Thorin ran along the corridor calling her name. Where was she? My love – where are you? And then he reached it finally, the door to her room. He didn't even wait to knock, he had to see her. He opened the door immediately to find her. She stood there, her back turned to him. She was a vision! She wore a white nightgown with an open neckline and no sleeves. Her soft ebony hair hung loose down to her mid back, as she stood barefoot by the fireplace.

Hearing him, she turned to face him – Oh Mahal! Her nightgown was made of a thin, sheer linen, revealing her form underneath. He shut the door, immediately taking his coat off and dropping it on the floor as he closed the distance between them.

She called to him, her eyes dark. And as he got closer she bit her lip. He could not hold himself back anymore. Wrapping one arm around her waist and one hand buried in her hair, Thorin claimed her lips. She had her hands in his hair in return, and they ran down to his tunic. He quickly broke away to lift it above his head and drop it on the floor. He kissed her neck, bending to follow through to her collarbones as he ran his large hands down her sides to her narrow waist and and the firmly grasped her hips. Then sliding his right hand down her thigh to the back of her knee, he pulled up her leg around his waist, pressing himself firmly into her body. He looked deep into her eyes as they shot open, a soft moan escaping her as she ran her hands down his chest.

Keeping her still pressed to him, feeling his need for her growing fast, he breathed out, "Are you sure? Is this what you want, my beautiful one?"

"Yes…" she placed her hand on his cheek softly and kissed him back. "I want all of you…" He didn't need to be told twice, he ran his right hand up to her rear giving it a squeeze, making her moan once more. And then lifted her body, backing into the bed before the back of his knees hit the edge of the bed and…

Thorin rolled, hitting the floor with a thud, and awoke! He slowly sat up gathering his bearings.

Mahal! What was that dream…? It was so real… He could touch her – taste her even!

And she had wanted me too!

He climbed back into bed and lay there thinking. Perhaps he did have to declare his feelings for her in no uncertain terms. But if she did not return those feelings she would surely leave soon after? Perhaps he had a little more time to plan and make his move…

Thorin pushed the large gilded doors to the vast treasury open and stood in the doorway. The last he was there, was during his dragon-sickness. He had despised his lack of control. But this was worse… it was cowardice. He had not set food in the treasury again since then. He had always felt overcome with nausea by the thought of it, today he closed his eyes and focussed first on his breathing, and then her face came into his mind. He opened his eyes and took a tentative step forward… nothing. Taking another slow deliberate breath he took another step forward. Again nothing.

He followed with several steps and paused. And then several more. He was past the guards now and could see Gloin at the back of the large treasury hall, he had stopped writing in his scroll and was watching Thorin carefully.

Thorin had reached the firsts piles of gold now. He was still fine. He kept his gaze fixed on Gloin at the back and ignored the vast mountains of gold and precious jewels that lay either side of the main walkway.

Gloin placed his scroll on the table and walked over fast to meet Thorin.

"Is everything alright Thorin?"

"Aye Gloin. I just needed to do this for myself."

"The King's Jewel is still safe, Thorin."

"Aye, but if they attempted to steal it this time and failed – I am certain there will be more attempts."

Balin walked through the large doors carrying another small parchment.

"Thorin!" He smiled. "I wondered whether you would be here… Dain sent a raven to say he plans to visit." Balin handed Thorin the small message.

"And he is accompanying some noble families wishing to return to Erebor." Thorin read. "What we need are more craftsman. Particularly more smiths! But I suppose it matters not."

Balin looked at him and smiled. "They will come in time. I know you've wanted to do this a while now… what gave you the courage?"

"I think what you should be asking is, Balin… Who gave him the courage." Gloin smiled softly.

"Not you too," Thorin grumbled under his breath. "Don't you think I get enough of that from Dis?"

"You know the stone is safe?" Balin said once more.

"Aye, but for how long. They broke in here thinking it was here – or in Gloin's quarters." A brief troubled look flitted across his face before he set his stone mask once more. "This is quite a targeted, planned attack. It must be stopped."

"You will need to do this a few more times to gain your confidence and mental strength before you can feel anywhere near comfortable to hold it Thorin." Balin concluded.

"Then that is what I will have to do." Thorin resolved himself. "Mahal! I have faced down Azog and almost died in the process. You would think, this was a much easier task."