Thorin watched with an angry face how Philae disappeared through the hatchway. 
"Don't look so peevish," she grinned. "He's going to Mirkwood for us."
"And I wonder why," Thorin grumbled suspiciously. 
"Because he's willing to help us."
Thorin shook his head. 
Alyssae sighed. "I understand you don't trust them, since they have kidnapped you, but they can be trusted."
"They are the Nirgoonva. Thát's why I don't trust them. Everyone in Middle Earth knows they can't be trusted. They don't do charity."
"I paid them," Alyssae answered shortly. "As will you, when they brought you home."
"Why?" He stared heated at her. "Are you going to decide now to whom I give the treasures of my people?"
"It's a small price to get a sober king in return," she insisted. "Come, let's go up."
Alyssae knew Thorin didn't want to go up, for he would have to meet Kíli, but he couldn't wait forever. Alyssae herself neither looked forward to see Eldinòr again, for she had no idea what was on his mind now she had hit him. She was still angry that he had touched her and had yelled at her and she wondered what had been an act.

As soon as they reached deck, she pushed Thorin in the back. "Talk to him."
"About what?' he answered gruffly. 
"About the fact that you've abused your power."
Alyssae turned around and walked to the wheelhouse, since Eldinòr wasn't to be seen elsewhere. Philae surely was packing his stuff. 
She carefully walked to the door and froze on the doorstep when she saw his face. The skin around his eye was swollen and faded in a mixture of purple and green. 
With hesitation she stepped toward her. "I'm so sorry..."
Eldinòr's face stayed unmoved. "I know. Did it help?" He glanced aside, to Thorin who stood in front of the other dwarfs and some elves. "I guess so?"
Alyssae nodded, hoping he wouldn't be angry that she had freed Thorin. 
"He's fine now."
"A kiss with you must do miracles."
Alyssae's cheeks turned red and she intertwined her fingers, not knowing what to say. 
"Why are we going back to Chyndall?"
"Raphael asked me to. He didn't explain a thing."
Alyssae leaned against the wall and watched Eldinòr's back. He behaved remarkably cold.
"But our mission has succeeded anyway, right?"
"Yes," Alyssae mumbled. She realized it was just a matter of time before she wouldn't see him anymore and that  hurt. "I don't know if I can collect the money quickly."
Eldinòr let go of the wheel and turned to her. "Well, I know something else that will suffice in the meantime," Eldinòr answered, moving his eyebrows up and down. He touched her cheek. "But I assume somebody else will sleep with you tonight."
Alyssae stared at him. Even though she had finally kissed Thorin, she still experienced a strong feeling to press her lips to those of him. The glance in his eyes was hungry, so that she wanted to pull his jacket off his shoulders. She placed her hands on his bare chest and followed the drawings on his skin with her fingertips. Contrary to Thorin, his skin was soft as silk, although she discovered some scars now and then. She didn't love him as she loved Thorin, but she felt very attracted to him. 
She had tried to kiss him before, but he had turned his head away. He had found it unwise and he would still have the same opinion. But his hand glided to the back of her head and he didn't take his eager eyes from her. She wondered if that look wasn't just the reflection of her own desire.
"You have to leave," he whispered. 
Alyssae knew he was right, but she couldn't move. She didn't want to. She had longed for his lips since the moment she had met him and maybe it stopped when she had finally tasted him.
"I will," she whispered back, where after her hands glided to his back and she pulled him close. Her lips found his, but he pulled back his face. 
"One time, Alys."
"One time."

Afther those words they kissed each other passionately. Her hands glided over his torso, but his hand was situated between her head and the wall and the other didn't leave her face, as if he believed she should save the rest for Thorin.