The sun shone brightly across the valley that Rivendell sat in. I was sitting on the edge of the fountain reading of old adventures, long since forgotten except for what was written in my book. It had been two long years since my grandmother had sailed west to Valinor and the loneliness that came from the loss of my grandmother had been growing inside me. Try as I might, I never seemed to fit in among the graceful elves, not that any of them went above and beyond to make me feel welcomed. Lord Elrond had once tasked his sons to make me feel at home but they have since grown tired of dealing with me. So it was that I spent most of my time alone. I'm sure most wondered if I could even speak at all.

I could often be found found reading by a fountain or talking to the horses in the stable. Even the elves who were more in touch with nature than many of the other beings of Middle Earth found my lengthy talks with the horses unusual. The stables reminded me of my home, my true home, far across the Misty Mountains to the south, on the border of Rohan and Fangorn Forest. It had been many years since I had seen my homeland and I missed it terribly. I missed my mother, brothers, and most of all my father but even if I returned home, he wouldn't be there to greet me. I had attempted to return home before but it had resulted in a devastating injury, nearly costing me my life. If it hadn't been for the quick thinking of my travelling companions I wouldn't be here to enjoy this beautiful fate changing day.

My attention was drawn to the bridge where a troupe of dwarves was currently marching across. Placing my book down on the edge of the fountain, I peered over the balcony with curiosity. I quickly counted thirteen dwarves, a hobbit, and Mithrandir.

In the distance I saw Lord Elrond and his warriors returning and coming up fast on the company. A chuckle escaped me as I watched them close ranks as if preparing for an attack. As Lord Elrond dismounted, I returned to my book after growing bored watching the exchange from this distance. Their voices hadn't carried up to the balcony I was on so I had no clue as to what they were discussing anyway.

As the sun dropped lower in the sky and a cool breeze settled over the valley, I decided it was time to prepare for dinner and so I returned to my chambers to wash up. I changed into a sapphire gown and ran a comb through my long golden locks, before braiding it away from my face and down the back of my head. Looking in the mirror I noted that I could see the top of my scar that ran down the length of my torso. I ran my fingers across it lightly as I remembered the awful, painful memories it brought up. I had hoped the old wound would have faded more but it looked as if I would carry the scar all my life. Leaving my room, I headed towards the outdoor dining hall.

When I arrived, I noticed that the dwarves had already made themselves at home. I settled into my usual seat in the corner to avoid any unwanted conversation. I watched with amusement as the dwarves picked at their salads, not sure if they should eat it or not. My gaze travelled through the hall making eye contact with Lord Elrond who beckoned me over. I let out a sigh, before slowly standing and making my way toward the table that he occupied. When I got to the table, which Mithrandir, the hobbit, and what appeared to be the most important dwarf, had also been asked to sit at, I stood there awkwardly waiting for introductions.

"Ah Éadwyn, please come sit with us," Elrond stated as he stood and pulled out a chair for me.

I found myself sitting between Lord Elrond and Mithrandir, as the dwarf glared at me and the hobbit looked at me in curiosity. I was growing uncomfortable under everyone's gazes, particularly the dwarf. He looked as though I was a bug that needed to be squashed. He was dressed in fine furs and appeared to be of a royal bloodline. The hobbit however, looked more modest and welcoming, as was the nature of hobbits.

"My dear you have grown! This is Bilbo Baggins," Mithrandir said suddenly as he motioned towards the hobbit who muttered a polite hello. "And this is Thorin Oakenshield." The dwarf who had been introduced just stared at me with an air of authority. My curiosity had been piqued at the mention of Thorin Oakenshield. I remembered him from my books. His grandfather was Thror, King Under the Mountain. Thorin however, did not seem to care for the introduction and just sat there with an annoyed look about him.

"It is a pleasure to meet you both. Éadwyn at your service," I said with a slight head bob. My voice was barely above a whisper. There had been a point in my life when I hadn't been so meek. In fact, I had been quite bold but years spent keeping to myself had left me quiet and far from social.

"Éadwyn joins us from Rohan. She travelled here at a young age to live with her grandmother before she sailed into the west." Lord Elrond paused before continuing. "She has been looking to venture home for quite some time now." Thorin visibly stiffened and I grew uncomfortable guessing at what Lord Elrond had up his sleeve. I didn't dare interrupt him though. "She would serve as an excellent guide on this side of the Misty Mountains, should you choose to allow her to accompany you on your journey."

"Absolutely not." Thorin stated. "I will not be held responsible for some girl. Our journey is much too perilous. I won't hear of it."

"Come now Master Dwarf, at least consider the offer." Elrond glanced at me as I stared at my plate. I couldn't find the words to speak up for myself. Maybe one day I would find the courage to speak up for myself.

"I won't have it." With that said, Thorin stood up and strode out of the dining hall.

Elrond turned his attention towards Mithrandir. "You know about Éadwyn's situation. Consider talking to him about her joining you."

"I can make no promises but I will try." Was all he simply responded.

The pair conversed as if I wasn't there and my blood was beginning to boil. I lifted my head and made eye contact with the hobbit, Bilbo, who was staring at me in the most peculiar way. Sliding back my chair, I stood up with a curt 'excuse me' and walked away. I soon found myself in the stables, standing in front of my horse, Fëa. I reached into my pocket and pulled out an apple and gave it to the mare who graciously accepted it. She munched away on the apple as I leaned into her neck inhaling her scent. The scent of horse had always been intoxicating to me, even after all these years my nose had never dulled to the scent. I suppose that I to most likely smelled like a horse but that would never bother me any.

"You know, you and I could just ride off. Nobody would care, they might miss you but not me. I am so tired of everyone trying to plan my life for me. I don't need a company of dwarves to cross the mountains. We could try riding south, we haven't tried that yet. Try our luck at the Gap of Rohan. How does that sound?" I continued to ramble on as I braided the chestnut mare's mane. I picked up a brush from the stall floor and began brushing Fëa's soft coat. By the time I had finished brushing the horse, her coat sparkled in the dying sunlight. "Just you and me, returning home. The way it should be."

I settled into a comfortable silence but the sound of a throat clearing startled me from my thoughts. I glanced up and noticed Bilbo standing just outside the stall door, a blush sliding across my cheeks. How much had the hobbit heard? "That is rather rude you know." I stated blankly.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to intrude. I just went for a walk when I heard someone talking. I promise I wasn't eavesdropping." He held up his hands as if to say he meant no harm. "Who were you talking to? The horse?" He was staring at me again in that peculiar way.

"As a matter of fact I was. Fëa and I go way back. We've been together ever since I came to live here." I stroked the mare lovingly. She had been a gift from my grandmother when I had first come to Rivendell. I had trained her from a young, wild filly and she had quickly become the swiftest horse in all of Rivendell.

"When was that?" Bilbo questioned as he leaned against the stall door.

I froze for a moment thinking whether or not I wanted to tell my tale. I decided on the bare minimum, a proper conversation might do me some good after all. "I was nine. As Lord Elrond mentioned before, I originally hail from Rohan but came here to live with my grandmother. My mother, her daughter, is half elf so her elven blood runs through my veins." I paused unsure of how much I wanted to divulge. "After my father passed, I didn't want to stay in Rohan so I came here. My two brothers stayed behind with my mother. I've been told my brother Éadric married and has a child now, not that I have ever met her. After my grandmother sailed West, I decided it was time to return home but I have never made it that far."

"It must be lonely with no family here." Bilbo remarked.

"It can be, but that is why I have Fëa." I reached into my pocket and pulled out another apple. The mare whinnied in delight at the sight of the delicious red fruit. "You want to feed her?" I handed the apple to Bilbo.

He stepped into the stall hesitantly, sizing up the horse. She was on the taller side, standing well above 16 hands and towering over the tiny hobbit. He offered the apple to the horse who took it out of his hand with a soft snort. Bilbo reached over to stroke the horse's neck under her intricately braided mane. "That's a good girl." He said softly.

"Now I am not the only crazy one talking to a horse, am I?" Bilbo blushed and took a step back. "So what about you, how did you come to be in the company of dwarves?" It was my turn to question the hobbit.

Bilbo scrunched up his face as he thought. "The company of dwarves are merchants going to visit family in the East. Gandalf brought me along so I could explore the world a bit more, instead of pouring over my old maps. He thought it would do me some good to see the world."

I stared at him taking in his rigid body language as he stumbled over his words. He was clearly lying. "Come now Master Hobbit, if you are not going to tell the truth at least try to come up with a halfway decent story."

Bilbo shrunk back embarrassed to be caught in his lie. "Well-I-er-I mean."

"So what's the true purpose of the company of Thorin Oakenshield?" I pressed him once again.

"I'm not really supposed to say. I'm sworn to secrecy." He crossed his arms over his chest in an act of defiance.

"And who am I going to tell? Fëa? I am certain she will only tell the other horses and who will they tell?" I had a giggle in my voice but a serious look on my face. I was truly curious about the company.

"If you promise not to tell that I told you.." I nodded as he continued. "They hope to reclaim The Lonely Mountain. That it's time for them to return home"

I began to process what he was saying. My mind wandered to the dragon Smaug and all the destruction he would bring to the land should they fail. Dragons should not be taken lightly. They were deadly destructive beings. My eyes flickered over to Bilbo.

"And what are you to them? Why bring a hobbit?"

Bilbo seemed a little flustered at that sentiment. "What's wrong with hobbits?"

"Nothing at all! It is just unusual to find hobbits out taking part in grand adventures is all! So?" I questioned him again.

"Well if you must know they have enlisted me as their burglar. Hobbits are quite light on their feet you know." He seemed to beam with pride. "I am to sneak into the mountain through a secret door and help them to reclaim Erebor."

"What of the dragon? Are you prepared to fight off such a ferocious being?" I was sizing up the tiny hobbit and had come to the conclusion that he was indeed not up for such a daunting task. But who truly was?

Bilbo paled. He held up his finger as if he was about to say something but nothing came from his mouth, his voice failing him. "I thought as much." Was all I replied with. "If you wouldn't mind, I'd fancy an evening ride. Good evening Bilbo."

I began tacking up Fëa. She seemed to dance with excitement as we left the stable, leaving the hobbit to find his way back to his quarters. He seemed like a decent fellow but he also seemed unprepared for the journey before him. It was definitely interesting to learn of the dwarves true purpose for being here.

The cool evening air brought peace as we walked to the outskirts of Rivendell. I mounted Fëa and continued at a walk until we had passed the gates. We picked up our pace to a trot as we left the city behind us and headed into the edge of the wilderness that surrounded the valley. Easing up to a canter we easily maneuvered around trees that littered the land before wind rushed by us as we rode through the open plains leaving the forest behind us. Before long we were at a full gallop, soaring across the field. I threw back my head as the breeze blew my hair behind me. I knew Fëa would keep going as I closed my eyes and felt my body relax as the rush ran through me. Nothing brought me greater joy than a full gallop on the back of my mare.

Before long we had circled back towards Rivendell and had slowed to a lighter pace. On many evenings we had taken this road and it had become routine for us. I often longed for a change in scenery instead of the familiar beaten paths before me and I knew Fëa felt the same way. For a grand adventure of our very own, to travel home. The sun was quickly declining in the sky as we entered the forest again and slowed to a walk. My eyes were slowly adjusting to the dark as my ears took in all the familiar sounds, the rushing creek, the finally buzzing of the bees as they flew back to their hives, the first hoot of a night owl as it woke up after a day's rest. It was all so familiar to me. As we approached the gates, I stopped in awe as I took in the breathtaking city all lit up. That was the one thing that had never bored me, was the beauty of Rivendell. Even on a rainy day it was truly beautiful. I dismounted before crossing the threshold back into the valley.

Walking back to the stables, I found Bilbo had long since vacated his spot in Fëa's stall. I smiled at the thought of the little hobbit whom I had left quite flustered. He seemed to be a decent fellow and I agreed to seek out his company again the following morning. After all there wasn't anyone else I socialized with. I quickly untacked my horse feeling the exhaustion that came after the high that I had from that evening's ride. After brushing down Fëa, I left the stable before heading back to my room. I stopped to watch the dwarves as they had set a fire on one of the many balconies. I chuckled as I saw Lindir off to the side as he tried to figure out what to do about the current mess they were making. I watched as they gathered around the fire roasting sausages on a stick, singing and laughing. A small tear rolled down my face as I thought about my own lonely existence. I secretly longed for a friend, to feel belonged even loved.

I made my way to my room before anyone saw me where I collapsed on my bed and mulled over my day. It had started like any other repetitive day in my life but it hadn't ended that way. I looked around my dark room and an overwhelming sense of loneliness began to take over me. I let out a muffled sob as I dreamed of home, my mother, and my brothers. I had made up my mind, I was going home sooner rather than later

I awoke in the early hours of the morning, noting the sun was just starting to streak the sky with color. Crossing my room, I changed into a simple cream color dress, and started my usual daily routine which included rebraiding my hair and drawing water to wash my face with. I let out a long sigh at the monotony of my day. It was always the same boring routine, wake up, get dressed, fix my hair, draw water to wash up with, go to breakfast, sit by the fountain and read. I would never admit it to anyone but I craved companionship. The sense of loneliness from the night before was still strong. My life truly was lonely and that's how I found myself seeking out the hobbit, something different to break up my routine, companionship. I found Bilbo a short while later admiring a tapestry in the hall.

"Good morning Bilbo!" I called to him.

He startled at the sound of my voice. "Oh good morning Éadwyn." He replied pleasantly as he took a step back from the tapestry.

"I trust you have been enjoying your stay?" I questioned him.

"Oh yes. It's lovely here and the elves have been quite friendly. Much more inviting than a bunch of dwarves." He scoffed.

A laugh escaped me. He felt more comfortable here in one day than I had in eighteen years. "How about breakfast?"

The hobbit perked up at the word breakfast and his stomach let out a soft growl as if understanding the conversation. "That sounds absolutely delightful."

We set off for the dining hall and enjoyed light conversation as we sat down at a table with a large spread of delicious food. I helped myself to some potatoes and poached eggs that had been sprinkled with a dash of pepper. While Bilbo loaded his plate with everything set before us and smiled sheepishly at the size of his breakfast. We settled into a comfortable silence as we enjoyed our breakfast.

One by one the dwarves began to file in, drawn be the smell of food. I began to grow uncomfortable as the seats around me started to fill up. I wasn't used to having company at this hour in the morning. I slid over a little as one of the dwarves took the seat next to me. Bilbo started to tell me all about his home in The Shire. All the babbling brooks, the rolling hills, the lush green grass, it sounded truly beautiful. He seemed to be quite proud of his family's home and extended an offer for me to visit for tea one day. I smiled at the idea, if only he didn't live so far away.

"What a marvelous sounding ho-uff," I exclaimed as I was elbowed in the ribs as the dwarf next to me slid over to allow another in next to him. I was contemplating saying something when he turned to address me.

"Sorry about that lass. 'Tis a bit of a tight squeeze." The dwarf who was wearing a funny hat said. He had a large infectious smile on his face and his brown eyes seemed to dance with merriment.

"It's quite alright." I mumbled as I rubbed my ribs and returned my gaze to my breakfast.

"Bofur, at your service," he said as he stuck his hand in front of my face.

I rolled my eyes before shaking his hand. His grip was firm but not painful and I noted how rough his hands were. "Éadwyn at yours." I stared down at my plate unsure of what else to say, my social skills were definitely lacking. Talking with Bilbo was the first real conversation I had had in quite sometime. I found it easy to talk to the little hobbit and he seemed to be enjoying my company as much as I did his. But I was unsure of how to proceed in this conversation with Bofur without revealing what Bilbo had told me in confidence the night before. So I chose to sit there awkwardly staring at my plate. Thankfully, he didn't intend to carry the conversation further and picked up a sausage and plucked it in his mouth. He turned to the dwarf who had sat down beside him and howled with laughter at some joke I hadn't heard.

A short while later I excused myself from Bilbo's company and sought out the library where I could read up on the dragon Smaug and the destruction of Erebor. I found a few books on the matter and returned to my usual morning spot beside my fountain. For that is what it had become, my fountain. All of the elves knew that is where I usually spent my mornings when I was not needed elsewhere and they chose to avoid that area for fear of having to actually talk to the strange human girl. I lounged in the sunlight as I listened to the trickling of the water. I turned page after page as I devoured the text before me, deeply interested in the origin story of the dwarves. After being driven from their home under The Lonely Mountain they had been left to wander Middle Earth before trying to retake Moria which had left them devastated and without their king. Which technically made the dwarf I had been introduced to the night before, Thorin, not just their leader but their king as well. Why would Elrond wish to have me accompany them over the mountains? Maybe he truly wished to be rid of me. He had been nothing but kind to me but I was beginning to feel as though I was a burden to him.

I had been so wrapped up in the tale I had been reading that I hadn't heard footsteps coming towards me. I jumped at the sound of a throat clearing. Looking up, I saw Mithrandir standing before me. "Good morning Éadwyn." He greeted me in a cheery enough voice. I placed the book down beside me before greeting him. His eyes drifted over the titles of the books that lay next to me and my cheeks flushed bright red having been caught. "Ah so I see you know the meaning of our quest. Come, walk with me."

We started off at a leisurely pace down the halls, with me trailing one step behind Mithrandir. My flushed cheeks started to fade as my embarrassment wore off. I waited patiently for him to speak what was on his mind. I didn't have to wait long for him to begin. "I have spoken with Thorin about you joining their quest. He has agreed on a few conditions. You are responsible for yourself. You bring your own food, water, supplies and are not to dip into theirs. He also tells me that he will not be held responsible for your fate. To which I reassured him that you could handle yourself quite well. And lastly upon reaching the other side of the mountains you are to depart and leave them to their quest and you to yours." He glanced sideways at me as I took this all in.

"Mithrandir, I appreciate this, I really do but I am not sure I am ready to leave Rivendell quite yet. I have been making my own plans to travel south through the Gap of Rohan." This was partially true after my discussion with Fëa last night I had given it some more thought.

"Nonsense my dear! You will be safe crossing the mountain with them. I would not lead you or Bilbo knowingly into trouble. I trust Thorin and his company."

"You said yourself that Thorin will not be held responsible for my fate. How can I trust someone who doesn't even even want me to travel with him? I would much rather stay here and plan my own road home. I have been unwanted here long enough, I don't wish to be around anyone else that doesn't want me around." With that said I stomped off leaving Mithrandir behind.

I stormed through the halls toward my room, where I began stuffing a few of my belongings in my knapsack. I reached for the doorknob and hesitated. I looked around the room where I had lived for the past eighteen years. My bed was still not made, the way I had left it this morning and a few of my belongings still laid scattered about my room. My mind was made up and I threw the door open to find Bilbo standing there, his hand raised in the air as if he was about to knock on my door. I stared down at the little hobbit whom I hovered over by more than two feet. My emotions came crashing down around me as I looked at the puzzled expression on his face. Before I knew it, I was crying. Tears streamed down my face as I dropped my knapsack and sat on the floor. I felt his hand on my shoulder as I sobbed. Years of repressed anger, sadness, and loneliness came pouring out. As my sobs slowed I looked up at him, he looked uncomfortable and yet concerned.

"I'm sorry. I just can't take it anymore. I'm tired of being a burden to Lord Elrond and I will not be a burden on your quest." I started to stand.

"You're leaving?" He questioned me. "Gandalf sent me here to check on you. That you wouldn't be joining us."

I shook my head. "I will not be anyone's burden any longer." I picked up my bag and started to walk down the hallway as Bilbo followed me.

"But where will you go?"

"Home. I'll go home." I made my way to the stables as he followed me in silence.

"How will you get there?" Bilbo was just full of questions today.

"I'll go south through Dunland and make my way through the Gap of Rohan." I stated through gritted teeth.

"Isn't it dangerous to go on your own? What about orcs? Goblins?"

I laughed a bitter laugh. "And so what if they do? They will kill me and be done with it. No one will miss me." I started to tack up Fëa.

"You wouldn't be a burden if you came with us. Gandalf says you know the land on this side of the mountains well. You could show us the safest path, prove your worth. Thorin agreed to take you with us so if Gandalf has convinced him to allow you on this quest then truly you should join us. If Gandalf believes you are an asset to our quest then I believe you are to. Besides, you would provide me better company than the dwarves. They aren't convinced I'm worthy of this quest either. Please Éadwyn, I'm asking you to come with us." He finished his piece and stood there fidgeting with the buttons on the sleeve of his coat waiting for me to say something.

I paused. What was I to him? A lower man on the totem pole so I would become the kicking horse? I glanced over at him. In the time I had spent with Bilbo there didn't seem to be an evil or manipulative bone in his body. It was true that I knew the wilds around Rivendell just as much as any elf who inhabited the valley. I had spent more hours riding in the wilderness than I had done anything else since I had come here. Why was I so opposed to joining them? Perhaps I was fearful of companionship, a sense of camaraderie with them. I hadn't ever truly felt accepted since I left Rohan, even with my own grandmother I had always felt like an outcast. Would I feel like an outcast among a group of dwarves? Surely Bilbo did or he wouldn't have asked me to come with them. Perhaps he just wanted me along for companionship, someone to talk to. I started to untack Fëa. I placed her saddle back on the rack.

"Alright." I paused. "I will join you."

"Splendid." Bilbo clapped his hands in front of him and began to pull out a pipe and a pouch of what I assumed was pipe weed. He sat down on a bench outside of the stable and I found myself sitting beside him as he puffed away. Maybe it wouldn't be that bad after all. I truly did enjoy Bilbo's company.

I broke the silence that encompassed us. "I'm going home." I said with a smile.