AN: Thank you to all of my readers and my one follower! I hope that you enjoy my story! I will be following the movies mostly but may use some parts of the book. As for the ages I am going with the movies. They say it has been 60 years since Smaug took the mountain when in the book Thorin is 24 when Smaug arrives, but doesn't begin his quest until he is 195. I am going with the shorter timeline to give my main characters less time apart and more time after retaking the mountain since a typical dwarf lifespan is only 250 years. So for this story, Thorin was 24 when Smaug arrived and is now 84 when beginning his quest. Again, I own nothing except my own character. If you have time, please review!

/

Mireth didn't slow down until she reached the secluded pool that she used when she wanted a quiet moment by herself. Collapsing by the pool, she let the sobs she had been holding in rack her body. Arms gripped around her middle, Mireth rocked back and forth, tears streaming down her face as the old heartache and sorrow rolled through her. By the Valar, she had missed him.

Anger swelled within her as well as grief. From the look on his face she could see that he still believed her capable of betrayal, of turning her back on him when Smaug attacked. She thought their relationship had been strong enough that he couldn't believe such a thing about her, but clearly she had been wrong. Taking deep breaths, Mireth began to sit up desperately trying to calm herself. A low clearing of a throat close behind her had her spinning around to glare at the intruder.

Gandalf sat on the lone bench under a sapling, newly blooming. He looked at her with pity as she bolted to her feet, brushing off the grass and leaves that clung to her. "My apologies, Mithrandir, I did not know you were here." Gandalf shook his head and waved her over to the bench, "I have not been here long. I stepped in when I heard your cries."

Ashamed, Mireth swiped furiously at her eyes. "Why do you not confront him with the truth?" Gandalf looked at her knowingly. Mireth stiffened her spine, "He deserves no explanation if he truly believes me capable of such betrayal. That dwarf can rot in his own stupid, stubborn pride." Marching from the clearing, determined to not give the ugly episode another thought, she made her way to her rooms to change for dinner.

Gandalf remained on the bench, smirking slightly at the irony. Stubborness? It was not only a certain dwarf who was a victim of his own pride.

When Mireth returned to her rooms, she had calmed down considerably, but could not help thinking of the dwarves and one particular dwarf who were so near. Changing out of her Captains' uniform, she slipped into a retiring dress and lay upon her bed to rest. Her mind drew her back to the song she a sung for Fili and Kili just hours ago and from there it drew her further back to the time she had first performed the melody.

Prince Thorin had just asked her if she would like to see Erebor and she had responded with an enthusiastic yes. She had never been in a dwarf made structure and Erebor was said to be the most impressive of all. Though she enjoyed the air and open space of the forest much like her kin, she did not have the same aversion to going underground that many of them shared. Thorin extended his hand to her and instead of gently laying her hand on his arm like a proper lady should, she placed her hand in his.

Thorin smiled his half crooked smile at her, a smile she was beginning to find quite charming, and then he was leading her off the dance floor and along the path to Erebor. As they walked, she tried to think of things to say or talk about, but nothing came to mind. She was nervous in his company, afraid she might say or do something to embarrass herself. Thorin must have sensed her nervousness because he said, "If you do not truly wish to go, you do not have to Princess. I was told elves do not like to be underground and I would not make you uncomfortable."

As Thorin said this, she could tell he was disappointed and she couldn't bear seeing him that way. Quickly, she cleared up the misunderstanding and embarrassed herself in the process. "That is not it at all! I have always wanted to see Erebor and being underground does not make me nervous! To speak the truth Prince Thorin, it is you who make me nervous. I can't think of anything to say." Blushing furiously at admitting such a thing she kept her head forward and continued walking so that she would not have to look at him.

Thorin didn't speak for a moment and then, clearing his throat he said, "I have been trying to think of something to say as well, but have thought of nothing interesting enough that is worthy of your ears, my lady." Risking a glance at him, their eyes met and they smiled a bit sheepishly at each to the doors of Erebor, she spoke up, "Well, I think we had both better put aside this nervousness. Tell me about yourself Prince Thorin, tell me about your life here in Erebor."

Thorin nodded in agreement, "First of all, please, just Thorin, Princess. What would you like to know?" They stepped through the doorway of Erebor and she stopped, completely in awe of the craftsmanship around her. The detail of every carving was immaculate. The skill it must have taken to accomplish such fine lines was impressive. Releasing Thorins' hand, she spun in the entrance, trying to admire everything equally. She didn't notice Thorin watching her for some minutes and when she did she blushed, apologizing, "I'm sorry. I was just so caught up in the beauty you have here."

Thorins' smile was radiant, "I am pleased that you like my home so far, Princess, but this is just the beginning." She smiled in return, "If I am to address you as Thorin you must call me Mireth." Inclining his head to her, he let her name roll off his tongue, "Mireth, come, I'll show you as much as you wish." She thrilled at the way her name sounded when he spoke. Placing her hand in his warm grasp again she replied, "Wonderful. Show me everything Thorin."

They wandered Erebor for hours, losing track of time as they explored deep into the kingdom. Everytime she admired the work around her she could tell it pleased Thorin and she found herself speaking her admiration more and more. There was nothing that wasn't worthy of admiring. The craftsmanship of the dwarves of Erebor surpassed everything she had imagined. When they came to a large room with many worktables, Thorin led her inside, coming to stop before a table laid with many jewels, settings, metalworks and tools. "When I have the time, this is where I create things, honing my skills." She took the time to look over each article on the table, "What do you like to create the most?" Thorin answered immediately, "Weapons." She smiled at that, looking up at him from across the table, "Of course."

Thorin continued, "But when I am not working with weapons…" he bent under the table and withdrew a small chest, placing it on the table. "I have been known to make a few pieces of jewelry that are acceptable." Opening the chest, he slowly revealed a necklace that took her breath away. "This is the finest that I have ever made." Closing the chest, he walked around the table to her, "I have kept it for years not knowing what I wanted to do with it. I knew that I couldn't sell it as I do other pieces and now I know why. Please." He gestured for her to turn around.

She couldn't breathe. The gift was priceless. The necklace was a delicate emerald, a brilliant shade of green she had never seen, surrounded by tiny white gems that seemed to hold the light of the stars themselves, the small star shape was strung on a thin chain of mithril. Unable to do anything but obey, she turned around and bent slightly at the knee. When he had clasped the necklace around her neck, his hand brushed across her neck and down her spine as she rose sending shivers over her. The exchange was very intimate and even though she knew it was moving too fast it all felt so right.

Turning to him, she could barely speak, "Thorin, it is too much. You should give this to someone more special than I." Thorin took a moment to admire the necklace on her. It fell perfectly just between her breasts and he knew that even though he had not known her at the time he had made it just for her. The emerald matched her eyes exactly. "I wish you to have it. There is none more special than you."

They were standing close, almost touching, "Are you sure, Thorin?" she asked, her breath coming in short gasps. Thorin searched her face and saw the hope reflecting in her eyes. The same hope that he felt when he had decided to give her the necklace. Reaching out a hand, he threaded his fingers through her golden hair, gently placed his hand on her neck and pulled her to him, "Yes, more than anything, yes."

The kiss was gentle at first, just his mouth brushing over hers, then he stepped closer, pressing against her and the kiss began to gather heat. She felt his tongue sweep across her lips seeking entrance to which she immediately complied. His tongue found hers and the kiss turned molten. The fire in her blood made her restless and she couldn't help moving against him. She was helpless to him and if he had not had the sense to stop, she doubted she would have had the will to herself. Slowly surfacing from the haze the kiss had placed on them, their foreheads rested against each others while their breaths panted in unison.

"I don't want to stop." Thorin confessed, looking into her eyes. She knew she should be ashamed of her behavior, she had only met him hours ago, but in all her years she had never felt more close to another being. "Neither do I," she confessed. Thorin groaned deep before dragging her in for another kiss. Pulling away a few moments later, Thorin pointed out, "It is almost dawn. Someone will be looking for us."

Sighing, she nodded, "We should make our way back before we are found by a search party." Thorin nodded, extending his hand which she took as she followed him out of the room. In the hallway she remembered what she had wanted to say to Thorin after he had given her the necklace. "Thorin, wait a moment." Turning to her, a confused look on his face he asked, "Is everything alright?" She smiled at him and replied, "Yes, it's just you have given me something very precious and I wish to give you something as well. To remember me by once I leave."

Thorin shook his head, "You do not need to give me anything. I would never be able to forget you even if I tried." Reaching in to the folds of her cloak she had worn, she withdrew a long dagger. The leather sheath it was in was handtooled with delicate scrollwork. The handle of the dagger contained no jewels but the patterns were so intricate that any jewel would have only detracted from the beauty. "It was my mothers' before she passed. It was given to me when I reached my majority. It is my most prized possession." She lay it in Thorins' hand. "You cannot give me this. It is a memory of your mother."

Smiling she replied, "That is why you must keep it. I trust you to keep it safe and I want you to know how much you mean to me." Before she knew it, Thorin was pulling her in for another kiss. This one hard and urgent and the heat flared between them again. Pulling back, Thorin whispered, "You honor me with such trust." Their hands linked once more they made their way back to the entrance.

As they stood in the doorway looking out onto the grey light of dawn neither wanted to move. "I will write to you," Thorin said, this thumb gently stroking the back of her hand. "I was hoping that you would. I wish that we did not have to part so soon. This night has flown as if it were mere moments." She squeezed his hand unable to let go just yet. "When can I see you again? Do you ever leave the Greenwood?" he asked. Her face fell for a moment and then a light of hope sprung in her eyes, "My brother has a trip planned to Laketown in a month. Something about discussing a contract. If I could convince my father to let me go, could you meet me there?" She clasped both his hands between them and looked hopefully at him. He smiled and said, "Nothing could keep me away."

They left the entrance happy to have made plans to meet again. Seeing Balin hurrying towards them, her father and Thrain not far behind she leaned her head in to whisper, "I will see you in a month." Before anymore could be said Thranduil had taken her by the arm and all but drug her away.

The memory faded from before her eyes and she realized tears were running down her face as she clutched the necklace at her throat. So much had happened since that perfect night. She feared the happiness she had felt was forever lost to her.

/

Thorin had wandered the paths of Rivendell since he had left the pavillion after seeing her. He had never thought to see her again and the pain that rose in his chest threatened to undo him. The year before Smaug had descended, ruining his life, Thorin had thought he could never be happier. After that night in Erebor with Mireth, they had corresponded in secret by raven. Every week a new letter had come from her and they had met once a month.

He had thought she was perfect. Kind, beautiful, intelligent, funny, she was everything he had ever dreamed of and more. Looking back he should have known it was too good to be really true. After his people were forced from their home and her father Thranduil had turned his back on their suffering, Thorin had tried to give her a chance. He ventured into the Greenwood and when he asked for her at the door he was told she never wanted to see him again that he was worth nothing now that he was destroyed. He wouldn't have believed it had it not been for the rune stone they threw at him. He had carved it only months before. A promise that they would be together forever. Broken, he had focused his attention on helping his people, swearing he would never look upon her again.

After seeing her today, he couldn't imagine how he had kept that vow to himself all these years. She was more beautiful than ever and her voice just as enchanting. When he had seen her smiling at his kin, his heart had filled with all the old repressed feelings and it had taken his breath. Knowing she was near, threatened to tear his resolve to shreds. He wanted to demand she explain what had happened, how she was able to disregard all they had together, but he would not. He would never beg, not from her, not from anyone. Anger swelled in him and he welcomed the feeling, it was far better than the pain of losing did it matter why she had forsaken him? She had and that was all he would ever need to know! Spinning sharply on his heel, he was determined to forget her as he made his way back to his kin.

/

It had been two days since she had seen him. Mireth had avoided the dwarves since the disastrous encounter, but now it was time for her unit to patrol and the stables lay right on the path by where the dwarves were staying. Knowing she had no other choice, she left her rooms dressed for patrol and made her way along the path. As she drew closer, she heard the noise of the dwarves singing the types of songs they loved so much.

The laughter she heard made her smile despite herself. Shaking her head she tried to walk by as quickly as she could without appearing to avoid them, but it was no use. Fili and Kili spotted her immediately and called out, "Mireth! Oy! Mireth! Where have you been? We haven't seen you in days!" They talked over one another, but she heard what they were saying. Smiling she stopped in front of them, "I apologize for my abrupt departure. I have been busy as of late and even now am on my way for patrol. If you will excuse me?" She tried to back away as fast as she could, but was not fast enough. Fili and Kili each grabbed a hand and pulled her towards the group, "Surely you have a moment to spare!" said Fili as he nodded to his brother Kili. "That's right. We are guests here after all. Shouldn't your first priority be to entertain us?" Kili chimed in.

Looking to the other dwarves around the room for help she only saw nodding heads and smiling faces, except one. Thorin sat with Balin farther back watching her with a hooded gaze. Returning her attention to Fili and Kili she said, "I would love to, but I really should be getting to my unit." Fili frowned, "Just one song and we shall let you go!" A cheer went up from the dwarves as Bofur began a familiar tune on his flute. Mireth knew the song well. It had been a favorite dwarven tune of hers since she first heard it.

Shaking her head against the unavoidable situation, she resigned herself to the delay.

"There is a time for love and laughter

the days will pass like summer storms

the winter wind will follow after

but there is love and love is warm

*There is a time for us to wander

when time is young and so are we

the woods are greener over yonder

the path is new the world is free*

There is a time when leaves are falling

the woods are gray the paths are old

the snow will come when geese are callin'

you need a fire against the cold

So do your roaming in the springtime

you'll find your love and summer sun

frost will come and bring a harvest

and you can sleep when the day is done

The path is new the world is free...

The path is new the world is free…"

As the song came to a close, she was careful to avoid the gaze she felt boring into her. Just because he was hostile did not mean she shouldn't enjoy the company of the others. Smiling she thanked them, but before she could take her leave she heard her name being called sharply.

"Mireth!" Immediately snapping to attention, she turned to look at her commander. "My lord Elrohir," she bowed. "I was just on my way…" Cutting her off, he spoke "You were just late."

Knowing he was right she bowed her head, "It will not happen again my lord." She dared not look back at the dwarves, instead she made her way quickly past Lord Elrohir and to the stables. Since she had not turned back to look, she had not seen the look that Thorin had given Elrohir, but Balin had. If looks could kill, Elrohir wouldn't have stood a chance. After Elrohir had turned to follow Mireth, the dwarves settled back in their places.

Kili spoke first, "I don't like that elf much. She was just being nice, he didn't have to be so mean to her." The other dwarves agreed as Bofur began a new tune and they returned to their merrymaking. Balin instead, turned to Thorin. Before Balin could say anything, Thorin shook his head, "Say nothing, Balin." Balin bowed his head. Thorin was stubborn most of the time, but when it came to matters of the heart he was unreasonable. He had been ever since the day he had returned from the Greenwood. Balin hoped that Thorin and Mireth would be able to resolve whatever issue it was that was keeping them apart before the company departed Rivendell, but it was not to be. They left five days later and she had not yet returned from patrol. Thorin tried to conceal it from the company, but Balin noticed that he was looking for her as they left.