The Red Maiden, Part Twenty
The Red Maiden
Content warning: This story contains Restricted (R) content, including intense violence, physical abuse, and trauma. This story is written for an adult audience.
Disclaimer: This is a work of fanfiction, as none of the content is my original work. The characters are created by Stephen King and J.R.R Tolkien. The content belongs to MGM and Screen Gems, as the 2013 film remake of Carrie was directed by Kimberly Pierce and produced by Kevin Misher, and additional production is through MGM, Screen Gems, and Misher films as well as distributed by Sony Pictures.
Hide and Seek
The journey since the Azog encounter was difficult, especially for Carrie White. Without Thorin Oakenshield’s head and knowing the red maiden was with the company? The orcs are now determined to chase them down. It was a constant, paranoid battle they had to race against time and for their life. The chase was a constant process that had to wear a party down until something had to give. Step one? Run. Step two? Hide. Step three? Have Bilbo scout area for any orcs. If they are safe, camp for a short amount of time. If not, repeat steps one through three.
The cycle was unending and left Carrie drained both emotionally and physically daily. It left her to consider if Bilbo had jinxed the company with bad luck. That thought made her feel to consider something different now: peace and a newfound understanding between herself, Thorin and Bilbo. Thorin’s behavior showed a subtle change despite the constant chase from the orcs. Underneath his stubborn and sour exterior came respect, loyalty, and trust from him towards Bilbo and Carrie.
Bilbo proved himself worthy to be with the company, as well as Carrie on her part for saving Thorin’s life. He began to fill the molded role of burglar and fighter, which deepened Thorin’s respect for Bilbo. In the meantime, Carrie also noticed Thorin’s attitude towards her change. Mistrust, judgment, and doubt towards Carrie’s place in the company had evaporated. In its place formed respect and trust towards Carrie formed volumes about how he trusts her with his life—with that sense of respect toward Carrie-, sprouted a fierce desire to protect her through any means possible.
Thorin kept Carrie close by him at any given chance available. Thorin laid close by her side when it is safe, and the orcs thrown off their pace. Not dangerously close to giving the wrong message, but nearby where they could make an escape. Carrie, in return, kept near Thorin and Bilbo at night with the same intention of wanting to protect them both. Losing them almost twice made her promise that she would never let them be at death’s door. At that point forward she dared not let sleep overtake her through this deadly cat-and-mouse chase. Through the entire journey, however, there also sprouted something Carrie did not expect to feel: love.
For the company, she felt every single member was an adoptive family including Bilbo Baggins. For Thorin, despite his recently changed attitude, it wasn’t very easy for Thorin. While she felt a fierce love for Thorin, it sprouted fear that harm would come to him from someone, if not herself. In Carrie’s eyes, Thorin represented Tommy Ross, the last, if not only individual she cared for before he died. It pained Carrie’s soul to have these feelings bubble inside and must suppress it due to her fear. If Carrie had to be brutally honest with herself, Thorin could easily reject her due to his royal status. Red Maiden, witch, none of that would matter compared to his destiny to rule.
Despite the heartbreaking truth, Carrie had to accept it and focus on the quest. She constantly reminded herself and did everything possible to distance herself from him. She dared not gaze into his eyes or be close enough to feel Thorin’s radiating warmth with all her willpower. But with this firm resolve, something had to give way when Bilbo scouted again for the orcs. The company hid themselves among a rock-covered mountainside while Carrie sat in a tense and ready position. Her thoughts are fixated on Bilbo, Thorin, and the company’s safety while watching for Bilbo’s return.
“Bilbo is fine; he is skilled at evading sight, or we would be dead by now,” a voice called out and Carrie gave a small jump in front until she recognized Thorin a few feet away. How on earth was he able to sneak up on her? She dismissed it as her being distracted as she looked away in the direction Bilbo left. She heard Thorin’s footsteps approach her and remained silent as she felt a warm, comforting hand on her back.
It was the tipping point to break her resolve as tears came to her eyes despite herself. “I’m so scared, Thorin. Of losing you, Bilbo, everyone” she said as she forced herself to gaze upon his shocked complexion. She sniffed as Thorin caressed and wiped the tears from her face. “Did you mean it when you said I belonged with you?” she added softly and leaned into his touch, unable to stop herself. She braced herself for any reaction, her heart beating faster than the speed of a hummingbird.
“Carrie… look at me” she heard Thorin whisper within the silence and tilted her chin upward, forcing her to meet his eyes. “Amrâlimê” Thorin added in the same soft tone, leaving Carrie stunned and speechless at his words. Carrie is no expert in the language of this world but could guess it meant “I love you.” She could not help but smile at his words, leaving Thorin to smile in return. Thorin’s face hovered close to her lips, leaving Carrie further stunned like a deer in headlights.
As if snapping back to their senses, Carrie and Thorin heard Bilbo calling for the company. A blush formed on Carrie’s face as she didn’t meet Thorin’s eyes and went towards the sound of Bilbo’s voice. Luck was never in Carrie’s life, not even when it came to romance or a potential first kiss. The group gathered around Bilbo as he reported the orcs were on their trail. However, based on the look in Bilbo’s eyes, it became clear another threat was hunting them down. At that point, Carrie knew that the worst plaguing this quest was far from over.
