Hello everyone! This is one of my first stories on Fanfiction, so I really hope you all enjoy it! This first chapter isn't in the movie but I thought I'd add it in to give you a better picture of Amariel and her life. I'm sorry for the slow beginning but I promise you the next chapter will be better. Let me know what you guys think by reviewing, I'm open to critiques as well. Well, enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own The Hobbit or any of it's characters, only Amariel and a insignificant others.

Chapter One: A Surprise Visitor

APOV

The fairest of all the dwellings of all of her people: Lothlórien. There were no trees like the trees of that land. For in the autumn their leaves fell not, but turned to gold. Not until the spring and the new green opened did they fall, and then the boughs were laden with yellow flowers; and the floor of the wood was golden, and golden was the roof, and its pillars were of silver, for the bark of the trees was smooth and grey. Lady Galadriel was highly praised for her beauty, particularly that of her hair, which was a deep and radiant gold, shot with silver. It was said by the elves she had ensnared the light of the two trees, Telperion and Laurelin, and she had a penchant for dressing in the purest white. Because of her wisdom and power, she was considered to be an Elf-witch. Along with her husband, Lord Celeborn, she ruled over the lands of Lothlórien.

However, this story didn't begin in the beauty of Lothlórien, but instead in a small wooden cottage in the outskirts of a forest, isolated from the rest of Middle-earth. The cottage's fire was crackling, thus resulting in wisps of grey smoke to curl out of the stone chimney and into the grey sky. The interior of the cottage wasn't of great magnificence, in fact it was the opposite; there was a set of hickory chairs scattered around a rough, round table, there was only two windows and on each sill there sat a tiny bundle of flowers. The floor was blemished with damp spots were the thatched roof had not been able to prevent the rain from pouring in, and there was but a blanket covering a few bales of hay for a bed. Yet, the cottage was not a miserable nor dull place, the sunlight still filtered through the many copses of the forest and shimmered against a nearby river's azure water and flickered upon the windowpanes of the cottage. The inhabitant of this cottage was a 2776 year old She-elf, who went by the name of Amariel. Amariel was considered nothing short of beautiful by those who had been privileged to see her hundreds of years before she went into exile; she had lapis blue eyes with a tint of violet near the pupil, and silvery-golden hair that curled at the ends. She owned a slender figure but was not overly tall for a She-elf. There was also something that made you want to know more about her; a certain seductiveness. And so Amariel lived a peaceful, tame life; but that was all about to change…

"Tinuviel elvanui, Elleth alfirin edhelhael, O hon ring finnil fuinui, A renc gelebrin thiliol," Amariel sang in a soft, clear voice while tending to the fire. It was an Elvish song that she had sung on numerous occasions, and it happened to be her favourite. In the common tongue it said, 'Tinuviel the elven-fair, Immortal maiden elven-wise, About him cast her shadowy hair, And arms like silver glimmering.' Amariel put down the stick she was using to tend the fire with and slipped a tatty shawl around her shoulders, pulled on her leather boots, and tucked a dagger into her belt, before walking out of her front door. The pale sunlight had vanished without leaving any traces and the milky moon had appeared with a display of myriad stars. The towering trees swayed in time with the chilly breeze, rustling their leaves. The breeze nipped at her arms, making her tug her shawl tighter around her body. As she walked, odd twigs cracked beneath her feet and the quiet sound of crickets chirping could be vaguely heard. It was not a particularly nice night to be wandering the forest but Amariel had to collect more wood and pine cones for the fire; it was important for the fire to be going all night, or else she would surely die of the unmerciful cold that washed over each night, especially in the autumn. Amariel arrived at an ideal spot and leaned over to pick up a few stubby logs and stray pine cones from the damp ground. Swoosh. A sudden noise made her perk up, and make her heart beat slightly faster than usual. Usually, Amariel would not be fazed by an odd noise or two when she was outside, they were common when you lived in a forest, but this sounded much more unnatural as if it was made by a being. But since Amariel heard no more after that, she brushed off the noise as if it had never happened and headed back to her cottage.

The fire was scarcely still alight when she arrived into the warmth of her home, so she got to work trying to relight the fire with the logs and pine cones as soon as she could. When the fire was ablaze again, she undressed herself into her rather tarnished night dress and curled up on her hay bed. It was dark in the one-roomed cottage now, except for the candle Amariel had lit on a stool next her bed so she could read a little before falling asleep. She was reading this particular book for what seemed like the hundredth time for it was the only book she owned. It's pages were worn and yellowed and the cover was almost detached from the book itself but she enjoyed it nonetheless; the story was about a young she-elf named Miriel who fell in love with a wizard, Landion, but their families despised the other so it seemed as though their feelings for each other could not be, it ended with Miriel and Landion running away together and living together until the end of their days. The book was called Vanya Sulie which meant 'Fair Winds' and Amariel thought it was written to sound real but to her it sounded more like a fairy tale, not likely to happen at all. After reading Vanya Sulie, Amariel placed her book back down and fell into a light sleep.

The sun peeked through the windows, and landed on her pale face. Groggily, she lifted her head from the hay bale, her curly hair tumbling down her back like a waterfall. The suns vibrant rays sent a glossy, gold sheen all around the cottage, ridding any last remains of shadow. Amariel got up from bed and walked over to the window, sparing a quick glance at the dead fire as she did. She closed her eyes yet again, letting the waking rays warm her body. Today would be a good day, she could feel it. The forest was again lush and bright, and the trees still stood majestically above the bushes and rivers, their knotted arms rising ever upwards, as far as her eyes could see. She could hear the orchestra of birdsong, and the gushing of the river. The clouds drifted across the smudged sky of salmon-pink and pale blue. Smiling to herself, Amariel turned from the window and grabbed a bunch of berries from a basket where she stored some of her food, and a knife, then chopped the berries into tiny pieces and scooped them into a small wooden bowl. Deciding to go outside, she went and picked a couple of apples from the only apple tree that grew in the forest, while happily breathing in the fresh air. When she returned back to her cottage she feasted on the berries and afterwards the apples while humming a traditional Elvish song,

"Man ammen toltha, i dann hen morn, Si dannatha nauva." And translated into the common tongue it was, 'Who brings to us, This token of Doom, The darkness will now fall.' So far, this was a morning the same as any other until... Knock. Knock, knock. The noise jolted Amariel about of her daydreaming. Did she hear a knock? It couldn't of been, there hadn't been for many years, why now? Amariel stayed in her seat, scared of what might await if she opened the door. Knock, knock. Amariel almost winced at each knock. It had been so long since the outside world had been apart of her life, so long since she had seen another being, for so long she had been free. Knock. One last knock was enough to do her in, thus she plucked up courage, stood up from the table and walked to the door. Her hand grabbed onto the doorknob and waited there for a few seconds before she twisted it open. No-one. There was no-one there. How odd, she thought, before a gruff voice spoke up behind her.

"Well, what a pleasant home," Amariel spun around, her heart pounding, to meet a rather familiar face.

"Mithrandir?" the She-elf asked in utter bewilderment. The old wizard turned his attention from the cottage and onto Amariel. A tall pointed grey hat sat on his head, he wore a long grey cloak, and a dark scarf wrapped around his neck. He had a long white beard, bushy eyebrows, and long tangled grey hair.

"Ah, yes, so you do remember me then?" he answered with a slight smile that hinted that he was pleased.

"How could I have forgotten?" she said, "but I am clueless to why you are here, please, do tell," Mithrandir made himself comfortable on one of the wooden chairs, and lay his tall, gnarled staff at his feet.

"Er, yes, I will. But for the moment, would you mind sparing me a glass of wine? I have travelled far, and am need of a little something to quench my thirst." he answered. Amariel felt quite like a fool for a quick moment for not offering him a drink. It had been long since she had any visitors, especially surprise ones, and had forgotten how to be a good hostess.

"Oh, yes. I may have a wine bottle stored somewhere around here," Amariel replied more to herself than Mithrandir and began to busy herself with finding it. Once she had found the wine bottle and two glasses she brought them to the table and poured each of them a small glass of wine. Mithrandir gave a short nod in thanks and drank at least half of the glass in one gulp. Amariel quietly sipped her own wine before speaking again.

"So, Mithrandir, what have you been up to these past — how many years has it been? I've lost count,"

"A good many, I would think, and I must say life has been rather boring without you, well, until now that is," he informed, saying the last part in a more serious tone. Amariel listened closely, her old curiosity coming back to her.

"Do go on," Amariel urged.

"Quite recently I have met with Thorin Oakenshield at the Inn of the Prancing Pony. I urged him to march upon Erebor, to rally the seven armies of the Dwarves, to take back their homeland and destroy the Dragon. He is the heir to the throne of Erebor and the Lonely Mountain therefore he must summon a meeting of the seven Dwarf families and hold them their oath, but for that he will need the King's Jewel, the Arkenstone. I am going to help him to reclaim it." Mithrandir explained, shocking Amariel with his every word. Erebor had belonged to Smaug the fiery beast for numerous years and now they were about to reclaim it; Amariel didn't want to think about the consequences if they did. However, there was one question that was bugging her.

"That is all very interesting, Mithrandir, but why tell me? I have no deal with Thorin or any Dwarves,"

"You have changed, my dear Amariel, in your younger days you were always on ventures exploring every nook and cranny of Middle-earth, fighting Orcs and other terrible beasts," the wizard said while smoking from his pipe.

"Yes, you're right, I have changed. But I prefer life this way, no constant problems, no armies of evil creatures, and no people to ruin anything. I like waking up every morning to the soft sound of the trickling river, the lush, evergreen forest, and the birds singing without a single drop of wore etched into their voice," said Amariel.

"Ah, but are you sure, Amariel? To me it only seems like you have adjusted to this life of exile. You belong in Middle-earth no different from any other, do not hide in the shadows when there is still light outside your doorstep." said Mithrandir with wisdom in his powerful words. That was what Amariel did not like about the wizard, he always would hit a soft spot inside her which couldn't help but make her guilty. These words were no different, he spoke the truth but she was just to blind to see it.

"Those are wise words, but I cannot help but notice you have failed to answer my question: What do the Dwarves have to do with me?" she asked in hope of changing the subject and she could see that her old friend always noticed that but pretended otherwise.

"Well, that, I would have thought you would have remembered," he spoke truthfully but when Amariel shook her head he continued, "do you not remember those years ago when you were travelling with your friend from Lothlórien, Calanon, through the Misty Mountains to rescue your other friend, Raina, from a band of Orcs that had attacked her land. You had reached the Orc pack, but found that you were easily outnumbered. They were closing in when Thorin Oakenshield and Dwalin appeared out of no-where and helped you to kill all the Orcs and rescue Raina. Soon after, he and Dwalin left and was thought to never be seen again by you." It took a few moments for Mithrandir's words to sink in; she had long forgotten the incident but now that he brought it up, remembered it very clearly. What was she going to do? She owed him a favour, but was she ready to step out into the world once more, out of exile? Amariel gave her friend a slow nod of understanding and began to pace up and down the small room, deep in thought. Mithrandir was patient and let her do so in silence. Finally, Amariel paused and soon on her heel to face Mithrandir. A silent tear drizzled down her cheek, and she quickly wiped it away.

"I know what I must do, but I'm afraid to do it. In exile, my life has been simple, but you are right, my heart does long to once again be free to walk in Middle-earth," said the She-elf softly.

"I, myself, know how you must feel, my friend, for everyone is scared, even me, but if we live in fear of the future because of what happened in our past, we'll end up losing what we have right now," said Mithrandir with a comforting smile. "You are a brave girl, Amariel, you always have been."

"Hardly, Mithrandir. I've lived almost all my life in fear," she replied.

"Remember that bravery is not the lack of fear but the ability to move forward in spite of it," said the wizard. Amariel took his words to heart and swallowed down her dread.

"Yes," she smiled, "yes." Mithrandir raised one of his bushy eyebrows as if to say 'yes for what?' in a joking manner. "Yes, I will help the Dwarves reclaim their homeland,"

"I am proud of you, Amariel." he said and spared a short chuckle to himself.

"You've always given me strength and judgement, mellon, thank you," Amariel said, using the Elvish word for friend.

"Well, I am glad, I shall inform the others as soon as I can," Mithrandir said, picked his staff off the floor, and stood up from his chair. Amariel was rather confused, was he not staying longer?

"Are you not staying?" said Amariel voicing her thoughts.

"No, I am afraid not. I have errands to run and little time to do them in." he said then handed the elf a scroll of yellowing parchment. "Read this, and you will know the details of our journey. I trust to see you soon," Amariel accepted the scroll and placed it gently on her bedside stool, as her friend walked out of the cottage door. But just as he closed the door, a thought hit Amariel and she quickly called out to the retreating wizard.

"Mithrandir! How did you know where I lived?" He turned around, a small grin on his wrinkled face.

"A wizard knows many things; however, I must admit you're home was rather hard to find, I got lost in the forest last night and only found my way at dawn." Realization and relief kicked in, as Amariel realised that the noise she had heard last night when collecting wood was only a poor lost wizard.

"Oh, well, namaarie, my friend," she farewelled Mithrandir and went back inside. When inside, she picked up the scroll and rolled it open, on it, it was written:

Deed of Contract

Conditions of Engagement

In a role as traveller for Thorin and Company, or in any other role they see fit, at their sole discretion from time to time.

Agreed hereto, freely and under neither duress nor force or coercion or extortion nor threat to life and or limb, and superseding any prior contract, agreement or undertaking, survivable clauses notwithstanding, signed and witnessed below, as set forth hereunder: And as appended to from time to time, at the sole discretion of the Director, with all new material being read as if originally included herein. The undersigned, agree to travel to the Lonely Mountain, path to be determined by Thorin Oakenshield, who has a right to alter the course of the journey at his so choosing, without prior notification and/or liability for accident or injury incurred. Traveller agrees that any and all information given by the All Conditions imposed herein are deemed to survive loss or destruction of this document, whether by... Company remain Strictly Confidential. The aforementioned journey and subsequent extraction from the Lonely Mountain of any and all goods, valuables, and chattels shall proceed in a timely manner and with all due care and consideration as seen fit by said Thorin Oakenshield and companions, numbering thirteen, more or less, to wit, the Company. No recompense for loss of income due to any extended absence applies. Traveller is 'at the Service' of Thorin and Company until released therefrom... accidental or wilful mishap, and any reconstruction, re-wording, updating or improvements or additions made... Traveller holds harmless and without blame in perpetuity the Company and its successors for any notoriety, incarceration, or proceedings brought against, in regard to or as a result of the Adventure or any activities related thereto. Also includes slander, libel, loss of face or of social standing in country. Remedies shall similarly not be sought for any unlooked-for misfortune befalling Traveller's home during his absence. Cash on delivery, up to and not exceeding one-fifteenth of the total profit. Not including any of the gross paid to other parties in lieu of royalties or help and provisions given or loaned... shall include a condition similar.

The contract when for at least six for pages talking about Evictions or Eliminations, The Principles, Confidentiality, Disputes, Specialist Equipment, Transport, and Return Journey. It ended with:

Wherefore and for which the Company promises the whole amount, to give and to pay to traveller or to traveller's accredited messenger one fourteenth of total profits, if in gold then good and of correct weight, and if other than gold, then of good quantity and of correct and proper measure, within one year of the completion of the Adventure: if, however, Company does not make good on payment herein set forth, Company becomes liable for the whole amount; to give to Traveller, making the stipulation, the penalty of the double of the said amount, the aforesaid Conditions remaining as settled. Furthermore, Company pledges to traveller as security for the aforesaid promises all its goods existing and future. The above is binding with the exception and special reservation that if the amount of goods, property, and merchandise paid thereby is transported by a third party, whose safety cannot be guaranteed in any case, and furthermore, the said goods, property, and merchandise fail to arrive at the destination nominated by the Traveller, then and in such a case the present instrument is cancelled, void, and of no value. Let the present instrument also be cancelled if the said Traveller refrains from asking or exacting payments of the aforesaid amounts of money, goods, property or merchandise for the space of one year after the time or the time limit has elapsed for asking, exacting or obtaining said payment. Without limiting the aforesaid, traveller expressly and forever waives any and all claims that the traveller may now or hereafter have in respect and in any jurisdiction to the so-called 'Moral Rights' with respect to the Recovered Goods. Traveller understands that he embarks upon the Adventure at his own financial as well as personal risk.

Amariel sighed to herself and walked over to a small drawer and scavenged through papers and notes until she found an black ink bottle and brown and grey feather pen. She dipped the nib of the pen into the ink bottle and hovered the pen over the parchment about to sign her name. Her pale hand started to shake with nervousness and she tried to steady it with her opposite hand. This was it, when she signed her name there was no going back, only forward. For a moment she closed her eyes to try and calm herself, then lowered the pen onto the parchment and scribbled her signature. Amariel stood there for what seemed like hours just staring at her signature. Had she just signed her life away? Or did she sign it back? Eventually, she drew her eyes away from the parchment and onto the outside of the cottage. The forest sky was vanished almost completely by the dense canopy, only a few fragments of blue remained — like scattered pieces of an impossible jigsaw puzzle. The air that was rich with the fragrance of the leaves and pine needles drifted into my nose. Outside the noon daylight shimmered upon the deep red apples and danced upon the treetops. The only movement was the occasional bird, rummaging in a tree or a squirrel dashing up a nearby trunk. The sound of running water in the river had the same hypnotic quality as music. Amariel took in all the air in her lungs then expelled it slowly. It was strange how the strangest things could happen to someone but nature would be unaware of it and would continue as it did every day and night.

Amariel spent the remainder of the day in the forest, not caring for the plants and animals nor collecting supplies as she usually did, but practising her aim with the dagger and bow and arrow on near tree trunks. Seeing as she would be going on a dangerous quest she figured she'd need to defend herself once more. She was quite rusty on her moves but imagined she could still win a fight against a few Orcs with ease. In the days when she was an adventurous elf, she showed incredible skill with weapons especially the bow and arrow. She was quick with her movements, had great balance, and had a good aim. Over the years she had lost a few techniques but soon regained them with the bit of practise she had that afternoon. By the time evening fell like a dark blanket that enveloped the entire earth, Amariel was back in her cottage preparing a fairly big dinner for herself of mushrooms and carrots. She threw the mushrooms into a tray and put the tray on top of the burning fire to cook them while she chopped up the carrots. When her meal was complete, she sat down at her table and began to eat. Amariel felt slightly weird when thinking that this might be the last proper meal she ate for some time, therefore enjoyed every bit of the dinner while it lasted. After dinner, Amariel retreated to her hay bed and felt to tired to read Vanya Sulie but was unable to fall asleep for a long while. Thoughts of Mithrandir, Thorin Oakenshield, contracts, and Erebor circled her mind until she was able to fall into an uneasy sleep; dreams of dragons, dwarves, and darkness crowding her vision throughout the night.

I hope you liked it! Please rate and review!