Disclaimer: I own nothing of the Hobbit or Tolkien's works.

Last Chapter: She looked around the room, locking eyes with every Dwarf in the process. "My story will be fairly unbelievable to you but I swear to Aule," all of the dwarves perked up at this, "that I speak nothing but the truth." Taking a deep breath, Lorelei began her tale...

Now:

"I am of the Maiar, the lesser Ainur come from Valinor to aid the free peoples of Middle Earth." The dwarves were stunned silent and a few of the younger ones "However, I left Valinor without permission from the Valar, forsaking the privilege to ever return to those white shores. I watched over all races but over time, I was drawn more to the Dwarves, enchanted with the skills that Mahal had given them and what they could accomplish over time. Although I watched over all the tribes at first, my attention quickly became centered more intently upon the line of Durin after the Balrog woke in Moria, killing the king in his sleep. I have remained watchful of Durin's sons ever since they fled from that monster... particularly those of the royal blood."

There was a long moment of silence as the dwarves took this in; they were all stunned. When they seemed ready to listen again, Lorelei went on. "Time passed and I was happy, for though I remained a spirit, I lived alongside my chosen people and shared in their lives. When the decision was made for the royal line to be split between the Iron Hills and Erebor, I stayed true to the heirs of the throne and followed Thror. Our presence in Erebor brought some of the happiest years I remember, two cities prospering alongside each other with wonderful relations between them."

She smiled at the memories. "I became protective of the royal line of Dale as well, for they were Men of honor and courage, much like my Dwarves." Thorin nodded, remembering his grandfather's close alliance with the Lords of Dale.

But then Lorelei's smile fell as darker memories came to mind. "But... the weakness of the Durins came to rest on Thror at last. Long had I seen the gold sickness plague my people but never to such an extent as it consumed Thror, especially once the Arkenstone was found." She looked at Thorin with sad eyes. "Always before, the kings would heed my whispering counsel, for I would never lead my people astray. But after a time, Thror closed his ears and heart to me, preferring to remain in his treasure chamber admiring his gold. I was comforted by the fact that his son and grandchildren remained unchanged and perhaps I could make him see reason through them."

She sighed. "But it was not to be, he wouldn't listen even to them after a while. And then... came that day... when Smaug came and I was unable to do anything of value in my spirit form. But I was still determined to watch over my people, especially now. I grieved with them, for I had become an exile along with them. When we finally reached the Blue Mountains, I did what I could to bless the land, to encourage it to give up its treasures so that my people could live and do more than survive. I lent my calming presence and gentle whispers to the trade and negotiation tables so that cooler heads would prevail and trade routes be established."

Lorelei hesitated for a moment, clenching her fists as her eyes became a little glassy. "And then there came the Battle of Azanulbizar..." The older Dwarves flinched while Thorin went still as stone. "I could do nothing... nor could I save Thror or Thrain when it counted. Seeing the aftermath of that day... the guilt, sorrow and terror I felt were indescribable. If only I had been stronger in my powers... if I'd had a corporeal form so that I could actually talk...!"

I saw the survivors home to the Blue Mountains and went to seek out first Radagast the Brown and then Gandalf the Grey, seeking a way to gain a human form. If I lost my powers in the process, then I would learn human healing and fighting. But I would not be on the sidelines anymore."

Ori raised a hand in the air tentatively and Lorelei immediately nodded, encouraging him to ask his question. "Gandalf and the other wizards had a human form when they came to Middle Earth. Why didn't you?" Lorelei smiled. "Since I hadn't asked the Valar's permission to leave, nor had they personally called upon me to venture here, I was not given a human form."

She looked over at Gandalf, who looked pleased with himself. "Radagast and Gandalf used their knowledge to give me a form that suited me. To be honest, I was unnerved by how much I resembled the Elves of Mirkwood when I first beheld myself in the water." Her gaze turned back to the Dwarves. "My looks aside, I ask to join your Company on its venture." Then her lips tilted upward in a small mischievous smile. "Of course, if you refuse, I might just follow anyway and pester you until you agree."

Gloin actually chuckled at the woman's audacity while Fili and Kili smiled back, liking her even more at this point. Balin looked at Thorin, who still seemed a little shell-shocked. "Female or not, she would be a great asset and is clearly loyal. I say that she would do well in our Company." Dwalin looked at Lorelei hard and said, "Have ye knowledge of any weapons, missy? Or do ye just rely on yer powers in battle?"

Lorelei actually smirked, which made the tattooed dwarf's eyes narrow. "Once I was confident enough in my human form, Radagast trained me in the staff. It was Gandalf who taught me how to wield a sword about a year after that. I taught myself how to shoot a bow and use daggers just in case. Nowadays, I tend to use my 'other skills' only if necessary as I've become surprisingly fond of using physical means to fight. If you doubt me, I would be more than willing to spare with one of you during our journey."

"She is indeed proficient in nearly all weapons, I can attest to that. She shoots as well as any elf and has bested me in our mock-duels more than once." Gandalf looked proud as he said this and Lorelei actually flushed modestly.

After a long moment, Thorin sighed and nodded. "Very well, I accept your offer, Lady Lorelei. Since you have clearly stated that you can defend yourself accordingly, I trust that you will not need us to protect you in times of danger."

Lorelei's eyes hardened slightly, showing her determination. She got down on her knees in front of Thorin and bowed her head, saying, "I promise to defend the lives of this Company at the expense of my own if need be, no matter what. You have my word as a Maiar, Thorin Oakenshield, son of Thrain, son of Thror. Aule bear witness." All of the dwarves felt strangely honored by her pledge.

Thorin almost smiled and placed a hand on her shoulder, which made her look at him. "Then I say welcome to you. It is an honor to have you with us, my Lady." Gandalf looked on with a satisfied expression, his eyes twinkling with a knowing light. Yes, this boded well for the future of their quest. Now all they needed was their burglar.