I am soo sorry for the long wait!

I decided to post this chapter tonight because I wanted to give you guys something for my birthday... Yep I'm a Hobbit. (Not really but it would be so majestic if I was.)

Alright enough of my chatter here's the next chapter! I hope you enjoy!

Chapter 11

A Short Respite

Please be alright. Please be alright! Kíli thought over and over. Suddenly only one thing mattered, which was getting to Enda. He stood up but the sudden movement brought pain to his ribs. He pushed past the pain and got to his feet and he then ran. Beorn was the only one quick enough to stop him which he did by grabbing Kíli by the back of the coat. Kíli was lifted a foot above the ground. He instantly started to fight the grip. He felt warm tears starting to slide from his eyes, not just from the pain his ribs brought him.

"No! NO! Please I have to get to Enda!" Kíli shouted as he thrashed wildly in Beorn's grip.

"Calm yourself, boy," Beorn said. Kíli instantly stopped his struggle out of fear of the large bear-man. "Relax, now listen to me." Kíli nodded and then was placed back on the floor and he looked back up at Beorn. "The girl is alright. The poison has been drawn and her fever has reduced a bit. She will recover soon but for now, she needs to rest."

Kíli sighed out a breath he didn't realize he was holding. He was relieved that Enda was alright although he wanted to see her. Beorn seemed to read his mind and stepped aside for the young Dwarf. Kíli walked into the room and saw Gandalf sitting by Enda. Enda was sleeping and she looked peaceful. He walked over and Gandalf smiled wearily at him. He looked exhausted.

"She should make a quick and full recovery…" Gandalf said. "She is a fighter…" Gandalf then stood up. "I will send Fíli in with your supper. Come and wake me if anything changes for better or worse."

"Yes Gandalf." Kíli then turned to face the Wizard. "And thank you."

Gandalf smiled, patted Kíli's shoulder and left. Kíli immediately turned back to Enda. After a little while Fíli came in with some food for Kíli. He smiled when he saw that Kíli had fallen asleep, curled up in an armchair, and Enda, in that fogginess of waking, was watching over him. She waved at Fíli and offered a smile. She placed a finger to her lips and then used Iglishmêk to talk to him. She started to sign with her hands and facial expressions.

How long have I been out?

A little while… How are you feeling? Fíli replied after he set the bowl of soup on the small end table.

Much better, though, a bit sleepy and terribly hungry. Enda flashed a bright smile as she eyed the bowl. Is that for Kíli?

I will get him another bowl when he wakes. You go ahead and eat. Fíli handed her the bowl of soup. Enda held it and she ate. Not so fast! It will only come back up! Fíli ordered. Enda rolled her eyes but slowed her eating. She soon found that she didn't have too much of an appetite and she barely finished the bowl of soup.

"I don't want to wake him…" Enda whispered as she looked at Kíli. "But he cannot be comfortable sleeping like that…"

"I'm glad he's finally resting."

"Finally?"

"He wouldn't rest until he knew that you were alright."

"Even you aren't that much of a mother hen…"

"I am not a mother hen… And neither is he. His worries and cares are more firmly rooted." Fíli then looked directly at Enda. "Have you not guessed?"

"Guessed what?" Enda asked, her brow knitting together in confusion and questioningly. Fíli shook his head in exasperation.

"He's in love with you. And I noticed that you are falling in love with him. We all see it; you are perfect for each other. You two are just taking forever to realize it."

Enda felt a blush rise to her cheeks. "How do you know it then?"

"Because, I have gone through it before, falling in love…"

"You have?" Enda looked completely shocked.

"Yes," Fíli said. "In fact once we reclaim Erebor I will be getting married."

"You?" Enda asked. Fíli gave her a look of annoyance.

"Yes, me Enda. Don't look at me like that! It's not completely far-fetched!" Enda gave a little smirk and Fíli stuck his tongue out. "And it wouldn't surprise me if you are too. I can see it now…" Fíli's eyes then widened and a goofy smile spread across his face. "Perhaps it could be a double wedding!"

"Dear Mahal!" Enda felt like her face was burning. "We… haven't even… you know… talked on courting… much less marriage! Besides what if we don't feel that strongly about each other?" Enda said feeling uncomfortable and she looked down at her hands.

"You are so shy on the matter…" Fíli said, smirking.

"You are so difficult!" Enda really wish she could be swallowed by the bed so he would stop smirking at her embarrassed expression.

"A sweet, little, blushing bride for my brother!" Fíli said in a sing-song voice. He was interrupted from making a new song when a pillow made contact with his face.

"Shut up!" Enda said mortified.

"I'm sorry Enda…" Fíli then tried to cover up a smile but he couldn't mask it completely.

"Who are you marrying?" Enda said trying to at least get the subject away from Kíli and her.

"Bryn… She's a lovely young woman, she…" Fíli trailed off and smiled wistfully. "I miss her so much. Her beautiful smile, her sweet voice, her gentle personality… The only real comfort in the separation is that I know that she will come once we have Erebor back."

"I wish you two the best. She must be a wonderful woman for you to speak so highly of her."

"Sadly I'm not poetic and my words do not do her justice." Fíli then turned to Enda. "Kíli speaks highly of you too… I think you two should talk about it… Courting and marriage…"

"Talk about it? Oh that wouldn't be awkward in the slightest…" Enda said sarcastically.

"No it wouldn't. In fact I think things would be less awkward."

Enda paused and thought for a moment.

"Why are you encouraging this?" Fíli's brow wrinkled in confusion. "Kíli and I are both very young. There is so much danger in the road ahead, if it is love as you claim we won't recover if one of us were to die."

"It's already at that point…" Fíli looked down to his sleeping brother. "He is afraid to lose you. Anyone could see it. And I know you feel the same. You and him… I bet that your fates are entwined… A philosophy for you if I may be so bold… Live life with no regrets. Don't let the fear of what may happen stop you. That's what's holding you two back from courting."
"Or maybe the fact that we have only know each other for about a month…" Enda said exasperatedly.

"Enda, you think too much with your head. Problems then arise that weren't even there to begin with." Fíli then looked in her eyes and placed his hand on her shoulder. "Listen to your heart, you will understand."

There was a short silence and then Enda tried to suppress a yawn but Fíli noticed how tired she was.

"How long will we be here?" Enda murmured.

"Not too long… Possibly a few days. We're going to wait until everyone is well rested. I should probably get Gandalf, Kíli was supposed to get him when your condition changed. I'll be back."

"Alright. Here, be a dear and get some soup for Kíli. He looks like he's ready to wake up…" Enda handed Fíli the bowl and Fíli left the room.

Kíli stirred and woke up. He rubbed his eyes and they widened when he saw Enda awake.

"Why didn't you wake me?!" he said.

"You need your sleep Kee…"

"Not when I'm supposed to be watching over you! Gandalf will turn me into a ferret if he finds out!" Kíli then sat up and a sharp gasp escaped him when his ribs protested.

"Are you alright?" Enda asked her eyes widening in concern. "Your ribs? What happened?"

"I'm fine!" Kíli smiled at Enda reassuringly. "Just a few cracked ribs…"

"That isn't fine!" Enda's voice raised an octave.

"Well neither is the fact that I could have lost you!" Kíli said, his voice nearly a shout and very emotional. Enda saw the unshed tears that were in his hazel eyes. He then looked down and blushed. There was an awkward silence for a few moments.

"Kíli?" Enda asked hesitantly. Kíli looked up at her and smiled softly. "I'm not going anywhere… I am stronger than that… I will be around for a while yet."

Kíli then placed his hand upon Enda's face and leaned forward. He paused just inches away from her face and then came closer and kissed Enda.

Enda's heart almost stopped. She felt sparks and her stomach was summersaulting with giddiness and she closed her eyes. When he pulled away she wished that he hadn't. Her face was a deep shade of scarlet although she felt a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. Kíli smiled too and he was also blushing.

"I'm sorry- That was too bold… I just-" Kíli stammered. Enda then leaned forward and kissed Kíli, instantly shutting him up. Enda smiled shyly and Kíli had a wide grin spreading across his features. He opened his mouth a few times but no words came out. He blushed, unsure of what to say. Her kissing him back meant that she did have feelings for him and he was glad for it but now he was certain that things wouldn't be the same.

"Kíli?"

"It would be a lie to say that I haven't thought about this… I just never imagined that you would like me back…"

"Why wouldn't I?" Enda asked and Kíli was about to answer when the door opened. Kíli sighed and they both scooted away as Beorn, Gandalf, and Fíli came in the room.

"Ah… good to see you awake and well," Beorn said and he placed his hand on Enda's forehead. "The fever is gone… You had everyone worried."

"Thank you for healing me, sir."

"How are you feeling?"

"A lot better… I hardly feel any pain and I'm not nauseous…"

Beorn seemed to study her for a moment and then nodded, satisfied that she wasn't lying.

"Is there anything that I can get for you?" he asked.

"No, thank you. I just want to sleep a little more…"

"Then rest as much as you can," Beorn said. "Nothing heals better than sleep. Send one of these boys for us if you need anything." Beorn motioned to Fíli and Kíli.

"Yes sir." Enda then rested against the pillows of the bed. Gandalf and Beorn left the room speaking in some ancient language that none of the Dwarves understood. Enda closed her eyes and drifted off into sleep. Fíli and Kíli silently spoke using Iglishmêk.

What is with your ridiculous smile? Fíli then mimicked Kíli's goofy smile.

I do not look like that! Kíli gestured with an offended look crossing his face.

You do so. What happened? Kíli smiled sheepishly. "Oh Kíli you kissed her didn't you?" Fíli whispered. Kíli bit his lip and looked at Enda who didn't stir.

Hush! Kíli's eyes widened as he put his finger to his lip.

"By Durin's beard you kissed her, didn't you?!"

Don't wake her! Kíli signed. He couldn't meet his brother's eyes. He wasn't sure if Fíli would scold him or not. Yes… I kissed her.

A wide smirk crossed Fíli's face. I knew it! How did she react?

She kissed me back…

You two… I told you that she likes you! You believe me now, right?

Kíli smiled and shoved his brother playfully. Oh dear, Fíli. You are such a matchmaker.

I most certainly am not. I just see what's painfully obvious. You and Enda are perfect and I just want my baby brother to be happy. You're just so shy about it.

That's because you are a romantic and a bold romantic at that.

I am not!

Automatic denial is a sign of lying- Kíli then was smacked in the arm. "Ow!" he hissed. Fíli merely shrugged.

Perhaps I shouldn't have helped you.

Helped me?

When you asked on advice on love... It clearly isn't appreciated.

Stop being a drama-king. It doesn't suit you.

Fíli glared at him but he couldn't intimidate his brother. Kíli smirked in victory.

You are appreciated. You're my favorite brother. Kíli smiled innocently.

I'm your only brother… Fíli rolled his eyes.

True, but I couldn't ask for a better one. Kíli smiled and then held his arms out for a hug and he gave his 'baby eyes' as Fíli always would call them.

You really are too old for such antics. But Fíli gave in and embraced his brother.

Age is a number…

Apparently so. Fíli shook his head and they continued on with other conversations. Fíli and Kíli remained quiet though except for a few bouts of laughter that they tried to hush instantaneously.

After a few hours Enda woke up and she seemed back to her normal self. Her face had recovered its normal color and she sat up without wincing in pain. Her eyes were childishly wide with energy that she now felt and a smile crossed her face.

"I probably don't have to ask but how are you feeling?" Fíli asked.

"Like I was never even injured in the first place. I feel normal again…" Enda smiled.

"That's good." Fíli glanced between his brother and Enda and tried to hide a smirk as he saw how they blushed when they looked at each other.

"I feel absolutely disgusting…" Enda said. "I'm going to go bathe and I suggest you two do the same." Enda smirked at them and Fíli and Kíli exchanged a mischievous smile.

"Are you saying we smell?"

"Yep." Enda smirked. Her expression instantly changed to one of horror as they came to bring her into a hug. She hopped to her feet and grabbed a pillow and tried to defend herself. They hugged her and she gagged. "Go bathe!"

"You don't smell like a bunch of roses yourself."
"I know… Let go of me so I can clean up." Enda squirmed from against their hold but couldn't free herself. "For the love of Durin let go!" Enda said and she pouted.

"Are you sure you're strong enough to be out of bed yet?" Enda punched them each in the arm.

"You tell me." Enda smirked as they winced.

"You're so mean…" Kíli pouted as he rubbed his arm.

"Mean? You two are mean for marinating me in man stink."

"Ouch," Fíli said in a mock hurt tone.

"Go bathe yourself, stinky!" Kíli retorted and Enda nodded her thanks.

"With pleasure…" Enda then stood up and practically flew from the room. She ran into Beorn and the impact sent her falling to her rear. She looked up to him and offered an innocent smile. He shook his head.

"Apparently you are well."

"Urm… yeah." Enda cocked her eyebrow, uncertain if he was annoyed or happy or something else entirely. His face betrayed nothing. He helped her to her feet. "Where can I bathe?"

Beorn didn't let go of her wrist and he led her to a small room that held a tub and a towel.

"I don't have any clothes for Dwarves but my animals will wash and mend your clothing. You may use the robe to cover up as they work on your clothing." Enda saw the huge robe that was on a hook.

"Thank you." Beorn shrugged and then walked away. "Alright then…" Enda muttered. "Not much for speaking apparently." She then stepped into the room and saw the water pump. She quickly filled the bath and then undressed. She then climbed into the bath. She then relaxed for a little while and cleaned up. She was very disheartened when she washed what was left of her hair. Her hair was above her shoulders and it was layered so that she couldn't braid it or even pull it back into the usual ponytail without almost all of it falling from the leather thong.

When she finished bathing she felt even better, despite her short hair. How very majestic… Enda thought to herself. I probably look like a human boy-child. Hardly the image of legendary heroes.

She quickly pulled the robe on and noticed that her clothes were missing. She didn't see that some Rabbits had taken the clothing as she was bathing. She then sat in the room, uncertain of what to do. She obviously could exit until her clothes were returned to her. So Enda started thinking on everything that happened that day. Especially the kiss. She couldn't help but smile as she remembered Kíli's lips pressed to hers'. She knew Fíli was right. She had fallen in love with Kíli.

After a few minutes a Rabbit came in the room and bowed to her respectfully. The Rabbit handed her the clean and mended clothing and seemed to smile at Enda.

"Thank you." The Rabbit nodded and then left the room.

Enda changed into her clothing and then she walked back to the room with the bed. She flopped down onto the bed and closed her eyes. The bed was so comfortable compared to the ground. She was thankful for this respite.

"Enda, are you decent?" Kíli asked as he gently knocked on the door.

"Yep. Come in." Enda blushed as Kíli smiled at her.

"Dinner is ready."

"Alright, I'll be out in a few moments."

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing."

"Are you feeling alright?"

"Yes…" Enda didn't realize that she was fiddling with her hair until Kíli grabbed her hand and looked her in the eyes.

"Don't worry about your hair. It will grow back." Kíli smiled gently. "Do you want us to braid it for you?"

"Um… I don't think it can be braided, they cut it off very short and with different lengths, the shortest being near the top…" Enda said and her lower lip trembled.

"Oh, Enda. It's just hair-"

"Its' not 'just hair', its' a Dwarf's pride and mine is lost!" Enda held her head in her hands willing herself not to cry.

"I don't think of you any less because your hair is shorter… Not in the slightest, I think you can take pride in yourself, not your hair. You've proved yourself to be very brave…" Kíli said. "You should be proud of yourself. You bravely overcome everything that has been tossed your way. You endured through torture and terrible loss. Yet you can face the world with a smile and a good attitude. I really don't think your hair was ever as impressive as you."

"You-" Enda then embraced Kíli tightly but not enough so to hurt his ribs.

"I don't ever want you to feel sad. And if it would make you feel better I would cut my hair…"

"Oh don't do anything rash."

"I would do it. Enda I love you." Kíli then blushed as he realized what he said.

"I love you too," Enda said honestly. "I always have. It's just…"

"Shyness…" Kíli blushed. Enda also blushed. "You're cute when you blush…"

"Thanks…" Enda blushed even more. Kíli kissed the tip of her nose.

"Oh yes. I just remembered something." Kíli then reached into his coat pocket and pulled out her hair clasp. "I found it and I completely forgot to give it to you."

"It was my mother's… I'm glad it wasn't lost…" End said with a small smile.

Kíli then pulled some of her hair back and clasped it back. Enda's fingers delicately fingered his work. A few of the shorter layers were in the clip and she smiled.

"I probably look like you…"

"If I had coppery brown hair… And maybe if I was as beautiful as you…" Kíli smiled gently. "It's the only style I know. Besides it will keep your hair from getting in your eyes aside from a few of your bangs." Kíli brushed her bangs with his fingers so they wouldn't dry weird. "I'm just a man and I don't know much on fashion but I do think the style suits you."

Enda smirked. "I'm sure you'd say that about any look…"

"Not if you had a full beard. I would be too jealous to complement you."

"I'm just a girl and a beard doesn't mean everything to me but I like you the way you are. Also being a huntress I would think having a full beard wouldn't work well when it came to shooting."

"Yeah…" Kíli smiled. "You ready to eat?"

"How is that even a question? You know I am." Enda smiled lopsidedly.

Kíli then did something impulsive. He placed his hands upon Enda's shoulders and looked her in the eyes.

"Enda, would you court me?" Enda's mouth dropped open in shock. "I didn't mean to be so rash!" Kíli said quickly. "I mean we are both-" Enda put a finger to his lips and he quieted down.

"Would your uncle approve?"

"He doesn't have to know…"

"You would go behind Thorin's back to court me?" Enda asked.

"I would."

"Courtship is serious, Kíli."

"And I'm serious." Kíli said. "I really do love you."

"I don't want to get in trouble and I don't want you to get in trouble. You should talk to Thorin about this…"

"I will tell him… eventually… I promise." Kíli looked into Enda's eyes. "Please say yes…"

Something impulsive rose in Enda. She wanted to court Kíli. She nodded. "Yes Kíli, I will court you." Kíli smiled and kissed her. But they were interrupted by Bofur's shout that dinner was ready.

"After dinner I will make the courtship official… I promise." Enda smiled excited to see where this adventure would take them. She was about to enter a courtship with the Dwarf she loved, Kíli. Maybe things were happening too fast but Enda was sure that love really knew no time especially since Dwarves only love once in their lifetime.

That was possibly the hardest chapter I have ever written in my life. The reason I'm not very confident in this chapter because I have never been in the positions I've put the characters in. I really hope that it wasn't completely terrible. Let me know what you think! Again I'm so very sorry it took so long to post. Please don't hate me.

Please feel free to ask questions, give suggestions, comment on anything you like or didn't like, feel free to point out any inconsistencies or mistakes, just comment anything. Was everything that happened too soon? Am I portraying Kíli accurately enough? Some of my decisions for this chapter were simply because Kíli and Enda are young and impulsive seeming. But PLEASE let me know what you think. If enough of you want me to I could re-edit this chapter if you want me to. YOUR REVIEWS ARE WHAT KEEP ME GOING! They let me know what you want! I just don't want to lose any of you wonderful followers who have been so faithful with reading and reviewing my story.

I will to reply to all commentators. I want to stay in touch with my audience.

Just as a fair warning I won't post anything until I get feedback on this chapter just so I know if you want me to continue down this path or if you want me to change the direction this is going.

I really want to thank you for reading and reviewing and following.

~ Maethorni