The Road Ahead

Disclaimer: I do not own either "The Hobbit" or "Avatar: The Last Airbender" but the wonderful lady firebender in the story is my precious.

NOTE: Some of you may have read my story, "Leminkaiya", about a firebender who joins Thorin's quest. And so you know the fate that befell two of my favorite characters. And while I'm generally satisfied with how that story concluded, during the past months, I have been plagued with ideas of what could have been if I had let them survive.

And since fanfiction is the realm of exploring the alternate paths stories may take, I decided to give it a go. This isn't a rewrite of the entire story but only a certain part. It also gives me an opportunity to expand on Ainara's backstory as well as incorporate some ideas I had about the final battle scenes.

So it begins with a short scene set before the quest begins and then it will pick up from when Thorin is cured of his gold-sickness and they are all about to join the Battle of the Five Armies. It's not going to be a long story, but hopefully, it will still be exciting. So if you liked Ainara, here is a chance to see more of her as well as the rest of the company.

(Posting this on a special day for me because I love sharing.)

Hope you like it!

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PROLOGUE

"You are a warrior, Ainara. That is who you will always be and you know it."

Gandalf looked at the dark-haired woman gravely but she stubbornly refused to meet his gaze. They were both enjoying some afternoon tea at the latter's cottage which was not far from the Shire. The wizard was passing by the area and checking in on some of his old friends. He had some business to take care of, as he always did, and he was hoping to convince the reclusive firebender that it was time for her to step out of her shell.

"I think you've spent ample time recovering from your wounds," the old man continued, "I believe you are ready to take up your sword again and allow the flames to flow through your fists. You don't want to admit it but I know that you are itching for a real fight. And I might have just the opportunity for you."

Ainara sighed. "That may be true," she replied in a somber tone, "but the last time I fought for something, I ended up losing everything."

"I never took you for someone who would give up so easily," Gandalf remarked, and he noticed that the firebender had flinched slightly at these words. But he could speak frankly to her and though she was obstinate, she listened to his counsel. It was always a matter of timing.

"Think about it," he continued, "you might stand to gain so much if you only tried."

"I doubt that. Besides, I'm sure this world has more than enough heroes fighting for its noble causes without me meddling in anyone else's affairs."

"You'd be surprised."

Ainara looked at him in puzzlement. "There are many great warriors in this world," she asserted, "you yourself have told me of them and the rest I've learned by reading those books you've given to me as well as those that Bilbo was kind enough to lend me. This land is steeped in legends of glorious quests and daring deeds. My abilities may be unique but I hardly think they would make much of a contribution in the grand scheme of things."

"And what makes you think you have any sense of the grand scheme of things?" Gandalf asked in a tone of mild amusement.

Ainara smiled sheepishly. "I only meant that I doubt I could make a difference here."

"Don't use your modesty as an excuse for inaction," Gandalf scolded, "you have survived in this world for a purpose."

"And you think this might be it?" Ainara asked, "My destiny is to attend this mysterious dinner party at Bag End?"

"It's what happens after that dinner party that will change your destiny, should you choose to accept the challenge," the wizard said enigmatically, "and when you meet the company and its leader, in particular, you will understand."

The firebender still looked skeptical but she did not wish to argue with her old friend. She owed Gandalf her life and he knew that she would not refuse this request. And already, she was beginning to feel a slight thrill that preluded a great adventure.

"Very well," Ainara relented, "I shall have to prepare something to bring. I wouldn't want to show up there empty-handed."

"I'm very glad you've agreed," Gandalf said with satisfaction, "and I assure you, you will not be disappointed. Remember what I always say."

"Of course," the warrior replied with a smile, "never linger on the past but cast your eyes on the road ahead."

"Good," the wizard said proudly, "I know you are meant for so much more. This is not how your story ends."