Big thanks to itsYOUiSEVER for following.

Arianna Le Fay – Aww glad you enjoyed it.

Bleeding Blue Kunoichi – If only. Honestly it was just a coincidence. I didn't even realise until I uploaded it to the doc manager!

Inperfection – Yeah I'm trying to get in as much sweetness now because of what's to come.

Rachetg – They are adorable aren't they?

Nice Egan – Yes Alfred is a freak who will get what's coming to him I promise. I was toying with several moments for the proposal; some earlier and some later but I think that was the best time.

Guest – Aww please don't die of excitement!

The Lonely Mountain Borne

Pulling her fur coat around her Fira pushed her hair back from her face as the wind picked up. Yes it would help when they eventually set off for the mountain – but at the minute all it did was cause her hair to tickle her face. Slipping a gloved hand in Kili's her other hand reached up to the chain around her neck and the ring that sat there. They had both agreed not to tell the others until Smaug had been defeated. Glancing over Kili's shoulder Fira could see Fili and Mithiel standing together. Fili was still pale but he looked every bit as strong as he should be. As the Master carried on giving his speech Fira could see several others shared her impatience. Dwalin tapped his foot whilst Ori kept chewing his lip.

"How much more does he have to say?" Kili whispered. Fira giggled.

"A lot it would appear."

It was another five minutes before the Master finished and a small sigh of relief flew around the company. As they began moving onto the barge Fira gripped Kili's hand. Out of the corner of her eye she could see the mountain. Thorin would no doubt expect her to use her gift on Smaug. Supposing she failed? Supposing they put the people of Laketown in danger? Allowing Kili to help her onto the barge Fira stood in the middle of the company – not wishing to be anywhere near the sides where she would see the icy waters waiting for her. As Thorin stepped on the crowds that had gathered began cheering or waving. Feeling slightly ridiculous Fira waved back as – finally – the barge was pushed away from the pier. Sitting down on the floor Fira curled up against Kili who smiled at her.

"Excited?"

Fira shrugged and she could see the excitement on Kili's face. Of course he'd be excited. Aside from Sol he'd never seen a dragon before. Certainly never had to fight one. To him it would be an adventure. But Fira had seen what happened to victims of dragon attacks. The idea of Kili's body being among them was nauseating.

No one said anything as they travelled and the only sound that was heard was Dwalin grunting as the barge hit the shore. Fira grabbed hold of Kili to avoid falling whilst several of the others righted themselves. As Thorin got to his feet she could see a hint of tears in his eyes. She couldn't begin to imagine what this meant to him. To be so close to his old home like this. One by one the dwarves disembarked and Fira couldn't help glance at the sight in awe. She could see the top half of the Lonely Mountain and she had heavily underestimated it's size.

"It's…" trailing off she smiled at Balin who nodded.

"It's awe inspiring," he said softly.

Nodding Fira watched as Thorin turned to face them.

"Come. We have until tonight to find the hidden door."

Gripping Kili's hand Fira narrowed her eyes at the king. Mithiel was right. Something was wrong with him. He seemed harder than before. The twinkle had gone from his eyes. Shaking her head she simply followed Kili and the others as they moved away from the waters and across the plains.

"How are you doing?"

Fira smiled at Fili. She'd seen him wince every so often. He nodding.

"I'm fine honestly. My leg aches but I'm not exactly a cripple yet."

Nodding Fira realised that he had interlinked his hands with Mithiel's. The elf gave her a small smile which Fira returned. She could still remember the first time those two had laid eyes on each other. To see how far they had come was unbelievable.

"Fili! Kili! Hurry up!"

At Thorin's voice the four of them shared a glance.

"Is he alright?" Kili asked; a look of confusion on his face. Fira bit her lip.

"I imagine he's just worried. After all we do only have one day to do this. If we were to fail now...?"

It wasn't worth thinking about. After everything they had been through they couldn't fail now! Kili nodded and soon Fira found herself jogging to keep up with him.

It took them several hours but eventually the company found themselves standing before the mountain. Fira glanced nervously at the ruins around her and she could see Bilbo doing the same.

"The old city of Dale," Balin explained. Nodding Fira turned and gazed at the mountain. It stood several feet away and she had to crane her head right back to see the top. A huge pair of double doors stood at the bottom and Fira tried not to think about what would lie in wait for them inside. Glancing around she noticed everyone seemed unsure of what to do. Thorin however moved forward.

"Thorin?" Balin called. Fira watched as Thorin turned around.

"What are you all waiting for?"

"But what about Gandalf?" Bilbo piped up.

Fira bit her lip. She had forgotten about the wizards instructions about this mountain. Yet she had heard nothing of Gandalf since he left them. Supposing he didn't come at all? The what? Thorin shook his head.

"We cannot afford to wait for the wizard. We must find the hidden door."

Nodding Fira glanced up at the mountain. It was huge and chances were the door was tiny. How were they meant to find it? Licking her lips her eyes scanned every inch of this side but got nothing. Looking over her shoulder she saw Fili and Kili talking in low voices. Curiosity aroused Fira moved towards them.

"What is it?"

Both glanced over her shoulder before looking at each other. Kili nodded and Fili sighed.

"We're worried about Thorin."

Fira nodded and Kili took her hand. Fili sighed.

"I don't know if you know but uncle's grandfather, Thror, became consumed by the gold. Gold sickness they called it. It was said to run in the family although Thorin's father never had it," he cleared his throat, "Anyway I...well we both think, that's what's wrong with Thorin. He can feel the gold and he wants it. It's changing him."

"Is there a way to stop it?"

Fili and Kili both shrugged and Fira bit her lip. Now that she thought about it the mountain seemed to be affecting her to. Worming it's way inside her head. But what if it wasn't the mountain but the gold? She was still a Dragonborn after all. Dragon blood filled her veins. Pushing that thought from her head she opened her mouth when Bilbo's voice caught her attention.

"Over here!"

Turning round Fira hurried towards the Hobbit who was pointing up at the mountain. Standing by his side she could see what looked like a giant set of steps carved into the side of the rock. Thorin nodded.

"You have sharp eyes Master Baggins. Come on. We have no time to waste!"

As Thorin began running towards the mountain Fira shared a look with Kili. He gave her a comforting smile before they began hurrying along with the others. Already the sun was starting to set. Fira bit her lip – never before had she seen Thorin move so fast. By the time she and the others joined him he was already climbing up the steps that led up the mountain side. Trying not to look too out of breath Fira groaned as she saw just how high she would have to climb. Beside her she could feel Kili grab her hand.

"It's so high," he whispered, "I mean…obviously it's high. It's a mountain. But to climb it..?"

Kissing him Fira smiled "You'll be fine my love. Just don't look down."

Nodding Kili put his hands on her waist and boosted her up to the top step. Ahead of her Fili reached down and pulled her up with a smile. Turning round Fira watched as Kili swung himself up behind her. His boots slipped dangerously close to the edge and she pulled him towards her.

"Just keep your eyes on me okay?"

He took her hand, "As if I could do anything else."

Knowing she was blushing Fira turned and followed the others as they made their way up the steps. She had to give the dwarves credit, none of the steps were broken or even chipped. Keeping one hand pressed against the wall of rock Fira tried to keep her breathing steady. Her heart pounded against her ribs and she shook her head.

"Fira?"

Shaking her head Fira leant against the wall. The last thing she needed was to collapse from this height. Kili took her hands and Fir was aware of everyone stopping.

"What's wrong with her?" Thorin snapped. Fira licked her lips.

"I…I can feel him."

"Who? Fira what are you talking about?" Kili rubbed her cheeks and she nodded.

"Smaug…I can feel his presence."

Kili opened his mouth when someone pushed him aside and roughly grabbed her by the shoulders. Thorin gave a small shake.

"What can you feel?"

"I…" Fira rubbed her forehead, "I can't…"

He shook her so hard Fira expected her head to bang against the rock.

"Tell me!"

Fira licked her lips, "He's still alive. I…I can't tell you anymore. I can just feel him that's all."

Stepping back Thorin glared at her.

"I had hoped your dragon blood would be more useful than that."

"Thorin!" Kili cried. However the king had already moved away. Getting to her feet Fira smiled weakly at Kili who held her close.

"I'm sorry…I don't know why he said that."

"It's fine," Fira eased herself from his grip. However Kili was quick to take her arm again.

"You look like you're about to collapse. And at this height…" trailing off he gulped and Fira nodded. Squeezing his hand she walked alongside Kili as they carried on the climb.

By the time they reached the top the sun was starting to set and Fira could see the worry on everyone's faces. Keeping a distance between her and Thorin she watched as the king took the map from inside his coat. His gaze fell over her shoulder and she turned in time to see the sun start to vanish behind the horizon. Without realising it she was clinging tightly to Kili who rubbed her back. She could almost feel the hope building in every single company members heart. As the sun got lower and lower Fira kept glancing back, expecting to see…something. She wasn't entirely sure how the door was meant to reveal itself but she knew it would happen any moment now.

"Fee?" Kili's voice sounded loud in her ear next to the silence, "Fee shouldn't something happen?"

Fili nodded and Fira glanced back at the stone wall in front of them as the sun set. All around her the others turned expectantly.

Only nothing happened.

The stone wall stared back mockingly at them and despite what had happened earlier, Fira's heart went out to Thorin. To have come so far only for nothing. He glanced down at the map before glaring at them all.

"We must find it. Break it down if you have to."

Fira watched as Nori knelt down by the mountain. As he began tapping on the rock she bit her lip. Right up until the end these dwarves wouldn't give up. They would find the entrance. They had to. Dwalin rolled his eyes and swung his axe at the stone. Gloin did the same and Fira wrung her hands.

"Enough!" Balin cried, "That door can't be opened by force."

As the dwarves moved away Thorin shook his head.

"I don't understand," as his voice cracked Fira squeezed Kili's hand, "What did we do wrong?"

Fira wished she had the answer. Thorin turned to Balin and she could see the desperation in his eyes.

"Balin? What did we do wrong?"

"I don't know Thorin," Balin lowered his head. Fira reached up a hand to brush away the tears. This couldn't be how it ended. They had been through so much. It couldn't end like this. Thorin brought the key from his pocket and smiled sadly at it.

"That's it?" Bilbo shook his head, "You'll just give up."

No one answered him. Glancing over at Kili, Fira saw him bow his head to hide his tears. Pulling him close she pressed her lips to his cheek.

"I'm sorry."

He shook his head, "Don't be. One good thing has come from this quest and it means far more than this place ever will."

He kissed her and Fira blushed. Sensing this wasn't the time she turned to see Thorin drop the key on the stone.

"We've failed, "Dwalin said. Nodding Thorin turned and headed back down the steps. Never had he looked so defeated. One by one the dwarves followed him whilst Bilbo was shaking his head.

"There must be another way," he cried, "You can't just give up now!"

Fira watched as Fili held out a hand to Mithiel. As they followed the others she knew Kili wanted to go as well. Kissing his knuckles she smiled.

"I'll be down in a second."

Nodding he hurried after Fili as Fira turned to Bilbo. The Hobbit shook his head.

"There must be another way."

Fira sighed, "Bilbo…"

"No…just wait. Please?"

Nodding Fira watched as Bilbo paced in front of her.

"Stand by the grey stone," he pointed to the rock, "When the thrush knocks."

Fira shook her head, "Bilbo there's nothing we can do."

He flapped his hands at her, "The last light of Durins' day."

Shaking her head Fira turned to look at the sight before her. She could see the ruins of Dale despite the dark. Up above the clouds began to part and she could see a chink of moonlight shine through.

"Moonlight," turning round Fira saw Bilbo staring at the sight. They both glanced at each other.

"MOONLIGHT!"

Easing Bilbo aside Fira watched as a stream of light fell on a patch of stone – lighting up the keyhole.

"It's…oh Valar."

Bilbo said nothing and instead ran back to the steps.

"Come back! You have to come back!"

Fira glanced on the floor as Bilbo carried on shouting. The key was here somewhere.

"It's the last light of the moon! The last moon of autumn! Please come back!"

Fira bit her lip as she got down on her hands and knees to try and grab the key.

"Bilbo!"

He turned and Fira's heart jumped into her mouth as he kicked the key towards the edge of the rock. Already she was reaching when a boot came down on the key – stopping it from falling. Fira smiled weakly at Thorin as he picked the key up. Hurrying towards Kili she grinned at him. He hugged her close whilst everyone watched Thorin. Fira didn't wipe away the tears this time as Thorin put the key in the lock and turned it. Both Thorin and Balin stepped forward and Fira watched as they pushed the door open. A long dark tunnel greeted them and Fira gripped Kili's hand as tears sprung to Balin's eyes.

"Thorin..?"

"I know Balin," Thorin nodded, "I know."

Fira watched as Thorin placed a hand on the stone wall.

"I know these walls, these halls. This stone."

Fira waited for the others to enter the tunnel first. After all this was there mountain and they deserved this more than she did. Once they were all in she turned to glance at the doorway. Above it there was a carving of a throne with a strange orb above it.

"What's that?"

She pointed it out to Kili who frowned. However, Thorin got there first.

"The Arknestone."

"Arkenstone?" Fira licked her lips.

"What is that exactly?"

As Thorin looked at her and Bilbo a sense of ease came over her. No one said anything as they headed back outside and Fira realised Kili was pulling her against him.

"Thorin, what is the Arkenstone."

He sighed, "That Fira, is why you and Bilbo are here."

So on the good side they are at the Lonely Mountain; bad side Thorin's about to become a bit of a jerk thanks to the gold. But we have Smaug coming up to add some excitement for you all. Let me know what you think xxx