Project Geronimo

by Jessiejellybean

"Alright you heard the man, let's get this over and done with so we can bust out the whiskey and drink ourselves to death with happiness, which reminds me Hawley if you do happen to come by some good alcohol do bring it back." Colonel Smith pointed his cigar to me, "is that an order?" "Indeed, it is, priority one," I smiled and saluted him "yes sir."

8. Chapter 8- A Journey Begins

Chapter 8- A Journey Begins-

My days had drawled on, I spent most of my time within Greenwood, now considered Mirkwood or Rivendell, I travelled with Star to Tharbad, Bree, Fornost and even Hobbiton, however Star was outright attacked in many places, so most of the time we stayed to the boarders of the towns or he stayed back in the woods where it was safe for him. We also travelled East to the lake town and Framsberg regularly, it allowed Star and I to move more and sometimes I helped Greenwood or Rivendell with patrols and council. Over the past century I had been plagued with thoughts and memories of Thorin and my home world, but more than anything the day the mountain was lost. I always thought what if, when I shot Smaug the dragon he had made a sound of pain as I left his presence, I still wonder if I was able to damage him with my desert eagles, it would be good to know, but then I feel bad at the thought because then I had the ability to possibly kill him, but instead I did not and the dwarves and Thorin had to live a difficult life. I also thought about all the memories I cherish, one would think falling in love in a span of a week ridiculous, I would agree and was once a person who would say that, but I knew something was different about him from the moment I laid eyes on him, I just was so drawn to him and I can't explain it, I know my love is true.

I was surprised to get a letter from Gandalf the grey, I had just returned to Rivendell when the carrier raven arrived. The letter spoke of him needing my vast knowledge for ancient scripture in other languages, I was to go to Hobbiton and knock on a door with a meeting symbol marked on it; it is at the top of the small village and to be there on the evening and night of the 26th of April. It was the 1st of April; I knew I could make it there no problem. However I knew that, that old wizard was up to something, he never asked for help, let alone called upon me for help, I had spent many a time with him over the years, sure enough not a lot lately however that was beside the point. The trip from my location to his would take near three months, Star and I would need to run all the way there, I could go alone however I had a feeling Star would enjoy the trip. I walked to the dinner table, the only time I joined the table was to talk and be social, maybe a drink if I felt like it, I took my letter with me, knowing Adar and Arwen would be present. I sat at the table "hello Arwen and Adar," I grabbed a drink of water, "ah you chose to join us, what gossip do you have today sister?" I smiled to Arwen as she knew me too well and I her. I purposefully would grab the gossip of the small human towns and their happenings even get to know the way the families work and so on, just so I could have something to tell her; pretty much I was like the gossip girl magazine in this world for Arwen.

My Adar notice my letter, I passed it to him with a look, that he knew meant for him to read it, I turned to Arwen after having a sip of my water, ready to give my larynx a workout. "In Bree, Mrs Gotta and Mr Gotta are trying for baby number four as they have all daughters so far, and Mr Gotta wants a son. However people are saying Mrs Gotta is taking a siddie potion to prevent the pregnancy, her best friend Sofia knows this and little does Mrs Gotta know that Sofia is also sleeping with Mr Gotta as the two fell in love but Mr Gotta isn't going to abandon his wife. Meanwhile Families Bornwise and Thunderlong both are still fighting over the rights of the farm lands just outside of Bree to the North but little do they know that a Romeo and Juliet scenario is going on with Bornwise's second youngest daughter and Thunderlong's second oldest son, with a age gap of 10 years and not to mention she is pregnant and they both plan on running away as they fear they will be forcefully pulled apart. Also I heard that in a small hut between Fornost and Lake Evendim to which people say a witch lives there and that is why the farmers cattle's and crops are dying and having issues, that's all I got today." Arwen sat back, "oh young love is beautiful; however I have no idea how one can fall in love with multiple people and even cheat on their beloved…" Adar spoke up as he still was going over the letter with a frown "there are many different types of love my innocent Arwen, and some humans who live such short lives thinks one love is their true one only to learn latter on it was a different type of love, but even we know that one can love multiple people all the same."

"And surely there isn't really a witch causing such issues, I'm sure she is just a nice lady wanting peace and quiet." I smiled to her; I of course knew the truth, "so tell me the truth behind all the gossip…please?" She loved this part more than anything, as I was so advanced I always knew the truth, "well Mrs Gotta is taking that potion, as she dreads pregnancy once more, it takes a large toll on a human body, Mr Gotta and Sofia are not in a relationship or in love, however they once were drinking and kissed but it was instantly seen as something wrong and they agreed to never do it again, and the young couple are in love and I accompanied them here, and they plan to head to Lake Town to start of fresh for the both of them. And last but not least the woman in the hut is not a witch she simply lost her family all in one fowl swoop and is in pain, she simply wants to be left alone, the crops are dying because the farmer has his mulch ratio out and the cattle are being killed by a stray warg and his orc, to which I killed on my way home."

Adar had finally put my letter down; he was no longer frowning, "is birthing many children hard for human women?" Arwen asked, I knew she would go back to the mortality talk; we already covered sicknesses, diseases, fragility, strengths; abilities and so on. I nodded "yes, in certain cases, however I think in my world the record was 64 babies give or take a few, an old Russian couple in the 60's had a large amount of children, however other ladies can have one and nearly die or lose their child in birth. Many things can go wrong, but most of all it is the pain and any un-foreseen issues that come up that become troublesome. I myself was born small and weak, and my mother had many issues with me, so did my grandparents and my unties with giving birth and carrying their young. It just depends, the calmer and less stressed tend to have more of a hormone produced and sent to the bones of the pelvis and that allows them to soften and move with less pain, allowing the birth to be smooth. Pain killers can make dilation slower or stop all together, in my time it is easier for woman to give birth due to C-section, where if something goes wrong, they prep and cut the lady open taking the baby out and stitch her back up. But everything comes with risk; I am guessing that in this world woman dying during childbirth is higher than it was in my world."

Adar and I both watched as Arwen was quite with a finger to her chin thinking, I looked to him as he spoke about the letter "I think this is good news, Gandalf sees your knowledge and wisdom and has asked for your help, will you go?" I smiled to him, "I will need to go by foot, I plan to take Star regardless, however I just have a feeling about this, like he isn't telling me all I need to know…oh I am not saying he is lying or that it is a bad feeling just that he is with-holding information, like I did when we first met."

Adar nodded and Arwen looked at the letter, "well I guess you will either find out when you get there or if he chooses to tell you, but I think this is a good thing, it allows those who needs certain knowledge that they would normally have to travel all the way here to me, instead saving them the long perilous journey if you go instead, plus you do love to travel." I gave them both a knowing smile, they knew me too well, but I suppose family always did, I sighed, I would really need to push to get there, and I will need to race Star to also get him there in time. With that decided I stood, "I will change and pack…" I looked down; I just had a feeling I should take all of my weapons. "I'll take all of my weapons too." I noticed my Adar and Arwen look to each other "what made you decide that?" I shrugged "just a hunch I suppose," Arwen spoke up "is it normal for humans to get hunches?" I smiled at her question but nodded "humans call it their sixth sense, think of it as a warning bell that something is going to happen, not necessarily bad but it gives one the chance to prepare, those who fight have this honed, it allows one to know when eyes are on them or when they are about to be attacked and from which direction." I turned and left my sister to think over the information I gave her, Elves were great at finding and storing knowledge however not everything was available to them, and humans were the second beings to come to middle earth after the elves they are in their own right quite advanced.

I had gotten ready and was dressed in my usual attire, my Adar came to me as I was placing on my belt buckle and attaching my desert eagle holders and attachments. "Come in," my father entered "ah Adar, I wasn't expecting this," when he entered, I noticed him holding a long black cloak with a hood, on the back it had an intricate design of both Rivendell and Greenwood. I slowly grabbed it and felt that it was made from the amazing fabrics that Thranduil normally wore with his battle armour, "Adar, this is amazing, Thank you." He hugged me and said "be careful, as you said your 'hunch' told you to properly equip yourself, so I figured I would give this to you now, I had planned on it being a gift however I think now is a good a time as any, it shows your homes and who you affiliate with." I smiled as I slung it over myself and placed its claps onto my shoulders and pulled up the hood, it sat an inch above the floor.

I smiled "how do I look Adar?" "Like you're ready for a journey," I looked to him, I had not been expecting that from him "dam straight I am, I hope it's fun, well Star and I will be back as soon as we can, but we will be safe with Gandalf, I trust him, but I think the trouble is pointed to whatever he needs my help with, so I hope I can help resolve it." My father nodded his head, we had walked out to the front; it became a common occurrence for those to say goodbye and hello to my comings and goings, "off again Lady Hawley?" I nodded "ride strong and fast my Lady," there were many who wished me an adventurous and safe journey. I hugged my father and waved to those who were present, "I'll race you to Hobbiton; the loser has to carry anything we buy on our journey?" I could tell by the lift of his eyebrow and the little snort he made, said I was on for the bet, as he got ready to take off into a sprint, he dashed off utilising me having to run at a normal humans speed, but once I was out of eyesight of Rivendell I caught up quickly to him.

Wargs did not need much rest or sleep but just like dogs they were like bottomless pits, wargs can typically could go six months without food before they took a turn for the worse, however they need water and sleep more regularly than most, water needing to be ingested within a weeks' time, so every week we stopped at a water source or hope that it rained. We were 15 days into our travel when Star had to sleep; I sat in the dark, scanning our surroundings as I sang.

I would grant all your wishes
If you promised me a thousand kisses
I will never, love another, like you
So give me all your secrets
Your fears and doubts, honey you don't need them
I will never, find another, like you
And the airs getting thin
Where the wings meet the wind
We see it, we can feel it and we know this
I believe in something more
All the days that came before
Led us right to where we are
Right to where we are
It's all written in the stars
We've already come so far
And we can't change who we are
Ah, ah who we are
Ahhh who we are, who we are

I don't have all the answers
But right now is all the matters
I could never, love another, like I loved you
And we don't have to understand
Fate always has the upper hand
And fate choose me and you
I believe in something more
All the days that came before
Led us right to where we are
Right to where we are
It's all written in the stars
We've already come so far
And we can't change who we are
Ah, ah who we are
Ahhh who we are, who we are
Ahhh who we are, who we are
And the airs getting thin
Where the wings meet the wind
We see it, we can feel it and we know this

I believe in something more
All the days that came before
Led us right to where we are
Right to where we are
It's all written in the stars
We've already come so far
And we can't change who we are
Ah, ah who we are
Ahhh who we are, who we are
Ahhh who we are, who we are

I had known that there was something up, there were more sightings of goblins, orc packs and trolls among other dark creatures; it had already been noticeable previously but as time passes the darkness increases on the lands of middle earth. I had been listening to my King when he said to not go after the source of the spiders; I think he may have noticed that the threat is so much more just than a weak being or a queen spider so to say. I had been wrong and he right, I actually fought with him about it and had to leave to calm down, I hadn't seen him since then, I felt bad thinking about it.

Star and I continued to journey to Hobbiton, there was only one day left till I had to be at Hobbiton, Star had to sleep this night away, I watched over him, I noticed this area was a little more peaceful, the woods seemed clear and calm. I looked around not noticing anything out of the ordinary or any beings of darkness. I knew Hobbiton was a five-day journey if one was to travel on a horse so to us it was a two-day journey, I may need to go ahead of Star to make it by night-time, I'm sure he won't mind.

Well I was wrong he did mind, he growled and barked at me even digging up the ground below him, I was sure he knew that I win the bet however knowing beforehand was not what he wanted. "Hey don't blame me, all the stops and drinking breaks were for you besides I could have already been to Hobbiton and back to Rivendell within these past 26 days, I will met up with you in the woods just outside of Hobbiton…" he still seemed angered and was pouting like a toddler, I sighed "and I will buy you a chunk of meat?" that seemed to make him look up over to me, and snort standing up on all fours and wagging his overly bushy tail, really he looked like an oversized black and white fox with the shape of his face and tail.

I had to run at full pelt a three-day journey in less than twelve hours, I managed to slow down and ran through at a normal pace up to the top of the Shire I found the glowing 'F' sign that Gandalf told me off. I had been so caught up in finding the right house and arriving on time that I only just noticed the sounds and voices. I paused before knocking, there was 14 heat signatures inside the small house, one being Gandalf, one a hobbit that was standing not far from the front door. He seemed to be reading something, there was also 12 dwarves, one being Thorin, 'that bastard, I knew he was up to something but this is not bad, but I have a feeling that Thorin will not agree with me on this.' I used my increased sense of hearing to pick up on what Thorin and Gandalf were whispering about between the two of them.

"I cannot guarantee his safety," I noticed the pause, it was obvious that Gandalf wanted this person safe but I heard him say "understood," "nor will I be responsible for his fate," "agreed" I shook my head hearing Gandalf and Thorin speak. I heard a smaller but high-pitched voice speak I knew it was the hobbit I could see him with my x-ray vision, I could see them all. Balin and his brother who I never met but have seen were the only ones that looked familiar besides Thorin and Gandalf, however Thorin looked so aged, sure he was still handsome and a 150 years treated him well, but he now looked older than I. I had my typical combat clothes and shoes on including Pandora, my guns, daggers and bow with arrows, on top of that my hair was still long down to my backside but platted into many strands and in a ponytail coming out of the middle of the high-top bun I had which was all plats too.

I noticed that the hobbit named Bilbo Baggins was reading a contract for him to be hired to join them, "Terms: Cash on delivery, up to but not exceeding one-fourteenth of total profit, if any. Hmm. seems fair. Present company shall not be liable for injuries inflicted by...or sustained as a consequence thereof, including, but not limited to lacerations...evisceration...Incineration?!"

The more the hobbit talked the more he sounded scared and shocked, and when he said that I knew that they were heading to the mountain. I knew one day would come when the dragon would need to wake and leave or be taken down once and for all, however just 13 off them even with a wizard is preposterous, I hoped that Gandalf was not expecting me to do the job, but then again could I blame him, I may be able too.

The memory of me shooting Smaug in the face and splitting really quickly resonated behind my eyes, it may be easier or attainable for someone like me, besides, he still had the riddle that needed to be answered. I heard one of the dwarves explain what the dragon was like and what death by it was like, obviously making the worry and panic in the hobbit worse, I heard him say "I feel a bit faint." The same dwarf said, "think furnace with wings," I face palmed outside especially when I heard the hobbit state "air, I need air," the dwarf continued "flash of light, searing pain, then poof…you're nothing more than a pile of ash." I heard the hobbit make a sound, I was sure this was not going to be good, so I used this opening to bang on the door, quite loudly; making a few jump, and the hobbit come to answer the door as a way to escape what he was just informed of.

As Bilbo Baggins came towards the door, I saw and heard Thorin ask Gandalf "are you expecting anyone else?" I noticed the old wizard smile, "yes I asked one other for their knowledge and wisdom," I heard a disgruntled noise from Thorin and him begin to complain about the quest being kept secret. I smiled once the hobbit laid eyes on me. He must have been expecting someone shorter because he slowly raised his head up to my face with a little surprise shown in his eyes. "Ah, hello?" I saw the others in the archway connected to the dining room, all bending over and looking towards the door, "hello Bilbo Baggins, Hawley at your service, I was called upon by Gandalf the Grey, may I come in?"

My manners seemed to make the hobbit happy and he moved to the side "of course where is my manners, can I take your…coat and weapons?" I noticed him looking towards my cloak hood, I smiled taking it off along with my daggers, arrows, and bow, "thank you for your hospitality Mr Baggins, your house is very beautiful," I smiled taking in the room till I turned to the doorway with 13 faces. "Ah of course, thank you, ah Hawley was it?" I nodded to the hobbit, "yes that is me." I noticed the smile on Gandalf's face, wonder on the other dwarfs, Balin had a worried face as he looked to Thorin, who showed annoyance; great annoyance. "Ah you came Lady Amira, so glad you could make it, you may be able to fasten things along for us…" Gandalf paused as Thorin grabbed his forearm and said, "a word please."

I heard him complain asking 'why her' and something about useless elves, my attention was split by the other dwarves who were shooting questions my way, "are you to be another member of the traveling band?" I shook my head "Balin did you know of this, I was sure you had only the one contract for the hobbit." Balin looked grim, one of the smarter dwarfs clued on and asked "Balin do you and Thorin know who this is?" I smiled to Balin answering for him "it has been a long time Balin, it is good to see you once more, same with Thorin," there were two brothers who seemed shocked "you know uncle?" I looked to them surprised, 'so the Durin line survives.' "Ah yes you see, this is Lady Amira Hawley, she is a Halfling elf and she and Thorin were once courting one another…" There was silence and then an outbreak of shouting voices and questions some statements of disbelief and even outrage. "But she has elf blood and uncle hates elves, there is no way he would even consider…" another spoke up "Dwarves do not marry often, who started the courtship…?" another shouted "probably the elves trying to get a finger in the riches of our people.

It had made me angry to hear all of this, the accusations, and the words of those that 'knew' Thorin so well to know he wouldn't 'want' me or a marriage with 'half-blood scum' I was either going to cry or kill someone soon. It was painful to hear those words, I for one still loved Thorin even though we were not together for the many years and we had led different lives in that time. The hobbit was nice and trying to talk over the others arguing, trying to state they didn't know that, maybe it was not true, it was a long time ago, and even that he thought of me as a kind person.

It was finally as Gandalf entered the room, noticing the anger and gloom settling in my eyes that he erupted, his voice going heavy and deep, as his shadow expanded in anger at the others in the small doorway between rooms. "THAT IS ENOUGH, I WILL NOT STAND FOR ANY TO SPEAK OF LADY AMIRA HAWLEY IN THIS MANNER!" all went quite once more, as Gandalf calmed down and spoke sensibly this time, "I have asked for Lady Amira to come and help read the map, she is solely here as she is one of a few with the knowledge to read such ancient script." A few dwarves looked to Thorin who nodded his head in acceptance and agreement with the wizard. I made eye contact with him, his eyes had dulled; his eyes not as piercing and clear deep blue as they used to be however, they were still beautiful. "Thorin, good to see you well," he nodded to me politely "likewise Hawley," 'ouch, I was not expecting that, honestly I didn't know what to expect but I thought my nickname would be used by him like always apparently things have definitely changed, I felt slightly awkward.

All took their seats, there was no more for me, Mr Baggins, as he too stood behind Thorin's chair, I noticed the map on the table between Thorin and Gandalf, I slowly lowered myself to my knees between the two. I automatically scanned the map and yes, I could tell what the script was saying and I could also tell what was hidden in the map. I perked up with a smile and inched myself forward on the floor, "Gandalf you always bring the most intriguing things to me," "hmmm?" I looked to him and said, "moon ruins, I have never had the pleasure to read real moon ruins" I gushed in happiness and excitement. One dwarf asked, "moon ruins?" I nodded "yes, created by dwarves, it is a hidden text written in mythril pencil it is read by the moonlight being reflected off of a light stone that can shone the light from behind the text…the trouble is that moon ruins can only be read by the same light of a moon of the same shape or season that they were written on. It makes it difficult this one was composed on a Midsummer's Eve...by the light of a crescent moon, nearly 200 years ago."

I noticed all those leaned in, including Gandalf who nodded his head in understanding and agreement with my words, "can you read it?" I looked to Thorin as he spoke. I looked down and sighed "fortunately there is some time till then and you need a light stone that is big enough to capture and spill the moons light onto this map to be able to get the hidden runes, I don't have one of those stones however my Adar does, I am sure he would read it for you if you asked, and it is about a 2 and a half month journey nearly 3 depending from here to Rivendell, if you want to make it on time you will need to leave…tomorrow." Gandalf spoke up "so it's decided, we will leave tomorrow…" Thorin made a noise and I had heard a few other dwarfs' prior mention 'more elves,' "I do not want to go to those who may stop our quest…" I spoke up cutting him off "my Adar will not stop you, and with me needing to see moon runes firsthand well, he can't say no to that." I gave Thorin a knowing smile; I saw the surprise and disbelief in his eyes, along with a slight uplift of the corner of his lip. "Very well, I take it you will be accompanying us?"

The others broke out in uproar; I suppose that last minute addition would annoy anyone; however dwarves were a rambunctious race so everything was increased ten-fold. I smiled as they yelled and spoke to Thorin all at once, but when Balin spoke up, all others quietened to hear his wise question and words. I personally hadn't even said if I would or would not travel with them; plus I don't think they would want Star around with them. "Thorin, the choice is yours, you know Lady Amira more than anyone, if you say we can trust her than we will," I cleared my throat to get everyone's attention. "If I may, I never agreed to travel with yous, so I may just travel by myself, it just so happens yous will be going the same way, I'll be staying out of sight." I looked to Gandalf to see if he agreed, I saw recognition in his eyes but Thorin showed discontent, like he could not trust me, it was the trust issues and bad timing that made us separate in the first place; I didn't really want that to happen again. I sighed "I have a friend I will be meeting up with in the forest, so I hope yous don't mind…" Thorin exclaimed "you let another know about the quest!" I smiled "they had not told me anything about a quest or the dragon and neither did Gandalf but I of course already knew. No he simply travels with me wherever I go, he can he trusted," I noticed slight sadness and a guard go up behind his eyes as I mentioned 'he' Thorin must have thought I have moved on, it was then that I realised that the hobbit was not in the room anymore, "where's Mr Baggins?"

I waited in the front room, Gandalf had to talk to the hobbit and try to get him to agree with coming, apparently the plan was to get the Arkenstone and then call all the armies together to fight and defeat Smaug. I had known about the disease that affected the Durin line, it was what worried Thorin a lot when we first met and he spoke of it plenty a time, it seemed to worry him that one day he would be like his grandfather, too obsessed with gold and jewels. I did not plan to go all the way to the mountain, only to Rivendell, I also had made up my mind to see Thranduil and Legolas once more, it had been sometime since our argument, and I should apologise to my friend for being so pig headed. I felt someone touch my .50 desert eagle on my left leg, I slightly moved looking down at a little kid dwarf, he was very young; it made me wonder why he was joining them to do something so dangerous.

"What is this, I've never seen a weapon like that" some of the other dwarves looked over and so did Thorin; I saw slight recognition and a look in his eyes showing he was thinking back in time. "I say, I've never seen something like this, it is so compact and intricate," Balin had his glasses up to his eyes; he looked away from the contract and was looking over at my firearm still in its holster. "Thorin do you know what it is?" This seemed to annoy him, "no, I have not seen them used and they have never been spoken off…" the boy butted in with another question "what about the black thing on your back?" I smiled "it's called Pandora's box, name after the cradle of existence and destruction." That seemed to make all pause and silence to encase the room, not in awkwardness but worry, I laughed "oh no need to be worried, I simply said that it was named after it; not that it was it."

"So then what is it?" I looked to the curious child and the other two boys, Fili and Kili came closer too, to inspect me, "it is a high lensa scope electric impact sniper rifle, if you want me to be specific." The boy and the others were confused beyond reason, "ah, Thorin how do you know this woman again, because she's a little coo-coo if you know what I mean," one of the dwarfs said to their leader, however I heard him just fine even though he was whispering. "I think a proper introduction may help; don't you think Thorin?" Balin stated still working on my contract, they had insisted that I had a written contract so that I would not hold them liable for anything but that also meant I got a portion of the treasure, and I knew what I was collecting, I figured if I was to do this I might as well go home to Thranduil with a gift. I sat on the floor while the others sat in chairs or stood, there was a fire in the chimney as we were about to get introductions done. "I am Amira Hawley, but yous can call me Hawley…" Thorin rolled his eyes and continued "she is also Lord Elrond's daughter and King Thranduil's personal guard and council." He looked at me accusingly as if I didn't mention that because the others would not like hearing that, and I was right they seemed angered and mistrust showed in their eyes. "She is also the strongest, kindest, smartest and nearly wisest of us all…" I smiled at Gandalf "and I suppose you're the wisest?" he smiled "well of course my dear."

The others could tell I was close to the old wizard, and I also noticed Mr. Baggins just behind the wizard "Balin, Dwalin, Oin, Gloin, Fili, Kili, Ori, Dori, Nori, Bifur, Bofur and Bombur…at your service." They said the last part hesitantly and as if it was painful to say in the first place. Mr. Baggins spoke up, "ah Lady…" "Hawley, just Hawley Mr. Baggins" I was interrupted "ah right, Hawley why do you wear such strange clothes and all black, isn't that unusual for elves?" Gandalf took the lead and answered for me "ah very astute Mr. Baggins, you see Hawley here is only half elf she is also half human, she is unique." I looked down, I had become use to saying the lie but it didn't make me feel any better stating it for the hundredth time, especially to a room of people I will be traveling with for the next couple of months straight, I also dreaded the thought of eating and drinking, I really didn't want too.

I relaxed listening to the deep monotones and sounds as the dwarves sang a song about returning to the mountain, I had forgotten how deep, smooth, and relaxing his voice was, I leaned against a chair and closed my eyes as I listened. I had nearly fallen asleep where I sat, had it not been for the boy dwarf tapping me on the shoulder "ah Hawley, maybe you should go to bed, we are about to as well, we have an early start tomorrow," the kid Ori was very kind to me, I nodded and slowly got up off the floor, only to smack my head on the low chandelier as I got up, I quickly grabbed it preventing it from swinging. I slowly moved out of the room and to the front door "and where are you going?" I heard Thorin ask, I turned to see him; it was just him as the others set up pillows, mattresses, and blankets in the other room. "For some air, want to join me, it's been a while since we last spoke to one another," he had considered it, but stated "no we should get some rest, we can talk plenty on our journey tomorrow," I nodded to his decision, but still headed for the door, I planned on staying in the woods with Star.

The morning came quickly it seems we stayed up longer at the hobbits house then expected, I had been using my night vision to scan the areas and go over all of the names I was given last night. Ori was the youngest and nicest plus curious so far, he had a slingshot as a weapon and toy, he also had his two brothers Dori who had white hair and beard in clean neat braids and clear skin and blue eyes, his brother Nori had amazing braids in his hair and beard even his eyebrows were braided and went up to join his hair. Balin was the oldest with white hair who I had met at the mountain and his brother Dwalin who was tall for a dwarf and he was partially bald with tattoos on his scalp. Bombur was the fattest of them all with his brothers Bifur who had a piece of axe in his head and Bofur who had a beaver like hunting hat. Oin was an old dwarf with messy grey hair and large looped braids in his beard and a metal hearing device placed to his ear, his brother Gloin had red-brownish hair and looked similar to his brother in facial features. Fili was the blond brother with many clean and neat braids he was also the only blond in the group and held a lot of resemblance to his uncle Thorin, the same with Kili who had no beard and long brown hair, he too seemed to be talented with his bow and arrow. Then there was Thorin he had aged well considering his trials in life, his beard was shaved and kept well-trimmed and clean, his hair was long and he had grey coming through on the sides just above his ears.

It seemed this trip was just beginning; I noticed the dwarves leave the burrow; they packed up ponies and began setting off through Hobbiton and closer to my position in the woods where Star and I was located. Balin stated that he would have my contract ready by this morning, I heard them question if the hobbit was coming or not, but Thorin stated that they had no time to wait for him. Ori asked where I was, again Thorin stated that I was either nearby, travelling ahead or just left them either way he didn't care, much to my displeasure. I looked to my right, Star was standing next to me and watching the group move along the path, I could hear them placing bets if I or Bilbo would end up joining them, I decided to get Gandalf some much needed gold. I stepped out and began to walk alongside them, Star stayed further in the woods but stayed up in pace with us, he was used to being chased off, attacked and what not just for being a warg.

"Ah you came!" Ori and a few others being Bofur, Dori, Nori, Gandalf, Fili, Balin and Dwalin happy in making gold, "get her a pony" "no its okay, I always travel on foot, you know that Thorin," I stated a few seemed shocked at the familiarity of which I spoke to their leader, "very well, Balin you have that contract?" Balin nodded "right here, it's the same as the hobbits." I read it over by scanning it, nothing was different from what I heard Bilbo read, I signed it with a quill Balin offered, he looked it over and agreed all was in order. I walked at a comfortable pace next to Thorin's horse, "I thought you had someone to meet in the forest?" I thought I could detect jealousy, and I smiled "I already have, he travels further in the woods but alongside, keeping eyes on us to make sure we are safe." I noticed the frown on his face, "many attack him for what he is, never understanding that he is good, so he keeps his distance, is that alright with you?" Thorin was not liking me being so cryptic, I turned when Nori asked "you want to join in the bet if the Hobbit will come or not?" my scans detected that he was rushing around his place and making his way towards us in the distance, "I have nothing to wager with, so I guess I will need to sit this one out, however I bet he will come."

"You have no gold coin; how do you buy food or accommodation?" Oin asked more like shouted seeing as he was deaf "I sleep on the land and eat what's available; I do not need anything requiring money." I knew the only thing worth anything on my person was my necklace under my top; it always stayed present on my person. "Why not just bet your portion of the gold when we acquire the mountain?" I raised an eyebrow, "okay then, that will be my bet," I looked forward once more and I could tell Thorin knew what I wanted from the mountain "still your King's lapdog huh?" I smiled at his words "actually I haven't seen my King in many years, we had a disagreement and I left, not been back since…" I knew what he was thinking but I spoke up "he is still my friend though and a King neither the less, you already know what I want from your mountain, plus I know my way through Greenwood and the woodland realm."

It was then we all paused and turned to a shouting and running hobbit that had his contract raised and flapping in the wind, once all was in check, and we began moving once more, I heard the clinking of money bags being thrown around the group, "Balin you can hold onto mine for me." The old timer nodded and did as I asked, I heard Gandalf explain the bet placed earlier, the hobbit apparently had allergies to horses, and all but panicked when he had no handkerchief and wanted to head all the way home for one. I actually chuckled 'this is going to be a funny journey with this hobbit, just the diverse group was entertainment enough for me, finally something different.'

I spoke to Thorin as we moved "my friends name is Star, he is a warg, so don't freak out if you see him, he is black with a white star patch on his face, looks more bushy and wolf or fox like, he is friendly, he doesn't like orc's or other wargs, his senses are keen and he will notify me if any of them come near us." I had decided to quickly inform Thorin of my friend, I was sure Star would want to sleep with us, he was a very social animal considering he was a warg, I looked to the hard look in Thorin's eyes, I sighed. 'I should have seen this coming,' "I found him as a pup and saved him; the Alpha killed his mother, I got him before you were to come to Greenwood however you never made it, we all know why, so you never got to meet him." I kept walking forward, the sun was slowly descending for the day, and I knew we would stop to set up camp shortly, it was good that we were still in the safe woods, it was once we get to the Badlands or open lands where things begin to get troublesome.