A/N

This is my first published fanfic. Just trying it out. It is about my OC, but I hope you enjoy it. The time period is a mix of the Hobbit and the LOTR, but only major thing that is different is that Isildur destroyed the ring. So Sauron is not a main bad guy. (Sorry Frodo fans. I still plan on using the hobbits as characters they just won't have as large of a roll.)

Disclaimer: I don't own the Hobbit or Tolkien's work, only my OC.

~19th year of the reign of Elessar, king of Gondor~Month of December~The town of Bree~

How would I ever get out of this one? The company of Thorin Oakenshield had come to Bree and they had eaten at the Prancing Pony where I worked. Oh why did I answer their call of needing a scout? They could have had their choice of a dozen men who actually needed a job, not a girl who they thought was a boy joining their journey. They merely needed someone who could look ahead and make sure the roads were clear of trouble.

They probably only picked me because I told them I had no family. The other candidates all had wives and children to return to. I on the other hand, was a young person that no one stood up for. I almost wish I did. But I was also worried they would find out who I really was and refuse my going. They gave me until the morrow to prepare. I told Butterbur that I was leaving, he tried to stop me. I told him an adventure was exactly what I needed.

I could tell he thought different. Packing my meager possessions from my loft room in the stable, I sharpened my hidden sword, arrows, and dagger. Waxing my bow's string till it twanged softly, I secured all of my fletching equipment in the lower compartment of my quiver. I oiled my cloak to ensure its waterproofness, knowing I would be grateful for the warmth later. My boots were already covered in a thick layer of leather conditioner when I applied another coat. While that dried, I packed all of the dried meat I had been saving, as well as some of the fruit I was able to barter for. My large canteen was already filled with water to save time in the morning.

I rolled my bedroll into a tight bundle and attached it to the back of my saddle. Making sure my extra outfits were in their top condition, I noticed a small hole in my trousers. Sighing I found the thread and needle I had hiding in the bottom of my satchel, I fixed it quickly before going over any other details. The time nearing the middle hour, I finished my packing and snuggled into the hay to spend a few hours in sleep before our departure.

I groaned when someone lit the lamps in the stable. Horses nickering, I wanted to yell at the patron who woke them. I didn't want to start work this early. My fumbled mind suddenly jolted awake as I remembered the dwarves. They were preparing to leave! Grabbing my satchel and saddle, I dropped both from the loft and swung down the ladder. Only four of the dwarves were in the stable preparing their ponies.

Thankful I hadn't been left behind, I hauled my saddle to the farthest stall, where my mare Midnight was stabled. She nickered a hello as I rubbed her velvety nose. Her bridle was hanging on the back wall. Sliding it over her head, I secured it and swung her saddle onto her back. She was busy munching on some grain as I cleaned her hooves. Tightening her girth, I knew I was going to have to retighten it later on because she was a jerk and sucked in tons of air.

Speaking softly to her in Sindarin, I told her all about the quest we were going on. She stamped her back leg in anticipation. Apparently she was ready to go. I borrowed some of Butterbur's grain, knowing he wouldn't mind. I hefted the burlap sack behind my saddle.

"Midnight, quit biting my hair." At her snort, I looked at her.

She bobbed her head towards mine. "I have straw in my hair, don't I?" She nodded again and I smoothed out the wild mess.

Most of my long hair was hidden under my overcoat, in a ratted ponytail that I had refused to cut. It honestly didn't look that horrible. Still, I'm sure my mother would have a heart attack if I was at home. The stable noise grew slightly as more of the dwarves entered. Someone clearing their throat behind me, alerted me to their presence in Midnight's stall. The tall bald headed dwarf stood near the door.

"We are prepared to leave. Are you ready?"

Nodding, I picked up my satchel and weapons, securing my sheath and quiver, along with my bow to the saddle. I swung my satchel over my head, till it rested on my shoulder, stuffing in a small package of flatbread I snatched for breakfast inside.

-End of chapter-

Well here's the first part of my story. I hope you enjoyed it. I have more ready, so if you would like to continue reading please PM me or review! Thanks for reading.