AN: Hello again Everyone, here's the next chapter for all you lovely people. Once again I send out my most heartfelt thanks to all of those who reviewed, it's always nice to know your work is appreciated.

Just a heads up, Uni has just gone back and one of my classes (Creative Writing) requires me to write an Original Short Story, as a result once I have finished writing Winds of Change there will be a bit of delay in writing the Sequel. I will obviously still be updating all the written chapters during this time, so you should still be getting new content, but there is more than likely going to be at least a month (at minimum) break in between the last Chapter of Winds of Change and the first Chapter of the Sequel, as I prefer to have be at least four chapters pre-written before I upload.

I will try to always alert you ahead of time about any possible delays in updates if there are any. (Knowing what my Assignments are on and when they are due ahead of time is fantastic though so I should be able to work around them. So happy I changed from a Science degree to a Arts degree.)

Anyway if you have any question regarding the update schedule feel free to PM me.

Now I will stop taking up your time, and I'll see you in about 2 weeks with Chapter 8.

AVDR out.

Disclaimer: I do not own anything recognisable, I only own Aella and any other OC's that appear throughout the story. The rest belongs to JRR Tolkien, Peter Jackson and New Line Cinema music referenced in this fic belongs to their respective Artists.

Edited: 06/07/17


Chapter Seven:

'English'

'thoughts'

"Westron"

"Sindarin"

"Quenya"

"Khuzdul"

/Black Speech/

"The Elven Gate," Gandalf stated unnecessarily, "here lies our path through Mirkwood." Aella looked at him curiously, so he had yet to tell the others this was where he'd be leaving them. The wizard had pulled her aside while they were still at Beorn's to tell her needlessly of his plan to investigate Dol Guldur. She had cautioned him but knew he would likely still meet the same fate.

"We've seen no sign of the Orcs. We have luck on our side," Dwalin said, holding the reigns of his pony.

"Set the ponies loose. Let them return to their master," Gandalf ordered after squinting into the distance to the south, Aella turned her head focusing on her sight, she saw Beorn in his bear-form watching them from a distant ridge. She quickly began to unburden her pony just as the rest of the Dwarves did, Bilbo had approached the forest.

"This forest feels...sick, as if a disease lies upon it. Is there no way round?" Aella turned to study the hobbit. She had long since believed that hobbits were the children of Yavanna, much like the Ents and so had a deeper connection to nature then even Elves did. His perception of the forest was very accurate.

"Not unless we go two hundred miles north, or twice that distance south," Gandalf remarked even as he followed the path a few feet into the shadows. Having finished unloading her pony Aella raced after him. As Gandalf approached a plant covered statue he went rigid for a moment before continuing his approach far more apprehensively.

"What did the Lady of Light have to say," Aella spoke in Sindarin, having recognised it for the Lady Galadriel speaking with the Wizard from a great distance.

"Much the same as what you have said, that the Necromancer is not what he appears to be and far more dangerous," he responded, yanking the vines off the statue to reveal a painted-on Eye of Sauron. Gandalf froze once more but Aella snapped her head around to Bilbo who she'd heard gasp. She spied in the hobbit's grasp the One Ring. Shuddering she returned her gaze to Gandalf.

"She has commanded you elsewhere," she stated, seeing the new look in the Wizard's eye.

"The Tombs in the Mountains," he confirmed

"You will search the High Fells, but I have a great doubt you will find anything. For did not Radagast already face a Wraith?" Aella commented falling back into Westron, searching the Istar's face.

"I will do as My Lady bids me but I am of the same mind, our enemy has returned! You were correct, my dear. The Necromancer is no mortal being," he answered before switching to the language of the elves, "Sauron has returned."

"I will guide the Company in your stead as you appear needed elsewhere," she replied, not commenting on his last remark. They made their way back to the others, Gandalf nodding gratefully. Nori had almost finished unsaddling Gandalf's horse when they emerged, Aella could see the unladen ponies already trotting off towards the black bear in the distance.

"Not my horse! I need it," he called, striding towards the horse. Aella could see that his actions worried the Dwarves who had begun to murmur among themselves in surprise and concern.

"You're not leaving us?" Bilbo cried out having shoved the ring back into his pocket, Gandalf stopped next to the hobbit.

"I would not do this unless I had to," Gandalf responded looking at Thorin before turning to address the dejected hobbit stood near him. "Have no fear, Aella will guide you in my place." Thorin and the Dwarves seemed appeased slightly by that knowledge. Gandalf then went on to speak directly to Bilbo.

"You know where Gandalf is going?" Thorin pressed her

"Yes. Know that it is for the good of all Middle Earth he goes, it is not to spite you Thorin. An old enemy has returned from the shadows," she responded peering at both him and Balin meaningfully. The old white-haired Dwarf caught on immediately his expression morphing into barely concealed horror. Thorin took on a thoughtful expression but did not appear to be concerned by the warning. Gandalf had just finished speaking with Bilbo and began to walk towards his horse again. When he passed Thorin, Aella, and Balin he spoke. Stopping to look hard at Thorin as he did so.

"I'll be waiting for you at the overlook, before the slopes of Erebor. Keep the map and key safe. Do not enter that mountain without me." Having stressed his point, the Wizard continued towards the stallion. "This is not the Greenwood of old. The very air of the forest is heavy with illusion. It will seek to enter your mind and lead you astray." This warning while aimed at the whole Company was spoken while looking directly at Aella. Who nodded in understanding, even as Bilbo directed a question at Dwalin.

"Lead us astray? What does that mean?" the hobbit queried, just as the Wizard mounted the black stallion. Aella looked to the sky as rain began to fall lightly despite the sun still being out.

"You must stay on the path; do not leave it. If you do, you will never find it again." And with those last cautionary words the Wizard wheeled his horse around and headed north. "No matter what may come, stay on the path!" he called back one more time. Aella turned to look upon the forest with the remaining members of the Company.

"Come on. We must reach the mountain before the sun sets on Durin's Day," Thorin rallied, Aella nodded picking up her packs and donning them before walking towards the entrance.

"Durin's Day. Let's go!" Dwalin cried.

"This is our one chance to find the hidden door." With Thorin's last words the Dwarves joined her and she entered alongside Thorin. As they were consumed by the forest, the gloom and the tainted trees began to crowd the Dwarves, Bilbo, and Aella. Aella maintained the lead position alone for some time but was often joined by either Thorin or Dwalin. They travelled that way for several days, before they lost the path. Aella had been distracted for less than a second by the thickening spider webs and the Dwarves had staggered off the path. She had done her best to try and lead them back to the path but soon the forest's illusion began to effect even her judgement. She had no idea how long they wandered for but she grew increasingly more cautious as the spider webs grew denser.

The days had begun to blur so she was especially glad when Bilbo began to climb one of the nearby trees, saying he was going to look for the right direction. Just as he had disappeared the spiders attacked, Aella unsheathed Alagos in one swift move and brought it down on one of the spiders. The Dwarves who had been arguing and fighting among themselves upon hearing the dying shriek of a spider began to try and fight the giant spiders, but they were too drugged by the forest to be effective and were soon overwhelmed. Aella managed to survive only a little longer but was caught on the arm by one of the spiders' pincers. In a panic, she lost her footing and landed on her back. Instantly feeling her barely closed wounds reopening, she screamed only to have her head slammed into an uncovered tree root by one of the spiders. When she awoke it was to being cut down by Bilbo, once more landing on her back. Another scream tore from her throat.

"El!" Kili cried having ridden himself of the cocoon. The dark-haired Dwarf Prince ran to the Ranger's side and cut her free. She whimpered slightly before sucking in a deep breath and rolling over.

"I-I'm fine," she stuttered out getting to her feet she was glad she had had the forethought to not wear her cloak.

"But your back..." Kili began to say but was interrupted when a spider jumped at Bombur.

"Watch out!" Aella exclaimed, glad she was still holding Alagos. The Dwarves pulled at the spiders' legs, keeping it off Bombur. Leaping forward, Aella sliced at the beast just as the Dwarves succeeded in pulling its legs off.

The Company continued to fight against the incoming spiders until they were all defeated before retreating through the forest. It didn't stop the arachnids though, as even more spiders began to jump down from their silk blocking their escape; hissing, and screeching. The Dwarves began to raise their weapons, while Aella switched out for her bow. Taking aim at the spider directly in front of them she fired an arrow directly into its head killing it just as the blonde-haired Legolas sliced through it. She stared as the Woodland Prince nocked and arrow and had it aimed at Thorin. Glancing about she saw several other Mirkwood elves appear seemingly out of the shadows.

"Do not think I won't kill you Dwarf. It would be my pleasure," Legolas snarled. The elf Prince was tall, and lithe but broad of shoulder. His hair was a blonde and his face fair but ruthless when pulled into a snarl.

"That won't be necessary, Your Highness," Aella retorted stepping forward and in between Legolas's bow and Thorin. The elf looked surprise as if he'd just noticed her. Just then Kili cried out. A spider having grabbed him and pulling him away.

"Help!" Kili shouted.

"Kili!" Fili cried back. As the only one available aside from the mysteriously missing Tauriel. Aella threw a glare at Legolas before running after Kili, dodging the grabbing hands of the surrounding elves with ease. With a running leap, Aella successfully caught a hanging vine and used it to propel herself forward; the Ranger landing directly atop the spider. She slammed her hunting knife directly into its abdomen and used Alagos to slice it's head off. Aella tossed the knife to Kili as she spotted another two spiders advancing on their position, she flipped off the spider she'd just killed just as Tauriel appeared killing the third spider advancing on them. Before the red-haired elf could kill the other two; Kili threw the hunting knife Aella had tossed him at one, catching it in between its many eyes. Just as Aella fired three arrows one after the other at the last spider, killing it.

"You alright Kee?" Aella asked, stepping towards him. She checked him over as Tauriel approached.

"Yes, I'm fine. You are worse than my Amad (mother)," he complained, slapping away her hands as she crouched to inspect his leg.

"Who are you calling your mother? I am only a year older than you Khaim (youngster)," she retorted, "but I'm sure your mother would have my head if I let anything happen to you. So, you will let me make sure the spider did not poison you," she instructed with a stern look.

"Fine," he relented. Aella was purposefully ignoring Tauriel, who she could see was beginning to grow irritated if her tightening grip on her bow was anything to go by. After checking Kili's leg properly she nodded, patting his knee before standing and facing the elleth.

"No need to put an arrow in me Captain, I'm already injured as it is," the Ranger spoke sending a challenging look to the red-haired she-elf. She and Tauriel did not really get along as the elleth saw her as a threat because of the Ranger's friendship with Legolas, which in turn just irritated Aella. The elleth's jaw locked at the challenge. "Come along Kili, we should return to our companions and make sure your Uncle and Legolas are not trying to kill each other." After purposefully irritating the elleth, she pulled Kili with her back towards the Company. As they walked Kili kept looking at her back.

"Are you sure you are alright? Your wounds have reopened," he pressed quietly, "your shirt is soaked with blood."

"They will heal, I am more concerned about getting out of this without ending up in the Dungeons," she responded. Her eyes flickering worriedly to her freshest wound. Infection had set into the wound, a black pus like substance oozing from it. Aella flinched slightly when she inspected it with the tips of her fingers.

'Fuck,' she muttered slipping into her native tongue, she'd been infected by the spider's venom. Not enough to kill her thankfully, but enough to cause her a few problems; her other wounds would heal slower at this rate, she was also likely going to suffer a fever in the coming days as her body processed and fought off the poison. Kili and Aella continued to trek through the forest back to where the others were being held, Tauriel on their heels. Upon their return to the clearing, Fili immediately pulled Kili in for a tight embrace even as he shot Aella a look full of gratitude. Nodding, she bypassed them and headed straight for Thorin and Legolas. Thorin upon her approach, nodded at her in thanks. Aella repressed a laugh, acknowledging that was all she was going to get regarding thanks from the stoic Dwarf, so she again nodded back and turned to Legolas.

"Search the Dwarves!" he commanded his elves before turning to speak with her.

"Is that necessary? We are traveling to the Iron Hills. I am their guide," she insisted putting herself between the elf that came to search Thorin and the Dwarf king.

"It is the law," he said shooting her an apologetic glance.

"Then your father has grown more paranoid," she shot back. Legolas looked torn for a moment, he knew she was right but he had a duty to the Realm as it's Prince.

"Perhaps, but his laws are absolute," he responded, and the elf pushed past her.

"Then you should search me as well, for I am their companion. Your father bears no fondness for me in any way and you'll be lectured for not doing so if you don't," she insisted pushing herself once more in between the elf and Thorin. Thorin had hopefully had enough time to hide the map and key by this point.

"As you say," he returned nodding to the elf, before heading towards Gloin. The elf that began to search her left her with her weapons, unlike what they did for the Dwarves. When he turned her around she bit her lip to withhold a cry, but still grunted in pain.

"My Prince, this one is injured," he called. Aella threw a glare at the elf who reeled back in surprise.

"What?" came the response which was echoed among the Dwarves.

"When the spiders attacked I reopened old wounds. I'm fine," she retorted, shifting to hide the infected wound and step away from the Prince who looked at her in concern.

"Lass, they'll get infected if you don't treat them soon," Oin admonished from next to her. Which is why, she assumed, he'd heard what she'd said.

"Then it will be you and only you who treats them Oin. Not for mistrust of elvish healing but of The ElvenKing," her voice was firm and stubborn. Aella was thankful Legolas seemed to understand that it was only in his father she held no trust.

"You won't..." the elf Prince started.

"No, I will not reconsider and you know exactly why! Last time I passed through the Woof your Father saw fit to keep me confined like an exotic pet for close to a year. I had to be bloody rescued by Elladan and Elorhir like some damsel in distress!" she snapped. The Elven guards shifted uncomfortably at that, it appeared many of them had recognised her.

"He won't..." Legolas tried again.

"Oh, do be serious Legolas. Of course, he will try again. He is obssessed with the idea of possessing the Beriaiel for his own keeping," she snarled. After a second her eyes snapped to Oin, terror filling her eyes. "Oin did you notice anything strange about my back beside the wounds?" she said, her voice tight as she rushed to the Dwarven healer's side, grasping his upper arms in a panic. She'd been terrified of letting the Dwarves know of her purpose. She was not sure how they would take it; some would have seen it as an ill omen for the quest, others may have demanded to know why she was needed now and not in the past. Aella had been most terrified of Thorin's reaction. So, she had kept it to herself as she did not need any complications to come of it before she could fulfil her duty to the line of Durin and keep them alive.

"What? You mean your tattoo? We all saw it Lass when Oin treated your wounds after you collapsed after Goblin Town," Dwalin stated. Reeling back Aella met the eyes of Thorin.

"You know," she whispered, as she saw the acknowledgment in his eyes, "Oh Eru help me, you know," she cried out. Slumping to her knees, her head cradled in her hands.

"Yes. We know who you are," Thorin confirmed, but after a few moments he continued "And we do not care. To us you are Aella Dúnadàn," he said softly. Aella's head snapped watching him as he shrugged off the elf guard who had been searching him, and moved towards her. He crouched in front of her bringing them face to face. "You are the Ranger who sacrificed her own body to keep us silent in the Goblin tunnels; you are the one who defended me against Azog when I was injured; the one that treated me as if I was a sick child when you treated my wounds and you are the one who saved my own nephew from death by spider not twenty minutes ago. So, no I do not care if you are the Valar's Champion or if you are a simple human. I do not care to know why you are with us on this journey, but I would be a fool to ignore what you have done for us. You are a part of this Company. One of us."

Aella stared at him in disbelief at his words. Was she to believe this Dwarf in front of her was the same Thorin that had just weeks ago distrusted her and followed her every move with a suspicious eye.

"I-I..." she tried, speechless.

"I think you may have broken the poor Lass," Balin chuckled. Suddenly Aella was overcome by how strange the situation had become. Here she was being comforted by Thorin Oakenshield after having a minor breakdown, surrounded by a WoodElf patrol who were waiting to take them to their king. She broke out into hysterical giggles earning strange looks from both Dwarf and elf alike. Coughing awkwardly, she spoke.

"Uh sorry, I'm just in shock, perhaps a little delirious from blood loss. That did just happen, right?" she looked around and was met by amused looks from the Dwarves and an irritated huff from Thorin. "Thank you" she said sincerely when she looked back to Thorin, her immense gratitude showing in her blue-grey eyes.

"It's the truth," he huffed, coughing slightly to alleviate his embarrassment. It wasn't much later Legolas recognised both hers and Thorin's blades. Taking Orcrist he inspected it.

"This is an ancient Elvish blade. Forged by my kin," he murmured looking over it. Glancing at Aella she nodded unsheathing Alagos slightly to show she had one just the same. "Where did you get this?" he demanded of the Dwarf.

"It was given to me," Thorin defended, only to have his own blade pointed at him.

"Not just a thief, but a liar as well, I would believe Aella should she have said that but not you, Dwarf," the elf Prince retorted eyes narrowed.

"It is true. Lord Glorfindel and Lord Elrond granted him, Gandalf and I with three blades forged in Gondolin. That blade is Orcrist, its previous bearer Ecthelion, Lord of the Fountain. Mithrandir wields Glamdring, the sword of the fallen High King Turgon; and I was bestowed by Glorfindel himself Alagos, the curved blade once belonging to the Lord of the Heavenly Arch, Egalmoth." Aella told him, unsheathing Alagos and showing the blade to the Prince. "It was with the blessing of Glorfindel that we now bear these weapons, that were once wielded by his closest friends and king." Legolas studied her and she met his gaze unwaveringly. She was starting to feel weak from the poison circulating her body but she could do nothing about it now.

"You speak the truth, I see no lie in your eyes. But still I must take you to my father." Wincing, Aella nodded tiredly. 'Take them!" he called to the guards who formed them up and began to lead them away. She turned her head when she heard a rustle nearby just as Bofur asked about Bilbo. Moving her eyes, she saw the leaves in the forest floor compress in the shape of two hobbit feet not too far from the path. She locked her gaze on where she thought the hobbit would be and sent a small grin and a wink before turning around. The Company were guided for hours, and Aella began to stumble more frequently the longer they marched. Before there reached the gate, Legolas ordered a halt after Aella literally face planted into the leaf-covered forest floor.

"I'm alright, I'm alright let's keep going, shall we?" she said, as she slowly got back to her feet swaying dangerously for a moment.

"No. You will have the Dwarf healer treat you now before we enter the halls," Legolas instructed with a concerned expression. Aella rolled her eyes as Tauriel scowled at her from the Woodland Prince's side.

"As you wish," she replied, walking over to Oin and slumping to the ground at his feet. To tell the truth she had very little energy left. Oin called for his pack, stating he needed the herbs in it and Aella shrugged off her own pack which was now covered in blood. 'I'll need to clean that,' she mused dazedly as she looked over it. She struggled to pull her shirt off and snorted when the Dwarves and male elves squawked and spun around to face away from her when she tried. Oin helped her pull it off and handed her a blanket to cover herself with, tutting and cursing as he slowly unwound the soaked bandages; Aella hissed as the action pulled her injuries.

"I'm going to need more bandages, and the Lass is going to need a very loose shirt; nothing that will put pressure on her back," the Dwarf-healer ordered. After one look at her back, one of the elves gave him several rolls of bandages earning the elf a speculative look from Oin and a gruff thank you. While one of the Dwarves shoved a shirt towards them. Oin worked steadily tutting when she hissed and flinched away in pain. Aella took the time to treat, and bind her freshest wound while most were distracted. She managed to mix an ointment that would fight the infection and poison, but she would need to mix a solution to drink soon. When Oin was finished wrapping the new, clean, bandages around her torso he helped her into the shirt. The shirt was soft and brown in colour and she caught the scent of leather, sandalwood, and pipeweed; she was rather curious as to who the shirt belonged too. Her pack was taken by an elf after Oin scolded her for trying to put it on, and they were off again. She chuckled under her breath when they finally reached the ElvenKing's Halls; this was perhaps the most offensively she'd dressed in front of the Woodland king. They were all led to the throne room, whereupon the throne sat a silvery-blonde haired elf, upon who's head sat a crown made of leaves and twisted boughs; the Autumn Crown. Thranduil stood from the throne and began to make his way elegantly down its steps addressing Thorin as he went.

"Some may imagine that a noble quest is at hand. But all I see is trespassers." The ElvenKing's icy blue eyes roamed over the Company, lighting up slightly when they fell upon Aella before they narrowed in disgust. Aella stifled a smirk at the reaction to her form of dress. "Fourteen in number, thirteen Dwarves and a human woman. So, tell me why have you entered the Greenwood?"

"It is no longer the Greenwood of old ElvenKing! You have let a parasite sinks its teeth into its roots and poison it," Aella retorted stepping forward before Thorin could say anything, "you have let the Forest wither, and the taint has spread. You know of what I speak Thranduil Oropherion." Thranduil went rigid at her retort.

"I know of no such thing," he said turning away from them, though his eyes told a different story.

"So, you know not of the ancient evil that has taken up roost in Dol Guldur and spread the spawn of his Master's pet Ungolient upon this forest? You know not, of the alliances that have been forming in the shadows between this evil and the Orcs of Moria, Mordor, and Gundabad? I doubt even you could not know of what is occurring beneath your very nose. It was your negligence Thranduil Oropherion, that led to that evil taking root in the southern most reaches of your kingdom!" she spat, she could see that Legolas was glancing between his father and her in horror. He had deciphered what she spoke of.

"You know nothing of that evil!" Thranduil snarled pivoting and stalking to shove his face in hers.

"Do I not? Forgive me I must have forgotten who I am," she challenged. He hissed at her. "I am the Champion of the Valar, and as such I know of things that even you do not ElvenKing!" she hissed, Thranduil reeled back in anger and took a few steps away. Aella used this as a chance to glance around the hall, many of the elves were muttering among themselves about what they had just witnessed.

"You have not answered my question why have you entered the Forest," his voice tremored with restrained anger.

"To what end? When you will call us liars and lock us up anyway?" she retorted, turning her head and lifting a hand to silence the Dwarves who were torn between telling them and staying silent.

"I know who you have among you," the ElvenKing threatened turning back to face the Company.

"And yet you would still assume of our purpose. We make for the Iron Hills. My companions are planning on visiting their kin, I offered to guide them through the forest, but we were attacked by the spiders," she lied glibly, already having known that he wouldn't believe it.

"You lie," he spat.

"Perhaps I do, perhaps I do not. But you wouldn't believe whatever we told you even if it was the truth," Aella laughed humourlessly. Turning to face the Dwarves she tried to make eye contact with Thorin, begging him to keep up with the lie with her eyes. Balin recognised her intentions but Thorin seemed to be too angered by Thranduil's mere presence to take on what she was saying.

"Your presence would be unneeded for such a venture," the king retorted.

"I did not realise it was up to you to determine such a thing, I am where I am for a purpose far beyond you," she snarled turning on her heel and glaring at the silver-blonde elf. "What I choose to do and what I choose not to do are up to me. No one else but the Ainur can dictate my steps across Arda, Thranduil Oropherion. Remember I belong to No One!" she snapped.

"Throw the Dwarves in the Dungeons. Take Beriaiel to her chamber and see to it she does not leave. Leave Oakenshield, I would speak with him," he ordered

"You will not separate me from my companions. I will go to the Dungeons alongside them or you will release us. You have no right to treat me as if I am a plaything. You are more like the Great Goblin then I thought if you would chain me again," Aella cried out, slamming her fist into the face of the guard that tried to grab her. He stumbled back holding his nose at the attack allowing Aella to make a dash for the Dwarves. All of whom quickly grabbed hold of her, glaring at any guards who neared them. The elves in the hall gasped at the accusation.

"The last to try and keep her against her will is dead, killed by Gandalf himself," Fili snarled, protectively pulling Aella behind him and into the middle of the Company. Thranduil froze at that and turned furious eyes to Aella, who glared back over the golden-haired Dwarf's shoulder.

"So be it, throw them all in the Dungeons. Oakenshield stays behind," he amended stiffly. Legolas looked at his father in horror but did as he bid. Aella let out relived sigh and relinquished her weapons freely once they reached the Dungeons; she handed Alagos to Legolas as he tasked himself with placing her in her cell.

"Do not lose this," she threatened.

"You have my word," he promised. She walked into the cell quietly, though when she turned she noticed it looked like he more to say.

"Speak Legolas," she prompted.

"I must apologise to you for my father's behaviour. He has slowly been deteriorating since Naneth's (Mother) death but in his refusal to fade I fear he has become paranoid... mad," the elf Prince sighed.

"There is nothing to be done Legolas, he will either get better on his own finding something more important than his rule to remain in Arda, or he will go mad. I am sorry," she responded placing a hand on his shoulder. The elf Prince pulled her into a gentle embrace, careful of her wounds and she returned it; ignorant of the blue eyes burning with jealously that watched.

"I will bring you your pack, I wish for you to be able to treat yourself. You will have a cell mate who will be of use to you," he told her pulling out of the embrace, "I am sorry my friend. I wish things had been different."

"It is no fault of yours. Go my friend, I have a cellmate to await," she responded smiling softly. Stepping back into the cell, Legolas closed it behind her before disappearing to find her pack. Aella stepped back and sat on the floor near the back of the cell. Not a moment later Tauriel came by with Kili.

"Aren't you going to search me? I could have anything down my trousers," he challenged as she shoved him into the cell. Aella raised both eyebrows at that, stifling a snort.

"Or nothing," she retorted, haughtily slamming the cell door shut, locking it and strutting away. Aella saw Kili watch her go with a small smile.

"Never took you for a Dwarf who'd be interested in someone who was not only beardless but taller than you," she teased causing Kili to turn to her with a scowl.

"Never, simply intrigued. I've never seen an elf with hair of that colour," he responded coming to sit by her.

"Tauriel is an interesting one, she doesn't like me much," Aella admitted nudging Kili slightly with her shoulder.

"Yes, I noticed. You seemed to greatly enjoy taunting her," he noted with a raised brow.

"I'm not sure if she holds affection for Legolas, or is simply jealous of our closer friendship despite her having known him longer. In my time where Thranduil held me captive she made her dislike of me very clear. I grew tired of her childishness so in my boredom I gave her something to truly be childish over. Legolas did not spend much time in her Company that year," she confessed with a mischievous laugh. Aella turned her eyes to where several of the Dwarves were throwing themselves against their cell doors, grunting in their effort. Balin finally yelled at them:

"Leave it. There's no way out. This is no Orc dungeon; these are the halls of the Woodland Realm. No one leaves here but by the King's consent." Aella shook her head.

"Not necessarily," she murmured eyes alight with mischief.

"What do you mean by that?" Kili asked turning his head to study her.

"Our Burglar wasn't caught. He followed behind us when we were captured. He will search for a way out. I'm sure of it. Give it time and our hobbit will spring us from these cells," she smiled mysteriously. The two continued to talk quietly about Bilbo until Legolas appeared.

"Here is your pack, I've added some extra bandages and refilled your healing supplies. Your sword is with your companion's weapons in the armoury as is the rest of your gear. Blankets will be provided for you and your companions as well, I do not agree with the hostility my father is showing you, so you will have at least some comfort while you are here." Aella smiled gratefully at the elf Prince standing from where she had been seated near the back wall. She strode forward accepting both the blankets which she handed to Kili before accepting her pack.

"Thank you, my friend. I appreciate your efforts," she spoke, noticing the strange looks being shared between Kili and the elf Prince, but saying nothing.

"Anything for you," he responded bowing slightly before leaving, Aella turned and set her pack down this time sitting closer to the door, Kili sat opposite her. Not long after Thorin was thrown into a cell.

"Did he offer you a deal?" Balin asked Thorin from his cell across the hall.

"He did. I told him I spit upon your grave! – him and all his kin!" the Dwarf king answered earning a few cheers among the Dwarves. Aella closed her eyes and let out a frustrated groan, Kili sent a questioning look.

"That is what I wanted to avoid," she mouthed to him. He showed that he understood with a nod. It seemed that Balin had understood as well, though perhaps not in the way she'd intended.

"Well that's it then. A deal was our only hope," the Dwarf sighed wearily in frustration.

"Not our only hope," Thorin returned.

"It seems Uncle believes in Bilbo as well," Kili whispered to her. She nodded.

"Which is just as well, someone needs to aside from me," she teased quietly. After Thorin joining them the imprisoned members of the Company settled in for a long wait. Aella had Kili redress her wounds, and was intrigued by his mutterings.

"Fili will kill me," he murmured as she pulled off the loose shirt.

"I doubt that very much. You are my friend, why should he?" Aella responded turning around so as to allow Kili access to her back. Kili didn't say anything to that other than snort derisively, he was careful in his movements as he unwound the bandage and began to treat the wound in an ointment Aella made up.

"Your wound is still oozing blood Aella. It should have stopped by now and what little that has scabbed over is black," Kili spoke worriedly even as he rewrapped her torso keeping his eyes at an appropriate height. Aella simply hummed in response. Once she had pulled the shirt back on they spent their time talking. Aella asking about life in Ered Luin, about Dis and Gimli, she kept him talking for quite some time before the guards came by with a meal. The guard that brought their meals couldn't meet Aella's eyes in what appeared to be shame, before he left quickly.

"Well that was interesting," Kili murmured as he began eating his meal.

"You should sleep after you eat Kili, there won't be much else to do other than get to know each other better, sleeping and perhaps cards; I have a deck in my pack," Aella suggested, eating her own meal.

"What about you?" he asked looking at her curiously.

"I will sleep soon," she assured the Dwarf.

"If you are sure," he answered, an expression of concern upon his face. After he had finished his meagre meal he put his plate outside the cell, before setting up one of the blankets and laying down on it.

"Goodnight," she said, smiling at him.

"Goodnight," he responded with a small smile of his own before he was closing his eyes. Sometime later Aella found she was the only one that seemed to be awake. She had wrapped her blanket around herself and had cushioned her back with her cloak, so she could rest against the wall. She was hoping that eventually Bilbo would find his way down to the Dungeons. As she waited, she sang quietly, her voice drifting through the halls:

"You heard my voice, I came out of the woods by choice

Shelter also gave their shade, but in the dark, I have no name.

So, leave that click in my head and I will remember the words that you said

Left a clouded mind and a heavy heart, but I was sure we could see a new start.

So, when your hopes on fire, but you know your desire

Don't hold a glass over the flame, don't let your heart grow cold

I will call you by name, I will share your road."

Aella let her eyes roam the hall hoping to catch sight of the small hobbit.

"But hold me fast, hold me fast, 'cause I'm a hopeless wanderer.

And hold me fast, hold me fast, 'cause I'm a hopeless wanderer.

I wrestled long with my youth, we tried so hard to live in the truth.

But do not tell me all is fine, when I lose my head, I lose my spine.

So, leave that click in my head and I won't remember the words that you said.

You brought me out from the cold, now, how I long, how I long to grow old.

So, when your hopes on fire, but you know your desire

Don't hold a glass over the flame, don't let your heart grow cold

I will call you by name, I will share your road.

But hold me fast, hold me fast, 'cause I'm a hopeless wanderer

And hold me fast, hold me fast 'cause I'm a hopeless wanderer

I will learn, I will learn to love the skies I'm under

I will learn, I will learn to love...ARGH!"

(Hopeless Wanderer, Mumford & Sons)

Aella screamed when Bilbo appeared out of nowhere, pocketing his ring.

"Sorry, sorry" he whispered even as he looked about, double checking she hadn't alerted anyone.

"Eru Bilbo! Don't scare me like that," she whisper-shouted, a hand over her heart as she breathed deeply.

"Sorry, your singing. I heard it, I followed your voice from the upper halls," he explained.

"That's all right Bilbo, just let my heart settle a bit." After a moment, a thought occurred to Aella. the Company in the stories she remembered from long ago reached Laketown weaponless, at least in the movies they did. So, what if she had Bilbo sneak them their weapons? The weapons were in the armoury, no one would be actively looking for them, and their packs she was sure were probably somewhere near there or perhaps in the guards' room down the corridor. Bilbo could steal them back slowly over the course of their imprisonment as he looked for a way to get them out.

"How do I get you out?" Bilbo asked looking over the lock on the cell door.

"Never mind that right this minute Bilbo, I need you to do something. You need to find the best way for us to escape before you spring us from our cells, otherwise we'll just get caught again," she instructed the hobbit, who got a determined look on his face as he listened to her intently, "when you look for our escape route, I would suggest in the cellars I think there is a way to the Forest River through there. I want you to find the rest of the company's weapons and stow them away hidden, near where we will make our escape. You should find them in the guards' armoury. You should also find the rest of the company's packs and hide them too, we'll need them when we escape. They will either be kept near the weapons or in the guards' room just up the hallway here. Do you understand?"

"Yes, steal back your packs and weapons and hide them near our escape route," the hobbit recited.

"Very good. I also want you to take your time doing it, only grab a few weapons or a pack or two at a time. Make it seem like nothing is wrong, don't alert the elves to your presence," she said sternly.

"Yes ma'am," the hobbit stumbled and Aella almost thought that he'd salute her for a moment.

"Good, now hurry away now, before you are caught and thrown in here with us, report back when you can," she shooed him off, watching with a shudder as he disappeared without a trace as he slipped on the ring.

...

And so, went the next six weeks. Thorin grew grumpier as the wait continued, as he nor any of the others had heard from Bilbo and Aella had kept quiet about seeing him. Every so often he'd pop into existence when Aella was the only one awake, so she knew it had only taken him a week of observing the elves dispose of the wine barrels to discover their escape route, it had taken an extra five weeks simply to move all the packs and weapons down to the cellar and hide them where no one would find them. He'd appeared again the night before to tell her that he was ready he just had to steal the keys and spring them from their cells. Aella had asked him what the elves were doing as it seemed to be getting busier and they had seen the guards less. On hearing there was a great feast planned. Aella told him to wait to spring them until the day of the feast, as the elves would all be too drunk or passed out from the wine to find them missing.

Finally it was the day of the feast and Aella was watching Kili toss and catch his runestone idly from where she was sat right near the door of the cell. She had already asked about it while they had been imprisoned together. She noticed Tauriel out of the corner of her eye approaching, turning her head slightly the Ranger noted the elleth was walking past and inspecting the cell checking on all those imprisoned. As she approached their cell she ignored Aella instead choosing to address Kili.

"The stone in your hand, what is it?" she asked her eyes focused on the small black stone, with Khuzdul engraved on it.

"It is a talisman," he responded throwing a wink at Aella who rolled her eyes at his mischief. "A powerful spell lies upon it. If any but a Dwarf reads the runes on this stone, they will be forever cursed." He quickly held up the stone towards the elleth who shied away, turning to walk away only for Kili to continue his explanation, laughing slightly. Aella chuckled as well. "Or not, depending on whether you believe that kind of thing. It's just a token." Tauriel stepped back and Kili smiled at her, and much to Aella's surprise the elleth smiled back.

"Go on Kili. Tell the poor elleth what it is, you've teased her enough as it is," Aella admonished with a teasing smile at the Dwarf who rolled his eyes at her, with a laugh. Tauriel raised a brow at the Ranger, but her expression bore no disgust or irritation as was usual when in the presence of the human woman. Aella once again was surprised, perhaps the small teasing asides with Kili had had an impact on the she-elf, she shuddered to think that it was due to romantic interest.

"A runestone. My mother gave it to me so I'd remember my promise." Aella's eyes turned to the Khuzdul and read the word again. Return. Short but profound. It was obvious to the Ranger that Dis loved her sons fiercely and did not wish to lose them, like she'd lost Frerin, her father, grandfather, and husband.

"What promise?" Tauriel inquired looking on with interest.

"That I will come back to her," Kili replied rubbing his thumb over the engravings, "she worries. She thinks I'm reckless."

"Are you?" the elleth asked again a small smile on her face. Kili and Aella answered at the same time.

"Nah" he said with a laugh just as Aella said a very adamant "Yes!" Kili looked at Aella in utter betrayal, his chocolate coloured eyes gleaming in restrained mirth

"No, I'm not!" he objected, his eyes sparkling. Aella let out a bright laugh over the childish pout he pulled.

"Yes, you are. You and your brother both. Actually… add your Uncle to that list as well. The whole lot of you Durins are bloody reckless," she retorted, despite her smile. Kili laughed at that and tossed up his stone again, but missed it when he tried to catch it on the back of his hand. It clattered to the floor and rolled out of the cell before Aella or he could grab it. Tauriel stopped it with her boot before it could roll off the edge of the path and into the pit outside the cell. Kili stood up and approached the bars as the elleth picked up the runestone and inspected it. Just as he reached the bars loud rancorous laughter sounded from above. Aella looked in the direction the laughter came from just as Kili spoke.

"Sounds like quite a party you're having up there," he stated looking up at the upper levels of the halls.

"It is Mether-en-Gilith, the Feast of Starlight." The look on the elleth's face was one of peace and wonder as if realising how close she stepped back. Walking to the edge of the path facing away from them she continued. "All light is sacred to the Eldar, but Wood Elves love best the light of the stars."

"I always thought it is a cold light, remote and far away," the Dwarf admitted glancing down at Aella before returning his eyes to the elf. Tauriel spun around quickly and approached an earnest look upon her beautiful features.

"It is memory, precious and pure. Like your promise," she said her eyes alive with wonder as she smiled, she handed Kili back his stone.

"All memories are precious, be they near or distant and out of reach," Aella added a small smile on her face even as her blue-grey eyes took on distant gleam. Tauriel nodded in agreement before speaking again.

"I have walked there sometimes, beyond the forest and up into the night. I have seen the world fall away and the white light forever fill the air." Aella returned from her memories as the elleth spoke. The Ranger smiled softly at the beautiful description of the stars, Kili not one to be outdone added his own memory, he sat down opposite Aella leaning against the opposite wall sat close to the bars.

"I saw a fire moon once. It rose over the pass near Dunland, huge; red and gold it was, filled the sky. We were an escort for some merchants from Ered Luin, they were trading in Silverbuck for furs. We took the Greenway south, keeping the mountain to our left, and then this huge fire moon, right in our path. I wish I could show you..." Aella smiled at Tauriel as the elleth joined them on the ground, sitting on the stairs near their cell to listen. "And what of you Aella what is your favourite light?"

"The light of home. One day there will be a place that my heart yearns to return too, and when dusk turns to night; the light from the hearth will light my way home. I miss it, the feeling of returning to the place you belong," Aella smiled sadly as she spoke, Kili mirrored her smile though his sadness was for his friend who had lost her home so long ago.

"That is not fair my friend, your is so much more sentimental," he complained trying to lighten the mood, Aella chuckled at him.

"And perhaps a bit too heavy for this conversation, so I'll amend that to the warm light of the fire," she laughed softly earning a sad smile from Kili and even Tauriel as the conversation moved on to a different topic. The three of them spoke for quite some time and at length about a range of topics before the Elven Guard Captain took her leave to join the celebrations. As the night wore on she urged Kili to catch a few hours of rest, when asked why she winked at him and said good night, rolling onto her stomach underneath her own blanket. She woke a few hours later, and set about packing her belongings away. She folded up her blanket and shook Kili awake just as Bofur spoke aloud, addressing the group.

"I'll wager the suns on the rise. It must be nearly dawn," the hatted Dwarf said forlornly. Kili glancing at her groggy and confused.

"We're never going to reach the mountain, are we?" Ori said sullenly. Aella stood pack in hand just as Bilbo appeared, once again she saw him tuck the ring away.

"Not stuck in here you're not!" The hobbit's sudden appearance caused the Dwarves to startle and exclaim in surprise. Kili narrowed his eyes at Aella shrewdly as she smiled benignly at the hobbit.

"You knew he was coming," the Dwarf Prince accused quietly

"Of course, I did. I've been instructing him on what to do," she returned grinning slyly at the dark-haired Dwarf.

"You sneaky woman," he laughed maintaining their quiet tones. Kili and Aella were the last to be freed and Aella donned her pack carefully; her wounds had only scabbed over the week before because her body had been fighting the spider's venom. She'd brushed it off to Kili as the wounds taking longer because they'd been reopened so roughly. She knew he was beginning to become suspicious. They left the cell just as Bilbo called out to the others who had begun to head up the stairs.

"Not that way, down here. Follow me," the hobbit said as he beckoned the Dwarves to follow. Aella was close behind him as he began to lead them further into the Woodland Realm. They sneaked through the halls quietly, although some of the Dwarves were whispering among themselves. They finally reached the lowest levels and Bilbo led them into the cellar passed the unconscious elves. "This way," he whispered further into the cellars.

"I don't believe it where in the cellars!" Kili exclaimed quietly, but before the Dwarves could get mad at Bilbo he scampered away and returned with some of the packs and weapons.

"Ye were suppose t' be leading us out not further in!" Bofur accused his tone quiet. But at the sight of their weapons and belongings the Dwarves let out a quiet cheer.

"I know what I'm doing," Bilbo snapped before disappearing again. Aella followed him, helping him pass out the packs quickly and quietly.

"Shush, quiet now and trust our dear hobbit to burgle us out of here," she admonished as she handed out the packs. Thorin rose a brow but otherwise stayed silent, once they all were armed and had their packs on Bilbo spoke again.

"This way," he whispered, leading them into a large room in which several barrels were stacked sideways down the centre of the room. Aella was pleased to note that all the barrels had one end open. "Everyone, climb into the barrels, quickly!" the hobbit said hurriedly, Aella immediately made for the barrels only to be stopped by Fili who gripped her arm firmly but gently.

"Are you mad?! They'll find us!" Dwalin exclaimed his tone still quiet.

"No, no they won't, I promise you. Please, please, you MUST trust me!" Bilbo pleaded.

"Do as he says. We have been imprisoned for weeks now, Bilbo must have examined dozens of potential escape routes. If this is the best one, this is the best one. Trust him," Aella added slipping out of Fili's grip and clambering into a barrel just as a commotion could be heard in the distance.

"Do as he says," Thorin ordered, Aella popped her head out of the barrel – slightly put out that she fit so well into the thing – to watch the others clamber into their own barrels. Bilbo walked along counting them, making sure they had everyone, as he passed she whispered in his ear.

"Jump on the edge near where the barrels roll out, you should end up in the water." He looked at her in confusion for a moment but nodded.

"What do we do now?" Bofur asked, Aella's head was joined by thirteen others as they watched Bilbo walk over towards a lever.

"Hold your breath," the hobbit answered with a grin, Aella took a deep breath just as Bofur spluttered out.

"Hold my breath? What do you mean?"

Bilbo pulled the lever and the barrels began to roll as the floor tilted down. The barrels rolled out the opening and Aella took another deep breath just before the barrel she was in hit the water. The barrel dipped under the surface for a moment before it bobbed up again. Aella spluttered slightly having taken in some water by accident. Holding on tight to the barrel she turned her head just in time to see Bilbo fall through the trap door and into the water. As he surfaced, Aella was relieved when he grabbed onto Nori's barrel, paddling towards him with her hands she pulled the hobbit into her barrel. There was – much to her disappoint – more than enough room even with the two of them.

"Well done, Master Baggins," Thorin congratulated. Bilbo who was still trying to catch his breath waved his hand in thanks and managed to splutter out a single word:

"Go!" Aella immediately started to paddle. Bilbo helping her once he'd caught his breath.

"Come on then, let's go," Thorin ordered the Dwarves. They paddled along with their hands until the river current finally began pulling their barrels along. A few minutes later they emerged into the sunlight and Aella spotted a waterfall right in front of them, it appeared Thorin had seen it too as he called out frantically not a moment later, "Hold on!"

Gripping tight to the barrel her arms holding Bilbo in place, their barrel fell over the waterfall and was plunged through the rapids. It then floated swiftly down the now raging river. Aella turned her head to see Legolas emerge from a gateway and met his eyes. She shrugged apologetically even as she turned her head back to face the oncoming gate. She heard Legolas order the gate shut, and elf horn blew and the gate was shut.

"No!" Thorin cried just as the barrels began to pile up against the now shut gate. Aella quickly drew her bow and grabbed for an arrow only to see that she'd lost them to the river. Cursing, Aella stowed her bow grabbing out a few throwing daggers she always kept on her just in case and unsheathing Alagos with little trouble, just as an elf fell forward showcasing a black arrow. Several orcs came crashing out of the bushes one being Bolg.

"Watch out! Those are orcs," Bofur cried out.

"Thank you Bofur for once again pointing out the obvious, take arms! You will need them!" she rallied both elves and Dwarves, just as the orcs threw themselves at the Company. Bilbo managed to stab and kill the orc that attacked their barrel while Aella had manoeuvred herself to be back to back with the hobbit and was taking on another who had jumped at Ori's barrel.

"Kili!" Dwalin exclaimed. At the cry Aella turned and saw Kili leap out of his barrel and run for the leaver. Switching Alagos to her other hand she threw one of the daggers at the Orc that had tried to take Kili out from behind, killing it, as the Dwarf parried and ducked beneath the Orcs in front of him. Having noticed that the Ranger was providing backup to his brother Fili began to do the same, between them they helped Kili reach the lever; but before he could pull it a black arrow flew through the air and hit him in the thigh.

"Kili!" Fili cried out at the same time Aella threw one of her dagger and caught Bolg in the shoulder stopping him from firing again. Kili groaned in pain, falling on his back before he could pull the lever. Aella screamed out as an orc leaped over him sword raised.

"No! Kili!" At her cry, the orc fell out of sight a blade and arrow sticking out of it. Aella wriggled out of the barrel, and leaped out. She would not let Kili fall now.

"Aella!" Bilbo cried, as the Ranger raced to Kili's side cutting down any orc in her path with deadly efficiency. She reached his side and pulled him to his feet, slipping under his arm and supporting him.

"Wha..?" he slurred.

"I'm getting you out of here alive," she growled, grabbing the shaft of the arrow and yanking it from his leg; thankful there were no barbs. Kili cried out in pain as she did so. "Sorry," she huffed before pulling the lever with her free hand. She watched as the sluice opened and began to let the barrels through. Aella dragged Kili with her as she jumped off the guard tower, she shoved Kili into his barrel and gripped on tight before kicking off the rock and propelling them both down river. Kili still held onto his sword as did Aella, however the latter was having a hard time keeping a hold of the barrel as well. Taking a moment, she shoved Alagos at Kili. "Hold this," she ordered as she she wrapped the rope handle of the barrel around her less dominant hand before taking back the blade, now without fear of falling off.

"Thank you," the Dwarf panted out.

"I wasn't about to let you die. It's in my job description remember," she responded with a crooked grin as their barrel was pulled down stream by the wild raging river. As they reached a part where the river narrowed, the orcs converged on them on both banks. Aella was forced to deflect oncoming arrows that were fired at her and Kili. Kili cutting down an Orc that had leaped at them when they got too close to one of the banks. As they bounced away and towards the opposite bank Aella kicked out and kept them from getting too close.

"We make a good team," Kili said as he threw one of his daggers at an Orc.

"That we do my friend. I see you still have arrows, make use of them, will you? Take out some of those Orc archers. I'm getting tired of constantly deflecting black arrows!" she replied with a laugh deflecting yet another arrow with Alagos.

"As the fair lady commands," he teased, and despite the sweat upon his brow due to the poison he smiled charmingly. Switching out for his bow and began firing back at the archers.

"You two stop flirting and get back to fighting!" Dwalin ordered. Aella gaped at the bald Dwarf just as he headbutted an Orc that had leaped onto his barrel, slamming his axe into it before yanking it out.

"Flirting?!" she shrieked cutting an orc out of the air and shying back from the splash it's corpse made.

"Oh Dwalin! How could you! You know my heart is all yours!" Kili taunted, eliciting laughter from the Dwarves despite the situation, looking forwards for a moment Aella saw a low hanging branch that stretched across the river in front of them, with several orcs standing on it.

"Tree ahead! Orcs are using it as a bridge" she cried out, pointing ahead with Alagos causing the Dwarves to turn and look.

"Cut the log!" Thorin commanded even as he slashed at another orc. Several of the Dwarves slammed their weapons into the log as they floated under it, causing the Orcs that had been atop it to fall into the river. Aella was forced to kill the Orc that jumped onto the barrel Bilbo was in just as an Orc grabbed onto her. She shrieked as it clawed at her trying to stay attached. Kili turned at the cry and stabbed the orc through the back of the head with a dagger, which made the corpse let go of her and be swept down-stream.

"Thanks" she panted just as Bombur's barrel went catapulting through the air and onto the riverbank. Where the barrel rolled and trampled a multitude of orcs, before flipping onto the other side of the river and continuing its trampling. Eventually the barrel came to a stop and orcs surrounded it. "Bombur!" she cried out needlessly, as the fat red bearded Dwarf kicked out the bottom of the barrel knocking an orc down before his arms quickly followed punching through the wood with an axe in both hands. Aella watched slightly flabbergasted as the Dwarf began mowing down orcs left right and centre by spinning rapidly, axes extended before jumping elegantly into an empty barrel that passed by. Blinking, Aella realised there was an empty barrel advancing on her and Kili and she quickly unhooked her hand. "This is where I leave you," she said as she kicked off Kili's barrel and met the empty barrel halfway. She clambered into it and sighed with relief, seeking one of her many daggers to start a proper attack.

"And here I was enjoying our teamwork!" Kili cried out jokingly as he continued to fire arrow upon arrow at the orcs.

Aella simply laughed, turning her head, she started her own assault throwing the small knives at the orcs. As she did so she finally saw Legolas and Tauriel not too far behind them. She saluted them with one of her knives before it was embedded in the forehead of an orc. Aella marvelled at her own accuracy for a moment, she had always been good but never the best or most talented. So, she enjoyed her little victory for a moment. Aella was so caught up she ended up dunked as Legolas jumped on her head, coming back up spluttering she glared at the elf only to look on in horror as an Orc approached him from behind. An Orc blade came flying out of nowhere and caught the orc that was sneaking up on the elf Prince. Snapping her head in the direction it came from she saw Thorin, Orcrist still in hand staring at Legolas. Aella sighed in relief when the elf stopped pursuing them a look of understanding coming across his face as he met the eyes of the Company's leader. Aella raised a hand before turning and keeping an eye out on both riverbanks as the rushing current pulled them along.


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