From all the crazy things she did in her life, Enya had to admit riding a barrel through a roaring wild river in an elven kingdom definitely was a first.

Well, a first for everything, right?

She whimpered as water splashed into her face and soaked her clothes. The barrel she was in felt like a loose cannon. The thing flew over the river, bumping into rocks and jostling Enya around within the narrow space inside. This was worse than that log flume ride Jason once dragged her into! What did he call that horrendous thing again? Splash mountain? Enya growled. Nope, just nope. She didn't want to think about that day in Disneyland. That particular trip she learned she'd better not push the boundaries of her stomach by subjecting herself to "thrilling attraction rides". The merry-go-round was exiting enough for her…

Enya looked around and pressed her lips together. Bilbo's plan had sounded genius, because the elves would never search for the empty wine barrels. And if the river had been more calm today, they would've just floated to their freedom.

Of course it didn't go according to plan. The river wasn't quiet at all and to make matters worse, the elves had spotted them before the company reached the gate. So, now they were hunted by a dozen angry elven guards, with no weapons to defend themselves. Not that weapons would have helped them, because the barrels followed the strongest current which happened to be in the middle of the river. Although they were out of reach for the swords of those stupid pointy ears, a large bow and a few arrows would've been nice. All they could do now was watching in agony as the river took them to the gate. They HAD to be there before the elves closed it. Otherwise their whole effort would be in vain... Enya prayed in silence they would make it, but at this stage in their escape, it more looked like a suicide attempt than a serious get-away effort. She sighed. She had to do something, but it was hard NOT to think about the nauseating quick movements her barrel made.

'Good gods girl, you're such a dork.' Her mind rambled. 'They might not possess weapons, but YOU are a LIVING AND BREATHING ONE for god sake! Now stop feeling sorry for yourself and get into action!'

Enya reluctantly let go of the edge of the barrel. She needed her hands, since they were the directors of her powers. She had to trust her balance (oh, how reassuring!) and strength. Enya smiled. At least she wasn't as clumsy as Ori… He shared a barrel with his brother Dori and the look on his face said it all. He was so terrified he couldn't even move. Enya stretched her body in an attempt to ease her strained muscles. Her fingers accidently touched the heavy bead that Thorin braided in her hair. Enya sighed. They had to make it. It couldn't simply end like his, after Thorin declared his love to her! Enya focused on the fury that was building up inside of her. Her hands began to shake and she took a deep breath.

'RAISE THE ALARM!' she heard an elf commander shouting to one of his soldiers.

'Alarm?' Enya scoffed, although it was unlikely that he would hear her. 'Heck no, stupid pointy ear.'

Her flames scorched the horn before the soldier could even bring the thing to his lips. For a moment, he stared at the ashes slipping through his fingers. Then he turned and watched her in wonderment as the company fell off a waterfall. Enya cried out as she tried to keep her balance, but it was in vain. Her barrel tipped over and gorged as much water as it could manage. Enya cursed and clambered out of it before she would end up on the bottom of this river. During this process, she accidently swallowed some of the cold fluid as well. Enya growled in frustration and struggled to get to the surface.

At least this water was relatively fresh and chlorine free… Unlike the swimming pool at home. She had to admit that.

As soon as she emerged on the surface again, a hand grabbed her by her shirt and pulled her towards a barrel. Enya's fingers hooked on tightly to the edge and she looked up to see which member of the company had noticed her inelegant floundering in the water. Please let it not be Thorin… She would be mortified if he saw her like this… Enya bit her lip.

Luckily for her, a pair of friendly brown instead of blue eyes gazed into hers. Enya let out a relieved sigh as she recognized the dark brown mustache and the comforting smile.

Bofur.

'Are you alright, lass?' Bofur asked as he put a protective brotherly arm around her.

Enya laughed. 'No, I'm not. But I will be, when we're far away from this hellhole!'

'Come on, you'll be safer in the barrel with me.' Bofur said as he tried to lift her. 'Thorin wouldn't want you to…. Damn lass, you're heavier than you seem!'

'That's because of-' Enya began, but she was interrupted by shouts from the front.

'Hurry up!' Thorin yelled at his company. 'They are going to close the gate!'

Enya, now not only soaking wet but also extremely furious, let go of Bofur's barrel and swam towards the riverbank. She climbed on the land, ready to kill anyone who was stupid enough to stand in the way between her beloved dwarves and their freedom.

'Miss Enya!' Bofur yelled. 'What are you doing?'

'Buying you guys time to get out of here.' Enya replied as she got up, her eyes fixed on the elf guard that was about to wield the handle to close the gate.

'Don't you touch that.' She purred as she walked up to him.

He just smirked and pushed the handle down.

Beneath her, she heard Thorin cursing something in Khuzdul as the first barrels were smashed against the gate.

'I told you not to.' Enya said.

The elf guard smiled and got out his sword. 'Do you think I'm afraid of a lowly dwarf witch?'

'You should be.' Enya replied. 'Now step away please. I'll only ask you once.'

He didn't move.

Enya shrugged. 'Fine.'

With a flick of her hand he was swept away. The elf guard groaned as his body roughly was smashed into the ground. Enya picked up his sword.

'Thanks for the blade.' She told the elf. 'We might need it.'

Enya turned to the river and her eyes searched someone who could catch a sword with ease.

'Dwalin!' she shouted.

'Aye?' he screamed back.

'Sword incoming! Catch!'

With a smile she threw it in his direction.

'It's not an axe, I know.' She winked. 'But it'll do.'

Dwalin laughed and caught it.

'Now hold on!' Enya yelled and she pulled on the handle.

With a loud screech the gate opened again. Enya laughed when she heard a few dwarves yelling in anger when their barrels fell off yet another waterfall. She was glad she now could mentally prepare herself for that. She wanted to jump off the platform, to join the others again, when…

'ORCS!' the elf guard she took down screamed suddenly.

Enya could briefly see the fear that was expressed in his face. She frowned. What the hell was that guy talking about? She didn't see a single orc since they-

Enya's body got whacked out of the way before she could even react and she smacked on the floor. She groaned when the culprit crawled on top of her.

'I like to befoul pretty things.' He told her as he dragged the blade of his knife loosely over her clothing.

'You know what I like?' she asked him.

The orc didn't reply to that. He probably was too busy pondering how he should kill her… Enya took advantage of his diminished consciousness by grabbing his knife. The orc snarled and tried to get it back. Damn, he was strong. Even stronger than Dolvira. Enya used all her strength and was able to change the direction of the knife. With a growl she pushed it into the orcs' flesh and pierced his heart. The foul creature dropped dead beside her. Enya got up and frowned when she saw dozens of orcs climbing over the outer wall. Did these creatures ever stop? Did they even sleep?

'Miss Enya!' Fíli screamed. 'We cannot wait any longer! We HAVE to go!'

'Aye, captain!' Enya replied and this time she did manage to jump off the platform.

Fíli tapped on the spare barrel they got her.

'Your ride is ready for you, miss.'

Enya quickly got inside and followed Fíli and Kíli's example. They let their barrels go with the flow and Enya whimpered when the waterfall dropped them into a broader roaring river.

'This is bad.' Kíli established as he dodged one of the orcs that tried to hop onto his barrel. The foul creature squealed as it ended up in the stream. Enya hoped it didn't know how to swim. If it did though, they would eliminate it for good.

'Why did you wait for me?' Enya asked the two princes. 'You two should be in the front, with Thorin.'

'Remember uncle told us to keep an eye on you?' Fíli said. 'We won't let you down, miss. Never.'

The promise warmed her heart.

'Thanks, Fee.' She replied.

'What were you and uncle doing in that cell?' Kíli teased. 'I mean, we heard you guys fight…'

'Oh, loud and clear.' Fíli agreed. 'We understood every single word. I have to admit I was glad I wasn't in his shoes.'

'But then it got awfully quiet. I mean, we heard you two crashing against the wall, but…' Kíli grinned. 'And Bilbo just won't spill his guts on what scene he walked into.'

Ha, they really expected her to tell them about "that particular scene"? The moment Bilbo walked into them, Thorin's hands were on her pussy… Thank god they hadn't gotten the chance yet to get off their clothes. Enya bit her lip. Oh heck no, she wasn't going to share what happened with those two scoundrels.

'Oh come on, Ee.' Kíli joked. 'Don't be boring. We'd love to know.'

'I'm sure you do. But maybe, we should focus on… hang on!' Enya said as she avoided another orc and hit him in his head with an icicle.

'Nice one, miss!' Fíli cheered. 'Can you give me some too? I am, as of course all of you already knew, the deadliest knife thrower in the blue mountains.'

Enya gave him a smile and threw two ice sticks at him. Fíli caught them with ease.

'Give a yell when you want more. And let's make this a little competition as well, gentlemen.' Enya giggled. 'The one who kills the most orcs, wins.'

'Challenge accepted.' Fíli grinned.

She turned to throw Kíli some sticks as well. Surely he would want to join their game?

'I'd like to propose an additional rule!' Kíli told her as he took a few icicles from her.

'Enlighten us.' Fíli replied as he aimed for a particular fat orc that tried to keep up with them on the left side of the river.

'The dwarf that can kill enemies by hitting them in the most weird places, will receive extra points.' Kíli said.

Fíli and Enya laughed and shot each other a mischievous glance.

'Let's do this.' Enya said.

'I'm gonna win this.' Fíli told them when his first victim was brought down.

'Heck no!' Enya giggled.

'Watch me…' he promised her.

They managed to take down so many orcs that Enya (at some point) lost count. Although the situation shouldn't be taken as lightly as they did, they had fun. Enya almost fell out her barrel from laughing when Fíli managed to hit one orc in its butt.

'Fifty points for the big one!' Fíli declared and he pointed at an orc who was carrying a bow.

'Bring him down, Fee. He could hit one of us.' Enya told him.

The blond prince nodded and aimed.

Enya clapped her hands when the foul thing was brought down by a straight hit in his head.

'NICE!'

'Did you see that?' Fíli told Kíli and turned to his younger brother.

But Kíli wasn't focusing on their game anymore. His gaze was fixed on a fight that took place on the other side of the river. Enya frowned and tried to establish which source made the young prince loose his interest in killing orcs.

Then she saw it. She recognized the female wood-elf as one of the leading captains of the elven guard that captured them. In contrast to all the other elves she met so far, Enya had found this wood-elf captain quite friendly. She could see why Kíli was so taken by her, because her reddish brown locks shone in the sunlight and she had a slim figure.

'He was flirting with that one, last night.' Fíli smirked.

'Really?' Enya giggled.

'Can't blame him.' Fíli said. 'After all, she's quite pretty… for an elf.'

'Agreed.' Enya nodded.

'You agree she's pretty?' Fíli asked.

'What?' Enya shot back. 'Is it inappropriate for a female to recognize a person of the same gender as beautiful?'

Kíli laughed. 'No, but you're always quite… straightforward. For a woman, that is.'

In their youthfulness, the trio forgot that in these particular dangerous situations, one simply couldn't afford it to lose awareness of the surroundings.

They did.

While Fíli and Enya discussed how a female dwarf should behave (or not), an orc watched them coming down the river. They were easy targets. For a moment, he couldn't decide which one of the three he wanted to take down first, but then he saw that the brown haired male dwarf was particularly distracted by what happened on the other side of the water. He grinned, showing his sharp and ugly brownish teeth. He lazily drew his bow and waited.

No one saw that arrow coming.

All of a sudden, Fíli and Enya scared up when Kíli let out a terrifying yell. Even the wood-elf captain heard it and got distracted by the sound. If it wasn't for Enya, it would've killed her. One of the orcs had crept up behind the wood-elf captain and he was ready to slay her when Enya quickly reacted and one of her flames smashed him out of the way.

'KÍLI?' Fíli screamed when he saw that his brother was in pain.

Fíli breathed heavily. An arrow was sticking out his shoulder.

'I'm fine.' He panted. 'I just didn't see that one coming!'

He groaned and sunk on his knees.

'Kee!' Enya howled in horror. 'You need to get it out of your body! Now!'

Kíli nodded shortly and pulled. He bit on his fist as he tried not to cry out loud.

'Hold on!' Enya whispered. 'We just have to make it down the river, Kee. You'll be fine.'

She hoped he would be. In truth, she had no idea what an orc arrow could do. She suppressed a shiver. She hoped those beasts didn't poison it, but her common sense told her they probably did. Those foul beasts didn't play fair.

Enya didn't know for how long they had been in those damned barrels, but somehow the river lost its wildness and they found themselves in a flat, tame stream. They managed to shake off the orc pack as well. The elves had stopped chasing them the moment the company crossed the border of the Mirkwood realm. No doubt Thranduil had ordered them not to go beyond their borders…

'We've lost the current.' Thorin told his companions. 'Let's make for the shore, but we have to hurry. The orcs won't be too far behind us.'

Enya crawled onto the shore and sat down, trying to adjust to the feeling of being on steady soil again.

'Kee!' she whispered for the hundredth time when Kíli plumped down next to her.

'I'm fine.' Kíli said with clenched teeth. Obviously he was very unhappy she drew all the attention to him.

'We have to move.' Thorin told the company.

'Kíli is wounded. His shoulder needs binding.' Enya objected.

'Please, Thorin.' Fíli pleaded.

'You've got five minutes. Get yourselves together.' Thorin muttered.

Enya tore off two sections of her sleeve and gave it to Fíli. He took it and gave her a grateful nod. Kíli protested as Fíli cleaned the wound as best as he could and Enya held his hand.

'I'm fine, ouch! Don't-' he growled.

'What were you three doing anyway?' Thorin inquired while he eyed Enya's torn sleeve with disapproval. 'I told you to be careful.'

'Killing a few orcs, but one sneak up on us and managed to hit Kíli with an arrow.' Enya replied.

'Can you move?' Fíli asked his brother as he finished the binding.

'I told you, I'm fine.' Kíli bit back.

'You don't look fine.' Enya whispered.

'We need to move.' Thorin barked and he took the lead.

Enya shook her head and adjusted her hair. It probably looked like a mess. Luckily everyone did. She looked up when she felt someone gazing at her.

Dolvira.

'What?' she asked. 'What could I possibly have done wrong now?'

The redhead paced up to her and grabbed the bead in her hair.

'Where did you get this.' She hissed.

Enya shrugged. 'Thorin gave it to me. But I suggest, my lovely commander, that we move. It's more important we survive this part of the journey than the satisfaction of starting a quarrel whether he should or shouldn't have given me that, alright?'

'IT IS OF GREAT IMPORTANCE.' Dolvira yelled.

Enya rolled her eyes. What now again?

'Well, spill it, love.' Enya growled. 'And be quick, I'd like to outlive this day.'

'So he gave you his courting bead, eh?' Dolvira stated. 'That particular bead was promised to me.'

Enya sighed as she saw the distance between them and de company grow. They didn't have time for this.

'I don't care, Dolly.' She said and she started walking. 'I don't give a damn about what he told or promised you all those years ago.'

Dolvira smiled. 'Did he tell you what happened between us?'

'Yes.' Enya answered tiredly. 'He did. You betrayed him in the worst way possible and he'll never forgive you what you did.'

'Then he didn't tell you everything.' The redhead grinned. 'Let me enlighten you about what really happened.'

'I don't care.' Enya groaned.

'Don't you want to know what really happened?' Dolvira scoffed. 'Because I bet you do.'

'Will you stop talking if I tell you I'm really not that interested?' Enya said.

'No.' Dolvira told her. 'Because it isn't over between us and you need to know that.'

'We don't have time for this.' Enya sighed. 'We need to move.'

'I will tell you all about it then, during our little walk.' The redhead grinned.

Enya frowned and wondered why the warrior woman was so keen on sharing the story. No doubt to mess with her mind. She should not allow that. Not again. She braced herself when the words started to roll from the redheads mouth.

'When Thorin and I met, he was a handsome dwarf prince and I was one of the commanders of the army.' Dolvira began.

'I already know that.' Enya said.

'Quiet.' The warrior woman told her. 'So, we fell in love. His grandfather wasn't very keen on the match, because I wasn't one of the dwarrowdams he had in mind.'

She picked up a stone and threw it in the water.

'One day, Thorin came to me with the news Thror finally gave us his permission to marry. Of course, we were over the moon. We planned the wedding as soon as possible, before Thror would change his mind.'

'And then on the day of the wedding, you cheated on him.' Enya snapped.

'I had good REASON to do SUCH A HORRIFYING THING!' the redhead shot back. 'Just listen to me.'

Enya held up her hands in surrender. 'Fine. Continue.'

'Not long before the wedding, Thror appeared in my rooms. He congratulated me with the wedding. But then…' Dolvira slowly exhaled.

'Then he said as long as Thorin was married to me, he never would become king. The line of Durin had to stay pure, no matter the costs. Marrying me and not some highborn dwarrowdam would befoul their name, he said. If Thorin and I decided to pull through with the marriage, the throne would pass on to his younger brother, Frerin.'

'What?' Enya asked. 'That is horrible. How could he say such a thing?'

Dolvira nodded. 'I know Thorin would have given up his right to be with me. But I didn't want him to. I mean, it was all he knew! He was born for this, trained to be king. I couldn't ask him to give up his birthright!'

Enya shook her head. 'No, you couldn't. I would've done the same.'

'There was no way I could tell him the truth, because he would never believe his grandfather was capable of such a dreadful thing. I was desperate. I knew had to push him away far enough to ensure he kept his place in the throne line. That left only one option open…'

'Shit.' Enya said, knowing exactly what the redhead meant.

The redhead sighed. 'So. I knew one of my fellow commanders had his eye on me for quite some time. The morning of the wedding…'

Dolvira paused.

'I knew I should have acted earlier than wait for that particular moment, but I have to confess I didn't have the guts to do it. But that morning… I had to save his birthright. I don't want to bore you with the details, but I basically slept with one of my fellow commanders and made sure he saw I did.'

'What did Thorin do?' Enya asked.

'I've never seen a man so mad in my life.' Dolvira frowned. 'He told me he never wanted to see me again, but… I figured in time, Thror would be dead and Thorin would find a place in his heart to forgive me. I'm his one, after all.'

'But then Smaug came.' Enya guessed.

'Yes. That dragon ruined everything.' Dolvira confessed. 'I was at his side when Smaug entered our kingdom. We fought together, but eventually we lost each other in the chaos. But two years ago our paths crossed again in the blue mountains.'

Dolvira made eye contact with Enya before she continued.

'I was SO happy to see him again. And he appeared to be as happy as I was, because he preferred my company above all others. We talked all night and he told me how beautiful I was…'

She smiled. 'He flirted with me in that intense way only he is capable of. The way that makes your head spin. We kissed and from one thing came another… He promised me a place by his side when we reconquered Erebor again. As his queen, of course.'

Enya blinked a few times, unable to process all the information that was given to her.

What the actual hell just happened? Why did Thorin basically lied to her about his dealings with Dolvira? They still had feelings for each other? Was he just trying to sleep with her? Was everything he told her a lie?

WHAT?

'But why tell me this now? You've tried the kill me, scare me away…' Enya finally whispered.

'Because as much as I hate you, I do know you've got a sense of honor.' The redhead replied. 'I don't like to share our painful tale. And I didn't know you. But now I know you're honorable enough to reconsider your choice if I told you the truth about what happened. The fact he has still feelings for me. And I for him. You wouldn't want to stand in the way of our happiness.'

'And.' She added. 'You'll never allow yourself to be as wicked as Abbie. You know what it's like to be the betrayed one, isn't it?'

So the warrior woman also heard the conversation between her and Bilbo. Enya swallowed hard and tried not to show her emotions. What was she supposed to do with this information? What should she do? She suddenly felt sick in her stomach.

'That chick must be lying through her teeth.' Her mind told her. 'Don't believe anything she says. Ever.'

Enya clenched her jaw. Deep down she hoped the bitch indeed was lying, but the biggest part of her couldn't believe Dolvira would make up such a story. Also, the facts Thorin told her suited perfectly. The redhead would've made a mistake when telling such an elaborate lie… Enya stared at her feet and watched them as they mechanically did their job. It felt like she was reliving Jason's betrayal all over again.

But this time… This time it even hurt her more. Enya felt like someone stabbed her in the chest and twisted the knife slowly around. Her vision blurred from the tears she didn't want to shed, but her mind was painstakingly clear.

'Maybe she isn't lying.' It mused. 'Maybe it's you. This is the FUCKING THIRD time this happens, En. There must be something wrong with you. You're obviously not capable of keeping men satisfied.'

Enya took a deep breath and begged her mind to stop.

But her mind was ruthless.

'You're an abomination. He never loved you. He told you he cared because then you would give him what he really wanted. And how could you blame him? After all, you were the one who demanded a love confession! Stupid girl…'

'What is going on over there? Why are we stopping?'

Dolvira's muttering brought Enya back to reality. The company had stopped moving and the redhead seemed determined to investigate why.

'Let's check it out, pretty face.' She ordered.

'I think I'll stay in the back this time.' Enya tried, but the redhead wasn't having it.

'Nope, you're the fire witch. If there's danger ahead, you should be the one to investigate it.'

'What happened to that statement that wizards and witches cannot be trusted?' Enya snapped.

Dolvira gave her a sweet smile and did an attempt to grab Enya's arm, but Enya was too fast and walked up to the front herself. Although being in the front would mean she was near Thorin, a luring threat surely would distract her mind. Maybe she would die in the process of protecting her company. Enya shrugged when she had to confess she liked that idea a bit too much.

She neared the source of "threat" that made everyone stop.

Oh no.

She resisted the urge to run back to Mirkwood.

She'd rather rot in that prison for the rest of her life than facing…

Enya groaned. She recognized this tall broad male with his baggy jeans and lumberjack shirt…

Jason.

OH SHIT.

'En! Is that you?' He asked as she neared him.

Enya took a deep breath, trying very hard not to lose her already unstable mind. If she did, she probably would end up seriously injuring him. Although she couldn't say he didn't deserve that, she knew she had to keep herself together. The company didn't need their fire witch going through a mental breakdown while they had an orc pack on their tail.

'You know him?' Thorin asked. 'He said your name.'

Enya let out a long sigh, but didn't answer his question. She wasn't ready to talk with him, yet. Instead she slowly made her way towards Jason.

'It is you!' he grinned happily when she was close enough for him to see her face. 'I barely recognized you without your signature winged eyeliner and those deep pink lips!'

'Oh and those skinny jeans that make your bum irresistible, although I have to say these trousers complement your butt as well.' He added just when Enya wanted to open her mouth to tell him to shut up.

'I came to rescue you, babe.' Jason went on.

Oh good lord. If someone told her this was an episode of punk'd, she would have believed it. God! When she thought things couldn't get more complicated, life decided it was time to fuck her even some more. Why on earth did dickhead Jason decide she needed him to rescue her now? She could handle the luring threat of the orc pack behind them, the confession Dolvira told her and even the fact that Thorin apparently didn't give a fuck about her, but this... Enya slowly exhaled. This went way too far.

'I like this new look, it's smokin' hot babe!' Jason said as he eyed her hungrily. 'Did you lose weight?'

'WHAT?' Enya blazed.

'Relax, hun. You booty looks extra tight, that's all.' He winked.

'Stop calling me that, because I'm not yours.' Enya told him. 'Last time I checked, you left me for Abbie so don't even THINK you have any right to approach me IN THIS MANNER.'

'I didn't leave you for good. I didn't break up with you...' Jason coaxed. 'I wanted to be sure about us, our future, before we would move on to the next step.'

'The next step?' Enya scoffed. 'You're telling me you were contemplating about us... IN ABBIE'S BED?'

'Oh come on, En.' Jason sighed. 'Do you really think I would disrespect you like that?'

Enya burst into laughter.

'Yes, I know you would. All guys are the same, after all.' She paced forward so she could face him. 'Besides, the whole GODDAMN TOWN knew about your escapades as well!'

'So you chose to believe town gossip over me, huh?' Jason said, his tone cold.

'They proved to be more reliable than you've ever been, pet.' She purred. 'You can't blame me for wanting to know the truth.'

Jason frowned and Enya knew exactly what was going on in his mind. She knew him too well. He was easily offended, which often meant she had to handle him with care if she wanted to achieve… well, anything. Jason was challenging man and could be best described as selfish and superficial. Although he wasn't very sharp, he could be quite cunning if he wanted. Enya sighed. After those long years of dating the guy, she knew her way around him and always handled him tactfully. Even when they argued. But right now… right now she didn't care about his opinion of her. His pride. Or his ego. If she crossed his line… well… then she crossed it.

'You can tell me whatever you want, Jason.' She said, feeling extremely tired. 'I'm not going to give in.'

'But we're such a cute couple, sugar.' Jason objected. 'We belong together, babe.'

'We do?' Enya asked in a sarcastic tone. 'If you told me this crap a few years ago, I would have believed you. But now... you really think you can play around with ABBIE OR ME just when it suits YOU, and GET AWAY WITH IT?'

'I wasn't playing around! I love you both, but in the end I decided to choose you, Ennie.' Jason replied.

Enya had to admit he surprised her by not giving up on her yet. Normally his perseverance was... well basically nonexistent. Jason usually got what he wanted, and if he didn't, he would act like he didn't want it after all. And people believed him, never seeing him for the pathetic liar he was. Which he obviously didn't see as well.

Enya realized there was more at stake. She guessed that before he went on this quest to "save" her, he probably had told the whole town a tale about how she would throw herself in his arms (probably whilst crying she missed him soooo much) and that he would be her handsome hero for the rest of her life.

His pride would be wounded if he returned without her.

Enya observed him and she couldn't tell why she had found him attractive in the first place. Sure, he was good-looking and the years of working with those huge lumbers in the woods payed off, but... that was it. His brown eyes were dull and didn't sparkle when he saw her. His golden hair that she used to admire wasn't as appealing to her as it once had been. He wasn't smart, funny or thoughtful. He didn't possess the right amount of stubbornness she liked… Or smell like the perfect combination of tobacco, musk and bodily scent that made her knees weak. He didn't have a beard. Enya sighed. She had to confess Jason missed one vital thing that had made her absolutely immune for his charms. She bit her lip as she realized what it was.

As painful as it was at the moment, Jason wasn't Thorin.

And all she wanted was Thorin.

God damnit.

'Why are you just standing there?' Jason asked her as he run his fingers through his hair. 'I told you I chose you over Abbie. Abbie is no fun, En. But I know you are. I need you tonight. Maybe we could invite Lauren and have-'

'SHUT UP!' Enya screamed before he could finish his sentence. She knew exactly what he was going to say, and she didn't want the company to find out about her sexual escapades before she came to middle earth.

They would be shocked.

Except for Fíli and Kíli of course.

'You need me, En?' Jason winked. 'I'm sure you do, it's been a while.'

Enya's flames reacted before she could control herself and her hands shot a range of them in his direction. Jason dodged all her attempts and didn't seem discouraged.

'Cool trick!' He grinned. 'Where did you learn that? Can you spit fire?'

'I fucking DON'T NEED YOU! I'M SICK OF THOSE FUCKING BASTARDS THAT TRY TO TELL ME WHAT TO DO! I don't need to be rescued, Jason.' She blazed. 'I was doing fine on my own. '

'You were doing fine?' Jason replied in a confident tone. He eyed the company around her. They hadn't moved and watched their quarreling in silence. Even Dolvira kept her mouth shut.

'Because to me, it looks like you're surrounded by savages. What you're going to do about that? They could harm you.' Jason said.

'Savages?'

Thorin's tone was dangerously low. He finally moved, put a possessive arm around Enya's waist and held her tight to his body. Enya allowed the move, telling herself it seemed sensible to deal with Jason first before she tore Thorin a new one… But she knew there secretly was another reason why she allowed it. She bit her lip and cursed her body for being treacherous and weak for wanting to be near him, even WITH the knowledge that he didn't care about her. She was furious, mad, and sad, she never felt more insecure and hopeless in her whole life, but her body didn't gave a shit about that. It wanted him. Badly.

'You have no right to take her.' Thorin hissed. 'She belongs with me.'

'Wanna bet?' Jason scoffed. 'She's mine, pal. And she always has been mine.'

Thorin narrowed his eyes. 'The lady said no. Which part of that don't you understand?'

'I have known her for a long time.' Jason stated. 'When she says no, she usually means yes.'

Enya tore herself away from Thorin's grasp.

'The lady tells both of you to FUCK OFF.' She blazed. 'I can handle myself. We don't have time for this and DON'T LET ME GET STARTED ABOUT ALL THE THINGS I WANT TO SAY TO BOTH OF YOU!'

Both men stared at her, clearly puzzled by her sudden bravura.

After a few moments, Jason seemed to regain his senses and got out his pistols.

The fucker always did that when he didn't know how to carry himself.

Stupid bastard.

'Don't you dare.' Enya threatened.

'Did you really think I would travel into an unknown world without my babies?' He licked his lips. 'You know I never miss my target.'

'Then you know I easily out best you.' Enya told him.

'Yeah, but you don't have them right now, do you?' Jason replied.

From the corner of her eye, Enya saw Thorin slowly nodding at Dwalin. No doubt they already agreed on a plan to take Jason down. But they didn't know how pistols worked, and she did.

'You're coming with me, En.' Jason said as he aimed one of his pistols on Dwalin. 'And I see what you're doing there, mate!'

He pointed the other pistol in Thorin's direction. Thorin clearly wasn't impressed at al. He wanted to take a step forward, but Enya put her hand on his chest. He frowned, but didn't push her away.

'Put them down, Jason.' Enya ordered. 'If you hurt any of them, I'll have to kill you.'

'Then come with me, Ennie.' He replied. 'That's all you have to do…'

'Don't make me-' Enya started, but she was interrupted by noises none of them wanted to hear.

The orc pack found them again.

'What are those?' Jason asked as he stared at the foul creatures nearing them at vast speed.

'Orcs.' Enya told him.

'What, are we in middle earth?' He smirked. 'I know you like those weird books, but please don't tell me I ended up in your favorite fantasy world.'

'It exists, Jason.'

Jason started laughing, but stopped when the whole company eyed him in earnest.

'It does?' He said uneasily.

'This is middle earth, whether you like it or not.' Thorin growled. 'And thanks to you interrupting us, we have no choice but to face them without weapons.'

Jason shrugged as he got his weapons ready. 'Speak for yourself. Although I believe I cannot die in this fantasy universe.'

'I wouldn't be too sure about that.' Enya hissed.

'There are too many.' Jason established uneasily. 'I won't have enough bullets.'

'Then kill as many as you can.' Enya told him. 'Your aim was true, eh? Make sure you don't waste a shot.'

She held up her hands. 'I'll give them my fury.'

Rage swirled up inside of her. They all killed so many orcs, and yet their numbers only seemed to grow. She had to do something, or the company was doomed.

Enya focused. She didn't want to fight endlessly. One shot should be enough to wipe out the whole orc pack.

She stepped forward, her hands ready. Flames licked her palms.

'So.' She yelled. 'Who of you wants to have a taste first?'

It took her five minutes. Enya had poured all her hatred, her anger, her fear and her doubts into the flames. Dead orcs laid everywhere, their blood dripping into the river and blackening the river. Her hands burned, but that didn't matter. Her dwarves were safe again.

'Problem solved.' Enya sighed as she turned around.

'Time to go.' Jason told her and he grabbed Enya with one arm.

'What are you doing, you PRICK?' Enya shouted.

Jason placed a gun on her temple.

'If anyone tries to attack Enya OR me, I'll have to kill her.'

He slowly took a few paces behind.

'Jay, two seconds.' Enya hissed, struggling to get free from his grip.

'Why.'

'Because I will tear you to pieces if you won't allow me to say goodbye.' She answered. 'And don't think I won't.'

Jason reluctantly let her go.

'I still got my pistol on you, En.' He threatened.

Enya rolled with her eyes. 'Yeah, shoot me. You'll only help me out of my misery.'

She walked up to Thorin.

'You cannot-' Thorin began.

'There's no use to fight him.' She told the dwarf king. 'Bullets are fast, there's no way to dodge them. I'm not taking any chances. He could hurt one of you.'

'Will you come back?' Thorin asked.

Enya bit on her tongue and refused to look him into the eye. Her anger had faded away when she released the fire inside her and left her with an empty feeling. She felt drained, unable to cope with all the hurt she had been put through.

'I might.' She answered. 'In the meantime, can you please do something for me?'

He nodded shortly. 'Anything.'

'Go talk with Dolvira, Thorin. Make it up with her. I know there's still something there and you both love each other. She's a good person and deserves at least another shot. I'm sure she'll make a wonderful queen.'

This time she looked up to meet his gaze and she saw the pain was displayed in his blue eyes. He was terrified. Hurt. He pleaded her in silence to stay, because he couldn't complete the quest without her. But she knew there was no other way. Jason would kill her if she tried to cross him. And Thorin had to make things right with Dolvira. She was his one, his amrâlimê… Enya swallowed hard, but she knew her sacrifice wouldn't be in vain. The company would be safe and sound again with Jason out of the way and the orc pack dead. Also, by leaving Thorin she would give him and Dolvira their best shot. Enya suddenly felt selfish, thinking she was the better option for Thorin. She was no Abbie. She couldn't do the things Abbie did to her. Even to Dolvira.

'What did she tell you?' Thorin stammered. 'I told you the truth, Enya. All of it.'

Enya smiled. 'Please try.'

Thorin blinked, absolutely puzzled by her plea.

'I'll talk to her. But only for you.' He said.

'That's enough, En.' Jason ordered. 'We're going.'

They both ignored him. Thorin stroked her cheek with one hand and the movement almost made her change her mind.

But her desire to stay with him wasn't worth the risk… She'd never forgive herself if someone died because of her.

'I love you.' Enya confessed. 'And it hurts so much.'

'I love you too.' He whispered. 'Come back to me. Promise me.'

Enya lowered her eyes. 'You have to get back to Dolvira. You'll be fine.'

'Never.' He breathed. 'It's you, or nothing.'

'ENYA.' Jason barked.

'I can kill him.' Thorin said.

Enya shook her head. 'Don't. It's not worth it.'

He said nothing as he watched them disappear in the large black void before him. Thorin swallowed hard, unsure how to feel. Or how to act.

On the one side, he was furious that Enya had the guts to leave him like this, after he finally confessed to her how he felt about her. On the other hand… He didn't know what those damned pistols were. They probably were powerful, because even Enya didn't dare to cross Jason once he had gotten them out. Thorin sighed. Enya. She was so… breathtaking. So generous, sweet and powerful… She never hesitated to sacrifice herself if it meant that the others would be safe. She probably believed with her whole heart this was for the best.

Thorin glanced over at Dolvira. What did his former love tell Enya about? That night in the blue mountains? He frowned. Rumors had created quite a few versions of that night, and she probably did make it sound like…

'Thorin.'

Balin interrupted his thoughts.

'We need to move again.' He said.

Thorin nodded shortly.

'Don't worry.' Balin told him. 'She'll be back.'

Thorin sighed. 'I hope she will.'

He stared one more time at the place Enya and Jason had disappeared.

She eventually would find her way back to him.

She had to.