(Bard's P.O.V)

I rode on my horse back toward the entrance of Dale, back to where Lord Thranduil was waiting patiently on his elk on the bridge that connected Dale and the lands of Erebor.

"He will give us nothing." I reported as I pulled the reigns of my horse to come to a complete stop in front of the Elf Lord.

"Such a pity." Lord Thranduil stated plainly as if he already knew what the outcome would be. "Still, you tried."

"I do not understand." I said, shaking my head and turned to look back at the mountain. "Why? Why would he risk war?"

I watched as one of the statues above began to collapse and fall, smashing the small bridge that connected the lands to the gate of Erebor.

"It is fruitless to reason with them." Lord Thranduil said bringing my attention back to him. "They understand only one thing."

Lord Thranduil unsheathed his sword, and I stared at it sadly.

"We attack at dawn." Lord Thranduil ordered, turning his elk around. "Are you with us?"

"I spoke to Bellethiel, one-on-one." I said causing the Elf Lord to pull the reigns of his elk.

"What did she say?" Lord Thranduil questioned, turning to look back at me over his shoulder.

"She said she would speak to Thorin and to not bring our army tomorrow. Just bring myself and you my Lord back to the gates and hear Thorin's answer." I said, causing Lord Thranduil to turn back around, glaring lightly.

"And why should I listen to someone who had betrayed me in the past?" Lord Thranduil questioned.

"Bellethiel said that you two may not be on good terms, maybe even go so far as to say you two dislike each other, but she was once your Captain and you trusted her once. That you know that if she gives her word she always kept it." I spoke to Lord Thranduil who looked away to ponder what I had said. "Bellethiel said if it amounts to anything...give her time to let Thorin see reason and come to his senses..."

Lord Thranduil let out a long sigh as he turned away sadly.

"Let us speak somewhere more private, we will discuss the matter in my tent." Lord Thranduil stated. "For now...prepare your people for the war at hand."

I noded my head slowly and urged my horse forward, taking one last glance back at the mountain.

(Bilbo's P.O.V)

I left the dwarves to their own business to go in search for Belle. After what Thorin had said she swiftly let the lookout and the look on her face was one of pure betrayal. Belle looked hurt and devastated that Thorin had called her an.... I hadn't heard Thorin call her that since the beginning of the journey and I wanted to make sure that Belle...that my friend was alright. But, no matter how hard I looked for Belle and her family, it was like they had vanished into thin air.

I had turned around the corner of a hallway and when I looked to my right I saw a brightly lit room at the far end. From what I could see...the dwarves looked to be preparing for war, putting armor on and assisting others, shields and weapons in their hand. Thorin stood at the opening of the room dressed in full armor and I nervously shuffled around a bit.

"Master Baggins, come here." Thorin's voice echoed throughout the hall.

I hesitated for a bit before slowly making my way toward him. When I was close enough he had stepped forward to meet me half way and I saw something in his hands. I looked down at what he was holding before looking up into his eyes.

"You're going to need this." Thorin said. "Put it on."

I looked at the shirt before quickly taking off my blue coat.

"This vest is made of silver steel." Thorin spoke, opening the vest more as it shimmered in the light and he held it above my head. "'Mithril,' it was called by my forebears."

I opened the bottom of the vest with my hands as Thorin spoke once more.

"No blade can pierce it." He informed me as I lifted the vest above my head and shimmied my way into it, I put my hands into the sleeves and had a difficult time getting my head through the opening of the vest before I pulled it down.

I looked at myself, back up to Thorin, and then to the company when I had noticed that everyone had stopped moving.

"I look absurd." I chuckled slightly, looking back to Thorin. "I'm not a warrior, I'm a hobbit."

"It is a gift." Thorin said. "A token of our friendship."

I smiled a bit at the gesture before looking back up at Thorin.

"True friends are hard to come by." Thorin stated before reaching out and taking a firm hold on my right shoulder, forcing and shoving me back to the way I had just come from. "I have been blind but now I begin to see." Thorin and I had stopped a bit away from the company. "I am betrayed."

I gulped nervously, and looked at him in fear.

"Betrayed?" I breathed out curiously, trying to play it off as if it was nothing.

"The Arkenstone." Thorin breathed out through his teeth. I gulped as Thorin stepped dangerously close toward me as I held in my breathe. "One of them has taken it."

I let out a a sigh of...relief I suppose? I had been nervous that possibly Thorin had found out that I had it in my possession and I glanced back toward the company in the armory as I heard them laughing.

"One of them is false." Thorin growled out.

"Thorin, the quest is fulfilled. You've won the mountain. Is that not enough?" I questioned, bringing his attention back to me as I saw a slight deranged look in his eyes.

"Betrayed by my own kin." Thorin continued, clearly not listening to me. "Betrayed...by the one that I have taken as my own...one of those could have it..."

"Thorin...Belle would never do that to you..." I spoke up, defending my friend. "Belle...loves you and wouldn't do anything against you, Thorin. For years she had dedicated her life to help your kin and now she's been here...for you."

I looked up to Thorin and saw he was already lost in his own thoughts, and I sighed in irritation before composing myself.

"Now, uh, you-you made a promise to the people of Lake-Town." I pointed out. "Now, i-is this treasure truly worth more than your honor? Our honor Thorin, I was also there. I gave my word...Belle gave her word as well."

"For that, I am grateful. It was nobly done." Thorin said with a smile before it quickly disappeared, replaced by an irrational look. "But the treasure in this mountain does not belong to the people of Lake-Town."

"This gold..." Thorin said looking down lustfully at his armor. "...is ours."

Thorin began breathing heavily.

"And ours alone." Thorin said, shaking his head while stepping back and all I could hear was the voice of Smaug echoing in my head. "By my life...."

My eyes never left Thorin, even as the dwarves began marching in front of me in a single line. I didn't want to admit it...because Belle was still holding onto hope...but Thorin was far too gone to reach. These dwarves would protect this mountain and die trying.

(Bellethiel's P.O.V)

I had stood at the lookout, watching the sun set and the dark night creep in. I closed my eyes and sighed sadly.

"That bead in your hair may signify that we are involved, but do not think that you have control over me." Thorins voice stated unemotionally. "You, need to learn your place, Elf."

'Elf...' I thought in irritation. 'I am indeed an elf...but who knew it would hurt to hear him say that to me once more...'

After, my kin and myself quickly retreated away from the company. Retreated to a part of the kingdom I knew no one would go and the moment we were away my two nephews went on a riot. Letting out a array of insults and curses...to which throughout the whole ordeal I had placed my hands over Thenidiel's ears. They were upset at Thorin's attitude and insulted on my behalf, to which I was...touched by, but I think it was unnecessary.

After their little outburst, and their anger had bubbled down I calmly thanked them and told them to relax. If I could handle it then they shouldn't let it get to them.

They nodded reluctantly and I told them that I was going to go off to speak to Thorin, and for them to stay here to compose themselves.

But, I had lied...I wasn't going to speak to Thorin, I had went back to the lookout and avoided any contact from the company or Thorin. I was lying to myself when I said that what Thorin said did not get to me. I had thought we were passed the whole race thing, that we...that I had done enough to not warrant such a treatment.

"Belle?"

I turned around and saw Bilbo stepping out of the shadows.

"I've been looking everywhere for you. I was worried.." Bilbo said, smiling in relief before glancing up at me in shock. "have you been crying?"

I furrowed my brows in confusion before lifting my hand up to my eyes and felt something wet had ran down my cheek.

"I guess I was lost in thought that I did not notice..." I mumbled quietly as I took my arm and whipped at my eyes with my sleeve. "Is there something I can do for you Bilbo?"

"The dwarves are preparing for war." Bilbo informed me. "Thorin...he can't be reached Belle. The sickness in this mountain has gotten to him and he can't snap out of it. He's thinking one of the company has betrayed him and is keeping the Arkenstone from him, he's accusing you and your kin as well, he won't even address you by name."

I sighed sadly before sitting down on one of the rocks on the lookout.

"Belle..." Bilbo called out, placing a hand on my shoulder. "I have to do something...and I think I know just what to do."

I looked up to Bilbo curiously, before he looked around and reached into his coat, bringing out the Arkenstone that shone brightly in the dark.

"I'm planning to give this to Bard..." Bilbo whispered quietly. "this stone is worth more then the treasure in this mountain to Thorin, and if Bard offers it to Thorin tomorrow morning I'm sure he will take it as a trade. We can avoid this war Belle. Thorin will have the stone that crowns all, the men of Lake-Town will have treasure that will help rebuild their town, and Thranduil will have his share."

Bilbo looked at me hopefully and I placed a hand under my chin, thinking of what the consequences could be.

"How are you going to get into the camp and speak to Bard, Bilbo? If they see you...they may kill you, or take you prisoner." I spoke in worry.

"No, I won't get caught." Bilbo assured. "You have to trust me on this Belle. I'm going to do this, it's very upsetting that my friend is hurting because of Thorin's actions. I care about everyone in this company and I will do anything to save them."

"I have always trusted you Bilbo, you and the whole company." I smiled at the hobbit. "Thank you Bilbo."

"The problem is...how am I going to get down." Bilbo sighed. "I simply can't just jump down like you."

I thought for a second before motioning for Bilbo to stay put while I went into a dark corner on the lookout and came out bringing a long piece of rope.

"You can use this..." I whispered quietly as I went over to a large rock and tied one end off around it. "Just do not let go or you will fall to your death..."

"Thanks for the encouraging words..." Bilbo mumbled irritably, as I smiled down at the hobbit, patting his head.

"You will be fine." I encouraged as I threw the rope over the gates.

Bilbo took a hold of the rope and was about to shimmy down over the side before I put a hand over his, stopping him.

"Whatever you do Bilbo...never mention to Bard or Thranduil that Thorin has already made his decision and will not listen to reason. If you do mention it to them...they will bring an army tomorrow morning and we will not be able to avoid a war." I mumbled.

Bilbo nodded before climbing carefully over to the other side of the gate.

"Good luck Bilbo." I mumbled to him as I watched over the side as he began to carefully slide down.

"Oh!" Bilbo yelped loudly as his foot slipped and he slammed painfully against the side of the gate. I panicked and leaned over the side, watching as he was breathing heavily and gripping the rope tightly.

"Are you okay Bilbo?" I whispered down to him.

"I'm fine." Bilbo replied back as he started climbing down once more.

Once he was close to the ground, he let go of the rope and jumped onto the broken statue, making his way across the mote and began running toward Dale.

"Galu (Good luck) Bilbo..." I whispered as the wind picked up, blowing through my hair.

(Bard's P.O.V)

"Since when has my counsel counted for so little?" Gandalf questioned. "What do you think I'm trying to do?"

"I think you're trying to save your dwarvish friends. And I admire your loyalty to them. But it does not dissuade me from my course." I heard Lord Thranduil state as he got up from his seat. "You started this, Mithrandir. You will forgive me if I finish it."

I watched as Lord Thranduil swiftly turned on his heels and went to speak to an elf guard standing not too far away.

"Are the archers in position?" Lord Thranduil questioned.

"Yes, my Lord." The elf answered

"Give the order." Lord Thranduil said. "If anything moves on that mountain, kill it." Thranduil ordered as the elf bowed slightly before turning away. "The dwarves are out of time."

I turned away, going to someone who had called my name to speak about some business with the training and the weapons.

"You! Bowman!" I heard Gandalf call as I turned around. "Do you agree with this? Is gold so important to you? Would you buy it with the blood of dwarves?!"

I sighed before shaking my head.

"It will not come to that. This is a fight they cannot win." I said as Gandalf looked at me in a panic.

"That won't stop them." A voice called out, bringing my attention and Gandalf's to where the voice had come from, and around the corner appeared the halfling I had met with the company of Thorin Oakenshield. He was out of breathe, breathing heavily as he spoke.

"You think the dwarves will surrender? They won't. They will fight to the death to defend their own." The halfling said, looking to both of us.

"Bilbo Baggins." Gandalf said in relief as the little halfling smiled toward the wizard.

"I need..." Bilbo breathed out. "I need to speak to you and Thranduil."

Bilbo had spoke out in a pleading manner to which I nodded and motioned for the halfling to come into the tent. The three of us went into the tent and Gandalf had introduced the little hobbit to the elf king as I went to sit on one of the chairs to my right beside Lord Thranduil's armor.

"If I'm not mistaken," Lord Thranduil stated, going to sit on his chair. "this is the halfling who stole the keys to my dungeons from under the noses of my guards."

I watched the halfling look down awkwardly, shuffling nervously.

"Yes." The hobbit said through his teeth. "Sorry about that."

I smirked at his reply and how he held himself, almost like a child being scolded for stealing the last buttered pastry.

"I came..." The halfling said as he stepped forward, taking out a brown bundle from his coat and placing it on the table. "to give you this."

He unfolded the brown piece of cloth to reveal a beautiful white gem that sparkled as bright as the stars in the sky.

"The heart of the mountain." Lord Thranduil breathed out in shock as he stood from his chair. "The king's jewel."

I stood up from my chair and went over to the table in disbelief at seeing the jewel sitting on our table.

"And worth a king's ransom." I mumbled before turning to the little halfling. "How is this yours to give?"

"I took it as my 14th share of the treasure." Bilbo stated plainly, looking up to us.

"Why would you do this?" I questioned curiously, shaking my head. "You owe us no loyalty?"

"No, I'm not doing it for you." Bilbo said shaking his head. "I know that dwarves can be obstinate and pigheaded and difficult. They're suspicious and secretive. With the worst manners you can possibly imagine. But they are also brave and kind...and loyal to a fault."

Bilbo looked down sadly before looking up to Gandalf, myself and Thranduil.

"I've grown very fond of them...and I would save them if I can." Bilbo said, pointing to the jewel. "Now, Thorin values this stone above all else. In exchange for its return, I believe he will give you what you are owed. There will be no need for war."

I looked toward Thranduil as both of us held each others gaze, already possibly thinking the same thing before I looked down to the hobbit.

"I'm guessing Bellethiel wasn't successful in getting Thorin to listen." I stated.

"She's..." The hobbit said with uncertainty. "she's tried...but it turned into some confrontation." Bilbo answered quietly. "She's the one that agreed with this. I'm also doing this for her, she doesn't show it...but she is hurt by his actions and she would do anything to put a stop to this...to protect them."

"I see something hasn't changed..." Lord Thranduil muttered. "she's always been that way, never showing what's hurting her."

"She's become one of my friends, helped me along this journey every step of the way...and in a small way, I hope by doing this I can repay her for always looking out for me." The hobbit mumbled. "By trying to see if this will bring Thorin back to her..."

The little halfling sighed before turning to look at Lord Thranduil and myself.

"Tomorrow, there is no need to bring your army to the gates. Just....offer this in exchange for what you're owed. I'm sure Thorin will give it to you." Bilbo stated.

"No army." I stated after a few moments of silence.

"Excuse me?" Lord Thranduil questioned.

"With all due respect my Lord, Bellethiel had asked for us to not bring an army to the Lonely Mountains and I will honor her wish." I stated looking to Lord Thranduil. "We will see what Thorin says when only us two goes to the mountain and present the Arkenstone."

Lord Thranduil held my gaze, glaring a bit before scoffing.

"Fine, no army." Lord Thranduil said turning his back to me.

(Bilbo's P.O.V)

"Rest up tonight. You must leave on the morrow." Gandalf stated.