Chapter 2

Many years later, Gandalf once again found himself riding in the through the woods, but today he was glad for the company. He glanced sidelong at his traveling companion, a fond look upon his weathered face. The petite, slight girl beside him smiled happily around her, this being her first visit to the Shire. She laughed in delight at the tiny Hobbit children who giggled at her shyly, following their footsteps as they headed through the village. She raised her eyes in pleading, and he grinned in reply as with a sudden burst of color, fireworks burst forth in the shape of butterflies, rewarding them with ecstatic shouts and cheers as the children followed the flitting shapes. She laughed again, the sound seeming to come from a well of pleasure inside her. Her golden blonde hair cascaded down her back in soft waves, with its reddened highlights gleaming in the sun. Her crystal eyes, the color of ice rimmed in deep navy blue, sparkled brightly. She was a vision of loveliness, and contentment. He sighed softly and only hoped that this quest would not prove too much for her. He knew that her power had yet to develop, remaining deep within her pure soul. But he knew the power was growing stronger, and it seemed close to emerging. Still, her skills and knowledge in battle could not be denied, and when he had decided to bring her along on this quest, his heart bloomed in something like relief. It was the right choice, no matter how protective he felt over her. It was time for her to meet her kin. The only question remained…would they accept her?

"Gandalf?" she puzzled, looking at him questioningly. He shook his head from its contemplation, and she grabbed his hand in delight. "No veren, mellonin, the day is beautiful!" She raised her face to the warm sun in genuine pleasure. He couldn't argue with her, the sky was blue, the grass a brilliant green, and the flowers that decorated the small Hobbit gardens were a veritable rainbow of color. It was a beautiful day in the Shire. However, they mustn't forget their mission.

"Remember, Yuula, we must not speak Elvish on our quest. Our companions will not approve." She rolled her eyes at him good-naturedly.

"Then why did you call me by my Elvish name?" she laughed teasingly. He stopped in surprise, then chuckled as he realized that he had indeed called her name in Elvish. "Do not worry, I will not forget. These dwarves have not had the advantage of being raised to love all nations, as I have." She stopped to sip water from her skein, and he smiled at her innocence. Indeed, whatever prejudices that even her Elvish family had had, she had been raised without. Or perhaps it was the purity in her soul that made her unable to judge anyone before she had met them. Regardless, it would serve her well in the coming months, but he still felt that her elvish upbringing should remain hidden for now. Although he knew even he would not be able to get her to remove the silver ring she now wore on her right hand. Originally a bracelet, she'd had it fit to her finger as she grew older. She never took it off. Although not elvish, it may raise questions that were not ready to be answered. He could only hope that no one would notice the small treasure.

As they reached the top of a hill, they saw a beautiful garden sprawling before them. Ember bent down, capturing a stray lilac blossom in her small hands. She inhaled the soft fresh scent, smiling softly. "It is so beautiful here, so peaceful!" she said merrily. Gandalf hummed his agreement, but she could tell that he was distracted. They must be near their destination. She saw that the garden was enclosed by a low fence, covered here and there with ivy. As they neared what looked to be a home in the side of the hill, she spotted a small figure sitting near the gate. A hobbit was puffing contentedly on a long wooden pipe on a bench below his hole. He looked up in surprise as Gandalf approached.

"Good morning." The hobbit said politely, if a little surprised to see the tall figure at his gate. His hair was a mop of curly brown locks, his blue eyes had hints of brown and he was dressed quite properly in a proper waistcoat and trousers. Like all hobbits, his feet were bare, with thick curls of fur on them.

"What do you mean?" Gandalf asked. "Do you mean to wish me a good morning, or do you mean that it is a good morning whether I want it or not? Or perhaps you mean to say that you feel good on this particular morning? Or are you simply stating that this is a morning to be good on?" His companion giggled softly behind him at the befuddled look on the hobbits face.

"All of them at once, I suppose…" the hobbit replied, a little confused. He tried to get a good look at the man's companion, but the person stayed mostly hidden by the man in front of him. Gandalf stared intently at the hobbit. "Can I help you?" the hobbit finally asked.

"That remains to be seen. I'm looking for someone to share in an adventure." Ember smothered a giggle again at the startled look on the hobbit's face.

"An adventure?" the hobbit asked incredulously. "Now I don't imagine anyone west of Bree would have much interest in adventures. Nasty, disturbing, uncomfortable things. Make you late for dinner, mm-hm." He rose and stepped over to his mailbox. As he pulled out some letters and began perusing them, he seemed to be getting more and more uncomfortable. Finally, Ember could tell by the look on the hobbits face that her companion was getting nowhere. Gandalf was staring at the hobbit with his usual stern look, not quite frowning but definitely not smiling. She decided to intervene, and stepped towards the gate, brushing gently past Gandalf.

"Excuse me sir, I have been traveling far with my friend, Gandalf, and I was wondering…" she broke off as the hobbit appeared slightly dazed at her beauty. She sighed, for this was not her first time someone had been stunned to hear her voice. Amazingly, the hobbit shook his head and smiled, his eyes turning to her friend.

"Gandalf…not Gandalf, the wandering Wizard, who made such excellent fireworks?! Old Took used to have them on Midsummers Eve. Ha, ha! Well. Hmm, I had no idea you were still in business." She now had to chuckle at Gandalf's expression of incredulousness.

"And where else should I be?" the Wizard grumbled. At this, the hobbit appeared unsettled, having just insulted someone, without really meaning to. But Gandalf recovered nicely. "Well, I'm pleased to find you remember something about me, even if its only my fireworks."

"Well, they are rather impressive, Istarnin,"she smiled, giving him a soft pat on the arm. The hobbit couldn't help but notice how friendly the girl before him was, not to mention beautiful. He wondered what she was doing travelling with a Wizard. As Gandalf patted her hand at the compliment fondly, she turned her attention back to the hobbit. "My dear sir, as I was saying, I wondered if you might be so kind as to allow me to rest for a day before continuing on my journey?" The hobbit gazed at her, amazed at her boldness. Was she...How could she…just ask to stay in his home? They hadn't even been properly introduced. Absolutely not! And yet, her eyes…those crystal eyes which stared at him so kindly…so warm and caring…but no, he had made up his mind.

"Of course, my dear." Wait a minute, he thought. That's not right, what I meant to say was, "Do you have any baggage with you?" Again, he seemed perplexed at his words. Gandalf glanced at the girl beside him. She was staring intently at the hobbit, and he nudged her gently. She shook her head at him, breaking eye contact with the hobbit, who seemed a little muddled, but having now accepted her request, could not think of a way to refuse. "Bilbo Baggins, of Bag-End," he stated, nodding at her.

"Ember," she replied, following him up the steps to his home. She grinned back at Gandalf, who shook his head in laughter. "I will see you soon, Gandalf." Bilbo nodded his head in a parting manner and closed the door to Bag End. Gandalf strode up to the door.

"Well, I guess that is decided," he thought to himself. "Trust Ember to make herself at home." In truth, he didn't think that she truly realized the power she had over others. One long look into her eyes could make the strongest man obey her every whim. Yet, she did not seem to misuse this talent, and he felt that this was due to her innate kindness. He quickly marked the door to Bag End, and strode away. "This will be very good for Bilbo," he thought, "and most amusing for me."

No veren, mellonin - Be joyful, my friend

Istarnin - my Wizard

Please review. This is my first fan fiction, I own nothing but the character Ember, there will be some pieces of the books, movies, and my own creation. Hope you enjoy it!