Homecoming

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[The company is making their way across the great lake. They pass many beautiful sights on their way to Erebor.]

"Alright," declared Madara. "We don't have long before Strelayza's spell wears off, so we're going to make a straight shot towards the mountain." The Uchiha then looked over his shoulder towards the fattest of the dwarves. "That means no breaks Bombur!"

The round dwarf gave a frustrated look upon hearing this.

Meanwhile, Bilbo was taking in the sights of the great rock formations in the distance. Of course, he'd already seen these mountains on land, but there was something about seeing the mountains from the angle of the lake that made them appear more glorious.

Suddenly, the hobbit's eyes rested upon a little town on the water; which broke him of the fixated gaze he had upon the mountains. "Look!" He pointed. "There's a small town on the lake."

The company turned their heads right, looked to the distance, and saw that there was indeed a town on the water.

"Aye, tis Lake Town," answered Gloin. "Once a great trading route for fish, but now…now the fish seem to be disappearing from the lake."

Bilbo looked puzzled. "What do you mean, disappearing?"

Balin decided to answer in Gloin's place. "Actually, no one really knows. It's as if the fish are growing legs and walking away." As Balin looked on towards the town, his smile slowly began to turn into a frown. "Poor souls," he said. "The people of Lake Town were once a thriving people. There once was a time when they never had to worry about the arrival of their next meal; for they always had food on their tables. You see, they were not always the people of Lake Town; they were once the residents of Dale, a great and powerful city. It was within the walls of Dale that a great trade between men and dwarves kept their city alive and thriving, and never at any time did anyone believe that this great city would fall. Until…"

Bilbo felt like he knew where Balin was going. "Until Smaug," he answered.

Balin gave a sad nod. "Aye, Until Smaug…" he confirmed. "Before that dragon took residence in the lonely mountain, he left Dale in a fiery inferno of ash and death. The ones that survived fled to lake town, where they are now cursed to work in a dying business." After his tale was finished, Balin looked around and noticed the sadness he unintentionally brought upon the company. So he decided to revive their spirits. "But they will not be cursed like this for much longer," he stated with a smile. "Once Madara kills the beast, which I'm certain he will, the people of lake town will reclaim the city of Dale. And we will reclaim the mountain."

Suddenly, the company began to cheer for the Uchiha.

"That flaming bastard doesn't stand a chance against the might of Madara," rejoiced Ori.

"Aye," agreed Bofur. "I bet that worm won't even put up a fight once he figures out who Madara is; he'll probably just run away with his tail between his legs."

"That'd be a sight," chuckled Gloin.

Meanwhile, in the front of the line, Madara had unintentionally tuned out the company. Ever since leading the dwarves out of Mirkwood, the Uchiha had been struggling to rid his mind of Sauron's words.

(Location- Entrance to the Ashen Caves)

A tall, pale figure made his way through the darkness of the Ashen caves. It was Azog. The Pale Orc had been sent here by Sauron to seek out two, fiery beasts. Ashgore and Inferos. A duo of flaming Behemoths stemming from ancient times. Sauron usually would have refrained from requesting the help of these two, but with the Red Demon's return, the Necromancer needed all the power he could muster.

After making his way through many twists and turns, Azog eventually reached the heart of the Cave. It was a vast and empty space. The Orc looked around and saw no sign of the beasts. So he decided to make his presence known. [Prak jashat ob the burgulu, servants ob Morgoth!] "Step out of the shadows, servants of Morgoth!"

After Azog's demand, there was a great silence within the cave. It took a few minutes, but eventually the walls began to shake, followed by the sounds of ominous groans. Two behemoths ripped themselves from the east and west walls of the cave and ignited their bodies in a tempest of flames. Taking notice of the insignificant speck on the ground before them. They made their way towards it. [Lat brus disturbed izubu slumber,] "You have disturbed our slumber," Ashgore stated angrily.

[Amirz are lat?] "Who are you?" Demanded Inferos.

"I am Azog the Defiler, servant of the Dark Lord Sauron. I have come on his behalf to demand your aid in his armies," he answered.

Suddenly, Inferos and Ashgore began to materialize their weapons. Inferos his spear, and Ashgore his axe.

"Foolish Orc! We are servants of Morgoth! Only he can command us!" Roared Ashgore.

"Now, Burn!" Shouted Inferos.

The two beasts were about to bring their blades down upon the orc, but something made them stop.

Before their blades could meet the orc. Azog pulled a piece of paper from his waist and held it before the Balrogs. Upon it was the sign of Morgoth.

"I am the servant of your master's servant! You will obey me!" Shouted Azog.

After seeing this, the surprised Balrog's got down on one knee before the symbol.

"In the name of our Master, we will aid you in Erebor," answered Inferos.

After hearing this, Azog gave an evil smirk.

(Location-Erebor)

The company managed to reach Erebor before Strelayza's spell wore off. The dwarves walked slowly in awe as they made their way up the hidden stair case. They never thought this day would come. It was very emotional for the dwarves, especially Balin, who had the biggest heart out of all the dwarves. Passing the ruins of dale, the company made their way up the secret stair case and towards the side door. Eventually reaching the entrance.

Suddenly, a thrush landed on a rock next to the mountain wall and began knocking. Followed by the moon peering out from behind the clouds. The moonlight shined down upon the side of the mountain and reveled the keyhole. Just like the runes said.

Slowly, Thorin pulled out the key and inserted it into the keyhole. With one turn, the door unlocked and he opened it.

"Erebor," said Thorin in disbelief

He looked around at everything as if he were seeing it for the first time. "I know these walls…" said Thorin. "This stone. You remember it, Balin. Chambers filled with golden light."

"Aye, I remember," replied Balin as he shed a few tears.

The rest of the Company slowly and reverently entered the mountain. Inside, Nori pointed at a carving in the wall above the door; it was of the throne of Erebor, with the Arkenstone above it, sending out rays of light in all directions.

Gloin began to read aloud the inscription on the carving. "Herein lies the seventh kingdom of Durin's Folk. May the heart of the mountain unite all dwarves in defense of this home."

Bilbo looked at the carving in interest and curiosity.

Seeing Bilbo's intrigue, Balin decided to explain it to him. "The throne of the king," he answered.

"And what's that above it?" Inquired Bilbo.

"The Arkenstone," answered Balin. "That, dear Bilbo, is why you are here."

[All the dwarves look at Bilbo, and he looks bewildered, but resolute.]

A/N: sorry for the shortness of this chapter. I just wanted to put something out there so you guys know that I'm still working on this. I've noticed that my writing skills have deteriorated the farther I have gotten into this story. but i promise that from now on, I will make sure that this doesn't happen. Also, I will make certain that the upcoming chapters are not as short as this one.