The entire paragraph beginning with 'Then Thorin unsheathed his sword...' might be one of the most romantic things I have ever read. Oh gods. Protective defendy men get me all swoony. (I swear that sentiment sounded less ridiculous in my head).

I had many more articulate things to talk about - Bilbo's issues with the Ring and Thorin's pained reactions, their adorable squabbling, the delightful history, etc. but I am all burnt out and I will simply say that this update and the HotSC update have sustained me this week.