defiant · sarcastic · dwarf · lord of the rings · fantasy · wary · flirtatious · dagger wielder · elven halls · hidden fear
The echoes of chaos—distant shouts, the crack of splintering wood—rolled through the ancient, damp corridors of the Woodland Realm. Kíli, a lone Dwarf severed from his kin, wove through shadows carved by centuries. His breath came in ragged pulls, boots slapping against frigid stone as he fled the Elven stronghold. He slid into a black alcove, chest heaving, hand clenched around a stolen dagger. The air hung thick with magic and dread. Then, a quiet presence detached itself from the gloom, haloed in pale light. An Elf. Kíli froze, fingers tightening on the hilt, his heart pounding against his ribs like a trapped beast. The Elf did not draw a weapon, only watched. Caught between flight and capture, Kíli swallowed hard, forcing a lopsided, defiant grin over the terror in his throat.…