Tara lay in her bed, her eyes closed not wanting to open them. The memory from last night kept replaying in her mind. She could feel Kili's arm resting on her hip above the covers. Her hair lay over her shoulder and her skin was pushed against his bare chest.

She felt her her hair being pulled out of the way and small, light kisses were planted on her neck. She started to move and she forced her eyes open. She felt Kili smile against her neck as he continued planting kisses up and down.

"I could get use to waking up like this," Tara said with a smile.

She turned so she lay on her back and she stared into Kili's handsome brown eyes. She laced her hands around his neck and gave him a sweet, deep kiss. She broke it quickly though and sat up.

"We should probably get up," Tara said, "Before the others become suspicious."

She pulled the covers away, but a pair of strong arms wrapped around her, tossing her back on the bed.

"You should stay a little longer," Kili said, "I'm still not finished."

He kissed her gently on the lips, but she deepened it making him smile. She released first and looked into his eyes a second time.

"Come now," she ordered, "Thorin will be wondering where we are."

She grabbed his tunic and tossed it to him, landing on his face. He frowned as he pulled the shirt off. She started to dress herself, looking around for her lost clothing. After putting everything back on, she started to tie her tunic until a pair of arms snaked around her waist. A pair of warm lips connected with her cheek and made it down her neck again.

"Kili stop it," Tara laughed, "You're being such a distraction."

Kili only smiled as he continued on. Tara spun around so she was facing him. She kissed him lightly, making sure not to deepen it.

"Come now," she said, "We don't want Thorin in any more of a rage than he is already."

Kili only sighed but nodded. They headed out together, their hands brushing against each other every now and then. They had realized they had slept through the night and day, as it was slowly growing dark. When they had arrived, the dwarves were pulling up rocks to cover the entrance to Erebor. Faedra was standing off in the corner of the shadows with her hood over her head, watching silently like the assassin she was.

"What is going on?" Tara asked, approaching her.

"Survivors of Laketown have reached Dale," Faedra spoke, no emotion lacing her words, "Thorin is covering the entrance to keep others out."

Tara's expression quickly turned to shock. Not just from Thorin not honoring his word to the people, but Faedra didn't seem the least bit upset nor was she stopping the dwarves. She almost seemed like she was under a spell, so transfixed in her own thoughts. Tara turned and went to help the dwarves load up the large stones. She wanted to be as much help to the dwarves as possible and to stay on Thorin's good side, if he still had one.

"I want this fortress made safe by sunup. This mountain was hard won," Thorin explained, "I will not see it taken again."

"The people of Laketown have nothing," Kili said, dropping a wagon he was pulling, "They came to us in need. They have lost everything."

"Do not tell me what they have lost," Thorin spat, "I know well enough their hardship. Those who have lived through dragonfire should rejoice. They have much to be grateful for."

Thorin looked out at the city of Dale, where many fires could be seen lit by the people. He then turned and shouted to the dwarves.

"More stone!" He ordered, "BRING MORE STONE TO THE GATE!"

Faedra left and walked through the halls that were littered with different gems and coins. Something beautiful caught the corner of her eye and she approached it. She carefully picked up the white necklace, lifting it to get a better look. They were the most beautiful jewels she had ever seen, they sparkled like the stars in the sky as if they were made by pure starlight.

"The white gems of Lasgalen," Thorin said behind her, "I know an Elf-Lord who would pay a pretty price for those."

Faedra turned so she was face to face with Thorin.

"I can see why," Faedra said, looking back down at the necklace, "They look to be made by the stars in the sky."

She placed the necklace back into Thorin's hand before starting to walk away. Thorin stopped her by calling her out.

"Take it," he said, holding out the necklace, "Let it be a gift of our friendship."

Faedra grabbed it with her delicate fingers, admiring it.

"Thank you," she said, bowing her head a little.

He did the same and Faedra froze for a second.

"What is it?" he asked, noticing her alertness.

"Someone is approaching Erebor," she said, "I hear hoofbeats."

They quickly walked back towards the front gate where the rest of the dwarves were working. Faedra carefully put the necklace into a pouch she carried and tied it to her belt loop before following Thorin.

Autumn and Bard led the townspeople into Dale. Everyone was cold, tired, and hungry.

"Come on, keep moving," Bard ordered.

"SIRE! Sire!" Alfrid called, "Up here"

Bard looked up to see Alfrid on one of the city walls. He went to join him, leaving Autumn with the children. She pressed Amber close to her chest and tucking her under her coat to keep her warm. Bard came back shortly, telling the townspeople to rest and get settled. He approached Autumn, pecking her on the lips and take Amber from her. He hadn't been able to properly hold Amber since he met the dwarves.

Amber cooed at Bard's touch as he rocked her back and forth. Autumn left to go and help the wounded as best she could. She was no healer, but she did know a thing or two from the time she had spent living in the wild. Her body ached and her eyes were starting to droop, but she willed herself to stay awake. Bard approached her, Amber know sleeping soundly.

"You should get some rest," Bard said, "You need it."

Autumn, not having the energy to fight back, nodded her head and walked towards Sigrid. Sigrid and Tilda were laying out a few blankets that they had, so they may all rest. She looked up and noticed the blazers were lit at the mountain.

"Who is taking the night watch?" Autumn asked.

"Alfrid is," Bard said, making Autumn's eyes widen.

"Alfrid?" she asked making sure she heard right, "You sure that's a good idea?"

"Do not worry," Bard said, "Just sleep and don't worry about anything else."

She sighed, but nodded. She lay down and sleep took her as soon as her head hit the ground.