I apologize, this chapter is very long compared to the others, but I couldn't find an appropriate place to split it up. Many of the events here are interconnected. It is a chapter of madness and impressive speeches, as Lithuen finally gets fed up with stubborn kings and proceeds to tell them exactly what she thinks. There will be only a small action sequence, because I really didn't want to write repetitive, graphic violence.

I grew nervous as we approached the cavernous front gates of Erebor in the evening light. With the absence of the dragon it felt like approaching a tomb. I shook my head to clear it of bad thoughts and unconsciously picked up my pace, the others matching my strides. A surge of relief hit me when I heard a delighted yell and looked up to see the grinning face of Bilbo peering over the ramparts. "Thorin! They're all here and safe!" he called over his shoulder. Moments later the rest of the company filled our sight as they called happy greetings down. To save time traversing the broken halls, a rope ladder was lowered and we ascended with ease.

The next hour was filled with a flurry of hugs, singing, and some tears (though those were well hidden behind handkerchiefs). Thorin then took his nephews off for a tour of the treasure room, leaving the rest of us to relax for a moment before we started work. I settled myself beside Bilbo with a smile. "It's good to see you again," I gushed. From the sounds of the stories being told around me, he had been up to a lot of decidedly un-hobbit-like behavior. He looked a bit upset about something which surprised me, so I grabbed his arm and dragged him off to another room for a private talk.

"Okay, spill. The dragon is dead and we're all alive, what could possibly be making you upset?"

He fidgeted nervously before muttering, "the attack on Laketown was my fault."

"What are you talking about? It's not like you could have stopped him."

He grew angry for a moment before almost yelling, "I told him about them helping us! If I had been more careful he never would have gone there!"

"If you had done that you may very well have all been dead. Bard had to be the one to kill him," I said softly. With those words he almost seemed to deflate, leaning into my embrace like a child. I held him as I talked about the work Oin and I had done with the healers, and the shelters the others had put together. In reality it could have been much worse, we had saved almost everyone. I was confident that with Thorin's generosity we could have their town rebuilt in no time. It was when I mentioned this to Bilbo that he visibly flinched, a pained expression marring his features.

"I don't think we should be counting on that," he muttered darkly.

"Why ever not?" I asked in surprise.

"Thorin has...changed. He spends a lot of time in the treasure room looking for the Arkenstone and grumbling about the greed of others. I do not know if he will remember his promise to help them." I felt cold at his words. Had Thorin truly fallen so quickly? I resolved to keep an eye on him in the days following.

The next morning I watched Thorin out of the corner of my eye, noting the odd gleam in his eyes whenever someone mentioned the Arkenstone. It was the only indication that something might be wrong but I knew it was too soon to accuse him of anything. So when he invited me on a tour of the treasury I gladly accepted, wanting to see its effect on him for myself. We walked a short ways before coming to a very large opening in the wall.

All I could do was gape at the mountains of gold in front of me. I felt utterly entranced and moved forward without thinking to more closely examine the baubles covering the floor. I heard Thorin chuckle behind me, amused with my speechlessness. "Quite a sight isn't it?" I was still wide-eyed as I turned to him.

"Oh yes! I can truly see how you could spend hours in here just looking. It's beautiful!" I heard yells and was nearly bowled over as Kili and Fili burst into the room behind us.

"Why'd you start the tour without us uncle?" they cried, turning puppy eyes on Thorin. He just snorted.

"You were in here yesterday." Kili was digging through the piles and came back up with a silver necklace adorned with sapphires. Before I could protest he had it around my neck and I flushed with embarrassment at the attention. "It suits you," Thorin nodded approvingly. He turned to leave for a talk with some of the others, giving us a wave and heading for the hall. "Try not to get lost in there," he called as he left the room with a smile.

The three of us spent the next couple hours wading through coins and gems before leaving with a few choice trinkets. I remembered later my plan to watch Thorin's reaction, but even as I had been caught up with the gold he had seemed perfectly normal.

Our third day back in the mountain was the day that mine and Bilbo's suspicions about Thorin were confirmed. It was mid morning when a horn sounded outside. We all dashed out to the ramparts over the gates to see scores of men from Laketown and elves from Mirkwood outside. I wasn't nervous until I saw that they were heavily armed. I had a sinking feeling even before anyone spoke that I knew exactly why they were here, and even why they had thought to come armed. Thorin stepped to the front of the company, his trademark scowl even darker than normal. The gleam in his eyes that I now suspected was the beginnings of madness was back in force.

"Why do you came armed to my mountain?" Thorin addressed them bluntly. I wasn't surprised to see Bard step forward on behalf of the lakemen, the master having gone missing in the fire. I was annoyed though to see Thranduil join him, his holier-than-thou countenance grinding on my last nerves. I couldn't understand how he even thought he had a right to stand there, yet there he stood. It was Bard who replied.

"I wished to be sure you were aware of the death of the dragon Smaug. It was done by my hand with no small sacrifice on the part of my people. His death came only after the total destruction of our town, and we have been left homeless and hungry with winter fast approaching. We seek to collect on the promises that were made to us when first you came to Laketown, that we would be rewarded and Dale rebuilt. We understand that the rebuilding of Erebor will come first, and ask only for aid in sheltering and feeding our people at this time." The company was mostly silent, looking to Thorin's reaction. It was a just request, and I saw no reason it wouldn't be granted. I was therefore stunned with Thorin's next words.

"I understand that is why you came and even expected it, but why have you brought elves with you? They have no claim over the treasure of Erebor, nor will they ever. I will not negotiate with them, nor with anyone who seeks to support their claim. If you wish to talk with me, they must leave at once." Bard was calm in his response.

"The elves have provided us with food and goods over the years. Ever their goodwill has kept our town alive. Furthermore, they were quick to come to our aid after the dragon's attack, providing healers and workers. For those reasons alone I would not send them away."

"If that is your decision there will be no negotiation. I will not deal with them, or with you for siding with my enemy. No treasure will leave this mountain until you have accepted my terms." Having finished with his outrageous speech, Thorin stalked back into the mountain leaving the rest of us outside completely speechless.

"Has he lost his mind?" I whispered fearfully.

"We will not leave until reparation has been paid," Bard called at last. "Consider yourselves at siege until you have chosen to honor our agreement." With a last bow in our direction the armies of elves and men retreated a bare few hundred yards, setting up camps at the base of the mountain. Among the soldiers I spotted a familiar grey pointed hat, and I wondered why Gandalf had returned without trying to stop this foolishness. He did not bother to acknowledge us, so I turned and headed back inside. I was determined to talk some sense into Thorin, I guessed I was the only one who would try. Finding him in the treasury, I pulled him aside for some privacy.

"We are under siege," I stated flatly. His expression darkened slightly, but otherwise remained unchanged. I tried another tactic. "Thorin, don't you think it would just save time to give Thranduil what he wants and send him packing? It would be a mere pittance of Erebor's wealth, I think that's worth getting him out of our hair."

"I will not yield to them. They are a greedy selfish lot. They abandoned us when we needed them most, and every other time since." While his words were partially true, I thought I finally had a point to make him reconsider.

"Not every time..." I said softly.

"What are you talking about? They may have helped the lake men, but never have they come to our aid." He looked exasperated and started to turn away.

"Kili almost died," I cried in a pained whisper. He froze, turning back to me. "If not for one of those elves disobeying an order from her own kin to heal him, he would be in the halls of your fathers. I couldn't help, but she did, with no thought to the consequences of her actions. Some of them care, some of them may have even wanted to help on that day. But what can they do when they are under the thumb of a paranoid king?" For just a moment he hesitated, before hardening once more. I gave him one look of fury before storming out of the room, my patience with his stubbornness finished.

We were at a stalemate now. Thorin had buried himself in one of the rooms, and the armies refused to give way. I was blissfully unaware at the time of a message Thorin had sent to Dain by raven in the dark of night. I knew something else had to be done. I decided to try my luck with getting rid of Thranduil. I knew that with Gandalf down in the camp I would come to no harm, it was the only reason I chanced it at all. I tried to slip away unnoticed, and it was a close thing. Fortunately Bilbo was the only one to spot me leaving, and with a smile and a shake of the head to his questioning glance I hurried toward the elven camp.

I was stopped at the border by a patrol of guards, pointing their spear points suspiciously in my face. I kept my face impassive and requested an audience with the king. I think they would have refused me if Gandalf had not chosen that moment to show up and back my request. He looked curious and amused at my presence, but I gave him no explanation other than one raised eyebrow and a smirk. His eyes crinkled, silently laughing in anticipation of my intended mischief. We followed behind the guards exchanging a few quiet words. I updated him on the health of the rest of the company, purposely skipping over a certain grumpy king and he assured me he was also in good health. Once we reached the rather extravagant tent belonging to the elven king the guards had us wait outside while they announced us.

"Do you mind if I come along for this?" Gandalf asked merrily.

"As if I could stop you," I grinned. "I would feel better having you there, but I must make one request. No matter what I say please do not interrupt. The speech I plan to make may not work, and may not even be wise, but it needs to be said." Gandalf nodded, looking a great deal more serious now. We were admitted with no further delay, and I found myself once more in the dubious presence of Thranduil. I stuffed my nerves to the corner of my mind and launched right into my speech before I could chicken out.

"I don't understand why you think you have a right to be here." He looked startled for just a moment before sneering his reply.

"I have every right to reclaim the silver that was mine before the dragon came, and I will not be deterred by a dwarf who only did this for greed." I snorted in furious disbelief at his complete misunderstanding of the situation.

"If that's why you think Thorin took on this quest you are sadly mistaken. It was not for gold that we marched on Erebor. It was not even for revenge, although that is a sweet reward in itself. It was for love. The love of an uncle for his nephews. The love of a dwarf for his family. The love of a king for his people. The only reason that matters. Thorin gave the dwarves new hope, and the return of a home that has been lost to them for far too long." Thranduil was quiet for once, some emotion I couldn't place flickering in his eyes. I continued.

"It is for this reason that he is angry. You abandoned his family, Thranduil."

"You would have asked me to risk my people's lives for his?" he cried angrily.

"No! You still don't get it. He wanted aid. You left them to die, to starve, out in the cold. You left women and children, when they needed food and medicine!" He looked about to interrupt so I stepped closer, stabbing him accusingly in the chest with a finger. "I'm not finished! You broke any promises you ever made to them that day. Thorin never wanted you to fight the dragon, he never would have asked that of you. But when you abandoned them completely, you became one!" He went white with shock, but before he could say anything I turned on my heel and saw myself out of the tent.

My hands were shaking at what I had done, whether with adrenaline or fear I was not yet sure. I turned to see how Gandalf would react, only to see him looking almost as shocked as the king, albeit without the anger. He simply looked resigned, knowing my words could not be disputed as anything other than truth even though they were horribly rude. I bid him farewell and almost ran back in the direction of the mountain, Gandalf stopping anyone to attempted to hinder my escape.

I walked back inside and went straight to the room that Thorin was holed up in. I wanted to be sure that news of what I had done didn't reach him from another source. Pounding on the door, I yelled for him to open up. I almost punched him on the nose when he yanked the door open moments later. Before he could speak I pushed past him into the room.

"I may have done a bad thing." He stared at me for a moment suspiciously.

"What have you done?"

"I went down to the elf camp to speak with Thranduil. I was hoping he would go away, but I think I have only made things worse." I thought Thorin was going to strangle me right then and there from the look on his face, and I took a step back. My hands started shaking again when I felt my back connect with a stone wall, and I began to regret enclosing myself in here with him alone.

"What. Did. You. Say?" Shrinking down, I barely managed to mumble out a brief summary of our conversation.

"I accused him of abandoning you, and I may have compared him to Smaug..." There was a long moment of silence, and I finally looked up to see Thorin's hands over his face, his shoulders shaking. "Thorin? I'm sorry!" I cried wildly. "Are you alright? Are you hurt?" He moved his hands and let out a large bark of laughter. Within moments he was doubled over, laughing uncontrollably.

It didn't take long for the entire company to come running to see what made their king so amused. They saw me standing over him looking bewildered, and asked what was going on. I could only shrug in confusion. In between laughs Thorin managed to choke out, "she called...Thranduil...a dragon...to his face..." The others stared at him for only a moment before they were all howling with laughter. It didn't take me long after that to see the humor in the situation and I laughed along with them. I was so happy to see Thorin laughing again, and even happier when he followed us out of the room and joined us once again where we had been staying.

I should have known it wouldn't last. Thorin's dark mood returned all too soon when it became apparent that Thranduil wasn't leaving. I began sitting alone with Bilbo, the only other one who wanted to try and find a solution. We talked long into the night before coming to the only resolution we could think of that might work. I found out from our talks that Bilbo had found the Arkenstone and been hiding it this whole time. He proposed to take it to the men and elves as a bargaining chip, knowing Thorin would trade anything for it. I was very worried about this suggestion, Thorin's moods were too unpredictable, too volatile. I wanted to be sure Bilbo wasn't going to be hurt. We decided to think it over for a couple more days, and went to sleep.

The next morning two things happened that made our decision for us. First, early in the morning a legion of dwarves led by Dain arrived from the Iron Hills. The elves and men stopped them from entering the mountain, and it was only through Gandalf's negotiations that all out war was avoided right then and there. The second piece of news arrived with a panicked looking elven scout. He came into the camp about midday, horse lathered with sweat as if he had ridden hard through the night. The news was grim. An army of goblins and orcs was marching towards Erebor, only a couple days away, led by Azog himself. Even with this news Thorin refused to negotiate with the others, and they in turn refused to work with him. I exchanged a solemn look with Bilbo. The numbers we would be facing were too vast to fight alone. We needed to get them talking, and fast. He decided to go that night.

I felt a small hand shake my shoulder and woke to the first light of dawn. "It is done," Bilbo whispered.

"Did they agree to try and make a deal?" He nodded, curling up in the corner and trying to look as small as possible. I gave his arm a squeeze, wishing my healing power worked on distress. "I'll be by your side, no matter what happens," I told him. We sat waiting together, jumping in fright when the horn sounded to announce the approaching leaders. Everyone walked out to the ramparts, Bilbo and I hanging slightly behind.

"What are you doing back here?" Thorin growled. "The elves are still with you, I will not negotiate."

"We wish to make a trade," Bard said passively.

"You have nothing I want," Thorin scoffed dismissively.

"Not even for the Arkenstone?" he called back, and Thorin stiffened, turning to face them again. Gandalf stood between the two leaders holding a small box which he opened to reveal the priceless gem.

"Why should I make a trade for my own? How did you come by this?" he said furiously. Beside me Bilbo began to step forward, looking utterly terrified.

"I gave it to them," he squeaked. For a second everything stood still, and then Thorin turned to the hobbit with the coldest look I had ever seen.

"What have you done." He advanced towards Bilbo, grabbing him by the neck.

"I'm sorry," Bilbo whispered. Thorin was deaf in his rage and held the frightened hobbit over the cliff edge. I jumped forward then.

"Thorin, stop."

"He has betrayed us," he cried, not looking away from Bilbo.

"If you continue with your actions you will regret it for the rest of your life." I laid a hand on his arm, beseeching him to put the hobbit down. He snarled and shoved me to the ground, and suddenly I was no longer afraid, I was angry. "Thorin Oakenshield, you put that hobbit down right now!" I yelled at him. He turned slowly, dropping Bilbo at his feet.

"The Arkenstone is the symbol of our people and he gave it to the enemy."

"You're wrong! The Arkenstone, for all it's beauty is just a rock. The true symbol of your people stands right behind you! Your nephews, your family! They will continue your line and be the hope of the future! Yet here you stand, on the brink of battle ready to feed them to the wolves! The Thorin I know would do anything to protect his family, even if that meant giving up all the treasure in the mountain and asking elves for help." He flinched, but his expression didn't change. "Why do you think Bilbo would ever betray you? He did this out of love! Or are you too blind to see that? Why do you think he stood between you and Azog that day, facing certain death to protect you. Everything he has done has been for you! We would all lay down our lives for you, even him, even now." I took Bilbo's hand, gently pulling him to his feet and placing myself between him and Thorin.

"You agree with him," he said flatly.

"Don't you remember what I said to you before you left Laketown?" I said softly. "Come back to us. I said you were all I have. All of you are now the only family I remember, and I would do anything to keep you alive, give any treasure. I promised myself that I wouldn't let you forget who you were, but I have failed. You've fallen to your pride as surely as your grandfather did." He looked stricken for just a moment, hurt beyond words at my accusation.

"What kind of king would I be without pride, it is all I have!" I stared at him before replying.

"A better one. Only the truly strong of heart can lay aside their pride to do the right thing. Until you remember that I am taking Bilbo somewhere safe. I cannot stand here and watch you fall any further. Let's go Bilbo." I turned him around and walked away without another word. I felt a hand on my arm and looked up to Kili's miserable face.

"I'm going with you."

"No Kili, not this time," I whispered. "As much as I want you at my side, Thorin needs you more than ever right now. Do not forsake him. I will not be far away, just at the base of the mountain. And when the battle is joined I will be there to fight." Pulling out of his grasp I walked with Bilbo down to where Gandalf waited. The respect on his face was almost too much to bear. I looked away from him, and from the mountain and continued on to camp.

Once we made it to the camp I hurried to the side that had been taken over by the lakemen. I didn't want to risk bumping into Thranduil again so soon after our last conversation. Gandalf took Bilbo along with him on whatever task he was currently occupied with, promising to meet up later. After what Bard had seen on the mountain top I was welcomed with open arms. I told him of my plans to participate in the battle. At first he flat out refused me, but with a little careful persuasion I managed to convince him that I would be no safer in the camp than I would on the battlefield.

He instead offered the services of a few of his armorers, and I was placed in their care for the duration of the afternoon. When I left the tent just before supper I was much more suitably geared. The leather and light mail would offer adequate protection if I was careful, and I was able to choose a good sword and a couple daggers. All geared up, I headed for the dining area, the smell of roasting meat making my mouth water. I glanced around once I had procured some food, and finding no familiar faces I sat at the nearest table. I tried to ignore the curious glances I received, finally staring pointedly at those few who were continuing to look. They either lowered their heads in embarrassment at getting caught, or had to be nudged by their seatmates before looking elsewhere.

I jumped slightly at the touch of a hand on my shoulder, relaxing when I realized it was just Gandalf and Bilbo returned from wherever they went. I smiled to see the beautiful elven bow and arrows that Gandalf was carrying. "These are for you. The prince thought you could put them to good use," he smiled.

"Thank you Gandalf! These are perfect! And look at you Bilbo, like a proper little soldier," I grinned, turning to look at him full on. He gave a hesitant smile, uncomfortable under the looks of all the men nearby. I could hear a few of them beginning to make snide comments and turned to them in annoyance. "Care to repeat that?" I said sweetly, a feral smile on my face. "Perhaps you'd like to tell him exactly what you think. If you do, you're braver than me. He faced down Azog the Defiler and came out without a scratch, but if you want to try your luck be my guest." The muttering stopped and I rolled my eyes before ushering the hobbit and wizard to a nearby tent to talk privately.

Once we had sat down Gandalf shared his news. "Good tidings at last. Thorin has finally agreed to cooperate and the three leaders were able to agree on a plan of battle this afternoon. I think your words really shook him up." I sighed in relief.

"We may yet get out of this alive then." Gandalf was solemn but hopeful, nodding in agreement. He turned to leave then, to make further preparations before the battle would commence. Bilbo and I spent the remainder of the day in companionable silence, wandering the large camp together.

I staggered upright with a gasp, sleep forgotten in the wake of a terrifying dream. I had dreamed of the company dying before, but there was a gruesome realness to this dream. It made it seem all too real and I knew I would not sleep again until the battle was over. I left the private tent I had slept in to see that it was almost dawn, the skies grey and overcast. The air felt heavy, a sense of foreboding filling the area. The camps were beginning to stir around me, readying themselves for the approaching army.

I went next door and poked my head into Bilbo's tent, smiling ruefully to see that he too was awake. "You couldn't sleep either?" he asked tiredly. I shook my head.

"Too many bad thoughts. Just nerves I guess. Come on, lets go find some breakfast so we have enough energy to make it through this." We joined the line of men entering the dining area once again, stomachs growling at the sight of the piles of food being prepared by the women. I ate quickly, forcing the food past my lips and encouraging Bilbo to do the same. It was difficult, the fear leaving it dry and tasteless in my mouth. After eating we hurried to arm up.

Within an hour the camps were being emptied as everyone headed to their stations. We were placed with a group of archers on higher ground, I assumed to provide us with a temporary measure of safety. I would have protested but I was an excellent shot, and it was a good post. I looked out over the troops below, spotting our company at the base of the mountain. Turning, I stared into the distance. I couldn't yet see the orcs, but we knew we would be fighting by noon. I sat down, taking what rest I could as we waited for the enemy.

Noon came quickly. The orcs were spotted, horns were blown, and we stood to watch the advancing swarm. They were beyond count, with many goblins and wargs besides. Later I would reflect back on the battle and realize just how little I noticed. They were upon us in moments, and my focus flashed from target to target too quickly to discern what I was seeing. The sounds of fighting faded in and out, becoming a booming roar and a deathly quiet all at once. It seemed to take no time at all to run out of arrows, with no end to targets.

I scanned the crowd for Azog, but couldn't find him. I was startled to notice the giant form of Beorn, currently as a bear. He was wiping out scores of enemies with furious swipes of his massive paws. My arrows depleted, I looked for the members of the company and especially Kili. I spotted them far away, and tugged on Bilbo's arm to get his attention.

"I'm going to fight my way to Kili, you should come with me," I yelled.

"I think I'll be better off unseen," he replied. I nodded to show I understood, and watched as he ducked behind a rock and disappeared. I drew my sword and began to slash my way across the battlefield. I kept my eyes up, knowing I could not spare the time to care for the wounded already littering the ground. I was turned every which way, many times beating at multiple assailants. I momentarily found myself fighting alongside Thranduil, managing to cut down a large orc that had been about to stab him in the back. He turned to see my blade embedded in the enemy and I nodded cordially before moving on.

The dead and dying were all around me, and I was swamped by a group of goblins. I finally defeated them and continued on my way, noting that the battle appeared to be slowing down slightly. My head whipped around at the sound of Thorin's name being screamed by a familiar voice. I searched the field ahead of me, not seeing the danger until it was too late. A burst of pain sent me tumbling to the ground, the world fading to black.