13 | Slightly Going Off-Tangent

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Location: Carrock, Middle Earth

Time: July 2941 T.A

They were heading down the Carrock after thanking the Eagles of Manwë for their service.

Who at some point, she could sense the utter judgement from the Lord of the Eagles: Gwaihir with his eagle eyes as they healed and rested in their next for a few days. Illyria wasn't sure if the eagle could telepathically sense her or it was the fact that he was a giant bird with big eyes. Either way, it scared the hell out of her, limiting her own magic to heal her wounds as around them.

They had probably already seen her fight Azog with a stick and shoot light at them, but she couldn't trust one of the Valar's eyes and ears knowing every magic trick she knew. Though even so, Illyria felt an odd familiarity with them.

That was when she remembered she had a life before being Illyria; it was possible she must have met these eagles before as Elemmírë.

As a little girl, The Ancient One once told her that she was destined for great things. And that one day, she would become something she would be proud of not because of her power, but because of who she was as a person.

The Ancient One must have missed a future possibility because right now – Illyria Strange was doubting that.

There she was, bruised, tired and cranky and really craving some chocolate. Any type of chocolate. Even if it were just 100% cocoa, she would probably chow it down until her tongue was damaged from the bitter taste. Illyria just needed something that wasn't broth or meat to fill her aching stomach whilst she was clearly feeling like British Weather.

Or the fact that she should be in her time of the month again and seriously just needed some Netflix [1], ice cream, chocolate, and a weighted blanket to wrap herself up in. She missed having things like the sofa in the living room, watching sitcom shows with Darcy until they would laugh their asses off. Or cooking with Uncle Wong in the kitchen with various cuisine until she would be so full. Or reading with her dad in his study, an open fire beside them as the snow fell during the winter months in New York from the window. She missed going to Tony and Pepper's: babysitting Morgan with Harley and making dens out of blankets and cushions.

Those were the things that meant so much to her, and what made her who she was.

And now she didn't have her family here.

God, if The Ancient Once saw her now, they would be so disappointed.

The very thing that they left her with – was now broken. Before the Ancient One passed away and whilst her dad was still learning in Kamar-Taj, they had given Illyria the very relic into her hands. It was heavy as a little girl, remembering how she stared at the golden runes and patterns engraved over the wood. How the blades it formed awed her. The Ancient One knelt to her height, telling her that it was hers and hers alone. That no one could know the staff better than Illyria.

An extension of her own magic.

And now the very thing that made Illyria herself was gone. A memory and promise she made to the person who brought her up, taught her to be open to the world beyond were shattered into two.

Illyria did all she could, meditating every moment they took a break to try and sense its former power – any inkling of it. But to no avail, the relic didn't respond to her call. One evening as they sat around a fire, she was sitting with Bilbo, Bofur and Bifur. The two parts of the staff were always in her hands throughout their journey post the Carrock and created sympathetic looks from the Company as they assumed the staff was important.

Well, they fucking should be.

Azog the freaking Defiler bloody broke her staff. And if she sees him again, she was going to stab his other eye until he was Nick Fury squared.

Illyria shook her head and sighed defeatedly, "I can't fix it." She said hoarsely, "Not until I'm back in my world. There are dozens of spells that made this."

"Who created it?" Bofur asked her, smoking in his pipe.

She breathed in and answered the toymaker, "The Ancient One did." Her hands went over the engravings, continuing: "I think they looked into the future and saw that most of my futures led to fighting with a staff, so this was made for me. It's not the most powerful of all the relics, but it is the only thing that is left of her memories for me,"

Bofur gazed towards her with an encouraging smile, "They would be proud that you saved us there, lass." He told her softly, "I haven't seen anyone other than Thorin and Bilbo who have taken on him and lived to tell the tale. And what you did, you defended us when we haven't really been so kind to you."

Never had the dwarves let alone Bofur had spoken to her like this, almost surprising her at the spot as she wandered her eyes around the camp. She could tell that they were listening in despite how 'focused' they were on their usual evening hobbies. After what happened to them from Goblin-town and Azog, both Illyria and the Company finally clicked in some way.

Obviously not like proper buddies who would share secrets and whatnot, but she could sense an air of respect amongst the elder ones. Thorin had finally stopped glaring or being hostile against her, being more open to his own inner persona as well as finding the time to show his growing feelings to Bilbo. Gloin and Oin had yet to speak to her but now had grown to stop talking about her in Khuzdul when they thought she couldn't hear. Dwalin, on the other hand, had finally grown some mutual respect after defending his friend and king whilst Dori and Nori were now interested whenever their youngest brother discussed culture and everything about Earth to them.

As for Bofur, Bombur and Bifur: Illyria had come to know them a little more equally to Ori, Kili and Fili. Especially Bofur, who Illyria keenly felt more relatable with by his crude humour and his openness to Bilbo. He liked to play the clarinet to them in the evenings during the first month of their journey, and it heartened her how he spoke so passionately about his life as a toymaker with his cousin Bifur.

Illyria realised then how much she had come to meet these people. And how much they have gotten through. Their culture and respect for their craft and their knowledge. She might never know them entirely, but this was enough for her now to lessen the homesickness which had grown in her heart for months now.

Not only the Company but perhaps even the elves too.

She had realised then that her cheeks were damp, wiping off her tears. "Thank you, Bofur," Illyria said dearly to him, but also to the rest. She quirked her lips, "But you have been kind, really. I mean I'm still here, right?"

Chuckling along, Bofur replied, "Indeed lass. And you've made this journey a lot easier for most of us."

Illyria sensed herself flushing at the attention and placed the two parts of her staff back into her dimension pocket. Perhaps she might find another moment later to try and fix it again or at least mend the spells. Sadly, Middle Earth didn't have Gorilla Glue and instant ramen. [2]

"What does this symbol mean?" Bilbo asked, pointing at the right side of her body.

Illyria turned to the side and raised her upper arm slightly to try and see it. Only then, she saw the outlines of the badge. The sewed lines that were intricate made her mesmerised by the memories of when she first received this. How she first patched it after she first got her robes.

"This," She turned her arm further around, letting the rest see her sleeve. "This is the Seal of Vishanti, one of the most powerful sorcerers in the known multiverse."

The younger dwarf widened his eyes as he shuffled closer, inspecting her sleeves. "What does it mean?" Ori questioned.

"It means the window of the worlds," She answered, a nostalgic smile on her lips. "I...I once longed to explore the different worlds. I was practically brought up to experience so much more than anyone. And maybe...maybe it's coming together as it should be."

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When they began travelling again, Illyria was expecting a faster pace. But with an orc pack after them through the open plains of Rhovanion and truly little forestry: they were forced to hide every so often in little outcrops of rock and bushes and trees. [3]

It was this part of the second movie that she knew where they were headed next, and Illyria was dreading it.

Enchanted rivers, blonde prickly elves, greedy masters, and dragons. Not to mention the giant bear Bilbo was just about to see chase out in the field. Gandalf already suspected it from her, which he kept silent after Bilbo returned (only to praise him for being sneaky and quiet as fuck despite Illyria's rolling eyes) and warned them that something large was amongst the wildernesses.

Her eyes went to Bilbo anyways, smiling proudly at her hobbit friend before there was a rustling of leaves.

Wait, this wasn't part of the script.

They weren't supposed to be eaten by a bear right now!

"Something's coming," Thorin ordered, preparing Orcrist in front of him. "Prepare yourselves!"

What she also saw was Thorin protectively having Bilbo right next to him. She would have squealed at the cute gesture hadn't she told herself that they might be in possible danger. Perhaps be turned into bear food.

Though as the swishing of the brambles and trees got closer, Illyria then sensed two voices in her head beginning to form and realised who appeared into the clearing.

Standing in front of them was totally the two people she was not expecting to see.

"Oh, you've got to be kidding me," Illyria said with a deadpanned tone.

Looking right back at her was not a giant bear – but the Peredhel twins.

Inside her head, Illyria was praying in her mind to say syke right then. And then her reality was returned when Dwalin growled, "What are they doing here?"

So began another headache. Illyria could not be asked right now to even ask them telepathically why. Because Illyria already knew, and it definitely wasn't because Gandalf was standing by the side - pretending to look at the sky as if it was a lovely sunny day.

Yup, ignore her when the reason two elves were here was because of her!

Gloin gasped and hissed, "I knew it! We should never have gone to the elves."

The twins had sheathed their swords, calmly keeping a distance between them as one of them began to speak.

Elrohir answered politely, "We are not here for you. We are here to make sure Lady Illyria is safe."

There were more unwanted glares at her and it took all of her might not to glare back at them. Seriously, it wasn't her fault these two followed her. If they were pointing fingers, Illyria would be pointing at the Maia right now for knowing exactly when the twins would arrive.

A large sigh escaped her mouth as she slapped her hand over her face and rubbed her forehead, heading to them. "Yeah, I think I figured that out the moment you both appeared." Her focus turned to the twins and asked tiredly, "Honestly, who did it? My brother or Elrond?"

It was Elladan who replied, "Actually, we did." His eyes then went over to Thorin and the young elf had the audacity to speak in a slightly joking tone: "Since you are going to go kill a dragon, why can't we join?"

"Absolutely not." Thorin rumbled, glaring back at the twins.

She would be barking with laughter hadn't this was a life-death situation. The twins just tried to get into the quest by proposing as if they were just going to grandma's house. Yes, slap a pair of Ryanair plane tickets in their hands and off they go.

Illyria wasn't sure if she was mad at them or mad at the Company right now.

"We only follow Illyria Strange. As she is our elf-friend." Elrohir shrugged, "Also, Father was concerned. Especially when you will go to Mirkwood."

Oh for Pete's-

Illyria wasn't having it. Nope, nada. Not right now. And especially not right now. She had just hiked for a month, got chased by goblins, now orcs and possibly a bear at this moment. She was not having the two races debate now when she and Gandalf knew that they could die.

Stepping between the twins and the Company, she narrowed her eyes at all of them and ordered, "Okay, that's enough." Illyria flicked over to spot the wizard's worried expression. "I think a bear's about to chase us."

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She and the twins were the last ones to enter the doors, slamming it shut as Dori and Gloin put the locks on. She was shocked that a piece of wood for a door could withstand the force of the bear as he slammed his body against the door. Whilst the dwarves held the door, Illyria readied herself with a protection spell, ready to place an enchantment shield over them.

Until several moments later, she felt the bear's mind grow further out from the house they arrived in. Probably to go and run around more to kill off the orcs.

Speaking of running, Illyria was moments in collapsing to the ground as her knees buckled. Luckily, one of the twins noticed her heavy breathing and held her up – thanking Elladan for holding her up.

She sucked in a huge breath, "That was a huge bear." A laugh escaped her mouth as she spoke back in Sindarin, "Larger than what I expected from the movies."

"Who was that?" Bless Ori, whose eyes were as wide as saucers as he shivered in his spot – traumatised.

Talk about trauma: they just saw Bombur sprint like Usain Bolt towards the doors like it was nothing!

Everyone (even the twins) was gobsmacked at the round dwarf's sprinting abilities.

As for the Maia, he tapped his staff at the door before turning over to them and grimly answered, "Our host." He revealed, "Beorn. A skin-changer." [4]

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That evening, they hid in the barn.

The Company were still hostile against the twins whilst the latter easily ignored them – mentally talking to each other as she droned them out to meditate and enter the astral plane to ponder about outside.

She just needed her own space tonight, without any dwarves or elves or wizards or even good Bilbo. Bilbo appeared so knackered, his clothes now loose around him as he slept on the haybale.

What she also saw during her astral break was spot Thorin enter the room, gazing over at the hobbit. Taking off his cloak, Thorin placed it over Bilbo's shivering body before stepping back to look at him for one final moment. Illyria knew from those eyes easily how the dwarf king truly felt for the hobbit. They were the same ones her dad had whenever he saw Darcy.

The look of love.

With a small smile, she decided to give the two their space and went through the walls of the barn and went around Beorn's lodgings. As much as everything seemed slightly larger than her, Illyria could not deny that it was beautiful. A quaint little place, with a house in the middle of nowhere along with a garden of flowers and giant bees. There were honey pastures and many ponies and animals.

'I wouldn't mind a place like this,' She wondered to herself as she brushed her hand over the tall grass, pretending to sense the strands pass her fingers. 'Just a place to live where I can be who I am and just forget the world.'

Her heart ached at that longing future. After all of this, being in Middle Earth: that dream of having to simply settle down seemed so far. Illyria's life was complicated, complicated by Elemmírë and sorcery and her powers. Complicated by the very beginning.

Illyria swallowed back the bile and staggered her breath.

The Ancient One was right. She would be destined for great things, but would Illyria like it?

What if she just wanted simplicity and peace, maybe become a professor at a school. Perhaps find someone she loved and who loved her back. Maybe even a family.

She wasn't expecting life to hand it to her on a plate with a bunch of problems along with it.

Not only a brother but perhaps a possible extended family along with the twins and Elrond. But she couldn't think about them; she wasn't sure why though. Her feelings with Elrond confused her. It tangled her thoughts to no end, unsure how something so quick could grow into something. As for Illyria, she was becoming more and more enamoured by the half-elf.

However, the prospects of Elemmírë drew her back. Illyria felt that she was cheating. Cheating against Elrond's past wife – whoever the hell she was – and his children. His wife's children. Illyria knew Elrond once loved another, so why with the mixed signals?

If elves were supposed to love once: then why was Elrond Peredhel allowing her to be so...intimate.

Maybe that was the wrong word. Maybe 'close' might be the correct term.

After half an hour of exploring, she sent her astral form back into her body and opened her eyes from her seated position. All the dwarves were asleep apart from Balin, who watched over them. Gandalf was seated in the corner, smoking his pipe like a boss whilst Elladan and Elrohir were sharpening their swords at the far end of the barn.

Standing up, Illyria headed to the Peredhel twins and greeted them with a nod.

Plopping down onto the ground before them, she gave them a look as she began, "When I finally get the trust from the dwarves, you two decide to tag along." Illyria seethed through her teeth and pointed her fingers at them, "I'm assuming there's a proper answer."

The two glanced at each other, pausing their activities, before Elladan solemnly answered, "We know you are Elemmírë."

Illyria sucked in her breath and murmured, "How?"

A small, amused look was returned from Elrohir as he explained. "Father isn't so attuned to protecting his mind around us and Glorfindel is good, but not exactly subtle." He continued, "Our father couldn't stop thinking about you throughout dinner the night you left."

"Yeah, you tend to get people to...did you just say he was thinking about me?" Illyria questioned, her head flicking up to them. She could sense her heart rate quickening and she was glad that it was dark enough for them not to see her cheek flush pink.

Elladan and Elrohir shared a look whilst the latter smirked, "Perhaps."

She could sense them laughing in their head, making her roll her eyes before changing the subject, "Moving on, so I guess you knew me."

"In a way," Elrohir answered attentively.

Elladan continued for his brother, "You helped build Imladris. Both you and Father chose it as it was shielded within the valley as well as the Misty Mountains." He grinned at her, "We've known you since we were little."

A small warm smile formed on her lips. Illyria can't form a vision, though can imagine what it must have been like. Seeing the two tall dark-haired twins as once little elflings, with such bright faces filled with innocence and wonder. They would've gotten away with every prank with those adorable looks, to be fair.

Illyria grinned back, and assumed, "So, I lived there. I must have been pretty close to your family."

The two elves wavered for a fracture of a second before smiling wryly.

"You were," Elrohir spoke softly.

A part of her wanted them to tell her more, but by how they appeared to be holding back – she tightened her lips to stop herself from prying. Again, she didn't want to hurt the two, like Elrond and Glorfindel, for information. In time, perhaps they'll be more confident in telling her.

She stretched on her arms and yawned, "I wish I know more, Elladan and Elrohir. I really do." Illyria placed her hands over each other on her lap, continuing. "But I'm taking my time. Hopefully, at some point, I will remember what it felt. To know you both. I bet I was a cool aunt, right?"

The smiles faded away until they pondered into confusion.

Elladan was the one who echoed back, "You were...cool."

Chuckling, Illyria grinned and replied, "I forget how colloquialism differs from each place." Her mind quickly averted as she questioned, "Anyways, I forgot to ask. Does Estel know you both left? I didn't get to see him before I left, and I regret not saying goodbye."

Illyria hadn't gotten the chance to see Elrond's youngest son, considering how early she left whilst he was still in bed asleep. Before they headed out to the front of the house, Glorfindel had asked her if she wanted to wake Estel up to say goodbye – but she shook her head in response. She didn't want to disturb the kid, only placing a little note to him as well as one of her broken daggers she had arrived with. Maybe one day they would meet again hopefully, and perhaps he would keep it with him for protection.

Elrohir answered for him and his brother, "He was alright when we left. Slightly upset he wasn't able to come but he wanted to give you this." Tucking his hand into his pack, he carefully took out a small object and handed it to her.

As she inspected it from the small amount of light, she was taken away at the sight.

On her hand was a pendant.

It was the shape of a tree with golden leaves. Surrounding the golden tree was a bunch of small white crystals, with one large eight-pointed star at the top of the tree – encircled like a dome.

"This...this is beautiful. I can't-" Illyria clasped the pendant necklace into her and brought it into her chest. After a while of composing herself, she decided to keep it safe in her dimension pocket. "Tell you what, if I see him again: I'm going to give him something he'll like back from my world. Do you think he'll like Rubik's cubes?" [5]

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It was only four days that they stayed in Beorn's halls until the next part of their journey began. Those four days was mostly trying to replenish their strength from the Misty Mountains and repaying their lodgings through some good old farm work.

From the wise words of the Internet:

It ain't much, but it's honest work. [6]

Illyria helped to tend the farm with the animals and the twins, reminding her to ask one of them (not the animals obviously) if both Nala and Gandalf's horse arrived safely to Imladris. (When Elladan did answer her, she sighed in relief and felt like a proud mother. Bless her, Nala was growing up to be such a good horse.)

The owner of the lodgings in question, following what she predicted from the books and movies, was not exactly pleased to see them. Thirteen dwarves, two elves, a hobbit, a human and a wizard arriving on his doorstep after using his barn – what could go wrong?

Well, possibly everything if Illyria had to be truthful. Most of the time she was scared that a big, massive spider was going to crawl up her leg. The giant bees weren't a problem: they were the cutest things she had ever witnessed – almost eager to just grab one and hug the hell out of it. But from Bilbo's warning look and the twins' chuckles: Illyria pouted at her friend for being a killjoy.

It is not every day you can hug a bee, let alone fall in love with one.

Illyria wondered if someone on Earth stumbled upon Middle Earth one time, met these giant bees, and possibly just experienced something similar...thus creating the Bee Movie. [7]

She should go ask the bees if they liked jazz-

Nevertheless, once the days were done, they were given enough ponies and horses to take them to the edge of Mirkwood. (She was a little sad though since she had grown attached to the dogs and kittens around considering how she was able to easily converse with them. Even the twins were surprised to gain a quick link with the animals and enjoyed their own time teaching them some games...plus the odd prank at the dwarves which she should have expected them to.)

Beorn gave them all a warning, informing them to stay in the path if they did wish to go through. Both the twins easily understood it, having already been there years before. But for Thorin and the Company, it might be the first time for the younger ones of the Company.

Before they even got off their horses, Illyria gazed up at the canopy of the entrance and gulped.

The movies did not comprehend how this place was supposed to look like. This wasn't a forest at all – it was a death trap for them. And they would have to venture into such shadows just to get through. As Gandalf said, it was either 200 miles north or twice the distance South.

From Thorin's response, they didn't have much time. Durin's Day was nearing and as July was coming to an end, it would be another two months until the secret door would be revealed. From what Illyria recalled, Durin's day was during the middle of October – that gave them perhaps more than two months and two weeks to get through Mirkwood, Laketown, Dale and then the slopes of Erebor. [8]

Simples, right?

However, the longer she stared into the forest: Illyria sensed something sickly. Like some curse layered over the roots and trees and leaves of the forest. Like a sauce, that expelled out a foul smell.

Bilbo appeared much worse, and she could easily tell. Hobbits were supposed to sense the earth rather well and the connection between plants and the ground must be rather sensitive for him. Though whilst they kept the ponies and horses with them, Gandalf approached the archways before mumbling to himself.

"A sickness lies in this place..." Illyria watched the wizard head over to the statue of what seemed to be a woman.

When he pulled the brambles away, what appeared painted in red caused Illyria's vision to go black.

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Darkness clouding over.

A daunting hollow sound echoed over the chasm of black, as a wave of dark energy flowed out like a waterfall before bursting out of the rock like a volcano.

Nine shadows screeched and bellowed, reaching out into the dark as their bodies begged for hunger. A hunger for greed and power. They sense the call of the eye, a flame that burnt not of light but darkness and domination until.

They arrived at the large fortress, broken, and ruined by time and war. As they head the summons of their master.

And as Illyria Strange saw the black form of energy enter her vision, she heard his words shiver down into her heart.

"I see you, Oialëa...you are close..."

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Illyria flashed her eyes open, blinking away her dry eyes before rushing over to the wizard – her steps weakening as her head throbbed.

Out of all the visions – that was the worst one yet. Forget about being hit by a bus; this was like getting hit by a moon.

'There is not much time Gandalf.' Illyria pleaded to the grey wizard, who spun around and glanced at her.

Frowning in worry, he asked telepathically, 'What is wrong, Illyria?'

Illyria clenched her fists beside her as she exclaimed, 'Don't go to Rhudaur!' Her voice in her mind trembled. With fear or with pain: she wasn't sure which one. 'I can sense them. They have been summoned.' [9]

It was there the first time she saw the Maia show fear in his eyes. Illyria can sense Gandalf, as he skimmed through her head and realized the vision she had just experienced.

He said with a low tone through her head, 'You can sense them. Have you not told me before-'

She admitted whilst interrupting, 'I only began sensing it when we got closer to Dol Guldur.' Illyria insisted to him, 'It is not the human necromancer Elrond and Saruman believe it to be! He is really back!'

It took a second for him to finally believe what she said.

Gandalf let out a sharp inhale, his eyes growing wider. 'And he has detected you. Of your return.' He pried at her, 'What does he seek?'

By now, everybody around them was looking at them. Even the Twins, who knew that they were having a private conversation as they tried to pry into their conversation. But with Gandalf's control of their conversation, Illyria was stuck having to quickly hide every bit of her knowledge of the story.

She wanted to tell him the truth, despite their mutual agreement not to speak too much about the story. And right now: Gandalf seemed more adamant to get it out from her. Because now: he-who-must-not-be-named – knew her fucking name.

And she wasn't talking about Voldemort. [10]

Illyria firmly said, 'You know what he seeks. It's the very same one Thorin has his eyes on.'

Another breath echoed into her head as Gandalf answered, 'Then we must not let them reach the mountain-'

Eyes widening, she made a crossing gesture (forgetting that they were speaking through their minds but of well, might as well be a good mime).

'No! I mean. Thorin has to! He needs to! Erebor...' Illyria threw her hands down and sighed with pleading, 'It's important but you have to trust me, Olorin.'

She slapped a hand over her mouth.

Fudge.

Where the heck did that come from?

Because from her knowledge, that was not from Illyria nor Elemmírë.

A shadow overlooked the wizard as he narrowed his eyes and demanded, 'How do you know that name?'

'I...' She stumbled, biting her lips in nervousness. How did she know that name so closely? Yes, she knew it from the books, but she hardly knew the Ainur's Quenya name like it was familiarity.

However, she didn't think it was from Elemmírë's memories.

'You are remembering...far more than you should be.' The grey wizard spoke gravely at her, his voice tinted with sympathy and worry that she wasn't sure how to react to that.

What did he mean 'know more than she should be'?

As Illyria was about to open her mouth, she then felt the connection between her and the wizard break whilst the voice of Elrohir's entered hers, causing her to snap back to reality.

'Lady Illyria?' He wondered, striding over to her.

As the four ponies were kept along with them, Gandalf began securing his pack onto the back of the saddle. He directed his head to her and stated, "Illyria, you will come with me." Gandalf continued in Sindarin and murmured, "If what you say is true, then we need to drive him away. Far away."

Wait, this wasn't the plan.

Illyria had it all planned out for them. And even the Company was agreeing with her protests, who gaped back at Gandalf whilst Thorin gritted his teeth at the wizard.

Elladan creased his brows and began, "Mithrandir, that was not what..." He thinned his lips and continued, "We were to escort them through Mirkwood, that was what we insisted."

Illyria flung her head to the rest of the Company, watching their eyes go forwards and back from her to Gandalf. She protested back at the wizard, "Hey wait! You promised I would follow them." She vowed, "I need to make sure they get through Mirkwood safely!"

That was her plan all along. She knew that the journey here was what changed the outcome of their journey to Erebor. If they didn't stray from the path of the Elven road, they could have arrived at the mountain a month before it was possible. Kili wouldn't ever be in such pain and they would never have to be tracked down by Bolg down the river.

What was worst was being kept in Thranduil's dungeons for weeks.

Illyria had an entire plan to sort this all out, and Gandalf just decided to take her plan and shred it like a sheet of paper.

Gandalf spoke to her with sincerity, "You know what happens down my path. Only this time, the enemy already knows your presence."

Illyria gaped, "But..."

However, she knew that Gandalf wouldn't simply just order her to go with him. The dark lord knew who she was. He knew her name. Not Elemmírë's – but a title that Illyria recognised from her visions.

Sauron was waiting for her.

If he wasn't waiting for her: she knew that he would do the same as Azog and Bolg did to the company. He would follow her as well...along with the twins and the dwarves.

Her shoulder slackened as a cold feeling washed over her. Illyria stared at him and said, "I have to leave them for their safety, don't I?"

A saddened expression formed in his. "I'm afraid so, my dear," Gandalf informed her.

Bilbo was the one who tugged her sleeve, as he stared up at her and assured: "It's okay Illyria. I'll be fine." He gave her an encouraging smile, "If it's important and if Gandalf thinks you must go, then go."

Gazing down at her friend, she knelt and placed a gloved hand over his shoulder. Her eyes bored into his, staring at Bilbo with wonder and utter awe. A few months ago, he had once asked her that if he wished to leave the quest, she would portal him back in a heartbeat. Oh, how this hobbit had changed, not only by appearance but by mind and heart. She could sense his strength, his courage.

Bilbo Baggins was never fully wrong when Gandalf asked what he found in the mountains. He did find his courage and his heart.

It was why Illyria felt so proud of her hobbit friend. How someone so peaceful and happy to go to the lengths to help strangers bring back their home. How he took her in as well; a stranger who had stumbled upon her.

A small singular tear fell down her cheek, as she embraced the hobbit and allowed him to relax. It was then Illyria pulled all her strength to subtly block the minds of both the twins and the grey wizard to talk to Bilbo.

Illyria conveyed into his head, 'That ring, use it. The elves are not as nice as the ones in Imladris, so you better tread quietly.' She warned as well, 'Oh, and maybe a clue; if you do get stuck with the elves, try the cellar. It's a good way to escape.'

Pulling away, Bilbo was struck in shock – wondering how she knew about the ring until he shook his head and connected the dots. Again, with her and her knowledge of the future.

Bilbo cleared his throat, "Right." Bilbo pleaded to her, "Please don't die, Illyria. I want you to be there when we enter the mountain."

Illyria stood up and rolled her eyes, not helping to smile back. "Of course, Baggins. Who would you think me for?" Her head then turned towards the dwarf next to the hobbit and added, "And you Oakenshield, protect him at all cost. And listen to him, it might even save you."

Thorin nodded back, a silent agreement between them before she hopped back on her horse – the twins following her and Gandalf.

And so: The Company of Thorin Oakenshield broke...and Illyria Strange sensed that the story she once knew was beginning to bend away from the prediction she hoped for.

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[1] - Netflix: A Streaming Entertainment Service which you can pay monthly to watch dozens of shows and movies.
[2] - Gorilla Glue: A type of brand of glue that is made of polyurethane. Really tough glues. It's a weird trend where people fix things by filling holes with ramen and glueing it together with strong glue.
[3] - Rhovanion or Wilderland: it was a large region in Northern Middle Earth which the Great Anduin flowed through. This also includes the forest of Greenwood and its borders...now known as Mirkwood.
[4] - Skin changer: A race of beings who could assume the form of other animals. For Beorn, it is a large black bear.
[5] - Rubik's cube: 3D combination puzzle made in 1974 by a Hungarian sculptor and Prof of Architecture Erno Rubik.
[6] - It ain't much but it's honest work: a reaction image macros series featuring a photo of a farmer saying this.
[7] - The Bee Movie: A movie...https://web.njit.edu/~cm395/theBeeMovieScript/ <-- Explains it all.
[8] - Durin's Day: A yearly event, when the last Autumn moon and the first sun of Winter appear in the sky together until sunset on the first day of the Dwarves' New Years Day.
[9] - Rhudaur: Smallest kingdoms that originated from the break-up of Arnor in 861 TA. Lies just east of the Misty Mountains and North of Rivendell.
[10] - Voldemort: The antagonist and Dark Lord in Harry Potter.

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A/N: And so the story (or so the title says) changes and we get a glimpse of what happens in Dol Guldur. And, we get a surprise from our chaotic Peredhil twins whom I know are slipping quite badly on hinting at the truth. What will happen to our group going South? How did this necromancer know her name? And how did she know Gandalf's original name? Let's just say there will be more later on.

I'll be updating quite a lot today because I'm off to Uni next week and I'll be stacked with work. Might be either three or four chapters but we'll see. Thank you again for reading. <3

Edited: 26/09/2021