The Eyes of Emerald

Chapter 3

Rain. That's all that came through the sky for several days. Rain. The company had heavy faces as the water fell from the clouds on to their heads, cloths, and supplies. As some may say, rain would dampen the spirits. That indeed was the case for the company.

All except for Dawn. If anything it lifted her spirits. She loved the feeling of the rain running through her hair like a river. Not to mention that all the plants and trees around her were pleased to see the rain as well. Fili looked at her from the distance, seeing her smile brightly. She had a beautiful smile. He was happy to see her so joyful, ever since she told him her reason to be protected. He still remembered her face. It represented the fear, and the look you get before someone stabbed you in the stomach. He never wanted to see her in that much fear. His eyeing of the girl soon ended when Kili interrupted his thoughts.

"I hate the rain. Don't you?" Kili asked, gazing at the forest sky. Fili nodded, though he did not pay attention to the comment. Kili, seeing what his brother was looking at, suddenly curled a large mischievous smile on his face. He knew his brother was eyeing the dwarf maiden, and thought it was the perfect topic to tease him with.

"She is quite beautiful, don't you think?" Kili said. Fili looked at his brother in confusion. Then he looked at Dawn once more, seeing that she was Kili's subject of discussion for the moment.

"I suppose, yes," Fili replied to his brother, only saying in a way of complimenting the girl behind her back.

"So you admit it!"

"Admit what?"

"Admit that you fancy the girl. Come on. You've done nothing but stare at her ever since the rain started to fall. It's no question." Fili looked stunned. Like that look you get when someone accuses you of something you did not commit. That shocked look creped onto the blonde dwarfs face in an instant. Then he became quite defensive on the topic.

"I certainly do not. We just met recently. And I do not intend to begin a relationship, or a fancy of the one I am assigned to protect. And neither should you." Kili laughed at his brothers' response.

"I wouldn't dream of it. After all, she is not my type of women. Beautiful, yes, but certainly not the kind of personality I would court. More a personality that I would relate with, and be friends with." Fili then brought his attention back to the girl. She was still smiling at the rain that was pouring from the sky, and her hair now showed no sign of dryness in it.

Meanwhile, Dawn was becoming well acquainted with the hobbit and Gandalf as they were riding. She learned of Bilbo's family tree, and Gandalf's many encounters with the other members of the white council. All quite interesting.

"So, master burglar, how are you enjoying the journey so far?" Dawn questioned. The hobbit looked at the girl. He was puzzled at the question. Was he enjoying the journey so far? No, he wasn't, if he was being honest. Though he saw beautiful scenery of the world, he hated every other part. From the company teasing him every two hours, to the current rain fall. He just did not like it. If only it was a long hike through all four parts of the Farthing woods. Having of a journey in which he knew where to go. Not all new places with new dangers.

"I like it so far," he lied. The girl smile at the comment, and looked to the trees. She then began to whistle of a beautiful tune. Which lead to several birds to whistle the same tune.

"What a lovely melody that is," Gandalf said to Dawn. She smiled the compliment, and continued to hear the birds' response. They had replied to her call.

"Thorin, the birds say we are two days from the territory of the Hidden Valley," she said to the future king. Though he hated the thought of asking for where the elves were, he asked Dawn if it was possible for her to see where they were, and how close they were to "enemy" territory. Thorin looked ahead, seeing a cave nearby. He then ordered the company to stop, for they would rest there for the night.

As the ponies were getting leashed, Dawn slid off her side saddle, and got the fire started. That night it was quiet. Most fell asleep early, for the rain made them exhausted. Especially Dawn for some reason. She got herself comfortable on the rock ground, and found herself immediately asleep.

It was late in the evening. Dawn was in the forest that night, looking for more plants for her healing skills.

Then suddenly, a scream came. An orc scream. And it was close. She was stiff, and stood still, as she slowly turned, she saw three orc scouts on wargs coming towards the girl. She then began to run. But she soon found herself pinned to the ground by one of the wargs. She couldn't move, she felt the claws dig into her flesh. She screamed in pain. Then an orc picked her up roughly, and lifted her chin to see her face. His smile was sickening.

But it soon got bigger when he saw her emerald green eyes. "It's her! It's the Balorat Su. The master shall be pleased at our finding!" one said with excitement. Dawn was terrified, and showed all through her body.

"Now, girl, you're coming with us. The master will be very pleased to see you."

"No!" Dawn shouted as she rose from her sleep. It was still late. All were asleep. All except for Bofur. It was his turn for the night watch. When he heard the shout, he rushed to her, seeing what was wrong.

"What is it, lass?" he questioned in a concerned voice. After all, he was her godfather, and he always was like a brother to the girl. Fear was wiped upon her face. She was silent. Finally, she responded.

"It's nothing. Just a little nightmare. A memory really. But nothing to concern you." Bofur didn't believe her. It wasn't little. It was the time she was first found by the orcs. He knew of this. How she got away, he did not know. But because of that encounter, the orcs knew that the prophecy was true, and they would soon need to find her once more, and kill her, before it could be fulfilled.

"Come here, Dawn," Bofur said to the girl. She then curled next to him, and he gave her a hug. A gentle one, that would warm your heart, and make you feel safe.

"You know if anything bothers you, you tell me." Dawn nodded, and then fell back to sleep. Now she dreamed of the first time she saw an elk. And then her journey to the Farthing woods when on her way to Hobbiton. Now, it was almost as if she never had the memory at all.