Yeah uhm, hi. It's been awhile.

These crazy times have given me a chance to get back into writing a little and offer you another chapter to go along with this story.

I hope everyone is staying safe and I hope you enjoy

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We awoke the next day to heavy rain. It was terrible and it put me in a horrible mood although I wasn't as cold as everyone else. My speciality with magic lay in wielding fire, Gandalf told me when I was young that every soul had a base element. Gandalf's was essentially earth but it felt more like stone, if I ever spoke to him in his mind, I could sense it clearly; strong and unweilding.

Dwarves were mostly earth and stone too although I could get a sense of iron or minerals sometimes from individuals. Elves were usually airy and flowing, their minds almost always felt free and whimsy. They were the young ones, unspoilt by war, older elves who had seen battles or war felt hardened and stormy. Humans had the most variety and they could be anything, I'd sensed earth, water, air and even fire.

My soul rested with fire, and right now I was grateful for the warmth within me that shielded me from the cold. After some time I noticed Bilbo was shivering and in one movement, I yanked him from Myrtle's back and onto my own horse, draping my cloak around him. He obviously felt the warmth my body gave off immediately and didn't struggle, simply leaning into me to try and warm himself up a little.

'Mr. Gandalf, can't you do something about this deluge?' Dori called from about five dwarves back.

Gandalf turned back to look at him sharply 'It is raining, Master Dwarf, and it will continue to rain until the rain is done. If you wish to change the weather of the world, you should find yourself another wizard'

'Are there any?' Bilbo asked curiously.

'What?' Gandalf asked

'Other wizards?'

'You're currently sitting underneath the cloak of another one' Gandalf replied 'There are six of us and Narylfiel is the only female. The greatest of our order is Saruman, the White, he has an apprentice of his own although he is not a wizard, Duria is a Sorcerer. Then there are the two Blue wizards; you know, I've quite forgotten their names'

'Well, luckily for you I have not' I said, with a smile 'Their names are Alatar and Pallando. They went East many, many years ago, I have never met them although they are my kin'

'And who is the sixth?' Bilbo asked

'Technically speaking, I am actually the sixth' I told him 'Gandalf is the second'

'The one you ask of is Radagast the Brown' Gandalf said 'He is the fifth'

'Is he a great Wizard or is he... more like you two?' Bilbo asked

Gandalf looked at him offended whilst I let out a snort.

'Careful there, hobbit, I might put you back on Myrtle to be cold again' I warned him playfully.

Bilbo pressed himself closer in response, flashing me a slightly reproachful glance at the threat.

'I think he's a very great wizard, in his own way. He's a gentle soul who prefers the company of animals to others. He keeps a watchful eye over the vast forest lands to the East, although not as far East as the two blue wizards, and a good thing too, for always Evil will look to find a foothold in this world' Gandalf replied darkly.

'What colour are you?' Bilbo asked me.

'I've not been assigned my colour yet as I am still a student, although the dwarves sometime call me the Red Lady and the elves call me Caramiriel' I replied 'So I have strong suspicions about what my colour will be'

'And what does that mean?' Bilbo asked

'Red jewel' I replied

'Huh, it's fitting' Bilbo replied.

'How so?' I asked 'I thought my real name fit better'

'What does your real name mean?' Bilbo asked.

'Fire Brand' I replied

'Well, uuuuhh, you are pretty…..like a jewel' Bilbo replied, a slight pink tinge to his cheeks.

'No need to blush!' Bofur said 'She is pretty I suppose. A little too much on the elf-side for my tastes though'

I shook my head as Bofur then proceeded to go into an overly detailed description of what he found attractive in dwarvish ladies. It soon included all of them debating how hairy a lady should be and things along those lines. I tuned out, not really needing or wanting to listen.

'How old are you Narylfiel?' Bilbo asked suddenly, his voice curious.

'I am twenty eight' I replied

Bilbo looked up at me in surprise 'You don't look a day over twenty two'

'I stopped aging when I was twenty four' I told him.

'Narylfiel will retain her youth as if she was an elf' Gandalf chimed in 'I was once a young man'

I smiled a little at the thought of my mentor as a strong and wild young man, travelling freely under his grey cloak with his staff and pointed hat. It was a sight I wished I could've seen.

'I'm sure that was a long, loooong time ago' Fili teased.

Gandalf shot him a rather unamused glare and I had to stifle a small laugh. Fili had no idea just how many long years Gandalf had walked in Middle-Earth

Eventually the rain slowed and then stopped altogether. After awhile, I helped Bilbo back onto his own pony and I spurred my horse on to walk alongside Gandalf. After awhile I began to feel slightly uneasy, initially I had thought it to be the rain but now the discomfort had remained, and I began to feel as though I needed to do something a little more proactive.

'Should I scout ahead?' I asked, turning to Gandalf.

Gandalf glanced at me, his expression was appraising and thoughtful. I kept my own eyes on his, not trying to hide my anxiety from him but not being forthcoming either. I did not want to cause unrest with the dwarves or Bilbo. After a while, it seemed that Gandalf had found what he was looking for and he gave a small nod.

'See if you can find a suitable shelter for the night' He said 'Preferably one with a roof in case we get more rain'

I gave a small nod and went to spur my horse, but Gandalf reached across and grasped my wrist, his grip gentle but firm enough to make me look up at him again. His blue eyes gleamed and I was suddenly faced with Gandalf's own anxiety reflected in his clear blue eyes, so he too felt some discomfort.

'Any hint of danger and you are to turn around and come back to warn us. Do you hear me Narylfiel?' He said.

I gave him what I hoped to be a reassuring smile and took his hand in mine and gave it a squeeze of affection.

'I hear you' I replied gently.

Gandalf gave me a small nod and withdrew his hand. I spurred my horse into a trot until I was well clear of the gaggle of dwarves and then I raised to a canter, rising in my saddle to allow my hood to fall and my hair to fly freely.

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'Was it wise?' Thorin asked 'To send her onwards alone?'

'Narylfiel is more than capable' Gandalf replied after a moment 'She has taken many long journeys alone in my stead'

Thorin inclined his head slightly 'You seemed reluctant to let her go this time' The dwarven king pointed out.

The rest of the company listened in but none more eagerly than Bilbo. He had grown fond of the woman, finding her to be a welcoming and kind presence amongst the brashness of the dwarves.

'She is clever and sharp; she is becoming sharper than I. She will find us a safe route and shelter' Gandalf said, the pause gone.

Thorin simply gave a respectful nod and questioned him no further. The company walked along in silence, but a question burned in Bilbo's mind until he could stand his curiosity no longer.

'Are you and Narylfiel related?' Bilbo asked.

Gandalf glanced around. It was a fair question, he supposed.

'No' Gandalf answered 'She was raised by the elves in Imladris, Rivendell to your tongue'

'My question is, how did she come to be in your company?' Bofur asked.

'When she was thirteen, she began to travel with me. It was always meant to be that way' Gandalf couldn't help the fondness in his voice 'She took the burden of travel with the grace and dignity afforded to her by her upbringing'

Thorin scoffed under his breath, finding it hard to reconcile Narylfiel's gentle but stoic nature with the idea of elves. To Bilbo though, his curiosity was satisfied. He had noticed that Narylfiel carried herself with the grace of someone above her apparent station and had pondered to himself whether Gandalf had instilled this within her.

'She is growing wise with your tutelage Gandalf' Balin spoke up after awhile 'She will be a force to be reckoned with given another ten years say I'

'She is far too soft and kind for her own good sometimes' Thorin said suddenly but not unkindly.

'She is well-loved for that' Kili spoke defensively 'She has love for all people'

'Not all people will have love for her' Thorin said 'I do not say it to be cruel, I say it because it concerns me'

Bofur gave a small snort and Balin gave a small smile of satisfaction.

'I'm sure she would be pleased to hear that Thorin' the elder dwarf replied.

Thorin simply grunted but spoke no more.

XxXxXxX

To my relief, my scout had so far been uneventful. I still could not quite shake the agitation I had experienced earlier that day. I slowed my horse to walk and raised my hand to my head to try and tidy up my windswept hair.

Perhaps I had simply needed some time alone. Spending so much time amongst the dwarves when I was used to my own company or Gandalf's had hardly given me time to think.

I thought back to Gandalf's expression earlier today, it was one I had not been faced with for a few years but one that unnerved me and let me know my discomfort wasn't what it appeared.

It was protectiveness. He had been nervous to let me go alone and Gandalf usually had good reason to be nervous. However, it did show his trust in me, if he did not think me capable to be careful, he would have kept me with the group. Yes, he had told me to come back but he could have stopped me leaving altogether.

Gandalf did not treat me as though he was my master, although formally as his student, that was what he was. However as soon as he had deemed me able, he had allowed me to make many of my own decisions and I had been sent on errands alone for him before.

I was lucky, for I knew Duria was not treated with the same amount of freedom by Saruman. I found myself thankful that it was to Gandalf I was entrusted and not Saruman even though by all rights, I probably should have been.

Saruman was after all considered the wisest and most powerful of our Order. Gandalf spoke of him with respect and Elrond had always taught me to be mindful of my manners around Saruman.

Indeed, in my earlier years, Saruman had taken a great interest in me and my learning but had quickly lost interest when he had found I held no desire to gain power. I simply wished to aid those who needed it, whether that be through advice and guidance or by flame and sword.

As I moved through the trees, I began to spot the outlines of a building I recognised. However, it was not in the state I remembered it. It had once been a well kept and busy but small farm, ran by a farmer and his new wife. I frowned and got down from my horse, telling it quietly in Sindarin to stay put.

I held my staff in both of my hands as I approached the ruined gate cautiously. There seemed to be no signs of danger although the building had clearly been abandoned for some time. I passed the gate and walked carefully up the overgrown path. The forest had begun to reclaim the previously cleared land although the trees were still noticeably young.

I crept into the ruined building; my staff raised cautiously. The building had long been abandoned and was only a shell now although I could find no immediate reasons or evidence why. I still felt uneasy despite the fact there seemed to be no immediate danger.

So, I turned around and went back outside. The sun was beginning to dip lower into the sky. If I'd had more time, I would have preferred to scout around the immediate area and investigate the reasoning behind abandoning the farm but I didn't have it, not if I wanted to go back and warn them.

There was no reason to suspect a foul event, the building was largely undamaged, save for the overgrown and abandoned state of it. Perhaps the earth had not been as fertile as the farmer had thought. I mounted my horse, turned her around and pushed her back into a canter up the trail.

It didn't take me long to spot the company up ahead, so I slowed my horse down so as to not alarm them. A few quiet cheers of greeting rose at my approach.

'Here she is' Balin said cheerfully 'Tell us good tidings, I hope?

'The path ahead is clear' I spoke clearly.

'Good tidings indeed' Bofur said, satisfied 'And what of shelter?'

I frowned and looked toward Gandalf 'There was a farm ahead, however the building looks to have been abandoned for a long time, it is but a shell now. I could not find any immediate reason for the abandonment'

Gandalf's eyes narrowed but Thorin looked slightly relieved.

'We shall investigate the house' He said.

There were a few cheers amongst the dwarves, and I pulled my horse to fall into step beside Gandalf. He didn't say anything, but I could see in his expression when I glanced across at him that he was pondering what I had reported. His gaze turned to me and I turned my head quickly to look straight in front of me.

'Narylfiel' Gandalf said quietly 'You did well'

I turned to look at him again and saw in his expression that he was pleased with me. I managed a small smile, Gandalf didn't often praise me so it was meaningful when he did.

But still I felt uneasy.

XxXxXxX

'We'll camp here for the night. Fili, Kili, look after the ponies. Make sure you stay with them' Thorin commanded.

I however was watching as Gandalf inspected the old ruin and the dark expression on my face told me I was not being too cautious. He too could tell that something was amiss.

'A farmer and his family used to live here' Gandalf said quietly, more to himself than to anyone else.

'Oin, Gloin' Thorin called

'Aye?' Gloin called in return

'Get a fire going'

'Right you are'

'I think it would be wiser to move on. We could make for the Hidden Valley' Gandalf called out, though it made no halt to proceedings.

I turned my head sharply to look at Gandalf. Of course, I'd known where I was, I knew the countryside around the Hidden Valley well and I'd known we'd been drawing close. I had not thought Gandalf would even suggest that as an option.

Thorin looked at Gandalf darkly 'I have told you already, I will not go near that place'

Gandalf sighed in exasperation 'Why not? The elves could help us. We could get food, rest, advice'

'I do not need their advice' Thorin hissed.

I felt myself bristle at his tone. Although they were not my kin, the elves were still my family. I felt defensive of them, as I usually did, but this felt different. Thorin had never listened to me before and it was doubtful he would begin now.

'We have a map we cannot read' Gandalf said imploringly 'Lord Elrond could help us'

'Help?' Thorin said, his voice scathing 'A dragon attacks Erebor, what help came from the Elves? Orcs plunder Moria, desecrate our sacred halls, the Elves looked on and did nothing. You ask me to seek out the very people who betrayed my grandfather and betrayed my father'

'You are neither of them' Gandalf retorted; his voice careful.

I couldn't hold my tongue 'Watch how you speak of Lord Elrond, Son of Thrain' I hissed, unable to contain the aggression in my tone 'He did not turn away from you that day, he was not the one who stood upon the hill'

Gandalf lay a calming hand upon my shoulder, Thorin simply glared at me.

'I did not give you that map and key for you to hold on to the past' Gandalf said finally.

Thorin turned his glare upon Gandalf 'I did not know that they were yours to keep'

His bitter words struck me and finally, by the way Gandalf's face went pale with his anger, so had they struck him.

'Ungrateful' I spat at Thorin; my tone acidic.

Thorin opened his mouth to retort but he shut his mouth when Gandalf turned away from us both and began to storm away. I stood still, unsure of what to do for a second. That was until Gandalf barked my name and it was clear he wanted me to come with him.

So, I followed, without even a glance back to Thorin. Bilbo paused in helping unload the ponies and he watched after us, his eyes suddenly frightened.

'Everything alright? Gandalf, where are you going? Narylfiel?' Bilbo called, his voice worried.

'To seek the company of the only two around here who've got any sense' Gandalf retorted.

'Who's that?' Bilbo asked.

'Myself and Narylfiel, Mr Baggins'

I baulked at Gandalf's waspish tone towards Bilbo. The hobbit had done nothing to deserve his ire and the dwarves tended to be careless with Bilbo when we were not keeping a close eye on things.

Still I followed Gandalf, unsure whether he wanted me to speak or not. Finally, he stopped, in a wooded area. I stopped too, still waiting, knowing it was better to remain silent when Gandalf was in this mood, lest he turn his sharp tongue on me.

Finally, his posture relaxed and he turned to face me, a slightly guilty expression on his face. I folded my arms and looked at him with a raised brow.

'Bilbo did not deserve to be snapped at' I said sternly.

'I know'

'When were you going to tell me, you wanted to go to Imladris?' I asked.

'Soon' Gandalf said 'I would have told you this afternoon, but I didn't want to get your hopes up amid your uneasiness'

I nodded 'I am better at handling my homesickness' I said 'I am not a child anymore'

Gandalf finally gave a small smile 'You do not look to be a child but you are still a young one compared to my long years' his voice was fond 'Although, you are right of course, I should have discussed this with you sooner'

I could not help but give a small smile in response.

'Even as I teach you, Narylfiel, you teach me in return' Gandalf said, his tone humble 'I fear that one day, I will run out of things to teach you and then you will go off on your own path'

I felt a small pang in my stomach 'I'm sure that day is a long time from now, you have three thousand years of knowledge after all'

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If you came back to this story to read this chapter, thank you. I'm sorry it took so long for me to pick it back up.

If you are new, welcome. I hope you enjoy your time here!

Again, stay safe everyone! x