𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐎𝐈𝐂 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐒 // 𝘬𝘪𝘭𝘪 𝘥𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘯

~ thirty ~

There was no denying that war was on its way. No matter how hard I hoped that Thorin would come to his senses and stray away from unnecessary war, he did not. The dwarves had dug through a good measure of the kingdom, looking look for weapons and armor. The poor company was exhausted, but yet, they still followed. I didn't know whether to call it loyalty...or stupidity.

I couldn't watch it anymore. Eventually, I wandered off to a secluded corner of the kingdom. I found an old hall that led to a balcony. The night was cool and the sky was bright. Stars coated the dark canvas above. I propped myself up onto the railing of the balcony, letting my feet dangle over the ledge. I rested my back on a stone pillar. My eyes traced every star, remembering every pattern...every constellation. I will forever cherish everything my parents taught me about the sky and how it can guide the wanderer. At this moment I looked for guidance, but not physical guidance. I had no desire to go anywhere. It was within me, my heart was the one that was lost.

"I do not know where to turn," I whispered to the sky. "He grows more and more corrupt every day. I know deep inside there is the righteous man I know him to be, but as of now, he is nothing but a blind and sick bastard. I have given this company my life. I could never wish harm upon any of them, but I would never help them fight innocent, homeless people." Tears started to build up in the rims of my eyes. "I need a sign... where do I turn?"

As the plead escaped my mouth, a sound of heavy footsteps came from down the hallway. I whipped my head around to find Kili standing in the doorway with a relieved smile. The pale moon beamed down on his face, giving him a glow of purity. I smiled. "Of course," I mumbled to myself.

He sighed. "Adina, there you are. Thorin thought you had left us."

My eyes fell to the ground. "I can see where he came up with that."

Kili began to walk over to me. "I know that what he is doing to these people is wrong. It's not fair to any of them... but I still have faith." Kili choked on his words as he fought back tears. "I still believe that there is an honorable man deep inside. I've looked up to him my whole life and I trust he will overcome this sickness and do the right thing." He squeezed my hands, looking at me with tears streaming down his cheeks. "You do not have to follow him, he is not your king, but at least be fitted with armor. You do not have to unsheathe a weapon, but I want to at least have the assurance that you will be protected if something goes wrong."

I nodded and reached my hand up to brush his tears away. I pressed a soft kiss to his lips. "I will."

"Thank you," he exhaled.

I stood to my feet and started to follow Kili out of the halls, but before the stars could leave my sight I muttered one last thing. "Thank you for guiding me... you both would have loved this journey."

_________

It took me a while to find small enough armor to fit me. I found a sturdy chest plate that fit fairly well, though it was still a bit big, and steel cuffs that would shield my arms and legs. I didn't layer too heavy because I knew it would only make combat harder. I looked to the section where all of the weaponry was located. I made my way over, studying the different blades until I came across a sword that was mainly forged in gold but had streaks of silver buried in its more simplistic design. It was top-heavy but rather light. Luckily, it didn't seem like this sword was cursed in any way. Honestly, I was relieved that awful sword was taken from me in Mirkwood. I sheathed my new sword onto my waist.

Kili's voice rang through my thoughts. "You don't have to unsheathe it."

Once again, I noticed Bilbo was sneaking off. I chuckled quietly to myself. "I think this whole burglar idea is finally getting to his head." I gave Kili a nudge. "I'll meet you back in our room."

I departed from Kili and followed the hobbit once again. He lead me down a few halls until we came to an opening, bringing us to a balcony that spread across the kingdom's wall. Just as I turned one last corner, I watched Bilbo scurry to a rope that was attached to the wall beside him. He frantically took hold of it then tossed it over the stone wall.

"Where could he possibly be going?" I thought to myself. I took a step out from behind the wall that was hiding me. "Ahem! Going somewhere, Mister Baggins?"

The hobbit's heart almost burst out of his chest. He jumped and swiftly turned to face me. His eyes were wide. "Adina! Don't- don't do that to me! I thought you were-."

"Thorin?" I interrupted. I folded my arms across my chest and cocked an eyebrow.

"Noo..?" He lied. "Thorin doesn't scare me.."

I put my hands in the air. "Whatever makes you sleep at night." I began to playfully circle my neighbor. "So what does bring you out on a night like tonight?"

"Er...uh well I really thought it was rather nice ou-."

I swung my hand out with my finger pointed inches from his face. "Stop lying!"

He sighed and put his hands up in surrender. "Fine." He pulled out the Arkenstone from his coat. "I'm trying to make peace."

At first, I was shocked by the hobbit's death wish and the sight of the sacred stone, but then I chuckled. "Such a clever burglar," I said, taking the stone from his hand. I studied it for a moment, noticing the patterns of iridescent light that glimmered. "You're going to give it to Bard and Thranduil in attempt to exchange it to Thorin for his surrender." I handed the stone back to him.

"You're not going to tell Thorin...right?"

"No, love. This is what needs to be done." I walked over to his rope and smiled. "Need a hand?"

A big grin spread across his face. He hurried his way over and wrapped his arms around me, squeezing me into a tight hug. "Thank you...for everything."

I squeezed him back. "We came on this journey together, Bilbo. We stay together so we can return together."

"You two should be inside," a voice called out from behind me. "Out of this wind."

Bilbo and I quickly released from each other to see whom the voice belonged to. There stood a familiar face with a familiar hat. It was dear Bofur.

"Just needed some air." Bilbo defended. "The whole kingdom still stinks of dragon."

Bofur slowly walked closer to us. There was a moment of dead silence. "The elves have been moving their archers into position." Bofur slowly approached the edge of the wall. "The battle will be over by tomorrow's eve...but I doubt any of us will live to see it."

Bofur's statement hit my heart like a boulder plummeting off a cliff...even the dwarves had lost all hope. "These are uh...dark days," I said with a saddened heart.

Bofur gave me half a glance. "Dark days indeed." Bofur glanced at the rope that hung over the wall. "No one could blame anyone who wishes themselves somewhere else." He started to walk down the stairs leading down from the wall. "Bombur's got the next watch...it'll take a bit to wake him."

"Bofur." I stated. He turned to face me. I nodded my head while a smile. "We will see you in the morning," I assured. I knew Bofur had the idea that we were trying to escape and leave them stranded, but no, we were trying to save them.

A mere smile curled across his face. "Goodbye." With that statement, he trudged his way down the stairs to rejoin his brothers.

I turned back to Bilbo, who had already started to make his way to the rope. He took my hand and I helped lower him down enough to prop his feet on the wall and get a good grip.

"Safe travels," I whispered.

He started to slide his way down the wall. "Keep everyone sane."

"With pleasure."

I watched him carefully lower himself to the ground without any mistakes or stumbles. He dropped to the ground and waved up to me. I waved back. Then, our brave burglar took off after Bard and Thranduil's camp, disappearing into the dark night.