Hidden Secrets

You were used to traveling alone, as you also had trust issues. You were currently sitting down, with your feet in the cool water of the river, trying to relax, well you try to as you heard footsteps coming. Without any warning, you get up, spun around and held your sword at this newcomer.

"Is that any way to treat an old man?"

You looked at this person and raised your eyebrows at him. He was completely in grey garb. Even his hat was grey. He was leaning on a walking stick which you quickly realised was his staff. His white hair billowed out when the wind blew in his direction.

It was his eyes that struck you though. He had the kindest eyes you had ever seen and you knew then that you could trust him. Lowering your sword, you glance at your bare feet, now feeling a little self conscious.

"Cat got your tongue?" He enquired and you looked up with a frown.

The truth was, you hadn't spoken to anyone for over a year. You found it hard to open up around other people, especially when they realise who you are.

"Hmm. Interesting," remarked the old man, he then graced you with a smile "I'm Gandalf, Gandalf the Grey. I will not hurt you, child."

He then extended his arm and you watch with slight amusement to this new situation. You hesitantly did the same too and shock his warm hand, before letting go.

"It seems you are all alone," observed Gandalf surveying the area "are you hungry?"

You were a little hungry but you shook your head.

"They is plenty of food where my companions are," Gandalf carried on watching you intently "I don't think they will mind sharing food with you, hmm."

Again you shook your head. You were used to being on your own and that was how you liked it. Though it seemed Gandalf had other ideas.

"Well that's a shame."

You watched him with suspicion and you knew he was up to something.

"The last time I checked, there was rabbit stew in the pot."

Rabbit stew. You hadn't eaten that for such a long time, but yet again you shook your head.

"With potatoes, onions and there definitely was carrots the last I checked."

You swallowed hard and saw the twinkle in his blue eyes. You knew he had gotten to you and you hated feeling like this.

"Right, why don't you put your boots on and we will make our way towards the camp."

You glared at him which only earned you a chuckle. Sighing, you sat on the ground and grabbed your beige boots, taking the socks out of them before placing them on your feet. You glanced at Gandalf who was now looking ahead of him and you wondered who he really was.

Putting your boots on, you tied them up then stood up, dusting yourself off. You then walked towards a boulder and grabbed your bag.

"My, your certainly well prepared," You heard Gandalf say and you turn around as you place your swords in their rightful places "are you ready er...Forgive me but I do not even know your name."

Rolling your blue eyes, you crouch down on the dirt and with your finger, you spelt out your name to him.

"Rila. That's a nice name," grinned Gandalf when you stood back up "but it is bothersome that you will not talk. Oh well, perhaps your just shy."

Holding onto your bag, you follow Gandalf to wherever. You would have some of this rabbit stew, then go your own way once more. You were happy being by yourself and didn't need any help from any other person.

"Hmm, very strange," You heard Gandalf say and you looked at him, wondering what the matter was "it appears they are not here. Which is most odd. Unless-,"

You stay where you are as Gandalf walked towards the crumbling building that used to be a house to someone.

"I think there might be some trouble," You heard him mutter to himself "we better search for them. Though let's be careful shall we?"

You had no idea what was going on but decided to humour him and follow him. He went in the direction of the woods and when you both walked a little further up, you could faintly hear talking coming from somewhere.

While Gandalf ran towards the trees, you placed your bag near a tree before you started climbing up the tree and see what was going on. You nimbly climb from branch from branch and with your excellent eyesight, you could see what was going on.

Your eyes widen when you saw dwarves in sacks and right next to three trolls was a spit with even more dwarves on there. Climbing down, you knew that something had to be done about this. You spotted Gandalf behind a boulder and went up to him.

"I need a distraction," He looked at you "think you can handle three trolls while I start confusing them?"

You arch your eyebrows at him, wondering what he had meant. You raised your arms and pulled out your swords and was about to walk into the danger zone when Gandalf's hand went on your shoulder.

"Be careful Rila. Trolls may be stupid, but they make up for it with their strength."

You just nod your head taking on board to what he had just said. Taking a deep breath, you stepped in, ready to help Gandalf's friends.

"Oi, there is another one, there must be a nest of them somewhere round here." sneered one of trolls.

You look at the three trolls trying to swarm around you. One tried to grab you but you easily outmanoeuvred him and plunged your sword in his leg. The troll then held up his foot. hoping around like an idiot.

You glanced at the dwarves held in sacks and saw a young looking child, which you instantly recognised that he was a hobbit. You were wondering what was taking Gandalf so long in helping out.

"Watch out!" someone shouted.

You instantly spun around and saw another troll trying to grab you. You dodge out of his way, then attack him using your sword, deflecting a knife that was in his right hand. The other troll looked at you angrily.

"We will get you, then pull you limb from limb!" He sneered.

You just smirk at his empty words. You noticed the third troll trying to go behind you, but you knew what he was thinking and dodged his movement by quickly stepping out of the way.

This caused the troll behind you to collide with the one in front of you. They really were something, that was for sure. The trolls then started bickering amongst themselves and you took this chance by running towards the held captives.

Taking no notice of the many curious gazes you were receiving, you start undoing the knot that held them in place. From time to time, you glanced up at the three trolls who were still arguing amongst themselves. When one of the dwarves were free, you quickly went to the next one.

"You take that back." You heard one of the trolls as you untied another knot.

"Thank you lass." the voice said.

You glanced up and saw a blonde haired dwarf smiling back at you.

"There's something funny going on here." said one troll, causing you to glance at the three trolls.

"Yeah, we don't normally fight until after dinner." said another, causing you to roll your eyes.

"The dawn will take you all!" came a voice you have heard before.

You watch in fascination as Gandalf stood standing atop of a boulder and used his staff to split the very same boulder in half like it was an easy thing to do. The three idiotic trolls howl out in pain and then turn into stone.

Running to the next dwarf, you quickly untie the knot of the sack. You keep doing this until everyone was free. You take no notice of all the glances you kept receiving. You were more concerned in moving on. You got up and dust the dirt of your clothes, before placing your swords back in there rightful place. You noticed Gandalf walk up to the spit and help those that were tied to it.

"You saved our lives." said a dark haired beardless dwarf, grinning at you.

You just grace him with a smile, not believing you had really saved them. You had a feeling Gandalf played a bigger part than what you did.

"You came from nowhere." enquired a dark curly haired hobbit.

You had travelled a lot and knew there were many wonderful towns and villages around. You had even spotted a few hobbits on your travels, though you had kept to yourself then as well.

"Where did you come from?" He asked you with a massive grin on his face.

"She came with me." came a voice behind you.

You turn around and saw Gandalf smiling at you. Besides him, was a noble looking dwarf watching you with mild interest.

"Thank you for your help Rila. It was much appreciated."

You nod your head catching the dwarf besides Gandalf once more. He had long black hair with wisps of grey in it. Two braids in besides his ears, trimmed beard and ice blue eyes that were currently watching you back.

"You know each other?" queried the noble dwarf.

"We bumped into each other when I needed to clear my thoughts," replied Gandalf, giving the noble dwarf a stern look "though she appears to be very shy. She has yet to speak."

You glare at Gandalf when he said that causing a few chuckles around you. You saw the way he caught the attention of the dwarf next to him and was a little surprised when the dwarf nodded his head. You had no idea what was going on, but you didn't want to know. It was time to move on.

You turn around and began walking away but a hand went on your shoulder stopping you. You turn a little and saw Gandalf look down at you with worry etched on his face. You frown, not liking this new situation.

"I think it would be wise," began Gandalf "if you join us for a little while Rila. I did promise you some food, did I not?"

You really wanted to leave. You did not like being around a lot of people.

"Right, that's decided then. You shall travel with us," carried on Gandalf who was now glancing at the trolls "safety in numbers."

You were completely miffed with these new turn of events. You haven't travelled with anyone for a very long time, so why start now? You knew you couldn't make a scene so instead, you walked to where you climbed the tree and you had a feeling you were being followed.

Turning your head slightly, you saw most of the dwarves watching you with interest. You return your attention back to your bag, picking it up, making sure everything was held in place. When you turned around once more, you were a little surprised to see everyone watch you. The blonde haired dwarf came toward you with a warm smile.

"I'm Fili at your service."

He then held out his hand and you shake his hand gracing him with a smile, before dropping your arm back to your side.

"I'm Bofur at your service."

You looked in his direction noticing he was the only one (other than Gandalf that is) to wear a hat. You acknowledge him with a smile and a nod.

"Balin at your service lass." smiled a white haired dwarf.

Slowly you were introduced to nearly everyone. One of them who told you his name was Kili, even winked at you causing you to blush a little. That was how you met the company of Thorin and his kin. You had no idea at that time that your life would be changed forever.

o0o

You heard Thorin say there could be a troll cave nearby and you sigh, knowing you would be venturing in there. You started walking when you saw everyone move forward. Gandalf and Thorin were in the lead and you were actually relieved that you were in the back as it meant you could be left in peace, or so you thought.

"Why won't you talk?" asked Kili, causing you to roll your eyes at him "Were you born like that?"

Despite yourself, you smirk at his question, earning a smile from him. You shook your head.

"So you wasn't born mute?" Again you shook your head "How do you communicate then?"

"Kee, leave her alone."

You turn your head to the new voice and saw Fili watching you intently.

"I'm apologise for my brother's lack of tact. You see when he was a baby, he was dropped on his head," Your blue eyes went wide with this information "and ever since that tragic day, Kili has to ask stupid random questions."

"Hey! I wasn't dropped on my head." snapped Kili.

"You were a baby, you would not have remembered that!" Fili stated "That bump on your head is the proof that you were dropped."

You watch them both with a small smile on your face. You could tell these two were the pranksters in this group.

"There is no bump on my head."

"If you say so Kee, if you say so."

You watch in amusement as Kili placed his hand on the back of his head feeling for any bumps.

"I was right," grinned Kili "no bumps."

"Who said if it was at the back of your head?" smirked Fili as Kili walked of in a huff.

You thought you would be left alone once more but Fili walked in step with you, though never said a word to you. This was how it would be for a while.

o0o

While some of the company were in the extremely stinky cave, you stayed outside sharping your sword. You had no idea on how long they would be so you just tried to relax for a while. Of course when you did relax, both Fili and Kili came out of the cave holding onto weapons that looked out of place.

'How did those trolls get all these weapons?' You thought to yourself 'Those weapons look important.'

You returned your attention to your sword at hand only you heard several footsteps approach you, causing you to glance up once more. Both Fili and Kili had smiles on their faces now and you wondered what set that off.

"There are a lot of swords if you need a new one Rila." grinned Kili.

You shook your head. You were comfortable with what you had. The two swords you had were a gift from your father before the trouble started. You would never replace them as they both had meaning to you.

"There are even bow and arrows, axes, spears and chain mail. You should have a look in there," again you shook your head, hearing Kili sigh "can't blame me for trying."

By now most of the company were out of the cave, which meant they were about to leave again. Standing up, you placed your trusted sword in its rightful place and was about to pick up your bag, when you heard a strange noise.

You notice that the others hadn't heard this weird sound but you could tell there was something coming really fast. You quickly picked up your bag and went in search for Gandalf who was speaking to Bilbo.

The sound was getting nearer but you didn't want to intrude on the private conversation between Gandalf and Bilbo, especially as he was now looking at a little sword in his hand. The noise was gaining speed and you were about to walk up to Gandalf when someone shouted,

"Something is coming."

You were actually relieved at someone else in the group had finally heard that. Gandalf ran past you and you decided to follow his lead and run towards the trees. You noticed everyone get their weapons out but you didn't. You had a strange feeling that whatever was causing all that noise, was not a foe.

"Thieves! Fire! Murder!" You heard someone shout.

You were about to enter the trees when you spotted a sleigh being pulled by massive rabbits. The man in the sleigh stopped and looked around him, before he glanced at Gandalf with a small smile.

"Radagast! Radagast the Brown. Ah. What on earth are you doing here?" asked Gandalf stepping forward.

It turned out Radagast was another wizard though he seemed a little odd. He even had white bird poop on his face which you thought was odd. At one point, Gandalf had to place his fingers in Radagast's mouth and retrieve a living insect out of there. You found that disgusting and turned your attention elsewhere.

You then heard footsteps and saw the retreating foams of Gandalf and his friend Radagast. This day was becoming a strange one for you, you realised. You sighed and momentarily closed your eyes while everyone waited for Gandalf.

You had a strange feeling that you were being watched. You opened your eyes, acting like nothing was wrong and noticed the leader Thorin, pace around. You wondered what was his problem and you turn your head to your left and caught Fili watching you with a smile on his face.

You gave him a quizzical look but he just continued smiling back at you. You just smiled back before looking elsewhere. Something was wrong, the air suddenly changed around you. You listen for any little sound, but so far, nothing.

Then why did the air smell funny? You could see Thorin pacing about, Bilbo was looking at Gandalf from time to time. While the other dwarves were talking amongst themselves. Couldn't they sense danger?

Just as you were beginning to relax, you heard a noise coming from behind a massive boulder. Taking a little knife that you always kept in your hair, you instantly spun around just in time, when the growl was nearer.

You threw your knife at the Warg that was now standing on the boulder, before you instinctively took out your sword and ran toward the fallen foe. You knew the Warg was still alive, so you quickly plunged your sword in its neck, knowing that will kill it.

When you were certain that the Warg was dead, you quickly bent down and retrieved your little knife, wiping the blood away on the grass in front of you. By now everyone was on full alert, especially when another Warg came and again you were about to kill the next Warg, but both Thorin and Dwalin beat you too it.

"Who did you tell about your quest, beyond your kin?" asked Gandalf, walking towards Thorin.

"No one." came Thorin's reply.

'What quest?' You thought to yourself, watching Gandalf glare at Thorin.

"Who did you tell?" Gandalf demanded to know.

"No one, I swear. What in Durin's name is going on?" asked Thorin, clearly troubled as to what has recently happened.

"You are being hunted." explained Gandalf with a somber look on his face.

You raised your eyebrows as everyone except you and Bilbo start talking about moving on and that they haven't got their ponies anymore. Another growl, caused you to hold on to your sword for any more advancing Wargs that were sure to appear any second now.

It was time to leave. You followed Gandalf and quickly ran away from the sounds that were behind you. You knew that the others were close behind. Turning your head slightly, you saw a Warg that had an Orc sitting on its back that was about to leap on an unsuspecting Ori.

Without any warning, you threw your sword towards the Warg hearing its cry as the sword tore into his chest. Running back towards your sword, you pull your weapon out of the Warg and plunged your sword in the Orcs back, before it had a chance to fight back. You glanced at Ori who looked a little scared.

"T-thank you." He whispered.

You grace him with a smile and a nod before gesturing him to follow you. He didn't have to be told twice as you all banded together. There were many Wargs now and you glanced around, wondering where Gandalf had disappeared too.

"Where is Gandalf?" You heard Kili say and truth of the matter was, you had wondered that yourself.

"He has abandoned us!" spat out Dwalin.

You had a feeling, that was not the case at all. True you had not known him that long, but Gandalf didn't seem the sort to leave without helping out. No, he was still around, you were sure of it.

"Hold your ground!" shouted Thorin, tightly holding onto his sword while looking around.

The Wargs and Orcs were slowly heading towards you all and you knew there was no way you could fight them all. You knew you were good with using your sword, but you knew it would be foolish in going in after these foes.

"This way, you fools!"

You turned around in the nick of time, seeing Gandalf between a crack in the mountain side. It was here that you realised where you were and it seemed Gandalf knew as well.

You slowly shook your head, not liking this new turn of events. It had been a very long time since you had ventured in Imladris. Though you were always welcome here, you still had trust issues. You knew Lord Elrond would be relieved to see you, but the truth of the matter was, you were a little scared to head back to the solitude of Rivendell.

You begrudgingly follow everyone as you quickly plunged your sword to a Warg that was running towards you. You then sigh as you saw the crack in the mountain, knowing Gandalf wanted everyone in.

You knew you had no choice, so you slipped in after Balin and slide down to the bottom of the mountain. While everyone was getting there bearings, you placed your sword back in its sleath, knowing that no danger would come to you or your new travelling companions.

You glanced up at the crack when you heard a sound and moved out of the way when a dead Orc fell down from the crack above. You watch Thorin bend down and pick up an arrow, his blue eyes narrowed and you had no idea what his problem was.

"Elves." He snapped, dropping the arrow back on the ground.

You just watched him, trying to understand why this arrow should be a problem for him.

"I can not see where the pathway leads. Do we follow it or no?" You heard someone say behind you.

"Follow it, of course!" remarked Bofur, already walking on ahead.

"I think that would be wise." informed Gandalf.

While the company start walking ahead, you hesitated. You knew Lord Elrond would want answers as to why you suddenly left all those years ago.

"Rila."

You glance at the person who called you, noticing Fili walk towards you.

"Are you alright? Your not hurt are you?"

You grace him a smile and shook your head.

"Then why are you stalling?" He asked you gently "Come on."

With great reluctance, you began walking. You knew there was going to be questions about your whereabouts. You shouldn't be here. You glared at Gandalf. It was his fault you were here. If only you had just walked away.

You took no notice of the concerned look Fili was giving you. You were not looking forward to the scene that was about to happen.

"Rila, I wish you would speak, so I could help with what's bothering you." You heard Fili say.

You glance at Fili, finally noticing his worried expression. You grace him with a smile, though it never quite reached your eyes. before returning your attention to what was in front of you.

You all walked through a narrow passageway and you took no notice of the mumblings of the others. As you walk, you noticed that many of the company were stopping now and you swallowed hard, knowing your past was about to reveal itself to everyone now.

You deliberately stayed at the back when you spotted Lindir walking down the stairs. Without thinking, you placed your hood over your head, trying to shield your face. You knew it was childish but you were not ready to face Lindir. At least not yet.

Thankfully the company were just as annoyed by these turn of events, though you did catch Gandalf look back at you were a raised eyebrow. He then went towards Lindir and they welcomed each other.

Sudden sound from ahead of you caused you to look and you saw advancing elves heading towards you all. You knew Lord Elrond was there and you felt a little sick, knowing he will spot you.

The company around you, shielded you however by pulling you among them, shielding you from the elves. You glance at the leader, Thorin and saw the way he was watching Lord Elrond as he got of his horse. He was glaring at him and again, you wondered why this should be a problem.

You didn't want this company to turn on you, like so many had before. It was not your fault, you were different from most. Though you were angry that you were back in Imladris, even though you knew deep down Lord Elrond would be relieved to see you once again, you were scared at what the outcome would be. Which was partly why you had kept quiet about everything about you.

Staying silent was your way of dealing with things. Now as you quietly watch Lord Elrond speak of food, you realise that you had to face facts, that you were back here for a reason. What that reason was however, you had no idea.

You deliberately stall at the back, as the company relaxed a little when food was mentioned and began walking. Both Kili and Fili were by your side and you could feel Fili's eyes on you as you kept glancing at Lord Elrond, who was now speaking to Lindir about something.

"You know that elf don't you Rila?" asked Fili after a while.

You look at Fili, a little surprised he had said anything. Fili sighed as you return your attention to Lindir and Lord Elrond. Your eyes widened when Lindir looked your way and you quickly averted your gaze as you follow the company.

You hoped he had not recognised you as you walked past him, though you were thankful for Kili an Fili, they both shielded you from Lindir and Lord Elrond.

"I have no idea what is going on with you and that elf," You heard Fili say "but we shall protect you. Right Kee?"

"Aye," replied Kili "you saved us from those trolls, plus those Wargs. Now it is our turn to help you out."

You were clearly touched by these two brothers. You haven't known each other long but you had a feeling, they were going to be good friends. Even though you were used to being on your own, maybe friendship is what you needed after all. Little did you know however, that one of the brothers was smitten with you.