I had a tough time writing this chapter. The story demands certain elements that can not stay. The plot needed to move along so I forced it a bit.

IMPORTANT: I am slowly rewriting and updating the first half of Dragon Soul. Please check that out.

Chapter 19: The Journey Continues

Hegda washed up and decided to rest on a balcony overlooking the lush gardens below. Anywhere without Dwarves was desirable.

She examined the cut on her neck in the reflection of her sword. She couldn't deny that the Elf had the skill to back up his claims. Their wounds were a symbol of their mutual acknowledgment of respect for their warrior skills. The game was on and they were both contestants seeking to outwit the other. Hegda caught a glimpse of her eyes in her reflection. Her thoughts caused her to lose control, her eyes were that of a Dragon. Haldir was on a completely different level then Thorin, who was easy to manipulate, and Bilbo who's innocence shined like a beacon in this dark world. Even without magic, he possessed the skills and knowledge that could make him untouchable.

Hegda sighed, she needed to clear her mind and focus on her mission. They needed to leave, with or without the approval of Elrond or Galadriel. If she stayed much longer she'd get too caught up in this game with Haldir. Perhaps, when all this business with the Dwarves was complete, she has Erebor to herself again, and Bilbo as her pet, she could continue this little game with him. She smiled with satisfaction as she licked her lips thinking about what a tasting snack the Elf would be when she tired of their competition. That last thought caught her off guard and disturbed her, maybe it was the sweet smell of his blood that aroused her when she cut him earlier.

She reluctantly wandered back to the Dwarves and found them destroying furniture to use as firewood to cook the meat they caught. Bofur threw a sausage at Bombur, causing the table he was sitting on to collapse from the weight.

"Do you maggots have any sense of pride?" She hissed at them, "You're all a disgrace!"

She turned back around and left. She may kill these Dwarves sooner than she planned. She spotted Thorin and Bilbo with Lindur. He was ranting about the disgraceful behavior of the Dwarves. Hegda pitied the poor Elf. He was in charge of keeping them in order during their time in Rivendell and he was failing miserably. She wandered throughout Rivendell breathing in its beauty and sereneness. She'll miss this place when they leave, it was the closest thing she knew to peace since she left Erebor and joined the Dwarves. It was getting dark and there was a chill in the air but she'd rather wander than spend another night confined in close quarters with those Dwarves. Hedga was lost in her thoughts but she was bought back to reality when she heard Gandalf talking with Elrond, Galadriel, and a voice she didn't recognize. She crept closer until she could see Gandalf. The strange voice she had heard belonged to a wizard she didn't recognize. He was adamant about ending the quest. As he continued to push the issue, Gandalf caught a glimpse of Hegda and very slightly nodded his head.

Hegda quietly got up and ran off to warn the Dwarves. She was almost to the Dwarves when, in an instant, she drew her sword and turned to point it at Haldir's neck. Likewise, his was pointed at hers.

"You will not stop me, Elf. I will make sure this company leaves before that Wizard has a say in the matter."

Haldir sheathed his sword, "That is not what Lady Galadriel wishes. She wants to quest to continue. Your reflexes are sharp and once again you proved yourself a worthy opponent"

Hegda grinned, "This game isn't over. I assure you, we will meet again, Haldir."

She turned and started to run but paused when she heard him say, "Byddaf yn dal i fod yn addo. Hyd nes y byddwn yn cyfarfod eto, Smaug."

She glanced at him for a brief moment then without a word she turned and ran towards the Dwarves. Her Sindarin was rusty. She hadn't had cause to use it since her training with Sauron but she remembered enough to understand a bit of what the Elf said. The Dwarves were snoring loudly when she ran into the room yelling that it was time to leave. Many jumped with a start and grumbled about the sudden intrusion. Thorin grumbled something about a crazy Dragon Slayer and demanded an explanation.

"The council Gandalf is attending is attempting to end this quest. We need to leave Rivendell now before the can stop us," she growled at the grumpy Dwarves.

That was all they needed. They sprung into action and pandemonium broke loose. They scrambled to get their belongings packed and ready to leave. To Hegda's surprise they were ready in no time. Hegda stayed at the back of the company beside Bilbo as they rushed through Rivendell to the mountain pass leading into the wilderness of Middle Earth. When they were about halfway up the foothill, Hegda noticed Bilbo turn around to look at Rivendell, his eyes were full of longing. He wished to stay.

Hegda placed a reassuring hand on the Hobbit's shoulder, "You will see this place again, I'm sure."

Bilbo sighed, "Elrond told me I was welcome to live in Rivendell. Perhaps, I will someday." With one long last look, he turned and marched after the Dwarves.

Hegda looked out over Rivendell. She saw Mist flying in circles over someone, perhaps Isilme. It was then that Hegda realized she never said farewell to the little Dragon. She'll try to return one day to visit the creature. If Bilbo becomes her pet, she'll bring him along as well.

Balin, who knew the terrain more than the other Dwarves, led the way. The day was uneventful. They needed to keep moving. There was no time for rest or conversing. They trekked over hills, rocks, and flat lands. The Misty Mountains grew ever closer and the closer they got the more Hegda became uneasy. She wanted to go around or fly above them. Something wasn't right inside those mountains.

The weather suddenly changed as the entered the mountain pass and Hegda was on high alert. Her instincts were sending her into fight or flight mode. Only the work of Sauron had ever caused her to have such a reaction. Could he be here and what was the that power festering south east?

Hegda was so lost in her worries that she hadn't realized that she and everything around her was soaked with rain. The downpour had made the narrow rocky path extremely slippery. So much so that even Hegda had to watch her footing. Bilbo, who was behind her, slipped and nearly fell but Dwalin caught him. Hegda put her hand the Hobbits shoulder to help steady him.

"You need to be more careful, Bilbo!" Hegda barked at him.

Bilbo opened his mouth to say something but Dwalin shouted "Watch out!"

Everyone looked up to see a large boulder flying forwards them. It crashed above their heads, raining rocks down into their midst. Hegda pinned Bilbo against the cliff wall to prevent him from falling. Stone Giants appeared through the clouds. They were the source of the flying boulder. They continued to throw punches and boulders creating havoc for the Dwarves.

The ground beneath them began to move and crumble. They all looked up in terror to find that they were on one of the stone giants. Another Stone Giant began to brawl with the giant they were on. It took all her self control to not transform into her Dragon form and fly away from this mess. Instead, she focused on holding on to Bilbo while the cliff face was being moved about. The brawl went on for a few minutes before their giant was decapitated. As he fell, their portion of the path crashed into a cliff face. They smashed into the cliff causing everyone to fall into each other on a ledge. Thorin ran towards them fearing the worse and relieved when he saw that they were unscathed.

Bofur looked around in a panic, "Where's Bilbo? Where's the Hobbit?"

Hegda saw his little hands hanging on to the ledge for dear life. She and a couple of the Dwarves rushed to him but as they got to him his hands slipped. In a flash, Hegda jumped to save him, relying on her Dragon abilities. She grabbed his arm as they fell and dug her other clawed hand into the rocks. She looked into his face filled with terror and his terror morphed into confusion.

She realized that her Dragon like features were the source of Bilbo's confusion. She quickly closed her eyes and turned her face to hide her true form and yelled, "I've got you, Bilbo. You're not going to die today!"

Thorin lowered himself down to help assist in pulling Bilbo onto the ledge. Hegda would have had no problem pulling them both to safety but she had to keep her strength in check to seem more human. With a few pushes Hegda and Thorin were able to lift Bilbo onto the ledge. Once Bilbo was on the ledge Thorin tried to assist Hegda but she refused his help and climbed up. She made sure to suppress her Dragon features. There was no need to raise suspicion with the Dwarves. Bilbo leaned against the rock wall looking stunned and exhausted.

"I thought we lost our burglar." Dwalin said in relief.

"He's been lost ever since he left home." Thorin said in annoyance, "He should never have come. He has no place amongst us."

Bilbo looked down ashamed. The Dwarves followed Thorin walking past Bilbo and Hegda.

Hegda reached out her hand to help the Hobbit up, "Don't listen to that arrogant beast. Personally, I believe you've made this trip tolerable, if not enjoyable."

Bilbo nodded, accepted her help, and followed the Dwarves without a word. Thorin found a cave up ahead and had the Dwarves inspect it for anything suspicious. When nothing was found Thorin decided to have the company rest for the night. Some of the Dwarves mumbled angrily when Thorin ordered that no fires were to be lit. He gave Bofur first watch then told everyone else to sleep. Bilbo hesitated but took off his bag and laid his head on it. Hegda could tell that the fall and Thorin's words were affecting him. She decided she'd talk to him and lift his spirits during tomorrows trek.

If you want to know what Haldir said, write a review :P

I used a free Sindarin translator app so I'm not sure how accurate it is.

-JFDragonFire