Hey guys! I'm back with the second chapter of my new story, I hope you are all enjoying this one.

Where the reviews are concerned, I would really appreciate not getting anymore from "people" wanting to do art commissions, not only have I said in other stories that I do not wish to do this, but I have since found out about this being scams that have been done to other writers and would greatly appreciate not getting them or Pms again from those, especially since one review I had received mentioned characters I didn't even know of, so it was clear they hadn't read it. Doubt it's goiong to stop, but thought I'd try.

Chapter 2

I'm woken up the next morning to the smell of breakfast cooking, the sound of bacon sizzling. If I didn't know any better, I would believe I was just camping with dad, and he allowed me to sleep in a little more while he made breakfast for us.

But, remembering the events of the day before, that memory is shoved straight back into my head, which is currently throbbing. I groan as I place a hand to it.

"Good morning." Thorin's deep voice calls out.

I give a grunt good morning, hearing him chuckle slightly.

"How are you feeling?"

"Like I have a huge hangover from drinking all night."

I hear him give a very unkingly snort. Opening my eyes, I see him sitting by the fire, cooking some sausages and bacon on the frying pan.

I slowly push myself up and gratefully accept the water skin he hands me. I'm careful not to drink too much, not knowing if there's a river or something nearby to fill it up at.

Closing the skin, I set it next to me before pulling my legs up to my chest and wrapping my arms around them, staring into the flickering flames, and just think about the events of the past twenty four hours, from the crash until now.

I'm so lost in thought, I don't realise I am being spoken to, until a heavy hand is placed on my shoulder, making me jump and look up to see Thorin standing in front of me.

"Are you alright?"

I nod, taking a moment to get my breath back from being jarred back to Earth, or Middle Earth should I say.

"Yeah, sorry. I was miles away."

He gives a small smile. "Not to worry. You have been through a lot. Caterina was the same for the first few days."

I nod as he moves back to the fire.

"So, my sister is okay? Truly?"

He nods. "She is. My nephews found her much like I did you. They brought her back to the mountain and my sister, feeling sympathy for her, took her in."

"Your sister. . .Dis. . .and her sons, Fili and Kili, right?"

He tenses again and his eyes narrow slightly as he looks to me.

"Aye. I have to wonder, you know much about me and my family, but yet I know next to nothing about you. How is that?"

I bite my lip slightly as I wonder about this, is it safe for me to tell him that I am from another world and that all of this is written in a book?

"Wou-Would it be okay if I told you tonight? I need to get my head around some things. I promise, I will explain as much as I can, but I am too overwhelmed right now."

He just keeps watching me, and I can see the gears turning in his head, wondering whether or not to accept my request. After a moment, he makes up his mind as he nods.

"Very well. Tonight, after dinner, I hope you will be able to give me answers."

I also nod. "I will, to the best of my ability."

He doesn't say anything to that as he hands me a bowl of sausages and bacon, while he eats from the pan.

We both sit in a companionable silence as we eat our meals. I still can't believe this is actually happening. I'm actually sat in Middle Earth, sharing a meal with Thorin fricken Oakenshield! God, if only dad could see me now.

After we have eaten our fill, I help Thorin to break down camp, taking the dishes to the nearby river he points out, to wash them, as well as refilling the water skin.

"Do you know how to ride?" Thorin asks as he's tying our packs to the saddle.

I nod as I watch. "Yeah. My grandparents had a farm and I would ride the horses they had every weekend. I haven't ridden in a while, but I remember how."

He nods before getting onto the saddle and lowering his hand down for me. I take it and he helps me up behind him. He waits for me to get settled before getting the pony to walk with a squeeze of his legs and we ride on.

The rest of the day is spent riding along, either in silence or me asking him about my sister's time with them. He tells me how she had settled in pretty quick, and his people had, surprisingly, grew to like her in her short amount of time there. That didn't surprise me, Cat is the extroverted one out of the two of us, the one who easily made friends in school, while I was the awkward older sister.

He also told me how she had got stuck into her weapons training, which surprised me as I didn't think she'd be interested in that. Sensing my surprise, he told me he wouldn't have allowed her to join the quest if she didn't have a little knowledge to defend herself, which I agreed with. I also find out she has been apprenticing under their healer, Oin, which has me almost giddy inside; Oin the elder brother of Gloin who is the father of Gimli. . .this is all still so surreal.

After the talk, I gradually fall into silence again as I retreat into my thoughts while watch the world go by.

I have no idea how we got to Middle Earth, or even why we're here, I'm kinda glad we are. If there was one world we could be transported to, this would be the one.

After a long day of riding, Thorin pulls his pony, who I come to know as Daisy, at a small clearing not far from the road we are travelling on. It's a nice little area, not too big and not too small, just right for the two of us to camp for the night, it's also not far from a river.

Dismounting Daisy, I stretch my arms out to the sky and stretch out my body, groaning as I feel joints pop and muscles stretch.

"Man, I forgot what it was like to ride for hours on end."

Thorim, now on the ground, chuckles as he unties my backpack before handing it to me.

"You will get used to it."

Taking my backpack, I walk to the middle of the clearing and pop the bag down and clearing up some space for a fire and begin searching nearby for some wood. I can feel Thorin's eyes on me, watching my movements.

"You certainly know what you're doing." he finally says.

I smile as I return with an armful of wood. "My dad and I used to go camping, every year, during the summer. Everything I know about living in the wild, I learnt from him."

He gives a fond smile as he takes the wood from me.

"I'm sure he was proud to teach you. Not to worry, we will find a way to get you and your family home to him. No doubt he will be worried."

I give a small smile as I sit down and reach up to my neck, fiddling with my heart necklace, one who holds some of my dad's ashes.

"Not to worry. I know he's right here with us, watching over us."

He pauses his task to look at me for a few moments, realisation dawning on his face.

"He has passed then?"

I nod. "Yes. Ten years ago."

He bows his head. "You have my sympathies. I apologise for my words, I did not know."

I give him a reassuring smile. "Not to worry, Thorin. I know you didn't know. It was hard at first, but he died fighting for our country."

He looks impressed. "He was a soldier?"

"Yeah. Had been for a good few years. But, the year he died, a war had broken out overseas and he was sent to fight."

"He died honourably. Fighting for his family and his country. You must be proud."

I give a small chuckle. "Not at first. I became angry and resentful. I hated him for leaving, hated him for fighting and hated him for having the nerve to die. But, I healed and moved on from the anger. That's when I became proud, proudly telling anyone who asked that my dad died fighting for us."

He nods as he listens, empathy and understanding clear in his eyes.

"I know that feeling. I too have lost people in battle."

The Battle of Azanulbizar, Battle of Moria, goes through my head and I know exactly who he means. His grandfather, father and brother.

We soon move away from the talk of death and Thorin begins looking in his pack for food. I hear him sigh.

"What's wrong?"

"I knew I should have listened to Kili about bringing a bow. I only brought enough food for myself, not anticipating I would find you."

As he says this, I immediately run over to my backpack and pull out my bow case.

"That's not a problem."

Thorin watches as I sit down and open it.

"What is it?"

I smile as I being taking out the pieces. "My bow."

He raises an eyebrow, watching as I begin putting the bow together.

"Your. . .bow? You can take it apart and rebuild it?"

"Yep." I say with a strain, as I pull the string onto the top of the bow. "Where I am from, it is a lot more. . .advanced than here. I can tell you a little more after dinner."

He nods and holds a hand out. "May I?"

I nod as I hand the bow to him and while I put my arrows together, watch as he carefully takes it and looks it over.

"It's metal?" I nod again. "It's so light, not what I expected for a bow."

"It's a lightweight metal we have called aluminium. I'd expect it'd be close to your mithril."

He glances up at the word mithril before nodding again. He grips the bow in his left hand and takes stance before pulling the string taut for a few seconds and relaxes.

"It's a marvellous bow. Wonderfully crafted."

I smile as I take it back. "Thanks. It was my dad's. It was willed to me when he died."

He gives a soft smile. "I know he would be proud and honoured you continue to use it."

I smile at this as I strap on my quiver. "I'd like to think so."

"If you are going hunting, may I come with you? I would like to observe your skill."

"Of course. You know this area better than I, anyway."

Together, we go through the small woods nearby and I keep my eyes to the ground, following any tracks an animal would have made. Finding a rabbit track, we follow it carefully and I hold a hand up as I stop and we see a rabbit ahead, drinking from the river.

Slowly, I reach up and pull an arrow from the quiver, notch it onto the bow and pull the string back, the arrow grazing my cheek as I keep my eye on the rabbit. After waiting a few moments to get a better shot, I get it when the rabbit turns its head and release the arrow. The rabbit didn't even have time to turn before the arrow pierced through its neck, landing in the ground with a thunk.

"Impressive." Thorin says after a moments silence. "The bow is very powerful. I believe you would rival my nephew with a bow like that."

I smile as I walk over to the rabbit. "I highly doubt that. I'd imagine Kili has quite a good few years ahead on me in archery."

"How many years do you have?"

"Twenty. Dad started teaching me at six." I hold up the rabbit after taking the arrow out. "Will this be enough? I know dwarven appetites are known to be big."

He glances at me before looking over the rabbit.

"It will suffice for now. Come, let's get back before it gets too late."

I nod and we go back to camp where he takes the rabbit from me and begins skinning it. I on the other hand, check over my equipment, cleaning my arrow, before dismantling them and putting them away.

The two of us are quiet as Thorin prepares the meat for us. Once it is cooked, I thank him as he passes me a plate of the rabbit, along with some cooked mushrooms that I had found along the road.

I take my time with my meal, knowing that afterwards, I'm going to have questions to answer. I need to prepare what I'm going to say. I just hope I won't make a fool of myself while i explain.

Once we are finished and everything is cleaned up and packed away, I hold my legs to my chest in preparation, while Thorin lights up his pipe.

"So, are you ready to tell me how you know of me and my kin?" Thorin asks soon after.

I take a deep breath and exhale.

"Yes. . .I believe so. However, what I'm about to say is going to sound so. . . unbelievable to you. My mom, sister and I are actually from another world, and in this world there are stories of Middle Earth, more importantly certain events, including you and the quest you are on."

He looks to me for a moment before giving a humourless chuckle.

"You're right. It is unbelievable. However, your clothing and bow alone prove you are not of this world. But, how could a different world have knowledge of us?"

I shake my head. "I'm not sure. Growing up, I had believed that all stories had to come from somewhere. That for each story there was a world related to it. I guess I was right in a way."

He nods. "In your stories, you know everything about this quest?"

"Kinda. There's two interpretations of the quest, so we could go either way really."

"So, you wouldn't be able to help us?"

"I can. But due to the interpretations, I won't know what's happening until it happens."

"Right. And that's how you know of Dis, also? Your stories."

"Sort of. Admittedly, not a lot is mentioned about her, or your brother Frerin. I just know them as your siblings, and a mother to Fili and Kili."

He nods again. "And what of Dis' husband? My brother-in-law?"

"Well, again, nothing much is mentioned about him. But in both interpretations that I know of, he passed away. Not sure how though."

He stares at me for a moment, looking shocked and confused.

"He-He passed?"

I nod, carefully looking at him. "Yes. . .why? Wait a minute. . .is he alive?"

Thorin nods. "Yes, he does live. Although, he had almost died some years ago. The boys were still young and Flinn, their father, had been severely injured during a mining accident. There had been a collapse where he was digging and was buried under rubble and stone. When he was found, he was barely breathing, his arm mangled, which had to be amputated. All of us were worried he wouldn't pull through, but Mahal had been kind to him."

"Oh my god. . .that is awful, I'm so sorry."

He smiles. "I appreciate the sentiment, but there is no need. He is alive now. He wanted to come on the quest, but knew he would be more of a hindrance than a help, so he stayed behind with Dis and their daughter."

I raise a brow. "Daughter? They have another child?"

"They do. Lili, she will be turning fifteen this summer."

"Fifteen. . .that's about six or seven in human years, is that right?"

"Roughly, yes."

I nod as we fall into silence. So, it seems as though one thing is already different in this universe. If that is different, then could there be more differences throughout the world? Differences that would affect the outcome of this quest?

"I have to ask," Thorin begins, making me look up. "The quest, are we successful? Do we get Erebor back?"

I chuckle. "I was expecting that."

"Can you not tell me?"

I take a moment to mull that question over, would it be safe if I told him? Would there be a risk to anything changing for the worse.

"I could. . .I'm just scared I might change something and something to go horribly wrong."

He nods as he looks me over, and just from his look, I can tell he is overwhelmed by all of this.

"I'm sorry to have put all this on you."

He shakes his head. "No, don't be. I asked you to tell me. It's just. . ."

"It's quite an explanation."

"It is. Even though I. . .almost believe you. Is there something you could tell me, something that none of my kin might know?"

I think for a moment, going through everything in book and movie that I could use. That's when one incident hits me.

"Possibly. This has something to do with the two interpretations I was telling you about, I'm not too sure if you've done this. But, in it, I think you were looking for your father, Thrain. I believe it was at some point last year. You ended up in Bree where there were two suspicious men who were about to give you trouble when Gandalf joined you as you grabbed your sword. He told you about a price on your head, before giving you the idea to retake Erebor."

He listens, no emotions showing on his face, although I can see the clarity in his eyes, I spoke the truth. For that moment at least, it was from the movies.

"Aye, that happened. I haven't told anyone about that, not wanting them to worry."

"My lips are sealed also. That is your story to tell, not mine."

He gives a small smile. "Thank you, I appreciate that."

I smile back and look down to my hands, before suddenly looking up as I realise something I can share.

"Oh, one more thing."

"Hm?"

"If what I just said doesn't cement into place my sincerity, then maybe this will. At the meeting, you will be giving a map and a key by Gandalf, which Thrain had given to him before he went missing."

He looks to me in disbelief, mouth open slightly. I can also see the emotion in his eyes at hearing he may have something of his fathers nearby.

He clears his throat to pull himself together. "Th=Thank you, for informing me, it is much appreciated, and we will see what happens when we arrive. I also appreciate you telling me everything you can."

"Does that mean you believe me?"

"Like I said, we will see during the meeting, but for now, I don't have a reason not to. As I said before, just your clothing and bow are indication enough to know you aren't of this world. There was also sincerity in your eyes. Which I'd like to ask something of."

I raise an eyebrow in surprise. Has he figured it out already.

"Oh?"

"The past few times I've looked into your eyes, I've noticed your left one stares blankly, no life in it. I apologise for asking something so personal, but are you blind in it?"

I blink and give a little laugh. "Wow. No one has realised so quickly. In a way I'm blind. I don't have that eye."

He states at me. "Pardon?"

I simply reach up and pull the prosthetic out to reveal an empty eye socket. Thorin gapes at it, his mouth opening slightly in shock.

"What happened?"

"When I was two, maybe three, I had gotten ill. Had a disease in which, if I had not had it removed, was a high possibility I wouldn't recover and die. My parents quickly made the choice to have it removed. I've been healthy ever since."

"That is a relief. I'm happy you were able to pull through. It was brave for your parents to have you go through a surgery as such as that. Your world must be advanced to go through that and survive."

"Medicine has certainly gotten more and more advanced. In fact, thousands of years before, my world was just like this. If I had been born into that time, I know I wouldn't be alive now."

He nods. "Your sister has told us how medicine is different." he points to my prosthetic. "What is the eye made out of?"

"A hard substance called acrylic plastic."

He frowns. "Another material I haven't heard of." he then holds a hand out. "May I?"

I shake my head. "Not this one. It needs cleaning first. I do have others though."

Standing, I go to my backpack and pulls out my wooden box, and sit next to Thorin beore opening it to reveal my many different eyes.

"That-That's a lot of eyes." Thorin stammers, clearing his throat.

I grin. "I know. Some are practical, most of them are just for fun."

We go through my eyes and I explain them all as best as I can, with some coming from video games – like the eye of ender – I then feel him tense. Seeing which one he's found, it's a dragon eye.

"You have a dragon eye?"

I nod. "Yes. Dragons aren't a thing where I come from. A mythical creature. One of my favourite creatures to be honest." he looks up at this. "However, I know what Smaug did. But, in my world, there are depictions of good dragons, ones that don't want to hurt people. Those are the dragons I like, not the evil ones."

He takes in what I say before sighing. "If only such a thing existed. Much would be different now."

I nod in sympathy before putting my eyes away. After asking for one, he passes me a cup so I can fill it up at the river and use it to clean my eye overnight.

"If I may, Thorin, I would ask you keep my blindness a secret from the others. I would like to tell them in my own time. I don't want to be treated any differently because of a disability."

He nods. "Of course. It is fair, since you are keeping a secret of mine."

I smile and nod, thankful he is willing to keep this secret from his people.

The rest of the night goes by quietly, nothing much being said from either side. I know Thorin has much to think about with my explanation, so I leave him to his thoughts, while my own drift off to mom. I know Cat is safe, having left with Fili and Kili for the Shire, but I have no idea where mom ended up, that's IF she even came here. I believe she did. . .it feels as though she did. I can only pray that, wherever she is, someone had found her and she is safe.

And there we have Chapter 2 all done and dusted. Thorin now knows the truth about where she's from and how she knows him and somewhat believes her. You'll have to read on to find out what happens during the meeting.

Also, I had to have it where Fili and kili's father survived and they have little sister. Thought it would be cute and different to add in.

For the bow, if you go on YouTube and look up SAS Tactical Survival Bow, video by Canadian Prepper, that's the type of bow I have based Celestina's on.