I Know You're Out There Somewhere

by Greylyn

Jasmine never felt she belonged in the decade to which she was born, the 90's. She loved the music & clothes from the late 60's & 70's. Yet, sometimes she felt the pull of an age long past. After scrapping together money to visit a dream destination, her trip to a Fairy Circle in Ireland brought her into contact with the impossible & with someone beyond her wildest dreams.

4. And The Strength of the Emotion Is Like

Chapter 4 – And the Strength of the Emotion Is Like Thunder In the Air

The days passed by, rolling one into another as the Company journeyed toward the Misty Mountains and from there on to Erebor. Once Gandalf rejoined them, Jasmine felt their pace would most likely increase. The scenery changed from wild, open, tree lined spaces to mountainous rocky terrain. The large mountains that had loomed in the distance grew ever closer and with it a change in the weather. It became colder and Jasmine began layering her clothes for added warmth. Even with that, some days, she could feel the iciness seep into her bones.

She had packed a pair of light gloves for her Irish travels, but they turned out to be no match for the cold she was now experiencing. Luckily for her, Fili had an extra pair which he gladly gave her. Though large on her hands, she found that stuffing them with tree moss helped, plus it provided extra protection. She also became the beneficiary of an extra cloak from Bifur for use on the days when the weather would turn…which seemed to happen more and more the higher they climbed.

She was grateful each night that Gloin and 'Oin were able to build large warming fires and for the hot food Bombur made. It certainly was welcomed at the end of each day's journey.

Along the way, Jasmine got to know each of the Dwarves, their distinct personalities, but she felt closest to Bofur, Kili, Fili, and of course Bifur. She became especially close to Fili. They enjoyed each other's company, with similar likes and dislikes…he became the best friend she never had in her old life. He had also begun to show her how to use the sword she had taken from the Troll cave. She admitted she would never be a warrior, but his lessons served a useful purpose.

The only two that had remained slightly aloof were Dwalin and "Mr. Royal" himself, Thorin. While they were never rude to her, every day served as a reminder that they weren't exactly happy with her presence either. Lately though, she thought she might have started to crack Dwalin's tough outer shell.

The night Fili first started her sword lessons; she caught him smirking at her obvious ineptitude. Yet, as the nights passed by and she became a little more skilled, she would catch him smiling and nodding his approval. Maybe she was finally making in-roads with him..

Bifur had also realized something as they traveled…he had fallen deeply, passionately in love with Jasmine. He had finally come to realize she was his soulmate, his one…the one he was meant to find. He didn't think he would ever understand how or why she came into his life; he only knew she had and he loved her.

He had come to this realization as he and Bofur watched over the camp one night. They hadn't been on watch long when Bifur brought up the subject. He asked his cousin if he had ever been in love before and if he thought he had ever found his one.

Bofur shook his head. "No, I don't think I have found mine yet. There were a few times I thought perhaps I had…even discussed it with Bombur seeing as he has a wife. How would I know and what would it feel like?"

Bifur said, "Vaem go han gjagan tho?"

"He said I would know as - the strength of the emotion is like thunder in the air - it would be like nothing you have or ever would have felt in your entire life. The sensation would be so strong you'd feel it right down to your core."

Bifur thought about it for a moment. "Jeg hef ynstagor burbur zith eth blikril jeg laid bortr frarth Jasmine. Han's urgrith, eth greahjertr jeg hef rir hane ur incredibly borthan."

"Are you going to tell the lass that you love her?"

Bifur gave a heavy sigh. "Wizja galjeva jeg? Voth galjeva't javnung thlaga ilv hign nathr."

Bofur felt his cousin's anguish. He thought for a moment then said, "Perhaps you could teach her some Dwarvish hand signs. Not a perfect solution, but you and the lass would be able to talk to each other."

Bifur nodded. Maybe that could help…not a perfect solution, but it would allow him to speak to her without having someone translate for him. And perhaps over time he could teach her some Khuzdul.

O – O –O – O – O – O – O

The Company had finally arrived at the foot of the Misty Mountains. The morning they began their climb, dawned grey and overcast. It wasn't long before it began to rain. The trail they were forced to traverse was narrow and not all together safe, but the group had little choice. This mountain pass was the fastest way through to the other side. The further up they climbed, the worse the weather became.

Single file, they ascended, higher and higher. Nowhere along their journey had Jasmine been as terrified as she was right now. The rain became heavier and the pathway became extremely narrow, at times she had to hug the rock wall just to keep going.

Somehow she ended up behind Fili on the path with Kili and Bifur ahead of her. The storm's rage grew ever more extreme. Thunder and lightning caused the walls of the mountain pass to quake violently. The wind became so strong; she feared being blown off into the valley below.

As the Company inched its way along the trail, part of it gave way behind her. Bilbo swayed perilously close to the edge, almost falling. Had it not been for Dwalin's quick reflexes, the Hobbit would have plummeted to his death.

Up in front Thorin raised his voice, shouting above the din, "We must find shelter!"

Jasmine nearly jumped out of her skin when Dwalin yelled, "LOOK OUT!"

Everyone turned just as a large boulder flew through the air, smashing above them on the mountain walls. It shattered and rained bits and pieces of the rock down upon them.

Everyone screamed and shouted. Fili threw one of his arms across Jasmine, pinning her against the wall for protection. She could barely make out Bifur's form in front of her through the storm. Her heart was pounding as the fear of the situation tried to take hold. 'Please,' she thought, 'please don't let anything happen to him and all the others'

Balin suddenly shouted out, "This is no thunder storm…it's a thunder-battle! LOOK!" He pointed in front of them. Jasmine couldn't believe what she was seeing.

There appeared a humongous rock like creature…looking for all the world like a piece of the mountain had suddenly come alive. It ripped a piece off the hillside and threw it in their direction.

Stunned at what was happening, Bofur stepped slightly away from the wall and yelled, "Well bless me…the legends are true. Giants! Stone-Giants!"

The boulder flew past them only to strike another rock giant that had appeared to their rear. Jasmine's heart pounded in her chest as she struggled to keep her wits about her. The utterly fantastical nature of this made her head swim.

Someone – it sounded like Thorin - yelled for Bofur to take cover as he was dragged back against the wall.

Pieces of rock again rained down on the Company as they all strained to keep their footing.

Suddenly the pathway between Fili and Kili began to separate, splitting the group in two. Kili yelled to his brother, "What's happening?"

Fili yelled back, "Grab my hand!" But it was no use as the gap widened quickly revealing a third monstrous giant coming out of the mountain and unfortunately, both groups ended up on separate parts of what looked like its legs.

This giant and the one nearest them began to rumble, scattering rock fragments and boulders over both parties. More horrified then she had ever been, all Jasmine could do was hold on to any piece of the creature she could to prevent herself from being tossed into the void. Both groups screamed and yelled as the frenzied fight continued with no end in sight.

Without warning the leg Thorin's group was riding, slammed into part of the mountain giving them a way off. Jumping quickly to another piece of the trail, all of them made it before the creature moved away.

Bifur watched helplessly as the stone giant with his cousins, friends and the woman he loved stuck to it swung wildly about. He was terrified he was going to lose all of them, but there was little he could do.

Out of nowhere, the first giant attacked. The giant Fili's group was riding, started crumbling, its leg slammed hard into the mountain before Thorin.

"NO! NO!" he screamed, "FILI!"

What was left of the giant fell into the chasm below. No sign of Fili and the others could be seen. Thorin hurried forward as did the rest of group, not knowing if anyone had survived.

As they rounded the rocky corner, Thorin found his nephew and the others lying in a heap. Jasmine had somehow ended up under Fili. Though uninjured, it was slightly awkward as she stared into her friend's blue eyes. He rolled off of her and got to his feet then pulled her up to stand beside him. Giving her a crooked smile, he chuckled, "That was fun…was it not?"

Shaking her head, but still grinning, she said, "Not! Definitely would not recommend that as a new Disneyland ride."

Fili gave her a curious stare as she smiled, "Never mind."

Gloin passed the word back to the ones behind him that they were all alive. Bofur cast his eyes around him before yelling, "Where's Bilbo? Where's the Hobbit?"

He was nowhere to be seen.

Bilbo yelled trying to attract some attention as he was barely hanging on to the rock facing. He was unable to get any purchase for his feet to pull himself up.

Bofur and Ori both saw him and dove toward the rocky edge trying desperately to grab his hands. The Hobbit lost his hold and slipped, but managed to grab a small rock projection. He clung to it with only one hand… his terrified eyes staring up into their faces.

Thorin found a small outcropping and jumped onto it grabbing Bilbo enough to push him upward into the hands of the others. Unfortunately, the rock ledge gave way just as Dwalin grabbed him and through sheer brute strength pulled Thorin to safety.

The Company was now together again as Dwalin said, "I thought we lost our burglar."

Thorin cast a disdainful look at Bilbo, "He's been lost ever since he left home. He should never have come. He has no place amongst us." He walked away toward a small cave entrance then added, "Dwalin."

Bilbo's face was crushed. He had almost lost his life and this was flung in his face. Bofur glanced sadly at his friend. What Thorin said to the Hobbit was unforgiveable in his eyes, but he didn't contradict him.

Jasmine was trying to help Fili get Bombur to his feet as Thorin and Dwalin went by. She cast an angry look in his direction, but held her tongue. Even Fili gave his Uncle a harsh stare. Together, they finally got the large dwarf upright.

It happened just in time because out of nowhere, two arms grabbed her up in a bear hug, lifting her off her feet. Once she was returned to the ground, she turned to find Bifur, a large smile covering his face. He kept his arms around her, but kept saying something in his language over and over. "Amrâlimê! Amrâlimê! Menu tessu!"

Jasmine smiled, hugging him back. "Slow down Bifur! What did you say? Turning to Fili she asked, "What did he say?

Bifur shook his head quickly at Fili, who said, "He is just so happy you survived. He was worried."

Tenderly gazing back at him, she replied, "I was worried about you too." She leaned forward, gently kissing him briefly on the lips.

His eyes widened, unable to utter a single sound. 'Mahal, how he loved this woman.'

As she bent over to retrieve her belongings, he whispered, "Jeg skljef tho."

O – O – O – O – O – O – O

As the Company made their way inside the cave, Dwalin said, "Seems safe enough."

Thorin answered, "Search to the back. Caves in the mountains are seldom unoccupied.

Hold up his lantern, Dwalin went further in before saying, "There's nothing here."

Gloin found some wood or perhaps he some on him, but he dropped a pile in a safe spot to begin a fire. "Right then, let's get the fire started.

Thorin stopped him. "No. No fires. Not in this place." Thorin continued walking toward the cave entrance. "Get some sleep. We start at first light."

Balin stopped him, "We were to wait in the mountains until Gandalf joined us. That was the plan."

"Plans change…Bofur, take the first watch."

Bifur found a spot to bed down in the cave, keeping Jasmine close to him. As she spread out her sleeping bag, he noticed she was shivering. He touched her shoulder, concern covering his face. She felt cold to the touch.

Looking into his eyes, she nodded, seeming to know why he was concerned. As he lay down on his blanket, he spread out his arms to her and she willingly accepted. Pulling her close, she rested her back against his body.

She could feel the heat he was radiating and it warmed her. She let out a soft sigh before drifting off to sleep. Bifur sighed himself as he rested his head against hers, softly kissing her neck before letting sleep over take him.

O – O – O – O – O – O

Jasmine wasn't sure how long she had been sleeping when she was startled awake by Thorin. "Wake up! Wake up!

Sitting up, she quickly glanced around her and realized Bifur was already wake playing with a toy bird. The ground beneath her suddenly gave way dropping her and the members of the Company through a large hole.

Bifur had just enough time to grab Jasmine, wrapping his arms tightly around her body. She was facing him and buried her face against his chest. He placed one hand on the back of her head, his other arm around her waist trying his best to protect her as they fell

Everyone dropped through the hole, bouncing, tumbling, and careening off the cave walls until they finally landed in a circular, wooden basket. As each member landed there was a massive thud. Bifur came to rest on his back with Jasmine still clutched against him. Both of them had the wind knocked out of them temporarily. When she was finally able to lift herself up, she was horrified at the creatures rushing toward her.

Emitting a terrified shriek, she tried to fight off the creatures as they swarmed around and over everyone. She punched anything that came near her, but it didn't seem to affect them. What the hell were they? One of the larger creatures snatched her up, flinging her over its disease ridden shoulder. She kicked as hard as she could, but it was no use. She couldn't break away as she was carried off.

Bifur tried to fight his way over to Jasmine, but too many of the creatures swarmed him until he too was pulled in the same direction. Each member of the Company suffered a similar fate, being pushed and shoved down the wooden ramps that covered the cavern.

The captives were forced further along towards a large platform. Strange, unusually loud sounds echoed throughout the cave. To Jasmine, it sounded like an attempt to make music, but it was tinny and harsh. It even made Bifur clap his hands over his ears trying to block-out the din.

A voice suddenly filled the air, "I feel a song coming on." It began to sing…or a least try to. 'Clap, snap, The black crack…Grip, grab, pinch and nab…Batter and beat…Make 'em stammer and Squeak! Pound, pound…Far underground. Down, down, down in Goblin-town.'

They had a name, Jasmine thought…Goblins. Just one more creature to add to this fantastical journey she was on.

The other Goblins repeated his words, singing them back to him. 'Down, down, down in Goblin-town.'

'With a swish and a smack…And a whip and a crack. Everybody talks When they're on my rack. Pound, pound…Far underground. Down, down, down to Goblin-town.'

'Down, down, down to Goblin-town.'

Jasmine was finally dumped onto the wooden platform in front of the largest creature she had ever seen. Bifur leaned over and helped her stand, keeping one arm around her.

'Hammer and tongs…Get out your knockers and gongs. You won't last long, On the end of my prong.'

The massive Goblin picked up one of his own and flung it away from him as it emitted a high pitched squeal.

'Clash, crash, Crush and smash…Bang, break, Shiver and shake. You can yammer and yelp, but there ain't no help. Pound, pound…Far underground. Down, down, down in Goblin…Town.'

The Goblin King, started to do a strange pirouette, swinging his large club/staff over their heads causing all of them, even the smaller goblins to duck to avoid being smacked by it.

He gave himself a 'yeah I got it.' fist bump before turning to sit back on his throne… climbing over a pile of smaller squealing Goblins to do so.

Glowering down at the Dwarves and Jasmine, he said, "Catchy, isn't it? It's one of my own compositions."

"That's not a song. It's an abomination!" Balin shouted.

"Abomination. Mutations. Deviations. That's all you're gonna find down here." He said, pleased with his words.

All of their seized weapons were dumped in a pile in front of them.

The Goblin King leaned forward and asked "Who would be so bold as to come armed into my kingdom? Spies? Thieves? Assaassins?"

A smaller Goblin out front of the group answered, "Dwarves, Your Malevolence. And a female from the World of Men."

"Dwarves and a female?"

"We found them on the Front Porch."

The Great Goblin stood up and pointed at them. "Well, don't just stand there. Search them. Every crack. Every crevice."

Jasmine punched any of the nasty creatures that came near her…so did Bifur. They took items from all of them, but she was able to keep her most prized possessions from her cross body bag hidden from them.

A large satchel was dumped out in front of them, spilling a wealth of items obviously taken from Rivendell.

The Goblin in the front picked up one of the pieces saying, "It is my belief your great protuberance, that they are in league with Elves!"

The king took the offered item, looking it over, "Made in Rivendell, ah. Second Age…Couldn't give it away." He tossed it over the side of the platform.

Dori turned staring at his brother Nori. He didn't seem disturbed by the findings. "Just a couple of keepsakes."

The Goblin leader stepped forward glowering at the group. "What are you doing in these parts?"

Thorin started to answer his question, but 'Oin put a hand on his shoulder and stepped forward. "Uh, don't worry lads. I'll handle this."

The king pointed at him saying, "No tricks. I want the truth, warts and all." He sat back down on his throne, keeping his eyes on the Dwarf.

"You're gonna have to speak up. Your boys flattened my trumpet?" 'Oin responded, holding up his destroyed ear horn.

This seemed to piss him off as he got back to his feet and came at the group. "I'll flatten more than your trumpet!"

Bofur stepped forward to take over the explanation. "If it's more information you want, I'm the one you should speak to."

The king paused, "Mm-hm.

"We were on the road. Well, it's not so much a road as a path. Actually, it's not even that, come to think of it. More like a track. Anyway, the point is, we were on this road, like a path, like a track. And then we weren't, which is a problem because we were supposed to be in Dunland…"

If the situation wasn't so dire, Jasmine would have laughed her head off at Bofur's explanation. It was unbelievably comical.

"Shut up," mumbled the Goblin.

"Last Tuesday."

Dori leaned around Bofur and added, "Visiting distant relations."

Bofur nodded, "Some inbreds on me mother's side."

Having tolerated about as much as he could stand the Goblin shouted, "Shut up!"

Everyone gasped!

"If they will not talk, we'll make them squawk. Bring up the mangler. Bring up the bonebreaker. Start with the youngest" He turned and pointed at Ori whose eyes became huge at being singled out. He then turned and pointed at Jasmine, "Perhaps if we also do something to the female that will make them start telling the truth."

Jasmine sucked in her breath as Bifur, tightened his arm around her. 'That will never happen.' He thought to himself.

"Wait!" Thorin shouted as he pushed his way forward.

The Goblin King seemed a bit stunned. "Well, well, well. Look who it is. Thorin, son of Thrain, son of Thror…King Under the Mountain. Oh, but I'm forgetting. You don't have a mountain and you're not a king…which makes you nobody, really. I know someone who would pay a pretty price for your head. Just a head. Nothing attached. Perhaps you know of whom I speak. And old enemy of yours. A pale Orc, astride a white Warg."

Thorin stared incredulously at him. "Azog the Defiler was destroyed. He was slain in battle long ago."

Smirking at Thorin, he replied, "So you think his defiling days are done, do you?" He then issued an evil chuckle.

Turning to one of his minions, he said, "Send word to the pale Orc. Tell him I have found his prize."

The small deformed creature wrote something down before zip-lining away.

The Goblin King began singing his strange song again as two torture devises were drug towards the platform. The smaller Goblins pushed and shoved the members of the Company around in preparation for their deaths. Jasmine clung to Bifur as they tried to separate her from him. He punched and kicked any creature that came near her.

One of the Goblins began inspecting their weapons, picking up Thorin's sword. As he slid the scabbard off, he realized what it was flinging it from him.

The Goblin King also recognized it, yelling, "I know that sword! It is the Goblin Cleaver! The biter! The sword that sliced a thousand necks! Slash them! Bleed them! Kill them! Kill them all! Cut off his head!"

Several of the Goblins pinned Thorin down as one prepared to take his head.

Bifur held tight to Jasmine as the Goblins tried to take her from him. She buried her face against his neck as both of them struck out at the creatures pulling on her.

Just as it seemed all hope was lost a powerful blast flattened everyone to the ground. A deadly silence covered the cavern and no one moved for a minute or two. Out of the darkness a lone figure appeared, walking slowly down the wooden walkway.

It was Gandalf.

He moved forward slowly, assessing the situation. He held his staff and sword at the ready. Watching as the Dwarves, Goblins, and Jasmine, slowly began to stir, he said, "Take up arms. Fight…Fight!"

The Company came alive getting quickly to their feet. Bifur jumped up pulling Jasmine with him and went for his weapon and hers.

Gandalf put his sword to good use slashing any Goblins that came near him. The Goblin King recognized his weapon immediately.

"He wields the Foehammer! The beater…bright as daylight!"

Bombur and Bofur started tossing weapons over their heads to the other members of the Company as they all began to fight back.

The Great Goblin started to attack Thorin, but Nori warned him. He struck the king knocking him backwards off the platform.

Gandalf got their attention and said, "Follow me! Quick!" Everyone scrambled after the Wizard as he yelled, "Run!"

Everyone followed him striking out at any Goblins that approached. The Company took advantage of any items they found along the way to dispatch the creatures. It seemed no matter how many they killed there were even more to take their place.

Jasmine made good use of her sword lessons, taking out any Goblins that came near her. She even went back to back with Bifur on one of the walkways trying to find a way out of the tunnels.

The group fought long and hard trying desperately to find an exit from the Goblin tunnels. As they made their way across one long wooden walkway, with Gloin and Dori in the lead, it exploded in front of them as the Goblin King emerged. They were knocked back as Gandalf came forward.

"You thought you could escape me." The king slammed his staff down trying to smash the Wizard before taking a swipe at him knocking him backwards. Ori and Nori caught him keeping him from falling.

"What are you gonna do now Wizard?"

Stepping forward again, Gandalf struck the Goblin in the eye with his staff, getting a loud yelp of pain from him. Then in one slicing motion cut him across his large belly.

He was stunned. "Owww!" he yelped before adding "That'll do it."

Gandalf then swept the sword across his neck, cutting his throat. The king fell in a heap…dead on the catwalk. Unfortunately when he did so the wooden section, Gandalf and the Company occupied tore away from both sides, sending the whole walkway plunging downward. All anyone could do was hold on for dear life. Jasmine closed her eyes, and wrapped her arms around Bifur. If this was to be the end, she wanted it to be in his arms.

The wooden walkway finally slowed after becoming slightly wedge against the rocky walls. It crashed to the ground with the Dwarves, Gandalf and Jasmine pinned under different sections. Loud moans and groans of pain and relief issued from everyone. Gandalf extracted himself out of the wrecked walkway, staggering to stand upright.

Looking out from the section he was under, Bofur made an astute observation. "Well, that could have been worse." The words barely left his mouth when the body of the Goblin King crash landed on all of them.

Dwalin couldn't believe it, "You've got to be joking!"

More moans were heard as the group tried to crawl out from under the mess.

Kili looked up from where he was stuck and realized they were about to be overrun by a Goblin hoard. "GANDALF!"

The Wizard realized they were in deep trouble.

Dwalin saw it too, "There's took many, we can't fight them!"

Gandalf said, "Only one thing will save us…daylight! Come on! Get up!"

Bifur realized Jasmine was lying beside him, dazed from the fall. He dug her out of wood and got her to her feet. She shook her head trying to clear it as if that would help. Taking her hand, they entered the tunnel the Wizard indicated, running toward the light.

One by one the members of the Company made their way through the narrow tunnel, pushing forward, racing just ahead of the Goblin hoard.

As the Company finally made its way out of the Goblin tunnels, they continued their rapid descent down the mountainside. Finally reaching a safe distance from the Goblins, Gandalf stopped running. He began counting each of the Dwarves as they passed by…making sure everyone was accounted for. "Six, seven eight, Bifur, Bofur…that's ten. Fili, Kili, that's twelve, and Bombur…that makes thirteen…and Jasmine" Looking about, he suddenly realized Bilbo was nowhere to be seen.

"Where's Bilbo? Where is our Hobbit? Where is our Hobbit?!"

Everyone began turning and searching for Bilbo, realizing for the first time he was no with them.

"Curse the Halfling, now he's lost?" Gloin growled. "I thought he was with Dori."

"Don't blame me!" Dori answered.

Gandalf stared at the Dwarves, waiting for someone to answer his question. "Well where did you last see him?"

Nori suddenly spoke up, "I think I saw him slip away when they first collared us."

"Well what happened exactly? Tell me?"

"I'll tell you what happened," Thorin answered. "Master Baggins saw his chance and he took it. He's thought of nothing but his soft bed and his warm hearth since he first stepped out of his door. We will not be seeing our Hobbit again. He is long gone."

Jasmine looked at Bifur feeling bad that she never realized Bilbo was missing. "How could we not know?" she whispered. "I feel absolutely terrible. He has been with ya'll longer than I have. It's not right." Staring at Thorin, she added, "He's not right."

Bifur nodded, but said nothing in response.

Out of nowhere, Bilbo stepped out from behind a tree. "No he isn't."

Most of the Company gave a sigh of relief at his appearance. Jasmine offered a large smile, grateful for his return.

Gandalf walked up to him, brimming over with relief. "Bilbo Baggins…I've never been so glad to see anyone in my life."

Smiling as approached he clapped Balin on the shoulder. Kili offered his own feeling on the Hobbit's return. "Bilbo…we had given you up."

Fili was even more incredulous. "How on earth did you get past the Goblins?"

"How indeed," replied the ever skeptical Dwalin.

Bilbo gave a nervous chuckle searching for an answer to give them.

Gandalf gazed curiously at his friend as if there was something the Hobbit had not said. Instead he said, "Well, what does it matter…he's back."

Thorin gave Bilbo a hard stare, "It matters. I want to know…why did you come back?"

Bilbo gazed back at Thorin before answering, "Look…I know you doubt me. And I know, I know you always have. And you're right, I often think of Bag-End. I miss my books, and my armchair, and my garden. See that's where I belong, that's home…and that's why I came back. You don't have one…a home. It was taken from you, but I will help you take it back if I can."

For the first time since joining their group, Jasmine could see that Bilbo's words had moved Thorin. It was obvious he was grateful for Bilbo's words. The others also were moved by his speech. She looked at Bifur whose brown eyes contained unshed tears. She touched his face as he tried to convey all the love he was feeling for her.

The sound of a Warg howl broke the spell of the moment. The whole group turned in the direction it was coming from.

Thorin murmured, "Out of the frying pan."

"And into the fire…" Gandalf responded. "Run…RUN!"

Everyone turned fled further down the hill.

The number of Wargs Scouts careened down the mountainside gaining on the retreating Dwarves. As their howls grew nearer, Bifur pulled Jasmine after him at one point almost lifting her off the ground. Feeling like she might be slowing him down, she tried to let go of his hand, but he gripped it even tighter.

As they passed by a large boulder, a huge Warg launched itself off it to land in front of Bilbo. The terrified Hobbit eyes nearly popped out of his face as it came at him. He pulled his sword as the creature jumped at him. He plunged the weapon into the animal's forehead, killing it instantly. Two more Wargs arrived only to be dispatched by Thorin and a terrified Ori.

The group unfortunately arrived at the end of the line. There was nowhere left to run. Jasmine stood looking over the edge of mountain. She turned and caught Bifur's eyes, "Where can we go?" He shook his head, confused as she was.

Gandalf shouted at the Dwarves, "Up into the trees…all of you…climb…come on climb.

Bifur threw one of the weapons he carried striking a Warg in the head. He then launched his body up into a tree, latching onto a low hung limb. Once he was secure, he grabbed Jasmine's arms pulling her up beside him. Placing one arm around her waist, they began to climb further up into its branches.

The Wargs surrounded the trees jumping and biting at the branches. A few tried to even climb up into them. Their weight rattled and shook the trees almost knocking the Dwarves to the ground.

Trying to keep from falling, Jasmine wrapped her arms around the pine tree they were in. Bifur held on the tree as well, keeping his eyes on Jasmine and the Wargs below. Her terrified eyes stared deeply into his as she said, "If we make it out of this, I have something I want to say to you."

Bifur tilted his head, nodding at Jasmine before saying, "Jeg hef burbur jeg vrathi ilv gjagan tho eom eath."

"Because I don't know what you just said to me, it is definitely a date."

Further up the hill, a figure appeared that made Thorin freeze in place. He couldn't believe it.

"Azog!"

His mortal enemy was indeed in front of him, alive and well it would seem. The pale Orc said several things in his language to Thorin, who couldn't believe it.

Thorin shook his head, "It cannot be."

Azog said something, sending more of his Warg Scouts down to the trees. This attack was more violent, shaking them to the point where some broke or were uprooted. They fell one into another making the Dwarves jump on each succeeding tree, until everyone filled the last tree with Gandalf.

The Wargs began their final assault filling the air with cracking wood and snapping branches.

As a last resort, Gandalf reached for a large pine cone then using his staff, set it on fire, flinging it to the ground. The debris on the ground was set ablaze driving the creatures back. The Wizard lit more cones tossing them to the Dwarves below him. These were flung at the Wargs driving them further away.

Unfortunately the damage had been done as the tree began to bend backwards towards the cliff's edge.

Jasmine almost lost her hold on the tree if not for Bifur. He pulled her next him, wrapping one arm around her. If they fell, it would be together.

Suddenly Thorin stood and walked off the tilting tree. He began to run towards Azog. He had decided enough was enough. Bilbo watched, stunned at what was happening.

Faster and faster he approached Azog, his sword raised above his head, his oaken shield in front of him as he ran.

Azog seemed pleased that the Dwarf King was coming to him. He waited until the last minute sending his Warg off the rock they were on. The creature struck Thorin, driving him backward onto the ground. Though stunned, he managed to get to feet, only to be struck in the face a second time by Azog's mace.

Cries erupted from the Dwarves at what was unfolding in front of them. Bilbo stood up as he continued to watch what seemed to be Thorin's defeat.

Azog's Warg, grabbed Thorin in its mouth causing him to scream out in pain.

Dwalin couldn't take the sight and yelled out trying to get off the tree to help his cousin.

Thorin managed to hit the beast with his sword, but it threw him away, where he landed on a rock slab, the wind knocked from his lungs.

Jasmine watched in horror as Thorin was assaulted by Azog and his Warg. Bifur cried out and said things she didn't understand, but it didn't matter. She was terrified that everything was coming to end. She felt tears falling from eyes, unable to look away.

One of Azog soldiers drew his sword as he jumped from his Warg. He approached Thorin's lifeless form. His intent was clear. He was going to behead him.

Bilbo had had enough. Drawing his sword, he had made a decision.

Barely conscious, Thorin tried to reach his sword as the Orc soldier came towards him. Unable to move, his hand slapped desperately for it.

As the Orc raised his weapon, a cry rent the air as Bilbo Baggins crashed into the creature knocking him backwards. The two wrestled with each until unbelievably, Bilbo rammed his sword into his chest.

Bilbo got to his feet to stand in front of Thorin's unconscious form...swinging his sword wildly in his defense.

Jasmine couldn't see most of what was happening, she only knew Bilbo had gone to Thorin's defense, even after all he had said and done to him. The Hobbit had a large forgiving heart. The pine tree continued to crack and she wondered how long it would be before it broke apart.

She suddenly realized that Kili, Fili and Dwalin had also left the tree and gone to the defense of Bilbo and Thorin.

Further up, Gandalf had been in a desperate battle of his own, trying to keep Dori and Ori from falling to their deaths. It looked as if the Wizard lost the fight as Dori lost his grip on his staff and two fell only to fall onto the largest eagle Jasmine had ever seen.

The birds appeared in all directions, attacking the Orcs and their Wargs, tossing all into the void. One of eagles wrapped its claws around Thorin, lifting him into the night sky. Soon Bilbo, Fili, Kili and Dwalin were grabbed by the great creatures and carried off.

Some of the birds began snatching the Dwarves from the tree and flying off with them. One Eagle knocked Bifur backwards taking Jasmine with him. They both landed on the back of another as they sailed away.

Bifur wrapped his arms around her as they flew into the night sky. Feeling somewhat peaceful, she rested her body against his. As strange as the situation felt, it was also the most amazing. Never would she have imaged riding a giant eagle.

The eagles flew towards the rising sun, each carrying one or more of the Company. Concerned about his Uncle, Fili shouted at Thorin, hoping to get a response, but none came. The eagles approached a large rock that somewhat resembled the head of a bear. The bird carrying Thorin placed him gently on the rock before flying away. The only Gandalf rode landed, allowing him to dismount, before taking off.

He rushed to Thorin's side, calling his name. "Thorin! Thorin!" but got no response. The Wizard waved his hand over his face, saying an incantation. The Dwarf slowly opened his eyes and took a breath. Gandalf gave a sigh of relief as did Bilbo who quickly came to Thorin's side.

Thorin whispered two words to Gandalf, "The Halfling."

"It's all right…Bilbo is here. He's quite safe."

By this time, the eagles had left all the Dwarves on the rock. They all stood silently by awaiting some word that Thorin had survived.

Thorin struggled to get to his feet, as Dwalin and Kili gave a small assist. At the last minute he shrugged them off and approached Bilbo.

"You!" Thorin said angrily, "What were you doing? You nearly got yourself killed. Did I not say you would be a burden? That you would not survive in the wild. That you had no place amongst us. I have never been so wrong in all my life." He threw his arms around the Hobbit giving him a huge hug.

Bilbo was completely stunned. His face showed his utter confusion.

"I'm sorry I doubted you."

"No I would have doubted me too. I'm not a hero, or a warrior, not even a burglar." The last was said to Gandalf with a smile.

The Eagles that had been circling the rock finally flew away as everyone watched.

Bifur stood beside Jasmine watching as the Eagles flew past them. Taking a deep breath she turned to him, "Now is as good a time as any. I need to tell you something."

Bifur tilted his head and waited. Drawing another deep breath, she cupped his face in her hands and looked into his eyes, "I love you Bifur. I have for a while now and after what we've just been through, I couldn't let another day pass without telling you. I've never known anyone like you before and I…"

She never finished her thoughts as he took her into his arms and kissed her. She responded by deepening the kiss.

Bofur turned to say something to his cousin, but stopped. He turned back around, smiling…it can wait.

Bifur pulled back and smiled at her, "Jeg skljef tho avervir."

Jasmine caressed his cheek and said, "I hope you feel the same."

Bofur turned briefly in their direction. "In case you're wonderin…he said he loves you too."

Smiling, she asked, "You do?"

He nodded, taking her back into his arms. His cousin had been right. The strength of the emotion is like thunder in the air.

O – O – O – O – O – O

Khuzdul - Vaem go han gjagan tho?

English - What did he tell you?

Khuzdul - Jeg hef ynstagor burbur zith eth blikril jeg laid bortr frarth jasmine.

English - I have felt something since the moment I laid eyes on Jasmine

Khuzdul - Han's urgrith, eth greahjertr jeg hef rir hane ur incredibly borthan.

English - He's right, the feelings I have for her are incredibly strong.

Khuzdul - Wizja galjeva jeg? voth galjeva't javnung thlaga ilv hign nathr.

English - How can I? We can't even talk to each other.

Khuzdul - Amralime

English - My love.

Khuzdul - Menu tessu

English - You mean everything to me

Khuzdul - Jeg skljef tho

English - I love you

Khuzdul - Jeg hef burbur jeg vrathi ilv gjagan tho eom eath

English - I have something I want to tell you as well

Khuzdul - Jeg skljef tho avervir

English - I love you too