Enya rode next to Gandalf in the front of the group. The horses that Beorn allowed them to borrow until they reached Mirkwood, were strong and their pace was steady. So far, she hadn't spotted Azog and his orc pack, so she'd good hopes they would reach their destination in time.

Enya gazed around her and felt that Beorn was near. Probably in his bear form. Enya didn't blame him for keeping an eye on his horses. She sighed. She had found it hard to say goodbye to the skin changer. He was kind and she regretted the fact that there was no time to befriend him. Before they left, Beorn made her promise him to come back one day and learn more about how to communicate with animals. She told him she would return. When she confessed didn't know how she could ever repay his kindness, Beorn smiled and replied that her existence was enough. He told her she gave him hope for the future of middle earth.

'Let your light shine into that mountain, miss.' He had urged her. 'Erebor is a cold place and needs your positive energy to relive again.'

Enya frowned. How the hell was she supposed to do that? She was a witch, not a medium.

'Your powers are evolving.' Gandalf interrupted her thoughts. 'All forces of nature are slowly starting to flow through you.'

Enya frowned. 'It doesn't feel like that. I'm confused all the time and I have no idea how to deal with myself.'

'Everything will fall into its place.' the wizard mused. 'When the time is right.'

'You always speak in riddles.' Enya murmured. 'How does this help me, at all?'

'I mean you should keep doing what you're doing!' Gandalf said. 'Follow your heart, dear Enya. If you do, your path will reveal itself to you.'

Enya rolled her eyes. 'You're still not making any damn sense to me.'

'Not to your mind.' Gandalf chuckled. 'But your heart knows.'

Enya smiled. 'I hope. I'm still not able to control water. Or air. Don't let me even start about earth and lightning!'

'No, you've not reached your full potential yet.' Gandalf admitted. 'But you will.'

'Beorn told me I shouldn't be afraid to be vulnerable. That I allow the aggressive forces to rule over my powers.'

'He is right.' The wizard told her. 'It takes time to learn how to control them, because they're not the powers that you would use instinctively.'

'That makes sense…' Enya said. 'And how precisely can I let them flow through me intentionally?'

'I have to confess, my dear Enya, that I do not possess the knowledge to teach you about that.' Gandalf confessed. 'But I've got the feeling you'll do just fine on your own. Be vulnerable. Let the company get to know you.'

'But…' Enya began, but the wizard ignored her.

'Don't be afraid to express your feelings.' He said to her and gave her a knowing look.

'I'm not the one denying feelings around here.' Enya sighed. 'Damn Mithrandir, you seem to keep track of literally everything I do!'

Gandalf chuckled. 'Of course I do. I'm a wizard, my dear.'

Enya rolled her eyes and wanted to make a witty remark about that, but she was distracted by the sight of a large forest that stretched as far as the eye could see before them.

'Gandalf…' Enya said. 'Is that Mirkwood?'

'Yes' the wizard answered. 'It is.'

'It looks like a dark place.' Enya muttered.

'Be on your guard in this forest.' The wizard replied. 'The powers that dwell over there try to meddle with your mind.'

'I will.' Enya promised as they followed Thorin, who lead the company to the outskirts of the forest.

They dismounted and Enya stroked her horse to keep it calm.

'Don't worry.' She whispered to it. 'You don't have to go in there. You may return to your master with your friends.'

'Set the ponies free!' Gandalf ordered as he paced into the forest. 'Let them return to their master!'

'We can keep them.' Kíli proposed. 'Before the skin changer finds out, we'll be far from his reach.'

'Don't be stupid.' Thorin groaned. 'You heard Gandalf. Dismount.'

'We promised Beorn that we would send them back. I doubt you'd like to be hunted down again by an angry skin changer.' Enya said. 'Besides, it's impossible to guide seventeen horses through these…'

She pointed at Mirkwood.

'These… woods.'

'This forest feels like a disease lies upon it.' Bilbo complained.

'I agree!' Enya said and she turned to Fíli and Kíli. 'Don't you feel it too?'

'Not necessarily.' Fíli shrugged. 'It's not the most welcoming place I've ever been in, but it'll do.'

Enya rolled her eyes. 'Looks like we're the sensitive souls in this party, Bilbo.'

Fíli and Kíli chuckled.

Everyone set their horse loose and Nori was about to set Gandalf's horse free as well when the wizard appeared from the woods again.

'No! Not my horse!' he shouted. 'I need it!'

'You what?' Enya asked.

The whole company probably watched Gandalf with an extremely horrified expression, because the wizard shuffled uneasily on his feet and turned to Thorin.

'I wouldn't leave you if I didn't have to. I must do something, but I'll meet you again at the look-out in the city of Dale.'

Thorin didn't seem too happy about Gandalf's sudden need to leave, but he nodded shortly.

'Don't worry. You'll have miss Enya by your side. She's more powerful than she realizes.' Gandalf assured him.

'If you want to comfort us wizard, you should take her with you.' Dolvira smirked. 'We don't need her.'

Gandalf eyed the warrior woman with an expression that Enya never seen on his face before. Dolvira quickly lowered her head and kept her mouth shut.

Gandalf turned to Enya and touched her shoulder. 'Keep them safe, miss. Have faith. Trust your heart and don't be afraid to let go. Beware of the forest and don't let it influence your powers.'

Enya nodded.

The wizard smiled at her and turned to Bilbo.

'You're not the same hobbit anymore, Bilbo Baggins.' He said.

'Gandalf… I've found something… down in the tunnels.' Bilbo confessed.

'What did you find?' the wizard asked.

Bilbo looked like he wanted to say something else, but seconds before he was about to say it out loud, he seemed to make up his mind.

'I've found my courage.' He said.

'Good.' Gandalf replied. 'You need it.'

The wizard then mounted his horse.

'Be good! Don't linger there longer than you should! Stay on the path. And don't drink from the water in there. It's enchanted.'

They watched him as his horse galloped away.

'STAY ON THE PATH!' he screamed once more.

'Well.' Dolvira smirked as Gandalf disappeared in the distance. 'There's your proof, pretty face. That's why I stand by what I said before: wizards and witches cannot be trusted.'

'He only leaves us because he has to.' Enya purred. 'There is no choice in the matter.'

'No, he abandoned us.' The redhead said.

'Ah, did he finally grow onto you?' Enya asked.

Dolvira muttered something under her breath and Enya decided not to pursue the matter.

Thorin eyed them and Enya smiled apologetically.

'Let's go.' He grumbled. 'The sooner we're out of this cursed forest, the better.'

Enya walked in the back of the group, and chatted with Fíli and Kíli. They tried to persuade her to tell them what happened between her and Thorin a few nights before (damn, how did those two lads know something had happened?), but Enya countered their verbal attacks with ease.

'Please do share with us! Does love-making works differently in your world?' Kíli begged.

Enya laughed. 'What do you want me to say, Kee? Which answer would satisfy your desire?'

'Don't call me Kee.' He muttered.

'I'll call you the hell I want you to.' Enya replied.

'I personally call him-' Fíli began, but they were interrupted by a shouting Nori.

'We've found the bridge!'

The trio glanced at each other and hurried to the front of the group.

'Oh!' Bofur sighed as they came closer. 'Pff…'

Everyone stopped.

'Great.' Dolvira muttered. 'What now?'

There used to be a bridge, but in some point of time the middle part had collapsed and left a giant gap that was too large to jump across. The river splashed beneath it.

'We could try and swim it?' Bofur opted.

'Didn't you hear what Gandalf said?' Thorin barked. 'A dark magic lies on this forest. The waters of these stream are enchanted.'

Bofur shrugged. 'It doesn't look very enchanted to me…'

'We must find another way across' Thorin decided.

'These vines looks strong enough!' Kíli said as he tested some vines that grew above the river. 'We could-'

'Wait!' Thorin ordered. 'We'll send the lightest first.'

'What?' Bilbo asked uneasily.

Enya rolled her eyes, ignored the short discussion that followed the poor halflings question and stepped on one side of the bridge. She sat down, closed her eyes and inhaled slowly. Ice or earth? She smiled. She couldn't care less what was going to fill up that gap, but she knew one thing for certain. She wasn't crossing the river by climbing those vines. She placed her hands on her lap and focused on her breathing. The water of the river splashed beneath her and Enya vaguely heard something growing in front of her.

'What are you doing?' Dolvira yelled.

'What?' Enya opened her eyes, distracted by the warrior woman's voice.

Dolvira scoffed and pointed at the spot in front of them where the gap used to be. Thick forest soil connected the two sides of the bridge.

Enya stood up and walked across. Poor Bilbo already was halfway through the vines and the rest of the company watched him as he moved.

'What are you waiting for?' she asked the others.

'How did you do that?' Dori said.

'I'm a witch, Dori.' Enya laughed.

'And as I said, witches cannot be trusted.' Dolvira stated as she thoroughly tested the self-made bridge. 'I doubt your handiwork will hold every single one of us. I'll go first to check if it's safe enough to hold any of us.'

Enya rolled her eyes. 'I'm happy you're always so supportive of me, lady commander.'

'Cross it, Dolvira. I don't need you criticizing everything Enya does.' Thorin grumbled as he walked past her.

The redhead clenched her jaw, but did what she was told. The rest of the company followed her over the bridge and Enya had to admit she felt somewhat relieved when Bombur was safely on her side of the bridge. She then walked to the edge of the riverbank and gave Bilbo an hand. He was shaking and gave her an accusing glare.

'I'm sorry.' She muttered. 'You were on those vines before I finished my bridge. Next time they make you do something, I'll go.'

Bilbo smiled. 'No need, miss Enya. I'm still alive, right? Dangling above a river with magical powers is better than being hunted by an orc pack or cooked alive by some trolls.'

Enya laughed. 'Yes, I would agree.'

'Let's move on.' Thorin ordered.

'Oh no, I dropped my slingshot somewhere!' Ori said.

Dori rolled with his eyes, ready to smack his little brother for his stupidity.

'Where did you left it? Isn't it in your pocket?'

'How could I know? I LOST it!' Ori howled. 'I don't have it on me anymore.'

He looked around him, panicked.

'We don't have time for this nonsense.' Dwalin grunted.

'But…' Ori began.

'If you don't find that STUPID slingshot of yours in THREE seconds, I'll gut you!' Dolvira yelled.

Ori watched the warrior woman in horror and hurried over the bridge again.

'I'll find it real quick, miss commander! I promise!'

'Why do you always have to be so loud?' Enya hissed. 'Thanks to you, every breathing creature in this forest now knows that we're here!'

'If they'll cross us, I'll kill them.' The redhead simply stated.

Enya sighed.

'I've got it!' Ori beamed as he ran towards them again. 'It was on the other side, I must have dropped in when-'

Ori was so happy to be reunited with his slingshot again, that he didn't observe the large tree root that grew on one side of the bridge. With an awkward sound the root snapped and the poor second youngest dwarf tripped over the bridge and was about to fall into the river.

'Ori!' Enya yelled and she lunged forward.

Her fire witch instincts were faster than her bodily movements. The river froze before her eyes and for a moment Enya wondered who pulled off this awesome trick when she realized it was herself. Ori landed on the now frozen river with a loud crack and Enya cringed. She hoped her ice wouldn't break under his weight. Ori sat still, too frightened to move.

'Miss Enya!' he pleaded.

'Ori, look at me. You're still awake. Nothing is going to happen.' Enya said.

'But…'

'Ori, I need you to get up and move slowly towards me.' Enya told him.

Ori was trembling, but did what he was told to do.

'I want your eyes on me.' Enya ordered when she saw he was about to panic again. 'Look at me, and you'll be fine.'

She guided him to the shore and when Ori reached for her hands, he collapsed again. Dori lunged forward and caught his brother before he reached the soil.

'Oh no.' Dori said.

Enya groaned. Ori was vast asleep in his brothers arms.

'Is there a way to wake our brother up?' Nori asked Enya.

Enya shrugged, unhappy that she couldn't provide him with an answer.

'I don't know, Nori.'

'Great job, witch.' Dolvira smirked. 'That little ice trick of yours didn't help him a tiny bit. What now, huh?'

'I tried to save him after your bickering made him forget to watch his feet!' Enya growled. 'He must have touched a little bit of unfrozen water. But I'll find a way to wake him up.'

'We have to move.' Thorin told Dori and Nori. 'We'll take turns in carrying Ori.'

They passed the bridge hours ago and Ori was still asleep. Enya guessed they were deep inside the forest, because the air hung heavily around them and with each step it seemed even more difficult to breathe. Enya felt dizzy and the forest wouldn't stop talking to her.

They almost lost the path a few times.

'I need air.' Bofur complained.

'My head is swimming…' Oín confessed.

'We're lost, aren't we?' Dori said.

'We're not lost!' Dolvira objected. 'We're just… figuring out where we should go.'

'We need to know where the sun is.' Bilbo opted. 'Then we'll know which way to go.'

'There is no sun here.' Dolvira bickered.

The whole company stopped, because they were too confused, too tired to set even a single step further.

'I don't know the time.' Balin said.

'I don't even know what day it it…' Dwalin muttered.

'This is taking too long. Is there no end to this cursed FOREST?' Thorin yelled.

Enya blinked her eyes a few times quickly, trying to shake off that numb feeling that was consuming her. It felt like she was moving in slow motion, her senses blurred and her mind hazy. For the sake of everyone else, she had to become herself again. Enya sighed and with the palm of her hand she hit herself on her cheek.

Focus! She told herself. Please Enya, focus.

'You're right, we need the sun!' she told Bilbo. 'There has to be a way to get the sun down here…'

She lowered herself down on her knees and raised her head to the sky.

Well, the direction in which the sky SHOULD be. All she could see were thick ill-looking branches that sucked out the vital air they needed.

'We need to be one with the air above this forest…' her mind lisped. 'Be one… tear away those branches that keep the light out of these…damned… woods…'

Enya breathed and imagined herself being the air above the trees. The air that would brush aside these damned trees and therefore creating an hole that would enable the sun to peer into. It would…

Enya felt a swirling energy inside of her body, wanting to get out. She raised her hands and let it go.

While Enya was in her little peaceful bubble, the others experienced a powerful wind that almost swept them off their feet. With force it pushed and tore away the thick layers of branches that grew above them.

'Keep steady!' Thorin screamed.

'What is this kind of dark magic?' Dolvira asked while she clung onto her sword.

'It's miss Enya.' Bilbo replied.

'YOU WHAT?' The redhead snickered.

The whole company gasped when suddenly the wind was gone and bright sunlight shone upon them, warming their body and souls. Enya opened her eyes and smiled. She did it! The open spot she created looked exactly as she imagined it to be.

'Here's your air.' She told Bofur as she got up. 'Now, let's move.'

'I feel a lot better now.' Dwalin said. 'Let's rest here for a bit before we continue.'

'No, we shouldn't.' Enya replied. 'I needed you guys to get sharp, but we really shouldn't linger here any longer...'

'What… what happened?'

An uneven voice broke off the conversation.

'ORI!' Dori shouted. 'He's awake!'

'You did it, miss Enya!' Nori beamed.

'I lost my slingshot by the river…' Ori mumbled. 'But we're not at the river any more…'

'Sssh. Take it easy.' Dori urged his little brother. 'You were asleep for a few moments.'

In the corner of her eye, Enya saw Thorin, Dwalin and Balin glancing at each other, probably deciding if they should stay in the bright open spot or move on.

'We rest here.' Thorin ordered the company.

'You cannot be serious.' Enya stated as she walked towards him.

Thorin sighed. 'Yes. We're all tired, it's pleasant here and Ori just woke up. Don't question my authority and do as you're told.'

'I think it's wiser to move on, that's all.' Enya countered.

'Well, since you're not the leader of the company, I think it's wiser for you to listen instead of being a pain in my ass.' Thorin growled.

'If we'll get into trouble because you wanted to linger somewhere longer than you should, don't blame the pain in your ass for it.' Enya bit back.

Thorin muttered something under his breath and Enya eyed him angrily.

'Stupid stubborn bastard.' She whispered and quickly turned away before Thorin would ask her to repeat those words.

She would be in trouble if she did.

Enya sat next to Bilbo as they watched all the dwarves snore. She rolled her eyes. Thorin ordered everyone to get some rest, not to sleep continuously for hours... Even the great king himself seemed to have dozed off at some point.

Bilbo was appointed to keep an eye on everyone and although she was tired, Enya knew she couldn't sleep in this damned forest. Although the open forest gave her some room to breathe properly again, the forest still felt sick. So instead she decided to enjoy Bilbo's company for a few hours.

'I don't understand how they can sleep that peacefully while lying in the broad daylight. And I didn't even start about the foul air that still lingers in the shadows behind us. Does it makes you sick as well?' she asked the halfling.

'Did you never take a nap in a nice afternoon sun?' Bilbo mused. 'I understand why they sleep in these rays of sunlight. But about the air: I know what you mean. I constantly feel like it's trying to crawl into my mind and control my senses.' Bilbo said.

Enya sighed. 'I feel horribly lost without Gandalf and his infinite knowledge about… well. Everything.'

Bilbo laughed. 'But YOU'RE a fire witch, miss Enya.'

'I know.' Enya replied. 'But that doesn't mean that I'm as wise and smart as Gandalf. And I sometimes feel like I should be. I mean…'

She frowned and stared at the place where Thorin lay.

'The way Gandalf looked me in the eye today and told me that I had to keep you guys safe… He acts like I'm a powerful witch and… I still don't feel like that.'

'But you are!' Bilbo objected. 'You slayed a few trolls just days after you found out about your witch powers. You stood up to the goblin king. Killed orcs with ice. Saved Thorin with your energy. You reasoned with a huge bear, saved Ori today AND created this massive open spot.'

'All those things weren't THAT hard.' Enya countered. 'It doesn't make me powerful.'

'Yes it does. Do you know what I think is the most impressive thing you did?' the halfling asked.

'Enlighten me.' Enya smiled.

'The fact that you saved Thorin's life when even Gandalf and his infinite knowledge weren't able to do so.'

Enya shrugged. 'I just followed my instincts with that one.'

'It was a privilege to experience such an extraordinary moment.' Bilbo whispered. 'I swear I could feel the fierce love you have for him.'

Enya lowered her head. 'I would do it again if I need to.'

'I know.' Bilbo replied.

They both sat in silence for a moment.

'You know,' Bilbo said with a smile. 'Even without your witch powers you're still a badass female.'

Enya laughed. 'I am?'

'Yes! You're not afraid to speak your mind when needed. You dare to defy Thorin now and then. You faced Azog without your witch powers, which requires a lot of courage. You fought off Dolvira with your bear hands.'

'You surely know how to make me sound badass.' Enya answered and she gave him a warm look.

'Do you miss your home?' Bilbo inquired.

Enya shrugged. 'Not really. I only have a grumpy mother and backstabbing siblings to return to. And Jason lives in my hometown... So, no.'

'Who is Jason?' Bilbo said.

'Nobody in particular.' Enya replied.

'You don't have to tell me if you don't want to.' The halfling replied. 'I don't want to make you feel uneasy.'

Enya sighed. 'No, it's fine. The whole company isn't listening anyway, so maybe it's time I get it off my chest. Gandalf told me I should give you guys the opportunity to get to know me. But I warn you: the subject Jason is a sad place to be in.'

She took a moment before she started.

'So... a few years ago, there was this guy, a woodsman. We met in a bar and I...'

Enya frowned. 'I had been eyeing him for months, because I was too scared to make a move myself. I mean, I was this inexperienced insecure lass, so I could not imagine an impressive lumberjack like himself would fancy me. So one night, faith decided that he should notice me, and he did. I took him home and before I knew it, we were living together. We took off so fast and I told myself he was the one.'

Enya laughed when she thought about her feelings back then. 'It was so stupid. I had the whole fairytale in my mind about us marrying and me taking care of our cute little kids…'

She took a deep breath.

'He frequently met up with another woman, whose name was Abbie. He told me that they were best buddies, and because I wanted to be this strong independent girlfriend so badly, I allowed it.'

'Oh no.' Bilbo said.

'Yes, I was naïve.' She whispered.

'So, on one of those buddy days, I came home early because I wanted to surprise him. I will spare you the dirty details, but it came down to this: I discovered them in his bed while they…' Enya swallowed hard. 'They weren't sleeping, if you know what I mean. I yelled at him I never wanted to see him again. And left.'

Enya sighed. 'I wish now I was strong enough to keep that promise when he came back to me a few months later. He told me that we belonged together and I was desperate enough to believe him.'

'Why were you so desperate?' Bilbo asked softly.

'Back then I hated myself with an intense passion. Enough to believe I was lucky that Jason gave ME a second chance.' Enya confessed.

'Why?' he said and stared at her. 'Why would you hate yourself? He betrayed you.'

Enya sighed. 'I don't know, insecurities got the better of me. I believed there was something terribly wrong about myself because Jason cheated on me. I convinced myself I did something wrong. But when Jason decided to pull the same trick on me a second time… I found out he slept with Abbie numerous times while we were together again, so I told him I had enough. He said he needed to think about us and moved in with her. He left me in pieces. And I still would be, if I did not decided to go for a run on a particular morning.'

She smiled.

'Don't you want to get back to your family?' Bilbo asked.

Enya shook her head. 'I do have a mother and a few siblings, but I'm a bit of an outcast. The relationship with my mother has never been stable and my brothers and sisters blame me for that. They tell me I don't let her in.'

She chuckled. 'And I tell them that it's only natural I won't let her get near me until she tells who my biological father is. And she refuses to do that. The only thing she shared with me is the fact that he died before I was born. I never even saw a picture and I cannot forgive her for denying my right to know who he was. So God knows what the members of my family are up to these days. I don't talk to them.'

'It's sad not to have your family around to watch your back.' Bilbo established.

They both startled when they heard some rushing in the bushes nearby the open spot. Bilbo whimpered.

'I'll check it out. Be ready to kill.' Enya ordered him as she got up on her feet.

She crept through the foliage, ready to jump on whoever was hiding out here and…

She let out a soft cry when someone knocked her over and landed on top of her.

'What?' she hissed when she gazed into two familiar blue eyes. Thorin hovered over her and she was a little surprised when she discovered the guilt that was written all over his face.

'Miss, I apologize.' he breathed. 'I couldn't see who was nearing me, so I took my chances. Are you hurt?'

'I'm alright.' Enya replied. 'What are you doing here? And where did your usual grumpiness go?'

'Scouting the surroundings.' He said. 'I can't sleep here.'

Enya narrowed her eyes because he ignored her last question, but she chose to let it pass. 'And why is that? I thought you ordered us all to get some rest. You should too.'

Thorin sighed and got up. He held out his hand and Enya took it. He lifted her with ease.

'I believe I owe you another apology.' Thorin muttered. 'You were right. This forest is dangerous and we shouldn't linger here. Not even for some resting.'

'Say that again?' Enya teased and she tilted her head.

Thorin's mouth curved into a little smile. 'I'm not repeating myself, miss. You heard me.'

They both stood in silence for a moment, gazing into each other's eyes.

'What happened with you and Dolvira?'

The question had slid out of her mouth before she realized she asked it. She knew very well that he might not wanted to share such a tale, but she her curiosity had gotten the better of her. She wanted to know.

Thorin frowned and Enya saw sadness in his eyes. 'I don't like to share that tale. With anyone.'

'I'm sorry…' Enya began.

'Only Balin knows.' he said with a low voice. 'And I forbid him to speak about it.'

'But because I happened to overhear your story, and the fact that you're always so kind in returning favors to me, I will do the same today.' He breathed.

Enya bit her lip. Did he just refer to her little striptease in Rivendell? Oops. She had hoped, against all odds, he wouldn't remember that. Of course he did. She tried not to look guilty, but by the time she straightened her face, it was too late.

'Of course I remember' he muttered. 'How could I not remember you…?'

He trailed off.

Enya tried not to think about a certain bigger favor he gave her a few nights ago, one which she gladly would return to him.

If he let her.

'You overheard my tale?' Enya asked, trying to change the subject. Her cheeks were burning from the thought of his tongue on her body and Enya was suddenly grateful for the darkness provided by the sickly branches above them.

'If you don't want people to hear your conversation, you shouldn't engage in one while you're on watch duty.' Thorin told her. 'Of course someone will hear you.'

'Point taken.' Enya confessed. 'But we were positive all of you were vast asleep.'

'Minus one.' He said.

Enya smiled. 'So now you know I was stupid enough to let a guy deceive me. Twice. I'll appreciate it if you don't tell the lads about that. Oh, and certainly not miss lovely commander.'

Thorin nodded shortly. 'I won't. And you have to promise me that you will keep my tale to yourself as well. I don't like to share it.'

'I promise.' Enya said.

'Very well.' Thorin said and he took a deep breath before he started.

'Dolvira was one of the commanders of Erebors' army when we met. I was a young dwarf prince and the moment we met we fell for each other.'

Enya tried to keep her expression neutral, but she had to admit that it was already painful for her to hear these old memories.

'My grandfather Thrór was against our union because she was a mere commander and no royal. He told me she didn't know about our secret vows, our manners. She was used to the harsh life in the army, fending for herself. Not to the life we lived back then. But, stubborn and in love as I was, I stuck my neck out for her.' Thorin continued. 'I wanted her more than anything and in the end he agreed I could have her.'

'He did?' Enya asked.

Thorin nodded. 'You know miss, I can be very persuasive if I want to.'

'Oh, not only if you want to.' Enya mused.

'You were saying?'

'Absolutely nothing!' Enya grinned. 'Please tell me what happened.'

'So.' He said, with a low voice. 'On the day we were supposed to perform the most secret vow from our ancient laws, after which we would be one… she…'

He swallowed.

Without thinking about it, Enya put her hand in his. It gave her a warm tingling sensation that send shivers down her spine. A part of her expected Thorin to shake her off, but instead he tightened his grip around her hand and gently stroked her with his thumb.

Oh god.

OH!

'She chose to give herself to another and she made sure I saw that.' He said with clenched teeth. 'And I will never forgive her for that.'

'But why does she…' Enya whispered.

'She thinks time has healed my wounds. Told me she was a free soul, that it was her nature. She couldn't help herself. But that doesn't mean I will forgive or trust her like that again. Because I won't.' He stated.

'I know. I can relate.' Enya told him.

They were startled by rushing leaves above them.

'We should return to the rest.' Thorin urged her. 'There is something out there. Not long ago, I heard whispers and I went looking for them.'

They hurried to the edge of the open spot, but found it to be empty. The company was gone.

'Where did they go?' Thorin muttered.

'I think we have to climb those trees to find out.' Enya mused.

The rushing above them continued and Enya swear she could hear whispers too.

'Did you hear that?' Thorin whispered.

'Yes.'

Thorin nodded.

'Good. That means I'm not losing my mind. Now let's kill those foul things that took our kin.'

Enya was just calculating how high she should jump to reach the lowest branch when she felt two strong arms around her. Thorin lifted her with ease, enabling her to clamber onto the branch. He followed her and together they climbed the tree.

'Don't tell me there are spiders up here.' Enya complained as she cut through thick sticky spider webs with her sai.

'Sshh' Thorin said.

They ducked when a large spider passed just above their heads.

'FEEEEEEEEEEEEEAST!' it hissed. 'Let's eat them now, while they're still juicy!'

They cautiously followed the foul beast, making sure they kept their distance.

'Oh!' Enya whimpered when they discovered what happened with the members of their company. Fifteen cocoons were dangling in a massive web, guarded by four giant spiders. Enya suppressed a quiver.

Thorin gestured Enya to come closer to him.

'I'll draw them off. You free them.' He whispered.

'No.' She told him. 'I'm the witch. I'll distract them.'

Thorin wanted to object, but Enya broke him off before he could speak.

'Besides.' She grinned. 'You're much more comfortable using weapons than I am.'

'Just. Be careful.' He groaned.

'Aye aye captain.' She whispered as he disappeared behind the thick branches.

She waited a few moments before she made her presence clear.

'Hey, piss wizards!' she shouted at them. 'Fucknuggets! Over here!'

'What is that?' one spider hissed to another.

'Wanna come over here and find out?' Enya purred.

'Kill it!' the other spider urged.

The four of them ran into Enya's direction and she hurried over the branches in the opposite way Thorin had disappeared.

'Come and get me…' she sung.

She screamed as one of the spiders jumped on her and tried to sting her with his poison. Instinctively she burned it with her fire. The other three tried to cover their eyes with their front legs.

'Too bright!' one of them complained.

'What?' Enya growled. 'You don't like fire?'

'Kill it! It stings!' the biggest one said.

Enya yelled and shot burning hot fireballs at their creepy heads. It only took a few shots before the trio was set ablaze.

'DON'T MESS WITH MY KIN!' she screamed as she burned the webs under their legs away. The spiders hissed in pain and Enya watched their burning bodies drop to the ground. She was taken off guard by another particular fat spider that suddenly emerged behind her. It grasped her with his front legs and tried to entangle her with his sticky threads.

'NO!' Enya howled. The spider stood at the edge of the web and Enya found herself hoovering over a gaping black hole. The one she just created by destroying the web a few moments ago. Enya whimpered, not wanting to fall down but also not willing to become a cocoon. Before she knew it, her hands turned the creature into a spider popsicle.

She sighed. Great. She successfully eliminated the spider, but now she had another serious problem. One move would mean she'd fall to her death.

'KILLL THEM!' yet another spider hissed as he hurried down through the webs.

'No,' Enya began. 'Don't you dare to…'

Obviously the spider didn't saw where he was going, because he tripped over his frozen friend and with a loud crack, Enya found herself falling towards the hard soil beneath her.

'This is worse than having to endure the tower of terror in Disneyland!' Enya's mind babbled.

'GOOD GODS!' Enya cursed as she landed on one of the dead creatures that she sent on the same journey a few minutes ago. She quickly got up on her feet and shrugged. Well, at least they broke her fall… She frowned when she heard swords clattering and dwarves shouting in the distance. She ran towards the company, forgetting the fact that she probably should get her sai.

'Where were you?' Thorin shouted as soon as he laid his eyes on her. 'I told you to be careful!'

Enya rolled her eyes. 'Who said I wasn't careful? I encountered a particular fat spider one on my way here, who thought I'd be the perfect snack.'

She yelled as she threw herself into the heat of the fight.

Enya didn't know when the wood elves exactly entered the scene, but they managed to kill the foul beasts in a fast and efficient manner. It was almost like they were used finishing these creatures off at a regular basis.

Before the dwarves knew it, all the spiders were dead and they found themselves surrounded by elves.

'Don't think I wouldn't kill you dwarf.' The leader with the golden locks told Thorin. 'It would be my pleasure.'

Thorin narrowed his eyes.

'Search them!' the elf leader ordered.

They protested as they were stripped from their weapons. Kíli was searched by a female elf, something he didn't seem to mind. Enya held back a smile and scoffed as the soldier that searched her grabbed her knife. He eyed her with hatred.

'Away with them!' the leader told his soldiers.

They entered the palace of the wood elves.

As the other dwarves were dragged away from Enya (and probably on their way to the dungeons of the palace), Enya suddenly found herself being escorted to the throne room. Thorin was just behind her.

'Well well… Look who's roaming through my lands…' An elf declared as he slowly turned to them.

He was tall and possessed blonde long locks that Enya's girlfriends would envy. His thick dark eyebrows and piercing blue eyes gave him a distant, lordly look.

So this was what elves looked like… Enya frowned. She had to admit that the elven king was beautiful and his featured were refined… She would be inclined to call his appearance divine, exceptional, but the expression on his face destroyed his gracefulness. She almost could grab the anger, the bitterness that hung heavily in the air. This was a king with a grudge against the dwarves. This must be Thranduil.

'I've heard of your plans. You know, some may imagine a noble quest is at hand… A quest to reclaim an homeland. A quest to slay a dragon.' Thranduil told Thorin. 'But I myself suspect a more prosaic motive, like attempted burglary.'

Thorin raised his eyebrows, but didn't provide the elven king with an answer.

'I guess you've found a way in!' Thranduil grinned. 'You haven't attempted to get Erebor back for decades, so why try when you can't even get in'

He lowered himself so he could stare into Thorin's eyes. 'You desperately seek that what would bestow upon you the right to rule, don't you? The arken stone?'

'I understand why it's precious to you.' Thranduil continued. 'There are gems in the mountain, white gems, that I too desire.'

Thorin rolled his eyes. He seemed to know exactly of which white gems the elven king was talking about.

'I offer you my help.' Thranduil said.

Thorin smiled, but Enya saw it wasn't a genuine one.

'I am listening.' He husked.

'I will let you go, but only if you return what is mine.' Thranduil began.

'You mean a favor for a favor?' Thorin replied.

'You have my word. One king to another.' The elven king promised.

'Really?' Thorin said sarcastically. 'I wouldn't trust Thranduil, the great KING to HONOR HIS WORD, should be the end of days be upon us!'

'YOU!' Thorin screamed. 'YOU LACK ALL HONOR! I'VE SEEN HOW YOU TREAT YOUR FRIENDS!'

He inhaled sharply before he continued.

'We came to you once for your help, and you turned your BACK! You turned away from my people AND the inferno that destroyed our home!'

Thorin went on to shout things in Khuzdul that Enya couldn't understand, but Thranduil's expression told her HE knew very well what the dwarf king was talking about.

'Do not speak to me about dragon fire!' the elven king blazed. 'I faced the serpents of the north! I warned your grandfather, but he wouldn't listen. And you're just like him…'

Thorin wanted to reply, but with a quick dismissive wave from Thranduil's hand, a few guards hurried forward and dragged him away.

'Hold him down for a moment.' Thranduil said, trying to seem bored. 'I want to talk to the lass now, before I may try to reason with him again.'

'Enya!' she heard Thorin shouting behind her. The guards were struggling to keep him in his place and Enya looked behind her in an effort to calm him down.

'Relax!' She told him with her eyes. 'I've got this.'

'What's your name, woman?' Thranduil asked.

'My name is Enya Blueheart.' She answered and turned her head again so she could meet the elven king in the eye.

'You're a fair lass.' The elf stated as he paced around her. 'Large blue eyes that compliment your dark chestnut locks, a pale flawless complexion and a slim hourglass figure that makes every male in middle earth yearn for you… I must say you're extraordinary fair, especially when one bears in mind you're a female dwarf...'

Enya scoffed.

'You should be flattered.' Thranduil shot back. 'Us elves are pure and magnificent beings, so if we tell you you're beautiful, it is a great compliment.'

'Well, then… my apologies for the fact I completely am forgetting about my manners...' Enya tilted her head and made a little bow. 'Thank you, my lord.'

Thranduil came closer to her and touch her locket. Enya initially wanted to lash out, but she kept her body as still as possible. She shouldn't anger the elven king. Although she wanted to, she knew he was their only shot at getting out of here. Thorin managed to screw up his part of the delicate mission, so it was up to her to fix the damage he'd done. And if there still was a way to persuade Thranduil to let them go, she would seize the chance. No matter the costs. Enya frowned. She should be on her guard, though. The elven king couldn't be trusted. He had his own agenda.

'That's family treasure.' She whispered.

Thranduil ignored her and started to pace around the place she stood.

'So, miss Enya Blueheart, tell me why you are important enough to be in the company of Thorin Oakenshield?'

Enya put on a little innocent smile. 'I honestly have no idea why they value me. I'm only here for the moral support.'

'No, you're not. Don't lie to me.' Thranduil said and he narrowed his eyes.

'I know who you are.' He continued. 'You're a fire witch. The last one still standing. I must say I'm intrigued. You see, I knew one other person with this gift before meeting you. His name was Emrak and he was a very powerful fire warlock.'

Enya frowned.

'And that…' Thranduil grinned as he pointed at her locket. 'That is his locket. Care to tell me how you came by it?'

'My grandmother gave it to me.' Enya answered.

'Ah! That must be princess Gigira. Tell me: how is she doing?' Thranduil inquired.

'She's dead.' Enya whispered. 'And I never knew who my grandfather was, because she refused to tell me.'

'Emrak and Gigira...' Thranduil mused. 'Oh, how much I love a good love story.'

'Are you in a mood to share?' Enya asked.

Thranduil smiled, because he wanted her to ask that.

'Of course, darling.' He answered. 'You see, Gigira was a princess of the firebeard clan and Emrak was their most valued and important fire warlock. Although Gigira was much younger than himself, Emrak fell immediately for her charm and bright smile. They were betrothed before the war broke out. Just before their city fell, it was arranged that Gigira and some high nobles from the most respected firebeard families would escape by venturing deep into the mountain.'

Thranduil let out a dramatic sigh. 'Gigira wanted Emrak to come with her, but he wanted to fight beside his people. At the end of the battle Emrak had a change of heart and tried to catch up with her, but she was gone before he could reach her. After losing his beloved Gigira, he never was the same again. He died shortly after. A shame. He was an inspiration to all of us.'

'Gigira never spoke of him.' Enya said.

'Of course not' Thranduil replied. 'The loss of him was too painful to talk about!'

Enya blinked a few times and let her mind soak in the information she just received.

'It's an honor to stand before their granddaughter.' Thranduil said and he reached for her hand to kiss it.

A little reluctant, Enya let him.

'Can you show me what you can do, Enya Blueheart?' the elven king inquired.

'I could.' Enya said with a smile. 'But I don't know if I'm in a mood to share right now.'

'Ah, you're clever. Like both your grandparents.' Thranduil coaxed. 'You don't trust me. Which is such a shame, because I could offer you so, so, much…'

'Like what?' Enya purred.

'You could come and live with us. Share a place on our table.' The elven king offered. 'We would share our knowledge with you, or life. And you would do the same.'

'Continue…' Enya encouraged.

'Would you like to see my palace?' the elven king said. 'I could show you our mighty kingdom.'

'YOU WILL NOT HAVE HER!' Thorin's voice vibrated through the throne room and disturbed their conversation.

'Hold her back.' Thranduil ordered his guards. Enya immediately felt four strong hands grabbing her and pulling her away from the elven king.

They then shoved Thorin forward and let him go again.

'Well, if you refuse to give my back MY gems, I suggest you'd be wise to take my last offer.' Thranduil told Thorin as he ascended the stairs to his throne. 'I will let you and your company leave my kingdom, but I will keep her.'

Thorin's gaze was livid. To him, that wasn't an option at all, and he was about to be even more offended than he was before.

'NO.' he barked. 'Her place is at my side. You cannot have her.'

'Is that really the case? You have no choice, Thorin.' Thranduil grinned and sat down. 'I am patient. A few years is nothing in the life of an elf. But you… you don't have time.'

He raised from his throne. 'She could be helpful, cleaning up the spiders that roam through our forest.'

'So you're too weak to deal with those foul things yourself.' Thorin bickered.

'No, but I guess she'd really effective when she puts her mind to it.' Thranduil answered as he studied his nails.

'Such a fate is an insult for a mighty woman like her.' Thorin growled.

'Oh don't worry.' Thranduil replied. 'I will take good care of her. She will feel welcome. And loved. She occasionally may warm my bed at night. A great honor she won't be able to resist. I heard witches can be very fiery between the sheets. Can you imagine a FIRE witch?'

Thorin shouted something in Khuzdul and before Enya could process what was happening, he was up on the platform and with his fist he delivered a powerful blow to the face of the poor elven king.

'YOU WILL NOT TOUCH HER!' he screamed.

'I'm fine!' Thranduil told the guards as he put his hand on his jaw.

But the guards weren't convinced and dragged Thorin down from the platform and placed him on his knees. Thranduil got himself together again and gracefully descended the stairs of the platform.

'I know a better solution.' He hissed at Thorin. 'You get to watch me as I take your witch with force!'

Thorin struggled to break free, but the guards held him firmly pinned down on the ground.

Enya inhaled sharply and she told herself that she shouldn't get involved. But she couldn't keep quiet. They were talking about her like… like she wasn't even there! Like she was a piece of meat, an object! It made her furious.

'EXCUSE ME' Enya yelled as she pushed her guard away with a massive force and paced forward to the two quarrelling kings.

'I AM STILL HERE, SO STOP TALKING ABOUT ME LIKE I'M A PIECE OF FINE MEAT ON THE MARKET!'

They both stared at her, astonished that she dared to speak to them in such a tone.

'I'VE HAD ENOUGH, OF BOTH OF YOU!' she shouted. 'I'M NOBODYS POSSESSION! I'LL DO WHATEVER THE HELL I WANT, WITHOUT ONE OF YOU TWO INTERFERRING ME!'

'You'd better watch your words, lass.' Thranduil said in an icing cold tone.

'Oh, king Thranduil.' Enya smirked. 'You think you're wise, a great elven king, but yet you know nothing.'

Witch a quick movement from her hands, Enya blew the guards that neared her from behind off their feet.

'I didn't come here to be bargained over like I'm a piece of exquisite jewelry. Women in my world fought hard to get the same rights as men do. I'm not willing to hand in those rights or even to compromise on them, just because I happened to end up in another dimension where they live like they did in the fucking MIDDLE AGES.'

'But apparently you're not in your world.' Thranduil grinned. 'And in MY world, MY kingdom, MY rules apply.'

'Really?' Enya purred. 'Because I can set this whole place ablaze, if I want to. AND DON'T THINK I WON'T!'

'And then your friends in the dungeon will burn alive, because there's no way out.' Thranduil hissed.

Before Thorin or Enya could react, the elven king told his guards to lock them up.

'They bore me. I will try to reason with them in a few days. Maybe.' He said.

'You have to put us in a cell together.' Enya warned her guard as he shoved her forward.

'And why would I do that?' he replied.

'I burn you and your kin to the ground if you won't.' she told him.

The laugh of the elf quickly turned into an howl when his hands froze together.

'Are you convinced now?' Enya purred. 'And I haven't even let you feel my fire.'

Her guard nodded shortly and Enya let the ice around his hands melt again.

She needed to speak with Thorin, because she wasn't done with him yet.

The doors of their shared cell protested as the guard shut them with force.

Enya placed her hands on her hips and faced Thorin.

'This conversation is far from over.' She told him. 'What the hell were you thinking? Putting on a show like that? THAT conversation was our ONLY WAY out of this hellhole and you managed to SCREW IT UP!'

'I was merely defending your honor.' He growled.

'So you think I'm NOT CAPABLE of DEFENDING IT MYSELF?' Enya shouted. 'I'm a grown woman and I can look after myself! I'm not a damsel in distress and I would have cut off his manhood if he dared to raise another finger at me.'

'THAT AWFULL PRETTY ELF crossed a line when he tried to seduce you like THAT!' Thorin hissed. 'AND YOU WENT ALONG WITH IT LIKE YOU WERE A LOWLY TAVERN'S WENCH!'

'Oh!' Enya scoffed. 'I was playing along with his game, trying to get us out of here… But you… You allowed him to mess with your mind. You should know better than being provoked by a pointy ear, my mighty king. '

'DON'T MOCK ME!' Thorin blazed, furious that she dared to use his own words against him. 'You're MINE and HE SHOWS NO RESPECT FOR WHAT IS MINE!'

'I am?' Enya scowled. 'And when, my king, were you going to inform ME about that? When were you going to tell me that I belong on the long list of all your prized possessions?'

'I didn't hear you complaining when I claimed your mouth.' He groaned. 'Nor did you object when I claimed your pleasure.'

'Maybe I should have' Enya hissed. 'Because it isn't clear to you that it's only APPROPRIATE that you ASK before you CLAIM! And if I APPROVE, you'll have every right to become possessive and jealous. But right now, you don't OWN me.'

Thorin angrily muttered something in Khuzdul.

'Oh, yes.' Enya sighed. 'Curse me all the way you want. I don't care. Fact is, YOU screwed up a situation I perfectly had under control!'

'You cannot reason with that filth.' Thorin hissed. 'I cannot believe you actually tried.'

'TRYING IS BETTER THAN BEING OFFENDED FROM THE START AND FUCK UP OUR ONLY CHANCE TO GET AWAY!'

She saw Thorin's chest heaving slowly up and down and she knew he had great difficulty keeping himself together.

'Let's discuss what this is really about, then.' Enya said as she folded her arms. 'Particularly the fact that you prefer to push me away the moment I come too close.'

'I DO NOT!'

'Oh hell yes you do.' Enya growled. 'You push and pull and recklessly toy around with my feelings, my HEART! One moment you want me, my body, but only on your own wicked terms so you'll be safe from having to admit your feelings. The next day you decide to despise me and to boss me around like I'm a simple servant girl! And to top all of that, you expect me to FOLLOW AND UNDERSTAND these crazy mood swings!'

Thorin clenched his jaw.

Enya sighed and lowered her voice. She had to calm down, because she didn't want him to close off from her. She needed him to talk to her.

'You're afraid to get hurt.' She whispered. 'And I get that. But my name isn't Dolvira. I would never hurt you in that manner! How could you even think that I would… with him?'

She swallowed slowly before she continued.

'I just need you to stop trying to possess me like I'm an object you can play with and have a little faith in me. For the sake of both of us: let go of your fear. I have feelings and if you cannot make up your mind I'll have to leave.'

Thorin grabbed her waist and held her in his arms. Before Enya could protest his lips were on hers and kissed her with a passion that expressed all the things he refused to tell her out loud.

'If you don't say it, I cannot possibly guess what you want from me.' Enya breathed as she tore herself away from him.

Thorin watched her with a pained expression.

'I…' he said. 'We dwarves aren't experts in expressing our feelings in words… We DO things and… that's usually enough. I thought I made myself clear by…'

'No, it's about time you try to use words.' Enya said. 'I am a dwarf too, but I grew up in a world where they are painstakingly straight forward. I also learned there that certain physical contact isn't necessarily a guarantee or a promise that someone cares for you the way you do for them.'

She sighed and threw her hands up in the air. 'Those rules, morals… That's what I'm accustomed to, what I understand. Please forgive me that I'm not fully accustomed to this… nonverbal communication dwarf thing were you're supposed to know stuff and…'

She trailed off.

Thorin frowned as he seemed to consider her plea in silence.

'Miss Enya…' he began. 'I believe… I've been a coward. I wanted to tell you this when we're staying in Beorns house, but then I found you, practically naked and… I…'

He sighed.

'I needed to show you how much… And I hoped you would understand that I wanted to... But then I couldn't let it go, because I was afraid to lose control. I acted like an idiot when I left you before giving you myself...'

He swallowed and Enya saw he was having a hard time. She could tell he didn't like the fact that she put him in such a vulnerable position, but she knew she had to make him say it out loud. Because if he didn't... She wasn't prepared to play his games any longer. In a few moments, she would be his, or she would decide to head home.

'I… I believe I love you, miss Blueheart.' He whispered and his eyes gazed into hers. 'I have loved before, but this is different. It's fierceness, the intense way in which I love you sometimes terrifies me. There is no coming back from this. It feels like without you I won't be able to breathe… I need you at my side. No matter the costs.'

He cupped her face with his hands, stroking her cheeks gently.

'I want you to be my wife, my queen. I want to be with you for the rest of my life.'

He lowered his head. 'If you'll have me, after the scene I put up there.'

'Thorin…' Enya breathed.

He looked up and his breathtaking blue eyes met hers.

'I love you too.' She confessed. 'I have loved you from the moment you laid your eyes on me and I always will. I would be honored to be yours, and yours only for the rest my days.'

He pulled her into his embrace again and Enya relaxed.

Finally.

He said it.

'Hold still...' He breathed as he let go of her.

Enya watched him as he gently pushed her hair back and parted off a small section. He began braiding it and Enya was mesmerized by the way his roughened hands were able to perform such delicate precise movements.

'What are you doing?' she asked, not being able to hide her curiosity.

Thorin loosened a heavy, silver bead that was in one of the braids in his own hair and used it in hers. He gave her a little smile.

'This will mark you as mine… That is, if you'll give your consent to wear it.' He whispered.

'Yes.' Enya breathed.

'Balin told me that you know little of dwarf courtship.' Thorin said, more at ease now he was in control of the situation again.

Enya rolled her eyes. 'I asked Gandalf what he knew about the matter.'

Thorin chuckled. 'Gandalf may act like he knows a thing or two about our customs, but the truth is we like to keep our habits to ourselves. But I'm curious: what did he tell you?'

'He basically told me that dwarfs, our kin, define the relationship by making love to each other. And that's about it.' Enya confessed.

'That is a way.' Thorin admitted. 'Some of us like to follow those ancient secret laws, which would indeed require me to mark and claim you as mine…'

He shortly touched the bead in her hair.

'Others like it the human way and get married.'

'And what's your style?' Enya asked.

'Both.' He told her.

They stared at each other and Enya felt her heartbeat getting faster and faster. Even compared to someone as beautiful as the elven king, Thorin easily .

'When this is all over…' he slowly said. 'Will you marry me and be my queen?'

'There is nothing in this world that I would want more.' Enya managed to say.

'And do I have your permission to claim you now?' he whispered. 'I'd like to settle this once and for all and make you mine.'

Enya giggled. 'You ask me an awful lot of questions lately, sir Oakenshield.'

'You told me I should.' Thorin teased.

'You're a quick learner, eh?' Enya purred.

'How about it?' he husked. 'Will you allow me to make you mine?'

'Please do.'

His mouth found hers again and they crashed against the wall.

'What if they'll hear us?' she whispered when she was able to break herself away from his demanding kiss for a moment.

'I don't care if they do. I suppose the whole palace heard us arguing in here. Besides, I intend to let the whole damn world know I'm making you mine.' He breathed.

Enya bit her lip.

'Stop doing that, miss.' He muttered. 'It's turning me on.'

She slowly let her lip slide from the grip of her teeth and made sure she looked him straight into the eye the whole time. Thorin let out a primal growl and pushed his hips against hers.

'I felt that gaze of yours down to my cock' he hissed. 'Don't tease me.'

'I cannot?' Enya asked him innocently.

'Later. When we're in Erebor you can torment me all you want.' He husked. 'But right now I need you to let go. I want to hear those sexy moans of yours. Loudly.'

His hands shoved under her bum as he lifted her a bit against the wall and Enya crossed her legs around him. Through the soft material of her leather pants he massaged her clit and Enya whimpered under his touch.

His mouth kissed her neck and Enya had to close her eyes to cope with the amount of pleasure suddenly running through her veins.

'I hate to disturb you two' an awkward voice announced. 'But I happened to came into the possession of the keys of this cell door.'

Enya opened her eyes and saw Thorin rolling his furiously. She pressed her lips together and tried not to laugh. Thorin slowly let go of her and turned around to face the intruder.

'You see…' Bilbo said. 'If we want to escape we need to do it now.'

'Great job, master Baggings' Thorin said. 'Now get us out of here.'

'You sure?' the hobbit muttered. 'You two seemed rather occupied. I can come back later…'

'No, now.' Thorin ordered.

Bilbo obliged and opened the door.

'I will free the others and get us out of here.' He told the dwarf king.

Thorin grabbed Enya's hand and they left the cell. Enya closed the door behind them.

'You're being cockblocked by an hobbit.' She laughed. 'How does that make you feel?'

Thorin sighed and tried to hide a smile. 'What kind of a term is that? I've never heard it before.'

'It's a saying they sometimes use in my world, when you're prevented from doing what you wanted to do by a third party.' She said.

'It seems to me that you come from a weird world.' He answered. 'If you must now, I'm frustrated that I cannot make you mine right now. But I'll make it up to you. I promise.'

'I'm counting on it.' Enya winked.

He stole a kiss from her and Enya giggled when his hand delivered a soft smack on her ass.

'Now behave.' He said.

Enya laughed when she detected twinkling in his eyes that hinted he didn't care what she did. As long as she stayed at his side, they both would be fine.