A near discovery had my heart racing. I felt sure anyone nearby would hear it's pounding beat. As it turned out, our benefactor was on the outs with the master of Laketown, and the fish he was trying to bring in without permission was enough reason for the master's lackey to come sniffing around. We waited with bated breath as Bard skillfully guilt the man into allowing the fish into town, threatening him with riots if the starving townsfolk heard of it being tossed back in the water.

Finally we moved on, continuing to hide until Bard whispered softly that we had come right underneath his house. I was dismayed to hear that we would need to enter through the lavatory to keep our presence a secret. Grumbling, I heaved myself up to come face to face with a startled little girl. I couldn't help but laugh at her expression as we all climbed out of their toilet and she fled shyly into the other room. We followed her through the doorway to see her in the corner of the room, hiding behind her sister's skirts. An older boy stood nearby, the resemblance clearly making him their brother and the third child.

At that moment Bard came through the front door, and the children rushed to greet him pelting him with questions about the unexpected visitors. He spoke to them for a few minutes and then addressed us. "I will be back in awhile with the weapons you requested and such supplies as I can gather. You will need to stay here until nightfall to avoid detection." We nodded in understanding, moving to sit down and rest for the time we had.

I noticed Thorin sitting alone, and decided to take this opportunity to speak with him. Joining him by the fireplace, I waited for him to acknowledge my presence. He spoke first. "You did well, defying Thranduil. It was more than I would have expected from you." The note of humility in his voice was as close to an apology as I would get.

"Thank you. I only did what any of the others would have." He gave me a curious stare, but didn't comment further so I asked him the question I had been saving for so long. "Erebor, what was it like? When you lived there?"

"It was like no other. Walls inlaid with gold, smooth stone carved full of memories, and the laughter of its people echoing through its halls. So much life, and warmth, and safety. We thought ourselves indestructible. It was my home." My heart ached for the wistful note in his voice, and I wished I could remember what my own home was like. Too soon the moment was over, his trademark scowl reappearing. "Now my halls are darkened by filth, but no longer. We will reclaim our own." I understood then, the loyalty that stirred within those that followed him. His words gave me a sense of determination, the willingness to go to whatever end in our attempt to gain back the mountain.


It was late evening when Bard returned, a large cloth bundle in both arms. Bofur had taken the time to whittle a few small figures out of little blocks of wood piled in the corner of the house. He presented the tiny dwarves and horses to the smallest girl, whose name was Tilda. She was delighted with her new toys and wasted no time in showing them proudly to her father. Bard smiled in appreciation, thankful that we had been able to keep the children in good spirits in his absence. He laid the bundle on the table, unrolling it to reveal an assortment of fishing spears and other crude implements.

"Whats this?" the dwarves cried in surprise.

"The weapons."

"These are no weapons! We need proper swords and hammers of iron," they exclaimed, infuriated with the pitiable offering.

"Those kinds of weapons are kept under lock and key in the armory. I cannot get you what you ask for without risk of being arrested." The dwarves grumbled at this, but said nothing more. I had a feeling from the looks they were giving each other that we would be attempting thievery later this night, and it made me distinctly uneasy.

Bard headed to the door to complete a few more errands, but not before pulling his son aside and giving him a few quiet orders. "...and keep the dwarves here Bain." I was surprised to hear the end of that particular order but tried to pretend I hadn't. It had not been for my ears, and I was left to ponder to reason for such an order. This town was starting to seem less and less friendly if the townspeople were so afraid to step out of line.


It wasn't long before I felt a hand on my arm. "Come on, we're going." I turned to face Thorin and the rest as they headed for the door. Bain looked as if he wanted to stop us, but one glowering look from Dwalin and he stepped back beside his sisters. I gave him a reassuring smile, hoping he wouldn't feel this was his fault, and we crept out the door.

It didn't take us long to find the armory, even dodging between buildings to hide from the patrolling guards. We reached the door to find it locked and headed around the side to find an alternate entrance. Near the back was a window above a pile of crates, mercifully open. We took turns boosting each other inside, and left a couple outside as guards. I was pleased to see the good variety of proper weapons displayed on the walls. We quickly gathered everything we would need and headed softly to the stairs to go out the main door. I was worried to see Kili limping heavily in front of me, but he noticed and straightened with a smile."I'm all right," he whispered, trying to mollify me. I wasn't convinced, but the time for healing would come once we had gotten out of here.

He sent me one last glance before turning to the stairs, and my heart stopped when his leg gave out sending him tumbling painfully to the landing. I rushed to his side only to feel the prick of a sword at my neck. Turning slowly, I looked up into the grim face of a guard and swallowed hard. With weapons trained on us we were ordered to drop our stolen bundles and be brought before the master. Kili was hauled upright, and I tried to get to him but was yanked backwards and set marching. The journey to the master's house was short.

"What is the meaning of this?!" he shouted, livid at having been disturbed.

"These people were caught stealing from the armory," the guard replied.

"Naught but common criminals," the master sneered, looking down on us from his position on the stairs. I was close to losing my temper at the man's insulting tone, but Dwalin beat me to it.

"You mind who you speak to! We are the dwarves of Erebor! This is Thorin, son of Thrain, son of Thror, King under the mountain!" Before the stunned man could reply there were shocked gasps from the townspeople that had gathered around us, and whispers flooded through the crowd. Thorin stepped forward, determined to take advantage of the situation.

"I remember this town. I was here the day Dale fell. I remember the days of old when riches flowed down the river, and this town was the center of all trade in the north! I would see those days renewed! I would send gold flowing down the river once more, and restore the great kingdom of Dale!" His speech was met with fervent cheers, effectively stopping the master from condemning us without losing face in front of his people. I could see the calculated anger in his eyes, I watched it shift to greed as he saw a way to work the situation to his advantage.

"The people of Laketown rejoice at your coming, and we will do what we can to aid your quest!" The people were working themselves into a frenzy at this point, and not even Bard's warnings about the dragon could still their excitement. I watched as Bard stalked off towards his house, while Thorin moved forward to negotiate with the master for what aid he could spare.


I sat on the dock beside Bilbo, just outside the house that had been provided for us while we finished preparations in the final stage of our journey. He was staring at the water, looking morose. "What's wrong?" I nudged him, trying to draw out a response from the normally cheerful hobbit.

"I miss my home," he confessed. "I feel so out of place here." I flung an arm around his shoulders, giving a sympathetic squeeze even as. I tried to bury my own emotions.

"Tell me about it, about the shire." He sighed longingly, and for a while I thought he wouldn't answer. His reply when it came, was almost whispered.

"Food, and dance, and family. Green grass all around, flowers everywhere." He smiled. "Annoying relatives trying to steal my things," he added with a roll of his eyes.

"You're lucky." He looked at me in surprise at this, but didn't speak, sensing my need to keep talking. "I can't remember my home, or my family. Or even if I had one. I envy you, having a wonderful home to return to. Even if it is plagued with thieving relatives."

Giving me a slightly watery grin, he stunned me with his response. "You are welcome to come back with me, when this is done. My home is too empty with just me I think."

"Thank you Bilbo, truly. I would love to see your home." Giving him a quick hug, I stood up to go back inside, leaving him to thoughts of home.


Within a few days the entire company had been outfitted in the finest the armory had to offer, and we were making our way to the boat that would take us across the lake. The master had not gone so far as to offer men to accompany us, but in all honesty I could hardly fault him for that. People's enthusiasm for gold only went so far when a dragon was involved. We assembled on the dock to cheers from the town, it's people looking more hopeful than I imagined they had in years.

We had almost all boarded when Thorin held Kili back. I strained to listen to their exchange, concerned with the pain I could see Kili trying to mask. "You must stay here," Thorin said quietly but firmly. "Wait until you have recovered, then you will join us." Fili bounded out of the boat to protest this, I wasn't the only one listening. I quickly followed him, sensing where this was going.

"If Kili has to stay, I stay also." Putting a hand on his brother's arm, Fili stood resolute. I moved up beside him.

"I will stay as well," I said softly. "I may be able to speed up the healing process." For a moment Thorin scowled and I thought he was going to order us on the boat, but a look at Kili's face left him deflated and he just nodded. Out of all of us we had the most reason to stay by his side.

"Oin will stay also," he said finally. "To help with tending to Kili. Bofur as well, since he hasn't shown up yet and we cannot afford to wait." When Oin had joined them Fili and Kili moved back to sit on some crates a small ways away. Thorin was just turning away when I placed a hand tentatively on his arm. He looked at me questioningly.

"Please...be safe. You're all I have. I remember what you said about you grandfather, and it worries me. Don't forget why you're doing this." He nodded looking rather confused.

"We will be fine. Take care of my nephews." I impulsively grabbed him in a hug, a lump in my throat. "Just come back to us alright?" I let go and turned away, leaving him standing shocked while the others smiled and cheered. Thorin boarded the boat and we stood and watched as it pulled away, sending up silent prayers for the safe return of all its occupants. It was just pulling away when I turned to a soft cry of pain behind me, only to see Kili fall to the ground.


Oin and Fili carried Kili between them with Bofur following behind. I raced ahead of them back toward Bard's home. Within minutes I was banging on his door. When he opened it to see us he immediately tried to close it again, protesting another intrusion. I was forced to shove my foot in the crack and almost lost it, crying for him to wait. "Please...Kili is sick. He's very sick." Bard looked past me to the dwarf being carried by his fellows. He was now pale as death, the sheen of sweat on his face indicating a rising fever. Bard stepped aside, allowing us entrance.

Quickly we got him inside and laid him out on the cot in the corner of the room. I pulled aside the makeshift bandage that had been covering the wound and nearly choked at the sight. It was fiery red, the blood oozing rapidly turning to black. "Oh, no. The arrow...it was poisoned." I sank to the floor in shock while the others tried to think of something that could be done. Finally Oin recalled an old cure for poison that he knew, athelas or kingsfoil. When Bard protested that it was a weed they fed to the pigs we ignored him, sending Bofur our to search for some. Bard left also with a bundle under his arm, promising to return.


I sat beside Kili on the bed, trying to think of anything I could do to help ease his pain. I thought of the healing power I had developed, but I was worried it wouldn't be strong enough. I had only ever healed minor injuries like small cuts. This was much more serious but I was determined to try my hardest. I brought up the memory of healing from before and my hands began to glow. I quickly placed them on the injury and concentrated intently. The wound looked to be getting slightly smaller so I focused hard. Suddenly the glow went out and I slumped over, exhausted. I hadn't made as much of a difference as I'd hoped, and I knew the poison was still spreading. I was so afraid for him, there seemed to be nothing more I could do.

I walked to the doorway and looked out, trying to hide the tears. I managed to compose myself and was turning to come in when I was yanked backwards and tossed into the water with a yelp. I surfaced to see orcs swarming the house, and heard the girls screaming in fright. I threw myself back to the doorway and fought my way in, quickly putting myself between the girls and danger. I could see that the others had Kili well protected. It was difficult to fight in such a small space and the orcs kept coming. We were starting to get overwhelmed when Tauriel and Legolas appeared in the doorway. A knot loosened in my chest at the sight of them. They fought fiercely until almost all our enemies had retreated.

My heart jumped to my throat when I heard Kili cry out in agony. I turned to see that he had killed the last one, but had fallen to the floor. He was writhing in pain, and I could tell the poison was taking over. We had little time left to save him. Legolas left to track the remaining orcs, motioning for Tauriel to follow him but I could see she was conflicted. She stepped to the door, glancing back when Kili cried out again.

"We're losing him!" Oin said in a panic. I knew Tauriel was our last hope so I went to her.

"Wait, please! If you care at all, please help him. You are the only one that can save him now." I could feel tears flowing down my face, and my chest constricted at the thought of losing him. "Please," I choked out.

"I'll do it," she said. Grabbing the athelas that Bofur had found earlier she had us place Kili on the table. He was struggling violently against the pain, unable to recognize us through the poisoned haze. The dwarves and the children held him down and I went to his hand, taking it in mine. Tauriel crushed the athelas with some water and smoothed it on the wound, chanting all the while in elvish. She began to glow all over, much like my hands had, only stronger. I watched Kili's face intently, and was relieved to see the pain drain form him as the poison was drawn out. He relaxed and fell into a natural sleep.

Once the glow had faded from Tauriel she bandaged his leg and stood looking undecided. "Legolas will be wondering where I am."

"Go," I said gratefully. "We can take it from here. And thank you." She nodded and raced out the door. I continued to hold Kili's hand, singing a soft lullaby. My hands glowed ever so slightly again, sending him a soothing warmth.


Note: Do I detect a crack in Thorin's stubborn shell? Lithuen tries to break through his emotional barriers because she sees him as a sort of father figure to her, despite their previous disagreements. It won't be the last time either. As this is where the second movie ended, we come now to what I think should happen given the current circumstances.