The healer could only imagine that once her companions hit the water it must of felt like knives slicing into their skin. Maura luckily was not one of the ones that had to endure, climbing into the freezing lake. Bard had suggest they enter through the outhouse, which had all the Dwarves scowling, and protesting but they saw no other way of entering that house, without being seen. Maura followed Bard and his son to they're home, the last thing the healer saw before entering the house, was the Dwarves jumping into the water. The company was indoors, sitting near a fire, waiting for the feeling to slowly returned to they're frozen forms. The bowman's daughters were kind enough to bring dry clothing and blankets for the company, they weren't their size but it was better then their own drenched ones. "They may not be the best fit, but they'll keep you warm." Bard stated. Sigrid led Maura to her bedroom and offered her one of her dresses for the healer to wear so she could get out of her wet one. The half-breedbuanked the young girl and she was left in private to get changed.

Maura returned shortly after. She saw Bilbo sitting by the fire, wrapped up in a blanket. Her other companions were scattered throughout the room. The healer saw Thorin staring out the window, his attention was focused on whatever it was he could see through the crack of the window. The half-breed was approaching in his direction right behind the hobbit when the Dwarf prince whispered something. "A Dwarvish wind-lance."

"You look like you've seen a ghost." Bilbo stated, seeing the leader's face looking a little pale as he blew on his hot tea, feeling the warmth against his frozen fingers.

" He has." Balin answered, coming from behind them. "The last we saw such a weapon, a city was on fire. It was the day the dragon came. The day that Smaug destroyed Dale." Maura could feel a chill go through her as the tragic story continued.

"Girion, the Lord of the city, rallied his bowmen to fire upon the beast. But a dragon's hide is tough, tougher than the strongest armor. Only a black arrow, fired from a wind-lance, could have pierced the dragon's hide. And few of those arrows were ever made. His store was running low when Girion made his last stand."

Maura had been holding in her breath, waiting for Balin to continue on, but it was a voice she did not expect. Thorin rarely ever revealed anything about himself, let alone his past, and the healer could hear the anguish in his voice as he spoke. "Had the aim of Men been true that day, much would have been different."

"You speak as if you were there." Bard spoke from behind them, looking at them all skeptical.

"All Dwarves know the tale." Thorin stated, not admitting to nothing. Maura saw out of the corner of her eye, the bowman's son step out from behind him.

"Then you would know that Girion hit the dragon. He loosened a scale under the left wing. One more shot and he would've killed the beast." Dwalin let a small chuckle out at this nonsense.

"That's nothing more then a fairy story, lad." Thorin suddenly stepped forward, seeing enough time had been wasted and didn't see the need to continue this talk any further. The Dwarf Prince looked up at the bowman before speaking.

"You took our money. Where are the weapons?" Thorin demanded.

"Wait here."

Bard disappeared down the stairs to get the weapons he promised, leaving the Dwarves alone for a few to discuss certain matters. Maura wandered over to the hobbit to see how he was doing, while Thorin, Balin and his nephews were discussing how much time they had left before Durin's day fell. They soon heard the man coming back, carrying something and placed it on the table. The Dwarves gathered around and all were not pleased with the weapons Bard had promised them.

"What is this?" Thorin growled as he held the piece of metal in his hand, expecting something a bit more useful.

"Pike hook, made from an old harpoon." The bowman answered sternly.

"And this?" Kili asked next, his voice was a little more calmer then his uncle's furious tone with the man.

"A crowbill, we call it. Fashioned from a smithy's hammer. It's heavy in hand, I grant, but, in defense of your life, these will serve you better than none."

Maura watched the infuriated expressions form on her companion's faces. " We paid you for weapons. Iron-forged swords and axes!" Gloin roared.

"It's a joke!" Bofur accused, tossing the tool in his grip back onto the table, the others following suit and they began crossing their arms, not accepting the man's trade.

"You won't find better outside the city armory. All iron-forged weapons are held there under lock and key. "Bard informed The healer narrowed her eyes, as she watched the dwarves still not satisfied. Even though they didn't have proper weapons, Maura knew perfectly well that their situation could have been a lot more worse. Bard did after all get them this far. The healer also knew for a fact that throughout this journey, her companions had used far lesser tools when in grave danger then the ones they were presented with now. So what if they weren't iron-forged, were they really going to be the stubborn Dwarves that they are and not take what they were being offered? Maura got up from her spot by Bilbo and walked over to Thorin with determination.

"Thorin. Why not take what's been offered and go?" She pressed, the prince looked at her unsure of this. How were they supposed to defend themselves with these?

"Thorin, the lass has a point." Balin interrupted. " let's take what's offered and go. I've made do with less, and so have you. I say we leave now." he declared.

"You're not going anywhere." Bard sneered, causing them all to stop in their tracks and narrow their eyes at the man.

"What did you say?" Dwalin hissed.

"There are spies watching this house and probably every dock and wharf in the town. You must wait until nightfall." the bowman explained, before leaving out the door with haste. The company grumbled and began muttering amongst themselves, wondering what they were to do until nightfall. Maura left Thorin's side and went back over to Bilbo, waiting for their companions to figure out what the next move was.

"Enough! We're leaving now." Thorin ordered.

"You can't leave!" Bain said, running in front of the Dwarves, who were making for the door.

"Get out of our way, lad!" Dwalin growled, shoving the poor boy out of his way. One by one the Dwarves hurried passed Bard's son, out the door. Maura and Bilbo were the last out the door.

The company made their way into the market, hiding behind crates, avoiding being seen by the occasional guard's on night watch that were doing they're rounds.

"As soon as we have the weapons, we make straight for the mountain." The prince whispered. Thorin instructed half of his men to form a pyramid against the armory. He then sent Nori up first, who made it through the window, no problem. Bilbo was next to go and then Bofur. Maura was about to go next when someone grabbed her by the arm and held her back. " Stay here." The prince said.

"I can help." Maura protested.

"You can help. By staying down here and keeping watch." Thorin demanded, before letting her go. Kili walked by the two of them, the healer could see the young Dwarf was in more pain then he was earlier in the day.

"Kili...are you alright?" Maura asked in concern.

"I'm fine," Kili assured looking at his uncle and then climbing in through the window, which Maura saw he did with great difficulties then the others. The healer did as she was told and waited with the others as Thorin was the last to climb in through the window and others waited patiently down below for them to return with weapons. Maura was standing beside Dwalin and Balin, getting anxious as the time went by, when a suddenly crash was heard from inside the armory. They heard the guards yelling, the others had been caught.

"Run!" Dori cried but they barley moved from positions as they all had spears pointed right at their throats and before they knew it, they were all being dragged and pushed through the market.

It was beginning to lightly snow, Maura saw the people peaking out their windows and doors to see what the commotion was happening outside their homes and before long the people of this forsaken town were following them and more and more began to join the crowds as they were being brought to the Master's house. The healer had two guards holding both her arms, tightly but unlike her companions she was one of the few who did not bother to struggle, she was no match for one, and defiantly not two. She rolled her eyes as Dwalin cursed beside her as he struggled with the two men dragging him and they finally came to an abrupt stop.

The doors of the Master's home flung open and out came a rather unappealing man, still trying to put his fur coat. The woman cringed at the sight of this man, his red hair was so greasy looking as if he hadn't washed it in months and he looked to be the only well fed man on this lake, compared to his people who were clearly starving and barely could support themselves and their families, how could he let this happen to his people, was he that greedy, he'd let this town wither and die.

"What is the meaning of this?" The Master roared in annoyance, clearly more upset that his watchmen disturbed him and saw he had an audience.

"We caught 'em stealing weapons, sire." a guard explained.

"Ah. Enemies of the state, then." was the Master's reply.

"A desperate bunch of mercenaries if ever there was, sire." Alfrid hissed. Maura glared up at the disgusting man, remembering him from her encounter on the barge, with Bard.

"Hold your tongue!" Dwalin growled. "You do not know to whom you speak! This is no common criminal! This is Thorin, son of Thrain, son of Thror!" Thorin stepped, placing a hand on his friend's shoulder that it was alright.

"We are the Dwarves of Erebor. We have come to reclaim our homeland." The prince declared, looking to address the rest of the people of this town.

"I remember this town and the great days of old. Fleets of boats lay at harbor, filled with silks and fine gems. This was no forsaken town on a lake! This was the center of all trade in the north!" The crowd began cheering around the company, when hearing this and Thorin continued to speak.

"I would see those days return. I would relight the great forges of the Dwarves, and send wealth and riches flowing once more from the halls of Erebor!" Thorin shouted.

"Death!" The crowd went silent and the company turned to see Bard emerging from the crowd behind them. "That is what you will bring upon us! Dragon fire and ruin. If you waken that beast, it will destroy us all." The healer narrowed her eyes as the man was only a few steps from the prince, fuming as he said this.

"You can listen to this naysayer, but I promise you this: if we succeed, all will share in the wealth of the mountain. You will have enough gold to rebuild Esgaroth ten times over!" Thorin declared, bring another round of cheer from the people of Laketown.

"Why should we take you at your word, eh?" Alfrid challenged, interrupting the cheering. "We know nothing about you! Who here can vouch for your character?"

It was silent all around. Their was no way the company could vouch for their leader, no matter how loyal they were to him or knew him and what type of person he was, they were his kin. Maura couldn't vouch for Thorin. No one would take the word of woman, especially one who was also a Dwarf.

"Me. I will vouch for him." Bilbo spoke up from behind his aunt and seeing that all eyes were now on him. " Now I have traveled far with these Dwarves through great danger and if Thorin Oakenshield gives his word...the he will keep it." he said.

Maura couldn't help but smile as Bilbo said all this and saw the grateful look on the leaders face, as he gave the hobbit a nod of thanks and the crowd was once again cheering all around.

"All of you! Listen to me! You must listen! Have you all forgotten what happened to Dale? Have you forgotten those who died in the firestorm? And for what purpose? The blind ambition of a mountain king, so riven by greed, he could not see beyond his own desire!" Bard protested.

"Now, now, we must not, any of us, be too quick to lay blame. Let us not forget that it was Girion, Lord of Dale, your ancestor, who failed to kill the beast!" The Master responded. The company looked at Bard, and glared at him.

"It's true, sire. We all know the story: arrow after arrow, he shot, each one missing its mark!" Alfrid spat. Bard turned his annoyance from Alfrid and walked closer to Thorin looked down at him so only he could hear what he said.

"You have no right, no right to enter that mountain." Bard seethed.

"I have the only right." Thorin hissed back, before turning to face the Master. "I speak to the Master of the Men of the lake. Will you see the prophecy fulfilled? Will you share in the great wealth of our people? What say you?"

The Master looked around at his people before giving an answer. "I say unto you...welcome! Welcome and thrice, welcome King under the Mountain!" The crowd was cheering louder then ever around them. Maura saw before she got pulled into a tight squeeze by Dwalin, Thorin and Bard glaring at each other and the bowman finally left the crowd, knowing the company had domed them all.

The Master had welcomed the company into his home with open arms and a feast was thrown in honor of his new allies. A hot meal and drink was served and music was played, for those who enjoyed the occasional dance. Maura had to admit, for the first time in a very long time, she was enjoying herself immensely, despite Bard's warning that filled her mind. The healer was being twirled around the room by Bifur. On the other side of the room was Thorin, sitting alone at one of the long tables, sipping his mug of ale staring in their direction. He couldn't stop looking at that smile that had come across her face. He wanted so much just to caress the corner of her mouth, where the smile began and trace his fingers along her face where it ended at her eyes, the way her hair flowed over her shoulders. He even loved that the odd curl seem to have a life of it's own, never seeming to stay in the same spot. He should be the one dancing with her right now. He remember the first time he met her at the hobbit's home, he didn't like her one bit and when he learned she would be coming with them, he couldn't stand her even more so, but once they got to Beorn's house. He began to see her differently and he started to think back on all their disagreement's and constant arguments. Maybe he already liked her, he just wouldn't admit it to himself until now.

The prince was startled when he hear two mug's being slammed down on the wood on either side of him. He looked and saw it was Dwalin and Balin, smirking at him. "Are yah gonna stare at her all night laddie, or you going to ask her to dance with yah already." Dwalin challenged with a chuckle, seeing the young woman was now dancing with Bofur.

"I wasn't staring." Thorin hissed as he got up abruptly and tore his gaze away from the woman and took another sip of ale and saw both brothers looking at him.

"You like her, don't yah?" Dwalin teased as he gave Thorin a pat on the shoulder.

"I don't like her..." Thorin hissed, feeling his face heat up. Balin cocked an eyebrow at this, knowing better. "We'll she's tolerable I suppose." he added. Dwalin burst out laughing at this as Balin manage to keep himself composed.

"Just tolerable eh? She must be more then tolerable for you to be watching her for over half the night. Go dance with the lass." Dwalin encouraged, shoving the prince over in her direction. Thorin stumbled but managed to catch himself before falling and slowly walked over to Maura who was sitting in a chair by the hearth.

"Thorin. Is everything alright?" Maura asked, looking up from her book when she saw an approaching figure coming towards her.

" Yes, I was wondering if you would like to dance...but now that I think of it you're probably tired and just want to be alone." Thorin muttered as he began to walk away.

"I would like that." Maura said and the Dwarf turned to look at her surprised to see that smile begin to form on her face when she said it. The two of them walked over to the floor and her took her right hand in his. When their fingers touch his, he instant felt his heart begin to race. He place his other hand on her waist as she rested her other hand on his broad shoulder and the two of them slowly began to move to music. It was a peaceful melody playing, it reminded Thorin of his homeland, they were so close, just a few more days. The two of them were content in the silence that was shared between them, just moving to the sound of the music. When the melody began to speed up, Thorin twirled her in her spot and felt a smile form on his face when he heard the soft giggle that came from her lips.

"You did a good thing tonight Thorin." Maura began, breaking the silence between them and the prince looked at her. " What you did tonight, bring hope to the people of Laketown, was a wonderful thing. It's what a true king would do." She declared. Thorin was taken by her praise, but he knew it wasn't all him.

"Well, If it wasn't for Bilbo vouching for me. We'd probably be sleeping in the dungeons tonight. I owe everything to him." Thorin said as he looked back into her eyes. Their dance slowly came to a stop. The prince couldn't help himself as one hand came up and gentle stroked the healers cheek. Maura was not only surprised by this, but could feel her skin heat up by this sudden action. Thorin hadn't looked away from her as he began moving closer to her lips, and when he was just inches from her, the healer turned away, letting out a gasp. Thorin awkwardly cleared his throat. What was he thinking? Did he really think she felt anything like he felt for her? What was she doing? Thorin knew nothing of her past. Maura instantly thought of her dead husband and child and the tears were quickly forcing their way out.

"I'm sorry...I can't" She whispered in a shaky voice, and she quickly ran out the door. Thorin sighed and was unsure if he should even attempt to follow her or if he should just give her some space and hope she would come back when she was ready. He looked around the area, until he saw Balin, pointing at the door the healer ran through, indicating for him to go follow her. Thorin mouthed words at his adviser, indicating this was not something he knew how to deal with. But Balin was again pointed at the door for the prince to go follow the woman and finally Thorin waved Balin off and walked out of the room. He wandered down the hall, wondering if she possibly went to her room. He was about to go check when he saw the main door of the Master's home slightly open. He came down the steps about to open the door, when he heard the sound of crying. He opened the door and saw the healer sitting on the steps crying and he came and sat on the step beside her. He caught sight of the thing in Maura's hand. It was an old necklace. It didn't appear to be Dwarvish make, so if he had to guess it was probably Elven. But that wasn't what caught his attention, the necklace held two drawings.

"Maura, what's wrong? Are you okay?" He asked her.

Maura sniffled, and cleared her throat before speaking. " I was married once...a long time ago." She began, Thorin looked at her in shock. He never would have guessed. " I met my husband Dorgol in Rivendell, when Lord Elrond was first teaching me the basics of becoming a healer. Dorgol was a blacksmith and had been injured on the road and had been brought to the valley until he recovered. I was the one to heal him and during his time we grew close and we fell in love with each other. We...ah...also had a son, Roggol. He would have been just a little bit older then Bilbo is right now. I doubt Bilbo even remembers him, he only met him a few times when he was just a child."

"What happened to them?" Thorin dared to ask, though he could see this was incredibly hard for her.

"Living in the Shire, their isn't a lot of places that carry the supplies I use, so I did a lot of traveling back and forth to Rivendell, by myself. My husband often had to travel for work, blacksmith jobs weren't to common around our areas. I was leaving to go to Rivendell to do another supply run, but Dorgol didn't want me traveling alone, especially since word had spread that more orcs were seen on the road and insisted he come with me. Our son was only ten at the time..."

"It happened all so fast that day..." Maura said as the tears came pouring down her face. Thorin reached over with his right hand and took hers and squeezed it, indicating it was alright for her to go on. " We were talking about wanting to have another child when we were attacked. The last thing I remember was Roggol screaming before I completely blacked out. I woke up in Rivendell days later where I was told, Dorgol had been torn to shreds by wargs and...and my son was missing...they never found his...body." The healer broke and buried her face in Thorin's chest as she cried. Thorin wrapped his other arm around her as his right hand still clutched hers. Thorin now understood, why she was so protective of the hobbit. He was the only family she had left, her own family and been taken away from her, like his was. Thorin simply held her, keeping silent as she allowed herself to let her emotions escape freely.

Sometime later in the night, Thorin noticed the crying had stopped and looked to see the healer had passed out. Most likely from the exhaustion of her crying. Careful as to not wake her up, he picked her up and carried her inside and walked down the hall to one of the rooms and opened the door and gently placed the woman on the bed and covered her up. He began to leave the room when he felt something grab his hand and he turned to look at Maura.

"Thank you." She whispered. Thorin gave her a small smile.

"Get some sleep Maura." The healer instantly closed her eyes again and the prince closed the door behind him. Thorin didn't know what to do now. He had feeling's for this young woman, and he wasn't sure if she felt the same, the only thing that was clear was that she was still in pain over the lost of her first love. Was it even possible for someone to have room for someone else in their heart? Thorin thought about this for awhile in his room before succumbing to his own exhaustion.