HEYA GUYS! Hope ya missed me cause I missed my lovely readers! I've started another story with the aid of my friend. It's called Secrets, always Secrets and I hope you'll read it after this chapter! EVERYBODIES reviews have been soooooo helpful and I really appreciate the advice! AND I NOW HAVE A STORY DEDICATED TO ME SO THANKS DwarvenWarrior for writing Gang of Thorin-Modern Times (read it if you haven't already!) Okay enough of my jabbering here's the next instalment!

DISCALIMER-you know...I've said it too many times now I'm sure you've got the idea! :D

Lightheaded Combat

Lark awoke early the next morning. She had shifted in her sleep and now she stretched her cat-legs and jumped off the bed. She gave herself a shake before padding out of the room. Her ears were alert of Beorn and Gandalf's talk before she even reached the room. They hushed when they saw the tabby cat saunter in.

"G'morning lass!"

She went up to the large man and allowed him to stroke her. Then she jumped onto the table and began to eat the scraps, from what the dwarves had left behind that night. Gandalf shook his head at her manners but didn't speak. Lark felt Beorn's eyes on her and so she jumped of the table and shifted in her natural self.

"Anything the matter Mr Beorn?"

"Nah lass! I was just wondering what other animals ye can change in te!"

Lark thought to herself for a minute. Which animals to show him? She felt compelled to ask...

"What would you like to see?"

"All that ye got! Take a walk with me!"

She followed Beorn out into the early morning, fully aware of the cheesy grin Gandalf wore on his face as he followed. Her mouth dropped and her eyes widened as the bulky man grew into an even bulkier bear.

"WOW! Now THAT is impressive!"

"Lass I will come at you several times and each time I want you wither defend or attack in a different form!"

Lark nodded to the black bear and readied herself. His first attack was slow, deliberately slow. Lark rolled her eyes and changed into a hawk. She soared round the bear and shifted as she touched the ground.

"Very nice my Lady! This time I won't be so easy!"

"Mr Beorn if you keep telling me how you'll attack I won't be surprised and you'll never see my talent!"

"Fine next time I won't tell you!"

"...EXCELLENT!"

The bear grinned behind his fur and came at the small girl faster. Lark smiled as he swung his great paw only to have it swatted away by her own. A lion this time. Her tawny coat shone as the sun began to rise. They attacked and defended several times before Beorn made a request.

"Try a bear!"

"...um..ok!"

Lark had never tried such a BIG animal before. She crouched low and felt her body expand to nearly five times its usual height. Her paws were huge and all her senses had heightened. She lunged for the black bear, still triple her in height. Beorn growled and blocked her attack. The two grappled at each other before Lark saw her chance. Using a large back paw, she kicked Beorn under his shoulder and winded him. The large bear stagger back only to have the sandy-coated female stand over him triumphantly.

"I take it I win..."

"Well played lass..well played!"

"...goblins!"

Beorn sniffed the air. Sure enough, a goblin pack lurked not far. A few miles at most. He growled at the wizard. Gandalf jumped out his nap and nodded to the bears. He then went and climbed on Beorn's back. Lark shifted back and watched the two.

"Stay here Lark! We'll be back as soon as we can!"

"But!"

"NO buts STAY HERE!"

With that the bear and the wizard disappeared and Lark was ushered into the by a couple of dogs...she soon forgot about the two as the day went on...

Kili opened his eyes, lazily. It was afternoon and he had had a good night's rest and was feeling safe and happy. Climbing out of the bed he realised the absence of his brother. Flinging on his clothes he dashed out of the room and ran down the stairs. He was just about to enter Beorn's great living room when he heard the sound of laughter. He peeked through the door.

Lark was sitting in a large armchair watching as Bofur and Bifur re-enacted their encounter with the Goblin King, the others were there too but, Kili only watched Lark. The two were causing the girl to laugh like a fool and Kili smiled. She really did have the sweetest laugh. He pushed the door open and tiptoed over to the chair and sat down on the arm, so not to interrupt the budding actors. Lark, firmly aware of Kili next to her, leaned her head on his leg. He smiled inwardly at her touch...then he shook himself so not to let her notice his rapidly warming body.

The two cousins soon finished their performance and Lark was able to catch her breath. It was just as well because Bofur then pulled out his pipe and began to play. Kili shot a quick glare at his brother when Fili pulled Lark up for a dance. His quick spins caused her loose hair to fly around, like spinning pieces of gold. How he longed to hold her close as Fili did.

The blonde dwarf spun Lark again before she flew into the hands of Dwalin. The gruff dwarf took pleasure in spinning her around a great many times causing Lark to feel dizzy. She giggled as she was passed to Balin. He was slightly more gentle with her and she was able to get her head straight before moving on to the next in line. Kili watched and waited for his turn, Ori spun her round and carefully passed into his arms. Lark, red-faced, blushed even more at the contact. Kili grinned widely as he spun her round, her back against his stomach and his arms round her waist. She screamed as he got faster and the both of them laughed. They soon got dizzy and fell to the ground still laughing. The dwarves sat and watched them, anyone would think the two young people a couple. Bofur finished his tune and winked at his brother. Bombur nodded to Ori and the little dwarf rolled his eyes before pulling otu his book and writing...

KILI TO ASK LARK TO COURT HIM-BETS

OKAY...how was it? I would've LOVED to have been Lark in this chapter! Sounds like soo much fun dancing with the dwarves! What did you make of Bofur and Bifur? I can just imagine them pretending to be the Goblin King and co. :D ANYWAY PLEASE REVIEW AND FAVOURITE ETC. THANKS wait for my next instalment! TTFN