Rachetg – Wanted to give Bilbo at least one friend in the company.

Special thanks to Nice Egan for the extra support and confidence boosting xxx

An Unhelpful Hand

Fira did her best to stifle a yawn; however, as she looked at the rest of the company she saw they too were looking just as tired as she was. The sun had only been up for an hour but Thorin it seemed was anxious to get going. Within minutes the dwarf's ponies were all saddled and ready to go. Fira's bag sat by her legs and she counted the ponies. Sixteen ponies plus Gandalf's horse. She could see one of the spare ponies was for Bilbo and the other three were for carrying all the supplies. All around her the others were busy saddling up – making so much noise Fira was waiting for a hobbit to come out an complain. Thorin eyed her darkly.

"As you are a member of this company I will make one thing clear. You will not be treated differently because you're a girl."

Fira raised an eyebrow as Thorin continued.

"You will take your share of the burdens and should you fall behind we won't wait for you to catch up."

Fira nodded and Thorin turned. As he was walking back to his pony however he looked back at her.

"The girl will have to share with someone."

Fira bristled at his tone. She was aware of several dwarves hurriedly clambering onto their ponies as a way of saying they wouldn't share with her. Ignoring the hurt at their actions she instead marched over to Thorin.

"I know you aren't happy I'm in this company, but I have a name. I don't think it would kill you to use it. Also you've got three spare ponies. Four if Bilbo doesn't come."

Thorin raised an eyebrow, "And you think our supplies will carry themselves? You will share," he paused before nodding, "However, if Master Baggins doesn't show I see no reason why you can't take his pony Fira."

Nodding Fira stepped back. It wasn't exactly a victory but it was better than nothing. Picking up her bag she noticed only Bofur, Ori, Fili and Kili remained on the ground. Ori gave her a shy smile before mounting his pony whilst Kili was wringing his hands. Fira blinked at his sudden nervousness.

"Would you…would you like to ride with me again?"

Looking around Fira caught Thorin rolling his eyes. Gripping her pack tightly she nodded – noticing Kili's smile widen. He took her pack and swiftly tied it to the saddle. However Fira refused to let him help her mount the pony. Swinging herself up she caught several wide eyes from the older dwarves.

"Yes I can ride a pony. Shocking isn't it?"

Oin nodded whilst Gloin huffed and turned away. Fira waited until Kili was on behind her before leaning back. The last thing she needed was to fall off. Thorin waited until Fili was ready before nodding.

"Off we go; before we lose more light."

Fira shook her head before looking over at Fili who had drawn his pony side by side with Kili's.

"He does know it's only dawn doesn't he?"

It didn't take them long to reach the borders of the Shire. Soon the endless fields were replaced with woodland and every so often Fira kept looking round to see if Bilbo would turn up. She hoped he would. Most of the dwarves had spent the past hour laughing and making jokes about how useless hobbits were and it would have been nice to see the smugness wiped from their faces. To their credit Fili and Kili hadn't joined in and had instead betted whether or not he would come. If he did Kili stood to win ten gold coins. Fira meanwhile was aware that several dwarves kept looking over at her – no doubt making sure she hadn't wandered off.

"What's the matter?" Kili whispered. Fira bit her lip – not wishing to sound whiny.

"They don't like me, I can tell."

Kili sighed and Fili chuckled, "They don't know you and you've been dumped on them. What can you expect? Besides, Dwalin has a high standing with many of them. If he thinks you're a spy they'll think it as well."

"Great," Fira mumbled – not that Dwalin was wrong by any means. Kili gave her a gentle squeeze.

"Give them time and they'll come round. They just need to get to know you that's all."

"Besides," Fili added, "We're talking to you. And Gandalf and Balin."

"And Bofur," added Kili, "Bombur will and Ori if his brothers let him near you. Oin might so that's about half of the company already."

Fira found herself smiling. She shouldn't be bothered by this. All she needed to do was kill them before she became too attached. But every time the thought came into her head the harder it was to believe she could do it.

Fira was so engrossed in her thoughts that she didn't hear Bilbo until he was right by her.

"Wait!"

Kili pulled the pony to a halt and all around her Fira saw the others doing the same. Several were huffing at the delay but Fira noticed that others – including Kili – had smug smiles. Bilbo waved the contract in the air.

"I signed it," he nodded.

Fira watched on as Balin took it and began examining it. Meanwhile she looked up to see Thorin and Fira was surprised to see pride in the dwarf kings eyes. Meanwhile Balin was nodding.

"Everything appears to be in order," folding the contract into his bag he looked over at Thorin who nodded. Balin looked back down at Bilbo.

"Welcome Master Baggins to the company of Thorin Oakenshield."

Bilbo let out a shaky laugh and Fira snorted as he flinched at Kili's pony. Thorin shook his head before turning away.

"Give him a pony."

"Oh no that won't be necessary," Bilbo shook his head as the ponies moved passed him. Fira frowned as she realised Fili and Kili were hanging behind until they were at the very back. Bilbo meanwhile was still talking.

"I'm sure I can keep up on foot. I've done a great many walking holidays; even got as far as Frogmorton once."

Fili and Kili both sighed before leaning over and picking Bilbo up by his shoulders. As he was plonked down onto a pony Fira couldn't help but shake her head. That could have been her pony and now she was stuck sharing. Not that she minded sharing with Kili but it did mean there wasn't much room for either of them. All around her the dwarves were tossing small coin bags whilst Kili held his hand out to Fili.

"Come on brother, pay up."

Fili shook his head but paid all the same. As Kili pocketed the gold Fira tried not to focus on his arm around her waist. His toned arm holding her against his body; keeping her safe.

"Daydreaming are we?"

Fira shook her head at Kili's question and he nodded.

"Well something must have been on your mind? Care to share with us?"

Fira lowered her gaze – she couldn't admit to Kili that she had been thinking about him. Instead she looked down at her hands. Out of habit she had put her gloves on but the fabric was starting to itch in the warm weather. Yet if she took them off then everyone would be able to see. Shaking her head she eased her gloves off and shoved them in her pockets. Now that Bilbo was on his pony Fili and Kili had moved up towards the front with Gloin and Balin. Fira couldn't move her eyes from her hands and she was about to get her gloves back out when Kili's larger hand gripped both of hers.

"You look just as pretty without the gloves on."

Now Fira knew she was blushing. Looking over she saw Fili shooting his brother odd looks and she didn't dare look at Kili in case she blushed some more. He was good looking certainly and there was something charming about him.

No. No she couldn't afford to have feelings like that.

Licking her lips Fira tried to think of a way of carrying on the conversation. Fortunately Kili seemed just as awkward after his comment.

"So, when exactly are we stopping tonight?"

"We've only been travelling a couple of hours," Gloin huffed. Fira raised an eyebrow and the fat dwarf sighed,

"Mind ye I did say this would be too taxing for a lass like yeself."

"Did you indeed," flashing him a smile Fira knew he had seen her hands. Refusing not to hide them she clutched at the reins.

"Well let's hope we don't end up walking to Erebor. I doubt your bulk would take it."

Gloin spluttered before moving his pony away. Letting out a shaky breath Fira turned to Fili and Kili – expecting to see disapproval on their faces. But instead Kili had tears running down his face whilst Fili was bent over laughing.

"Im confused."

Fili shook his head and Kili rubbed her shoulder.

"Let's just say you'll make this quest far more entertaining than Bilbo possibly could."

Very little happened the rest of the day. When they stopped for lunch Fira noticed that only Fili and Kili seemed willing to speak to her although Bofur and Balin did smile at her every so often. But those smiles were nothing compared to the amount of glares Thorin and Dwalin were giving her. Instead of snapping back Fira kept her head down and said nothing – even when they were riding again. Kili tried to draw her into conversation but she couldn't help it. She knew it was madness but a part of her wanted these dwarves to like her. She had been an outsider all her life and this was possibly her one and only chance to feel like she belonged.

"Fira?"

Snapping her head up Fira looked around. The afternoon had passed by in such a blur that it took her a few moments to realise it was almost sunset. The entire company had drawn to a halt outside the gated entrance to a town. Fira blinked to clear the sleep from her eyes before looking around at Kili.

"We're spending the night at Bree to pick up some more supplies."

Fira nodded and waited for him to slide off the pony. Once he was down she did the same and handed Kili the reins. As she struggled to untie the packs she was aware of Thorins eyes never leaving her face – it was as though he knew her secret and was waiting for the right moment to strike.

"Fira," Gandalf placed a hand on her shoulder, "Come and help an old man."

Nodding Fira passed Kili his pack before shouldering hers and following Gandalf. The wizard didn't speak as they walked and only when they were out of earshot did he lean against the wall. Fira rubbed her arms nervously as Gandalf's eyes bore into her.

"So then, i believe you have questions for me Fira?"

She nodded, "Why haven't you told Thorin who I am?"

"Because I believe you can help us," Gandalf nodded. Fira gave a small gulp and the wizard sighed.

"Thorin might be proud to accept the help of a dwarf who can tame dragons; but he is too stubborn to accept a Dragonborns help. And that stubbornness will be his downfall."

At the dark look in Gandalf's eyes Fira took a few steps back. Meanwhile the wizard was mumbling to himself. After a few awkward seconds Fira raised her head.

"Is that it?"

Gandalf nodded, "For now my dear yes."

Not bothering to say goodbye Fira turned and hurried back to the others. Thorin was busy talking to a man at the gate and Fira was aware of Dwalin shooting her glares.

"What did Gandalf want?"

"Does the phrase "none of your business?" spring to mind?" Fira snapped. She then licked her lips. If she wanted these dwarves to like and trust her she couldn't snap at them all the time.

"I'm sorry. No it was nothing honestly. He was just asking if I'd ever dealt with anything like Smaug before."

"Have you?" Kili asked. Fira was confused by the worry in his voice. She shook her head.

"No, nothing like him."

Several of the dwarves muttered to themselves and Fira found herself sticking close to Fili and Kili. She could tell the company had questions but by the time Gandalf had arrived the gate was being opened. As the ponies began moving Fira took the reins of one of the supply ones and led it through. The animal snorted and tossed it's head. Fira eyed it.

"Is she always like this?"

"Only in new places lass," Bofur said, "Would ye like me to take her?"

"No," Fira smiled, "No it's okay."

Placing a hand on the animals nose she began humming under her breath. For a few second she wondered if her magic would answer her. But as the pony stopped snorting she smiled.

"That's it. Good girl. Nothing's going to hurt you. Come on, just follow me."

Stepping back she gently pulled on the reins. The pony gave one last toss of the head before following her. Fira nodded as they headed into the town.

"Good girl. That's it a few more steps."

As they re-joined the others she was aware of everyone gawping at her. The pony nudged her back with it's nose and Fira kissed it. As useless as her power was in most situations it did mean she could pass it off as a gift with animals. Thorin's eyes widened whilst the others were giving her looks of approval. Bofur shook his head.

"I've never seen her that calm! Especially with a stranger."

Fira shrugged, "It's a gift."

It didn't take them long before they reached their destination. The ponies had been stabled and now the company found themselves standing outside a huge inn. Fira glanced at the sign of a pony on its hind legs. As Gandalf opened the door a blast of warm air rushed out and before she knew it the dwarves were scrambling to get inside. Someone grabbed Fira's hand and pulled her in before she got forgotten about. Giving Kili a smile Fira freed her hand as Thorin and Gandalf made their way to the bar.

"We require seven double rooms and one single." Fira heard Thorin. At least he respected her right to her own room. As the landlord busied himself finding rooms Fira began rooting around in her pockets for money. She'd brought some gold of course although she'd hoped it was enough to last beyond this little stay. Counting out the coins she sighed – only ten more or so left. Biting her lip she handed them to Fili who passed a huge pile of money over to Gandalf.

"Would you like a drink?" Kili suddenly appeared by her shoulder. Fira shook her head – she couldn't afford it for a start. Plus she wasn't a big drinker. He nodded but Fira knew he wasn't convinced.

"Just a small one?" He then lowered his voice, "I'll pay for it."

Fira felt her cheeks burn, "definitely not."

Stepping back Fira followed Bofur and Bifur towards a huge corner of the inn. They were attracting glances from most of the other guests. But one growl from Dwalin was enough to stop such stares. Fira sat down beside Fili who smiled warmly at her. Easing her coat off Fira hid her hands under the table as Kili sat down on her other side.

"Here you go." Handing her a small mug he then held a hand up.

"I know you said no but you haven't drunk anything since lunch. I want to make sure you're alright."

Taking the mug Fira flashed him a smile – noting how he and Fili had two mugs each. Shaking her head she sipped at hers. It was just water. As expected most of the dwarves ignored her but Bofur and Ori both drew her into snippets of conversation. Even when she was talking to them though; Fira was aware of Kili staring at her.

As expected no one saw her leave. Most of them were too drunk to pay any attention and Gandalf, Bilbo, Dori and Ori had gone to bed. Fira had half expected to be given a guard seeing how Thorin didn't trust her. But he too was downing drinks like this was his last night on earth. Shaking her head she pushed the inn door open and hurried out. She'd really needed a wee all day but hadn't fancied going while the company were all aware. Biting her lip Fira hurried down the back streets until she reached the end of an alley. This would do at the very least.

"It's a little late for such a young thing to be out."

Fira froze at the voice. Had it been anyone else her sword would be out already. But instead she forced herself to turn around and look up at the man. In the dark she couldn't see his face but she didn't need to. She should have known Tharos would send someone after her to make sure she carried out her job. Sol stared down at her.

"Is this part of your grand plan then?"

Fira flinched at his tone and she shook her head. She had to tell him the truth. She wasn't a killer. She should never have agreed to this.

"I can't do this Sol. I don't care I'm not a killer."

"Does Tharos' son not count then?"

"That was different and you know it. But this? This is killing people in cold blood! I won't do it."

Sol nodded and - before she'd had time to blink - he moved forward. Fira soon found herself with her back pressed against the wall. Sol grabbed her arm in one hand and her neck in the other.

"Tharos thought you might have doubts. So he sent me along to make sure you didn't run away."

"And if I did?"

"Then I was to find you and disable you long enough to bring you back for your execution."

Nodding Fira waited as he ran a finger down the side of her neck.

"You have such a lovely head Fira. It would be a shame to lose it."

"I'm not stupid enough to think that Tharos will let me live if I do this. He'll kill me either way."

Sol shook his head, "He gave you his word. Unlike you he never breaks his."

Fira would have answered when Sol's fist slammed into her face. Stumbling against the wall she only regained her footing at the last minute and managed to avoid falling in horse shit. Sol punched her again before grabbing her by the front of her shirt.

"You have been given a chance you don't deserve. You will gain their trust and you will become a member of their company. And when the time is right you will kill every last one of them!"

Letting her go he ran back down the alleyway. Fira's whole body was shaking and tears were dripping down her face. Rubbing her swollen face with one hand she pressed her other to her temples.

"What do I do?" Her words were slurred by her tears, "What do I do?"

Yet another spanner in the works for you all! Poor Fira having doubts and yet knowing she has no choice. As for Sol; he's not exactly going to going away any time soon. And at least we now know why Gandalf is keeping her secret. Really hate Thorin in these chapters because he's so mean yet I know he can be really nice. Let me know what you all think xxx