Another Filler chapter, but everyone will move on to their next destination, in the next chapter. I do hope you will enjoy this chapter though. ^_^

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Be Careful Where You Walk!

~~Hetti's POV~~

I was sitting besides Bilbo, though not really listening to what was going on around me. I was still in complete shock by Loki. Just why did he do that and why had I let him? Until recently, he more or less stayed close to Elaina, taking no notice of anyone around him and yet, he had suprised me with a kiss.

I leaned back against the tree and momentarily closed my eyes, thinking of his lips on mine, the way he held me, the way he...

"You're very quiet Hetti."

I snapped my eyes open and turned my head and saw Bilbo watching me with an amused look on his face.

"You're not normally this quiet," Bilbo continued "you normally have a lot to say."

I sighed and glanced upwards, noticing the trees sway slightly from the breeze all around us.

"I don't mean be a little quiet today Bilbo, I'm just trying to get my mind back in motion."

Bilbo gently nudged my shoulder with his, causing me to smile.

"It has been a strange few days." agreed Bilbo.

I nodded.

"I'm just relieved that Elaina is going to be okay. I was so worried."

Bilbo placed his arm around my shoulder.

"She's a lot tougher than she looks. As are you Hetti."

I tilt my head, watching him, frowning a little.

"I'm not tough, Bilbo."

"Really?" grinned Bilbo "Since being here, you have slowly come out of your shell. Before we left, you were very shy around everyone."

"I have my reasons." I mutter more to myself but I knew Bilbo heard me.

It was true I was a little reserved when this quest started, I was only used to other hobbits being around me. I was not used to being with all these dwarves. Now though, I couldn't imagine a life without them. They truly had opened my eyes more to what lies ahead to the rest of Middle-earth

"Hmm, All you did was climb trees, cooking and more or less kept to yourself." continued Bilbo, breaking me out of my own thoughts.

I look away, not knowing what to say to that.

"Now here we are. On a quest to reclaim a kingdom for these dwarves and their kin and through all that, you have interacted with them. You are more at ease with yourself than what you were before Hetti and I'm proud of you and Elaina for being yourselves."

I could not say a thing. I was to choked up hearing what Bilbo had said. Instead, I shifted a little and embraced him in a gentle hug. Before I gently place a kiss on his cheek, noticing the slight blush come from his cheeks.

"I think you'll find, you have changed as well Bilbo." I whispered watching him intently.

"Nooo, no, no. I haven't changed."

I pull myself away from him slightly watching him tenderly, with a smile on my face.

"You have Bilbo. You've grown in confidence and really showed that Warg never to mess with you. When that animal was about to hurt Elaina. You used to lack courage but look what you did, you plunged your sword in that animal's stomach and saved Elaina and quite possibly saved Thorin's live too."

Bilbo raised his eyebrows, shaking his head. I then noticed Gandalf nearby smoking his pipe. He was acting like he wasn't listening in, but I had a feeling he was.

"You've proven Thorin wrong. You are not useless. Elaina and I have always known that. So as you're saying I've gained confidence, well, so have you and I'm proud to have you in my life. You mean the world to me."

I could tell that Bilbo was blushing a little more and to safe face, I embraced him again. Taking no notice of what was around us. What I said was true. Bilbo had come a long way to what he used to be and I smiled, realising I liked the new Bilbo.

o0o

~~Elaina's POV~~

Thorin was now sitting back on the boulder with me currently on his lap. I was still getting over the fact that I would be his wife, in the not to distant future. We were both in our own little world. No words were needed, just smiling faces and the gentle kisses we give each other.

"I am sorry," Thorin began, breaking the silence "I have nothing to offer our engagement."

I place my forehead on his, closing my eyes. I felt Thorin's arms tighten around my middle.

"It matters not," I whisper "I'm just content with the here and now."

I place my hand on his chest, feeling his heart beat against my palm.

"How are you feeling?" I asked him, opening my eyes seeing his azure blue eyes watch me with a smile on his face.

"That I'm the happiest I've ever been in a long while."

I smile at his sentiment.

"I'm glad to hear that. However I was refering to your own wounds!"

"Were you indeed?" I nod "Like your own wounds, their healing. Thanks to your uncle."

He then pulls me away from him watching me intently.

"Never do that again Elaina!"

I frown, not understanding what he meant.

"Fighting Azog." said Thorin.

I glance away, remembering what that monster told me.

"When you climbed down that tree and tried attacking him yourself, something inside me snapped."

"He and his Warg nearly killed you though!" replied Thorin somberly.

I wasn't really listening to what Thorin had just said. I was lost in my own thoughts, remembering what that Orc more or less gloated about killing my mother.

"Azog admitted he killed my mother, like she was nothing."

"Elaina!" whispered Thorin.

"He said, my mother just gave up and-,"

"Elaina," I felt one of his hands caress my left cheek and I looked up, watching him "Think of the positive. I know you probably think this may seem selfish, but your mother's sacrifice, brought you to me, which I'm thankful for. Without you-,"

"You would be a king in Erebor." I whispered to him "and still will be."

Thorin smiled and brushed his lips with my own.

"That is true, however, you would not be besides me. I would never have known you and that thought alone should immediately be quashed."

"I would never have met Bilbo, Hetti, Loki, you-," Thorin cut of my sentence by crashing his lips on mine.

"Everything turned out the way it should," he whispered against my lips and despite myself, I smile at him, who grinned back "You mean everything to me, I love you."

"I love you," I stifled out a yawn with my hand "too."

I heard Thorin's chuckle as I removed my hand from my mouth.

"I'm sorry, that was rather rude of me."

"Don't apologise my angel. You look tired, lets rest here for awhile."

Thorin picked me up and then placed me on the grass. I then laid down looking up at the sky. It was still light but I had no idea how long we have been away from the others. Thorin laid down besides me and placed his cloak around us both.

I instinctively placed my head on his chest, hearing his heartbeat, which lulled me to sleep. Before I was asleep however, I did feel his arms drape around my shoulders and felt his fingers gently stroke my hair in a soothing notion.

o0o

I walk around an unknown place. Everything is dark and there is a strange feeling in the air. As I slowly survey my surroundings, I see massive black gates ahead of me. I found myself walking towards it and as soon as I'm near it, I knew danger was behind this gate.

I managed to stop walking when I realised the black gates were about to open. I had no where to hide and I was panicking as the gates opened wider. I was rooted to the spot as I saw many Orcs coming out of there, but that was not what I was looking at.

In the centre of the dark place was a strange looking tower. On top of this tower was a fireball that looked like an eye. I knew instantly, that whatever that was, was completely evil.

I had a strange feeling it was searching for something. The lone eyeball kept glancing around the area and I could see a light emanating from the fire eye, surveying the area for any sudden movement. This tower eye, was really creeping me out.

'You need to leave now!' I heard a female voice behind me say and I spin around then...

I woke up and sat up, breathing heavily and shaking like a leaf.

'What was that?' I thought to myself, trying to get my breathing to go back to normal.

"W-what was what?" asked Thorin sleepily, but at first, I don't answer him.

I was wondering what that strange place was and more to the point, whose voice was that?

"Elaina, what is it?"

I felt Thorin pull me back to him, wrapping his arms around me.

"You're shivering."

I don't say anything, as I burrowed my head back on his chest, hearing his heartbeat which again, was soothing me.

"Do not shut me out my angel," I heard Thorin say "Tell me what troubles you."

I sighed softly and swallowed hard.

"It's nothing, it was just a stupid dream."

"What was the dream about?" whispered Thorin, stroking my hair.

Taking a deep breath, I slowly explain what I had dreamt.

"It was a dark place, the gates ahead of me were black and then they slowly opened," I stop, processing what I had dreamt "Orcs started coming out of this area."

"Orcs?" pressed Thorin, with disdain.

I nod slowly, as a shiver coursed through my body. Thorin gently pulled his cloak around me, which I was thankful for.

"That's when I noticed it."

"Noticed what?"

"There was a strange looking tower."

I close my eyes seeing the tower vividly in my mind.

"And right at the top of this tower, was a fireball. The most creepy thing about this tower was that, it had a fireball that looked like an eye, watching everything around. I sensed evil around the tower and the whole area. It was not a nice place to dream about!"

Even while saying that, I had a strange feeling it was not really a dream. Just what were all those Orcs doing in there and what was that tower?

"Are you sure it was a dream and not a lost memory?" asked Thorin.

I look up at Thorin, noticing he had a worried expression on his face. I shook my head.

"I have no memory of that place."

I furrow my eyebrows remembering something else. Thorin noticed and shifted a little, pulling me with him.

"Out with it?"

I raised my eyebrows at him and watch as his mouth slightly twitched and I rolled my eyes.

"When watching that tower, I heard a voice saying 'You need to leave now!' I turned around and I woke up."

"A voice?" I nod "Your father perhaps?"

"No," I shook my head "It was a feminine voice. I do think your right though."

"About what?"

"I don't think it was a dream but, it was not a lost memory either. I think its a warning of things to come. It felt to real to be a dream."

I felt Thorin hold me a little tighter.

"You are alright now, aren't you?"

"Getting there," I reassured him "I have no idea where that dream/vision came from, but I realise it is not the first time I've had these life like dreams."

I felt Thorin move a little and glanced at him. He was looking ahead and appeared to be in deep thought. Even though both Thorin and I had a mind link now, I still respect other peoples private thoughts. So I leave him to his own little world, while I think about my own.

o0o

~~Hetti's POV~~

We had just finished eating and I made sure that the rest of the stew were for Thorin and Elaina, who still were absent from us. I wasn't worried about her, I knew she was in very safe hands.

I volunteered to wash the bowls with Fili. Truth was, I was still confused about Loki. Since he kissed me, we had barely acknowledged each other and I was actually relieved about that.

Following Fili, we walk in silence, heading towards the stream.

"You're very quiet today Hetti. Are you alright?"

"You're not the first to say that," I remark, glancing at him, gracing him with a smile "but in answer to your question, I am fine."

"Whose fine?"

Rolling my eyes, I knew it was only a mater of time before Kili would show up and low and behold, here he was. It was very endearing seeing the two brothers be very close. It reminded me of Elaina and myself. I know we weren't blood related but, we had an instant bond as soon as we met one another.

"Apparently Hetti is fine." remarked Fili.

"Fine about what?" asked Kili, bounding over to us.

Rolling my eyes I walk ahead of the two rascals until I came across the steam. kneeling down, I set to work on cleaning the bowls and spoons up. I heard Fili and Kili talking quietly amongst themselves but I pay no heed to them.

As I wipe a bowl dry with a cloth, a sudden splash of water went all over me causing me to yelp out in surprise. Looking to the source to what happened, I saw Kili looking sheepishly at me and my eyes drifted towards the water, seeing many bowls and spoons floating in there.

"Kili!"

Kili then started laughing. I didn't see what was so funny, especially as the bowls were trying to escape. Sighing, I quickly took my boots of before waddling in the water. I wasn't bothered in getting wet but boots were a no go.

"What are you doing?" asked Kili.

"I'm about to see if mermaids are in these neck of the woods," I fumed at him "What's it look like I'm doing? I'm rescuing the bowls and spoons from the water."

I managed to grab most of the bowls but the spoons had sunk to the bottom of the water. Sighing, I quickly went to the shore, dumping the bowls. I ignored the concerned look from Kili as I turned around.

Picking up several spoons from the waterbed, I was about to turn around once more, when I felt something bite my ankle, causing me to lose my balance.

"Hetti!" I faintly heard my name being called, but I was now underwater trying to get my bearings and aim for the surface.

I found my ankle was now throbbing as I kicked my legs, trying to reach the surface, but every time I kicked my legs, a shooting pain coursed through my left ankle, making it harder to concentrate.

The more I tried swimming upwards, the more I felt exhausted and I found myself closing my eyes, as I suddenly felt very sleepy. I suddenly felt like I was on air and I had no idea if it was because of the bite or if I was in some sort of limbo.

"Think of happy thoughts!" I murmured to myself.

Glancing at the sky, I watch the clouds above me and at this second, it really reminded me of elephants. Though I had no clue as to why that was. Glancing to my side, with one eye open slightly, I finally saw what was causing me to fly.

Kili was soaking wet and looking ahead with a serious expression on his face. Despite myself I chuckle softly, causing his brown eyes to glance down at me.

"Why so serious!" I giggled, before I found myself passing out.

o0o

~~Elaina's POV~~

It was time to head back towards the camp. I was still mulling over that strange dream from before, when Thorin gently grabbed my wrist, stopping me from walking on.

"What did you mean, when you said, it was not the first time you had those dreams before?"

Sighing, I turned and faced Thorin.

"Well, the first time it happened was back in Bag End," I began "It was while you and the others were discussing Erebor when I felt a little odd."

"Odd?"

I nod my head.

"Yes. It was when I first heard about the dragon, I suddenly found myself momentarily where the dragon was residing."

Thorin frowned as if he was trying to work something out in his head.

"What was the dragon doing?" He finally asked "He didn't see you, did he?"

"The dragon was sound asleep. It was more of a blink and miss moment. So no, the dragon never saw me."

"Thank Mahal." whispered Thorin, pulling me towards him and embraced me.

I had no idea what had come over him, but I welcomed his hugs.

"What was the other dream about?"

"It was while we were staying in Rivendell," I swallow and held Thorin's gaze "It was when I was holding onto Bilbo's sword. For a second I saw Bilbo fighting giant spiders around him, with the very same sword that was in my hands at the time."

"Spiders?"

Again I nod my head.

"Not the type you see in a bathroom either. These were massive and looked very dangerous."

Thorin tilts his head, watching me intently.

"If I didn't know any better, I'd say you were a seer!"

I frown at him, not understanding.

"What is a seer?"

Thorin smiles at me and kissed my forehead.

"A seer, is a person who has supernatural insight and sees things in the future."

I snorted, shaking my head.

"I highly doubt that." I remarked to him.

Thorin didn't say anything. He just gave me a look that seemed to say 'I am never wrong.' He then took my hand in his and we both headed back to the camp with small smiles plastered on our faces.

o0o

~~Hetti's POV~~

I wake up feeling like someone had slapped me round the head a few times. Sighing, I heard movement and saw a very relieved looking Kili staring back at me.

"Why am I on the ground?"

"You were bitten by a fish or jellyfish and it caused you to slip and lose your balance," began Kili, kneeling beside me as I slowly sat up "When I saw that you wasn't coming back to the surface, I swam towards you and helped you out."

I glance down at my ankle and saw two tiny bite marks punctured there. There was a little swelling around it and I only hoped that would go down in due course.

"I'm so sorry Hetti."

I look at Kili, he looked very remorseful and his brown eyes never left my swollen ankle.

"If I just did what you did and not throw the bowls in the water like that, then you would never have gotten hurt."

"Kili," I say, softly "You were not to know this was going to happen and in any case, it is my own fault for waddling in the water after them. No one is to blame here."

Finally, Kili returned my gaze and though I could still see the guilty look in his eyes, at least he graced me with a smile.

"Please allow me to help you to camp, Gandalf might be able to help." said Kili.

I nod my head and with Kili's help, I used my weight on my good leg, noticing Kili pick up the bowls in his left hand while I managed to retrieve my boots and held onto them in my hand.

Using his right arm, he draped it around my waist, as we slowly made our way back to the camp and I finally had to ask him,

"Why is Fili?"

At first, Kili doesn't say anything and I wonder if it was because of the accident that had happened.

"He um, wanted to be alone for a while."

Frowning, I glance at him, seeing him blushing a little.

"I thought you and Fili were close friends, did you have an arguement?"

Kili shook his head, but still didn't say anything. Though the blush on his cheeks were a little darker.

"Kili, are you blushing?" I tease him, with a little chuckle.

"N-no, it's from the sun." He replied.

I wasn't so sure about that but decided leave him be. We finally arrived back at the camp and Bilbo came running over when he saw I was limping slightly.

"Hetti, what on earth happened?" He more or less shouted as he came towards me.

This caused everyone to glance in my direction and it was my turn to go red in the face. I was about to explain when Loki ran to me with a very concerned look on his face.

"Hetti, what happened?" asked Bilbo again.

"I slipped in the water." I replied, keeping my focus directly on Bilbo.

It was partly the truth, I did slip. I was not going to dob on Kili. Loki however, had other ideas. He surprised me by genty placing his hands on my cheeks, his blue/green eyes catch my own startled expression and I saw him frown then and looked directly at Kili.

"It was your stupidity that caused her to be injured in the first place." seethed Loki, now wrapping his arm around my waist."

Kili hung his head in shame and my heart went out to him.

"I'm sorry!" replied Kili.

"Kili, don't apologise, it was me that went after the bowls and spoons."

"I don't understand." replied Bilbo, looking at the three of us in confusion.

"Well, allow me to tell you what really happened!" exclaimed Loki.

To which he did. On how I retrieved the bowls that Kili dropped in the water. How I suddenly felt something bite my ankle, causing me to fall completely in the water. I watch Kili closely, seeing him go pale in the face as Loki wouldn't let up.

"While I myself love causing mischief, I would never cause an accident like that, not to someone I-," He trailed of before going on "I hold you completely to blame for Hetti's injury."

I was about to defend Kili once more when a voice stopped me.

"Loki, a word!"

I turn my head and saw Elaina and Thorin who had obviously been standing there a while. Loki did not move, his eyes caught mine again and for a second, I saw the look he gave me before, that caused my heart to accelerate.

"Loki!" demanded Elaina, causing Loki to break the moment again.

He graced me with a smile but a deadly glare at Kili, before he walked towards Elaina. I watched Elaina give Thorin a reassuring smile, before both she and Loki walked of to wherever.

Elaina's uncle came over to me as did Gandalf and with Kili's and Bilbo's help, they placed me down on the log.

"We'll soon fix this up, missy," grinned Poseidon "You'll be able to sprint again, in no time."

I watch as he held out a flask and he opened it. He then bent over and placed the flask over my ankle and I watch in stunned silence as one drop of water went on my bitemark, causing it to heal.

"Thank you." I replied, softly to him, as he straightened up again.

"My pleasure, little one," He replied grinning down at me "I do suggest you stay relaxed for a while. The water will be coursing through your body, fighting of any unwanted germs and could course a little lightheadedness."

"I'll look after her." said Kili, now sitting besides me with a small smile.

"Hmm!" was all Poseidon said with a smile, before leaving with Gandalf following close behind.

It looked like Kili was about to say something and I quickly beat him to it.

"Kili, if you're about to apologise again, don't. You've already said you were sorry and that's all that matters. Just relax and put all this behind us."

Kili sighed and glanced at me with a smile on his face.

"I was about to say, I think I'm sitting on one of my arrows."

"Really?" I say to him, raising my eyebrows.

We watch one another before finally, I saw his trademark grin.

"Nope!" Kili replied before roaring with laughter, causing me to follow suit.

o0o

~~Elaina's POV~~

Having returned with Thorin, I was most surprised to see everyone around Bilbo, Kili and Hetti. Loki was more or less shouting angrily at what Kili had recently done and I could tell Thorin wasn't impressed. I saw Fili roll his eyes as he too watched the scene unfold.

It was when Loki was about to start another rant when I intervened and called Loki to come to me. At first he didn't and it was only when I called him again, he reluctantly followed me away from the others.

When we were well away from the others, I turned around and faced him.

"What was that, back there?" I finally ask him.

Loki and I watch one another and at first, I thought he wouldn't say anything.

"Kili's stupidity caused Hetti's injury."

As I watch him, I remember the way Loki had watched Hetti before and it slowly slotted into place.

"You have feeling for Hetti." I whispered, more to myself, but I knew he had heard me.

"I have no idea what you are talking about. She is just a friend."

I raised my eyebrows.

"Really? The way you acted just now is not how a friend would act. You act like a person in love!"

"Love?" scoffed Loki, though he refused to met my eyes now "That's a bit much, don't you think?"

I steped a little closer.

"No, not really," I reply softly "Not when it's written all over your face."

Loki turned around and I saw him shake his head.

"She is just a mortal. I don't even deserve her."

I knew he was referring to his past and I slowly walked around him and faced him again.

"Hetti is much like me you know," Loki looked up and watched me with a frown "She doesn't judge people. We have always given others a second chance to put things to right."

I smile, remembering a few mischievous hobbits stealing carrots and cabbages at one of the many fields in The Shire. How Hetti and I would always give a second chance to them, knowing they would still do a few days later.

"So don't judge a book by its cover. Just because the cover may be grubby, it doesn't mean the story itself will be the same."

Loki cocked his head, still watching me.

"Strange metaphor!" grinned Loki.

"But it is the truth. Who cares if Hetti is mortal. It's what's in here," I place my hand on my heart to emphasise what I meant "that matters, is it not?"

"It's to late anyway," replied Loki "Kili likes her to."

"Ah, the love triangle scenario," Loki rolled his eyes "I know you will deny this, but I know you love her, which means you need to fight for what you truly want, which of course is Hetti."

Loki crossed his arms over his chest which Thorin does too and I smile at that thought. Loki suddenly smiled at me and I wondered what he was up too.

"I hear congratulations are in order, Mrs Thorin Oakenshied."

"Reading minds without my knowledge, demerits you Loki!" I scorn at him "But thank you."

"I didn't read your mind, pet, I read Thorin's when you were asleep earlier. He's been planing to ask you, since Goblin City."

I was flabbergasted, which caused Loki to laugh.

"You are well matched with him, even I can see that." said Loki.

"Thank you," I reply before tilting my head "I meant what I said though, you love Hetti, so you fight to claim her. As long as you never hurt her of course."

"I would never hurt her," frowned Loki and I regreted what I had just said "Unlike Kili, I would protect her."

For a second I saw him back in the Goblin City, shielding her from a fat looking Goblin and I knew then, that he really did love her, no matter what he said.

"I know you will. I don't know what Bilbo will say, but you do have my blessing."

"Thanks, but I really don't care what Bilbo says anyway. I do what I want."

My eyes go wide, not to sure what he meant by that, before Loki grinned at me, causing me to chuckle at his witty comments. One things for sure, it was going to get interesting seeing this love triangle develop, between these three. Though I only hope no one will get a hurt by it.