The sun shone down cold and bright in the clear sky as we walked under trees just beginning to show the first leaves of spring. A silence had extended between Fili and Kili, one that I was unwilling to break. As we had a week until we would need to reach our destination, our pace was unhurried. I mostly kept my eyes on the trees, examining the new growth with delight. Occasionally I would glance over at the two boys, amused at the ever present frown on Kili's face as he attempted to figure out his older brother. When we had gone an hour Fili finally got tired of being the focus of such attention and wheeled around, grabbing his brothers arm to jerk him to a stop.

"What is wrong with you?" he cried in exasperation.

"Nothing," Kili grunted, clearly trying to keep from smiling. At the appearance of a forceful scowl from Fili he broke, laughing uncontrollably. "Fili's in love!" he crooned, before choking off in laughter again. Giving him a shove, Fili strode off down the path once more, shaking his head in annoyance.

"Oh grow up," he muttered.

"Better watch out Kili, one day it will happen to you," I teased, unable to keep my voice entirely serious. The young dwarf missed my sarcastic tone, giving me a horrified look of denial that had Fili chuckling with mirth.

"Never," he firmly replied. "Girls are strange." I snorted in amusement and mock indignation. "Oh, not you auntie, you're different," he tried to reassure me. I just huffed in laughter.

"I'll take that as a compliment." Flushing when he realized how insulting his words had sounded, he shut his mouth with a snap and followed quickly after Fili. To my relief though, it had been enough to break the tension between them. The two continued to chatter amongst themselves as we traveled, and I occasionally offered a comment when they said something interesting.

The eve of the third day we reached the edge of the forest and I took in a breath at the sight before me. Rolling green hills stretched to the horizon, separated from us only by a swiftly moving river. The land gleamed in the light of the setting sun, as if it were afire. We made camp by the edge of the river, drinking in the soothing atmosphere. I eagerly called Luna out to join us, wanting my friend to share in the sight.

"Have you ever seen anything so peaceful?" I sighed happily. Luna's answering rumble of pleasure was echoed by Fili and Kili. None of us had ever come out this way before, and it was a delight to look upon new sights. My only worry was the river. It flowed fast, bulging with the snow melt of warming days, but still icy cold as the mountain tops whence it came. We would be unable to swim across even if I assisted the others.

"We will need to find the bridge," Fili said, speaking aloud my thoughts.

"Is there one?" Kili asked nervously, watching the water with some trepidation. "I don't fancy falling in there, it's nothing like the lake we learned to swim in."

"There appears to be," Fili reassured him, indicating the map he had brought. "Not far from us if I'm not mistaken. We should come across it quite quickly in the morning." Feeling relieved, I moved a little closer to better see the parchment in the flickering firelight.

"The Shire," I mumbled, reading the words scrawled across the area we were heading to. "I wonder what sort of folk live there. From the sounds of it, Thorin lead me to believe they are not dwarves."

"Aye, that's true." Fili thought for a moment, calling on some of the lessons from Balin that had revolved around local geography and peoples. "They are called hobbits, or halflings, I'm not really sure which. Supposed to be quite small folk, with large feet and no beards." He said this almost in disbelief, as if he were unable to picture the sort of creatures described. His words called to mind the friend I had made in the time before the dragon. Little Gilly the warrior gnome would easily have fit that description.

"Sounds like a race from my world. Called themselves gnomes. Not one of them stood higher than my knee at full growth. They're a cheerful, intelligent bunch, full of surprises. I shall be interested to learn now they compare to the small folk of this world." Pondering the memory from my past for a moment, I turned back to our conversation, finished with my reminiscing. "What was the name of our burglar again? I'm not sure I caught it."

"Oh that would be Boggins," Kili chirped cheerfully, giggling at the odd name.

"Baggins Kili," Fili absently corrected him, his tone of voice suggesting this wasn't the first time. We turned in for the night shortly after, leaving Luna to guard the camp as she was happy to do. Sleep claimed us in moments, sending peaceful dreams that seemed to come from the land itself.

The next two days were spent traipsing through the hills of the Shire towards a place called Hobbiton. The grass bloomed with flowers, the sun shone overhead growing warmer every day, and birdsong filled the air. The only thing missing was the people. Not a single one showed their face, though I began to spot their homes as we neared the town with growing frequency. I pointed out the curious round doors hidden in the hillsides for the others to see. They were painted all different colors, just like the flowers.

We drew ever closer to the spot where a town was supposed to be when I began to pick up the sound of our followers. Small giggles sounded from behind hedges, and the pattering of little feet was barely discernible on the grass a small ways behind us. There were more places for them to hide as we went along, with trees and bushes becoming more prevalent towards our destination. The landscape seemed all at once to be carefully cultivated and distinctly wild, a trait I couldn't help admiring. This was clearly a land of talented gardeners.

Turning around a hedge, the town finally became visible. We were just on the other side of a bridge from the market square. It was full of brightly clothed people, bustling around and offering cheerful greetings to everyone they came across. They were not as small as I had expected, no more than a head shorter than the dwarves I traveled with. Bare of foot and with smooth faces, they had the look of children, full of an innocence untouched by hardship. Their laughter floated on the breeze, along with the scent of light ale and sweet food. We headed closer, eager for a better look and a chance to talk to these curious individuals.

As we crossed the bridge, more and more of the townsfolk spotted us, giving a wide berth and looking upon us with unease. I began to worry that none would speak to us, realizing I would most likely have to take matters into my own hands. I was just about to do so when we were at last approached by an older looking fellow, an apprehensive grimace on his face.

"Pardon me," he asked politely. "We don't often get travelers this far into the Shire. What be your business in these parts if you don't mind my asking?"

"My name is Alanta, and these are my friends, Fili and Kili. We journeyed from Ered Luin in the north to meet someone here. He goes by the name of Baggins. I don't suppose you know of him?" Noticing that he continued to gaze nervously behind me, I followed his look to see Luna standing impassively at my waist.

"You know you have a monster with ya?" he piped up, flushing with nerves when I chuckled.

"At ease good sir. Luna here is a big softy. She won't hurt anyone here." I threw an arm around her neck, giving an affectionate squeeze and smiling when the little man relaxed slightly.

"If you say so," he said dubiously. Jumping slightly, he seemed to collect himself. "But I forgot to introduce myself. Gamgee's the name. We have a lot of Baggins around here, but I've no doubt the one you're looking for is Master Bilbo. He's the only one of us known to associate with your kind." I could tell he did not mean it unkindly, so I motioned for him to continue as he had paused slightly, unsure if he had offered insult. "He lives just on the other side of the bridge and up the top of the hill, back the way you came. His is the largest house up that way, with a bright green door, you can't miss it."

Thanking him, we left him to continue his shopping, and headed over to one of the various stalls to procure a snack. So far my companions had been silent, merely observing the surroundings with interest. I left them to it, purchasing a basketful of delicious looking cakes from a rather shy girl tending the stall. Snack in hand, we moseyed back towards the bridge, stopping to sit in the grass nearby. The cakes were delightfully sweet, but not overly so, and caused exclamations to ripple through the group as we devoured them. We were finishing when I noticed the return of our previous giggling shadows. They had grown bolder, peeping around the sides of stalls and carts. I nudged the others, nodding slightly in their direction.

"Get ready, I think we're about to be waylaid," I whispered quietly. Fili and Kili grinned invitingly towards the small faces peering over at us. It was the only invitation they needed, and soon we were surrounded by tiny chattering forms. The brightly clad children bounced around in excitement, asking questions and eying Luna with curiosity. She huffed and lay down, making it easier for them to examine her, well used to the situation by now.

"Are you dwarves?" One of them piped up. Before we could answer, another cried out.

"Not all of them, one is an elf," the little one informed his fellows officiously. I smiled at the knowledgeable tone, reminding me of a young Ori. He sounded like one who did a lot of reading, for I was fairly certain he would not have seen any in his short lifetime. While they were talking amongst themselves about it I sat waiting patiently.

"Were we ever that small?" Kili asked in wonder.

"No, I don't think so." I smiled at the way the brothers watched the delicate little children, remembering their own childhood. Even at three years of age, Kili would have stood head and shoulders above this crowd.

"They're so loud," Fili muttered in shock. "Do you think they even sleep, they look like they just go on forever." I chuckled at the observation.

"I know what to do here, don't worry." I called a few old stories to mind, once told to a group of innocent dwarflings as I prepared to interrupt the small children's debate.

"Are you going to tell stories?" the two asked excitedly.

I nodded, waving my hands to get the attention of the little ones. When they turned to me expectantly, I called out loudly. "Would you like to hear a story?" Cries of delight met my proclamation, before subsiding and leaving a silence that was only punctured by the continued hubbub from the market behind us. The children settled on the grass, listening raptly as I began to weave a tale about my homeland. Telling them of the many creatures that lived there, I ended by summoning a flurry of bright butterflies. The children clapped and jumped to their feet, exclaiming in happiness when the creatures fluttered to land on their outstretched hands.

Thus began an old game of guess the creature. I pulled out many of my friends, keeping it to animals I felt the nearby adults would approve of. I grinned when Fili and Kili joined in the game, recalling fondly the years when they had been inseparable from the critters I had shown them. Several of their oldest friends went straight to them, curling on their laps in recognition. We spent the afternoon there on the sunlit grass, awaiting the evening when we would head over to look for our burglar.

We were left alone as evening shades filled the sky with color, the children long since returned to their homes. Getting to our feet, we strolled across the bridge and up the hill, carefully examining the doors we passed. There was enough light still to see what color they were, but none were the green we looked for. Continuing onwards, I had turned to check another one when Fili called for our attention.

"Look," he said smugly, pointing upwards. Following his gaze, we couldn't fail to see the softly glowing rune scratched in the brightly painted green door.

"That must be it," Kili exclaimed before rushing forward. I barely managed to stop them from damaging the front gate in their haste to get to the door. Closing it, I listened to the low hum of conversation emanating from the interior of the large dwelling. From the sounds of it, some of our comrades were here already. I smiled to recognize the rumble of Dwalin and Balin. Their conversation was punctuated by a voice much higher in pitch, easily recognizable as that of a hobbit.

I stood behind the brothers as they rang the bell, surprised when the door swung open to reveal a very irritable hobbit. He looked not at all pleased to see us, making me wonder if we had got the wrong place. But no, the mark on the door had been clear, as well as the directions given us by Master Gamgee. Fili and Kili had introduced themselves while I was lost in thought, and I hurried to copy them, seeing how our host was about to slam the door in our faces.

"Alanta, at your service," I said with a friendly bow, pleased when the little man traded in his frown for a look of grudging curiosity. Fili and Kili had taken his moment of distraction to push past him into the house, and were currently greeting their cousins inside. "I apologize for them, they were raised in a cave," I joked. This drew a tiny smile from the hobbit and he stepped back, allowing me space to enter. I was quick to do so, sitting down out of the way rather hurriedly as my head threatened to hit the low ceiling.

"Bilbo Baggins," the man politely stated by way of introduction. He looked confused and flustered, quickly rushing off to question the activities of the dwarves currently rearranging his furniture. Following him down the hall and dodging low hanging chandeliers, I gently pulled him aside to ask why he was so upset.

"I don't wish to seem rude, but my friends and I were under the impression that we were to be expected, yet you seem not to have known this."

"You'd be right," he said rather grumpily. "I certainly was not expecting company tonight." A knowing look dawned across his face and he swore rather gently. "Gandalf." The word was said like a curse, and I was startled to recognize the name of the wizard we were supposed to meet here.

"Yes, that is the one who told us we were to meet here, though I myself have never met him. The message came through someone else. You mean to say he did not tell you?" I asked incredulously.

"Not in so many words," the disgruntled hobbit muttered. "I only met him this morning when he came waltzing along, spewing some nonsense about adventures. I thought he had taken my refusal to participate in such a venture seriously, but it would appear I was wrong."

I gaped at him in distress, my opinion of the wizard dropping rapidly at the way he had apparently set our company upon him without warning. "I apologize indeed. We were told about you many months ago, and had been preparing for the journey here over the winter. It never occurred to me that you would be treated in such a fashion." Hesitating and noting that his frown had softened, I continued gently. "With your permission, I would like to wait here with our fellows so that we may sort out this misunderstanding. It would seem a certain wizard has much to answer to." Listening to the continued bustle from the other room, I thought of something to add. "I imagine most of us will be quite hungry after our travels, so I promise I will personally see to replacing anything that gets used during our stay."

He seemed startled by my politeness, a pleased expression crossing his features with the pledge of support. "Very well," he replied agreeably. "By the way, how many more should I be expecting?"

"About nine more I believe, not including the wizard." The sound of chatter and footsteps on the path outside drew nearer, culminating in a series of rapid knocks on the door. "That will be them now," I said to the hobbit standing beside me, jaw dropped in shock at the thought of nine more boisterous guests invading his home. Recovering himself, he strode over to the door and yanked it open, sending the group outside sprawling over the threshold. There were groans and yells of accusation between them as they struggled to right themselves before offering cheerful introductions to our host. Trooping inside, the space they had vacated was taken up by a tall man, and I got my first look at the wizard.

I was suddenly assailed by a sense of power emanating from the venerable looking man, so similar to the magic that surrounded my sister. My disgust with his antics momentarily forgotten, I eyed him with a curiosity equal to that which he directed at me. Rather than introduce himself, he turned to Bilbo with a mischievous smile.

"My dear Bilbo, how good to see you again this fine evening." I immediately remembered my earlier annoyance.

"Wish I could say the same," Bilbo muttered rudely, almost setting me off in laughter at the scowl on his face. He turned and flounced off in the direction of his kitchen, and I hurried to follow him, giving the wizard one last glance that was met by merrily twinkling eyes. I shook my head at his audacity, wondering how often he had gotten away with such things before everyone around him gave up expecting anything less.

Dinner was a merry affair, though with Thorin still absent I found myself not entirely enjoying it. I spent the time instead with Bilbo, offering my silent support and making sure he did not have to venture amongst the rowdy dwarves to get some food. He nodded his thanks, eating heartily and wincing every time a piece of food came flying our direction. I shrugged internally, used to their messy ways by now and knowing they would respectfully clean it up after, a fact I was quick to reassure Bilbo of.

As most of them finished eating I put my plate aside to free my hands. I didn't bother to warn the hobbit about what was to come, feeling that it probably wouldn't make a difference.

"Auntie!" Fili cried out, flinging a plate in my direction and sending Bilbo into a panic. I caught it with ease, passing it along the chain. I was amused to see Gandalf's look of surprise, most likely at the term of endearment directed to me by my adopted family. Ignoring him, I continued passing along the plates to be washed, humming along to the merry tune they had struck up and sending Bilbo a reassuring smile. It didn't do much good, for he kept running back and forth spouting fearful cries for the imagined fate of his china. At last the job was done, and the company roared with laughter at the shock on his face when he discovered all his china clean and intact. The merriment was interrupted by a knock on the door, and I turned eagerly towards it.

"Come," I said, leading Bilbo over. "You must meet our leader, and one of my greatest friends." He opened the door and we both stepped back, giving Thorin room to step in. Flashing a smile towards myself and the others, he turned to greet Gandalf.

"Gandalf, I thought you said this place would be easy to find. I lost my way, twice. Wouldn't have found it at all if not for the mark on the door." I snorted with laughter, recalling too late his poor sense of direction and knowing he would have easily let pride prevent him from asking directions. Bilbo pushed past me, looking far less amused by the situation.

"Mark, what mark? That door is freshly painted, there's no mark." His distress was evident, as was his confusion and it served to irritate me further that Gandalf had actually vandalized his home without telling him. That was probably why my first words to him were not at all polite.

"Really wizard? You tell this poor hobbit about our quest only today, do not even confirm that he is willing to go, and damage his property? If I had known you were this rude I would have taken us all straight back home, quest or not. This is not the proper way to recruit someone unless I'm very much mistaken."

Thorin turned to Gandalf, a small frown working its way to his face. "Is this true? You had us believing we had a sure thing here all winter." Gandalf had the grace to look embarrassed, but offered no defense for his actions. Thorin suddenly slumped a little, appearing far too burdened with this latest news. I could tell already his meeting had not gone well, though I was not surprised. I was only sad that he had to be so disappointed.

We drifted over to the table, settling around it again with Thorin at its head. He took a moment to eat before answering questions.

"How was the meeting? Did they all come?" Dwalin asked eagerly.

"Aye. Envoys from all seven kingdoms." His statement was met with cheers before Balin asked the most important question.

"Is Dain with us?" Everyone looked hopefully upon the king, concern growing when a dark look flashed in his eyes.

"They will not come. They say this is our quest, and ours alone." Rumbles of disapproval circled the group, but I remained impassive. Thorin noted my calm with confusion.

"You are not surprised," he stated, causing the others to focus their attention on me.

I sighed. "No, I am not." I held up my hands in a plea for them to hear me out. "As a guardian I have come across this far too many times. They do not possess extraordinary power, they are merely soldiers. While brave, that courage would only get them so far, and against a dragon it is of no use at all. I know what you would say. You are here. But I cannot fault lesser men for giving into fear of the darkness. Even I do not look forward to the inferno we head towards."

"You doubt the success of this quest?" he said uncertainly.

"No," I said flatly. "We will kill him, because we have to. I have never lost a fight yet, and I do not intend to start now, no matter how formidable the opponent."

"First we have to find a way in though," Balin interjected. "Remember, the door is hidden, we know not where. All we have is a key."

"There is also a map," Gandalf declared, putting forth an old parchment and placing it where all could see. Bilbo crept forward curiously, muttering the most prominent name on the page in awe.

"The lonely mountain."

"Yes, that is Erebor. Somewhere on this map is the key to finding the door, though I cannot read it. However, I know some who can, and we have only to ask them to get our answers." Gandalf looked certain of a positive outcome, gazing around at the others resolutely. "The only thing we need is a burglar, a job for which you are uniquely suited Bilbo." The hobbit started at this, for Gandalf's words had drawn attention to him from everyone at the table, not the least of which was Thorin himself.

"Are you sure about this?" he asked sharply. "He does not look capable of surviving in the wild." A sentiment no doubt echoed by Bilbo himself, if the expression he bore was anything to go by. The others also seemed to agree with him, for they had spent no time with the hobbit and did not think very highly of him. Thorin turned at last to me where I sat beside Bilbo. "What do you think? Can he do this?"

I smiled. "I have no doubt, my friend. He would be an asset to our company."

"Very well," he nodded decisively. "Hand him the contract." The large document was pressed into the protesting Bilbo's hands, and he turned away to examine it. I winced when his audible narration of the writing got to the part about possible injuries, wondering what on earth was going through Balin's head to enter it in such graphic detail. It was apparent the poor man was about to land himself in a faint, so I ushered him outside with a scowl towards the smirking company.

"I can't do this," he protested for the seventh time since we had sat down on the bench outside. I gently pulled the sheaf of papers out of his trembling hands, not letting go of his fingers.

"You can," I said firmly, holding his attention. "There is a lot more to you than you know. I can see it, the courage hidden inside just waiting to be released. The company needs someone like you, untainted by the darkness of the world. You will see things we cannot."

"How can you be so sure?" he muttered. "I'm too small to make a difference." To his surprise, I barked in laughter, remembering my old friend Gilly.

"Size matters not, my friend. I once knew a great warrior, quick on her feet and more ferocious than an orc. She was smaller than you by a fair amount."

He gaped in astonishment. "Surely you jest. Besides, Thorin was right about one thing. I cannot fight, I have no hope of defending myself in the wild."

"You forget you have me. I would not leave you defenseless. If you decide to come I promise you that I will not leave your side. I can even teach you to fight." I drew out a dagger, handing it to him and watching as his eyes grew wide, fists clenched tightly around the weapon. "That looks like it could almost be a sword for you." I smiled to see the expression on his face change. Determination erased uncertainty, and he picked up the parchment. Getting to his feet, he led the way back inside, dagger still clutched in his hand.

The others were gathered around the hearth, singing a familiar song in low voices. We stayed at the doorway, Bilbo listening raptly, a longing filling his eyes. I recognized it as the same that had overcome me the first time I heard the mournful tune. Once the music died down, Bilbo handed the now signed contract to Balin. "I will come," he said simply. "For now I bid you good night so that I may make my preparations for the morning."

Balin smiled happily. "Welcome, to the company of Thorin Oakenshield. I wish you pleasant rest. We will be departing at dawn." Nodding agreeably, Bilbo retreated to his rooms.

"What did you say to convince him?" Thorin asked in surprise.

"What indeed," Gandalf muttered.

"It wasn't what I said, but what I did." At their questioning looks, I grinned. "I simply gifted him his first weapon." The others smiled in understanding, remembering the change that had come over them the first time they held a blade. "I will teach him to wield it as we go along, though I would like all of you to assist as needed." Murmurs of agreement filled the room. We retired not long after, aiming to get a good nights rest before heading for Bree, and then the wild.

Author's note: At last, the wait is over. Our journey begins and Alanta has made quite an impression on our Bilbo. She also rather dislikes Gandalf, though his feelings towards her are not known yet. I imagine he is simply amused, he tends to enjoy a good unexpected circumstance. Thanks to everyone reading this, and I hope this chapter met your expectations for the meeting. Next chapter we can expect a detour from the story (both book and movie-verse), and get prepared for some original content. Look forward to seeing a familiar face from some of Tolkien's other works (that's the only hint I'm giving, but I bet no one guesses who it will be). Small warning, I'm going away for a few days and won't be back until next Monday, and I'm not sure if another chapter will be ready before then. If it's not I apologize, I'm not ditching the story and it will be up as soon as I can manage.