They had walked out to the north of the Mountain. The landscape was just as barren and rugged as it was further south. The heather was also accompanied this time by lavender and little white flowers that grew amongst the small rocks that were scattered about.

The day was without a doubt hot, as it had been for the last two weeks, but today it was somewhat overcast. It was still a nice day for a picnic.

Dis, Fili and Kili led the way enthusiastically, while Shobha, Gorin and Lis followed. Behind them followed a further group of other guests, with the smaller made Bilbo Baggins, who had recently arrived from Hampshire. But no sign of Thorin!

Eventually they had found their way to a rather pleasant clearing and settled down, spreading out several large blankets and laying out many baskets. And concurrently Fili, Kili and several other younger guests, began to pull out equipment for games.

"Quick game of rounders…?" Kili smiled at her.

"Oh I'm good to watch thanks."

"No no – it gets the appetite going." Fili tossed a small base to the young historian and head librarian, Ori, who was helping to set up.

"Yes, even if you bat for one round it would be enough. We all do. And I can't say I care too much for moving about." Bilbo took a seat beside her. "So how are you settling in here, my dear?"

"I'm enjoying the work." She replied, as Dis passed her a drink.

"Aye, a little too much! It's what she lives for!" Lis teased sitting beside Gorin and not far from her.

"Well, it's nice to have a car again." Shobha explained to the eccentric looking Bilbo, as he watched her intently for a moment before looking away momentarily.

"Oh dear! What happened to your car?" He probed.

"I ran into some sort of animal on the drive back from a visit to Dale." She paused for a moment debating whether to reveal more or not, seeing Dis paying an attentive ear to her, despite serving food to other guests. "I mean, I got out to check on the poor creature…"

There was a collective gasp from Bilbo, Lis, Gorin, Gloin, his wife, and Dis in response to her words.

"Oh goodness! I would just keep driving. It can be a bit dangerous on these roads after dusk." Bilbo watched her carefully, along with the others. "Do you know what you hit?"

Shobha suddenly found all attention diverted to her. And so she thought better of telling the truth. It made her wonder how much they all knew about what was going on around here, even though they pretended everything was ok.

"It was something with dark fur? I only had my full beams to see, everything else was rather dark." She bluffed off, shrugging her shoulders. "And whatever it was, moved off before I could check."

"Lass, I would never get out of the car. I tell my wife this. Ye always just keep going. Ye wouldn't find a man out there and if ye did, just call the local authorities and let them look into it." Gloin advised her seriously, as he tucked into a large sandwich, finishing it in two bites.

"Why did you go to Dale?" Bilbo inquired again.

"A family acquaintance was up there briefly, doing some work. He brought a parcel from my parents, for me." Shobha watched a few eyes on her again, even with the many conversations that were going on among the large group. "I had a walk around there. Bumped into the Mayor's daughter, who is lovely! The town looks pretty. I'd love to visit again. They've clearly got some history."

"Oh Shobha! They have those old churches, with some scary stories about wolf men and vampires. It's all a bit silly, and frankly unbelievable." Dis chimed in offering her some food. Her tone was well rehearsed, but her face was less certain. It seemed that she suspected Shobha of having seen more of what she hit that night than was revealed. "They claim the wall was there for vampires, but our clan is just as old, and has no such thing. It was probably built in plague times, when everyone suspected all sorts of creatures for bringing in the disease!"

There was a pause around the group, as they all tucked in and watching the rest play rounders.

"So what's a pretty girl like you doing hiding away up here? I mean, you should be dating…" Mara, Glóin's wife smiled at her.

Once again Bilbo and Dis paid close attention to her, anticipating her answer.

"Lets just say I'm open to offers but not actively searching." She chuckled at her own bad sense of humour, receiving a snort of laughter from Lis.

"Then you are perfect fruit, ripe for the picking, for any man who has the courage and the reach." Bilbo smiled at her gently. He was probably in his forties, clearly a bachelor and quite eccentric at that. He wore a tweed jacket, with a red waistcoat underneath, teamed with a mismatched pair of brown cord trousers and a rather frumpy but elaborate red silk cravat.

"Ha! Well, I'm probably not very sweet at all!" Shobha laughed. "More like that fruit that is too sharp to eat!"

"I like sharp fruit." Fili ducked in next to Dis, to grab a drink. He winked over at Shobha, as he sat back, his blue eyes twinkling with mischief. If she had met him in a bar or at a social event back in London, she would have placed him as certainly being a bit of a player. And she probably would have fallen for his charms nonetheless. The thought made her blush. "Especially sharp fruit covered in cream… mmmmm…"

She looked over at the open clearing, where a game of rounders was apparently in full swing. Even though the young adults were fully involved, they had somehow completely bowed to the whims of the few children amongst the group that they were entertaining well. There were squeals Of excitement and laughter as a little red haired girl ran a full home run, with Kili in false pursuit. He was evidently running much slower than she imagined he could run normally. The rest of the group all clapped and cheered loudly as she crossed the final base and did a little victory dance, and Kili not missing a trick pretended to be a sore looser. It was hilarious to watch the drama from where she sat.

"It would be a waste if you didn't have children, Shobha," Lis quietly whispered beside her following her gaze. "I saw how you were with the kids that day at the school."

"Oh gosh I don't know, it's much easier when they're not your own. You get to do all the fun stuff."

"The hard stuff comes easily. Not everyone enjoys the fun stuff." Gorin grumbled, perking up at Lis' conversation.

"Yeah. Doctor Grumpy here, is no good with children." Lis rolled her eyes, pursing her lips, clearly annoyed.

"I think you'll find it's different if you guys have kids of your own. At least that's what I've noticed with most guys." Shobha teased him.

"Woah! We've only been going out for a bit." He held his hands out as though Shobha threatened him with a gun.

"Go on Gorin! You're up to bat next lad!" Fili passed him a bat, breaking up the conversation that was headed in the wrong direction.

"Saved by the bat!" He patted Fili on the shoulder as he eagerly jumped to his feet and shouted at Kili. "Don't throw your dodgy balls at me Kili!"

...

The afternoon had worn on, with everyone taking turns to bat. The food and drink appeared to be magically endless. And Bilbo, Ori and Dis had all pulled out books to read. It had been a very pleasant afternoon. She hadn't been able to help herself from wondering where Thorin and Dwalin were. Even if Thorin had a miserable disposition, she was certain Dwalin would have secretly enjoyed an afternoon like this!

"What are ya thinking?" Lis turned her attention to Shobha once more.

"Nothing. Just this and that…"

"Not about a certain brooding Lord, who leant you his car?"

Shobha groaned pulling her legs up to her chest and tucking her chin on her knees.

"No. But thanks for ruining the afternoon by reminding me." She frowned. It was a bare faced lie, but one she was more comfortable with than even admitting the truth to herself.

"So what's the deal hun? No boyfriend…? I mean no handsome man waiting in London for you?"

"Nope." She turned to watch Lis' face fall as she replied flatly, so thought she would open up a little, although she was sure that Bilbo and Dis were paying attention, now. "I was engaged once, but it didn't work out: apparently he was a self absorbed idiot and I was too young to have noticed that when I first dated him. It's all in the past."

"Well it's his loss." Lis got to her feet and pulled at Shobhas hand, bringing her up to her feet too. Apparently she had also noticed the added attention they must have received during that brief conversation, as anyone else would have probed her further, but she simply accepted her brief explanation. "And do you know what? I'm glad. Because it brought you to us! Now come on – let's show the boys how it's done shall we…?"

"Eh?" Shobha looked at the group, who had now set up a high net and appeared to be playing a strange game of 'five a side' badminton! "All those racquets look dangerous –"

"Two More racquets please!" Lis yelled out as she tugged Shobha along to join the group, and Kili jumped straight away to shift some players around. "Let's make it interesting – throw in a second shuttle!"

They had played this crazily fun and fast paced game for about half an hour, when Shobha followed a shuttle backwards in hopes of reaching it. She stretched back with a as she swung her racquet backwards she hit someone rather firmly indeed, receiving a deep grunt in response, instead of connecting with the shuttle.

"Oh gosh I'm so sorry –" she turned back to find herself face to face with a rather cross looking Thorin. His visible anger seemed to soften at the sight of his attacker, but he rubbed his forehead. "I didn't see you. I'm sorry."

Her heart sank, as her breath quickened again, and in the distance a rumble of thunder made itself heard.

"Head back everyone! We have a thunder storm coming! Go! Get the children in!" He called out at the group, walking past her, as though she was not there. Looking back she could see the group were packing away the picnic things and folding blankets.

There was a moment of confusion as the children playing where being walked up to their parents, Lis and Shobha joined Gorin and Kili as they began to pack the games away into bags. Thorin helped Fili take down the net.

"I'll take that lass," Dwalin grinned at Shobha, picking up a bag full of games equipment. It looked heavy but it appeared not to touch the large muscled man! He reached over and took the other bag from Lis. "That too. Now go, the hike back to the cars will take time."

Gorin carried another bag of things while Fili and Kili each picked up a basket and began walking ahead, leaving Shobha, Lis and Thorin folding up the multitude of blankets.

A crack of lightning followed by a louder rumble of thunder sounded, making them pause and look up. Lis was first off to join Gorin who had trailed behind to allow her to catch up.

Worried she'd be left alone with him she hurriedly wrapped up the last of the blankets roughly and began walking after the group, but it seemed they were much further ahead. And the five blankets she carried were in no way light! Soon Thorin had caught up with her, carrying a basket and a few remaining blankets and the group ahead were out of sight.

They trudged on in silence for a while. At times she opened her mouth, thinking of things to say, only to hold her tongue, and at times she heard him snort, or puff out a breath he had been holding.

She would suddenly look up to catch him staring at her, only to look away, and on several occasions when she stumbled he was suddenly there by her side, catching her by wrapping his free arm around her waist. But when she thanked him, she would receive no more than a grunt in reply.

As she began to recognise the final part of the trek back to the car, rain had begun to fall, initially just a few drops here and there. They had both picked up the pace.

"Hurry. There is a storm coming!" He grunted.

"I'm going as fast as I –" she never had the chance to finish her sentence. As the heavens suddenly opened within sight of the car.

"Where are the car keys?" Thorin yelled over the sound of heavy rain.

"I have them," she searched her pockets, as he closed in on her, both drenched to the bone, before she found them.

"Let me have them!"

"What?! Why can't I drive?!" She held them out nonetheless, unlocking the car and desperate to get in.

"Because I know the roads better! Get in!"

She ran across throwing things in the boot before getting into the front passenger seat, as he followed shortly getting into the drivers seat.

They both sat inside as torrents poured down, beating loudly against the roof and windows, breathing hard after having running. She wiped the dripping wet hair away from her face, letting out a stifled laugh. She could feel his eyes on her, and she turned to find him staring at her. His eyes wondered down her white blouse, which had turned completely sheer, stuck against her skin, and to her horror her lacy light bra did nothing to hide her nipples. Even her red linen trousers stuck to her like a second skin. She pulled at her blouse attempting to pull it off her skin to no avail, as he quickly looked away, starting up the engine.

"If this doesn't clear, you will need to spend the night at the Manor." He began to drive but visibility was so poor he could only travel very slowly.

"Maybe we should park and wait a bit for now? This is very bad." She muttered quietly looking out of the window. She wouldn't have been in this mess if she had just kept up with the others. Or frankly if she hadn't come at all!

"This storm is predicted to last all night." He replied back annoyed. "We can't wait here in the car. You'll catch a chill. Look at you- you're soaked to the bone."

"So what – we hike back?"

He grew quiet, deep in thought before stealing another glance at her. At first his cold eyes met hers, and then wondered down her body again, only to look away.

"We'll have to spend it in the gamekeepers lodge." He looked at her again. "I am going to get down and come over to collect you. Remember the road will be muddy, and slippery. You can't let go of me."

"Wait –"

He got out of the car before she could say anymore disappearing from sight because of the heavy rainfall and was soon opening her door. Holding his hand out to her, standing in the pouring rain. She slid out of the wet leather seat, falling into his firm arms.

"You're in sandals!"

"I was about to tell you –"

"Then I'll carry you!" He pulled her away from the car shutting the door and locking it but despite slipping in the mud already, she pushed his arms away, only gripping his hand.

"No! I'll manage!" She cried over the harsh sounds of the falling rain.

They were soon picking up the pace as they made their way along the narrow road before a small cottage appeared into view.

But as they reached the door it was clear the gamekeeper was not at home. After trying the door, he pulled her behind him, and punched through one of the small glass panes in the door using his elbow before reaching in to unlock it and let them both in. She reached in the darkness and found a light switch which she flicked, but there appeared to be no power.

"It'll be the storm. Power will be down to this place. The lines aren't great at best." He opened a drawer on a console table in the entry hall to pull out a torch and turn it on before locking the door. "Come on."

He ushered her along with his hand on her lower back, guiding her through to the kitchen, where he turned on the stove setting a kettle on there.

"Here," he took several candles out of a drawer and passed her some candle holders. "I'm going to get the fire going in the living room."

"Ok I'll get these lit and come in." She nodded as he disappeared.

Laughing bitterly at the irony of how she had wanted to avoid today in order to avoid him, but how she found herself trapped in a cold, empty little cottage alone with him now, she quickly lit the candles and stood them in their holders. Then looking around the room she spotted a couple of large candles. Moving one into the centre of the dining table, she lit it, and looked around for a tea pot and some tea. The kitchen was warming up with in the heat of the stove, so she decided she would stay in here and warm up.

Pouring hot water into the tea pot to brew, she busied herself finding some mugs, and peered into the fridge. Empty. Apparently the gamekeeper was due to be away for some days! Looking through the cupboards she found a jar of honey. At least that would sweeten the black tea. She filled two mugs with tea, when Thorin appeared in the doorway again.

"Come in here." Thorin commanded sternly. "I have the fire going, it's warmer. Here let me carry those."

Moving the mugs and honey along with one of the candles on to a tray he walked through and waited for her as she followed with the remaining two candles. He led her through to a cosy sitting room, with a roaring fireplace where he set the tray down on a coffee table and moved about the room lighting more candles.

Looking around as she placed the candles on another small side table, it was hard to ignore how romantic this would have been under any other circumstances. He moved efficiently. His strong frame accentuated by his wet clothes. He had taken his jacket off and his shirt stuck to his broad, muscular chest.

She quickly turned the wards the fire, moving closer to warm up.

"Here, I've put honey in them both…" he spoke quietly, standing close behind, offering her a mug.

She reached out and took the mug, her fingers brushing against his as she did. The contact made her shiver, and he looked down at her concerned, before slowly lifting his hand up to to brush her hair away from her face and feel her cheek softly. His hands felt rough.

"You're cold." He took a step closer before reaching around her to set his mug on the mantelpiece and leaving the room again.

She slipped her shoes off and set them to one corner of the fireplace, before kneeling down in front of the fire attempting to warm herself.

"Here." He stood over her offering her a worn out bathrobe and a towel. When she looked at him uncertain, he spoke a little more firmly. "Take your clothes off."

"What?!"

"You're soaking wet. Take your clothes off." He stepped closer again, looking irritated that she wasn't moving. "Take. Your. Clothes. Off. Or I'll do it for you."

"I don't know what kind of women you've come across, but I'm not undressing in front of you." She scoffed as she took the towel and robe from him. And then she noticed the cut on his hand softening a little at that. "You're hurt…"

She gently took his hand looking at the cut.

"Aye, I must have cut it on the glass when I broke in to unlock the door," he turned to her again, speaking softer and reaching out to touch her cheek again softly. "Get out of those clothes please, and I will go and find a medical kit."

Shobha looked up at him, while he held her gaze, taking another step closer towards her until she could feel the warmth of his body, almost touching her. He stood so close that she could see every wrinkle, crows foot and scar, visible in the soft flickering candle-light. He was arrogant, insufferable and self absorbed. But there, in that cosy room, by the crackling fire, standing in their soaking clothes, she would have been lying if she didn't suddenly notice how handsome his rugged features were. It made her wonder what it would feel like to kiss him, to have his beard scratch her bare skin. The thought made her shiver again.

"Please," he almost pleaded this time. "Take your clothes off. I will give you a moment…"

After he left, she remained there for a moment, glued to the spot, watching the flames dance higher and higher. Then realising Thorin might return any moment, she quickly took her clothes off, followed by her underwear before starting to pull on the robe when she heard him walk in. From what she could hear, he stood watching her for a moment - perhaps longer than was appropriate, before he cleared his throat and turned around. She could hear his breathing, initially a bit ragged and excited for having rushed around looking for things, before he steadied it.

"You can turn around…" she spoke softly pulling the robe together and tying the belt as she turned to face him.

He turned to her, setting a pile of towels and blankets down on the sofa, then walking over to her, carrying a chair which he set to a side of the fire place.

"Lay your clothes out on this to let them dry." He moved over to her again, then reaching out ran his hands over her upper arms. "Are you warmer?"

"Yes, thank you." She moved to take his hand in hers again. "Come on then, where's the first aid kit? Sit down…"

She moved him to a large armchair facing the fireplace and laid out the medical kit, before turning to him again. When she touched his palm where the cut was, he winced, and so slowly, tenderly, she cleaned his cut hand, examining it first and then bandaging it well.

"It'll need stitches, but it can wait till tomorrow.." Looking up, she found him watching her intently. His sapphire eyes not shying away this time. Then she spotted his sodden clothes. "It's your turn… to take your clothes off – I'll go make another round of teas."

But when she stood up to turn away, he quickly caught her hand in his unhurt one again.

"I can't manage with the bandage now… please would you…?" He gestured to his shirt buttons, still holding her hand and coming to stand in front of her.

She nodded silently, tiptoeing up to reach his upper buttons, she began undoing them slowly, one by one, her heartbeat quickening with each. The bare skin becoming exposed on his chest widened as she moved down his chest, revealing soft, dark hair on his chest. By the time she reached his waist, she was certain even he could hear the pounding of her heart. Having failed to pull his shirt out, slowly, her fingers settled on the heavy metal buckle of his belt, when he drew a breath in sharply, his free hand grasping hers, in a silent plea; half wanting her to stop for the sake of his self control, half desperate for her to undress him fully, to feel her small, cool hands on his bare skin.

"It's ok, I promise I won't look." She set her fingers on his buckle again, looking up, staring into his eyes shamelessly. "Don't tell me you're commando under there…"

"Hmmm… And wouldn't you just love to know…" he watched her with the intensity of a predator, the corners of his lips pulling up.

She carried on, slowly undoing his buckle, followed by the button on his trousers before pulling out his shirt. Then she finished unbuttoning his shirt. All the while he watched her, deep blue eyes, hungry, and desperate for her. Finally, she let her fingers wonder down to his zip, seeing his whole body shift and tense up, as he tried hard not to push himself into her hands. And oh so delicately, she picked up the zip pull, so her fingers were no more than ghosting over him and unzipped him at an agonisingly slow pace. She remained with her gaze unbroken, staring in his eyes, even though he was unable to help himself as he briefly shut his eyes under her touch, ignoring the temptation to look at the task she carried out.

As she finished, his sodden trousers, held up previously, only by his aching erection, slowly slid down, his belt buckle clinking as it hit the floor. He had watched her carefully throughout, and she had been true to her word, eventually turning slowly to allow him the time to step out of his clothes and pull on a towel. When he signalled that he was done, she turned back and walked to him, setting her hands over his, as he struggled to knot his towel with his bandaged hand. She grasped the ends of his towel and tied them in a tight knot.

"Do you feel better?" He asked gently, moving so close to her and letting his eyes drift down to her lips.

"A lot better, thank you." She smiled softly. It had been a different side to him completely. It seemed there in the privacy of that cosy little cottage, just like shedding his clothes, he had also removed the hardened armour he wore when he faced the world.

"Your hair is still wet…" he reached out tentatively, making sure she didn't flinch before touching her wet hair that fell over her shoulders. "It looks even glossier when it's wet."

He wanted to touch her so much; wanted to undo her robe and hold her body against his, to warm her up, and to feel her fall asleep in his arms. But these were unusual circumstances, and he would not take advantage of her in this vulnerable state.

"You need to get some rest." He took a step away and picked up a towel, handing it to her, which she slowly wrapped around her hair, as though finally coming out of a daze.

Before she turned away nodding, he thought he had registered a flash of disappointment in her eyes. Had she wanted him to kiss her? He could only wonder as she moved towards the couch and settled herself on there covering herself with a blanket.

Thorin knelt down by the fire, throwing several logs in and watching the flames engulf them as the heat grew.

"Goodnight." She quietly whispered from where she lay.

"Sleep well." He spoke without turning back, continuing to watch the flames dance up higher, the slightest hint of a smile pulling up at his lips.

...

Dear Felsong, thank you so much. I hope my stories give you as much escape as they do me… I know those hard days can sometimes seem endless, but they too will pass just like the clouds, making way for blue skies again ❤️