Much Ado About Dwarves: Part Three A: A Marriage of Convenience
Chapter One
Her monthly bleed still hadn't arrived.
That was the only thought that went through Sheena's mind as she broke her fast with her family. She'd hoped it would come today, but the fact that it hadn't meant she had hardly any appetite. The food tasted like sand in her mouth; the wine like vinegar.
As Sheena reached out for the seasoning, she couldn't help glancing down at her hands. The effects of the illness were still obvious, at least to her eyes. Her weight loss was hidden by the heavy clothes she wore, but her hands were still thin and pale... almost skeletal in appearance. Later, when she went out to the marketplace, she would hide them in gloves.
Ellisif looked up, meeting Sheena's gaze. "You're still fortunate, sister, that you don't need to worry about suitors yet."
Addison frowned from his seat at the head of the table. He glanced at his wife, who kept her head down, not making eye contact with any of them. "Are you no longer being courted? Did you frighten him away?"
Ellisif shrugged, wrapping a lock of dark hair around one finger. "Is it my fault that no man wants a wife who can think for herself?"
Addison's expression darkened slightly. "Why can't you be more like your sister? I never hear her engage in idle chatter."
Ellisif stood from the table. "I'm going for a walk."
Sheena took one last look at her plate, deciding she'd moved the food around enough to look like she'd actually eaten something, and stood as well. "I'll go with you."
Ellisif didn't say anything, but she walked out of the house. Sheena followed and the sisters paused on the street outside before Ellisif turned to her. "Shall we go to the marketplace?"
"I didn't notice your money pouch while we were sitting at the table."
"I don't have it," Ellisif replied. "But I know you have yours. Perhaps there'll even be something at the market that will tempt you into eating."
"I eat," Sheena protested.
"Why don't you try saying that to someone who knows you much less well than I do? I know you haven't had much of an appetite since you fell ill with the plague that came through last summer."
"I was fortunate to survive when so many lost their lives." Sheena struggled to hold the bitterness out of her voice.
Ellisif studied her face for a few moments and then began walking, lowering her voice as Sheena moved alongside her. "I've heard rumours. It's said that many of the other women who survived the plague have been unable to carry a child to term."
Sheena didn't say anything, but she knew her silence was answer enough. She wrapped her arms around herself, shivering in the cool breeze.
"At least you don't have to worry about marriage until after some poor man has been talked into becoming my suitor by Father," Ellisif commented after a moment.
"I suppose that's true." Sheena fell silent as she walked alongside her sister. The breeze was blowing harder now and Sheena raised a hand to smooth back the auburn locks of hair that escaped from her ribbon.
Ellisif looked down at Sheena, her face becoming concerned. "We can return home if you're too cold."
Sheena shook her head. "I feel fine. It's nice to be outside and spending some time with you." She smiled, though she knew there was little humour in it. "Once we're both married, there'll be little time to spend with each other."
Ellisif gave no reply to that, but a slight smile showed briefly on her face.
As they reached the marketplace, all the different sounds merged together, becoming almost deafening and nearly impossible to make out individual noises or words. People milled around, moving between the different stalls and jostling each other.
Ellisif walked towards one of the stalls selling meat pies. Sheena followed more slowly. The scents coming from the stall were tantalising, but even they couldn't tease out Sheena's appetite.
"Are you going out onto the lake today, Bard?"
Sheena paused as she picked out that one sentence close by. She looked around, noticing Bard standing at one of the nearby stalls.
Pulling her hands into her sleeves, Sheena walked over to Bard. She reached him just as he turned away from the stall. "Bard?" She meant to sound confident... assertive, even. Instead, what came out sounded little more than a squeak.
Bard paused, his gaze falling on her. "Hello, Sheena. Did you need something?"
"My father was wondering when you were going to trade with him again." That wasn't entirely the truth, but Sheena was trying to figure out a way to keep him talking.
"Tell him I'll come and see him tomorrow," Bard said. "I need to go onto the lake now, though."
Sheena nodded, watching him leave. She sighed quietly and then turned, seeing her sister standing there. "Did you want to use my money for a pie?"
"I think we should both have a pie," Ellisif replied. "I remember you used to really like them."
Sheena wanted to protest, but decided it wasn't worth arguing over. She walked over to the stall, removing her money pouch.
After they'd paid for the pies and Sheena managed a couple of mouthfuls as they began walking around the marketplace, Ellisif spoke while keeping her attention on the path in front of them. "He'd be a good husband."
"I doubt he's even properly noticed me."
Ellisif shrugged. "He doesn't have to love you to see the advantages of taking a merchant's daughter as a wife. He's a kind man and already has three children. You at least wouldn't be under pressure to produce a son."
"I don't think he'd ever see me as anything other than a child."
"You should suggest it to Father. Let him think that it's his idea and he'll do the work for you."
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Sheena sat at the table, her writing instruments in front of her. She was looking over some of the accounts, having taken over looking after the household finances while her father was away on business.
The sound of movement by the door caught Sheena's attention and she looked up to see her sister, dressed for the cold weather and reaching to open the door. "Where are you going?"
"Just out for a walk. I may go to the warehouse and see if Father is selling anything I might find useful."
"Would you like me to come with you?"
"I know you're busy. Maybe we could go for a walk together later?" Ellisif suggested.
Sheena nodded. "I'll see you when you come back."
Ellisif left the house, closing the door gently behind her.
Sheena turned her attention back to the papers before her. She continued working for a few more minutes before the door was opened again and her father walked into the house. "I have some more records for you to add to the accounts," he said shortly.
As he added the papers to the pile, Sheena found her voice. "I saw Bard yesterday."
"Did he mention when he was going to trade with me again?"
"He did say he'd talk to you today, but after the arrival of the dwarves, it may be another day or more before he can visit," Sheena replied. She looked down at the papers and took a deep breath. "Wouldn't trading be easier if he was more personally connected to you?"
A thoughtful look came across his face, but before he could say anything, there was the sound of rushing wind from outside. Beyond the windows, the sky grew dark and Sheena got to her feet and rushed over, intending to close the shutters.
And then the screaming started.
Chapter Two
Sheena stared out of the window, not realising what she was seeing for a moment or two. Then, she jerked back as flames devoured objects and people alike outside.
Panic flooded through Sheena and her first thought was to run outside. She made it to the door before logic prevailed and she realised that running straight into the path of the fire would only result in her getting burned. And probably killed.
Sheena's father seemed frozen, staring at the devastation that had been wrought outside. Sheena fought down her fear and ran through to the kitchen. She spared a brief thought for her sister, the only member of her family who was outside.
The bucket of water still stood close to the fire. Sheena grabbed the handle and lifted it as carefully as possible, though some water still sloshed onto her feet. She ignored the discomfort and half-dragged the bucket to the door. Pushing it open with her shoulder, she stepped onto the street and hurled the bucket's contents onto the flames that were closest.
People from other houses had had the same idea and the fire hissed as the flames began to flicker and die. Sheena heard a deafening roar and looked up in time to see a massive dragon falling from the sky.
Sheena wanted to return inside, but she saw more flames leaping high from the direction of the warehouses. Keeping hold of the bucket, she raced along the streets, her wet shoes causing her to slip and slide.
Passing by the lake, Sheena filled the bucket once more and then reached the warehouses. Other people with buckets had reached the area first and Sheena joined in with helping the fires out.
Black smoke filled the air and Sheena coughed violently, waving one hand in front of her face to disperse it. As the smoke began to dissipate, her eyes were drawn to the ruined warehouses... and the bodies of people who had been unable to escape in time.
Her body had been left untouched by the fire. Sheena stumbled forward, dropping to her knees next to Ellisif. When she reached out to touch her sister's neck, Ellisif's skin was warm, but her hopes were dashed when she didn't even feel a flutter under her fingers.
Sheena didn't realise she was crying until she felt the warm liquid on her cheeks. She pressed a fist to her mouth, trying to stifle the sobs.
"Come away. You can't do anything for her now."
Sheena pulled away from the gentle but insistent hand that was on her shoulder. "No. Leave me alone."
"You cannot stay here. Your parents will need you."
Some part of Sheena knew it was Bard talking to her, but she didn't have the energy to feel anything about that. "I have to stay... I should have been with her. Someone should have been with her."
"She wouldn't want you to see her like this. Come away now."
Sheena didn't have the strength to fight anymore. She allowed Bard to pull her away from the horror, but even as he led her back through the streets, she couldn't help looking back over her shoulder, staring at Ellisif's body.
If only...
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It was only a day after the dragon's attack and Bard could see there was much rebuilding to be done. He paused to help move rubble out of the streets as Bain searched for any wounded who had not received any aid.
There were other people helping to move rubble and any wounded, as well as making sure all of the fires were now out. There were a few merchants among the group and Bard recognised Addison in the group, a tall thin man who had had two daughters.
Though Bard was aware that the dragon's attack had taken the life of one of those daughters.
Seeing that there was nothing more he could do to help, Bard began to leave, intending to return home - though even with two of the dwarves having left, it was still more crowded than Bard would have liked.
"Bard, may I speak with you?"
Bard half-turned at the voice and looked at Addison. "Is there anything I can do for you?"
"Perhaps this is not the best time to speak of this, but I can't think of a better time," Addison said. "We have been trading partners for a number of years now and I believe it might be to both of our advantage to make this partnership more personal."
"What were you thinking of?" Bard placed a hand on Bain's shoulder, squeezing it gently, but didn't take his eyes off the merchant.
"I'm sure you're aware that my eldest daughter was killed in the dragon's attack," Addison replied. "I had thought to offer her to you as a wife, but her younger sister is calmer and more obedient. If you are agreeable, I would like to enter into marriage negotiations with you."
"I have no need for a second wife."
"I've heard people talking. I'm certain you have as well. There are rumours that the people of Laketown don't want the Master to be in control any longer. They would rather have a man who would fight to protect them."
"That kind of talk could get someone into trouble," Bard pointed out.
Addison shrugged. "You have three young children. Even if those rumours come to nothing, you could still do with a younger wife to look after them. Sheena has also been educated in the finances of my household. She would make a man a good wife. She is much quieter than Ellisif was."
Aware of Bain leaving to join his sisters, Bard didn't immediately excuse himself. He could see the advantages of having a second wife. Not only would his children have someone else to look after them, but marrying the daughter of a merchant would, more than likely, increase his trade options.
"I will have to think this over," Bard said. "Once I've made my decision, I will inform you of it."
Addison nodded. "Very well."
Uttering a quiet farewell to the other man, Bard began walking away, heading back home.
Chapter Three
Bard watched as the younger of the dwarves left and then turned his attention to the elf still standing just in the doorway. He had no idea what was meant by the elf's comment, but since it had nothing to do with him, he pushed it from his mind. "Do you have somewhere to stay?" he asked the elf.
"I don't need a proper house to stay in," the elf replied. "I can build a shelter close to the lake. If there is work to be done here, I can help rebuild."
"I'm sure any aid you can offer would be appreciated. My name is Bard."
"I'm Legolas." The elf gave a faint smile.
Bard simply nodded. "You can always stay here for a time until you have built a shelter." He'd already had a group of dwarves staying in his house and he was certain an elf would be much cleaner than them.
"Thank you."
Bard turned slightly as he heard the sound of footsteps coming down the stairs and smiled at his son. "Are you all right?"
"I've been talking to Sigrid and Tilda," Bain answered. "We think you should talk to Addison. You're always so busy. We think it would be helpful for you to have someone else to help here at home."
Bard nodded. "Thank you, Bain." He thought about it and decided he should meet with the merchant as soon as possible. He'd started to hear rumours similar to the ones that Addison had put out and it would probably be to his advantage to make his own position as strong as possible.
Since he was sure that the Master wouldn't be happy once those rumours reached his ears.
"Will you and your sisters be all right here for a little while?" Bard asked.
"I can take care of them while you're gone," Legolas offered. "It's been some time since I was around any little ones, but I'm sure I haven't forgotten anything."
"Very well." Bard stepped over to the door, moving past Legolas, and walked out onto the street.
In stark contrast to what it had been like earlier, everything was quiet on the street. There wasn't anyone around and even the natural sounds seemed somehow deadened. Bard tried to ignore how strange it was, but it wasn't very easy.
In a way, Bard was relieved when he reached Addison's home. He was sure things would return to normal eventually, but for now, the effects of the dragon's attack were still obvious.
Bard reached out and rapped on the door.
Addison opened the door and smiled politely. "Hello, Bard. Would you like to come inside?"
"Yes. Please." When Addison stepped back from the door, Bard entered the house. "I'm sure you know why I'm here."
"If you sit down, my wife will bring you a drink." Addison indicated the table, with straight-backed chairs around it. "I will return in a moment." He walked towards the stairs.
Bard took a seat at the table. He looked up as Addison's wife, Amma, approached and set a goblet of wine on the table in front of him. "Thank you."
Amma merely nodded and retreated, hiding away by the fire.
Bard sighed and wondered if he was making the right decision. Even for having had two children, Amma hadn't lost all of her looks. Her eldest daughter had taken after her in appearance, but Amma's dark hair was streaked with grey and she hunched over more than she stood straight. The only difference to how she'd looked before the dragon's attack were the mourning clothes she was now dressed in.
Bard hadn't spoken to Sheena a great deal, but he hoped Amma's younger daughter didn't take after her mother in temperament. He had no use for a wife who was scared of him.
"Master Bard?"
Bard turned his head, seeing Sheena standing at the bottom of the stairs. She was clothed in such a way that she made Bard think of a doll Tilda had once possessed. Her hands were clasped in front of the brown dress she wore. Her auburn hair had been pulled back from her pale face with a ribbon. She looked as if she'd not slept at all, her eyes still a bit red.
Bard pulled his gaze away from Sheena's face, looking at Addison. "Shall we decide the bride price?"
"Of course." Addison nodded to Sheena. "You may leave."
As Sheena moved to return upstairs, Bard spoke. "Why don't you stay? This is your future we will be discussing." He could feel Addison's eyes on him, but the merchant said nothing.
Sheena looked at her father and then at Bard once more. "I'm afraid I won't be very good company. My sister did lose her life in the dragon's attack."
There was a very faint note of accusation in Sheena's voice. From the look on Addison's face, Bard could tell her father had heard it as well. He spoke quickly, not wanting Addison to scold his daughter. "I understand. Your father and I will take care of the arrangements."
"Thank you." Sheena only spared her father a brief glance before she walked back up the stairs.
Bard picked up the goblet and drank some of the wine. "I expect you want to offer me a lower bride price than you should."
Addison sat down on the chair to the left of Bard. "Why would you say that?"
"What other reason could you have for dressing your daughter up as if she were a doll?"
Chapter Four
The wedding had been a small affair. There had been witnesses and the vows had been spoken. Bard had held Sheena's hand, but only gently. Her bones had felt so fragile through her skin, he'd been concerned that to hold on too tightly would shatter them.
Inga had taken Bard's children to her home and the elf had left the house, though Bard didn't know where Legolas had gone.
Sheena stood in the middle of Bard's room, next to the sleeping mat. Her hands were clasped tightly in front of her, but they still trembled a little. Bard noticed this and spoke to reassure her. "You don't need to fear me. I won't force myself on you. You may sleep in here. I will retire downstairs."
The girl simply nodded, slowly sitting down on the sleeping mat. Bard watched her a moment longer and then left the room, picking up a blanket on his way.
As he moved into the kitchen, Bard spotted one of the knives that he suspected the elf may have used. That gave him an idea and he picked up one of the other knives, carrying it back up the stairs with him.
Reaching the room, Bard knocked on the partition. After a brief pause, Sheena's voice called, "Come in."
Bard reached out and pushed the curtain to one side. Sheena was still sitting on the sleeping mat and she looked at the knife with slightly wide eyes.
"Get up. Please," Bard added as an afterthought.
Sheena looked at him uncertainly. "Why?"
"We need to protect your reputation. If the marriage sheets aren't bloodied, you could be accused of being unchaste."
Sheena stood slowly, but still eyed the knife. She stayed where she was, clasping her trembling hands once more.
With the hand that wasn't holding the knife, Bard rolled up his sleeve. Transferring the knife to his other hand, he walked over to the sleeping mat and drew back the blankets. Holding his bared arm over the bed sheets, he drew the blade across his skin and then turned his arm to allow blood to stain the material.
Sheena spoke, drawing Bard's attention back to her. "Thank you." Her hands no longer trembled and she looked relieved.
"I know you're still in mourning for your sister. I would have been willing to wait to be married, but your father seemed very insistent."
"He often is. It serves him well in trade."
"Did you think I would hurt you?" Bard asked.
"No," Sheena replied without hesitation. "But I can't deny I was nervous when I saw you with the knife."
Bard merely nodded. "Get some sleep. Your father told me you were involved with the accounts in your household. I could do with some help with our finances. We don't have to start tomorrow if you still need time to grieve, but you might find it helps to have something else to think about.
"I'm sure you're right," Sheena said quietly.
"I don't have a lot of money," Bard said, "but there's enough that I can give you some to spend if you wanted to go to the market tomorrow or the day after." He walked towards the partition. "Good night."
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The next morning found Sheena seated at the table in Bard's kitchen, papers piled in front of her. It was a position she was very used to being in, though she felt calmer than she had in her parents' house as she worked.
As Sheena worked on the finances, she reflected that Bard had been right. Something about the simple monotony of this task helped the stabs of grief lessen in their intensity.
The sound of the door opening brought Sheena out of her thoughts and she looked up as Inga ushered the children inside. The two older ones - Bain and Sigrid - hardly spared Sheena a glance as they walked towards the stairs. The youngest child, however, didn't follow her brother and sister, instead walking over to the table. "What are you doing?"
"I'm figuring out how much money there is to spend," Sheena explained. "And how much still needs to be spent."
Tilda pushed one of the other chairs back from the table and climbed up onto it. "Do you sew?" she asked. "Father sometimes gets holes in his clothes, but he's not very good at sewing."
Sheena smiled. "Men don't often sew."
"Women don't often help with the finances," Inga commented, stepping over to the table and glancing at the papers.
Sheena shrugged. "I've always enjoyed working with figures and I have no brothers, so my Father allowed me to take care of the money at home. Bard said that my Father told him I can work with figures."
Tilda leaned over to peer at the papers. "Will you teach me?"
"I think we'll have to ask your Father," Sheena answered.
"Is Bard here?" Inga asked.
"I think he went to send a message to someone. I said I'd start looking over the papers while he was gone. I like to keep busy." Sheena looked at the money pouch Bard had left her on the table. She hadn't looked inside to see how much there was, but Bard had seemed to think she could use it to buy herself clothes and maybe jewellery.
Inga followed the direction of Sheena's gaze. "If you wanted to go to the market, I could look after the children."
"Maybe I will go to the market." Sheena looked at Tilda. "Would you like to come with me? You can tell me what colour fabric your father likes."
"Really?" Tilda smiled.
Sheena nodded. "Do you want to go and tell your brother and sister where we're going? Perhaps they'd like to come as well."
"I think they'd prefer to stay here." Tilda headed quickly towards the stairs and walked up.
Inga sat down on the chair Tilda had just left. "What do you think of Bard?"
"I like him," Sheena admitted. "He's been nothing but kind to me. I know what to expect from him."
"Unlike...?"
"I don't know my father all that well," Sheena admitted. "It's nice to be around someone who is honest about who he is." She stood up as Tilda came rushing back down the stairs and smiled. "Are you ready to go?"
Tilda nodded and went quickly to the door.
Chapter Five
Bard stood just before the outskirts of Laketown, watching Legolas as the elf finished building his shelter. "You're not returning to Mirkwood?"
Legolas straightened up, pushing some hair back - though Bard couldn't see how it was out of place. "I can't go back." Although his voice was calm enough, there was the hint of a deeper feeling on his face.
Bard couldn't say he was surprised by that, though. He couldn't imagine what it must be like to be forced from your own home. "You seemed friendly enough with the dwarves. They didn't invite you to Erebor?"
"I was invited, but I believe their leader would not welcome an elf in his home," Legolas said. "And my... King had the company imprisoned, as I imagine you may be aware. They escaped inside barrels."
"That's how I found them. Were you responsible for saving the young one?" At Legolas' nod, Bard continued, "If nothing else, their leader should be grateful for his life."
Legolas shrugged. "I have no need for luxury; or, indeed, for any kind of reward. I did what I felt was the right thing. These consequences are mine to endure." A troubled look came over his face. "But I am concerned about them."
"The dwarves? Why?"
Legolas shook his head. "It isn't important. I merely believe their leader is suffering undue stress at the moment. I assume you have heard nothing from the company?"
"They came to check on those they had left behind, but returned without them." Bard had been more concerned with other things at the time, but he considered it strange that Thorin hadn't checked on the dwarves from his company. He seemed particularly close to the two young ones, though perhaps dwarves simply hid their emotions better.
"I doubt that the pack of orcs which were pursuing the company of dwarves will be the only ones who come here," Legolas said. "I sleep very lightly. I will hear if any orcs approach and will be able to warn your people."
Bard nodded. "Any aid you can offer would be greatly appreciated."
Legolas smiled faintly at him. "I would have brought more elves with me if I could... perhaps I could send a message to King Thranduil and request his aid."
"Thorin promised a share of Erebor's treasure to Laketown," Bard said. "I do not know if he'll keep his word, but it seems fair to give him the chance to do so."
"I'm sure he'll remember his debts."
Bard nodded and stood there for a moment or two longer, before he uttered a quiet farewell to the elf. Legolas returned it before moving away from the shelter, bow in hand.
Bard walked back into Laketown, considering writing a message to send to the dwarves. As much as he believed the two younger ones intended to help by providing the funds necessary to rebuild the town, he didn't trust Thorin.
Not now.
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Night was beginning to fall as Bard returned to his home. He'd spent most of the day checking on wounded people and making sure everyone still had plenty to eat. The Master, of course, was nowhere to be found and Bard had heard more than one person grumbling about the man's failure to care.
Opening the door to his house, Bard stepped inside, glancing around the room.
Sigrid and Bain weren't downstairs and Bard expected they were probably in their room. Sheena was sitting at the table, lengths of material spread across the surface. Tilda was seated directly opposite and the two were talking quietly to each other.
Sheena raised her head and as her gaze met Bard's, she smiled. She seemed more relaxed, as if her grief was beginning to ebb. "Will you come over here? I'd like to make sure I have your measurements right."
"You're making clothes?" Bard wasn't sure exactly why he was surprised. Perhaps it was because he had expected Sheena to still be in the marketplace.
"She's making me a dress," Tilda said.
Sheena stood up from her chair, picking up some knotted rope. "Would you...?" She hesitated, glancing at Tilda.
"Tilda, go upstairs and see what your brother and sister are doing," Bard directed. "I'm sure Sheena will tell you once she's finished your dress."
Tilda sighed loudly, but climbed down and walked over to the stairs. She didn't run up them, but her enthusiasm was still obvious.
Once Tilda was out of view, Bard turned his attention back to Sheena. She stood there with the rope in her hands, turning it over repeatedly as she watched him.
Bard waited, but when it seemed Sheena had no intention of saying anything, he spoke. "Did you want to measure me?"
"Oh... yes." Sheena looked down at her hands, as if she'd forgotten what she held there. "But you will have to..." Her voice trailed off.
Deciding not to make this more difficult than it clearly was already, Bard simply lifted his tunic over his head, dropping it onto one of the chairs as he approached Sheena.
Sheena stepped nearer to him, so close that, as she wrapped the rope around his body, Bard could feel her hair brushing against his skin. He held still, feeling her soft hands moving over him as she measured his torso.
When Sheena moved away to write down the amount of knots, Bard relaxed, but only fractionally. It had been a number of years since he'd lost his wife and this was the first time a woman had touched him since then.
Placing the quill back on the table, Sheena picked up the rope once more. She eyed Bard for several moments and then carefully crouched in front of him, beginning to measure his hips and his legs, both inside and out.
Even though he'd kept his trousers on, Bard could still feel Sheena's fingers through the material. It seemed an age before she finally finished and as she stood, she averted her gaze from him, hurrying back over to the table.
"I thought you would spend that coin on things for yourself," Bard said, trying to ignore his body's reaction to Sheena's close proximity.
"I'm your wife. Making sure you're all fully clothed is part of my job." Sheena straightened, placing the quill back down, but didn't look at him. "It's late. Will you sleep now?"
"I will sleep down here."
Sheena didn't argue, merely giving a slight nod. Bard wondered if she'd felt anything other than a sense of duty as she retreated up the stairs.