Chapter Forty

The Courage In Bilbo

~~Elaina's POV~~

I woke with a start, remembering the previous days activities. I knew Loki was not to blame in this, though Thorin thought otherwise. I was very curious however on what Loki's memory had shown me.

Why did Loki treat those people like that? All of them were terrified as they were forced to kneel. I knew Loki would tell me his past in his own time and until then, I would never question him. Though seeing that scene, was very unnerving.

'Perhaps he too had a nuisance inside his head.' came a voice inside my mind, causing me to jump a little.

A chuckle behind me made me realise that Thorin had heard my thoughts. Turning a little, I caught the smile on his face, though his eyes were currently shut.

'Must you do that?' I thought back, 'Couldn't you at least cough or something when entering my mind?'

Thorin opened one eye and looked at me, his smile broadening.

"How does one cough while in thought mode?" Thorin asked out loud "Have you ever tried it?"

"I, um. No," I admitted to him, feeling my cheeks burn a little "I believe it can not be done."

"Exactly! The things you say."

I wasn't in the mood for any playfulness today, so I tried getting up. Thorin was having none of it though. His arm tightened around my waist and pulled me back down. My own hand went around Thorin's warm hand, trying unsuccessfully to loosen his hold of me.

"You need to rest," He whispered against my ear, causing me to curse out loud "such fine words coming out of your mouth, my angel. Did Bilbo teach them to you?

Thorin then began kissing my ear causing me to smile despite myself, especially when he started kissing my neck. His beard was now tickling me which made me giggle a little, hearing Thorin himself chuckle behind me.

"What are you doing?" I asked, feeling Thorin's hand start trailing down my body now.

"I thought it was obvious."

My eyes widened a little.

"You want to get intimate with me in front of the others?" I whispered, again feeling my cheeks burn.

"We are completely alone," laughed Thorin, brushing his lips against my outer ear "when you fell asleep on me, I picked you up and carried you a little further from the rest of the company. You needed rest Elaina. Bofur, Hetti and many others were singing song after song last night."

I felt Thorin tighten his hold of my waist as he continued speaking.

"After what happened yesterday, I knew you would not appreciate being woken up with very rowdy dwarves. I was only thinking of you."

I was clearly touched though my thoughts soon went back on Loki. I really wanted to know if he was truly alright. I could see the genuine remorse on his face after what had happened to me.

He had admitted that he brought me to those past scenes, but I found I could not be angry with him. No, my anger was with the wizard. In all my life, I have never had a bad word to say to anyone, but the way Gandalf has been treating me, it has completely destroyed my trust in him.

I was brought back to the present with Thorin's gentle caresses and I gasped a little, when Thorin somehow managed to get on top of me, grinning down at me, before crushing his lips on mine. All thoughts of Loki, Gandalf and everyone else disappeared. I was more concerned with the here and now.

o0o

~~Hetti's POV~~

There was a strangeness in the air. Looking around, the trees gave me a weird feeling of unease. These trees were not straight for one thing. They were all twisted. The branches looked like giant arms, ready to grab hold of you at any moments notice. I shivered when I realised it had something to do with this very forest.

Looking around, this place really gave me the creeps. Normally when I went in a forest back in The Shire, I was completely content and at ease. I do not feel that way here. There was just something off about this forest, though I could not pinpoint why that was.

"Are you alright My lady?" came a voice behind me.

Bombur brushed past me with an armful of ingredients for this mornings breakfast when I glanced in the direction to who had spoken to me. It was Thor. He was currently watching me with a small smile on his face, though it didn't quite reach his eyes.

"Apart from being in a creepy forest, I am completely fine."

"You do not like forests, I take it?" asked Thor, now walking up to me.

"That is not the case at all. Back in The Shire, Elaina and I would spent hours in a forest. While Elaina drew pictures, I used to love climbing up trees, looking at the landscape." I replied with a smile.

The smile soon faded as I glanced back at these strange trees and felt goose bumps appear all over my arms. This forest was really creeping me out.

"It's this forest, " I continued, returning my attention to Thor "something feels very wrong, though I can not fathom why that is."

"There is magic in the air," came Loki's voice "it has been here for a very long time."

I watched Loki as he walked up to Thor and myself, though he was also looking at the forest with a frown on his face.

"Something is stirring the leaves. What was once a tranquil forest, is now filled with a forbidden magic that all that lives here, will not be normal. I suggest you all be careful."

As Loki spoke, his blue/green eyes went on me and stayed there. He had the look of concern on his face and for the first time since knowing him, that worried me. If Loki himself was concerned, then that proved there was something wrong with this forest.

"Thanks for the concern brother," said Thor, causing me to break eye contact with Loki "but I'm sure things will be alright."

"Don't be so sure of that," I replied, shuddering a little "this place is creeping me out. Which is a first, normally I jump at the chance at exploring any forest. Not this one."

With that, I walked away from both of the brothers with a frown on my face.

o0o

~~Elaina's POV~~

I could tell at once that I was back in a dream state. All around me was a white mist, nothing else. It was a little confusing for my liking. The question was, what was I about to see this time? I did not want to see another scene from Loki's own thoughts at this present time and I didn't want to see that lone Messenger either. I could feel a presence behind me. Taking a deep breath, I slowly turned around coming face to face with Gandalf.

"Gandalf what are-," I began, only for the wizard to stop my speaking.

"Trouble is coming to you Elaina, you must prepare for it."

Gandalf then looked around as if he was looking for something.

"You are stronger than you think child, never lose your light. The Messenger's now know that you can travel in dreams. You must be extra careful when entering the dream realm now," carried on Gandalf, now returning his gaze back on me "they could be laying in wait for you."

"It's not something I can stop at will!" I pointed out to him "This is still something I'm trying to understand."

Gandalf graced me with a smile, then he nodded.

"With Loki's help, you will fine. He and his brother Thor, will be with you when you finally come face to face with the leader of the Messenger's. You will never be alone when that time arrives."

We both heard a strange noise in the air and I had a feeling that was not good. The air around me was now becoming stale as I looked around, trying to pick up on what was wrong with this place.

"You are now in Mirkwood forest," my eyes went back to Gandalf "you must stay on the path. Do not leave it. If you do, you will never find it again."

The noise was getting louder and I knew I had to leave.

"No matter what may come, stay on the path!"

Was the last thing I heard before I woke up with a start. I could feel my heart beating at an alarming rate. I felt Thorin's gentle caresses going up and down my back while I tried to get my bearings back together again.

"Tell me your heart!" He asked softly.

Moving ever so slightly on Thorin's chest, I looked up at him, seeing his blue eyes watch me. Stretching my right arm, I placed my hand on his beard, gently stroking it with my fingers.

"Was I sleep talking again?" I asked him, noticing Thorin now had his eyes closed.

"No my angel," He smiled, as he leaned into my touch "though I can tell something is troubling you. What did you see?"

Sighing, I continue stroking his beard, while I thought on how to explain what the wizard had said.

"Gandalf was in this dream," I began, seeing Thorin's eyes open watching me intently "the place was weird. There was a mist all around us, nothing else. I never want to go there again, if I'm honest with myself."

"Couldn't you get out of there?" asked Thorin, raising his left arm before placing his arm behind his head, leaning on it.

"At first I didn't want to leave, I was more surprised in seeing Gandalf there than anything else."

Again I sighed, looking directly at Thorin. I would keep quiet about what Gandalf had said, about my fate with The Messengers. Instead I simply said,

"Gandalf said that as we are now in Mirkwood forest, we should always stay on the path."

Thorin raised his eyebrows but said nothing, as he watched me.

"Do not leave it. If you do, you will never find it again. That is what he told me."

Thorin surprised me by roaring with laughter. I didn't find this funny. I knew Gandalf spoke the truth. Thorin's laughter died out when he saw the worry on my face.

"There is nothing to laugh about Thorin," I began, turning my head a little, looking at the trees "trouble is coming. I can sense it."

"What do you mean?"

I return my attention to Thorin and say with a somber expression.

"There is something about this forest that I do not like. Please stay on the path!"

"Elaina, nothing will-,"

"Please!" I interrupted him.

I took a deep breath before I continued.

"I know Gandalf and I have had our differences but he knows what he is talking about. If we stray from the path, danger will come to us."

"It is just a forest, like any other we have walked in."

I closed my eyes and shook my head, seeing Bilbo once again, defending himself from the many spiders that were near him.

"This very forest is where Bilbo will slay spiders." I reveal to Thorin, reopening my eyes, looking at him.

Thorin's eyes went wide and I knew he finally understood what I was getting at.

"You mentioned that before." said Thorin.

I nodded my head.

"Yes I did. If we stray from the path. Spiders will come from everywhere doing god knows what to us. All the while, Bilbo will use his sword and defend himself from these massive critters."

"If there is a shortcut in the forest, we should take it."

I shook my head. I had a feeling Thorin was not going to help at all.

"No, I'm with Gandalf on this matter. We must stay on the path."

"Elaina, we must reach the mountain before the sun sets on Durin's Day." He pointed out to me.

"And we will, but we have to stay on the path!"

We were going in circles and I didn't like that one bit. I could tell Thorin was already thinking of a way to get out of the forest in any means possible. This stubborn dwarf who has claimed my heart was going to test my patience, I was sure of it.

o0o

After gathering our things together, we were all walking in the forest. Thorin was in front walking alongside Dwalin talking quietly among themselves. I only hoped Thorin would heed Gandalf's warning, but something told me that was not going to be the case.

Bilbo was currently walking with me as was Loki. We were right at the back and though there was banter ahead of us, my mind was on something else. I kept going over to what Bilbo could do, fighting of those spiders. Every so often, I kept glancing at him wondering if he had practiced using his sword at all.

"That's about the ninth time you have been watching Bilbo," I heard Loki say "why are you doing that?"

I should have realised that Loki watched everything around him.

'Has this got something to do with the ring he is carrying?' Loki asked me in thought.

Glancing at Loki, then back at Bilbo who seemed to be in his own thoughts. I sighed and shook my head.

"No," I said aloud "nothing to do with that."

"Then what is troubling you?"

"Spiders." was all I said.

"What about them?" asked Loki, but I paid no heed then, as I stopped Bilbo from walking on further.

"Can I ask you a question Bilbo?" I asked him, seeing the startled look in his grey eyes.

"What's the matter Elaina? Do you feel unwell again?"

I shook my head, now seeing the concern on his face.

"I am fine," I reassured him, gracing Bilbo with a smile "have you been practicing?"

He furrowed his brows looking at me with a confused expression on his face. I had a feeling, I would not like the answer when he finally realised where I was coming from.

"I-I'm sorry, I don't think I follow."

"The little sword you have, have you been practicing on how to use it probably?"

A snort of laughter from behind me, caused me to turn around, noticing Loki's grin widen. I was even more surprised to see Thor besides his brother. The last I checked, he was in the middle of the company, having a discussion with Balin and Nori.

"What's so funny?" I asked Loki, my brown eyes returning to the Mischief of God himself "This is a very serious question!"

"Really? How so?" asked Loki, clearly enjoying himself now "Why should this burglar need to use his letter opener?"

"My brother does make a fair point," said Thor "What is troubling you Lady Elaina?"

Returning my gaze back in Bilbo who was watching me, I simply said,

"Bilbo, you will need to use that sword of yours soon. Please be prepared!"

"What do you mean!" He replied, scratching his head in confusion.

"Hurry up, back there!" someone shouted, though Bilbo needed to know what could happen.

I decided it was better to tell him the truth, though I was really praying that we would not stray from the path at all.

"Do you remember when I looked at your sword, back in Rivendell?" I asked him.

Bilbo nodded his head, so I continued,

"Well, as soon as I touched your weapon, I was momentarily brought inside this very forest, where you my dearest friend, were fighting off a lot of spiders!"

Bilbo swallowed very hard, now looking at the forest around us.

"S-Spiders?" He finally managed to say "Why would I be fighting them off?"

Now looking at the forest, then back at Bilbo I sighed, knowing he would not like what was about to say.

"Because I believe in a short while, we will stray from the path and that is where the problems will occur."

I happened to glance back at Loki and was slightly shocked to discover that he was no longer smirking. He now had a somber expression. It was a little unnerving if I was honest with myself.

In all the time I have spent with him, Loki has always had a cockiness about him. Always so sure of himself, now though, he now looked as worried as I did, which meant I wasn't the only one that felt very uneasy about this forest.

"What do you mean stray from the path?" asked Bilbo "How can that even happen?"

Not saying a word, my eyes went on Thorin who was now pacing up and down watching Bilbo, Loki, Thor and myself with a frown on his face. I swiftly looked back at Bilbo, seeing the worry in his grey eyes.

"I hope we shall stay on the path, but please be prepared. There is something about this forest that sets me on edge and it's not just the spiders either."

"I am not as skilled as you are Elaina," said Bilbo, frowning now "I wouldn't know what to do."

"Well, it would helps if you stick the sharp pointy end in your intended victim." mused Loki.

"Brother, I really don't think your helping." remarked Thor.

My eyes stayed on Bilbo, noticing him flinch a little. Sudden footsteps forced me to look away, knowing full well who it was.

"Why have you four stopped walking?" asked Thorin, looking at each of us.

I could not think of what to say, knowing for a fact that Thorin would not be amused with what was being said about Bilbo and what could happen.

"We were just chatting," said Loki, his trademark smirk back in place which went just as suddenly when he met my eyes "when Elaina said she felt dizzy."

I narrowed my eyes at him, not liking this one bit, until I felt a warm hand go around my cheek, causing me to look back at a very concerned Thorin.

"Does he speak the truth?"

"I did feel weird a little while ago but it has since passed."

"Have you eaten anything?" asked Thorin.

Glancing at the ground, I mumbled.

"No," Thorin sighed "but that's because we were in a hurry."

Before I knew what was happening, Thorin grabbed hold of my wrist and frogmarched me away from Bilbo, Thor and Loki. Turning my head, my eyes locked onto Loki's once more and I gave him a glare telling him in my own way, I was not amused with his lies.

"Bombur, I know you have food on you," I heard Thorin say, "hand some over for Elaina."

"Thorin there really is no-," I began, but Bombur placed three apples and three carrots in my right hand, leaving me speechless.

Looking at Bombur I found myself saying,

"Thanks."

He graced me with a smile before walking off.

"Now, I want you to eat all of this."

Looking at the fruit and vegetables I frowned.

"Eating to many apples will cause me to have a stomach ache." I pointed out, hearing a grunt from Thorin.

"Fine, just eat one apple, but eat the rest. Fili, make sure Elaina eats." said Thorin, turning towards where Dwalin was.

I just watch his retreating form with narrowed eyes.

"Care to explain what's really going on here?"

"Nothing." I replied, catching the smirk on Fili's face.

"Really? Because the way you glared at Loki a few moments ago, tells me a different story."

Somehow, I knew lying to Fili was not going to work. So I quietly explained everything, including the strange dream I had off Gandalf. From time to time, Fili glanced back, looking at Bilbo with a smile on his face. My own eyes went on Hetti and Kili, laughing at something that was clearly funny to them.

"So, your saying Bilbo will save the day," asked Fili "by using his letter opener."

"I wouldn't go that far," came Loki's voice from behind me "he lacks something."

"Loki!" I scorned him.

"What? I am only speaking the truth. He is not a warrior, he is just a...gardener."

I know I shouldn't have, but I snorted out a laugh, knowing that Bilbo did indeed enjoy tending his garden. My eyes went on Thorin who was frowning back at me. I raised a carrot to my lips and bit into it.

"Why did you lie?" I mumbled to Loki, while I chewed on the carrot.

My eyes stayed on Thorin, his frown deepened and I sighed. This was going to be a long day, I was sure of that.

"I am the God of Mischief," chuckled Loki "and besides, I like tricking people."

"At my expense!" I retorted, turning my head, looking at him "I was not dizzy! Now thanks to you, I have to eat this."

Loki's blue/green eyes trailed down towards the apple and two and a half carrots I was holding onto. A smile spread across his face causing me to roll my eyes.

"If you don't want it, don't eat it," He simply said "after all, the real reason why he pulled you away from me was because apparently I'm a bad influence on you."

"How are you a bad influence?" I asked him.

"After what happened yesterday, Thorin has made it very clear that he intends to separate us."

"How do you-," I began, watching Loki closely, then I realised "You shouldn't go inside peoples heads like that."

"He was talking about me, therefore it is my business."

"You can read my uncle's thoughts?" asked Fili, shaking his head in wonder.

I didn't say anything. My attention went on Dwalin who was at this moment was thumping his weapon on the ground. My eyebrows raised wondering what he was doing.

"This way." I heard him say.

Looking at the ground myself, I could faintly see paving stones through the grass we were walking on and I realised this is what Gandalf had meant. We were already walking on the path Gandalf had insisted we stay on.

"I can indeed read minds," I heard Loki say "but if your uncle thinks he can stop me from being near Elaina, he will soon be very disappointed."

"Thorin will indeed be disappointed," I remark, still looking at the pathway "in the not to distant future, you , Thor and myself will be-,"

"The path...it's disappeared!" shouted out Nori and I instantly closed my eyes, knowing things were about to change for the worse.

"What's going on?" asked Dwalin.

The feeling in the pit of my stomach was now churning. It seemed we had failed Gandalf's advice.

"Elaina are you alright?" asked Fili, sounding concerned.

Reopening my eyes, I just shook my head as I watched Thorin carefully.

"We've lost the path!" remarked Oin.

Dropping the apple and carrots on the ground, I walked to where Thorin was and looked back at the ground, the path had indeed vanished. In its place was a steep cliff which meant there was no more path ahead of us.

"Find it. All of you look. Look for the path!" demanded Thorin, though I just shook my head.

"No, it's too late now. We have somehow strayed from the path. We will never find the pathway now."

"Of course we will find it Elaina," reasoned Hetti "we just have to backtrack a little."

I never said a word to Hetti. My thoughts were now on Bilbo. That vision I had of him using his sword now seemed a certainty and I was worried sick.

"After what I told you, you still managed to stray from the path." I said, facing Thorin.

Thorin's blue eyes went wide from my outburst.

"I mean," I carried on "how hard is it to follow the path? Now all I see is a very steep cliff! What on earth were you doing?"

"Other than the fact I was making sure you were alright," snapped Thorin "do not blame this on me Elaina!"

"Of course I was alright," I snapped right back at him "I was never dizzy in the first place. I was preparing Bilbo be-,"

"Bilbo?" cut in Thorin, now looking at the hobbit himself, before returning his attention back on me, his features softened "Your vision."

All I could do was nod. By now, I was completely worried. Other than spiders being in this forest, I had a feeling there was something else around. I really did not want Bilbo to get hurt whatsoever.

"I'll keep an eye on him," said Thorin gracing me with a smile "but we do have to leave now."

I knew he was right, we did indeed have to move on, though I did not like this one bit. Turning around, I began heading back towards Bilbo. I heard Thorin sigh and was a little surprised when he never uttered a word. For the time being, I was going to be near Bilbo at all times, just until things went back to normal.

o0o

We had been walking in the forest for a while now and from time to time, most of the company kept stopping and searching for the way out of here. The whole forest was quite eerie to look at.

The trees were getting to me, I knew spiders were up there biding their time. I could tell that most of the company were getting agitated as the trees were making it hard to determine where we were heading next. Everything looked the same.

"I don't remember this place before. None of it's familiar." I heard Balin say.

"It's got to be here." remarked Dori.

"What hour is it?" asked Thorin.

I looked up, trying to see the sky, but the trees were blocking my view. My feeling was growing stronger. I had a hunch that we were being followed and it had nothing to do with those spiders.

"I do not know. I don't even know what day it is." remarked Dwalin, causing me to roll my eyes.

We hadn't been in the forest that long, though it sure felt like it.

"Is there no end to this accursed place?" moaned Thorin.

"Well, if you had stayed on the path," began Loki "we wouldn't be in this mess now, would we?"

"You would dare-," I heard Thorin say, but I quickly jumped in.

"Loki!"

I turned and looked at him startled that he was now glaring at Thorin.

"We were always meant to travel this way."

Loki's eyes went on me, the anger on his face all but disappeared.

"You don't know that."

"I do," I replied, knowing this to be true "just be prepared."

~~Bilbo's POV~~

I listen to what Elaina had said to Loki and I couldn't help seeing the fear in her eyes. Even though she told me about the spiders lurking around here, I couldn't help thinking there was something else she was holding back on something.

I could hear the others talking among themselves as we carried on walking through this forest. Touching a tree, I felt something sticky between my fingertips. Why did I touch the tree? Shaking my head as I wiped my hand on my clothes, I stopped what I was doing when I had a strange whispering noise.

As we continue walking, I look around and had to blink several times in astonishment. I was watching myself walking backwards. What was going on here? I turn and look around, spotting Dori behind me and again see myself. I was beginning to feel a little strange. My entire vision kept changing.

I rubbed my eyes trying to clear this weird feeling away. When I pulled my hands away from my eyes, I saw Ori leaning down and picking up something from the ground. Then Dori snatched whatever Ori had away from him.

"Look." Ori said.

"A tobacco pouch. There's dwarves in these woods." Dori remarked, looking at the pouch in his hand.

I watch on in silence as Bofur takes the pouch from Dori. Something strange was happening here and it was very unnerving.

"Dwarves from the Blue Mountains, no less. This is exactly the same as mine." said Bofur.

A sudden realisation went through me which made me say,

"Because it is yours. You understand? We're going round in circles. We are lost."

"And here I thought, Bilbo was just an observer!" I heard Loki say "Very clever hobbit."

I looked at Loki noticing he was now grinning at me. Before I could say anything to him, Dwalin spoke.

"We're not lost. We keep heading east."

"But which way is east? We've lost the sun." Oin pointed out.

Once again the dwarves have started bickering among themselves. Sighing, I look up hoping to find a clue to where to go next. I raise my eyebrows when I spot a tiny potion of the sun through the trees far above me.

"I can see the sun." I say quietly, though I know no one is listening to me because of the noise the others are making.

"What did you say Bilbo?" asked Elaina, looking at me with concern in her brown eyes.

I grace her with a smile before saying, a little louder than before,

"The sun. We have to find the sun. Up there. We need to-,"

"What? What's that?" interrupted Thorin, looking around the forest.

Thorin's eyes narrowed.

"Enough! Quiet! All of you! We're being watched." yelled Thorin.

"We've been watched ever since arriving in this forest," came Elaina's voice "please be careful."

"Elaina-," began Thorin, but my eyes went on a tree, taking no notice to what was being said.

Walking up to it, I start climbing, only to be stopped by Hetti.

"What are you doing?"

"I saw the sun. If I climb up, I will be able to pinpoint where the exit is." I explained to her.

"I'm coming with you," my eyes widened "oh come on, you know full well I love climbing up trees and besides," Hetti chuckled "it beats listening to the bickering around here."

Before I could stop her, Hetti started climbing up. Rolling my eyes, I followed her lead. I try not to notice the spider webs that were everywhere. Though I could still hear what the rest of the company were saying, I concentrated on reaching the top. My arms and legs went on branch after branch, following Hetti and finally, my head breaks through the tree leafs and into air that I welcomed gladly.

~~Elaina's POV~~

After watching Bilbo and Hetti climb up the tree, I had that feeling that we were all being watched once more. In fact, it was growing stronger. Just as I was about to express my concerns on this matter, several spiders stopped me.

Sighing, I quickly grabbed hold of my sword and instinctively struck my weapon inside a spiders stomach. The hiss it made when I pulled out my sword alerted the others and they quickly went to work on the other spiders.

There was a problem however, just as we killed one, another spider took its place. Once again, I had that feeling I was being watched and I hated that with a passion. While plunging my sword in another spider, my eyes went wide when I saw many spiders advancing on the rest of the company.

My heart clenched when I saw Thorin and Balin being wrapped up in some sort of a cocoon and just as I was about to deal with the matter, a hand grabbed hold of my wrist, stopping me in my tracks.

"It is too dangerous to rescue them for the moment Elaina," points out Loki "there are far to many off this critters."

"If you think for one second that I will leave them to their fate," I spat back, sticking my sword at a spider from behind me "you are clearly mistaken."

"Lady Elaina," I heard Thor say, walking up to us, as was a very concerned Fili "my brother has a point. There are too many spiders here. We need to leave this strange forest at once."

"I'm not-," I began, before I stopped speaking.

My eyes scan the forest, searching for anything that was not a spider. The feeling of being watched was now getting to me.

"There is something else in this forest," I finally say, "and I'm not sure what it is."

"What do you mean?" asked Fili, finally breaking his silence.

"I've felt it too," admitted Loki "ever since we came inside this forest, I have been waiting for something to happen. These spiders are only part of the problem."

Watching Loki, I knew he spoke the truth. There was indeed something about this very forest that set me on edge. Though if he thought for one second that I would leave Thorin and his men, he will be sorely disappointed.

"You are one stubborn lady," smirked Loki, looking at me, before looking at the now retreating spiders "looks like luck is on our side."

Loki sighed and shook his head.

"Fine, we will do it your way Elaina. I do like a challenge."

"Loki," scorned Thor, holding onto his strange hammer weapon "now is not the time for your remarks."

"After all," continued Loki, taking no notice of Thor "Hetti is among them, is she not?"

"And my brother and uncle." I heard Fili say.

I shook my head, watching Loki carefully. Hoping he wouldn't start anything just yet.

"No, she climbed up a tree with Bilbo before those spiders came."

Loki raised his eyebrows and looked up at the trees, knowing what was on his mind.

"That's where the spiders have retreated!" snapped Loki, walking towards a tree, before he turned and faced Thor, Fili and myself "Well. what are we waiting for? Let's save the girl."

"And the others!" I point out, narrowing my eyes at him.

Loki's only response was a grin. Rolling my eyes, I placed my sword in my belt and headed towards the tree Loki was now leaning on. Just as we were about to start climbing up, a voice behind me said,

"Leaving so soon?"

Spinning around, I saw a lone female elf, holding onto a bow, which was pointed at us all.

"I really don't have time for this!" I snapped, hearing Loki's (ehehehe) in the process.

Raising my left hand, I flicked my wrist, taking the bow she was holding right out of her hands. The bow went high up in the air, before falling down on the ground. The elf in question gasped out in surprise, looking back at me as if I was mad.

"How dare you!" sneered the red haired elf "Do you really think that would-,"

"Tauriel!" came a voice not so far away.

A blonde haired elf appeared, though he was armed, he was not aiming his weapons at us. In fact, he was staring back at me with a small on his face. I realise it was this very elf that had been watching us, but why?

"Oh goodie," I heard Loki sneer "another elf and a royal one at that!"

My gaze went on Loki who was now glaring back at the two elves. Arching my eyebrows I waited for him to continue. However he did not, when a load noise from behind me made me turn around.

There right in front of me was a Messenger.

o0o

~~Bilbo's POV~~

(A few minutes earlier)

The more I breath in this air, the more my head starts to clear, now knowing there was something very wrong with that forest. Taking another deep breath, I could see several blue butterflies flying around Hetti and myself.

"Now this is why I love climbing," grinned Hetti when I looked over to her "looking down at everything. Smell that air Bilbo, it is so much clearer up here and look at those butterflies...Wow!"

I found myself smiling back at Hetti before I look up at the sun. It was now setting. I did what Hetti was currently doing, looking at everything. It was truly a beautiful sight to see. I found myself laughing when I look into the distance and see several landmarks. I knew I had to let the rest of the company to what Hetti and I could see.

"I-I can see a lake! And a river. And the Lonely Mountain. We're almost there!" I shouted, hoping the others had heard me.

I furrow my brows when I didn't get a reply.

"Can you hear me? I know which way to go! Hello?"

Catching Hetti's own worried face, I look down, hoping to spot the others. Suddenly, I could hear a thumping noise coming from the distance and glance back up.

"Hello?" I found myself saying.

The trees around us are now moving haphazardly and I wonder what is causing that? What ever it is, it is heading straight towards Hetti and myself. I had to warn the rest of the company.

"We need to get down." I say to Hetti.

Hetti only nodded while I slowly descend down the tree. From time to time, I look around, hoping that what ever that strange thing was had slowed down. I was about to step on another branch when I tripped over a spider web and I felt myself fall several feet downwards.

"Bilbo!" yelled Hetti.

Though I did hear her I was currently bouncing off branches and I cried out in pain as I continue to fall down. Somehow, I did manage to break my fall by grabbing onto a branch and I sighed in relief. That relief was short lived however when my eyes went on a web that was breaking apart and in its place, was a massive spider opening its fangs at me.

"Hetti" I yell "stay where you-,"

I realise I am falling again and I land on my back on a very big spider web. I try to move but I found that I can't. I am stuck to this web and am unable to move. Meanwhile the spider comes near me and starts wrapping me up tightly with web.

Most of the dwarves have also been captured by these giant spiders, having hung them upside down from the tree branches. Another spider near me, starts towing me towards the rest of the company, then reaches for me with its jaw.

'This can not be happening!' I thought to myself 'If I stay like this, this very spider will probably poison me and then what will happen? I'll die that's what...Think Bilbo, think!'

I had to get away from this spider and I saw my chance when the spider bends towards me and I slowly move my right hand to where my sword was and started swinging it around. The spider in front of me made a deafening noise when I realised that I had plunged my sword in the spider's body.

I don't stop though, I keep repeating hurting this massive spider, noticing the blood going everywhere. I finally manage to fling the spider over the edge of the branch I had been lying on, watching in satisfaction as this spider was now crashing to the forest floor.

Taking no chances, I quickly get to work and rip of the cocoon of spider webs I was currently in. Glancing up, I saw the rest of the dwarves wrapped up hanging from the branches.

"Get moving Bilbo," shouted Hetti, "I got this."

Just as I was about to say something, I spotted another spider. I quickly move out of the way and hide behind a tree trunk as the spider I was now watching, climbed up the other side of the trunk.

'I have to do something,' I thought, looking up at Hetti as she frantically tears apart a cocoon 'think!'

I place my hand in my pocket and felt the ring that I had found back in that cave. Taking it out, I look at the gold band, now knowing what to do. Without giving it much thought, I slipped the ring on my finger and became invisible.

Everything was weird now. Though I tried not to take to much notice of that. I could now understand what the spiders were saying and that sent chills to my whole body.

"Kiilll theemm. Kiill theemm!"

Glancing back at Hetti, I saw that she was still trying to rip open the cocoon.

"Their hide is tough. There is good juice inside." I heard another spider say.

"Stick it again! Stick it again! Finish it off!"

I watch in disgust as many spiders surround one wrapped dwarf. The dwarf in question was trying to kick back, but was not getting anywhere, as he was wrapped up so tightly in the cocoon.

"Ahh! The meat's alive and kicking!" sneered a spider, watching it prey.

"Kill them, kill them now. Let us feast." came another spider.

This had to end now, before someone got hurt or worse, died. Holding my sword in front of me, I slowly made my way towards the spiders. I quickly duck just in time as another spider crawls along a branch above me, heading straight for the company and Hetti who had finally managed to loosen up the cocoon she was working on.

If she wasn't careful, the rest of the spiders would realise she was trying to free our companions. Looking around the ground, I spotted a piece of wood and grabbed hold of it, before throwing the wood to the side, causing all the spiders to rush after the noise I had just created.

"What is it? What is it? Kill it! Feast! Feast!" I heard a spider say.

Of course one spider had to stay behind. It was about to eat one of my friends.

"Fat and juicy. Just a little taste."

I realise who the spider was referring too and narrowed my eyes as the spider was about to eat Bombur. I sneak up behind this spider and strike it on its rear end with my sword.

Of course the spider spins around and hisses, looking around to what had hit him. I knew this spider could not see me and that gave me the upper hand as I started slicing at the critter, hitting away its leg and part of its head.

"Curses! Where is it? Where is it?!" hissed the spider.

Feeling confident, I take off my ring, showing myself to the spider. I smile back at it before I speak to this spider.

"Here!"

Before the spider could do anything, I thrust my sword into the spider's head.

"It stings! Stings!" hissed the spider.

"Sting. That's a good name." I whisper to myself.

I glance upwards again, looking at the rest of the company who are still wrapped up and tied up. From where I was standing, I could not see where Hetti and I hoped she was alright.

"Sting." I repeat, looking back at my sword.

I run towards the cocoons and using my sword named 'Sting', I cut them all down. They land on the forest floor and start ripping off their wrappings, cursing and yelling the entire time.

"Where's Bilbo?" Bofur shouted out.

"Bilbo!" everyone else yelled out.

"I'm up here!" I announce from the tree branch I was on.

Just as I was about to join the rest of the company, a spider came from nowhere and had managed to pin me down. I had no idea where my courage came from though, as I placed my sword in front of me just in time before the spider thought I was his/hers dinner.

I didn't think, I just stabbed at the spider's stomach and was relieved when the spider dies. That relief was very short lived as the spider falls off the branch taking me with. My legs were trapped in the spider's legs.

We both smash against branch after branch as we continue to fall down. My ring comes away from me and I am now frantic in finding my magic ring, before it goes missing. Thanks to the dead spider, my landing was smooth. I quickly get up in search of my ring.

'Where is it?' I thought to myself, looking everywhere for my ring.

Stopping suddenly, I slowly look over my shoulder and I sighed in relief when I see my ring lying on the ground. I began to walk towards it, my eyes never leaving sight of this magical ring.

Just as I had reached my goal, a strange looking spider came from the ground just behind my ring. I watch in horror as the spider's legs move the ring as it starts to crawl towards me.

I narrowed my eyes then charge forward, my sword raised, ready to deal with this creature. I started yelling as I repeatedly plunged my sword in the spider. I didn't stop, until I was completely certain it was dead. By now, my sword was embedded in the spider's neck.

I pulled my sword out then stab this menace through the head. I am panting hard while I watch the very dead spider. Taking a deep breath, I head towards my ring and pick it up, then shows the dead spider my secret weapon.

"Mine!" I hiss to the dead spider.

I lower myself on the ground and sit down, looking at this wonderful ring. Then sudden realisation hits me to what I had just done. I had just killed many spiders. All the blood and spider webs were evidence of that fact.

I suddenly feel very sick. How could I have done that? I am so ashamed of my actions. I found myself covering my mouth, shaking my head in disgust. Taking another deep breath, I was about to place my ring away when I heard a noise ahead of me.

Very slowly, I got up and walked to where I heard the noise. I was expecting to see Thorin and his kin, instead, I saw Elaina, Thor, Loki and Fili looking at something to there left.

Turning in that direction, my eyes went wide when I spotted a black armoured person slowly heading towards my adopted daughter and friends. I could faintly see that Elaina was using her power on this person, but I could tell this black armoured person wasn't stopping.

Without thinking, I placed my ring back on and made my way towards the danger that awaited me. I had a feeling then, that this being was the one that would do anything to get Elaina's power. I couldn't have that.

What I was doing was dangerous, but there was no way that I would allow anyone to hurt who I cared for. Raising Sting, I began running. This time, I never yelled as I advanced towards this being.

'If this is how I die today, then so be it.' I thought to myself.

"Elaina, concentrate!" I heard Loki say.

"I'm trying," huffed Elaina "I'm not used to this!"

Now right behind the very being that was as dangerous as anything that I had faced, I mentally prepared myself, looking for any weakness that this thing had. Of course, I couldn't find it. I just had to chance it.

Licking my dry lips, I held onto my sword, before taking my one and only chance in helping Elaina out by thrusting Sting at the back of the black armoured legs. As soon as my sword touched this nemesis, I was knocked backwards, while this very being started wailing uncomfortably.

"It's working!" exclaimed Fili.

"T-That is not my doing!" said Elaina, sounding confused.

"This is not over!" hissed this monster "Your power belongs-,"

A sudden burst of white light went around this nemesis before disappearing altogether.

"What was that?" came a voice I knew I had never heard before.

My eyes darted to Elaina, who looked visibly shocked.

"What," She began now shaking her head "made that Messenger wail like that? That was strange."

"Who cares," remarked Loki "that thing is dead."

Again Elaina shook her head.

"No, not dead, it will come back I'm sure of it!"

There was several footsteps heading towards us though I stayed where I was, my magic ring being very useful once again.

"Elaina," came Thorin's voice running up to her, taking her in his arms "thank Mahal that you are safe."

"Likewise." Elaina replied, wrapping her arms around Thorin's waist.

Just as things couldn't get any worse, several elves were now surrounding Elaina, Thorin and the rest of the company. One of the elves stepped forward, aiming his bow at Thorin.

"Do not think I won't kill you, dwarf. It would be my pleasure!" the elf said with a note of disgust in his voice.

~~Elaina's POV~~

I had no idea on what had just happened. I knew my power was still growing, which is why I knew I wasn't doing a good job in getting rid of that Messenger. Then all of a sudden, the Messenger started wailing. It really made no sense to me at all.

Now being in Thorin's arms, I welcomed his embrace. Taking no notice of the elf for the moment, I looked at Thorin. He was covered in spider webs. Using my right hand, I gently wiped a few spider webs out of his raven hair, catching the blue pools of his eyes as I continue removing them.

"I mean it!" the elf said once more.

Taking a deep breath, I turned a little, looking at this elf in question. Even though he has been here since that Messenger arrived, I never really took in his appearance, until now that is.

He was tall, wearing a very dark green armour. He had long blonde hair that was tied securely by a braid. Even though he was glaring at Thorin and I, I'll admit, he was a very attractive elf. Looking back at Thorin I sighed, closing my eyes for a split second. As I reopened them, I turned and face the elf with a frown on my face.

"Look, I've had it with everything today!" I snapped at this elf who was now aiming his bow at Thorin "so, will you kindly lower your weapon or so god, I won't be responsible for my actions towards you!"

"I have no qualms against you Star Princess," came his response "it is just the dwarves I have a problem with."

Taking a deep breath, I glanced back at Thorin who was watching me with worry etched on his face.

"Then you do have a problem with me," I replied, looking back at this elf with narrowed eyes "you touch them, you'll-,"

A sudden thud made me stop talking, making me look to the source. On her knees Hetti had her arms around her chest, shaking uncontrollably.

"I d-d-don't f-feel so g-g-good." was her reply, before collapsing on the ground.

"Hetti!" both Kili and Loki yell at once, both running towards her.

It was Loki that reached her first, cradling her in his arms. I let go of Thorin and also ran up to my sister, kneeling besides Kili who had a worried look on his face. Looking at Hetti, I watch her, noticing that she had become really pale. I reached out my hand and placed it on her forehead, she was burning up.

"Take us to your father's realm!" demanded Loki, looking at the elf that was in charge "Now!"

"Why should I listen to a prankster like yourself?" sneered the elf.

As gently as I could, I searched Hetti's body for any sign of a wound. I was miffed however, when I couldn't find any. Hetti momentarily opened her eyes and I watch as she looks at Loki with a small smile on her face.

"S-Smile L-Loki, it s-suits y-you." She said raising her left hand before touching his cheek lovingly.

Just as suddenly, Hetti closed her eyes again, lapsing into unconsciousness.

"No!" cried out Kili, taking her hands in his "Come back to me Hetti!"

My eyes never left Hetti, this was not what I was expecting. Something was very wrong here. I knew that I had the gold flask on me, but with newcomers near me, I just did not trust myself to use it on Hetti. That would have to wait, unfortunately.

"Whoever you are," I began, my own hand wiping the hair from my sister's face "take us to where you reside. My sister needs medical help."

"Elaina you can not be serious!" remarked Thorin "I will not enter-,"

"If you think for one second I will leave my sister to get worse," I butted in, now glaring at Thorin "then you really don't know me at all!"

Nothing was said from Thorin, though he was weighing up his options. Hearing movement, I saw the blonde haired elf approach me, lowering his weapon at last.

"My father is expecting you Star Princess," He looked over at the rest of the company, frowning in the process "follow me."

I too frowned, hearing 'Star Princess' once more. Getting up from the ground. I watch Loki pick up Hetti. I then looked at Kili, seeing the anguish on his face. I gently squeezed his shoulder saying softly to him,

"Don't worry, I'll help her out as soon as I can."

Kili never uttered a word, though he did grace me with a small smile. I only hoped I could indeed help out Hetti. As there was no wounds on her, my frown increased as to what had happened to my best friend and sister. I aimed to found out the truth, no matter what.