We stood on a part of the ruins of Dale that was like a guard tower and we could clearly see the lake and the town on it being set ablaze by Smaug. I could hear the screams from here and it curdled my blood. I looked around and saw the horror of what we had done on the Dwarves faces...except one. Thorin was staring at the busted front gate in almost a daze.

Disappointed, I turned and refused to look away as I watched the town burn. Then I saw something different. Hurrying to the edge I peered out, squinting. Smaug had landed on the town and seemed to be talking to someone. And as I watched Smaug suddenly roared, seemed to attack and then took off in flight straight up. Only he was flying clumsily and then suddenly he fell, right on top of the town. I couldn't believe it, "Smaug fell."

The Dwarves jumped to their feet and peer out at the lake. I said, almost able to believe it, "Smaug is dead."

Gloin said, "I think your right. Look there." Then I heard the cry of the ravens and I vaguely remembered Gloin talking about the signs back at Bree. "The ravens of Erebor have returned to the mountain."

Balin said happily, "Soon word will spread. Before long every soul in Middle-earth will know the dragon is dead." They cheered while I quickly sat on a rock, relief making my knees weak. That's when I noticed the Thorin was gone. I got up quickly and saw him heading back for the mountain. About to shout I was startled when the Dwarves hurried after him. Eying them I look back at the lake before going after them, going to try and talk them into going and looking for Fili, Kili, Oin and Bofur. And then helping those poor souls who just lost their homes.

0o0

All night I tried, but Thorin ordered everyone to hunt for the Arkenstone. Dawn came and went and still they did not hear me. Growing frustrated I chucked a ruby the size of my fist at Thorin and even though it hit him right in the head, it didn't seem to faze him as he just mumbled about the Arkenstone. Fearing for them and for Thorin I couldn't break their attention from the treasure but they did eat and drink when I put food and water in their hands.

Desperate for some sort of news I called to one of the ravens that had come and asked it to go see what had happen to the townspeople. It interested him so he flew to have a look. All I could do now is wait and see about helping my friends from losing more of their minds.

0o0

Days went by with no luck for me but when the raven came back with news I hid in an empty hallway and wept. Sliding down the wall the raven perched on my knee and preened my hair as my body wracked with sobs. The town was nothing but floating cinders, the people who had survived were wet, hungry and wounded. Bard was taking charge apparently and had found his children. Two elves had gone off from the town and I wondered if it was who I thought.

I still when the raven revealed that four Dwarves were making their way here. I looked up quickly and the raven croaked, repeating. I held out my fist and he climbed onto it and I quickly kissed his beak before carrying it out and letting it fly away as I scanned the land for the others.

0o0

When they came over the hill I raced down but only caught up to them when they got nearly to the treasure chamber, "Stop!" they paused and then shouted, happy to see me and I was so glad to see them and Kili looking much better. But I held out my hands before they could go any further, "You need to go." Bofur frowned in confusion, "But we just got here."

I shook my head and said, "This place will make you sick! Thorin! And the others! They haven't slept, they barely eat and all they do is count treasure!" But then Fili dashed around me and I tried to grasp him but missed and the other ran after him, "No, wait!"

I couldn't stop them or even catch them before they ran into the treasure room and I saw the sickness grab hold of them right there. Nearly crying again, I shook them and pleaded but they couldn't hear me any longer.

Then Thorin walked into the chamber, dressed in rich clothes he had found untouched and wearing a crown. He murmured softly, "Gold. Gold beyond measure. Beyond sorrow and grief." then he looked up and saw us and said louder, "Behold the great treasure hoard of Thror." Then he tossed the ruby I had chucked at his head before and Fili caught it as Thorin said proud, "Welcome my sister-sons to the Kingdom of Erebor." He swept out his arms to behold the treasure.

Then he lead them to where the other Dwarves had found a small chamber off to the side and everyone greeted each other happily as I watched from the background before Thorin barked an order and they all went back out to look for the Arkenstone again. I hung back, pressing my hand to my chest to feel the stone, which now weighed heavily with my guilt and worry. I dared not give it to Thorin, he was already enthralled by the gold, what would the stone do to him?

I couldn't bear to watch them anymore so hid in another part of the hall and took out my sketchbook and a piece of charcoal I had saved from Beorns. I began to sketch what I had seen to the best of my ability, determined to put everything down. Flinching when Thorin demanded no one to rest until they found the stone.

0o0

A few more days passed with no change and I went exploring from boredom above the broken front gates. I sat on a piece of rubble and stared into space, hearing Smaug in my head telling me how he would almost give Thorin the Arkenstone if only to see him go mad. Rubbing my forehead I reached into my shirt and pulled out the stone, looking at it and wanting to throw it into a pit where it would never be found. But my gut told me I may yet need it.

So I stuffed it in my shirt and stalked back inside, wondering how many coins I could chuck at the Dwarves heads before they noticed.