Another day went by until Amelia was able, well allowed, to get out of her healing bed and walk around. The speed of her recovery caused the dwarves to glance warily at the elves, muttering Elvish Witchcraft. She had snorted at the dwarves until her eyes caught Gandalf and Elrond. The look the duo shared indicated that her healing was not due to Elvish Magic and they also believed she was healing too quickly. The Valar was the only explanation that she could come up with. Well, Gandalf agreed eitherway, muttering about how it would make sense that she be ready for anything the journey would give them. A bright side appeared from telling Balin and Dwalin was the two dwarrow appeared much more open with her. Well, Balin was more open, Dwalin simply refrained from his outright hostility so that was an improvement in her opinion. Balin assured her that his brother was lost in a healing house and that given time, and the training field, he would warm right up to her. Amelia winced at the idea of training with the large dwarf but regardless agreed that that was best. Though the fact that the bald dwarf had appointed himself her personal trainer continued to cause her worry. He was a whole lot of muscle and brute, strength, and she was less so. She also had yet to talk Fili and Kili that they were no longer going to be training her, that conversation she saw was going to be bad.

Looking out the window, she allowed the sweet breeze to brush her face, fluttering her hair about playfully. It was a beautiful day, all the days in Rivendell were beautiful. She understood that dwarves preferred being in their mountains but how they could disdain the pure sense of calm here was a surprise. Taking a deep breath, she turned swinging her legs over the bed. Gingerly, she applied pressure to her feet and took one wobbly step forward. She imagined she resembled a newborn colt more than a fully grown woman. Tired of lingering in this room, she made her way to the door, she wanted to explore Rivendell before they were to leave. After that first day Amelia had spent the night sleeping soundly giving her body the much-needed rest it required to heal, unfortunately, the next day and the next were spent in the same manner. Walking slowly out the room, she peaked her head out cautiously, though she was allowed out the overprotective dwarves would be glued to her side.

Rivendell. It was something that she couldn't even begin to describe, though she nodded mentally toward Peter Jackson. Close Mr. Jackson oh so close. But, she could hardly blame the human for not being able to capture the ethereal beauty that was almost incomprehensible to the world she knew.

"Miss Amelia!" Bilbo cried out quickly running toward her. Amelia turned to see the mop of brown hair and wide brown eyes approaching her worriedly. The Hobbit, she noticed, looked very clean and much more content with his current state than when they were on the road. A frown marred her face when she noticed the basket handing on his arm.

"Bilbo, what are you carrying in there?" Amelia questioned curiously. She attempted to peek into the basket only to have Bilbo swing it away.

"Oh!" The hobbit looked at the basket, his face heating quickly. "Well, Lord Elrond had said that you would be able to go out today! Nothing too much of course." He looked down in thought, biting his lip unsure. "Elvish medicine is truly amazing!" Exclaiming happily, Bilbo continued to blush. Again, he looked down timidly. "I thought I could show that garden I mentioned. When I brought it up to Lord Elrond he thought it a marvelous idea and had a basket prepared with food for us."

"OH!" Amelia brightened immediately. "That sounds lovely, please lead the way Master Baggins." The pair walked in relative silence, both eager to enjoy the warm summer day and the sound of multiple waterfalls before it was inevitably interrupted. "How is everyone?" She questioned curiously, glancing at the Hobbit. "I can't imagine they are terribly content here in Rivendell with all the elves. I do hope though they are showing due respect."

When silence met her question, Amelia turned toward Bilbo more fully. She noticed his face red. "What did they do?"

"I may have overheard something about using furniture for firewood," Bilbo stated timidly. "And maybe something about a sacred fountain. . ."

Though the words were whispered, Amelia heard them. The images flashed quickly in her mind's eye causing the young woman to snort and laugh almost uncontrollably. "That lot! I swear!" She continued to laugh, following behind an uncomfortable Bilbo. "Oh, Bilbo! Don't mind them, they simply enjoy a bit of fun."

Grumbling, Bilbo continued on. "Still. . ." he trailed off uncertain.

Looking over, she nodded her head. Truly hobbits, dwarves, elves, and men had different ideas on how to live. "Yes, I know. I'll have a talk with them later about showing some more respect. They are a merry bunch though, you cannot deny that. And I'm sure that they weren't being purposefully disrespectful." She raised a brow as Bilbo veered off of the pathway, her bare feet rubbing against the soft grass. The duo headed straight for a large collection of trees, pushing low branches out of the way. "Goodness me Bilbo this is far off of the path is it not?"

Nodding Bilbo agreed. " I think it is meant to be hidden. I only stumbled upon it because the low branches hardly bothered me."

"Ah! Well, I cannot imagine the elves have the same type of ease." Amelia laughed gently.

"No, when I mentioned it to Lord Elrond, he said it was a private garden few knew about. But you needn't worry, he assured me that whoever managed to find it was welcome to it."

She was about to comment before, she was lead into the clearing. "Oh." Stepping into the center of the clearing, as it wasn't terribly large. Two could fit comfortably, three would be fine, four would push it. Large trees and full bushes blocked nearly every exit. Only one, she noted as the one they walked through, resembled something near a path. Rose bushes littered everything else near; red, orange, pink, white, yellow hues littered the bush. The clearing smelled distinctly of roses and the bright colors gave off both a warm and inviting sense. She noted that there were also roses of blended colors, making a blend of color surround her. "Oh, Bilbo this is beautiful."

A cleared throat brought her attention back to her companion at her side. Bilbo stood beside her a blanket on the ground, food already set out. "My lady." He bowed before looking at her grinning. Amelia allowed him to help her sit, giggling softly.

"Bilbo, this is beautiful." She took a plate of fruit from him gratefully and began to eat, letting the peace take over.

"Yes, I thought you would like it." Bilbo looked over at Amelia discreetly watching her. She had some color back in her cheeks, he remembered how pale she looked yesterday. Her eyes were sparkling happily in the light gazing merrily out at the roses. A blush took over Bilbo's face, he cared for her. Of course, he cared for her differently than Fili. A blind man could see that Fili was falling for the young woman. He always had her by his side, when she wasn't his eyes would follow her, and they tended to lit up when she entered a room or when she laughed and smiled. It was no secret amongst the company that he was smitten with her though he tried to hid it. Instead, Bilbo felt a sort of kinship with the girl beside him. Though she tended to fit in better with the company he did not begrudge her that, no matter how he might wish, she was much too gentle and sweet. Her soul was beyond kindness and love in a way that even those hobbits he adored sometimes could not manage. Even amongst the large group of dwarves, she stayed true to her baser nature and that was something he could easily relate to. Though he did have to admit she was much quicker to laugh and shake her head at the dwarves action compared to him.

"How are you holding up so far Bilbo?" Amelia questioned looking over at the hobbit, munching on a fresh piece of bread.

Bilbo leaned back and sighed, "as well as I think I could be. It is much different than I thought. I do miss my home though, my armchair. My books, the comforts of home."

"The dollies?" Amelia asked teasingly. Bilbo grumbled at her remembering Bofur, he hadn't thought she was there for that. . .

"Yes, even the dollies." Bilbo conceded, he looked at her questioning before decided that perhaps she had some magic herself and that was why Gandalf had her come along, she certainly was dressed strangely that first day they had met. Amelia laid back on the ground, her hair splayed out around her head like a halo. Bilbo let the silence take him peacefully before continuing. "It is certainly different. Sometimes I wonder why I even came." He finally confessed.

Amelia looked over at the young hobbit frowning. She knew Bilbo had originally had a hard time fitting in but conceded it due to the dwarves being a secretive and exclusive race, however, her appearance proved only to show how easily she was accepted and how he wasn't. "Mark my words Bilbo Baggins, before this adventure is over the dwarves will count you as a precious friend. Gandalf chose carefully, and dare I saw wisely. I can see it you know." Amelia trailed off.

"What?"

"Your golden heart. You Bilbo Baggins, are fiercely loyal and much braver than you give yourself credit for. Just wait, you will find your courage." Amelia commented serenely.

"You know sometimes Miss Amelia I swear you can see the future," Bilbo commented half lightheartedly half seriously.

Amelia chuckled, a breeze blowing in a warm breathe of air. "I wish. If I had this adventure would go much more smoothly, don't you think." Amelia paused pondering her next thought. "No, I'm just an interesting judge of character." She cracked an eye open looking at the Hobbit carefully. "Bilbo Baggins," Amelia whispered before closing her eyes and letting the sun hit her face. "I'm glad you are here."

"Sometimes I feel as if I'm wandering lost in a sea of dwarves."

"Not all those who wander are lost, Bilbo Baggins, remember that." They let the silence bring a peace to their souls as the two relaxed in the sun, the grass tickling their toes, the roses soothing their noses.

"Should we head back?" Bilbo asked finally, breaking the silence. Amelia sighed before nodding, they had probably been sitting there for some time, she had begun to doze off. Bilbo was quick to pack up the basket and began to lead the young girl back through winding woods back to the main path, they passed by a door when Bilbo paused.

"What is it?" Amelia questioned curiously. She peaked her head in noticing a large library.

"Oh, I was just thinking about stopping by and looking at some books. Lord Elrond has quite the collection." Amelia nodded before walking in, Bilbo following smiling. He set the basket down and began to look around muttering to himself. A pair of knitted gloves on the table by the basket had her looking for a certain dwarf. She found him not too long, a flurry of books surrounding his form.

"Ori," Amelia commented causing the young dwarf to let out a small noise and look up surprised.

"Miss Amelia, you are out of bed! How are you feeling? Do you need anything?" He asked beginning to stand up.

"Oh no, I'm fine Ori please go back to what you are doing. I was just here with Bilbo, who is around here somewhere." She trailed off looking for the hobbit, "we just had some lunch in a beautiful garden." Ori nodded smiling brightly. "Are you enjoying yourself?" Ori looked down blushing, "don't worry there are no other dwarves around."

"It is different. Though I've been spending most of my time in the library, I'm hoping to read as much as I can before we have to head out again." Ori said fiddling with his sleeve, sometimes he felt as if he didn't fit in entirely with the company. When they were younger he sometimes had trouble with Fili and Kili. Those two were mischievous warriors from day one. He really was more of a scribe, he enjoyed spending his days reading, writing, and drawing. Though when they did drag him out he found an affinity with the war hammer. His older brother Dori was quick to keep him back inside, he acted more like an overbearing mother sometimes.

Amelia just hummed thinking carefully. "Is everything alright Ori?"

"Yes of course." He stuttered out.

Amelia sighed before beginning to head out, "if you need anything. Even if it only an ear to listen I'm here."

Ori nodded, and watched as she began to leave. "Miss Amelia." Amelia turned curiously, "can I draw you?"

Amelia drew her brows in confusion. "Draw me?"

Ori blushed before stuttering. "Well you see, I'm cataloging the trip. I thought I might draw all the members for it, for record's sake. I've drawn most of the company. I was wondering if I could draw you also."

Amelia chuckled, "you managed to get Kili to sit still long enough to draw him?"

"Oh well no, I've been drawing everyone from memory, but I grew up with them you see. Mr. Baggins and you though, I—I still have to ask him. I want to make sure that it is alright with you."

"It's fine Ori, promise. Will I have to sit still for any amount of time?" Amelia asked curiously, eager to see the various drawings of the company.

"Oh not really, I should be able to do it just by observing you with everyone," Ori stated smiling more confidently.

"Very well then. On one condition of course."

Ori's eyes grew wide and serious. "Of course."

Amelia smiled brightly, "I want to see the drawings." Ori shook his head fiercely, more comfortable with the strange female. Amelia laughed again before walking away. "Just tell me if you do need me to sit still, oh and if you do find Bilbo in this place tell him I headed back," Amelia called over her shoulder, looking quickly to see Ori nod his head.

Amelia hummed lightly as she walked through the corridors, she was in no rush back to her room. She was feeling fit as a fiddle. She found herself wandering into a large open room, she noticed something reflect the light and decided to get a closer inspection. A harp lay against one of the pillars, shining in the light. She noticed various other instruments strew across the tables and court. Lifting a flute she couldn't help but inspect it. It was made of wood and much larger than the one she was used to, more intricate too. Carvings littered the whole thing. Placing it near her mouth, she blew over the whole curiously. A somewhat hollow sound came out. It was a very different sound than the one she was taught in middle and high school but the keyholes were similar enough. Walking over a ledge she placed she flute by her mouth and closed her eyes.

The music came out unsteady at first. In an attempt to familiarize herself with everything she began to play a favorite song of hers and her mother, Fantaisie pastorale hongroise. After some minutes, of figuring out the keys and notes she noticed the music smoothed out. She continued to play the song until her fingers forgot the notes that came next. Letting her mind wander, her fingers followed. Images of the company floated through her mind, of hobbits and hobbit holes. Of large knocks and blunt knives. The Images and sounds of light doorbells, and horsehair, of rainy days and burning campfires. Trolls and sunlight. The stench of the troll hoard, the new weapons. Radaghast the brown and those adorable bunnies. The fear of the chase and the orcs hunting them, the pain of being caught and then the sweet numbness of oblivion. Her fingers flitted around the keys as she thought of Bombur and his stews, Gloin and Oin lighting the fires, Bofur and his jokes and that silly hat. Amelia paid no mind to her surroundings, had her, she might have noticed the audience gathering around Rivendell. Several elves had stopped in their various duties letting the sweet music take them on an adventure. Some of the dwarves even found themselves walking toward the music, the music familiar. They walked closer and gathered behind her silently. She wasn't playing a simple tune, she was playing out their adventure, their tales. The sorrow of the battle of Azanulbizar, the desolation of Smaug. All of it flowed in and out weaving its way into the dwarves' hearts. Balin and Dwalin shared a surprised look.

Thorin himself was impressed, though he would be hard-pressed to admit it. Not many knew how to play an instrument, not truly, letting their hearts play but this young Lass certainly did. He still was unsure of his feelings on the young girl. In the beginning, he simply brought her for her protection, he had noticed his nephews' fondness for her but let it slide as having someone younger with them. As they went he noticed Fili, in particular, had a close bond with the girl, he had prayed that his heir had not found his one in the human girl. He had been immensely thankful when he realized she had sacrificed herself for Kili and was meaning to thank her when he went to see her with Balin and Dwalin however, they had noticed their presence at first. Thorin watched on his heart gripped with fury, Mahal his nephew! His suspicion had been confirmed that his nephew had indeed found his one in the girl. Thorin did not approve! She wasn't even a dwarf and he was the heir to the greatest Dwarven Kingdom! He had been so furious when Balin said something about wanting a word he simply nodded and walked out. Poor Bifur and Bofur found fighting him that night quite the challenge, they had felt his fury in every fall of his sword. Thorin ground his teeth, what was he supposed to do? He was torn between duty and heart, he wanted his nephew happy truly he did but his nephew wasn't just anyone, he was his heir to the throne. The girl would never be accepted in the Dwarven community, especially as a Queen.

The sound of the music changing broke Thorin's train of thought. It seemed to grow sweeter and sweeter by the moment until it seemed as if they were all intruding on an intimate moment between lovers.

Amelia still oblivious to the world continued to play, images of Fili going through her head. She had not noticed how the music had changed. It wasn't until a warm blush filled her cheeks that she started with her thoughts. No! Her job was to save them not—Amelia stopped playing abruptly. Opening her eyes horrified. Before she could muse any further, someone cleared their throat behind her.

Whipping around Amelia was met with 13 curious dwarves, a smiling hobbit, and a smirking wizard. Balin was the first to speak, stepping forward warily as if he was a wolf and she a deer.

"Well, that was mighty beautiful lassie." He said gently. Amelia looked down blushing, she did not enjoy being the center of attention.

"Well, Lassie why did you not tell us you could play, I have a few flutes on me myself," Bofur exclaimed happily digging through his pockets as if they were hidden there.

"Oh, well I really only know how to play this kind of flute, the one where your mouth rest above it," Amelia mumbled embarrassed.

"That's an elvish instrument," Thorin stated suspiciously.

Gandalf stepped forward to help Amelia, "perhaps it was elves that taught her then." Balin and Dwalin shared a warning look, Elrond looking on curiously still.

Amelia hated to lie and decided on a half-truth. "Oh! Well, you see my mother, she played, growing up I wanted to also. When the opportunity showed itself I willingly obliged. My mother's flute was a gift from her parents, perhaps trading with elves. . ." Amelia trailed off looking at Elrond pleadingly.

"That's what you're worried about Lass, you should have been at dinner, Bofur gave us a show!" Gloin exclaimed laughing heartily. The other dwarves quickly laughing merrily at the memory.

"Oh no, you don't. You lot!" Amelia cut off exasperated.

"What does it matter what we do with the elves?" Thorin asked bitterly, this girl was pushing her luck.

Amelia was quick to squash her temper, yelling would do no good for anyone. Taking a calming breathe she responded. "I understand that you don't get along terribly with elves-"

"-you know nothing!" Thorin whispered out harshly before he began to leave. Amelia's temper snapped.

"Stop right there Thorin Oakenshield!" The whole company paused, including Thorin, turning wide eyes to the young woman. "I may very well not understand your pain or contempt but I will NOT sit back while you blatantly disrespect a group of people who did nothing but open their arms to you, who gave you food and shelter. These are not the same elves that did you wrong before. And I can tell you this if you continue to show them nothing but contempt then they may no longer be willing to let your kind in."

Thorin ground his teeth, "Good! I care not!"

"You very well should care! You are going to be a king! A leader of your people! And as such your, every action should be in the best interest of them. If you continue on this course you will ruin the already unsteady relation with another race. You listen and you listen well, maybe now you think it best to not care! But what's happens when you reclaim your home and send for your kin in the Blue Mountains? For your sister! Do you want her to be able to stop at a place safe from evil eyes, from dangers, to rest before continuing on? Or will you continue on like this forsaking your people, your kin to the wild!"

"How dare you!? I am the leader of this company, I am to be the King!" Thorin thundered making Amelia flinch back . . . too much like her father. Thorin felt his temper diminish slightly at the definite fear that ran through her eyes. Before he could apologize, her eyes were once again determined and she was up in his face poking his chest.

"Then you had best act like it! Right now you are acting like a headstrong warrior! You are the leader, the king, you need to learn diplomacy!" Amelia yelled before letting out an exasperated groan and leaving a stunned group in her wake.

And that was the mood Balin and Dwalin found her in later that evening, pacing in her room.

"Lassie?" Balin called out. He could admit it, she scared him a bit then. The two entered the room cautiously, afraid she might pounce.

Amelia looked up before groaning lowly and flopping on the bed, face first.

"Lassie?" Balin called again. Amelia turned over onto her back pinching the bridge of her nose.

"Does he hate me?" She asked meekly. Dwalin burst out laughing causing Amelia to jump slightly.

"You are a spitfire Lassie." Dwalin chuckled out.

"Thorin doesn't hate you, Lass," Balin said gently before coming to the edge of the bed. "He was—well we all were a bit surprised. None of us thought you had that in you, thought you were just a gentle Lass, we did." Balin reasoned soothingly.

"Aye! Took us all by surprise. Thorin seethed for a bit longer before he left, I followed him. He sat thinking for a while before he finally sighed out. I think he knows what you said to be true—deep down at least. He temper just got the best of him–it does it to the best of us." Dwalin commented gruffly.

Amelia turned on her side looking at the two dwarves. "That's what worries me."

"No one is perfect Lass." Balin defended his most trusted and valued friend.

"I know and that's what makes it so hard for him I suppose."

"Lass?" Dwalin asked confused.

"I'm scared, Thorin is a great man—well dwarf. He is strong, albeit stubborn, he's kind, though sometimes that doesn't show through, and he puts his people first. What scares me if he does have a temper and a large dose of pride? He is an expert at controlling his temper I give him that but his pride? It prevents him from forgiving, forgetting, and moving forward. It prevents him from being the diplomat he needs to be. There is no harm in pride. I know that—to take pride in who you are, what you are, everything that makes you up—there is nothing wrong with that. However, I don't want an excess of pride get in the way of Thorin being the amazing King I know he is able to be."

Balin smiled at the girl, though she did not notice it. He was beginning to understand more and more why the Valar may have chosen her to save them. He understood Amelia's fears well, Balin saw the great King Amelia mentioned at the Battle of Azanulbizar but the weight of the quest, his pride, it was all threatening that King. Balin knew though, regardless of whether he was that great King or the Prideful King, he would follow him—to his own death.

Dwalin stood there, watching the girl curiously. His brother was more of the diplomat, he knew this, but he still understood Amelia's worry. It seemed that she was going to do everything to save Thorin, physically and it seemed mentally. Dwalin nodded his head, she had a good head on her shoulder and heart in her chest. With Balin's help, Dwalin knew Amelia would get through Thorin's thick skull. His job though was to make sure that she could save them physically.

"Get up Lassie," Dwalin grunted heading for the door. "We are starting your training tonight." Amelia watched Dwalin's retreating back before sighing.

"I'll wait outside, show you the way, I doubt my brother will wait. You'll need to change." Balin commented before leaving the room, shutting the door carefully behind him. Amelia changed into her traveling clothes, from Bree—cleaned—and opened the door to find Balin leaning on the wall. "Follow me, Lassie." Amelia followed Balin through the winding corridors her heart racing. She felt her hands begin to get clammy and she tried to calm her breathing. Dwalin was going to kill her.

When they arrived in the field Thorin was nowhere in sight, thank Mahal, Fili and Kili were sparring lightly. She noticed Bifur was standing off on the sidelines carving something in his hands while watching the two brothers spare. Dwalin was already there, waiting for her arms crossed, face clear of any expression. Upon their arrival, the two brothers stopped sparring and began to walk toward Amelia smiling.

"No," Dwalin called out. "I'm going to teach her Fili, Kili. You two need to continue practicing yourselves."

Fili frowned looking at Dwalin then Amelia, he had been looking forward to teaching her. He nodded though, the more he was able to practice the better he would protect her. He and Kili went back to where they were continuing their match. Taking a deep breathe Amelia approached Dwalin.

"Show me your weapons Lass." Amelia handed her sword, daggers, and bow to Dwalin who took them and examined them critically. The sound of approaching footsteps gathered her attention; Oin, Gloin, Bofur, Ori, and Nori approached. Balin left Amelia's side to whisper to them—well Oin. The group nodded and sat down ready to watch and give their input.

"Don't strain her too much Dwalin. I'll not be looking forward to any of her wounds opening." Oin called out. He muttered something to Gloin who nodded and picked up his ax and stood on the outside of their little ring. She sent him a questioning gaze.

"Dwalin's the best instructor you could ask for, but you're still injured Lassie, so if it looks like you are getting too strained and Dwalin can't pull back I'll but in," Gloin explained.

"Dori is making some tea for when you finish Lass!" Nori called out.

"These are good weapons—Fili, Kili, you picked well—catch." Dwalin tossed back the sword and daggers. He tossed the bow over to Gloin who caught it effortlessly and set it down by his feet, the white wood bright in the dimming sun. "Strap you daggers on, and pull your sword out. This—" Dwalin took a stance "—is what you are going to start with."

. . . That's how they started anyway. . .

Falling back onto her back, Amelia found the cold ground hard but so sweet as sweat dripped down her body, her breathing coming in short panting gasps. They had spent a good two hours learning basic attacking and blocking techniques, the basics really. Before Dwalin decided that the only way she was truly going to learn was hands on and with a battle cry went on the attack. Amelia had held back a cry of distress and did her best to block and counter him. They had gone at that for another three hours, she was going to be sore. Dwalin was a brutal teacher but she needed it, she hadn't the time to dally.

"Dwalin I believe that is enough," Oin said from his seat. He had watched Amelia carefully, he would give her one thing she didn't quit, he wondered what it was she fought so fiercely for. Gloin readily agreed with his brother, the girl looked exhausted.

Fili and Kili had finished sparring hours ago and sat with the other watching carefully, Kili keeping a wary eye on his tense brother. With Oin's comment, Fili jumped up ready to carry the girl back if need be.

"No!" Amelia called catching her breath. "I'm still fine Oin, let's continue Dwalin." Amelia stood up shakily, her hands on her knees trying to catch her breath. She wiped the sweat from her face. She would save them!

Dwalin nodded approvingly and held his sword ready. He let loose a battle cry and attacked. The clang of metal came to his ears. She had picked up on the basics quick enough, he had taken it slow. She needed a solid foundation, rushing would only hurt her in the long run. When he started to attack he expected her to back down quickly, but she hadn't. Hours later she was still going. He knew she would be sore tomorrow but he rather her sore, in a bed then sore when they were on the move. Dwalin was a fiercely loyal dwarf who had an undying belief in Thorin. He had a hard time trusting anyone that wasn't a dwarf after everything. Yet, he found this small creature slowly gaining his trust, even if she did like elves. He noted her fierce loyalty was close to his. A quick blow to the stomach had her on her back again breathing labored.

"That's enough, healer's orders. Someone help Amelia back to her room." Oin commanded. Dwalin nodded and backed off, Fili running quickly to Amelia's side.