(Elena)

I could see it. I could see everything. Any nightmare I had before of the city that went up in blaze those years ago was as vivid as if I were there. I could feel the heat upon my skin and the terror along with hatred Thorin felt that day. With Dwalin, I could feel the overwhelming sorrow and sense of loss with the blurry image of a young dwarf woman being engulfed in flame. Now, as my vision only consists of the plush green forest, I tremble with my knees brought up to my chest. Bilbo sits next to me silently whilst looking to his new sword given by the wizard.

"Elena are you alright?" he asks gently resting a hand over mine.

Flinching I pull away mumbling a "Yes" just under my breath.

From the corner of my eye, I can see the disheartened look of Bilbo's face. I shift closer running a hand through my hair "I'm sorry Bilbo...I didn't mean anything-..."

"No!" he gently pats my shoulder "I understand."

The smirk on my lips quickly fades as I feel the overwhelming sickening feeling "What's wrong with me?"

The Hobbit looks from me to the ground with no words to say. If I didn't know what was wrong with me then how could he? It's an unfair question to ask him, but maybe I wasn't. Perhaps I was asking the question to anyone who may hear. It seems as if someone or something were coming just through the trees to answer that very question. The snapping sound of twigs alerts everyone as Thorin calls to us "Something's coming!" and we take up arms. Thorin immediately looks to me and grabs me up, pushing me behind him whilst holding out a shielding arm. Shakily I draw my bow with an arrow aimed straight ahead into the trees. Riding at full speed straight to us on a sled led by large rabbits is a man dressed all in brown. As he comes upon us, he seems just as startled as we are "Thieves! Fire! Murderers!" he shouts coming to a halt.

With weapons drawn we await Gandalf whose grip loosens on his sword "Radagast! It's Radagast the Brown."

Lowering my bow, I mutter "The fifth wizard?" to Thorin who cautiously lowers his sword. Joining by my side Thorin, Bilbo, and I join the group inspecting the odd-looking man. Approaching his fellow wizard, Gandalf seems glad about this new arrival.

"Radagast the Brown what are you doing here?" Gandalf asks with a hint of worrisome suspicion.

"I was looking for you Gandalf. Something is terribly wrong."

"Yes?"

The funny fellow opens his mouth to speak but nothing, but silence stands between him and us. Gandalf leans in raising a brow and Radagast hits is leg in aggravation "Ooh, it was right there! I had a thought and-oh..." his voice fades and he look directly at me. His blue eyes widen and a look of fear, yet awe instills within him.

"It's you."

All the dwarves turn looking at me all except Gandalf. Much to Gandalf's attempts to snatch his friend, the Brown wizard scurries over to me but is stopped by Thorin who stands in his way.

"Keep your distance old man." But with the tap of his staff Thorin is pushed to the side by an unseen force.

Eyeing me closely Radagast eyes twinkle and begin to fill with the shine of tears. Tears? Yes, those are tears in his eyes. Sniffling he leans against his staff "You look so much like her. I can' believe I've lived to see you here. The prophecy is true."

"Prophecy?" I question just as Gandalf pulls Radagast away "Come now Radagast. Too many mushrooms for lunch I see."

"Nonsense!" the brown wizard retorts "I haven't eaten a single bite all day!" and they disappear behind the brush.

Bewildered I stand amongst the other Dwarves before turning to Thorin who is trying to pick himself off the ground. Giving a hand he takes it and I hoist him up as we look to where the two wizards disappeared.

"What did he mean prophecy? How does he know me? Thorin, do you know what's going on?" I ask looking to the dwarf who narrows his eyes in the direction the wizards left "No, but I'm sure we'll find out."

(Gandalf)

I smoke on my tobacco pipe as I listen to Radagast. I've known him for quite some time and I've never heard him sound so unnerved. Luckily, we both can speak freely being several paces from the dwarves, Elena, and the Hobbit.

"The Greenwood is sick, Gandalf. A darkness had fallen over it. Nothing grows anymore, at least nothing good. The girl has arrived just in time. The air is foul with decay, but the worst are the webs."

I pull my pipe out turning "Webs? What do you mean?"

Radagast shivers "Spiders, Gandalf. Giant ones. Some kind of spawn of Ungoliant, or I am not a wizard. I followed their trail. They came from Dol Guldor."

"Dol Guldor? But the old fortress is abandoned."

"No, Gandalf, it is not."

"Now, try and concentrate."

Elena looks worried with her brows drawn as she takes the small piece of Radagasts blue gem from his staff. As she holds the small diamond shape in her hand, I settle in front of her and lean in. From the side, Thorin stands watching leaned against the tree to keep a watchful eye on Elena. I sigh looking back to her but put on a smile "Now, concentrate. I'm going to try something, and I need your full attention."

Elena looks suspicious "Wh-what are you going to do? This isn't like some satanic ritual is it?"

I chuckle "No dear girl, far from it. Radagast and I believe that you hold some hidden power inside of you. It has awakened upon your arrival in Mid-Earth. If you can help us see what Radagast has, then perhaps we can uncover some hidden truths."

Elena looks over to Thorin for permission and he nods reassuringly "It's alright."

Smirking Elena nods "Okay, what do you need me to do?"

"Hold the gem in your hand. Feel it. Now, think of one of your happiest memories. Focus on it and try to put yourself back into it."

Taking a calming breath Elena closes her eyes and I see her shoulders relax. As she breathes steadily, I look to Thorin who watches her intently ready to spring to her aid if need be. Radagast mutters to himself worriedly but gasps as a flicker of an image forms in a blurred scene above the girl's head.

The voices are echoed and distant, but I see Elena, a younger Elena. She stands with her small toes in the sand looking out to a roaring ocean. The sea breeze flowing through her messy hair as she looks over her shoulder.

"Elena!"
Another voice calls as Elena begins running to the ocean followed by a younger girl with short blonde hair. The two children giggle as they run into the ocean splashing up water onto one another until they are soaked head to toe. As the memory begins fading the giggles of young Elena and the girl echo out before ceasing to silence and the image is gone.

Opening her eyes, Elena looks frightened and excited all at once "D-did it work?"

"BRAVO!" Radagast exclaims erupting in a frantic clapping.

I raise a brow as we all look to him and he sheepishly ceases clapping and sits back in his spot on the ground. Thorin looks just as surprised as Elena as he looks to me "How did she do that?"

I smirk "Because Master Dwarf, she is a Seeker and a very powerful at that."

(Elena)

"Fear. This will be the easiest yet hardest emotion to control your powers. It can help them be summoned quickly and your sixth sense to be ignited. However, it can be very taxing as well as hard to manage once in the state of mind. Lingering too long could cause you to become trapped or even result in death."

I blink a few times taking in all the information. Gandalf looks as serious as ever including Radagast the brown who wrings his hands nervously while avoiding my gaze. My stomach begins to flip over and over, and I feel the wave of sickness begin to take over. A few days ago, before all of this I would have thought having powers was insane and downright impossible, but after what I've seen and experienced, I have no doubt.

"Is this a life-or-death situation?" I question and the Grey wizard nods "I believe it to be true my lady, yes. There is no shame in refusing-.."

"I'll do it."

Gandalf smiles to me with pride but I can see the worry in his eyes. Looking over to Thorin who now sits next to me, I look to him for reassurance. He nods back to me and gently places his hand over mine "I promise I'll be right here."

I nod swallowing feeling the dryness of my throat and turn back to Gandalf. Holding the gem tightly in one hand I hold out the other to Radagast who shuffles over to me. Taking a seat, he awaits Gandalf who nods giving the go ahead. I hold the older mans callused hand and he tightly grips mine. For a moment there is nothing. No emotion or terrifying vision that unfolds before me, but the moment I open my eyes I am alone. There is no forest, Gandalf, Radagast, or Thorin. Just me and a crumbling fortress just ahead.

"G-Gandalf?" I call but hear the wizard's voice above like an echo "I'm here."

"W-what is this? Where am I?" I stammer beginning to panic.

"It's alright Elena. Calm yourself. You're in Radagasts memory. You've put yourself in his place. Remember it's just a memory."

"Just a memory..." I mutter walking forward across the stone bridge "Just a memory."

I cross the bridge with each heavy step feeling the sickening feeling become more and more prominent the closer I get. Some form of weight seems to press on my shoulders, but I continue to venture forward unable to seem to get myself to stop. As I enter the dark fortress, I look to the darkened sky that has settled above. Even now I can feel it. It's all around me.

"A dark power dwell's here..." I say aloud for Gandalf to hear "...I-I've never felt anything like this before. It's almost suffocating me."

"It's alright." Gandalf reassures "We can see. Keep going."

Before I can go any further, I hear the hissing of distant whispers. I stop and I listen in trying to pick up on the jumble of voices, but it's not voices, it's a voice. Just one calling out in the dark. His words are on some haunting and bone chilling chant. As the voice grows louder, I find the source from where it comes from. Looking down the hall it seems to expand and stretch as a dark shadowy figure emerges from within rushing its way towards me. I scream falling back as it disappears in smoke, only for a bright ghostly form of a king with a sword emerges from a crumbling statue. As he raises the sword, I let out another scream holding my arms out to shield my body. With one swipe I feel the sharp pain cut across my forearm before I blink seeing the forest and Gandalf again. A pair of strong arms hold me, and I'm cradled into Thorin's chest. Trembling I cling to him as the terror courses throughout my body "I-it was a sh-shadow....a man-or monster. He c-could see me...he was calling to me."

Gandalf crouches near Thorin and I and carefully takes hold of my arm. I feel the stinging pain again and look to see the bleeding cut from where the sword met my flesh. My eyes widen and I feel Thorin squeeze me tighter "You said it was just a memory! How did the apparition touch her?"

Ignoring the dwarf, Gandalf stands facing Radagast who had now gone pale in the face. As Gandalf touches his shoulder he flinches before immediately apologizing. Offering a hit from his pipe, Gandalf watches as the Brown wizard inhales before breathing out the smoke. I look away from the two and cover my face embarrassed letting out an exasperated sigh. It wasn't until now I realize I was sitting on Thorin's lap and my cheeks burn in humiliation, but I can't bring myself to even dare move.

"Elena?" Thorin calls tugging at my hand "Are you alright?"

I shake my head "I don't know.... maybe."

Taking hold of my wrist, Thorin brings my hand down looking over my bright red face. He looks from me to the cut on my arm that he has now wrapped in a piece of his torn tunic. I slightly wince at the stinging feeling as he gently wraps it over and over again.

"This will heal. I don't think it'll scar."

"That's a shame." I mutter earning a quick but obvious smile from Thorin.

I snicker as well but quickly look away as Thorin and I gaze lingers too long. However, the dwarf will not let me go so easily. Tilting his head, he meets my eyes again staring back "Any scratches?" and he tilts my face either which way holding my chin.

"N-no..." my face flushes again and I catch Thorin staring. "W-what is it?"

He blinks out of his daze, his brows crossing again, and he goes to stand. Quickly I get off his lap standing to my feet and backing away. Thorin straightens his coat and turns to the side almost embarrassed himself "Come. We must get back to the others." and he walks away leaving me flustered and confused. Watching Thorin disappear to join the others I feel another presence beside of me. Slightly jumping I look seeing Radagast staring in the same direction as Thorin went. He sighs and looks to me giving a nod "It is a privilege to have met you Elena. I can't wait to see what you'll do next."

My heart sinks "I don't even know what I'm doing now Mr. Brown. I'm lost."

He grips my shoulder tightly "Remember dear one, not all those who wander are lost."

I smirk in agreement and extend the piece of his gem back to him. Taking it he quickly pulls out some thin rope tightly wrapping and tying the gem to it before placing it around my neck "It is yours now. Wear it well." and he takes leave of me.

(Thorin)

Waiting for Gandalf, I watch Elena speak with the brown wizard before he gives her a bow and scurries off back to his sled. Looking down in her hand she looks at the object he gave her. Her fingertips glide over the gem as if it were the most precious thing to her. Oh how to be that stone.

Gandalf walks up towards the rest of the Company, I pull my eyes away flustered quickly straightening my coat. Eyeing me he grumbles trying to avoid my presence, but I have questions that need answers. However, the questions and answers can wait. A haunting howl rings out over the group instilling fear in all of us as we fall silent and still.

"Is that a wolf? Are there wolves out here?" Bilbo asks looking to Bofur who stammers "A wolf? No. That is not a wolf."

A low grumble from just behind Gloin turns into a snarl as a large Warg lunges onto the group. Quickly I pull out my sword cutting it down in one blow. The sword refuses to budge from the Warg's skull no matter how hard I tug. The other deep growl from behind doesn't bode well for the situation either.

Elena's bow is already drawn as she takes aim right at me "THORIN, DUCK!"

I fall to the ground as the arrow whizzes straight through the air and striking the Warg in the chest. With a yelp is trips up falling only to find Dwalin's axe in its spine. Dwalin rips it out exposing the vertebrae of the beast.

Finally, my sword wrenches free "Warg scouts! Which means an Orc pack is not far behind."

"Orc pack?!" Bilbo exclaims looking from me to Bofur.

Gandalf storms to me seething in anger and fear "Who did you tell about your quest beyond your kin?"

"No one."

Who did you tell?!?!"

"No one I swear!" I snap back seeing the wizard's eyes widen "What in Durin's name is going on?"

Gandalf looks to Elena "You are being hunted."

I see the terror written all over her face. This is not her first encounter with Orcs, this much I know. However, the look shared between the wizard and the girl answers one of my most pressing questions.

Hoarsely she whispers, "They've found me."

The Orcs are not after the Company. Their coming for Elena.

(Elena)

The look on Thorin's face almost terrifies me more than the Orcs coming for us. Before I can blink Thorin has me by the arm pulling me close as he looks down on me in anger "You?!" he hisses under his breath "You force yourself upon this Company and put us all at risk?!"

"I-I didn't mean to-I didn't know they'd find me!" I stammer "Thorin, I'm sorry-..."

"This is not her fault!" Gandalf snaps shoving Thorin off of me "The girl is with me and if you must outlash at anyone then it shall be me, understood?"

Sneering Thorin seethes in anger staring up at the burning wizard. Clutching my pack, I step towards them trebling "No, he's right, it's my fault. I can take another path and maybe distract them long enough for you all to escape."

"NO!" Thorin exclaims causing everyone to fall silent and look to the three of us. Thorin shoots them a look and then walks back to m gripping my arm once again "Despite your withholdings you still signed a contract. Your part of this Company and no harm is going to befall you as long as I'm alive. Do you understand?"

His eyes fiercely stare back at me and I try to stop myself from shaking. Quickly I nod swallowing the lump forming in my throat. Despite Thorin's angered expression, I can see the gentleness and understanding in his eyes.

"No need for all this fuss!" Radagast scolds marching to Gandalf "I'll hold them off while you escape."

"It is out of the question. These are Gundabad Wargs. They'll run you down!"

Radagast puffs out his chest "These are Rhosgobel rabbits! I'd like to see them try."