A/N: And so on we go. :) Thank you to all the new followers. I really can't say how much I appreciate everyone. I know, I know. Where the heck is Thorin? I promise, he's coming! Brunuhville's "Forevermore" was my background music for this chapter. Really, you should check him out!

.

MyPetalHeart: Thank you! I'm glad you liked him. I had fun creating three new Rangers to work with Rhae. :) He will be around for a bit so we will see what happens. ;-)

Just4Me: It does sound like Erebor, doesn't it? ;-) Well, she will find him in the mountain...after that we'll have to see. :) Yes, moody and unpredictable suits them both! And I was sooo excited to include Dis in this story.

Margaritasc: Yup, onward! :)

Medjack: Thank you so much for your review! Yes, that line that he said in my first story is my "inspiration" for this one. Will they still come together?

.

The genius is all Tolkien and PJ. Only Rhae and her Rangers are my creation. :)

The journey wasn't especially trying. The trek through the forest from the edges of Rivendell to the foothills of the Misty Mountains was peaceful and easy. The land was green, dotted with rocky crags and crossed with clear streams. There was nothing but the sound of rushing waterfalls and the wind as they made their way east. Once they began climbing in altitude the way slowly became more treacherous. They took extra care as they crossed the mountains, knowing what lurked underneath. Rhae was glad of the wizard's presence as it would be a great boon if they came face to face with the goblins. She had had run-ins with them before and had no desire to face them in this hostile environment. Fate was kind to them. There was no sign of goblins and the weather behaved. Rhae knew at this time of year storms could blow up over the peaks, wrecking havoc on anyone trying to use the rocky passes. Gandalf had mentioned the trouble the dwarves had encountered with the stone giants when they'd attempted to pass through the mountains and she was glad that seemed to be an obstacle they were avoiding. She had, of course, heard legends of creatures that rose from the mountains, giants that would fight in the darkness, but she had never seen it. And looking down the steep cliffs to their right, she was very glad of her ignorance. Crossing this way was difficult enough, the path being just wide enough for the horses. The views were magnificent, though, and she spent the daylight hours looking around in wonder. It had been many, many years since she had ventured this way and as long as she didn't think about where she was headed she enjoyed herself. She'd always loved the mountains and their breathtaking, rugged beauty.

.

It was cold! So cold!

She gazed down at her father's face one last time, placing a gentle kiss on his forehead. Then she laid the last few stones over him, saying a quick prayer to the Valar to help him find his way. She hoped what she had done was sufficient.

"I love you, Da. I hope I will make you proud. I won't give up and I won't let him win."

With those words she rose from the snow, making sure her father's sword was at her waist while wrapping his scarf tighter around her face. She pulled her hood over her head, hefted her pack on her back - now with extra items she'd taken from his bag - and gripped her bow in hand. Giving a final look at the makeshift grave, the stones already with a thin coating of snow on them, she turned to the east. Or at least she hoped it was east. It was the direction they'd been going so it had to be right. She hadn't had much instruction in finding her way in the wild yet, her father having been a bit reluctant to begin her formal training. At least she could shoot a bow though the long sword might post a problem. It was at least half her size, the point dragging along at her feet, but there was no way she would have left it behind. And the pack was so much heavier now!

Something hidden under the white blanket tripped her up and she fell face first into the snow. She was still a moment. She wanted to cry but refused to let the tears come, blinking them back furiously. That would be letting him win. A vision of cold blue eyes, hard as ice, and hair as dark as a raven's wings loomed before her and the girl almost snarled. She struggled to her feet and determinedly put one foot in front of the other. She would not allow him to triumph over her.

But oh it was so, so cold!

.

Rhae jerked awake. It had been ages since she'd had that dream. A cold breeze brushed over her and she realized she'd rolled out of her blanket while she'd slept. It might still be summer in the valleys but high in the peaks autumn was quickly closing in and they stuck close to their campfires in the evenings, the darkness bringing a chill the daylight didn't. She was thankful for whomever had left her the warmer clothes before their departure from Rivendell. Casting a quick glance around their small campsite, she saw Deonyc on watch on the other side of the fire, luckily not looking in her direction. Thank goodness it wasn't Araden; she didn't need his well intended questions. She grabbed at her blanket and settled back down. Those memories always rose to the surface when she was cold and under a lot of stress. It was no wonder they were trying to bubble to the surface now.

They made good time coming down the eastern side of the mountains and were soon traversing the plains between the Anduin and Mirkwood. It wasn't long before she was aware that they were being watched. Deonyc sensed it as well and mentioned it to her. She assured him they were in no danger; they were crossing Beorn's lands and he was merely keeping an eye on them and making sure they didn't injure any of his animals. She had encountered the skin-changer in the past and while he had been friendly with her, Rhae was not risking tempting his anger by lingering too long and gave her companions strict orders not to even think about hunting on these lands. Gandalf was quiet as they crossed the grassy plains, sometimes disappearing for hours at a time. She guessed he was meeting with Beorn, informing him of why they were in this part of the world and passing so near his home. It was a nice gesture though unnecessary.

"How is Beorn?" she asked late on the second night as she and Gandalf were the only ones still awake. He didn't even seem surprised at her question.

"He is merely keeping an eye on us and his animals, as you well know."

"You've been gone quite a bit the past two days."

"There was other information I was hoping Beorn might be able to supply me with," the wizard replied with a puff on his pipe. Rhae sat up at those words.

"What were you hoping to learn?" There was a lengthy pause as Gandalf considered his answer ... or just enjoyed his tobacco; there was never any telling with him.

"I had hoped he might be able to tell us of any suspicious travelers from the south." A chill washed over her and she wrapped her cloak tighter around her shoulders. "He has seen nothing though he is quite aware of the stirrings we have felt."

"Has he ventured south at all?"

"No further than Dol Guldur, which, thankfully, is still empty."

She sighed. "I wish I had more knowledge of what I should be looking for while in Erebor. I feel quite unprepared."

He leaned over and patted her hand. "I wish I had more to tell you but I don't. You will just have to rely on your senses to alert you if danger is near." A warm smile accompanied his next words. "This task was placed before you for a reason. You will do just fine, my dear."

.

Araden was not fully asleep and heard the short exchange between Rhae and the wizard. While he knew there were larger forces at work, he still held Gandalf partially responsible for her anxiety the past four years. To say he was a bit worried about this new task would be an understatement. He had been keeping a close eye on her, relieved that she didn't seem quite as uptight as she'd been upon leaving Rivendell. Perhaps this journey would be good for her - until they reached their destination anyway. Being out in nature had always soothed her better than any words or attempted comfort from a companion. She was like a sister and he looked out for her more than she was probably aware. He knew how she felt about this trip and being asked to stay with the dwarves. Not many were privy to her inner thoughts and feelings but he had that privilege. He knew the animosity she still held for Thorin Oakenshield. It had taken a while but she'd eventually forgiven him, realizing hanging on to that grudge wouldn't change the past. But that certainly hadn't changed how she personally felt about the dwarf. She had grown and matured in the years since her run in with him and she'd managed to let go of some of that anger but not all of it; that had been the main reason she had declined the wizard's offer four years earlier. She had wanted to help the dwarves but couldn't bring herself to willingly help the one that had hurt her so badly. Araden was proud of her however he was a bit concerned that extended time around Oakenshield might cause her to give vent to those feelings. She did a good job hiding them but they were there, just simmering under the surface. While he and the others were around they would be able to keep her in check but once they left there would be no one that could rein her in if her temper got the better of her. He cringed a bit at the thought of what she might say to the King Under the Mountain if provoked. With a last look at where she sat by the fire, he rolled over in his blankets, hoping this endeavor wouldn't end in trouble.

She pushed them at a fairly quick pace the next day. While she was in no hurry to potentially come face to face with King Thranduil - or deal with crossing through Mirkwood - she fervently hoped he had sent some of his guards to help them through the forest. She'd heard tales of what lived beneath the twisted and gnarled trees there. If they could go around she would have done it in a heartbeat but going north or south took them too far out of the way ... and too close to places they did not need to be.

They camped the third night outside the edges of the forest as Rhae wanted to spend as little time as possible under its dark branches. When dawn broke the next morning she saw several elves waiting by the path's entrance.

"Looks like our escort has arrived," she told her friends. When the elves noticed they were up, one approached with a small smile on his face.

"Man tôg?"

Rhae stepped forward. "I am."

"Gi suilon. I am Glinor. King Thranduil sent us to lead you safely through the forest."

"Mae g'ovannen," she replied with a bow of her head. "I am very glad to see you. We shall be ready to go momentarily." The five of them broke their small camp and were mounted and following behind the elves quickly. Rhae couldn't help but shudder as they crossed between the vine covered statues at the entrance and began down the path. It was hard to believe this place used to be known as Greenwood the Great.

Even with their elven escort it took two days to cross the forest. Most of the foul creatures that had lurked under its thick leaves had been taken care of by Thranduil's elves in this northern section but the forest itself had yet to heal. The air was thick with the scent of decay and the trees seemed bent from the darkness that had infected them. Gandalf explained that before the elves had begun clearing out the beasts that had lived there, the very air of the forest would seep into a traveler's mind, causing them to slowly go mad. Rhae had heard the stories before but certainly didn't want the reminder. She did not want to think about the darkness that had only been pushed back a little. They were all quite relieved to leave the gloom and breathe fresh air again. There was a bit of good news, at least to Rhae's way of thinking, when they were before the great doors to the Woodland Realm. The elves told them if they wished they could rest within Thranduil's halls for the night, an offer she politely but quickly declined. She was not fond of the Elvenking and had no desire to deal with his arrogant manner. They thanked their escort and continued on their way. That small reprieve improved her mood drastically, something her companions were grateful for.

They camped that night on the shores of the Long Lake. The debris scattered across the ground provided ample firewood and Galen caught some fish for their dinner as they were eager for something fresh. In the light of the setting sun Rhae stared across the water at the charred remains of Lake-Town. She had heard of its destruction by Smaug but to see the proof of that horror before her eyes was quite different. What a horrible fate they had suffered and all because the dwarves woke the beast, though it was for the best that the dragon had been slain. Even she could admit that. At the thought her gaze slid to the Lonely Mountain, its massive form dominating the landscape. She had been in this region briefly many years ago and, even as much as she disliked the dwarven king, she had been a bit awestruck by the sight of the mountain. Never had she imagined actually setting foot inside.

"Rhae, come eat. Staring at it won't change anything," Deonyc called from the campfire. Not bothering with a response she grabbed a plate and reclined against a log, determined to enjoy her meal.

"Area could use a little cleaning up," Galen observed later as the men were enjoying their pipes and Rhae was cleaning some of her daggers.

"These are the remains of Lake-Town," Gandalf told him. "The survivors congregated here before moving on to Dale."

"They sought shelter in a burned and destroyed town?"

The wizard gave Galen a hard look. "Even crumbling shelter is better than no shelter at all, especially with winter closing in."

"I remember the land between Dale and the mountain," Rhae spoke up. "It was so barren, so gray and dead. I was surprised to see that even the passage of over a hundred years hadn't brought any life back to the land."

"A dragon's fire burns hotter than regular fire, scorching the land deep. Things have begun to turn green, though, since the battle three years ago."

"Perhaps a little orc blood was all it needed," Galen quipped. Rhae merely glared at him though she didn't comment; she was very accustomed to her friend's off hand, sometimes thoughtless words. More than orcs had died that day. There were families in Dale, the Iron Hills, and even the Woodland Realm that were missing loved ones. It was not a matter to joke about. The conversation died off around the campfire and she was finally able to relax a bit, the comforting sounds of nature and her whetstone on her blades and the smell of the tobacco smoke were very soothing to her nerves. She tried to resist but her eyes seemed to lift of their own volition to the mountain. It was beautiful in the moonlight, the snow on its peak shimmering. The whole picture before her seemed so peaceful that it was hard to imagine everything she was looking at in flames with the roar of a dragon echoing for miles around.

.

Much later that evening the three men relaxed by the fire, content to let Rhae sleep and not wake her for her watch. Gandalf's head was lowered, the brim of his hat touching his knees, apparently asleep though you could never be too sure. Deonyc flicked a look at the sleeping wizard before speaking in a low voice.

"Is this wise? Having her stay in Erebor?" Araden raised an eyebrow but merely took another draw on his pipe. "You can see how tense she's been the closer we've gotten to the mountain. She can't even stand to hear the king's name mentioned and they want her to live with him?"

Galen sniggered. "I doubt she'll be setting up a cot in his bedchamber." He laughed again. "That would make for some interesting fireworks anyway."

Deo glared at him. "You're not suggesting she'd -"

"Oh of course not. I'm only saying -"

"Enough," Araden ordered, finally pulling the pipe from his mouth. "It's not for us to decide if it's wise or not. Halbarad and Lord Elrond gave her this task and we won't make it harder on her by talking of such things. We can support her while we are still there ... and then just pray to the Valar that she doesn't get herself thrown into the dungeon - or worse - once we're not."

The morning air had a pleasant coolness to it and the breeze held the scent of autumn. Rhae lay in her blanket a bit after opening her eyes, enjoying the moments of peace. Autumn had always been her favorite time of year. There had been no dreams the night before which was extremely welcome. She came to her feet when the aroma of cooking sausage reached her nose and she approached where the other Rangers and Gandalf were around the campfire.

"Good morning, sunshine," Galen said cheerfully. She just grinned at him, taking the plate Deo offered her, and sat down by the wizard.

"You seem quite rested," the red head commented.

"I should be. Someone neglected to wake me for my watch last night," she replied, pointedly staring in Araden's direction. He merely shrugged.

"I wasn't tired and you needed the sleep."

She knew there was no point in arguing with him. He was always doing things like that, had since they were children. Though he was only a couple days older he had always treated her like a much younger sister, always keeping an eye out for her. Rhae would never admit it but secretly she liked it. Her own brother had died when she was only eight; she barely remembered him. Araden had come into her life when she was ten and was brought to Rivendell to begin her training, quickly attaching himself to her side. Halbarad and Elrond had soon learned that it was folly to try and separate the two and their training had progressed together. The two brunette Rangers almost looked like brother and sister and were actually very similar, though Araden didn't have quite the temper Rhae did and was better at knowing when to remain silent. She shook her head slightly as she glanced at him. Seventy-one years later and he was still at her side. Her gaze slid to her other two companions. She really couldn't ask for better friends. They had joined them probably twenty years ago when they were still sent on patrols to the north. Galen was the oldest by several years, raven haired, sarcastic with a dark sense of humor, and terrifying in a fight. He was quite protective of Rhae as well. Deonyc, younger than them all, was the optimist of the group. He was generally cheerful and seemed to have limitless energy, which was probably why he was always eating. Araden teased him about having a hollow leg since no matter how much he ate he was always hungry and never gained any weight. Though very different, the four of them together were a formidable force and she couldn't imagine ever leaving them.

Brushing aside her mawkishness she handed her plate to Deonyc. "I want to leave within half an hour. It will take most of the day to get around the lake. We can camp tonight between it and Dale and enter the city tomorrow."

.

She enjoyed the trip around the Long Lake. The scenery was very peaceful and beautiful, despite the burned remains of Lake-Town. It was hard to believe the large city she'd visited many years ago with Halbarad had been reduced to nothing more than rubble just visible above the waters of the lake. She tried not to think about all the people that had died in that inferno.

"The body of the dragon lies in lake?" Araden asked the wizard.

"Yes. Bard, now King of Dale and a descendant of the last lord of the city, had managed to hide the last black arrow ever made and the only weapon that could pierce a dragon's armor. Amidst the burning town he climbed to the top of the bell tower with his son and they managed to hit the one weak spot on Smaug. He fell from the skies, smashing through much of the town in his death throes, and sank beneath the waves." They eyed the water again. Even though the beast was dead it was a bit ... unsettling knowing his body lay out there.

They made good time and by night fall they were well past the northern most tip of the lake. The land here was not as picturesque, green starting to give way to barren gray and Rhae knew they were now entering the desolation left by Smaug's attack on Dale and Erebor over a hundred and fifty years before. In her earlier travels to this area she had not ventured from Lake-Town and had not encountered the ruin the beast had wrought. It would only get worse the closer they got to the mountain.

Man tôg: Who is leading?

Gi suilon: I greet you.

Mae g'ovannen: Well met/You are well met.