Oh my actual god! First of all, I Can't believe that within 12 hours of posting the last chapter I had 3 reviews! You guys are wonderful people! And the follows and faves have kept coming, I have no idea how, but you guys are amazing! Thank you everyone, I am glad there are some who are still with me! This year has literally been so busy and again I apologise profusely for the lengthy interlude between updates. I am writing as often as possible, and am determined to resume regular posting and finish the story. I have even planned a sequel (which I will post after finishing This story and get to a stage where I am editing rather than still writing before I start posting! It's just entered my head and won't get out!).

This chapter is dedicated to Sparky She-Demon, Lanostra, Jo, Firesoul9, and Angel897. Thank you for your reviews you wonderful people!

So, as with most of you I am just itching to reunite Freya and Thorin... I hate myself for separating them! So without further ado let's get this show on the road.

~ G

Chapter 36: Descent

Bilbo was exhausted again. No matter how hard he tried, it simply wasn't possible for a hobbit to deny himself the comforts of a decent meal as he had been doing constantly on this quest. It was starting to catch up to him and the fact that he was finding he had less energy than before was just one symptom of several that were starting to become the norm for him. He was even finding his trousers were hanging looser, and was grateful for the hobbit tendency for wearing braces; this was usually because with so many hearty meals, a belt would be uncomfortable. But now he was simply thankful that he did not need to add more holes to his belt as he had spotted Bofur doing a moment ago, complaining that even after meals his belt was too loose.

They had not yet found any supplies within Erebor that could be salvaged, and given the amount of time that had passed since Smaug had taken the mountain Bilbo very much doubted they would. So until everything had brought with them had been thoroughly checked and all the store areas within Erebor and their few salvageable items had been inventoried, they had rationed what few supplies they had. Bilbo consoled himself that at least Thorin was starting to tire of searching endlessly for the Arkenstone as well, meaning that they were able to take regular breaks without risking his temper.

He thought of Freya and was sure, given what Tauriel had said, that Freya would be fine with the woodland's prince. He sat against a pillar and wondered if the breathing exercises he had seen Freya use would help to calm his frayed nerves. He took a deep breath in slowly through his nose, waited, then breathed slowly out through his mouth, just as he had seen Freya doing. He did this a couple more times and almost laughed at the effect, it did indeed make things feel a little better. Granted he had not solved any of the problems he was currently facing, but he felt he was in a better frame of mind to deal with them. He felt more like himself, and he would take that as a positive.

In this positive frame of mind, his thoughts drifted to Bag End. The leaves would almost have finished dropping from the trees and the mornings of the shire would be crisp and fresh. Though it was colder here, in the shire there would be still time to start preparing some of the more delicate plants in his garden for the winter, and to see to his store of wood and coal. His thoughts on his garden, Bilbo reached into his jacket and felt his hand close around the object he sought. He carefully removed the precious object from his pocket and gazed at it, full of hope.

"What is that? In your hand?" Thorin's deep voice sounded over his shoulder.

"It, It's nothing!" Bilbo stuttered taken aback by Thorin's sudden appearance and his apparent fury.

"Show me!" Thorin demanded. Bilbo raised a brow, still taken aback. Of all the things he carried in his jacket pockets, he was glad it was the least incriminating of them that he had been caught gazing upon. What if it had been the Arkenstone? Or his magic ring? He had a sudden, strong feeling that he should never allow Thorin to know of his ring. It was very precious, and should remain secret.

"Here! I picked it up in Beorn's garden." Bilbo finally managed to stutter, his thoughts snapping back to the acorn in his hand as he showed it to the suspicious king. Thorin's eyes softened as his thoughts too drifted to pleasant memories of that enchanted place.

"You've carried it all this way?" He asked softly. Bilbo was struck by the sudden fondness in Thorin's tone and the trust in his gaze.
"I'm going to plant it in my garden, in Bag End." Bilbo explained.

"It's a poor prize to take back to the Shire." Thorin commented, but Bilbo merely shrugged.

"One day it'll grow. And every time I look at it I will remember. Remember everything that happened; the good, the bad. Everyone I have come to hold dear. And I will think how lucky I am to have made it home…" Thorin's expression was knowing as he searched Bilbo's eyes. The hobbit had certainly become an unlikely but valued friend to him, whom despite his suspicions as to his intentions towards Freya, Thorin had become fond of. A flare of jealousy made itself to the fore of Thorin's consciousness for a moment as a malicious voice whispered that Bilbo could not be trusted. It whispered that Bilbo would betray him simply to spite him for winning Freya's heart, but he shook his head and tramped it down forcefully. Turning his mind to happier times, particularly those with Freya.

Thorin's thoughts could not dwell on unpleasant suspicions when his mind was filled with memories of his love's embrace, the sunlight in her hair, a loving sparkle in her eyes and her lips pink and slightly swollen from his kisses. Thorin smiled, whatever his suspicions regarding Bilbo's intentions, Freya had given her heart to him alone. He was the victor and must pity Bilbo his loss.

"I too have fond memories of Beorn's house. His garden was very peaceful. Freya... seemed to enjoy it very much." Thorin reminisced watching Bilbo's face for a reaction. He was not disappointed, as Bilbo could not meet his eyes for a moment.

The hobbit seemed to shift uncomfortably before making up his mind to say something. Thorin watched intently, waiting for some confession that he was sure he would not like.

"Look, Thorin, I…" The Hobbit began, pausing briefly as though to figure out how to phrase what he was about to say, but Thorin's attention was drawn away by the sudden arrival of Dwalin.

"Thorin! The survivors from Laketown. They are streaming in to Dale. There's hundreds of them!" Thorin seethed, what could the survivors possibly be doing so close to the mountain? They must be after his gold.
"Call everyone to the Gate! To the Gate! Now!" He ordered stepping away from Bilbo, his mind back on the task in hand; to protect his treasure.

Fili ran his fingers over the crystal in his pocket thoughtfully. Thorin's moods had been difficult to predict since he had arrived at the mountain. Though he knew his uncle well, it was becoming harder to guess how Freya's gift would be received. Yesterday, he had stood listening at a doorway, concealed in shadow while Thorin was grilling Balin, Dwalin and Bilbo about the whereabouts of the missing Arkenstone. What he had heard was not encouraging. Thorin clearly suspected one of them had found and kept the Arkenstone. As if anyone in the company would be so disloyal! It's outrageous! the thought replaying itself again in Fili's mind. He had shifted further into the shadow by the doorway when his uncle turned towards him, his body language portraying his pent up rage. He had felt slightly encouraged at Thorin's angry outburst that he needed the Arkenstone in order to unite the clans into one great army. However, that had been short-lived when it became clear that Thorin's line of thinking was clearly fixed on using an army as leverage against Thranduil to rescue Freya from her servitude to the woodland realm.

Or could it be so much worse than that? Now that he had thought on it for a night of very broken sleep he was not so sure. Thorin's acceptance of Tauriel into his kingdom had been grudging at best. Had the she-elf not been wronged by Thranduil herself, in addition to the evident mutual regard between her and Kili, Fili had no doubt that Thorin would have turned her away simply for being an elf. His hatred after all did run deep and was one that Fili could hardly blame him for. But, would Thorin actually be prepared to go to war with the woodland realm to settle his grudge despite whether Thranduil released Freya? Fili's mind reeled at the possibility. He knew Thorin hated Thranduil most of all elves. The king of the woodland realm unjustly imprisoning the company was just the latest in a catalog of slights against the line of Durin and indeed the kingdom of Erebor. Removing Freya from Thorin's side, who Fili was sure Throin planned to make his queen one day, was simply the final straw for his uncle and perhaps just the excuse Thorin needed.

Fili's glum musings continued as he dressed and headed to breakfast with the company. The more Fili thought of it, the more he feared that Thorin was setting them on the path to war with the woodland realm, something that would lead to the doom of so many.

Fili came to a decision as Thorin entered the dining room in swift purposeful strides, grabbing a little food before striding off again in the direction of the main gate shouting orders for the company to follow him. He leapt to his feet and jogged after his uncle, all the while fighting the dread that loomed in his heart.

"Uncle. I would speak with you." Fili said falling into step with Thorin.

"I have much on my mind at present Fili, it must wait." Thorin replied brusquely, but seemed to check himself and his stride slowed slightly and he spared a guilty glance for his nephew. "I am sorry Fili... is it important?" Thorin said shaking his head to show some remorse for his harshness, though the purposeful frown remained on his brow. Fili frowned slightly in response as he fell into step beside Thorin again.

"Yes it is, at least Freya thought it was important. Before we parted, Freya gave me this. She asked me to give it to you." He handed the small crystal to Thorin who raised a brow examining it critically. It was simply a piece of crystal, clouded and form a technical point of view worthless compared to even the smallest gem in his treasure room. It was the sort of thing that would cost more to cut properly and make some pretty trinket of than one could reasonably sell it for. He thought he had seen objects like it in the elves healing wing where he had last seen Freya, and his anger stirred to be holding an elvish trinket. As it caught the light something seemed to stir within it, almost as though it contained a small amount of liquid.

"Interesting, but worthless. Why would Freya give me this." He said, his expression tight and his mouth curled into a slightly disgusted sneer as he attempted to hand it back to the dismayed Fili who for his part did not move to take it from Thorin's outstretched hand.

Fili's heart sank for a moment as he responded, trying not to sound desperate.

"No, Thorin listen pease. Freya said that she managed to transfer some of her energy into it." Fili replied as Thorin gave him a surprised glance. His eyes returned to the small crystal and he held it up to the light again for another critical gaze while Fili continued his explanation. "She says it will protect you."

"I wonder what she imagines I need protecting from?" Thorin mused, frowning as he eyed the piece, his expression shifting to curiosity. "So, she did it. A small piece of Freya's power is in here? Now I see it's value. Thank you Fili." He said patting Fili on the shoulder and smiling affectionately at his nephew before stowing the offered crystal in a pocket. Before Fili could speak again, Thorin strode off toward the gate his determined frown returning to his face.

Fili sighed, slightly disappointed. He did not know what he had expected, but it had been a great deal more spectacular than this given how earnest Freya had been about the importance of Thorin getting the crystal. Perhaps there was more to it, but he was still disappointed that the effect of Freya's crystal on Thorin's mood seemed to have lasted such a short time.

"Yes, what indeed. I wonder most of all if it will protect him from himself. How I see it, that is the greatest threat to him now." He mused quietly as Bilbo, Balin and Dwalin joined him looking equally disappointed. Fili realised that they had tarried in order to eavesdrop, just as he had watched their interview the previous day. "We need to speak to Kili and Tauriel, soon. In private." Fili declared quietly to his uncles loyal friends before resuming their journey to the gate.

The wind whipped the horses mane into Freya's face as it galloped just behind the horse that Legolas was riding. Freya hunkered down, as close to the horse as she could, trying to aid both the horse and herself by her position. Craver had been strapped to her front in a makeshift pouch made from her cloak, she was grateful for this foresight as she urged her horse faster, safe in the knowledge that the dog was secure and would not slip.

A few minutes ago, they had been spotted by a scouting party of orcs as they had broken from the cover of the rocks and their only option had been to increase their speed and hope to loose them. They had always known that when they headed onto the open plains it would be the most risky part of their journey, but they had no choice, they had opted for speed and trusted to their continued luck. Freya had still been unsuccessful in her attempts to contact both Gandalf and now Galadriel through her usual mental channels.

When they had started their gallop it had been necessary for Carver's own safety to use some of her magic to sedate the dog and place it in a sound sleep so that he stopped trying to squirm in his hiding place and in his fear dislodge himself from his bindings.

It seemed that luck was no longer on their side, and truthfully Freya was amazed that they had managed to come this far without incident. The Orcs on their Warg mounts could move quickly and the foul creatures had been joined by bats that screeched and whirled above, letting the scouts know where they were despite the lead they had gained by pressing their horses into a fast gallop.

As the first bat swooped low to harass the horses, Legolas called over his shoulder, ordering Freya to hold her fire while he attempted to deal with the bats.

"Save your magic for the horses Freya! The most important thing is to get word to my father and to Dale in time to warn them of the advancing army, you will need to heal the horses weariness."

"Understood!" She called in response, ducking to avoid a bat as it fell, an arrow lodged in its eye just in a nick of time. She urged the her horse faster again, getting closer to Legolas's horse.

"Take my mounts reins!" Legolas called as he slowed his mount slightly, bringing the horses neck and neck. Another bat swooped but soared away, unsuccessful in what evil it had been attempting and Freya hastened to obey, hoping that Legolas had something planned to at least get the bats off their trail, for she knew they would not give up until either they or the bats were dead.

"Hold her steady alongside yours, keep as much speed as you can." Legolas ordered.

Freya did as she was bid, leaning to take the reins of the other horse while attempting to keep herself and Carver stable. Holding the horses as close as she dared, this odd position made slowing both mounts necessary. She was rewarded with a smug grin from Legolas moments before he swung around in the saddle so that he was sat facing to the opposite direction of their travel. He drew his bow again and took aim. An orc's screech and a dull thud of a falling body met Freya's ears, letting her know that his arrow had met its mark.

"What's going on back there? Or is it best I do not know?" Freya called as she urged the horses on, hearing an angry growl from an Orc and its Warg that was much closer than she would have liked to believe.

"They are gaining on us." Legolas said without looking back at her as he loosed yet another arrow at a bat, that crashed to the Earth and tumbled about on the ground tripping one of the closer Wargs.

"I think I was better off not knowing after all!" Freya replied sarcastically giving the horses a flick of the reins to spur them on. Legolas gave a wry smile as he shot down another bat. Causing it to fall directly onto a warg and it's rider, crushing them instantly. Large rocks and small boulders could be seen in the thin grass of the plain, so Freya concentrated on steering for a few moments.

"Sharp right coming up." Cried Freya in warning and Legolas gripped tighter with his knees to stay on his mount. He shot another two bats and took aim at a third when Freya cried another warning "ditch, no way round." Legolas clung on with his knees again as Freya slowed the horses so that they would be able to make the jump. His horse stumbled slightly on landing and Freya knew anyone other than an elven rider would have been thrown off and a this speed probably broken their neck; she was grateful this small mercy, outnumbered as they were. Legolas was both skilled and brave, and though she was only here because she was still technically a prisoner and could not be with Thorin, she knew that Legolas was different to other Mirkwood elves. Maybe one day he will break free of Thranduil and do marvellous things. His recklessness is almost as bad as Thorin's though, meaning that were he not an elf I would be hard pressed to keep him safe for long enough to fulfil whatever destiny it is I sense in him. She thought as she urged the horses on.

"Only three more bats, and five scouts." Legolas called taking aim again, this time with two arrows. Freya looked behind her for a second, but that was long enough to regret it; two bats were flying towards them at great speed, talons outstretched towards their horses. Freya urged the frightened horses on and Legolas loosed his arrows. She turned to see the bats fall mere feet away from them, and trip two more of the wargs.

The bats were replaced by the final, though larger bat. It soared above them, matching their speed. Freya could feel the shadow of the beast above her and a cold shiver went down her spine as Legolas took aim, firing three arrows in rapid succession, each hitting their mark and slowing it. A fourth brought the beast finally down, though it was so close to them that in its death throws it scratched Freya's horses flank with its talon, cutting deeply and causing the frightened horse to scream and and slow, bucking in its fear as she tried to reach out to the frightened animal's mind. Freya held on desperately, tough she felt herself leave her saddle for a brief moment, the obliviously sleeping Carver shifting slightly in his pouch, but remaining secure and comfortable.

In an instant, Freya realised that she was in too precarious a position to hold on and would fall when the horse bucked again, she attempted to shift, for a better grip, but was unable to with Carver strapped to her. Dreading the inevitable fall and her imminent doom Freya sent up a prayer to the Valar, biding them to either intercede or make her end swift. The horse bucked again, though when it did, she stayed in place and was tugged back into her saddle by the back of her coat.

She turned to find Legolas confidently facing the right way in the saddle again, his hand gripping her coat for a moment while he ensured she was secure before letting go.

"If the mountain is to have a King again, we must ensure that it also has a wise and compassionate queen." Legolas said while Freya blinked in surprise at him. "We must make haste and loose any stragglers before they change their minds." Freya nodded mutely, trying not to gawk. The prince of the woodland realm had not only just saved her from a nasty fall, but had indicated that he still had every intention of holding to his word and releasing her from her bond of servitude.

She reached down behind her to the horse. It was slowing again as the pain from the wound was starting to register more strongly in its mind. Freya reached out with her mind to calm the horse as she healed the physical wound. Animals minds were different to humans, though there were some common emotions that all life shared. Freya sensed gratitude and eventually trust in the horse as the pain faded and it felt its strength return. She patted the horse and it hastened its pace.

They continued without further incident, skirting around the cover of the trees for the sake of speed. Freya knew that Legolas had been hoping to find his father, but all signs were that he had already departed with his army. Freya reached over and healed the weariness of Legolas's horse again, though she was starting to tire herself. In what must have only been an hour later, but to Freya felt much longer, Legolas called a halt to their headlong dash.

"We will take some rest here. We do not have long, but it is needed, do you agree?" Legolas stated meeting Freya's tired eyes, she nodded as her horse slowed to a walk beside his own. "Good work Freya." He concluded not waiting for her response, dismounting and starting to tend the horses with practiced speed. Though hungry and desperate for food, Freya soon settled into a comfortable position, allowing Carver to stretch his legs in his sleep beside her. The sound of Legolas talking to the horses in Sindarin lulled her into a well earned sleep.

As Freya slept, she was unaware of the eyes watching her as Legolas tensed at his horse's side, his hand finding Orctist's hilt at his waist, turning to meet a blade with his elven reflexes. The sound of steel clashing and guttural cry of the orc as it fell to Legolas' follow through slash roused Freya from her sleep, alert and a spell forming on her lips as she scrambled to her feet.

"Show yourself!" Legolas commanded in the common tongue. He held his weapon firm and ready to strike before him as a figure emerged from the bushes, clad in a dark cloak holding its bow above its head in surrender.

"I mean you no harm! I was tracking the Orc filth, I apologise that I allowed it to get so close to you." Said the man in a placating tone. In his voice Freya heard hints of an accent that she had not heard in over a century.

Legolas remained resolute, his weapon at the ready and his expression wary as Freya spoke.

"You are from Anduford?" She asked, the tone more of a statement than a question.

"Yes Lady, how did you know?" Freya smiled ironically, answering back allowing the slight twang to enter her voice for the first time in many years, the drawl that her mother had worked so hard to remove from her speech, instead forcing her to pronounce words fully and meticulously.

"Lucky guess!" She quipped, but immediately returned to her usual more formal dialect. "What brings you so far from home." He lowered his hood as he responded, revealing curly golden hair and dark eyes set in a face showing the first signs of ageing that gave him the look of a man in his thirties.

"There is a small group of us tracking the orcs that have been raiding our village. For our zeal we are banished by the council." He lowered his bow slightly. "You travel East?" He asked, Freya nodded, though Legolas remained ready, his weapons held firm. The man looked relieved, his posture relaxing slightly.

"What is your name, huntsman." Asked Legolas, lowering his weapon slightly. Freya turned to Carver running a calming hand over is head as the man responded.

"Turold." The man answered simply.

"The orcs you were tracking, they head East too?" She asked in a voice of forced calm.

"Yes my lady. Forgive me, but I do not know your names." Freya's instinct screamed at her not to respond and so she busied herself petting Carver. The dog was tense, and to Freya that boded ill.

The man moved closer to her and Freya noted Legolas' tense body language. She motioned to him in what she hoped he would take as agreement with the most imperceptible of nods and noticed the deliberate flick of Legolas' eyes towards the man's waist. The man's voice lowered and took on a distinctly unfriendly chill

"You are the one they are hunting." He surmised. Within the smallest of moments, his hand shifted to his belt where a dagger lay hidden. While Freya dived out of the way Legolas moved with the uncanny speed of his race and held the man at mercy with the blade of orcrist pressed into his throat as the brought the man to his knees before Freya.

Freya raised a brow at the man, a spell crackling on her fingertips her voice calm but low and menacing as she spoke while Carver growled behind her.

"If you value your miserable life, start talking." Freya growled as Legolas pressed the sword closer to the mans throat.

Thorin paced angrily in the hall of king's where his feet had seemingly taken him without thought of where he was going. He had left the others rebuilding the gate, but he needed a few moments to regain his temper. He could barely remember why he was so angry. He remembered Kili shouting about how much the people of Laketown had lost, and that his nephew looked like he might have said more if not for the calming influence of Tauriel's hand placed on his shoulder. The sight of their love had only made his blood boil even further from his lingering prejudice and his heart ache for his own loneliness. He did not remember what his answer to Kili had been, he hoped it had not been the rant about loss and that they should be merely grateful that they were alive that he had heard as a distant rumbling through the fog of his thoughts. Not wanting to say something he would regret more to hi nephew he turned back on the company and left orders to continue the he must secure his treasure. He had paced through Erebor only barely aware of then storm of thoughts in his head. A desolate thought seemed to sliver and crawl its way through his mind...

Tauriel chose banishment and even threw herself on my mercy, her former enemy, just so that she could be with Kili, the dwarf she loves. Freya could have come with her, she should have been here in Erebor by now. She has abandoned me. Thorin paced in the other direction his anger rising again. His hand flew to his pocket and stroked the crystal that Freya had given him. He felt momentarily calmed as he took then crystal out and gazed into the currently swirling depths, it was as though little particles of light danced within like grains of sand. For a few moments he stood mesmerised and calm.

His jealous and resentful thoughts soon resurfaced though. Like a tidal wave of anger they ripped through his mind obliterating all else. I have been a fool, I have gotten ahead of myself. Freya just wanted my treasure and to rule Erebor through me as a puppet! He took a deep breath to calm his rising temper. I still do not know where Bilbo comes into this, he may be another pawn, but he could be laughing at me behind my back too. Thorin held the crystal out in front of him, examining it between his thumb and forefinger now he had loosened his grip on it. This is some clever russsssse. A trick to control me from a faaaar. Well she will not ssssssucceed. The treasure mussssst be protected.

Thorin shook his head as he thought, the words snaking their way through his mind unwillingly and waring within his heart over the ever present love for Freya. He put his free hand up to his chest as his heart gave a painful squeeze, his hurt at the thoughts of his foolishness over her in the pursuit of her affection. He turned his head away and his fingers opened and there was a dull 'clink' as the crystal hit the gold of the floor. He stood straight and adjusted his robes before turning and striding towards the treasure room.

As the sound of his footsteps receded, a figure stepped from the shadows approaching the crystal within slow and silent footsteps. Small fingers gently picked up the crystal and held them up to his curious eyes. Bilbo frowned and glanced in the direction that Thorin had left in before turning in the other direction scurrying off with the crystal clutched in his hand. The others, Fili in particular, would need to know that Thorin was getting worse and that he no longer carried Freya's protective crystal.