A/N: I do not own the Hobbit nor any of its creations. It belongs to great J.R.R. Tolkien and the wonderful visions of Peter Jackson made real by MGM and New Line Cinema. I own Fallon, her family, background and heritage. I make no profit from this story and only seek to bring entertainment to other like-minded individuals as myself. Thank you and please review.

Chapter Four

Thorin POV

It was hard to discern how Fallon felt upon hearing everything about the quest. The whole time we spoke around the table about the other Dwarves not joining us, the newly found door into the mountain, why we needed a burgler and the Dragon Smaug- Fallon sat silently, listening and observing. Passion flared in her green irises when Fili mentioned us all being fighters- a number he included her into- but not once did fear show. Now, everyone had dispersed through the Hobbits' home (who had fainted when Bofur kept speaking of the Dragon) and Fallon had disappeared from sight. I wished to speak with her, one on one, to see if she truly understood the dangers. I had no claim on her in any possible way but I would do what I could to look after her well being.

I turned a corner down another hallway and found the woman that had been on my mind since laying eyes on her. She was standing still, weigh shifted more on her right leg while playing with the end of her braid and looking at a map on the wall. I walked towards her silently until I was at her side. Clearing my throat to get her attention, I watched her jump before turning to me with flushed cheeks. The shade of pink looked fetching on her light peach-colored skin.

"Gandalf said you'd been traveling together for three weeks. If you do not mind my asking...does your absence not upset your family?" I asked.

I watched as her eyes grew dim and a heavy stone landed in my stomach. She looked so sad my heart constricted in empathy.

"I suppose they would, if they yet lived. My parents died when I was young and my uncle only died a month ago. He was my last living relative."

"I am sorry for your loss...and for asking."

"There is never any harm in asking a question. How else will we learn? I knew you meant no offense or hurt."

"So there is no one at all? No husband or anyone to take you in?"

I didn't like thinking of her being alone in the world with no family or relations. If her Uncle died a month ago and she'd been traveling with Gandalf for three weeks, it left little time to be truly alone. However, what would happen after the quest? Would she continue to travel with Gandalf? The life of wandering the wilderness, never settling anywhere. He'd been there and done that...it was not a life for one such as her. A small laugh brought his attention to Fallon whose green eyes sparkled in mirth. I rose a brow in questioning, not understanding what was so funny.

"No, there's no one. But to think I may be married?!" Another giggled escaped her and I felt a smile tug at my own lips. "No, I have no husband and have never actually thought of looking for one. I'm very independent and don't like the thought of someone putting restrictions on me."

Suddenly, I watched in confusion as her face lost its humor and became uncertain. It was not a look I liked on her fair face and I liked the reason for it far less.

"I suppose the Dwarves aren't the only ones without a home. When I came here and was found by Gandalf, I didn't think much about the fact I may never get to go back. I really didn't have anything holding me there, not after my uncle died. Though, truthfully...there's nothing here either. Just my purpose on this quest. Helping all of you to regain your home is the only thing that's worthwhile. There's nothing and no one else."

Her eyes were sad and he resolved to help her find her place, even if it wasn't with me. Frowning at my newfound and very secret wishes, I placed my hands on her shoulders- marveling at how vulnerable she looked now. Her eyes met mine and I was glad that some of the sadness had gone. My face and voice were serious when I spoke my vow.

"I will help in any way I can, Lady Fallon. You will find your place." Her eyes grew lighter and I had to ask. "Are you sure going on this quest is what you want? It will be dangerous and the threat of failure and death is high. I would not wish such an end for you. I could send you with word to my halls in the Blue Mountains. My sister would take you in. You could make a home there if you wish."

I was alarmed at the tears that misted her eyes, thankful that they didn't actually fall. My thoughts fled as her soft, delicate body met my own. I registered her arms wrapping around my neck and shoulders as she buried her face in my right shoulder. Her head turned towards mine and I felt her breath whisper against my collarbone. I supressed the shudder at the feel of our closeness and simply wrapped my arms around her waist. One hand rested on her upper back while the other was on the opposite side, she was completely emcompassed in my arms. Her scent- a combination of wild orchids, fresh mountain air and a hint of lavender- filled my nose and I turned my head into her to breathe it in. It was a delicate smell, not overwhelming and sweet like her. I loved it.

"Thank you, Thorin...but Gandalf is sure this quest will answer some of my questions."

I didn't reply for there was no need. I just ran my hand up and down her back a few times. I sighed softly at her voice saying my name. Her tone had been so gentle and caring that I could imagine my heart swelling; creating a place for her within its walls. Holding her in my arms brought a feeling to me that I had long since forgotten what it felt like.

Peace.

-:- -:- -:- -:- -:-

Fallon POV

A throat being cleared nearby pulled me from Thorin's embrace. We both looked over to see Balin there, looking away from us. I blushed at what we may have looked like, which was foolish; we'd just met not a full two hours ago.

"Excuse me, Lass...but may I have a word with Thorin?"

Balin had finally looked back, his eyes twinkling with amusement. I nodded, stepping passed Thorin and down the hall.

"Of course, Master Balin. I imagine there's much to be discussed on the eve of departure for such an important quest."

Balin smiled and winked at me, making me flush again. It seemed he knew something that I didn't but I ignored it. Leaving them alone, I walked towards the sitting room- thoughts of Thorin on my mind. I couldn't believe he had offered to send me to his halls in the Blue Mountains; and with his sister. It was such a genuine offer with compassion and empathy that I was overwhelmed with emotions. I knew that I would do everything and anything I could to help Thorin and these Dwarves to reclaim their homeland. I sat on a stool near the fireplace in the sitting room. I watched as the occasional Dwarf wandered through until gradually they were all sitting or standing around the room. Thorin stood across from my seat, standing with his arm leaning on the mantlepiece. Bofur took an armchair that was to the right of me and Fili was behind me.

They lit their pipes and starting smoking, a comfortable silence falling around the room. After ten minutes or so, a humming started deep within Thorin's chest. I watched, mesmerized as the Dwarves slowly began to sing. Thorin started it in his deep timbre and even as the other Dwarves joined in, I focused on his voice. Most began to stand in honor for their lost home as the song comtinued and I knew this moment would stay with me. The solemn faces and deep memory within their voices would bring me courage to do whatever it took to aide them.

Far over the Misty Mountains Cold

To dungeons deep and caverns old

We must away ere break of day

To find our long forgotten gold

The pines were roaring on the height

The winds were moaning in the night

The fire was red, its flaming spread

The trees like torches blazed with light

-:- -:- -:- -:- -:-

Here's another chapter. Hope you all like it. Please review and tell me what you think.

UnwrittenJourney