Author's Note: ***I do not own any of Peter Jackson's or JRR Tolkien's works, only my OC's***

Chapter 3 - Unexpected Guests

I hold my breath as I step over the threshold, almost hopping in excitement at seeing the real Bag End. The reddish-brown tiled floor is swept to pristine cleanliness. A large wooden chest with iron rivets sits to the right of the door and I almost giggle when I notice a randomly large bowl of pristine apples to the left. Though comfortable, the hobbit hole would be quite shadowy without the candles that are spread out along the long hall. Exiting off to the left is a unofficial living room with a fireplace, above which sits portraits of Bilbo's parents. Further still lies the kitchen, a wall full of pots and pans, some mugs, bunches of hanging herbs, and plenty of other objects I don't quite catch in a first look.

I breathe in deeply, noting that the air is surprisingly crisp instead of the mustiness I was expecting. The tiled floor is cool beneath my feet despite the hot day. The colors of everything are very natural yet warm, all shades of yellow, green, or brown. I feel some of the stress roll off of my shoulders from the fiasco that had been my hurried transition into this world.

I'm jolted out of my constant staring by a voice at my elbow, "Er, are you alright?" I look dazedly over at Bilbo to see that he's only a few inches shorter than myself, his curly hair at my eye level. I know that hobbits are supposed to be much shorter, but maybe the films just didn't get it right. Bilbo's eyes are a bit pinched in concern, awaiting my answer.

Jerking to answer, I stumble a little over my words, "Y-yeah!" I smile sheepishly at him, "Sorry, it's just been a long day…"

Bilbo pats my hand sympathetically, undoubtedly cringing internally at the thought of a day with a wizard, "It's alright now." His smile is so genuine that I barely restrain myself from hugging him, since I've technically only just met him. Bilbo leads me down the cozy hobbit hole, passing the very full pantry on the right (I wince, remembering that it will be cleared out in a few hours) and the dining room (still pretty clean, but would soon be cluttered with chairs, tables, and dwarves).

Unsure of what would be past these rooms, I let Bilbo lead me on past a few doors until he stops and turns to a simple door on our left. Opening the door for me, like the true gentleman he is, I step into a pleasant bedroom. The bed is made of polished wood and is pretty large, for a hobbit, covered in a patchwork quilt of blues and shades of white. A small dresser sits next to the bed, built of the same polished wood. A door on the left wall is cracked and I spy a mirror with a frame of dark wood carved into swirls as well as a white sink. What really makes my day is the round porthole window that looks out onto the lawn where the oak tree would grow. A few bright yellow flowers crowd the edges of the window, reminding me that we're still underground.

I hadn't even realized that Bilbo had left me for a moment, but right after I notice, he's back at my side. In his arms are folds of dark green and brown fabric which he offers to me. I look hesitantly at the comfortable-looking fabric, "Bilbo, are you sure that you want me to have these?"

He shakes his head, curls flying and ears wiggling, "Clothes are meant to be worn and these have gone unused for far too long! Now," Bilbo places the clothes on the bed and retreats to the hall. Taking hold of the doorknob, he begins to close the door but has a teasing smile on his face, "for goodness sakes, try them on!" I hear him chuckle right before the door shuts before the padding of feet down the hall. Not wishing to stay in my pajamas any longer, I move towards the attached bathroom.

Knowing that I won't be able to do so for a very long time, I take my time in the bath after folding my pajamas. I'm kind of curious as to how they established plumbing in Middle Earth, it must have been a challenge! I think of ridiculous topics such as this in an unsuccessful attempt to calm the nerves of meeting the dwarves. Right as the stress gets out of control, I duck down into the warm water to squash it back once more.

Come on, only a few of the dwarves are a real challenge! I muse, pushing a few bubbles around the tub, Mainly Dwalin, perhaps Balin, but certainly Thorin. Even in the bathwater, I can't contain a shudder. Shaking it off, I begin to plan how I'll win the dwarves over, Dwarves aren't exactly fond of rash actions or words yet they don't appreciate a killjoy. They value camaraderie and loyalty… yet they also respect an individual's confidence in their own abilities… I sigh in frustration, blowing bubbles, as my thoughts wheel in circles, Right…

I reach for a towel and step out of the bath, still thinking hard, I think my plan should be to keep out of sight and as quiet as possible. A few things are different from the films and the book, so I need to be smart and observe. Nodding to myself, I quickly dry my hair with the towel and brush it out with a hairbrush the size of my palm that was on the sink.

Walking over to the stack of clothes, I pull up the first length of dark green fabric. Allowing it to unfold, I see that it's a dress that is remarkably short, regarding the clothes of Middle Earth. A moderate neckline and no sleeves, the bottom went only a bit past my knees. Though a bit confused at the style, I love it regardless. It fits well, considering it's a hobbit dress! Though, I look in the bathroom mirror, I never really had much in the chest area but this dress accents it a bit more than what the inhabitants of Middle Earth are probably used to… I shrug.

The dark brown piece of fabric I had seen unfolds to reveal a set of pants. Considering how much of a shock the sleeveless dress would be, I decide to put the pants on underneath so as not to give Bilbo a heart attack.

Lastly is a piece of dark green ribbon that matches the dress. Making a mental note to thank Bilbo, I deftly braid my hair and tie the end. I take a moment to look out the window at the darkening sky before opening the door to the hall.

My bare feet are silent on the tile and carpet as I retrace my steps back to the kitchen. There's a crackle of a fire and a clatter of kitchen tools. I peek around the circular doorway, "Bilbo?" The halfling in question is now wearing a kind of patched robe over a white and grey striped shirt and trousers. He leans over the fire, cooking up two fish in a pan. Knowing how many he had made in the film, I'm touched that he's cooking for me as well.

"Nadia? In here!" He turns as I come into the room. I frown a bit in confusion when his face goes a bit pink, "A-ah! I'm terribly sorry!" He stutters a bit, putting the pan back over the fire, "I forgot that that dress is actually supposed to be worn with a shawl-" He grips the cuffs of his robe and I realize that he's going to take it off and give it to me.

Utterly astonished, I can't help but laugh, having to clutch at my side. Bilbo is forced to jerk the pan back away from the fire due to the fact that the flames had snapped to new life and are now licking the edges of the hearth. He turns his dark eyes back to me, confused.

I shake my head, waving a hand at him in dismiss his unnecessary concern, "Bilbo, it's alright! You're such a sweetheart!"

Bilbo tilts his head a bit to the side, "Sweetheart?"

I nod, walking over and taking the pan from him before it can fall to the floor, "This dress is actually very similar in style to ones I had back in my world! In fact," I lean towards him conspiratorially. He tilts a pointy ear to me as I whisper loudly, "almost everyone doesn't wear pants beneath it either!" Bilbo turns cherry red in an embarrassed astonishment. I clap him on the shoulder comfortingly, and gaze wistfully off into the distance, "Ah yes, 'tis true… Anyway, what can I help you with?"

It takes him a moment to answer, but he does with a firmness he hadn't been able to muster with Gandalf, "No, you are my guest!"

He tries to take the pan of fish back from me, but I hold fast. "Bilbo," I meet his eyes and don't break contact, "I've been dropped into a place I don't know and met a few people, none of whom really explained themselves. You are the first person to truly try to make me feel comfortable, like a friend. Please, let me help you."

Bilbo looks away a few times, but I wait patiently for his response. He breathes heavily out of his nose, checks my expression to be sure that I'm serious, and finally smiles a bit in defeat, "Alright," he gestures to the small counter beneath the window. A few carrots are laid out with a knife and a cutting board, waiting to be used. "Would you mind slicing those up for me?"

I smile graciously and release the pan, "Thank you, hun!"

He turns slightly before jerking back in the awkward way that he does, "'Hun'?"

I chuckle slightly and walk to the counter, "That's just what I call friends of mine." Bilbo 'hm's slightly, but I pay him no mind, He'll get used to me. I flick my braid back from my shoulder and glance out the window. The sky is already dark and my heart thumps as I realize that I will be meeting the company very soon.

I slice the carrots up quickly yet carefully, keeping in mind that my hands are shaking. Bilbo just left to attend to something when I spot Bilbo's mother's glory box. Best avoid what conflicts we can, I quickly dart over to the box and push it under the table. Bilbo notices nothing when he comes back in, smiling happily at me.

I return the expression, I get the feeling that Bilbo enjoys having company but seldom gets it, I think as I watch him set down a teapot, a large jar of honey, a candle, and a few bowls of various things down upon the table. Bilbo serves up the fish on two plates and I match them with my carrots.

My heart thumps louder and louder in my chest as I watch Bilbo pick up his napkin to tuck it into his shirt collar. This is it! I keep up the charade of dinner by picking up my own napkin, but I continue to mentally review my plan.

"Well," Bilbo says as he settles down, "To pleasantly unexpected guests!"

Ah Bilbo… If only you knew…

The doorbell rings.

I act quickly, schooling my face into one of puzzlement, "Bilbo, I'm so sorry, were you expecting someone?"

Bilbo looks like he's not quite sure that the bell was actually rung, "N-not to my knowledge," he stutters a bit, removing his napkin and placing it on the table. "Ah!" I raise an eyebrow questioningly. Bilbo nods to himself as if he's figured it out, "Perhaps Gandalf's returned from wherever he ran off to!" He rises to his feet and makes his way for the door.

I quickly get to my own feet, "Bilbo?" The hobbit comes to a halt, "I think I forgot something in my room, I'll go back there to check, shall I?" I smile, hoping he'll go with it.

Bilbo looks torn between the door and our conversation, but thankfully the pressure lends him towards my will, "Well, maybe it would be best until I see what kind of situation this is. You never know, all sorts of strange folk seem to be turning up today!" Bilbo winks as I walk past him out into the hall.

I gape in mock offense, "Bilbo Baggins, if I didn't know you better, I'd take that to heart!" Bilbo chuckles and pats me on the shoulder. Almost past the dining room, I turn back, "Oh and Bilbo?" He turns one last time, hand still on the doorknob. I grin mischievously, "If the need arises, feel free to give this new guest my portion of dinner." Without another word, I wink and race off just out of sight.

Once I'm completely concealed in the shadows further down the hall, I peek out from one of the round wooden arches that supports the tunnel. Tucking my dress into my hands so as not to be spotted, I watch as Bilbo opens the door.

On the doorstep stands an enormous dwarf. Separate large silver cuffs encircle both of his ears, long brown hair resting down to his shoulder blades, Yet he's bald on top of his head? I'm a bit puzzled by the seemingly selective baldness, but have no time to dwell on it. The dwarf turns towards Bilbo, his broad shoulders taking up even more of the doorway. A bushy brown mustache, beard, and sideburns frames his face. A large metal ring can be seen over his chest, yet partially hidden beneath a thick brown traveling cloak.

A slow, deep voice resonates from him, "Dwalin…" He bows politely, but never breaks eye contact with Bilbo, "At your service." He waits for Bilbo to respond.

A bit stunned by the greeting, I applaud how quickly Bilbo pulls himself together, "Ah-," He firmly readjusts his patched robe around himself, "Bilbo Baggins at yours."

Before Bilbo can speak further, Dwalin strides into the hall, filling the space. Meanwhile, Bilbo tries to gain his attention again in a small, slightly squeaky voice, "Do we know each other?"

Dwalin looks down at Bilbo, and in the chandelier's light I notice faint black tattoos on the top of his head as well as a wicked scar curving across his nose, over his right eyebrow, and up his forehead. I take a moment to breathe, "Wow…" Fortunately they don't hear me, but I'm smiling at the incredible experience to be in one of my childhood's worlds, seeing these characters.

Dwalin takes note of Bilbo again, screws up his face slightly in rude disbelief, "No!" Not bothering with further conversation, the dwarf walks further into the hobbit hole. I quickly press my back against the wall and doorway, hoping the shadows will continue to be loyal to my cause. "Which way, laddie?" I hear a heavy cloak fall off of his shoulders and then rustling, like he's bunching it up, "Is it down here?"

Poor Bilbo speaks in his squeaky voice, "Is what down where?"

I hear Dwalin's feet twist on the tile and risk a look. Dwalin strides arrogantly to Bilbo, "Supper!" He throws his cloak into Bilbo, very nearly knocking him over, "He said there'd be food, and lots of it!"

Bilbo hesitantly follows Dwalin a bit, who strides into the kitchen, "He-he said?" Bilbo's face scrunches up in confusion, "Who said?" Despite hating Bilbo's discomfort, I know it would be unwise to help him this early. Instead, I grit my teeth and watch the events unfold.

A few minutes go by, but I don't dare move. An uncomfortable silence fills the home, well, apart from incredibly loud and noisy eating sounds coming undoubtedly from the dwarf. I hear bones snapping and know that Bilbo has taken my advice and has given Dwalin my portion of dinner. Or at least I hope he has, I think, twisting the end of my braid around a finger, He best not have given Dwalin his own food! However, even as I think it, I know that's what the sweet little hobbit has done.

A garbled voice reaches my ears, "Very good this, any more?" I wince in distaste, At least swallow your food before you speak…

Bilbo's voice is tiny, going almost unheard, "What?" I hear a clatter as Bilbo scrambles, "Oh yes… ah!" I recall the hilarious portion of this scene with the scones. "Help yourself!" This is followed by a truly disgusting series of sounds and I can only guess as to how much of the scones is actually getting into Dwalin's stomach. Bilbo hums, "It's just that I wasn't expecting any more company-"

He's cut off when the doorbell rings again. A few moments of silence goes by before Dwalin says in an almost creepy way, "That'll be the door."

When Bilbo opens the door, I smile to see one of my favorite dwarves, Balin. I almost laugh when I notice that his ears are even larger than I remembered, matching an equally large nose. An incredibly long white beard is paired with fluffy white hair as well as eyebrows and side burns exactly like Dwalin's.

Balin smiles cheerfully when he catches sight of Bilbo, "Balin!" He opens his arms wide and bows low, his dark red cloak rustling softly, "At your service!"

I wince sympathetically when I hear how truly dead Bilbo's voice sounds, "Good evening."

Undeterred, Balin straightens, "Yes, yes it is!" He turns to his right, looking up at the dark sky. The light from inside against the night outlines his incredibly long hooked nose, but I think it adds character. Balin turns back to Bilbo and steps gently, yet firmly, over the threshold, "Though I think it might rain later. Am I late?"

I can't see Bilbo's face, but his voice tells me that he must look extremely confused, "Late for what?"

Balin is spared answering by a clatter in the kitchen. Balin lets out a cheer, "Oh!" as he catches sight of his brother. Oh Lord, I mentally groan with a smile, What I would give to see Dwalin caught red-handed with the cookie jar! Balin strides into the kitchen to greet Dwalin, leaving Bilbo to close the door. Balin and Dwalin exchange jabs with each other, but I grimace when I hear their heads collide.

That seems to be enough for Bilbo, "Excuse me? I hate to interrupt- the thing is, I'm not entirely sure you're in the right house." Ignoring the poor soul, I have very little time to dart back around the doorway when the two dwarves stride out into the hall and come across the pantry. Liquid is poured into a cup, objects clatter off of shelves, and even see a hunk of blue cheese come flying out of the pantry. I shake my head as only I listen to what Bilbo says, desperately wishing I could walk in and introduce a little decorum.

The only point at which the two intruders acknowledge Bilbo's existence is at the end of his speech when he says, 'I'm sorry'. Balin's voice drifts out into the hall, "Apology accepted!" The bell rings yet again and I lean around to see Bilbo turn unbelievingly towards the door.

I do hope he's forgotten about me, I don't think he needs to be worrying about anything else! I think as Bilbo walks defeatedly towards the door.

The door opens and Bilbo emits a tiny whine at the two dwarves I know will be standing there. I find that I can't help myself, I turn and look even though the chances of my discovery are steadily climbing with each new dwarf.

The brother to the left is blonde, his mustache parted into two braids as well as two framing his face on either side. Each braid is held together at the end by a large silver clasp. Wow, he looks like a freaking lion! Adding to this effect is the slightly golden brown fur that he wears on his shoulders and across his chest. He speaks first, "Fili!"

"And Kili."

I lose all of the breath in my lungs when I look at the other brother. His brown hair is much more tame than the other dwarves I've seen, no braids that I can see in the dim lightning on the doorstep. He has no beard, but a thin framing of stubble that looks pretty good on him. Kili's facial structure is a bit bony, truly that of a reckless outdoorsman. His clothes are much darker than Fili's, of a navy blue color. He's frowning slightly in an adorably confused way, seeming to be the only dwarf who is questioning the location of their 'professional' burglar.

I duck back around the pillar to calm down as they both bow to Bilbo. Okay, breathe you weirdo! You might have had a slight crush on the character, but this is a serious story with serious repercussions! You have no time to be thinking about a dwarf!

Kili speaks again, "You must be mister Boggins!" I choke back a laugh at the incredibly enthusiastic mispronunciation. His eyes flash in my direction for a moment and I pull back. When I decide to risk a glance, I see that he looks a bit puzzled, but has apparently dismissed anything he may have seen.

Bilbo quickly cuts him off, his words running together, "Nope! You can't come in, you've come to the wrong house!" He attempts to shut the door, but is thwarted by Kili's boot. I'm unable to listen in or to watch the rest of the conversation as Dwalin struts out of the pantry and I'm forced to hide yet again.

I groan inwardly as I miss a good portion of the dwarves meeting their comrades, Ugh, I don't know how much longer I can hide here!

Almost as if answering my plea, the doorbell rings yet again I exhale in relief, Gandalf! Knowing that I will be able to come out of hiding when he comes in, I quickly straighten my dress and take a few deep breathes. You can do this, you can do this!

Meanwhile, Bilbo breathes heavily under all of the swords, knives, daggers, etcetera given to him undoubtedly by Fili, "Oh no… No, no-" Bilbo struggles to make his way to the door, "There's NOBODY HOME!" Bilbo throws all caution to the winds and allows all of the weapons to clatter into a side of the hall, "GO AWAY AND-" He thrashes around to dislodge a belted weapon from his shoulder, "GO BOTHER SOMEBODY ELSE! THERE'S FAR TOO MANY DWARVES IN MY DINING ROOM AS IT IS! If this is some- CLOT HEAD'S idea of a joke-" Bilbo laughs humorlessly, finally reaching the doorknob.

I automatically begin to cringe away from the post I hide behind, knowing the avalanche that awaits behind the door. Bilbo continues his tirade, "I can only say, it is in very poor taste!"

Bilbo jerks open the door. In tumbles a cascade of dwarves, grunting and groaning all the way. I smile wryly as I hear insults exchanged, Did you all really need to be pressed up against the door? I almost laugh aloud as I notice that Bombur is, of course, one of the dwarves on top.

A tall figure stoops into view. I breathe the same word that Bilbo says tiredly, "Gandalf…"

Once the dwarves had straightened themselves, they immediately proceeded to raid the pantry. Bilbo darts back and forth in a useless attempt to save some of his supplies. Bombur totters by with a huge wheel of cheese. When Bilbo tries to stop him, Bofur, carrying a large ham, informs him that Bombur eats it 'by the block'. Gloin and Oin walk past carrying a chair, and Bilbo tries in vain to stop the nearly deaf Oin. A wildly fierce looking Bifur carries a large plate of sliced cheese and I can't help but wonder if there's any way to remove the large chunk of axe imbedded in his head.

This is absolute pandemonium! I think, wincing a bit of food falls to the floor and is ground into the already filthy carpet by the dwarves' boots.

I spot Gandalf here and there, but neither of us have the chance to get past all of the dwarves, Well, and Gandalf doesn't know where I am per say. Still needing to keep up appearances, Gandalf helps set up the table but whenever he comes into view, he's looking around with keen eyes in an attempt to spot me. Soon enough I can hear Fili hollering over the group, "Who wants an ale?!" Deafening cheering ensue as well as the clanking of tankards.

I shrug to myself, now sitting on the floor in the doorway's corner and getting very tired of it, I suppose I can't blame them for wanting to have a good time. They go through more than most and they don't really get to see each other that often. No sooner am I done with this gracious forgiving thought when a few seconds of near silence ensues, interrupted only by loud gulping. I grimace in anticipation, Oh no… The belching contest begins and I can only assume what Bilbo's expression is and it makes me quite glad not to be in his vicinity, Ugh… I wrinkle my nose in distaste, fiddling with the hem of the dark green dress and curling my toes, That was uncalled for!

I glance around to see Bilbo fuming quietly at the doorway to his now empty pantry. Unable to truly dwell on the mess, the dwarves file in and out of the kitchen. Bilbo noisily confiscates a doily from Nori, but I'm busy thunking my head on the wall behind me, I really hope Gandalf comes near me soon. I really don't want to walk out there without his help, I have no idea how I'm going to explain this situation anyway!

About ready to pull my hair out, I finally hear Bilbo rambling about mud in the carpet. Bilbo finally steps into the hall from the kitchen, leading Gandalf, "They've pillaged the pantry!" Bilbo practically stomps through the floor as he approaches me, "I'm not even going to tell you what they did in the bathroom, they've all but destroyed the plumbing-" I can't help myself, I giggle a bit at that statement. Bilbo finally crescendos to a kind of shrill whisper, "I don't understand what they're doing in my house!"

Now having said his piece for now, Bilbo puts his hands on his hips. He isn't left for long as one of the most adorable dwarves steps up to him with a dirty plate. Wearing a large grey knit sweater and sporting a kind of odd reddish-brown bowl cut, Ori gestures with the plate, "'scuse me, I'm sorry to interrupt," I smile at the first real manners I've heard all night from a dwarf, "But what should I do with my plate?"

Fili walks casually out of the pantry, but I don't trust the smirk that graces his face. I want to step forward and grab the plate, if only to save Bilbo from a heart attack, but I'm too late. "Here Ori, give it to me!" Fili takes the plate before throwing it like a frisbee to Kili who stands just outside of the kitchen.

So the dwarves pottery acrobatics begins. Seeing that Bilbo and the dwarves are adequately distracted, I grab Gandalf's sleeve and tug gently, "Gandalf!"

The tall wizard turns and looks down in shock and then relief, "Nadia, good! I was starting to worry about you, you know!" Gandalf winks at me. He blows out a puff of smoke, "Did Bilbo treat you well? I see you got a change of clothes!" A frown creeps across his features when I look down at my feet and don't answer, "My dear girl, what ever is the matter? I assume you've been hiding here, but why?"

"It's just-" I wring my hands, listening to the clatter of dishes for a moment. I can't meet his eyes, "Gandalf, I- I'm nervous! You and Galadriel seem to think I'm important and even if I am, they won't believe that! It's not like many women are known to do much in this world. How will they ever accept me if they won't give me a chance?" I finally look up, up, up at his blue eyes, unconcealed worry in my own.

Gandalf lowers his pipe, placing a hand on my shoulder, "Nadia… Aren't you doing the same thing?" I blink. "You are afraid they won't give you a chance, yet you have not given them one either." Gandalf looks over his shoulder, checking to make sure that no one's headed in our direction. His right hand fiddles with the bottom of his beard thoughtfully, "I will not lie to you that you will have to prove yourself, but so does everyone from any world." Gandalf's cheerful nature is beginning to work in his favor of calming me down, but something else is on my mind.

"But there's something else." I allow my left foot to swing, scuffing the tiles as I stare down at its progress, "Galadriel said I have a powerful ability, but I don't, Gandalf! I don't know what use I will be to this company…" I barely choke out the last sentence, tears beginning to burn in my eyes.

Gandalf doesn't seem shaken by my emotional state. He bends down out of a wreath of smoke and claps a hand on my shoulder, "Not to worry! I have already discovered your ability!"

I jerk my head up, hearing something in my neck pop in my haste, "You have? What is it?!" I'm eager now, hopeful that I'll have something to contribute.

Gandalf smiles at my positive change in mood, "All in good time, it will be revealed when the leader of the company arrives." His face is lined, but not with worry, "Now, get something to eat and don't explain anything about yourself. You should meet them, but I have a plan as to an explanation."

I begin to stutter a denial, backing into the shadows once more, but Gandalf's hand has attained an iron grip on my shoulder. He smiles down at me knowingly and begins to drag me into the hall.

Just as I've almost come into the light, it happens.

Thunk. Thunk. Thunk.

The door… My heart drops to the floor along with any courage I had mustered from my conversation with Gandalf. The wizard walks further down the hall in view of the dwarves residing in the dining room. Though he whispers, the words are heard by everyone in Bag End:

"He's here."