Thanks for all the comments! I now have a total of 25 chapters. I think maybe 20ish more and I'll be done! I'm almost done with my CA:TWS chapter, so if you guys are also following that story, patience! It'll be there soon! (Btw, I just started college, and holy shit it's AMAZING!)

The company of Thorin Oakenshield had come to a narrow crack between two cliffs, and each dwarf had difficulty squeezing through the opening. Except for Bilbo, of course-the hobbit could go through just about anything. At one point, Bombur had gotten stuck and it took three of the dwarves to push him out. Kili tried to maneuver his way with Estel, still lost in her unconsciousness, in his arms, but nearly bashed her head in. He grimaced, trying to get her and himself through the crack at the same time. Fili sighed, and took the girl from his brother on the other side. Kili scowled, going through the opening and taking the dwarrowdam back under his safety. He did not want to receive help; he could do it all on his own.

They followed the path and it soon opened to a valley below, a beautiful, breathtaking scenery. Of course, the dwarves remained stoic apart from the hobbit, who had never stepped foot out the Shire in his whole life. There was a city that lay below, and a waterfall fell near them.

"The Valley of Imraldis," Gandalf said as he continued along the path. "In the common tongue, it's known by a another name."

From behind, Bilbo breathed in awe, looking about the surrounding waterfalls and pillars of smooth rock. "Rivendell."

Gandalf looked back with a light smile on his face and nodded. He pointed to the city below and said, "Here lies the last Homely House east of the sea."

Thorin had a dark look on his face and turned to the wizard and glowered. "This was your plan all along? To seek refuge with our enemy?"

Gandalf sighed at the dwarf's years long grudge. "You have no enemies here, Thorin Oakenshield. The only ill-will to be found in this valley is that which you bring yourself."

The wizard and dwarf bickered while the company shifted their eyes around the valley, taking in all its sights. From the back of the group, Fili elbowed his brother's side and nodded towards the statues at the end of the bridge.

"One has to admit the craftsmanship," he said.

Kili smirked. "It's probably not as grand as Erebor."

Fili chuckled with a shrug his shoulders. "I suppose we'll just have to wait and see."

The company had crossed the large bridge that entered Rivendell, all with cautious yet curious steps. Thorin grimaced every step of the way, and his unease grew with every second. Bilbo turned in circles as he walked, gazing at the architecture and richness of the city; it was as if the whole valley were made of gold by the angle the sun shined down.

Their movements ceased when a dark haired elf walked down a set of marble stairs. He crossed the space towards Gandalf, a light smile on his face as he greeted him.

"Mithrandir," he nodded.

The dwarves exchanged looks at the strange name the elf called the wizard.

"Ah, Lindir," Gandalf greeted.

A hushed murmur ran through the dwarves as they watched the gray wizard and elf closely; Thorin had muttered to Dwalin to be alert. The elf had exchanged a string of words in his foreign tongue-Sindarin, Kili realized-that the dwarves could not understand.

"I must speak with Lord Elrond," Gandalf told Lindir.

With a small frown, the elf replied, "My lord Elrond is not here."

"Not here? Where is he?"

Horns were suddenly heard again, the same ones from the grassy plains the company had escaped from. The company turned around and faced the bridge they had come through to see horsemen fast approaching them. Thorin had drawn the Orcist, calling out to the dwarves to hold their ranks. Bilbo was pushed to the center as well as Kili with Estel, who still hadn't woken up despite the noise. His grip tightened around her as the mounted elves circled around the company. After a moment, they slowed to a stop, and a tall brown haired elf left his horse and walked towards them.

He smiled upon seeing the wizard. "Gandalf."

Gandalf bowed to the elf. "Lord Elrond. Mellonnen, mo evínedh?" He spoke to him in their language.

Elrond replied back in his tongue, the dwarves watching with much caution. The elf then embraced Gandalf for a moment before letting go.

"Strange for Orcs to come so close to our borders," the elf said, holding up the sword of an Orc to examine it before handing it to Lindir. "Something, or someone, has drawn them near."

The dwarves' eyes all flashed to Thorin to see whether or not the dwarf would react. Kili noticed his uncle's jaw twitch from slight impatience and strain.

"That may have been us," Gandalf admitted, the manner of his tone apologetic.

At his words, Thorin had stepped forth from the group, and Elrond finally took notice of the dwarf.

"Welcome, Thorin, son of Thrain," Elrond inclined his head a bit when he greeted him.

"I do not believe we have met," Thorin said.

His two nephews grew very cautious of the Lord Elrond. Kili's hold tightened, and he took a few steps back. Something stirred in him- perhaps unease-and he did not trust this elf. Kili did not have a deep animosity like his uncle, but he was wary of others he did not know. Fili was more like his uncle. If Thorin did not trust this elf, then he would follow example-although it did contradict how Fili felt about their last addition to the company. The eldest nephew stepped closer to his uncle, his hand at the hilt of one of his twin swords.

"You have your grandfather's bearing," the elf told him. "I knew Thror when he ruled under the Mountain."

"Indeed," Thorin said and then retorted with a bite in his tone, "He made no mention of you."

Kili bit a chuckle down as he watched the exchange. Lord Elrond looked as if he were about to roll his eyes at the insult. The elf's attention was drawn back to Gandalf, and the wizard exchanged a few words to him in Sindarin. Kili watched them, noticing that the elf and wizard's eyes flashed back and forth towards the center of the company where the dwarf stood with the girl in his arms. Elrond nodded, turning his attention back to the company.

"Nartho i noer, toltho i viruvor," Elrond said, still in his tongue. "Boe i annam vann a nethail vin."

"What is he saying?" Gloin growled, holding up his battle ax. "Does he offer us insult?"

The dwarves murmured and couldn't help but glare at the elf, gripping their weapons uneasily. Gandalf sighed exasperatedly and rolled his eyes.

"No, Master Gloin," Gandalf said. "He's offering you food."

The dwarves stared at the wizard and then turned their gaze to Lord Elrond, who stood with his hands behind his back and an amused smirk upon his face. The dwarves huddled close and hushed whispers were thrown about before they broke apart and looked back at the elf.

"Well, in that case, lead on," Gloin said.

Elrond had the dwarves follow Lindir, who stood by the marble stairs patiently the whole time. Kili was about to follow until Elrond had stepped in his way.

"I shall take her," he said.

Kili took a few steps back, holding the sleeping girl close to him and he gave the elf a weary look. The elf sighed and stepped forward, extending his arms.

"Gandalf has informed me of her condition," Elrond said. "I mean to take her to our healing chambers. I fear she may not have very much time left at the rate the wound is festering."

Kili swallowed thickly, glancing down at Estel; she looked exhausted and pale, and her breath came in short bursts. With a sigh he nodded, letting Elrond take her in his arms.

"If a single hair on her head is harmed, I will-" Kili threat was cut off.

"Master Dwarf, I assure you that she will be in good hands," The elf's expression remained stoic. He glanced up from Kili to the dwarves ascending the stairs. "I'd run along if I were you."

It seemed as if she had been merely floating for some time, lost between sleep and the world around her. Estel couldn't feel her arms nor her legs; the only thing she felt was her heart beat and a strange feeling coursing through her veins. It felt heavy and dark, eating away at her. It was unwelcoming and it left her cold. The voices, however, that faded in and out of her consciousness were a strange contrast to the dark feeling inside her. They were strong yet gentle voices, and she felt the urge to follow them wherever they went.

With the voices came something new to her veins, and this felt light and airy; she was reminded of the days when she would bask under the warmth of the sun. It's warmth flushed away the darkness she felt, warming her insides and her heart. The voices had eventually faded away into nothingness, but the warmth stayed and left her in a calm, serene place. Estel no longer felt as if she was floating and it was like she was being eased onto a cloud, smothered in something soft and comforting.

A heaviness had settled over her eyes and head and she had the urge to escape it. Slowly, she opened her eyes. Her vision cleared after she blinked a few times, and Estel found herself in a strange yet beautifully open chamber. Windows opened up to the valley, and the sun had just started to set. A few oil lamps burned and a wonderful aroma was wafted into the air. Estel looked around and realized that she was in a bed-perhaps larger than the biggest troll- with numerous cushions and luxurious linens. The bed was so soft, softer than anything she had even slept on; Estel practically melted into the sheets. This must have been what clouds felt like, she thought to herself.

She sighed, bringing her hand to wipe the weariness from her eyes. She felt much better; she didn't feel so ill, she realized, and nothing ached. If it were possible she'd have enough energy to run to Ered Luin and back. Carefully, she sat up and leaned against the headboard of the bed. Her clothes were missing, she noticed, and she frowned. Instead, she wore a gown that hugged her comfortably; it was a lovely shade of dark red, decorated with gold stitching at the neckline and sleeves. Never had she worn something so fine and exquisite. For a moment, she wondered if she had died. Surely nothing this fine could exist in this life.

She pulled the dress up to expose her abdomen, and she stared down with mild alarm. The dark veins had disappeared and the wound was gone; in its place was a small pink scar that size of a coin. She traced it with her fingers in awe before pulling the dress down.

Estel wondered where the rest of the company was, where Gandalf had led them to, where Fili and Kili were. Their whereabouts clouded her mind and she frowned, feeling very lonely and wary. She hadn't the slightest idea as to where she was, and was unsure of leaving the chamber to find the dwarves. That is, if they were even here.

Suddenly, the door to her left opened. Estel swiveled her head with wide eyes, and in came a dark haired elf whom she had never seen. He smiled when he saw the girl was awake, and he shut the door behind him.

"You're awake," he said, taking a seat by the large window. "I hope you are faring well."

She opened her mouth, but then closed it. She nodded instead.

He offered her a friendly smile. "I am Lord Elrond."

"Estel," she murmured.

The elf looked at her thoughtfully, seeing the worry written across her face. "Your friends are here, do not worry."

She visibly relaxed and sighed. "If I may ask, where is 'here'?"

"You're in Rivendell," Elrond said. His eyes flickered down to her abdomen and back up to her face. "That was some very awful magic you had been struck with, if I do say so myself."

Estel frowned, gripping their sheets tighter in her hands. Elrond sensed her unease.

"We've healed you here," he explained. "And in good time, too. Had it been a few more days, I'm afraid the magic would've reached your heart."

"Thank you," Estel said, and she meant it.

Elrond smiled lightly. "But the question some would like to know is why you were pursued in the first place. Gandalf has informed me of what has taken place in the last few days, but the mystery of how they came upon you is rather intriguing. I'd like to know why you were the Orc's target."

Estel had a deep frown, and when she didn't answer, Elrond continued.

"The magic that was coursing through your veins was something that I haven't seen in hundreds of years," Elrond said. Estel didn't answer, she only stared at her hands. The elf sighed and went on. "It had been created in the First Age by a dark being, and I thought it to be lost. This magic had been used to absorb another's being for another's own desires. Once it reaches the heart, they are lost forever."

Estel felt a cold shiver run down her spine from his words. Her stomach knotted uneasily, and Elrond could see how unsettled she really was.

"So, if I may ask, why did the Orcs pursue you?" Elrond asked.

Estel's muscles tensed under his gaze, and she looked to her hands in her lap. She reached up to her neck, and thankfully her necklace was still in place. She fiddled with it, wondering if it was wise to tell him.

"You have no enemies here, Lady Estel," Elrond said.

Estel took a moment to close her eyes and sigh before bringing her gaze back up to him.

"When... When they attacked my caravan," Estel began. "My uncle told me that they wanted something. They wanted a power. They wanted me. I do not know if I possess a great power, but..."

"But?" Elrond raised his brow.

"I have this way of- I suppose you would call it a gift of healing."

Elrond pursed his lips, and nodded. Estel continued, "Just touching the wounded area, I can heal it. Make it seem that it was never there in the first place."

The elf eyed her. "If you possess such a gift, then why did you not try to save yourself? To save you from all this darkness?

She shook her head. "I'm afraid I cannot heal an illness. I had tried once on my uncle when I was very young. He had a cold, but I could not heal him. I'm afraid I can only heal flesh wounds."

They were quiet after that. Elrond placed his tented fingers against his chin as he rested his observant eyes on her. She tried her best not to fidget under his gaze until he spoke again.

"And that is why the Orcs attacked you?" Elrond asked.

Estel bit her lip, and was thinking to herself. She wasn't sure if she should speak of what her uncle told her. That she was a sibyl; it confused her, for she had never had any sibyl qualities. She couldn't see into the future nor predict it. It was impossible, she thought. The healing gift was rather extraordinary, but she was sure that the Orcs wouldn't be in need of a healing power. Whatever they were plotting… perhaps her her new power was, indeed, powerful.

When she brought her head back up, Elrond was still looking at her expectantly. He seemed like a wise and very good person, and he had helped her, but she was still unsure.

"They attacked me for my healing abilities," she said. Her heart dropped; that was the first lie she had ever told. Oh, how her uncle would be ashamed.

The elf looked as if he didn't believe her; there couldn't be any reason for the Orcs to harness healing abilities. Estel, herself, wouldn't believe such a lie. For a moment, Estel thought he was going to become angry with her, but Elrond only sighed and left the window.

"I shall send a meal to you shortly," he said as he crossed the room and towards the door. He looked back over his shoulder. "In the mean time, I recommend that you rest."

With that, he left and shut the door quietly. Estel sighed, and dropped back onto the sheets. She turned her head to the side to gaze at the setting sun from outside. It was a wonderful sunset, she thought. She hadn't seen one so grand since the evening the Orcs had attacked. Her heart began to ache and the loneliness settled in; she'd give anything to see Gimbar's smiling old face or Bondor sitting by the fire and whittling. She missed her Uncle Borin, and his kindness. She closed her eyes, trying to keep her warm tears in and took in a shaky breath.

They had died because of her, she realized. The only family she had died in vain because she was a sibyl. What a foul, cursed gift. She had never even had any moments of foresight in her entire life. Estel began to cry silent tears, and she hid her face in her knees. The loneliness and longing for her small family to whisk her away was strong.

Estel wondered if the company was fine, if they were being fed and taken care of by the elves. Even in the short time that she knew them, despite the fact that some of the dwarves overlooked her, she hoped that they were alright. One's cold shoulder couldn't faze her or cause her to think ill thoughts; she still hoped for their safety. Her thoughts drifted to Kili and Fili; she had last remembered Fili running towards the crack of the cave with her in his arms, Estel looking over his shoulder to see Kili fire his arrows. A cold feeling washed over her, and she had no idea if the dark haired dwarf had made it. She trusted that Kili was safe and sound with the rest of the company; he had said he'd follow her, after all.

Kili poked the leafy greens at his plate, staring at the vegetables that he couldn't bring himself to eat. He didn't dare put the leaves in his mouth, and he wasn't very hungry either. The company sat at a table in the Elven court having supper, yet most of them weren't very keen on trying the food spread out before them. Dori had tried coaxing Ori into taking a bite, but the younger dwarf refused.

Estel was at the center of Kili's thoughts. He was worried. It had been an hour or two since he had last seen her, and he deeply hoped that Lord Elrond was able to heal her. Some of the dwarves, though they didn't pay very much mind to her, were also on the edge of their seats; but Kili was the most worried out of the whole lot. The girl had been so weak that Kili wasn't sure if she had a fighting chance. His stomach sank at the thought of them being too late; she was too kind a girl to pass over.

"She'll be fine, Kee," Fili nudged him, sensing his brother's concern.

Kili sighed, pushing his plate away. "I only hope that we weren't too late."

"You worry too much," the blond dwarf said, and pushed his brother's plate back to him. "Now eat."

The younger brother grimaced and rolled his eyes. He leaned his head against his hand and gazed out to see the setting sun, listening to the harp that an Elf maiden played in the background. He shut out the noises around him and listened to the melody, wondering how long Thorin intended to stay in Rivendell until his thoughts lingered back to the dwarrowdam. He would've snorted to himself at how many times her face clouded his mind, but he didn't. Instead his stomach twisted into knots, and something cold gripped his heart. Perhaps they were too late.

Elrond entered the court after some time, and sat at the head of the table beside Gandalf. Kili looked at him with eager eyes, and the elf's gaze flickered to him for a split second, seeing the anticipation in the dwarf before looking out over the table.

"I trust dinner is going well," Elrond said.

Before Dwalin or Ori could gripe about their meal, Gandalf nodded and said, "It is to our liking. Thank you, my friend."

Elrond nodded and smiled.

"How is the Lady Estel?" Gandalf asked when he saw Kili's unease. The wizard himself was worried and hoped for her speedy recovery.

"She is healed," the elf said. Kili and a few of the others relaxed or breathed out a sigh of relief. "The girl is doing well, and I am sure that she will have the strength to leave her bed."

"Can I see her?" Kili blurted out. The dwarves looked at him oddly at his aspirant tone, though the dwarf paid no mind. Thorin eyed his nephew, and Gandalf merely smiled lightly at the concern Kili emitted.

Elrond seemed unphased and answered the dwarf with, "Not at the moment, for I've told her to rest. Perhaps later when she has fully rested."

Kili frowned and nodded as he sat back against his chair. The weight on his chest had been lifted upon hearing that Estel was fine. The time had been spent with Elrond examining the weapons Gandalf and Thorin had collected from the troll hoard, and Kili sat there bored like a few of the other dwarves. His brother watched them thoughtfully while Kili had his own thoughts milling about his head.

He felt it pointless to sit in the court. He had no desire to eat nor listen to conversations that weren't directed towards him. Kili felt restless, and no matter how hard he tried, his thoughts were diverted to the blue-eyed girl.

"I need some air," Kili leaned in to mutter to Fili. "I can't stand this place."

The blond dwarf frowned as he watched his brother scoot out of his seat quietly, seeing that he was the only one at the table who noticed. Kili quietly left the court and slinked off into a hallway, the voices of the dwarves fading behind him. He began walking down a direction, although he had no idea where the hall would lead; his only intention was to find the healing chambers.

Kili walked down one way and then another. The halls all looked the same to him, and when Elven guards came his way, the dwarf would take another route to avoid them. Kili would come across balconies or statues. Every now and then he'd come across a garden and a fountain. He couldn't deny that everything he'd see was very extravagant.

It wasn't until the sun had finally set and the stars began to peek out one by one that Kili realized he was lost. Everything looked the same to him. No matter where he turned, he'd find himself in the gardens or in spare chambers. At one point he found a library, and growled to himself. He kicked the wall in frustration, and then stifled a groan as he held his foot.

"Are you alright?" A light voice asked from behind.

Kili quickly spun around to see a blonde she-elf staring at him curiously. He let go of his foot and squared his shoulders.

"Yes, yes, I'm fine," Kili said, although he really wasn't. He was embittered.

The elf raised a perfectly sculpted eyebrow. "You are one of our dwarf guests."

Kili nodded, feeling as if she was dissecting him under her scrutinizing gaze. Finally, she smiled lightly.

"You have a friend," she said. "A girl?" The dwarf nodded again. "I helped my lord Elrond heal her. I take it you were trying to find the healing chambers?"

Kili's ears perked up at this. "Can you take me to her?" He asked, and then thought he must've sounded very eager. "She must be worried about us lot," he added.

"Certainly," she nodded.

She turned down a hallway to the right, and Kili quickly followed. He slowed his pace down some to make it seem that he wasn't too acquisitive to see Estel. The she-elf made many twists and turns, too many to count.

Coming up one hall, he heard rather loud voices from an open room to his right, catching a glimpse of Bofur and Bifur breaking furniture and throwing it in one pile. Kili made a note to himself to remember to come back to them through this direction.

Finally, they stopped to a hall where three doors were at the end. The elf pointed to the door to her left.

"Your friend is through this door," she said.

Kili thanked her, and she nodded, leaving down one of the halls. He inhaled a breath, putting a hand on the silver door handle, and then exhaling. He turned the handle and entered the room, catching lit oil lamps from the corner of his eyes.

Estel turned her head from where she sat in bed, seeing the dark-haired dwarf enter. She smiled, genuinely happy to see the dwarf.

"Kili," she said, watching him close the door behind him quietly. "You're alright."

"As are you," he smiled, crossing the room to sit in the chair beside the bed. "How do you feel?"

"Much better," she returned his smile. Kili could see the noticeable difference; there was color in her pale face, and her opal eyes were bright as starlight and as clear as springwater.

"I'm glad," he replied. He meant it; he would feel guilt for the rest of his life if she had not made it.

She let out a quiet breath and leaned back against the cushions. Kili tried not to let his stare linger, and so he looked out the window. The moon shined brightly, framed by the stars.

Estel looked at the moon, too, and was entranced by its beauty. It had been some time since she had seen a moon that clear and whole. Kili's presence made her calm, and she was happy to see him. However, before he came, Estel was conflicted. Her thoughts went from one to another, circulating around the lie she had told Elrond.

She glanced at Kili, noticing how the day's events left him tired. Her eyes flickered to his forehead and she frowned. He sensed her gaze and shot her a curious look.

"Estel?"

She scooted a bit closer, lifting her hand to brush his hair away. Kili swallowed the sudden lump in his throat when his skin began to tingle beneath her soft fingertips.

"You've hurt yourself," she gave him a small frown.

Kili was unsure of what she spoke of until he remembered the small gash on his forehead. He gave her a reassuring smile, and took her hand away from his face and held it gently.

"It's nothing, just a knick," he said.

Estel sighed, giving him a pointed look. She gnawed on her lip, going through her thoughts and memories of her caravan as she looked at him. When she looked at him, it seemed to draw many things to her mind. With another sigh, she brought her attention to him.

"Can…" She paused, her hand tightening around her pendant. "Can I do something?" She hesitantly asked.

He furrowed his brows. "Such as?"

"I want to try something," she said. She paused for a moment before asking very softly, "Kili, do you trust me?"

He nodded. "Of course, I do. Estel, are you alright?"

"I'm fine, just sit still for me."

He raised his brow for a moment, and then relaxed his shoulders and watched as Estel raised her hand again. She placed her fingertips against the cut on his forehead, and Kili watched her closely. She closed her eyes and took in a deep breath, concentrating her energy lightly towards her fingertips. Kili tried not to fidget when he suddenly felt a strange warmth; he could see a faint glow from above, and he looked at the girl with surprise.

After a moment, Estel pulled away and opened her eyes, giving the dwarf a light smile.

"Estel…"

"Look in the mirror," she told him, nodding to the looking glass hanging on the far wall.

With hesitation, he left his seat and crossed the room. He peered at his reflection and trailed his eyes up to his forehead. His eyes widened and he moved his hand to graze his fingers against the area where the cut once was. He rubbed his fingers against the now clear skin, expecting it to a be trick and come away with blood. It was no trick; his forehead was completely… fine. Kili was amazed-perhaps a little frightened- seeing no trace of injury at all; it was as if it never happened.

He spun around to look at Estel, who glanced at him nervously beneath her eyelashes. Kili crossed the space and sat at the foot of the bed, wonder twinkling in his dark eyes.

"Incredible," the dwarf breathed. "But how...?"

"Since I was a child," she said. "I have been able to heal small wounds. I don't know why or how this power has been given to me. Be it a blessing, or perhaps a curse, from the Valar, I do not know." When Kili looked in her eyes, he caught the fear and sadness in them. "You are afraid."

His cheeks flooded with color, and he shook his head as he sputtered.

"No, no!" He paused. "Well, p-perhaps at I was at f-first, but… I think it is wonderful," Kili's grinned was genuine, but then he frowned as a thought occurred to him. "But this... Is this why the Orcs attacked you?"

Estel swallowed thickly, looking away and towards the window. She felt him take her hand and squeeze it lightly. She sighed, answering him without looking at his kind face.

"I believe that is why," she said. "The arrow they had struck me with was a dark magic. Elrond told me that this magic, ancient and powerful, is used to take someone's essence for another's terrible purposes. If it had been too late..."

Kili said nothing, only nodded and squeezed her hand again. They sat like that for some time with their thoughts until Kili sighed, and they looked at each other. His gaze was genuine and reassuring, and he placed his other hand on her shoulder.

"I promise you that they will never harm you again."