"I need provisions, and some new supplies." I told Lindir firmly (I had finally learnt his name). He gazed at me sceptically. "I can pay." I added quickly, shoving my coins into his hand.

"My lady, we will gladly outfit you for travel, and there is no need to pay us." he replied softly, handing the gold back to me. "Yet we do not wish to send a woman alone and so unarmed into wild territory."

"Please, don't patronize me." I chided hotly. "You all seemed just as apprehensive to let thirteen dwarves, armed to the teeth, out of the last homely house. I, at least, am not too proud to ask for your help first." I lost what bluster I had, my shoulders dropping. In an attempt to lighten the mood and improve my chances of getting aid, I added: "And in any case, my stride - as yours - would outmatch theirs by far. I'll be caught up by midday tomorrow if I leave shortly." I flashed him what I took for an optimistic smile, but it must have come off more as pitiful, since Lindir's expression softened.

"You intend to pursue the company of Thorin Oakenshield?" Elrond asked, stepping up from behind us to stand beside Lindir. I had not even heard him approach. "Some would not deem it wise."

I looked up at the regal elf lord apprehensively.

"I need to reach Esgaroth." I explained, trying to make him understand. "They are my best chance at getting there in one piece. And, despite their stubbornness - not to mention poor manners - I have grown somewhat fond of them. I would like to ensure they come to no harm."

Elrond looked down at me, with what appeared to be a smirk gracing his face. "Very well." he said after a moment. "Gandalf has business to attend to before he departs, but we will make you ready to leave within the hour. If you travel swiftly, you should be able to reach them before the road becomes too perilous."

I thanked him profusely as he informed Lindir to ready some supplies. I rushed off to my room to change and repack my gear, and was soon brought a few bundles of well-packed rations which bolstered my own much diminished supplies. I also noticed a few packets of carefully wrapped tea leaves and thought it a marvellous item to pack for a journey, something I would never have thought of on my own.

My old travelling clothes felt rough compared to the delicate fabrics of the elven dresses, but the weight of them was oddly reassuring. Still, as my fingers brushed across the fabric of the beautiful garments once more, I wished I could take them with me.

"My lady, are you ready to depart?" Lindir's voice from beyond the doorway caused me to jump. I moved to close my pack, then, in a moment of weakness I rolled up one of the dresses, crammed it hastily into the top of the bag and fastened it in haste.

"Coming!" I shouted as I shouldered my gear and bustled out the door.

Elrond and Gandalf were waiting for me at the bridge I had crossed with the dwarves when we first entered this beautiful realm, and here I was about to cross it once more, this time alone.

Elrond stepped forward. "The weather in the high pass has turned foul of late, and I fear that will be the least of your perils before you reach your journey's end. Lindir, the cloak."

He gestured with his hand and Lindir stepped forward, fastening a thick grey cloak about my shoulders.

Elrond then took both my hands. "I wish you a safe journey. Namárië, Aa' menealle nauva calen ar' malta. Quel fara."

His words were lovely, though I did not know their meaning, so I simply smiled and bowed my head, thanking him once again before stepping towards Gandalf.

"When you reach them, remind them to wait for me in the mountains until I can join them." the wizard said to me quietly.

I assured him I would, then stopped and looked as an armoured elf made his way towards us, behind which the loquacious stable-hand was leading two horses, one of whom was the grey stallion Rocheryn. Elrond was quick with an introduction.

"Glorfindel, my captain in arms, will escort you to our borders."

I bowed my head to the intimidating elf, and then smiled as the stable-hand approached me with Rocheryn.

"My lady," he said with a grin. "It seems it was fate that had brought you to the stables so that you might meet the horse that would bear you today. Rocheryn is a trusty steed. He will not allow you to fall, but do not treat him callously. Notice he does not wear a bit?" The elf handed me the reins, and I saw that they were indeed just hooked onto a decorative halter. "He will instead respond to the gentlest of guidance, and well-spoken words."

I mounted my horse with growing apprehension. Was I making the right choice? I could be comfortable here, for a time. Surely I could eventually find a caravan travelling south to the Gap of Rohan. From there, safer routes could lead me home to Esgaroth. But no, my road lay ahead of me, and there was no turning back. Glorfindel began to make his way across the bridge, but I asked Rocheryn to halt, and looked to Gandalf one last time, my eyes full of uncertainty.

Gandalf offered me a small smile and stepped up to my side. "Do not worry, child. I have high hopes for Thorin and his kin. If your path runs parallel to theirs, I believe it must be for some purpose. In matters concerning kingdoms, wizards and dragons, I find that events are never slave to random chance." He winked at me, and then withdrew. Somewhat comforted by his response, I nudged Rocheryn with my heels and rode once more into the Wild.

"I'm afraid this is where I must leave you." Glorfindel said after pulling his horse to a stop and dismounting.

I slid to the ground and surveyed the area. We had ridden fast for at least two hours, but now the sun was beginning to set and the terrain was becoming too treacherous.

"Thank you." I replied, handing him the reins. "This has put me many hours ahead of what I had hoped for. I will not forget the hospitality I've been shown."

He nodded at me kindly. "Be wary. I feel that you may not be the last to travel this path before the rains fall. Something foul follows in the dwarves' shadow. We may be able to stall their pursuers, but not for long."

I watched him go, feeling rather anxious to be left alone with nightfall fast approaching, but I had no choice now but to turn and push on up the path. The elevation had been steadily rising and I lamented the loss of a mount as I gradually became more and more out of breath doing the climbing on foot. Yet I did not stop, not even when the last rays of sun fell behind the mountains, cloaking my way in darkness.

I slowly trudged along, mostly lost in thought, but I completely froze when I heard it: the howling. I recognized it this time. Wargs. Not wolves. They sounded a considerable distance away, but my blood ran cold. I knew the speed they could run, so I began running forward, trying not to trip or run over a drop-off. I felt a branch scrape against my cheek. It stung, but I didn't falter. I ran through the dark until my chest was heaving and I knew I had to rest.

My speed reduced to a staggering gait, and on uneven terrain my footing was unsteady. The moon had long since rose and fell to vanish behind the mountains that climbed on before me, leaving me with only the distant light of the stars to guide me. With my last ounces of strength, I made for a thicket only a few paces off the road. My legs gave way the moment I reached the shelter of the bushes. I went down hard on a root, and though pain lanced through my knees, I was already half asleep. Sheltered from prying eyes, my head resting in a mossy rise between the roots, I drew my new cloak tight around my body and let sleep overtake me.

Morning came too soon, and yet there must have been some elvish magic lingering in the passes around Rivendell - that, or my body was growing used to the rigours of life on the road - because my limbs, though leaden, no longer ached. I rose in uncertainty, my head foggy, and brushed leaves and twigs from my view to check my bearings. I was closer to the High Pass than I thought, which meant if I had any chance of catching up to the dwarves it would have to be while we were still in the foothills. I rose and stretched my arms above my head, relishing in the loosening of stiff muscles, and then rooted in my pack for a breakfast. I pulled out a hard pear and a slice of bread along with a skein of fresh spring water, and stuck them into my pockets for the road. Ready to begin another day, I set out with a steady pace, my eyes turned towards the mountains looming in the distance.

It was well past midday and I was travelling along an uneven ridge line when I thought I saw the group far in the distance. I smiled, relief flooding through me, as I picked up my pace.

Fortunately it was not long before they seemed to stop and make camp, as although I had lost sight of them after they descended into a narrow valley, I noticed a pillar of smoke arise from behind a small thicket of trees before being swept away by the wind.

As I picked my way down into the glen, I debated what I was to say to them all, how I would make my plea to rejoin them. In the middle of carefully formulating an argument, however, all my thoughts were suddenly dashed as I found myself with a sword being swung directly towards my midsection. I shrieked and jumped back in alarm, while the bearer instantly stilled the momentum of his weapon and stepped more into view.

"Oh, it's only you!" Dori puffed. "Shouldn't sneak up on dwarves, you know, everyone's still a mite jumpy after the wargs..."

I was still clutching at my chest, my heart beating fast, when a few other dwarves jogged up from between the trees.

"Bofur, you were right." Dori commented, looking over his shoulder at his approaching comrades. "It was her that's been tailing us all along... I was beginning to think so too, you know."

Bofur glanced to me then frowned. "Then why does she look like you were about to send her to meet her maker?" He turned back to Dori and gestured at his still drawn weapon. "Put that away, will you? You've scared her half to death!"

Dori sheathed his sword rather huffily. "Don't blame me, not after all that howling we heard last night. It's not my fault if I'm a bit over-cautious. Can't be too careful."

"I told you," Nori chided from nearby, "look first and then swing."

At that point I had somewhat regained my composure. "I wasn't tailing you." I offered lamely. "You knew I was going to Laketown - it just so happens I walk faster than you all, so really it was inevitable I would pass you eventually, given the sluggish pace you're still travelling at."

I noticed a hesitant grin split across Bofur's face, but we had no chance to exchange words as Nori piped up again.

"If you lot don't mind, I reckon we should be rejoining the group sooner rather than later, or Oakenshield will have our heads for desertion." He beckoned us all to follow as he turned back towards way they had come.

Bofur drew up beside me and I expected him to offer some explanation or apology for breaking his word, for leaving me in Rivendell, but he simply dropped his gaze and stayed silent. I fell into step, biting my lip and nursing my growing frustration.

"... not as if I volunteered to be on watch duty." I heard Dori mumble defensively to his brother as they followed up behind Bofur and I.

A nervous flutter passed through my stomach as we entered the tiny clearing, and, one by one, the remaining dwarves became aware of my presence. Bilbo gaped at me, Ori waved somewhat shyly, Bombur's expression didn't change at all, and Gloin scowled and shook his head slightly.

"Well, well." Kili said with a bright smile, throwing down a small pile of firewood and coming a few paces towards us. "I knew we wouldn't be able to shake you off so easily. Didn't get enough of us, did you? Couldn't stay away I reckon." he teased, flashing me a wink.

I opened my mouth to object but was cut off.

"What is she doing here?" I heard Thorin snap irately, pushing his way past the others and coming to a stop in front of me. Even though I was taller than him, I felt small under his gaze. "Did we not make it clear enough when we left you behind with the elves?"

I started to say something but wasn't allowed to articulate even a full word before he interrupted me again.

"You have no place amongst us. We were already saddled with the hobbit. I will not stand for another burden - and neither elves, nor wizards..." his voice dropped to a low, menacing rumble as he lowered his brow in anger and cast a sidelong glance towards his company, "nor even my own kin, will make me choose otherwise. Turn back."

I felt my heart beating harder in anger and humiliation.

"If you shall not let me join you, then you must let me go on ahead of you. I cannot follow in your footsteps." I lowered my voice, glaring at him venomously. "You are being tracked too closely, Thorin. I will not be a casualty on your behalf simply because I am forced to travel a few days behind you, out of your sight."

He scowled at me, but I held my ground.

"Tell me, what gives you the right to stand here, amidst my own company, and defy me?" he growled. "Who are you?"

"I'm not- I'm nobody." I stammered.

"No, go on, speak!" Thorin ordered. "You seem to know much about us, yet we've been accosted not once, but twice, on your account, and still you evade our questions. If we are to share the road with you, will we be met with any further trouble? Why such haste? Why the secrecy?"

"Thorin-" Bofur tried to cut in, but Thorin held up a silencing hand before turning back to me and staring me down.

"If you won't tell us who you are, at least tell us what you are... A criminal?" he asked snidely.

I wrung my hands and cast my eyes to the ground. "Not exactly."

"Not exactly?"

"Well, there's likely a warrant out for my arrest in Bree." I explained as calmly as I could manage.

"What?!" Thorin fumed, his tone so full of ice and fire that I fought the sudden urge back away from him. In his fury, he had the look of someone that wanted to strike me, but before he could bring his wrath to bear, Fili interceded.

"Uncle! Let her explain!" He had to shout to snap the older dwarf out of his rage, but his words seemed to have some affect, as Thorin glared between the two of us for a moment before fixing me with a dangerous stare.

"Well?" He seethed menacingly.

I took a moment to compose myself, and then gave the explanation I thought would have the most effect.

"Five years ago my mother and I signed a contract. The contract was elaborate, and complicated, but nevertheless it was explained to us in simple terms and seemed an offer too good to refuse." I could tell I had the attention of the group now - as I had suspected from the hobbit's account of his own contract, these dwarves held such things sacred, and so even the dwarves I had little interaction with previously were now listening intently.

"We were desperate. We were naive, and having no one else to turn to we were tricked into signing something that we did not agree to. I was exploited under the terms of this contract, forced to work two years beyond the agreed upon termination in a job that I had not been hired for." Emotion was creeping into my voice now, but I no longer cared.

"I broke that contract. Call me oathbreaker if you must, but know that I am a wanted woman because I refused to live my life by the terms of a deceitful contract that manipulated and abused me!"

I fell silent, and the camp was silent with me. I hadn't realized I had been speaking so loud until I stopped, my breathing hard and heavy. I tried to force myself to calm, meeting Thorin's gaze and awaiting his judgment, but it was not he that spoke up first.

"The deepest pits of hell are reserved for orcs and oathbreakers…" A voice grumbled from across the clearing - Gloin. I felt my last dregs of hope begin to slip away, yet then he continued. "But even worse are those that knowingly craft a misleading contract." He spat cantankerously and then added "Damn the wretched bastard that made you sign such treachery!"

There were other grumbles of ascent, agreement in my favour, and even Thorin seemed ponderous, as though now maybe willing to reconsider. He appraised me for a moment longer.

"If you slow us, you will be left behind." he grumbled at last. He then turned to his company. "And I want it made known that no one here is responsible for her safety; do not put hers above yours, under any circumstance."

I nodded in understanding as Thorin retreated, and then let out a breath I didn't know I'd been holding. I wasn't sure if I should feel triumphant or defeated, but despite being on the receiving end of Thorin's fiery temper, it seemed that I would be allowed to carry on with them, for now. Reasoning that I had achieved my main objective, I allowed myself to revel in a small sense of accomplishment as I picked my way towards the edge of their camp, smiling at those that offered me words or expressions of welcome, and trying to ignore those that did not.

After settling down on my blanket for a time, idly watching Bombur wield pots and pans about the fire, I soon found it hard to ignore the tantalizing smell of fried bacon that began to permeate the air. It was hard to believe they still had such tasty rations left, but it was even more unlikely that the elves had provided it for them - or else they had been anything but fair when they had packed my own bag. I pulled out an apple, a parcel of seeds and nuts, and a piece of bread and stared at them somewhat miserably.

Bofur cautiously approached and asked if he could sit. I nodded, trying not let my slight disappointment in him translate to unfriendliness on my part. He had only ever been gracious towards me. After seeing Thorin's anger firsthand, I couldn't blame Bofur for breaking his word and I shouldn't have had such unrealistic expectations in the first place. I knew I was no great asset to the group. I furrowed my brow, feeling a growing need to prove myself useful, even if in small ways.

"What happened here?" Bofur asked, breaking my chain of thought by leaning forward and brushing my cheek with the back of his finger.

I ran my hand over where he had touched, unsure what he was referring to, but then felt the uneven skin of a few long but shallow scrapes from the other night.

"Oh, I must have run into a tree branch." I remarked with a small grin. "Though to be fair it was after dark, so all things considered, I think I did pretty well coming out of it with just that."

He frowned, opposite of what I was hoping he'd do. "You shouldn't have been alone." he said, his voice turning serious. "It was unfair to leave you behind. I knew you'd come after us. I tried to tell him..."

I tentatively placed my hand on his arm, smiling reassuringly. "It is forgiven." I said. "Though," I mused, glancing back towards the fire where I could hear the sound of their delicious dinner sizzling away, "it would be even easier to forgive if you give me a piece of your bacon."

I fell asleep quickly that night, but forced myself up when I first stirred in the early morning rather than turning over and back into slumber. Everyone else was still asleep. I quietly removed my small cooking pot and filled it with water, then tiptoed up to the dwarves' dying fire. I stoked it back to life, added a few new logs, and then set my pot over the flames. After the water reached a boil, I brought it back to my spot then added a few of my stashed tea leaves, letting them steep before carefully pouring it into the one wooden cup I owned. Bofur was sleeping nearby, next to a snoring Bombur. I crouched over to him and strategically placed the tea where he would see it upon waking.

Despite assuring him that I held no ill-will towards him, he had still been acting a bit reticent around me the evening prior. I hoped my small offering of peace would ease his mind. I snuck back over to my bedroll, already hearing signs of waking from some of the others, and crawled back in to warm up until everyone else arose.

It was later when I had knelt down to start rolling up my blankets when I heard a familiar, light-hearted voice from behind me.

"On a journey such as this, it's a rare luxury to enjoy a hot brew in the morning." I turned about to see Bofur grinning down at me and brandishing my empty cup. "I think this is yours." he added.

I smiled faintly but was unsure what to say now that I had his attention. He knelt down in front of me.

"Listen, I know you might still be mad at me-" he began, but I cut him off, holding up my hand.

"No, it's fine, Bofur. Really it is." I said gently. "I'm not angry. In fact I feel bad for putting you under pressure to make a promise you couldn't keep. Anyway, why else would I make you tea?" I smiled and reached out to take my cup from his grasp.

"Thank you for that." he grinned, his face lighting up. "It was very sweet of you."

I waved him off so I could finish packing up, but thought idly to myself that perhaps I wouldn't mind surprising him with more hot beverages in the future - so long as the others didn't notice that is.

Eventually we were on our way, continuing through the valley while impressive rocky peaks rimmed the horizon ahead and flanked either side of our path. Ori surprised me at one point by hanging back in order to talk with me for a measure. He asked about Laketown and Bree, telling me he had never been to either. In fact he said he hadn't travelled much of anywhere, but he was inspired to be a scribe and this was an opportunity for him to record the events of their quest.

Later on in the day, as we began picking a trail up the side of the valley, Kili and Fili lagged behind to walk with me. Kili made fun of my new cloak and proceeded to point out some borderline insulting ways in which I was both similar and different to an elf (such as having a ruddier complexion, worse posture, but similar oddly long legs). I scoffed and made to swat him but he ducked and laughed, pointing out that I was much slower than an elf as well.

Bofur, who was walking in front of us, turned back after listening to our exchange.

"That's a lot of talk coming from the only dwarf here wielding an elvish weapon." he chided lightly, smirking at Kili.

"That's because I'm the only one here with talent enough to master such a skillful weapon." Kili replied nonchalantly.

Bofur's eyes slid over to meet mine. I smiled at him good-naturedly, showing that I hadn't taken Kili's comments personally. He smiled back before returning his gaze to the path in front of him.

When our route crossed that with a large reservoir of fresh water fed by a small waterfall, Thorin decided to allow the company to take advantage of the opportune bathing spot, so he called for a halt within a small stand of of trees nearby.

"Go on first." Thorin told me gruffly. "But be quick about it." he added. I smiled gratefully and dashed off back towards the water while the group began to set up camp.

After a thorough rinsing I swam towards the waterfall and ducked behind it, delighting in the effect of the screen of water all but shielding me from the rest of the world. I propped myself up on a rock and sat for a few moments, shivering as the mist continually drenched me, listening to the whooshing sound of the cascade.

Finally I slid back into the depths and braced myself as I swam through the torrent, squeezing my eyes shut as the falling water doused my head. I then lazily stroked back towards where I had entered, and realized I had quite missed swimming. It was always very freeing and, though cold, it was also extremely rejuvenating.

I eventually reached the shallows and stood up to get out, humming softly as I was now in a rather cheery mood. I looked around thoughtfully, still humming, but then paused, frowning slightly. I then looked around more urgently, my confusion and anxiety growing. My pile of clothing was not where I had left it. In fact, it did not appear to be anywhere at all. I scrambled to shore and began to frantically search the area.

"Lass?" I heard a voice call nearby. I gasped in alarm and splashed back into the water, quickly sinking back down to my neck.

"Are you alright lass?" The voice called again - Bofur's. Of course it was Bofur.

"Beggin' your pardon, but the lads sent me to check on you... You've been gone a long while."

He tentatively stepped out of the tree line, his hand dramatically covering his eyes - to which I rolled my own.

"Really, it's alright." I assured loudly to be heard over the falls. "I'm up to my ears in the water, you won't see me."

"What's the problem, lass?" He shouted, taking a few small steps forward after removing his hand, though keeping his eyes strictly on my face. "Need help washing your back?" he asked cheekily.

A very small part of me wanted to say 'yes', just to see what he'd do, but I thought better of it. "No," I replied instead, "but I seem to have lost all of my clothing."

"You did what now?" Bofur asked as he came closer to the water's edge.

"My clothes." I repeated hotly. "Are gone. All of them."

Bofur's eyebrows shot up and then he shifted his weight from foot to foot, looking uncharacteristically awkward all of the sudden

"Right - around abouts which way did they go then?" He stammered, rubbing the back of his neck and shooting me another quick glance.

"Maybe a gust of wind carried them off?" I offered with a sardonic grin.

Bofur looked up and down the shoreline rather helplessly and my teeth began to chatter.

"Nevermind, just go. I'll look myself." I shouted impatiently, wanting to get out of the chilly water at least.

"Nah, here I'll help yah. Put this on. I won't look." Bofur said, removing his coat and setting it over a rock before turning round and taking a few steps away.

I carefully picked my way up to shore, watching Bofur to ensure he didn't peek as I tiptoed up behind him and donned his jacket. I pulled it around me gratefully. It was just as soft and warm as it looked, and smelled faintly of leather and wood smoke. I looked down, ensuring everything essential was covered before I bid him it was alright to turn back.

His eyes quickly trailed up my bare legs to my face. "That's a good look on you." He remarked lightly with a smile.

"You should be careful." I chided matter-of-factly, unsure if he was being sarcastic or genuinely appreciative. "My mother once told me if I stared too long little fishes would jump from the lake and pluck out my eyes." I scowled at him brazenly and he dropped his gaze.

I then pointed towards the dry stump I had laid my clothes upon before I entered the water. "I set them down right there." I offered somewhat professionally.

Bofur walked over to it then looked around, rubbing his chin.

"I reckon you've found yourself on the butt end of a prank." He figured after a moment.

"Not by you, I'm sure?" I asked in mock accusation.

Bofur grinned and tapped the side of his nose. "Nah. I don't have to resort to tricks to get a woman to undress."

I scoffed slightly. "That is rather bold talk." I said, trying to look affronted but not quite able to stop a small grin from lifting the corners of my mouth.

He laughed. "I'm not the one wrapped stark naked in my own coat, now am I?" He tutted, smirking at me before continuing. "I reckon it was Kili, looks like his boot print here."

I began to step forward to look - though I don't know why I felt the urge to see a boot print I would not even be able to identify. I was not a tracker, nor would I even recognize the print of my own footwear, let alone that of a company member. Therefore I would not have been able to agree or disagree with his theory no matter if I studied the impression for an hour. Yet still I blundered forward, wanting to see the incriminating evidence for myself, and that's when the entire situation went from embarrassing to utterly mortifying.

As I took a few steps towards Bofur to see said 'boot print,' my left foot was momentarily wedged under an errant old root radiating out from the dried stump on which I had set my clothing. Because I was so concerned with holding the coat closed, I did not use my arms to stabilize myself, and therefore a small stumble turned into an outright fall. As my sense of gravity was thwarted and I began to plummet forward (right at Bofur I might add, and I only caught his shocked expression for barely a moment), I was finally forced to throw my arms out in an attempt to stop myself.

Hence I ended up falling right into the sturdy dwarf in front of me, my arms awkwardly scrabbling about his shoulders until my momentum halted. When I no longer felt I was falling, I felt an entirely new but an equally dizzying feeling of utter humiliation. Fortunately he couldn't see me; the coat (which I should have done up properly in hindsight) had fallen open slightly, but I was pressed so close against him that nothing was visible at his angle.

"I am so sorry." I said seriously, my face feeling as if it were on fire. I quickly became aware of his arms holding me firm around my back, felt his warmth against my bare skin along the front, and I found I could not meet his eye. Before I could step back we heard a new voice in the glade.

"Well that was fast!" Kili said gleefully as he stepped into the clearing carrying a familiar bundle of garments.

I quickly shoved my hands down between us to secure the coat around me, and then spun away from Bofur.

"Thought I'd be a gentleman and return these now, but it looks like you were doing alright for yourself... Maybe I should just keep them and leave you two alone?" Kili continued, and I debated for a moment running up to smack the gloating smile right off his face - if I had not been barefoot and in a coat that barely fit, I might very well have done so. I cursed under my breath in frustration.

"Of all the most immature- That was not what it looked like!" I shouted vehemently, shooting the young dwarf my most sternest of glares. "And you had better leave me my clothes, or else Kili, I swear, you will not want to fall asleep anytime soon."

Kili dumped my belongings and held up his hands defensively, though his eyes were still mirthful.

"Fine, fine, but you'd better hurry. The others are about ready to barge in on you, finished or not." Kili said with gleeful wink before turning and disappearing back through the trees.

"I'll leave you to it, lass." Bofur said with a bemused expression when I dared to shoot him a small glance.

I smiled a defeated smile and sighed. "Any chance you could just forget this ever happened?" I asked him before he started off.

He turned and looked at me. "Aye." He said, touching his forehead and grinning. "But I'd much rather not."