Hey guys! Hope your enjoying the story. I had so much fun writing this chapter. I can't wait for the movie to come out on DVD! Really excited :D :D:D Thank you for the reviews, it really makes me happy to write for you guys :D Disclaimer: I do not own the Hobbit.

"Thanks, Fili," Maya thanked.

"For what?" Fili slightly turned.

"For convincing me to ride on the pony and not walking," Maya explained. "I'm not the most athletic so I don't think I would've made it this far just walking." She laughed a bit.

"Your welcome," Fili smiled then turned back to face the front.

It was silent for a couple of minutes. Maya still wanted to talk. For some reason, Maya felt like she could really talk to Fili. Before she came to Middle Earth, she wasn't much of a talker. She did start talking a little bit more when she got casted in the play but she wasn't the most talkative.

"I like your braids," Maya complimented. Really, Maya?! You couldn't think of anything else?

Fili chuckled.

Great, now he probably thinks that I'm a weirdo! Good job, Maya!

"Thanks, Maya." Fili was still quietly laughing.

Quick, Maya, before you say something stupid and embarrass yourself!

Maya noticed his weapons.

"Do I get a weapon?" Maya curiously asked.

"Before you get a weapon, you must learn how to use it." Fili stated.

"But don't I need a weapon to technically protect myself? I mean, what if we were attacked at this very moment?"

"First of all, I know you're anxious to get a weapon but you could really hurt yourself if you don't know how to properly use it and Thorin would be disappointed with me if you got hurt or badly injured which wouldn't be good," Fili said. "And second of all, if we were to be attacked right now, at this very moment, I'll use my weapons to protect you. I'll always be with you, it's my duty."

"What if you're not? What happens if we get separated?"

Fili became silent after Maya asked that question.

"Kili and I will always be by your side," Fili said.

"Yeah, you have nothing to worry about," Kili added. "Just stay near us at all times and you'll be perfectly safe."

"Okay, but I want to learn how to fight soon," Maya insisted.

"Of course, when we have time," Fili said.

Maya smiled. That made her slightly feel better but she still wanted something, even a dagger, to defend herself just in case.

The giant trees surrounded them with the plants growing randomly everywhere. This made Maya feel relaxed and happy. She had always been a city girl considering her parents just absolutely hated everything about nature and being outdoors. Her parents had never let her and her older brother, Mikey, play outside when they were little. Her parents didn't even let them join any sports or the boy/girl scouts. She didn't know why her parents dreaded nature, it was beautiful. This made Maya think about her future. She wanted to live in a place like Middle Earth. She sometimes wished she could experience something like this at home. Maya felt like she belonged here for some reason. It all looked familiar to her like she had dreamt about this place before.

"Wait!" a frantic voice shouted. Everyone stopped and turned to see the hobbit running as fast as he could to catch up to the group. Maya grinned when she saw Bilbo.

"I signed it!" Bilbo said as he was trying to catch his breath from all the running he did. He handed the contract to Balin, who then looked the paper carefully.

"Welcome to Thorin and Company, Bilbo Baggins," Balin smiled and winked at him.

"Get him a pony!" Thorin ordered as he started moving to continue the quest.

Maya chuckled as Bilbo argued that he also didn't want to ride a pony. Fili and Kili grabbed Bilbo by the arms and carried him up on an available pony. He looked so awkward.

"I'm so glad you came, Bilbo!" Maya said. "I thought I would have to do all the burglary by myself!" Maya sighed as she was so relieved Bilbo luckily changed his mind to join the quest.

It felt like a century had passed has they continue riding. Maya was feeling weak from the lack of sleep she got the night before. She yawned and rubbed her eyes. It was still daylight but it felt like it should've been night already.

"Let's stop here before the darkness comes," Thorin commanded.

Oh, thank God! Maya sighed. Fili had gotten off first, then helped Maya off. Her legs felt sore from just sitting on the pony for who knows who long. An idea popped in Maya's head.

"Fili, Kili, watch the ponies" Thorin said.

The nephews took the ponies to a nearby river to get some water. Maya followed.

"Fili, now can you teach me?" Maya asked.

Fili laughed.

Fili sure does laugh a lot.

"What's so funny?" Maya asked.

"You're anxiousness with wanting to learn how to fight, reminds me of me and Kili when we were younger," Fili responded. "All we wanted to do was learn how to fight and play with weapons."

"Learning took forever especially when learning from Uncle Thorin," Kili explained.

"Wait, Thorin is your uncle?" Maya questioned. "Wow, I didn't really see the resemblance before, but now that you mention it, I guess I sort of see it." A couple of seconds passed. "Now can you teach me? Please?" She got to her knees and made a puppy dog face.

"Okay, if you're up for it." Fili handed one of his swords to her. "Careful, its heavy."

"Doubt it," Maya said. She took the sword but it caught her off guard as the tip of the sword fell to the ground. "I underestimated this sword." She took a breath and lifted the sword.

"Is it heavy for you?" Kili laughed.

"Nah, I was just messing around," Maya said. "It's as light as a feather."

Fili instructed Maya by explaining and demonstrating with to do with her sword. Kili watched them block and strike at each other.

"Wow, you're really learning fast," Fili complimented.

"Thanks!" Maya said as she blocked an attack from Fili. Just as she stepped back she fell over. She screamed a bit and landed in the water.

Kili and Fili laughed as she sat there.

"That's not funny!" Maya shouted.

Fili and Kili walked over to her lending each a hand. Maya grabbed their hands.

Now's your chance Maya!

Maya smiled and pulled their hands down making the fall into the water.

"Gotcha!"

Fili and Kili were drenched.

"That's what you get for laughing at me!" Maya smiled. "Who knew revenge could be this much fun!"

They played in the water like little kids. Splashing each other and running around.

"Fili! Kili!" Thorin shouted. Everyone stopped. "What in Durin's name is going on?"

"We all fell in the water," Kili improvised. "But were still watching the ponies, see, all fourteen are still here."

Thorin gave them a look to get out of the water. Fili and Kili got out but Maya slowly stood up. Thorin took them off into the woods as they left Maya alone with the ponies.

Maya felt terrible. She probably got them in so much trouble. May stayed near the river but there was no sign of Fili or Kili.

Maybe this is my punishment.

All thirteen dwarves, Bilbo, and Gandalf surrounded the fire.

"It wasn't her fault, Uncle," Fili explained.

"We were just having fun," Kili added.

"She's too childish to continue on this quest," Thorin said. "Maya will just slow us down."

"She's only a child, Thorin," Gandalf stated. "I do recall you acting like that at her age."

"That was the past," Thorin said.

"You can't leave her behind, what would happen if something were to happen to her?" Fili said.

"She's a burden to this company," Thorin stated.

Maya hid behind a tree as she heard only the last statement.

She's only a burden…

Maya started tearing and ran off far from this.

"You told me she was my responsibility, Uncle," Fili said. "You should know that she learned how to defend and attack with a sword in less than merely a couple of hours. She's dedicated. You should have seen her beg to learn how to fight."

"And you should have seen her in action!" Kili said. "I have to admit I didn't think she would be a good fighter but she is almost like it was second nature to her. She's really good and you shouldn't kick her out of the company."

"Sure she can be naïve but she had a good heart and a passion for what she does. She is a great addition to this group." Fili finished.

"I don't know the lass as well but it feels like she is a part of this family," Bofur said.

"Yes, Maya is a gentle soul," Ori said. "And polite too."

All the dwarves started to compliment about Maya.

"Enough!" Thorin said. "I will allow her to continue but if I feel like she can't handle this, she's gone."

Fili and Kili ran off to get Maya.

"You made the right choice," Gandalf said to Thorin.

"I'm not so sure, Gandalf."

"Give her a chance. She's more than you know."

"What do you mean by that?"

Fili and Kili came back running.

"She's gone!" Fili said.

"I can't find her anyway!" Annie said with a sad look.

"Becca, wait till I-" Hannah started as she glared at Becca reciting lines on stage. Hannah just remembered something. "I know where she is!" Hannah ran off.

"Okay then!" Annie waved.

Hannah ran in the hallway to the prop room. "It's locked!" Hannah banged on the door. "Maya! Maya! Are you in there?"

There was no answer.

Hannah kicked the air. She ran back to find Daniel.

"Daniel, I need your set of keys!"

"Why?" Daniel asked still observing the actors on stage.

"Daniel, don't be stubborn right now and just give me the damn keys!"

"Okay, okay." Daniel said. He searched through his pockets to reveal the keys. "Here, but only if you go on a date with me."

"No!"

Daniel took back the keys. "Then no keys then!"

"I swear, Daniel!" Hannah was getting irritated but Daniel didn't fidget. She hit him hard on the arm.

"Oh, I see someone wants to play rough."

"Ew! Daniel!" Hannah looked around and thought of something. "What if you and Annie go on a date?"

Daniel looked at Annie.

"Ummm…" Daniel started off.

"Daniel!"

"Deal!" He chucked the keys to Hannah who took off.

Hannah pushed people out of her way. She finally got back to the door and tried every key but was frustrated when they didn't want to turn to unlock the door. "Dammit!"

Maya ran faster and farther not knowing where she going. Everything looked the same especially in the dark. Tears were running down her cheeks.

This all looks the same! But I have to keep going! So far that no one can find me!

Maya tripped over a root and tumbled down a little hill. She landed hard on her back. She just laid there crying. She felt hopeless.

Maybe I'll just die here, since I am a burden…

A twig snapped and Maya quickly sat up. She looked around to see if anyone was there. She was Fili and Kili were here especially Fili. Maya grabbed her sword and held it up.

"Hello?" No answer. "Fili…Kili…" Still no answer. Maya was starting to get scared.

Maybe it's your imagination…

She heard slow, deep breathing. Maya looked around by couldn't see anything except when she turned. She saw eyes in hiding in the darkness. Maya started shaking.

Just before anything could happen something popped out from behind the tree. Maya screamed.

"Maya, it's okay. It's me Fili." Fili said.

Without thinking, Maya hugged Fili tight not letting go. She started crying and buried her face in Fili's jacket.

Fili rubbed her back.

"Kili, I found her." Fili shouted.

Kili ran and saw Fili and Maya.

"What happened to her?" Kili asked. His face looked worried.

"She must've fallen. " Fili said as he took out pieces of broken leaves out of her hair. "She got scared when I came out, but I think she's alright."

Kili put his hand on her shoulder.

Maya's face came out of Fili's jacket.

"There were eyes over there," Maya pointed with her shaky hands.

Kili went to go check.

"Are you alright?" Fili asked with concern.

Maya nodded. "I think so."

"Why did you leave?"

"I overheard the conversation. What Thorin said about me, I couldn't bear it and I ran away," Maya explained.

"He's just being stubborn, Maya. That's Thorin for you," Kili said as he walked back. "And there are no traces of footsteps. It could have just been an animal."

"I guess," Maya shrugged.

"Let's get you back to camp," Fili suggested.

"What about Thorin?" Maya asked. She knew she would be yelled at for playing in the water and for running off.

"We'll be by your side," Fili smiled. They all started walking.

After sometime, they all arrived back at camp. Everyone, except Thorin, went to them.

"We were worried about you!" Bofur said.

"You shouldn't be running off like that," Balin said.

"I know, it was stupid of me for doing that. I wasn't really thinking."

"Of course you weren't," Thorin stepped in. "When you don't think, you die faster." He walked to Maya. "Don't ever do that again." He walked off.

At least he didn't yell…

He stopped and turned around.

Oh, please don't tell me he can read minds!

"But there is a punishment," Thorin said.

"Okay, I understand." Maya said.

"I challenge you to a duel when the time is right," Thorin said.

"Wait, that's the punishment?"

He walked off and hid a small smile.

All the dwarves commented under their breath.

"Is that bad?"

"A very tough battle to try to win when you're against Thorin," Balin said. "I wish you all the luck in the world."

All the dwarves walked back.

Maya stood there.

"You okay?" Fili asked.

"I don't know to tell you the truth. I'm actually confused." Maya confessed.

"Let's go eat," Fili suggested. "Bombur probably made something good."

Fili and Maya walked towards Bombur and started to eat. They finished their meals while some were still awake and some were sleeping.

"You should sleep," Fili said.

"I'm not that tired," Maya said.

"That's what you said last night and you ended falling asleep on my back on the way here."

"Can you blame me?" Maya said. "Plus, you were like a soft pillow."

Maya… like a soft pillow? No wonder you fail at improv games… This is why we never talk to people…

"I didn't mean it like that," Maya blushed.

"It's okay." He took off his jacket and handed it to Maya.

"What's this for?"

"To use as a blanket. It could get chilly tonight."

"Thanks," Maya smiled.

"Night."

"Night." Maya closed her eyes and fell fast asleep.

Aww! Fili is such a sweetheart! And what did Gandalf mean "she's more than you know" when he was talking to Thorin? You'll find out if you keep reading! (HEHE :) ) Will Hannah be able to open the door to the prop room? Keep reviewing and reading. So this is a scene right before they make their first stop during the movie when they mention the orcs just in care anybody got confused. I wrote this scene so the Fili/ Maya romance can start. It's going to get better (hopefully! I think it is!) and since they're on their journey, the chapters will get longer! Yay!