Disclaimer: I do not own anything related to The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, or The Silmarillion. They belong to the incomparable J.R.R. Tolkien. I'm just playing in his universe.

Modulation

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Thorin kept a jealous eye on Bella while they rested at the Skinchanger's house, puffing on his pipe in furious agitation. Most of the Company had been on friendly terms with her for a long time, and it hadn't really bothered him before, but recently (well, perhaps not as recently as he would admit), it irked him to see them act so familiar with her. It was difficult, since she was just an endearing person by nature; they had yet to meet a reasonable creature, excluding orcs and wargs of course, that wasn't swiftly swayed by her charms.

For his part, he could not pinpoint the exact moment his regard for her became more than fleeting curiosity. He had spent the first few weeks of their journey ignoring her, believing her to be ill-suited for the tasks required of her, and certain that she would abandon them at the first chance. Yet she had persevered against his expectations, endured the hardships of the road, and bravely rose to meet every unforeseen challenge that the group had faced.

She had almost taken a chance to leave them, which was his fault if he was being honest, but thankfully, she had changed her mind and declared that she would see them through their quest. She then backed up her claim when she risked her own life to defend him from Azog. While that was certainly a turning point in solidifying his feelings, thinking back on it revealed that the attraction had to have begun before that.

And now that Thorin was willing to acknowledge it, he found that he childishly wanted her attention all to himself. He wanted her smiles and reassuring touches. He wanted to be the one to make her laugh, to sit in comfort at her side, and have deep discussions or even arguments.

He also wanted a great deal more than that. He wanted to run his fingers through her hair and plait it with beads and gems. He wanted to hold her close and taste every inch of her skin. He wanted to claim her and name her his, in every way possible, so that none would seek to part them.

The timing of it all was not ideal, but a lifetime of loss and grief have taught him that one must seize any chance for joy whenever it was presented. With that in mind, Thorin tapped out the remnants of ash from his pipe and got to his feet.

Bella was standing at a window, looking up at the rising moon while she and Ori conversed in hushed tones. Most of the others had already gone to sleep, though a few were still settling down. Thorin waited until Ori left her side and retreated to sleep between his brothers, but the hobbit appeared to have no inclination of retiring just yet. It was as good as an opportunity as he was likely to get.

He advanced towards her with what he assumed was the same confidence he always displayed, assuming that he was doing well to hide the nervousness he now felt whenever he first approached her. Yet his anxiousness subsided when Bella glanced over and smiled, those small gestures enough to put him at ease.

"Good evening," she said. Her smile faltered for a fraction of a second. "Goodness, but don't you look serious. Something on your mind?"

Thorin stared at her, gaping. "How could you tell?" he wondered, forgetting to deny the supposition.

"It seems to me that you sometimes say or do things that are the opposite of how you really feel, so I've been studying your expressions and body language. It's very subtle, but when you're worried about something, you have a tendency to look around more, I think to avoid looking down, which can make you appear unsure. And this," she pointed to the center of her own forehead between her eyebrows with a playful grin, "crinkles juuust a little bit, but not nearly as much as when you're annoyed or angry. Also, your mouth does this thing like you can't decide whether to smile or frown."

Thorin was shocked to find that she had learned to read him so accurately. It was humbling in a way, as very few, even of his own kin, would recognize such things. But it was also quite gratifying, and it gave him added assurance that he had not misunderstood her the other day. He took a few steps closer and smirked. "I had not realized that I captivate you so," he teased. "I must assume that you like what you see, if it causes you to stare long enough to learn such things."

"Yes, well..." Bella turned her head away from him and sniffed indignantly. "You have a tendency to make yourself the center of attention, whether you mean to or not. And I do watch you more closely, because you are by far the most reckless member of this Company. Honestly, charging at orcs without aid as you did... you're lucky to be alive." She was scowling, but the effect was offset by the crimson tint of her ears and shifting stance.

"Be that as it may," Thorin chuckled, ignoring the reprimand, "I would have you know that I find myself likewise enthralled with you, Bella."

She did not react as he expected. Instead of looking delighted or flattered, she crossed her arms and curled in on herself, shoulders hunched. "Do not toy with me, Master Oakenshield. I'm too old to play games of the heart."

"This is no game," Thorin stated, irritation rising at her reluctance. "I know that I have not treated you well, so I understand why you doubt me. But I do care for you. I have for a long while now." She didn't appear convinced, so he explained, "I confess that part of the reason I was so harsh with you was because I am unused to feeling so strongly for someone, and I did not recognize it for what it was. And now that I do, I regret that I have and will continue to lead you into such peril."

He came close and set his hands on her shoulders, forcing her to face him. "A quest is not usually a conducive atmosphere for romance, but I would not miss this chance to explore what lies between us. Bella, if you and I are of the same mind in this, if you feel as I do, then I would ask that you allow me the honor of courting you."

That got a more favorable reaction at last, though it still seemed tentative. "Are you serious? But we know so little about one another, when you think about it, and we're quite different."

"That's generally the point of courting, isn't it? To get to know each other?" he pointed out. "And our differences can surely be a benefit, don't you think?"

Bella conceded with a nod. "I suppose." Then she whispered, "B-but... I'm a hobbit, and of little consequence even among my own kind. Surely others will see me as an ill choice for a king."

"Others will see you as I do: as brave and beautiful and selfless, and worth more than any treasure found in the earth," Thorin insisted.

"Oh my," Bella breathed shyly, but smiling at last. "I think you're exaggerating things a bit. But I do appreciate it," she added when Thorin glared at her. "But are you positive that you're not still a little muddled from recent events? Or that you are not mistaking gratitude or maybe admiration for something more than it is?"

Thorin wanted to groan at the hobbit's hesitation. "I am certain of my feelings, Bella. I ask only for a chance to prove them to you, and win your favor in return."

She uncrossed her arms and reached up to tug on one of his braids. "There's no need for that. I am sure of my feelings as well, though... I still have some doubts. Nonetheless, I accept your offer, Thorin."

That was only the second time she had called him by his name without formalities attached, and he instantly decided that he liked the way it sounded. It felt right somehow, and gave him a sense of belonging, a peace he had only ever equated with family and Erebor.

His name on her lips was like music, and he vaguely wondered how many different compositions he could coax from her. If their courtship went well, he might learn someday.

Bella tilted her head and yawned, covering her mouth. "Oh, excuse me," she murmured.

Thorin reluctantly took a step back, his arms falling back to his sides. "You should take your rest. We can speak more of this in the morning."

She sighed deeply and stayed where she was, head bowed.

"Bella?" Thorin asked. He looked her over with a critical eye. Only now did he take more notice of the rounded frame, lethargic movements and dark circles under her eyes. "Have you been sleeping at all?"

"I've been trying, really I have, but whatever sleep I manage to get comes at a cost. Ever since the goblin caves…" She shivered and rubbed her arms, falling silent.

"What exactly happened when we were separated?"

Bella shrank even further. "There was this creature… I'm not really sure what it was. It wanted to eat me." When Thorin made an incredulous noise, she waved a hand. "I got away before it could harm me, but there was something rather odd about it. It terrified me, almost more than the goblins or Azog, but at the same time, I couldn't help but pity it." She issued a self-deprecating giggle. "I suppose that sounds silly, doesn't it?"

Thorin shook his head with a fond expression. "Coming from you? Not at all. But I believe I understand your difficulties. You're having nightmares."

"Yes." Bella glanced at her bedroll. "I want to sleep, but I fear what I might see in my dreams when I do."

Thorin didn't want to seem overly forward, but she looked so forlorn that he couldn't really help it. He held out his arms as an invitation. Bella wavered at first, but then she stepped in to accept his embrace, her own arms coming around his waist. "What can I do to ease your cares?" he offered.

"This certainly helps," she said. "Although... maybe you could sing for me?" She lifted her head from his chest. "I've never said so, but I find your voice very soothing, though perhaps a little melancholy at times."

Thorin tried not to show that he was pleased by the request, but he suspected it was futile to mask it. "Very well," he decided with a small grin, "if that is what you desire. But I may request that you return the favor someday."

Bella's smile waned, but she shrugged after giving it some thought. "I... will consider it."

He arched a brow, weighing the cost of pressing her for an explanation, but he perceived that this was not the time for it. He had learned by now that it was a touchy subject for her, but he hoped that she might someday share the reason for it.

When she yawned again, Thorin pushed those thoughts aside and took her hand, leading her towards the hay mounds where the rest of the Company was already sleeping in great, snoring piles.

Bella had previously set her bedroll, newly borrowed from Beorn, close to the fireplace, and she wasted no time in settling herself beneath the blanket, curling on one side into her preferred sleeping position.

Thorin was sorely tempted to lie down next to her and pull her into his arms, but he presumed that it was far too soon into their courtship to test the level of propriety she was willing to forgo. Dwarves were rather free, and perhaps even aggressive, in public affections, so that their intentions might be clear to any bystander, but he did not know if the same was true of hobbits. Therefore, he reluctantly contented himself with sitting upright next to her, his back against the wall.

Bella was watching him expectantly, and she smiled at him when he refocused his sight upon her.

"Well, my dear, what would you have me sing?" he asked, allowing his affection to show freely on his face.

She hummed, thinking for a moment. "Hmm... Would you sing me something from dwarven history? It would allow me to learn more about your culture, as well as help me sleep. Two birds with one stone, as the saying goes..."

Thorin puffed out his chest a little, glad to learn that her interest in history extended beyond the elves. He was not yet ready to tell her that his previous mistreatment of her might also be due in part to her easy friendship and fascination with his adversaries.

He searched his mind and settled on a popular favorite of his kin. He cleared his throat, folded his hands in his lap, and began in a low, soft voice,

"The world was young, the mountains green

No stain yet on the moon was seen;

No words were laid on stream or stone,

When Durin woke and walked alone..."

Thorin is singing "The Song of Durin", which is performed by Gimli in The Fellowship of the Ring.

To be continued...