A distraught moan echoes through the halls of mirkwood. Frantic an elfen maid spins round, eyeing the human woman in front of her, who is regarding her worried. Shivering she takes again a look at the letter, which contains so much fear and pain. „He knows.", she whispers. Hastily she darts towards the light green cradle, which is situated near the window. She takes her child so abruptly into her arms, it begins to cry at an instant. With tears in her eyes the she-elf is weighing it, kissing it tenderly on the forehead. „Take her to safety, Léoflida." Heartbroken she lays her little daughter in the arms of her lifelong friend. „Promise me to guard her with your life." Clinging to the elf, also shivering the woman bids goodbye. „I promise." After a curtsying deeply, the child pressing to hear breast, Léoflida takes her leave. Without turning back once the woman brings the child into security, not yet knowing she'll never meet her friend again. Simultaneously with her entering the deep wood, the last heartbeat of the desperate mother fades, the name of her lost daughter on her lips. „Adelina."

50 years later:

Tenderly I stroke the rough surface of the gravestone. Here rests Lady Léoflida, daughter of Háca. Beloved mother and friend. May her soul rest in peace. Taking in a quivering breath I lean back, wiping away one single tear. „So the rumors were true this time." Surprised I cringe. Although a small smile forms on my lips a moment after, as I realize who's standing behind me. „Gandalf." Composing myself I stand up, turning around towards the wizard. Sympathy is shining in his eyes. „I'm sorry for your loss, my dear child." Lightly he touches my should. I frown, hearing some undertone in his voice, which I cannot allocate. Quickly I've contained myself again, smiling slightly at the wizard. „Thank you."

I regard the wizard thoroughly, as we have withdrawn to the small hut in the forest, which is now only my home, without Léoflida. „I guess, you haven't just visited me, to pronounce your condolence." Chuckling the wizard grins at me. „I can't fool you, can't I?" I reciprocate his genuine smile, admitting I've missed my lifelong friend. „I've known you quite long, old friend." Nodding he agrees with me, silently. „Well, Adelina. I've come here to make you a proposal." Curiously I regard him. „A dear friend of mine has set himself a goal. Years ago his kin has lost its home and they were forced to move away, searching for a new home. Memories still rest in this place. And… well he has gathered a company around himself for reclaiming his home." He pauses, catching his breath. I don't say anything, waiting for him to end his story. „Unfortunately, this company still lacks of a burglar and talented ranger." Arching my brows, I examine him. „So I have to assume - since I'm not very talented in stealing things - you're telling me this, because you want to persuade me to accompany this company of yours, shrouded in mystery, because of my skills." „You're supposing the right thing." I stand up, crossing my arms before my breast. „Gandalf, I think you overestimating my abilities. I might have lived some time in the woods and I might be able to find hidden trails and passages… but I think there are many who can do better." „My dear Lina, I haven't chose you only for your ranger skills, but also because you're a fabulous healer. And you have a kind heart." Sighing I lean myself against the wall of the hut. „Who is it, who wants to reclaim his home?" „His name is Thorin Oakenshield." My eyes widen.

I remain, wrinkles emerging on my forehead. My hand jerks to the hilt of my sword, which rests on my hip. Racking my chin high in the air, I try to appear taller. Suspiciously I inspect the young dwarf opposite of me. I can detect a hint of insecurity, just as relieve and hope, in his eyes. He clasps his sword tightly, so much that his knuckles appear white. Nervously my gaze sways between his sword and his face. „Who are you?" As he takes a step towards me, I quickly unsheathe my sword, holding it before me. Cautiously he's taking a step back, lowering his weapon. „I don't want to harm you." I furrow my brown, as he ignores my question. „My name's Thorin." Nodding I look at him. „Adelina.", I whisper. „What are you doing here?" Before he can answer, his eyes contort unhealthy, and he drops unconscious towards the ground.

„You've met him." Gandalf is interpreting my surprised expression. Stern I nod. „Yes. Many years ago." I turn around, gazing outside. „It was one year after the dragon attack on Erebor. While his kin stayed in a small village, a few hours away from here, he was in search of a place to stay and create a new home. Originally two other dwarves were accompanying him. They were killed in an ambush by orcs. Deeply wound he managed to come until the glade over there." Gandalf follow my gaze, as I gesture towards the direction. „I found him, shortly before he lost consciousness." A small smile is plastered on my lips. „Léoflida was visiting her family in Rohan at that time. I took Thorin in, nursed him back to health. We became friends, learning to know everything from the other, until he was fit enough to return to his family." Sadly I look up. „Since then, I've never seen him again or heard of him. I wasn't even sure, if he still lives." Chuckling Gandalf he returns my look. „I can assure you, he is quite healthy. In the meantime he's been able to establish a settlement in the blue mountains." Relieved I take a breath. „So, Thorin has in mind to reclaim the lonely mountain?" Nodding Gandalf looks at me expectantly. „Well, I guess I've no other choice than helping to achieve this purpose."