For Lord Elrond To Believe

I stayed completely quiet as I followed The Doctor towards the balcony where the others were residing. The dwarves seemed to be in a joyful mood and I glance at them all as they drank wine and ate the salads and cheese that was spread out across the table.

When my eyes went on Fili, he sat up straighter, watching me walk towards everyone.

"Lexi."

I heard Fili's voice but continue walking past him, trying not to look at him, I was still upset with his strange mood from earlier. I did however hear Kili say,

"What's happened?"

I went near Dwalin and sat besides him, taking no notice of him or what was happening around me. I was still in shock at the news that The Doctor had revealed to me, that Lord Elrond's only daughter, Arwen was gone.

I just couldn't work that out in my head. Surely if that was true, wouldn't I not even know her name? Wouldn't everything I was currently seeing through my mind, not be inside my head?

It would all be erased and yet, I could still see her from the films, debating whether to leave Middle-earth forever or spend the rest of her life with Aragorn as a mortal. I look up and saw the man himself, sitting opposite me, glancing down and again, I felt absolutely terrible with these new turn of events.

He woud never be with the one he loved and I felt the tears burn at the back of my eyes. I swallowed hard, willing myself to calm down. Glancing down myself, I closed my eyes, trying to get my bearings.

I knew The Doctor spoke the truth. He had no reason to lie. I knew that message in that cave was a bigger issue here. Just who the hell, wrote it? That's what I would like to find out.

"Alexandria!"

I snapped my eyes open, feeling a tear slowly roll down my cheek. I quickly brushed it aside, hoping no one had noticed. Slowly I looked to the voice who called out my name and saw Bilbo. He was leaning a little forward and had a worried expression on his face.

"Alexandria, are you alright?"

"Yes. Yes, I'm fine." I lied, realising that Aragorn was watching me with his own concerned gaze.

"I don't think you are fine. Hmmm, I think your upset about something." remarked Bilbo.

"I'm fine Bilbo. Really I am."

I force out a smile but Bilbo shook his head, his curly hair bobbing as he did. He watched me with such tendrness, that I swallowed hard, realising he could see through my lie.

"I know we haven't known each other long Alexandria," Bilbo looked around the table before returning his attention back on me "but I now class you as a dear friend."

My eyes went wide and my mouth parted a little. I was not expecting him to say that.

"Bilbo." I whispered, clearly touched with his genuine response.

"Now, come. Allow me to help your burden. Something has clearly upset you." remarked Bilbo, watching me intently.

Again I could feel eyes on me and had a funny feeling it was Fili. Though I resist the urge to catch him out. I felt a warmth course through my veins, though I couldn't work out why that was.

"There is nothing that can be done now," I admitted to Bilbo "What's done is done and it can not be reversed."

"I don't understand. What can't be reversed?" asked Bilbo frowning a little.

I sigh and look away before looking back at him with a somber look on my face saying,

"Time!"

I avoided Bilbo's worried stance and took a sip of water. Dwalin leaned in and whispered in my ear.

"Do you want me to deal with it?"

I nearly spat out my water and choke on my drink.

"Lexi!" I heard Fili cry out and saw him get up and more or less ran my way.

Within seconds Fili was by my side, gently pating my back. This was rather embarrassing for me. I had many eyes on me as I try and control my coughing. Fili rubbing my back and I was also thinking what Dwalin had meant.

When I knew I was alright once more, I turned my head watching Dwalin with a quizical look on my face. He was busy murdering a lettice leaf with his knife to notice me staring at him.

"Dwalin." I began.

He looked up and smiled at me.

"You called?" he replied, winking at me.

For a second, I just watch him as he tore the lettice to shreds. The funny thing was, he was not even eating it, so why was he making a mess on his plate?

"Um," I continue staring at the poor lettice massacre "what do you mean?" I whispered, knowing Fili could still hear everything "Deal with what exactly?"

Dwalin smiles and leans near me once more.

"Deal with the troublemaker who hurt you lass."

I could hear Fili suck in his breath and I knew that what happened between him and I should be between us. Other than The Doctor knowing, I was upset with Fili's words from earlier, it was no one elses business but ours.

I smile at him and sigh.

"There is no troublemaker here Dwalin."

"You're normally cheerful lass, I'm not dumb to see that you are upset with something or someone!"

I slowly nod my head at Dwalin, feeling the eyes of Fili behind me, watching me.

"Honestly, no one has upset me. I just had some news from my own personal past and it seems I am still showing my shock to everyone around me. You can see why I would make a rubbish actress!"

I chuckle slightly but I am not sure if Dwalin would buy my answer.

I knew Dwalin was a guarded man. Who watched everything around him. I wasn't really lying to him. Hearing that my father was somewhere here on Middle-earth threw me. I thought he just walked out on my mother and I.

In fact while drunk, my dear mother, rubbed it in my face, saying it was because of me that led my father to do a moonlight flit. At a young age, you would believe that, wouldn't you? While growing up however, I realised that she was nothing but a lying drunk, evil woman who only thought of herself, over others.

I took another sip of water, while Fili was still gently rubbing my back.

"If you need someone to talk to," I heard Dwalin say, breaking me out of my thoughts "I will be here for you. I don't bite honest!"

Dwalin then dropped the knife he was holding and looked directly into my eyes.

"I like you lass, you are a strong, intelligent lady. It is a pleasure to have you travel with us on our quest."

"I second that lass."

I look around and saw Balin smiling at me.

I smile back at him, nodding my head, feeling my cheeks go red. I heard a scuffle and I instinctively turn my head and saw Fili gently push Ori to another chair, so he could sit next to me. I frown and watched Ori reluctantly sit a little futher down the table now. I still refuse to look at Fili however. What he said was still fresh in my memories.

"Have you eaten anything today Alexandria?" asked Bilbo.

I look back at him and see he is still leaning forward and wondered if it was so he could hear me or if there was another reason on why he was more or less sitting on the table.

"I'm sorry!" I ask him.

"Have you eaten today?" Bilbo repeated.

Food was the least of my problems and in fairness, I was not at all hungry. Watching Bilbo's somber look though, I had a funny feeling he was going to prove what a remarkable hobbit he was about to become.

"Bilbo, I'm not rea-,"

"You haven't eaten have you?" enquired Bilbo, now standing up and saw many cushions on his chair.

'So that's why he is leaning like that!' I thought with a slight smirk 'Though what on earth happened?'

"Bilbo-,"

I stop speaking as I watched with wide eyes as Bilbo quickly ran around the table, grabbing a plate and placing a high pile of salad and cheese on the plate. It didn't stop there, he then grabbed a few bread rolls and apples and strawberries, before rushing back towards me, placing the food in front of me on the table.

All I could do was blink and stare at the food. That was a lot of food. I knew Bilbo really enjoyed his food but I wasn't a hobbit. I knew I could not eat all this.

"Um, Bilbo."

By now there were a few chuckles around the table, but I return my attention on Bilbo who was sitting down again, a little out of breath.

"Is this not enough for you?" puffed Bilbo, clearly trying to get his breath back "Do you want some more?"

I raise my eyebrows, now noticing Aragorn's small smile.

"Bilbo, this is too much," I point out to him "I only have one stomach. There is no way I could eat all this!"

Fili leaned in and whispered,

"Just eat what you can and discreetly throw the rest on the ground. That's what Kili has done."

I arch my eyebrow, not knowing if he was being serious or not. I had to check though and slowly lowered my head under the table, pretending I had dropped a napkin. I nearly burst out laughing at what I found.

Where Kili was sitting, were many lettice leaves on the ground, right by his feet. I would not like to be around when the elves had to clean this mess up. I'd image they will not be to impressed with all this wasted food.

Straightening myself up, I bit my bottom lip to stop myself laughing, when I caught Fili's knowing glance, before I returned my attention at the mountain of food and knew I had to eat something, though I really wasn't all that hungry.

"If you don't want that food," whispered Fili once more and I turn and face him "you could eat that square bread."

Fili leaned forward and grabbed a plate, which was full of bread before offering me one of these breads. I smile as I recognised what these were.

"Lembas bread." I remarked, taking one of the plate.

"I don't know what their called." admitted Fili, placing the plate back down.

"Their called Lembas bread and apparently you only have to have six bites before you are completely full." I admitted to him, noticing his blue eyes go a little wider.

I was remembering what Legolas had said or I should say 'will say' to the hobbits Merry and Pippin during 'The Lord Of The Rings' films. I took a bite and was pleasantly surprised, it had a slight kick to it. It tasted like mixed spice and other hidden ingredients I couldn't decipher. It was delicious.

"You are well informed Lady Alexandria." said Aragorn, smiling at me.

"Please drop the title. Alex, Alexandria or Lexi will do." I inform him.

I was no lady for anyone and I was still a little shocked that everyone in Middle-earth that I had met, proclaimed that I was one. I was just Alexandria Fairfax, pure and simple.

"Very well, Alexandria it is then," smiled Aragorn, nodding his head in acknowledgement "Have you eaten Lembas bread before?"

I slowly shook my head, well aware that all the chattering had now stopped and I had a feeling were waiting for my response. I spotted The Doctor with a knowing smile who was sitting next to Thorin who was also watching me with interest.

I knew I had to think what I say to Aragorn. I was well aware that he was a very intelligent man. Although, as he was about to travel with us, he would slowly gather that I was from another world soon enough. Even if The Doctor said otherwise, I wasn't so sure on that matter.

"I've only seen them from...afar." I say to him.

Well it was the truth. I had seen them on both the cinema and television screen, but I couldn't explain that to him as he would not know what I was talking about and neither would the others.

"How far?" asked Bofur.

I spotted Bofur holding onto something which I realised was a silver flute. He caught me staring at him and winked.

"I saw the Lembas bread about ten yards away from me." I finally say to him, hoping that would close the subject.

"Have you seen elf food before then?" asked Bofur.

I was about to say something when The Doctor spoke up.

"When I rescued Alexandria, she went in my library and found some books to read and there were several picures of different types of bread in there. Lembas bread being one of them."

I watch The Doctor as he said this and was thankful that he had helped me out here. We both knew that never happened. Our first meeting was far from calm on my side in fact, I was rather rude to him. I wasn't aware there was a libray. It must be up the stairs I was on earlier.

He caught me watching him and winked at me. Why was everyone winking at me today? Though I did smile back my thanks at him. A little white lie never hurt anyone. Again I felt Fili's gaze on me as I took another bite of my Lembas bread, but I don't acknowledge him.

"Lexi," whispered Fili.

"Hmm."

"Could we talk in private?"

"There's nothing to talk about!"

"Please?" urged Fili, but I shook my head "I wish to speak to you about earlier."

"Fili. Not now!"

I really did not want another fight, as I hated them with a passion. I still did not understand what the matter with Fili was before. At the moment, he was acting like his usual self but, in my mind's eye. all I saw was his angry face and it was very hard to shake that out of me.

~~Thorin's POV~~

Having seen Alexandria and that strange skinny man walk towards us a little while ago, I could see at once that she was upset. I knew that when I had spoken to her eariler, she was her usual self. Then I happened to spot Fili watching her as well and I knew something had happened between them both.

I had watched Alexandria carefully when she had a coughing fit and the quick way Fili had rushed to her aid. My eyes went wide when he then pushed Ori off his chair, so he could sit next to her. Something had definitely happened between these two and I wanted answers now.

"Fili."

My nephew glanced at me and I beckoned him with my head for him to come to me. I watch as he reluctantly left her side. It was very obvious that he's feeling for her were growing stronger.

"You wish to speak to me Uncle."

Getting up, I walked away from the table and walked in a corner where I could speak to him without anyone listening in to our conversation.

"What is going on between yourself and Alexandria?"

I watched him closely, noticing him look at the ground, not saying a word.

"When I saw her a little while ago she was content, but noticing Alexandria now," I glanced at her, she was now eating the salad that Master Baggins had given to her "She doesn't look at all happy with you!"

Fili looked up and watched her before returning his attention at me.

"We had a falling out." admitted Fili, not meeting my gaze.

"About?"

Fili sighed and shook his head, before he slowly explained what had happened in the training grounds facility. I frowned at him and when Fili caught my stern gaze, he flinched a little and stepped back.

"Do you mean to tell me, that you were jealous of two elves that had welcomed Alexandria in their home," I shook my head at him "True, I do not like elves, but just because I do not trust or like them, doesn't give you the right on who she should or should not be friends with!"

"But they were really close to her and I-,"

I frowned and crossed my arms over my chest, watching him intently.

"Fili, Alexandria has had a hard life as well you know. Until she came here, other than her missing friend, I do not think she had many friends. You know what Gandalf informed us about, regarding her past."

Fili nodded his head and again glanced at Alexandria, who was now having a discussion with Ori and Nori and Gloin.

"You used your temper on her, didn't you?"

Fili slowly nodded his head.

"I was horrible to Lexi. I am so ashamed of my actions."

I sighed and placed my hand on his shoulder.

"Give her time Fili," I say to him "If you ask me, Alexandria has already forgiven you."

"Uncle, she doesn't want to speak to me in private." said Fili softly.

I nod my head with a little smile.

"And yet, she has already spoken to you," Fili arched his eyebrow "When she answered you about that elf bread, she answered you. If she was truly angry, she would not have said anything back to you."

It was quite astonishing to see the way Fili's face broke out into a wide grin. One minute, sad and defeated the next, like he had won a wager for some bet he would do.

"You really think so?"

I nod my head.

"I do. Though if I find out that you have upset Alexandria in any way. I will not be so lenient on you next time, Fili. Do I make myself clear on this matter?"

"Aye. I understand. There won't be a next time. I give you my word."

I grunted and dismissed him, before glancing back at Alexandria. Even though she hasn't been with us for long, I too felt very protective of her. She was like a daughter I never had and I vowed then, that I would protect her with my life.

o0o

~~Lexi's POV~~

It was now night time and Thorin had kept to his word by escorting me to where the meeting would take place. I was still wondering on how to tell Lord Elrond about Saurman the White and the truth of the matter was, I was a little nervous.

When we first entered the room, I wasn't surprised to see Bilbo, Gandalf and Balin there. I was surprised to see Aragorn there however and knew that shouldn't be possible. Lord Elrond was at the back of the room slowly walking up to us. He smiled at each of us, before resting his eyes on Thorin.

I was standing besides Aragorn watching the strange scene unfold. I could tell Thorin was uncomfortable at the way Lord Elrond was watching him. I knew he was waiting for the map, but Thorin was doing nothing.

Even Gandalf was beginning to get a little fed up with Thorin's distaste for his host. He was about to step in and probably make Thorin use his temper on him, when I stepped in and asked to have a quiet word with Thorin.

I could see the relief on Gandalf's face, as he smiled and nodded his head at me. Thorin followed me to a corner of the room and watched me with a wary look on his face.

"Thorin, I explained this to you. You need Lord Elrond's help with that map. There is something on that map that will make everything become clearer for you and your kin."

"I still don't trust elves, Alexandria!"

"I know you don't and I do understand why that is," I began, being careful not to over step the mark "but without Lord Elrond's find, you will still be left in the dark as to what to do next."

"You could tell me."

I smile at him.

"And where would the fun be in that?" A small smile comes from Thorin "You will get your map back, if that was also bothering you."

"It wasn't, but it is now."

Despite myself I laugh, shaking my head at his sudden outburst.

"If he refuses to hand over the map," Thorin tilts his head, watching me "I promise to snatch it out of his hands and hand it over to you. Will that help?"

I smile at him sweetly. I knew that Lord Elrond would never hold onto the map. He would be curious to know what Thorin was up to, but other than that, he would give Thorin's map back to him.

"I'll hold you to that." replied Thorin.

I follow Thorin back towards the others, though I now stood next to Bilbo and Aragorn who was watching me with an amused look on his face. I had this strange feeling he had heard everything Thorin and I had said. Nothing would surprise me anymore.

Thorin continued walking, he walked to where Lord Elrond was and paused and he looked at me once more and I just nod my head, willing him on, before Thorin hands his map to Lord Elrond.

We all watch on as he opens the map, looking at it thoroughly and frowns.

"Erebor. What is your interest in this map?" He asked.

Thorin opens his mouth to say something but Gandalf holds out his hand out to stop him, before saying,

"It's mainly academic. As you know, this sort of artifact sometimes contains hidden text. You still read Ancient Dwarvish, do you not?"

For a second Lord Elrond glances at Ganadalf with a baffled look on his face. I somehow knew he wasn't buying Gandalf's lie. Even though it was to protect Thorin's quest. He glances down at the map when moonlight hits the middle of the map, causing Lord Elrond to raise his eyebrows, thinking things through.

"Cirth Ithil" whispered Lord Elrond.

I discreetly smile, knowing where this was leading too.

"Moon runes. Of course. An easy thing to miss." replied Gandalf, smiling looking at Bilbo and myself.

"Well in this case, that is true, moon runes can only be read by the light of a moon of the same shape and season as the day on which they were written." admitted Lord Elrond.

'Hmm, it is just a coincidence that a moon is here tonight.' I thought to myself, glancing at the moonlight.

"Can you read them?" asked Thorin watching Lord Elrond and the map.

Lord Elrond starts walking and we all follow him to an open area outside. I look around and noticed we are on a side of the cliff, which had many waterfalls in every direction. Our host leads us towards a large crystalline table, to which he places the map on.

"These runes were written on a Midsummer's Eve by the light of a crescent moon nearly two hundred years ago. It would seem you were meant to come to Rivendell. Fate is with you, Thorin Oakenshield, the same moon shines upon us tonight." exclaimed Lord Elrond.

As everyone around me looks up at the sky, my eyes stay on the map. Slowly the moonlight touches the table, which causes a strange white light to emanate on the map. What was missing from Thorin's map, suddenly became visible and I was in awe at seeing this happen before my very eyes.

"Stand by the gray stone when the thrush knocks, and the setting sun with the last light of Durin's Day will shine upon the keyhole."

"Durin's Day?" asked Bilbo, who until now, had been very quiet.

"It is the start of the dwarve's new year, when the last moon of autumn and the first sun of winter appear in the sky together." replied Gandalf somberly.

I watch everyone around me, noticing Thorin shake his head and I wondered what the matter was.

"This is ill news. Summer is passing. Durin's Day will soon be upon us." said Thorin.

"We still have time!" remarked Balin.

"Time? For what?" asked Bilbo, who appeared puzzled.

"To find the entrance. We have to be standing at exactly the right spot at exactly the right time. Then, and only then, can the door be opened." replied Balin.

"So this is your purpose, to enter the Mountain!" remarked Lord Elrond looking at Thorin and Gandalf with an arched eyebrow.

"What of it?" queried Thorin, sounding angry now.

"There are some who would not deem it wise!" exclaimed Lord Elrond.

I watch Thorin take back the map gruffly.

"Who do you mean?" asked Gandalf looking at Lord Elrond.

"You are not the only guardian to stand watch over Middle-earth." admitted Lord Elrond.

I knew who he was referring too and I finally broke my silence.

"Things have a way of changing though, that guardian might not even be here anymore!"

This caught everyone's attention. Lord Elrond stepped towards me and I suddenly feel a little scared. Which should be ridiculous, Lord Elrond is one of the best elves I have ever read about. Well, as well as Legolas and Glorfindel that is.

I knew he would not harm me but that did not stop my heart from beating faster than it should have. Lord Elrond must have sensed that as his features became softer and asked everyone to leave us.

Thorin, Gandalf and Aragorn stayed put however. I was relieved to see that Thorin stepped towards me. As I knew I had to tell Lord Elrond about another wizard. I was a little surprised that Aragorn was still here however, but I knew he could keep secrets. Which did reassure me.

"You know who I speak of?" asked Lord Elrond softly.

I slowly nod my head.

"Yes, but everything has a way of changing fate."

I momentarily glance at Aragorn, thinking of Arwen, he gave me a quizzical look before I explained about the book 'The Hobbit' to everyone. I knew Thorin and Gandalf knew what I had said but Lord Elrond didn't and I could tell he was listening to every word I had said.

"In one timeline, Azog will be still alive and will attack Thorin and his kin and taunt him," Thorin frowned when I said that "but in the book, he died from his wounds that Thorin gave him. However, his son will take over and start a massive fight."

I was refering to 'The Battle Of The Five Armies.' I was praying that would never happen though, but I knew, deep down it would. I just hoped there would be enough allies to help out when that happens.

I didn't want anything to happen to Thorin, Fili and Kili and everyone else that has taken me in as a friend. I knew then, I would help in any way I could. Seeing as the words in my head 'Time can be rewritten.' was already changing things, well so could I, if need be.

I glance at Thorin, who looked at me with concern, before I return my attention on Lord Elrond.

"There is something else."

I swallow, not so sure I could say this. It was Aragorn who encourged me to go on. I look at him and see him grace me with a small smile and I nodded my head.

"It is about Saruman the White," I began, catching the startled look on Lord Elrond's face "Whether you will believe me or not, I do not know but," I swallow before continuing "I would not trust him, as far as I could spit."

"Lady Alexandria, I do not think I understand." replied Lord Elrond.

I sighed.

"He is a traitor, Lord Elrond. While he appears kind and collected to everyone to their face, behind your back, he is already ploting to turn everything good in this world, to something dark and dangerous."

Lord Elrond said nothing, but his grey eyes never left me as I continued.

Taking a deep breath, I then explain what Saruman is up too. How he is scouting the areas for something he won't find. How in time, he will join forces with Sauron they all thought dead, even though both Thorin and Gandalf knew he was alive now.

By now, Lord Elrond glances at Gandalf and I watch as Gandalf slowly nods his head, confirming that the necromancer was indeed Sauron, but in a weakened state. Lord Elrond looked at the moon and it was like he was thinking things other.

"If this indeed is true, then we need to work out what to do." remarked Lord Elrond.

"It is the truth, Lord Elrond." I whispered, now glancing at the floor "I would never lie about that, never!"

"Alexandria has never lied to us when trouble hit our group," said Gandalf "She really helped us out."

I glanced up and was surprised to see Lord Elrond watch me intently. He suddenly nods his head and steps forward, clasping his hands in mine.

"I can see you are not lying Lady Alexandria, though we have to tread carefully. Seeing as Saruman is now our enemy, we do have to act normally around him or he will get suspicious that we are now on to him."

"This changes everything." remarked Gandalf.

Lord Elrond nods his head.

"Yes, though as of yet, I have yet to decide on what to do!"

o0o

It was a litle later and I was still surprised that Lord Elrond believed me. After all, I was still an outsider looking in. Thorin had left me to walk back to my room and I took this chance to stroll back there, thinking things through.

I was still thinking about that strange message in that cave. I really wanted to know who wrote that. It was starting to get to me. I only hope that they'll be another message soon and whether it will be another anagram to work out.

"Lexi."

I faintly heard my name being called out and I instantly turn my head around a little. Fili ran up to me. He instinctively grabbed my hand, probably to stop me from walking off, which I frowned at.

"When I saw Uncle and not you, I got worried."

"Fili, this is a safe place to be in. No harm will fall on anyone."

Fili never replied, he was just watching me, which again brought a stupid blush on. I glance down, not wanting him to notice. Oh but he did, I saw his lips curve into a smile, which I didn't found funny. I tried to get my hand free, only Fili held onto it tightly.

"Lexi, I wish to apologise for my disgusting behaviour. It was uncalled for and I know, that I have upset you, which was not what I wanted...You have every right to speak to elves and other people. I was just an idiot for acting the way I did and I'm sorry, from the bottom of my heart."

I slowly look up and watch Fili. It takes courage to apologise to anyone, when you know you have done something wrong. I could tell at once that Fili meant every word he said.

"Apology accepted."

Fili shocked me even more by raising my hand towards his mouth and kissed the back of my hand. This completely threw me. I've only seen this kind of behaviour in films like 'Emma' and 'Little Women'. To see Fili do the same thing to me, made me lose my voice for a little while.

He then leads me back towards my room, both in our own thoughts. I opened my door and turn back seeing Fili's cheeky smile. I was wondering what the matter was, when he repeats what he did a few minutes eariler, brushing his lips over my hand.

"May I escort you to breakfast?"

I was still watching him holding my hand to reply.

"I'm sorry, what?"

Fili chuckled and repeated what he said.

"Sure, I would like that."

Fili let go of my hand and wished me pleasant dreams, before going back the way we came. I shut the door behind me and lean on the door and realise there is something in the palm of my hand.

Holding my hand out, my eyes go wide, when I see a silver clasp that I have seen before. Turning it around with my finger, I realise it is a hair accessory. In fact, I have seen these marks before, on Thorin and Fili.

It was beautifully engraved and I was touched that Fili had given one of his hair clasps to me and again, I felt a warm feeling spread across my entire body at this sweet gesture. I would thank him when I see him tomorrow. Sighing, I went to the bed, knowing I would actually get a good nights sleep, this night.