WARNING! In this chapter, Thorin thinks innapropriat stuff. Nothing too graphic, but if you blush easily prepare to turn a light shade of pink.

I don't own any of the characters nor the stories.

- Chapter 8; At war with yourself -

If Thorin had been puzzled by Belinda's reaction at setting foot on the ground, he was completely flabbergasted when she began singing, and had to run after her, thankful for her long hair that he could use as a trail. What did she mean by her life beginning? Was he stuck escorting a mentally defective woman? He truly believed she couldn't surprise him anymore, and that was when the mood swings began.

-I can't believe I did this. She breathed out in amazement. I can't believe I did this... She said in frightened tone, before turning joyful again. I can't believe I did this! Oh, father will be furious... She whimpered, walking blindly forward.

Thorin followed her as she went to a pond and picked up a flower, muttering about the fact her father wouldn't know about it anyway; "What he doesn't know won't kill him." She then entered a cave and curled into a scared ball, saying that it would kill him. But she quickly went out and played in the leaves, whooping in joy. When Thorin found her again, following her hair, she was up in a tree.

-I am a horrible daughter. I'm going back. Thorin's hope lept at this but were quickly crushed when she rolled down a hill yelling: I am never going back!

And it continued on like this for quite a while. She went from calling herself a despicable being to claiming this was the best day of her life. Thorin took advantage of the fact she seemed oblivious to him to observe her more intensily. His eyes roamed over her round curves and soft-looking skin. He imagined what it would feel like to hold her hand. He guessed it would be soft and small compared to his own rough hands. He imagined those lovely swaying hips would fit perfectly in his hands. He could almost feel her pressed up against him and he licked his lips as he imagined devouring her mouth. As his gaze shifted to her plump chest, he felt something slimy enter his ear and he jerked away. Looking over his shoulder, he noticed the grey lizard, that Belinda had had with her before, glaring at him. The dwarf looked at it in confusion and the reptile pointed towards Belinda, then made the "I got my eye on you" gesture. Thorin scoffed and returned his attention to Belinda, who had seemed to settle on being miserable. He walked over to her and kneeled down.

-Lady Belinda, I couldn't help but to notice you seem at war with yourself. He said, the woman looking at his with blurry eyes. But I understand how you feel.

-Y-You do?

-Yes. He said, and then wondered why he was trying to make her feel better. You're at that age when you wish to experience the world for yourself. Even if it means disobeying your father. Many young dwarves go through that stage, it's perfectly normal. I went through that same feeling myself when I...

Thorin felt extremely strange. Why was he speaking to her like this. He had never spoken to anyone about this. Disobeying his father had gotten him banished of Erebor, and he was comparing his struggle to the ones of a ridiculous girl who wished to watch fireworks? What was wrong with him? He then noticed she seemed happier, and cursed himself. If she felt guilty enough, she would forget this stupid idea and go back home, so he shouldn't be comforting her.

-When you..? Belinda urged him.

-When I became of age. He replied, realising he had stopped talking. And it's a good thing. Going out on your own behind your father's back is just what you need. Now, does he deserve being betrayed? Probably not. Will it break his heart to learn that his daughter disobeyed him? Certainly. Will it crush his soul to know that she's out there somewhere and possibly in danger? Of course. But you simply have to go with it.

-Break his heart? Belinda repeated, making Thorin feel bad for his exaggeration.

-In pieces. He replied.

-Crush his soul?

-Like a grape.

-Oh, Yvanna... He will be heartbroken... She whispered.

-I can see this is very difficult for you, my lady. And for that, I'll nullify our deal. He said. I'll take you back to your tower, you'll continue your happy father/daughter relationship based on mutual trust, you'll give me back my satchel and we shall part and never see each other again.

-No! Belinda exclaimed. I'm going to see those fireworks!

-For Mahal's sake, what do I have to do for you to give me back my satchel?! Thorin snapped, having more than enough, and backing away when she threatened him with her frying pan.

-I'm armed. She reminded him.

Suddenly, they heard a soft rustling in the bushes and Belinda latched on to the dwarf and stared at the bushes in fright. Thorin watched them as well, but found it difficult to focus with her soft breasts pressing against his side. He bit his lip and willed his body not to react at her delicate scent of flowers. When a cute bunny jumped out of the bushes, Belinda relaxed with a nervous chuckle and snuggled closer to Thorin. He was so incredibly warm and his scent of smithy and musc was intoxicating. When she realised what she was doing, she quickly backed away and blushed.

-S-Sorry... I guess I'm a little on edge.

A terribly mischievous plan instantly formed in Thorin's mind. He knew it was mean, and quite possibly dangerous, but he was determined to get his satchel back as soon as possible.

-So, coming across thugs and such would be a bad idea would it not? He asked with a dark smirk.

-Yeah, probably... She replied, still blushing.

-You know, I am getting quite hungry. How about we go and find something to eat?

-Alright, but where?

-Trust me. You will know it when we get there. He said and began leading her towards an inn he knew quite well.