p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"'Thank goodness that horses need to be watered!' Sepha thought as she dismounted./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"She loved riding and her pony was great! Unlike Kili's! However, sitting in the saddle with her legs spread apart, made it all the more uncomfortable when her bladder began to fill up from breakfast and they had been riding for hours. After getting a headache on past trips from not drinking enough, Sepha had made it a routine to drink a full skin (Which is about the size of a waterbottle) every two to three hours. However, this didn't help when you were in the saddle and couldn't empty your bladder whenever you wanted./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"When she dismounted, she tied the reins of her pony on his saddle so he didn't trip and let him wander to the stream with the other ponies. She sighed and grabbing her bag, she headed to a clump of bushes that was out of sight of the dwarves. However, it wasn't as easy as that./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Before she even took a step in that direction, Nori, Ori, Dori and Bofur were upon her, asking her questions and inquiring if she would be interested in joining in a new bet. Sepha barely heard what they were saying for her head was spinning with their voices and the need to relieve herself. All she heard was something about how long it would take them to get through Mirkwood. These dwarves seriously bet on everything! Even about Bofur's cooking! Once Dori and Nori had made a bet about how many times Bombur called for a bathroom break during the first half of the trip but finding it rather disturbing, Sepha had declined./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""Uh guys... I have to go," Sepha said, cringing when she felt her bladder weaken. If she didn't go soon she would wet her pants and that would be embarrassing./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Just when she felt like she was going to burst, a deep voice cut through the four dwarves' chatter./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""Let Sepha go. Seriously, you can chatter her ear off after she has a few moments to herself." THorin remarked, stepping to pull Ori and Nori back by their hoods. "Have a little respect."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Dori and Bofur nodded their heads and ducked away, giving Sepha an apology before pulling Nori and Ori away with them, leaving THorin and Sepha alone. Thorin smiled at her which only aided in making Sepha's already flushed face go crimson./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""Sorry about that."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Sepha shook her head, "Don't worry about it. Thank you though for stepping in."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Thorin smiled, "They were going a little too far. Though I wont follow suit and keep you."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"The girl smiled gratefully as the dwarf prince bowed his head to her as a sign of excusing himself and headed over to talk with Gandalf and Dwalin. Sepha quickly spun on her heel and charged away from the company. When she finished, she was walking back to the company when something flashed in her mind./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Balin had said that another sign of a dwarf showing interest in a girl would be to show signs of respect, protection and standing up for her... which was exactly what Thorin had just done... holy noodles!/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"When Sepha came back into the clearing where the dwarves were beginning to gather their ponies, Sepha felt her cheeks flame red even though THorin wasn't even looking in her direction. /p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""here Sepha," Fili invited, holding out the reins of her pony to the girl./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Sepha thanked him and took the reins but it was evident her mind was elsewhere and her cheeks were still a cute shade of pink. Fili smiled at the sight, having to admit that the girl was rather pretty./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""You know, if you were any younger, I would ask to court you," Fili said, mostly in a teasing tone but after what SEpha had experienced, she wasn't taking anything lightly./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"She lifted her eyes in puzzlement, "Is it a dwarf custom to be the same age?"/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Fili shook his head, "If you found your one, it doesn't matter. I actually know a dwarf who married a dam who was about our age difference apart and she was the older one."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Sepha smiled, "So you have never had an interest in girls?"/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""Oh I wouldn't say that," Fili remarked. "I found you vastly interesting when I first met you and after I found out everything about you... I was considering asking for your favor."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""You think I'm your one?" Sepha inquired./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Fili smiled and turned slightly red from nervousness, "I wouldn't say that... but sometimes it's hard to get to know a lass if you're just friends. if a lass gives a dwarf her 'favor' which is like her permission to get to know her better, they aren't considered just friends or courting... but somewhere between. It is often that dwarves ask several girls for their favor until they're sure they found their one."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""Then why didn't you?" Sepha inquired. "I wouldn't have minded."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Fili's eyes seemed to light up but immediately, something in his mind clicked and the back of his ears turned pink but his face showed no signs of sadness, only embarrassment. He glanced over his shoulder at THorin, remembering full well how all the other dwarves had fallen under Thorin during the arm wrestling match, meaning that none of them had a right to ask for her favor, except THorin. Such was custom./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""I...I changed my mind," Fili replied, scurrying off before he embarrassed himself more./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Fili honestly wasn't hurt that Thorin had put Sepha off limits by winning the wrestling match but he felt bad that he had to hurt her. The way he had told her, he knew that she would be hurt especially since he had said it as if he had lost interest in her. In truth, he adored Sepha as a friend, a sister and even as a mother figure. After Rivendell and how she had strove to care for him and Kili, he had begun to see her less and less as a mate and more as someone who was older than him, but also how she suited Thorin much better than him. There had been a point where he wouldn't have minded to have her favor and even though he still wouldn't mind now, he had begun to realize that she was still more like a mother/sister to him./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Sepha watched Fili go and felt a pain in her chest. Fili had lost interest... well that was to be expected considering how out of the normal she was and how she wasn't full blooded dwarf. However, there was something about how Fili told her that said that something about it wasn't entirely the truth. Glancing at all the other dwarves, she saw that Kili had been watching and seemed a little saddened, she was not sure about what though. Balin and Dwalin were peering at her but looked away when she looked their direction. They then began chatting together and even though they had seemed so excited and happy a few minutes ago, they almost looked concerned and worried. THorin was conversing with Gandalf and seemed oblivious, a smile on his face and his eyes bright. She was going to find out what was going on if it was the last thing she did. /p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" /p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Once they entered the forest, Sepha had forgotten everything that had been racking her brains for the past few hours. Gandalf had left them and they had of course, lost the path. Kili began to mumble things that didn't make any sense to Sepha. Some of them, having to do about bets and wagers did make sense but SEpha forgot about them the moment they left Kili's mouth... she couldn't remember anything... her head was swimming... what was going on?/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"She remembered vaguely hearing Thorin yell at everyone to be quiet, then she remembered seeing Bilbo scurry up a tree to look for where they needed to go...then everything went black./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"When Sepha came to, she found herself covered in a sticky material that she at once recognized as web! EEEEEEWWWWWW!/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Tearing it off her face, she was glad that it didn't stick to her leather clothes and hair as much as the dwarves. She found herself lying on several bodies and Ori was partially on top of her. The young dwarf rolled off of her with a quick apology. Sepha saw that she was partially lying on Dwalin who wiggled out from beneath her and began to help the others up./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"When Dwalin stood up, Sepha rolled for her feet were still pinned and wrapped up so she landed on another body, banging heads with the person. She groaned and she heard a soft groan coming from the other person. Her hair flopped over her eyes, blinding her and she mumbled to herself./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""Of all things to happen. Spiders. THey're supposed to remain small!"/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"There was a chuckle beneath her and a hand brushed her hair out of her eyes. Her eyes went wide and her cheeks turned bright red when she realized she was lying on THorin! He was lying on his back, smiling and chuckling at her reaction and the mess she was in. He pushed her hair out of her eyes and tucked some strands behind her ears, letting his fingers linger on the side of her face a little longer than need be./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Sepha was so glad that her head was now clear of the curse or she wouldn't have managed to snap herself out of the daze THorin had her in. When she pushed up from his chest, she rolled over, realizing her legs were still wrapped. Sitting up, she began to tear at it and soon THorin bent down and helped her by cutting the web with a dagger./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""They made sure to bind you up tighter than the rest of us," THorin pointed out. /p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Sepha grinned, "They must have noticed that I have a thin hide and didn't want me to burst!"/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"This only caused THorin to grin brighter, "On the contrary, they probably smelt that your blood would be much more agreeable than the rest of us."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Sepha knew that Thorin was speaking logic, since the spiders had been attracted to their blood but she was still slightly surprised at his answer, "And how would you know how my blood smelt? It actually smells really bad when it's not in my body!"/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"This brought out a laugh from Thorin who drew the girl to her feet, "Maybe so, but the rest of you smells so good that even spiders couldn't resist."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Of course, this made Sepha's face go bright pink when she realized he was paying her a compliment on how she smelt... how did he know how she smelt? They usually weren't close enough and for the most part, she was so soiled and bloody that she only smelt of the road and blood. /p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""THORIN!" Dwalin called, snapping the two of them out of their conversation. "SPIDERS!"/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""Come on!" THorin called, grabbing Sepha by the hand and Orcrist in the other./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"They began to rush through the woods, battling spiders when suddenly, a familiar noise split the air and Sepha found herself shivering... the sound of a bow./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Looking up, she saw an elf swinging down towards them, killing spiders as he went. For a second she thought he was thranduil, what with the blond hair and all. However, as he got nearer and aimed his bow directly at Thorin, Sepha recognized him./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"He had been younger when she last saw him... barely a lad. He had actually be one of the few elves who had been kind and courteous to her when Thranduil practically had her as an experiment. Legolas had shown distaste for his father's experiments on Sepha and had even been the one to aid her in escaping. Him and another elf./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""Do not think I wont kill you dwarf. It would be my pleasure," Legolas hissed./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Sepha found herself smirking, especially when Thorin didn't say anything but lowered Orcrist. /p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Soon, Kili was brought over and Sepha recognized the female elf: Tauriel as the other elf who had helped her escape. Of course, Sepha was one of the few who knew back then about Legolas's crush on the female elf but of course, Tauriel had confided in Sepha that she wasnt sure she liked Legolas in that way./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""Search them," Legolas ordered./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"He had still not spied Sepha who was hidden behind Fili and now Kili. Just then, an elf approached FIli and caught sight of the girl./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""Legolas," He called. "There is a girl."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Legolas's head snapped up from where he was searching Gloin and his eyes met Sepha's./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""Seph?" he asked./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"All the dwarves bristled at his use for Sepha's pet name but stopped when they saw the girl smiled sweetly at him. The elf walked around the dwarves and stood before Sepha, smiling./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""What are you doing here?"/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Sepha knew she couldn't reveal much but Legolas was her friend, "I'm part of the company. Just hanging out."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Legolas shot a look at THorin, suspicion playing in his eyes, "And I suppose you know these dwarves?"/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Sepha nodded, "Aye."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Legolas considered the dwarves a moment before sighing, "LET's move!"/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" With that, Sepha and the dwarves were shuffled off towards the Woodland Realm. However, Thorin noticed with deep annoyance that Legolas kept a gentle hand on Sepha's shoulder. Of course, THorin found it impossible to get near Sepha especially with all the shoving and pushing./p
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p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""You know it wouldn't be a good idea to take Sepha before your father," Tauriel remarked as they shoved the dwarves into cells./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Sepha stood, Legolas's hand still on her shoulder, "You know that he'll know she's here even if we keep it a secret from him," the elf pointed out. "WE don't want his wrath on her to be worse than it already is."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""Well he's speaking with the lead dwarf," Tauriel pointed out, shoving Kili into his cell. "Just wait till that's over."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Legolas nodded and led Sepha off to his father. When they arrived, Thorin and Thranduil seemed to be in a heated argument. Thranduil was sauntering up the steps to his throne, saying something about how Thorin was just like his grandfather./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""Father," Legolas remarked, catching the king's attention./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Thorin didn't turn around, obviously not knowing that Legolas had Sepha but when Thranduil's eyebrows went up, Thorin spun around./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""Well what do we have here?"/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""Sepha," Thorin whispered, staring at the girl in shock./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Sepha smiled at Thorin with encouragement, "it's alright."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""Finally you came to your senses and returned," Thranduil remarked./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Sepha snorted and brushed Legolas's hand off her shoulder, "In your dreams!"/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Thorin smiled slightly at her response but when Thranduil stormed from the throne, he tensed./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""You had everything you wanted here!" he hissed. "You had a life, people who cared about you, food, a home and a purpose."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Sepha stormed away from Legolas so that she was standing right before the king and she jabbed his chest with her finger, "I had nothing here! The only people who cared about me were Legolas and Tauriel! I didn't have a life! I was being used! I was half starved to death and you threatened to not feed me unless I bore an offspring that I would have with another mixed breed! This was not a home! It was a prison cell! My only purpose was to fulfill you and your blasted experiment!"/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Thranduil's dark eyebrows lowered and his eyes darkened, "Legolas, remove Oakenshield from my presence. I wish to speak with Sepha alone."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Thorin at once began to struggle but the two guards who grabbed him were taller and stronger. As they dragged him away, his eyes darkened./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""Don't even think about hurting her!" he hissed./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"When THorin was gone, Thranduil turned to Sepha, "Now my dear. I think it's high time we came to an agreement."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""You mean a deal?" Sepha inquired./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Thranduil nodded, "If you stay here and continue on with my emstrongproject/strong/em, I will let your dwarf friends go. If not, you will all remain here as prisoners."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Sepha crossed her arms, "Indeed? Well it seems like I have you at a disadvantage. You get one of me, but for me, you free thirteen of them."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""True," THranduil remarked. "in that case. You will stay here to continue the project... and you will release yourself from oakenshield."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Sepha raised her eyebrows, "What are you talking about? I didn't take an oath or anything. I didn't even sign a contract."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Thranduil chuckled, "Oh no, I was referring to your emotional bond with him."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Sepha felt her heart freeze. Was it that obvious?/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""I have no idea what you're talking about. We're nothing but friends."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Thranduil nodded, "Uh huh? Then how come Thorin has a claim on you."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""He has no claim on me!" Sepha shouted, getting annoyed. "The only time that THorin ever staked a claim concerning me was when he made himself my 'protector'."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Thranduil's eyebrows went down, "And how did he do that?"/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""An arm wrestling match with the other dwarves," Sepha replied, losing her patience./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"A loud laugh erupted from the king which only aggravated Sepha more./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""My dear Persephone. You have always been so naive. Have you no idea what an arm wrestling match implies when it comes to dwarves? For humans and elves it's just a form of competition. For dwarves, it's much more personal," the elf remarked, suddenly having Sepha's full attention. "When dwarves have an arm wrestling match in the presence of only one female, no matter if they are their kin or not, the winner of the match now is the only one of the dwarves who competed who is allowed to court the lass."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Sepha froze. She didn't quite get all of that but from how he was saying it, Thorin had somehow put her off limits. "Explain..."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Thranduil smiled, glad that she was listening, "THorin wont the match against the other dwarves correct?"/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Sepha nodded./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""Then that means that THorin is now the only person who has any right to court you now. If anyone else wishes to have an interest in courting you or even asking for your favor, they must best him at arm wrestling. It's a way that dwarves stake their claim. Mark their territory. You practically belong to Thorin now as far as romance and courting is implied."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""YOU MEAN TO TELL ME THAT I"M NOT ALLOWED TO COURT ANYONE!?" Sepha shouted./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""No one but Oakenshield," Thranduil replied. "unless someone can best him. though I have to say, if he won against all the dwarves of your company, it will be difficult for anyone to best him."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""Oh that little son of a half troll..." Sepha muttered under her breath, feeling her face go red with fury./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Thranduil smiled, glad that he had hit a sensitive spot, "Legolas will escort you back to your friends. I'll give you some time to think about my proposal and you can tell me when you're ready."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Sepha didn't speak, didn't look up and didn't even object when Legolas placed a hand on her elbow and ushered her away from his father. /p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"When Legolas led her down to the dungeons, the girl finally looked up and her green eyes blazed with fury. For a second, Legolas was afraid she would morph but instead, her fingers just sparked with fire instead. /p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""Sorry Seph but I'll have to put you in a cell," Legolas apologized./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"With that, he opened a cell door and she walked in. Legolas closed it gently and locked it, but not before smiling at her in a fond way./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Sepha walked around her cell, inspecting the place. This was a different cell from the one she had been in the last time she was here. However, when she had entered, she had noticed that there were two cells connected to hers. The cells were so dark that she couldn't tell if there was anyone in the other cells. However, she did know that Balin was to her right./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""Sepha," Fili's voice called out from some other cell. "Are you alright?"/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""I'm fine," Sepha replied, trying to not snap./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""Did he hurt you?" Kili's voice called./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""No," Sepha replied. "He just wanted to bargain."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""Bargain what?" Dwalin's voice called./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""If I agree to stay here and be subject to his experiments, he will let you all go. If not, we're stuck here to rot," Sepha replied. "he said he would give me time to think about it."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""You can't do it Seph!" Balin pointed out. "Who knows what he'll do to you if you agree."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Sepha nodded but then she heard footsteps outside. Peering out of her cell, she saw the two guards returning with Thorin. He must have made it difficult for them to get him back because she beat him here. They pushed the dwarf prince into the cell next to Sepha and locked the gate. /p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""Did he offer you a deal?" Balin asked while Sepha was busy watching the dwarf who had the keys. She hoped Bilbo, wherever he was, could get a hold of them./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""He did." Thorin replied. "I told him he could emgoish kakhfa ai-d dur-rugnu. Him and all his kin!"/em/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Balin sighed, "Well that's that. A deal was our only hope... and we cannot expect Sepha to go with the deal Thranduil offered her."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Sepha snapped out of her concentration and realized that Thorin was in the cell next to her, and he had approached the bars that separated them, "Sepha? Are you alright? What did he do..."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Before he could even finish, he found the side of his head smashed against the bars, his body flush against the bars and Sepha's strong hands gripping the neck of his tunic, holding him there./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""strongHvag er dieg utgrag? dieg head er som kjutekk som stone!" /strongShe cried in Kuzdul (What is your problem? Your head is as thick as stone!)/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""What did I do now?" Thorin asked./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""You have no right to stake a claim on me like I'm just an object to be won!"/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""What are you talking about lass?" Balin inquired, not sure why she was so upset./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""strongDuag settereg merg avpag limits til hver annen menneskelig being niden de verdag! pa beorn's duag marked merg som dieg territory! ei en er tilogmeg allowed til spokk min favor unless deakk kag benetest duag/strong!" she yelled (YOU PUT ME OFF LIMITS TO EVERY OTHER HUMAN BEING IN THE WORLD! AT BEORN'S YOU MARKED ME AS YOUR TERRITORY! NO ONE IS EVEN ALLOWED TO ASK MY FAVOR UNLESS THEY CAN BEST YOU)/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Thorin's face at once went ashen and all the other dwarves listened in for they knew what Sepha was talking about./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""I was meaning to tell you," Thorin replied./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""Really?" Sepha insisted. "When were you going to tell me? When you finished trying to attract my attention and make yourself seem like the only right person for me to court?"/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Thorin winced. She was mad... he had messed up bad!/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""I didn't know at the time that you didn't know about dwarven customs," THorin replied, trying to stay calm./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""Is that so?" Sepha snapped. "What else was I oblivious to besides the feels of strength, skill and the marking of territory?"/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""The braiding," THorin whispered./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Sepha's hand tightened on his tunic and Thorin felt the air in him escape when he rammed against the bars again, "You knew! I told you I didn't know about the customs but you did it anyway! You put me off limits! Fili didn't lose interest! He stopped thinking about it because of you! You put me off limits and discouraged other people from showing any interest! Did it ever occur to you that I have a right to say who I want to be interested in? I have a say in my life, especially my love life THorin Oakenshield! I would have thought your father taught you this! I thought you respected me!"/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""I do respect you..." THorin began./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""NO YOU DONT!" Sepha yelled. "if you did, you wouldn't have stood between me and every other man in the whole of middle earth! Gosh darn it THorin Oakenshield why do you have to be so selfish!? Just because you're a prince doesn't mean that you have a right to mark everything and everyone as your territory! Why didn't you just ask?"/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""I didn't know what you would say," Thorin replied. "I wanted to be sure that I had a chance."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""Well you don't now!" Sepha screamed. "It will take a miracle for you to have a chance now you stubborn, thick headed dwarf! Will you just chain me to the floor if I don't allow you to court me? What if I don't love you!?"/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Suddenly, THorin was released. The whole prison was dead silent but only Balin and Thorin could see Sepha. The girl had retracted the moment the last words came from her mouth and now she had her hands covering her mouth, her eyes widen with shock and fright. She hadn't meant to say that. True, she was furious with THorin for not telling her but she didn't mean the last part. She still loved him... gosh did she love him! /p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"THorin's blue eyes were wide with surprise at her outburst, but they widened more when he saw that she looked horrified./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""Sepha..."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Before he could even say anything, Sepha charged to the gate of her prison, refusing to look at anyone, "LEGOLAS!"/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"The elf was at the prison gate within a second, "What is it Seph?"/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""I'll agree to your father's terms. I'll do what he wants."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" /p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" /p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Seph are you out of your mind?" FIli cried from his cell. "Who knows what they will do to you if you agree."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""He could very well not go with his word and just up and rape you!" Dwalin shouted./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Gloin and OIn didn't make a sound but kept ramming each other against their gate in an attempt to get out. Sepha was sitting in the furthest, darkest corner of her cell as far from THorin as she could. He was pacing back and forth in his cell, pinching the bridge of his nose and looking fully conflicted and worried./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""Can't we just wait for the halfling?" Bofur asked, stating the obvious/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""What if he never comes?" Ori asked. /p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""Maybe Sepha has the right idea," Nori admitted./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""ARE YOU CRAZY!" half the dwarves hollered, making a ruckus./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""Sepha dear," Balin said through the bars. "Can't you just let us wait for a while and see if we can find a way out of this one?"/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"When Sepha didn't reply, all the dwarves began to chatter again. Finally the girl had enough and rising to her feet, she morphed into a massive wolf and rammed her head against the bars, silencing the dwarves./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""ENOUGH!" she cried, "JUST STOP!"/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Her voice at first had been strong and demanding but as she continued, they could hear it breaking as she morphed back to human and tears sprang to her eyes, "Just...stop...please..."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"She slowly slid down the bars of her cell and sat on the ground, pulling her knees to her chest. "I'm just a wolf... a beast. Let me trade the beast for your freedom... please..."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"AT once the dwarves began to object again, not at her idea but at the fact that she had called herself a beast. They knew she was implying that she wasn't worthy and they tried to talk her out of it. THorin noticed tears streaming down Sepha's face so walking to the gate of his cell, he yelled./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""SHAZAR!" he yelled./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Instantly the dwarves shut up and the prison was swallowed in silence. THorin walked over to the bars that separated him and SEpha and crouched down as close to the girl as he could. /p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""Sepha," he whispered softly. "I know I'm the last person you want to talk to right now but... please don't do this."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Sepha lifted her emerald green eyes to look at the dwarf prince and for a moment, THorin thought she would agree. Her eyes pooled with tears and she slowly shook her head, "It's better for everyone if I do."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""Sepha," thorin whispered but he was cut off by the appearance of Legolas./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"At first he had a right mind to yell at the elf but when he saw the pale, concerned and horrified look on the elf's face, he knew that Legolas was just as concerned for the girl as he was./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""Sepha," Legolas said. "before I open this gate, please try to reconsider."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Sepha rose to her feet and shook her head, "This isnt like last time Legolas. It isnt just one girl you and Tauriel are sneaking out of the palace... it's a company. It's better if it is done this way. That way, your father will not put two and two together and get the two of you in trouble... and there will be less casualties."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Legolas sighed and shook his head, lowering his eyes from Sepha./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""Open the gate please Legolas," Sepha whispered./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"The elf lifted his eyes and for a split second he met eyes with Thorin. Their expressions were identical and they knew it./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Sighing, the elf opened the gate and placing a hand on Sepha's elbow, led her out./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""Seph," Fili's soft voice called as she passed his cell./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Sepha paused and Legolas knew why, "Make it quick."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"The girl nodded and headed over to Fili's cell. He and Kili were right next to each other so she was able to grab both of their hands through the bars and smile./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""It's going to be okay," she whispered./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Kili was on the verge of tears and Fili was trying his hardest to not look concerned but his expression gave it away./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Sepha smiled and leaning her head against each gate, she pressed her forehead to theirs in a gesture of comradeship and friendship./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""Uncle didn't want to hurt you," FIli whispered. "he did what he thought was right."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Sepha shook her head, "I know..."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""Then why are you leaving?" Kili insisted. "It doesn't seem like you're upset with him."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"The girl sighed, "I'm not upset with him... but I'm afraid that if I stay any longer it will become uncomfortable."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""Why do you say that?" FIli insisted./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""Because THorin hates me now," the girl explained. "And I hate myself for saying something to him that was nowhere near true..."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""You mean your feelings?" Kili asked, his eyes lighting up with hope./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Sepha nodded and the dwarf smiled, "I knew it!"/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""Kili," FIli warned. "Seph. Thorin doesn't hate you because of what you said. You were upset and confused."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Sepha nodded, "Maybe so... but I just lied to the leader of the company. That's enough reason for me to leave, not for my own sake of guilt but for your sake and the sake of the rest of the company."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""Sepha," both boys tried to reason but the girl pulled away from them and walked over to Legolas./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"The elf gave them an apologetic look as he escorted Sepha out of the dungeons. They were halfway up the stairs when Tauriel happened upon them./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""You can't do this," she whispered. 'You know full well that Legolas's father will not go with his word! He'll keep you and then never let the dwarves out."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Sepha nodded, "I know... that's why I have a plan."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"At once the two elves were listening./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""Tauriel, go back down to the prison and make sure there are no guards around. One of our friends... a hobbit is here in the palace. He'll get the gates unlocked and release the dwarves but you need to distract the guards. Give them enough time to get down to the cellar and then alert the guards."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""Why?" Tauriel inquired./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""Because that way if anyone asks, you had no idea that the dwarves escaped."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Tauriel nodded in understanding. /p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""Legolas will get me to his father. What he does to me is something of another story but I will keep his attention on me while this is happening. Legolas, you need to be sure you stay up there till Tauriel sounds the alarm or your father will suspect something."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Legolas nodded, "But what happens when we have to get the dwarves back?" /p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Sepha sighed and ran her fingers through her knotted, soiled hair, "There are orcs following the dwarves. I have a sneaking suspicion that you will be more busy fighting orcs than chasing dwarves."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"the two elves nodded and Legolas escorted Sepha back upstairs while Tauriel went to distract the guards. When Legolas led Sepha up the last flight of stairs, it gave her a perfect view of the stairs that led down the cellar. She could see Bilbo there... creasing down with the dwarves following. For a split second Fili lifted his eyes and caught sight of her. He would have spoken but she shook her head. Instead he silently alerted The other dwarves who all looked up at her, eyes wide./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"She smiled softly at them and then her eyes met the piercing blue ones of the dwarf prince. She nodded her head respectfully to him before turning back to Legolas and heading up the stairs. Who knew if she would ever see Thorin again./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" /p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" /p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" /p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""I must say I am surprised," Thranduil admitted. "Seeing as you practically refused last time when I offered you everything if you would just cooperate."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""You were offering material things," Sepha pointed out. "This time you were offering the freedom of my friends. That's different."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Thranduil nodded and Sepha knew from the way his eyes turned dark at the mention of the dwarves, she knew that Tauriel had been right to assume he wouldn't keep his promise./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""Well why don't we get started immediately?" THranduil asked./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Legolas felt his heart stop. he had hoped his father would send the girl to freshen up and at least get a comb through her hair which had become a rat nest. that would have given the dwarves time to escape and then he and Tauriel might have found a way to free the girl. /p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""Whatever," Sepha remarked./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"The elf prince felt a cold hand clutch his heart. Sepha had lost all hope. She didn't care what happened to her anymore... all she cared was to see the dwarves escape safely... /p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""Let's see how much more resilient you are compared to last time," Thranduil taunted, summoning two guards forward, "Whip her till she passes out. When she does, report back to me and inform me how long it took for her to black out."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"The two nodded and grabbing the girl by her arms, easily dragged her off. Legolas felt his throat tighten when he heard a door slam... and the sounds of a whip meeting flesh could be heard./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""Do not be weak my son," Thranduil said, "This is punishment for her escaping."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Legolas nodded but inside he was screaming curses at his father. Suddenly, he heard another scream split the air and he knew it was Sepha's./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Suddenly, Legolas was pulled out of his daze by the reappearance of Sepha and the two elves. The girl was unconscious and bleeding horribly./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Legolas managed to keep himself from rushing to her side./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""It was a hundred lasses sire," one of the elves said. "She didn't cry out till the fiftieth."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""Impressive," Thranduil remarked. "Legolas, get the beast to a chamber and cleaned up. Bring her back to me when she wakes."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Legolas nodded and bending down, gently scooped the girl up without touching her blood stained back. As he descended the stairs, he knew he had to get the girl out before his father killed her. He knew there was no way he could do this without getting caught... then something struck him. He saw one of the elves coming up the stairs, horribly drunk./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Just then, the warning horn went off. Tauriel had done it./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""Hold her," he instructed, handing the girl to the elf./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"The elf weakly took the girl. Legolas ran past him but spun on his heel and crept up on the drunk elf. Clapping him over the head, Legolas caught the girl before the unconscious elf fell on the ground. If anyone asked, Legolas had handed her to him to help catch the dwarves then someone snuck on him from behind and took the girl. the blood on the elf's jacket was enough proof./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Legolas held the girl close and rushed down the stairs. When he got outside, he saw no sign of Tauriel but he could hear the dwarves yelling as they flowed down the river. Opening an abandoned closet, he placed the girl gently in there and closed it, locking it. /p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"He rushed out and began to fake his game, "emClose the gate/em."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" /p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"TIME SKIP... to river fight/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" /p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Legolas kicked another orc into the river and shot the last orc. He stood on the edge of the rock, watching the dwarves float past in their barrels. His eyes sought out the lead dwarf and he spied THorin who looked in his direction./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"The elf nodded and mouthed Sepha's name. he saw the dwarf seemingly relax, knowing that Legolas was going to protect her. /p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Suddenly, he heard a scuffle behind him and turned to Tauriel, "emTauriel. This one we keep alive/em."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"He heard the orcs scream as they chased the dwarves downstream. /p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""I'm going to get this orc to my father. Sepha is in the old abandoned closet near the back entrance. Get her out and follow the dwarves. I will meet up with you the moment I can get away."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Tauriel nodded and handed the orc off to Legolas before rushing back to the palace./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"When she found Sepha, the girl was half awake but bleeding horribly./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""Stay right there," the elf whispered. "I need to get you some clean clothes and supplies."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Knowing that they had nothing in the girl's size, Tauriel grabbed two clean shirts and an extra outfit of her own. With these in tow, she returned to Sepha who had managed to stand up on her own./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""Come on," she whispered. "Climb on my back."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Sepha obeyed and gently wrapped her arms and legs around the elf's back. Tauriel handed the bag of things to her and took off running./p
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p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""Lie still," Tauriel whispered./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"They had stopped for a break when they were out of the borders of the kingdom. That way no elf but Legolas would find them. Tauriel had cleaned Sepha's wounds and laid kings foil on them to keep them from getting infected. Then, she wrapped the girl's back in strips from one of the shirts she tore up./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"The other shirt she put on the girl and gently dressed her in the spare outfit she brought. It was slightly long on Sepha but after cutting the skirt a little shorter, it fitted the girl perfectly./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""You need to rest," Tauriel replied as she buried the bloody materials./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""Where are you taking me?" Sepha asked from where Tauriel had propped her against a tree./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""To join the company," the elf replied."They need you."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Sepha shook her head, "They never did. They especially don't need a wounded girl and one who tells lies."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Tauriel sighed, "Seph, I know you well enough to know that this isnt all about your snapping at the dwarf prince. What is really troubling you?"/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Sepha slouched and buried her face in her hands, "I don't understand why Thorin did that."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""Did what?" Tauriel asked. "Place a claim on your hand?"/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Sepha nodded, "Why would he do something like that? Is he so against me that he doesn't want me to find my One?"/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"A smile spread across Tauriel's face and she smirked, "SEph... I think it's the opposite. I think he placed that claim because he wants you to find your One and he believes that by doing that, he is helping you."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""How?" Sepha insisted. "How is he helping me find my One if the only person he's allowing me to even favor is him..."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Suddenly, realization dawned on her and she looked up to see Tauriel smiling knowingly./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""I'm his One?" she asked./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Tauriel shrugged, "I'm not a dwarf so I don't know. I do know one thing. THorin Oakenshield isnt the type to meet a girl and know her for a short time then decide she is his One without good reason."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""But... why me?" Sepha insisted. "I'm a beast..."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""Dont say that," Tauriel almost snapped. "you're not a beast. You're a unique, special person and THorin sees that. That is why he cares for you so much."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""He cares about me?"/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Tauriel nodded, "Now all that remains is if you care for him too."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""Why do you say that?"/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""Because if you care for him as much as he cares for you, then there is a very high chance that you two are each other's ONe."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Sepha slowly swallowed and her mind raced back over the past few weeks that she has been with the dwarves... she remembered first meeting THorin and their slight rivalry... she remembered when he saved her and she saved him... when he found out she was part elf...when he was hurt... Azog...Beorn's... the signs of affection.../p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""YEs... I do care for him," Sepha whispered./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Tauriel smiled, "Then all we need to do is get you all healed and get you back to the company."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""But how?" Sepha inquired. "They could be anywhere right now."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""I found them!" an overly excited Legolas burst through the bushes, making Sepha jump. "They're by the river! They just washed ashore."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""How long were you following them?" both girls asked./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""The moment my father told me to lock up the kingdom and then I was informed of your 'departure'." Legolas replied with a smirk. "Let's go find us some dwarves."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" /p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"TIME SKIP... TO THE DWARVES/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" /p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""Anything behind us?" THorin called./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""not that I can see!" Balin replied./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Bofur emerged from his barrel, spitting water, "I think we've outrun the orcs."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""Not for long we've lost the current," THorin replied, "Make for the shore!"/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"The dwarves stumbled ashore and Thorin helped Dwalin pull the half drowned Bomber out of his barrel./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""On your feet," he ordered Kili./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Fili shook his head, "Kili's wounded. His leg needs binding."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""We have an orc pack on our tail," Thorin pointed out. "We keep moving."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""To where?"Balin insisted./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""The mountain, we're so close," Bilbo replied, fully frozen to the bone./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""A lake lies between us and that mountian," the old dwarf pointed out./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Thorin had completely zoned out of the conversation the others were having. He looked at the lake that separated them from the mountain... and the river and host of forest that separated them from Sepha...it felt like they were stuck... lost... alone./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""Bind his leg," Thorin said, snapping out of his stupor. "Quickly. You have two minutes."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""Uncle," Fili said, finishing his brother's leg, "What about Seph?"/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""We have to get her back," Kili pointed out./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""We just escaped orcs and elves," Dori pointed out./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Kili glowered at the dwarf, "With Sepha's help. If she hadn't made friends with the elves we might be dead or back in prison. She got us out at the risk of her own life. We owe her our lives."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""We owe her everything," FIli corrected./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"'You don't know how right you are', THorin thought to himself. He tried to imagine a life without Sepha appearing on Bilbo's front step... he tried to imagine her smile not there every morning, her voice whispering goodnight every evening. He tried to imagine not seeing her brown hair blow around as she chased after Fili and kili...her piercing green eyes... her soft smile.../p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""Uncle?" Kili asked, placing a hand on his uncle's shoulder./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Thorin realized he had zoned out and turned to see Kili's forlorn, worried and concerned face./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""I don't know what to do," THorin admitted./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"The dwarves all froze and bowed their heads. That was the first time that THorin had ever said he didn't know what to do... but they knew why he didn't... Sepha made his life whole... completed him and with her now gone, he was just the dwarf he was before... the dwarf with half a life... an uncompleted life./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Suddenly, Thorin became aware of an arrow that almost struck Dwalin, then one that knocked the rock out of Kili's hand./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""Do it again... and you're dead," the stranger remarked, pointing an arrow at them./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""Really Bard," a female voice remarked as Tauriel appeared from the woods. "You have one arrow and there are fourteen of them. Which would you go for first?"/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""Dont say the littlest," another voice remarked, making all the dwarves freeze. "They are actually the ones who bite the hardest."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""SEPHA!" Kili literally screeched./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"The girl smiled as She limped over to stand next to Tauriel and Legolas. Kili limped over to her and wrapped his arms around her. Luckily Kili was also wounded so he didn't squeeze her wounds as bad. However, when Fili hugged her, his hands pressed on her fresh wounds and she hissed./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""Seph, what happened to you?" Dwalin asked, pushing Fili off the girl./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"The girl shook her head, "Some casualties."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""I thought you said you would avoid cas..." Dori started but Gloin walloped him over the head to shush him./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""Are you sure you're alright lass?" Oin asked./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Sepha nodded, "Legolas and Tauriel helped."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""We were so worried we wouldn't see you again," Kili whispered./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"SEpha smiled and nodded but her eyes held a faraway sad look. Balin noticed it and approached the girl, pulling her into a gentle hug that didn't hurt her back./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""Welcome back lass."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Sepha smiled up at the old dwarf... then her eyes landed on the tall dark dwarf who stood a ways off. The dwarves all stepped aside as Sepha slowly limped towards Thorin. She stopped when she was about an arms length from him but she kept her eyes on his chest instead of his eyes which were looking down at her with his whole heart in his eyes./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""I'm sorry," she whispered. "I spoke out of turn."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"THorin shook his head and it was all he could do to keep himself from catching the girl up and hugging her to him, something he had wanted to do for the longest time./p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""You had every right to," He said softly. "I apologize for placing a claim on you without your knowledge or consent."/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"They would have talked more if Balin hadn't spoken up, "That barge over there... it wouldn't be good for a hire by any chance?"/p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" /p
p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" /p