A/N: song is * you havent seen the last of me yet- cher

The turbulent storm above raged on over a city of Esgroth..Dale. Periodicaly the city was lit up by the sudden flashes of lightning above and the very ground would shake with each booming of the thunder. With each flash , a small figure could be seen carrying another within his arms as he trudged through the thick mud that had formed by the torrential rainfall. He didnt seem to struggle in the least as he made his way down some vacant streets, heading for some destination that only he knows.

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You slowly felt the darkness receding from your mind as you come back to awareness. As you breath, pain spears through you with each intake of air, as your body is being jarred by jolting movements. You realize quickly that you are in someones arms and panic begins to overtake you...briefly...until a gentle burred tone reaches through your fear, calming you instantly.

"Easy lass. Yur safe now. Bofurs got yeh." opening your eyes, focusing on a face not even six inches from yours, you see warm hazel eyes fleeting down to meet yours briefly before focusing on the path in front of him. As he kept walking you were able to take a moment to look at your rescuer. His hair looked like a absolute mess..maybe worse than when he came to the inn earlier. His clothes were completely soaked as were yours and he seemed to be speckeled all over with the mud that he was having to stamp through...splashing it up with each step onto both of you. Your eyes focus upon his face that was peering intently on the path he was making his way down upon. There was crinkle lines around his hazel eyes that were concentrating upon his surroundings and his full lips were drawn tight under the thick drooping mustache.

It became very aparent as the warmth of his body radiated into yours that this wasnt a dream you had conjured up..he really was here holding you...he really did rescue you after all. You laid your head down on his sopping wet shoulder, nuzzeling into his neck...that smelled like sweet pipe weed mixed with a warm earthy tone...escaping some of the rain that was pouring down onto the both of your faces. You could feel him breath out a sigh of relief that you were not afraid of him and then he chuckeled as he felt you wrap your arms tighter around his neck...easing up under his hat for better protection.

"It will be over soon lass. Im taken yeh teh a friend of mine. He will help us." He could hear your murmur of curiousity ~ who~ "Bard." he felt you stiffen as a squeak of ~ The King?~ left your lips. "Aye. Hes a friend of mine and teh yah..if yeh let him be." trepidition filled you as you thought ~how could he want teh be . Im nothing but a lowly tavern wench.~ but you decided to put your trust in this handsome dwarf..after all he had saved you so he earned your trust. You kept calm and quiet as he carried you onward to the one place you never dreamed you would ever get to see.

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Bofur felt the girl calm down in his arms and he sighed inwardly in relief that she was entrusting him on this. He kept plodding through the thick soupy mud..hoping he remembered the way to Bards home and praying he would help them out. Finally the kings domicile came into sight and Bofur exhaled loudly in a relieving sigh..the end was near..almost. Now he just needed to deal with the guards that were posted outside the large iron gates.

"Halt! What business do you have here?" the guards voice was very brusque and sounded irritated..like Bofur could blame him, after all he was having to stand out in this weather.

"Im here teh see King Bard." Bofurs tone was full of confidence as he stood there peering up at the man before him. "Please tell him Master Bofur is here teh see him..its urgent." the guard looked like he was going to object but the girl gave him a pleading look from under Bofurs chin and a whisper soft " please sir.". The guard groaned out..it seemed he had a soft spot for damsels in distress...poked his head inside a side door off from the front gate to speak to whomever before turning back around to them once more.

Bofur could feel the girl shivering in his arms as they waited out there in the chilly rain for an answer. Looking down momentarily he gave her a comforting smile as they waited there under the guards watchful eyes. It wasnt long before they recieved thier answer..in the form of Bard himself, who was running up to the gate with a waterproof cloak thrown over to protect himself from this weather. Bofur felt like a wieght was lifted from his chest at the sight of his friend coming over.

"Bofur..whats wrong?"Bard could see the dwarf was under some kind of emotional strain by the look in his eyes and the grimace he wore that wasnt his normal look. as soon as he reached him he realized Bofur was holding someone small in his arms..too big to be a child and upon closer inspection he realized it was a woman. Looking into his eyes, he saw a deadly calm there, that did not bode well for whomever it was directed at. Judging by a large bruise that could be seen upon the womans upper arm, he knew there was a story there, that maybe should be heard in private..not here, outside in this storm in front of witnesses. ~there is something seriously wrong. i need to find out~ he thought..but outloud he spoke to them. "come inside. Lets get into someplace thats dry." Bard directed Bofur towards a beacon of light that promised safety and warmth for them, out of the coldness of this rain.

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You sat there upon a stool as Bards healer was examining you and your various injuries, your eyes never leaving Bofurs who was standing off to the side near the door talking to King Bard. You could see the fury, barely hidden, behind Bofurs eyes as he recounted what had transpired earlier this evening..Bards eyes became cold as he listened. Finally Bofur couldnt hold back the growl he was trying to contain and his voice suddenly rose in volume, being heard by your ears as he walked over to where you sat.

"It was that scoundrel from earlier. The one who yeh stopped in hasseling her and had kicked out of the inn." Bards eyes were livid with anger as he turned to look at you. You felt fear enter your heart at the sight..the only thing that kept you on that stool was Bofurs hand, that he had placed upon your shoulder when he had walked over to you..thus giving you the courage to stay there.

"How is she?" he barely kept the bite out of his voice as he spoke to the healer..knowing she didnt deserve his anger that was seething under the surface.

"She will be fine. Shes only bruised..badly, but she will be fine Sire. A few days rest is all she needs." Bards lips thinned as he curtly spoke..bidding her to leave them..being kind about it as he could...she readily did. Bard turned his eyes and attentions back to you..noticing you shrink a little bit away..he tried to soften his demaeanor and voice...truly not wanting to frighten you more than you already had been.

"Now..lady. Can you tell me anything at all about these men? What they looked like? What they were wearing? Anything at all? I know it would be to much to hope for you knowing who your attackers were?" his sigh was heavy and filled with no hope of that boon.

"Actually Sire.." you croaked out through a throat that felt raw from screaming..you see him hold up his hand as he carefully knelt before you, taking your hands into his warm large ones.

"Bard. Please lady..call me Bard. Thats what my friends call me and yes I would like to be a friend to you.Anyone Bofur calls a friend, I will too..if you will let me?" his voice was gentle and kind..bringing tears to your already sore eyes. "Oh please..dont cry. I cant stand making a woman cry." you couldnt help the small laugh from leaving you at the thought of this King being unable to handle womanly tears. You were able to get yourself under control and was able to speak once more.

"I will if yeh can call meh (Y/N) for im not much of ah lady." you saw him smile and nodded his head..you spoke on then."Bard..I do know the men." his eyes lit up with surprise and hope...you looked up into Bofurs eyes..not taking them off of his face, needing the courage from him ,to say what needed to be said. "It was Marduk...and his two closest friends. I dont know thier names but I know his." Bard nearly falls over in shock at what you said and then he begins to curse under his breath..he swiftly turns around not looking at you.

"Are you positive about this (Y/N)?" you could hear the hint of hope in his tone that maybe you were wrong about who had attacked you...it was dashed instantly by your ~ yes..I am.~ which was followed by another string of curses as he became aggitated and started pacing in front of Bofur and you..his worry and fear very evident within the King.

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Bofur watched his friend pacing back and forth in front of him..not really understanding what was going on here , but knowing whatever it was it wasnt good news. Bofur watched Bard walking around and muttering to himself..finally his patience ran out.

"Bard?" his tone was questioning..no response..he tried again. "Bard!" it was Bofurs growl that broke through his low rumblings to look at him...eyebrows drew in tightly together in anxiety. Seeing that look upon Bards face brought a cold chill to Bofur...he knew then that this was worse than he realized earlier and he spoke into that deep silence."Who is this man? And why are yeh both looking so gloomy all a sudden?" Bard looked down as he answered him...shoulders tense as he filled in the dwarf in how deep he had gotten them into, pinching the bridge of his nose.

"Marduk is not just anyone. He is the son of one of the most influential men in town..the Head Chancelors only son." Bard lifted his head and walked swiftly over to Bofur to grab his shoulders in a strong grip as his eyes bored into the dwarfs..pleading..begging him that he didnt hear Bofur correctly earlier."Please..please my friend. Are you sure you didnt just knock him unconcious? That maybe you didnt really kill him?" Bofur watched Bards hopes dashing into the ground as he shook his head in denial and replied ~ no, my friend. it was a solid hit..he wont be ever getting up from that.~ Bards head hung low in despair, knowing he will not be able to protect them from what was coming. "Im so, so sorry." his voice sounded mournful..there were unshed tears forming in his eyes..fear growing in Bofur at the sight. "I..I cant protect you. The Chancelor is going to be out for your head..both of your heads." A look of disbelief coming into Bofurs eyes as the girl hung her head to silently cry at this new turn of events. "Hes too powerful and high up. If I try to stand in the way then he will cause a riot. Niether of you are high ranking and Bofur, while your not under my rule..she is technically, but shes not but a..." at that moment Bard saw a contemplative hard look come into Bofurs eyes and he paused speaking at the sight of Bofurs devious smirk...he had something up his sleeve and Bard knew it.

"Aye. Im not under your rule..but I am under King Thorins." his tone was sly, hope flared in Bard as he caught on to what Bofur was planning...he gave him a look of ~ you sure this will work?~ hearing the dwarfs chuckle strengthened his hope. "He will help us the best he can...and if he cant, then ill take her away for awhile...far, far away where nobody can find us till its safe again." Bofur looked down at the girl who was peering up at him in shock at hearing his words...her head began shaking in denial.

"yeh...yeh cant." she stammered...incredulity clear at what he was suggesting on doing."Yeh canna leave yur family..yur friends behind...especially over someone like meh." Bofur saw her eyes becoming upset...which he promptly ruined as he reached out to stroke her cheek with his knuckle..softly chuckeling as a look of stunned surprise came across her face. There was a blush that stole across her cheeks as her voice went soft. "I canna let yeh do this Bofur. I canna let yeh abandon yur life fur me." he could see in her eyes that she was worried for him and it made him even more want to protect her anyway he had to...she tried to reason with him once more."Please? Not fur meh. Im not worth it. Oh Bofur..why would yeh do this?" she saw his eyes become hard as he closed down..she knew her pleas would fall on deaf ears and she huffed out in defeat.

"I can and will... because lass..yeh are worth it. Yeh just dont see it..yet." his tone was gentle yet held a touch of finality in it. "Will yeh please trust in meh? I promise it will be fine." her shoulders drooped as she sighed out ~alright~ not seeing his smile at the way she made it sound..like a child begrudgingly giving in to a parents demands. Bofur looked up at Bard..noticing him smiling also... then the seriousness of the situation enveloped the room once more and it was Bard who broke that silence.

"You both need to leave out..tonight..now." at that moment the storm made itself known as thunder shook the walls...reminding them all that it was still present and ready to wash over them if they dared to venture out into its wet clutches. Bard glanced down at the girl remembering her injuries and he growled under his breath at the reminder. "(Y/N)..I...I hate to ask this but do you think you can travel in your condition? I know the healer did say you need...." he was cut off by her voice that suddenly had a harsh tone within..it spoke of renewed strength he didnt know she still had in her.

"Aye. I will make it. Dont yeh worry about that..Im stronger than i look..I can and will do it..fur him." her head lifted to look at Bofur as fire of determination flared within her eyes...Bofur smiled down with pride at her. Seeing them both staring at each other Bards doubts left him ..thinking that maybe this would work.

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The nieghing of a pony could be heard through the tumultuous storm as the cold winds blew the freezing rain, that was falling down in sheets upon the weary , battered travelers moving along the road below it.

"Its alright boy. Were almost there..a nice warm place teh sleep is waitin fur yah ahead." Bofurs tone was soothing to the skittish mount as he gently patted the poor beasts neck. He glanced up to the ponys passenger who was clinging to the saddle she was sitting upon, clutching its horn tightly. Her knuckles were white from the grip she had upon it...her eyes were wide from fright...or was that pain. Either way Bofur reached out his hand to place over hers, feeling them cold like ice compared to his warm ones. He could vaguely hear her whimper and he sought to ease her pain...giving her hope. "Were almost there (Y/N) ..just hang on a wee bit longer fur Bofur. Hey, if yeh look straight ahead, yeh can see the lanterns glowing at the front gates. Heck lass... if yeh wait fur lightning teh flash, yeh can see the gates themselves." His beautiful lilting voice rose up to her ears, bringing a feeling of comfort and safety to her. Bofur felt one of her hands under his move to grasp his to squeeze softly..bringing a smile to his face that she couldn't see in the darkness...sitting upon the pony Bard had lent them to travel speedily without bringing more harm to her.

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You looked up to the direction Bofur had indicated and waited for the promised flash. Peering into that inky blackness you shook as you waited patiently, suddenly there it was, a burst of light...almost blinding you by its brillance...almost, but in that brief moment you saw those very gates illuminated. At the sight of them you felt apprehension stealing over you as a word was torn from your throat.

"Erebor" the lonely mountain and King Thorins realm...a shiver coursed its way along your back. Bofur could feel it, but believed it to be the cold of the rain that was causing it, by the way he began to stroke your hand held in his with a thumb in a calming gesture... you let him believe that. Finally the gates were before you and the sheer size of them took your breath away. The massive stone doors with their intricate carvings upon them that you couldn't make out the details on but you knew they had to be impressive to behold in the daylight. The laterns that hung on either side of the doors that were sheltered from the wind and rain so to be a beacon of light for any darrow caught out in this weather. All of it was astounding to behold and it was guarded by two impressively thick, burly dwarves whose eyes were fierce to look upon. If it wasn't for Bofur holding onto the reigns you would have turned the pony around, racing away from these intimidating warriors and towards the hills to get away.

You saw Bofur hail the two guards before y'all, his jovial smile softening their gazes as they began to laugh and tease him about the lateness of the hour. You just sat there on the pony shrinking into the cloak Bard had given you to try and shield you from this chilly tempest, and attempting to not whimper in pain from the injuries on your body. Eventually..but not to soon enough to you, they allowed y'all to enter into the mountain and as you crossed over the threshold into the mountain, you could feel a wave of relief flowing over you that y'all had made it this far without incident. ~ one hurdle down...another one to go...Thorin, King Under the Mountain~ the very dwarf who had the power to either save you or doom you to a harsh fate. Either way you were at the Erebor kings mercy now, to do as he pleased.

You looked down at Bofur from atop the pony, seeing his radiant smile directed your way and as you went to return it you realized he was going fuzzy...your body started to feel like lead as darkness consumed you..not seeing the look of fear upon Bofurs face as you fell off the pony and into his arms, once more.

A/N: I seem to have hit a certain wall...this is taking on a life of its own...so much there's a possibility it could turn into its own book. So my question is do y'all want just a part three then stop this..or should it be transfered into its own book so their story can keep going on beyond 3 parts.

Post A/N: well i have been asked to continue this..but not here. Im turning this into a small book now, so look for it. Its called ~ Dwarf Knight~ hope you all have a look see and enjoy it.