Kili reaches out to rest a hand on my arm and I feel some of the anxiety quiet a little as I let out a breath. Trying for a smile, I shake my head. "I wasn't alone, no. And I can't think of anyone better to be with down there than Derek. Except maybe you," I add with a grin. "I mean, you're a warrior, right? I bet you would've helped protect me. And I promise I'd have repaid you with neverending baked goods for the trouble."

In truth, I'd be more than happy to do that anyway. As nice as Kili's been already, I'm more than excited to supply him with as many pies and cupcakes as he could ever want. Plus, with Derek hiring me on at Semele's full time, I'm going to be baking almost non-stop and he won't be able to sell all of it, probably. I'd hate to see any of it go to waste.