It was raining and only Kaléa seemed to not be bothered by it. She looked up in the sky and let the water pour along her face. „At least one of us is enjoying herself.", Nori muttered.
„It's refreshing. I'm not so delicate as you, prissy's.", she replied.
„Who are ya callin prissy, girlie?", Dwalin growled annoyed.
„Ah, don't get your knickers into knots, you grump.", the darkhaired women laughed.
„She doesn't fall for your rude attitude, brother.", Balin commented merrily taking great amusement at his brother's expanse.
Meanwhile Dori asked Gandalf pleadingly. „If you want to change the weather, you have to ask another wizard.", the wizard responded irritated.
„Are there others?", Bilbo asked.
„There a five of us. The best of is of course Saruman." Kaléa rolled her eyes. Just wait sixty years, pal. „Then there are two blue ones, but I forgot their names.", Gandalf continued.
„Memory slowly wasting away, old men?", Kaléa teased. He glared at her but she just smirked.
„And the fifth?", Bilbo asked again.
„That would be Radagast the brown."
„Is he a great wizard, or is he more like... you?", the hobbit stummered once he realised his error,
Gandalf looked stunned while the female laughed out loud. „Oh, Bilbo, sweetie! Your amazing. Gotta remember this one."
The wizard sobered from his slight shock. „Well, I think he is a great wizard. A gentle soul, that prefers the company of his animals."
„He is a bit odd, though. Must be a wizard thing.", Kaléa interjected cheekily.
„You know him?", Fili asked the dunedain.
„Yeah, we are old friends. I always seem befriend the strangest people."
„What this say about us?", Kili asked in mock offend.
„Ya have a lot of friends it seems.", Dwalin commented.
„Well, not that is a big surprise. Your charming and helpful soul.", Bofur smiled warmly.
„Thanks. I'm indeed well loved by people. This true."
„How modest, my dear.", Gandalf interruppted dryly.
„Modesty is overrated. Anyway, but I only call few people true friends. Only some I trust enough to let them know my true name."
„True name?", Ori asked surprised.
„Yeah, you know. Lot of people know me by the name of "Hunter". I need to be careful, I might have lot of "friends", but I also made some enemys. I'm basically a ghost, and this kept me alive so far. So should we encounter others, I would be grateful if you call me Hunter, it'll be the safer that way.", she explained.
„But why tell us you true identity? Why take the risk with us?", Thorin wanted to know.
„Because I feel like I can trust you blindly. I might be wrong, but so far my gut was always right about everything, so..." And I know you better then you realise...
„Thank, you. For your trust, Léa. We will not betray it. Ever!", Fili said proudly.
„Likewise."
Later the rain stopped and the company made camp., near a lake. „Oh, could use a dip.", Kaléa sighed.
„Yea, we all could, lassie.", Dwalin agreed.
„You go ahaed first, boys. Have fun."
„You are not joining?", Kili asked sadly.
She quirked an eyebrown. „Are you quite serious right now?"
„Why not. We will be perfect gemtlemen and won't gawk. At least not much.", Fili smirked.
„Absolutly not!", Thorin barked and shot his nephews a warning glare.
„Heavans! How are you related with this dimwits?", the women asked and shook her head.
„I wonder myself.", Thorin replied and pinched the bridge of his nose.
„Just wanted to reasure her that she will be perfactly safe with us. Despite the... uh...", Kili tried to explain but stumbled on his own words.
„Just go frolic in the water and stay away fron me. I go scouting.", Kaléa interrupted and went off.
„Great work in reasuring the lass, idiots.", Dwalin scolded.
After the guys were dione swimming and returned to camp Kaléa took a turn and relxed in the water. „I needed that.", she whispered to herself and dipped her head unter the water.
A few munites later she made way to the shore only to realise that her clothes were gone. „Oh, you little shits.", she hissed and whistled.
In the camp Kili and Fili were sharpening their knives untill Spirit flew around them and cried. „What the...?", Fili breathed but the hawk hit him with his wing in the face.
„Spirit! What's gotten into you?", Kili exclaimed surprised but but the bird grapped him be the hair and tugged hard and the dwarf yelped.
„What's wrong with him?", Bilbo asked in a aghast tone.
Gandalf whistled and the hawk landed beside him telling him what has accoured. The wizard looked at the princes blankly. „Really, boys?", he asked dryly.
„What?", Thorin asked impatiantly.
„The boys stole Kaléa's clothes while she was bathing." All eyes were on the brothers that were chrimson red.
„You did WHAT!?", the king yelled angrily.
„We didn't look! We swear!", Fili hastily defended.
„We didn't saw a thing! Just took the clothes and... well.", Kili said and looked at his boots.
„You really thing this makes it better? Mahal! You two get the clothes so Balin can bring it to her.", Thorin was absolutly done and just closed his eyes, breathing heavingly through his nose.
„Are we in trouble?" „Are you gonna punish us now?", the brothers asked at the same time.
„Yes, you are. But I let the punishment up to Kaléa, whatever she will do, will be worse then what I could come up with. Maybe she can beat up those sheningans out of you." Fili and Kili hanged their heads and lead Balin to Kaléa's belongings.
„We are gonna lose the lass, if they keep that up.", Dwalin said and stood beside Thorin.
„Don't worry. Kaléa has a lot sense of humor. I bet she secretly enjoys this. But she will still get the boys for it. Poor lads. I wouldn't like to be in their shoes right now.", Gandalf laughed amused and stroked Spirit's head.
„You two. Are so dead!", Kaléa's voice boomed once she returned to camp. The princes faces pale as sheets. Thorin and the rest tried to hide their smiles.
„Sorry, Léa!", their said remorseful.
„Sorry won't do. I will have my revange. It will be gruesome."
The brothers looked horrifed and kneeled before her. „Please, don't be mad at us. It was just a joke. A little prank", Kili clunched at her tunic.
„We won't ever do it again, we promise.", Fili said and looked at her with big eyes.
The others stiffled their chuckles. Kaléa's face softened and she smiled reasuringly at them petting their heads. „Alright. You were just trying to lighten the mood, I unterstand. I guess it was rather funny.", she said softly and Fili and Kili exhaled in relief. Their stood up and were hugged by the female.
While embracing the dunedain put in each pants a crab. The brothers shrieked and ran around the camp trying to shake the crabs out. It looked like crazy drunk dancing and everyone was laughing.
Bofur was in hysterics. Nori had trouble catching his breath. Thorin winked at the female approvingly. „Good one, lass.", Dwalin threw an arm around her and ruffled her hair
Kaléa couldn't find sleep. She looked around the camp and everyone exept Thorin, who was on watch, was deeply asleep. She went up to Thorin. „You might get to bed, Thorin. I'll take over.", she whispered softly to him.
„Can't sleep?", he asked.
„Not really no." He patted the place beside him in invitation.
Hasitantly she sat down. „Something wrong?", he wanted to know.
„No, I'm just used to always be on guard, since I'm usually alone.", she explained.
He just nodded and their sat several minutes in comfortable silance. „When did you encountered him?", the dwarf suddenly asked.
„About thirty years ago or so."
„I still can't believe that the scumback is still alive. I was so sure.", he breathed defeated.
„Well, you got him bad. I give you that."
„How could you survive? You were alone I assume?"
„Barely. But I'm tougher then I look. He ambushed me and we fought for almost an hour before he gave be this bad boy.", she pointed at her abdomnen where her scar was.
„You are a survivor.", Thorin complimented.
„So are you. We have more in common then it seems." His lips twiched slightly. „Don't worry, handsome. I will be there covering your ass, should he come after you. You have my oath."
„I have no doubt you will. Mabe I should take your offer and go sleep.", he yawned and stood up.
„You should. We have a long day ahead tomorrow. Sweet dreams, your majesty.", she replied.
Thorin turned midstep and looked skepticaly at her. „Your attitude is rather confusing you know?"
She just shrugged her shoulders. „You get used to it. You have to.", Kaléa winked.
Thorin shooked his head amused. „Good night, m'lady."
Gandalf stormed of to his horse. „Where are you going?", Bilbo asked confused.
„Seeking the company of the only sane person left.", he hissed.
„Whom?"
„Myself, master Baggins. I had enough dwarves for one day." He hoped on his horse and rode off.
Everybody lookes after him and then at Thorin in utter shock. „Bombur, make something to eat. We are hungry.", Thorin muttered.
Kalèa who stood near by and overheard the argument came up to him. „Damn, I rarely so him so pissed. He usually has the patiance of a saint.", she commented casualy.
„Should I be proud of it?"
„Not really. Normaly I'm the only one that annoy him to this degree."
„Your point?", he turned to her annoyed.
„Maybe, just maybe. You could at least consider to take his word rto consideration?", she offered.
„You are no dwarf. You know nothing what we went through!", he yelled.
She stood her ground and looked him right in the eyes. „Believe me, Thorin. I know betrayal to well. You are not the only one with a traumatic past. We all have been through some shit. But the differance is that I let it behind me. You are holding a old grudge and can't see the big picture. I get you hate towards elves, after everything. But Elrond is not Thranduil. Thranduil is a self serving asshole, yes. But Elrond never done anything to you and he is a good men. I trust him."
„I. Will. Not. And you'll do good not to questioning me and judge me like that, girl.", he warned her in a growl.
„Fine! It's your ass! Just don't expect me to help you clean up your mess afterwards." Kaléa joined the others and left the glowering king behind her.
„You okay?", Bilbo asked worried.
„I wish the old badger would work that that stick up his ass.", she responded eye rolling. Fili and Kili snickered at that.
„Old badger, nice.", Dwalin surprisingly laughed.
„You are not abot to leave too now, are you?", Kili asked anxiously.
The darkhaired women smiled reasouringly at him. „Don't worry, sweeheart. As much as your uncle rubs me the wrong way, I could never leave the rest of you alone with him. I'm not that crude.", she joked.
„And you would miss us, admitt that!", Fili challanged cheekily.
„Okay, okay. I would miss you. Happy?"
„Yep."
„I'm going scouting.", Kalèa said after some time.
„But food will be ready soon.", Bombur announced.
„I will be back shortly."
„Don`t go to far.", Thorin ordered.
She shot him a glare. „I go as fas as I see fit, your highness."
„Don't taunt me, girl.", he warned.
She put her hands on her hips. „Or what? Gonna lay me on your lap and spank me? You may be a king, but not mine. I don't answer to you. So kindly mind your own fucking buisness, thanks." And with that she disapeared in the forest.
„Feisty thing.", Gloin commented astonished.
„Was that realy necessary, Thorin?", Balin asked carefuly.
„This women should really change her tone. Learn some respect. Her big mouth will get her in trouble."
„Well, to be fair. Ya have a way to piss people off. And girl is proud and has a temper.", Dwalin interjected and ignored Thorin's glare.
„Enough of this.", the king barked.
Kaléa went back and found a empty camp. „Ah, Kalèa to the rescue.", she smiled to herself and ran to the troll's camp and hid in the bushes. The dwarves yelled and the young women had to stiffle a laugh. Not gonna lie. Kinda deserved that. Specialy Thorin.
She took her Bow and aimed at the eye of one of the troll's. And a second later he had a arrow in his left eye. He yelled in pain and his comrades looked surprise and shocked at the same time. „Where are they?", another asked demanding.
The dwarves and Bilbo were relieved but also slightly worried that Kaléa will be caught. Another arrow flew and stucked in the nose of Bert. „AHH! Show yourself! Or we gonna rip your friends apart." He took Bombur.
Shit! Change of plans.She hoped on the rock behind Thorin and whistled. „Here, you ugly cretins!", she shouted but her smug smile was still on her face. „Wanna piece of me? Come and get me!", she challanged and waved them over.
One of them took two steps towards her but Spirit flew with a cry into his face. The troll stumbled backwards and knocked of his buddy's. Immediatly Kaléa jumped down and drew her sword climbed on Bert putting her sword through his throat. He gurgled, choked on his own blood.
„No one messes with my friends!", she yelled and threw a knive in the right eye of the one with the arrow in his left one. The third tried to grasp her but she rolled out of the way. She swung and sliced his lower belly.
„THE DWAN WILL TAKE YOU!", Gandalf's boomed and the rock below him splitted. The light of day turned the troll into stone.
„Took you long enough.", Kaléa greeted teasingly and got to Bilbo cutting him free and giving him a knife. She turned to Thorin, Kili and the rest on the ground. „Thirtheen skilled dwarven warriors being rescued by a women. Embarrassing. Can't say I'm not little disapponted.", she joked and crossed her arms looking down at them.
„Laugh it up, Léa.", Kili grumbled. „Get us out!", Thorin demanded.
„Manners!", Kaléa scolded.
He rolled his eyes. „Fine, please get us out of the sacks."
„Thank you, lass.", Balin said kindly once everybody was freed.
„No problem. What a day. I just rescued fourteen damsels in distress. I'm having a good run."
„Does this mean you expect a kiss from us all?", Kili asked and wiggled with his eyebrows.
„Nah, no need of that."
„Oh.", he replied disappointed.
„That was a nice stunt, lass.", Dwalin said approvingly.
„Ah! That's basically my everyday life so...", she waved off.
„Kaléa! A word!", Thorin called.
She rolled her eyes. „Great, just what I needed.", she sighed.
„Don't worry, The old bagder probably just wants to say "Thanks".", Fili petted her back comforting.
„Yes, your majesty?"
„Thank you, for back there.", he started awkwardly.
„I promised to keep you guys safe."
„Yeah, well. I also wanted to apologise for snapping at you earlier."
„It's appreciated. I think we both a thickheaded so...", she said and trailed off with a nervous laugh.
„We are going to be at each others throats all the time. But that doesn't harm our friendship, right?", he asked hopefuly und looked underneath his eyelashes up to her.
She was amazed and slowly beamed at him after she recovered from the surprise. „No, it doesn't. It's a passionate friendship, which makes it interesting."
Thorin, Gandalf and some others went down to the troll horde. „Bilbo, you look anxious. What's up?", Kaléa asked the hobbit.
„That was exiting wasn't it?", he tried to play it off casualy.
„It was. You managed your first fight well. I remember mine terrifiyng the hell out of me. Be thankful you had to kill anybody yet."
„Do you ever get used to it?"
„No. It gets easier. But at first it's brutal. I'm not gonna lie. You never forget your first one."
Kili and Fili joined them. „Who was your first?", Kili asked curiously.
„I don't like talk about killing."
„Understandable.", Kili nodded.
„I still think you should prepare yourself to be able to kill and defend. I will teach you.", she turned to the halfling.
He looked at her with big eyes. „I... I don't...", he stummered.
„Good idea. I can lend you one of my knives for the time being.", Fili agreed enthusiastically.
„No... no – no... I can't..."
„You have to Bilbo.", the female interrupted firmly. Thorin and the others came back and Gandalf gave Bilbo "Sting". „Boys, we got company!", the darkhaired women arlarmed and drew her bow.
„THIEVES!", someone yelled and Radagast appeared.
„Ah, Radagast! Good.", Kaléa smiled and put her weapon away.
„That's him?", Ori asked skepticaly. „Yeah, I know. I just wish he would have bathed this once for a change.", she scrunched her nose.
A howl. „Was that a wolf? Are the wolves here?", Bilbo asked panicked.
„Nope, no wolves.", Bofur replied worried. And a warg jumped on the company. Kaléa and Kili shoot it before it could reach them. Throrin and Dwalin killed the second one.
„Warg scouts. That means orcs are near by.", Throin said mortified.
„There are after you. Who did you tell about the journey beside your men?", Gandalf asked him accusing.
„No one."
„WHO!?"
„NO ONE! I swear. What in the name of Durin is going on?", Thorin said in a aghast tone.
„Azog found you.", Kaléa's quietly said with a sorrowful expression.
„I will drow them off.", Radagast said confidantly.
I hate running. The women thought annoyed.