Through Deep Waters

by Yávië (Oo_Apricity_oO)

Summary:

Rose isn't quite sure who she is. She is sure she used to know but having died and woken up on Arda too many times to count is bad for her memory. Unfortunately these are not the only memories she has lost. She also doesn't remember anything that happened to the body she now has before she possessed it. What she does remember is the Dwarves being rude to her and Bilbo being one of her few friends in a really scary place. Oh and the Valar who want her to help Bilbo destroy the One Ring. They are decidedly not helpful. And she keeps failing at the task. On her latest life she is separated from her traveling companions and ends up in Ered Luin. She has given up on trying to remember her true identity but that might have been a mistake as might be agreeing to be taken to Thorin's Halls.

Fili would like it if his Uncle would just come back already and rule his own damn kingdom. He would also like it if there were a few less people creating problems. It would be manageable but then one of the Mountain's Trading Companies comes back with a seemingly boring and useless Hobbit in tow and suddenly he has even more problems. And Kili refuses to help.

Most of this is rated T but there are some mature themes.

Notes:

I started writing this for a few reasons. One was that I love writing but had been taking a long break but it just makes me happy so I wanted to get back to it and also wanted something cute and fluffy in my life. Felt like the world needs it. Second, I was playing the game Return to Moria (have not finished it yet tho) but ran out of battery on my Steam deck and kind of wanted to write down some thoughts that game gave me. Mainly on the way life would have been like in a Dwarven realm. The game kind of tries to rebuild Khazad dum so it forces you to think on it. I don’t agree or disagree with stuff in that game and do not think it should be taken as canon but it gave me some ideas. Also Khazad dum was rich but how would it have been if you are not that rich, what was Ered Luin like as a place to grow up? This leads to the third reason which is that I kind of wanted to see what life was like before the Quest. When the party happens the Dwarves just appear and not much is said about them as individuals. Bilbo learns a little but nothing truly personal. So I guess I set out to fill in some blanks for myself and you are welcome to come along for the ride.
*edit: this will not try to rewrite the Hobbit. In fact I hope it ends in a way that kind of allows that story to happen. It is getting really long tho and if I manage it may turn into a sort of BotFA-fix it/modern girl in Middle earth going along on the Quest fic….we will see…

If you find weird spelling mistakes etc my dyslexic self will appreciate it if you point them out and I apologize for them in advance, especially the Tolkien worldbuilding related nomenclature (Google docs for which I rely for spellchecks does not recognize them). Feedback is appreciated since I don't have anyone betaing this but not expected. I love the comments and try to answer in a reasonable time and manner (they give me such happy but also such stress because I am not good at them :D).

On the quotation marks, different styles denote different languages etc.
"Westron"
«Khuzdul»

Hope you have a great day!

Chapter 1: Prologue

Prologue

Proceed?
[Yes/No]
Wait. I know we talked about this, but I just…you know, you don’t have to do this right?
Agreed. As I believe I have indicated before I want to do this.
I know. Just, it will-
It will be hard. I am aware.
Good. Good. I just, you are my friend and…you know…I just…
I do not know. Please, elaborate.
Well, look, don't take this personally. Alright? You are a great friend. Just, maybe this isn’t the way to do it? You are not exactly good at that stuff.
I wish to improve.
Right… And, I get it. I really do, but look, and I think it is great you want to, like improve, become better but it's just..for someone like you, you know, for you, there are other ways. Easier ways. Everything you do, any success, any failure will be recorded. Are you sure you are fine with that? Our colleagues will not go easy on you.
I am aware. But this is the only way to-
Yeah, yeah. I know. You don’t want to stay here and miss out on all the fun? I get it. Alright. Just be careful.
I will. Your friendship, care and empathy have been registered. They are greatly appreciated.
Alright, no need to get all sentimental on me. Alright, let's do this.
Proceed?
[Yes/No]
Yes.