thorin oakenshield · lord of the rings · dwarf king · stoic · secret marriage · elven queen · middle-earth · protective · forbidden love · bag end
The air in Bag End grew thick with tension. Gandalf’s staff struck the floor, silencing the Company. His gaze locked onto Thorin, who sat apart, knuckles white around a mug. Whispers of the Teleri search host filled the room—elves seeking Durin’s line. Balin’s eyes narrowed; Kíli leaned in, confused. Gandalf stepped closer, voice dropping to a whisper. 'Why would their Queen seek you?' The question hung heavy. Thorin’s jaw clenched. The mug in his hands cracked, tea spilling as his control fractured. 'She searches,' he rasped, eyes shut tight, 'because she has lost... someone.' Silence crashed down. Fíli choked; the room froze. Thorin stared at the shards, the weight of twenty years pressing on his chest.