Hi! So I finally managed to sit myself down and work on this. This is mostly the backstory of the Arkenstone but aslo a bit of the two main characters.

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

The more reviews I get, the more I'll want to finish this story.

- Chapter 13: You're a thief?! -

-So you're a thief?! Belinda gasped.

Thorin flinched at that accusation. He had explained to Belinda why exactly the elves wanted him dead, but he had avoided to mention they would kill him if they caught him. She was worried enough as it was.

-No. Well, not really... It was just this one time. He tried to explain. The Arkenstone first belonged to the dwarves and the shire folk then got it and refused to return it. I'm technically stealing back what is rightfully ours. The heart of the mountain belongs with it's people.

-How did the elves get it if it's so important to your race? She asked, confused.

-It's a bit complicated. Thorin sighed. You see, many decades ago, the Shire and Erebor wanted to forge an alliance it was agreed that the heirs to both kingdom would marry when they came of age. When the Queen of the Shire gave birth to a daughter, the King of Erebor sent a crown made out of the Arkenstone as a sign the princess was engaged to the eldest prince. But only two nights after her birth, the princess was kidnapped and never found again. When the King of the dwarves came to reclaim the engagement gift, they refused to return it. The king was very angry, but could not do anything to reclaim the arkenstone without starting a war.

-But why did they refuse to give it back?

-They claimed their princess was still alive, and so, the arrangement still valid. A rather pitiful excuse.

-Can you really blame them? I mean, they have every right to believe there is still a chance to find their daughter. Belinda argued.

-The princess has been missing for over 30 years. If they haven't found her in three decades, what are the odds of her suddenly appearing out of the blue now or ever?

-I guess... She sighed. But you said the king couldn't do anything without starting a war. Now that you've stolen it, won't it cause trouble?

-I was banished a few years ago, so my actions are in no way accountable to Erebor or it's king. That's why I'm being hunted down and there isn't a war currently ravaging half the country.

-I don't understand. If you're banished and have no ties to your kingdom, why did you steal the Arkenstone? Why would you help those who discarded you?

-The dwarves of Erebor are no less my people and this injustice still enrages me. I have the opportunity to do something without endangering my kin, and I chose to take it.

-But what good will stealing this stone be for your kin if you can't return to give it to them?

-Actually, I hope that returning the Arkenstone to it's rightful place will lift my banishment.

-And if it doesn't?

-Well, it will certainly please them enough for me to leave the realm again without being flagged or beheaded.

-Is the punishment for returning truly that severe? She asked, a little worried.

-If there were no consequences to returning while in banishment, most wouldn't even bother leaving. He told her. But if I may start to ask my own questions, why did you ask me to be your escort if you would have simply asked your father to take you himself?

-I did ask him, twice before I asked you. But he refused, said I wasn't ready to face the world, that it was too dangerous.

-Is your father aware that you can manhandle a man thrice your size and five times your own weight? He asked, smirking when she giggled.

-No. He still sees me as his little girl. He's constantly afraid someone might come and take me from him. That's why we live in a tower hidden far away; so we can be safe.

-The word "Overprotective" comes to my mind. He chuckled when the lass swatted him on the arm.

-Oh hush, you stupid thief! She replied, and they both laughed.

Suddenly, a rumbling sound began and the two quieted. They stood unmoving as the noise got louder and louder. Looking back down the tunnel, they saw a light.

-Thorin? Belinda asked, worriedly as the sound got even louder. Thorin?

-Run. He told her as he finally spotted the royal guards turning a corner. RUN!

I hope you guys liked the twist I gave to the story! Please review and tell me what you think about it.