Only the Beginning

Gandalf had stayed with Merida as they rode out of the kingdom after their goodbyes, her little brothers had refused to let Merida go until Gandalf had pointed to a chest filled to the brim with the wizards fireworks. Her mother had clung to her, whispering prayers of her protection while clinging to her as her father had the both of them embraced in a bear hug.

Merida felt pity for her family and a pang at the thought of possibly not seeing them again, but also a buzzing sense of excitement. In a few months' time she would be facing a dragon that had stolen the Dwarves greatest kingdom and source of wealth. She had never been to Erebor, its destruction happened over a hundred years before her birth after all. However her father had been there merely days before the fall with many of his men for trade. They had seen the dragon pass them by and Fergus had rushed back with his men, meeting Thorin, the prince, and his people covered in burns and desolate after the horrendous attack.

Thorin and many of his people without relatives in other dwarven cities stayed until many of them were unable to stand the fact Fergus was openly courting an elf. Dis, the princess, and several kinder folk with family in Dunbroch were the only ones of Thorin's group who treated her mother with respect. Many of the dwarves as a whole were still harboring anger towards the elves though after being denied care by Thranduil.

They had barely made it through Feragon Forest left her alone with vague directions to the shire. It was only a little over a week's ride on Angus but while Angus was built for battle and strength, Gandalf's own horse was built for speed and he needed to let their burglar know they were coming. Thorin along with 12 of his kinsmen, and possibly Dain we're to meet at the burglar's home in the Shire in nine days time. Merida should beat them by a full day.

Merida frowned, Dain was the most self-absorbed dwarf she had ever met, and that included the MacIntosh boy. She doubted he would join or provide aide, even if his own men wanted to go. Merida had been the only one in her father's kingdom willing to go besides her wee brothers, who were much too young, and Master Tice, who had been a wee lamb himself when the dragon attacked. Unfortunately he was blinded as he was driven out of his home due to the smoke and unable to fight. He had married, but he and his dearly departed Lin never had any children who would go to avenge him so Merida had gone and laid down her bow in front of him for his blessing, which he had given.

Master Tice had kept Merida company much while her father was in the hospital wing. His calm voice and excellent story telling was the only thing that soothed Merida enough to allow sleep. He had confessed once to Merida she had reminded him of his sister Tise, who had died in the fires that valar-forsaken day. Merida was honored to fight while representing a very dear friend who thought so highly of her and swore to herself even if she were to die on this adventure her death would be an honorable one.

She shook off the thought of her own death, stubbornly jutting her jaw out as she breathed in to calm herself. She would not die in vain; at the very least the dragon shall be slain.

She road on the next four days avoiding any towns and dwellings, preferring to camp in the wild as to she did not want to find herself tongue tied or lying to anyone who asked what her reasons for traveling were. Angus was happy enough with more than plenty to graze and enough apples and have the occasional handful of oats. Merida hunted for rabbits and other small animals so she could keep her supplies as long as possible.

It wasn't until she was about a two days ride from the Shire that she decided to stop for the night at the Prancing Pony in Bree. She was a full day ahead of schedule and if she was going to be on the road for an additional four weeks minimum she was going to have at least one good lay-in before not even being able to have access to a proper bath, much less bed.

She entered the establishment after getting Angus set up and brushed down for the night. She wove her way through the crowd to the front desk, keeping her hood up to prevent unwanted attention before addressing the innkeeper, "Do you have a room available for the night?"

She got a big grin in return from a big man, "Yes we do! Ol' Gandalf jus' left, have you ever seen his fireworks? They're a site to behold!"

Merida smiled happily in response, "Yes, I have had the opportunity to see them when I was but a wee lass, their colors filled the sky, whether it was day or night."

The innkeeper agreed as he took her payment and passed her key as she ordered dinner to be sent to her room with an additional coin thrown in for the trouble of the delivery.

That night she ate a grand meal she did not cook and slept soundly after bathing, thrilled for one last chance to enjoy a luxury before the real journey began.

A/N: Next Chapter Merida arrives in the Shire! Now, here is the question… who should she be paired with? Personally I kinda want her with Fili but she would make a cute couple with a few other characters… so the poll is up! Cast your votes! Also feel free to comment anyone you feel would be a good choice if they aren't on the list. Heck, even if they are you can comment before/after voting