Author note: This story is a major rewrite of Unexpected Fate. After I went back reread what I had done. I was unhappy with it so I decided to take it down and rewrite it so I am happy with it.
Lirielle Lossëhelin stood by a river near the Shire. Her long deep red hair curled around her lithe form. The birds and butterflies seemed to dance around her. Her pointed elf-like ears picked up on footfalls approaching her. She spun around and drew her sword at the on comer. Her pale light green eyes locked with Gandalf's eyes. She put away her sword and looked at him. She had ethereal looks with her small nose and full lips made her look like a woodland elf. The only thing that gave away she was not a woodland elf was her height. She was shorter than most men and elves, but taller than a hobbit, about the height of a dwarf without all facial hair. Her pointed ear was pierced multiple times and held gold rings in them. One had a chain attaching the top of her ear to the mid-point on her ear.
"Oh, Gandalf it is only you," Lirielle said.
"Lirielle, I am shocked to see this far from Imladris or Lothlórien" Gandalf commented.
"Lord Elrond and Lady Galadriel know that I can't linger with them for long. Besides Lady Galadriel said you want to see me." Lirielle explained.
She tossed her hair over her shoulder revealing its flame-like nature. When braid it looked rich ruby color but when it moved it had oranges and yellows dancing with the reds. A bird landed on her outstretched hand. It was a raven. She stroked its feathers. It was something very few people would do; only another one he knew was Radagast.
"Hello, Thomas," Lirielle said lovingly as she stroked the bird's feathers.
"Is that not Radagast bird."
"Yes, but Radagast is friends with animals; he does not own them."
Lirielle walked out of the stream picking up her dark green cloak over her shoulders. She let Thomas fly off before walking over to Gandalf. A gleam of large fire-like stone hung around her neck. It looked like flame dancing within the stone; it lets off an orange, yellow, and red glow. She sat down on an overturned tree making quick work of braiding her hair. The braid hung at the small of her back. Gandalf sat down next to her. He touched the stone that hung at her neck. That brought her eyes to his.
"You wanted to speak to me?" Lirielle asked taking the stone away from view.
"Yes, I wanted to speak of you joining a quest."
"A quest… Gandalf with all due respect, me… on a quest. It would not turn out right. And I have nothing to gain from it"
Lirielle stood looking longingly to the north. There was a flash of sadness in her eyes but was quickly replaced with a cold as stone look. It was over seventy years since she let herself feel anything besides the need to live. Her bright and colorful clothes now she more mostly tans, green and brown it was better to blend into nature. Gandalf walked over to her and looked where she was looking off in distance.
"You do have something to gain from this quest," Gandalf explained.
She turned her green eyes back to Gandalf with a scoff. She shook her head before starting to walk away from him. She started to pick up her weapons and headed off oppositely.
"Oh, really what?" Lirielle called over her shoulder.
"Smaug," Gandalf said just loud enough for her to hear him.
Lirielle froze. She saw the flash of dragon fire and bodies around her. She steeled her spine. Before, she turned back to Gandalf; and gave him a look he had seen a few times on that Thorin.
"I'm listening," Lirielle stated.
Lirielle moved to sit next to Gandalf as he started to explain his plan. A frown had taken a place on her face. She tilted her head and shook her head. For his entire plan, Gandalf had forgotten one very important detail and detail that would prevent her from coming on the quest he spoke of. When Gandalf reached the end of his plan she placed her hand on his hand and gave him a sad smile.
"Gandalf you have forgotten one detail. I am a lady. These dwarves will never accept me in their company."
"That is why we will hide that fact you are a lady. And by the time they know you are a lady they will realize your worth."
Lirielle rose and walked away contemplating what quest could possibly cost her; closing her eyes as the images of her burning homes of her kingdom long since lost flashed in her mind. The images of her family dead at her feet flashed into her mind next. Their stones that reveal their affiliation to part of nature and the royal line were torn from their necks. Gandalf placed his hand on her shoulder. Lirielle eyes had tears in them. She quickly removed the tears; tilting her head to look at him. The price could not be more than she had already paid.
"When do we leave?"
"As soon as possible, child"
"I have not been a child for many moons. My childhood ended the moment that Smaug came."
"That may be true. Come we need to get you looking more like a lad than lass."
"My famine features are hard to hide"
"That is why we will say you are a part elf, part dwarf. It is better they don't know you are Faye at the start. Lirielle"
"Liri, Gandalf after all I am lad."
"Correct"
The arrival into the Shire was something that Lirielle would never forget. She had never ventured this far in her travels. It was reminiscence of her own home with its colors. Now dress like a lad she walked next to Gandalf. Who was shocked just how much she could act like one as well? Her chest was bounded up tight making her once ample breast flat as a board that and many layers of clothes hide her lithe form. Many hobbits took one look at the pair some went back into their holes. Lirielle tilted her head in a questioning way.
"Tell me again why we are in Hobbiton?" Lirielle asked.
"Liri we are here to meet the last member of the company for the quest," Gandalf said.
"If I remember correctly hobbits are not known for quests."
"That is why a hobbit is needed for this one."
They pulled their horses to a stop. Gandalf took one look at Lirielle who caught many of the hobbit's attention. She had a sword that hung at her hip and a bow and arrows on her back. Her hair was braided back to keep the fire-like nature of her hair quiet and keep her pointed ears hidden. She barely stood the same height as his waist. A hobbit with dirt-colored hair came out of his hole.
"Gandalf it's been a while since I've seen you these parts." The hobbit called out
"Ah, Master Grubb, this is a friend of mine Liri Lossëhelin. Would you be so kind to keep him company while I settle the matter with certain Master Baggins?"
"Not a problem Gandalf. Come along Laddie."
"Liri please behave yourself," Gandalf said.
Lirielle gave Gandalf a "really" look before heading off with Master Grubb. He took her to the back where his garden was.
"Now Laddie have your lunch yet?"
"No, Master Grubb can't say I have"
"Milo please"
Once Gandalf was sure Liri was inside the hobbit hole. He started to walk up the road to where Bilbo's house was located at.
Bilbo was blowing smoke rings. He opened his eyes with a gasp. He took notice of Gandalf standing there; not knowing who he was.
"Good Morning," Bilbo said.
"What do you mean? Do you mean to wish me a good morning or you mean that is a good morning whether I want it or not? Or perhaps you meant to say that you feel good on this particular morning? Or are you simply stating that this is a morning to be good on? Hm?
Bilbo gave confused look before answering Gandalf.
"All of them at once I suppose."
"Hmm"
"Can I help you?" Bilbo asked.
"That remains to be seen. I'm looking for someone to share in an adventure."
"An adventure? No, I don't imagine anyone west of Bree would have much interest in adventure. Nasty, disturbing, uncomfortable things." Bilbo started.
He rose to his feet and walked over to the mailbox grabbing the letters before putting the pipe back into his mouth.
"Make you late for dinner. Heh, Heh. Mmhmm. Oh, Ah Good Morning" Bilbo said.
Bilbo started to head up the hill to his door. Gandalf walked over to the mailbox.
"To think that I should have lived to be "Good Morninged" By Belladonna Took's son as if I were selling buttons at the door."
"Beg your pardon?" Bilbo said.
"You're changed and not entirely for the better Bilbo Baggins"
"I'm sorry do I know you?"
"Well, you know my name, although you don't remember I belong to it. I'm Gandalf and Gandalf means… me."
"Gandalf? Not Gandalf the wondering wizard who made such excellent fireworks? Old Took used to have them on Midsummer's eve. Heh heh Ahem. No idea you were still in business."
"And where else should I be?"
"Where else-? Ahem"
"Well, I'm pleased to find you remember something about me. Even if it's only my fireworks. Yes. Well, that's decided. It'll be very good for you and most amusing for me. I shall inform the others." Gandalf said.
Gandalf went to walk away. Bilbo taking all of it in and realizes what Gandalf said.
"Inform who? What? No. No. No—wait."
Bilbo started to walk up to the front door of his house.
"We don't want any adventure here, thank you. Not today. Not—I suggest you try Over the Hill or Across the Water… Good Morning" Bilbo said.
He ran into his house and locked the door. Gandalf drew a mark on the door before walking off. He was halfway down the hill when Lirielle came out behind a tree.
"That went well," Lirielle said with laughter in her voice.
"He will do it. I will go inform the others."
"Gandalf I think it would be wise if I show up first."
"You are right, you are much more civil than they are."
"It comes with living with elves."
Lirielle waited until dust had fallen to walk up the hill to Bilbo's house. She smiled at the mark that Gandalf had placed on the door. She sighed taking a deep breath before knocking on the door. Bilbo took one look at the stranger at his door as Lirielle did the same to him. He was dressed in a patchwork house coat. She had a heavy cloak over her shoulders to cover her hair. She stood maybe a foot taller than him.
"Hello," Liri said.
"Hello, Can I help you?"
"I'm Liri Lossëhelin. I am looking for a place to stay for the night if too much to ask."
"Bilbo Baggins please Liri come in."
Bilbo was in shock at the lad before him. He had heard of elves which Liri's face reminded him of, but they were all taller than the lad's height he was sure of that. Lirielle entered the hobbit hole removing the cloak from her shoulders and revealing her braided dark red hair. Bilbo gasped as he turned around. He was quick to recover though.
"I don't have much. But right this way. "
"Thank you."
"I wasn't expecting company."
"Don't worry; I will stay out of your hair."
Liri was in the pantry when the doorbell rang. She was first here but not by much. She made her way to the front door but she hides in the shadows so as not to be seen. Bilbo opened the door to reveal the first of many dwarves this evening. He was mostly bald and had tattoos across his head. The dwarf had dark brown hair and facial hair. For the first time, Lirielle was starting to regret saying she would come on this quest.
"Dwalin, at your service." Dwalin said.
"Hm. Uh… Bilbo Baggins at yours. Do we know each other?"
Dwalin made his way into the house. He threw off the cloak. He turned and looked at Bilbo.
"No. Which way Laddie? Is it down here?" Dwalin answered
"Is what down where?"
"Supper. He said there'd be food and lots of it."
"He—he said? Who said?" Bilbo said.
Dwalin made his way to the kitchen. Lirielle stepped out of the shadows. Bilbo looked at Liri.
"Bilbo is everything alright?" Liri asked.
"Fine," Bilbo said agitatedly.
"I would go down there if I were you," Liri said trying to laughter out of her voice.
"Liri just stay up here please until I figure out what is going on"
Lirielle walked back into the shadows. Bilbo head down to where Dwalin was eating his supper. About five minutes later the doorbell rang again. Lirielle shook her head and stayed in the room away from the dwarves. She could hear Bilbo getting madder by the second. The doorbell rang again. Lirielle started to get to her feet to walk into the meeting when the door fell in spilling dwarves on the floor Gandalf stood behind.
"Gandalf," Bilbo said.
"Is Liri here?"
"Liri? You know Liri?" Bilbo asked shocked.
"Gandalf, can I have word with you," Lirielle questioned?
"Certainly" Gandalf replied
Gandalf walked inside the house when the dwarves were busy helping get food onto the table. Lirielle looked up at him and shook her head. As they both moved into the room she had stayed in moments ago.
"I think best they know I'm Faye" Lirielle explained
"Whatever for," Gandalf questioned.
"I look like woodland elf only shorter, Gandalf. It would be better for them to know I had nothing to do with elves of woodland."
Gandalf thought about her argument for a moment. A Faye would explain her looks. It would also explain the heart of fire if they did find out about it. Very little was known about faye's culture and manners. Thorin and the rest of the dwarves would be more likely to accept a Faye than a hybrid.
"You are quite right. Come I will introduce you." Gandalf said taking her arm and leading her to where they were at.
They were all around the table getting ready to eat. When Lirielle walked into the room they all paused what they were doing. Gandalf places his hand on her back.
"Everyone this Liri Lossëhelin," Gandalf told them.
Fili pushed his way to the front along with brother Kili. Bilbo's eyes went wide at the sight of Liri and Gandalf.
"Are you dwarf?" Fili asked.
"He can't be a dwarf he has no beard," Kili said.
"I'm not dwarf," Liri answered
"You look like Woodland elf Lad" Dwalin added.
"I'm not an elf," Liri answered again.
"Then what are ye?" Bifur asked.
"He a Faye a race that long since thought to extinct" Balin said.
"That is right. I am the last of my kind." Liri said shocked that one of them knew of her kind.
They made room for her by Kili and Fili as the introduction continued. The only one that did not trust her was Dwalin. She started to help move things for the dwarves. Most of them became fast friends. A few stray red curls fell on her face coming out of her braided hair. She sighed and blew her flame-like hair out of the way. Dori came over to her. He offers her a cup of tea which gladly took.
"Thank you, Dori isn't it?" Liri asked.
"Yes, lad" Dori replied.
She slowly started to drink her tea trying to remind herself why she agreed to quest. She placed the cup down gently. She closed her green eyes trying to focus her energy on not losing it. She had not been around this much noise and beings in a long time. She had her head bowed she did not notice anyone near her until she felt a hand on her shoulder. She looked up and saw Balin near her.
"Why are you doing this lad if you don't mind me asking?"
"To help you all reclaim your home," Liri said with a smile.
"You said you were the last of your kind. What if you had children someday lad?"
"They would be whatever race my mate was. I had a sister, Aeronniell was her name. She fell in love with an elf from Rivendell. They had two children Caladwen and Calanon they were both taken on all traits of an elf they had no faye-like nature. They may have looked like my sister, but they were not fayes. And there are more cases like that. All of which the children took on the race of the other race. It takes two fayes to have Faye children."
"You speak of had a sister what happened," Balin asked picking up on her tense.
Lirielle looked straight ahead, as the echoes of her family screams and the smells of burning flesh and woods. Her mouth opened as the memories overwhelmed her. Tears started to fall from her face.
"Laddie?" Balin asked concerned.
Lirielle turned to look at him with tears falling from her eyes. She took his hand in hers taking comfort from them. She looked down before going to speak when Gandalf cut her off.
"We appear to be one dwarf short," Gandalf commented.
"He is late, is all. He traveled north to a meeting our kin. He will come. "Dwalin stated.
Lirielle pale green eyes met Gandalf's with a questioning look. As to whom Dwalin was talking about. Gandalf looked away from her. She turned back to Balin.
"My sister was killed along with the rest of my family," Lirielle replied.
Balin gave Dwalin a look as Lirielle went to try to calm down Bilbo. He looked at Lirielle in shock.
"You showed up here for this purpose it had nothing to do with having nowhere to stay" Bilbo questioned.
Lirielle gave a sheepish look. She looked down tilting her head as the rest of the dwarves prepared the table for supper.
"Yes, am sorry for lying to you," Lirielle apologized
Bilbo looked at her for a long moment. He realized Liri was just trying to do what was best in the situation. Had he agreed to quest or known about meeting here? He was sure Liri would have said he was here for said meeting. He assumed that Gandalf and Liri had spoken before.
"I forgive you," Bilbo said.
"Thank you, Master Baggins, now I believe the dwarves are ready to eat excuse me," Lirielle stated.
"Call me Bilbo," Bilbo called out as she exited.
Soon they were mostly all around the table eating and chattering. Lirielle was by Fili on one side on the other was Balin. Balin was asking her questions all the while grabbing food. Grabbing a biscuit or two eating them slowly as she looked around the room. They in some way remind her of her family. Her family was more refined than her present company but not so refined as the elves she had lived with for most of her life after Smaug attacked and destruction of her home. Kili and Fili took note that Liri was not eating enough and started to pile food on her plate. Gandalf looked over at her and for the first time in ages, he saw her smile and genuine smile as dwarves all burped.
Shortly after dinner most of the dwarves made their way into the kitchen. Bilbo followed them complaining all while. Lirielle was over by the sink getting water ready to clean up after them.
"Excuse me, that is a doily, not a dishcloth," Bilbo said taking the doily off Nori.
"But it's full of holes" Bofur stated.
"It's supposed to look like that. It's crochet." Bilbo stated
"And a wonderful game it is too, if you've got the ball for it," Bofur said.
Lirielle shook her head as she tried not to laugh. She hid her smile by the sink.
"Bebother and confusticate these dwarves!" Bilbo said
"My dear Bilbo, what on earth is the matter?"
"What's the matter? I'm surrounded by dwarves. What are they doing here?" Bilbo asked.
"Oh, they're quite a merry gathering once you get use to them."
"I don't want to get use to them."
Lirielle turned with a smile, drying her hand with a proper dishrag before walking over to Bilbo and placing her hand on his back.
"It could be worst," Lirielle commented before moving back to the sink.
"I don't see how. Look at the state of my kitchen. There's mud; trod into the carpet. They pillaged the pantry. I won't tell what they've done in the bathroom. They destroyed the plumbing. I don't understand what they doing in my house!" Bilbo yelled by the end as they were talking they moved into the hall by the dining room.
"Excuse me. I'm sorry to interrupt, but what should I do with my plate?" Ori asked
"Here you go Ori, give it to me," Fili said.
Fili threw the plate to his brother Kili. It nearly became a dance as dishes started to fly with Gandalf moving out of the way.
"Do you hear that lads he says will blunt them?" Bofur said.
"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, tread on the fat
Leave the bones on the bedroom mat
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're finished if they are whole
Send them down the hall to roll!
That's what Bilbo Baggins hates!" They all sang.
They all were laughing when it was finished. Lirielle threw the last dish to Kili who placed it on the pile before she entered the room. Lirielle dried her hands head toward the bathroom.
"Bilbo," Gandalf said
A pounding sounded at the door. All the laughter stopped in an instant. Lirielle took a deep breath.
"He is here" Gandalf stated.
Lirielle looked at Gandalf. He nodded to her. She was closest to the door she started to head to answer the door. Gandalf quickly followed. She opened the door with Gandalf behind her. Her heart stopped for a moment looking at him. A desire filled her body that she never felt before. She adverted her eyes for fear of letting it show, slightly bowing her head.
Thorin had a brief glimpse of the more feminine face that greeted him. The person light green eyes reminded him of peridot gems. He felt a spark looking in the lad's face, but the lad had all the making of a woodland elf. He would be damned if he had one of them in his company. Even the lad's body was more feminine than masculine. He could not be more the child. He looked past the lad to Gandalf.
"Gandalf. I thought you said this place would be easy to find. I lost my way twice. I wouldn't have found it at all had not been for that mark on the door" Thorin said as he entered.
Most of the dwarves bowed to him as he entered. Bilbo pushed his way to the front of them.
"Mark? There's no mark on that door. It was painted a week ago." Bilbo said.
"There is a mark. I put it there myself" Gandalf stated.
Bilbo stared at Gandalf for a moment.
"Liri Lossëhelin and Bilbo Baggins, allow me to introduce the leader of our company: Thorin Oakenshield"
"So… this is the hobbit. Tell me Mr. Baggins have you done much fighting?" Thorin asked as he started to circle Bilbo.
"Pardon" Bilbo said a little fearful.
"Ax or sword? What's your weapon of choice." Thorin asked.
"Well, I have some skill at conkers, if you must know… but I don't see why that is relevant," Bilbo said.
"Thought as much. He looks more like a grocer than a bugler. " Thorin said with a laugh.
Thorin then turned at looked at Liri who had her arms crossed and her eyes downcast.
"What of you, elf, what you weapon a choice. Gandalf I never agreed to an elf in my company" Thorin spat out
"I'm not an elf. I'm a Faye." Lirielle stated locking eyes with him with flames almost burning in them. Thorin and Lirielle met each other eyes in a staring contest. Gandalf quickly decided that they were going to get along swimming or be at each other throats. They regarded each other for a long moment before she decided to answer his questions. She knew now this quest was going to take all of her patience does not lose control of her temper. "I have more experience than Bilbo. Sword if you must know. You must be hungry. I'll get you something to eat." Liri said as she walked into the kitchen.
She pushed passed the dwarves on her way to the kitchen. Some of them looked in her shock. Balin looked at her as passed. She held her head high and walked away regally. It was almost like she was royalty like Thorin. His mind went back to Liri's last name, Lossëhelin. What was the name of Faye King again now plagued Balin's mind? Thorin walked into the dining room with the rest of the company minus Bilbo and Gandalf. Gandalf looked lost as to what to do. Bilbo looked at Gandalf.
"Liri has more manner than they do" Bilbo commented.
"He would. It comes from how he was raised more so than his race." Gandalf stated.