Ora found herself actually enjoying the king's company, although she found herself doing most the talking. Whenever she was placed in an awkward situation she'd do this annoying thing that Giora called 'verbal diarrhoea' where she just wouldn't stop talking. However, the king didn't seem to mind actually, he wasn't much of a talker and seemed completely content with Ora chatting away. She was trying to pry stories out of him though, of their quest and how they reclaimed Erebor.

"You do not know the stories?" He asked her, taking another sip of wine. They were at the dinner table by now, having just finished a hefty starter. Ora had never had food like the sort they were being served, and she cherished every mouthful.

"Of course I do." Ora fidgeted in her seat, "But it was be an honour to hear it from you."

Thorin raised his brow a notch, and Ora thought for a second that she may have come across too forward. She was about to sprout apologies but the king beat her to it.

"If you wish." He nodded, and Ora had to subtly hold her chin to stop it from dropping in surprise. "But it's a long one, so maybe for after dinner. For now I'm enjoying your stories."

Ora nodded eagerly, wondering if the wine had gone to her head. She wasn't a lightweight, but that wine was certainly stronger than the below average liquid she usually stomached in the main hall. She briefly wondered if she'd ever be able to eat normal food again, after tasting the amazing cooking she was eating now everything in comparison would be so dull. Although, she was interested to see what the dessert would be.

As the evening progressed her suspicions were confirmed that Thorin never laughed. Occasionally an expression that might pass as a smile graced his features, but his frown lines were far more indented than his smile lines. For some reason Ora found herself wishing he did smile more, or at least attempt to, it would definitely make him more approachable, and less grumpy. She didn't dare think about the fact that the small smile he rarely showed was actually rather handsome.

After the main Ora was so full she could have sworn she'd have to roll home rather than walk, but she was unable to dwell on this issue for long because soon enough dessert came out.

As per, she thanked the serving girl and blinked inquisitively at the dish before her.

"It is something Bombur made up, especially for you." Thorin said, noticing her puzzled expression. Ora raised her brow at him. "I thought you might appreciate it."

She did appreciate it, and in fact she was totally fascinated by the round, white thing that seemed to wobble around her plate. It was like jelly, but a little more dense, and when she put a bit on her spoon and raised it to her mouth she moaned (rather indignantly) at the taste that engulfed her senses. "This is incredible." It wasn't what she was expecting that's for sure. She assumed it would be fruity and light, like jelly. But it wasn't, it was thick, creamy, and tasted strongly of vanilla with a dash of honey. "I love vanilla."

"Oh, aye?"

Ora moaned around another spoonful, half in agreement, and half in appreciation. "Compliments to the chef!" She grinned so broadly her eyes disappeared behind her apple cheeks.

After dinner, there was more wine and Ora was definitely beginning to feel the effects of it. Although she could control herself she was definitely more relaxed now. Which just might be a good thing.

When they retired to the arm chairs by the fire again, she no longer sat awkwardly on the edge but relaxed fully into the plush, soft cushions.

"That was wonderful, thank you so much."

Thorin nodded at her, "It was my pleasure."

Ora blushed. "Although, I will blame you if I am no longer able to eat the food in the dining hall. I fear that meal has changed me. I'm spoilt." She jested, grinning almost playfully at him.

The corners of Thorin's mouth twitched slightly into a smile, "Well, you are welcome to dine with my anytime you like."

Ora nearly choked on her wine, but she covered it up with a polite laugh. Hoping that he'd been joking. As if the king of Erebor would want a lowly baker to sit at his dinner table on a regular basis! This meal was simply a thanks for my services, and that was all.

That thought saddened her a little for some reason, she'd actually enjoyed the evening.

"Would you tell me of your quest now, please?" She asked. She was desperate to her the story, but she didn't want to show it or appear too pushy. Thankfully, the king nodded, cleared his throat and began the story.

Mahal only knows how much time had passed between the two of them, but the entire time Ora was on the edge of her seat in eager anticipation. She was the most silent she'd been all evening, and she hung onto his every word like it was a lifeline. The kings version was by far the best, not only were his details more exciting and terrifying than she could have ever possibly imagined, but his voice just seemed to make it all that more incredible. His deep, rumbling tone reminded her of rich, dark, velvety chocolate, and she almost found herself getting lost in his words.

He stopped his story just before the Battle of the Five Armies, and by the end she was near tears, of both joy and sadness.

There was a long pause between them, and Ora mulled over her words carefully, but there was one question that was eating her up in desperation to pop out.

"How…" She hesitated, wincing at her lack of self-control, "How is… the gold sickness?"

For a long time Thorin didn't reply, but Ora watched patiently and a little nervously as his jaw twitched slightly. She knew instantly she shouldn't have asked such a question. She had no right to, she was just a baker, and he was the king. The king. And –

"Some days are hard, others are easier."

Ora blinked at him for a long moment, unsure if she'd actually heard him correctly. Had he truly just told her that?

"Well…" She had no idea what to say. Usually her friends came to her for advice, or comfort, but this was Thorin Oakenshield. This was the king. Should she say anything? No, of course she shouldn't. But she did anyway. "If you ever need anything, I'm always around… somewhere…" She immediately averted her gaze when she felt his begin to turn towards her from the fire. "I-I mean, I know you wouldn't come to me – obviously! But—"

"Thank you, Ora. I appreciate it."

Ora bit her cheek anxiously. "You're most welcome. Erm…" She paused for a moment, still too nervous to meet his gaze, "It must be getting late by now, I suppose I should be heading home." She flattened her skirts before making a move to stand, and to her surprise Thorin did also.

"I shall walk you back."

"Oh! No, no! Honestly, T-Thorin, it's absolutely fine."

"I insist." He didn't wait for another reply. That was something else Ora had quickly learnt about him, he would only carry a conversation as far as he deemed fit. After that he'd simply stop it, and of course no one would question him. It was apparent no one ever crossed his path and that he wasn't used to people not doing as he said. Like now, the way he simply walked away from her he knew she would undoubtedly follow him. In a way this annoyed her, but at the same time she let it slide. She knew her place.

He held the door open for her, and when they exited the warm room the chilly mountain hit her like a wall of ice. She tried to muffle her shiver.

"Are you cold?"

"No, I'm fine, just a little difference in temperature. But honestly, I'm fine." The anxiety began to build up within her once more. She was once again being a burden to the king, obviously he mustn't want to talk her home, but he was a gentleman, polite, and respectful – like any royalty would be. Although, when she spared a glance up at him, he didn't seem to show any sign of annoyance or dislike in his somewhat relaxed expression.

That was odd, negative expressions graced the king's features far more often than positive. And for him, a relaxed expression was rather a positive one.

"Have you enjoyed this evening?" He suddenly asked, shaking her from her stupor.

"Most certainly, Thorin. It was wonderful, thank you." There was a few minutes silence as they descended a flight of stairs. Ora's suspicions were confirmed, it was undoubtedly late at night. There was not a single soul to be found and the halls were dead silent.

"I assure you," Thorin began slowly, catching Ora's attention once more, "if we are to do this again I will give you more notice."

Ora tripped over her own feet, so much so Thorin reached out and placed a large hand on her shoulder to steady her. She stumbled to a halt, and the king followed suit, looking down on her with his usual indifferent expression. It was almost as though he'd said something completely natural and normal. Whereas to Ora that comment was like a dragon falling on her.

"You truly wish to do this again?" She asked, astonished, "I-I thought you were just being polite…"

Thorin raised a dark eyebrow, "Why would I say it to just be polite?"

"Because you're the king… and I'm just a baker…" It didn't sit right with Ora. She couldn't get her head around why on Middle-Earth Thorin Oakenshield, King Under The Mountain would just to fraternise with her. His circle was other royals, blue bloods and nobles…. Not… Bakers.

"But you're not just a baker, are you?"

Ora blinked again, her head feeling fuzzy. It was almost as though… No… No way. Her head was trying to tell her something that she just refused to believe or even begin to contemplate, and her thoughts were causing her head to hurt.

"I am." She laughed nervously and shook her head, "I don't understand."

Thorin didn't reply, he simply dipped his head and carried on walking, leaving Ora to faff about for a few moments and chase after him.

This all seemed very bizarre to her. The pieces just didn't seem to fit together. Why would the king want to have dinner with her? Surely, he'd much rather spend his precious free time with those of his own ranking, or at least near to it.

The rest of the walk was silent, the only sound coming round Thorin's heavy boots and the swooshing sound of Ora's skirts.

When they finally arrived at Ora's home, she had no idea what to say.

"Thank you again, so much…" She avoided eye contact as best she could without appearing rude, and her hands knotted tightly in her dress.

Thorin nodded politely at her, "Like I said; next time I will give you more notice. Maybe that way you can wear that dress."

Ora's eyes sprang to his, but they didn't stay there for long. The king smiled at her, a small, but definitely genuine smile before taking his leave.

Ora couldn't even do her usual fussing and spluttering, she turned to a pile of goo right outside her front door, her large green eyes staring after her king.

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"What happened to you last night?"

"Nothing."

"What did Balin want?"

"More orange bread, like you said."

"But you were gone the entire night! I came by later and you still weren't home."

"I, erm, took a detour."

"A detour? Where exactly?"

"To the library." There. The one place Ava wouldn't have looked for her.

"I checked there."

"Oh. We must have just missed each other then." Ora hated lying to Ava. In fact, she wanted to burst into tears right then and there and break down in front of her. She wanted to tell her everything that happened, she wanted to tell her that the king himself had some involvement in the dress.

However, the thought hadn't even occurred to her (okay, maybe once it did. But she quickly banished the idea as nonsense) that it might have been the king himself that had gifted her with the dress. Why would he of, after all? It would be foolish to ever think that he would be interested in her. So much so that a genuine thought about it never even occurred to her. It was just too out of the question.

Ava's silence was a giveaway that she didn't believe a word Ora was saying.

"Are you lying to me?"

"No, Ava. I'm sorry, I'm just tired is all." Ora rubbed her eyes with her wrists. She was extremely tired. After all, she didn't get to bed until nearly early hours of the morning. She had no idea she'd been with the king the entire night, she thought it was merely a few hours…

"Is there a guy?"

"No, Ava." Ora repeated, sighing into her pastry mix as she kneaded it together. "I just lost track of time. I've been a little stressed recently."

"With what?"

"Work."

Ava hummed in disapproval. "Well then, I have just the ticket to help that!"

Ora groaned, hoping that it wasn't another one of Ava's amazing ideas.

"Well, actually it was Marg's ticket." Okay, there was still hope yet then.

"What's that then?"

"We could take a nice trip to Lake Town."

"Lake Town?" Ora shot Ava a questioning look as she carried the large mixing bowl down the kitchen.

"Yes! Uli's father came back from trading there the other day and he wouldn't stop ranting about this pub there! Apparently their fish pies are to die for!"

Ora squeezed her eyes shut and opened them again in an attempt to wake her up. Maybe a night or two away from Erebor would be good. Hopefully, she'd be able to leave the stress that was settling uneasily on her shoulders behind. Mahal, she hoped so.

"When?"

"This coming weekend, we're thinking. We'll leave on the Friday morning and come back the Saturday evening."

Ora's thoughts flickered slightly, bringing her back to the king. What if Thorin was to ask her to dinner again on those days? Would she turn him down? Could she turn the king down? Is that allowed?

She shook her head and sighed inwardly. That's if the king invites her to dinner again.

Oh, Mahal.

There's a sentence she never thought she'd say. Never, in her entire life would she ever be thinking about when the next time she'd be having dinner with the king would be. She still couldn't believe it.

"Well?" Pressed Ava.

"Yes." Replied Ora sternly. Rolling the pastry into a tighter ball than necessary and slapping it onto the stone work top a little too hard.

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In the four days that followed she hadn't heard hide nor hair from the king, so she assumed it would be safe for her to travel to Lake Town for the next day or so. Why she was getting so caught up in the king, she had no idea. But every day she would find herself wondering when or if she'd get a message or word from him. It made her chest twinge a little in disappointment. How foolish. She was getting a silly crush on the king.

"You're unusually silent."

Ora was dragged from her musings by Marg's shadow casting over her.

"She's been like that all week." Piped up Ava from the other end of the boat as they crossed the lake. "I think she's ill."

"Are you ill?" Asked Marg, grabbing Ora's face and roughly inspecting her. For what though, she didn't know.

"I'm fine." Ora forced a laugh and batted Marg's hand away, "I'm just… stressed."

"I told you, Ora." Ava said pointedly, her wild hair blowing around her in the breeze, "This is a trip to relax. So, you can take those little stress Goblins and plop them in the water. Go on."

Ora rolled her eyes and stood up, stretched out her back and arms before joining Uli by the mast. They were nearly at Lake Town now, about to port in fact. And although Ora had promised herself she would leave her stresses and worries behind in Erebor, that was becoming more and more apparently it was easier said than done.

"I need a drink." She muttered more to herself than anyone else, but Ava's sharp hearing caught her words and responded with a boisterous 'here, here!'

Once they'd docked and paid the boatmen, they headed towards the 'Flat Fish Bar', which was supposedly the one with the 'incredible' fish pies.

"What a silly name." Commented Ora as they headed in.

The pub was just like the ones in Dale, although this one had less Dwarves and more men. Lake Town was another settlement that had benefited greatly from the riches and trade that had come with Erebor, and because of this Dwarves were more or less welcomed everywhere, and supposedly this bar was no exception.

Like Dale, however, Lake Town had been mostly destroyed by Smaug. But the added income from Erebor helped build it up again. Although it was smaller now, more or less being a simple trading hub rather than a full, all singing, all dancing town like Dale. It wasn't quite as extravagant either, but it had a certain warmth about it that relaxed Ora.

They were greeted politely by the odd human as they made their way to a free booth at the back.

"First rounds on me." Grinned Ava, not bothering to settle down before rounding in the drinks.

Ora took this moment while her friends readied themselves to eye the pub. It was cosy, and surprisingly warm bearing in mind that winter was on them, but this was due to a large, open fire that burned brightly in the far corner. The walls and flooring where made up of the same wood – a typical style for Lake Town, but a sensible one seeing as they were positioned above water right now. That was a thought that Ora didn't like to think too much about.

There were booths lining the far side, and a bar positioned on the adjoining wall. Everywhere else round tables of various sizes were scattered.

"I ordered food for us as well." Ava said loudly and she came back to the table bearing gifts of ales. "I got too excited to wait, sorry."

The other three Dwarrowdam's shrugged, not expecting anything else from Ava. Ora and Marg took a long swig of their ales each.

Ora was sitting beside Uli, and while Ava and Marg started bickering Ora turned her attention to the youngest Dwarf. She was chewing her thumb nail, a tell-tale sign something was wrong.

Ora lightly elbowed her, "Is everything all right?"

Uli's eyes flashed to Ora only for a moment before returning to her untouched ale, and she didn't cease chewing her nail.

"Will you come to the bathroom with me quickly?" Uli whispered and Ora nodded. They both excused themselves before venturing into the bathrooms.

"What is it?" Ora asked nervously as she shut the door firmly behind her. She turned to see Uli pacing frantically and still biting her nail. "Uli?"

Uli ran her fingers through her red hair sharply, muttering profanities under her breath as she went.

Then she stopped, and turned to her, looking almost desperate when she spoke and her eyes pleaded with Ora, "You must swear to never tell anyone what I'm about to tell you."

Ora nodded, a frown of concern etching into her face. "Of course."

"Not even Ava, o-or Giora."

Ora shook her head, "I won't say a word, I swear. Please, what is it?"

Uli put her head in her hands and backed into the far corner, Ora didn't understand what was going on until she heard a loud, but muffled, sob escape the youngster's lips. Instantly she rushed over to her, supporting Uli as she slid down the wall and onto the floor.

"Oh, O-Ora," she choked through her tears, "I've been such a fool."

Ora frowned. Uli was one of the most well behaved Dwarrowdams she knew. Her father was strict, he was a tradesman who had travelled all over Middle-Earth in search of goods to sell. Being so well travelled he knew full well of the dangers that lurked behind every corner, and he did his best to keep Uli safe. Uli's mother had died when Smaug attacked, she was raised mostly by her aunt.

Ora forced a light laugh in an attempt to be comforting, "You, Uli? A fool? I think another dragon will attack Erebor before—"

"I'm pregnant."

There was a long silence between the two of them, and Ora nearly toppled backwards upon hearing those words, so she joined Uli on the floor.

"Are you angry with me?" Uli asked eventually, her voice so small it could barely be heard.

Ora hesitated for a moment, "N-No." Anger never even crossed her mind. Worry? Yes. Anger? No. "Who's the father?"

Uli bit her lip and once more tears swelled in her eyes, she quickly buried her head in her hands again. "I can't say."

"Why not? Uli, you have to tell me." Ora tried to keep her voice low and calm, but desperation leaked through. She was instantly worried for her friend.

"He doesn't know. And he will never know. Ora," Uli looked up then, meeting Ora dead in the eyes and taking her hand tightly, "You must never tell anyone… If he finds out… He won't love me anymore."

"Uli, that is foolish." She didn't mention that it was more foolish of Uli to have relations of that nature out of wedlock, but now wasn't the time for that conversation. "You have his babe inside of you, you cannot keep that from him. In a few months he'll work it out for himself."

Uli sobbed into her hands once more, "I might not ever see him again."

Ora frowned again, "What?"

Uli groaned, "He… He lives in Dale."

Things began to tick away in Ora's head, and then she suddenly gasped, "He's human, isn't he?"

Slowly, Uli nodded.

The weight of anxiety that weighed on Ora's shoulders just increased by another ton or two.

"What am I going to do?" Uli asked quietly.

Ora let out a long sigh, "You'll have to tell him, Uli."

Uli looked appalled by that idea, "No! No! He can't know. What if he stops loving me? What if doesn't want to—"

"If he loves you he wouldn't leave you just because you're carrying his child. He will be happy. You must tell him."

Uli looked as though what Ora was saying made sense – which it obviously did. But she didn't want to do it. Instead she sighed.

"You're right."

"I know I am."

The two females stayed there for a little longer before finally righting themselves and venturing back out to Marg and Ava. Thankfully, the two of them didn't ask what had kept them, because at that moment the food arrived and instantly (if for a very short amount of time) all woes were forgotten. Although, every time Ora spared a glance to Uli, the young Dwarf looked like someone had thrown a puppy. Ora couldn't help but imagine what she must be feeling, and soon enough she too was dragged down the mood ladder and left at the bottom step, wallowing in a puddle of pity for Uli.

She was so caught up in her emotions and her thoughts of helping Uli that the worries about The King Under The Mountain were long, long gone.

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Hmmmmmm

Not a very exciting chapter guys ): I'm sorry!

I wanted to add dimension to my other characters, everything will tie up though. I promise!

Thank you all so much to those who favourited, followed and reviewed!

Those who reviewed you've really, really made my week! You're all so, so kind and the more comments and reviews I get then the more motivation I get to update faster!

Literally, I'll wake up in the morning, see the reviews and start itching to write another chapter!

Please keep the comments coming (:

Thank you!

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OH

Also, if you have any questions, feel free to ask me on PM, or comment and I'll PM you, or tumblr (BrightPinkPineapple)

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand I need another Dwarrowdam

So please, if you want to be mentioned, in the reviews post your Dwarf character. The more details you can give me then the better (it's easier to work with that way and develop the story line I have in mind)

Thank you!

Lots of thorin in the next chapter!

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