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 31

Magdalen scowled at the morning horizon. She's certainly not a morning person. Kili thought as they trotted along their caravan. Kili had learned that the hard way. The blooming bruise on his arm showed that. She may have been a small human, but months of training with Dwalin had made her strong. Kili hadn't been the one who wanted to leave at the crack of dawn, he himself enjoyed his beauty sleep. Thorin had insisted that his delegation attending the festival should leave in the early hours of the morning. When questioned about this decision, Thorin mumbled reasons about 'showing respect' or 'it was the best time to travel' or 'because he was king'. But Kili knew the real reason they were arriving in Dale so early, Thorin wanted to beat Thranduil there.

It was childish really, but Kili had no doubt this wouldn't be the end of their grudge. Thranduil may have been thousands of years old, but that didn't stop him from acting like a misbehaving child when whenever he came in contact with his uncle. Kili sighed shaking his head, his eyes wandered back to Magdalen who rode beside him, it was clear the peaceful calling of sleep hadn't left her yet. Her head bobbed as they trailed in the middle of the caravan, following Thorin's lead in front of the wagons that contained gifts and ale for the festival. Magdalen had asked him to describe what they would be doing at the festival to keep her awake, after a few minutes of him speaking he realized that Magdalen hadn't chimed in once with a sarcastic remark. He glanced over to find that her pony had speed up a few feet in front him, her lids drooping as she slumped in her saddled. He shook his head at the sight.

Breaking his gaze from the sleeping form of Magdalen, Kili glanced at the distant outline of Dale, his heart skipping a beat. He bit back a smile. She would be there, hopefully waiting for him. It had been weeks since they had seen each other, and Kili knew he couldn't go on much longer without seeing her angelic face. Feeling her soft lips. His fingers ached to run through her long silky hair. Part of him wished they could just be together, without the fear of rejection and the loss of his family. He couldn't lose his family, not after everything he had done to get them where they were today. Yet in his soul, he knew he could never part with Tauriel. His starlight. The world became a brighter place when he was around her. Everything made more sense.

A sharp elbow poking his ribs, broking his thoughts. He turned to find Nori winking in Magdalen's direction. Kili reaches out to stop the spymaster, but it was too late. He watched helplessly as Nori's pony trotted up next to Magdalen's.

"What is he doing?" Dwalin asked as he rode up next to the youngest prince.

Kili sighed, shaking his head.

"Poking a sleeping dragon," Kili said wearily.

Just as he imagined, Nori reached over letting out a loud yell in the sleeping Magdalen's ear. Dwalin and Kili watched as Magdalen nearly jumped off her saddle. She landed with a thud, her head snapped in the direction of a laughing Nori. She face was as red as a ruby. Dwalin and Kili glanced at each other when Magdalen let out a few very unladylike words to the former thief. She had picked up many skills since her arrival, but it was clear she had honed his mother's scowling ways. By the time she was done with the poor bastard, he looks like a pup with his tail between his legs.

Dwalin leaned over to speak to Kili. "Well at least we know she's awake now."

Kili laughed joining Dwalin's hearty laughter. Magdalen glared in their direction, quickly shutting them up. Like Dis, Magdalen's stare was intimidating and cold. The two men knew when not to mess with her, and quickly covered their laughter with coughs, looking anywhere but their human friend. With a 'humph' Magdalen turned to stare at the horizon once again. Her shoulders were tense and her chin held high. Dwalin shook his head hiding the soft smile behind his beard.

"What are you two laughing at, if I may ask?" Fili appeared on Kili's side.

"It seems our dear spymaster isn't as sly as we thought." Kili pointed in toward Magdalen, who was still fuming from her disturbed sleep.

Fili let out a soft chuckle at the scared face of Nori. The amused of Fili's face faded, his gaze settled on Magdalen. Kili watched in interest as Fili nudged his pony toward Magdalen, coming to her side. Fili stared ahead of them, saying something to her that Kili could not hear. Though Magdalen didn't seem to like what his brother had said as she glared at him openly. Fili turned his head to wink at Magdalen. Kili widened his eyes, watching her face becoming redder by the second. Magdalen stuck her tongue out at the prince, making Fili laugh. For a moment, Kili thought, they looked like a couple. They looked happy in one another's company.

Magdalen rolled her eyes, once again staring at the horizon. Fili, though, didn't turn his gaze away. Instead, he reached out his hand. Wrapping his hand around Magdalen's slowly taking it from her reign. Kili could feel his jaw drop as his brother planted a kiss on the top of her hand. Kili flinched for his brother, awaiting the inevitable blow Magdalen would deliver. It never came. Kili felt like he was intruding on a private moment when Magdalen didn't pull away from Fili's touch.

"Shouldn't stare, Kili," Dwalin muttered heavily looking anywhere other than the strange couple.

Kili blinked staring down at the ground, feeling a rush of warm spread on his cheeks. Dwalin was right, he shouldn't stare. But Magdalen was his best friend and Fili was his brother, he wanted to make sure whatever they were doing neither one of them would get hurt.

The golden oak gate of Dale came into sight, and Magdalen couldn't contain her giddy. Above the city walls Magdalen could make out towers of sandstone, which were built above the hill overlooking the valley they road in, and the sparkling lake to their left. White clouds streamed from various red rooftops, reaching toward the open blue sky. She could hear the bustle of people as their company arrived at the gates. Thorin, dressed in his kingly attire, sat at the front calling to the gate's guard. Magdalen watched in awe as the gates slowly swung open revealing the shining city inside. She had been so caught up in the beauty, that she didn't notice the caravan had begun to move. Magdalen kicked the side of Briar, her pony, too catch up with everyone.

Inside the gate, the people of Dale were draped in vibrant colors and lined the streets. As they traveled deeper into the heart of Dale, the people greeted them with cheers of praise for them, throwing bouquets of flowers at them as they passed. She hadn't encountered anyone in Middle Earth other than dwarves. Now here she was about to meet men and elves of Middle Earth. The child in her was screaming, she had always imagined the beautiful elves Tolkien had written about in his stories. The elves had been one of the reasons she had taken such an interest in archery.

Magdalen rode up next to Kili as they made their way through the town. Watching as his eyes traced over the crowd, searching for someone in particular.

"Looking for a pretty face?" Magdalen asked.

Kili glared at her before returning his eyes to the crowd, smiling and waving to the passersbys.

"My dearest, Maggie, I have already found yours." He replied teasingly.

Magdalen rolled her eyes, deciding not to press him on the issue. He obviously wasn't going to give her a straight answer, so she followed the company, all the while taking in her new surroundings. Soon they arrived in what seemed to be the town square. At the center of the city stood a tall and proud building. It reminded her of the buildings in the capital back home. The bronze stone structure rose above the other buildings in the square. The circular red-tiled roof gave the home a regal feel. Practical windows are scattered here and there across the walls in an asymmetric pattern, which overlooked the stone pavilion.

A number of guards stood at the steps leading up to the building. Thorin held up his hand once he reached the steps, stopping everyone in their caravan. Silence fell in the town square, Magdalen followed Kili's gaze. On the top of the steps stood four people, the royal family as it seemed. Magdalen knew very little about the people of Dale. But her time in the library had kept her up to speed with the current happenings of Middle Earth. Magdalen recognized the elder man who stood in the center of the family from one of Ori's drawings. He was king Bard, she presumed, as he held his arms open to Thorin and began to descend the stairs. Bard was a proud looking man, dark eyebrows matched his long dark hair. He dressed in a fine red tunic, that was simple but still looked like it was made out of the finest fabrics. Magdalen could tell that in his younger years that he was quite the looker.

He's still a silver thought. Magdalen joked to herself.

Even from a distance, an aura of leadership surrounded him. Thorin dismounted his steed and met the man's gesture with a rarely seen smile.

"Welcome King Thorin, we are so thrilled that you have decided to attend this year's festivities," Bard announced to Thorin as they joined arms.

Thorin grabbed Bard's elbow giving it a formal shake. "Of course, King Bard. I'm always happy to celebrate the prosperity of our people." The crowd cheered at the dwarf king's words.

Magdalen felt someone tug on her leg, she looked down to find Fili's smug face. He held out a hand, silently offering help down. Swinging her leg over, Fili rested his hands on her waist. She landed on the ground still held in Fili's arms. He grinned at her as his hand lingered on her sides. Her eyes burned into his, while they were hidden away from the eyes of the crowd. She still felt uncomfortable knowing someone could see them. Thorin called for Fili breaking their trance. He winked as he backed away from her. Leaving her in the middle of the pavilion looking dumbfounded. Kili cleared his throat beside her, smirking at her. Had he since his brother's little show, what did he think Fili was up too. Magdalen ignored the mounting questions in her mind, narrowing her eyes at Kili.

"Shut up." She mumbled stomping away from the amused dwarf.

Magdalen stood beside Dwalin watching as Bard and Thorin interacted. It was almost disorienting being around other humans again. She had grown used to being the tallest among the dwarves, only a hand full of them coming to her height or surpassing her. But now as she stood among a city full of men, she felt like an ant. Unsure of what to do with herself, Magdalen nervously brushed off the pastel blue fabric of her skirt. Thorin had insisted that she wear a dress when meeting the royal family. That didn't stop her from grumbling the whole time as she dressed.

The two kings were conversing among themselves, Fili at his uncle's side. Bard greeted Kili taking notice of Magdalen for the first time.

"And who might this be?" Bard question bowing toward her.

Magdalen bowed in response, she could see a flash of nervousness in Thorin's eyes. He had given her an extensive speech about how she was to act in front of the other royals. For a brief moment thought about forsaking all of that, just to see if Thorin would have a heart attack from calling the king "my dude". Magdalen smiled up at the king face of the king.

"Magdalen Kathan, my lord." She said formally.

Thorin let out a sigh of relief. Bard took her hand cupping it with his free hand, he gave it a gentle squeeze.

"A guest of Thorin's is welcomed in my kingdom." Bard winked at her teasingly.

Before she could say anything, a flash of brunette hair whizzed passed her and barreled toward Fili. Nearly knocking into him over. Fili wrapped his arms around the person's middle as he twirled the woman in the air. Laughter filled the air between the two.

"Hello, Prince Fili." A sweet voice greeted Fili as he set the girl on the ground once again.

Magdalen bit her lip not letting her mind wander to a jealous place, she blamed the dwarvish part of her for that. Though it was quickly squandered when the girl pulled away from Fili revealing her face. She couldn't have been was older than sixteen. Her chestnut hair was braided into a crown around her head, small buds of blue and purple flowers decorating her braids. Her oval face was framed by a long thin nose and strong eyebrows. Her cheeks were bright and youthful, glowing under the sun.

"Princess Tilda, always a pleasure." Fili tried to sound formal as he untangled himself from the girl.

Though he couldn't contain a smile. Tilda rolled her eyes, smiling to show off her brilliant smile. Behind her appeared a men and women, who looked only a few years older than Magdalen. The woman held onto the men as they descended the straits. Her other hand gliding over the huge swell of her dress. Her warm hazel hair was simple, pulled back into a braided bun. Magdalen could see the striking similarity between the women and the girl in Fili's arms.

"Sig!" Kili called to the pregnant woman, releasing Magdalen's hand.

The woman giggled as she bent to wrap her arms around the prince.

"Hello, Prince Kili." She greeted Kili as he untangled himself from her.

He stepped back from her taking in the sight of the woman.

His eyebrows knitted, "Sigrid I know your cooking is amazing but this is a little excessive."

He gestured to her pregnant belly. The man behind Sigrid grinned at Kili, but quickly hide his amusement with his hand when she snapped her head at him. His hair was a bright copper color and hung around his squared face. Bright blue eyes stared at Sigrid with adoration and amusement. He gave her a sheepish grin. He rubbed the back of her neck. Sigrid shook her head, her hands wrapping around the top of her stomach.

"Very amusing little prince, tell me have you grown smaller since we last met?"

Magdalen let out a laugh, Kili glared at her. She was going to like this one, she could just feel it.

Kili ignored her jab gesturing to Magdalen to move forward.

"Maggie this is Lady Sigrid, and her husband, Lord Fjord." He paused turning to Sigrid.

"Sig, Fjord this is my dear friend and ward of the crown Lady Magdalen of House Ur." He introduced Magdalen pushing her forward to stand before his friends.

Magdalen curtsied just like Dis had made her practiced throughout the week. Sigrid smiled at Magdalen holding out her hand.

"It's wonderful to meet you Lady Magdalen. You must be one strong woman to willing to live among dwarves like Kili here."

Kili held his hand over his heart. "You wound me, Lady Sigrid. To think this is how you treat your alley on the anniversary of our peace treaty." He cried dramatically.

Thorin and Bard began to head up the stairs, followed by their diplomats. Both Kings were deep in discussions.

Two thin forearms wrapped around his neck, the bright face of Princess Tilda appeared over his shoulder.

"What are you moaning and groaning about over here?" She questioned grinning at Kili widely before releasing him from her hold.

"Your sister is berating me, and her husband is doing nothing to defend me," Kili whined.

Fjord chuckled. "I'm afraid my friend, I can't do anything to stop my wife, even if I wanted to."

Tilda patted Kili's shoulder. Tilda spotted Magdalen pushing Kili out of her way, in many ways the young princess reminded Magdalen of a chihuahua. So very hyper.

"The princes have told me so much about you. I can tell we are going to get along famously." Tilda hooked an arm around Magdalen's arm.

Magdalen eyed Kili. "I hope they haven't told you anything bad."

Tilda grinned as she guided Magdalen up the stairs following in her father's trail.

"No no…" She paused tilting her head to study Magdalen.

She leaned in and whispered. "Did you really punch Fili?"

The inside of the building was simple and practical. The walls were a warm color, making the front hall inviting to its guests. The layout was open and held many archways that lead to various parts of the kings home. Beside her Tilda chatted her ear off, describing the house of Bard in immense details. Sigrid laughing with Kili behind her, amused by her sisters excitement.

"Fili wrote to me and told me you're quite the marksmen! You must come to the range with me. I'm quite the archer myself," She have Magdalen a toothy smile puffing her chest. "I've even beat my older brother Bain a time or two."

Tilda beamed with pride.

"You shouldn't spread such lies little sister." A voice said from one of the archways to their right.

Magdalen watched a tall figure emerge from the shadows. It was a man, looking to be about her age. He was taller than her by a head. Dark curly locks frame a handsome and strong face, a face similar to that of the King's. He wore fine garbs like the rest of the royal family, simple and refined. He turned to face them. Bard stared at the man, unimpressed by his interruption.

"I'm so glad you chose to join us son," Bard said with little jest in his voice.

Bain walked over to Thorin bowing his head in respect.

"I'm sorry for my tardiness, King Thorin. I meant no disrespect. I was caught up in armor with one of our guards discussing our latest swords order."

Thorin held up his hand in dismissal. "It is fine, Prince Bain. But perhaps we could discuss those swords later, after lunch. Erebor's forge always produces the finest weapons."

Bain smiled shaking Thorin's hand. Bard glowed with pride at his son. Bain turned to greet the rest of dwarves with the same friendliness as his sisters. It was clear to Magdalen that the bardlings seemed to share a deep friendship with the two dwarven princes. Bain locked arms with Fili, as he stood up to his full height his hazel eyes meet hers with surprise.

"I see you've brought some treasure from your mountain, Fili." Bain winked at Magdalen.

Though she did not see it, Fili was not amused by Bain's attention. Bain moved from Fili to Magdalen, he reached out taking her hand.

"Bain, m'lady." He bowed before her.

Magdalen stared at him slightly awestruck. She never liked m' lady, Fili always used it to tease her. But the words coming from Bain were something out of a fairytale. He was certainly Prince Charming. Kili laughed behind her, she ignored him. Without looking she reared her foot back, kicking Kili's shin.

"Just Maggie is fine." She smiled, bowing.

"Well Maggie," He emphasized her name. "I would more than happy to show you around our beautiful city, though I'm sure I won't find anything nearly as beautiful as you."

Magdalen felt her face burn red. Kili was nearly dying from laughter behind her.

"I see all my lessons on flirting have come in handy," Kili said in between wheezes.

"It's easier when I have a beautiful woman to talk to, and not your ugly mug."

Kili laughed smacking Bain's back. Fili was less than amused, glancing at Tilda. Tilda hid her giggles coming to step between her brother and Magdalen.

"Perhaps you would allow our guest some breakfast before you go on your a little adventure?" Bard questioned.

Thorin nodded. "I believe we are all in the need of some good food. Please lead the way."

Bard nodded to one of the people who lined the foyer and began down the hall. Bain held out his arm to Magdalen leading her to the dining hall, whispering to her as they made their way through the King's home.

"This is going to be a very long week." Mutter the older dwarf.

Kili sighed watching his brother being dragged behind Tilda, his eyes never leaving Magdalen, who was being escorted by Bain. Laughing at something he had said as they ascended the steps of Bain's home.

Kili shook his head. "Yes, it will be indeed."

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