The next morning Amelia again resumed her usual place at the back of the group, but she found that Kili, followed by a slightly annoyed Fili, soon joined her.
"Hello," greeted Kili. He adopted a cheery grin on his face as he drew his pony level with Amelia, and she couldn't help but respond with her own smile. "How are you this fine morning?"
Amelia shrugged. "Fine."
Kili waited for more, but when it became clear there wasn't going to be he rolled his eyes. "Just fine?" he asked. "Well that's not very good at all."
Amelia chuckled to herself. "How are you?" she asked.
Kili smiled. "I'm very well, thank you very much."
Amelia nodded. "And you, Fili?"
Fili's smile was slightly more strained than usual. "I'm well, thank you Phoenix."
Kili soon resumed trying to guess Amelia's name, and after some hesitation Fili did the same. After some time Kili's train of thought diverged, and he began to ask her different questions.
"Where are you from?" he asked.
Amelia shrugged. "Some would say everywhere. Others would say nowhere."
Fili and Kili raised an eyebrow each.
"You're as bad as an elf," commented Bilbo.
This caught the attention of the others. "Have you met elves before, Bilbo?" asked Ori.
Bilbo shook his head. "I've heard of them though. Maybe we'll meet some."
From the front of the group Thorin scowled. "That won't be happening," he stated.
Amelia purposefully avoided looking at Gandalf.
"Maybe it will," Bilbo said. "I never thought I'd meet dwarves, but then you all showed up at my house." He chuckled. "That was definitely a surprise."
Amelia raised an eyebrow, pretending she didn't already know exactly what had happened. "Oh?" she asked.
Bilbo nodded. "Imagine thirteen dwarves and a wizard turn up unexpectedly at your door, raid your pantry, and then throw around your dishes and somehow clean them all in the process. And then, to top it off, they somehow manage to convince you to run off with them and kill a dragon!"
Bofur chuckled. "Well when you put it like that…"
Amelia chuckled. "Sounds fun," she said. "I'm sorry I missed it."
Kili grinned, seeming pleased with this. Soon he had resumed his usual pestering, and Amelia smiled as she jokingly evaded his questions.
The next few days were the same, until finally they reached Bree. They arrived around mid-morning, and Thorin ordered them to wait inside the nearest inn, the Prancing Pony, while he and his heirs gathered what few supplies they needed to restock on.
Feeling the need to get some fresh air, Amelia slipped from the table, ignoring the company's eyes staring at her back. The streets outside the inn were wet with a light drizzle, and Amelia sighed. She didn't mind the rain, but she knew that in the coming days a proper hood wouldn't be unwelcome. She also considered buying a horse, not looking forward to walking the rest of the journey to Rivendell. She decided against it however; why get a horse when she knew she would only lose it in a few weeks' time? Besides, the purchase would only draw attention to her, something that she didn't want.
She started for the nearest cloth store, rummaging through her little bag for the sack of coins she had. The currency wasn't from Middle Earth, but it was still gold, which was accepted in all worlds.
She didn't make it far before a small group of men staggered down a side alley, nearly bumping into her. They were clearly drunk, two of the five still holding half empty bottles in their hands. As they passed onto the main road Amelia slipped into the shadows, waiting for them to simply pass by her. Unfortunately, she wasn't quite fast enough.
"Helloooo." One of the men swaggered up to her, his eyes running up and down her body as an eyebrow rose at her odd apparel. "What's youurr naaame?"
Amelia resisted the urge to grind her teeth as the man slurred his words. Instead she adopted a pleasant smile on her face, edging slowly away from the men as she did.
"Time for you to head home," she laughed. She turned and began to walk away, but the man grabbed her arm.
"Don't goooo," he pleaded. "You diiiidn't answer my queeestion."
Amelia's gaze slid down to where the man's hand was still clutching at her forearm, his other hand waving by his side, wrapped around the neck of a bottle. Her eyes growing dark, all pretenses of joviality fell away.
"I suggest you release me," she said quietly.
The man laughed, and so did his companions. Lifting the bottle to his lips, he took a swig before offering it to Amelia.
"No?" he asked. When she simply glared at him he shrugged and took another swig, then threw the bottle to the ground. It shattered against the cobblestoned streets, shards flying in all directions as a petrid odor filled the air. Amelia resisted the urge to wrinkle her nose, turning her gaze back to the man.
"What's youuur naaaame?" he asked again.
"Last chance," warned Amelia. "Release me. Now."
The man laughed, and his free hand came up to stroke Amelia's cheek. She caught it and twisted, and with a yell he released her.
Finally, Amelia thought.
The man swung, and Amelia ducked. A moment later she was ramming him to the ground, then she rolled off him and to the side. She was just on time, and the foot one of his companions aimed at her missed by an inch.
Amelia stood and put her back to the wall of the nearest building, feeling her weapons start to shimmer to life around her. As the five drunk men rushed her she drew her dagger, using it to stab the bottle descending toward her head. The clay material shattered, ale pouring down Amelia's arm, and she quickly swept her dagger to the side, blocking the knife someone had drawn.
The man with the broken bottle used the jagged remains to slash at Amelia, and she lifted her left arm to block, her arm connecting with his. Kicking out with her foot, she sent the man flying back and into a barrel. Before he could stand again she had spun away, and her drunken opponents were hard pressed to turn towards her without falling over.
She saw a flash of movement to her left, and glanced over towards the crowd that was now assembling to see the company, led by Thorin, rushing towards her. Silently she shook her head at them, telling them to keep out of things, and though she saw confusion flash across their faces, they did as she wanted.
The rest of the fight took only moments. Amelia only needed to knock down each opponent, and once they hit the ground they stayed there, waving their arms around as though uncertain how to rise again. As Amelia sheathed her dagger she glanced around her, taking in the crowd that had formed a circle around the fight.
Briefly she locked eyes with Thorin, and he began to edge backwards, bringing the company with him. Amelia began to back the other way, keeping the crowd's attention focused on her, and as the last of the dwarves disappeared down a side street she spun and ran. By the time the assembled crowd had fully wrapped their heads around the scene she was gone, rounding the corner.
She found the company in the stables, hurriedly saddling their ponies. Immediately they crowded around her, mixed expressions on their faces.
"Are you alright?" asked Dori. Though his face hinted at concern his voice just sounded irritated, and he seemed happy when Amelia nodded that she was fine. She guessed the last thing he wanted to deal with was the possibility that she was hurt.
"That was amazing," oohed Ori. His eyes were wide, and he seemed to be looking at Amelia in a new light. She couldn't help but chuckle.
"Not to mention very obvious," stated Thorin. His glare bored into Amelia. "We'll be lucky to escape the town."
Amelia rolled her eyes. "Why do you think I told you not to interfere? They don't know that we're travelling together. You lot slip out; I'll join you when I can."
"Are you sure?" asked Kili. He edged closer to Amelia, seeming uncertain.
"This is no place for a lass to go wandering off by herself," objected Oin.
Dwalin snorted. "I think she has just proved that she can handle herself," he pointed out. He cast a glance at Amelia. "Your fighting was impressive," he complimented.
"I had a good teacher," she told him. "Several, in fact."
"Who were they?"
Amelia gave a small laugh as she reached the door to the stable, turning ever so briefly back to the others. "Spoilers. Continue on without me; I'll find you at your camp tonight."
With that she was gone, leaving them staring after her.
Nori shook his head. "She's an odd one," he stated.
Around the group there were several nods of agreement.
"Let's go," commanded Thorin. "I want some distance between this town and us."
Obediently the company finished saddling their ponies, and to their relief no one seemed to notice as they swept from Bree. They didn't stop, continuing on as the Phoenix had ordered.
That night's camp found Bifur gazing anxiously back in the direction from which they'd come, watching the forest for signs of the Phoenix. The attack on her that day had put him ill at ease, and he felt rather guilty for not interceding on her behalf.
He had raised this to the rest of the group, and they had all had the decency to look shame faced. Even Thorin had been visibly bothered, though Gandalf had simply rolled his eyes at their concern. Apparently the legends he had heard about the Phoenix erased such concerns from his mind. However, upon being asked about such legends, he refused to share.
There was a flicker of grey to the west, and a moment later the Phoenix appeared, looking tired from walking but other than that in perfectly good health. She was greeted with several bashful smiles, and Bombur held out a bowl of stew.
"Here yah go," he said. "You're just on time."
With a smile of thanks Amelia accepted her dinner, settling, as she always did, on the edge of the group. Bifur sat beside her, and though Amelia could feel his gaze on her face, she didn't say anything.
After several minutes though he tapped her on the shoulder. She turned to find him signing to her briefly in Iglishmëk. I'm sorry.
Amelia frowned, only barely keeping herself from signing back. Her basic foundation in Iglishmëk so many years ago, combined with some remaining gifts from the TARDIS, allowed her to perfectly understand what the dwarf was saying. However she knew how sacred the dwarven language was, and could only guess at the company's reaction if they found out that she knew it.
"I'm sorry," she whispered. "I don't understand what that means."
Bifur fixed her with a look that said he didn't believe her, again signaling to her.
We both know that's not true. I see you understand Khuzdul. Where did you learn?
Amelia sighed. Maybe Bifur did know then. At least he hadn't seemed to have told anyone.
I know all languages, she signed back.
Bifur seemed pleased with this, and his face transformed into a rare grin.
What are you sorry for? Amelia continued.
For not helping you today.
Amelia rolled her eyes. I didn't want help, she reminded him. I didn't need it.
Bifur scowled. We still should have defended your honor. It was wrong of us not to.
Amelia sighed. There was just no convincing him, was there? Dwarves.
It's fine, she signed. Really.
Bifur looked unconvinced, but thankfully he let the subject drop. For a minute both ate quietly, Amelia casting a glance around them. None of the others seemed to have noticed her knowledge of Iglishmëk. She doubted her uncanny knowledge would make them trust her.
Bifur seemed to sense her fears, because he placed a hand on her leg, drawing her attention back to him. Your secret is safe with me, he promised.
Amelia smiled. Thank you.
She glanced up as Kili plopped beside her, babbling excitedly in her ear. Their time apart seemed to only have strengthened his curiosity about her, and it wasn't until Thorin ordered everyone to bed that she escaped his name guessing. Somehow, he still hadn't guessed her original name.
Amelia was due to take first watch that night, and though the majority of the company all volunteered to take it for her, still feeling guilty for not aiding her earlier that day, she dismissed their offer with a roll of her eyes. At last the sound of snoring filled the air, and Amelia settled down by the fire.
With a sigh she stretched out her left leg, pulling up the bottom of her pants. Just above where her boot ended were several small cuts, where she had been hit by fragments of a shattering bottle earlier that day.
They were minor injuries, barely noticeable at first in the heat of the fight. It had only been after she had sent the company out of town ahead of her that she had noticed them, spotting a trickle of red on the dirt where she was hiding behind a shop. She had done her best to pick the clay out of her leg, then had bandaged the cuts.
She peeled back the bandage now, inspecting them. The small cuts were slightly red around the edges, protesting at Amelia having been on her feet all day. She poured some water from her water skin onto them, doing her best to rinse them, then began to rewrap the cuts.
"You're injured."
Amelia spun, cursing silently when she found Kili standing just behind her, dark eyes wide. He stepped forward, into the light of the campfire, looking worried.
"It's nothing," she protested. "How long have you been there?"
Kili shrugged, coming to sit beside Amelia. "Not long. I thought for sure you would hear me."
Amelia scowled slightly, mentally berating herself for not catching him. Ducking her head, she again began to rewind the bandages around her ankle, but Kili's hands stopped her.
"Let me see," he commanded.
Amelia rolled her eyes. "It's fine. I promise. I've had worse."
Kili's eyebrow rose, but he shoved aside the questions forming in his mind at her words. Gently pushing her hands to the side, he examined the cuts on her ankle himself. Though he didn't know much of anything about healing, he was relieved to see that they didn't look serious.
"This happened in the fight?" he asked.
Amelia nodded. "A few shards of one of the bottles caught me when it shattered."
Kili nodded slowly, looking unhappy.
"Anything else?" he asked.
Amelia considered lying, then with a deep sigh rolled up her sleeve. On the back of her hand was another shallow cut from the second bottle, the one she had stabbed. Though it was just as minor as the injuries on her ankle, Amelia allowed Kili to fuss over her for a minute.
"I'm sorry," he said as she tugged down her sleeve. "I should have helped you."
Amelia shook her head. "I keep telling you guys, I don't need help. I've dealt with plenty of drunk idiots in my life. I've dealt with worse. I really don't need the help."
Kili frowned.
"Don't tell the others, alright?" she asked. "I don't need them worrying about me. My job is to keep the company safe, not the other way around."
Kili shook his head. "You're part of the company," he objected. "We keep each other safe."
Amelia smiled sadly. "I'm not part of the company. Thorin barely tolerates me." She sighed and patted Kili's shoulder, then stood.
Kili watched as she made her usual series of laps around the camp, muscles tense and ready to fight. Nothing disturbed the depths of the forest however, and eventually she sat again.
Kili scooted closer, fingers fiddling with his belt. "You said you've had worse before?" he asked. "Like what?"
Amelia shrugged. "It doesn't matter. I survived."
Kili's mouth dipped down in a frown. "Why are you so evasive?" he asked. "You don't talk unless spoken to, you always find a way to dodge my questions, and you refuse to let anyone worry about you. Why?"
Amelia sighed, shrugging. Beside her Kili's eyebrows drew together.
"That's not an answer," he noted.
"It's not," she agreed.
"Please?"
Amelia sighed. "Can't you leave it alone?"
Kili thought for a moment, then shook his head with a grin. "Nope." There was a pause as he waited for the Phoenix to speak, but when she remained silent he frowned. "Phoenix."
The Phoenix sighed. "With what I do— with who I am—" she sighed, took a deep breath, and then continued. "Divulging information about myself is dangerous. For me and for the person I'm talking to. I've learned not to."
She dipped her head away from Kili, but he could still see a flash of pain in her hazel eyes. Worry and sorrow filling his heart, Kili reached out and took her hand in his own.
"I'm sorry," he whispered. "What— what happens generally?"
The Phoenix shook her head. "Please just leave it alone," she whispered.
"Phoenix."
The Phoenix stood, wrenching her hand out of Kili's. He watched in near openmouthed amazement as she began to once again circle the camp, staring out into the darkness of the forest. Gently he tried to call her name, but she ignored him, keeping her eyes focused outward. Eventually Kili simply sat and watched her until her time for keeping watch was up. As Gloin took over, Kili crawled back into his bedroll, feigning sleep.
He watched as the Phoenix slipped into her own bed, carefully turning and facing away from him. Kili watched as she tossed and turned, knowing that it wasn't the hard ground beneath them that was troubling her.
I'm so sorry that it's taken me so long to post the next chapter. Finals were hell. The good news is summer's here, so I'm hoping I'll have a bit more time to write. I'm not making any promises though, cos I don't want to break them.
Thank you to everyone who's read and enjoyed this story!