Greetings to my loyal readers!

It is officially my birthday week! :) I cannot think of a better way to spend the week than working on my favorite story. I worked super quickly on this chapter so I could get it uploaded for you all, so please enjoy. :)

~Lady Tolkien~

DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN THE HOBBIT, ONLY MY OC :)

*Inner Thoughts will be in Italics

*Elvish will be in Bold Italics

*Dwarvish will be in Bold Underlined

Bilbo's mind was whirling as he tried to process the startling information.

"Val is a girl? How is that possible?"

"Our Val, a woman? Impossible!" Fili scoffed loudly.

Once Thorin got over his shock, his expression turned murderous and he quickly leapt to his feet. "How dare you not tell us you were a woman! And I thought you weren't an Elf?"

When Val made no move to answer, the furious dwarf immediately rounded on Gandalf.

"And you, you knew she was a woman this whole time and didn't tell us? Why?"

The Wizard sighed dramatically. "If you had known she was a woman from the very first time you met her, would you have allowed her on this quest?"

"Fuck no!" Dwalin shouted. "Women belong at home, not out in the wilderness and in the way!"

Elrohir ground his teeth at the insensitive and sexist jab, a slender hand gripping his fork tightly with barely controlled rage.

"Don't you think that's a bit old fashioned Dwarf?" Elladan asked scathingly.

Dwalin slammed his hands down on the table, causing the platters and glasses to rattle. "Butt out pointy-ear, you have no say in this discussion."

Elladan stood up so quickly, his chair crashed to the floor behind him. "Don't talk about our sister like that! If you knew what she has gone through in her life you would not be so quick to judge her!"

"Alright enough!" Val yelled, wringing her hands in frustration. "Yes, I hid the fact that I was a woman from you all but I did it for good reason. As I told Ori back when you all first met me, I have to keep my identity a secret in order to do my job. It works in my favor when my enemy thinks I am a man and not a woman. Also, Thorin, I already told you once that I am not an Elf."

Thorin gestured roughly at the twins. "Then explain why these two claim you as their sister and Elrond calls you daughter?"

Elrond gracefully stood and placed an arm around his daughter. "You do not owe them an explanation if you don't want to my child."

"Oh, but she does." Thorin sneered. "She has kept us in the dark long enough and considering she signed a contract to be under my command, I order her to answer my question."

Seeing the hurt look in Val's eyes, Bofur felt himself stepping forward to defend her. "Thorin, maybe you should go easy on her."

Thorin shot him a furious look and the dwarf immediately took a step back, casting his eyes to the floor.

Hands visibly shaking, Val made her way over to the table and filled a glass full of wine, drinking the whole thing down in one breath before looking toward the dwarves. "It is true that these three refer to me as family, but biologically I am not related to them. As I told you all before, my parents were of the Dúnedain; my Father was named Goldaer and my Mother Gunnhild. When my twin brother, Valarico, and I were of age we did plan to follow in their footsteps. My brother and I grew up getting trained under the very best, and we quickly rose through the ranks under our Father's command. Our family suffered a devastating loss when the Dúnedain warred against the Goblin armies, as both our parents died that day, leaving the both of us orphans. Thankfully our parents did not die in vain, for we had succeeded in banishing the Goblins from our lands and to the mountains. After the funeral, my brother was given the role of Chief, and we secured many victories under his leadership."

The dwarves were all silent as Val refilled her glass and consumed it quickly, but that didn't stop her hands from shaking.

Elrohir stepped over by her side and placed a hand on her wrist as he glared at the now somber dwarves. "You don't have to continue Sister, you owe them nothing."

"It's fine Elrohir, really."

The Elf sighed before giving her a small nod, squeezing her hand in reassurance.

Val took a steadying breath and continued on:

"Years passed, and my brother and I finally found peace with our parent's death, but that peace did not last long. While out scouting one day Valarico and I were ambushed by Orcs and separated from each other. Valarico took on their leader while I dealt with his two subordinates. I had thought the battle was going well, until I let my guard down and received a grievous wound to my side. Hearing my cry, Valarico turned away from his opponent and consequently was struck down in front of me. I became so enraged and full of grief that I went on a rampage; slaughtering one of my opponents and blinding the other in one eye before our fellow Rangers arrived to back us up. As the enemy fled I crawled over to my dying brother and cradled him in my arms as his body turned cold. I fell unconscious after he passed and did not wake for days due to the extent of my wound. After I woke, I buried my brother and left the Dúnedain, never looking back. I couldn't continue serving the clan that led my whole family to their graves so I set off on my own, using my honed skills to find work and earning a reputation as an assassin as I traveled across Middle Earth. I eventually found my way here to Rivendell and met Lord Elrond, who had been good friends with my Grandfather. From that day forward he has welcomed me into his family and home with open arms, always giving me a place to come back to."

Thorin felt guilt sweep through him after hearing her tragic life story and he made to move toward her. "Valarie, I-"

Elrond immediately stepped in front of Val, blocking her from Thorin's view. "That will be quite enough Dwarf. I think you have upset my Daughter enough for today."

Wiping the stray tears from her eyes and placing the empty glass on the table, Val grabbed the bottle of wine and fled the room.

As soon as Val left the room, the Twins shot the dwarves a glare and took off after their sister.

Balin walked over to Dwalin and Thorin, pulling them aside and out of range of the others. "What in Mahal's name was that you two? How dare you talk to Val like that after everything you both said earlier about accepting her and apologizing for your malicious behavior."

"That all changed when we found out he is actually a she!" Dwalin growled.

"Why does that matter Brother? Do our own women not know how to fight? Do our own women not participate in battles alongside us if the need arises?"

"But. She. Lied!" Dwalin snarled. "She should have just told us from the beginning that she was a woman and that she was friends to those pointy ears!"

Balin shook his head in disgust. "I am done arguing with you Dwalin. If you want to continue harboring hatred for someone that has done nothing but help us, then be my guest, but I will not be involved."

Balin then turned to look at Thorin, who had said nothing so far and appeared to be deep in thought. "And you; you may be my King and one of my best friends Thorin, but I am very disappointed in how you handled this. That girl is one of the strongest beings from the race of Men I have ever met and your cruelty after claiming to forgive her and trust her is appalling; and to call her out like that in front of her adoptive family is especially heinous. Whether or not the two of you can see it, we need her on this quest. She may not have your trust, but she has mine."

Thorin said nothing, continuing to look at the ground.

Balin sighed. "Let's go back to the feast, Mahal knows we need some strength before leaving to continue on tomorrow afternoon."

The three of them returned to their tables and everyone finished their meals in complete silence, the celebratory mood now destroyed.

{}{}{}{}{}{}{}

After the disaster of a party had officially ended, Bilbo made his way to Val's room, hoping to console his friend. After knocking on the door and receiving no answer, Bilbo jiggled the knob, finding it locked. "Val, it's Bilbo. Please let me in. I don't care about anything they said or what your reasons were for hiding your identity from us. I said I was your friend and I meant it."

Bilbo heard the lock turn from the other side before the door swung open to reveal Elladan and Elrohir, both sporting frowns at the sight of the small Hobbit.

"What do you want Hobbit?" Elladan growled. "Our Sister is beside herself thanks to that Dwarf so she doesn't need anyone else bothering her."

"Elladan! Elrohir!" Val scolded from the bedroom. "Be nice to my friend. If Bilbo wants to see me, let him."

The boys stood aside, allowing Bilbo to enter the room.

"Valarie, we are going to go speak with Father. We will come back to check on you later!" Elrohir called.

The Twins then left the room, shutting the door behind them as Bilbo made his way into the bedroom.

Val was seated at the window, gazing out into the gardens below and drinking straight from the wine bottle that was nestled in her lap. She had changed back into her leggings and a loose tunic, her hair swept up into a bun. "Did you need something Bilbo?"

"I just wanted to check on you and make sure you were okay Val. What Thorin and Dwalin did was unforgivable. They had no right putting you on the spot like that."

Val just nodded before taking another drink from the bottle. "I appreciate you dropping by Bilbo, I truly do, but I would like some time alone if I may."

Placing a reassuring hand on Val's shoulder, Bilbo smiled sadly and left.

{}{}{}{}{}{}{}

Bilbo found himself walking along the Elven paths as dusk fell. Making his way up the stairs to head to bed, he could hear voices below him and looking down, he realized it was Lord Elrond and Gandalf.

"Were you planning on telling me what the Dwarves had planned Gandalf?"

"Of course I was going to tell you. I was waiting for this very chance. And really, I think you can trust that I know what I am doing."

"Do you?" Elrond questioned scathingly. "That dragon has slept for sixty years. What will happen if your plan should fail, if you wake that beast?"

"And what if we succeed?" Gandalf shot back. "If the Dwarves take back the mountain our defenses in the East will be strengthened."

"It is a dangerous move Gandalf."

"It is also dangerous to do nothing."

Bilbo continued to listen in, but became startled when he realized that someone was standing behind him. Turning around, Bilbo saw that Thorin was also listening to the conversation below them.

"Oh, come Lord Elrond, the throne of Erebor is Thorin's birthright. What is it you fear?"

"Have you forgotten Gandalf? A strain of madness runs deep in that family. His Grandfather lost his mind. His Father succumbed to the same sickness. Can you swear Thorin Oakenshield will not also fall? And what of my Daughter? Look at how those Dwarves have already treated her! I fear for her safety and sanity if she continues on with them!"

Gandalf shifted uncomfortably. "What happened at dinner was unfortunate. I knew Thorin would be mad at the revelation of who she really was but I never thought he would be that hurtful to her after having just apologized days before."

"Gandalf, these decisions do not rest with us alone. It is not up to you or me to redraw the map of Middle Earth."

Gandalf sighed heavily and stopped walking. "With or without our help, these Dwarves will march on the mountain. They are determined to reclaim their homeland. I do not believe Thorin Oakenshield feels that he's answerable to anyone. Nor for that matter am I."

"It is not me you must answer to." Elrond stated. "The other members of the White Council are here."

Taken aback at the sudden news, Gandalf bowed before leaving swiftly. "This changes the plan. I have to find Valarie before this meeting."

{}{}{}{}{}{}{}

Gandalf briskly made his way through Rivendell to Val's room, knocking before entering quickly. "Val?"

"In here Gandalf."

Gandalf strode into the bedroom and sighed when he saw Val sitting at the balcony, still nursing the almost empty bottle of wine. "I know this is a lot to ask of you after what just happened, but I need you to make good on your promise."

"What are you talking about Gandalf?"

"The White Council is here."

Val inhaled sharply, choking on the wine. "Fuck! That's not good."

"Exactly. I can guarantee that Saruman will try to stop the company, and if not him, Lord Elrond will. So, I need you to gather the company together immediately and lead them on without me. I will distract them at the meeting and meet up with you later."

Val stood and walked over to the wardrobe, throwing the doors open and grabbing the pack that was sitting at the bottom. "As much as I will dislike it considering what happened at the feast, a promise is a promise Gandalf; I'll do it."

"Thank you, Val. While you are getting ready I will find Bilbo and have him sneak into the kitchen for some supplies."

Gandalf made his way over to the woman and embraced her. "Be safe my dear, hopefully I will see you soon."

Val smiled and returned the embrace. "You can count on me old friend."

Nodding, Gandalf left hurriedly, leaving Val to pack.

Val quickly donned her body armor, slipped on her boots, and placed her mask on top of her head. Grabbing the pack, she proceeded to stuff an extra set of clothing, her weed and pipe, medical supplies, whetstone and a couple personal affects into it before clasping it shut and strapping it to her back. Sitting down at the table, Val pulled a sheet of parchment toward her and began writing hastily:

Ada,

I am sorry that I left without saying goodbye, but I had to follow through on my promise to Gandalf. While these Dwarves may be doing something that you do not believe is right, they are doing this for their family and you know how I feel about family; I would do anything to help mine. Please tell Elladan, Elrohir and Arwen that I love them and that hopefully I will see you all again soon.

With much love, Valarie.

Val folded the letter and placed it on her pillow before strapping her knives to her thighs and grabbing her bow and arrows. Slipping out of the room, Val made her way along the hall and hurried over to where the dwarves were staying.

Balin was the first to spot her and he jumped to his feet, alerting the others. "Lassie, you're not leaving are you? We are not slotted to leave until tomorrow!"

"You can't leave us now Val!" Kili cried. "We need you!"

Val gazed at everyone's sad expressions before lingering on Thorin, who looked at her guiltily. "No, I am not saying goodbye. However, if you want to make it to Erebor we need to leave now."

"What are you talking about lass?" Oin asked.

"Gandalf has informed me that the White Council is here and he is afraid that they will force you to abandon your quest. While Gandalf is distracting them, he has asked me to lead you on. He is planning on meeting up with us later."

"But we don't have supplies or food!" Gloin exclaimed.

"Our Hobbit is currently solving that problem Master Dwarf, but the rest of you need to pack quickly."

Dwalin pushed his way forward and got right up in Val's face. "How do we know you are telling the truth? It wouldn't be the first time you have lied."

By this point, Val had quite enough of the mouthy dwarf and tossed her pack to the ground before getting inches from his nose. "You know, I'm getting real sick and tired of your self-righteous act Dwarf. I only lied about who I was to protect myself. You are telling me that you have been truthful to everyone you met while on this quest?"

Dwalin said nothing, but Val could tell he was seething. "By all means, if you all think I am lying then stay and see what happens. I gain nothing by lying to you now. I signed a contract, and I plan on keeping it."

Dwalin looked over at their leader. "Thorin?"

Thorin looked into Val's eyes and seeing nothing malicious, nodded. "Let's get going then."

Everyone hopped to work, packing everything up and strapping their weapons on. Just as they had everything ready to go, Bilbo appeared with a couple packs stuffed to the brim with food and other supplies they may need.

When he saw Val, he immediately beamed. "Val! I didn't think you would come!"

Val kneeled and embraced the Hobbit tightly. "I gave you my word that I would protect you Bilbo, of course I'm coming."

Thorin cleared his throat loudly. "Lead on assassin."

Val shouldered her pack and nodded. "We will have to take the garden path in order to remain unseen, just follow me carefully and quietly."

The others fell in line easily, with Dwalin and Thorin right behind Val. They made their way quickly through Rivendell and Val thanked the gods when they managed to leave without attracting any unwanted attention.

When they reached the trail, Thorin stopped and looked at the others behind him. "Be on your guard; we're about to step over the edge of the Wild."

Bilbo paused and looked longingly at Rivendell.

"Master Baggins, I suggest you keep up."

Bilbo turned back around with a sigh, walking a little faster to keep pace with the group.

{}{}{}{}{}{}{}

Back in Rivendell, the White Council had just about finished their meeting when Lindir came rushing in. "I'm sorry to barge in Lord Elrond, but the dwarves are gone."

Elrond's brows furrowed. "How? Why? I had thought they were not leaving until tomorrow?"

Saruman huffed. "Someone must have tipped them off that the Council was planning on stopping their quest."

He immediately looked at Gandalf, who was picking idly at his clothes.

Elrond stood. "Is that all Lindir?"

Lindir shifted uncomfortably before pulling a piece of paper out of his pocket. "It seems Lady Valarie is missing from her room as well. This was on her bed pillow."

Elrond took the letter and unfurled it, walking a few feet away to read it in private. He sighed after reading over it a few times.

"I hope you know what you are doing Valarie. Please stay safe and come back to me alive."

Elrond sighed again. "This meeting is over. I have some things to attend to."

Saruman bowed lightly to Lord Elrond and the Lady Galadriel before making his leave.

Elrond walked over to Gandalf and placed a hand on his shoulder. "I know you had a hand in this Gandalf, so please watch over her. I love her like she is my own daughter."

Elrond then followed Lindir out of the pavilion, leaving Gandalf alone with Lady Galadriel, who came closer and smiled at the Wizard.

"You will follow them?"

"Yes."

"You are right to help Thorin Oakenshield. But I fear this quest has set in motion forces we do not yet understand. The riddle of the Morgul blade must be answered. Something moves in the shadows, unseen, hidden from our sight. It will not show itself, not yet. But every day it grows in strength. You must be careful."

Gandalf nodded slowly. "Yes, you are right my Lady."

"What of Elrond's daughter? What part do you believe she plays in all this?"

Gandalf smiled softly. "Val may not see it yet, but she needs those dwarves just as much as they need her. Her past has kept her from taking chances and from trusting others. I am hoping that this tie with them will show her that she does not have to hide behind the shadows of her family. And I have a feeling that before the end of this quest she and Thorin will need each other."

Galadriel nodded and turned to look out across the waters.

Gandalf began to walk away, but stopped when he heard the Lady Elf speak again.

"Mithrandir? Why the Halfing?"

Gandalf sighed. "I don't know. Saruman believes that it is only great power that can hold evil in check. But that is not what I have found. I've found it is the small things, everyday deeds of ordinary folk, that keeps the darkness at bay. Simple acts of kindness and love. Why Bilbo Baggins? Perhaps it is because I am afraid, and he gives me courage."

Galadriel made her way over to him and took his old, weary hands in hers. "Do not be afraid Mithrandir. You are not alone. If you should ever need my help, I will come."

TO BE CONTINUED...

How will the company treat Val now that they know the truth? What will happen next? Stay tuned!

ANY AND ALL COMMENTS/QUESTIONS/REVIEWS ARE WELCOME! :)