Chapter 23

There was need in my kiss, and there was in his as well. His tongue entered my mouth. I pulled back and looked at him. No words were said and it only lasted seconds before his lips were on mine again. His armor was already off so this saved me the trouble of trying to remove it. I ran my hands beneath his shirt and up his chest. I began to undo the ties and soon his chest was exposed. I tangled my fingers in his hair and his free hand lightly ran down my arm and under my shirt.

I lifted my shirt over my head and tossed it aside. His lips never strayed from my skin. He bit at my neck and I brought his lips back to mine. My fingers roamed his chest and felt their way to his belt. I discarded this as well.

That night with Thorin was one I would remember for the rest of my life. I woke up and looked up at him. I smiled and kissed him. This woke him up and he touched my face lightly. I pulled back and he smiled at me. No words were past and I sat up and dressed myself as did he. We walked out and found the others already out and about. However I could not find Bilbo. I walked about the town searching for him but still he was nowhere to be found. I knew he would not leave the town but I would have felt better if I had found him.

As I made my way back to the room I heard some of the elves speaking with the Master.

"….They are prisoners who have escaped from our King." one said.

"The woman must have aided them." said another.

Oh no, no, no, no!

I walked into the room and looked directly to the elves.

"~I shall have you know that I was in the presence of your king when the news of their escape was received! You may return and ask Lord Thranduil himself! He released me by request of his son the Prince Legolas, who is an old and very dear friend of mine. I know not how they even managed to escape. However if you so much as think of hurting them….you will face me. I have taken down more then my fair share of goblins, orcs and giant spiders. Try me.~" I challenged.

I know not whether it was my voice or the look in my eyes, but I could see the fear within theirs. I looked to the Master.

"What they have said is false. I played no part in the escape of my friends for I was with the Elvenking. Nor can I tell you how it is they escaped for I know not." I explained.

I did not care for the Master, he gave me an uneasy feeling. I bowed swiftly and then left the room. Thorin was not in the room when I arrived. I sat down in front of the fireplace and awaited his return.

I know not when I fell asleep but it appeared as though the shadow of Mirkwood had followed me to Lake-town. It was the dream of Thorin dying. This time it was far more detailed. It was Azog, and I watched him drive his blade into Thorin's body. I screamed and ran forward killing Azog as I went. I dropped down beside Thorin as I had before.

"Thorin look at me! Please hold on!" I cried.

He opened his eyes weakly and raised his hand to my face.

"Tawariell…I am so sorry. Always know….that I…"

He did not finish his sentence. His hand fell from my face and I let out a cry of pain. I woke with a start and sat up straight. I gasped for air and sweat covered my forehead. I ran my hand over my face and saw the fire had died down. Thorin was asleep next to me. I sighed in relief, even though I had known it was a dream it had felt all too real. I fed the fire and stared into the flames.

"Tawariell?"

I did not look at Thorin as he sat up. I could find no words to answer him. He placed his hand on mine and yet I still would not meet his gaze.

"Tawariell what is wrong?" He asked.

Silent tears fell down my face and Thorin had a guess.

"Was it the dream? The first you had?" He asked.

I nodded and quickly wiped my tears away, though more simply followed.

"Tawariell they are but dreams. I am not going to leave you in any way. I swear to you I shall not!" He said.

I slowly looked at him with tears in my eyes. He wiped them away and brought our faces close and rested his forehead on mine.

"You are my life, my reason for fighting. So long as I have you….I promise you I shall not die." He whispered.

"Thorin I am a mortal. I may be a descendant of Numenor but I will die one day. I will not live forever." I said.

"It matters not. So long as I have had my life with you."

Tears came down my face once more and I held his hands in mine.

"I love you Thorin."

"And I love you too."

I kissed him and then wrapped my arms around him. I could still see him bleeding to death in my arms. I knew I would do everything in my power to keep this from happening.