Author's Note:Hello lovely Hobbit Fans! I would love to thank everyone who followed, voted, and commented on my past chapter! It made me really happy!

Disclaimer: I do not own The Hobbit! All rights belong to J.R.R. Tolkien and Peter Jackson, anything you recognize from the movie or the book belongs to those two wonderful men. I only own Bellethiel, her family, and her merry band of elves haha! Any grammar mistakes you see I must have overlooked it and I am sorry~ I do hope that you can still enjoy this chapter even though there are some grammar errors! Enjoy reading!

(With the Company)

The company had slowly begun to float down into calmer waters, the current having stopped carrying them away as they now had to peddle their way further down the river.

"Anything behind us!" Thorin called out.

"Nothing I can see!" Balin replied.

"What about the Belle and her kin!" Bilbo called out, looking around for the said elves.

"Nothing!" Gloin grumbled out.

Bofur had bobbed up from his barrel, spitting the water out of his mouth while he looked around.

"I think we've out run the orcs!" Bofur called out happily.

"Not for long; we've lost the current." Thorin called out as the company began making their way to a more shallow area.

"Bombur is half drown!" Dwalin called out.

"Make for the shore! Come on, let's go!" Thorin commanded.

The company began rowing their barrels toward the rocky shore, and once their barrels touched shallow waters they began slowly crawling their way out.

The dwarves were drenched from head to toe as some began helping their kin out of the barrels. They were exhausted, they needed rest as most sat upon the rocks catching their breathe. Some of the younger ones began emptying out their shoes, wringing their clothes while Bilbo let out a loud sneeze.

"Everyone on your feet!" Thorin called out.

"We're exhausted Thorin, and we should wait for Belle to reach us." Fili called out.

"There's an orc pack on our tail, we need to keep moving." Thorin called looking back to where they had come from and then glanced forward.

"Where?" Balin questioned, limping a bit and breathing heavily.

"To the mountain, we're so close..." Bilbo breathed out as well.

"A lake lies between us and that mountain." Balin stated. "We have no way across."

"So then we go around." Bilbo stated.

"Orcs will run us down as sure as daylight." Dwalin mumbled looking to Thorin. "With no weapons to defend ourselves..."

"I'm sure Belle and her kin are taking care of the orcs that are headed our way, buying us some time..." Kili mumbled. "She was shot, she's injured...we can't leave her behind."

Thorin looked to the ground, hesitant, before he looked back up toward the river.

"We'll wait two minutes..." He stated with worry, looking expectantly back the way they had come.

Ori was the only one that sat far from the group, sitting besides Oin as he emptied out his boot. A waterfall of water came pouring out and back into the river, and in the process not noticing that someone was stepping up toward the company with their arrow strung back, aimed at the unsuspecting young dwarf.

The resting company quickly looked toward the stranger that approached young Ori, suddenly on alert as Dwalin picked up the large stick that Thorin had used as a paddle and stepped between the mysterious person and Ori...ready to defend.

When Dwalin took a threatening step forward, ready to swing his staff, and the stranger let his arrow fly, embedding right in the middle of the staff. The stranger then quickly took another arrow out of his quiver and notched it back, firing it and knocking the rock Kili had picked up to throw out of his hands.

"Do it again." The mysterious man growled out, already notching back another arrow, panning over the rest of the company. "And you're dead."

(Bellethiel's P.O.V)

"Nana, you need to rest!" Beriohtarion called out in alarm, seeing my left leg now drenched in blood.

"I will rest when we reach the company!" I yelled out as we now decided to travel up in the trees, hoping to lose the orc back that was now far behind us.

After we had departed from Legolas, we had jumped into the trees instead of running on ground, with how fast we were going to any stranger it would look as if we were flying through the leaves.

"When we do I am looking at your leg!" Thenidiel called out, running by my side.

"I see them!" Balamaethor called out, pointing straight in front of us.

I looked up front to see the company, resting comfortably on land and wringing out their clothing. Glaring a bit I saw their attention was elsewhere, and I followed the direction they were looking at to see a mysterious man aiming an arrow straight at Ori. He let one fly at Dwalin, who had stepped straight in the middle of the man and Ori, and I immediately picked up my pace.

"We need to hurry!" I called out as we got closer, I could now hear him talking.

"Do it again, and you're dead." The man threatened as we landed in the trees behind him.

"Drop your bow!" Balamaethor called out, jumping out of the tree and landing behind the man who quickly turned around and aimed his arrow at my nephew.

Balamaethor thought quickly and shoved the bow away, diverting the trajectory of the arrow before taking out one of his twin blades. He took a swipe at the mysterious man who took a step sideways, avoiding the sharp weapon. The man ended up tripping Balamaethor by chance and took aim at my fallen nephew which caused Beriohtarion to jump out from his hiding place to defend his brother.

"Muindor! (Brother!)" Beriohtarion called out, racing toward the two fighting men.

Beriohtarion appeared between Balamaethor and the man, blocking the arrow with his sword before taking another of his short blades and took a swing at the man, hoping to put some distance between his brother and the man. Beriohtarion took out an arrow from his quiver, placing it in his bow and notching it back, standing straight in front of Balamaethor as the man aimed at him as well...the two now at a stand still.

"Knock it off!" I called out, jumping out from my place as I landed besides my two boys, placing a hand upon their shoulders. "Dartho! (Wait!)"

Thenidiel landed slightly besides us as she looked warily at the man, tense at the situation.

"Belle!" Some of the company called out in relief.

"Apologizes about my boys...I thought I taught them better than that." I stated, looking straight at the man.

"He was going to shoot the company!" Balamaethor growled out, now up on his feet with the help of his brother.

"I am sure we could have handled the situation better." I said, looking back at the two, giving them a hard stare to silence them.

The man lowered his bow at his side as he studied the four of us.

"Are you the one in charge for taking the elven barrels back to Lake-Town?" Thenidiel questioned, stepping forward.

The man was dressed in thick layers of brown fur clothing, a bit tattered and worn out, but good for the cold.

"That barge...wouldn't by chance be available for hire would it?" Balin questioned, now noticing the flat bottom boat docked not far from here.

"Shall we have a talk?" I questioned, slowly stepping forward as he aimed is bow back at me. "Without weapons..."

He held my gaze, before he nodded as we made our way toward the barge, the company following close behind.

(Thorin's P.O.V)

The tension was thick as Bellethiel and her kin stood face to face with the man before they settled with a little conversation when Balin had mentioned the barge and a willingness to hire.

I noticed as we all made our way to the barge that Bellethiel was limping, putting less weight on her right leg as she winced every so often when she did put weight on her injured one. There was blood staining her pant leg and I could finally see the back of her clothing.

Just as I suspected...slashes on her clothing and long straight welts in its place.

'Loyalty. Honor. And a willing heart.' I thought back to the words I had said to Balin back at Bag End, staring at the back of our elf. 'It was all I asked for and she embodied it. Loyal to my kin that she risked everything for, and returned back to a place she called home when she knew what awaited her.'

I sighed as I watched the four elves talk with the bargeman, glaring a bit at the man.

"You're staring my friend." Balin called from beside me.

"Hm?" I mumbled, taking a glance at Balin who was smiling knowingly up at me.

"I said you are staring. If looks could kill, that bargeman would have dropped dead already." Balin repeated. "Now, I know you would be staring at the shape she's in and feeling guilty about it, but knowing the lass she does not blame anyone. Her scars are pretty bad, but I've seen that look lad many a times on the faces of dwarves who were absolutely smitten with a lass."

"I beg your pardon?" I questioned, raising my eyebrow at him.

Balin looked toward the elves as the other female began giggling as she leaned a bit forward to whisper to bargeman. Bellethiel waving her hand in a dismissing manner before speaking once more. The two male elves looking on in boredom.

"You're very good at hiding it, but don't think I didn't notice when you and Belle shared glances back at Beorn's lodgings." Balin smiled. "I approve, if you must know...if anyone was worthy enough for a place by your side, it would be our lovely elf."

"I don't understand what you are getting at Balin." I stated, glaring a bit.

"I'm old Thorin, but I'm not blind." Balin smirked. "I advice you do something about it. A woman of her caliber is hard to come by in any race of men, dwarf, or elf. I hate to say this...we are headed for great danger, and if something were to happen to any of us...better to experience everything life has to offer us then miss out on the opportunity when it is handed to us."

I grunted before looking in the other direction as Balin let out a hearty laugh.

I heard a sudden clap as I returned my attention back to the bargeman as I saw the female elf smiling happily throwing her arms around the two twins, as Bellethiel shook hands with the man before turning to return to us.

(Bellethiel's P.O.V)

"And what makes you think I will help you?" The bargeman, who when I asked for a name replied with Bard, questioned. Loading his barge with the barrels with reluctant help from Beriohtarion and Balamaethor.

"We just want to have a little chat with the Master of Lake-Town." I replied. "We have some business we would like to discuss, and we hope to get there as quick as possible."

"What's your hurry?" Bard questioned.

"No hurry!" Thenidiel added in, watching as her cousins argued about picking up one of the barrels. "Just that it is an important matter to discuss."

"You just have to take us and the company across the lake." I stated. "After we shall be out of your hair and you will have a hefty sack of coins in your pocket. Which I am sure will be able to feed any mouths that are waiting for you at your housing."

"Elves traveling with a group of dwarves...and I thought I've seen everything." Bard stated, glancing back at the company as he rolled another barrel into his barge. "The scowling one is glaring at me as if I am some dangerous creature that would kill you in seconds. I hope you understand that I am a bit wary."

Thenidiel looked behind while I continued to shake my head at Bard. Thenidiel giggled as she turned her attention back to man.

"Don't mind the stares you get from that particular dwarf." Thenidiel smiled, leaning in a little toward Bard, whispering quietly. "That particular dwarf is a bit...protective. She's his beloved you see. I'm sure you understand when a man wants to protect what's his in any race.."

"Beloved?" Bard questioned, taking a second glance behind once more. "That would explain his glare I suppose."

I waved my hand dismissively, glaring slightly at Thenidiel who feigned innocence as I looked back to Bard.

"I would like to know who you are..." Bard stated, leaning against his boat. "elves I understand, you are from the Woodland realm, but what are dwarves doing in these lands?"

"We used to be from Mirkwood," Thenidiel stated.

"The dwarves are from the Blue Mountains, journeying to see their kin in the Iron Hills." I answered. "We are only paying for your service across the waters. Any other material things we will speak with the Master about."

"Your company of dwarves arrived in these barrels...barrels that have come from the elves from the Woodland realm. Now, looking at the state of these barrels I can only assume your encounter did not go very well." Bard stated, scratching at some of the marks on the barrel. "The Masters wealth comes from trade with the realm, he would see your dwarves in iron before risking the wrath of King Thranduil."

"Please, we will talk to the Master. We will even pay you double the amount if you would just take us across the lake." Thenidiel stated. "We are tired, exhausted, malnourished, dehydrated, and my Aunt is injured."

Bard looked at me, taking a quick glance at my appearance as I reached into my pocket, showing the pouch filled with gold coins I had accumulated over the years and finally, after some hesitation, he nodded.

Thenidiel clapped her hands in glee as I held out my hand for Bard to shake.

"Thank you."

The four of us headed back to the company as I smiled down at them.

"He will take us across the waters, after, we shall speak with the Master of our business." I stated. "We will have to speak with him for weapons and food if we want to head to the mountain prepared."

Thorin glared at me a bit at hearing that we would have to speak to the Master of our business, and I only sighed.

"Shall we?" I questioned, motioning for the company to board the boat.

The company slowly boarded the boat while we took up the end, boarding and taking our place at the very front of the boat, opposite from where Bard would steer.

Bard pushed off from docks and further into the water we went, steering the boat away, the weather getting chiller the further in we went.

"So...Nana." Balamaethor smirked from where he sat. "When did you become Queen?"

"More so, when did Thorin start courting you?" Beriohtarion laughed quietly to himself.

"I am no Queen and we have not courted, or began courting." I stated, glaring at the two.

"They just care for each other in that sense where it can get to the point of the King courting Nana!" Thenidiel smiled, popping in on the conversation.

"I'm sorry but...who are you?" Balamaethor asked, looking around me to Thenidiel.

"Meet your cousin." I stated.

"Cousin?" Beriohtarion questioned, stepping around me and got up close to Thenidiel.

"Meet Voronwë's daughter." I smiled fondly at Thenidiel.

"I did not know Valadhiel was expecting!" Beriohtarion exclaimed.

"I did not know either, she came looking for me in my cell back in Thranduil's realm." I smiled.

"She's a splitting image of Uncle!" Balamaethor smiled.

"And of us!" Beriohtarion explained, looking at Thenidiel, throwing his arm around her shoulder. "Well then, welcome to the family Vuinthel! (Dear Sister!)"

Thenidiel smiled up at the two twins.

"Le hannon Vuindor. (Thanks Dear Brother.)" Thenidiel replied. "Shall we take a look at your leg...Nana?"

Thenidiel mumbled hesitantly, a frown on her face, only when I smiled down at her and nodded did she smile back up at me.

Thenidiel motioned for me to sit on the ground of the boat as she began to inspect the wound.

"The arrow was laced with poison..." Thenidiel mumbled. "I'm going to have to take out the arrow Nana."

I nodded as I braced myself when she took a hold of the pointed end and slid it out the other way. I bit the side of my cheek to prevent me from yelling out at the excruciating pain it caused, and once it was out Thenidiel threw the piece into the water and ripped the bottom hem of her clothing.

"This'll have to do until we reach Lake-Town..." Thenidiel mumbled, wrapping the long fabric around my leg and securing it tightly. "your other wounds are healing nicely and wont leave a scar."

"The wonders of being an elf..." I mumbled, gingerly getting back to my feet. I winced a bit when I put weight on my right leg, Thenidiel reacting quickly, came to my side for support.

"I think you should rest for now..." Thenidiel advised as she lowered me back to the floor boards of the boat.

"You should go and check on the rest of the company..." I mumbled, closing my eyes. "make sure they are not injured after our little run in with the orcs..."

"If that will make you rest." Thenidiel smiled, leaving my side.

(Bilbo's P.O.V)

I watched the elves at the front of the boat from besides Bard, the man who let us aboard his barge, as Thenidiel tended to Belle's leg. Thenidiel smiled to Belle before leaving her side, as the wounded elf closed her eyes. Her niece walked around to the company looking them over, the company a bit hesitant at accepting the young elf before she had walked toward me.

"Is it safe to assume that you are the little shadow that walked unnoticed in the halls of Thranduil?" Thenidiel smiled, winking down at me.

I blushed a little and looked away awkwardly, shuffling in place with my arms crossed across my chest.

Thenidiel let out a light laugh as she patted my head.

"I'm here to check for injuries in the company." Thenidiel informed. "At the request of my Aunt to put her mind at ease."

"No injuries...just very cold." I replied, letting out a sneeze to support my claim.

"I'm afraid I can't do anything about the cold...we would have to wait until we reach Lake-Town I'm afraid." Thenidiel smiled sadly. "We shall get you warmed up...if not you may catch a cold."

"I know that..." I replied a bit on edge.

"Who are you?" The voice of Thorin mumbled.

Thenidiel looked to the opposite side of me to see Thorin had come to interrupt our conversation.

"Me?" Thenidiel questioned, pointing at herself.

"There is only one person I would be talking to." Thorin glared a bit. "I've already met Bellethiel's nephews, but you I have not."

"Oh my." Thenidiel furrowed her brows as she looked to Thorin, Dwalin having come up to his side as well. "It seems I have not properly introduced myself before our escape, and this is the first time we have properly met."

Thenidiel smiled before bowing low at the waist before Thorin.

"I am Thenidiel, daughter of Voronwë and Valadhiel! Niece to Bellethiel!" Thenidiel proclaimed, before standing straight back up. "At your service my King!"

"So you are the elf that Bilbo had mentioned." Dwalin mumbled.

"I've heard so much of you and your company from Bellethiel! I must say that it is an honor to meet you all!" Thenidiel said enthusiastically.

"Then I thank you for helping us in our escape." Thorin nodded.

"Watch out!" Bofur called out as the boat suddenly lurched to the left, causing a lot of us to lose our footing a bit.

I looked around us in amazement at seeing large formations of rock towering tall in our path.