Big thanks to Gyromice89 and valhallababe for following/favouriting.

Eruwaedhiel95 – Bombshell indeed!

Filisgirl251 – I was really debating over it but then I just thought it made sense for her to get so worried about this fight BECAUSE of BOTFA and then end up telling him everything.

The Noise Of Thunder – No I could never do that. No there will be happy endings all round.

Nice Egan – I don't get it either. I agree Kiliel was done poorly in the films simply because it was rushed but that aside I think she's really cool. Haha, and yeah obviously it's a lot for him to take in but things will work out.

IngaTheLass – Glad you've enjoyed it that much! Hopefully the rest will be just as good.

The One with Love and War

"I need a bowl of boiling water!"

"Have we got any spare bandages?"

"Boiling water now!"

"I've got one pair of hands Oin! Just give me two bloody seconds!"

Shutting my mouth I gave the healer an apologetic smile. He nodded back and I handed him his requested bowl of water. It had been two hours since Gorrack had started his attack and within an hour we'd had injured men coming through. Gloin had already been in twice for minor gashes and – as expected – had ignored my instructions to stay put. The ranger sitting on the bed gave me a nervous glance as I leaned over him with a knife.

"Are you sure you know what you're doing?"

Raising an eyebrow I looked down at myself. Dressed in Fili's armour with a bloodied apron tied round me I looked like I'd been fighting myself. I'd bound by hair back to keep it out of the way and my wedding ring hung on a chain around my neck to keep it safe. Nodding I rubbed his shoulder. He couldn't have been older than nineteen and his black hair fell over his face.

"Trust me. I know exactly what I'm doing. Just lie back and take deep breaths."

I didn't bother to tell him how much this would hurt. He knew that already just by looking at his leg. Gorrack's weapons clearly weren't clean – almost every injury caused by a sword was infected. In the case of this ranger I'd need to place added pressure on the wound to get rid of the pus. He gave me a nod.

"Get on with it then. Can't sit around here all day." He gave me a sly grin and I nodded.

"If you want to scream don't worry. Everyone else is."

He winked at me, "Wouldn't want to embarrass myself in front of a lady would I?"

I knew he was only teasing. He could see my braids – and my stomach for that matter. But if it took his mind of the pain then I didn't mind playing along. He lay back down on the bed and I gently held the tip of the knife over a small Bunsen burner. Biting my lip I waited a few seconds before placing it over the wound.

He screamed. I mean really screamed.

Shutting my eyes I tried to block out the noise. Even though I'd spent years working here as a healer the sound of people's screams still threw me off. I added as much pressure onto the wound as I could – knowing it would speed up the process. Just when I didn't think it would be possible for the ranger to scream anymore his leg shuddered and I opened my eyes to see white sticky stuff leaking from the wound. The ranger meanwhile had fainted. Pushing his hair from his face I hurriedly cleaned and stitched the gash. If he kept it clean he might be able to keep his leg. Dropping the knife into a bowl of hot water I pulled the blankets over him and moved back towards Oin. He was busy examining another rangers back. Blood covered it and when I saw the knife sticking out of his shoulder I couldn't help my gasp. Oin smiled at me.

"I need ye to help brace him Juliet."

As he indicated at the man's shoulders I nodded. Standing in front of him I pushed his shoulders towards Oin who was pushing them back towards me with one hand and pulling on the knife with the other. The man's face showed no sign of pain and I couldn't help but wonder if this was a regular thing for him. Only when the knife dropped to the floor did he wince. Oin pressed a cloth over the cut before turning to me the second I yawned. I'd had no sleep in god knew how long.

"Juliet, if ye need to rest it's fine."

I shook my head as I helped clean up the blood.

"Oin I'm fine. Even if I was tired – which I'm not – I wouldn't go and rest. I need to be doing something else I'll go mad with worry."

He nodded, "Fili will be alright."

"I know Oin. I know."

"Juliet!"

Looking round I saw Legolas helping someone towards me. They were far shorter than he was and as they got closer I realised it was Dwalin. Legolas rolled his eyes and let go of Dwalin who stumbled into the closest chair. Grabbing a cloth and bandages I hurried towards the pair. Dwalin had blood all over his face from a cut on his forehead. Legolas meanwhile looked remarkably unscathed. Dirty but unhurt. Pressing a wet cloth on Dwalin's face I couldn't stop my hands from shaking.

"What's happening out there?"

Dwalin shook his head and Legolas sighed.

"Pure chaos."

"It's like fighting bloody animals!" Dwalin snapped, "I've never seen an army so…insane!"

Nodding I tried to keep calm, "And Fili?"

Dwalin gave me a slight smile, "He's loving it Juliet. It seems him and his brother are trying to see who can kill the most people."

"Oh well then," I gave Dwalin a pout, "If you happen to see him tell him that whilst he's out there enjoying himself I'm constantly worried someone's going to be carrying his body in here!"

Legolas gave me a smile as he helped Dwalin to his feet. Although the dwarf looked as angry as hell I noticed he accepted the help.

"We do have some good news," Legolas offered. I perked up at this and Dwalin nodded.

"Aye. Dain's sent help. One hundred and fifty extra soldiers. Just in time as well."

At least the odds were a bit more even now. As Dwalin began making his way towards the doors I noticed Legolas standing by my side.

"Can I help you?"

He shook his head, "It's complete carnage. I've been in battle before. But to see dwarves fighting dwarves? It's unbelievable."

"How are we doing?"

He shrugged, "It's hard to say. At least a hundred of Gorracks army is dead. Probably more. But we've lost our fair share as well."

Nodding I watched as he gave a small bow before leaving. Holding my hands together I tried to keep calm. I had to keep a cool head and focus on what I was doing. Oin beckoned me over and I slipped through the beds as best I could. He gave a small shake of the head.

"I don't know if we can fit any more people in here. And we need to."

I did a quick glance around the room.

"Anyone who is well enough to walk but too weak to fight will have to wait in one of the other rooms. Any rooms. Bedrooms, offices, meeting rooms. Just anywhere. We need to keep beds free."

Oin nodded, "According to one man there's plenty of wounded that are trapped out on the battle field."

"Can't anyone help them?"

It'd be too dangerous. If you stop to help you risk being killed yourself."

I nodded. Before I even realised it I'd taken my apron off and grabbed my sword. Oin gaped at me as I grabbed his medicine bag and filled it with supplies.

"Juliet this is madness! It's suicide."

Stuffing a final roll of bandage into the bag I rounded on Oin.

"Be honest with me. If I don't go will those people live?"

He shook his head. I didn't even give him another glance as I turned and ran from the room. I knew this was crazy. But I knew that I couldn't just sit by whilst I knew I could help people. When I reached the main gates I bit my lip. As much as I wanted to see Fili and know he was alright I prayed I didn't see him. If he knew I was out here it wouldn't be Gorrack's anger I had to worry about.

I'd always assumed a battle wouldn't worry me. I'd watched plenty on TV after all. Heck I did Game of Thrones marathons during dinner! But that was TV. It wasn't real life. In real life everything suddenly became much bigger, much bolder and much scarier. Within seconds of stepping out of Erebor I was greeted with chaos. Men and dwarves were shouting and screaming at each other. As I watched the carnage unfold it was only now that I realised I had no plan. As usual I'd just jumped straight in and hoped things would be alright. Oin had said there were wounded men out here. But where? They could be right in front of me or they could be miles away. And I had to somehow get to them without being killed. Drawing my sword I took a deep breath.

And ploughed straight in.

To my surprise no one took any notice of me. For the rangers I was too small to bother with – plus being the only girl it didn't take a genius to tell them who I was – and most of the other dwarves were busy with their own enemies. Gripping my sword tightly I scurried through the raging armies, switching my gaze from side to side in case I came across an injured person.

"Gimli!"

Kneeling beside the dwarf I gaped at him in shock. Blood covered one of his arms and his legs. Easing him out of his armour I hurriedly dabbed at the cuts. He gave me a frown.

"Juliet? Ye shouldn't be out here!"

"Well next time you get injured I'll just stay inside the nice warm mountain shall I?"

Gimli laughed before hissing with pain as I quickly bandaged his arm.

"It's not perfect but it'll stop the bleeding for now."

After doing the same with his leg I watched – with some amusement – as he tried to stand. Only to stumble and sink to his knees. Grabbing him I helped him sit up. He went to thank me when the body of a fat dwarf fell beside us. Gimli held his arm in front of me to avoid it brushing my side. Trying to ignore the sightless eyes lying beside me I helped Gimli up.

"Go to Oin and get stitched up."

He shook his head and I forced down my temptation to slap him.

"That wasn't a request Gimli. If I find you anywhere on this battlefield these wounds will be the least of your worries!"

He gave me a proud smile and I helped him to his feet. Turning round I was aware of screams and shouts raging through my head. They all blurred into one and I didn't dare think about Thorin and the others. If I kept telling myself they would be fine then I knew I'd be alright. Gimli kept giving me nervous glances.

"I saw Fili half an hour ago."

Ducking to avoid an arrow I gave a small nod.

"And?"

"And he's fine. A bit battered but he looks fine."

Gimli gave my stomach a gentle pat. "Trust me Juliet. Those twins will have a father. I promise."

We didn't say anything. Instead I helped Gimli back towards the mountain. I knew I should stay and help the rest of the wounded. But Gimli could barely stand with my help. So together we forced our way through the heaving masses of people.

"Juliet!"

I didn't have time to breathe as Gimli pushed me to the ground. Landing on my back I looked up to see him raise his sword at the dwarf who was charging towards us. The blades clashed and I knew I'd have ringing in my ears for a long time after the battle ended. Gimli was doing his best but I knew his wound was taking its toll. Forcing myself to my feet I watched as his blade was all but ripped from his hands. I'd only just drawn my own when our attacker froze before falling dead at our feet. Legolas gave us a nod before fitting another arrow. Gimli huffed in annoyance but I knew he was grateful for the elf's help. Legolas did a double take when he saw me.

"What in Valar's name are you doing out here?" Grabbing my arm he gave me a small shake. I freed myself and sheathed my sword.

"Helping," pointing to Gimli I nodded, "Get him to Oin. Now!"

Legolas scowled but moved towards Gimli. As he did so the dwarf threw his axe in the elves direction. Without so much as blinking Legolas avoided the axe and we both turned to see it land in the stomach of another of Gorrack's men. Gimli sighed.

"I might not like you, ye pointy eared prince. But ye saved our lives. I owed ye."

Shaking my head I waited as the pair headed off towards the mountain. It seemed so weird to think that they would soon become inseparable friends. I knew if I told anyone they'd think I was crazy. Even Fili and he would be the one most likely to believe me. Patting Oin's bag against my side I turned and hurried off into the thick of the fight. Even if I managed to save only a few people it would all be worth it.

I soon lost track of how long I'd been outside. After managing to help around fifty injured soldiers I realised that the battle had spread to the edges of Dale. Seven years on it was still in ruins and I had a feeling this wasn't going to help matters much. Despite everything I couldn't help but be slightly curious about the place. I'd only ever glimpsed it from a distance, nothing more. And given that things were a lot quieter here I'd be safe to have a sneaky look around. Forcing my way through the gradually thinning armies I kept flicking my eyes for Fili. I'd seen Thorin half an hour ago. He hadn't seen me else I'd have been sent back to the mountain under armed guard. But I hadn't caught so much as a glimpse of Fili or Kili. I knew Fili was still alive – my bond alone told me that. But I couldn't stop worrying.

"Talk of the devils."

Glancing up I saw Fili and Kili fighting against three huge dwarves. Gripping my own sword I wondered if I should go and help them. Fili could always yell at me later. But I'd only just moved a foot when Kili sliced one of the men open before Fili ran the others through. Biting my lip I glanced behind me. If I hurried to Dale now Fili wouldn't see me. He wouldn't even know I'd been out here.

"JULIET!"

At Fili's voice I found several curses slipping from my tongue. Risking a glance I saw him racing towards me with Kili close behind. Even though I saw worry in his eyes it did nothing to hide his anger. Grabbing my hands he pulled me away from the battle and onto the edges of the battlefield. Kili gave a nervous glance whilst Fili shook me.

"What in Mahal's name are you doing out here?"

"People were dying. I went to help."

He tightened his grip whilst I hurriedly ran my eyes over his body. It was like Gimli said. Fili was bruised and battered but fine. Kili seemed in a similar state and I allowed myself to relax. They were both fine. Fili meanwhile let go of my hands and grabbed me by my shoulders.

"You never fail to surprise me love."

When he pressed his lips against mine I almost dropped my sword. I certainly hadn't been expecting this reaction. I mean I'd take it over being yelled at – and Fili would almost certainly yell at me when we weren't in mortal peril. Kissing him back just as hard I became aware of Kili clearing his throat. We drew apart and Fili hugged me tight.

"You're bravery is going to get you killed one of these days." I noticed he still sounded proud. I batted my eyelashes.

"But not today."

Fili nodded. "No, because you're going straight back to Erebor."

I didn't shake my head. Instead I simply pulled away from his grip.

"No."

"Juliet I don't care if you're seven months pregnant. I will knock you out and carry you into that mountain if I have to."

Kili seemed just as shocked as I was. I knew Fili only meant he'd do anything to keep me safe. But maybe he could have changed his wording slightly. Kili placed a calming hand on Fili's shoulder. As he pointed to Dale I gave a small nod.

"What about there? It's as safe as anywhere right now. And it's closer than Erebor."

At Kili's suggestion Fili gave me another look before sighing.

"Very well. But this time stay put!"

"I promise. Truly."

With a small shake of his head Fili gave me one last hurried kiss before gently pushing me off in the other direction. I didn't bother trying to get him to come with me. What he had said earlier was true. Unless I went into labour he was going to fight until he either won or died. Keeping my sword out I refused to look back at the brothers. If I did I'd just want to run back to them. Instead I kept my sights fixed on the ruined city in front of me. Up close it looked far worse than I had imagined.

"Huh?"

I wanted to believe that I had imagined the figure. I'd only caught a glimpse before it vanished from site. But I knew I hadn't imagined it. I knew what I'd seen. Gripping my sword with both hands I slowed down until I was taking baby steps. Even so, Dale was so close I was soon within its ruins. The feeling of being watched never left and soon I found myself jumping at the slightest of shadows. Eventually I entered what had to have been the main square. Hurrying up some steps I leant against the ruined walls of a building. Taking deep breaths I tried to ignore the nausea in my stomach.

But I couldn't ignore the sound of footsteps.

Forcing myself to stand up I wielded my sword.

"Hello? Who's there?"

So then. We're in the thick of battle and so far everyone's alive….so far. Let me know what you all think xx