Gradually, she regained consciousness. She opened her eyes to see not Thorin but Balin by her side. She looked at him suspiciously. He looked guiltily back. "I'm sorry for any pain I caused you," he said.

"Why did you do it? I have done nothing to harm either you or Thorin. He's very special to me even though I have only known him for such a short time."

"I don't know what came over me. Thorin is like a brother to me, but that is no excuse for my behavior. When I walked in and saw him with you like that, I lost control. I could only think that you had bewitched him in some way. I'm still not sure you haven't."

"Maybe I have, but he has bewitched me back. And what do you mean 'in that way'? What way?"

"You two were entwined around each other like you had known each other for a thousand years. For a dwarf who has never loved anyone, it is quite shocking behavior."

"Thorin has never loved anyone?" she asked, surprised.

"There was no time after Erebor fell, and then who would have him? His father and grandfather went mad, his kingdom lost, no prospects and no home for the longest time. Also, we lost many of our women at Erebor, and we have always had so few." A brief look of pain crossed his face. "I do not know that Thorin ever even met anyone he considered in that way."

"I…I'm so sorry. I only know a little of the tale. Thorin told me a few stories on the first day, but I really could not take them in. I think he concentrated on the better times anyway. Please know that I have no ulterior motives. What is happening between us is as unexpected for me as for all of you. I try never to hurt anybody. I know the pain involved in healing all too well to cause any on purpose. And besides, you will leave in a few days at most and that will be the end of it." She turned her back to him and he saw her shoulders slump.

Before he could reply, Thorin returned looking rested and happy. Happy? Balin did not think he could honestly say he had seen Thorin Oakenshield 'happy' in the past 60 years. Maybe a moment of laughter over a really good joke, but an aura of happiness? This was a completely new face from the old one of a week ago. He wondered how long it would last.

"So, how are you two getting along? I feel much better myself and, Naya, I must say you are looking well rested also. Having a companion seems to suit you" he laughed. She smiled at him and he felt his heart jump in his chest.

"Yes, much better today. I think I might even be able to manage to eat something other than water and honey. Do we have any eggs left?" She turned away quickly and went to the kitchen area.

Thorin turned to Balin, puzzled. "Is she really all right? Did I do something wrong?"

Balin saw the anxiety jump into his eyes. "No, laddie, I think she is just a wee bit embarrassed about how I found you two this morning. I am sure you did nothing wrong." I'm the one who has screwed this up, he thought to himself. "I'll leave you two to your breakfast. It looks like you can handle things on your own for awhile. I'll have one of the others check in on you occasionally just to make sure you're alright." He turned and went out the door, hoping he had not hurt Thorin with his actions. And he must remember those words. Sickness. Share. Gold. And forget any plans he ever had about Moria…

When Balin returned to the Lodge, he ran into Gandalf and Dwalin. "I'm a bit concerned about Thorin," he said. "He and that healer seem to have become mighty close in just days. What if he wants to stay? I have never seen him like this!'

Gandalf looked sharply at the dwarf. "Did he say he didn't want to leave? That would be surprising."

"Argh," griped Dwalin. "I could see it. Once a female shows up, everything else gets put to the side. Balin is right. Thorin has become a changed dwarf. He tends to that Naya creature like she was worth more than gold. I've not seen him for more than a half hour since we arrived."

Gandalf feared that his plans might be facing an unexpected disruption. That would not be good for anyone! "Put your heads together and see if everyone feels the same way. We will have to come with a plan to get Thorin on the move again!"

"I think I might have something that might work," Balin said slyly. "I'll let you know this evening."