(Gandalf)

The day had been long. Possibly longer than the day before. Only two days into this journey and already some of the Dwarves are griping. Looking over to Elena I see her tired eyes and slumping shoulders as we ride along. She's slowly losing herself to her mind. The longer we travel on our journey the more she will begin to absorb and understand, and I fear the day she does. I fear for her and what truths she will discover of who she is and how everyone's lives depend on her. If she cannot save us from the darkness, I don't know who will.

"We'll camp here for the night."

Removing myself from my thoughts I look to the dwarves who have stopped. Huddling around an old torn down farmhouse, they gather removing their packs and already laying out their bedrolls. Sliding off my horse I sneer at the house as the sickly feeling sinks in. Stepping inside I look around examining the ruin "A farmer and his family used to live here."

Just outside, Thorin orders the dwarves, sending them off to their tasks "Oin, Gloin, get a fire going."

"Right you are." The bushy haired Dwarf agrees whilst Bombur and Elena begin gathering sticks and kindling. While they disappear into the edge of the wood, Thorin enters into the abandoned farmhouse.

"I think it would be wiser to move on. We could make for the hidden valley." I suggest knowing full and well my advice will be ignored.

Narrowing his eyes Thorin growls "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. It would do Elena good to meet Lord Elrond. Perhaps he can help her move than I."

Thorin huffs "I do not need their advice. Elena, will be better off with me helping her than an Elf."

"Better off with you?" I question catching the Dwarf off guard "Do not tell me you have come to care about the girl's well-being."

Turning away Thorin looks to the back of the crumbling home fist clenched "We are not going."

"We have a map we cannot read; Lord Elrond will help us."

Whirling back around Thorin seethes in anger "Help? A dragon attacks Erebor, what help came from the Elves? Orcs plunder Moria, desecrating our sacred halls, and the Elves looked on. You ask me to seek out the very people who betrayed my grandfather...betrayed my father?"

I lean in closer desperate to get him to see reason "You are neither of them. And besides, it was not Lord Elrond who abandoned you at Erebor. That was of King Thranduil's doing. Besides the point, I did not give you that map and key so you could hold onto the past."

"I did not know they were yours to keep." Thorin snaps and I feel the anger rise up within me.

Scowling at him I turn away as my anger builds. I pass Bilbo who looks fretfully and then meet Elena's eyes. For an instant, she looks as if she will run after me.

"You okay?" Elena asks.

"Gandalf, where are you going?" Bilbo calls.

Storming through the camp I grumble "To see the company of the only one around here who's got any sense."

"And who's that?"

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

(Elena)

Fearfully I watch as the grey wizard disappears from sight. Slowly the thoughts of the wizard leaving me to the dwarves care alone frightens me. I can see my chances of returning to my family slipping away with every angered stride.

"Is he coming back?" fearful I turn to Balin who doesn't look so convinced.

Thorin emerges from the old farmhouse not looking too pleased himself "Come on Bombur were hungry."

---

As night falls the fire roars heating up the large pot of stew with bits of meat and vegetables. It's not the best taste in the world, but my growling stomach doesn't complain as I take a salty bite. The warm liquid slides down my throat and warms my aching stomach. Bilbo looks out in the direction Gandalf left hours ago. I try not to let my nerves get the better of me, but I still wonder.

"He's been gone a long time." Bilbo states coming to sit next to me by the fire.

I nod in agreement "I hope he comes back. I don't know what I'll do if he doesn't."

"He'll come back." Bilbo assures "He has to."

"He's a wizard!" Bofur exclaims pouring more stew into two separate bowls "He does as he chooses. Here, do us a favor: take these to the lads."

As Bofur puts the bowls in Bilbo's hand's, the Hobbit sighs and begins heading towards the edge of the woods. As I watch him disappear into the tree's I think of Gandalf. I think perhaps he's hiding out until morning to give himself time to calm down, or maybe the Orc's have him. Standing I look to the dwarves, some asleep and some still eating. Thorin is the only one who sits under the cover of the fallen farmhouse watching the rest of the Company. Wringing my nervous hands, I approach him until he looks up at me.

"G-Gandalf's been gone a while. I think we should go look for him."

"We?" he snaps.

"Well, me. I can go look for him. Just wanted to tell you in case-..."

"I am not your babysitter." Thorin growls "If you wish to go seek out the old fool, do it yourself. You need no permission from me."

Taken back by his words I feel the tightness in my throat and nod "I understand." and I turn away heading out to find Gandalf.

"Don't be dead-don't be dead." I mumble to myself while pushing my way through the woods. There is no sign of Gandalf or any proof he even headed this way except for a few muddy prints. As my nerves rattle the farther, I go, the more I think on Thorin's words. All I can think about is how he must hate me. I would love more than anything for him to like me. Even if it were just as friends. Perhaps I misread Thorin the night before on the mountain's ledge and later in the clearing. His acts and words of kindness were that of manner and tolerance of me. Now it has obviously worn thin.

The sound of voices catches my attention. Just ahead through the tree's I see a shining light and immediately my mind thinks "Gandalf." Quickly I make my way down the overgrown path trudging through without any caution or thought of danger. As the deep voices become louder, I realize it's not one or two but three. Just before I step out into view, I see the giant trolls huddling around a fire with a large boulder size pot over the flames. My body freeze's and my eyes widen. All doubt that this place is real disappears in an instant. In the back corner I see the makeshift fence where many of our horses are held captive. I can only imagine the plans the trolls have for them, but what of me?

The voices of the trolls become distant as my eyes look to a bloody pile of clothes nearby. An old tattered pile of farmers clothes, a ripped dress and apron, and two sets of children's clothes. Trembling I lower myself to the ground crawling backwards into the tree line. The only thing that stops me in my tracks is the screaming howl of the smallest one, who holds a snot covered Bilbo in his hands.

"Blimey! Bert, look what's come out of me hooter! It's got arms, and legs, and everything!"

The other two trolls gather around him looking puzzled and amazed at Bilbo. The Hobbit freezes up, not daring to make a move.

"What is it Tom?" the one to the left asks.

Turning up his nose the troll pulls from Bilbo "I don't know, but I don't like the way it wriggles around."

Tom shakes Bilbo to the ground, the Hobbit hitting with a thud. Watching helpless from the sideline I see the Hobbit scramble to his feet. The largest Troll points a jagged knife to Bilbo right at his chest.

"What are you then? An oversized squirrel?"

"I'm a burgl- a Hobbit!" Bilbo exclaims nervously trying to lean as far from the knife as possible.

"A Burgla-Hobbit?" Tom questions looming in closer.

"Can we cook him?" Bert asks.

Tom grins menacingly reaching for Bilbo "We can try!"

As the trolls go after Bilbo, the Hobbit dodgers them left and right. All I can do is watch in hopes Bilbo will see me and make a run for it. Waving my arms from my hiding spot Bilbo thankfully sees me. As he races for the trees towards freedom, Bert steps in front of him, blocking his way.

"He wouldn't make more than a mouthful, not when he's skinned and boned!"

The other agrees "Perhaps there's more Burgla-Hobbits around these parts. Might be enough for a pie!"

All the trolls try to grab Bilbo, but he outruns them at every turn and attempted snag. Growling in aggravation, the trolls result to swinging at him trying to even get a hit in.

"It's too quick!" Tom exclaims as Bilbo runs through the Trolls legs and Bert swings his handle aiming for the sly Hobbit. Instead, the handle slams into Tom's knee, making the troll yelp in pain. Just as Bilbo makes for the other way the third troll grabs him up by his feet.

A pit in my stomach forms and I don't know rather to run and get help or stay and try to save my friend. Either way, one choice or the other could get Bilbo killed or all of us.

"Are there any more of you little fellows out here?" the largest asks.

Bilbo looks to me but shakes his head fiercely "Nope."

"He's lying." Tom hisses.

"No, I'm not!"

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

Out of nowhere Kili emerges from the bushes striking Tom's leg. The troll shrieks in pain falling back, coddling his leg. The other two look down at Kili startled.

"DROP HIM!" Kili demands.

The larger one raises a brow "You what?"

Grinning devilishly Kili flicks his sword and points the sharp edge "I said, drop him."

Growling, the troll tosses Bilbo in the air. I watch the Hobbit go flying and he collides into Fili who catches him falling back. Thorin and the rest of the Company come running from the tree line with weapons raised. Thorin gives the first blow to the closest troll and the fight breaks out. Weaponless I sit back and watch the scene play out. Bravely they fight against the trolls, hacking and hammering their feet and legs. Tom's knife falls from his felt and Bilbo and I lock eyes at once. Nodding the Hobbit creeps through the chaos grabbing up the oversized weapon. From a distance I see him cutting the ropes holding our horse's captive. As soon as their freed the larger troll catches Bilbo from the corner of his eye.

"Look out!" I shout but the Hobbit is in their clutches once more.

As the dwarves gather Fili spots the Hobbit in the clutches of the two trolls with the third grinning triumphantly.

"Bilbo!"

"No!" Thorin stops Fili from any further action as the trolls threateningly parade Bilbo.

"Lay down your arms or will wip his off!"

Hesitantly Thorin eyes Bilbo, clearly seething with silent anger. Contemplating he awaits until he stakes his sword into the ground. The Hobbit looks defeated and disappointed in himself as he watches all the dwarves drop their weapons one by one. I, however, watch from my hiding spot as all of my friends are tied up and most held over the roaring fire.

(Bilbo)

"That's hot! It's hot-it's hot!" Fili exclaims while he, Bofur, Dwalin, Ori, and a few other dwarves are spun over the fire tied together. Lying on the ground tied up in a smelly sack with Thorin, Balin, Fili, Oin, and Bombur, I look around for Elena. As I try to find her in the tree line all I see it darkness. Has she abandoned us? No. Not Elena. She would never, but maybe that's wishful thinking. I wouldn't blame her if she did. The dwarves may say otherwise.

"Where's Elena?" Kili whispers looking over to me "Did you see her? Is she alive?"

"If she is, maybe she can get us out of this...situation." Oin mutters.

"Yes, she's alright. I believe she's gone to find Gandalf."

Thorin releases the rope around the sack from between his teeth "That's all she is. Gone. The human has left us to our own devices as well as the Wizard. We are on our own!"

"No." I snap "They wouldn't do that. I may not know Elena or Gandalf that well, but they wouldn't leave their friends behind."

"Friends?" Thorin scoffs "What friends are we to them?"

"You should know, Elena has a heart bigger than any ocean I've seen. She'd fit the whole world into it if permitted. Don't assume you know all there is Thorin, son of Thrain. She will come for us."

The larger troll, William, tosses more logs onto the fire. Bert tends to the spit, continuously turning the dwarves around and around. Tom becomes antsy as his large stomach growls "Don't bother cooking them. Let's just sit on them and squash them into jelly."

Bert scoffs "They should be sauteed and grilled with a sprinkle of sage."

"Oooh, that does sound quite nice.

"Never mind the seasoning!" William exclaims "We aint got all night! Dawn aint far away and I don't fancy being turning to stone."

From the corner of my eye, I see movement. As I turn to look, I see Elena who nods to me reassuringly. Lifting up a glimmering object I see her arms full of almost is not all the troll's weapons and cooking utensils. Motioning to the trolls I catch her meaning and an idea pops into my head.

"Wait! You are making a terrible mistake!"

From the spit Gloin calls "You can't reason with them, they're half-wits!"

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

Getting to my feet I hop along as the three trolls look to me "I meant with the seasoning."

"What about the seasoning?" Bert asks slowly turning the wheel.

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

"Traitor!" Thorin shouts and the rest yell in protest.

"What do you know about cooking dwarf?" William growls.

Bert shoves him "Shut up! Let the uh, fluraburburrhobbit talk."

I nod smiling graciously to him "Yes, well, the secret to cooking dwarf is-.."

From behind the trolls, I see Elena cautiously stepping out behind them. Watching the trolls, she reaches grabbing the last knife. Picking it up she clutches it to her and then her eyes lock on me. My mind blanks and I fumble over my words.

"Yes?" Bert says leaning in "Come on! Tell us the secret!"

"Yes, I'm telling you the secret!" I say through clenched teeth.

As I look back, I see Elena has disappeared with the last of the weapons. Relieved I smirk looking out in the air for a made-up cooking secret "The secret is toooo skin them first!"

Every dwarf begins shouting at once and flailing about in a panic. Dwalin, who is spinning from the spit points a shaking finger at me "I won't forget that! I won't forget it!"

"What a load of rubbish!" William protests "I've eaten plenty with their skins on. Scruff em, I say, boots and a-..."

"AAAGGGHHHHOOOOO"

The eerie moan erupts from the trees surrounding us. Everyone falls quiet including the trolls. Looking around worriedly Tom cowards "B-Bert? Did you hear that?!"

"What is this?" William growls suspiciously

"AAAGGGHHHHH!!!!!" the high pitched shriek rings out and it sends chills down my spine.

"Elena." Thorin breathes now scanning his eyes along the forest.

"Something got her!" Bombur says fretfully as another ghostly moan rings out.

"OOOOAAAA!!!"

"GHOSTS!!!!!" Tom shouts as all three trolls jump and stand back-to-back.

"Get the knifes!" Bert commands as they frantically search.

"Th-there not here!" William frantically begins digging in the dirt as if he would find them there.

"Spirits of the wood! They're coming for us!" Tom whines as me and the rest of the dwarves watch on. From the corner of my eye, I see the wandering wizard make his way through the trees. I smirk and put on my most frightened face "G-g-good sirs! Please-don't let us fall victim to the Banshee of Bree!"

"B-b-banshee?" Tom stammers.

I nod "Yes, the wailing woman. Says she collects souls of the dead and they tell her their tale of ruin. If she finds their story worthy of revenge, she goes after those who had wronged the poor souls in this life. She takes theirs and drags them down to the bottomless pits of fire!"

"AAAARRGGGHHH!"

"SHE'S GOT ME!" Tom yells covering his head with his large hands.

William. Although fearful, stands up "I ain't afwaid of no ghoul! We can take 'er on!"

"The dawn will take you all!" Gandalf's voice booms as he stands on the large bowlder blocking out what little light is coming over the horizon.

The trolls drop any notion of fear and look to the wizard "Who is he?" William asks.

Bert shrugs "No idea."

Tom smiles "Can we eat him too?"

With a forceful crack, Gandalf's staff strikes the rock splitting it in two. Sunlight radiates all around us from the light of the new day. The trolls whimper and cry out as the sun nearly burns their flesh. Stiffening up and joints cracking, we watch as they come to a standstill and completely turned into cold, hard, stone.

Elena steps out, the sunlight radiating behind her and she smiles to us all. Pulling out a hollowed old horn, she yells into it as the deep radiating sound of a howl rings out above the Company.

"AAAOOOOO!"

The Company erupts into laughter and cheers. Relief floods through us all and the dwarves shout they're thanks to Elena who takes a small but humbled bow. The dwarves howl in response mixed in with more laughter. Laughing along with the others, her and Gandalf come down and begin freeing the dwarves one by one. Out of all of them, Thorin smiles the brightest and I can't help but notice the way he looks at Elena. He looks so admirable at her. It's as if she is bringing out some lost and forgotten light within him, but the moment she looks back at him, it dims as he looks away.