Chapter 13

"I'll draw them off" Radagast said.

"These are Gundabad Wargs; they will outrun you."

"And these are Rhosgobel Rabbits; I'd like to see them try."

Abigail could hear the pack getting closer and closer as the seconds ticked by. Gandalf finally gave a nod of approval.

"Thank you my friend." He said to the other wizard as he boarded his sleigh.

She turned and ushered the dwarves back behind a rocky outcrop where they wouldn't be seen. Silently she sent up a prayer that Radagast would be alright, this forest needed him. Seconds after he took off, the pack of Wargs came charging through. It looked like there were about twelve of the massive beast's total and three orcs. Luckily for them they were too preoccupied with chasing Radagast to be smelling. Once they were gone, Gandalf moved to the edge of the trees.

"Stay close."

Abigail looked around to make sure Bilbo was still with them and found that both Fili and Kili were watching out for him. Perhaps they felt guilty about the business with the trolls. Off in the distance they could see the high speed chase. She didn't like this. Not at all. She knew where Gandalf was steering them and that meant crossing the prairie. A desolate piece of land where nothing grew, the only cover available was from the rocks protruding from the ground which also made it more difficult to see where the pack was. Regardless of how she felt, the company was already running toward the first rock.

"Stay together." Gandalf warned, ducking behind the stone structure.

Her elven ears could pick up the snapping of the Warg jaws as they can dangerously close to their hiding place. It was like a deadly game of cat and mouse, they'd move from one spot to the next, narrowly avoiding detection. She heard Thorin ask where Gandalf was taking them. Suddenly Abigail heard one of the Wargs break from the pack, heading their way.

"Everyone down!" She ordered, throwing herself flat against the wall just as the beast reached the top of the rock.

It was a tense moment where she could hear the orc inhaling, trying to place their scent. As soon as he did, it was over. Her own heart was pounding in her ears because even though the company could take one Warg, the sound would bring the others and she wasn't willing to bet they could take all of them at once. Kili stepped out, aimed and loosed an arrow. The Warg toppled over the edge of the cliff, landing in front of them. Kili's arrow had incapacitated the beast but not enough to kill it. Its pained howls echoed across the field and the game was over.

"Run!" Gandalf bellowed.

They took off in Gandalf's direction. A simple glance back told her that they were never going to make it to Rivendale before they were outrun but that didn't stop them from trying. They were close, but not close enough. In no time, the company was surrounded on all sides. Abigail fired a shot and killed one of the beasts but she was dangerously low on arrows. But she kept at it.

"Where's Gandalf?"

"He's abandoned us!"

The orcs continued to close in on them.

"Here you fools." Gandalf popped up from the rock formation behind them.

It must have been a tunnel or cave of some sort

"Move." Thorin ordered.

Abigail stayed in her place for another few seconds firing several more arrows to buy them more time. She turned to see the other dwarves ahead of her, each rolling through the cave entrance. Thorin stood to the side, making sure everyone got inside. But by the time she got there his attention was on someone behind her.

"Kili!" His voice boomed.

She spun around to see the youngest twin about twenty feet away from them, his back towards them with his bow drawn. Two Wargs charging towards him. Abigail drew an arrow.

"Go!" She yelled, readying to cover them.

Without the slightest bit of hesitation, he took off running. She loosed an arrow that went straight through the eye of the closest beast, it flipped over on itself, landing on its rider, crushing him. By that time, Thorin had Kili by the arm, but the second beast was on their heels. He was too close to aim for the head so she aimed for the creature's hind quarters. It worked, the rider was flung from his back where she finished him off with her last arrow. Not far off, there were another three Wargs charging them. Thorin threw Kili down the cave and then grabbed Abigail by the hand, pulling her down behind him. They tumbled down the steep incline, rocks digging into the king of her arms. Before she knew what was happening, she landed right on top of him. Their faces far too close for comfort. For just a fraction of a second, she looked into his eyes and there was no hate, just relief.

She jumped up, letting go of his hand which she hadn't realized she'd still been clutching. Luckily for her, the other dwarves were too busy scolding Kili to notice the interaction. They didn't have much time to dwell on it as the familiar horns of battle could be heard from outside the cave. The company flattened themselves against the cave wall to get out of the path of a dead orc as he fell. An elegant looking arrow protruding from his chest. Thorin stepped forward, pulling the arrow out to examine it.

"Elves." He snarled disdainfully.

Abigail rolled her eyes, too relieved that they'd made it to care.

"There's a path here, but I cannot tell where it leads." Dwalin called out.

"Follow it, of course!" Bofur replied.

Abigail brought up the back of the line, knowing that this was not going to end well. After a short trek the narrow passageway opened up to show the Valley of Imladris. Though she'd lived here for years now, the beauty of Rivendale never secede to amaze her. Even the dwarves seemed to be rendered speechless at the sight of the graceful architecture. That is, all but one. Thorin marched over to where she was standing with Gandalf, a dark expression on his face.

"This was your plan all along wasn't it? To seek refuge with our enemy?" Thorin hissed.

"They are not your enemy Thorin. They are not the Mirkwood elves."

"Abigail is right. The only ill will that exists here is that which you bring yourself." Gandalf agreed.

"You're wrong, both of you. You think the elves will give our quest their blessing? They will try to stop us."

"Of course they will, but we have questions that need to be answered."

"Questions that if we don't know the answer to will impede the success of this quest. How else do you plan to find the hidden door to Erebor?" With that, Abigail stepped past him and started down the trail leading to Rivendale "Come on, we don't have all day."

Bilbo was the first to follow her, coming to walk beside her. His curiosity of this place was brimming. He asked question after question about who built the city, how long it had been there, how many lived here. From there it evolved to any question he could think of regarding elven history. She answered these questions to the best of her knowledge but even she didn't know everything. As they crossed the final bridge into the city he fell silent. It felt good to be back here once again. At the top of the stairs stood Lindir, ready to great them.

"Mithrandir," he said, then turned to her "Erulassë, we were not expecting to see you so soon again."

"I was surprised as well."

From behind her she heard the dwarves whispering amongst themselves. The felt uneasy and while Abigail could understand that, now was not the time for making enemies.

"We must speak with Lord Elrond." Gandalf said.

"My lord Elrond is not here." Lindir replied.

At that moment, the horns from before sounded once more. Horses could be heard galloping down the trail. Sharing a look with the wizard, they both took a step back from the company. As expected, they drew weapons and closed rank around each other. She had to stop herself from sighing. Of course, to be fair, the elves weren't being very helpful in making them feel less anxious. Lord Elrond lead his men in a wide circle around the company for longer than was strictly necessary. In the end she decided to stay silent because she knew nothing she could say would help the situation. When they finally can to a stop, he addressed them.

"Gandalf." He greeted

"Erulassë, this must be the mysterious quest you spoke of. What brings such a curious company to my door?" Elrond asked, gracefully dismounting from his horse.

"Lord Elrond. Mellonnen! Mo evinedh?"

"Farannem 'Iamhoth I udul o charad. Dagannem rim na lant Vedui."

"Strange for Orcs to come so close to our borders. Something, or someone, has drawn them near." He smoothly transitioned to common tounge when he saw the discomfort on the dwarves faces.

"I fear that might have been us." Gandalf said.

At that moment, Thorin stepped forward from the company.

"Welcome Thorin, son of Thrain."

"I do not believe we have met."

"You have your grandfather's bearing. I knew Thror when he ruled under the mountain."

"Indeed; he made no mention of you." Thorin commented.

Abigail shook her head at his childish insults. It was a good thing Lord Elrond was nothing like Thranduil, otherwise he might have well ended up in the dungeon. Instead, Elrond simply ignored the insult entirely, speaking in elvish to the dwarves. She almost laughed at the confused look on their faces.

"What is he saying? Does he offer us insult?" Gloin asked, placing his hand on his weapon once more.

"No, he said: Light the fires, bring forth the wine. We must feed our guests." She translated.

After a quick discussion amongst themselves, it was decided that would be agreeable.

This chapter felt like a filler chapter to me but you gotta do what you gotta do. But! The next few chapters are going to be much more action packed. Next chapter has more Thorin/Abigail interaction. I've almost got it all written down. I'm excited! Drop a review if you can, it really helps me know what you guys like (or don't).