Gandalf was walking through the forest. He knew that a wolf was prying on him, but it didn't concerned him in the slightes. He just wandered calmly. Then the animal jumped on him growling, but the beast fell dead before his feet. A arrow stuck in it's throat.
„You knew I was here, old friend.", a female voice said and a dark covered figure came out the shadows and tugged the arrow off the dead wolf.
„What can I say? I happen to know you pretty well, my dear.", he smiled.
„That's what you like to think, hm? So what do you want from me, Olorin", she asked skeptically.
„What? Can't I just want to visit an old friend?", he acted offended. The women put her hand on her hip in a challenging manner. The wizard held up his hand in surrender. „Alright, alright. You got me there.", he admitted.
The women chuckled in victory. „I happen to know you as well as you me. Maybe better. So?"
„Well, I plan a little adventure...", he started but was abruptly by his friend.
„The journey of Thorin Oakenshield to reclaim Erebor."
He lookes stunned at her. „You know about it?"
„Indeed.", she replied thoughtful.
Gandalf knew this tone. And smirked to himself. „So... you will accompany us?", he asked hopeful.
Kaléa snorted at that. „You know the answer."
„Wonderfull! Then we should be underway to the Shire."
The dunedain shook her head. „You go ahead. I will join you once the dwarves arrive. Oh! And Gandalf? Please, be easy on the halfling. This will be hard enough for him as it is.", she warned him.
„Me? Why would I do that? You wound me!", he exclaimed playfully.
She looked at him deadpanned. „You are mischievious, old man." With that she left and the wizzard laughing
Another knock on the hobbit's door and Bilbo was so done with it. „Ah, there he finally comes. About time.", said Bofur cheerily.
„That's not Thorin. Bilbo, if you would?", Gandalf interjected. That caughed the attention of all. They gathered to have a good look at the door.
„You have invited someone else?", Balin asked alarmed.
„I would rather say, she invited herself. My friend does as she pleases."
„SHE!", everybody breathed shocked.
„Thorin won't like that.", Dwalin barked.
Bilbo opened the door. „Bilbo Baggins?", the female asked kindly.
„Uhm... yea... yeah!", he stuttered.
„A pleasure. May I come in?" Finally someone who just doesn't intrude. Bilbo thought relieved and let her inside.
„Ah, my dear. Put your weapons to the others and join us. We feast!", Gandalf greeted cheerily.
The dwarves numbled around themselves. „Is that an elf?", Dori asked quietly so the stranger won't hear him.
„Hopefuly not! That's the last thing we need.", Dwalin growled.
„There, there brother. Let's give the lass a fair chance. She is a friend of Gandanf's after all.", his brother scolded softly.
„Maybe, but Thorin won't allow an elf to come, will he?", Fili said. Balin had to agree on that.
The female took her coat and hood off, turned smiling to the others and the dwarves were relieved to see that she was a human. „You must be the company of Thorin Oakenshield. Kaléa, at your service, my friends.", she introduced herself and bowed before them.
Balin was the first to approach her. „Balin, at yours, lassie", he said friendly and gave her a small bow as well. One after another introduced themselves to the young beauty.
„Kili, nice to meet you, georgous.", Kili had a flirty grin and kissed her knuckles.
„Kili! Behave yourself, by Mahal! I apologise for my little brother, miss. He still has a lot of growing up to do. I'm Fili, by the way.", Fili grabed his brother by the collar and pulled him back.
Kaléa giggled. „No problem, every women likes to hear compliments. Espacialy from young, charming lads like your and your brother.", she winked. Dear Lord! What are you thinking, women?!
The brother looked stunned at each other, before they returned their attention to her, both of them having a boyish glint in their eyes. Oh, boy. What have I done? „Well, and every men likes to hear such sweet words from lovely women such as yourself, m'lady.", Fili said with a charming smile.
Their were interrupted by Bofur's clearing his throat. „This, is my cousin Bifur. 'Cause of the axe he can only speak Khuzdul and some sign lenguage."
„Oh! Al – nmenu Duzhuk.", she greeted the dwarf in their tongue.
The dwarves gasped in shock. „How do you know our language?", Dwalin asked outraged.
Kaléa held up her hands in surrender. „Easy there, big guy. No ne to jump on my throat. Even though your folk keep your traditions under lock and key, you have not always had been isolated from everyone. I have known Gandalf for a very long time. And he, is a very old wizard you must know. He thaughed me some Khuzdul.", she explained calmly.
They all seemed to relax a bit, but were still somewhat weary. „That's right. Now lets get something to eat.", Gandalf said.
Kaéa was dragged by Kili to the table and put her beside himself and Nori. Leaving Fili pouting. The archer sticked his tongue at his brother, very pleased with himself.
Dinner was a chaos. And messy, but Kaléa enjoyed herself. Nori kept putting food on her plate, unrequested. „Need to put some meat on ya, lass.", he said.
„I would say, I have enough meat, where it counts, my friend.", she responded cockily earning her laughs from everyone.
„Girly has a bite!", Gloin cheered.
„Well, she definitely does have nice curves.", Kili grinned and looked boldly all over her.
„KILI!", Balin shrieked scandalized.
„I think, you had enough ale, sweetheart.", the dunedain said amused.
As if summoned Fili was walking on the table with some new goblets with ale. „Over here, bother.", Kili waved and tool two goblets. Shoving one in Kaléa's hand.
„Uh... I rather not. Alkohol don't agrees with me, I'm afraid."
„Nonesense! If you want to be one of us, you have to drink!", Kili challanged.
She raised an eyebrow. „So this is some kind of initiation?", she asked jokingly.
„Yep"
„Well, then. Cheers."
„Cheers."
Both of them took a few chugs. But Kaléa's face was that of utter digust. „Ugh... how can you dink this swill? I tastes like old horse piss.", she coughed.
The dwarves laughed at that. Nori patted her back good natually. „You can say that again, lass. Whait once you get some old good dwarven ale. You won't can get enough of that.", Bombur said approvingly.
„I take your world for it."
Then Nori let out a loud burp and the men cheered. Exept Balin. „Oi, lads! We have a women he...", he started to lecture but was interrupted by another, louder burp. All eyes were focused on the female in utter shock.
She held her hand in front of her hand and her cheeks blushed out of emrbarrassment. „Opps, sorry."
Another fit of laughter exploded. Kili wraped his arm on her shoulder. Fili gave her a thumbs up. „You passed. Congratiulations!", he alsmost yelled in her ear.
„Do you have some dwarf in you, lass?", Bofur asked in jest.
She just shrugged. „Not at the moment. Wouldn't mind it though.", she replied an once she realised what she just said she could've smack herself. Utter horror in her face.
The others looked at her stunned, then their laughed again. Bombur nearly fell from the bench. „Ya a treasure, lassie!", Dwalin winked.
She buried her face in her hands. „That's why I don't drink", she mumbled.
„No, no! Give her more!", Nori disregarded.
Then the singing started. Kaléa felt really bad for Bilbo, but couldn't help herself and dance to the merry tune. Kili caught up on that and quickly graped her by her wrist and pulled her to his chest. She yelped in surprise, but once she so in a pair of amused, bown eyes she shook her head bemused and started dancing with the prince.
That's what Bilbo Baggins hates...
The song continued and Kili twirled the female across the room into his brothers arms.
Dump the crocks in a boiling bowl,
pound them up with a thumping pole...
The young women was found herself against Kili's chest.
That's what Bilbo Baggins hates!
The song came to an end and the young dwarf dipped the darkhair girl. Thankfully she wasn't much taller then him. Only about a head. He looked at her and winked at her happy expression.
Then three loud knocks on the door accured. The merrimaking came to an hold. „He is here.", Gandalf announced and stood up to open the door.
Kaléa hid in the the corner. „Gandalf, I lost my way twice...", she heard Thorin baritone voice but her attention was on Balin who looked at her encouraging. „Don't worry, my dear. He isn't as bad as he seems. You need't to be afraid."
„I'm not. I'm just weary. Always am. Old habit.", she smiled reassuringly.
„Who is the girl?", Thorin voice boomed.
Here we go. „I'm Kaléa, a friend of Gandalf's." The king looked at the wizard, and he wasn't happy.
„You didn't say you would bring someone else."
„I volenteered." She hated when people talked over her.
„Why?", he aske skepticaly. His stance deffensive.
Two can play this game, gumpy. She copied his posture. „Because it's the right thing to do.", she simply answered.
„It can't be that easy. There's always a catch. What do you want?"
„Nothing. I don't even expect a "thank you" or a pat on the back. Never mind paymand. I have no use of this."
„Are you one of the rangers?", Dori asked couriously.
Kaléa laughed out loud. „Oh, no. I mean we basically do the same thing, thats true. But call me that in front on them and they spit on you for the insult. I'm on my own. I'm more like Gandanf here. A guardian watchin over middle earth.", she explained.
„Or like a angel. An archangel.", Gandalf almost sang.
The female rolled her eyes. „You know I hate it when you call me that."
„Angel? That's rather fitting.", Kili beamed.
„Aye, she definatly looks like one.", Fili agreed.
„DON'T!", the women barked annoyed.
„You aren't coming.", Thorin said firmly.
„Yes, I will.", she smirked.
„I said : No!", he growled.
„And I said : Yes! I can go all night, handsome." She knew she shouldn't taunt him but it was to tempting. His nephews tried hard not to show their amusement.
„Thorin, I can tell you from personal experience, it's pointless to argue with the girl. She is as stubborn as a mule. She will just follow us.", Gandalf tried to smooth the situation.
„And Léa is really great, uncle. She is just like us.", Kili backed her up. This touched her that he would take her site over his king. His uncle glared at him.
„Look, Thorin. I really want to help you. I know you think you have no allies, but that's not true. I'm a capable fighter and know the wilds better then most. I just want to help. You suffered for far to long. I know how it is to not have a home. I can't return there. I don't even know where "there" is. But you can. And I will do everything in my power to accomplish it. All three of Durn's sons are on their way to danger. I will make sure your line will continue on. Even if I have to sacrifce myself.", she spoke with such passion that the hard lines of the king softend.
After a few moments he extended his hand. „Welcome, to the company, miss Kaléa."
She smiled and shook it. „You won't regret it.", she promised.
„No, I won't.", he smiled slightly. The rest cheered.
„You don't need to do this, Thorin. We can do without all this gold.", Balin tried du argue softly.
„It's not about the gold, Balin. It's about justice! This is your rightful home. Your heritage. That has been taken away from you. This is for the future of the dwarven race. So, your children and children's children can grow up where their belong. Or did I got it wrong.", Kal'ea popped up and turned to Thorin in the end.
He smiled at her. „No, your right."
She returned the smile, but was called and nodded at the two men before leaving.
„Girl is something else.", Balin commented touched.
„That she is. It's mesmerizing that a stranger get's us better then some of our own.", Thorin agreed.
„She will be a great asset and probably a true friend. I'm glad she is coming."
„Mm – hm... Though I get the clear feeling she will also be quite the handful.", the king chuckled.
„Well, if our little spitfire is eager to raclaim our home... so will we. I'm with you, laddie. To the bitter end."
Far over the misty mountains cold,
to dungeons and caverns old...
Thorin started to sing and immedietly Kaléa got goosebumps. She looked out the window and tried to control her emotion.
The pines were roaring on the heigh,
The winds were moaning in the night...
When the others joined their king in the sad tune the famale fought against the tears. Mouthing the words along.
Once the song ended. Kaléa couldn't hold it back and tears ran down her cheek. She hurridly wiped it off and ran out of the hobbithole. The dwarves looked after her, confused and worried.
Kaléa breathed in the fresh hair and calmed her emotion. Their pain, their struggles... it was too much.
The door opened and someone came out. „What's wrong, my dear?", Balin asked softly.
„Sorry, I was just... I mean I heard the stories, but hear it from you... after getting to know you...", she stuttered and she wanted to kick herself. „I apologise."
The dwarf chuckled slightly and put a comforting hand on her arm. „Apologise? For what? For your empathy? Your comapassion? You should never feel bad for that."
„I just hate to show weakness, is all."
His eyebrows shot up. „Weakness? There is no weaness, on the contrary. Seeing you feel for us, understanding us is very comforting and encouraging. You give us hope for a better future. The more people like you are born the brighter the world becomes."
She smiled appreciatly. „Thank you, Balin. We should probably get in before they miss me.", the women joked.
„So, what do you think, Léa? Will Bilbo join us or not?", Fili asked while riding beside her.
„He comes. Before we leave the Shire. He'll catch up.", she answered promptly.
He raised a curious eyebrow. „You sound sure of it."
„Well, I'm a good judge of character."
„I think you wrong this time, beautiful.", Kili chimed in.
„Just you watch, pretty boy.", she smirked knowingly.
„I trust her judgement.", the blonde prince said and winked at the women.
His brother snorted. „You just want to be favored by our lady."
„And if I am?"
„It's appreciated. And it works.", Kaléa informed.
„Hah! She likes me better then you!", Fili exclaimed happily.
Kili rolled his eyes. „Whatever, you still gonna lose the bet."
„Is winning a bet more important to you then my friendship? I'm hurt.", the famale sniffed and gave him her best pout.
„Ah, you love me regardless.", the archer disregarded.
„Cocky dwarf!", Kaléa sighed.
„WAIT! WAIT! I SIGNED IT!", someone shouted and the company came to an hold.
Kaléa and Fili grinned in thriumph at Kili. He on the other hand rolled his eyes again. „Yeah, yeah. Mahal, you are imature.", he said playfuly.
When Kaléa saw how tansed Bilbo sat on the Pony she shook her head, utterly amused. „Relax, Bilbo. Then she relaxes to and won't throw you off. Probably."
The hobbit nodded and did as advised. Money flew around them. „Pay up.", someone yelled.
„What's going on?", Bilbo asked confused.
„They wagered on wether you come or not. Half of us said you wouldn't.", Gandalf explained.
„And what did you thought?", the halfling asked little offended.
A bag of coins landed in the wizards hand. „My dear Bilbo, I never doubted you for a second."
„Neither did I.", Kaléa grinned and caught a bag from Kili who was little salty since he lost against her and his brother. „Ah, stop sulking, Kee. You look like your uncle."
„I heard that!", Thorin's annoyed voice barked.
„It looks good on you, but not on your nephew.", she defended. The king only hummed abstently at that.
„You big flirt.", Gandalf commented.
„Yup!"
„It's getting dark, we should find a place to camp.", Thorin said.
Kaléa whistled. All exept Gandalf looked irriteted at her. She gave them a look that said : just you watch. A second later a hawk came in view and landed on her arm. „Hey, buddy. Could you look for a resting place?", she spoke to the bird. It cried and flew away.
The others looked intruiged. „You have a hawk?", Bofur asked.
„Yea, that's Spirit. Found him a couple of years ago with a broken wing. I took care of him. Since then he has been my most loyal, constant companion. Besides Shadow, of course." She patted her black horse affectionly.
„You have a big heart, lass. You help animals. You help us.", Dori smiled kindly.
„What can I say. I can't help myself. I've always been like this."
„Gandalf was right, your an angel.", Kili said and looked at her with adoration.
Even though it was a nice sentiment, Kaléa was annoyed at that and looked at Gandalf as to say : thank, you very much, asshole! He sheepishly pretended he didn't exist.
Spirit cried and circled in place. „Seems like your friend found something.", Thorin announced approvingly.
The company sat at the campfire ant ate the stew Bombur made. Kaléa sat between Dori and Ori. „Tell us, lass. You and Gandalf talk like you have years of experience in fight and traveling. Yet you look like you barely reached adulthood.", Dori asked curiously.
The women laughed. „Don't let my good looks fool you, my friend. I'm no spring chicken."
„How old are you exacly?", Kili asked around his spoon.
„Lad! You just don't ask a lady that!", Gloin scolded.
„No, no. It's alright. Would you like to guess?", she asked playfuly.
„21 human years.", Fili said promptly.
„Nope."
„23?", Bilbo guessed.
„Not even close.", she giggled.
„Your never older then 28.", Bofur said.
„Flattering but no."
„So? How old are ye then?", Dwalin asked impatiantly.
„84."
Fourteen pair of jaws dropped and the female smirked. „Your a dunedain, arent you?", Thorin asked amazed.
„Aye, I have been on the road for... oh, boy... about fifty or sixty years?"
„I can believe your older then me.", Fili sighed and put his food aside.
„Disappointed, my prince?", she nagged him and got a deadpanned expression fron the blonde.
„Dunedain can life as long as dwarfves, so Kaléa is technicaly in your age.", Gandalf chimed in.
Once their finished their food and Bilbo washed the bowl with Ori, the others made themsalves comfortable in their bedrolls, except Thorin, he sat on the same rock as before. „Kaléam my dear. Why don't you honor us with a little song? I remember your voice to be a pure delight.", Gandalf asked hopefuly.
The female looked sheepish. „I don't know..." She rubbed her neck.
„Oh, yes! Splendid idea!", Kili yelled enthiusiasticaly who sat on her left.
„Really, guys... I don't..." she tried to protes but it was pointless.
„Come one, lassie. Please?", Bofur begged and made his best puppy eyes, inspired by Kili no doubt.
„Oh, alright. Fine.", she gave up she cleared her throat.
Under a lover's sky,
gonna be with you.
And no one's gonna be around,
If you think that yo wont fall.
Well just wait until,
Til the sun goes down.
She opened her closed eyes and looked and her companions. They all looked at her mesmerized. Gandalf and Balin closed their eyes, enjoying the moment.
Underneath the starlight, starlight.
There's a magical feeling, so right.
It'll steal your heart tonight.
Fili, Kili and Bofur smiled happily at the text. Blbo put his head on his fist, blinking rapidly.
You can try to resist,
Try to hide from my kiss.
She winked at Thorin who only shook his head affectionly. Ori was riding down the words.
But you know,
But you know that you can't fight the moonlight.
She pointed at the Moon. And everybody followed her finger. She stood up.
Deep in the dark,
Youll surrender your heart.
But you know,
But you know that you can't fight the moonlight.
No, you can't fight it.
It's gonna get to your heart.
She started to dance around the camp with smooth moves of her legs and hips. That caught the others by surprise but they couldn't take their eyes of her with dreamy expressions.
There's no escape from love,
once a gnelte breeze,
Weaves it's spell upon your heart
She went to Gandalf and gave him a small kiss on the cheek. The wizard chuckled and the rest seem to envy the men at the moment.
Weaves it's spell upon your heart,
No matter what you think,
It won't be too long,
Till your in my arms.
She stepped behind Bilbo and hugged him. The hobbit's cheeks and ears flushed red and he tried to ignore the jealous looks of the others.
Once the song ended the company clapped, cheered and whislted. „Nice, lassie. Not just a sweet voice but also a great dancer.", Nori hooted.
„I got carried away.", she shrugged her shoulder and took her seat beside the princes.
„You are to modest. Thank you for the lovely distraction.", Balin said warmly.
A strange noise. „What was that?", Bilbo aksed worried.
„Orcs.", Kili answered an fake worry.
There we go. Kaléa though tiredly and opened her eyes. The boys chuckled at their bad joke scaring the hobbit. „That's no laughing matter, boys.", she hissed.
„No it's not. You think a orc raid at night is a joke?", Thorin's voice boomed.
„We didn´t thought anyrhing by it.", Kili replied intimtated.
„No, you didn't. You know nothing of the world.", the king barked and stommed off.
„Don't mind him, laddie. Thorin has more reason then others to hate orcs.", Balin said kindly and started to tell about the fight of Azanulbizar.
„That they I thought, this one I can follow. This one I can call king", he endend with a fond smile diracted ant his old friend.
Kaléa, who has sttod up and looked in the distance. Her back turned to the others. „We all can. A true king is not just a king but a leader. Every fool can be a king. But only some special individuals can call themselves leaders. Leaders are born not made after all.", she said thoughfuly.
The others looked at her surprised and amazed. „And the pale orc?", Bilbo asked.
„The filth died a long time ago.", Thorin anwered and walked to his place back.
„No, he hasn't.", Kaléa interjected.
All eyes on her again, this time in slight disbelieve.
„Of course he died. I was there.", Dwalin growled.
„I have encountered him few years ago.", she informed defeated.
„You must be mistaken.", Thorin argued.
She turned around and lifted her tunic. Showing a old nasty scar on her abdomen. „That bastard left his mark on me forever. This is no lie."
The dwarves gasped in horror. „This can't be.", Thorim breathed mortified.
„I'm sorry, Thorin."