A/N: I know I didn't ask for reviews, but I've read the ones I've received so far and am very grateful for them (which is in fact a huge understatement, but I'm limited with space so I had to dramatically summarize my thoughts). I would like to point out that I have been updating every single day, people- I have chapter 17 in the process of being written, I just like to go back and constantly edit my work (and keep people on their toes :)). So when I'm told to update as soon as possible, I simply laugh because the next update will come very shortly. I had to do some heavy researching for the whole wedding procedures and I can honestly say I'm happy with what I have so far, but you have to wait and see what I came up with. Thank you guys so much for all the love. Read on, if you dare!

When the Stonefoots' campsite came into view, Thorin gave the order for his men to shoot down the first two abductors before they could warn the rest of their clan. The first had fallen instantly as an arrow pierced his heart, dead before he hit the ground. The other, who happened to be the same one who Rose took to be her father and laughed in the prince's face, somehow managed to make it to the camp despite the arrow protruding from his shoulder.

"They are coming!" he yelled as he tried to pull the weapon from his body. "Make ready!"

Thorin's group of warriors charged into the small clearing, taking the Stonefoots by surprise and giving them no time to react. He would have first slain the wounded dwarf but stopped short as he saw Rose laying on the ground with a Stonefoot sneering down on top of her. Thorin noticed the red fabric of her dress had been lifted above her knees and his temper flared with rage as he realized where the dwarf's hands were. With no hesitation, Thorin stormed to their side and before the Stonefoot could respond he was lifted by his collar and thrown against a tree. Forgetting his sword in his anger, Thorin held fast to the enemy's throat and berated him with his fist.

Meanwhile, the other members of Durin's folk had begun slaying the rest of the Stonefoots, shouting curses and destroying the camp. Dwalin drove his ax into an advancing dwarf's neck, causing his head to fall over his shoulders and roll to the ground. Several of the evil dwarves attempted to flea from their site, but it proved to be useless.

The dwarf Thorin had been beating senseless was coughing blood like a fountain, his face black and blue from the prince's fist. The ring on his right hand had left its impression in various spots on the ugly dwarf's cheekbones. When he deemed his enemy fit to die, Thorin took his sword, stabbed him through his abdomen as if slicing butter, and turned to join his fellow warriors in the onslaught.

Once her bonds were cut, Rose collapsed into Balin's arms trembling and sniffling. He patted her hair comfortingly and pulled her skirts back to their proper length.

"It's alright, lass," he said softly, "You're safe now."
"Wh-where's Thorin?" she stuttered through her teeth.
Balin smiled at her reassuringly.
"Thorin is here. He pulled that filth off you the moment he entered the campsite."

She scanned the grounds for her fiance. Most of the enemy dwarfs had been slain, making Rose's stomach lurch at seeing their terrible faces covered in blood. In the middle of the site next to the fire stood two dwarfs facing each other down.
Rose had seen Thorin practicing these attacks almost every day in the training arena. He always seemed so relaxed when he practiced with his fellow warriors. But seeing him now, he looked like an entirely different person. Much like he had in the battle with the orcs at Moria, she imagined. His eyes burned with anger. He was covered in dirt. Rose could see his chest rise and fall as he panted from his arduous fighting. The evil dwarf grimaced in anticipation.

"Did I not say," Thorin began, "that I would find where you took her? That I would get revenge for what you have done?"
The dwarf knew he had lost even before holding up his sword to fight. Every last Stonefoot had fallen dead, save him. It would take a miracle for him to make it out alive. Still, he would not back down without a struggle.

He flailed his weapon about, aimed at Thorin's neck, only to have it cast aside with a sharp blow to his wrist. Now without any means of protection, the dwarf moaned in pain as he was kicked to the ground by the prince's foot. Rose hid in Balin's neck just before the sound of his blade came slicing into the dwarf's throat, silencing him forever. Balin helped the young girl to her feet, whispering words of comfort.
"Rose..."

Thorin's voice cracked as he spoke. His anger began to fade and transitioned into worry and concern as he stood over his fallen enemy's lifeless body and faced her. For a moment all was silent. The dwarves gathered near curiously to see their princess's reaction. Ignoring their watchful gaze, Rose gave a tired smile to her prince.

"Thorin!"

She ran into his arms, causing him to take half a step back as her body met his. Wrapping her arms tightly around his neck, she allowed herself to cry in his shoulder. The soft sobs echoed through the camp as Thorin hugged her waist and squeezed gently, lifting her off the ground and kissing her fervently while the other dwarfs somberly gathering their weapons and ponies to get ready to leave for Erebor. Thorin loosened his grip and held her face in his hands, placing a tender kiss on her forehead.

"No more tears," he whispered soothingly, "They will never harm you again." He moved his lips further down to meet hers once more.

"Aunt Prim!"

Fili and Kili sprinted down the halls to the front gate. They could see their uncle holding his bride securely in his arms as he helped her dismount her pony. Rose turned in surprise as they called to her, Thorin reluctantly releasing her from his grip and allowing her to meet them halfway. Kili was first to get to her, taking his aunt by the waist and hoisting her in the air as he whirled around in a circle. Rose touched back town to the stone floor with a small thud and gave Fili a tight hug, rocking from side to side.

"We thought we'd lost you!" said Fili.
"They wouldn't let us join in the fight," Kili pouted. Rose laughed, lightening everyone's mood tremendously. It was a great relief to have the princess back within the city.
"I know you would've done everything in your power to help me," she said as she placed a hand on either of their cheeks. King Thror stood at the entrance to the throne room, smiling down at her as if she were his own daughter. He spread his arms wide as they would go and held her firmly when she approached.

"My dear Rose," he sighed, "thank Durin you're safe!"
"Those strange dwarves," she began, "they sought to...to-"
"We will discuss it in the morning," Thror said softly, "For now, lets get you cleaned up and off to bed. You've had enough excitement for one day."

That was the most splendid bath Rose had ever received. She rested her head against the wall of the tub, soaking in the bubbles surrounding her. The warm water made her aching muscles start to dissolve their tension and relax. Her hair floated aimlessly about as the shampoos began to be rinsed from her tresses, now soft and clean.
After she had gotten into her night dress there was a soft knock at the door.

"You may enter," she called brushing her hair at the vanity table.
The door slowly opened, revealing Thorin in a simple white sleeved shirt and black trousers. His eyes still shown with worry and concern.
"I came to see how you fared," he said. Rose stood from her seat and took a step forward.
"I am alright," she started slowly, "there was some slight bruising, but I-"
"May I see?"

Rose lifted the sleeve of her gown, wincing as it slid across the purple and blue skin. He came to her side and, gingerly taking her arm, inspected the damage. Thorin looked visibly effected by the sight.
"Will I live?" she teased, attempting to lift his spirits.
"Rose, I'm so sorry, I should've been there to-"

"You have nothing to be sorry for." She placed a hand on his muscular chest. "Thorin, you were there exactly when you should've been."
He lifted her chin and gazed deeply into her eyes before leaning in to kiss her. There was no resistance as he parted her lips and began to explore her mouth with his tongue. He felt his shirt moving as she clenched it in her fists. Thorin's hands slid down the length of her back, stopping to cup her backside and hold her more closely to him. Rose moaned softly, shivering involuntarily while he grazed her bottom lip between his teeth. With great effort he forced himself to straighten, his hands still gripping her buttocks firmly.

"You must get some rest."

Her eyes fluttered as she came out of her state of pleasure and processed his words. Something changed in her eyes, and Thorin could see an edge of fear in them.

"I'm too frightened to sleep," she said "I don't wish to be left alone in the darkness..."
Thorin caressed her cheek, pressing his forehead to hers and closing his eyes.
"Please," Rose begged softly, "Will you stay with me tonight?"

Thorin smiled warmly- the first time in hours. "How could I deny such a request from my bride?"

Pausing to look at the bed, Rose watched as an idea came to Thorin's mind. Without bothering to explain anything, he turned his back to her and proceeded to remove his shirt. Rose blushed immensely, thinking he meant to suggest they consummate their love even before the wedding. Expecting to see the exposed muscles of his body, she was surprised to witness a thin layer of pearly-white Mithril fashioned in a sleeved undershirt clinging to his skin as his tunic fell to the floor. He removed this as well, giving Rose a moment to admire his impressive build before taking the first shirt and donning it once again. Thorin turned, smirking at the expression on his bride's face, holding the undershirt out for her to take.

"Wear this in place of your gown," he offered. "It will help make you feel better."

Rose took it and gave him an expectant smile as she held her skirts. Thorin looked around the room casually, turning and admiring the walls as if her were a house inspector checking to see how securely the architecture was holding up. As he did so, Rose quickly removed her gown and poked her tiny head through the hole of the shirt, letting it fall just above her knees. She could feel the warmth radiating off it from Thorin's body heat even though it fit much more loosely on her. Rose strolled to the mirror, looking over her shoulder and turning every which way to view it from different angles as women always do when trying on clothing.

"How do I look?" she inquired.
Thorin appraised her with adoration for a brief moment and chuckled.
"You look radiant," he replied. "The shirt is much more appealing now that you wear it."

Rose tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear and blushed. The bed creaked slightly under Thorin's weight as he held out a hand invitingly. She crawled under the sheets and lay her head on his thick chest, sighing as his heartbeats drummed softly in her ear. She felt his warm hands wrap around her tiny frame, and in that moment Rose felt utterly safe.

"Sleep tight, don't let the dragons bite," she wished to him as he turned out the lights. In the darkness she could fell his chest quickly rise and fall as he chuckled once more.
"Goodnight, Rose."