Thorin stared at the Lonely Mountain, which rose at the other side of the lake. He felt his heartbeat speed up, but at the same time there was an empty feeling inside him. How long would Alyssae stay with them? Would she wait for the arrival of Dain's armies? Would he find the Arkenstone anyway? Would they even survive Smaug's flames?
Despite the fact that they had bore so much dangers, they still had to defy their greatest enemy. He felt a little despondent when he thought about the dragon. Who had to execute Bilbo's task? He knew Alyssae wanted to take his place, but he couldn't let her wander around on her own, looking for a stone in the vicinity of an abhorrent dragon. He dared to state that she would attract the attention of Smaug and get in trouble, even though she didn't see it herself.
She wasn't less equipped than the rest of his men, but the problem was she didn't listen to him, while others did so. Of course she had no reason to obey him, since he wasn't her king, but two captains on the same ship always created unrest.
He sighed while he thought back to his outburst. He hadn't said a single word he didn't mean. He had noticed the journey through Mirkwood had changed her - or maybe her true nature had just shown up. Thranduil had called up an anger that couldn't be tempered. He couldn't say she was less attractive or that he loved her less, but it didn't ease the tension between them.
His glance moved to the moon, that shone upon the lake. In the calmness that surrounded him he wondered if his ancestors looked down on him. What would they think of this quest? Was he chasing lost dreams or were they proud that he did everything in his power to conquer back their kingdom? What would they think of the fact that he was in love with an elf? Would they laugh at him? Make a fool of him? Or did they believe they were made for each other? Did they understand he needed her? Could they look into her heart to see if she felt the same?
His thoughts came to an end when two arms glided underneath his armpits.
"I am sorry," she whispered, while her chin rested on his head. "Your words were not true. I don't think you can't do nothing right. I am sorry if I give you that feeling. I really am."
With a small hesitation Thorin put his hands upon hers, not knowing what to say to her. His heart raced in his throat and suddenly he felt very nervous. He loved the fact that she held him, while he felt her breath touch his ear. His stomach turned around while he stared at the beauty of the night.
"Are you angry?" she asked carefully.
Thorin had forgotten to answer and he turned around.
"Of course not."
The sound of her voice chased away all the anger he felt.
Her smile made his hands tingle, which he brought carefully to her cheek when she bend forward to kiss him. He caressed her cheek while he opened his mouth and let her tongue inside.
Thorin had the feeling he had found something he had lost a long time ago. Something that completed him. Her fingers touched his neck and his hair. Where she touched his skin, the stinging wounds seemed to disappear immediately. His heart raced in his chest while his tongue played with hers, so he could taste her love.
"I indeed put you too often in danger," she whispered after a long, tender kiss. "Let me make things better."
Her violet eyes seemed to spread a light and she smiled in such a way it gave him goose bumps. Slowly she raised her hand and put her thumb beneath the strap of her dress, where after she slipped it down slowly.