DISCLAIMER: The characters and locations of The Hobbit do not belong to me. They belong to JRR Tolkien, New Line Cinema, and probably a host of other people I've forgotten. I'm only borrowing them for a little entertainment, and I'll put them back when I'm finished with them. Inara, however, belongs to me and I would like to be consulted before she is used in any other works. Evendim and Ithil-valon have standing permission to use any of my characters in any fics they choose.

ALTERNATE UNIVERSE WARNING! This story is set in an alternate universe. This means that some of the features, faces, and places might differ slightly from the original. This is intentional and WILL NOT result in canon characters behaving in out of character ways. It DOES mean they might develop in slightly different ways.

THIS STORY IS NON-SLASH.

DEDICATIONS: To Evendim, who first gave me the courage to post in this fandom and has given me such pleasure with her own AU series. I would never have been so bold without your help, thank you from the bottom of my heart. To Ithil-valon, who has been more than a loyal friend and has helped me through some really tough times of late, and who has been the best beta-reader anyone could ask for. And to AJ, without whom my life will be a lot poorer. Rest well, my darling. You are sorely missed.

Love the story? Hate it? Think I should be burned at the stake? I'll never know unless you review!

Author's Note: THANK YOU for the kind reviews! I'm so pleased this is being well received. It's finished... just didn't want to spam everyone's inbox with everything at once. I'll be putting up one or two chapters a day until it's all there... hope y'all continue to enjoy!

Part Seven

Several days passed and they seemed to regain the closeness they had shared during their journey. The days were spent apart; Thorin ruled his kingdom and Inara trained with Gloin, Fili, and Kili. Gloin's skill with his axe and Kili's with his bow made them excellent teachers and Inara learned from her bruises. Some days she despaired of ever learning enough to keep them from wanting more. And though Fili tried to teach her, her sword work got no better.

Evenings were spent together, however. Whether they were in the Hall, listening to the music, or on the ledge above the Celduin's mouth, they were seldom out of each other's company. It was comfortable in a way neither of them had ever expected to feel. Unspoken was the attraction they both felt; neither would act on it, though Thorin occasionally made an excuse to touch her hand. It was the closest he would come to the caress he wanted to give, that he didn't dare give.

She began to be more open with them all, a ready smile for everyone, though to give her credit she still snarled at Fili every time he got through her guard with the practice sword. The bloody thing left bruises and she was tired of nursing them.

Then one morning, everything changed.

She arrived at the arena to practice with Fili and Thorin was there. She smiled widely and then realized he would hardly be there if she were improving. The thought made her groan. "I thought you were in council, Thorin," she said quietly as she readied herself for another beating. Practice swords were wood instead of steel but that didn't stop the pain when one hit you.

Thorin gave her a small smile, but there was concern in his eyes. "Gloin gives you high marks, but not the best. Kili says you shoot as well as he does, and that's no faint praise. But Fili... Fili says you still need work." He gave her a level gaze, hiding his concern. If she left alone again, she might not come back. Abruptly he relented, softening his voice somewhat. "So perhaps I can help." He knew she wanted to leave again, to go after that damned Orc. It would never stop, really, until one of them was dead; but he didn't want it to be her. He moved behind her and nodded to Fili. "The first thing to correct is your stance. Proper balance will give you more power to your strikes."

Fili stepped into guard and Inara attempted to copy the movement. Thorin reached up and adjusted her arm slightly. "Better." No, it wasn't. He was too close to her, he wanted to touch her, hold her, and that wasn't helping the lesson any.

Inara held her breath and then released it slowly. She felt the change in her balance; but it was his touch that held her attention. And it had only been for a brief moment. She had to concentrate to hear his words. "But what about in battle?" she asked, stalling for time. "Surely there's no time to adjust your stance when something is trying to kill you."

"Probably not," he agreed as he moved back slightly. "But that balance is important just the same. If you lose it, you'll end on the ground. Not a good place to be for reasons I'm sure you realize." He moved closer again, taking her arms from behind and helping her to steady the "sword." "Balance will help you in a lot of ways. More power, more assurance, more strength." He stepped away again, watching her. This was important; he could think of the rest later. Right now, this could mean her life and that meant everything to him. "Now, let's see your work."

He watched as Fili ran her through her paces and groaned inwardly. He'd seen her fight; she was ferocious and nearly fearless. Those traits were admirable, but if she didn't learn balance, she would soon lose. First a battle, and then her life. Those who lived by the sword usually died by it and he wanted her to have a chance. Her luck was bound to run out, and soon.

And her need for vengeance had to be addressed. He knew first hand how it could twist a person, could make you simply run headlong into a battle, forgetting everything you had learned. Azog had proven that quite clearly to him and he regretted it to this day.

Fili stepped back as she barely blocked his stroke, shaking his head. "You'll have to do better than that," he grumbled. He looked over to Thorin, who was removing his cloak and overtunic. His mail was obviously well used, though also well kept. Inara stifled a groan; it put into sharp relief the power in his frame. She would have a hard time keeping her eyes off him and on that admittedly dangerous looking wooden sword he'd just picked up.

He moved to the center of the arena and made a few practice passes and Inara simply watched. She would never have the grace he showed, the skill he had with the blade. It had come from a long lifetime of wielding one, and while she had used one for a long time, it wasn't long enough. Not for the first time, she considered that he had been correct. Going after Gharzgul alone was suicide.

He watched her from the corner of his eye and saw the minute change that meant she was thinking. That was to the good. If she would just realize she needed help with her quest for vengeance, then this had already accomplished something. If she didn't realize it, and soon, she would be dead.

He ran her through the paces as well and had to agree with Fili. She needed much more work. Although – it seemed as though she were holding back.

A commotion in the corridor outside drew her attention and she was barely able to bring it back quickly enough to block a killing stroke. Her eyes met his and she had to force herself not to simply drop the "blade" and get lost in those piercing blue eyes.

"Thorin!" Kili's voice penetrated her haze and Thorin's head whipped around, breaking the spell. There had been real concern in that cry. "A messenger from Bard in Esgaroth," Kili gasped out as he handed the parchment to Thorin. "Orcs were laying siege to the city not two days past. He's asking for our help."

"Roust our army," Thorin barked as he shrugged back into his overtunic. The cloak went on next as he was moving fast. Inara followed. "I want to leave as soon as possible." He gave Kili a stern look. "That does not mean two days from now. Make sure they understand that. We need to be underway no later than moonrise." He turned to Inara. "This is not your fight," he said evenly. "But if you wish to accompany us, you would be welcome." And he would fear for her every minute, but he could no more ask her to remain behind than he could ask it of himself. She was not one to remain idle while others fought, especially against Orcs.

"I'll get my sword." Unspoken was the thought that perhaps Gharzgul would be there and she might be able to end this once and for all.

Thorin caught her hand as she went past. "This will not be like your hunts," he said firmly. "You will obey my orders, or you will not go. And if I order you to flee, you will do so. Is that clear?" He had to know she would be as safe as he could make her. And he didn't relinquish her hand, either.

She growled at him but still she nodded acceptance. She understood discipline and the chain of command. Then she relented and gave a slight pressure on his hand before releasing it and going for her gear.