"Good footwork, Miss Kelsey," complimented Thorin, as they sparred in Beorn's front field. The surrounding grass flatten from them circling each other, looking for weaknesses. "You just need to put more strength in your attacks."

"I'm only small, Thorin," said Kelsey, trying to breathe through her nose. She knew her attacks were a little weak as she wasn't preserving her stamina.

"Use that to your advantage," stated Thorin, before successfully disarming her. Loud clapping could be heard from the house and they looked over at the small crowd that had formed to watch them; Dwalin, Fili, Ori and Bofur. Kelsey just laughed when Thorin passed her sword back to her.

"I think you will become a tremendous warrior, Kelsey," claimed Thorin with a smile.

"Really?"

"Of course," assured Thorin before resting a large hand onto her shoulder. "You have become part of this family and will always have a place in Erebor."

Kelsey's smile grew even larger. She had grown respect for the old king and had longed to find a place to belong. And here was Thorin accepting her into the world of dwarves.

"Thank you, my King," she said, bowing her head in respect. Thorin gave a hearty chuckle.

"Now we must discuss my nephew Kili," he said with a gleeful gleam in his eyes. Kelsey froze at these words. "You cannot disagree the feelings that boy has for you."

"Thorin, I can assure you those feelings are just friendly," said Kelsey, her heart dropping at her words. She knew she was lying to herself. Thorin laughed again and patted her on the back before leading her towards the house.

"I may be an old dwarf, little one but my eyes are still sharp. I can see those feelings he has for you and you for him."

Before Kelsey could answer, loud laughter filled the air as Kili and a mysterious female entered the clearing, in very close proximity. The golden-haired woman was holding a single red rose in her hand and her other hand was looped in Kili's arm. Her skin so pale it looked almost translucent. Kelsey was put off from her beauty and she realised that all the dwarves and Bilbo has stopped with what they were doing to stare at the laughing duo.

She took a step backwards and almost collided with Fili who came up behind her with his arms crossed. He too had a scowl on his face and studied the newcomer. Kelsey was unsure how she felt about Kili looking at this woman with such loving, puppy-dog eyes that she almost missed the introduction.

"Everyone, this is Adrianna Mallory."

As soon as Kelsey's eyes connected with Adrianna's piercing blue eyes, she got the overwhelming of the Darkness. There was something about this woman that she did not trust.

"It is very nice to meet you all," smiled Adrianna, her voice so sweet, it was almost sickly to the ears of Kelsey and Fili. The others seemed too captivated by her beauty to notice how shadows resonated off her. They slithered in and out of the shadows of the Company, latching on like leeches. The ploy of her puppetry.

"Ah Adrianna, there you are," exclaimed Beorn as he wandered out of his house. Adrianna's smile vanished along with the shadows reaching out to the dwarves and Bilbo. They seemed to snap out of whatever trance they were in, except Kili who still stared at her like a lost puppy. Kelsey rolled her hands into fists, digging her nails into her palms. She did not like Adrianna one bit.

"I found Miss Adrianna wandering a week ago. She seems to have lost her way to Laketown," explained Beorn, placing the last bag of supplies on a pony nearby.

"That was what I was about to ask these lovely gentlemen. Kili here has told me that you will be travelling in the direction of my home," said Adrianna, smiling once more; the shadows reaching out. Kelsey felt her necklace hum on her chest and she realised that none of the shadows were trying to latch onto her or Fili, who stood rather close to her due to protectiveness and wary of the newcomer. "I was just curious if I may be able to join your company until we reach Laketown."

"I don't know about that," said Thorin, shaking his head, fighting the trance.

"Come on Thorin, fight it," muttered Kelsey. "You are stronger than this."

Unfortunately the shadows were too strong and Thorin ended up agreeing. Both Kelsey and Fili sighed in defeat, knowing that they will have to keep a close eye on her. While everyone was choosing their ponies, Kelsey managed to slip past them and cornered Adrianna who had just sent Kili to fetch her bags.

"I don't know who you are or what your ploy is, but I'm onto you Adrianna."

"Ah you must be Kelsey. Kili has briefly told me about you and the lack of a home," smirked Adrianna. Those words struck a chord with Kelsey and Adrianna could sense that. "How about you stay out of my way, little one."

"Not going to happen, lady," said Kelsey, a warning tone in her voice. "If you hurt any of my friends, especially Kili, I will personally kill you."

Adrianna simply smirked and walked off to join Kili on his pony, kissing him on the cheek which Kelsey let out a low growl at her way. Her anger was getting the better of her and she knew she couldn't get consumed by it.

"I don't like her," stated Fili, coming up to next to her as they both watched Adrianna hug Kili.

"Fili, do me a favour and stay close. I don't trust her."

Fili nodded, and with a pat on her shoulder, venture towards his own pony. Kelsey didn't know why seeing Kili act so loving towards Adrianna, made her feel angry and jealous. Not one bit has he confided in her about Adrianna and that just irritated her. That's when she realised that the feelings towards Kili weren't just as friends.

She was in love with him.