I should probably warn everyone that Thorin and Belinda are very attractive in eachother's eyes and they're not affraid to think it - think it - think it... The other's sexy and they know it!

- Chapter 6; Thorin Oakenshield, at your service -

Belinda removed the chair from the closet and yelped when the man tumbled out of it, still unconscious. Lifting him to sit on the chair, she then tied him tightly with her hair and climbed up to hide in the darkness, leaving the man in a patch of light. Gandalf climbed up on his shoulder and poked him with his tail. The man didn't stir and he slapped him, with no reaction. Getting a bit tired, the cameleon sent his tongue inside the man's ear, and Thorin awoke with a start at the slimy feeling. He groaned, and tried to stand, but couldn't move. He gasped when he remembered he had been attacked and struggled. But when his eyes landed on his bonds, he froze in confusion and slight horror. Is that... hair?! He thought as he followed the long locks of gold around the tower, to rest on a dark form crouched in the darkness.

-Strug-Struggling is pointless. A female voice rang out, as two green eyes peered at him.

-What? Thorin was incredibly lost as the form dropped down and stood just out of light reach.

-I know who you are, and I am not afraid of you! Belinda said, trying to steady her voice like her father.

-Who are you? Thorin asked as he squinted his eyes to see his captor. Show yourself.

The being slowly stepped into the light and Thorin found his breath stolen away. It was a woman. She was wearing a simple pink dress that stopped at the middle of her legs and showed her hairy feet. Her incredibly long hair surrounded her face like a halo and underlined her beautiful features. Her large green eyes shined with seriousness yet with such innocence Thorin felt as if her was staring at purity itself. Her body was the second thing he paid attention to. Small with curvy hips and a bosom much larger than any dwarf woman he'd ever known had his head heating up and his stomach twisting. I am aroused simply by looking at her? I've seen women with much more revealing attire and haven't batted an eyelid! What is wrong with me? He chastised himself. Ignoring her appealing looks, he took in her general appearance and thought he had never seen such a frail and soft creature. As much as he hated to use the word, she was downright adorable. If he hadn't been tied up and at her mercy, he would never had believed she could harm even a fly. But he was tied up, and it was most likely she whom had captured him, so he wouldn't underestimate her. He looked back up to stare at her in the eye, and clenched his fist discreetly as he found himself mesmerized by her green orbs.

Belinda stared at the man as he looked her over. Now that he was awake, he wore a determined expression and she suppressed a shiver at his intense gaze. His eyes looked her over and she straightened up to let him know she meant business. When their eyes locked together, Belinda had to use all her self-control not to swoon at his deep ice blue eyes that seemed to burn her very soul. Now that he was conscious, his muscles were all awake and rippled across the skin she could see from under his heavy clothing. She mentally slapped herself when she almost wished he wore less. And his voice, oh Yvanna, his voice! It was so deep and powerful... Slightly similar to her father's, as both were commanding, yet so different since she found she could not resist obeying to his oder. When he had demanded her to show herself, she did so with only a little hesitation. She took a deep breath to steady her nerves for the hard part would start now.

-Who are you? And how did you find me? She asked.

It took Thorin a few moments to realise she had asked him a question, distracted by the melodious sound of her voice. But when he did, he couldn't stop himself from answering right away, despite his brain's vehement protest.

-Thorin Oakenshield, at your service. He said with a slight bow of his head. May I know your name in return, My Lady?

-I am Belinda. And I am not yours. She replied, and Thorin was a bit confused at her answer. Now, what did you want to do with my hair?

-What? Thorin said, completely lost.

-Cut it?

-I...

-Sell it? She insisted, holding her frying pan in his face.

-I do not want your hair! Thorin exclaimed.

-Y-You don't? She asked softly.

-My own hair suffices me. Why would I need yours? He snapped, and regretted it slightly when she frowned at him.

-If you haven't come for me, then why are you here?

-I was looking for a place to... rest! He avoided using the term "hide" for she would find it suspicious.

-People climb up towers to rest? Belinda asked genuinely, but Thorin believed her to be mocking him.

-Alright. I was being chased by people and I came up here to escape them. He admitted, letting out the fact these "people" were royal guards.

-So you were not after me?

-No! I saw a tower, I climbed up, the end! He said, annoyed at those senseless questions. Wait. My satchel! Where is my satchel? He gasped as he began looking around.

-I hid it. And there's no way you'll ever find it. Belinda said smugly.

-Lady Belinda, I assure you I mean no harm. So please, return me my satchel.

-Not so fast, Mr. Oakenshield. She said. I'll give you your satchel back if you do something for me.

-What this satchel holds is not something I would bargain for, Lady Belinda. He hissed.

-You said something about being at my service, did you not?

-It's a form of greeting! He exclaimed, annoyed at being taken so literally. What do you want of me?

-It's very simple, really! Belinda told him.

She grabbed the chair and turned it so the man would face the tapestry that hid her painting. Thorin's eyes widened at how easily she had moved him. She was much stronger than she appeared. The young woman walked to the tapestry and revealed her painting to her prisoner.

-Do you know what these are? She asked.

-The fireworks the Shire sets off every year for the lost princess? He guessed, having only seem them once and from afar.

-Fireworks... I knew they weren't stars... She whispered to herself. Now, tomorrow, those fireworks will appear again. I want you to take me safely to see them, and back here! She told him. And after that, I'll give you your satchel back.

-As much as I would love to escort you, my lady, I'm afraid I am not welcome in the Shire. So, I cannot help you. Thorin said.

The dwarf knew that if he went back to the Shire so quickly, the guards would run him through. How dared this woman force him into such a task. Belinda looked at her only hope of ever seeing the fireworks and then at Gandalf. The little lizard gave her a look while beating one of his fist in his palm. Getting the message, Belinda steeled her resolve and jumped down.

-Something brought you here, Thorin Oakenshield. She said, slowly making her way towards him. Call it what you will. Destiny. Fatality.

-An elf... Thorin mocked before she tugged him forward kept him from landing flat on his face with an arm.

-Now, let's clear any misunderstandings right away. You can search this tower all you want, peal it off stone by stone, but without me, you'll never find your precious satchel again.

-So, if I understand correctly, I take you to see the fireworks and back here safely, and you will return me my satchel with everything inside.

-You have my word. She swore, and Thorin glared suspiciously at her. And I've never broken a promise.

The dwarf felt rage boil inside him. He had been so close. He had the Arkenstone in his grasp and this accursed woman was going to ruin everything. He wanted to refuse and shake some manners into this girl, but a futile tug against his bonds reminded him that she was tougher than she looked and would not be so easily defeated. Plus, looking at her soft and childish face, the thought of seeing it injured and frightened gave him the most horrible feeling he had ever felt. No matter how much he wanted to hate her, he couldn't even think about hurting her. And the determined look in her eyes told him she wasn't going to drop the idea. If you think about it, the elves are all mostly gone to search the woods. The last thing they would expect is for me to return to the Shire. Thorin thought. If I'm careful, it could probably work. With a defeated sight, he said:

-Very well, I'll take you to see those fireworks.

-Really?! She exclaimed, letting go of the chair and grabbing it before the dwarf landed on the floor. Sorry. But, you mean it? You'll take me to see the fireworks?

-I swear on the Arkenstone. Thorin promised. Now, if you would untie me...

-Oh, right! But don't try anything funny! She threatened him, waving her frying pan in his face. I've got a frying pan and I'm not afraid to use it!