The rest of the Company send you some smirks every now and then. It was a pretty funny sight to watch. Thorin was brooding on his usual spot away from the Company. Everyone had learned long ago that it was no use to ask him what was bothering him. Bilbo had learned it the hard way. This was the one time when it was clear to all of them what bothered their leader. The reason was sitting rext next to him.

You were still not looking at him, your arms will still crossed and the frown hadn't left your face. How did he dare to treat you like a dwarfling? You were 79 already, not a child. And besides, he didn't have a problem with Fili and Kili fooling around. 'When are you going to apologize?' you finally asked, still not facing him. It took a moment before the question really sinked in with Thorin. 'I don't see why I should apologize for anything' he said, frowning.

You rolled your eyes and sighed annoyed. 'Typical...' 'Typical what?' 'Typical for a man to say.' Thorin snorted. 'What?' you asked, getting kind of annoyed with him. 'Typical for a woman to say.' You shot him an angry look while he could barely hide his smile. 'Watch out our that look will be on your face for the rest of your life' Thorin said, chuckling. 'Did you have too much ale or something?' you asked, turning away from him again. He pushed his shoulder against yours. 'Maybe I did, would that change anything?'

'It does make me wonder how you could catch me instead of letting me fall down on the ground' you said. Thorin stared ahead. It was a miracle to him to. 'I have never seen you drink so much' you added. Thorin snorted. 'Five mugs of ale are not much.' A snort escaped your mouth and soon, you were both laughing out loud. 'What was it now that you wanted me to apologize for?' Thorin asked, after he had caught his breath. 'For letting me fall down the tree' you said, trying to look stern at him.

'Is that supposed to impress me?' 'It's supposed to be' you said dryly. Thorin chuckled. 'Well, I don't think it is my fault that you fell down the tree' he said. 'You don't say.' Thorin raised an eyebrow. 'I can't help it that you don't watch your footing.' A smack to the back of his head send the arrogant smile away from his face. 'You were yelling at me' you said stubbornly. 'Like you are not used to that' he countered. Thorin opened his mouth to say something but hesitated for a moment. 'You know lass, I was just trying to protect you.

You could have broken something if you would have hit the ground from that height. I need your skills on this quest, I can't afford it to loose you.' From where you were sitting you could see the food fight that had started a few seconds before. Poor Bilbo looked like he was about to faint. 'Thank you Thorin' you said, almost whispering. 'You are welcome lass, you can go back to the rest if you want.' You shook your head slowly. 'I would like to stay here, next to you' you said with a smile on your lips. A small nod told you it was alright to stay. And the smile that spread on his lips told you he liked it.