Recap-

Suddenly, there was someone at the door. This time though, there was no doorbell, but a heavy knock which sounded as if it shook the door. Everyone fell silent. What had been a jovial atmosphere suddenly turned quiet and tense and I got the impression that everyone except Uncle and myself knew who it was.

Chapter Two- Talk of Quests

It was Gandalf who opened the door, but I did not see who it was for I was only just shorter than the Dwarves and therefore they blocked my sight. I could here the newcomer though, and something in his voice and how everyone listened so earnestly told me he was of importance.

Along with Uncle, I wiggled my way through to see the person who had the power to silence such a rowdy group. It was another Dwarf, but there was something that separated him from the rest. There was no joyful air around him, but a seriousness that sobered you. He stood tall and straight, even if there was no reason too.

"Bilbo Baggins... and Milo Took, allow me to introduce you to the leader of our company, Thorin Oakenshield." I felt a bit confused as to why I was also introduced as I was sure these Dwarves were only here to see Uncle, even though that was still not for sure.

"So... these are the Hobbits." Thorin said, looking the pair of us up and down, almost as if he was appraising an object he was about to buy. "Tell me, have either of you had experience with fighting? Axe, sword, or something else?" He asked while circling around before coming to a stop.

"Well, I am quite adapt at conquers, but I fail to see how...that's relevant," Uncle replied.

"Thought as much," His attention then shifted to me. "And you?"

"Um, I have a bit of practice with daggers," I said somewhat bashfully. Uncle looked at me as if this was the first he had heard of it, which it was. Hobbits were naturally peaceful and although so was I, I did enjoy the satisfaction of being able to hit a target. I felt as though this Dwarf was someone I should impress and didn't want to hide any of my talents simply because Uncle would disapprove.

Thorin nodded before turning to Uncle. "Looks more like a grocer than a burglar, if you ask me," Thorin said and received a round of chuckles. I frowned and my face grew somewhat hot, angry yet embarrassed by his comment. Once there and settled they spoke of things that sounded of a political nature that I did not understand the significance of.

It was not until the mention of a quest came about that I truly paid attention. Uncle brought in a candle at Gandalf's request as he pulled out a map from his gray robes. "Far to the East, over ranges and rivers, beyond woodlands and wastelands, lies a single solitary peak." I looked as the map was placed on the table. A simple drawing of a lone mountain was on it, with a dragon drawn above. Some sort of runes illustrated it, most likely a Dwarvish language that I was unable to read.

"The Lonely Mountain."

"Aye," Came the rough voice of one of the Dwarves, whose name I could not recall. "Oin has read the portense, and the portense said it is time." A small series of groans resulted. "Ravens have been seen flying back to the mountain,"

"Time for what?" I asked, before thinking and felt somewhat out of place when everyone turned their heads to me.

"Time to reclaim the mountain from the beast," Dwalin said gravely.

"Um, what beast?" It was Uncle who asked this time. He was met with a more casual answer, even though it's contents seemed just as grave.

"That would be referring to Smaug, The Terrible, chiefest and greatest calamity of our age. Airborne fire breather, teeth like razors, claws like meat-hooks, extremely fond of precious metal." A dwarf with a rather unique hat stated simply,as if he was talking about the weather.

"Yes, I know what a dragon is." Uncle said abruptly, looking a bit nervous and wringing his hands, a habit he had yet to notice. This was followed by a statement of one of the younger Dwarves which everyone roused at. This then started comments of their abilities, going back and forth and created quite a bit of noise as each Dwarve yelled over the other. This was silenced at once when Thorin yelled something loudly, what exactly I did not know, and stood suddenly. They all sat and shut their mouths at once.

"If we have read these signs, do you not think others will have read them too? Rumors have begun to spread. Smaug has not been seen for sixty years, the vast wealth of our people lays unprotected. Shall we sit back as others claim what is rightfully ours, or shall we take back Erebor?!" A round of cheers sounded but were soon silenced by Balin.

"The gates are still sealed, there is no way into the mountain."

"That my dear Balin, is not entirely true," With that Gandalf twirled a key between his fingers which had most definitely not been there before. It was by no means an ordinary key. It was made of a dark silver metal and its handle was made of diamond shapes looped together.

"How came you by this?" I was surprised to hear Thorin sound so out of breath. His previous voice of steel had faltered some what at the sight of this key, a key that seemed to be of utmost importance.

"It was given to me by your father, by Thrain."

"If there's a key, then there must be a door," Gandalf nodded and pointed to the runes on the map. "These speak of a hidden passage and the answer to where is hidden in the map as well, and although I do not possess the knowledge to decipher it, I know of others who do. The task I have in mind will require a great deal of stealth, and no small amount of courage," Gandalf looked towards Uncle and I when he said this last part and a bit of hope rose in my belly. "But if you're careful, clever, and willing, it can be done."

"And that's why we need a burglar!"

"Yes, a good one too," Uncle Bilbo concluded. I frowned and realized his words. There was no chance we could be part of this quest. Although I had some skill in throwing daggers and doing other things, it was no where near the level of skill to take back a mountain, let alone kill a dragon.

"Definitely and expert it would have to be," I mumbled in agreement.

"And are you?" Balin inquired. "Are we what?" Uncle and I asked simultaneously, confused.

"They said they're experts!" A dwarf who had a horn held by his ear shouted. Then it dawned on me. They thought we were burglars! More importantly, they wanted us to join them on their quest! I felt the excitement that had been extinguished just moments ago rise back up.

"You mean you want us to join you?!" I asked, unable to contain my joy.

"Of course, why else would we be here?"

"Now, hold on a second! We are no burglars, we do not steal!"Uncle said, obviously appalled by the very idea.

"I have to agree with Master Baggins, Hobbits do not fit the part of a burglar," Balin stated and was followed by the agreement of others. I folded my arms and humphed while Uncle looked rather pleased. This was how our opinions often fell, opposite of each other.

"Enough!" Gandalf rose to his full height, the air darkening around him. "If I say these hobbits are burglars, then burglars they are!" The chatter stopped and everyone starred wide-eyed, including myself, as he cleared his throat before settling back into his seat. "Hobbits are remarkably light on their feet and can be near invisible when they wish to be. Also, the dragon will not be familiar with the smell of hobbit, giving us an advantage," Uncle's and I's demeanor switched when Gandalf said this. "You asked me to find the final members of this company, and I have chosen Bilbo Baggins and Milo Tooks, who have a great deal more to offer than it seems," Gandalf first said to Thorin, before directing the last bit to the whole table.

"Very well, give them the contract," Thorin said and Balin pulled out a large, folded piece of paper. Uncle hadn't noticed as he was again trying to deny his invitation into the company, so I instead took it and let it unravel onto the floor. It was extremely long and had several areas that unfolded sideways to reveal more information. Several sentences I read made my stomach clench, but at the same time made my chest swell.

"Milo, what does it say?" Uncle went to grab for the paper, but I turned away, knowing he would not be keen when he saw some of the things discussed.

"Oh, just some ordinary things. Expenses and such, liabilities and things..." I trailed off.

"Liabilities?"

"Oh you know, with there being a dragon involved..." Uncle snatched it out of my hands before I could avoid him again and began muttering as he read.

"Lacerations...incineration...incineration?!" He asked the dwarves.

"Aye, it'll melt the flesh off your bones in the blink of an eye," I winced at the response and looked over to Uncle. He had suddenly paled and was holding onto his knees, taking odd breaths.

"Uncle, are you alright?" I asked, moving my hands out in case he decided to fall.

"Um, just a bit faint, just need a moment," He straightened up for a moment and seemed fine, but then a dwarf said something about a pile of ash and he hit the floor.

"Oh, dear," I sighed and scratched my head. I walked to him and lightly slapped his cheek, nothing. "Uncle?" Nothing again. Not really wanting to do what i was about to, but knowing it was the fastest way to make him come out of it, I reached back my hand and planted a firm smack on his cheek. Right away he shot his eyes open and grasped his cheek which was already pinkish.

"Gracious Milo, you didn't need to do that!" Uncle groaned. The dwarves looked at us a bit shocked.

"Yes, I did."

Hey there! Hope you enjoyed, please leave a review and tell me what you think so far. The first few chapters will be a bit slow, but I plan on putting on a new chapter at least once a week, if not more. Also, as the story progresses, the more I will put in my own twists and turns.