PART ONE

Even a journey of hundreds of miles starts with a single step.

Two decades later

Her whole body was trembling. Those men were still clutching her arms. If they just wanted to rob her they could have done this as far as she was concerned for Lhindril had nothing valuable with her at that time. Except some personal tokens, which weren't objects of value in the view of others. Unfortunately, robbing her wasn't their only intention as it seemed. Getting her weapon that she carried on her ever since he could remember seemed impossible. Screaming her head off to get help wasn't possible either. Not anymore. When the woman did this, one of the guys felt obligated to cover her mouth. There was only one thought on her mind: When would someone be missing her? At the latest at noon, then she would have another task. And when would someone come to look for her? After all, she had already been some time away now and her temporary employer would notice the disappearance at some point. However, he would probably be angry rather than worried. It was him who ordered her to sweep the outside in front of the inn, which she did, at least until these three fellows turned up. At first Lhindril just thought they wanted to stop by the inn, then had to learn that they pursued another goal.

Angrily she tried to kick one of the men but failed. So, she wanted to bite the hand that covered her mouth, what worked out much better. Still, it remained. Suddenly the sound of a clank echoed through the narrow alleys, to which a cat responded to with a loud hissing meow. Her attempt to look around or to spot something was pointless. But the guys in front of her turned around surprised, at least the two of them that held her. Immediately she made the most of their negligence and swung her arms several times until one of them couldn't hold them anymore and Lhindril finally was free. Unfortunately, it didn't take long until they had her in their grip again what encouraged her to lash out more fiercely. But before she could achieve anything, she saw another two characters moving towards them. Due to their small height she concluded they could be Hobbits or Dwarves. A shiver ran down her spine because she feared it could be reinforcement for her three opponents.

"Leave her alone!" one of the newcomers ordered, removing his hood. Oddly, Lhindril just asked herself why both of them were hooded, after all it hadn't been raining for days. The three fellows were utterly surprised, nonetheless they still clamped her. In the meantime she darted a look at the person, a Dwarf as it seemed, who spoke earlier. He had dark brown, almost black, hair and dark eyes and he was pretty tall. For a Dwarf at least. Strangely his beard wasn't as marked as Lhindril imagined it for a Dwarf. Just after some seconds passed, the other one removed his hood too. A blond-haired Dwarf.

"Haven't you heard what my brother said? Leave her alone" he said with a steady voice. One of the men turned again and started laughing.

"Why should we?" then he addressed himself to his companions "They're just Dwarves. How could they be able to harm us?"

"You should never underestimate Dwarves!" the dark haired protested. Albeit the whole situation was anything but amusing Lhindril smiled slightly. The guy, who kept her mouth shut, jeered:

"Did you hear that? I think we're supposed to be afraid."

"You're supposed to, indeed." the fair-haired commented before sharing a look with his companion, whereupon both of them fetched their weapons. If her mouth hadn't been covered, she was that sure a yelp of delight would have escaped her lips. The people who wanted to lay hands on her released the woman that they could defend themselves. For some reason she could not move and just stood still. She even was scared to go back inside the inn, for she might have landed in trouble because of her long disappearance. And she knew no other place to go. But for some months she had been harboured in this inn but had to graft as a service in return. She was treated nothing but disrespectfully. Another reason why Lhindril couldn't go in was that she wanted to help the Dwarves and had to thank them for their help. So, she made her decision and grabbed her single dagger once she could move again, after all it was about her, so she had to assist her helpers. Furthermore, she was really angry at the guys who cornered her. Just when Lhindril was about to run at them, she was grabbed by the arm.

"What do you think you're doing? Are you mad?" the blond one asked indignantly.

"No, I just want to help" she corrected. The dark-haired shot a glance at his mate, which she couldn't read. But the Dwarf who hold her seemed to know its meaning. Soon he let go of her arm, stepped up and told the men that a fight was pointless provided they went away and left her alone. Even though she wanted revenge on them Lhindril realised he was right. Fortunately, the guys took their chance and marched directly into the inn. She swallowed and knew she wouldn't enter until these men were out again.

"Are you alright?" the brown-haired Dwarf asked her.

"Quite fine. Thank you so much" Lhindril muttered while considering what to do, but before she could ponder over it, she began to speak again. "May I come with you? I don't know where I could go otherwise" warily the dark-haired asked if she wasn't awaited anywhere. "No, I'm just here for some time and could stay here but had to work. And now, as long as those men are inside, I cannot go back. Please, I promise I won't be a burden on you" again the two of them exchanged glances.

"I don't think that this is a good idea, we're about to handle a business that is very dangerous."

"And top secret" the blond added. Because she didn't know what else to do, she clung to the dark-haired's arm while begging that they took her along. He did not try to pry his arm free but explained they were headed to the Shire, they had to go to Hobbiton. All at once she had an idea.

"Could I just accompany you 'til there? I bet I'll find another accommodation there" they remained silent until the blond interjected:

"Well, there's nothing speaking against this. Do you have to get your stuff?" for a short while she thought what she could need. Nothing in fact. Lhindril owned such few things that she carried it on her most of the time. Then she shook her head no, what seemed to puzzle them.

"You really don't need anything?" then she suddenly remembered something that could have been useful but her fear of those guys overweighted. Plus, she could be held back by her employer or be scolded. Again she negated, whereupon the Dwarves recommended to go ahead, taken by surprise.

When they left Bree, Lhindril turned around to the town one last time and had to say, in spite of everything she grew quite fond of this place. Nevertheless, she was glad to get away from there. Admittedly, she knew she probably stood bad chances to find an accommodation in the Shire, but that wasn't her intention. She just said it that the two of them would allow her to come along. Mentally she smirked mischievously.

-oOo-

More or less silently they walked for over a day and a half until it turned dark again and they, at least the Dwarves, finally stopped at a green door of a Smial. She had the impression, they didn't notice she was still following them.

"That must be it." the dark-haired whispered and pointed at the door. So she took another step towards it to find out what he was pointing at. A bit confused, she eyed the blue glowing sign, a rune most likely. The blond-haired Dwarf – by now she knew his name was Fíli, also came forward and rang the bell. Although she wanted to know what they were doing here Lhindril didn't ask the question. From the inside she heard angry, hushed shouts, apparently the owner of the house wasn't pleased about the visit. But then the door was opened and a Hobbit appeared at the door. Before he could say a thing, the Dwarves started:

"Fíli" the second one continued

"And Kíli" and together they declared while bowing "At your service" the woman stood a bit apart and watched the scene carefully, not able to figure out what this was all about. She noticed Hobbit staring at them and wanted to say something when Kíli interrupted him.

"You must be Mister Boggins" somehow she had the feeling the Hobbit had a problem suddenly, but all he did was asking:

"And who is this?" he was pointing at Lhindril. A bit surprised as it seemed to her, the Dwarves turned around. For an unknown reason she felt awfully embarrassed. Ere any of them could say something she introduced myself.

"Lhindril, I'm from Bree" that wasn't entirely correct but she had no desire to disclose her provenance, not even remembering it herself. From the inside another person appeared - once again a Dwarf - but he too was quite tall. Instantly Kíli pushed past the Hobbit and walked towards the mostly bald Dwarf, who led him away from her field of view. Whether the two of them were related? Father and son? Fíli sighed before he turned towards her.

"Well, I suppose, this is where we part company. All the best of luck. I'm sure my brother wishes you the same." he held his hand out to her and she shook it immediately. At this moment the woman was just shocked because she hadn't thought they would send her away like this. Sadly, she gazed after him when he stepped into the Hobbit hole and placed his weapons on the Hobbit's arms ere vanishing. For decency's sake she closed the door and wanted to leave, as she heard a clash from the inside. Once again she grinned. Dwarves, they seemed to have broken something and Lhindril felt sorry for the Hobbit. Just in this moment the door flung open and Mister Boggins ran after her.

"Wait" he yelled so she turned towards him. "You don't' have to go. I already have four Dwarves in my house, so it doesn't matter if there is a woman as well… I mean I'm glad if I weren't alone around those Dwarves."

"Thanks. If that is so, I would feel honoured to stay, Mister Boggins" she spoke smiling.

"Baggins" the Hobbit uttered "My name is Baggins. Bilbo Baggins"

"Oh I'm sorry, I thought your name was Boggins" she declared ashamed and almost cussed Kíli in her thoughts. Then she heard laughter near them and saw a group of people. Hobbits for sure. Gladly, she followed the Hobbit and Bilbo let her enter his house. When she looked around Lhindril had to admit this Smial was furnished very aesthetically. She was especially fascinated by the ancient furniture, which seemed to be quite valuable Her look rested on a chest near the entrance on which a lot of weapons lay, as well as next to it. Before she could think more about them, the doorbell rang again, what incensed Bilbo. Amusedly, she listened to his tirade. Obviously, the Hobbit wasn't delighted by the visit. Well, if Lhindril had Dwarves in her home she wouldn't be happy either. He braced himself against the door and when it opened, a bunch of Dwarves fell right into the Hobbit hole. Then they stood up and walked in as if they lived there. Behind the Dwarves was an old man with grey beard in grey clothes. In one hand he held a wooden staff and his hat was pointed and of course grey as well. Somehow, he looked familiar, if she wasn't mistaken, he had been in the inn sometimes.

"Gandalf" Bilbo, who seemed to know him, sighed. Although she didn't know where, she had the feeling to have heard his name before. When Bilbo fiercely reprimanded a Dwarf, who took groceries from somewhere she was brought down to earth. The Hobbit accompanied him to the pantry, where he probably got the shock of his life because the Dwarves were looting it. Overcharged, he tried to save his food and pried it out of his visitors' hands. Admittedly, she found it quite rude that the Dwarves just served themselves and didn't listen to their host. For a while Lhindril was watching silently and no one really seemed to notice her what somehow eased her. All of a sudden Bilbo joined her side and sighed.

"I don't know what to do, they will eat everything. Somehow we have to stop them"

"We're talking about Dwarves, they're simply voracious. I'm sorry but I don't believe we could do anything."

"You-you don't say they'll eat that all?" he asked bewildered. Then he addressed himself to a fat, red-haired Dwarf. "Do you need a cheese knife?" probably he understood that he couldn't protect his food.

"Cheese knife?" she heard another Dwarf with a hat. "He eats them by the block" then she spotted the brothers, which were carrying a barrel of ale. The sight of them let her heart beat faster. Probably they hadn't noticed her, instead the old man did. As he walked over to her, he hit his head against the chandelier, due to his height. Lhindril's look strayed to Bilbo, who became even more desperate and angrier as the unwanted visitors displaced some furniture.

"Who are you?" Gandalf interrogated while eyeing her.

"Lhindril" she whispered. Of course she felt uncomfortable because she feared he would send her away for some reason.

"May I know the reason for your coming?" he wanted to know. Stuttering she told him how she got there. Again he was quiet for a while, which made her even more uncomfortable. Quickly, she looked around, whether there was a chance to slip away. It actually happened but not as she imagined. Kíli stood next to her and placed a hand on her shoulder.

"She belongs with us" the Dwarf declared whereupon she gave him a thankful smile. At least she was glad that he didn't want to send her away or abandon her. Gandalf turned away, muttering something Lhindril couldn't understand. Slowly she took a breath and Kíli released the woman, what disappointed her somehow. Instead he grabbed her sleeve and tugged her in the side room, where a table, overstuffed with groceries, stood.

One thing she should have considered; the table manners of Dwarves that were anything but gallant. Many times her appetite was spoiled, nevertheless her hunger won for she had to work hard in Bree for a little food. She wondered why Bilbo wasn't at the table as well, after all this was his food. Maybe he had already eaten dinner. After a while Lhindril just had to ask him to join them, only a few Dwarves were still at the table. When she found the Hobbit, he was in the foyer, complaining how much the visitors vandalised his house. Even before she could talk to him, a young Dwarf appeared.

"I'm sorry to interrupt but what should I do with my plate?" in a way she thought this was quite attentive. I thought Dwarves would rather shatter the dishes or just leave them. Suddenly she felt a hand on her shoulder, so she turned around startled. Fíli. Smiling he pushed her slightly aside and asked for the plate, which he threw to his brother afterwards. Instantly Lhindril feared it would fall to the ground but Kíli caught it and threw it into the kitchen, where a Dwarf stood at the sink. Just as more Dwarves joined us in the entrance hall she cleared away, as did Gandalf. They didn't want to disturb the Dwarves and risk that the plates would break anyway.

Neatly, the Dwarves threw the dishware through the house, without breaking a single piece of it. Astonished she watched them and unwillingly remembered a day when she broke a plate herself at the inn. It barely lay on the ground when the owner's second eldest son stood in front of her. Even though he was about ten years younger than her, he treated her disdainfully and without respect, so he smacked her while scolding her. Then he ordered to clean up the mess. When her employer learned what had happened she went without a dinner as well. This memory almost made her cry, so she banished all thoughts of it. Never would she go back. Once again she watched the Dwarves as they began to sing a merry song, which she soon joined in with humming. Eventually the whole dishware was piled up on the table and everyone but Bilbo was laughing. Suddenly a bump against the door sounded and she wondered who it could be and why the person didn't ring the bell.

"He's here" Gandalf commented with a quite mystic voice.

"Who?" she was wondering as she followed the man to the front door. He stopped and looked at me.

"The leader of the company. It's up to him to decide what will happen with you" what was that supposed to mean? When the door opened Lhindril saw another Dwarf, as she had already imagined. Briefly, he complained about not finding the place, then Gandalf introduced him to Bilbo and her. Thorin Oakenshield.

"So this is the Hobbit?" he wanted to know sceptically. "And who are you?" she was asked. This time she didn't come up with a lie, why she just said her name. "Why are you here? How did you get to hear of our purpose?" she started sweating because she didn't know what he was talking about but didn't dare to ask. Nevertheless, she knew she had to say something.

"I don't know what you are talking about or what your purpose is" then she thought, she recognised him, he had been at the tavern about a year ago, together with Gandalf. Exactly, she remembered. The Dwarf was already sitting there, when Gandalf joined him and grabbed her sleeve to order the same meal. They discussed something afterwards, what it was she didn't hear. But it can't have been something good. If it was to related to this 'purpose'? Admittedly, the Dwarf did frighten her a bit because he just stood there and stared at her for a long while. Did he wait for a reaction on her part or did he even ask her something while she was in thoughts? For some reason Lhindril just gazed back. In spite of this she hoped on release, which finally came. Thorin addressed himself to Bilbo. While she exhaled in relief, Bilbo didn't seem to feel very well. For a while she listened to the discussion until she understood what the Dwarves intended to do. To go somewhere and the Hobbit, who was supposed to steal something, should accompany them. The problem was that Bilbo had never stolen anything in his life.

In contrast to Lhindril. For years, since that day, almost no week passed in which she hadn't stolen something. So if anyone was a burglar, it was her. And this was what she wanted to prove that evening; they just had to take her with them. An adventure was quite the right thing for her, although she only had a single weapon and no combat experience at all. Instead, she had the advantage of having spent several years in the wild world, mostly all on her own. If she went on the quest, she would have more people with which she could become friends. It's always good to know people at different places. Before Thorin spoke to her again, Lhindril fulfilled the first part of her plan, this would give a very nice surprise.