Chapter 25

For a moment, I sat quietly in my chair. I wasn't sure how I was going to go about this, but I knew that sooner or later Thorin was going to find out about this. He had the right to know, but knowing his history of anger and stubbornness I just wasn't sure how he would feel. From the start I could already tell that he was a little bit irritated. I sighed to myself and took a drink of water, all the while aware that the dwarf king did not look away from me.

"When I came out of hiding...I had heard rumors that you were dead," I began slowly. "I didn't...I didn't have the guts to go back to The Blue Mountains. So I wandered for a while and then turned up here. I came in here, and when he didn't kill me I spent the next several months coming back. He allowed me to explore the mountain, and often slept. I was no threat to him."

I held my breath when he didn't respond to me and I put my shaking hands on my lap. When I looked at him, he was staring at me with this look that was stuck between anger and shock. I clenched my jaw to control the emotion that swept through me and then rose to my feet so abruptly that it startled him. His body flinched slightly, but Thorin quickly got himself under control.

"I didn't do it to go against you," I said firmly. "I was mostly curious, I had never seen a dragon before. My plan had been to try and get him to leave. Which obviously failed on my part, but I didn't do it out of spite. Like I had said...I thought you had been killed until I saw you in Rivendell that day. I'm sorry."

"Why didn't you tell me earlier?" he asked his voice deep.

"Because I was scared," I said uneasily. "Telling you things you don't like isn't exactly the greatest. And you were different..."

"Are you now?" Thorin rumbled. "Scared?"

"Yes," I admitted. "Sorry, I may be able to turn in to anything I wish...but disappointing those I care for is worse than any battle I could fight in."

Thorin looked at me for a long minute with an expression that almost had me shuddering under it. "Leave me for a moment," he growled suddenly.

I wasn't surprised with his anger, but I was slightly hurt that he was being so closed minded. He was a dwarf, I shouldn't expect much on that when it came to such a huge issue. I hadn't known that this was where I'd end up, but I wasn't about to change it.

"As you wish," I found myself saying and I turned on my heel and walked off without a bow toward him.

I felt my steps slow when I heard the table suddenly crash to the ground but I forced myself not to flinch and kept moving. By the time I got outside I was out of breath from walking so fast out of Erebor. I looked at the several dwarves that were outside, and inhaled a huge breath. Tauriel and Kili were further down the path to the mountain, so I decided to go thank her. When I approached them, Tauriel smiled warmly at me.

"It is good to see you on your feet," she said, gently taking my hands.

"Thank you, for helping me," I said, giving them a slight squeeze. "Both of you."

"What's wrong though?" Kili asked, from where he sat on a large rock.

"I think I'd rather go through a blade again then what I just did," I said quietly. "I revealed to Thorin that I'd been coming here for a long while. Back when Smaug was indeed alive..."

"How did you come by talking about that?" Kili asked. "I remember Gandalf confiding in Balin about something like that. Why would Thorin be angry with you?"

"I only befriended the one being that stole his home away," I pointed out shakily. "And...honestly at the time I had thought Thorin was dead...that's what the rumors said. Some said he became King while making a new life and many said he died. I couldn't find it in myself to find out so I..."

Kili looked at me gently. "He shouldn't be mad at you, Arina," he said quietly.

"That's where you and your uncle differ," I smiled up at him. "Thank you. But it's not a surprise it had hurt him. I had told him I was trying to get close enough that I could suggest the dragon leave, but I never got that far. And I won't lie...the moment I saw Thorin I dropped everything to help him take back this mountain, dragon be damned. My loyalty is always to him."

"Maybe you should tell him that," Tauriel looked at me softly.

"Mmm, he broke the table when he told me to leave," I shook my head. "I...I'm good."

"Ah...well then," Kili cleared his throat with a laugh.

"Anyway," I sighed and looked back at the elf before me. "I also wanted to thank you for what I'm wearing and the bag you left."

"Of course," she smiled with a nod. "I have sent your size back home so that they will send a new wagon of things here. We are back to trading since the mountain has been won and we have much to supply you with. Payment is just extra for Thranduil."

I gave her a gracious look and looked over to Kili when he blinked at me for a moment. "What?"

"How are you feeling?" he asked.

"Sore," I sighed.

"Ouch," he grinned. "Look out."

I heard the footsteps before they left the ground and I stepped aside and spun so that I tripped who ever was lunging for me. Fili went face first in to the ground beside me with an oomph. Kili nearly doubled over in laughter, while the elf at his side just smiled. I put my hand on my hip as I glared at the other prince.

"I may be tired..." I said as he pushed himself up. "But I'm far from helpless."

"Noted," he laughed. "What in heavens did you do to Thorin? He...he's raging...really bad."

"I think it's time I run away," I felt my voice crack in a whimper.

"She made friends with the dragon back when she thought Uncle was dead," Kili said for me.

"I...okay, so what's the deal? The dragon is dead," Fili replied, and we all groaned.

"I hate to leave you, but I do have to return to my King for a while," Tauriel sighed, and gave me an encouraging look. "Good luck."

"I'll need it," I said, looking back to Fili who snickered as Kili kissed the elf before she left on her horse.

"So, who feels like having some fun?" Kili asked, as he jumped down and drew his sword.

"I can best you any day brother," Fili smiled. "We may have to become better in case we have to protect Arina against Uncle."

It was a tease and it made me jump on to the rock above them and watch as they had a match. I watched them for the next twenty minutes in silence when I heard horses. Turning my head, I watched two men riding up, dressed in black with long black cloaks. They had weapons on their belts which had me narrowing me eyes. It had only been three days since the mountain was won back, who were these people. Dressed like that I knew they were not just some common travelers.

"Fili, Kili," I said sharply drawing their attention.

Getting to my feet, I jumped down in front of the men as they got close and I looked at the horses. "Stop," I commanded and was pleased to watch the animals come to a dead halt.

The men looked at me from where they sat and one of them shifted their animal to the side. "Who are you?" he asked.

"The same I could ask you," I replied firmly, as Fili and Kili came out behind me. "What business do you have here? You are certainly not men from Lake-town."

"Our business is with King Thorin. You could say it is unfinished," he replied, glaring down at me.

"That sounds like a threat," I looked up at him.

"And if it is, what are you going to do?" he sneered.

Fili and Kili drew their swords from behind me and stood firm in the path. I looked at the men for a moment, and then at the horses before I returned my gaze to them.

"Has word traveled fast that Thorin, King Under the Mountain has reclaimed the city?" I asked.

"It's spreading fast enough. Now move."

"You know...I really didn't want to change today," I sighed sadly. "My dear boys, will you please dump your masters?"

Both horses snorted and tossed their heads and suddenly bucked and reared, throwing the men from them. I smiled very pleased with myself.

"How," Kili asked.

"These horses can understand human speech," I replied. "Will you two take care of our unwelcomed guests? I want to know what their business they have with Thorin."

"Of course," Fili smiled, dipping his head as they walked forward.

The two men had barely made it to their feet before the brothers were on them to get information out. Going up to the two horses, I took off their saddles and other tack and patted them both on the neck. Both animals snorted happily, glad to be rid of their riders. These animals were from a long way away. It made me narrow my eyes in anger. Where did these men come from?

"You are free again. Go...far from here," I said gently, as they bowed slightly to me before galloping off.

One of the men suddenly punched Kili and sent him flying with a kick while Fili had killed his partner. I glared at the man and rushed forward and kicked his feet out from under him which sent his sword flying and I caught it.

"I prefer blades made from the elves," I sighed pointing it at him, knowing that our commotion didn't go unnoticed. "What is your business here?"

"Go to hell, filth," he snarled, swinging suddenly. "The King will die, we will kill him. There is still a price on his head!"

Flinching at the sharp pain that went through my leg I glanced down to see what he did. I yanked the dagger from my leg after a shudder and without wasting another second; I thrust the sword right in to his chest making him scream out as I twisted it.

"I'm really getting tired of being shot, and stabbed, and sliced open," I said softly after he died, and I moved off to the side as I heard others approaching.

"Uncle," Kili said with a slight nod as Fili joined him.

"What happened here?" Thorin demanded from behind me.

Dropping the dagger to the ground, I walked off from them, and went to the stream where it was not covered in ice since it was flowing too fast. Reaching down, I washed my hands and then looked at the wound the dagger had left behind. It was slowly healing, so I stayed kneeling till it was closed and only a red mark was left. It was a little raw and still hurt but at least it wasn't bleeding.

"My nephews said I should talk to you about what happened since you got the information out of them?"

I stood up and covered my cold hands in the sleeves of my sweater and turned to face him. It was cold out, but at least the sweater I was wearing was thick and cozy. Thorin looked at me, waiting for my response and I wasn't sure if he was over what had happened earlier. I was guessing not with the way he had spoken and how he stood with his arms firmly crossed.

"They would have seen you dead," I replied. "So we disposed of them. Can you give me any information that can tell me why they were coming here? The one I said told me there is still a price on your head."

Thorin looked at the ground as he thought and then met my eyes again. "Gandalf told me in Bree almost a year ago that there was someone who wanted me dead. I'm sure that was where those men had come from."

"So you are still being hunted then," I crossed my arms as a wind blew through the valley. "I will go let Bard know so that he can be on the look out for strange men. That way they won't get past the town."

"Send someone else," Thorin said firmly. "I will not have you go far while you are still weak."

"I'd rather face down a few blades then you right now," I said honestly. "I'm feeling just fine."

Thorin sighed and walked up to me. I couldn't back away from him since the water was right behind me, but I felt myself tense dramatically. Thorin laid his hands on my shoulders and looked at me seriously.

"I'm sorry I got angry," he said slowly. "Balin spoke with me and told me he already knew about it and that I was being a fool for reacting the way I did. The dragon is dead, and that's all that matters."

I eyed him in suspicion when he fell silent, and he suddenly bent down on to one knee. I dropped my hands in surprise and looked at the dwarf king that knelt before me. I couldn't believe how uncomfortable I suddenly felt. He bowed his head quietly, only adding the shock going through me. I was not used to anything that he was doing today, beside the earlier fit of rage he had displayed. I shifted quietly again.

"Arina, please forgive me," he rumbled. "I would wish to take that look from your face."

Thorin reached for my hand and kissed it when he looked up at me, and I felt my shoulders drop. I sighed and nodded to him quietly, and he rose back up to his feet and pulled me to him. Not pressing the matter any further, I wrapped my arm around him quietly as we walked back to the others.

"Kili, go down to Dale," Thorin said when we were close enough. "Let Bard know about these men and that more may come down. Bifur, Nori...get rid of the bodies."

"Sir," everyone nodded at the same time as he led me back to the mountain.

"Are you okay?" Thorin asked, looking down at me.

"Are you still angry?" I returned, and glanced up at him.

"I am not," he said reassuringly. "You have my word. I was foolish to get so upset. I know you didn't do it in spite. You always had a knack for going into such dangerous things out of curiosity."

I sighed as we entered the city and looked around at how much was being fixed around us. Thorin reached down and took my hand and then tugged me forward. I gave him a curious look when he tugged me, so I had no choice but to follow.

"I have something to show you," he smiled, leading me up a flight of stairs.

I eyed his back as I followed him up the flight of stairs and up a few more. He led me in to a room that was large and brightly decorated with gold. It had a balcony that opened up and provided a beautiful view of Dale and the valley between it and the mountain. I looked around, and noticed a large bed had been fixed up and new blankets and pillows had replaced what I was sure had been old and ratty. There were a few torches that lined the wall and a small candle holder on one of the tables by the bed. It branched off in to another room that served as a bathroom. I was surprised to see that the bathroom was more extravagant than the room itself complete with a stone tub to bathe in and a shower. In both rooms there was also a place to light a fire.

"What do you think?" Thorin asked, as I walked back out and looked around again. "The shower will take some time to fix."

"This is a gorgeous room," I replied. "I have to hand it to your people. You sure know how to make things."

He smiled at me as I ran my hand over a large wooden trunk that was in the corner of the room, and another one was straight across. Walking out on to the stone balcony, I took in the view and smiled.

"Wow," I breathed.

Thorin came up beside me and put his hands on the stone and leaned on them a little as the wind blew his hair back from his face. "This is our room," he rumbled. "It was my grandfathers' back when he ruled. Now, we get to have it."

"It is lovely," I said looking back inside. "Both inside and out."

"I'm glad you like it. You'll be staying here from now on," Thorin said as he turned away and walked back inside.

I opened my mouth to say something, and then quickly shut it and walked out after him. I turned and followed him and watched as he sat on the bed with a sigh.

"If you weren't King, I'd tell you to rest," I sighed. "But that is out of the question. And how is your back?"

"Oin treated it before you woke up last night. It's healing quite well," Thorin replied. "I figured if I didn't take care of it, that it'd only add to your stress. You had enough to deal with."

"Mmm, and I still managed to piss you off," I offered, as I walked over to the bed.

"I did relay what you told me to Balin and Dain however," he said thoughtfully.

I plopped down on the bed next to him, lying on my back. "Oh?" I asked.

"My cousin thinks you are mad," Thorin smiled, as he lay back with me. "Mad, but right. Most of the mountain is good. We destroyed more of it when we took the dragon on."

"I've been meaning to ask you about that," I turned on my side and brought my legs up.

"Personally I don't think you are going to want to hear any of the stories, My Lady," Thorin replied, looking at me firmly.

"That awful?" I arched my brow as I tugged on one of his braids.

"If you want the amusing part, I called Smaug a fat slug," he mused. "It caused him to light the forges...and then break the gate."

"And before that?" I asked looking at him.

"Bilbo solved the riddle on the door," Thorin said softly. "And we...sent him in with Smaug. He told me they had a long conversation before it all started. Balin had me convinced to go in and try to help him when I well...wasn't myself. But in the face of that dragon I had never been clearer. I regret that I fell in to such madness for the time after that."

"You are not your grandfather," I reminded him.

"That's how I came out of it," he nodded as his hands rested on his belly. "I remembered what everyone said to me...how they acted and that main part. I was so relieved to come out of it."

"We all were too."

He gave me a look, and then reached out to touch my cheek with one of his fingers. "Now it's your turn," he rumbled.

"My turn?" I asked glancing at him.

"You told me you knew we were going to die. How did you know that?" Thorin rumbled.

"It's a painful story, and it was more of a dream than anything because I changed it," I replied quietly.

"Will you tell me?"

Letting my breath out quietly, I laid flat on my back and stared up at the ceiling. Preparing myself, I thought about everything and bit the inside of my cheek for a moment. This wasn't a happy story to tell, but he wanted to know it. I had no choice but to tell him.

Enjoy! I'll try to get this next one out faster!