Warning, Galadriel likes to give stuff away, Bifur fluff and I dont own the hobbit. BTW all the italics are what Bifur is saying in Iglishmek.

Their entrance into Rivendale was remarkably uneventful, considering Thorin expected the elves to apparently jump them at any moment. That, and the fact that while Gandalf and Lord Elrond were talking in elvish, Thorin basically accused them of conspiring against them all. Cricket barely held back a laugh at the look on Thorins face when Gandalf informed him that they were being invited to dine with them, and as they walked by Gandalf winked at her cheerily.

As they followed the elves to the dining area, Cricket could only look around in awe at the beauty of Rivendale, everything was just so clean and pure looking, if it was possible for a building to look so. The entire area was surrounded by a valley lush and green, with a waterfall, and gardens, and...there was just so much to look at. Unfortunately no one else seemed to appreciate the sight as much as her, the company mainly keeping eyes on their hosts for any sign of betrayal.

Silly, stubborn dwarves.

As they walk up a flight of stair to a populated area, she notices several tall, graceful elves peeking at the traveling company in curiosity. self-consciously she looks down at herself and grimaces, seeing pants and a shirt dirty and ripped in places from training, fingernails almost black and filled with grime, entire body covered in a thin layer of dust, spider webs and grass bits. She groans when she realizes how she must smell if she looks this bad, it being easy to ignore when surrounded by a bunch of equally dirty and smelly men.

However, now around others it is only too painfully evident.

Gathering up her pride and throwing it to the wind she catches up to Gandalf and tugs on his robe sleeve. "Um Gandalf, I have a question."

He looks down at her and smiles, curious look on his face."What is it child? I can assure you there will be a chance to discuss your situation..."

"It's not that, at least not yet. Is there any chance of a bath possibly, or if not that, a place to just wash up a bit, maybe change clothes? I feel really weird being this dirty around everyone here, and I know I must smell rank."

He laughs merrily at her distressed face and turns to Lord Elrond. "Could you have someone take her to a place where she can bathe?"

"I don't want to cause a fuss.." she began.

"No trouble at all, Cricket is it? I am sure there is quite a story as to how you ended up traveling with this company of Gandalfs." He says gently to her, then gestures to an elf on the right of him, telling her something in Sinderin before looking back at her. "What kind of host would I be if I didn't offer my guests a chance to bathe?"

The elf he brought over smiles at her and gives a short bow. "If you will follow me please." As Cricket starts to follow the elf up a flight of stairs, she is stopped by a familiar brooding voice.

"And where do you think you are going?"

She sighs in exasperation and turns around to face Thorin, noticing the entire company has stopped while he glares at her, Fili and Kili looking apologetic, Bofur Bifur and Nori looking amused, and the rest just watching to see how it plays out.

"I am going to take a bath and change into clean clothes if I can. You can go ahead and eat, but I for one," She says smirking at them "don't feel like smelling like a troll cave." With that she turns away and starts back after the female elf, not waiting for a response, just barely hearing one of the boys, probably Kili, ask if she is accusing them of smelling bad.

She follows the elf to a medium-sized room with a soft-looking bed, and a balcony overlooking the gardens. "These are our guest quarters, and your room while you are here. The room to your right contains a bath that has already been prepared. Would you like us to clean and mend the garments you are wearing now while you bathe?"

"Oh, sure, if it's not too much trouble. I'm afraid my clothes aren't really made for long travels. Thank you."

The elf inclines her head to Cricket and heads to the door, stopping before she leaves the room sand turning back to its occupant. "Leave the garments you have on now on the bed when you bathe and someone will come to collect them, I will leave something for you to wear while you are here." Saying that the elf leaves, and Cricket wastes no time dropping her bags and stripping down, grabbing her bathing stuff and heading to the bath area.

The tub is one of the largest she has ever seen, already filled with steaming hot water, vials of different oils and perfumes next to it on a table, and steps on the inside and outside of it for easy access. There are also two fluffy towels and a washcloth on said table for when she is done. As she slowly climbs in she hisses as the hot water hits various cuts and bruises on her from training and traveling, and when she finally makes it all the way in she sighs in contentment, leaning back and enjoying it. She takes her time scrubbing herself down and washing her hair and body, taking advantage of the oils for her skin, mainly Eucalyptus and spearmint, then just sat back and relaxed for about 15 minutes while the water cooled down.

She realizes after a while she has to get out, but doesn't want to. She eases herself out of the water as to not get a headrush, and wraps a towel around herself, heading back to the bedroom. She towel dries her hair and gives it a quick brush to get the tangles out, letting it fall loose around her head to air dry. She then takes a look to what the elf left her to wear.

On the bed is a simple dress, dark blue with grey lining, and elegant yet sturdy slippers, along with what looks like a silky pair of underwear. Blushing at the thought of wearing something so delicate she pulls them on, reveling in the softness, and just manages to get the dress on when she hears a knock on her door.

"Just a minute!" she yell, making sure everything is in place(and that she isn't popping out of her dress, considering there was no bra) before going to the door and opening it up to reveal a sheepish looking Kili and Fili.

"Hey guys, whats up?" When they just looking at her, cocking their heads to the side like confused puppies she smiles and snaps in front of their faces. "Hello, earth to Kili and Fili...you would think you have never seen a girl in a dress before..."

They jerk out of it and look back at her."Uncle sent us to check on you, you had been gone for a while."

"What was he afraid the big bad elves had killed and eaten me? Or were brainwashing me to their evil ways?" She says, raising an eyebrow at the two of them. They blush at the accusations and drag their feet of the ground like little kids.

"No, nothing like that...you had just been gone a while, and we wanted to make sure you were ok, maybe escort you to dinner?" They put on gallant faces and each give a little bow, coming back up with familiar grins on their faces. She can't help but grin back at them, and after grabbing the satchel with the egg and her other findings in it and putting it on crossbody style, she takes each of their arms and lets them lead her to the dining area and the rest of the company.

As they walk up, a couple of the company members notice them and frown, like Thorin, while the most of them smile and wave them over. On their end of the table is Ori, Nori, Bifur, Bofur, Fili and Kili. Bombur and Dori are in the middle, while the rest are on Thorins end of the table. Bofur grins at her as she plops down next to the princes and himself.

"We were starting to worry bout you lass, did you fall asleep in the bath?" he asks teasingly.

"I will have you know I didn't, thank you very much" she retorts, grabbing bread and cheese, cutting them both into slices. "I simply took advantage of having a good bath while I could, seeing as I didn't feel like smelling like a sweaty boot while I was here.

Bifur starts signing towards her, and Bofur snorts at what he says. "I agree, there is nothing wrong with a bit of sweat, its manly."

"You're right, it can be manly, but there is a small problem with your logic."She takes a slice of bread and cheese and holds it over a candle, melting the cheese."I'm not a man, in case you haven't noticed." She smothers butter on another slice of bread and tops it over the cheese melted slice, grinning in triumph.

"Oh we have noticed. That pretty little tree-shagger dress reminds us pretty well." Bofur comments, getting him an elbow in the ribs from Bifur. "Ow, what was that for, it was a compliment! Least I don't think she is a fragile little flower like some in the company, not mentioning any names."

"No, she is a flower, just not fragile. She has thorns." Bifur signed, earning a snort from Kili this time.

"Thats the truth! Have you ever been on the other end of one of her hits? I swear Dwalin is rubbing off on her!"

"Its true." agreed Fili from the other side." She has come a long way in such a short time. I would say more rose than flower though." As their side of the table goes quiet for a second staring at him, Nori breaks the silence by laughing, and Fili looks down at his food and blushes, ignoring Kili sniggering next to him."What, I'm just adding to the conversation...shut up Kee it's not funny..."

Cricket just sits back eating her improvised grilled cheese sandwich, amused by the arguments, and pleased by the compliments. Bifur notices her silence and smiles at her, signing over the table. "I think you have admirers. They all think highly of you, and I have to admit, if you had a beard you would be an ideal female dwarf."

"What, sarcastic, stubborn and slightly taller than all of you?"

"Strong willed. Willing to fight. Loyal to family. Spirited. A good heart. All things we hope for in a mate." When she doesn't immediately answer he presses on."And yes you are lovely as well. You are actually wearing the Durin house color right now, if you didn't know, and it suits you. But what good is a pretty face if the inside is cold and ugly and character that will be looked to fondly when it comes to a mate, and whoever ends up with you will be very lucky."

She tears up a bit at that, and wipes them away before they can fall."Thank you Bifur, I think thats the nicest thing anyone has said to me...well ever. I had no idea you though so well of me."

He grins widely, then he face turns serious."Make no mistake though, anyone who tries to court you will have to get past me first, which won't be easy." Nori notices this last part as Cricket frowns.

"Who is courting her?" He asks grinning.

"No one yet. But she has no family here, but I was telling her if and when she did, I would be standing in for them."

He considers it for a moment and nods."Sounds about right, you can count me in as well, its only right, you being alone here. I suspect half the company would jump in at the thought of you courting."

"Thats right, just consider us your adopted brothers."

"Yea, courters beware!"

"I'll be the best big brother ever!"

"No slackers or cowards for you!"

"Don't know about brother, but I wouldn't mind courting her myself..."

"No one would let you court her Bofur, you too much of a pervert."

"Thanks a lot Bifur, glad to know you have my back." Bofur grumbled as half the company laughed."But they are right lass, if they can't pass our critiques they aren't worth your time."

"How did we even end up talking about this again? Looks like I need to research Dwarrow courting.."she grumbles to herself "Courting is kind of the last thing on my mind you guys, especially since I have no idea if I am here for good or not. Can you imagine if I did start to court someone and got sent back home all of a sudden? That would really kind of suck, for both of us."

Everyone kind of sobered up at that and nodded in agreement. It was no secret among them she was worried about whether not she could ever get home, and no one wanted to worry her further. She glances over to see Fili still staring down at his plate quietly. She frowns, about to speak up, when someone beats her to it.

"Lady Cricket?"

She looks up to see another female elf standing next to her, everyone else looking up curiously."Um, yes? Can I help you?"

"Not me, but the Lady Galadriel, she wishes to speak with you, if you would please."

"What about?" says Thorins, standing up and glaring at the elf. Good grief, it's a good thing he wasn't part of the courting conversation, if he was one of her new adopted brothers she would never get a chance to date, court, whatever.

"She did not say. She only asked me to escort Lady Cricket to her." Cricket stands up, ignoring Thorins argument about "Not trusting the damn pointy ear bastards" when she hears him talking in a louder voice.

"Fili, go with her." Fili looks up startled and nods, standing up to join her, and Thorin slowly sits back down, face again reminding her of an angry brooding Derek Hale.

"Come one then." she says to Fili, and they both follow the elf down the stairs and through Rivendale, until they reach the gardens Cricket can see from her rooms balcony. She leads them through till they come to a clearing with a basin in the middle, next to a stream coming from the waterfall. She gestures for the two of them to sit at one of the benches, then leaves them alone in the clearing to await their host.

"He's right you know. Bifur that is." She hears Fili say quietly. She looks over at him questioningly.

"What about?"

"That dress, the color...they fit you."

She smiles at his almost shy comment, then looks up as an elf woman who can only be Galadriel appears. She is one of the most graceful and ethereal looking beings Cricket has ever seen, tall and lithe with gleaming blonde hair, fair skin and a soft white dress that dragged the ground. She almost seemed to glow, and her face held a peaceful, calming expression. Even Thorin wouldn't be able to be rude to her, though she assumed he would probably still want to.

Cricket, having a sudden need to show respect, jumps to her feet and attempts a curtsy, feeling clumsy next to the elf. She feels Fili doing the same next to her, only a bow, and is glad at least one of the dwarves can show manners. Galadriel smiles down at them serenely."Please rise Lady Cricket, I invited you here after all, there is no need for such formality, though it is not unwelcome. The same to you, Prince Fili of the House of Durin. Though unexpected, your presence is not unwelcome."

"Thank you, though please call me Cricket, as far as I know im not a Lady." Galadriel inclines her head to her."As for Fili..."

"My uncle does not like the idea of one of our company going off alone to meet with an el...stranger in an unknown place. He asked me to accompany her to make sure nothing happens to her."

"Did he now?" asked Galadriel with an amused smile. "That was very gallant of you to do so young prince, she is lucky to have a friend such as you." At that she indicates for them to both sit down, and asks Cricket to tell the story of how she came to be in middle earth. Cricket obliges, and the Lady listens carefully as she describes in detail the events leading up to her being at the park when the storm hit, and her being knocked out, letting Fili fill in certain part, like the bright light that she fell out of and pulling her to the camp, ending with them here at Rivendale. When finished Galadriel has a contemplative look on her face.

"So do you know how to get me home?" Cricket asked, hoping for good news. Fili stayed silent, his face a blank.

"I'm sorry but I'm not sure I can. It sounds like who or what ever brought you here, brought you for a reason, and likely you won't be able to go home until that reason is achieved."

"I was afraid you would say something like that. Gandalf keeps telling everyone that our quest won't succeed without me, and I have no idea why he would think that. He won't go into details at all, and I'm left trying to learn survival skills as we go along. It sucks, having someone tell you that you are meant to achieve something like that, and have no idea how or what." She is close to tears, and Fili puts a hand on her shoulder to try to comfort her.

"He may be right, though I'm not convinced that is the only reason. You said you found a female elf skeleton in the troll caves, correct? Was there and jewelry on it, a ring or a circlet? One of those would usually indicate the house they belonged to, as well as her station."

"Yea actually, there was a circlet and a ring, as well as a diamond necklace with very detailed carvings. I put them in my bag in case we ran into someone who may know who they belonged to."

"May I see them?" Cricket nods and reaches into the bag, pulling out the jewelry and handing them to her. Galadriels face takes on a sad expression and she examines them, before smiling sadly."I recongnize these...they belonged to a friend of mine, an elf that had gone on a journey of great importance, which set out many, many years ago. It is why there were so many well armed guards in the cave as well, holding the weapons that Gandalf and your King now hold. When she disappeared there was a great sadness, as not only was she a well-loved elf, but she was carrying a great treasure with her."

"There was a great deal of treasure in the troll cave..."Fili began, frowning.

"It was not a normal treasure." Said Galadriel softy. "It was more precious than any gold or jewel could ever be, even your Arkenstone. You know what I speak of, don't you?" This last part she directed at Cricket, who froze and paled, automatically clutching at the satchel. "May I see it?"

Cricket nods slowly, saying nothing, and reaches into her bag, gingerly pulling out the shimmering blue egg, much to Filis surprise. Once again the egg is warm to the touch, and she feels a comforting aura coming from it. Galadriel looks on knowingly, and Cricket reluctantly hand it to her. Her face takes on a look of awe as she holds it, and she seems to almost be listening to it."I have not seen an egg such as this in centuries. It is a rare thing indeed...and very fond of you, it seems."

"Would that explain the warmth coming from it every time I hold it, and the almost..content feeling? I don't know how else to explain it."

"Yes, it would. You are quite lucky it has chosen you. It is already protective of you, which is a good sign, almost unheard of considering how long it has actually been in your possession. Keep it safe, and when it hatches, it will do the same thing for you." With that she hands the egg back to her, much to Crickets surprise.

"Aren't you going to keep it?"

"It's not mine to keep child, it is decided on you. I have a feeling this egg may be a big part of why you are here." Cricket looks at her for a moment before nodding and putting it back in the bag.

"Thats all fine and well,"says Fili finally, curious about something. "But what is inside the egg? You keep saying it, not actually telling us what it is."

"Why, a high dragon, of course."

"A dragon? What do you mean a freaking dragon, she can't be carrying a dragon egg around, we are on our way to kill a dragon!" yell Fili, jumping up angrily and waving his arms about. "It will kill us all!"

"Not so, sit down young prince, and I will explain to you the situation. He does so warily, keeping an eye on the satchel as if he expects it to explode any minute. Cricket just rolls her eyes and him and looks back at Galadriel.
"It depends on the persons who hatches it, the state of a dragon when it is born, and how it is raised. Dragons hatch will all the knowledge of their ancestors, but still need to be taught and trained, especially when they are practicing their magic. Your Cricket is a good person with a kind heart. Any dragon hatched and raised by her would have no chance to turn as Smaug did, though even that was not entirely his fault. Do not worry, young prince."

"So you are saying as long as I am good, the dragon will be good?"

"That is precisely what I am saying."

Fili keeps frowning but nods."Its hard to stomach, considering what Smaug did to Erebor, to Dale. But if you say that this dragon will be good...well, I will keep an open mind. We may need to keep it a secret from Uncle for the time being though. I'm not sure how keen he would be about a baby dragon flying around with us."

"Yea, good point, I don't really look forward to that conversation. We should at least tell Kili though, he will wonder whats going on, and that way when it comes to time to tell Thorin, I can have the two of you on my side."

Galadriel smiles at the two of them, glad they have came to an understanding, and once more directs her attention to Cricket."As a reward for returning my friends things to me, I would like to offer you a glimpse into my mirror. It can show you many things from the past, and the future. Things that have yet to happen, things that may still be changed. It may even show you a glimpse of what you are to accomplish. Would you like to look into it?"

Cricket thinks about it and nods, standing up and walking towards the basin in the center of the clearing, as Galadriel takes a jug of water and pours it in, warning her to not touch the water. Cricket glances at Fili for a second, then looks back to the basin, getting up next to it and staring into the water.

The images come fast and jumbled at first,some fuzzy while some are clear as day. As most of them start to become clear some begin to stand out from the others. She sees herself feeding her nephew in a high chair, then taking him to a park, then the last time she saw her mom and him before they moved to Texas. She sees her first kiss at the age of 6 on the school before she pushes him backwards down the slide, and when she got her first vehicle, paid for herself, a little 49cc scooter that she rode around everywhere, along with the first year she worked at GameStop. The images that come after that are ones she doesn't recognize. Her, with a glowing blue egg on her lap, magic swirling around them as the egg starts to hatch. A battlefield covered in bodies, Thorin, Kili and Fili and lying close to one another, their life blood leaking around them as they lay still and lifeless. A golden dragon raining fire down on a town sitting on the water. Her with an arrow in her stomach, running , running the best through she can through a large fighting host. Bilbo being thrown off a mountain by an unknown assailant, a look of shock and betrayal on his face. Spiders larger than her surrounding the company, and a white orc with a scar on his face. It then starts to go dark, and she simply feels several strong emotions in a row; lust, anger, freedom, happiness, and finally fear.

When she finally pulls away from the basin she is gasping and covered in sweat. Backing away from it she almost falls backwards, but Fili is there to catch her, and he looks angrily at the Lady."What did you do to her?"

"I did nothing but show her a glimpse of the past, and what may become of the future."

"Wait." Cricket says, trying to stand up straight, allowing Fili to help keep her upright. "Are you saying that all that might not happen? Did you see any of it?"

"I saw glances but nothing more, as it was your own glimpse and not mine. However, I can tell you that depending on your actions, not all of that may come to pass. Some of it most likely still will, but you may be able to stop the worst of it from happening. The future is not set in stone, Lady Cricket."

"Thats...a relief. I don't know if I could live with myself if any of them died..."She paused, not wanting to say more at the moment despite Filis questioning look."Later, I promise." He nods, and lets her go slowly, he finally being able to stand on her own.

"Now that we have that out-of-the-way" Galadriel says breaking the tension, "One of the women said that your garments are ripped and worn, not quite suitable for traveling as it is. If you will allow me, I would like to give you some clothing more suitable to the task you have at hand."

"Oh you don't have to do that! You have done so much already, I couldn't possibly.."

"I would take the offer" Fili whispers into her ear. "She is right, your clothes aren't really made for traveling, and we are going to be heading into the mountains soon. You will need something warmer than you have."

She glances at him and he nods at her, so she sighs and looks back at Galadriel."I accept then, thank you."

"Good, it is my pleasure to make sure you are prepared for your journey. Prince Fili, if you would be so kind as to go back to the dining and let your company know what is going on, I will take Cricket to pick out some things."

"Wait, no, why can't I come with her?"

"Because she will be changing silly boy, and you are not permitted to watch, no matter how fierce a protector you are." His face flushes bright red as he gets what she is implying, and nods fiercely."I promise you she is in safe hands with me, and will come to no harm."

"Fili, I will be fine, I promise. Go back to everyone, let them know I am ok. I will come back as soon as I can." She smiles at him and he smiles reluctantly back, agreeing with her.

"Allright, but if you take too long we are going to come looking for you again."

"Deal." He bows again at Galadriel and walks away out of the garden, and the Lady turns back to Cricket.

"If you are ready we can go, that way your dwarf won't worry too much." she smiles wryly at her, and walks out of the clearing as well, Cricket following behind.

"He isn't my dwarf." she mutters to herself, though she can swear she sees the Lady's shoulders bouncing in silent laughter. They make their way once again through the winding halls and stairs of Rivendale, this time stopping in front of what looks like a home. Its has leaves covered vines crawling up it, and several busy looking elves are walking in and out of it, carrying all matters of items. It is also very close to the gardens, with a wonderful view of the waterfall.

"This is where I stay when I am in Riverdale." Galadriel says as Cricket looks around. "I called on a tailor to try to fix the garments you brought, as well as hem any that you try on to fit better if needed." They walk up a flight of stairs to an elegant, rose filled room, where an elf with pure white hair pulled into a bun stood. As they walk in the elf turns to them with a smile on her face.

"Lady Galadriel, it's a pleasure as always."

"The same to you Lady Corasont. Have you managed to fix the garments you were sent?"

"Yes" said Corasont, though a frown crosses her face, the first that Cricket has seen on one."They were very strangely made though, and I don't know what the child was thinking traveling so long in them when they clearly weren't made for it."

"I really didn't have any other choice." said Cricket jumping in, feeling she needed to defend herself. "Its the only clothes I have, other than a similar pair in my backpack. Not only that but im surrounded by male dwarves all the time, so there isn't really much of a chance to change. Believe me, if I could I would."

"Well, there was no helping it I suppose." Corasont said, handing her the new repaired clothes. "However, the garments given to you here will be much better suited for traveling and any trouble you may run into while on the road."

"Lady Corasont is well-known throughout the Middle-earth for her skills at weaving Mythril into her garments," explained Galadriel. "resulting in garments that will protect you better than any other. I have also asked Gandalf to add a spell in to all of them, to protect them from fire, as that will come in handy very soon" She says, winking at Cricket.

"Does he know why?"

"I'm not sure, he may just believe it is a precaution for when you encounter Smaug. It is your choice whether or not to tell him the truth, however."

They go through clothes for about 30 minutes before Cricket decides on some that really catch her eye. Corasont critiques everything she tries on, commenting with "Not your color" and "Doesn't fit your personality" and "Makes yu look like an old spinster", while Galadriel just sits back silently and watches. The clothes she picks out Corasont has nothing to complain about. Not only that, but they fit like a glove, with no need to hem them up or anything. Galadriel and Corasont both look pleased as she pulls everything on and steps out, showing off her new duds.

First there is a pair of knee-high black boots with silvery grey edging, soft on the inside to keep her feet warm in the cold, but not so much so that they will sweat in normal weather. Following that is a pair of dark brown leather pants stitched up at the sides, almost skin-tight but not quite that, so she can move around freely. After that is a loose dark blue blouse, tied up at the front. Over that was a vest/long-tailed waistcoat that came down to her mid-thigh, the same black color as her boots, with pockets on the inside and outside and a single silver button on the front keeping it closed. Next is a pair of long dark blue fingerless gloves that go over her elbows. Last but not least is her favorite, as her jacket had been pretty much destroyed. A beautiful, soft, dark brown leather jacket the same color as her pants, with long bell sleeves and a hood, as well as a high collar. The entire thing was edged in silver-grey, and it only came up to her mid abdomen.

"This feels wonderful." Cricket says with a wonderous grin on her face as both Galadriel and Corasont look on in approval."Its so light and soft, and I can move around so well in it! Are you sure I can accept this? I don't have any money, and this must cost a fortune!"

"You can and you will accept it." Galadriel said firmly. "You are going to be put through many dangers on this journey, and must be prepared. It is my gift to you, and I have already paid for it, so it is done."

"Besides, those colors fit you extremely well." Said Corasont from beside her. That outfit looks like it was made for you, and nothing will protect you better, besides a full set of armour, and that would just be a hindrance. Mythril is woven through everything on you, and I dare say you are better equipped than the dwarves you are traveling with."

"Not quite, but almost." Said Galadriel mysteriously, and with a smile she pulls out something wrapped in a silvery material. She hands it to Cricket, who takes it and sets it down on the table to unwrap. Inside are two silver-grey belts, made to criss-cross each other on the hip, along with four sheathed weapons; two daggers, and two short-swords. Cricket takes on of the short-swords and unsheathes it, looking at it in awe. It is a gleaming silver, with sapphire blue swirls climbing up it, and a sapphire in the hilt.

"The daggers are the Queens Thorns, or Turinqui Nasse, while the swords names are Silme and Estel, which mean Starlight and Hope. They belonged to the last female to hatch a dragon, the protector of the queen, so it is only right they belong to you now. It is said that if you call them by their true names, no matter how far away of who holds them, they will always appear in your hand, will always return to you."

"The protector of the Queen...dragon queen?"

"Yes. It was a very long time ago, when dragons were more plentiful, and held an alliance with the races of middle earth to protect it from harm and evil. Something caused the dragons to go barren, and their numbers began dwindling. Not only that, but some dragons began to exhibit signs of madness, like that of extreme gold sickness. Dragons have always had a certain fondness for treasure, but back then could control it, and would ever make contracts to guard the treasures of royalty, as long as they were given a place to sleep and food to eat, and it worked out in favor of both parties. As they began to go mad, unfortunately, they became dangerous, and instead of trying to help, most of them were hunted down and killed. Some survived, like Smaug, and hid, while a small few who hadn't went mad met together with the queen and her protector, along with their riders, and hatched a plan to protect the few surviving eggs. We only know of the one that was intrusted to us, the one you carry. As for the rest, they are lost."

"What caused the barrenness and madness?"

"We believe Sauron in disguise. He was angry he could not hatch a dragon for himself, and believed they were too much of a threat to his plans, so decided they needed to be gone. Truely, if we still had our dragons and their riders during the war with him, it would have been very different."

"I...you have so much faith in me, and have given me so much. I hope I can raise it the way it needs to be...they way you apparently think I can. It's a lot to shoulder, that's for sure. I'm kind of worried it's too much for me."

"Just the fact you are worried about it means you will do fine, and if it is too much, remember you have friends that will be there for you when you need them." Cricket nods and pulls on the belts, the swords resting crosswise on the back, one dagger in her boot, while the other is put in a long pocket on the inside of her waistcoat.

"One more thing before you leave. This is a book on all information about the last hatchings, and the people who hatched them, as well as a collection of information from their journals. It should give you a better idea of what to expect. I would explain more to you, but I have a meeting with Gandalf and Elrond, and you have a group of anxious dwarves to return to."

"Thank you, I will never forget these gifts. If there is anything at all I can do..."

"She smiles gently at her as they walk out the door, saying goodbye to Lady Corasont. "Simply accept being a friend of the elves, and in return we will always have a place for you, and your dragon, to stay."

"Thats a deal!" Cricket says grinning as she heads down the stairs to the dining area to meet back up with the company, information whirring through her mind like a hurricane. As she makes it to the dining area she can hear the dwarves arguing about something, hearing her name several times before she stops and grins. She then yells out to them, getting their attention. "Hey, did I miss anything important?"

The looks on their faces are priceless as she walks down the steps, most mouths agape as they take in her new clothes and weapons, before comments start to fly.

"Look at that, she looks ready for traveling now!"

"She looks like a damn elf..."

"She is nowhere near tall enough for an elf, and her ears aren't pointed. The clothes do fit her though, colors as well."

"I want a closer look at those swords if we are going to start training with them!"

"She looks like a proper little adventuress!"

"Wearing that she will definitely start getting courters!"

"I will beat up anyone who tries to court her! Can I see one of your swords?" then "Ouch, that's sharp, I'm bleeding!"

"Thats what happens when you mess with the edge of a sword, Kee!"

"Whatever, I just wanted to test it out Fee!"

She grins and looks at Fili. "What do you think, better than what I was wearing?"

He looks her up and down, an odd glint in his eye, one she sometimes sees in Thorins when he is looking at Bilbo."Oh yes, much better. These are the clothes the Lady gave you? They fit your...personality very well."

"Sure its her personality you think they fit well?" Bofur says, grinning at Fili and winking as Fili turns bright red.

Cricket just rolls her eyes"Yes, they gave me some to choose from, and the ones I liked they gave me, which resulted in my outfit, they have mythril or something like that woven into them. Galadriel gave me the weapons as well, said they belonged to me."

"Mythril!? That stuff is hard to come by! It is harder than diamonds, and difficult to forge into anything, much less weave into clothes!"

Cricket just shrugs. "She had a whole pile of them, said it was her specialty."

"Huh. well, anyway, you better go get your stuff from your room, Thorin is having us leave in about an hour. Everyone thinks we are staying for the night, and they can't stop us from leaving if they don't know when we are leaving."

"Good grief, not all elves are out to get you guys. So paranoid, I swear."

"Yea yea, you want to argue with him go ahead. If not, go ahead and get your bag so we can leave quick." he turns around, intending to walk over to Kili but stops and looks back at her for a moment."By the way, Bofur is right."

"About what?"

"You do look good in that." He then winks and heads over to his brother, while Cricket feels her face getting warm and rushes off to her room before anyone can see her blushing.

Stupid dwarves with stupid compliments making her stupid face red.

She swears she can feel the egg thrumming in agreement.

Argh this chapter took forever and im still not happy with it, but there ya go. Next chapter will have a link to fanart of her new duds. Yea Dragons! Let me know what ya think!