Thorin led Tauriel into the little building where they kept Rhavaniel. The Dwarves had selected a building with a sturdy roof, at the mid-point of the City.

Rhavaniel looked a sad sight, exhausted from crying, with bandaged hand and foot, and bruises and scrapes on her face.

Tauriel knew Rhavaniel by sight, but had never spoken more than 'good day' to her before. She introduced herself in Elvish.

Rhavaniel responded in Common Speech, "I am most happy to see you. Did they tell you already about the Orcs? The ones who took Glennodad and Vehiron?"

Tauriel nodded, "Yes. We will return soon to inform our King and set the Guard to patrols."

"I do not understand how this happened. How could we not die first? Our souls were supposed to leave... " Rhavaniel shook from the effort of suppressing more tears. Bilbo put a comforting hand on her shoulder.

Tauriel sat beside Rhavaniel, "I do not profess to know, but a dark sorcery must have been in play that prevented it. Or perhaps Glennodad and Vehiron did leave their bodies and some other dark soul was put in them. We will ask our learned ones these questions together."

"Then you will take me home?" Rhavaniel asked, glancing at Thorin. "My Dwarf hosts have been most gracious, but my family must be sick with worry, and I miss them terribly."

Tauriel assured her, "Yes, we will take you home. First, I need to know everything about these Orcs."

Kili spoke up, "We should make you a map of the encounters." he looked at Thorin, who nodded his reluctant approval.

Ori provided paper and pen to Rhavaniel, and she and Kili sat with Tauriel, sketching the Orcs in every detail they could recall, and mapping all conflicts.

Kili was careful to keep his eyes downcast. He knew Rhavaniel must be considering their plan from last night - that she slip away and hide in the ruined west bell tower. He was tempted to let her do it, slip away himself, and then run away together. These were stupid, childish ideas. He did not want her anywhere near Lonely Mountain when Thorin and Company opened that gate. Why had he brought her so close to a dragon in the first place? He had to do what was best for everyone, especially Rhavaniel.

Kili pointed to the east bell tower of Dale, "This is the first place the Orcs of Azog attacked us."

He looked Rhavaniel in the eyes and pointed to the west bell tower. "This West bell tower is not safe, not at all. Only Orcs would go there."

Rhavaniel understood. That had been her only hope.

"I want you to have something." Kili told Tauriel. He pulled the Orc whip from his coat and handed it to her. "This is the kind of whip the Birdclaw Orcs carry. Your elders may be able to decipher clues - what the marks on the handle mean or where it came from."

Tauriel took it. "You killed the Orc that wielded this?"

"No," Kili replied, "Rhavaniel did, when she came back for me. She's a very good Elf, very brave and loyal to her people. The Guard would be lucky to have her."

Thorin approached and Kili began to speak rapidly to Tauriel, "She would be better suited to apprentice with a Guard than at the forge. You are very kind, I know that from when we were in the Keep. You should take Rhavaniel to watch over and train her. She will mind you, and in return, you can keep her safe." Kili shot a pleading glance at Rhavaniel, then Tauriel.

Thorin stood beside them, "You are satisfied that they have told you all they know, and that it be true?"

Tauriel stood, "Yes, we are agreed. Your nephew is a credit to you. We are grateful for this information, and for keeping a young one of our kind safe. This will not be forgotten."

"That is the Dwarf way. Not like we'd throw her in prison." Thorin allowed himself a hint of sarcasm.

Tauriel turned to Rhavaniel, "Do you have your things?"

Rhavaniel nodded, "Yes, Ma'am."

"You should say goodbye to your hosts before we go." Tauriel said comfortingly.

"That is done." Thorin dismissed.

"I have to carry her out to the meeting place." Kili quickly scooped Rhavaniel up before Thorin could protest.

Fili tried to cool a seething Thorin, "You said she could not walk." and picked up Rhavaniel's meager belongings. Tauriel collected the map and sketches and followed them all out the door.

They walked quietly back to the meeting location. Rhavaniel curled up silently in Kili's arms.

"It is good that you are going home, back to your nest, little black bird." Kili assured her. "All of your adventures will be from books for a few more years. That is how it should be."

Prince Legolas had been replaced by a second Elf Guard with a horse for Rhavaniel to mount, as they had been told an injured Elf was returning to them. Kili lifted Rhavaniel on to the horse with the help of the younger Guard, and shortened the stirrups.

Tauriel took Rhavaniel's belongings from Fili with a simple 'thank you'.

Thorin was glad to see the Elf Guard who had called Rhavaniel 'cursed' still there. Thorin approached him, "Good luck keeping an eye on that one all the way to Mirkwood. I would warn you to hide your valuables, but there does not seem to be a lock she cannot pick." And with that, the seeds of doubt were planted.