Fili and Kili both sat next to Lindsey's bed. She was still asleep and Kili cast a glance at his brother. He could see how he admired the girl.

"She's beautiful, isn't she?" Fili suddenly mumbled and looked up at his brother. Kili smiled and his gaze drifted to the sleeping girl.

"Yes, she's quite beautiful. They both are. And she likes you a lot."

Fili's eyes sparkled again. "You really think so?"

"But of course! The way she looks at you! The way she talks with you! And she's always seeking your company," Kili grinned cheekily at him.

Fili's hand gently stroked along her arm as he replied, "I like her a lot. I'm just uncertain what her sister might think about it."

"Kate? She told you to take care of her. I think she might be fine with that."

Fili chuckled.

"What's so funny?"

"It's just—I wonder how long it will take until Thorin and Kate maul each other."

Kili laughed. "Oh, that could be interesting."

"I know, right? They are so much alike! They can't stand each other but then again they can't stay away from each other. It is as if they enjoy these fights."

Suddenly Fili could feel a slight movement at his hand and he looked down just to see Lindsey slowly open her eyes.

"Lindsey!" he breathed with a warm and relieved smile on his face.

"F—Fili?" she whispered as her hand found his and held it tight. Her blue eyes sparkled in the light of the setting sun that peeped through the high window.

"I'm here! You'll be fine again," he whispered and placed a soft kiss on top of her hand. His gaze drifted to Kili.

"I'll leave you alone for a while. Maybe we'll see us at dinner," he said and left the room.

"What happened?" Lindsey asked and her voice was still weak.

"What's the last thing you remember?"

"Hmm—we were running and chased by some beasts. And suddenly there was an immense pain in my leg. Thorin killed the beast and we jumped into a hole. That's the last thing I know—"

He smiled down at her. "We're in Rivendell. That's a quite famous Elf city. They healed you, but we have to stay at least two weeks until you're fully recovered."

"An Elf city? But your uncle hates the Elves!"

"He had no choice or otherwise your sister might have strangled him," he chuckled. Lindsey giggled quietly and coughed. She sat up and he gently patted her back.

Once she lay back down she smiled up at him. Her black hair shimmered on the snow-white sheets. "Have you been here the whole day?" she finally managed to ask.

He nodded slowly. "Kate told me to take care of you. Oh—and I think she blames herself for that accident."

"What? Why?"

"I don't know. Maybe you should talk to her later."

Lindsey nodded, her eyes rested on his beard-braids. Those had fascinated her since their first meeting. She reached out for them and caused him to look uncertain. His heart leaped in his chest. He leaned in closer to her; his lips hovered right above hers. She could feel his hot breath on her skin and she wished nothing more than to feel his lips on hers. Before they could close the gap, the door swung open and an elf-maid entered.

"I am sorry, but my Lord Elrond told me to provide you with new clothes," she said and looked a little uncertain between the girl and the young dwarf. Fili had jumped away from the bed as the door opened and both of their cheeks were flushed.

The elf-maid bit back a smile and placed a pile of dresses on a chair nearby. She walked up to the bed and examined the wound once more.

"Looks fine," she said and smiled at Lindsey. "You may get up to have dinner with your friends if you feel well again."

Lindsey smiled up at her. "Thank you for your help."

"Lle creoso," the elf said and added, "You're welcome."

Kate had just entered the balcony where she found the Company gathered around two tables and Gandalf, Lord Elrond and Thorin sitting together at a separate table. She looked a little uncertain and decided to sit down between Dwalin and Oin. Kili had just informed her that Lindsey was awake and that Fili was taking care of her. First she had felt the urge to go and look for her sister but decided against it. She was certain that Lindsey and Fili wanted to have some private time together.

Her gaze drifted along the table and with a smile she listened to the complaining of the dwarves around her. Ori just lifted up a lettuce leaf and examined it carefully. Dori leaned in closer to him and said,

"Try it. Just a mouthful."

Ori slowly shook his head and stated, "I don't like green food," and placed the leaf back onto a plate.

Out of the corner of her eyes she saw Dwalin lifting the whole salad up with his hand and let it fall back into the bowl with an annoyed expression on his face as he looked around and asked,

"Where's the meat?"

Kate couldn't help but laugh about their behavior and Ori asked desperately, "Have they got any chips?"

The Elves around played a slow and soft tune on their harps and flutes. She enjoyed it a lot and it calmed her down. She saw that Kili was watching one of the harp players which was a quite beautiful elf-maid.

He winked and smiled at her before his gaze drifted to Dwalin who stared at him with a blank expression on his face. Kili grew serious as he tried to explain,

"I can't say I fancy Elf-maids myself," his gaze drifted to Bofur who sat next to him with a cheeky grin on his face and the young one continued, "Too thin. They're all high cheekbones and creamy skin—not enough facial hair for me!"

Kate chuckled as she exchanged an amused look with Dwalin and Bofur. Kili continued with a little gesture towards an elf passing by, "Although—that one there's not bad." He looked at Dwalin who suddenly whispered,

"That's not an Elf-maid."

Kate followed their gazes and saw that the elf was in fact a male. He watched her with a smile as he continued to play his harp. Dwalin winked cheekily at Kili and the whole table broke out into laughter as they saw Kili's quite shocked and embarrassed face.

"That's funny—yes," he mumbled and faked a smile. Kate leaned forward and placed a hand on his arm. "Happens to the best," she chuckled and winked at him.

Once the laughter ebbed away she got up and approached the balustrade of the balcony. With her back facing the Company she cast a glance down into a beautiful garden. Now she was able to eavesdrop a bit of the conversation at the other table.

Lord Elrond just examined the swords they had found in the troll hoard.

"This is Orcrist, the Goblin Cleaver. A famous blade, forged by the High Elves of the West, my kin. May it serve you well," he said and handed Orcrist back to Thorin. The elf Lord examined the second sword and said,

"And this is Glamdring, the Foe-hammer, sword of the King of Gondolin. These swords were made for the goblin wars of the First Age—How did you come by these?" he asked curiously.

"We found them in a troll hoard on the Great East Road, shortly before we were ambushed by orcs." Gandalf explained.

"And what were you doing on the Great East Road?"

Before Gandalf could answer, Thorin said, "Excuse me," and got up from the table. Kate turned around and watched him walking a bit closer towards the other tables where his Company was gathered around. He was holding Orcrist in one hand as well as a flask. He opened it and took a sip from it. She wondered what was in that flask but she concluded it might be that elvish wine because there was no ale in this place.

She leaned with her backside against the balustrade and cast a glance around as she suddenly spotted Fili entering with Lindsey. He backed her and they all cheered as they saw her safe and sound and up on her feet again. Kate approached her and embraced her tightly.

"I'm so happy to see you awake again. How do you feel?" she asked and examined her sister's leg.

"It still hurts but I'm alive—"the young one smiled and signaled Fili to lower her down at the table. They sat down between Balin and Bilbo while Kate cast another glance at Thorin who seemed to ignore her. He took another sip from his flask when suddenly Nori called,

"Change the tune, why don't you? I feel like I'm at a funeral!"

"Did somebody die?" Oin jumped in shock and cast a reassuring glance at Lindsey just as if to make sure she was really sitting at the other table. Kate chuckled as Bofur suddenly spoke up,

"All right, lads, there's only one thing for it! Lindsey that one's for you!" he winked at her, got up from his chair and climbed onto a pedestal between the two tables.

He spread his arms and started to dance while the rest of the Company began to laugh and pound on the table. Kate saw that Thorin grinned at Bofur and chuckled before he took another sip from his drink and began to even stomp his boot to the sound of the music. The dwarves began to sing merrily:

Theeere's aaaaaan
Inn, there's an Inn, there's a merry old Inn
beneath an old grey hill
And there they brew a beer so brown
the man in the moon himself came down
one night to drink his fill.

Oh, the ostler has a tipsy cat
that plays a five-stringed fiddle.
And up and down he saw his bow.

Now, squeaking high!
Now, purring low!
Now sawing in the middle!

Oh, the cat on the fiddle played Hey-Diddle-Diddle,
A drink that'll wake the dead.
He squeaked and he sawed and he quickened the tune
and the landlord shook the man in the moon.

"It's after three!" he said!

The dwarves cheered and howled and threw food at Bofur and towards the elves around. Kili missed Lindir's head just a bit, but they all had a lot of fun.

"I think someone would like to talk to you," Lindsey whispered once she pulled Kate down to her. Her gaze drifted to Thorin who watched her intently. "Go to him," Lindsey said and Kate straightened herself and approached him.

"Mind if we take a little walk?" she asked and he signaled her silently to lead the way. They left the balcony under curious glances and were soon surrounded by complete silence.

They walked side by side along a path that led them through the garden, along the rivershore and into a little patch of forest. There they found a cream-colored marbled gazebo.

"We could sit down here, what do you think?" she asked and he nodded. They lowered down with their backs against the wall.

She just wanted to speak up again as he suddenly slurred,

"Ivetopologize."

Kate watched him confused. "Aaaalright, and now in the Common Tongue again," she said and chuckled.

He tilted his head and grinned quite cheekily at her.

"Good Lord, you're completely drunk, aren't you?" she said and his grin grew even wider as he replied,

"Aye, indeed." He nodded while his stormy-blue eyes rested on her for a second.

"It's quite unfair, don't you think?" she whispered and shoved him a bit. He chuckled and asked confused, "What?"

"That you are drunk and I am sober. Wouldn't it be easier if we're both drunk?" she grinned and snatched the flask out of his hand. She took a sip from it and was now aware that it was the very strong wine. No wonder that it knocked Thorin's mind off a little. Kate could feel the heat built up in her stomach and head on instant.

She handed the flask back to him and he took another sip while his head dropped back against the wall of the gazebo. He offered her the flask again and spilled a bit wine over her pants. She squeaked and they broke out into laughter.

"I'm s—sorry," he chuckled and rummaged in his pocket until he finally found a handkerchief and started to rub her thigh. She grinned at him and placed a hand on his to stop him.

"It's fine, I can do it myself," she chuckled and dried her pants a bit. Once she finished that she took another sip of wine. "So, what did you want to say?" she asked as she handed him the flask again.

"Apologize," he mumbled.

"And for what exactly? I mean—there's a lot," she giggled and he scowled playfully at her.

"Watch your tongue," he grinned.

"Or what?"

"I have my ways to deal with you," he replied but grew serious again. "No, I—I want to apologize for the—thing—that happened in the troll clearing."

"Dwarf or not—you're also just a man," she giggled and pinched his arm.

"I should have had more control over my body," he slurred again.

They fell silent for a while and simply listened to the quiet and steady sound of the grasshoppers around. No other sound could be heard for they were a bit apart from the Company who might still be at the balcony and having fun by teasing the Elves.

"It was not bad at all, you know? I mean—at least now I know that you like me," she said and cast a glance at him. He took another sip of wine. "Hey, don't drink it all on your own!" she scowled and snatched the flask out of his hand again. He chuckled and watched her amused. She slammed the flask down onto the floor and sighed happily.

"You should laugh more often," she whispered and watched him again. They held gaze for a moment before she added, "I mean, you don't have to laugh loudly or so but—when you chuckle it makes you so—I don't know but it warms my heart."

"That's just the wine," he chuckled.

"There! It's such a heartwarming sound!" she exclaimed and he chuckled even more. Suddenly her head dropped onto his shoulder and without much hesitation, thanks to the wine, he leaned his head against hers.

"I can't thank you enough, Thorin," she whispered and he sensed that her voice was a lot more serious now. He frowned but didn't move as he asked,

"What for?"

"Without you—my sister might be dead. You rescued her. You did what I was unable to do—you protected her life," Kate explained and felt hot tears dwelling in her eyes.

Thorin shifted a bit and placed one arm around her to hold her closer. "You are both part of my Company and it was my duty to protect her. It was not your fault, Kate."

"I am of no use for this quest if I can't protect myself or the life of my sister!" she said and started to play with the buckle of his belt. He smiled and whispered,

"Maybe you are of more use than you may think."

He got no reply and tilted his head a bit. She was asleep and he felt a wave of weariness wash over him as well. He leaned his head back against hers and closed his eyes.

On the next morning, Lindsey was able to get out of bed on her own. Fili still backed her a bit but before they left the room she stopped.

"What's wrong?" he asked and watched her curiously.

She smiled up at him and placed a soft kiss on his cheek. "Thank you," she whispered and a broad smile popped up on his face. Together they left the room and headed to the balcony again where the rest of the Company was having breakfast already. Lindsey could see that Kate looked quite miserable, so did Thorin on the other table. She grinned and lowered down next to her sister.

"How do you feel?" Kate asked as she looked at her.

Lindsey chuckled. "I'm fine, but what about you?"

"It's okay," she replied and rubbed her forehead. Lindsey raised an eyebrow and grinned at her.

Kate sighed. "Really, it's fine. We—we just talked last night and—"

"Got a little wasted?" Lindsey chuckled and Kate signaled her to lower her volume a bit.
The young one cast a glance at Thorin who sat next to Balin. They were in a deep conversation but the King caught her glance for a second before he concentrated on Balin again.

"It looks as if they are plotting something," Lindsey said and looked back at Kate.

"Whatever—"

"Did anything happen?" Lindsey asked with a cheeky grin and a wink. Kate stared blankly at her before she replied,

"No!"

Lindsey chuckled and got up again.

"Where are you going?" Kate asked but an answer was not necessary as she saw the sparkle in her sister's eyes.

She nodded with a smile and watched how her sister approached Fili.

After finishing breakfast, the Company split up and Kate was on her way to leave the balcony as suddenly a hand brushed hers and Thorin walked past her without even looking at her. She frowned as she was aware of something in her hand. It was a small piece of parchment and she looked up again but he was already gone.

"Wanna join us in the garden?" Bilbo asked but she shook her head.

"No, maybe later," she replied and stepped into the hallway to unfold the paper.

'Meet me at the waterfall tonight – at nightfall'

She had no idea what that was all about but she was aware that her heart leaped a bit. Why on earth couldn't he just talk to her? Of course, it had been a quite strange morning as they both woke up entangled and with a massive headache but he could at least be a bit more open now to her. She sighed and walked back to her room.

At nightfall she headed through the garden and approached the meadow at the waterfall. The air smelled wonderful and she inhaled it with a smile on her lips. As she arrived she could see him standing with his back facing her.

"You came—"he said and turned around. She could see he was holding two wooden swords.

"I did—so, what's that all about?" she asked and gestured at the swords in his hands.

He smiled at her. "I will be your training master," he said and threw one of the swords towards her. She tried to catch it but it dropped down into the grass next to her feet.

He leaned on his sword and said, "And tomorrow you will catch it."

She frowned and picked the weapon up, still a little confused. "Training? Why?"

He approached her. "You want to protect your sister from the evil in this world. You cannot protect her without the knowledge of fighting. I don't know where you're from but that warg could've killed her, just like you said last night."

She knew he was right and sighed. He pointed at her hands. "That is not the way to hold a sword like this. It's not a Great Sword that needs two hands to swing it."

Her other hand pulled away from the wooden hilt. She watched how he held his own sword out to demonstrate.

"It's too heavy," she stated in frustration.

Thorin ignored her. "One hand is all that is needed. Now—you're standing all wrong. Turn your body side-faced."

She did what he told her. He lifted her chin with the tip of his sword. "And now the grip. Let me see,"

He pulled her arm up and watched how she was holding tight to the hilt of the sword. As he touched her fingers to position them correctly, Kate could feel a sudden sting in her stomach but she pushed it aside and tried to ignore it.

"The grip must be delicate," he said and stepped away from her.

"And what if I drop it?"

Thorin held out his sword at full length. "The steel must be part of your arm! Can you drop off your arm?"

"No—"

"See?" he grinned.

She sighed but chuckled quietly. He circled her slowly and once again her heart leaped.

"Now we'll begin the dance—," he said and stepped closer to cause her taking a step back. She watched him approaching her, closer and closer while he said,

"You will try to strike me—"

Kate took a deep breath, stepped closer and tried to hit him but he got out of the way quickly. Both turned around. His hands were still behind his back and a challenging grin popped up on his face. He raised his sword, held it out towards her and signaled her to raise hers as well. They held gaze for several moments until Kate swung her sword, clashed with his several times. Finally he whirled around her and disarmed her. She growled and picked up her sword again.

His back was facing her and she used that opportunity but he blocked her attack without even looking at her. With a fast move he spun around and disarmed her again. Now he picked up her sword and began to march away but she blocked his way, once again they held gaze. He grinned and threw the sword towards her again. This time she caught it with one hand.

"Ah—"he stated with a pleased smile.

She charged for him and tried to swing her sword but he touched her leg with the tip of his. "Dead—"

She turned sideways and raised her sword but he touched her stomach this time. "Dead—"he chuckled.

Their swords clashed in air two times as he grabbed her sword-arm and pulled her closer. The tip of his sword was just mere inches in front of her face. "Very dead—"he whispered. She couldn't help but chuckle.

They stepped away from each other and continued to spar and whirl around each other for a while. Kate was quite out of breath but she didn't give up. Once again he grabbed her wrist and turned her around; the tip of his sword now pointing at her belly. He raised an eyebrow and let go of her. Both tried to catch breath again.

"Well—you need a lot of training. Are you willing to train with me?"

She nodded with a light smile and wanted to hand the sword back to him but he signaled her to lower it. "No, keep it. I want you to practice the grip and some movements. And tomorrow at nightfall we'll meet here again."

"Thorin?"

They held gaze once more. "Thank you," she finally said and he nodded with a smile.