Disclaimer: I don't own any familiar characters, and or anything pertaining to the world of the Hobbit. All, but my ocs, are owned by J.R.R Tolkien (who probably hates us for doing this to his work).

Chapter 21

Thorin was more grumpy than he usual, and that was saying something. Magdalen didn't know it was humanly possible to be that grumpy. But Thorin wasn't a human. Kili, Fili, and Magdalen had been crowd around the dining table. Dis was off having dinner with one of the lords discussing business within the market, leaving the three of them to fend for themselves. Fili and Kili were teaching Magdalen a card game, while awaiting dinner. She couldn't seem to get the concept down, though she suspected they were giving her vague instructions to simple enjoy her confused face. It wasn't often that they left her stumped, with her strange references and odd ideas it was usually them who were left in the dark. The brothers secretly relished in the fact that they knew something she didn't.

Fili laid down a tile with a blue rune on it.

"I win," He smiled smugly at Magdalen.

"Ahhh, I don't like this game." She threw down the remaining tiles she had left, crossing her arms to lean back in her chair.

"You don't like it, because you're losing." Kili teased beginning to pick up the game.

Magdalen stuck her tongue out at Kili when the door to the royal families dining hall opened behind them. Fili smiled at whom ever had come through the door, standing up to greet them.

"Hello, Uncle." He spoke cheerfully.

It was almost painfully silent, when Thorin did not respond. Magdalen watched Fili's face melt from cheerfulness, to the familiar stoic persona she had first met. She turned in her chair to watch Thorin pass her by. When she was in school they had learned about sea creatures. She remembered one day her fourth grade teacher, Mrs. Larson, had brought out an ancient box TV and played a videotape about Great White Sharks. Magdalen remembered watching the dark void of the ocean being consumed by the body of the shark as it filled the frame. It's beady eyes watching the camera man as if he were his next meal. Ready to crush it's jaws around the poor person's body. Thorin's look was no different than that sharks.

His blue eyes glared at her as he passed, taking his spot at the head of the table.

"Kili, put that away." He snapped at Kili.

Kili quickly followed orders. Someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed. She could feel Fili become tense beside her. They may have not been friends for very long, but she had been watching him for a while. Through observation she had gathered that the crown prince's mood and manners were greatly influenced by his uncles. She knew Fili wanted to prove to himself to Thorin. Magdalen thought he had done that along time ago. It was clear that Thorin trusted his judgement. Her still being in Erebor was proof of that. But still Fili, and Kili, just wanted their uncle's validation.

"Where is the food?" Thorin roared making Magdalen jump slightly.

Off the side of the maids yelped running into the servant doors, to retrieve their meals.

Fili turned his head to Magdalen, when she had flinched. She shared with him a small smile. She was alright, she was going to be alright. That's what she told herself. It had taken some time to adjust after her attack. Her mind was sometimes caught in fear at loud noises, or when someone touched her when she wasn't paying attention. Bonner, a guard she had come to like, had learned that the hard way, when he touched her shoulder. Magdalen was thinking about something when she felt the touch, without thinking about it she turned slapping him across the face. Bonner, after recovering from the blow, laughed about it afterwards telling her he had received far harsher punishments. That didn't stop her from feeling bad.

The maid returned followed by three other servants. Each placed freshly cooked foods on the table for them to enjoy. Kili, Fili, and Magdalen thanked them, beginning to dig into their foods. Thorin grunted at the poor maid, who bowed before running away. Kili began talking to Fili about Dwalin's new training squad, young dwarves who wished to become dwarves, easing the tensions in the room.

"I think Magdalen could take on half of them single-handedly." Kili laughed.

"I don't doubt it, it seems like Dwalin's training a bunch of runts." Fili added.

Magdalen rolled her eyes at the brothers. "Leave them alone, they have signed up to protect their home. You should be gratefully for that."

Fili tapped her shoulder lightly. "If they are the ones left to protect the Lonely Mountain, Mahal help us all."

Magdalen snorted picking at her soup. She listened to the brother's discuss matters that as princes they had to attend too. On more than one occasion they had tried to wrangle Thorin into their talks, but he wasn't bitting. Thorin mumbled in response, or simply nodded. Never giving full sentenced answers. That was until Fili began to talk about Dale. Thorin sat up straight staring down at the table.

"What's wrong?" Kili asked staring at his distressed uncle.

Thorin sighed dropping his head in his hands, rubbing his brow. He looked up at the boys rubbing his chin.

"I received word last night from Bard that the trade route between Mirkwood and Dale was attacked." He shuddered.

"What!" "Uncle, why didn't you tell us!" Kili and Fili spoke simultaneously.

Thorin held up a hand silencing them. He seemed to forget all notions that Magdalen was there, he never spoke about royal business in front of her. Thorin would always tells whoever he was speaking too that they would talk more about it, eyeing her the whole time he spoke. But tonight he seemed worn and tired, caring little if she heard or not.

"It was a stray group of Orcs, no more where found it the area. It was an isolated incident, Bard assured me. They managed to kill all of the scum." His eyes were weary as he looked at his nephews.

"Was anyone hurt?" Fili questioned.

Thorin nodded "Aye, three men and two elves died. Thranduil believes we should met again to speak about security along our routes."

"Uncle, I have to agree with the elf. We can't risk another 'incident' like that, what if it were a caravan next time?" Fili pressed on.

"Yes, yes Fili. I'm agreeing with you. But I don't know how we can expand our resources like that."

Fili opened his mouth, but Thorin reached out patting his shoulder. He gave Fili a small smile, "Let's speak on this another time. We will have meeting with Dwalin and Master Gunther to discuss a rotation of guards."

Thorin let go of Fili's shoulder returning to work on his plate. The tension left the table as Kili and Fili began their animated conversations again. Thorin's grumpiness, while not completely gone, easied as he relaxed into his chair. Content to listen to his nephews chatter.

Out of the corner of his eye Thorin saw Magdalen move beside Fili. Normal he would have just ignored her, as he always did. She was a human of little consequence to him. But tonight he had noticed how the girl sat close with Fili. He was surprised when he noticed the friendliness between her and his oldest nephew, and he did not like it. So he turned his observation on her, watching as she excitedly join in on the conversations where she could. How she lightly tapped Fili's arm when he said something ridiculous. When had the two grown to be friends? They hated each other only a week ago. It seemed the girl was gaining supports left and right. First Kili and Dis, now Fili. Soon she would have everyone in his kingdom under her spell.

The girl let out a soft laugh at whatever foolish thing Kili said. To his horror, he watched as her fingers brushed over the hair behind her left ear, a small braid poking out behind it. The room fell silent when his chair scraped against the floor. All eyes were on him.

"Who gave you that?" Thorin fumed pointing at the girl.

Magdalen froze her lips wrapped around her spoon. She swallowed slowly lowering it to the table, keeping her gaze on the bowl in front of her. Her back lengthened, and she felt her neck stress as she did not look up to meet Thorin's watchful eyes. She knew exactly what he spoke of. Fili stared at Magdalen, his hand gripped tightly around his fork.

Kili squinted his eyes "Thorin what are you talking about?"

Magdalen didn't move from her spot, a storm clashing inside her chest. Thorin's heavy footsteps circled the table. Then came the surprisingly light tug of her braid. His fingers held her braid up to everyone to see. Kili openly gaped at the braid.

"Who put that in your hair!" Kili growled slamming his hands on the table.

Magdalen quickly snatched her hair away from Thorin's grip. She stood up meeting the king's height, ignoring Kili's question. She came eye to eye with the intense glare of Thorin Oakenshield.

"Thorin," Fili warned standing up reaching out a hand to split the pair up.

Thorin turned to glare at his nephew then back to Magdalen.

"Well explain yourself, girl. Who's trying to court you." He spat as if it was the worst sentence in the world he had ever spoken.

"No one is trying to court me. Bofur and Poppy gave me it."

Her gaze didn't falter. Kili relaxed sitting back in his seat, his concerned face grew into a smile. Thorin's face, however, did not.

"Without my permission?" His voice was dangerously low.

Fili broke the tension in the air. "You want to tell Poppy that you're rejecting her claim on Magdalen?"

Thorin glared at his heir. "She is not a dwarf, I will not accept their claim of her."

"Uncle…" Kili said wearily

Fili stood up matching his uncle's stance.

"Neither is Poppy. You accepted her into our Kingdom." He pointed out.

Thorin grunted eyeing the girl. "Nikeson," He yelled a guard appeared in the dining room.

The soldier stood straight "Yes, my King?"

"Deliver a message to Master Bofur and Mistress Poppy. Tell them in the morning that their presence is requested by the king." The soldier nodded bowing to the royal family, disappearing in the doorway.

"Thorin you're going to stress Poppy. She doesn't need that, she's too close to her due date." Fili snapped.

Thorin ignored her, moving back to his seat at the head of the table. She heard Fili whisper to his uncle furiously as he passed his seat. Thorin settled into his seat, and dinner continued. The air around the five filled with anger and tension. Magdalen sunk into the back of her seat, her hand running over the braid. Her heart broke at the thought of the children thinking she didn't want to be apart of their family. Her hand curling around the bead.

"I don't want to see that braid again," Thorin called to her breaking her contemplation.

Magdalen snapped her eyes on the dwarf. He continued eating his food. Her fist curled around themselves. She stood up abruptly throwing her napkin down onto the table.

Her eyes met Thorin's chanllenging gaze.

"You're a bastard." She snapped marching out of the dining room, hearing voices call after her she continued to run away. Tears spilling from her eyes, an uncontrollable sob left her lips. Magdalen hated crying, it made her feel weak and small. Yards away her balance became off, resting her hands on the wall she sank to her knees and quietly let her tears free fall. She didn't care who saw her. She folded her head into her knees.

"Magdalen."

"Go away, Kili." She whispered.

Kili shifted coming to sit beside of his friend.

"Well, Fili is giving Uncle an earful. So I don't want to go back there…"He trailed off looking back the direction he had come from.

He wrapped his arms around Magdalen, shaking her slightly. He offered her a smile. Her eyes were red rimmed and tears wet her cheeks.

"Don't listen to Thorin, he's just in a bad mood." He said quietly.

Magdalen sniffed wiping away her tears. "Kili, he's right I'm not one of you."

Kili laughed making Magdalen glare at him. "That is a good thing. I don't know a single dwarf, maybe other than Ama, who would be brave enough to call Uncle a bastard." He pushed his shoulder into her.

Magdalen snorted softly. Kili watched her for a moment. He sighed, he could have punched his uncle, for what he said to her. But he was sure Fili was giving their uncle the what for at the moment.

"Why don't you, me, and Fili watch the Ur children tomorrow. Poppy and Bofur will be busy chopping off Uncle's head. We could go have a picnic in the valley."

Magdalen smiled leaning her head against Kili's shoulder."That sounds lovely, Kili."

XXX

Bofur and Poppy were glad to have Magdalen take the children off their hands for the morning. They were less than pleased when they found out why Thorin had called them.

"Who does he think he is, telling us who we can and can't claim." Bofur sneered.

Poppy patted her husband's cheek. "He is the king, my dear."

Bofur waved off his wife, stomping down the hallway to help the children get ready. They had been over the moon when Magdalen asked to watch the children for the day. She thought they might have had a stroke when she informed them that they would going into the valley with Kili and Fili for a picnic. They had scrambled to their rooms, changing and excitedly think about spending time with their favorite people.

Poppy giggled watching her husband stalk away, her hands wrapped around her very pregnant belly. She looked back at the girl, wrapping her arms around the girl.

"You know that no matter if Thorin approves our claim or not, you will be a part of this family right?"

Magdalen smiled. "I know, it just Tho-"

Poppy reached out for the girl's hand wrapping it in her own. "Don't mind that old king. Go out and have a nice day with the kids, leave Thorin to me." She patted the top of her hand.

"Miss Maggie!" Rampur bursted from the corner running to jump in Magdalen's arm.

Magdalen hoisted the child onto her hip, wheezing slightly. Dwarven children, even half dwarven child, were heavy. Rampur bobbed up and down, hugging Magdalen's neck.

"I'm so excited to spend the day with you, Fee, and Kee!" He yelled into her ear.

Bofur laughed taking his son from Magdalen's arm, putting him in line with his siblings.

"Behave for Maggie while we are gone. If she tells me you were being bad, no more toys from Uncles Bifur's shop." He wagged his finger in their small face.

"Yes Papa," The three siblings said together.

Bofur's face broke into a smile as she scooped the children in his arms kissing their faces. Poppy came behind them gently bushing over them. She pinched Bomfur's chin.

"Behave while we are gone, my flowers. I love you." She kissed Bomfur's check who grumbled, wiping away his mother's kiss.

"Come on Ur Children, destiny is calling over names." Magdalen called dramatically holding the door open for the kids.

They waved to their parents running in a sloppy line into the hall. Magdalen yelling after them for them to wait for her. She sent Bofur and Poppy a smile before chasing after their young ones. They laughed as she disappeared chasing after the kids.

Poppy laid her head on Bofur's shoulder, who pressed a kiss into her temple.

"Come on Husband, let's go beat some sense into our dear friend and king." Poppy looked up at Bofur.

Bofur bowed "After you my lady love."

XXX

They settled in the meadow just outside of the gates of Erebor, the edge of the woods just yards away giving them just enough shade from the warm summer sun. Daisy and Bomfur ran through the tall grass, picking wildflowers. Rampur and Kili played with his toy soldier in the shade, as Fili and Magdalen sent up lunch.

"It seems like we were left with the short end of the stick." She grinned at Fili, who carried the basket of food.

Fili laughed "Yes my poor baby brother couldn't be bothered to help us." He said loudly enough for Kili to here.

Kili looked up from his spot. "I am watching these precious kids." He retorted.

Magdalen raised her eyebrow, "Then where is Daisy and Bomfur?"

Kili shot up from his spot, white as a ghost, only to find Daisy and Bomfur playing at the edge of the trees.

Kili glared at Magdalen "That wasn't funny." He mumbled.

Fili stay down the basket on the blanket, "I thought it was." He offered.

Kili rolled his eyes moving toward to collect the elder Ur siblings for lunch.

Lunch was a quiet affair. Turns out like the kids, Kili and Fili fell quiet when food was in front of them. Once done with their sandwiches the kids ran into the sun, playing some game she had never heard of. Fili relaxed on his back next to Magdalen, who silent read a history of the Durin line that Ori had lent her. Fili eyes the book in her hand.

"You know if you wanted to know more about me, all you had to do was ask." He winked at her.

Magdalen scoffed shutting her book, curling her arms around her knees.

"I see where Kili gets all of his charm." She teased.

"Someone had to teach him everything." Fili said clasping his hand over Kili's shoulder, who seemed clueless at to what they were talking about.

Bomfur, Daisy, and a stumbling Rampur popped up in front of them, grinning mischievously. Magdalen eyed the siblings.

"What do you three up too?" She asked suspiciously.

"We want to play dragon!" Daisy cheered.

Fili and Kili groaned beside of her, having obviously played the game before.

"How do you play dragon?" Magdalen asked.

Rampur jumped in front of his siblings quickly explaining, somewhat crudely, that someone would play Smaug and the rest of them would play the part of the company. She smiled, she had played this game many times before with her own sister.

"Fili will be the dragon!" Bomfur command.

"I want to be King Thorin." Rampur jumped up and down in front of his brother.

"No your too young, You will be Kili. I will be Mister Dwalin, and Bomfur can be King Thorin." Daisy remarked.

Rampur's face dropped. Kili tickled his side. "What is wrong with being me."

Rampur giggled and squealed. "Nothing you're the best."

He wrapped his arms around Kili's neck.

"At least someone around here appreciates me." Fili rolled his eyes.

"And Miss Maggie you can be Bilbo!"

Fili wrapped his hand around Magdalen dragging away from the group. "Try and come and find your precious hobbit, you smelly dwarves!" He yelled over his shoulder.

The children laughed beginning to count giving the mighty 'dragon' time to sneak off. The pair disappeared into the treeline. After a bit of running they came to a small clearing in the woods, Fili did not let go of her hand. And she did not tell him too.

Fili smiled back her, "They will be coming any moment, hurling wooden sticks at us. Try to protect your face, Rampur doesn't have the best aim." He said.

Magdalen nodded, she studied Fili for a moment. He had certainly changed in the time since she had arrived in the mountain. Maybe not in the physical sense, but he wasn't the same man who stand tried to yank her necklace from her neck accusing her of trying to seduce him.

"Fili what did you say to Thorin last night?" She wondered.

Fili was caught off guard by her question. He dropped her hand turning away from her.

"Well I told him how stupid he was being. I called him a few things that I shouldn't repeat." His face flushed. "How he was treating you was just as bad as I was. I told him that he should give you a chance. That you are as loyal as any dwarf I've ever met."

Her eyes wandered his face. When did he get that close. She swallowed "How do you know that, we just became friends." Her voice just loud enough for him to hear.

He smirked. Stupid Face. She thought childishly.

"I may have not liked, you stubborn women. But anyone could see how devoted you are to people who are lucky enough to be in your good graces. Like when stood up to Thorin for Ori ."

"How di-"

He continued "Or when you threatened to beat up that guard who wouldn't stop harassing Deamra."

She stared up at him, her mouth gaped. There was a heavy silence between them, she leaned in their chest barely touching.

"Have you been stalking me, Prince Fili?" She smiled up at him.

Before he could say anything, the bushes in front of them begin to shake. A sly looked slide onto his face. His arm snaked around her waist, turning her so that her back met his chest. His fingers burned into her side, his hot air blowing on her neck.

"Ready to play, Mister Hobbit?" Magdalen nodded.

Fili effortlessly lifted her off the ground. She squealed, her light laughter filling the area around them. Magdalen kicked her feet, squirming in his arms.

"Thorin, oh no Thorin help me," Magdalen called in faux distress.

She sent him a smile over her shoulder. Fili sat her down his arm's still holding onto her. She sniffed feeling his fingers brush away the hairs at the side of her neck. Magdalen felt a hot blush grace her face, Fili smiled satisfied that he had done that too her. He curled his fingers around the loose hair. Magdalen hoped he couldn't feel how heavy her breath had become.

Daisy and Bomfur roared from the bush in front of them breaking their gaze. Kili and Rampur came from behind them. Surrounding them, wooden weapons in hands.

"Let go of Bilbo!" Bomfur yelled pointing his wooden sword at Fili.

Fili's arms gripped Magdalen loosely, still holding her against him. His hand stuck out stopping the army of children marching on them.

"I am Smaug. The mighty fire drake, who dare march into my kingdom." Fili said in a mocked serious voice.

Magdalen raised her eyebrow at the dwarf, an amused smile playing on her lips. She could hear Kili and Rampur giggled behind them. Fili's palm rested on her hip, his fingers digging into the fabric of her shirt. Fili winked nodding for her to play along.

"That's our hobbit!" Daisy jumped at Fili, Bomfur running after her their wooden weapons raised to the sky.

Fili let go of Magdalen and yelled in faux agony as the siblings 'killed' the dragon. Kili dragged her away from the mess as they children piled onto Fili. They snickered at the sight of Fili being dragged to the ground. After the massacre, they played a few more rounds of 'Dragon', Kili and Magdalen took turns as the part of Smaug. Magdalen had to say her impression of Smaug was by far the best. Hours passed and the sun climbed higher in the sky, Magdalen clasped onto the blanket. Rampur tucking into her side as he snored softly. His thumb captured in between his lips. She began picking at the leftover food. Magdalen sighed grateful for the break. Fili stood in meadow teaching Daisy and Bomfur some moves with their toy swords. She sat watching him as he carefully listened to the twins, smiling as they hit their target.

"Stop that," Kili said plumping down on the blanket next to Magdalen.

She knitted her eyebrows, pulling her lips into a tight line looking at Kili. He gestured to Fili and the twins.

"Making googly eyes at my brother. If you're going to make googly eyes at any of the Durin's it should be the most handsome; me." He winked at her.

Magdalen threw a piece of bread at his head. "I wasn't making googly eyes at him you clod."

Kili hummed smugly rolling onto his back. He had seen through the bushes how close she and her brother had gotten. Kili was surprised at first, but when he saw the sparkle in Fili's eyes he wasn't that surprised. He closed his eyes, soon his snores merging with Rampurs.

Magdalen grumbled that she wasn't staring, looking anywhere but the smiling golden-haired prince playing with the children. She tucked her harm under her head, coming to sleep on her side. Strange visions of a golden haired kid filled her dreams.

XXX

The grogginess of sleep washed over her as she peeled her eyes open. The world gently came in her vision. The smell of warm earth cleared her lungs. She stretched her sore muscles over her head, she let out a yawn. A loud snore erupted from her side, Magdalen held back a laugh looking at a sleeping Kili. He was curled into a small ball, his mouth gaped open squished uncomfortably against the ground. She felt a lightness at her side realizing that Rampur was nowhere to be seen.

Magdalen looked around Bomfur was closest to them striking at tree. She could see off in the distance Fili with Daisy collecting flowers. Magdalen stood up brushing off her clothes, she was sure Rampur wasn't that far. She didn't want to disturbed Kili's beauty, lord knows that he needs it.

"Where is your brother?" Magdalen called over to Bomfur who stood in an attack stance as he attacked the tree with his wooden sword.

Bomfur didn't stop his choppy movement, trying to copy what Fili had taught him earlier.

"He playing at the edge of the trees," His words breathy as he hit the tree as hard as he could.

Though it had little effect on the bile of the oak tree.

Magdalen pushed up onto her elbows turning to search the tree line for an sight of Rampur. She saw no movement, Rampur was a bit of a wild child as did as he, please. She figured he probably wandered in without telling anyone. She looked over to a sleeping Kili, who snored loudly. His face covered in drool. He looks peaceful, as someone as hyper as Kili could. She laughed softly, standing up dusting off the bits of earth that stuck to her body. She could see Fili and Daisy sitting in the meadow a few leagues away. Magdalen stood by Bomfur still searching the tree-line for Rampur.

"Bomfur, stay here until I get back. I'm going to go find Rampur." She said.

Bomfur didn't break his construction. Magdalen leaned forward coming between him and the poor tree.

"Bomfur do not move from this spot, okay."She repeated, trying to copy Poppy and Dis's mothering tones.

Bomfur slowed his movement looking up at Magdalen.

"Okay Miss Magdalen, I'm going to practice so I can be as good as Fili." He smiled sweetly.

Magdalen patted the boy's head turning to head in the direction of the trees. The woods along the valley were thick, and the ground was uneven. Having many slopes and rocks scattering among the thicket. Magdalen reached the edge of the woods searching for any sign of Rampur.

"Rampur." She called for the boy, a beat passed.

Nothing.

Magdalen sighed beginning to travel deeper into the sea of trees. At first, she was slow a deliberate with her search. Looking under every tree she could find. After a while of no response, her calls for Rampur became increasingly desperate.

Deeper into the forest she came to a small drop off. Worry began to fill her mind, what if he had fallen and gotten hurt. Or lost and was scared. She pushed away those thoughts as best as she could. Magdalen leaned her arm against one of the trees, balancing herself as she jumped from the stone ledge. She paused taking in her surrounding, the velvety green leaves above her fluttered as wind danced through the canopy above. Veins of vines wrapped around the greystone she had just jumped from. Bushed filled with vibrant wildflowers dotted the space around her.

Her body froze as soft sobs broke the eerily quiet forest, Magdalen slowly pushed through the bushes to find a small body curled into the stone.

"Rampur," Magdalen breathed in relief.

Rampur sobs turned into a hiccup as the red face boy looked up. Tears streamed down his round cheek, and snot rolled from his wide nostrils. His hazel eyes were bright and the whites of his eyes were as red as his face. Magdalen fell to her knees in front of the boy curling her hands around his small body pulling him into his lap.

"Oh Rampur, what's wrong bub?" Magdalen pulled her up her sleeve taking the cloth to wipe away his tears.

Rampur's lips pouted, he sniffed pushing his head into Magdalen's chest. His chubby fingers playing with the buttons of her vest. Magdalen brushed away his hair, pressing her lips into his forehead.

"Bubby, you can't just disappear like that, you had me worried sick." She squeezed the child in her arms.

Rampur's eyes shot up with worry, his hands finding Magdalen's face. His eyes searching Magdalen.

"I didn't mean to worry you, Miss Magdalen, I am sorry. Please don't be mad at me." He sobbed loudly throwing his arms around her neck.

Magdalen laughed patting the child's back, slipping him into her lap. Her fingers running around the hair of his forehead.

Brushing a tear from his face, "I am not mad. I was just worried, if something had happened to you I would have been very sad."

The boy's eyes dropped to the ground. "I don't want you to be sad," he mumbled.

"And I don't want you to be sad either. What's making you so sad." Magdalen asked again rubbing his back.

He sniffed, wiping away his snot with his sleeve. "Bomfur told me I had to play Kili when we played Dragon. I always play Kili, I wanted to play Thorin. A-a-and then Daisy told me I couldn't learn how to sword fight with Kili and Fili, 'cause I'm too little." Rampur pouted fresh tears coming to his wide eyes.

"Ram, they didn't mean anything by it they probably just wanted to make sure you didn't hurt."

Rampur shrugged not meeting Magdalen's gaze.

"I was a younger sibling, you know." She looked down at the boy in her arm.

He ran his fingers over the grass, not meeting her gaze. She continued.

"There was this small pond on the farm, I always wanted to go down on the dock and feed the duck. But my older sister would always yell at me and tell me I couldn't go down there by myself. One day I got so fed up with her, that I snuck down to the pond. Do you know what happened?" She asked him.

He shook his head weakly.

"Well, I got a little too close to the water and fell in." Rampur's head snapped up to Magdalen.

"Were you scared?" His voice was small.

Magdalen nodded "I screamed and screamed. I was so scared no one would ever hear me. Luckily my grandfather was out on the porched came and fished me out. The point is sometimes we are told to do things, to keep us safe. Your brother and sister, just want to make sure you are safe. Okay?"

Rampur sighed, a little defeated. "Okay." He whispered into her shoulder.

Magdalen smiled rocking him back and forth gently.

"I tell you what, why don't we go back and then I teach you some stuff. I'm learning from Mr. Dwalin, so I know something." Like that the tears dissipated, replaced with a vibrant smile.

"Really?"

"Really."

Magdalen stood up, sliding Rampur off her.

She held her hand out to the boy, "Come on, young grasshopper you have much to learn."

Rampur giggled slipping his hand into Magdalens. A twig snapped to their right, Magdalen froze Rampur ran into her leg.

"Kili…" Magdalen called quietly. "Fili…"

A growl answer. Magdalen's breath hitched she turned pulling her hands around Rampur's arms.

"Ram, listen to me, go hide in the bushes against the rock. Don't come out until I come and get you." Rampur eyes were wide as Magdalen whispered.

"Do you understand me."She hissed at him, wanting to understand.

Rampur nodded.

"Go, now!" Magdalen whispered pushing him away.

Her hand slowly reached for the dagger strapped to her ankle. She thanked Dwalin silently in her mind for making sure she was always prepared for a fight. Her breath catch in her lungs as she watched as black matted fur peaked through the top of the bush. A sneering ugly face emerged from green. Yellow fangs parted, long strings of saliva netting between the sharp teeth. It's bone-like face raised it faces letting out a loud howl. Magdalen heard Rampur let out another sob, the beast lowered its head looking in the direction Rampur hide.

"I don't think so," Magdalen said to herself putting her body in between the creature and the boy. Three months of training with Dwalin didn't come close to preparing her for this. But she wasn't going to let this thing touch Rampur.

The beast narrowed it's small brown flicker to Magdalen, it started at Magdalen its teeth bared. Magdalen screamed in fear jumping out of the way of the giant wolf. As it passed her body struck her dagger into beast's neck, it howled in pain turning to growl at Magdalen. She tugged on the knife, but it would come out of the tough skin. Holding on to it, she reached for her other ankle taking the dagger out. The other dagger flew through the area as the beast twisted in pain, shaking Magdalen with it. It stumbled around until the wolf-eyed the stone wall. It growled slamming the body of its body into the wall. Magdalen felt her body crack and crush, her head connecting with the stone. Magdalen moan rolling her head against the stone, the world around her spun.

"Magdalen." A voice cried beside her.

Magdalen shook her head, "No Rampur, not until I come and get you." Magdalen said through the pounding of her head.

Her hand swam around the rush of the world around her, finally reaching for her dagger wedged itself out of the creature landing close to her. She clutched it in her hands as she got on to her on knee slowly pushing herself off the ground. Her eyes focusing on the creature, she stood the ground beneath her swaying.

The beast shook it's fur, running circles around itself, trying to get at the dagger embedded in its neck. Then its body circled around, the skull-like face looking at Magdalen. Magdalen swallowed, her fist curling around the small hilt. The creature let out a loud snarl as it lunged at Magdalen with more force. Magdalen fell to her back, screaming as the claws of the thing dug through the skin of her hip. Fire burst at her side, Magdalen let out a gut-clenching scream as the fire consumed her body. She blinked, the world around her started to become black as she felt the hot breath of the creature touch her skin. She didn't realize she was crying until she felt the tears streaming down her face. She prayed Rampur would listen to her, she prayed he didn't hear her cries.

Magdalen squeezed her eyes, she was already died once, sort of, what was one more time. Maybe this time she could find some peace. She thought waiting for the creature to tear into her like a snack. Suddenly there were two cries above her, the world around her whirled. The creature tensed over her, hunching over her form. The thing let out a whimper before clasping on top of her. The weight crushed her, she let out another scream.

"Maggie!" A familiar voice called somewhere above her.

Opening her eyes she found the world around her moving like a living oil painting. The weight was gone and she was soon swept into two arms.

"Magdalen can you hear me." Magdalen looked at the blurred face, golden hair hung around them like a halo.

Magdalen giggled touching the golden locks. "Are you an angel?"

Her face morphed into a serious one. "Am I dead, yet?" She whispered.

Fili looked at Kili, who took Rampur into his face shielding him from seeing the bloodied form of Magdalen. Fili's heart pounded, blood pooled from Magdalen's side.

"Gather Bomfur and take the children. I will take Magdalen to Oin." Fili order Kili. Who nodded caring a crying Rampur to where they had set up.

Fili felt fingers tugging on his hair, he looked down at Magdalen who smiled dreamily at him. His eyes searched her wound on her head. The cut, while deep, didn't hit anything important. His hand reached her legs to scope her into his arms when he felt the blood touch his hand. Her dreamy look disappeared and she began to cry again. Her violent sobs shook his body. Her pants were torn exposing pink, bloodied flesh. Three long claws marked her side. She was losing blood and fast. Carefully he picked her body up making his way back to the clearing.

Her head rolled loosely on his chest and shoulders. She's becoming paler by the moment.

"Magdalen, you have to stay awake." He pleaded spotting his pony in the distances.

She into his chest, her hand curling around the front of his tunic.

"Magdalen, please talk to me." He was taken back when she began to laugh.

"That's a first, you want me to talk to you." She slurred.

Her unfocused eyes staring up at him, grin. This woman is unbelievable. Fili could see Kili closing in on Erebor. Thank Mahal they hadn't gone too far. Her blood covered her pants, and her skin was pale. A sweat broke around her head, making her skin glowing under the sun. He placed her body onto the back of his pony, before swinging behind her. Securing her in his lap, he sent his pony into a gallop.

"Magdalen come on focus on my voice."Fili squeezed her hips.

She hummed slowly bringing her head to look up at him. She laughed a joke that only she knew, reaching up to tug on his mustache braid. Her dainty finger brushing his skin, he tried to focus on getting to Erebor. He ignored the burning feeling she left on his skin, she was concussed. He need to get her to Oin, focus on keeping her awake. Besides she didn't know that touching on a braid was very intimate. Very Intimate.

"Magdalen tell me about your sister." He huffed.

"Susan, Susan." She cried softly, muttering a incoherent sentence under her breathe. He caught the words beautiful, smart, and 'a pain in my ass'. She was losing the battle she found herself in very quickly. Fili kicked his heels into his pony's belly as they raced to Erebor in top speed.

"A-are the kids okay." She whispered, the gates of Erebor within reach.

"Magdalen they are fine, Kili took them back to Bofur and Poppy."

She began to sob loudly, curling tightly into his side. "Poppy and Bofur are going to hate me, I put them in danger. I put them in danger."

"I make everything worse, I just want to go home." Her cries became screams of pain.

Fili huffed as the horse speed through the gates. He was met with a familiar seen Oin pushing through the crowd Deamra and Galin behind them. Kili stood off the the side holding the Ur kids as they cried. Their faces red and puffy from stress.

She began to seize in his arms. Her eyes rolled to the back of her head. "Magdalen!" He yelled, panic filled his eyes as he desperately called for Oin to hurry up.

Magdalen felt like she was in a washer, just tumbling around and around. Spots of darkness filled her vision, letting small flashes of lights dot her eyes. She heard cried, taking a moment to realize that they were her cries. She held soft furs in her palms for dear life. Her stomach summersaulted lurching, ready to spill all the contents of her belly.

"Fili!"

"MAGGIE"

Time didn't seem to exist in the void of darkness that wrapped itself around her. She tried to open her eyes catching glimpses of the kingdom she had come to love. She was exhausted, she let the air leave her lungs as she gave into the sleep that called her name.

Familiar voices playing in her dreams.

"Magdalen... listen. Focus on my voice."

"She's not breathing."

"I just want to go home."

Was that my voice?

"Maggie, you can't leave yet."

"My girl…. You have to keep fighting."

"Dushin-Mizim please come back…."