AN:Finding the time to write has been difficult but I managed to squeeze a bit here and there. You'd think being at home would mean I had more time in my hands. My laptops keyboard broke and in trying to fix it it broke some more but I found a big keyboard for my tablet this week so hopefully this will help.

He was bandaged up and sitting on the bench when she joined him, his skin was turning colors in different places and old bruises shone brightly in the firelight. She wanted to hit him seeing him like this, she still might as he gave her a weak smile.

"Amad already yelled at me if you want to have a go."

"I'm sure she did," she said as she set down the bundle in her arms. "But I haven't yet."

She came over and her fingers went over the large bruise on his side where his arm was in a sling. "It's not that bad. It barely hurts."

She put her hand on it and he winced in pain. "It looks like you did not bruise your ribs." She saw the jar of ointment on the table and opened it up. "And I bet you don't need anything for the pain."

The smell was so familiar to her, another tent, another injury, but this one could have been avoided. "You do know that this is supposed to be a friendly competition not a recreation of the battle."

He was biting his lip for a moment as she gently administered the salve. When she finished he spoke, his voice quiet and full of regret. "How is your brother?"

"Consoling his wife, she was upset about the whole thing as well. But he has only a few bruises. He's not the one who refused to yield when he had a severe injury."

He was watching her hand as she applied it to his arm free of the sling. "I know. I'm sorry, I just got so…"

"Riled up? I suppose you won't tell me what your cousin Thorin said."

At this, his demeanor changed, "It doesn't bear repeating."

She washed her hands in the basin, washing away the smell of the herbs and the memories of the battle. She took a moment before she could turn around. "It never does, must have been quite a thing to goad you into fighting blindly."

Sigrid didn't need to yell, she had learned that over the years as serving as her father's peacekeeper. All the yelling got you nowhere, she could stare down most of her father's council with a look. Fili always got her to break from that during their arguments, but her weariness and her worry over him made her not want to continue in their path to another fight.

She unfurled his shirt and undid the buttons quickly, before coming over to help him slip it on. He didn't fight her help, but he watched her intently as she helped cover his injured arm, she didn't think he could push it through the sleeve just yet. This wasn't the first time she had helped him dress, more and more memories from the healing tents tried desperately to grab at her attention. She brushed them off as she helped with all the little buttons on his shirt. The tunics he favored wouldn't have helped him with his injured arm. She buttoned him up ignoring the intent stare he gave her and the sudden nerves she had. She had helped him before they were married, a few too many close calls on patrol with wondering orcs and other foul creatures. She had been this close to him before but she suddenly became aware of it as she finished and went to grab his coat but was stopped, his hand holding her arm to keep her from moving away.

"Sigrid I…" His voice was so gentle as if he was afraid she would hurry away, part of her wanted to. There was an urgency there too that caught her by surprise. He was looking at her in a way that made her aware of everything. His eyes had grown dark, his hand was rubbing her ring like he sometimes did, and she had subconsciously placed a hand on his chest to keep herself from falling over.

Whatever he wished to say was gone as the tent flap opened and several dwarves came in including the King and his cousin Dain. Sigrid moved away to grab his coat feeling confused and feeling her cheeks burn. She could hear just how unwanted their interruption was from the slight bite to Fili's speech. She set the coat next to him and put a gentle hand on his before she excused herself. King Thorin and Dain barely noticed, they were too busy congratulating Fili to take much stock to the feel of the room.

As she pulled the tent flap open she dared to look back and saw him watching her leave while ignoring those speaking to him. It made her want to lean into the feeling of hope and brush away any doubt that recent events might lead her to. Whatever Fili had wanted to say to her would have to wait.

Fili was crowned the champion by Sigrid who placed the much-sacred paper crown on his head, the crowd laughed as he bowed his head in acceptance. Tilda had made it this year so bits of colored paper and ribbon was attached. He took her hand in his and kissed it to the roars of the crowd and Sigrid knew her cheeks were flaming.

They feasted together, he was too injured to dance and she was way too tired to bother. They both declined invitations and sat through dinner. Many joined them for a few minutes but the party was in full swing and no one wanted to sit idle. Bain came over at one point to speak to Fili privately and shake hands, though Sigrid could see something was still bothering her brother. Fili took it with his uninjured hand, but when young Thorin came by Fili could only nod at him.

Sigrid's father had soup brought to her instead of the rich food that was being provided and she was grateful. Tilda had brought her tea and had only sat with them for a little while before she ran off to dance. When she was done eating he leaned in and spoke so only she could hear.

"I'm going to order the carriage and we can go home."

Home, the word sounded so wonderful to her after the week they'd had. There was a moment of hesitation before he left, leaving her to finish her tea. Their table had been empty save them but soon enough Lady Dis joined her with a sigh.

"Oh I do enjoy a festival but I'm glad this one is over."

"I think I feel about the same."

Lady Dis clinked her cup to Sigrid's. "I do hope you convince that son of mine to take it easy. The two of you need to sleep for a week, you sick, him injured. I'll see to your duties so you can both rest off, I'm sure I can make Kili take over for Fili for a few days. If I invite Tauriel I'm sure he could be encouraged to do it."

"I'd have to talk to Fili about it, but that sounds nice."

"You need time to rest and that brute needs to heal especially before his trip. I still can't believe my idiot brother is making him go, and with the two of you just married. I swear he has no sense. All his romantic notions went west and he doesn't think that anyone else has anything better to do than a diplomatic mission in winter. "

Sigrid had to set down her teacup as she was afraid to drop it. Before she could say anything in response a few of the ladies or Dains court and Erebors joined them, their cheeks rosy from dancing and their tankards full of cider. Lady Amet was with them looking pleased wearing a gown of deep green and a smile that reached her eyes.

Sigrid took a moment while the ladies spoke to Lady Dis to compose herself, she was very confused and desperately wanted to ask Fili what his mother meant. Tankards of cider and ale were brought by a servant and one was offered to Sigrid, she took it but set it down in front of her. She wanted to find Fili but he hadn't returned yet, the conversation around her moved but she didn't engage, they were talking about the fight between her brother and Fili. They were all praising him to Lady Dis who hated when those trying to gain her favor praised her sons in such a way. Lady Dis stole a glance in her direction with a knowing look.

"That fight between Young Thorin was incredible, the next time they match up again will be a sight." The dam was older and Sigrid knew her name but at that moment she could only think of what Lady Dis had said.

Lady Amet finally spoke, "I think Prince Fili will be able to take him." She looked over Sigrid's shoulder, "speaking of, we should all toast to him and his victory." She pushed Sigrid's tankard towards her, "Come on my lady, do you not wish to toast to your husband?"

Lady Dis took Sigrid's tankard before Sigrid could say anything. "Amet, Sigrid isn't feeling well, but I will drink to my son that he had some sense knocked into him." She took a big drink as the others cheered Fili's name as he finally reappeared.

Lady Dis' nose crinkled as she set the tankard down, "Oh I think this drink's gone bad. Tastes bitter."

She waved to one of her maids who were busy chatting up with some of the guards. "Here Cidi, be a dear and dump this, it's gone bad and grab me a fresh cup."

Fili showed up and bowed to all the ladies as low as he could with his arm strapped to his side. The dams all raised their cups to him and cheered. Fili's smile was more of a grimace but he thanked them all before reaching out to Sigrid. She stood and bade everyone goodnight.

While Fili sat quietly next to her Sigrid's mind was working out what Lady Dis had said and realized this must be what Fili had been wanting to talk to her about in the healing tent.

Sigrid's sitting room already had fires going, at her questioning glance. Fili walked in after her and spoke. "I sent a raven ahead but I think your maid was already at the festival. So I'm not sure who lit them."

Sigrid shrugged off her coat her father had loaned her and sighed at the feel of the fire. She sat in front of it on the armchairs she had dragged over one day, they used to sit in her bedroom but no one used them in there. She had a collection of blankets strewn throughout her sitting room, some purchased, some made by her from former students or their parents. A few were gifted to her. Dori had given her one on their wedding day that had been too thick to use during the summer but now was perfect for the beginning of winter, she draped herself in it finding comfort for what was ahead of her. Fili sat opposite her and they sat in silence for a long time before Fili broke it.

"I've been trying to find a moment to speak with you but with everything…" He hesitated, and Sigrid took pity on him.

"If it's about your trip, I've been made aware that you have one upcoming."

Fili shook his head, "That isn't what… wait who told you that?"

"Was it supposed to be secret?"

"No, of course not, it just wasn't set in stone till yesterday."

Sigrid sighed, looking away from him. "Your mother wanted to give us a break from our duties so she was telling me we should take a few days off so you could heal… before your trip. She isn't happy with you going either." She took a breath, knowing that she could probably guess the answer already but she wanted to hear it from him. She looked back at him, "So where are you going, husband?"

Fili flinched and looked at her with tired eyes, "I'm going to the Iron Hills."

Sigrid slumped deeper into her chair. "Oh."

Things began clicking into place, Lady Amet cornering him in her father's great hall, and her overly pleased smile today. Fili confirmed it as he continued talking. "There have been some internal problems in the Iron Hills for a while, I've been trying to convince my uncle to let them handle it on their own. But uncle thinks we need to help out even though it's all political. Uncle had originally wanted one of Erebor's advisors to go but some in Dains court feel it should be either me or Uncle."

"That's what Lady Amet has wanted with you all this time. Why didn't you just tell me?"

He rubbed his face in his hand, "I've been trying to get out of it and you've been so tired with your duties here and the school I didn't want to add to it."

Sigrid rubbed the bridge of her nose, wanting to be mad but choosing to let it go. Fili was her friend, the reason they were married was because of how well they worked together and that they could trust each other. She got up and put the kettle on the fire, to put some distance between them and so she could think. She set down again with a sigh, leaned over and put a hand on his.

"Will you tell me now?"

He looked at her for a moment, his weariness lessening. "I'd like that."

And so he did. He told her of the many who whispered against Dain after the battle, saying that he should have been king, that his armies had won that day. He told her of those who had outright called him out during his council meetings that he was too soft, that he should step aside and let another rule in the Iron Hills. His son had even been rumored to want him to step down though young Thorin had denied it.

He told her how Lady Amet's father had been the one to suggest Erebor show their support of Lord Dain. He then told her of all the strange problems they'd been having and how a mine had collapsed and everyone blamed Dain. Sigrid listened to him as she poured them both a cup of tea and heard about the trouble Dain had in just coming for the festival. Some hadn't wanted to travel with him, jokes and whispers of Dains party would certainly meet with bandits on the road. There was no trust in him having the ability to defend a caravan.

Sigrid had listened to all of it and watched as he seemed to let go of the weight that he had been carrying around for weeks. He took a sip of his tea and gave her a small smile. "Talking to you has made this so much easier to think about."

Before they were married he used to tell her all about his meetings and the politics behind, and in turn, he had listened to her opinion and her own battle with meetings in Dale. "I wish you had told me sooner."

He sighed, "I've been a fool, I thought I was protecting you from their nonsense, instead I let your mind run wild with what Amet wanted."

Sigrid still didn't think that Lady Amet's intentions were all pure but she didn't say it. Instead, she grabbed his hand to help him up. "It doesn't matter, we are here now and will figure it out together, tomorrow. Come on, let's get you to bed."

The look he gave Sigrid was blinding, she had to turn away from the grin he gave her. "Is my lady wife coming to bed with me?"

She knew her cheeks were burning but she dragged him to his room. "I thought you could use help getting out of that shirt but if you want to stay in it all night be my guest."

"Oh no, please undress me if you wish, who am I to stop you."

Sigrid reminded herself that he was only teasing her as they made their way into his rooms. He always used to tease her to make her blush before they were married. He made her blush now. There were still so many weapons strewn throughout the floor. She reminded herself of the brazen way he had always flirted with her and how it didn't mean anything as she navigated his dresser. Where are your nightshirts?"

His smile grew, "I don't usually wear any."

She gave him a warning look, "Do you want help or not?"

He nodded to the other wardrobe. "They're right there, but I can manage."

She pulled one out, it looked like it hadn't been used before. She set it next to him, "You're injured and I don't mind."

And she didn't mind, he could never undo the buttons at any rate. Her hands worked fast at the buttons and he was staring at her again. When she peeled the shirt off of his shoulder he smiled at her, "What would I do without you, my love?"

He had been calling her that for so long that she hardly noticed it, but she noticed it now. She fought back the flutter in her chest and spoke, hoping her voice didn't waver. "I'd say you would have fared well without me."

He put a hand on hers and rubbed the ring on her finger, staring down at the metal. "I don't think so. I'd be lost without you. Believe me, more than one person has told me so."

"Including your mother?"

He laughed but it was short-lived as his ribs were still tender, "Especially her."

She helped him slip on his shirt and he stared at her again, she pushed aside the voice in her head that screamed as she bade him goodnight and kissed his cheek.

Her rooms were cold, the fire hadn't been turned on in there moving around she felt the cold seep into her and she was shivering by the time she slipped on her robe. For a moment she thought to just sleep in the sitting room on her sofa. But a part of her thought of the fire in Fili's room and how warm it had been in there.

And how well she had slept when he had joined her last night. Would he mind? Would she be able to handle it? He had invited her.

And they were married...

Before her courage could slip from her she went through the door that led to his room and figured it wouldn't hurt to ask.

He was awake still, ledgers and papers strewed on his side table and he was reading something. When he noticed her he frowned, "Is everything alright?"

She nodded, feeling nervous but choosing to push past it, "I couldn't sleep. There wasn't a fire in my room…" He nodded and set his papers down. Without another word, he patted his bed next to him and Sigrid climbed in. Before her head hit the pillow she felt all the weight of the week settle on her and she realized just how tired she was.

He set his papers down and blew out the lantern next to him. She felt him settle into his pillows and Sigrid felt her eyes close as he bade her goodnight.

In her dreams, she saw her mother again, but this time she was clearer, not a fevered dream where she faded in and out of existence. Here she seemed almost real and Sigrid felt so small as she watched her mother work, kneading dough and brushing flour on the table. There weren't the usual dreams she sometimes had of a dragon and fire all around her. It was just her mother singing and baking bread and telling her just how much she loved her.

AN:Thank you again for reviewing and the kudos. I can't be sure when the next chapter will be up as Animal Crossing is taking over my household. Keep safe everyone!