14 years later

The forest around Vistial was quiet as she sat against a tree, sketching the meadow before her. Vistial looks up from drawing as a shadow passes over her. Gandalf smiles at the girl, sitting next to her.

"What is it, Father?" Vistial asks. Gandalf had asked for Vistial not to call him as such, so she only did it when she could sense something.

"I'm looking for a navigator for the dwarves' quest." Gandalf admits. He had told Vistial about the quest for the Lonely Mountain, and she had simply laughed. No one would be taking the Mountain with Smaug still residing there.

"A navigator? Why are you asking me?" Vistial asks.

"Because you are the best Middle Earth has to offer. These dwarves need your help, Vistial." Gandalf answers. Vistial sighs, closing her drawing journal.

"I need to think about it." The girl says, staring at the meadow. Gandalf smiles.

"IF you do decide to accompany, we are meeting in Hobbiton. Look for the mark on a green Hobbit-hole. I shall inform the others." When Vistial turns to nod, Gandalf was gone.

'Wizards. Always showing off their skills.' Vistial chuckles before getting up and leaving.

~~~

'Why should I help? I don't know anyone here.' Vistial thinks as she finds herself in front of a Hobbit-hole. It was dark out, but Vistial could hear voices inside.

'Well, here goes nothing.' Taking a deep breath, Vistial knocks on the door.

"No no no! There are far too many dwarves in my house and I do not need any more...oh." Vistial smiles at the Hobbit. He seemed stressed, giving Vistial her answer of whether the rest of the company was here.

"Vistial, at your service." Vistial gives the Hobbit a head bow.

"Bilbo Baggins, milady." The Hobbit answers. "Please, come in. The cold is never a place to stay out in." Vistial smiles at Bilbo's kindness and steps inside the Hobbit-hole. She had to bend over slightly, being short for a human-elf. Vistial follows Bilbo into the dining room, which was currently crowded with dwarves. The men grew quiet as Vistial steps into the room.

"Gandalf." Vistial smiles at the only familiar face in the room.

"Who is the lass?" A bald dwarf immediately demands. Vistial could hear the tension and suspicion in his voice.

"Company of Thorin Oakenshield, allow me to introduce Vistial. She is your navigator for the journey." Gandalf informs. A couple of the dwarves start to whisper, obviously recognizing the most-known navigator. Vistial spots a certain brown-haired dwarf staring at her, and the dwarf quickly looks away when she catches him staring. Vistial sends a nod to the raven-haired dwarf sitting next to Gandalf. He was obviously the leader of the group; there was an authoritative power coursing off him. The dwarf stands, bowing to the girl as well. Vistial was only slightly taller than him, maybe by a few inches.

"Welcome, Lady Vistial. Your help has been wished for greatly..."