Hope you guys have enjoyed the first few chapters.

Erika is based off one of my toons in Skyrim. She was the first character I made. What do you guys think her of so far? I'm trying to not give too much away about Erika or her past, (mostly her family) Just yet; at least until she meets the company! You've learnt she was a companion. She is a Nord, and two of her dearest friends were Elves, can you guess which two?

Thank you to alchemista for following the story!

It had been just under two days since the wizard Gandalf had visited. Erika felt kinda guilty keeping it from Bilbo that the wizard may be back soon, among others. She kept it to herself though, after all she'd been through; she felt that this may be a secret best kept to herself. It may in fact play in Bilbo's favor, and she believed the reason the old wizard had asked for her silence was so it would play in his favor. Bilbo and Erika were about to tuck into a few beautiful fish which they had caught in the river; Erika had shown Bilbo her skills, though limited, at fishing. They did only come back with two; but the day had been well spent, gathering fresh food and ingredients and cooking their meal; this was where Bilbo showed off his skills. Since meeting her; he'd learnt Erika wasn't very good at cooking and though to teach her a few things. The two had just gathered their drinks and were sat at the table when...

Thump! Thump!

There was a knocking at the door. That was odd. Hobbits were creatures of routine; and at this very moment it was supper time! Why weren't they in their own hobbit holes already tucked in or about to tuck into their well prepared meals. Bilbo stood nd answered the door, and Erika took her first few cuts of fish, eating the well seasoned meat as she heard the voice.

"Is it down here laddie?"

He was taller then Bilbo, well muscled and a bald head; he began undoing his travelling cloak.

"Is what? Down where?" Bilbo asked.

"Supper!" The man boomed tossing his cloak to Bilbo, "He said there'd be food. And lots of it!"

Bilbo watched at a loss as the man roamed about his house. "He? you say. He who?"

Erika returned to the dining room; where the man now sat. He'd been so heavy footed and within seconds he'd sat behind her without her notice; she jumped slightly at the sight of him, and was hesitant to move closer. He looked at her, could see her caution and smirked as he dipped his head. He saw her stance when she had recovered from her small shock, it was that of a fighter. She was ready to l leap into action if need be. Who was she? The wizard had said nothing of a girl!?

"M'name is Dwalin. At ya service miss."

"Erika, at yours."

She stood away even when Bilbo came in. Bilbo sat behind the man, being 'at his service' and handing food to him when he asked and refilling a mug of Ale for him. Erika stood against the wall, her eyes on Dwalin at all times. She had no doubt in her mind that this was one of the company that Gandalf told her he would be sending; but he had done no more then that. She had no details of any of these people but Bilbo.

"Mister Dwalin?" Erika waiting til he looked up at her. "I don't mean to be rude..-"

"But ya may be anyway, lass?"

"What are you?"

"What?" he said gruffly.

"What. Are. You?"

"I'm a dwarf! What did you think I was a stinking ferret!"

"A Dwarf?" Erika looked down, "How very strange indeed."

"Strange?!"

"I beg your pardon Mister Dwalin; In the lands I'm from Dwarves are extinct. I never thought I'd meet one in real life."

Dwalin studied the lass for a moment. He had noticed before, she stood about his height. She was not Dwarf or Hobbit, so she was of the Man race; she most definitely wasn't an Elf. He heard no malice in her voice as she explained, just a small hint of excitement.

"Extinct?"

"Yes; but there's many ruins. It's wonderful exploring them.."

"Is there anymore food hobbit?"

Erika stopped short, maybe she wasn't so excited, they were awfully rude.

"Yes! Of course!" And Bilbo was up being the perfect host once more. "It's just I wasn't expecting company!"

Diiiiing.

Bilbo's door chime rang, and Erika pushed herself from the wall. Excusing herself to answer the door. Erika opened the door to find, what she believed to be another dwarf on the other side. He was shorter then Dwalin and had a long white beard that split and curled at the two ends. He smiled at her, and she couldn't help but smile back at him. He seemed a lot friendlier.

"Balin! At ya service!" Balin's voice was cheery and he kept smiling throughout his deep bow.

"G-good Evening Mister Balin."

"Balin stuck his hand out and shook Erika's as soon as she had it out.

"What, may I ask, is your name?"

"It's Erika."

"Nice to meet ya lassie. Am I late?"

"Uhmmm..."

"Oh!" Balin exclaimed, stepping inside the house. He walked over to Dwalin. "Good Evening brother!"

"And you. I do believe you're shorter and wider since last we met." Dwalin said in a teasing voice.

"Wider, not shorter. and sharp enough for both of us." Balin countered with a wink.

Erika closed the door, and quietly strode off to her room as Dwalin and Balin entered the pantry, much to Bilbo's annoyance. Bilbo followed the two , trying to explain that he didn't want them here. They were in the wrong place maybe? Erika sighed as the door chime went again, and shut the door to her room. She really didn't want to be out there and before long she could hear furniture moving and poor Bilbo shout; it would be unfair of her to allow Bilbo to deal with all that on his own. Erika pulled herself up and left her room; as she saw Bilbo pulling the door open. As he did a load of Dwarves fell into the house, causing Bilbo to jump back, Erika giggled slightly gaining the attentions of two young Dwarves helping Dwalin and Balin. She smiled as she saw Gandalf; and all the Dwarves came into the house. As all the Dwarves began moving about, taking things from the pantry and taking chairs from different rooms; Erika stood back allowing them to do so. she felt bad for Bilbo, his house being invaded, but they were a merry bunch. Gandalf came by Erika, counting the Dwarves and rehearsing their names. She watched Gandalf turn to speak to Dwalin; Erika caught eyes with the mean old Dwarf and excused herself to another room which she began tidying for Bilbo.

"Don't sneak up on me boys."

"How'd you know?" A cheeky voice said.

"I now know to keep alert after your Mister Dwalin scared me."

"He can do that." Another voice said.

Erika turned round, they were just smaller that her. One had dark brown hair and the other was fair haired; in her land he would pass off as a Nord.

"So who are you?"

"I'm Erika. You?"

"Fili."

"And Kili."

"At ya service?" Erika finished for them gaining a smile from the two.

The two left and went into the dining room, Erika watched from the doorway for a second before making her way outside for a breathe of fresh air. She supposed she'd been too hard on Dwalin. After seeing them all there all she could think of was the Companions; it was almost no different to them when they went to the Inn. Erika laughed to herself slightly as a thought crossed her mind, Dwalin reminded her of Skjor. And she wasn't entirely sure if that was a good thing or a bad thing.

"Find something amusing?"

Erika had been so deep in thought she hadn't realized someone stood at the gate. Another Dwarf.

"Just thinking."

"Is this the house of the hobbit, of Gandalf."

"Indeed it is. Your company is already inside; charming lot. They're..."

"They're what?" He rumbled deeply as he stepped inside the gate.

"I was thinking about them." She continued as she saw his raised eyebrow. "They remind me of some from home. They remind me a lot of home. Mister Dwalin and Mister Balin especially."

"How so?"

"People I know...knew. Mentors of mine, both great and fierce warriors."

"A fitting description of Dwalin and Balin; they're both excellent warriors." The Dwarf looked at the girl and smirked slightly, "I understand you were referring to your mentors. Am I correct in believing they taught you to fight?"

"Aye. I joined their group of their group of warriors. They were at the top; even in the circle who were the strongest warriors. Everyone looked up to them. I dreamed of being a...Sorry!" Erika said, laughing slightly. the Dwarf watched her, amused. "I guess I can go on a bit! They were the best of the best; The strongest, looked up to be everyone. Kodlak didn't care whether you'd came to make a name for yourself or whether you came for coin. So long as you had strength of spirit and a fire burning in your heart...you could join."

The Dwarf watched her smiling. He could see the fire she was talking about. A fierce fire, a fierce sense of pride as she spoke of this group of warriors who had let her join their ranks. These great warriors that his dearest of friends reminded her of. And he was proud; he wasn't sure why, but that fact that she had made the connection between the people he held dearest to him with people she cares for greatly...it made him happy...proud.

"And of course, there had to be a spare bed in Jorrvskar."

He chuckled slightly at her joke; moving closer to the door.

"I'm a house guest of Mister Baggins. I've travelled far and he agreed; that so long as I could work for my keep I can stay." Erika stood, she was the same height as this Dwarf. "Although hobbits aren't known for their hard work, so it doesn't feel like I'm earning anything. I'm Erika."

"I am Thorin."

Erika looked to him, for some reason the name was familiar; and then it clicked.

"You're the one Dwalin spoke of! Something of being late and at a meeting. He was speaking to Gandalf and I was on my way out here."

"So you weren't eaves dropping?" Thorin said cheekily.

"No." Erika mumbled. "Not intentionally; I can't help what my ears pick up as I walk past."

Thorin glanced at her before making his way to the door, knocking on it. Erika sat back down as she heard the door open; Thorin walked into the hobbit hole, his heavy shoes thundering under him. Bilbo, before closing the door, politely asked Erika if you would like to come back inside. It would be getting chilly soon , and he'd hate to see her come down with something. Erika quickly got in the house before Bilbo shut and locked the door. The whole company was stood behind Bilbo at the door with Gandalf, as Thorin circled Bilbo like a vulture. For a moment, he was Skjor and Bilbo was she. She believed that Thorin was going to be far harsher then Skjor, she did not yet know what would consist of their quest but she was certain he was only going to take those whom he was sure could handle themselves.

"Bilbo Baggins allow me to introduce, the leader of our company Thorin Oakenshield!"

Erika looked around the company. Their heads bowed deep in respect as their lead was introduced before they all gazed upon Thorin and Bilbo with amusement; Erika could tell this was not to be in Bilbo's favor.

"So this is the hobbit. Tell me Mister Baggins, have you done much fighting?"

"Pardon me?"

"What's your preference axe or sword?"

"Well I have got a skill at conkers, if you must know. But I fail to see why that's relevant..."

"Am I allowed to answer that?" Erika whispered to Gandalf, who nodded. "Battle Axe. I rarely leave without Wuuthrad. Although I do love my two handed-"

"Do you mind, girl?"

Gandalf and Erika turned to see an angry Dwalin glaring at them. Erika was not going to shrink to the Dwarf, she would stand up for herself. she wouldn't allow herself to be pushed around!

"What?" Erika returned Dwalin's glare, and could see it was defintely not a regular occurence for someone to stand up to Dwalin.

"Master Dwalin, there is no need to speak to Miss Erika is such a fashion." Gandalf said, calming the two. "Miss Erika was merely answering Thorin's question."

"Her? The girl?"

"Yes, Master Dwalin. Erika was just telling me of Wuuthrad...was it?"

"Yes. A battle axe; the blade was broken and reforged. It belonged to the founder of the companions-"

"The companions?" Thorin asked, "This is your warrior group, you spoke of before?"

"Aye. Tis them. The axe came to me shortly before I became Harbinger."

"Har what?" Dwalin asked rudely.

"Harbinger. Leader."

The Dwarves and Gandalf, whom had heard nothing or little of her life, were shocked. Bilbo, although she'd never told him this part was not and was the first to recover.

"Skjor said you would become great!"

"Indeed he did, friend. Sadly; he was killed before he could see his legacy." Erika dipped her head in respect of her fallen mentor. "Before Wuuthrad, I used my Sky steel. A two handed sword, it was made for me when I came a companion by our blacksmith, who was a good friend of mine. He taught me many a things."

Erika sat listening as the Dwarves explained their quest to Bilbo. They were trying to take back their home. And their treasure, who could forget the treasure of the Dwarves! Even Skyrim they had been notorious treasure hoarders. And that was part of the reason Erika loved going to the ruins. Their home had been taken from them, by a beast!

"What is the monster?" She asked, walking to Gandalf's side. "What is the beast which you mean to slay?"

"Something that would scare you lassie!"

"What is it?"

The Dwarves looked to one another. Should they tell her? Thorin had guessed early on that she was trying to win a place on their quest and he guessed Gandalf would vouch for her. He knew little of her past, only that she was a warrior, and he was unsure to take her on this quest to reclaim Erebor. Thorin leaned back in his chair, and looked up at her.

"A dragon."

He was watching her. Waiting for her reaction; there it was. Fear. There was fear in her eyes, which quickly turned into the same anger and determination he had seen in the mirror. Her face became hard, despite her watery eyes and her fists clenched at her sides.

"Dragon?" She whispered, a haunting sound to her voice. "There are dragons here?"

Now all the Dwarves watched, and Bilbo. There was something to her now. Memories flashing in her eyes, and the Dwarves could almost see the fire and people running. They could hear the terrified screams and smell the burning, not of Erebor; her memories. A dragon had hurt her; they saw and knew that pain in her eyes. They'd all been through the same; she knew their pain. And Thorin knew she would ask, and he knew he needed to say no. She was a woman, but he knew she would fight her cause.

"Yes. There are dragons here. Smaug is the worst of Middle Earth."

"What is he?"

"A dragon lass, he just said." Balin answered.

"No, I mean what kind?" Erika looked at Balin, hoping she wasn't glaring at him like she did his brother. "Is he fire? Frost? Is he an Elder Dragon?"

"What are you talking about lass?"

"You've seen dragons before. More then one?"

"Yes." Erika thought perhaps it was unwise to explain he she was a dragon hunter in Skyrim. "Let me help."

Thorin looked at her. He should really say no. He has to say no.

"You do exactly as I say. And you will get your revenge on the fire drakes."

Erika offered him a small smile, a tear escaped. "Thank you."

Sorry I'm skipping a bit, just to get them all on the road! I was gonna have her follow them, but decided against it. She was kind of pulling at their heart strings. She knows what it's like to have every pulled away from under your feet because of a dragon! And all the Dwarves knew it, just by a simple look.

Originally she was going to be good friends with Dwalin, but it doesn't seem that way right now does it? I think she will get on with Balin well and the Durin brothers! What should her relationship with the rest of the company be like? You can see she's already good friends with Bilbo, as the little hobbit is fascinated by her! I don't think it's attraction Thorin has for Erika at the moment; I think he could just tell she was a strong woman and used to working her way up. He could just tell her path hasn't been smooth or steady, she's had to work and fight for everything! And now that he knows, they've kind of been through the same things...he kind of feels sorry for her. There hasn't been much interaction with anyone else at the moment but there will be!

Review the story please! Let me know what you guys think. Is it going to smoothly? (I do think Thorin gave in to easily!) Do you think he should be harder on her, although Dwalin's doing it enough for everyone!