CHAPTER 1: THE SHIRE (EDITED)
The leaves rustled underneath her feet and the wind made her long hair sway slightly. She crept along the bushed, keeping close to the ground. The air was crisp and cool as it was late in the summer. Red, green, orange and yellow coloured the leaves. The moss was soft and gave her the chance to step lightly. Her breath was light as to not disturb the silence. Her sharp eyes spotted her prey. A small brown rabbit sat 50 or so feet away from her. Perfect, she thought. Reaching back, she grabbed her bow and an arrow and took aim. A strand of her hair fell into her face. She tried to blow it away but didn't succeed. Oh screw it. I'll make the shot anyway. Once again she took aim and breathed in. But suddenly she heard a voice behind her.
"Malakai, my dear. It is good to see you again." Startled, her arrow flew past the rabbit and hit the tree behind it. As the rabbit darted away, Malakai turned around and glared at the old wizard clad in grey. Why does he always show up at the most inconvenient of times? I just don't understand.
"I'm sorry, my dear. It seems that I cost you your dinner." In response Malakai threw her hands up and huffed.
"What do you want Gandalf?" she asked. Though she didn't sound happy, she had missed the wizard. He was a kind man and always told the best stories when she was little. "You never come up this far north unless you want a favour."
"Now that isn't entirely true. Can't an old man visit a dear friend, hmm?" Malakai raised an eyebrow at him and crossed her arms. Gandalf huffed slightly before smiling.
"I am in need of another companion for an adventure. Would you consider it?"
"An adventure? And what would I be doing on this adventure? And who else would be joining?"
"Well, you would be traveling to The Lonely Mountain with…" he was cut of by a low growl.
"Dwarves", Malakai snarled, baring her wolf like fangs. She loathed Dwarves and all they stood for. And here Gandalf stood, asking her to travel with a whole company of them. That wasn't going to happen.
"Do not act like a child Malakai! I am not asking much. Just for you to escort them to Erebor safely. You know the wild better than most. The woman sighed and dragged her hand down her face. She hated it when Gandalf asked for a favour. It was hard to say no to him. He had a talent for convincing those around him. As a child, she had run to her father, screaming that the wizard had cursed her friend as Gandalf had made her eat a plant she normally wouldn't go near. Malakai's father had laughed at her and told her that it was not magic that had made her friend eat her food but Gandalf ability to speak. It had embarrassed her so much that she had hid away in her room until the wizard had left. What should I do? The more I think about it, the more I think I should do it. I feel as if I must for some strange reason. Oh dear Orome, why do you do this to me?
"Very well Gandalf. I will join you on this quest. Where are we to meet?" The Grey Wizard smiled triumphantly.
"The Shire."
***WILDLING***
It took a few days for her to pass the Misty mountains but she reached the Shire with little effort. During her journey she had met with no resistance. No dark creatures lurked in the shadows and the closer she got to the Shire, the nights became more peaceful. She wasn't sure if that was good sign or a bad one, but she kept going. As she ran through a forest, a strange scent hit her nose. The scent of peppermint and cinnamon. It was a very pleasing smell And she stopped and breathed in deeply. What is that? Malakai almost went to investigate when she remembered how cross Gandalf would be if she were to be late. She shrugged the need to find what gave of the scent and continued on. A few minutes later she spotted a dark hooded figure that walked on the path ahead of her. With a leap she passed it and she swore that she saw icy blue eyes glance at her. Not wanting to be followed, she sprinted faster to increasing the distance. Whoever that figure was, was the cause of the delectable smell. She shook her head and kept running into the night. Even though it was dark she could make out even the tiniest details. The village was filled with small houses, built into the green hills and it seemed that every house either included a farm and garden. She could see a market place from where she was standing. Many of the homes had light shining through the windows. It looks so peaceful. I wonder if they have ever experienced hardship. Malakai walked down the path towards the market. Now all she needed, was to find the Hobbit hole where the meeting was held at. She wasn't very happy to say the least. While she grumbled to herself, she made her way to the green, round door that bore the mark Gandalf had mentioned. Here we go. She took a deep breath and knocked on the door.
INSIDE
The dwarves heard another knock on the door.
"That must be him", one of them said. Gandalf smiled, knowing who it was. He was grateful that she decided to come. As Bilbo made his way to the door, the Dwarves followed closely behind him. He just didn't understand why they were there. He was a respectable Hobbit of Bag End, who never got into trouble and always did what was expected of him. When he opened the door, the company fell silent. There stood a girl. A very small girl. She couldn't have been a Daughter of Man. The Dwarves had expected their leader. This girl looked like she had come straight from the wild. Long, dark curly hair fell down to her ribs and big grey eyes stared back at them. She was wearing dark leggings with ankle high boots, a mid-thigh skirt made of fur, a leather bodice with knifes around her waist, a white loose sleeve shirt along with a leather bracer on her arms and a cloak made of wolf fur. What was stranger still, was that on her cheeks she had two red triangles pointing down and none of them had ever seen such dark skin before. The same question was going through everyone's mind. What was she?
"Gandalf. I hope I'm not disturbing you", she smiled slightly. Then she turned her attention to the Hobbit. She had never seen one before and found him very strange. Small stature, large feet and very curly hair. The look on his face made her want to laugh but she kept it in and gave a small bow instead.
"Malakai, daughter of Maukai. I've come at the request of Gandalf to assist in your quest", she said. Some of the Dwarves muttered amongst themselves, saying that females didn't belong on such quests. Her eyes flashed gold but she took a deep breath and they turned grey once again.
"If you have a problem with me, please share it", she growled, flashing them her fangs. They recoiled slightly but kept their gazes on her before turning around and going into the kitchen. Malakai shook her head and glared at Gandalf. He smiled widely at her, with a twinkle of amusement that could be seen in his eyes.
"Oh yes, hilarious", she muttered sarcastically. She knew that they would react like that. Just because she was a woman, they treated her like she was made of glass. Damn male pride. Doesn't matter if they are from the race of men, elves or dwarves. They are all the same in the end.
"Well, you saved me the trouble from introducing you to the company," he smiled but then leaned down to her ear. "What do think of the Hobbit? Was it a smell you recognized?"
"No. He smells very different than the Dwarves," she wrinkled her nose.
She made her way to the kitchen and was greeted with the sight of the dwarves driving the poor Hobbit mad. There were a lot of them, some smelling the same. They must be related. She overheard their names as they carried on as if she had never arrived. Twelve dwarves. Twelve. How can Gandalf do this to me?. The fat one was Bombur, then there were his cousin Bifur, who had an axe embedded his skull, and his brother Bofur, who was very polite and rather charming. Then the brothers Dori, Nori and Ori. Dori seemed well mannered like Ori, although Nori was a bit weird looking as his hair was pointed up in spikes. Balin was certainly the eldest of the lot, with white hair and beard. Dwalin looked like a true dwarven warrior, large, bald with tattoos around his head. Then there were the brothers Oin and Gloin, who both had very big beards, with Oin carrying an ear trumpet. Then there were the youngest dwarves. Fili was the older one and the heir to the throne after his uncle and Kili, his younger brother. He didn't look like a dwarf at all, he didn't even have a proper beard. How adorable, Malakai sniggered.
"So", he walked up to her. She was surprised that he was a bit taller than her. "Your name is Malakai." She stayed silence. He tried again.
"Are you hungry? Can I get you something?" He's flirting.
"No, thank you", she said as she walked past him. Shaking her head, she headed towards the table and managed to find some bread and dried meat that the Dwarves had yet to eat. She quickly snatched them up and put them in her pouch that was attached to her belt. It would be good for later. She then walked over to Gandalf and Bilbo.
"My dear fellow, what on earth is the matter?" Gandalf asked him.
"What's the matter? I'm surrounded by dwarves! What are they doing here?"
"Oh, they're quite the merry gathering. Once you get use to them." Gandalf chuckled.
"I don't want to get used to them! The state of my kitchen! There's mud trod into the carpet! They pillaged the pantry. I'm not even gonna tell you what they've done in the bathroom. They've all but destroyed the plumbing! I don't understand what they're doing in my house!" Bilbo complained. Bilbo sighed when Ori walked up to them.
"Excuse me. What shall I do with my plate?" Before Bilbo could answer it was snached up by Fili.
"Here Ori. Let me take that." He threw it to Kili, who in turn threw it to Nori. Suddenly, plates , galses and cutlery were being thrown across the Hobbit's home. Malakai leaned against the wall to avoid getting hit. The Dwarves were laughing at the panicked look on Bilbo's face and Malakai had to hide her smile behind her hand and covered her giggle with a cough. The dwarves then started to sing.
Blunt the knives, bend the forks
Smash the bottles and burn the corks
Chip the glasses and crack the plates
That's what Bilbo Baggins hates!
Cut the cloth, tread on the fat
Leave the bones on the bedroom mat
Pour the milk on the pantry floor
Splash the wine on every door!
Dump the crocks in a boiling bowl
Pound them up with a thumping pole
When you're finished, if they are whole
Send them down the hall to roll
That's what Bilbo Baggins hates!
When Bilbo finally managed to push his way through the Dwarves, he saw that all the dishes were neatly stacked and everyone laughed and this time Malakai giggled. Then there was a heavy thump at the door, which silenced everyone. Malakai glanced at it, expressionless but inside she was bubbling with anticipation. That must be the leader of this lot. How would he react to her, she wondered?
"He's here," Gandalf said, a serious look on his face. When they opened the door, Malakai's jaw dropped. The smell of peppermint and cinnamon hit her full force. Dear Orome, he is handsome, she thought giddily. For a dwarf that is,' she quickly added. She should NOT see a dwarf as a suitable mate. Especially not an exiled dwarf prince. Honestly Malakai, get yourself together!
"Gandalf, I thought that you said this place would be easy to find. I lost my way, twice. I wouldn't have found it at all had it not been for that mark on the door," he said as he stepped inside. His voice was deep and irradiated with superiority. Oh, gods save me. His voice makes him even more handsome than he was before. He had yet to notice her and that gave her time to examine him more closely. He had black hair with silver strands, indicating that he was slightly older than he looked. His eyes were an icy blue and rather cold. He was also tall, taller than her and tall for a Dwarf. Two silver beads were braided into his hair and he wore blue clothing. As he stepped inside he took off his cloak and handed it to one of the younger Dwarves. He was the one that I passed earlier.
"Mark? There's no mark on that door. It was painted a week ago," Bilbo said.
"There is a mark. I put it there myself, Bilbo Baggins. Allow me to introduce you to the leader of this company, Thorin Oakenshield." Thorin looked less than impressed. He started to circle him, while speaking, analyzing every inch of the small Hobbit.
"So, this is the Hobbit", he spoke to himself, but loud enough for everyone to hear. "Tell me Master Baggins, have you done much fighting?" Bilbo looked at him confused. "Axe or sword? Which do you prefer?" he asked with a smug look on his face.
"Well if you must know, I do have some skill at conkers, but I fail to see how that is relevant."
"Thought so much", Thorin said, looking around at his company. "He looks more like a grocer than a burglar." He smiled while the company sniggered at the comment before making their way into the hall. Malakai followed, waiting patiently for the moment he would take notice of would be most amusing when he did. Dwarves were well known for keeping everything about their culture a secret and hiding their Dwarrowdam, as there were very few. When they sat down, Thorin noticed his nephew's looking past him and smirking. He glanced back and saw the girl standing in the hall. She looked down at him with a bored look on her face, her eyes locking with his. Thorin felt as if she was challenging him, like wild animals would challenge each other for territory. He glared at her and was taken aback slightly when she grinned and bowed mockingly.
"Greetings, Thorin Oakenshield. Mighty pleasure to make your acquaintance," she said sarcastically.
"Who are you girl, and what are you doing here?" Malakai could practically taste the hostility in his voice but it didn't faze her.
"I am Malakai, daughter of Maukai. I came at the request of Gandalf. If you have a problem with that, please take it up with him. I don't want to be here anymore than you want me here." She wasn't in the mood for his attitude and quickly turned on her heels and left the hall. She would just listen from afar, not wanting to stay in the same room as the Dwarves for longer than necessary. If he wants to pick a fight he better watch out. I'm not some proper Dwarf lady, who only knows to marry and bear offspring while their husbands fight. Oh no, I'll show him what it means to be a female of the Verdari, she thought menacingly, her eyes now glowing a dangerous shade of gold.
