Over the Mountains // Thorin Oakenshield

Chapter 16

Balin was trying to come to a deal with Bard and Sepha was talking to the elves.

"Do you really have to go?" she asked. 

Legolas nodded, "Tauriel is right. we need to find out where these orcs are and where they're going. We'll meet up with you in Laketown if we find nothing."

Sepha sighed and Tauriel reached over, hugging the girl close. "Take care Seph. And please take care of those wounds. We don't want them getting infected."

The girl nodded. She reached over and hugged Legolas who smiled and hugged her back. Little did they know was that a certain black haired dwarf was watching them and felt a tinge of jealousy when Legolas hugged her. Thorin had always wanted to know what it felt like to hold the girl close.... the most was that their hands had brushed or he had pulled her to her feet.... how he wanted to hold her close and never let her go.... to touch her hair again....to kiss her....

"I'll wager there are ways to enter that town unseen," Balin said, snapping THorin out of his stupor.

"Aye," Bard replied. "and for that. You will need a smuggler."

"For which we will pay double," Balin replied.

Bard sighed and while he and Balin came to an agreement on price, Dwalin, Balin, Fili and Kili all stepped over to Sepha.

"We'll take good care of her," Balin promised.

He wrapped an arm around the girl and Sepha slightly cringed but none of the dwarves noticed. Tauriel opened her mouth to warn Balin of Sepha's injury but a warning look from Tauriel told her to remain silent. This was one thing that Sepha wanted to keep secret from the dwarves for this wasn't a time for them to worry.

TIME SKIP..... ON THE BARGE

Sepha was sitting up against the side of the barge, her knees drawn to her chest for warmth. Sepha usually never had a problem with heat because of her wolf side but she blamed her fresh wounds for that.

The dwarves were all standing around Balin who was counting up the money. Sepha of course didn't fail to notice that THorin, who stood on the edge of the group, would occasionally look in her direction. There was no anger in his eyes.... only a look that made him look like he was ready to cry. Soon, Sepha could barely stand it anymore for she was on the verge of getting up and throwing her arms around the dwarf prince. Of course, she knew that would be inappropriate so she pulled herself to her feet.

She ducked her head so no one saw her wince at the pain. Crossing her arms over her chest for comfort, she walked past the dwarves towards the back of the barge. Of course, she had to pass right by THorin and naturally, his eyes never left her. Sepha felt her cheeks flame bright red as she walked past, pretending to watch her feet.

Finally, she stopped right near Bard and smiled at him. Surprisingly, he returned it.

"WHat's your name lass?" the man asked.

"Persephone but you can call me Sepha," the girl replied. "What about you?"

"Bard, at your service," the man said.

Sepha smiled, "I wanted to thank you for doing this."

"Oh it's no big deal," Bard replied. "Though I was surprised when the elves turned up."

"How do you know Legolas and Tauriel?" the girl inquired.

Bard shrugged, "I know them through Thranduil. I've met them a few times but not that often."

Sepha nodded, "Well thank you again."

The bargeman nodded and as Sepha was about to say something else, she felt a hand on her elbow. She turned and almost squeaked when she realized it was Thorin who leant down to her ear.