Chapter 1: Gandalf the Grey and Dwarves?

~~~~~In the Shire~~~~~

A young woman sat on a wooden bench, its red paint shining in the blazing sun. The trees rustled along with the wind and the animals scattered all over the place, everything was perfect in her opinion. She was beautiful to say the least, with long hair that was almost the same shade as glazed honey, pale emerald eyes, full luscious pink lips, a small nose, fair skin, and a soft and curvy body with a descent chest. She had worn a royal blue shirt with long cream colored sleeves and an auburn brown skirt that reached up to her knees, covering half of her long and slender legs which had some muscle. Although most hobbits didn't wear shoes, she wore royal blue flats with gold outlining for she was not a hobbit.

In fact, she couldn't remember who she was or what she was. It was said that a young hobbit named Bilbo Baggins had found her near a river and was on the blink of death. She was grateful for his kindness.

Having lost her memory as well, he temporarily called her Fauna, along with the rest of Shire. It was said that when she was found, she was covered in warrior clothing, fit to be in a battle and that she had a scar on her right cheek just under her eye. She later on found out that she had many scars adoring her body, all except under her knees. She then remembered how she got a cottage.

~~~~Flashback, 3 years ago~~~~

Bilbo had allowed her to stay at his home, but she kindly refused, deciding that she would live on her own and that he had done enough. He reluctantly agreed and instead offered her his deceased father's cottage near the river where they found her. She, of course, accepted and thanked him before taking what she had left and moved into the cottage. When she arrived, she immediately fell in love it for it was beautiful in its own way.

The cottage was probably two-stories judging from its tall height. It was a nice shade of brown and had a red tiled roof, white lilies decorated the two large round windows beside the red oaked door with the wooden handle. A large oak tree was nearby, probably large enough for a smaller house. There was even a well with red bricks, a roof covered with hay and a lever that was attached to a string bucket. She was thrilled and lived most of her time in that cottage.

~~~~End of Flashback~~~~

She sighed in content, and then stretched, now noticing a tall elderly man talking to Bilbo, who appeared to be distressed. The old man wore a pointed grey hat along with grey robes, his long silver hair and beard blew slightly in the breeze. He didn't seem to notice her glance at him until he had finished drawing a strange, but familiar symbol on the door right after Bilbo hid inside his home. He smiled at her and swiftly made his way to her greeting her a good morning, his eyes warm abd twinkling with a unknown glint.

"What do you mean? Do you wish me a good morning or mean that it is a good morning whether I want it to be or not or that you feel good this morning or that it is a morning to be good on?" she remarked with a small teasing smile, hearing him say those words to Bilbo. He had chuckled and replied "Any one one of them that satisfies you. Now, tell me miss, are you not a hobbit?"

That seemed to have startled her for she paused before answering "No sir, in fact, I don't remember anything of my past life or what I am. But it's nice to meet you; the hobbits around here call me Fauna." He had seemed surprise at her answer but soon introduced himself "I am Gandalf the Grey." They soon had a small conversation and by then did he ask "Would you happen to know Master Baggins?"

"Why yes, why?" she asked, curiosity shone in her eyes. "I would like you to arrive at his house later this evening, if that is alright with you?" he had said.

"Of course, I was planning to meet him later on anyways." she pleasantly said before noticing the sun about to set, as did the old wizard. "It appears that it is time for me to go, we shall meet again Fauna." Gandalf smiled down at her before he carried on, his brown staff making a small clatter against the marble tiles that led to the old dusty trail.

-Later that Evening-

She had decided to take a nap earlier, but was woken up to the loud ruckus in Bilbo's home. She soon got off the bed and made her way to his place, remembering her promise to Gandalf. As soon as she reached the door, she softly knocked and the house became silent. She stood there awkwardly for a minute until Bilbo's angry voice echoed "Not another dwarf!"

A puzzled look formed on her delicate features. Dwarf? There were dwarves here? The round door was quickly opened and a flustered Bilbo appeared, looking ready to tear someone's head off until he realized who it was. "F-Fauna? What are you doing here?" he quickly whispered. "Well, I heard some strange noises coming from your house. Is everything alright and what do you mean by dwarves?" she asked, not noticing the crowd that began to form around the poor hobbit, several mouths dropping open in surprise at the sight of her.

All except Gandalf who finally spoke up. "Ah, you're finally here," he calmly stated, making his way towards her. A large male dwarf beat him to her, crushing her in a hug that reminded her of a bear. Her face quickly became red and confused, beginning to loose air from her lungs.

"Can't b-breathe," she said, feeling a little light headed until the dwarf finally let her go. "Fiona, where have you been all this time?" his deep, gruff voice questioned her. She blinked up at him with shock before she replied "Fiona? I'm sorry but I believe we've never met. (She paused a little, seeing his sad face) Unless you were someone I once knew, but had forgotten."

"Forgotten? What are you talking about? We're engaged." his tone was suddenly serious. "W-well you see, 3 years ago I was found near a river and I, apparently, lost any memory of my past life," she stuttered, fidgeting under his sharp gaze. His eyes softened when he heard the last part, but his tone remained serious "How did you loose your memory?"

"I-I don't kno-" "I said HOW?!" his booming voice made her eyes grow wide and wet as she stared at him, her face easily portraying the distress she felt. One of the dwarves, or two who were known as Fili and Kili, immediately noticed her tear-stained face and they both chorused "Uncle, you're scaring her." That had seemed to snap him out of his anger, which was all the woman needed to run to her cottage.

"Wait stop!" he yelled, but she didn't listen and continued to run until she reached the safety of her home. Shutting the door behind her with a bang, she feverously made it to her bedroom and laid in her bed, shaken and more confused than ever.

In a few minutes, she had drifted into a deep sleep, unexpected to her that she too would join the journey.

-End of Chapter-