Chapter 1

Bilbo was wandering about in Mirkwood, keeping close to the Elf King's cavern, worrying about how his poor captured friends were faring. He had not yet found a way to enter, but knew that sooner or later he would be able to slip in, quiet and - most importantly - invisible. He would then steal some keys from one of the guards and whisk his friends out of there. Meanwhile, he hoped the dwarves were being well treated for he had heard many tales of elves starving or even torturing their prisoners. Of course, he should not have feared because the elves were acting most courteously towards the company.

Still Bilbo waited, spying the elves from behind trees as they went in and out of the cavern, choosing his moment carefully. He now knew that the door was well guarded but, with his ring and a lot of luck (fortunately, he had both), he would be able to pass through the rock gate and into the dark bowels of the cavern. One evening, three young elves were bringing in a vast load of food supplies, piles and piles of crates filled with juicy fruit, fresh (but killed) animals, and various herbs of the undergrowth. Bilbo's mouth watered as he watched these pounds of victuals rolling before him and disappearing into the cavern. Suddenly, he noticed that it was the perfect moment to sneak past the guards, for they seemed rather busy helping the arriving men and chatting about "Bolurg", an elf who apparently was quite the gossip because of his tendency to set fire to his own beard.

The hobbit pushed the ring onto his finger and crept out of the trees, as silent as a hobbit can be. This was his only chance, he knew, and he strained to make no noise at all. He was quite successful at first, but then made a mistake which would change the outcome of his plan to deliver the dwarves. So intent was he at watching the elves, making sure they would not turn or hear him, that he forgot to watch his step. Nearly crying out with surprise and fear, Bilbo tripped on a root and crashed onto the ground, making a sound which, inevitably, caught the elves' attention. They whipped around and stared through the darkness of the trees, trying to see who was there. One whispered something to another, and he ran back into the cavern. "This is it, thought poor Bilbo, I've ruined everything. Now I shall be caught too and there will be nothing else to do except wait for help which will never come!".

However, just as a group of ten new elves came speading out through the door armed with deadly-looking spears, Bilbo heard a thud behind him. He turned around, cowering with fright, expecting to see another elf set on capturing him, but instead saw the most beautiful girl he had ever seen landing from a tree. She was an elf-girl, with a thin, delicate build, long hair rushing down in waves of ivory, and big, storm blue eyes burning under dark eyelashes. She seemed to know that Bilbo was right there, trembling on the moss at her feet, although the hobbit did not know how that could be.
"Who are you? she whispered. You had better answer me now, she added, for I can decide if I shall reveal you to the guards or not. Your choice, creature unknown."
Maybe she could help him, maybe she was only a trap. Bilbo could not understand, so he decided to take off the ring and tell her, and see where it took him. After all, it was the mysterious, beautiful girl or a dozen grown men with sharp weapons.

"I am Bilbo, he said standing up and stowed the ring into his pocket. I am a hobbit." He hoped he was speaking with a confidence which would reassure the girl and make her choose not to tell the guards he was there.
"Very well, she answered, this is very intriguing, but, first, I shall respect my part of the deal". At this she stepped out of the shadows and laughed charmingly, waving her hands at the guards. "Oh, dear me, she chuckled, it seemed I have gotten you all worked up because of my tree-climbing! Did you think I was an intruder? Well, fear not, and go back inside, for it was only me, Ariadne." Bilbo saw shock on the elves' faces, which quickly turned into humiliation. Only a young girl climbing trees! Why, they felt quite stupid, jumping at every sound as if there were beasts and trespassers behind every bush!

The elves nodded at Ariadne and shuffled back into the darkness of the tunnels, half shutting the door behind them. The girl then turned around and walked towards Bilbo.
"Do you see? I have saved you, peculiar... hobbit, you say?"
Bilbo felt very grateful indeed, and did not want to vex the pretty girl by keeping his mouth shut, as would have been his instinct. He was also feeling rather elated that such a gourgeus girl would use of her time to help him.
"Yes yes, a hobbit, I am a hobbit, he stuttered, growing red, thinking about the charisma he lacked (but strongly wished for)." Ariadne smiled but frowned, appearing perplexed at something.
"Now, I believe I may be mistaken, but it seems to me that hobbits cannot... become invisible? Yet I am certain that you were right before me some minutes ago, although I could not see you."
Bilbo stuttered and spluttered again, torn between protecting his secret and pleasing Ariadne. He thought hard : she seemed reliable and kind, not one to tell others about the ring, since she saved him out of good will. On the other hand, his ring was very precious and most helpful in tight situations, so he was very reluctant to share its secret with a stranger. Ariadne saw his struggle and a smile spread on her face, the most charming smile she could muster. She batted her eylashes and fingered her hair, then pleaded :
"Dear hobbit, won't you tell me? I wish dearly to be told, and I promise to keep it to myself."

This was too much. Bilbo felt his heart and brain scatter, rendered crazy with the charm she was using on him. His hand dive into his pocket and pulled out the ring and he explained:
"This ring makes me invisible. I found it in a mountain, in the Goblins' lair to be exact. Otherwise you are quite right, quite right, hobbits are not naturally invisible." What had happened? thought a bewildered Bilbo as these words escaped from his lips. Alas, it was too late to take anything back. He saw Ariadne's eyes turn interested.
"A ring which makes you invisible? That is rare, I must say. May I see?" She turned her had upwards, expecting him to drop it in it. Bilbo fought with himself, struggling to keep a clear mind, but Ariadne's charm was too strong. He placed the ring in her palm, then took a step back. Was she going to like it? (He hoped she would).

Ariadne turned the ring over and observed it. She looked up at Bilbo, then said:
"Dear, dear, hobbit. Poor, poor, hobbit. You are a little too naive for your own good. Did you truly think I would help you? I am the King's daughter after all, and have no reaon to go against his will for a lone hobbit who cannot even walk straight. You have made a great mistake, giving me this ring. But, too bad, Goodbye!"

And she slipped on the ring, disappeared instantly, and left Bilbo standing alone in the forest, now with not a single mean to save himself.

DUN DUN DUUUUUN. The rest in the next chapter! Don't forget to review and give advice!