Hey Gang! I know its been a little while but I am back with a new chapter for Survivor. Its just taken me a while to get it the way I feel like it should be. I hope you guys enjoy it and just know that I will be seeing all my stories through to the very end. So just know if you haven't heard from me in a while...I am still very much at work on them. All my stories should be getting their updated chapters released shortly as well! I missed ya guys, I appreciate the support and the likes and hope you guys enjoy this new chapter.


Exhaustion and calm washed over Amli as she tucked into Fili's side for warmth. The lake proved chillier than she thought and being sandwiched between he and Kili only did so much.

Resting her head atop his shoulder, Amli's eyes flickered amidst the company and out at the fog filled lake. The majority were huddled around at the front of the boat apart from three outliers. Bilbo and Thorin stood at opposite ends of the boat gazing ahead while Dwalin's back was turned no doubt burning holes into the human's skull, one could only assume.

A smile pulled at her lips as she felt a familiar pair of lips and scruff press a kiss to her temple.

"Coin for your thoughts." Fili posed blue eyes gazing down at her warmly.

"Mm well I'm thoroughly enjoying the brazen acts of affection there my ibrizbunt" Amli murmured softly as her eye lids grew heavy. "I find myself craving a cozy bed, salve for my wounds and a few uninterrupted hours of rest."

"I fear I can offer but one at the moment." Fili began gazing off in Oin's direction, voice faltering as Amli's raised hand upon his own ceased his actions.

"We shall tend to them soon enough. It makes no sense to begin while amidst this barge on this frozen hell. Mahal knows what's coming next."

Fili's brow quirked gazing at her with curiosity and concern. "Are you sure? We may not have a moment of rest for some time."

Admittedly, Amli pondered the dwarf's counter point and reluctantly turned to face Kili presenting her wounded back.

Some commotion could be heard as Fili called for Oin and the salve. Amli good naturedly patted Kili's leg with wrapped hand as their eyes met.

"Are you doing, okay?" She questioned sympathetically, eyeing the darkened gauze wrapped around his leg.

"I'm weathering the storm," Kili began with a grin that didn't quite reach his cheeks. "We seem to be a little worse for the wear, aren't we?"

A garbled sound proved to be Amli's reply as a cacophony of things transpired at once.

Fili's warm hands upon her skin mixed with the cool salve sent a wave of pleasure and pain up her spine and as a hiss escaped her. An unexpected lurch of the boat and Bofur's warning to "Watch Out!" sent her tumbling landing on her wrapped hands.

Mutters and curses flowed as she pushed up with Fili's aid to an upright position. Leaning slowly back against the boat, Amli gazed out to her companions and the water to figure what transpired.

Massive structures of stone emerged from the dense fog littering the water's surface much like the sheets of ice atop it. The oh so the familiar squabbling of her companions stole her attention from the rather eerie scenery.

"Ooh I've had enough of this lippy lake man." Dwalin murmured softly, annoyance dripping in his tone. "I say we throw him over the side and be done with him."

"Ugh Bard...his name is Bard." Bilbo replied exasperatedly causing Amli's lips to upturn. Their little hobbit truly was growing into his own voice all while still being the sweet lad they met in Bag End.

"How do you know?" Bofur questioned.

"I asked him."

Dwalin's voice cut through the air again despite the softness in his tone. "I don't care what he calls himself; I don't like him."

"We don't have to like him; we simply have to pay him. Come on lads turn out your pockets." Balin replied as the company began to do just that.

Amli grimaced gazing down at her wrapped hands as the realization hit that finagling her remaining coins from her breeches would be a challenge.

"Fili?"

"Hmm?" He questioned gazing over at her expectantly.

"I have a strange request to make of you." She murmured softly, trying not to rouse the curiosities of their companions.

A playful smirk pulled at his lip as he raised his brows playfully. "How strange?"

Amli barely contained the chuckle in her chest though she bumped his shoulder playfully.

"Get your mind out of the gutter. I need you to fetch my coin from my pocket seeing as how..." She murmured sheepishly gazing at her rather bulkily wrapped hands.

"And you claim my mind to be languishing in the gutter." Fili began with a husky laugh at the indignant look upon the lass' face. "Aye, which pocket are they in?"

Amli leaned her head towards her left side as Fili scooched over to make room. A slight shudder crept up her spine as she felt the dwarf's warm hand enter her pocket quickly finding the coins. He handed the coins down the line before getting comfortable alongside her yet again.

"Was it as good for you as it was for me?" He questioned shortly thereafter causing laughter to fully escape her.

It quickly quieted with a glare from Dwalin and Thorin as they focused on the matter of paying their Bard.

The chattering of the company once again filled the air as from the sounds of it Gloin grumbled at paying his share and having to give yet more coin into the venture.

Amli's eyes flickered curiously back to Thorin watching as his usual hard-set expression faded away and his eyes widened in awe. The same expressions began to befall the rest of the company as they slowly rose to their feet.

She was not the only one to take note of the change in morale as Fili, Kili and Bilbo exchanged inquisitive looks with one another.

Fili stood to join them offering a supportive arm underneath Amli's arm to bring her to a standing position as well.

Once stable, Amli sidestepped allowing Fili easier access to aid Kili. Once they were sure he had his bearings, the three turned and took in the spectacle that cast such a riveting spell.

Her heart skipped a beat taking in the imposing shadow that the Lonely Mountain cast upon the skyline. Hidden behind the wispy fog and thick grey clouds, Erebor appeared to exist solely among the heavens like a mystical escape.

Amli thought it looked much like a hero from tales in youth; mighty and tall, standing alone against whatever foe crossed its path to save the day and rally the people.

The Lonely Mountain did just that for these dwarves. It was the rallying call home. The promise of a future. A salve to ease and treat the pain of the past.

A small smile crept up on Amli's lips hearing Gloin cutting through the reverent silence like a knife.

"Bless my beard, take it. Take all of it."

Bilbo's hefty cough and nod caught the company's attention as they gazed back at him curiously; eyes wandering to Bard's quick approach.

"The money quick give it to me." He urged as a wave of annoyance splashed upon Thorin's face.

"We will pay you when we get our provisions and not before."

"If you value your freedom, you'll do as I say." Bard replied, gazing past the company with concern etched upon his face. "There are guards ahead."

Amli turned back as did the company eyeing the horizon where the outline of a town began to take shape. An exasperated sigh left her lips as a weight settled in her stomach and a sad realization bloomed.

She truly was no closer to a bed or hours of rest than when they began this lake voyage.


The scowl upon Amli's face was damn near etched in stone at their current predicament. Yet again the company were tucked away in the forsaken barrels. This time, however, they were not alone.

Amli would have adored being scrunched in the damned thing again with any dwarf from Dwalin to Bombur. Instead, she was surrounded by the slimiest, coldest and most odorous fish that had ever graced Middle Earth's waters.

It was a new form of torture that from the sounds of the rest of the dwarves was getting to them all. An indignant huff escaped her as she felt her barrel being harshly kicked.

"Quiet we're approaching the toll gate." Bard's voice could barely be heard in the insulated barrel.

Amli followed directions opting to let her eyes drift shut and focus on her breath breathing. They weren't going to be moving from their current predicament for some time, so it seemed only right to attempt in vain to rest.

Much to her surprise, she fell into a restful state despite the fish encroaching on her personal space. It proved to be short lived hearing muffled voices encompassing the barge. Amli tried in vain to make out what was spoke but to no avail.

The only thing that rang clear as day however was the gruff order called out to "Empty the barrels over the side!"

The air hitched in her lungs as her barrel began to shift and shuffle into the precarious position of emptying its contents...her... into the icy water.

Amli's mind ran a mile a minute trying to figure out the escape this predicament hopefully remaining relatively dry. Yet it seemed that there would be no avoiding it, feeling the layers of fish above her shift ever so slightly as the barrel went off tilt.

A sigh of relief escaped her as she could make out "STOP" amidst her entrapment. She nearly kissed the fish pressed against her lips as the barrel returned to its original position.

Muted sounds could be heard from within the confines of the barrel so Amli had no clue what was transpiring

An un-lady like grumble shortly thereafter escaped Amli's lips as her barrel was gruffly knocked on its side spilling her and the fishy contents out onto the barge floor. She barely had the chance to roll out of the way of the next dwarf that Bard knocked over.

Getting up to her feet, Amli bit down on her lip to stop the laughter threatening to bubble over taking in her companion's states. Dwalin currently looked ready for murder as he shook the bargeman's hands from his body. Bilbo looked horrified by the state of himself and Bifur looked like a wet rat.

"You didn't seem them; they were never here." Bard murmured to the other human who had been gazing at them utterly perplexed. Amli took note watching the bargeman slip a coin into the gent's palm much to his surprise.

"The fish you can have for nothing."

The company fell into a single line as the bargeman called for them to stay close and follow him navigating through the humans. A soft exasperated sigh escaped Amli's lips as the hustle and bustle of the market place drew closer. Amli was never a fan of the towns of men.

They were laced with so much chaos as opposed to the beautiful scenery nature provided. However much like everything in the world, it also served its purpose.

Amli could feel the eyes watching them from all corners. Despite their size, they still drew far too much attention to themselves from their very existence.

Her thoughts came to an abrupt halt as she walked into Dwalin's strong back as she realized that they came to a stop. Gazing around the burly dwarf, Amli gazed at their esteemed leader eyeing the bargeman and a young lanky lad.

"Da our house its being watched." The child called as Amli sighed pinching the bridge of her nose. Of course, it was being watched; Mahal forbid they catch one break this day.


Amli wished that she could be surprised at the company's newest predicament but that no longer was the case. Even now, as they swam in the bone-chilling and murky water of Laketown preparing to make their way up through the lavatory; Amli did not even think twice. That didn't mean however that she didn't feel a way about it.

Amli relished in the fleeting joy she felt watching Dwalin climb up the lavatory before her; hissing and cursing like an irate tea kettle.

That joy however dissipated as she herself made the climb up and out of the stall. The motion itself left Amli unsettled as the weight of the world sat upon her shoulders reminded her of all she felt all at once. She reeked of fish, was chilled to the bone, her wounds ached terribly and she literally just climbed out of a toilet.

A scowl found its way upon her lips for the second time that day as she got her footing out of the lavatory and began to ascend the staircase. Her ill temperament vanished witnessing the three bairns speaking excitedly with their father.

The two girls were beauties with brown hair that looked as though it was weaved together by brilliant ribbons of gold and clear blue eyes sparkling with curiosity. The boy now that she could take him in was rather gawky yet she could see his father's spirit and stance beginning to grow within him.

"Da why are there dwarves climbing out of our toilet?" The older of the two questioned glancing down at the onslaught of their company making their way up the stairs.

"Will they bring us luck? Look there is a little lady amongst them...surely, they will right Sigrid?!"

Amli couldn't help her chuckle at question as the company dispersed through the room. Children truly were one of the noblest creatures in this earth. Innocent and full of life, much like Hobbits.

The older girl, Sigrid apparently, appeared before her carrying some clothing, blankets and a bar of soap stirring her from her thoughts.

"Should you like a little privacy to wash up, you may use Tilda and I's bed and basin."

"I would appreciate that a great deal. Please tell your father thank you for letting us in to your home and Sigrid, thank you for your aid." Amli replied as the girl nodded, ushering her towards the canopied bed.

As Sigrid closed the curtains behind her, Amli took moment to search for the water basin. The sparkle returned to her eyes finding the basin steps away. Placing the bundle Sigrid gave her atop the bed, Amli made quick work of abandoning her wet clothes and unwrapping her hands intent on washing up.

Fili's eyes were fixed upon the blue curtains from the moment Amli disappeared behind them. Many things swirled around his mind from the fact that his mate being tantalizing bare skinned to the fact that anyone could accidentally walk in. His blood turned to fire thinking of the hell he would unleash upon any who dare to look at his khahinh in such a manner.

"At this point lad, just go sit by the curtain if yer so concerned." Dwalin's gravelly voice murmured catching the young dwarf off guard as he spun around to gaze at the warrior.

"I don't know what you're talking about Master Dwalin." Fili began barely sputtering the words together as he tried to keep the frustrating emotions and mild embarrassment at bay.

"Uh huh," Dwalin began with an unimpressed look at the answer changing into his own dry shirt. "Just sit by the curtain lad, you stare any longer it'll catch fire."

A flush painted Fili's cheeks at the unspoken insinuation as he made his way to the makeshift room inconspicuously. Mahal spared him any embarrassment as Amli's head popped out between the fabric; eyes scanning the crowd thoughtfully till her gaze fell upon him.

A small sheepish smile pulled at her lips as she crooked her finger for him to come closer.

Fili closed the gap between the two quickly appearing before her with a grin pulling at his lips as she eyed him warmly.

"How can I be of assistance, my princess?" Fili drawled playfully enjoying the flush that colored her cheeks a faint pink.

"There was mention of salve this morn' that was rudely interrupted by an iceberg of sorts." Amli began with a playful yet pleading glance at him.

"Your wish is my command." He murmured, offering a wink before pulling the vial from his pocket.

A quirked brow and impressed look graced Amli's face in response.

A small smile pulled at Fili's lips watching the crack in Amli's bravado go on display briefly as she gazed about the company timidly. His wild wolf was so incredibly endearing.

Taking a step closer to the curtain, Fili softly called Amli's name.

"My love would you like some help?" He questioned smile growing even more as she nodded disappearing behind the curtain in one smooth motion.

It was now Fili's turn to scan the room checking to see that the company's attention was captured elsewhere before quickly slipping through the curtain. It may have been too quick seeing as the two collided, nearly knocking them both off balance had it not been for Fili's quick reflexes.

A hand snaked wrapped around Amli's waist while the other grabbed at the bed post keeping them upright and ultimately pressed against each other.

As the two regained their bearings, Fili took the moment to truly enjoy their proximity. Amli's hand wrapped around his bicep to steady herself and inadvertently pressing her bound buxom into the air. His gaze took note of a topaz pendant hanging delicately from a chain around her neck that rested between the valley of her breasts.

After gazing for what felt too long and upon hearing soft feminine laughter, his blue eyes flickered up, finding Amli gazing at him with a playful smirk upon her lips and a quirked brow.

"What is so funny my princess? Am I not allowed to enjoy the beauty that is on display before me?"

"You are my prince, I assure you." She began pressing a finger to his chest gently as she began to walk it upwards along the strong muscle. "I was merely enjoying how you practically stepped out the tales that keep women aflame on cold nights, should you catch my meaning. Deviously handsome and sweeping the lady off her feet, I am utterly spoiled."

Fili's brow quirked inquisitively, and a satisfied smirk pulled at his lips at the thinly veiled confession. He would enjoy savoring this moment as he leaned in placing a kiss to her cheek and jawline. The sharp inhalation that escaped her parted lips sent a shiver into his very soul as he pulled back ever so to gaze into her orbs again.

"Do tell my love of your familiarity with these fiery tales. Did you partake in a tale or two yourself?" He questioned teasingly enjoying the embarrassment that painted her features as she looked away briefly and bit down upon her lip. "Do not spare any detail, I want to know it all. A prince of such noble stature such as myself should know all about his princess' every whim and desire."

Fili's breath stilled in his chest as her emerald eyes flickered up at him with lust and wanton. He could feel the warmth and care behind it but what she held in her gaze set him a flame. The feel of a cool hand upon his bristled cheek stirred from his building desires as Amli pulled him close, capturing his lips in a searing kiss.

It took everything in Fili's power to maintain his sensibility as their tongues slipped past their parted lips exploring and savoring every moment of their privacy. He had to choke down a moan as Amli's teeth bit softly into his bottom lip as the two parted for air.

Amli's face bloomed into a sated grin as she rested her forehead against his own, catching her breath.

"Mahal the things you do to me." She murmured softly as Fili gazed at her mildly wide eyed from the admission.

"The things I do to you?" Fili began voice thick with lust and a light with awe. "You have no idea my wild wolf what you do to me. If we did not have the company but a mere few feet away, I would make proper use of this bed and show you."

A strangled sound softly escaped Amli's lips as a flush crept up her cheeks at the sentiment as Fili worked on getting her to a seated position on the bed.

"So, onto the salve?" He questioned with a cheeky smile as Amli gazed at him dumbstruck before chuckling softly and turning to display her back to him.

Fili could not help his sharp inhale taking in the state of her skin. Abrasions covered her back from minor scratches to some deeper ones. The skin all over had a red pallor to it and was raised. It looked almost as if it were raw meat and far worse than it did when he gazed at it upon the barge.

"It's bad, isn't it?" Amli questioned, stirring him from his observing.

Before Fili had even a chance to reply, Kili's voice could be heard passing by outside the curtain in a hushed tone.

"Mahal knows I do not wish to interrupt whatever is taking place in there." Kili began voice quavering in mild disgust much like a child who witnessed their parents kissing. "Yet, I am a dwarf who takes my duties seriously. I would advise my dear brother to make an appearance seeing as how his absence is beginning to be noticed."

The couple shared a look as the two took in the information.

"I feel silly asking but has Kili gotten his share of the winnings from the others?" Amli whispered as curiosity got the better of her.

"He has but he would certainly not complain to getting paid more." Kili called from the abyss causing chuckles to escape the two.

"He's got a point. Can't let inquiring minds explore what's going on behind the curtain." Amli began gazing up at Fili expectantly, palm out for the vial

"I'll await your return." Fili replied handing the salve to her before leaning down to capture her lips in a chaste kiss.

A smile tore at Amli's lips as he offered a quick wink before a hand poked out through the curtain and pulled him through it.

Amli's return to the company proved to be smoother and much more subtle than Fili's had been much to her relief. Applying the salve took some time as well as finishing dressing. Every part of her body felt the ache of the last few days of their adventure. It felt as though she was held down by weights and she had to fight with every fiber of her being to even scratch her nose.

Amli truly needed hours of uninterrupted sleep.

When she pulled back the curtain, the company was spread out somewhat throughout the small abode. Though most of everyone's attention seemed enraptured by Balin's tale of the city of Dale.

She slowly made her way to the table, passing the enraptured group around him to take a seat beside Oin at the table. She could certainly listen from afar and her body demanded the rest bits whenever she could take them.

"The day that Smaug destroyed dale; Girion, the Lord of the city, rallied his bowmen to fire upon the beast. But dragon's hide is tough, tougher than the strongest armor. Only a black arrow fired from a wind lance could have pierced the dragon's hide and few of those arrows were ever made. The store was running low when Girion made his last stand. "

"...had the aim of men been true that day much would have been different." Thorin added, pulling his gaze from the window to look upon them.

"You speak as if you were there." Bard replied approaching the group and Thorin eyed the human wearily.

"All dwarves know the tale."

"Then, you would know that Girion hit the dragon. He loosened a scale under the left wing. One more shot and he would have killed the beast." Bain murmured joining in on the telling.

"That's a fairy story lad, nothing more." Dwalin uttered in response to the childlike enthusiasm.

"You took our money. Where are our weapons?" Thorin questioned edge in his voice as Amli fought the need to roll her eyes.

"Wait here." Bard ordered.

Rolling her eyes at the unnecessary dramatics, Amli worked on getting comfortable wrapping up the blanket around her shoulders. Folding her arms in front of her upon the wood, she could not help but rest her head upon them.

For all that they endured thus far, this oddly was one of their calmest days from being trapped with fish to swimming up a lavatory. It felt as though there was nothing actively trying to kill them in that moment in time.

Amli tried her best to focus on the positives to balance the scales out. She was offered dry clothes, a bar of soap to somewhat wash up and a blanket. If she was lucky, she might be able to finagle a couple moments of rest.

It proved challenging however hearing the not so "quiet" whispers of the heirs to the line of Durin and Balin. Particularly hearing Fili's utterance of, "...then this quest has been for nothing."

"Ye alright lassie?" Oin questioned, stirring her from her musings and the ominous statement as she turned her head to face him.

"I am though I do think we are all long overdue for at least one night's rest. What do you say Oin?"

"Aye!" He exclaimed with a smile as Amli was pleasantly surprised by the unexpected lightheartedness in the old dwarf.

"How are you feeling?"

"Well, my hands do still pester, and my back does ache. Apart from that, I am right as rain." Amli replied gazing at her wrapped hands remembering the trauma they suffered handling the barrels.

"Have you applied the salve?"

Before Amli had even a chance to reply, the soft thump of a package being placed before her and Bard's reappearance stopped the conversation.

Slowly getting to her feet once more, Amli moved back to allow for more room as he unfurled humble-looking weaponry that the others inspected.

"What is this?" Thorin questioned as Amli could see the disdain growing upon his face.

"Pike hook, made from an old harpoon." Bard replied rather awkwardly as Amli's heart tugged for the human.

The people of Laketown proved resourceful, loyal and tough as nails. They watched out for their own and by extension the company. That counted as something very special in Amli's book.

"And this?" Kili questioned much to Amli's relief without an air of malice or outright judgement.

"A crow bill we call it; fashioned from a smithy's hammer." Bard began seemingly weary of the looks growing upon the company's faces as well. "It's heavy in hand in I grant, but in defense of your life...these will serve you better than none."

"We paid you for weapons; iron-forged swords and axes." Gloin muttered annoyance dripping in his tone.

"It's a joke!" Bofur added, throwing the weapon dramatically atop the pile, effectively breaking Amli's last straw.

Slapping her hands roughly against the table, a muffled scream filled the silence that her movements demanded as Amli was painfully reminded of her injuries.

"Enough, the lot of you." She murmured her pitch returning to normal as she tried to regroup from the pain. "The man got what he could; Laketown is doing the best with what they have. Weapons, no matter the kind, are better than none."

"You won't find better outside the city armory." Bard began eyeing Amli briefly with curiosity in his gaze before looking at the rest. "All iron forged weapons are held there under lock and key."

"Thorin," Balin called stepping forward to their leader. "Amli is right. Why not take what's on offer and go? I've made do with less and so have you...I say we leave now."

A wave of relief washed over Amli hearing the old dwarf effectively on her side and the feel of Fili's hand upon the small of her back as he stepped to her side. It felt good to express her opinion and not have it vilify her in moments as it once did.

"You're not going anywhere." Bard uttered in a rather foreboding tone that left them all gazing at him wearily.

"What did you say?" Dwalin rasped not one to turn away from any semblance of a threat.

"There are spies watching this house and probably every dock and wharf in town. You must wait till nightfall."

The collective alertness of the company lowered at the rationale as they spread out to prepare for their impending leave.

"I have to say, I do appreciate when you keep us in check." Fili murmured softly as the two moved to take a seat by the window near the humble bed.

Amli could not help the surprised look on her face as she gazed at him. "Truly?"

"I will not speak for the whole company, but you remind me to be mindful of others." Fili began eyes drifting down to her hand upon the cushion that he took in his own. "Uncle is so focused on the mountain that I fear for his wellbeing. He grows blind to those around him, and they become disposable as a result. At least when you speak, my Gimlelul I know our company and people won't be lost to our selfish desires."

A smile pulled at her lips as she squeezed his hand back gazing into his beautiful eyes. "If we were not utterly surrounded at the moment, I would be giving into my selfish desire of kissing you."

Much to her amusement, a flush crept up his cheeks as something akin to lust dusted his beautiful blue orbs at the new context of desires.

"You two make me sick. I long for the days where she'd feign injury and you two would run off to steal kisses in the woods or even steal time in a canopy with the company steps away." Kili's raspy voice taunted, breaking their stares as they watched the brown-haired archer slowly take a seat near them on the bed.

"You and I have very different recollections of the incident with the trolls." Amli replied playfully as the dwarf rolled his eyes good naturedly.

"Do we? Do we truly?"

Amli merely stuck out her tongue in response and was relieved when Kili chuckled despite his state.

"How do you fare brother?" Fili questioned concern thick in his voice.

"The wound grows a little more irksome than days past but that's all." Kili replied still offering that halfhearted grin.

"Will you tell us should it get worse?" Amli questioned eyeing Kili as he nodded wincing slightly.

"Let us rest for a bit. It'll be sometime before sundown." Fili murmured, moving to get comfortable upon the bench making room for Amli who rested her head upon his shoulder gratefully. Might as well try to catch some rest before their adventure continued.