A/N: Welcome to my newest story! A couple things before we get started. This is NOT a sequel to my first Thorin/Rhae story. This is a post-BotFA AU and so I'm quite nervous about it. I don't plan on delving into the narrative of LotR but I will be exploring what might have happened in some of the years between the two trilogies. As it IS AU, I may take a little liberty with some things, though I have been really reading up on some points in the history of Middle-Earth and this time frame so I can include as much original Tolkien as possible. If you have read my first story "To Seek the Pale Enchanted Gold" you will probably recognize a few things here and there. If you HAVEN'T read my first story don't worry; it is not necessary (though I'd read it if I were you...after all its my original vision lol!). As always, Brunuhville's music helped inspire me while writing: "Hero's Journey" and "The Voice of the Forest" this time; go check him out! I hope you enjoy my newest adventure! I welcome all comments and ideas! :)

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A/N2: Anything in bold italics is either Sindarin or Khuzdul and the translation(s) can be found at the end of the chapter. I use the Dwarrow Scholar for my Khuzdul. A lot of the Sindarin comes from Arwen-Undomiel.

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All credit for the wonderful creation that is Middle Earth belongs to Tolkien. All credit for who I picture when envisioning the different denizens of Middle Earth belongs with PJ and the fabulous actors that brought them to life. Only the OCs are mine.

Streaks of red, pink, and gold stretched across the sky as the sun sank towards the horizon. Another warm summer day quietly came to a close. Another day that passed the same as the one before it and the one before that and so on to the edge of memory. The people of Middle-Earth had lived under the Watchful Peace for so long that there were hardly any who remembered what came before; most lived in a blissful ignorance of their own turbulent history. However things were changing in the world. Things were shifting and waiting. Many were unaware of this subtle change though the clues were becoming more numerous. Events in recent years had brought more to see that the peace they'd enjoyed for so long was not as strong or stable as they'd hoped -or tried to convince themselves. This disturbance had caused more fell things to begin coming forth from the shadows and those charged with watching and protecting the Free Peoples of Middle-Earth had been busy. The Dunedain had felt things changing and knew what was causing it but there was nothing they could do at the moment. The time was not right and the enemy had not fully revealed himself. He had reached out a few times, almost as if testing his strength and power to control, but those tests had not been very successful. And so the Rangers could only wait and prepare and hope they could hold out long enough.

In the Weather Hills northeast of Bree a solitary figure reclined on an upper most branch of a tall tree, staring into the East. For the past three years the Ranger had felt a pull towards what was beyond the Misty Mountains and that desire had begun affecting her mood. She couldn't figure out why those far lands were suddenly calling and that irritated her; she liked to be in control of her emotions. Happy and content with her life, she had never wanted anything more. Along with the three Rangers sitting around the fire beneath the tree she had been protecting the Shire and the lands around it for over fifteen years now; she knew her place in the world. She knew her purpose and she couldn't let some passing fit of fancy make her question that. She tried to attribute these confusing feelings on the events three years ago. The Battle of the Five Armies had been a shock to many; to know that the orcs could organize such an army had been alarming. She was aware of what had transpired in Dol Guldur before that battle had even taken place and the knowledge that He had returned and was plotting set heavy on her shoulders. The Dark Lord may have been stalled momentarily but that would not be the end. She had felt the stirrings of Evil for over four years now and had been concerned for what these feelings might portend. The few times she'd voiced her concerns, though, she had felt they had been brushed aside from most of those in a position to possibly learn more. That quest Gandalf had wanted her to join had forced part of His plans into the open, giving the armies of men, dwarves, and elves the chance to defeat him ... for now. At least it had rid them of one of His minions; the Ranger had felt immense satisfaction to hear of the destruction of Azog. She sighed; she would have been right in the middle of that fracas if she'd given in to Gandalf when he'd asked for her assistance. Leaning back on the trunk of her tree her thoughts returned to that chance meeting with the wizard.

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The sound of a scuffle had drawn Stryker's attention from the small campfire, the unmistakable grunts of orcs reaching the Ranger's ears. Grabbing the bow off the ground, she quickly mounted the black horse standing quietly nearby and galloped towards the road. It only took a moment to come upon where a small group of orcs were attacking a tall figure in a very familiar grey hat. After studying the scene Stryker smirked, pulling an arrow from the quiver and nocking it in the bow, though she waited to fire. A bright flash from the staff in the man's hands hurled two or three of the creatures to the ground in a broken heap. It didn't take long before there was only one orc left alive, its crude sword raised to strike but that strike never came. An arrow pierced its chest quickly followed by a second that imbedded itself in the orc's head. The traveler looked up with a satisfied expression on his face as the black horse trotted out of the trees.

"You should be more careful in your travels, Mithrandir," a low voice said, amusement in the words.

"Perhaps one day I shall," the wizard answered. The black hooded figure merely shook her head with a slight chuckle then lead her horse closer, peering down at the pile of bodies.

"Since when do orcs travel this far west?"

"The movements of orcs is usually a mystery to most."

She contemplated these words while the wizard climbed back on his own mount, not speaking until they had moved on down the road. "What are you doing down here, Mithrandir?"

"Looking for you actually. Halbarad mentioned you were escorting a group of merchants to Rohan."

"And why were you speaking with Halbarad?"

"To find you. You are rather elusive."

Another chuckle from under the hood. "It keeps me alive." They rode in silence for a while longer. Stryker almost didn't want to know why the wizard had sought her out but finally gave in to curiosity. "So what did you need me for?"

"I was hoping for your company on a journey I shall most likely be taking very soon. As you said, I should be more careful when I travel."

"Somehow I doubt this journey is a mere frolic to Rivendell or Lorien."

"Perceptive as usual. I will hopefully be traveling to Erebor."

"Erebor? What business could you have there? In case you've forgotten there's supposedly a fire breathing dragon laying within that mountain."

The wizard was careful with his next words, knowing his companion's feelings on the subject. "I will be assisting Thorin Oakenshield and some of his kin on a mission."

A low hiss from under the hood was the bitter response.

"I know your feelings in this matter but I can think of no one else that I would prefer to accompany me on this task. You are quite lethal."

"Why would you think I would be willing to help Thorin Oakenshield?"

"It would get you out of the Shire for a while, give you an opportunity to travel more than these random escorts to Rohan. You will probably even get to kill some orcs along the way."

"Tell me, Mithrandir, why are you concerned about one dwarf reclaiming his throne? While I agree what happened to the dwarves when Smaug came was horrible, no one should have to suffer the loss of home and loved ones, they have made a good life for themselves in the Blue Mountains now, have they not?"

"There is more at stake here than just reclaiming Erebor. I fear what might happen if Smaug should awaken and ally himself with the enemy."

Stryker froze at his words. "You do not think ...?"

"I know no more than you at this point." She was inclined to think the wizard knew more than he was willing to tell her but let it go for the time being.

"This is not something I can agree on without some careful consideration. You know my feelings about Oakenshield."

The wizard nodded. "Of course. I do think you will be most helpful on this journey. I will be meeting him and his companions at the home of a hobbit in Bag-End in a month's time."

"A hobbit is going with you?"

"He will be useful as well."

"If you can get him to leave his hobbit hole that is." The Rangers hadn't guarded the Shire for over a decade without learning its inhabitants' disdain for anything that would cause them to miss second breakfast.

"I believe this one will. If you choose to come with us, meet us at the Prancing Pony in a month."

She bowed her head slightly as an answer. "May the rest of your travels be safe, Mithrandir." With those words she turned the horse abruptly to the northeast and thundered off.

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She ran a hand over her face as she thought of what had been asked of her. Ever since the wizard had disturbed her peace with that request she had not rested easy. If it had been any other dwarf she'd been asked to aid she would have joined them with no hesitation but Thorin Oakenshield? No. Despite knowing the reason behind his wish to help the dwarves with this she could not agree. Oakenshield had hurt her too deeply and even Gandalf's entreaties and meddling had not been able to sway her. So why, four years after that initial request, was it still on her mind? Why could she not forget about it? She slapped at the branch next to her in frustration, knocking loose a pine cone. She couldn't contain her giggle when she heard a sharp cry of pain from under the tree.

"What did you do that for?" a voice called up to her.

She quickly descended, jumping the last few feet to the ground easily. "Sorry," she said, not sounding the least bit remorseful.

"Up there brooding again, Rhae?" Araden asked, still rubbing the top of his head.

"I don't brood."

"Yes, you do. You've gotten worse lately, too," Galen told her, not glancing up from where he was smoking his pipe. She frowned as she sat down on the other side of the fire. Deonyc handed her a bowl that contained a watery stew and she tucked into it wordlessly. Rhae could feel the eyes of the three males on her but ignored them while she ate.

"You have never kept anything from us before."

She sighed and looked up, meeting Araden's eyes, knowing it would be impossible to hide much from him. The other two would probably be content to leave her to her musings, knowing that eventually she would tell them what was going on. But Araden was a different story. He knew her the best out of the three. They had grown up together, trained together, and he was almost like the brother she had lost long ago. It was probably why Halbarad usually paired them up; their chieftain knew that only Araden could possibly curb her rashness and sarcasm. Not that the tall brunette was much more prudent than she was, he was just a bit better at keeping his mouth shut. A talent she was sorely lacking in.

"I just have a lot on my mind. Something feels ... off. It has for a while. It makes me uneasy."

"What was said when you were in Rivendell?"

"Just more confirmation of what we already know, Deo. He's bidding his time. The battle three years ago exposed at least part of his plan, to gain control of the Lonely Mountain and thus have a base in the North, but that was foiled when the allied armies of the dwarves, men, and elves managed to destroy the orcs. The White Council - well, most of the Council - know, as we do, that battle was not the apex of his plans. We know what He desires and so now we have to hope we can catch wind of what he's planning next in time to stop him. I just fear what will happen if we remain blind."

"How is the Heir doing?" Galen asked, trying to change the subject to something less depressing.

"I only caught a glimpse of him but I was assured he is doing well. Excelling at his studies, becoming a fine swordsman. Lord Elrond believes he will be ready to move into the next phase of his training in three or four years." She paused, thinking back on the lad she had observed. "He looks more like his father every time I see him."

"Then we will just keep doing what we're doing and trust that he will be ready when the time comes," Deonyc concluded with a grin.

"Always the optimist," Araden scoffed. The red head simply shrugged, digging into his own bowl. Galen watched their leader for another moment before going back to his pipe. Rhae moved off to the side, taking her whetstone out of her pack, and relaxing against a tree to clean and sharpen her sword. It wasn't long before someone came and sat next to her, though he didn't speak for quite a while.

"Having those dreams again?"

"How did you know?"

"You always sharpen your sword needlessly when you're agitated and I've noticed you've been doing it a lot lately." She still didn't look at him and Araden finally reached over, placing his hand on top of hers. "That blade could shave parchment. Talk to me muinthel." She sighed.

"There's just not that much to tell. It's still the same two dreams. In one I see stone, lots of stone. It almost looks like columns. There's always voices, nothing threatening, just quiet, as if its people talking while going about their day. Sometimes I hear my name being called. I'm usually wandering through ... well I don't know what I'm wandering through but I feel pulled to keep going. It's almost like I'm looking for something and I know if I keep going I'll find it. Sometimes it feels like I need to find it. The sense of longing is almost palpable."

"And the other?" He saw her shiver.

"It's a battle, it has to be a battle. That's the only way to explain the bodies everywhere. Bodies and blood and fire and destruction ... all before a massive black gate. And all I can do is watch as more and more fall. There's such a feeling of helplessness and desperation in the air." Araden didn't say anything for a bit, thinking over what she had just described to him.

"Have you spoken to Lord Elrond about these dreams?"

She shook her head. "No. The first one isn't so bothersome, just confusing. The other one has to do with Him, I can just feel it, but I don't know if its just my own worries projecting themselves into my dreams or ... or if they're portents of things that may come."

"You should probably tell Elrond about the second one if it troubles you that much. I'm sure he could tell you something about it."

"I don't know if I really want to know."

"Do you hear that?" Galen suddenly came to his feet, staring out into the darkness. After a moment they all heard the same thing, a faint shriek, and the four Rangers took off through the trees. The sounds of a fight got louder until they were able to make out a caravan of merchants that had apparently been ambushed. The Rangers attacked swiftly, catching the bandits off guard. Though the merchants, whom Rhae soon realized were dwarves, were not unarmed it appeared that they had been bedded down for the night with only a small watch set and so had been unable to mount a defense quick enough. The fight did not last much longer. A few of the ruffians underestimated Rhae because of her small size - an error they quickly regretted. She was fast and flexible, easily able to dodge and parry their swings. One thought he would be able to over power her if he snuck up from the side but she pulled a dagger from her belt and spun, burying the blade in the attacker's chest, then quickly bringing her blade across the neck of the first man she'd been fighting. As he fell to the ground she heard a soft whimper and glanced around, finally noticing a small dwarf, it had to be a child, clinging to a dwarrowdam. It's eyes were wide as it stared up at her and she instantly dropped to her knees and removed her hood and scarf, not wanting to frighten the poor thing any further.

"Do not be scared. We took care of all the bad men." She spoke softly.

"Shil, tell the nice lady thank you."

"Yes, amad." He actually took a step towards Rhae and gave a little bow of his head. "Thank you."

"You are very welcome, Shil," she said with a smile. He fidgeted for a moment and then reached out to touch the silver star that held her cloak together. His mother made a motion to pull him back but Rhae indicated that he wasn't bothering her and the dwarrowdam took a step back, a gentle smile on her face.

"Did dwarves make it?"

"That is a very good question but I don't know. This was a gift to me when I became a Ranger. Is it nice enough to have been made by dwarves?"

He leaned in and squinted a bit to study it. Rhae was quite amused by the little fellow.

"No," he finally said and she couldn't help but chuckle. "Perhaps you can come to Erebor and get a new one."

Not a chance.

"I don't usually travel that far east but thank you for the offer," she told him, ruffling his hair a bit.

"Stryker! The dwarves said a handful of those creatures took one of their companions." She came quickly to her feet, handing the dwarfling to his mother.

"Which way did they go?" she asked the copper haired dwarf next to Galen.

He pointed. "That way. Please hurry! They took -" She didn't stick around to hear any more. As soon as he had pointed she had sprinted across the clearing and into the trees.

"Stryker, wait!" Galen rubbed a hand across his face.

"Strong willed lass," the dwarf commented, looking up at the dark haired Ranger.

"You have no idea."

It wasn't hard to find the abductors; they'd made no attempt to cover their trail. Rhae peered through the leaves. There were five men dragging a raven haired dwarf between them, apparently arguing amongst themselves about which way they should go to avoid the Rangers. She pulled her scarf and hood back over her face and nocked an arrow, quickly appraising the situation. Deciding the fellows holding the dwarf needed to be taken care of first she let her arrow go, the second following immediately. The two men collapsed and the others spun around to meet this new attack. She stepped from the trees, sword drawn.

"Let the dwarf go." Her voice was low, her face completely hidden in shadow, and she saw the slight hesitation from them.

"There's only one of you, Ranger," a black toothed one spat. He grabbed the arm of the dwarf while two of the others lunged at her. She slashed her sword across the belly of the first fellow stupid enough to rush at her, easily side stepping the other. She caught movement out of the corner of her eye and saw the dwarf stomp on the foot of the man holding his arm.

"Here!" Rhae grabbed up a sword that had fallen at her feet and tossed it to him and the dwarf quickly buried the blade in the man's back. The two remaining ruffians rushed at them and Rhae blocked the swing of a blade that was attempting to cut into her shoulder. As the man tried to force her sword down she grabbed a dagger from the back of her belt and jammed it up into his chest. He stared at her in amazement.

"Never underestimate a Ranger," she hissed and pushed his body to the ground. Turning she saw the last man dodge away from the dwarf's swing, knocking him to the ground, and take off into the woods.

"Let him go," Rhae commented when he tried to go after the bandit. "He's not worth the effort." Silence fell over the scene. She pushed her hood off and stepped over to offer a hand to the raven haired dwarf.

"Thank you," a surprisingly gentle voice said. The dwarf lifted their head and Rhae was shocked to meet the blue eyes of a female. There seemed to be equal surprise on the dwarrowdam's face as well as she looked up at the Ranger. "You have our thanks, my lady. I don't know how they caught us so unawares - we shouldn't have been so lax in our watch - but your arrival was quite timely. They managed to separate me from the others and I'm afraid even my fighting skills aren't much use when I'm so outnumbered."

"You are welcome. We heard the shouts and came immediately. The last of the fools attacking your group had been taken care of when one of your companions informed me that you had been taken."

"Do you know why they would have attacked us?"

Rhae nudged one of the bodies disdainfully with her toe. "They were most likely just one of the bands of trash that try to make their way in the world by attacking and robbing others. Come, lets get back to your camp. I'm sure they're worried."

When they reappeared in the clearing there were some cries of relief from the dwarves as they saw Stryker had their companion with her.

"Stryker." The two females turned as Galen walked up to them with a bushy haired dwarf by his side. "A couple of the dwarves have some pretty bad injuries that can't be tended to here."

She thought quickly before replying to him in a low voice."Traenor's camp is not far. We can take them there." Rhae turned to the dwarrowdam. "One of our camps is nearby, an hour's walk at the most. Your injured will be able to receive better care there." The dwarf looked at her companion.

"The lad is right, my lady. Brevic and Throm require more aid than I can give at the moment."

"We are in your debt it seems," the dam replied.

"Shadow and I will stay here to help you reload everything and secure the injured for travel," Rhae said, indicating Galen. "Our other two companions can return to our camp for our horses and supplies. Once they return we will be on our way."

"You have our deepest thanks, my lady."

Rhae waved her hands dismissively with a smile. "It's just Stryker, I'm no lady, and we are pleased to be of service."

The dwarrowdam's eyes twinkled with merriment. "It is an honor to meet you. I am Dis, Princess of Erebor."

muinthel: dear sister