Chapter 34

Ember awoke in Kili's arms, and at first she didn't move. She lay breathing in his deep comforting scent, feeling his warm breath on her skin. A soft smile came to her lips, before she suddenly remembered the events of the previous evening. She sat up with a jolt, startling Kili, who yelped and fell out of the bed. Giggling, she peered over the edge of the bed to see her dwarf glaring playfully up at her, rubbing his backside. "Good morning, vol kaon," he said ruefully, climbing back into the bed. "How are you?" he asked, searching her face. He raised a hand gently to the her cheek, caressing the dark bruise from the orc's punch softly. Her smile faded as she remembered the orcs attack, and the vivid nightmare she'd had. Somehow, she was sure it was not just a dream.

"Gandalf," she whispered, "he's…he's..." she trailed off, unable to finish her sentence as a tear slipped from her eye. Kili asked no questions, only wrapping his arms about her. For one brief moment, she let her power envelop them, and they drifted in the comfort of each other. She gained strength just from his presence. He kissed her face lightly, before bringing his warm lips to hers. He stoked her hair, and she opened her mouth, deepening the kiss. Then a knock at the door broke the spell. Bard opened the door as they broke apart.

"Good morning," he said, with a slightly embarrassed look. "You look like you are feeling better." She smiled at him, and his eyes warmed. "The ceremony is scheduled for one hour. I figured you would want time to prepare." He glanced at Kili, then continued. "Bilbo came by with clothing for the both of you." He laid the clothing on the dresser.

"Thank you Bard," Ember said warmly. She rose from the bed, noting that her stomach seemed to have settled, although the boat ride to the foot of the mountain might put that to the test.

"Would you like some more chamomile? Perhaps some breakfast?" Bard asked her, studying her intently. She nodded her thanks, her stomach rumbling in hunger. He grinned at her. Kili rose to stand behind her, his arms slipping about her waist. Bard looked as if he wanted to say something, then left the room. Kili rolled his eyes at his back.

"He is quite taken with you, vol kaon," he murmured. "I don't like it."

"He is my friend, so you'd better get used to it, miz kurdu," she replied. She gave him a light elbow to the ribs and he grunted playfully. They quickly dressed, and headed out of the room. As they entered the living area, she stopped to take in the moment. There was Bifur, a battle dwarf with an axe embedded in his forehead, sitting at the table with little blond haired Tilda on his lap, eating breakfast and talking to each other without a care in the world. Legolas was watching them from near the fire, and Tauriel sat at his feet, a soft smile on her face. "Selenin, what are you still doing here?" she asked, coming forward to embrace him.

"Thelme lenda olye na Erebor," he said, gesturing towards Tauriel. Ember frowned.

"I ven hen delu, Legolas," she said. "You don't have to do this."

"Ember, for once, please don't argue with me," Legolas said with a wry smile. "Besides, what better way to improve Elven-Dwarf relations by helping your friends take back Erebor?" She smiled, knowing words could not explain how glad she was that he was with them.

"Tauriel? Are you certain this-" Ember began.

"As Captain of the Kings Guard, it is my duty to aid Prince Legolas in any way that I can," the she-elf replied.

"And if you get to hear more stories from a certain dwarf prince, that's just a coincidence, right?" Ember said cheekily. Tauriel blushed as red as her hair. Bard interrupted them.

"Ember, I must insist that you come and eat. I have some chamomile tea ready, and we have a little bread and fruit," he said, taking her arm lightly and guiding her to sit beside Bifur and Tilda. Tilda was explaining the proper way to drink tea to Bifur and he was chuckling at her attempts at etiquette. Ember sat down, Kili at her side, and they ate a quick, but filling breakfast. A knock at the door roused them. Bard greeted Thorin, who came to Ember, wrapping her in a hug. He placed a hand to the bruise on her cheek, before touching his forehead to hers.

"Caku men rasp, taal berch men?" he asked her, his blue eyes peering deeply into hers.

"Rasup men," she replied softly, lowering her eyes, knowing what he wanted to ask her.

"The Wizard?" he asked quietly, tilting her chin up. She looked into his eyes and opened her mouth to speak, then shook her head, her eyes filling with tears. Kili approached, taking her hand. Thorin sighed. "Does he live?" She hesitated, then nodded. He let out a small sigh of relief at this news. He kissed her brow, and she gave him a small smile. "We are to be at the main dock in ten minutes," Thorin said, turning to address the others. "Master Bard, I thank you for taking such great care of my kin." He bowed to Bard, who nodded, a tense look on his face.

"While I do not agree with your quest, your kin will always be welcome here," Bard replied, with a glance at Ember. Dwalin noticed this and growled, but Bifur stopped him with a look, clapped a hand on Bard's shoulder and bowed low. He hugged little Tilda and pulled a small wood carving out of his cloak. He handed it to the little girl, who squealed with delight as she saw it was a little pony. He smiled down at her, patted her head, and slowly headed out the door. Fili entered the home, moving around the room towards Tauriel. Shooting her a quick smile, he looked to Thorin.

"We should be going, Uncle," he said with a grin. Ember watched with interest as Thorin turned stiffly to Legolas.

"Once again, Master Elf, I thank you for watching over our Ember. Once we have retaken Erebor, I will be glad to send an envoy to your father," Thorin said politely. Fili leaned towards Tauriel.

"Here it comes," he whispered in her ear.

"Actually, Master Thorin, Tauriel and I have decided to accompany your Company to Erebor." There was a moment of silence.

"WHAT?" Thorin roared, causing the walls of the home to shudder. Fili nearly doubled over trying to contain his laughter, while Bard moved to pick up Tilda, who was watching this scene with wide eyes. "We need no help from an ELF!" Thorin thundered. Legolas frowned, and Ember, sensing the situation would soon escalate out of control, stepped between them.

"Thorin, please," she said softly, fixing her eyes on him. "Please, we need all the help we can get." He stared into her eyes, his teeth clenched in frustration. Finally, he growled reluctantly in acceptance.

"Only for you, Ember, shall I agree to this. But they do NOT set foot inside Erebor." Legolas rolled his eyes, but Ember nodded her agreement. Thorin straightened his shoulders, smacked Fili about the head, and stomped out the door. As Fili followed, rubbing the back of his head, he chuckled to Tauriel.

"That was so worth a headache!" She laughed lightly and followed him out the door. Finally, as Kili headed for the door, Bard spoke up.

"May I speak with you for a moment, Ember?" he asked. Kili frowned at him, but Ember gently pushed him towards the door. He kissed her cheek and brushed her hair back from her face.

"I will be right outside," he said loudly. Ember grinned as he left. She turned back to Bard, who ushered his children out of the room. As he came towards her, Ember could tell he had something on his mind, but didn't know quite how to say it. He reached for her hand.

"I put some extra tea in your pack, and some bread. Try to eat a little, even when you are nauseous. It will help." She smiled at him, opening her mouth to speak, but he hurried on. "I also wanted to thank you," he said. "You made me understand that I do not have to live with the mistakes of the past." He pulled her towards the table, reaching underneath it. "I have something I want to give you." Her eyes grew wide as he pulled out the Black Arrow. "I believe that you, Ember, have the power to slay the dragon, but you will need this." He handed it to her, and she turned it over in her hands, touched at the trust and faith he had in her.

"Bard," she murmured softly. "This arrow will not fly for me, or Kili, or even Legolas, and they are the greatest bowmen I have ever seen." She placed it back in his hands, and moved her own over his heart. "The power to slay the dragon lies in you. You will not fail. When the time comes, this arrow will fly straight and true, for you."

"And I shall die in the flames of the beast," he muttered, "my children left-"she cut him off.

"Trust in me, my friend," she said, placing a chaste kiss on his cheek. "Let me worry about the flames. You worry about the arrow." He wrapped his arms around her tightly.

"Take care of yourself," he whispered, stroking her hair. "Make sure to come back." She nodded silently, then turned and headed out the door. He watched her go, and then looked down at the arrow in his hand. A part of him wanted to throw it into the lake, but he knew it was fear. Instead, he focused on the part that trusted her. Gripping the arrow tightly, he stared outside at the mountain in the distance. He would be ready.

As the Company reached the dock, the crowds of townspeople grew. They crowded along the sides of the main channel as the dwarves approached a large boat being loaded with supplies. Marching along the pier, the dwarves smiled graciously, clothed in regal clothing beneath their armor. As they boarded the ship, the musicians of Laketown began to play a lively celebratory tune. Legolas leaped aboard, as Dwalin glared at him. Fili held out his hand to Tauriel, who smiled in acceptance as he helped her board the ship. Ember smothered a grin at this sight, before she looked up to her left. The Master climbed up to a raised platform, waving as the people began to cheer and clap. "My people, let us wish our friend and ally Thorin Oakenshield and his Company the very best of luck in their bid to reclaim the kingdom of Erebor! Bring good fortune to us all!" The crowd cheered wildly. Kili helped Ember on to the boat and she sat down quickly, her eyes searching the crowd. As they pulled out into the canal and began to paddle away, Ember's eyes locked onto one set in the crowd. Bard stood in the nook of a doorway, silently watching the procession. She smiled at him, sending her power towards him. He smiled back, nodding silently. Feeling a hand brush her blond hair, she turned to Kili, laying her head on his shoulder as the noise of the town faded away.

An hour later, the Company watched with wide eyes as the Lonely Mountain loomed above them. Ember watched her family with a look of fondness. Dori and Nori stood side by side, Dori pointing out something to his younger brother. Ori sat near them, sketching a picture of the mountain. Bifur, Bofur and Bomber were leaning on the railing, each lost in his own thoughts as they gazed at the regal sight before them. The others were seated quietly about the deck of the ship, talking quietly amongst themselves. Fili seemed to be entertaining Tauriel with another tale, and though he was pretending that he wasn't paying attention, even Legolas was enthralled. She turned her eyes to Thorin, who watched the sight before him with a weary longing, lost in the memories of that fateful day, so many years before when the dragon had destroyed their home. She nudged Kili, who glanced at her, then towards his uncle. Nuzzling her cheek, he rose and placed an arm about the shoulders of his uncle. Dwalin watched this exchange, and gave her one of his rare smiles. She smiled back…then promptly turned and threw up over the side of the ship. Heads turned towards her, and Kili made to come back to her, but she waved him away, turning to lie down on the bench where she sat. Balin came towards her, covering her with a blanket, and she accepted it with a wry smile.

"I hate boats," she grumbled. He knelt down beside her, chuckling softly.

"We should be there soon, lassie," he said comfortingly, placing a hand on her shoulder.

"I hope I never have to travel by water again. I definitely don't have sea legs!" she joked weakly. Balin looked around, checking to make sure no one was paying attention to them.

"Lassie," he murmured softly, "there could be another reason for your illness." She looked at him in confusion. He sighed, and looked as if he was about to continue, when Bilbo approached with a cup of tea.

"Thank you, Bilbo," she said gratefully, and sat up to sip the calming brew. Balin looked at her, as if debating whether or not to say something more, when Thorin spoke up.

"We will reach the far side of the lake soon. I want everyone ready to disembark. Durin's Day will soon be upon us! We only have 10 days left, and our journey will be complete!" The Company began to putter around the deck, getting their gear together. Soon they reached the shoreline. Dwalin and Gloin jumped out to anchor the boat, then they slowly disembarked. Everyone seemed anxious to get going, and Thorin set a quick pace. Legolas and Tauriel stayed close to Ember, as did Fili and Kili. They marveled at the beauty of the mountain, but talk was limited. Finally, they stopped to make camp as night fell upon them. Soon they had gathered around a roaring fire. Bombur made a hearty stew and the dwarves ate greedily. Legolas and Tauriel sniffed the stew carefully. Ember chuckled.

"Come now, selenin, I know you do eat meat on occasion," she teased. Legolas glared at her.

"Only if the occasion calls for it," he replied, pulling out a wafer of lembas. He handed one to Tauriel, who saw Fili watching her from the corner of his eye. With a determined look, she shook her head at Legolas, dipped her spoon into her stew and took a deep bite. The Company roared with laughter at the various expressions that crossed her face as she chewed. Finally swallowing, she laughed with them.

"That was my first time eating meat," she said to Fili. He looked at her with interest.

"And what did you think?" he asked curiously. She took another bite, again making interesting expressions with her mouth.

"I think," she said finally, "that I may have to eat meat more often! This is very good," she said to Bombur, who smiled proudly. Legolas stared at her, his mouth hanging open. Finally, he shrugged his shoulders, and took a bite of his own stew with a grimace.

"I still like lembas better," he muttered.

"Ah, but does your elven bread give you the strength you will need, Elf?" Dwalin growled.

"Dwalin," Ember warned. "Be nice!" But Legolas grinned at the unspoken challenge from Dwalin. He rose, stepping away from the fire, and Dwalin followed. "Oh, no," Ember moaned. Kili looked at her in confusion, and she grinned. "Let's just say that I have sparred with both Legolas and Dwalin…and this could take a very long time!" The Company laughed as they watched the two warriors, Dwarf and Elf, spar together. Ember was correct, by the time Dwalin and Legolas paused for breath, the fire had grown dim, and most of the Company was asleep. Bofur kept watch, but he was silent as the two approached the fire. They looked at each other, then at Bofur firmly.

"Right," he said cheerfully, "You can take the watch." With that, he rolled himself into his blanket and promptly fell asleep. The Elf and the Dwarf gazed at each other from either side of the fire. They turned their eyes towards the still form of Ember, who lay close to the fire, Kili curled up behind her. The firelight flickered on her blond hair, and a soft smile briefly touched her lips. Legolas and Dwalin looked back at one another, then nodded silently, before sitting down.

"You are a great warrior," Legolas said quietly.

"As are you, Elf," Dwalin replied, though not as reluctantly as he would have thought before. A mutual respect had been formed for each other, and no other words were needed. They would protect the Company, never giving up or backing down, their Ember being the piece of the puzzle that brought them together.

The next few days were tiresome. Thorin seemed to grow more eager and anxious they got to Erebor, and he set a grueling pace each day. Ember continued to feel unwell, and cursed herself for having caught some sort of illness from the ride down the river in the barrels. Balin seemed to be watching her suspiciously at times, and it was nearly impossible to hide anything from Kili, but she used her power whenever they seemed to think something was amiss with her. The last thing she wanted was to be a distraction. Thankfully, she had no nightmares, and while this was a relief, she worried about the fate of Gandalf.

Much to everyone's surprise, her Elven family seemed to be fitting in quite well with her Dwarven family. Tauriel and Fili were near inseparable, telling each other stories and tales, much to the annoyance of Thorin. However, he held his tongue for Ember's sake, and for that she was grateful. Legolas and Dwalin had obviously reached some sort of understanding, for they took turns scouting the terrain and hunting for food each day. Still, the Lonely Mountain loomed overhead, and the Company grew more restless each day. Finally, they reached a large embankment that overlooked a majestic valley below. Thorin stood on the edge of the embankment, gazing down at the site before him in silence. As the others joined him, they looked to the other end of the valley, seeing a ruined city in the distance. Bilbo was the first to speak.

"What is this place?" he asked, a note of sadness in his voice.

"It was once the city of Dale," Balin stated solemnly. "Now it is a ruin. The desolation of Smaug." The Company stood in silence, each lost in their own thoughts. Finally, Thorin shook his head, turning back to study the mountain.

"The sun will soon reach midday; let's find the hidden door into the mountain before it sets. We must find the door by nightfall tomorrow. This way!"

"Wait…"Bilbo spoke up. "Is this the overlook? Gandalf said to meet him here. On no account were we-"

"Do you see him?" Thorin interrupted rudely. "We have no time to wait upon the wizard. We're on our own."

"Thorin, Gandalf must have had a reason for wanting us to wait," Ember said.

"Mahal, we don't have time to wait for that blasted wizard, girl!" he snapped at her angrily, slamming his sword into the ground at her feet. Ember was stunned at his response, and took an almost fearful step back. Her body began to tremble with anger and she felt her power burn deep inside. She turned her back to him abruptly, walking towards the edge of the overlook. Dwalin put his hand on Thorin's shoulder, and Thorin took a deep breath to calm himself, uncertain as to why he had reacted so vehemently. He caught Kili's eye, not surprised to see his nephew glaring at him. The rest of the Company was silent. Thorin looked away from Kili, who sighed wearily, before slowly coming up behind Ember. He gently took her hand in his.

"We are so close, vol kaon," he murmured. "He didn't mean anything by it." She stood silent for a few moments, then nodded quietly. He gave her hand a soft squeeze, and she sighed.

"Let's go," she muttered, turning away from the ruinous valley. Thorin watched her stalk past him, and felt a rare need to apologize. He made to grab her arm, but a growl from Bifur stopped him. Dwalin nodded his agreement.

"I think it best you let her be for now, laddie," Dwalin said, tightening his grip on Thorin's shoulder. "She's got almost as bad a temper as you do." There were light chuckles from the Company at this attempt to lighten the mood. Thorin nodded and picked up his sword, following Ember towards the walls of the Mountain.

As the night fell upon them, they gathered quietly around the fire. They had not found the door, and the mood was tense. Thorin sat gazing into the fire, while the others smoked their pipes and chatted softly. Ember, however, had not spoken since the encounter earlier that day. She was not angry, but seemed burdened. Even Kili had failed to pull her from her thoughts, and he was worried by her seclusion. She sat slightly apart from the group, her arms wrapped around her knees that were pulled up to her chest, staring out into the darkness. Legolas and Tauriel had also tried to speak with her, but though she had smiled at them, she had made it clear that she needed to be alone. Finally, Bilbo approached her, sitting down quietly beside her. He made no attempt to talk to her, only sat quietly as the rest of the Company began to settle for the night. He took out his pipe, blowing smoke rings into the night air. Ember lazily raised her hand, sending tiny sparks of flame to chase the smoke. Bilbo chuckled, and he was happy to see a small smile briefly light her face.

"Bilbo…" she began softly. He waited patiently for her to continue. "When you…wear the ring…what do you see?" He was surprised at her question, but took his time before answering.

"I see everything around me," he finally said. "The only difference is that it is as if I am…in the shadows, everything is muted." She seemed to ponder this. He had been wanting to ask her this question since Mirkwood, and he decided it was time. "When you put the ring on…what did you see?" he asked quietly. She was silent for so long that he thought she was not going to answer.

"I saw Gandalf…being tortured," she whispered. "I saw Thorin, sick with rage, greed…and fury. I saw Kili…" her voice broke with pain. She took a deep breath. "It was awful. And then, after the Orc attack in Laketown, I…I dreamed of Gandalf. He was in terrible pain…and now today, with Thorin…" she trailed off, unable to continue. Now he understood.

"You are afraid that what you saw is going to happen?" he asked. She nodded her head, shivering slightly. The hobbit didn't know what to say. He sighed, then patted her knee reassuringly. "My dear, I don't know what this all means. I can only say the words you said to me back in the Shire…do you remember?" She shook her head slightly. "You said, 'I believe in you.' And I do. I believe that whatever happens, you will help to see us through it. Do not fear bad dreams, believe that when the time comes, you will be ready." She smiled softly, and nudged him with her shoulder.

"You really have changed since the Shire, Bilbo," she grinned quietly. "Thank you."

"Well, my dear, I can honestly say that if it wasn't for you, I wouldn't be here," he replied dryly. She burst out laughing, wrapping the hobbit in a hug. They rose together, and headed back to the fire.

Thelme lenda olye na Erebor - We will journey with you to Erebor

I ven hen delu - This road is dangerous

Caku men rasp, taal berch men - How are you my fire-daughter

Rasup men - I am okay

Selenin - cousin

vol kaon - blue eyes

miz kurdu - my heart

It's been awhile, I have a new job, so harder to find time to write. Please review, let me know if you are still enjoying my tale!