A mighty warrior is being brewed

Feeling bored was just one of the many things that Dru was used to by now when it came to the 'joys' of pregnancy. However, whilst Helga and Bodil had both recommended that she rest, they also insisted that she get out and exercise.

Much to the chagrin of Fili and Thorin.

Fili liked keeping her to their rooms or at least, on the same level at all times, because he feared the stairs would be too treacherous or tiring for her.

And Thorin was always sending Rana or Eilonwy or Dis to 'distract' her or keep her entertained if he could not go himself.

It was sweet of them to think of her, but since her child seemed healthy and her paranoia about looking after herself had grown less the bigger she got, she really wanted to stretch her feet and walk about like normal.

So now, since no one was available to 'babysit' her, she headed to the one place she knew the majority of her friends and family would be.

As she carefully made her way down the steps, the loud grunts and shouts reached her ears and actually made her feel a little better about her decision.

It had been over six months since she'd been training and even been down there because it hadn't been necessary for her.

And as the rings came into sight, her people and friends fighting and training one another, she felt a little thrill go through her.

She longed to have this child, but she also longed for the days she could be back there, fighting it out and having a right laugh.

As she reached the last step, her presence had not gone unnoticed and Fili came jogging over, a frustrated look in his eyes.

"What are you doing here? You should be resting," he sighed and looked about him, before lowering his voice, "Bodil said-"

"Bodil and Helga BOTH said I needed to get out and walk and this is my exercise for the day," she refrained from rolling her eyes at him as she said this, "I just came down because I heard Thorin was fighting and wanted to watch."

"Dru," Fili leaned closer, "you should go upstairs and ret. I'm sure-"

"Make me."

Fili blinked a couple of times at Dru's simple statement.

"Go on then," she folded her arms across her chest and tilted her head to the side, waiting, "make me."

Now, had this been Dru from eight months back, he would have happily tossed her over his shoulder and carried her all the way back up, kicking and screaming.

But as she was now, quite large and well rounded...well, he didn't think he could safely pick her up in his arms and carry her back upstairs.

His shoulders sagged in defeat and she smirked triumphantly.

"Thought as much," she took a step to the side and looked around, "so where's our Uncle?"

"Bottom ring," Fili protectively placed his arm on her back and shook his head in exasperation, "come on, I'll take you."

She WAS going to point out that she knew exactly where that was, but she had a feeling he just wanted to keep her safe all the time.

He took her over to the farthest ring, but instead of taking her nearer the sides, he steered her towards the seating area, though she was rather aggrieved since she'd been sitting on her backside most of the day anyway.

Thorin was, of course, fighting against Dwalin and neither pulled their punches. But both were exceptionally good at blocking and watching them fight was just as entertaining as watching an actual battle (though without the loss of life, of course.)

"Kick him in his jam bags!" Dru called out eagerly, though she didn't really aim the comment at either one. She just REALLY wanted to see a good fight.

At that moment, a sweaty and red-faced Kili came wandering over, towelling himself down from his heavy session.

"Thought you were supposed to be resting?" He sat down on the benches in front of Dru and wiped off his sweat his brow, flicking a little on Dru without meaning to.

"I thought you were supposed to be handsome," she grimaced and wiped the back of her now wet hand on her dress, "honestly, what does Tauriel see in you?! Short, sweaty and-"

"Devilishly charming," he smirked at her and shrugged his shoulders, "what can I say, I'm such a catch."

"Catch like a cold," Fili muttered and tried not to snort at his little brother's indignant glare, but Kili then turned his attention back to Dru.

"Can I?" Kili indicated to her stomach and Dru couldn't help but laugh.

"Go on then," she leant back awkwardly so her elbows were resting on the bench behind her and Kili leaned forward so his head was resting on her stomach.

"Hello little one," he spoke in soothing tones to the child in Dru's stomach, "did you miss your Uncle Ki'? Sorry, you missed me yesterday, we were out all day shopping for the perfect little crib for you."

"Kili," Fili's lips twitched as listened to the gentle way Kili spoke to his wife's stomach, "you know they won't reply to you, right?"

"They can still hear me."

He carried on talking, Dru and Fili sharing an amused look as he began to list out all the gifts and trips he was going to take them on.

Suddenly, feeling a strange sensation against his cheek, he pulled back and looked at her bump in surprise.

"Dru," he looked into her eyes, questioning if what just happened ACTUALLY happened, "did you-"

"Shh," she hushed him and stuck her tongue out cheekily, "don't spoil the surprise for others."

Turning his attention back around, he saw that Thorin and Dwalin were taking a break and that their Uncle was walking over to them with a raised brow at Kili's strange expression.

"You fought well," Dru said, thinking quickly to distract him.

He climbed over the benches until he could sit on the other side of her and nodded.

"Thank you. I appreciate that coming from my best fighter," he took a casual swig of his skein, ignoring the outraged glares from his nephews.

"Oi!" They cried out indignantly and Dru could only snort.

"Oh, I don't know. I might have competition soon," she shared a look with Fili and he just nodded.

Thorin watched his niece as she held out her hand for him.

"Give me your hand. I've got a surprise for you."

He allowed her to take his hand and place it flat on the rounded part of her belly.

He waited for a moment, feeling nothing until Dru let out a sigh.

"Oh, for goodness sake. Kili," she said very reluctantly, "say something."

Kili smirked triumphantly and leant closer to her belly again, though this time he did not rest his head against it.

"Hello again, little one. Guess who is here? Uncle Thorin has come to say hello."

Suddenly, Thorin felt a tiny little flutter under his palm and smiled.

"Well then, that is a powerful kick," he kept his hand in place and felt it again, as though the babe inside was responding to him, "my goodness. She's going to be trouble."

"You think they're a she?" Dru queried and he nodded.

"She. A kick like this has to be, especially inherited from her mother."

"Aye'. Little Bugger woke me up last night and nearly gave Fili a heart attack."

"You did suddenly shout and kick me out of the bed," he grumbled, remembering how he'd fallen straight over the side at her sudden cry.

Dru just shrugged.

"I was startled, what can I say?" She turned her attention to the ring and saw Dwalin leaning casually against one of the ladders leading out, sipping from his own skein.

A cheeky thought entered her mind and cupping her hands around her mouth, yelled out, "UNCLE DWA', COME FEEL MY BELLY!"

Dwalin was so shocked by her statement, he choked on the water he was trying to drink.

Everybody burst into laughter. Except for Dwalin. Dwalin was just glaring.