A dazzling pain in her head forced her to open her yes. Lhindril was still lying on the ground but couldn't see the others. With a groan she held her head and sat up. Around her she saw dead spiders. Did they win? And where were the others? She wanted to remove her hand from her head but it seemed stuck. When she pulled a little more she could free it and saw spider webs on her fingers. There were more on her body, especially the legs. Unsure what else to do she removed most of it and then got up, looking around and softly calling out for her companions. Her gaze fell upon a spider with three arrows sticking from it and walked towards it to examine them. Elvish arrows. The question was what had happened after she lost consciousness. It seemed like one of the spiders paralyzed her and then began wrapping her up in the web. Perhaps then the Elves came to their help and led the Dwarves out of the forest? But why was Lhindril left behind? Surely, Fíli would have never let that happen. And what if something had happened to her companions and the Elves had been too late? Desperately, she called for Fíli and then the other Dwarves and Bilbo, hoping at least someone would answer. However, when everything remained as silent as it had been, she considered what to do. Sure, she wanted to find the others but how? And maybe she should first know where she even was. For which she could just climb a tree like she wanted before the spiders attacked. While climbing, she pondered over the situation more. Especially what exactly the Elves had done and what had happened to the Dwarves. And why had she been left behind by both the Elves and the Dwarves? It made no sense at all. As soon as Lhindril moved her head out of the canopy of leaves, she breathed in the clear and fresh air in relief. When looking around she saw a river and a lake and if she was not mistaken there even was Erebor! Oh well, in the worst case she would just wait there for the company. But first she wanted to find that river and then follow it until she was out of the forest. Before climbing down she tried her best to remember the direction but knew she might needed to climb up to check again at some point.

Finally, she reached the roaring river water and after walking along it for a while she found a calm spot to wash herself and get rid of all the dirt, webs and clean out the little cuts on her face, caused by branches that hit her in the face while running. She also refilled her water canteen and then continued her way feeling a lot better. Not too much later Lhindril finally reached the end of the forest but continued following the river, knowing it would get her to the lake from where she could surely find her way to Erebor. Maybe she would even meet the Dwarves and Bilbo somewhere along the way. Then again, she had no idea how long she had been in the forest all alone or how much time had passed since they had entered it. How long could she have been unconscious? Hour or days even? Suddenly she saw a small group or Orcs ahead but luckily she survived the encounter unscathed while two of the Orcs were dead and the other three were forced to take a bath in the river. As she continued Lhindril saw more dead Orcs and even two dead Elves. Did it mean they accompanied her friends through here? Finding hope again she ran faster until the river got broader and she knew the lake couldn't be far. Now all she needed to know was how to get across it. She could swim but not such a distance - she would need a boat of some kind. Luck seemed on her side and she could hear voices talking in Westron. Whoever that was could surely help her, either by finding a ship or the company. But then Lhindril got closer and saw the group she felt a cry of joy almost erupting from inside. It were the Dwarves themselves! Though wet and only in underwear but all of them were there, Bilbo too, and they seemed unharmed. Needless to say she was especially relieved to see Fíli was alright. Before she could go to them, she noticed someone next to her. A bowman, pointing his bow at the company below.

"Oi, these are my friends, leave them alone!" only now the Dwarves turned around and Dwalin was the first to react, taking out a branch that stopped the arrow that the bowman shot. When he targeted the two princes she didn't even hesitate and lunged at the man with Fíli's dagger. He still managed to shoot his arrow but it only shot a stone from Kíli's hand then the stranger grabbed her, pressing the dagger to her throat.

"Do it again and she's dead" that was when she learnt that it needed three strong Dwarves to hold back an angry one. Dwalin, Kíli and Thorin needed to hold Fíli and the latter talked to him soothingly in Khuzdul that he remained with them. But they didn't stop him from talking so he cursed, insulted and threatened the man.

"Excuse me... but you're from Lake-town, if I'm not mistaken" Balin asked as came towards the stranger and Lhindril, prompting the man to press the blade tighter against her skin. All the others asked the old Dwarf to be careful so she wouldn't get hurt. Balin raised his hands before asking if they could rent the bowman's boat. Was he trying to provoke him? But finally, the man let her go and she almost fell over. Now Fíli was released and he instantly was with her, hugging her tightly.

"You won't believe how worried I was. After you passed out the spiders took us out as well and Bilbo helped us. You were the only one that didn't wake up and for a moment I feared… I mean I swore to protect you and only days later I thought to have lost you"

"It's not your fault" she assured him "What about the Elves?"

"They came and killed the spiders then arrested us, leaving you behind because they too thought you dead. Durin, for a while I didn't know what to think myself. The Elves locked us into their dungeons and again Bilbo saved us and organized our escape in barrels in the river. The Elves came after us and Orcs arrived too. They wounded Kíli but we all made it. Then I saw that man and while I was immensely glad to see you alive there just was this anger burning" Lhindril would have never thoughts Elves behaved like this and thought they were more intelligent and nicer.

"What about your brother, is he alright?" she asked after telling him what she had done after waking up.

"He got an arrow to the leg. He says he's fine but I don't know if I should believe him" although it was nothing funny she smiled because her brother was the same when he got hurt. One time even his arm had been broken while he had pretended nothing had happened.

"Are you two coming?" Bilbo wanted to know and only now she noticed that the others had followed the man, still talking to him. But it didn't seem like he wanted to take them with him because he untied the ship and threw the rope at Balin.

"I'll wager there are ways to enter that town unseen"

"Aye but for that you would need a smuggler" the old Dwarf moved closer, muttering something she didn't get but apparently it convinced the man since he allowed them onto the boat. With a happy smile Thorin looked at his friends and they made haste to get on the boat. Lhindril found Kíli to ask him how he was.

"It's nothing. Tomorrow I'll be fine" somehow she knew he shouldn't take it that easily but if it was only because of her own brother or something else she didn't know. Because she knew it was fruitless to reason with him she asked Fíli to keep an eye on him instead. Fog had risen and covered their sight but suddenly there was a huge rock in front of them, making everyone wince but the bargeman had everything under control.

"What are you trying to do, drown us?" Thorin growled

"I was born and bred on these waters, Master Dwarf. If I wanted to drown you I would not do it here" Lhindril would have lied if she said she liked the man and it wasn't only because he threatened her. Dwalin voiced her thoughts in that moment.

"Bard. His name's Bard" apparently the Dwarves didn't care what he was called but she found now that she knew his name she didn't hate him that much anymore.

"We do not have to like him, we simply have to pay him" Balin reminded them while counting money at a small table. He noticed that they needed ten more coins and so Thorin faced Lhindril and Glóin.

"I don't have anything of value" she immediately said and the dwarf too said he had nothing. But Thorin wasn't even listening and stared into the distance. After following his glance she saw Erebor appearing in between the fog and her mouth fell almost open. The Dwarves seemed to feel the same and they got up and Fíli came over to her, holding her hand and giving it a squeeze. Glóin changed his mind and held out a little pouch with money. Just in that moment Bard came over and asked for the money which the Dwarves let him take begrudgingly.

"Get in the barrels, quick" he ordered before looking at Lhindril "You can stay here. No one will ask questions. Here take this" he handed her his coat and she glanced from the clothing to the man and the Dwarves that were already climbing into the barrels.

"What's that for?" she asked

"I'll say I found you drowning in the lake and saved you. Wait" he took the coat again and wrapped it around her shoulders what didn't seem to please Fíli. Then again she understood if he didn't trust the man. "Sit down somewhere and pretend to freeze" the blond was still beside her and looked a little helpless until she gently nudged him that he let go of her hand and hid in a barrel too. Warily she watched how Bard talked to a man at the shore and even handed him something before pointing at the boat and they shook hands. Did he just betray them? Above her she saw a crane that filled the barrels with fish. Covering her mouth, she started laughing as she imagined the Dwarves' faces and when thinking about what they'd be doing right now or as they left the barrels she almost couldn't breathe from laughing. Or maybe because she tried to keep a neutral face. Bard threw her a glance before kicking against one of the barrels and asking for silence because we were approaching the gate. The guard was quite friendly and asked how she was doing after Bard told him how he found her. He just returned Bard's papers and wanted to get her name to inform the Master when suddenly another man approached and took the paper.

"Not so fast" he spoke before explain Bard that he was supposed to deliver empty barrels and not barrels filled with fish. Dropping the paper he grabbed a fish instead and she winced when she saw Bombur's head peaking out a little. Bard too noticed and stood in front of the barrel.

"Empty the barrels" the slime bag ordered before he seemed to notice Lhindril

"And who's that?" the guard repeated the story and said he was just about to get her particulars but the other man didn't care. "We don't want intruders in our town. Get her out of here. Lock her up or throw her overboard" it would seem that Bard was right about the Master not appreciating visitors… she started to worry, though not really about herself but that Fíli had heard these words and would try to intervene which again would lead to the Dwarves being discovered.

"Folk in this town are struggling. Times are hard. Food is scarce. And she's just a mere girl only on transit. She'll be gone before the Master hears of it" no one was impressed and the guards grabbed the barrels while another one grabbed her and tried to pull her off the boat.

"That's not my problem" the man called Alfrid said coldly.

"And when the people hear the Master is dumping fish back in the lake and tries to get rid of an innocent girl... when the rioting starts... will it be your problem then?" with that, Bard saved the situation and Alfrid ordered the men to stop. Once she was released Lhindril hopped back on the boat and Bard asked if she was alright as they finally passed the gate. Not much later the Dwarves were allowed to leave the barrels and they seemed very relieved about this.

"Are you alright? Did they hurt you?" Fíli asked when he wasn't even standing properly. Instantly, he came over to her, looking like he was about to hug her. She smiled

"I'm alright. And you smell of fish"

"Well thanks. You'd do as well if you had been in a barrel too" he said while smiling and she was glad he didn't seem bothered by what had happened anymore. They followed Bard off the boat, onto the jetty which seemed to be what this town had instead of streets. A boy ran towards them, Bard's son she supposed, and told them their house was being watched. After short consideration Bard ordered the Dwarves to get back into the water and then enter the house through the toilet. Naturally no one liked the plan but Thorin finally agreed, much to her surprise. "Do you think you can get to the house without getting into danger?" Fíli asked and while it sounded so much like a joke she knew he was serious.

"I hope so but we shall see" handing his son and Lhindril some stuff he asked them to follow him. As they entered his house two girls hugged Bard

"Who are you?" the little one asked and Bard put a hand on her shoulder

"She will explain later. Bain, get them in" the boy went downstairs knocked against the wall three times. Dwalin's head appeared from the hole of the toilet, looking sourer than ever and dismissing the boy's help. Next up was Bilbo who seemed glad for the help. One by one, the Dwarves climbed out and the two girls that didn't know what the meaning of this was seemed confused. The older seemed concerned but the little one was happy and asked if they meant good luck before turning to Lhindril.

"Are you with them? Are you a Dwarf too? Or like him?" she pointed at Bilbo

"I belong with them yes. But I'm from the race of Men. This is Bilbo, a Hobbit from the Shire by the way"

"And what are you doing here?" since she knew she couldn't tell her the through Lhindril said that the Dwarves wanted to visit relatives of theirs and were crossing the lake with Bard's help "Where do their relatives live? And how long will you stay with us? How long have you been travelling? And why did you enter through the water closet?"

"Hey there, you're quite a curious one, aren't you?" she heard Fíli from behind as he wrapped his arms around her and leant his chin onto her shoulder. The girl shrugged.

"Will you tell me your name?"

"Tilda"

"Nice to meet you, I'm Lhindril"

"And him? Is he your husband?" Fíli only laughed

"One day I hope" Lhindril slightly turned around

"Was that just a hidden proposal?"

"Only if you want it to be" he replied with a grin and a shrug. Bard entered the house again with a dripping bundle in his arms. The woman noticed that she was still wearing his coat and after he placed the bundle on the table she handed him his coat which he thankfully put on again. Meanwhile the Dwarves eyed the weapons that Bard had just brought and weren't thrilled and didn't accept them and just threw them back on the table.

"You won't find better outside the city armoury" Bard explained and Thorin and Dwalin exchanged a glance that spelled trouble. Would they really go break into the armoury? Kíli sat down in a corner, not looking good and touching the wound on his leg

"Are you sure you're alright?" Lhindril asked when approaching him

"Yes, of course"

"I wouldn't underestimate it if I were you. A lot of Orc arrows contain Morgul poison, so in case the wound isn't fatal the poison will do its job"

"What?" Fíli hissed behind her "Why didn't you say so earlier?"

"It only came to my mind now. I'm sorry"

"Is there anything we can do?" she shrugged and mumbled something of king's foil, having heard about it from Elrond but not sure what exactly it would do. Maybe they should get a healer.

When it got dark in the evening and Bard had disappeared for a while, the Dwarves and Bilbo left to rob the armoury anyways. Lhindril was ordered to stay behind and not told why. But she didn't even care since she didn't feel like stealing the weapons from a guarded building – burglar or not - and knew it was a serious crime. After they were gone for a while she heard someone returning to the house and it only turned out to be Bard who got told that her friends had left.

"Where did they go?" not knowing if she should tell the truth she replied that she didn't know. There seemed to be a crowd gathering not too far from here and although she wasn't that interested she still wanted to know and hurried dafter a flock of people. Then she realised what it was all about and her heart skipped a beat. Guards were leading the Dwarves through the crowd. It would appear they had been caught. They stopped near a big building out of which a wealthy looking man came out, followed by Alfrid. So this would be the Master with his right hand Alfrid. Anxiously Lhindril listened to the conversation and heard how the Master declared her friends as enemies of the state. Knowing the usual punishment for that kind of crime she wanted to intervene

"It's not as you think" she said, stepping closer to the company.

"You again" Alfrid growled "I knew it was a mistake to let you into the town. She's with them" he told his master in a disdainful voice.

"In that case… Guards!" and with that three guards made their way towards her

"Don't you dare!" Fíli protested, trying to get to her as well "Touch her and you'll regret it" he declared as he positioned himself between herself and the men. It seemed to deter the Master but before he could say something, Dwalin intervened, explaining that they didn't know who they were dealing with. Then Thorin promised the people of Lake-town wealth in return for their help.

"Death. That is what you will bring upon us" Bard predicted as he made his way towards the crowd. A discussion followed about who was right and finally the Master decided that the money was too alluring and welcomed them. Everyone cheered but Lhindril knew that Bard was right. This could end badly. But she would have never wanted her companions to be arrested, only forbidden to continue their journey. They were invited to a feast and due to the amount of drinking she wondered if any of the Dwarves would reach the mountain sober. If only they wouldn't get boisterous and try to kill the dragon like that. Bilbo and her were the only ones that didn't drink and when most of the people couldn't stop talking, shouting and laughing the two of them retired to the place they were assigned to sleep. For a very long while they talked. About the Shire or adventures Lhindril had experienced as a child.

-oOo-

In a doze she noticed the Dwarves coming back. She couldn't say if it were all of them or not but they definitely still were drunk. Fíli joined Lhindril, lying down behind her, pressing her against his body as if they were a married couple. At least she hoped it was Fíli because she couldn't see much in the darkness. Not much later someone else cuddled up against her front and she supposed that was Kíli. While she wasn't too comfortable and their smell wasn't much better either she let them have their way and soon fell back asleep herself.

"Time to wake up, little one" Fíli said softly, pushing some hair out of her face. Groggily, she sat up and needed a while to realise what was going on. Then she remembered that Thorin wanted to depart and was fully awake. To her surprise all Dwarves seemed sober again, only Kíli didn't look too well but not because of the alcohol. Did Dwarves really digest alcohol that well?

"Was that you tonight?" Lhindril asked Fíli when they were on their way to the Master who wanted to give them equipment and weapons

"Was I what?" for a moment she was shocked. Had it really been someone else or did he just not know what she was talking about? She explained what she meant and breathed out in relief when he nodded.

"And Kíli"

"Oh that's good. Because I was worried that wasn't you" they smiled at each other. Once everyone had what they needed they went to the boat and got onto it.

"Not you" Thorin suddenly stopped Kíli who was just about to step on the boat. He didn't want his nephew to come because his wound wasn't better and Thorin feared he would slow them down. After all, Durin's day was today. In a way she had not expected something like this – that he'd leave her behind yes but his nephew? Also Oín left the boat to take care of the young prince.

"Uncle. We grew up on tales of the mountain. Tales you told us. You cannot take that away from him!" Fíli defended his brother. But Thorin insisted

"One day you will be king and you will understand. I cannot risk the fate of this quest for the sake of one Dwarf. Not even my own kin" Fíli took Lhindril's hands

"Listen, I cannot go without him. I will stay. And while I know you are our burglar, I don't like the thought of you going with them. Smaug may wake up"

"Fíli, don't be a fool. You belong with the company. As does Lhindril"

"I belong with my brother" he left the boat and glanced at her. Without thinking she started moving too. He was right. She didn't really want to go to the mountain while the dragon was there even if that was why she was hired. Of course Thorin wasn't pleased and roughly grabbed her arm.

"Wait. We need you. You're our burglar"

"In Rivendell you wanted to leave me behind. Now you're leaving your nephew behind. That's something I don't need. You still have Bilbo. Subtract that from my share of the treasure" she broke free and left the boat that soon left. From somewhere behind them she heard Bofur's calls and shouts and only now she realised he hadn't been with them. Finally, he found them and asked if they had missed the boat too. They couldn't answer because in that moment, Kíli almost fell over but luckily Fíli managed to hold him.