HEEY! Here's another chapter! Sorry for the long delay folks! Had a lot of stuff to do with work and everything... but I really think you'll like this one! And I made it longer for you guys! :)

Thanks for the new FF follows/Fav: Drake Rhapsody, camomila3, lucemoon, maybege, CrazyGlitch, .

TurtleJustice: Really you're too sweet! ^_^ you're starting to be my new favorite person on this site! Thanks again for your sweet comments and I'm really happy about what you of the story and that you're excited about the next chapter!

punky warhammer: Thanks! here's your next chapter, I hope I didn't keep you waiting! And you're right, Bofur definitely need more love! ;)

So that's it guys! hope you'll like this one! The next one will be a little bit smoother than this one :P

Cheers!

Chapter 9

Long before we could see the trolls' cave, our noses confirmed its presence. It began with a simple unpleasant acrid smell, but as we approached, the smell became more despicable and disgusting. Soon, we emerged on the gaping mouth of the cave. Standing at the entrance was almost unbearable. The air was heavy and stung my throat and eyes. I covered my mouth and nose with my scarf, offering me a little protection against the putrid emissions.

"Ha! It's atrocious!, I coughed, my voice muffled by the fabrics.

- I told you so, Bofur replied, a sorry smile on his lips."

I let go a little disgusted grunt, nausea starting to attack me. I shook my head, trying to put my ideas into place.

"I'm not going in there...

- You won't have to."

I turned my head quickly. Thorin was standing by me, watching the inside of cave.

"We don't know what lies in there, he continued frowning. In addition, some have to stay and guard."

I nodded silently. I'd rather stay here with the ponies than down and risk seeing my lunch again! Merely thinking about it made me gag...

"Alright!, Gandalf was now standing near the entrance with us. Dwalin, Bofur, Gloin and Nori you come with us. Thorin, the sovereign looked up at the sorcerer who motioned him with a wave of the hand, lead the way."

He nodded and began the descent, the dwarves after him.

"Be careful what you touch, the old man warned them. You never know what you might find..."

Bofur smiled at me and turned to venture down into the cave.

"Be careful!, I shouted after him."

He turned with his dazzling smile on, though somewhat wrinkled in disgust, and waved at me. I smiled and returned his wave which earned me an amused look of Gandalf as he passed me. I lowered my hand quickly and scowled, feigning indifference. He let go of a low chuckle and began its descent carefully, the complaints, grunting and coughing of the dwarves preceding him.

"Do you think they'll find something?"

I jumped. Ella was standing by me, staring at the cave. I was so focused on keeping everything in my stomach in place that I didn't even hear her approach... a recurring event since the beginning of the trip.

"I'm curious too..., Bilbo approached us, his face covered by the handkerchief I gave him.

- I don't know... I answered truthfully. According to Dwalin, these caves are often filled with treasures beyond imagination.

- Really?, commented Ella, her eyes sparkling.

- You'll never change, I sighed, shaking my head.

- What? All I want is to be sure that I'll have a shiny and comfortable future."

I smiled and Bilbo gave a small laugh. Ella smiled and returned her gaze to the cave.

"I don't think you should worry about money given the position of your suitor, I threw, monitoring her reaction, Bilbo doing the same.

- Ha! Ha! Ha... very funny!, I smile and threw a knowing look to the hobbit."

That set us both laughing while Ella was shaking her head in mock disapproval, trying to hide her smile. Then, as silence fell among our small group, she seemed to scowl suddenly. She then added in a serious tone.

"Anyway, why inquire of treasure? When this is over... we'll never set foot here anymore..."

I looked down and sighed. I had not even thought about how this story was going to end... and to consider it gave me a sad and bleak picture of our future. I felt my heart sank suddenly. These people I now was considering almost like my family will be forever snatched from me... then they won't be more than just memories in my mind.

"You could stay... Bilbo suggested softly.

- Don't be naive, Bilbo, I replied, shaking my head. We have a family waiting for us in our world. You want us to give them up? It's impossible... then in a whisper, there is nothing for us here..."

The hobbit looked down then suddenly lifted it back up, a flame in his eyes and a smile on his lips.

"If that's what you believe, then you didn't look hard enough..., he added enigmatically. You will find what you are missing... The both of you. You only have to open your eyes."

I frowned. What did the hobbit mean by that? I glanced towards Ella rapidly; she gave me the same look of incomprehension. She shrugged and then put her eyes on the hobbit, she opened her mouth to ask a question, but was quickly cut off by some agitation coming from the cave. All three of us turned towards the foul den. At the same time, the dwarves were coming out one after the other, Gandalf bringing up the rear. We approached the group, despite the smell that intensified and joined the others at the exit of the cave.

"And what did you find?, I asked.

- Well, lots of things, enough so that couldn't take them all with us... unfortunately, Nori replied, looking slightly disappointed.

- But Mr. Gandalf and Thorin got their hands on two beautiful pieces of swords, which could be useful, continued Bofur, not to mention the little buried treasure that we left behind."

I frowned. Buried treasure? They wouldn't…

"I call it a long-term deposit, Gloin added, giving a pat on the back of his companion.

Yeah, they had!

"I hope you kept a small part for me anyway!"

All turned their gaze towards Ella who was right next to us, a half-smile on her lips. Gloin laughed and approached her, placing on arm around her shoulders.

"A pretty girl like ya will certainly get to have all she ever wants!, he smiled and winked at her. Ya don't need a few pieces of gold that smell like trolls, believe me!"

He gave her a pat on the shoulder and smiled at the pink creeping up her cheeks, and then walked away chatting with Nori about their booty. Dwalin let go of a sigh of exasperation and followed the two dwarves. I shook my head and smiled. They never ceased to amaze me! Ella and I joined Bofur and walked away from the fetid cave, leaving Bilbo and Gandalf behind; they seemed to have things to talk about. Strangely, while the distance between us and the trolls' cave increased, the smell didn't seem to fade away. I sniffed around, and then looked over at Bofur. I immediately had to turn away, finally finding the origin of the smell. I cringed involuntary which attracted the attention of my companion.

"What's the matter?, he asked, approaching me.

- No-no!, I put my hand on his chest and held him at bay. Please... we'll have to keep a perimeter of at least one meter between us until the time you take a bath... or at least, I added reminding me that none of them really liked baths, until the trolls' smell washed away!

- Oh!, Bofur looked surprised and a mischievous smile appeared on his lips. So that means I can't do that!"

Without warning, he grabbed me and held me in his arms. In fact, he was lifting me more than he was hugging me, since my feet were not touching the ground. I struggled, trying my best to free my face that was pressed against his chest.

"Bofur!, my voice was muffled by his coat. Stop! It's disgusting!

- Excuse me, did you say something? I can't hear anything, replied the dwarf, his tone clearly amused."

I grunted and swore in the stinking clothes; while this idiot was now shaking one way and another. With a look, I implored Ella to release me, but all she did was look at me with apologetic eyes while biting her cheeks to keep her from bursting out laughing. At least she did show a little more restraint than the rest of the company...

Most were laughing uproariously, while others were encouraging Bofur to continue his little game. It was annoying! Even Thorin couldn't help but smile at this situation. Understating that no aid will come to me from them, I decided to get out of this situation by myself. I suddenly stopped struggling, sinking into the embrace of my friend. The latter got curious as to why I was so calm and slightly loosened his grip. That was all I needed. With a sudden movement of the elbow, I managed to free myself from the dwarf's arms and hid behind the first person I could see. That person turned out to be Ori; I rudely grabbed him and hold him in front of me like a shield. Bofur then tried to approach.

"Na-ha ha-ha! A meter away... that's your last warning."

I gave him a determined look and waved Ori for emphasis. I couldn't see the face of the young dwarf, but judging by Bofur's expression, I could tell Ori must be terrified! Finally, the dwarf laughed and agreed, nodding his head.

"Very well! You won. But let this poor lad go, he's done nothing to you, Bofur gave me a wink before retreating a few steps."

I looked at him suspiciously, and it was only when I found the distance between us satisfying that I released the poor Ori. The latter turned to me, his eyes wide and misunderstanding painted on the face. I gave him a little apologetic smile and put my hand on his shoulder. I raised my eyebrows when I felt him stiffen at my touch. I threw him questioning look.

"Sorry... I-I think I'm going to need some time to-to... the young dwarf stuttered nervously.

- See? You've traumatized the poor laddie! All because of a little hug and nothing more, Bofur said with a huge smile on his face.

- Ah! Shut up!, I replied, rolling my eyes, though one could see that I was not so serious about that."

All the company laughed, dwarves finding the scene very comical. Gloin even approached Bofur and gave him a pat on the back.

"Well, guess ya didn't expect that, huh?, his voice was interrupted by big giggles. If I were ya, I wouldn't let this one go, laddie!"

I rolled my eyes... here it goes again!

They all began to give advice and recommendations on the fairer sex to Bofur, warning and advising him on what was important to know about women. The dwarves really surpassed themselves today. I sighed and glanced towards Bofur with exasperation. His eyes expressed his apologies, and then quickly turned away from me. I raised my eyebrows in surprise. Was that red that I was seeing tinting the cheeks of the usually so casual dwarf?

Unfortunately I didn't have time to question me further, because strange noises began to be heard near from us. Branches broke and footsteps echoed in the forest. It was as if a large pack approaching rapidly. The whole company started to be defensive, lifting their weapons and closing ranks. Thorin was screaming and giving orders, ensuring that everyone was in the right place and making signs to Gandalf and Bilbo, now holding a dagger in his hands, which were approaching rapidly. Bofur and Ella stood next to one another, both ready to protect each other, as I was standing near Ori casting a protective arm in front of the young dwarf and unsheathed my hammer. The latter took out his slingshot and threw frightened glances around him. I couldn't judge him, I couldn't help to look around frantically myself, my hands were getting all sweaty under the pressure. Whatever was coming was approaching fast and it was impossible for us to know the nature of this enemy, which got everyone on edge.

Suddenly, right in front of us, a rather unusual vision appeared. Pulled by a dozen giant rabbits, a sled briskly got out of the woods and stopped abruptly in the middle of our company. Behind the reins stood an old man in a patched dirty outfit, shouting and screaming accusations to who knows who. At first glance, this man seemed completely insane. Gandalf approached him, sheathing his sword.

"Radagast!, he exclaimed hugging the other man and then turning to us: Radagast the Brown. Ah. What on earth are you doing here?"

The dwarves exchanged glances and whispers; all seemed surprised by the news. Even I couldn't help but raise an eyebrow in amazement. This man completely nuts was, presumably, another wizard just like Gandalf? I didn't get it!

"I was looking for you, Gandalf, the wizard began with his slightly shrilled voice. Something's wrong. Something's terribly wrong."

Gandalf frowned and pulled his comrade away, leaving us alone with the sled and Radagast's rabbits. I looked around me. Fear and surprise mingled with suspicion and curiosity. That's all I could saw. Each dwarf seemed to weigh what had happened and tried to understand what could push the guardian of Rhosgobel to venture so far from home. Even I was wondering. What could be so severe that could lead a wizard to fetch the help of a second? What was happening in the woods? And above all; will it affect our quest and our group in any way? In a good... or a bad way?

I stood there, pondering on these questions while I kept my eyes fixed on the two wizards, monitoring their interaction without them noticing me. Suddenly I was pulled out of my thoughts by a shriek from the woods. It was a feral and bloodcurdling scream. All took back their battle positions; some were throwing around frightened looks. Gandalf and Radagast lifted their heads and came back rapidly towards our company, handling their scepters as the gray pilgrim's sword shone in the sunlight.

"Was that a wolf?, asked Bilbo as his voice choked with fear. Are there—are there wolves out there?

"Wolves?, Bofur lifted his mattock, his usual smile disappearing. No, that is not a wolf…"

Suddenly, just behind them, I saw a shadow appeared between the trees. The small moan coming from Ori near me, told me that I was not hallucinating. It was a huge beast, a monstrous mix between a hyena and a wolf. Its eyes shone in the darkness, its teeth dripping with thick saliva. It let go a low growl, its lips turning up, showing its huge shining canines. While everyone turned towards the creature, it jumped from the top of the hill, over Bilbo, Bofur and Ella in a majestic leap and landed in front of me and Ori. The poor guy seemed completely frozen in place. It didn't take me long before finding out what the beast was up to and the very thought of it would have cold sweat running down my back.

In a split second, the beast was on me, pinning me to the ground under its huge pawns. I had just enough time to push Ori out the creature's reach before I felt the weight of the monster throwing me backwards, my hammer flying out of reach. I felt its hot breath on my skin, its drool drenching my coat and my face. Quickly, it tried to bite my neck. It must have felt the pulse of my panicked heartbeat against the walls of my veins. With one hand, I managed to push it away, but it soon returned to the charge, more enraged than ever. As I raised my arm to protect myself, I started to feel intense pain in my whole body. Its fangs sank in my forearm, impregnating my coat with hot blood. The pain persisted but then panic took over as it was shaking its head to one side and the other, perhaps hoping to detach a piece from my body. I let go of a scream and tried everything in my power to keep my arm. Finally, as tears were rolling down my cheeks, mixing with the blood and sweat, I felt the weight of the beast withdraw from me and a hot liquid flowing abundantly on my face. Dwalin had intervened, planting his axe deep into the neck of the monster. It gave away a small yelp of pain, and at the same moment, let go of my bruised arm. Then I saw Bofur approached finishing the beast by a strong hit with his mattock on the beast's skull, the crimson liquid now coming out of the wound in a crimson flow. I was in shock. I've never seen so much blood in my whole life and this simple vision made me gag. Then I looked down at my arm. It was in bad shape... The wound was deep and nasty, blood was streaming where the fangs had pierced the skin. The pain was great, but not unbearable; I assumed that I was still overwhelmed by adrenaline, thus blurring my senses. Unable to bear the vision of my arm anymore, I glanced at my surroundings. I noticed that Ella was near me, her hand on my shoulder and uttering words that my mind couldn't register. I was too confused to assimilate anything. She had to rush to me the minute the monster was eliminated and removed from my body. She seemed panicked. She looked all-around of us, shouting at me and screaming for help. My silence didn't seem to help in any way.

Gradually, my mind returned to me. The murmuring voices around me that seemed distant and meaningless gradually took the form of coherent words filled with anxiety. I slowly began to be aware of all the people surrounding me, almost all the company seemingly, pressing me with questions and agitated like bees in their hive. Wherever my eyes rested, I saw only anxious and urgent attention.

"I'm fine... I mumbled, pushing away the hands that were trying to help me.

- Get out of the way! Let her breathe, goodness! Get out!"

Jostling with his elbows, Oin made his way up to me while shooing away everyone with a hand sign. I could not restrain a sigh of relief. All this attention had me dizzy! The dwarf healer approached me and, in a surprisingly delicate way, took my arm in his hands and quickly examined it. After turning it a few times, my brows frowning in pain, he took out some kind of yellowish ointment from his bag and began to brush it over my injury.

"With that, he began to wrap my arm in a pristine piece of fabric; it should be less painful... By cons, your wound shall be processed quickly. There's nothing worse than Warg's saliva to start an infection!

- Thanks, Oin, I already felt the soothing effect of the ointment on my injury."

I got up, not without wavering, and went to the rest of the group. Along the way, I noticed another creature had been killed by the dwarves. Its body was lying near the other monster that attacked me.

"Is there more?, my voice was neutral, but fear was covering it with its veil despite all my will.

- Surely! This is why we must leave immediately!"

The answer came from Gandalf, brief and urgent. Without further preamble, the sorcerer gave a nod to Radagast who immediately snapped the reins of his sleigh. His rabbits took off and within a few seconds we lost them through the trees.

"Let's go!, Gandalf commanded us."

Without a word, we all went to the edge of the forest, moving as quickly as possible, but taking care not to trip.

"Why are we not taking the ponies?, I asked after a while.

- They fled during the attack, simply said Bofur."

I didn't have noticed the dwarf, but now I remembered that he hadn't left my side since the incident. I smiled, even though I wasn't really feeling it. He gave a little smile, but his eyes betrayed the anxiety and fear he felt in his heart, giving them a shade duller than usual. Screams arose around us when we reached the edge of the woods. I froze, my legs refusing to move forward. I felt a rough hand but tender at once take mine and pulled me after the other, forcing me to move forward. When we left the cover of the forest, I noticed a dozen Wargs, some with rider, some not, who sprang into the clearing in pursuit of what I recognized as Radagast. I made a mental note to thank the wizard one day for this courageous act.

The crossing of the clearing was perilous and arduous. It was strewn with rocks that provided excellent coverage, however there was a great distance between each of them. This crazy race was grueling and my wound was beginning to become very painful, I was struggling to follow the others. Fortunately, I had Bofur who helped me move forward, never giving up my hand and giving me little whispers of encouragement.
Suddenly, when we stopped behind a rock, a breath was heard near us. Thorin turned to us and motioned us to hide and remain silent. Holding my breath, I was crushed against the wall, clutching the protective arm Bofur had put over my middle. We heard claws scraping the stone above us. A snort and sniffle echoed over our heads. It was way too close and the smell of dwarves, which still smelled like troll, seriously risked to sell our position. We had to do something and fast, but all that came to my mind was foolish or stupid... Suddenly, from the corner of my eyes I saw Kili going out in the open, bow brandished. He aimed and fired an arrow right to the Warg. Unfortunately, it didn't kill it and the latter let go a shriek before collapsing to the ground, crushing his rider. Dwalin and Thorin brandished their weapons and in a moment the two creatures were breathing their last breath. I gritted my teeth. It was too loud, way too loud... As if answering my concerns, cries of anger burst forth behind us and approached us at high speed.

"They found us!, launched Ella, panic obvious in her voice.

- Run!, cried Gandalf, lifting up his scepter and leading the way."

You didn't have to tell me twice. Clutching Bofur's hand, I ran after him keeping my bruised arms pressed against my chest. At each step it was like thousands of small insects were biting me painfully all over my arm. I frowned, trying to take my thoughts away from the throbbing pain. Unfortunately, the only other thing I could think of was how the Wargs were gaining ground on us and it didn't help to calm me down!

After several minutes of frantic race, we came on a green valley; rocks strewed here and there. My breathing was short and I felt my left side starting to ache. I tried to put my good hand on that side to calm my discomfort, but it had the effect of sending shocks of pain through my arm. I grimaced and had to slow down due to the striking pain I was suffering. I looked ahead of me and noticed how far behind I was. In my back, the sounds of feet hitting the ground and guttural barks were becoming closer. I swore through clenched teeth and tried somehow to catch up with the others. I quickened my pace and, against all odds, caught up with the group that had stopped just a little bit ahead of me. Finally, I could catch my breath! I leaned forward, pressing my hand that was still intact on my thigh.

I tried to swallow the lump in my throat when a realization hit me... Why did we stop?! Quickly, I looked up and noticed that the whole company stood in fighting stance. Around us, Wargs and their riders were closing up on us, threatening. I spun around and grabbed my hammer in my left hand, ready to fight despite the fear and pain that was tormenting me. I cast a glance around. Bilbo and Ella were near me, in the center of the circle, protected by the dwarves. Bofur stood in front of me, his mattock in hands and looking confident, even though I could see fear bending his figure. Up front, Kili effectively used his arrows against our attackers, while Ori tried so passionately to achieve the same result with his slingshot, but in vain. All were present. All but one person.

"Where is Gandalf?, I asked with a surprisingly shaking voice.

- He has abandoned us!, Dwalin growled."

I remained speechless. Gandalf? Giving us up? Impossible! Yet it couldn't be unseen. The sorcerer was nowhere to be seen and this idea heightened the sense of anxiety that was already growing in me. Could it be true? That at such a crucial moment; the mage left us to our own death? The more I thought about it, the more I felt panic overcoming me, tears started to stung my eyes and the vision of the orcs approaching gave me the urge to vomit.

"This way, you fools!"

We jumped at the sound of the voice, but we were quickly relieved when we saw none other than Gandalf shouting at us. He was standing behind a rock and was waving at us with his scepter. Then, without warning, he disappeared behind the stone, inviting us to follow him. I looked at Bofur and Ella with raised eyebrows. Both sent me back the same shocked look and then turned their attention to the invisible passage Gandalf had just vanished in. It was only after on the orcs came just a little too close that Thorin brought us out of the trance state we were in by shouting and ordering us to move on. All of a sudden, everyone threw themselves to the rock. Some, like Thorin or Kili, remained behind to look after our backs. When we arrived at the place where the mage was standing just a minute ago, we noticed that there was a passageway hidden between the rocks. It looked just like a slide. A rocky and bumpy one, but a slide nonetheless. At the bottom of it, we could see Gandalf motioning us down. Suddenly, I felt hands grabbing me by the waist and before I realized it, Bofur was pushing me down the slide. I let out a little cry of surprise before descending the rocky slope on the side, my arm pressed firmly against my chest. Once I reached the bottom, Gandalf helped me up and quickly pushed me out of the way, as others were already beginning to slide down the wall. Following me was Ella and Bilbo. Then Bofur, Dori, Ori, Bombur, Nori, Bifur, Fili and Dwalin. We heard Throrin shouting the name of Kili and quickly he ended up by our sides. Shortly after, the leader of our company was gliding down the slope. He looked at us, and for a moment I thought I saw a shadow of relief to see us all alive passed in his eyes.

But this moment was short lived... the cries of the orc troops were getting louder and I seriously started to count how many of them could go down in our hiding spot before disseminating us all. While fear was beginning to have the best of me, I felt a hand closed around my fingers. I turned and met Bofur's green eyes. He smiled, his face incredibly serene. Unwittingly, I tightened the grip around his hand and sighed, calmer now. I turned my gaze to the opening and was ready to face whatever was coming. I jumped when the powerful sound of a war horn resounded through the crevice where we were.

"What was that?, asked Ella when the noise ceased."

The answer didn't take long. Shouts began to be heard outside. It was like a battle was taking place and it was just getting louder and louder, closer and closer. Soon, the sounds were just above our heads. I bent to have a better view from the outside world when a body tumbled down through the opening to end up at our feet, like a bag of vegetables. I let go of a little cry and was now crushing the hand of my friend, staring down at the body with apprehension.

"Is it - is it dead?, I asked with a small voice."

Thorin approached it and with the tip of his sword tapped the body of the orc. No reaction. He crouched near the stiff and pulled out an arrow from his chest. Frowning, he scrutinized it. Suddenly he rose with a disdainful frown on his face.

"Elves... he turned to Gandalf, anger and suspicion very evident in his features"

The old wizard didn't even have time to answer; he was cut off by Dwalin was exploring the passageway.

"I cannot see where the pathway leads. Do we follow it or no?, cried the dwarf.

- Follow it, of course!, Bofur quickly replied."

He pulled my hand and was dragging me after him, only letting go of my hand when he had to help his brother across tight places. We walked in this rocky maze for several minutes before reaching the exit; a rocky platform overlooking a magnificent panorama... There, in the center of a huge waterfall stood the most beautiful city I had ever seen! Any stone streets and walls were covered with plants and flowers, windows were bathed by sunlight that was also shining in the water silver reflections all around. It looked like a city made out of silver, dominated by its equally resplendent castle. I was speechless. Never in my life had I ever seen such beauty...

"The Valley od Imraldis. In the Common Tongue, it's known by another name… Gandalf explained.

- Rivendell... Bilbo finished completely fascinated."

Gandalf smiled at the astonished eyes of the hobbit. He seemed very fond of the small burglar and really, I could easily understand why. Bilbo was undoubtedly the most kind and gentle person I knew; nobody could dislike the halfling...

"This was your plan all along, to seek refuge with enemy!"

Well, there might be someone who could.