Alright so heads up before you read... I apologize if you find more mistakes than normal, I'm writing through the brain fog of Covid.

"Quite the undertaking," said Balin.

"Indeed it is," agreed Thorin, watching the string of carts, animals, goods, and people march past them toward the mountain and Dale. They stood together on a rocky outcropping near the edge of the lake surveying the barely contained chaos as people of Laketown evacuated north. It had been three days since the attack on Laketown and with the combined urging of Bard, Eric, and Talson the town had been emptied and the slog north begun. Several large boats and barges were situated at the northernmost mouth of the lake where the River Running empty into it. Thorin chafed at the slow progress of people and goods but knew it was pointless to urge them faster. It was not easy to pack up your life and leave behind prized possessions while trying to plan for the necessities, especially when one was unsure what the future would hold. The people had been encouraged to bring only what was necessary and all the food they could carry. Unfortunately, there had been little food to be had and even less of it which was travel-worthy. This had been a real concern discussed in the past few days.

How were they to feed these people? Both Erebor and Dale had clean springs so long as the water had not been fouled by the dragon. But the food was going to be an issue. According to Legolas, there was enough food stored in his father's kingdom to see them all through the winter, but with no sign of Gandalf, Thranduil was still under Saruman's spell. Thorin snorted. No doubt by this time the wizard was struggling to maintain his hold on the elf king. The elf scouts and soldiers had ceased to appear from Mirkwood and Thorin strongly suspected that the fog had taken its toll on the wizard. The letter to the master had felt like a final desperate attempt at recovering Sara before his hold on the elf-king finally broke. With the orcs attacking Laketown, Legolas had at last been able to sway the elves he previously had been forced to hold hostage, and they had added their strength to his. But even with the help of the additional elves, there were still five new graves left behind in the cold ground. Four townspeople and one elf. The most heartbreaking of the graves had been the child-sized one.

"It will be a close thing if we are to find the hidden door by Durin's Day," said Balin. "It will take us at least two more days to see these people safely to Dale and another two to find the entrance."

"We can only hope that the book's description of the door's location is accurate," said Thorin.

"Might we send one of the company ahead to scout out its location?" Thorin mulled that over a moment.

It was a good suggestion. According to Balin's calculations, Durin's Day would be here and gone in five days. They cannot leave it to chance, too many lives road on the necessity of finding a way into the mountain to kill the dragon. Then there was the issue of the Dragon. How were they to go about slaying it? Despite the book's description of a missing scale, Thorin was well and rightly leery of simply relying on that information. Even if it were true, how did one get close enough to exploit such a weakness without fatal consequences? It seems that even if Bilbo were not needed to locate the Arkenstone, he would be invaluable in ascertaining the truth about Smaug. Was he indeed alive? How big? For it was a sure thing that if he still lived he had grown in the past 174 years. And most important, was there indeed a weak chink in the dragon's armor? On this count at least, Gandalf had been right. A human or dwarf could not approach the dragon, but little Bilbo with his ring of invisibility and unknown scent could. Still, Thorin disliked putting Bilbo in harm's way, even if it was the reason he had been included in the company. But all this would be all for naught if the door was not found by Durin's Day.

"Bring Nori and Bofur to me," said Thorin, pulling the leather cord from beneath his shirt. Balin nodded and then was gone.

The key was heavy in his hand as he watched a wagon passed by, the sick, injured, and old carried inside. He turned his gaze further upstream to where a ferry was passing people across the river. The west side of the river along the edge of the forest was rocky and uneven making it difficult to travel over but the east bank was much more accessible, the remnants of an old road twisting through the hills. Bard was using his barge to pass people over to the other side of the river, his children waiting for him on the far bank. Eric and his wife along with Airidan and a few of the town's loyal guards led the string of people northward. Most of the rest of the guards were either strung out along the forest's edge or guarding the rear against attack. No sign of orcs had been spotted since the attack but no one was taking it for granted that they were truly gone.

Talson passed by, raising his uninjured hand in greeting. He pulled a small wheeled cart, a rope tied around his waist. In the cart sat a woman Thorin could only assume to be his wife. Her face was round and plump to match the swell of her belly full of the promise of life.

Thorin's eyes swept the throng searching for Sara only to find her helping to push a cart through a patch of mud. He frowned. She still ought to be recovering but he knew she would not listen to him. Since she had learned of her past, Sara had been... off. Despite his repeated attempts to give her time to recover or reunite with her new family, every time he turned around she had found another task to occupy herself. From washing clothes to scrubbing floors, tending displaced children, or even trying to help in the kitchens, she was never still. Sara was generally a helpful person but this was different. From waking in the morning to sleeping in the evening she found ways to occupy herself. She didn't even seem to have time for him, Fili, Kili, or indeed any of the company. He had tried to talk to her but she had insisted that there was simply too much to do, but Thorin suspected it was her way of avoiding anything to do with him or her family. The only one she would stop for was Bilbo. Thorin climbed down from the rock and was about to make his way to Sara when Balin reappeared followed by Nori, Bofur, and little Bilbo.

"You wanted to see us," said Nori, strolling forward, his hands deep in his pockets.

"Yes," said Thorin, fingering the key. "I want you two to scout ahead and find the secret door. This procession moves too slowly and we cannot afford to miss our window of opportunity."

"But even should we find the door, we cannot open it," said Bofur, pushing his hat further up his brow. "We need the..."

"Key," finished Thorin, holding it out to Nori.

"But surely you want to be there," said Nori, taking it.

"Indeed I do, and I mean to be there with the others, but I will not leave it to chance."

"But how are we supposed to find the door without the map," asked Bofur.

"The past three days Ori has been copying out pertinent details from Sara's phone in regards to the mountain and the battle. The book describes where to find the door, but in the event the book is once again mistaken, I want you to find it. Have Ori give you a copy of the directions. When you have found the door, light not one but two different fires to let us know. Mahal willing we will be close behind you."

"But what of the dragon?" asked Bilbo. "Won't Smaug notice the door being opened?"

"Only open it a crack, enough to keep it from closing again. Who knows that we won't be able to open it again from the outside till next year. And under no circumstances are you to enter the mountain. Simply find a door and open it. If we don't reach you in time do not enter. Understood?" The pair nodded.

"When do we leave?" asked Nori.

"Immediately. Make all haste to the mountain."

"It will be done," said Nori, and together he and Bofur and Balin turned to go, Bilbo following them. But Thorin called after the hobbit, halting him.

"This task is not yours Mr. Baggins," called Thorin. "But I do have need of you."

"Me?" squeaked the hobbit, returning to face him. "What can I do?"

"Much, if my suspicions are correct. It's about Sara." The little fellow's shoulders sagged. "She has told you what happened three nights past, yes?"

"A bit," said Bilbo. "Though I have learned more from the others."

"She has not been herself these past few days."

"How can you expect her to be herself when she only just found out who she is? She's not even sure which name she ought to go by."

"And that is understandable," said Thorin. "But it is not just a matter of confusion." Bilbo sighed.

"No, it's not."

"She is still running. If she chooses to accompany us to the mountain she must be of sound mind. It need not be fully resolved, but she must not be divided."

"Then talk to her," said Bilbo.

"I have tried, but she is avoiding me. She keeps herself busy and has hardly spoken to anyone save you. I do not wish to force her, but this must be dealt with. Do you not agree?" Bilbo tipped his round face to the sky and let out a long sigh.

"No, you are right. What do you wish me to do?"

"Speak with her. Please. "

"Very well," said Bilbo. "I will speak to her."

The sun was hot on the right side of Sara's face as it began to sink below the horizon. Beads of sweat dripped down her face as she hitched her pack further onto her back. In the distance, the mountain loomed above them all, tall, dark, and barren. The closer they drew to its shadow the less life they saw whether it be vegetation or animal life. Even along the river, the greenery was minimal. Ahead the terrain was a chard gray landscape.

"Quite a dismal view," said a voice at her elbow. Sara jumped and stumbled only just catching herself. Bilbo walked beside her.

"Goodness Bilbo," she said, relaxing. "You startled me."

"Sorry. I couldn't help but notice you were walking alone."

"I just wanted to think," she said, casting a glance ahead to where most of the company marched. "Where is Bofur?"

"Thorin sent him and Nori ahead to the mountain to find the door." He glanced over at her. "Sara are you well?"

"Thorin asked you to talk to me didn't he?" she said, looking ahead. She had seen the two talking earlier when she had passed.

"Yes," he admitted, his cheeks blushing pink.

"I'm just not ready yet," she said.

"Ready for what?" Her shoulders sagged.

"I'm not sure. I just don't know what..." She petered off when Kili turned to look back at her.

"They are worried for you. We all are," said Bilbo.

"I'm fine," she said, ignoring the second sharp pang of guilt when Fili turned to look back at her as well.

"If you are well, why are you avoiding everyone?" countered Bilbo. "What holds you back?"

She was quiet for several long minutes, thinking. What was she afraid of, for there was a niggling whisper of fear in the back of her mind. More than a whisper if she were honest and only some of it caused by the prospect of a dragon and an impending battle. She had been avoiding everyone, but especially Bard and Thorin. Bard. It was still odd to think of him as her father. That night he had been so ready to welcome her back as though she had never been gone at all, as if he had always known her. She had always imagined that when she found her family she would fit right in with them, that the gaping hole in her heart would magically feel. But thus far all she had felt was a mixture of uncertainty, confusion, and anxiety.

She had little in common with Bard and his children. They had always lived here in Middle Earth with magic and dragons while she grew up with convenience stores and cars. The two worlds were hardly compatible. She had tried not to dwell on it after she had found out her origins lay in Middle Earth, but she had no idea how to get along in this world. Once the quest was done what would she do? She felt helpless and clueless when her thoughts turned to after the quest. Sometimes she still secretly wished she could just go back to earth when all was said and done. Return to college, get a job, and just be normal... But that was unlikely to happen. Meanwhile, what was she to do now? She felt she could overcome the difference between Bard and her given time. He seemed to have sensed how startling his eagerness had been. He had not pushed the few times he had sought her out only for her to insist she was busy.

The guilt of pushing him away grew each day, but so did her fear of her sibling's reaction. Neither Bain nor Sigrid had appeared thrilled by the prospect of having an older sibling. She had been avoiding Thorin as well. Although he assured her she was welcome, he kept pushing her to spend time with her family. She felt like a guest who had outstayed her welcome. She shook her head trying to rid herself of that thought. That was not true. She tried instead to call up memories of Thorin's insistent kisses. She would not let herself fall down that dark pit of thought again... though she could not entirely eliminate it either. What was wrong with her?

"Just know that I'm here should you wish to confide in me," said Bilbo, breaking the silence. She glanced down at him, a smile pulling out her lips. Sweet, soft-hearted, insightful little Bilbo. Perhaps talking to him would help. He would offer an honest opinion and sound advice.

"I... I would like that," she said. She talked for many long minutes, telling him of her fears and disappointments. At last, when she had confided in him they fell into a thoughtful silence.

"I can't say as I know exactly what you should do," began Bilbo. "But I do know one thing."

"And what's that? " she asked, warily.

"It will only get harder the longer you wait." She sighed.

" I know." She snagged a tall piece of grass and began to rip it into pieces. "But I have no idea how to even begin."

"But begin you must. Start with Bard."

"But it's so awkward," she said, leaving a trail of grass pieces as they walked down the faded road. "I feel like he has all these expectations for me, but I only know of him as the guy we met a little while ago."

"You must talk to him. Next time he approaches you drop what you're doing and give it an honest try. And that is another thing, you must be honest."

"But I have been honest," she said, throwing the remaining chunks of grass into the air. "He knows everything about me, more almost, than I know myself."

"That's not what I mean," said Bilbo. "You must be honest with him in regards to your feelings. You are anxious. Tell him so. You are unsure of your siblings and your place in your family. Confide in him. Just as you have me." She blew out of breath.

"You make it sound so easy."

"It's not. It will be difficult and perhaps awkward at first, but with time will come easy. He is your father and has already demonstrated that he cares deeply for you. Do not pressure yourself to immediately reciprocate. It will take time, but nothing will happen save estrangement if you do not try. You wanted to find your family and now you have. Now you must fight for them."

She was silent for a long while. She had known Bilbo would not hold his punches and he had not disappointed her. It was easiest to talk to him. He was the only person who she felt expected nothing from her save friendship. They may not have always spent all their time together, but she could always return to him and he was eager for her company.

"Thank you, Bilbo."

"I only said what was true."

"No, I mean thank you for taking me in that day. I was a strange intruder in your home but you never once thought to do anything but help me."

"Any hobbit would have done the same." She shook her head.

"I don't think so. Not only that but you have been my constant friend through everything. Never once have you left my side, even when you knew I was keeping secrets. Even though you know there is still more I can't tell you."

"That is what friends are for," he said.

They fell into an easy silence, walking side-by-side as the sun sank lower and the breeze picked up. She looked ahead to the mountain and the long string of people ahead of them.

"You think we're doing the right thing? That we made the right choice?"

"I think we made the best choice that we could," said Bilbo. "Many things are still unknown, but we can only prepare the best that we know how."

"Are you nervous?" she asked.

"About what?" hedged Bilbo, scuffing his hairy feet through the dirt.

"About Smaug? In the book, you are the first to meet him."

"Yes, of course I'm afraid. But how does one even approach a dragon? My mother used to tell me about them. They are cunning and ruthless."

"Not to mention huge and toothy with a side of fire breath." Bilbo scowled.

"Now you sound like Bofur." She laughed.

"Sorry. At least you can become invisible."

"That is some small comfort," he admitted, his hand automatically drifting to his waistcoat pocket. She watched him, wondering. Amazing and terrifying to think that the thing that had all of Middle Earth in such upheaval was tucked into her friend's pocket. She frowned. Of all the people she had to protect, Bilbo would be in the most danger if it was discovered that he carried the ring of Sauron. More even than her.

"Bilbo?"

"Yes, Sara."

"I want you to make me a promise." He looked at her, sobering.

"What troubles you, Sara?"

"I want you to keep your ring a secret."

"My ring, a secret?" he asked, confused. "But several of the others are already aware of it."

"Who exactly?" His step paused a moment as he thought, others passing them by on the road.

"Yourself, the company, Gandalf, and a few of the elves."

"Don't let anyone else know about it, and ask the others to keep it a secret as well."

"But why?" Now she paused. What excuse could she give that would not alert him to the true nature of the gold he carried in his pocket. He would still need to bear the ring for over 50 years. If he knew of its true nature might it corrupt him as it had Frodo in the end? Even in the story, Bilbo had difficulty passing the ring to his nephew. No, he must remain ignorant.

"Well, it could be dangerous for you if it becomes known that your ring makes you invisible. Someone may try to take it and they won't care if they hurt you in the process."

"Take... Take my ring?" he stammered, stumbling forward. She caught his elbow studying him. "But it's my ring!" There was panic in his voice. "It's mine!" And possession.

"Are you still afraid of it?" she asked, remembering how he had felt after fighting the spiders with the ring on his finger.

"No!" he snapped, ramming his hand into his pocket, then paused a moment. He took his clenched hand out of his pocket. He relaxed his grip and the gold glinted up at her.

"Yes," he admitted after a moment. "I fear the effect the power of invisibility has on me. I am not quite myself when I wear it, bolder, more reckless than any hobbit has a right to be. Once I have taken it off, it frightens me to think what it has enabled me to do." Sara chewed her lip. That was not a particularly comforting thought.

"All right then, I want you to make me another promise. Promise me that you will avoid using it as much as possible. Only use it