I was at the end of the group with Dwalin and kept pace with him as I clutched one sword in my hand, the other had a throwing knife, just in case. We dashed out of the woods into a yellowed grass valley decorated with boulder. The valley was covered with the boulders in all shapes and sizes, which we hid behind as the Wargs chased Radagast but as Gandalf lead us it seemed the Wargs were to catch up with us.

At one point Ori nearly ran out into the open as Wargs ran by and luckily Thorin grabbed him and dragged him back. After they passed Gandalf waved us on, "Come on. Quick."

I heard Thorin ask as I passed by them, "Where are you leading us?"

Gandalf said nothing as they hurried after us and I began to wonder if we were being lead on a wild goose chase, and we were the geese.

We had to duck behind another set of boulders and I heard something on top of the boulder. So did Thorin because as I watched he nodded to Kili. Kili knocked an arrow and suddenly stepped back and let the arrow fly. I heard a screech, it had hit the Wargs shoulder and as it fell, a second arrow hit the Orcs chest. After they hit the ground Dwalin and Bifur took out the Orc, but not before it screeched and then my sword ended the Warg, who roar in pain right before my sword pierced it's heart. I said sarcastically, "I think the whole valley heard that."

Gandalf yelled to run and we ran. We ran like hell fire was on our heels and it was close to it with those Wargs closing in. I could hear the Wargs gaining on us and I hoped beyond hope that Gandalf knew where he was going. Gloin spotted the Wargs first and I stuck close to Dwalin as Gandalf urged us on.

Then suddenly we were surrounded. I looked around, alarmed as Thorin yelled for Kili to shoot them. Then suddenly Gandalf was gone. But I couldn't look around for him as the enemy closed it. I threw a knife with all my might and a Warg dropped. Four more of my knives ended up in Wargs as Kili took out their riders and I moved back with the Dwarves as they yelled that Gandalf had abandoned us and we were dead.

Then Gandalf seemed to appear out of a rock, "This way you fools!"

The others raced for the rock and Thorin stood at the opening as the others ran past. I stayed with Kili as he shot another and Thorin barked, "KILI! GIRL!"

One more throwing knife killed an Orc as Kili loosed one more arrow and we turned at the same time and raced for the rock. I made sure he went in first before jumping into the hole. Followed closely by Thorin.

We rolled to a stop at the bottom of the hole that lead back into a crevice. Then horns rang through the air and I could hear the sound of hooves pounding the earth soon followed by the sounds of fighting above us, more distinct when a dead Orc rolled into the hole. Thorin yanked out the arrow in it's throat and said with distaste, "Elves." Then looked at Gandalf like that was his fault. Dwalin checked the back and said, "I can't see where the pathway leads. Do we follow?"

Bofur snorted, "We follow it of course!" The Dwarves wasted no time doing so and I heard Gandalf say smoothly, "I think that would be wise."

I glanced at him and he winked at me. Shaking my head at him I followed behind Thorin and just ahead of Gandalf as we made our way through a crevice that we had to sometimes shove Bombur through because he was so big. As we went I felt a tingling, and it felt familiar. I paused for a moment and said quietly, "Gandalf. What is that?"

He looked at me with his old wise eyes and asked, "You can feel it?"

I nodded, looking way up at the sky, "Yes, it feels like...magic?"

Gandalf grinned at me, "That is exactly what it is." I looked at him in surprise, "A very powerful magic."

Looking at him for a second more before I moved forward, wondering what the magic was doing. Perhaps hiding this place? I was jolted from my thoughts when I heard Gloin say, "There is light ahead."

We came out of the crevice and I couldn't help but stare. In front of us was the most beautiful place I had ever seen. Beautifully crafted buildings of white nestled next to a majestic river. Waterfalls fell from under the buildings and added to it's beauty. I gave an impressed whistle as Gandalf said, "The Valley of Imladris. In the common tongue it's known as Rivendell." I asked quietly, so that the Dwarves couldn't hear me, "Don't elves live in Rivendell?" I was excited and trying to hide it.

Gandalf gave a slight nod as he said, "Here lies the Last Homely House East of the Sea."

Thorin came up and angrily said to Gandalf, "This was your plan all along. To seek refuge with our enemy." Gandalf said sternly, "You have no enemies here, Thorin Oakenshield. The only ill will to be found in this valley is that which you bring yourself."

Throin still didn't look happy and I said softly, "Thorin, these elves have done nothing to you or your people." He opened his mouth angrily and I cut him off, "They may not have helped either but it will not hurt the Company to get rest and food here."

His jaw snapped shut and I shrugged at his glare, "At least I never turn down a free meal."

He snorted, "You think the Elves will give our quest their blessing? They will try to stop us."

Gandalf huffed, as if he was becoming impatient with Thorin, "Of course they will. But we have questions that need to be answered." Thorin's shoulders sagged slightly, knowing this to be true and Gandalf continued, "If we are to be successful, this will need to be handles with tact. And respect. And no small degree of charm."

He moved forward and led us on, "Which is why you will leave the talking to me."

I hid a grin as I took up the rear and we entered the beautiful place. As we walked I looked around at the beautiful city. Waterfalls rolled off the rocky cliffs that the city resided on. The trees were big and luscious; the houses beautifully made. Gold and green and silver, was all about the city. Leaves flew about in the billowing breeze. The city of Rivendell stood peaceful and seemed untouched by the years.

We finally crossed a bridge to a circled area where we waited. I could see that the Dwarves looked uneasy and unhappy. I was at ease and stood to the side, looking down at the river as an attendant came to meet us. He called out, "Mithrandir." Gandalf turned and smiled, "Ah. Lindir."

Linder bowed his head and came up to Gandalf, talking in Elvish. I came up beside Thorin and heard him whisper to Dwalin, "Stay sharp."

I rolled my eyes, and got a glare for it by Thorin. Wrinkling my nose at him and then heard horns blowing from behind us. I looked back and was surprised to see riders approaching us... and they weren't slowing down. Thorin yelled to close ranks and I was pushed to the middle of the group as we were circled by the riders. Having enough of that I put my fingers to my lips and gave a short whistle, putting my will behind it. The horses stopped dead in their tracks and snorted in surprise.

I gave a little tune with my lips and the horses relaxed, looking at me curiously and I looked innocently at the rider in red armor who had stopped next to Gandalf. The elf had a stern face and his eyes somewhat cold; as if he had seen many horrors through the years and had seen many pleasantries. His long brown hair flowed down his back and he wore a circlet upon his brow. This must be Lord Elrond. He shone with a sense of a king about him and his eyes looked amused as he looked at me.

He dismounted and greeted Gandalf, both speaking elvish and Elrond hugged Gandalf before showing some kind of crude sword, saying, "Strange for Orcs to come so close to our borders. Something or someone has drawn them near." He handed to sword to his attendant as Gandalf said sheepishly, "Ah. That may have been us."

Thorin moved to the front, face frowning and unpleasant. But Elrond acted as if he didn't see this as he greeted, "Welcome, son of Thrain."

Thorin said, a sneer almost on his lips, "I do not believe we have met."

Elrond looked him up and down, "You have your grandfathers bearing. I knew Thror when he ruled under the mountain." Thorin sniffed, "Indeed? He made no mention of you."

I fought not to roll my eyes, "Great he's going to get us kicked out in the two minutes we arrived."

But Elrond was unperturbed as he stared at him, then spoke in elvish. I jumped slightly when next to me, Gloin suddenly growled, "What is he saying? Is he offering us insult!?"

This got a growl out of the Dwarves and Gandalf soothed, "No, Master Gloin, he is offering you food."

The Dwarves came together and talked it out as I hid a grin by turning my head. I had to hide a laugh when Gloin said, "Oh, well lead on then." I saw the twinkle of amusement in Elronds eyes but his face showed nothing but welcome as he told his attendant to show us to the guest rooms. I let the Dwarves go first, looking around as I did and happened to look over at Elrond and Gandalf. I was surprised to see Elrond studying me curiously, as if he had seen me before and was trying to place where.

But when I looked directly at him, it looked like he was just talking to Gandalf. Shaking my head I followed the Dwarves and Lindir called to a elf maiden and said to me, "She will show you to your room miss."

I bowed and thanked him before flashing the disgruntled Dwarves a grin and following the elf. The elf maiden took me down the corridor and stopped in front of two huge oak doors. She opened them and inside was the most beautiful room I had ever seen. Inside was a queen-sized bed, the blankets green and gold, each made perfectly. To one side of the room stood a hand-crafted armoire, the carvings made to the smallest detail of a forest scene. I stared at it's beauty, as the elf opened it; there was beautiful tunics, pants and shoes in it for men, and she shook out a tunic and held it up in front of me, "These should fit you nicely. You can wash up before dinner but I don't believe there is time for a bath."

She motioned to a basin and pitcher of water on a nearby table and I nodded. She set the tunic on the bed and I thanked her gratefully and she told me that she would wait for me, so that she could show me where the dining room was so that I could rejoin my companions. She closed the doors behind her and I took off my pack and swords. Setting my swords down carefully I undressed with a sigh of relief. Going to the pitcher I washed my arms, hands, neck and face. I wasn't too dirty but I did still smell like troll. Luckily the soap I had found to use took away the smell and made me smell like a lily.

Happy to not be stinky I went over to the clothes and changed, pleased at the feel of the soft clean clothes on my skin. Brushing out my hair quickly, I just tied back my bangs from my face and let the rest hang down. Satisfied, I put on a clean pair of boots that were my size, slipped a couple of my last throwing knives into the boots and then went out to the elf. She nodded with a mischievous gleam, "You clean up nicely." I grinned back, not at all offended, "Thank you. I do what I can."

She giggled and lead me to a magnificent dining room, two table that could sit the Dwarves comfortably were there along with a high table for Gandalf and Lord Elrond. Thorin sat with them as someone of importance. Kili waved me over when I walked in and I smiled gratefully before taking a seat between him and Bofur. Some Elves came in then and started playing a flute and harp. I realized then as I glanced around that to me the Elves looked odd without beards.

They served us lettuce, pastry's and bread foods and I nearly choked when the Dwarves couldn't figure out what the green stuff was and wouldn't eat it. Dori tried to get Ori to take a bite but the chap said solemnly, "I don't like green food."

Dwalin searched a bowl and asked, "Where's the meat?"

Ori asked quietly, "Have they got any chips?"

I had to excuse myself before I swallowed a lung and politely asked where the bathroom was. I was given direction and smothered my laughter with my fist. I came back when I could contain myself and sat next to Kili who was being laughed at. I missed the joke but smiled good naturally as I munched on a piece of bread, listening as Lord Elrond told Thorin and Gandalf the name of their swords. I had eaten the lettuce and now ate some of the buns that were really tasty. I felt a nudge and looked at Kili, who motioned to an elf playing a flute and teased, "That one's been staring at you. Why don't you go say hello?"

I looked over in surprise and sure enough I was being watched by a fair Elf who averted his eyes when he saw me look at him. I grinned and said to Kili innocently, "Not my type, but if you want to have a go."

This got a roar from the others in laughter and I got a gist of what they were laughing at before. I patted Kili on the shoulder soothingly, seeing Thorin get up from his seat with Lord Elrond and Gandalf and then heard Gandalf telling Elrond that these Dwarves were cultured. Thorin came to stand behind the other table, taking a drink from his cup, his eyes stormy. Then Nori asked the harp player to change the tune. He mumbled, "I feel like I'm at a funeral."

Oin, listening through a napkin in his horn asked, worried, "Did somebody die?"

Bofur looked pleased as he stood, "Alright lads.." He looked at me and nodded to me and I nodded back, "And lass. There's only one thing for it." I got a bad feeling as he moved and stood on a pedestal. He started to sing. "There's..."

I could only stare at first but then I started clapping with the others as he sang, "There's an inn, there's an inn, there's a merry old inn

beneath an old gray hill,

And there they brew a beer so brown

The the Man in the Moon himself came down

one night to drink his fill.

The ostler has a tipsy cat"

Then food began to be thrown and I had to lean back to dodge but I was laughing too hard to care, and Bofur wasn't done.

"that plays a five-stringed 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.

When he was done I quickly made as escape. Elrond and Gandalf didn't look too happy. Walking out I chuckled under my breath and sighed happily, "They certainly are a fun bunch." I didn't go far before I noticed I was being followed. I turned and asked the flute playing elf, "Can I help you?"

He looked startled at being caught and he blurted, "Your a companion to those Dwarves are you not?"

I nodded and he straightened, looking serious, "You must leave them. They are dirty, unsophisticated, Dwarves and they are too rough for a lady like you."

My jaw hit the floor and I stared at the elf, who looked so proud at what he had said. I snapped my jaw shut and took a deep breath before saying strongly, "No. I thank you for your concern, but what I do and who I am with is none of your concern."

Nodding to myself I turned on my heel and saw a bit of fur going around a corner that looked familiar. But before I could pursue, my hand was grabbed. Reacting instantly, I yanked free and jumped back to give space between us. He looked surprised by my act but tried again to convince me, "I don't mean to insult you, but what on earth are you doing with those Dwarves in the first place?"

I was getting a bit annoyed with him and said, "None of your business. Excuse me." I moved to back up but he just moved forward, "Miss, wait. Are you in love with one of them? They aren't worth it, they just care about gold and jewels. And those beards...are so foul!"

I froze, looking at him like he had turned into an Orc. How dare this high uppity elf ask me such a question! And how dare he say those things when he didn't even know the Company! Moving forward I poked my finger into his chest, glaring at him, "First of all, this is none of you damn business! Second, how dare you speak in such a way to my companions! You don't know them! You have no idea what they have been through. So get the hell out of my face before I RIP IT OFF!"

I must have scared him because he was gone in a flash. Huffing I spun and snarled, "Can't believe him!"

Coming around the corner I glared at Thorin, who looked stunned, "Don't you dare make some crack about elves now. They don't know you and you don't know them."

He gave a slight nod and I fumed, "Oh but if I ever get my hands on him!" I made a strangling gesture and jumped with a squeak when I heard Gandalf come up, "Ariana? Thorin? Elrond would like to speak with you."

We glanced at each other and followed Gandalf. He lead us down a library where we met Balin and and there stood Lord Elrond. Gandalf then tried to get Thorin to show Elrond the map. Thorin, as stubborn as ever, refused. "Our business is no concern of Elves."

Gandalf looked exasperated as he said, "For goodness sake Thorin, show him the map."

Thoring argued back, "It is a legacy of my people. It is mine to protect, as are it's secrets." Gandalf then said like a curse, "Save me from the stubbornness of Dwarves! Your pride will be your downfall. You stand n the presence of one of the few in Middle-earth who can read that map. Show it to Lord Elrond."

Lord Elrond in question stood silent through all this and looked at me as if I could hurry this along. I just looked on, and then looked at Thorin as he reached in his tunic. Balin tried to stop him but Thorin handed the map to Elrond. He looked at the map and said, "Erebor." he looked at Thorin, "What is your interest in this map?"

Elrond glanced at me, which I only showed my innocent face, and just as Thorin opened his mouth to say something Gandalf said innocently, "It's mainly academic. As you know this sort of artifact sometimes contains hidden text." Gandlaf looked at Thorin as Elrond turned away to look at the map and Thorin gave him a small nod of thanks. I winked at Thorin before turning innocent again when Gandalf asked Elrond, "You still read ancient Dwarvish, do you not?"

Elrond studied the map for a moment and then said something in Elvish. Gandalf translated, "Moon runes? Of course." I raised an eyebrow and he grinned, "An easy thing to miss."

Elrond said smoothly, "Well in this case, it is true. Moon runes can only be read by the light of a moon of the same shape and season as the day in which they were written." I was impressed and Thorin asked in a more pleasant tone that his usual, "Can you read them?"

Elrond then lead us to a stair case that lead to a big cave behind a large waterfall. A crystal pedestal sat in the middle of it and Elrond took the map to it, explaining, "These runes were written on a Midsummer's Eve, by the light of the crescent moon nearly 200 years ago. It seems you were meant to come to Rivendell."

Elrond looked up at the moon, "Fate is with you Thorin Oakenshield. The same moon shines upon us tonight." and just as he said this the moon appeared from behind a cloud and a moon beam touched the parchment, and runes began to appear in a shimmering blue light. Elrond read them in a strong deep voice, "Stand by the gray stone when the thrush knocks and the setting sun with the last light of Durin's Day will shine upon the key hole."

I asked curiously, "Durin's day?" Gandalf answered, "It is the start of the Dwarves' new year, when the last moon of autumn and the first sun of winter appear in the sky together."

Thorin said softly, "This is ill news." He turned to us and said solemnly, "Summer is passing. Durin's Day will soon be upon us." Balin encouraged, "We still have time to find the entrance. We have to be standing in exactly the right spot at exactly the right time. Then and only then can the door be opened."

He must have forgotten Elrond was there because Elrond didn't sound pleased, "So this is your purpose, to enter the mountain?" Thorin, our great leader turn to Elrond in full stubborn and challenged, "What of it?"

Elrond looked down at him, "There are some who would not deem it wise." Thorin just took back the map but Gandalf asked, "What do you mean?" Elrond looked at him and said, "You are not the only guardian to stand watch over Middle-earth." I watched Gandalf as realization dawned on his face and I got a bad feeling.