Chapter 1

The Grimstone Clan are legendary throughout Middle-Earth. They were great assets in the many wars and battles over the centuries. They could tame any beast and were often hired for assassinations; however they had a skill for dragon slaying and hunting. Now it is believed that they have all been wiped out. Stories changed over time, first it was said that they had gone in hiding. Then it changed to their foul tempers creating enemies out of themselves and thus led to their destruction. Others say that they themselves were hunted down, rounded up and brutally murdered because of how powerful they were becoming. Whichever ending is true they will always be a part of legend and history.

…

Riding along Brandywine River Solana breathed in the fresh spring air. She'd just been to Eryn Vorn seeking out any worthwhile jobs though to her disappointment there wasn't any. As she was riding a bird swooped around her catching her attention. Slowing her horse to a stop Solana lifted her arm for the bird to land on. There was a small note around its left leg. Unlatching the small piece of paper she read it to herself before a small smile graced her lips. "Gandalf the Grey… Now my old friend, why do you want me to go to the Shire?" With a quick whistle to the bird it gracefully flew away and a slight nudge of the heel, the horse galloped towards the Shire as quickly as it could.

…

From the hallway at Gandalf's side, Thorin looked at his men; they were all loyal to the core and exceptional warriors. He glanced to the Hobbit Bilbo as he stared in wonder at the twelve hungry dwarves singing and laughing at his table. They had nearly eaten the whole of his food supplies, except for the odd piece he hid. "Only one more to come now" Gandalf announced.

Thorin gave him a confused look, "All my men are here. Who is it you speak of?" There was a twinkle in Gandalf's eye that Thorin knew he would soon learn to regret.

….

The Shire hadn't changed from the earliest memory Solana had of it. The rolling hills, fresh cut grass and the little hobbit homes, everything she could remember. Each house she passed showed no sign of Gandalf's presence until she went north of the city Hobbiton and rode near a small hobbit-hole. There was a small mark on the round circular door. Leaving the horse at the path she jumped over the low fence and neared the door. There was muffled laughter inside. Peering through one of the small windows she saw Gandalf talking to someone out of her vision.

Her eyes lit up and she presented herself at the door checking all her clothing was in place. With that she clenched her fist and pounded on the door three times. The muffled voices and laughter fell silent. The door opened with a creek and a dark figure loomed on the other side. Warmth brushed against Solana's cold cheeks bringing a smile to her face. "SOLANA!" Shocked from Gandalf's bellow she was caught unaware when he grabbed either side of her arms and pulled her into the fresh hold.

Steading herself she slowly turned her head to the side feeling all eyes were on her. A single brown strand of hair fell in front of her eyes. Solana straightened and forced a smile to them all, "Evening". Silence was her only reply. "Okay… Gandalf! Such a pleasure to see you again my friend. I came as soon as I got the message. You were lucky I was nearby."

Gandalf merely smiled before he spoke, "Indeed. Solana let me introduce to you Mr Baggins." As she turned her head she saw a hobbit gazing at her. He had curly blonde hair and a warm face.

"Hello Mr Baggins. You have a lovely home." He looked flabbergasted at the whole ordeal. Solana could almost hear the cogs ticking in his brain. She thought it made him look cute and smiled at him. Gandalf cleared his throat before stepping forward. As Solana turned to everyone else she noticed they had all stood and had come closer. They were all dwarves of different shapes and sizes.

"Allow me to introduce Balin, Dwalin, Fili and Kili" Two young dwarves both winked at her at the same time. "Oin, Gloin, Bofur, Bombur…" Bofur gave her a crooked smile before nodding. "Dori, Nori, Ori, Bifur…" Ori blushed and started staring down at the floor. "Finally, the leader of our company Thorin Oakenshield." Solana turned and saw Thorin staring her down, which made her feel slightly uncomfortable. "Everyone, this is Solana. She'll be accompanying us on our journey. She is an exceptional hunter and she'll be a valuable asset"

Solana smiled before she processed what he had just said, "Wait, I'm what? What journey?"

At this Thorin stepped forward, "Gandalf is there anyone you haven't told?!" Solana could hear the fury behind his words put Gandalf merely stared at him.

"She will be coming with us Thorin. She's owes me debt so she will be my responsibility".

Responsibility? Solana grimaced and cleared her throat. "I can take care of myself thank you Gandalf. Now what is journey you speak of?"

Thorin turned to the dwarf with snow white hair called Balin, "Do you have another contract?" Balin quickly rummaged around his bag and passed Thorin a large role of parchment. He then passed it to Solana. "This is your contract. It covers your share of the profit, and funeral arrangements if needed." Balin said.

"Right…" Solana stated as she read through the long contract, "Fair enough" Signing the paper she passed it back to Balin, who seemed shocked that she had accepted so quickly. There wasn't much choice on her part because she owed Gandalf everything.

She could see Bilbo was still reading his contact as the others sat back down and discussed the upcoming journey. They spoke of a dragon named Smaug the Terrible, before Bofur teased Bilbo to the point of him fainting.

As the dwarves heaved him into an armchair Thorin turned to Gandalf and me, "I cannot guarantee his safety nor yours." Thorin said. Solana frowned at him. Who does he think he is?!She thought to herself.

"Understood." Gandalf replied.

"Nor will I be responsible for their fate." He said.

Gandalf looked at Thorin and hesitated before nodding.

"Of course."

Thorin glanced at Solana before turning away to the fireplace. Solana walked across the room and sat down a few metres away from him. As the others spoke amongst themselves Fili and Kili presented themselves in front of her. They grinned before sitting either side of her. Kili was the first to speak, "So, Solana, me and my brother were just saying how we'd both protect you if we ran into any danger." Solana laughed at this. Fili and Kili both exchanged glances to one another clearly confused at what was so funny.

"Thank you but I can handle myself just fine in a battle. You two should worry about yourselves more than me." Kili's eyes twinkled as he looked at Solana as Fili laughed behind in the background.

"We'll just have to see about that" stated Fili jokingly. At this time Bilbo gained consciousness again and stood in the centre of the room. Gandalf walked through to the dining room, beckoning the others to follow.

" Bilbo, fetch the lamp and let us have some light on this!" Gandalf said. Solana saw Gandalf present Thorin with some sort of key.

"I should like to know how you got hold of it, and why it did not come right down to me. I am the rightful heir." Thorin said.

"I know. I was given it. Your grandfather Thror was killed in the Mines of Moria by Azog the pale orc."

"Curse his name." Thorin replied darkly. Solana looked to Thorin in sympathy as she too knew his pain.

"Your grandfather gave the map and key to your father before he went to Moria. Then Thrain passed it to me before he disappeared so that I can give it to you." Gandalf said.

Thorin looked confused as though he knew nothing of what Gandalf had said. The others decided it was time to get some rest before the journey the next day. Solana decided to head outside to make sure her horse was alright. After securing the horse and placing a blanket on top of it for the night she slowly walked back to the house. Entering she sat on a chair in the hall way and made herself comfortable. She felt sorry for Thorin. She knew the pain of losing love ones in brutal ways. She was then distracted from her memories from the sound coming from the living room. She slowly rose and stood in the doorway. Thorin was singing and the others too joined in. The song was beautiful but filled with sadness because of its meaning.

Far over the Misty Mountain 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

It was then that Solana was grateful Gandalf had summoned her. She was going to help these dwarves reclaim their home even if it revealed her true identity and sentenced her to death.