ColourGuardianoftheGalaxy – Yeah Dwalin will need a lot of convincing I think. And yeah I agree with you about Aidan on that one.

Celebrisilweth – Gandalf has his own reasons for this which will soon be revealed to you all.

Rachetg – It'll be…an interesting reaction.

Littlemissthunderbird – I did have another name planned but changed it at the last second so I'm glad you like it.

Guest – I've got another Fili/OC fic in the works but I only do two fanfics at a time because it's easier for me.

To the Lonely Mountain Borne

The knocking sound carried on and Fira sneaked a hurried glance around the room. Bilbo was staring at the door in confusion whilst the others were all looking oddly nervous. Even Dwalin seemed more subdued and as for Fili and Kili…Fira was sure the two dwarves she had travelled with had been replaced by their shyer twins. Brushing herself down she simply watched as Gandalf opened the door. A dwarf with long black hair and piercing blue eyes stood there. He gave Gandalf a small nod.

"Gandalf, I thought you said this place was easy to find. I lost my way – twice."

Well if you choose to travel this late at night Fira folded her arms as the dwarf stepped into Bag End. He shrugged his fur cloak off and handed it to Dwalin who gave him a small bow. Fira narrowed her eyes at this action. The dwarf nodded at the other dwarves.

"I wouldn't have found it at all if it hadn't been for that mark on the door."

"Mark?" Fira inched aside as Bilbo pushed through, "There's no mark on that door it was painted a week ago!"

Several of the other dwarves raised their eyebrows at this and Fira noticed the new arrival was no exception. Gandalf gently shut the door.

"There is a mark, I put it there. Bilbo allow me to introduce you to the leader of this company. Thorin Oakenshield."

Bilbo gave Thorin a small nod of the head whilst Fira gripped her hands nervously. So this was Thorin? The dwarf she was sent to kill. Lowering her gaze she was aware of several company members eyeing her carefully. No doubt they were all waiting to throw her before Thorin.

"So, this is the hobbit?"

At the mocking tone of his voice Fira clenched her fists. Bilbo didn't look anything like a warrior or a fighter. But given that Thorin had been here less than two minutes he had no right to judge his host.

"Tell me Master Baggins; are you any good at fighting?"

"What?"

Thorin clearly hadn't heard him, "Axe or sword? What's your weapon of choice?"

"Well," Bilbo stammered, "I have some skill at conkers. Though I fail to see what that, has to do with anything."

Thorin shook his head, "I thought as much," turning towards the others, "He looks like more of a grocer than a burglar."

Fira scowled as the others sniggered to themselves. Bilbo's face fell and Gandalf gave him a small shrug. Fira wanted more than anything to go up to Thorin and give him a piece of her mind. But as the others moved aside she realised he was staring straight at her.

"What is this?"

"This?" Fira choked, "I take it being rude is a mandatory requirement for the leader of a group of dwarves?"

Thorin paled at her words. However Fira could see a hint of regret in his eyes. He gave her a stiff bow.

"My apologise my lady. I was surprised to see you here. I wasn't aware we were to have you as part of our company."

Fira opened her mouth when something grabbed her from behind. An arm was pulled behind her and a fist grabbed her hair. Fira kicked out at the dwarf – wishing she hadn't left all of her weapons with her pack. As she was pushed forward she caught Fili and Kili out of the corner of her eye – both were staring at her attacker with dark eyes.

"Get off me!"

The dwarf shook her, "I say she's a spy."

Fira recognised the voice as Dwalin's. He shook her again before pushing her to her knees and letting go of her arm. However he still kept a tight grip on her hair. Looking around Fira noticed that despite their dark looks, none of the others were stepping up to her aid. Dwalin grabbed her face and turned it towards Thorins.

"She was no doubt sent to spy on us and sabotage this quest! I say we kill her now!"

Several of the dwarves looked at her with unease and Fira watched in interest as Kili began moving forward. However, a shadow fell over her and as the hand on her hair was pulled away Fira saw Gandalf glaring at Dwalin.

"I have invited Fira on this quest. I believe she has skills that will serve us very well and as such you are to treat her with the same respect that you would with the others."

Dwalin gave a curt nod whilst Fira looked over at Thorin. He gave her a small nod before turning to Bilbo.

"Have you any food left?"

Bilbo gave a small nod and showed Thorin towards the main living room. Fira remained where she was as the others filed past. Many gave her sympathetic smiles whilst a couple shot her harsh stares.

"Are you alright?"

Fira flinched as Kili knelt down beside her. Despite the comforting presence of his hands on her shoulders she freed herself and got to her feet.

"I'm fine. Thanks for all your help by the way."

His face fell, "Listen…"

Fira ignored him and instead followed the others. They were back to crowding around the table but now Thorin was here Fira noticed everyone had quietened down. She watched as Kili sat down by his brother whilst she stood next to Bofur who was sitting on the end. Thorin sat at the head with a bowl of soup in front of him. Fira rubbed her scalp – sending Dwalin a cold stare. To his credit he lowered his gaze. However, Fira's interest was swiftly drawn back to Thorin as he pulled out a map and spread it onto the table. Leaning over she peered in the low light – thankful she still had her heightened sense.

"The Lonely Mountain?"

Looking up Fira realised she had spoken aloud. Gandalf nodded whilst Thorin looked up at the others. The map was small and aside from the drawing of a huge mountain and a dragon there didn't seem to be anything of any help.

"Aye, Oin has read the portents and the portents say it is time!" Gloin nodded. Fira watched as Oin placed a hand on the table.

"Ravens have been seen flying back to the mountain – as it was foretold! When the birds of Old return to Erebor the reign of the beast will end."

Fira shuddered. She knew who they were talking about. If anyone noticed her actions they didn't mention it.

"What beast?"

Fira hadn't realised Bilbo was there. He kept close to Gandalf and Fira watched as Bofur tapped his pipe of the table.

"That would be a reference to Smaug the terrible; cheifest and greatest calamity of our age."

Fira stopped herself from laughing. These dwarves had clearly never come across a Dragonborn. Smaug was little more than a baby compared to people like Tharos. People like her.

"Airborne fire breather, teeth like razors, claws like meat hooks," Bofur paused, "Extremely fond of treasure."

"Yes I know what a dragon is thank you," Bilbo said quickly.

"I'm not afraid!" Everyone watched on as Ori jumped to his feet, "I'm up for it! I'll give him a taste of dwarvish iron right up his jacksey!"

"Sit down!" The dwarf Fira knew to be Dori pulled him back into his seat. Meanwhile the others were all nodding at each other. However, Balin simply sighed.

"The task would be difficult with an army behind us. But we number just thirteen. And not thirteen of the best – or brightest."

Fira wasn't sure which insult the dwarves seemed more upset about. However she knew that taking on Smaug with only a dozen people was nigh on impossible.

"We may be few in number," Fili said softly, "But we're fighters. All of us, to the last dwarf!"

"And you forget," Kili said excitedly, "That we have a wizard in our company!"

Gandalf gulped as eye flew on him. Kili nodded.

"Gandalf will have killed hundreds of dragons in his time."

Gandalf shook his head, "Well, not quite hundreds exactly."

"How many?" Dori asked. Gandalf frowned and the dwarf nodded, "How many have you killed?"

"Well..?"

"Go on give us a number!"

Gandalf sat back as the dwarves got to their feet. Fira shook her head before stepping up on the table.

"Will you all just SHUT UP!"

That worked. Everyone gaped at her and she rolled her eyes.

"It doesn't matter how many he's killed. It's more than you have that's for certain."

They all glared at her but Fira knew she was right. Stepping down she nodded at Gandalf whilst Thorin sighed.

"If we have read these signs do you not think others will have read them too?"

The others gave small nods and Thorin flashed Fira a glance.

"Rumours have begun to spread. The dragon Smaug has not been seen for sixty years. Eyes look East to the mountain, wondering, assessing, weighing up the risk. Perhaps the wealth of our people lies unprotected? Do we sit back whilst others claim what is rightfully ours? Or do we take the chance to seize back Erebor?"

Fira couldn't help but smile at Thorin. Whatever this mountain had been to him it was clearly important. As he sat down however Balin spoke up,

"You forget that the front gate is sealed. There's no way into the mountain,"

"That my dear Balin is not entirely true." Gandalf smiled and Fira watched as he took a small key from his pocket. As Thorin took it she wondered if the dwarf was going to faint.

"How come you by this?"

"It was given to me by your father, Thrain," Gandalf smiled, "For safekeeping. And now, I'm giving it to you,"

Fira noticed that no one's eyes left Thorins figure. Even Fira found herself staring. Fili grinned,

"If there's a key, then there must be a door,"

Gandalf nodded, "These runes speak of a hidden passage,"

Kili nudged his brother, "There's another way in,"

Gandalf smiled, "Well if we can find it but of course dwarf doors are invisible," he stabbed the map with his finger, "the answer lies somewhere in this map and I do not have the skill to read it. But, there are others in Middle Earth who do,"

He turned to the others

"The task I have in mind will require stealth…and no small amount of courage. But, I believe that if we are careful and clever, it can be done,"

"That's why we need a burglar," Ori piped up. Bilbo nodded,

"An expert I'd imagine,"

"And are you?" Gloin asked. Fira shook her head. Bilbo clearly had no idea why these dwarves wanted him.

"Am I…"

"He says he's an expert!" Oin shouted. Bilbo shook his head,

"No! I'm not a burglar. I've never stolen a thing in my life,"

Balin sighed despondently,

"I'm afraid I have to agree with Mr Baggins. He's hardly burglar material,"

Bilbo nodded and Dwarlin shook his head,

"Aye the wild is no place for gentle folk who can neither fight nor fend for themselves,"

Bilbo nodded in encouragement and the rest of the table were now muttering amongst themselves and the muttering slowly turned into shouting.

"ENOUGH!" Fira turned to Gandalf who seemed to have grown about two feet and she could see dark shadows creeping up the walls around him. The dwarves were stunned into silence as the wizard continued,

"If I say Bilbo Baggins is a burglar then a burglar he is!" The shadows slowly vanished as the lights flickered. Gandalf looked round the room,

"Hobbits are remarkably light on their feet. They can pass unseen by most if they choose. And while the dragon is accustomed to the smell of dwarf, the scent of hobbit is all but unknown to him,"

He turned to Thorin, "You asked me to find you a burglar and I have chosen Mr Baggins,"

Thorin seemed unconvinced but looked at Gandalf, who continued, "There's a lot more to him than appearances suggest. And he has a great deal more to offer than any of us know…including himself,"

Thorin nodded, "All right. Give him the contract,"

Bilbo's protests went ignored as he was passed a large piece of parchment by Balin,

"It's just the usual," Balin said cheerfully, "Pocket expenses, time required, remuneration….funeral arrangements, so forth,"

"Funeral arrangements?" Bilbo repeated shakily. Thorin leaned towards Gandalf and from her position Fira caught his words,

"I will not be responsible for his safety," Thorin whispered. Gandalf nodded,

"Understood,"

"Nor will I be responsible for his fate,"

Gandalf nodded before looking back at Bilbo had was reading through the contract. Fira watched as Bilbo began reading out loud.

"Present company will not be liable for injuries inflicted or sustained as a consequence, thereof, including but not limited to…lacerations," his face paled, "eviscerations," he looked up at the dwarves,

"Incineration?"

Bofur nodded, "Aye he'll melt the flesh off your bones in the blink of an eye,"

Bilbo swayed slightly. Balin looked at him,

"You alright laddie?"

Bilbo nodded slightly. Bofur smiled at him,

"Think furnace…with wings,"

"Bofur shut up," Fira whispered. He frowned before turning back to Bilbo.

Bilbo shook his head, "I…I need…air," he gripped at his knees.

"Flash of light, searing pain and then poof! You're nothing but a pile of ash," Bofur smiled.

For a second Fira thought Bilbo was going to be okay. He stood up straight and faced the company. Then he shook his head,

"Nope," as he fell backwards in a faint. Gandalf sighed,

"Oh very helpful," he muttered as he moved towards Bilbo. Meanwhile Fira knew Thorin was watching her closely.

"You say you can help us? How?"

Licking her lips Fira looked over at Gandalf and the wizard nodded at Thorin.

"Fira has a certain...gift…with dragons."

"Gift?"

Fira nodded, wishing everyone wasn't staring at her.

"I can…tame them," it wasn't exactly a lie either, "Not control them exactly but…anyway Gandalf thought I would be useful."

Thorin nodded and Fira could see he was impressed.

"I won't deny that is the sort of help we need. However, it would have been nice to have been consulted on the subject."

Gandalf sighed, "There wasn't any time Thorin."

Thorin nodded before looking at Balin who smiled.

"I'll get her a contract drawn up."

Fira watched as he ran off whilst Gandalf lifted Bilbo into his arms and carried him from the room. She had an uneasy feeling about the wizards willingness to go along with her lies. As Thorin and the others moved into the main living room Fira found herself going with them. As expected they took over the whole room, Thorin stood by the fire whilst Fili and Kili were laying on the sofa. Unsure of where she should go Fira stayed by the door. She might be a member of the company but she wasn't really a part of it yet.

"Fira," Kili grinned at her, "Come and sit here!"

She didn't get a choice. Fili moved to one side whilst Kili grabbed her hand and sat her down between them. Fira sighed; she shouldn't be getting too close to anyone. It would be hard enough already without befriending any of these dwarves. Kili put an arm round her.

"So then, you can tame dragons?"

Fira nodded, at least she didn't have to lie this time. Kili's face lit up and even Fili looked like a small child.

"So you've met some?"

"A fair few."

"And what happened?" Fili asked softly. Fira shrugged.

"If a village was in trouble then I'd help out. I'd try and get the dragon to move on or…well kill it. But I only killed one," she hurriedly added. Both brothers looked at her in awe. Sensing they had more questions Fira tried to change the subject.

"So, why exactly are we doing this quest?"

"Because Erebor was once our home," Fili whispered, "Well not mine and Kili's, we're too young. But everyone else here had lived there. And then when Smaug came they were driven to the Blue Mountains."

Fira nodded before eyeing Thorin, "And why is he your leader? He's not exactly the oldest here is he?"

Fili frowned and Fira wondered if she'd somehow put her foot in it. However the blonde dwarf simply nodded.

"No he's not. But he's our king."

Fira held her hands together. Hoping no one would see in the dark.

"So Thorin wants to take Erebor back?"

Kili nodded, "And we insisted on coming."

Fira nodded giving her head another rub. It still hurt. Both brothers watched her and shared a glance.

"We're sorry for what Dwalin did earlier," Fili said. Kili nodded.

"We should have stepped in sooner."

"It's fine, honestly, "Fira smiled – well aware of Kili blushing even in the low light. Already she could feel the sleep overtaking her and when Balin pushed a thick wad of parchment into her hand Fira didn't even glance at it. Instead he took his offered pen and scribbled her name. Kili blinked at her.

"You aren't even going to read it?"

Fira shook her head. She didn't need the gold or anything like that. She just had a job to do and she had to make sure she did it.

So what a surprise; Thorin doesn't like her and Dwalin's being an arse! But at least Fili and Kili are on hand to make things better. So this was kinda of a filler chapter just to get all the characters together and get the plot underway but I hoped you liked it all the same. xxx