Big thanks to Morte Giver, PadfootCc, AlyssaMichelle07 and GemmaJoWhiting1 for following/favouriting.

Eruwaedhiel95 – Thought the news of a sequel would please you.

TigerLily2214- Of course she would! But I think the whole idea would be extremely nerve racking for her.

Marina Oakenshield – Wedding will come along VERY SOON! And hopefully you will all enjoy the sequel.

ThePsychoticDuck – Glad you thought that added a great touch.

Tessastarchild – Such a cute chapter

BloodyTink – When I was writing it I couldn't help but feel slightly jealous of Juliet. Don't worry you will find your own Fili!

The One where Life takes a New Turn

"Aye that's it lass. Keep applying the pressure."

As Oin shouted out instructions I bit my lip to avoid biting his head off. It had been three weeks since I'd accepted Fili's proposal and life under the mountain certainly hadn't slowed down. If anything it had speeded up. The past two weeks I'd been helping Oin out in the infirmary. Although I loved being able to help I couldn't help but regret my insistence on "being useful".

"Right then," Oin clapped his hands before taking a look at the huge cut on a fat dwarf's leg. I'd been helping stop the bleeding but the dwarf had been yelling and cursing from all the pain. Placing one hand on my shoulder the healer smiled at me. There were some occasions where I was allowed to use my magic to heal the injured dwarves. And then there were other days where Oin taught me other ways of treating wounds.

"What do you give him for the pain?"

Screwing up my face I bit my lip; trying to remember what Oin's notebook said. The healer had given it to me so I could read up on the best herbs, tonics and treatments for the sick. After being finally able to decipher his handwriting I'd found myself absorbed in the book. I'd been more amazed Oin had found the time to write all his knowledge down than being amazed at what he actually knew. Most nights I stayed up late reading up on the best ways to cure a fever, stop a wound from getting infected. There were even a few pages about helping women cope with the pain of childbirth.

"Lass"

Snapping out of my thoughts I shook my head.

"A tonic of feverfew and wolfstone?"

Oin nodded before taking the selected bottle and handing it to the dwarf who downed it in one. Shaking my head I couldn't help but wonder what the dwarves of Erebor would make if they saw teenagers back in my old world knocking back shots after shot. I stepped back as Oin bandaged the wound before helping the dwarf to his feet. To my surprise he nodded at me as he was leaving.

"Thank ye lass. Much appreciated."

Oin rolled his eyes. "I've been doing this every day for years and I've never gotten a single thank you!"

"Must be my charm." I winked at him before pushing a few stray locks of hair from my face. Slipping Fili's ring back on my finger I realised it would be time for dinner soon. Shaking my head I didn't even say goodbye to Oin. Instead I all but ran from the room and began navigating the complex maze that were the halls of Erebor. Nearly every dwarf I passed called out to me. Some called hello whilst the majority yelled at me as I did my best to avoid crashing into them. I even heard one old dwarf mutter something about Kili having a secret twin.

"Try living my life mate." I muttered before slipping down one of the quieter corridors to catch my breath. Bending over I shook my head.

"I…so need to…to work out."

Sitting against the wall I took yet another look at the ring on my finger. If had thought being Fili's fiancée meant I would have a quiet life I couldn't have been more wrong. One day I would sit on the throne of Erebor and Fili must have mentioned my mini panic attack to Thorin because I now found myself with a schedule busier than anyone's. If Gandalf was still here I'd have asked him for help on finding time for everything. But as soon as it was clear I would make a full recovery he left without so much as a goodbye.

In the morning I had to sit through five hours of studying. History, politics, finance, languages, the list went on. Then after lunch I'd spend another three hours helping Oin in the infirmary. Fili hadn't been overly sure about my decision but after a long debate me, Kili, Thorin and Oin managed to bring him round. Finally I'd have at least two hours sparring practise before dinner and then bed.

And on top of all that I had a wedding to plan.

That however, wasn't as hard as I first thought. I didn't have to think about food or where the actual ceremony would be held. Erebor seemed to have been designed with these sorts of ceremonies in mind. The great hall was the most awe inspiring room I'd ever set eyes on. Bombur was sorting out the food whilst Fili's mother was helping with most of the organising. All that left me with was my dress and my vows.

Getting to my feet I quickly jogged down the corridor towards the training rooms. I hadn't seen Fili since yesterday and although I knew it was pathetic there was a small part of me that couldn't help but jump up and down at the thought of seeing him again.

"GOT'CHA!"

I squealed as arms wrapped themselves around me and spun me round. I could hear Fili laughing behind me whilst my heart was struggling to get back to its normal pace. As he set me back on my feet I eased out of his grip before giving him a mock glare.

"Don't do that! You scared me!"

He took my hand. "Sorry. I couldn't resist."

"Course not." I rolled my eyes whilst Fili linked his arm in mine. Kissing the side of his neck hurriedly I leant against him.

"I missed you."

Fili snorted but I could see the light shine in his eyes.

"Thorin wanted me to tell you there's going to be a council meeting the day after tomorrow."

I nodded. Yet another part of training to be a queen. I could hear the annoyance in his voice. Although he was next in line to the throne, Fili hated council meetings with a passion. It was the one thing that truly set us apart. Even though I struggled to understand some of the fancy political terms I couldn't help but find the meetings interesting. Maybe it was because the novelty hadn't yet worn off for me.

"Did he say what it's about?"

Fili kissed the top of my hair. "He just said the people of Laketown requested the meeting. I know Bard is coming."

My stomach did a little flip at this news. Fili didn't know of course but I'd been secretly hoping to visit Laketown one day. I knew they'd been rebuilding it after Smaugs attack but I wanted to meet the man who had smuggled the dwarves into Laketown before realising what their arrival would mean for him. Fili held me close and I did my best to give him a confused look.

"Bard?"

He nodded, "The leader of Laketown. He wrote to uncle explaining his people were in dire need of help. He wouldn't say what and I think Thorin wants to discuss it with him in person."

I opened my mouth when Fili held me at arm's length.

"Why exactly are we talking about council meetings? Shouldn't we be sparring?"

I nodded, "But for that you need to be in a proper training room. And we aren't there yet."

"Smart, beautiful and cheeky." He hugged me hard and I slipped my arms around his waist and held him tight against me. My legs gave the tinniest of shakes as a burning pain started up in my head. I ignored Fili's gaze in the hope he hadn't noticed. Sadly this dwarf noticed everything about me. Pushing hair from my head he frowned.

"Juliet are you alright?"

I nodded before placing a hand on my forehead.

"I healed someone who had a fever. I didn't think it would affect me."

Fili's eyes widened, "Of course it would! You're exhausting yourself already without healing people as well."

As much as I loved his protective streak I couldn't help but wish Fili would shut up. He gently placed a hand on my forehead and before I could say anything he gathered me in his arms.

"You're burning up." He said grimly. I could see a hint of anger in his eyes.

"I'll be fine. This is hardly the worst thing that's happened to me is it?"

"I know," he sighed. "It just hurts me that you'll willingly injure yourself or make yourself ill. There are other ways of healing people you know."

"And Oin has been a great teacher." I countered. However I could feel the fever raging through my body. Already my head felt like it was being thrown against a brick wall repeatedly. Snuggling against Fili I shut my eyes to try and battle the blinding pain. I could feel my body give another small shake before I succumbed to sleep.

When I woke up the first thing I noticed was my head no longer felt like it was being split open. The second thing I noticed was I had a cold cloth over my forehead. Small drops of water dripped down my face and as I forced myself into a sitting position the cloth slipped from my head and landed on my hand. At the sudden rush of cold I gasped and threw the cloth aside.

"How are you?"

At Fili's voice I jumped slightly. Smoothing my face into a calm one I turned to see him sitting by my bed. Although he looked worried I noticed his eyes were full of annoyance. Nodding my head I studied his face carefully.

"You're pissed off with me aren't you?"

I said it gently in the hope he wouldn't think I was having a go at him. He gave a small shrug.

"I wouldn't call it that. I'm just annoyed. Everyone has their limit Juliet."

"I know," I held out my hand and gently caressed his palm. "I honestly didn't think it would affect me."

He nodded. Sliding along so he could sit beside me I gently pointed to the cloth that had now found its way onto the floor. Fili smiled grimly.

"You had a fever. What did you expect us to do?"

He put an arm round me whilst I toyed with the blankets. Fili looked down at his hands.

"I asked Oin if it was okay to give you a break for a bit. Just until the wedding is over."

I could tell there was no room for argument in his voice. In truth I was starting to agree with Fili. I loved working in the infirmary with Oin but – on top of everything else – I knew the extra work was taking its toll on me. I thanked my lucky stars Fili didn't know about some of my new scars. I had one on my leg from where a dwarf had dropped a burning hot poker on himself. Another was on the back of my shoulder. I hadn't asked the dwarf in question how he got it. Nodding I pressed my lips against Fili's and I saw that familiar look in his eyes as he ran his fingers through my hair.

"The council meeting is at three," he muttered thickly. "I don't have anything to do until then."

Leaning against him I peppered his face with kisses. Fili sat up and pulled me onto his lap. Wrapping my legs around him I could feel the heat flooding my body. His hands roamed up and down my waist whilst our tongues brushed against each other's.

"You're beautiful," he gasped between kisses. "I know I keep saying it. But it's true."

I rubbed my body against his. "Trust me when I say words can't describe what you mean to me."

He blushed before pulling his jacket off. I heard the familiar clatter of his many knives but I didn't bother looking. Fili gently pushed me onto my back. His mouth moved away from my face and down my neck whilst I pressed my hands against his firm stomach. Without even realising it my hands were pulling at Fili's shirt in an attempt to get it off him. I didn't want to go all the way with him right now. But that didn't mean I couldn't stare at his chest.

"Juliet," Fili came up for air and locked eyes with me. For a few second both of us sat there breathless before Fili lay down beside me.

"I've never wanted a wedding to come round so fast." He blushed, "That sounds worse that it was supposed."

He placed a hand against my cheek. "I know I promised I wouldn't force you – and I'll honour that promise – but I want you so much. "

Resting my head on his chest I breathed in his warm scent.

"Only a few more weeks love. Then you'll have me forever."

He blushed at my words before kissing the top of my head. I didn't want this moment to end. This moment where there was no one else; just me and Fili. As I felt him get up I couldn't suppress my groan. Chuckling Fili pulled me to my feet.

"Come on. Get some dinner and then we've got a meeting to go to."

As me, Fili and Kili made our way into the meeting hall I saw Thorin at the head of the huge table that took up most of the room. Next to him stood a tall man with shoulder length hair. His fur coat hovered above the floor and although he had his back to me I knew exactly who he was. As he noticed our presence Thorin gave a nod in my direction and Bard turned to face us. He gave grave nods to both Fili and Kili before narrowing his eyes at me.

"And who might you be?"

I could see the kindness in his eyes. I opened my mouth when Fili stepped up.

"Bard, allow me to introduce you to Juliet. My fiancée."

At the pride in Fili's voice I blushed whilst Kili winked at us. Bard held out his hand and I shook it warmly.

"The girl who carried the Dragonstone." He nodded his head.

"You know about that?"

Bard smiled before letting go of my hand. "Everyone knows about what you did Juliet. And we cannot express how much we are in your debt."

"Wow." I shook my head at this small revelation. As soon as the introductions were done Thorin motioned for us to sit. As always he sat at the head with Bard on his left and Fili and Kili on his right. I sat next to Kili.

"The others will be here shortly." Thorin muttered and as if on cue the door opened and four more dwarves strolled in. Balin gave me a warm smile whilst the others nodded at me. Nordri; a well-built dwarf with dark brown hair and bright blue eyes took his seat opposite me. I couldn't help but fix him with a sharp look. Most of the dwarves in Erebor seemed to be in favour of women having a mind of their own. Many of the finest warriors were women. However there were some such as Nordri who didn't share that view. Safe to say every council meeting involved a small verbal war between the pair of us. Fili flashed me a look before shooting a glare at Nordri who shrugged. Balin placed a hand on my shoulder before looking at Thorin who had gotten to his feet.

"I've called this meeting because I received a letter from Bard explain the people of Laketown were in trouble. However," he flashed Bard a look, "The letter failed to explain what sort of trouble the town is in."

Thorin sat down and cocked his head at Bard. The man nodded and slowly got to his feet. Now that he was standing he dwarfed over every body and I couldn't help but feel slightly unnerved. It had been a while since I'd been near anyone who wasn't a dwarf and once again my short height made me feel very vulnerable. Bard leant forward and faced everyone.

"Ever since Laketown has been rebuilt we've found ourselves under the gaze of many…opportunists. The newfound wealth of the town has made it an ideal target for smugglers and pirates."

This caught my attention. Sitting up I leant forward as Bard carried on talking.

"We have a limited number of soldiers and whilst we've been able to stave off the first few attacks they recently been coming in large numbers. We won't be able to hold them off for much longer. Only last month a large group of smugglers attacked. Several houses were raised to the ground and around ten people were killed in the attack. We need some form of reinforcements."

As Bard sat down Thorin got to his feet.

"Well?"

The council began muttering to each other. I shared a look with Fili and Kili and it was clear we were thinking the same thing. Laketown deserved our help. Thorin hadn't helped them after Smaug destroyed the town so it was only fair that he helped them now. I was about to say this when Nordri got to his feet.

"When you say reinforcements…what numbers did you have in mind? You can't expect us to give up an entire army for the benefit of your town."

"Of course not!" Bard narrowed his eyes whilst Nordri gave him a sympathetic look.

"We need to put the safety of Erebor first."

"That doesn't mean we can't help them." I countered. Nordri rolled his eyes and I could already feel the familiar annoyance building up. Kili squeezed my hand under the table and I took several deep breaths as Nordri gave me that patronising smile that I always wanted to smack off his face.

"So what would you have us do?"

"We help them." As I spoke I saw the other dwarves nodding enthusiastically.

"They deserve our help. And surely we can spare enough warriors to go and fight them off. Once the attackers realise Laketown is well defended they won't come back."

"How do we know this? How long would it take for us to convince these pirates to leave the town alone? And how do we know they won't ever come back?"

I couldn't answer this. Nordri folded his arms and gave me a slight smirk. Forcing the anger down my throat I faced Thorin.

"We don't know if they won't ever come back, but there's a good chance they won't if they realise the odd aren't in their favour," I faced Nordri with my own smirk.

"The only way to beat bullies is to stand up to them. That always worked when I was a kid anyway."

"I hardly see how that's relevant." Nordri's biting voice was starting to get to me now. I gave Fili a quick glance and he flashed me a warm smile. I could see the pride in his eyes and I wanted nothing more than to hold him close. Shaking my head I swallowed my nerves and face Nordri.

"The point is we can spare enough warriors to go and help the people of Laketown. They've helped us in the past and now it's our turn. It's our duty to help them."

I saw Thorin nod firmly and I let out a shaky breath. Nordri opened his mouth when Thorin got his feet.

"It appears to be pretty unanimous." He turned to Bard. "Have you an idea of when the next attack could be?"

Bard shrugged, "They usually come every month or so. There's a good chance they'll launch an attack at some point next week."

Thorin nodded. "Very well. I'll send over a small party of dwarves in a few days."

Bard nodded before getting to his feet. With a nudge from Kili I did the same and followed the others from the room as Thorin and Bard carried on talking. Nordri flashed me a glance and the second we were in the corridor I found myself walking towards him.

"Juliet!" Fili pulled me back, "He's not worth it." He whispered. Kili nodded firmly

"I know," I smiled at the pair. "But I've never wanted to smack someone so badly."

"Juliet?"

I cursed as Nordri came up behind me. At the sight of his stupid smirk I clenched my fists behind my back. Nordri ignored Fili and Kili and instead fixed his gaze on me.

"Interesting point you made about duty. Given that you clearly don't know yours."

"Meaning?" I stepped closer towards him and I could feel Fili and Kili tense behind me. Nordri shrugged.

"Well instead of sitting in on matters of state you should be focusing on more important things."

"Let me guess." I spat, "Having children?"

He leaned in closer, "I'm surprised your parents never taught you where your place in life was."

Within the blink of an eye I pushed Nordri against the wall. He was a big dwarf but I held my arm across his chest. As I brought a knife out I heard Fili yell my name out behind me.

"Leave it love!"

"You can say what the hell you like about me," I hissed, "But say one thing about my family and I'll see to it your life becomes a living hell."

With a shaky breath I sheathed my knife and stepped back into the comforting hold of Fili's arms. Nordri didn't say anything as Fili put an arm around me and led me down the corridor. Kili placed a hand on my shoulder as I wiped my eyes.

"You alright?" Kili flashed me a smile and I nodded.

"He won't be if he says another word against my family."

Fili kissed my cheek. "They'd be proud of you for standing up for them like that."

I nodded. I hadn't thought about my family in ages. I had a new one now. Dis was in many ways my mother and Kili had been like my brother from the second I met him. As for the rest of the company they filled in the role of annoying but funny cousins. Of course there were some days when I would want to tell my mum something or ask my dad how his day was. And then I'd remember they weren't there anymore. Those days were the worst. But then I would see Fili or Kili or any of the others and my life would instantly get brighter.

"So then?" I pushed my parents from my mind, "When are we heading to Laketown?"

Fili and Kili sighed and I already knew what was coming.

"Don't leave me out of this one?"

"Juliet," Fili faced me, "It'll be dangerous. You need to stay here where I know you'll be safe."

"If it makes you feel better Tauriel isn't going." Kili added. I shook my head.

"Have you told her yet?"

He blushed, "No…but she certainly won't be going!"

At the protectiveness in both brothers' voices I nodded.

"Fine."

Fili gaped at me. No doubt he had been expecting more of a fight. Instead I held up my hands.

"Fili you know I would do anything for you. If it makes you happy I'll stay."

He kissed the top of my head.

"Thank you miz dornessiti."

Of course I had no intention of staying behind. Judging by the argument I'd overheard between Kili and Tauriel it seemed clear the elf was thinking along the same lines. Thorin, Fili, Kili, Dwalin, Oin, Gloin, Nordri and his cousin Dorni set off to Laketown a few days after the meeting. The second I had seen their ponies travelling across the plains outside Erebor I ran back to my room and grabbed as many weapons as I owned. It was scary how like Fili I was becoming. I now owned a sword, four daggers, three knives and two throwing axes. I also had a brand new bow courtesy of Kili. After strapping all my weapons to my body I turned to go and see Tauriel when I saw the elf standing in my doorway. She'd gotten rid of her elfin tunic and now wore dark trousers and a dark blue tunic like Kili's. Like me she had all her weapons with her and I couldn't resist grinning from ear to ear at the sight. Tauriel threw a knife in the air and caught it expertly.

"I can't believe they actually think we'll stay behind."

I shook my head before following her out of my room. As we headed through the corridors Tauriel eyed me.

"Are you okay riding with me?"

I nodded although the thought of getting on a huge horse didn't fill me with confidence. Still I knew Tauriel would make sure I was safe.

When we reached the stables I waited as she led her horse out. When I saw it was already saddled and bridled I shook my head.

"You were really prepared weren't you?"

"Those two princes should know us better by now."

Nodding I allowed her to lift me onto the horses back before jumping on herself. Wrapping my arms around Tauriel I kept my gaze on her back; knowing if I looked down then that would be it. Clicking her teeth Tauriel gently kicked the horse in the rump and the animal flew out of the stables. Tightening my grip I steeled myself for what sort of welcome we would receive in Laketown.

Bit of a filler chapter here so I apologise for that. But the next chapter should be a lot more action packed so there's that to look forward to. I wanted really to have a look at how Juliet copes with her new life in Erebor. Plus I couldn't resist adding Bard in this story. I loved him so much in The Hobbit and I wanted to bring him back to see what he was up to after the events of the film. Let me know what you think.