A/N: Hello, welcome, continued thanks! I love writing about Thorin and Rhae and I'm just tickled pink that others are enjoying coming along for the ride. :) I'm getting this out a bit early since I'm going out of town for the weekend. Hope you enjoy and please take a moment and let me know what you think!

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Sparky: Lol! They are quite good at it, aren't they? :)

Petal: Thank you! That is the part I struggle with constantly; I want them to sound right.

Olddantrucker: As I have no idea what or who 'turning leaves' is that would answer that question. I am pulling bits and pieces from MY very first story, To Seek the Pale Enchanted Gold, to use in this one (as I have mentioned at the start of almost every chapter). It seems this story is not exactly to your liking, which is perfectly fine, but that is the fun of fanfiction; I can write whatever I envision and folks can read it if they want.

reejero: Hehe. She is fun to write. :) Thanks so much!

lydo99: Thank you so much! I'm glad you're enjoying it! Hope it continues to entertain as well as it has to this point!

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It's all Tolkien's … except what isn't. :)


Morning dawned clear.

The sound of birds chirping was the first thing that greeted her upon opening her eyes. She laid there a few minutes longer, enjoying the peacefulness, before rising to start the day. Nori nodded at her from his spot at the edge of their camp but said nothing. After putting away her bedroll she added a few extra logs onto the fire and then grabbed her sword deciding that since she had no one to spar with she would run through some of her training and practice moves while the company still slept. It would be a great way to work out some of the tension she could still feel over the recent spat with Thorin. She knew she had a temper and her sarcasm was not welcomed by most but the dwarf king had really angered her by his insinuations about what skills she possessed. She had truly wanted to hit him in the face and that anger still lingered. Common sense told her it would be wise to exhaust that pent up energy in a way that wouldn't hurt anyone – or further rouse the ire of some stubborn dwarves. As she went through the motions again and again Rhae was able to block out everything around her, focusing only on the position of her blade. It was a good feeling. She had never been one to enjoy being idle for too long and while they had been constantly on the move there hadn't been much to do besides find food for the company most nights. Her time training with Araden and Traenor had shown her that being female she obviously lacked the strength of her male counterparts and so had been forced to learn how to compensate. She had learned to make up that weakness with speed and fluidity. It hadn't come easily or quickly but there was a feeling of satisfaction whenever she had been able to hold her own against some of the other Rangers. Now it had been quite some time since she'd last had her sword in hand and knew she needed to practice to keep up the skills she had worked so hard to learn. There was no way she wanted to be shown wanting in front of this group of battle hardened dwarves.

When she had to stop to wipe the sweat out of her eyes she realized the company had awoken and were standing just off to her side. Most seemed to be merely watching but she could sense Thorin's disapproving and judgmental gaze upon her. She turned and met his cold stare, brown eyes hard and chin raised slightly in challenge. The longer she was around him the more she felt resentment towards him growing. It had started only as a small flicker of annoyance that night in Bilbo's foyer and had steadily grown into a low boil. It didn't have to be that way but their combined stubbornness seemed like it was going to make anything else almost impossible. If he would quit being so damned condescending she might be able to hold in her temper and sarcasm … maybe. However she wasn't going to let him intimidate her and so stood her ground refusing to break the glare they were sharing and show any weakness. He finally looked away and she felt a slight spurt of satisfaction. Noticing that the entire company was observing their silent stand off and feeling slightly uncomfortable with that attention she quickly sheathed her sword and returned to her spot around the fire accepting the bowl Bombur handed to her.

Not joining the group around the fire, Thorin stood apart with Dwalin and Balin discussing the day's travel. He'd noticed the empty space by Bofur as soon as he'd risen that morning and for a moment had felt a bit smug at the thought that his reservations about the Ranger had been proven correct. They hadn't even met with any difficulties and she'd run off after an argument. Of course he was almost immediately proven wrong when he realized several of the other members of the company were watching where Stryker was off to the side of their camp sparring against an invisible enemy. The opportunity to observe her skill with a blade, though it wasn't in an actual fight, was impossible to pass up and he watched with some curiosity. He hadn't had many chances in his life to witness how Men fought in battle; the fist fights in alleyways he and other dwarves had been goaded into throughout the years did not count. Her style was quite different from the few dwarrowdams he'd watched swing a blade; Stryker was quick, precise, and so very flexible. As he watched he decided the way she moved and fought could prove successful in a fight; she was so nimble that it would make it difficult for anyone to get a hard hit on her. However the fact that she was female would make her an instant target, creating another whole set of problems, and the thought brought a frown to his face. If anyone in the group noticed her being singled out he knew without a doubt they would feel duty bound to go to her defense. In the middle of a fight losing the focus of even one of his warriors could cost them dearly. When her brown eyes locked with his Thorin realized he'd been staring but for a moment he couldn't break their gaze. Stryker was looking at him with a hint of challenge as if she expected him to challenge her on the spot. For a second it was tempting; seeing her reactions against a real opponent would answer some of his more pressing questions. Reason eventually won out. There wasn't time for such things at the moment.

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After they stopped for the night Rhae was surprised when Fíli approached her, a slight smirk on his face as he asked if she'd like to spar with him rather than the air.

She grinned at him. "Offer accepted. I could probably stand to practice against someone as I always feel my ego grow a bit when I fight against something that can't fight back."

Kíli, Bofur, and Nori followed as they approached a clearing off to the side and she could have sworn she saw money pass between them. Giving them a wink she gave her sword a swing, stretching out her arm. He pulled out only one of his blades and she faced him with one hand on a hip.

"Oh don't hold back on my account. I know you're anxious to show off your skill to someone new."

He paused, clearly a bit taken aback by her comment. With a smile he pulled the other sword free from its sheath on his back and twirled them both.

"Your wish is my command, milady."

She stifled a giggle as she moved into position across from him. They started slowly, warming up and learning the other's moves, before slowly increasing their pace and intensifying the strength of their swings. What ensued was a rather enjoyable sparring session. Rhae had never faced a dwarf and discovering the differences in his fighting style compared to Araden's and the other Rangers' was fascinating. She was quite impressed. His attacks were powerful but she met each one easily. He might be stronger but she was quicker. They lead each other in an amusing dance for some time, trading teasing barbs back and forth as they tried to out maneuver the other. She honestly couldn't remember the last time she'd had so much fun with her sword in hand; Araden and Traenor had always been quite focused on making sure she was learning. When she finally had an opening she took it with glee, pulling a dagger free from the back of her belt and swinging it at him while kicking up with one of her boots to catch him unbalanced. Fíli landed on his back in the dirt with a gratifying 'umph' and she pointed the tips of her blades at his neck, a huge smile lighting up her face.

"I yield," he gasped with a surprised smile. She quickly removed her sword and dagger from his throat and reached out a hand to help him up. "Impressive. You may not have the strength of a dwarf but you certainly make up for it with speed," he complimented.

"Thank you. It is something I had to learn for the sake of survival. I know that I am not as strong as males of any race so I have to have a way to combat that deficiency." There were some cheers from their audience (which had grown to include all but two of the company) and she grinned as she watched Kíli pocket some money. Apparently there had been some wagers being made.

"You would bet against your own kin?" his older brother asked in mock anguish.

"I never bet against a pretty face," the youngest Durin quipped with a laugh. Fِíli just shook his head and punched his younger brother teasingly in the arm.

Thorin had watched from the side, glad he could assess her skill against a real foe. The two combatants were of similar height though while Stryker had the advantage of a couple of inches Fíli had the advantage of muscle. What he saw was impressive; he had no idea a female of Men would have the strength in her to withstand the blows from a dwarf. The fluidity of her movements that he had observed while she practiced alone was just as evident in a real fight and it was obviously an advantage. He had never seen someone show that much flexibility in a fight. The stouter build of dwarves would make that kind of movement impossible for them. As the two ambled back into the center of their camp he grudgingly admitted that maybe the Ranger could handle a sword … at least against someone who wasn't trying to run her through. Perhaps he had been a bit too hasty in his negative assessment of her.

His charitable mood dropped considerably a few minutes later when he heard the chatter from those around the fire. While he was not surprised to hear the teasing from his youngest nephew or even Bofur and Nori, Fíli's teasing – flirting?! – was not in line with how he usually behaved. Crossing his arms on his chest he watched the interaction between the two for some time, noting each gesture or expression from either of them. While he couldn't see anything that pronounced anything stronger than friendship from Stryker it became apparent that the same could not be said for his nephew. Instances from the past few weeks of travel resurfaced in his mind: Fíli almost always by her side, offering to join her on her nightly hunts for dinner, the persistent teasing, helping the woman down from her horse when it was completely unnecessary. His eyes narrowed. A talk with his heir was now unavoidable.


The cessation of their pleasant traveling weather ended, just as she'd expected, a few days later. Rain began falling one morning not long after they'd broken camp and it didn't stop. Rhae didn't mind at first, she'd been out in the wild without shelter many times in the past, but after several days even her patience was sorely tested. They hadn't come across anything that could offer substantial shelter from the rain and so at night they grouped around the base of trees, huddled in their cloaks and leaning against the trunks so as not to sleep in the mud and muck on the ground. It reminded her of the scene from Forrest Gump when he was caught in the monsoons in Vietnam.

Little bitty stinging rain and big 'ol fat rain … shoot, it even rained at night.

"What was that?"

She glanced up in surprise, not realizing she'd spoken out loud. Bilbo was by her side, looking as miserable as the rest of them. Worse, actually, as the poor thing didn't even have a cloak to pull over his head.

"Oh, nothing. I was just commenting on the lovely weather we're having."

"I'm glad you can be so cheerful about it," he moaned, hunching his shoulders.

"It is taking an immense effort."

Being soaked and not having a warm meal for a several days made for a very cranky company. Even the ever cheerful Bofur was silent though the Ranger had to chuckle when, every time he tilted his head, water would pour off his hat. Rhae had long since pushed her hood and scarf off; they weren't going to keep her dry at this point and at this point, soaking wet, they were more of a nuisance. She was positive she could feel water sloshing in the bottom of her boots.

"I don't think this rain is ever going to stop," Fíli sighed beside her. She couldn't help but smile at him as he looked like a drowned rat with drenched hair around his face and drooping mustache.

"If you're hoping for some upbeat words of encouragement you've come to the wrong Ranger," she teased.

"My feet are going to shrivel up inside my boots and my stomach is about to turn itself inside out with hunger," Kíli growled on her other side; when aggravated or angry his resemblance to his stern uncle was uncanny.

"I've dealt with rain in the wild countless times over the years but I can't remember a time when it lasted this long," she told them.

"Perhaps we can get uncle to stop today?"

"Are you going to ask him, Kee?" his older brother inquired and Kíli shook his head.

"Mr. Gandalf, can't you do something about this deluge?" they heard Dori ask from his spot further up the line of ponies.

"It is raining, Master Dwarf, and it will continue to rain until the rain is done. If you wish to change the weather of the world you should find yourself another wizard."

"Are there any?" Bilbo called out.

"What?"

"Other wizards?"

"There are five of us. The greatest of our order is Saruman the White. Then there are the two Blue wizards." Gandalf paused in thought though Rhae was sure it was just for show. "You know I've quite forgotten their names." She rolled her eyes a bit.

"And who is the fifth?" Bilbo prompted.

"Well, that would be Radagast the Brown."

"Is he a great wizard or is he ... more like you?" She couldn't hold back the snigger at Bilbo's words and Gandalf looked back over his shoulder, catching her eye, a look of pretended offense on his face.

"I think he's a very great wizard in his own way. He's a gentle soul who prefers the company of animals to others. He keeps a watchful eye over the vast forest lands to the East, and a good thing too, for always Evil will look to find a foothold in this world."

His words sobered her instantly, bringing back her entire purpose here. Gandalf strongly suspected that Sauron was attempting to return but she knew. She knew what was, at the moment, hiding in that abandoned fortress in southern Mirkwood. She knew what this world was eventually going to face … and that knowledge made her feel incredibly lonely.


After dumping on them for over a week the rain finally decided they weren't going to give up and moved on to torment someone else in another part of Middle Earth. It was a relief to feel the sun on her face again and Rhae rode for a considerable time with her head tilted back in order to catch as much of what drifted through the tree branches on her skin as possible. She would be glad when they found a place to camp so she could hang up her cloak and outer layers to dry. Being perpetually soaked through was not comfortable and she did not envy the dwarves with their thick layers of hair and beard.

Thorin called her to the front of the line not long setting off after a quick stop at mid-day, his tone just as gruff and demanding as ever. She wondered if he ever was anything but grumpy.

"You are familiar with this part of the world?"

"Aye, I am."

"Then perhaps you have something to offer in the way of explanation of why we haven't had any … undesirable confrontations so far?"

"Orcs." He nodded. "We haven't traveled far enough east or north as to really expect to run into them. I don't think they're quite bold enough – yet – to come this far. That being said, once we cross the river it might be a good idea to put two on watch each night. There is nothing - "

He glanced over at her when she paused. "What is it?"

"Curses! The river. I hadn't considered the river." She nudged Tálagor and quickly rode ahead of the group, loosing sight of them as she went around a bend in the road. A low roar met her ears and she groaned. Praying the situation wouldn't be as bad as she feared she approached with trepidation. What greeted her was, thankfully, better than she'd hoped. The river was swollen and angry but the stone bridge still stood though she felt some concern as she eyed how the pillars supporting it were being hit by the rapids.

"Is it safe?" Thorin asked, riding to her side.

"For now it appears to be but we don't want to take too much time crossing. There's a lot of force pushing against those stones right now."

While the rest of the company gathered behind them dwarf king and ranger watched the bridge for any telltale signs of danger and agreeing that there were no imminent signs of collapse Thorin urged them all across. The ponies were a bit skittish but they made it to the other side without incident. Breathing a sigh of relief Rhae made to continue down the road when a cry of alarm was raised.

"Grab it!"

Looking to the right she saw one of the supply ponies bucking away from Bofur and Bifur, spooked by something. They tried to grab it but had to back up as it tried to kick them. With a squeal it stumbled, the loose ground by the edge of the river giving way, and tumbled into the turbulent waters. Before any of them could do anything Fíli darted passed them and dove into the water after it, his blonde head quickly disappearing.

The entire company began scrambling down the riverside, yelling out his name while frantically searching for any sign of him. A few terrifying moments later they spotted him pressed up against a large boulder almost halfway out in the river. As the dwarves argued about the best way to rescue the prince Rhae watched as the rock shook slightly and made a split second decision.

"Don't move!" she screamed, hoping he heard her over the roar. Grabbing the bundle of rope from the side of Bofur's pony she sprinted to the river's edge just a little ways up from where Fíli was stuck. There wasn't much time. The force of the water would either push him from his precarious spot or the rock would be dislodged.

"Here! Take this!" She tossed one end of the rope to Bombur while tying the other end around her waist. "Secure it to a tree but keep a hold of it! You'll need to pull us back once I have him!" Hoping she wasn't making a disastrous choice she leapt as far as possible out into the water.

"What are you … Stryker, stop!" Thorin yelled but it was too late.