Oy vey! So I apologize now for how rough this chapter is. I usually don't write unless I'm in the mood to just have it all flow from me, but I really wanted to write this next chapter and get it out. So I pushed myself a bit and here it is. I will come back and definitely smooth things over later, just simple revision and such. If anyone's interested in beta-ing, just let me know! Review or PMs welcome!

Chapter Five

Three days we traveled. For the most part I stayed to myself. On the off occasion Bofur and Balin would come talk to me while we either travelled or while we sat for dinner. It was nice, really it was, but I almost didn't want them to bother with me. Most of the dwarves simply glanced at me over their shoulders from time to time, but otherwise they paid me no heed. I say most because Kili and Fili consistently stared and giggled. Well, Kili did most of the giggling. Then there was Dwalin. Boy did I enjoy getting on that man's last nerve. Seriously, all I had to do was make a comment about how if he continued to look at me in such a manner, people would start jumping to conclusions. He… did not take too kindly to that and Thorin had to intervene. That night I kept to myself far from the others.

It was difficult trying to find my place within this group of males. Many of them were made uncomfortable by my presence; that was easy enough to pick up on, and my attempts at easing the dwarves only worked half the time. Apparently they were not quite use to my humor. Such a shame, really; I thought I was quite humorous.

Gandalf convinced Thorin to take a stop at Bree since we would be passing by and I was quite relieved by the statement. This would be our last stop in a civilized area for quite a while, so it was my last opportunity to stock up on supplies. The dwarves were excited for our stop for a completely different reason though: the Prancing Pony.

The tavern was filled with occupants before we arrived, so adding thirteen dwarves to the mix made things quite crowded and rowdy. I had remained upstairs in my small, singular room, taking inventory of my food and potions: two apples, several carrots, and numerous health and magic potions. The food was what I worried over; my potions would be saved for emergencies only. I had no idea if the food stores the dwarves kept were accessible to me and I didn't feel comfortable asking Thorin if he was going to share. Thorin expected me to sustain myself that much was obvious; I was a third-party escorting the company. I was to keep to myself and the others to keep away from me. Granted I gave Thorin enough reasons to be apprehensive towards me, but I had figured by now that he would have realized I meant no harm.

Picking an apple out of my bag, I took a bite, the juice dribbling down my chin, before one-by-one returning my potions to their rightful place and wiping my face clean. I turned the fruit over in my hand, taking in the sight of its bruised dark red skin. The thoughts of Thorin only continued to eat away at me. I understood his reasons; I didn't blame the dwarf for being distrustful of me, but his abundant amount of rudeness frustrated me deeply. I was helping him, for the love of Malacath, and he couldn't bring himself to show an ounce of appreciation, of humility. In an act of frustration, I roughly shoved my last potion into my pack, but the touch of rough leather calmed my movements and I paused. Slowly I grabbed at the material and pulled out the light armor, its familiar black and red colors causing a dull ache to grow in my chest. My fingertips moved across the fabric, running over the seams and metal studs until my hand came to the center of the armor's chest, my skin melding seamlessly with the bloodied black handprint embedded in the leather.

When I first left home, I hadn't imagined things would be like this. Okay, I knew it wouldn't be all fun and rainbows with one adventure after another; I wouldn't be finding hidden Word Walls or unexplored dwemer ruins filled with riches and Falmar; I wouldn't be killing Silver Hand members, or keeping contracts for the Night Mother. I was hunting a dragon and it wasn't like climbing up a mountain and taking a few swings of Wuuthrad before heading back home. If only it were that laughably easy.

No, I did not expect things to go easily, but keeping with Thorin's company provided challenges I had not foreseen. Maybe it would have been better if I just went out on my own; Hermaeus Mora knows it would be a lot less stressful. Then again without Gandalf's map I had no idea where I was going. Hmm, now that I think about it, that was probably why Thorin tucked away that piece of parchment anytime I came anywhere near it. Pah! Great, I was quite literally stuck here. What a jack ass! Make my life miserable by making sure I knew just how much I was distrusted and unwanted, yet not give me the option to leave.

"Sweet Mother, Sweet Mother, send your child unto me for the sins of the unworthy must be baptized in blood and fear." Simply whispering the prayer brought a sense of comfort and peace; even if I couldn't hear the Unholy Matron. No, I wasn't going to kill the damn dwarf, no matter how frustrated he made me, but repeating the Black Sacrament made me feel close to the Night Mother once again. Never did I think I would miss the disembodied voice of a dark god's wife's mummified corpse speaking in my mind, yet that had been the most difficult part of my leaving Skyrim. I hadn't said a word to my family or any of the Companions; I simply just disappeared, leaving no hint as to where I was going. Even Dragon Lord Fyron I kept in the dark. Well, that was mostly because I wasn't particularly fond of the head of the Dragonborn Order and he would have taken measures to ensure I did not leave Skyrim, but still. It was only to my dark brothers and sisters that I said goodbye to, and even that had not gone over well.

A series of boisterous cries from downstairs in the tavern reached up through the wood flooring to where I was sat, bringing me out of my reverie. Carefully stowing away my armor, I grabbed one of the numerous books I carried, rose, and sauntered down to where everyone was gathered; only pausing to stop and watch them. All of them were chattering on, food in one hand and ale in the other. It was almost overwhelming with the amount of energy just present in the small tavern, my muscles twitching in anticipation of use. I couldn't help but glance around at some of the other patrons, their stares upon the dwarves making me nervous. Apparently though, I wasn't the only one aware of the stares upon them, and as my light eyes clashed with Thorin's dark ones he shook his head and sipped his ale.

Strange; I hadn't imagined Thorin having the restraint to allow humans such as these to stare at him and his kin with such obvious hostile intent. With a light shrug of my shoulders though, I left the dwarf table alone and made myself comfortable at another one a few seats over. Best not to be too close if something were to happen. So kicking my feet up onto a chair, I opened my book and picked up where I had last left off. The world around me faded, leaving me to my own imagination as I drank and ate.

"Miss. Excuse me, Miss."

Finishing the sentence, I snickered, flipping the page to continue the story.

"Lady Nord, that's you isn't it?"

The word 'nord' caught my attention and I looked up, familiar large hazel eyes peering at me from behind a tray full of pints. I recognized the girl as the barmaid, who had served me dinner the previous time I was here, but her name escaped me at the moment; however, I smiled and beckoned her forward. "Why hello again, Lass."

My smile only grew as the petite woman shuffled over to me, ducking behind a group of patrons and landing herself at my table. An unabashed, excited grin covered the girl's face. "I never imagined I would see you again, my Lady. I hope your dragon-hunting quest is faring well!"

I set my book down and pulled my feet down from my improvised stool, a small smile gracing my lips. "Better than it was the first time I was here, at least. How have you been faring? Not being worked too hard I hope. I'm sorry, but what was your name again?" I said. The corner of my lips twitched as I spoke

A deep scarlet dusted her cheeks, though a smile peered through the embarrassment. "I'm so sorry, I never introduced myself! My name is Mara Sellren." She said head bowed to hide away her blush.

I smiled though, extending my hand across the table to Mara. Only after the girl took it and shook, I spoke. "I am Thyra Gray-Mane; it's a pleasure to meet you again, my dear."

It seemed all this girl could do was either blush or stare as if I were an exotic wonder. Not that it bothered me or anything of the sort, I actually found her innocence and naivety endearing, but it made me wonder about the differences between the culture of these humans and my own Nordic culture. I seemed to have underestimated the differences in our social feminine etiquette. Apparently women were not due respect here. Hn, if only she were here to see this. The woman would have a fit no doubt.

"Please, you're too kind, Lady Gray-Mane." Mara said. "Have you eaten yet? Please, let me grab you some bread and fruit, and if you'd be willing… Maybe you would indulge me with a story of your home?"

I only hesitated a moment, taking in the hope-filled expression of the girl, before nodding encouragingly. "That sounds rather nice, Mara."

With that the girl grinned, a new skip in her step as she moved through the mid-afternoon crowd of patrons. It took little time for Mara to procure some food thankfully –an apple did little to hold over my appetite- and watching the blonde return, I just could help the amusement I felt. She was seriously just like a little rabbit: adorably curious and innocent! I actually opened my mouth to tell her as much, but she was stopped in her approach. Instantly my eyes focused on the rough hand that had grabbed Mara's arm, following the appendage to a rather dreary man, probably twice as old as the barmaid, with black curly hair stuck to his scalp in greasy clumps, teeth in desperate need of hygiene no doubt along with the rest of him.

From the distance I couldn't particularly make out their conversation, but I remained settled in my seat. He probably just wanted a refill on his ale, the impatient clod-head. Finally it seemed Mara was about to head back to me, but the man only pulled her back to him, making her stumble and fall back into his lap. He only laughed at this, two of his buddies snickering along, and when Mara attempted to pull away, the pig forced her to stay and ran his hands along her shoulders.

That was enough for me. Quickly I was on my feet and striding over to the group of men who obviously had nothing better to do than harass the workers. I stood before them, silent, waiting for their attention, but the men only ignored me. Meeting Mara's gaze, my rather unimpressed expression turned sour. She was uncomfortable and ashamed, and from where I was standing I could see the girl's skin reddening from how tightly he was holding onto her. It always made me sad to see a girl who couldn't get herself out of a situation like this. Though I did have to give her props for keeping the tray she held upright and keeping composed.

"Excuse me, do you mind if I have my bar maiden back? She was in the middle of bringing me my food I so duly paid for before you rudely interrupted her." I said. My present disgust for these men was completely hidden to them, an easy, soft smile lifting my features. Please, for the love of the Night Mother, give me a reason to give you a lesson on etiquette.

The man only scoffed, his eyes raking over my body, before he pulled Mara even closer to him. "Sorry, but you'll have to wait. I've got a rather big problem that needs taking care of."

Before I could even attempt to keep myself composed, a snort of laughter escaped me. Apparently though, my reaction did not appeal to the man's taste, a glare now fixed on me. "Is there something you think is funny?"

I'm pretty sure those who were the in vicinity could tell what was getting ready to take place. Honestly, I'd rather not have everything break out into a fight, but what can I say: you pick and choose your battles, and this was one I would fight for. Mara, on the other hand, attempted to diffuse the situation. "Please, sir, I need to finish taking care of my other customers. If you are in need of other services I can get another girl who is much more suitable than myself-"

Mr. Grease-Worthy seemed to have some attention deficit because now he was ignoring Mara, his eyes stewing with unfocused anger towards me. "I asked you what was so funny, bitch!"

"Oh, I was just thinking that, no matter what sort of problem you may be having, I doubt it's rather big." I said, my lips flaring into a mocking smirk. Damn, I really should not be enjoying this! He's a poor drunk perverted fool; not anything dangerous. Yet I couldn't help but indulge my clever tongue.

Mara was thrown forward, sending the food to the ground along with her -Damn, what a waste of perfectly good resources- and the man was on his feet, towering over me in a poor intimidation tactic. He was close enough so as I could smell his putrid breath and he held me there, fingers wrapped tightly around my wrist. "How 'bout I show you just how big of a problem it really is then? That armor of yours is quite flattering I've got to say; it's quite the invitation."

I'll admit it: I cringed. This stupid little attempt at getting laid had gone too far and this guy was really beginning to get on my nerves now. So using my free hand, I grabbed at the wrist of the hand that was holding me, finding the pressure point with ease that only came from practice; it was in the matter of seconds then that I spun on the heels of my feet, forcing the man to move with me, before I forced his face into the table, his arm held painfully at his back, and my dagger dug into the wood of the table not an inch from his face. "Yes, my armor may be lacking in quantity, but it's quite easy to move around in. Not to mention it serves as a terrific distraction to fools like you. Now, I'm going to take a guess and say I'm the first armed woman you've encountered. Well, for the next time you find yourself getting a little too drunk and a little too out of order, I want to give you a piece of advice. All women are just as dangerous as I am. It was a woman who brought you into this world, and a woman can just as easily take you from this world as well. But women are also instilled with compassion; compassion shown to idiot men like yourself because we know you can be better than you are. So the next time you take action against a woman like you were doing to this girl, remember this: She's not being meek because she's weak, she's showing you a kindness by giving you mercy and forgiveness." I spoke lightly, as if this were just a part of a casual conversation, my eyes closed in a smile as I looked down at the man. Then I released him, allowing him to sink to his knees.

Pulling my blade from the table, I kept it loosely in my grasp, facing my new friend once again. "Now, don't you think you should apologize to this young woman? She was so nice to you after all." I said, my brow raised.

The man only stared at me with wide eyes, dazed, before looking to Mara. I smirked as he eyed the blonde girl, evaluating whether or not I was telling the truth. He was skeptical, but I don't think he dared try and prove me wrong. So getting to his feet, he gave a deep bow, muttering a reluctant apology. Mara's face seared red with embarrassment, accepting the man's apology with a quick bow of her own. At this I grinned, clapping my new acquaintance on the back. "Fantastic! Now why don't you bring our friend here another pint and some bread: my treat." I said.

It was only now, after things had relatively calmed down, that I realized the entire tavern had fallen silent, and if I had looked around, I wouldn't doubt all of the occupants' eyes were upon me. I ignored my growing nervousness to my best ability and smiled to Mara, nodding for her to get the orders.

"Very well, I will be back shortly." The blonde spoke curtly before leaving.

With that I left the growing crowd, returning to my abandoned seat and book. Even still I could feel the gaze of others lingering on me, giving me an itch I couldn't seem to get rid of. In an attempt to distract myself from my own nerves, I delved back into my book.

"That was a rather impressive display." Gandalf said.

I didn't even get to read a single word; come on! I forced a smile though, leaning my head back to peer up at the rather tall, grey garbed wizard. "Why thank you, Gandalf. Though attracting a crowd was not my intent. I simply can't stand people being unjustly disrespectful."

A low rumbling hum came from the man as he pulled a chair up next to me. To be honest I was a bit surprised he was joining me, but I didn't mind. I had few instances in the past days to speak with Gandalf in length and at the moment he seemed one of few who enjoyed my company; or at least were not bothered by me. "I was quite surprised by how eloquently you dealt with the situation. Nords have quite the reputation for being rather…"

"Blood thirsty?" I finished for him with a laugh. "Aren't there always exceptions to the stereotype, Gandalf?"

"Maybe I wouldn't have said quite like that, but yes, you do make a fair point." Gandalf said, seeming to be quite amused.

"Do you think I am?" The words came out with little thought and I glanced to the wizard, uncertainty clear on my face. "Blood thirsty, I mean; a danger to the group. Was my joining you a mistake? The dwarves are uncomfortable with my presence."

A low hum came from Gandalf as he pulled out his pipe and lit it, proceeding to have a smoke. "Dwarves are a very secretive people and are not quick to trust. Give it time, Thyra, Thorin will come around."

"I only wonder how long that will take." I grumbled, once again picking my book back up.

"Not as long as you may think." Gandalf said.

"Excuse me, Miss Thyra, you wouldn't mind if I joined you, would you?"

Blinking, I peered over the top of my book at the youngest dwarf within the company, completely taken by surprise. "Uh, sure."

The little man smiled and indeed took a seat, eagerly digging into his dinner. "That was pretty amazing what you did for that girl. I've never seen anything like it! What made you help her?"

It took me a moment to answer his question; I was still rather shell shocked that he had decided to keep me company. "Well, it just seemed the right thing to do."

"But weren't you scared you'd get hurt?" Ori asked.

His question was meant to be innocent, but I couldn't help but take a little offence. Were women here really viewed as that weak? "No, not really." I paused for a moment, thinking of how I could go about this without sounding like a raving feminist lunatic. "You're name's Ori, correct?"

"Indeed it is!"

"Well, Ori, what can you tell me about dwarven woman? What are they like?" I asked.

My question seemed to have caught the young dwarf by surprise as he stared at me with wide eyes. "Well…"

"There aren't many dwarven women, if that's what yer askin'. Less than a third of the population is female. Out of all of us, Gloin's the only one with a wife and child." My favorite dwarf named Bofur spoke as another seat at my table was taken.

I was surprised by both the information and the presence of yet another dwarf. "What?! There's only that many? And really, the smaller of the gingers? Surely Thorin has a wife, or at least a lover of some kind. He's king after all. He'll need some kind of heir, won't he?"

"Once we retake Erebor and reestablish Thorin's rule, Fili will be the next to take the throne." Balin explained as he too joined my little table.

"Fili? You mean the blonde one with the rather majestic moustache? How's he related to Thorin?" I asked.

"You think my brother's moustache is majestic?" Came the familiar voice of Kili.

What was going on?! Why were all the dwarves suddenly just coming over and talking to me? "Possibly; it's at least more than I can for your… scruff." I smirked, teasing the dark-haired dwarf in an automatic response.

Those who had joined my table burst into rowdy laughter –Gandalf merely chuckling along- while Kili quickly deflated and took a seat of his own with a pout. It didn't take long for Kili's brother to join his side, though. "Thorin is our uncle; our mother's brother. Why?"

Fili and Kili were Thorin's nephews? Huh, I hadn't expected that. Wow, a king and two princes. I mean, Thorin had the character of a king, but these two brothers, royalty; I just couldn't see it. "I was just wondering who'd take the throne after Thorin if he didn't have a wife, but that's totally off topic!" Returning my gaze to Ori, I tried to answer his earlier question. "Anyways, Ori, my point was that, if I'm to assume correctly, dwarf women are pretty fierce."

"Aye, they're a right nightmare if you get 'em angry enough." Gloin said as he and the remaining dwarves pushed and shoved to make room at the table.

"You would know, wouldn't you brother. Even I could hear the shrieks of that woman of yours when you've done something to upset her." Gloin's brother Oin taunted, causing the others to laugh while the offended ginger attempted to argue back. And somehow I found myself laughing along with them. This was a definite unexpected turn of events.

"My point is, though, Nord women aren't push overs. We're warriors; even our nobles have a little battle skill." I said.

"Aye, I wouldn't doubt that after what you did to that poor lad." Bofur crowed, making some of the dwarves laugh and begin chattering.

"What'd you say to him anyway?" Kili asked, that ever curious expression molding his features.

At that, I smirked. "I simply scolded the man for his rude behavior and reminded him that it was a woman who brought him into this world and it would only be fit for a woman to remove him from it as well."

Every dwarf erupted into rambunctious laughter, even Dwalin. Thorin even managed a chuckle! And as my eyes moved from dwarf to dwarf, a euphoric feeling swelled in my chest, causing a smile to lift my lips. It seemed Gandalf was right. Now I just felt foolish for despairing like I did.

Glancing to the wizard, I caught his eye and he gave a soft smile and a nod of his head. I laughed, though I don't quite know why. It just seemed like the appropriate response.

"Hey, what's that you're reading?" Kili asked, his deft hand swiping my book from the spot in front of me.

I was too slow to react to stop him and even my attempts at reaching across the table for the book were met with failure as he held it out of my reach. "Oy! It's rude to take other peoples' things without asking you know!" I exclaimed, half trying to reclaim my book and half trying to keep a blush from rising across my cheeks.

"The Lusty Argonian Volume 2? Ohh hoho, why Thyra, this is no proper book for a lady to be reading." The sly smile which grew across the scruffy face only elicited reactions from some of the others.

The cat calls and low whistles managed to dust my cheeks with a light pink and I scowled at Kili, though that only proved to make his grin wider. "I'll show you what other improper things a lady shouldn't do if you don't give that back, Kili!" I snapped. Even though it might have seemed it, I wasn't mad, not really. I was actually… having fun. This sort of banter reminded me of times in Jorrvaskr with some of the other Companions. It felt nice; comforting almost.

"Brother, I think you've made her mad." Fili joined in, smirking devilishly.

I pouted, though catching the blonde's gaze, painted lips slowly turned into a smile; however, I didn't look away. It was strange and a bit awkward, but I couldn't seem to turn my focus from his pools of icy blue.

Hmm, he was rather handsome for a dwarf.

Too bad nothing would come of it though. I thought with an indifferent shrug. Probably not my type though. If I were to romance any of them, it'd probably be Kili. At that train of thought, I let out a short laugh, the idea certainly amusing.

"Thyra, what's an Argonian?!" Ori asked over the loud ruckus.

"I'd rather know what a lusty Argonian is. Can you introduce me to one!?" Came Bofur's retort, making me groan in amused distaste.

I take it back. Why would I want to be friends with these crude, rambunctious dwarves? Can we go back to having them ignore me?

No?

Damn. Oh well.

Kohlii: Oh wow! You're so kind! :D It's not easy making sure your character's not a Mary-Sue so thank you so much for the compliment! I hope you enjoy the chapters I churn out and please don't feel like you can't speak your mind! I'll take as many perspectives as I can. :)

Nack3490: Thank you! I try to update more often, but my motivation is a very fickle thing xD

Casin: Aw, thank you Casin! I really appreciate the compliments! I hope you continue enjoy the story!

Liliesshadow: Haha! Well no better time to play than in the wee cracks of the morning. :)