Thorin stared at the key in her hand. It had been a difficult consideration, but eventually he had decided the object was most safe in her hands. He did not know what would happen when Alyssae and Thranduin would go away, but he didn't believe the elf king would simply let them go and when he would see the key ... then there would be no possibility he would ever get the Arkenstone and he wouldn't be able to unite the other clans to fight Smaug.

He hadn't dared to admit his doubts concerning Thranduil to her. He hated the elf and he knew that was mutual. He was still in his domain and that frightened him, however shameful that might be. But it was not his own destiny that was at stake; but that of all the dwarves who wanted to return to Erebor. And now... now it was an elf princess who would determine their future.

She laid on her back in the grass and stared at the starry sky. He looked at her face, that seemed clam. It was not genuine, for he knew many disturbing thoughts bothered her. He stretched out his hand to touch her dark hair and his fingers played with her plats. She turned her head aside and smiled.

Thorin felt so much love for this woman he actually didn't want her to continue this dangerous journey, but he knew he couldn't override her. Nor did he want to take away her chance of seeing Erebor with the rest of their company, even though he wanted to guarantee her safety.

He tried to remember when he'd realized he had feelings for her, but there was no specific moment that popped up in his mind. It felt like the feeling had been there from the very first moment - but hidden - and when time passed he had fought his feelings harder and harder. Until he discovered there was no need to do so.

Tender he looked at her face. Her eyes were closed. He noticed her peaceful face sedated him and he no longer needed to be alert that somebody would see it. He had no idea how his men would react when he would show his feelings to Alyssae, but he didn't believe their love would endanger his quest. If it was for him, nobody needed to say anything about it, except for Fili...

With a sigh he thought about his nephew. He knew the boy hated Thranduin because he was Alyssae's fiancé and he could only hope he wouldn't blame him. However, Fili's disapproval wouldn't stop him, for the time Alyssae and he had was very short. Still it would spoil their mood and he believed it was important to have a good relation with his kin - certainly the one who would ascend the throne after his death...

Without thinking about it, he fondled her cheek when she turned her face toward him. He supposed she had fallen asleep and his fingers glided across her skin. He hoped she wouldn't wake up by the touch of his rough fingers. His lips burnt when he cast his mind back to their kiss. He just wanted to bend over her to kiss her lips again when someone grabbed his arm.

"Stay away from her!"

Somebody dragged him backwards, so he fell and looked around disorientated. When he shook his head to get rid of his dark hair, he stared bewildered at the top of a razor-sharp sword. "Don't come any closer."

The glance in Kili's eyes was steadfast. He showed a firmness Thorin had found admirable in any other situation, but now he wondered what the hell was going on.

"Is she all right?" Kili asked his brother, who sat beside Alysae.

"She is sleeping,' Thorin snarled.

Kili ignored his words, but waited for an affirmative answer of Fili.

"Stop this nonsense," he growled.

"Nonsense?" Kili's eyes spit fire. "You strangled her, you lunatic! You wanted her dead!"

Thorin's face turned pale. Who'd told him that? The elf who'd saved Alyssae's life?

"I made a mistake," he grunted.

"What are you doing here?" Kili asked accusative. "Did you made her drink the water again? I swear, if that ..."

"It's okay, Kili."

The dwarf turned around immediately. "It's not okay! He is hazardous! He should stay away from you!"

"I can take care of myself."

"Yeah?" he scoffed. "Is that a lie or not?" Kili snarled, were after he looked scornfully into her eyes.

"Take away that sword from my face," Thorin spoke while trying to restrain his anger.

Kili sniffled, but obeyed.

"I asked Alyssae for a night walk because I had to make some things right."

"A night walk?" the young dwarf repeated in disbelief. "Do you really think that's making things better?"

"This is none of your business, Kili." Alyssae stepped towards him and laid her hand on his shoulder, but he stepped away mulishly.

"Nothing is ever my business, hmm?" He spitted angry at the ground.

Thorin saw his words hurt Alyssae, but he didn't know what to say. If someone else had strangled her, he would have crossed the line too.

"Well, I am sorry we interrupted your evening walk, but we were looking for a wounded elf and an insane dwarf for hours!"

"Don't forget to who you're talking," Thorin snapped, who couldn't believe these words were spoken by his nephew.

"I talk to an arrogant loaf who thinks he can strangle women whenever it pleases him! I really am ashamed for being part of your family!'

Kili had squeezed his eyes in anger and stared hatefully in his.