Amara waited patiently as she lay on the uncomfortable, firm, makeshift bed. She could hear and see the humans shuffling around her, preparing her and gathering equipment such as bowls, towels and knives. She twiddled her thumbs absentmindedly.

"Are you afraid, Siren?" Came a familiar slimy voice.

Amara tilted her head slightly to look behind her, "No." She replied nonchalantly, "Why would I be afraid?"

Alfrid slithered closer; his yellowed, crooked teeth on show through his malicious grin, "because you're about to meet your end, Creature of the Deep." He was trying to provoke her, to get a reaction out of her to make this experience ever more satisfying for himself.

But the way Amara let out a light, breezy laugh Alfrid actually became confused for a moment, she seemed so confident it nearly through him off. Nearly.

"If you say so, Master Alfrid." She began to pick at her nail casually.

Alfrid peered over at her, excepting to see some hidden fear deep in her eyes, expecting to find that she as trying to be brave and this airiness was just an act that she was hiding behind. But no, as far as Alfrid could see she was completely confident and unfazed by the web she was currently entangled in.

Curiosity crept up on Alfrid, he wanted to know the source of her relaxed attitude, and then he wanted to squash it. He wanted her to feel fear, he wanted her to be afraid.

"You do not care that you will be leaving your beloved king behind?" He was trying to bait her for a reaction, and for a fleeting moment he thought he got one for Amara paused, looking thoughtful.

"I will not be leaving anyone behind, Master Alfrid, because to be honest with you I don't plan to go anywhere," She sat up then, leaning forward so her nose was just a few inches from his, and when she continued her voice was no more than a whisper, "I'm just playing along, you see. I actually find all this quite entertaining." Her eyes flickered black and the jewels that peaked out the top of her shirt flashed blood red. Alfrid's eyes popped slightly, unable to conceal the alarm that washed over him. He wasn't stupid, he'd heard the tales and stories and he knew exactly how dangerous she could be.

"I will pierce you with that blade myself, my dear." He hissed, his eyes as threatening as his tone.

Amara giggled, "Oh, Master Alfrid, you cease to amuse me."

"And you will cease to exist."

"Very well, good luck."

Her cryptic words taunted him, and if there was one thing Alfrid hated it was being belittled and mocked, "Good luck? My dear, poor Siren, it is not I who will need the luck. Let's just hope your Waves will accept you back, fraternising with Land Folk is hardly acceptable behaviour for a Water Child." He was trying to turn the mocking back round on her, but in fact his anger only escalated when a small smile graced her peach lips.

"I will not be seeking acceptance, I will not be returning to the Waves. I am wishing you good luck for the curse, Master Alfrid." She paused, eyes flashing once more, boring into him for a reaction. She got one, just a flicker of confusion on Alfrid's pasty face was enough for her, "Oh? You do not know? But Sir, you seem to know so much of me and my kin, I just assumed..." She trailed off, her small smile growing tauntingly.

"Curse?"

She leaned forward even more, her lips hovering right over Alfrid's ear. At the close proximity he could smell the alluring sent of her, the fresh ocean air and the cool, crisp waters of the Waves.

"Yes, the Mermaid's Curse." When Amara pulled away her eyes were once more black, and her fangs seemed dangerously sharp.

Out of fear Alfrid's temper snapped, "Where's that knife?" He sneered down at Amara, whose expression was far too smug for his liking, "Quickly! Let's end this Sirens wretched life."

However, when he brought the knife down to Amara's chest, as soon as the cold metal spike touched her skin she disappeared, leaving in the wake only a puddle of foamy, salt water.

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The battle raged and swelled outside the Halls of Erebor. Thorin fought with Fili and Kili at his side, always keeping a constant eye on them. He was willed with new determination, new anger and he was fuelled by grief and revenge.

From the corner of his eye he saw Balin strike an Orc twice his size with his club, and beyond him sat the lake, glistening and shimmering in the dying sunlight.

The atmosphere was thick was dirt, blood and sweat, clinging to his lungs as well as his skin, and there was a strong, potent sent in the air; a mixture of copper, blood and death.

He would not give up, he would not end this way. They had come so far and fought so hard it was way too late to back down now. This was his kingdom, and he was the king. His sword swung, slicing into an advancing goblin and bringing it to the ground in a crumpled heap.

Anger caused through his veins, anger towards the Men of Lake Town, those blasted Wood Elves, Bilbo and that Arkenstone, but what also burned him was his rage towards that Mermaid.

He spared a glanced to his nephews, quickly assessing them for injuries, but it was hard to tell through all that blood and mud that coated their bodies. Sweat glistened on both of their brows, but Fili was showing stamina, he was fighting as if he'd just started and not at all like it had been nearly an entire day. He only had a minor injury, a large gash on his upper bicep, although it did not seem deep, nor was there any sign of poison. Kili on the other hand was showing signs of fatigue, his leg was clearly still a burden to him, despite the injury now being several weeks old. He was panting heavily, breath raspy, and not to mention that he kept wiping the sweat that was dripping from his brow and into his eyes with the back of his hand. He was clearly exhausted, and Thorin was beginning to grow concerned that he would make an easy target.

"Kili!" Thorin yelled, making quick work of an oncoming Orc and heading back towards his youngest nephew. The ground was strewn with corpses, weapons and debris, and the thick mud made any fast pace nearly impossible.

Kili merely glanced at him, far too preoccupied with a small group of Goblins to give Thorin is entire attention.

Thorin joined him, and immediately decapitated one of the creatures.

"How are you fairing?" He asked, turning his back to him to engage in another Goblin.

"I'm fine."

You could hear that he certainly wasn't fine, but Thorin just nodded. He could hear Kili struggling for breath, feel him fighting to stay up.

Thorin gritted his teeth, concern filling his gut and anger brewing in his chest. Where was Amara, now? She was supposed to be here, she promised to protect them. Kili needed her, and where was she? Dead. That's where.

Word had quickly reached him the next day that Amara had been killed, he almost brought his axe town on Alfrid's head when he found out he was responsible, but Dwalin and Gloin had held him back. It was then he had seen something in the man's eyes, he didn't look smug or proud like Thorin had half expected him to appear, on the contrary. He looked dishevelled and sick, something lurked behind his eyes, something that wasn't human.

Amara told him she'd be alright, she'd promised him she would return. But now... No hope.

All he could do now was concentrate on the situation at hand, keep his kin safe and reclaim his kingdom once more.

He felt an entire new wave of motivation wash over him, a new incentive to not give in, and to prove everyone wrong. He could certainly keep his promises, even if Amara couldn't.

He turned once more, focusing his attention on a large Orc. But not without one final glance at the partially frozen lake.

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Fili held Kili tightly to his chest, rocking back and forth and trying to fight the dam of tears that was ready to burst.

He was past caring now, past caring if he was an easy target to the enemy. All he could think about was his little brother going limp and cold in his arms.

"Kili no..." He struggled to find words, raising a hand and using his thumb to wipe some bloody strands of hair that stuck to Kili's forehead away.

Kili stared up him, chest barely raising and falling, and he struggled to gulp. His lips moved, but no sound escaped.

It was then a single tear rolled down Fili's cheek and fell onto Kili's temple. For a moment Fili just stared at the bright turquoise liquid that rolled into his brother's hair line.

Instantly Fili choked out another sob and raised his hand to wipe his eyes, only to find his fingers were glistening with the same bright liquid. Kili saw it too, for his brow twitched into a frown, and he too shed a single, shimmering tear. Fili watched as it leaked from his brothers left eye and trickled down his face, leaving a trail of bright turquoise.

Fili didn't get much time to dwell on this though, for from behind him an unmistakeable yell filled his ears. Whipping his head round, his eyes instantly found the source and he involuntarily let out another sob, letting more bright tears escape his eyes.

Thorin lay on his back having been thrown to the ground, weak, exhausted, and clutching at his right side just below his rib cage, blood pouring through his armour and clothes and oozing out over his fingers. Before him a large Orc advanced towards him, axe raised at the ready for its final blow.

"Here comes the end of the line of Durin." The creature growled.

Thorin's eyes unfocused, hazing over upon seeing Fili crouched over Kili, holding him tightly in his arms. About ten metres away stood another Orc, raising its bow and drawing an arrow, preparing to shoot.

"No..." Thorin breathed, eyes never leaving his nephews. The Orc chuckled maliciously, baring its crooked, stained teeth.

"Any last words, for the King Under The Mountain?"

Thorin's eyes unfocused once more and everything in his short sight blurred, and the lake beyond took over, merging everything into a sweet, blue haze.

"Amara... Please..."

The Orc before him frowned, unsure of what to make of that. But it didn't hesitate for long and he moved forward once more, preparing to raise the axe over his head.

Thorin squeeze his eyes shut and clenched his jaw for a moment, before daring to return his gaze to where Fili and Kili once sat. His heart clenched when they were nowhere to be seen, nor was the Orc who was aiming to shoot at them. His breath caught in his throat and he once again shut his eyes, mentally preparing himself for the blow. He wanted to die now, he didn't want to live without his nephews. He never should outlive them.

Imagines of Fili and Kili flickered behind his eyes lids, from when they were just babes and learning to walk, to when Kili first got his bow to when Fili got his first braid, all the way up until when they reclaimed the mountain and when Smaug was finally destroyed. The look on their faces when they laid eyes on those large stone doors, flagged by the statues of their kin. The look upon their faces when they realised they'd made it, when they realised they had done it, and despite all odds they'd all survived.

But then the battle came. Five armies marched that day, and the casualties were already in horrendous numbers, numbers Thorin didn't want to contemplate.

Then the images of water seeped into his mind, smooth, calming waves and the sweet, sweet smell of the fresh ocean air filled his lungs.

"Amara..." He breathed, remembering the dream he'd had of her all those months ago. The dream that once scared him, but now seemed so inviting.

"Yes?"

Thorin's eyes snapped open and his heart pounded in his chest. He must be dreaming, he must have been killed already and those large golden eyes gazing down on him are just part of his last moment of consciousness.

But no. There she was, eyes glowing and lips grinning devilishly. Her hair fell around Thorin like a vail, and if he had more strength he would have reached up and touched those glistening locks.

Then she was gone and his heart wretched in his chest for a moment, before he realised she was standing at his feet, legs spread in a threatening stance and sword clasped tightly in one hand. Across her hip her bow and arrow was tied, and by the variety of Man, Elven, Dwarven, Goblin, Orc and her own cobalt blue arrows sitting tightly in her quiver it looked like she'd already done a little bit of gathering before reaching Thorin.

Her long hair hung wet down her back, her tunic soggy and clinging to her and her legs and feet bare, an obvious sign that told that she'd literally just clambered out the water.

"Fili... Kili..." Thorin breathed, his words only just audible to himself, so he was sure she wouldn't have been able to hear him.

But her sharp ears twitched, and before answering she nocked at arrow, aimed, and shot in a matter of seconds.

"They're fine." She glanced back round at Thorin, taking hold of her sword once more, "I promise."

That's all Thorin wanted to hear before he finally let himself go.

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The first thing that Thorin noticed was the comforting smell of a burning fire, the cracking and popping sound of the wood was soothing and therapeutic, and the feel of soft furs and linins under his fingers made him feel safe.

Slowly he blinked his eyes open, frowning into the dimly lit room.

Instantly he recognised the chambers and he immediately tried to sit up, but a sharp pain in his right side caused him to yell out in agony.

He felt a large, strong hand on his shoulder and a tankard of ale instantly appeared in front of him.

"Usually I don't recommend drinking with wounds, but it'll ease the pain." Oin's voice came from his side and he held the tankard up to Thorin's lips, "Get Amara." Oin said quietly to someone else. Thorin then noticed Ori hovering behind him and he nodded before hurrying out the room.

If it wasn't for Oin practically forcing the ale down Thorin's throat he would have asked many questions, but he had to wait until the elder Dwarf was satisfied before gasping out his first word.

"Amara?" He barely let himself have a chance to breathe before her name fell from his chapped lips. His voice was shaky and hoarse. "She's here?" She's alive.

Oin smiled comfortingly, "Aye. She's the only one in the entire kingdom who hasn't been worried senseless about you."

Kingdom...

Thorin frowned, but Oin quickly added, "She knew you'd be alright, Thorin. She knew there was nothing to worry about."

Thorin let out a deep breath, letting himself relax back into the pillows once more, slowly his eyes began to droop. Just before he fell back into a deep sleep he heard the door creak open.

"Thorin?" Amara poked her head around the large oak door just in time to see Thorin's eyes shut. She smiled slightly to herself and wobbled into the room, doing a sloppy job of stabilising herself with the wooden crutches she'd been given. Her right leg was heavily bandaged and was having great difficulty of walking with just one leg, bearing in mind she was only just capable of walking with two.

She still looked ill, and she felt it too; she was thin and still somewhat dishevelled looking with pasty skin and sunken eyes. But as soon as her gaze landed on Thorin she brightened a little.

Fili trailed in behind her, his arm in a sling and with a slight limp to his step. He grinned broadly, having the physically contain the large, booming cheer that threatened to escape his throat upon seeing Thorin awake - if only for a fleeting moment.

The two took a seat either side of Thorin on the large, four-poster bed. Fili instantly reached forward to clasp a large hand on his uncle's shoulder, squeezing a little, still totally overwhelmed by the fact he was here, alive and breathing.

Amara took hold of Thorin's warm hand, and at her touch Thorin stirred once more, but he didn't open his eyes.

"How is he?" Fili asked, sparing only a glance towards Oin, before returning his gaze to Thorin.

"He was talking, I think he'll be fine."

Amara reached forward and tucked a dark strand of hair behind Thorin's ear that lay over his face.

"He looks so exhausted." She said quietly. Behind her she could hear the sound of the door creaking open once more and the noise of ten more Dwarves shuffling into the room, each mumbling to one another.

"So do you, lass."

Amara ignored this comment from Balin and continued to stroke the side of Thorin's face affectionately, "Ffa hurrff." Her fingers slowly trailed down to his jaw and over the thick, bristles of his beard, gently down his neck, over his chest and to the right. She frowned when she found the wound under her fingers.

"It's a miracle that axe didn't cut him in half." Dwalin rumbled from behind his brother, noticing the look on Amara's face, "Literally missed a fatal blow by less than an inch."

"Do you have any water?" Amara asked, blinking up at Oin. He hesitated for a moment, unsure of what she was doing.

"I'll get you some." He slowly raised to his feet, watching curiously as Amara pulled on the fur blanket that covered Thorin just enough to reveal his right side, but still cover the left side of his torso and both legs.

When she began pulling on his tunic Balin quickly stepped forward, "Lass, I don't think that's a good idea..."

Again, Amara ignored him and finally freed the material and pulled it up just enough to expose the bandages of Thorin's wound. She slowly began to peel them away.

"What're you doing?" Ori asked.

Amara finally managed to gently remove the bandages, trying to ignore the groaning and wincing from a still unconscious Thorin. Fili tried to sooth his uncle, and for awhile it worked, but then Amara pulled off the last bandage and exposed the weeping gash to the air it caused Thorin to yell out. The skin around the injury was black and blue with bruises, and there were small patches of the injury that oozed puss and other bodily fluids.

At that moment, Oin returned and nearly dropped to bowl upon seeing what Amara had done.

"What are you doing?" He hissed in an uncharacteristically sharp tone.

"Helping him." Amara replied, looking up at him with worry. Oin took a good look at the injury, sharing her concern. It was a lot deeper than he'd first thought, and it wasn't heeling properly, running the risk of infection. By the looks of it Thorin was already on thin ice.

Slowly, Oin handed the bowl of water out to Amara, still sceptical about what she was planning to do. Fili was the only one who knew what she was doing, having seen her do it to Kili and supposedly having had it done to himself. So he stayed back a little, watching in awe as Amara carefully placed the bowl on the bedside table and dipped her hands into the water. Instantly the clear water turned a shimmering turquoise colour and from behind her she heard the movement of ten Dwarves shuffle closer.

She removed her hands from the bowl, and turned to Fili.

"You'll need to hold him down." She told him, her voice low and laced with what sounded like regret.

Fili looked confused, "What? W-Why?"

Amara didn't reply, instead she gave Thorin one last apologising look before firmly placing her hands over his wound.

It became immediately clear why Fili was meant to hold Thorin down, and he quickly gripped his uncle's shoulders at the raven haired Dwarf's body arched violently and he let out a deafening yell of torture. Thorin's eyes snapped open and he tried to twist away from Amara's hands so forcefully Fili struggled to hold him in place.

"Dwalin!" Fili yelped, and instantly Dwalin was at Thorin's side, letting Fili concentrate on Thorin's left shoulder while Dwalin held down his right. Thorin roared out once more in sheer agony, but he stopped moving at much, apparently realising who was holding him down and no longer thinking he was under attack. He continued to wince, yell and squirm in pain, however, and then all of a sudden he stopped.

He let out a loud groan, once again falling back against the pillows and pulling his arm to lay over his eyes. Sweat coated his brow, and his chest was heaving heavily.

Amara removed her hands, eyes lingering on the patch of skin that only a few minutes ago was totally covered with a horrendous injury.

The rest of the Dwarves strained to get a good look, all muttering at the now untainted skin.

Amara offered Thorin a small, apologetic smile, eyes dancing with amusement as the Dwarf just glared angrily at her.

The skin where the open wound once was now replaced with a glistening, golden scar, Like a crescent moon over his right side that went from hip to rib cage in a jagged fashion. It was soft to touch, and reminded them all of Amara's skin when she was healthy.

"At least it doesn't hurt anymore," Amara offered, still smiling lightly. Thorin just grunted, still scowling.

"Kili and I have one too," Fili grinned, rolling up his trouser leg to reveal a long shimmering line that went from his knee to near his ankle.

"Kili... Is he...?" Thorin trailed off, dread curdling in his stomach when he noticed his youngest nephew's absence amongst the group. His eyes travelled from Dwarf to Dwarf, assessing them each in turn.

"The lad's absolutely fine." Balin smiled, leaning against the foot of the bed, "Thanks to a certain little Mermaid. He's just resting at the moment."

Thorin turned his attention to Amara and offered her what could nearly be called a smile, "I suppose I can't stay mad at you then."

Amara was still fussing over Thorin's tunic but her smile dropped at his words, "You were mad at me?"

"For a few moments, that was the worst physical pain I've ever experienced." He muttered, barely meeting her gaze.

Amara looked sheepish, "I'm sorry, I've only done that a few times." She paused for a moment, and her grin returned, "You manned it pretty well, though. Fili nearly wet-"

Fili leapt from one side of the bed to where Amara was perched on the edge, quickly muffling her with his hand, "Let's not tell the King that!"

Thorin hesitated for a moment while Fili's words sank in, "King... "

"Aye," Balin grinned, "We did it. King Under the Mountain." And just like that, the entire company bowed.

Except Amara.

She looked with a confused expression at what they were doing before meeting Thorin's gave and grinning broadly. Obviously not understanding.

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wwwwweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeyyyyy!

So this is the end of THIS story.

The first chapter of the sequel will be posted this Sunday.

I'm sorry for an abrupt end, I didn't know how to finish this story (hence why I took SO long to update!) I actually had 70% of this chapter written two weeks ago, but I didn't like it, so I thought for ages and then started again. Sorry! But I have new motivation and inspiration for the sequel, I just didn't know what else to say with this story.

I've actually started the sequel before I'd finished this chapter!

The next story is to be called The Mermaid in the Mountain (or something like that idk), there is a preview on my tumblr somewhere.

Let me know what you think! Please!

Love you all! Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Ffa hurrff – My rock.