Conceal, Don't Feel

You were feeling very uneasy being back here, though you were thankful for the two brothers on either side of you. They lead you to a vacant chair and Fili, pulled the chair out for you to sit on. You glance at him with a smile before sitting down.

While everyone was looking around the table, which had many different salads and fruits on there, you were waiting for Lord Elrond to make his appearance. You reluctantly lowered your hood, praying no elves would look at you as you cautiously watched the dwarves look at the spread of food across the table.

You could see that they were not happy with this food, but food was food and if you were hungry, you would eat anything that was given to you. You were past being hungry now, in truth, you were waiting for the questions to start.

Footsteps could be heard, though you refused to look. No, you deliberately kept your blue eyes on the empty plate that was in front of you. It was only when you heard a gasp opposite you, you glanced up. Standing behind Bofur was Lord Elrond's two son's, Elladan and Elrohir. Both of them were watching you intently.

"Rila." Elrohir said, who now had a small smile on his face.

You swallowed hard as both brothers walked around the table, heading straight for you. Before you had time to think things through, Elladan, pulled you up and embraced you, holding you tightly.

"Where have you been?" He whispered in your ear.

You just revel in his embrace. You had indeed missed the two brothers. Just as Elladan pulled away from you, Elrohir took his place and held you just as tightly as his brother did.

"Our little sister has come home." exclaimed Elrohir.

"Sister?" You heard the leader, Thorin say "You mean to inform me, that we have been travelling with an elf?"

You caught the look of Thorin's eyes, they were narrowed now and he looked like he was about to attack at any moment. Why didn't he like elves? You wondered. You knew you should have declined Gandalf's offer now, trouble always seemed to find you.

Elrohir pulled away from you but kept his arm around your back, as he glanced at Thorin with narrowed eyes. You look from Elladan to Elrohir, wondering what was going through their minds.

"You should lower your voice Master dwarf and show some respect!"

Elrohir turned and faced you, his features softened when he saw the worry in your eyes.

"Come sister, let us take you away from the hostility from around here."

He extended his hand out for you to take which you slowly did. As you walked between the two brothers, you turned your head, looking back at the dwarves. Some of them were now glaring at Thorin, though the blonde dwarf, Fili was watching you as you carried on walking.

"She should never have come with us," spat Thorin "all elves only think for themselves!"

"How dare you speak to Rila like that!" You heard Elladan say, causing you to stop walking "You know nothing."

"Just what is going on here?"

You closed your eyes knowing whose voice that belonged to.

"Ada, these guests of yours, have been rather rude to our sister here!" remarked Elladan, glancing back at you "Are you alright Rila?"

You opened your eyes and looked at Elladan. He had a look of worry etched on his face and you hated seeing that.

"Rila?"

You slowly turned around knowing it would be very rude not to acknowledge Lord Elrond. You hesitated before you looked up. You were expecting to see him looking at you with a stern face but in reality, you could tell he was relieved to see you.

"Rila," He said again, before doing something you wasn't expecting, he pulled you to him and embraced you "where have you been?"

Still you refused to speak as you held him. It had been a long time since you had seen one another. You just relax in his warm embrace, placing your own arms around his waist.

"Where did you find her?" Lord Elrond asked Gandalf who was standing besides him.

"It's a long story," admitted Gandalf, watching you carefully "though she has never uttered a word, which is most puzzling."

"What did you do to her?" demanded Elrohir.

"We have not done anything to her!" hissed Dwalin as you finally let go of Lord Elrond, though he refuses to let go of you "She helped us out to which I am thankful for, unlike someone around here."

You turned your head a little, looking right at Dwalin. You did not know him that well, but you could tell he could also hold his own. He was currently glaring at Thorin who acted like he wasn't bothered with these turn of events.

You felt Lord Elrond's arm tighten around you as he gently chuckles. You glance up at him, wondering what was so funny and was greeted with a warm smile from him.

"What did you do this time, little star?" He whispered.

You just gave him a small smile at the endearment he had given you. He has always called you that, after all, you met him when the stars were at their brightest. That was a night to remember, though most of that night was to painful to dwell on it.

"Why don't you go to your old room? I'm sure you are tired." He said as he let go of you.

You slowly nod your head. Perhaps a rest would revive you a little. You would never admit it, but you did feel safe in Imladris. You knew Lord Elrond would want answers to your sudden disappearance but for now, you were glad of the respite.

Just as you were about to walk away from the company, you turned and faced them, looking directly at the leader, Thorin Oakenshield. You were a little startled to see him watch you back, though his eyes were narrowed.

"Just for the record Master dwarf," You finally say to him, breaking your vow of silence "I am not an elf, though I have no idea what I am any more."

Thorin's eyes widened, but he never said a word as he continued to watch you.

"Ah, so you do speak?"

Your eyes went on a smiling Gandalf. You could feel your cheeks burn, though you graced him with a small smile.

"Of course she can speak," informed Lord Elrond "there are times when she has had very heated debates with Glorfindel. He will be pleased to see you are well, little star."

Glorfindel. He was the one that had found your unconscious form all those years ago. He never left your side as you were recovering from your wounds. Which is partly the reason why you and he have had a strong bond. That is, until you had left. He properly hated you now.

"Get some rest Rila," You heard Lord Elrond say "you look extremely tired."

"We will take her to her quarters." said Elladan leading you away from everyone.

Sighing, you followed the two brothers unaware that Fili was watching your retreating form with a bemused look in his eyes.

o0o

~~Gandalf's POV~~

As everyone was watching Rila and the brothers leave the balcony, Gandalf walked towards the empty seat that was opposite Thorin's and sat down. He could hear distant chatter of their fair companion Rila and despite himself, a small smile came from nowhere, as he was grateful that he had found her.

It was Lord Elrond himself that had asked Gandalf to keep an eye out for a tall, slender lady with dark red hair with blue eyes. He never explained why Gandalf should seek her out, though Gandalf could tell that she meant a great deal to him.

It has taken Gandalf six months searching for her and he was begining to think something had happened to her. When he saw a lady sitting quietly by the lake, minding her own business, he knew in his heart that this was who Lord Elrond was searching for.

Remembering their first encounter, Gandalf could see that Rila had trust issues. Which is understandable in this day and age, but the way she never uttered a word had baffled him. Just why wouldn't she say anything?

Gandalf was relieved however, when she did say something to Thorin. He can understand why Thorin is hostile towards elves, but everyone in Imladris are very helpful. Seeing him act nasty towards Rila is not what he should have done.

'I will be having words with him later.' Gandalf thought to himself.

While he helped himself to the food that was spread out on the table, Gandalf listened quietly as Lord Elrond looks at Thorin's sword. Gandalf knew he would want answers as to how they received these weapons in the first place. He just hoped Thorin would keep his temper under control.

o0o

~~Rila's POV~~

Though your eyes were still closed, you knew there was someone else in the room. You slowly opened one eye and noticed the room was just the same to what it was when you were last here.

You closed your eye once more, feeling safer than you had in a long time. Gentle fingers touched your hair out of your face causing you to re-open your eyes and look at your friend, Glorfindel.

"Rila," He whispered, stroking your hair "do you know how worried I've been?"

When you didn't answer him, Glorfindel continued,

"When you just disappeared like that, I thought-,"

"I'm sorry," You interrupted, feeling tears come out of your eyes "I thought it was best for everyone that I just leave."

"Without telling me?"

You winched at his tone and shifted a little on the bed, trying not to look at him. You felt his hand touch your shoulder, moving you, so that you would have to look at him.

"Rila, you should never have left," He resumed stroking your hair, comforting you "you mean a lot to me and I am just thankful Mithrandir brought you back."

You both watch one another before you finally said,

"I can take care of myself. Have done nearly all my life."

"I'm well aware of that, little star," smiled Glorfindel "though it would not have hurt to leave correspondence in your wake to leave these premises would it?...Now tell me Rila, why did you really leave?"

You knew it would be pointless in not explaining your actions. He has always had a way of knowing what was really on your mind. Sighing, you sat up in bed looking down at your hands, wondering where to start.

"Why don't we go for a walk," suggested Glorfindel "a change of scenery will do you good."

You knew this was his way of reassuring you that nothing would happen to you while you were here though you sighed, knowing that he would still want answers as to why you had left Imladris.

"Alright," You replied, noticing the dress at the end of the bed "though I am not wearing that!"

"Oh yes you are," He smiled "your travelling clothes are at this second being washed. You have nothing else to wear."

Glorfindel got up from the bed and walked towards the door.

"I shall wait outside for you, little star."

With that, he opened the door and left, leaving you to change into...a dress! Sighing, you gingerly got out of the bed and grabbed hold of the pale yellow dress that was waiting for you.

You had never been one to wear dresses, you were used to wearing trousers. They were much more comfortable, though you knew you had no choice in wearing this dress. With another sigh, you placed the dress over your head and put it on, noticing the feel of the satin against your skin.

The dress was beautifully made as you tied the yellow ribbon behind you, you noticed little flowers around the edge of the sleeves, middle and bottom. You realised they were little forget me not flowers and you found yourself smiling.

When you had first arrived here, there were many flowers around your room as you were recovering. You knew Lord Elrond, his sons and even Glorfindel had always placed flowers in your room, while you were recovering.

However your eyes had always strayed to the blue flowers that were near you. You had no idea on who sent you these beautiful flowers but to this day, these flowers had calmed you down when you spot one.

Whoever made this dress had really taken the time in making this. Though the dress was yellow, the little flowers were blue in colour with a green stem for its body. For the first time, your mind began to clear and you felt calm once again.

Looking at the floor, you saw your boots at the end of the bed. Even though you were now wearing a dress, you would still wear your boots. You didn't care on what others would think. You would wear your boots as they were comfortable.

When you laced up your boots, you sighed before opening the door. You saw Glorfindel leaning over the rail appearing to be in deep thought. You quietly walked up to him, placing your hands on the rail.

"I could never get bored here." You finally say, looking ahead of you.

Glorfindel turned his head and watched you.

"You look beautiful in that dress."

"No, I much prefer my usual clothes." You admitted to him, scrunching your nose.

Glorfindel chuckled, but never said a word. He held out his arm which you took, then walked in comfortable silence. Yes you had indeed missed being in Imladris, though you knew why you had, had to leave in the first place. It would only be a matter of time before the dreams came back.

Before arriving in Middle-earth, you only had one dream that was always replaying in your dream patterns, but that changed when you finally confronted it. You should not have been here in Middle-earth, in truth, you should have died.

Yet here you were, surrounded by Glorfindel, Lord Elrond and many other elves, as you remember lying on your side as you came too. You were still baffled being here, though since being here, you were much quieter then where you originally came from.

"Why did you really leave, Rila?" asked Glorfindel after a while.

"It was time to leave." came your reply.

"Nonsense! Imladris is your home now, you did not have to leave at all," He remarked, as you both started climbing up some steps "when I realised you had gone, I was most concerned for your well being."

"I'm sorry," You whispered, turning your head and looking at your friend "I thought it was for the best."

"The best?" questioned Glorfindel, turning to face you "No, it was not for the best. You left without saying anything. I thought something had happened to you."

"I had to leave."

"Why?"

You tried to carry on walking, by taking your hand away from Glorfindel's arm, but he seemed to expect that. He quickly took hold of your hand and held it tight, stopping you from leaving.

"Why?" He repeated, though a little softer than before.

You sighed, knowing he would not drop this discussion. Facing Glorfindel once more, you swallowed hard, before whispering.

"The dreams have come back."

This caused Glorfindel to wrap his arm around you to which you were thankful for. Those dreams were horrible.

"I thought they went."

"They did. These dreams are different to the ones I used to have," You look at your friend, seeing the worry in his blue eyes "these dreams are showing me a dragon."

"A dragon?"

You nodded, shivering at what else you had seen. You could still see a land full of darkness with just one glowing light. In your dream you remembered glancing up and seeing a tower with a strange fiery top.

The more you had looked at it, the more you realised that this orange flame tower, really reminded you of an eye and that scared you, more so than the dragon. Glorfindel, wrapped his other arm around you, as if to shield you from harm.

"What if that dragon came when you and everyone else found me all those years ago?" You whispered, feeling your limbs tense at the thought of that.

"What do you mean?"

"I killed that dragon," You carried on more to yourself, nodding your head slowly "even though it wasn't really a dragon."

"Shhh, you are safe Rila. Your past from your old life is over now. I do believe the dragon you are referring to, is Smaug."

You raise your eyebrows at Glorfindel, though kept quiet.

"That would explain why there are many dwarves here. They are going to tackle that dragon it would seem."

"Smaug?" Glorfindel nodded his head "So there was already a dragon here, long before I arrived here then?"

"That is correct. A long time ago Smaug destroyed the city of Dale before heading towards Erebor, stealing the mountain and home of every dwarf living there."

You just listened as Glorfindel gently pulled you down on the steps to sit on as he continued.

"Smaug now resides in that very mountain, though there hasn't been any sightings of him for a long while now."

"Even though my dreams say otherwise," You began, now looking at your hands "could it be possible the dragon is already dead?"

"What does your heart tell you?"

You faced Glorfindel who was watching you carefully. You sighed, knowing the answer already.

"That he is still alive." You admitted.

"When you dream of this dragon, what is he doing?"

You turned away from Glorfindel and instinctively closed your eyes, trying to remember. You remember seeing many gems and gold all over the place. The gold itself was high, so high in fact, it was touching the celling. You could also see buried treasure chests being engulfed by the gold coins.

As you remembered the dream, your eyes went on a moving spot. You had wondered at the time on what it was. As you watched the movement, you had realised that it was breathing.

In your dream state, you had cautiously stepped towards it and saw at once a massive dragon head. It appeared to be sleeping to which you were glad about. It was here that you had wondered if you had accidently brought this dragon back with you.

This was the real reason why you had left. If you had indeed brought this...this dragon or whatever it was back with you, you knew there would be a lot of angry faces looking back at you.

You slowly opened your eyes, taking no notice of Glorfindel's concerned face. Yes, the dragon was still alive and you wasn't certain if that was a good thing or not. Finally, you turned and faced your friend, whispering,

"The dragon is still alive. Though he appears to be fast asleep."

"Hmm, he won't be for long if those dwarves have anything to do it."

"It is there home, is it not?" You asked him, watching him.

"That is true, though how they can think on defeating Smaug, is a mystery."

"There is always a way to kill a dragon Glorfindel. Believe me, I should know." You replied, remembering the way you plunged your sword in that other dragon's neck.

You felt yourself draft off again, as you recount the time when you finally had the upper hand with that dragon. You had managed to climb a top of that massive beast and finally ended the dragon's life and of course yourself as well.

You found yourself shivering at that memory and was brought back to the present when you felt Glorfindel's arms tighten around you and he started rocking you back and forth reassuring you with elfish words.

"I'm just relieved that you are here Rila." He said after a while, now stroking your hair.

"As am I," You whispered, meaning that too "as am I."

o0o

A knock at the door woke you up. You groggily sat up, wondering if you had dreamt that knock, when it happened again. Sighing, you got out of bed and made your way towards the door. As soon as the door was open, Gandalf walked inside.

"Don't mind me." You muttered under your breath, as you shut the door once more.

"Rila, I need your help."

You just looked at him with raised eyebrows.

"Earlier I sent Thorin and his men away to carry out their quest but I feel something is heading their way."

While you were listening, you walked over towards your bed and sat down. Gandalf then explained Thorin's plight. That he wanted his home Erebor back and to do that, they would have to deal with a dragon.

You guessed that part was correct, remembering your discussion with Glorfindel earlier. Though you were miffed as to why Gandalf was informing you about this quest to you. It made no sense.

"Lord Elrond told me that you are not originally from here."

You watched Gandalf and frowned. You hated being talked about behind your back. Lord Elrond had no right in discussing your personal business to others.

"Did he indeed?"

Yes your reply did sound snappy, but you were not amused by any of this.

"Yes, he did. He informed me that you came from nowhere."

"Nowhere?" I hissed, noticing Gandalf flinch a little "I did come from somewhere wizard. That somewhere was my real home!"

"I am sorry, I did not mean to offend you my lady," Gandalf stepped closer to you "it's just Lord Elrond said you had dealt with a dragon before."

"Yes, that is true and look where that got me!"

You got up and began pacing around your room, trying to shake of your lost friends that you knew you would never see again.

"Killing that dragon should have killed me too."

"I don't think I follow you child."

"What is going on here?" came a voice behind you, though your eyes stayed on Gandalf's face.

"As I used my sword on that dragon, a bright light went around me and that beast. I knew that was where I was supposed to die."

"Rila."

An arm went around you but you carried on. Your eyes held on to the wizard in front of you.

"Imagine my surprise when I fell into nothing, before vague voices brought me out of my crazy thoughts."

"Rila, you do not have to explain yourself," You turned your head, seeing Elladan there "that part of you is over now."

"Is it over? Those dreams are back. I knew I should have hidden myself better."

"You don't mean that," You heard Elladan say, stroking your back "you are among friends that care about you."

You didn't say anything. You just returned your attention to Gandalf who was clearly shocked with your outburst.

"Where did you originally come from?" the wizard finally asked you.

You sighed, knowing he would not drop this.

"I come from Ferelden," You replied, now looking at the floor "though I am still baffled on why I am here instead of being with Andraste and my parents."

"Andraste, who is that?"

"She was the spiritual wife to the Maker," You whispered "I looked up to her. I still do."

You refused to say anymore, maybe sometime you would say more on the subject of what you believed in.

"I believe I owe you an apology," You looked at Gandalf as he continued "I can tell you have seen and done many things good and bad and I should not have bothered you."

"Why did you?" You asked him as he made his way towards the bedroom door.

"I thought you could help defeat the dragon in the mountain. I wouldn't like to upset you further."

"You mean Smaug?" You asked him, noticing him turn and face you once more.

"Yes."

"Though the dragon I faced was not really a dragon but an archdemon, I will help you. If that is why you came to me."

"An archdemon?" You heard Gandalf say more to himself, though you did hear him "Very interesting."

"Rila, you can not be serious!" shouted Elladan, causing you to sigh.

You turned slightly as Elladan held on tighter to your middle. As if he thought you were about to walk away from him.

"This is connected to the dream I keep having."

"Dream?" asked Elladan, watching you intently.

Again you sighed.

"I will explain everything while I look for my traveling clothes and weapons," You reasoned with him, not noticing the small smile on Gandalf's face "which could take a while."

"You do not have to come with an old wizard like me child," smiled Gandalf "though I do welcome it."

"What about the leader?" You asked him, moving Elladan's arm around your waist "Thorin. He thinks I am an elf, for some strange reason."

"Do not worry about him, He is rather out spoken but in time, I'm sure he will welcome you into the company. Much like the rest of them."

You didn't say anything as you went on your hands and knees and looked under the bed for any signs of your weapons. They were not there. You frowned, just where were they?

"I'll meet you by the wooden bridge," carried on Gandalf "try not to take to long."

With that, the wizard left, leaving you with a very angry looking Elladan. When you glanced up at him, he had his arms crossed around his chest watching your every movement.

"You are not going."

"Elladan! I need to-,"

"You are not going without my brother and myself." He interrupted.

You blinked several times as you processed what he had just said.

"We lost you once Rila. That mistake will not happen again."

Getting up from the floor, you walked towards your friend. You were clearly touched by his gesture though you did feel guilty about it. If he came with you, then Lord Elrond would not be a happy with these turn of events.

"Elladan, are you completely sure?" You finally asked him "Your father will not like this, will he?"

"How do you know my father hasn't already known about this situation?" smirked Elladan "Why do you think I am here in the first place?"

You raised an eyebrow at him.

"You and your father knew I would leave again?"

Before Elladan could answer, a knock on the door made you jump. You were about to open it but Elrohir walked in carrying your weapons and bag.

"Did you think, we would leave without you?" Elrohir grinned "your clothes are in your bag. We will wait outside while you change."

Taking hold of your bag and weapons, you watched the two brothers leave you to change. You were not sure on how this would pan out. Since being here, you had been by yourself. It was how you liked it.

Now though, you had more or less agreed to go with Gandalf with your two trusted friends to Maker knows where. This dragon was another matter as well. Would confronting this beast have the same tactics like that archdemon? Or would this turn out to be something completely different.

Taking a deep breath, you opened up your bag and rummaged through it. Grabbing hold of your trousers and shirt, you quickly took of this offending nightshirt and put on your familiar looking clothes. You then glanced back at your bag as you went in there and you felt something in there.

As your fingers trailed against what you had found, you slowly raised your hand out of the bag and looked at what was in your palm. It was one gold earring and you found yourself sighing, knowing what this gesture had meant.

Without giving it much thought, you put this earring in your ear, doing it up. Even though you knew your past was just that, the past. You would never forget your old life and him included.

Sighing again, you then bent down and put on your boots, tying them up. You grabbed hold of your weapons and placed them in their original places, before straightening yourself up and opening the door in front of you.

"You really are leaving again?" came a voice in the dark.

As you quietly shut the door and faced the voice that had spoken to you, seeing the worry on your friend once more.

"Glorfindel. it seems I am needed elsewhere."

"On a suicide mission!" snapped Glorfindel, causing the two brothers to step back a little, while you yourself, just watched him.

"You know I can't-," You began, but Glorfindel carried on.

"What am I going to do with you?" He turned and looked at Elladan and Elrohir "You will look after her, won't you?"

"You know we will," replied Elrohir "she is like a sister to us. We will never leave her side."

"That she is." agreed Elladan, watching you intently.

"Um, unless I want to pee or have a wash," You chimed in, trying to make a joke of this strange mood that you currently were in "I do draw the line there, you know."

Even though Elladan and Elrohir snorted at your remark, you could see that Glorfindel was not happy with these turn of events.

"It is not funny Rila," said Glorfindel, grabbing hold of your hands "you are about to face a dragon once more. Are you completely certain this is wise?"

"I am not a child Glorfindel. I've been fighting for most of my life. I've dealt with far worse than a dragon." You replied, again thinking about your old life.

"I am not happy with this Rila. Though I know I can not stop you. Just be careful."

Without any warning, you hugged him causing him to lose his balance a little. Glorfindel soon recovered and placed his own arms around you holding you tight.

"Promise me you will return?" He whispered.

Looking up at him, you could again see the worry on his handsome face. You didn't like seeing this and it clearly showed when he tried gracing you with a smile. It didn't really work however but you found yourself nodding your head.

"I promise I will return," You replied "I will never run away again. You have my word on that."

"We will take good care of her Glorfindel," You heard Elrohir say "I know she means a great deal to you too."

"You have no idea." whispered Glorfindel more to himself, but you clearly heard him.

"We best make a move. Gandalf will no be amused if we stay any longer." remarked Elladan.

Pulling yourself away from your friend, you graced him with a smile before following the two brothers to where Gandalf was. You wave goodbye to Glorfindel as you started climbing down some steps. It was going to be a strange adventure, you were sure of it.

o0o

The four of you had been walking for a long while now. Even though it was now night time, Gandalf had refused to rest. Glancing at the wizard, you remembered what he had asked you earlier and decided to ask him about it.

"Gandalf, may I ask you a question?"

"You may indeed, my dear child." came his reply.

"What did you mean, when you said that something is heading towards Thorin's and his men's way?"

Gandalf turned his head and looked back at you. For a split second, you saw worry etched in his blue eyes and that caused you to suck in your breath. Just as suddenly, the worry on his face vanished, though you were not reassured about that.

"It has nothing to do with that dragon, does it?" You asked him, watching his reaction carefully.

"No, there is someone out here that wants Thorin's head." replied Gandalf after a while.

"Charming," You muttered "Who is after him?"

"Azog the Defiler."

"I've never heard of him." You admitted to the wizard.

"We have, haven't we Elladan?" You turned your attention to Elrohir "Ada informed us about this war between dwarf and Orc."

Elladan then carried on speaking, explaining what really happened in that mountain Moria. You were horrified when Elladan mentioned a decapitation of Thorin's grandfather.

You remembered your own parents as they waited for their own fate. You had no choice but to leave with Duncan that night, knowing your father was already close to death, but leaving behind your mother was heartbreaking. You still feel so guilty for leaving them behind.

"Though the way Ada was describing this, I had thought that Azog had died from his own wounds." carried on Elladan, bringing you back to the present.

"No, he still lives," replied Gandalf "though Thorin thinks he is dead, Balin is the only one other than myself, to know he is still around."

You frowned at that. Surely Thorin should be told about this.

"You don't approve?" came Gandalf's voice, watching you intently.

"Not really no," You admitted to him "though I don't know much about Thorin and his kin, he should be informed of this matter."

"He would only want to avenge his grandfather's murder." reasoned Gandalf.

"And why shouldn't he?" You retorted, noticing the shocked faces from your companions.

You took a moment by taking a deep breath, before continuing.

"Take it from someone who knows what it is like to lose loved ones. Thankfully with me, I already knew who murdered my parents and did what I had to do. There should be no secrets. Not about this anyway. Thorin should have been told from the start."

Without saying anything more, you brushed past the wizard and walked ahead of him. True you had your own secrets to contend with, but you knew in your heart that you had meant what you had said. Gandalf was in the wrong here and that actually angered you.

You feared that when Thorin realised that this Azog was indeed alive, there were going to be fireworks between Gandalf and Thorin and you did not want anything to do with that, that was for sure.

o0o

The thunder in the sky was the least of your problems when you all started climbing up the mountain. You were currently watching a strange thing happening from up above. It appeared that the mountain itself was having a fight with itself. It was only when Gandalf explained that these were stone giants throwing large chunks of rock at one another that you realised that you had not seen anything like this before.

The further you all climbed up, the louder the thunder became, plus the debris of the rocks being thrown from above, were making it quite hard to focus on where the path was.

"We will have to go inside this cave." You heard Gandalf shout out, when more thunder suddenly made hearing anything impossible.

You didn't say anything, you just followed the wizard and your two friends inside this dark cave. Further in, Gandalf stopped and smelled the air. You found this a little strange but kept your thoughts to yourself.

Gandalf then placed his left hand over his staff and closed his eyes. You had to shield your eyes when light from his staff was now shining bright. Looking ahead of you, were three entrances and you had a funny feeling that something or someone, lived down here.

"That's better," smiled Gandalf "a little light to show the way. Now, let's see...which way do we go."

"The least smelliest." You muttered, which caused Elladan to snort out a laugh.

"Normally, I would agree with you Rila," You looked back at Gandalf who was still looking ahead "but I do believe our companions are in danger now."

"Azog?" You asked him.

"That is partly true," replied Gandalf "there is something else in this cave."

"I sensed it too." agreed Elrohir "we should walk with caution."

You all followed Gandalf's lead as you walked towards the three entrances. You had this feeling in your gut that the smelliest entrance was the way forward. You rolled your eyes when this proved correct.

The more you all ventured inside, the more you knew that trouble was about to come and face you all once again. You had no idea what was down here but judging by the smell, you knew it wasn't going to be pleasant.

No words were spoken as you followed Gandalf, who was now climbing up a steep looking path. Just as you were about to say something, a loud booming voice made you all stop in your tracks.

"Bones will be shattered, necks will be rung! You'll be beaten and battered, from racks you'll be hung. You will lie down here and never be found, down in the deep of Goblin Town."

"What in the Maker's name was that?" You asked Gandalf, who you noticed looked troubled now.

"A nuisance." was the wizard's reply.

There was now a lot of ruckus and as you finally reached Gandalf, you could now see what was happening. Below you, were strange looking creatures that you had never encountered before.

"Those are goblins." remarked Elladan, grabbing hold of his weapons.

Your eyes roam around your surroundings and it was here that you spotted the dwarves from before. You had no idea on how they had gotten here, but you did know that you had to help them.

You raised your arm up and placed your fingers around your trusted sword. With your other hand, you pulled out a dagger that had been concealed inside your boot. Just as you were about to head towards Thorin and his men, Gandalf stopped you.

"Wait," You gave Gandalf a dirty look "for a few moments."

"I know that sword! It is the Goblin-Cleaver, the Biter, the blade that sliced a thousand necks." You heard someone sneer, as you continued to watch Gandalf.

Your eyes followed his arms. One was holding on to his staff while the other hand was holding onto a sword that you knew you had not noticed before.

"Slash them! Beat them! Kill them! Kill them all! Cut off his head!" You heard the one who was in charge say.

Without any warning, a massive bright light came from nowhere, as well as an explosion. You closed your eyes and shielded yourself as much as you could because the cave was now shaking quite violently.

Slowly the light dimmed and you quickly resumed holding onto your weapons. All the while, you watch Gandalf as he slowly walks towards these goblins, but he was now watching the company.

"Take up arms. Fight. Fight!" demanded Gandalf.

They did not have to be told twice as the company quickly began fighting the goblins that were in front of them. Several of these goblins had came up to you and tried attacking, but you easily dealt with these strange creatures and killed them.

By now everyone was fighting and it was when you reached the ground level that you realised there was a fat goblin lying on the ground watching Gandalf with narrowed eyes. He really reminded you of the broodmother and that was saying something.

"He wields the Foe-Hammer, the Beater, bright as daylight!" He sneered.

You slowly made your way towards the rest of the company who were at this second retrieving their weapons that were on the ground. You watched with a bemused look on your face, as swords and axes and what not, were thrown high in the air to be caught by these remarkable dwarves.

Sudden movement caused you to turn around. The fat goblin was now standing and was about to strike out to whoever was in the way. Without any warning, you darted in his way and deflected his own weapon with your own, seeing the goblin stumble backwards and fall off the edge of his platform, falling to the depths below.

"Pick on someone taller, you nasty piece of shit!" You hissed at it, taking no notice of the startled look from the leader Thorin himself "Let that be a lesson to you!"

"Follow me. Quick! Run!" You heard Gandalf cry out.

You turn and caught the look Thorin was giving you, though at this present time, you wasn't in the mood for another remark from him. Instead, you took on board to what Gandalf had said and began running towards the wizard.

Of course, nothing was that easy. Many more of these goblins were swarming around everyone and you all had to fight your way through as you tried to stay on the path that you were on.

Slowly, this pathway was taking you and everyone else away from this strange throne room, to which you were thankful for. As you all run through many suspended passageways, you turned your head noticing the goblins were still in hot pursuit.

"There is too many of these critters." You shouted to anyone who was listening.

"Glad you came along?" came Elrohir's voice.

You instantly turned your head and caught his smirk.

"I wouldn't miss this for the world." was your reply, gracing him with your own smile.

"Quickly!" shouted Gandalf.

You were most surprised when most of the dwarves cut a guard rail from the path and then hold it out in front of them, waiting to do damage with it.

"Charge!" shouted Dwalin.

You watched in stunned silence as Dwalin and many more of your new companions, quickly ran towards the advancing goblins, each holding onto the new weapon of choice. The goblins had no change of escape as they were caught off guard by this massive spear.

It didn't stop the goblins fighting back however and for a while, everyone was fighting these critters off. Some of these goblins were now swinging om ropes which gave you an idea.

You ran up towards a rope and started cutting it with your sword. Again this caught Thorin's attention as he watched you cut away the ropes.

"Cut the ropes!" Thorin shouted.

These ropes you realised, were holding a raised platform in place and when the others joined in, this very platform fell outward. The goblins that were on the ropes, were now entangled.

"Quickly, move forward!" shouted Gandalf once more.

You were now at the back, running after the rest of the companions, keeping an eye on those advancing goblins. You all ran down another area of a path, when goblins fall into the darkness.

You had no idea there was now a ladder nearby but there was no time for questions. You just followed the others, using the ladder as some sort of bridge. You spotted Dwalin waiting nearby and when you had reached the others, he took hold of his axe and broke the ladder in two, thus preventing those goblins from following you all.

Without further ado, everyone ran forward. The cave had so many pathways it was hard to determine on where to go. You followed everyone's lead by climbing onto a swinging rope and you saw what the others were now doing. They sliced some ropes and the pathway revealed itself.

You swung yourself to this new pathway knowing everyone else was doing the exact same thing. You only hoped this path would lead you all out of this awful mountain. You knew it would only be a matter of time before more goblins came forward and sure enough there they were, climbing on the ropes that you had recently vacated.

You, Dwalin and several other dwarves started cutting the rope which again, caused the swinging path and the goblins on it to fall. Turning around, you ran after Gandalf killing any goblin that dared get your way.

Gandalf suddenly strikes a rock above you all with his staff, which caused rocks to fall down and began rolling in front of the company, killing any goblin that were in the way. Again you picked up your speed and saw a bridge in front of you.

Just as you were all about to cross this bridge however, the fat goblin from before showed up. He came from underneath the bridge and was now pulling himself up right in front of you all. The goblins were slowly swarming all over the place, making the escape all that harder.

"You thought you could escape me?" hissed the ugly goblin.

"Makers breath." You muttered to yourself, holding the handle of your sword a little to hard.

You watch this bigger goblin start swinging his weapon around Gandalf of all people and this made your blood boil, especially when the wizard himself very nearly fell over.

"What are you going to do now, wizard?" sneered the goblin, watching Gandalf intently.

"He's going to escape," You chimed in, causally walking up to him "like all the rest of us."

"Is that so?"

"Hmm Mmmm,, Well, except you of course," You nodded your head, raising your sword "it's time for you to go now."

Without giving it much thought, you actually jumped onto the goblin and plunged your sword in its neck. Of course by now, this fat thing was trying to jog you, but you were adamant on staying put. At least until this was over. Using your dagger, you again plunged your other weapon in its eye socket.

"Ow, ow, ow!"

Pulling your sword out of this goblin's neck, you were about to repeat your actions but you spotted Gandalf stab this adversary in the stomach. This was your cue to jump as by now, this goblin was making strange noises. You managed to retrieve your dagger when you jumped back on the ground, bumping right into someone.

"I am so sorry." You say, turning around and facing...Fili.

He was now grinning back at you which was a little distracting. Why was he doing that?

"It's quite alright, my lady," Fili's grin broaden "you can bump into me any time you want."

You just watch Fili, when the big goblin fell down dead. That was the good news. The bad news was when his body had hit the bridge, it started shaking.

"That can't be good." You observed, watching the bridge suddenly break away.

The bridge you all were standing on was now sliding really fast on the walls of the cavern. It was demolishing everything in its way. You held on hoping this would end soon.

Finally the bridge does slow down and landed at end of the cavern, breaking apart and making a good job at burying everyone with timber and wood. You slowly manage to pull yourself up noticing, Elladan, Elrohir and Gandalf looking at the rest of the dwarves. They were still caught up in the wreckage.

"Well, that could have been worse." You heard Bofur say.

Just as soon as Bofur had said that, the body of the big goblin came crashing down, landing on the wreckage. The body had also trapped your companions.

"You've got to be joking!" You heard Dwalin say.

With careful manoeuvring, you helped get the rest of the dwarves from their predicament, making sure everyone was alright in the process. The sooner you were all out of this mountain, the better you would be.

"Gandalf!" Kili cried out and you followed his concerned look.

Right ahead of you all, were many, many goblins heading towards you all.

"There's too many! We can't fight them." said Dwalin and you knew he did have a point.

"Only one thing will save us, daylight! Come on! Here, on your feet!" replied Gandalf.

The last of the dwarves got up and you all ran forward, following Gandalf. For a while, all you did was run but when you saw light come from somewhere, you were relieved. Gandalf lead you all out of this blasted mountain and as soon as cool fresh air hit your face, you got on your knees, taking in huge gulps of air.

You had no idea where you were but at this present time, you did not care. You were just thankful that you all had made your escape. While Gandalf was busy counting on who was here, you realised you were being watched. Turning your head, you saw Kili and even Bofur watch you with smiles on their faces.

"It is good to see you again...Rila wasn't it?" grinned Bofur.

You just nodded.

"And the girl can talk as well," smiled Kili "that was pretty impressive back there. Jumping onto the king goblin was one way to deal with the matter at hand."

"Just a spar of the moment thing." You replied, watching Kili carefully.

"Was it indeed? Then you jumped on my brother."

"I-I um, what?"

"Kili, leave her be," You heard Fili say "it was an accident."

"Yeah, of course it was." smirked Kili walking away.

"Five, six, seven, eight...Bifur, Bofur...that's ten...Fili, Kili...that's twelve...and Bombur, Rila, Elladan and Elrohir that makes sixteen. Where's Bilbo? Where is our Hobbit? WHERE IS OUR HOBBIT?" shouted Gandalf, causing you to look at him with puzzlement.

"Curse that halfling! Now he's lost?!" snapped Dwalin.

You realised he was talking about that kind hobbit you had met earlier, In truth, you did not notice his presence and for that, you suddenly felt very guilty.

"I thought he was with Dori!" remarked Gloin.

"Don't blame me!" defended Dori.

"But where did you last see him?" asked Gandalf, watching everyone now.

"I think I saw him slip away, when they first collared us." explained Nori.

"What happened exactly? Tell me!"

Gandalf's anger was beginning to show itself and you found yourself getting up, hoping nothing had happened to this hobbit.

"I will tell you what happened...Master Baggins saw his chance and he took it! He's thought of nothing but his soft bed and his warm hearth since first he stepped out of his door! We will not be seeing our Hobbit again. He is long gone."

That was it, you had, had enough of this leader.

"You have a very low opinion on others don't you, Master dwarf?"

You found yourself walking up to this so called leader, noticing he was watching your every move.

"First off you assumed that I was an elf," You turn and face your two friends "for which there is nothing wrong with that. I adore elves."

Both Elladan and Elrohir graced you with a smile, before you return your attention to Thorin.

"Now it seems you are judging a hobbit," You crossed your arms over your chest before you continued "could it have crossed your mind that he could be injured in that mountain?"

"I-," began Thorin but you cut him off.

"After all, those goblins just would not stop attacking us, what's to say the same fate went to Master Baggins?"

"No, he isn't." came a voice from behind you.

Turning slightly, you saw the hobbit himself step out from behind a tree. You had to wonder, how long had he been there in the first place. You could tell everyone was shocked to see him though, including Thorin when you looked back at him.

"Bilbo Baggins! I've never been so glad to see anyone in my life!" smiled Gandalf.

Bilbo walked up to everyone, even patting Balin's shoulder as he walked on.

"Bilbo...we'd given you up!" said Kili, causing you to roll your eyes.

"How on earth did you get past the Goblins?!" asked Fili.

"How, indeed." agreed Dwalin.

You watched Bilbo carefully. You could tell he too had some kind of trauma. He had few scratches on his face. His waist jacket were missing some buttons and from time to time, you kept noticing his hand delve inside his pocket, making you feel suddenly uncomfortable.

"Well, what does it matter? He's back!" grinned Gandalf.

"It matters! I want to know...Why did you come back?" demanded Thorin.

"Leave him alone," You counter "I can tell he has been through a lot as well. So drop it."

You were surprised when Thorin actually growled at you.

"Look, I know you doubt me," began Bilbo "I know you always have. And you're right, I often think of Bag End. I miss my books. And my armchair. And my garden. See, that's where I belong. That's home. And that's why I came back, cause you don't have one. A home. It was taken from you, but I will help you take it back if I can."

You were clearly moved with Bilbo's little speech as was everyone else, so it would seem. You placed your arm on Bilbo's shoulder telling him in your own way that what he said had hit home.

You yourself would never see your home again. Since being here, you had lived in Imladris before running off that is. Though Imladris was classed as your home now, in truth, you missed your old haunts in Ferelden and the people in it. A loud noise broke your thoughts apart and you groaned. You knew more trouble was heading this way.

"Out of the frying pan..." You heard Thorin say.

"And into the fire! Run! RUN!" finished Gandalf.

Taking a deep breath, you quickly followed everyone away from what was heading towards you all. You just hoped it was not more goblins heading this way. You had seen enough of those critters, that was for sure.