Prologue

Once upon a time in there existed a great underwater city called Erebor, home of the warrior mer-folk known as the sharkanians. Erebor was one of the most prosperous kingdoms in all the ocean with its fine craftsmen and women. Erebor was ruled by the fair just ruler Thror of the line of Durin and by his side sat the great wizard Sauron as his adviser, but Sauron grew jealous and angry at the king, believing himself to be more worthy of being ruler. It came to be that Sauron made an attempt on the kings life and was banished for it, filled with rage Sauron conjured up a mighty sea monster which he set upon the city. Many died in the desolation of the creature, including King Thror but many more managed to escape the monster's wrath, including Prince Thrain, now King, and his pregnant wife Vris. Those who survived immediately fled the kingdom in search of a new home knowing that until Sauron was dead, and with him the creature, they would be unable to return. The sharkanians wandered all throughout the ocean searching for a place to call home, but no matter where they went they were turned away by all even their own kin for fear of incurring the wrath of Sauron upon themselves. They wandered for three years before they were met by a wizard by the name of Gandalf who suggested they come to the kingdom of the Shire where he was sure they would be welcomed

"What makes you think these shirelings will help us,they are no ally of ours, for what reason would they help us?" asked Thrain too used to the greed of others

"No reasons but the right reasons, your Highness." the wizard replied

Thrain did not understand the wizards reasoning and would have refused but upon looking at the glimmer of hope resting in the eyes of his son Thrain could not refuse, reasoning that there was not harm in trying after all. The refugees followed the wizard until they came upon a great currant which was impossible to cross. Just when Thrain was about to accuse the wizard of leading them into a trap suddenly two great stone pillars rose from the sea floor and shifted the currant. Amazed, the sharkanians quickly passed through the entrance. There was a great trench below them that felt as though it would swallow them whole and nothing but open ocean for about mile before they came upon a beautiful reef that led into a great city. As they entered the city the King was amazed by peace that was radiating from city around them. When they reached the palace Gandalf stopped and gestured that only Thrain and his family should family should follow and he led them into the throne room. As they were about to enter Thrain was surprised by a scream and a crash and, rather than waiting for Gandalf he charged into the throne room to assist in whatever battle was occurring, what he wasn't expecting was a heavily pregnant mermaid to be pointing a glowing trident at a rather frightened looking king (judging by the crown). Almost immediately the woman turned the trident on him and looked about ready to attack when Thorin swam in behind him. Upon seeing the child the woman dropped the trident and quickly swam over and began cooing at his son. Still shocked King Thrain swim there trying to process what had just happened, he didn't notice the king approaching him. It wasn't until he started talking that Thrain even noticed he was there.

"I apologize for my queen she's a bit temperamental right now."

"AND WHOSE FAULT IS THAT?!" the queen screeched

"Mine, dear" came the calm reply

"Damn Right!" happy with this response she picked up Thorin and swam to the throne.

Soon a knock came at the door and Gandalf entered with Vris at his side

"GANDALF!" the queen yelled excitedly before swimming over to the wizard and hugging him tight "We weren't expecting you for another month!"

"Well my dear I came upon some people who are in need of assistance and believed you would be able to help them." the wizard replied finally shaking Thrain out of his stupor. He swam over to his wife as she took Thorin from the Queen and with that the exiled King and Queen swam before the King and Queen of the Shire.

"Please allow me to introduce myself, I am Thrain Durin exiled King of Erebor, this is my wife and Queen Vris, and our son Thorin" Thrain said majestically.

"Welcome King Thrain of Erebor, and as I'm sure Gandalf neglected to tell you of us" with this he gave the wizard a dark look which went ignored "I am King Bungo Baggins of the Shire and this is my lovely Queen Belladonna." the king smiled kindly at the family "How can we be of assistance?" he asked and Thrain told the king the story of his kingdom and of Sauron's betrayal. As he finished his tale Thrain turned to the king and said "We come here in hopes that you will be willing to give us shelter at least for the winter while the waters are cold."

The King looked insulted "That's preposterous!" he shouted and Thrain despaired but when King Bungo continued he was shocked silent once again "You and you're people shall stay in my kingdom for as long as you need." The king turned to one of the servants "Go Prepare the guest quarters for the king and his family, and go into the city and ask for anyone willing to house some of the sharkanians until other arrangements can be made. Make sure they know that they will be well compensated for their help." he ordered and when he turned to Thrain he said "Go tell your people the news, tonight they will dine with my family until my people come to get them."

"Why?" was his response "Why would you help us? You owe us no loyalty, and we have no treasures to give.

It was the Queen who answered "Because you don't have a home, it was taken from you and while we can't hope to replace it we can hope that someday you will be able to call the shire home as well."

"How can we ever repay this kindness?" Thrain asked

"We require no compensation other than the knowledge that you and your family will have a place to call home." replied Belladonna

"Please! There must be something we could do to repay you for this kindness my people were known as great craftsmen and warriors" Thrain pleaded

Bungo looked thoughtful before replying "Well the Shire has no real defense other than the great Brandywine currant and while that is good for keeping invaders out sometimes an Orc or two gets through" he paused "If your warriors would be willing to set up a patrol we woud most grateful. Other than that I can think of nothing that we could possibly ask for." he replied honestly

"It shall be done. Thank you again for your kindness my people will never forget this." Thrain then turned to his wife and took his son and said "My son, we have found a new home!"

Bungo laughed "Now enough of this talk, tonight we feast!"