Disclaimer: I don't own anything, except for the characters of Lili and Leo.

Thank you to everyone who's reviewed followed and favourited this story, I am humbled by how much you all seem to be enjoying it and I really appreciate the support.

Here's the next chapter for you, hopefully you'll all enjoy it.

As usual let me know if you think anything needs adjusting, especially any of the characters seem off.

AN: Also I should add, I know almost nothing about fighting, but hopefully I haven't completely hashed up this chapter.

Chapter 10.

It was dark again.
The same smothering darkness as before and Lili felt her chest tighten with panic.
The low hum of voices buzzed in her ears, rising and fading as she tried to hear what they saying.
She was cold. So cold it was almost painful.
Darkness so thick she couldn't see the hand she'd raised in front of her face.
Opening her mouth to call out, Lili felt the oppressive pressure wrap around her throat and her ribs compressed against the unseen force.
She couldn't breathe…
Jerking she whimpered in panic as she realised she couldn't move, her legs refusing to obey her.
The low hum of voices faded away and Lili gurgled pathetically as she tried to catch her breath.
"It's alright, Lili."
With a hiss, she forced a small breath into her lungs.
"You have nothing to fear."
She knew that voice!
Whimpering in her panic, Lili twisted feeling a slow comforting warmth seep into her left side.
"You're only dreaming, I'm here, I'll keep you safe."
Fili, it was Fili! She could hear him, clear as day.
Relief swept through her and she almost smiled, as she managed to gulp a breath.
She was dreaming, she was only dreaming…

With a gasp, Lili snapped into awareness, her breath hitching in her throat. Her abrupt awakening had the arm curled around her back tightening on instinct and Lili realised she was using Fili's shoulder as a pillow. Feeling breathless and confused, she pressed her cheek tighter against his broad shoulder for a moment and welcomed the comforting warmth.
"Just a dream," she murmured softly.
The steady rise and fall of Fili's chest, was comforting sensation and let her know she hadn't woken him when she'd jolted awake. It also made her acutely aware of just how intimate their sleeping position was. She was used to sleeping close enough to both Fili and Kili to share body heat, but she was practically snuggled up to Fili like a lover. She felt a blush threaten to creep over her cheeks, as she eased herself carefully out of his embrace.
"You weren't asleep for long, lass," Balin commented softly from his position leaning over the smouldering fire, as he made tea.
Tugging on her coat, Lili shook her head as she shivered at the icy sensation of her dream. "Bad dream," she admitted quietly, her gaze sweeping over the others as they all slept on oblivious.
Moving around the fire to sit in a small patch of sunshine, Lili gratefully accepted a steaming mug of camomile tea. Cradling the warm mug in her cold hands, she found her gaze drawn to the brooding figure of Thorin. He was stood away from the main camp, his back resting on the pillar of farm house, in the spot she'd been stood not so long ago. He looked like a man, with the weight of the world on his shoulders.
A proud man, who'd been forced to crawl rather than walk, all the while carrying to responsibility of his people.
She felt a guilty twinge deep in her chest.
"Don't think too harshly of him," Balin advised gently, as he followed her gaze.
Lili shook her head, as she sipped her tea, "I wasn't. I was actually thinking I owe him an apology."
The old dwarf smiled, his expression softening, "Thorin feels things deeply, though the lad often doesn't show it."

He listened as she approached, her soft footfalls giving her away, even before the slightly floral scent of her tea teased his nose. He kept his gaze on the view before him, watching the long grass of the meadow swish and sway in the breeze as she came to silent stop beside him.
Behind them, her pony nickered gently in greeting.
For a long moment, they stood together and took in the view of the rolling fields.
"I owe you an apology."
Thorin turned ever so slightly, his gaze sweeping over her as she stood beside him. He felt himself go still. She was looking at him, with those bright emerald eyes sparkling with sincerity, in a pale face surrounded by cascades of gleaming hair the colour of onyx.
His gaze drifted from the distracting sight of her nibbling her lower lip, to the braided portion of her hair, framing the left side of her face.
It really did suit her.
"Apologise for what?" He finally asked, turning his attention back to the meadow.
"For the way I acted earlier, I had no right to speak to you the way I did," she paused a moment before continuing, "I don't know what came over me, I'm not normally so…sharp, I'm sorry."
Thorin nodded, he had to admit he hadn't expected her to have such an outburst. Even so, it still paled in comparison to the sometimes volatile nature of dwarf women. He was also keenly aware that this wasn't her home and while she was adapting better than any of them could've thought, she was still learning and it couldn't be easy for her. He was beginning to admire that about her, her ability to adjust to situations.
"I also know I shouldn't have come back to camp without taking one of you with me," she added quietly, "So I'm sorry for that too. You have more than enough responsibilities, without adding my idiocy to the list."
Thorin felt his mouth twitch, in a tiny smile. "You're aware that's your second apology?"
Lili released a short chuckle, "I suppose I have more than one thing to apologise for."
He turned to look at her again and offered a gentle smile, "My words weren't meant as a reprimand and your actions weren't born out of idiocy. I understand the thoughts behind your actions, it was more ignorance than idiocy." He paused, was again taking in her features as she listened to his words.
"I have a lot to learn, don't I?" She mused sipping her tea. "I am sorry, I only meant to help. Besides pulling a decent pint, horses are really the only thing I'm good at and I thought if I could at least be useful in that respect then I'd be less of a burden for you and the others."
Regarding her for a long moment, Thorin felt his admiration grow for this tiny human woman. "It is your willingness to learn that makes you less of a burden to this company," he admitted calmly, his gaze drifting over her shoulder to where his men were still resting.
Lili smiled ever so slightly at his admission, before her mouth settled into a firm line. "I'll also make sure not to leave the camp unless I have an escort."
"Good," he nodded, pleased she understood what he had meant to convey earlier. "Apology accepted."
Lili's mouth twitched back into a smile, "Which one?"
Thorin felt his mouth pull in an answering half smile, "Both."

Standing in the centre of the meadow with her coat discarded on the nearby wall and the sleeves of her jumper rolled up her arms, Lili raised her right arm under Thorin's instructions. Her small hatchet was held in a defensive position to block a downward blow from his sword. The flat side of his sword rested on the handle of her axe, letting her feel the weight.
Even without him actually putting any force behind his weapon, Lili felt her arm protest slightly under the added weight of the sword.
While Kili had been teaching her how to fight with a small weapon in each hand, Thorin was teaching her how to defend herself against bigger and more powerful opponents, with only a single weapon. Adding even more substance to the training she'd started with Dwalin.
"Now do you see how I've left myself exposed to a counter attack?" He questioned as he walked her through the manoeuvre, his movements slow and patient.
Lili nodded, her gaze drawn to the exposed area of his side beneath his left arm. Almost on instinct she curled her left hand into a fist and placed it against his side, showing him her intent.
"Good," he rumbled, "but remember, a punch is likely to cause more of an injury to you than your enemy if their wearing armour."
She frowned, lowering her fist, "how I am I supposed to take advantage if I can't cause any damage?"
Thorin wordlessly dropped his gaze to her left leg for a moment, before returning his attention to her face. The flicker of his eyes had been so quick; if Lili hadn't been paying attention she'd have missed it.
Pursing her lips in determination she leaned back just enough to lift her left leg and transfer her weight to her right leg, preparing to kick him in the ribs. The moment her foot left the ground, Thorin leaned forward on his sword. Almost immediately she was over balanced and found herself on the ground with a startled cry, staring up at the blue, cloud riddled sky. Leaning over her, Thorin lowered his sword and placed the tip at her throat, "You turned your advantage into a disadvantage."
Stepping back so she could get to her feet, he fixed her no nonsense stare, "Now try again. Remember you are smaller and lighter than most, faster."
As they went through the manoeuvres again and again, Thorin picked up the pace. Lili was naturally agile, which made her quicker on her feet and she carried an effortless flow when allowed to move a little faster, rather than the forced disjointed movements of their initial training walk through.
Each time she made a mistake he'd put her on the ground, remind her of the advantages of being smaller and lighter. He never told her how to get the better of him, that wasn't his way, she had to work that out for herself or she'd never truly learn.
She moved around on the balls of her feet, which seemed to heighten the elegance of her movements.
Side stepping a swing of her hatchet, Thorin almost smiled at the fierce determination in her eyes. She blocked a strike to her ribs, the flat side of his sword connecting with the wood handle of her axe, with a dull clunk.
Her retaliation was a left handed punch, aimed at his jaw, which he neatly ducked, before he swung his sword in an upward arc. Again she blocked it, the ear ringing sound of metal clashing against metal as his sword caught the axe head, with a little more force than he'd intended. The impact obviously jarred her arm, as she released a whimpered groan of discomfort.
Without pausing, he adjusted and made to bring the sword down over her head. Just as they'd practiced, Lili raised her axe to block the strike, but unlike before instead of attempting to punch or kick his exposed side, she leaned forward ever so slightly and then dropped to a crouch.
With a grunt of surprise, Thorin was forced to stoop forward as he moved with her and felt his right leg threaten to buckle, as Lili delivered a punch to the back of his knee. Almost as suddenly as she'd crouched, she was back on her feet, both hands gripping the axe as she surged up against his sword with a cry of determination, forcing him backwards in an awkward half stumble.
"Good!" He chuckled, as he lowered his sword and regarded the panting woman stood across from him. She'd finally understood what he'd been trying to teach her.
"I can use my speed to cause my opponent to over balance," she realised swallowing a lung full of air. "I should've seen that sooner," she added, catching her breath.
Sheathing his sword, Thorin stared at her and offered a reassuring nod, "You see it now." Turning his attention to the sky for a moment, he took in the position of the sun, not yet high. "Come, it's about time we woke the others, we should be moving soon."
Sheathing her own weapon and collecting her coat, Lili followed him up the small meadow and back into the camp. She smiled as she regarded his broad back, she felt better now they'd cleared the air, relieved. She didn't like the thought of being at odds with the dwarf prince, it unsettled her to think he thought badly of her. It was funny, really. Back in her own world she'd never given much thought as to how people viewed her, but here it was different. Maybe it was because for the last few weeks she's been forced to live so closely with Thorin and others.
She was coming to realise she actually liked being a part of something bigger than just herself.
Perhaps that's how Leo felt about the army.
God, I'd give anything to know if he's safe. She mentally prayed as they rounded the corner of the farm house and their small camp into view.

After rousing the rest of the company and disbanding the camp, Lili once again found herself staring at Thorin's back as they made their way on foot, through the undergrowth, the plan was to try and locate the cave the trolls had been using to escape the daylight.
For now they left the remaining ponies in the security of the old farm house, she hadn't liked the thought of leaving them but Thorin had assured her they'd return for them when they were done with their search.
"Thorin, there's a cave on the ridge, just up ahead," Nori informed them as he appeared in the tree's just a head of them.
Staring at the dark entrance of the cave, Lili shook her head, "That's smells awful." The stench was horrendous, to the point that she had to cover her nose and mouth with her hand.
Gandalf wrinkled his nose in disgust and inched towards the entrance. Thorin stepped forward as well and glared into the dank, foul smelling dark. "Dwalin, Gloin, Nori and Bofur, you come with us. The rest of you stay here and keep watch," he instructed firmly. Much to Lili's relief, she wasn't sure she could've stepped foot inside the cave, the thought made her skin crawl with dread.
Even as they descended into the cave, Lili could still hear the disgusted tones of the others.
"What is that stench?" Nori coughed, as he followed Gloin into the cave.
"It's a Troll horde," Gandalf explained, "be careful what you touch."

Dwalin stood in the centre of the cave and glanced around the foul smelling hovel. There wasn't anything here that tempted him, not even the troll tainted gold. Leaning on his axe, he shifted his weight and waited as Thorin and Gandalf search a little deeper.
Bofur paused looking down at his feet, as gold and gems gleamed in the torch light. "It seems a shame just to leave it lying around. Anyone could take it," he commented, glancing towards Gloin.
Gloin immediately nodded and called over his shoulder, "Nori, grab a shovel."
Dwalin rolled his eyes as his kinsman began digging a hole and hastily placing a small chest inside.
"We're making a long term deposit," Bofur explained with a grin, as he caught Dwalin's look.
With a long suffering shake of his head, Dwalin turned ever so slightly and noticed a long knife sheathed and balanced on top of a nearby, over turned, cart. As though it had been carelessly tossed there, which considering the three trolls they'd encountered, it probably wasn't far from the truth. Reaching out he picked up the weapon and eyed it critically as he unsheathed it. The leather sheath itself was relatively plain, a few vines and leaves depicted around the top and seams but that was all. The knife itself was slightly curved and nearly as long as his forearm, gleaming and sharp, untarnished by it's time of disuse. Turning it in his hand, Dwalin tested the weight and grunted his approval. "This is finely made," he commented to no one in particular.
"That wasn't made by a troll," Gloin added as he looked over at Dwalin, "although it looks a wee bit small for you, Dwalin." He chuckled as he shovelled more dirt into the hole.
With a glare, Dwalin sheathed the knife, but kept a hold of the small weapon, "I was thinking it might make be useful for, Lili," he admitted gruffly, tucking the knife inside his belt.
All three dwarves paused in surprise, before Gloin nodded thoughtfully, "Oh aye, it'd suit the wee lass, sure enough."
A moment later, Thorin and Gandalf immerged from the darkness, "Let's get out of this foul place." Thorin instructed, "Come on, let's go. Bofur, Gloin, Nori."

Lili sat beside Fili on the large boulder, a little distance from the cave entrance, where the smell wasn't quite so bad. Around them the others were spread further apart, keeping a close eye out, encase anything should attack them.
She thought she would feel awkward around him, considering how she'd awoken, but he simply offered a gentle smile and made her feel instantly at ease.
A flicker of fire light drew Lili's attention back to the cave, as Thorin and the others re-emerged from the foul smelling, gloom.
"Here, Lass," Dwalin paused in front of her, his large arm extended as he offered her the sheathed knife, grasped in his armour covered hand.
Lili blinked in surprise as the gruffness of his actions, before she realised that it probably didn't come easily to him.
"Thank you," she hesitated slightly, before accepting the weapon. She expected the knife to be heavy, but she was surprised to find it was light in her grip. Unsheathing the knife, Lili felt her breath hitch in surprise, it was beautiful. A curving strand of gleaming silver metal, the same vines and leaves depicted on the sheathed wound their way around the ivory coloured hilt, wrapping it in a delicate trail of silver flowers.
It was distinctly delicate, not like the bulky heavy weapons the dwarves used, but it was still held a deadly edge.
"It's Elvish made," Gandalf explained, flashing her a gentle smile.
Lili nodded, as she re-sheathed the weapon and her attention slipped back to Dwalin who was already talking to Balin. She offered him a warm smile and a slight nod of her head. A nod the burly dwarf returned with a pleased gleam in his dark eyes.
Turning her attention back to the knife, Lili belted it around her waist so that it rested against her left thigh and the axe from Kili, against her right.
Of course she did have to wonder what Elves in Middle Earth actually looked like if they could forge weapons like that. She doubted they resembled anything like the small, silver shoed, large hat wearing leprechauns from the stories her Grandmother used to tell her.