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Chapter Text

“Bilbo, it’s time for bed!!” exclaimed a young half-dwarf, half-hobbit of The Shire, to the young hobbit standing in front of her. Bilbo crossed his arms, and shook his head. The young maiden sighed, already tired from a long day's work. “Bilbo, you must go to bed! It is late enough as it is. Your mother would’ve had you in bed an hour ago.”

“But, I don’t want to go to bed, Aunty Anna,” pouted Bilbo. “I want to stay up and play!” Anna sighed, shaking her head.

“I know, Bilbo.” She responded, coming to kneel in front of the young hobbit. “But if I let you stay up any later, your mother and father will have my head. You know how she gets when you’re not in bed on time.” Bilbo nodded, uncrossing his arms. Anna nodded in response. “How about… if you get ready and in bed in ten minutes, I’ll tell you a story.” He perked up at the mention of a story.

“Really?” Anna nodded, smiling at his enthusiasm. “What story? The one about that mountain? Or the one about Rivendell and Mirkwood? Or about that one city? Or-” Anna caught the excited Hobbit off with a laugh.

“Whichever story you want, Bilbo. But only if you are in bed in ten minutes. Now go!” Anna smiled, and shook her head as the young hobbit raced off to get ready for bed. She walked into Bilbos room, and started to make the bed a little. Bilbo rushed through the door of the room, excitedly jumping onto his bed. Anna laughed, helping Bilbo get underneath the blankets.

“Now,” she started, settling in next to him. “What story would you like to hear tonight, Billy?” She watched as the young hobbit thought for a second.

“I want to hear about your home!” he exclaimed, looking up at her. Anna blinked in surprise.

“Really?” Bilbo nodded enthusiastically. “Well if that’s what you want. So, what do you want to hear about?”

“What was your home like?” He questioned, looking up at her with bright eyes.

“Well, Erebor was beautiful. Halls made of stone, rooms decorated with jewels and riches. But what was most beautiful about my home were the people,” Anna smiled wistfully, as if remembering a far away time.

“What were they like?”

“Well, they were lively. The halls were never quiet, even at night. Everyone talked and chattered as they went along with their day. They shared news about their families and shared about their recent travels out to Dale and to Esgaroth. They would talk about anything and everything.” Anna paused, taking a breath. “And then of course there were the kids. Mahal they were troublemakers. They would run through the skirts and coats of the older dwarves, chasing each other. They would pull pranks on each other, and make a mess of the halls, though my grandfather never got mad. In fact, he smiled. He was happy to see them so happy in his mountian halls.”

Bilbo opened his mouth to say something, but hesitated before quickly shutting it. Anna frowned. Usually he would ask any question. “Bilbo? What is it?” He hesitated again before answering.

“I… I was going to ask…” he trailed off, unsure of what he was going to say. Anna gently nodded her head, letting him know that he could ask whatever it was he wanted to ask. “I was going to ask… what was your family… like?” Anna started slightly. This wasn’t the question she had expected. She had expected him to ask about the kind of pranks that the dwarf children would pull.

“Well…” she took a deep breath. She hadn’t talked about her family in so long, it… felt weird. Almost wrong. “They were kind. For a while, until the Fall of Erebor, that is, it was just me, my brothers, my sister, my father, and my grandfather, my mother had been killed in battle a few years after my brother and I were born.”

“What were their names?” Bilbo asked, eyes curious.

“Well, there was my grandfather, Thrór, my father, Thráin, my younger brothers, Thorin and Frerin, and my younger sister, Dís. My mothers name was Hannah Took. She was your mothers distant cousin.” Anna shifted, tucking Bilbo underarm.

“What were they like? Your family?” Bilbo asked again.

“Well, my grandfather was kind, loving, he cared a lot for his family. He would read my brothers, sister and I stories at night, and tuck us in. He didn’t disapprove of our antics; he would just shake his head and keep on walking. My father, however, didn’t approve of what Thorin and I would do. He became more and more closed off as we grew up. He still loved us, but he wasn’t the father he was before our mother died. He was happy if we were happy, though. Then there were my brothers and sister. We all had to keep a proper facade and act like ‘proper royalty’ whenever we were at banquets and dinners. But outside of being princes and princesses, we joked around and pulled pranks on everyone.” She paused, thinking about what to say next. “Thorin and I were inseparable. We went out on walks through the forest on the gates of Erebor when our father wasn’t watching, we would prank Dís and Frerin together, run through the halls of Erebor at night. Frerin was more stoic and acted more princely than the rest of us, though we did get him to join in a couple of times. Dís and I were very close, though not as close as Thorin and I, but close, being the only daughters. She didn’t mess around like we did. She preferred to act more like a princess all day, though, like Frerin, we did get her to join in. I think she did it to impress her mother, my step-mother, Meg.

“Meg was strict, she didn’t tolerate our fooling around and wasn’t a huge fan of Thorin and I. She said ‘we caused too much trouble.’ She constantly tried to make sure that I acted like a ‘proper princess’ and that Thorin acted like a ‘proper heir to the throne of the King Under the Mountain.’ Mahal, I hated that woman.” Anna shook her head, wrinkling her nose in disgust.

“Your mother…” Bilbo inquired. “What was she like?” Anna smiled, it was nice being able to tell someone about Erebor and her family. Of course, she could tell Bella and Bungo, but it was nice being able to tell Bilbo.

“Well, I don’t have many memories of her, she died when Thorin and I were very young, but in what I do remember, she was kind, loving. She was fierce, and had a deep love for her family. She would lay down her life for them,” a sad smile had slowly inched onto her face and her eyes had started to water. Anna quickly blinked back the tears before looking at Bilbo, who was starting to look sleepy.

“Now, how about I sing you a song?” she said softly.

“What song?” came the drowsy reply.

“It’s a song that Bella, Bungo, and I wrote before you were born. Would you like to hear it?” Bilbo gave a drowsy nod of his head, letting Anna know he was ready to hear her. She cleared her throat before starting to sing in a soft voice:

Oh, misty eye of the mountain below
Keep careful watch of my brothers' souls
And should the sky be filled with fire and smoke
Keep watching over Durin's son

If this is to end in fire
Then we should all burn together
Watch the flames climb high into the night
Calling out for the rope, sent by and we will
Watch the flames burn on and on the mountain side high

And if we should die tonight
We should all die together
Raise a glass of wine for the last time
Calling out for the rope
Prepare as we will
Watch the flames burn on and on the mountain side
Desolation comes upon the sky

Now I see fire inside the mountain
I see fire burning the trees
And I see fire hollowing souls
And I see fire blood in the breeze
And I hope that you'll remember me

Oh, should my people fall
Then surely I'll do the same
Confined in mountain halls
We got too close to the flame
Calling out father hold fast and we will
Watch the flames burn on and on the mountain side
Desolation comes upon the sky

Now I see fire inside the mountain
I see fire burning the trees
And I see fire hollowing souls
And I see fire blood in the breeze
And I hope that you'll remember me

And if the night is burning
I will cover my eyes
For if the dark returns then
My brothers will die
And as this sky is falling down
It crashed into this lonely town
And with that shadow upon the ground
I hear my people screaming out

Now I see fire inside the mountains
I see fire burning the trees
And I see fire hollowing souls
And I see fire blood in the breeze

I see fire
Oh you know I saw a city burning out (fire)
And I see fire
Feel the heat upon my skin, yeah (fire)
And I see fire (fire)
And I see fire burn on and on the mountainside

Anna let her voice trail off and looked down at Bilbo, only to see him sound asleep against her side. She smiled before carefully standing up so she didn’t wake him. She tucked him nice and tight under the blankets before leaning over to press a light kiss to his forehead.

“Good night, Bilbo,” Anna whispered, before walking out of his room and gently shutting the door behind her. She quietly walked around the hobbit hole, blowing out the candle only leaving the ones in the front room on for when Bungo and Bella got home. She walked towards her room and quickly got into her night clothes. She slipped under the covers and slipped her eyes shut, slipping into a dreamless sleep in minutes.

Chapter Text

   To say that Hanna had a long day would've been an understatement. She had an incredibly long day, but it wasn't one that made one want to curl up in a ball and never come out, no. Instead, it was a long day in the sense that it was relaxing, filled with fun little things that brought her joy such as helping an elderly hobbit with his garden, going to the market, and spending time with her close friend.

   Despite the long day, it was still fun, something she needed after not having anything to do other than work on her and Bilbo's garden or read for sixty years. Now, she planned on returning to her hobbit hole and having a nice cup of tea, but what heroes want never happens, now do they?

   Anna pushed the wooden gate open and stepped through before once again shutting it. She adjusted the bags in her arms before looking up, her brows furrowing at the marks that were etched into the circular green door leading to her house. They were the dwarvish runes for 'B', 'D', and diamonds. Why on earth would Bilbo get those etched into their door? And without telling her.

   She shook her head, walking up to the door and pushing it open, only to be met with an odd sight. And odd sounds. Upon entering, her eyes immediately found the thirteen cloaks that hung up on the coat racks, piles of weapons- dwarvish weapons -laying underneath in semi-neat piles. The next thing she noticed was the sounds of talking coming from the dining room. She frowned.

  "Bilbo? Bilbo, are there people over?" she called, gently setting down the bags she was carrying and shrugging off her own cloak. Hearing no reply, she frowned again and started making her way toward the dining room, her hand hovering over the dagger hidden beneath her belt.

  "Nope." Finally came, at least what she had thought was, a reply. She blinked in confusion, why would he say nope when there clearly were people-? She was brought out of her thoughts as a loud thud echoed through the house. She rushed towards where the noise had come from, gasping when she saw Bilbo laying on the floor, clearly having just passed out. Standing over him was a tall man, with gray hair and a beard of a similar color, who was scolding one of the many dwarves who were currently in her dining room. She rushed forward and pushed the man, ignoring the confused shouts from the other people in the room, her attention solely focused on Bilbo.
 

   "Bilbo!" She called, lightly tapping his face, trying to get him to wake up. No movement came from the Hobbit, so she decided to use more... extreme methods. "Bilbo!" She called again, this time much louder, borderline yelling, directly next to his ear. Said hobbit jerked, his eyes fluttering open, looking at Hanna's face in confusion.

   "Anna?" He asked, confusion dancing along his face.

  "Yeah, I'm here, Bilbo," she muttered reassuringly, helping him sit up.

   "What... I thought you were out with Natalie?" he asked rubbing his head, as if trying to soothe a headache, which, to be fair, he probably was. The female nodded, her eyes catching onto a large piece of parchment laying next to him.

  "I was, but I was tired" she explained, reaching over and grabbing it. "What is this? 'Conditions of Engagement?'"

   Bilbo sighed, waving it off. "It's nothing. Just some quest thing."

   "Quest? Who in their right mind would ask you of all people to join a quest?" she blanched. Bilbo was the most Hobbitest of Hobbits! To think he would ever go on an adventure is absurd. She stiffened, as a deep voice spoke from behind her.

   "I would."

   "Why am I not surprised it's you? Of course, you would come wandering into the shire in hopes of roping a poor hobbit into an adventure." She tsked, forcing her shoulders to relax, turning her attention once more to the poot hobbit on the floor. "Come, Bill, let's get you up and situated with a nice cup of ginger tea. How does that sound?"

   "That sounds very nice, thank you, Anna," he replied, letting her gently help him stand from the floor and escort him to his armchair.

   "Of course. It'll only be a second." she smiled, making sure he was comfortable, before turning around and fixing the man with a piercing gaze. "Now, Gandalf, care to explain why there are dwarves in my house or am I just supposed to guess? Because I have a pretty good idea."

   "Well, that depends, what is your guess?" Gandalf asked.

   "Not one I like," growled Hanna as she made her way into the kitchen, grabbing the kettle from where it was located on top of a shelf. She once again avoided the dwarves' eyes, feeling them staring at her as she filled the kettle and set it on the fire. A tense silence filled the room as she grabbed the other stuff that she needed for two cups of tea, as she decided that she would have one as well. Finally, she sighed, gripping the edge of the counter tight enough for her knuckles to turn white.

   "Dwedwch wrtha i, Gandalf, pam dod ag ef yma?”(Tell me, Gandalf, why bring him here?) she asked quietly.

   "Ef yw’r etifedd i orsedd Erebor. Ac ar wahân i hynny, ef yw eich brawd, onid yw? Onid ydych chi’n hapus i’w weld?” (He is the heir to the throne of Erebor. And besides, he is your brother, is he not? Are you not happy to see him?) Gandalf responded.

   "Wrth gwrs, dwi’n hapus i’w weld e. Dim ond… bu’n gyfond, Gandalf.” (Of course, I'm happy to see him. It's just...It's been a while, Gandalf.) she sighed, not wanting to elaborate any further. Thankfully, she was spared from having to do so as the kettle whistled. She quickly took it off the fire and set it on a trivet, preparing the mugs for the water. Once she had poured it in, she stirred the drinks, making sure she knew which was hers and which was Bilbos. She picked them up, being mindful of the heat, and quickly, but carefully, made her way back to Bilbo and handed him his team, offering a small smile, before sitting down across from him. "Are you alright?" she asked softly, taking a sip of her tea.

   "I'll be alright," he answered, clutching his tea. "Just let me sit quietly for a moment."

   Hanna went to respond, but Gandalf beat her to it. "You have been sitting quietly for far too long! Tell me, when did doilies and your mother's dishes become important to you? I remember a young hobbit who was always running off in search of Elves in the woods. Who would stay out late, and come home after dark, trailing mud and twigs and fireflies. A young hobbit who would have liked nothing better than to find out what was beyond the borders of the shire. The world is not in your books and maps, it's out there."

   "I can't just go running off into the blue!" Bilbo exclaimed. "I am a Baggins, of Bag End."

   "You are also a Took." The wizard said, trying to justify Bilbo coming on whatever adventure he was planning. "Did you know that your great-great-great-great uncle, Bullroarer Took, was so large, he could ride a real horse?" Bilbo muttered his acknowledgment of the fact that yes, his distant relative was quite large. "Well, he could! In the battle of Greenfields, he charged the Goblin Ranks. He swung his club so hard, it knocked the goblin king's head clean off, and it sailed 100 yards through the air and went down a rabbit hole. And thus, the battle was won. And the game of golf of invented at the same time."

   "I do believe you made that up," muttered Bilbo, who had set his tea down and was now rubbing his hands anxiously.

   "Well," smiled Gandalf. "All good stories deserve embellishment. You'll have a tale or two to tell of your own when you come back."

   Bilbo chuckled, before asking the question that had been on his mind for quite some time. "Can you promise that I will come back?"

   "No," the other man replied honestly. "And if you do, you will not be the same."

   "That's what I thought. Sorry, Gandalf, I can't sign this." the hobbit stood up, a sad smile resting on his face. "You've got the wrong hobbit." He bid Hanna a good night, before turning and retreating to his room, leaving his tea next to his seat.

   Hanna and Gandalf watched in silence as he walked away until she spoke up. "Now, care to tell me what this adventure is?" Gandalf nodded, and stood up, gesturing for her to follow him.

   He led her to where two of the dwarves were conversing quietly, most likely about the adventure. Their hushed conversation fell silent as the two approached, watching Hanna with apprehension, trying to figure out if she could be trusted.

   "Thorin," Gandalf said, greeting the younger dwarf. Her brother. He had grown so much. He looked a lot like their father now and had this air of power to him. Hanna wondered if he recognized her.

   "Gandalf," Thorin greeted in return, his eyes not looking away from the girl. "Who is this?"

   "My name is Hanna, Hanna Baggins." she introduced herself, forcing her voice to stay strong while dipping her head slightly in greeting.

   "It is a pleasure to meet you, Hanna," smiled the older dwarf. Balin. He had been a good friend of her and Thorins. She was glad that they had remained friends. "My name is Balin, and this, as I'm sure you know, is Thorin Oakenshield, King Under the Mountain." She nodded once again in greeting, not trusting herself to say anything to either of them, so instead, she turned to Gandalf.

   "I see I was right about what you're doing," she stated.

   "And what is that you so clearly think we are doing, Ms. Baggins?" Thorin asked gruffly, still staring at her.

   "You're going to attempt to reclaim Erebor, aren't you?"

   "And if we are? It's none of your business about what we do in our spare time."

   "Maybe not," she shrugged, meeting his calculating gaze, with one of her own, fierce ones. "But it is my business when you decide to drag my nephew into it. Which you are."

   Thorin stared at her for a few seconds longer, before sighing, and glancing at Balin. "Fine, what do you want to know?"

She smiled, shifting lean against the wall behind her. "Well for starters, how do you even plan on getting into Erebor? There's a fire-breathing dragon lurking in its halls unless you've forgotten that."

   "The dragon hasn't been seen for nearly sixty years, lassie," Balin said.

   "So? Dragons can survive longer than that without eating, especially one of Smaug's size." she rebutted.

   "How did you know its name is Smaug?" Thorin asked, frowning.

   "I read up on History," she stated simply. "Now, as I was saying, how are you even planning on getting into the mountain? I doubt you could just walk right on in."

   "There's a side door, hidden in the walls. If we find someone who can read the map, we'll be able to enter through that way." Thorin explained, pulling out a worn map and pointing to where the entrance would be.

   "Hm. And if you get inside and there's still a dragon lurking in there, then what? Are you gonna fight it?" Hanna questioned.

   "If that's what it takes, then yes," Thorin responded, fixing her with a hard stare.

   "And what makes you think that you and your meager 12 dwarves could succeed for a full fledge dwarvish army could not?" she challenged.

   "You don't know what you're talking about, Ms. Baggins," he snarled, pushing himself out of his seat. He stalked over to her and leaned close to her face. "So I suggest you don't comment on it."

   Hanna hummed, pushing off the wall and away from Thorin and headed towards the map. She studied for a few seconds before turning around and glancing at Gandalf. "Mi af gyda thi.” (I will go with you)

   "Hanna...Dw i’n erfyn arnoch chi-“ (Hanna... I beg of you-) the wizard stopped speaking when she raised her hand, a fierce determination in her eyes.

   "I do not care what you say, Gandalf. Bilbo is under my care, I will be damned if I let him go on this adventure without me."

   "Who gave you permission to go on this adventure?" Thorin demanded, a commanding look in his eye. "I know neither Balin nor I did. And I'm sure Gandalf didn't."

   "Clearly you don't know how Gandalf works." Hanna snarked, diverting her gaze to the King. "And no one gave me permission, I just am." Thorin's gaze hardened, not liking her answer. The two stared at each other for a moment longer before Thorin gave in, but didn't break his gaze.

   "Balin, get her a contract," he ordered, tilting his head in the direction of the older dwarf.

   "There is no need for that," Hanna interjected, finally breaking eye contact with Thorin- and no it wasn't because he was intimidating, its hard to find someone intimidating when you helped them bath as a child, but rather because she couldn't stand to look in his eyes any longer. They served as a reminder, a reminder of what she had lost -to look at the dwarf who was now rushing to get a contract. He paused his movements, glancing at her and then at Thorin in confusion. "I know what it says, I saw it on Bilbo's. I do not care or want a single piece of treasure in the mountain. It's all cursed." she spat.

   The two dwarves glanced at each other, still unsure. "Are you... sure, Lassie? It covers stuff that might come in handy if anything, er, unfortunate were to happen." Balin said, wanting to make sure that she was 100% that's what she wanted.

   She smiled softly, "Yes, Balin. I have lived a long life. If I am to die, then so be it." The white-haired dwarf nodded and tucked the contract back into his belt.

   "Well then, welcome to the Company of Thorin Oakenshield," he said, a warm smile on his face. Hanna gave one in return and bowed her head.

   "Well, I suppose we ought to all get some rest. We have quite a long day ahead of us." the three turned to look at Gandalf, agreeing with him. They quickly bid each other goodnight, before heading off in their own separate ways.

   Hanna returned to where Bilbo had been drinking tea not even 30 minutes before. Mahal, that seemed ages ago. She grabbed both the tea cups from before, nodding in greeting to the few dwarves that had congregated there, and headed to the kitchen. She quickly washed them with some soap and water, humming the song she used to sing to Bilbo as she went. When she was done, she set them on the counter to dry and headed to her room, pausing as she passed the closet that held the spare blankets. Perhaps she should grab some for the dwarves? She knew they would be fine, but just in case.

   Having made up her mind, she opened the closet and grabbed a few blankets as well as pillows from the shelves. She quietly closed the door and started toward where she knew the dwarves would be sleeping. Her steps faltered as humming drifted out from the room she was heading towards. She furrowed her brows and continued her journey towards the room, quieter this time, as Thorin started to sing, his deep voice echoing through the house.

Far over the misty mountains cold

To dungeons deep and caverns old

We must away 'ere break of day

To find our long-forgotten gold

The pines were roaring on the height

The winds were moaning in the night

The fire was red, it flaming spread

The trees like torches blazed with light

   The dwarves' voices faded out as they stared at the fire that was burning in the fireplace. It took a few moments for any of them to notice Hanna, who had taken to standing just outside of the doorway. Balin's brother, Dwalin, if Hanna remembered correctly, was the first to notice her. He stood up and made her way toward her.

   "That was a beautiful song," she said, softly. "Is it about Erebor?"

   "Ey, it is." Dwalin nodded, a far-off look on his face. He shook his head, glancing down at Hanna. "What can I help you with lass?"

   "Ah, yes. I have some extra blankets and pillows if anyone needs them," she said, glancing down at the pile of fabric in her arms. Dwalins own gaze followed hers, a small smile gracing his face. It wasn't often that anyone would do this for them.

   "Thank you, Ms. Baggins, truly, but we'll be fine. We don't want to be any trouble."

   "Nonsense. It is no trouble at all," she assured him, gently moving around him to set them down where he had been sitting.

   "Thank you, again. Not everyone would've done something like this for us," he told her. He brushed his hand along one of the blankets and found it surprisingly soft. She really didn't have to, he thought.

   Hanna dismissed his gratitude with a wave of his hand. "It's nothing." They stood in silence for a few moments, before Dwalin cleared his throat.

   "Well, uh, I guess we ought to head to bed," he said, inwardly cringing at how awkward he sounded.

   "Yes, I suppose we ought to. Goodnight, Dwalin," Hanna said softly, offering a small smile.

   "Goodnight, Ms. Baggins," said Dwalin responded, moving so she could head to her room. She offered him one last smile before brushing past him and heading toward her room.

   She shut the door and leaned her head against the cool wood. In the span of an hour or two, she had been reunited with her brother- not that he knew that but still -and forced him to let her come with him and twelve other dwarves to reclaim Erebor.

   What have I gotten myself into? She groaned, pushing herself off the door and towards her dresser. She quickly changed into something suitable for sleep. She flopped unceremoniously onto her bed and pulled the covers over her, trying to ignore the memories that had come bubbling up from the bottom of her mind, forgetting all about the bags she had left by the front door.

Chapter Text

        “...29…30! Ready or not, boys, here I come!” called a young, brunette female dwarf. She moved her hands from over her eyes, glancing around her bedroom, taking mental notes of all the spots where her brothers might be hiding. Her eyes caught onto the wardrobe on the far wall, its door cracked open just a bit. She slowly walked over to it, not wanting to alert her presence to anyone who may be hiding inside.

She lightly wrapped her hand around the doorknob, positioning herself so she would have a good view when it was open. Counting down from three mentally, she wrenched open the door, shouting “boo!” and eliciting a loud yell from the dwarvish boy who was sitting in the wardrobe, back pressed against the wall.

“Mahal, Zahra! You scared me,” he gasped, clutching his heart. The girl, Zahra, laughed and helped him out of the wardrobe.

“Not my fault that you’re so easy to scare,” she teased.

“I am not! You’re just sneaky because of those damned hobbit genes,” he grumbled, crossing his arms.

“Aw, is little Thorin mad that he can’t be as quiet as his big sister?” she taunted, poking his cheeks.

“Jae obbi,” he hissed, smacking her hand away. Zahra laughed, before pulling him into a one-armed embrace.

“Fine, fine,” she relented, giving him a quick squeeze. “Now, come on. We’ve still got to find Frerin, and I have no idea where he might be. Do you know, Thorin, since you were also hiding?” She raised her voice slightly and nodded her head towards a lump of covers on her bed. Thorin grinned and pulled himself from her grasp. He started to walk towards the bed, barely making a sound.

“No, I do not, Zahra. I got in the wardrobe before I could see where he was hiding.” He lied. He did know that their little brother had hidden under Zahra’s covers, he had helped hide him and tried to make him as inconspicuous as possible, which didn’t work.  The two older dwarves stopped on opposite sides of the bed, where the lump was now slightly shaking, and quiet giggles were now escaping the sheets.

“Perhaps, he is under the bed,” she said slowly, leaning down and pretending to look under the bed. She stood up, humming slightly. “He’s not under the bed. So perhaps… he’s on the bed!” Zahra launched herself at the lump, being careful not to land on it or hurt her brother. She knew she hadn’t when loud giggles started to pour out from underneath the blankets. She quickly pulled the blankets back to reveal Frerin.

“No fair,” he pouted, still giggling, and crossed his arms. “You cheated.”

“Now, now, that’s not very nice, is it?” tsked Zahra, playfully shoving her brother. “And no, I did not cheat. You just had a bad spot.” Frerin squawked indignantly, spluttering out words neither of his older siblings could understand. The two laughed, adoration shining in their eyes.

“I’m kidding, Frerin, you had a good spot, I’m just a better seeker.” The girl boasted, pulling Frerin into her side.

“Yeah, well, not as good as Thorin!” He exclaimed looking towards his older brother. Zahra looked over at him, an eyebrow raised.

“Oh really? Tell me, oh-great-seeker Thorin, tell me how fast you could find both me and Frerin? Or are you too embarrassed by how slow you would be?” she asked, grinning at Thorin, who glared at her.

“Fast enough,” he growled.

“That’s not an answer, Thorin,” Zahra chided, readjusting her and Frerins position to make more room on her bed.

“You’re not gonna get one,” he snapped, inching a bit closer to the bed. The girl pouted.

“Aw, but Thorin, please? I want to know,” she whined, giving him puppy dog eyes.

Thorin glared at her before sighing. “Fine, but just know you won’t like the answer.”

“And why’s that?” Thorin grinned, stepping up next to the bed.

“Because of this.” Without warning, he launched himself onto the bed, much like how Zahra had, but with the full intention of landing on top of his siblings, still keeping in mind to not crush them. Zahra and Frerin yelped, not expecting the weight of their brother to land on top of them.

“Thorin!” Zahra laughed, trying to push him off. “Get off you tikund!”

“Careful, Zahra,” snorted Throin as he rolled over and lay perpendicular to the other two. “There’s a child around.”

“I’m not a child!” yelled Frerin, attempting to glare at his brother. It wasn’t exactly a glare though, more puppy dog eyes that looked angry.

“Whatever you say,” the older boy laughed, causing Zahra to laugh as well. Eventually, all three of them were laughing, reveling in each other's presence.

~~~

“Zahra!” called a young dwarvish girl walking up to Zahra.

“Dís,” she smiled, looking up from the papers she was frantically making notes on. “What can I do for you?”

“I was wondering if you needed any help. I know that you’re planning eth hrymblotha ealu and that you have a lot to do,” she asked, smoothing out her skirt.

“That’s very kind of you, Dís, but I assure you, I’m fine,” Zahra said.

“Are you sure? You look really tired, Zahra.” Dís said, looking over her face.

Zahra sighed, “I’m fine, I promise. There’s just been a lot to do to prepare.” Dís was silent for a few moments before she clucked her tongue and stepped forward.

“Nope. I think that’s it for today,” she told the older girl.

“Wha- hey!” she exclaimed as Dís grabbed the papers. “Give those back! Dís, please. I need to get them done for Father.”

“I’m sure he can wait one more day, you need to rest. You look dead on your feet,” Dís said, looking through the papers.

“Dís-”

“How about, we go to your room where you can relax? Meanwhile,” she emphasized, cutting off Zahra who went to deny the offer. “You can help me fill out the rest of these papers, that way they still get done. How does that sound?”

Zahra thought about it for a couple of seconds, toying with the idea in her mind. Her father wouldn’t be pleased that she neglected her duties but some rest did sound nice. She sighed, rubbing her head lightly. “Fine, you win.”

Dís smiled brightly, bouncing on the balls of her feet. “Perfect! Now, off you go. And bring these with you,” she handed the papers back to their original owner, who stared at them in confusion. “And don’t look at them, alright?”

“Alright, I won’t. But where are you going?” the other girl asked “I thought we were going to be in my room together?”

“We are,” assured Dís. “But first, I’m going to get us some snacks from the kitchens. Now go!” she shooed Zahra away with her hands, watching her retreat towards her room before turning the opposite way and heading towards the kitchens.

Ten minutes later, she arrived at Zahra's room, pockets laden with snacks and two cups of tea in her hands. She gently nudged the door open with her foot, revealing Zahra sat on her bed, no longer in her royal dress, reading a book that Dís had bought her in Dale a few months back.

“I see you’re finally reading it,” she commented as she stepped inside and shut the door with her foot. Zahra looked up, smiling slightly.

“Yes I am,” she confirmed, marking the page with a piece of paper. “Finally don’t have ten different books on eth hrymblotha ealu to read. Valerian?” Dís nodded as she handed her the cup that she had brought for her, setting her own on the nightstand.

“And I have cookies, meat sticks, and some candy,” she listed, pulling the snacks out of her pockets as she said them. Zahra immediately reached forward to grab one of the lemon cookies that her sister had placed on the bed, mumbling a quiet ‘thank you.’ “You are very welcome. Now should we get started?”

Zahra nodded, sitting up a bit straighter and swallowing the cookie she had shoved into her mouth. “Yes, we should.”

“What should I start with?”

“This one,” the older pointed to the paper on top. “It’s all the financial stuff. This is the one that Father wants to be done by tonight.” Dís nodded, letting Zahra walk her through it. They kept at this for a couple of hours, going through financial documents, lists of food, drinks, decorations, and everything that needed to be written down and kept track of.

Eventually, they decided to take a break, choosing to lean against Zahra's headboard rather than continue to be hunched over in the middle of her bed. They talked about a multitude of things; what they were gonna wear to eth hrymblotha ealu, new gossip they had heard from the elderly women, the list goes on. They slowly made their way to the topic of which dwarf in the mountain they would want to court.

“If I could court anyone… hm. I don’t know,” pondered Dís.

“What about that Vili folk? I thought you two had something going on?” Asked Zahra.

Dís sighed, picking at a loose thread on the sheet. “I think? I don’t know. He was nice, but I’m not sure anything would’ve come from it.”

“What do you mean?”

She once again sighed, hugging her arms around her body. “I don’t know. It just wasn’t right, I guess. Don’t get me wrong, he was nice and sweet, and handsome and-”

“Everything you like?” Zahra interjected, an eyebrow raised.

“Yeah… he was.”

“Then why don’t you want to court him?”

“I didn’t say that. Trust me, Zahra, I would love to. I just, I think he has someone else.” Dís explained, sighing sadly. Zahra frowned slightly, staring at her hands.

“Are.. are you talking about Red?” she asked, a small smile growing on her face.

“I don’t know her name, but she and Vili look close. Like, more than just friend close. What?” she asked, seeing the large grin that had formed on her sister’s face.

“If you truly do want court Vili, you’re going to need to learn who’s in his family and who isn’t,” she said, stifling a laugh.

“Zahra! That doesn’t help. I told you, he has another dwarf that he likes more,” Dís grumbled, annoyed. The other girl laughed, making her even more annoyed.

“Oh, oh Dís.” she gasped, trying to catch her breath. She wiped her eyes, stopping the few tears that had leaked out.

“What?” she snapped, done with her laughing.

“Dís, Red is Vili’s sister.”

“What.”

“Did you seriously not know?” questioned Zahra, snickering.

“No! Oh Mahal I’m such an idiot!” groaned Dís, covering her now-bright red face in her hands. Zahra laughed again, earning her a sharp shove from Dís, who was now also laughing, her face no longer in her hands.

“Perhaps,” the older girl said, dodging another shove from her sister, giggling as she did so. “But now you know. So now you can go after him!”

“Yeah, I guess I can,” Dís muttered, softly. “Thanks, Zahra. And you promise not to tell them?” Realistically, she knew that her sister would tell Vili, but it was worth a shot. Zahra smiled, a hint of mischief hidden within.

“Of course, Dís. Can’t have my sister not going after her dream man.” She groaned at Zahra’s teasing, shoving her once again with her shoulder. “And yes, you can mostly trust me not to tell Vili and Red that you thought they were courting.”

“Zahra!”

~~~

The Durin family was usually busy. Whether that be helping around the mountain, planning for festivities, or doing general royal duties, they all typically had something to do. Zahra could usually be found bustling around and helping where help was needed or pouring over papers for whatever big festivity her father was throwing next, Thorin typically had work that he had to complete for his studies, as did Frerin, and her father was usually with her grandfather, working on kingly stuff regarding Erebor. Meg rarely had dinner with anyone, even if it was the whole family. Dís was the only one who was consistently free, so she and Zahra often had dinner in the older’s room, as she was also the only one available at dinner time.

It was rare that the whole family, minus Meg, were able to have dinner together, so when they did, they made the best of it. That’s where the family was one faithful winter night, crowded around a table, eating dinner together. It was tight, but they enjoyed each other's company.

“So Dís,” started Zahra, taking a sip of her meed. Said the girl hummed, looking up from her light conversation with their father. “Have any news to share with us? Perhaps about a certain male dwarf?” Dís, who had taken a sip of her meed, choked, caught off guard by the question. Frerin reached over and firmly hit her back, clearing her airway.

“Wha… what?” she sputtered, wiping her chin with her napkin.

“I said, perhaps you have some news of a certain male dwarf that you would like to share with us?” Zahra smirked.

“I… no?” Dís squeaked, her face and neck turning a bright red.

“Oh come on, Dís. Time to take the cat out of the bag, ey?” teased Frerin, grinning at his twin's embarrassment.

“Not you too,” the embarrassed dwarf groaned, hiding her head in her hands. Thrór, Thráin, and Thorin watched on, amused expressions on their faces.

“Frerin, Zahra, karnr.” Thrór called, grabbing everyone’s attention. “Leave your poor sister alone. Now, Dís,” He continued, ignoring the complaints of the two dwarves. “Do tell us, who is this mystery dwarf?”

“Papa!” Dís cried, her face getting even redder.

“Yeah, come on, Dís.” encouraged Thorin from his position next to Zahra. “Tell us. Who has caught your eye?” The rest of the table, muttered in agreement, still begging her to tell them.

“Fine! Mahal, you guys are the worst.” Dís relented, her voice fond. The table grinned, leaning forward in their chairs slightly. “Do you know Missus Nelly?” They all nodded. Everyone in the mountain did; she was the best seamstress around. “Well, she has a son, Vili. He’s a craftsman in the upper town.”

Thráin leaned back, scratching his beard. “Ah yes, I know him. Ordered a couple of pieces from him. Fine craftsman, he is.”

Dís nodded, her cheeks slowly fading back to their normal color. “Ay, he is. He’s also very kind. And… and he has asked for my hand in courtship.” She flinched, not looking at her family. Everyone was silent before cheers broke out around the table.

“Way to go, Dís!” whistled Frerin, clapping her back.

“I knew it! You looked far too giddy earlier today,” exclaimed Zahra, a proud smile on her face. “Congratulations, Dís, you deserve it.”

“Congrats,” Thorin said, smiling softly. Thrór smiled, reaching across the table to take her hand, squeezing it lovingly.

“That’s good and all, but I want to meet this boy. Formally, alright, Dís?” Thráin interrupted his voice stern but laced with a loving edge. Dís nodded, smiling.

~~~

“Frerin!” Zahra called, knocking lightly on the door. “If you want to go to Dale, you need to hurry. Father is getting impatient.”

“Coming!” came the muffled response through the door. She stepped back from the door, listening to her brother shuffle around in his room. Not even thirty seconds later, the door slammed open to reveal Frerin wearing some of his not-as-regal clothes for their outing.

“I’m ready,” he said, walking out and pulling his door shut.

“Good. Father’s already by the gate.” Zahra smiled, leading the way toward where the door was. The two dwarves walked in comfortable silence, only talking when they reached the gates.

“Ah, Zahra, Frerin. I was beginning to think that you weren’t coming.” greeted their Father, Thráin, as they stopped in front of him.

“Good to see you too, Father. And you can blame that on Frerin. He was the one being slow.” Zahra said, nudging her brother.

“Did not!” he squawked, crossing his arms.

“Mhm, sure.” hummed the girl, rolling her eyes affectionately.

“Alright, come on. We’re going to be late.” The two young dwarves followed their father as he headed out the gates, leading them toward where their rams were located, a few guards following behind them. Thráin mounted his ram, while Zahra helped Frerin onto hers, hopping up and grabbing the reigns once he was settled. The guards had mounted their rams and had formed a protective semi-circle around the three royals.

Zahra’s father snapped his heels against his Ram’s sides, the ram moving forward at a leisurely pace. She did the same, taking one of her hands to steady her brother. The guards fell into formation behind them, and together, the convoy started the walk to Dale.

“Zahra?” asked Frerin after a few minutes of silence. She hummed in response. “When will we be there?”

“In a bit, Frerin. It is a bit of a walk,” she replied. The journey to Dale was much faster than the journey to Esgaroth by a long while, but it still took around half an hour, and that was on rams.

“Oh. But you, Thorin, and Father are always back so quickly,” he said, confused.

“That’s true, but we usually meet the sellers halfway. What father needs to pick up, he needs to pick up in the city, so it’s going to take a bit longer than usual.” She explained. Frerin still looked confused, but he didn’t ask any more questions.

The rest of the ride was filled with small talk, their father asking about their studies, happenings within the kingdom, and that sort of stuff.  They eventually arrived outside the stone city that was swarming with people of all races from all parts of Middle Earth, minus the halflings of course.

“Right, here we are, Frerin.” Zahra smiled, hopping off her ram before turning to help her brother who was looking around in awe. She chuckled and handed the reigns off to one of the guards who was accompanying them.

“Zahra.” Their father called, beckoning the two young dwarves over.

“Yes, Father?”

“Take your brother and show him around. Meet back here in two hours, and take Regdor with you.” The guard stepped forward, bowing his head to the two heirs. Zahra smiled and bowed in return before turning back to her Father.

“Of course, Father.” With that, Zahra, Frerin, and Regdor bid goodbye to Thráin and the other guards. “Come, Frerin, there is much to see.”

“This is so cool, Z!” he exclaimed, rushing in front of his sister.

“Be careful, Don’t get too far ahead!” she called, chuckling at him. She followed behind him,  watching as he weaved through the crowd, eyes alight with childlike wonderment. Regdor followed behind her, also keeping an eye on the young dwarf. Zahra let Frerin run ahead and explore the city for a few minutes longer before calling his name and beckoning him back over to her and the guard. “Frerin!”

“Yes, Zahra?” he asked, faced flushed in excitement.

“As fun as just running around is, there is someone I want you to meet,” she said, taking his hand and guiding him towards a shop at the end of the street that they were on.

“Oh? Who is it?” he asked as she led him inside the building. It was a small shop, filled with an assortment of little trinkets; jewelry, craftwork, fabrics, and the like.

“An old friend of mine, Kyla. We met the first time I came to Dale, so around your age.” She explained, walking to the back of the building where a human girl was rearranging something on a shelf. “Kyla!” The girl, Kyla, turned around at the sound of her name, smiling when she saw who it was.

“Well, well, if it isn’t my favorite Dwarvish princess!” she called, climbing down the ladder she was perched on. “And this must be the famous Frerin I’ve heard all about.” The girl walked over to the Dwarves, shaking Zahra's hand in greeting.

“Indeed it is,” Zahra confirmed, smiling at her friend.

“Well, Frerin, it is a pleasure to meet you.” her friend greeted, bowing her head at him. He returned it before looking around the shop in wonder. “So, Zahra, what can I do for you on this fine day?”

“My father has to pick up an order from one of the shops and decided that its time to finally show Frerin the city,” she explained, studying the items for sale.

“Well, you’ve taken him to the right shop, my friend.” Kyla beamed. “We have fine items from all across Middle Earth. Fabrics from the world of men, wood carvings from the elves, and the finest jewels from the dwarves. So please, peruse at your enjoyment.” The spread her arms wide, giving a mocking bow at the end of the speech. Zahra laughed, picking up one of the carvings her friend had mentioned. It was a carving of a wolf, made out of an ash branch.

“Zahra! Zahra!” she set down the carving as her brother ran up to her, holding something in his hand.

“What’d you find, Frerin?” she asked, crouching down to look. He opened his hand to show a beautiful carving of a horse. It was elvish made but had a heavy dwarvish influence. “That’s beautiful. How about you ask Kyla how much it is, and we’ll see about getting it, alright?” he nodded his head, before running over to the woman.

“How much is it, Miss Kyla?” he asked, holding it out to her.

“Well, for you, little Prince, it shall be on the house! Venders deal,” she said, crouching down to look at the piece. “You picked out a beautiful piece. It was handmade by a dear friend of mine, Vilde. I will have to tell him that you picked it out.” Frerin beamed before clutching the piece to his chest and continuing to wander around the store.

Zahra smiled, eyes trailing after him, as her friend what up to her. “Thank you, Kyla, but you didn’t need to.”

“Maybe not, but he is the little brother of my favorite dwarf,” Kyla responded, looking over at said dwarf, who was smiling.

“I guess.” she laughed, before digging through the bag that was clipped to her hip, and drawing out two gold coins. “Here, at least take these.”

“No, I said the carving is on the house, and on the house it is.” Kyla refused, shaking her head.

“Please, Kyla. It’s the least I could do.” Zahra insisted, still holding her hand out. Her friend sighed, before reaching her hand out and taking the coins.

“Fine.”

“Thank you.”

“Yeah, yeah. It’s hard to say no to you, okay?” Kyla muttered, pocketing the gold.

“Kyla?” said the girl humming, turning towards the dwarf. “That statue, it’s interesting.”

“Oh? How so?” she asked.

“Well, it’s clearly elven-made, but some of the elements are heavily dwarvish inspired. This friend of yours, he’s an elf?”

“Yes, he is.” the human nodded. “He has good relationships with many Dwarves and even studied under a fine craftsman who works on the other side of the city. All of his works look like that.” Zahra hummed, her questions answered, as the bell above the door rang out. “Ah. I ought to go and do work.”

“Of course,” Zahra nodded. “We should also continue on our way. Lots to see. Frerin!”

“Yes, indeed there is.” smiled Kyla, as the young dwarf ran up to them. “Goodbye, dear prince, it was a pleasure meeting you.”

“Goodbye, Miss Kyla!” he waved, still clutching his little horse.

“Goodbye, Kyla. I’m sure that we will be back soon.” Zahra smiled, leading her brother towards the door, where Ragdor was still standing.

“I’m counting on that.” the girl smiled, waving to the two royals before turning to assist that new customer.

“Where are we going?” asked Frerin as they exited the shop, Ragdor in tow.

“Well, I suppose we could wander around for a bit longer, or stop at a stall and get some food. We have a bit of time.” she pondered, weaving through the crowds.

“Food! Food!” Her brother cried, tugging on her sleeve, causing her to laugh.

“Alright, alright. Follow me, I have a place where we can get some good food,” she said, leading him through the crowds and towards the edge of the market. She led him to a small cafe, where a few people were standing around. There, she ordered some olvjorjumal dleoff, which was essentially the dwarvish version of the Elven Lembas. She distributed the food between them, giving Ragdor a piece as well.

They walked and ate, heading towards the edge of the city. Upon arrival, Zahra leaned against a wall, taking small bites out of her food, while Frerin took to sitting on the ground, playing with the horse he bought. Ragdor moved to stand a little from the two royals, but kept them in his sights, tucking the piece of bread into his belt. The three stayed in silence, before the guard spoke up, looking at the sun.

“Mot vrora, voth vurthurkon avkir ilv eth udovikr.  Joth vulridir monmur ath.” He said in dwarvish, stepping closer to Zahra.

“Anket tho, Ragdor.” She replied, nodding to him. “We must go, Frerin. It is time to go home.”

“I don’t want to!” he whined, throwing his back onto the ground.

“I know, little one. But we must return. Your mother would have a heart attack if you’re not back on time.” she said, offering her hand to him. “Now, up.” Frerin huffed, but took her hand, allowing her to pull him up and guide him towards where they left their father.

The walk to the rams went by quickly, with the three of them avoiding the main streets. When they got to the city entrance, they found Thráin putting his purchase on his ram, before mounting it himself. Zahra once again helped her brother mount her ram, before hopping up herself. The three royals plus their guards left the city, making their way slowly towards Erebor.

“So, Frerin,” started Thráin, who was leading the group. “How was your first time in Dale?”

“It was very fun, father! I met a nice lady, who gave me this cool carving of a horse.” the boy exclaimed, proudly lifting the piece into the air.

Thráin laughed, turning slightly to look at the piece. “That is indeed a beautiful piece. Perhaps I should ask her for something for Meg.”

“You should,” agreed Zahra. “Kyla has a fine selection of carvings from all walks of life. Even a few she's made herself.”

“You speak highly of this ‘Kyla’, Zahra. You know her well?”

“Yes, Father.” she nodded, readjusting her grip on Frerin. “I met her a couple of years ago, when I first came to Dale. She is a good woman.”

“Well then,” Thráin said, turning back around to face the front. “I will have to meet her one day.” Zahra smiled, before turning to admire the piece once again. The rest of the journey back was spent in silence, the convoy dispersing upon arrival.

~~~

Zahara pushed gently past the other shopgoers, hurrying to get her errands done. Her father had asked her to get a few things from Dale, but she did not desire to be there longer than she needed to. A bad feeling had been lurking in the back of her mind for most of the day, and she hoped that it was simply the hustle and bustle of the crowds, and not something more.

She had just readjusted her many bags and was continuing to make her way through the crowded street when she heard it. A noise like the sound of a hurricane coming down from the north, accompanied by the distant sounds of trees creaking in the wind. Zahra looked up towards the small bit of her home she could see the wind whipping the trees and banners back and forth, harshly.

She continued to watch, her eyes watering from the breeze that had risen to a harsh gale when she noticed a dark shape heading towards the mountain. The shape was quickly getting larger, and closer, revealing a pair of large wings propelling it through the air.

“Oh no…” she whispered, dread filling her body. The oversized shape was a dragon and it was headed straight towards Erebor- her home. She breathed out, shakily, as the first plumes of fire erupted from the creature's mouth, smothering the Front Gate. At this point, many of the people around her at begun to notice what was happening. They pointed and whispered, fear evident in their body language.

Zahra stood there, watching as the Dragon turned and headed towards the city, the people around her fleeing, screaming. She couldn’t make out much of the panicked words, but she could make out what sounded vaguely like her name, however, she didn’t dare look around to check. She continued to watch the beast, before jerking as a hand grasped her shoulder and turned her around.

“Zahra!” It was Kyla. She had seen her not an hour before, they had exchanged small talk, and now their lives were in danger. “Zahra! We need to go.”

“Erebor….” Zahra whispered, her eyes fleeting back to the now smoldering front gate.

“Yes, I know. But we need to go. Now!” Kyla hurried, roughly grabbing her friend's shoulders and pulling her closer to her. “I know. But for now, it’s more important that you stay alive, alright? Come on.” Zahra nodded, letting her friend pull her away from the dragon, trusting her to stay alive.

The two girls ran for a while, dodging other people and fallen debris, trying to keep the screams out of their ears. Eventually, they found a spot in the city that had been, so far, spared from the ruin that was the dragon. They stopped there, leaning against the walls and gulping in the air.

Zahra stood up, shaking, and once again looked back towards Erebor. Thorin, Thráin, Thror, Dís, Frerin… even Meg. Were they alright? Were they alive? What happened? Why did this happen?

“Zahra…” she could hear Kyla behind her, knew she was reaching out to her, but didn’t dare touch her. “We need to move. We may be safe now, but…”

Zahra nodded, blinking away her thoughts and turning towards her friend. “Yeah, yeah, you’re right. Let’s go.”

Kyla nodded before once again leading the way. The two ran, trying to find a way out of the city that wasn’t blocked by people also trying to get out, debris or corpses when they heard a roar behind them. Zahra cursed, before compelling her body to run faster.

She pulled in front of Kyla and started to lead the way through the streets. She didn’t focus on anything other than getting out of the city alive. She knew that the dragon was close by, she could feel the heat, but she ignored it. She shouldn’t have. She heard Kyla scream her name, felt herself be pushed, and heard the loud crash of something heavy hitting the ground.

Zahra pushed herself off the ground and turned around, letting out an ear-piercing shriek when she saw what was behind her. Kyla, who had pushed her, was trapped under a large tower, only her head, one of her arms, a bit of her upper body, and blood, a lot of blood, was visible.

She froze, her blue eyes connecting to her friend's glassy, green ones. She felt bile rise in her throat, and leaned to the side just in time, emptying her stomach of all the food that she had eaten that day. She wiped her mouth and sat back up, still staring frozen at her friend's dead body.

“Move, lady!” With her mind reeling and her gaze locked, Zahra didn’t realize that a man was running towards her until he had run into her, and pushed her to the floor, her head making contact with a sharp -crack-. She groaned, squeezing her eyes tightly shut. When the pain had finally subsided, she gently pried them open, once again locking onto Kyla's body.

"Kyla..." she whispered, tears making their way into her water line. Zahra let out a shaky breath, closing her eyes to keep them from seeping out. Why her friend? Her sweet, kind, loving, compassionate friend. What did she do to deserve this? To deserve this fate? Once again she opened her eyes, and reached her arm out, ignoring her body's protests. Her fingers gently touched Kylas, a sort of goodbye. "I'm sorry, Kyla. I'll never forget you... I promise."

Zahra let out a breath, before forcing herself to stand, grimacing with each movement. Once she was steady on her feet, she headed towards the exit, sparing one last glance at her friend before turning the corner, and heading back into the chaos that was Dale.

She continued to push through the crowds, desperate to make her way to somewhere safe. She weaved through the streets, trying to avoid heavily damaged areas, but those areas were slowly becoming less and less frequent.

She turned a corner, expecting to be in a safe area but was instead greeted with the grotesque sight of a dozen or so bodies burning in dragon fire, the stench of their flesh permeating the air. She gagged, before turning around and starting to run alongside a group of people who were headed down another street.

Zahra ran with them, ducking as a plume of fire erupted over their heads. She risked a glance behind her to see the dragon following behind them, his stomach glowing with another burst of fire. She watched as it prepared to attack them again before turning around, and desperately trying to find somewhere to duck behind. There. Her eyes caught onto a half-destroyed building to her left that would provide her with enough cover to, hopefully, survive the fire.

She heard the dragon roar and felt the heat of the fire as it quickly approached her and the group. She dived into the building, yelling as her upper right side exploded into pain. She gasped, pushing herself against the wall, gripping her shoulder in pain. She clenched her jaw, breathing in deeply, before looking to her side, her eyes widening at the sight.

It was not pretty. Her right arm was bright red and a few blisters were popping up here and there. Zahra turned away from the sight, swallowing the bile that was threatening to make its way up her throat. She turned back, looking at it closer. It didn't seem too bad, but she knew that it was going to leave a nasty scar. She had seen enough fire scars on forge workers to know that much.

She grimaced and started to dig through the pouch that was around her waist, quickly extracting bandages that she always carried from deep inside of it. Zahra grabbed the end in her teeth and quickly started to unroll it before starting to wrap it around her arm, which was difficult with only one hand. She pulled it tight around her arm and tied it off, having reached the end of the role. She let out a large breath, forcing herself to remain calm.

She leaned her left side against the wall, letting out a deep sigh. She closed her eyes and forced herself to stand up, stumbling slightly as she did. She caught herself on the wall, and slowly made her way out of the building, where the charred remains of the group she had been running with lay. She diverted her eyes quickly, before heading down a different that they hadn't gone down.

Zahra slowly made her way through the street, dodging the people who were still hurrying to get out. She could feel the adrenaline start to fade and grimaced, the pain truly started to set in. She continued to push on, the front gate of Dale now in view. She trudged towards it, crossing the ruined bridge carefully, not stopping until she felt there was enough distance between her and the city.

She collapsed against a rock outcrop and looked back towards the burning city and the burning Erebor. She stared at it for a few moments silently praying that her family was okay. She shook her head and turned around, forcing her body to walk forward some more. She may have been a good distance from the city, but Zahra wanted to be safe. She walked for a few more meters before collapsing again against another rock outcrop.

She slowly lowered her body to the ground, wincing with each movement. The adrenaline had finally worn off and all of the pain and emotions from what had happened were finally setting in. She could feel her eyes slowly slipping shut, and she willed them to stay open, a task she filled majorly.

The next time Zahra awoke, she was greeted by the sight of an elvish medical room and four blonde-haired elves flitting around, sorting through bottles of liquids and muttering quietly to each other in Sindarin.

"Hello?" she asked, her voice hoarse with disuse. One of the four beings quickly made their way towards her, smiling softly.

"Ah, hello, I see that you are finally awake. We were sure that you would sleep for a few more weeks." They muttered softly, gently poking at her arm, their face impassive at her lack of response.

"What- what happened?" she coughed, accepting the glass of water that was offered to her following her question.

"Lord Thranduil and his guards found you not far from Dale. You were gravely injured and barely alive, so they brought you back here to be treated." the elf explained as Zahra took greedy sips of the water. "How do you feel? Does anything hurt?"

Zahra shook her head, handing the cup of water back to the elf when the reached out to take it. "No, not really," she replied, to which the elf responded with a raised eyebrow. "I promise."

"Stubborn dwarves," the elf muttered, shaking their heads. "I'm going to give you more painkillers, I believe you will need them. And then Lord Thranduil wishes to have a word with you." Zahra nodded, accepting the painkillers without complaint and silently waiting for the elven kind to grace her with his presence, something which didn't take long. She heard the door open, and glanced towards it, seeing him walk silently towards her.

"Princess Zahra, it is good to see you alive," he said, sounding sincere.

"Thank you, King Thranduil. It is good to be alive," she responded, nodding her head to him. "I must thank you for your hospitality."

"We could not leave you to die." The two fell into comfortable silence for a few moments, before Zahra hesitantly broke it.

"My lord..." she hesitated, glancing up at him to see that he was watching her carefully. "Erebor... is it...?"

"I'm sorry, my lady, Erebor is lost," Thranduil said softly, bowing his head. "I will leave you to rest." With that, he made a swift departure from the medical room, leaving her to process what he had said.

Lost. He said that Erebor was lost. Zahra swallowed thickly, tears pooling in her eyes. They rolled down her cheeks when she blinked, accompanied by soft whimpering that quickly turned into sobbing.

For what could've been hours, Zahra lay there, crying, still trying to process the news that Erebor, her home, was gone. Lost to a dragon. She sniffed, before turning her head to face the wall of windows that were in the room and slipping her eyes shut.

Chapter Text

        Hanna jerked awake, her breath coming in harsh gasps. She sat up, throwing the blankets off of her body and setting her feet on the floor, the cold wood grounding her. Her hands found her head, digging her nails into her scalp. She let out a shaky breath, squeezing her eyes shut tightly. She hadn't had a dream like that in a long time, not since she first arrived in the shire. 

        Hanna sighed, removing her hands from her head. She looked up, catching sight of herself in the mirror leaning against her wall. She breathed deeply, standing up and heading to the window, looking out at the still-dark shire. It couldn't have been long past five meaning the other hobbits wouldn't be up for at least another hour. Hanna shook her head, before heading over to her bedroom door, pulling it open, and peeking into the dark hallway. 

        She quietly retreated into her room, grabbing her pack from where it was stuffed in the corner before gathering the supplies she thought she might need. She changed into fresh clothing that would be easy to travel in, and grabbed a few extra pairs of clothing, and shoved them to the bottom of the bag, before turning to a cabinet and pulling out a few rolls of bandages in case anyone got injured. She shoved them on top of the clothing, along with a few other things she thought might be useful. She closed it and turned back to the cabinet where she had grabbed the bandages.

        She stared at it for a moment before walking back over to it, gently shutting the door she had left open and looking to the top, where an ornately designed box was sitting. She pulled it down and, placing it on her bed, gently opened it, revealing a key. She picked it up, tucked it into her belt, and shut the box, returning it to its previous spot, and walked back over to her rucksack. She slung it over her shoulder and grabbed her cloak before making her way out to the hallway. 

        Hanna looked over her room one last time, before making her way into the hall, gently clicking the door shut. She silently walked to the front room, setting the stuff she was carrying down before going and lighting a few of the candles scattered around. Now that the room was lit, she noticed the bags of groceries that she had dropped in front of the door the night before were no longer there.

        Confused, she entered the kitchen. Hanna looked around the room, noting that the groceries had been placed into the correct spots and were now neatly ordered. She stood still for a moment, tapping her foot before grabbing some bread and jam, along with the stuff for a cup of green tea, and making herself a small breakfast.

        She leaned against the counter, taking small bites and simply languidly at her tea, and looked around the kitchen. Her eyes caught on the frame of her brother, standing still in the doorway as if he hadn't expected her to be there.

        "Morning," Hanna said, taking another sip of her tea. Thorin simply nodded, shuffling into the room and looking around. "Feel free to make yourself something to eat." Thorin once again nodded and started to make himself something to eat, a silence falling between the two. 

        Balin and Dwalin were the next two dwarves to wake up, entering the kitchen and talking to each other in quiet Khuzdul. They quieted upon noticing Hanna and Thorin, bidding each of them good morning. The two dwarves made themselves something to eat, and once started conversing in Khuzdul, although now they had brought Thorin into their conversation. More of the dwarves started trickling in after, muttering quiet 'good mornings' to each other and making something to eat. Gandalf was the only one, bar Bilbo, who didn't enter the kitchen, but then again, he was Gandalf. No one could ever figure him out. 

        Once she had finished eating, Hanna quietly excused herself from the kitchen, going to double-check that she was ready to head out. After she confirmed that she had everything in her bag, and had finished, she pulled the key out from her belt, flipping it in her hands gently. She sighed, turning to face a large cabinet that stood looming in the corner. She walked over to it and ran her fingers over the doorknob before using the key to unlock it. 

        Opening the door quietly, she let her eyes roam over the items displayed inside. Twin swords, gifts from an elven king, were hung against the back wall, crossing over each other in the middle. A singular, small dagger sat just above where the swords met, the ornate hilt glinting in candlelight light. Hanna reached out, and gently picked it up, admiring it for a few seconds before strapping it to her hip. She then turned her attention to the swords, taking them from the cupboard and strapping them to her back. She let out a quick breath, before shutting the cupboard and locking it. She left the key on top of it and turned to grab her stuff, noting Dwalin standing in the doorway.

        "Dwalin. What can I assist you with?" She asked, picking up her bag and offering the narrow a smile.

        "We're leaving." He said gruffly, eyeing the swords on her back. She nodded and watched as he went outside. Hanna glanced around the room, before following him outside, where the rest of the company was waiting. She gently clicked the door shut, before heading to the free pony that was standing next to Gandalf. She attached her bag threw her cloak over the back and hopped on, giving the pony a nudge to follow after the dwarves, who had started to walk after Thorin.

        As the company journeyed out of the shire, gaining quite a few looks from the hobbits, Hanna's pony fell into step beside Dwalins, who was watching the locals with distrust. Hanna chuckled softly, shaking her head at his distrust. He turned towards her, one eyebrow raised at her exclamation.

        "They're not gonna try and hurt any of us, you know that right?" she said, a soft smile on her lips.

        "Says the hobbit carrying two swords and a dagger." 

        Hanna hummed. "Yes well, most hobbits don't carry such weapons."

        "And yet you do," Dwalin stated, glancing at the woman.

        "I am not most hobbits," Hanna replied, glancing at the Darrow from the corner of her eye. He frowned but didn't say anymore. The two sat in silence, listening to the quiet chatter of the other dwarves as they bet on whether or not Bilbo will show up.

        "Dwalin!" called Gloin from in front of the pair. He grunted, looking at the dwarf. "You think the hobbit will show up?"

        "If you're trying to get me involved in a bet, it's not going to work."

        Hanna stifled a laugh as Gloin spluttered, trying to deny the claims. "Me? Drag the oh-so-great Dwalin into a bet? Never! Simply curious, that is all, lad." It was clear that Dwalin did not believe him if his raised eyebrow was anything to go by.

        "Mhm... if you must know, I doubt that he will. He seemed far too scared at just the idea of having to encounter a dragon." Dwalin said, gruffly. Hanna frowned, turning to look to the front of their convoy. 

        "And you lass?" Gloin turned his attention to her, a small smirk present on his face.

        "What about me, Gloin?" she asked, her eyes still focused ahead of them.

        "Do you think that your fellow hobbit is going to show up?" 

        "Why yes, in fact, I do believe that Bilbo will show up." She replied, finally turning to look at the dwarf, offering him a small smile. "I have known Bilbo since he was but a fauntling. Though he denies it, I know that his heart yearns for adventure, to step outside the comfort of our smial; it has since he was young. Oh, and Master Gloin?" the dwarf in question met her eyes, humming out a small acknowledgment. "Do not be so quick to judge those that you do not know, for they may one day surprise you." He nodded before urging his horse forward to walk with his brother.

        "Why do you believe that the hobbit will show up?" Dwalin asked, glancing at her from the corner of his eye.

        "Why does Master Oakenshield believe that this meager company of dwarves can reclaim your homeland?" A simple question, and yet it seemed to stump and puzzle the dwarrow. "Because he has hope, Master Dwalin, that you all will be able to do so. And just like he has hope for this quest, I have hope that Bilbo will turn up." With that, the conversation ended, and the pair sat in silence for many minutes before yells of "Wait!" and "Stop!" cut through the silence.

        Hanna pulled her pony's reigns, stopping and turning around in her saddle. Her eyes scanned the trees, before spotting a small figure clad in a maroon coat. She smiled, and waved her hand in greeting. Bilbo stopped next to her, catching his breath, before lifting his hand and revealing the now-signed contract that was clutched in it.

        "I signed it," he said, breathing heavily. Balin reached over and took it from the hobbit, offering him a small smile. The dwarf examined it for a few seconds, before glancing up at Thorin.

        "Everything appears to be in order. Welcome to the Company of Thorin Oakenshield," he said to Bilbo, rolling the contract up and tucking it into his belt. Bilbo smiled at him before glancing back at the pony the dwarf was sitting on, looking quite uncomfortable. 

        "Get him a pony." Ordered Thorin from the front of the group, annoyance clear in his voice, as he urged his pony to start walking again.

        "Oh, that-that won't be necessary." the hobbit stammered, causing Hanna to have to stifle a laugh. "I'll be able to keep up. You know, I've done my fair share of walking holidays. Even got as far as Fort Morgan on-ah!" Bilo exclaimed as Kili and Fili, Thorin's nephews, came up behind him and lifted him off the ground, before getting him situated on his pony.

        Hanna came to walk beside her nephew, who was clutching the reigns in a white knuckle grip, his discomfort quite clear. She smiled in sympathy as he sneezed for the third time. 

        "It's all this horse hair," he groaned, starting to rummage through his pockets, "I must be having an allergic reaction. Wait! Wait, we have to go back!" he called, still looking through his pockets.

        "My dear Bilbo, whatever is the matter?" asked Gandalf from where had stopped.

        "I forgot my handkerchief. " he explained, frowning at himself. Hanna wordlessly extended her hand out towards him, offering him a small smile. His eyes widened when he saw what she was holding; clutched in her hand was his white handkerchief with two embroidered 'B's in the corner, which she had grabbed as an afterthought before they set out. He took it from her delicately, mouth slightly agape. 

        "I had a feeling you would forget it," she explained, smiling lightly at him. He nodded his thanks at her before moving to blow his nose, and once again sneezing.

        "Let's get moving." barked Thorin from ahead of the two hobbits. The company obeyed, moving forward without hesitation, many of them muttering about Bilbo's spectacle over not having a handkerchief.

~~~

        The company walked for a while longer, small talk circulating throughout the dwarves, as the sun made his trek through the sky, only stopping to settle once he had begun to disappear beyond the horizon and the moon had started to rise. They had stew for dinner, courtesy of Bombur and Bilbo, and settled down for the night, a small fire blazing in a little outcrop.

        Hanna was one of the few who were still awake, sitting next to and conversing quietly with Gandalf on the proceedings of the shire when loud howls pierced the quiet night air.

        "What was that?" asked Bilbo, who was standing next to the pony he had been riding.

        "Orcs," replied Kili, softly, looking out over the miles of wilderness stretched before them.

        "Orcs?" cried Bilbo, making his way quickly over to Hanna and Gandalf.

        "Throatcutters. There's dozens of them out there," supplied Fili. Bilbo gave the prince a scared look. "The lowlands are crawling with them."

        "They strike in the wee small hours when everyone is asleep. Quick and quiet, no screams. Just lots of blood." Kili was silent for a moment, before turning to look at his brother and huckling lightly.

        "You think this is funny?" Everyone turned to look at Thorin, who had awoken when the howls first sounded. "You think a night raid by orcs is a joke?"

        "We didn't mean anything by it," Kili said softly, looking away from his uncle.

        "No, you didn't. You know nothing of the world."

        "Don't mind him, laddie," Balin said, stepping into the firelight, as Thorin walked away, anger shadowing his face. "Thorin has more cause than most to hate orcs." Hanna glanced up at the scribe, wondering what he meant. He continued, "After the dragon took the Lonely Mountain, King Thrór tried to reclaim the ancient Dwarf Kingdom of Moria, but our enemy had got there first. Moria had been taken by legions of orcs, led by the most vile of all their race, Azog the Defiler. The giant, Gundabad orc, had sworn to wipe out the line of Durin. He began by beheading the king. Thráin, Thorin's father, driven mad by grief, went missing. Taken prisoner, or killed, we did not know." Hanna looked away from Balin, and down at her hands, breathing deeply. Her father and grandfather were dead. At least they died fighting, and with honor, not in the dragon fire that destroyed their home.

        "We were leaderless. Defeat and death were upon us. That is when I saw him. A young dwarf prince, facing down the Pale Orc. He stood alone against this terrible foe. His armor was wrent, wielding nothing but an oaken branch as a shield. Azog the Defiler learned that day, that the line of Durin would not be so easily broken. Our forces rallied and drove our enemy back. Our enemy had been too much, but there was no feast, no song that night, for our dead were beyond the count of grief. We few had survived. And I thought to myself then, there is one who I could follow. There is one I could call king." As Balin finished his story, Thorin turned around, seeing the rest of the dwarves standing, and watching him.

        "And the Pale Orc?" asked Bilbo, from where he was sitting, knees held to chest. "What happened to him?"

        "He slunk back into the hall from whence he came. That filth died of his wounds long ago." Growled Thorin, stalking back to his bed roll. The look that Gandalf shared with Balin did not go past Hanna unnoticed, even as the rest of the dwarves headed back to their own bedrolls.

       "Nid yw wedi marw, nac ydy? (He's not dead, isn't he?)" she muttered to the wizard, eyes watching the dwarves carefully.

        "Na, nid yw'n. (No, he is not)" he replied. Hanna hummed before wishing the man goodnight, and heading back to her beadroll, unaware of the orcs who were watching them from across the valley.

Chapter Text

The following days the company traveled on, seeing no signs of the orcs that had been heard. The weather had turned gloomy as they walked, gray clouds covering the sky, and with it the threat of rain. When the sky opened, and the first drops of rain hit the ground, the dwarves groaned and pulled their cloaks tighter around their bodies. Bilbo, bless his poor heart, had not thought to bring such clothing, and was now soaked to the bone.

“Here, Mr. Gandalf,” called Dori, his head bent against the rain. “Can’t you do something against this deluge?”

“It is raining, Master Dwarf, and it will continue to rain until the rain is done,” replied Gandalf, looking over his shoulder to the dwarrow. ”If you wish to change the weather of the world, you should find yourself another Wizard.”

“Are there any? Other Wizards?” Bilbo asked, hunkering further down into his saddle.

“There are five of us,” Gandalf started. “The greatest of our order is Saruman the White. Then there are the two blue wizards… you know, I’ve quite forgotten their names.”

“And who is the fifth?” asked Bilbo.

“Well, that would be Radagast the Brown.”

“Is he a great Wizard or is he more like you?” Hanna coughed, stifling a laugh that had forced its way up her throat. Despite all the times he had said he was kind, Bilbo was quite the judgemental little creature.

“I think he’s a very great Wizard, in his own way,” Gandalf said, glancing at him with a hard look. “He’s a gentle soul who prefers the company of animals to others. He keeps a watchful eye over the vast forest lands to the east. And a good thing too. For always evil will look to find a foothold in this world.”

Hanna raised her eyebrows and urged her horse to catch up to the wizards. “Don’t you think that is a bit dramatic?” she asked, glancing at him from the corner of her eye. He glanced down at her, before looking ahead at the dwarrow in front of them.

“I think that it is the truth,” he stated, before urging his horse forward, towards Thorin. Hanna stared after him, one eyebrow raised in question, before shrugging and allowing her mind to wander.

She was broken out of her revere when the voice of the youngest member of Company cut through, calling her name.

“Miss Hanna?” She turned in her saddle, seeing the young scribe and his pony trot up to her.

“Yes, Ori? What can I help you with?” she asked, smiling at him gently.

“I was wondering, if it’s not too much trouble, if you could tell me about Hobbits?” The scribe asked, peering at her from under his hood. She smiled.

“It is no trouble at all! In fact, once it is no longer raining, if you wish to take notes on the lives of hobbits, please, feel free to ask again.” She said, watching him light up with excitement. “Ask away.”

“What are hobbits like?” Ori asked, his youthful gaze alive with wonder.

“Well…” Hanna thought for a moment. “They’re gentle folk, and they prefer peaceful and quiet lives over any sort of adventuring. They seldom leave the shire, and don’t know much of the outside world or those in it.”

“Is that why they seemed nervous with us around?”

“That would have something to do with it.” The hobbit smiled, wiping some rainwater off her face. “And, in comparison, you dwarves are quite a bit larger than hobbits and they don’t tend to like those who are bigger than them.”

Ori hummed, his fingers tapping his saddle rhythmically. “I suppose that makes sense… What about food? Do hobbits only eat green food like elves or do they eat meat?”

“Well I’ll have you know that not all elves abstain from eating meat,” Hanna sniffed, giving the dwarf a hard look. “In fact, some of the finest cooked meat I have had was with Lord Elrond of Imladris, and his children.”

“You’ve dined with elves?” Ori asked slowly, with something Hanna thought was distaste coloring his words.

“Yes, I have,” She replied coolly, ignoring the scathing looks she could feel were being sent to her by eavesdropping dwarves. “They are the most gracious of hosts. Now, the most important thing to a hobbit is their food. They’ll eat almost anything that you put in front of them, as long as it’s nicely cooked, that is.”

The pair continued to talk as the company traveled on, even as the rain began to slow and the sun began to shine they continued. They only stopped when Thorin ordered them to stop to allow for a brief rest, but continued the conversation as soon as they had headed off, with Ori now being able to take notes in his notebook. Hanna told Ori more of the hobbits love for food, of their seven meals a day (which might have resulted in concern from some of the other dwarves but that wasn’t to be addressed until later) and even of things such as their history and courting traditions (though that did bring up the slightly uncomfortable conversation on if either her or Bilbo were courting anyone but luckily that conversation died off quickly).

As the conversation died off, and there was no more that Hanna could share with the scribe, Ori spoke up, picking at the edges of his notebook anxiously. “I do hope that this wasn’t of any trouble to you, Miss Hanna, speaking of your culture so freely while I just sat and asked questions. I would tell you of our culture but…” his voice trailed off, eyes glancing up at Thorin, who was riding alongside Balin.

“I understand, Ori.” She offered him a reassuring smile, which he returned hesitantly. “And it is no trouble, none at all. As shy and untrusting as they are, hobbits are not very secretive. And… please do not worry. I understand that dwarves are a secretive race, I do not wish to cause any issues between you and Thorin.” He smiled again, less hesitant this time, before thanking her and falling back with his brothers once again.

It was nearing sundown when Thorin once again stopped the company, this time near the ruins of a destroyed farmhouse, and alerting them they’ll make camp there for the night. The dwarves began to spread out and pull the supplies for the ponies, when Hanna was looking through her rucksack for her waterskin and overheard Gandalf and Thorin speaking in hushed tones. She glanced over to the two, watching their conversation with interest.

“I think it would be wiser to move on,” advised the wizard, tearing his eyes from the ruined house. “We could make for the Hidden Valley.”

“I have told you already,” Thorin growled, glaring at the man. “I will not go near that place.”

“Why not? The Elves could help us. We could get food, rest, advice.” Gandalf urged.

“I do not need their advice.”

“We have a map that we cannot read. Lord Elrond could help us.” He urged again.

“Help?” asked Thorin, disgust coloring his words. “A dragon attacks Erebor; what help came for the Elves? Orcs plunder Moria, desecrate our sacred halls… the elves looked on and did nothing. And you ask me to seek out the very people who betrayed my grandfather; who betrayed my father.”

“You are neither of them. I did not give you that map and key for you to hold onto the past.” Gandalf said, giving the dwarf a hard stare.

“I did not know they were yours to keep.” Thorin snarled, looking up at the wizard with distaste. Gandalf sighed, before turning around and walking away from him and through the Companies camp.

“Everything all right?” asked Bilbo, from where he was tending to a pony with Balin. “Gandalf, where are you going?”

“To seek the company of the only one around here who’s got any sense.” he bellowed, pushing through the dwarves without stopping.

“And who’s that?”

“Myself, Mr. Baggins!” if the wizard muttered anything more, Hanna was unable to hear from where she had come to stand next to her nephew, brow furrowed. She distantly heard Thorin order Bombur to start their dinner, but her attention had once again been drawn to her nephew, who turned to Balin with an apprehensive look on his face.

“Is he coming back?” Balin only sighed and looked over at where the wizard had disappeared, before patting Bilbo’s shoulder and heading over to Thorin. Bilbo looked over at Hanna, hoping she had an answer.

“I don’t know,” she sighed, shaking her head, and placing her hand on his shoulder. “But for now, let's worry about camp.” She led her nephew over to his pony to grab his pack before grabbing her own. The two hobbits walked over to a more secluded area of the clearing and put their packs on the ground, pulling out their bedrolls and setting them next to each other. The two sat down, Bilbo pulling out a small pack of nuts for them to snack on.

They sat in silence as the dwarves moved around them. Bombur stood by the fire, stirring the contents of the pot slowly, occasionally tasting it. Eventually, after much deliberation on the cooks part, he invited the rest of the company to grab bowls. The dwarves all convened on Bofur, who had taken charge of handing out the food, waiting for a bowl to be handed to them. Hanna and Bilbo stood to the side, allowing the commotion to settle down before approaching the dwarf. When they were finally able to get to the toymaker, he handed two bowls of stew to Bilbo.

“Bilbo, take those two to the lads, yeah?” Bofur asked, gesturing to the forest where Fili and Kili had disappeared sometime before to watch the groups ponies. Bilbo grumbled, before heading off to the forest, leaving Hanna alone with the dwarf, who handed her two more bowls. “For you and the burglar.” She nodded her thanks before heading over to an unoccupied log that was sat around the fire and sitting down. She set Bilbos bowl on the ground, before grabbing her spoon and starting to eat her portion, humming at the taste that filled her mouth. She ate in silence, listening to the steady conversation of the dwarves when suddenly the two young dwarf princes burst through the trees.

“Fili, Kili. What is the meaning of this?” questioned Thorin, looking at his nephews with hard eyes.

“Bilbo, we- we have to help him,” gasped Fili, panting as he tried to catch his breath.

“What do you mean?” Hanna asked, standing up and stepping towards the princes. “What happened?”

“Trolls. We sent him to deal with them,” Kili answered.

Thorin let out an exasperated sigh, “You let a halfling who can’t fend for himself deal with trolls? On his own?” The brothers looked at each other, before giving their uncle an awkward grin in confirmation. He groaned, “Arm yourselves. We need to go make sure that dim-witted burglar hasn’t gotten himself killed.”

“Bilbo is more capable than you give him credit for, Master Thorin,” glared Hanna, as she rushed to grab her weapons. He grunted in reply, and turned to look at her, eyebrows furrowing.

“And what exactly do you think that you are doing, Mistress Baggins?” he asked, eyes sweeping over her weapons as she tightened the straps.

“Helping you save my nephew,” she responded, spinning a sword in her right hand.

“No.”

“No?”

“You will stay out of the way,” Thorin stated.

“With all due respect, Your Highness, I think not,” Hanna argued. “Bilbo is under my protection, and protect him I will.”

“No,” Thorin said, again, harsher this time. “You will stay way from the trolls, or you can start your return to the Shire.” Hanna stared at him for a moment, eyes narrowing in anger.

“Fine. I’ll do it your way.”

With her begrudging agreement, Thorin and the rest of the Dwarves left, following Fili and Kili through the trees. Hanna scoffed, watching as they left, and following their footprints once they were out of sight.

As she walked through the forest, the sounds of grunting and swords slicing grew steadily louder, until she came upon a clearing where she was met with the sight of the dwarves fighting three large trolls. Hanna crouched down behind a bush, eyes scanning the clearing for her nephew, who she spotted freeing the ponies from the pen that they had been put in. She kept her eyes on him, making sure that he was safe. Her eyes widened as she watched two of the trolls pick Bilbo off the ground and hold him in the air, the dwarves stopping their fighting as they noticed their burglars position.

“Put your arms down, or we’ll rip his off.” growled one of the trolls to the dwarves. They were still for a moment, before Thorin took his sword and thrust it into the ground. Reluctantly, the others followed his lead placing down their various weapons, glaring at the trolls the whole time. The trolls simply smiled, before grabbing them and shoving half of the protesting dwarves into sacks, while the other half were tied to a large spit above the firepit.

Hanna stayed ducked behind the bushes, staying out of view as she slowly inched her way towards the group that were in the sacks. Once next to them, she slowly and quietly started to scale one of the tall trees, ensuring that she remained out of sight the whole way. Once she was a good way up, she stopped, and surveyed the clearing looking at the rest of the company. Thorin and his nephews were tied up in sacks, along with Bilbo and a couple other dwarves. The reset of the company, including Dwalin and Bofur, were tied to the spit, slowly being rotated and roasted over the fire.
She remained crouched there for a few more minutes, debating whether or not she would intervene. Thorin had told her to stay out of the way, but surely it was well within her right to try and rescue everyone? She was brought out of her planning by her nephews voice and, looking down, saw Bilbo conversing with the trolls about the best way to cook the dwarrow.

“You need to… skin them first! Yes, that is what you have to do.” Bilbo claimed, feet shuffling the best they could in the sack.

“Skin them?” questioned the trolls. “I’ve had plenty of dwarf with the skin on. In fact, I think that we should just eat them right here, right now, raw and wriggling.” The troll reached down and grabbed one of the dwarfs, which was soon shown to be Bombur, and dangled him upside down over his mouth.

“Not that one!” Bilbo intervened, taking a step- which was more like a hop really- towards the troll. “He’s got worms- in his tubes. In fact, they all do!” Hanna had to stifle a burst of laughter at the shouts that rang out from the dwarves as they protested against her nephews claim. A quiet thud sounded from the pile of dwarves on the ground, and suddenly they were all agreeing with what Bilbo said. Some even claimed that they had worms as big as their arms. Throughout the whole commotion, Hanna didn’t notice a certain pointy hat wizard sneaking through the woods on the other side of the clearing. She only noticed him when he climbed onto a rock, drawing the attention of the dwarrow and the trolls.

“Who’s that?” one of the trolls asked.

“No idea.” another one shrugged

“Can we eat him too?” the final troll asked, looking at Gandalf hungrily.

“May the dawn take you all!” The wizard slammed his staff into the rock below him, bathing the clearing in the morning sunlight. Hanna watched in amusement as the trolls began to cry it in pain as they started to turn to stone where they stood. The final creaking of their hardening limbs stopped, leaving the company in an oppressive silence that was only broken when Bofur started speaking.

“Right, that was fun and all, but could we get some help? We’re kind of being roasted alive,” he stated, grinning. Hanna smiled before making her way down the tree she was in, and heading towards the dwarrow.

“Well, looks like you got yourselves into quite the predicament,” she said, coming to stand next to Bilbo. She pulled out her dagger and carefully cut the sack, allowing her nephew to slip out of it.

“And how come you didn’t get tied up with the rest of us, Miss Baggins?” asked Dwalin as he approached the previously tied up in sacks group who had been freed by Gandalf.

“Someone told me to stay out of the way,” she said, looking at Thorin coolly.

“Is that so?” Dwalin asked. Thorin hummed.

“And what if it is? She would’ve just gotten herself killed if she came with us.” He stated, turning towards the approaching wizard. “Gandalf, thanks for the rescues.”

“Glad to see that you are all in one piece,” he said, nodding to the dwarf.

“No thanks to your hobbits,” Thorin grumbled, sending a pointed glare towards Hanna and Bilbo. Hanna rolled her eyes, and grabbed Bilbo’s shoulder, quickly hauling him away, leaving the two to their conversation.

“Are you okay?” she asked, turning towards him and giving a quick once over.

“Yes, Anna,” he smiled, putting a hand over hers reassuraingly. “I’m fine. Maybe a couple bruises but nothing worth fretting over.”

“Oh Bilbo,” she whispered, her hand finding placement on his cheek. “You should know that I’ll always fret over you, fy rhyfelwr.”

Bilbo smiled. “I know, Anna.”

“Miss Baggins! Master Burglar! Come.” The two hobbits turned towards the gruff voice, seeing Thorin heading into the forest surrounding the clearing. They shared a look before following after him.

“Where are we going?” Hanna asked, falling into step behind him.

“We found the trolls hoard.” he answered. The three emerged from the trees to see a large cave, the other dwarves already heading inside. Thorin followed after his kin, leaving Hanna and Bilbo alone.

“You can head in if you want, but I’m going to wait outside. Don’t really fancy going inside with that foul stench.” She wrinkled her nose, leaning against the entrance to the cave. Bilbo wrinkled his nose as well, before swallowing and heading inside of the cave.

Inside of the cave, many of the dwarves were spread about, looking at the various objects that could be found on the ground. Gloin, Bofur and Nori had dug a hole in the ground and were dumping piles of coins and other valuables into it, claiming that it was ‘a long term deposit’. Thorin had come across a collection of well-forged swords in a barrel which Gandalf, upon further inspection, revealed to have been made by the high elves of Gondolin. Bilbo had come up empy handed but many of the other dwarves had found a few things hear and there that piqued their interest, including Dwalin. The surly dwarf found a beautifully crafted silver necklace. It was carved with excellent craftsmanship which he recognized to be that of dwarvish hands. For some reason, though he couldn’t figure out exactly why, he pocketed the necklace, tucking it deep within his jacket for safekeeping. Once all treasures had been found, and deposits buried, the group left the cave, reconvening with those who had decided to forgo the troll hoard.

“Bilbo!” called Gandalf, once they had both made their way out of the cave. The hobbit turned around, immediately noticing the object which the wizard held in his hand. “Here, this seems to be about your size.”

“But Gandalf… I’ve never used a sword before, I don’t know how to.” Bilbo stuttered, looking wide-eyed at the sword.

“And I pray that you never have to,” the wizard muttered, still holding it out towards him. Bilbo gulped, and took it with shaky hands, carefully holding it like it would lash out and stab him.

Hanna, who had watched the whole interction with a small smile on her face, called out to her nephew softly, “Bilbo, come here. I’ll get you situated with it.” Bilbo handed her the sword, and she began to gently strap it to his waist.

As she was pulling the strap, and ensuring that it wouldn’t go flying off if they had to run, loud rustling drew the companies attention towards the trees. Hanna stood up, pulling out one of her swords and pointing it towards the origin of the sound, noticing the dwarves doing the same.

“Get behind me, Bilbo,” she whispered, as the rustling continued to get louder. Bilbo did as she asked, his hand falling to grip the pommel of his new sword tightly, eyes trained on the trees, where he could just start to make out the source of the noise.

The dwarves had all grabbed their weapons, and prepared to fight as the noise continued to get closer to the company.

Chapter Text

The company all gripped their various weapons tightly, focus trained on the woods where the mysterious sound was coming from. They stood in a tense silence as the sound got steadily louder, and began to sound like dozens of feet hitting the ground. The bushes began to shake, the sound of the leaves mixing with the mysterious noise, before a large shape burst through the underbrush, yelling out loudly.

“Thieves! Fire! Murder!” yelled a brown-clad figure. The figure came to a harsh stop, revealing a group of rabbits– had been the cause for the loud noise –to be pulling a large sled, on which they stood. The figure was dressed in weather brown robes, and wore a large brown hat, similar to the one that Gandalf wore.

“Radgast! It’s Radagast the Brown,” called the grey wizard as he approached the sled, pulling the mans attention to him. The company lowered their weapons, though they were still on guard. Hanna caught Dwalins eye from across the clearing, and raised her eyebrows, this was the wizard that Gandalf had told the company about? Dwalin just shrugged, just as confused as she was.

“Gandalf,” the brown wizard exclaimed, hopping off his sled to meet him halfway.

“What is the meaning for this sudden meeting?” Gandalf asked, pulling his fellow wizard away from the rest of the company. The dwarves stared after the two wizards for a second, before shrugging and turning their attention to each other.

Hanna turned to Bilbo, who still had his hand holding onto his sword tightly. “Bill… are you okay?”

“Uh, yeah, yeah, I think so,” he stammered out, blinking his eyes quickly. He let go of the sword, and began to wring his hands in front of him, looking at his Aunt quickly before looking away again.

“Okay, that’s good. Now, remind me, that the next time we get the chance, I need to teach you how to use that thing,” she smiled, gesturing to Bilbo’s sword.

“That’s really not necessary,” Bilbo protested, looking at her with wide eyes.

“Yes, it is, Bilbo,” she stated, looking at him sternly. “If you want to continue on this quest, you need to know how to defend yourself. And besides, the dwarves don’t think that you can handle yourself, so how about you and I prove them wrong, yeah?” Bilbo chuckled, and nodded, Hanna smiled, wrapping her arm around his shoulders, and began to drag him closer to the dwarves when a loud howl sounded through the air.

“Was that a wolf?” Bilbo asked. Hanna pulled him closer to her side, her hand falling to her dagger. “Are there wolves out there?”

“Wolf?” Fili scoffed. “No, that was not a wolf.”

As soon as the dwarf prince finished speaking, a large, dark shape jumped out of the pushes, directly into the middle of the company. Multiple yelps of surprise were heard as the warg landed, growling at the group. Thorin ran forward, shoving his newly acquired sword through the wargs neck, killing it instantly. Hanna detached herself from Bilbo and grabbed one of her swords, holding it out in front of her. She turned around sharply when a low growl sounded from behind her which had come from a second orc. She ducked to the floor as it pounced, dragging Bilbo with her. As she stood up and turned around to face the beast, she saw Kili bury an arrow deep into its skin, causing it to collapse. It tried to stand back up, but Dwalin had shoved his axe-head into it before it could.

“Warg scouts,” grunted Thorin, as he pulled his sword out from the first warg. “Which means that an orc back is not far behind.”

“Orc pack?” squeaked Bilbo, as Hanna helped him up from his crouched position on the floor.

“Who did you tell about your quest, beyond your kin?” Gandalf asked, hurrying back to the group, Radgast a step behind him.

“No one.”

“Who did you tell?” Gandalf bellowed, stepping closer to the dwarf.

“No one, I swear!” he insisted. “What in Durin’s name is going on?”

“You are being hunted.” The wizard said, glancing around the forest.

“We need to get out of here,” said Dwalin, loudly.

“We can’t!” They all turned to look at Ori, who had spoken. “We have no ponies, they bolted!” Hanna shared a look with Dwalin, things had just gotten a whole lot more difficult.

“I’ll draw them off,” Radagast cut in, grabbing onto his wizard staff tightly.

“These are Gundabad wargs, they will outrun you!” protested Gandalf.

“These are rhosgabel rabbits! I’d like to see them try,” the wizard said, a large, toothy grin breaking out across his face.

Gandalf was silent for a moment, before nodding. Radagast's smile widened and he rushed to get on his sleigh. He nodded to the Company before whipping his reigns, causing the rabbits to start moving. The company was silent, listening to the sound of the sleigh getting further away, before turning to Gandalf.

“Right, now, you all, follow me.” The wizard led the dwarves away from where Radgast had gone, slowly approaching the edge of the treeline. They watched as Radagast burst from the trees, grabbing the attention of the orcs, who began to chase after him. Gandalf starts to run ahead, gesturing for the Company to follow him, “Come on.” Hanna grabs Bilbo’s hand, and pulls him closer to her, ensuring that she knew where he was.

The company followed behind the wizard, weapons drawn, listening for the sounds of approaching orcs. Gandalf abruptly stopped, causing the group behind him to narrowly avoid running into each other, Grunts of annoyance could be heard, but were quickly quieted as Radagast and the Orcs ran in front of them, far too close for comfort. Gandalf gestured for them to stay together before continuing on. They group runs for a little bit longer before they are forced to once again duck behind a rock, as the orcs are once again to close. Once the way is clear, they run forward again, this time with Balin in the lead. Glancing back, Hanna sees Thorin and Gandalf now in the back of the group. Thorin looks casts an annoyed look at Gandalf before hurrying to catch up with the rest of the Company. They continued to run, keeping an eye on where the orcs were, the whole time.

While they were running, Hannas mind slowly began to wander as she began to fall into a pattern of movements. She thought about the chain of events that led to her going on a quest to reclaim her homeland with her brother and a group of dwarves who had no idea who she was.

Abruptly, she was brought out of her thoughts as a hand grabbed her arm and pulled her against a solid figure. Looking up she was met with the sight of Dwalin pressed against a rock. She opened her mouth to speak but wasn’t able to get a word out as one of his hands came to cover her mouth. His other hand let go of her arm, and pointed up, towards the top of the rock. Looking up, she finally registered the sound of growling and sniffing that was coming from above them. She looked back at Dwalin and nodded, before gently removing his hand from her mouth, and turning around, so that her back to him.

Hanna was trying to quiet her ragged breathing when she saw Kili begin to slink forward, notching an arrow into his bow. She watched as quickly turned around and fired the arrow, the warg letting out an ear piercing shriek as it fell onto the ground in front of them. The orc jumped up, and turned around with a snarl, only to be met with the metal of Hannas blade, which was now buried in its neck. She yanked her sword out and watched as the orc fell to the ground, dead. In the distance, the sounds of howling, along with paws thundering on the ground, can be heard, and the company quickly recognizes it to be the rest of the orc pack heading towards them, no longer entertained by Radagast. They look towards Gandalf, who only looks at them solemnly before answering.

“Run!”

They do as he says, sprinting away from the rock and the sounds of the incoming orc pack. They are forced to come to a stop as an orc appears in front of them. More orcs surround them, some coming from the sides while the the rest of the pack closes in behind them.

Hanna pulled her other sword from its sheath, holding them both out in front of her defensively, noting Bilbo doing the same, despite not knowing how to fight. Her attention is drawn away from Bilbo as an orc leaped towards her, it’s weapon meeting one of hers. She slashed the orcs stomach with her other sword, stepping back as it collapsed to its knees. She sliced its neck before turning around to assess the clearing. Kili was shooting the orcs and their wargs while many of the other dwarves were meeting them head on. Dwalin, Fili, and Bofur were next to Bilbo, stopping any beasts from getting close to him. She noticed that Gandalf appeared to have once again disappeared but was unable to think much about it as she heard a low growl from behind her.

Hanna turned around to see the dark eyes of a warg staring at her, it’s teeth barred, She rolled to the side as it lunged at her, quickly turning to slash at its back. The beast howled before turning around to attack her again. As it jumped, she fell to her knees, slicing its stomach as she slid under it. She returned to her feet, and turned to make sure that it was dead.

“This way you fools!” Hanna turned around at the sound of Gandalf's voice, seeing him ducking behind a rock.

Looking around to make sure she was safe to go, Hanna ran towards where the wizard had been, jumping behind the rock, and sliding down it. Once she had landed, she moved out of the way, looking around at the cavern that they were in, noticing a large crack in the wall. Walking forward, she peered into, trying to see where it lead. She narrowed her eyes, before returning back to the rest of the Company, coming to stand next to Bilbo.

Outside the cave, a loud horn rang through the air, one which Hanna immediately recognized to be that of the elves of Rivendell. Sounds of arrows flying through the air, and swords slicing can be heard as the elves clash with the orcs. Suddenly, a dead orc rolled down the rock in front of them, half an arrow protruding from its neck. Thorin stepped forward, pulling the small projectile from the corpse, and examined its head.

“Elves,” he spat, throwing the arrow onto the ground.

“I cannot see where the pathway leads, should we follow it?” called Dwalin, emerging from the crack that Hanna had peered into. When he went in there, she had no idea.

“Follow it of course!” answered Bofur, leading the rest of the company to Dwalin, who nodded and disappeared into the rock once more, this time with the rest of dwarves following.

“I think that would be wise,” Gandalf muttered as he watched the dwarves shuffle forward. Hanna grinned, and gently nudged Bilbo, telling him to go in front of her.

“You’ve taken us to Rivendell, haven’t you, Gandalf?” she asked the wizard as they began to follow her nephew.

“Maybe I have, maybe I haven’t,” he answered. Hanna threw a grin over her shoulder at him, having heard the smile in his voice. They walk in silence and before Hanna knew it, they had emerged from the other side of the path. In front of them is a beautiful valley, in which all the dwarves were staring at in wonder.

“The valley of Imladris,” supplied Gandalf, stopping behind the dwarves. “In the Common Tongue, it is known by a different name.”

“Rivendell,” whispered Bilbo, looking out over the valley. He had heard stories of the elvish settlement and its Lord from Hanna when he was younger, he never thought that he would actually get to go there one day.

“The last homely house east of the sea,” Hanna smiled. It had been many years since she had last seen the valley, what with having to take care of Bilbo and all that. Glancing at the dwarves, she saw that they all had matching expressions of displeasure on their faces, glaring out at the valley as if it had personally offended them. She roller her eyes at them, Dwarves. Always so stubborn, she thought.

“So,” Hanna turns to face Thorin, with an eyebrow raised as he turns to Gandalf. “This was your plan all along, to seek refuge with our enemy.”

“You have no enemies here, Thorin Oakenshield,” Gandalf scolded. “The only ill-will to be found here is that which you bring yourselves.”

“You think that the elves will give us their blessings? They will try to stop us,” Thorin argued, glaring at Gandalf harshly.

“Of course they will,” the wizard agreed. “But we have questions that need to be answered. If we are to be successful, this will need to be handled with tact and respect and no small deal of charm, which is why you will leave the talking to me, and Hanna.”

Gandalf began to make his down the valley, following his proclamation, leaving Thorin to stare at where he had been standing. Hanna and Bilbo followed after him, Hanna ignoring the looks that the dwarves were sending her way. Begrudgingly, the rest of the company began to follow them, all of them muttering about having to seek out the help of elves.

Chapter Text

The company continued to make their way through the valley in silence, various emotions running through them. Hanna was happy to be back in Rivendell after being away for so long, Bilbo was excited to be there after hearing about it from his aunt, the dwarves were in various states of annoyance and anger that they were there, and Gandalf was just happy that they had all managed to get to Rivendell in one piece.

The group stopped once they had reached a small stone courtyard that was lined with intricately carved stone statues. Bilbo was looking around in awe while Hanna was taking in the sight of the place that she once called home. Their attention was drawn back to the present as gentle footsteps sounded, alerting them to the approaching person. Hanna looked to the top of the stairs that stood in front of the group and saw an elf begin to walk down towards them. The elf was wearing purple robes, and a small gold circlet sat atop his brown hair. 

Lindir, she thought, smiling, and moving to stand closer to Gandalf.

“Mithrandir,” Lindir said, smiling courteously before turning to address Hanna, bowing his head. “Eich Uchelder Brenhinol.”

“Lindir,” she responded, also bowing her head. “It was been a long time, my friend.”

“That it has,” he said, before turning his attention to the wizard. “We heard you had crossed into the Valley.”

“I must speak with Lord Elrond,” Gandalf said, urgently.

“I’m afraid that my Lord Elrond is not here.”

“Not here? Where is he?” Gandalf had barely finished speaking when a loud horn sounded from behind the group. They turned to see elves of horses riding towards them. The dwarves shouted in alarm, pulling out their weapons and gathering together. At some point, someone had grabbed Bilbo's arm, pulling him into the middle of the huddle. They tried to do the same to Hanna, but she stepped backwards, standing next to Gandalf and Lindir, silently. 

The elves began to circle around the dwarves, staring at them in confusion and mistrust. Slowly they came to a stop, one of them breaking free to approach the three standing on the outside of the circle. He stopped in front of them.

“Gandalf,” he said, a small smile gracing his lips.

“Elrond,” the wizard reply, giving the elf lord a graceful bow.

“Ah, and if it isn’t the Lady Hanna. Finally returned to Imladris, I see?” he said, bowing his head towards her. 

“So it appears that I have, my Lord Elrond,” Hanna answered, bowing towards him as well, smiling softly.

“Mellon nin, where have you been?” Gandalf asked, taking a step towards him.

“We’ve been hunting a pack of orcs that came up from the south. We slew a number near the hidden pass,” Elrond explained in Sindarin, hopping off his horse and handing the reins to a hand that had arrived at some point. He gave Gandalf a quick embrace, before continuing to talk, “Strange for orcs to come so close to our borders. Something, or someone, must have drawn them near.”

“Ah,” Gandalf said, bashfully. “That may have been us.” He gestured to the still huddled together group of dwarves, Thorin standing at the front of it. Elrond stared at him for a moment.

“Welcome Thorin, son of Thrain,” he smiled.

“I do not believe that we have met,” Thorin answered gruffly, staring at Elrond in distrust.

“You have your grandfathers bearing. I knew Thror when he ruled under the mountain,” he explained.

“Indeed; he made no mention of you,” Thorin growled, causing Hanna to roll her eyes. Honestly, the audacity of this dwarf.

Elrond said nothing, looking over the other dwarves. His eyes stopped on Bilbo for a second, before falling back to Thorin, and speaking softly in sindarin, “Light the fires, bring forth the wine. We must feed our guests.” At his words, the dwarves started to grumble, glaring at Elrond and the other elves.

“What does he say? Does he offer us insult?” exclaimed Gloin, beginning to walk towards the lord.

“Oh my goodness,” Hanna groaned, stepping in front of the approaching dwarf. “Thank you for your kind off, Lord Elrond. We will gladly accept your invitation to feast with you.” She spoke the last part loudly, directed towards the dwarves. Their grumbles quieted down, though she knew they were still glaring.

Elrond nodded, before turning to Lindir. “Lindir, would you please escort Hanna to her room so that she may wash up before we dine?” The elf nodded, and began to turn away when the dwarves cried out, loudly.

“She’s not going anywhere,” said Thorin. “We stay together.”

“Thorin,” Hanna groaned, closing her eyes tightly. She opened them, and stared at Thorin evenly. “It’s fine, I promise. I trust Lord Elrond and his elves, and so should you. So please, stop making a scene.” Thorin stared at her, before huffing and turning away. “Thank you.”

“Are you sure that you’ll be okay, lass?” Balin asked before she could walk away.

“Yes, Balin, I am sure.” she reassured, smiling gently. Balin nodded, and stepped back. She nodded at him, before turning around to follow Lindir up the stairs. They walked in silence for a few minutes, before he broke it.

“So,” the elf started, glancing at her out of his eye. “Traveling with your brother who thinks you dead, eh?”

“Yes, it appears so,” Hanna chuckled, shaking her head.

“And how is that going?”

“Besides for them not trusting me and treating me like some defenseless dam? Surprisingly well,” she said.

“I’m sure they’ll come to regret that sentiment,” Lindir chuckled, turning down a small corridor. 

“Oh yes, yes they will,” Hanna grinned.

“Well, my lady, here we are; you’re room,” the elf stopped them in front of a pair of beautifully carved doors, gesturing out to them.

“Thank you, Lindir, for accompanying me,” she said, turning to face him. “I trust that I’ll see you again whilst we are here?”

“That you will. I’ll leave you to wash up, my lady.” With that, he bowed and turned to walk down the hall. Hanna smiled, before gently pushing open the doors and entering the room, shutting the doors behind her.

It looked the same as it had when she left. The bed was pushed up against the wall opposite from the doors, the carved wooden frame as beautiful as she remembered. On either side of the bed, stood a pair of double glass doors that led out onto a balcony that overlooked the valley. On the left wall, a door led to a small side chamber that housed a small bath and vanity. Opposite the side chamber stood an armoire and, next to it, stood a desk and small bookshelf. On the other side of the armoire stood a changing screen.

 Hanna walked forward, having noticed a small box on the desk. She gently ran her fingers over the stone, before opening it to reveal a pair of small bead clasps and a note. She took a deep breath and shut the box, squeezing her eyes shut tightly. A brisk knock sounded throughout the room, causing her eyes to fly open as she faced the door.

“Come in,” she called. The door opened, and a blonde elf walked into the room, smiling brightly at the sigh of Hanna. 

“Lady Hanna!” she exclaimed, bowing deeply to her. 

“Aerin,” she smiled, approaching the elf. “It is good to see you again, my friend.”

“You as well,” Aerin replied. “Lord Elrond sent me to assist you in getting ready for the feast tonight.”

“That would be much appreciated, Aerin, thank you.” the elf bowed once more, smiling, before entering the side chamber to prepare Hanna a bath. The hobbit smiled, before heading over to the bed and beginning to remove her excess accessories and garments, and set them on the floor. A few minutes later, Aerin reentered the room, letting Hanna know that the bath was ready. “Thank you, Aerin. I won’t need any assistance for now, but I will call you when I am done.” The elf nodded, and let Hanna enter the side chamber, shutting the door behind her.

Hanna sighed, and leant against the wall, staring at the steaming bath before her. She pushed herself off the wall, and began to get fully undressed, grimacing at the feeling of dirty clothes being pulled off her skin. She caught sight of herself in the mirror, and paused, staring at the ugly red scar on her shoulder. She breathed out sharply, quickly turning away and getting into the tub, immediately relaxing into the heat of the water. 

She sat there for a moment, relishing in the feeling of the water before she began to actually clean her body. She grabbed the bar of soap that had been set next to the tub and began to wash her body, humming as the dirt that had been clinging to her skin began to be released. When Hanna was done with her body, she set the soap bar down and grabbed the hair wash that was next to it, and began to wash her hair. She ducked down under the water, and quickly reemerged, wiping the water out of her eyes before beginning to remove all of the soap from her hair. 

Soon, she had finished and began to exit the now cooling water. She grabbed the towel that was hanging on the wall and began to dry her body off, before wrapping it around herself.

“Aerin?” she called out, tucking the towel into itself to get it to stay.

“Yes, my lady?” came the muffled response. 

“I’ve finished with my wash,” Hanna said, opening the door to the main part of the room. She noticed that the elf was on the opposite side of the room, opening the balcony doors, a gently breeze beginning to blow through the room.

“Ah! Would you like me to assist you with getting ready for tonight?” Aerin asked, turning and walking towards Hanna. 

“If you wouldn’t mind,” she smiled, stepping back into the side chamber. 

“Not at all! Now please, take a seat, I’ll be there in just a moment.” Hanna did as she was told, sitting in the chair in front of the vanity as Aerin walked through the door, smiling softly. “Now, let’s get started, shall we?”

Aerin gently brushed through Hannas hair, working to detangle all of the knots that had built up in her curls while she had been traveling. Once all of the knots had been worked out, and her hair was mostly dry, the elf began to put it into a simple, but elegant, updo. 

“And there! What do you think, my lady?” Aerin asked, hands clasped in front of her.

“It’s beautiful, Aerin, thank you,” Hanna smiled as she nodded to her in the mirror, fingers gently carding through her hair. 

“Of course. Would you like me to pick out a dress for you to wear tonight?”

“That would be lovely.” Aerin walked back out to the room, Hanna following behind her. The elf was gently looking through the armoire, where a small collection of clothes lives, before pulling out pieces for her to wear and setting them on the bed. “Thank you, Aerin. I shan’t be needing anymore of your assistance.”

“Of course, my lady. I’ll leave you to finish getting ready.” Aerin bowed, before slipping from the room and shutting the doors, leaving Hanna alone. She sighed, and picked up the clothing pieces and bringing them behind the screen with her to get changed. She quickly got changed and reemerged from behind the screen, no longer looking like she had been traveling for weeks. She was a wearing a simple dress with a white blouse top, brown skirt and green corset, along with a pair of simple brown boots.

She grabbed her dagger and its sheath from where she had placed it on the floor and strapped it to her hip. With that, she exited her room, planning to walk around Rivendell while waiting for the dinner to begin. She slowly walked through the halls, slowly making her way towards the dining courtyard, looking around at the beautiful walls, memories of the past running through her head. Soon, she had reached the entrance to the courtyard, gently pushing the doors open and entering, seeing it still vacant of the dining party, but rather filled with elves as they hurried to prepare the table for dinner.

She stepped out of the way of an oncoming elf, bowing her head politely to them as she went to stand next to one of the large stone pillars instead. Hanna stood there, silently watching the elves continue to prepare when the doors were pushed open, the dwarves filing in. They glanced at Hanna, some giving her polite smiles, before taking a seat at the two large tables in the courtyard, grumbling about the solely vegan food that had been prepared for them. She turned her gaze to the windows across from her, staring out at the valley, smiling softly, when she heard footsteps approaching her. Looking to her left, she saw Dwalin walking up to her. He stopped next to her, arms crossed.

“You clean up nicely,” Hanna said, turning to fully face him.

“You’re not too bad yourself,” he responded, offering her a quick, barely there smile. She breathed out a laugh, smiling at him gently. “I just wanted to say sorry; for what happened back there.”

“Sorry for what?” she frowned, trying to remember if he did anything that warranted such an apology.

“For grabbing you, back when we were running,” Dwalin clarified, clearing his throat slightly. 

“Oh!” Hanna laughed softly, shaking her head. “It’s no trouble, Dwalin. If you hadn’t, I probably would’ve ran straight out into the orc pack, so really, I should thank you.” Dwalin nodded, stiffly, as the two settled into a somewhat awkward silence that was only broken by the sound of the doors once again being opened, this time to reveal the lord of Rivendell as well as Gandalf and Thorin. The wizard was quietly talking to Elrond, smiling bashfully as they approached Hanna and Dwalin.

“You never are,” she heard Elrond chuckle, before he turned his attention towards her. “But you, my dear Hanna, look as beautiful as always.” He smiled, and extended his arm towards her.

“Thank you, Elrond,” she bowed her head, stepping forward and gracefully taking his arm. “You don’t look too bad yourself.” The elf laughed, and began to guide her and the others he entered the room towards a smaller table at the back of the courtyard. Hanna spared a glance at Dwalin, who was staring after them with an expression that she couldn’t pinpoint on his face. She offered him one last smile, before turning her attention back in front of her. As they approached the table, Hanna released Elrond's arm, bowing to him, before sitting down in the chair to the elven lords left, with Gandalf next to her and Thorin on the opposite side of the table. The four of them began to eat in silence, listening to the soft music that a few elves were playing.

“Hanna, I trust that Aerin was of good assistance to you?” Elrond asked, taking a sip from his goblet.

“As good as she always was,” Hanna said, wiping her mouth with a small cloth. “Though I must say, Elrond,” the elf hummed, turning his head towards her. “I was surprised that you kept my room.”

His brows furrowed, a small frown tugging at the corners of his mouth, “And why would we not?”

“Well, it’s… it’s been many years since I was last here, I thought you would have cleared it out for someone else to use,” she said, her hand coming to rest on the table.

“Hanna, my dear, why on earth would you think that?” Elrond asked, placing his hand on top of hers. “You will always have a home here in Imladris, regardless of how often you are gone.”

“Thank you, Elrond,” she said softly, smiling.

“Of course,” he gave her hand a quick squeeze, before pulling away, a small smile gracing his face. “Now, how goes proceedings in the shire?”

Hanna shrugged, “Much of the same really. Bilbo has taken over his fathers land owning, and has earned himself quite the reputation among the Shire.” She went on to talk about the drama that had occurred since she had last been in Rivendell, telling him about new things, such as Lobelia Sacksville-Baggins, who hadn’t even been born when she had last visited, that had occurred while also catching him up on any drama that had occurred the last time she was there. 

“And what of Bungo and Belladonna? How are they?” Elrond asked during a lull in the conversation.

“They, uh, they passed away, many years ago.” she answered, wincing slightly. The table fell into a tense silence at her words. Elrond looked at her, barely concealed shock in his eyes, while Thorin and Gandalf simply continued to stare at them.

“Oh… I’m so sorry, Hanna.” he apologized, before glancing at Bilbo, who was sitting next to Balin. “How has Bilbo taken it?”

“Don’t be,” she waved off his apology, and cast a look over at her nephew. “It was hard on him when it first happened, but over the years he’s moved on past his grief.”

Elrond hummed, before speaking again, his voice low, “And what of you?”

“And what of me?” she asked, taking a sip from her goblet.

“How are you handling their deaths?”

“I’m fine, Elrond. Truly, I am,” Hanna reassured. “Eventually you get used to losing people, right?” 

“I suppose…” he frowned, his eyes studying her face intently. “May I ask what happened?”

“It was when the Fell Winter hit,” she explained. “The Brandywine River froze over, which gave the Wolves a path into the shire. They began to attack the hobbits who attempted to brave the cold in search of food, including Bella. I don’t know how long she was gone for, but soon Bungo got worried and went to try and find her. They never returned to the smial. I found them together after the snow had melted, Bungo hugging his wife to his chest, Bella with a large bite wound in her torso. At least they were together when they died.” She finished talking, a sad frown on her face. The four people sitting at the table sat in silence for a moment, before Gandalf broke it, clearing his throat. 

“Lord Elrond,” he started. Elrond hummed, turning to face the wizard. “We have some swords that we would like for you to look at. Thorin.” The dwarf handed Elrond the sword he had acquired from the troll hoard. 

Elrond pulled it out of the sheath, and examined it for a few seconds, turning it over in his hand. “This is Orcrist, the Goblin Cleaver. A famous blade, forged by the High Elves of Gondolin. My kin. May it serve you well.” He handed the sword back to Thorin, who nodded at him in thanks. Gandalf passed his sword to Hanna, who in turn passed to Elrond to look at it. He did the same to this sword as he did to Thorins, before answering. “And this is Glamdring, the foe-hammer, sword of the King of Gondolin. These swords were made for the goblin wars of the first age. How did you come by these?”

“We found them on a troll hoard along the Great East Road, shortly before we were ambushed by orcs,” Gandalf said, wiping food out of his beard.

“And what were you doing on the Great East Road?” Elrond asked, eyeing the three suspiciously. 

“Excuse me.” Thorin abruptly stood up, and left the courtyard, leaving the others to stare after him. They looked at each other, confused, when suddenly a voice began to ring out from where the rest of the company was sitting.

Looking over, they could see that Bofur was now standing on a log of some sort, and was beginning to sing a song. As the song progressed, the other dwarves began to pick up food, and throw it around. Hanna ducked as a piece of food narrowly missed her head, and hit the rock behind her, right next to where poor Lindir was standing. 

“Right then, I think this is when I make my exit,” Hanna said, standing up, and nodding to the two remaining members of the table. “Thank you for the delicious food, Elrond.” He bowed his head towards her as she turned away, making her way past the dwarves who were laughing and throwing food everywhere. She shook her head at them and quickly left the room, turning left to head towards her chambers. 

Once she arrived at the double doors, whe slipped inside, and leaned back against them, sighing softly. She quickly got undressed, setting her dagger on the desk, alongside her swords which appeared to have been cleaned at some point, and put on a simple nightgown before getting into bed, sliding beneath the plush covers. She quickly fell asleep, the breeze from the still open doors wafting over her.

~~~

The next morning, Hanna woke up to a loud knock on the door. Groggily, she sat up, brushing her hair out of her face.

“Yes?” she called, yawning.

“My Lady Hanna, it’s Aerin. My Lord Elrond has requested that you have breakfast with him,” came a soft voice from the other side of the door.

“Tell him that I will be there soon,” the hobbit responded, once again yawning.

“Of course, my lady.” Hanna listened as Aerin’s footsteps gradually faded away, before flopping back onto her bed and groaning. Despite having the best sleep that she had had in many weeks, it was still simply too early to get up. But get up she did, though she had to almost force herself to.

Once she was up and standing, she walked over to the armoire, and opened it. She glanced at the clothes inside of it, before pulling out a simple white tunic, a brown travel corset, a pair of brown trousers, and a pair of simple boots. She entered the side chamber and began to get ready for the day, pulling on the fresh clothes and brushing through her hair, which she put into a simple braided style. She entered the room, and strapped her swords and dagger to her body in their appropriate spots. Once she was ready, she exited the room, heading towards the small platform where she knew Elrond liked to host his private breakfasts. When she arrived, she greeted Elrond with a small bow, before taking a seat and beginning to eat, making small talk with the lord.

“Tell me, Hanna,” he began. Hanna hummed, looking at him from over the rim of her goblet. “How has it been traveling with the dwarves?”

She scoffed, “As well as one might expect. I forgot how ill-mannered my people can be at times. And not to mention the judgement and distrust that they all seem to harbour for Bilbo and I! Honestly, it’s unbelievable.”

“You know, you could avoid that distrust if you told them who you are,” Elrond said.

“Oh yes,” she began, mockingly. “Let me approach my brother, who, in case you have forgotten, thinks me dead, and tell him that I’m his sister who miraculously survived a dragon attack. I’m sure that’ll go over real well.”

“You’re going to have to tell him eventually.”

“And I will cross that bridge when I get there,” Hanna said, glaring at Elrond, who bowed his head in agreement. She nodded to him and stood up. “Well, I think that I shall take my leave. Thank you for the breakfast, Elrond, it was lovely.” 

“I believe that Elladan and Elrohir planned to be at the sparring field till just before midday, if you wish to see them,” the elf said, smiling gently.

“I suppose that I’ll make my way there, then,” Hanna smiled in reply, before turning and exiting the platform, heading towards the sparring grounds. As she walked through the halls, she stumbled upon a small group of dwarves, which was compromised ofThorin, Dwalin, Balin and the two princes.

“Hanna!” called Balin, noticing her before the others.

“Balin,” she responded, approaching the group. “Where are you five off to?”

“We are attempting to find the sparring grounds. We were told that they were this way, but we have yet to come upon them,” he explained.

“That is because whoever you asked for help lied to you.”

“What do you mean?” Thorin asked, frowning.

“The sparring field is in the direction you’re coming from.” she gestured behind them, chuckling softly.

“So the elves lied to us?” her brother growled. She nodded. “Just another reason to not trust these pointy-eared creatures.”

“Just as you don’t like them, Thorin, they don’t like you,” Hanna said, sternly. “Now, I was just headed to the sparring field myself, so how about I show you to it?”

Thorin opened his mouth to say something, but Balin spoke before he could. “That would be much appreciated, Hanna, thank you.” She smiled, walking forward and pushing through the group, forcing them to follow her.

“Why are you headed to the sparring grounds, Miss Hanna?” questioned Fili, as him and Kili fell into step with her.

“I was told that Lord Elrond's sons were there and wished to pay them a visit,” she explained, turning left down another hallway. “And, it has been quite a long time since I’ve last been able to properly spar.”

“You know how to fight? How?” Kili asked.

“My father taught me and my br- my siblings when I was a child,” she explained, turning her head to face him. “He believed that it was an essential part of my education, knowing how to fight.”

“Sounds familiar,” the youngest brother muttered, casting an annoyed glance back at Thorin, who was conversing with Dwalin quietly. Hanna chuckled, and led the dwarfs through a stone archway.

“And here we are. Elladan! Elrohir!” she called, spotting the twins on the far side of the field. They turned towards her voice, grinning when they noticed her.

“Well, well!” called Elladan as they quickly approached the group. “If it isn’t our favourite half-hobbit.”

“It’s good to see you both as well,” she laughed, nodding her head in greeting.

“So, Hanna, are you gonna introduce us to your little friends?” Elrohir asked, staring at the five dwarves intently. Thorin stepped forward, a guarded glare on his face.

“I’m Thorin, son of Thrain. These are my sister's sons, Fili and Kili, and Balin and Dwalin, sons of Fundin,” he said, gesturing to each dwarf in turn. 

“Ah yes, the heir to the throne of the King Under the Mountain. I see you made it to the sparring field,” Elladan said, his growing grin full of mischief

“No thanks to you, elf,” Thorin growled, glaring at him.

“Now, now, no need to be so hostile, your majesty.” the elf laughed, turning to Hanna. “So, mellon nin, what can we help you with?”

“Your father told me you were here, so I began to head here in hopes of sparring when I picked up this bunch on the way,” she explained.

“Just because you can wield a sword does not mean you know how to use it,” said a voice from behind her.

“Excuse me?” she asked, turning to face Thorin, who was standing with his arms crossed.

“I said, that just because you can hold those swords, doesn’t mean you actually know how to use them,” he repeated, staring down at her.

“Okay then. Grab your own weapon, and let’s see who goes down first,” she said, glaring at him. He didn’t respond, only continued to stare at her. “Or are you scared that a hobbit is going to beat you?” He scoffed, before grabbing his sword from his hip, and heading out to the center of the field.

“He’s going to regret saying that, isn’t he?” Elladan asked in Sindarin, as Hanna passed him and Elrohir, her twin swords now in her hands.

“Oh yes he is,” she responded, also in Sindarin, twirling the blades in her hands. She stood across from Thorin, staring at him as he shrugged off his large coat and tossed it to the side. 

Hanna crouched, getting into a standard fighting stance, Thorin doing the same. They stared at each other for a second, before Thorin launched across the space, his sword crashing against Hannas. She grunted as she blocked him, and pushed against him, stepping to the side, causing him to stumble forward. Turning around, he barely had enough time to block Hannas sword as she swung at him. She slashed at him with her other sword forcing him to take a step back to avoid getting hit. 

She spun her swords, and began slowly circling Thorin. She watched as he crouched down low, sword held protectively in front of him. Suddenly, he launched himself forward, sword held high above his head. Hanna stepped out of the way, kicking her leg out, causing him to trip, and fall onto his stomach, dropping his sword. He quickly flipped over, only to find the tip of Hannas sword inches from his face. He desperately tried to grab his sword, but only grabbed at air as she kicked it out of his reach.

“Looks like I win, your highness,” Hanna said, smirking, her sword still inches from his face. 

“I don’t think so,” he growled, reaching out and grabbing one of her legs, and pulling it. Hanna yelped as she fell backwards, landing hard on her back as her swords fell from her grasp. 

She coughed, winded, as Thorin scrambled to retrieve his fallen sword. He picked it and immediately tried to, essentially, cut off Hanna’s head. She gasped, and quickly rolled to the side. She jumped back to her feet, grabbing her dagger and holding it protectively out in front of her.

“That doesn’t seem entirely fair, now does it, Thorin?” she gasped, still trying to regain her breath. Thorin only grunted, before lunging at her, sword out in front of her as if to stab her. Hanna once again stepped to the side, and grabbed his wrist, forcing him to drop his sword. Using his momentum, she swung him around, and pinned his arm behind her, holding her dagger as close to his throat as she could. “Yield.”

Thorin grunted, struggling to try and break out of her hold before relenting, tapping her arm with his free hand. She dropped her dagger from his throat and let him go, breathing heavily. As she resheathed her dagger, cheers broke out from the group that had been watching them. Turning, she saw Fili and Kili cheering loudly, while the others, bar Dwalin, clapped politely. She saluted them before grabbing her swords from where they laid on the ground, Thorin doing the same before he walked over to Dwalin . She returned to the others, her weapons now back in their proper sheaths. 

“That was most impressive, lass,” Balin complimented, staring at her in interest. “Not many people can best the heir to the throne of Erebor, especially not a Hobbit from the shire.”

“Yes, well, looks can be deceiving,” Hanna smiled, meeting his gaze levelly. 

“Indeed they can,” the old dwarf hummed, a small smile poking at his face.

She turned to Thorin, who was talking quietly to Dwalin. “I hope I didn’t bruise your ego too much, your majesty. Wouldn’t want that now, would we?”

“My ego is perfectly fine,” he grunted, turning to face her. “I’m more humble than I am hurt. If I had known about your proficiency with a blade, I would not have said what I did.” Hanna dipped her head in acknowledgement, eyebrows furrowing slightly at his comment. 

“Told you he would regret that,” she stated, turning towards the two elves. They nodded in agreement, small smirks on their faces.

“So, Hanna,” Elladan spoke up. “Who are you challenging to spar now?”

She shrugged, grinning, “Whoevers up for the challenge, I suppose.” 

The group remained at the sparring field well into the day, only leaving once the sun was high above them, and they were all drenched in sweat (minus the elves of course, since they’re, well, elves). As they made their way through the halls of Rivendell, the group got smaller as they headed off to attend to things. The twins were due for patrol and were the first to leave, Thorin and Balin were called to have lunch with Gandalf, while Kili and Fili wanted to explore the elven realm more, which left Hanna and Dwalin alone.

“You have quit the unique fighting style,” Dwalin said, breaking the silence that had formed.

“Oh? What exactly do you mean by that?” she asked, glancing at him in confusion.

“You fight like no one I’ve seen before,” he explained. “Your style… It's unique. Almost like a mix of dwarven and elvish styles.”

“Perhaps that is because it is.”

“Oh? And what exactly do you mean by that?”

Hanna breathed out slowly, turning her face towards the sky as she thought about how to answer the question. “My mother was a hobbit, but my father was not. He was born in the lands far to the east, far beyond the borders of the Shire. He learned to fight when he was young, picking things up from the travelers that would come through his home. When I was young, he passed on his knowledge to me.”

“Your father knew how to fight like a dwarf and an elf?” Dwalin questioned, raising an eyebrow in disbelief. 

“Yes, I suppose he did,” she said softly, before stopping and turning towards the dwarf. She gestured to the door next to them. “This is me. I’ll see you at dinner, Dwalin.” She quickly entered her room, not giving him a chance to reply, and shut the door. 

It was silent outside the room before footsteps began to slowly retreat away from it. Hanna breathed a sigh of relief, and headed to the side chamber room, deciding to wash up slightly before heading back out. She once again walked through the halls, looking around. Eventually she came upon a balcony, where she saw Bilbo conversing with Lord Elrond. She stopped, standing by the entryway to the balcony, letting them finish their conversation.

“You are always welcome to stay here, if you wish.” she heard Elrond mutter, before turning to walk away. She nodded her head towards him, silent as he passed. Bilbo stared after him, looking as though he was deep in thought. 

“Hanna,” he said, smiling as he noticed her standing there.

“Bilbo,” she responded, smiling as she approached him. She stopped beside him, staring out at the landscape. “I trust that your stay here has been well?”

“Oh yes! It has been wonderful. To finally have a nice bed, and warm food, not that Bombur’s cooking isn’t good, but you know what I mean.” Bilbo said, smiling widely as he talked.

Hanna chuckled, shaking her head, “I’m glad. I was actually going to get lunch here soon, if would you care to join me?”

“Yes, I think I will.”

“Right then, let us head off in search of food, shall we?” She led the way to the kitchens, Bilbo a step behind her. When they arrived, they greeted the elves working and asked for food for the two of them. Once the food had been acquired, they bid farewell to the cooks and made their way towards a communal dining area, finding an empty seat in a more secluded area. They talked as they ate, discussing their time in Rivendell, and the journey  so far.

When they were both finished, they returned their plates to the kitchen and began to walk around the halls together. Bilbo would occasionally ask questions on something that they passed, and Hanna would answer them as well as she could. Eventually, they made their way into the Chamber of Narsil. Together, they approached a large stone statue that sat in the center of the chamber.

“What are they?” Bilbo asked, examining the broken sword that it was holding.

“The Shards of Narsil,” Hanna answered, solemnly. “The sword of King Elendil, first High King of the Dunedain. His son, King Isildur of Gondor, used it to defeat a great enemy during the Second Age.”

“But, why is it broken?” he asked, frowning.

“The enemy broke it when he killed Elendil,” she explained, before turning to face the large painting on the wall. “This painting depicts that battle, where Elendil was killed and the enemy slain.”

“What’s that on the enemy's finger?” Bilbo asked, squinting at the painting.

Hanna frowned, looking at the painting closer, before answering, “I do not know. Perhaps Lord Elrond does.”

The two hobbits left the chamber not long after, and continued to explore the halls, eventually going their separate ways. Hanna headed towards the library, running into the Ori on the way.

“Ori,” she said, smiling gently.

“Miss Hanna,” the young dwarf said, returning the smile. “Do you think that you could show me to the library? I appear to have gotten lost.”

“Of course. I was headed there myself,” she replied, gesturing in the direction that she was walking. She resumed walking, Ori walking next to her. “What, in an elven library, would interest a dwarf?” she asked, glancing at him.

“I have heard of the vast libraries of the elves, I only wish to see them in person,” he answered, toying with the notebook that he held tightly in his arms.

“I can assure you, master dwarf, that the libraries of Lord Elrond Peredel are indeed vast. They have books from all races of Middle Earth.” she explained, the large entrance doors just on the other end of the hallway.

“Even dwarvish books?” Ori asked, eyes wide.

“I would ask the bookmaster, I’m sure that he could find some for you,” she smiled as they approached the doors, pushing them open gently. Stepping inside revealed a large room, filled with shelves that stretched from the floor all the way to the ceiling. The shelves themselves were neatly organized, some contained many scrolls, but most contained hundreds of books from all over Middle Earth that were neatly organized. The library was rather empty, only a few elves could be seen, but Hanna knew that there were surely more hidden behind the many shelves.

“Why, if it isn’t my favorite hobbit!” called a voice from across the room. Turning, Hanna saw the library's bookmaster, and her good friend, Elion approaching them.

“Elion!” she called, smiling. “It is good to see you, my friend.”

“And you,” he responded, dipping his head to her. He turned towards Ori, slight distaste and distrust coating his face. “And who might this be?”

“This is Ori. He is one of the dwarves who arrived yesterday,” she said. The dwarf dipped his head in greeting.

“Yes, I heard,” Elion hummed thoughtfully. “How exactly did you end up traveling with a group such as that, Hanna?”

“Mithrandir,” she stated bluntly. 

“That does not surprise me,” the elf said, smiling gently. “What can I help you with?”

“I’m simply here to visit, but Ori, here,” she said gesturing to the young dwarf, “Would like to know if you have any dwarven books.”

The elf hummed, brows furrowing in thought. “We do not have many, but I believe that we have a few. Find yourselves a seat, and I will bring over what I have.” With that, he hurried off, eyes scanning the walls of books. 

Ori sat at an empty table, setting his notebook down and writing something in it. Hanna moved towards the nearest shelf, which was full of books on the history of men. She glanced at the book titles, some written in westron, others in sindarin, there even a few written in Adunaic, the language spoken by the men of Numenor during the second age. Eventually, she pulled a small red, leather bound book written in Westron from the shelf and headed towards Ori, flipping through the pages. The dwarf glanced up at her as she sat down, before resuming his work. The two sat in silence while they waited for Elion to return, the only sound being the occasional flipping of pages. 

The soft sound of shoes hitting the floor alerted them of an approaching person. Glancing up, they saw Elion approaching them, a small stack of books in his arms. He gently set them on the table in front of Ori, who’s eyes widened. 

“These are all of the books that we have, Master Dwarf. I hope that they are to your liking. If you shall need anything else, please just let me know.” He nodded to each of them before heading out, disappearing into the rows of shelves. 

“Are you alright there, Ori?” Hanna chuckled, smiling at him. He had not moved since Elion placed down the books, simply staring in shock at the pile. It was by no means big, comprising only five books. 

He swallowed, reaching out to chase the Khuzdul letters on the cover of the top book. “Yes, yes. I am quite alright, thank you, Miss Hanna.”

She smiled at him, before turning her attention back to the book that she was reading. Written about the fall of a great kingdom in the first age, it was a very interesting read. She had heard of the story of the kingdom of Gondolin when she lived in Rivendell, as well as when she resided in the Greenwood, but what she had heard then did not compare to the writing of the book.

The two sat in silence for a while, simply reading. Ori would occasionally write something down, or mutter under his breath about something that he read. Hanna finished the book rather quickly, and stood up to return it to the shelf, as well as retrieve a new one. The second book she picked out was quite a bit larger, and this time was about the legendary beings within Middle Earth, which included, but was not limited to, the Istari and the Maiar. It even included the tale of Aule, or Mahal, the creator of the dwarves, as well as Yavanna, the mother of the hobbits.

The two readers only left the library once the sun began to get low in the sky, reminding them that they had a dinner with the Company that they must attend. They left the library, graciously thanking Elion and began to head towards the courtyard where they had dinner the night before. When they arrived, the rest of the company was already there, sitting around the two large tables. The two went separate ways, Hanna moving to sit next to Bilbo and Balin, while Ori took a seat next to his brothers.

“Where were you two?” Dori, Ori’s older brother, asked as they sat down and began to serve themselves food.

“She showed me to the Elven libraries,” Ori said, turning to his brother with a large grin. “Oh, Dori, you would not believe the size of it! They have books from all over Middle Earth. They even have some Khuzdul ones that date back to the time of King Durin IV.”

“Why would an Elvish library have books in our tongue that predate even the oldest of living dwarves?” Balin asked, frowning.

“I do not know, but oh, it is wonderful!” the young dwarf gushed, smiling widely.

“It is because Elrond was once good friends with your people,” Hanna interjected. The dwarves turned to look at her, confusion in many of their gaze. 

“What exactly do you mean, lass?” Balin questioned.

“Elrond was good friends with King Durin IV during the Second Age. They aided each other both on and off the battlefield many times,” she explained. “From what he told me, they were almost like brothers.”

“How do you know about this?”

“I used to frequent Rivendell, even lived here for sometime before settling more permanently in the Shire,” she said, shrugging. “It’s been many years since I was last here, though.”

“And how long, Miss Hanna, is ‘many years’?” Thorin spoke up, a slight glare in eyes as he looked at her.

“Oh, over fifty years now, I reckon,” she said, coolly, meeting his gaze levelly.

“Fifty?” It was Fili who spoke this time. “But, you don’t look that much older than fifty!”

“Didn’t your mother ever teach you that it is rude to ask a woman her age?” Hanna asked, watching the dwarf princes mouth open and close as he tried to think of something to say. She laughed. “To answer your question, Fili, I am 199 years old.” Gasps sounded from around the table, and shocked looks were being thrown at her from every dwarf.

“Why… you’re older than Thorin!” Fili cried, eyes wide.

“Am I?” she turned to look at her brother, taking in the hidden shock on his face. She hummed. “Perhaps I am.” 

The rest of the dinner passed uneventfully and soon it was over. Much of the company wandered off to go do something or other before bed. Hanna and Bilbo went to do the same but stopped as Thorin called their names. Hanna turned towards him, eyebrows raised. 

“Gandalf has called us to meet with the elf-lord,” he said gruffly. He didn’t give the hobbits a chance to reply, quickly walking away and heading towards where Hanna supposed they were to meet. The group walked in silence before they came upon a door which she recognized to be the entrance to Elrond's personal study chamber. Thorin knocked, and stepped back. The door was opened to reveal Gandalf not even a minute later.

“Yes, yes, good. You’re all here,” he muttered, stepping out of the entrance. “Please, come in.”

They entered the large study, cautiously looking around for the elf-lord. Hanna caught sight of him bent over a desk, looking at something closely before he stood up and began to approach the group.

“Welcome, Thorin,” he smiled, bowing his head. “Thank you for coming.”

“Of course, Lord Elrond,” Thorin replied, nodding his head stiffly. “Though, I do have to ask why we are here.”

“Gandalf told me that you have something to show me. A map, perhaps?” Elrond said.

Thorin turned to glare at Gandalf, frowning. “Our business is no concern of elves.” he growled.

“For goodness sake, Thorin, show him the map,” Gandalf said, exasperated. 

“It is the legacy of my people; it is mine to protect, as are its secrets.”

The wizard sighed, rubbing his temples roughly. “Save me from the stubbornness of dwarves. Your pride will be your downfall. You stand here in the presence of one of the few in Middle Earth who can read that map. Show it to Lord Elrond!” 

Hanna looked at Thorin, arms crossed. Would he truly give up the one chance he has to read the map all because of some petty grudge? Thorin sighed, and reluctantly went to retrieve the map. Balin reached to stop him, gasping ‘no!’ but he brushed him aside and handed the map to Elrond.

“What exactly is your interest in this map?” Elrond asked as he held it up to examine it. 

“It’s mainly academic,” Gandalf said quickly, cutting off Thorin as he went to speak. “As you know, this sort of artifact sometimes contains hidden text. You still read ancient dwarvish, do you not?” 

Elrond hummed, walking a few paces away, allowing the math to be bathed in starlight. “Moon runes,” he muttered softly in elvish, eyes tracing the paper.

“Moon runes?” repeated the wizard, turning towards the company members. “Of course, an easy thing to miss.”

“Well, in this case, that is true; moon runes can only be read by the light of the same shape and season as the day that they were written,” Elrond agreed, a slight frown pulling at his lips. 

“Can you read them?” Thorin stepped forward, a serious look on his face. 

Elrond nodded, and gestured for his companions to follow him as he made his way towards a cliffside connected to his steady. He sets the map on the large crystal that sat in the middle of the clifftop, and began to examine it once more.

“These runes were written on a Midsummer's Eve by the light of a crescent moon nearly two hundred years ago. It would seem you were meant to come to Rivendell. Fate is with you, Thorin Oakenshield; the same moon shines upon us tonight.” The elf and dwarf looked up at the moon as its light shines down on the crystal. White glowing runes begin to appear on the map, capturing the group's attention. Elrond read them aloud, “Stand by the gray stone when the thrush knocks, and the setting sun in the with the last light of Durin’s day will shine upon the keyhole.”

“Durin’s day?” Bilbo asked, looking at Gandalf in confusion.

“It is the start of the Dwarves’ new year,” he explained. “When the last moon of autumn and first sun of winter appear in the sky together.”

“This is ill news,” Thorin muttered, turning to Balin. Summer is passing. Durin’s day will soon be upon us.”

“There is still time,” the older dwarf reassured.

“Time? For what?” Bilbo asked.

“To find the entrance,” Balin stated. “We have to be standing at exactly the right spot, at exactly the right moment. Then, and only then, can the door be opened.”

“So this is your purpose, to enter the mountain?” Elrond asked, looking at the dwarves.

“What of it?” Thorin asked gruffly, snatching the map from the table.

“There are some who would not deem it wise.”

“What do you mean?” Gandalf asked, stepping closer to Elrond.

“You are not the only guardian to stand watch over Middle Earth,” he responded solemnly. He turned to leave, bidding the dwarves and hobbits a goodnight, and disappeared back inside his chambers. Gandalf stared after him for a moment, brow furrowed deep in thought, before he also bid them goodnight, following Elrond inside. The four remaining stood in silence for a moment. 

“We leave in the morning.” Thorin broke the silence, clutching the map in his hand tightly. 

“Thorin-” he cut Balin off.

“Begin to back your things, and tell the others. I do not want to have to wait tomorrow.” he ordered, making to leave the cliffside.

“Of course,” Balin bowed his head respectfully, as the king passed him. He looked after him frowning, before turning to the two hobbits, nodding to them in turn. “Bilbo. Hanna. We shall see you in the morning.” And then he followed after his king. Hanna and Bilbo shared a look before also leaving the cliffside, and beginning to head towards their chambers.

Hanna bid Bilbo goodnight when they reached where the rest of the company was staying, giving him a quick hug before heading off towards her own chambers. Once there, she began to gather her stuff, leaving a change of clothes out for her in the morning. Once she had ensured that she had all of her necessary supplies, her eyes locked onto the box on her desk. She approached it, and opened it slowly, staring at the contents. She sighed before gently picking the beads and the note. She carefully tucked them into a small pouch that she had in her larger bag, and placed it on top of her clothes. 

She sighed again before turning and beginning to get ready for bed. She headed to the side chamber, and quickly brushed her hair and got changed, purposefully avoiding looking at her reflection. Once done, she returned to the main room and climbed into bed, falling asleep within minutes.