Alyssae stayed for two more days in Erebor. Thorin showed her around in every hall and every room: she even walked through the dungeons. The other dwarves carried away the bodies and many went to the treasure hall to find the king's jewel, which reminded Alyssae that she had to tell Thorin what Thranduil had demanded from her, but every time something came between.

"I want to let your hear something," Thorin told her when he had taken her to his private rooms.

Alyssae's eyes glittered of curiosity when he brought out a beautiful, golden harp, that was just as large as he was.

"I know it is not my greatest talent to express my thoughts and feelings, but melodies have always helped me."

Alyssae noticed he felt insecure, as always when he showed her something new. She smiled encouraging to him, where after he pulled the strings. His beautiful, deep voice filled the room, while Alyssae sat on the edge of his bed an listened, taking in every word and preserving it in her memory, determined to forget never.

"The weeks have gone by fast,
oh how we have grown
The times weren't always easy,
but hearts and minds revive
now thoughts of you consume me,
and I wanted you to know
You're the brightest shining star I've ever seen "

A shiver crept down her spine when he looked right into her eyes. She was so touched by his honest, sweet words that a lump appeared in her throat.

Oh how blessed we are,
to share in everything
Life before was cold, cold and empty
Every time I see your face, I'm reminded of
What it means to be alive.

Alyssae knew their relationship had changed them both and it made her sad that he had led such an empty and cold life for so long. What if something did happen on her way back? Would he pipe down again?

Of the gift, that I've been handed
Been blessed so much but why?
I feel so undeserving,
but I wanted you to know
You're the brightest shining star I've ever seen

Oh how blessed we are,
to share in everything
Life before was cold, cold and empty
Every time I see your face, I'm reminded of
What It means to be alive.

All for you, you make me wanna try
All for you, I'll give you everything
All for you, you make me wanna try
All for you, I'll honor you forever

Like the sun that never sets
The brightest shining star, you're the brightest
shining star I've ever seen.*

A tear ran down her cheek when the last sound died. She walked to him and embraced him for a very long time.

"That was so sweet," she whispered to his dark hair. "And so sincere."

"I wish I could go with you to Chyndall," he whispered, winding a strand of her dark hair around his finger. "How do you think your parents will react?"

"I have no idea," Alyssae admitted. "But I will write you as soon as I'm home."

Thorin took her hand and led her back to the bed. He brushed her cheek and kissed her, while he undressed her carefully. They made love one last time, before she would return home.

Alyssae listened to his breathing. Her head rested upon his chest and his breathing touched her hair. A blissful smile adorned her face and she closed her eyes again, pressing a kiss on his warm skin.

She startled when someone bounced at the door.

"Thorin!" the excited voice of Dwalin sounded. "We found it! The Arkenstone!'

She gasped for breath and sat straight, while she watched Thorin with a pouding heart.

"I am coming!"

The enthusiasm in his voice did not escape her attention and it felt like a dark cloud shoved before the sun. Quivering she dressed herself, just like Thorin did.

His face was still shining. "There is one thing you haven't seen. The biggest treasure we have. The pride of every dwarf."

Alyssae stared at the ground. Her throat felt sore and she bit on her lip.

In a fraction of a second she saw Thranduil's visions come true. Thorin had to choose between the gem and her. The elf king had played her and she could do nothing to protect herself against his evil. If she would accept her cursed womb, the elf king would march with his army to Erebor and kill everyone before they had raised even one pillar. And despite the sweet words he had just said, Alyssae knew this would test their love and she was sure that she was the one who would taste defeat.

*The song is written by A Beautiful Mistake and is called 'My Reminder'.