Big thanks to AliR, mysterious Victoria for following/favouriting.

Syeern – Yeah I changed it after posting this chapter. Originally this wasn't going to happen which is why is started out at a lower rating.

Nice Egan – But on the plus side Fili rescued her!

BlondiezHere – Yeah I didn't want her to just let it happen.

Rachetg – Things are just going to get more intense.

Wolfimus prime – You can…but then Fili won't be able to extract his revenge.

Aranel Mereneth – It's okay. Fili would never let anything happen to her.

Guest – Aww thanks very much!

The Aftermath is Always Hardest

Lysa had no idea how long they lay there for. Fili didn't stop hugging her and she could feel him shaking. He pressed one last kiss on her forehead before easing back to look at her.

"Oh Lysa…"

His quick fingers pulled the gag away and Lysa licked her lips.

"He…is he dead? Is he dead!"

Fili turned and bent down. Pressing his fingers to Kehal's neck he gave her a grim smile

"Unfortunately not."

Lysa wasn't sure how she should feel. Relieved maybe? After all she was no killer. Hands grabbed hers and she pulled against them. However as Fili smiled at her she relaxed and let him slice through the ropes. His hands were shaking so much she was surprised he didn't cut himself. Throwing the ropes away Fili then leant over and undid her collar. Once that was free Lysa allowed him to sit her up and she drew her knees to her chest. Fili gulped as though he had only just realised she was naked. He rubbed her arms up and down.

"Are you alright? I mean did he…"

Lysa shook her head, "He was seconds away from it when you came in."

Pulling her close Fili buried his face in her neck. He mumbled something before kissing her cheek and looking her up and down.

"Oh your legs!" Clenching his fist he looked back at Kehal.

"I'll kill him."

Rubbing his back soothingly Lysa kissed him on the cheek and Fili held her hands.

"I'm getting you out of here."

He passed Lysa his coat and she slid it on as best she could without showing him anything.

"Just get me out of this room."

Fili pulled her to her feet, "I don't mean this room. I mean this whole bloody castle! I'm helping you escape right now Lysa!"

"But…"

He sighed, "We're leaving tomorrow and Thorin wasn't able to get you released. We were going to sneak you out ourselves but now..?"

Nodding Lysa got to her feet and glanced about the room for her dress. Her eyes landed on the smouldering fire and when she saw the few scraps of fabric she sighed. Behind her Fili grunted and Lysa watched on as he hauled Kehal's body onto the bed. Fili chained the princes wrists to the bed before gagging him.

"In case he wakes up."

Nodding Lysa watched as Fili clenched his fist before bringing it down on Kehal's face. Fili punched him again and again before moving away.

"Feel better?"

He nodded, "Much better," he took her hand, "Are you okay to walk?"

Lysa bit her lip. She didn't want to appear weak but she knew if she took a step her legs would just shake. Taking her silence as his answer Fili scooped her up into his arms. His hands brushed against her bare legs but Lysa forced herself to remain calm. He wouldn't hurt her. He would keep her safe.

Whether it was by design or pure luck they met no one on the way back. Even though Fili's face was emotionless Lysa could feel him shaking. Neither of them spoke until they reached Fili's room. As he shut the door behind them Lysa had dried the last of her tears. Fili got her red dress out of the wardrobe and handed it over to her.

"Put this on, I'll find a cloak for you."

Nodding Lysa moved towards the bathroom before her legs froze. Clutching the dress to her body she gave a small shake of the head.

"Fili…I can't."

"What do you mean?"

He moved in front of her and kissed her forehead. Lysa bowed her head.

"I don't want to be on my own. I don't want him to get me again."

"Oh my love," Fili pulled her against him, "He'll never touch you. I failed you once but I'm never doing so again."

Lysa nodded, "Could you help me please?"

A small blush appeared on Fili's face, "Are you sure you want me to? After what just happened are you sure you want me…to see you?"

Lysa nodded and he took the dress from her and held it open for her. Letting his coat drop to the floor Lysa noticed he had averted his gaze as best he could. Trying not to look at her bruised body she stepped into the dress – staying silent as Fili laced it up. He beamed at her.

"All better."

Lysa said nothing as he passed her a thick cloak. It was far too big but given she needed to remain unseen maybe that was best. Fili looked her up and down.

"Have you any boots? My spares will be far too big."

Lysa shook her head, "I can go barefoot. I don't mind."

Fili gave her a proud smile. However Lysa was still stuck with a sense of unease.

"How are we going to get out? The main gates will be guarded."

Fili nodded, "I was planning on getting some help."

Lysa said nothing as Fili led her back down the corridors. Her bare feet were freezing but she wasn't going to complain. Instead she clung to Fili like a small child as he stopped by a door and gently knocked. Lysa gave Fili a small nudge.

"What are you doing?"

Smiling he opened his mouth when the door opened. As Kessandra stood there Lysa lowered her head in an instant. Fili cleared his throat.

"May we come in?"

She stood back and Lysa followed Fili through. Even when Kessandra shut the door Lysa still kept her head down.

"Fili?"

At Kili's voice Lysa raised her head slightly, making sure the worst of the damage was hidden by her hair. However as she saw that Kili was wearing just his trousers she blushed. Fili rubbed his nose.

"Sorry if we were…interrupting."

"It's fine," Kessandra said, "What's wrong?"

Lysa cleared her throat.

"Kehal…he…"

She shook her head and instead allowed Fili to take over.

"He beat her and then tried to rape her."

Kili spat a curse whilst Kessandra gasped. As the princess took her hands Lysa lifted her head up.

"Oh Lysa! I'm so sorry."

Lysa could do nothing as Kessandra pulled her over towards the sofa by the fireplace.

"Where is he now?"

Lysa shook her head, "Fili stopped him before…I hit him with a helmet. He's out cold."

Lysa hadn't been expecting the hug. After all she had just told Kessandra that her brother was comatose because of her. However Kessandra gave a tearful smile.

"He's a monster. He should be the one who gets publicly flogged, not you."

Lysa gave a small shrug as Kessandra's grip on her arms tightened.

"Why are you here?"

"Well…" Fili licked his lips, "I…I need your help to get Lysa out of the castle. I know it's against the law but after what almost happened to her…"

"Mother said she would release you," Kessandra said to Lysa. Fili shook his head.

"She lied. And when she finds out what happened to Kehal…"

Lysa bowed her head. In the rush of everything she had forgotten about what she had done. She had assaulted the prince. Self - defence wasn't an excuse for her. She would be hanged if she stayed here. Kessandra nodded.

"Give me a few minutes. There's a way out of the castle that avoids any of the gates. I found it years ago and I have a feeling mother doesn't know about it."

As the princess moved away Lysa turned to see Fili smiling at her. Kili on the other hand was looking more worried.

"Fee what will you do? If you aren't here by tomorrow..?"

"I'll think of something," Fili said, "But I need to get Lysa away from here."

Kili sighed before nodding, "Of course."

"Ok," Kessandra tied her cloak around herself before moving towards the door.

"Are we ready?"

Nodding Lysa got up and took Fili's hand. They were at the door when Kili's voice rang in her ear.

"Wait. I'm coming with you."

Lysa hadn't expected this hidden passage to be so close. All four of them stood by one of the many shield that hung up on the walls. Kessandra waited a few seconds before turning and lifting the shield from the wall. Lysa then watched as she prised open a small door that led out into a cramped and narrow tunnel.

"This leads right underneath the city," Kessandra whispered, "You'll find yourself a few metres from the castle when you get out. There's a small town nearby, you'll find shelter there."

Nodding Fili smiled gratefully at her and Kessandra smiled back.

"I'll come back tomorrow morning and wait for you when you come back."

Fili nodded before he turned to Kili. Lysa watched on as the pair of them hugged each other tightly. As they drew apart she then glanced at Kessandra. She knew they weren't on hugging terms but curtseying felt wrong. Kessandra took her hand.

"I'm sorry I couldn't keep you from his hands."

"It's alright," Lysa said, "You did everything you could and more. I'll be forever grateful for this."

Kessandra opened her mouth when hurried footsteps could be heard. Lysa had no time to speak as Fili grabbed her and hoisted her up into the tunnel. She crawled forward to give him some room. As the door was shut behind them she tried not to think about the fact the tunnel was now in pitch darkness. Sitting up against the wall she could just about see Fili sitting beside her. He took her hand.

"Are you alright?"

Lysa nodded before realising he wouldn't see.

"Yes. Yes I think so."

Fili gave her hand a squeeze, "Okay, let's get going."

It was slow progress. Given that every inch was taking that one bit closer to freedom; Lysa didn't understand why she wasn't rushing. After all the tunnel was completely straight, no forks or choices to make. But given the sheer darkness she couldn't help but be wary. She had no idea where she was putting her hands and every so often Kehal face came back into her mind. His leering eyes and cruel smile. Only in these images Fili wasn't there to save her. He'd be tied to a chair – forced to watch.

"Lysa?"

At Fili's voice Lysa stopped and turned. She could just about see him behind her.

"Shall we stop for a bit?"

Lysa answered by sitting against the tunnel wall and leaning against him. Fili put his arm around her shoulders.

"I just wanted to say how proud I am of you," Fili's lips brushed against her neck, "For being so brave."

Lysa snorted, "I'm not brave. Not like you and your family. You charged into battle. I could never do that."

Fili's kisses deepened against her skin.

"I don't mean that," he mumbled, "To survive all these years of enslavement. To survive being touched and forced into bed on countless nights..? I'd never be able to survive that."

Leaning against him Lysa pressed her mouth against his. Fili cupped her face softly lest he aggravate her bruises whilst Lysa pressed hands to his chest.

"Did I tell you how beautiful you are?"

Fili blushed. Lysa couldn't see him but she knew him well enough to know he would blush at something like that. He pressed kisses against her throat.

"You're far more beautiful Lysa. Always will be."

Moving away Lysa smiled at him before turning and crawling again. Biting her lip she tried not to think about the state her knees would be in when all this was over.

"How much more do you think there is?" Fili asked.

"Mahal only knows," Lysa answered, "But…I don't think we're too far off. It's not like we were on the other side of the castle after all."

"So this goes under the moat as well?"

"Must do,"

Fili said nothing to this and Lysa simply gritted her teeth as she carried on crawling to freedom.

Half an hour later the tunnel suddenly stopped. Lysa blinked as she saw it led out into a huge cavern. Forcing her stiff limbs out she brushed the filth from her dress and glanced around her. Still underground she could make out the sound of running water – they had crossed the moat then.

"Could…could I have some help?"

Turning Lysa pressed a hand to her mouth as she caught sight of Fili. The tunnel had begun to shrink a few metres back and she had only just managed to crawl out. Taking his arms she gave a small tug and he wriggled out. Lysa bit her lip at his dishevelled-ness. Braids askew and dirt covering his clothes. She knew she looked no better but she had always looked like this. Fili gave her a small nod.

"What now?"

Lysa scanned the whole cavern for some sort of sign that there was a way out. There had to be one of course. What was the point in a tunnel that led nowhere?

"Lysa over here!"

She watched as Fili ran forward and scrambled up a rocky incline. He began pressing against a huge boulder and only when she got closer could Lysa see why.

A small chink of light was streaming through.

Standing beside him she added her own minimal strength to the job. Fili grunted as – together – they pushed the boulder away. As it fell backwards several small stones fell down the incline and Lysa smiled as she caught sight of the setting sun through the trees. Fili hurriedly climbed out before leaning back down and offering his hand. Taking it Lysa forced her wooden feet to move. Once she was out she was dimly aware of Fili pushing the stone back into place. But none of that mattered. She could feel grass on her bare feet. The wind on her cheeks. Falling to her knees she allowed her hands to brush over the ground.

"How does it feel?" She knew Fili was smiling. Lysa shook her head. She still couldn't quite believe it.

She had done it. She had gained her freedom.

So this is a happy chapter for you all after what's just happened. Although I should warn you things won't be as simple. Plus I've not forgotten about getting revenge on Kehal and Elessandra. But all in good time. Let me know what you think xxx