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 43

Magdalen's entire body was in immense pain. She held the throbbing heat that was bursting from her ribs from the last impact of Tearsa's blow. Her elbow reached out shakely digging into the dirty of the ring, pulling her limp body along behind her. The sole of a thick boot stepped in front of her. A shadowy figure darkened over Magdalen lame form. Craning her neck, Magdalen saw through a pulsing black eye Tearsa's cruel smile beaming down at her. Tearsa bent down hovering over Magdalen, reaching out Tearsa cupped Magdalen's chin in an iron grip. A warm trail of blood dripped from Magdalen's nose. Tearsa shook her chin lightly.

"You're nothing, and you will always be nothing." She leaned in closer the warmth of her breath hot on Magdalen's skin.

"Just like your grandfather, a coward."

Tearsa stood up, the heel of her boot sinking into Magdalen's back. Magdalen let out a howl feeling the jolts of fire shooting from her back. The taste of dirt sneaking into her mouth, as her face pressed into the ground.

"That is enough!" Called Thorin watching with hawk-like eyes from above the training ring.

Immediately Tearsa lifted her foot, standing like a trained soldier looking up with pride at the royal family. Magdalen slowly lifted herself off the ground, gritting her teeth. The crowd quieted as Thorin spoke quietly to Dwalin. When Thorin was done speaking Dwalin nodded bowing to his king. Dwalin came down the stairs heading straight into the ring. He glanced at Magdalen for a split second before marching over to Tearsa. Grabbing her arm he lifted it into the arm.

"Lady Tearsa of the Rus Clan is the winner of this challenge."

Magdalen hung her head, unable to bear the shame she felt. Half the crowd burst into cheers, jumping to their feet in support of their champion. Others sat motionless, shocked by what had just happened. Staring down at the bloodied girl that so many had come to admire, even love. Including Prince Kili who stared wide eyed at the shrinking form of Magdalene. Prince Fili's hand gripped the sides of his chair though he sat still, watching as Tearsa lead on the cheers of the crowd.

Tears burned in Magdalen's eyes, she couldn't take the heavy weight of all the eyes on her. Slowly she disappeared from the amassing crowd that began to encompass Tearsa. As she backed out of the room her eyes connected with Fili's for a moment. Her lips trembled as she looked up at her love. She had lost the first challenge, she never stood a chance against Tearsa. Not for a second. Dwalin had tried to prepare her for the fight, but nothing could have prepared her for Tearsa's full wrath.

Magdalen mouthed "I'm sorry' shaking her head. Fili shot up from his seat, his head reaching out to Magdalen wanting so desperately to comfort her. Though he could not speak to either woman during the duration of the trial. Magdalen spun on her heels running out of the ring, far away from everyone. Panic began seeping into her chest as the cold air of the corridor hit her lungs. She had just lost Tearsa's challenge, she was one step closer to losing Fili forever. Her mind raced, her body guiding her through the halls of Erebor with ease. She ran as far as her legs would take her, ignoring the burning sensation in her lungs. Slowing as she came to a dark empty hallway, Magdalen came to a stop feeling a thousand different thoughts in her head.

Magdalen dropped to her knees feeling the cool earth beneath her. Fishing in her pocket, she pulled out a small stone. The blue jewel glimmered even in the darkness. Magdalen smiled sadly at it, her fingers brushing over the rough edges. She had been glad when she decided to stuff it away in a small box after Fili and her stopped she was being honest, she would tell you it was one of her most precious possessions- next to her necklace. Not because it was a jewel, but because it reminded her of their love. It wasn't a perfect love. It was rough and sharp, but still remained glowing even in the darkness. Pressing her palms over the stone, she shut her eyes. She couldn't remember the last time she prayed. Magdalen was never every religious, but needed to speak to her grandfather. Even if he couldn't hear her.

"I don't know what to do." She cried into the darkness.

"I love him," Her voice cracked, and she began to sob.

"But I can't beat Tearsa, I can't." She repeated hiccuping as air in her lungs became scarce.

"I wish you were here, Grandfather. I wish you could tell me what to do." The heels of her folded hand pressed into her forehead as she mourned for herself.

"I never took you as one to give up so easily?" A familiar voice called from behind her.

Magdalen shot up, turning to find Dis standing a few feet behind her.

"Dis," Magdalen called surprised, quickly wiping away her tears. "What are you doing here, I thought you couldn't talk to me?"

Dis gave her a half smile, her hands folded in front of her as she approached."No, Fili can't. I, however, can do as I please. And it would please me if we spoke for a moment." Magdalen nodded quietly joining Dis at her side as they walked deep into the abandoned hall.

Neither woman spoke for awhile. In the whole time Magdalen has known Dis, she had never felt uncomfortable around the motherly figure. Yet none as they strolled along the hallways of Erebor, Magdalen suddenly felt like an outlier.

"That was quite the fight." Dis batted, still not looking in Magdalen's direction.

Taking a deep breath, Magdalen let the stress that had built up in her chest out. Her emotions falling from her mouth like water from a broken dam.

"Dis I can't beat her, " Dis froze in her stop, turning to fully face Magdalen.

Magdalen began shaking, her whole body vibrating with nervous energy.

"She has been training her whole life. I've been training with Dwalin for a year. She's going to kill me." Her breathing becoming uneven and short.

Her vision became narrow and dark, spots of vivid colors floating in and out of her vision. In the chaos a warm hand rested on her forearm. Wild eyes shot up to meet Dis's concerned gaze. The hand squeezed her arm gently.

"Magdalen, you need to breathe, my dear." She coaxed Magdalen, her hand drifting from her arm to her back. Drawing calming circles.

Magdalen's breathing slowed. Her nostrils flaring as she took in the cool air.

Dis stared at the human in her arms that she had come to care so much about. She couldn't shake the feeling that all of this had been her fault. Kili had told her everything after Magdalen had confessed her love for Fili. Dis knew exactly why Magdalen had accepted Tearsa's challenge, but she needed to hear it for herself.

"Then why did you accept, why do you care whom my son married?"

A deep flush burned on Magdalen's cheeks, she quickly looked away from the elder woman. Magdalen was tired of dancing around the truth. All she wanted was Fili. How could something so simple, become so complicated?

"Because, I love him Dis. And he loves me. I can't watch him marry Tearsa, I think it would kill me." Magdalen didn't stutter, nor did she feel nervous. She told the truth, and it felt freeing.

For a moment Dis said nothing only looking ahead of them. Magdale feared that Dis might reject her feelings for her son. Though her fears were squashed when a pair of arms closed around Magdalen's middle as she was lifted into the air. Dis beamed up at her, let out a soft giggle of happiness spinning Magdalen around.

"Oh I knew it! I'm so sorry I didn't see it earlier, Magdalen. I've been such a fool." Dis cried setting Magdalen back on the ground, her hand still capturing Magdalen's shoulders making her meet Dis's tear-eyed gaze.

"I want you and Fili to be happy, and I've ruined that for you two." She blubbered.

Magdalen was taken aback by Dis's sudden outburst. But couldn't help from wrapping her arms around the crying women's thick figure. Dis snuggled into her embrace, like a mother would hold her child.

"I don't know if I can beat her, Dis." Magdalen whispered into Dis's ear.

The truth of her statement scared her.

Dis pushed back wiping away the tears that traveled down her face. She sighed, the curls of onyx hair framing around her reddened face.

"You don't have to beat her, you know."

Magdalen blinked unsure of what to make of what Dis had just said. Dis noted the confusion in her eyes, as she elaborated.

"When a dwarrowdam challenges another dwarrowdam for a hand in marriage, there are three trails they must face. The first is set by the challenger, she choose fighting. And she won. But you still have a chance. The second is set by you, your trial is whatever you want it to be. Choose something that highlights you strength. The third is set by the head of the house. With my father gone, that would be Thorin." She paused slightly shaking Magdalen, making she understood her underlying mean.

Magdalen stared at Dis, she had kinda of understood how the trials worked. But wasn't sure why Dis was explaining it again.

"There are three challanges, Magdalen. If you win one challenge Lady Tasra will have no claim to Fili's hand." Dis emphasized.

Magdalen's eyes widened."What?" Her mouth gaped at the princess.

"A dwarrowdam must win all three challenges to win the claim of marriage. If she only wins two, and you win one that proves she is not worthy have taking the claim without question. Fili will have the choice." Dis smiled hopefully at Magdalen.

She had not been informed about this rule. Tearsa had won her challenge, but tomorrow Magldane would announce her challenge. She would be in her element, she would be in control. A sudden realization smacked her in the face.

"I can still win?" Magdalen muttered to herself.

Dis nodded reassuring Magdalen. "I can still win!" Magdalen shouted jumping up.

She paused. "Fili, will choose me." There were no power behind her words.

After everything they had been through, she hoped with all of her heart that he would. They loved each other, why was there still a part of her heart that he would choose her. That she was worthy of him and his love.

Dis cupped her face, smiling at her. "He would choose you a thousand times over. He looks at you like his father looked at me. He is your one." She pushed a loose hair behind Magdalen's ear.

Magdalen's heart skipped a beat, a stupid grin grew across her lips. Tearsa may have won this battle, but Magdalen was going to win the war.

The next morning stood in the throne room with her head held high. Deamra had braided her hair back into a warrior's knot. She wore a lavender shirt that the Ur clan had gifted her, under a brown corset. The belt and dagger Dwalin had gifted her proud displayed around her hips. Her face didn't flinch under the sharp gaze of Tearsa as she approached Thorin, who sat high on his throne. Fili standing to his right, and Kili to his left. Magdalen stood before Thorin, shoulders rolled back as she named her challenge. An archery match. Three shots each. The best score wins.

Tearsa's face twisted at her choice. Dwarves and archery rarely missed, most didn't have the patience for the bow and arrow. Which was slightly ironic, because of the chaotic prince would excelled at the craft. Kili's face lit up at Magdalen's announcement. Thorin had given them each two hours to prepare for the challenge, Tearsa held her nose high in the air as she trotted off to her uncle, who whispered into her ear as they disappeared.

"I hope you know what you're doing, girlie." Dwalin muttered as he passed her, to escort her to the practice room.

Magdalen looked up at Fili, his face was warm and filled with excitement. She gave him a small wave, which he returned with a wink. Her heart skipped a beat, taking a moment to catch up with Dwalin.

So do I, Dwalin.

The arena had been transformed into an archery arena, much like the one they had used in Dale. Dwarves of all kinds stuffed into the stadium seats that overlooked the arena. Thorin and family sat in a marked off space, guards covering every side of them. Magdalen tried not to focus on the crowd as it was making her more anxious by the second. Archery was in her blood, she had done it for as long as she could remember. It was like an extension of her body. She knew Tearsa was skilled, but was sure that she wasn't any better than herself. This was where she was supposed to shine. Then why did she feel so nervous.

Thorin called the attention of all the dwarves, Magdalen tried ignoring the nagging feeling that something was off and focus on Thorin's words.

"For the second trial, Lady Magdalen of Clan Ur has chosen archery." There was a lack of enthusiastic cheers as she had expected. Most of the cheers coming from the Ur clan themselves, and other members of Thorin's company.

Magdalen didn't need the support of the whole mountain. She had the support of some of the best dwarves she knew. Magdalen looked at the ground smiling to herself. Thorin explained how each would alternate between three shots, and the one with the highest score would be declared the winner.

A hand held out her bow, and quierve as she loaded them onto her shoulder. She pulled back the string, feeling the familiar tug of strength from her string.

"The winner of the last challenge will have first shot." Called Thorin from above them.

Tearsa emerged from her side of the arena taking her stance at the line. A blue and white painted target sat around 27 yards in front of her. Tearsa smirked at the crowd as they cheered her on. She glared at Magdalen over her shoulder, before reaching for a silver arrow from her quierve. Loading in the arrow she focused on her target, the room silenced. Drawing back the bow back, Magdalen noticed the rippling of Tearsa's muscles under her skin. Locked in on her target, she let the arrow fly. The trajectory of the arrow wasn't as fluid as it should have been, but it was fast. The arrow knocked straight into the middle of the side of the target, marking it as an eight. The crowd cheered as Tearsa marched away, clearly not satisfied by her score.

Dwalin clasped a hand over Magdalen's shoulder. She looked over her shoulder, nodding at the captain. She took a deep breath before approaching the line. The target looked so much further away than it had moments ago. Closing her eyes her reached back to grab an arrow. She felt a twinge of aching in her muscles, a memory of the beating she had gotten the previous day. She ignored it,yesterday didn't matter anymore. Only this moment mattered. Snapping the arrow in place, she racked her string back. She felt the tension of the string under her fingers. She let her body go into autopilot, breathing out as the string slipped from her fingertips. She could hear the distinct wheezing of the arrow as it flew through the air. Her mind went into a finzy as she watched the arrow bury itself into the second smallest circle. A nine!

A smile grew across her face, and the crowd went mad. She spun on her heels returning to Dwalin's side.

Tearsa reappeared the scaraily familiar wild animal look set on her face. Magdalen wouldn't have been surprised if Tearsa turned around and just shot her where she stood. But instead she took her stance, ignoring everything. She looked frustrated, but repeated the movements she had just taken. Like a robot she pulled back the arrow before letting go. Magdalen's stomach jerked as the arrow hit the nine circles. The crowd applauded.

Magdalen rolled her shoulders, taking her spot on the line. She stood there for a second, pressing her hand around her necklace. Hoping it would bring her some luck. She grabbed any arrow, immediately loading it on her bow. She didn't have much time to process that something felt off about her arrow before she let go. Magdalen quickly wrote it off as her nervous trying to convince her something was wrong. She had done every moment with perfection. But she watched in horror as the arrow wobbled in the air ever so slightly, catching in the target at the eight mark.

They were matched now.

Magdalen kept her eyes on the ground as she backed away from the target. Her eyebrows furrowed. It was almost impossible for her to make it to the eight mark. Yet she had, she had done something wrong. Magdalen had been so caught up in her mind, that she didn't notice how fast time had moved around her. Her train of thought breaking as the dwarves above her nearly shook her the whole mountain. Her eyes snapped up to find Tearsa had score another nine.

Magdalen almost threw up, watching Tearsa smirk at her. Perhaps it would be her to just turn around and shoot Tearsa with her bow. Magdalen pressed her lips, choosing to ignore Tearsa. The walk to the marked line seemed to take longer than she remembered it. Magdalen looked up nodding to Thorin, before focusing on the target before her. This was supposed to be her chance to win, and who knows what Thorin had in store for them. Her hands began to shake. Magdalen shock off the nervousness that began creeping in. Slowly she reached back grabbing an arrow, she couldn't decide if it was her nerves or what, but something definitely felt off. But she was at the point of no return now. Finger's burning as she pulled back her string, her eyes trained on the target. With a final breath she released, watching the arrow with little to no fluided wobble wildly in the air. It was as if the world slowed, and she watched the once bright future she hoped for disappeared in front of her. The heavy silence of the room weighted on her as the arrow stuck in the number five slot.

She had lost. She had lost another challenge.

It's impossible! She screamed in her mind.

Magdalen's eyes narrowed. She shouldn't have missed the target. There was no way she should have missed her target. She stared at the arrow embedded at the top of the outer red ring. Something felt off, though she couldn't put her finger on it.

The room erupted in roaring applause.

"You should get used to calling me your highness." Snickered Tearsa in Magdalen's ear as she pressed past her.

Magdalen didn't move as the world around her did. She simply stared at the target heart broken, her fist wrapped tightly around her bow.

She had one chance left.

One chance that she wasn't going to lose.

Deamra had searched Erebor high and low for her best friend, but had found once trace of her. Magdalen was exceptionally good at disappearing when she didn't want to be found. But after the devastating results of the latest challenge, Deamra felt the need to comfort Magdalen. She still hadn't fully comprehended what had happened. Deamra had spent hours in the training arena as Magdalen practiced, never once had she seen Magdalen ever perform so poorly.

Hours had passed since she had last seen Magdalen, and Deamra had decided to circled back to the training arena. Dinner had winded down in the mountain and most had began to drift off to sleep, but Deamra had told her husband that she needed to find Magdalen which Ori had completely understood. She had hoped that Magdalen would be back there, she was beginning to worry. Quietly Deamra slipped into the seemingly empty arena. Deamra wandered down to the weapons racket, before roaming the stands hoping Magdalen be sitting among them.

In the quiet room a gruff voice cut through the room. "The arrows are right over here." A heavy set dwarf appeared from the door heading down the stairs calling over his shoulder to another dwarf she couldn't see.

"Worked like a charm didn't they, I told ya they would." The dwarf chirped grabbing the arrows Magdalen had used. Holding them out to the dwarf that descended the stairs with pride. Deamra narrowed her eyes, she was hidden by the dark shadows of the room. Slowly she crouched hoping she was perfectly out of sight. She was never one for eavesdropping, but something in her whispered for her to keep listening to.

The dwarf yelped when a hand smack his face. The dwarf held his cheek "You could have made it a little less obvious. The girl is a master marksman, people are going to question what happened. The girl is already suspicious that something was altered with her arrows." Snipped the other dwarf.

Deamra froze she knew that voice. Glancing over the lips of the wall, she saw in the dim lite Lord Armus standing over the other dwarf. His eyes staring menacingly at the other dwarf. Her blood ran cold. Deamra pressed her back against the stone, her heart beating so fast she feared it might explode. That's why Magdalen's last shot had been so back. Lord Amrus had someone alter her arrow. She had to tell someone right away.

Deamra bit her lip, creeping along the wall praying to Mahal no one would see her. Thankful they had left the door open, making her escape easy. She placed a hand over her heart as she stared back at the room. She had to tell the King he would know what to do. That had been her plan until a hand caught her mouth, securly keeping her jaw shut. Her screams were muffled as the attacker dragged her into the shadows.

Hey all, sorry it's been a minute. School just started and things have been crazy. But I'm going to finish the story so don't sweat it. Slowly, but surely! We are getting pretty close to the end.