A/N Once again I've had a mental breakdown with my writing, and once again I've decided that I've grinded and sanded it enough. It shall now see the daylight.

I couldn't resist little... thing I might call it, here. Please do not hate me. I do not think it too mature, not at least worth of raising the rating. But I give you a fair warning, to some of you it might be M(ish) if you have a vivid imagination.

Once again I hope you enjoy and I beg, if you read please do review, it means a lot.

x

Chapter 7. Riddles... Riddles in the dark

She felt his strong hands pinning her to the cold wall and it sent a violent shiver down her spine. His breath was hot on her skin and she could feel his proximity even though she didn't see him properly at the dim moonlight.

"Dwalin…" she whispered, making it unwillingly sound more like plea. They were standing still and over her own shaky breathing she could hear how Dwalin's breath grew more uneven too. He smelled like ale, leather and metal blended with his own musky scent. A hint of spicy too. It was intoxicating. Gwen found herself studying him. His usual frown was nowhere to be seen and yet there was something dark in his gaze. His narrow lips were slightly parted and his chest was rising unevenly. Regardless of his unsure expression his grip was tight and she surprised herself from hoping he would press himself harder against her. "What is this?" she asked raising her gaze to meet his.

Dwalin didn't answer and she heard him trying to even his breathing."Look at me… Being like this… My body is betraying me…" he finally whispered with a low growl. The husky voice of his by itself could've lit the flame inside her but the actual words were sending her over the edge and she whimpered weakly. She shifted, more or less on purpose, and brought her face closer to his. So close that his beard and moustache were slightly tickling her cheek.

"What does that mean?" Gwen managed to utter. He didn't reply. Then he shifted a little and his body was brushing against hers briefly. It drew a another whimper out of her and that is when Dwalin closed the mere inches between them, crushing his lips roughly to hers. She moaned into his mouth and squirmed against him trying to get closer. He responded by pressing her back tighter against the wall and grunting softly when she moved her hands to his back. Gwen felt his manhood pressing against her hip and she resisted the urge to beg him just take her right now. He let go of her shoulders and let his hands drop to her waist, gripping it tightly. His fingers burned through her leather corset and she was desperate to feel his touch on her bare skin but she rather enjoyed this torturing pace he was keeping on.

His lips left her mouth and wandered dropping quick desperate kisses to her chin and ended up to her neck. His breathing was heavy on her ear and a soft bite on the sensitive flesh right under the ear made her moan. Dwalin move his hands lower, to grab her thighs, lifting her up. Groaning, he pressed his manhood between her legs and her head dropped back. She got briefly distracted by the fact that anyone could walk in on them but his lips on hers made that quickly go away. His tongue was flicking tentatively on her lips and she let him in. She felt him moan into her mouth and whispering her name. She needed him right now, it didn't matter where they were or if there would be consequences. She needed him to take her right now.

"Dwalin, I…" she breathed but he started to blur in front of her very eyes.

In mere seconds Gwen jumped in her bed, sweaty and startled. She sat up and ran fingers through her hair. She was in the Prancing Pony. In her bed. And definitely alone. Again. She slumped back onto the bed and a shiver ran through her. Previous had been a dream, yes, but the lust she felt was evidently very real. It was still there. She closed her eyes and whimpered aloud as the image of Dwalin pressing her against the cold stone wall appeared. She imagined his rough kiss… And her eyes shot open again. This is insane.

That was the second time she had dreamt that exact dream during this very night. She stood up from her bed and opened the small window in her room. She looked around for her pipe and leaning out from the window letting the cold night breeze caress her face she lit the pipe and inhaled long deep puff. Her mind, however, was still in that dream. was that really what she had wanted when they had been on that alley?

Dwalin.

What is happening to me…

Earlier on that fine sunny day…

They had left their camp behind in the first light. This time Gwen didn't mind waking up early since she hadn't slept anyway. It wasn't like she didn't trust the dwarves and to their capability to keep the watch but she was so used to watch her own back that she couldn't help it after the bandits had ambushed them. She had jumped awake constantly reacting even to the smallest crackles from the campfire and the voices from the others' chatter. This constant lack of good night sleep made her cranky though and she didn't appear to be the only one.

She found consolation about the fact that the next night would be spent in Bree and that meant spending a night in bed where there was no need to keep watch. She was looking forward to this chance to gather her strength properly because they would be travelling in the wild for days and probably even for weeks.

Due the rapid pace Thorin kept them going, they reached the village of Bree late in afternoon. It appeared that Thorin would've wanted to keep going since there were many hours left before the dark.

"This may be the last time in days, maybe even in weeks, when we're going to get sleep in bed! I am not giving that up easily." Kili declared to his uncle who rolled his eyes massively. Gwen was quite sure if he had been anyone else than his nephew he would've gotten a piece from Thorin's mind. However, Kili's opinion seemed to gather strong support from the others too and with a grim face the leader of the company agreed to stay in the village for the night. Gwen had been silent during their argument but she was indeed happy that she would be able to rest properly.

"Now where's the tavern in this town?!" Fili asked rubbing his palms together. Now it was Gwen's turn to roll eyes. Of course, why did I ever think there would be any other real reason for the dwarves' eagerness to stay in Bree...

"The nearest at the moment would be the Prancing Pony." Gwen told him."That happens to be an inn also, in which I am most interest of at the moment." she added. Fili nodded. There was a stable just next to gates where they were standing now and they left their ponies and horses there. Thorin paid to the stable keeper in advance on behalf all of them, it was apparently stated in the contract that the company would be responsible these kind of expenses. Gwen hadn't seen the thing yet but she didn't feel quite right about taking Thorin's gold since she wasn't actually a part of the company. She slide off from Thunder's back and leaded him to the stable, greeting the stable keeper whose name she couldn't memorize although he had taken care of Thunder many times.

"You remember Thunder, right?" Gwen said softly and smiled to the elder man while she handed him the reigns.

"I sure do, he questions my authority every single time!" he laughed.

"That's my boy, never accept authorities without chewing…" she chuckled. Gwen gave the man few gold pieces and told Thunder to behave as she always did when she left him somewhere. And most of the time he was obedient.

She returned to the yard where the dwarves were waiting for her.

"Alright, lead the way then, will you?"

"Sure."

"We will continue our journey first thing in the morning, remember that. Let us meet here, at the gates, in case you…" Thorin gave a pointed look at his nephews, "…happen to get lost from the others."

"Now why would you think that?" Kili grinned. Thorin just shook his head. He didn't pay attention, however, to the fact that Fili and Kili were not the only ones who looked indeed eager to get their hands on some ale. Nori slapped Gwen to the back. "Let's go then."

Gwen led them through the labyrinth of narrow streets and nodded to a few traders along the way whom she knew from her previous stays in Bree. The dwarves followed her, chattering with each other. Thorin had not followed them, neither had Gandalf and Balin. They passed a small shop which had a variety of different herbs and Dori announced he would check it out and follow them later. Ori followed his brother to the shop.

"I think I'm gonna buy some pipe weed before I am too drunk to do that!" Bofur said when he spotted a small shop across the street which was apparently offering quite wide selection of different tobaccos. Bifur followed his grinning cousin but Bombur announced that he was far too hungry to wait his brother.

"I just want to sleep…" Gwen muttered, mostly to herself.

She stepped to the familiar tavern Fili, Kili, Nori, Oin and Glóin right behind her. Dwalin was following them too but apparently he felt obligated to stay at least 20 yards from them and Gwen had heard him muttering something sounding like 'I know the way but since you're going to the same direction…'. She chuckled at that. Almost as stubborn and proud as Thorin… Or equally…

"Now we're in the business! First round is on me!" Nori called out as a wide, very familiar, mischievous grin spread to his face.

"Oh well, have fun. I think I am just taking a room and go to sleep…"

"Nonsense! You can't say no to a free ale!" Glóin laughed and pushed Gwen down to the bench. She tried to resist but was pushed back to her bottom by Fili.

"Damn you dwarves…" she muttered. Nori approached the table with a large tray filled with mugs of ale. Gwen shook her head. She should go and sleep but Glóin had a point… Once again the reckless side of her took the lead. "Oh what the hell, one pint cannot hurt!" she grinned taking a mug. Laughter filled the table and everyone grabbed a mug but before anyone could even sip a drop Kili looked at everyone with a challenge in his eyes.

"On three!" he said with a wink. "One… two… drink!"

Their cheerfulness was way too infectious and Gwen found herself downing her ale on Kili's call. She slammed her empty mug to the table a second before Dwalin did and that did indeed draw a banter out of the young Durins.

"Now Kili, correct me if I am mistaken but did mister Dwalin just lose to a woman in a drinking competition?" Fili roared with laughter and Dwalin gave him a very deadly look. Gwen tried to hide her smirk by staring intensely the surface of the table. Dwalin looked like the whole company had just offended his pride mortally.

"I demand a rematch. She just got lucky." he grunted and Kili had serious issues sitting on the bench as he was laughing his ass off.

"No, NO, I really need to go and get some sleep!" Gwen protested and snapped her head up. Dwalin stared her with a mischievous glint in his dark green eyes as he was sitting opposite to her in the table. "You little wimp, you know you're gonna lose, eh?" he narrowed his eyes, staring intensely at her.

Gwen pursed her lips and bit her tongue as she was trying to ignore his challenge. Damnit he knows how to pull my strings, obviously… She had never been very good at turning down the challenge and the fact that he had just called her a wimp made it even worse. "Oh, no I don't! Fine, one more and then I'll be on my way to meet the nice and comfortable bed!" she said and lifted her chin, never breaking the eye contact with Dwalin whose lips actually curled to a small smirk. Ah, now he knows he pulled the right string…

Oin had gone to get the drinks now and was returning already. "Alright then, we're off!"

"Right! Now, on three then. One, two, drink!" Kili counted again and the whole table went silent again for a mere ten seconds. Gwen was watching Dwalin from the corner of her eye and saw him doing the very same. They slammed their empty mugs to the table at the same second, right after Glóin.

"I won!" they yelled in unison, still staring at each other.

"Excuse me!" Glóin said pointedly and they both turned to look at him. "Right, a draw then."

"Now I really need to go, I…" Gwen started to stand up, taking support from the edge of the table. "'Oi, Twinblade! Haven't seen you in a while!" she heard a familiar voice and turned on her heels.

"Thovén?" Gwen uttered out. She was feeling a little dizzy after downing those two ales in under a five minutes and standing up so quickly. "What… what are you doing here?"

"Well, for starters, I live here so… But what would one do in a tavern… hmmm, let me think…" he laughed. After a first shock Gwen grinned at him and gave him a slap to the back. "Cheeky bastard! That's not what I meant and you know it."

"Yeah." he grinned back. They stood silent for few seconds and Gwen started to look a bit uncomfortable. Or at least Dwalin thought so. He measured this rather young human lad with his eyes. Judging by clothing and the hardened skin on his hands he probably did something physical as his day job, but there was something he couldn't quite figure, something unsettling, and it didn't take long for Dwalin to decide that he didn't like him. There was also something incredibly arrogant in the way he held himself and he didn't strike Dwalin as honest person. Quick glance around revealed that Oin and Glóin were thinking similar things. One thing they had all in common and that was the slight curiosity because Dwalin was not the only one who had noticed Gwen's unnerved behavior. They all wanted to know a little more about this fellow. Kili looked enthusiastic to start ask questions but Glóin sent him to fetch another tray of ales.

"Hey, laddie, want to join for a drink?" Fili offered being the first, and only one so far, to remember his manners. Damn Durins and their royalty… So obliged to behave properly. Dwalin didn't care to remember his manners, and he wasn't even sure if he could find them even if he tried. Instead, he offered the lad a vile stare with narrowed eyes and he turned quickly away. Dwalin chuckled. What a coward.

"Oh I am sure he has better things to do, right?" Gwen shot Fili with deadly glance. She didn't quite know why she didn't want him around now. They did have a past but she didn't want the dwarves to know about it and most importantly them, especially Dwalin, to think they were involved. Wait, what?

It was not like they had been, though, but she suspected that it had been in Thovén's mind more than once when they had spent time together. She just had been bored and Thovén had felt like something she hadn't experienced yet. He was working as a blacksmith but he had this whole another, mysterious, side of him - he was a professional thief. They had met when he had tried to snag her gold pouch after a gambling night in another, smaller and darker, tavern in Bree. It was a place for thieves and bandits to gamble and drink, and Gwen had been just killing her time in there, figuring it would be different and adventurous. However, Thoven's attempt had not succeeded and he had found himself with Gwen's dagger on his throat on the side alley. Gwen wasn't sure how exactly they ended up spending time together but it was far bygone time and she didn't care to refresh her memories.

"I actually don't…" he sounded a little surprised by Fili's question. Dwarves were, after all, very known from keeping to themselves. Gwen bit her lip growing more nervous.

"Err… I was actually going to go to bed…" she started and shifted her weight. She certainly wasn't going to leave Thovén alone with her new associates. Valar only knew what he would tell them...

"What? It isn't even a sundown yet! Have you gotten old my dear or something, because this is certainly not the woman I remember!" Thovén laughed. Gwen bit her lower lip. "No…" Gwen muttered and pondered the options. Well, there really was only one option since she couldn't force Thovén to leave but she really wanted o sleep. She met Dwalin's curious gaze briefly at that moment and she frowned slightly. He looked a little too curious, it was very odd indeed.

"I guess I can say goodbye to my goodnight sleep then…" she shrugged defeatedly and sat back down just as Kili came back with the tray.

"Now I think you two have a score to settle! Gwen? Dwalin?" he grinned pushing full mugs to them. "Aye, but you can as well give up and I promise I won't mention it ever again." Dwalin added.

Gwen laughed and grabbed her mug. "Yeah, I am sure I would never hear about it again…" she said pointedly. Other dwarves chuckled, Thovén just stared Gwen and now it started to make her extremely uncomfortable.

"One, two, drink!" Kili counted again and staring each other from the corner of their eye they drank. Gwen was feeling very self-aware as she felt Thovén's eyes still on her and she focused to the ale with all her being trying to forget this uncomfortable situation. In fact, she focused so much that she slammed her empty mug to the table several seconds before Dwalin. Dwarves, except for Dwalin, started to laugh and cheer and Thovén joined them. Dwalin was looking very sour and muttered something about unbelievable luck streak.

"Now, can we enjoy this fine brew with a little more civil manner, since we have now cleared who is the man around here." Gwen said cheekily with a sweet smile. The ale always gave her boldness which she would have necessarily wished. " I can buy the next round." Thovén said and stood up heading to the bar. Gwen looked after him. He is not going to leave, apparently… It appears that I do not have any other option than to keep him preoccupied and drink him under the table so he can't blab about our past… She wasn't sure though if she could manage that. She hadn't eaten properly today and she was very tired too and that would surely take it's toll. But Thovén never had been very good at holding his liquor and she knew how to distract him. Gwen stripped her cloak and opened the bun in her hair, letting the copper shade waves cascade down on her shoulders. She ran her fingers through it few times, un-tangling it, and gave Kili an ugly look when he was staring at her with his mouth agape. She was briefly wondering if Dwalin was watching her too, he had been after all intrigued by her tattoos yesterday. She shrug the thought off quickly though, surely he had better things to do and watch and she convinced herself that it didn't even matter.

"Seriously Kili…" Fili hissed and nudged his brother's arm. Fili couldn't deny that he was trying to steal few glances too but he was at least doing it smoothly.

Dwalin's eyes were, indeed, fixed to her as well and he felt once again captivated. He didn't at first quite know why he felt anger boil inside him as he noticed that he was not the only one in the table who appeared to be captivated by her. She did that on purpose but for who? To that excuse of a man? It struck him hard to realize the boiling anger he felt was jealousy. Dwalin son of Fundin was actually jealous for a woman he had no claim. This is absurd, what do they put to this ale in this inn?

Thovén was approaching table with the tray and the lad didn't try to even hide his admiration. Dwalin clenched his teeth and his nails dug deep into his palms. Who exactly was this human male and what history did they share?

Few hours later at the very same table…

"Oh! Oh, remember the time when we won that huge pile of gold from those traders from South coast?" Thoven asked and Gwen burst to laughter. "Sure, what about it?"

"Nothing really, it was just awesome night and always comes to my mind when there's talk about bets." he shrugged with wide smile and Dwalin was almost ready to smash the lad's head right onto the table. He was talking a way too much about himself and had offered Gwen so many ales that she was laughing heartily to his every line. So that is probably how he had gotten her interested in the first place… Dwalin was convinced that the lad could not hold any qualities which Gwen would appreciate when sober. This had now gone on few hours and it had gotten worse by every 5 minutes. Finishing, again, another ale watching the two of them Dwalin refused to admit that he felt more than a little jealous when he was watching their easy communication. He would never have that with her. Not that he even knew would Gwen have any interest in such things. He had drunk several ales himself and it started to have an effect into his thoughts, obviously. Thank Mahal, Balin is not here… He surely could see right through me and have opinion or two to share.

Bofur and Bifur had joined them shortly after this Thovén had showed up. Bofur was, in Dwalins opinion, way too friendly with him but he always was with everyone. Dori and Ori had joined them after one hour or so but they never were the social ones. Ori was sitting further, drawing as usual. Probably drawing Gwen again… He thought bitterly and slapped himself mentally for that thought. He should not feel jealousy in the first place and even less he should feel that towards his kin.

"I need to use the bathroom. I'll be back in a while. I think it's my turn to buy a round?" Gwen started to stand up surprisingly steady. Maybe she isn't that drunk after all and finds this Thovén genuinely fun? Dwalin thought sourly and glared Thoven menacingly. He didn't notice that Kili was watching him with frown.

"Nah, you can get the next one, we'll get the drinks, just go." Killi said to her and motioned to Dwalin. "Come on, give me hand!" he continued and Dwalin looked at him. "Why?"

"Come on now!" Kili demanded and Dwalin stood up, still glaring Thovén over his shoulder while following Kili. They went to the bar and Kili asked the barmaid to fill the tray up. Then he turned to Dwalin. "What's wrong with you?" he asked frowning. "Haven't you notice we're at the tavern and there is ale? Cheer up, your brooding makes us miserable."

"Nothing is wrong with me! I dunno what you're talking about." Dwalin stated and crossed his arms defensively. Kili tilted his head. "Oh yeah, right. Nothing." he chuckled. Dwalin lifted his chin but Kili continued, "You think we're blind? You have been stabbing that friend of Gwen's with your glare ever since he sat down with us. What's up with that?"

"He's an arrogant brat. I just don't like arrogant brats, alright?"

"Oh… And the fact that he's courting Gwen has nothing to do with that?" Kili grinned and Dwalin's eyes snapped to him. "What?"

"Ah, you think you're being stealth with your affection. Alright then, keep your secret."

"You seriously start to sound like Balin, laddie…" Dwalin muttered and was about to return to the table. While turning around he found that few men leaning to the counter were staring at them, openly listening to their debate. "What are you looking at?!" he snapped to the taller man and stepping forward he pushed him to the chest. "'Oi!"

The man was standing up in mere seconds and his friend was about to stand up too and they didn't look like they would mind a bit of a brawl but Glóin had luckily been watching the situation and was quick to leap forward from the table and grab Dwalin's arm. "Come on now, leave it!" he said with a low voice. The tall man and Dwalin stared each other and Dwalin wouldn't have probably backed off if the man hadn't sat down first. Glóin nodded slightly to the man and he lowered his head briefly as an acceptance for his apology. Glóin was still holding Dwalin's arm when they returned to the table and he released it when they sat down. Kili followed them with ales. There was a short awkward silence and everyone was looking around each other.

"So what was that all about?" Gwen was first to speak. She did not get an answer, though, as her words seemed to break the spell and suddenly everyone was chattering again.

"Better not to pick a fight, we wouldn't want to draw unwanted attention…" Glóin muttered to Dwalin who was even crankier than earlier. It made him angry that the ranger and her relations drove him so effectively. He was a dwarf who didn't like not being in control of himself at all times. Distantly he realized also that he should not drink any more, but he dismissed the thought as quickly as it had occurred.

"What did they say anyway, Dwalin?" Fili was curious. I just felt like punching something… But Dwalin did not say that aloud. "Nothing. They were just… being too curious." he grunted instead.

"About what?" Fili kept insisting. Dwalin rolled his eyes massively to Kili who was giving him a pointed look.

"Nothing important, alright! Drink your ale and shut up." Dwalin snapped to him causing FIli's eyebrows rise in surprise. He wasn't the only one. Dwalin regretted almost instantly his outburst. Damn now, I really have to get a grip…

"You should've kicked his ass, I would've fancied a little entertainment with my pint!" Thovén announced and threw his arm possessively on Gwen's shoulders. She gave him an incredulous look and shrugged it off sloppily. Dwalin's head snapped up and other dwarves were looking at Thovén as well. The lad didn't seem to share their opinion about drawing attention. Thovén placed his arm again on Gwen shoulder regardless of her squirming and that particular action made something snap on Dwalin's head. He didn't really think through his actions before he spoke, standing up slowly.

"Well I can always kick your ass if you fancy?" he growled and regretted it instantly. It was too late, however, since Thovén had risen up and leaned to the table facing Dwalin's glare.

"You think you can beat me, dwarf? What have I even done to you? You have been glaring at me the whole evening without a reason!" Thovén said venomously. The atmosphere was suddenly electrified around the table. Dwalin didn't answer to Thovén so he continued to insist an explanation for his actions.

"Have I offended you? No. Have I taken something of yours? No." he was about to sit down but seemed to change his mind on the half way. He grabbed Gwen's arm who yelped in surprise. "Come on Gwen, let's find a place more…private and friendly."

Gwen frowned to him but before she had a chance to speak herself Dwalin was grabbing Thovén's front from across the table. "You keep your groping hands far from her!" he growled and now it was Gwen's turn to look surprised. She wasn't the only one, though.

"Or what?" Thovén challenged arrogance most evident in his voice. Dwalin narrowed his eyes as an answer and pushed Thovén violently back.

"Dwalin?!" Balin. "What on Durin's name are you doing?"

Silence.

Balin was standing few yards from the table his expressions shifting from astounded to angry. He was eyeing the massive piles of empty mugs and then his gaze shifted to Dwalin who was looking like a dwarfling who had got caught stealing his mother's cookies. So I leave them be for a few hours and this happens…? Balin sighed at the thought and shook his head slightly. "Break it off, lads. Whatever it is that you're doing…" he muttered and grabbed Dwalin's arm. "Can I have a word, brother…" he hissed and although it was a question it didn't quite sound like one. "Let me be, for once!" Dwalin hissed back and yanked his arm free. He stomped out from the tavern and punched the wall around the corner, grunting quietly when his knuckles crunched against it. He rested his forehead to the cold stone and closed his eyes. What is happening?

Of course it was partially the ale but the volume of these feelings he had been having was still hard to understand. With swift swing he punched the wall again, harder.

"May I ask what was that all about?" a soft voice asked from behind him. Dwalin didn't turn around. He knew who it was. "You may not." he whispered.

"I see."

She didn't leave. "I am asking it whether I may or not. What was that?"

"It is none of your business, ranger. Leave be me now."

"I certainly won't! You attacked my friend, it doesn't matter if he's an arrogant bastard or not, and I do not understand why would you do such a thing!" she started to sound angry now.

"Leave. Me. Be." he repeated slowly, still leaning his head to the wall.

"No." she replied simply. Dwalin gritted his teeth and was about to punch the wall again, it seriously did make him feel a little better, but Gwen reached his arm holding it back. "Stop doing that, I am sure you wouldn't want to travel nor fight with broken knuckles." she said quietly and stepped to his side carefully. The frustration took over him like gigantic wave. He reached to his side with both of his hands and grabbed Gwen's shoulders and as she stumbled a little he pinned her roughly against the wall. She took a sharp, surprised, breath and her mouth was hanging slightly agape. He studied her features slowly while the bare skin of her shoulders burned his fingertips. Her breath was shallow but Dwalin refused to lower his gaze to her chest which was rising unevenly as she tried to catch her breath. He was a bit distracted by the fact that Gwen didn't do a thing to get away from him. He watched her lips as she moistened them with the tip of her tongue and it made him unwillingly groan aloud. She bit her lower lip, obviously trying to form words.

"What is this?" she whispered and she sounded very confused. Dwalin rose his gaze and met her eyes. "Look at me… Being like this… My body is betraying me..." he whispered back with low, husky voice.

"What does that mean?"

Dwalin inhaled slowly. She smells like iron and fire. Like leather and mead. "It means…" he started but was interrupted when Gwen shifted the weight from her foot to another and that brought her face closer to his. He swallowed hard. What am I doing? He suddenly got a grip from himself and stepped backwards, rapidly.

"It means nothing. Leave me alone." he turned his back to her and stomped away without another word, leaving Gwen breathless and unable to move. She tried to even her breath but it was impossible as she still felt his rough strong hands on her shoulders pinning her to the wall and his hot breath brushing against her skin. She wasn't sure how she felt about this sensation he had made her feel by simply touching her. It was new and she found herself wondering if he had felt that tension too and what exactly was the darkness in his eyes when he had watched her closely.

Gwen closed her eyes and let out a shallow sigh. She had been pretty much holding her breath for the last minutes. Dwalin was nowhere to be seen but she resisted the urge to find him. She let her head drop backwards and it hit the wall softly. I have to get some sleep, this is insane.

A/N Just if anyone recognizes it, yes, I was greatly inspired by one episode of Sherlock Holmes where he is confused how his body is betraying him. It was... moving. So I used it for my own selfish purposes *grin*