Mermaids Curse

More Barrels

"Do it again."

Amara waited, feeling somewhat nervous as Thorin simply stared at her; unblinking and eyes slightly larger than usual. He then took a step towards her, one of his arms sliding round her waist to sit at the small of her back and pull her into him. He raised his other hand to lightly caress the side of her face with the back of his thick fingers. Amara leaned into his touch, purring slightly and letting him pull her closer still until she was pressed up against him. Instantly Amara was engulfed in the smell that was Thorin Oakenshield, earthy, smoky, and musty. A smell that was so foreign to her but yet so homely.

Her eyes were already shut, and she didn't open them until she felt her chin being gently pulled upwards. Opening her eyes she found herself gazing up into Thorin's striking blue orbs. Amara smiled slightly, letting him once again put his lips to hers. The kiss was light, teasing almost as if Thorin was still cautious. But this time Amara kissed back, standing on her tip toes and leaning into him, letting her body mould into his. Thorin's mouth began to move against hers slowly, deepening the kiss and Amara purred in pleasure, her noise prompting the Dwarf to tighten his hold on her in return.

It wasn't until they were a loud wolf whistle from behind them that Amara came crashing back down to Earth. She more or less jumped away from Thorin, face as red as a beetroot but still buzzing pleasantly from the interaction. Her head was swimming, and her body felt as though she was floating. The only part of her that seemed grounded was her heart which seemed to be racing enormously fast.

She turned to where the whistle came from, spying Bofur who looked far too pleased with himself. Turning back around Amara found Thorin scowling at the hatted Dwarf. Amara took another step towards Thorin, poking him in the chest to gain his attention before reaching up and planting a small, delicate kiss on his temple.

Thorin looked surprised for a moment, and just blinked at the mermaid as she swanned away again.

"Ay, lass, you don't happened to have any coins, do you?"

Amara turned towards Balin who was sitting on the barges deck surrounded by various piles of coins. Amara thought for a moment.

"No." She replied, "But..." She wandered away towards her bag, grabbing it before making her way back towards Balin. She began fishing around in it. "I have these."

Amara opened out her hand, and all the Dwarves leaned in to get a better look.

"Are these yours?" Fili asked in slight awe, taking one of the large golden scales from Amara's out stretched hand.

"Yes." Amara replied, fidgeting slightly and ignoring Thorin's questioning gaze.

"Can I have one?" Ori asked, before earning a prompt scold from his eldest brother.

"You can't ask for one of her scales Ori!" Dori snapped.

"They must be worth a fortune." Bofur added, taking one also from Amara's hand.

"Really?" Amara blinked.

"Ay, how often do you see a mermaid scale floating around?"

Ori went to hand back the scale to Amara but she simply stared at it. "Would you sell it?" She asked him.

"No! It's so beautiful, I'd keep it forever." Ori replied, stroking a thick thumb over the golden surface, and staring at it longing.

Amara smiled, "Keep it then."

"A-Are you sure?"

Amara nodded, "Uh-huh. I don't need it." She replied awkwardly.

"Thank you." Ori held it back to his chest, grinning from ear to ear.