(Kili POV)

I looked over at the sleeping form of Lauren. She had been asleep for about 15 hours now, but who could blame her. She had been so brave during her torture but once we had gotten her out of Goblin City she had looked so vulnerable. it was refreshing to know she was human.

'It's pointless you know' I heard Lilly say as she sat down beside me.

'What is'

'Pursuing her, she'll never admit if she has feeling for you' She smiled sadly at me.

'Why' I asked, dying to know more about the girl.

'If i tell you this, you cannot repeat it, she would kill me' She warned, i replied with a nod, telling her to continue.

'Her dad was a drinker and an evil man. He destroyed any bit of self-confidence she possessed. He told her she was ugly and stupid. He said no one would ever love her and if they did decide to take pity on her and be with her, she would make them miserable for the rest of their lives. That's why she won't admit to feelings for you, she doesn't think she deserves them. She doesn't think she should be allowed happiness. She isolates herself, not to keep herself happy, but because she thinks it'll make others happy' She finished by smiling sadly to her best friend.

'Surely all of those feeling kept inside would drive a person mad' I exclaimed

'She's a strong person, she ignores them. I've told her one day they explode all at once. Like i said, no one has broken through her shell yet'

'I'm not one to give up so easily, I like a challenge' I grinned back at her

'You like a challenge, go wake her up then' She laughed and joined Bombur by the frying pan.

I cautiously walked over to the sleeping girl and crouched before her. I gently moved a piece of hair that had been covering her face and whispered her name.

'Lauren, It's time to wake up' She did not make a sound.

'Come on sleepyhead, before all the food is gone' She let out a soft groan before feeling around my face.

'M'lady, what are you doing'

'Trying to find the snooze button' She replied before punching me in the nose causing me to fall back and let out a startled yelp.

'Found it' She grinned before disappearing under her blanket again. I heard Lilly and the others laugh from the fire, i was even surprised to see my uncle laugh with them too.

'Now, i have tried to be polite, but if you do not wake up this instant i shall have to pour water over your head' This caught her attention as her head popped up from the blanket with a scowl.

'You wouldn't dare' She challenged

'Wouldn't I' I smirked grabbing my water pouch and dangling it threateningly above her. With a frustrated sigh she gave up.

'Okay I'm up' She said flinging the blanket away from herself before pushing me backwards from my crouching position and snickering. She walked over to the fire to join her friend.

(Lauren POV)

'Lady Lauren, might i have a word with you' Thorin asked after we had eaten. I looked up at him with a growl.

'Why on earth would i.' Lilly cut me off with a swift kick to the shin 'I mean sure' I stood up and walked over to him hearing Lilly mutter 'be nice'

'You're probably wondering why i called you over here, well i wish to apologize for any distaste i might have given towards you and your friend' I gave an involuntary snort and saw the annoyance build in his eyes.

'I get that your trying to apologize, i do, and i do appreciate that. Forgiveness for your harshness will take more than a few humble words. Your actions speak louder than words. I am positive the Lilly accepted in a heartbeat, but prove to me that you are sorry and i will have no trouble forgiving you. I gave him an awkward smile before walking back to my bed.

'How did it go' Lilly asked sitting on the edge of my blanket.

'Exactly as you expected it to go' I said with an eye roll.

'So you didn't forgive him' I answered with a shake of my head.

'He's going to have to try harder than that'