AN/ Last night I finished the last chapter and I think it's pretty good. I tried to give it a twist but I'm not sure if it worked. Will be up soon, but for now, enjoy Chapter 8.

Chapter 8

They lost track of time while floating down the dangerous river with it's fast currents and large rocks randomly popping up. The water so cold, that Lara was close to fainting. There were close encounters when they headed straight to a rock at a rapid speed but luck, kept them safe. After what felt like an eternity, the river calmed, widened and the rocks lessened.

They got off on a rocky, river bank. Freezing, hungry and tired. On the far distance, a village seemingly sat on water, only those with keen eyes could see the wooden poles supporting the village. From the village, a long wooden bridge reached the bank, a bit of a distance from where they stood. Gentle, grey waves wet the rocky bank, making it difficult to walk.

They took a small break, the dwarves took of their heavy coats and stripped to their last layer. Lara, closed her eyes for a recap. The eagles set them on Carrock and Gandalf took them to meet Beorn, the bear lord. He advised them to go through Mirkwood, Gandalf's sudden disappearance, the enchanted lake, pBilbo killing the spider and naming his sword Sting. Her head span, overwhelmed by what happened in the last two days.

They made slow march, towards the wooden bridge. Fili, Kili and Bilbo scouted ahead, while the others lagged behind.

"You look sad, what's wrong?" Bilbo concerned about Kili.

"Nothing, just some...problems," he replied.

"Tauriel?" Bilbo guessed.

"I know, nothing can ever happen. She's an elf and I'm a dwarf. She barely looked at me."

"Don't give up hope. There's always a chance. Though I must ask, what about Dewni?"

"What about her? She's obviously pining after the elven prince," he sneered.

"I know her better than anyone except, maybe Lara. She only considers him a friend."

"Then, why'd she kiss him?"

"She kissed him on the CHEEK. In a friendly way, if she had feelings for him, she wouldn't have kissed him at all. She doesn't like showing her feelings, especially emotions like love. She likes to ignore, annoy and fight with the men she loves."

"Why would she do that?"

"Because she doesn't want to have a broken heart."

Kili smiled a bit, noticing that Bilbo was watching he added, "You're right. I have a chance with Tauriel."

Bilbo just nodded and hid a secret smile. Soon after, the bridge was under their feet, they took their first step into Laketown when they were surrounded by the armed soldiers of Laketown.

"State your name and business," commanded a strange voice. Soft and husky yet powerful and deep. Lara caught a glimpse of the man who spoke and she let out a sharp gasp, hands to her mouth and eyes wide. There he was, dressed in raggedy clothes but still so handsome. Shoulder-length, raven, wavy hair and a small goatee and moustache. Eyes of pure black that added to his rugged handsomeness. His eyes moved to Lara and narrowed slightly, at the sight of her. They stared at each other for so long, as if they've seen a ghost. She could feel shivers travelling down her spine, from his mere gaze.

"Bard," Lara gave a breathy whisper.

"Lara?" he spoke hesitantly.

"Have you two met before?" Dewni looked suspiciously at her older sister.

"No, we've never met," Lara answered.

"Then how do you know each other's names?" Dewni was still suspicious.

" I'll tell you later."

This only piqued up Dewni's curiosity and suspicion as a thousand wild ideas ran around her head, none of them close to the truth.

"I am Thorin, son of Thrain son of Thror. We have come to reclaim Erebor."

The reaction was not what Lara expected from both Thorin and the citizens of Laketown. After all the secrecy, she never would've expected him to confess about their quest so quickly. She never would've expected for the citizens jump in joy and celebrate. Most of all, she never would've expected to see the man from her dreams. They were given good food and a warm hearth in their rooms. They ate delicious meals (mostly seafood), more than they had eaten since Beorn's house.

Dewni and Lara retired to their room but as soon as they were inside, Dewni started to hassle Lara about how she knew Bard.

"Sit down, it's gonna be shocking," Lara warned. They sat on the edges of their beds.

"I've been having dreams of Bard for years. Ever since we ran away. It's always the same. He's fighting off this monstrous dragon, then afterwords I see him on a golden throne. He's the king of Dale. I'm not sure how I know his name, though. I lied to you Dewni, I have been in love. In love with Bard."

Dewni said nothing, her face showed no emotion. She silently curled up in the sheets and shut her eyes. Lara watched her sister, eyes filled with tears.

She got up, creeping out of the inn. She sat on the edge of the town, her legs knee-deep in cold water. The only light was her lantern. Raindrops rolled down her cheeks on a hot, dry night. The light added contrast to her fiery hair, making her look like a beautiful, sad painting.

A hand reached out of the darkness, wiping her tears. She gasped but calmed when she saw it was Bard. He pulled her into his arms as she wept into his chest. With one calloused, scarred hand he lifted her face and planted a gentle kiss on her lips. She calmed and gave a soft sigh, closing her eyes and falling asleep.

Lara woke up in her bed, her mind went straight to last night, wondering if it was a dream or not. Dewni woke up, silently and cleared her throat shaking Lara from her thoughts.

"I'm sorry, I reacted stupidly. I was just angry at you for lying to me," Dewni admitted looking ashamed.

"It's alright, I should've told you. I was scared that you'd think I was crazy."

"In case you're wondering, last night did happen. I saw him come in, carrying you," Dewni smiled at Lara's shock.

"While we're on the confession path, I know everything that happened between you and Kili. I was there when he kissed you, when you told him our life story. I know everything."

First she was angry, yelling at Lara. Then hurt and betrayed and finally laughing and smiling, because now, they had no more secrets between them. They walked down to breakfast, still laughing for no reason. When they saw the dwarves faces when they came to breakfast howling like mad men, they laughed harder, a feat many thought impossible. They calmed down, with the occasional giggle, refusing to answer the dwarves on why they were laughing.

Two servants of the Master of Laketown: Helena and Gerard, served them breakfast while they waited for the Master. Forks dropped and food got stuck in their throat when the Master entered. He was hideous and disgusting, grotesque beyond words. His hair was thin and slimy, his body fat, double chin and skin a strange tone of blue. At glance, one could tell he was a sneaky, despicable human.

Thorin explained their quest to the Master while Helena and Gerard continued to serve food. The Master, agreed and gave them permission of leave but he had a wicked light in his eyes. He supplied them with food, spare clothing and weapons and soon they were ready to leave Laketown.

On their last night, Lara crept to the edge of town where she had cried, not so long ago. There he was, waiting for her. They spent a night of passionate kisses and never-ending conversation. But when the morning came, she was long gone.