by my oath [oakenshield] [spin-off]

three

the music is so sweet in the beginning and then it turns kick ass awe yeah you go howard shore. and then there's sassy thranduil with his gold hair and his stunning eyes and his hot breathy elf-king voice.

betrayal

Anne was restless that night, that much was for sure. Even though Thorin was actually asleep with his arm wrapped protectively around her torso, she still couldn't sleep. She felt worried for Bilbo, that much was for sure. He had the Arkenstone, the very thing that Anne asked him to hide from Thorin who was going to kill him once he found out the Hobbit had it. Thranduil and Bard were most likely going to attack in the morning, and even if Dain were to come and help, the Elves would most likely still prosper.

Anne sighed, rolling over so she was looking at Thorin. He looked so... calm. His gray streaked, raven hair was scattered, his azure eyes closed shut. His breathing was nice and steady, and Anne felt his heart beat at a steady rate when she pressed her hand against his chest.

Ba bumb, ba bump, ba bump....

How was she going to save him and keep her promise to both him and the Durin boys? Part of Anne was tempted to have Bilbo hide it in the mound or just give him the stone so all of this could be over, but something told her that Thorin would totally forget about his promise to both her and to the people, so she pushed that thought away. What if the only way to help him was to—

Was to betray him.

Anne paled. No, she couldn't do that to him. She would never forgive herself, and Thorin would never forgive her. That heart beat that he felt for her would crumble, and so would he.

But then she thought about it. It wasn't like Bard or Thranduil could really do anything with the Arkenstone besides admire it and toss it back and forth to each other like it's a toy. And in a way, she was gping to do three things in one: she was going to save Bilbo, let Thorin believe that some way, some how, Bard and Thranduil stole the stone, and her promise to the brothers would be fulfilled because Thorin would come to terms and give the people of Laketown what was owed.

So, yes, now that she thought about it, she kind of did have to betray him.

Anne sighed, giving Thorin a soft kiss on the lips and murmuring a quiet, "I'm sorry." She wriggled out of his arms carefully, not wanting to wake him up. Once she was out of his protective hold, she hopped off the bed and grabbed her bow before leaving the room.

Anne almost tiptoed to the gate, relieved to find everyone snoring in a bed chamber of some sort. She walked through the halls, shivering from the cool wind the night decided to give off. Anne noticed a small figure standing at the top of the balcony and leaning on the ramparts, so she started to walk faster and lightly went up the stairs.

"Bilbo?" she called quietly.

The Hobbit turned around, relieved to find that it was only her. "Hey."

She frowned and looked around. "Where's Bombur?"

"I managed to convince him to leave because I told him that I would take the night shift," said Bilbo.

"Oh," said Anne.

Now Bilbo looked around. "Are you sure we're alone?"

"Positive. I checked all of the rooms to see if the Dwarves were asleep," Anne said before holding out her hand. "Now give me the Arkenstone."

"Okay— wait, what now?" Bilbo asked, blinking in confusion.

"Give me the Arkenstone, Bilbo," Anne repeated.