Big thanks to 1-clisa-1, draconisnoire43, BowtiesImpalasandSociopaths, Jante, Raija22 for following/favouriting.

1-clisa-1 – Glad you are enjoying it. Bilbo DOES appear but it's at the end I'm afraid so bit of a wait. As for finding out how they all survive that to will be explained and so will the reason we haven't found it out yet. Most of the stuff you asked about gets found out in this chapter and as for Tauriel being pregnant? Again you'll have to wait on that one but I'm glad you like Kiliel! As for a badass Juliet moment…give it a couple of chapters. Btw I don't mind the long reviews.

BloodyTink – Of course he'll be super protective. But we wouldn't want it any other way.

Eruwaedhiel95 – He'll reach a whole new level of cute.

Muntzy09 – No of course not. I imagine his protectiveness will get a bit bad…he is an expectant father after all.

Firefoxxe – It'll be cute I guarantee that.

Marina Oakenshield – All I'm saying is it'll be a very happy ending but a lot of bumps on the way.

The One where People find Out

I'd never been speechless in my life until I came to Middle Earth. Ever since then it became a regular occurrence.

Fili confessing that he loved me.

Fili asking me to marry him.

My wedding to Fili.

Most of them did seem to involve a certain blonde dwarf and it seemed that this piece of news was no exception. Oin gripped my hand and I could see the smile on his face. Licking my lips I tried to think of the best thing to say. What did you say when you found out something like this?

"Juliet?"

I looked up to face Oin. He fidgeted in his seat and I knew he wanted nothing more than to give me a hug. Opening my arms I embraced the healer who squeezed me tightly.

"Congratulations lass! I won't lie; we've all been waiting for something like this since you two first clapped eyes on each other."

I was unable to help my blush at this comment and Oin patted my shoulder before smoothing his face out into a more business-like manner.

"How…how far gone am I?"

He studied me thoughtfully, "I'd say about a month."

So the baby had been conceived when we'd been staying at the Iron Hills. This didn't exactly surprise me given that was the last time Fili and I had lain together. But now my head was bursting with questions. Pregnancies back on Earth I could cope with. But I knew nothing about dwarf pregnancies – something else that added to my nerves.

"So how long are dwarves pregnant for?"

"A year lass, so only another eleven months to go it seems."

I nodded dumbly before pressing a hand to my stomach as more nausea began to grow. Only now the actions felt a lot stranger knowing I had my unborn child inside of me. Licking my lips I could feel my face go white as I tried to swallow the bile. Oin peered at me before turning around and rooting through the shelves.

"Here ye go," he handed me a small pouch. Opening it I looked at the small black berries inside. Oin pointed to my stomach,

"They'll help stop the morning sickness. Take two each morning for one to two months. You should be fine after that."

Getting to my feet I slipped the pouch into my pocket. The smile still hadn't left Oin's face and – for the moment – it seemed he was happier than I was.

"Oin…could you not tell anyone? I mean don't tell them straightaway. I want to be the one to tell them all."

He gave me a nod before tapping the side of his nose. Kissing him on the cheek I hurried from the room. As I did so I was heavily conscious that whilst I was surrounded by dying people I had something growing inside of me. Holding one hand against my stomach I tried to sort my brain out. Only when I entered the corridor could I finally let out the breath I'd been holding in for the past half an hour.

I was pregnant. Pregnant with Fili's child.

I didn't know what to do. I wanted to tell everyone I passed but I also wanted to tell no one. My legs were shaking but I couldn't keep the smile from my face. Never in my wildest dreams had I imagined I would become a mother. It seemed stranger than being Queen of Erebor. Only now the moment was here a small part of me didn't seem surprised at all. It was as though I had been waiting my whole life for the news. But that was only a small part of my brain; the rest was now in full scale panic mode.

I was going to be a mother. I was going to give birth in just under a years' time and then I would be responsible for the safety of my child for the rest of my life. I wasn't ready for that sort of responsibility. I wanted this child so much and yet I couldn't stop telling myself I wasn't ready. That I was still too young to have a child. I wasn't mature enough, I was too reckless. Leaning against the wall I shut my eyes and took a deep breath.

I had to tell Fili. I couldn't keep this secret. Not from him. But if I did he'd force me to the Iron Hills. Given the circumstances I knew that would be best. I was carrying a child after all. And not only that but the next in line to the throne of Erebor. But there was no way I was going to go to the Iron Hills. Whilst I part of me wanted to stay just so I could go on the quest, I did have another reason. On paper this journey didn't seem half as dangerous as the other quests these dwarves had been on; but that didn't mean they couldn't get injured. It didn't mean they wouldn't die. I promised Fili's mother I'd look after him for her. Now I had to do it for his child.

"Oh god," opening my eyes I bit my lip. I wanted to tell Fili so much. But I knew that by not telling him I would be able to join him and make sure he got through this whole thing alive.

"Juliet?"

Smiling at Dis I saw she had a cloak slung over her back and a pack under her arm. She beamed at me whilst I straightened up.

"So you're finally leaving then?"

She nodded, "I've just said goodbye to Fili and Kili."

"I'll keep an eye on them don't worry."

"I know dear. Look after yourself as well. I'm still hoping I'll have a grandchild one of these days."

I took a deep breath. I had to tell someone. Dis fiddled with her cloak when I took her hand.

"I can safely say you are definitely going to be a grandmother…very soon as well."

For a second Dis looked me up and down in confusion. Then her eyes widened and the pack fell from her hands as she pulled me in for a hug.

"Oh my dear! This is wonderful! How long have you known?"

"Just now. Oin's just told me. I'm about a month along I think."

Kissing my cheek Dis gripped my hands and I bit my lip,

"Don't tell Fili. I want to tell him myself later on. I just wanted you to know before you left."

Tears were making their way down Dis's face as she picked her pack up.

"Oh you've just made my day Juliet. I'm going to run out of wool the amount of things I'll be knitting for this little one."

I wasn't able to reply to this. Hugging me again Dis beamed at me before kissing my cheek and walking down the corridor. Taking a deep breath I placed my hand against my stomach. Even though I knew I was just imagining things I could have sworn I saw a tiny bump. Making my own way down the corridor I thought back to the smile on Dis's face when she realised she was a grandmother to be. I didn't even realise I was crying until I shut myself in my room.

I hadn't thought about my parents in years. I'd tried not to. It was so painful even Fili struggled to calm me down afterwards. In the end I tried to pretend they had never existed. But this new announcement automatically brought them back to my mind. They'd always loved the hope that one day I'd get married and have children. Mum had always insisted she'd be called 'nana'. She hated the term 'grandma'. Now she wouldn't even know she was going to be a nana.


Fili found me a few minutes later. Tears were coursing down my face and I only realised he was there when he wrapped his arms around me and pulled me to my feet. Brushing my hair from my face he held me close.

"Love what is it?"

Shaking my head I kissed his cheek. "Nothing I…something happened that made me think of my parents that's all."

Fili gave me an understanding nod. "What did Oin say?"

I bit my lip as more tears leaked from my eyes. Fili turned white at this and when his hands began shaking I knew what he was thinking.

"Is it..?"

I didn't answer at first. He shook his head.

"No…oh Mahal please!"

Stroking his hair I shook my head, "It's not the plague love."

"You're sure?"

I nodded, "Oin told me it wasn't. And anyway, even if it was I wouldn't cry over it. I didn't cry last time I was told I was dying, I don't intend to start now."

"So," Fili held me at arm's length as worry appeared on his face, "So what is it then?"

I sighed. I couldn't hide this from it. Even if it meant me leaving for the Iron Hills. Fili needed to know this. Taking his hands I smiled at him.

"Just, promise me you won't freak out?"

He nodded and I held him close.

"I'm pregnant."

I savoured the look of shock on Fili's face. Licking his lips he stared at me.

"You…you're..?"

Nodding I waited patiently for his brain to work around this piece of news. Fili gripped my hands tightly and I saw his legs shake.

"Say something. Anything? Fili…"

I was cut off as Fili wrapped his arms around me. Lifting me off my feet he swung me round.

"Oh Juliet!"

As I landed Fili cupped my face and kissed me on the mouth. His tears fell onto my face I could still feel him shaking. Drawing apart I opened my mouth when his eyes widened and he looked down at my stomach. I giggled.

"Don't worry love. You won't have squashed it from a hug."

Letting out a sigh of relief Fili took my hand and drew me to the bed. Lying down next to each other he wrapped his arms around me.

"I don't know what to say. How far gone?"

"One month."

Fili nodded before placing his hand on my stomach. He was like a young child waiting for his pet to do a trick. Pushing his hand away I snuggled against him.

"So you're happy?"

"I couldn't be happier if I tried!" He pressed kisses on my cheek, nose and forehead before kissing my stomach.

"I can't believe it…you're going to be a mother. I'll be a father!"

"And Kili an uncle." I muttered dryly. Fili raised an eyebrow before snorting at this. Holding his hand I looked up at him. His face clouded over and I knew what was on his mind.

"Just say it Fili. I know what you're thinking."

He turned onto his side and gave me a sad smile.

"Juliet I…you can't possibly come with us now. You're carrying the next in line to the throne. More importantly you're carrying our child. You'll be safer in the Iron Hills."

I shook my head. Fili's face hardened but I stroked his cheek.

"I know that love. But I'm coming with you even so. Maybe I will be safer. But I know how dangerous this quest could turn out to be. I'm going so I can keep you safe. So that this baby is guaranteed to have a father in a years' time."

Fili sighed but I could tell he knew I was right. Kissing my hand he bit his lip.

"Just…I know how reckless you can be…"

"You honestly think I'd do something that put my own child at risk!" Sitting up I tried to pull my hand from Fili's when he snatched it back.

"Of course not! I just meant that…oh I don't know what I meant love," sitting up beside me he held me against him.

"Just be careful. Not just for you but for the baby."

"Of course. I'll have Oin check me over every night if you want me to."

Fili nodded, "Sounds very tempting."

We sat in silence for a bit. Desperate for a change in conversation I asked Fili where Kili was.

"Probably arguing with uncle about keeping Tauriel here."

"Was Thorin right to do that? The one place where people are dying and he wants her here!"

Fili shifted, "Don't tell Kili but Tauriel asked if she could stay. She told Thorin of some elvish remedies that might be able to help. He protested a lot before agreeing with her."

I sighed. Kili would no doubt be a nervous wreck on this quest. No more nervous than Fili would now be. I didn't regret telling him about the baby. But I knew his protectiveness would be magnified heavily now he knew the truth.

"Could you…not tell the others please?"

Fili frowned at this but I was insistent.

"Please? They'll just fuss over me and treat me like an invalid. I don't want that. And by others that includes Kili." I added when Fili opened his mouth. Shutting it he nodded before wrapping an arm around me. Looking down I frowned as I saw his arm hovering a few centimetres from my stomach. If Fili had been afraid to touch me before he'd be terrified now. Without saying anything I took his arm and wrapped it tightly around my stomach. Fili tensed but I didn't let go.

"Just. Hold me. Hold me the way you used to."

He shook his head, "I…I can't! I keep thinking about the bruise on your arm. I had no idea I was holding you like that and I daren't risk it again! And now you're pregnant! What if I hurt the baby?"

I pulled him close and kissed the top of his head, "You won't. Trust me Fili; right now the baby isn't aware of anything. It won't feel a thing. And even if it did I want it to know how much its daddy loves it. How much its daddy loves me!"

Nodding Fili slowly tightened his grip on me. Turning onto my side I curled up against him. Fili's grip was still shaky but at least he was touching me again. Placing one hand on my stomach I looked into his eyes.

"I have told you mother…is that alright?"

"Of course! I imagine she burst into tears."

I nodded, "Something like that. I know I said don't tell anyone but I thought she should know while she's in the Iron Hills. Although I imagine she'll end up telling every dwarf she comes across."

Fili grinned, "Good. I want the whole world to know about this dornessiti."

"You know if we have a girl you'll have to find me a new name."

Shrugging Fili placed his hand over mine; gently caressing my stomach.

"In which case you'll be my queen."


The three days passed by unexpectedly quickly. The last of the dwarves left for the Iron Hills and Erebor seemed a whole lot bigger without them. I tried to avoid wandering the corridors alone – I felt so small and insignificant – and either stayed in my room or with Fili and Kili. True to his word Fili didn't tell his brother about the baby. He didn't even act differently. But I knew deep down we'd have to tell them soon. We'd tried keeping our courtship a secret and that hadn't exactly worked out well. But I forced the baby from my mind and focused on the quest. Everything was packed and ready. The ponies were all set and we had a rough idea of the best route.

It didn't stop us from being nervous.

If we couldn't find this flower, or if it didn't work, then we would be condemning the people of Erebor to death. I knew Kili was especially nervous. We'd all heard him arguing with Thorin over his decision about Tauriel and when I'd questioned her about it she simply shrugged.

"If I can help I should stay."

"But…just be careful. Kili almost lost you once. Don't do it to him again."

She kissed me on the top of the head. "Look after yourself Juliet. I'll be fine I promise. You're the one going on a dangerous quest – again."

Nodding I conceded her point. Although to be fair I hadn't exactly chosen to end up in Middle Earth. I mean I was glad that I had but the word 'forced' did spring to mind.

When the morning came for us to set off I noticed no one was really talking. The wind was already starting to pick up and I pulled my fur coat around me. Biting my lip I looked at the group of ponies and frowned.

"Where's Scooby?" I pulled Thorin over and he gave me a soft smile.

"Fili would only allow you to come if you rode with him."

Nodding I began walking towards the blonde dwarf in question. Although I was a little pissed off that he had gone behind my back I couldn't be angry with him. To spend every day in his arms wasn't exactly a bad thing. Fili gave me a nervous smile.

"If you're about to yell at me over the pony then don't bother."

I shook my head, "No I'm not. Why would I yell at you when I get to be in your arms?"

Blushing Fili stepped back to let me tie the last packs onto Daisy. I pulled my coat around me as the cold wind picked up. Already I could see my fingers turning red as i tied my last pack to the saddle.

"Here."

Looking up I saw Fili push something into my hand. My fingers brushed against thick wool and as I slid the gloves on I grinned at him.

"Thank you."

He kissed my forehead, "How are you feeling?"

"I'm good. The berries Oin gave me seem to be working. I haven't been sick in days."

He let out a small sigh. "Good. If you feel even the slightest bit sick tell me. Promise?"

Nodding I went to pull myself onto my pony when I saw Fili kneeling beside me. Locking his hands together I frowned at the step.

"Fili I'm quite capable of getting on a pony. Even if I am pregnant." I lowered my voice to avoid anyone else hearing. Fili got to his feet and sighed.

"Sorry, it's just…I don't know anything about being a father. I want to make sure you're both alright that's all."

"I know." Hugging him close I let him stand back and pulled myself onto Daisy. I realised the saddle had been altered so it fitted two people more comfortably. All around me the dwarves were doing the same and I could feel Fili sitting beside me. Looking up I saw Kili sitting up on Minty – his arms wrapped around Tauriel. They were both talking but I did my best not to listen. This was a private moment – I didn't want to eavesdrop. Tauriel kissed Kili's hard on the mouth before she turned and hurried back into the mountain. Looking over at us Kili blinked his red eyes and both I and Fili gave him soft smiles. Thorin clicked his teeth.

"Are we ready?"

None of us said a word. Instead the ponies began walking forward behind Thorin. Fili held me close and squeezed my hand. As we began our journey I looked behind me at the Lonely Mountain.

"What is it?" Fili whispered. I shrugged.

"Do you think we'll succeed?"

Fili bit his lip. "I don't know Juliet. I honestly don't know."

So we have a nice chapter full of nice feels and happy moments! Aww I love Fili so much right now. I can just picture his little face when he found out! But yeah hope no one minds not all the dwarves are going and that Tauriel is staying. But I just felt that they wouldn't do anything so didn't need to be included. As ever let me know what you think xx