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Of Meddling Wizards and Reluctant Hobbits
Night had just fallen on a very wet and stormy day as Melliel finally passed through the gates of Bree and pulled her horse to a stop. She was drenched to the bone and a little weary, but let out a long sigh of relief nonetheless. The trek from Lothlórien to Bree could easily take a month, sometimes longer, but she had managed to make the trip in less than three weeks. Needless to say, after many long days of arduous, speedy travelling, she was very glad to have reached her destination.
With a nod of acknowledgement to the older gentleman manning the gate, she clicked her tongue to send her horse, Tallagor, forward again, directing the steed into the stables located just off to the right. There was no sign of a stablemaster at first, but she could hear someone muttering to themselves within the depths of the stables. Melliel dismounted, holding Tallagor by the reigns as she searched for the source of the muttering.
"Hello?" she called.
A middle-aged man who looked like he had seen better days emerged from one of the stalls on the left. He was not the same stablemaster that she had interacted with during her last visit to Bree, but the new face did not surprise her. It had been close to eighty years since she had visited last, and the stablemaster at that time had already been very old.
"Can I help ya?" the new stablemaster asked, giving her a quick once over.
"I was hoping to rent one of your stalls for my horse," Melliel told him.
"For how long?"
Melliel paused to think about it. She had come to Bree only knowing she would be meeting with Gandalf – the length of time that would be spent there was still unknown. "As of now, just for the night," she finally answered.
The stablemaster nodded in understanding. "That'll be four pence, then," he said, extending his hand to her expectantly.
Melliel quirked a brow at the price. "When last I came here, it was one," she said.
"Times have changed, miss. New management, new prices," the stablemaster said, giving her a grin that displayed several missing teeth. "Four pence," he repeated.
Melliel said nothing more about the price and reached into her coin pouch to fish out the correct amount of money. The stablemaster grinned wider as she plopped the coins into his hand, and after he made sure she had given him the correct currency, he pocketed the money with a nod. He then made a grab for Tallagor's reigns, but before he could get them, Melliel locked a hand around his forearm, making his eyes quickly shoot back to hers. She wasn't sure what surprised him more – that she had grabbed him, or that there was so much strength in her grip.
"You will take good care of this horse, stable master," she said, giving him a meaningful look.
The stablemaster's eyes dropped briefly to the sword hanging from her hip, then he gulped audibly. He seemed to understand that if he mistreated her horse in any way, there would be consequences. After he gave her a jerky nod, Melliel released him, untied her travelling pack from her saddle, then turned back to Tallagor to pat him on the neck and say a few soothing words in Sindarin. She finally took a step back and nodded, signaling to the stable master that he had permission to take her horse away.
Melliel left the stables and set off down the street, tromping through the mud and the muck that covered the ground as rain continued to pour down in sheets from the night sky. The street was practically deserted due to the weather, making it a quick, uninterrupted walk to The Prancing Pony. She knew if she was going to find Gandalf anywhere, it would likely be there.
As soon as she stepped inside the inn, her keen ears were bombarded with a plethora of sounds. It was crowded and noisy, filled with loud conversation and raucous laughter. A game of dice was being played near the bar, which had everyone in the vicinity cheering. There was also a small trio of musicians playing a song in the corner, which several people were singing along with, their drinks sloshing over the sides of their mugs as they swayed in time with the music. Everybody within sight looked well on their way to inebriation already.
Melliel lingered in the doorway and pushed off her wet hood. Many sets of eyes turned in her direction as her face and long, golden hair were revealed, but Melliel hardly noticed. She started pushing her way through the throng of people, her sharp eyes scanning the crowd for the familiar face of Gandalf the Grey.
A hand suddenly rose into the air, waving slightly to catch her attention – Gandalf. He was sitting next to the fire, nursing what looked like a cup of wine and puffing on his pipe. Melliel's shoulders relaxed and she immediately smiled, quickening her pace to get to him. Gandalf stood as she approached, his eyes alight with happiness at the sight of her.
"My dear Melliel," Gandalf said, extending his arms out wide as she reached his table. "I am so happy to be seeing you again."
"And I am happy to see you, Mithrandir," she said in return. "It has been far too long."
"Indeed, it has," Gandalf agreed.
He stepped forward to embrace her, uncaring of the fact that her clothes were soaked. Melliel hugged the old wizard tightly, inhaling the familiar scents of spice and tobacco that were so distinctly Gandalf. He patted her on the back in a familial manner, before pulling back so that he could brace his hands on her shoulders and peer down at her.
"I know my summons must have come as a surprise. I thank you for coming to meet with me," he said gratefully.
Melliel quirked a brow. "As if I would say no," she quipped. "You are my friend, and you said you needed my help. Of course I would come."
Gandalf squeezed her shoulders gently, looking touched by how willing she was to come to his aid. "You have always been good to me, Melliel," he said, nodding to her with fondness. "I am lucky to call you my friend."
Melliel smiled. "Just as I am lucky to call you my friend," she replied.
Gandalf grinned and winked, then finally released her shoulders. "Here, have a seat by the fire," he encouraged, offering the chair he had been sitting in. "You are as wet as a fish!"
Melliel smiled gratefully and moved to the other side of the table. She let her pack drop to the floor with a thump, removing her drenched travelling cloak first and hanging it on the back of the chair to dry. She took off the bow and quiver that had been strapped to her back, setting them atop her bag, then unbuckled her sheathed sword, removing it from her waist and propping it up against the wall next to their table. It was then that she noticed the two men sitting at the table next to theirs, who were watching her closely. Melliel paused and stared back, watching as they glanced between her and her weapons, their expressions caught somewhere between uncertainty and wariness. When the men hastily turned their attention elsewhere, she finally eased into the seat.
Not even a minute after she and Gandalf sat down, a barmaid who seemed frazzled from all the activity in the inn appeared by their table. "Anything I can get ya?" the barmaid asked in a hurry.
Melliel looked at Gandalf's dinner of soup and bread, then nodded her head toward the wizard. "I shall have what he is having," she requested.
The barmaid nodded and headed off, disappearing into the crowd again. Once she was gone, Melliel turned her full attention back to Gandalf, who had resumed puffing on his pipe.
"How long have you been in Bree?" she asked, her eyes turning momentarily toward a table in the corner, her attention briefly caught by sudden, loud laughter.
"Less than a week," Gandalf answered, drawing her attention back to him. "And may I say that you have impeccable timing, my dear," he continued with a smile. "I am due to depart from Bree soon and feared I might have to attempt to connect with you at a later time if you did not show. But, alas, here you are, and all is well!"
"Fate is working in our favor, then," Melliel offered with a small smile.
"Indeed it is," Gandalf agreed. "Now, tell me, how was the journey from Lothlórien?" he asked conversationally.
Melliel nodded. "Uneventful, thankfully."
The old wizard nodded in satisfaction. "Good. And what about you, my friend?" Gandalf asked next. "How have you been?"
"I have been well, though I am afraid I have nothing of interest to tell you about," she said with a shake of her head.
Gandalf looked shocked. "Nothing of interest? Lady Melliel, the great adventurer of Middle Earth, has nothing of interest to tell me about?" he asked, before chuckling to himself. "I find that difficult to believe."
Melliel smiled and shrugged. "Life has been quiet as of late," she admitted. After Gandalf hummed in response, she nodded to him inquiringly. "And how about yourself, Mithrandir?" she asked to shift the focus of the conversation away from herself. "How have you been?"
"Oh, I have been just fine," Gandalf said with a dismissive wave of his hand. "Busy, but fine."
"When are you not busy?" Melliel shot back with a knowing smirk. "Gandalf the Grey is never content unless he is finding someone's business to meddle in," she teased.
"Meddle?" Gandalf repeated incredulously. "I never did particularly care for that word," he said with a frown.
Melliel snorted. "What would you prefer to call it, then?" she asked.
Gandalf pursed his lips, then shrugged his shoulders. "I like to think of it more as encouraging than meddling. It sounds much better that way," he excused, before puffing on his pipe again.
"If you say so," Melliel responded with an amused shake of her head.
The barmaid returned, bringing with her a bowl of soup and a hunk bread, as well as a cup of wine. Melliel thanked the woman as she set the items down on the table, then grabbed for the wine as the maid walked away. Melliel gave it a cautious sniff, then pulled a face and quirked a skeptical brow at Gandalf, who was peering back at her with an amused smile.
"Does it taste better than it smells?" she asked hopefully.
"Barely," he answered.
Melliel sighed, shrugged, then took a drink. It was probably the worst wine she had ever had, but she was too travel worn to be picky and decided the wine would serve its purpose well enough. She took another drink, then helped herself to some of the soup while it was still hot.
"I was unsure where you might be when I contacted Lady Galadriel with my message for you." Gandalf said to keep the conversation going. "I was pleasantly surprised to learn that you were in Lothlórien again."
Melliel nodded. "I was long overdue to spend time in the Golden Wood. Though, admittedly, I had not been there for very long," she told him. "I spent the last few years in Rohan. I went to obtain a new horse, then extended my stay while I trained him. I had only been in Lothlórien a few weeks before receiving your message," she informed him.
"Only a few weeks?" Gandalf asked, before wincing with apology. "I do hope Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn were not angry with me for luring you away so soon after your arrival."
"They were not overly pleased to see me go," she confessed. "But your summons seemed urgent, so they understood my reasons for leaving," Melliel added reassuringly. When Gandalf didn't seem convinced, she reached across the table to squeeze his arm. "There are few people in this world my grandparents respect more than you, Mithrandir," she reminded him with a small smile. "Trust when I say they are not angry with you. I do not think it possible for them to be angry with you."
Gandalf finally relaxed, looking comforted now. "Well, that is a relief," he said cheerfully.
Melliel smiled softly and released his arm to grab her wine again.
"I have been meaning to come and pay your grandparents a visit, but simply have not had a spare moment to journey to Lothlórien," Gandalf said next. "How are they faring? I trust they are well?"
Melliel started to nod, but frowned when she remembered the way her grandmother had been acting in the days leading up to her departure. Galadriel was known to be protective of her, so it wasn't uncommon for her to be worried any time Melliel ventured out of the safety of the Golden Wood. She had seemed more concerned than usual this time around, though. Melliel had attempted to talk with her about it, had tried to find out just what exactly was on her mind, but neither her grandmother, nor her grandfather, had said a word.
Melliel gave Gandalf a look. "Grandfather is well, but my grandmother was behaving…oddly…before I left to meet with you," she admitted. "She was worried, more so than usual. She was attempting to hide it from me, but I could see it still," Melliel said with a shake of her head. "Something was making her uneasy, though I do not know what."
An expression she couldn't quite read overcame Gandalf features. "Perhaps I may know the cause for her unease," he said, making her brows furrow together. "If Lady Galadriel knows anything about why I have summoned you here today – which I suspect is entirely possible, given her talents – I can understand her behavior perfectly."
That made Melliel sit straighter in her chair. "And why have you summoned me, old friend?" she asked, seeing no use in beating around the bush.
Gandalf glanced around, then leaned forward to rest his elbows on the table. "I will soon be leaving to embark on a quest, Melliel," he said. She assumed he had switched away from the common tongue so that the patrons around them would not be able to eavesdrop on their conversation.
Melliel's interest was piqued. "A quest? What kind of quest?"
Gandalf's eyes narrowed questioningly. "What do you know about Thorin Oakenshield?"
Melliel furrowed her eyebrows at the unexpected question.
She had heard of Thorin Oakenshield before, though she knew little about the dwarf outside of the snippets of stories she had heard on her journeys. She knew that he had once resided in the kingdom of Erebor, but the mountain had been invaded and conquered by the dragon Smaug over a century ago, which had rendered him and his people homeless. Melliel also knew that he had acquired a certain level of notoriety – as well as the name Oakenshield – after he participated in a massive battle between the dwarves and the orcs at Moria. Outside of that, she knew next to nothing about him.
Melliel quickly told Gandalf the few facts that she knew about the dwarf in question, then tilted her head to the side. "Why do you ask?" she questioned.
"I ask because this quest has everything to do with him," Gandalf answered. "Thorin Oakenshield plans to re-take the Lonely Mountain and reclaim the throne of Erebor for the line of Durin."
Melliel's eyebrows shot upward. "Take back the mountain?" she echoed, not even bothering to hide the incredulity in her tone.
"Indeed," Gandalf confirmed. "He and his company of dwarves are to meet with me in the Shire soon to discuss the final details of the trip and tie up a few loose ends," he explained. "From there, we will begin making our way to Erebor. If we can get inside and find the Arkenstone, Thorin will be able to reclaim his homeland and take his rightful place on the throne."
Melliel quirked an eyebrow at the wizard. "Sounds simple enough…except, of course, for one, small detail that you seem to have forgotten." Gandalf tilted his head questioningly. "The mountain is not empty, Mithrandir. There happens to be a large, angry, fire-breathing dragon living in Erebor," she pointed out with a frown. "What exactly do you intend to do about him?"
Gandalf made a thoughtful noise. "The Lonely Mountain has been very quiet, Melliel. There has been no sighting of Smaug for some sixty years now," he revealed. "There has been much speculation that he may, perhaps, no longer be alive."
Melliel gave him a look. "Do you truly believe that?" she countered.
The frown that pulled at Gandalf's lips betrayed his doubt. "It would be incredibly fortuitous if he were dead. But…I fear that we may not be that lucky."
Melliel heaved at that and shook her head, taking a moment to mull over everything Gandalf had told her. It was a dangerous plan, one that would undoubtedly end in lives lost if this company went into the mountain and started messing about with a cantankerous dragon. Though she knew very well that Gandalf could take care of himself, that didn't stop her from being worried that he had decided to partake in the quest.
"What is your part in this quest, Mithrandir? Why join them?" she asked. "Why participate in something as dangerous as this?"
Gandalf took a long drag from his pipe. Finally, he released a long puff of smoke. "Twas I who convinced Thorin to undertake this quest in the first place," he revealed. "I will help him see it to the end, whichever end that may be."
Melliel gave him another look. She had known Gandalf long enough to know when he was not being completely honest with her, and though his expression seemed innocent enough, she could tell just from the small moment of hesitation that there was information that he was withholding from her. For a moment she considered pressing the issue, but decided to leave it be for now.
Sighing again, Melliel leaned back in her chair and crossed her arms. "What part do I have to play in this, then?" she finally asked. "Why bring me all the way here to tell me of Thorin Oakenshield's quest?" She had a feeling she knew the answer already, though – after all, she very much doubted he had summoned her all the way to Bree just for a bit of story time.
Gandalf gave her a serious look. "I have told you of this quest…because I wish for you to join us, Melliel."
It was the answer she had expected to hear, but she still let out an unladylike snort. "If this is your idea of a jest, it falls very short of being humorous."
Gandalf's expression was anything but amused. "This is no jest," he insisted. "The company needs your help, Melliel."
"Do you mean to tell me that the dwarves said they needed help from an elf?" she asked, her tone full of sarcasm. "I find that very difficult to believe."
Gandalf made a disapproving sound in the back of his throat, the gleam in his eyes hinting that he didn't necessarily appreciate her attitude. "I will be honest – the dwarves do not know of my plans to invite you into our company," he admitted. "But they would be fools not to see the value you would bring to this quest, Melliel. You are smart, you are an excellent fighter, and you know the lands of Middle Earth better than all the dwarves combined – not to mention that you have numerous contacts that would come in very handy along the way. The dwarves will need allies if they wish for this quest to end successfully, and they should be so lucky to have you as one of them."
Melliel shook her head, unconvinced. "And what reason would I have to join them?" she asked. "I have no interest in Erebor, nor its riches. I have even less interest in being reduced to a pile of ash by an angry dragon."
"I am not asking you to enter the mountain with them," Gandalf said patiently. "I am merely asking you to help them get to the mountain. I simply need you to guide them, Melliel."
"They already have a guide. You," Melliel reminded him.
Gandalf sighed. "There may be times in which I must leave the company to deal with matters elsewhere," he confessed. "If that should happen, they will need you to guide them and keep them on the right path."
Melliel frowned. "Matters elsewhere?" she repeated. "What sort of matters?"
Gandalf shook his head. "Nothing you need concern yourself with," he told her firmly. "All you need to know," he continued before she had the chance to try to interrogate him further, "is that I may not always be able to accompany them, which is why we need you. There is no one I trust more, and no one I can think of more qualified for this task, than you."
Melliel slowly shook her head. "Again, I find that difficult to believe," she countered. "I can think of plenty of beings who are just as familiar with the land and just as qualified for an expedition such as this."
"But none with the mental fortitude to endure such a long and arduous trip with a company of stubborn dwarves," Gandalf said without missing a beat. "You know as well as I that dwarves can be…difficult. I know you, and I know you will be able to handle them," he finished with confidence.
Melliel didn't say anything to that, merely sighed.
Gandalf leaned forward, his brows raising. "I know this is a lot to ask of you, my friend," he said gently. "I will not fault you if you decide to say no. But know that I would not have asked you to come on this journey unless I felt it absolutely necessary. This company needs you, of that I am certain."
Melliel gave him a wry smile. "You and I both know that every single one of those dwarves will hate me the moment they lay eyes upon me."
"Not necessarily," he said with optimism. He sighed when Melliel lifted a disbelieving eyebrow. "Perhaps it may be uncomfortable in the beginning," he conceded. "But I am certain that when they get to know you, they will grow to be just as unwaveringly fond of you as I am," Gandalf said with a charming smile.
Melliel huffed and shook her head. "You truly must want me to join you if you are resorting to flattery," she said, half serious but also half teasing.
"A little flattery never hurt anyone," Gandalf said, switching back to the common tongue. After Melliel merely sighed in response, Gandalf tilted his head curiously. "What say you, Melliel? Will you accept my invitation?"
Melliel peered at the old wizard for a moment, then turned her eyes elsewhere in contemplation.
On the one hand, she felt as though she had no business going on a quest like this. She was not acquainted with Thorin Oakenshield, nor any of the dwarves, and though she could sympathize with their plight, she did not see the sense in embarking on a dangerous journey to a place she had no affiliation with. And then, of course, there was the glaring fact that dwarves and elves notoriously did not get along with one another. She didn't have any problems with dwarves herself, because she thought the feud between their two races was as petty as it was useless. But any dwarf she had ever encountered had always regarded her with complete and utter loathing once they realized what she was, and she saw no reason why these dwarves would feel any different.
On the other hand, however, Gandalf was her friend. If he had come to her for help, then he must have truly felt that she was needed. He had always been good to her – he had protected her whenever they traveled together, had always been a steadfast and loyal friend, and had always done any favor she had asked of him without question. He had never asked something this huge of her, which was further proof of how important this was. Could she really say no to him?
Melliel tapped her fingers against her cup of wine. There were many reasons why she should decline the offer…but if she were to be completely honest, Melliel could not deny that there was a tiny part of her that was interested to see what sort of adventure this quest might turn into. Gandalf had said she would only need to be a guide, that she would not have to go into Erebor, which meant she would not have to face any dragons. It was a long trek to Erebor, but it wasn't as if she was a stranger to long journeys. Leading a company of dwarves wouldn't be all that difficult, right?
Melliel looked back to Gandalf, who was watching her with patient eyes. After a moment, she sighed. "I do not think this is a decision I can make right this moment," she finally said. "Is there time to think on it?"
"Some, yes," Gandalf confirmed with a nod. "Though the sooner you decide, the better," he told her.
Melliel nodded. "Understood."
Gandalf smiled at her for a moment, then grabbed his wine and took a drink. "Now, I believe that is enough talk of business for tonight," he said to change the subject. "It has been far too long since last we saw one another. Let us talk of more friendly matters, yes?"
And with that, they ceased talking about dwarves and dragons and dangerous missions. They fell into easy conversation, drinking wine and reminiscing well into the night, catching up on everything they had done since they had last parted ways.
But the proposition the wizard had made her was never far from Melliel's mind. After she said goodnight to Gandalf and retired to the room she had rented for the night, settling onto the lumpy, uncomfortable mattress to rest her body after her long journey, she lay there for quite some time, trying to decide just what she should do.
The bad weather continued the next day, drenching the entire town and leaving everyone with little choice but to remain indoors. For the most part, Melliel and Gandalf just lazed around in the inn and kept warm by the fire. Eventually, when the storm finally let up and they were able to step outside without immediately getting soaked to the bone, they ventured around to various shops to stock up on some supplies, as well as to stretch their legs a little bit.
There was no talk of the quest to Erebor throughout the day, though Melliel knew good and well that they were both thinking about it. She could tell by the way Gandalf looked at her from time to time that he was eager for an answer, though he refrained from pushing the issue. Melliel was glad for that, because she did not yet have an answer to give, despite the fact that she had been thinking of little else.
It wasn't until that evening that the topic was finally breached.
Melliel and Gandalf had finished having dinner in the tavern and were sitting by the fire still, drinking the last of the wine that remained in their cups. When the barmaid came around to ask if they would like another round, Gandalf politely declined and began fishing around in his pockets to pay their tab. Melliel beat him to the punch and silently slipped the appropriate amount of money into the woman's hand. After a quick nod of thanks, the woman hurried off to help other customers, leaving Melliel and Gandalf alone again.
"You did not have to pay for me, but I thank you for dinner nonetheless," Gandalf said with a grateful nod.
"You are welcome," Melliel said, inclining her head.
"I should be retiring soon," Gandalf said, glancing to the dark landscape beyond the windows of the tavern. "I will be departing early in the morning and would like a good night of rest before setting out on the road again."
"Leaving already?" Melliel asked.
"Thorin and the company are due to arrive in the Shire soon, and there is still business to see to before the company has been assembled," Gandalf explained. "Better to be on my way now."
Melliel slowly nodded her head. "I see."
Gandalf went quiet as he pulled his pipe from the pocket of his robes and began to pack it with tobacco. After a few moments, he lifted his blue eyes to her, his thick brows raising questioningly.
"Will you be joining me, mellon?" he finally asked.
Melliel stared at him, then sighed and looked elsewhere. "I have been considering your proposition all day…and yet I find I am still without an answer." She paused for a pensive moment, then looked to Gandalf again. "What exactly is the plan?" she asked, leaning her elbows on the table and pinning him with a businesslike look. "I wish to know what I will be facing, should I agree to join."
"Understandable," Gandalf said with a nod. "Once the company has been assembled, we will take the east road toward the Misty Mountains," he began to explain. "It is my plan to stop in Rivendell, so that we may council with Lord Elrond."
Melliel's brows rose at the mention of Elrond, with whom she was very well acquainted. He had been married to her mother's sister, which made him her mother's brother through marriage and, in turn, her uncle. "What for?"
"We have a map of Erebor, but it is written in ancient dwarven runes, which none in the company can read. If I remember correctly, however, your uncle can," Gandalf said, the words raising a little in the end as though he were asking for confirmation.
Melliel shrugged. "I cannot say for sure, but knowing him, I should think it very likely." Gandalf looked relieved to hear it. "Are you certain Thorin will be willing to meet with Elrond?" she asked. "Does he even know your intentions?"
Gandalf glanced at her briefly, his lips pursing as he finally finished packing his pipe. "Not yet," he admitted.
Melliel shook her head. "I am sure he will be overjoyed," she commented with a look.
"Yes, well…that is an obstacle we shall overcome when the time comes," Gandalf said with a dismissive shrug.
Melliel nodded slowly. She waited for Gandalf to light his pipe with a flame that sprang from the tip of his finger. Once the tobacco was lit and he had extinguished the flame, Melliel raised her brows at him.
"What happens after Rivendell?" she asked to continue on with the conversation.
"We cross the Misty Mountains," Gandalf said.
"A difficult feat in and of itself," Melliel commented. "The mountains are crawling with orcs and goblins."
"I am aware. Unfortunately, we have little choice in the matter," Gandalf countered.
Melliel just hummed in response.
"From there, the best course to take would be the Forest Road through Mirkwood, which is unquestionably the quickest route to Erebor," Gandalf continued. "However, if Thorin decides he does not want to venture through Mirkwood, we can either go north and travel to Erebor by way of the Grey Mountains, or we can go south along the Anduin, and then resume going north once we have cleared the forest."
Melliel immediately shook her head. "I strongly advise against going south. It is much too far out of the way, and there has been an increase in orc sightings along the Anduin and around Dol Guldur," she warned. "The Forest Road is not an option either. It has become overgrown and impassable, not to mention dangerous. There are many dark creatures lurking there these days."
Gandalf hummed under his breath. "So that leaves us with the Elf Path, then, should we go through Mirkwood."
"Taking that path comes with its own risk." Gandalf gave her a questioning look. "The path can be difficult to navigate, and a darkness had begun to fall over the forest when last I passed through. It is as if the forest is…sick," she explained. "Also, the Elf Path leads directly to King Thranduil's halls. I can assure you that he would be less than pleased if he knew a company of dwarves was passing through his forest."
Gandalf smiled wryly. "That, my dear, is something I rather hoped you might help us with, should the need arise."
Melliel lifted a skeptical brow. "I have not seen King Thranduil for over two centuries, and for very good reason. He does not hold me in very high regard after our last meeting. I am sure you remember why," she said with a meaningful look.
Gandalf lifted a bushy brow. "Certainly he is not still bitter over something so trivial?" he asked with disbelief.
Melliel thought of the Elven king and how angry he had been when they had last seen one another all those years ago. There were few people in the world better at holding grudges than the elven king. She knew very well that King Thranduil had a long memory when it came to those who had wronged him, and she doubted two century's worth of time was long enough for him to forgive her for what she had done.
"I would not put it past him, Mithrandir," she said simply.
Gandalf huffed and shook his head, taking a long draw from his pipe. "Well, petty differences and past squabbles aside, he would never cross the granddaughter of Celeborn and Galadriel," he said with a matter-of-fact nod. "My hope is that he would not cross anyone in your company, either."
Melliel raised her wine glass to her lips to take a drink. "I think you underestimate how well King Thranduil can hold onto grudges," she countered.
Gandalf shrugged his shoulders, still looking a little displeased. "Only time will tell, I suppose."
Their conversation lulled for a few moments, giving Melliel time to consider everything Gandalf had said thus far. "Once the company has gotten past Mirkwood, then what?" she finally asked.
"Then the only thing left to do is for the company to gather their wits and proceed to Erebor to rid the mountain of Smaug," Gandalf said. "And you, my dear, will have fulfilled your duties and will be free to do as you please."
Melliel nodded in understanding.
It would not be an easy journey, that much was now confirmed. There was potential for danger to spring up nearly everywhere the company would likely go, whether it be in the shape of a goblin or an orc, or even King Thranduil himself. Joining them would likely mean she would find herself in more than one fight, and while she had plenty of experience fighting off evil creatures of Middle Earth, that did not mean that danger was something she actively sought out.
Melliel looked at Gandalf, who seemed content to smoke his pipe in peace while she sorted her own thoughts.
Had it been anyone other than Gandalf asking, she would have flat out refused. But as she looked at the old wizard, she couldn't seem to get the rejection out. Gandalf could be meddlesome and confusing and quite sneaky at times, but the fact of the matter was that she adored that blasted Istari. He would need someone to help him shoulder the burden of this quest, would need someone to protect him when danger did find them. Could she really stand back and trust the dwarves to protect her friend? Now that she knew what he was up against, could she really let him leave and do so with a sound mind?
The answer to both questions was no.
Melliel let out a long sigh, knowing in that moment that the decision had been made. Though the journey would be difficult, and though she knew there would be a considerable amount of tension between her and the dwarves, she simply could not refuse her friend in a time of need.
"Very well," she finally said, which made Gandalf raise his brows questioningly. Melliel sucked in a breath and sincerely hoped she wouldn't come to regret the words about to leave her mouth. "I will join the quest."
Gandalf immediately smiled. "Good. Very good."
His reaction was far more subdued than she had expected, which made Melliel narrow her eyes at him. "You do not seem surprised by my answer," she observed. When he continued to smirk around his pipe, his eyes twinkling as if he knew something she did not, Melliel shook her head. "You knew I would say yes all along," she accused.
"Of course I did," Gandalf said matter-of-factly. "You have never been one to say no to an adventure, Melliel. Furthermore, you have never been one to say no to a friend in need," he added, giving her a fond smile. "You have always been very loyal, which is one of the things I admire most about you."
"Loyal to a fault, it would seem," she muttered under her breath, unable to help feeling her loyalty was going to get her into trouble some day.
"Nonsense," Gandalf denied, looking entirely too chipper.
Melliel just huffed.
Gandalf reached across the table to pat her on the hand. "Thank you, Melliel," he said, his tone much more sincere. "Knowing you shall be with us gives me much more hope for the success of this journey."
Melliel sighed and finally gave him a small smile. "You are welcome," she said with a nod. Then her smile turned into a wide smirk, her eyes lighting with amusement. "But I do hope you know that convincing me to come was the easy part, old friend," she pointed out. "Now you have to convince a company of dwarves to ally themselves with their sworn enemy. Should be as simple as getting rid of that dragon, yes?" she taunted.
The expression that overcame Gandalf's face as he realized what wrath he would likely be facing once he spoke to the dwarves of this development made Melliel laugh. "Best of luck," she said cheerily, before finishing the last of her wine, smirking to herself all the while.
Gandalf just muttered to himself under his breath.
They left Bree early the next morning, and though Melliel did not mind the town, once they were out of its borders and surrounded by nature again, she couldn't help but feel more relaxed. The stormy weather had finally passed, leaving an utterly beautiful day in its wake, and Melliel had decided to take that as a good omen.
The day was spent trotting alongside Gandalf and passing the time with friendly conversation. They were headed for The Shire – Hobbiton, to be specific. It would take about two and a half days, maybe a little less if they didn't dawdle. They rode all through the day, then stopped to make camp by the road when the sun went down. They secured their horses and collected firewood from the nearby forest, and before long, they had settled around the cozy fire, Gandalf smoking his pipe once again while Melliel consumed a bit of lembas bread for her dinner.
She peered at him from across the fire, smiling as she thought about how comfortable and familiar it was to be on the road with Gandalf again. There had been a number of times they had traveled together since they had become friends, and though they had encountered a bit of trouble on some of those trips, those journeys had, for the most part, always been quite enjoyable.
"This reminds me of old times," Melliel told him with fondness. "You, me, and the open road."
Gandalf smiled at her from behind a cloud of smoke. "You always were one of my very favorite traveling companions, my dear," he told her with a nod.
Melliel quirked a playful eyebrow. "Only because I was always there to save your hide from all of the foul creatures who sought to do you harm," she accused good-naturedly.
Gandalf scoffed. "You saved me?" he asked incredulously. "I may be old, but my memory is still quite sharp. And as I recall it, there were plenty of times where it was me saving you," he reminded her pointedly.
Melliel laughed, then held up a hand in surrender. "Let us just say we saved each other and leave it at that, agreed?" she suggested.
Gandalf smirked and nodded. "Agreed," he said, before raising his pipe to his lips again.
There was a brief silence, until Melliel tilted her head at Gandalf questioningly. "Why the Shire?" she asked to change the subject, which made Gandalf furrow his brows at her. "Why not meet with the dwarves in Bree, as you did with me?"
"Tis a simple reason," he said, removing the pipe from between his lips. "You are not the only one I aimed to recruit into the company," he revealed. "To retrieve the Arkenstone, we will need to sneak past Smaug and steal it right out from underneath his nose. To accomplish that, we shall need a skilled burglar, one that will be quiet and stealthy, and which Smaug will be unfamiliar with. Dwarves are neither quiet, nor stealthy, and Smaug will be on alert the moment he catches their scent," Gandalf explained. "So we have been forced to seek a burglar elsewhere."
Melliel lifted a brow. "Do you mean to say that you intend to recruit a hobbit?"
Gandalf lifted a shoulder. "I had briefly considered asking you," he admitted. "But I knew that I would not want you to be sent in to attempt such a dangerous task, nor do l believe Thorin would trust the Arkenstone in the hands of an elf," he said with a shake of his head. "That leaves us with one last option."
"But…a hobbit?" Melliel repeated, still thoroughly taken aback. Gandalf nodded in confirmation. "I will be the first to admit I am no expert on hobbits, but I have been led to believe that they love nothing more than to sit in their gardens, smoke pipe weed, and eat until their bellies can hold no more food," she said. "That does not sound much like burglar material to me."
Gandalf shrugged. "There is one particular hobbit I have in mind that holds great promise. His name is Bilbo Baggins, and he may be just what this company needs to see this mission through to the end."
"Do you think he will agree to join us?" Melliel asked, tilting her head to the side.
Gandalf gave her a long look, then raised his pipe to his lips again. "We shall see."
They travelled for one more day, picking up their pace a little, and reached the Shire by the following morning. The moment the beautiful settlement came into sight, there was nothing Melliel could do to stop a smile from spreading across her face. She had only visited the Shire once before purely out of curiosity, but it had been many, many years ago and time had made her forget just how breathtaking it truly was. The rolling green hills, the beautiful flowers and tranquil lakes, just the general aura of peace that seemed to lay over the land like a warm, cozy blanket…perhaps it was just the elven blood in her veins being drawn to the lush scenery, but to her, it was one of the most beautiful places she had ever seen.
"You have been here before, yes?" Gandalf asked as they began making their way through the Shire. She noticed a number of hobbits waving to him excitedly – evidently they remembered the wizard from previous visits, no doubt having committed him to memory after a colorful fireworks display.
Melliel nodded, smiling at a few halfling children that stopped to stare at her and Gandalf with wide, amazed eyes as they made their way past on their tall horses. Upon realizing Melliel had acknowledged them, the children blushed and ran off, giggling madly as they went.
"A very long time ago, when I first started my explorations of Middle Earth," she answered, turning her eyes forward again. "I had forgotten how beautiful it is here."
"Indeed, it is," Gandalf agreed, eyeing their surroundings with fondness.
Other hobbits were beginning to stop and stare now, and though most were regarding Gandalf with friendliness, others were staring at her with open curiosity. She doubted any of them realized she was an elf, since most beings she encountered automatically assumed her to be human, but she was sure the presence of a stranger in their town was quite surprising nonetheless. Hobbits of the Shire weren't often visited by outsiders.
She and Gandalf called out friendly greetings to those they passed as they went further and further, wanting to make a good impression on the halflings and assure them that they were not coming to stir up any trouble. Though, she supposed all bets would be off about any potential trouble once the dwarves arrived – that particular race was not exactly known for its friendliness, nor its eloquence.
"So where exactly does our hobbit friend reside?" Melliel asked when they had been traveling through the Shire for almost two hours without any signs of stopping or reaching their destination.
"Just beyond that hill there," Gandalf said, pointing to the hill in question. "In fact," he added, glancing at the small hobbits that were scrambling to get out of the way of their large horses. "Perhaps this is a journey that would be better completed on foot," he suggested.
Melliel nodded, and with that they directed their horses off the main road and into a grassy field, where there was no longer the threat of potentially trampling any unsuspecting halflings. Melliel dismounted Tallagor, patting him on the neck and saying a few affectionate words, thanking the steed for all of his hard work.
"Why don't you tend to the horses?" Gandalf asked, taking his staff in hand and turning his eyes in the direction he would soon be going. "I shall go and see if I cannot wrangle us a burglar for our quest."
"You do not want me to come with you?" Melliel asked.
He thought about it, then raised a brow at her. "Actually, perhaps you should come with me. I seem to recall Mr. Baggins having quite the fascination with elves. Your presence might be just the motivation he needs to accept my offer."
Melliel quirked a brow. "Very sneaky, Mithrandir."
"I believe the word you meant to use was resourceful, my dear," he corrected with a smile. "Come on, now. No time to waste."
They tethered their horses to some trees and stepped back onto the main road, where they continued on foot. They passed by hobbits going about their daily lives, smiling courteously and calling out good morning to any who acknowledged them. It was downright comical how huge Gandalf looked compared to the hobbits around them, whom could easily be mistaken as children to anyone who had never seen a hobbit before. Melliel smirked in amusement, watching the tiny halflings making way for Gandalf's looming figure. That was when she noticed that she only stood about a head, maybe a head and a half, taller than the hobbits, and she realized that some might think Gandalf looked huge compared to her as well. Her amusement quickly vanished at that thought.
They finally came upon a hobbit home that sat tucked into a hill overlooking Hobbiton. There was a pretty garden out front, which Melliel admired, and the home looked well kept from what she could see so far. Finally, she noticed that a hobbit was sitting in front of said home. He looked fairly young, his face not yet lined with age. He had a mop of sandy colored curls on top of his head, was dressed smartly, and had very big, hairy feet. Currently he was sitting on a bench with a pipe in hand, eyes closed contentedly as he enjoyed the pleasant weather.
"That is him?" Melliel asked quietly.
Gandalf nodded once in confirmation.
They stopped in front of the hobbit named Bilbo Baggins, watching as he lifted his pipe to his lips without opening his eyes and then proceeded to blow a large smoke ring. Gandalf looked at Melliel, smiled mischievously, then made the smoke ring take the shape of a butterfly, which promptly flew back toward the hobbit's face and exploded on impact.
The hobbit coughed and finally opened his eyes, only to freeze when he saw them standing there. He blinked with surprise, eyes flickering back and forth between them before he frowned with confusion.
"Er…good morning?" he finally greeted.
"What do you mean?" Gandalf asked. "Do you wish us a good morning, or do you mean that it is a good morning whether we want it or not?"
Bilbo blinked, looking unsure as to what to say. Not that he really had the chance to say anything, because Gandalf was not quite finished yet.
"Or perhaps you mean to say that you feel good on this particular morning," the wizard mused aloud. "Or are you simply stating that this is a morning to be good on?"
Bilbo blinked again, looking horribly confused. "All of them at once, I suppose?" he finally managed.
Melliel fought back a smirk of amusement at the exchange and gave Gandalf a subtle nudge with her elbow. "You are confusing the poor fellow," she said, giving the wizard a look. Gandalf just hummed in response, his eyes glancing over Bilbo appraisingly. "I apologize for my friend," Melliel said, turning her attention to Bilbo. "He takes great pleasure speaking in confusing riddles."
Bilbo looked at her, opened his mouth to speak, closed it again, then shook his head. He fidgeted in his seat and looked at them with furrowed brows. "Is there something I can help the both of you with?" he asked unsurely.
"That remains to be seen," Gandalf said. "We are looking for someone to share in an adventure," he revealed.
Bilbo's brows raised. "An adventure?" He shook his head. "I don't imagine anyone west of Bree would have much interest in adventures," he said, finally getting up from his bench to go to his mailbox and check what was inside, as if looking for something to save him from this unexpected encounter. "Nasty, disturbing, uncomfortable things. Make you late for dinner," he mused as he began to shuffle through his letters.
Melliel cast a look at Gandalf, who gave her a look from the corner of his eye and a subtle nod. "You have not ever wondered what lies beyond the borders of the Shire, Master hobbit?" she asked with a meaningful look. "There is a great, big world out there, ripe for exploring."
"Well, of course one wonders," Bilbo replied. "But us hobbits prefer to stay within our own borders. The only exploring we do is through our own pantries…or the neighbors', when they're not looking," he added with a forced sounding chuckle.
"I cannot say I blame you much for that," Melliel admitted, taking a look around at their exquisite surroundings. "If I lived in such a beautiful place, I would find it quite difficult to leave, as well."
Gandalf cleared his throat loudly after she said that, which made them both look to the wizard. Gandalf gave her a look that said she was supposed to be helping him recruit the hobbit, not pointing out the reasons why he should stay in the Shire. Melliel just shrugged helplessly at the wizard in response.
Bilbo watched the silent exchange, then tucked his letters under his arm and took a step back. "Well, this has been a, uh…interesting chat. But I am afraid I am quite busy today and must be going. So…good morning," he finished, clearly saying goodbye to them.
Gandalf made a sound of disbelief as the hobbit turned to start up the stairs to his home, looking eager to get away from them. "To think that I should have lived long enough to be good morninged by Belladonna Took's son!" he exclaimed, sounding outraged. "He treats us as if we are merely selling buttons at the door!" he then said to Melliel, looking thoroughly disgruntled.
Bilbo's attention had been caught by the mention of his mother. He paused on the stairs and turned back to them, looking perplexed again. "I beg your pardon?" he asked, cocking his head to the side.
Gandalf gave the hobbit a pointed look. "You have changed, and not entirely for the better, Bilbo Baggins."
Bilbo looked at Gandalf, then at Melliel, then at Gandalf again. "I'm sorry, but do I know you?"
"Well, you know my name, though you do not seem to remember I belong to it," the wizard said with a huff. "I am Gandalf."
Bilbo's eyes finally lit with recognition. "Gandalf? Not Gandalf the wandering wizard who made such excellent fireworks?" Gandalf smiled and nodded in confirmation, which had Bilbo smiling as well. "Old Took used to have them on Midsummer's Eve! They were marvelous!"
"They are indeed quite a sight to behold," Melliel agreed with a nod.
Bilbo looked at her curiously. "Who are you, then? His apprentice?" he asked.
Melliel snorted at the suggestion. "No, I am not."
"This lovely elleth before you is Lady Melliel of Lothlórien," Gandalf quickly introduced, and it did not escape her notice that he had made sure to mention the Golden Wood. "She has been my very good friend and my favorite traveling companion for many, many decades now."
Bilbo's eyes went as round as teacup saucers. "You…you are an elf?" he asked with shock.
Melliel smiled gently and tilted her head, so that he could see her pointed ears. Bilbo looked so amazed, she very nearly thought he would have to sit down on his bench again so that he would not fall over. "Good gracious me. Never in my life did I think I would cross paths with an elf," he said, the pipe in his hand all but forgotten. "Now here there is one standing on my doorstep!"
Melliel smiled and inclined her head. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Master Baggins," she said politely.
"And you as well, Lady Melliel," he said, still looking at her with awe. When he realized he was gaping at her like a fish, he finally shook his head. "Forgive me for my manners," he said in a rush. "I am just thrilled, because I have always wished to meet an elf! There is so much I should like to speak to you about! To think of all the things you must have seen and done in your time in this world! It is enough to make one quiver with excitement!"
Melliel smiled at his childlike exhilaration. "There is nothing to forgive. I am quite flattered by your enthusiasm," she reassured. "And I would be happy to answer your questions, Master Baggins. A friendly conversation with a friendly fellow is always enjoyable."
"Splendid!" Bilbo said, smiling even wider.
"Splendid, indeed!" Gandalf interjected, looking back and forth between them with a smile. "The two of you are getting along nicely already. That is good, seeing as you will be spending quite a lot of time together once we set out on our quest. I have a feeling the pair of you will most certainly need each other once we are joined by our other companions."
Bilbo's excited expression instantly faded away. He seemed to have momentarily forgotten the adventure that had been offered to him – in fact, he seemed to have momentarily forgotten Gandalf was even present. At the mention of the quest, he frowned deeply at the wizard. "Now, wait just a moment. I have not agreed to anything!" he protested.
"It will be very good for you to stretch your wings, Master Baggins," Gandalf insisted, ignoring the hobbit's protests. "And it will be most amusing for me," he added with a small smirk.
"No, no! No!" Bilbo protested. "As flattered as I am that you would consider me, and as pleased as I am to have met Lady Melliel, I must inform you that you are thoroughly mistaken!" he said in a rush. "We do not want any adventures here! Is that understood?"
Melliel and Gandalf looked at each other with raised brows.
Bilbo turned to Melliel, his expression softening a little. "My lady," he continued. "If you should wish to take tea with me later or join me for supper, you are most welcome, for I would love to talk with you about, well…everything," he invited. Then his expression turned firm again. "But that will be the extent of it!" he insisted. "If you are looking for someone to join a quest, I suggest you try over the hill or across the water!"
He finally scurried up his steps, as if he feared they might try to catch him and kidnap him. He stopped at the door and turned back. "Again, Lady Melliel," he said to her. "Do come back whenever you so please." Bilbo then squared his shoulders, his expression resolute. "But for now, I bid you both good morning!"
And then he went back into his home, slamming the green, circular door behind him.
She and Gandalf stood there in stunned silence for a moment, before she finally looked up at the old wizard. "That went as well as I expected," Melliel said with a quirked brow. Gandalf's response was to purse his lips and make a sound of disgruntlement. "Now what?"
Instead of answering, Gandalf gave her a look before walking through the little gate to Bilbo's yard and climbing the very same stairs that Bilbo himself had just scurried up moments before. As Gandalf went to the door, Melliel leaned to the side to watch as he first muttered an incantation under his breath, then began carving something into the door. When he stepped back, Melliel saw that the green door now had a dwarf rune etched into it.
"And what, exactly, is that for?" Melliel asked as Gandalf rejoined her.
"The dwarves will begin arriving in the Shire soon. This mark will let them know that this is the house of our burglar, and that this is where we will be convening," Gandalf explained.
Melliel lifted a brow at the wizard. "Correct me if I am wrong, but did he not just refuse to join the company?" she asked pointedly.
Gandalf smirked. "Indeed, he did," the wizard said. "Master Baggins just needs a little more encouragement. Trust me when I say that he will be our burglar. He just does not know it yet."
Melliel raised her brows, looked at the door, then shook her head. It seemed Gandalf was not going to take no for an answer, and Bilbo Baggins was going to be in for quite the shock when a company of rowdy dwarves showed up on his doorstep.
"Poor fellow," she said sympathetically, feeling bad for him already.
"He will be fine," Gandalf reassured, patting her on the shoulder. "Now come, mellon," he beckoned as he started off down the main path again.
"Where are we going now?" Melliel asked, lengthening her strides to keep up with him.
Gandalf smiled down at her. "Now, my dear, we are going to wait for our dwarven friends to arrive."
Hope you liked it!