So I begin the story, you begin to read, and I hastily make LONG updates.

It can be a frightening experience, turning from being simply a reader, to becoming the writer... Ah well if we didn't do something scary at least once in our lives, we wouldn't be living. Not truly.

Sorry, right rambling :) This will hopefully be a long story (I'm aiming for at least 30 short chapters, or 15 long ones... it would be nice if they were longer but seeing as I'm behind in a lot, they will probably be on the shorter side).

I'm also working on another story (not posted... yet) so i'm gonna be switching between the two.

Anyway, on with the prologue!

Disclaimer: I don't own anything except my OC's and the main plot.

You were standing in the wake of devastation,

and you were waiting on the edge of the unknown.

And with the cataclysm raining down,

insides crying "Save me now",

you were there, impossibly alone...

-Linkin Park, 'Iridescent'

There are the brave, fearless ones who embrace pain and grief as long as they hold the memory of their loss. And then, there are the selfish, broken ones, who only think about the things they have lost, and in doing so, forget to honor the memory.

Do not think that there is an absolute line separating the two. In fact, the line – if there is one – would be quite smeared and hazy; like smoke.

xxXXXxx

She had never wanted to be a hero.

Even when she sparred with the other young dwarfs, or played games with the human children in the city just outside her own. While they made battles and fought over who was to be the king or hero, she became the loyal friend, or maiden in danger.

However, she was – albeit unknowingly – manipulating the odds in favor of whoever she was with.

So, she would pick a side; the side that always won. And she wouldn't mention her involvement, letting the hero get all the recognition while she faded to the background.

Yes, she was a person that anyone who could see her skill would want on their side.

Whether they were good, or evil.

Thurineth Malrin had always liked fighting with the other boys, even if she wasn't the best with swords, she had quickly learned that a quick tongue could win just as many fights.

Most people make webs of lies that, while having an advantage, could easily be broken. She, told the blunt, cold, and honest truth; lying only when absolutely needed. Because she learned that nobody would second guess something an honest person said.

Perhaps it was this fact that caused her to become entangled with the story of the One Ring.

xXx

Thorin let his eyes drift over the burning trees. The screams of the fleeing dwarfs, men, and women, fell on deaf ears. Their homes were lost.

He took in a shaky breath as he watched the flames reach up and kiss the starry sky. Smoke rose to cloak the moon in shadow.

He cursed the elves, cursed the dragon that had caused them to run, but most of all he cursed the gold.

Thorin's head snapped up as a frightened yell reached his ears, and his eyes locked with dark amber ones. He knew then that he wouldn't be seeing them again. Fear was etched into every line on her face as the fire flared up in front of her; blocking her path. Her long hair flew about her face like a bloody banner, as she mouthed one word, 'Go'.

So, with one glance back at her, he began the long trek that would lead him across all of Middle-Earth.

So, any opinions or suggestions would be fantastic! This is mostly just an introductory/prologue chapter. Most of the chapters will hit somewhere around 2,000-5,000 words. Please tell me what you think! Also, there will be some romance, but not much, so write any pairings you'd like to see.

-Hel