#return her

It seems that your promise of a kiss really did motivate Bofur, because not even 10 minutes later are you all reaching the other side of the lake. 

As soon as it's put to shore and you all file out, Bofur looks to you expectantly and taps the side of his face. 

You, being as you promise, waste no time and leaning down and pecking his cheek gently, giggling at the way his cheeks reddens slightly and a huge smile breaks out on his face. It's pretty cute, you have to admit. 

"There you go, now no more complaining about not getting a kiss, okay? From now on there will be no negotiations." You tell them decisively, adding afterwards, "I will distribute them when I see fit." 

Bofur nods happily and goes back to the boat to grab some of the supplies, meanwhile Kili looks at you with a frown, "But what about me?" 

"I told you already, you got one." 

"Yes, but I can't remember it! Surely that isn't fair." He complains, glancing over at his brother and Bofur who are taking things out of the boat. 

"It's not my fault you can't remember it." You shoot back, stepping around him to take your backpack out of the boat. 

Kili stares at you for a few moments with the same displeased expression on his face before grumbling out, "It's not fair." 

You glance back at him again while you put on your bag, sighing internally before stepping back and pecking his cheek very quickly. "There! Now no more complaining or I'll go right back to Bard-" 

They don't even let you finish your sentence before they're all yelling, "No!"

It seems you've gotten your point across.

---

The journey to the mountain is long and horribly arduous, and you can tell that it's taking a toll on Kili since he's begun to sweat and his breath is coming out in shallow pants. 

When you notice this you skip over to Fili and jump in front of him, successfully making him, and everyone else, halt their trekking. 

"Y/N? What are you doing?" Fili asks, looking up at you with furrowed eyebrows. 

"Fili, dear, your brother is struggling an awful lot over there. I think we should take a break so he doesn't, like, pass out or anything." 

Normally, they would argue with you and tell you you're being too sensitive and worrisome, but with all the things you've been right about recently, Fili concedes and nods his head in agreement, "Alright." 

A huge smile breaks out on your face when the first answer isn't 'no' for once, and right away you clap your hands together excitedly and pat his shoulder, "Excellent." 

"We can rest beneath those trees for shade, and Oin will change his bandages." Fili states decisively, looking up at you with a small smile on his face since your joy is rather contagious. 

You drop your hand from his arm and bound over to the trees he pointed out with a new vigor fueled by the desire to take a freaking break. 

Right away you settle onto the ground and take off your backpack, patting the spot next to you when Kili limps over with Fili and Bofur on either side of him (incase he collapses or something). Oin walks over much slower and with less enthusiasm, though he does appear to be pretty pleased about having a break too.

Kili sits down next to you without hesitation and stretches his legs out in front of him, looking over at Oin wearily since he doesn't much want anyone to touch his still healing (and very tender) wound. 

"I'm going to need you to lay down, lad." Oin tells him once he takes a seat, pulling out some things from his bag (supplied to him by Bard and Tauriel) like more stuff to wrap his leg and some cleaning stuff. 

The brown-haired dwarf sighs shakily a and slowly begins to lay back, fully intending to stretch out on the hard, dirty ground. 

"Ah, wait." You tell him quickly, scooting closer and offering your lap up as a pillow. 

He, of course, doesn't pass up the offer and settles himself down with his head resting on your thighs and a way too pleased expression on his face. 

Oin chuckles lightly before going business mode and carefully removing the wrapping Tauriel applied to his leg, careful not to hurt the young dwarf as he does so. 

You reach up and card your fingers through his hair gently, looking over at Oin's calculated and gentle movements with a slight frown on your face. On the bright side, at least it's not horribly infected anymore. 

Kili hums appreciatively when your nails scratch lightly at his scalp, the noise bringing your attention back to his face. 

You smile half-heartedly and ask, "Does it hurt at all?" 

"Only a little." He replies easily, folding his arms to rest on his stomach while he waits for Oin to finish up. "Don't worry, I will be fine." He assures, practically reading your worry ridden mind. 

"I-I know, but..." You trail off as you glance over at the scabbing and hideous hole in his leg, biting your lip lightly while you think over your words, "You were so sick..." 

"Careful there, Y/N, or I might begin to think you're worried for me." There is obvious humor in his voice, and from the smile on his face and the way Fili and Bofur laugh they all think it's funny; but you only look at him sourly. 

You reach down and pinch his nose none to gently, replying cooly, "Oh don't even joke about that! Obviously I was worried. We all were!" 

"Yes, but we didn't all cry." Bofur teases, leaning back against the tree with his hat covering his eyes. 

You glare over at him quickly and stick your tongue out, feeling your cheek heat up despite your attempt to remain cross and nonchalant. 

"You cried?" Kili asks quickly with wide eyes, forgetting all about the uncomfortable sensation of having Oin cleaning his arrow wound. 

"No!" You deny it with no small amount of embarrassment and indignation, pointedly avoiding looking at Kili since it's not the most dignifying thing. "I did not. Why would I even cry anyways? You were only writhing on the ground... screaming and practically sobbing any time any of us even got close to you..." It's not a memory that you want to hold onto for long, but what really gets you about it is how vividly you can remember his pained screams and agonized yells. 

 "Y/N..." Kili mumbles quietly, glancing over at his brother and Bofur who are looking at you with sympathetic expressions on their faces. 

"Oh, shut up! This isn't even about me, so worry about yourself." You huff, pulling on the ends of his hair lightly before saying hurriedly, "Look! Oin's all done! I'm going to take a nap, now." And with that, you push his head off your lap and immediately lay down with your head on your bag, covering your face with your hood and wrapping your arms around yourself. 

Kili sits up after you shove him off of you and looks at your curled up form with slight annoyance, speaking with a bit of humor to hopefully ease your tension, "Oh sure, go and push me off, thank you for that." 

"You're welcome, dearie." You reply without hesitation, feeling a smile tug at the corners of your lips in spite of the slight sadness creeping into you mere seconds before. "Hush now, I'm sleeping." 

He snickers at that but doesn't bother you anymore, so Fili speaks up and tells everyone, "30 minutes should be enough time for a break." 

Nice. 

---

There is only black when you first open your eyes. 

You cannot see anything, though you can hear the crazed yells of a man. 

He yells of the Arkenstone. 

Of treachery. 

Of distrust and wanting to keep something safe.

You feel a weight on your wrists suddenly, and when you look down you see transparent chains binding you to a throne, and more clearly this time you hear, "My key. My charm of good fortunes." 

And then that voice turns angry and you hear a vicious yell, "Throw him from the ramparts!" 

The black makes way for a blinding light, and when you look up everything around you shifts. 

The light dies upon you and you feel an emptiness spread from your chest throughout the rest of your body. 

Now, everything is gray.

The sky, the stone all around you, the blue-tinted ice beneath your feet, everything. 

Very slowly you turn, eyes meeting that all too familiar sight of a raging battle below and a grand castle settled upon the Lonely Mountain.

The screams from the awe-inspiring town meet your ears once more and are very faint until suddenly it all stops. 

Now all you hear is silence. A horrible, deafening silence that stretches out all around you. 

And then, oh so softly, comes the broken, "No..." Of a man witnessing something truly dreadful. Something that, still, you cannot see. 

Your body moves upon it's own accord, turning with a careful and painstakingly slow rotation, and once more you're met with the sight of Thorin, Bilbo, and Dwalin all staring ahead with matching hopeless and devastated countenances. 

There is no other sound even when you see their mouths opening as they scream and cry, for the only thing you can hear is the painfully loud roaring of complete, deathly, silence. 

You try, oh you try so hard, to look toward the source of their anguish, but like the night before your head refuses to abide by your wishes, and it's not until your vision zooms in automatically on that white hand and the chest of whoever this person holds that you can move. 

You turn your head up to catch a glimpse, just a quick peek, at the face belonging to whoever this person is, but the sun blinds you mostly still and all you see is messy, braided, blond hair. 

You know that hair.

Then you're back on the ground, looking down at the limp, bloodied body of somebody else, a gaping hole in their chest and a blur of brown hair and a short beard in your peripherals. 

You know that figure. 

In contrast of your dream from before, this time you get more than a quick look at someone getting stabbed in the chest, for you see a broken figure of someone laying lonely on ice until the soft sound of someone running towards you both reaches your ears. 

You want to see who it is, and you try very hard to clear the haze and see their face, you  and kind of get what you were wishing for.

His eyes are all you can see but still you know who it is.

You know .

Then your eyes fall upon Bilbo. 

"Why are you just standing there?" He yells, walking up to you, seeming so much bigger than he actually is as he grabs your shoulders in a bruising grip. "Why didn't you do anything? How could you just watch them die?" 

You shake your head and try to defend yourself, but when you open your mouth to reply, you find that you can't speak, and your cheeks begin to feel hot as tears run down them with record breaking speed. 

"You could have stopped this!" 

Once more you shake your head no and try to push his hands from your shoulders, but the hold stays and his yells grow louder. 

"Wake up." 

What?

"Y/N, you need to wake up! It's only a dream!"

You jolt awake and your eyes snap open quickly, your gaze flickering around above for a moment as you try to make sense of what's around you. 

The first thing you see is the confused and very worried faces of Fili and Bofur, and the first thing you feel is the hotness of your face and the dampness of your cheeks. 

Then, you see Kili and Oin just behind them, and your throat feels hoarse as your heart throbs painfully as the dream replays behind your eyes and the the hints that littered throughout your terror come back to you. 

The realization you come to makes you sick to your stomach, but you push down the bile and sit up slowly, entangling your hands into your hair and putting your head between your knees as you try to force away the unpleasant nightmare. 

Vaguely you feel a heavy hand pressing against your back and rubbing slow, soothing circles between your shoulder blades as you try to calm your breathing and rub away the tears staining your cheeks. 

You stay in that position for a small while, until all the crying is done and over with and you can form a proper thought once more. 

When you slowly sit up normally once again, you meet the worried stares of four others and immediately feel quite a bit worse.

"I'm fine." 

The words leave you before you can even think of any explanation for what just happened, but truthfully after what you just saw you're not so sure you wanna share that with anyone else. 

"Clearly you aren't." Fili challenges without hesitation, his eyebrows furrowed as he observes you carefully, "Your dream was distressing enough to make you scream and cry in your sleep, which isn't something that happens very often, especially not for any normal night terror." 

You look away sharply and weakly shrug your shoulders, avoiding all eye contact. Not even wanting to see them after what you'd just witnessed in your unrestful state. 

"Y/N..." Bofur mumbles your name sadly, reaching out to place his hand on your shoulder gently. "What has you so sad?" 

"I-It was just a stupid dream." You insist once more, shying away from his gentle touch. "It's nothing..." 

"It's not nothing! Why won't you tell us?" Kili asks sadly, adding after, "You've always told us before."

You shake your head slowly and say much softer this time, "Please... I don't wanna talk about it. Let's just go, okay?" 

None of them seem to much like the idea of dropping it and heading out, but the clock is ticking and you all really need to get going before nightfall. 

"Alright, alright. We will not force you to discuss it if you do not wish to." Fili tells you softly, wrapping his arm around your shoulders despite your hesitance to touch any of them. "We'll get going, and hopefully the hike will help your head to clear." 

A relieved sigh leaves you and you nod your head quickly, "Yes, thank you." 

---

Your spirits lifted after a little while of walking, and you actually found that you no longer feel so upset anymore.

I mean, only two thing from your odd dreams has actually happened, and those are things you already vaguely knew would occur anyways. You decide that it's nothing and you should just forget about it, especially since they're right in front of you now.

Some small talk with Kili and Bofur made helped you to forget, and Fili gave you a couple of encouraging and sweet words too that Oin backed up with a big smile and a confirmation of his own. 

Suffice to say once you all arrived at Erebor, you were feeling much better. 

And your happiness only multiplies when you find everyone still alive and kicking inside of that mountain. 

Kinda. 

Bilbo approaches you all before anyone else, and the first thing that comes out of his mouth is, "Stop! Stop! Stop! You need to leave. We all need to leave." 

You look at him weirdly and reply in confusion, "What are you talking about? Bro, we literally just got here?" 

The hobbit shakes his head and shoots back, "I tried talking to him, but he won’t listen."

This time Oin speaks, and he's just as freaked out and confused as you all, "Wh-what do you mean, laddie?"

"Thorin! Thorin. Thorin, he’s been down there for days." He takes a breath, still walking backwards while you all push forward, before continuing, "He doesn’t sleep, he barely eats. He’s not been himself, not at all. It’s this…it’s this place. I think a sickness lies upon it.

Your eyebrows furrow and you scratch the back of your head lightly, "That doesn't sound right..."

Fili looks distracted suddenly, and you follow him with your eyes as Kili asks, "A sickness? What kind of sickness?"

As soon as the younger dwarf says this, his brother rushes down the stairs while Bilbo calls after him, "Fili? Fili!"

You all rush after the blond dwarf, he's acting so strange all of a sudden, and that's when you see it. 

A sea of shinning and shimmering gold before you, huge jewels and golden goblets, a room of beauty beyond belief, and a single dwarf standing amongst it all with a cape of fur and a shiny crown to match. 

"Gold. Gold beyond measure, beyond sorrow and grieve."

Oh, yikes, that's kinda...

He notices you all looking, which makes you even more concerned that he's speaking to himself like that, and then bellows in a welcoming voice, "Behold, the great treasure hoard of Thrór." After he says this, he throws a piece of gold or something and Fili catches it, then he continues, "Welcome, my sister’s sons, to the Kingdom of Erebor."

Now, you're no mathematician, but something here ain't addin' up. 

"Right... well this is all cool and fun and stuff, but where is everyone else?" You ask loudly, successfully gathering everyones attention onto you. 

Thorin, not very surprisingly, seems to not know where they are, so Bilbo pipes up, "Follow me." 

You all do except for Fili who stays behind with his uncle. 

A great deal of frustration comes with talking to the King of Mirkwood.

He always speaks down to you, condescendingly, while carrying himself like he’s the most important person in the room at every given time. Personally, you don’t see the appeal. 

You’re standing on the ground a few paces in front of said king while he stands at the beginning of the steps to his throne.

For a while all he does is stare, taking in your unusual appearance (mostly the clothes, you’re in jeans after all) and the brightly colored backpack hanging from your shoulders. His hands are behind his back much like when he was speaking with Thorin, his scrutinizing gaze making you feel uncomfortable and vulnerable. 

“It is very interesting… I’ve never seen garments like yours before, not even in my own imagination. And your bag? Unheard of. So do tell me, where are you really from? Because a creature such as yourself, speaking as you do, is in no way from Middle Earth.” His little monologue was well thought out you had to admit.

Nothing escapes his keen eyes and ears, and you find yourself at a loss for words. There is no lie you could conjure up from your limited knowledge of this place that would convince him of anything, so instead you choose to hold your tongue. 

You can see your silence annoys him from the change in expression on his face, so he takes a step forward to intimidate you with his obviously larger size and broad shoulders. His gaze is intense, but you will yourself to maintain eye contact despite your waning resolve. 

There’s another long stretch of silence and then he steps forward with another long stride.

You tilt your head up a bit to look at him better, attempting to keep your face as it was before. You aren’t scared per-say, but you are intimidated. And you know that he can tell.

“Speak.” He hisses to you, tapping his foot lightly against the ground.

For a few moments you make no effort to speak, then you drawl out lazily despite how unnerved you are. “I have nothing to say to you.“ 

His jaw sets tightly as clear frustration shows on his face. His hand shoots up before you can even blink to grab your jaw harshly, pulling your face in close. "You will tell me what I want to know, or your dwarves will rot in their cages.”

You can’t stop yourself from whimpering at the bruising grasp on your face, but you meet his eyes defiantly regardless, and it seems to successfully piss him off.

“I have been patient, but you will tell me what I want to know, one way or another.” His hand drops from your face, but he doesn’t move to step back.

So you do that for him, crossing your arms over your chest, “I don’t have to tell you anything!" 

He stands there for a minute, anger radiating off of his entire being. The king turns away from you, hands still behind his back, as he stares out to the twisting roots that make up his kingdom probably in an attempt to calm himself down. "All I ask is where you are from. It is a simple question.”

You huff in frustration, then shoot back, “I’ve already told you, I won’t ta-” You’re cut off abruptly by a loud resounding smack echoing out around you. Your head snaps to the side and a burning pain blossoms on your right cheek.

You hand goes up instinctively to gently hold the side of your face, eyes wide from shock. “Fuck you!” You yell at him, turning away.

Taking a few steps forward you move to leave, but he grabs your arms and yanks you back into his chest.

“Answer my questions and you will return to your friends." Even after he hit you, he still kept his voice even (with traces of anger).

You stomp down on his foot a couple times, but it doesn’t effect him like you had hoped it would. Instead, his grip on your arms tightens and you feel the beginnings of bruises forming beneath his sharp fingers. 

Where does this bitch get the time to do his nails?

He pushes you down to the ground and looms over you, the glower on his face making an uncontrollable shudder pass through you. "Those dwarves do not care for you. The riches they want? As soon as they have it, you will be cast aside, and left to die hundreds of years before them. None of them will care, or even flinch if something were to happen to you. I simply want to know about you and you keep denying me.”

You can tell he isn’t used to being told no; which is probably the source of his uncontrollable anger.

“He told me not to tell you anything, and I won’t!” Tears blur your vision at his harsh words, but you refuse to let yourself cry even with the horrible burning of your arms and cheek trying to coax the tears out of you. 

Thranduil almost felt impressed with your tenacity, but your determined expression hasn’t changed and your refusal to give into him is what really spurs him on.

He crouches down next to you and reaches out to lightly press his hand to your cheek, seeming much more tender and soft than before. “I know you’re not from here, and I need to know why and where. That’s it. Nothing more, and nothing less. Tell me this and I’ll let you return to your friends." 

The request is simple, and you know he’s already aware that the way you got here is far from natural, but it feels like a betrayal to even do that much. You haven’t done much to help the group as of yet, so the least you can do is endure this situation.

"Why don’t you just let them go? I can do what you ask if you let us leave." 

His expression hardens again, but his touch doesn’t become harsh like before, "You’re not in any position to be making demands, girl. All I want to know is why someone from another world is before me with 13 dwarves. It is not a hard thing to answer, and I’ll hardly learn a thing from it." 

You jerk your head back and scoot away as far as you can.

He lowers his hand slowly, staring you down intensely as all signs of kindness leave his face. "Perhaps I should send one of my guards to tell them you’ve told me everything. Tell them that you’ve decided to stay here with me and even shared my bed. And after your image is ruined for them, I’ll let all of you go and throw you out and leave you at their mercy. I’m sure you know of how much they hate us after all.”

You eyes widen from horror at his words, shocked that he would even threaten such a foul thing. 

“Y-You wouldn’t! They wouldn’t be dumb enough to fall for the lies of a stupid elf like you.” You’re surprised that you manage to keep your voice so even, but his expression doesn’t change despite this.

“I will. Or you can tell me what I want to know.” He repeats yet again. 

And you find that you have to comply this time. Even if you’re sure they know how loyal you are to them, you can’t stand the thought of such a thing being uttered to them, nor do you want to even entertain the idea of anyone actually believing it. You take a deep breath and wipe your wet cheeks, mumbling softly,“…Fine." 

The king almost seems surprised when you finally submit. He’s mostly shocked that you care so much about how they perceive you, how none of his threats or battering managed to sway you but a simple promise to slander your character turned you in mere seconds. 

He gets up after that and folds his hands behind his back again, "Go on." 

And you do. 

You spill everything about where you’re from to him, about what you do and what you plan to do, how you got there, and he simply listens along. And when you finally finish your rather unbelievable tale, he heaves a heavy sigh. 

The look on his face makes your heart drop, and you realize he no longer has any intention of fulfilling his promise. 

"Well… now that I know this, there’s no way I can let you return to them…” He heaves a heavy sigh after saying that, looking out at the twisting roots and huge trees once more, “Such an important piece to their game in my hands? I can’t pass up such an opportunity, I’m sure something like you could only bring me fortune and luck.” He speaks as if you’re some sort of magical item or accessory they carry around. 

You get to your feet and protest immediately, “W-What do you mean? You said I could go back! You promised I’d be allowed to return to them!” You find yourself pleading with him now to go back, eyes wide with a sad expression on your face.

Surprisingly enough he finds himself almost wanting to comply with your wishes, but he has his mind made up. 

He turns away from you again and walks ahead a few paces. “You really do care for them… it is peculiar…” he trails off for a few moments before turning his head over his shoulder to look at you, “You will get your own cell for the time being until I can prepare you your own room. Don’t get comfortable.” He gestures towards you and then heads back up the steps, his steely gaze not meeting your relieved eyes again. “Take her away." 

You don’t bother fighting the tall elf that escorts you to the cells, for two reasons. One, you’re eager to return to your friends, and two, despite the fact that it’s captivity you’re being brought to, anywhere is better than being under the scrutinizing gaze of the Elf-King.

When you enter the dimly lit dungeons you find yourself searching for anyone or thing that may be familiar, but you find that it’s hard to see into the cells and the red-headed elf and blond one from before aren’t anywhere around. 

The distinct voice of Kili calls your name suddenly, and you turn towards the sound to just catch a glimpse of something familiar.

A small smile makes it way to your face, though it’s a bit painful because of the swelling on your cheek. You can see his face through the bars, but once he gets a good look at you his smile drains away from his face.

”What happened?!“ Thorin yells a cell away from where you’re taken too.

You’re nudged in a bit harsher than necessary, and then the door is closed and locked without hesitation on the guards part. 

When you stand in front of the prison door and look out at the cells before you, you see the majority of your friends pressing their faces through the bars to get a peek at you.

"What did that freak do to her?” Someone asks in the cell next to yours, though you can’t see who it is. 

“Did you see her arms?” Someone else calls. 

Thorin then repeats, “What happened? What did he want with you?”

A long, weary sigh leaves your lips as you look at the swollen skin and claw marks caused by his harsh grip and sharp fingers. “He was asking about my home and why I was here…” you trail off after a few moments. 

“Did you tell him anything?” Thorin presses, and you find yourself feeling ashamed. 

“I-I didn’t want to! Thorin I’m sorry, but I had to tell him what I knew! He was very cruel, and he was threatening to-” You cut yourself off quickly, dipping your head down as your knuckles turned white from your grip on the bars. Discussing the things said to you isn’t really something you want to do right now. 

Thorin’s expression softens almost immediately when he sees how distressed you are over it.

“Threatening to do what?” His oldest nephew pipes up after a few moments, his tone voicing the concerns that everyone else had for you. 

You sign shakily and drop your arms, sitting down against the wall next to the door. “Nothing… I’m sorry… I really tried to keep quiet but he knew exactly how to get under my skin…" 

There is an unbearable silence for a few moments there, and then Thorin speaks up again. "I am not upset, Y/N. None of us are. Just tell us what he did.”

You feel yourself relax at his assurance, but still you don’t want to discuss any of that. “No… m-maybe later. I just need a bit to sit and think, okay?” You pause after saying that and add, “Though… I suppose I won’t have much time to do that." 

"What do you mean?” Ori asks in his usual soft voice. 

“The king has ordered that I be taken to a separate location. He said something about me bringing him luck or something…" 

When you tell them this outrage beaks out amongst the dwarves. Dwalin begins yelling multiple curses, Ori whimpers in the cell next to you, Fili and Kili yell about how they wont let that happen etc, but Thorin stays quiet until the yelling dies down.

After most of the shouts have ended and everyone is quiet, he speaks calmly to you, "We won’t let that happen… so please, do not worry yourself.. I’m sure master Baggins is taking care of the issue right away." 

You nod your head quickly at his words, feeling rather hopeful that what he says is true. A small smile makes its way to your face, then you press your knees to your chest. "You know I trust you.." 

—

You’re not sure how much time passes between then and now, a few hours maybe, but eventually the lot of you stopped all the blabbering and quieted. 

From what you could tell a majority of the dwarves are either resting, sitting idly, or speaking in hushed whispers with their cellmates/cell neighbors, and you’re apart of the middle group. 

You’re seated right next to the gate with your head leaning back against the stone wall and closed eyes when the light is suddenly blocked. 

One of your eyes flutters open and you’re met with the sight of the same red-headed she-elf from before. 

She’s staring down at you with an expression you can’t quite read, but you don’t ask about it and instead stand up and ask quietly (so you don’t bother the others), "What are you doing over here?" 

When you step out into the light her gaze flickers from your swollen cheek to your bruised arms, then back up to your face again. Her eyebrows furrow together and, instead of answering your question, she asks, "Did King Thranduil do that to you?” Her voice holds concern and no little amount of surprise. 

You grimace, glancing down at your arms before looking back up at her, “I’m afraid so." 

"I am sorry.” She finds herself speaking without thought, feeling guilty almost, “That shouldn’t have happened, you didn’t do anything wrong…" 

"No, you don’t have to say sorry. I’m fine…,” you trail off, then add a bit more slyly, “Besides, I’m a prisoner in your dungeons." 

If you hadn’t been smirking she probably would’ve thought you were upset, but she allows herself to smile slightly and steps closer to the bars, "They’re hardly my dungeons, though I am the Captain of the Guard." 

You smile this time (albeit painfully since the movement hurts your face) looking up at her with amusement sparkling in your eyes, "Captain of the guard? Wow, beautiful and impressive." 

Pink tints her pale cheeks as she laughs softly, leaning down slightly to see your face better, "You’re such a forward little thing, a complete charmer." 

"Charmer? No, my dear I just call it as I see it.” Yeah you definitely are a charmer. 

She laughs again and her eyes flicker back down to your arms, the smile dissipating from her face right away. “Here, let me see.” She states suddenly, holding her hand out to you. 

At first you don’t quite get what she means, but then you notice where she’s looking and understand. 

“N-No, you don’t have to-”

“Just do it.” She cuts off, smiling at you reassuringly since she seems to sense your hesitation. 

Despite your urge to argue further, you reach through the bars with both arms and turn them palm-face up. “Like this?”

She nods her head and places her hands beneath both your elbows, observing the darkened and irritated skin of your upper arms. 

A few beats of silence pass with her holding your arms and looking at you before she finally speaks, “Well, you will be glad to know that they aren’t too bad. These should heal in a weeks time I’m sure." 

You nod your head and return your arms to your sides when she lets you go, but instead of leaving it at that, she reaches through the cell door and places her fingertips under your chin, lifting your head. 

She turns it left and right, then tilts your chin up, "This one isn’t so bad either, though it will take a bit longer to recover.” Slowly she trails her fingers up the good side of your face, her touch feather soft and tender, “It’s a shame, you’re very pretty." 

And queue the blush. 

Your face goes warm at her compliment and you begin to stutter as your brain goes into panic mode. "P-Pretty? M… M-Me?” You just barely manage to stammer out, pointing at yourself lamely. 

Once more she begins to laugh as she retracts her hand, “You certainly can give compliments, but it seems you are not familiar with receiving them." 

"Well…,” before you finish that thought you realize something. “Oh! I haven’t even asked your name." 

"Tauriel.” She states warmly, “And what is yours?" 

"My name is Y/N.”

“A pleasure to meet you.” She replies. 

Gosh she’s so lovely. 

“No, the pleasure is all mine.” You begin to flirt again, really it’s just so easy to do with her, and then say a bit quieter, “Thank you for looking over my bruises…”

Her humored expression becomes a bit softer at your thanks, and she replies just as quietly, “No need for gratitude. You didn’t deserve that." 

"Tauriel!” Someone yells suddenly. 

Said she-elf turns quickly on her heel, looking up the stone stairs at the blond elf who brought you to the king before. 

“Legolas.” She replies slightly nervously, glancing back at you. 

They exchange a few words in their Elvish language, the male elf glancing over at you a few times, before she turns and walks off. 

As Tauriel passes by she smiles slightly and says, “Goodbye, Y/N. I hope we can speak again." 

And then she’s gone. 

The blond elf approaches your confinements and looks down at you, "I apologize for my fathers treatment of you." 

Your eyebrows furrow and you look at him weirdly, "And you are…?" 

"Legolas, son of Thranduil, the king." 

Oh shit, you didn’t even realize. 

"I’m afraid I must go, though I wanted to tell you as much before leaving." 

You nod your head and smile up at him gratefully, "Thank you." 

And then he’s gone too. 

---

You're extremely troubled at the moment. 

Now that things have settled down and you're no longer scrambling around for things to do to help or anything, your mind has finally caught up with you. 

The past few nights you've been having nightmares. Very vivid nightmares that have successfully stolen sleep from you each time and even made you cry a few times. 

You've actually been having dreams for a while now, though most you can't make out or even remember in the mornings, but recently they've been getting more frequent and you've been forgetting them less. 

The first dream had you in a cold sweat when you woke, it being of nothing more than fire and death and a grand serpent soaring through the skies. 

The night after that you dreamt of a beautiful stone, shimmering and shinning with flowing colors so vibrant and bright it looked as if it captured the very essence of the sky and stars; and an army of elves marching upon a rampart of stone that you stood on. 

And the night following that your mind was filled with images of Kili thrashing and writhing in pain on the ground, and even after you woke his screams still rung in your ears.

Worst of all was your most recent dream, though. 

You were alone on a cliffside surrounded by large stone structures and looking out over a terrible battle below, and you were unable to move. There was nothing but death and destruction below, screams coming from a grand city as gold and silver meet black and grey, and you would have continued to stare if you hadn't heard the yelling from behind you. 

You'd turned towards the sound and were met with the sight of Thorin, Bilbo, and Dwalin, but strange enough they weren't there before.

They began screaming "No!" and horror painted their features, but your body wouldn't let you turn to look. You were stuck looking at their terror-stricken features, but then suddenly things began to move very quickly. 

There was a flash and then you saw a pale hand and grand blade running someone through, but when you tried to look at the face it was as if the sun was glaring in your eyes. 

When you squinted against the sunlight it shifted again, this time with a thick, pointed spike driving through someones chest, and, finally, the same pale arm from before and the piercing of another.

You were vaguely aware of someone screaming, and when you focused in on the sound you realized the cries were coming from you, but still you could not see the faces belonging to the dead.

Sweat lined your forehead and tears streamed down your face when you had sat up, a pain blossoming in your chest of heartbreak and something else.

It was so vivid you could actually feel the pain, what you assumed was their pain, and after sleep evaded you completely.

Since you're alone at the moment you have time to think on your horrible nightmares, and it successfully upsets you as you watch Kili resting on the bed a few meters ahead of you. 

Fili sits at his brothers feet, leaning back against the wall with his hands folding on his stomach while he sleeps. 

You don't realize you're staring until someone steps into your line of sight and you're instead looking at someones stomach. 

At first you don't react, but then your eyes flicker up and your gaze meets Bard's kind one. 

"Are you alright, Y/N?" Bard asks softly, taking a seat next to you.

You nod your head without missing a beat, replying slightly defensively, "I am. Why do you ask?" 

"Well, you looked lost in your head and, if I'm not being too presumptuous, you appeared to be on the verge of tears." 

Shoot. 

"Oh... Fair enough." You mumble, looking away from him with a deep frown etched on your face. 

Bard doesn't say anything nor does he move to get up, still looking at you intently as if searching your face for an answer. 

After a few beats of this uncomfortable silence you mumble, "Can I ask you a question?" 

"Yes, of course you can." He replies quickly, turning towards you fully with a look akin to concern on his face. 

"You love your children," You begin, looking up at him, "A-And seeing something bad happen to them would hurt you, because you care about them. Because they're your family."

He nods slowly, looking at you oddly, "Yes..." 

"And, if you... if you had some sort of, how do you say... some sort of gut feeling or intuition on something bad that may happen, you would do anything to protect them, right?" 

He nods once more, "Certainly. My children are my everything." 

"But what if it were someone else? Someone not related to you by blood that you cared for deeply, you would still try your best to help them, right?" 

"Yes." 

"Even if it meant something bad happening to you or another in the process?"

"Well that depends on who that person is. I can't leave my children behind, but if that person were special to me then I would do what I can to protect them." 

"And if you didn't have to think about your children in that situation?"

"Y/N, what is this about?" He asks instead of answering, reaching down to grab your hand gently. "The things you say are worrying me." 

Aw shoot, you're freaking him out. "Sorry... You know what, it's nothing. I was just thinking about Kili, I'm worried for him." 

It doesn't look like he believes you, but he doesn't bother you with it any more.

---

When the mountain began to rumble Bard and his son left with a black arrow in hand, and while you would've really loved to go and help out, Kili is quite literally dying and you're kinda freaking the fuck out. Bain comes back later though cause his dad got arrested apparently.

Bofur hasn't returned, Oin is running out of tricks, Fili is freaking out over his brother, Bard is in jail for who knows what, and Tilda is so fucking cute.

That last one isn't a bad thing, but it's true. 

Poor girl is terrified, and since you can't do anything for Kili you figure you might as well console her while her sister refills Kili's water. 

You walk over to her and offer a small smile, reaching up to brush some of her hair out of her face, "You know, you're a very brave girl. Your father is lucky to have you." 

She looks up at you and a small smile comes to her face, "You really think so?"

You nod your head in affirmation and place your hands on her shoulders, "I do. I think you're brave, and very clever. I mean, a bunch of dwarves and a strange woman come to your house and get your Da in trouble, and then some of those dwarves and the women come to your house with a screaming friend. I think you're handling it all very bravely." 

Her smile broadens at your words and she jumps up and down a few times, "My Da was right, you are really nice!" 

Aw.

"And pretty too!" 

Uh-oh, you sure hope nobody else heard that. 

You glance back and find that they're still focused on Kili, so Bard will live another day. 

"Well your father has excellent taste my dear. Now, maybe you should go hang out in another room while we try and fix-" 

There is a sudden noise that comes from the roof and you look up sharply, eyes narrowing.

"Da? Is that you, Da?" Sigrid calls from outside, her eyebrows furrowed as she looks around.

You tighten your grip on Tilda and push her behind you as all hell breaks loose. 

Sigrid screams and tries to shut the front door as a blade juts through and halts her actions, and the roof gives out under the weight of some orcs. 

You draw your sword (though you're rather useless with it) and look around wildly as orcs begin to file into the home from every entry point, and the one at the door shoves its way in and swipes at Sigrid. 

She falls back onto the seat of the table and rolls under said table while Bain goes to you and Tilda and urges his sister to follow Sigrid under the table, but another falls through the roof to your right before she can. 

It goes to swing at you but Tilda throws a plate at it, successfully distracting it for a moment so that you can run it through with your weapon. 

The orc doesn't go down after you stab it, though, and instead it grabs for you as soon as you extract your weapon. When it grabs at you, you duck to the side and throw your hands out in front of you, pushing it backwards and onto the ground. 

You raise your sword over your head and stab it through the chest again, but you don't get to bask in the victory for long, for the table flips suddenly and knocks into you. 

When the table hits you, you crash into the wall and lightly knock your head against it, and while that does leave you in a slight daze you manage to snap out of it quickly enough to not get killed. 

You raise your sword in time to clash with the blade of one of the orcs, and though it would definitely win in a battle of strength you don't have to worry about it because seconds later a blade is sticking through it's neck.

You turn your head quickly to the source of the thrown dagger and are overjoyed to see Tauriel, and you show as much by calling her name.

She looks over at you sharply but doesn't react because her attention is taken elsewhere towards the orcs going at the biggest threat in the room (her and now Legolas, the guy really couldn't be bothered to use the door like everyone else). 

Tauriel saves Kili from getting skewered and they kill some more orcs while you crouch next to the girls with your weapon raised and poised to strike, and unfortunately Kili ends up writhing on the ground after killing one of the creatures to save the redhead. 

You jump to your feet right away and run over to him as the orcs begin to retreat, looking down at the red drenched binding you applied to his leg. 

"Oh gosh..." You mumble to yourself as the elves go to leave, your heart filling with dread. 

"Kili? Kili, can you hear me?" You call, reaching down to press your hands to his cheeks gently. 

His eyes are shut and the skin around them is red. His skin is also ashen and clammy, and his forehead is burning up. 

When he does open his eyes his gaze is faraway and filled with pain, and it nearly brings you to tears. 

Oin rushes over and calls in a panic, "We're losing him!" 

You look up sharply and see that the blond elf is already gone, but Tauriel lingers in the doorway looking at the three of you there on the ground. 

Her eyes meet yours, and a soft plea leaves your lips, "Please..." 

She hesitates and continues to stare at you, her gaze flickering down to Kili, then back at you again. 

This time you say it more urgently with tears swimming in your eyes, choking it out with a broken sob, "P-Please." 

Her gaze snaps over suddenly and she reaches behind her back for her weapons when heavy footfalls alarm her, but she sees it's only another dwarf (Bofur to be exact). 

"Athelas." Is all she says, taking the green plant Bofur holds. 

Bofur looks positively baffled, and he asks, "What are you doing?"

She looks down at it, then over to you and whispers, "I'm going to save him." 

The smile that comes to your face is brilliant and practically lights up the room, and you immediately hop to your feet when the three working-order dwarves seize Kili to put him on the table that is now back on its legs. 

Tauriel begins working with the plant with Tilda who is holding a pot, and Kili is freaking out and fighting everyone tooth and nail in the midst of his pain. 

You want to help but you know you'll only get in the way at the moment so you stay back and observe Tauriel as she washes the plant or something. 

Then, she walks over and grabs his leg where the, now free, wound is, squeezing it as Kili screams in pain some more. 

She takes the plant and crushes it in her hands, and when she applies it his cries grow louder and thrashing more violent.

Sigrid and Tilda run over and try to keep his leg pinned to the table, and you go and do the same with his opposite leg, helping Oin out. 

She begins talking in her elvish language and you can't help but be entranced by her. 

The determination in her eyes and her honey sweet voice wash over you in waves of admiration and pretty fuckin' gay attraction. 

---

When she finishes saving Kili's life and wraps his leg up she turns to you, or at least, to where you were. 

As soon as she finished you ran off towards Bards bed for one of his pillows (these assholes really put his head down on a bed of walnuts like it'll support his head, what the hell guys?), and once you've got it you zoom back over and place your hand under his neck, swiping the walnuts off the table and replacing them with the pillow. 

You fluff it up a few times to make sure he has optimal comfort before leaning down to kiss his still-hot forehead lightly. 

"Y/N?" Tauriel calls softly, stepping up next to you and placing her hand down on your shoulder. 

"What is it?" You ask, standing up normally and turning your head to look up at her. 

She only looks at you for a few moments, eyes flickering to Kili then back to you again, "Are you alright?" 

"Of course I'm alright." You reply quickly, furrowing your eyebrows, "Why wouldn't I be?" 

"You appeared rather distressed earlier..." 

You glance down at Kili and see that he's looking up at you blankly, and, not wanting to bother him when he should be resting, you place your hand on her arm and flick your head to the side to signal for her to follow you.

Tauriel does just that and when you're both alone she states again, "You looked devastated before. I only wish to make sure you're fine." 

Her concern brings a small smile to your face, "I'm alright. I was just... so worried about him. I didn't mean to cry." 

"No, please do not apologize. I understand." 

You open your mouth to reply but are cut off by shrieks of terror and lots of commotion. 

Smaug the Terrible has awoken from his slumber, and he is out for blood.

Or at least that's what you assume (your assumptions are correct) because theres a lot of rumbling and noise coming from the mountain at the moment. 

The dragon has yet to arrive and poor Bard is still gone, and, unfortunately, you all have to leave him. 

"The Masters little rat man Alfrid likes me, though! Maybe I can get him to let Bard go." You suggest while they pack things onto a boat and Sigrid and Tilda get on with Kili. 

"Of course you can't!" Bofur exclaims, looking at you with a baffled expression on his face, "The dragon is awake!"

"W-Well I know that, but Bard opened his home to us! Surely we can wait a few minutes so I can find him." You insist as they pack more things onto the boat. 

"No, we are not going to let you just leave like that." Fili states, dropping some weapons onto the boat before looking at you with a deep frown etched on his face. 

You sigh in annoyance and start again, "But he-"

"No! Stop it! You do this all the time, trying to do impossible things because you feel like we must repay every person for every little thing! I will hear no more of it!" Fili snaps, pointing at an empty spot on the boat with a glare pointed at you, "Get on the damn boat and be quiet about it!" His voice leaves no room for argument, and while you want to tell him to shove his commands up his butt and to stop ordering you around, you listen. 

But not before throwing your hands up in the air and yelling, "You never let me do anything!" 

You settle on the boat next to Kili and Bain with your arms crossed over your chest and an angry pout on your lips, a glare pointed at Fili's back while he walks back inside to make sure nothing is left behind. 

"Stupid freaking dwarfs... no sense of compassion..." You grumble, pausing when a hand rests on your arm. 

You look to the side quickly and see Kili looking up at you with tired eyes, "He doesn't mean to yell at you or treat you like a child, Y/N. He's worried for you." 

"Kili, take a nap. You look exhausted." You state, ignoring his words since you're not done sulking yet. 

With gentle fingers you reach down and pinch his cheek lightly, a small smile coming to your face despite your attempts to stay cross. 

He smiles back, albeit weakly, but before he can say anything there are more screams of horror, though this time it's because there is an actual dragon flying in the sky towards Laketown. 

The sight would be magnificent if it weren't for the fact that said dragon is most certainly coming to kill you all, and you find that you can't quite tear your eyes away from the familiar scene. 

Fili comes tearing down the stairs within seconds of the screams and he gets on the boat right away as they immediately begin to row away from the boardwalk. 

A lot of things take place in the next 10 minutes including the dragon making fried chicken out of a lot of innocent people, the kids seeing their dad on a bell tower trying to kill the dragon, Bain vaulting off the boat and the girls freaking out, all of you managing to escape the town without being burnt to a crisp, and, finally, Smaug getting pierced through the chest with a grand black arrow at the hands of Bard and Bain. 

You're honestly shocked that you all survive the night, but the carnage and heartbreak you're faced with when she sun begins to rise (you were all up taking care of Kili as is, and then the dragon thing happened and some more hours passed, and now it's nearly morning. Bitch you're fucking tired) is enough to nearly bring you to tears. 

Crying children, family members weeping over the bodies of loved ones, injured and shell shocked people everywhere, and a burning and smoldering city laying in the middle of the lake. 

As soon as you hit land Sigrid and Tilda begin to call for their missing brother and father, and it breaks your heart to see them so lost and alone, desperate to find their lost loved ones. 

And truthfully you wish to know if they're okay yourself, but upon the insistence of the dwarfs to head to the mountain you don't get the chance. 

Though when the people start yelling about 'King Bard' you realize that he is most definitely alive and so you don't really have to worry about it now. 

The boat you all took to this stretch of land is pushed back to the water as you all prepare to leave, but while you head over a hand on your arm stops you. 

You look up at the person attached to said hand and smile, for Tauriel stands there and her expression is somber. "I am grateful that you're safe." 

"And I'm grateful to look at you again, gorgeous." You flirt shamelessly, adding on, "Are you tired? Because you've been running through my mind all day." 

Her cheeks tint red like usual and she laughs, dropping her hand from your arm, "You're shameless. But do not worry, for I quite like it." 

"Well that's good, cause there's a lot more where that came from!" You state, glancing back when Fili calls your name. 

Your happy countenance drops and you look up at her more sadly this time, "I have to leave..."

"Do not fret, I will most certainly see you again." She whispers, leaning down to look you in the eyes, "Please stay safe." 

You nod your head quickly and open your mouth to reply, but before you can say anything she moves forward and presses her lips against your cheek, her hands coming up to rest on your shoulders. 

Right away your face heats and all rational though leaves you since (like stated may times before) you're not very good on receiving since you're more used to giving. 

Tauriel pulls away with a smile on her face and her voice is soft when she speaks, "Goodbye, Y/N." 

"Bye, Tauriel." You reply in a bit of a daze, looking up at her and not moving despite saying your goodbyes.

Suddenly she stiffens and says something in elvish followed by 'Legolas', and she turns and, well there he is!

You smile a bit brighter and wave at him, "Hey blondie!" 

He smiles at you slightly but becomes all business when he sees your friends when they call your name again. 

You spin on your heel and see that they're all waiting on you (and they don't appear too happy either, yikes), so without further hesitation you run over and hop in the boat. 

"Sorry, sorry. I was busy." You say nonchalantly, waving your hand in a dismissive way as if Tauriel did not just kiss you. 

"Since when were you letting elves kiss you?" Bofur asks bitterly, looking at you rather cross while he helps to row. 

"Not just elves Bofur, men too." You shoot back, immediately regretting it when more glares are pointed at you. 

"You let that bargeman kiss you again!?" Bofur complains, looking forward at the water to make sure he's steering properly. 

"Well, I kissed him on the cheek 'cause he was being nice. If you all act nice then you'll get some too. Or if you get shot." 

Kili's head shoots up at your last statement and he looks at you in bewilderment, "I never got a kiss!" 

"Yes you did, you just weren't in the right mind to enjoy it." You explain, crossing your arms over your chest. 

"If that's the case then I want another." He demands immediately.

You can't help but to giggle lightly at the oddness of this conversation before answering, "I'm not so sure about that." 

"And why not?" 

"Because." 

"You cannot just say because and not answer me properly."

"Yeah I can."

"Well what about me? Do I get one?" Bofur pipes up suddenly, glancing over at you.

Your nose scrunches up and you cross your arms over your chest, "You haven't earned one yet."

"Then what about Fili?" He asks, glancing over at the blond dwarf who has been pretty quiet this whole time.

 "He yelled at me." 

"I yelled at you because you weren't making good decisions." He grumbles, refusing to look at you with the same frown on his face. "I didn't want you to get yourself hurt."

You don't say anything and it's quiet for a few seconds, and when no one talks still you sigh, "So you weren't really mad at me?" 

"No. I was frustrated and a little concerned. I thought you might just run off." He tries to sound nonchalant about it but you can hear the slightly upset edge to his voice. 

It's silent again while you think over his words, and, once you're done deliberating, you scoot closer and press a quick kiss to his cheek. "There, happy?" 

Fili glances at you, his eyes a bit wide since he clearly wasn't expecting it, but you only smile cheekily and return to your spot. 

"Hey!" Bofur cries, "How is that fair? I thought you were upset with him!" 

"Bofur, my dear, if you get us all the way to the other side in the next 10 minutes I'll give you one too." 

---

Bard told you all to stay in the damn house. That it's not a good idea to be out and about when you have no idea what the towns people will do to all of you, but does this lot ever listen?

No, they don't.

As soon as Bard left, grumbling something about some tapestry, everyone gathered and declared that the armory is your best bet. 

You urged against it and stated that getting caught in a town you were illegally smuggled into isn't the best idea, but Thorin just shakes his head and states that Durin's day only grows closer and your chances slimmer.

You argue no more after that and follow them out the door despite the protests of Bard's son. 

How they found the armory so quickly you don't know, but you do know that with how pale and sweaty Kili is looking it's not the best idea to send him in with the other raiders. 

And you say as much. 

While everyone is sneaking around you approach and tap his shoulder gently, whispering when you speak, "Kili, I don't think it's a good idea for you to be out and about like this. Your leg's bleeding again." You can see the white of your shirt sleeves staining red and his forehead is clammy and, when you place your hand on it, extremely warm. 

When you press your hand to his forehead he jerks away and hisses irritatedly, "I'm fine! Stop worrying about my leg like it's any of your business and mind yourself." 

His words hurt your feelings (obviously) and by the way his expression immediately softens he realizes as much. 

He regrets his harsh words instantly and mumbles guiltily, "Y/N-" 

You don't let him finish and briskly walk past him to continue forward with Balin and Thorin, trying to push down the growing anger and sadness seeping inside of you. He's being stupid, and if he wants to ignore it and yell at you then that's his problem. 

When they stop to look at you, you say none too quietly to Thorin, "Kili is in no shape to go through with this. You should make him stay behind."

Thorin looks at you with furrowed brows and shakes his head, raising his hand to signal for everyone to stop, "Does Kili agree with that sentiment?" 

"No..." Yep, he's not going to listen to you. 

"Then he will continue with the rest of us." He states decisively.

God, you knew he would say that. You step closer and shake your head, "But Thorin-"

"Enough! I will not have a member of my company arguing with my decision." He sounds much angrier than you thought he would be, and it successfully makes you seethe on the inside and also a bit embarrassed since he just reprimanded you in front of literally everyone. 

"You're all a bunch of idiots, and your 'decision' is stupid." Is all you say, glaring at him none too happily. 

He's really trying to order you around like another one of his dwarven companions right now, the fucking nerve. Well guess what bucko? When shit goes wrong like you know it will, you're gonna give him the biggest 'I told you so' and rub his face in it for the rest of the trip. 

Before he can respond to your obvious insult (his face becomes very angry and everyone looks at you in alarm and shock) you turn on your heel and walk away from their sneaking figures. 

"Where are you going?" Thorin demands, grabbing your arm none too gently, "You cannot talk to me-"

"Don't touch me." You hiss, ripping your arm away from his hold and sending another withering glare at him, "If you're all going to act like everything is fine and dandy then go ahead, but I'm not going to stick around while you all let him work himself to death." 

And then you walk around the building and leave them all behind, still ignoring the various looks of surprise and horror on their faces. 

---

After about ten minutes of sulking by yourself you go to find them all again. 

Everything went about as well as you expected it would, because when you're within 5 meters of them you hear a crash so freaking loud it no doubt alerted the whole town to your presence. 

Right away you know that the jig is up and you're all going to be caught and, once again, you were right. 

You step up next to Fili who is below the window and say rather smugly despite the situation, "It seems I was right once again." 

He glances up at you, then around at everyone else, and when they go to run away a two armed guards come around the side of the building and aim their pointy things at you. 

"Oh I fucking told you so!" 

---

Your smugness doesn't last for long and is swiftly replaced by worry as everyone is brought to the biggest building in the city where many people gather and a large ugly man and that slimy guy Alfrid come out of said huge building. 

"What is the meaning of this?" The large man cries, looking out at the lot of you with distress.

One of the guards who caught you responds stiffly, "We caught ’em stealing weapons, Sire." 

He narrows his eyes and his voice is unpleasant as he says, "Ah! Enemies of the state, huh?" 

You hang out at the back of the group and nearly blend in with the crowd, so when Alfrid begins to speak he doesn't notice you amongst the dwarves. That would be bad for Bard, after all. 

"A desperate bunch of mercenaries, if ever there was, Sire." Alfrid agrees, his expression as unpleasant as ever. 

Dwalin yells gruffly, "Hold your tongue!" He takes a few steps forward and stands in the middle of the semi-circle, "You do not know to whom you speak. This is no common criminal. This is Thorin. Son of Thrain, son of Thror!"

There it is, the king card. 

Thorin steps forward upon mention of him and his lineage, and pats Dwalin's arm lightly to signal that he can stop. He the addresses the Master of the town directly. "We are the dwarves of Erebor. We have come to reclaim our homeland."

People begin to whisper amongst themselves at his declaration of the groups intent, marveling and talking in wonderment while also asking questions.

"I remember this town in the great days of old. Fleets of boats lay at harbor, filled with silks and fine gems. This was no forsaken town on a lake. This was the center of all trade in the north!"

You almost roll your eyes at his dramatic speech and how the crowd eats it up. 

"I would see those days return. I would relight the great forges of the dwarves and send wealth and riches flowing once more from the halls of Erebor!" He declares, raising his fist while he speaks before slowly turning back to the master of the town with determination in his eyes. 

It seems like he's successfully convinced everyone to invite you all with open arms until the voice of Bard rings out through the clearing.

"Death! That is what you’ll bring upon us." He pushes through the card as he says it, all moving out of his way to allow him through.

When he passes you, you smile and say, "Hey Bard."

He pauses and looks at you, saying a bit gruffly, "Hello, Y/N." Before moving to stand in front of Thorin with a grim expression on his face. 

Then he continues, "Dragon-fire and ruin. If you awaken that beast, it will destroy us all." 

You hear some gasps and more worried whispering and some shouts, but Thorin cuts down the doubts in seconds, "You can listen to this naysayer, but I promise you this; if we succeed all will share in the wealth of the mountain." Some begin to murmur their agreement and look interested again, "You will have enough gold to rebuild Esgaroth ten times over!"

When he declares that they will have a share in the treasure the crowd begins to cheer, but Bard turns quickly and more desperately yells, "All of you! Listen to me, you must listen! Have you forgotten what happened to Dale? Have you forgotten those who died in the firestorm? And for what purpose?" He looks back at Thorin who is looking at the Master and says more bitterly, "The blind ambition of a Mountain King, so riven by greed, he could not see beyond his own desire!"

Long story short, Bard gets humiliated and ignored by everyone at the mention of his ancestor, he says something mean to Thorin, Thorin says something back, and then you're all being welcomed with open arms by the greedy king and his man-servant Alfrid. 

Bard stands in the middle of the celebrating dwarves with a defeated expression on his face, and you feel a pang of guilt wash over you even though it's not your fault. 

You walk up to him despite your excited friends and place your hand on his arm, "I'm sorry Bard, but they will do anything to get to that mountain." 

He looks down at you and sighs, shaking his head when you apologize, "This is the outcome I expected, though not the one I hoped for." 

"Well either way, you helped us a lot and, if it means anything, I thought you were an excellent host." 

He smiles at your words and nods his head, reaching up to place his hand on your shoulder gently, "Perhaps you could stay?"

Your eyebrows furrow and you cock your head to the side slightly, "Stay where?" 

"Here. With me if you wanted." The smile stays on his face and he looks sincere, "That mountain is not safe and I worry for your safety..." 

Aw, how sweet. 

You reach up and pat his cheek lightly but shake your head, "My place is with them, cause like, they would kinda die without me. We never would've gotten caught if they listened to me, after all." 

Bard laughs lightly and nods along, "I understand. But if your situation changes you are always welcome with me and my children." 

You glance up and see that everyone has been invited inside, and then Thorin walks up and glares at the bargeman, "Y/N, come. The Master of the town has invited us for celebration." 

"Alright, I'm coming." You step away from Bard and his hand falls from your shoulder, but before you walk off you jump up and press a quick kiss against his cheek. After, you scurry off to everyone else who watched the exchange with no small amount of anger or upset. 

"Why'd you do that!?"

---

After you go inside you get scolded for kissing Bard, but you kinda just laugh it off with a, "If you stop ignoring me all the time and behave then I'll give you guys kisses too." Which successfully made most of them shut up about it.

Thorin pulls you aside during the festivities and states he needs to talk to you, and you assume it's to scold you for sassing him earlier and insulting him in front of everyone. 

Only he doesn't scold you at all.

"I am sorry." He begins, successfully shocking you to your very core. "You were right about Kili but I refused to see his weakness at the time. I reprimanded you in front of everyone in an attempt to teach you a lesson, but I only made myself look foolish, especially since you were right." 

Of all the things you were expecting, that was not one of them. 

You just stand there and blink dumbly for a few moments before a bright smile spreads across your face, "Oh, well I accept your apology." You step closer and wrap your arms around him and embrace him, squeezing him tightly before pulling away, "I'm also sorry since I basically called you an idiot and your decisions stupid... and for saying that you suck."

"You didn't say that I 'suck'." He states, looking up at you in confusion. 

"Oh... uh, I guess I didn't say that out loud..." Whoops. 

You shake your head and distract from that by exclaiming, "Well, we don't wanna miss the party so lets go!" 

He only laughs.

---

You got a room all to yourself and had the opportunity to bathe and clean your clothes so that they aren't so grimy when you wear them tomorrow; and while you re-pack your things the next morning and get changed you find that you're very grateful to have clean garments once more. 

When you meet everyone at the front of the large building you get a lot of pleasant hellos and kind words (you're assuming someone heard your discussion with Bard and told everyone about his offer for you to stay), and you return each one in kind with some nice things to say of your own. 

You all head towards the boat and everyone begins to load on while the people around cheer, when Bilbo calls loudly, "You do know we’re one short? Where’s Bofur?"

"If he’s not here, we leave him behind." Thorin replies without hesitation, glancing back at Bilbo with a frown etched on his face. 

Balin nods and adds, "We’ll have to, if we’re to find the door before nightfall. We can risk no more delays."

They have a point, but it is a bit harsh. 

Everyone starts to file on the boat and you wait off to the side patiently when Thorin raises his arm suddenly and stops Kili from boarding. 

"Not you. We must travel at speed, you will slow us down." He looks like he doesn't want to say it, but his mind is made up.

"What are you talking about? I’m coming with you." He replies as a smile climbs on his face, as if he thinks Thorin is joking and trying to mess with him.

Poor dear. 

Thorin shakes his head, "No, no." 

Kili's smile slowly drains from his pale face and he says more firmly this time, "I’m going to be there when that door’s opened. When we first look upon the halls of our fathers, Thorin…"

Thorin lifts his arm and holds his shoulder lightly, his expression guilty but also unwavering, "Kili, stay here. Rest. Join us when you’re healed." 

The look the younger dwarf holds is one of pure devastation, and it makes your heart twist painfully in sympathy for him. 

Oin suddenly speaks up, "I’ll stay with the lad. My duty lies with the wounded." And then gets off the barge to join Kili's side. 

You remain on the board and watch the scene unfold as Fili begins speaking with Thorin, but you don't hear what they have to say since you're in the middle of making a decision. 

"I'll also only slow you down!" You declare suddenly, turning to look at Thorin, "I think I should stay too." 

Thorin shakes his head as Fili steps off the barge and looks up at you, "No, you can still come with us. You are not wounded." 

"Yeah, but I'm not as resilient as you losers, and if I'm being honest I think it would be better for all of you if you didn't have to worry about me if that dragon really is alive." God you really wanna go, but you know it's probably best not to. 

"Y/N, are you sure?" Thorin asks, his brows knitted together with a dismayed expression on his face. 

You nod your head without hesitation and crouch down so you're at eye level with him, "I'm sure. Besides, someone has to look after your nephews, their so freaking irresponsible." 

A small smile comes to his face as he slowly nods his ascent, "Alright, I see your point. But you will return to us when everything settles." 

"Of course, I wouldn't dream of hanging around here." 

Thorin glances back and signals for them to get the boat going forward since they've wasted enough time, and before it pulls away you lean forward and peck his cheek fondly before standing to your full height once more. 

"Be safe!" You call as it begins to float away before turning and walking up to the three abandoned dwarves. "Well boys, looks like you're stuck with me!" You joke, though your positive expression wavers when you notice how faint Kili is looking. 

"No!" Bofur cries when he suddenly appears, halting at the waters edge and watching as it drifts further and further down the lake. 

Slowly he turns with a dejected countenance before he sees all of you and a smile blooms on his face, "Did you miss the boat as well?"

You laugh softly and shake your head, opening your mouth to explain before Fili starts yelling Kili's name suddenly. You turn quickly and see that Kili has begun to lean over and looks rather boneless. 

"Oh shit!" 

---

Those Laketown pricks were just waiting for Thorin to leave to go back to their apathetic asshole ways, it seems. 

You all ran around like headless chickens looking for someone to help you, but everyone either ignored or sneered at the lot of you as if you have no meaning to them whatsoever. 

Yeah, you ended up cursing at quite a few people. 

Suddenly and idea strikes you and you yell, "Bard! We can go to Bard's house!" 

Nobody objects. 

And when you all arrive at his home you knock on the door since you know he won't turn you away. 

The door swings open and when he sees you a smile comes to his face, but the grim expression you hold makes him worried, "What is it?" 

You glance off to the side and he opens the door wider before the soft look he holds becomes hard and unforgiving.

"No. I’m done with dwarves." He opposes decisively, looking back at you sharply. 

Your countenance becomes more desperate as you reach up and place your hand on his arm, saying as more of a plea this time, "Please, Bard. Kili is sick and nobody else will help us!"

As soon as his defiant look falters you know you've got him, and reluctantly he opens his door and helps to bring the wounded dwarf to his bed. 

Once Kili is situated with Oin at his side, Bard goes through a cupboard and pulls out a cloth. 

He looks through some herbs then states, "We have nightshade, feverfew…" It seems he knows none of them will do the trick.

Oin shakes his head and sighs wearily, "They’re no use to me. Do you have any Kingsfoil?" 

You tune out the medicine talk and watch as Fili, Oin, and Bofur crowd around the groaning and writhing Kili as they try to help him, feeling dread fill you with his frail and pained state. 

At some point you begin biting on your thumb while you watch the chaos unfold; and when Bofur suddenly runs out after telling Kili to stay put (like he's going anywhere anytime soon) you snap out of your little trance and walk over to the bedside and ask softly, "Is there anything I can do?" 

You could feel multiple pairs of eyes burning into you as you conversed with the friendly bargeman at the back of the ship. You tried your best to ignore them, but it was quite difficult considering that literally all of them were staring. You were situated on a small wooden box next to the long steery thingy that Bard was holding onto, looking up at him while the two of you conversed nicely with each other. 

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many drenched dwarves in one place before”, he comments after finishing a though, a small smile on his face as he glances down at you. 

You can’t help the giggles that erupt from you at his words. Your joy resounds around the boat and empty water that surrounds you all, but you don’t bother keeping your laughter at bay. “Implying that you’ve seen some to begin with?” You joke with amusement clear on your face. 

Bard’s smile widens as his gaze slides back over to the waters ahead, unable to avoid the glares being thrown at him by your group at the front of the boat.

“Well, I suppose that is fair. And what about you?” He questions.

A confused expression overtakes the joyous one previously on your face, not quite understanding what he was asking.

He notices your perplexity right away, so he rephrases. “I mean, have you seen it before? Have you been in a similar situation?" 

Ah, that makes more sense.

"No, not really. Things like this don’t happen every day”, You reply with laughter in your voice. 

A noisy squishing sound meets your ears as you shift on the box from your soaked jeans causing you to grimace. Wet jeans are, by far, one of the worst feelings ever. You reach down and tug at the legs of your jeans, pulling them down a bit to avoid the inevitable 'jeans wedgie’. You then reach up and rub your arms, shuddering slightly at the cold air biting at your skin through your long sleeved ringer t-shirt. 

Bard seems to notice your obvious discomfort and lack of warmth, and a look of concern briefly washes over his face. He releases the steering thing and shrugs his jacket off, leaning down and placing it gently on your shoulders.

Right away you feel a sense of relief from the sudden warmth engulfing you, causing an involuntary sigh to escape past your lips. “Gosh, thank you so much. It’s hella freezing out here.” You state with a slightly chattery smile. 

He gives you an odd look from the strange lingo you use, and you internally berate yourself for not managing your filter better. 

Regardless of his confusion though he still offers a sweet reply. “The lady is cold, I mustn’t stand by." 

You can’t help the slight flush that warms your face, and you pray that he takes it as a flush from the cold poking at your cheeks. 

The sound of groans and angry grumbling reach your ears from ahead, and you chance a glance over to your dwarven, and singular hobbit, companions. Everyone is still staring, hell even Bilbo is looking on with a sour expression on his face, but all you do is stick your tongue out at them. 

"I told you I can have friends!" 

The two of you continued to joke and share pleasant conversation with each other at the back of the ship while the others looked on jealously. Everyone was upset about this sudden friendship for their own reasons, but they could all agree that they didn’t like the way he was looking at you and so obviously flirting. 

Fili sat with his still wounded brother, and despite the injury on his leg they still found time to harp on something so ridiculous. 

"How can she not tell that he is making advances towards her? It is blatantly obvious…!” Bofur whisper yells to the rest of them, glancing over to the two of you when they hear another one of your jingling giggles. 

“Aye, look at the two of them. It makes me sick.” Dwalin grumbles out, glaring heatedly at the bargeman showing off so shamelessly. 

Bilbo doesn’t necessarily agree, though he does slightly understand where they come from. 

Thorin leans back against the edge of the boat, watching on with a glower of his own. That damn tall, handsome, deep-voiced bastard. 

“She’s practically got hearts in her eyes! Telling him some of her odd other world jokes, swooning and sighing like a dove." 

Suddenly, Bard leans down to whisper something to you that the rest of them can’t make out, and they absolutely bristle with anger. The nerve of this guy!

They watch on as your face lights up and you jump to your feet, eagerly reaching for the helm with grabby hands. Yes they had to admit that it was adorable, but the fact that it was him who was eliciting such cute reactions from you only made them seethe more. 

"Damn that bargeman” Fili hissed through clenched teeth, looking at his brother who only nodded in agreement.

The bargeman releases the helm and allows you to grab onto it before lightly placing his hands over yours to help guide you in steering properly. 

That definitely does not help group morale. 

You were practically vibrating with excitement when Bard asked if you were interested in steering his boat. You wasted no time in jumping to your feet and allowing him to instruct you on the correct way to hold and maneuver the steering stick. Of course, you hadn’t been expecting it when his arms suddenly reached around you and his large warm hands covered your own, but you found that you didn’t quite dislike it. 

By now your face was absolutely on fire, but you couldn’t help but smile broadly as you managed to actually control the ship a little bit. You stared out at the water for a time, but you couldn’t quite avoid the 13 pairs of eyes piercing into your very soul just 10 feet away. 

Your gaze slides down to the lot of them and the smile drops from your face when you see how tense and upset the majority of them seem. With a soft sigh you tilt your head to the side and look up at Bard, “Hey, I’m gonna go talk to them real quick before they decide to murder you. I’ll probably be right back." 

He nods in understanding and takes a step back to allow you to pass which you do with a grateful smile thrown over your shoulder before walking over to them. 

As you approach most of them look away quickly as if you hadn’t seen them all staring, and you can’t help but roll your eyes. You stop after stepping around Dori and take a seat with your legs crossed, allowing your eyes to slide over each and every one of them. 

"Come on boys, whats eatin’ ya?” You try to joke with a cheeky smile. 

All you’re met with are blank stares (and one snort from Bilbo, that sweet dear). 

The smile falls from your face when no one responds to your humor like usual, and you find yourself feeling bad all of a sudden which is totally unfair. All you were doing was being friendly with your host while they all acted like jealous babies, and you were the one feeling guilty? 

“Guys?” You try once more with a slight sadness seeping into your tone. 

The moment your face falls remorse punctures each and every one of their hearts, because, let’s be real, none of them could be mad at you when you were so darn cute (and slightly pitiful with those horrid bruises on your face). 

No one says anything still, and you can’t help the sad sigh that leaves you. Were they really mad at you? 

It’s Thorin who speaks up first surprisingly. 

“Relax, Y/N. We are not angry with you. You could say we simply are not used to sharing your attention with another." 

Okay yeah that did make you feel a bit better. 

"Is it because he’s tall?” Fili asks out of nowhere after Thorin speaks, and you can’t help but laugh at that. 

You laugh loudly for quite a few awkward moments, the only sound in the silent waters while everyone stares at you. “You did not just ask that!” You exclaim while still laughing, grasping at your stomach as you double over. “B-Because he’s… he’s TALL!" 

Honestly what he said wasn’t even that funny. Perhaps you were going insane. 

After a few more beats of your offhanded laugher it finally dies down, and positively everyone is staring at you with a mixture of different reactions. You wipe at a tear at the corner of your eye, taking a deep breath after all that laughing. "Wow, that was freaking hilarious. Fili, you should really do stand up comedy my boy, thats funny." 

You pause and the smile drops from your face instantly in wake of a serious expression, "No but for real, you guys have got to relax. I’m still your weird little human girl, and that isn’t going to change because I made a friend with a human dude. Scouts honor.” You hold up your hand at the 'scouts honor’ part, and give them a reassuring smile. “You guys are the first friends I’ve made in this place. I don’t know what I would do without you, and heaven knows what you’d do without me. Please trust that I care about you enough not to run off simply because some pretty bargeman shows up at our door." 

The worry and disdain has all but disappeared from their faces now, replaced with looks of awe and admiration. 

You can’t help but blush under all the attention and because of how real your little monologue go there. After a few beats of silence you clear your throat and rub your hands along the dry sleeves of Bards warm coat. 

"We’re sorry, lass.” It’s Bofur who speaks up first. 

Then Ori, “I was only a little worried.." 

Kili was next, "We know you are as loyal as can be!”

You got quite a few comments like this, and you couldn’t help the huge toothy smile from overtaking your features. “Thanks guys. Now, enough beating the elephant in the room-” You pause and furrow your eyebrows, “What the fuck did I just say?" 

That earned you some laughs. 

It seems that things have smoothed over quite a bit now which definitely lifted some of the weight from your shoulders. 

"We do still need to properly discuss what happened with Thranduil in Mirkwood Y/N”, Thorin told you softly after your admission of thanks. 

You knew it was coming, but you still couldn’t help the slight flinch at his name nor the grimace that weighed on the corners of your lips. “I-I know… But, I don’t think I…" 

Balin cut you off quickly, "It’s okay not to be ready, my dear. There will be no pressure to speak from us, so do not worry yourself." 

A smile, much smaller this time, points at your mouth as you give Balin a grateful peck on the cheek. "I really appreciate it… u-um, I’m going to rejoin Bard though if you don’t mind.” You didn’t wait for a response before getting up and walking back over to the steering bargeman. 

A slight red tint colors Balin’s cheeks, and the others aim their glares at him this time. 

“Damn you Balin.." 

You don’t know how long the lot of you had been traveling for when Bard glanced around the foggy waters and ordered everyone to pay up quickly and climb into the barrels. He was planning on smuggling them all into Laketown, but as of right now the whole plan seemed to be rather precarious.

Luckily for you, you didn’t have to get into any of the barrels. Bard explained that your cover could be as his deceased wife’s sister, and though that seemed a bit far fetched you still went along with it. Anything’s better than smelling like fish and getting slimy all over. Gross. 

He paid the men at the outpost, and before you knew it all your friends were being covered with pounds and pounds of dead, raw, smelling fish. 

"Hopefully nobody will find our predicament fishy…” You say loudly after you’re well away from the outpost with a huge grin on your face. 

You hear some pained groans coming from the barrels around you at your joke and you only get a couple laughs (thank’s Bard!). You walk over to the barrel one of the groans came from and kick it lightly, “Hey! Barrels aren’t supposed to have a bad sense of humor!" 

No amount of words or hyperbolic phrase can express the joy you feel when you see Bilbo coming in clutch with a ring of keys and a big smile on his face. 

First he releases Thorin, and then you.

When he sees your disheveled appearance and swollen face he falters and looks as if he wants to say something. Bilbo says nothing, but his eyes linger on you as he goes to free some of the others.

Thorin immediately approaches you to you while Bilbo frees everyone else, his hand reaching up to lightly press against your warm cheek. “I told you Master Baggins would have a plan." 

You nod your head once, a smile brightening your features, "You did, and you were right.”

Once everyone is freed from their confines Bilbo ushers you all down to some sort of cellar, kitchen thing.

The first thing you notice are the unconscious guards - passed out drunk - behind the large shelf the hobbit snuck you behind. In front of you all is a huge pyramid of barrels and you can’t help but to stare at it with confusion.

The others speak in hushed whispers when Bilbo tells everyone to get into the barrels, and though a bunch of them protest Thorin shuts it down and tells them to just trust him.

Everyone files into a barrel each, and while you have to bend your legs awkwardly in order to fit into your own, you end up fitting rather well.

Bilbo stands a few paces in front of everyone and you find yourself wondering what he’s going to do next.

Suddenly there is shouting that comes from somewhere else and the guards start to stir, and right away Bilbo rushes over to a lever just out of the way and pulls it.

The next thing you know, your stomach drops and the barrels drop into a large body of running water.

Your head goes under and you breathe in the water unintentionally, panicking internally before your head resurfaces.

When you break the surface of the water you gasp loudly, pressing your hand to your chest as you hack and cough up the water you accidentally choked down.

You don’t have much time to recover before your barrel begins to drift away, like everyone else’s.

There’s a splash from behind you, and when you look back you see that Bilbo has jumped in.

He flails and grabs at air, trying to find something - anything - to hold onto.

You lean over the side of your transportation and grab for him, getting a hold of his hands and hauling him closer so to try and pull him up. “C-Climb in!” You cry.

Your efforts to hoist him up don’t do you any good, though, because he can’t get enough momentum to pull himself in nor do you have the upper body strength to lift him.

When you realize that you cannot keep ahold of him anymore you pass Bilbo along to a dwarf much stronger than you so he won’t drown, and the relief is instant. 

A lot happens between escaping and getting in the water, and when the Orcs try to kill all of you because they decided now was a great time to show up, you found hopelessness seeping into you.

Even worse? The water gates are closed and now you’re all stuck, barrels bumping into each other as Thorin yells his internal distress.

Kili decides to play hero and jumps out of his barrel, running up to pull the lever while also fighting orcs on his way, when suddenly an arrow shoots through the air.

At first it seems like Kili doesn’t realize what happened, but then he collapses with a cry.

“Kili!” Fili yells in anguish.

You begin to try and get out of your barrel, yelling his name as well, when an orc gains on him with it’s weapon raised. Another arrow splits through the air and this time it’s from an ally, for it kills the orc and Kili is out of harms way.

Your gaze snaps to the source of the projectile and see the red-headed elf Tauriel. 

As soon as you see her you whoop and pump your fist in the air, “Yes!" 

Her gaze slides over you and an expression akin to relief passes over her countenance, but you don’t get long to think on it for abruptly the gates open and everyone starts to flow out of the underpass.

Kili flops over the side and lands into his barrel, a gross snap resounding as the end of the arrow breaks off and flies in some random direction.

The expression on his face is pained, but when you try to inquire on if he’s okay the roaring of the water drowns you out.

Things move very quickly after that.

You grip onto your barrel for dear life as you fall down a short waterfall, head going under again, and when you resurface you splutter and cough loudly, your eyes and throat beginning to burn.

You’re vaguely aware of Orcs being killed around you and the elves chasing after the foul beasts, but you’re too dazed from the fast pace of things to properly process anything.

When an arrow pierces just under your hand, though, you sober up.

Since there isn’t any way that you can help anyone against the Orcs attacking you all, you begin to try and steer your barrel as it swerves left and right so they don’t have to worry about your safety.

The elves kill the orcs along the way and, probably unintentionally, keep you all safe. The blond-elf Legolas, who separated you from everyone at the beginning, gets saved by Thorin while he’s distracted with some other orcs.

You would’ve liked to see how the rest of it plays out, but one of the beasts jumps onto your barrel and swings it’s long sword seemingly out of nowhere; and to avoid losing your head, you duck down further into your barrel.

You vaguely make out the sound of someone calling your name, but the rushing water is so loud you can’t decipher who it is nor how close they are.

Something whips through the air as it tries to stab into you, and  when you look up there’s an arrow sticking in its head.

It falls back and when you poke your head back up you see Tauriel looking at you with her bow still drawn. 

You cup your hands over your mouth and yell, "Thanks, hot-stuff!” And then go back your barrel steering.

—

Many different things transpire after all the excitement.

For example Kili had to be tended to, Thorin started to be pushy and complain about losing time, oh and a bargeman is now smuggling you all on his boat for gold after threatening to kill Ori.

Everyone is now huddled together at the front of said bargeman’s boat, and after Oin took a look at the bruises so unfairly inflicted upon your arms and face he leaves you to your own devices at the back of the ship with the bargeman you now know as Bard.

They are all discussing the payment they owe, but since you have nothing to offer up (other than yourself which, I mean hey this guy is pretty good looking) you stay out of it. 

Bard looks on ahead at the waters to avoid killing you all in a crash, though his gaze flickers down to you ever so often with curiosity sparkling in his lovely greys *I have no freaking clue what color his eyes are*.

He then speaks softly, “This companionship you have with the dwarves… is it mutual?”

It takes you a moment to figure out what he’s implying before you realize how this all must look. A battered human girl quietly tagging along with a group of male dwarves, disheveled, bruised, and being timidly quiet away from the others curled up on yourself (for warmth, but he doesn’t know that).

Your face heats up and you nod your head frantically, “A-Ah, no… Er, yes. It’s mutual. I’m fine. They’re my friends, I just… ah, ran into trouble with the elves is all…”

His eyes look out over the water again and he nods his head, “I don’t doubt their honor, I am only making sure… But I never knew elves to be violent like that.” He looks at you again and you can see that he doesn’t completely believe your words.

“I know… The elf king, Thranduil I think, wanted me to tell him something but I didn’t wanna. I guess he’s just not used to someone telling him to screw off.” You smile cheekily (ignoring the throbbing that takes place when you do), and Bard seems taken aback before a smile of his own works its way to his face.

“I suppose,” he pauses for a moment, then muses, “The way you speak is odd. I’ve never heard someone quite like you before.”

Ah shoot, you forgot that you’re supposed to be blending in better. 

“Oh… yes. Um, I come from a place where.. speech patterns are much different. You see-” You’re cut off by one of the dwarves calling your name.

You sigh dramatically and stand, offering the bargeman a kind smile, “Forgive me. I have to see what those brats want.” Without further chit chat you turn and approach them, hands on your hips while you look down at them expectantly.

“What is it?”

They all stare at you for a few moments before Thorin speaks, “Why do you talk to him so? You’re not giving anything away now, are you?”

You just stare at him quietly with annoyance clear on your face. Like, did he really just ask that? After getting hit around and stuff for them you’d think he’d trust you a bit more.

“Of course not! After taking all of this”, you gesture to your face and arms, “to stay silent from that elf guy, for you, do you really think I’d go blabbing off to some man we all just met?” That sure silences them. 

“Maybe you shouldn’t talk to him so much. We don’t know him.” Dwalin grunts out earning an eye roll from you.

“I’ll talk to whoever I want thank you very much. I don’t need permission from any of you, I’m a big girl and a big girl can have friends.”

“Male friends?” This time it’s Fili, and you sigh loudly.

“Oh, you too? You’re all men! And you’re the only friends I have. How must that look?” Everyone goes quiet again, and this time you smile triumphantly. “That’s what I thought. Now… Bard, our host, is awfully lonely over there and I’m going to speak to him again- and you won’t say a word about it.” And you leave before anyone can say anything else. 

Dwalin grumbles something under his breath, and Thorin simply rolls his eyes while Fili mumbles his discontent to his agreeing brother. Even Bofur, Nori, and Dori are sneaking glances over at the two of you conversing every so often.