The sun had since risen above the horizon and was bathing the landscape in a distinctly warm glow. Noon fast approaching, Ilona rode her horse across the lush green landscape of The Shire. She knew their meeting was here, but knew not when or where. What was it the grey wizard had said? Look for the green door at the top of the knoll and watch for the writing of 'thief.' Or something to that effect. Curse that cryptic old man.

Ilona's thoughts wandered back to the previous evening. Flashes of violent growls and teeth plagued her mind, leaving her lightheaded. The blood loss she had sustained probably did her no good either. The wound on her side pulsed at the thought, reminding her of how close she'd come to being ripped to shreds by the jaws of the wargs; and how most of her companions probably had been.

The young she-dwarf wondered of the fate of her most trusted guard, Darren. She had hand picked him for her travels, after being badgered by one of her father's top advisors to take on the company of no less than eight. He was a dear friend as well as her most trusted guard since she was young, no more than 32. Normally, she would have taken him along regardless, mostly for the company; but she had only planned on traveling with only him in order to account for better traveling time and less liability. Balin remained adamant, however, and the young she-dwarf quickly compiled her travel company, including Darren. Looking back, the advice now seemed suspicious. Eight was a large party, no matter how you looked at it. For a simple escort, it was borderline excessive. She knew her father to be the worrying type, but never thought he'd exude more resources than necessary, knowing of her skills and ability when it came to travelling parties. Could Balin have possibly known of the dangers awaiting her?

Ilona's mind swam with the frenzy of thoughts that now worried her entire being. She'd heard the stories of The Battle of Azanulbizar. She'd grown up hearing them. Azog had been a force to be feared. He had sworn to wipe out the line of Durin. The very line she was now a part of. The orcs chilling words ran through her head, the chilling meaning now blatantly obvious.

"She is the child taken in by Durin! She is the master's prize."

She had been hunted. They knew who she was, and given the opportunity, she would be hunted again. The orcs would use her to get to her father.

Thorin Oakenshield

The lush green covering the knolls of the shire seemed endless. A sea of emerald dotted with the brass knobbed doors that could only be home to the numerous hobbits that inhabited the area.

Though Ilona had never met any hobbit personally, she'd heard stories of the few that took to adventuring past the eastern border away from their homeland. They were a friendly, portly people who reveled in the comforts and joys of home; especially in their pantries, which were always stocked full of fresh produce, breads and cheeses. The young she-dwarf wondered amusedly to herself how any of these people would be of any use to the company as a 'thief.' These hobbits seemed more interested in their smoke pipes and gardens then stealing back a kingdom.

Ilona's wounds cried out and she leaned forward on her horse to counteract the pain. She would probably need a good few stitches to seal up the larger wounds in order to keep them from becoming aggravated. She hoped that Thorin had thought to bring along a good medic. She could not imagine he hadn't, but on the off chance he didn't he would be forced to miss out on the first leg of the journey in order to find one. And knowing her father, he'd leap at the opportunity to leave her behind and out of harm's way. But Aule be damned if she would be left behind while the buffoons went on the adventure of a lifetime.

The buffoons she mentally referred to were the two heirs of Durin, Thorin's sister sons. Though Ilona had been taken in by Thorin and would be married in order to continue his legacy and name, the right to rule belonged to Fili and Kili. They were young, Kili only preceding her by five years; and incredibly sheltered, all things considered. Not to mention their general hard-headedness and charm. The princes were among the most pig-headed dwarves, as well as her closest friends. And well, one was more.

Ilona smiled as she noted the silver glisten that came from the level of her left shoulder. She reached up and toyed with the delicate braid that fell right behind her left ear. A simple leather strap and red ribbon were interwoven into the braid, which was held by a simple silver clasp, marked with Durin's royal symbol.

The braid, though so simple, represented the future. In dwarven tradition, braids were used to represent milestones, especially for more intimate affairs, like engagements and family honors. The thought of the engagement braid to her left made Ilona smile, despite her current physical state. After all of this was over, there was much to look forward to.

The day had passed quickly, the sun quickly setting to the west. Ilona had given up on her search for the burglar's home and had taken to exploring a nearby town fair. Mostly just local vendors with random booths and stalls filled with textiles, foods, spirits and all sorts of miscellaneous goods. Not surprisingly, Ilona saw no weapons and was receiving several sideways glances for the bow slung over her shoulder and the twin hammers fastened to her hip. Some of the looks were inquisitive, for she held a good head and a half on most of theses hobbits; and her raiment and cloak didn't quite fit in with the homely dress of these...well, homely people.

She slowly approached a booth that was filled to the brim with fruits and dried meats. After acquiring a few apples and a half pound of dried veal, she turned to the shopkeeper, a decent looking older gentleman with silver hair and a crimson vest.

"Pardon sir, but you wouldn't happen to know of Gandalf the Grey?"

Seemingly shocked at her manners and use of language, the old gentleman was slightly taken aback, but quickly composed himself as to not be seen as rude.

"The wizard?" He spluttered while trying to think to himself if she were trustworthy or not. After looking over her travel worn face a seeing no danger he continued, "He's quite well known in these parts, especially for his fireworks."

So, the wizard was here. Or, he was close at least.

"Mrs. Evingloom actually saw him this morning," the older gentleman continued, clearly now unaware of Ilona's existence, more wrapped up in his thoughts than her strange appearance, "Somewhere around the old Baggin's place I believe."

Baggins. That name sounded familiar. Probably had been mentioned the last time she'd spoke with Thorin. Ilona turned around after hearing an odd ruckus from the other end of the fair. There had been womanly screaming and some gruff voices. She could swear she heard something about "bloody, useless hobbits," and "missing in the forest."

"What on earth?" Ilona questioned, looking bewilderedly toward the commotion, "How strange. Good sir, could you tell me-"

She had turned back to speak with the shopkeeper, only to find him gone. Must have caught sight of the sword on her left. Bloody thing wasn't even hers and she got into trouble. Damn the brothers and their protective manner.

The sun had well set now and there seemed to be a full out party going on in Hobbiton. Glittering lights had been strung up and gave the impression of glittering stars on the nearby lake. Many hobbits had gathered and were partaking in a hearty meal, music and general merrymaking. Ilona felt quite at home for the first time in weeks, since she'd started her travels from Belegost. She missed the Dwarfs and their general celebratory nature. The music, the dancing, the singing: it was enough to make anyone homesick.

Ilona saw strange movement out of the corner of her eye. A large, stocky group was standing not far off, standing near a figure nearly twice their size, wearing a quite recognizable wizard's hat.

"Gandalf?"

As if on cue, the group moved away, making their way up a nearby knoll, towards one of the large round doors that Ilona had seen earlier. How peculiar.

Ilona followed quite a distance behind and watched quite amusedly as the entire group fell face forward into the threshold of what looked like a very well to do home. She had to stifle a laugh for fear of drawing attention from a passing neighbor.

She watched as the group collected itself and moved on into the house, leaving the host standing wide mouthed at the door. Snapping out of his trance, he fixated his gaze on the old wizard, glaring pointedly at the old man. Ilona took this opportunity to approach the door, quickly walking trough the slightly rusted gate. The creaking sound it created drew the attention of both men at the door.

"Ah, my dear, looks like you found the place after all."

Ilona smiled at the old wizard despite herself. She had been irritated by his cryptic words earlier, but now simply found happiness in finally finding her way to the meeting.

"No thanks to you Gandalf. I'd still be wondering the forest right now if I'd only relied on your information."

The wizard laughed heartedly, while turning to the small hobbit beside him.

"Bilbo Baggins, I would like to introduce a very exceptional young dwarf. Ward of the leader of our company."

Ilona looked toward the hobbit, who simply stared at her, taking in her appearance, from her dust covered face, to her twin hammers and sword. Her natural, feminine beauty shone through even so, and Bilbo couldn't help himself staring.

"Pleasure to meet you Mr. Baggins. I am Ilona," she bowed low and chuckled as she watched as the hobbit collected himself from the corner of her eye.

"At your service."