Author's Notes:

Firstly I want to thank everyone for reading my first fanfiction story, and on that note please don't bite off my head if this story is not to your liking. I wish you all happy reading and I hope you enjoy this story! I own none of the characters.

Prologue:

Blood froze on the ice as Bilbo Baggins wept fervently over the loss of a dear friend. He could still hear Thorin's final words telling him to return home and enjoy his life. Bilbo could feel his heart being wrenched from his chest while pressing the dwarf's cold hand close to his heart. With a heavy sigh Thorin Oakenshield died leaving a sobbing hobbit in his wake.

On that day everything stood still. Nothing moved. Nothing breathed. The world of Middle Earth waited as two unlikely figures came to gaze at the devastation the battle had bought to many lives.

A woman with fair skin and dark locks lightly grazing the snow covered wasteland. The other was dressed in tarnished armor that hid most of his appearance from sight.

The two passed the mortals without as much as a second glance. However, when the pair came to Bilbo and Thorin they both stopped, intrigued by the sight. What the woman saw was a young creature mourning the death of his love, while the man saw a burglar honoring a great warrior in an unbecoming way. The woman, moved by their plight, viewed the rest of the battle with new eyes. She saw a brokenhearted elf at the side of a fallen dwarf. Looking past them there was another dwarf struck down in battle trying to protect his brother out of love. The woman was so touched she vowed to help these lovers. The question was how?

Sensing his companion's conflicted thoughts he thought to investigate the sudden change.

"Aphrodite, what plagues your mind?"

"It's sad, isn't it Ares?" She asked with a sigh.

"No sadder than any other battle we visit." Not that he thought any of the battles they visited were sad.

"No, the mortals. They suffer."

"Of course the mortals suffer, many are wounded and even more are dying."

Trying to be patient with her dimwitted companion Aphrodite continues her explanation. "Some of their wounds go deeper than the flesh."

Ares kept quiet. He didn't want to get into another discussion about love and all her crap about feelings. Aphrodite was good for a tussle in the sheets and she loved the drama that war brought, but when it came to anything else he just didn't give a damn.

Aphrodite smiled inwardly. "It's a shame that we weren't here to see the war itself, I would've loved to play around with these mortals." Peeking from the corner of her eye she saw Ares relax. Obviously grateful that she didn't press the subject of an emotion which he couldn't even begin to comprehend. She had him right where she wanted him.

"Yes, it would have been quite enjoyable to influence and draw out the battle as long as possible." Ares mused.

Check.

It took all of Aphrodite's will to keep the glee from showing in her features. "Such a diversity in mortals, weapons, and fighting styles would've been quite a sight to see." She focused her full attention towards Ares. "I know of a way to allow us to bend the laws of time and participate in the battle, if you're interested." She said offhandedly.

Ares scoffed at her words. "Only one is able to control time and all its aspects, and he is locked away in Tartarus for eternity."

"So you think I can't do what I say?"

"I know you cant. Such power is far beyond you."

"If you're so certain of yourself Ares why don't we have a little wager?"

"I think not." It's best not to think past one's own prowess, no use to want for what you can't have.

"I'm surprised at you. To think that the great Ares would shirk away from someone much less powerful than himself." With a relaxed posture Aphrodite doesn't think that it could get any easier.

Checkmate.

With clenched teeth Ares bursts out impulsively, "Fine! I'll go along with your absurd wager. I will not have a goddess as low as you desecrate my name."

"Good, now that's settled we can begin with what will be wagered." She says simply.

When Ares opened his mouth to speak he was quickly silenced by a small hand.

"Should I win you will alter the battle to my desire without question or hesitation. Should you win I will give you one favor without any restriction. Do you approve?"

Shortly contemplating the offer Ares agrees, satisfaction rolling off him in waves believing he got the better end of the deal.

With a firm handshake they said in unison, "I hereby agree to the terms and wagers and bind myself to my word."

With the sound of searing flesh the mark of Ares, a spear and shield, was imprinted on Aphrodite's chest. While a dove was seared upon Ares to seal the contract.

Aphrodite turned away with a triumphant smile and confidence in her step. She was going to do the impossible, because with love anything is possible.

With that thought in mind Aphrodite set out towards the underworld to have tea with an old friend, and with her help she'll be able to change the fate of three dwarves and a hobbit.