Enjoy, I don't own the hobbit, you know the drill.

"And there's runes all around the edges, and they tell dwarven legends of old." I said.

"What sort of legends?' Bain asked, him and Tilda listening to me enraptured.

I smiled, recalling the ones Fili had told me in the halls. "There's one of Mahal forging the dwarves into life. And another of the first great battle, and how Durin cut of the head of his enemy after his own injury. He survived and became known as Durin the Deathless, and the dwarves made him their king. And there is an odd little story of how the dwarves mined stars out of the sky."

"What does a star look like?" Tilda spoke up.

"The writings say they looked like pure white gems."

Tilda smiled. "Beautiful." She sighed.

"The halls themselves are an absolute maze. Bilbo," My mind froze for a split second recalling yesterday's events. "…he got lost in them so many times. They twist and turn, but everything's connected one way or another so there's a hundred different ways probably to reach the same spot."

"Is it very dark under the Mountain?" Sigrid looked up from her cross-stitching.

"It's not as bright as outside I suppose, but you don't realise that after staying in there for a while. There's shafts that the light comes in through and Ori spoke of mirrors that reflect it into the halls. Anything too deep down is lit with torches that line the walls." I sighed. "It's all rather cozy actually. Not as damp and dark as you may think."

"It sounds quite pleasant." Sigrid said. "Da wouldn't think so at the moment, but I find I'd like it there."

"I'd miss the sun." Tilda said. "And the sky."

"Well there are windows higher up." I said. "And balconies. And even some courtyards along the base."

"I guess that's better." Tilda said, nodding.

"Did you see the treasure?" Bain asked.

I almost grimaced at the question. There was a war beginning to form over all that gold.

"Well?" Bain asked.

"Yes." I answered, keeping my voice indifferent. "I did get the chance to see it once."

"How much gold is there?" Tilda asked. I half-expected Sigrid to quiet her and Bain but she went on with her embroidery, listening, equally curious.

"Tilda I don't think we should be talking about-"

"I won't tell Da, I promise." Tilda said, pretending to lock her mouth closed with a key.

I cast a glance over to Bain and he nodded his vow of silence as well. Sigrid caught my eyes with similar feeling in them.

I consented at last. "There was more than any man could possibly count."

"Wow." Tilda breathed. "It probably looked like a mountain itself."

"Like a range of mountains." I agreed.

Bard entered the tent suddenly, something under his coat.

"Bard, you've no need to hide the Arkenstone from me." I said.

"It's not the Arkenstone." Bard said. "And it's addressed to you."

"What?" I asked, not understanding.

Then Bard's coat squawked. I grew even more confused.

"Alright out with you, ya little devil!" Bard said, sounding annoyed, and he held open his coat. There was another cry and an intense rustling and then a great black bird erupted from behind the coat, circled a few laps of the tent, and finally perched itself on the table.

"It's a raven." Sigrid announced.

Indeed it was, and a rather disturbed looking raven at that. Obviously he had not enjoyed his stay under Bard's coat.

"He's got a letter with him." Tilda pointed out, pointing at the small scroll tied to one of the raven's feet. "Rue it has your name on it!" She reached for it and the raven made a threatening snap at her fingers. "Oi!" She chastised the bird.

A letter. On a raven. It could have come from only one place….

I held out my hand toward the raven, more slowly than Tilda had. This time the bird looked me up and down and then bowed. He actually held out his wings and dipped his head down in what appeared to be a funny little bow.

I took this as permission to retrieve my letter, which the raven let me untie from his leg. I quickly unscrolled it, my eyes quickly glancing at the bottom to see the signature.

Fili.

I beamed ear to ear, sat down by the table and quickly began to read the letter.

Rue,

I am not sure if this letter will reach you in time, or if it will find you in the Laketown camp. I would have came myself and tore the camp down looking for you, but Thorin has been keeping a close guard on everyone. If I left he'd be sure to notice. It took hours to find a raven, let alone one smart enough to understand what a nymph was. (Be careful with him, he's quite old, and moody to go with it. It works best if you feed him).

"You know…" I looked up at Tilda, who was speaking. She had a handful of corn in her cupped palms, and the raven had perched on her hand and was eating happily and gently from her hands. "He's actually quite friendly."

I laughed softly and returned to the letter.

Things are growing tense under the mountain Rue. I'm writing to warn you, wherever you are. Dain's army arrived early this morning. The mountain is now occupied by dwarven warriors. It's become clear Thorin is going to attempt to take the Arkenstone back by force. He has no intention of surrendering any gold. Anyone who comes to the gates of Erebor unarmed is going to be ambushed. Take whatever means you must to keep yourself, and Bilbo safe.

I don't expect a reply, in fact it would be best to turn the raven into the wild for a while so Thorin does not realise anything. Just make sure you're safe and sound. If it's somewhere far away from the mountain, then I'm glad you're a good distance away from the fighting.

Do what you must.

Fili

I stared at the tiny script in shock. The army had arrived. Thorin was planning war? How could he still be planning war?!

"Are you alright?" Bain asked me. "You look like you're about to be sick."

"Bard." I called over the man. Bard looked at me confused, and then I held out the tiny letter to him. He took it carefully from my hands and read over the words.

He scowled at the news. "Da?" Sigrid asked, sensing something had gone wrong.

"If you'll excuse me," Bard headed out of the tent. "I have some important news for king Thranduil."

"What happened?" Sigrid whispered to me.

I held up the letter from Fili. Sigrid scanned it over as well and her eyes grew wide. "Oh no." She whispered back.

"If you would let me slip away for a moment." I said to everyone. "I think I also have some news for Gandalf." I grabbed by letter back and hurried off.

Life in the camp went on as day-to-day as it was, but I was rushing to and fro, searching for a tall man in grey robes and pointy hat.

"Gandalf! Master Gandalf!" I called for him.

You would think he would be easier to find…

I ran back to the tent he occupied and this time burst in. "Master Gandalf?!"

I looked over to find Bilbo. "Rue?" He asked, noticing my haste and my growing concern.

For a moment I stuttered, and the two of us fumbled for a conversation. After a bit I was able to finally say "Bilbo, have you seen Gandalf anywhere?"

"Yes, he was just on his way over to Thranduil's tent, something happened…"

I turned and bolted. "Wait!" Bilbo called after me. "What's happening? Do you know, Rue?"

"It's Erebor." I said. "I got word from Erebor."

"You got a message from the Mountain?" Bilbo asked. "After being banished? Who sent it?"

"Fili." I responded, weaving in and out between people who were going about their daily business.

"Fili?" Bilbo asked.

"Yes." I replied, coming toward the elven tents now. "Master Gandalf!" I called again.

"Why?" Bilbo asked. "What was the letter about?"

"Dain's army arrived. Thorin's planning a war over the Arkenstone."

Bilbo went pale. "Oh dear…"

I rushed into Thranduil's tent without being invited (for the second time in two days) and saw everyone there. Bard and his children, Thranduil and his son, Gandalf, and even Tauriel. "Do you know?" I asked.

"Yes." Gandalf sounded bitter. "To think he would turn on those who helped him."

Well, the elves hadn't been very helpful but still…

"How can we know if this is true?" Legolas asked. "The letter was addressed to the nymph, who was exiled from the Mountain. They must assume she resides here now. How do we know they still trust her, that the words are not false?"

"It was sent from the man she was beginning to court before her banishment. I don't believe he would sent false reports to the woman he loves." Gandalf reassured the forming counsel.

"Wait a moment…" Bilbo stopped, turning to me. "Beginning to court?"

"What are we going to do now Da?" Bain asked. "Are we going to fight back?"

"Is it true that you started courting Fili?"

"Yes, but-"

"We know of the attack now." Bard said. "We can go to Erebor armed and ready."

"Oh my goodness…I asked a lady to marry me who was already courting someone else. That's terrible form."

"He proposed?!" Tilda quipped.

"What?" Sigrid echoed in surprise.

"If it is a war Thorin wants, then it is a war we shall give him." Thranduil said.

"Why didn't you tell me?" Bilbo asked.

"I would have, but you asked right out of nowhere and it would have been awful to mention it to you then and there." I said. "It would be like adding insult to injury."

"Yes, and it certainly doesn't insult me now…" Bilbo said, some sarcasm in his tone.

"I believe we may have larger concerns than the fate of a jewel to worry about." Gandalf added.

"Well, I'm sorry you decided to sneak off so many times and miss the brief party we threw." I responded, my tone containing sarcasm as well. "Or maybe you could have just causally asked what the new braid meant."

"I say we march over to Erebor at dawn tomorrow. Thorin will not give us any gold, but we may gain some if we fight for it." Bard suggested.

"Your braid…that's what it stands for doesn't it?" Bilbo asked.

"I don't understand, are they engaged or not?" Tilda asked of Sigrid.

"I don't think so." Sigrid whispered in reply.

"Something dark grows out there beyond our sight. Something powerful! Something we cannot face alone!" I heard Gandalf arguing.

"Yes, it is a courtship braid. I'm sorry you feel like a fool. I'm sorry no one mentioned it to you. I would have gladly shared the news, if Thorin hadn't disapproved and forbid the courtship!"

"Thorin forbid it?" Bilbo asked.

"Yes!" I all but screamed.

I suddenly realised that everyone was staring at me. I drew in a steadying breath and stood tall, composing myself. "Seeing as you have been informed of the letter already," I nodded to Gandalf. "I will take my leave now. If you would excuse me." I gave a quick, general bow to everyone there and exited the tent.

Outside I ran my fingers through my hair in growing worry. War, there was going to be a war. Would I fight against my friends? It didn't matter from which side I decided to take. Would I hide myself away, like Fili had urged me?

I didn't know what to do.

Gandalf suddenly burst out of the tent, looking as flustered as I felt. "Fools…everything has to result in war…" He grumbled.

"Master Gandalf." I sprinted after him, and had to walk briskly to keep up with his pace.

"What is it Rue?" He asked, concerned I'm sure, but more focused in mind on something else.

"Master Gandalf, I'm sorry for pestering you with what must seem rather tedious problems…" I said, trying to keep up with him as he rushed through the camp. "But I have no idea what I must do. I have friends on both sides of this forming war. Fili wrote he wanted me to keep out of things, but I can't do that, I have to do something. I just don't know what."

"And?" Gandalf asked.

I grabbed him by his sleeve. "I am begging you, Master Gandalf, tell me what I should do. Do I fight? Do I leave? Who do I defend?"

"What do you plan to gain from all this?" Gandalf asked.

I sighed, not liking him evading any advice. "What I want is impossible. I want peace. I want them to get to those gates and decide not to have a war at all."

"Then do whatever you must to make that happen."

"Did you not hear me when I said 'impossible'?"

"Yes, actually I did." Gandalf replied, heading up to a lovely white horse and stroking it's muzzle. He then placed a foot in one of the stirups of the saddle and mounted the creature.

"Wait, you're leaving?!" I exclaimed. "Again?!"

"Unfortunately." Gandalf said. "I shall return though, tomorrow by mid-day."

"Master Gandalf, by mid-day tomorrow men and elves and quite possibly a hobbit and nymph will be arriving at the gates of Erebor."

"It is urgent." Gandalf replied.

He gave his horse a small kick in the side and the beast made to leave. I stepped in front of him and his horse, my arms held out, barring his way.

"No." I said, firmly. "You are not going anywhere until I get a straight answer out of you!"

He gazed down at me. "Rue, we are not orcs or goblins or any of the ill creatures of this world. We are good people. Men, elves, dwarves, nymphs. It should be worrisome that we choose to turn on one another so easily. We are becoming fueled by greed, and ambition. But…" He smiled. "There is within each and everyone one of else something that still exists from the old days when we were harmonious. Something that wants peace just as bad as you do. Something that does not want to harm a friend."

"Do you mean I should appeal to their better nature?" I asked. "How?"

"I think this method would fine." He nodded down at me. "Be careful, whatever you decide. If you would excuse me now, time is of great importance…" He then kicked at his horse again and the creature and him darted past me.

How was I supposed to work out that riddle?

I returned to Bard's tent, still empty and sighed, grabbing my sword and bag. Fight or flight, the choice still floated in my head.

If only I could reason with Thorin and Bard and Thranduil. I didn't want to hurt any of them. Not even the elf king.

And then the idea came to me.

Perhaps…just maybe, none of them wanted to harm me either….

Oh, it was a terribly risky plan, but…

It could just maybe end up working.

I heard a squawk and my gaze turned down to the raven Fili had sent. This gave me another idea.

Quickly I gathered three pieces of parchment, and hastily wrote on them. I wrote of who I was, I wrote of the fall of the East, I wrote of my new home and my exile and the war approaching and how I wanted peace.

I had no idea if anything would come of the letters. There was very little chance anyone would arrive to help me anyways if I could not manage this by myself. But I had to try. I gathered up a handful of corn and held it out to the raven, who ate heartily. I held out the letters, folded nicely. "Take these…" I said slowly, "and bring them to the nymphian colonies in the north, west, and south."

The raven did its little bow again, then snatched the letters in its claws and flew off.

Now, if anything, I would maybe have an army of my own to help me get it through everyone's heads that war was not the answer. However odd that sounded.

I then raced out to the clearing. Sure enough, an elk was out there. Thranduil's elk. "Alright you." I looked the beast in the eye. "I know I'm not your Master. But you're the only steed not tied up to someone's tent." I grabbed a length of rope from my bag. "Which means…you and I are going to have to be friends now."

The elk glared at me and made a sound that almost sounded like a snarl.

"I'm not very happy over it either." I said. "But I'm afraid it's the only way I can ride off without anyone noticing for a while." I then slipped the rope around his neck, and tied it quickly.

The elk made quite the vocal protest over this. "Shhh…be quiet will you?!" I hissed at him. I looked at him fiercely. "You are going to let me ride you. You are going to take me to Erebor. And you're not going to make such a great fuss over it!"

The elk did make a fuss over it though. "This is only going to end one way!" I said warningly.

The elk suddenly reared up and flung me to the side, before running around in a circle, annoyed with me.

I sighed. "What am I thinking?" I said aloud.

"I was about to ask the same thing." Bilbo said.

"Bilbo you should leave." I said. "I don't want to involve you."

"Where do I remember that from?" Bilbo pondered. "What are you doing now?"

"I'm trying to set things right." I said softly. "I'm going back to Erebor."

"Then I'm coming with you." Bilbo instantly agreed.

"Bilbo…" I started.

"I know it might be a bit uncomfortable what with recent events-"

"You should have asked what my braid meant…" I sighed. "I'm sorry." I added to, once again, still feeling bad over making him so crestfallen.

"But we're still friends and allies." Bilbo nodded. "Which means if you're going to try and get yourself killed, I have to come along too."

"I don't plan on getting killed…"

"Could it still happen?"

"Well, yes, I suppose-"

"Then I'm coming. No question about it."

I sighed. "Bilbo I don't even know what I'm getting myself into. I don't know what to do. I'm going off a riddle from Gandalf…"

"Even more reason for me to come with you." Bilbo nodded.

"I can't get rid of you." I smiled. "Thank you."

"Lead on." Bilbo grinned back.

I got up and grabbed the elk again, this time firmer and not taking no for an answer. "Oh…" I suddenly realised. "Oh no…"

"What is it?" Bilbo asked.

"Bilbo, both of us are too short. There's no way we can ride in on a full sized horse, let alone an elk."

"But I can." I spun around to find Tauriel.

"You too?" I asked.

Tauriel nodded.

"Tauriel, elves are not very welcome in Erebor." I reminded her.

"They will only be angry I'm there if I am caught." Tauriel replied. "And this is more than just your fight."

I grinned, looking at them both. "Then let's go stop a war."