To whoever actually reads this. Yes the chapter is late.

Oops, I'm sorry that would be my fault.

*tears up*They took the Clone Wars off Netflix.


"Alright, your map and key should be in there. Now if you'll kindly let me go." Luison gestured with his head toward the camp. Thorin scowled at him.

"Why should I let you go, thief?" If it wasn't so far below him, I'm sure Thorin would have spat at him.

Luison has an easy grin on his face. "I haven't stolen anything myself in years. I work. It perhaps doesn't pay as well, but my wife prefers I do honest work."

Thorin huffed and most of the Dwarves appeared disbelieving. Not that I blamed them, we didn't know this man, he could have stolen something yesterday for all we knew.

"We can't just let the thief leave."

"No, but what if we had him help." I shifted under all their stares but didn't back down. "He knew the way to the camp so he probably knows his way around. If he's with us then he can be of use and can be watched at the same time. Once we get the map and the key we can let him go. He'll go back to his job and you'll never have to see him again." I pretty sure some of the more petty dwarves wanted to dismiss my idea just because it came from me.

"Aye, that might not be a bad idea lass." Balin was stroking his beard. "We are far outnumbered stealth would be our best bet." He glanced back at his companions. "I'm afraid we don't have the most stealthy of groups."

"Aye, Nori, the thief, the hobbit and the girl are the most stealthy among us." Gloin chimed in. Thorin looked severely unhappy but at the moment he didn't really have much of a choice.

'In case you forgot, the hobbits name is Bilbo, I'm Razena' Or that's what I wanted to say. I wasn't in the greatest standing with them at the moment. I wouldn't be able to keep my words polite had I actually spoken them.

"You four will retrieve the map and the key unnoticed and return here. Nori watch them." Luison started to protest but a harsh look from Dwalin shut him up quickly. We left most of our heavy equipment and started heading down towards the wall. Luison was first followed by Bilbo, me, then Nori, who was taking up the back probably to keep an eye on us. We ducked behind large pieces of moss covered wall. Just as we were about to move Luison held up a hand.

"What is it? Why are we stopping?" Bilbo whispered. He was on the receiving end of a glare from the man as a voice was heard. Its owner not to far from where we were crouched.

"Did you hear that?" It was slightly slurred and I hoped any concerns he had would be dismissed as drunken disillusions.

There was a scoff. "No, you are just hearing things again."

"Oh." I could basically hear the sober man rolling his eyes

"The same thing happened last time. It's the ale. Does funny things to your head."

Luison peaked around the corner quickly then motioned for us to move on quickly. My steps were as silent as I could get them and for a race that seemed so very loud Nori moved surprisingly quietly. The two men were turned away from us, the sober supporting his drunken companion. There was the still standing part of the wall that was just low enough that Luison and I could make it over. It was also slightly covered by a fallen part so the two men couldn't see us. I dropped into a crouch and help my hands out for Bilbo.

"Just like the pony," I whispered so quietly I was nearly mouthing the words. He bit his lip but nodded.

"One, two," I tensed my muscles in preparation. "Three," I forced his foot upwards while he simultaneously pushed off the ground with his other foot. His hand found a hold on the end and I helped him pull himself up by pushing on his foot. Luison and I looked at Nori. There was no way I could do what I did for Bilbo for him. I glanced at Luison for help. He squatted across from me hands cupped together.

"Master Baggins, is the area clear?" Luison has his head tilted a bit to look at the top where Bilbo's head had disappeared. His curly hair popped back into view.

"Yes, I do not see anyone nearby."

Nori didn't look at all happy as he took a step back. Gaining momentum before landing one foot in each hand. Both of us pushed up and I think my arms just about died. Nori's feet found purchase with practiced ease as he scaled the rest of the wall.

"Still clear?" Bilbo gave a positive answer before I peaked back at the two men. They were still facing away. The sober one arguing with the drunken one making frustrated hand gestures. I nodded to Luison. He followed Nori's example and took a running start. Easily swinging himself up to straddle the wall. He reached down and I jumped for his hand. I clasped my hand around his wrist, his hand doing the same to mine. He pulled me up as I used the rocks and ledge to assist in pulling myself up. We both dropped down to where Nori and Bilbo were waiting.

"Do you have any idea where it might be?" I asked moving closer.

"I know who stole it and can guess who they gave it to for transportation."

Nori snorted. "So ye don't know where it is, and we are already inside the camp. Aye, this was a terrible idea."

"Come now Mister Nori, I'm sure Mister Luison has an idea of where to look." Bilbo glanced over at Luison hopefully.

"Aye that I do. On the other side of the fortress is where his group likes to settle down."

"Well, it's better than nothing." I tried to stay positive. Nori sneered but didn't say anything. We started back off following Luison. He led us down a staircase to a tunnel that went to another part of the fallen courtyard. Then back up some stairs and onto a rampart going above one or 2 more camps. Luckily no one was up here. I kept as low to the ground as I could my knees screaming at me. I ignored their pleas to straighten out. The going was slow. We eventually arrived at the other side of the fortress when Luison pointed to a group. They were camped out against a still-standing portion of the wall. Two were sleeping and the others were sitting around the fire. There were three and only one with his back towards us. There was no way to approach without being spotted.

"Well, I got you here." I glared at the man, this was really not the time.

"Fine you don't have to steal it back but you can tell us how to distract them while someone takes back the items."

"Someone could go up and distract them," He glanced at me and I had a really bad feeling about what was about to come out of his mouth. "The best option would probably be you lass. A pretty face is bound to distract them."

"No." Bilbo objected.

"What?! No." I agreed with Bilbo and even Nori seemed against the idea.

"You wanted a way to distract them and I gave you one."

"Any other suggestions?" I looked desperately at Nori and Bilbo. I really wanted to say no absolutely not, I really, really wanted to say no. I was not an actor. This was a really bad idea but at the moment it was our only idea and every moment we spent here was another we risked detection. When no one spoke I glared at each of them.

"If I pull this off y'all are going to owe me big time." I pulled down the neck of my t-shirt and tucked the end into my trousers so it was more form fitting. I knew my outfit already wasn't socially acceptable, trousers and a black t-shirt. Now it was even more so with the low cut neck. A deep breath and a parting glare at their blushing faces I left the relative safety of our hiding spot. If they didn't pull this off I was going to burn them alive.

I put the prettiest smile on my face as I confidently crossed the distance to the men. Trying to find a reason that I'd be here. The two facing this way kicked their buddy at my approach.

"Oh thank the Valar," I placed my hand on the closest one's shoulder. He twisted his head to get a better look at me. The three men weren't paying their surroundings any attention.

"I've got a promising target in the next town and have been looking for some partners. None of the others I've come across looked as," I slid my hand down to his bicep. "promising. I saw you and I think I would be much… safer." With the end of my sentence, I moved again lingering my touch of the man's arm. I sat down close to one of the cleaner men. My knee touching really needed to hurry it up. I spotted Nori searching through their belongings.

"What do you say?" I leaned forward resting my elbows on my knees. Trying my best to appear relaxed and nearly jumped when the man's hand came around, resting on my hip. They smirked.

"If the job pays well, you've got yourself a deal."

"I promise it'll pay well." I practically purred and winced internally. Oh, if they weren't thankful... Nori discreetly nodded and I tried to come up with an excuse to leave and get the man's hand off my hip.

I pulled gently at the hand. "Let me gather my things and we can discuss details." The men's eyes were still on me but they let me leave without interruption. I walked calmly until I was behind cover. I yanked my shirt back up and shivered, it had worked. I honestly can't believe I had pulled that off.

I pointed a finger at the three. "I am NEVER doing that again." Nori seemed to be more agreeable, nodding.

"Aye, you will not be asked to."

"Yes, you will never be doing that again!" If Bilbo's face could get any redder he'd be a tomato. I turned to Nori.

"Did you get them?" I asked desperately. He nodded and we headed back out to the rest of the group.

"Did you get them?" Thorin demanded. The group turning to stare.

"We are all fine thank you for asking." I snarked. He picked me out in the group easily enough, his eyebrows drawn down and lip raised.

"Watch your tone, girl." Thorin snarled and Nori said something in their language. Thorin's demeanor changed. I could guess what they were talking about. Blood rushed to my face and everyone turned to look at me.

"I don't want to talk about it." They stared for a second longer before turning away and discussing something quickly in their language. I know they were talking about what I did. I went and stood by Bilbo ready to head back to the town, the embarrassment still burning on my cheeks.

"Now that you have what is rightfully yours back in your possession, I believe I should be allowed free." Luison just seemed to have the worst timing.

"Once you lead us back to Bree you will be allowed to leave," Balin answered with an almost pitying smile. Thorin crossed his arms and I figured he had grudgingly agreed.

Luison sighed but in the presence of so many armed people he really didn't have any room to argue and he knew it.

"Fine, this way then." He started off into the forest and the rest of the group filed behind. I found the walk back much more pleasant, Dori moved plants and hanging branches out of the way. it was much nicer than on the way to the fortress, I was thankful for that as my skin was already battered from the walk to the fortress and from sneaking around in it. It's only like 9 and I'm exhausted, mentally and physically. I'm ready to sit on a horse again and maybe sleep against Gandalf. I was totally changing into long sleeves once I had the chance. Nori slipped Thorin the map and key. Which Thorin slipped into his clothing and put the key around his neck instead of in his bag.

I was never more thankful for the stench of Bree. We trudged through the gates and Luison was gone as fast as he could. I really wasn't sad to see him go. Another few minutes later we're in view of the Prancing Pony

We headed inside and finished packing up our stuff and went back down to the stables. My blood boiled in my veins as I spotted sweet little Argyle shifting nervously, as an obviously well to do noble stood above him threateningly. The man raised his hand and I acted before thinking. My hand wrapped around his wrist and he glared down at me offended.

"Argyle how about you go and find your father." He nodded and ran back to the Prancing Pony.

"Unhand me! What do you think you're doing!?" I dropped his wrist as if it had burned me.

"Putting a stop to an assault on a child, you pig." His face twisted in anger but he made no move towards me, I turned but not before shooting a glare. I would have left him alone had he not threatened Argyle, but I would not let him hurt that sweet boy if I could stop it. As I was heading back to the others I heard Bilbo shout a warning, apparently, this man isn't the sharpest twig in the pile. I only barely managed to dodge his next punch. It would have hit me had my reflexes been any slower. The only reason I would ever be thankful for the apocalypse: it teaches one how to move, and move fast.

I struck like a cobra. My knee meeting his diaphragm faster than the man could probably think. Once he had slumped over gasping I pushed the man into a pile of what was likely a mix of mud and horse poop. Ruining his very expensive clothing.

"Mighty impressive, lass." Dwalin laughed slightly and his hand fell away from his battle ax. Many of the dwarves relaxed from where they had been reaching for their weapons. I don't think it would have mattered if they had or hadn't liked me. You don't attack a person when their back is turned

I raised an eyebrow slightly. Bifur grunted making some hand gestures to follow. "He says 'you've got some quick reflexes there, lass.'" Bofur translated. I grinned slightly, the annoyance at the previous encounter fading.

"Thanks, let's get out of here." Nearly everyone agreed simultaneously rushing to pack everything onto the ponies. A few more minutes and we were on our way. I leaned down near Bilbo from my spot in the back.

"Only not even a week in, quite a bit more adventure than we were expecting, huh?" he gave a shaky laugh.

"If this keeps up I might almost regret signing that blasted contract." I only grinned at him in response as we finally left the rank human town of Bree.