We climbed down from the rocks on an old path and I kept an eye on Thorin. He was stubbornly moving, but I could tell when he flinched and glared that he was in pain. And being the stubborn Dwarf that he was, he didn't say a peep and refused the help of the others. But when he nearly slid down the path because of the uneven footing he couldn't glare hard enough at me as I shimmied along the rock and took the front. I looked back at him and gave him a no nonsense glare of my own. We held eye contact until he finally gave a bit of a thrust with his chin and I hid a grin as I lead the company down, keeping close enough to Thorin so that if he slipped I could catch him. Which he did. Hearing and feeling him slip I braced my feet and his hands caught my shoulders and I looked back at him, not saying a word until he got his feet underneath him again and we continued on. As we climbed I thought about Dwalin's angry outburst at me and had an idea as to why. He must have felt helpless to help Thorin, and that anger became directed at me.

We made it down without further incident to the river that we could go across a ford of huge flat stones that lead to a grassland beyond the stream. There was tiny cave with a pebble floor at the foot of the steps that we decided to camp at for the night. Gandalf then told us that he would have to leave the party for there was some pressing matters to deal with elsewhere. The Dwarves nearly threw a fit but I was calm, if a bit nervous.

I knew he wouldn't take us the whole way, he had said so himself that he would take us as far as he could. The Dwarves looked exhausted and Fili and Kili sat near their Uncle, giving him worried glances. They were not happy either about Gandalf leaving. Instead of listening to the complaints, I went into the forest with my sling and came back with some rabbits and a small boar that would tide us over and came over just as Gandalf reassured, "I'm not leaving you all right this moment. I will see you a bit further since you don't know where you are and are without supplies, including myself. We have no food, no baggage and no ponies."

He explained where we were, too far north of the path we should have followed and in the middle of nowhere. As he explained this I gutted, skinned and dressed the rabbits and boar with a bit of seasoning Bofur had stashed in his pockets and Gloin luckily had the energy to start a fire. I set the meat on sticks and made a spit out of branches and used clean pieces of the bottom of my tunic as rope. As the meat roasted I listened as Gandalf explained that he knew someone who might be able to help us and the others finally got done begging and trying to bribe Gandalf.

Rolling my eyes when bribing failed I coaxed, secretly fed up with all the arguing and begging, "Gandalf has made up his mind. Why don't you guys go enjoy the river while I get us some food ready? You all stink like burned Warg." I wrinkled my nose at them and made shooing motions with my hands. They all went, the thought of a bath seeming to lift their spirits. Dwalin was the last to leave and I quickly got to my feet, hiding my wince and touched his arm, "Dwalin, a moment?"

He paused, scowling at me and I took a deep breath and said softly, "I apologize for yelling at you. I know your mad because it was I who saved Thorin and not you." His cheeks turned red and I soothed, "And I'm sorry you feel angry and upset that it happened that way and I wasn't trying to steal your thunder. You couldn't get to him, but I could. That's the bottom line and you can hate me if you like but I won't regret my actions."

He studied me without saying a word for what seemed like hours. Then finally he gave a huge earth shattering sigh, "I accept your apology. And I'd like to apologize to you Ariana, you are right. I wasn't in a position to help and you were. I shouldn't be angry with you for that. I'm sorry for yelling at you."

I smiled softly at him, "Accepted." He gave a weary grin and then moved to join the others. There was a bush where I couldn't see them down the stream but I could hear them. I returned to the fire, turned the meat and heard the Dwarves start to splash and chat. Sighing as my exhaustion began to catch up with me, I rubbed my eyes as I wondered why Thorin was acting different and why I felt different when I looked at him, not counting his latest bout of stupidity. Gandalf sat on a nearby boulder and pulled out his pipe, tapping some tobacco into it, "That was a very brave thing you did, Ariana."

"Hmmm?" My mind came back to me from it's wanderings as I sat back on my heels, hiding a wince as my side throbbed, reminding me of my injury, and turned the meat. Gandalf smiled, his eyes crinkled in amusement and I smiled shyly, "Sorry, my mind was elsewhere. What did you say?"

He lit his pipe as he watched me, "That was a very brave thing you did, running at that Orc like a woman possessed. You saved Thorin's life." I shrugged, looking down at the fire, "It's no big deal. I saved all of them when we nearly fell of a cliff on the Misty Mountains." I told him what had happened and his eyebrows rose into his hair, "You are very brave indeed Ariana."

I said tartly, "I couldn't just let them fall to their deaths." I was irritated, but it was only because I was so exhausted and my back and side hurt. Cringing at my sharp tone I looked at Gandalf, "I'm sorry Gandalf." but he waved me off with a small smile, "I understand. You've been through much in such a short time. But I wonder why you did something so foolish as to run head on at a group of Orcs and Wargs to save one Dwarf? Not the greatest idea either, my dear."

Rubbing my forehead, I began to feel a head ache coming on, "Firstly, I don't like being called a fool. And secondly, you want to know why?"

Gandalf nodded as I looked at him and I turned the meat as I ran through my mind what had happened. I slowly said, "I couldn't just let Thorin do something so stupid as to get killed before we even get to Erebor." Bitterness filled my voice as I glared at the fire, "I mean, I understand his hatred for the one who killed his grandfather and father. But hanging onto hatred will bring you nothing but pain."

Gandalf hummed under his breath and blew out a smoke ring, "Wise words from one so young. But that doesn't answer my question." I glared at him but from his smile I knew I wasn't fooling him. I stood slowly as I heard the Dwarves start to get out of the water, "I've grown attached to the knuckle heads. They may not like or approve of me coming along but I've grown fond of them."

He said lightly, "Just fondness?" I glanced at him in confusion but saw nothing to give me a clue as to what he was talking about and before I knew it the meat was done and the Dwarves were back looking much more refreshed and hungry. Rolling my eyes when they exclaimed happily over the meat I gave a wave to Gandalf as I headed to the river for my own bath.

There was a small rocky inlet surrounded by trees. It was the perfect spot for privacy and bathing. I quickly stripped off my clothes, used my sling shot rag to wrap around my head and keep my hair up, and kept my loincloth and breast band on just in case. Happy with this, I walked into the water.

It was cool but not cold and it seemed to ease every ache and pain. It wasn't deep enough to be unsafe but was perfect for soaking. I quickly washed myself off, careful of the cut on my side. It was shallow enough that I wouldn't need stitches. It did feel a little hot to the touch but I believed that if I put some salve on it later it should be fine. I settled down on a boulder that was scooped almost perfect too sit and rest your back against. I submerged till only my head was above water, looked up a the sky where a cloud had covered the moon but it wasn't too dark and I sighed in relief as I relaxed. I was so relaxed and the water so blissful that I didn't realize I wasn't alone.

Hearing a splash to my right, I reacted and dove behind the boulder ready to scream for the others. But then I froze when I saw Thorin emerge from the water, obviously having gone completely under. I couldn't stop myself as I stared as Thorin stood up, his back to me. Thorin's hair hung heavy with water halfway down his back, the water making the sable color even darker so that the silver streaks stood out bold in the black. It was the man's back that caught my attention; broad and stout; although Thorin was still quite trim for a Dwarf.

I could see the large, horseshoe-shaped bruise on Thorin's left side made by Azog's Warg and bite marks from it's fangs. Dark hair dusted the sides of his back, and his shoulders and arms were quite hairy, all in the same sable colored hair as his head. I was struck by the sheer masculinity of the Dwarf and suddenly, for the first time in my life, I felt an urge to taste a man.

Shocked by this fact I nearly headbutted the rock to get that thought out of my head and decided to let Thorin know I was here before he saw me and freaked. Clearing my throat, I almost laughed when Thorin spun and was so startled he nearly fell. Feeling my cheeks getting as red as my hair I said awkwardly, "Uh sorry, I didn't know anyone was still here. Um, I should go."

About to sneak away by using the nearby willows to hide I was startled when Thorin said softly, "Please, stay."

I looked back at him, uneasy and then saw that Thorin had a thick pelt of hair over his chest and down his stomach and I thought he looked a bit like a bear. Then I saw a darker color running down his side and I frowned, coming around the boulder, "Your bleeding."

He looked down and I quickly came up and he said, "Oh, it's just a scratch." I snorted and pulled the cloth from my head and pressed it to the wound without thinking, "You fool, you've washed off most of Oin's salves." I shook my head at him, "You should have Oin look at you again, I can call him over."

He snapped, "No!" Flinching I looked down, stepped back and he quickly said more quietly as he grasped my hand, "No wait. I didn't mean to yell. I just don't think I should worry them."

I pushed the rag at him and said, hiding my uneasiness from my voice, "Then press this to the wound till it stops bleeding. If you bleed out, you won't be very happy." I couldn't look him in the eye and made to leave when he said again, "Will you please stay?"

Not sure how to say no and really not wanting to leave anyway, I shrugged and settled on another rock that let the water rise up to my waist, "Alright." The water still felt good even tho my face was a furnace. Thorin did as I said tho and pressed the rag to the wound with a wince. I muttered fondly, "Stubborn Dwarf." He snorted, as if to say it takes one to know one but he said nothing else. We stayed like this for a few minutes as I pulled my hair over my shoulder and ran my fingers through it to rid it of pine needles.

"I was told that you not only saved me from that Orc," Thorin said as he slowly walked over to me and held out the rag, the bleeding had stopped, "but that you stood between me and Azog. You actually raised your sword to protect me as I lay unaware. That was very brave of you."

Hearing echoes of my conversation with Gandalf in my head, I took back the cloth and said with a snort, trying to play it off like it wasn't a big deal, "I had no choice really. I couldn't let you just run into death before we even reach Erebor."

"On the contrary. You could have chosen to stay put and not come to assist me at all. You could have let Azog have me and save yourself. After I'd treated you so poorly, you still chose to shield me." Thorin's voice had gone to almost a whisper and there was no malice or accusation in his voice. "Why, Ariana?"

Startled that he had actually used my name and not Girl or Burglar, I looked at him. His very blue eyes held mine and I could see in them that he wanted not just any answer but a specific one. Then the moon came out from behind the clouds and I could see Thorin's face better when he saw my upper body. Horror mingled with disbelief, then pity before finally to rage as he looked at my scarred body. Closing my eyes I squashed down the feeling of pain in my heart. He had seen me before, in a torch lit arena but even then he probably couldn't really see the extent of my scars. I thought bitterly to myself, "And you thought this was going somewhere. Idiot. No man could love someone with a body like yours."

Opening my eyes I hid my pain behind my mask and teased almost lightly, "What, never seen a few scars before? You got some too, Highness."

He moved closer till he was nearly arms length from me and asked softly, surprisingly gentle as he reached and touched a scar that ran from shoulder to shoulder, across my collarbone, "How did this happen? These all can't be from battle."

I wanted to bolt, I wanted to run and hide in a bush. But I knew I couldn't, if I ran now I knew that I would hurt him and I couldn't do that. So I took a deep breath and coughed around the lump in my throat, "I told you about the man who killed my parents, yes?"

Realization dawned on his face and the horror of it. I shrugged and pushed his hand away gently, "I'm used to them. Tho why your not running from the hills, I have no clue. The few who have seen my scars didn't...react well." I looked down at my scarred body and tried to feel nothing. All of these scars were made because of that man. A constant reminder of my past.

Shaking my head to push down resurfacing memories I nearly jumped out of my skin when Thorin cupped my chin in his rough blacksmith hands and made me look up. His eyes were sincere when he said softly, "I am sorry Ariana." I gently pulled his hand from my chin and held it, "It's not your fault. I'm fine."

We were quiet for a moment, and I realized that I still held his hand. Quickly letting go, I was surprised when he just held it and raised it to his lips. A shiver ran down my spine as I watched him kiss my callused knuckles and my heart was beating so loud I wouldn't have been surprised if Thorin could hear it. Thorin said as his eyes bore into mine, "You are beautiful." I scrunched up my nose and he chuckled. I was almost insulted until he said softly, "I can see how strong you are from your scars. Your a fighter, you don't give up."

I relaxed slightly, blushing, "Well, no. I believe that there's hope even in the bleakest moment." He cocked an eyebrow and I smiled at him, "My mother used to say, that even the smallest person can light a small light in a dark room."

He smiled softly at me and I hadn't noticed he had moved closer until he was a hairs breath away. My heart was beating like a drum in my ears and I slowly closed my eyes as he came closer.

Until we heard a crash from the woods and I nearly jumped out of my skin, slipping off the rock. Thorin caught me and scowled when Kili called, "Ariana? Have you seen Uncle?"

He was still in the woods, heading this way. I called quickly, blushing like a beet, "Don't come over here! Honestly Kili!"

He sounded sheepish as he paused and I could tell he was a few trees back, "Sorry. I'm just worried about Uncle Thorin."

I looked at Thorin with a smile and his face softened and I called, "He was heading to the camp last I saw. You might have just missed him!"

Kili cheerfully shouted, "Thanks!" and could be heard heading back to the camp. I couldn't help it. I giggled quietly. Thorin shook his head at his nephew and I realized that he still held me. I stepped back quickly, feeling nervous all of a sudden, "You best get back before the others come looking."

He looked at me in concern, moved back towards me and took my hand, "Are you alright?"

So unused to Thorin acting like this I quickly nodded, "I'm fine. But you should have Oin put some of his salve on your wounds." He started to frown and I nudged him gently, "Go on, you don't want your wounds to get infected. I'll be right there."

He shook his shaggy head, "I will wait till your finished and walk back with you."

Surprised and pleased by this I smiled at him, "You sure? Won't it bother you if the others gossip?" He snorted, blue eyes amused, "What the others think is of little concern to me. I don't want to leave you alone and vulnerable."

Touched by the thought I smiled at him again, "A moment." and took a deep breath, dunking down under the water and then surfaced. Wiping the water from my eyes I saw him smile at me as he lead me to the bank and to our clothes. I refused to look at him while I went to my clothes. His was near a bush and was why I hadn't seen them. I dressed quickly, but peeked slowly at him. I saw him flinch as he reached for his shirt. He got his trousers on fine, but was having trouble with his tunic.

Gently taking it from him I helped him into it and into his fury vest. He nodded his thanks and as we moved to head back to camp I was startled when he took my hand. He softly said, "I meant what I said. Your scars don't bother me." Warmth flooded my chest and I smiled, nodding as he let go of my hand right before we got back to camp.

I grinned at Kili, "Found him." Thorin hid a sigh as Fili and Kili came up and fussed over him and doctored him before he went to sit with Balin and Dwalin. Kili gave him his food and I quickly put some salve on my own cut before I sat gingerly next to Bofur as he handed me my food. I saw Gandalfs smile and rolled my eyes. My mind tried to make sense of what was happening and why Thorin was so different. I hid my blushes thankfully as I thought, "We almost kissed! I don't...think that would be good. I think he shouldn't jump to thinking he likes me just after I saved him. It's infatuation."

Glancing at Thorin I noticed him looking at me and realized that I did like him. Looking at the meat in my hands I told myself, "We'll see what happens after we take back Erebor. Then...maybe things will make sense."

Biting into the rabbit leg I looked around at the others and found them looking about to pass out but refusing to. Eating thoughtfully I came up with an idea. Swallowing my last bite, I saw Thorin opening his mouth, looking about to get up. I said firmly, "I'll take first watch. You all need sleep." Thorin opened his mouth stubbornly anyway and I cut him off with a glare, "I can sense anyone coming from miles away. And I'm gonna ask some owls to keep an eye out as well."

Gandalf said smoothly, "I think that's a good idea." I smiled at him and saw Thorin glaring at me. I held his glare and he finally sighed heavily and settled back, "Very well. I will take the midnight shift."

I withheld a snort and slowly got to my feet as I saw the others getting situated for sleeping and called softly into the trees. A few minutes later I held up my arm and a barn owl landed on it. I smiled as he said, "I am Quietnight. Nice to meet you."

I nearly jumped out of my skin when Kili and Fili popped up at my sides and the owl swiveled his head completely around quickly in amusement, getting a chuckle from the young Dwarves. Ori came over quickly, face alight with curiosity and the owl did it again to make him laugh. I smiled shyly as everyone stared. Clearing my throat I said quietly to the owl on my arm, "Nice to meet you as well Quietnight. I would humbly like to ask for you and your friends assistance. We are being chased by enemies, Orcs and Wargs and I would be grateful for some help keeping an eye out for them."

Quietnight ruffled his feathers and I sensed anger as he said, "Wargs and Orc have no respect for forest folk. Please wait a moment while I call my kin."

Quietnight then made Ori jump when he screeched into the night. In just a few seconds the call was answered and five more owls flew up and landed in a tree nearby. I asked them for their help and they gladly agreed, all having been shot at by an Orc or snapped at by Wargs. Thanking them gratefully, I gave Quietnight a boost to get airborne. I grinned at the others, "They'll keep an eye out, nothing will get by them for a good ten miles. Owls travel fast and silent."

I watched the others get settled. They settled close to each other and I saw Dori and Nori settle with Ori between them but for once he didn't seem to mind. Bifur and Bofir used Bombur as a pillow and Dwalin and Balin settled down on the ground, back to back. Gloin and Oin were side by side and then I caught Fili and Kili's eye and they gave the tiniest of nods.

I knew then that they were my co-conspirators in keeping Thorin in one place to rest. I was greatly amused when Fili and Kili returned to Thorin's side and settled at his side against the rock. Fili was on the left, with his back to Thorin's side and leaning against him. Kili was on the right, sitting upright but leaning his side against Thorin as well. Thorin glanced at them and then looked at me. I didn't bother to hide my amusement and he gave me a wary grin. Moving over to them I settled myself down with my back to the boulder next to Kili and swords in my lap. Thorin watched me and gave a soft smile before closing his eyes and settling back. But even across from Kili I could see the tenseness in his shoulders and face. Looking around at the others, I saw much the same.

Gandalf was still awake and smoking his pipe, but his mind seemed elsewhere. Closing my eyes I let my senses spread till I could sense at least five miles around us. Sensing nothing of danger I opened my eyes and looked at the stars. I took a deep breath and quietly began to hum, startling some of them. Then as they relaxed I began to softly sing. It was a lullaby that my mother used to sing to me, and I could hear her voice as I sung, "Sing a song unto the world.

Rising high the clouds unfurl.

Fan the flames into the past.

Here now our lives will last.

We'll never know the times of pain.

Fall down, fall down, falls the rain.

My life won't be plain."

Humming just a bit more I looked at the group and smiled when all I saw was sleeping Dwarves and heard their sawing log snores. Gandalf looked at me with a soft smile and I smiled back, pleased he liked it. Then I looked back up at the stars, not really seeing them as I sensed the ground around me.

0o0

The night passed slowly and I didn't even bother to wake any of the Dwarves at midnight because Gandalf motioned to me that he would take over the shift. Nodding to him I closed my eyes, keeping one ear to the ground and made myself relax to rest.