Mwahahahahahahahahaha two chapters in one day don't you love me? actually don't answer that! Anyway same stuff as mentioned in ma spiel in the previous chapter MORE NUMBERS PLEASE! XD read read read!

Laketown Welcomes You

They drifted for a few miles before the first barrel scratched against the surface of land. Kili could hear the sounds of his uncle grumbling, then Bilbo making a sharp retort. Lark was still a mouse on his lap and hadn't spoken to him since the almost-kiss. He wanted to talk to her about it but, was too afraid to. Their barrel scraped against the stones and Kili pushed off the lid with an almighty shove. The sky was just beginning to turn dark and few stars were starting to appear. Lark jumped off his knee and scurried up the wall. She was still upset with herself...she didn't want to lose Kili to her love for him. Yes she'd accepted that she loved him. She perched on the rim of the barrel and sighed. Kili's hand grabbing the rim knocked her off the edge and into the shallow water below. She let out a quick squeak and suddenly Kili was out and scooping her up. He looked at her soaking form with concerned brown eyes.

"You ok?"

The little sandy mouse nodded and shook the water droplets from her coat. Kili gave her a small smile and walked away from his barrel towards his brother and uncle. Fili hugged his brother and Lark scurried down from Kili's hand. Kili looked at Fili and smiled lightly.

"You alright then Fee?"

"You kidding? I'm fantastic although I hope never to see another apple for the rest of my days!"

The two chuckled and a few of the others joined them.

"Well lad the may be difficult!"

"I don't know Bofur I could always ban them when I become King"

"Well you will have to stop standing around and help the others if you want that to happen!"

The all jumped up at Thorin's voice and ran to help drag Dori, Nori, Ori, Oin and Gloin out of their water-logged barrels. Lark had climbed onto Bilbo's shoulder and watched them; drenched, as they helped the others and discussed what to do next.

"Isn't it obvious we'll have to go into the town."

Thorin nodded to Bilbo and the hobbit puffed out his chest. Lark smiled and jumped down, shifting back as she did so. The company gasped but smiled when they saw her awake. Kili tried not to stare. The fall in the water had caused her loose hair to become soaked and cling to her face whereas her thin dress was now stuck to hey frame and highlighted every possible curve. Fili smirked and elbowed the gawking brunette as the rest of the company seemed to have the curtisy to avoid looking any lower than her face. Lark gave Bilbo a hug and smiled at her dwarves.

"Well it's good to be back! I hoped you didn't miss me too much!"

Bofur chuckled and Dwalin draped his cloak over her shoulders. Lark nodded her thanks.

"We have lass! More than we care to admit!"

A few chuckled and the rest nodded. Lark turned to Thorin and pulled Dwalin's thick cloak closer to her.

"So Laketown?"

The dwarf-king nodded.

"Laketown. Fili, Kili, Bilbo and Lark will come with me to the town. The rest of you wait here."

A few grumbled but, majority of them were too exhausted to actually do anything about it. Thorin and Bilbo went to the front of the group and walked, briskly, towards the dimly lit town. Lark hurried after them and avoided eye contact with either of the Durin brothers. Fili kept glancing between Lark and Kili; confused. Kili was staring at the ground and Lark was keeping her gaze firmly in front of her. The blonde dwarf nudged his brother who looked up at him. Fili tilted his head and whispered.

"Kee what happened?"

Kili shrugged and Fili wasn't convinced.

"What happened?"

Kili met his firm blue gaze.

"I...i tried to kiss her...i wanted to so badly...i though she did too and then the elves came and..."

Kili lowered his head; ashamed. Fili nudged him again.

"When you can get her alone and tell her."

"You think that would work?"

Fili nodded encouragingly and gave Kili a smile. Kili returned it with a small one of his own and his gaze flicked to Lark. She was now at Bilbo's side and was talking to him about their escape. The lights were brighter and they could see two guards standing by the gate to Laketown.

"Who goes there?!"

Thorin stood proud and majestic.

"I am Thorin son of Thrain son of Thror, King under the Mountain and I am here with my company to reclaim my home!"

The guards shared a surprised look and one ran into through the gate. A few minutes passed and the guard returned.

"You may enter and the Master of Laketown seeks your audience."

Thorin nodded and Bilbo ran back to fetch the rest of the company. Once they were all together, the group entered Laketown. Lark gazed about. Small houses lay in rows and a few shops were dotted about the area. They were led to a large building and the guard pushed open the door. Light burst around them and music filled their ears. Thorin took a step forward and presented himself.

"I am Thorin son of Thrain son of Thror and I am here to reclaim Erebor and slay the dragon!"

A fat man at the centre table stood slowly and made his way towards them. Lark wrinkled her nose and shuffled to the back of the group. As the man neared, she was reminded of a strange species of mole she'd found in the Greenwood. His eyes were small and beady and his nose was large. Long grey hair lay slick and greasy over his head and his wine soaked robes were covered in the remenants of rich foods. Lark fought the urge to gag. The man's voice was almost as greasy as the rest of him.

"Welcome son of Thrain! I am the Master of Laketown and I welcome you to our fair state!"

The man gave a small bow which Thorin returned with a sharp nod. Kili swore he could smell the Master's breath from where he stood near the back.

"It is a pleasure to have such guests! I do hope you'll stay for some festivities before you continue with your quest to slay the Great Worm."

"It is our intentions to stay until we are well rested and..."

"WAIT!"

An elf stood and glared at the dwarves.

"These are prisoners to my King! They were captured in his woods and should be escorted back to my realm."

The Master turned his squinty gaze to the elf.

"My dear elf, as much as I would like to aid you...I am afraid that these dwarves are in MY land now and I will treat them as I see fit! Now Master Dwarf please continue."

Thorin nodded and smirked as the elf sat down; defeated.

"It is our intentions to stay until we are well rested and then we shall journey to the mountain!"

"Very well, let me have rooms prepared for you all. As I said it's not often we have such honoured guests and a rare beauty that is your female companion..."

His gaze fell on Lark and she looked down. There was something about the way he looked at her that made her afraid. Kili surpressed a growl and stood in front of her. To this the Master raised an eyebrow but didn't speak. He waved over several servants and the company was whisked off towards guest rooms. Lark tried to ignore the Master's peeling gaze following her as she left the hall. She was stopped when she felt a hand on her arm...she spun round to look at Fili. His gaze met hers.

"Can I have a word?"

"Sure."

"In private."

"Ok?"

She took Fili's arm and he whisked her into a room he'd been allocated. She sat on the large bed and Fili placed himself next to her. Mahal knows what Kili would do to him if he knew what he was going to say to Lark. Fili looked at her and took a deep breath. Lark began to worry.

"Fili..what's wrong?"

"Nothing..it's just...he'll kill me for telling you this..."

"Who will? And tell me what?"

"Kili."

"What about Kili?"

Her heart began to flutter and her cheeks reddened.

"He loves you!"

The world seemed to stop.

MWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA so that's two chapters for you! XDDDDDDDDDD Aren't I super sweet? Now please do what you reader people do! Review, follow, favourite PLZ! and Thank you! Till next time (oh and look out for my other story chapter) TTFN XXXXXXXXX