From Other Worlds

The Carrock

It was nice to take a moment to rest. For the company to collect themselves and check everyone over.

"We shouldn't stay for too long." Balin had a warning tone.

"I agree, we're livestock here if we stay and Azog finds us." Dwalin added to his brothers comment.

"The path down is this way, a bit narrow but we can make it." Gandalf confirmed and began leading them.

"As long as it's not as narrow as the paths in the Misty Mountains I think we're going to be fine." Rayna moved to join the single file line while some of the company laughed.

"Well now I know how you ended up in the goblin tunnels." Gandalf commented back to more laughter.

"We must move swiftly." Thorin warned.

One by one the company followed the path down the carrock, carefully stepping over the gaps and rocks that carved their path. Getting darker as the dawn had not yet broke down in the valleys. They began to move quicker down the path, Rayna putting her arms out to keep her balance. A strong hand took hold of hers as she began to teeter and she gripped it tight. She didn't need to look to know who it was by now, and the extra balance came in handy when Ori slipped in front of her and she grabbed him by the shirt. All sense of safety lost when the sounds of warg howls reached their ears.

Making their way to a safe spot, Bilbo was chosen to investigate how far the orcs were. The company remained quiet as they waited.

"Thank you. For catching me so I didn't miss the tree."

"It's what I'm here for." Rayna responded to Kili before watching Bilbo return.

"How far are the orcs?"

"Too close. Couple of leagues no more. But that's not the worst of it."

"The wargs picked up our scent?" Dwalin gripped his axe.

"Not yet, but they will. We have another problem." Bilbo sighed.

"Did they see you?" Gandalf asked.

"Nope." Bilbo was catching his breath.

"See what did I tell you? Quiet as a mouse." Gandalf grinned to himself before there was more talk of a plan. Bilbo still trying to get everyone's attention.

"Will you please listen! I'm trying to tell you there's something else out there!" Bilbo raised his voice just enough to get all eyes on him.

Gandalf slowly switched his staff from one hand to another, "What form did it take? Like a bear?"

"Ye... yes." BIlbo confirmed.

"You know of this beast?" Bofur looked to Gandalf, "I say we double back."

"And be run down by a pack of orcs." Thorin started pacing.

"There is a house. It's not far from here, where we might take refuge." Gandalf offered.

"Whose house?" Thorin didn't want to hear that it was more elves, "Are they friend or foe?"

"Neither. He will help us, or he will kill us." Gandalf answered.

"A hundred percent dead with wargs, 50/50 chance with mystery house." Rayna held up her hands like she was weighing the options.

"Seems we don't have a choice." Thorin looked from Rayna to Gandalf and they started moving.

"Better odds at the house." Dori commented.

"Never tell me the odds!" Rayna said before rushing with the rest of the dwarves down the mountains and into the woods. Not stopping to enjoy the look of confusion on Doris face.