Author's Note: Thanks guys :D I'm going to put up a trigger warning for violence in case anyone's squeamish. I've realized I should've put up a lot more trigger warnings, especially before Azog got his eye taken out haha. This is one long chapter that covers a lot. Thanks Filiafamilias, anna. pantelarou, Luinwen-2013, znk99fg7, Kcaelle, Crystal, biddle29, DwarvenWarrior, fairys have tails, Antheila, uno mega, SwanInProgress, THE WALKING sexy AMC, dearreader, UKReader, Just4Me, Guest, EmilyOakenshield, kitcat12, and Grumpy Unicorn for reviewing! All your reviews mean so much :) Also thanks for the follows and favorites. Answers to anonymous reviews will be below.
Disclaimer: I don't own "Gypsy" by Lady Gaga. I love this song so much :)
Chapter Thirty: Gypsy
"Yeah, that's right." Rue gulped, unexpectedly feeling defensive out of all things. "I…was forced to see Thranduil naked."
She really had no idea why she felt defensive. Maybe because of how many times she had almost been caught or the fact that Thranduil had nearly decapitated her, but Thorin finding Thranduil in the nude the most offensive thing just rubbed Rue the wrong way.
"Forced?" Thorin growled.
Come again, the possessiveness in his voice made the hairs on the back of her neck stand up. Clearly, Rue was imagining "possessiveness." It made her feel ten times better, though.
Clearing her throat, she explained sheepishly, "What I meant to say was that I had to uh…endure seeing Thranduil so I could get the ring back. But um―" Rue winced at the furrowing of his eyebrows and the tightness of his jaw― "Um…Thranduil is passed out right now."
For the first time since Thorin had touched Rue, she looked past him in search of a certain Hobbit.
"If Thranduil hurt you," Thorin grunted in warning, pulling Rue closer to his chest.
She gulped and nodded. "I'm the one who did the hurting, Thorin. You would've been proud of me." A lopsided grin pulled at her lips.
His brilliant blue eyes flickered across her questioningly, suspicious and grateful in each glance they cast at her. Rue stood straighter, butterflies fluttering in her stomach. Why did she have to feel this way now? They needed to head to Lake-town as soon as possible, but Rue was too distracted swooning over Thorin. Always, her feelings got the best of her. That was probably why she looked up to Snape so much…
"Beardless whelp!"
Rue tilted her head to the side, peeking over Thorin to find the source of the voice. She was surprised when it was none other than Gimli, racing through the shallow end. He stumbled here and there in the water, arms outstretched until they reached their intended target―
She did a double take, blinking. Gimli's arms were wrapped around Kili. They hugged and laughed. Fili watched diligently, pushing golden, damp strands of hair out his face as he smirked.
"I thought we were to pass!" Kili cried. "In battle no less!"
"I thought the same, lad," Gimli said hoarsely.
Dwalin, who was sitting on shore now, softly chuckled, shaking his head. Balin gave the two young Dwarves his classic Balin look, as condescending as ever. Damn, Rue loved Balin. She watched them all closely. She loved them all.
Gently, Rue untangled her arms from Thorin. Her heart protested, thumping endlessly, wanting nothing more than to be flush against Thorin.
Soothingly, his hands moved to her upper back as he started to guide her away from the river. Thorin helped Rue along. He probably thought she'd face plant and give herself a concussion if he didn't help her.
Most of the chatter had died down, leaving only the sound of stirring water and the moans and protests of Dwarves and one Hobbit making their way from river to shore.
At once, all eyes were on Kili and Gimli. They sensed the attention, awkwardly unraveling their arms from each other. Kili cleared his throat, refusing to make eye contact with anybody. Gimli, on the other hand―
He pushed Kili away, frowning and puffing his chest out. Whenever Gimli attempted to push his chest out and look macho, Rue couldn't help but think of a cute blowfish. Awe, Gims.
"Do not push me," Kili whined, stepping forward, palms out in preparation to push Gimli back. Real mature, Kili.
Fili stopped his brother, rolling his eyes. "Kili, do not."
In less than a minute, Rue was marching up the grassy riverbank, sore heels bumping against rocks.
Ori sat on one of the bigger rocks, dumping buckets of water out his boots. Bofur and Bombur were back down on the grass, panting in exhaustion. Kili and Fili were barely leaving the river while―
"Bilbo!" Rue cried.
He stood next to Bombur and Bofur's figuratively "dying" forms, bent over as he wheezed for much-needed air. Bilbo's hands were on his tiny knees as he slowly rose to his full height.
Rue closed the distance between her and Mr. Hobbitkins, pulling him in for a bone-crushing hug. Bilbo seemed flabbergasted by the gesture, a tiny gasp slipping past his mouth.
All right, she was seriously coming off creepy, but if it weren't for Bilbo, they would still be in the dungeon of doom. Bilbo had been the genius who thought to save the tainted river water. Good question. Why?
She gave Bilbo a pat on the back, letting him go.
"I admit," Bilbo said airily, with some sass, "I thought there was a small chance you would succeed."
She giggled. And giggled some more. An adrenaline rush soared through Rue. She felt like she could do anything―be anybody she wanted. Being alive after almost dying fifty different times was exhilarating.
"Nori, where is Nori?" Dori wondered, standing behind Ori.
Rue peered around, remembering she had last seen Nori with Bilbo.
"Bilbo?" she squeaked. She felt sick. Rue was lightheaded and nauseous, envisioning Nori had been captured by Orcs and hacked to pieces.
Dwalin marched around now, booming, "No one has seen Nori?"
Ori put his boot back on, eyes scanning the riverbank for any signs of his brother. Rue saw the dejection diminish the relief that had been in his orbs only moments ago. Poor Ori.
"Did you see where he went?" she asked Bilbo desperately.
Thorin shook his head, hands going to his sides.
"No," Bilbo piped up weakly. "All I remember is seeing him climb on to shore and―"
"You will never believe what I have just purchased."
Rue darted past Bilbo, and made a beeline for the tree line, where Nori poked his head out. He was half-hidden behind a tree, grinning cheekily.
Thorin opened his mouth to probably lecture Nori on the merits of running away without telling anybody when―
Nori winked. "I got us a boat."
That certainly kept Thorin quiet for the time being.
It turned out Nori had paid coin all on his own for the boat. Rue was still anticipating the scheme in his plan to come to the surface.
She wasn't sure how she ended up in the rear of the boat next to Thorin out of all Dwarves, but that was what happened. Bilbo and the rest of the Dwarves were scattered across the boat, cluttering the front and middle. Dwalin and Kili rowed now after Gimli and Gloin had rowed the first fifteen minutes.
Rue hugged herself, shivering nonstop. She was still in disbelief. Her plan had actually worked. Tempted to pinch herself and see if it was a dream, Rue further slouched in her seat with a heavy sigh. Damn. Another exhale.
She could still see Tauriel standing on the riverbank, rock beneath her feet as she swayed ever slightly―shocked at Rue's betrayal. Rue was…ugly.
Venturing a sneaky glance at Thorin somehow made her feel better. Thorin always had that effect on her. He extracted all her self-hatred and self-doubt, giving her self-assurance and optimism instead. That was probably why she was crazy about him.
In a swift jerk of his head, Thorin caught her staring. Rue turned beet red, gaze lowering to the boat floor. Suddenly, all she could feel was cool wind whipping her cheeks and the press of nearby Dwarven bodies. And all she could see out of the corner of her eyes was boundless river, a maze of trees, and waning sunlight. It was funny how she refused to see Thorin. But the force of his presence was unmistakable―made him definite.
"Why do you refuse to stare at me?"
For a moment, Rue thought someone else had asked the question. She peered up, seeing the Dwarves and Bilbo were either facing the river or each other, in no way addressing her, which meant―
Crap.
Meekly, she found Thorin's eyes, heart beating faster.
"I…I―" Rue brought her knees to her chest, hugging them like a lifeline, playing with her fingers― "I'm afraid of disappointing you."
The last sentence left Rue feeling foolish. Did she really just say that? Admitting something so freaking personal within earshot of everyone else was stupid. Rue swallowed hard.
Thorin shook his head. Without warning, he moved closer, stopping once inches separated his standing form from Rue's sitting form.
"I am never disappointed in you," he spoke quietly.
Unsure of what to say or how to react―Rue seriously didn't expect him to say that―she gave a tiny shrug and uttered innocuously, "Really?"
Thorin nodded.
Rue leaned against the back of the boat, expecting their conversation to slowly end, but―
"Why did―" Thorin glanced at the others in the boat, making sure they weren't eavesdropping. His voice dropped to a whisper, "Explain to me how you saw the Elvenking in the bare?"
Either Thorin couldn't whisper or the boat was way too small, because Bilbo turned to look at Rue, his eyes big in curiosity. One single glare from Thorin forced Bilbo to turn back around seconds later. Never had she appreciated Scary Thorin so much. Rue really didn't feel like telling the story of how she saw Thranduil naked to the entire boat.
Thorin scowled, hands clenched.
Rue stammered, "When I went to look for Thranduil…well, he was in the bathing hall. So I―" She played with her fingers some more― "I really didn't have a choice but to see him naked. It was either that or―" Instinctively, one of Rue's hands went to her cloak pocket, finger grazing against the familiar cool surface that was none other than the one ring― "Or leave the ring behind. I used the river water from Mirkwood―the water that put the animals to sleep. Well, uh, I used it to put Thranduil to sleep. Then I got the ring and went downstairs to meet you guys."
Sheepishly, Rue shrugged again. Lightly, she tapped her knees. Damn, she was insanely nervous.
The anger on Thorin's face had not lightened up in the least. Instead, it had intensified.
"When I see him next―" He started gutturally.
"No, Thorin," Rue interjected weakly. "I'm the one who made a fool out of him."
Thorin glared murderously at the open water, his silence patronizing Thranduil in every way possible. She was tired of Thorin bearing all this…inner-hatred because of one damn Elf. Enough was enough.
Pleadingly, she reached up to Thorin, not thinking as she―
All of a sudden, her hand was in his. Rue wrapped her smaller hand around his larger one, gently rubbing his knuckles in a lame attempt to comfort him.
Thorin was shocked, blinking, lips parted.
"Please?" She silently begged Thorin to let go some of his anger.
Moments passed. Thorin watched her closely, his gaze never leaving hers once. Rue squirmed underneath his penetrating stare. Hot damn.
And then his fingers were entrapping hers fiercely. Rue hiccupped. Passion and intensity ruled his eyes. Thorin's eyebrows creased in precipitous determination. A chill shot up Rue's spine.
"For too long, Thranduil, has done unforgivea―" Thorin huffed and puffed in indignation― "I will not allow him to dishonor my woman in such a way."
What? Had Rue heard his words correctly? Her jaw hung open, heart screaming.
Something weird dawned on her…
The boat was too quiet.
Rue grew the courage to peek up to find most of the Dwarves watching Thorin in bewilderment. Bilbo wisely kept facing forward.
She was blushing; trying to convince herself Thorin had misspoke. Yep, that was it. Rue nodded in self-assurance. He had become tongue-tied. That was all. He could never truly mean what he had just said…
Rue hugged herself even tighter, hiding her face from too many pairs of eyes.
Thorin whirled around, crossing his arms over his chest, refusing to look at the company as he stared out at the river. She wished she could un-see him turning away. It hurt too dang much.
Because Rue realized she was the reason Thorin was hurting or angry―more like angrily hurting. He was probably embarrassed from his slip of tongue.
Who wouldn't be?
In what felt like half a day's travel, they arrived to the bridge that led to Lake-town. In reality, they probably had only traveled an hour and a half at the most. The boat's deathly silence had made the trek feel like an eternity.
They had first seen the towering Lonely Mountain shrouded behind Lake-town an hour ago, the closest Rue had ever been to the ancient Dwarf kingdom. It should've been a joyous, victorious, triumphant moment. A smile should've been on Thorin's lips. But thanks to Rue, he couldn't even have his moment.
Rue continuously replayed Thorin's words in her head, desperately searching for any truth in them. Tiny glimmers of hope told her Thorin had meant what he said. Hopeless. She was hopeless.
They walked the long length of the bridge; Rue huddled underneath one of Dwalin's pelts for warmth. He was one of the only Dwarves to have left the Elvenking's Halls with a pelt, let alone any possessions.
She traipsed inches behind Thorin. Somehow, this always happened. No matter how she felt, her body always gravitated toward his. Maybe they had a bigger, more meaningful connection than she had ever thought plausible? Yeah, right. Rue ignored the temptation to snort at herself.
On Thorin's left side stumbled a shivering Bilbo, and on his right side was Dwalin. The three of them in front of the group seemed fitting, like it was always supposed to be this way, but some force―Thorin―had always stopped the inclusion of Bilbo.
Kili, Fili, and Gimli remained toward the back of the company, eerily quiet. There was no joking―no friendly banter today.
Each footstep they took, the heavier Rue's legs grew. The air was tense, lake water their only companion aside from the gate leading into Lake-town up ahead. A gate didn't count as a companion, though. Yep, and water certainly did. Sometimes, Rue wanted to punch herself.
"Thorin," Balin echoed, tone spookily solemn.
Everyone stopped at once, looking from Balin to Thorin. Slowly, Thorin halted, shoulders square, hands twitching in eagerness―maybe anxiety? Imperceptibly, he spun around to meet Balin's gaze. Balin stood near Rue, immediately standing taller and matching Thorin's eyes with as much intensity as King Under the Mountain usually dealt.
She wasn't sure why, but she backed away from Balin.
"I am listening," Thorin said evenly, giving a slight nod. Wow. This was the most cooperative Rue had seen Thorin in a longtime. Possibly prison had done him some good? Bad joke.
Balin sighed heavily, "When you speak to the Master of Lake-town―" Balin stopped mid-sentence to huff in slight indignation― "Please remember that we are in dire need of supplies and weapons. And being without tact would be unwise. You might want to adhere to the niceties."
Rue nodded. Balin did have a very good point.
Balin pointed at Rue suddenly. "Perhaps the lass or I may intervene if you…decide to act dour."
Thorin looked from Rue to Balin, eyes shifty all of a sudden. Usually, she could tell what Thorin was thinking, but right now, she didn't know. He could have been thinking about Smaug for all she knew or about punching Balin and pushing her into the lake. Who knew?
Then…he nodded, the tiniest smirk ever pulling at the corner of his lips. "Indeed, you shall."
At once, they continued making a beeline for the gate, Rue confused as hell. She wasn't sure how to interpret Thorin's smirk. Balin didn't seem offended, though, which meant maybe the smirk was sincere? A smirk was playful. Thorin had smirked at Rue a few times, but…
She hugged herself even tighter. The sound of feet striking the wooden boards grew more deafening: thud, thud, thud. Rue felt sick.
The gate loomed closer. A gnawing pang stabbed Rue's stomach. It was hard to pinpoint what the feeling was. She gulped. Goose bumps crawled up her arms. Damn. What was this? Shivering from head to toe, Rue began to have some kind of idea what the feeling was. It was the kind of feeling you got before something bad was going to happen, something really, really bad. The last time Rue had felt like this was when she had woken up in a web.
Thorin was a stone's throw away from the gate. The sudden impulse to stop him from asking entrance into Lake-town shot through her. Suck it up. She gulped. Rue had to suck up whatever this feeling was. Lake-town was a critical part of the book. The Master of Lake-town asking for gold had led to book Thorin being greedier than before. But Balin was right. They needed supplies. After Mirkwood, they were nearly weaponless and definitely had no food and supplies whatsoever.
Thorin halted in front of the gate, beautifully solemn. Everything about him was beautiful.
He raised his fist to knock and announce himself. Rue drew back.
It happened all too fast. A man on the other side slid a small door open that only revealed his eyes and…unibrow. Poor dude. Nat had a natural unibrow. Rue had seen her go through waxing hell to get rid of it.
"Who dare asks entry into Lake-town?" the man asked.
Thorin stiffened, sticking his chest out with all the pride in the world, speaking with bravado, "I, Thorin son of Thrain, the rightful King Under the Mountain, ask for entry into your realm. My people―" Thorin grouchily dared a glance at Balin― "humbly ask for supplies and weapons."
Thorin peered downwards before looking up to meet wood. The man had already slid the small door shut.
Rue shook her head. What? Were they really going to be denied entry into Lake-town? That was not how the book went―
Without warning, there was a loud creak, and then―
The gate opened. Rue was taken aback, stumbling, her mouth hanging open. Defensively, Thorin's arms were out as he formed a physical shield between the company and the other side of the gate―Lake-town.
Rue shaded her eyes as she took in the sight of Lake-town. The man―the gatekeeper―sat in a boat, motioning for them to come forward. Thorin ventured a long glance at the lake and beginnings of buildings before taking one-step forward.
"You are truly King Under the Mountain?" The gatekeeper smiled pointedly.
Thorin warily looked around. "Yes, I am."
The gatekeeper nodded once, bringing his boat closer to Thorin―
There was a sudden shriek. Out of nowhere, a man popped out of a barrel sitting on the edge of a dock a few feet away. He had an incredibly long bow, and an arrow pointed at―
Oh, shit.
Bard the Bowman's arrow was trained on Thorin. In a flash, Thorin jerked his Orc-crafted sword up, the tip of the blade pointed in Bard's direction. That had to be Bard…
Dwalin, Gimli, Fili, Gloin, Ori, and Kili blurred past Rue, their weapons at the ready. Other bowmen arrived, one standing by the corner of a nearby house. Dwalin let his axe go, the blade twisting in mid-air, missing Bard by inches. He had ducked.
Another bowman was on the roof of a house, standing tall, arrow pointed at Thorin. Rue swallowed hard. Every arrow was honed in on Thorin.
The gatekeeper cooed nonchalantly, smirking up at Thorin from his seat on the boat. "You shall be delighted to know the Master of Lake-town has been anticipating your visit for quite some time. I shall take you to him on the condition you are guarded at all times. Your comrades shall be left unharmed if you decide this. The Master of Lake-town believes you to be a…perilous Dwarf. Your reputation precedes you."
Suddenly, the gatekeeper's unibrow was looking uglier and uglier.
Thorin tensed, fingers clenching around the hilt of his sword. What choice did they even have? Rue shook her head, trembling in fear. Damn. Bard the Bowman's arrow was big enough to kill Thorin for sure…
"I do not have a choice."
Rue had to repeat the words in her head several times to realize Thorin had spoken them. No. But―but―but it was freaking true.
"Thorin," Dwalin started, moving forward―
Bard stood more erect, inching forward to enunciate his aim at Thorin.
Thorin shook his head. "Dwalin―" He finished his terse words in Khuzdul.
"You understand," the gatekeeper said airily. "Very well. Step into the boat."
Tense moments passed. The tiniest of squeaks slipped past Bilbo's lips. There was the lightest of steps from Thorin as he stepped into the boat. Rue gasped, lurching forward without thinking―
"Thorin―" She held out one hand urgently, beads of sweat dripping down her face and palms soaked. Rue almost stepped into the water, jerking her foot back at the last second.
"Alfrid, what of the woman?" Bard the Bowman asked the gatekeeper―Alfrid.
Alfrid scanned Rue. "Your reputation also precedes you."
Eh? She felt like scratching her head in confusion, but really didn't want to piss off Bard. This wasn't Bard from the book. Lake-town was not supposed to happen like this.
Thorin peered from Alfrid to her. "She stays by my side. If harm befalls her―" Thorin threateningly made a fist at Alfrid.
"I concur she shall remain by your side."
Oddly enough, Bard didn't make any distinct movements in defense of Alfrid.
Rue found herself stepping into the boat, the silence drowning. Slowly, she sat next to Thorin, dread plummeting to the bottom of her stomach like a stone. Wordlessly, Bard joined them in the boat, gruffly standing as Alfrid started to paddle.
Alfrid commanded his other henchmen, "Bring the others to the Master of Lake-town's house."
And then Rue was biting the inside of her cheek, head bowed down, lips quivering. Defeated. She was defeated. After beating unthinkable odds in the Elvenking's Halls, they had ended up in this position. Coldness whipped at her flesh. Rue scooted closer to Thorin, her eyes hardly leaving Bard's bow. Was that even really Bard? Who else had a longbow in Lake-town, Rue argued with herself.
Thorin leered at Bard.
Bard scowled in return, his leer sharpening as his eyes fell on Alfrid's lanky form.
"When will I be given payment?" Bard's words sounded acid.
"Do not speak of such things now," Alfrid hissed.
Ripples of water danced next to the boat as they slowly traveled through Lake-town. Rue stiffened in her seat, sensing some animosity between Mr. Unibrow and Bard. It made the entire experience even more dizzying. Unpredictability was always bad when you were weaponless. Wait. Thorin did have his sword still.
Rue peeked at Thorin. He stared ahead, hand still clenching the hilt, nostrils flaring.
Rue had seen too much water in one day. She hugged her knees, taking a glimpse over her shoulder. Not far behind them was the rest of the company in a bigger boat…
If anyone hurt Thorin…
Rue shook her head, holding tears back. It wasn't going to happen. No.
The tenseness in the boat had only skyrocketed after the unfriendly banter between Alfrid and Bard. Rue and Thorin had remained in deep silence the entire time. She had pressed closer to him for comfort. Fortunately, he didn't object to her touch, which meant they were probably going to be in deep-shit soon.
Honestly, Rue didn't notice much about Lake-town, aside from the famished-looking citizens. She felt in sync with them, but yet worlds apart. Rue felt famished, tired, and thirsty as hell. But they were human. Wow. Rue had really started to think she was a Dwarf. The thought was distracting enough as the boat slowed. Torches lined too many places. It was still mid-day. Why were there torches?
There was a stone path ahead, which led to what Rue assumed to be the Master of Lake-town's house. The house was the biggest she had seen, wide with windows that had multiple panes. Guards stood in front of the steps leading to the house. And―
Thorin was up on his feet quick when Rue's eyes found what his did first.
Everything happened too damn fast. He readied his sword, protectively standing over Rue. Bard lazily trained an arrow on Thorin. She gasped. Lazy or not, it was still a longbow with a long arrow aimed at her Thorin.
Shock didn't even begin to cover it. A familiar face marched right on over, guards flanking his every side. Rue shakily rose to her feet.
Alfrid climbed out the boat, immediately hiding behind the guards.
"Move out of my sight. I wish to see him."
He still had the same haughty tone of voice.
No.
She shook her head as if the gesture would make the absurd untrue. How? They had left him back in the Troll-shaws―
Two guards shifted, revealing the familiar sharply angled face. His dark hair was tied in a ponytail like always. Arrogance screamed off his every movement.
Naji.
"Thorin son of Thrain. King Under the Mountain," Naji sneered derisively. He turned to the guards. "I mustn't forget my manners." Mockingly, he bowed at Thorin.
The guards snickered at Naji's "bow."
Rue opened her mouth to speak, but had no clue what to say. What was there to say? They had been―been―tricked.
Naji tilted his head. "You look as if you have seen a man rise from the dead, Ruby. Is that what you believed? That I had passed on?"
No. Rue shook her head.
"Did you dare think you would never see me again?" Naji growled.
What was happening? This couldn't be happening. It was like something out of The Twilight Zone.
"Answer me," he demanded.
Rue only offered silence―
Naji took a step forward. Thorin almost leapt out of the boat, his foot halfway planted on the cement.
"Do not speak to her," Thorin warned, eyes flashing in wrath.
"You do wish to have supplies, do you not? And perhaps weapons?" Naji taunted. "Since you have been left with nothing. The irony in your dire life indulges me." He threw his head back, laughing. "Hear my words, Dwarf."
Thorin glowered murderously at Naji, lip curling in an animalistic snarl.
Naji didn't wait for any responses, proceeding to speak.
"I have only one request, and then my uncle shall grant you supplies and anything else you might need." Naji took slow, torturous steps until he stood at the edge of the lake, inches from the boat, a foot away from Thorin's violent gaze.
"What is your request?" Thorin spat.
An impish smirk tugged at the corner of Naji's lips. "Ruby's hand in marriage."
All hell broke loose. Rue didn't even have time to let the words sink in her head. What? Why? Marriage to Naji? For supplies?
Thorin was taken aback, eyes widening as he shook his head. "Never," he roared.
"You dare say 'never?'" Naji asked, one eyebrow cocking up. More guards started coming from the Master of Lake-town's house, flying down the stairs in their haste.
The second boat stopped a little ways behind their boat. Swiftly, Dwalin began to anchor the boat down with rope, the other Dwarves not even waiting for Dwalin to finish as they started to climb out.
Thorin completely stepped out the boat now, fearless as he closed the distance between himself and Naji. Rue could feel the intense enmity. They stood toe to toe, eyes never leaving each other's.
"No," Thorin growled.
Naji nodded. "So it begins."
At once, guards were cornering Thorin. No. Rue leapt out the boat, stumbling, and nearly falling face flat.
"Wait!"
Nobody heard her desperate pleas. Dwalin and Fili moved for Thorin, but Bard was right there still, pointing an arrow at Thorin.
"Come along cooperatively and we will not have to maim you," Naji warned, stepping back. More guards replaced Naji.
Thorin struggled to break free from too many hands, guards binding rope around his wrists. Rue stood by helplessly, eyes restlessly darting from Bard's erect form to Thorin's battling one.
"No, wait, please!" Rue shouted. She tried to squeeze past guards, but felt hands on her shoulders jerking her back. Rue turned to find Bilbo pulling her back. Eh? Usually, Dwalin was the one stopping her from doing something stupid.
But this wasn't stupid. Damn. Thorin frantically searched faces.
"Leave him alone!" Rue cried. "I'll marry you! Just leave him alone."
The words were out her mouth before she even realized what she was saying. Honestly, she didn't care. Rue would marry Naji if it meant Thorin―
Thorin's eyes were on hers; steady, warm, and probing all at once. Slowly, he shook his head. Seconds passed. Two guards finished binding Thorin's hands behind his back.
Naji returned to standing in front of Thorin, giving a thin-lipped, closed-mouth, scathing smile.
"We shall proceed to see my uncle."
What? The Master of Lake-town was Naji's uncle?
Before she could even blink, they started to move Thorin down the stone path and toward the steps. Rue ran alongside the guards, panting, trying to get Naji's attention.
"Naji, I'll do it!"
From the corner of her eye, Rue saw the company walking for the steps, too, and Bard finally getting out the boat. Come on. It was obvious Bard hadn't cared to really follow Alfrid's orders. Why had she let the threat of a longbow make her helpless?
Her vision was nearly blurry. The tears couldn't come. Rue sniveled, running faster, looking to the steps where―
She faltered a little in dismay, but speeded up.
A man stood in the center of the steps―plump and dressed "nicer" than other Lake-town civilians. He wore a fur pelt, standing with both hands on his hips, haughtiness in his stance. The Master of Lake-town.
Rue's heart beat like a war drum.
Guards formed an even tighter circle around him.
Animated banter filled the air. Too soon, Rue realized this was going to be a show. Some people had begun to notice the commotion, and of course had started to form a crowd around the Master of Lake-town's house.
By the Master of Lake-town's side was Alfrid, who whispered in his ear, pointing at Thorin accusingly.
Naji halted in front of the steps, only three guards separating him from Thorin.
"Welcome Thorin son of Thrain, King Under the Mountain," the Master of Lake-town started, a smile ghosting his lips. His mustache twitched with the slightest movement.
Desperately, Rue tried to squeeze past guards for the millionth time. They were everywhere now. Where had they all come from? Sweat dripped in to the creases of her body. Freaking sunlight had crept out from behind clouds, making everything an even bigger disaster than it already was. All right, Rue was full of shit. She was what had made everything a disaster. How could she have not known the Master of Lake-town was Naji's uncle? Rue could have sworn―
Damn.
Standing stark still, jaw hung open, Rue doubled over in pitiful attempts to catch her breath. She had known. It had been mentioned once in front of her. Claudio had said his brother was the Master―
Wait. That had never happened. Or maybe it had. Rue wasn't sure. But it was her fault Naji was here. It was all her fault.
"Lass."
Gruffly, she felt Gimli grab her by the elbow, pulling her closer to the rest of the company. Guards pointed a mixture of swords, spears, and bows and arrows at the company―at her, too. Dwalin looked beyond pissed off, fists clenched by his sides. Kili shifted closer to his brother, eyes doubled in size. Ori, Nori, and Dori were almost pressed together.
They had literally walked into a trap.
"This is your welcome?" Thorin sneered.
"You seek out supplies from my realm, do you not?" the Master of Lake-town stated jeeringly. Now Rue was starting to recognize the family resemblance between the Master of Lake-town and the Master of Bree. They were both on the chubbier side and conceited. Conceited chubbies.
Thorin remained in silence, his angry silence as strong as a raging fire.
The Master of Lake-town continued smiling like the git he was.
"You have already heard my brother's son's proposal. I shall not deter from the agreement. He has spoken of the ill you have perpetrated against him."
Thorin's head was raised high with pride. Many times, Rue had thought he was maybe a little too uncooperative and angry. She was getting choked up. He was truly admirable―a true king who stood his ground in spite of the danger he was putting himself in. If she were a queen, she didn't know if she would be courageous enough to do the same. Thorin was truly inspirational.
The Master of Lake-town was becoming annoyed by Thorin's refusal to speak.
"All you must do is simply agree to the conditions," he spoke airily. "Then we shall feast and celebrate the arrival of the King Under the Mountain, here to slay Smaug the Terrible. Here to reclaim the mountain! We shall celebrate the new courtship between my brother's son and―"
Rue flinched at two things: the Master's words and Thorin's sudden growl.
"There will be no courtship." Thorin dared to step forward, shaking in rage. Rue swore she saw one of the veins on his head throbbing. She had seen Thorin mad before, but never like this. Somehow, this was different. His rage seemed to derive from a deep place, only worsening more and more by the ticking clock. Thorin was…hurt?
How did the Master of Lake-town already know of the quest? His words replayed in her head: then we shall feast and celebrate the arrival of the King Under the Mountain, here to slay Smaug the Terrible. The only sensible thing was that Naji had told him.
Small gasps came from the throng of people gathered behind the guards.
The Master of Lake-town nodded.
Rue raised her hand. "I'll do―"
A hand clamped over her mouth. Rue was talking into a palm, panicking, imagining Orcs had come to slaughter her until she turned and seen―
It was only Fili. Her heartbeat slowed dramatically, the fear evolving beyond the simply fight-or-flight reflex. Thorin. She had to speak to save Thorin.
"Are you mad?" Fili whisper-yelled in her ear. "If anything were to happen to you, my uncle would―"
His words were drowned out as the Master of Lake-town spoke above them all.
"You made your choice, Thorin son of Thrain."
The hairs on the back of Rue's neck stood up. Terror leached into her limbs, making them leaden and useless. Only Fili held her up now.
"No," Dwalin uttered underneath his breath, shaking his head.
Balin exhaled loudly.
The Master of Lake-town climbed down two stairs. "It is only just that you suffer the same humiliation my brother's son has undertaken from your hands."
Thorin didn't flinch once, eyebrows knitted, eyes on fire.
Rue tried to push Fili off her, but he was too darn strong. Fuck Dwarven strength. She heard her muffles echo into Fili's palm.
The Master of Lake-town glided past Naji―Rue wanted to punch his hideous face, wipe the smile off his lips. She felt the hatred for Naji, felt it all the way to her bones.
He met Thorin's eyes. "Take him to the post."
Jeers plagued the filthy streets as Thorin was rowed to the "post." Guards flanked their every side, dragging them along like rag dolls. Kili had taken a swing at one of the meaner guards. Now they were even more heavily guarded thanks to the incident. The company had been in uproar, bellowing and struggling against guard after guard. So it hadn't been completely Kili's fault.
Tears spilled down Rue's cheeks.
Thorin had been stripped of his tunic, left shirtless in preparation for the post. The post was on a small piece of land in the middle of the lake between a stinky tavern and another building. Shackles, whips, and mystery bottles all hung from the post. It was literally a wooden post.
She couldn't breathe. Rue couldn't do anything right. No. This wasn't happening. How could they have just walked into hell? But the book―the book―
It was about damn time she stopped trusting those pages pervaded by empty words. How many things from the book had actually happened?
Rue shook her head, wiping her stupid tears away. Go ahead and blame the book. It was easier to blame the stupid book than herself.
The boat stilled by the post.
A guard slowly yanked Thorin up by his ropes. At first, Thorin struggled against the guard. Rue squeaked in horror.
Thorin bit his lower lip aggressively, pulling against the guard.
Rue heard the guard say bits and pieces of things.
"Do not relent."
Do not relent. The words replayed in her head like a cruel Scrabble game.
Thorin looked to them, watching the guards wielding weapons with wary eyes. Rue wanted scream at Thorin. Needed to tell him to stop worrying about them. He needed to worry about himself.
Now he cooperated, stepping out the boat and willingly standing by the post.
The Master of Lake-town grinned from ear to ear. Rue wanted to smack him on the back of the head.
And then the humiliation started.
Thorin was tied to the post, both hands bound so tightly Rue could see his hands becoming leached by a purplish-bluish color from her vantage point.
The guard watched the Master of Lake-town until he was given the "cue" to start with a simple nod. What? Was Thorin not even worth a few breaths to speak the words? Disgusting.
Out of nowhere, the guard jerked a staff―a wooden pole of sorts?―from a case. He lifted it and―
Bam.
This wasn't happening.
Thorin didn't flinch, hands tied to the post, his bare back facing the guard. The pole struck his flesh, making Rue cringe all over.
"THORIN!" Dwalin leapt forward, four sword points suddenly aimed for his throat. Balin yanked Dwalin backwards, shaking his head, gaze on the cobblestone beneath their feet.
She gasped. One hand was on her mouth while the other hung limply by her side, trembling.
The pole came down again for a second time, creating a―
Crack.
The pole had started to split. Thorin visibly shook a little, grunting, forcing himself to keep quiet.
"Harder!" The Master of Lake-town roared from a seat set on a high-rise of stone. The high-rise wasn't that high, but tall enough for the Master of Lake-town to never miss a second of Thorin's beating.
Rue's fingertips―entire body―was empty of feeling. She shook and shook, tears trailing down her cheeks, chest rising and falling. She felt too much. Then felt too little. It was as if the shock was having a cloudy affect―
CRACK.
The pole split in half on the third hit. The guard cursed underneath his breath. Rue muffled cries, biting her knuckles until they turned blinding white, heart racing. Red. She shook her head and didn't stop. There was red on Thorin's back now. She leaned forward, getting an even closer look at the blood trickling down his back.
It hurt. She needed to do something. Needed to do anything to stop this from continuing.
Stupidly, she wiped the tears from her puffy eyes. Rue could hear Bilbo gasping desperately for air.
Wait. There was a way she could sneak away from the company…
Rue fingered the ring in her cloak pocket, heart palpitating a million pulses per second.
But―but―but―what if the Master of Lake-town noticed and started asking questions―
"CUT HIS HAIR OFF!"
Rue followed the haughty voice, finding Naji standing next to his uncle on the high-rise. Naji smiled like this was actually hilarious. What was wrong with these people?
"See how the Dwarf reacts when his treasured hair is gone."
Why couldn't Naji just shut up? Rue swallowed hard. Achingly slow, the guard's hands fumbled against the post, fingers locating a blade. He pulled the blade out, hands twisting around Thorin's beautiful locks.
Rue's eyes doubled in size. If he did this to Thorin―
No. It wasn't going to happen.
Before she could think, she was on the move. Rue lurched forward, ducking underneath a guard's outstretched arm.
The guard brought pieces of Thorin's hair to the blade. Ori shouted a chain of obscenities about humans. Bofur spat at two guards.
Hair meant the world to Dwarves. It would ruin Thorin's spirit; make him feel two inches tall. It would be the thing that could break him. After everything, he had fought against: Smaug, homelessness, starvation, exile, Thranduil…
Unexpectedly, the guard bent down, reaching down with one arm, dipping his hand in the lake water. Moments later, he had a scoop of water, rising up to his full height and―
He tossed the water at Thorin's back, the water hitting his cuts.
Rue neared the edge of the lake before anyone saw her. The crowd of onlookers watched Thorin wince the smallest of winces and grit his teeth. His long hair was plastered against parts of his back and fragments of his face. Rue realized he must've been sweating. Crap. What if the sweat was making the pain from his back even worse? This had to stop.
The guard tossed his head back and laughed, bowing in the Master of Lake-town's direction. Naji applauded arrogantly like some punk-ass bitch.
He brought the blade back to Thorin's hair. Teasingly, the guard ran the tip of the blade over Thorin's scalp…
"Your hair will be on the ground in tuffs, Dwarf," the guard said contemptuously. "You are no king." The guard was dead.
Rue was being delusional? Pathetic? A sniveling mess? The fault of the problem? No. It was her turn to rescue Thorin. She loved him. Her heart jumped in her chest, palms even more sweaty. Thorin remained motionless, his breathing growing heavier. He was strong. The strongest being she had ever met.
At once, Rue dropped her backpack on the ground. Nobody had noticed what she was preparing to do yet. Let them stand by and keep their gazes on Thorin.
And then she dove in the lake.
There was a thunderous splash, and an echo of gasps from every corner of her eye before her head went below the surface.
Rue clawed her way forward, swimming.
Must swim.
Water weighed her down, but she kept going. Had to keep going for Thorin. For Thorin. Rue blinked, rising back to the surface, and swallowing a lungful of humid air. She heard Fili's words from town.
"She was here!" There was a sound of struggle. Fili shouted, "Let me go!"
Everything was for Thorin.
Rue swam faster, doing some comedic version of a breaststroke. Damn her for being nonathletic.
Water went up her nose for the fifth time today. It stung her eyes, making the view of the post blurry. She hadn't seen the blade cut anything yet. Maybe Thorin was okay for now?
Half-expecting guards to hunt her down, Rue was shocked to find she was the only body in water.
Must get there.
Broken words exploded.
"Let her go to him." Naji.
"The indecency!"
"RUE!" At this point, she wasn't sure which Dwarf or Hobbit had called for her.
Suddenly, her hands connected with wood. Rue was breathing heavily like some beached fish. Pun intended. She hung off the wood for a few seconds, pulling herself up. Beams of sun blinded her. All she could see were the guard and Thorin's silhouettes before―
They came into complete view. She was on all fours on the wood, crawling for Thorin.
"PLEASE!" Rue cried.
More gasps and cries rang out.
The guard had one hand in Thorin's hair, holding some of the beautiful ends against the cruel blade tip. He watched Rue in disbelief, as if asking himself, "Did this crazy chick just swim here?"
She was up on her feet in desperation, waving her hands, heart beating as fast as a hummingbird's wing-beats.
"Wait, please!"
Rue raced for them, putting her hands between the blade and Thorin's hair. The tip of the blade touched her forearm.
"I'll do it! I'll marry him!"
Thorin turned his head to look at her. His eyes were hooded in defeat, cheeks pale, strands of hair plastered to his sweaty forehead.
"No," he growled huskily.
"I will." Rue nodded, running loving fingers through Thorin's hair. "Just please don't―" She sniveled― "Please leave his hair alone?"
Silence fell. It was deafening, pounding against Rue's ears like a swarm of buzzing bees.
Then―
"Release him."
The command had come from the Master of Lake-town. He now stood up from his chair, watching everything unfold with doe eyes and a parted mouth. Quickly, his parted mouth closed, forming a victorious smile. Had this been the goal the entire time? To humiliate Thorin until she openly agreed?
In a flash, the guard severed the ropes binding Thorin's hands to the post.
Rue was there quick, catching him, and nearly bumping the guard in her haste to get to Thorin.
She tucked her shaky hands around his waist, carefully avoiding the painful abrasions on his back. They faced each other, breathing hard.
Thorin shook his head, panting heavily. "I will not allow it."
Rue pulled him closer, tears mixing with sweat, the smell of iron―of blood―making her cry even harder.
"Thorin," she said wistfully, becoming brave all of a sudden. If she could "marry" Naji, then―
Rue cradled his cold cheeks, leaning forward―
Thorin met her halfway. His lips crashed against hers, Rue's entire body on fire. What was happening? He moved his lips against hers, groaning, thick beard tickling her chin and jaw. Was it actually happening? No way. Rue felt his arms on her waist―big hands moving from her lower back, to her upper back, and all the way up to her neck in less than five seconds. It must have been less than five seconds. His lips were…heaven.
Rue couldn't help herself, arms hanging around his neck as she greedily pulled him even closer. Their foreheads pressed together, bodies flush against each other. She wanted to take care of him―wanted to hold him and cherish him forever and ever. How corny. But she didn't care if it was corny.
He whispered words in Khuzdul between heated kisses.
"Menu duyam."
A moan slipped past her lips. Gosh, this feeling was indescribable.
Thorin nuzzled her nose. He opened his eyes, and Rue could spot the tiniest flecks of gray in his blue orbs. Gosh, his eyes were beautiful. He was beautiful. Everything about him was beautiful. She squeaked, closing the distance between them again. Their kiss was hungrier―more desperate. Thorin's hand was on her face, fingers gently caressing her cheeks. The rough callouses from his fingers made her shiver in pleasure―
Rue planted a feather light kiss on the corner of his lips. Thorin yanked her so close, she felt her breasts pressed against his chest, his thighs touching hers. He kissed her hungrily, longingly, lips consuming every inch of her lips and mouth―
Oh, wow.
She kissed his upper lip while his lower lip brushed against hers. There was a low, husky groan suddenly. It took her a long moment to realize that sound had come from Thorin's throat. She snuck a kiss against his throat, holding him close, never wanting to let go. He was hers. At least in her mind.
Rue's nose grazed against his.
She thought of every moment, every second, every conversation they had ever had. Rue deepened the kiss, holding him close, rememberingit all. If this were it…
If this were it, she would remember their time together in her world. Rue would remember Thorin standing up for her against her landlord. She'd remember the first time she ever laid eyes on him in the Prancing Pony. That felt so long ago. All the times he had saved her life flew through her head like a reel of film. Thorin's words from their last night on earth played in her head: Your kindness is extraordinary. Tingles. All she could feel were pleasant tingles.
Rue felt his lips all over hers. His intensity―passion―made her knees go weak, made her entire body nearly combust. Thorin's hands all over her body were tender―longing. She felt everything he could never say. Dark chest hair was flush against her. Wow. Between Rue shutting and opening her eyes, she drank in the sight of him shirtless. The scars on his body, the feel of her fingertips on his flesh, the press of him against her…
Suddenly, one of Thorin's hands was on the back of her neck, tilting her head back as he―
His kisses were freaking orgasmic. Okay, that was lame. Thorin gently kissed her upper lip, gazing at her heatedly. Before she knew what was happening, he was shutting his eyes, getting lost in her lips. The intensity behind his every touch, every kiss―
Rue's hands tangled in his beautiful, Dwarven hair, fingertips carefully brushing against his strong back. She was on cloud nine. Thorin's kisses turned from tender to insanely passionate at once.
Her heart was pounding as though she were caught in some wild showdown in the Savannahs of Africa, like lionesses were chasing her. Rue's face was hot. Incredibly hot. Thorin's fingers were on her cheek, her chin, bringing her face even closer. And then his hands were in her hair, softly winding her curls around his fingers. They kissed deeper, Rue lost in the feel of his strong hands on her body, lost in…him. He was everything to her.
"That is enough."
There were only words, Rue told herself. But―but―
She forced herself to stop, pulling away. Ever slowly, Thorin's eyes fluttered open, orbs glazed over…
Rue had never seen him look so…vulnerable. Thorin's eyes never left hers, hands rubbing up and down her arms soothingly. He held onto her tightly―never letting go. All she did was watch his eyes for a long moment. They gave her courage as she heard the sound of the guard fast approaching.
"Come, Ruby," the guard ordered.
Rue mutely nodded.
Thorin shook his head.
He wouldn't let go.
"I have to go," she uttered, lips hot, tongue feeling swollen. An agreement was an agreement. As long as Thorin was safe…
"No," he growled loudly, vehemently.
"Thorin―"
"No."
The guard stepped in, physically having to pry Thorin away from Rue. He struggled against the guard, fighting fifty times harder than he had for himself.
Best decision. Rue walked away from Thorin, feeling like she was Wendy walking the plank in Peter Pan as she stepped inside the boat.
"She is not his!" Thorin roared, trying to fight the guard, almost reaching the boat, hand outstretched in urgency.
And not so far away, Rue heard ugly laughs coming from Fancy Pants.
Gritting her teeth and clenching her fists, all Rue could think was…fuck Naji.
For Thorin. Everything was for Thorin. For the man―Dwarf―she was hopelessly in love with.
Author's Note: After thirty chapters in, it finally happened :D Let me know what you think and please review! I'd love to hear your guys opinions on the kiss. Rue and Thorin's romance is far from being happily ever after. There are still obstacles ahead―personal demons and just plain demons they have to face. This is officially my longest chapter I think. But so much happened!
Crystal: Thanks for reviewing :) I hope this chapter made up for the last! This chapter was definitely extra, extra, a mile-length long haha. Hope you enjoyed the reaction :)
Dearreader: Thanks for reviewing :) White moon butt! LOL! You made me laugh really hard. I hope this chapter had enough ThoRue fluff haha.
Guest: Thanks for the review! Awe, thanks for saying "utterly fantastic." Glad you love Rue :) Hope you liked the update.