(Thorin)

The nights are slowly getting colder. Even here in the low valley, the night air has a chill. All the homes of the Shire are lit up with warm fires inside. I can hear the children laughing and the content hushed whispers of couples in their homes. Walking up the path I for the third time I grumble in frustration "Bloody hell."

I've been up this pathway twice and cannot find the Hobbit hole where we are to gather. I know I'm already late as is, but it's too dark to see which door is which. Looking around again my eyes catch the glistening blue symbol at the base of the door on top of the hill. Taking quick strides up the steps I approach the door. Pounding my fist against the rounded wooden frame I wait. After a few moments of silence, I hear the door handle turn. However, instead of seeing the small Hobbit or the grey wizard, I am face to face with a blue-eyed human girl. Deep down inside my, it feels as if I know her. Perhaps we had known each other in another lifetime or had crossed paths before, but regardless, I know her face.

"Who are you?" I ask.

She stares at me just as baffled as I am. Her cheeks redden and her eyes widen as she stands frozen like a statue. Neither of us speaks for a moment until she breaks the silence speaking "Hi...erm, I'm-"

Clearing my throat, I nod "Hello-ah, Gandalf." My eyes catch the grey wizard approaching from behind the girl. Quickly I step in and she steps away almost disappearing from sight. Taking off my cloak I look around seeing all the familiar faces of the company.

I sigh dropping my cloak "I thought you said this place would be easy to find. I lost my way, twice. I wouldn't have found it at all had it not been for that mark on the door."

As the girl closes the door the short Shire fellow emerges from the group "Mark? There's no mark on that door, it was painted a week ago."

Nervously Gandalf chuckles trying to subdue the little fellow "There is a mark; I put it there myself. Bilbo Baggins, allow me to introduce the leader of our company, Thorin Oakenshield."

Approaching him I size him up "So, this is the Hobbit." Circling him I begin the questionnaire knowing full and well of the answers "Tell me Mr. Baggins, have you done much fighting?"

"Pardon me?"

"Axe or sword? What is your weapon of choice?"

The Hobbit straightens and narrows his eyes at me "Well, I do have some skill at Conkers, if you must know, but I fail to see why that's relevant."

Chuckling I look to the others "Thought as much. He looks more like a grocer than a burglar."

The rest of the dwarves laugh at my jest. I give them all a smile, but my eyes look to the girl who is staring at me. Her face is different from before. She almost looks angry but takes her eyes away the moment I look at her. Seeing me looking at the girl the rest of the dwarves stop, and I make my way toward the girl. She tenses up now looking nervous and almost frightened of me. Even though I'm a dwarf I still stand a few good inches taller than her.

Her eyes widen and look so bright even in the golden dimming hue of the Hobbit hole.

"Who are you?" I ask more gruffly than intended.

"I'm Elena." She states sweetly giving a small smile. However, I can see the suspicious way she looks at me.

I raise a brow and give a sarcastic smirk before turning back to the others. As my back turns it seems as if she lets out all her air. Holding her breath afraid to even breathe around me. The typical reaction I seem to give everyone I encounter, especially women. As the rest of the company looks at my facial expression, they all snicker and murmur amongst themselves, obviously speaking of the human in our midst.

"Bow and arrow." she says.

Stopping I turn back on my heel facing the human. Crossing my arms I stare her down waiting for her to repeat herself. Nervously she shifts but clears her throat trying not to pull her eyes away. I scoff "Beg your pardon?"

"It's just-you asked Bilbo what his weapon of choice was. I-I figured you'd want to know mine. Suppose you forgot to ask. I'm sure you didn't assume I didn't have a weapon of choice because I'm a woman."

Hearing the chuckle of the others behind me I clench my fist withholding my flaring temper. It wasn't often that others spoke to me in such a way. It wasn't intended to serve disrespect but burned me all the same.

"Hmm, no, I did not assume. I just looked at you once and knew."

"Knew what?" she asks.

"That you are no warrior."

(Gandalf)

The dwarves sit around the table with Thorin, who picks at his soup. I sit beside him, smoking my pipe with Elena sitting between Dwalin and I. Bilbo watches from the doorway suspiciously. Some of the dwarfs sip on more ale and Elena keeps her head down.

"What news from the meeting in Ered Luin?" Balin asks "Did they all come?"

Thorin nods "Aye. Envoys from all seven kingdoms."

The dwarves murmur in excitement. However, I can sense a looming shadow of disappointment radiating off Thorin.

Dwalin leans in forcing Elena to lean into me "What did the dwarves of the Iron Hills say? Is Dain with us?"

Thorin hesitates, frowning. All eyes are on him. I glance at him from the side awaiting knowing what answer he will give.

"They will not come."

The dwarves gasp and exclaim in disappointment. Setting his utensil down Thorin continues "They say this quest is ours and ours alone."

Bilbo enters the room speaking meekly "You're going on a quest?" He looks to the dwarves, confused. I tap him on the shoulder "Bilbo, my dear fellow, let us have a little more light."

Bilbo leaves the room and comes back with a candle. He sets it down near me as I stand pulling the map from my pocket. Spreading it across the table everyone leans in.

"Far to the east, over ranges and rivers, beyond woodlands and wastelands, lies a single solitary peak."

Bilbo leans in with Gandalf as does Elena. The Hobbit murmurs to himself "The Lonely Mountain?"

In red ink, the drawing of the dragon snaking around the mountain burns on the map. Even I can imagine the heat of the flame.

Gloin speaks fiercely "Aye! Oin has read the portents and the portents say it is time."

The other dwarves groan. They have heard this all before. By now they believe it is all rubbish and the signs are a myth or some falsified superstition.

Oin stops their groans of disbelief "Ravens have been seen flying back to the mountain as it was foretold: when the birds of yore return to Erebor, the reign of the beast will end."

Bilbo and Elena look up from the map, both concerned.

"A beast?" Elena questioned looking at me. I avoid her gaze and Bilbo speaks up "Yes, what beast?"

Bofur puffs his pipe from his mouth "Well, that would be a reference to Smaug the Terrible, chiefest and greatest calamity of our age. Airborne fire-breather, teeth like razors, claws like meat hooks. Extremely fond of precious metals.

Bilbo nods beginning to look sickly "Yes, I know what a dragon is."

"Dragon?" Elena stammers looking at me and the dwarves. "Dragon's aren't re-"

I give a swift kick to her leg. She shoots me a look and I fall silent and she reads my expression. Nodding she stops speaking and lowers her chair.

Balin sighs "The task to win back the mountain would be difficult enough with an army behind us. But we number just thirteen, and not thirteen of the best. Nor brightest."

The dwarves object to this insult, shouting retorts and protesting.

Fili bands his fist on the table "We may be few in numbers, but we're fighters. All of us, to the last dwarf."

His brother grins agreeing "And you forget, we have a wizard in our company. Gandalf must have killed hundreds of dragons in his time."

Nervously I wave my hand "Well, no, I wouldn't say that I.."

"How many then?"

Looking to the girl next to me I raise a brow "What?"

"How many dragons have you killed?" she says just above a whisper obviously knowing my answer. She looks disappointed and almost betrayed as if I have lied to her. Perhaps in some way I have.

(Elena)

I can't believe it. That is why the dwarves are here. It's what Gandalf was planning all along. I'm meant to go with them to their mountain, and yes, perhaps I shall be able to get home from there, but he did not tell me about slaying a dragon.

"Go on, give us a number!" the dwarves shout.

An embarrassed Gandalf starts to cough on his pipe smoke. Little sputters come out from the corners. The dwarves groan, hopeless. Soon they all erupt into an argument. Some believe Gandalf is more than capable and others are not so easily persuaded. Some rise from their chairs, one being Dwalin, who shouts to the ones across from him threatening to bash them.

Worriedly I look around listening to all the arguing. If all of these dwarves who have been warriors for so long and a powerful wizard can't slay the dragon, then who can? Certainly, I cannot and if the dragon rests between me and home, then I fear I shall never see my family again. Turning my head, my eyes lock with the ocean hues of Thorin Oakenshield. For a moment his expression of brooding and sternness fades. He looks at me as if he shares my feelings of worry and lostness. It seems as if everything around us has fallen silent. The arguments have faded to almost hushed whispers. Breaking our gaze and the now abrupt and resurfacing arguments, Thorin jumps to his feet shouting "SILENCE!"

All of the dwarves fall silent. Slowly they lower themselves into their seats. Gandalf even lowers his head at the dwarf's command.

The dark-haired leader looks around at all of them "If we have read these signs, do you not think others will have read them too? Rumors have begun to spread. The dragon Smaug has not been seen for sixty years. Eyes look east to the mountain, assessing, wondering, weighing the risk. Perhaps the vast wealth of our people now lies unprotected. Do we sit back as others claim what is rightfully ours? Or do we seize this chance to take back Erebor?!"

Inspired by the speech, the dwarves jump and cheer. Balin gets to his feet and raises his voice

"You forget, the front gate is sealed! There is no way into the mountain."

My eyes watch as Gandalf reaches into his sleeve, twirling an iron key between his fingers "That, my dear Balin, is not entirely true."

With a twiddle of his fingers, Gandalf produces the dwarfish key, ornately wrought. Thorin looks at it in wonder. His eyes widened in disbelief "How came you by this?"

"It was given to me by your father, by Thrain, for safekeeping. It is yours now."

Gandalf hands the key to Thorin. Everyone looks on in proud astonishment. With the key in his hand, Thorin smirks. For a moment he closes his eyes holding them tightly.

Fili speaks up "If there is a key, there must be a door."

I snicker speaking aloud "You don't say."

Gasping I cover my mouth afraid of what they will all say, but the room only fills with chuckles. Even Dwalin gives a little laugh glancing at me from the side. Gandalf nods giving me a small smirk "These ruins speak of another passage into the lower halls."

Kili smiles leaning toward the others "There's another way in."

Gandalf sighs "Well if we can find it, but dwarf doors are invisible when closed. The answer lies hidden somewhere on this map and I do not have the skill to find it. But there are others in Middle Earth who can. The task I have in mind will require a great deal of stealth, and no small amount of courage. But, if we are careful and clever, I believe that it can be done."

Ori nods "That's why we need a burglar."

Bilbo pulls on his trouser straps "A good one too. An expert, I'd imagine."

"And are you?" Gloin asks.

Bilbo freezes, half confused, half afraid "Am I what?"

Oin, with his metal hearing horn in his ear, chuckles "He said he's an expert!"

Several dwarves chuckle with joy. Bilbo's face is livid with shock. His eyes look wild and he fidgets shaking his head "Me? No, no, no, I'm not a burglar. I've never stolen a thing in my life."

Balin nods "I'm afraid I have to agree with Mr. Baggins. He's hardly burglar material."

Beside me Dwalin agrees to hold his pint of ale to his mouth "Aye, the wild is no place for gentlefolk who can neither fight nor fend for themselves."

Bilbo nods in desperate agreement, ignoring the insult. I can feel the uneasiness radiating off Gandalf. He is almost seething in anger. Gandalf shakes his head, irritated "Hobbits are remarkably light on their feet! In fact, they can go unseen by most if they choose. And while the dragon is accustomed to the smell of dwarf, the scent of a hobbit is all but unknown to him which gives us a distinct advantage."

Gandalf turns to Thorin, determined to make his point "You asked me to find the fourteenth member of this company and I have chosen Mr. Baggins. There's a lot more to him than appearances suggest, and he's got a great deal to offer than any of you know, including himself. You must trust me on this."

Thorin sighs. He scans the room, weighing the outcome. All the dwarves wait eagerly for his answer. Even I lean in awaiting to see what the deciding factor for Bilbo shall be. Whatever fate awaits the Hobbit, mine will surely be the same.

"Very well, we'll do it your way. Give him our contract."

As Balin hands over the contract, Bilbo steps into the other room to read it over. Chuckling Gandalf watches him as do most of the dwarves. The Hobbit paces reading aloud "Terms: cash on delivery, up to, but not exceeding one-eighth of total profit if any. Seems...fair. Present company shall not be liable for injuries inflicted by or sustained as a consequence thereof, including, but not limited to - lacerations? Evisceration?.... Incineration?!" he stammers wide-eyed looking at the dwarves.

Bofur nods "Oh, he'll melt the flesh off your bones in the blink of an eye."

Bilbo seems breathless. He drops the contract to his side, holding a hand to his chest.

Balin leans forward concerned "You alright, laddie?"

Bilbo nods trying to stay composed "Yes, but I feel a bit faint."

Bofur stands inching closer to Bilbo "Think furnace with wings. Flash of light, searing pain, then - POOF! You're nothing more than a pile of ash!"

"Bofur...!" I hiss trying to silence the dwarf. He smirks at me, but our attention goes back to the Hobbit. Bilbo starts panting, trying to compose himself as I and the others look on. Finally, Bilbo rises, turning to us.

"Nope."

Falling back, Bilbo faints hitting the floor like a log. With a hard thud, he's out cold. I gasp jumping up and hurrying to his side. Gandalf rises and the dwarves snicker. The grey wizard glares at the instigator "Very helpful Bofur."

As I attend to Bilbo Gandalf settles back in his chair. Gandalf awkwardly clears his throat "Uh-erm-well, there is however one more..."

Thorin looks alarmed "One more...what?"

"On more member to add to the Company."

The grey wizard turns to me. Sitting up straight my eyes widen, and I scan the room. All dwarfs' eyes are on me.

"What?!" I exclaim.

"A young lassie can't embark on our expedition! She is neither warrior nor dwarf!" Gloin shouts.

"She'll be picked off easier than the halfling." Dwalin grumbles.

Gandalf scoffs "Come now, you uphold your women to be warriors. None of you even know the first thing about this girl or her capabilities."

Even though they potentially speak the truth, my heart sinks and the fragile board of my feelings fractures. Once more, all the dwarves get in an uproar. Most of them picked fun at me, some vouching to give me a chance, and one or two voicing concern for my well-being.

The room begins to shake, and I look at Gandalf. He balls his fists and stands with a dark looming shadow filling the room. His voice roars like a deep thundering boom "IF I SAY ELENA HISE IS A WARRIOR THAN A WARRIOR SHE IS!"

The room falls silent and everyone shrinks in their seats. Holding Bilbo's head in my lap I watch the scene unfold. Slowly Gandalf composes himself seating quietly back down. Breathlessly he grumbles "It's an extra member added to the company who could be of use. Elena and Mr. Baggins are far more capable than any of you think or believe. That includes themselves. Besides, on accounts of Elena, if she were to fall victim to the dangers of the wild, what loss is it to you?"

The remark from Gandalf stung but he winked at me from the side. Immediately the dwarves stumbled over their words.

"Now wait a minute!" Gloin exclaims "We don't want no harm coming to the lass!"

Dori shakes his head "We didn't mean it like that."

"Do you think she has a boyfriend?" Ori asks leaning on the table grinning with his face in between his hands. I smile at him feeling my cheeks powder a slight shade of red. All the other dwarfs groan and roll their eyes teasing the young dwarf.

Kili nods "Yeah, me."

"Enough!" Thorin commands in an irritated tone. All of us look at him and his eyes rest on me. He looks back to Gandalf "I cannot guarantee her safety."

He's almost glaring as he sits there watching me as if he's waiting for me to say something.

Sighing I look down at Bilbo then to the dwarf "I know I'm a stranger to you all, but for me, this is a strange land. I have to get home and going with you all is my only chance of seeing my family again. I won't get in the way. Please, I need your help."

Hesitantly Thorin waits, but his head lowers and he mumbles to himself. Turning back to Balin he sighs "Give her a contract."

Balin takes out another copy and distributes both to Bilbo and I. Graciously I take it smiling at Balin who returns the favor.

"Thorin." Dwalin grumbles but the dark-haired dwarf raises his hand silencing him.

Taking the contract in hand I sit back in my chair. It was lengthy and very detailed, but important. Probably one of the most important documents I will read and sign in my life.