Alyssae stayed with the dwarves for quite some time. Their cheerful talking chased away the hurt feelings Thorin caused. When Kili and Fili came back from the tub – which made them even younger – and the others complained about hunger, Alyssae stood up and went to the house, to ask Beorn if she could help him to prepare dinner.
In the hall - where the animals slept, as had she last night – it was a bit stuffy. She opened one of the windows and sniffed eagerly the fresh air.
When she turned to the left to walk to the kitchen, metal scratched over the stone wall and a sword blocked her way.
Her heart bounced in her chest. Not because she was afraid he would use the sword, but because Thorin was only a few inches away from her and despite his limited size he looked very impressive.
She had no idea what she should say and she stared questioning in his eyes. Blue eyes, she noticed, which seemed darker from some distance than they actually were. His long hair was still wet from the bath that he had taken – probably as first – and she discerned some grey plats. He only wore an undershirt, his fighting gear was probably still drying. The muscles in his arms were swollen to sufficient proportions while he was holding the sword.
His face was inconceivable and his lips formed an unfriendly sneer.
'What did you tell him, elf.'
The look in his eyes was so intense she barely dared to breathe, but the tone of his voice was so disdainful she squeezed her eyes indignantly.
'I told him the truth, dwarf. Beorn hates dwarves and I convinced him you are all very helpful and friendly, except you. He only accepts you because you don't leave him much choice. Just like I do.'
From the corners of her eyes she saw the grasp on the sword petrified.
'Watch you words, elf. You have no idea to whom you are talking.'
She smiled coyly and bowed a little forward, so her face came close to his.
'Neither do you, dwarf.'
He exhaled angrily and his breath brushed her chin, which made her shiver. Alyssae didn't look away, even though it was clear he was confused by her words.
'I am Thorin, son of Tháin, son of Thrór, king under the mountain!'
His eyes sparkled like royal diamonds and she wanted to step back, but the wall prevented her from doing so. She had expected this dwarf to be highborn, but she never imagined he was a ruler on his way to reconquer his kingdom.
However, she couldn't admit loudly she was impressed.
'That explains your arrogance.'
After those words he drew back his sword and slammed it against the wall, where a deep hole appeared. Alyssae crouched startled, but she felt a little triumph now she had hurt his feelings for one time.
She almost wanted to say she was royal as well, but Thorin looked so angry she didn't dare to say a word. The sword was only a few inches away and maybe he would find it a good excuse to kill her.
He glanced in her eyes once more, while she could feel his hate. Then he turned around and walked away.
Her legs had become weak and she dropped down. Crestfallen she sat on the ground, with her back against the wall. She ruined everything.
Kili and Fili might claim he liked her secretly, but she didn't believe a word of it. He hated her. Now more than ever. She also knew Fili and Kili would never leave him, even though they promised her the opposite. He was their blood relative, but even more – their king. They had to be loyal and she wanted them to be loyal.