A/N: So here we go into the Wilds and a nice long chapter for you. I pulled a big chunk from my first story (which was pretty much straight from the movie anyway). I did go with a bit of a different ending, though. :) Hope you enjoy! Continued thanks to the readers, followers, and reviewers!

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priya: Thanks. I love him, too. :)

Faron: David will show up again but for now he'll be safely in Rivendell.

Paul: She could be. I haven't thought that far ahead and I 'probably' won't touch the events of LotR in this story.

Petal: Thanks! Here's that journey!

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Blah blah blah. Its all Tolkien's. Except the bits that aren't. :)

Rhae's knowledge of Rivendell came in handy as they quietly prepared to slip away the next day and Thorin found himself amazed at her resourcefulness. They wouldn't have been so well provisioned if it hadn't been for her and he was grateful. Besides bringing back enough food to last them quite some time she brought some extra blankets and even found more pipe tobacco. The one time he had questioned her on taking so much from Elrond she had merely shrugged.

"They'll have no problem replacing what I've borrowed," she'd replied with an impish grin on her face. Thorin felt like he shouldn't be surprised at anything she did during the remainder of their journey. While she was busy making sure they had food he quietly discussed their plans with Dwalin and Balin. He chose not to mention their impending departure to any of the company beyond the Fundin brothers, merely telling the others that they should be ready to leave at a moment's notice from here on out. His nerves were stretched thin and he didn't want a thoughtless or careless word giving them away. He wanted to continue on, especially now that they knew when they had to be at the mountain, and he fought the constant fear that something would stop them.

After finding everything she felt the company needed and could carry, Rhae searched until she found David. He was in the stables brushing down Tálagor. She joined him and they worked together in the quiet as she tried to figure out what to say to him.

"Its time for you to leave, isn't it?"

"Yes, I'm afraid so. I'm sorry I won't get to spend as much time here with you as I normally do."

"Don't apologize, mom, I understand."

"Do you? I hate feeling like I'm abandoning you."

"I always miss you when you leave but I know what sits on your shoulders as well."

"As soon as this is all over I promise I'll get Lord Elrond to send us home."

To her surprise David shook his head. "Mom … this is our home."

"What? No it isn't."

"Yes, it is." For the first time ever his eyes were hard when he looked at her. "You were born here. I've spent the majority of my life here. We have friends and family here now. What is there in that other world to go back to?"

"You are my only family, David."

"Araden? Galen? The elves … the dwarves?" He peered closely at her. "Are you saying that they mean nothing to you after all these years? Lord Elrond, his sons, they've become like family to me. I do not want to return to that other world. I don't think you want to return, either."

"Son, I don't think you know what - "

"Don't say I don't know what I'm talking about. I'm thirteen, almost fourteen years old. I've been studying with Lord Elrond for most of those years and probably know more than any kid my age back on Earth. I'm also old enough to have some idea of my own feelings and opinions. I like it here; I'm happy. There is still so much I want to learn. I also have eyes. I've seen how happy you have been here though I know you would never admit it. You were never this happy in our old life."

For a moment Rhae could only open and close her mouth in shock. Never had her son spoken to her in such a manner … and what he was saying had everything she'd clung to crumbling in her head. She'd constantly told herself they would return to Earth for his sake, for everything available there. Never once had she considered the fact that he might not want to go back. She truly had no idea what to say to him. This knowledge, heaped on top of what she knew she and the Company were about to face, had a sick feeling forming in her belly. He must have sensed her distress and hugged her tightly.

"I'm not trying to be mean, Mom, but I know there's nothing waiting for us back in that other world. We were alone there. We are not alone here."

She wrapped her arms around him and laid her cheek on the top of his head. She knew when they finally were together again he would have grown too tall to do so. Her little baby boy was gone and in his place was a boy who'd become wise beyond his years.

"You have given me much to think on but it is not something I can discuss right now. I still have quite a lot to finish before we can truly have this conversation."

"I know and I am proud of what you are trying to do."

"You're proud of me?"

"Of course I am! Like I told Thorin, it's not every kid who gets transported to Middle Earth because his mom is the long lost daughter of a queen from a race of super advanced, intelligent beings and has to save the world."

Rhae just stared, knowing her mouth was hanging open like a fish. She wasn't sure what shocked her more: the fact that he was proud of who she was, her heritage, and her mission or the fact that he'd discussed this with Thorin Oakenshield.

"You've talked about me with the king?"

He laughed and shrugged. "I talked about you when he was helping me with my sword work." He gave her a rather sly look. "He is really nice. I like him a lot."

She just shook her head, left speechless once again.

"When your quest is over I will get Lord Elrond to bring me to Erebor. I've read a little bit about it in some of the books in the library and I'm anxious to see it."

Rhae took his hand. "David, anything could happen between now and then … I could completely fail in what the Valar are asking of me."

"Everything will work out just the way it is supposed to, Mom. The elves didn't name you Belrennil for no reason."

She could only smile, taking him in her arms again.

"Take care of Tál for me while I'm gone and I expect to see much improvement in your sword skills when I return."

"I will, I promise." He buried his head into her shoulder. "I love you, Mom."

"I love you, too, sweetheart." She placed a kiss on the top of his head. "Na lû e-govaned vîn."

The sun was slowing making its way towards the horizon. Thorin sat thinking over the details of their escape from Rivendell and all that could go wrong when he was surprised by a visit from David. The lad beckoned from a side door and he joined him, extremely curious – and a touch worried – as to why Rhae's son would seek him out at this time.

"I'm sorry to bother you but there was something I wanted to say before you left."

"Is something wrong? Did your mother send you?" Had the White Wizard discovered their impending disappearance?

"No, nothing has happened. Mom is still keeping an eye out for Saruman." At his raised eyebrow David shrugged. "I might have eavesdropped a bit."

"Not a habit I would recommend."

"I know but that's the only way to find stuff out most of the time." Thorin decided this wasn't important enough to discuss further and so waited to hear what the boy had to say.

"You will watch out for my mom?"

A bit taken aback by the request he nodded. "Of course."

"I mean it. She's stubborn and this task from the Valar has her very stressed. She's so worried about failing and I'm afraid she'll toss her safety to the side in order to help you."

"If I asked do you think she'd remain in Rivendell where it's safe?"

David snorted and it reminded him so much of Rhae that he almost laughed. "Lord Elrond would have to drug her until the mountain is reclaimed in order for her to remain here."

He nodded knowing the boy was completely right.

"You have my word that I will do everything possible to keep your mother from taking unnecessary risks. I would not have her harmed … and not just for your sake, lad."

Thorin met the boy's gaze with only a trifle of nervousness in his heart. Would he even understand what was just implied?

"Give her a reason to stay," David said with a slight smirk. "I do believe you will be the only one that can."

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As dusk approached Thorin waited in their quarters with the rest of the company, unable to eat much of the meal Bombur handed him. He was tense and anxiously listening for Rhae's footsteps. The Ranger had gone somewhere to keep watch so they would know when it was safe to leave. He worried that something or someone would manage to stop them and he wouldn't rest easy until they had left Rivendell behind. Yes, they had received food, rest, and valuable help from Lord Elrond but it still grated on Thorin that he'd been forced to accept it all from elves. Finally he heard what he'd been waiting for and stood as Rhae slipped through the door.

"Let's go," she told him, grabbing her own pack from against the wall. He nodded and in a low voice told the company that they were leaving immediately. They seemed a bit surprised but no one questioned him. Within moments they had doused their furniture fed fire, hefted their freshly filled packs on their backs, and were following Rhae down quiet corridors. She knew where to go in order to remain unseen and hurried them along. Once they were out of the buildings they still had to follow the path out of the valley and she was anxious to get away, her distrust of the White Wizard fueling her. She only paused once, when they reached the top of the hidden path, allowing the rest of the company to catch up. As they did she looked down over Rivendell, glowing golden in the setting sun, and hoped she would live to see her son again. She might have been brought here to save the Line of Durin and her mother had promised her that she would survive but there was that niggling bit of doubt in the back of her mind. Could the Valar control that much of what went on in Middle Earth?

"Be on your guard," Thorin told everyone. "We're about to step over the edge of the Wild. Rhae, Balin, you know these paths. Lead on." The white bearded dwarf joined the Ranger at the front of the line and they started on their way. Bilbo stopped and looked back at Rivendell, longing clear on his face.

"Master Baggins, I suggest you keep up," Thorin said gruffly from where he was waiting for the company to go by. Bilbo heaved a small sigh and then fell in line behind Oín.

Rhae lead the company from the valley and headed through the forest, trying to keep a steady pace so as not to exhaust them. The Misty Mountains were a shadowy blue rising in front of them. There wasn't much chatter among the dwarves for a while after they left Rivendell, everyone seemingly lost in their own thoughts. They were leaving safety behind them, heading into the wild with nothing but dangerous uncertainty ahead. Most of the company was only thinking of survival, hoping the remainder of their trek would be as easy as the beginning. Bilbo thought constantly of Rivendell; he had felt so safe and peaceful with the elves. He was also nervous without Gandalf and he wondered again why the wizard was not with them. Rhae's mind was only full of what she knew was ahead of them and praying that she hadn't messed anything up that would negatively alter those encounters. Thorin was never easy, knowing that the closer they got to the Misty Mountains the greater the danger. He could feel Erebor calling to him, the call getting stronger with every step he took eastward. The going was slow, much slower than he would like now that they were on foot, and that irritated him as well, though there was nothing else they could do. The Ranger provided a welcome distraction and he found his eyes on her more often than not. She presented a very pleasing picture as she lead them towards the mountains: messy braid peeking from out of her hood, cloak billowing around her small frame, sword and daggers at her waist, pack, quiver and bow across her back. The black scarf was back in place, shielding the lower half of her face from the wind. For someone not a dwarf she had remarkable strength and stamina, never seeming to tire. She certainly never complained. Remembering their moments together in Rivendell made him long for another opportunity to just be near her but she seemed to be avoiding him.

He wasn't wrong.

She had managed to avoid him for the most part, knowing she needed to stay focused on the job she'd been given. Staying away from him hadn't kept him out of her mind but at least it was easier to ignore her wayward thoughts when he wasn't right in front of her. The few times she wasn't at the head of the line she couldn't help but admire him as he lead them forward, his steps sure and firm, his gaze never leaving the mountains in front of them. Even trekking though the wild he was still majestic and damnably handsome. Rhae found she wanted him by her side, that she missed the somewhat easy conversations they'd shared before Rivendell. She forced herself to stay where she was most evenings, though, not wanting to get into a situation that could prove ... distracting. Thankfully, at least to her way of thinking, their current environment was giving her something else to think about than her wayward emotions.

The views as they trudged along were magnificent. In her few years in Middle Earth Rhae had only traveled this way once and so she enjoyed all that she saw. Forest eventually merged into rocky foothills which would lead them into the treacherous passes through the mountains. They passed crystal clear streams and waterfalls. There was plenty of game to hunt for meals so they were able to preserve the supplies Rhae had filled their packs with before leaving Rivendell. She could almost believe she was back in the north, patrolling those lands with Araden and Galen before they'd been sent further south towards the Shire. Despite being on foot and the circumstances surrounding her even being in this place, there was a spring in her step and small smile on her face. Since her return to Middle Earth she'd discovered that places like this were where she was most comfortable: nothing and no one to bother her and amazing vistas to feast her eyes on.

It was remarkably quiet and uneventful for several days for which Rhae was grateful. She knew what lived hidden in the mountains and the company would need all its strength to face what was to come though she desperately hoped there was something she would be able to do so they could avoid that all together. Then again, if they weren't taken down into Goblin Town then Bilbo wouldn't find the Ring which meant … well, she wasn't sure what the consequences would be exactly but Gollum keeping it couldn't end favorably. She sighed inwardly at the thought of facing the grotesque creature that called himself king of the goblins.

"You have been very quiet lately." Thorin's words pulled her from her thoughts. He had had managed to quietly (at least for a dwarf) approach where she was sitting on watch, the rest of the Company finally dozing behind them. She glanced at him, weighing how she was going to answer.

"Just thinking about our path through the mountains. You know as well as I what lives there."

"Yes. I wish there was some other way across."

"We'd have to travel hundreds of miles south to the Gap of Rohan and then the same distance back north. It would also put us too close to Saruman in Isengard for my tastes."

"Why do you not trust him?" Rhae paused as she considered. What could she safely tell him without revealing that she had full knowledge of the future? She decided to just start talking and if the Valar didn't like what she was saying they'd sew her lips shut or something.

"I can't quite put my finger on a particular reason. It is just a feeling I get. It's not that he has necessarily done anything to cause my distrust, it's more what he hasn't done. He balks at any mention of this growing darkness, waves it off as mere nonsense or stories of cowardly farmers. He cannot be ignorant of what others have felt but yet he refuses to investigate."

"What have you felt? I have not forgotten your few cryptic comments over the course of our journey so far. There is something you and the wizard haven't told me."

Surely there would be no harm in mentioning what was slowly coming to life in Middle Earth. "There is evil growing again in this world. I can feel it in the air, in the ground, all around me. It is not strong - yet - but it is there. I don't have any type of second sight but I can certainly feel the changes. There is a reason behind the increase in orc raids. They have been venturing much further south recently. I fear the Watchful Peace that has been enjoyed for so long is coming to an end."

After a moment Thorin's eyes widened slightly. "You cannot mean-?"

"It is only a sense that things are changing. That is why Gandalf stayed behind. He has felt it, too. If he can get answers I will be much more comfortable." She returned her gaze to the mountain peaks. "I only hope that he is not delayed in meeting us as he said."

"Will this affect our quest?"

"No but we must defeat Smaug. He would be a dangerous weapon for Sauron or any of his allies." Her words threw a whole new perspective to their quest and Thorin felt added responsibility sink onto his shoulders. "Do not worry about the Dark Lord. Just focus on reclaiming your mountain for your people. The rest will present itself when it is time." He stared at her for a moment, again surprised at her ability to read his mind and know what he was feeling. It was oddly comforting. He reached out and took her hand, gently intertwining his fingers with hers. For a moment she tensed but when he didn't do anything further she slowly relaxed. Her skin was soft but he could feel the calluses from her bowstring, a subtle reminder that she was no dainty female of Men. She was a warrior, not just a Dunedain Ranger but Númenor royalty, and she had promised to stay by his side throughout whatever may come. Perhaps he should learn not to judge all by the actions of a few. She was certainly nothing like any from the race of Man he'd ever met. Thorin gave her hand a gentle kiss and settled in next to her, placing their joined hands on his thigh, content to finally just be next to her.

Rhae smiled at him softly. When he'd taken her hand she'd been afraid of what else he might do (and her reaction to it) but when it became clear he was content as they were she had allowed herself to relax. It was a rather pleasant feeling to have him next to her. They kept watch together for the rest of the night, never knowing that Balin had watched them for a bit with a satisfied twinkle in his eye.

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The next day saw them climbing into the mountains, the trail becoming steeper and more narrow as it worked it way up. At one point they were walking across a boulder strewn ridge, the Misty Mountains spread around them and Rhae couldn't help but marvel at the splendor. If she hadn't been on the quest with the dwarves she probably would've stayed there a few days, just to enjoy seeing everything spread out beneath her feet. It was breathtaking and the similarity to the scenery in New Zealand was uncanny. For the first time she wondered if Professor Tolkien had somehow found his way to Middle Earth and that's why all his descriptions were so accurate. If the Valar could transport her from Earth to here then it certainly wasn't out of the realm of possibility that she wasn't the first to have experienced it. Perhaps it had all been part of the grand plan: if the books and movies hadn't existed then she would not have the knowledge of what was to come to aid her. Shrugging her shoulders under her cloak she tilted her head up towards the sun. The wind was cold but it did not bother her; she enjoyed the feel of it against her face. If the weather held they should have no problem getting through the mountains.

Of course she knew that wouldn't be the case. Sure enough the next evening a storm crashed right over them as they were struggling along a mountain path so narrow Rhae's fear of heights was becoming a problem. She gripped her cloak tighter around her body to keep it from distracting Bofur behind her. They inched their way along the tiny little path that seemed to cling to the edge of the mountain, a sheer drop into the darkness on one side. She tried hard not to think about it; doing so only made her dizzy. Lightning flashed constantly over their heads and the wind blew stinging rain in their faces. Hearing a scuffle she turned in time to see Dwalin grabbing the pack on Bilbo's back, keeping him from plummeting over the edge. This was madness. If they didn't find shelter soon someone was going to fall. Thorin seemed to have the same thought and she was just able to hear him shout about finding shelter over the sounds of the storm.

"Watch out!" Dwalin suddenly yelled and she looked up to see a massive boulder crash into the side of the mountain above them, showering rocks down on where they stood.

"This is no thunderstorm! It's a thunderbattle! Look!" Rhae looked where Balin was pointing and gasped in horror as a stone giant rose from a nearby mountain. It was so much more terrifying in person; the sound of cracking and groaning stone, of boulders tumbling from their resting places, the rumble of noise from the mouths of the giants themselves was nothing short of nightmarish. As they watched it tore off the top of another mountain.

Bofur stood there amazed. "Well bless me. The legends are true! Giants! Stone giants!"

"Take cover! You'll fall!" Rhae yelled at him, pulling him back against the mountain. A second giant appeared behind them and became the target for the boulder the first giant had ripped off. The impact caused more rock to rain down on them and the path beneath their feet began to crumble away. Rhae began to panic. They were trapped on this quickly narrowing excuse for a path. The path suddenly seemed to move underneath them and she heard Fíli yell in front of her as a crack formed between the brothers.

"Kíli! Grab my hand!" Rhae watched as Kíli and everyone ahead of him on the path was carried away on what was one of the legs of yet another stone giant. She pressed herself against the side of the mountain as the leg they were on began to move as well, Fíli turning and using his body to try and keep her from tumbling into the chasm. They clung to the rock as the giants fought. This could not end well. The giant they were on was hit in the head with a boulder and she could feel it beginning to collapse, sending them careening towards an outcropping of stone. There was no way they could survive being thrust upon those jagged boulders. As the giant fell they caught a last glimpse of the other group as they hurtled towards the rocky ledge. Just on instinct she threw her hands out in an effort to stop their fall (or protect her face, she didn't know which), Fíli's arm still around her middle, and said a quick word to God or the Valar or whoever to keep her son safe.

So much for the promise that was given to my mother.

However as soon as her hands moved she was amazed to see several of the largest boulders shift slightly sideways, opening up a clearing that seemed to be just big enough to hold them. Despite that she clamped her eyes shut and braced for what would undoubtedly be a hard impact.

The rest of the company could only watch helplessly as the other group disappeared from sight, seemingly smashed against a rock ledge. Thorin felt pain sear through his heart as the giant fell into the void beneath them, the path the other half of his company had been standing on gone.

"No! No!" he screamed, hurrying forward, desperate to get to where the rocks had collided. "Fíli! Rhae!" He could not lose them both! He could not lose his heir and his - Ranger. He could not lose her, too! She had been sent to help him! They rounded the corner, expecting the worst. Thorin felt like collapsing in relief when he saw a pile of moaning, complaining dwarves and one Ranger.

"They're alright! They're alive!" Balin yelled behind him and they pressed forward to see what injuries the others had sustained.

Fíli and Rhae were in the middle of the pile, his arm still wrapped tightly around her waist from his effort to keep her from falling. Despite the situation he enjoyed the feeling of her against him and reluctantly released her when she tried to get up. It had been just sheer instinct that had led him to grab a hold of her in the first place. Lifting his eyes he saw his uncle staring in their direction though for a moment the older dwarf seemed unaware of his very presence. He bit his lip, unsure if he was pleased to see more proof that Thorin truly had developed feelings for the woman he'd held against his side or disappointed that the proof now existed.

Rhae groaned, knowing this was going to leave some colorful bruises. Not wanting to move just yet she carefully began flexing her limbs, relieved that everything seemed to work the way it should. Glancing around it appeared that the rest of the dwarves that had fallen had made it through without any severe injuries. Thorin reached their side and helped them both to their feet, resting his head against his nephew's for a moment before turning to her.

"Are you alright?" She looked okay to him but it would be impossible to see if she was bleeding or bruised.

"I'll live. We -"

"Where's Bilbo? Where the hobbit?" Bofur suddenly yelled. Rhae snapped around at his words, scanning the group. How could she have forgotten this? She felt sick to her stomach at the thought and tried to push her way towards the back of the group.

Ori spotted him first. "There!"

Rhae cried out when she finally saw him dangling from the edge of the path. There were too many dwarves in front of her to get to him.

"Get him!" Dwalin yelled and the young dwarf fell to the ground, trying to grasp Bilbo's arm but his grip slipped and the hobbit fell a bit further. Several in the company tried in vain to reach him. Out of nowhere Thorin swung down and gripped the hobbit's arm, tossing him up to the hands of the waiting dwarves. However as he was lifting himself back up on the path his hand slipped and he started to fall. Dwalin and Rhae dove forward, each managing to grab him before he was gone and hauled him back to safety. His weight crashed into her and she fell backwards, smacking her head against the ground. If they made it off this cursed mountain she was going to be black and blue from head to toe. She laid there for a moment to catch her breath not even noticing the rain still pouring in her face.

"I thought we'd lost our burglar," she heard Dwalin say and she forced herself up so she could move next to Bilbo. The poor thing was as white as a sheet and still panting in fright. Bofur was by his side, trying to comfort him though it didn't seem to be helping.

"He's been lost ever since he left home. He should never have come," Thorin growled. She looked up at him with a frown. "He has no place amongst us." With another glare he yelled for Dwalin. The burly dwarf spared a quick glance at the hobbit and then followed his king. Rhae merely glared after them, furious at the words Thorin had just flung out so carelessly. She placed an arm around Bilbo's shoulders and helped him to his feet. She could see the shock in Bofur's eyes and she felt a second's pity for the dwarf; hearing his king speak in such a way had to be … disheartening. It wasn't long before the two dwarves returned with the news that there was a cave just ahead they could shelter in for the night. The company followed them wordlessly.

"It looks safe enough," Dwalin said peering in through the opening.

Thorin wasn't satisfied and rightfully so. "Search to the back. Caves in the mountains are seldom unoccupied." They waited while Dwalin inspected the cave, tumbling in gratefully when he came back saying there was nothing in there. Gloin dropped an armload of wood on the floor and rubbed his hands together in anticipation.

"Right then! Let's get a fire started."

"No," Thorin stopped him. "No fires, not in this place. Get some sleep. We start at first light." There was some groaning from the dwarves. Rhae agreed with him but she was still too mad to speak up in support.

"We were to wait in the mountains until Gandalf joined us. That was the plan." Balin was leery of moving on without the wizard.

"Plans change. Bofur, take first watch." Thorin remained at the cave entrance while the rest of the company attempted to find a comfortable spot on the floor. They were so exhausted it didn't take long for them to begin drifting off to sleep. Rhae waited until the majority of them were snoring before approaching Thorin. She was amazed she'd been able to keep quiet as long as she had.

"How could you say such things to Bilbo?"

He jerked around in surprise at the anger in her voice and was met with an icy glare. It had been a while since he'd seen her this angry.

"I only spoke the truth."

"Whether you think it true or not doesn't matter. Sometimes its best just to keep your thoughts to yourself."

"He doesn't belong out here. The wild is no place for those that can't fend for themselves."

"You thought the same when you first saw me."

"That is different. You are a Ranger and well trained to fight."

"Could you fend for yourself the first time you were in the wild? Would you have been able to survive without knowing how to use your sword?"

"We are taught the skills needed to survive anywhere."

"Exactly. You were taught that, as I was, but what if you hadn't been? Life in the Shire is, of course, different from Erebor or Ered Luin. They have no need of fighting skills. Bilbo came willingly on this quest to help you, knowing it was dangerous and that he was ill-prepared. You could have helped him, taught him how to use that sword Gandalf gave him. Instead all you have done is either ignore or berate him for things he has no control over."

"His carelessness could have cost me members of my company."

"What carelessness?" Rhae snapped. "He was clinging to that rock as we were and smashed against the mountainside just like the rest of us. It was just bad luck that he slipped. It could have been any member of the company hanging from that path. He does not deserve your scorn." She was almost shaking in fury.

Thorin wasn't sure how to respond to her. Why had he snapped at the Halfling like that? The fellow certainly didn't belong in the wild but had he actually been much of a burden? He thought back to the scene on the path; he'd been worried. Yes, worried. The Halfling was a member of his company and, despite his words to Gandalf at Bag End, he was responsible for the hobbit. He opened his mouth to try and explain to Rhae but she held up a hand.

"Don't bother. I'm not really in a mood to hear your excuses." He watched as she stomped towards the back of the cave and laid down between his nephews. There were some murmured words that he couldn't catch, obviously the boys hadn't been asleep, and then he gritted his teeth as the two of them scooted closer to where she lay, sandwiching her between them. Jealousy gnawed at his gut. He had hoped she might stay near him; he could have used the comfort of her presence. Seeing her on that rock as the giant had fallen, thinking that she had been crushed to death had made him feel physically sick. He'd had to fight to keep his knees from buckling underneath him. And oh the relief he'd felt when he'd spotted her alive!

He'd been scared, terrified that he had lost her.

The thought came to him and he knew that had been the reason he'd lashed out at the hobbit. There was nothing he could have done to help Rhae in that situation and feeling helpless never sat well with him. So he'd taken out his frustration on the first thing that presented itself. He passed a hand over his face in irritation. Laying down on the stone floor he realized an apology was probably in order.

Rhae couldn't relax. She was uneasy and sleep wouldn't come. Besides the scene she'd just witnessed, which was much more irritating in real life than it had been in the movie, she knew what came next. The only question was which way would it play out: as it had in the movie with a wall opening and the goblins capturing them or with the floor dropping out beneath them? She would prefer the version from the book. At least that wouldn't result in more bruises.

Hearing something near the mouth of the cave she lifted her head just enough to see Bilbo and Bofur talking. Knowing what their conversation was about she settled back onto her blanket though she kept her eyes trained on the sand covered stone underneath them. When she began to hear some scratching coming from the back of the cave she gave a small sigh of relief. At least they would be spared that long, painful tumble down into Goblin Town. Even knowing it was coming, seeing the rock wall split apart startled her. The hobbit, apparently seeing it at the same time she did, gave a yell, and the dwarves sat up in confusion. They weren't given a chance to mount a defense.

Chaos fell upon them then and they were dragged, six goblins to each dwarf, through the stone and down a rickety bridge. As claws dug into her skin she tried to keep herself calm and again hope that everything would play out correctly. She had no idea what she'd do if it didn't.

Na lû e-govaned vîn: Until next we meet.