Author's Note: I am so very sorry for keeping you guys waiting. This last month has been really busy. I've been working, babysitting, dealing with the recruitment process, planning a surprise birthday party for my sister, and celebrating my own birthday. On top of all that, my parents don't like computers being used for anything but work and school, so it's been hard to get access to one so I could write. I only have a few minutes now, which is why this chapter is just an author's note and not really a chapter (for which I sincerely apologize).

DaLadyofSouls: I have no intention of abandoning this story. I will update as much as I can. I also have every intention of providing glimpses into the lives of the Company. The trouble is, I'm struggling to come up with scenes of life in Ered Luin in general. Any ideas?

Lelleg: She doesn't turn back into a human or damling because she's being cautious. If she showed up in Middle Earth (a.k.a. Arda) as a damling with a magic bag, a family bead from Mahal, and knowledge of a world that isn't Arda, it would raise suspicion, then how would she navigate being amongst those she's supposed to save? They would asks questions she isn't yet prepared to answer and it would be more difficult to gain their trust. She may be a Middle Earth fanatic, but she's still learning how to navigate actually being in Middle Earth, and she's also learning things she never expected to find out. It's much simpler and easier on her if she isn't in danger of letting something slip because she's surprised. Despite being very smart, she is still a young girl. Besides, if she were to grow up as a damling alongside Fíli and Kíli, there would be the predictable girl-next-door scenario, and I don't want the romance part of the series to play out like that, or while they're still young. I think they need some experience under their belts before their hormones start acting up.