I do not own any of the characters or The Hobbit (just the AU storyline and my OC). Those are the work of the esteemed and brilliant John Ronald Reuel Tolkien, and without his genius, this and many other fan fics would not be in existence.

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A loud hiss sounded below him as he submerged the red hot metal into a water barrel. Beads of sweat poured down his temples as the heat from the forge flame and steam enveloped the air. The dwarf king sighed, wiping the back of his hand across his brow, before stepping outside of the open barn.

Thorin had been working on a new sword for his youngest nephew since breakfast was concluded, knowing that all the young prince's weaponry had been lost prior to his arrival at the skinchanger's home. He was immensely thankful that Beorn had not only allowed the use of his anvil, but also had enough iron ore to not only fashion a new sword for Kili, but also repair a few dents and scratches in the rest of the company's weaponry after their fall in the goblin tunnels.

His nephew would have to be content with a strung grip, however, as none of the dwarves nor Bilbo had succeeded in locating even the tiniest scrap of leather in the primitive forge. The dwarf king was also a bit irritated at the clear lack of meat in the food Beorn offered, as were the rest of the company. But despite that, the skinchanger's fare had been quite hearty compared to their first supper with the elves, and they had sorely needed his aid.

Thorin couldn't help but still feel a bit unsettled about the enormous man despite his hospitality. Beorn's eyes were always moving, always watching, and there was a clear wildness about him despite his obvious intelligence and ability to reason, at least in human form. He knew the rest of the dwarves keenly felt it as well, judging by the propriety and caution they displayed during their stay in the rustic cottage.

If there is any reason for him to doubt us after he returns...no, it would be foolish to ignore his warning and leave before then. Bears travel far too quickly and we could never outrun him.

Blue eyes scanned the meadow below him, where bright sunlight flashed off the various weapons of the company as they sparred. The dwarf king was relieved to note that whatever injuries had been sustained in Goblin Town seemed to have healed amongst most of the company, though the burly dwarf's bald head was still graced with a fading bruise from Nori's boot.

His gaze then trailed toward where his eldest nephew and Dwalin sparred, off to the side of the forge where they would be spared from the eyes of the rest of the company. Fili's face was red from exertion as the wild blonde hair blew in the slight breeze, though the dwarf king was relieved to note that he was taking things slow with his healing arm.

Dwalin's discussion with Fili had been very quiet, but Thorin recognized the look in his young nephew's eyes as well as that of his friend's, and was extremely grateful that his shield brother had been able to help the lad overcome his fears and take up the sword again. The dwarf king was no stranger to the effects battle and loss had on a young warrior. He had thought about asking Fili to give his second sword to Kili, but the youth was such an excellent dual bladed warrior and he needed to restrengthen his injured arm to avoid becoming crippled for the rest of his life.

The fear that Thorin had experienced in the previous days came back to the fore. He had been extremely worried that Fili had succumbed to grief much like his sister had when her husband had died, and once more thoughts of his grandfather's madness crept into his mind.

No, I will not dwell on it, he thought to himself as the images of the past floated through his mind. I will NOT succumb to madness. I am not my grandfather, and never will be.

Returning to the forge, he stopped to dip a ladle into a bucket of cool, clear water drawn from the stream that ran through Beorn's meadow. He took a long, satisfying drink, before dipping the metal gourd once more and dousing his head with the cool liquid. Running his hand through the dark locks, the dwarf king once more grasped what would be the hilt of the now cooled blade and set it upon the anvil.

There was much work to be done if his youngest nephew were to own a new sword before they continued on their journey.

XXX

Kili started as a clatter sounded beside him. Eyes flying open with a gasp, the young prince instinctively reached for the sword behind his back, before remembering that it was gone.

Bombur smiled at the startled young prince, before gesturing toward the generous helping of warm bread, milk and beans on the tray set upon the crate next to him.

"Sorry to wake you, Kili," he said good naturedly, though there was a bit of worry in his countenance. "But I thought you might be hungry." The young dwarf rubbed his tired eyes.

"When did I fall asleep?" he muttered, drawing his brows in confusion. The rotund dwarf shrugged.

"I don't know," he said, before a slight glimmer of mischief entered his eye. "I've been in the kitchen preparing dinner. Laddie, I haven't heard myself snore, though I've heard stories, but I daresay you were trying to take down the whole house by yourself."

The ginger haired dwarf chuckled at the embarrassed blush that crept up the younger's cheeks, before his gaze landed on the young woman beside Kili. Concern for his friend replaced the mischievous look in his eye, and the elder sighed.

"How is she doing?" he asked quietly, causing the young dwarf to follow his gaze. "Has she awakened at all?" Kili shook his head.

"Not while I was awake," he replied, swallowing thickly. Reaching over, he brushed the back of his knuckles across her forehead, frowning. "She still has a fever, though her head does feel a little cooler than before." Bombur's gaze softened.

"I hope she gets well," he whispered, eyes downcast. "Thinking you two were dead...well..." The round dwarf blinked back a tear, before gently clasping Kili's shoulder, smiling reassuringly.

"It's good that you're back, Laddie," he finished, before his voice took on a familiar admonishing tone. "Now, eat up and get some meat back on those bones." Despite his worry for the young woman, the young dwarf couldn't help the slight smile that graced his lips at the stern but friendly scolding.

Yes, it was good to be back amongst his kin once more.

XXX

Dori finally finished his stitching, tying off the brown thread with a flourish. Holding up the finished garment, the dwarf frowned. It was not as intricately designed as the clothing he was used to making- in fact, it was quite plain and would be rather large on the young woman, as he'd had no point of reference aside from Kili's tunic without actually taking her measurements. But it would have to do.

Ori glanced up from where he sat scribbling in his makeshift journal. The scribe was quite upset that the goblins had confiscated the journal he had brought from Ered Luin during their search, but had managed to piece together some parchment into something that would temporarily suffice. Fortunately, his memory was extremely good, and he remembered every word and image that had been in the journal before. However, the process of rewriting and redrawing was very time consuming, and he let out a sigh of frustration. He would have to rewrite it again still in a proper journal when they reached Erebor, but he was determined that this story would be recorded in the annals of Durin's Folk.

"Will it fit her?" he asked his elder brother, knowing that Dori hadn't had the chance to measure her properly, and the white haired dwarf nodded.

"It will be a bit big for her, but it will work," he replied, awkwardly snipping the end of the thread with incredibly large scissors. "At least, it will allow Thorin and Kili to have their tunics back."

"I can't believe she said those things to the goblin king," Ori muttered, shaking his head. "Brother, what language was she speaking? It didn't sound like Black Speech, or anything else I've heard."

"I have no idea," the elder replied, shaking his head. "But given the tone of her voice, I have no doubt it was very much a deep insult. And I don't want you repeating it, mind you." The elder gave the younger a pointed look, and Ori sighed.

His elder brother had been fussier than usual when it came to both himself and Nori after they had thought Kili had fallen. It wasn't entirely unusual, at least with Ori, but Dori was usually more critical and less fussy with their middle brother. But the scribe understood, given the loss they'd witnessed with Fili.

"I am going to take my turn to sit with her," he stated, setting aside the paper and ink. "My wrist is tiring anyway, and it smells like Bombur has finished dinner. Kili will want to eat."

"Take this in with you," Dori instructed, handing him the newly completed tunic. "I have a dent in my sword that needs adjusting." The scribe nodded, glancing at the forge where the sound of a smithy's hammer still rang out through the vale.

"If Thorin will let you," he remarked, and Dori shrugged.

"It will only take a minute, and I'm sure Thorin is hungry too," the elder replied. "He hasn't stopped working hardly at all since breakfast."

"Well, Kili needs a sword," Ori retorted. "He lost his in Goblin Town when he fell, and it takes time." Dori nodded.

"Aye," he said, thinking for a moment before sheathing his sword. "Mine can wait. Beorn is going to be gone for three days anyway. There will be plenty of time to mend the dent in mine." The elder turned toward the younger.

"Off you go," he instructed. "I will take Thorin some dinner, and you need to take the tunic to Cira."

The younger nodded, moving to do as bidden.

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READERS: Please private message me your reviews for this chapter. If you have not reviewed ch 7, you can still submit a review, but if you have, due to me deleting my author's note, FF will not allow you to review this one. So if you wish to review, and I hope you do, and it won't let you, just send me your review via pm :) I'd appreciate hearing your thoughts- I always do :D

Ok, so a bit of a filler chapter, but I felt it was time to show what some of the other members of the company are up to at the moment :) Hopefully more to come soon, if my gut can stop hurting long enough to continue writing this afternoon :) It would be nice if I had better pain meds, but I am doing the best with what I've got and that's all I can do...

A response to guest reviewer Guest: Thanks! I am doing my best. I am not going to give up on this story, though it may take time to put out chapters with my illness :) Of course, if I keep being bored out of my skull being stuck on bedrest, they may come out a wee bit faster, but no guarantees (the pain has to abate enough for me to focus) ;)

Thanks to all who review, favorite, and follow- you guys are awesome! :D :D :D