Chapter Five: Running East

Gemma had never cared about being athletic before today. She'd played multiple sports as a kid, but when she got older, she hated the over-competitiveness of team sports and they quickly lost their appeal. Her father had taken her hiking and biking many times over the years, which she had enjoyed. Gemma had even gone mountain climbing once, but that was a little too extreme for her. Never had she been a fan of running, though. While she was not overweight, her muscles were not prone to being over-taxed either. She would describe herself as soft, maybe curvy in the right outfit. When she began her office job in Maine two years ago, she had tried to visit a gym to keep off the weight gained from doing nothing but sitting at her desk all day. However, after a month, she no longer cared enough or couldn't spare the time and extra money working out cost. Gemma had grudgingly accepted the extra ten or fifteen pounds she'd put on, trying to eat healthier to balance out the lack of exercise. Today, she was severely regretting those past decisions.

If Gemma had not been running for her life, she might have muttered, "Boy, was I a fool in school for cutting gym," in a sing-song-y voice. But, at the moment, Disney movies were the last thing on her mind. In all actuality, any thought pertaining to the real world, her world, had fled out of Gemma's mind faster than she and the dwarves had fled from the wargs and orc pack that were currently hot on their trail.

Long grass and sharp bushes scraped her denim jeans as Gemma ran alongside Dwalin and Thorin. She was near the back of the group, racing to catch up to the wizard who led her frightened fellows. Gandalf was a wizard who had survived many things worse than the situation they were in and catching up with Gandalf meant safety. Her lungs burned, her throat was dry, and her legs felt rubbery. The dwarves were surprisingly very fast; Gemma was having a difficult time not falling behind. As she ran, her vision stuttering up and down, she noted Bilbo right behind the grey wizard with a touch of relief. He was so small and so polite. Later, she would be intrigued at how fast she'd become fond of the little hobbit.

Gemma's vision was suddenly filled with yellowing grass and weeds on the ground as she stumbled over a hole in the hillside. Her left ankle flared with a white-hot heat when she fell. Her bag flew over her shoulder and she saw Nori grab it as he flew past her. He really was quick with his hands, Gemma thought, desperately thanking him in her mind. She jumped up frantically, cringing as her ankle protested, but she had no time to assess the damage. Someone grabbed her arm and she was pulled along, running and hobbling as fast as she could.

The wizard halted behind an outcropping of large grey boulders, the company quickly following his lead. Gemma took quick gasps of breath when they stopped and saw it was Thorin's hand that was wrapped tight around her arm. "Thank you," she wheezed at him. He nodded, a scowl on his face, and let go when Gandalf said, "Come on," the wizard leading them forwards again.

Loud howls were heard in the not-as-far-as-she-wished distance and Gemma tried to urge her legs to go faster. The rocky hillside they ran through did its best to shelter them from their enemies, but it made for a difficult terrain to traverse. Gemma heard loud angry shouts in some deep language that chilled her even as she soaked with sweat. She dodged boulders and bushes as best she could and they kept on running.

They all halted as they saw Radagast on his sled dash across the field in front of them, an angry group of wargs and orcs following close behind him. Too close, too close! Gemma thought. "Stay together," Gandalf commanded them and they turned around to flee in the other direction. "Move!" shouted Thorin, trying to be heard over the barking and the sound of massive paws hitting the earth too close to his men.

Gemma was in the middle of the group now. The change in direction had helped her maneuver closer to Gandalf, at least. The dwarves rushed to follow the wizard, their baggage slowing them down. She was once again silently grateful to Nori for grabbing her bag off the ground. She had no such burden to hinder her running yet she was still barely able to match their speed. Her ankle throbbed and she tried to ignore it.

The wizard stopped again behind a group of rocks and they all tried not to run into each other as they rounded the bend, stopping as soon as they could. Gemma had a hard time stopping at all and almost went past them, stopping just in time behind the boulder. She saw a smaller dwarf having the same problem and he slid past her, out into the open. She heard Dori shout in her ear, "Ori, no!" Gemma reached out her hand and grabbed the back of his coat, pulling him close to her, hiding him behind the rocks.

Radagast flew by them again and Gemma could swear she heard him laughing in glee, urging the wargs and their riders on. "All of you, come on! Quickly," Gandalf said, pointing to his right. Gemma was still gathering her breath, holding on to Ori. Dori grabbed his youngest brother and shot her a grateful look as they took off. "Where are you leading us?" Thorin questioned breathily. At least I'm not the only one who's tired, she thought. Gandalf just grimaced and ran after the other dwarves, Gemma and Thorin following swiftly.

Run.

Run.

Run.

Gemma hoped they would find a safe place soon. She would almost prefer being eaten compared to the grueling pace. She felt wobbly and dizzy, her muscles burning and her ankle sending up sharp throbs of pain every time she stepped down on that leg. Radagast was coming straight at them now and they quickly filtered behind another outcropping. Thank goodness there were so many places to hide behind or they would all be toast. Gemma heard a low growl on the rocks above her. She would almost preferred being eaten, almost.

The warg was too close and the snarling Gemma heard gave her goosebumps. She didn't see Thorin give Kili a significant look, but she spotted Kili as he ran out in front of their group, an arrow notched in his bow. He drew back and aimed, letting his arrow fly. It hit the beast, but did not kill it. It gave loud screech of pain, calling the rest of its pack to it. "Shit," Gemma said under her breath.

The orc that had been riding the warg toppled off of and slid down the rock. It was hideous and terrifying. It ran at them, knife aimed high. Dwalin pushed past her and hefted his large hammer over his head, bringing it down to crack the orcs skull. Bifur joined him and stabbed the horrid creature while cursing in what Gemma guessed was Khuzdul. They made quick work of the warg and its rider, but they were being too loud. Shouts of anger and pain were made by both parties and Gemma knew that they'd been heard by unfriendly ears. The howling picked up again and they all looked in the direction it was coming from. Too close, too close!

"Move!" Gandalf said again. "RUN!" and they did. They even ran faster now, if that was possible. Gemma could not catch her breath.

"This way! Quickly!" Gandalf told them again. Gemma was trying to move quickly. She'd never run so fast in her life, but then again, she'd never had to run for her life until now.

An orc crested the hill and Thorin stopped. They'd been spotted. Another rider from the other side of the small valley was approaching them quickly. "There's more coming!" Kili shouted.

"Kili!" Thorin shouted back, "Shoot them!"

Fili drew his sword, "We're surrounded!"

Gemma looked at the awful creatures enclosing upon them. The dwarves were all grouping together and she found herself thrust between them all, sheltered behind hammers, axes, and swords. Kili was in front, shooting as many as he could. Gemma had nothing to arm herself with and she felt truly helpless. "Where's Gandalf?" Gemma couldn't tell which dwarf had asked.

"He's abandoned us," Dwalin growled accusingly.

Beside Gemma, Ori drew back his slingshot. He hit the warg in front of both them, but the snarling beast simply tossed his head in agitation. Seeing that he'd had no effect, Ori grabbed her arm and pulled her further back behind the group, placing himself in front of her. Nori and Dori then positioned themselves in front of their brother. Gemma did not have time to be grateful for the thick dwarven wall of defense. "Hold your ground!" Thorin ordered, holding Orcrist, the sun reflecting off the blade brightly.

Gemma heard a sound behind her and she turned quickly, thinking it was another warg. It was Gandalf! He'd popped up between the rocks like a daisy!

"This way, you fools!" he yelled at them and then ducked back down into where he'd come from.

Dori grabbed Gemma and his brother, leading them to where they'd all seen Gandalf. Ori went first, sliding down and disappearing into the dark. Gemma did not hesitate to follow. She climbed over the rock and skidded down the wall. Once she hit the ground, she moved so that she would not be crushed by the others seeking shelter.

The dwarf with the funny hat came down after her, but he hit a rock on the side and he gave a grunt of pain. Gemma pulled him to his feet when he landed harshly at the bottom. "You alright?" she asked him, concerned. He shook his head, not unlike the warg Ori had hit with his slingshot, and smiled at her. "Hard-headed," he replied and moved out of the way towards the back of the cave. Bilbo slid down next and Gemma helped pull him out of the way, too. She dusted the dirt from his shoulders and he gave her a grateful grin, still breathing hard from the run. The rest of them soon filled the small dark cave, Gandalf counting them each as they came down the hole.

Once Fili, Kili, and then Thorin had slid down, they heard a strange horn blare from above them. Loud shouts and snarls were heard as well. Then, a loud crack from the top of the hole made them jump. A large body fell down and landed at their feet. The orc was covered in dirt and black leather, an arrow sticking out of its neck. Thorin reached down and pulled it out, examining it. "Elves," he muttered in disgust. "Oh, thank god." Gemma muttered and Bilbo nodded his head beside her in agreement.

Thorin gave Gemma a fierce glare and she just shrugged in return. Gandalf sighed wearily and Thorin turned back towards him, but before he could say anything to the wizard, Dwalin shouted, "I cannot see where the pathway leads!" The large dwarf was near the back of the cave, looking around a sharp corner. "Do we follow it or no?" he asked.

"Follow it, or course!" replied a dwarf close behind him and they all trotted off into the darkness.

"I think that would be wise," Gandalf said pointedly and Bilbo pulled on Gemma's sleeve to get her to follow the rest of the group, Thorin and Gandalf close on their heels.

Several times, poor Bombur had to be pushed and pulled in order to make it through the small crack in the stone they walked through. "Gandalf," Bilbo said after a few minutes of walking, "Where are we?"

"You can feel it?" The wizard asked the hobbit, not answering the question. Gemma paused, she could feel something as well. A small tingling along her skin. It tickled almost and made her feel something she had not felt in a long time.

"It feels like—well, like magic," Bilbo told Gandalf. Gemma did not know if she agreed. It did feel sort of like the feeling she had when she held the Ulunsuti, but, to her, it really felt more like…home.

"That's exactly what it is," Gandalf said softly. Gemma turned around to look at him fully and saw that the wizard had a small smile on his face and he continued, "A very powerful magic."

"There's a light ahead," a voice called from the front of the company and Gemma turned around to follow, thinking on Gandalf's words.

They came out of a large opening in the craggy rocks. There was a tiny waterfall flowing down the wall to Gemma's left and walked besides the small stream the water created. It led them to a large outlook formed on the side of a very tall cliff lit fully by the sun. For a moment, the bright light blinded her eyes, but once they adjusted from the brightness, Gemma's jaw dropped.

Below them lay many tall green trees turning different shades in the sun as it filtered through the leaves. Beyond the trees, in front of a large mountain-side, rested an elegant village of castle-like homes and cottages. Waterfalls and birds seemed to spring from everywhere. She heard angelic voices flow up to them from the trees and they warmed Gemma's heart. It was so overwhelmingly beautiful and full of color. A breeze danced across their faces and the tingling on the air she'd felt in the caves raced across her skin. Gemma wanted to cry.

"The Valley of Imladris," said Gandalf, "In the common tongue, it's known by another name."

"Rivendell," both Gemma and Bilbo replied with an awed voice.

"Here lies the last Homely House East of the Sea," Gemma breathed and wiped a tear that had escaped from her eye.

"Indeed," said the wizard. Thorin hit the hilt of his axe on the ground. "This was your plan all along, to seek refuge with our enemy," he accused Gandalf.

"You have no enemies here, Thorin Oakenshield," the wizard told him stubbornly, tired of this argument. "The only ill will to be found in this valley is that which you bring yourself."

Bilbo's nose twitched as he watched Thorin stiffen. The dwarf scoffed, "You think the elves will give our quest their blessing? They will try to stop us."

Gemma and the rest of the dwarves remained frozen, looking at the valley, some in wonder, and some in disgust.

Gandalf tried to reason with Thorin, "Of course they will, but we have questions that need to be answered, especially about the Arkenstone." Gemma whispered stubbornly, still looking at the valley, "You mean the Ulunsuti."

Thorin sighed and Gandalf went on, "If we are to be successful, this will need to be handled with tact." He paused, "and respect. And no small degree of charm. Which is why you will leave the talking to me." He then walked past Thorin and the dwarves, leading the way down the cliff by way of a narrow path.

The voices, the singing coming from the trees, continued as they made their way into the valley. Gemma wished she could understand what they were saying. From what she remembered about the elves' songs, they were quite silly and she could use a good laugh after yet another near-death experience. Her ankle still hurt very much and the angle at which she was forced to walk down the cliff wasn't doing her any favors. She cursed the existence of orcs, of wargs, and of trolls.

They came to a stone bridge that was placed above a rushing river. A delicate design bordered the bridge at her feet, but she did not want to look down. It was very, very high above the river and there weren't any rails to keep her from falling should she stumble, which was increasingly likely due to her ankle. She hobbled after Gloin and was last to enter the stone courtyard that was bordered by trees and carved statues of elven warriors. Gemma paused at the entrance, looking at these statues. The lines of their cloaks and armor so detailed and intricate that Gemma was at once hit with a wave of jealousy over such skill. She'd never had any interest in sculpting, yet if she had talent like this, she'd do nothing but sculpt for the rest of her life. Bilbo, too, was looking admiringly at the décor around them, but the dwarfs were shuffling or pacing, waiting for something.

They did not have to wait long. A tall elf with dark brown hair swept gracefully down the steps that led past the courtyard and into the main part of Rivendell. The elf had a woven headpiece that should have looked feminine, but didn't. "Mithrandir!" the elf called softly, drawing the attention of all before him.

"Ah!" said Gandalf cheerfully, "Lindir."

The elf gave a small bow, his right hand over his heart then sweeping out towards them. The elf smiled in greeting and began speaking to the wizard in a wonderful sounding foreign tongue. Gemma knew it was elvish, but she only knew a few elvish words and didn't even try to understand it. She just listened at the flow of words, appreciating the smooth sounds and syllables that skipped over each other like water over pebbles. "Stay sharp," Thorin muttered skeptically towards the dwarves.

"I must speak with Lord Elrond," Gandalf told Lindir.

The elf looked disappointed to tell him, "My lord Elrond is not here." This surprised Gemma. Wasn't he in The Hobbit, in the book? He was the only one who knew about the magic stone in her bag, surely. If he was not here, who else was there in Middle Earth that could help her get home?

Thinking about the stone for the first time since they'd fled the orcs, she walked over to Nori as Gandalf and Lindir continued to converse. "Thank you for grabbing my bag," she told him gratefully. The dwarf smiled at her and Gemma thought that was the first time she'd seen him with a kind look on his face. He held out the bag to her and Gemma took it from him.

"Thank you for saving my brother," he told her in return. Gemma blinked and took a moment to reply. When had she saved anyone?

Ori came up behind her and said, "Yes, thank you Miss Gemma." Gemma could see his face redden and she grinned at him, catching on to what they were talking about.

"I only pulled you out of the way so I could use you as a teddy bear," she teased him.

"A teddy bear?" Ori asked.

Gemma laughed, "It's a toy children use for comfort." When she explained this, Ori blushed again and Nori laughed with her.

Dori, who'd been watching them, said with a grin, "Still, he's teddy bear whose life you saved. You have my thanks as well."

A red-headed dwarf standing next to Dori nodded and said gruffly, "Aye. T'was a good thing you did, lass." He walked closer to her, stopping in front of her and bowing. He had a long red beard that was separated and braided here and there with silver clasps. "I am Gloin, son of Groin, at your service," he told her.

Gemma would have giggled at the name Groin if she hadn't been so excited by hearing Gloin's name. "You're Gimli's dad!"

The dwarf's eyebrows raised and his mouth dropped opened slightly. Gloin was stunned. "How do ye know about me lad?"

Gemma's excitement died instantly. Oops. "I—umm…" If she told Gloin she knew about Gimli because he was famous then that could bring trouble. If she told him she knew about Gimli because of the stone then that might make Gloin even more suspicious. Gimli had a grand destiny and played too large of a part in the war to come for Gemma to botch his future up with her interference. "Bilbo mentioned him and I was just really excited to see a picture of him," she rushed to fill the silence that had taken hold while she was thinking of an excuse. "I've never seen a dwarf child. I can't imagine how cute he must be!" She might have been overselling it a tad.

Gloin grinned at her words, though. He was awfully proud of his son. He reached into his pocket and drew out a small metal frame, handing it to Gemma. "Here, have a look," he said, still gleaming and full of pride.

Gemma took the thing from Gloin, using her fingernails to pry open the locket-type box. When she opened it, she saw too hand-drawn faces, both with beards. She thought one looked more feminine than the other so hazarded a guess, "Is this your wife?"

"Yes, such a beauty!" Gloin said smugly. Beauty in the eye of the beholder, she though then Gemma looked at the sketch of what must be his son. He looked like a miniature version of Gloin and she smiled softly.

"You must miss them terribly," she whispered, still studying the pictures in her hand.

Gloin nodded and said with watery eyes, "Aye, that I do lass."

"Gimli looks just like you, you know. You have much to be thankful for." Gemma handed the frame back to Gloin. He looked up at her, thinking on her sad tone.

"Do you have any children, Miss Gemma?"

Gemma stuttered, "M-me? Oh no, no." Gloin tilted his head as if he didn't believe her.

"I… I just miss my family, too, is all," Gemma clarified wistfully. At her words, Gloin nodded in understanding.

A horn sounded atop the cliff they had descended from and the dwarves turned toward the sound. They saw many elves on horses riding towards them, swords in hand. "Close ranks!" Thorin shouted. A few of the dwarves cursed in Khuzdul, but they hurried to do as he commanded. Gemma was once again thrust to the middle of the circle, many dwarves drawing their weapons in front of her. Bilbo was pushed into the group to stand beside her and he looked up at her fearfully. Gemma patted him on the shoulder, trying to comfort him.

Very tall horses with very tall elves riding them marched into the courtyard and quickly encircled the group, striding around the cluster of dwarves. The elves glared down at them and the dwarves jeered back. The elves were so much bigger than them; it was daunting and very threatening.

The elves drew to a halt and one elf that sat atop a beautiful golden horse shouted, "Gandalf!"

"Elrond," Gandalf said fondly. Gemma tried to get a good look at the elf, but the dwarfs were crowded too close in front her, hiding Elrond from her view. All she could see of him was his long dark hair. There were elvish words exchanged and this time it frustrated Gemma.

"Strange for orcs to come so close to our borders," the elf finally said in the common tongue. "Something, or someone," the elf turned to look at the dwarfs, "has drawn them near."

"Ah," said Gandalf guiltily, "That may have been us."

Thorin stepped forward and Elrond said to him, "Welcome, Thorin, son of Thrain."

"I do not believe we have met," the dwarf warily replied.

"You have your grandfather's bearing. I knew Thror when he ruled under the mountain."

"Indeed," Thorin said haughtily, "He made no mention of you." Gemma rolled her eyes at his words.

Elrond replied in elvish, quite rudely, really. Gemma had no idea what he said, but suspected it was not entirely kind.

"What is he sayin'?" Gloin asked suspiciously. "Does he offer us insult?!"

The dwarves all muttered or hissed or cursed at this. Before they could do too much damage, Gandalf said calmly, "No, master Gloin. He's offering you food."

Gemma laughed loudly, surprised at this turn of events and relieved they'd be able to rest awhile. The dwarfs whispered quietly to each other, conferring on what to do.

"Ah, well. In that case, lead on," Gloin said decidedly. Lindir then began to lead the way past Elrond and Gandalf. The dwarves filed past them as well, one by one. Gemma was the last in the group, after Bilbo, and just as she drew past Elrond, the elf said, "And what would a woman being doing amongst a company of dwarves?"

Gemma winced. She had hoped they could have this discussion after the food…and maybe a long nap. She turned around to face him and Gandalf. "Actually, I'm here to see you, I think."

Elrond raised his brow at her words, "Oh?"

Gemma thought he was quite handsome, but not in a way that she would find attractive; his grandeur was more intimidating than anything else. She looked at Gandalf, hoping he would take over for her, but he simply looked back at her, saying nothing.

Gemma huffed and reached into her duffel bag she'd placed over her shoulder once Nori had given it back to her. She had to dig around for a moment before her hand closed over the Ulunsuti. Once she did, her eyes, as always, took on the purple hue. She pulled it out, looking at Elrond who watched her curiously. When he saw her the color of her eyes, his own eyes widened and he peered down at the stone which was glowing the same color.

"The Arkenstone?" He asked wondrously. Elrond stepped closer to her, "Who are you?"

Gemma watched him as he kneeled before her, taking the stone gently out of her hands. She let him take it, but she didn't really know why. It simply felt safe to do so. Gandalf hummed reassuringly.

"My name is Gemma Halvard and I'm nobody really, at least, I'm not supposed to be."

The stone sat in Elrond's palm, a dull white with purple veins across its surface.

"That is obviously not true," Elrond told her, still studying the stone. "Not true at all."

A/N: "Boy, was I a fool in school for cutting gym" is from Mulan. I'm also referencing Mulan, which I do not own, when I say Gandalf popped out of the rocks like a daisy. You can tell which movie I've been hankering to watch. This chapter has not been beta'ed, so any and all mistakes are mine. I was super tired when I wrote this (finals will be the death of me) so if it's too mistake-ridden, please PLEASE let me know! I do re-read my chapters, but I'm only human.
Lostfeather1, you're welcome! Thanks so much for the review! Oh man, I have so much planned for Thorin and Gemma. I am so stoked.
Blue Fire Lily, thank you! There's not as much sass in this one, but really there weren't many opportunities for sassery. There will be plenty later on, though!
BloodyTink and X Blue Eyed Demon X, thank you for your lovely reviews! They make me want to write more and more!
Also, thank you to everyone who favorited and followed, you give life to my muse.

Thanks for reading, my beautiful butterflies!