"Solem et Lunam Angelus"

Chapter Three:

"The Shire And 12 Peculiar Dwarves"

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The Shire.

A peaceful, calm place of creatures known as Hobbits who liked nothing more than food, a warm hearth and all the comforts of home. And many were not too fond of going off into adventures, nor were they much fond of outsiders. That's not to say they were ignorant, they just didn't like troublemakers or people who came out of no where for secretive reasons.

So naturally, when a short, small and thin woman came out of no where with a trail of yellow golden light behind her stopped in the middle of the market, it greatly surprised many hobbits, both customers and sellers.

Aingeali looked around, only to find many stares and eyes on her, she grinned sheepishly and quickly made her way out of Hobbiton's markets. She wanted to land in Bag End and not in the center of town. So curiously, she made her way to Bag End, to meet Gandalf. She was precisely on time, not a minute late, heaven forbid she show tardiness to her father.

"Ah, Aingeali, there you are!" A familiar voice called out and Aingeali turned her head to see Gandalf standing just a couple of short meters away. She grinned happily and hugged him tightly, ecstatic to see him again.

"Father!" She exclaimed, her embrace tightening. Gandalf laughed and hugged her back. When they parted, Gandalf gave Aingeali a look of slight mischief. And she raised a brow at him. "Father, what is going on?"

"Oh, we're going to meet a particular fellow by the name of Bilbo Baggins." He said, and both of Aingeali's eyebrows lifted in suspicion.

"Bilbo Baggins?" She asked, to which Gandalf only nodded before walking off, with Aingeali following him. "And where would we find said Mr. Baggins?"

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"Good morning."

Said the confused yet deluded Bilbo Baggins. Aingeali and Gandalf stood behind the short wooden fence as they watched the hobbit. Aingeali looked positively awed by him, she had never met a hobbit before so his appearance was rather refreshing! Also, he was exactly her height! Sure, she had been around dwarves but they were always so much taller than her.

"What do you mean?" Gandalf started in his usual nonchalant tone. "Do you mean to wish me a good morning or do you want it to be a good morning whether I like it or not?" Gandalf paused and Bilbo looked positively dumbfounded. He looked at Aingeali's awed gaze for a second before looking back at Gandalf, who continued:

"...Or perhaps you mean to say that you feel good on this particular morning? Or that it is a morning to be be good on?" Gandalf finished. Bilbo was not sure how to respond to such a strange greeting (if he could call it that).

"All of them at once I suppose?" Bilbo said, unsure of himself. Gandalf gazed at him with a 'hm'. Bilbo looked back at Aingeali who ceased to have an awed expression and instead just smiled politely at him.

"Can I help you?" he asked, directing his gaze back to Gandalf.

"That remains to be seen..." Gandalf said vaguely, before continuing: "I'm looking for someone to share in an adventure." He said with an edge of mystery in his voice.

Bilbo looked mildly irritated. "Now I don't imagine anyone west of Bree would have much interest in adventures." He said, his voice hiding a subtle refusal. "Dirty, nasty, uncomfortable things. Make you late for dinner!" He chided, putting his pipe in his mouth once more (Aingeali hadn't noticed the unhealthy thing until now) before walking over to his mailbox and taking out several bill letters.

He hummed, as if to tell Gandalf to go away, looking up and back down at the letters in irritation. Before he took his pipe out of his mouth and nodded once.

"Good morning." He said, as if it was final and walked up the stairs going up to his front door.

Gandalf's voice stopped him: "To think I'd live long enough to be 'good morning'd by Belladonna Took's son! As if I was selling buttons at the door!" Gandalf said, very unamused. Aingeali stood there, unsure how to respond to the exchanges between the two.

"Beg your pardon?" Bilbo asked, surprised and taken aback.

"You've changed and not entirely for the better, Bilbo Baggins." Gandalf chided, as if not aware of the subtle insult.

"I'm sorry, do I know you?" And there it was, Aingeali should have known her father had been vague about how much he knew this Hobbit. Ah, well, that's what made him Gandalf.

"Well, you know my name but you don't remember that I belong to it, I am Gandalf! And Gandalf means..." He huffed lightly. "...me." He finished.

Aingeali smiled slightly at her father's passion for his name yet also his embarrassment that he was not remembered. Even Aingeali found it odd, how could one forget this meddling yet great wizard?

Bilbo looked at if he was reminiscing something. "Not Gandalf, the Wandering Wizard who made such excellent fireworks!" Bilbo complimented, suddenly remembering the wonderful things Gandalf did in his spare time. "Old Took used to have them on Mid-Summer's Eve!" He said, a smile graced his features.

Even Aingeali grinned when Gandalf encouraged him to keep going mid-sentence in. Bilbo then turned to Aingeali and looked slightly confused.

"Who are you?" He asked, curiously, though as if he should know her. Gandalf looked embarrassed.

"Oh my, in all this tension I've forgotten to introduce my daughter!" He chided himself. "Bilbo, this is Aingeali. She is my daughter and a student of magic and is quite gifted!" Gandalf praised. Aingeali blushed slightly.

Bilbo nodded. "Are you a wizard?" he asked, and Aingeali giggled.

"No, I am just someone who's gifted with magic." She said, softly yet unsure. Bilbo smiled politely.

"Huh." He said, interested in what exactly she was gifted in. Bilbo had a smile on his face before his face turned serious and he took another whiff of his pipe, turning to Gandalf. "No idea you were still in business." Bilbo said.

Gandalf's own smile turned to a frown. "And where else would I be?" Gandalf asked, knowing what Bilbo meant. Aingeali was appalled by the suggestion.

"Well, I'm pleased to know that you remember something about me, even if it is only my fireworks." Gandalf spoke softly, nodding slightly. "Well then, it is decided." He said vaguely. Aingeali looked at Gandalf with a curious look.

"It shall be very good for you." He said, pointing towards Bilbo, who did a double take. "And most amusing for me. I shall inform the others." He said, more vagueness in his voice. Bilbo looked mortified.

"Inform the who?" He said softly before looking towards Gandalf who began to walk away. "No, no!" Bilbo exclaimed, catching the wizard's attention once more.

"No, we do not want any adventures here! Not today-" He cut himself off, walking up his stairs and stood in front of his door and turning towards the two. "I suggest you try under the Hill or across the Water." He gestured towards the areas though when Gandalf and Aingeali did nothing he paused.

"Good morning." He waved off, before walking into his home and locked the door behind him. Aingeali, a little confused and taken aback by his strange behavior, watched as Gandalf walked up to the door and wrote a Dwarvish symbol on it.

"What is that, Father?" she asked, softly. Gandalf, finishing, turned towards her and smiled.

"A calling card." He said, with a mischievous glint in his eyes and a smile. "Aingeali, would you do me a favor and stay here with Bilbo? I shall return here by tonight to pick you up. I have some business to attend to." He said, and Aingeali, trusting her father's strange judgment (as it proved to be right many times before), nodded and watched as Gandalf walked away.

She walked up the stairs and to the door, which was perfect for her height she noticed, eyed the symbol on the door before knocking softly on it. "Um, excuse me, Master Baggins? Gandalf left me here..." She said, a little shy to ask for a place to rest before Gandalf came for her.

Bilbo opened the door several hesitant seconds later. "Oh. Um, I apologize for that... Um, you seem like a nice young lady. Do come in." He said, moving aside for Aingeali to walk in. She hesitated before walking in, and was immediately amazed by his wonderful and beautiful home. It was all in her size! And everything just looked so cozy and warm. It was a very inviting home!

"You have a beautiful home, Bilbo Baggins!" She complimented, with a grin and an awed gaze. Bilbo, having never seen anyone glow so much from just the sight of his hallway and only a portion of his home, felt prideful yet slightly sheepish. She was being very genuine.

"Ah, thank you. It's been in the family for years." He said, and Aingeali grinned.

"You needn't be so humble, Bilbo! If I were living in this home, I'd want to show it off to everyone." She giggled, Bilbo smiled. This girl seemed too innocent and sweet. A great contrast to Gandalf's wise and old appearance.

"You don't seem like that kind of person, Miss Aingeali." he said, Aingeali nodded slightly.

"Yes, I think I'd be too shy for such a feat." She said, blushing. The two began to converse about various things, ranging from Hobbits to Aingeali herself. But she never mentioned anything about where she was exactly from. Bilbo found this odd but didn't comment on it. After all, if she didn't want to, she needn't make herself uncomfortable.

Bilbo showed her his home and to all the places that she could visit. She felt like she could melt into the library when he showed her the small yet pleasant library. The two spent some time in there, reading some books. And Biblo found himself gaining an odd, yet polite and kind friend.

They had their meals together and when night came and dinner was starting, the ringing of a bell startled them. Aingeali immediately got up and Biblo soon followed her to the door. It was Aingeali who opened it, expecting Gandalf.

But she was pleasantly surprised to find another her height, yet still much taller. Yet he still had an intimidating aura to him. He had a long black beard with long hair yet he was bald on the top of his head. He was no Hobbit as Hobbits didn't have beards, so she assumed he was a Dwarf.

The Dwarf looked surprised to see her too, but when he noticed Bilbo behind her, he nodded, introducing himself with a bow: "Dwalin, at your service."

Aingeali eagerly let him in, her childish innocence naturally inclined to meet new people along with knowing Gandalf's plans. Bilbo seemed a lot more hesitant, as he asked: "Do I know you?"

It was rather comical when Dwalin responded with a straightforward: "No."

But Aingeali knew that he had something to do with the Quest Gandalf had gone to talk to Thorin Oakenshield about. So, she did not assume anything suspicious. "Well hello, Mister Dwalin! I'm Aingeali and this here is Bilbo Baggins!" She introduced happily.

Dwalin looked a little dumbfounded by her giddiness when Bilbo had been confused and lost. "Um, hello?" He half asked asked, wondering why a young lass like her would live with Bilbo. Perhaps they were married? No, she looked like a young woman while Bilbo looked as if he was reaching his mid-30ties. A daughter? Sister? Possibly.

He turned to Bilbo as he hung up his coat. "Where is it?" He asked.

"Where is what?" Bilbo asked, confused. Dwalin gave him an odd look.

"Supper." He said. "He said there would be food and lots of it."

Bilbo grew more confused. "He said..?" He paused. "Who said?" He asked softly. Aingeali knew that perhaps it must have been Gandalf and did not say much else.

As Bilbo lead Dwalin into the diner, Aingeali waited by the door, knowing Gandalf was coming soon. Several minutes passed and a knock broke her thoughts and she opened the door eagerly. It wasn't Gandalf but another Dwarf, only much older yet looked more pleasant. He was right above Aingeali's height. And he looked unsure, as if he had the wrong house.

"Um, does a Bilbo Baggins live here?" He asked, and Aingeali nodded a smile graced her features. The white bearded Dwarf smiled politely and kindly. An elderly kindness Aingeali had gotten to know over the years through several wise old men. "Balin, at your service." He said with a lower bow than Dwalin's.

Aingeali smiled widely. "Aingeali, at yours!" At her greeting Balin smiled before his face turned mildly serious.

"Am I late?" He asked, and Aingeali shook her head.

"No! Not at all, in fact, I believe you're early." She said just as Bilbo turned the corner to get the door himself. Balin noticed Dwalin behind him and grinned as he went to go greet him. Aingeali heard them refer to each other as brothers and smiled. Bilbo looked shocked when the brother knocked heads against each other.

As Bilbo followed the two Dwarves who walked off to get dinner prepared, Aingeali sat down on a chair near the door, waiting for Gandalf once more. When the third knock sounded, Bilbo and Aingeali opened it. In front of them were two younger Dwarves (perhaps just above her age), they looked like brothers yet with very different hair color.

"Fili." The blonde said.

"And Kili." The brown haired one said.

The both finished together with a synchronized bow: "At your service!"

"You must be Mister Boggins!" Kili said, a grin on his face. Aingeali giggled slightly at the mispronunciation though Bilbo looked shocked.

"No! You can't come in, you've come to the wrong house!" Bilbo exclaimed and began to close the door but Kili stopped him, holding the door open.

"What? Has it been canceled?" He asked, a little devastated. Fili looked slightly more composed.

"No one told us." In fact, Fili looked more confused.

"Canceled? Nothing's been canceled-" Bilbo began but Kili cut him off mid-sentence.

"That's a relief!" he said with an excited grin as the two barged passed Bilbo. The brothers gave him their weapons as Aingeali closed the door, a little offended by their rude behavior. When Kili noticed Aingeali, he turned to her with a handsome yet flamboyant grin.

Her offense forgotten as he turned on his charming mode. "And who's this lovely lady?" He asked, flirting. Aingeali blushed when the two looked at her with flirting smiles.

"I-I'm Aingeali." She said, her cheeks turning red. Bilbo felt the urge to go to her and defend her. For Yavanna's sake, the poor girl looked lost and confused yet also embarrassed! Couldn't these dwarves take the hint?!

"You don't have to be scared of us. We don't bite." Fili teased and Kili grinned slightly.

"Not unless you want us to..." Kili flirted with a hushed tone. Aingeali felt as if she could melt as he said that. This Dwarf was infuriating yet strangely cute. She couldn't help the silly giggle that escaped her lips.

"I would not like to be bitten, Mister Kili." She said with a flirty smile. The two brothers looked amused.

"Nah, we won't. I don't think your husband would appreciate that." Kili said, looking over at Bilbo, who blushed red.

Aingeali laughed. "Bilbo? No, no, no, Bilbo isn't my husband! He's just a friend." She said, giggling slightly at what Kili suggested. Bilbo nodded, completely agreeing. She honestly did not know how to deal with dwarves, having not interacted with them much.

Kili nodded. "Well, then. You don't seem like my type." He said, and Aingeali nodded.

"I'm glad." She said, feeling relieved that Kili would cease his strange behavior. It was like she was meeting a completely different creature. Dwalin then came into the hallway and grinned when he saw Kili and Fili.

"Kili, Fili." Dwalin greeted, Kili grinned.

"Mister Dwalin!" He said. Dwalin nodded as the three Dwarves went to the dining room to prepare for more guests to arrive. Aingeali turned to Bilbo who tossed the swords and weapons away.

"Are you all right, Bilbo?" She asked, with a soothing yet concerned tone. She was genuinely concerned for him. Bilbo nodded.

"Thank you, Aingeali, but I am fine." He said, not quite sure himself. He was frustrated. Aingeali frowned.

"Bilbo, I apologize if-" She started but the sound of knocking startled her. Bilbo, angry, began walking towards the door with Aingeali on his trail.

"No, no! There's nobody home! Go away and bother somebody else! There are far too many Dwarves in my dining hall as it is! If this is some cloathead's idea of a joke! Ha!" He exclaimed angrily.

"It is in very..." He yelled as he reached the door and grabbed the handle, turning it. "Poor tastes!" He finished as he opened the door.

And suddenly, a bunch of Dwarves piled the floor. They all grumbled and exclaimed for each other to get off each other. And behind them, was Gandalf watching with a chiding look.

Aingeali said it before Bilbo could: "Gandalf!" She exclaimed happily as she went over the dwarves and greeted him, welcoming him into Bilbo's home.

"Ah, my dear Aingeali! How was your day?" He asked and Aingeali began to explain everything excitedly and happily as she helped some of the Dwarves on top of the pile up.

Gandalf laughed merrily as he entered the house when all the Dwarves were up and about. Gandalf and Aingeali lead the Dwarves to the dining room and everyone eagerly sat down. There was so much food on the table. Aingeali and Gandalf joined them and they all sat down to eat.

Aingeali, half amused and half offended by the Dwarves' rude manners, ate and watched everyone literally play with their food. But still ate regardless. Aingeali tried to keep to herself and not speak much and went surprisingly unnoticed.

"So, who are you, lassie?" A dwarf known as Bofur asled. Aingeali's eyes turned to saucers when everyone's gaze found her, though she didn't want to be rude.

"I'm Aingeali!" She exclaimed merrily before sipping some of her wine.

"Aingeali? Isn't that the word for 'Angel' in Elvish?" Balin asked, as if he had just remembered something.

Aingeali nodded with a gleeful smile. "Yup! Couldn't be more proud of the name! My father, Gandalf, gave it to me because according to him, I look like an Angel." She said humbly. Balin smiled at her enthusiasm.

"Your father is Gandalf?" A young dwarf, Ori asked. At this everyone looked either shocked, surprised or just hid their emotions.

Aingeali smiled at him. "Yes, my father is Gandalf. Well, technically he adopted me. Found me in Dale actually." At this her smile faded slightly, knowing that Dale was the city right at the foot of Erebor, their kingdom...

"So what exactly are you?" Oin asked, putting his hearing horn to his ear to hear, and Aingeali paused at this question.

"I... I don't know..." She responded softly, her smile fading. Gandalf, who sat at the end, looked rather unsure. A thick yet tense silence fell upon the company.

"Apologies, Miss Aingeali. We didn't mean to intrude." Balin broke the silence. Aingeali's smile returned.

"None needed, Balin. And please, call me Aingeali. Calling me 'Miss' makes me feel like a damsel or a royal, which neither am I." She clarified and most of the company nodded as everyone proceeded to talk about different things with everyone.

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After dinner, Bilbo went to go confront Gandalf, Aingeali remained instead chose to go do the dishes with another Dwarf named Bifur. Aingeali enjoyed these dwarves' companies, they were quite a merry gathering as Gandalf had put it to Bilbo.

Aingeali and Bifur began 'chatting', with Bifur using Iglishmek and Aingeali some few Hwerme gestured she knew to use to respond. The languages were similar enough so the two managed to understand each other. While Bifur was suspicious of her use of the Elvish language, he eventually warmed up to her when he realized she was harmless and just a very happy person.

When the two heard the sounds of knives and silverware being used as instruments. Bifur looked prepared for something and gestured for Aingeali to move away and stay out of the way. Aingeali, even if she was confused, did as she was told and went into the dining room to find a very interesting sight.

The dwarves began to throw the plates, but with astonishing accuracy and great skills. She was slightly afraid that Bilbo's poor dishes would get broken but found herself surprised as they tossed them to be washed by Bifur. And Bilbo began to scold them for the behavior.

Bofur said in response: "Oh, you hear that, lads? He says we'll blunt the knives!" He said, tauntingly. The dwarves laughed as a song broke out:

Blunt the knives, bend the forks,
Smash the bottles and burn the corks
Chip the glasses and crack the plates
That's what Bilbo Baggins hates

Cut the cloth, trail the fat,
Leave the bones on the bedroom matt
Pour the milk on the pantry floor
Splash the wine on every door

Dump the crocks in a boiling bowl
Pound them up with a thumping pole
And when you've finished if they are whole
Send them down the hall to roll!

That's what Bilbo Baggins hates!

Laughter erupted from everyone when Bilbo pushed passed everyone to see all his dishes spotless and clean. Even Gandalf was amused as he laughed as well. Aingeali couldn't help but smile at Bilbo's dumbfounded look.

Until three loud knocks silenced everyone.

Aingeali was accutely aware as Gandalf said:

"He's here."