The hand of darkness laid over the land before it...keeping the dark things of peoples nightmares concealed within its hold. Within the dark grasp was a barren land of dry rocks and dust covered structures that sheltered some of the worst of the inhabitants of this darkness..Gundabad Orcs..the foulest of the foul. Their harsh black tongues could be heard on the wind that whipped around outside to be heard by two stealthy elves, who were laying in wait for the cover of day to banish these dark loving creatures back.

Legolas and Tauriel sat hidden behind a dusty large outcrop, glancing up at the sky in hopes of seeing the first signs of dawn approaching. Their soft voices contained between them so as to not be heard by any dark ears that may be close by. Earlier, a few days ago, they had fought a host of orcs, back in Laketown, off. They noticed one had gotten away, so they both mounted their horses to give chase across the land..which led them here..to Gundabad. Now that vile creature was holed up inside, in safety, doing Valar knows what.

Legolas was patient, he knew they had to wait till daylight before they could sneak close enough to find out what the orcs were planning..Tauriel , it seemed, not so much ..she was getting very antsy, waiting there next to him. He tried to give her some distraction..not working as well as he hoped, but it was enough ..temporarily.

"What lies beyond?"her voice was mesmerizing to him, with its beautiful lilt and soft cadences, that made him think of soft spring time under the willows watching dragonflies dancing across a pond. She saw his eyes get a dreamy look within and his smile was so soft..she had to laugh at his expression which brought him back to the question at hand..clearing his throat.

"Well..emmm..The ancient kingdom of Angmar. This fortress was once its stronghold. It is where they kept their great armories.. forged their weapons of war." suddenly his face became solemn..a memory of such darkness, she gently placed her hand onto his..concern expressed in her green eyes. "It is a fell place, Tauriel. In another age, our people waged war on those lands. " he looked away..attempting to stifle the tears in his icy blue eyes as a pained memory rose up..his voice dropping into a whisper. "My mother died there. My father does not speak of it. There is no grave, no memory..nothing." she engulfed him into her arms as his breath hitched..holding tight to him as he silently give release of his loss long ago, which he hadnt been allowed to do..till now, here in his lovers embrace..knowing she would find no fault in his tears.They stayed that way for a bit..drawing comfort from each other..feeling dawn coming closer. Finally Tauriel couldnt take the waiting any more.

"If we are going in we should move now." he sighed..knowing she was right..but there was a sound rising up that stilled thier motions..the beating of wings. Peering around their hiding place they saw a large host of bats flying out of the fortress..swirling around the structure, before  flying off in the direction of Erebor. "They are swarming." glancing over she saw Legolas eyes going wide..realization dawning across his face.

"These bats are bred for one purpose...War." suddenly they hear Bolgs gnarled harsh voice roaring out..summoning his forces forward..following in the wake of the bat horde. He heard Tauriels sharp intake of breath as she uttered about warning the people in Erebor. 

"We may be to late...hurry!" they both abandoned their position, racing for their mounts..praying to the Valar they could beat the vile enemies approach.

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Legolas and Tauriel rode through the rest of the night and well into the late morning before having to take a few moments of rest for their mounts sake. Thats where Beorn found them, along with Elladan, Kahrn, and Dahl. To say it was a bit tense, was an understatement ..for the moment most of them were very wary of each other. Beorn didnt trust most elves of Mirkwood, at least not fully...Kahrn and Dahl trusted elves as much as a snake, except Elladan..and Legolas and Tauriel trusted dwarves very little. The only one who was the least distrustful was Elladan who sat back laughing at all the posturing the others were doing. Eventually they worked out all their differences and decided that maybe they all should join together in warning Erebor of the upcoming danger. It was then that Radagast the brown came across this rag tag group... looking just insane as he always did. Hair all matted , filled with bird droppings that were also on his hat..clothes rumpled and stained...and a wild look in his eyes, that focused solely upon Beorn.

"Beorn..I need your help. You see..I.. well its very important and..." he stuttered out in a rush as everyone either crossed or rolled their eyes while groaning at how exhausting he could be in dealing with his eccentric ways.

"Tell me friend..if I can I will help." Beorn was the most understanding and patient of the group..easing Radagasts nervousness who took a deep breath and began again.

"There is a mighty orc army heading towards Erebor as we speak. Gandalf has gone to warn them, but has asked me to gather any who are willing to fight. I know you hate orcs very much, so I come to ask for your help." Everyone stilled at the brown wizards for they knew he spoke truth..but he didnt know all of it..yet.

"There is a second army heading towards the mountain..its being led by Bolg, son of Azog, with a host of warbats at his call." Legolas stepped forward and spoke solemnly.

"Oh dear. That does pose a problem. Warbats you say. Hmmm..we need flying warriors and I know exactly who is perfect for it. Gwaihir and Landroval..the great eagle lords..but.." he hesitated for a moment. Beorn was the only one  who knew where the great eagles made their nests, so turning to his companions, his voice was deep and rumbling.

"It looks like we are to part ways here my friends. May we meet again soon. "Beorn turned quickly to the brown wizard. "Come..I know the way. If we hurry we can reach them in time." the group watched as Beorn let out a mighty roar..shifting back into his enormous bear form and racing off towards where the eagles lair was ...Radagast and his rabbits right behind racing against time they didnt have to spare.

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*Dale-evening*

It was late evening in Dale , the chilled air had a somber feeling to it even though cheery looking fires flickered around their pits..trying to lift spirits of the people who gathered around them. The people were to weary, to exhausted, to hungry and to scared about their future to feel anything but helpless and lost. In the distance in one of the large building of this dreary town, a loud voice could be heard faintly by the closest..the sound was grim, wiping away any residue of happiness away.

Inside this large building of Dale was a group of men holding council...the Dragon-slayer-Bard, the Mirkwood King- Thranduil, and the great wizard-Gandalf the grey who was pacing back and forth in agitation in front of the other two. Gandalf was huffing in frustration at the stubborness of the two leaders as they both seemed to have close minds to his words.

"You must set aside your petty grievances with the Dwarves. War is coming." Thranduil raised his eyebrows at the wizard and Bard clenched his jaw. "The cesspits of Dol Guldur have been emptied. Your all in mortal danger." Gandalf tried to reason with them..seeing how Bard looked up sharply at Gandalf at the mention of "danger", knowing he at least had the bowmans attention..finally.

"What are you talking about?" Bards tone became serious at the mention of anything bringing harm to his people. Yes his people, now, since they had decided  he was the right man to lead them after the dragons death. He took his new station very seriously...they trusted him to do right by them, they placed their very lives into his keeping to ensure their safety  and survival..he would not fail them if it was in his power. So at the mention of something going to harm his people, he listened closer and with a clearer mind..for his people.

"Armies of orcs are on the move." Bard felt a chill in his bones at the sound of such vileness coming here. "These are fighters, they have been bred for war. Our enemy has summoned his full strength." 

"Why show his hand now?" Thranduil spoke..his attitude showed he was bored and not taking this conversation as seriously as he should.

"Because we forced him." Gandalf growled out at the Mirkwood kings indifferent tone. "We forced him when the company of Thorin Oakenshield set out to reclaim their homeland. The dwarves were never meant to reach Erebor..Azog the defiler was sent to kill them. His master seeks control of the mountain..not just for the treasure within, but for where it lies..its strategic position." Gandalf relaxed inside at seeing the elf finally taking his words thoroughly inside..he made his way over to a map to point  to a mark upon it. "This is the gateway to reclaiming the lands of Angmar in the north. If that kingdom should rise again...Rivendell, Lorien, the Shire, even Gondor itself will fall." his words lent a chill to the air..its portents was foreboding to all. As the three men stood there in that uncomfortable silence...a sound like a scuffling of feet was heard outside the doors.

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The morning sun was rising in the sky..heralding the new day that comes..down below a armed host of elves and humans can be seen outside the sealed gates of Erebor as a group of dwarves look down from the parapets. There is a path down the center of the amassed army where king Thranduil and king Bard slowly direct their mounts down..staring straight ahead at the dwarves above. Suddenly an arrow appears in the ground in front of Thranduil..halting the mens advance at the clear warning. The elf king grinds his teeth at the obvious meaning..he seethes at the bothersome dwarfs words..trying to not let it show how anger he is.

"I will put the next one between your eyes." Thorins words ring crisp and clear to those down below, as his men cheer at his audacity. They see Thranduil raise his hand..a signal to his men who swiftly raise their bows, readying to fire the arrows. Quickly the dwarves duck down behind the stone wall..smiling at one another..Thranduil smirks at that then motions once again..this time for his men to stand down.

"Weve come to tell you, payment of your debt has been offered and accepted. " His cool voice is smug ..knowing he has the dwarves against the wall..the smile growing even more at Thorins words back to him.

"What payment? I gave you nothing. You have nothing." he sees the puffed up elf sitting there upon his white stag...smug as he glances at Bard next to him. Thorin feels discomforted..knowing they are to sure of themselves and they have something devious up their sleeves. He watches as Bard reaches into his jacket to pull something out and Thorin hears everyone gasp. There laying in the mans hand was none other than the Arkenstone..his fists clench in rage, knuckles turn white at the implication as Kilis voice fills with anger and disbelief.

"They have the arkenstone. Thieves! How came you by the heirloom of our house? That stone belongs to the king." Thorin places his hand on his nephews shoulder to calm him down..none noticing the hobbit standing off to the side...looking uneasy and nervous.

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*Flashback*

Bilbo was sitting upon a stone rock..looking out into the night towards Dale..torn in what he should do. He knew Thorin could be awfully stubborn at times...unreasonably so..unless someone did something about it. Making up his mind, Bilbo quickly threw down a rope he had procured earlier so he could climb out of the mountain and as silently as any hobbit could ever be, ran towards Dale. It took him a short time to get there and locate the very people he was searching for.

As he stood outside of one of the large buildings that wasnt crumbling down he overheard Gandalf speaking to those inside. Bilbo paused out of view of the doorway listening quietly as they spoke..until he heard "The Shire..even Gondor itself will fall." from Gandalf. Bilbo backed away from the door, a horrifying vision entering his mind..seeing his beloved Shire war torn, in flames, and his people laying dead on the ground or worse..enslaved. Suddenly a hand shot out to grab him, making Bilbo yelp in fright.

"Bilbo." Gandalf tried to soothe his friend out of shock. "What are you doing here?" watching Bilbo gasp while clutching his chest..heart pounding furiously as he walks inside to the other men gathered there.

"Gan ....Gandalf. I...I came to give you all a way to ..maybe..possibly, a way to stop this madness." slowly Bilbo reaches into his shirt, pulling out the arkenstone for all to see. There was a collective gasp at the sight of the magnificent jewel that was cradled in his palm.

"Why would you do this?" Bard was astounded as he looked on at the hobbit. " You owe us no loyalty." he could see Bilbo looked nervous.

"Im not doing it for you. I know that dwarves can be obstinate and pigheaded and difficult." there was a round of heads shaking in agreement and a bit of eye rolling of the eyes. "And suspicious  and secretive with the worst manners you can possibly imagine.." Thranduil snorted..elegantly of course. "... but they are brave and kind and loyal to a fault. Ive grown very fond of them, and I would save them if  I can, but Thorin values this stone above all else. In exchange for its return, I believe he will give you want you want..you are owed. There will be no need for war.' there was a round of respective looks upon the mens face at this brave hobbit.

*End Flashback*

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Thorin looked at them with him, angry that his most precious thing was possibly down there.

"Theyre taking us for fools. This is a ruse and a filthy lie. The arkenstone is in this mountain, it is a trick!" he bellowed down at the army below..he heard a soft cough..a clearing of the throat behind him and he slowly turns to face Bilbo who seemed very uncomfortable.

"I..its no trick. The stone is real. I gave it to them."

"You" Thorin feels his blood boil...the one person he thought he could trust was the least trustworthy." You would steal from me?" his voice drops low and deadly as the others just stare.

"Steal from you?" bilbo feels his heart in his throat..making it dry. "No..no I may be a burgler, but I like to think Im an honest one. Im willing to let it stand against my claim." Bilbo breathes rapidly but tries to appear calm..even though he can feel the air was charged with danger.

"Against your claim?" Thorin chuckles..it wasnt a pleasant sound. "Your claim..you have no claim over me...You Miserable Rat!" his bellow making Bilbo jump a bit.

 "I was going to give it to you. Many times I wanted to , but..." he can see Thorins eyes turning deadly and he stopped talking..for a moment. "You have changed Thorin. The dwarf I met in Bag End would never have gone back on his word..would never have doubted the loyalty of kin. " Bilbo tried to reason with Thorin..believing he could until the sound of Thorins roar of fury.

"Do not speak to me of loyalty!" he quickly turned to the others who were standing there watching the exchange..disbelief that this was happening. "Throw him from the rampart!" he ordered ..expecting it to be carried out..surprise when no one moved. They all believed this to be some kind of joke...Thorin would never do that to a friend...would he? "Did you hear me! Rum gabara ( Dang it), I will do it myself." He growled as he grabbed Bilbo by his front collar..dragging him to the wall, then slamming him against it. "I curse you!" Thorin lifts Bilbo up about to push him over, when suddenly hands are on him..trying to seperate him from the hobbit.

"No!" Fili bellowed into Thorins ear...hoping to break through his madness and stop him from making a mistake. "Uncle..you dont want to do this!" Thorin shoved Fili away from him while still holding onto Bilbos throat collar, roaring out like an animal..eyes hazing over with an unnatural light.

"Cursed be the wizard that forced you on this company!" his voice becomes grating as he begins to squeeze the life out of the hobbit..cutting off precious air, making Bilbo gasp and choke. Suddenly a booming voice stabs through his haze as a figure appears below from the elvish armies ranks. 

"If you dont like my burglar, then please dont damage him. Return him to me." Gandalfs voice broke through Thorins hazy mind, enough. "Your not making a very splendid figure as King Under the Mountain, are you, Thorin, son of Thrain?" for that brief moment Thorin could think a tiny bit and he swiftly released Bilbo, who stumbled away into Bofurs arms..who held him steady as he led Bilbo to the wall and rope..whispering ~Go~

"Never again will I have dealings with wizards!" he snarled down at Gandalf..then turned to the retreating hobbit and spat out. "Or Shire Rats!" Bilbo paled at the words, but hurries down the wall using the rope that still hung there..joining Gandalf as fast as he could, tears filling his eyes at all that had passed this day. Reaching the wizards side he glanced back up and saw most of the company peering down..sorrow evident upon their faces.

"Are we resolved?" Bard called out to the furious king who glared down at them. "The return of the arkenstone for what was promised" Thorin peers over at the horizon..gritting his teeth. "Give us your answer. Will you have peace or war?" Thorin stares at the horizon as if he is expecting an answer to appear to him..sighing heavily he looks back at the amassed army and placing his hand onto the wall, he opens his mouth to give them an answer to their demands. A flapping of black wings could be heard as  a black raven landed in front of Thorin. A smile crosses his face at the sight of it...knowing that a few days ago he sent the raven with a message and now it was back. Looking at the creature..hope in his eyes flaring at the nod it gave to him, he looked down at the men below and like thunder his voice rang out deep.

"I...Will..have War!" suddenly upon the horizon a new army appears made up of more dwarves and a chant spreads across the Erebor battlements .."Dain...Dain...Dain!"

Thranduil was very displeased at this new development...the sight of Dain Ironfoots army standing there upon that overlook made him furious. He quickly gave the signal to his men to move into a new defensive position..aiming their arrows at Dains approaching forces. Suddenly a tremor was felt under everyones feet..even the company up in the mountain felt the vibrations. Looking towards the hills, slightly south of Erebor but a bit off to the east of Dale..dust began to form and the earth bubbled up briefly. As the earth lifted up..it shot up into the sky with a loud thunder followed by enormous worm like creatures that burst through the ground.

"Were-worms!" Gandalfs shout sent a chilling shiver through all who could hear..the rest just stared in horror as several more joined the first..then just as suddenly they disappeared , leaving large gapping holes in the ground. There was a roaring sound coming from within the now vacant holes..getting louder and louder..then out of the holes popped out orcs..a sea of them flooding out over the land.

King Dain saw the vile beasts popping out of the earth...like daisies and he felt his blood become heated at the thrill of battle..excitement overflowing out of him as he shouted.

"Oh, come on! The hordes of hell are upon us! To battle, sons of Durin!" his battle cry echoing out, calling his men to battle..rallying the men in the mountain to come to their aid. Kili felt the call deep in his blood..heating it up..readying him for battle. He heard the crashing of weapons upon shields of the warriors as their chants ~ Kazak..Kazak..Kazak!~ (battle) spiraled up, igniting the Durin warrior within him.

"Im going over the wall..whos coming with me?" he heard ~Aye! Yes!~ circling around amongst  them and he smiled fiercely as he placed his hand onto the wall to lever himself over..hearing Filis boisterous reply ~Lets Go!~. Just as they were about to go over to join, Thorins harsh command stilled them.

"Stand down!" his tone left no room for any of them to disobey. They all stood there staring at Thorin in confusion and shock that he didnt want them to go give Dains warriors any aid. "I said..Stand down!" his voice was hard and final...they all knew to argue with him would be called treason.

They could hear the roar..the screams..the clashing of steel upon the battlefield. No help would come from the mountain... Dain was on his own.