Hello! I'm back with the latest chapter of "Expect the Unexpected." I'm so very sorry for the long delay. School and endless flow of projects kept me away from my beloved FF :(

I want to thank each and everyone of you who has favored and followed this story, you know who you are ;) You guys are so very cherished and appreciate by me, and I hope that I can write this story true and unique, and hope that I won't disappoint you :)

Disclaimer: Own nothing but the OCs. Sorry for grammar/spelling errors.

Without further delays, Happy Reading!

Margaery

The Hall of the Elven King was anything but a golden touch of time and sleek sophistication, it made the Palace of Versailles pale in comparison to its wondrous setting. The Woodland Elves, headed by Legolas, had captured and brought them back to the Hall, whereas Thranduil, the Elven King awaited them.

" I swear, if this Elven King turns out to be another transvestite." She heard Allyria murmured as they were guided into the double wooden doors, intricately carved, astonishingly strong, and extremely tall and thick. Since the moment they had been captured by the Elves, Allyria seldom let out a noise, let alone a proper word. Yet there she was, insulting the Elven race within minutes of meeting them. If this is how she'd talk to Thranduil, then I will definitely never see another day.

" Please, oh please, control your mouth when you see him." She begged in a hushed whisper.

" I am a free woman. I am a citizen of a free country, and I rightfully and dutifully exercise the First Amendment. You shouldn't be ashamed of such freedom and privileges, Marg." Allyria declared boldly, her voice a bit louder, drawing some glances from the Elves. I am afraid of such rights if it will be the death of me.

" Your mouth is going to get us killed!" She whispered deliriously.

" I'm not the one who will get us killed. It's that bloody stubborn, ass wipe of a leader will get us killed."

" Where's your loyalty?" She ridiculed. They were the last one to enter the Hall, being second to Bombur and the handsome Legolas. Unlike Galadriel's moonlight Lorien, Thranduil's Mirkwood was cast with a spell of twilight dusk. Golden, shimmering, and eerily vibrant was the Elven King's Hall and she couldn't help but admire the complex architect. They crossed over a bridge inside the Hall, further down the bridge was a few steps of stairs leading to the tall, thick oaken throne of the ever mighty Thranduil. Even from a far, she could see the tall leading figure of the Elven King. Next to her, Allyria whispered an insult.

" That's the fifth transvestite I've seen in an hour, Marg."

" Please keep your mouth shut, Ally. For me. No, for us." She quickly begged. Allyria scoffed in a confident manner as they climbed the stairs.

" I'm a trained CIA agent. I know when to keep my mouth shut, Marg." Ally muttered next to her, before shooting a serious look at Thranduil. The Elven King sat in his mighty oaken throne, with his legs crossed and finely dressed in cloths of gold, red, and silver. His cool demeanor gave off a majestic, highly untouchable air that can make even the most feared orc bowed in horror. Never thought I'd say this, but damn. He is one hot dad. Legolas sure is lucky to have him as a father.

" Welcome Thorin, Son of Thrain." The Elven King greeted them in a deep, sophisticated, regal tone. She and Ally remained at the back, sheltered from the view by the many backs of the dwarves. Thorin exchanged some hostile words with Thranduil and she had to restrained Allyria from breaking out of her cool, calm demeanor every time the Elven King took a jab at Thorin and the Company.

" Who does this transvestite think he is?" Allyria hissed quietly next to her. Out of the corner of her eyes, she felt a pair of eyes transfixed on her, and purposefully glanced around the oaken platform. A tall female elf was staring at her, with eyes reminded her that of a silent wolf, waiting for the right moment to strike. The female elf had long, flowing red hair, complexly braided yet simple looking, eyes the color of hazel, and skin somewhat pale. She recalled an article she had read a few months earlier about Peter Jackson and his plan to write an original character to add to the film. She was adamant at first because of the choice, but decided to reserve her judgement until she had seen the second movie, but Gandalf and his magic staff got in the way before she can even buy the advanced ticket. She admitted that she had not read into Tauriel much, mainly because she wanted to have a clear, unbiased first impression of the red haired she-elf warrior. And now, in this vulnerable yet strong moment, she wished she had caved into her desire. Being aware of your crap and overcoming them were two different things. Her hardcore older sister taught her that, and such words clearly imprinted in her mind. Now, she was actively aware of her crap, but the chances of her overcoming them were small and unlikely. She gave Tauriel a small polite smile, hoping that the she-elf would see this as a sign of a diplomatic beginning.

" Tauriel! Legolas! Take them to the dungeons!" Thranduil's deep voice severed her hope of diplomacy. The dwarves were grumpy, hostile, and possibly angry at their current situation, but they remained to be ever proud as the guards took them to the dungeons. One by one they were forced to walk the wooden bridge again. She and Allyria were about to turn around and make their journey to the dungeons, when the deep voice rang out again.

" Legolas. What have we here?" Thranduil addressed his son calmly and almost coldly. All eyes were on them, as Tauriel took hold of their arms and forcibly moved them to the front of the group. She obliged with great alacrity, confidently walked to the front, while Allyria gave off an aura that can only be described as lethal. Don't open your mouth, Ally. Keep that anger in check.

" Do you have a name?" Thranduil inquired majestically. The Elven King sat on his throne confidently, not once in need of an assurance.

" What kind of parents would not give their kid a name?" Allyria answered the question with a question. She opened her mouth. Lord, please be kind to me.

" Answer me." He replied coldly and almost in a demanding way.

" My parents taught me that a host, no matter what kind, should always be the first one to introduce their name. Are you a proper host?" Ally asked, her confident shone brightly.

" You are in my domain. It is only right that you should know my name, human." Thranduil was getting impatient and she was praying for a miracle. Two sassy, overconfident, emotionless people exchanging words. How lucky am I?

" I am your guest. It is only right if you should know my name." Ally was playing him, she realized. She turned to look at Thorin, and saw that the King under the Mountain was equally as pissed, albeit not at Ally. Out of the dwarves, only Thorin remained while she and Ally were being interrogated by Thranduil. The way Thorin gazed at Allyria can only be described as proud and gratified. He's proud of her? Out of all the time to be proud of. This is the time?

" I am Thranduil." The Elven King's head titled slightly to the left, his eyes the color of emerald marble, constantly searching for clues.

" A proper host should know his guest name, but I guess your pride is swollen enough, so I will be more cooperative. I'm Allyria Parker and I can't say that it's a pleasure to meet you, Thranduil." Allyria answered in a neutral tone. She silently glared at Allyria for her cockiness but secretly cheered for the latter and her badass attitude. If this happens in the movie, I'd piss myself.

" I can see that you and your friend here are of the race of Men." He inquired more, this time more calm.

" What else would you take me for? I'm certainly not tall enough to be an elf, or short enough to be a dwarf. I also don't walk with a stick up my ass like you and him, so it's safe to say that I am definitely of the race of Men." Allyria motioned Thorin during her speech and earned herself a glare from the two kings. This is painfully hilarious to witness. If only I can be the innocent bystander, or better yet, a movie goer.

" Such insolence will not be tolerated in my domain, Lady Allyria." Thranduil calmly stated, a venomous threat was thinly veiled beneath such calmness. She glanced over to Tauriel, hoping to see some anger, but instead there was a glimpse of admiration and fascination in the she-elf's eyes. Where's the ruthless killing machine?

" Your Highness," She opened her mouth to speak, hoping to bring some peace and diplomacy between the three races. Thranduil's sharp eyes fell on her, and she gulped nervously. Just be calm, and think of him as a scolded child. Approach him with a smile.

" Allow me to introduce myself." She smiled brightly, taking a step forward. "I am Margaery Preston and I earnestly beg you to forgive my friend here. She is of fierce temperament and can be quite reckless with her actions and words."

" Welcome to my kingdom, Lady Margaery." Thranduil nodded with a cold face. "I solemnly agree that Lady Allyria here is of a reckless temperament."

" Thank you for your understanding, Your Highness." She bowed slightly. Years of watching medieval drama has finally paid off.

" What are you doing in my domain, Lady Margaery?" Thranduil inquired and she glanced to Thorin briefly. The latter looked cautiously angry and troubled, but she quickly returned her gaze to the Elven King. He can thank me later.

" Allyria and I are embarking on a trip around Middle Earth and happened to stumbled into the forest. Your domain is eerily fascinating, Your Highness."

" A trip around Middle Earth? Two young women traveling alone and unarmed across Middle Earth? I'd dare say it is not the safest way to live out your short life, Lady Margaery." Thranduil ridiculed them calmly, still sitting on his throne, high and mighty.

" Call me Margaery and Allyria here happens to be very skilled with a sword." She stated with a small smile. Allyria, however, looked like she was suffering from the worst pain. A shadow of discomfort and hate clouded itself across her best friend's perfect sculpted face. She's the ruler of all that is evil.

" Is it so?" Thranduil turned to look at Ally.

" Yes," Allyria glared at her before slowly adding, "Your Highness." I am so dead once we're alone together.

" And what business do you have with Thorin Oakenshield? You were traveling with them, yes?" He inquired further, shifting in his seat.

" We got lost in the forest, and stumbled upon the dwarves. They were extremely kind and gave us shelter." She answered with a gracious smile.

" Kindness in a dwarf? That is definitely unheard of." The Elven King mused, looking at Thorin and smiled coldly. He's even more sassy than I thought.

" With all due respect, Your Highness." It was Allyria who answered, "However short I've known them, the dwarves have shown themselves to be an excellent group of people to have when danger is near. They gave us a temporary home in this poisonous forest of yours, and that for me is kindness. You, however, are as straight and rigid as the stick up in your ass." Allyria answered bluntly and casually, her tone filled with warning and hate. She inwardly groaned in frustration. Her efforts at diplomacy in the past ten minutes went down the drain by the time Allyria opened her mouth and all hell broke loose. How can someone with a brain not know when to shut up and when to talk?

" Tauriel. Take Lady Allyria to the dungeons." Thranduil ordered coldly and she saw Thorin twitched slightly when the she-elf went and grabbed Ally by the arms. She protested, but to no avail.

" King Thranduil, please! Don't do this!" She begged passionately, her eyes shone with worries. Allyria, you stupid moron! Why can't you keep your pretty mouth shut? She watched Allyria being walked away by Tauriel, a feeling of helplessness exploded inside of her and she absolutely hated it.

" Legolas." Thranduil ignored her pleas and turned to his son. " Do show Margaery here the generosity of our hospitality."

Legolas, the Prince of Mirkwood, moved to protest in Elvish and she stood there, hopeless and completely devoid of everything, as father and son argued back and forth. She allowed her eyes to look to Thorin then, and she knew that he was of equal distress also. His blue eyes filled with worries and anger, the vein on his head anxiously waiting to explode. Never had I thought this episode would happened. Where the hell is Bilbo? He's the best chance they have to get out of this hell hole.

" Lady Margaery." Legolas' neutral voice called her back from her thoughts.

" Yes?" She replied defiantly, or tried to.

" Please follow me." He nodded at her firmly and she looked to Thranduil, searching for an answer. No answers came from the Elven King but his look was cold, calculating, and perplexed. She reluctantly followed Legolas and gave Thorin one last glance. If anything happen to me, Allyria is going to kill the bejesus out of him. Good lord.

Legolas guided her to a long stairway intricately carved along the tall wooden tree. The scenery was breathtaking to behold, her surrounding were crisped with the last golden dusk of twilight, and she truly believed that if it weren't for the unfortunate circumstances, she would be fangirling over Legolas and Mirkwood this very moment. Instead, she was silently fuming with anger and dissatisfaction. After climbing to the top, a long hall way greeted them. Legolas looked to her then, his blue eyes cold yet there was an untapped source of warmth beneath it.

" This is your quarter for the duration of your stay." He opened the oaken door, revealing a simple room, with a simple bed, yet no matter its simplicity, it truly looked comfortable and grand.

" And what am I supposed to do during my vacation here, Prince Legolas?" She addressed him with reserved formality.

" That is up for the King to decide." He replied firmly, before nodding his head and left the room. The oaken door closed silently and she was left to herself, alone to contemplate the next move in the dreadful silence. What a girl to do...

Allyria

She silently observed the red haired woman as they made their way to the dungeons under the order of the transvestite King. She, to her own amazement, made no attempt to resist when the female warrior approached her. She strangely complied to the order and made her way down the spiral of stairs, accompanied by the she-elf.

" What is your name?" She asked, breaking the silence as they walked down the stairs.

" Tauriel. And yours?" She sensed some reluctancy, but nevertheless pleased that her bodyguard answered her question.

" Something tell me you already know the answer, Tauriel." She replied, not bothered to face the red head.

" What you said to the King. That was very impudent of you." Tauriel said after a while, and she scoffed in return.

" Impudent is not a word one would associate me with, Tauriel." She turned and looked at the crispy clear waterfall. They crossed the bridge and she stopped to admire nature's finest aqua creation. For all of his feminine qualities, that Thranduil is rather gifted in architecture.

" You must not stop here." Tauriel said in a rather commanding tone.

" I am admiring your King's taste in art. I thought you love the notion of your beloved King is being praised upon." She stated, still not looking at Tauriel.

" King Thranduil is ever kind to me, but I am obliged to take you to-" Tauriel replied.

" The dungeons." She finished, and resumed her walk.

" What business do you have with the dwarves?" Tauriel broke the cold silence again, this time as they walked underneath a giant grey rock. Interrogation 101 by using subtly. Not bad. Not bad at all.

" Margaery and I are wanton mistresses of the night. Everyone, including Dwarves, have needs you know?" She answered bluntly, her eyes gleamed with mischief. Might as well give them a couple heart attacks before I die. Tauriel seemed to be taken back by her answer, and opened her mouth to reply, but not before opening and closing it for a couple time.

" You Elves have no sense of humor. I was making adulterous banter." She effectively cut off the She-elf. What if that was my answer when Thranduil asked? Oh, I can only imagine.

" Is there any veracity in your story, Lady Allyria?"

" No. I am a liar. Always have, always will be." She replied with a smirk. Tauriel gave her a quizzical look, but decided not to say anything else. Within minutes, she was in front of a small cell and let out a small laugh at the size of it.

" Your land really is dying then, eh? A cell this small? No wonder why those spiders are so fucking big. They must eaten half of the forest." She said out loud before voluntarily got inside. Tauriel closed the iron door and gave her one last look.

" I would advise that you keep that mouth of yours shut the next time King Thranduil ask for you." It was a warning, she knew, but for whatever reason, she didn't care.

" Then what's the point of asking for me then?" She was back on the joke wagon. "If my mouth is shut, then there is no way he will be able to enjoy me and my talents."

Tauriel didn't say anything else and left, looking like a warrior with a rainy cloud above her head. She stood there, hands on the irons, carefully monitoring everything around her before jumping back to the seriousness that was in the air.

" Has anyone seen Margaery?" She asked loudly, hoping that the Dwarves will hear her.

" I thought the lass was with you?" It was Balin who answered.

" That transvestite was talking to her when I left. The motherfucker told that red head to drag me her." She replied calmly, sitting down on the cold floor.

" Please tell me you didn't use such colorful language before King Thranduil." Balin sighed as she let out a smirk.

" I didn't call him a motherfucker, Balin." She answered, waiting for a response.

" Oh, thank Mahal."

" But I did say that he walks with a stick up his ass." She added. Within seconds, laughters were in the air, and she joined them with a hearty laugh of her own. I should be a comedian. I would make people laugh, or piss in their pants.

" Let us hope Thorin can be more diplomatic than you."

" Diplomacy is not asked in the contract that I signed, Balin. I have no affinity with such delicacy. Margaery, maybe, but me, hell to the no." She replied, earning a chuckle from St. Nicolas.

" I'm afraid not, my dear."

The silence resumed not long after that. The Dwarves turned solemn and so was she. Margaery's welfare concerned her to no end. Worst cases of scenario kept on popping into her mind, and her imagination flourished greatly in those moments. She thought of Margaery, her little angelic best friend, being tortured, being flanked for information. Goosebumps found its way onto her tanned skin and she automatically cuddled up in the dark corner of the cell. There's no way that transvestite will hurt Margaery. Everybody loves her. There's no way anything can happen to her.

She was too evoked by her inner thoughts that she didn't see the iron door being opened and a new shadow stepped in. She was too distracted by her own fear that she didn't see Thorin Oakenshield being shoved inside the cell. Only after the King under the Mountain opened his mouth that she looked up in surprise. Thorin was talking to Balin in a language she couldn't understand, and decided not worth to fuss over. After a while, Thorin finally turned around and acknowledged her. She didn't hope for anything, not relief or happiness, nothing was all that she hoped for. Yet what she got was more than a handful.

" You! How foolish can you be?" His blue eyes flared in anger as he approached her. She was too tired to get up from her spot, but she was not tired of arguing back.

" I'm certainly not as foolish as you, moron! Whose fault was it that we got captured?" She hissed back, glaring at Thorin.

" Whose fault was it that you couldn't keep your mouth shut? How dare you spoke to Thranduil?"

" My First Amendment gave me the right to speak to that mother-fucking transvestite, and I am not at fault here!" She stated, her anger rising every second.

" Your arrogance is sickening." He hissed, standing in front of her.

" Says the one who walk with a stick up his ass!" With that the silence effectively returned. This time poisoned with tension and anger. Thorin paced around the small cell, while she sat there, contemplating about Margaery.

After a while, Thorin seemed to have cool down, for he sat down next to her and began to speak.

" I am sorry I lost my temper. It won't happen again." While the distance between was great, she felt the heat radiating of him and subconsciously inched closer.

" We need to alleviate this stress." She murmured, staring into space.

" Margaery is being well taken care off, so don't you worry about her." Thorin said after a few minutes of companionable silence.

" Oh, thank god!" She let out a sigh of relief.

" Although, she is being treated as a hostage."

" A leverage against us then?" She replied and he nodded. She inched closer to him, and started to play with his hair, unknowingly.

" What are you doing, Allyria?" Thorin tensed up visibly as she began to braid his hair.

" Margaery always let me play with her hair when I am troubled by life and its many complications." She answered, voice barely above that of a whisper. " I need you to be Margaery right now. At least, in hair texture." Why am I being like this? I am going to be a wuss like them soon if I don't stop!

" You care greatly for her." Thorin observed.

" She is my person." She answered, finished with one braid before moving on to make another.

" Your person?" He asked, confused.

" She's my family. The only family I have is her. Although, the same can't be say to me." She smiled sadly.

" You mentioned of an uncle if I remember correctly." He said, attempted to turn to her but she stopped him, afraid that he might messed up the complicated fish braid.

" Stop moving your freaking head!" She hissed before returned back to the topic at hand. "My uncle doesn't like me. He doesn't like anyone, really. Even his wife."

" Not everyone find love in an arranged marriage." Thorin replied, almost sympathetic to the cause.

" He got her pregnant after a drunken night." She answered bluntly, before adding. "My grandfather, Colonel Chester, forced them to marry within a week."

" Your grandfather did the honorable thing." Thorin stated calmly.

" Either that or he just didn't want to ruin his reputation and put a dent in the family's crest." She shrugged, moving on to another strand of hair.

" You don't agree with his action?" Thorin questioned and she scoffed.

" I love my grandfather dearly, but he was the biggest ass during his time. Complicated, proud, noble, quick to pass judgement, hot tempered, self-righteous." She recalled her grandfather with a smile. "You and him are alike very much."

" Did you just effectively give me insults without actually doing it?"

" I thought you like walking with a stick up your ass?" She mused.

" You ought to watch your tongue. Especially in front of those who have a greater strength and leverage."

" My Dad said that I inherited the stubbornness from my grandfather. As well as the sharp tongue and the quick mind." She replied.

" Would you regard such qualities as fine?"

" It certainly makes people fear my name." She said, with a cocky smirk.

" Margaery doesn't fear you, does she?"

" Only when I am pissed, but no. She might act like it, but we both know better." She shrugged, finished with the fish braid before taking another strand to continue her stress relief activity.

" It is rare to find someone who understand you."

" You're getting sentimental all of a sudden." She observed. Thorin remained quite at her comment, and she decided not to press it. I've unlocked the teddy.

" I was engaged to be married once. Long before the dragon came." Thorin softly whispered, effectively cutting the silence. She stopped in the middle of the braid, and an unfamiliar feeling ignited in her. She did not know what it was, but she was confused, surprised, and somehow, disappointed. It took her less than a second to continue her work on Thorin's fine mane, yet this time, the simple act required more control. What is this hideous feeling? Where is Margaery when I need her?

" Where is she?" She asked, trying to sound neutral and unassuming.

" She died when the dragon came. Along with many others." A dreadful sort of feeling came to her, completely drowned her in its misery. Oh God, it's one of those heartbreaking story Margaery would love to be a part of.

" You loved her." It was not a question, but rather a fact that no one dared to say.

" Love is a strong word."

" And so is hate." She replied wittily.

" She would have made me a proper wife." He said, eyes casted on the ground.

" I don't mean to sound harsh and rude, but you would make a terrible husband." She bluntly said and he let out a low chuckle.

" I am not fitted to be a husband or a father." There was some veracity in it, but she decided to accept his statement.

" Or a king." She added playfully, earning herself a side glare from Thorin. "I'm kidding. Relax a little will you? No wonder you're so tense and moody all the time. When was the last time you get laid?" The last part flew out of her mouth long before she realized what she had done. Thorin gave her a glare before calmly replied.

" I slept a night ago." She let out a sigh of relief upon hearing his answer. I'm actually glad that this bastard doesn't know the modern meaning of that term. Else, I'd be at the end of his mercy by now.

" Of course." She replied, finishing the braid. " You're pretty, Thorin. Don't let anyone take that thunder of sunshine away." She winked and earned herself another glare.

" Do you by chance know the significant of braiding one's hair?"

" Other than the fact that it alleviate my stress? No. Although, I'd say it is a feminine activity for one to be involved in." She shrugged and rested her back on the cold wall. "Why are you here?"

" We've been talking for half an hour and you just took notice?" Thorin asked back, ridiculing her with his eyes.

" I've been rather distracted by the braids in your goddamn hair." She retorted, earning another glare. " Glaring me won't give you your masculinity back."

" Thranduil thinks that there is a partnership between you and I." Thorin said and she turned to look at him, her eyes widened with surprise and horror.

" Is that mother-fucking transvestite blind?" She asked, in a low voice.

" He said that I look at you in an unusual amount of time." Thorin didn't look at her when he said this.

" It's safe to say that everyone in that throne room was looking at me." She absentmindedly brushed off Thranduil's opinion. " It's not everyday that they get to meet someone who call their King a mother fucking transvestite with a stick up his ass."

Thorin chuckled at this but reprimanded her seconds later. " You need to watch what comes out of that mouth, Allyria."

" You adore my honestly, Thorin. You can deny it all you want, but you value my honesty and brilliance." She winked at him, and he gave her a look.

" I bet that boat of yours is looking very good right now." He smoothly switched the topic, and she decided not to question it, fearing it will lead to another sentimental moment.

" What boat?" She asked, momentarily forgot about her original kidnapping plan.

" The one where you supposed to get on and not attend your cousin's wedding." He answered, and she was surprised he remembered such details.

" That is a yacht, not a boat." She replied, missing her beloved Sandrine.

" Still. I think you'd rather be on it right now, instead of sitting in some dungeon." He looked at her, eyes playful with a hint of seriousness. She let out a tender smile before answering.

" It rains a lot this time of the year." She looked at him with a lingering smile. Thorin's blue eyes softened at her but hardened within seconds. He's a big teddy all the way.

" There is no place I'd rather be, than to be here." She smiled softly, "With you." The upper corner of Thorin's mouth lifted up a bit, and somewhat turned into a smile.

" Don't you dare say anything." She warned, but her eyes gleamed with playfulness. Their eyes met for the briefest second before the sound of the iron door being opened disrupted it.

" Lady Allyria." Tauriel stepped into the cell, her face a calm facade, but her voice was of authority.

" What is it, now?" She asked, not bothered getting up. Thorin, however, got up quickly, his body tensed. She gave the King under the Mountain a look of ridicule before reluctantly got up and adhered to the norm of civility.

" I am here to take you to King Thranduil." One on one with the king of sassiness? And here I thought this day can't get any better.

" Lead the way, Tauriel." She replied confidently and spare Thorin one last look, before walked out of the cell.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR TIME!

I am very excited to write the upcoming interaction between the sassy Thranduil and the honest Ally. Please tell me what you think of this chapter and the tender moment between Thorin and Ally :)

DON'T FORGET TO REVIEW!

Love,

LL93