Disclaimer: The Hobbit belongs to J.R.R. Tolkien, WB, MGM. This is a fanfiction, a non-commercial derivative work. I only own Adelaide. 

A gentle breeze fluttered the curtains and I looked out the window with a sudden longing. Aelfric had condemned me to a week of bed rest for my foot. Any time I tried to hop out of the room, I was summarily escorted back and given a stern lecture.

Since I was a guest, I held my tongue. The elves treated me like a precocious child, ready to make mischief once their backs were turned. I simply wished for a visit to the library to tackle the travel-between-worlds issue. Apparently, I asked for too much.

Bilbo visited me each day bursting with stories about the elven city that filled me with envy and a strong case of wanderlust. I pushed into a sitting position and using one of the bedposts for balance stood.

"What are you doing?" A familiar deep voice called across the room.

Busted.

I peered around the bedpost and met Thorin's sparkling blue gaze. "I just wanted to get some fresh air."

What was he doing here? The company had been in Rivendell for three days now and Thorin never visited me once. Not that I expected it. The fact he was here at all surprised me.

In favor of the warmer weather, Thorin had abandoned his surcoat and heavy padded tunic, for a loose blue cotton shirt with a v neck that showed the barest hint of a well-toned chest.

"The healer is annoyed with you." He rumbled coming over to help me. "As amusing as I find it, the elf is correct about one thing."

I arched a brow. "And that is?"

His large hands encircled my waist. "You should be resting your leg. Not causing yourself further injury."

I put a hand on his chest to shove him away. "You are not going to manhandle me. I simply wanted to sit out on the balcony which I can accomplish myself." I stared at my fingers, so pale against his bronze chest and swallowed, suddenly uncomfortable. "Let go of me, please."

Thorin was being considerate again. I didn't know what to do when he was considerate. He was easier to deal with when he was angry. Then I could be indignant right back. If I snapped at him when he was trying to help me, I'd be the asshole.

We stood there gazing at each other uncertainly. Neither of us spoke. Thorin held on to me. I leaned against him when I should pull away, regardless if I jolted my bad ankle.

The moment, whatever it was, held me captive, unable to move. I took a shaky breath to steady myself against the surge of unfamiliar emotion. "Why are you here?" I whispered.

Thorin readjusted his grip on me, sliding one hand up my back to brace me so I didn't tip backwards. "I came to see how you fared. In truth, I have a question to ask of you."

Curiosity superseded my annoyance. I tilted my head in the direction of the balcony. "Fine. First, help me outside. We can talk there."

Thorin helped me into a chair before plunking down in the one across from me. My belly squirmed nervously as I wondered what he'd say. If he asked me to leave the company, I don't know what I would do. Remain in Rivendell? Return to the Shire? Go somewhere else. Gondor, Rohan, the possibilities were numerous but not endless.

Twitching my skirts into place, I waited for Thorin to speak. Minas Tirith possessed a large archive. If I found nothing in Rivendell's library, I might find something there. Or if I was daring enough, go to Lorien and beg Galadriel for help.

Face pinched, he stared at my bandaged hand. "When we were on the plain battling the wargs and orcs. Do you remember how your hand became injured?"

The bizarre question threw me for a loop. Of all the things to ask me. I did not anticipate him asking after my health!

Absentmindedly, I rubbed a thumb lightly over the thick layer of bandages. "I think it was when we were hiding behind that boulder and the scout found us."

"It is as I feared." Thorin murmured, looking grim. "When I slew the warg you were caught in the backlash." He reached across the table for my injured hand. "I am sorry. This is my fault. I should have been more careful."

He looked so aggrieved my heart melted. To be so worked up over something not his fault. Perhaps, he did not despise me as much as I originally believed.

I summoned up a smile to reassure him. "I appreciate the apology, but it is unnecessary. What happened was an accident. Besides, you got it worse than I did."

Bandages covered the left side of Thorin's jaw and neck from where the acidic warg blood splashed him.

"You are a gracious lady." A relieved smile briefly caused his lips. "I confess, I have treated you unfairly. Running across the plain injured as you are, is nothing short of astonishing."

Warmth flooded me at his words, and I decided it would be safe to share just a little bit of myself with him. "Once when I was eight years old, my friend Josh dared me to climb a tree. I don't remember the particulars, but he ended up punched in the face and when I clambered up into the tree, he threw a rock at me and I fell and broke my arm. So, an ankle sprain is really nothing."

"Interesting friendship." Thorin murmured.

"Our friendship didn't last past the tree incident." I assured him.

My grandmother had been furious. She called the school, verbally lashed Josh's parents. Sometimes being a girl came in handy because I never was punished for punching him.

In the end, Josh left the school and I never saw him again.

My grandmother forbade me to climb trees after that. Though I never knew my mother or father she had raised me as her own child and had been fiercely protective and loving. I never lacked for love with her around.

Thorin bowed his head in a rare show of gratitude. "Thank you for your kindness in accepting my apology."

Smiling, I eased back in my chair. "Thorin Oakenshield, what has gotten into you? Keep tossing compliments my way and I might combust from the shock."

Alarm flashed across his face and I chuckled. "I'm fine. It's a figure of speech."

Thorin cleared his throat awkwardly. "I see." His eyes scanned the balcony area. "Where is Bilbo?"

"He said something about visiting the stables. He misses Myrtle." As I missed Stardust. "Why? Did you need to talk with him?"

"Not as such. I merely thought, as your suitor he would be close by."

I burst out laughing. "Bilbo, my boyfriend? Where did you get that ridiculous idea?"

It was so absurd, I doubled over howling, tears streaming down my face. My god, Bilbo as my boyfriend? His pedantic nature would drive me insane!

Thorin's eyes flashed dangerously. "I am ridiculous? Mahal woman, you get under my skin!" Surging to his feet, he let out an angry huff. "You are always clinging to him! How else am I to interrupt your relationship?"

I giggled, wiping tears from my eyes. "We are friends. That's all."

"Are you certain the hobbit feels the same?"

I stiffened at his words and my head snapped up all trace of humor gone. "I hope you aren't implying I'm a liar." I said icily.

"No, but perhaps you now understand how misleading you can be."

"Why do you care?" I snapped, frustrated. "My personal life is none of your business, so I'll thank you to stay out of it."

"Very well." Thorin returned coldly, drawing his cloak of imperiousness around him. "I will leave you to your rest, Miss Adelaide." The dwarf king stormed off and soon the bedroom door slammed hard enough to rattle the glass panels in the window.

Unbelievable how quickly things fell apart.

I dug my fingers into my temples. "Ugh! He drives me crazy!"

Finally, we were having a civil conversation then he just had to piss me off! What was the matter with Thorin? It was like a compulsion with him.

My blood boiled, his accusations ringing in my ears. Misleading Bilbo! I had done nothing to make the hobbit believe I harbored feelings for him. Bilbo never gave the impression we were anything besides friends.

More puzzling, Thorin barely tolerated Bilbo. Why did he suddenly care about the hobbit's feelings? They never mattered before.

I slumped back in my chair. I never mattered before. What the hell is going on with Thorin? Did being around these elves drive him over the edge?

Well, whatever his problem was, he better get his crap together before we left Rivendell.

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Thorin blew through the corridors like a thunderstorm. The elves scattered out of his way before he bowled them over. That woman! She was so aggravating and impossible!

He stalked into an empty alcove and paced back and forth like a caged beast, combing his fingers roughly through his hair. She dared laugh at him for suggesting a romance existed between her and the hobbit. What other conclusion was he to draw with the way she behaved around him?

It took him a good ten minutes for his temper to cool and for him to realize he might have overreacted.

Thorin cursed under his breath. Why in Durin's name did he bring up the hobbit? He visited Adelaide to ascertain the cause behind the burns on her hand, not interrogate her about her romantic entanglements. Though he now had an answer to the question that plagued him ever since the company's encounter with the trolls.

His original intentions were to make peace. Instead, Thorin drove a deeper wedge between them. His hands clenched convulsively. Adelaide drove him to madness! Truly, a more aggravating woman did not exist! Everything he did provoked her and in turn she set him off. A never-ending cycle of bickering.

Pulling out his pipe, Thorin packed tobacco into the bowl, and settled down on a cushioned bench to think. Smoking always helped to clear his head and sooth his temper.

More frustrating, Thorin had to swallow his pride and find a way to repair the damage. And apologize again!

"Here you are, lad." Balin entered the alcove, long beard trailing into his belt. "Things with our scribe did not go well, it seems."

Thorin cast a cool look at his friend. "I do not recall mentioning the scribe."

"Come now, tis obvious Miss Adelaide has something to do with your current mood." Balin said.

The old dwarf could always read Thorin too well. He exhaled a cloud of smoke. "I believe this time the error is mine." He confessed.

Balin, ever patient, listened while Thorin briefly explained what occurred. A twinkle appeared in his dark eyes. "Can you not see what the problem is?"

Thorin gestured at the other dwarf with his pipe impatiently. "Balin, speak plainly."

Giving him a pointed look over his craggy nose, Balin patted him on the shoulder. "You are jealous, laddie."

Thorin balked. "Jealous? I am not jealous over a human female and a hobbit."

Shaking his head, the old dwarf chuckled. "You cannot fool me. I have been around long enough to know the signs. You like her, though you cannot admit the truth."

A complication Thorin did not need.

"We dwarves are fierce when we love and do whatever we must to hold onto that love no matter the cost."

"I do not love her." Of that Thorin was certain.

"Perhaps not, but she stirs something in your heart. Otherwise, you would not seek her out and try to win her respect." Balin said.

Thorin softened. He did admire Adelaide's courage and kindness. Though the company had treated her poorly, she hung on with every shred of will she possessed. He tapped a layer of ash free from his pipe. "It matters not. I will not lose sight of my goal."

"When you have gathered your thoughts, speak with her again. Our journey is dangerous enough without us being at odds with one another." Balin soon departed, leaving Thorin to brood over his advice.

A/N: I love Adelaide and Thorin's dynamic. Their personalities are really very similar which is why they clash so often but this chapter some revelations have come to light, we now know a little about Adelaide's past (I realize I should have done this sooner but in trying to avoid the info dump I went a little bit too vague.) This was fun to write. 

P.S. For the history buffs: Beware the Ides of March!