"Light the braziers!"

The king under the mountain approached the entrance hall with all the turmoil of a maelstrom. His order echoed throughout Erebor's vast entranceway and those of us in the procession behind him spread out, wordlessly obeying his command.

Bofur took up an axe and set about the ancient timbers of a door of an adjoining antechamber. I hurriedly began to gather up the splintered wood, and then joined several of the others carrying their burdens to the top of the wall.

At the top, I stopped short at the sight of the people - technically my people - destitute and un-homed with no hope left, filtering their way into Dale.

From the corner of my eye I noticed Thorin glare up at us from his position on the bridge crossing the mountain's moat, then his attention turned to those on the far side of the gate.

"Get those fires lit!"

I threw my armful of fuel onto the fire, and then was forced to step back as Balin upended a volatile smelling liquid onto the brazier's contents. Bifur then drew close, striking flint against steel and sending sparks showering onto the soaked wood, instantly igniting the brazier in a brilliant whoosh of flame, to which the dwarf nodded appreciatively.

Bofur joined us atop the wall and stood behind me, his axe still in one hand while the other reached past me to lean against the outer battlement. The rest of the company gathered on either side of the gap, all eyes fixed on Dale. Only Thorin remained below, standing between the gates like he was issuing a challenge to any who might come. As we watched, more and more people climbed to the walls of the ruined city, likely looking to the large blazing fires at the mountain's gate - the beacons indicating that Erebor's king was, indeed, still very much alive.

Yet none came forth.

A scornful laugh from down below broke the twilight silence.

"Cowards..." Thorin spat before turning away and walking back through the old gateway. His voice than echoed as he shouted up at us once more. "Bring tools and weapons. Seal off the mountain. No one enters..." He glanced up in the direction of Bilbo and I distrustfully, "...or leaves. Not while I am still king." Thorin shot his gaze about the company as we filed down from above, daring each of us to challenge his right to rule. No one held his stare, least of all me, and so he growled "Get to work. I am going below. The Arkenstone must be found."

Then the real work began. Rubble from the dragon's abrupt exit of the mountain provided all the materials for the task at hand, and the dwarves out-did themselves with their stamina, precision and engineering abilities. I found myself being shouted at to fetch rope and then beckoned to help hold sections of pulley systems while they were being rigged up. I was eventually delegated the task of lighting the multitude of inner sconces as evening fell and the natural daylight grew dim - an easy job compared to the heavy work the dwarves had to endure. I watched them with slight wonder as they moved stones larger than themselves with relative ease.

Bilbo and I stepped aside to allow Bofur, carrying a piece of rock about as large as a small pony with the aid of Bombur at the other end, to pass by. As he noticed us he winked, showing no signs of fatigue.

I glanced at Bilbo incredulously.

"They are strong." he commented, giving his head a small shake as Dwalin then walked past carrying a boulder on his shoulder as if it were no more than a sack of grain.

I surreptitiously stepped aside into a more shadowed area and looked down at a rock that was perhaps a foot or so in height and not much wider than the span of my shoulders. I shot Bilbo a look then tried to pick it up; thinking perhaps the stone of Erebor was somehow lighter.

It was not, and I could not lift it without risk of seriously injuring myself in the process. Bilbo tried to hide his smirk, but made no attempts to best me.

Thorin returned a few hours later when the fortifications were just beginning to take shape; expertly fitted stones puzzled together into a growing wall that effectively blocked the span of the broken entranceway.

"I want this fortress made safe by sun-up." he ordered, as he weaved his way towards the barricade. "This mountain was hard won. I will not see it taken again."

I had been helping Kili - or at least I had been pretending to help by pushing the backend of a cart full of rock pieces he was towing - when suddenly he stopped and dropped the front of it so abruptly I skittered away, worried it would likely run me down if it started to roll back.

"The people of Laketown have nothing." Kili declared boldly and loud enough for all to hear. "They came to us in need. They have lost everything."

Thorin looked back at him but showed little emotion. "Do not tell me what they have lost. I know well enough their hardship." he replied in a snarl, returning his gaze towards Dale and its many torches alight throughout its crumbling walls. "Those who have lived through dragon-fire should rejoice. They have much to be grateful for."

I felt a surge of anger rising as I listened to his words, and resisted the urge to run up and slap him across the face as I had done to Bofur. His lack of remorse for catalyzing the ruin of an entire town was disturbing. People had died because of Smaug's rage, yet still Thorin showed reluctance at the prospect of helping them.

I eyed his back warily as he looked out at the city, then suddenly he turned and hurriedly bent down to grab a large piece of rock while he shouted: "More stone. Bring more stone to the gate!"

It became evident that no one would get away with leaving that night until the work was complete. Bilbo and I tried to continue to be of use, but found we were most often just underfoot of the others since we were hardly able to move even the smallest stones chosen to add to the barricade. We caught each other's eye a few times, both frowning as we watched our friends labour unnecessarily through the night to fulfil Thorin's irrational command.

"Maybe we should get the others water, some food perhaps too." Bilbo said quietly, sidling up to me as I sat down on the rock I had been straining to move for the better part of an hour. "They look tired, which, I think, is rare for dwarves."

I surveyed the company. It was true; their movements had slowed considerably as they attempted to haul the heavy stones to greater and greater heights to build up the wall to Thorin's specifications. Their faces were now grim and sheened with sweat, their clothing soaked through as well despite the cold air. My eyes raked over all the dwarves but I could not spot Thorin amidst them.

"He left a while ago with Gloin." Bilbo added as he noticed my eyes darting around the hall for our surly leader.

"Oh, drat." I exclaimed with a huff. "I would have stopped trying to look busy a long time ago if I had known he wasn't watching."

Bilbo grinned sympathetically."Let's go now; we can probably make it back before he checks in again."

I nodded, grateful for the chance to actually do something helpful. We tiptoed our way inwards, keeping an eye and ear out for Thorin as we moved beyond the treasure hall.

"I don't agree with it, you know." Bilbo said, turning to look at me when we were well on our way to the lower levels. "I don't think Thorin has the right to break his word to your people. They more than deserve what was promised."

"They do not quite feel like my people anymore," I replied with a rueful grin, "but I agree with you. Thorin needs to help them, this has gotten out of hand."

Bilbo nodded and we walked in silence until I spoke up once more as we came to the familiar storeroom.

"Thorin will stay true to his word, I think, in the end. He's too honourable not to."

"I hope you're right." Bilbo responded, grabbing a torch from the wall and leading the way inside.

After setting the light in a sconce near the back, he grabbed an empty satchel and busied himself with collecting a few wooden cups and food while I filled two large water pitchers. We then discreetly made our way back to the entrance hall. Fortunately, Thorin had not yet returned and so we hastened to dole out the provisions while we knew the dwarves could get away with taking a quick break.

Bofur grinned in thanks as I passed him some water. After he had downed it, he grabbed my arm and led me closer to Bilbo. He took hold of the hobbit's shoulder as well and then walked us both a ways back down the hall.

"Go get some rest now. Both of you." he ordered, letting us go and nodding towards the interior of Erebor. "You've each helped plenty and you both require more sleep than the rest of us."

His look was so pleading that Bilbo and I only put up a weak resistance before finally nodding in agreement.

"What about you?" I asked, placing my hand on his warm neck as Bilbo took a few tactful steps away.

"I'll be fine. Dwarves really do run on less sleep." He patted my hand then bade me goodnight before returning to work.

It seemed that my head had barely touched my pillow when I heard a rapping at my door. The dull beam of light stretching across my bed, however, indicated that it was indeed already morning.

I groaned and stumbled to unlock the door, still wearing the dress I had been in yesterday - which was now wrinkled beyond hope.

"Sorry to wake you." Bilbo stammered upon seeing my disgruntled sleepy glare. "But, you should know, there's been some - ah - developments, and if you had slept any longer you'd be very much confused... Here." he then shoved a mug of tea into my hands.

"What kind of developments?" I asked warily, taking a small sip of the hot liquid.

"Er - well - can I come in?" he asked suddenly.

I nodded and stepped aside. He went to sit on an armchair, perching right on the very edge like a flighty bird. I made my way to the couch across from him and set my tea on the side table, watching him curiously as he steepled his fingers then clapped his hands together.

"Well, what is it?" I questioned loudly when he made no move to speak. He jumped slightly then took a breath.

"Dale has been reinforced... with an army of elves," he began, and I couldn't help but immediately interrupt.

"What? Why? From Mirkwood?" I leaned forward slightly in anticipation of his answers.

"I don't know everything." Bilbo replied, holding up his hands. "Dale must have called for aid, and yes, from Mirkwood I would assume, where else?"

I chewed the inside of my cheek and then he continued.

"There's more," he began, shifting in his seat, "Bard; he rode up this morning on behalf of the town to try to get Thorin to honour their bargain." Bilbo sighed, clenching his small fists. "And, despite the threat of an attack if a settlement was not reached, Thorin still refused to come to terms... I think he's gone mad." Bilbo added sadly.

I stood up suddenly. "I don't understand," I began pacing around the room. "Do you think the mountain would truly be attacked? I mean, we are outnumbered. We're really outnumbered."

"I know, I know, that's what I said." Bilbo agreed, standing up as well, clearly just as flustered as I. "It's a mess. I just wish Gandalf were here."

"Well, let's go." I groaned, making for the door. "No, wait, let me change quickly."

Bilbo looked like he wanted to object, but then seemed to think better of it and nodded. The day would likely be a perilously long one, and so he had the grace to let me freshen up before facing it.

I dashed to my bedroom and quickly replaced my clothes, pulling on a dress I hadn't yet worn. It was made of a thick dark green material that had a slight sheen to it at certain angles, I admired it only for a moment before swiping a brush through my hair and rejoining Bilbo. At his behest, we made a quick detour to grab breakfast, and then he led me back towards the entranceway, directing me down a side hallway when we neared it.

"Where are we going?" I asked curiously.

"They were heading to the armoury when I left; I suspect they will still be there."

We entered a long chamber stocked with numerous armour stands, weapon racks and many rows of shields. Towards the back we saw the dwarves in a flurry of activity.

Thorin stood amidst them, holding up a shiny set of chainmail.

"Master Baggins. Come here." he commanded in a deep voice. Bilbo looked at me nervously but I nodded reassuringly and walked with him a few paces in. Thorin then strode forwards and abruptly pulled the hobbit aside.

"You're going to need this." I heard Thorin say in a calmer tone before I hurried past them.

I saw Bofur further along towards the very end of the room, though his back was facing me so he did not yet know of my presence. I rushed forward but suddenly collided hard with Kili, whom had suddenly stepped into my path while testing the weight of a sword. He dropped the weapon and quickly grabbed my arms to steady me as I stumbled back.

"Kili! That hurt." I hissed, noticing he was fully armoured and reaching out to rap my knuckles against the front of his solid metal chest plate. He apologized quietly, albeit with a tiny smirk, as he let me go. The dwarven prince cut quite the striking figure in battle attire. His broad chest and shoulders emphasized by the layers of chainmail and shining armour, yet my heart still plummeted as I thought about the prospect of battle.

"Kili," I said, meeting his eyes. "There cannot be a battle."

He frowned, but said nothing and simply patted me once on the arm before stepping aside to fetch his fallen weapon.

I moved past him in frustration and carried on to Bofur. For some unknown reason I hadn't expected him to be wearing armour as well, and I found myself ogling when he turned towards me and I saw that he, too, was already fully clad in battle gear. A heavy metal breastplate and epilates buckled over a thick chainmail hauberk, giving way to ornate scale mail protecting his legs. His scarf draped down over his neck, and unlike many of the others he favoured his simple leather hat over a helm. I tentatively stepped forward and placed a hand lightly to his chest. With the other I gripped the hilt of the massive war-hammer he held and gently pushed it aside so I could get close.

My hands slid over the ornate patterns of his breastplate, then I took up the ends of his scarf, smiling a small smile. "My knight in shining armour... the knitwear doesn't quite match though."

He smiled ruefully as I looked at him, but then I cast my eyes downward as I let his scarf fall from my fingers.

"You'll fight my people?" I began tentatively. "If he commands it?"

"I don't want there to be a fight." Bofur said softly, tilting my chin up to look at him. "But I'm under oath to defend Erebor-"

"Erebor cannot be defended by thirteen dwarves, a hobbit and a woman." I replied bitingly.

"Not forever, no." he agreed, a sadness entering his voice as he cast his gaze down.

I bit my lip and pressed on. "Please tell me you understand how pointless this all is. You know Thorin is wrong to withhold the promised share from the Laketowners... They need to rebuild, winter is fast approaching, they won't be able to survive -"

Bofur held up his hand, nervously glancing beyond me before placing his arm around my back and leading me a few steps further away from the others.

"I know. We all know, love. This isn't right, but you have to understand, we have no choice but to follow his rule."

I shook my head with a scowl as I tried to resign myself to the stubbornness of dwarves. This was not Bofur's doing - so there was no point in continuing to argue with him. My shoulders slumped somewhat in defeat and I hoped that at least the townsfolk would make clear-headed and logical decisions to avoid a foolish display of power on the battlefield.

Bofur placed a gentle hand on my neck and guided me down to rest his forehead against mine.

"Try not to burden yourself with this." he told me quietly.

"How can I not?" I whispered. "It's your lives."

"We'll be fine." He assured, taking a step back and giving me what I suspected was a forced optimistic grin. "It may not come to a fight anyway."

I nodded and forced myself to take a calming breath. I truly couldn't imagine Bard condoning what would essentially be the slaughter of these dwarves - some of whom he had shared bread with in his very home.

Trying to take my mind off of the dark train of thought it was heading towards, I sauntered over to a weapon rack and pulled out a small but heavy short sword.

"Will you teach me?" I asked Bofur, raising my eyebrows as I looked back to him.

He tilted his head at me. "No." he responded simply before lifting up his own battle hammer once more for further inspection.

I hefted the sword to my other hand. "Why ever not?"

"Because you don't need to know." he retorted, a slight edge to his voice.

I huffed and shot him a glare, but still he did not agree.

I turned, sword still in hand, and approached Kili. He looked at me expectantly as I came to a stop in front of him, brandishing the sword rather awkwardly.

"Will you teach me a few things?" I asked slyly but in my sweetest voice.

"Sure." Kili replied with a grin, setting his own weapons down and stepping forward enthusiastically.

"Hey!" Bofur retorted indignantly from behind us. I turned and smiled impishly at him, shrugging carelessly. Kili glanced at him as well, then back to me, a smile growing on his face as he realized he was caught between a lovers' quarrel.

"Oh lighten up, Bofur, there's no harm in teaching the girl how to hold a sword properly." he quipped, clearly one to stir the pot.

Bofur frowned but did not object as Kili led me to the middle of the floor where there was more room, since most of the dwarves were now sitting off to the sides sharpening their chosen weapons.

Kili appraised me a moment, then adjusted the hold on my sword, showing me where to place my thumb and how high on the handle to grip. He then picked up a shield and helped push my arm through the leather back strap and told me to grab the metal hand-hold as well. Then he positioned the shield for me, placing me in a defensive stance.

"Defence." he explained simply, and then moved my arms once more, lowering the shield slightly and lifting the sword out in front of me. "Offence." he added with a grin. "All quite simple. Just don't get hit."

His instruction wasn't very enlightening and I was taken off guard when he suddenly donned his own shield then came at me. I let out a squeak and ducked behind my shield as his blade struck across it.

"Hold it higher!" Kili demanded, pressing me back. "Look for an opening."

Though I knew he was going quite slowly, even presenting me with obvious opportunities to strike him, I was embarrassingly uncoordinated trying to brandish both heavy sword and bulky shield, and I quickly dropped my guard altogether, my arms aching and my cheeks burning.

To my surprise Fili suddenly stepped up and removed my shield then took my short sword, replacing it with a much longer and even heavier blade. I began to object but Fili moved my other hand to grip it as well.

"Think you can teach her better, brother?" Kili teased.

"She will never be good with dwarvish weapons." Fili stated bluntly, causing me to shoot him a glare. He simply raised an eyebrow at me though, and I had to admit he was right. "They are too cumbersome for her." Fili replied offhandedly as he moved my fingers into the correct holding position. "And, yes, I reckon I can teach her better. I am the better swordsman afterall."

"This might be easier for you." Fili then told me, speaking close to my ear to be heard over his brother's protests. "All your focus on one sword; put your weight behind it and it can act as both blade and shield. Watch your opponent carefully, you'll need to be precise with your momentum, but don't overthink it."

I nodded as he stepped aside and beckoned Kili forward once more. I felt eyes watching me, and knew I was embarrassing myself, but still I took a deep breath and then focused on the dwarven prince - my quarry.

He lunged forward, shield held out with his sword poised above it ready to strike. I swung my sword - hard as I could - but with a minute change in the angle of his shield he managed to halt my momentum outright.

It was Fili's turn to protest now.

"Come on - make it a fair fight. She knows better than to pick a fight with someone with a shield."

Kili nodded thoughtfully then passed his shield off to his brother before setting about me once more. I quickly dodged him then brought my sword down, but the blow was parried, Kili's blade meeting mine and halting my momentum, yet I noticed his weapon jerk back, just slightly, before he steadied his grip and held firm. I saw my advantage, slight as it was, and resorted to letting the weight of my weapon help do the work for me.

Before I could get another strike in, he took the offensive, drawing back a half step and lunging from a different angle, trying to get his sword around my defence.

I adjusted my footing and got my hands up just in time, causing his blade to skitter across my own right down at the cross-guard of my hilt.

"Good!" I heard Fili shout from the side. "At the very least she'll be able to keep herself alive without dropping from exhaustion under a shield. Keep moving - don't let him get close."

I backed off, and Kili flourished his sword before attacking again. I parried each successive strike, and while I knew he was only using elementary thrusts and swings, one at a time in slow order, I was at least getting a feel for the motions and movements required to use my longsword to some effect.

After a particularly quick succession of two blocks, my sword was positioned in such a way that I easily swung out at the dwarf, causing him to leap backwards and laugh.

"That's the right idea!" Fili applauded, along with a few of the others who were watching our progress. "Block for as long as it takes, then one quick combo from defence to offence should be all it takes."

We continued through a few more sets, and I began to grow more aggressive. My reach with the longsword was much greater than his, forcing him to try to duck near me, but I was usually able to cut off his advance. Still, I knew he was providing me with openings to try and attack - to both our benefit I hoped, as it would give him opportunities to save himself from situations he didn't usually get into.

My training was cut short as the other members of the company - finally fully adorned and armed - rose from their benches. Dwalin pushed past Fili, setting out on his way towards the gate, clasping the prince on the shoulder as he did so. Fili remained, but, after an apologetic glance, Kili fell into line, and one by one many of the others filtered out behind them, all of them grim faced and lost in their own thoughts.

As Bofur came near, following his comrades, his questioning eyes searched mine as he asked without words if he was free to leave me. I nodded slightly, offering a tiny smile in reassurance.

When everyone else had filed out, I looked to Fili, who had picked up a sword similar to the one I was holding. He then led me through a few different techniques, having me imitate his movement as he gracefully executed the motions.

"Fili," I said softly, after he corrected me a third time after a particularly complicated bluff. "I appreciate this - but you don't have to waste more of your time on me."

He glanced at me with a frown, his moustache beads swinging from the momentum of his quick movement.

"I'm not wasting my time." he replied simply, holding up his sword and showing me the proper form once more.

I smiled and copied him again, arching through the motion with more success. When I began to slow he took the swords and stashed them away.

"Thank you." I said candidly. "For teaching me."

Fili's expression softened. "You did well," the corner of his mouth then quirked up in a small smirk, "for a-"

"Human." I finished for him, raising my eyebrows slightly in question.

He grinned. "For a woman."

I laughed and rolled my eyes.

"But you will not be expected to fight with us." he continued, his countenance becoming suddenly serious. "This is not your battle. You'll be safe, well behind these walls when the fighting starts... Unless you'd prefer to be with your people? One of us could escort you to Dale-"

"No." I cut him off, shaking my head and placing my hand lightly on his arm for a moment. "I don't want to leave."

After a moment he nodded, then stepped over to a weapon rack. After some deliberation he grabbed a long spear and, with a flourish of his arm, escorted me out of the expansive armoury.

After a light and lonely lunch, and a quick freshen up in my room, I meandered through the now very lonely halls of Erebor. I was drawn towards its centre, the familiar but ominous treasure halls. I warily stepped down onto a gold pile, wincing at the noise of the cascading coins caused by the disturbance of my footfalls, but I was alone.

I had not yet had the opportunity to appreciate the grandeur of the collection, nor even really Erebor itself. I slowly hiked over the coins, trying to let the sheer amount of them truly sink in. I gazed upwards, marvelling at the immense maze of stonework. The kingdom seemed endless. I had never seen anything like it, and could not even begin to fathom how it might have been constructed; it seemed to be the work of gods.

I picked my way over to a hill off behind a sectioning of grand pillars that I had not yet explored and flopped down, running my hands atop the coins. I aimlessly reached over and picked up a gold ring inset with a large ruby, trying it on all my fingers until I found the one it best fit on. I admired my hand, and then let my eyes trail over the gold once more until I spotted another ring. Soon I had one on every digit, even both my thumbs. I smiled, twiddling my fingers, marvelling at the weight of the fine jewellery.

I continued to casually search the surface of the pile, crawling overtop it and donning every wearable piece I could find. In no time at all, I was adorned with jewelled headpieces, a delicate silver tiara, a few lavish gold belts, half a dozen necklaces, every bracelet and arm-band I came across - and was holding up what appeared, for all the world, to be a jewelled brassiere, when I was near startled out of my mind as a voice rang out.

"That's not what you think it is." Bofur said, a broad smile playing across his face when I jumped and twisted to look at him in surprise. He was casually leaning against the nearest pillar, arms crossed, still in full armour. I had no way of knowing how long he had been standing there.

"What?" I stammered, feeling my whole face turn red as I clamoured to my feet.

Bofur raised his eyebrows then glanced pointedly at my midriff. I looked down as well and I realized I was clutching the odd brassiere-esque item against my chest... it did seem like it would nearly fit...

"It's for hair." he continued, beginning to walk up to me. "Not - ah - Well the dwarrowdams have much larger..." he cupped his hands out from his chest quite a ways, then, catching my wide-eyed stare, abruptly turned them outwards and traced my own figure from afar. "...measurements." he finished awkwardly with a grin before continuing towards me.

I pursed my lips and threw the supposed hair piece at him, causing him to laugh as he held up an arm in defence.

"So... what are you doing?" he asked slowly, trying to hide a grin as he looked me up and down.

"Nothing." I retorted calmly as he stepped up to me.

He raised an eyebrow, his eyes gleaming.

"Playing." I then admitted with a smile and a shrug.

"You have expensive tastes." he teased, grabbing hold of a massive pendant, one among many, that hung about my neck. "It's a good thing one-fourteenth of this mine; else I'd not be able to afford'ya."

I smiled, stepping closer to him. "Hmm yes, and you thought you were the only 'gold digger' in this relationship." I replied wickedly but with a goofy smile for my silly pun. He chuckled, lurching forward to grab my waist, displacing so many coins in the motion that our footing slid out from under us and we both fell back against the slope.

"Shouldn't you be waiting for an army?" I laughed, pushing myself into a sitting position.

He sat up as well but didn't respond, his features becoming somewhat strained, so I dropped the subject and looked around, once again admiring the vastness and complexity of the inner caverns of Erebor. When my eyes fell back on Bofur, he was idly examining the chains and belts of precious metal about my hips.

"A wee bit excessive, don't you think?" he chided lightly, lifting up each of my hands in turn and studying the wealth that embellished my fingers and wrists.

"Oh come now," I flashed him a coy smile, hoping to distract him from the dark thoughts of battle. I pulled my hands away then backed up, lowering myself down into the pile of gold where I stretched out lavishly and looked up at him with what I hoped was a sultry expression. "You've dreamt of this moment ever since you met me..."

Bofur opened and closed his mouth and his hand twitched slightly, his eyes blazing.

"Surely, you've at least thought about it?" I asked, smiling playfully as I picked up a handful of coins and slowly dropped them, piece by piece, onto my body where they collected between my breasts and legs, contrasting brilliantly with the emerald sheen of my dress.

Bofur quickly looked away, and then lazily lifted his hand to examine his fingernails. "What? Having my way with you in a pile of gold? Nah, that doesn't sound like something I'd be interested in." he said nonchalantly, casting me a sidelong glance.

I flung the remaining coins at his torso where they clattered off his armour like rain.

"You liar!" I accused with a smile.

He tilted his head to the side, and then shook one of his fingers at me warningly, approaching as he did so.

"Watch yourself with those coins, missy. I would hate for you to injure me on the eve of battle." He climbed over top of me, causing me to 'eek' and scramble backwards further into the pile, but eventually I ran out of room to run, my body lodged into the cascade of gold with his body pressing down upon it.

He ardently claimed my lips, holding himself just high enough aloft to not crush me. His kiss was demanding, his tongue and lips coaxing mine. I moaned into his mouth, gripping his upper arms, my hands sliding along the hard armour. His mouth tore away from mine and he moved down, kissing and sucking on my neck as I bent my knees up around him, pressing my legs against his hips as he bore down against me, letting me feel his weight for a moment.

Then suddenly he pushed himself up and, using both hands, grabbed the front of my dress and tore it asunder, buttons flying off in every direction. He hastily pulled it, and my underlying slip, over my head, a few necklaces and the tiara tumbling off as he did so. I kicked off my boots and then lifted my hips to help him as he took hold of my leggings and pulled them off as well. My skin pricked as the cool air accosted it on all sides, now fully nude - save for the sumptuous amount of jewellery I was still wearing. Bofur stood up, leaving me breathless as he took a step back down the slope, his eyes greedily trailing over me as I smiled seductively and writhed back amidst the treasure.

He uttered something in his own tongue, which still sounded so rough even coming from him, as I pulled some coins over my stomach.

Without warning he was back astride me, his knees on either side of my hips. His mouth found mine and he kissed me with a bruising hunger I had not known him capable of as his free hand travelled up and down my bare body. Suddenly he grabbed hold of my wrists, forcing both of my arms above my head and pinning them down with his one hand as his lips moved down to my breast. He then sat back, hastily undoing his trousers and then moving between my legs. I was ready for him when he claimed me fully and more roughly then he had ever before. He gripped me possessively with one arm while his other hand was buried in the coins, balancing most of his weight so that his rough armour did not cut into me.

When he was through he quickly moved off and fell to his back beside me, breathing hard. I was slightly surprised by his brisque actions, but with the uncertainty that lie ahead, I could hardly hold it against him if his mind had been in two places at once.

"This would be a most inopportune time to be chanced upon by the others." I joked, trying to keep his thoughts on me as long as I could. Bofur turned his head to look at me, his eyes squinting in a cheeky grin.

"Not like it'd be the first time they've found me in a pile of gold next to a naked lady..." he mused, causing me to swat at him harmlessly against the armour plating. I then looked at him accusingly, not sure if he was actually joking or not, but true to form he broke into a wide grin and put my fears to rest.

I crossed my arms sternly.

"Keep it up and it'll be the last time you're found next to this naked lady. Gold or not."

I held my demeanour as long as I could, then smiled back at him as I sat up to look for my clothes, my body cooling quickly from the slight layer of sweat that covered it.

"Wait," Bofur chuckled as he sat up as well and I felt the oddest sensation as he pulled a few stuck coins off of my back. When I stood, I heard him chuckle as he reached forward to peel off another one from my rear end. He then got to his feet as well and patted my bottom playfully before fetching me my underclothes.

"You'll be paying for this you know." I said with mock seriousness as I lifted up my dress, the front hanging open rather pitifully now that the buttons had been lost. I shrugged it on anyway; since everyone was so occupied, I could likely make it back to my rooms to change without anyone seeing me.

Bofur smiled softly and stepped up to me, studying me with an odd expression.

He took up my hand and silently pulled off all of the rings and bangles, moving to the other hand when he was finished. He eased off the tangled jumble of fine necklaces and tossed them to the ground, then had me bow my head to remove the hairpieces that had become slightly knotted in my now dishevelled locks.

I smiled unsurely when he dropped the last piece of treasure to the floor, standing before him once again as a simple, plain girl holding up a torn dress, rather than the confident, gold-adorned vixen I had become while layered with riches.

Bofur looked at me softly then drew me down into a sweeter kiss, his hand lightly sweeping up behind my neck and into my hair.

"You really don't need any decoration," he told me with a smile, "you're beautiful enough as it is."

I leaned into him once more, resting my head on his shoulder as I put my arms around him, ignoring the roughness of his armour as I pulled him into an embrace. He pulled me tight against him and I felt, for a moment, that nothing in the world could possibly hurt us. In the arms of this dwarf, dressed for war, as broad and intimidating as I was slim and delicate, I truly felt at home.

"Mahal knows I don't want to, but I should get back, I have first watch tonight." Bofur said, his fingers stroking up my back. I nodded and pulled back slightly, moving my hands to rest on his chest. We stayed like that another moment before finally forcing ourselves into motion.

I walked him a ways towards the stairs leading to the entrance then bid him goodnight, making him promise to come fetch me if anything began to happen. I then did a quick detour to the storage room, grabbing some food to bring up to my rooms as my torn outfit was in no state to risk being chanced upon by the next dwarf on break.

As luck would have it, however, when I had nearly reached my quarters and was just rounding the corner to the last hallway, Bilbo was just exiting his room. I jumped slightly at the unforeseen presence, quickly reaching up with my free hand to hold the collar of my dress closed. I wasn't sure Bilbo would appreciate an eyeful of my undergarments.

Bilbo had just finished easing his door shut as quietly as he could when he looked up and jumped in frightful surprise as well at unexpectedly meeting someone else in the quiet halls.

"Ah, it's just you." he said, sounding somewhat relieved and walking towards me, but when he neared he tilted his head, frowning. "What on earth happened to your dress?" he asked, coming to a stop and looking up at me in confusion.

"Oh, um, it was-" I felt my face grow hot as I tried to think of an excuse, hoping the shadowed light in the corridor would not be enough to reveal the red blush spreading across my cheeks.

Bilbo suddenly held up his hand, crinkling his nose as he squinted at the ground. "No. Nevermind." he said quickly, with a small shake of his head. "Quite frankly, I do not need to know."

I grinned slightly at his discomfort. He then put his hands behind his back, rocked on his heels once then glanced up and down the halls before looking back up at me, his expression sombre.

"I'm leaving." he said all of a sudden. "Tonight."

My eyes widened and I was about to ply him with questions but he continued speaking in a hushed tone so I snapped my mouth closed and stepped closer to listen.

"I'm going to try and negotiate with Bard and the Elven King." he explained quickly, though I simply grew more and more puzzled. "Thorin is too... distracted to realize he's trying to start a battle he cannot win." he frowned, his eyes searching mine as if appraising me. "I... I have something." he continued slowly and even more quietly. "Something I believe can change the fortunes of this war."

I watched in wonder as he reached inside his coat then partially revealed a stone, holding it close to his chest, halfway hidden behind the fabric of his jacket. He allowed me only a moment to feast my eyes upon it before quickly returning it to the hidden safety of his inner pocket.

I knew my mouth was open in awe of what I had seen. The Arkenstone. There was no mistaking it. Already I longed to look upon its splendour once more.

"You mustn't tell anyone." Bilbo said pressingly. "Anyone. Do you hear me?"

I looked at him in a slight daze, still trying to shake the all-encompassing and beguiling image of the sparkling gem out of my mind as I worked through his words. I nodded when I finally grasped his request.

"Of course I won't." I replied. "You can trust me."

Bilbo nodded curtly. "I think I can help - this might be the only way." he added somewhat hesitantly, as if still needing some reassurance. I did not know his reasoning, or his plan, but the hobbit had proved himself to be more than capable; he was intelligent and calculating, and above all that, I trusted him, so I nodded.

"I think now is the time for more drastic measures." I agreed with a resolute look.

Bilbo gave me a small grin. "Right. Well, I might not see you again before I - ah - sneak off for a bit... I will be back before sunrise."

I wished him luck and bade him goodnight before heading to my chambers, feeling a knot of worry for Bilbo's safety during his risky endeavours, but also fortunate to be given his utmost confidence, to be privy to a plan none of the others knew about.

Once in my quarters I lit the hearth fire and then picked at some of the food I had nabbed, leaving the rest set out in case Bofur returned. I then decided a bath would help soothe my tense muscles. I was sorely tempted to allow myself to drift off in the luxuriously relaxing hot water, but once my fingers and toes started to wrinkle, I forced myself out and began to prepare for bed. Just before crawling into the covers, I hesitated, then made my way back out to the door. I stood there for longer than I had intended to, eyeing up the lock, before finally I quelled the paranoia in my head. With some resolution, I left my quarters unlocked for Bofur, and then headed to bed.

I was pulled from sleep a few hours later as I heard someone shuffle into the main room. An overwhelming desire to rise up to meet him clashed against my body's accumulated fatigue from the past few days, and I nearly rose despite myself, until I listened closer to Bofur's approach.

Near silence.

He shuffled across the floor as quietly as he could, holding steady a hundred different pieces of arms and armour while he advanced with baited breath. The effort he was putting into not waking me filled me with warmth, and a tender smile spread onto my lips.

I waited until he lowered himself onto his back beside me, my mattress creaking at the added weight from his chainmail and armour, before finally rolling over to face him, draping an arm across his metalled chest. He lifted a gauntleted hand up to lay it over mine, then let out a sigh. My eyes opened to study him, squinting to make out the form of his features in the darkness. His eyes were closed, and I could tell fatigue might be playing on him as well.

"Any news?" I asked quietly.

Bofur took a moment to respond and when he did his voice sounded unusual.

"The elves have moved their archers into position."

"...We'll be alright though." I replied hesitantly, almost as a question - though my intent was to try and reassure him.

Bofur's hand squeezed my own. "You'll be safe." he said softly.

I leaned in and kissed the corner of his mouth, feeling his lips tug into a small smile as I did so.

And despite the looming unknowingness of the next day's coming, we were so weary we both fell into a deep, dreamless sleep.