Hello Everyone!

I hope life has been treating you all well! My month worth of finals and stomach flu are gone, so here I am with a load of inspiration and time. Credits where it is due: JMac for the AMAZING edits, because no one wants to read horrible grammar mistakes, and the readers (You guys!). Thank you for all your support and patience, here is an even longer chapter than the last one. Also is my pace okay? too fast or too slow? Please let me know these things, so I can try to improve for future chapters.

I also saw the new movie on a pre-release date (a day before actual release) and of course I loved it, but I will not give any spoilers for those who have not seen it.

Enjoy Everyone!

Chapter 11: Stubborn

"It feels like it's been a long time since I haven't been bleeding from some sort of wound…" Myranda sighed. Aerith sat on a stool next to her bed and was practically beaming with happiness.

"Well, you are better now and that is all that matters!" Aerith piped up.

Myranda looked at the little girl and then glanced around the room. Her gaze finally fell on her bandaged hand.

"Last thing I remember was…seeing the king." Her voice quiets down. "He was furious and then he…well I can't remember much after that." Flexing her fingers, she felt them ache from lack of use. In her other hand was the remainder of what she was given by Aerith, a bread bun filled with vegetables and chicken. It had tasted absolutely amazing to her starved body, but after a couple of bites she almost instantly felt woozy and was given some of the juice Aerith had in her pack. Her throat had been parched and she could instantly feel her body respond to the nutrients.

The old dwarf, Tolsur, as he introduced himself the moment she awoke, then slowly moved to the foot of her bed.

"I will let Balin know immediately that you have awoken, other than that, don't move. Your wounds have only just closed and the infection, purified. It is quite the miracle. Sit still and rest, my lady. I will be back shortly."

"Thank you!" Aerith smiled again.

The old dwarf then slowly left the room, with the sound of his cane clicking on the stone in the distance. The two sat in quiet for a little while, then suddenly Myranda flicked Aerith's forehead.

"Ow! What did you do that for?"

"A miracle?! What would happen if someone saw you! And all this running around on your own is dangerous! So help me, if you get kidnapped again for another bloody ransom of some damn stone…! I would not be there to protect you, and you would be killed, or worse!" Myranda heatedly spoke in a hushed tone.

"I'm sorry!" Aerith began to tear up again, rubbing the spot on her forehead, her shoulders slumped. "But you were dying…and if I didn't do something… sniff… you would have…" Aerith cried into her dress sleeve, obviously getting snot over it all. "I'm sorry, Myr! I was just so scared for you!" Aerith sobbed.

Arms wrapped around the little girl, and a hand started stroking her hair.

"I'm sorry for yelling at you. We just can't risk others finding out; otherwise it would mean more running. Shhhh…don't cry anymore. I am fine, see?" Myranda rubbed the little girl's tears away, looking into her eyes. "Okay? No one saw you, right? Not even Tolsur?"

The little girl nodded, and wiped the tears away on her other sleeve. Myranda made a mental note that the dress needed a washing soon. Myranda sighed in relief, and gave the girl another hug, which was returned.

"So, what now?" Aerith spoke wiping the last of the moisture on her face.

"I must honor my duty as your knight and accept the punishment that has befallen me. The old dwarf, the one called Balin, promised me that we would be together, so I can only hope that the final decision is not horrible."

"I don't want you in a dungeon though…"

"If that is to be my fate, so be it. As long as you are safe and near, I will be happy."

"But I won't be!" Aerith snapped. "How can I ever be even a little happy knowing you are locked up because of me?"

Myranda was silent; her thoughts lingered to the threats of the king stating his intention of her rotting in the dungeons, and shivered.

"Being stuck in a cold dark dungeon would be pretty bad…" Myranda mumbled.

Faintly, Myranda heard footsteps behind the door leading to the infirmary. She raised a finger to Aerith, motioning for her to be quiet. The Door opened to reveal a young blonde dwarf. His expression changed from weariness to surprise very quickly.

"You're-!" Then he hushed, made sure to close the door behind him, and walked towards the bed. On the opposite side from Aerith, which still made Myranda feel edgy, he stood by the bed.

"Good evening, Treasure Hunter."

"Call me Myranda." She responded simply.

"Myranda…If I may ask, how are you feeling?" He glanced at the barely eaten bun, and the juice on the bedside table.

"Tired, but otherwise, fine."

"No one was expecting you to wake so soon, when did you-"

"Just now." She cut in.

He lost his words for a short bit and only looked at her as if concerned still. Why is he staring at me like that?

"You were there by the king's side. Who are you?" Myranda said slowly.

The young dwarf seemed to perk up just the slightest bit. "I am the king's eldest nephew. The name's Fili, at your service." Fili then bows, which strangely made Myranda blush slightly. 'At my service'? Why would the king's nephew say such a thing?

"Umm, sooooo…" Aerith drew out her words, tilting her head at Fili, "I remember Tolsur telling me. You're a prince? So are you next in line for the throne?"

"Indeed little lass. I follow my uncle's shadow to most meetings, and if not his, then Balin. I am working with the builders in my spare time to bring Erebor back to its former glory." He gave Aerith a smile, which was probably more effective on older ladies, but had no effect on the little girl. Then she looked thoughtful again, which meant she furrowed her brow in contemplation.

"Has he always been mean and scary?"

"You mean Thorin, my uncle?"

Aerith nodded to him.

"Not always." Fili said carefully. "Only in the last few years has he had bad experiences."

"Why? Is something wrong with him? What happened?" Aerith seemed eager for answers.

"That's enough Aerith…" Myranda said softly, noticing Fili obviously looking downcast. Aerith saw the effect of her words and bit her lip.

"Sorry…"

"No, it's fine. Many things happened and the only thing we can do now is support his recovery." He took a deep breath, looking to steady himself from his memories. Myranda was feeling unsure of what was going on. The feeling was borderline uncomfortable, since she felt she should not care, but at the same time she knew that she did. What ever happened in his past is none of my business. I can do without his drama; I have Aerith for that.

Myranda was forced out of her thoughts when she felt a throb in her shoulder, and flinched a little. Fili had quickly noticed the movement and subconsciously inched closer to possibly help with the injury, but a look from Myranda made him almost jump back in to place instantly.

"Forgive me, Lady Myranda," Fili blurted.

"That's fine." She replied, still tired. "You don't have to address me so formally. It's just Myranda. Do I strike you as much of a lady? A lady doesn't exactly go around attacking Kings or stealing."

"Not usually, just the way my mother raised my brother and I. Always be polite to the lady kind." He smiled.

Aerith giggled. "She sounds nice! I want to meet your mother!"

"Sorry to disappoint you, but she is not here. She is still where my old home is, and that is far from here."

"Can you tell us about her?" Aerith pressed.

Before Fili could respond however, the doors opened again; this time to reveal Tolsur with Balin at his side. Tolsur waved his hand toward the two women, and addressed Balin.

"See for yourself, Lord Balin. She is awake and well."

Balin nodded and walked forward, slowing to a stop on Fili's side. He looked to Myranda and strangely she felt a little uneasy. Instinctively, she wanted to move or leave, since she knew that he had seen her at those stairs. Myranda knew what was coming, and she knew that she would not be able to avoid it.

"If you would all please excuse me, I would like to speak to the lady Treasure Hunter alone. This includes you, little lass; you need to get to bed." Balin gently smiled to the girl. "Don't worry, she is not in trouble. I just have a couple of questions about her well-being. Fili, can you escort her to the Children's quarters?"

"Yes, Balin. Come along, Aerith." Fili walked to the other side of the bed and lifted up the young girl off the bed onto the floor. She seemed quiet, as if observing, but then she made a pouty face.

"I don't like that place, those kids are so noisy and banging metal sticks everywhere…" Aerith muttered. Fili placed his hand on her head, patted it and began to lead her away, but not without her looking back and smiling at Myranda. "Good night!"

"Good night, little Aerith. I will see you in the morning." Myranda smiled.

When all of them had walked out and the door shut, Balin turned to her. His expression was of caution.

"At the stair…are you a wizardess of some sort? If it would make you feel better lass, I have not spoken to anyone of this," he said to her, sitting himself on the stool nearby.

She looked away from his stare and her eyes darkened.

"I cannot…I cannot answer you, master dwarf. There are thing's your kind should not know of. My secrets are my own, and there they shall stay."

"What about Aerith? Does she know?" At this her eyes turned to him.

"She is a child; do you plan on interrogating her as well? I will kill you all before that happens."

Balin sighed. "I would do nothing to harm or frighten her, you have my word. She is a gentle soul, the little lass. I feel that if anything happened to her, I myself may draw blood to those responsible." Balin smiled to her. "I will say, I have never seen such a thing before, it was like the wind moved to your will and would dance if you wished it," he said with a far off look. Then there was silence. She knew he was eager to know, and every part of her conscience screamed that she shouldn't utter a word. But her heart had sensed his truth and honor in his words and the kind eyes that had never looked at her as a monster or witch. She wanted to share her sadness and fears of the past and future, she wanted to ask questions also, but knew reciprocation would be expected. So she stayed quiet and looked away from him again, avoiding his eyes at all costs.

"Our kingdom is not perfect," he began. "Nor our King, for that matter, but if I do know anything of Thorin, he will not make your punishment harsh after what happened in the throne room. Did Aerith tell you?" He waited for response, and was met with silence. He continued without too much delay.

"Aerith hit Thorin repeatedly." At this, she could not help but look at him in disbelief.

"She did. Obviously she did not have much effect, being such a wee lass. Thanks to her, Thorin learned you were a lady and instantly was petrified." He shook his head, looking back. "I have not seen him react like that… ever really. Like a well-deserved slap to the face for his lack of control over his temper…"

"Did he…?" She spoke carefully. "He didn't harm her, did he?"

"No, of course not. I would never have let him."

"How long have I been unconscious?" She quietly asked.

"About six days, in the morning, it will be seven." He answered. She was quiet again for a little while, and she could not help but ask.

"Is he still just as angry as before?"

"He is more regretful for harming you, a lady, to such a degree." He said simply. Myranda looked away again, somehow feeling relief, but also some uneasiness still. Balin however, stood up, and moved the stool away.

"I don't think you will be telling me anything anytime soon, but I can at least promise you this: what happened will stay a secret between you and me. Thorin will never know any better of the event. Sleep well, for once you can stand you will have to face Thorin again. Things will go much differently than before, I presume."

"Thank you…," she muttered and he turned briefly. "Thank you master dwarf for holding to your promise for keeping Aerith safe…and…my name is Myranda."

He smiled to her warmly. "Good night then, Myranda."

Thorin woke slowly from his bed and rubbed his tired eyes. His body had a slight sheen of sweat from the heat which collected under the layers of fur blankets. The main fire had gone out in his bedchamber during the night, but a few candles still flickered at the edges of his room. Lifting himself from the bed, he walked over to the fireplace and stoked the embers, in which he fed a single log. Walking over to the water dish near the wall, he dipped the towel in the water and began to wipe under his tunic, ridding the sweat from his body. Placing the towel aside, he splashed water on his face and then dried it with a different cloth. Then suddenly a knock came to the door.

"Come in!" He ordered.

Balin walked in shortly and halted at the sight of Thorin standing at the water dish.

"Did you just wake, your Majesty?" Balin said.

"Yes, is it late? What news do you have?" He then walked to where his royal garments lay and began to dress accordingly.

"The lady Treasure Hunter has finally awoken."

Thorin paused in his tracks and looked straight at Balin.

"What?" His response came more quickly than his thoughts.

"She is awake. A bit famished and weak, but she will be able to stand shortly."

Thorin then felt a weight drop from his shoulders, and quickly was trying to organize his thoughts. The lady is alright…for days I could not think straight from the moment I saw her lying upon the ground. Why am I so pleased to hear this news?

"Thorin, shall I organize for her to meet you as soon as she can stand?" Balin asked.

"Yes, of course." He responded. "Though, just bring her to the meeting hall, and fetch me when to come. No audience this time…" He turned and then sat to pull on his boots. "Can you do this for me Balin?"

The old dwarf looked like he was thinking deeply again before he spoke, "Yes, I can do that. If you will pardon me, I must get back to work now."

Balin bowed his head a bit in farewell, and then promptly left, with the door closing behind him.

So at last I can deal with this treasure hunter, this woman, properly…

Thorin looked back at the log in the fireplace as the embers had turned into flames, which engulfed it now entirely.

Myranda felt better soon after she had more rest and was given stew. All her injuries were bandaged and she was permitted to finally change back into her old garments, which Aerith had proudly declared mended with the help of some elderly dwarven woman. After finally adjusting her belt and satchel in place, and pulling her leather greaves on her legs, she turned to the old dwarf who was waiting behind the curtained wall. She stepped out and walked toward him, now revealing her long braid of dark redish brown hair hanging over her shoulder.

"Thank you Tolsur, for all your help."

"No need to thank me. Just don't back for another visit." The dwarf smiled, hinting at sarcasm.

"Of course, I would never dream of wanting to see you again anytime soon." She replied with a light chuckle. The old dwarf patted her shoulder and slowly led her to the double door entrance where Balin, Aerith, and five other armored dwarves were waiting. The sight of Myranda walking on her own must have made Aerith very happy, because the biggest smile crossed her face.

"Myr! I am so glad you are doing well!" she praised, running up to her and jumping into her arms. Myranda hugged her tightly, and then let go, looking at the young girl closely.

"Stay close to me okay?"

"Yes!" Aerith nodded. Myranda took the girl's hand and went to Balin.

"I'm ready, Lord Balin."

He nodded and then led the group out. It feels different, like I will be meeting the king on equal terms now. Her steps feel surer, and her hands were not in chains. Aerith was right beside her, and even if there are guards surrounding her, she was not being threatened. This is much better, but where are we going?

After walking past the hall that led to the throne room, she began to wonder where the location of the meeting would be. Balin kept walking through hallways, and even by crowds of dwarves who were working on a crumbled pillar with pulleys, ropes and hammers. No one turned to stare at the group as they marched by, unlike the first day in the throne room. After a while, there were no more bystanders in any of the halls or rooms they passed and eventually they reached a large room with light seeping through holes high above, most likely the early winter sun, since it was pale and cold. As they passed through two doors, she noticed how the light perfectly landed on a single long wooden table, which had maps and other scrolls unraveled across its surface. Chairs lined up along each side of the table with a single grander chair at the head. There were a few old dwarves in this room, two talking to each other in a corner, another looking closely at a map. And then there was the King himself sitting at his grand seat, stroking his short beard while deeply concentrating on a piece of parchment before him.

When the doors had shut behind them, the old dwarves hushed their conversation and all eyes turned in her direction. The moment she had walked in, Myranda found she could not focus on anyone else but the king. He then looked up finally from his parchment and his expression changed at the mere sight of her. His jaw dropped for a mere second, and his eyes looked a bit surprised, but then he regained his composure.

Thorin pushed his chair back and stood. The scrapping of the chair sounded loud in the silent room. He walked towards Balin, who had placed himself directly in front of her like a protective wall. Thorin paused before Balin, and then spoke.

"Thank you Balin." Thorin said, sounding much more pleasant than he had in their first meeting, Myranda thought privately.

"Gentlemen, I must ask you all to excuse us; I have another important meeting to hold." Thorin announced to the remaining dwarves, who gracefully bowed and left with their parchments in hand. Then he looked back to the guards. "Leave us; I will call for you all shortly."

All the guards stepped out, making sure to shut the door behind them. The room now only contained, Aerith, Balin, the King, and herself. Balin let out a deep breath.

"So, your majesty, what is your decision?" Balin stated. Thorin held his hands behind his back, and slowly walked back to the table.

"Please, all of you sit." Thorin said, walking back to his own chair.

Balin nodded to Myranda and, taking it as a sign to follow the command, she led Aerith by hand to the left side of the table and sat herself nearer to the king, to keep the little girl safe. Balin sat directly across the table from her. She knew, out of respect the proper distance to sit oneself from royalty, but in this case, after their 'brutal' meeting, all she wanted was to be as far away from him as possible. She placed herself at least three seat lengths from him, which was still a bit close for her comfort. His very presence being near made her edgy, and she felt very much aware of how she was unarmed. Before she knew she was partly glaring at him.

"Is there something wrong Myranda?" Balin's voice almost made her jump inside, but she barely showed a flinch.

"Nothing…" She replied tersely, finally removing her eyes from Thorin. She could still feel his stare on her, and it aggravated her immensely. His eyes were burrowing into her like someone holding a sword point directly to her skin. Her sleeve tugged lightly, and she looked down to her side and saw Aerith looking up at her with a worried expression, and mouthing something silently. 'Don't be angry.'

Aerith always hit the nail on the head, Myranda thought to herself, letting her body calm down with a sigh.

"First, I would like to say something to you," Thorin began, gaining her attention again. "My manner at our second meeting, within the throne room, was not…exemplary of the position I hold. I hope you can forgive my immoral actions towards you. Being a lady, as you are, my actions were much too harsh. The matter still stands, however that a proper punishment must be declared."

Balin seemed a bit more relieved at his king's words, as if a proud family member was approving of the younger one's actions. Myranda however, was a bit shocked; the king was speaking to her as if she was nothing more than a commoner who had been inconvenienced.

"I have thought through the days of what will be done, and I have-"

"Pardon my intrusion," Myranda interrupted, causing Thorin to look taken back. "But I would not ask to be treated any differently for my punishment based on my…anatomy." She thought carefully at the end of that sentence. "I specifically asked Lord Balin to let me hide my face so that I can witness the true judgment of my deeds. I am a proud knight and will-"

"A knight?" Thorin now interrupted her, his voice darkening with a bit of spite. "The only thing you are is a thief in the shadows."

"And I have never met any human, elf, or dwarf who beats defenseless bound people in front of a crowd!" Myranda felt her pulse increasing, and every word she felt instant regret. What am I doing? This is only making things worse!

Thorin suddenly rose in his chair, and pointed his finger at her, barely controlling his temper. "Only a fool would hide their face when they know of the danger they are in! You have no right to patronize me, for your pride!"

"Don't speak to me about pride; you struck me without remorse because of your pride, causing me to be in a coma for nearly a week, you pig-headed dwarf!" At her words, Thorin somehow looked stunned, maybe with anger or regret, she could not figure out. Then he walked towards her, causing her to jump to her feet, shielding Aerith. He grabbed her collar and pulled her forward, only a couple of inches between them. His eyes were fierce with obvious rage, but she would not flinch or show any fear, and so she glared back.

"Thorin!" Balin shouted. She could feel his breath on her face, and the heat from his body radiated strongly, like the great forges in the mines. After a moment he loosened his hold and finally let go. Slowly he backed away two steps, his expression showing he was trying to control what was left of his calm from earlier.

Then he turned away completely and without looking at any of them spoke out.

"You will work here. There is an area that was partly destroyed by the dragon Smaug, and your job will be to repair it. When the room is complete, your imprisonment will also end. Your lodgings, along with the child, will be in one of the empty rooms in the royal family's quarters. Guards are already in that area every night, and I cannot spare more trouble than you're worth. See to it that you begin work immediately. That is all." Thorin then turned and walked past her, but not without a glare in her direction as he passed and slammed the doors as he left.

The room was silent for a moment. Aerith tugged on Myranda's tunic at her hip.

"Will we be okay? Please don't fight… it makes me sad when your angry." Aerith spoke, teary-eyed.

"I am not angry, only frustrated with that king." She said, patting the girls head. Balin stood slowly from his chair and walked over to her side.

"Well that went better than I expected." Balin shook his head slightly, as he placed his arms on his hips. "I had a feeling you would not put up with what he said, and I was right. You are stubborn and smart lass, and things will only get more interesting for all of us the longer you are here. Come along you two; I will lead you to your new home. It's quite comfortable, actually. Since the kingdom's pipes for hot water are not yet repaired, you will be supplied firewood for the hearth in your room. Keep warm and continue to rest for today. Tomorrow I will show you the area you will be working on from here on."

Thank you everyone for reading! Reviews are nice to get! (Also tell me what you think of our first 'close-up' moment between Thorin and Myr! Thorin is so fun to mess with.)

Happy Holidays Everyone! (for me: Merry Christmas!)

;3