*Thorin's POV*

The light buzzing in my ears pulls me from my slumber. As I peek my eyes open I see the thin stream of light coming in through the window. Rubbing my hand over my face I come more alive with the new day. Propping myself up on my elbows I look to my left and nearly jump out of my skin. Molly lay sound asleep merely an inch from me. Looking to the other side of me I see where I must have made my over to her in my sleep.

"Bloody hell..." I grumble quickly standing to my feet. 

Dusting the hay from my clothes I feel my cheeks begin to heat up. That's never happened to me before. Well, only when I'm angry, but, I'm not angry. Right now I don't know how I feel. It's odd and I don't know if I like it or not. Look at Molly. She sleeps so soundly. Ha! She tucks her hands under her chin as she sleeps. Did she always use to always sleep that way? 

Crouching I watch the human woman sleep on. A strand of her hair covers her face and I gently tuck it back behind her ear and barely stroke her warm cheek.

 "Ah, so you're awake." Gandalf says stepping into the room. Quickly I jump up to my feet whirling around with my hands behind my back.

The wizard smirks  "I would like a word with you."

---

The company and I stand just below the large window. Gandalf and some of the others lookout while I and the rest await anxiously. With each blow of Beorn's ax to the wood, I become antsier and antsier. 

Nori looks and whispers "I say we should leg it and slip out the back way!" 

Dwalin steps towards him already in a foul mood " I'm not running from anyone, beast or no."

 Gandalf glares at us "Come now, there is no point in arguing. We will not make it to Mirkwood without his help. Now, Mr. Baggins, you will come with me." 

I glance over to see Bilbo walking over to the group. He hears the chopping and his eyes go wide but go with the wizard. 

"This will require some delicate handling; we must tread carefully. The last person to have startled him was torn to shreds." 

I feel a little tedious and wish that we not have come here. Gandalf nods "Now, come out in pairs. Bilbo and I first, then Dwalin, Balin, and lastly will be Bombur and-"his voice trails as he sees Bombur munch on a carrot. he smirks "Bombur, maybe you should come alone since you count as two." 

The dwarf nods and we all chuckle a little as Gandalf and the Hobbit head for the door. "Don't come out until I give the signal." 

As they leave Bofur looks panicked standing at the window "What's the signal?", but Gandalf and Bilbo have already gone. As we all stand around hearing the chopping stop I feel someone walk up. I look seeing Molly standing there a little sleepy-eyed. I nod to her with a small smile "Good Morning."

She smiles sheepishly rubbing her cheek with her sleeve "Goodmorning."

"Ah! There's sleeping beauty!" Fili exclaims rustling her hair roughly. Whatever moment Molly and I were having is quickly interrupted and ultimately gone. She groans as Kili laughs "Boys, no, not now. Not this early."

I grumble crossing my arms and turning away. My nephews are young, yes, but so is Molly. If I were to believe she harbored any affection for a dwarf it would not be me. I'm older than her by a great deal. I know humans and dwarves age so differently but even in human years, I would be at least 15 years her senior. Age set aside I can see the differences in her appearance to others and me. Seeing her being sported after or falling for another, even my own kin would wound me.

Wound me? Her affection for any other should not be my concern at all nor should she! Love and affection are a child's fairy tale and not the treasure I seek in this life.

Molly looks around and furrows her brows "Where's Bilbo and Gandalf?" 

Nori nods "To go and see if the bear-man is going to kill us or not." 

Her eyes widen "They what?!"

*Molly's POV*

I stand nervously face-palming myself as the dwarves head outside in pairs. Or should I say jumbled messes? As they all head out I can see the giant man, Beorn, becoming more and more distressed. His grip on the ax was tighter by the minute.

"That's not the sig-and their gone." I mumble as Bifur, Bofur, and Bombur go out together with the rest of the company startling Beoron. I can hear his slight growls at them just as Thorin heads for the door. 

"Thorin, wait! Do you think this is a good idea? He looks pretty angry to me."

Looking back at me he smirks taking a glance down at my hand resting on his arm "Your right, it's a bad idea, but sometimes those are the best ones."

He nods reassuringly as I watch him step out. Beorn's growls increase but he stays in his place "Are there any more of you?!"

 I sigh and take a breath stepping out. When I do I lock with golden eyes and long shaggy hair and beard. When his eyes rest on me I see a little confusion but gentleness about him. Taking notice I look at all the Dwarves scowling at him our trembling in their boots. I glance at Thorin before slowly making my way down the stairs.

 "Molly." Thorin whispers trying to stop me but I ignore him and walk out to Beorn holding his large ax. He narrows his eyes and growls a little as I stand before him. 

"Hi, I'm Molly, it's nice to meet you." I extend my hand to him and he looks at it then at me. He then looks to the company and so do I. 

"Don't worry..." I say to Beorn as he looks back at me "I'm not a smelly dwarf." 

 The company then grumbles "Hey!" 

"What did she say?!"

 "Were not smelly you-" I snap my head back sending a glare and they all seal their lips under my expression. Thorin, from the top of the steps, smirks and nods to me as if he's proud.

Turning back to Beoron his angry and fearful expression softens and he almost seems to smile as he reaches out and shakes my hand.

*Thorin's POV*

"So you're the one they call Oakenshield?" asks Beorn as he pours Fili more honey milk "Tell me why is Azog hunting you?" 

I furrow my brows "You know of Azog. How?" 

"My people were the first to live in the mountains before the Orcs came down from the north. The Defiler killed most of my family, but some he enslaved. Not for work, you understand, but for sport. Caging skin-changers and torturing them seemed to amuse him."

I see the chain on his wrist and glance at Molly who watches Beorn sadly. 

Bilbo who listens intently asks "There are others like you?" 

Beorn nods "Once, there were many." 

Bilbo looks around "And now?" 

The great bear looks down at his shackled wrist "Now, there is only one." 

All of us look on in silence. Even if I don't let the others or Beorn see, I sympathize with him. Losing your family, home, and worst of all, yourself. I am lucky enough to have my sister and my nephews. Beorn has no one.

"You need to reach the mountain before the last days of autumn?" 

Gandalf nods "Before Durin's Day falls, yes." 

Beorn sits "You are running out of time."   

"Which is why we must go through Mirkwood." 

The bear-man shakes his head "A darkness lies upon that forest. Foul things creep beneath those trees. There is an alliance between the Orcs of Moria and the Necromancer in Dol Guldur. I would not venture there except in great need." 

Gandalf smirks "We will take the Elven Road. That path is still safe." 

With a look of dismay, Beorn shook his head "Safe? The Wood-Elves of Mirkwood is not like their kin. They're less wise and more dangerous. But it matters not."

I look back at him "What do you mean?" 

He stares with seriousness dripping in his voice "These lands are crawling with Orcs. Their numbers are growing, and you are on foot. You will never reach the forest alive." 

I feel a cold creep crawl up my back at his words. Beorn stands walking towards me "I don't like dwarves. They're greedy and blind, blind to the lives of those they deem lesser than their own."

Beorn picks up a mouse that had been scampering on the table and holds it, all the while approaching me. I stand with my arms crossed as he approaches me and looks down "But Orcs I hate more. What do you need?"

---

We all begin putting our things and supplies together and getting on horses. Most of the black and white but Molly's was a solid white and had light hazel eyes. Mounted already on my horse I look to Molly who struggles to get on her saddle. Beorn comes up behind her lifting her up with ease. She blushes embarrassed but smiles at the shifter.

Beorn holds an ax and points "Go now, while you have the light. The hunters are not far behind." 

Molly smiles at the shapeshifter as he takes her hand. Her hand squeezes his gently "Thank you Beorn. For...everything." 

I see the Skin changer nod to her and even give her a small smile whilst releasing her hand before we ride off.

The company rides rapidly across the land, slowing to a stop as we approach a looming, gloomy-looking forest. Gandalf dismounts and walks into the edge of the forest through an ancient archway "The Elven Gate." 

He turns to us "Here lies our path through Mirkwood."

 Dwalin dismounts "No sign of the Orcs. We have luck on our side." 

Gandalf and I look to see the large bear on top of the overlook in the distance. The wizard nods "Set the ponies loose. Let them return to their master." 

We all dismount and begin taking the supplies off the ponies. Bilbo approaches the forest on foot "This forest feels...sick as if a disease lies upon it. Is there no way around it?" 

Gandalf shakes his head "Not unless we go two hundred miles north, or twice that distance south."  

As Gandalf goes a little way in I begin unpacking my things and glance over at Molly. Her face is pale and her eyes are staring off just as she had down before when we met Radagast.

"Molly." I call standing beside my horse.

She seems completely unaware that I'm even speaking to her. Her balance wavers and she staggers a little. Hurrying over to her I take her face in my hands searching her eyes for any recognition or coherence. 

"Molly." I say louder "Molly!"

"Darkness is coming. Beware the Necromancer. He is not what he seems." she whispers as her eyes shift up locking with mine. Her skin is like ice under my touch and her words chill me all the way to my bones.

Before I can call her name again her eyes roll back and she goes weak in the legs. Catching her I put her back on her feet and she blinks away her catatonic state. Holding onto my arms her brows arch in worry "Thorin? Wha-what's wrong?"

Just as I go to speak the wizard emerges from the forest "Not my horse! I need it!" 

"You're not leaving us?" Bilbo says defeatedly.

Gandalf looks fretful to the worried Hobbit "I would not do this unless I had to." 

He looks to me then back to Bilbo "You've changed, Bilbo Baggins. You're not the same Hobbit as the one who left the Shire." 

Bilbo looks up almost seeming guilty of something "I was going to tell you; I...found something in the Goblin tunnels."

 Gandalf raises one bushy eyebrow "Found what?" 

Bilbo doesn't answer immediately, but fumbles with something in his pocket.

 "What did you find?" 

Bilbo hesitantly responds "My courage." 

Gandalf smiles "Good. Well, that's good. You'll need it." he finishes with almost a sneer. As he walks past everyone and mounts his horse he looks at us "I'll be waiting for you at the overlook, before the slopes of Erebor. Keep the map and key safe. Do not enter that mountain without me. This is not the Greenwood of old. The very air of the forest is heavy with illusion. It will seek to enter your mind and lead you astray."

 Molly looks concerned "Astray?"

 Gandalf continues "You must stay on the path; do not leave it. If you do, you will never find it again."Gandalf wheels his horse and rides away. "No matter what may come, stay on the path!"

As we watch the Wizard depart from us Molly takes in a shaky breath. I look back at her gripping her shoulders. Her eyes look frightened and she shakes her head "What am I to do Thorin if he doesn't come back? Once you reclaim Erebor what if something happens to Gandalf while he's out there? I'll never-I'll never be able to return home."

I smirk and cup her cheek "No, don't worry about that now. He'll return to us. He has to."

As we entered the woods we stayed on the path. Kicking back leaves to keep on the right track. "This way!" I say pointing them in every winding direction but the forest is even more fowl than it seems.

---

Bofur gasps "Air. I need air."

Oin groans "My head, it's spinning." 

We suddenly run into each other as Nori, in front, stops abruptly. Oin shakes his head  "What's happening?"

I push them "Keep moving. Nori, why have we stopped?" 

He shakes his head "The path...it's disappeared!" 

Dwalin steps forward "What's going on?" 

Oin sounds panicked "We've lost the path!" 

"Guys, calm down." Molly reassures "We couldn't have wandered far."

I sigh "Find it. All of you look. Look for the path!" 

Apart from me knows it's close just that it had been lost to us some time ago. The Company wanders through the forest. The forest is beginning to affect us mentally, and we stagger about. I mumble and feel the sweat dripping down my temple and back.  

"Here..." Molly mutters walking up next to me "Looks like you need some of this."

I graciously take a sip from her water jug. Handing it back to her I nod thanks and her fingertips barely brush over mine. She pulls away quickly "I'm sorry." and hurries on ahead with Bofur and Bilbo.

Balin sighs not far behind me "I don't remember this place before. None of it's familiar." 

Dori nods "It's got to be here." 

I blink several times "What hour is it?" 

Dwalin shrugs "I do not know. I don't even know what day it is."

 I grumble in aggravation "Is there no end to this accursed place?!" 

*Molly's POV*

Walking down the path I can tell everyone is becoming more and more exhausted. My feet feel like bricks and my lungs are like a stuffy greenhouse in June. A slight ringing in my ears catches my attention in the silence. When my eyes shoot up I see a shimmering light. For some reason, maybe being delirious I chase after it. The company, not turning towards the back, doesn't even realize I've left the group. At least for a little while. I hear the high-pitched noises and see the bright orange sun sticking through the trees. I sigh and feel a rush of fresh air hit my face and fill my lungs.  As I continue on I turn a corner and find myself in a lustful, green, clearing. On tree's I see many little pale creatures coming out with big bright eyes and white hair. I smile and notice the familiar flower homes.

 "Pixie's." I mumble. 

They watch me closely and one flies up to me. In awe of the creature, I smile and reach out to touch it. It flitters back but motions me forward. As I approach the tree I see a white Elk with a large rack of white branched out antlers. He stands there staring as I slowly walk closer. I step across the water onto the large stones until I'm face to face with the Elk. The gentle giant doesn't run, banter, or become defensive. He leans down as if giving permission for me to pet him. I gently caress his face and look at how beautiful he is. His white fur is like silk and his eyes a sapphire blue.

"Molly...?" I hear Thorin call not far behind me.

However, I don't turn around not wanting to lose this moment. As the elk shakes his head he backs up a little and bows to me. I smirk slightly and he lifts his head back up. 

"Well bless my beard." Dwalin says. 

Balin chuckles "He's blessing her."

I turn around and look at the dwarves standing there watching. Many eyes close feeling the breeze and Nori stands still staring cross-eyed at a butterfly that has landed on the tip of his nose. I giggle and look at them all and my eyes stop at Thorin. He has an odd look on his face as well as a smile. He is staring at me but can't seem to see that I'm staring back at him. As his eyes shift a little he blinks several times then turns away quickly. I look away as well but feel a twinge of a fear stir inside of me. Suddenly there are loud whispers almost like hisses all around us. 

"What is it? What's that?!" 

Hearing squeaks and squawks all the animals and Pixies disappear. The Elk backs itself against the tree and begins squealing and bucking violently. Yelping I jump back away from it to keep out of harm's way. It jumps up with his front legs in the air. The wind whips and the grass slowly begins to die and turn grey.  

"Molly!" Thorin shouts. 

I turn and run as he meets me halfway. As he grabs my hand pulling me away I turn back to the Elk who then lets out a cry as it bursts into a dozen bright blue butterflies. We all run from that place afraid of what caused all the ruckus and not wanting to find out who or what that was. And then, just like that, the moment is gone.

*Thorin's POV*

 I am certain this forest is cursed. We have lost the path and now we wander around aimlessly again. I look over at the company seeing they had stopped to catch their breath. After running from the clearing we are all more shaken than before. 

"What was all that?" Ori asks looking to me then to Molly.

Before anyone can respond an ear-piercing scream rings out. The pain in my ears is too great and I cover them along with the rest of the company. It falls silent again for only a moment until the scream forms words.

"MOLLY! MOLLY HELP ME!!!"

"Sarah? SARAH!" Molly shouts and jumps to her feet running in the direction of the cries.

"Molly, no!" I shout and I chase after her. 

Balin calls after me "Thorin!"

Ignoring him and the others I try my best to keep up with Molly as she runs through the forest. 

"SARAH! SARAH!" she cries out finally coming to a halt. 

 I run over to her "Molly, stop!" 

She shakes her head "I-I have to find her. My sister is here. She's hurt. Thorin please help me find her!" 

She looks frantically around "Molly help me!" we hear again. 

"Where are you?!" Molly shouts panicked. I look up into the trees and see a bird flying around. As it circles us like a vulture I see its beak open to making a sound with only the cries coming out. Drawing my bow I release the arrow and as it strikes the bird the screaming stops. 

We both look at the bird and Molly sighs trembling "H-how did that...?" she breathes running her hand through her hair. 

"We need to go back," I mumble looking suspiciously around us.

As I stay on alert I reach back taking Molly's hand. Turning I begin walking back and Molly follows keeping a firm grip on me. However, there is another bird that comes sweeping down at us and we duck. Then there are dozens.

 "Run!" I say as we start running towards where we left the company. I run faster and dodge a bird here and there. As I see the company Balin points "The girl!" 

I turn and see Molly a couple of yards away running towards us. Birds swooping all around her screaming, mocking her sister's cries in distress. I gasp and sprint over towards her but we both stop running as hundreds of the birds form a spiral barrier around her.

"I'm here! I'm right here Molly!" I shout trying to get a glimpse of her. The birds hit her in the head, strike her,  and flap in her face. 

"It isn't real! It's not!" I shout. She screams and covers her ears from the shouts and cries the birds make. She covers her head falling to the ground and then silent. The birds fly away as if they were never there. 

Scrambling to Molly I scoop her up in my arms "I've got you. Your alright."

"Why her voice?! W-where did they get that from? W-where?" She asks through gasps while burying her face in my chest. I hold her close in a tight bear hug "It's not them, remember, this place is a dark forest. It can enter into your mind and take things out and use it against you. It's not them." 

 "But it was...it was so real Thorin...." she whispers. I rest my chin atop her head and sigh rubbing her head consolingly. 

---

We made camp and the darkness became darker and we all sat around the fire. However, while many of the companies had somehow found sleep I had not. Eyes stare at us all around and creatures fly around. Bats squeaked and owls cooed. I then heard a panic whimper and looked next to me at Molly who is slapping at the moths flying around her. 

"It's okay...it's okay...." I said gently holding her wrist. She settles as I lay behind her and loom over her slightly keeping the moths from her. As I lay there she presses against me. My chest feels funny again as I look down barely seeing her pale skin and rose powdered cheeks shining in the darkness. For some reason, I reach down brushing her cheek lovingly and a smile seemed to creep onto my face. After realizing it I draw back my hand. She sleeps soundly and I lay her back in her spot and I watch the fire flickering in the night.

*Molly's POV*

The next day we continued our trek. We had continued on where we left off with no path. As I walk I hear the whispering again just as before, but not like any whisper I had heard. As we keep going I walk next to Thorin looking around. I then hear a snatching noise and I spin around. The company is gone and I hold my breath. I turn and no longer see Thorin. 

"Thorin...? Thorin?!"  

He comes from around the corner "I'm here." 

I go to speak but I freeze looking behind him. I nearly scream "Thorin...! Thorin!" I start saying panicked and pointing. He turns seeing it and grabs me and covers my mouth as we hide behind a tree. I hold onto his collar trying not to run. He holds me close and I shake as we hear it crawling on all of its giant legs farther away. Thorin looks from behind the tree. I pull back a little way and look behind me. I see the large black eight eyes right there in my face. I let out a scream and just as Thorin turns it attacks us wrapping us in its web and then darkness. 

I hear the hisses and can barely see through the webs. I hear the hissing around me and I panic kicking and trying to break free. My screams are muffled as four to five giant spiders are around me. Then there is a thump and they all speed away to the bottom. However one has stayed and its fangs go to eat me but it starts screaming as if it's in pain. I then see Bilbo appear out of nowhere and stab it. He runs over and cuts us all free. I scramble out of the web pulling at it violently. 

"Are you alright?" he asks helping me. 

All I can do is hug him and he hugs me tightly. 

"What in Durin's name?!" Gloin grumbles pulling the webs off him. 

"Spiders. Why did it have to be spiders." I whine. 

Soon all the dwarves are out and free. 

"Hurry, grab your weapons." Thorin commands. 

We all grab our weapons and begin to fight the spiders as they come down.  At home the spiders I thought giant was the size of a quarter. These were as big as Beorn as a bear. As the dwarves fight the spider's I shoot many with my arrows and hit them keeping them away. Then there are more arrows fired and I see many elves with blonde hair sliding from the trees fighting the spiders killing most.

 As they finish the fight and surround the dwarves at arrow point a blonde Elf points his arrow at Thorin "Do not think I won't kill you, dwarf. It would be my pleasure." 

He and Thorin gave one another the stare down not saying a word. As a good minute passes I roll my eyes "What? Are we going to get out the rulers now to prove a point or are we going to get out of this forest?"

 The Elf shoots me a look but I ignore his glare when I hear a scream. 

"KILI!" Fili shouts as the young dwarf brother tries fending off another giant spider. He's holding open the jaws of a spider on top of him. I race over to help him and hit the spider. It hisses turning to chase me. Before I can shoot it the creature knocks me over and begins crawling after me. I scramble backward trying to get away. The spider's fangs dig in biting my leg sending pain throughout my body. I scream from the pain like two knives stabbing in me. 

"Molly!" Thorin shouts. 

A red-haired female dwarf comes down from the trees swiftly killing the spider and saving Kili from another that had come up behind him. As it falls over dead and lets me go I lay in pain groaning and holding my leg. 

"Hang in there Molly." Fili says hurrying over to me and holding my wounds. Suddenly I feel as if my veins are on fire. I gasp from the pain and throbbing in my head. As Thorin and the others try to come to my aid they're stopped by the other Elves. The blonde elf glares at Thorin "Don't even try to escape."

"Can you not see she is hurt?" he snaps.

The blonde elf sighs looking at the red-haired she-elf. I whimper in pain clutching my leg but the blonde elf motions to Dwalin "He may help her, not you or any other." he looks back to Thorin who is seething but submits. Then were taken, prisoner. 

---

We had arrived at the large palace of the woodland Elves. The dwarves are led in chains and I hold onto Dwalin's shoulder stumbling alone trying not to let the pain show. Clutching my leg my crimson blood stains my pants and pale hand. Dwalin takes notice and stops me.

"I got you lass." he says lifting me and carrying me as I lay in his arms. 

"She can walk." the blonde-haired Elf snaps.

Dwalin growls "She can barely stand. Let alone walk!"

"Perhaps she needs the practice then."

I scoff to the blonde Elf "Aren't you a real Prince Charming."

As we are led in the dwarves and I are pushed into dungeons. Dwalin is forced to let me go as he is pushed into his own cell. Kili is closed in by the female Elf with reddish-brown hair. He looks up at her "Aren't you going to search for me? I could have anything down my trousers." 

She smiles closing the cell "Or nothing." 

As she walks away and speaks to the blonde Elf who looks even more displeased. As the female Elf walks back up the steps the blonde elf only glares at Kili who I know can only be smiling back at him.

I am pushed into a cell with Thorin and Kili next to us. As Thorin is held back I'm put inside the cell and it slams shut.

"I will get you out of this..." Thorin says to me as he begins being dragged away "I promise."

Helplessly I watch through the cell as Thorin is taken up the flight of stairs and out of sight. The pain in my leg throbs but my heart rams in my chest thinking of the Elven king and if he will bring Thorin back or just his head.

*Thorin's POV*

I'm led to a throne room where I see the all to familiar Elf King Thranduil. 

"Some may imagine that a noble quest is at hand. A quest to reclaim a homeland and slay a dragon. I myself suspect a more prosaic motive: attempted burglary, or something of that ilk." He steps down looking closely at me "You have found a way in. You seek that which would bestow upon you the right to rule: the King's Jewel, the Arkenstone. It is precious to you beyond measure. I understand that. There are gems in the mountain that I too desire. White gems of pure starlight. I offer you my help."

 I smirk "I am listening." 

He continues "I will let you go if you but return what is mine."

I turn slowly and begin walking away "A favor for a favor." 

He nods "You have my word. One king to another." 

I stop walking. The images of the elf turning away rile up the anger inside of me. Still facing away from Thranduil, I speak. Every time my voice gets louder and louder "I would not trust Thranduil, the great king, to honor his word should the end of all days be upon us!"

I spin around and shout "You lack all honor! I've seen how you treat your friends. We came to you once, starving, homeless, seeking your help, but you turned your back. You turned away from the suffering of my people and the inferno that destroyed us! Imrid amrad ursul! ( Die a death of flames!)"

He rushes over getting face to face with me as he too seethes in anger "Do not talk to me of dragon fire. I know its wrath and ruin. I have faced the great serpents of the north!"

As Thranduil speaks, his face contorts, and his face is covered with what appears to be burns and scars from his past encounters with dragons. His left eye is milky and unseeing. He draws away, and his face returns to normal.

"I warned your grandfather of what his greed would summon, but he would not listen." 

I watch as he walks up the steps to his throne "You are just like him." 

He motions and the guards seize me. I know our chances of release have resulted to none, but Molly will die without any care.

 "I do not wish to seek any trade with you or alliance but if I must ask you of anything I ask this...The girl, is not dwarf nor Elf. She is human. She has nothing to do with our quarrel. She is hurt. I ask of you to help her." I say pleadingly. 

For a brief moment, the Elven King's face softens but when he looks back to me it hardens again "Stay here if you will, and rot. A hundred years is a mere blink in the life of an elf. I am patient. I can wait. Death will be far quicker for your human." I growl and pull against the guards as they drag me back down to the cells.

---

The guards open the cell door and I see Molly laying against the wall. I don't have to be shoved or ushered in as I practically run inside to her aid "Molly!" 

"Thorin, I can't-I can't move." she whispers hoarsely.

Removing her hand from over the wound I see her veins turning a dark purple signifying the poison spreading throughout her body. I cover her wound back up with a torn cloth from my shirt. Wrapping it around her leg I tie it off much to her hisses of pain.

Balin calls from his cell "Did he offer you a deal?"

I nod "He did. I told him he could go 'Ish kakhfê ai'd dur rugnu! Him and all his kin!"

Balin sighs "Well...that's it, then. A deal was our only hope."

I look down at Molly in worry as she begins to turn pale and sweating whilst writhing in pain. I then remember Bilbo and shake my head "Maybe not our only hope."