Even though he was silent, something told Yavanna how intently he was listening. The young she-elf blushed as his arm reached behind her...to keep her on the horse. If he were to turn his head around..he would have seen the deep blush across her creamy cheeks. And surely know, how smitten she was becoming when it came to him. Yavanna glanced else-where to try and distract herself, but her free arm that was holding onto the back...instead reached to the front...wrapping around his waist as well. It took her a few moments to realize; which caused the blush to grow. Her dark hair fell over the side of her face, shielding her blush slightly.

On the other hand, Tauriel was the one that noticed the moment between them. Smiling to herself, but she didn't comment on it.

[hr]

Holding her in his arms; Kili tried to soothe her. Kili hated to see her upset. Even though he was younger, he didn't hesitate to give her, what she needed. Comfort, a listening ear. He cared about her, deeply. If he could help and erase all her worries, he'd try. But he didn't know what was bothering her.

Kili saw how reluctant she was. "Delva...you've done a lot for us, these past few days...you need your rest too." he said, knowing how stubborn she could get. "Rest will you do some good, I am sure we can handle ourselves for a while..it'll be alright." He promised to his God-Mother.

[i]Meanwhile,[/i]
Thorin was in his throne room. Balin, Dwalin and Bilbo tried to reason with him. But to no avail. "It is here, in these halls..I know it!" Thorin breathed out.
"We have searched and searched..."
"Not well enough.." Thorin snapped back.
"Thorin, we all want to see the stone returned." Balin tried to soothe him.
"And yet...it's still NOT FOUND!" Thorin's angry voice echoed through the room. Bilbo had been quite for a while, watching the Dwarf King with great worry. Thorin was certainly getting worse and worse.
"Do you...doubt the loyalty, of anyone here?" Balin asked, as he looked at Thorin. That made Thorin turn around...walking closer to Balin. "The Arkenstone, is the birthright of our people."
Thorin's jaw clenched in anger. "It is the King's Jewel. Am I not the King?!" he growled out in anger. "Know this...if anyone should find it. And with-hold it from me...I will be avenged." Thorin breathed out the last word through clenched teeth. Feeling angrier by the moment.
Balin sighed deeply..unable to take it anymore. He left..but young Bilbo followed him. To see the elder Dwarf upset. "Dragon Sickness..I've seen it before. That look. That need. It is a fierce and jealous love, Bilbo!" Balin explained. It seemed like the Hobbit was right, about Thorin's condition. "It sent his Grand-father mad."
"Balin..If...If Thorin had the Arkenstone. If...if it was found? Would it help?" Bilbo asked; curious if the matter could be resolved, by the giving of said gem to the King.
"That stone crowns all." Balin said, listening Bilbo just nodded. "It is the summit, of the great wealth. Bestowing power on he, who has it. Would it sate his madness? No laddie."