The Truth Beneath the Rose

A/N- Welcome back everyone. I hope this chapter was worth the wait, I did my best to get it updated as quickly as I could.

Disclaimer- I do not own the Hobbit or Lord of the Rings, but I do own my OC's and this storyline.

'Thoughts'

Khuzdul

Enjoy.

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Chapter 9:

Two Lives Collide

Year 2941 - Late evening-

"Are you sure that was wise Thorin? Showing an elf the map?" Balin's quiet voice still echoed in the open hall as he and Thorin made their way back to where the others were camped out.

Sighing at the other's clearly chiding tone, Thorin turned to look at his oldest friend. "Balin, we did not have a choice. That much the wizard was right about, now we know what to look for. Where we need to be and how much time we have to get there. Far more information than we had when we set out, is it not?"

He knew Balin had understood this as well as he, but he also understood why the other had such misgivings about sharing such a guarded secret with an elf. Not to mention one who was so high in their ranks.

He just hadn't seen another option and they didn't have time to dither over such details. Not when the retaking of Erebor was nigh. Reaching out Thorin placed his hand on Balin's shoulder and gave it a squeeze. "I do not trust the elves anymore than I did when we arrived, that has not and will not change. In the morning we will depart this place and be on our way."

Balin huffed a little but nodded his head, "aye, we cannot spare another day in this place. Especially with the knowledge that was revealed today." Thorin released his shoulder at that and was about to continue onwards when Balin halted him.

"Thorin. I...I need to ask you about the hobbit." Balin's voice sounded nervous and Thorin narrowed his eyes in suspicion. "Which one?" Balin snorted at that as he narrowed his own eyes."You know which one I'm talking about lad. Do not try to hide it from me; the entire company can see how you are circling the lass."

"Balin..." Thorin was almost growling the others name in warning, but the elder dwarf raised a hand placating. "Just hear me out Thorin. You owe me that much." Thorin crossed his arms at that but remained silent, taking this as permission to continue Balin began again.

"We are all worried about you and well, your intentions regarding the lass. She is unlike any hobbit I've ever met and something about her is decidedly dwarven, all of us in the company like her. But what I really wish to know Thorin is what are your intentions towards her?"

Balin paused at this letting his words sink in before he began again. "I just don't want either of you to be hurt by this attraction between you. You must decide what she is to you and decide it soon, the lass deserves to know what would happen if she chooses you. Think on it." Balin then walked a few feet away, towards the staircase that lead down to where the others were.

He stopped and glanced back at his king, "for you own sake as well, please make the right one."

As Balin descended the stairs, Thorin mused over what the elder dwarf had said and knew he was right. He just hoped he could do as the other had asked him to, follow his heart.

She couldn't sleep.

Thalia shifted once more on her pallet trying to get comfortable enough to fall asleep, but it just wouldn't happen. She couldn't stop thinking over what she'd discovered about who she was and is. Not to mention, she was worried about Thorin. He'd yet to return to their group.

After she had returned to the others with Kili, she'd seen that Bilbo, Balin, Gandalf, and Thorin were all still gone. Many of the other's had opted for an early night, but a few, Fili, Dwalin, Kili, and herself had all decided to stay awake and wait for the others to return.

Her brother and Gandalf did head off to sleep after a couple of hours, during which time she'd spent a long time just talking with Kili and Fili. She was growing to love them like she loved her brother and it made her happy to know that they returned the sentiment. Kili hadn't said a word to his brother of what they'd discovered and Thalia was grateful for it.

She had believed Gandalf when he'd told her the runes meaning back in the shire, but she wanted solid proof. Hence why she'd looked in the book like she had. Now there was no question, no doubts, she would have to reveal the truth to Thorin and she would have to do it very soon. Kili would make a solid ally in this, especially if she had to start flashing the mark, she just hoped it didn't come to that.

Balin returned a bit after them and he gave her a rather confusing look, he seemed to have a questioning look in his eye and it made her rather nervous. Especially since it was directed specifically at her and her alone. Before she could inquire about it though, Balin had informed them of their early departure on the morrow and everyone had rushed to pack. They had to be ready to leave quickly after all and less time leaving would help them greatly.

Thalia looked about her again and seeing nothing, she shifted back into a lying position once more, needing all the help she could get in falling asleep. After everyone had fallen silent and all she heard was the running of the waterfalls nearby, a low noise sounded behind her. She shifted enough to see that it was Thorin; he'd laid his pallet down behind her.

Turning quickly, she made sure to stay still. She was curious as to what he was going to do and didn't want to scare him away by letting him know she was awake. From how it sounded to her, he had lain down behind her, not close enough to touch but she could feel the heat coming from his body. Her heart began to beat faster as she felt a memory drifting to the surface, a memory of a very short but needed time of peace long ago.

Year 2799 -Pre-Battle of Azanulbizar-

It was raining outside the tent; Rhean could hear it as she moved about checking and double checking her battle gear. In the morning she would follow the king into battle, a battle that they would be hard pressed to win. They needed Moria, needed it badly.

Besides, she knew the loss of Erebor still stung most of the elders of the royal family. The Lady Dis and Lord Thorin though, they just wanted to find a home so that their people could move on with their lives. So many had been lost already that there had been no new births in the last five years and over a fourth of their kind had returned to Mahal's halls.

She looked down at herself, at her flat stomach and wondered if she'd ever have the chance to carry a child. Thorin had been dancing around asking for her hand for many years now, but when the campaign for Moria came, his attention had been fully absorbed by the monumental task before them. Shaking her head, Rhean removed her hand from her belly and finished setting up a stage for tomorrow. She needed to focus on the problem at hand, on the soon to come battle.

So it came as a surprise when a gust of wind blew past her, whirling she watched as someone came into the tent. They were carrying a bundle and she couldn't make out who it was just yet, so she opted to stay silent until the other spoke or revealed their identity.

The visitor moved past her to place the bundle upon the table where she'd placed her battle gear, before turning to face her. Rhean felt her heart skip a beat and a smile break upon her face as she finally saw who had come to see her. "Thorin!" She almost laughed his name as she took in how wet he looked, almost like he'd bathed in the rain. She was so happy to see him still though, "where is Dis? Is she coming over as well? My brother is out making a final sweep with some of the others before he will return for the night."

She was about to continue speaking when Thorin covered the distance between them in a couple steps. He looked so serious that it worried her but before she could ask about it, Thorin reached up and cupped her cheek. His hand felt so cold that Rhean couldn't stop herself from reaching up and placing her hand over his.

"Rhean, please just listen to me before you respond." Rhean nodded her head and waited. She knew this had to be important, that's why he had come all this way at such a time and gotten so wet in the process too. "We have been circling each other for a long time Rhean, I regret the timing of this but I want you to be my wife. Do you understand what that would mean?"

Blinking, Rhean wondered if she'd heard him right. She'd been expecting a more romantic gesture from him, considering, not something this straightforward. Frankly she was stunned but knew she couldn't keep him waiting. "I understand fully what that would mean Thorin. I just have one simple question for you before I give you my answer, why me?"

"Because I love you." Thorin's reply was precise, instant, and rather deadpanned. This stunned her once more into silence as she stared at him as if he was someone else entirely. As if reading her thoughts, Thorin closed his eyes and let out a deep sigh. He then stepped even closer, pulling her into his arms and against his sodden clothes.

Looking her directly in the eyes he spoke once more, "Rhean, I cannot offer you flowery words of love, not on the eve of such an important battle. I have to remain focused upon what lies ahead of us all, this battle will be bloody and many a life will be lost. I could not go into battle tomorrow without a promise of some sort between us; I just need to know what that promise will be."

Shaking her head Rhean gripped Thorin by his beard and pulled him even closer to kiss him soundly upon the lips. When she released him she snorted at the look of surprise on his face, "I accept your offer of marriage Thorin. I love you as well and am fully prepared to take on my role as your wife. But you need to have a better pre-battle attitude."

Thorin chuckled at that, unable to keep a straight face. This had Rhean smiling right back at him, "see it's easy to have a better attitude, yes the battle may be hard. But we have something worth fighting for, which is what really matters. Right?"

His laughter was all she needed in response.

Thalia smiled to herself, 'such a wonderful memory.' She knew this is what Gandalf and Lord Elrond had meant by her slowly regaining herself the more she was around Thorin. She just hoped she would gain more memories like this one. Sighing she shifted and turned to see that Thorin was on his back, he looked rather relaxed at the moment too.

Smiling once more at that, she reached out to brush a finger against his beard, unable to resist touching him. He shifted a bit his brow wrinkling in his sleep, it seemed whatever he was dreaming of was unpleasant or annoying. With Thorin it wasn't easy to decide between the two.

Feeling compelled to do something to make Thorin relax, Thalia silently moved closer. It had been a while since she'd had to do this for him but she didn't mind it in the least. She began to sing, low at first but slowly her voice rose in volume. She was singing a dwarven lullaby that her mother had sung to her and she knew Thorin's had for him as well. The words came to her as she sang, guttural and strong.

Thorin immediately reacted; he turned towards her reaching a hand towards her. He remained asleep but seemed to sense her. She took his hand while continuing to sing, she even began to run her hand through his hair. Feeling a little nervous about this, she lifted her head to see if anyone was watching her. As she was sure had happened before.

Her eyes met those of Balin; he was staring intensely at her. As were Fili and Kili. All three looked stunned at her behavior and she started to pull away from Thorin when he tightened his hand around hers. That was all she needed to bolster her and she returned to singing. She continued to do so until she was certain Thorin was calm enough to sleep peacefully.

Knowing she couldn't just pull away, so Thalia laid down where she was. Her back was lying against Thorin's front and she felt her face heat, even as she let Thorin's mere presence help her drift off to sleep. She knew the others would approach her about her singing and she was prepared to tell them the truth, she just hoped that Thorin would understand when he awoke. At least enough to let her explain herself.

A/N- Again I am sorry for how long I've been out of touch. I will do my best to continue to update as soon as I can, life permitting. Please stay with me as I continue Thalia and Thorin's story.

Khuzdul words-

None this time.

Thank you all for reading this, I appreciate any and all support you guys give me.

May the Fluff be with you!

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