Hi! Sorry for the late update! Just a fair warning, the next chapter might not be updated any time soon. I'm having a hard time sitting down and actually working on it, so, this one is longer than others.

I don't own either stories nor their characters.

-Chapter 17: Father knows best (Reprise)-

I... Ah... I'll go get some more wood for the fire! He said, standing. B-Be right back.

Belinda watched him go, giggling a bit at how cute he looked when he was flustered. And he was so... So... She couldn't find words to describe him. At first, it was mostly his handsome looks that interested her, for he was the most handsome man she had ever seen. (Well, at first it didn't count because she had only seen her father, but after meeting his friends, she still thought him to be the most handsome.) His personality hadn't been that charming at the start, and she even found him rude at some point. But as they spent more time together, she had seen him being impatient, condescendant, scared, annoyed, amused, laughing, teasing, sympathetic and even caring. Since he had been so closed off in the beginning, having him show so much of himself made her feel very warm inside. And he gave her so many other feelings. She didn't think you could feel so many things at once with the same person. She blushed as she remembered how his friends had teased them about their relationship. "Well, maybe there could be more to us than just business." She thought as she sighed.

-Thank goodness! I was beginning to think he'd never leave! A deep voice resounded.

The small woman gasped and turned, heart sinking in panic when she saw her father standing but a few feets behind her. What was he doing here? How had he known she had left? He was supposed to be far away!

-F-Father! What are you..?

-I came looking for you, dear! He exclaimed as he grasped her shoulders, looking her over. When I saw you went missing, I was so worried something had happened to you! Belinda casted her eyes down at those words, shame and guilt pulling at her stomach. But everything is fine now. You're alright. Daddy's here. Come, we're going back home.

-Ah, no! Wait! She said, and whimpered when her father's gaze turned furious.

-Belinda, I am already seriously displeased with you running off behind my back. Not only did you betray my trust, but you also put yourself in grave danger. What if something had happened to you? I never would have known! But, I am willing to let this go if you come back home right now, without making a fuss!

-I can't, father! I... Well... Belinda mumbled, her cheeks turning pink. Well, I... Sort of... Met someone and...

-Yes, I know. Saruman said, pulling out one of Thorin's wanted poster. That wanted criminal. I am so proud of you darling! Enough, let's go home. He snapped, grasping her hand, but she drew back.

-Thorin's not that bad! A-And he stole the crown for what he believed was a noble cause! He's just... Stubborn, and... I-I think he may like me. She told her parent with a small blush.

-"Like you"? Saruman repeated. Oh, Belinda, dear! That's madness! She was about to reply but he continued. See, now, this is why I told you not to leave our tower! Darling, this entire romance you've told yourself is proof that you're much too naïve to be in the real world... He explained, patting his daughter's cheek as one would to a child.

Belinda felt her cheeks heat up in embarrassment. She hadn't realised until now how much her father treated her like a child. She knew he couldn't see her as a grown up, but she didn't feel as if she was just a senseless child. The people she had came across today hadn't been very courteous, but they treated her like an adult. Thorin had respected her decisions and had genuinely cared about her opinion. Her father did not, and even considering he had raised her, she did not feel he had the right to treat her so.

-Just think about it, love. Why on earth would he like you? Saruman continued, grabbing fistfull of her hair. Look at yourself! Do you really believe you impress him? A meek little slip of a girl, too clumsy to possibly take care of herself, in awe at everything she sees?

Belinda felt tears prick her eyes. Why would her father say such things? Was she really so pitiful? She thought about all the things she had done so far. She had captured a stranger and made him escort her, she had traveled, met so many interesting people, saved Thorin's life and escaped many dangers, and she had even healed the dwarf! She was not useless. Her father had no right to say those things!

-Don't be a dummy... Come with daddy... Father...

-No!

The refusal was loud, clear and final. Belinda was an adult now, and she could take her own decisions. So many things her father had told her had been proved wrong today, and she was going to show him she wasn't a child anymore. He was wrong about her and Thorin. She just had to prove him. But Saruman didn't appear pleased with his daughter newfound backbone. His eyes narrowed as he glared.

-"No"? He repeated and then smirked darkly. Oh... I see how it is... He said calmly, and his voice sent a chill down his daughter's back.

Belinda knows best

Belinda's so mature now

Such a clever grown-up miss!

Her father sang, patting her on the head, clearly mocking her. She clenched her fist and wanted to bat his hand away, but refrained. Saruman smirked at his daughter and nudged her chin playfully as he continued.

Belinda knows best

Fine, if you're so sure now

Go ahead and give him this!

Belinda gasped when her father suddenly showed the satchel he had kept hidden in his cloak. That's when she remembered that Thorin had only agreed to help her at first because she had blackmailed him. Seeing the hesitation in the girl's eyes, Saruman chuckled internally. His plan was working perfectly.

-How did you... She began, but was cut off.

This is why he's here,

Don't let him deceive you

Give it to him, watch, you'll see!

The man sang as he took out the tiara and threw it at her. She caught it, her eyes staring at it in doubt. Her father's words planted worry in her mind, but she refused to let him see that and she stood straight.

-I will! She exclaimed.

Trust me my dear

That's how fast he'll leave you

I won't say "I told you so"

No, Belinda knows best!

So if he's such a dreamboat,

Go and put him to the test!

His strong voice replied as he challenged her and Belinda looked down, unable to meet her father's burning glare. Saruman then began to retreat in the forest, his job done. She panicked and called out for him, but she had started this madness, and he would let her deal with the consequences to the end.

If he's lying

Don't come crying!

Father knows best!

With this last warning, he wrapped his cloak around himself and disappeared into the thick fog. Belinda was left alone with the crown and her thoughts. Should she give it to Thorin? But what if he did leave her once he got it. Gandalf crawled out of his hidding spot from behind the log and looked up to Belinda. He wasn't so sure himself what Thorin would do if he got the jewel. She suddenly heard footsteps coming closer and knew Thorin was headed this way. She noticed the satchel her father had dropped and quickly shoved the crown inside it before hidding the bag beside and old log. She sat quickly and pretended everything was normal as the dwarf walked into the clearing.

-This should be enough for the night. He said, but noticed Belinda was very quiet. Belinda, are you alright?

-Y-Yes, I'm fine... She stuttered. I'm just a little tired.

-Understandable, we had quite the eventful day. You can rest, I'll stand watch.

She nodded and lied down, using her hair both as a mattress and a blanket. Further away, Saruman and the two orcs observed the two. The man grasped Azog's arm before he could unsheath his weapon and give them away.

-Patience! He whispered. Rushing in won't do us any good. We have to wait for the right moment to strike.

With this, he backed away in the dark, followed by his associates.