Hey!

So, I know that the previous chapter was pretty small and that this update is kind of late, but I'm truly sorry. I didn't have much time to write...

Once again, I'd like to thank all of you who have followed and favored this story! It means so much to me!

Please forgive any mistake. And, of course, enjoy!

[Disclaimer: I own nothing except my OC]

When Bilbo woke up, I was very relieved. He had been unconscious for a long time and I had started worrying about him. Fortunately, he seemed he had recovered from the shock.

"I'll be alright. Just let me sit quietly for a moment." I heard him say from where I stood. But, then, Gandalf took him aside to say a few words to him. I wasn't close enough to hear their conversation but when I saw the hobbit walk off, I could tell it didn't end very well.

"It appears we have lost our burglar." Balin said, who had also noticed him drawing away. I didn't pay attention to the rest of his words and as the dwarfs started talking I grabbed the chance to leave the room as quietly as I could.

Bilbo hadn't actually gone far. He was sitting on a stool outside the living room. His body was leaning against the wall. He seemed he was thinking about the quest, though I knew he had just denied the offer.

"Hey…" I said softly, not wanting to scare him.

"Uh, hi" He looked at me and gave me a worried smile.

"Do you mind if I sit here with you?" I asked him.

"Not at all" he answered and I pulled another stool closer and sat on it.

"I know all these seem strange to you," I started unsure of what exactly I should say, "but I think Gandalf has a good reason to pick you for this quest." He looked at me, a strange look in his kind brown eyes. "You're probably wondering why to take advice from a girl you barely know. And I understand that, but I still can't help but tell you that; you should have faith to yourself."

I walked away before he could answer. I should give him time to process all this. I didn't want to push anything.

I walked into the room again and as I did, I noticed Fili watching me. I felt my heart beating a little bit faster than usual, but I tried to ignore it. I stood in a corner of the room and leaned my back against a wooden bookcase. I closed my eyes as the King Under the Mountain started singing.

His voice was deep and sorrowful. This song filled me with a lot of mixed emotions. I had heard it so many times, yet this one felt like it was the first.

I slowly opened my eyes. It was so much different, having Thorin Oakenshield right in front of you, in person. I couldn't help but notice the beauty in his distant look. His blue eyes fixed on something beyond this room. And as he continued, the dwarfs stood up one by one and joined him.

And I was almost tempted to do the same. I knew the lyrics. But I couldn't risk singing them outloud.

[…]

The fire was red, it flaming spread.

The trees like torches blazed with light.

They finished and only then, I realized how tired I was. I walked toward to where Bilbo was sitting when I talked to him. He was still there.

I asked him quietly where I could sleep and he showed me a guestroom. I couldn't believe how kind he was. I mean, I was only a strange girl that showed up in his house. Nonetheless, he was willing to offer me a bed to spend the night. This was a kind of hospitality unknown, 'til now, to me.

I mumbled a sleepy "thank you" and gave him a soft smile, before turning around and starting walking toward the door he'd shown me. I was ready to open it, when I heard someone clearing his throat, intentionally, from behind me. I looked over my shoulder and saw Gandalf.

He had taken off his hat, but still he was very close to the ceiling. I had to hold myself from smirking when I remembered how he had once bumped his head on this house's chandelier.

"He has agreed." he told me, once I had turned to face him. I didn't have to ask who he was talking about. "We leave at dawn." I nodded and I was more grateful than even I thought I would be.

"Sleep well, Ms. Jean."

He smiled to me kindly and I did the same.

"Thank you, Gandalf" I said and I meant it.

For everything.

And, that was her first day in Middle-Earth.

I really hope you liked this chapter! Next update will be probably in 5-6 days.

Until then, bye!

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