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I had never before watched the sunrise on my back. Although, given the fact that I was tied in a potato sack, unable to move meant that I could do nothing but watch the sunrise on my back. I had managed to calm my breathing to slow deep breaths and tried not to look up at the immobile forms of the now stone trolls. From the side I heard the grumbles and moans of my companions as they were cut loose from their sacks, then the hurried pounding of feet that signalled Bilbo was making his way over. He slid down next to me; his face panicked as he looked my face over and tried to quickly undo the bindings that kept me tangled in the potato sack. He tugged and pulled at the rope, finally untying the knots so I could wriggle free. I pushed myself up so I was sitting, making Bilbo lean backwards on his knees, and without hesitation or thought I flung my arms around his neck and pulled him close, feeling comforted as he wrapped his arms around my back.
"Don't you dare do anything so foolish and stupid and completely Tookish again." I whispered, bunching the fabric of his shirt in my fist. "I thought you were going to die."
He chuckled, it was a soft chuckle and it added to the comfort of being able to hold him. "You thought I was going to die, that thing had already mentally eaten you."
"I know but… I don't know what I would have done if it had killed you… You're my best friend." I had never felt so vulnerable before. I had always told Bilbo I loved him, but I had never before given his death a thought. I had never really had cause to. But now the thought occurred to me that one, or perhaps both, of us may not return from this adventure and I simply cannot bear the thought of it being Bilbo who is killed and I who is left alone.
"And you're my best friend," Bilbo added, pulling back from the hug so I could stand. The other dwarves had gotten out of their sacks and were watching our exchange out of the corners of their eyes.
"Yes, this is all very heart warming," muttered Thorin from by the edge of the clearing. "But I would like to investigate this cave that these things were talking about. So, if you would please hurry along."
It was obvious that Thorin was displeased at how we had almost had them all killed. Bilbo and I traipsed over to the rest of the dwarves, trying our best to ignore the scrutinizing gaze of Thorin Oakenshield.
Fili and Kili were dusting themselves down and shoving their swords into their sheathes. The others were doing the same. I glanced back over my shoulder, Thorin and Gandalf were conversing very quietly, the old wizard had a smirk on his face.
"Are you two alright?" I ask, directing my comment to Fili and Kili. They looked up, smirked and nodded, "Sorry, we aren't exactly the best burglars."
"You we're brave though." Said Fili. "While we were figuring out how to attack we heard everything."
"Any other girl would have screamed and cried at the top of their lungs." Said Kili, smiling. "Not that you didn't yell when the brute was about to eat you, that was understandable."
"You did quite a fair bit of yelling yourself," I say, my ears burning slightly from the half-compliment.
"Fili! Kili! Scout ahead, look for any sign of tracks." The pair nodded and I turned my head back over to Thorin who was staring unappreciatively in my direction.
"Are you coming?" Kili asked. I shook my head.
"No, I don't think I should. Thorin doesn't look too pleased with me or Bilbo right now… I wouldn't want to mess anything else up." I chuckle lightly and step backwards towards Bilbo. "Go ahead, find us a Troll cave."
The pair went off into the trees. Bilbo and I were left with the others; they gathered their weapons which had been strewn about the camp. Bifur, Bofur and Bombur headed up towards our camp and gathered the rest of our belongings. Bilbo left to talk with Gandalf so I wandered amongst the stone forms of the Trolls. In most ways they looked better as stone giants. If somebody was to wander into the Trollshaw and stumble upon these forms they may think that a skilled carver had sliced them from stone. The fact that their forms were cracked and crumbling from attempting to move out of the sun's rays, added to this effect. If I had found these statues I would have thought that a carver had created them a long time ago and that the forest had simply sprouted up around them, the trees growing ever taller to shield them from the sun.
I broke from my musings as Fili and Kili wandered back into the clearing, they spoke to Thorin quickly and then Thorin's voice rose over the once Troll camp. "We make for the cave." He announced, and then he placed a hand on Fili's shoulder, "Lead us."
I couldn't help but notice the look of slight pain on Kili's face. Could that be because Thorin regards his brother as better than him? No. It couldn't be, they are both excellent warriors. Still, the look on Kili's face made me wonder.
I gathered my things and pulled my sack onto my back. Now we only had a few ponies, because the others had bolted, we would have to leave things that weren't necessary or carry them ourselves. For now I opted to keep the content of my sack intact.
Fili and Kili lead us away from the clearing up sloping ground to where the trees thinned out. Blocking our way was a monstrous cliff face, jagged rocks cutting in and out of the initial structure. And there, sliced into the rock was a huge, dark opening. As we drew closer the smell hit my nose. It was disgusting. It was the smell of rotting, decomposing flesh and dirt. Fili and Kili halted, but Thorin carried on until he disappeared into the blackness of the cave, most of the company, including Gandalf and Bilbo followed him. I, however, did not. The smell from the cave was already overpowering from outside so I could only imagine what it was like inside.
The remaining ponies were left to graze under the now more watchful eyes of Fili and Kili. I dropped down with my back next to a tree beside them and stared up at the morning sky. A bird soared above dropping its shadow across my face.
Sitting like this reminded me so much of my time spent in East Farthing Wood back in the Shire. I would sit like this, with my back pressed up against the tree and my eyes turned up towards the skies. I loved to sit like that, when I wasn't off chasing wood elves and willow wisps. I was always annoyed at myself for not being able to find them, or even capture a willow wisp. I've heard they are meant to be beautiful, just like the elves.
"Why haven't you gone to explore the cave?" I glanced back down and over to Kili who was patting a pony on the nose.
"The smell, for one." I say back, then pause before adding. "And Thorin for two. I suppose it will be better if Bilbo and I stay out of his way for a while."
Kili nodded, "I don't think you two are bad burglars." He said, "Just a little inexperienced, that's all."
"Thank you," I say. "But it is Thorin we have to convince of this, not you." I chuckle and so does Kili, but we silence ourselves as Thorin emerges from the cave. Behind him trail the dwarves and Gandalf, their pockets are spewing with gold and other items. Thorin and Gandalf both carry sheathed swords with intricate patterns swirled on them.
Thorin informed us that we were to leave quickly as we didn't know how many other Trolls were around these parts. I was sure, whatever luck had aided us thus far, would not show itself if we were to meet another group of Trolls. The thought made me shudder.
Bilbo had wandered back over to Gandalf. He seemed to be doing that a lot lately, I think it's because the old wizard has a habit of disappearing. He leaves on a whim and there is no knowing how long he will be, or if he will even return. I am glad that he has stayed with us this far, even if he did wander away yesterday. I can't help but think that he might leave us soon… Gandalf hands Bilbo a small dagger, much like the one I have at my side, except his is beautiful. It has similar designs to those engraved on Gandalf and Thorin's blades. The dagger, much like mine, could be described as a toothpick in comparison to the other dwarves' weapons. It certainly wouldn't do as much damage as Fili's war hammer or Dwalin's wickedly sharp war-axes. But a weapon, no matter how small, could save someone in dire circumstances, although, Bilbo doesn't look too pleased to be receiving the dagger.
A rustling, loud and close, shocked me into standing. I immediately thought: Troll. But then I realised that the rumbling from a Troll's footsteps would have alerted us to its presence a while ago.
"Something's coming!" Dwalin yelled, pulling a war axe from his back. I pulled the small dagger from its sheath, not caring how pathetic it looked in comparison to the arsenal of weapons that the others carried.
I glanced over at Fili and Kili, they smirked, although Fili's didn't reach his eyes. That worried me. I wondered momentarily if Kili was taking this seriously, he looked too carefree to be worried. And not being worried in this situation could be described as foolish. "Come on now, arm yourselves!" The call from Gandalf sent us hurrying forwards. I swallowed the lump building in my throat, realising that letting fear overcome me was not the best thing at this point. I glance behind me at Bilbo; he looks worried so I drop behind to walk with him. I reach my hand out to find his and give it a comforting squeeze. I drop his hand then and smile weakly. I just want to let him know, without having to say it, that I am as scared as he is.
The pace picks up as the rustling gets louder. I try to watch my feet, not wanting to trip on the grass that spirals around my ankles. We stop suddenly and I skid into the back of Fili. I turn, glancing around at where the noise is coming from.
"Thieves!" The yell makes my head swivel, I step to the side so I am standing beside Fili. There is an explosion of leaves and shrubbery as a large wooden frame rockets into the clearing pulled by giant rabbits. "Murder!"
The sight certainly shocked me. Out of all of the things I've seen on our travels I certainly did not expect to see a ragged man dressed entirely in brown, riding a makeshift sleigh pulled by rabbits. In some ways the raggedy man could be described as frightening. His eyes dart round all of us, a feral, crazed look occupies them. I didn't realise I had my dagger pointed at him until I looked to check if my hands were shaking. The blade was wobbling nervously in my grasp, so I lowered it, as did the others with their weapons at Gandalf's voice.
"Radagast," He said, relieved. "Radagast the brown." I sighed, also relieved that what I thought to be something dangerous, was actually only a member of the Istari wizards. I slid my sword back into its sheath and chuckled lightly at my own panic.
"See," I said to Bilbo, still chuckling. "Nothing to worry about at all." Bilbo's face cracked into a smirk.
"Do you think we should ask him if he lives in a tree?" I jumped when I heard Kili's voice behind me, and then I snorted into my palm. I turned and punched his arm lightly.
"Don't be rude," I whispered, glancing behind him to see the wizards still engrossed in convocation. Kili smirks and then heads over to Fili who was lounging by a small group of rocks. I could tell that everyone was extremely tired from last night.
"Something's wrong, Gandalf. The Greenwood is sick." I spin around, hearing the slightly raised voice of Radagast. "Gandalf, darkness has fallen over it." Radagast's head spins round to look at us. His gaze frightens me; I swallow and watch as Gandalf leads Radagast away and deeper into the Troll Shaw.
"Do you still think there's nothing to worry about," Bilbo whispered, his eyes following the direction Gandalf had gone.
"I'd like to hope there is nothing to worry about." I confess. "But it seems there is always something to worry about in this world." All of a sudden my heart plummeted into my chest. The realisation hitting me like a rock in the gut, there is nothing safe about this world anymore.
I tried to calm my thoughts in the time that Gandalf was gone. No matter how much I thought of my comfortable Hobbit-hole back in the Shire something always sparked in the back of my mind. It changed the rolling green hills and trees into dark places, the sky was always black, the air thick with smoke. Something was choking the life out of the world, and from what Radagast has said, it is starting with the Greenwood. I wonder, in the time that it takes us to complete this mission, will our home still be the same as when we left it? Or will the life have drained from every blade of grass and shrub? I hope not. I really hope not.
Bilbo sat next to me some time ago. He said nothing to me and I said nothing to him. The silence was comfortable, welcome even. Neither of us had to say anything, we only took the comfort in knowing that we were close to one another. I felt the pressure building behind my eyes, but I swallowed the soon-to-be tears away and turned to Bilbo.
"He said the Greenwood is sick," I say, quietly. "Sickness spreads. Do you think that, when we get back, the Shire will be sick?" I sound weak, I sound like a child wanting comfort from her mother.
"No, the Shire won't get sick." Said Bilbo, he took my hand and squeezed it, just like I had done to comfort him earlier. "I promise."
"I miss the strawberries." I say, remembering the taste of strawberries and cream. I remember sitting on the hillside with the Took children and eating strawberries as the fireworks went off over the shire. Bilbo chuckled at my comment.
"As do I." Then we fell back into silence, once again taking comfort in the fact that for the moment, now that danger is temporarily at bay, we are together and we are safe.
Gandalf hadn't returned when the howl ripped through the trees. I scrambled up quickly, instinctively reaching for my dagger and unsheathing it. Bilbo stood too, his head whipping round to the other dwarves who were reaching for their weapons.
"Is that a wolf? Are there wolves out there?" My head was snapping from tree to tree, searching as far as my eyes could allow me into the shrubbery for both Gandalf and the wolves.
"No," Said Bifur, causing me to turn to look at him. "That is no wolf."
A loud crack caused every head to whip round. High above us, perched on a boulder, stood the most hideous looking four-legged creature I have ever seen. From here I could tell that it was not a wolf, it was too large to even be considered one. It was covered in brown knotted fur, some of which had been ripped off. Its lips were pulled back over its teeth as another snarl gurgled through its throat. I was frozen in place as it leapt from its perch. It flew over our heads and I span just catching its desperate howl as Thorin buried his sword in its chest. There was another, one that Thorin didn't see, it was creeping towards him but got no further as an arrow landed between its eyes. I turned; Kili knocked another arrow, a triumphant look on his face.
I was nudged to the side as Gandalf returned to us. Thorin ripped his sword from the chest of the beast and growled. "Warg scouts! That means an Orc pack isn't far behind."
My hand tightened so much around my dagger that my knuckles turned white. First Trolls and now an Orc pack. "Who did you tell about your quest?" Gandalf enquired, walking to Thorin.
"No one." Thorin said, his face stony.
"Who did you tell?" Gandalf yelled.
"No one, I swear! What in Durin's name is going on?"
"You're being hunted." I turned to Bilbo feeling bile rise in my throat. Hunted, what a lovely thought. With the panic coursing through every nerve in my body I almost miss Radagast leaping onto his sleigh and vanishing into the brush.
"What is he doing?" I say, worriedly. "He'll be killed."
My question isn't answered, I am only jolted forwards as Kili grabs hold of my arm and pulls me into a run. "Just like a race," He says, glancing back. "Keep up with me and you'll be fine."
We race through the trees, my feet going as fast as I can make them. The howls of the Wargs echo around us causing me to run faster. As we break through the last row of trees Gandalf leads us behind a large group of rocks. I breathe quickly, knowing that I will have to save my breath for the next time we run. Then we're off again. Ahead of us there is only open land with a few clusters of boulders just like the one we had just hid behind. In the distance I see the silhouettes of Radagast and his rabbits being pursued by the Wargs and their riders. We run the opposite way to Radagast, hoping that it will put more distance between us and the ones that hunt us. I am only faintly aware of Kili's hand clamped around my arm, pulling me to keep up with him.
The rocks offer us some kind of refuge, but we never stay behind them long. I'm used to walking, but running quickly over an extended period of time is not what I am used to. My lungs begin to burn and ache, but due to Kili's hand on my arm I have no choice but to keep running. That, and the fact that I'll surely be torn to pieces if I stop. I glance up, seeing Thorin skid to a stop in front of us, we do to, as the forms of Radagast and the Wargs cross in front of us. We turn, not stopping, Gandalf leading the way this time, keeping as close to the jagged rocks as we can. I lose count of the many times we stop and turn. Radagast appeared to be leading the Wargs in circles, unaware that by doing so he was also keeping us enclosed in the same place. Yet we still run, we still run because we think that we can escape. That is what I hold on to as my lungs protest and I take great wheezing breaths. We dart behind another pile of boulders as Radagast darts into sight again. I press my back up against the rock and suck the air in through my nose.
I feel Kili's hand leave my arm and I glance up at him. He's looking at his bow, knocking an arrow silently and bracing himself. I hear the snarl as Kili rushes forward, turns and looses the arrow. The Warg and rider slip from the rock and land with a thud. Weapons rain down on both beasts, death howls echo in their lungs. I swallow, turning away as the gurgling death wails fall away into nothing. An echoing howl pulls me away from the image of the dead Orc and Warg. Gandalf turns, yelling for us to follow and once again we are running. We run faster now, faster because we know we are being pursued. The growls and barks get louder as the Orc pack gain ground, and I can't help but think that this could possibly be the end. I hoped we were further away from the Wargs than we actually were. It seemed as though as soon as we had started running, we had ground to a halt. The dwarves were yelling, weapons were held high, ready to attack and I was stood shaking.
The Wargs are everywhere. Two stand to my left, two more to my right; a fourth is in front of us. I'm turning, looking for a way out, a way that I can't find. My breaths shake, I look to Bilbo, and he looks at me. A shared glance before a howl causes my eyes to rip away. Another Warg fell under Kili's arrows.
"We're surrounded!" Fili yells as his brother looses arrow after arrow. Ori, attempting to knock the Warg that was advancing on him back, shot a small rock from his slingshot. This only angered the beast further. We step backwards, our options slimming, only one remaining: fight.
"Where is Gandalf?" I hear the yell and I spin on my heel. Could it be possible that the old wizard has been attacked without us noticing? No, it can't be, this is Gandalf. He would never be ambushed.
"He's abandoned us!" Dwalin yelled gruffly, gripping his war-axes ever tighter. No, he wouldn't abandon us! He can't abandon us! I grip my dagger tighter as more Wargs come. Soon we will have no choice; we will have to fight to the death.
"This way, you fools!" I spin at Gandalf's voice. He popped up, like a mushroom, from behind a small rock. I ran towards it, watching as Bilbo threw himself over the rock. I turn, glancing to see if the Wargs had begun their pursuit. My eyes land on one lone figure, further out than the rest of us, still shooting at the Wargs.
"Kili!" I yell, he releases another arrow, it reaches its target and the Orc rider falls. He's going to be killed. Thorin slices down a Warg and grabs hold of the back of my cloak, dragging me down.
I land on my side, wincing at the impact. Bilbo is at my side first, his eyes panicked. "Rosa, are you alright?"
"I'm fine, I'm fine." I say, scrambling up and out of the way just as Kili and Thorin slide down into the hidden cavern.
We stand together, completely prepared for a Warg to launch itself down the gap. We wait; the sound of our ragged breaths amplified in my ears, and then something else meets my ears. A horn, loud and booming, howls out inbetween the cries and growls of dying Wargs and Orcs. Bilbo pushes me back as a lone Orc tumbles down into the cavern, dead. An arrow sticks out of its scarred throat. Thorin reaches forwards, a sucking sound accompanies the ejection of the arrow from the Orcs neck.
"Elves," He says, disgustedly, throwing the arrow to the floor.
"Shall we follow it?" I turn watching Dwalin return from a small tunnel. I nod as the other dwarves voice their opinions. We begin to move again. I ignore the protests from my legs and lungs. The only thing I want is to get as far away from the body of the Orc and any other Wargs that might be waiting above the cavern.
We follow the tunnel, twisting and turning with the pathway. I glance up, just barely seeing the sky through a great crack in the top of the tunnel. We hurry along in silence, fuelled on by what awaits us at the end of the tunnel. Whatever it is had to be better than what we had just experienced. It had to be. Suddenly the tunnel fell away and the light hit us from all sides. I wince at the air rushing into my lungs as I gasp at the sight before me.
The city is beautiful. Hundreds of intricately shaped buildings occupy the cliff opposite us. They looked as if they had been carved from the finest stones and jewels. Towers with huge windows and large open buildings looked over the edge of one enormous waterfall that sliced and cut its way around the buildings. The sound of rushing water and far off song-bird like voices filled my ears. It was if I had wandered into a very welcome dream. A dream I simply did not want to wake from.
"The valley of Imladris," announced Gandalf, stepping down towards the city. "In common tongue it is known by another name."
Rivendell. We've come to see the elves.
I liked writing this chapter, i didn't seem to take me as long as it has for the others. Anyway, i hope you enjoyed reading it as much as i have writing it. Hopefully i will have a snow day tomorrow so i can hopefully update then :)