So I'm going to have to start putting stars in the right places to tell you the changes in character perspective, sorry I didn't do that earlier (Too lazy to work out where to find them – I'm no pc wiz)… it may have been a bit confusing. I initially put double spacing and then triple spacing and then quadruple spacing…I give up, time ofr stars, problem is, stars won't appear. How do you get the stars? Hope you enjoy this chapter. The dark is over so we'll have a little magic and then we'll travel on. Please do review :)

Of Mountains and Woodlands Chapter 5

The day before had been a long one with an even longer night and Maya was shattered. But not in a sense that she lost just about everything though that was true, it was more due to the disappointment of seeing what had become of it. Ultimately, the Wild Wood was not the only place that was homed to the Nymph's of Middle-Earth; there were other places to go, but less significant to modern history. Not many would know about them – not even Bilbo. The Forest of Nirvara was one place. They had been a secret longer than the Wild Wood had even existed and even in so being one of the high bloods of the race, she herself, wasn't even sure where that was. Maya had spent the night leaning on her pillar and looking on over the valley. The beautiful waterfalls and delicate carvings of stone that made Rivendell what it was were breath-taking and she felt safe and comfortable there. Nothing could find her,

"Maya!"

Ah, well, someone could. Maya turned her head to view the intruder: short-er, big feet, comely; Bilbo Baggins.

"Bilbo," she couldn't quite muster up the same enthusiasm upon seeing him but she smiled and welcomed him. He sat down next to her, shuffling to get comfortable,

"How are you?" he looked at her gently, concern in his eyes. Bilbo was just so lovely that Maya couldn't help but feel grateful for him being there; he always meant well and he was so out of place and he knew it but yet, he tried so hard and she admired him for it.

"I've been better, Mr Baggins, I will not lie,"

"Yes, I imagine, it's been a harsh few days," he settled his head on the pillar too, mimicking Maya's stature, "I would like to thank you. I want you to know that I would never have asked –"

"You didn't ask me to do anything, Bilbo," She looked at him in the eye, "You didn't ask for anything,"

He nodded and took a breath. Obviously, the thought of being the cause of past events had plagued him the whole night, so Maya gave him playful push with the little strength she could find. The effort caused her stomach to rumble,

"Do you think there's food around?" she squinted at him thoughtfully.

"We had breakfast earlier this morning. We thought we'd leave you be,"

That didn't help her in the slightest and all in all she was quite put out,

"What? Why would you – who does that?!"

And she was on her feet in search of left overs before Bilbo had any time to explain. She was actually quite irritable, she hadn't slept the whole night and she hadn't eaten since the morning before, everything just seemed so grim. She wondered the halls for what seemed like hours before she found out where the food was. The table was still set and where every other place mat was grubby and well used, her little place on the corner of the table was untouched. She sat down alone and helped herself to the salads and breads with all assortments of butters and jams. It was the most beautiful thing she'd ever seen. Or so it appeared in her current state of mind.

She hadn't been sitting long when her name, in a low, gruff voice, made its way to her ears. She looked up with a mouthful of bread to find Thorin making his heavy stepped way towards the table. He took a seat opposite her without another word but he did so slowly.

"Thorin," she replied. He seemed relaxed and not in a rush. It was whole new aura that surrounded him though he seemed a little cautious towards her.

"I didn't see you at supper,"

"Nope, but you knew where I was," she took another bite. He glanced down at his thick hands looking guilty at being caught in the act whence he thought he did his sneaking so splendidly.

"I didn't want to disturb you,"

"And I appreciate that," she finished chewing and took another swallow, "I do. Thank you,"

She looked at him through tired eyes and although she might not have been able to portray her appreciation in her words, she relied on her face to be more giving. She did need mean it, she had needed the time to mull over everything that had just happened, to deal with the hurt and she liked that he had checked on her without trying to make himself known.

"Are you well?"

"No, but I'll be fine in the end," she looked out over the city again, "Give me a day or two. If you could spare it…if you can't, then I'll either endure it or I'll catch up with you,"

"You don't have to come,"

"Yes, I do. My home is not really home anymore and now I know what it feels like. I'm coming, Thorin Oakenshield," she buttered another slice of bread and looked at him as she took another bite with a look of challenge-me-if-you-dare written in smug confidence all over her face. She caught the smile he gave from beneath his eyebrows and felt like a champion for doing so. Thorin never seemed to smile much so it was always a triumph.

"We'll spend another two days here and then we'll be on," his voice turned to a more business like tone, "Will you be ready?"

"Well, I guess I'll have to be,"

Their conversation didn't go much further than that but he didn't leave and Maya enjoyed the quiet company. She felt comfort in having someone just be with her instead of speaking so much. She enjoyed the talks but sometimes, it was more enjoyable to be with someone and be up in your own head while they were up in theirs. Sometimes it was nice to just look at each other. The moment moved on when Gandalf walked in on the quiet, his shuffling steps drew their attention and as he caught Maya's eye, she felt the rage again. She didn't like it, didn't like him at that moment either so she got up, gave him a curt nod, gave Thorin one more passing glance and left.

"Hmm," Gandalf poured himself some water and watched Maya's departure, "Doesn't seem like she's in any mood to talk to me let alone forgive me just yet,"

"No," Thorin looked up at him, his expression unwelcoming and cold. Gandalf frowned down at him,

"Neither are you, so it seems,"

"You led us in the wrong direction, into a place we did not know and made us all endure unnecessary dangers for nothing. I am angry,"

"For that or because I almost got Maya killed,"

"Both, if you must know,"

Gandalf sat down and sighed,

"I did make a mistake, Thorin, I will grant you that. I am sorry, but I had to know,"

"You wasted our time," he glared at him, his blue, blue eyes hardening. But Gandalf would have none of it and he lost his patience once more. It seemed to be happening more and more frequently, so Thorin noticed. Whether it was just at him or everything, he wasn't sure but he also noticed that he didn't really care. If Gandalf was in a huff, he would just have to deal with it for Thorin had firmly set in his mind that he had nothing to do with it and that was the way it was going to stay.

"You dwarves hold your grudges for far too long," Gandalf grumbled through pursed lips, "You're especially good at holding grudges that aren't your own,"

"That's a new development and you know it. You also know why,"

"Oh yes I do," Gandalf took another sip. Thorin ignored that.

"Everyone is now my responsibility because they came; I owe them whatever protection I can give them,"

"Oh, that I didn't know," Gandalf dipped his head in a knowing fashion. It annoyed Thorin even more, what was he playing at?

"What did you know instead, then?"

"Oh, a great deal. I take pride in my sight as well as my knowledge,"

Thorin looked at him blankly and blinked.

"You said it yourself back at Bag-End: If we have seen the signs, do you not think others would have seen them too? It may refer to a singular form in this situation, however. If I have seen the signs, do you not things others would have seen them too?"

By the time Gandalf had finished formulating his sentence; he had lost himself in his thoughts and was staring off into the distance. Thorin knew very well to what Gandalf was referring and he might have retaliated but he thought better of it and so kept his pride intact by rather let what was, be. Gandalf's little smile soon turned into a little frown and his face turned solemn.

"There is something you must know, now, though. The answers I was looking for in the Wood are here too. You remember the map; you now know where you are to go?"

Thorin nodded slowly, cautiously, waiting for what came next.

"The White Council meets in 2 night's time,"

"You mean to stay while we go?" Thorin felt hesitation grab hold of his head, voices, nudges, feelings telling him that it was a terrible idea to leave without Gandalf and that he should delay. He was on the verge of stating just that, but Gandalf brought the thought to an abrupt halt,

"Yes, I do. It gives us the advantage, for you are right in knowing that they will try stop you. But they also believe that you will not go without me, so with that in mind -"

"We should go without you,"

Gandalf tapped his head and Thorin's anxiety grew even more knowing that he had no choice. Gandalf was right and it made sense, but he did not like the idea of leaving without their wizard. As much as he hated to admit it, Gandalf was a pretty handy life-line at the best of times. But if go they must, then go they would. Thorin excused himself from the company of the wizard and started to make his way out, but then he stopped and turned back,

"We will wait for you in the misty mountains,"

"Agreed, but be mindful and keep your wits about you over those mountains. The rock is smooth and the rains come down hard. Be light of foot and deft of hand, mountains are seldom lonely places,"

Thorin raised his chin and narrowed his eyes, remembering the stories. He stroked his beard, glanced thoughtfully back, nodded and departed.

Bilbo had spent the day wandering around Rivendell in awe of his surroundings. He had to admit, the Wild Wood had been an exciting concept up until a point. That had been a let-down of the grandest scale, but Rivendell was all he read about and so much more; more beautiful, more elegant, more magical and more to his liking. Roaming through lush gardens on marble paths as white as snow and splashing clear, clean water on his face, he could just feel his skin relishing in such comfort. The elves, themselves, were magnificent to look upon. Tall, slim, shimmering with beauty, skin so clear it seemed to glow. The way they walked was more of a glide and more often than not Bilbo had found his mouth hanging open in admiration.

The day had grown old once more when he had finished with his wonderings. The sun hang low, the night's canvas appeared as if it were backlit with little holes to let the light shine through. He sat on a bench and watched the stars twinkle above him.

"Bilbo,"

Bilbo started at the sound of his name, his dreams retreating back into his head. It was Maya and her bag looking weary with little sacks that had formed below her eyes.

"Good evening," he was still a bit startled at being disturbed so suddenly, "I – what – how are you?"

Maya gave him a sympathetic smile at his fumbling and looked up at the sky,

"It's a perfect evening," her voice melodic and whimsical as if she was further away than Bilbo could ever have been, "I feel like dancing. Could use a friend, though," she glanced at him but Bilbo was negligent of the offer,

"No, no, I can't dance. I will stand with you I will sit with you, but I cannot dance,"

She narrowed her eyes curiously at him,

"Have you ever tried?"

"No, I don't intend too,"

She didn't push him as he expected her too. In fact, she accepted it with grace rather than riddles and charm,

"Very well, Mr Baggins," she started backing away down a path Bilbo had not yet trodden, "Enjoy the night sky,"

She spun wistfully and made her way into the night time. Bilbo couldn't help but get the feeling he was going to miss out on something wonderful. But Hobbits have pride too, he had rejected her offer of a dance and in retrospect, she had declined his immobile company. So in theory, he was going to stay put and enjoy the air in his lungs. His feet had a different plan and he followed stealthily behind her. He followed her until she had taken a sudden left and walked into bushes, emerging on the other side, in a clearing. He had never thought to cut through the plants before and this was quite something. It was purposefully hidden so that it could be found by those who chose to wonder. It had green, short cut grass that was soft beneath the toes and a statue of a guard that lingered on the outskirts – quite fitting. There was nothing in the middle, just grass and the sky above them. The surrounding trees giving it the air of secrecy.

He watched in wonder as she laid down her bag and pulled her fire weapon from it. This time, she was careful, more gentle and loving towards it. She removed her boots and other weapons. She rolled her pants to the knee and let her shirt hang free. She tied back her hair in a half pony tail and undid the leather from her arms. The scarring there was from a burn. A burn or many burns…Bilbo wasn't too sure but he watched on. She placed everything out of the way and then placed herself in the middle of the garden. She lit her fires and took a breath, shutting her eyes, she began to sway. The sound of blowing fire emanating from the little balls, little paths began to ignite the air and she was enveloped once more but this time, it looked as if the flames were caressing her body and limbs, kissing them, dancing with her. She hopped, she twirled, she skipped and every once in a while her shirt would lift but a little and the fabled tattoo he had read about would show itself, it was of a vine. He remembered reading about how they were drawn on the body once the girl or boy had come of age, a mark of adolescence. She was smiling to herself, and in the moments when Bilbo was able to look, he saw people, elves looking on as well. There for only moment before moving on. There was someone else just behind the statue but Bilbo could not make out who it was. It didn't matter; he was witnessing something far more important, far more beautiful. He saw how Maya had begun to smile to herself, sometimes she would laugh at her mistakes, for she would set herself alight every now and then, it hurt, but her skin would heal as it always had: excrete a little more water than it usually would and the wound would heal quickly and she would be left with nothing but another scar. Sometimes she just stared at her hands and then she would glance at the fire and then back at her hands. Sometimes, she would just stand there and think. Her face would always drop when she stood and thought. Then she would dance again and she would smile and laugh and get burned and think. Her fires went out after a while and she was left at the mercy of the moon. Beneath the silver ray, amidst her smoke and burning clothes, Bilbo finally saw a bit of relief. So this was what made her happy, made the pain go away and made the world so magical. The air was still alight with fireflies, glow worms, butterflies and rose-beetles – everything. It was something that was incredibly fragile, so surreal that it was unspeakably close to being nothing more than an illusion set to disappear the moment you shut your eyes, so he dared not blink. As she stood, a rustle in the bushes caught her attention and she looked up slowly in the direction of the intruder. It was where Bilbo saw someone, but someone wasn't there anymore. He looked back to see Maya packing up her stuff and with that, he took his leave. He was now the happiest Hobbit there ever was. He saw magic in its purest form and he would never forget it. He strutted happily on by, bowing to Thorin, pausing with a little frown upon seeing him and then shrugging it off. Thorin stood with his arms crossed, leaning against another one of Rivendell's great statues. He nodded in recognition but said nothing.

Maya emerged from the bushes, soot all over her cheeks and upon seeing Thorin's amused face she stopped and gave him a queer look,

"Evening," she dared say,

"Good evening," his face remained unchanged. Maya began to move on awkwardly knowing his amused gaze was following her.

"I wonder if I might walk with you,"

She turned back to him, surprised. He was no longer leaning on the statue. He strolled slowly up to her side, looking around before he looked at her,

"Wonder away, but you'll never know if you don't ask," she smirked but that disappeared quickly, she didn't feel like smirking. Her dance was over and the fatigue was back, her feet and legs like weights. But he gave her a light smile,

"May I walk with you?"

She gestured to him as an answer and so they slowly walked side by side. Sometimes Maya felt his arm brush hers. He was walking very close, not that she minded but it was something she noticed. It was a silent stroll with shared glances. It was a different feeling to the looks they had shared at her breakfast. It felt like it meant more, but to who, she couldn't quite figure out.

"Does dancing make you happy? Seems like it,"

The comment caught off her guard, in slight disbelief she hadn't seen him but she couldn't reply for he didn't seem to be finished,

"I don't suppose you can call it a recovery but to repair a smile so quickly. It's a rare gift to find happiness in such a short space of time,"

"Happiness?" she glanced at him, thinking about her answer, "That's a strange word. I haven't thought of it in months. I don't think it fits. I find happiness in small things at small times, but to be happy as a whole, that's been a challenge for a long time," she bit her lip, "Funny, you don't realise it wasn't there until someone draws attention to it,"

"I am sorry, I did not mean too –"

"No, that's not what I meant. It's not a bad thing, it's just a thing. I think it's good to recognise it, I'm glad you did. But to answer your question, Thorin Oakenshield; yes, it does make me happy. I feel free!" she brought her fists into her chest, "Our clan of the Wild Wood was taught to dance but I don't think anybody else loved it quite as much,"

"Interesting," Thorin muttered ponderously, he folded his arms again and resumed his air of royalty and pride, "For beings so fond of water, it's a strange thing to arm you with fire,"

She stepped lightly from him, feeling as if she was invading his kingly bubble or maybe that his kingly bubble was popping hers.

"It is, but you see that's my love. The dancing, though, I agree with you. It is strange, I can't explain it,"

"You don't have too," he stopped and a little out of focus, she walked a little ahead before noticing. He was looking at her intensely,

"What is it?"

He paused, his face calm and poised, the corners of his lips curling,

"It's you, I think,"

He walked passed her, rubbing the smile off his face. She scratched her head for quite suddenly their came an itch. Heat was in her cheeks and with a different burning sensation, she followed. She didn't follow all the way; in fact she took an altogether different road to bed. She fell asleep easily but she dreamed and dreamed and dreamed and she would still wake up in cold sweats, but then Thorin and his Kingly confidence would stroll into her thoughts and she would rest once more, always with a smile, always in a slight state of surprise of the feeling of contentment that accompanied such thoughts. Her father said once, that when one thinks happy, it generally means one is happy…in some small way or another and no matter how low the blow, the easier it is to pick oneself up. It had been one day, and she was tired and broken and everything else terrible but she was going to bed with a small smile. Happiness seemed to be returning to her.

So the last chapter may not have been as heart breaking as I was planning it to be, but honestly, it wasn't about you it was about me. I felt terrible about putting Maya through the initial plan, so I didn't. Eh, just a note, agains. I have an idea, I know exactly what I want to do with le characters and where I want them to go…obvious. But I haven't read the book in aaages and the movies will be of no help at this rate so I'm just going to wing it when the time comes. Thanks for the support. Peace