The Truth Beneath the Rose


A/N- Thanks to those who reviewed and I hope you enjoy my newest chapter.

Disclaimer- I do not own the Hobbit or Lord of the Rings, but I do own my OC's and this storyline.

'Thoughts'

Please enjoy.

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Chapter 4:

Cooking Issues


Year 2941 -Early Spring-

*Late Evening just outside Bree*

The smells were divine, he had to admit. Although, he never would have expected Bombur to let Thalia assist him, at least not before they had all tried her cooking back in the shire.

He and the others were watching Thalia as she danced around Bombur, helping with seasonings and such. She was even humming a spritely tune that had Thorin fighting back a smile. The hobbit had many surprises about her, many things that he was finding very hard to ignore. Especially because those things were so very familiar to him, reminders of his past and the woman he'd lost so long ago.

Feeling a little depressed at this, Thorin looked away and focused upon the outskirts of their camp. He was so deep in his own world that the feel of something brushing his arm had him drawing his sword and swinging it at whomever or whatever was there. Thalia froze but didn't move an inch, in fact she'd stayed perfectly still as he'd attacked, almost as if she somehow knew he'd never harm her.

"Your dinner Thorin." She held out the plate, piled with meat and potatoes. Thorin took it with a nod and watched as she moved away, going back to Bombur to gather another plate. It seemed she'd served him first and was serving everyone else as well, all before herself. This troubled him, they couldn't afford for her to defer to everyone else, even if it was simply out of kindness.

He decided to confront her about it before they bedded down for the night. With that thought he started eating and felt himself humming in pleasure from the taste alone. He had to admit, the hobbit knew how to season things very well. The taste of the meat alone had him almost moaning, almost.

Hearing laughter he looked over to see Kili, Fili, Bilbo, and Thalia. All four were sitting together and seemed to be discussing something that had them all cracking up. Narrowing his eyes he quickly ate the rest of his meal and walked over to give his plate to Bombur. He then walked straight over to where the youngest of their company had gathered.

As he neared he heard only part of their conversation. "...so bitter that his taste buds took days to recover." Bilbo's voice was the first he could hear clearly. "It is entirely his fault for not asking what it was before sticking it into his mouth. I tried to warn him. Besides I didn't figure out what I'd done until it was too late." Thalia huffed as she crossed her arms. "Sounds like when I tried my hand at cooking once. I swear Amad about killed me when she saw the state of the kitchen." Fili had the decency to sound embarrassed as he spoke.

Thorin felt a small smile curl his lips at the memory. He'd been there that day, having just returned with Kili from a hunting trip. His sister's voice was so loud and incensed that everyone could hear it a good mile away. It had taken himself and Dwalin a good three days before they'd gotten the stove to work again.

"Your mother must be quite fierce some." Kili began laughing at Bilbo's words. "You've no idea! You think Thorin is bad; our Amad could have a stare down with Smaug and win. Of that I am certain." Having reached them now, Thorin stood behind Kili and crossed his arms. Fili's eyes were wide and Bilbo's face began to turn red in embarrassment, they could see him from where they sat.

"I see...I bet she has a gentle side about her though. Thorin might seem fierce some sometimes, but I am certain there is a gentle soul underneath it all. He by his birth must be strong and never show weakness, but I know he is kind. I can see it in his eyes; he loves you both dearly as I bet your mother does as well." Thalia's voice was soft as she spoke, but there was a certainty to her tone that made a deep warmth flow through Thorin as he listened.

This hobbit, this woman, somehow she could see beneath his gruff exterior. He locked eyes with Fili and jerked his head to the side. Understanding his uncle's message, Fili blinked his eyes before he cleared his throat.

"Well then, Kili and I have to check on the ponies. Bilbo would you mind giving us a hand?" The hobbit looked downright confused and opened his mouth, only to have Fili grip his shoulder and forcibly drag him away. "Let's go Kili, now."

Snorting Kili groaned as he stood and stomped after his brother, calling back over his shoulder. "Let's continue this conversation later." Thalia laughed and called back, "just make sure that you're ready for it." Kili laughed deeply even as he disappeared into the trees.

Thalia sighed as she got up to gather the discarded plates. She was bending to lift up her brothers when Thorin finally cleared his throat. Making his presence known. Jerking Thalia sprung backwards the plates held at the ready, upon seeing him though her face turned a brilliant shade of pink. "Uh...umm, how...how long were you standing there?"

"Long enough. I see my nephew's have taken you into their confidences completely. I'd never thought to hear Fili tell anyone of that incident. What brought forth such a conversation?" Thorin tried to keep the amusement from his voice but knew he'd failed when Thalia rolled her eyes and moved to pick up the final plate.

"Simple, the meal did. Kili asked how I learned to spice things so well and my brother being my brother spoke of a moment I'd like to forget myself." She shrugged; trying not to let the intense look he was giving her get the best of her. Her heart had sped up and she felt a deep desire to make this man laugh. To see him smile with pure joy, such a thing would be like sunshine on a rainy day.

Her cheeks began to heat at the thought of why such a thing would make her so happy and she tried to avoid his eyes, those piercing soulful eyes. "Will you share it with me?" Blinking in surprise her head snapped up and she saw only curiousness in his eyes. Clearing her throat she nodded her head, "I was but a young child, only barely in my tweens. My mother had been teaching me about herbs and spices but I'd yet to try using them."

Shifting she motioned to the downed log and smiled happily when Thorin sat without complaint. His eyes never left hers and she felt her chest constrict. 'His' mark was burning again. Breathing deeply she sat as well, her leg brushing his. A shudder raced through her and she saw him shift a bit as well. This sparked a curious thought in her mind. 'Is he affected by this bond as well? I wonder.'

"Our cousins, the sackville-baggins had come by the house again and Lobelia was toting a new dress. She was so determined to rub it in my face that she'd gotten it for her birthday that I was distracted and picked the wrong herb." She paused as she set the plates down and began rubbing her hands together nervously. Thorin seemed to not notice because his eyes never left her face, something which was making her increasingly uncomfortable.

"Well, later at dinner my mother had me add the herbs I'd gathered to the meal. Lobelia and her family were visiting for dinner. When her brother Bruno took a bite of the stew his face first went red, then blue. He collapsed choking, my mother rushed to see to him. The herb I put in had burned his taste buds and like my brother said. He couldn't taste for a week. I had warned him that I'd never cooked before."

She shrugged as a laugh built up in her throat. "Needless to say that side of the family kept away after that. Lobelia especially, she abhors me." Thorin seemed to think on her words before he reached out and touched her cheek. The roughness of his hand felt scratchy at her cheek but she didn't care, it felt so good that she felt her eyes closing of their own volition.

Thorin felt drawn and stepped closer, the hobbit turned her head into his hand, a small smile lighting her lips. An urge he'd not felt in years surged through him and he found himself bending as he lifted Thalia's head. Her eyes fluttered open and all he saw was a reflection of his own thoughts at the moment. She wanted this as much as he did.

Unable to hold himself in check anymore at such a look in her eyes, Thorin bent his head the rest of the way and pressed his lips against hers. Thalia trembled under his touch, her lips twitching. He started to pull back when her hands shot up and laced behind his neck, she had raised herself up to meet his lips as she reversed the kiss. So to speak.

Thorin felt his eyes beginning to close as the warmth from her lips and touch of her hands flowed over him. Her body pressed against his and he could feel her firm breasts as his free hand found its way about her lower back, pulling her even closer.

The kiss seemed to last forever and a part of Thorin wished it would, but then common sense intervened. They were standing in almost full view of all in the clearing and kissing before the company. 'Haven't even asked for her hand yet.' Feeling as if a bucket of cold water had been dumped over his head at such thoughts, Thorin broke the kiss and pulled back roughly.

Thalia cried out in surprise and disappointment as her hands were ripped from his neck and his warmth left hers. Her eyes were dark with the desire he'd felt through their 'embrace,' and he felt himself backing away, out of fear or confusion he wasn't sure. He just knew he needed to put some distance between himself and her, especially after that...kiss.

He saw the realization of what they'd just done enter the hobbits eyes as her cheeks burst into color once more. She pressed both her hands to her cheeks as she watched him put distance between them. This seemed to help her calm down as she smiled sadly at him. She then re-took up the plates and walked past him, her hand brushing his shoulder deliberately as she did.

His whole body jerked at her touch as he felt his chest tighten once more. Thalia seemed to notice this as she gave him an understanding look, once more reminding him of his lost love. Then she turned and went to Bombur. Thorin felt at war with himself as his thoughts flew about in his mind. He soon found himself sitting near the fire and staring deep into it.

Something was going on between himself and Thalia, of that he was more than certain. She drew him like a moth to a flame and if he didn't know any better, he would have been sure she was his 'one' but he had already lost her. Mahal doesn't give a second chance, there is only one and will only be one for all of his children.

This is exactly why this was all so frustrating. He could feel his desire for Thalia, his wishing for her to always be near him. All things he'd only felt once before in his life with Rhean. This felt just like that had and made it all the more confusing.

As night fell about the clearing all the members of the company had laid down to sleep. Thorin had stayed awake, opting to take first watch. Considering what was on his mind, he doubted he could sleep anyway.

Thalia watched Thorin from where she sat. The kiss they had shared earlier burned into her memory. How it had made her body ache, how her heart had longed for more. Any doubts she'd had about the mark and her feelings for Thorin had vanished with that one kiss.

Gandalf was right. She belonged to Thorin, belonged with him. Now it was up to her to decide if she should show him the mark or not. Part of her wished for nothing more, but then came her doubts. 'Would it really be me he would see? Or who I once was?' She was unsure of what to do and hoped that soon she'd be able to make a choice.

Because frankly all this tension between her and Thorin was slowly driving her mad. If he kept backing away from her like he'd been doing, then they wouldn't get anywhere. Sighing she looked away only to jerk upright, "don't scare me like that."

Bilbo stood before her, his arms crossed and an eyebrow rose in silent questioning. "What?" He shook his head and sat next to her, "what nothing. I've been trying to get your attention for the last couple of minutes and you've only had eyes for Thorin." Thalia blushed and ducked her head, embarrassed that he'd caught her staring.

"Not going to deny it?" Closing her eyes Thalia took a deep breath and shook her head, "no need." Bilbo leaned against her, his head touching hers. "So it finally has happened then, my sister has her eyes set on someone." Thalia didn't respond she just enjoyed the contact with her brother. "Just be careful. We don't know much about these dwarves, or they us. I don't want you hurt."

Thalia knew in that moment that she'd have to explain the truth of what was going on to her brother at some point. She just wasn't sure he'd believe her or Gandalf for that matter.

Remembering what the wizard had said about the elves, Thalia decided that if they truly did end up going to Rivendell, that she'd have them explain. Surely then her brother would believe without a doubt. Deciding that was exactly what she would do, Thalia smiled to herself. "I love you brother and I know you only want me to be happy. Please don't worry."

Stifling a yawn and hearing her brother do the same, Thalia took one more look at Thorin's back before she stood and walked over to where she'd left her pack. Bilbo was close at her side. Within minutes they had pulled out their sleeping blankets and had laid down to rest.

While Bilbo fell asleep within moments she had a harder time of it. She could feel him; feel Thorin as he sat up, supposedly because he'd taken first watch. She knew better though, he was conflicted about her and about who they were to one another. She wished she could do something to ease his worry, but she'd finally come to a decision while she'd been thinking.

He deserved to know the truth, but only if he accepted what his heart was trying to tell him. What Mahal was trying to get him to see? She knew if he didn't do that first then her showing him the mark would only serve to drive him away. He'd be stubborn as was in his nature and would still think it wasn't real, that it was only a trick.

She sighed and rolled onto her side, yes, she knew Thorin well enough that she knew what he'd do. Strange memories kept flooding her mind and she let herself be pulled into a deep slumber as one slid to the forefront of her mind. The day she'd beaten him at wrestling.

Something was wrong. She could feel it and the sense of wrongness pulled her from her slumber. Thalia blinked up at the still dark sky and wondered briefly at the time. Then her mind turned to what had roused her. Sitting upright she looked about the clearing, finding everyone asleep, even Gloin. Who had apparently replaced Thorin on watch.

The thought caused a lightning bolt of worry to shoot through her. Her eyes searched until she found where Thorin had laid down, only he wasn't sound asleep like everyone else. He was tossing and turning, as if trapped in a nightmare.

Unable to stop herself, Thalia quietly rose to her feet and crept across the clearing until she knelt at Thorin's side. The king in exile had sweat beaded on his brow and his face was scrunched up, unintelligible words falling from his lips as he thrashed about. Moved even more by this she reached out and lifted his head up, sliding into place she let his head down in her lap as she stroked his hair.

He stilled a little but not by much. Pained seeing him like this she did the only other thing she could think of, she began to sing. It started out low and soft, only loud enough that he'd hear her and no one else. She kept brushing her hands over his face and through his hair, hoping that somehow it would ease Thorin's suffering.

It was in Khuzdul, a lullaby she vaguely remembered hearing sung to her upon occasion. It was the only thing that came to her mind when she'd thought of a song to sing to him. She wondered as she sang if her mother from that time had sung it to her, this brought tears to her eyes as she stroked Thorin's cheek.

He had stilled, his brow had softened and he had grown peaceful. A smile crossed Thalia's lips at this; quickly she pulled off her cloak and folded it. Then she slowly slid out from beneath Thorin and placed his head onto the cloak. Once she was sure he would remain asleep she got up and stole back across the clearing.

She quickly lay back down and shimmied closer to her brother, pulling her blanket up about her shoulders as she did her best to fall asleep. It came to her easier than before, knowing that she'd helped Thorin, even a little.

As the clearing grew quiet once more, two of the company moved, looking at each other in silent confusion at what they'd just witnessed. Both of their eyes turned to where the hobbit female now lay fast asleep and both shared the same thought, 'just who is this woman and what is she to Thorin?'


A/N- There we are. I will explain who the mysterious two are in the next chapter.

Once more thank you all for reading my work and continuing on this adventure with me. As always...

May the Fluff be with you!

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