Here's the next chapter guys!

EnternityDragon2610 - Yea, it was embarrassing for poor Erika and as I read it back I thought maybe I made it obvious she was going to see them! Oh well, it was still funny. Not for Erika though, and yes you pretty much have her confrontation with Kili down to a T! Obviously Ori and Bilbo know she saw the company butt naked but it would be know fun if only they knew now would it? :P

TheRosesonTheWall - I know! Poor Erika, seeing all those naked hairy dwarves! I'll be honest with you, that was not how the last chapter was originally planned; but after watching some of the deleted scenes from the movie, I just couldn't help but add that in, for comical reasons if nothing else! I'm pretty sure Ori would be kinda used to it maybe, poor Bilbo too! I feel for all three!

InfoGurl - I'm glad you're enjoying the story, and like that you're learning more and more about Erika as it goes. I've seen stories, even some of my early ones, in which you learn almost everything about the character straight away; sometimes its okay but I prefer to be kept wanting to know. I write this, for you all, but how I would like to read a story. After all I may know Erika better then anyone, but I've also had to make her story up as well as this! As for her magic and shouts, it would be be a shame if she could never use them again. Then again she may be able to use just one of the two and not the other. I guess you'll just have to keep reading to find out :P

Thorin, who had climbed out of the fountain and stood back to face his company, heard footsteps; they seemed to be leading away from where they were. He hadn't heard any coming to them, but for once in so long he had been able to relax. And that is what he had done, for the longest time he had just lay in the water and washed himself while the others around him had a laugh. He could hear his mischievous nephews, Fili and Kili, splashing Dwalin, throwing sponges at him and trying to pull him under the water. And Thorin had laughed, when it had all back fired on them. When Balin spoke to the two young lads and Dwalin had snuck up behind them and pulled the brothers into the water. It had certainly made him chuckle and he had planned to stay out of it until Kili had made an accurate throw which a sponge that him Thorin square in the face. It had struck him, that he had never been particularly playful with his nephews, yes he had looked after that a few times when Dis was busy. He had read them stories when they were little dwarflings, but no more then that. He had helped Dis with their lessons, teaching them the history of the line of Durin.

He had been so caught up in the teasings and getting his nephews back that he hadn't even paid attention to their surroundings, but now as he heard the retreating footsteps he turned round to see Ori stood by himself. He walked closer to Ori, to ask him if he would like to join the rest of them when Ori turned round, as if to see someone that was not there.

"Ori? Is everything fine?" Thorin asked the young dwarf.

"Uhhhmm...yes. I...er.."

"What is it? You look like you have lost something?"

"I have." Ori looked sheepish, "I didn't come here alone. I was walking with two others."

"Oh? Not elves, I hope Ori?"

"No, two more of our company."

Thorin's eyes went wide, he knew very well that Gandalf was with some of the elves, and he was with the other dwarves. The last two of the company...that meant that Ori had been walking with the hobbit and...oh Durin!

Erika and Bilbo had retreated back to the house of Elrond after their little...surprise from the dwarves. Erika had been terribly quiet and Bilbo, who had remembered her tale of Wuuthrad which had once been a broken blade, told her of the broken blade which the elves held. He told her the story of the one ring and he showed her where that kept the blade. Erika was thankful for the distraction, and showed Bilbo the beautiful garden she had found. The one she had sat in before, on the fountain, this time she and Bilbo sought refuge in one of the gardens. They sat on the soft grass, surrounded by flowers; they talked about the journey so far and this was how they were found by Arwen. The elf came over and joined the two, sitting on the grass with them, Erika took advantage to lay back and rested her head on Arwen's lap. Arwen smiled and played with her friend's hair.

"I'm sure I saw the two of you with one of your dwarf friends."

"Er...yes," Bilbo answered. "We were with Ori, he couldn't find his brothers. So we said we would help him."

"And did you find them?"

"Yes, my lady. We found Nori and Dori." Bilbo said in a rather strained voice.

"Oh? What ever is the matter, master hobbit?"

"We found everyone else as well, Fili and Kili. Balin and Dwalin, Bifur, Bofur and Bombur. Oin and Gloin...they were all at the fountain near the back of Rivendell...they...um...they were washing...and...naaaked."

Arwen had to stiffle a laugh at Bilbo's discomfort.

"You forgot Thorin." Erika said in a dazed.

She was staring up at the white, fluffy clouds above them and didn't notice Arwen's glance at her, she did't realise Arwen saw the pink tint to her cheeks at the mention of Thorin and Arwen could only, despite not wanting to, imagine what her friend had seen from Bilbo's information. If this wasn't confirmation for Arwen, she didn't know what was.

"What? Oh yes, Thorin was there as well." Bilbo corrected. "I wonder is he going to tell Lord Elrond about...you know Erika?"

"I have a feeling he will Bilbo." Erika responded absent-mindly, "I suppose he knows we will be no further forward with out the help of Lord Elrond."

"Yes, yes. You're quite right! If you'll excuse me ladies, I'm going to find Gandalf! Good Day."

"Good bye Master Hobbit."

"Bye Bilbo."

Bilbo walked off, leaving the two women on the grass. They were both happy in their silence together and neither pushed it, one would speak when ready; but Arwen did want to to speak with Erika, ut for once she couldn't find the right words. How was she to speak to her friend, without alerting her to...well, Arwen realised sutbtly was called for here.

"Erika? Have you ever been in love?"

Perhaps not as subtle as she had wanted.

"I do not think I have Arwen."

"How can you not know if you have been in love or not?"

"I think once, I thought I was..."

"But...?"

"We weren't. We tried, you know, being together but it didn't work out so well."

"I'm sorry."

"Don't be, he's one of my best friends now. Or then...when I was in Skyrim. Farkas meant a lot to me, when I thought I was in love with him and after. I do love him, just not like that."

"And did you find love after?"

"Amongst my friends, yes."

"But did you ever fall in love?"

Erika remained silent. Not to my knowledge.

"Being in love is like...you're floating. You feel light as a feather, and everything is just nice and bright and pretty. And your love is just perfect, even things...like things you thought you didn't like they're perfect. It just feels like you're in one big, fluffy dream."

"Speaking from experience, are we Arwen?" Erika asked, looking up at a friend.

"Yes," Arwen answered dreamily.

"Who is he? Have I seen him round here?"

"No friend," Arwen whispered. "You must not speak of this to anyone. Please, I beg of you."

"I promise Arwen."

"My father does not agree, his name is Aragorn. In my language, he was named Estel. He is a ranger, a mortal."

"And why should that stop you?"

"Because he will die in the end."

"Yes, he will. But that does that not mean that you should throw away the time you could have with him."

Arwen smiled down at her friend.

"Does he love you Arwen?"

"Yes, he was the one to come to me first, to tell me that he was in love with me."

"Then do not allow anyone to get in your way. True love does not happen twice, my friend. If you have your love, take hold and do not let go."

"Yes, thank you my friend. You have cheered me greatly."

Arwen and Erika had ended up in Arwen's room; It had become transparent that Arwen took great pleasure in dressing Erika up. Erika was now in the sixth dress and was now becoming sick of the sight of all the pretty dresses, and she now believed that Arwen was putting her in different dresses and doing her hair just because she had her dolls taken away from her as a child, Erika was no more then a toy to Arwen. And when she spoke of this to the elf, Arwen laughed at her and told her she was right. Erika laughed and looked out of the window, it was getting dark now and she believed Thorin would be done by now, Oh Mara, she still had to speak to Thorin, and she couldn't exactly not turn up.

"Arwen, you don't gave a tunic and pants I could wear do you?"

"Yes, but I have not finished with the dresses yet my friend." Arwen smirked.

"Har har. No, I said I would speak with Thorin, I should go meet him."

"Yes, yes. Alright." Arwen stood, and got Erika a pair of light brown pants, green tunic and dark grey belt to go round her waist. Arwen placed them on the bed for her friend, and did not bother with boots. Erika had walked about Rivendell in her nightingale boots. As Erika stood to get changed, Arwen came up behind her and undone the dress at the back. As it fell down around her friends feet leaving her in her underwear, Arwen said, "Why don't you re pay the dwarf the favour and go like this?"

Erika turned and pushed her friend playfully, when there was a knock at the door. Erika grabbed the clothes that Arwen had gotten for her and ran behind a changing screen as Arwen opened the door.

"Erika, I've got to see to something. I'll see you after you meet your dwarf, alright?"

Before the Nord could answer, Arwen was gone. Erika continued to get dressed, unaware of anyone else in the room, for as far as she knew there was no one else there. Only she and Arwen had been in the room, and Arwen had left. Yet here she was, Erika turned to grab the tunic and that was when she saw her. Erika stopped in her tracks, when had this woman came in here? Erika stared at this woman, until she realised how rude she was being and looked away. The tall and beautiful woman smiled at Erika.

"Greetings Erika."

"H-hello."

"I am a friend, there is no need to worry."

"I just didn't hear you enter, that's all."

"So trivial, I sense there have been bigger things plaguing your mind."

"Yes, I...it's hard to explain."

"I understand."

"If I may ask, who are you?"

"I am the lady Galadriel. I mean you no harm child, I felt your fear and unease. I am only here to help in any way I can."

"Yes, I...I can do things...magic, and I'm worried since..."

"I know you are not of this world. I know you are of Skyrim not Middle Earth."

"How did you know."

"I see things, others can not."

"And you saw...I wasn't from this world?"

"...No, I spoke to Lord Elrond."

Erika laughed softly, as she pulled the tunic on, and looked at the lady who smiled at her so warmly.

"I did, however, see you that you will face a similar beast from your past. I also saw mist, mist because your fear, your unease, become one and at peace, and all will be well."

Erika fastened the belt round her waist and stepped into her boots.

"Well, when it becomes less misty, could you let me know?"

Erika was responded only with silence. The little nord looked around the room, and found she was once more alone. She was more confused then ever and yet, felt like a weight had been lifted. Once ready, Erika started to walk to guest housing. It was night and with a bright full moon, there were lanterns lit also but still shadowy areas; for which Erika was glad. The place she had arranged to meet Thorin was right next to where the dwarves had set camp, and Erika made sure to stay in the shadows when passing them. Once up the first flight, she sat on the third step of the next flight of stairs with her back to the wall, awaiting Thorin. She had not expected Bilbo so meet her here, though she realised he had come here for one last chance of solitude before they left Rivendell. Erika leaned her head back and closed her eyes and was just sinking into her mind, her worst enemy as she heard Gandalf.

"...and really, I think you can trust that I do!"

"Do you? That dragon has slept for sixty years!" Erika recognized the voice of as Lord Elrond, "What will happen if your plan should fail? If you wake the beast?"

"But if we succeed! If the dwarves take back the mountain, our alliances in the west will be strengthen!"

"It is a dangerous move Gandalf."

Yet, it is not for you to tell them to stop. Erika thought.

"It is also dangerous to do nothing. Look, the throne of Erebor is Thorin's birth right! What is it your fear?"

"If you have forgotten the strain of madness which runs deep in that family? His grandfather lost his mind! His father was rumoured to have fallen to the same sickness!"

"That is not to say that Thorin will fall victim to it!" Erika whispered angrily.

Lord Elrond continued,"Can you swear Thorin Oakenshield will not also fall!? Gandalf, these decisions do not fall to us alone. It is not up to you or me to redraw the man of middle earth."

"With or without our help, these dwarves will march on the mountain. They're determined to reclaim their homeland..."

And with that Erika heard no more of their conversation, they had moved out of hearing distance and for that Erika was glad. She was angry that they would...why was she angry, they were discussing Thorin, Lord Elrond had made some terrible accusations about him and it made her angry.

"Good night Erika." She heard Bilbo mutter quietly.

She heard him pad away and then heard someone draw closer to her. The person sat down by her feet, in silence. Erika opened her eyes to see Thorin. The dwarf stared ahead of him, and Erika could see the pain on his face, and for once he looked tired. He wasn't upholding the mask he would normally wear in front of his company and she could see the stress. Erika suddenly forgot why she had come here and nudged him with her boot, when he looked up at her, Erika gave him the only form of comfort she could and smiled softly at him. The dwarf did not smile back and instead asked her,

"Do you really believe that?" Upon seeing her confusion, he continued. "That I will not fall to the same madness as my grandfather and father?"

"No, I do not. I do not know you or you family history but I think it will be different this time round." Erika pulled herself up, away from the wall and leaned towards Thorin, covering his hand with hers as he had done so with her not too long a go, "Who they were or what they became, does not define you. I do not believe you will fall victim to the sickness, I have faith in you Thorin."

The dwarf looked at the young woman, and once more she smiled at him. And she was delighted when he returned it. Thorin looked down at her hand on his, still smiling. He suddenly felt loads better and years younger, Durin! What is this girl doing to me!? The dwarf prince couldn't work out whether he was happy that she made him feel this way or not. It was different, something he was not used to and yet he would not mind getting used to it.

"Did you find Arwen?"

"Oh, yes eventually. This place is like a maze! I found Ori and Bilbo first; Ori was looking for his brothers and um..." Erika trailed off for a moment, remembering what she had seen. "But yes, Arwen found Bilbo and I in the gardens."

"I see. Yes, Ori said he had been with you."

"Oh?"

"While the rest of us were bathing."

Erika withdrew her hand, and walked across to the light of a lantern, in a somewhat strangled voice she said, "Were you?"

"Yes," Thorin heard the strange tone to her voice, and without warning to himself he found himself continuing, "but you know that, don't you?"

"I...er..."Erika stuttered, this had not gone the way she had expected. She did not realise that Thorin knew she had seen; and now she felt even more conscious that she had seen them all in their birthday suits, many of them had been within the fountain and so she had seen very little of them; but she had seen more then clearly the dwarf who sat with her now. He had climbed out of the fountain and then had his back to her. Erika had seen everything this dwarf had to offer and thinking of his stocky build and well muscled arms, legs, back, chest...whoa, why am I thinking of this?In honesty, Erika had thought of little else since the incident. "Y-yes...I saw you."

"Indeed," Thorin walked over to the woman, "Tell me, little bird, why do you blush?"

Thorin watched her, as she tried to respond, words not coming to her.

"When I was with Arwen, she gave me this tunic and these pants. I was just getting changed, and as we undid the dress and I was stood in my underwear," Erika stopped, blushing again. Thorin watched her still, Durin! Why is she telling me this? Does the woman know what effect she has on me? "Arwen said, you see...Bilbo had explained to her how we had...caught you. And while I was in nought but my underwear, Arwen said I should return the favour to you."

"And come as you were?" He said in a husky voice.

Erika looked at the dwarf, her eyes bright as they looked into his cloudy ones. For a moment she was confused, and then she felt light. She was floating. Oh, Gods...it's not true, I don't...I...Erika was pulled from her thoughts as Thorin touched her forehead. His fingers taking one of her side bangs, and gently placing it behind her ear. The Nord sighed, closing her eyes; not too long a go, she remembered telling him that she loved her hair played with, brushed, braided and just generally touched. His fingers brushed down her cheek, and he smiled at her, as he had seen Bronn do so with Dis. He had no need to see the look, the emotion on his face to know it was true. He understood now, why he looked for her, sought out her voice. Dear lord, the stubborn old dwarf was...dare he say it? Perhaps, not that far...but he could now admit to himself, he was attracted to her...he had feelings for the little Nord.

"Fetch your things from your room, and wish for you to stay with us the night. We leave at the first morning rays."

Erika returned to the little camp the dwarves had made camp. She had her bag, and inside it she had soap and a hair brush and the clothes from Bree, and now the clothes from Rivendell. For on her way back to the camp, she had stopped at Arwen's room, she would not have the chance to say good bye in the morning and Erika took the chance now to say good bye to her friend. She had tried to give the clothes back and Arwen had asked her to keep them, if for nothing else then to remind her that Arwen was always here as her friend. Erika had hugged Arwen, and after a tearful good bye, she ran back to the company. As she got closer, she heard them singing and thought back to dinner and the shock they had given the elves, Bofur saw her first and invited her to come sit by him.

"Erika, got any stories from Skyrim you would like to share?"

"I can't really remember any...well...there is one," Erika thought of the most famous legend, one which included her. Perhaps this would bbe an easy way, to break it to the company that...well...she was different.

"Go on?"

"I do not think you like to hear it."

The dwarves argued back, of course they wanted to hear it! They loved finding out more about Skyrim, and more importantly Erika.

"Come on lass, we'd love to know."

"Alright, well there's a legend called the Dragon Born. The Dragon Born is a mortal, with the soul and blood of a dragon. The Dragon Born can speak and understand the language of the dragons. Dragon Borns are incredibly rare, as it is down to Akatosh, who is a part of the Nine Divines, to bestow the gift amongst them whom he deems fit. The Dragon Born will learn a Thu'um, a shout. They can consume the knowledge and soul of a dragon when they slay it."

"So..it's a person, who can understand dragons and use shouts?"

"Yes, they can use a Thu'um, or a shout if you would rather. Say a dragon breathes fire? That is a Thu'um."

"So the dragon born is part dragon...but to gain extra knowledge...kills it's own kind?"

"The dragon born may have the soul and blood of a dragon but that does not define who they are!" Erika snapped, "The dragon born is sent to stop Alduin."

"Who is Alduin?" Fili asked.

"Alduin, the world eater. He would devour souls in Sovngarde, which is the afterlife of Nords."

"But what is he?"

"A dragon. You see you fear for your home, for your treasures and family; we feared for that and more. We could not escape him, even in death." Erika looked into the small camp fire that the dwarves had built,, and continued in a trance, unaware. "For you see, Alduin was injured and fled to Sovngarde to feast on the souls of our dead to recover his strength; and it was there we fought him, if I failed Skyrim...they would e destroyed and yet I do not know if I was successful or not. I saw him die and felt his soul, and then everything went black and..."

Erika froze when she realised she had let slip of her most precious secret.

Dun Dun Duuuuuuun!

Wow, that was a long chapter! I hope you all like it. Be glad I stopped it there because now I still have an idea of what will happen next so I got to quickly start the new chapter but I loose the idea!

Yes, yes. I know we haven't learnt if she still has her shouts and magic or not, but you'll find out soon enough. If it were up to you guys, what would you have? Just her magic? Just her shouts Or both? I wont say neither, because I don't think anyone of you would want to see Erika without her shouts. How would you have it revealed ?

Look forward to hearing what you all think!

Rock on,

UmbraLunae xox