Chapter 13; Delirium:

Welcome to chapter thirteen, a chapter I have been looking forward to writing for some time. It's a bit long, but then again, so have all my chapters. Well, just enjoy it anyway!

Oh, perhaps I should warn you guys, Alfrid is still alive. Though we all want him dead, he is needed for plot purposes later on, so please, forgive me for keeping him in the story a little longer.

Raelynne was reclined against a large cushion she had brought into the treasure vault, a book in her arms. She was reading one of her new favorite mythos, about the Valar that lived long ago, but sadly the book was not as entertaining to her at the moment as she watched the dragon continue to sleep. Shivering in discontentment, she brought the fur folds of her cape closer to her body. Progressively the mountain was becoming harsher to her senses, the cold accompanying her no matter how she armed herself with fur or fire. It was odd, for by the amount of time she had spent within the mountain, it should be approaching summer.

Summer. She had expected to be in Gondor by this time. There would be a festival taking place there soon, or perhaps it already was over, in which the coming of the summer sun was celebrated. Last year she had made a fortune, dancing and drinking merrily in company. There had even been a particularly merry person she kept company with, a young man little older than she, who seemed only content to have all her company to himself. He was handsome, tall, and had plenty of coin to spare. He had even bought her a dress, as a token for his affection, which she accepted of course. The dress that is, not the affection. While a romantic for the sake of her art and sometimes in opinion, Raelynne herself was not one for tender romance, though it prided her to say that she had been the object of affection for more than one youthful lad. And for every single one of them, she cheerfully used their kindness towards her, they buying tokens or meals for her, in return for her special attention and perhaps a few sweet kisses. Looking back now, it all seemed so vain and silly and even cruel, especially to herself. Perhaps Smaug was right, she thought herself above them, or perhaps she was too eager not to be tied down by anything after tasting the freedom of isolation. It did not matter now though, not while she was here. Besides, those boys had only been in love with the idea of her, a charming young songster with a pleasant smile and strange eyes. If they had known about how she stole their money purses when she kissed their cheeks, or sold the cheap jewelry they bought her at first chance, they would hardly be inclined to adore her.

But…if she had accepted that one Gondor boy's proposal, perhaps she would have become a happy wife instead a dragon's pet.

Slamming the dusty book in her lap closed in irritation, Raelynne demanded her thoughts to change themselves. She did not need those kinds of regrets or to spend another second wishing idly for domestic bliss. Such a life would not suit her anyways, her mother always told her she was far too wild for such a thing and Raelynne happened to agree with her on that particular point. With a sigh, she tried to distract herself. But with the dragon sleeping, she had no alternate source of entertainment. Raelynne had to admit, at times the dragon was pleasurable to converse with, if just for him being better company when compared to her other alternative, Alfrid. Smaug though had his charms and cleverness, and Raelynne had to begrudgingly admit his skill for wordplay nearly exceeded her own. Nearly. Perhaps in another life with him as a human she could have come to like him, or at least not have come to dislike him as she did now. No, dislike was too weak a word for what she felt, hidden beneath her smiles and will to charm. Hate, absolute and cold. It would not matter how diverting his company was, or that he was the most consistent thing in her life she had in seven years, she would always hate him, in this life or any other. She had to, or else she would be giving up entirely.

This train of thought, like the previous, was bothersome to Raelynne, and she tossed it out immediately. She replaced it not with another, but instead busied herself with picking up some nearby gems. For some time now she had been relearning herself how to juggle, a task proving more difficult than she first presumed. Diamonds and emeralds made for strange practice though, but it amused her to think that there was a time she would have never considered using jewels to use like one would common pebbles or apples.

She was up to five now, tossing each into the air at a moderate height. Nothing that would make her stand out by any means in the entertainment profession, but perhaps paired with a dirty limerick it could earn her some coins. Again, if she ever found her freedom.

Raelynne decided to make increase the height of the small gems, when the unmistakable sounds of the dragon stirring caught her attention. Before she could retrieve all the gems she had in the air, she felt something lash out gently at her ankles. In a mere second her legs buckled from under her, and she fell on her back, the tip of the dragon's tail lingering out of her periphery. Propping herself up one her elbows, she looked over at her master with a hard glare. She might have mistaken the action as a accident on his part during his stretch upon waking, if it wasn't for the obvious grin on his jowls. By Eru, how she hated that smirk. She almost hated it more than she hated the dragon, if that could be made into any sort of sense.

"You did that on purpose." Raelynne muttered under her breath as she stood herself back up, knowing that the dragon would hear. He watched her in amusement as she went back to her throw pillow.

"I see my songbird is not quite as chipper as she should be."

Raelynne turned a sweet, teasing smile back at her master, recognizing he was in a gaming mood for some banter. Though silence or just her singing was the most communication of their duration of each other's company still, Raelynne realized that the dragon took more opportunities to talk to her about, well, almost anything. Mostly they would quip and try to outwit one another with sage sayings or witticisms, but if she was to be critical of it, it seemed much more taunting in nature. The dragon had a predisposition to tease and talk, but truthfully, Raelynne could not blame him. His only option besides her for talk was Alfrid, and she knew herself to be just a bit more entertaining than that rat. She did not suppose as to why the beast longed to talk as much as he did now, she would not label him as lonely, but perhaps a bit…bored. Jewels, while glittering, were not much for conversation she supposed, and the dragon seemed to have a lot to say.

"What bird in the best of caged circumstances does not look a little stricken?" Raelynne finally returned, her smile becoming teasingly coy. She felt confident now to voice her full honesty to Smaug, who took it with grains of salt, though he would always put her back in what he deemed was 'her place'.

"Indeed, though it would seem your malediction is an uncaged tongue." Was his tested, rumbling reply. He seemed to be thinking about something now, his gaze now fully fixed on her reclining figure. Raelynne continued to smile.

"Well, we all have our burdens, and it seems you must suffer the brunt of mine."

The dragon did not reply, keeping to his study of her. Raelynne began to shift uncomfortably, as if she was being stripped by his eyes, though she was fully covered by a dwarven dress of blue and gold she had lengthened properly to her ankles. Raelynne was used to making such alterations or repairs to her costumes, so the task was not difficult and the result looked well put, especially with its low neckline and graceful bell sleeves. But even with all the yards of fabric on her, from her dress to her cloak, even with all the time she had spent in his presence, those damned eyes of the dragon's pierced her, and she could not meet his gaze in that moment, feeling the need to force the moment past.

"How would you have me entertain you to today master?" She asked as began to think of perhaps offering a dance since the first time he requested it of her. But it would not come to be, as the dragon shook his head.

"There will be no need."

"Oh, you're going out again? Would you want me to wait for your return?"

Again, the dragon shook his head, and with a sly smile, commanded her with his voice.

"Come closer songbird, I wish to look at you."

This made Raelynne blink in surprise for a moment, but she stood herself up regardless. She kept her eyes trained on her footing, so that she might not trip on the various dips and rises of the treasure Smaug was perched on. She only looked up when she when she caught him lowering himself to get a better view of her, and stopped when she came within ten feet of the tip of his muzzle. She stood there for quite some time as the dragon's red eyes dragged over her form again and again, looking for something. Raelynne watched him in turn just as eagerly, albeit far more confused. She became even more so when the dragon then snorted in dissatisfaction, the huff of breath pushing her back a step.

"Something displeases you?"

"Yes. You are still far too emaciated, yet you eat like a man, and your paleness has become overbearing to the tone of your skin." He growled, as if it was all her fault. Raelynne really had no idea how to reply to it, but could not help speaking in a terse tone.

"Well…I apologize for that master. Had I but known such faults offended–"

"Spare your bitterness. It is obvious life here in the darkness of my kingdom does not suit your kind. You have become sicklier every day."

Raelynne looked down at herself. Since being brought here, she had kept watch of her physical condition. All injuries gained by the dragon or Alfrid had healed quite well, and actually she had gained a healthy amount of weight since the dragon added meat into her diet some weeks ago. She was far more filled out in the best of places and her cheeks had lost the gaunt appearance they had since she began living meal to meal. As for her paleness, well, what did he expect? He took her from the sun, a much needed thing for all of life, not just human. Of course, this is not what she told him, as she supposed when it came to perfection, Smaug was the expert.

"I'll take your kind word for it."

"Come, we will remedy this."

"How?" Was all Raelynne managed to ask when the dragon lifted his body up suddenly, and she had to make quick distance to avoid the scattering of heavy coins and gems. She had no time to catch her breath as she felt a pressure at the back of her legs, and before she knew it she had been swept up into the dragon's clawed hand.

"Ah! Gently please!" She exclaimed as she tried to get herself upright, a mess of cloth and hair. A low chuckle was caught by her ears, but there was no other response as the dragon then began to lumber over his gold. Once they had reached the dragon's entrance into the vault then did Raelynne try to speak again.

"Will you not tell me where we are headed?"

Her response from Smaug was nothing by means of words, but sensation. All around her, she could feel the dragon tense himself, preparing for something she did not wish to know but felt doomed to. At once, she felt a lurch and a pull as the dragon suddenly surged forward.

Raelynne had never lost her breath so quickly before. The dragon was holding her, scaled hand tucked under his body, and running. Only on three legs he did not seem in the least disposed, and she admired the grace in which he wound his body through the maze of his kingdom. His hold on her was steady, and she barely felt the rapidness of their moving except for the rush of air past her bewildered face. Holding onto his curved talons to further steady herself, Raelynne watched the dragon navigate himself, twisting and turning as the path he had in his mind commanded him, guiding himself to a part of Erebor she was not familiar with. But soon, she detected a sharp light ahead, and was blinded by her shock to see the sun break the darkness ahead apart.

Smaug was taking her outside. Not only that, but if the telling spreading was his wings was anything to go by, he was going to fly with her. Raelynne's grip on his talons turned into an absolute embrace as terror struck her.

Terribly and all at once, she felt herself become suspended as the dragon leaped into the air. Every nerve of hers expected the pain of a harsh collision with the ground and she braced herself for it. But nothing of the like came to pass as the dragon fully unfurled his wings, and became the wind. The movement was graceful, but it lightly rocked Raelynne enough to jolt her eyes back open, and the sight left her mouth slackened in absolute wonder. How to describe such a sensation, such a scene? There were no words, for Raelynne knew that it was beyond her mind's ability to reason with. She was in the air, flying, impossibly soaring. True, she sat comfortably on the dragon's paw as he read the winds as easily one would an expression, but all around her she could feel the air's sharp caress. Even in her fright, and slight suspicion that the dragon could be tempted to drop her, she felt an unfamiliar joy. It frightened her, but it was wondrous. Nothing had ever looked as small as the land below her now, nor more beautiful. A rush of various greens dazzled her eyes as they flew over forests and fields with a speed unmatched by anything she had ever known.

It was no wonder to her now why birds sing. This was all their own, this alien beauty. That, and the dragon of course, who now doubt saw himself as lord of the skies, and which for once Raelynne believed he deserved the title. His graceful run before could not compare with this artful movement he now commanded his body with. The serpentine winding of his body was like a ribbon's, the length of him propelled on by the thrust of his leathered wings. Emotions unguarded, Raelynne felt nothing but awe and admiration for her dragon as she watched the passive concentration in his corded muscles as he continued to take her higher beyond imagination.

She did not know if she was thankful or disappointed when Smaug lowered his position to begin landing. He made the decent slow, mostly likely for her sake, but all too soon Raelynne felt herself nearly thrown from his grip as he landed, a shock going through her bones at the force of it as earth gave under his claws. Gently, he unfurled his claws and began to set her down, and Raelynne surprised herself with being able to walk and take in her surroundings.

They were now by a pond of clearest blue shaded by a forest in bloom of coming summer. The dragon had landed on the only available clearing, he towering above everything around for what seemed like miles of isolating land. She did not recognize the forest as the foreboding Greenwood, but it held its own enchantment, a stillness that not even the presence of a looming dragon could repress. It was a sight that could be seen anywhere in the world, it was nothing more miraculous than a sun rising, but to Raelynne it was all too much for her senses. The scent of the forest was intoxicating. A true breeze kissed her cheeks, and the sun, oh, the sun…

"It's gorgeous!" She exclaimed as a smile of unbridled joy brought life to her face. The dragon paid little attention, his head held high as he searched for any sign of life, probably to make sure their presence would be undisturbed, though a smirk turned the corners of his jowl. Raelynne did not need a reply, her heart aching at the feel of dirt and grass beneath her boots. She wanted so badly to touch the water, and she stepped forward to do so, when for a third time she was knocked to the ground, this instance brought about by the weakness in her legs. Feebly, she collapsed to the ground, breathlessly grinning.

"Ooh. Flying took more out of me than I expected. But then, no, you were flying, I was…I…oh dear…" She let out a nervous laugh, feeling just a bit faint from the exhausting experience of her first flight. The dragon then peered down at her, watching her as she clutched the ground despairingly.

"If you are going to get sick, then do so downwind." He told her with a sneer, disgusted by the possibility of her having a weak constitution. Again, Raelynne laughed, her fingers loosening themselves to feel the warm earth.

"No, no, I'll recover. I'll be fine."

More than fine. She was in the sun, she could have sung for her own joy. Its warmth invaded her, and she welcomed it with in breathless anticipation. She stood herself up, her strength invigorated and her senses regained enough to wonder what the purpose of all of this was before she resigned herself to felicity.

"What are we doing here?"

"Isn't it obvious? You're pale, malnourished. You need sun and fresh air. This place will revive you."

"We're here for me to...revive?" Raelynne asked hesitantly, not wanting to dare hope as she glanced longingly at the lake. "For how long?"

It went missed by Raelynne, but the dragon's smirk grew at the sound of her absolute, if tentative, pleasure.

"Till the sun sets. If you grow hungry there is plenty to eat in the forest. You may explore some if that is what you choose, though you will not wander far." He warned, having faith that his songbird was by now wise enough not to dare run away from him here. It was an unnecessary, if silent, threat for Raelynne could hardly bring herself to walk let alone run for the shock of having natural light upon her face, of green branches bending to dance on the wind's touch. Had a simple forest always been this beautiful? She had grown up around woodlands, as a child she played under the trees, but never in all her years was she this happy to be among them. She had the dragon to thank and hatefully blame for that. He had starved her of this sight for so long it was now almost an entirely new sensation to her. But she could not muster her hate quite enough to spoil the gift he had allowed her by bringing her here, and only thought of enjoying herself.

"Can I swim?"

"If that is what you wish."

It was all she wished. Raelynne's legs found their strength and she went to the lake's edge. The need to feel its cool waters became a desire that did away with all her thoughts of the dragon, almost as if he was not there at all. Her boots were the first to go, followed quickly by her stockings. The bodice was horrible for her impatient fingers to deal with, but following that was the rest of the dress, leaving Raelynne in her white shift. Eagerly she walked to the water, speed increasing with each step in her anticipation to reach it till she practically sprinted into it.

"Oh! Cold!" She shouted delightfully, the pebble strewn bottom of the lake crunching beneath her bare feet in a most pleasant way as she waded to her waist. Several deep breaths were taken before she boldly dived the rest of the way in. Though she loved a hot bath, the shock of the cold water against her took all of her weight and troubles, refreshing her senses. The lake was absolutely clear, remarkably so even to its depths, rather like staring into a diamond. With the whole lake bottom below her in perfect clarity, Raelynne was tempted to explore it, and her strong legs kicked her down. She had not swum with this much exuberance since she was a child, resurfacing only to release the piercing in her lungs. Her body became acclimated to the chilled water and allowed her muscles to relax so that it no longer became an effort to move but a languid dance. Her hair and shift billowed about her as she remained suspended for a time, glancing up to see the world waiting for her above, hoping she would never have to join it again. But soon her dives became shorter as her breath could no longer take such absences of air, and she started to swim back to shore. As her body came out of the water, she felt gravity press down on her harshly, and she realized how much she had exhausted herself in her excitement.

The shift she wore hugged to her body tightly, the white cloth clinging to her skin leaving the discreet hue of flesh beneath it, and her hair trialing down her back heavily like a matted tail, but Raelynne could not bring herself to care about her appearance as she strode up to the dragon happily. He was resting, but she knew him to be awake as he immediately twitched as some droplets landed on his face when she shook her hair.

"Oh, apologizes," He only glared at her before resting his head upon one of his clawed hands again, and she laughed at the annoyed snarl he showed her as he looked her up and down. "Do dragons not like water?"

"We're not overly fond of it, nor are other creatures of flame."

Raelynne's head tilted to the side in curiosity as she began to ring out her shift, careful this time not to get Smaug wet.

"Then how do you keep yourself clean? If you do not bath, then do you–"

"Your tedious fascination with the trivial habits and ways of dragons has become most tiresome pet." He sneered at her, though Raelynne could not hear the usual threat that came with all his harsh words. Perhaps he too was enjoying the day, his body stretched out like a snake's bathing in the golden rays.

"I apologize master, but you can't hardly expect me not to be curious about a being such as you. You are the legends and myths of my childhood brought to life." Raelynne told him with her sweet smile which became wider at the sight of the dragon's chest shifting out in pride at her words. It was the first time her flattery worked on him in some time, and the improvement encouraged her to think on turning this into a most beneficial opportunity. But nothing could come to her, she unable to scheme thanks to her own exuberance from being in the woods.

"Do not mistake my kind for the creatures in your silly stories. Our true existence is far greater." Smaug told her with some disdain for her continuous habit of comparing truth and fiction. By now Raelynne knew most of her fairy tales to be untrue, proven so by her time with Smaug. He had refuted everything she had ever known to be right, and even now he dazzled her senses as she realized she had never seen the dragon in full light before. He was very nearly…breathtaking. His scales shown out with a new vibrancy against the sun, blazing from his horns to the tip of his daggered tail. It was no wonder he was called the Red Dragon. He was a paragon fire, and for a moment she was afraid to come any closer to him.

"Indeed." She whispered.

Just then, Raelynne started to shudder. Her body had grown used to the cold of the lake, but now exposed to the wind, she felt herself quivering with no defense besides her thoroughly soaking shift. Most of the forest was shaded, the only sunny spot right next to the dragon. And though she longed to stretch herself out on the warmed grass, Raelynne thought of a better way to heat herself up. It would be bold, but it would be the most efficient not to mention daring way she could think of.

Innocently, she came closer to the dragon. He was not watching, his eyes shut as he restfully sighed. Raelynne smiled at knowing he was enjoying the sun, very nearly like a giant cat as she heard a pleased rumble come from his chest with another deep breath of his. She came up to his clawed forehand, and very carefully, sat down beside and leaned against its side. Through his scales she could feel the muscles of the dragon tense at the pressing of her light weight against him, but she kept herself calm, and focused on the heat that radiated off of him and onto her shivering back in the most enjoyable of ways. She did not hear any protest or gruff and it wasn't long till she could feel him relax again, and she thought she heard a longer, more deeply contented sigh from him. Or perhaps it was her.

"I do not think I have mentioned it before, but I'm thankful to Smaug." She eventually spoke out, her eyes closing as she sank herself further into relaxing against the talons that could on whim tear her apart. After a moment she could feel the dragon's gaze on her, though she found that she could not be bothered by it.

"For what?"

"For allowing me the freedom to pace my own cage. And for bringing me here."

The dragon let out a growling sneer that reached Raelynne through the scales she leaned against.

"Your thankfulness sounds too akin to spite." He warned.

"Does not the gratefulness of a beggar outweigh that of a king's, however bitter? A crust of bread can be more worthwhile an entire mountain of gold." Was her mumbled, somewhat off topic, reply. She had not meant to insult, for once she was actually feeling something akin to gratitude, however misplaced, and was not really certain what she was saying. The sun had loosened her tongue considerably. She didn't care though. Her schemes to revenge herself did not matter, only her and this warmth from the sun and her dragon companion and the false freedom they both lent her imagination.

"What you speak of is impossible. A king is superior to a beggar in every way gold is to a crust."

"Mmh, despite your talent for riddles, you appear to be lacking in imagination Smaug."

"Do I now?"

"Being of infinite years and wisdom, yet you can't see the beauty of the simple things? You would not be successful in the profession of poet or entertainer."

"And you were?"

"Oh, yes. Very. I was so gifted at my profession was because I lived to be idolized. Perhaps it was my making up for the lack of attentions in my youth, but I wanted others to like me. Appreciate me. Want me. Even if just for another song and dance. Call it my crust, if you want." She couldn't stop herself. The truth trickled out of her, and she couldn't stop it. She was giving too much of herself away, beyond what was necessary for her purposes. She had never shared this need with anyone before, and there was no need now, but sleep tempted Raelynne to share intimacies she would have never parted with before.

"Most would be more inclined to call that vanity."

"Most. But not you, oh great and terrible Smaug?"

"It's not vanity to have your right of your significance recognized by those lesser than you."

"Mmh, I suppose…" She agreed sleepily, not really taking note of what he had really said, or the thoughtful reflection with which he spoke it. She fell asleep in a matter of moments, her body fully pressed against Smaug's scales in surrendered ease.

~:o0o:~

The early sun had passed into noon and found Raelynne still in its presence. She left her dragon companion after awaking from her short nap at his stirring. Apparently her using him as a lean too was not going to keep him from hunting, and he left her not an hour ago to fill his belly. He only had to give her a stern look to convey that he expected her not to do anything foolish, like run, while he was gone, and Raelynne did her best to charm such a notion out of his mind but whether it was successful was impossible to determine from his unreadable expressions. But while he went to eat, she too busied herself with feeding, finding a ripe pear tree and gorging herself as she laid herself down once more in the warmed field very close to the lake. It was covered in grass and wild flowers, and after a while Raelynne could not fight her temptations.

She was not the best at it, though it was presumed every girl knew how to do it, for her little sister had always been the one to make them for the family during the festivals, she having the knack for it. But soon, the bundle of flowers she had gathered transformed themselves into a petaled crown. It was very silly, whimsical, and childish, but Raelynne for all her ways could not help but smile at her work. Something about today made her feel like repeating the small, insignificant things she used to do as a child, from swimming, lazing about in the sun, and now adorning her head with flowers. Highly silly, very childish, but…no one was here to see, and that helped Raelynne allow herself some pleasure. Really, it was the dragon who was allowing this, by bringing her here, and if she had to strength, she would hate him more in this moment than ever before, for making the sun a stranger to her, but still she felt misplaced gratitude due to her elated mood. He brought her here because she was looking tarnished, and being his possession that would not do, any kindness from him would be the same treatment he would give to a coin in his hoard. Nothing more and nothing less, and that's what she meant to him, nothing, no matter how kindly he treated or cruelly he treated her.

Slightly put out, Raelynne put the flower crown onto her now dry hair, and tossed herself on her back, spreading herself over the soft grass. She was beginning to feel the call of sleep creep into her and make her eyelids heavy, when she heard a noise start up nearby. A twig, snapping. It was far too small a commotion to have been caused by Smaug, but far too loud to have been anything harmless. Thinking the worst, Raelynne stood herself up, cursing that she was not wearing her boots as she prepared to run. However, as two figures stepped out of the forest, she froze in fear.

"Oh…damn." Raelynne mumbled as she frightfully stared at the two orcs before her. In truth, she had never seen their like before, but from what she had heard from the unfortunate who have, there could be no mistaking. Animal skins and bones made up their armor, their skin pale from their natural hate for the sun. One was far larger than the other, but the smaller was the only one of them armed, one cruelly curved sword in its hands, glinting in the sun like a tooth. Pointed features akin to predators adorned their faces, and the two pairs of sharp, dark, hungry eyes were pointed at her intently.

"Pretty." Said one.

"Meat." Said the other.

Raelynne felt panic seize her mind and limbs, and without a second spared she was off running. She did not need to look back to see that the two orcs were following her, she heard them clear enough. Growls and grunts of animalistic hunger chased after her, like the baying of hounds on the scent of a rabbit. Unfortunately her situation was far worse, for if they caught her, being mauled would be the least of her pains. Legs sprinting, she crossed into the forest and out of the field, hoping that the trees would help hide her. Her heart's pulse was wild, knowing that it would be all or nothing and her body would pay the full price if she stopped. Weaving and ducking to complicate her trail, Raelynne knew she was gaining distance, and ventured to look back. There was only one of them following her now, the smaller one. Had the other given up the chase? She did not risk to guess, for even one would be enough to harm her, especially with him being armed and her so stupid to have left her dagger back in its hiding place in the mountain. Pressing on she ran even faster, though her lungs would soon reach their limit of strain. Oh, why had she tired herself with swimming, why hadn't she heard them sooner? Her caution had been lost to her delirium, and she had grown girlishly stupid. Her bare feet were bleeding now, having trampled over thorns and sharp stones, and each step now shot pain up through her legs. She couldn't tell if it was sweat or tears of exhaustion that wetted her face, but still she ran. It was all she could do, there would be no hope of rescue, not here, not–

Something blindsided Raelynne, knocking all breath from her as she found herself colliding with the ground. She couldn't make her body move in enough time to get up, and felt a hand grab at her ankle. The larger orc had cut her off, and now was pulling her to him, shouting at its quickly approaching companion in some dark speech. Futilely her hands clawed at the ground in order to get away, but she felt a weight straddle her back and cruel hands grasped handfuls of her hair, trapping her.

"Hold still!" The orc shouted down at her, but she refused to comply. She squirmed and hit at his legs behind her furiously, only producing chuckles from the creature at her weak attempts to get free. The hand that was in her hair yanked her up till her back was arched into a painful position, and the orc brought its head close to hers. A freeze took her blood as she felt the repulsive creature's breath on her skin, the orc sounding a greedy snarl as it opened its mouth as if to taste her neck. Raelynne's instincts took over and grabbing a fistful of dirt she flung it behind. She heard a pained grunt at her success of having filled the creature's eyes and mouth with dust, and his grip loosened on her to wipe it away. Without a second to waste, she squirmed out from underneath him and ran once more, hoping the other orc was not near enough to catch up to her. Her pace was slower than before, her ribs somewhat pained from the force of the blow and the strain of her breath. But to give up now would mean death, or far worse. She did not know what she was running towards or for how much longer she could stand, but she hoped that wherever her tired feet where carrying her would be her salvation.

Hope against hope proved futile, as Raelynne found herself cornered by foundations of stone that built up into a very inconvenient peak. She tried to double back, but the two creatures had caught up with her all too easily in her slowed pace. Breathlessly she paced, trying to find a way around them or up the cliff, finding no promising possibility available to her. So she used the only resource she had left to her, her words or more to the point a bluff.

"Gentlemen, I advise you to turn back the way you came before something horrid happens to you." Raelynne warned them with as much confidence as she was able to muster. She did not know if they would fully understand, for their Westron was very limited, but they apparently knew enough as they both began to chuckle at her as they come closer. Still, Raelynne knew that bluffing was her only chance and pressed on, standing a little straighter.

"I warn you, my master is not kind to those who trespass on his mountain. He will come looking for me soon." Knowing that she was no threat to them, she hoped to make them think she was not alone as her face set itself in determination. But once more, the orcs laughed at her, one reaching to grab at the folds of her shift as she began to back away from them.

"We fear no men."

Raelynne could not help but have her own laugh, despite circumstances.

"My master is no mere man."

Preparing herself for what was inevitable, Raelynne tightened her hands into fists, and decided that she would be the first to strike. She lunged herself at the unarmed orc, barely getting a scratch in before he grabbed her and threw her back onto the rocks. Unable to help her pained cry, Raelynne saw the smaller orc come forward with his sword, and lifted her hands in last minute defense as she felt the steel press threateningly to her throat.

Then nothing. Not even pain. She could only hear her own rough breaths, though she still felt the menace of metal against her skin, though its pressure lessened after a few moments. Confusion begged her to open her eyes, and she did so slowly. The sight made her smile in exalted relief.

From the other side of the raised peak, towering above it at full height, was Smaug. Liquid red was dripping from his jowls, and Raelynne assumed she and her new companions had come across him eating. For the interruption, he did not look the least bit amused. Quite opposite really, as he assessed the situation quickly, annoyance turning into fury as he saw the sword pointed at her throat. The most unearthly sound came then from the back of his throat, and Raelynne felt herself shiver at the brutality of it, though she knew it was not meant for her. No, the orcs knew that it was their time to run now, and with wide, terrified eyes, they turned tail and fled.

They did not make it very far.

Smaug clambered over the small raise, Raelynne ducking down so as not to get in his way. The orcs scattered like flies, but the dragon was far quicker and tore tree and stone apart as he charged towards them. With a snarl, he lunged towards the smaller, armed orc. The thing shrieked as Smaug's jaws closed around him, and Raelynne heard a sickening crack of bone that signified the end of the creature's life. Quickly dropping the limp corpse, Smaug aimed his attentions at the other orc. It stood no chance, and Raelynne watched in half-horror, half-awe as the dragon snapped at the creature, leaving nothing behind as he bite down.

In a state of shock, Raelynne watched as Smaug, almost unaware of her presence, went back to the other corpse, having swallowed the one in his mouth. Feeling sick, she turned away as he picked the thing up, and unable to bear the sound of bone crunching a third time, covered her ears. When she was quite sure he was finished, she turned. He was gazing furiously at the spot where he had struck his prey down, that haunting sound still coming from the back of his throat as he tore at the ground in frustration at having so quickly disposed the objects of his anger it seemed. Not sure if it was the wisest thing to do, Raelynne decided to grab the dragon's attention.

"That was hardly necessary."

She flinched as the dragon's head snapped towards her. It seemed he had forgotten she was there, too focused on his kill. Seeing her though, Raelynne could have sworn his feature's softened into something close to relief, though that was gone as he then smirked at her.

"Try and be more specific songbird. Do you mean my saving you or my keeping you alive?" He asked tauntingly as he turned his body around to better face her. Raelynne, shivering from residual fear, walked up to meet him.

"No. Eating them." Her voice, however breathless with exhaustion, was clear in her disgust and she watched as the dragon then licked his jowls off all blood, relishing the taste.

"They would have done the same to you…and far worse." At his words, Raelynne's hand found the back of her neck, caressing the sore spot where the orc had grabbed her. It could have been far worse for her, yes, if the greedy touch of the orc was any indication. The thought made her shudder, and she stepped closer to Smaug, who was testing the air with his tongue, no doubt smelling something.

"I believe my action warrants gratitude." The dragon went on, giving Raelynne an impatient sneer. She gave him a smile, and bowed dramatically, unable to help her humor.

"There is simply no limit to your compassion and humanity, my most generous and benevolent master. You are a prince amongst men."

Raelynne though her tone made it sound that she was mocking him, she was very grateful. The idea of rescue had not even crossed her mind in her confrontation with the orcs. And though she knew his reasons for doing so were selfish in source, she had the misfortune to say that no one had protected her before like that, so covetously. For a moment she imagined that his fury was due to her being in danger and hurt rather than having his meal disrupted, though she scoffed it away. Of course that was why he was furious, he was her possession, and he would not like to have her dented by anyone else but him.

"Take care of your comments, I may just find where the other orcs are hiding and let them finish what their companions started." Snarled the dragon, bringing Raelynne's thoughts back onto him in curiosity.

"There are others?"

"Not for some leagues by their scent, but they are close, yes. Most likely making their way into the Greenwood. These two happened to get lost, left behind after their mounts were eaten."

"How did you know that?"

"I was the one who ate them, of course."

Raelynne shivered at the darkly humored look the dragon gave her.

"Of course."

Grasping her hands tightly to her, Raelynne sought to suppress her anxieties. The chase and consequently bloody rescue had her still very much shaken. She was not delicate in sensibilities, but having such a scene played out before her was nearly too much for her constitution. As her hands grazed her sides however, she hissed out in pain. Her ribs. Most of them were bruised from blow of the orc when he blindsided her. The whole state of her was overwhelmingly alarming Raelynne found as she finally took a look at herself. Her shift was reduced to little more than ribbons, revealing far more skin than she would never dare, and almost every inch of her was covered in either dirt, leaves, nettles, or in the case of both her feet, blood. How she was still standing and not muttering every Gondorian curse she knew, Raelynne did not know.

"You are wounded." Commented the dragon, he having taken in Raelynne's appearance as well. She shook her head, taking off the battered crown of flowers from off her head and tossing it aside.

"It's nothing. Scratches."

The dragon lumbered a step closer, his head lowering itself to continue in his inspection. He did not seem to agree with her summation, and glared at the particularly red patch at the base of her neck.

"Lie down." He ordered, his commanding voice leaving no room for argument. Raelynne, realizing what he wished to do, immediately began protesting, knowing it was hopeless.

"N-no, I'm fine, really! Oh, please! No need for you to –Ah!"

More roughly than necessary, Smaug pushed Raelynne onto her back with the end of his snout, she hissing as her bruises protested to the treatment. She had no time to voice such concerns, as the dragon opened his mouth and descended upon her. A gasp of shock took Raelynne's voice as she watched the black tongue of the dragon snake around her leg as it had done so before, and she felt herself shudder in abhorrence and astonishment at the warm sensation that invaded her skin. His ministrations concentrated themselves on her legs, were most of the cuts and bruises had been earned, and for every stroke of his tongue Raelynne continued to squirm and wish for nothing more than to crawl away from him. His breath on her was stifling hot, and it disgusted her to think that not moments ago he had eaten and was now healing her. Truthfully, that appealed to her, as now doubt the cuts on her feet would have hindered her ease of movement for a week at least, but now the most pain they felt was a mere prickle as the dragon once more lowered his attentions onto them.

Her attempts to cringe away lessened as Raelynne came to resign herself to the dragon's intention to heal her. Still she shook in repulsion, feeling an uncomfortable tension start to build up below her stomach. Patiently, she griped at the ground as the dragon licked the length of her, ending at her shoulder. She thought perhaps that he was done, but then she felt a warm pressure at her neck for an endless second, and the shiver it created forced a voiceless whimper from her. Immediately she shot herself up, stepping away from the dragon to turn and look at him with all the embarrassment and shock he had built up in her. Those feelings surged as she watched the dragon lick at his own jowls, as if savoring a taste. She became impatient with the silence between them as he stared and smirked at her, and spoke.

"Can I please go wash myself?" Was her request, though by now most of the dirt and blood had been washed off of her.

"No."

At his sharp, humored tone, Raelynne looked up at the dragon incredulously.

"Why not?"

"We will return now, seeing as how you cannot keep yourself from getting into trouble for even one afternoon." At his reply, the young woman sighed, for she had been hoping to have a few more moments in the sun. Obediently, she came to sit herself on the scaled palm the dragon offered her.

"Very well. Gently this time please…Smaug."

Well, as exciting as that all was darlings, the next chapter holds its own share of excitement and surprises as Raelynne and Smaug get to talking and Smaug reveals he's a little bit more human than Raelynne had ever considered possible! Screams and fainting spells in the next chapter darlings, be sure not to miss!