The trees blew in the wind gently, rustling the leaves as the dark of the night blanketed the Shire, the lights of the hobbit holes flickering gently, contrasting against the midnight blue sky. It was quiet and peaceful in the Shire, save for one small hobbit hole. Loud, rowdy laughing and merry making could be heard across the land, leading many to believe something was wrong, for the quiet Bilbo Baggins was never this loud.
A lone stranger was walking on the dirt path leading to the hole of Bilbo Baggins' house, whistling softly and playing with the frayed ends of their sleeve. From a distance, this stranger would look like no other lone soul, taking a stroll through the Shire. But up close, the stranger was dangerous. Obviously a woman, with curves dressed in leggings and brown leather boots, and a forest green blouse and brown hood covering her face. Only a few strands of fiery red hair blew with the breeze around her concealed face.
A belt was cinched around her waist, holding two throwing knives, and a battle axe securely strapped as well. A long, curved hunting knife was strapped to her thigh, as well as two more throwing knives to each boot. There was no sword, for she had no need for one, as well as armor. She was well known in the lands, a warrior with a reputation. Seen in many battles and wars, she had a name for herself that would make the enemy cringe and the ally cheer. It was said that on that night, even the breeze gently called her name: Kahina
(Kahina's POV)
I wandered along the dirt path, breathing in the sharp scent of food and earth, smiling at the little Hobbit holes around me. When Gandalf had asked for me to aid the company of Thorin Oakenshield in reclaiming Erebor, I had been doubtful at first, knowing a company of 13 and one Hobbit couldn't possibly slay the dragon Smaug. But I had always been one for adventures, and if that meant getting my hands a little dirty with blood, the more I wanted it.
I finally reached the hobbit hole, quickly rapping on the door twice. Loud laughter could be heard from inside, and I smiled. Dwarves were known for their raucous behavior, probably giving the poor little hobbit a heart attack.
The door opened to reveal the hobbit. His face was pale and his hair messy, a look of disgust and disappointment clouding his features. I pulled back my hood to show him my face and his brightened.
"Oh! You're not a dwarf," he murmured. I laughed.
"No, master Hobbit, it would appear I am not," I smiled.
"May I help you?" he asked, stepping aside so I could enter.
"Would you happen to be Master Baggins?" I asked. He nodded cautiously.
"And who would you be, my lady, if I may ask?" he asked politely.
"Well, I am no lady, but my name is Kahina," I explained. His face paled when he noticed the daggers strapped to my waist and boots.
"My dear friend, Kahina," I heard a loud voice laugh. I turned to see Gandalf crouching under the doorway to the dining room. I smiled and walked over to him, embracing him.
"Did you find your way alright?" he asked. I nodded, smiling.
"I was lucky this time, never got lost or in trouble," I replied mischievously. I ran a hand through my hair as my dark green eyes surveyed the dwarves as they followed behind Gandalf to see who the newcomer was.
"And who might you be, lass?" a dwarf asked with a funny hat.
"I am Kahina," I replied, "at your service." Bilbo sighed.
"Where do you hail from, my lady?" said a dwarf with a neatly braided mustache, leaning against another dwarf who surprisingly had no beard, only a small trace of brown stubble. I opened my mouth to answer, but Gandalf quickly answered for me.
"She rarely stays in one place, Master Dwarf, more of a wanderer," he lied. I smiled gratefully at him, and he winked at me from the corner of his eye.
"You don't look like the race of men," said Bilbo. I looked at him, surprised.
"And what would you say I looked like, Bilbo?" I asked politely. He opened his mouth to answer when there were three loud knocks on the door.
"He is here," whispered Gandalf. The dwarves crowded around the door once again while I stayed near the hobbit.
Gandalf opened the door to reveal the dwarf prince, Thorin Oakenshield. He turned his head to nod at Gandalf.
"Gandalf, you said this place would be easy to find, I lost my way, twice. Never would've found it at all, had it not been for that mark on the door," he sighed as he walked in, unfastening his cloak.
"Mark? There is no mark on that door, in fact, I had it painted yesterday," stammered Bilbo who was wringing his hands together nervously.
"Aye, there is a mark Bilbo Baggins, I put it there myself," answered Gandalf, looking quite amused. Thorin, finally noticing Bilbo, smiled while he crossed his arms, looming over him.
"So this is the Hobbit. Tell me, master Baggins, axe or sword? Which do you prefer?" he asked while walking a slow circle around him.
"Well, I have a fair talent in conckers, but I fail to see how that's revelant," replied the Hobbit, puffing out his chest.
"Thought as much, looks more like a grocer than a burglar," smiled Thorin, but not before catching my eyes. I straightened my back and felt my hair slip past my ears. I tried to quickly cover it, but I saw his eyes widen in shock, then anger.
"An elf?" he spat. I sighed, glaring at Gandalf. Already two minutes in meeting the dwarf prince and I already had fucked things up.
