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Best of Intentions - scene snippet. Character relationships and development -

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It wasn’t the first time Mistlynn cursed herself for her quick tongue and short temper. She had risen to his bait the night prior.

The dreams were getting more vivid, more heated with each passing night much to her dismay. She was no longer merely distracted. She had been completely derailed in every sense of the word.

By. Him.

And his stupidly handsome face.

And that insufferable smirk that he seemed to share only in her direction. Damn him.

The butterflies that erupted in her stomach the moment he walked into that dining room had caught her off-guard, and when his beautiful, keen eyes landed on her, all her good sense had seemed to leave her as well.

She had no desire to learn how to ride a horse. She was content with Luna. And if she couldn’t ride Luna she was plenty fit to walk. Dale wasn’t that far from the front gates of Erebor.

She was perfectly capable of walking that short distance, thank you very much.

But she couldn’t let him win, could she? No. She could not abide by it. If she could ride a Dire wolf, of all the creatures on Aule’s green earth, she could ride a gods forsaken horse.

She walked with her chin held high as they made their way to the stables. Thorin strode next to her, perfectly at ease in his riding leathers. Not an ounce of gold adorned him. It shouldn't drive her to distraction that he didn’t seem to care about dressing like a wealthy king. Not once trace of gold was on him, again. Just a few silver rings that matched the beads that held his braids in place.

Not once, since she had arrived in Erebor did she see him dress in the ostentatious finery she was told they would drip their bodies with from head to toe. That fact shouldn't bother her. But it did. And those infernal butterflies were present once again, making her wish she hadn’t grabbed a pastry from Rosalyn before this little venture. So many life choices she was regretting at this moment.

“Now, remind me again of what your wager was?” Thorin’s voice startled her back from her inner musings.

She masked her nervousness with a strategically placed glower. “That I can ride any horse of my choosing within an hour’s time.”

The slight smirk that was lingering on his face as they walked grew at her peppery tone. He eyes twinkled brightly as he looked down at her, obviously enjoying their little exchange this early in the morning.

“Ah yes. I am quite eager to see if you will bully the poor horse as you did my unfortunate soldiers.”

“Unfortunate indeed. I am sure the horses sense of esteem will remain more intact than the pride of your dwarrows.” She chirped.

The sound of his deep chuckle made those meddlesome butterflies scatter. Her nostrils flared as she took a deep breath in.

“Perhaps we will find you something more suitable to ride when you find your pride planted in the dirt.” His tone was playful as he leaned in a little closer, so that he was looking down at her over his shoulder.

“Aye, and when the horse bests ye I am sure a way more suitable ride can be found, of that I am certain.” A rugged drawl came up from behind them.

Mistlynn was already flustered by Thorin’s teasing and knowing that the imposing Captain overheard their jests made her fight to conceal the blush blooming across her chest heat rapidly and flush up to her cheeks.

She knew they could see it, and she loathed them for it. The infernal butterflies reveled in it.

Thorin rolled his eyes at Dwalin’s teasing before giving his friend a pointed look. Mistlynn let out an indignant huff and continued to walk on, her back ramrod straight, chin held with a renewed determination.

“Did I do something to you in another life? I was having a perfectly fine conversation before you butted your ugly mug in.” Thorin grumbled under his breath as they watched Mistlynn’s petite form storm off towards the horse paddocks.

“You’ve done aplenty to me in this life. This is the first and only time I have had the pleasure of goading your One. I have waited so long.” Dwalin smirked mischievously.

“In that case, maybe I should go visit that bonnie little dam whose bakery you started to frequent so much? I’ve had a real sweet tooth lately, as have you I’ve noticed.” Thorin grinned wickedly as he watched Dwalin’s left eye twitch subtly at the jab.

“Do you not have anything else better to do with your time, like being a King and ruling your kingdom perchance?” They began to walk again, following after Mistlynn.

“Of course I do, that’s why I have Nori as my spymaster. He comes in really handy. It’s almost like I have eyes and ears everywhere.”

“Yer a menace.” Dwalin growled good naturedly. “Who put you in charge?”

Thorin sighed as he watched Mistlynn look around in poorly concealed horror when she realized how many had gathered around the paddocks. It was apparent their exchange the night prior did not go unnoticed or unheard, and everyone was eager to see how the wager played out.

“I ask myself that every day. Things were so much easier when I was just a blacksmith.”

“Ye were never meant to be just a blacksmith. Ye were meant to be here, to save her, and rule your kingdom together.”

“She doesn’t seem eager to do anything together, with me especially.” Thorin grumbled. “The only thing I seem to draw from her is irritation.”

Dwalin laughed, “Do not fret, there is far more than that below all of that spitfire.”

As they approached, Mistlynn whirled on them, her eyes flashing with anger. “You seriously invited everyone to watch? This was a wager between you and me!”

“Maybe you shouldn't be making such a show at dinner time.” An excited Bofur called from his perch up on the fencing. “Especially after that little show you gave us yesterday.”

“I have never been more entertained.” Fili grinned winningly at her as he winked.

“Or wealthier.” Kili chimed in as he nodded towards where Ori was scribbling down everyone’s wagers. “It drew him forth from the depths and into the light of profitable gains.”

“Are you not all wealthy already?” Mistlynn folded her arms across her chest as she gave each one a pointed look.

“Oh, to be sure.” Nori chuckled. “But where is the fun in just sitting on it. Besides, I have some gold I have to win back.”

Mistlynn blinked before letting out a frustrated sigh. “Of course you do.”

“Now now lass. Dont keep us in suspense.” Gloin chortled as Thorin and Dwalin walked up and joined everyone leaning against the fence. “Pick one.”

Mistlynn sniffed, her nose twitching as she looked ahead of them and into the grazing horses. They didn’t seem threatening or wild. Whispers of excitement and knowing chuckles trickled on the wind around her as she studied each horse. She didn’t want anything too easy. They all seemed so docile and tame.

How could she garner their respect by riding a meek creature that lived for nothing but to graze and soak in the sunlight.

A loud neigh carried over to her on the morning breeze, and a flash of white caught her eye from the paddock across from them. In that paddock, a lone horse of the purest white galloped and tossed its head in what seemed to be some sort of revelry.

A smile teased her lips as she watched the magnificent creature. Her blood began to hum in excitement.

Perfect.

She snapped her fingers and pointed, confidence exuding from her at her choice. “That one.”

The smile that had been on Thorin’s face disappeared as her choice registered. All conversation ceased as everyone looked over to the white horse. Stunned.

“Of course she would pick that she devil.” Dwalin muttered aloud.

“She’s perfect.” Mistlynn grinned from ear to ear.

“Absolutely not.” Thorin growled. “Pick from this paddock.”

“You mock me, my Lord.’ Mistlynn looked at him testily. “All these horses seem to be interested in anything else but riding.’

“Oh, he isnt mocking.” Fili laughed nervously. “They are tame. That one…is a bit more fiesty.”

Mistlynn watched as a grey mare meandered up to the water trough and drank deeply, without a care in the world.

“That one will do nicely.” Thorin nodded towards the grey mare.

Mistlynn ground her teeth together. “That one looks near death.” She glowered.

Dwalin scoffed as Thorin returned her glower with a challenging look. “You will be on deaths door if you ride that white beast.”

“Then why own such an animal if you cannot ride it?” She challenged.

“The only one who hasn’t been thrown by her is Thorin.” Kili grimaced.

“Perfect. If he can ride her, then so shall I.”

Fili elbowed Kili while Thorin sent his nephew a silencing glare. “What? Im trying to discourage her not encourage her. Everyone knows Thorin is the better rider here.”

“Not. Helping.’ Fili groaned as they all watched Mistlynn set her shoulders back in determination.

“Lad, you have only courted an elf maiden and it shows.” Gloin shook his head. “She’s a dam for Mahal’s sake.”

“SHE is standing right here, and SHE is going to go ride that horse. And you, my liege, are going to step aside and let me.” Mistlynn gave each wide eyed dwarrow a pointed look before she sidestepped Thorin and began to walk towards the other paddock.

“You're going to break your bleeding neck, you obstinate creature.” Thorin growled as he stormed after her.

“Watch me.” Mistlynn singsonged. The white mare had stopped running the length of her paddock and was now watching her from the middle. “She’s stunning.” She smiled as she looked at her through the space of the fencing.

She moved to put her foot through the lower section of the fence, but a hand hit the railing by her head. “I forbid it. You will choose another horse.” The low rumble of his voice made the hair on the back of her neck rise as a smirk turned the corner of her mouth upwards.

A soft, curious nicker made them both look into the paddock. The white mare had come closer, curiosity evident in her large brown eyes. Mistlynn’s smirk widened into an outright grin. “Oh, imagine that? She likes me.” She quickly ducked under the fence and stood slowly on the other side, so that she was looking at the creature head on.

Thorin grit his teeth as he watched Mistlynn approach the mare, and slowly bring her hand to the horses head. She pet her softly, and the mare appeared to accept it.

“If she is able to ride that mare, I will eat my own boot.” Dwalin grumbled as he approached with everyone else, all eyes transfixed on Mistlynn and the white mare.

“I’ll take that bet.” Kili snickered.

“This is not funny. This is serious.” Thorin growled, not once taking his eyes off of Mistlynn as she continued to pet the mare and speak to her softly.

“She didn’t even let you do that when you first approached her.” Fili pointed out.

Bofur chuckled softly. “Are you talking about the mare or our warrior princess lad?”

“Quiet all of you.” Thorin hissed. “Just because she is letting her pet her doesn’t mean anything.”

“If she is able to ride that bloody horse I will never let you live it down.” Dwalin began to snicker as he watched Mistlynn grab ahold of the reins.

“Oi Mist! Are you sure of which end your supposed to get on?” Kili waggled his eyebrows as he grinned.

Mistlynn flipped him a rude gesture as she gave him a sarcastic smirk. Raucous laughter erupted from the group of friends before they quieted down into low snickers to not spook the horse.

She jumped onto the back of the mare, her hands tight on the white mane as the powerful animal bolted. Mistlynn’s eyes narrowed, jaw clenched as she focused on hanging on to the beast beneath her. She managed to hold on for a few moments before she was bucked off, somersaulting over the front of the mare and onto the flat of her back as the horse whinnied and galloped off to the other side of the ring. Mistlynn sucked in a sharp breath as she fought to refill her lungs.

Thorin vaulted himself over the railing at lightning speed before anyone else could react and rushed to her side, his eyes stormy and wide with panic as he skidded to his knees and knelt beside her.

“M’eudail! Are you ok?” His eyes scanned her dust covered body in concern as she groaned and shifted before pushing herself up.

She coughed and let out a little squeak of a groan. “I’m perfectly fine. Just dazed.” She managed to wheeze. She looked up at him as she gasped in air greedily and was taken aback by the worried expression on his face.

“Sar em gabura[AA1] .” He growled as the worry in his eyes morphed into anger. “You’ve proven nothing but how foolish you are. You are done.”

Her affronted laugh rattled as she coughed. “Done, am I? Who are you to tell me I am done?” She pushed herself up to her feet, gritting her teeth as her sore muscles protested the movement. “You're not my keeper, MY Lord. So kindly step aside and let me finish this.”

Thorin’s jaw clenched, his teeth grinding painfully as he watched her go back over to the mare, holding her hands up again to calm the wary creature.

She clapped her hands and motioned for the mare to bolt again. She had to gain the mare’s trust; she knew this. Not forcefully seize it from the creature. She had Luna’s trust since she had raised her from a young pup. This creature owed her nothing. She had often watched Argo’s with their livestock, and when it came to their reindeer, she figured the same principle could be applied. Horses were more agile and fast, but their eyes held the same intelligence.

Thorin walked back to the paddock fence and leaned his back against it, his arms crossed across his chest in agitation. He watched her chase the mare in the opposite direction again. She shouted and clapped her hands loudly and herded the horse skillfully, much to his surprise.

“She handled that tumble well.” Gloin muttered to no one in particular as they watched her work with the mare tirelessly.

“She’s a little spitfire, I’ll give her that.” Nori chuckled. “You saw how she handled the soldiers yesterday. “

“Mighty mouse.” Kili chuckled. “I think that’s the perfect description.

“Don’t let her catch you calling her that, she will steal the dagger from your belt and take your tongue with it.” Fili scoffed.

Dwalin rested his forearms on the fence next to Thorin and let out a humored grunt. “Ye have your work set out for ye.”

Thorin’s scowl deepened, his gaze not leaving Mistlynn once as she continued to move about the paddock and work with the fiery mare. He didn’t feel the need to respond to Dwalin’s comment, he knew there was no use in convincing his closest friend otherwise.

The minutes passed quickly as Mistlynn worked. She was nearing the hour mark and felt herself losing patience with the beautiful snow-white mare. She wanted to be able to ride her, but she seemed to be just as stubborn and unwilling to be tamed, much like herself. She couldn’t begrudge the magnificent animal that.

Argo’s had made this all look so easy. Animals had been drawn to him, as if he could speak to them with his eyes and body language alone. She felt her heart twinge at the thought of her little brother. He would have been riding the mare at this point, he wouldn’t have ruined his chances by jumping on her back. He would have made sure to win her trust first.

She had been too focused on winning the wager with the infuriating Dwarrow who seemed to do nothing but rile her up with a mere smirk and skillfully directed jab. He was now truly under her skin.

She stopped in the center of the paddock and watched the mare continue to gallop circles around her. She let her shoulders sag, a small sign of defeat as she turned to face her audience that had grown quiet as the minutes bled into an hour. She let out an exasperated breath as she placed her hands on her hips and looked up at Thorin. He was still in the paddock with her, leaning against the wooden slats with his broad shoulders, arms and legs crossed as if he didn’t have a care in the world at that moment as he watched her fail.

That was a difficult realization for her to swallow, the desire to impress him had surged upwards into her throat, nearly choking her while stealing the air from her lungs. She had never experienced this sudden need to impress a male that was not kin to her, and that made her skin tingle as if she were blushing. Her throat bobbed as she attempted to gain her voice back.

“You’ve won your wager, my Lord.” Her voice was clipped as she forced herself to look up at him to meet his piercing gaze.

Thorin’s eyebrows raised slowly, a corner of his mouth twisting up in a half smirk. Dwalin scoffed and shook his head, mumbling something under his breath while everyone else seemed to share looks of intrigue and respect.

Thorin cocked his head to the side as he chuckled. “I think it would be fair we called it a draw.”

She blinked in confusion at his response, but before she could question him about it she heard the sound of hoofs approaching her from behind. She felt a soft huff of breath on her shoulder before a soft knicker tickled her ear. She held her breath in surprise as the mare came up behind her, gently nudging her shoulder with its head before draping its neck over her shoulder.

Mistlynn slowly turned her head to look at the mare in awe. She raised a hand up slowly and placed it upon the forehead to trace the soft fur underneath the long mane that hung over the soft earth brown eyes that peered at her. For the first time since Luna, she felt a connection. And she began to understand the draw to ride such a powerful creature that was meant to run. She wasn’t a predator built to pursue its prey, but an animal that was made to chase the wind.

[AA1]Dammit it! (May it melt) -

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