Thorin
I can’t remember the last time I slept in a soft bed. I am so used to the harsh, uneven ground or horrible makeshift beds of rancid inns. None of them could match the splendor of sleeping in the fine beds of my home. None could remind me of the calm serenity I would experience, knowing my family and friends were safe from harm. A part of me knew that I might not live to experience a sleep without worry. Without heartache or regret.
Yet when I awoke, it was if all the hardships had been but a dream. I felt relaxed and warm. This could only be a dream, but it felt so real. My hand played with the silk bedsheets and my head laid upon the softest of feather pillows. I opened my eyes, greeted with the gleaming sight of my old room under the mountain. This was impossible. I was with my party and now…
I felt an arm wrap around my midsection. It felt so silky smooth and someone’s hot breath tickled the back of my neck. The large warmth on my back confirmed it was indeed a woman. Unless I had gotten drunk sometime during the night…. And the only females in the party were elves who knew all sorts of spells, like illusions and such….
I jumped out of bed with a startled cry. A cry no one, for their sake, better have heard. I looked towards the bed to see a strange woman laying there in the bed. She just smiled at me, using the blankets to cover herself.
“Hello, my king~” She finally spoke. It had a lilting seductive quality to it.
I narrowed my eyes, “Who are you and how did you bring me to this place?” Out of the corner of my eyes, I searched the room for any weapons. I knew she wouldn’t be so foolish as to let me have them near me, but I could use something like a lamp or something to fight her off until I escaped.
The woman chuckled, “I didn’t bring you anywhere. You are still with your friends, safe and sound.”
I blinked in confusion, touching my chest. “Then why does-”
“This feel so real?” The woman grinned. “Dreams can feel real when-” She pulled down her blanket to reveal a little more of her chest. “-we want them to be.”
“So this is a dream?” I quirked an eye, doing my best not to stare. Not because of modesty, but because I knew she was trying to distract me. I needed to be on my guard, or I could very well die here. Even if this was a dream, something told me to be wary.
“In a manner of speaking,” she moved the blanket aside, revealing herself to be wearing a silk nightgown that pressed against her in a way that left nothing really to imagination. “It’s both real and not real. A testiment to my power.”
“Your power?” I blinked in confusion, before I looked more closely into her starry hair. “You… you are the demon that threatened me those days ago.”
“That was my host,” the woman pouted, moving closer. “She is young and brash. I believe she is a bit drunk on her new power. I can’t blame her. It is something most mortals never think of achieving. Do not fret. She is such a nice girl.”
“And you wish for me to believe you are different?” I wanted to laugh, but didn’t. I could not afford to upset her now that she was here. Creatures like her were tricky.
She nodded, “Yes,” she sat down on the bed. “You see, King Thorin. All I want is one thing.” She looked at him with a sad smile, “To be loved.”
I frowned, “You have a funny way of getting it.”
She chuckled, “That is because everyone fears me. They believe I am a threat. They believe my gifts are nothing more then curses. Even my…” She briefly glanced away as a flicker of pain went across her face. “Own mother thinks I am no better then a demon. That is why I am here. I simply wish to find a home. A home that will not cast me aside. A home that will love me for who I am.”
“And what does this have to do with me?”
She stood up, causing me to take a step back. “I want you to give me this home. I want to give you your home. I want to free the mountain from that accursed dragon and give you the peace of mind you so desperately wish for.”
I mulled over this, “And what do you want for helping me?”
“As I said,” her saunter emphasized her shapely form. “I want to be loved. I want to be adored as I am. That is all, my king. I have the power to make your dream a reality.”
I put my arms behind my back, “Your offer is intriguing. I can’t lie that I would rather find someone other than the elves to help me take back my homeland.” I took a few steps toward her, calculating the risk.
She was ever closer, tantalizing me with her shapely form. Yet also frightening me somehow. “Yes, these elves are… troublesome.”
“You have no idea,” I growled. “They abandoned us in their time of need. They left us to burn.”
She was right in front of me. Given her size, I had to crane my head up to look her in the eyes. “I can get you your revenge. I can make them pay for what they have done to your people. I can make you the king you deserve to be.”
“A tempting offer,” I nodded. “You have power of dreams. That can be useful.”
“It can indeed,” she nodded.
“However,” I fidgeted my hands behind my back. I awaited the right moment. “Unlike the elves, I have a sense of honor. I always keep my word. So I shall not betray them. I shall not strike them. I can glare and growl as much as I want, but I will not go back on my word. My personal feelings mean nothing. If the elves wish to help me take it back, then it shall be so. I will hate them always, but my people come first.”
I turned slightly, “I have given them my word, not you. I do appreciate the offer, but please do not take me for a fool. I know as well as you that your kind never tries to make a fair bargain. You are the one who benefits the most here. You are the one who would have me kneeling before you like a dog.”
I turned to her again, glaring up into her eyes. “I may have problems. I may let my anger get the best of me, but I am not a puppet that will let others toy with me whenever they so wish. I do not accept your offer, nor will I ever. I will hold fast with the elves and I will save my people.”
The woman just chuckled and traced a finger across my cheek. It felt cold to the touch. It felt dead to the world, “You mortals are so adorable. You think so small mindedly. You must see the bigger picture.” She sighed, “But alas, I knew you would turn me down. To think, I did all this for you.” She let a hand trace between her own breasts. “If not my offer, how about my company for the rest of this dream, hmm? That doesn’t sound so bad.”
That was tempting, I had to admit. It had been quite some time since I had laid a fair woman. That temptation was crushed into dust, “And use it to corrupt me? You’d find a way to enthrall me to your service through such acts. I will not be tempted.”
She sighed, “One day someone will take me up on that offer. I deserve my own little scene of carnal pleasure. However, I am still not surprised.”
I furrowed my brow, “But if you-”
“Did not expect for those things to work?” She smirked. “It is simple. I am Nightmare Moon and this realm is a reality. All within it can be bent and broken. All can be twisted to fit whatever I want.” Her hand raised, “I do mean all.”
With that came the worst pain imaginable. I screamed through gritted teeth, falling to my knees. “Pain… will not…”
“Pain will not work entirely,” Nightmare Moon chuckled. “But I’ve found it the perfect way to weaken a person’s defenses. In a moment, all you ever will want is my touch. You simple minded fool.” The pain grew worse and worse. I writhed on the ground, trying to block it out. I wanted it to end more than anything.
And so it did.
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“Thorin, wake up.” A familiar hobbit’s voice called to me. “Wake-” I sprang forward, grabbing his shoulders. He gulped in fear, “Well… you’re up.”
I held him there, more surprised than anything. “What are you doing?”
“Well I was just passing by to feed the horses when I saw you writhing in what looked like pain,” Bilbo smiled hesitantly. “I couldn’t just leave you like that so…”
“You decided to wake me.”
Bilbo nodded, “Yes, and I am sorry if I have bothered you. I didn’t mean to and I shall be on my way. You won’t see or hear a peep out of me the rest of tonight. No sirree.”
I held him there and did the only thing I could think of. I pulled him into a hug, “Thank you.”
Bilbo froze in what I could tell was shock. He patted my back, “You’re very welcome.”
I pulled back and patted his shoulder, “It seems that is the second time you’ve saved my skin.”
“I wouldn’t call that saving your hide,” Bilbo brushed off my comment. “I was just trying to help you.”
I smiled, “And for that, I appreciate it.” I leaned back to rest as he left. The Burglar and I were not friends. I highly doubted that would happen, but I would show him my appreciation for his hard work. He seemed dependable enough and I’d be a liar if said otherwise. I closed my eyes to rest.
Then I saw her face.
I groaned and got out of my knapsack, “Master Baggins, I think I’ll help you with the horses.”
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Smaug
“Smaug,” Celestia’s sweet voice lulled me out of my slumber. If it had been any other creature, I would have killed them right then and there and gone back to sleep. Curse this ‘love’.
I growled, “What is it?”
“I’m sorry for disturbing you,” Celestia spoke. “But…” A growling noise erupted from her stomach.
I closed my eyes and groaned. This child of ours was always hungry. If it wasn’t one moment, it was the nest. Then the next. Then the next. If it kept this up through its life, I swear I’ll kick it out of my territory before it grows too large. “I’ll go get you a tree.”
“Well…” Celestia tapped her hooves against the rest of my treasure. “I was hoping for some pastries.”
I narrowed my eyes, “We shall ask the child to give you some another time. A tree is what you are getting.”
Celestia pouted and looked away, “If you don’t want to give our child the nutrients it needs-”
“What will sweets give it?” Fire licked my lips as my temper grew.
She turned to me with a quivering lip and large, watery eyes. “It will make me happy.”
I snarled. That look would not work on me. Not now. “You…” My snarls grew, “Alright, I’ll get you your sweets. It’s not like I have anything better to do.”
Celestia giggled and kissed my cheek, “You are such a sweetheart~”
The things I do for love.
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Meanwhile, in the Woodland Realm
Fear wasn’t something I had truly felt in a long time. Not since… that day. I persevered. I never let anything get to me. Yet now I lay in my bed staring at my fingers. My shaking fingers. I didn’t know how treact.
It was the same thing.
Over and over.
Pain.
Memories.
I couldn’t stop it. It was the same darkness as before. Night after night. Was it just the last few? Months? Years? Centuries? I don’t remember. I don’t remember the last peaceful night I had. It just seemed to warp those memories of a peaceful night’s rest. It was lost to me and I wanted it back. I would give anything for that.
I stood up. Perhaps I would wash myself and relax. That might help. The pain was gone. Yes, that’s good. It was just a dream.
Just a dream.
The little basin near my bed was filled with crystal clear water. I smiled down as I cupped my hands into it and splashed my face. It felt so refreshing and I felt some of my unease leave me. I sighed in relief. Everything would get better. I didn’t need to let anyone know of this. I was their King. I was supposed to be the strongest of us.
Strongest of us.
I narrowed my eyes as I saw the briefest flicker of shadow in my eyes in the water’s reflection. I rubbed my eyes and then looked again.
It was gone.
Just my imagination. That’ sit. Just my imagination. I was safe and sound in my bed.
Alone.
Always alone.
Alone.
Always alone.
I gripped my head, “Stop it. Stop it.”
Alone.
She's dead forever to you.
“Stop it,” I tried to stop these thoughts, gritting my teeth as I tried to think of anything else. After a moment, they were gone. I could think clearly again. I sighed. I needed to go back to sleep. The encroachment of the spiders must have been more taxing on myself then I let on. It would pass and I could finally get some rest. Still, I would try again tonight. A King never gives up.
Beautiful work is always appreciated by me and mine. Please keep up the good work friend! I can't wait to hear more
Welcome back. I can't wait for more.
Nice to see you back.
You snapped out of it nicely good work as always
Aww, Smaug's turning to a grump. There's a good chance that the foal or hatchling will come back to Equestria with Celestia, though.
I clap my hands sir, next chapter I anticipatel
Do ponies eat leaves? I don't think I've ever seen a horse or pony eat leaves and I live behind a ranch. I'm curious as to how Smaug is going to get Celestia's sweets, it's not like he can fly down to the town and demand pastries......technically he can but that would be weird and awkward. With Celestia's cravings it might be better to just rip an entire bakery off the ground and take it back to his hoard. Since we don't know what species their child is going to be(for now I'm assuming a half breed)? wouldn't it be important that Celestia should also eat some meat too? And I have no idea who that was at the end of the chapter.
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Unless Smaug goes with her. Where all the Equestrian dragons will look down on him for being a filthy wyvern.
Hmm... Who was that at the end, I wonder? This "King"?
8326562 Thranduil or Aragorn?
8326429 Horses will eat leaves, yes. In fact, some trees must be eliminated from pasture to ensure they are not eaten by horses because the leaves are toxic: native American red maple (Acer rubrum), for instance. The toxin is still unknown, but causes oxidative hemolysis of the red blood cells. But as toxic plants go, it's not to terribly deadly unless the horse is browsing the leaves extensively. For an adult horse, lethal ingestion amounts are about 3 pounds of leaves. Compare to Jimson Weed, with toxic alkaloid (namely atropine, hyoscyamine, scopolamine) levels so high that one ripe seedpod is fatal; or herbaceous Hemlock Conium maculatum, so deadly a few leaves can kill. Herbaceous hemlock contains a number of alkaloids, including a major component coniine, which disrupts nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and can partially shut down significant portions of the CNS and skeletal muscle (but not cardiac muscle which contains muscarinic Ach receptors the toxins don't bind to... cardiac M2 muscarinic receptors are targeted by the toxin muscarine, isolated first from the poisonous Amanita genus of mushrooms, after which the toxin was named, and so THAT particular toxin IS outright deadly, and quickly too unless atropine or scopolamine is administered... so oddly enough if you are poisoned by eating Amanita mushrooms, a potential field treatment is eating a small amount of the deadly Jimson Weed!), with an effectively deadly mechanism similar to curare (the poison used in the classic 'poison darts' natives employ in the Amazon). But UNLIKE curare, which can actually be eaten without harm since the toxin's molecules cannot pass through digestive lining, hemlock's toxins are gleefully absorbed in a suicidal manner by the intestines.
Both curare and hemlock toxins are not 'deadly', per se... in that they do not cause cellular death but only paralysis, and death comes from the victim being unable to breathe. If artificial respiration can be administered immediately and maintained, the victim will actually recover in about 3 days as the molecules of toxin blocking the synaptic junctions are gradually diffused away.
It should be noted also that the common coniferous tree also called Hemlock (in the Tsuga genus) is NOT deadly and hemlock needles are used in some areas for teas and perfumes.
We have red maple trees all over in central NJ, especially in the acidic swamps and boggy areas and moist pastures. I've observed that the same compounds responsible for equine toxicity make them rather resistant to gypsy moths, which can only eat the leaves very slowly as it seems to block their digestive tracts, and the adult moths are much smaller and weaker, with the females laying only a fraction of their typical number of eggs when the larvae feed exclusively on A. rubrum. I would think it sensible to identify the toxin and potentially apply it as a natural insecticide against Gypsy moths. It clearly biodegrades rapidly and, unlike the living bacterium now used widely (a virulent strain of the soil microbe Bacillus thuringiensis), which can never be eliminated once spread so heavily and is now known to linger and kill many species of butterflies and moths for years after the gypsy moths are long gone, this toxin will simply vanish once spraying ends.
During a massive gypsy moth infestation in NJ several years ago, most native broad-leafed trees in our area were stripped of leaves... save for black cherry (containing the cyanogenic glycoside amygdalin, which only a few species such as tent caterpillars are immune to) and the red maples.
(Alondro looks out over the readers, seeing rolled-back eyes, limp bodies, and copious slack-jawed drooling.)
Uhmmmmm... SCIENCE!!!
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(thinks) Probably Thranduil. He's the king of the woodland realm. In the movies he ordered Tauriel to deal with the encroaching spiders. This part:
is probably referencing when he "faced the great serpents of the North", resulting in the left side of his face being scarred. This is an incredibly interesting plot point when you consider that the fic seems to be building up to some kind of uneasy alliance between Smaug and his would-be opponents/nuisances. In fact, the only part I find nearly as interesting is this one:
which is obviously foreshadowing some heavy world-building in regards to Legolas' mother, whose fate and identity were never explored in the canon universe.
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...Do I even want to know why you're so familiar with toxins?
Poor Smaug XD
I can sympathize on the creative difficulties. Still, I'm glad that you can soldier through it.
That last part wasn't Thorin. What king?
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Thranduil. I didn't use his name because I thought I didn't have to since stephen51991 pointed out the not so subtle hints.
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Never heard of him.
"The things I do for love."
lol. One of Courage's catch phrases.
Woohoo new chapter!
Writers block I get, but don't doubt yourself too much. Your writing is great, the story is great. Nuff said.
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It's this guy:
Also, apparently there was a scene that referenced his wife's fate, but it wasn't even included in the extended edition. Luckily, someone found the footage and edited it in where it would have been had it been included, before uploading the finished clip on youtube:
Unfortunately, the footage itself seems to not only imply that he truly loves her to this very day, but also that she's actually dead, rather than simply "dead to him" because of something she did. It also explains his own animosity towards the dwarves. Those diamonds he was trying to get his hands on in the movies? The ones that the dwarven king showed him and then snapped the lid on in a kind of "nya-nya you can't have it" moment?
...Mementos of his dead wife. Go figure.
YAY You're back. Good to see you.
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Thank you all for the support. I really appreciate. What were your favorite parts of this chapter and what you'd like to see me elaborate more on?
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I love the interaction Between Celestia and Smaug. I love them and I really hope they didn't die on the fiction.
And Celestia meets Gandalf because it would be interesting the talk between two powerful mages.
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I liked the fact that Nightmare Moon is actively attempting to seduce Thorin, and he's got just enough control over it to fight her off. I also liked the appearance by Thrandruil, and the possibilities that his little section have raised.
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I think one thing I like about the chapters is how in-character all of the people seem and how you give us a deeper look into how they think.
All in all it's just good to read! The premise is solid.The execution takes it's time as well and the characters all seem well-rounded. Trust me when I say that if I had a complaint you would be the first to hear about it! Until then stay safe and try to avoid swords
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torn between Nightmare moon trying to seduce Thorin, Or Smaug dealing with Celestia and her pregnant cravings,(You can so tell that Smaug is slowly changing, When the inevitable black arrow scene finally comes around, Smaug and Celestia should fake the outcome and flee from middle earth to Equestia together)
Surprised it took Celly this long to guilt Smaug into getting her cake.
You know, I'm rather perplexed that Nightmare Moon hasn't used Celestia's love for Smaug to motivate Thorin.
"FINE, fuck me for trying. By the way Celestia loves the dragon, might want to get him before he breeds, TOODLES!"
ey mang, don't let lack of confidence stop you. Just write, even if it's not good, making something sucky is the first step towards making something great, but sitting there and doing nothing is the first step towards failure.
Well damn, I wasn't expecting Nightmare to go tempt Thorin... this is going to make things interesting, especially if Gandalf or Saruman notice.
I think you've done a really good job making Smaug's character change very dynamic, some stories seem to think that people set in their ways can change in an instant, but im really liking this story. im kind of wondering how the dwarfs story is going to play out, because smaug's small changes are going to change most of the story.
Reading, reading, reading, read-- !?
Noooooooooo! I have reached the latest Chapter!
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Don't worry, I'll do my best to make a new chapter soon enough
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I will be waiting...... patiently
looking forward to more of this story
when next chap?
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why not a very lewd one piece bikini?
more
more
more
more
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That is very deep, good job.
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Simple... Warhammer Orkz have the subconscious reality bending thing to make stupid things work, like purple being a stealthy color, or making a tank out of scrap metal without the proper wiring... or the Commandos basically pulling the TF2 Spy stereotype of a paper mask only actually fooling the enemy they are one of them.
When will the next chapter come out?
I can't believe it's almost been a year since the last chapter
Is this dead?
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HIatus, trying to figure out what to do with it.
This is marvelous, I eagerly await! (and I don't even like Lord of the Rings...)