The next day, Liri woke up before dawn. She looked around the camp. Most everyone was still asleep. She sat up stretching her hands ran up the back of her neck. That was when she noticed that braid had fallen mostly out in course of the night. She spied Dwalin as he watched. She rose from her bed. She removed the tie that held her hair and let the mess or rather riot of curls that caught the early morning light make it look like dancing fire light. She bent rolling up her bed mat and putting it in her pack. Before, she made her way into the forest to relieve herself. All the while she felt Dwalin's eyes on her.

Liri made quick work of her hair braiding it. She made her way back to where she and Gandalf had their conversation the night before. She still felt that her hunch was right. She knelt placing her hands in the dirt. She closed her eyes trying to focus on her father and grandfather teaching on reading the earth's memories. She was muttering in the faye language. Willing the ability, that she had not used in close to age, to come. She had no clue how long she was knelt there trying.

Thorin came on to the sight before him. There was Liri the golden rays of the sun lighting around his head like a halo making Liri's hair dazzle like a glimmering ruby. In front of her from the ground rose an orb of water, an orb of dirt, and an orb of smoke. The heart of fire glowed rising off her chest to complete the rainbow shape. At that moment, Lirielle saw a warg right at the moment that Thorin snapped at her.

"What are you doing," Thorin snapped.

The orbs disappeared along with the visions she had for a moment. She turned to look at him. Her light green eyes met his storm-like blue eyes.

"I was trying to read the earth memories," Liri answered dusting off her pants.

"The earth has memories," Thorin laughed.

"Yes, Thorin Oakenshield they do. Just because you can't read doesn't mean they don't" Liri argued.

Liri looked off into the wildness. Thorin regards Liri for a moment before coming to stand next to her. They both looked off into the wildness. He looked at Liri's profile for a long moment. Fayes must be more like elves having more graceful feminine features.

"Did you see anything," Thorin asked anything.

"Nothing," Liri answered unsure of what she truly saw. She looked at him. He had a smug smile on his face. Like she proved his point that earth did not have memories. "I'm not sure I am doing it right. It's been a long while since I used those powers," Liri confessed.

"You're fire faye are you not how can you read the earth's memories," Thorin asked.

"When a faye child are young before they have an element that they are tied to. They are taught how to do things from all elements from reading earth memories to water dancing to light healing," Liri answered.

They stood there for a time. Neither of them speaking. It sounded like the fayes' culture had very knowledgeable teaching. In many ways, it made sense to do this. Thorin thought back to Liri teaching Bilbo to fight. That was a helpless cause.

"Why are you teaching the halfling to fight," Thorin asked.

"You might not feel responsible for his safety or his fate, but I do," Liri stated like it was nothing. In that instant, Thorin realized Liri heard every word that he had spoken to Gandalf at Bilbo's. He grabbed her left wrist. He squeezed it tight in a bruising grip. She met his eyes in a challenging way. "I could care less if you feel responsible for my safety or fate. For I can take care of myself, but he cannot," Liri growled breaking out of his grasp.

Liri walked away from him with her head held high as she headed back to the group. Gandalf looked at her as she shook out her wrist. She pulled her tunic down more hiding the reding handprint around her wrist. As she sat down Balin brought her bowl of breakfast. She noted that he slightly bowed his head to her when she walked away. Bilbo came over to sit next to her. They made small take causing her to forget about her and Thorin's confrontation.

The company started the journey after everyone ate breakfast. As Liri mounted her pony something told her it was going to rain. She pulled a hood over her hair and face before they even started. The rest of the group looked at her in shock it was bright and sunny. An hour into their trip it started to pour. Thunder sounded. They just continued as they ride on. A storm was in full force.

"Here Mr. Gandalf can't you do something about this deluge?" Dori asked.

"It's raining Master Dwarf and it will continue to rain until the rain is done. If you wish to change the weather of the world, you should find yourself another wizard." Gandalf asked.

"Are there any?" Bilbo asked.

"What?" Gandalf asked.

"Other wizards?" Bilbo asked

"There are five of us. The greatest of our order is Saruman the white. Then there are the two blue wizards. Do you know? I've quite forgotten their names." Gandalf answered.

"And who is fifth?" Bilbo asked.

"Well, that's would be Radagast the brown," Gandalf stated.

"Is he a great wizard? Or is he more like you?" Bilbo asked.
Lirielle tried hard not to laugh. She grinned at Gandalf and started to ride closer to Bilbo.

"I think he's a very great wizard, in his own way. He gentle soul who prefers the company of animals to others. He keeps a watchful eye over the vast forest lands to the east. And a good thing too for always evil will look to find a foothold in this world." Gandalf answered.

The company stopped for the evening. It had stopped raining. They were still in the woods. She had about had up to here with dwarves well really, only one dwarf, Thorin. Dwalin may not like her, but he was not rude as Thorin had been. She hopped down from her pony, patting him on the neck. The other one that Thorin was rude to being, Bilbo. She had been avoiding Thorin since the last time she tried to talk to him this morning. Her wrist hurt like hell now. The bruises on her leg and ankle were not much better. Most of her body hurt like hell, but she has not given him any more reason to think she was weak. Bilbo walked over to her when he noticed that she was limping.

"Liri are you alright"

"I'm fine Bilbo,"

Bilbo walked off to the fire. Thorin was giving orders to the dwarves. Lirielle looked over to Gandalf. She knew that there was a stream and waterfall not far from there. She needed to be away from dwarves. She made her way over to him. He was smoking his pipe and had his eyes closed.

"Liri can I help you?"

"I'm going down to the stream"

She looked around at all the dwarves and Bilbo. Gandalf opened his eyes as she looked around the camp. She looked directly back into Gandalf's blue eyes.

"Keep them here Gandalf"

Lirielle went to walk down to the stream. Gandalf instantly noticed her limp had gotten worst. All the dwarves and Bilbo were nowhere near Lirielle or Gandalf.

"Are you sure you are not more hurt than you are leading on," Gandalf questioned

"I'm fine. But I need out these layers and I need to breathe and let the water wash over me, giving me back some strength," Lirille answered.

Gandalf looked at Lirielle and then back to the dwarves. He nodded his head. He understood her meaning. He remembered Lord Elrond telling him that the fayes could heal in many ways. One he saw with Lady Aeronniell, Lirielle's older sister was watering healing.

"Be careful"

"I always am. Thank you"

An hour later, Lirielle had yet to return. Gandalf could not blame her it had been her first break since starting out on this quest. She was not used to being around so many people. And having to have her body bound all day and night. He was leaning against a tree with his eyes close not noticing that Thorin was doing a head count.

"Where is Liri?" Thorin asked.

None of the dwarves knew. Bilbo walked past them heading over toward Gandalf with a bowl of stew.

"I saw him heading down to the stream an hour ago" Bilbo stated.

"I'm sure he is just catching fish for supper," Bombur said.

"It been an hour Bombur," Balin said concerned.

"Everyone spread out and find him. Fili, Kili with me," Thorin stated.

A few minutes later, Gandalf looked around the camp and noticed most of the dwarves were gone. Bilbo was tending to the ponies. Gandalf walked over to Bilbo.

"Where is everyone?"

"Looking for Liri… I told them that I saw him head down to the steam,"

"You did what?" Gandalf yelled.

"Gandalf is there a problem?"

"Yes, my dear Bilbo there's a big problem," Gandalf said as he took running.

Gandalf was hopeful to find Lirielle before the dwarves did.

Thorin came around the bend first where the waterfall was at. There in the water of the waterfall was a figure with hair the color of fire or riches red ruby. He was sure it was an elf lad until the figure turned in the water. That was when his heart started to beat a mile a minute. This was no elf lad or even a child for that matter. The figure turned slightly left giving them a view of her full breasts that lead to a narrow tucked-in waist and then flare out to shapely hips that were designed for birthing children. From this distance, he could see dark patches on her left wrist and left shoulder as well as one on her left hip. The lass's face was hidden from view by the waterfall. Fili and Kili nearly ran into their uncle when they came up behind him.

"Uncle, have you found Liri," Kili asked.

Before, they stop dead in their track at the sight nude lass in the water below. That was when a cry sounded down the valley.

"Liri…Liri… Lirielle?" Gandalf yelled.

That was when the figure to turned to look in the direction of the sound completely removing her face from the waterfall which gave Thorin and his nephew a glimpse of the figure's full face. For a moment the world stopped for Thorin, his mind would not function. He couldn't draw air into his lungs. The nude female figure before them was Liri. Images of everything he had done to Liri flashed in his mind. Yet for all the hardship he never once heard Liri complain. The attraction he felt for Liri was not wrong as he thought it was. His thoughts were brought to a screeching halt by his nephews.

"Mahul Liri is lass" Fili said

"Brother, who would think that was what she was hiding." Kili joked

Thorin came to the realization that his nephews saw, whom he wanted to make his woman nude that was something that only he should see. Liri splashed down into the waters out of view and under the tree line.

"Fili Kili" Thorin growled.

"Yes uncle," They said in unison.

"Go back to camp. Find the others and keep them at camp. I will deal with this" Thorin ordered his anger growing with each passing second.

Kili and Fili walked off before they were completely gone from view. Thorin turned.

"And keep this quiet for Mahul sakes" Thorin growled.

Lirielle had reached the shore and started to quickly as possible to pull on her tunic not brothering tying the dark blue tunic completely leaving the necklace that held the heart of fire in view along with the tops of her boobs. Her wet hair was falling around her shoulders giving her some modesty. The tunic covered her upper thighs. She reached for her sword when Thorin and Gandalf came into view from different directions. She quickly realized why Gandalf yelled her real name. Thorin was closer to her. Her eyes were wide with shock as she watched Thorin look her up and down. His blue eyes lingered on dark patches on the left side of her body which he could easily see were painful. She shifted her weight from her left leg and then tugged the tunic over her bruised shoulder. Thorin's eyes went to Gandalf with his temper rising.

"She is a lass!" Thorin roared.

"Yes," Gandalf answered.

"I'm right here and I have a name. It's Lirielle" Lirielle yelled as her temper started to present itself.

Thorin started to curse in Khuzdul and pace away from the pair. Lirielle suddenly turned on Gandalf with her temper up to a fever pitch. Her eyes had a fire in them he had never seen before. The necklace around her neck started to glow even more brightly as her temper went higher and higher still. He could see the fire building in her eyes.

"I told you this would never work. I asked you one thing…" Lirielle growled

Then she pushed past Gandalf; started to curse in a language very rarely heard. It was like the language of the elves and dwarves but not either one of them. Gandalf turned and looked at her. For the first time, Gandalf could see the start of fire wings emanating from the heart of fire. Gandalf grabbed her turning her to face him.

"Lirielle, the last thing we need now is a forest fire. Calm down." Gandalf yelled at her.

Lirielle looked up at him for the first-time fear and lack of control of the flames that heated her temper showed in her eyes. The glow dissipated as she looked at him with a frown forming on her face.

"I'm sorry Gandalf. Try as I may. I cannot control it; at least not completely,"

"Child our temper all gets better of us."

Lirielle looked at Gandalf with a look that read, not at all amused, at her calling her a child. Gandalf places his hand on her shoulder. She winced for a moment as he touch the bruises on her shoulder. Thorin turned back at the sound of Gandalf yelling at Liri.

"Gandalf, leave us," Thorin ordered.

Gandalf between the two; he knew they were what each other needed. He had a twinkle in his eyes as he read the desire that was present in Thorin's eyes as well as Lirielle eyes. He left them heading back to camp.

Lirielle and Thorin stood there in silence for a time. Thorin looked at her again taking in her feminine form as well as the bruises. She walked back to where the rest of her clothing was located. She picked up the pants she was wearing heading away from Thorin. He adverts his eyes from her bent form. Desire was in high gear as he watched Lirielle's supple feminine lithe form move barely dressed. She came back out dressed in pants and her boots. Thorin had not moved from the spot he was at. He was trying to calm his raging need for her. She walked back over to him placing her small hand on his shoulder.

"Thorin, I understand if you don't want me on this quest any longer. But I want to continue on if you will allow me to," Lirielle confessed.

"Why don't you just home," Thorin growled.

"I have no home! Not since Smaug came and destroyed mine!" Lirielle yelled back fighting tears as she did so.

Lirielle turned away for a moment trying in vain to dry her tears as the painful memories of her slain family flashed in her mind. Thorin's mind races with what Liri had revealed about the race of fayes when he arrived at the hobbit home and on the quest. Liri or rather Lirielle was the last of her race. She watched her father murder before no wonder she had not been trained with weapons. She was female and females were protected not trained to fight orcs. Women should be protected and cared for not in the middle of a quest that could cost them their life. Yet here Lirielle was doing just that. She was a strong and fierce fighter but beautiful nonetheless. Something that very few men of most races would find attractive but Thorin thought she could be his one. At that moment his lower head took over his brain. He stalked over to her turning her around and quickly pressed his lips to hers before she had a chance to think. Thorin at that moment allowed his desire to take control for a brief second as his lips met hers. He pulled her closer to his body. She almost melted in his arms her hands of their own accord started to twine themselves into his hair. They pulled apart when the need for air overrode everything else.

"You could die," Thorin said softly.

"So could you," Lirielle answered back softly.

Lirielle moved closer to him. Her heart was telling her that she wanted him, but her mind was not looking for that. She looked him in the eyes and let him see her for what she was. Thorin tuck a piece her dark red hair behind her pointed ears. That was when he noticed the golden studs and hoops in her ears. He could imagine the golden studs replaced with a multitude of gem earrings that were in the Lonely mountain. He shook his head at that thought.

"This changes everything," Thorin stated.

Lirielle hands gently touch the beads that were braided into his hair. She looked down at the beads and his chest before slowly raising her eyes with a slight frown on her face. She locks eyes with Thorin.

"It changes nothing," Lirielle said softly.

Oh, but how wrong she was. Thorin now wanted to protect her as he felt responsible for her fate. And he was sure it would not just be him that felt the need to protect her whether she could defend herself or not. All the dwarves in the company would feel the need to protect her not just Thorin. And protect her as if she was the greatest treasure to be found. But in Lirielle's mind, she was the same person that taught Bilbo to fight yesterday evening and argued with him early today. She still wanted to see Smaug dead more than everything else.

Lirielle and Thorin made their way back to camp. She had fewer layers on than she had when she left camp her chest was no longer bound so she could move more freely. Her rich red hair was now down covering the heart of fire necklace in a riot of curls. Lirielle entered the campsite first. A gasp echoed through almost every member of the company. Bilbo's eyes went wide as Lirielle sat by the fire as if nothing had changed. She was running a comb through her hair. Thorin handed her a bowl of supper before he sat down near her. His eyes looked at each member of the company. Dwalin walked over to her. She looks over to him and then to the rest of the group who all had shocked looks on their face except for Gandalf had a twinkle in his eyes.

"I believe reintroduction is needed right?" Lirielle said softly

They all nodded. Lirielle sighed placing her food to the side and moving her hair from her face. It started to look like fire dancing in firelight. This caused Fili and Kili to gasp in awe of the way it danced in firelight.
"My full name is Lirielle Lossëhelin. My grandmother called me Liri. You all can still call me Liri if you want to. I know I have not been one hundred percent honest with you all. I am fire faye, in fact, the last faye. I wanted a chance to see Smaug destroyed. When Gandalf gave me that opportunity, I would agree to anything. So, if you want to hate me, hate me but this is the real me. I'm still the same Liri that started this quest I'm just a woman, not a man."

Dwalin handed the food back to her he sat down on the other side of her. She turned to look at him.

"Forgive us lass we had no clue," Dwalin stated.

"That was the point Master Dwalin…you weren't supposed to know. It does not change anything really. I can take care of myself"

"Come on Lass you are not that great at swordplay are ye," Fili joked

Kili laughed at his brother's antics reaching over and starting to play with her hair. They were poking and prodding her. Gandalf sat near Thorin and Bilbo watching the scene play out. It was all fun until Kili and Fili discovered a chain around her neck.

"What is this lass?" Kili asked.

"Kili, drop it now" Lirielle growled.

"Why what is it a pretty little trinket," Kili started

"…From her lover no doubt, brother." Fili finished.

Lirielle swore she heard Thorin growl at his nephews' antics. Dwalin placed a hand on Thorin's shoulder still his hand that was on his sword.

"Gandalf stop them before I do?" Lirielle warned.

They pulled the necklace up revealing the heart of fire. The rest of the dwarves gasped it was like the Arkenstone only red. It looked like fire in stone in form of glowing crystal that danced like Lirielle's hair. Lirielle grabbed the chain from them and stuck the gem back under her clothes.

"What was that?" Bifur asked.

"It's called the heart of fire. It is the source of faye's magic in me." Lirielle answered annoyed.

"Are there more like them?" Oin asked.

"There were millions all different no two the same. That was before Smaug came and destroy everything. I was lucky to escape with my life and this…if there are more, they are long since lost." Liri explained.

Thorin walked over to talk to Gandalf. Dwalin followed him. Fili and Kili came to seat on either side of her. They bumped her shoulders as she ate. Kili was playing by throwing a knife in his hands throwing it over her to Fili and vice versa. Her eyes never left the rest of the group as she answered questions. She got annoyed with their antics; reaching out catching the knife in midair and throwing it so it was embedded in a tree between Thorin and Dwalin by Gandalf. The rest of the group applauded. Kili and Fili looked shocked. Thorin smirked at the look on his nephews' faces. Dwalin pulled the knife that was embedded at least two inches into the tree. He pointed it at her with a smile on his face she had earned his respect. Lirielle rose from her seat and walked over to Dori was collecting plates to be washed. She handed him the plate and spoon. He smiled at her; she at him.

When most of them settle down for the night Lirielle sat by the fire Fili and Kili was right next to her now that she had proved that she could fight they wanted to know more about her. Her hair was now a dried wavy unruly hair mess. She went to braid her hair.

"What are doing?" Fili asked.

"Braiding this unruly mass of hair," Lirielle said trying to tame her hair.

"May we," Kili asked.
"I thought dwarves only braided their one's hair or this family hair," Liri asked.

"You are the closest thing we ever have to a sister" Fili answered.
"Sure why not have at it," Liri answered accepting their answer.

After they braided her hair, they went off to their bedrolls. Gandalf came over near her along with Bilbo. They both noticed the dwarves now were very protective and watchful of her. Even when they set up bed rolls, they made sure she was surrounded with Thorin on side of her and Dwalin on the other. Bilbo sat down near her.

"So, what was your home like before Smaug?" Bilbo asked.

"Beautiful, Avalonilona was beautiful. Avalonilona was what the kingdom of fayes was called. " Liri explained. She looked at the group the ones that were awake looked at her wanting more explanation. She met Bilbo's eyes. She let a smile grace her face as her happy memories came to the forefront of her mind. Thorin caught a peaceful beautiful look on her face. "The homes of the elves have nothing on it. It was enchanting with waterfalls that reflect the color of the hidden stone below making the water look like rainbows. The parties were much like the one you had at your house, Bilbo. There were mushrooms of all colors some even the size of Thorin. They let out a warm glow. There was peace there were animals and fayes lived in peace. Most of the city was centered around a large beautiful ornate castle with large lush gardens and a courtyard. That had rose stained glass windows giving a rainbow of colors. Even the castle did not look out of place in nature. It was like our homes and nature were one with each other… " Lirielle trailed off remembering her long-since lost home.

"Liri you are remarkable lad or lass," Bilbo told her.

"Thank you, Bilbo, you best get some rest. Its long journey ahead of us."
Once Bilbo was asleep in his bedroll. Lirielle looked over to Gandalf. His eyes were still trained on each dwarf. She followed his gaze. She noticed the watchful eyes of most of them were looking at her in a protective manner even the playful Fili and Kili looked at her like she was breakable.

"You were hoping for this?" Lirielle asked.

"Yes, hopefully after this is over you will have a home" Gandalf answered

"If I'm dangerous to the elves what makes you think I will not be dangerous to them," Lirielle said gravely.

"They are the only ones that put up with your stubborn streak and fire in you, child. You are more at ease with them than the elves and man. And you are attracted to their leader, and he is attracted to you." Gandalf answered whispering the last part so only she could hear it.

Gandalf and Lirielle eyes met she pursued her lips. Her eyes drifted over to Thorin whose eyes were locked on her form. She could almost feel the fire of his gaze and maybe the desire he had for her.

"Good Night Gandalf," Lirielle said softly

Lirielle slowly made her way over to her bed roll. She laid down cradling her head on her elbow. She felt a fur-lined blanket pulled over her form that was not her own it was warmer. She opened her eyes and looked over. Thorin sat near her watching. He had the first watch.

"I don't want you freezing, Baraz-Mizim( Red jewel)" Thorin whispered the last part was in Khuzdul she knew the words meant ruby.

"Good night," Lirielle said snuggling into the warmth of the blanket that smelled like him.

The next morning, Lirielle awoke beside her slept Thorin. He looked so peaceful in his sleep. She brushed a piece of his hair from his face. There was a sad smile on her face. Dwalin sat leaning against a tree he was messing with a knife watching the camp. He noticed the interaction between Lirielle and Thorin.

Lirielle let out a sigh. In another world, one where Smaug never attacked either of their kingdoms, she could almost see herself giving up her throne for him. She would be willing to leave her family for him. And her family would have let her like they let Aeronniell leave for Imladris for her one. She looked at him knowing in her heart he was her one. He was a king or at very less a crown prince. He would need to marry a dam from his own race. One fitting for his station. She could almost see a little boy that look identical to his father but with her green eyes running up to her. But that dream was not to be. She removed a stray tear from her eyes making it look like it was removing sleep from her eyes.

"Lass," Dwalin said catching her attention.

"Yes, Master Dwalin," Lirielle answered as she placed the fur-lined blanket that Thorin had placed on her last night over Thorin.

"What are your intentions with him," Dwalin asked as Lirielle looked at Thorin longingly.

"I'm not sure if he will be happy with you meddling in his affairs," Lirielle laughed. She brought her peridot eyes to meet Dwalin's eyes. He gave her a knowing smile. She was right he would not be happy, but it was his job to keep him safe as the captain of the guard and his best friend. She knelt on her sleeping rolling. "But if you must know when all of this is said and done and Smaug is dead, and your home reclaimed. I want nothing. He can keep it all. The ball is in his court. Any feelings I may have for him; are just that. Not something I will act on. If he wants me to stay, then I'll stay but if he wants me to leave then I'll leave simple as that. All I want is Smaug is dead," Lirielle replied.

Lirielle and Dwalin regarded each other for a long moment. Before, she got up stretching then headed toward the forest. Dwalin gave her a questioning look. She caught said look.

"I'm going to what around for breakfast," Lirielle answered his a questioning look.

"Don't go too far, Mistress Liri. He will not be happy if anything would befall you," Dwalin told her.

Lirielle read the look in Dwalin's eyes. He may not voice it, but he has come to care about her and respect her. Dwalin looked to Thorin when he had said he.

"I won't Master Dwalin," Lirielle answered catching his meaning.

About ten minutes later, Balin came over to his brother. Dwalin looked over at him as Balin sat next to him. They looked to spot that Lirielle had left just minutes ago.

"She spoke almost like Thorin," Balin commented on regal why she answered Dwalin's questions.

"I noticed, what do you think of her," Dwalin asked almost knowing she very well be their queen.

"She not afraid to stand up to him," Balin commented,

"Aye,"

"She would be good for him if he let her. The lass has had no family or home since she was a child. I like to think we could be her family. Fili and Kili have claimed her as their sister," Balin stated.

"I noticed… its more likely their aunt than a sister," Dwalin commented.

"Aye… I see the looks between them even when we thought she was a lad. She could very well be his one," Balin commented.

"Aye and I truly believe when she said she would leave if he wanted her to and she wants nothing in return but Smaug's death. She does not care about the treasure," Dwalin stated.

Lirielle came back with six rabbits. She nodded to Balin and Dwalin. She walked over to rocks and set about skinning them. She was not afraid to get her hands dirty.

"Lady Liri there is a small matter we must discuss," Balin told her.

"What matter Master Balin," Lirielle called as she placed the fur hide of one of the rabbits aside.

The rest of the dwarves started to awaken. Bombur came over to her and started to help her. She looked over at him with a smile and muttered thank you. She looked back over to Balin.

"The contract," Balin called out to her.

"Ah, yes…umm. Just let me finish this and you can bring me my contract and I'll sign it with my full name," Lirielle answered.

"I'll take over," Fili stated as coming over to her.

Lirielle looked up at him. She nodded at him. Thorin was now awake. He looked over to Balin and then her. Bilbo and Gandalf were just now waking up. Balin pulled out her contract nodding toward her. She left the rabbits wiping the blood from her hands. In the back of her mind, she thought to make the contract truly binding she would need to sign her full name including titles.

Balin and she walked away from the group. Gandalf noticed the way she walked was almost like she was walking to death. Balin placed the contract in front of her. He handed her a quill and ink that he had in his pack. She took a deep breath dipping the quill in the ink. She held her head high as she crossed out the name Liri Lossëhelin. She quickly before she could not change her mind wrote Queen Lirielle Lossëhelin of Avalonilona. Her hands were trembling she handed the contract back to Balin. Balin looked at the signature at the bottom. His eyes went wide reading her title. He bowed slightly to her as she turned and walked away. She was quickly incircle by the rest of the dwarves and Bilbo. Kili and Bilbo were asking her questions about the abilities that fayes had. Dwalin was talking to Thorin. Balin looked at him with a look then back to Lirielle quietly communicating with Dwalin. Dwalin caught his looked and followed Lirielle who was now talking with Bilbo and Kili. Thorin was ever watchful of Lirielle and his nephews' interactions. Balin's eyes then went to Gandalf's eyes.

Lirielle rode in the center of the group. They had become very protective of the female in the group. She could swear she heard the movement that was not of her company. Her eyes traveled to Gandalf as he rode next to her. He took looked at her as her eyes scanned the forest.

"I may not be wrong Gandalf."

"I hope you are wrong."

At noon it started to rain again. She shook her head as money was exchanged. They place bets if it was going to rain or not when she put her hood up after lunch. Thorin looked behind him shaking his head. She speared her pony fast until she rode beside him.

"Do you mind if I ride beside you?" Lirielle asked.

"Not at all Lirielle" Thorin replied.

The rest of the company called her Liri still after learning she was female. Thorin had only called her Lirielle since then or a pet name of Khuzdul word for a Ruby. A strand of her hair fell out of the braid that Kili and Fili braided into her hair. The wind blew it across her face as Thorin watched her face as they rode on in silence her eyes ever watchful. He was not sure how he felt about his nephews' braiding Lirielle hair.

"Do you think Uncle has fallen for her?" Kili asked.

"I don't know brother. I bet you he will not fall for her" Fili stated.

"You are on," Kili said.

Soon most of the company had placed bets on whether Thorin would fall for Lirielle or not. Bilbo had refused the bet stating it was a matter of the heart and not a betting matter. Dwalin had placed his money that he would. Balin was in the same boat seeing them already interact. Nori was also on that side, along with Ori and Oin. Gloin, Dori, Bombur, Bofur, and Bifur stated Thorin would not soil his line with a non-dwarf. Kili and Fili rode closer to Gandalf.

"What about you Gandalf do you think Thorin will fall for her?" Fili asked.

"It more a question if he would act on such feelings. But yes, I say he will fall for Liri"

Lirielle looked over her shoulder watching them exchange money. She shook her head hearing every word that happen behind them. Before, she turned back to face the front. Thorin looked at her for a moment. She tilted her head and met his eyes.

"They are placing bets on us," Lirielle stated.

Thorin turned glaring over his shoulder at the lot of them. Thorin enjoyed Lirielle's company as they rode in silence. She could very well be his one. When she threw the knife with such grace and agility never missing a beat it proved she could handle anything thrown at her. He looked at her in a look that was closer to desire. She was strong he could see it now.

Balin looked at the pair he now knew without a doubt that Lirielle was royalty. Lossëhelin was the royal family name of the fayes. King Tithaefarason Lossëhelin had come to Erebor get to commission a piece of jewelry for one of his daughters. He brought with him Princess Amariel Lossëhelin whose hair was the color of honey and looked very similar to Lirielle only she had deep sapphire blue eyes. Around her neck was a blue gem-like Lirielle's. Tithaefarason had in his crown a green version of the gem and was ornately dressed much like his daughter. Her contract now was proof of it. How could Gandalf place the royal bloodline of fayes in mortal danger and not tell anyone in the company? Never thinking that it had anything to do with Lirielle not wanting her title known. Balin rode over to Gandalf.

"She is more than just fire faye," Balin stated.

"Yes," Gandalf answered.

"She's royalty"

"A queen without a crown meets a king without a crown what pair they make. Their fate is tied together I can see that now. They need each other." Gandalf said softly.

Balin and Gandalf watched Lirielle and Thorin as they rode side by side. They both carried themselves the same way.