Water dripped from the ends of the silver strands of my hair. I mumbled, "If this blasted rain would go away, I can get to Bree easier..."

My hand pulled on the tip of my hood to keep as much water away from my face. Not like I can get sick but it is a nuisance. A crack of thunder echoed in the night. I groaned making my feet move forward to the Prancing Pony. It is shelter till this forsaken weather clears up. My brown boots splashed into a puddle. I scrunched up my nose. Some water sloshed into my boot. This is not my night. As I was half way to Bree, this weather damned me the rest of the way. My hand opened the door as lightening flashed the surroundings. Some attendees quieted bringing their attention to the entrance. I shook the sleeves of my coat to remove the excess water. I didn't dare take my hood down. I know when my kind isn't wanted. My fingers reached around my belt pulling at a velvet pouch. Sounds of metal clinking against each other. I headed to the bar with a male of man behind it. I placed my pouch on the counter, "I need one room, please."

I'm not going to forget my manners. Emel and Ada taught me enough. The man raised his brows peering over the pouch. He placed the cup he was cleaning on the counter before grabbing the pouch. He weighed it in his hand before nodding. The man didn't say much when he grabbed the key to a vacant room. He pointed to the steps, "It'll be on the right."

I bowed my head lightly grabbing the key. My boots squeaked against the wood flooring heading up stairs to the rooms. I looked around at the hallway seeing many doors lined up left and right. I looked down at the key to see the number XXIII. The pad of my thumb rubbed against the number. I whispered to self, "23...23.. where are you?"

I walked down the hall in search for the door. My eyes glistened in delight when the number 23 stared at me to my left. I placed the key in the hole but it didn't seem to budge. I mumbled, "I swear to Eru-!"

A grunt was made to my left. I stopped my struggling glancing to my left. A rough dwarf with crossed arms looked amused at me. I spoke, "Do you need something?"

The dwarf couldn't help but smirk, "It seems you need help."

I narrowed my eyes at the dwarf, "I have this under control."

I took the time when he answered to look at his appearance. Tattoos appear to be on his bald head. Well technically it isn't bald as he has hair on the sides. And by Eru that beard is something else. It is short in the middle but long at the ends. A fur pelt rests on his shoulders and chest straps which may hold weapons. I noticed weapons aren't on his person. That means he is staying here. He grunted, "Doesn't seem like it, my lady."

I almost snorted at the title. I haven't been called that since I was home. I hated being called my lady or lady. Anything with a title. With one flick of my wrist, I heard a click from the lock. I smiled, "See? Everything is under control."

The dwarf still looks amused. Be amused at my expense. I bowed my head with a mocking wave of hand, "It's been a pleasure, Master Dwarf."

With that, I closed the door hiding myself from public eye. I let out a heavy breath pulling down my hood. Water droplets dripped onto the floor. I moved the strands of hair behind my ear. By the time I got to my ear, I slowly ran my fingers over it. The tip lightly brushing against the pads of my fingers. I let out a breath closing my eyes. I better get a bath and let my clothes dry.

Sun rose shining into the window. The rays tickled my fair skin. I closed my eyes remember what it was like to be a youngling again. It's been centuries. My fingers wove through my silver hair braiding to hide my tips. I wrapped the ends around my head forming a crown. It was a nuisance the night before when it got wet. Now it won't stick to my face. I placed my twin blades on my back. Elegant inscriptions on the hilt glistened against the sun's rays. I opened the door of my room and bounded down the steps. Not seeing I passed the same dwarf who finds humor to my expense. His brows rose high as he thumped down the steps steadily. I ignore the feeling that rose inside. I'm not dealing with it right now. I have business to attend to.

Sounds of a dull thump echoed the forest. It isn't quiet, no definitely not. Animals gather in their normal lives making noises. A tall man of men walk along a group of dwarves. His ears seem to pick up the noise. His eyes looked down at his company. They haven't seem to pick up the noise. The noise became clearer as they near Bree. Light female cries of exertion mixed with the sounds of the thumps. The tall wizard has a pretty good idea on the thumping. A young voice piped up, "Gandalf, do you hear that?"

A twitch of the wizard's lips went upward. The wizard didn't answer as he went ahead of the company of dwarves turning to his right. The company followed him equally curious. Gandalf spoke loud enough to hide the fact if he spoke normal the woman can hear him fine, "Oh my dear you seem stressed out."

I twirled my twin blades stopping the abuse I put into the bark. My chest heaved trying to regain breath, "It is said it isn't wise to sneak up on someone who has weapons."

Gandalf smiled, "I know you wouldn't hurt an old friend."

Old friend is an understatement. My eyes traveled amongst his company. I shealthed my blades grabbing my cloak at the base of the tree. I slipped it on waiting for Mithandir's answer. Gandalf didn't seem to notice the questions spilling out of the dwarves' mouths. Gandalf spoke up, "I have a quest that I would like to share with you."

I fastened the ties of my cloak, "I knew you were to come for an extra hand but I never knew when. Just a hunch. My answer is no."

Gandalf tried again, "You know nothing of what this quest I speak of."

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes as he knows I can see exactly he asks of me. I waved my hand dismissively, "I'm busy with my business, Gandalf."

Gandalf huffed. A red headed dwarf spoke out, "Gandalf! We don't have much time!"

Another dwarf piped up, "You best not ask an outsider to join us!"

I wiped my brow knowing dwarves are secretive. I gave a little bow, "I best be going, old friend. Good luck in your travels."

With that I took my leave, I know exactly he needs help in. Insurance for when the time comes. Help for Thorin, son of Thrain King under the mountain.