A/N Sorry for the delay. Here is a filler chapter before everyone carries on with their quest : )

Chapter Twenty-Eight

On The Road To Recovery

The birds again were chirping waking me up. I move a little and felt an arm tighten around my waist. I was nearly asleep once more, when I heard Thorin's voice whispering in my ear.

"Elaina, you have no idea on how worried I was when you were unresponsive and I know it is all my fault. I should never have gone after Azog like that!"

I had no idea if Thorin thought I was still asleep but I lay still, willing him to continue.

"When you followed me and fought my corner, I was paralysed by fear. I have not only lost my grandfather, my father is missing and my brother as you already know died and," Thorin paused and I heard him take a deep breath "Seeing you fight Azog yourself shocked me to the very core. When he attacked you, my heart went in my mouth!"

I felt Thorin's kiss on the side of my head, nuzzling my neck.

"I know your sound asleep but I need to tell you that you are my hope to my future. Everytime I see you, my heart bursts with pride knowing you return my feelings, that you are mine. You are a rare jewel Elaina. A jewel that outshines all others. I can not wait for you to see Erebor, I know you will love it as much as I do."

I heard distant talking and felt Thorin's breath on the hollow of my ear.

"You are one of the strongest ladies I have ever met," carried on Thorin "Time and again, you have risked your life to save my men and I. You are the only one, other than my sister, to point out things when I make a rash decision. I'm learning to listen, my angel. I love you so much Elaina Baggins."

I heard some footsteps approach us but I stay completely still, feeling Thorin's hold on me tighten protectively around me.

"How is Elaina, this morning?" asked Bilbo, still sounding a little worried, bless him.

"She's fast asleep and I'm glad to say, her colour on her cheeks are rosy," began Thorin, gently kissing my forehead "I'm just waiting for Elaina to wake up."

"Aye she's strong," said Dwalin "She put a mightly fight with Azog!"

"Elaina has indeed grown stronger!" I heard Gandalf say "Though I am relieved to see the pair of you are fine."

Again I felt Thorin's lips against my forehead.

"You mean everything to me Elaina." whispered Thorin.

I couldn't take being still for long and opened my eyes, blinking rapidly as the sun hit me in the face. I slowly turned my head and saw Thorin watching me back with a bemused look on his face.

"Thorin."

I took no notice of the others, as we watch one another.

"I heard what you whispered." I finally say to him.

Thorin's blue eyes went wide and a small smile spread across my face.

"Y-you did?"

I slowly nod my head.

"Every word," I whispered, sitting up a little to reach him "I love you too!"

Thorin smiled and bridged the gap and kissed me.

"I meant every word of what I said to you." smiled Thorin, his lips brushing over mine.

For the moment, everything was calm and that was how I liked it. After what had recently transpired around us, I personally welcomed this little solitude.

o0o

I knew we were going to stay here for a couple more days around this new wilderness and I was glad about that. Even though my injuries are healing very fast, thanks to the uncle I never knew I had, I was however, still very tired.

"Are you hungry Elaina?" asked Oin, gently.

I don't respond, making Thorin look at me again, with worry on his face.

"Oi Wake Up Auntie!" shouted Kili.

Kili's shouting had woken me up and I snapped my eyes open and yawned. I slowly sat up, trying to wake myself up.

"For a second there, I thought she'd-," I heard Kili say and I look over at him and saw him get a wack from Fili, giving him a stern look.

I caught Oin and Loki watching me as if they was expecting something.

"Are you hungry Elaina?" asked Oin and I shook my head "I would like to see how your wounds are fairing!"

I groan, noticing Loki's smile come from nowhere.

"Oin, I really appreciate your concern but my wounds are healing on their own accord. At this present time, all I want to do is sleep!" I reply to him.

"I would like to be sure everything is alright. I know your uncle helped out but I to, would like to see that you are-,"

"Oin, I'm fine," I butted in "but very tired. I know you mean well but-,"

"I'll take care of her Oin," interrupted Thorin "She is my responsibility."

I was livid. Why couldn't everyone leave me alone for a little while? I watch as Oin nods his head and walked of, leaving me with Thorin.

"Look," I finally say to him and could see Thorin, trying not to smile at me "I am just tired. I will be fine, after I had some more sleep!"

I was about to lie back down when Thorin had his own idea. He picked me up and carried me of to wherever. Of course, everyone around me, found this completely funny. While I however, was mortified.

"Let me go!" I cried out, trying to wiggle out of his embrace.

Thorin caught my glare and smiled down at me, now holding me bridal style.

"No!" was all he said and I huffed my frustration at these turn of events.

I glance around to see where he was taking me and I realised he was heading towards a lake that had many trees around the edges of it. It looked to be very secluded which made me wonder if Thorin had been here before.

Returning my attention back on Thorin, I could see a small smile appear on his face and I had a vague idea he was up to something. I narrowed my eyes at him and I could tell Thorin was trying to hold in his laughter.

"Why carry me over here? You could easily check my non-existent wounds back at the camp."

Thorin looked down at me once more and I saw a flash of concern on his face.

"Non-existent! Elaina until recently you were unconscious and hurt!"

I suddenly felt bad as to what I just said. Thorin didn't say anything more until he sat on a flat looking boulder, taking me with him. He held me quite tightly as I sat on his lap, sideways, watching him intently.

"I know I nearly lost you Elaina," Thorin whispered, looking ahead of him "and I don't attend for that to happen ever again."

"I'm sorry for upseting you." I whispered, looking down at my hand now, my other being around his neck.

Thorin cupped my chin. tilting my head up and we watch one another.

"You haven't upset me, my Azyungal," Thorin pressed his lips against mine "Far from it."

"Azyungal?" I whispered against his lips "What does that mean?"

Thorin pulled away from me with a smile on his face. I raised an eyebrow and gave him a lopsided grin. I couldn't help it, there was something tranquil at the way Thorin was watching me and I liked that about him.

"It means my love and lover."

"Does it indeed?" I tease him, placing my free hand around his face.

"Yes," smirked Thorin coming closer to me again "it does."

"Mmm, you really have to teach me Khuzdul. Hearing you speak in your native tongue, really sends messages to my body."

Thorin laughed and kissed me lightly on the lips.

"What sort of messages?" Thorin raised an eyebrow grinning like he had won a prize, causing me to flush a little "Perhaps I should just speak to you in Khuzdul more often then. Then I could watch for any reaction from your body."

It was my turn to raise an eyebrow, feeling my cheeks burn even more.

"Is my angel blushing?" grinned Thorin and I mutter something under my breath "What was that, I didn't quite catch that?"

Before I could get my bearings, Thorin took the initiative and kissed me passionately. I felt his hand trail up and down my spine, causing me to have goosebumps on my skin. His touch was electric and I could feel my heart beat fast when he only had to look at me.

I've never known what love is, but I had a feeling this was part of it. I really wanted to know if he felt what I did, when we touched and looked at one another. We slowly break away from the kiss and all I could do, was watch Thorin's slightly swollen lips.

I gently placed my fingers over them and traced the outline of his lips. I saw Thorin's smile, who then kissed my fingertips. His beard was tickling my fingers which brought my own smile on my lips.

"How do I know your not really swearing at me, while speaking in Khuzdul?" I finally asked, looking at his ice blue eyes.

Again Thorin chuckled.

"Aha, my secret is out in the open."

I laugh despite myself seeing his smile broaden.

"I will teach you everything about my culture Elaina," whispered Thorin "I would like to learn everything from you as well."

"That's going to be difficult. I'm still coming to terms with a father on a cloud. Everything from my past is just a distant memory."

Thorin placed his forehead on mine.

"Then make new ones," Thorin again kissed my lips "Make new ones, with me."

o0o

~~Hetti's POV~~

Watching Thorin take Elaina away brought a smile on my face. It was good to see Thorin truly care about my friend and sister. Sighing, I run my fingers through my hair and quickly put my messy hair up in a bun.

It was while I was doing that, when I had the feeling someone was watching me. At the corner of my eye I survey the camp and saw that nearly everyone were doing their own thing, expect one.

I could feel his eyes on me and I sighed once more, wondering why Kili was watching me. Lookng everywhere but at Kili, I spotted Elaina's strange uncle, sitting across from me looking at the lake around us. Loki was also there, sharping a knife that I knew he hides around his person.

I walked up to Poseidon, taking no notice of the smirk that was now on Loki's face.

"I um," I began seeing Poseidon look up at me "I just wish to thank you for saving Elaina's life. Other than Bilbo, she's all I have in this world."

I saw Poseidon smile gently at me and then look at Loki causing me to glance at him too. I was completely shocked at the way he was watching me. Loki was staring back at me with a strange look on his face.

The way he was watching me, felt like he was looking right at my soul. His blue green eyes never left my face and I knew my cheeks were leaving a clue that I was blushing.

"I would do it again in a heartbeat," replied Poseidon, causing me to return my attention back on him "Though I don't think what you said is true now, is it?"

I frowned a little, not understanding.

"I'm sorry, I have no idea on what you are talking about."

Poseidon chuckled.

"You say you have only Bobo and Elaina but look around you," I did what he suggested and turned around "you have made many friends, that would not hesitate in helping you, Bobo and Elaina out. Never shut that out."

I turn around again laughing softly.

"It's Bilbo, not Bobo."

"I do apologise. It's just that one of the dwarves here told me his name was Bobo Boggins and that he is the one who looked after yourself and Elaina." replied Poseidon.

I nodded my head and instinctively looked at Kili as I knew he liked mucking around with everyone.

"Let me guess, Kili."

"No, it was the one with a hat on his head."

"Bofur! Oh my," I shook my head in disdain "He should now know he's name by now."

"He does," grinned Loki, finally breaking his silence "He was doing a wager with the others on how long it would take Poseidon here, to realise that the Hobbit's real name is Bilbo Baggins and not Bobo Boggins."

"Aye, and it is to my reckoning, two hours and five minutes that Elaina's uncle was none the wiser." grinned Bofur, looking at the sun in the sky.

I was about to say something when I heard the sound of moneybags being thrown in the air and I suddenly didn't find this funny anymore. Again the dwarves were taking the mickey out of Bilbo, at his own expense and I was getting fed up with it.

Glancing at Bilbo who was having a conversation with Gandalf and seemed none the wiser on what the dwarves had just done, I again thanked Poseidon before walking away from the others for a while. Not noticing both Kili's and Loki's eyes follow me with their eyes as I walked on.

o0o

~~Elaina's POV~~

"Something tells me, you have been here before," I arch my eyebrow, watching Thorin's smile slowly spread "I'm right, aren't I?"

Thorin nodded his head.

"It was while you were recovering last night, I needed to stretch my legs," He admitted, looking at the lake in front of us "I found this place by accident and decided then, that when you were well enough, I would show you this place. So that we can talk in complete privacy."

I tilted my head a little watching him.

"We can talk in private," Thorin looked down at me with a somber look "Telepathy!"

Thorin smiled and gently kissed my forehead.

"Aye, that is true my angel but your forgeting something."

"Oh?"

"Loki!"

I nod my head, knowing Loki could also read minds, but I also knew he would not blab about personal matters to everyone. I trusted Loki but it seemed Thorin did not.

"Remember, I do need him to help me out with this brick wall business!" I point out to him.

"Hmm, I know, but that can wait for a little while. I just want you for myself for a while."

"Always possessive."

Thorin growled at me and I burst out laughing.

"I always protect those I care about Elaina."

Thorin held me tightly, his blue eyes locked onto my brown eyes and again I placed my hand on his cheek, seeing him lean in to my touch.

"And who protects you?" I breathed.

I could see the cogwheels turning in Thorin's mind as he reviewed on what I had just said.

"My family." He said at last.

I nod my head, liking that answer.

"I would protect you too," I whispered to him "If you'd allow that!"

Thorin's eyes went wide and he suddenly pulled me closer to him but ended up stumbling backwards taking me with him. Now Thorin was lying on the forest floor with me on top of him.

I glance down at Thorin, making sure he was alright. He appeared to be alright and was watching me with a fond smile on his face.

"Well, at least you broke the fall for me." I deadpaned.

The look on Thorin's face made me burst out laughing. Thorin shifted and quickly reversed the order we were originally in. I was now on the forest floor, while Thorin was straddling me.

"You were saying!" grinned Thorin.

"This does not count. You were the one siting on that boulder, not I!" I laughed "It's not my fault you lost your bearings while sitting down, I might add!"

"Is this how you protect me?" he chuckled.

I couldn't help myself, I playfully nod my head, while Thorin leaned forward and kissed me deeply. He then broke the kiss and nuzzled my nose with my own, before watching me lovingly.

"Elaina, there is a reason why I brought you here."

I don't say anything, just wait until he is ready to continue on with what is on his mind.

o0o

~~Hetti's POV~~

I absentmindedly pick up a twig on the ground with a huge frown on my face. Just why was everyone still treating Bilbo like one big joke? It was nasty and completely uncalled for, especially after what Bilbo has done to them.

I saw Bilbo help out when both Thorin and Elaina were in grave danger. How he used his little dagger and plunged it in a Warg, before flying in the air by a Warg that saw him as a threat, only to be saved by Loki.

My thoughts then went back on Loki. Why did he watch me like that before? It is only recently that he has taken the time to talk to me, mostly about Elaina. So why do I still feel his eyes on me when I go back to earlier on with Elaina's uncle?

It made no sense to me. It's true he is a very handsome man. Not just any man though, he is 'The God Of Mischief' as Elaina had informed me, but as far as I'm aware, he hasn't been mischievous to me.

"Would you like me to be?" A voice behind me asked.

I slowly turn around and see the man himself watching me with a smile on his face.

"I'm sorry!"

"Would you like me to be mischievous for you," grinned Loki "I'm rather good at that."

"I'm sure you are." I muttered under my breath, looking at anything that wasn't Loki.

"Ehehehe."

I instantly return my attention on Loki to see he was watching me with a grin on his face. Why was he here? Was he following me?

"You really shouldn't be walking around this forest alone little one, you never know what is out here."

"Little one!"

I swallow and glanced at the ground.

'Of course seeing as Thorin isn't around at this present time, Loki it seemed is now the leader!' I thought to myself.

Looking at several golden leafs on the ground, I replied.

"I can take care of myself, I always walked in forests and woods back in The Shire."

"We aren't in The Shire no more Hetti," Loki stepped closer to me "We are in a forest that is filled with danger. You, yourself should know this."

"When I spot the Ninja Squirrels, I promise I'll go back to camp. Until then, please leave me be!"

I really wasn't in the mood for all the cheerful banter in the camp. At first it was okay, but thinking that I nearly lost my friend and sister Elaina, brought back painful memories from the foster home.

I turn around only Loki grabbed hold of my arm and turned me around and I was about to tell him to let me go, when I caught the expression on his face. It was the same look I saw before.

Before I could contemplate my next move, Loki seemed to have decided that motive. As the next second, Loki pulled me towards him and with his free hand and surprised me by placing his slightly cold hand on my cheek.

His ever piecing gaze now watching me and my mouth and I was like a deer in headlights, not knowing what had come over him. He leaned forward and brushed his lips over mine before stroking my cheek.

"Loki, what are you-,"

My voice trailed of when his lips return on mine with more passion then the last one. In my confused state, at first don't do anything, completely unsure of myself. Until he wraps his arm around my middle, do I hesitantly respond back, giving in to the uncertainty of this situation.

I knew I was very inexperienced at kissing and I wanted to know what he was playing at. Until now, I have never been kissed and was completely in the dark in these things. Sure, I've seen other Hobbits cuddle up and show affection with each other, but I never tried kissing for myself before.

I was more of a tomboy back in The Shire, climbing trees and rooftops not a problem. Kissing the 'God Of Mischief', forget it. I was clueless on this matter.

As this strange kiss deepen, my mind went completely blank and I wondered if this had anything to do with Loki. I felt Loki's smile against my lips as his tongue gently licked my bottom lip, begging for entrance, to which I gave him complete access too, especially when I find myself sighing as his tongue meets mine, exploring my mouth.

The more this kiss went on, the confident I felt and again I was thinking, if Loki had anything to do with this. I heard him groan as this kiss was becoming passionate and for once in my life, I relished this feeling. Even if I never had a kiss again, at least I could remember this strange magical moment.

o0o

~~Elaina's POV~~

Getting up from the forest ground, I quickly dusted myself off, before returning my attention at Thorin. He looked a little lost and I wondered what he wanted to say to me, for him to look like that.

Our eyes met and Thorin held out his hand for me, which I took and he then led me back to the boulder. He then motioned me to sit on it before clearing his throat. I just look up and wait and see what was on his mind.

"Elaina, when we finally reclaim my home, Erebor and everything is put back in all it's glory." he began and I was startled by his voice, it sounded a little strained.

Thorin then threw me a little, when he went down on bended knees, placing both hands in mine watching one another. I was not expecting this at all.

"My angel."

Thorin shook his head causing me to hold back my laughter. Just what was he up to?

"Will you do me the honour of becoming my wife?"

The laughter that had threatened to come out, disappeared as I looked at Thorin in utter disbelief.

"Will you be my Queen?"

I was at a loss with what to say, as silent tears slowly descend down my cheeks. As I was more or less tongue tied, I leaned towards him and gently kiss his lips.

"Is that a yes?" Thorin asked against my lips.

I could hear the uncertainly in his voice and I willed myself to say yes.

'Yes.' I thought, feeling him kiss me a little harder.

Thorin gently pulled me back, watching me. He gently brushed a stray tear away from my eyes. All I could do was smile at him.

"Yes," I lick my lips "Yes I'll would love to be your wife."

I could see the relief on Thorin's face as his blue eyes light up when I accepted his hand in marriage.

"Do you know how happy you've made me?"

I chuckled.

"I can plainly see that, on your face." I replied.

Thorin smiled.

"I've been mulling things over for a while now, on asking you to marry me and there just wasn't a perfect moment."

"Until now."

"Aye, until now," grinned Thorin, brushing his lips over mine again "I should have done this the proper way though," I arch my eyebrow "I should have asked your father's permission."

I smile at him.

"I'm sure Bilbo would understand."

"No, not him, your real father, Zeus!"

A flash of hurt crossed through my features and I looked down. To me, Bilbo was my real father. He was the one who raised Hetti and myself, not Zeus. Thorin tips my head up with his fingers under my chin, looking concerned.

"I did not mean to upset you, my Azyungal."

I nod my head.

"I know that. It's just that, Bilbo has been with me and Hetti for such a long time and to me, his my father," I sighed before continuing "I've only known Zeus a short while and yes I'm well aware he's my biological father, I just can't abandon Bilbo. He means the world to me."

Thorin brushed his lips over mine again, before placing his forehead on mine.

"You are a little greedy my angel," I see the mirth on his face "While everyone has one father, you have gotten two. Just who will give you away at our wedding?"

Despite myself, I burst out laughing, hearing and feeling his own booming laugh as we held each other. I knew I had to tell Bilbo and Hetti of our latest news, but right at this moment, I was just content in staying in my fiance's warm embrace.