Hey guys! Oh my god, I am so, so sorry it has taken sooo long to get this out. Not only have I been going through some mental situations, but also physical.

For a while now, my eye sight has been steadily getting worse and worse, where it is now to the point I can hardly see, even with glasses. I am waiting to be assessed, as it is suspected I have cataracts and would probably need surgery, so I will be taking a break from writing for now untilt that point. I am hoping it won't tale more than a few months for the assessment, surgery and recovery, so with any luck, I will be back to writing before Christmas or shortly after. p

I am so sorry to have kept you all waiting for long and hope you will forgive and continue to be patient with me. Thank you for your continued support through all of this, I appreciate each and every one of you xx

No reviews to respond to this time.

Over the next few days, the dynamic in the group seems to go relatively back to normal. Even though I can tell most of the company are concerned for me, I'm thankful no one has brought up the incident from the other night. Dwalin, however, seems to be keeping a close watch on me. Not that I can blame him, to him, it must have looked as though I was trying to actually murder his King. I just made sure to keep my distance from both him and Thorin, not wanting to make any more waves.

Fili and Kili apologised instantly to me for their words as soon as Thorin and I returned to camp, which I of course accepted. I know they weren't being malicious with how they spoke. As I told Thorin, they're young, they will soon learn the hard way.

Nothing more of interest happens over the next few weeks, apart from the rains beginning. Thankfully, I'm not all that bothered about the rain, my dragon half keeping me warm in the cold. I let out a sigh as I lift my head up, allowing the rain to splash on my face.

"How can you be so happy in this?" Kili asks, sounding miserable.

I smile at him. "The rain doesn't bother me all that much. And I don't get cold."

He pouts, which causes me to giggle. "Lucky for some."

I just smile as we continue to ride.

"Here, Mr. Gandalf, can't you do something about this deluge?" Dori asks the wizard.

"It is raining, Master Dwarf, and it will continue to rain until the rain is done. If you wish to change the weather of the world, you should find yourself another wizard."

"Are there any?" Bilbo asks.

"What?"

"Other wizards?"

"There are five of us. The greatest of our order is Saruman, the White. Then there are the two Blue Wizards; you know, I've quite forgotten their names."

"And who is the fifth?" I ask this time, also curious.

Gandalf and Saruman are the only wizards I have met. Although I have only see the white wizard once, and even one time is too many, I don't know why, but I don't like or trust him.

"That, my dear, would be Radagast, the Brown." Gandalf answers.

"Is he a great Wizard or is he. . .more like you?" Bilbo asks.

I let out a laugh but then try to cover it up with a cough as Gandalf, while looking slightly offended, gives me a glare before he turns to the hobbit.

"I think he's a very great wizard, in his own way. He's a gentle soul who prefers the company of animals to others. He keeps a watchful eye over the vast forest lands to the East, and a good thing too, for always Evil will look to find a foothold in this world."

I smile at this, anyone who cares more about nature and animals is good in my eyes. My brother, Terran, was a nature dragon, he was able to grow plants, flowers and trees. When I was young, before we were captured, he had created a special garden in Rivendell, just for me, with all of my favourite flowers. It's where I spend a lot of my time when I'm home, it's also where I take Nina, so she can be closer with her uncle, the uncle she didn't get the chance to meet.

The weather finally turns again, the sun soon shining once more a few days later, making the mood happier again. That evening, we arrive at an abandoned farmhouse which appears to be in ruins.

Thorin turns to the rest of us. "We'll camp here for the night. Fili, Kili, look after the ponies. Make sure you stay with them."

I watch as Gandalf walks into the abandoned house.

"A farmer and his family used to live here." I can barely hear him say.

I frown as I look over the house. With the state of it, I would have thought this place would have been abandoned for many many years. Just how long ago did this family live here?

"Oin, Gloin, get a fire going." Thorin's voice pulls me from my thoughts.

"Right ye are." Gloin says, he and his brother getting started with the fire.

Dismounting Sidhiel, I take off my pack and feed her sugar cubes before handing the reins over to Fili with a smile. I sit on a boulder closer to where Thorin has now joined Gandalf.

"I think it would be wiser to move on. We could make for the Hidden Valley."

I perk up slightly at this, the thought of being able to see my mother and little girl so soon filling me with happiness and excitement. But, knowing about Thorin's thoughts on the elves, I know we won't be heading there any time soon.

I can hear Thorin sigh. "I have told you already, I will NOT go near that place."

"Why not? The elves could help us. We could get food, rest, advice."

"I do not need their advice." Thorin growls.

"We have a map that we cannot read. Lord Elrond could help us."

"Help? A dragon attacks Erebor, what help came from the Elves? Orcs plunder Moria, desecrate our sacred halls, the Elves looked on and did nothing. You ask me to seek out the very people who betrayed my grandfather. Who betrayed my father."

My heart drops at hearing the vulnerability in his voice. From the short time I have known the dwarf, Thorin has presented himself to be a strong man, who would never let his emotions rule over him. To hear the heartbreak and know what he's been through. . .it breaks my heart.

"You are neither of them." Gandalf continues, "I did not give you that map and key for you to hold on to the past."

"I did not know that they were yours to keep." Thorin snarles.

I glance back at the tense silence between them and seeing them just glaring at one another before Gandalf turns and strides off, grumbling away to himself as he goes past the dwarves.

Bilbo watches him. "Everything alright? Gandalf, where are you going?"

"To seek the company of the only one around here who's got any sense."

"Who's that?"

"Myself, Mr. Baggins! I've had enough of dwarves for one day."

Thorin stands in what used to be the doorway. "Come on, Bombur, we're hungry."

"Is he coming back?" I hear Bilbo ask Balin, who looks unsure.

As everyone is getting camp set up, I stand and look around the area we are in. Something doesn't feel right here. I can't hear or sense any animals nearby, it's as if they've been scared away and the air feels. . .off.

While Bombur is beginning to prepare dinner, I stand and go to the house where Thorin is still in, now sitting on a wall. I already feel the glare of Dwalin on my back.

"Permission to speak freely, Thorin?"

He looks to me in surprise for a moment before nodding. "That depends on your thoughts, lass."

I step forward and sit on the wall opposite him. "I'm not going to question your choices, I know of your thoughts on elves, and would not dare ask to go to Rivendell, but I am unsure about staying here."

He again seems surprised by my words. "Something troubles you?"

"Yes. I don't have much of an affinity with nature, that was my brother who did, but I learnt enough from him to know there something is wrong, but I can't quite put my finger on it. I can't hear or sense any animals around here, and the air feels. . .off. Foul. I don't know what it is, but it unsettles me more than it should. I really think we should find somewhere else to camp for the night."

He watches me as I talk, processing everything I am saying before he sighs. "Even if we were to take your advice to heart, it would be too late to move. It will soon be too dark to find another decent place to make camp for the night. If it will make you feel any easier, I can have two people placed on watch at a time."

I think it over and know he's right. The sun is already getting too low as it is. In just an hour or so it will be too dark.

I nod. "I think it would be wise. I'd like to have permission to be one of the ones on watch."

He nods. "You have it. For now, try not to worry. Come, let us join the others."

We both stand and he places his hand on my lower back to gently nudge me forward. I immediately feel a spark at where his hand touched, that same spark I felt during our sparring match a few weeks ago. I wish I knew what was going on with my body.

Pushing those thoughts and feelings aside, I sit by my pack and decide to do some maintenance on my clothing, fixing a hole in my tunic, one I got from hunting with Kili a few days before.

I watch Bilbo, who is close to me, twitching away nervously, looking over where Gandalf vanished to.

"Don't worry about him, Bilbo. Gandalf will return to us soon enough."

He looks to me. "How can you be sure?"

"Because I know what he's like. He'll leave, have a sulk for a few hours and then return. He's the one that got the ball rolling for this quest after all, he's not exactly going to abandon it now."

He looks to me for a moment. "You've known him for a while, haven't you?"

I nod. "Mhm. All my life. He's a very old family friend. He struck a friendship with my great-great-great grandfather and since then, he's always been around. I first met him when I was just a baby, mama tells me I was infatuated with him from the start, from his long beard and pointy hat. I used to look forward to his visits, for a chance to see his sparkly butterflies or his fireworks, and to hear stories of his adventures."

He gives a soft smile. "We also love his fireworks in the Shire and eagerly await his visits."

I also smile. "When I was old enough to travel, and had a good few years of training under my belt, he started taking me and my brother with him on his adventures, taking us all over Middle Earth. I suppose that's a reason why he sought me out for this quest. He knew I would be willing to help, knew I would be useful."

"Well, I think he made a good choice."

I nod, my smile still there. "I believe he did too."

We sit and continue to talk well into the evening. As night rolls around and dinner is ready, I thank Bofur as he hands me a bowl. Bilbo, still worrying over the wizard, stands near the two cooks as he looks out into the night.

"He's been a long time." Bilbo says as he walks over from where he's been looking out.

"Who?" Bofur asks.

"Gandalf."

"He's a wizard! He does as he chooses. Here, do us a favor: take this to the lads."

Bofur hands Bilbo two bowls of soup to take to Fili and Kili; Bilbo leaves. Bombur tries to take more soup.

I giggle as Bofur smacks Bombur's hand with the wooden spoon. "Stop it, you've had plenty."

I sit back as I eat and listen to the dwarves around me.

"Aye, it's not bad stew this Bombur." Gloin speaks up. "I've had worse."

"Dori could've cooked it!" Nori teases, causing the dwarves and I to laugh.

"Hilarious." Dori says sarcastically.

I'm smiling as I finish eating and lean back against my hands as I watch everyone in contentment. I always thought my life was perfect in Rivendell, other than the loss of my father and brother, I had my mother and my little girl. I have few friends, which didn't bother me. But, there was always something I felt was missing in my life. I thought it was the adventures I decided to stop when my daughter was born, but sitting here, among the dwarves of the company, I feel. . .full. A feeling I had not felt in a long time.

Some time later, we look up as Fili runs over in a panic.

"Uncle! There are trolls!" Fili tells Thorin.

Thorin immediately stands. "What!?"

"Trolls have taken some of our ponies."

"Where is your brother and Bilbo?" Balin asks.

"Well, we sent Bilbo to take a look at their camp. The trolls caught him trying to free the ponies, Kili stayed behind while I came for you."

We all immediately follow Fili as he leads us through the trees before we hide in some bushes with Kili. Looking through, I watch in horror as I see three trolls towering over Bilbo, advancing on him. Thorin grips my arm to stop me from going out there when Bilbo is being chased and then picked up by his feet.

"Gotcha! Are there any more of you little fellas iding where you shouldn't?"

"Nope." Bilbo instantly says.

"He's lying." one of the other trolls says.

"No I'm not!"

"Hold his toes over the fire. Make him squeal."

Before I get the chance to jump out, Kili is the one to rush in, slicing at one of the trolls with his sword, causing it to cry out in pain.

"Drop him!" Kili yells out.

"You what?" the troll holding Bilbo grunts out.

"I said. Drop him!"

The troll tosses Bilbo at Kili, who lands on him, Sending the both of them to the ground. The rest of us charge out of the bushes yelling and brandishing our weapons. We begin fighting the trolls, hacking, slashing, and hammering their legs. Looking towards the hobbit, I see he has successfully freed the ponies, smiling as they run away. The smile soon turns to horror as I see one of the trolls heading to him.

"Bilbo!" I call out as I rush forward.

Pushing him away, I then cry out as I am picked up by the troll. A second troll sees this and strides over before both trolls are holding me by my arms and legs.

"Sera!" I suddenly hear Kili cry out.

Looking down, I see the dwarves have huddled together, watching in horror and worry, Thorin holding Kili back, though I also see the worry in his eyes as he stares right at me.

"Lay down your arms, or we'll rip 'ers off." the troll that caught me says.

As Thorin and I continue to look at one another, me telling him with my eyes not to yield, he does, stabbing his sword into the ground, the others following his lead.

We are then, stripped down to our small clothes and half of us are stuffed in sacks while the rest are tied to the spit over the fire

Dwalin, Bofur, Bifur, Dori, Ori and Nori are hanging over the fire while the rest of us are in the sacks. I can feel the dwarves around me wriggling about trying to get free, while the trolls are talking about how they are going to eat us. I do not make any movement, knowing that everything will be fine. Gandalf is still out there. I know he will come and save us.

In the meantime, I tap into my dragon magic, staring into the fire, I block out everything around me while concentrating on the flames, turning down the heat so it doesn't burn my friends.

Thorin, not happy at having been stuffed into a burlap sack, struggles to get himself free. It's a small price to pay to make sure Seraphina was safe. But now, he had to find a way to get them all free and to get away from here, before the dwarves on the spit are roasted.

In the meantime, tapping into my dragon magic, I stare at the fire, blocking out everything around me as I concentrate on it, turning down the heat so it doesn't burn my friends.

Seeing she's staring at the fire, which seems to flicker violently, more than it should. Their talk of her being a danger comes to mind and his blood begins to boil, thinking she is doing something to get them killed so she can save her own skin. But, he suddenly realises something; he doesn't feel the heat from the fire, not like he should.

He looks down at the woman and wonders if she has some sort of control over fire. Some magical ability and that is the reason for this, along with why her eyes change. He prays that whatever she is doing, the trolls will be too distracted to notice, forcing them to feed the fire more.

"Wait! You are making a terrible mistake." Bilbo suddenly yells out, dragging him from his thoughts.

He watches as the hobbit manages to stand up, hopping away from the dwarves a little.

"You can't reason with them, they're half-wits!" Dori tries to reason with him.

"Half-wits? What does that make us?" Bofur questions.

"Uh, I meant with the, uh, with, uh, with the seasoning."

"What about the seasoning?" Bert asks.

"Well have you smelt them? You're going to need something stronger than sage before you plate this lot up."

The dwarves yell at Bilbo, Thorin calling him a traitor. The ones in sacks kick out at him.

"What do you know about cooking dwarf?" Tom asks.

Bert turns to him. "Shut up, and let the, uh, flurgaburburrahobbit talk."

"Uh, th--the secret to cooking dwarf is, um--"

"Yes? Come on."

"It's, uh--"

"Tell us the secret."

"Ye--yes, I'm telling you, the secret is ... to skin them first!"

"Tom, get me the filleting knife."

"If I get you, you little--"

"I won't forget that!" Gloin and Dwalin threaten him.

Tom scoffs. "What a load of rubbish! I've eaten plenty with their skins on. Scuff them, I say, boots and all."

"e's right! Nothing wrong with a bit of raw dwarf! Nice and crunchy."

Panic instantly fills Thorin as the troll picks up Bombur, holding him above his open mouth, ready to eat him whole.

"Not that one, he's infected!" Bilbo cries out.

"You what?" the troll turning the spit asks.

"He's got worms in his tubes."

Thorin, now thankful Bombur has been released, looks to Bilbo as if he's lost his mind. What in Durin's name is he talking about?

Bilbo nods. "In--in fact they all have, they're in--infested with parasites. They're even worse in females. It's a terrible business; I wouldn't risk it, I really wouldn't."

"Parasites, did he say parasites?"

"We don't have parasites! You have parasites!"

"What are you talking about?"

The rest of the dwarves chime in about how they don't have parasites and how Bilbo is a fool.

Noticing Bilbo groaning in exasperation, it suddenly hits Thorin whats going on. He's causing a diversion. He too didn't miss the trolls talking about sunup and being turned to stone. Being careful not to jar the woman from whatever she's doing, he kicks out, managing to kick his youngest nephew in the back, causing him and the others to shut up. Kili and Oin look to him before turning back to the trolls.

"I've got parasites as big as my arm!" Oin claims.

"Mine are the biggest parasites, I've got huge parasites!" Kili puts in, amusing Thorin somewhat.

The other dwarves then claim they are also riddled with parasites.

"We're riddled."

"Yes, I'm riddled."

"Yes we are. Badly!

A troll turns to Bilbo. "What would you have us do, then, let 'em all go?"

Bilbo shrugs. "Well. . ."

He pokes Bilbo in hit gut with his huge finger, making the hobbit stagger back. "You think I don't know what you're up to? This little ferret is taking us for fools!"

"Ferret?!" Bilbo squeaks indignantly.

"Fools?" One of the trolls asks.

"The dawn will take you all!"

Hope instantly fills Thorin at the wizards voice. Looking up, he sees him standing on a boulder behind the trolls.

"Who's that?"

"No idea."

"Can we eat im too?" The trolls ask.

Gandalf strikes the rock with his staff, splitting it in half, allowing the sunlight behind it to pour into the clearing. When the sunlight touches the trolls' skin, they begin turning into stone amidst loud screams and howls of pain. Within seconds, there are three stone statues of trolls in the clearing. All the dwarves cheer for Gandalf.

"Oh, get your foot out of my back!" Dwalin yells out.

Hearing a groan, he looks down to Seraphina and he sees her eyes returning to their normal colour. Turning to the fire, he notices it's gone out. He seems to be the only one to notice as the others are celebrating. Feeling a weight on his chest, he looks down to see her resting her forehead on his chest and can feel her breathing trying to get back to normal.

"Are you alright?" he asks her quietly.

She nods. "Aye. Just need to get my breath back. I haven't done that in a while."

His suspicions about her being able to somehow control fire are now confirmed.

"I don't know how you did it, but thank you. You saved my people from burning."

At Thorin's words, I snap my head up to look at him. He knows? He knows I was responsible for the fire not burning? He saw my eyes change again. . .that's the only way he could have known. Why do I have to be so damn careless about my power!?

He seems to sense my fear. "Don't worry, as I've said before, I won't ask until you're ready. Your secret is safe with me."

I look at him for a few moments before I give a tentative smile and nod, knowing I can trust him, just like he trusted me that I would keep them safe. Hopefully, I will have a chance to tell him everything about me soon, just to lift this weight from my shoulders and relax. I just hope I don't lose some people in the process.

There we are, chapter 5 is done, I hope you all enjoyed this one.