The next day I was ready, and in my nervousness cleaned my house. It wasn't dirty to begin with, but once I was done, it shone. Soon the time rolled around and taking a deep breath I walked out where Bilba and Fili were waiting outside in Fili's silver car.
Two hours later I was starting to regret my decision. Fili had picked us up and then run off and left me in Bilba's clutches. In between her madness I listened to her input on what Thorin was like, apparently a good uncle to his nephews, a decent brother to his sister and a excellent business man. But he was also a bit scary and gruff and stubborn. I hid a smile, remembering that I loved those things about Thorin.
We had been to a salon and got all dolled up and then to a boutique where Bilba and another woman stripped me and compared dresses against my body. The woman wanted something to cover all my scars. I firmly told her no, they were to be seen because I was not ashamed of them. Bilba finally brought over a gorgeous red gown with inch thick straps and a lace up back. It had jewels wrapped around the waist and to the bottom of my cleavage and the front showed just enough cleavage.
A short hunt later gave me cute black sandals and a small purse. Bilba had already picked out a beautiful green gown and quickly changed. Then we took a cab to a tall gray building and Bilba smiled at me when we got out, "Honestly Ariana, it's worth going to this thing just for the food." I grinned at her, "Uh huh. At least you have a date, I am on a covert mission to entertain a grumpy Uncle and divert a demon. No pressure."
She rolled her eyes at me and Fili met us at the door and his smile made me grin when he saw Bilba and she blushed. I chuckled and said, "Shall we go in?"
Fili held out his arm to Bilba and when he looked at me I gave him a wicked grin, "Go on in, I'll catch up. In case things go south tonight, lets pretend we don't know each other."
Bilba frowned and I winked at her, "Trust me." She wrinkled her nose at me for fun and they went in. I looked up at the moon and thought about what I had planned and if it would work. Taking a deep breath I knew this could back fire with Thorin hating me again, but if I could help just a bit, it was worth the shot. I waited a good ten minutes before walking in. It was certainly a fancy tie and gown kind of party and there were waiters wearing little bow ties walking around with drink and foods on trays.
My head held high I acted like I belonged as I swept into the room and all eyes turned onto me. I ignored them as I smiled and thanked a waiter for a tiny bite of cake and munched as I wandered through the crowd, meeting and greeting complete strangers who approached me. That's when I spotted Thorin. A shiver went down my spine and my stomach filled with butterflies. He looked dashing in a black suit, in a dark gray shirt and a sapphire blue tie that matched his eyes. His black hair was brushed back and silver graced his temples. He was by a bar that sold alcohol and didn't look like he had gotten anything yet. I saw Fili dancing with Bilba and he caught my eye and cocked his head. I looked to where he was looking and saw a tall blond beautiful woman dancing with a broad man with mouse brown hair.
I cocked an eyebrow, seeing the coldness in her eyes that reminded me of a snake. Not impressed, I made my way towards Thorin, turning down dance offers as I went and wanting to kick a few people who looked at my scars in disgust. Getting to the bar I ordered a shot of whiskey and pretended I hadn't seen Thorin until I got my shot. Swallowing it in one gulp I welcomed the warmth in my belly and then turned and 'happened' to see him.
He was staring at me, but not my scars. I smiled at him and said, "Hello, have me met?"
He shook off his staring and said slowly, "I don't think so..." then something clicked and a blush dusted his cheeks. My smile widened and I winked at him, "No worries, I didn't like that shirt anyway."
His blush darkened and I held out my hand, "Ariana McKing."
He took it in a larger warm hand, "Thorin Durinson. I do apologize for last night." I waved him off and said gently, "I will only accept your apology if you ask me to dance."
He cocked an eyebrow at me and I glanced at some men staring at me, "It'll look like I belong and I won't have time to smack those guys for staring at me. You'd think they'd know better."
Before I could blink he bowed gracefully and held out a hand, his blue eyes alight with amusement, "Then by all means my lady. Will you be my date tonight?"
I curtsied and said with sincerity, "Nothing would make me happier." I took his hand and his smile lit up my world once more. He led me out onto the dance floor and we talked. He learned I knew Bilba, Fili and Kili and had met Dwalin. I learned he had a sister named Dis and he was worried of my first impression of Dwalin. This just amused me.
We danced three dances and I was laughing as he led me off to get something to drink. We grabbed two glasses of sparkling cider and I said teasingly, "I do have to confess, your a lot funner than last night."
He grinned at me and said, "I can believe that." We laughed, knowing our conversation sounded very different to other people. And apparently someone was eavesdropping.
Thorin face closed up like a vault and he went pale as he looked behind me. I had a sneaking suspicion who it was and turned. None other than Serene stood there with hands on hips and a scowl. I sipped my drink, and smiled at her, "Can I help you?"
She snorted and glared at me, "You should get away from that pathetic man. I can't tell who is more pathetic, the worthless dog or the scraps he picked up. You look ridiculous, those scars are disgusting."
I set my glass down and smiled a very sweet smile at her, "If your going to spew shit out of your mouth, I recommend a mint. Or some toilet water. I do believe a troll such as yourself should get back to the sewer where you belong."
Taking Thorin's hand I ignored his shocked and dumbfounded face as I pulled him around the dance floor, muttering, "What a bitch. Don't you listen to the vile coming out of her mouth Thorin."
Realizing I was still dragging him I stopped and let go of him quickly, "Sorry."
But he grasped my hand and looked at it like it's the first he had seen it. He said as if he didn't believe it, "You defended me. Thank you." He sighed then and looked me in the eyes with a sad smile, "I'm sorry I didn't defend you against her. You don't look disgusting to me."
Smiling at him I said, "And I don't think you are pathetic. Who was she anyway?"
He grimaced and muttered, "My ex-wife." I grimaced with him and tried to lighten the mood, "Um, well obviously you did the right thing divorcing her. Uh, not that I know the situation, just that she really acts like a bitch. Not to say she was when you were married. Um.." Flustered I wasn't sure what else to say and then I saw the smile on his lips and frowned at him, "What? I'm trying to make you feel better."
He chuckled and took my other hand, "It's working."
I blushed and was saved from saying anything else when Bilba and Fili walked up and greeted us. Thorin let go of my hands and asked, "Have you seen Kili?"
Bilba pointed and I saw Kili chatting with a tall gorgeous ginger haired woman that was Tauriel. I grinned widely and Thorin said to Fili, "I bet $5 that he forgets to get her number again."
I smacked his arm and said, "Oh come on." Thorin cocked an eyebrow at me, "He's forgotten the last two times he's seen her."
I grimaced, "Really?" Fili nodded, looking amused at his poor little brother.
I looked at them again and saw that Tauriel looked amused and smitten. Kili looked smitten and nervous. Beginning to grin I thumped Fili in the shoulder, "Alright." and strode over, ignoring the others confused looks.
When I approached Tauriel gave me a curious look and Kili turned to look. I smiled and headed for the table next to them, "Hey Kili, whose your friend?"
On the table were little white cakes with pink frosting and a strawberry on top. I picked one up and started eating it as Kili cleared his throat and said, "Ariana, this is Tauriel. Tauriel this is Ariana."
I held out my clean hand and we shook hands. I smiled at them and asked, "So Tauriel, why did you come to this little shindig?"
She glanced at Kili and a light blush dusted her cheeks, "I thought it would interesting."
I finished the cake and said, "Well I hope you have fun. It was nice meeting you." I moved to walk away and as I passed Kili I whispered, "Don't forget her number." Winking at Tauriel as I turned.
I snickered under my breath as he turned red and weaved around some other people to get back to Thorin and the others. I chuckled when I saw Thorin slip Fili some money, Bilba was rolling her eyes.
I came up to the group and accepted the glass of cider from Bilba, and we shared a smile. From there I started a conversation with Bilba about her latest cooking feat. Then I danced with Thorin once more, enjoying the moment but feeling like it wouldn't last. The night was waning and people were starting to leave. Putting a smile on my face I said, "Well Thorin, everyone. It's been a fun night, but it's time to say good bye."
Giving a wave I turned to leave, pausing when Thorin caught my hand. Blinking at him I didn't expect the blush to rise on my cheeks as he asked, "May I see you again?"
"Err..." Thrown for a loop, never expecting this turn of events I stuttered, "Um...sure. If you want...I ...here, let me give you my number." Digging my phone out of my purse as he pulled out his we exchanged numbers and I shyly bid him good night and booked a shy retreat.
I made it to the curb and phoned for a taxi. Then I heard footsteps, only to turn to see Serene and her large boy toy moving towards me. Sighing heavily, I rolled my eyes as she opened her mouth, "Ok look, I don't care what you think of me, what you think of Thorin, and I don't care who you are. Now that we have established that I don't care, please exit stage left."
Her face turned red, her boy toy looked confused and before she could start yelling I said, "I don't care."
She tried again and I said, "Blah blah blah."
She glared, let loose a frustrated scream and shouted, "You'll regret this!" She yanked her boy toy after her as she stomped off. I waved good bye to her, then waved at my friends with a grin, feeling a bit smug and got into the cab that pulled up.
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