the hard breastplate to hold herself, looking for some support. Now her hair was falling over their faces and she could feel his heavy breathing. It was hard to keep staring into his eyes.

“I can make sure that nobody ever trespasses these walls,” Thorin whispered nervously. “But how can I be sure you won’t get out?”

“What happened out there? You are alarmingly agitated,” Edris spoke softly, now totally convinced that what he wasn’t telling her had broken him for some reason.

“Answer my question. Don’t avoid it or I’ll believe you have reasons to do so,” he said through his teeth and his hands applied more pressure on her waist.

“I’m not avoiding it, I just think it’s weird. Tell me what happened, please.”

The Dwarf-king remained silent for a moment. He relaxed his body and she felt his grip loosening, allowing her to sit back. He looked to the side while exhaling through his nose sharply.

“What happened doesn’t matter. It will be of little importance by the end of the day. But it taught me an important lesson: I need proof of loyalty.”

“Proof of loyalty?” Her incredulous voice made him turn to her, upset that he needed to explain.

“I can’t let anybody else betray our kin and act against our interests. I can’t easily trust anybody these days.”

“Thorin-”

“He lied to me, Edris.” He clenched his jaw again and his teeth showed, as if they were the fangs of an angry beast. “He conspired with the enemy, under my very blind eyes! I thought of him as a friend!”

“What are you talking about?!” Edris shouted and hit her palms against his armoured chest, feeling distraught and on edge. She thought that whatever happened it must have been something terrible for him to be acting like that, holding her so strongly by the waist that it almost made it hard to breathe.

“That miserable hobbit!”

She blinked a few times, taken aback, while he breathed heavily in anger.

“Bilbo?” Edris whispered. “What on Earth did he do? I know he’s gone, but-”

“That doesn’t matter!” Thorin shouted loudly.

His voice echoed with more strength than ever since they entered the throne hall. It made her go silent and lean even more backwards, pulling away from him. She was scared and confused, and he noticed it. They remained silent for a few seconds, until the echo stopped and the silence became unbearable. He breathed slowly to calm down while she looked at him expectantly. The King thought that he couldn’t tell her everything until she showed him unconditional support, even if that meant keeping her in the shadows, ignorant to the severity of the situation. He had to get her to stop worrying about what was happening and focus on him. Thorin was terrified of losing her, of scaring her off or seeing her run away because she never loved him as much as she claimed. So he kept his grip on her waist firm and cleared his throat.

“He swore loyalty to the Company and still failed me,” the Dwarf-king spoke slowly and with a deep, pained voice, “And now I need to know you won’t betray me too. Prove your loyalty to me, Edris, and I’ll make you Queen. Just you and I, ruling together. Safe in each other’s arms.”

The hold on her body was now cutting her breath. He was expectant, desperate for her. She felt his piercing eyes, the blue of them shining with the fire that illuminated his face. Her body felt ice cold again and it took her a while to think of an answer. Edris wondered why he would even distrust her. She had followed her lover to the other side of Middle-earth, through all the hardships, and still loved him. Wasn’t that enough proof? She felt dismissed, as if he couldn’t understand her, and it hurt.

“Prove my loyalty?” Edris whispered with sadness in her voice. “Haven’t I done enough already?”

His head lowered but he still kept his eyes on her. “You can do more.”

His voice was so deep she felt it rumble in her ears and sent shivers down her body. It took her a few more seconds to think of something to say that would show him her love was unwavering and as ardent as ever.

“I would never betray you. Never,” Edris said through a tight throat, shaking her head insistently, desperately trying to bring him back to reality, the one where she loved him to death and he knew it.

“Then prove it.”

Suddenly Thorin moved his hands to her upper back and sat straight, pushing their bodies together so that his face was inches away from hers. She held onto the fur of his cape.

“Tie yourself to me,” he whispered against her lips, “Promise you will always be mine… Bunnelê.”

His treasure. His.

His voice was so deep it sent Edris into a state where no common sense ruled her body. Her burning desire for him took over her, getting rid of all rationality. She could only see his darkened eyes, urging her to fall into that deep gaze. Into him. If Edris let her melt into his arms, ask him to guide her, undress her soul and her body for him… She knew how this would end, and she knew they would like it. Edris would make, once more, the biggest oath of love, letting him hold her just as she was. She wanted him. She wanted him so badly. And if he accepted her, she would give herself to him. Completely, happily and eagerly. Nothing could stop their ardent love from burning them both.

With a shiver of anticipation travelling her body, Edris brought his lips to hers by pulling from his cape. Their mouths collided like lightning in a thunderstorm. Thorin moaned deeply and closed his eyes in pleasure. They tasted each other as if they were starving, their lips dancing and their tongues finding each other. They even forgot how to breathe, holding onto the kiss as if it was what kept them alive. The heat of their bodies increased, and as they rubbed their bodies together, bodies that also wanted to collide, their clothing became too annoying.

“I am yours,” Edris breathed as she parted their lips. She placed her palms on the sides of his face to stop him from relentlessly kissing her. “Now and always, mudtuê. You should never doubt that. I will never leave you. Not after this.”

Thorin’s agitated breathing hitched for a second before he used all his strength to lift her from his lap. As soon as Edris stood up, he undid the knot of her belt with impressive speed, a sign of what he wanted and that he didn’t wish them to go slowly, almost shyly, as they had before. Without the belt, her oversized clothes hung even more lightly on her body. The fit she got from Lake-town was too long for a dwarf and the fabrics were worn, giving the grey color an even more toned down appearance. She had many layers that served to protect her from the winter cold as they headed the Mountain, but that stood in the way right now. Edris began by taking off the coat and letting it fall to the floor carelessly, then she undid the buttons of the coat so it would slide down her arms and end with the other garment. The clothes made soft noises in the middle of the silence as they fell on the floor, echoing through the empty hall as a warning of what was to come.

Thorin observed Edris longingly as she undressed, feeling like the time they had to wait before their bodies could be together was a tortuous eternity. His hands slowly unbuckled his belt, as his mind was too busy focusing on the figure of his lover, which slowly showed more and more as she took off her clothes. Her hair fell on her shoulders like a river of gold and her pale skin shone against the light of the lit braziers. The belt fell from his waist onto the seat, and then he slid the cloak from his shoulders. The fur of the garment was lying on the arms of the thorne when Edris got rid of her long sleeve shirt. Now she was standing in front of Thorin wearing only her boots, trousers, bodice and chemise. The sleeves of the shirt were short and the neckline of her garments were low, so now the Dwarf-king looked at her with lust. The rounded lines of her breasts tightened together and the small hairs of her arms standing up as her skin was bit by the cold only served to fuel the fire inside him. She noticed the hunger in his gaze and a heat wave traveled her body.

Edris breathed heavily as she struggled to quickly loosen the laces of her bodice. While she tried to lift the garment above her head, Thorin suddenly leaned over and pulled her trousers down, which easily fell from her hips. Edris gasped and looked down at him, who smirked and stood up to help her get rid of the bodice. She had to take a step back as his imposing body took up too much room, and soon her bodice and her trousers were off.

For one moment they couldn’t help themselves and ended up kissing again, this time even more hungrily, aggressively, and, above all, passionately. Edris moaned as he wrapped one arm around her waist and used his other hands to grab a fistful of her hair. Her arms were trapped between their chests. He held her in place, pressing his body and his mouth against hers, deepening the kiss but also painfully rubbing her soft flesh against his hard golden armour. She caught his lower lip between her teeth and he groaned as she pulled her head back, her palms pushing against the chestplate.

“What?” Thorin growled, his breathing just as agitated as hers.

“Your cursed armour!” Edris protested and used both her hands to pull from one of his gauntlets. She wanted him off that infuriating suit as soon as possible.

He chuckled lowly as he saw her struggling, his deep voice rumbling through her again and setting her body on fire (as if she didn’t feel warm enough before).

“Are you in a hurry?” the King asked, starting to enjoy this moment in which they tried to quickly get rid of their clothing. To see her craving him as much as he wanted her was a relief and, also, a source of more arousal. The pants and protection on his groin definitely felt too tight by then.

Edris only had to shoot him an angry look so Thorin would quickly help by unbuckling the straps that held his gauntlet in place. Then he did the same with the other one, and the metal clinking of the pieces echoed in the hall as they were carelessly dropped. She had to undo the buckles which attached the spaulder to his arm and shoulder before letting them fall to the floor too. The air was tense as their desperate movements rushed to reveal their bodies. The Dwarf-king was getting too impatient, so when the moment to take off his chestplate came, he just growled in annoyance while looking down at himself.

“This cursed armour!” he murmured.

“That’s what I was saying,” Edris protested before raising her hands towards his crown.

As soon as the regal adornment was lifted from his head, Thorin quickly stopped her movement by grabbing her wrists.

“Careful with that,” he growled, looking at her warningly.

The symbol of his position was not to be thrown on the floor like it was nothing. Edris ought to respect his rank even when she was dying to just get this over with. It was his gold crown in the end, and the fact that his lover was allowed to even touch it was already a privilege. She froze in surprise for only one second before giving in to her impatience again. She made sure to leave the crown carefully on the floor, not wishing to anger him or make him feel disrespected, and stood back up.

The Dwarf-lord lifted his arms so Edris could raise the chestplate from his body. He heard her grunting as she hurried to manipulate the heavy garment. It was harder than she thought, but the fire in her veins, the adrenaline of the moment fueled by the tortuous desire of uniting their bodies again, made it easy to lift the armour and get it off him. Edris dropped the chestplate and it provoked a strident noise. Now only his chainmail, shirt, trousers and boots were left. Before the echo made by the armour was done vibrating around the place, she was already trying to take off his next garment, her desperate hands lifting the hem of his ring mail.

But the King had enough, and he stopped her movements by taking her wrist with one hand and grabbing her jaw with the other, forcing her to look into his lustful eyes.

“Take off your shirt. I want to see you and I won’t wait another second,” he ordered through a clenched jaw, his voice on edge, as if he was barely standing the pain of waiting. Thorin wanted her to do it herself, to gift herself to him, to grant her consent.

His gaze had darkened with desire, and even though it scared her because Edris had never seen him like that before, she felt the urge to comply, aching to finally expose herself to him so he could take her as he wished. The command had been aggressive but also passionate and ardent. So Edris, following the nature of her own burning heart (and the warmth between her legs), did as he asked. She took a step away from him, his hands letting go of her, and took off her chemise so only her underwear would cover her most private part. Once Edris was completely topless in front of him, the cold air caressed her skin and her nipples went hard. For one moment, it seemed like time froze. There was silence in the hall apart from their heavy breathings, and they just stood still. He eyed her from head to toe, mouth agape, unable to hide the arousal on his face. When Thorin finally looked into her eyes, Edris felt as if a predator had just decided to attack its prey. Hungry, desperate and unstoppable.

The Dwarf-king lifted her by holding tightly onto the sides of her waist and Edris gasped as his strong grip stole her breath away. He didn’t wait until she was done catching herself by wrapping her legs around his hips and her arms around his neck before walking towards the throne. He went up the little stairs and bent over the seat, resting her body on the throne. Edris felt the soft fabric of his cloak while accommodating on the seat. Meanwhile, Thorin swiftly took off his chainmail with amazing ease. Then his hands made their way to her underwear and slided it down, with no permission, as if taking what is rightfully theirs. She gasped again at his violent strength, feeling as if she had been frozen with a spell, unable to do nothing but watch her lover as he behaved like a wild beast. He was fast and powerful, making her feel that she couldn’t have stopped him even if she wished.

Edris observed as he rested his hands on the arms of the throne, leaning over her. She felt as if a big mountain towered over her, covering her in a big inescapable shadow. His black mane fell to the sides of their faces as he tilted his head to kiss her. Thorin bit her lips and licked her mouth again, an excuse to get close to her body. Edris’ skin prickled as shivers traveled through her body. Overwhelmed with sensations, she held him by the neck and opened her mouth, inviting his lips and his tongue and his bites. One of his hands traveled to her lower back and he brought her forwards, hoping to unite their bodies as if they were two pieces of a rock that fit perfectly. But he was met with her knees because she kept her legs closed.

“Open. I need you,” Thorin growled as he parted their lips, his hot air hitting her face and his eyes burning into hers.

“Thorin…” Edris said breathlessly.

She felt stupid. The heats of their bodies had clouded her mind and his deep kiss had her feeling dizzy. Her line of thoughts was confusing, and she could only remember their previous love making. Fully naked and carefully, slowly, rocking their bodies together, only speeding up when they were close to reaching ecstasy. This was much more different. Edris still had her footwear on and he wasn’t even half naked. They had never done it in such an uncomfortable spot. They were quick and desperate, not even talking much. He wasn’t as soft and loving as other times. And even though she felt her fire burning as ardently as his, she was scared for some reason. Edris wished to do this in the same way the had before, as if that would make her feel safer. She was nervous, finding herself feeling shy under his new beastly demeanour.

She opened her eyes and looked at his agitated face. “My boots, and your-”

“Forget that!” Thorin exclaimed with his deep voice on edge. “Edris, please. Don’t delay this moment any longer.”

His push on her lower back intensified and Edris gulped. She felt her femininity throbbing, also asking her to stop messing around and just put out the fire already. So she gave in to his will, promising to be his wherever and whenever he needed her. Because she needed him, too.

The King brought her pelvis forwards while she opened her legs and raised her knees, giving him easy access. He looked down, making her feel yet again like a prey to a beast, completely exposed and hopeless. His other hand traveled down to her femininity and his fingers stroked her folds. She hissed at the cold sensation and her thighs trembled slightly while he continued to play with her. Edris bit her lower lip while observing his face, stuck in a concentrated and aroused emotion.

“I need you,” she confessed and placed her hands on his (unfortunately) still dressed shoulders as a way to rush him.

Thorin lifted his gaze while letting two fingers enter her hole, keeping a quick steady rhythm that burned her skin as he entered her. He observed Edris closely as she threw her head back, letting out a high pitched moan and digging her nails on his shoulders. The pushing movement of his hand managed to bury his fingers inside of her and she felt uncomfortably full, trying to adjust her body to his fingers.

“Thorin…” Edris groaned and breathed sharply.

He moved his fingers in and out of her just as fast as he entered them, soaking in her fluid so she would adjust to them quickly. Her eyes closed tightly and she protested with little whines, which Thorin silenced with another deep kiss. He was soon sliding his fingers in and out so easily, so wet and so obscenely. The King pushed his hand as deep as it could go and she moaned loudly against his mouth, feeling her entire body tense and her inner walls tighten around his fingers while they pressured her limit point. One of her hands grabbed the braid of his beard and pushed him strongly against her mouth. He relaxed Edris by curling his fingers inside of her and then extending them, repeating this over and over, first slowly, then fast, then slow again. He combined that move with some expanding of his fingers, separating them so he could stretch her insides, teasing her relentlessly and confidently, like a skilled master at his work. It felt nice, and just right, the way her warm flesh wrapped around his fingers, and he enjoyed feeling that while also fueling her fire.

Thorin managed to loosen the walls around him and steal soft moans and sighs of pleasure from her. Edris felt so focused on the sensations he provoked that her head fell back, breaking the kiss. He enjoyed his time playing with her sensitive body, swifting his gaze from her lower parts to her face. Noting the way she frowned, sometimes winced, relaxed her frown, bit her lips, blinked rapidly and closed her eyes tightly. Rejoicing in the view of her trembling legs, her hair bouncing slightly to the rhythm of his moves, her big breasts hanging loosely from her chest, her agitated stomach as she breathed erratically, her inner thighs and his hands glowing, lubricated with her fluid, a clear sign of her arousal and his filthy work.

Soon Edris had to hold onto the arms of the throne as she arched her back, too immersed in the pleasure. It was all happening fast and aggressively, but it turned out to be exactly what she wanted. The teasing build up made her wish to be done with it as fast as possible, to put out their internal wildfires before it consumed them both. The situation escalated quickly, and she wouldn’t slow down now. She wanted more. There wouldn’t be no more teasing. No guiding his hand so he could stroke the bult between her wet folds and arouse her even more. No unrushed, insecure movements like in their previous lovemaking. There was no more need for gentleness and a slow escalation of the situation. They were already half way and Edris wanted him hard and now.

“Stop that,” she whined breathlessly and they looked into each other’s eyes, the two pairs expressing the same feeling of impatience. “J-Just take me already, please.”

Her last whimper sent a heat wave through Thorin, a sound that made him snap. He quickly drew his fingers from her, making her gasp. She felt cold and hollow, but knew it wouldn’t last long as he used his dry hand to finally lower the hem of his trouser that guarded his hard bult. Edris cursed the poor lighting of the hall, as his broad back and big arms kept most of his body in a grey shadow, barely allowing her to see his erection before it disappeared between her thighs. It was hard and throbbing, aching to be released from the King’s burden.

Edris’ breath hitched when she felt his tip against her folds, dipping it in her juice. She tried to keep her body as still as possible, holding her breath, eagerly waiting. Until, finally, he slid his glans into her. Edris gasped as he stopped right after entering nothing but the tip, only slightly stretching her hole. She looked at him eagerly, her skin prickled in anticipation and her entire body trembled with desire. She was tense and begging to be loosened. Thorin leaned over her, holding himself with one hand resting on the arm of the throne, not moving his hips forwards so as to not bury himself any deeper. He grabbed her chin, pulling from her short beard to bring her face closer to his. She felt his heavy breathing and saw the fire of the nearby braziers reflecting on his darkened eyes like a symbolism of his ardent desire for her.

“Promise it, Edris,” he whispered then, soft, low, like a deal made in secret under the shadows of the Mountain.

She let out a huff, exasperated, and lifted her knees high again to rush him. “Yes, yes! I can’t wait anymore. Just-”

“Promise it!” Thorin spat through his bare teeth, the grip on her chin tightening and stealing her breath.

This scary image of him sent shivers through her body, suddenly feeling too weak and exposed under him. But even so, he was waiting for her command. Her oath of loyalty. An oath! Her wedding oaths! From the hazinness of her mind, a few clear thoughts emerged and she clung onto them, letting her mouth speak automatically and holding onto the only thing she felt confident with: Her promise. For the very first time, she was utterly sure of what she wanted. Edris let her heart guide her tongue to recite the words she’d been planning and express all the sudden emotions she was feeling.

“I promise, Thorin Oakenshield, that I am yours in this our only lifetime. For better or for worse. For richer or for poorer. In sickness and in health. Till death do us apart, I am now united to you. And if there’s life after death, I’ll still be bonded to you, for you are part of my soul.” Her speaking was surprisingly controlled considering the feeling of his dwarfhood on hers was sending Edris over the edge.

The King wasn’t breathing at that point. His eyes were slightly widened, both surprised and pleased at the same time. The hand let go of her chin and rested on the throne again. Her promise was better than he could have expected, and now there was nothing in his mind but uniting himself to the dwarf he loved.

“Death?” he whispered, making sure their love would last for his entire lifetime.

“Death,” Edris breathed, lost in his deep blue eyes. “I love you,” she finally added. Honestly, loyally and lovingly, a prey that now lay in peace waiting for the predator to just come and take her.

Thorin breathed in sharply before steadily bringing his hips forwards. He buried his thick length deep within her, while Edris just took him as best as she could, holding herself onto the arms of the throne so tightly her knuckles turned a clear white. She let out a long moan and he groaned once he reached her limits. They fit together so flawlessly. It had to be this way. It overwhelmed him how perfect, warm and wet she felt around him. The King allowed them just a second to catch their breaths before slowly moving his hips back and forwards. There were sighs of pleasure and gasps of surprise for a few seconds, until he felt her inner walls finally adapted to his thickness and soaked him in her fluid. Then the movements became bigger and faster, as Thorin slid in and out completely, hitting her deep limits with each thrust.

Edris was overwhelmed. Her mouth stuck open as she let out high pitched moans. She felt a heat wave run through her body with each thrust. His thickness was opening her walls with such bliss and tickling her insides everytime he hit her deep spot. His fast movements barely left her time to catch her breath and she began to feel dizzy. Her skin felt on fire and she was holding onto the throne as if her body would break apart at any moment. The sounds in the hall were obscene and dirty. Edris’ moans and Thorin’s loud breathing and groans echoed in the place, his sloppy thrusts making wet sounds every time he slid back and forth against her soaked folds.

“Oh, I love you too,” Thorin said breathlessly as he observed in awe how her large breasts bounced with each thrust. He looked down and saw how his member appeared for just half a second before quickly and easily sliding inside of her again, making a mess with her juice.

The corners of her lips twisted up at his words. Edris could never get enough of his rich sweet voice confessing to her, showing the nudity of his heart. She was getting more than just the nudity of his body. And then she found it hard to hold herself. Her flesh was weak and each shockwave sent through her made her even more tired. Her feet touched the floor as she could not keep her legs up, and her back rested against the backrest of the throne. Edris felt as if she was melting, their fire finally consuming her.

“Thorin… Thorin…” she whimpered as his relentless thrusts overstimulated her.

The Dwarf-king looked at her and noticed the tears in her eyes, the thin layer of sweat on her skin, her cheeks redder than ever. He smiled lovingly and unconsciously slowed down his thrusts, making long and careful movements inside of her. He felt a burning knot on his stomach and a tingling sensation traveled up his spine. His hands were starting to sweat and he noticed his legs were about to give in. Thorin groaned in reluctance but still stopped his thrusts, knowing he couldn’t go on any longer. He quickly drew out of her, a vulgar wet sound filling the air between them. Edris bit her lip while taking in a sharp breath, and then looked at him with big eyes, asking him why he would step back. He took a short moment to take off his shirt and show his big torso. It had her gaping again, still not used to the view. His corpulent chest was covered in dark curly hair which traveled down to his soft stomach and finally narrowed until it reached his pelvis. The sweat on his skin, hidden until then, glowed under the dim light of the braziers, which also highlighted his rounded muscles.

Before she could say anything, the Dwarf-king picked her up by the sides of her waist with his remaining strength, hovering her over the floor as he spun around. Edris moaned lowly at the sensation of his strong hands burning into her flesh and wrapped her arms around his shoulders, this time letting her legs fall uselessly. Edris felt her femininity was cold and aching, her fluid slipping down her thighs. She rejoiced in the feeling of his strong, masculine body handling hers with ease. Her cheek rested on the crook of his neck and she felt the intense heat emanating from him (as if she needed any more warmth). The hair of his torso was rough against her skin and she felt their private parts rubbing as he moved. Thorin tried to be careful with his steps as the trousers were around his armoured knees. He could turn around swiftly and his muscles tensed as he slowly sat down. His fingers buried on her waist as he elevated her higher. Edris straddled him, her knees pressing against the hard stone of the throne seat and sliding because of the cloak. She rested on his lap and moved her hands to cup his cheeks.

Edris wanted to say something to her lover. Anything that would express how she was feeling, how much she loved him and how incredibly lucky she felt to have him giving his great body to her. Yet, nothing but agitated breaths came out of her mouth. Frustrated, she held the sides of his face strongly and kissed him. Thorin welcomed her with a deep moan and their mouths once again tasted each other. His palms stroked the sides of her torso up and down, caressing her lovingly and giving her tingles. He was forcing his tongue into her mouth when Edris lifted herself slightly and wrapped her hand around his hardness. The King gasped and she smirked, placing her forehead against his tenderly before placing his tip against her hole once more. Edris slowly let her body go down, sliding his length inside of her again. She tensed and whined as he stretched her walls, feeling her skin start to burn again. He held her firmly, making her confident, not letting her stop but also helping her bear the overwhelming sensation.

When his glans pushed against her limit, Edris moaned loudly and her body shook uncontrollably. She grasped his biceps strongly and rested her head on his shoulder, adjusting her body so her bottom would sit on his thighs. Thorin held her by the jaw to force her to look at him, feeling her heavy breaths against his wet lips.

“Use me now, bunnelê,” he said in a guttural voice, his body as tense as hers and his eyes glowing with anticipation. “Please yourself. I am yours.”

Edris felt a sudden wave of energy travel through her. She smiled before grabbing the braid of his beard with one hand to bring his lips to hers, using her other hand to hold onto the arm of the throne and kissing him while starting to move. Thorin moaned desperately and moved his hands down to her big thighs. The feeling of her body bouncing on him was overwhelming, and he tried to focus on her wet mouth to avoid finishing before her. He licked her lips and stole her breath, while keeping Edris in place by her legs. She moved her body up and down shortly, fast and letting her body weight fall on his shaft, pushing her limit. Shockwaves traveled her body with each little jump and she whined against his mouth.

The Dwarf-king started to pant, feeling his muscles tense and the fire on his stomach threatening to explode. Edris was sweating, no longer feeling the hard stone against her knees or the cold in the air. They were burning and his member hit the right spot. She started to lose control of herself, her body moving almost automatically and her head falling back. Thorin observed the fire glowing against her skin soaked in sweat, highlighting the clear color of her body. He noticed she had lost some weight during the Quest, but she was still the beautiful dwarf he’d always wanted, and all that flesh was just for him as it weighed on him over and over again, sending them over the edge. Her golden hair shone and he wished to hold it like a treasure. Her neck was alluring and he was tempting to have more of her. More and more.

“Oh, bunnelê,” he breathed and moved one hand to her upper back.

Thorin pressed her against him, their wet hot bodies mingling, and nipped her neck. Edris whined loudly and her bouncing became slower, as she felt overwhelmed with the sensations. She chanted his name like a prayer while he tasted her, her body contorting as she tried to hold herself up. His tongue and teeth explored her neck and her shoulder while his other hand cupped one of her breasts hungrily before biting her pink bundle. Edris dug her nails on his shoulders and winced as she started to jump on him hard and fast. Her moans were loud and echoed in the hall once more, blending with his sharp breaths and his deep groans. The King’s hands traveled from her torso to her buttocks and he squeezed them. He dug his fingers on her thick flesh, holding her lustfully, and observed her.

Edris’ fat breasts bounced to the rhythm of her jumps, like a tempting banquet in front of a starving dwarf. And Thorin was weak in that sense, unable to satiate his hunger or control it. He wrapped his lips around one nipple and sucked. His eyes remained on her face while he licked and bit her. She was feeling intense electrifying waves that hit her with each thrust, each time his mouth slid on her skin, each time her body rubbed against his, each time his teeth nipped her breast, each time his hardness hit a sensitive spot. It became overwhelming and her mouth locked open, aching to grasp some air. Soon Edris felt over the edge, her mind was in a haze and she felt all her inner fire directing to her lower parts. Her legs tensed and she started to shake uncontrollably, making it hard to keep bouncing on him.

“Tho- Thorin…” she sobbed, suddenly realizing there were tears in her eyes and his throat was itching. She gasped for air.

“I know.” Thorin breathed and held her waist with strong hands, caring for her, encouraging her to finish this. “I know… D-Don’t stop, bunnelê.”

His voice was on edge and his body was tense as well, cold sweat drops sliding down his body as he struggled to keep himself together. Using the last strength left in him, he buried his fingers on her hips and helped her give the last jumps, moving her body up and down at the rhythm she was struggling to keep. He also thrusted into her, his legs aching as he moved his hips to slide in and out of her harder and deeper. Edris’ breath hitched and she looked down in surprise.

“Thorin!” she cried, tears falling down her face and to her smiling lips. “Yes! Right there!”

The King moaned with her as he kept the rhythm, his fire burning him from the inside as he felt her walls clenching around him. And finally, the build up had its reward. Their shouts of pleasure echoed in the hall as they reached ecstasy. Edris closed her eyes tightly and her body came undone on top of him, shaking uncontrollably. Thorin spilled his seed inside of her and threw his head back, gasping for air as he caught his exhausted lover while his own muscles felt like they were melting. Both of them let out long moans as they felt heat waves washing over them, like wildfires being put out by a storm. They were breathing heavily into each other’s ears, melting into a hug as they tried to cool down. He rested against the back of the throne, letting her lie on him. Soon their breaths syntonized, slowing down with time. Their eyes were glued shut and they remained completely still for a few minutes. Only their hearts kept rushing, beating strongly and fast against their chests.

Edris was still whimpering softly by the time Thorin had regained control over his body. She felt her femininity throbbing, her folds aching as she was starting to feel the aftermath of their wild love making. He opened his eyes and caressed her back with one hand, holding her by the bottom with his other one.

“Bunnelê,” the Dwarf-king called out with a murmur.

Edris hummed weakly. He smiled fondly, his chuckle rumbling through her as their bodies were so close. Thorin carefully lifted her with his hands on her waist and she whined softly while raising her body as much as her trembling tired legs allowed her. Both of them sighed as their lower parts separated and he slid out of her sloppily. She sat on his lap again and rested her body against his. His chest hair tickled her sensitive breasts and the crook of his neck felt like the most comfortable pillow in all history. Edris felt her inside still burning, saliva was drying around her mouth, their mixed juices parched between her thighs and the cold was starting to lower her body heat, once so high.

Thorin felt she was trembling, her skin prickling as the chill air of the hall embraced her. He looked down at his crumpled cloak below them. The dark garment was so big that it would be able to cover them both. He looked for the hem and held onto the fur of the cloak before tossing the fabric over her. It wrapped around her weak body perfectly, and Edris hummed while hugging him by the waist, searching for even more warmth and support.

“I don’t remember you being so sensitive,” Thorin murmured in a husky voice, the smirk on his face making it clear that he enjoyed seeing how needy she was.

“And I don’t remember you being so aggressive,” Edris replied in a low and soft voice, almost a whisper.

There was silence for a moment. She could only hear his slow breathing and feared her answer made him feel guilty. She thought that maybe aggressive wasn’t the best word. It was more like wild, desperate, hard. And they weren’t used to that, so it just made sense she wanted to do nothing but melt in his arms.

“Is that bad?” His voice sounded even more low pitched, a slow whisper that sent shivers down her spine.

“No. Not at all,” Edris smiled blissfully.

She wanted to sit back and show him through a slow, soft and loving kiss how much she had enjoyed the moment. But she was tired, and the way his palms began drawing circles on her back convinced her to stay still, letting their bodies relax and their hearts match the beatings. The fur of the cloak was caressing her neck and tickling her face. The King felt her body weighing on him comfortably, her hair falling onto his chest like a soft stroking. They were so comfortable and relaxed that their minds remained in a haze, thinking of nothing at all, just feeling each other.

Edris couldn’t even bring herself to think about her clothes on the floor, how exposed they were in that great public hall, the fact that time wasn’t on hold and there were things going on outside their bubble of pleasure and love. She just wanted to stay warm under his cloak and his strong arms. Thorin didn’t want to remember all that happened, and he didn’t care for the crown that was on the floor far from him, because he already felt like the most powerful Dwarf-king of all. He wished to hold her securely and feel her cling onto him. None of them kept track of time as they just lay on the throne, naked and relaxed, enjoying their time together. They were making up for all the time the Quest had taken from them. They were catching up on all the affection they weren’t able to share before.

Thorin just stared at her for all that time. Lovingly, intently, greedily, unable to look away as if he was under a spell. He realized Edris was his. Right now: Under his cloak, held in his arms, pressed against his skin. And forever: As his wife, the Queen, his treasure. One of his hands went up to the top of her head, starting to caress her hair tenderly from the roots to the tips.

“I can only trust you now,” he whispered suddenly, voicing his thoughts.

“What?” Edris murmured in a low voice, her eyes still closed as she was enjoying herself.

“You are mine.”

“And you are mine.”

She snuggled even more against his body, sending a heat wave through him. A little smile appeared on Thorin’s face as he held her even tighter, his fingers burying on her hair possessively. There was a foreboding air in the hall which none of them paid any mind to. Anyone would have felt it and felt uneasy, but the Dwarves were going out to war at that precise moment, and nobody would have found the couple enjoying their time together.

Edris didn’t think of the Company and couldn’t have known what was happening to them or how serious the situation was. The King under the Mountain had successfully avoided telling her about it. Yet he couldn’t have imagined what his followers were doing. For now, all they cared about was that they had made the oath to be together for all their lifetime, in any situation they may find themselves. A dangerous type of love which bonded them now.