Nimera's breath hitched as Fili's hand rested against her cheek, a multitude of emotions flickering over his features as he leaned in closer "More than you know. Mahal I….."

He stopped, his posture going rigid. She looked up at him in confusion as his hand slid from her face, his eyes fixed behind her.

"Nimera, get behind me." He said quietly

"Wha…" Before she could finish he grabbed her by the arm pulling her behind him, producing a dagger from inside his coat.

"Show yourself." He commanded, his eyes focused on the shadows.

Nimera took a step back in surprise as a figure emerged from the darkness.

"Well now," The old dwarf chuckled. "Your senses are well trained. I am impressed."

Fili pointed the knife at him "Who are you and why are you lurking in the shadows? This area is private."

The dwarf shrugged, tugging at his wild beard thoughtfully "I think I will take my leave."

"Not until you tell me who you are and why you were here!" Fili took a step towards the door.

The dwarf smiled though his eyes remained narrowed.

"There is no need for violence." He shrugged, pulling an ax from his belt. "Just let me pass and you can continue on with your lady there."

"Nimera," Fili called, his eyes still trained on the stranger in front of them. "Go and get the guards, there should be some in the lower hall."

Nimera hesitated "But…"

Fili's gaze flicked back to her for a moment "Nimera go!"

She nodded, casting a wary glance back at the strange dwarf before disappearing through the door.

"If you will not stand aside then I am afraid I have no choice but to go through you." The stranger sighed

Fili adjusted his grip on the knife, placing himself between the dwarf and the entryway "You can try."

The dwarf lunged for him, Fili side stepping his blow. The older dwarf rounded on him with surprising speed, catching him off guard with his fist. Fili grunted as the dwarf's fist connected with his jaw. He staggered back, putting enough distance between them to swing his blade down. The dwarf brought his ax up, blocking the swing. Fili pressed down harder, taking a step forward, the dwarfs grip wavering for a moment. He dropped his guard, rolling away from the blow as Fili's blade sliced through the air.

The dwarf pushed to his feet, righting himself for a moment, his movements holding no sense of urgency.

"Surrender." Fili ordered, leveling the tip of his knife towards him "The guards will be here any moment and you will be outnumbered."

He frowned as the dwarf simply laughed "Are you sure about that?"

"Fili…."

Fili froze as Nimera's strained voice sounded from behind him.

He turned. Just inside the doorway was Nimera, her eyes widened as she stared back at him. A large dwarf stood behind her, one arm wrapped around her waist the other pressing a knife against her throat.

Fili's eyes narrowed. "Let her go."

The dwarf in front of him laughed again, "I do not think that would be a good idea."

Nimera inhaled sharply as the dwarf pressed the blade closer to her throat.

Fili's hand tightened around the dagger, anger surging through him as the dwarf pushed the blade against Nimera's skin.

"If you hurt her, there will be nowhere in this world you will be able to hide from me." Fili snarled, taking a step towards the dwarf.

"Lay down your blade and there will be no reason to hurt her." The stranger retorted

.

Nimera watched anxiously as the dwarf ordered Fili to lower his knife, trying to move away from the knife pressing into her skin.

Shifting in the dwarf's grasp, she slowly moved her hand back, fingers gently probing as they went, careful not to alert her captor to her movements.

She stilled as her fingers found what they had been searching for. In a flash she wrapped her hand around the hilt of the dwarf's dagger pulling it free of its sheath before plunging it down.

"GUARDS!"

.

Fili turned at Nimera's call, catching sight of the glinting metal as she pulled a dagger from her captors thigh. The dwarf gave a howl of pain, shoving her roughly aside as his hands flew to his leg.

The wild haired dwarf scowled as the faint shouts echoed in the passageway. He turned to his companion, "Enough."

Fili tensed as the burly dwarf limped passed Nimera as he made his way to the edge of the balcony, producing a small hook and rope securing it to the rail. With a great deal of difficulty he swung himself over the ledge and out of sight. The other dwarf made to follow his companion.

"I am not going to let you escape." Fili shook his head taking a step towards the rope in turn

"Well then how about I give you a choice instead." The older dwarf said, producing a knife in his other hand.

"No!"

Fili realized the dwarf's intent just as he released the knife. He turned, moving to strike it down before it could hit Nimera. The knife clattered to the ground as it met Fili's dagger.

He raced back to the railing, catching sight of the two dwarves as they disappeared onto the overlook below.

"Damn you!" He growled, striking his palm against the rail

"Fili?"

He turned back to where Nimera sat pushing herself up from the floor.

"Nimera!" He frowned, his eyes trailing to the hand she had pressed against her neck "Did he hurt you?"

"I'm fine, it's just a nick." She pulled the hand way revealing the cut across the side of her neck. She reached up, her fingers brushing along the dark mark blooming on the side of his face "Are you alright?"

Fili nodded "Aye, he managed to get in a cheap shot."

Heavy footsteps sounded behind them as a group of guards raced in from the passage, their swords held aloft as they glanced around the room, coming to a frantic halt as they caught sight of the pair.

"Prince Fili, Lady Nimera!" One of the guards called out rushing to them "What has happened?"

"Two dwarves were lying in wait here and attacked us." Fili pointed to the rope "They escaped onto the balcony below. One of them has a knife wound to his leg; they could not have gotten far!"

The guards closest to the entryway nodded, quickly turning from the room back down the steps.

Fili looked over at the guard beside him "Go and find my uncle and Lord Dwalin, inform them of what has happened. I am taking Lady Nimera to my chambers, they can find us there."

The guard bowed hastily before disappearing into the passage.

"Can you stand?" Fili asked, his hand outstretched to her

She nodded, taking his hand as he helped her to her feet.

"Come with us." Fili motioned for the final guard to follow as they cautiously made their way into the hall below.

…

Dwalin was enjoying himself for a change. Generally visits from allies meant many long and drawn out meetings, but Durins Day was a more relaxed affair.

He sighed contently as he stacked another empty mug on the table, a warm feeling beginning to seep into his blood.

"You seem to be having a good time." Thorin noted looking at the stack of mugs scattered across the table.

"Aye, have to while I can." Dwalin grinned, taking a fresh ale from the table "Tomorrow it will be all meetings and training up Dains sad excuse for soldiers."

He paused, the tankard half way to his lips as a guard came to a hurried stop beside him.

The young dwarf shifted nervously for a moment, his eyes sweeping the room as he bowed "King Thorin, Lord Commander."

"What is it?" Thorin frowned

The guard drew in closer "Your Majesty, Prince Fili and Lady Nimera were just attacked."

Dwalin's mug slipped from his fingers, sending ale spilling across the table. "Were either of them hurt?"

"They both appeared to have been injured, Lord Commander, though I do not know to what extent. They have gone to Prince Fili's chambers where they are waiting for you."

"What of the attacker?" Thorin pressed, half way out of his seat

"Two dwarves escaped during the fight but one is injured. My men are out looking for them now."

Dwalin gripped the edge of the table tightly as he stood, every trace of his earlier peace evaporating as his blood ran cold.

Balin stood to join them, reading the concern on his brother's face "What is wrong? Has something happened?"

"Thorin? What is the matter?" Dis demanded, as Balin's question drew her attention.

Bilbo stood from his chair

"Uncle?" Kili frowned looking over at the guard beside them

Thorin's eyes glanced around the room for a moment, his voice low "Fili and Nimera were attacked. They were both injured during the exchange, though I do not know how seriously."

"What!" Kili shouted, only remembering to keep his voice quiet at the end.

"We cannot allow this information to be known yet." Thorin said gravely "Dis, Bilbo, stay with Kili and Dain. We will meet back with you once we find Fili and Nimera."

Dwalin was already making his way out of the hall by the time Thorin had finished, pushing his way past the party goers.

Thorin and Balin pulled away from the table, catching him as they left the bustling glow of the party and turned out into the darkened halls.

…

Fili paused, turning to the guard as they reached the chamber door "Go and make sure there is no one inside."

The guard nodded, pushing open one of the doors, drawing his sword as he slipped inside.

"You think they are still in the mountain?" Nimera questioned

He shook his head "I do not know, but I will not take any chances and risk being caught off guard again."

Nimera nodded, casting a glance at where the guard had left from. "We were lucky the guards were close at hand to hear me."

He looked her over for a moment, his brow furrowing slightly "Where were you hiding that dagger to begin with?"

"It was not mine, it was the other dwarfs. I lifted it off him when he held me." She turned the old dagger over in her hand

Fili shook his head "You are most certainly full of surprises."

The guard re-emerged from the room, gesturing for them to enter.

Fili turned to him "Stay here and keep watch."

The guard nodded closing the door behind them

Fili ushered her inside, leading her through the main chamber and into a side room. He guided her to the edge of the bed, motioning for her to sit, before disappearing into the adjacent room, returning with a small pitcher and cloth.

Carefully he poured a small splash of water onto the cloth.

"Here." He knelt in front of her, wiping some of the blood from her neck. "It does not appear to be too deep."

Nimera sighed looking at the blood smeared across her hand. "I am glad I went with a red dress."

Fili chuckled softly "Aye, we should be thankful you are not fond of white."

He gently took her hand, carefully wiping the blood from her palm. "I am sorry for putting you in danger."

She shook her head "It was not your fault Fili."

He looked up at her suddenly, his expression unreadable

"You have taken to calling me Fili again…. Does this mean I am forgiven?"

"Of course." Nimera smiled. "Truth be told, I was running out of places to hide from you anyway."

She looked around the room, her smile turning playful. "Though I will say, there are much less elaborate ways of getting a woman alone in your chambers."

Fili felt a jolt run down his spine as the realization hit him. He had taken her to his chambers and placed her on his bed, where they now sat alone.

A strangled noise came from deep in his chest as he stared at her wide eyed.

"I...It was not my intent I assure you.." He fumbled, quickly taking a step away from the bed "This was simply the first safe place that came to mind."

Nimera laughed as color began to spread across his cheeks.

She reached out, taking his hand preventing his retreat "Fili, it was merely in jest. I doubt you have decided to use this incident to act upon some devious designs you had for me."

He looked down at the floor, suddenly very interested in the ornate rug "I…"

He was cut off as muffled shouts sounded outside the door.

Fili drew his dagger, motioning for her to do the same. The door flew open as Dwalin, Balin, and Thorin rushed into the room.

"Uncle." Fili sighed tucking the blade back into his coat

Thorin looked him over gravely "Are you alright?"

Fili nodded

"Nimera," Balin breathed, "Are you hurt?"

She shook her head, placing a reassuring hand on his arm

"That better not be your blood." Dwalin frowned, tilting her head to the side as he inspected the smear of blood along her neck.

"It is not deep." She assured them. "It was a glancing blow."

Muffled voices sounded again as Kili stumbled through the doorway.

"Uncle." Kili's unusually serious tone caught Nimera by surprise. "The others are back in the royal suite. I've also sent for Oin to meet us there."

His eyes drifted back to Nimera and Fili, his shoulders sagging slightly.

"Thank Mahal." He said embracing them "They said you had both been hurt in the attack."

"We are alright." She patted his cheek gently "Fili made sure they could not harm me any further."

Kili gave his brother a grateful nodd.

"We should meet back with Dain." Balin turned to Thorin "We need to regroup."

"Aye," Dwalin said, drawing Nimera to his side "We had best be on our guard."

Thorin nodded, stepping into the hall, turning to the small group of guards lined along the passage "With us."

Nimera began to feel claustrophobic as Dwalin wedged her firmly in between himself and Balin as the group marched down the hall, guards flanking them on all sides.

The short walk seemed to drag into eternity as the guards stopped at every junction and passage, inspecting each new turn for danger.

Thorin stopped in front of the door, looking over at the closest guard "No one enters this room without my permission. Is that clear?"

The guard shot to attention "Of course your Majesty."

With one final wary glance Thorin slipped into the room, the others shuffling in behind him.

Dis paused from where she had been pacing as the door opened.

"Fili." She breathed as they entered

She pulled his forehead to hers, the tension draining from her posture "Thank Mahal you are alright!"

Fili placed his hand on her head "All is well."

Balin placed a hand on Nimera's arm as they entered, attempting to steer her to one of the chairs nearby "Nimera, why don't you sit down."

She waved him off "Truly I am fine Balin."

"Nimera!" Stonehelm crossed the room to meet them "I heard you had been hurt?" He looked her over, a deep frown pulling at his features

"I am well Stonehelm." She touched his arm lightly

"Oh Nimera!" Dis cried taking her hands in hers

Nimera looked down, shaking her head "I am sorry Dis."

"What on this good earth do you have to be sorry for?" Bilbo's brow furrowed

Nimera reached into her pocket pulling out the small headpiece. "I'm sorry, it must have broken when I fell." She held up the dented side of the piece.

Dis stared at her with an open mouth.

"I know it was special to you…." She trailed off

Dis took the piece from her, tossing it aside "It only matters that the two of you are alright."

"Aye," Thorin agreed. "We are lucky you both made it mostly unscathed. Tell me from the start how this happened."

Fili shook his head "We were out on the overlook when I became aware of someone in the shadows. I called them to reveal themselves and questioned who they were and what purpose they had for being there. When it was clear he would not answer and would fight for his escape, I sent Nimera to go and alert the guards. After a brief scuffle another dwarf came from the passage with Nimera captive, they demanded I surrender or they would harm her. I was about to lay down my dagger when Nimera attacked him. She was able to free herself and yell for the guards, which caused the intruders to flee. Though the one is most certainly injured from her attack."

Nimera shifted awkwardly as all eyes in the room fell on her.

"When I ran down the hall, the dwarf emerged from one of the side passages. He grabbed me as I ran past, and put a knife to my throat. I could not let Fili give up his weapon so I managed to lift the dwarfs dagger and stabbed him, which distracted him enough for me to call for help."

Dwalin patted her shoulder, "That's a good lass."

"Did they say anything to either of you?" Balin asked

Fili shook his head "Nothing of importance."

"We should be on our guard." Dwalin frowned, glancing over to Thorin "I will double the guards on the four of you."

Dain nodded "I will have my guards help. I can send one of them to watch the lass too."

Nimera's eyebrows lowered slightly "Why would I need a guard? They were not after me, I am no one important."

Dwalin's grip on her shoulder tightened for a moment. "They could come after you for revenge after your little trick."

She shook her head "I cannot have a guard following me around all day. Will people not be suspicious?"

"She is right." Dain sighed "It will look strange if we are suddenly assigning guards to healers. People will suspect something."

"I can look after her." Fili spoke up "I will make sure she is safe."

"How can you keep yourself and her safe at the same time?" Stonehelm scoffed "You were not able to protect her tonight, you are the reason she was in danger to begin with!"

Filis eyes narrowed

Nimera placed a hand on his arm. "What happened is not Fili's fault. He did what he thought was best to keep me safe, he could not have known what would happen." She turned to look at him "But Stonehelm is right, we do not know who they were after, you need to focus on keeping yourself safe."

Dain patted Stonehelm's shoulder "Stonehelm can look after her without raising any suspicions."

He looked to Dwalin and Balin

Balin nodded "I see no issue."

Dain turned to Nimera "Well lass is that acceptable?"

Nimera sighed "I suppose it is better than having a guard trail me. But only when I am not in the healing wing, it would be too disruptive to have someone with me at all times there."

Stonehelm nodded, taking her hand in his "I will guard you with my life."