Okay so hello again, I know this ones a little late, but the weather here in the north has caused some technical difficulties. So you can put down your torches and pitchforks.

Warning: My beta warns not to read this in a public place because you will cry and get broody, So you've been warned.

Darkshines

Rivendale was a cornucopia of tall towers and spiral staircases bathed in the dewy autumn sunshine of the midmorning sun. Babbling brooks were dressed in golden leaves and dramatically carved bridges of white stone. Everything Thorin could see of Rivendale appeared elegant, graceful in the elven style. It was beautiful.

Thorin swallowed that bitterness that rose in his throat. Erebor was lovelier, brighter with less ceremony, and more contentment. The elves were laughing at them, laughing down at their misfortune.

More than half a dozen times, his legs stopped moving, wanting nothing more than to turn and sprint in the opposite direction, but he didn't. With silent resentment he trudged over the sweeping paths and bridges with knuckles clenched white, keeping one eye on the tiny figure leading the Company.

Thorin swallowed a curse. Damn her to Aüle, why did she have to make everything so difficult? He could understand her indifference and her short temper, but such rage; such savagery. What could cause such an appetite for bloodlust? Looking down at the severed Warg's head, her face was almost inhuman, like killing had been a triviality of life, meaningless and hollow. He wouldn't mind her rage that much if she followed his orders like the others, but no! She had to make things difficult.

But now, as the Company rounded into a large walled garden which stood at the base of the main archway into Rivendale, Bow laid a reassuring hand in the Hobbit's elbow, who gazed from her to Gandalf for reassurance. She obviously cared for the little creature, showed him a compassion that she wouldn't let the others see. She had risked her life numerous times in order to protect Durin's people, she had pledged herself and her sword into his service, but as Thorin studied the back of her tenacious body, her head and face hidden under a thick fur hood; she was even more of an enigma now than when they had met on the fateful night in the forest.

The cool chill of adrenaline and panic ran over Thorin as clattering of hooves rose in his ears to a deafening din. They were all well practiced in battle formations and formed a circular barricade, deadly against Calvary. The Company pushed Thorin and his nephews into the middle of the huddle, weapons pointed out like the spines of a hedgehog, as a dozen mounted elves surrounded them , peering down at them with pompous self-importance and cold resentment.

A tall elf dismounted from a large brown horse and stood for a moment speaking quietly in elvish to Gandalf. He was tall, even for an elf. Slender in body, his forehead was crowned with a simple circle of silver, straight dark brown hair tucked neatly behind his pointed ears. His majestic demeanour and elegant baring was not lost on any off the Dwarves, for it was clear who this elf was. Lord Elrond of Rivendale was famous not matter which social circles you walked in.

From within the huddle Thorin saw Bow try to push impatiently past the protective bulk of Dwalin's body, only to have a steely hand clamp over her mouth, pulling her body back towards him, with a muscled arm wrapped solidly across her shoulders.

"Don't you be moving. These elves'll kill you just for looking at them in the wrong way," he growled in her ear protectively, strengthening his hold as she struggled violently. Any other dwarf they would have been warmed by Dwalin's over protective nature, but Bow was not any other dwarf. Dwalin tensed and growled slightly as Lord Elrond stood staring down at them, curiosity twisting his wise features. Thorin tried to push his way towards them, anxiety for his comrades prickling his skin, but even more so for Bow's volatile, unpredictable behaviour {yet his body was held in place} his nephews' uneasy postures and defensive bodies appeared, holding him still.

"Gracious! My lady Grey it has been a long time. What brings you to Imladris again and in such… diverse company?" Lord Elrond spoke with genuine yet guarded surprise as he chose his words carefully, eyeing the clustered Dwarves with their weapons at the ready. Dwalin let out a pained rasp as Bow bit into his fingers and sank her elbow into his ribs. Stumbling free, Bow stood before Lord Elrond and, even though he knelt before her, she had to tilt her head to meet his ancient eyes. He extended his warm hand and wiping her bloody palm against her trouser leg, she allowed him to kiss her knuckles. Before snatching her hand back and letting it rest comfortably on the hilt of her knife, jaw defiantly tilted just out of plain stubbornness.

"Lord Elrond, it has been too long. I hope our unexpected arrival hasn't created any inconvenience for you." Standing on ceremony and politeness had never been her strong suit; it made her words cold and more clipped than usual. She cringed inwardly as she felt the astonished stares of the Dwarves to her right burrow into her flesh.

"Your visits are always an unexpected delight. Estel still speaks about you, he will be delighted when he learns you are here. But we may catch up later. For now I am most intrigued by your comrades that Mithandir speaks most highly of." Lord Elrond smiled fondly at the thought of Estel's joy of having his oldest friend back in Rivendale, but as he rose, he merely gazed down at the bewildered dwarves in amusement.

After an awkward moment of silence, Bow cleared her throat and prepared to introduce the eagle to the serpent. "Lord Elrond, may I introduce Thorin Oakenshield, son of Thrain, King under the mountain." She spoke in hushed tones; the King's presence spoke louder than any words ever could. The crowd of warrior dwarves parted in the wake of their King, his chest tensed and tight, as his cold eyes roamed up and down the elf's form, judging him and visibly documenting his weaknesses.

Lord Elrond shot a surprised glance down at Bow who kept her eyes adverted in embarrassment at the King's poor behaviour. "Well Milady you do keep illustrations company." Turning his eyes back to Thorin. "Thorin Oakenshield, I am pleased to meet you. I knew Thror when he ruled under the mountain." Bow could see that it was an effort to make his voice light and welcoming. She knew from experience never to anger an elf; it could be the last thing you ever do.

Thorin's head bowed slightly than rose to meet Elrond's challengingly and spoke with cold sarcasm dripping from his words: "Indeed? Because he made no mention of you." His words provoked no emotion of Elrond's face, but Bow could see a thick vein starting to throb in the elf's hair line.

Suddenly mad laughter erupted violently from Bow, shaking her body. The surrounding company, Lord Elrond and his elves included, gaped at her as her body bent in two, shaking fiercely under the force of her peeling laughter which echoed off the surrounding buildings.

Pausing to wipe a tear away she spoke, " Oh please excuse us! It's common for dwarves and Hobbit's alike to grow cantankerous when hungry. May we prevail on you for hospitality before Bilbo here faints from exhaustion?" Shooting a silencing glance at Thorin's cold stubbornly blue eyes, she slapped Bilbo on the back, pushing him in front of Elrond's giant body.

As she had correctly predicted, the tension of Lord Elrond's body drained away as he looked upon the fearful figure bowing before him. And before she knew it, they were being whisked away into the inner sanctum of the palace. Thorin waited for the elves to disappear, roughly grabbing Bow by the collar of her jacket, and dragging her into a darkened alcove.

"What in Malal's name was that?" his voice was a low growl and his face so close that she could feel his salt and pepper hair on her face, the smell of cider and maple packed her senses. In response Bow let out and exasperated breathe that she hadn't realised she'd been holding. Gripping his wrists tightly, she pulled them from her collar.

"You know I am really getting tired by being man handled like this," she said with false light-heartedness. But Thorin remained still, his searching blue eyes cold and calculating.

"You never mentioned you were friends with elves." It was a statement, simple and stern but his words were thick with accusation, eyes flickering across her features, studying her.

"Well actually I forgot," She stepped away from him out into the hallway, suddenly uneasy by his closeness. Bow plastered a smirking grin on her face. "Besides, you never asked. Anyway you could still walk out of here, you know. Maybe without your dignity and pride, or without a full belly; it's your choice. " She turned away walking slowly towards the main chamber where the rest of the company were gathered. The sound of heavy footsteps followed quickly behind her. Thorin and she walked side by side for a moment until he shot her a sideways glance.

"Lady Grey?" he asked simply an amused smirk playing on his lips, his body had lost some of its tension.

"An alias, nothing more." Her voice was clipped again and stern.

"Do you need many aliases?" Thorin spoke with a light voice filled with amused surprise.

"As many as I need to survive," she said dryly, impatiently brushing a lock of hair from her face. They turned a sharp left and continued down towards the sound of raucous voice of their comrades. Thorin paused slightly, before he spoke again, he choose his words carefully as not to offend,.

"Lord Elrond spoke of an Estel, is he your elf spouse?" He made his voice sound light and mild. Bow's lips twisted into a thin line of disgust and Thorin couldn't help but grin with relieved sincerity.

"Elf husband! Really Thorin, I know you think little of me but that was low," she tutted, shaking her head in mock anger.

"I only wanted to make sure you had your priorities in order." Thorin retorted with visible relief. To his surprise Bow to spoke, a small nostalgic smile playing of her lips.

"No, Estel was a boy I found alone in the wilderness some years ago . I placed him safely into Lord Elrond's care," she stated unimportantly, dragging a hand through her hair, as if saving a child was nothing at all. It surprised Thorin, dwarf children were prised and protected above all other things. To leave him in the care of others and to think little of it was alien. But then again, Thorin thought dryly, maybe she didn't know any better.

Speaking of the past was always draining and a sudden wave of exhaustion overwhelmed, realising she hadn't actually slept since BagEnd. They reached the great chamber door and she held it open for Thorin.

"No doubt Lord Elrond will provide you with food, I will attend later," she said barely fending off the drooping of her eyelids. She didn't bother waiting for a response. Shutting the door on Thorin's disgruntled complaint, she went to find somewhere to catch a few minutes sleep.


There were many balconies and verandas in Rivendale, so finding a warm seat bathed in afternoon sun was not difficult. Bow flung herself down on a window seat, surrounded by pillows and closed her eyes, enjoying the cool breeze from the open window and the sunshine warming her clothes. Before even a minute had passed, she was in a sweet dreamless sleep.

She had only meant to dose for half an hour or so but, by the time her eyes fluttered open, the sun was setting over the distant tree tops and the air had a cooled to a tepid temperature. As she became more aware of her senses, she heard faint ruffles of fabric and felt the slight movements of someone near her. She sat up quickly, hearing the person next to her gasp in surprise.

"Oh Grey, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to wake you." Peering with curiously pale eyes, Estel was sat next to her, his youthful frame tense with concern. Half a bandage lay unravelled on his lap, the half was wrapped neatly around her damaged palms. The shivering little babe she had left behind had changed much in the passing years. Shoulder length wavy hair brushed the nape of his neck and , much to Bow's relief, his face was cheery and merry, not solemn like the other elves. His body appeared strong and well built, a flush of pink rose on his tanned skin.

Bow actually beamed, an ache growing in her chest and a lump rising in her throat. She said nothing. She couldn't think of any words to say so she pulled him into a bone crushing hug. His head automatically fit into the nook of her collar bone and Bow pressed her lips into his soft baby hair, breathing in smell of soap and clean linen.

"It has been too long." She felt his lips move against her shoulder and she hummed in agreement. Pulling back she looked down at his flushed complexion.

"I know, time got away from me a bit. And you know better than any how...complicated life can be." She knew he would understand, through the months he had travelled with her, her ward had been nothing but a good listener. Bow's heart had truly broken when they had accidently found the secret passage in Imaldris and Elrond had offered to care for him. Her life was too uncertain, too dangerous to bring up any child, and that way he would still have a chance at normality.

"But you are here now and that is all that matters. And you brought dwarves with you!" His merry eyes beamed at her but his words brought the world crashing about her ears. She cursed loudly, ignoring Estel's embarrassed giggle from her swear words.

"Damn, I completely forgot about my dwarves," She continued, throwing back the blanket that had been placed over her and jumping hurriedly to her feet.

"Your dwarves?" Estel gaped at her in astonishment. Bow beamed at him, her eyes crinkling, and her cheeks still pink and rosy from sleep.

"Yes my dwarves. Would you like to meet them?" She held out her hand and abruptly laced his fingers with hers. They ran hand in hand, laughing with wild abandon, as they once did so long ago.

The Company had been lounging on thick blankets and fine pillows for some hours now, served with fruit and wine, Bilbo appeared to be the only one enjoying himself. The Dwarves for the most part were aloof and quiet, grumbling about their surroundings as much as they did the company.

Gandalf, Thorin, and Balin had disappeared for a private audience with Lord Elrond for an hour or so before returning and being called into dinner. They assembled themselves around a long table, facing a veranda. Lord Elrond at the head of the table, looking stiff but welcoming; Thorin on his left looking equally uncomfortable. Gandalf, meanwhile, appeared wonderfully oblivious to all the awkwardness going on around him, mildly puffing at his pipe continuously.

Bow was still nowhere to be found but, as Bofur voiced his concerns to the rest of the Company, Dwalin merely growled, "Let the elves have her," as he rubbed his bitten hand venomously.

"Do not worry friends. I am told she will be along presently," Lord Elrond's voice called over the table and, as if on cue, Bow rushed through the door face, merrily red and panting with a shoulder high boy following at her heels. Although they grinned conspiringly at each other, Bow's face solemnised slightly, calming, but still pleasant and warm.

The boy walked close to her side and Bow pointed, naming ever dwarf as they worked their way to the head of the table. Attendants pulled out chairs for them opposite Balin and Thorin and on the right of Lord Elrond, and the boy thanked them in elvish as they sat.

"And this is the wise dwarf Balin son of Fundin, Gandalf the Grey you are familiar with..."The boy grinned broadly bowing at Gandalf, who chuckled and winked knowingly, and then bowed respectfully to Balin, who mildly nodded his grey head. "...and this is Prince Thorin Oakenshield." Her hand hovered in mid air as she indicated to the King but her eyes watched Estel's reaction with amusement. His eyes went wide enough to see the whites, darting from Bow to Thorin, and his mouth tried to gape and grin at the same time.

Gandalf nearly choked on his pipe as he roared in booming laughter at the young boys amusing features. Bow had to swallow a chuckle behind her hand and Thorin grinned into his goblet.

To Bow's surprise, Thorin finished his mouthful and spoke to the boy. "You must be Estel, Bow speaks highly of you." He wasn't smiling but his voice was light and his eyes twinkled. Estel stopped gawking long enough to close his mouth and frown questionily at Bow.

"Bow?" he asked her unsure, eyes quivering slightly as he looked up at her.

"He means me little one." The smile returned on Estel's face as he replied. "Yes I am Estel of Rivendale, ward of Lord Elrond."

Before Thorin could reply good naturedly, Lord Elrond interrupted from the head of the table. "Yes, young sir and you should be finishing your supper. Or do I have to send you away without any." He scolded lightly, but Estel took him seriously enough, turning his attention down to the heap of salad on his plate.

"I must say lass, it is a nice change to see you being so pleasant. We were starting to have doubts about ya'." Balin smiled warmly at her from over the table, others {most loudly Kili and Fili} cheered in agreement.

"But Grey is always pleasant when she's with me!" Estel burst out, grabbing her arm and snuggling into her body. She forgot her company for a split second and just enjoyed the closeness with her little friend for a moment, cupping the nape his neck with her bandaged palm she pressed her lips into his hair, and then nipped at the top of his ear with her teeth, making him giggle and pull away laughing. Smiling lazily down at him, Bow ran and hand through his soft brown hair in an attempt to flatten it, before turning back to her plate of untouched food.

Suddenly from across the table a hush frenzied words full of anxiety caught her attention. Jerking her head up, she watched Balin lay a hand questioningly on Thorin's arm. And Bow could see why; Thorin was as grey as marble, his frame coiled tense like a spring. He stared right into her eyes, like a cold morning sun peaking over a frozen ice cap, something dawned on his face and his mouth fell open slightly. But in a matter of seconds it was gone. All emotion swallowed up as he turned his body towards Balin's worried gaze. "Just Durin's hunger. Lack of meat will do that to a dwarf," his words were quiet and reassuring, Balin accepted them, patting his arm and turning away.

Thorin was quiet for the rest of the evening, and Bow tried to enjoy the remaining hours with Estel, but the King's confused face haunted her whenever she closed her eyes. It soon came to the end of the evening when the empty plates and bowls had been cleaned away and the Company sat chatting quietly, telling stories. Until Estel's body slumped against hers, his breathing deep and content in sleep.

"Please excuse me gentleman." She nodded to Lord Elrond, who smiled and nodded. Making sure not to shift his body too much, Bow got to her feet and pulled him upright. Swaying lightly and mumbling under his breath, Bow half walked, half pulled him along, her hands struggling to hold him up by the waist. They made it to just outside the door, when a gruff voice and heavy footsteps, stopped her.

"Give him here." Thorin stood before her, large and imposing, but before she could protest, he took the boy under the armpits and flung him roughly over his shoulder. It appeared he was a heavy sleeper for, even pressed against Thorin's armoured shoulder, he began to snore lightly. Bow was actually a little relieve; her palms and shoulder were throbbing under his weight. They walked in contented silence, Bow checking on the sleeping Estel every so often, until they reached his room and Thorin unceremoniously flung him on the bed.

"Let me have a minute." She arranged Estel's little frame under the covers of his bed and brushed hair out of his face, her words soft as not to wake him. For a second, she thought Thorin hadn't heard, until the door latch clicked shut. She pulled the soft blankets under his chin and he murmured in his sleep.

"You'll be gone by the morning, wont you?" His voice was thick and sleepy and he shifted a little to hold onto her hand. Bow swallowed a lump in her throat and looked away guiltily.

"Yes probably so," she murmured, smiling despite her pain as his eyelashes quivered a little against his cheek.

"Why?" his voice was growing far and distant now, finally succumbing to the oblivion of sleep.

"Because the dwarves need their home back and I need to find where mine is, but don't worry I'll be with you, even if you can't see me." She pressed her lips to his forehead and breathed in his sweet aroma. When she was at the door she paused, turning sadly, needing one last look at her little friend. The gentle figure rolled over in contented slumber, and she shut the door carefully behind her, pressing the door against her back to fortify herself for a moment.

To her surprise, Thorin was still waiting, his body leaning casually against the opposite of the hallway, eyes studying the floor idly. Upon hearing the door clink shut behind Bow, his azure gaze rose to hers and with a jerk of his strong bearded chin, they walked away from Estel's room. Bow didn't like the weighty silence that hung between them: If he wanted to wrap her in cotton wool because he thought she needed space to lament, than he certainly had the wrong dwarf.

"I presume you've plotted a course through the mountains." Her was word were sharp and stern, Thorin arched his eyebrow and withdrew a map from the inside of his shirt, passing it to her without any word. As they walked, Bow studied it silently; the matchstick markings making her eyes ache painfully.

"No, you shouldn't take this pass-" she traced the red line over a steep valley with her finger; she had travelled that road once, and once was enough for her- "...the path is too worn and dangerous, and besides the Goblin King has scouts watching it." Looking back to the King, Bow could see he was frowning at the paper.

"And what do you suggest then? There are no other feasible ways through the mountains," he snapped in frustration, stopping abruptly to placing his hands on his hips.

"Take the high mountain pass," Bow added in exasperation, turning back to him and indicating on the map. Thorin let out a snort of derision and marched quickly past her, so she had to jog a little to keep up. "It will be longer and there is a threat of snow storms this time of year but..." He paused slightly to turn and look at her wildly, with a glint in his eye. "But guaranteed no goblins," she finished, watching the King's face carefully. He glanced away, chewing his lip for a moment and tugging at his beard slightly.

"Time is something we now have little of, we shall take my original route," his voice was lightly commanding but had a hint of tiredness to it. They had stopped walking now, the corridor had opened up into a great balcony, the moon and stars just beginning to shine in the night sky. As Thorin gazed calmly out at them, he rested his hands on the balustrade.

"Well if that is your decision, I will meet you in three days time, north of the Gladden fields," she said matter-of-factly, straightening her spine against the seething glare that Thorin shot her, "I told you back in the Shire that I didn't go through the mountain passes. I use ways which you and your company cannot follow." She shrugged her shoulders and swept a hand through her taffled hair.

"You seek to abandon us, even after you pledged your allegiance to me. You're as bad as any Elf," he growled with malice and spite, looking down at her with revulsion.

She silenced him with a cold glare that would have made even Dwalin shudder; Thorin merely clenched his jaw in stubbornness. "Curse Aüle! Why do men not listen? I am not abandoning you or your group of fool hardy warriors!" She let her angry tide of words echo around the chamber before continuing. "I travel my own paths for reasons you cannot even begin to fathom, which I might add, I do reluctantly but as I have a group of half wits to watch over, I suppose I have to. Why, I hear you ask? Because I gave my pledge and it's my duty. Now as I have much farther to go and less time to do it in, I bid you good evening Thorin Oakenshield." Her words danced from her tongue and settled in the air. Thorin's eyes were narrowed and his nostrils flared in anger, but Bow didn't wait around for the angry barrage of words.

Turning on her heel, she marched off towards the store rooms, and confronted a harassed looking elf, demanding provisions for her journey. In the dark mood she was in, no one questioned her, so when she demanded clean clothing and water, Bow washed and changed at her leisure. Then, donning her clothes and duffle bag, now heavy with supplies, she started on the road out of Rivendale.

She looked back only once, memorising the gentle rise and fall of the hills and the way the moonlight hit the pale buildings. Bow didn't regret her angry words to Thorin. Her only regret was that her short visit with Estel may well be her last.

Swallowing the fear and anxiety that rose in her belly, she turned and stared up at the cold grey colossal mountains before. She marched up into the cloud bank, tucking her hair back into her collar.


Thanks to all you people who take time to comment. I do make an effort to send a PM reply, its only fair, so inboxes at the ready.

Also i know i promised this chapter would have smut but it ran long. So i cross my heart and hope to die, the next chap {thats not flashback}will have smut. And trust me, its a really panty wetter!