Natalia paused to look at her map one more time. It seemed strange that this "council" should be meeting in such a place as the Shire. Compared to the few hobbits that she saw through lighted windows Natalia felt like a giant, though to elves and humans she still remained short. Confirming that she was indeed in the right place she stuffed the map back into one of her traveling bags pockets. With a sigh she brushed her long dark hair behind her ear and, after adjusting the weight of the pack, continued on.
It did not take her long to find the right house, the raucous coming from within could only be dwarfs, the faint blue sign on the door only confirming her assumption. As soon as she knocked the shouting ceased and Natalia could hear someone coming to the door, not a dwarf, for the footfalls were too light.
"Evening." Said the hobbit who gestured for her to enter, not even bothering to look at her.
"Ah finally! Did you have trouble in your travels?" Gandalf stood from his stool at the end of the table so that she might sit but she ignored the gesture.
"A bit." She replied off hand, obviously distracted as she looked over the men around the table before her. So these are all that came... Fully aware of the eyes upon her Natalia set her pack on the ground and unwrapped the traveling shawl that had been covering her nose and mouth. When she turned back to face the table few could hide their aw. Kili elbowed Fili in the ribs with raised eyebrows as Fili nodded, Bofur removed his hat and held it over his heart, while the rest just seemed to gape. Thorin and Balin were the only two unimpressed, though Thorin frowned and stood from his place at the head of the table.
"What need do we have for a halfbreed? Woman at that." Thorin was glaring at Natalia with unrestrained hostility.
Gandalf stood as tall as he could within the small home and squared his shoulders in anger. "I arranged this company and took it upon myself to improve it! If I say she is to join our quest then come she shall!"
For a moment it looked as if Thorin was going to refuse but he nodded once and sat back down into his chair. Feeling a tap on her arm Natalia turned to see Dori offering her a chair he had scrounged up from somewhere. This time she accepted the seat, though she was far from relaxed in it.
"Would you care for a cup of tea miss?" Dori asked as the noise picked up again, everyone talking louder than the next to be heard.
Natalia smiled slightly and nodded. From her position she was directly across the table from the two dwarf princes, Fili and Kili, Thorin next to them against the wall. She was conscious of the dwarf leaders heated stare and for half a moment thought about meeting it. Better to keep my head down, she thought to herself.
"I'm sorry to say we've no more food lassie." Bofur was leaning across Bifur to talk to her.
"Aye, we didn't know we was expecting a lady." Ori looked sincerely sorry.
"I'll be fine, thank you." She took the glass of hot tea handed to her and settled back into her seat, unconsciously crossing her legs.
After allowing a few minutes more of happy discussion Gandalf tapped his staff on the floor, signaling for silence. "I assume you are all aware of the purpose in which we gather?"
Everyone nodded. "I have been informed." Bilbo said non too happily.
"This mission is to remain a secret, least we wish for competition. The dragon is rumored to be dead, if there is a moment to move forward it is now! I trust each of you will be ready to depart come day break... sober." Gandalf gave a pointed look to the dwarfs before him, and without another word swept out of the house.
With Gandalf's silent warning everyone began to make their way out of the dining room and towards whatever piece of furniture looked comfortable enough to sleep on. Natalia gulped the last of the now cold tea and gathered her bags, hearing a cough behind her she shouldered her pack and turned to look down at Bilbo.
He cleared his throat again before speaking nervously. "You may take my own room and bed if you wish my lady, I can sleep out here."
"Aye!" Chimed in Kili who happened upon the conversation, his brother close behind. "And we'll make sure none of these ugly bastards bother ya!"
"On my honor!" Fili said, standing as tall and straight as he could.
"I appreciate your hospitality, but I will be staying outside with my horse." Natalia bowed to the three disappointed men and took her leave.
"What a beaut, that one." Nori said after the door closed behind the woman.
"That she is..." Fili was still staring at the door as if he could see through it.
"Oi lads! Fili here's got a sight for brown hair and pale skin!" Nori bent over with laughter, the others joining in.
Balin walked into the room with a scowl on his face. "You stay clear of that nonsense now! All of ya!" Once again quiet returned to the companions. "She ain't even of your folk, son. And there's somethin bout her I don't like."
"What do you mean?" Oin asked, his hearing trumpet in his ear. Everyone looked to Balin for an answer.
"She's a halfbreed. Did ya not wonder why her skin was so pale? Why she looked thinner and taller than our women normally do?"
"What of it?" Fili looked slightly annoyed.
"She's got elf blood in her boy!" Dwalin slapped the back of Fili's head as if to get his point across better.
"You're tellin me she's half dwarf and half elf?" Fili was not the only one who seemed amazed and somewhat skeptical.
"Why'de ya think Thorin had such a problem with her?" Balin sighed and softened his voice. "Ya can do better lad, best not ta get mixed up in that kind of trouble." He patted Fili on the shoulder and walked away to find Thorin and sleep.
No one offered argument and the house began to settle in for the night. Kili looked at his brother thoughtfully and with a bit of concern. It would be a cruel thing if Fili were to indeed fall in love at the start of this quest, a quest that just might kill them all.
