A/N: I honestly tried to get this up sooner, but life got stupidly busy...To those of you who still read this, I'm sorry. I hope you still enjoy it regardless. Next chapter should come quicker, as i don't have 3 birthdays+mother's day to deal with...just 1 birthday and father's day...x_x

Chapter Thirty-Six

Someone was quietly humming.

Baylee's brows furrowed slightly as she began to wake up; the humming didn't belong to Bofur. As she listened to it a bit longer, she realized that she didn't know who was humming, but that it was at least feminine in nature. She opened her eyes a bit only to close them again when the world was too blurry. Starting to sit upright, she yawned and stretched her arms out, arching her back as well and feeling many small 'pops' as the bones in her spine realigned themselves.

"It is about time you woke up."

Her eyes flicked open yet again as Dís' voice filled her ears and she felt her cheeks redden. "Wh-What are ya doin' back here?" she questioned. She then noticed that, while she was still in the chair she had fallen asleep in, Bofur was missing. A blanket had also been placed over her and here dinner bowl taken away. "An' where's Bofur?"

Dís quietly chuckled as she stood up from stocking the fire. "He's off, taking a bath," she informed the human. "He wanted to bring you some breakfast, but ended up with porridge in his hair. Do not ask how; I merely saw the aftermath." Going over to the table, she picked up a tray and brought it over to Baylee as she sat upright. "You'll be bathing after breakfast; Adela and Galiene's orders. They also would like me to tell you that you won't be going out today."

Her brow rising, Baylee adjusted the blanket around her legs before taking the tray from her. "Is that so?" she mused. "An' why do they think that I shouldn't go out?"

Giving her a knowing smile, Dís pointed towards her feet. "You were so exhausted last night, not only did you and Bofur fall asleep out here, but you did not even have the sense to remove your boots."

Baylee peeked down at the floor, lifting the blanket enough to see whether or not Dís was lying. She was more than a little embarrassed to realize that she had, indeed, left her boots on. "Well, I had planned on takin' them off," she murmured before shoving a spoonful of porridge in her mouth. "Just…fell asleep before I got that far."

"Clearly, you needed the rest," Dís replied, sitting down in the empty chair. She watched as Baylee lightly kicked her boots off, frowning slightly when she saw the pained look on her face. "Are you alright?"

She nodded. "Aye, my hip's just a wee bit sore is all." She ate more of the porridge before tearing the small loaf of bread into pieces. "So what brings ya back here, milady?" she questioned, stirring the bread into her porridge.

"Well, I wanted to discuss coming with you on your quest," Dís answered, the concerned look still on her face. She turned her attention to the fire as it crackled in the hearth. "I know it is rather sudden, but Bofur mentioned how you were in need of a companion…"

Baylee nodded as she swallowed. "Aye! Last night, Bofur mentioned t' me that ya had volunteered," she smiled. "Ya have no idea how much o' a weight that takes off o' my shoulders."

Dís smiled. "I'm glad to hear that. After I volunteered, I had begun to worry if you would find it…odd, I guess, since we've only met a handful of times."

"You're a good friend t' the lads," Baylee laughed, "an' I trust their judgment. So far, ya seem t' live up t' everything they've said 'bout you –all o' it is good, by the way. Though, I've yet t' see how well ya can fight. I'm hopin' things don't come t' that, though."

"Mahal grace us," Dís chuckled in agreement. "When I traveled here, I found no trouble –but that was during spring and summer, when food and traveling companions were plentiful. In winter, we may not find ourselves so lucky."

Again, Baylee nodded. "Aye; that's why I went an' bought a new spear an' dagger yesterday. I'm havin' a few things altered on the spear, though, so I'll be gettin' it in a few days."

"Altered? How?"

"Well, for one, it was just a tad too heavy for me, so the craftsman is goin' t' thin the shaft out a wee bit," she explained, "as well add a leather grip for me, since I'm not goin' t' be throwin' it. Oh, an' he's makin' one edge o' the spearhead serrated t' give me a wee edge in combat."

It was Dís' turn to have her brow rise. "Is that so? I would not have expected you to be the sort to wield a spear in such a fashion, to be honest."

"I can use a sword, too," she replied, "but even short swords are a wee bit too big for me, thanks t' how small I am. Dwalin was sayin' something when he was sparrin' with me that a spear seems right for me, anyhow, since I've got Rohirric blood in me." She shrugged, taking a moment to eat more breakfast. "I don't know, t' be honest. I just know that, if I have t' wield a weapon, a spear is goin' t' be my first choice from now on. Certainly won't be usin' a meat cleaver again anytime soon…"

"…A meat cleaver…?"

Her cheeks turned pink again. "Er…Battle o' Five Armies, I had t' use a meat cleaver. All the other weapons were taken or broken…"

Dís nodded her understanding. "Not many can say they've fought with such tools," she chuckled. "I, myself, prefer the bow, though I will also have an axe with me."

"Do you know how to hunt? I imagine we'll have to do a bit of that when we head out."

"I know enough to allow me to survive for a couple weeks," she replied, "but let us try to not stay in the elements for that long. It would mean our deaths in winter."

"If there is snow in the area," Baylee added. "It's much farther south o' here; papa says there shouldn't be too much snow to worry about."

Cocking her head, Dís gave her a curious look. "Is that so? I've only been there in spring and summer. I will say that it was warmer than our home in Ered Luin at that time of year…but I did not think it was that much warmer."

"I don't really know how papa knows it," Baylee admitted, "but he also told me what route t' take. It'll take us through Rohan, but I've family there and they could, possibly, help us." She scraped the remnants of porridge from the side of her bowl before resting it on her knee.

"So, we will follow the Anduin then?" Baylee nodded. "Makes sense; traveling along a river will ensure a quick route…" She scratched her beard as she fell quiet, contemplating the course. "Truth be told, I've never been to Rohan," she unconsciously murmured.

Baylee shrugged and began to unbraid her hair. "Me neither. From what I remember, my mother said that most everyone looks similar: They're all tall, blonde, an' smell like horse," she chuckled.

"Well, that certainly narrows it down, doesn't it?" She smiled. "Are you still hungry, by the way?"

Shaking her head, Baylee blew a lock of hair out of her face. "Nah. The bread an' porridge filled me up. Thank-you, by the way, for bringin' it in here for me."

"I thought you would rather not deal with Galiene and Adela scolding you with your breakfast," she mused. "During your bath, however, is an entirely different story. From what I hear, Adela plans to scrub you from head to toe and give you an earful."

Baylee cringed at the thought. "Oh dear," she murmured. "Sadly, I don't doubt that that's exactly what I'll have t' endure. Adela lives up t' her promises."

Dís laughed. "That is a good quality to have, at least!" she joked as she stood up. "Come along; it is best to not delay the inevitable." She offered her hand to help the woman up from her chair.

Pouting, Baylee took her hand and stood up. "I can always bathe tomorrow," she protested. "Adela will have forgotten by then, I'm sure."

"A mother has a long memory, especially when it comes to giving someone a stern talking-to."

As the two of them stepped out of the private quarters, they were greeted by the sight of Adela walking towards them. She wore a sling across her torso, inside which the two females knew Folki lay. The moment she saw Baylee, the redhead put her hands on her hips and gave her a very motherly look.

"I suppose Lady Dís has already told ya 'bout today?" she questioned.

Nodding, Baylee jokingly held her wrists out to be shackled. "Aye, an' I'm ready t' be dragged off t' meet my fate," she replied solemnly. "Make sure I'm squeaky clean before ya kill me?"

"Very funny," Adela sighed, grabbing her wrist. "If a day o' sitting on your arse is what kills ya, then it's no wonder ya haven't taken a break all week." She excused the both of them from Dís presence before dragging her off towards the bathing room. "Ya really do have us all worried 'bout ya, 'Lee," she quietly told her as she closed the door behind them. "All this runnin' 'round an' not lettin' yourself rest…" She shook her head.

Baylee fell silent as she went back to unbraiding her hair. Her stomach started to feel uneasy as guilt filled her thoughts and she found that she couldn't bring herself to look at her sister-in-law. She knew that she had been keeping herself busy –it was a distraction to prevent herself from getting upset- but she hadn't realized that she had been worrying her loved ones that much.

Adela looked up from stirring some bath oils into the warm water only to find Baylee chewing on the end of a braid, her gaze fixed on the floor. "…Baylee?"

"Hmm?" She didn't move her gaze or stop chewing.

Sighing, Adela stood up and went over to her. She took the braid from her hand and tucked it behind her ear before resting her hands on her shoulders. "Baylee," she began, her voice gentler, "I know you're hurtin'. We're all hurtin', but no doubt, you've got it the worst. But that doesn't mean ya should go pushin' yourself like this. You've only just finished healin' up."

"I know," she murmured. "I just…If I don't do somethin', I get upset. I've spent enough time cryin' over this mess, so I want t' do somethin' productive t' keep my mind off o' it."

Adela nodded. "I know what ya mean. Ever since your da' an' Will were taken, I've spent most o' my free time sewin'. This lil' one," she looked down at Folki, who was sleeping soundly, and smiled tenderly, "hasn't been much o' a handful, either –Thank Manwë."

A small smile graced Baylee's lips as she reached over and lightly stroked her nephew's chubby cheek. "Aye, he's got his daddy's temperament –for now. Let's hope it stays when he gets older."

Glancing at the smaller woman, Adela chuckled. "Don't think you've managed t' change the subject, though," she gently warned before spinning Baylee around. She started to unlace the back of her dress. "You need a nice, long day o' resting. I know ya said ya need somethin' t' keep your mind off o' things, so we'll find ya an easy task to do, how's that?"

"I guess it's goin' t' have t' be alright," she replied. "I can't really sneak out, now can-"

Adela's eyes suddenly widened. "Baylee Braddock!" she gasped. "What in Varda's name is this on your back!?"

Baylee cringed. "I…guess I forgot t' mention that…" she murmured with a sheepish chuckle. "Er, well, as ya can see, I've got myself a lovely dwarven warrior's tattoo." Looking over her shoulder, she could see that Adela still appeared quite flabbergasted. "Dwalin did it."

"Dwalin…?" Adela mumbled.

"Aye, Dwalin. Ya wouldn't think he's got this sort o' skill, but there he goes an' makes these gorgeous things…"

"Does your da' know?"

"…Not…yet."

"Will he know?"

"After this is all over."

"Maybe tell him now…just in case his reaction isn't pleasant."

Baylee winced.

Dwalin cocked his head as he heard the door to the mansion open and close. "Balin?" he called.

"Afraid not." Dís unclasped her cloak as she came into the room. "Sorry if I disappointed you." She gave him a small smile. "I thought you and Ori were going to have lunch together today?"

"We were, but Zori's not feelin' well an' Nori an' Dori had t' meet an important potential client, so he offered to babysit."

"Ah. Well, good for them, I guess, though poor Zori. Do you know if it was anything he ate?"

He shook his head and closed his book before setting it aside. "Ori thinks Nori an' him spent a wee bit too much time out in the snow yesterday. Dori thinks it's because Nori's constantly takin' him around the market. I think the lad's just gotten a normal round of fever and tummy troubles. Dwarrow babes don't get sick nearly as often as human babes, though, so I could be wrong." He shrugged. "I hope I'm not, though. Don't want the wee thing feelin' under the weather for too long."

She nodded as she sat down. "And I suppose this is the first real time he's gotten sick? I'm surprised Nori's not overreacting and being highly protective of him," she chuckled.

"Oh, he was, but he also knew that this customer was apparently big business," he chuckled. "Ori's doin' a fine job o' takin' care of him, though. He shooed me out of the house, though…apparently a big brute like me was too loud t' be around napping babes." Propping his feet up on the cushion before him, he tilted his head back. "So what's goin' on over in Dale?" He picked up his mug of tea and started to take a drink.

"Quite a bit, and none of it quite so good." Shaking her head, she smoothed out her skirts. "Lady Baylee's father and brother were thrown in jail."

Dwalin spat his tea out in shock. "They were WHAT!?" he cried, eye wide. "How in Mahal's nae did that happen!? They're not the sorts t' get into trouble!"

Dís' raised her brow at his reaction. Shaking her head, she started using the end of her cloak to clean up his mess. "From what I understand, they were charged with kidnapping and theft. A rival of theirs brought the charge up when he found out that his daughter had married Master William without his permission."

"O' course it had t' be a rival," he muttered, helping her clean up. "How're Baylee an' Adela through all this?"

"Adela seems to be handling it well, though Baylee…" She shook her head. "While I was there, I hardly saw her. The most I've seen her was this morning during breakfast."

His brows furrowed. "What do yeh mean?"

Sighing, she leaned back on her heels. "The only way to get her family out of jail is for her to either marry this rival or give him Thúnor's Horn."

Pausing in his movements, Dwalin closed his eye. Like Dís, he knew of the horn and how it once belonged to the ancient king. "…She's goin' after the horn, ain't she?"

Dís nodded. "And I shall be going with her."

He frowned. "What?"

"I know the area well," she explained, "and she most certainly cannot travel alone. Bofur can no longer go with her, since he's injured himself, and there are no others willing to take up the task."

Rubbing his forehead, he let out a sigh. "I could go with her," he told her. "I'm a strong fighter an'-"

"-And you've only one good eye." She gave him a small smile. "We're both no longer the young dwarrows we once were, but Dwalin, we both know I'm just as capable as you."

Again, he sighed. "Dís, yer the last o' yer line," he quietly told her. "I just don't want yeh t' get yerself hurt out there."

"I understand," she assured him, "but as I said, I'm just as capable as you –more so now that you've only one eye. We will be fine."

He still wore the frown. "It's dangerous where yer goin'."

"I didn't tell you where we were going," she chuckled.

"Well, yeh said yeh know the area well. That means either Ered Luin or Lond Daer an' I'm damned sure Thúnor didn't live in the mountains." He looked at her and fell silent for a long moment as she dabbed at the tea-soaked cushion, doing her best to get the cloak to absorb most of the liquid. Finally he stood up and looked away. "How do I know that yer really goin' t' be alright? Yeh've been through a lot o' shit in yer life, Dís, an' I just want t' make sure that yeh aren't trying t' purposefully get yerself killed so yeh can be with yer family again."

Dís cocked her brow as she glanced at him. "You really believe I would do such a thing?" she questioned softly.

"I don't know, Dís –I honestly don't know. There are dwarrows out there who've been through less than yeh have an' they went an' got themselves killed just so they could be with their families again, even if they still had loved ones who were alive an' well. An' now that yer here, where yer brother an' sons are buried…" He gave her a pitying look as she turned her gaze towards the floor in an almost guilty fashion. Reaching over, he set his hand on her shoulder. "Honestly? I wouldn't put it past yeh. But at the same time, I know that yeh know yer loved an' wanted here."

A small, sorrowful smile graced her lips. "Everyone always did say that Kíli got his recklessness from me," she softly told him, "but no, you're right. I know I am still loved and wanted, which is why this isn't a death crusade." Setting her hand atop his, she smiled again. "Anyway, if I were to perish, who would you have left to spar with? At least on an equal level."

At that, Dwalin let out a hearty laugh. "Yer right 'bout that one," he agreed, grinning. "The others are alright sparring partners, but yeh grew up alongside me, so yeh know my fightin' style best."

She laughed as well. "I don't believe shouting at your opponent while racing towards them with a large axe is a 'style', Dwalin," she chuckled.

"Oh, it is too a fightin' style," he pouted. "It's the style o' makin' yer enemy piss themselves in fear."

Cracking up, Dís shook her head. "Is that so? Well then, it's aptly named!"

"Isn't it?" he chuckled. "Though, t' get back on topic…when do yeh an' Baylee plan t' leave?"

"In a few days," she answered, standing upright. "Which means I need to gather up a few traveling supplies and make sure that my axe is sharpened."

"And that yeh've enough arrows," he added with an approving nod. "Have yeh any cold-weather travelin' clothes?"

She nodded, starting to walk towards the wash room. "Aye, I do. I once lived in Ered Luin, remember?" she smiled. "If anything, however, I'll need to find myself a new blanket and tent."

"Tent?" he repeated, brow rising slightly. "Yer goin' t' bother with one o' those?"

"Of course I'm going to 'bother with one of those'. It's winter! Should it snow or rain, I would appreciate a bit of cover over our heads. We're women, after all -not hardened, numbskull males!"

"I'll have yeh know that my skull is not the least bit numb," he mused.

She tossed her cloak into the washroom before closing the door. "That in itself is a surprise, considering how many scars you've got covering it," she teased. "Or how many times I've seen you head-butt someone." Lifting her skirts slightly, she started up the stairs, heading towards her room.

"Now, now…I've seen yeh crack skulls plenty o' time in our lives," he grinned, following after her. "Mostly Thorin's an' Thíli's."

She lightly shrugged. "How else could I figure out if Thíli would be a proper husband if he couldn't stand up to a mere greeting?" she coyly asked. "I certainly couldn't send Thorin or Frerin after him; they would have beaten him black and blue regardless."

"As Thorin's lil' sister, I wouldn't doubt it," he chuckled. "Is there anythin' yeh need help with or need me t' fetch from the market for yeh?"

"No, thank-you. I believe I'll be fine packing on my own," she answered. "Though, you could sharpen my axe if you'd like. You were always able to get a razor edge. Whenever I sharpen it, it's never to my liking."

"Do yeh wet the stone?"

"Of course."

"An' do yeh do the fine hone on it afterwards?"

"I do my best."

"Hm. Well, I'll be happy t' sharpen it for yeh, though I'm now curious 'bout why it's never sharp enough for yeh." Chuckling, he waited outside her door as she went into her room to retrieve the weapon. "Will Baylee be takin' a weapon?"

Returning with a double-handed axe in hand, she nodded. "Aye; she apparently ordered a new spear yesterday," she replied. "In all honesty, I wouldn't have thought her the type to know how to fight. I know you've mentioned in when you told me how you came by your injuries, but she's so small and sweet for a human…"

"Ah, but she's got a fiery spirit in her. Managed t' deal a fair few hard blows t' me when we were sparrin' last year," he chuckled. He suddenly frowned and thoughtfully scratched his beard. "Come t' think o' it…in a couple o' weeks, it will have been nearly a year since I first met the lass."

"Is that so?"

He nodded. "Time sure has flown since then…A lot has happened durin' the year. Looks like it's not goin' t' slow down again for a while, either."

"When does life ever seem to slow down?" she chuckled.

"Now that's a good question."

Baylee let out a soft sigh, cherry-scented smoke furling from her mouth and nose. With her eyes closed and head resting against his chest, she couldn't see the smile on Bofur's face as he watched her. She took in another lungful of smoke before releasing it through her nose.

"You look like a dragon when ya do that," he quietly teased, brushing a lock of hair from her face.

"Do I?" she smiled, tilting her head back to look at him.

"Aye, but a pretty dragon. Not at all scary like most o' them."

"Does that make me a baby dragon, then?" she chuckled, offering him a puff from the pipe.

Taking the pipe from her, he took in a breath of smoke. "Maybe an adolescent. You're not quite small enough t' be a hatchling." He gave the bowl of the pipe a curious look as he slowly exhaled the smoke. "This is a good leaf…where were ya able t' find it?"

"I've had some hoarded away for a while now," she smiled. "It comes from Dorwinion, actually. They've good flavored tobaccos."

"Hm. I've always gotten mine from the Shire. It's a wee bit more…therapeutic than this stuff, but this is still quite nice." He stole another quick puff before handing it back to her.

She quietly laughed. "I'd rather keep my senses 'bout me," she told him, kissing his chin. Resting her head atop his chest again, she let out a soft sigh. "Though, I think I'll bring what's left o' my stash with me when I leave…"

"Just t' help ya unwind after a long day o' travelin'?"

Nodding, she shifted position so her arm wasn't pinned beneath her. "An' t' remind me o' home," she added. "If this journey wasn't so important, I'd stop by the Shire an' ask for some tobacco for ya."

"An' get mistaken for a hobbit in the process," he joked.

She pouted. "Hey now –I'm a good four inches taller than you! I'm sure I tower above a fully grown hobbit." Peeking into her pipe, she found only ashes to be left and sighed, setting it aside for now.

"Hard sayin'. I've seen some tall hobbits in me lifetime." He laughed as she gave him a small shove. "Oh, ya know I'm just joshin' with ya, âzying." Despite his words, he still wore a cheeky grin. "After all, you're practically a giant when you're in Erebor!"

"You are such an arse," she giggled, kissing his nose. "But a lovable arse."

"Well, that's a relief. Wouldn't want t' be a hated arse," he chuckled. "Though, I think your arse is a wee bit more loveable than me."

Her cheeks turning red, she laughed again as she rolled her eyes. "Aren't ya just the rascally one today?"

"When am I any other way?" he questioned. "I'm a rascal, born an' bred. Just ask Bifur an' Bombur!"

Turning herself so she was lying on her back, she looked up at the ceiling. "Normally," she began, "you're a sweetheart. Don't think I've seen ya in this much o' a mischievous mood before. Not that it's a bad thing; it's quite amusin', t' be honest."

"That's good. Wouldn't want t' be puttin' ya off by not bein' amusin'." Looking down at Baylee, he smiled and ran his fingers through her hair. "How're ya feelin'?" he quietly asked.

She shrugged. "Better than I have been lately, but not as good as I normally am, if that makes any sort o' sense."

"It does –an' it's good t' hear that you're feelin' better, âzying. Ya had us all pretty worried for a time. But it's good t' hear ya laugh again." He gave her a tender smile and kissed the top of her head. "I just hope nothin' else comes up t' ruin the mood."

"You an' me both," she sighed, closing her eyes. "Though, it is a big weight off o' my shoulders t' have Dís comin' with me. I wouldn't have figured her t' be the sort willin' t' do such a thing."

Plucking up a random lock of her hair, he started to braid it. "Dís is like that," he told her, "unexpected, I mean. Most dwarrow dames are content t' stay in their homes an' take care o' their families or tend t' their trades, but Dís has always been different from them. She was raised the same way any dwarrow princess would have been raised, but from what I hear, she was always runnin' off with Dwalin an' her brothers an' gettin' into some sort o' trouble.

"But, that's Dís for ya. She's got a mischievous streak as big as any dwarrow –but she's got an even bigger kindness streak. She would go out o' her way t' help people just because she knew there were folk out there who needed it more than others." Finishing the braid, he plucked up another bit of hair and started to braid it. "When our parents passed on an' it was Bifur havin' t' help take care o' me an' Bombur, Dís would bring us warm dinners an', when I became an apprentice toymaker, she made sure t' buy the toys I made. Wouldn't accept me just given them t' her wee lads."

Rolling onto her stomach, Baylee couldn't help but giggle as she watched Bofur pout; the action prevented him from finishing the braid. "That was nice o' her," she told him. "It's not often ya hear about royalty doin' such things. Then again, the only royal person I know –well, besides Dís now, o' course- is Bard an' he came from humble beginnings. In the stories papa an' mum used t' read t' me an' Will, the kings and queens were usually cruel…'Specially the queens, for some reason."

"Were the stories 'bout humans?"

She nodded. "Aye, they were. Why?"

"No offense, âzying, but it seems like human males don't know how t' treat human females most o' the time. A lot o' them seem t' think that women are incapable o' survivin' on their own when it's just not true."

Chuckling, she moved to rest her chin on his chest. "It is true an' my father wholly admits it. That's why he made sure t' let Will 'n me know that we were just as capable o' doin' everythin' as the other. Though, Will's hopeless in the kitchen. He can barely fry an egg." Tucking some hair behind her ear, she scooted forward a little and kissed his chin. "But I'm pretty hopeless when it comes t' carvin' wood, so we're even there."

"Oh, I think with a bit o' practice, you'd be good at it," he told her. "You've got the steady hands."

Shaking her head, she started to trace the patterns on his vest. "Steady hands, aye, but I'm no good with that sort o' thing. I can barely sew, let alone carve wood. I'll stick t' baking and cookin'."

"If ya insist," he smiled. "Speakin' o' food, though, isn't it about dinner time?" As he spoke, his stomach made a loud noise, making Baylee's face screw up in disgust and slight fear. "Oh c'mon, it wasn't that loud!"

"You're not the one three inches from your belly!" she snorted, poking his stomach. "Almost sounded like there was a troll livin' in there!"

Grinning, he scooped her up in his arms and earned a squeak of surprise from her. "No troll, but I've got the appetite o' one. Looks like the only thing I have t' eat though is this pretty wee human!" He started to cover her face and neck in kisses while teasingly growling at her. Baylee shrieked with laughter, trying to squirm out of his embrace.

"You prat!" she laughed. "You're ticklin' me!"

"No, I'm eatin' ya –there's a difference," he told her with such seriousness, it made her burst out laughing anew. Just as he was about to plant a kiss on her lips, however, Baylee took him by surprise by suddenly 'biting' his nose. "Oi! I'm not supposed t' be the one for dinner!"

Baylee wore a large, cheeky grin, her teeth still resting on his nose. "You're 'ot the ownee wuh 'ose 'unbree," she giggled.

"I guess not." A mischievous look came to his features, slightly worrying Baylee. Her eyes shot open and she pulled back, laughing, as he started to tickle her sides. "Apparently you're not that hungry," he teased.

"Is that what's goin' on? I've been tryin' t' figure it out for the last t'ree minutes."

Both Baylee and Bofur went rigid. The color rising to their faces, they looked at the doorway, where Wenna was standing, a large platter of food resting against her cocked hip. She looked both disturbed and amused by the pair and simply shook her head as she laughed.

"We were just teasin'," Baylee stammered, unable to meet the younger woman's gaze.

Walking into the room, she raised her brow. "Clearly; I don't think Bofur's got a taste for human meat, anyway." She set the tray down on the bed beside Bofur before starting to hand them their separate meals. "I knocked, by the way, but I guess neither o' ya heard me. I'm just glad tha' you're both fully clothed."

If it had been possible, Bofur's cheeks would have gotten darker. "Now why would ya go an' think somethin' like that, lass? We're not even married!" he mumbled.

"Mhm…See, unlike the older folks 'round here, I know what younger, unwed couples do when left alone," she mused. She then shrugged. "It's none o' my business, o' course, but I'm not as naïve as 'em –though, thank Manwë the two o' ya are fully clothed."

"An' what if we hadn't, hmm?" Baylee sat up and crossed her legs before taking the bowl of stew from her. She ignored Bofur as he gawked incredulously at her.

Wenna, however, shrugged. "More 'n likely would have just left the food outside your door an' then take me eyes out with a spoon," she joked. "In all honesty, I'd just leave the food outside the door an' then knock loudly t' make the two o' ya feel awkward an' embarrassed."

"Now that is quite evil o' ya," Bofur chortled, tucking a napkin into the top of his shirt. "I've done that t' Bombur, but it was entirely an accident…an' I ended up walkin' in on them."

Both Baylee and Wenna cringed at the thought before bursting into fits of giggles.