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Eruwaedhiel95 – Of course she is…assuming things are that simple!

Nice Egan – Glad you found some nice feels in there! And no the joke was funny!

Filisgirl251 – You'd be right to be worried.

ChocolateRain – All I'll say is you'll be screaming that during this chapter.

The One where the Punishment Doesn't Fit the Crime

My grip on my sword tightened as silence fell on me. I had been so sure I'd heard the footsteps. I'd have staked my life on it. But as the sound of birds filled the sky a small part of me wondered if I'd imagined it. It wouldn't have surprised me to be honest. But I refused to let myself relax, knowing that – if I did – I'd end up regretting it.

"Juliet, I'm surprised to see you out here by yourself."

At Gorracks voice I refused to let my anger get the better of me. As the edge of his sword gently tapped against the back of my neck I sighed.

"You want to kill me? Then just do it."

"And hope that yours husband comes here and finds you? No. I want him to watch when it happens. I want to see the fear on your faces as you die."

He dug the blade in, "Now drop your sword."

I didn't bother arguing. I had enough knives on me that Gorrack didn't know about. I even kicked it away from me before holding my hands up in surrender. He kissed the back of my hair.

"Turn around."

As I did so I braced myself for the rage in his eyes. Sure enough it was there. But so was unspeakable sadness. Whatever he had done he hadn't deserved to lose his One. If I had known I'd never have done it. Gorrack gave a satisfying nod before sheathing his sword.

"Excuse me."

As his hands began to pat my arms and body I bit my lip. It wouldn't take him long to find the rest of my weapons. Within seconds I heard each knife being tossed on the ground. Gorrack knelt down and as his hands ran up the inside of my legs I forced myself to remain still. This wasn't Nordri. Gorrack wasn't going to hurt me like that. I hoped. Gorrack got back to his feet and undid the first strap on Fili's coat. He gave me a small wink as he eyed my chest hungrily.

"Just a precaution you understand?"

"Of course."

He ran his hand along the silver chain around my neck. Pulling it out he saw my wedding ring.

"How beautiful," as he removed it from my neck I couldn't stop myself from reaching for it. Gorrack slid it through his fingers. As it crashed to the floor I didn't dare look at it.

"You'll get it back my dear. I'll make sure to adorn your corpse with it."

When he had finished his 'searching' I hurriedly covered myself up. Gorrack eyed the scattered weapons with an approving eye.

"How does it feel to be the prey once again?"

"I could still escape you know? I'd outrun you in an instant."

He nodded, "I know. But I know that you won't." Leaning closer he grabbed my wrist.

"I see the guilt in your eyes. You hate yourself for what you did to me."

"Yes. Yes I do." If I could make him see how sorry I was then maybe..? Who was I kidding? He was going to kill me no matter what I said. Gorrack stroked my wrist.

"I believe you. I don't want to. But I can see it on your face. You wished you hadn't done it."

"She held a knife to my throat! It was just instinct. You'd have done the same if I was threatening you."

Gorrack nodded, all the while his grip on me getting tighter and tighter.

"I think you and me should go for a walk."

In one single movement he jerked on my arm so I spun round with my back to him and my arm was behind my back. My shoulder hissed from the movement but I refused to show any signs of pain. Gorrack nodded and I saw his sword resting against my leg. He gave me a gentle prod and we began walking through Dale. I had no idea why he was doing this. I suppose he wanted to be as far away from the battle as possible.

"Why did you come here?" Licking my lips to keep my voice steady I was glad not to be facing Gorrack. I'd never be able to keep eye contact with him. He sighed.

"I needed to think. I needed to find the best way of getting you without alerting anyone. I had planned to sneak into Erebor as one of the wounded. But then, when I saw you out there I knew I only had to wait."

"This won't bring her back you know."

But it'll make me feel better. That's all I want."

"And then what? You'll feel better for a bit. But when that wears off what's happens then? When Yolanda died Fili felt sorry for you! He looked like he wanted to comfort you! You need to let this go Gorrack and move on."

"How sweet of him. When he's kneeling beside your body I'll comfort him. I'll make sure his death is quick so he can join you in the afterlife."

I couldn't help but roll my eyes. As we came to the top of a ruined flight of steps I was aware of the grip on my wrist vanishing. Rubbing it to try and soothe it I allowed Gorrack to take me by the arm and sit me down on a huge chunk of rock that was sitting there. It looked like part of a building but I couldn't be certain. He sat down beside me and took my hand. Sheathing his sword he brought out a knife and tapped it against my fingers.

"How far gone are you now?"

I looked at my stomach, "Seven months."

"And yet you're out here?"

"People were dying and I went to try and heal them. Unlike you I'm not self-centred…most of the time."

Gorrack raised an eyebrow before resting his knife on my arm.

"Why are you doing this? You're losing? Why could you not just accept Thorin's terms and come back to the mountain?"

"And be treated like criminals for the rest of our days? No, whatever Thorin says we would have been persecuted and demonised by the others. How could we live like that?"

"That's bull and you know it. You've spent so long living as a king you don't want it to stop. You want to live in Erebor but you can't bear the idea of being subject to someone else."

Gorrack pursed his lips before backhanding me across the face. Blinking hurriedly I looked up only to be slapped again. This time I felt my skin split slightly. Blood dripped down my face and Gorrack picked up the knife.

"You know I can't decide," he stroked my hand, "Should I break your fingers first or just cut them off? I can't decide which would cause more pain."

"How about option number three? Neither?" Even though I was trying to keep the bravado I couldn't help but be scared. Gorrack placed the knife by me and took my hand in his. Kissing my knuckles he gave me a short nod.

"But that doesn't sound like much fun."

Before I could reply he grabbed my left index finger and jerked it back. As the bone broke my whole body froze whilst I was trying not to scream. Gorrack's smile got wider as he took hold of my middle finger and broke that as well. My brain was screaming at me to fight but I couldn't move. A cry left my mouth when he did the same to my ring finger and when he broke my little finger my scream rang in my ears. Gorrack let go of my hand and I held it close to my chest. Already the joints were starting to bruise and swell. Gorrack reclaimed my hand and laid it flat on the rock.

"And now we move up."

Breaking my wrist was harder. It took him two attempts and both times had me screaming in pain. Before Gorrack could grab me I fell to my knees, holding my mangled hand to my chest. He stood over me with a sick smile.

"This is far too easy. It's almost disappointing how easy this is."

Doubling over I risked a glance at my hand. It was covered in dark bruises and was at least twice it's normal size. Gorrack nodded and I couldn't help myself.

"Great way to respect Yolanda's name Gorrack. Torturing someone? Although given she loved you she'd no doubt approve of this."

"YOU DARE SPEAK HER NAME!"

Gorrack grabbed me by the throat and lifted me off my feet. I had forgotten how strong this dwarf could be. He tightened his grip before slamming me into the wall. My broken hand lay by my side whilst the other pulled at his hand desperately. Gorrack narrowed eyes; his grip getting steadily tighter whilst I coughed weakly.

"Drop her!"

I wasn't sure who was more surprised, me or Gorrack. He looked over his shoulder whilst I craned my neck. Something almost impossible when it was on its way to being broken. Fili stood there, both swords out and one aimed at Gorrack. He flashed me a glance before settling his gaze on the other dwarf.

"I said drop her!"

Gorrack rolled his eyes. "I could snap her neck in an instant. What's to stop me from doing that?"

"Because," I broke off with several harsh coughs before looking back at Gorrack.

"Because that means I'll die too quickly for your liking."

He nodded, "Very true," looking back at Fili he gave a small smile.

"As you wish."

When his grip vanished I was far from expecting it. The ground seemed miles away when it was only a couple of feet – if it was even that. Crumpling to the floor I held my injured hand to my chest. My hair fell over my face and I had a feeling I'd lost some of my beads. Gorrack nudged me with his foot.

"Go to your husband then."

Nodding I got to my feet when he pushed me back down.

"Crawl."

I didn't dare raise my head as I moved. Using my good hand to help pull me along I felt the ground tear against my trousers. I was aware of Fili sheathing both his swords and as I neared him he fell to his knees and pulled me against him. His chest armour had gone, leaving him in a chain mail coat. I clung to him while he rocked me back and forth.

"It's okay my love. It's okay."

"What are you even doing out here?"

Fili pushed my hair from my face, "I was worried about you. I went to see if you were alright," his face clouded over, "and then I heard you screaming."

I tried to cover my broken hand with my other one. But Fili's keen eyes had already spotted it. He reached out for it and as he hesitantly took it I couldn't help my cry of pain. He kissed my forehead.

"What happened?"

"I believe," Gorrack snapped, "You interrupted us."

Letting go of me Fili's eyes hardened and he jumped to his feet.

"I'm going to give you one final chance. Turn around and walk away. Do that and I won't kill you for torturing her!"

Gorrack laughed at Fili's words. Meanwhile I forced myself to his feet and kept well behind him. Hiding behind a man wasn't exactly my big plan. But I had no weapons and only one good hand. I didn't have much choice. Fili muttered under his breath whilst Gorrack shook his head.

"Torture? I'm only just getting started."

He snapped his fingers and I froze as another dwarf stepped out. This one was the same size as Gorrack with dark hair and a scraggly beard. Fili's eyes were fixed on Gorrack – he hadn't seen the other one. Tapping him on the shoulder I opened my mouth when something shoved me aside and grabbed Fili. Stumbling backward I froze when Gorrack stopped me from falling. Pulling me close against him I looked to see Fili thrashing in the other dwarfs grip. Both of his swords had been knocked away but that wasn't stopping him. Gorrack rolled his eyes.

"This is becoming increasingly boring."

He tapped the knife against my face and Fili couldn't have gone any stiller. The dwarf holding him nodded and Gorrack sat me back down.

"One moment."

Moving towards Fili I watched as he removed every weapon he was carrying. Fili's face never left mine during the whole thing and I could see him starting in horror at my bad hand. When Fili's weapons lay scattered around him Gorrack pinched his cheek before moving back towards me. All the time my eyes had been darting from our group and back in the direction I had come from. If I could run fast enough I'd be able to out run him. Fili gave me a small nod.

RUN he mouthed. Gorrack narrowed his eyes and I didn't waste any time. Shooting to my feet I ran for my life. I heard Gorrack hurrying after me and I knew I only had to manage another few feet before he'd give up. But that was far harder in my current condition. I didn't dare go too fast in case I tripped and fell. I heard Fili yelling a few feet away but I couldn't look round. As hands grabbed me and pulled me back I went from running to fighting almost instantly.

"You bastard! You fucking son of a bitch!"

My feet lashed out as Gorrack – somehow – managed to lift me off the ground and carry me back towards the others. Fili froze when he saw us whilst my fighting only increased after spying the huge bruise on his cheek. Gorrack dropped me back on the ground and when his boot hit me in the back I fell forward, hurriedly cradling my stomach to protect the twins. It was Fili's turn to yell now as Gorrack pulled me to my knees.

"Now then, where were we before we were interrupted?"

As the knife sank into my left shoulder Fili's screams were caught up with mine. The pain was off the scale and I could already feel blood covering my coat. Gorrack jerked the knife slightly and fire shot up and down my arm and back. Shaking violently I clawed at the ground – unable to look at Fili who was yelling and swearing more than I ever could. I assumed the pain would lessen when the knife was removed. But as it slid out of my skin the pain remained the same. A horrible burning sensation that burrowed its way into me. Taking deep breaths I looked up at Fili. Tears covered his face and I forced myself to smile. I wasn't broken yet. Gorrack said nothing as I got to my feet, grimacing every few seconds. He nodded.

"You really are tough." He sounded genuinely proud of that. He twirled the knife in his hand absentmindedly.

"Now let's even it up."

I'd managed to back away a few steps before he grabbed my broken hand and pulled me forward. Dropping to my knees I couldn't cry out any more. Instead I knelt there and shaky tears fell down my face. Gorrack tutted.

"Pitiful."

"Wait!"

At Fili's voice I began shaking my head. He'd freed himself from the dwarf who was holding him and was now inching towards Gorrack. Getting to my feet I gave him a small glare. Fili licked his lips and gave me an encouraging nod.

"Hurt me instead."

I shook my head even more at this. Gorrack raised an eyebrow and when I tried to pull away from him he tightened his grip, causing my legs to tremble. Fili gave him a pleading look.

"If you want to hurt someone then here I am. Please just leave her alone!"

"Fili shut up."

He raised an eyebrow at my tone and I rolled my eyes. Gorrack let go of my broken wrist and Fili gave a shaky nod. However, the scarred dwarf simply shook his head before slamming his fist into my wounded shoulder. Before I could collapse he grabbed me and forced me to face Fili. Through my sweat soaked hair I could see him staring at me, his face ashen. Gorrack gripped my shoulder hard and I hissed.

"You're very brave to take her punishment. But there will be no negotiations. She committed the crime and she will be punished for it."

"She's seven months pregnant!" Fili dropped to his knees, "For Mahals sake at least have some compassion?"

Gorrack eyed my stomach hungrily. "I hadn't even thought about your child. I wonder how long it would take before I made you miscarry."

Holding my bad hand by my side I swung at Gorrack with the other one. I heard the sound of his nose breaking, but before I could relax I freed myself from his grip and kicked him hard in the bollocks. Backing away I felt Fili arms round me. Kissing his cheek I gave a tearful nod.

"I say we run."

"Good idea." Taking my hand he began pulling me along. But I should have known it wouldn't be that easy. The other dwarf barred our way and when we backed up I saw Gorrack getting to his feet. Fili pushed me behind him and Gorrack shook his head. Blood covered his nose which was starting to swell. Fili kept his body covering mine the whole time.

"I will kill you for this!" He spat. Gorrack raised an eyebrow.

"I doubt it."

I had no time to scream or even warn Fili. One second the knife flashed and the next it disappeared. Fili's whole body froze and he gave a pained cry. Looking down I saw Gorrack remove the knife from his side. As Fili sank to his knees I grabbed his arms to stop him falling. Gorrack loomed over him.

"I really do doubt it."

I didn't see the knife go in Fili's side a second time. His whole body arched before collapsing on the ground. Blood began to pool from his wounds and as he pressed a hand weakly to his side I shook my head whilst Gorrack wiped the blade on his trousers.

"Let's go."

Grabbing my arm he hauled me to my feet. Fili reached out for me with his free hand whilst I fought against Gorrack's grip.

"No! No…let me go! Please…FILI!"

Gorrack shook me hard. "Silence! I've no wish to gag you."

Wrapping both arms around me he half dragged and half carried me away. Craning my neck I saw the weak figure of Fili roll onto his side. He forced himself up before sinking back down again. Tears blurred my vision.

"Fili?"

I saw him try and get up one more time before Gorrack turned a corner and he vanished from sight. As more tears came I found myself getting weaker and weaker. Gorrack kissed my cheek.

"Good girl Juliet. Good girl."

So then…that was a cliff-hanger and a half! But I promise you there will be a happy ending! Just please PLEASE hang in there! Poor Juliet and Fili! And even though I did have a bit of sympathy for Gorrack it's now vanished forever after all of this. Let me know what you think xx