Set of vignettes, more will follow. No set timeline or universe.

Introduction

Lori raises her eyes from the worn pages of her book to glare at her cousin. Instead her warm hazel depths meet a pair of stormy orbs. Her cheeks burn and she almost tips her tea mug over the edge. Bilbo watches with interest before he introduces them. Thorin is simply amused by the young woman's antics. He can see her trying to decide whether to stay or leave. Relief fills him when she finally offers a shy smile and orders more tea, tiny fingers caressing the spine of her book. Lori is somewhat stunned to see her cousin's friend smile back at her.

Love

It's not love. It's not love. That's what goes on in his mind. Thorin tries to convince himself that it isn't love. As he wraps his jacket around the girl he chases the thoughts away. It's not love. She is his friend's cousin. She is Lori, a woman he's met not that long ago. He turns a blind eye to her radiant smiles. If he pays too much attention his knees might go weak. And that can't happen because he is not in love with her. A small hand touches his arm gently. Lori peers at him asking if he is alright. His nod prompts hers. It's not love.

Light

Her dress floats around her, gauzy material catching the light. Lori rolls her eyes at Bilbo but still loops her arm through his. Her other arm she gives to Thorin. Whatever her cousin says is lost to her the moment Thorin brushes his skin against hers. As if sensing the silent tremor his gaze follows their entwined arms. Lori turns her head back to Bilbo pretending to take interest in what he was speaking about. Thorin lets her be. He doesn't call her on the continuous delicate tremble that shakes her limbs. However he almost laughs when Bilbo asks her if she is cold.

Dark

The leafs rustle in the trees, moving along with the wind. The hard stone cold is behind her back and Lori tries to push away from the wall. Of course there is no progress for her advancement is stopped in an equally solid body which is burning with heat. Thorin holds her with an iron fist; he makes it so that she cannot move. He likes the fire burning in her eyes. Those endless depths shine bright in the complete darkness that surrounds them. "What are you going to do now?" he asks. Lori struggles for a few moments before pouting and Thorin knows he's made his point clear. "I told you it would be difficult to find a way to escape.

Seeking Solace

Thorin hunches before his grandfather's grave, his eyes suddenly hard steel of determination and grief. Whatever he says, Lori can't hear, nor does she want to. However when he stands up straight and turns to her she threads her fingers through his. He hasn't asked for comfort but she does not need him to ask. There are no words to tell him, the only thing she can do is sooth the pain little by little. Lori lets Thorin lead the way, content to lightly squeeze his hand and watch her breath fog up the air. Thorin takes what she gives, his lips remaining sealed.

Break Away

Slick hands grip at the pebbles on the ground. Lori's balance is thrown off and she crashes to the floor. The sharp stones underneath her cut through the skin, leaving behind a trail of stinging lacerations. With great difficulty she manages to rise on all fours, her hand blindly searching for a weapon. Dust is all she meets. A shot rings out behind her. Scared eyes turn to the source. Thorin stand over the dead body with a satisfied smirk. He pushes the lips head with his shoe and helps Lori to her feet. She glares at him half-heartedly but still thanks him, in a stiff, high pitched voice.

Heaven

White painted walls are more than likely to leave her half blind so Lori tends to avoid them all together. She stays as far away from hospitals as she can and only goes there if it is absolutely necessary. This is a defence mechanism of sorts. Hospitals bring back dark memories. But when her cousin lands himself in trouble she is forced to get a grip and trot to the hospital. Lori comes in with her mind made up to give him a good lesson but the white stops her. So much white, it feels like heaven; if heaven was a vast nothingness. The only colour she registers in from the man her cousin calls over. Thorin.

Innocence
Mountains of snow have gathered in her backyard. Thorin lazily drags his fingers along her spine while Lori is lost in dreams. On instinct her fingers curl around his bicep, nails leaving crescent moons behind. Her mouth trembles as if she would start crying any moment now. But she doesn't. Her face remains like that for a few seconds before it morphs in a happy expression. "You remind me of a child," Thorin whispers in her ear.

Drive

Delicate limbs wrap around him and there is strength in them; strength he had not seen until this point. Thorin lets the fire consume him and looses himself in the frenzy. To him she is the most real like this. Physically feeling Lori is the only thing that can convince him she's still here, holding onto him, like the vine clings to the wood in the storm. Lori drinks in the passion and might, and thrives under the nourishment. The steel beneath the veneer she uses to fuse herself to Thorin. She wants to make him believe in something. He might as well believe in them.

Breathe Again

The breath leaves her lungs as Lori is forced on her back. She falls on the bed pulling Thorin along with her. And then she can't breathe normally for a long while. Rapid puffs pass her lips which are almost always parted slightly. But oh is she so very unconcerned with it! It matters little that she cannot breathe. Thorin manages very fine without air, so she will follow his example. It is exhilarating, her head is spinning and she's oddly pleased at being unable to draw the air deep in her lungs. She can live just as well without ever breathing again.

Memory

The black and white photograph rests in Thorin's hands. He looks at it as one might stare at a perfect stranger. And in a way that's what the photograph shows him; two perfect strangers. He looks nothing like the young man in the picture anymore. His hair has greyed and his beard had grown, and most importantly he no longer has her. She was, still is, the only thing that mattered. She was, still is, his wife. His dear Lorena. The smile on her face, the one she wears in the photograph, he can no longer see. Lorena is here no more.

Insanity

"You are positively insane," Dis tells him, with a hint of annoyance. However she does extend her care to the woman her brother has brought home. She can't bring herself to tell this Lori that their parents will most likely not agree to the marriage. Thorin sees the look in her eyes and shushes her. "Maybe, but I'm not concerned about that," he replies and wraps an arm around Lori protectively. Lori smiles, "I do believe you should be concerned." Her words are a bit harsh but the glimmer in her eyes tells something else. Thorin is concerned, he just won't show it.

Misfortune (p.1)

"Count your blessings," grandmamma says but Lori ignores her. She is too busy sulking. Her mother is getting married once again and the girl hates even the thought of it. She doesn't want another father when she already has one. "It's not your poor mother's fault that her husband died and left you two on your own." Again Lori disregards the ailing woman. The door bands downstairs and her mother calls, "Lori, come meet your siblings." The girl drags her feet down and is faced with three children not much older than her. "I'm Thorin," says the eldest one while extending his hand.

Smile (p.2)

She more used to her new siblings now, Lori considers as she helps Dis secure the flowers in her hair. The step-sister brushes a hand over her blue dress and smiles at Lori in the mirror. "We'll be the prettiest girls there, you'll see," she brags confidently. Lori simply nods her head and giggles. Of course mother would be the prettiest but she doesn't say that to Dis. "Let's go." She pulls her sister's hand and they rush down the stairs. Dis stops abruptly making Lori fall. Luckily she is saved at the last moment. Thorin hold her up with surprisingly strong hands.

Silence (p.3)

They are older now. Lori looks at her brothers and sister. Thorin barely looks a day over twenty and yet he is almost thirty. Frerin is twenty-five while she and Dis are twenty-four. They have gathered together to celebrate Dis' engagement but Lori can't get this feeling out of way. Something makes her heart ache for Thorin to just look at her. It's not normal, she knows but she still wants those grey eyes to watch her. She frowns at the girl standing by his side and delicately sips a bit of wine from her glass. Why won't he look at her? At least acknowledge her.

Questioning (p.4)

Eldridge, Dis' soon to be husband, closes the door softly. He had known it all along. The blond man thinks about it for a moment more. Thorin, his fiancée's brother, and Lori, Dis' sister, are actually step siblings. Naturally they were raised as brother and sister, yet the way they look at one another is far from platonic. He sees Thorin's eyes flash dangerously when Daly jokingly places his arm around Lori. And the pining look she sends to Thorin is not lost to Eldridge. So it comes as no surprise when, quite by accident, he opens the door to find them locked in an embrace.

Blood (p.5)

There is no blood tie between them. Thorin lets the knowledge wash over him with immense satisfaction as he twist a handful of Lori's hair between his fingers. She whimpers and her lips gently press to his temple. "Marry me," he finally says. It's not a question, it's not an order. "Let's get married and get this done." Lori hesitates, thinking about their parents. "They will understand. It's not like we're really brother and sister." Truth is they have never been brother and sister, unlike the relationship with the others. She gives her consent and disappears out the door, as fast as a flash. Mother watches from the end of the hall stupefied.

Rainbow

Dewy grass bends under their feet and swishes softly. Thorin braids Lori's hair with skilled fingers and she relaxes, basking in the calmness. There are not many days such as this when they can just sit and do nothing. Bilbo is somewhere near Balin, they are speaking in shushes voices. Lori can hardly pay attention when Thorin is so near her. Fili and Kili are undoubtedly cooking up a scheme that will annoy Thorin; Lori almost shakes her head at them. But then again, they are young and want to have fun. She lets them be. The sun shines in the sky.

Grey (p.1)

Brittle straw crunches under the men's riding boots. Lori holds her breath as the chieftain scrutinizes her. The ornaments in her hair are a bother and the long red dress is rough against her skin. She misses the warm furs father would let her wear. But she is no longer her father's. She belongs to this man now. The one they call Thorin. Her man unveils her. Lori sits quietly, no sound passes her lips. The dress rips with a sharp sound and she feels his furred coat against her bare form. She can distinguish between the few shades and wishes she could see the grey sky now that the rain is falling.

Mother Nature (p.2)

There is little conversation to be had with her man, Lori thinks as she watches him sleep. It is early morning and there is not much light but her eyes are glued to him. He is an island that she cannot reach. He beds her, keeps her healthy and satisfied yet he won't share his thought with her. This will not change any time soon she knows. Is it, perhaps, her destiny to be forever a stranger to him? Mother Nature seems to have taken her hand off of Lori and on her own she is alone because she does not have him.

Only (p.3)

The beads spill heavy on the ground. Thorin grasps her thin ankle in his large hand, hot against cold. Lori whimpers at the contact and tries to pull away from her man's hands. However a growl makes her still. He is still angry with her and his fury is not unfounded. "Could you not stay where I told you to, woman?" His voice is deadly, quite as cruel as the axe he embeds in his enemies. "Do you not wish to live any longer?" Lori does not answer him; she rarely speaks when he is in such a mood. "I only you had listened," he says.

Trouble Lurking (p.4)

Her mare is frightened, sturdy legs kicking behind. Lori does try to hold on but she's got little physical strength about her. In consequence she is forced down from the horse's back and lands ungracefully on the ground. She rolls out of the way. "Just you wait," Lori breaths out, "I will not give up." She is unaware of the grey eyes that watch her until Thorin's voice reaches her ears. "When will you ever learn to keep out of trouble's way?" He is not bothered, rather amused as he helps her up and whistles to the mare. "Tighten your hold," he instructs and climbs behind her.

Tears (p.5)

Wet tracks run down Lori's cheeks and she is utterly exhausted. But she is also happy. The happiest she's ever been, she recounts and weakly smiles to Thorin. Her man is wearing a look of pride on his face and it suits his so very well. Her arms hurt but she gently rocks the bundle she's holding. Lori doesn't dare open her mouth for her voice is still scratchy for all the yelling she has done. Thorin kisses the top of her head while holding her up. "Thank you." It's a whisper that barely reaches her ears. "I love you, woman." The confession is even quieter.

Under the Rain

Thorin can barely think straight with her pressed to him like that. He loves her, and it's enough to move mountains; it's enough to make him want to never let go. The rain is falling slowly over them but he doesn't care. Not when he can hold her just like this and kiss her fully on the lips. Lori mirrors his actions with a bit of hesitation. She is still shaky, shocked by his feelings and her own. It is all so rushed that she does not know exactly what to think. So she doesn't think. Her brain can't muster up the strength to anyway.

Vacation

"I don't know if I should hit you or laugh," Lori admits as she spreads the map out. "Why did you not ask for directions?" Thorin stubbornly refuses to answer her. She huffs and half-heartedly prods him again. Of course he ignores her attempts at goading him and looks at the map. After a minute or so, Lori gives up and puts her hand on the wheel. "Let me drive from here," she asks. It's not really a question; she's just letting him know that their vacation won't be ruined because he is obstinate and impossible. One would think he could request directions, it would not kill him.

Foreign

"Sorry, but I can't understand a thing you're saying," Thorin drawls at the tall blonde. Lori slides her fingers trough his and cocks her head to the side, trying to make out what the blonde wants. The other woman smiles and resumes her explanation. It some time before they finally get what she's asking for. "I thought she was never leaving." Lori laughs at Thorin's words. "I can see you are not extremely fond of strangers," she remarks softly. "It's not the strangers; it's people who keep me from my date." Her mock gasp is rewarded with a playful grin.

Cat

The feline curls in Thorin's lap with a continuous purr. The man looks at the pet and sighs. "How come we're capable of getting along only when you mistress is away?" The mistress in question is his wife who has gone out with their son. The cat peers up at him through slit eyes. It had no interest in what is being said but does like the attention it receives. Thorin curses under his breath. Where is his wife? She's been gone long enough and the cat is staring to get overly attached. The doorbell is what saves him in the end.

Cookies

Thorne sneaks behind his mother and shoots a glare at his twin sister. Thora winks at him in her usual cheeky manner and skids over to their mother's side. She pulls on the woman's dress to grab her attention and starts chatting away. Baby Faye trots in on unsure feet, demanding Lori's care. The mother picks her youngest son up and that's when she sees it. "Thorne," she calls softly, her voice not rising one bit, "I advise you to step away from the cookie jar." Before the boy can complain, she ads, "You know the rules. Thora take your brother and go play outside. Faye needs me right now."

Sorrow

Who knew that someone this small can bleed so much and still hold on? Thorin didn't. He still can't believe it, but he is glad for it. And somehow he is also saddened by it. She doesn't have long. Her small, pale face is a testimony to that. The sorrow pierces his heart like a blunt dagger. It doesn't puncture; it rips uneven chunks of his soul. He takes Lori's hand and places it to his lips. It's cold. She is cold. Her eyes see through him. Again his heart lurches forward painfully. The blood can't seem to stop flowing.

Happiness

The sun shines over the field of wheat. Few trees and tall bushes linger here. Lori reclines on the golden ground and Thorin as always stand guard. She had tried getting the elusive knight to at least speak a few words to her but he keeps quiet. So Lori had to make do. She is not exactly happy, but she is not about to give up. Ever so slowly she climbs to her feet and makes sure Thorin is looking the other way. With unknown skill she manages to catch him unprepared and drag him to the ground with her. "See? It's not so bad."

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