Chapter 6: The Last Homely House

Darkness-

"Ariel get up it's time for breakfast"

She was floating in darkness-

"Come on Airy. It'll be fun. An adventure. We'll have a blast"

It was not a comfortable darkness of sleep-

"That's right boy, behold my power for it will be the last thing you ever see!"

It was the cold empty void of oblivion-

"Tell me Ariel…what do you know of Hobbits?"

And she was falling into it… No…she was drowning in it-

"Warg scouts! Which means an Orc pack is not far behind"

She could barely breath, could barely feel…but she could hear-

"A servant of a very dark power"

A deep hissing voice whispering all around her-

"Ash nazg durbtaluk, ash nazg gimbatul, ash nazg thrakatuluk, agh burzum-ish krimpatul!"

As a great red eye suddenly burst before her vision-

"Ariel the Green your power shall be mine!"

-and engulfed her all in flames…

"NOO!"

Ariel's eyes snapped open as she gasped.

Oh my god what the hell was that?!

She gulped down breaths as she sat up, her vision clearing so that she could finally see the dim grey light stream onto her bed. She was completely alone, the light outside her window grey with a hint of pink and gold as the sun started to peek over the horizon.

Just a dream…

She sighed as she ran her hand over her brow, instantly soaking her white nightgown's sleeve with sweat.

I'm still safe here in Rivendell…

She swung her legs over the side of the bed and grunted as her arms and legs creaked from being stiff for so long.

She shivered as she picked up her staff that was leaning on the wall beside her bed, a cold chill spreading over her. She wasn't quite sure where it had come from, for it was the height of summer and the nights weren't that cold. All she knew was that she could feel the eyes of something on her from the shadow in the corners of her room.

Or was it her mind?

She shook out her head as she reached over to take a dress that had been laid out for her on a nearby chair. It was a dress like the elf maidens wore, though while theirs were usually in soft light shades or deep shades of the twilight or night, hers was a deep rich green.

She felt remarkably out of place wearing the garment, it seemed far too luxurious for her taste. And yet it would be extremely rude not to accept it or to complain.

Maybe I should go down for breakfast-no wait! It's the crack of dawn. Nobody would be up by now…

She mused as she began braiding back the russet locks at the front. As she did she looked into a nearby mirror and scowled.

Her eyes were looking exceptionally green today, with only a hint of brown on the outside. She could only suppose it must have been because of her new outdoor lifestyle. Her eyes always did look greener whenever she used to go camping with her father in the woods close to her house, only to turn browner the closer she got to home. She couldn't really explain it, and usually she didn't really care, for no one really did notice the difference unless they were to look at her face closely.

Now however the difference was startling.

I'm being ridiculous

She looked outside her window to see the sky outside brighten as the first rays of the dawn crept over the horizon before her.

A friendly cool breeze whipped at her cheek, making her hair flow softly behind her as she stood up.

Hmm…that feels nice.

She smiled as she walked over to stand at the window. The sunrise was warm and inviting, quickly banishing the cold bite of the early hours of the morning and giving way to what was surely going to be a wonderful summer day.

What she didn't notice were a pair of eyes watching her closely from the ground below.

By the time Ariel had gotten dressed and had walked down the stairs the dwarves, Bilbo and Gandalf were well tucking into breakfast that had been served in a dining room on the ground floor.

Their conversation hushed as she slid through the doorway, their eyes bulging a little as they beheld her new flowing dress.

"Good Morning…" she mumbled, cheeks flushing deeply, doing everything she could to avoid Thorin, who seemed to be staring at her far more intensely than usual as he grunted:

"Lady Ariel. How kind of you to finally grace us with your presence. Ugh! Balin-" he growled as Balin retracted his elbow from his side and smiled pointedly at the lass.

"Good Morning my dear. How are you feeling? Still woozy from last night?"

"Nope, all the cobwebs are cleared." Ariel forced a smile on her face. Never had she felt more tempted to just point her staff at the Dwarf King's face and stuff his face full of green magical vines.

"Very, good. Very good. Ah Good morning Lindir-" Gandalf up from a spot at the head of the table as his apprentice walked in followed by Lindir who had just come in from the front door.

"Master Gandalf, My Lady" the elf bowed courteously as he came level with Ariel who curtsied back, watching with intrigue as he made to address Gandalf once more "Forgive my abruptness, master but may I have a word in private?"

"Of course. Ariel why don't you take a seat-oh it seems Kili has already given you his" eyebrows rose half in astonishment half in amusement as Ariel was quickly sat down in the chair of said dwarf, blushing and stuttering in confusion.

"No really Kili it's fine-I just-"

But already Kili had sat himself down at the end of the table closest to the door smirking under his breath softly that made Balin next to him quirk an eyebrow at him curiously.

Uh…what just happened?

Ariel blinked like a deer in the headlights at the exchange only for Thorin to roll his eyes and grumble gruffly from directly opposite her.

"Just eat quickly. You're still recovering. You'll need your strength"

Ariel however didn't have time to give him the usual glare ore snide remark as her stomach gave a loud roar at the sight of the food between her and Thorin.

She felt her face flush even darker as the dwarves chuckled fondly. Even Bilbo who sat at her side was smiling as he passed her a bowl of salad.

"you know you really should get what you can quick. Bombur's already finished off one platter of boiled eggs"

"Why am I not surprised?" Ariel sighed heavily as she turned to look at the phenomenally fat dwarf who was sitting opposite to where a still very much quiet Fili was and scarfing down everything in reach.

"You know he broke a table last night" Bilbo shrugged beside her.

"Yes…I heard him…but I honestly don't know whether I should be terrified of that or not"

"Terrified. Definitely be terrified"

She quickly turned back to him and when their eyes met they both could not contain the tiny snorts or smiles as they restrained themselves from laughing out loud.

"What's up with you two?" Ori asked from down the table as he caught sight of the girl and the hobbit both begin to shake hard as small sniggers escaped them.

"Nothing- nothing" Ariel hiccupped as Bilbo did his best to cough down his chortles in gentlemanly fashion.

"No we're just um, just trying to um…it's just that it's the first time I'm actually as tall as a human…person…" he exchanged a small smirk at Ariel who cottoned onto his small fib and began to measure out the top of his head in comparison to hers.

Indeed, at this table they were actually both level since Bilbo was sitting on a chair propped up on several cushions so that he could reach the countertop.

"Aye and it'll probably be the only time you ever are lad" Dwalin smirked as he took a sip from his goblet of juice, much to the amusement of everyone save Gandalf who chose at this moment to return to the room alone.

Ariel looked up and saw that his face was calm though slightly tense about the jaw, especially when he caught her gaze.

Huh…what the hell was that about?

She quickly coughed and gave her best smile.

"So, Gandalf what happened?"

"Oh nothing really as of yet" Gandalf smiled back quickly as he made his way back to his old seat. "Lord Elrond was just inviting us to join him for dinner tonight to celebrate the Eve of Midsummer and I have agreed on the company's behalf."

"You agreed?" Thorin growled only for Ariel's face to turn incensed much to the exasperated sighs of the company.

"Well we are his guests and he has helped us already a fair bit. It would be rude to refuse."

"I wasn't asking for your opinion girl" the Dwarf Prince snapped his dark eyes glowering at her.

"Oh, please like you ever think anyone else's opinion matters besides your own" Ariel rolled her eyes and leaned back folding her arms.

"Oh, but I do value other opinions." Thorin's eyes narrowed "It's your opinions I'm not interested in. You are a child with hardly any experience in the world to speak of and thus have no reason to be giving your two cents worth when it comes to the leadership of this company. You do not belong here, you never have."

"You think I don't know that" Ariel snarled. "You think I don't know I stick out like a sore thumb everywhere I go? Believe me I want nothing more than to go back home"

"Then go" Thorin sneered again "Go back home I'm not stopping you"

"I can't" Ariel growled shutting her eyes and willing herself not to crack.

"And why not? You are barely of use here. I do not see why you must continue to burden Gandalf with your training and secrets. Go run back home to your mother's lap"

"Thorin!" Gandalf barked angrily but it was too late. Ariel had stood to her feet and was looking quietly down at the dwarf in question her face tense.

"Sometimes I wonder who the more despicable creature is-" she murmured through gritted teeth light brown eyes overbright and wet "-you or that dragon."

And before anyone could say another word she threw her glass of juice in Thorin's face.

There were great cries of surprise, and even one loud "HA!" of laughter from Kili which was quickly stifled by his brother literally slapping a hand over his mouth as Ariel stormed back out towards the door.

"How-HOW DARE YOU-Blasted girl get back here!" Thorin spluttered angrily only to stare in shock as she held up a very rude finger to him and yelled:

"Bite me asshole!"

There was a very stunned silence as the door slammed shut behind her back.

"Wow…For an innocent maiden she sure knows her swears" Nori muttered under his breath only to be silenced as a loud sob echoed in the passageway outside only to quickly fade with a pair of frantic footsteps.

"Aye…now she's really upset this time" Bofur sighed as Kili looked up at the others, his humour quickly turning to worry.

"You think we should go after her?"

"Not now" Balin put a hand up to stop them from getting up. "She needs a bit of space to vent. If she doesn't come around in an hour or so then we'll seek her out"

But while the dwarf's faces were on the door, Bilbo's was set on Thorin's face. The girl had barely gotten up from resting and already the Dwarf was giving her trouble. The hobbit had been about to open his mouth to give the dwarf prince a piece of his mind Took style when he caught sight of the grim and stricken expression.

Indeed even as he made to sit down, Bilbo thought he saw a hint of regret and guilt glimmer in those deep blue eyes though it was quick to be masked over as he caught his eye.

Thorin mumbled something darkly under his breath before pushing away his half full plate and quietly leaving the room.

He had barely travelled a few meters away from the door when someone called out from behind him.

"Uncle wait"

Thorin turned around and saw Fili standing behind him his face tense. The young dwarf's blue eyes so much like his uncles were flashing rather fiercely as he made to speak once more.

"You shouldn't have said that to her!"

"I only said the truth." Thorin snapped with a glower. "And often the truth hurts."

"No! What you said was not the truth" Fili glared hard at Thorin "It was a harsh and heartless lie and you know it"

"Are you accusing me of being a liar?" Thorin growled but Fili did not back down.

"No. But it doesn't stop what you said from being untrue. She does belong her just as much as any of us and her opinion does matter. She's Gandalf's apprentice for crying out loud-"

"Did you not hear what Gandalf told Lord Elrond." Thorin hissed "She came from across the sea from lands we don't even know of. And her powers…that witchcraft she does with those plants and pulling the wool over all your eyes-You can say what you like Fili but nothing will change the fact that she's a witch who doesn't belong here."

"You're wrong" Fili cried out angrily "Ariel is not a witch. She's a good person who just so happens to be able to do magic. She's brave, warm and bright. We all accept her and want her to be here, the whole company, Kili too. The only one who has a problem here is you, and that's because you refuse to let go of your pride-"

"Don't you dare take that tone with me boy" Thorin's hands clenched by his sides as he made to pull himself up to his fullest height "you may be of age but I will not hesitate to discipline you or your brother as I see fit if you keep up this behaviour"

"Then go ahead" Fili snapped also drawing himself up so that he made to stand toe to toe with his uncle. "Discipline me however you want. Discipline Kili, he'll not waver either. Nothing will change the fact that Ariel was right. You are being as cruel as the dragon."

"Where are you going?" Thorin hissed angrily but Fili was already stepping away from him still glaring.

"To finish breakfast. And then find Ariel, that's if you haven't finally turned her away for good"

"Fili" Thorin called but already the younger dwarf was striding down the corridor and out of sight.

When he was sure he was alone the dwarf prince sighed heavily through grit teeth.

Now his company and his nephews are turning on him? Oh, how Thorin Oakenshield rued the day he first laid eyes on that pretty girl's face!

It was midday, the sun had risen high now over Rivendell, and Ariel's tears had mostly dried up. Though she still felt rather hollow inside.

Of all the things, you have said Oakenshield, this has by far has been the worst.

She sighed heavily as she entered a building to her right. She'd been trying to avoid walking into anyone, especially the dwarves.

She was fond of them and they of her but she did not think that letting them comfort her would be a good idea, especially since it would only widen the rift between Thorin and herself. He was paranoid enough as it stood and if he thought she was trying to win the trust of his people over him, then she wouldn't put it past him to do away with her somehow.

She was even hiding from Gandalf, though how she managed that she had no idea.

He's probably giving me space to clear my head.

She reasoned dully. Yes, that seemed a very Gandalf thing to do. The man, though he looked old, was a remarkably good at tracking people down when he wanted to. The fact that she hadn't been found only meant he was letting her stay hidden, or else he'd be dragging her back to her room to rest.

Oh well…at least I'm getting a chance to sightsee on my own in peace and quiet.

Ariel mused as she looked around the room she'd just entered. She seemed to have entered a museum of some kind. There were murals all over the walls, statues on pedestals and some artefacts mounted on plinths draped with fine cloths.

Many of them were swords and horns and other such devices of war but even as she looked she saw a small harp upon a cushion and a miniature in gold of a tall-ship sailing aboard the high seas.

After gazing at the small recreation for a few minutes Ariel found her way towards the foot of a tall set of stairs.

She paused as her staff accidently struck the cool stone slabs beneath her feet with a loud clack, the sound echoing ominously about her.

No one seems to be here…

She gulped with a small bite of her lip as she looked behind her quickly before looking up the steps which seemed to go up onto a second floor of some kind.

Raising her staff off the ground in one hand and picking up the hem of her green dress she quietly ascended the stairs

She didn't understand why but her feet no longer seemed to be under her own command as they moved, almost spellbound by the path where she walked.

Eventually she reached the top step and looked about her.

She was standing at the entrance to a terrace which had a statue on one side and a painting on the other before leading onto another corridor that delved further into the building.

Hmm…I wonder what this is?

She tilted her head as she turned to admire the statue, which was carved all in white, in the shape of a tall beautiful woman in flowing robes holding a large elliptical dish in her hands.

Ariel wondered if there was water, or glass that had been made to look like water within it for she could see the light as something reflected in the lowest dip of the dish.

But even as she made to come up close to look down into the basin she gasped softly.

There glimmering in the light of the morning sunbeams that fell over the statues shoulders, were the broken shards…the broken shards of a silver sword.

"Wow" she breathed as she ran a timid finger over the hilt.

So…this is the blade…the blade that cut the ring from-

But then she blinked as she caught sight of something dark reflected in the metallic surface of one of the sharp blade shards.

Ariel quickly turned around only to find herself now facing the painting. Though that did little to improve her mood.

In the left of the image a man in gleaming armour was sitting up on the bloodstained, corpse filled ground in fear, holding up the hilt of a broken sword, the blade of which glowed white hot so that it seemed to illuminate the attacking force. Ariel shuddered as her eyes wandered to the right only to see a shadowy figure, garbed in dark sharp armour towering over the man beneath with such malevolence that his presence almost seemed to fill the entire space of the painting.

However, her eyes were drawn not to the black helmet over his face, but rather to the dark hand that held his dark weapon to strike. Upon the index finger, painted in thin but sharp and bold strokes was a band of bright blazing gold.

She flinched as an image of a fiery red eye flashed over her own vision for a moment.

Just a dream. Nothing but a dream.

"My Lady?"

Ariel squeaked and spun around.

There behind her in dark blue tunic and pants was a young man with shoulder length dark hair and light grey eyes.

Light grey eyes…

"Oh…hi…again" she gulped, masking her fear with a small nervous smile "Estel wasn't it?"

"Yes my lady. I'm surprised you remember my name. You were quite disoriented last we met." the young man, Estel, smiled cheeks slightly pink

"Yeah…uh…well, nearly being crushed by a giant wolf would do that to you"

Smooth Ariel. Real smooth.

Ariel mentally punched herself as her fellow youth chuckled uncertainly along with her.

"I'm relieved to see you're doing much better. I take it Lord Elrond's healers have done their jobs well?"

"Yes very, though…" and at this Ariel felt her cheeks positively burn like fire "though if it weren't for you saving my life I'd probably be dead so…uh…thank you. I really owe you one"

"The…the pleasure was all mine." Estel coughed "So my lady-"

"Ariel" Ariel cut across him quickly "My name is Ariel. I know you're trying to be polite but you don't have to call me my lady. Trust me I'm far from one" She added giggling nervously.

"Somehow I doubt that" Estel smirked and was pleased when she flushed even more pink "So, Lady Ariel, what brings you here on such a fine day. I'd have thought you'd still be resting."

"I was" Ariel snorted remembering the morning's drama "but then I thought I'd take a walk and clear my head. My morning's been pretty hectic-"

"I can imagine" Estel blurted out only to curse himself softly "forgive me, that was out of line-"

"You heard my argument with Thorin huh?" Ariel sighed heavily.

"Nay lady. I ran into your master Gandalf about an hour ago" Estel admitted sheepishly. "He asked me to keep an eye out for you if I should pass you by. He was quite worried for you-"

"Well congratulations you found me!" Ariel murmured with a small grimace.

"I take it you weren't planning on being found?" Estel's eyebrows rose as the girl before him rolled her eyes sarcastically.

"Gee, what gave me away?"

"Oh, I don't know, your overwhelming enthusiasm I suppose?"

Both youths narrowed their eyes at each other, only to start chuckling as soon as they met each other's gazes.

"I'm sorry" Ariel tucked her hair behind her ear shyly. "I guess I'm still a bit peeved"

"It's understandable." Estel assured her gently "After what I've seen of your company, Thorin Oakenshield seems to be a rather difficult person to approach"

"Understatement of the century" Ariel muttered under her breath, only to quickly cough as she turned towards the broken sword in the stone statue.

"This sword…"

"Tis the shards of Narsil," Estel puffed up proudly as he reached out to grab the great hilt. "The blade that cut the hand of Sauron-"

"And the One Ring" Ariel breathed, a shiver flying up and down her spine as the blade gleamed in the afternoon light.

"Yes…" Estel murmured carefully quickly placing the hilt back in its proper place before turning her to face the large painting again.

"I take it you know of the War of the Last Alliance?"

"Only the basics" Ariel sighed softly pointing to a figure of a man laying on the ground with a shattered sword raised up high in defence against a dark shadowy figure. "That's him. Isildur, right?"

"Yes. Isildur son of Elendil the tall, brother of Anarion. King of Gondor. It was his mighty arm that hewed down the enemy. I heard the tale many a time from Lord Elrond as a boy."

"You grew up here in Rivendell?" Ariel quirked a curious brow and Estel nodded

"Yes. I was very fortunate. My mother and father died when I was but a small child. Lord Elrond took me in, raised me, fed me, clothed me, trained me as if I were one of his own sons, of which he has two. The twins Elladan and Elrohir. My brothers in all but blood. And his daughter Arwen. I have never met her myself for she has been living with her Grandmother in Lothlorien for the past few decades. But I have heard from her brothers she is very beautiful and very much missed here at home-"

I bet she is!

Ariel smirked slightly, though she couldn't help but feel a little dismayed. She'd always wanted to meet Arwen, the daughter of Elrond, queen to Aragorn the would-be-King of Gondor. And Galadriel…

For some reason Ariel felt both excited and terrified at the prospect of ever meeting the Lady of the Golden Wood. In the books, she was always described as mysterious, wise and powerful, and that uncanny ability to see into the hearts and minds of those she beheld…it was almost enough to give Ariel goose bumps there and then.

She was glad when Estel held out his arm for her to take and suggested he show her the gardens outside.

They were beautiful and in full bloom, much to her delight. The fragrances of the flowers and various trees filled the air with a sweet wholesome scent, that made both young humans smile as they walked and talked arm in arm down a beautifully crafted stone path…unaware that several pairs of eyes were watching them very closely.

"I see my ward has found your apprentice." Elrond smirked enjoying the way the old Wizard bristled uncomfortably.

"Yes, he has accomplished his task very well I must say" Gandalf snorted gruffly, eyes narrowing upon the young man as the pair of young adults passed right under their tall balcony.

"They only walk and talk. I daresay lady Ariel has missed the company of other humans her age while travelling." Elrond murmured, frowning softly as he watched said apprentice suddenly detach herself from Estel to walk backwards in front of him with a wide smile.

With her bright eyes, her light steps making her green dress swish and her warm smile, the Elven lord was not surprised to see that his ward was having a hard time keeping up his gentlemanly façade.

He only supposed he should've expected it after all Estel was the only young human in Rivendell.

All the women he'd come into contact here had been fully grown elleth who had known him since his infancy and helped in his rearing. Nearly all of them were a few centuries old. The only time he'd seen other young humans his own age was when he was passing through small villages or towns like Bree on the rare occasions their hunting parties came close to the town, and even then, he never really got the chance to meet with them.

"I daresay Estel also feels the need for companionship" Gandalf conceded with a small roll of his eyes "Though why he had to pick my apprentice-"

"I daresay the answer will present itself in due time" Elrond muttered, his eyes now narrowing on the girl's head of russet red hair. "I take it she does not know?"

"To be frank, I'm not sure if I quite understand it myself" Gandalf admitted quietly, following his friend's gaze as he watched the two youths start to laugh loudly "Nuldien has kept a great deal many secrets before. But this seems to be unbelievable even for her. Even Radagast could see the connection on first sight!"

"Gandalf, even a blind begger could see the connection from a mile off, and if what you say about her history so far is indeed true, then perhaps it was for that very reason her existence was kept a secret. But that's not the problem here" Elrond sighed heavily "The point is why would Nuldien send the child here in the first place? Why not come herself and explain everything to us? Why send the girl in her stead?"

"Believe me Elrond if I knew the reason I would give it, but I do not!" Gandalf huffed grumpily as he leaned on his staff "All I know is, is that this girl is the key to something bigger. And that if we are to have any hope for the future, I must keep her safe until it's her time-"

"Her time for what?"

"I have no idea…" the wizard muttered falling to silence as he and the elven lord both watched the young humans now laughing loudly at each other's jokes.

They were both so young, so far removed from the troubles of the world.

If only peaceful moments like this could last a little longer…

Gandalf sighed softly to himself.

If only…

"I believe this is where I am leave you" Estel smirked as he led his lightly blushing companion back towards a set of steps.

They were in front of the houses accommodating the dwarves company. Above them the sun hung low as late afternoon dragged on, bathing both young humans in a rich golden light.

"Thank you for showing me the gardens" Ariel smiled at the young man. "They were so beautiful. It really helped after all the fuss this morning"

Now it was Estel's turn to blush a little.

"The pleasure was all mine Lady Ariel. Truth be told it was wonderful talking with you. I do look forward to our next conversation at dinner tonight."

"Tonight?" Ariel blinked then suddenly relaxed "Oh, right. The dinner with Lord Elrond, I almost forgot."

"So did I" Estel admitted taking a step back, but not before taking her hand in his and lowering his face to it in gentlemanly fashion.

"Till tonight then my good Lady."

"Yes…till tonight" Ariel gulped, mentally fanning herself as she watched the tall youth before her step back respectfully, smiling as she nervously stepped back and slipped backwards through the door to the house.

Once it was shut, Ariel slumped back against the wood, a strange strangled giggle of nervous excitement escaping her red blushing and very wide grinning face.

She was quick to cover it up however, as a familiar voice suddenly called out:

"Hello? Who's-AH! Lass there yer are!"

It was Bofur followed by most of the company who welcomed her warmly with a chorus of relieved shouts and exclamations.

She did her best to keep a smile on her face as she greeted the dwarves one by one, assuring them each that she was alright and was feeling better, though she felt her facade crack slightly when she made to go back up the stairs.

Back under the same roof as King Jerkface again…I guess escape really is futile huh?

She grunted, the euphoria from her lovely afternoon starting to seep away.

She heard the soft padding of large feet running up along the corridor.

"Miss Ariel"

"Bilbo?" She quickly turned and saw the hobbit as he came to stop before her panting a little out of breathlessness.

He tried his best to straighten up and coughed a little as he spoke.

"Listen um...I'm not really sure where to begin but…but I just thought you should know that I'm really glad you're also here on this…uh…adventure and…and I understand what you mean when you said that you miss your family…I also…miss my home a lot and I was just going to say that…if you need someone to talk to I'm-"

But he never finished his sentence, for Ariel had knelt and scooped him up into a tight hug.

"Thank you" she mumbled.

Bilbo blinked in absolute astonishment, though it was quick to turn into a small smile as he reached up and patted her back gently.

After a few moments, they both quietly detached not noticing the dark shadow of Thorin Oakenshield at the end of the corridor quickly stride out of sight his face grim and dark.

Well she's certainly worming her way through all of them…and that human boy. How old is he anyway? He can't be more than a year or two older than her at most…still a child…

He thought bitterly as he did his best to walk in the shadows, only to be stopped by Balin who chose at that moment to cross paths.

"Oh Thorin, have you heard? Ariel's come back."

"So I see…" Thorin rolled his eyes "and it appears she has made a new friend"

"ah, the young man you mean?" Balin smirked knowingly "Well, yer can't blame her can ye? After all he is quite a strapping young lad-"

He stopped as the Dwarf King snorted:

"You mean the young fool? The one whom she's cast another spell over?" He snapped as the older dwarf fixed him with a disapproving glower.

"Thorin, come now lad enough is enough. The so what if the girl has magic? She's still just a young lass, one who's very far from home in the company of strangers. I agree that to some degree she is still far too young and inexperienced to be travelling on such a dangerous quest however that does not mean that her opinions are in anyway less valid than ones made by anyone else in this company. Especially since she does make a valid point."

"And what is that?" Thorin rolled his eyes with disdain.

"That you're letting your ego rule your head" Balin gave a heavy sigh "You of all people Thorin should know that such pride is dangerous to hold onto. It consumed your grandfather and your father before you-"

"I am not my grandfather or my father" Thorin muttered though he sounded unsure.

Balin's eyes softened a little with melancholy as he considered the prince's hesitant face.

"I know you aren't laddie. But still…it doesn't hurt to have a friend by your side that keeps your head down to earth"

"She is not my friend." Thorin spat

"Then perhaps she should be. Who knows, maybe you could learn a thing or two from her."

And with that Balin quietly walked off leaving Thorin alone to brood on his own in the corridor.

After a few minutes of standing and looking at the stone floor beneath his feet he rolled his eyes and huffed.

"I cannot believe I'm doing this"

He turned on his heel and strode up the stairs two at a time in his long strong strides.

He quickly reached the second floor once more and came up swiftly to Ariel's door.

He knocked hard on the beautifully carved wood.

"Ariel"

There was no answer.

Oh come on for heavens sake open the door girl.

He knocked again. Again no answer.

He knocked again this time grunting softly under his breath.

"this is ridiculous"

He grabbed the doorknob and twisted it hard pushing open the door with a mighty shove…only to stop dead in his tracks his eyes bulging as Ariel stilled in her spot, the top half of her dress falling from her hands and her bare bosom.

Thorin felt his cheeks flare up with heat as he and the young sorceress stared at one another in shock. Balin called her a girl, a wee lass, but in body she was anything but.

She was slender on top but had curvier wider hips. Her skin was perhaps not as pale as the other humans he'd met in this part of the world, but rather a soft beige, with a speckling of darker brown freckles over her back. As he looked up the length of it he was suddenly struck by her height. Thorin knew that once the girl had truly reached full maturity she would be a tall woman, like her mighty human forefathers used to be in days of old.

She certainly looked mighty as her face contorted with fierce rage, her cheeks red with embarrassment.

The dwarves downstairs all jumped in fright when they heard the loud feminine shriek of:

"THORIN!"

There were small sniggers from the entire company as Thorin Oakenshield and Ariel Brooks both walked silently with Gandalf towards the grand building where Elrond Lord of Rivendell resided.

Even Gandalf could not supress a small smile of amusement as he glanced down at the dwarf prince's sour face which had now a large red bruise over his left cheek from where Ariel's hand had struck hard and sharp.

The wizard then chanced a small peek at the girl by his other side. Her expression would have been rather cold and distant had it not been for the deep flush of pink of embarrassment that was dusted over her cheeks.

With a small sigh Gandalf turned his gaze back towards the path they were all walking on and was relieved to see Elrond himself step down towards them from a high set of stairs and greet them.

Behind him Estel stood dutifully paying his respects to Thorin and Gandalf in turn before offering his arm to Ariel, who took it quickly, far too keen to avoid the small glare at her back from Thorin.

Quickly they were all ushered up into a building and onto an open terrace on which elves were either serving food or drink. As they did so soft gentle music wafted about filling the air with a sweetness that soothed the company as they made to take their seats at two tables.

One was long and low to the ground and with two benches on either side. The twelve dwarves and Bilbo each took a seat at this table, whilst Elrond, Gandalf, Thorin, Estel and Ariel were seated at a taller smaller round table laden with delicate dishes.

The lattermost smiled fondly as the other dwarves on the low table examined the feast in front of them with intrigue and confusion, for most of it was made up of greens and breads with very little meats.

But Ariel didn't mind. The delicate food she was served was scrumptious and surprisingly filling even though she ate a small amount with as much delicacy as she could.

Eventually once they were close to finishing their course, Gandalf showed their host the slender but sharp swords that he had picked up from the troll hoard only a few days ago.

"This is Orcrist" Elrond said his eyes alight with wonder as he examined the detailing on the blade in his hands "The goblin-cleaver. A famous blade. Forged by the high elves of the west, my kin. May it serve you well"

He handed the sword back to Thorin who nodded back respectfully as he took it. Ariel noticed that now he knew more about the sword, the dwarf handled it with greater care than he had done before. She could only suppose that even if he was not fond of elves, even he could appreciate good craftsmanship and heritage. He watched as Gandalf now handed his own longer stronger blade towards the elven lord who now looked if possible even more fascinated.

"This is Glamdring, Foe-hammer. Sword of the King of Gondolin. These swords were made for the goblin wars of the first age. How did you come by these?"

"We found them in a Troll-hoard on the Great East Road" Gandalf replied "Shortly before we were ambushed by Orcs"

"A troll hoard?" Estel asked with a small frown "But trolls rarely travel this far south."

"That's what I thought as well young man" Gandalf nodded gravely "And what's more, there were three of them, all highly intelligent for their kind"

"Really? Highly intelligent?" Ariel snorted "I've babysat four-year old's with sharper wits than them-"

"I did say intelligent for their kind" Gandalf quirked a brow at her "For there are very few trolls that ever develop the ability to talk. Those that do are few and far between. The fact that we found three of them along the Great East Road is quite astounding."

"And what were you doing on the Great East Road?" Elrond glanced up at the wizard curiously.

Gandalf was quiet for a moment as he seemed to ponder his answer.

So…we haven't told him yet of the quest…

Ariel casually took a sip from her drink only to wince as the fruity bitter taste of red wine coated her tongue. She had never drunk alcohol in her life, let alone taste such a potent beverage. She did her best to look natural as she could when she quickly and quietly set the delicate goblet down and lightly bit into the last of her food before her just as Thorin stood up to his feet.

"Excuse me"

There was a small silence as Elrond watched him go shrewdly. As soon as the dark head of hair was out of sight the elven lord turned towards Ariel with a small smile that couldn't quite hide his inquisitiveness.

"Forgive me Lady Ariel, if I may sound like I am sceptical, but how does a young woman such as yourself bear to travel on such a dangerous road alongside so many…strangers"

"Well…" Ariel paused to nervously dab at her mouth with her napkin "it's not as bad as it seems. You see my father used to take my brother and I camping a lot, and he taught me heaps about surviving in the wilderness-"

"Your father was a Ranger?" Estel wondered aloud.

"No, he was a carpenter." Ariel shook her head "But he always loved the outdoors, and he always said he wanted my brother and I to know how to fend for ourselves just in case. Of course, back home it wasn't quite as dangerous to travel so…well…"

She trailed off, quickly taking another sip of her wine. She didn't like the flavour at all, but she just needed something to do as she was scrutinized by the dark eyes of Lord Elrond.

"You have a brother?" he asked quietly.

"Yes, an older one. Ian."

"and no sisters?"

"None that I'm aware of." Ariel smirked "Trust me, one brother is more than enough siblings for me."

The rest of the table chuckled softly.

"And what of your mother?" Estel asked brow furrowed "Surely she must be worried for her only daughter to be travelling so far from home alone?"

"Probably. I…I never really got to say goodbye to her before I left home. So I wouldn't know how she feels…" Ariel trailed off, her stomach churning uncomfortably as she remembered the words from only this morning:

"Go run back home to your mother's lap"

But my Mum's not here for me to run to anymore

She thought bitterly.

And neither is Dad or Ian. Ariel you're just gonna have to suck it up and push yourself through all of this on your own.

She shook her head out slightly and looked up only to see that the rest of her table were watching her sympathetically, but also a couple of the attending elves that stood about them, their slender hands stilled in mid-air as they made to take the plates away.

"Sorry" she muttered, quickly wiping at the corner of her slightly bright eyes. "It's just-"

"You miss them" Elrond nodded solemnly as he gestured to their attendants to finish their task "It is neither a weakness nor a shame to feel homesickness. Especially if it is your first time being so far away for your family. I remember when it was my first hunt in the wilderness on my own. Though I felt excited at the prospect of flying from the nest, so too did I feel the sting of sadness whenever I thought of my family back home. Though I must admit I am shocked that you never had the chance to bid them farewell before departing on such a long journey."

"So was I in the beginning." Gandalf nodded but then added with a small smile "but time and time again Ariel has proven her strength and fortitude. Rarely have I seen a youngling so hardy when it came to live on the road, and mastering her powers-"

"Hardly. So far all I can really control is if something grows or shrinks-Out of tune" Ariel muttered under her breath before she could stop herself.

"Out of tune?" Elrond exchanged a quick glance with Gandalf who shrugged

"The harp. one of the strings of the lower octaves is slightly flat and the five highest strings are too tightly wound which is why they're sounding sharper than the others. Oh I'm sorry I was just mouthing off again um…sorry…"

But even as Ariel looked back to the musical instrument she found that the performer, a very pretty dark-haired elf maid, was already standing up and gesturing for her to take her place.

"Please sit. I have been hearing a wrong sound all evening but I had yet to find out the cause. You have a good ear, better indeed then some elves I have known. For how long have you played? And who taught you?"

"My…my father did" Ariel murmured quietly as she made to sit down at the instrument "he was a carpenter but he specialised in making musical instruments. Harps were his favourite. When I was young he used to play for the family all the time. And then when I was old enough he taught me what he knew and we used to play together."

"Then my lady I shall leave my charge in your capable care."

Ariel bit her lip slightly feeling a little nervous but the lady only smiled at her with something akin to respect before stepping aside to join Lindir who was standing behind Elrond and looking warily at the dwarves. They had not noticed the exchange of musicians instead opting to stuff their faces and talk loudly and raucously at their table, Thorin walking about them and checking up on each member in turn.

Well at least I can get this over with quickly and quietly.

Despite the small twinge of homesickness in her heart, Ariel felt her lips quirk upwards in a soft smile as her digits traced over the series of strings, their familiar resonances comforting to her ears in spite of their slight deviations from their true sweet sound.

Ouch that really is sharp

She frowned a little in concentration as she adjusted a peg over the higher pitched strings, softly strumming as she went.

Once or twice she glanced at the rest of the company through the strings. On the third time she caught Fili's eye as he looked up from his plate.

She gave a tiny wave to which he responded to with a small smile of his own before quietly pointing at the harp in front of her. She gave a silent shrug and he chuckled about to open his mouth to speak to her only for Kili to call out loudly as he threw across a bread roll to his brother

"Oy Fili catch"

Honestly why do Dwarves love to play with their food?

Ariel shook her head fondly smirking as she turned back to tuning the harp.

Sensing her momentary distraction Elrond turned his attention back to Gandalf, his face grim.

"Thirteen Dwarves, a Halfling and an untrained sorceress. Strange traveling companions Gandalf"

"These are the descendants of the house of Durin" the wizard did his best to smile as he gestured towards the rowdy table before them. "They're noble, decent folk. And they're surprisingly cultured, they've got a deep love of the arts"

But even as he spoke Nori turned to the flautist who was once more making her rounds, and complained loudly.

"Change the tune, why don't you? I feel like I'm at a funeral"

"Did somebody die?" Oin looked about in bewilderment his hearing trumpet held tightly against his ear.

Estel snorted into his goblet of wine, earning himself a small disappointed but still affectionate shake of the head from Lord Elrond who winced as Bofur decided to jump promptly up onto the table

"Alright lads. There's only one thing for it!"

Ariel quickly looked up and Gandalf and Elrond exchanged confused glances just as the dwarf began to sing loud and merrily over the rest of the company.

"The~re's. A~n. Inn, there's an inn. There's a merry old inn, beneath an old grey hill. And there they brew a beer so brown, that the Man in the Moon himself came down one night to drink his fill. The ostler has a tipsy cat that plays a five-string fiddle; And up and down he saws his bow. Now squeaking high…now purring low, now sawing in the middle. So, the cat on the fiddle played hey-diddle-diddle a jig that would wake the dead: He squeaked and sawed and quickened the tune, while the landlord shook the Man in the Moon: It's after three he said!"

There were loud cheers as the twelve dwarves delightedly threw their food at their new entertainer who barked loudly with laughter as he was pelted with rolls of pastries and sweet breads. Many of these food items however missed their targets and hit the walls and floor much to the discomfort of their hosts.

Ariel almost panicked when she looked back towards her table.

Estel was doing his best to keep his amused chuckles to himself (and miserably failing) while Elrond shut his eyes with an exasperated sigh along with Gandalf who was pinching the bridge of his nose. He quickly turned to Ariel and she was amused to see that although the wizard was trying to keep a straight face his eyes were almost pleading her for help.

"alright but you owe me old man" she grinned cheekily and he gently frowned at her.

Bilbo was doing his best to duck and avoid any flying pieces of food when he heard the first notes from the harp float into his ears, like the echo of a soft raindrop on a windowsill.

Ariel meanwhile didn't notice any of the eyes that were upon her.

For the first time since she had arrived in Middle Earth she was finally doing something she knew she was good at. Something that felt comfortable to her. It was such a relief that she simply shut her eyes and began to hum quietly to herself.

Bilbo leaned his head on his hand as he shut his eyes quietly. In comparison to the elves she didn't have such a great singing voice, but it was light and sweet enough to hold a tune well.

The Hobbit didn't recognise the tune, or the lyrics. However, he did know for sure that it was certainly not one of the elves compositions. They're songs were sweet and melodic but also sad and bittersweet for they spoke of times long gone. Times when the earth beneath their feet was young and the winds that flew about them were fresh and sweet for they had never been breathed before upon the surface of the world.

No…this song was a different. It was slow and mellow but at the same time it was joyful, as if it were looking forward to a bright future rather than a forgotten memory.

One of the perks of youth I guess…

He reasoned as he caught sight of the girl performing the piece. Oh what he wouldn't give to be that young again and to be able to look forwards without such a cynical eye on the world.

As he let the tune wash over him the dwarves around him fell slowly into silence as they too began to listen as the tune changed key.

Gandalf's small smile fell as he caught sight of Thorin staring at the girl from the other end of the dwarves table. For once his gaze wasn't angry, instead his eyes travelled over the young girls red hair and peaceful face with something soft and wistful…

Well there's something you don't see every day...Goodness what have I started?

In a dark forest, upon a dark hill, the ruins of a fortress loomed high above the trees.

Its shadow was long under the light of the moon, though it wasn't as dark as the ghostly shadow that lurked within its decaying walls of the top most tower.

The shade was almost the shape of a man, though it seemed more fluid than solid even as it raised a hand. It was a disgusting, dark limb, almost like a gnarled claw and just as terrifying even though the index finger was no mere than a mere stump. The figure hissed to the darkness in a speech that was just as harsh as his voice, which sounded like hard metal scraping over the surface of rough stone.

At once the orb beneath its fingers lit up from within.

The hand twitched impatiently as the bright colours swirled about, their shades mostly dark, with flashes of silver moonlight and midnight blue skies.

The shadow hissed again to the dark and the colours within the orb began to writhe faster, a sliver of green and red snaked its way into its core as an image began to form from the mass of shades.

There was a softer hiss from the shadow as a young girl's face came into view. It was soft and gentle as she played upon a harp set before her, her fingers dancing between the strings as she softly sang.

"I see trees of green, red roses too. I see them bloom, for me and you. And I think to myself, what a wonderful world. I see skies of blue, and clouds of white. The bright blessed day, the dark sacred night. And I think to myself, what a wonderful world."

Such notions of light and of hope were as revolting to the shadow as eating mud would be to a food connoisseur. So, it was with great force of will that the shadow kept its hand stilled above the orb even in its disgust as the girl continued to sing.

"The colours of the rainbow, so pretty in the sky, are also on the faces, of people going by. I see friends shaking hands, saying, 'How do you do?' They're really saying, 'I love you'. I hear babies cry, I watch them grow. They'll learn much more, then I'll ever know. And I think to myself, what a wonderful world. Yes, I think to myself…what a wonderful… world…"

She trailed off gently as her fingers plucked the final notes.

The shadow's hand smoothed itself over the surface of the orb, black talon like nails delicately scraping over the girl's face.

The child, she could not see it but he could. The power that glowed from within her, green, bright like fresh emerald coloured grass.

What he wouldn't give to obtain such energy. The powers he gained from absorbing the life-forces of other more powerful beings was indeed beneficial…

But theirs were tainted by the darkness's of their bearer's hearts and stretched by years of wandering the earth in use. Hers on the other hand was for the most part untouched and whole…almost ripe for the picking.

He only needed to wait for a little longer...wait for her to come to him. And she would come to him…For he held her heart's desire right in the palm of his black dead hand.

The moon was well on its way to rising high in the sky by the time the company of Thorin had finally finished their evening meal.

Most of them were now happy to go off to bed, their stomachs full and their minds more at ease with their new resting places. All save five of them.

Gandalf, Ariel, Bilbo, Balin and Thorin were all still wide awake as they stood in one of the many halls of Rivendell with Elrond standing before them patiently as the lattermost growled venomously much to the irritation of all present.

"Our business is no concern of Elves"

"For goodness sake Thorin, show him the map" Gandalf snapped gruffly.

"It is the legacy of my people." Thorin glared at the wizard angrily. "It is mine to protect as our its secrets"

Bilbo, Balin and Ariel all exchanged the same irritated look with one another, the lattermost barely resisting the urge to roll her eyes as her mentor shook his head in exasperation.

"Save me from the stubbornness of dwarves. Your pride will be your downfall. You stand here in the presence of one of the few in Middle-Earth who can read that map. Show it to Lord Elrond"

Elrond, who had been watching on quietly as the dwarf prince and wizard bickered, now looked expectantly at Thorin who grit his teeth as he reached into the pocket of his outer jacket before handing it forward.

Bilbo gulped nervously as the folded-up leaf of parchment was carefully opened up and examined.

"Erebor?" Elrond's eyes narrowed suspiciously as he looked back up at Thorin "What is your interest in this map?"

"It is purely academic" Gandalf said quickly before anyone else could open their mouths. "As you know this sort of artefact sometimes contains hidden text. "You still read ancient Dwarvish do you not?"

Whilst it was clear that Elrond was not actually buying the wizard's lie he made no comment as he made to examine the map more closely in the light of the moon through an open window.

Finally, after a moment of nervous waiting he murmured in wonder in his own smooth elvish tongue.

"Moon Runes? Of course,"

Gandalf's eyes widened slightly as the two dwarves, the hobbit and the girl beside him turned with questioning looks.

"An easy thing to miss"

"In this case it is true" Elrond muttered as he turned the page in his hands around to as to change the angle of the light. "Since moon runes can only be read by the light of a moon of the same shape and season as the day on which were written"

"Can you read them?" Thorin's breath was heavy with anticipation and his eyes were alight with hope.

Ten minutes later and Ariel blinked hard as she and Bilbo came up last out of the long dark tunnel and out onto a small shelf of rock just beneath the edge of the of Rivendell's largest cliff face. Before their eyes the great waterfall that flowed through the Valley streamed down like a giant glistening transparent curtain in the bright night.

"These runes were written by the light of a crescent moon nearly 200 years ago" Elrond said as he stepped forwards to place the map of Erebor on a slab of white crystal set at the very edge of the cliff.

"It would seem you were meant to come to Rivendell" He smirked slightly much to Thorin's discomfort. "Fate is with you Thorin Oakenshield. The same moon shines upon us tonight"

And as the last words left the elven lord's lips a bright silver crescent moon finally peeked out from behind a couple of small clouds. Ariel watched in awe as the waterfall before them reflected and refracted the white light which danced lightly about them before the beams hit the crystal slab before them.

It began to glow brightly, illuminating the map from beneath so that in the bottom right corner faint letters could be seen slowly but surely gleaming up from what had once been blank space, till a full paragraph was formed.

"Stand by the grey stone when the thrush knocks" Elrond read aloud, slowly but carefully tracing his finger over each line as he passed over it. "and the setting sun with the last light of Durin's Day will shine upon the keyhole"

"Durin's day?" Bilbo blinked in confusion.

"It is the start of the Dwarves new year" Gandalf explained "when the last moon of autumn and the first sun of winter appear in the sky together"

"This is ill news." Thorin murmured grimly "Summer is passing, Durin's day will soon be upon us"

"Not just soon Thorin" Ariel sighed running a hand through her hair "I mean how on earth are we going to get to that mountain in less than two months?"

"It can be done." Balin said stoutly "it's been done before, it's not impossible. Back in the days of Erebor's greatness the dwarves of the Blue Mountains used to come and pay tribute to the king. We're not as far as they are so we'll still be able to make it in time"

"Time? In time for what?" Bilbo still was looking rather confused.

"To find the entrance" Balin explained "We have to be standing in exactly the right spot at exactly the right time. Then and only then can the door be opened"

"So this is your purpose…to enter the mountain?" Elrond's voice cut the air like a knife so sharply that they all stood stunned for a moment.

Thorin was the first to recover though it was to face a rather grim faced Elven Lord.

"What of it?"

"There are some who would not deem it wise" Elrond murmured as the map in his hands was snatched back by the dwarf prince, just as Gandalf stepped forwards.

"What do you mean?"

But Elrond only spoke, his voice thick with warning.

"You are not the only guardian to stand watch over Middle Earth"

The howls of wargs filled the cold night air around the large raised up mound of Weathertop.

The once great watchtower fortress of the northern realm, now was tainted by the steps of the vilest of creatures, who stood looking from the highest vantage points, over the dark terrain around them.

He was tall for an orc, and built heavily, his skin paler than bone though marred by many red scars that were born with just as much pride as a birthmark. One hand curled about his side as he heard the wargs behind him begin to snuffle and snarl curiously. The other hand however stayed still. However it was no hand. It was just a stump cut off in the middle of the forearm with a crudely fashioned spike like claw appendage pierced through the flesh like a badly hammered nail in wood.

"[The Dwarves, Master…we lost them]" the snivelling raspy voice of one of his kindred spoke from behind him "[Ambushed by Elvish filth we were-]"

"[I don't want excuses]" Azog rumbled his voice like thunder as he turned round to face two much smaller orcs who both cowered as he stepped down towards them.

As the pale orc passed he stroked his hand lightly over the head of a large white warg that sat upon a stone slab, briefly placating it from its snarling state as its master spoke once more.

"[I want the head of the Dwarf King!]"

"[We were outnumbered]" the orc from before whimpered as his chieftain towered over him "[There was nothing we could do. The Dwarf scum have allied themselves with a green-witch, one who made the grass slither like snakes. I barely escaped with my life]"

"[Far better you had paid with it]" the Pale Orc hissed softly as he ran his one hand over the top of the bald head of his lackey who stared up at him in horror before gasping in pain.

The pale orc relished as he felt his prosthetic arm pierce deeply through the pathetic wimp's flesh and he gave a loud war cry. The second Orc who had chosen to stay silent watched on in terror as his fellow was roughly tossed into the centre of five wargs who pounced on the dead flesh at once, shredding the bodily tissue with barely any effort before ravenously devouring it.

Satisfied with the verdict the pale orc walked away to stand back in his vantage point at the rocks.

"[The Dwarf-scum will show themselves soon enough. Send out word! There is a price on their heads!]"

He roared at the shadows from which several more orcs leapt out, quickly mounting their wargs, growling and leering delightedly up at their leader, before speeding down the great mound and into the darkness.

And there we have it. Chapter 6 is up.

So yeah, Ariel and "Estel" have become "friends", Thorin struggles with his attraction to her and Gandalf and Elrond watch on like two old people who are enjoying matchmaking way too much XD.

I've taken out a lot of awkward stuff that i had in the first version of this fic. I'm also still gonna try to mix some more elements of the books (Hobbit and LOTR) and the movies together which means the company will be staying in Rivendell for a while, rather than just the couple of days. It would technically make sense seeing as the company need food, rest and it would take them more than two days to acquire all the provisions they need for their journey to the mountains.

Hope you guys enjoyed and review for more,

Cheers

FuzzyBeta