Big thanks to Valderoy4 and Bree-Anonymous for following/favouriting.

Nice Egan – It was wasn't it? It'll be hard but I have a feeling he might just do it. As for Thorin finding someone…you'll have to wait and see!

Rachetg – I'd love to be in a relationship like theirs!

Writersarereaders – Glad you are still enjoying it.

Out of Mirkwood

Kneeling down at her door Mithiel kept one ear pressed against the wood whilst her hands remained at the lock. One elf had already visited to check her for injuries and another had come with food. Both times Mithiel had begged to be allowed out to go and see Fili and both times the door had been slammed in her face. She bit her lip. Her old clothes had been cleaned and mended and giving back to her. But there was something wrong about them. They no longer had the comforting smell of the company any more. Waiting for the footsteps from outside to die down Mithiel smiled to herself as she heard the lock click. Taking the pin out she got to her feet.

"1…2…3!"

Pulling the door opened she peered into the empty corridor. Licking her lips she hurriedly shut the door behind her and began walking as fast as she could. Those elves had certainly been stupid not to blindfold her as she was led to her room. Or maybe they were so confident that she wouldn't escape? Either way she could remember the way to where she had been separated from Fili. And then it wouldn't take a genius to work out where the dungeons were. She knew she shouldn't but she couldn't help but replay the scene in her head. Fili begging to stay with his sick brother and being knocked senseless for his troubles. It wasn't that uncommon for people to die from such head wounds.

No. Mithiel shook her head. Fili wasn't going to die. She wouldn't let that happen. Peering around the corner Mithiel smiled as once again she was faced with an empty flight of steps. Running down two at a time she had to suddenly duck into a small alcove at the bottom of the tree as Legolas and another elf came into view. Pressing herself as far back as she could Mithiel didn't dare breathe as the two elves stopped a few feet from her hiding place.

"The prisoners' weapons," Legolas said, "Where are they?"

"Locked up in the armoury my lord," the other elf pointed behind him in what Mithiel hoped was the direction of the armoury. Legolas nodded.

"I'll give the she elf her's back. We can't expect her to go to Rivendell completely defenceless."

The other elf nodded and the pair moved on. As they passed Mithiel let out a small, shaky breath. One thing was clear. She wasn't going back to Rivendell. Even when this quest finished she wouldn't go back. She thought back to Fili's offer of staying at Erebor. Since meeting him in Rivendell she knew there was something about him. She hadn't been able to describe it. But there was something about him that made her stomach flutter. And when he smiled at her..?

Mithiel chewed on her lip. He was a prince. No doubt he had a girl back home whom he loved. He certainly wouldn't love her. But the question was; did she want him to love her? Mithiel's head was soon bursting with these thoughts as she got halfway down a corridor. Stopping outside a door she wondered if this was the armoury. It was the only door she had passed on her way here and she doubted there would be another door. Pulling her pin out she made quick work of the lock.

"Brilliant!"

Weapons stared back at her. The ones belonging to the Mirkwood elves were nicely stored against the wall. In the corner of the room however was a huge piles of swords and axes. Double checking to make sure no one was coming Mithiel hurried over to the pile. An idea formed in her mind as she picked up Fili's swords. She hadn't realised they had belonged to his father. Grabbing a cloak hanging from the wall Mithiel tied it round her neck to act as cover. Slipping knives into her belt she grabbed Fili's swords and tied them to the inside of her thigh. Grabbing Kili's bow she also took her own weapons as well. Looking down at herself she bit her lip. Even with the cloak it was obvious what she was carrying. She just had to hope she didn't meet anyone on the way.

Making sure the door was shut tightly behind her Mithiel carried on towards the dungeons.

Leaning his head against the bars on his door Fili ran a hand through his hair. It had been ages since Fira had been dragged down here and he couldn't keep his mind from Mithiel. Supposing Thranduil hurt her? Supposing he sent back to Rivendell without letting her say goodbye? Before he knew what was happening a single tear dripped down Fili's cheek. He just wanted to see her. Even if it was to say goodbye. He just wanted to know she was okay.

"Fili."

Fili raised his head at Kili's voice. As he did so he was aware of the others getting to their feet and peering out of their cells. A figure made their way down the steps. A good foot taller than him but not tall enough to be an elf.

"Mithiel!"

Jumping to his feet Fili watched as Mithiel stopped at the first cell. He saw her pass something through the bars before moving on to the next one. His cell was the last in the line and he stood there patiently as she spoke to each dwarf in turn. Once she was closer he realised she was passing weapons through. Kili took his bow back along with Fira's sword and Fili realised he was dusting down his tunic and coat. As Mithiel knelt by his cell door he gave her a warm smile.

"Are you alright?" He could hear the fear in her voice, "Is your head alright?"

Fili nodded, "A small bump and nothing more."

As she smile Fili knew he was blushing. She had such a beautiful smile. Gripping the bars he watched as Mithiel pulled her cloak back. Even though he knew he shouldn't Fili's eyes strayed to her long legs. As she undid some string around her thigh he couldn't help his gasp. Mithiel passed his father's swords through the bars and Fili held them to his chest.

"Thank you."

She nodded, "I imagine knives might be more useful for an escape. But I have nothing of my father. I understand what they mean to you."

Nodding Fili sat back down against the door and pushed the swords to one side. Mithiel then slid her bow and quiver full of arrows through.

"Keep them safe for me please. I don't have long before they realise I'm gone."

Fili bit his lip as he saw her hands were sliding closer to the bars. As subtly as he dared he covered the tips of her fingers with his.

"Run Mithiel. Just run. Get out of here."

"Where would I go?"

Fili had no answer, "I don't know. But please run. I can't bear the thought of you being a prisoner here."

She pressed her forehead to the bars.

"As long as I'm here with you I know I'll be fine."

Fili peered into her eyes before inching forward. Soon there were only inches separating their faces. Mithiel looked like she wanted to say something when shouts could be heard above them. Fili licked his lips.

"Mithiel just go."

She nodded before sitting up onto her knees. Not giving himself a chance to think about it Fili leant forward and hurriedly kissed her on the cheek. A blush spread over her face and he knew the same thing was happening to him. Mithiel smiled shyly before getting to her feet and running. But she was too late. Fili pushed the weapons back out of sight as two elves blocked her path. Mithiel flashed him a reassuring smile before she was roughly led out of the dungeons. Fili banged on the door of his cell but he got no reply. Sitting back he glanced over at his swords.

Mithiel must have known she would be caught. Yet she risked it just to give them weapons. Just to give him the only thing he had of his father.

But did that mean she loved him?

Pressing his body against the wall Bilbo bit his lip as he saw the two elves dragging Mithiel along the corridor. Even though he knew he was invisible he couldn't help but freeze as Mithiel happened to glance his way. It was pure coincidence of course. She couldn't see him any more than the guards could. The three passed him and Bilbo waited a few seconds before following. He might be invisible but if he made the slightest sound he would be heard. He'd already seen Fira's…altercation with Thranduil and Bilbo knew if Kili set eyes on the elven king he'd go mental. Pushing that from his mind he hurried to keep up with the elves. Mithiel didn't fight as she was dragged back. Bilbo waited patiently as one guard held her whilst the other opened a door and then pushed her in before locking it. Silently tapping his foot impatiently Bilbo waited until they were out of ear shot before he pulled the ring off.

He knew he'd never get use to that feeling. His inside recoiled and shuddered. Sliding the ring into his pocket Bilbo shook his head before running and gently knocking on the door.

"What now!"

"It's me. It's Bilbo." He didn't dare raise his voice above a loud whisper.

"Bilbo!"

He smiled at the shock in her voice.

"But…but how?"

"There's no time," Bilbo's hand strayed to the ring in his pocket. The dwarves couldn't know about this. If they did then they'd want to take it from him.

"Where are the others?"

"In the dungeons. Fira's with them as well."

"Okay. Mithiel listen, I'll get you all out."

"Go to the others first."

"But…"

"Just do it Bilbo!"

Shaking his head Bilbo nodded before slipping the ring back onto his finger and running back the way he had just come.

Fili hadn't moved from his spot since Mithiel had been recaptured. The sight of those two elves laying their hands on her had made his blood boil. He hadn't realised he could be so angry about something.

"I'll wager the sun is on the rise," Balin said sadly. Fili gave a slow nod. He knew he should care about the fact that they wouldn't reach the mountain in time but he really didn't. The quest didn't matter to him; not really. He just wanted to get Mithiel out and get her somewhere safe. Only now did he understand Kili's wish to keep Fira in Rivendell.

"We're never going to reach the mountain are we?" Ori said.

"Not stuck in here you're not."

"Bilbo?" Fili got to his feet, "It's Bilbo!"

He could hear the others calling out the Hobbit's name and at the annoyed look on Bilbo's face Fili stifled his laugh.

"Shush! There are guards about!"

Fili wasted no time in pulling on his coat and strapping his swords to his back. Fortunately the elves had missed two of his many knives. He then picked up Mithiel's weapons and held them close. One by one the cells were opened and as his was Fili hurried towards Kili and pulled him into a hug. Kili beamed at him and Fili wondered if his brother had seen him kiss Mithiel. He hoped not. The last thing he needed was his brothers teasing.

"C'mon, this way," Bilbo gestured to a flight of steps heading down. As the dwarves began to file past him Fili grabbed his arm.

"Mithiel."

Bilbo nodded "I'll take you to her."

The hobbit then looked over at Thorin.

"Wait for me in the cellars."

Fili could hear the annoyed mutterings of the dwarves. But none of that mattered as he followed Bilbo back up the steps. The hobbit might have been small but he was fast and Fili had to jog to keep up with him. After many twists, turns and more stairs they finally came to a stop outside a door. Bilbo knocked on it gently.

"Mithiel."

"Bilbo!"

At her voice Fili smiled.

"Mithiel it's me. Are you alright."

"Yes I'm fine."

Nodding Fili moved away from the door.

"Stand back."

After giving her a few seconds he kicked the door open with a single blow. Moving forward he smiled at Mithiel and handed over her things. She blushed at him and for a moment Fili wondered if he'd made a mistake in kissing her. Shaking his head he took her hand and the pair followed Bilbo through the palace.

Fira never let go of Kili's hand. All of the dwarves were waiting by the barrels and none of them looked happy about it.

"What's his plan this time!" Dwalin grumbled. Fira shook her head.

"If you want to go back to your cell Dwalin then be my guest."

The dwarf flashed her a glare and she bit her lip.

"I'm sorry. I'm just tired."

Kili kissed her cheek, "I know my darling. But we'll be safe soon."

No one said anything. However, as Bilbo finally came into view, Fira's gaze landed on Fili and Mithiel.

Or rather the interlinked hands on Fili and Mithiel.

Fira smiled at Kili who winked at her. They had both seen Fili kiss the elf before she had been caught. It was getting more and more obvious he loved her. Bilbo smiled at them.

"Right, into the barrels."

No one moved and he shook his head, "Just trust me. Okay?"

Kili was the first to nod. Fira watched as he climbed into a barrel. One by one the others did so as well although it was far harder for Mithiel. Fira had to be thankful she wasn't as tall as other elves. Seeing there were no other empty barrels she smiled at Kili.

"Mind if I share?"

His answer was to reach out and pull her into his barrel. The barrels were resting on their sides so Fira was lying on top of Kili. He wrapped his arms around her waist to keep her steady.

"Now what?" Bofur called.

Bilbo said nothing and Fira watched as the Hobbit pulled a lever. She felt the floor below them start to move and as the barrels began to roll she clung to Kili.

"Hold on love." He muttered.

Fira had time to nod before they landed in the water.

Fira held her breathe as water filled the barrel. Kili tightened his grip on her and only when the barrel flipped upright did she take a breath. Kili beamed at her. His coat and tunic were completely soaked and his hair was plastered to his face. Fira knew she and the others were in a similar state. Kili gripped the barrel with one hand and held her by the waist with the other. Fira sighed.

"You're enjoying this aren't you?"

He gave an innocent enough shrug and she kissed him on the corner of his mouth. Looking around Fira counted thirteen barrels for thirteen dwarves and it was at this point that her heart sank.

"Bilbo," she gasped. Kili hugged her tight.

"He'll be fine," he said.

Fira nodded before looking behind her. Catching sight of a figure clinging to Nori's barrel she broke into a smile.

"Well done Master Baggins," Thorin said. Bilbo waved his hand away as the barrels began to float down the river. Still underneath the woodland realm Fira couldn't deny Bilbo's plan had been pretty ingenious. Not that she was going to admit that when surrounded by a group of dwarves; but as she looked at Bilbo the pair of them nodded to each other.

"Come on," Thorin said as he began to paddle his barrel through the water. As the rest of the company followed suite Fira noticed Kili hadn't taken his eyes off her face. Aware that she could be blushing she looked over at him. He brushed her hair from his face and Fira bit her lip.

"Kili?"

He gently caressed her bruised cheek.

"If I see that elven king again he'll regret doing that."

"Doing what?"

Fira turned to see Dwalin's barrel was now floating beside theirs. The dwarf glanced at her cheek and he gave a low growl.

"I'll be next in line after you lad."

Fira lowered her head. She still didn't understand why these dwarves were so protective over her. Kili kissed her forehead as she looked down at the river. He nudged her.

"Don't worry. I won't let you drown."

Fira smiled. She went to reply when she heard Thorin yelling.

"Hold on!"

Fira grabbed hold of Kili as he held the barrel. It dropped a few feet before landing in the water again. Looking back she saw they were no longer underground and were instead surrounded by trees and banks on both sides. The small waterfall behind them grew smaller and smaller as the current pushed the barrels along. Pushing her wet hair from her eyes Fira watched as Dwalin spat water from his mouth, glaring at the half drowned figure of Bilbo as if it was his fault. However, Fira's gaze was fixed on the small open gateway in front of her. The guards on the bridge weren't even looking in the direction of the river and once again she could feel hope bubbling inside of her. Thorin began paddling again to try and force his barrel to move faster. The others began doing the same when a loud horn rang out from somewhere behind them. One of the guards looked down and Fira saw his eyes widened as he reached out and grabbed at a large lever sticking out of the wall.

"No!" Thorin yelled as the gate began to shut.

He tried to paddle faster but his efforts were useless and his hands brushed against the metal gate as it clanged shut. Several more barrels hit Thorins as the company began to cluster under the small spot beneath the bridge. The elf who had pulled down the lever fixed Thorin with a glare before pulling out his own sword. The dwarves who had knives pulled them out although Fira knew the game was up. Kili held her tightly against him in a show of protection. The elf raised his sword but before he could do anything a thick arrow hit him in the neck and he fell to the ground. Fira bit down a cry as a huge orc jumped over the bridge and stood over the dead elf.

And now we come to one of my favourite scenes from this film! And it'll certainly be interesting I promise you that. Thought we all deserved some nice Fili/Mithiel moments as I feel like I've neglected those two a bit. Let me know what you think xxx