Shobha had dressed into her breeches and shirt fast, and returned to Thorin's room. She found Fili, Kili and Dwalin had rushed back, and were in deep conversation with Balin and Oin. Their brows all furrowed with worry.

"We have to go now – please. But I don't know how to ride, so I need help."

"I will take you lass, but that elf is unlikely to help," Dwalin looked downcast.

"I cant just sit here and do nothing." She began to feel her eyes welling once more.

"We will come with you Shobha." Fili spoke, Kili nodding in agreement.

"Fili, I think you will need to remain. You are next in line to the throne lad. We cant let anyone know in Erebor for now – so you will be needed to run things and make decisions until they return." Balin reasoned. "We will get Dori, Ori and Bifur to go with you."

"I can still come." Kili added.

"At least wait for daybreak lass," Balin offered. "It will be no more than an hour away"

"By the time we prepare – and set off it will be daybreak Balin." Dwalin placed his hand on her shoulder in support.

They had a guard accompany them up to the entrance of the wood so that they could send their ponies back safely, as they would have to make the remaining journey through the woods on foot. And they were glad for it, because as they began to see the entrance the ponies began to whinny, some refusing to go closer. Eventually they gave up and walked the rest of the way.

They were only just into Mirkwood. Even only this far in, it looked very oppressive. The very air felt thick, and simply breathing, felt more tiring. The path was overgrown and worn out, but there appeared to be no sign of elves.

"How do we find them?" She looked at Dwalin.

"I think we have to go in deeper, I suppose as we get closer to his halls, we will be more likely to run into his guard." Dwalin concluded.

"Did Thranduil get the treasure he wanted from Erebor – the gems that caused the feud?"

"No. We were attacked by orcs before this." Dwalin looked around, gauging the landmarks.

"But he healed Thorin after the battle?"

"Fíli and Dwalin were able to save Thranduil's son from Bolg." Kili added.

"So he owes you somewhat…"

"I wouldn't count on it. Thranduil said his debt was paid when he helped heal Thorin." Dori reminded everyone. He was a senior dwarf, with grey hair braided in a very elaborate way, making him appear like an ambassador.

"The path is very tricky…" Ori looked around nervously. He was a young dwarrow with chestnut hair and a gentle face. "I have heard that people get lost here and never emerge."

"That's probably the spiders…" Shobha started to feel nervous. "Why don't the elves deal with them. They have magic and a decent army?"

"Lass, there are spiders everywhere, you just crush 'em with your boot" Dwalin spoke.

"Um… these ones are bigger than a pony!" The thought made her skin crawl. But they had to get to the elves fast. "Don't touch any webs if you see them. That's how they hunt. They sense the vibrations in the webs on their hairs."

"Alright lads, arm yourselves." Dwalin looked around.

They had been walking for hours. They had stopped a couple of times to drink water, but she had now allowed them to rest. There was very little daylight, and still no elves.

Shobha had almost cried on several occasions, through sheer frustration, and received a kindly pat on the shoulder each time to keep going.

And then they had finally come across cobwebs. They were thick and covered almost everything except the central part of the path. While it was repulsive, she felt it was a bit of a reassurance that they were getting closer.

She had to think how she might bargain with the Elvenking for help.

Suddenly they all stopped. Bifur signalled at them.

"He can hear the river." Ori smiled with relief. "It's that way. He says the river runs through the centre of the wood."

As they followed the path for a short distance further in, Bifur, who led the group now came to a sudden halt causing them all to bump into each other, while they each remained focussed on the thick silvery webbing either side.

"Daro! Identify yourselves."

They were faced with a barrier of sharp, and rather deadly looking slender arrows drawn and ready, belonging to four very tall elves. They must have easily been six and a half feet in height, and were indeed rather lean.

"You are trespassing! Identify yourselves!" The elf at the front had long dark blonde hair, and was dressed in a combination of the deep reds and browns with some light armour. He narrowed his green eyes and registered the whole group, as they slowly shifted into a protective dwarf-barrier around Shobha.

"Please – we need help," she began. "We need a healer."

As she scanned the group, next to this elf stood a beautiful red haired elleth, with her pale blue eyes assessing their group, this could only be Tauriel. And to the other side another silvery blonde haired elf, who looked at them sternly, and this must have been Legolas. When Shobha first realised she had arrived in Middle Earth, the thought of meeting these beautiful beings had excited her a little. But seeing them like this, she found them to be cold and callous.

"Legolas Greenleaf, Tauriel, please help us.." she attempted to plead. This drew the attention of the elleth, her eyebrows shooting up in surprise, and Legolas himself, who stepped forward slightly.

"Who are you?" Legolas looked at her suspiciously.

"I am Shobha. Our loved one has been poisoned. It is urgent, we need your help –"

She was unable to finish what she had to say, as the elleth captain let her arrow fly, followed by several more, bringing down an enormous black spider behind Kili, who stood at the back of the group. It landed with an odd wet crunching sound and the splatter of black gunge.

"Too late the creatures have found us" the elleth fired further arrows into the trees bringing down more. Kili looked at the elleth with the utmost admiration in response.

The next few moments were an enormous blur of hacking and slicing as Dori and Ori took down one, Dwalin viciously and efficiently sliced two more with the aid of Grasper and Keeper, his two axes, and Bifur pulled Shobha to safety as Kili shot many down, releasing his arrows as fast as Tauriel.

"Come!" The other two elves yelled. "Or we will be surrounded."

As the elleth walked to the back of the group with her bow drawn, Kili turned and threw his sword. It flew past her landing with a squelch in another spider that was lurking silently, bringing it to the ground onto its back as its legs curled up.

She looked at him with a slightly bemused look.

They all quickly ran following the elves, as they heard loud scuttling behind, and soon reached a large bridge that stood over a river with a large gate that all appeared to merge into the woodland beyond. The Elven guard stood outside the gate in formation bows drawn as they ran towards them.

Seeing this, the dwarves began to hesitate.

"Come! You will find no other counsel in these woods but those foul creatures!" Tauriel commanded, and Kíli began to follow, as Bifur pulled Shobha along, Dori, Ori and Dwalin following closely behind. The waiting Elven guard fired several rounds of arrows into the forrest behind, and as they began crossing the bridge, the scuttling faded into the distance.

As soon as they were through the large ornate gate that appeared to have creepers and vines growing into its structure, the Elven guard surrounded them once more.

"You will need to surrender your weapons if you wish for an audience with the King." Legolas stated coldly. It was hard to imagine this would be the same elf that would finally befriend Gimli in the fellowship of the ring.

"Don't worry, we won't use them unless there is a threat." Dwalin groused. "We are here to protect the lady."

"I give you my word, Lady Shobha will not come to harm in our Halls." Legolas assured.

"Please, we must hurry," Shobha pleaded with them. And looking at her desperation, they begrudgingly all parted with their weaponry.

"ALL of them Master Dwarf." Tauriel rolled her eyes at Kili with a slight grin. To which he removed several more hidden daggers.

"That's it! You can search me if you would like my lady…" He smiled at her cheekily, even though there clearly was another dagger quite visibly hidden on his hip, under his cloak.

The beautiful elleth appeared to not be put off by his cheek, so she walked over and patted him down, removing three further daggers, while he stood there with an enormous grin on his face, openly enjoying the attention she was giving him. Then she stood tall and pushed him forward into the rest of the group of dwarves.

"This way," the other elf guard with the dark blonde hair directed them towards another large hall at the end of which stood a large set of doors.

Thranduil's Halls were grand, with high ceilings, and the architecture mirrored the woodland realm, with flowing bridges, vine like railings and tall pillars that looked like tree trunks. Despite the beauty and grace that exuded from the structures – it simply felt cold. Particularly in comparison to the intricate detail and the bold heartfelt lines seen throughout Erebor.

Finally they found their way to a large hall with a tall stairwell leading to a high throne that stood at the rope of this. It was designed to give the tall elves a further air of superiority, as if the King sat on top looking down on the poor subject or visitor seeking an audience.

There were several heavily armoured Elven guards on the lower level, who's armour and helmet completely concealed the elf within, giving them a very intimidating appearance.

Thranduil stood behind his throne and hearing them being ushered into his throne room, he moved to take a seat.

"Nin Aran," the guard who brought them through addressed him in Sindarin. "We have found some intruders in the woods who claim they seek your aid." With that he bowed low and Thranduil looked down at their group. His scanned the dwarves and fixed his gaze on Shobha.

"Tell me, what are five dwarves and an Easterling doing in Mirkwood?" He asked coldly.

The assumed classification of being an Easterling was really starting to grate on Shobha. Generally she was a very calm person, she had always been the one to react calmly despite being faced with the worst surgical emergencies. It had often earned her high praise with her seniors. She very rarely got angry or flustered, and even if she had been, it was even rarer for her to show it.

These last few months had seemed like a surreal dream. Initially her goal had been working out how to return home and survive in this land. But then she had been most unexpectedly swept off her feet by Thorin, at first she had considered it was lust, and then it had slowly begun to dawn on her that she was falling in love with Thorin. And now she was here to plead for help to save his life, and this arrogant elf was wasting time, presumably he was fully aware that she was not even an Easterling, and that her companions were from Erebor! It made her want to scream! But she would have to hold it together to get what she wanted done. She took a deep breath in and slowly breathed out. It would be no different to dealing with an obstructive colleague, she just had to ignore their personality and do what was needed to get the patient sorted, and there had been plenty of practice in the NHS with that!

"King Thranduil, we need help urgently to heal the wounds from a Morgul Shaft," She began.

"You are most civilised for an Easterling… what is your name?" He remained fixed on her, tilting his head slightly.

"I am not an Easterling, your Highness, my name is Shobha – " she was getting frustrated by this line of discussion, when time was running out fast.

He appeared to detect her urgency, stood up and began descending from his high throne. He was probably the tallest of the elves here, and he did look very majestic indeed. While he was tall, he was still quite muscular, he had long pale blonde hair and narrow icy blue eyes which he kept fixed on her as he gracefully descended the stairs. After reaching the floor on which they stood he walked over to her, stooping down to look at her closely and satisfy his curiosity.

"The one you seek help for, he is dying as we speak," he tilted her face up to his with a hand under her chin, looking at her coldly, almost mocking her. "So my dear, you have risked your life travelling here for no reason. " He concluded as he turned his back to her.

"No. He lives, the Athelas herb will slow the poison enough – if we have the help of your healers he will survive." Thranduil, turned around at her audacity to contradict him.

"And who is he to you? The Dwarf King…?" He looked at her again with narrowed eyes.

"He came to harm protecting me…" she felt her throat constrict as the words came out. "What would you wish for in payment… that can be gifted."

"And what authority do you have for this? You are not his wife or kin.." he was right, and Thorin would probably be angry, but she would deal with that later, once he was well.

"His heir who currently rules in his place will allow it. If you seek the gems of Lasgalen..." she appeared to have his attention now. Whatever their value and she was unable to recall the full historic details of why they caused a feud between the elves and the dwarves, but surely returning them for the life of the King would be acceptable.

Dwalin, and the other dwarves looked at her with in shock, jaws fully dropped. Had she really offered back the Elven King's heirlooms back? They were unsure how Thorin would react to this – if it had been anyone else he would likely have banished them, but she was his One and she was desperate. And it would have already taken great courage for anyone to face this vile and heartless elf. They felt for her.

Thranduil looked at her once more, cold and calculating. She was locked in a game of mental chess with this immortal being, who had probably seen it all in all his years. She didn't like playing games, and she didn't think much of her odds, but if she didn't try, Thorin would surely die. Her heart beat out of her chest as she allowed herself to see the possible hint of hope at convincing Thranduil.

"I will need time to consider your offer." He turned away and began walking up to his throne. "Go now and I will call once I have made my decision."

"Please, your Highness, there is little time – "

"I will not be rushed! Now leave – or I will deny you completely."

At this the elf guard quickly stood in front of Shobha blocking her path, prompting the five dwarves to pull her back into the centre of their protective circle. And they were ushered out.

"This way – we have laid some food and water for you. When our King summons you, we will take you to him." He concluded.

Tauriel stood by the low table that had been set out for the dwarves and Shobha. She looked at the elf that lead them in, questioningly.

"Amin naa tualle, Narindir," she addressed him in Sindarin, as she suspected they would receive no help from their King.

"It is not our business, Tauriel." Narindir warned her, and pulled her to a side to speak quietly, very likely about the group.

Shobha collapsed in one of the chairs, as the other dwarves took seats and began inspecting the food laid out before them.

"Lass, its not very appetising but at least have something to drink." Dori poured her a glass of water and set it in front of her.

She bent over and put her head in her hands. "I cant eat or drink or rest – we need to go. If we can collect more Athelas, maybe we can buy enough time to travel to Rivendell."

After drinking the glass of water she was given, she stood back up and began to pace about, when Tauriel returned to join them at the table. Kili, smiled with her and kicked out a chair next to him for her to sit, which she accepted. After a few moments in silence she turned to him out of curiosity.

"Who is it you come on behalf of seeking aid?" She asked him.

"My lady, our King has injured by the Morgul-Shaft."

"And who is the lady to him?" She looked at Shobha curiously. "She must care for him deeply to risk this journey."

"She is his One." He smiled at her.

"A dwarf King taken an Easterling woman as his Queen?! Surely you do not speak of King Thorin?" Tauriel's eyebrows shot up to her hairline.

"Aye my lady. Love comes in many shapes and sizes… it is not our place to judge. Those who are lucky to be blessed by Mahal should be grateful and ask for little else." Kili concluded with a soft smile, warm eyes twinkling.

"You are wise beyond your years, young Master Dwarf." She spoke studying him closely – there was something about him.

"My mother often says so…" he quipped.

"And where is your mother now?"

"She travels to her home in Ered Luin as we speak." He genuinely sighed thinking of how much he missed her.

"What would she feel about your dangerous quest here?" She once again searched his face, as though searching for the truth. His warm brown eyes drawing her in without any barriers.

"She would be glad I had the courage to seek help for her own brother."

After pacing the room for a long time, Shobha felt restless and ill. Tauriel and Kili suggested she was taken out to the courtyard garden for some fresh air, and so she sat there with Bifur. He had not said much, after a few words in Khuzdul, he merely put his arm on her shoulder in quiet reassurance. She had all this time stopped herself from crying, focussing on the task at hand, but now it was just too much to bear. It had taken her a while to come to terms with her feelings for him, and she had not had the chance to tell him, even after he had said he loved her – that moment had been interrupted by the fire in the forge. If he survived, she would need to right that. And then she had still not fully figured her place here in Erebor. Again if he survived, she would have to find out what that was. But then the thought that he may die crossed her mind. If that would be the case, she wanted to be there for him in his final moments, and being trapped in this horrific place was not helping the matter. Hot tears finally rolled down her cheeks, and she leant her head on Bifur's shoulder, as he silently stroked her head.

"Master dwarf, will you gather your company? Our King has summoned you all." Legolas spoke quietly as he came to stand before them. "I would like a word with Lady Shobha."

Bifur looked at Shobha, and when she nodded he stood up, placing his hand reassuringly on her shoulder and left to gather the others.

"Lady Shobha, is it true that you offered Ada the gems of Lasgalen?" He looked at her as though she had asked for immortality.

"Yes I have."

"And is it in your power to give them?"

"His heir, currently rules – I think he would not deny such a gift to save his Uncle's life."

"And if the King survives – then how will your authority change?"

"It will not matter – I will still gift the gems, and accept all responsibility, even if the King disapproves."

"If this is King Thorin we both speak of and he forgives your actions – then surely he must love you?"

"Legolas, I think I too have been denying my feelings." She looked at him thoughtfully, wondering whether she may have got through to someone at least.

"In that case you will have my support, my Lady." He stood up and ushered her through to join the rest of the group.

Dwalin, Ori, Dori and Bifur looked over to her, ready to form their protective circle, Kili was still in quiet conversation with Tauriel. They both appeared to be exchanging soft smiles.

They all stood once more in Thranduil's large throne room. He remained on his throne still in deep contemplation looking at them coldly.

"I am doubtful that you have the authority to offer the gift that you do." He began boring his cold gaze into Shobha. "But even if you did – I cannot heal your King. If as you say, he is your protector – I can offer you my protection in his place."

"Ada, they are looking to rectify the wrong from those past. The Lady seeks your help on behalf of the one she loves."

"No Legolas. This is not love – what can mankind know of love?"

"More than you apparently!" Shobha finally lost it. There would be no more diplomacy with this arrogant, vengeful Elf. "You claim to understand love more – and yet would YOU not do the same if it gave you a chance to save your wife…?"

"Goheno nin, Ada. I will go with you my Lady," Legolas turned to Shobha. "I may not be able to cure him, but I can slow it down allowing you time to seek aid from Imladris."

"Then you will need help to go to Imladris," Tauriel spoke up. "I will come too."

"NO! ENOUGH!" Thranduil commanded. He would not suffer his son to step foot in Erebor. "I will go, taking Tauriel. Legolas you must stay here, while I am away."

"Thank you your Highness," Shobha was slightly relieved. It wasn't quite over yet, the clock was still ticking.

"There is one condition, you will have to find and gift the gems to me first, and then I will heal Thorin."

"I accept, your Highness." She was desperate. She knew there would be a catch with Thranduil but it didn't matter. She had at least convinced him to help. And Tauriel would be coming along, she felt she could trust her more. If this worked out then there could be new found peace between Erebor and the Mirkwood elves. Even if Thorin hated her for it, it wouldn't matter, so long as she saved his life.

**sindarin translations

Nin Aran - my king

amin naa tualle- I fear for him

ada - father

goheno nin - forgive me