Big thanks to ChaseyLane, Lightning-in-the-dark, draconsnoire43, BlackDragonTalom and skittlelover1998 for following/favouriting.

Rachetg – I like him more when I include him in fanfiction.

Nice Egan – They did but when you're facing a dragon a couple of swords and knives won't go very far. Plus armour would be a good help. And I'll be honest you are right to be anxious!

The Hidden Dangers of Laketown

The two girls began handing them out dry clothes as they huddled around the fire. Fira smiled at both of them and she could see the look of pride in Bard's eyes. He put his arm around the youngest.

"These are my daughters: Sigrid and Tilda,"

The company gave low bows to the girls who grinned shyly. Fira glanced down at herself.

"Excuse me?"

Glancing up Fira saw Sigrid looking down at her. The girl smiled.

"Would you and the other girl care for a bath?"

"I…thank you."

Following Sigrid, Fira turned to get Mithiel's attention. However the elf was sitting by Fili on the bed and she decided to leave them to it. Shutting the door behind her Fira glanced around and what she assumed was the girls bedroom. A double bed was in the middle of the room and she watched Sigrid pouring water into a bath tin.

"It's not the warmest water I'm afraid."

Fira shook her head, "As long as I don't smell of fish I don't mind."

Sigrid smiled, "I'll leave you to it."

As she was left alone Fira wasted no time in stripping off and sliding into the bath. Sigrid hadn't been lying. The water was freezing. Shaking her head Fira hurriedly scrubbed herself down; grimacing as the water turned a horrible murky grey. Glancing around Fira realised that she had no towel or blankets. Biting her lip she wondered if she should call for Sigrid when the door opened. As Kili poked his head round however, Fira was quick to draw her knees to her chest. He held his hands up.

"I've not come here to pry," he stepped into the room, "I figured you might need this."

He handed her a thick woollen blanket and Fira smiled. Dropping it on the floor Kili then turned around. Waiting a few seconds Fira got to her feet and wrapped the blanket around her. She then glanced down at her sodden clothes. Kili turned around and Fira could see the blush creeping into his cheeks as he glanced at her.

"Sigrid found some clothes for you. They're a bit big but they should do until yours are clean."

Nodding Fira watched as he left the room before coming back with a small bundle in his hands. Once again Kili dropped them on the floor before turning round. As she changed Fira bit her lip. The company had had good luck since leaving Mirkwood. So why was she so worried by that?

When Fira and Kili re-joined the others she saw all of them were now in thicker, woollen tunic and trousers. As Sigrid and Bain handed out warm soup Fira sat close to Kili by the fire. Fili sat in a chair a few feet away and she could see the sweat sticking out on his forehead. Whatever wound he had it wasn't normal. Fira had one idea in mind but before she could talk to Fili she was pulled to her feet by Kili.

"What is it?"

He shook his head and drew her towards the window. Looking out Fira frowned as she saw a huge metal crossbow standing on one of the watch towers.

"What is it?"

"A Dwarvish wind-Lance," Kili whispered.

Fira head a gasp behind them and she turned to see Thorin had now joined them. He gazed out of the window in shock.

"You look like you've seen a ghost," Bilbo smiled but Balin shook his head,

"Because he has," the old dwarf said sadly "The last time we saw such a weapon the city was on fire. It was the day the dragon came. The day that Smaug destroyed Dale, Girion, Lord of the city, rallied his bowmen to fire upon the best. But a dragon's hide is tough, tougher than the strongest armour. Only a black arrow, fired from a wind-lance could have pierced the dragons hide; and few of those arrows were ever made. Girions store was running low when he made his last stand,"

"Had the aim of men been true that day," Thorin said bitterly, "Much would have been different,"

"You speak as if you were there," Bard said slowly. Thorin frowned,

"All dwarves know the tale,"

Fira couldn't help but feel uncomfortable at this. Bard had no idea exactly which dwarf he was speaking to. And she had a feeling she wouldn't be happy if he found out.

"Then you would know that Girion hit the dragon," Bain said, "He loosened a scale under the left wing,"

Dwalin shook his head sadly, "A fairy story lad,"

Wiping his eyes Thorin glared at Bard,

"You took our money," he said coldly, "Where are the weapons you promised?"

"Wait here," Bard said as he turned and went outside. Fira watched as Thorin, Dwalin, Fili and Kili huddled together. Sensing she should go she moved towards the fire and sat down. Sigrid handed her some soup.

"Sorry about this," Fira said, "We'll be gone soon."

Sigrid shook her head, "It doesn't matter."

Gulping down the soup Fira glanced up as Bard came back with a huge bundle over his shoulders. Throwing it on the table the dwarves crowded round eagerly to see what he had. As they saw the assortment of items they turned to each other in disgust,

"What is this?" Thorin lifted up a long pole with a hook on the end,

"A pike hook," Bard said calmly, not noticing the anger on the dwarves faces, "Made from an old harpoon,"

"And this," Kili picked up a huge hammer, grimacing at the weight,

"A crow bill we call it. Made from a smithy's hammer. It's heavy in hand I grant you. But in defence of your life, these will serve you better than no else,"

"We paid you for weapons," Gloin argued, "Iron forged sword and axes,"

"It's a joke," Bofur said in disgust and the dwarves nodded; throwing the items back on the table,

"You won't find better weapons outside the city forgery," Bard said in annoyance. Thorin and Dwalin turned to each other and nodded slowly. Seeing the look Balin drew Thorin to one side,

"Thorin. Why not take the offer and go?" Thorin scowled but Balin was firm, "I've made do with less. So have you. Besides; we have what Mithiel stole for us. Surely all together it's enough?"

Thorin nodded and moved back to the table when Bard slammed his hands down and glared at the dwarves around him,

"You're not going anywhere!"

The dwarves glared at the look on Bards face,

"What did you say?" Dwalin growled murderously, stepping forward with his fists raised. Bard sighed,

"There are spies watching the house," he said softly, "and probably every dock and wharf in this town. You must wait until nightfall,"

The dwarves looked at each other in relief. Fira smiled shyly at Kili as he drew her back down towards the fire.

"Get some sleep."

"Kili I slept on the barge."

He shook his head, "You're tired, I can see it clear as day. Just get some rest."

Fira nodded but a horrible thought was brewing in the back of her mind. The company hadn't encountered Sol since escaping Azog. It wasn't like him to be so…hidden. Fira couldn't help but feel like he was watching them. Watching her!

"Fira?"

At Kili's voice Fira snapped back into focus. As he smiled at her she gave a small nod. Kili leant against the chair behind them and Fira curled up against him. His lips brushed her forehead.

"Pleasant dreams my darling."

When she woke it took Fira a second to realise how quiet the house was. Glancing around she saw that most of the company had fallen asleep. Kili's head was on her shoulder and at the peaceful look on his face Fira wanted nothing more than to stay and watch him. But as she looked around this house again her attention was caught by the figure of Mithiel sitting in the doorway. Easing Kili's arm off her Fira got to her feet and silently moved towards the elf.

"Hey."

Mithiel gave a small gasp and Fira sat down next to her in the doorway.

"Sorry, didn't mean to scare you."

The elf nodded and even in the decreasing light Fira could see the tears in her eyes.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing."

"Well that's a lie if ever I heard one," Fira nudged her, "Is this about Fili?"

Mithiel paused and Fira knew she was tempted to deny it. But instead she nodded.

"I…the way I feel about him…I've never felt anything like this before."

"You love him don't you?"

Mithiel gave a slow nod and Fira could see the tears crawling down her face. Reaching over she put an arm around her shoulder.

"Why is that a bad thing?"

"Because he doesn't love me," Mithiel whispered.

"You've told him?"

She shook her head and Fira sighed.

"Well how can you say he doesn't love you if you don't know?"

"Because…because I can't think of a single reason he could have for loving me. There's nothing about me he would find desirable and…well he wouldn't love someone like me."

"I thought that about Kili," Fira whispered, "I thought he couldn't love me and yet look at us."

Mithiel gave a small nod and Fira bit her lip.

"Look, I haven't exactly heard it from Fili's lips…but I do know he has feelings for you. The way he acts around you? He'd never do that just for any girl."

She gave Mithiel a gentle hug, "You need to tell him how you feel."

Mithiel nodded, "I will I promise."

Smiling, Fira got up to go when a thought struck her. She paused before nodding.

"Fili's wound…I can't be certain but I think he was poisoned."

Mithiel nodded, "I know. With a Morgul blade."

Fira placed a hand to her stomach. She could remember the pain she had been in back in Beorns house. If Fili had to go through the same pain… Mithiel shook her head.

"I've tried to talk to him but he insists he's fine. I've tried to ask Bard for Kingsfoil but I can never get a moment with him or any of the others."

"How long..?" Fira didn't have to finish her sentence. Mithiel shook her head.

"A couple of days at most."

Placing a hand on her shoulder Fira nodded.

"We'll get some tomorrow. I promise."

Mithiel smiled before leaning her head against the doorway. As she went back inside the house Fira couldn't help but look at the sleeping figure of Fili. She then shook her head. He would be fine. Mithiel wouldn't risk losing him; not for anything.

Getting to her feet Mithiel shook out her stiff legs. She knew she should have a nap. After all the second the dwarves had their weapons they'd be off towards the Mountain. She didn't know why but excitement was growing at the thought of finally reaching Erebor. She couldn't explain it. It wasn't her home – although it could be if Fili had meant what he said – but after everything these dwarves had been through to reach it she knew they deserved it. No matter what anyone said.

Mithiel was about to follow Fira inside when a noise pricked her ears. Turning to her right she looked down the flight of steps that led into Bard's house. In the low light her sharp eyes saw nothing unusual. Nodding she turned and moved towards the door.

"Gotcha!"

An arm wrapped itself around her waist – pinning her arms to her sides. Before she could scream a hand clamped a cloth over her mouth. Mithiel took a deep breath before she realised what it was. As the strong smell entered her lung she could feel her eyes closing. The man who had grabbed her picked her up and slung her over his shoulder. Resting her head on his back Mithiel allowed herself to sleep.

Fira watched in amusement as the others woke. The sun was hours from setting but already the clouds had turned a faint shade of pink. She giggled as Kili scrunched up his eyes before smiling at her. As the others got to their feet she watched in concern as Fili winced in pain. Kili was by his brothers side in an instant but Fili shook his head. Thorin bit his lip and Fira could see the growing worry in his eyes. He faced them all.

"Are we all ready?" He whispered.

As the others nodded Fira realised they were one short. She did another head count but she had been right. Mithiel wasn't there.

"Where's Mithiel?"

She watched Fili's face go white as he glanced around. Moving towards the doorway Fira risked a glance outside – maybe she had fell asleep after their chat. But no, nothing. Heading back inside she could see Kili doing his best to calm Fili down. Thorin sighed.

"We can't afford delays. We need to get the weapons."

"So you'll just leave her," Fili hissed, "Uncle anything could have happened to her!"

Fira could see Thorin was torn. But she knew they had days until Durin's day. He couldn't afford delays. As Thorin shook his head Kili put out an arm to stop Fili.

"Why don't we split up? Fili and I can look for her."

"And me," Fira nodded. She glanced at Thorin, "I'm sure you'll be able to get weapons without us."

Thorin paused before glancing over at Fili. Through the pain on his face Fira could see how worried he was. She was worried. Mithiel hadn't come back in the house last night that much was clear. She wouldn't have wandered off either, not without telling someone. Which left one option.

Someone had taken her. Someone knew the company were here and believed Mithiel could be useful to them.

Glancing over at Fili and Kili, Fira knew the same thought had crossed their minds. Moving towards the brothers she smiled at Fili.

"She'll be alright. We'll find her."

Fili nodded and Fira glanced over at Kili who sighed.

"I think I know where to start."

So finally things are starting to heat up! At long last Mithiel admits what everyone else already knows and then she ends up in danger! Looks like a certain blonde prince will need to perform a dashing and very heroic rescue ;) Let me know what you think xxx