The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings belongs to JRR Tolkien and the movies belong to Peter Jackson. I'm just a devoted fan.

You all are too kind and sweet for me. Thanks for being such awesome readers of this fic. I enjoy reading your thoughts, critiques and comments. It seriously makes my day. To some of you anons, I hope you get accounts because I'd love to reply to your messages :')

So, I'm in the process of editing/re-writing the first 4 chapters of this story because compared to my latest chapters, the opening isn't as strong and has some errors. I've already edited chapters one and two and while nothing story-wise has majorly changed, it does allow you all a better insight of Relly's past earlier in the story. Also, it's made clear Gandalf knows who she is from the start. If you want to, go back and read them!

The Ones You Care For

How strange that nature does not knock, and yet does not intrude!
- Emily Dickinson

It would be lying to say Relly did not feel completely awkward that following morning. After all, she had finally revealed the truth about her mixed heritage towards all the company now. Thorin, Bilbo and Gandalf were already aware of Relly's quarterling status but the other twelve members of the party were left in the dark. The source of her insecurities had its roots in her half-human, half-Hobbit blood and for years she struggled with trying to fit in.

It was why she felt so welcomed among most of the dwarves anyway. At first, it was just for the treasure and adventure but as time wore on, Relly became attached to every dwarf. Whether it was the outspoken Gloin, wise Balin, fierce Dwalin, thief in trade Nori, kind Dori, the healing hands of Oin, jovial Bombur, the wild Bifur, the humorous Bofur, faithful Ori and her eager tutors Kili and Fili. She laughed with them, burped with them, survived countless dangers and fought alongside Thorin Oakenshield as his newly respected equal. Relly wouldn't say it out loud ever but Thorin was becoming like a father to her. She desperately needed a father figure and Thorin, even with his gruffness, filled that role completely. In fact, she was pretty sure she was the only one who could get away with hugging him for no reason.

Much to her delight, no dwarf had brought up the topic. Life seemed to carry on as usual, as if she had never revealed her past last night. It needed to be addressed at some point but for now, Relly wanted to enjoy her breakfast.

"Relly, hand me the cinnamon bowl will you?" Dori asked Relly to pass the cinnamon bowl, snapping the thief out of her morning reverie as she tossed the wooden bowl to Dori, almost causing the lid to fall off. "Where's Bilbo? He's missing out on this delightful breakfast."

Kili ate two biscuits at once, attempting to carry on the conversation with his mouth full of bread crumbs. "I bef hesh stul asheep."

Fili translated, "Still asleep, I believe."

Relly didn't say anything as she continued to fork egg into her mouth. She knew why Bilbo was awake last night, and he was sleeping in like he were back home in his cozy bed. The cold milk she was drinking couldn't settle down the hotness in her face, remembering what she had talked to the gentle-Hobbit about. Bilbo had come looking for her, asking her to go back to bed. It was the most recent time she had actually talked to him, besides their exchange in Rivendell. It was actually, well, quite pleasant. Bofur saw her sudden ruddy complexion, raising both brows to himself as he cleared his throat.

"I'll go fetch the lazybones," Bofur volunteered to wake up Bilbo, the dwarf excusing himself from the table as the other dwarves began to finish off their plates. Relly looked outside, the same direction she faced last night when she was out on the veranda. There was no sign of Beorn anywhere, which made Relly curious as to what the skin-changer did in his time.

Licking her lips for any remaining drops of milk, Relly patted her stomach as the quarterling exited the veranda. As she walked down the hallway, she found herself absolutely bored. Gandalf was nowhere to be seen as well and would not return to the cottage until that very evening. She decided to spend her time wisely, to soak up any minute of relaxation and rest before heading out on the road again.

After another day's rest at Beorn's cottage, it was time for the company to continue on their quest. Beorn now fully believed their cause due to his own investigations and had given them supplies, weeks worth of food, water skins and even ponies as tokens of his fondness towards them. However, there was enough time for one last gift.

"Here little one," and he handed Relly the now cleaned Warg skin he had previously nailed to the tree in his yard. "A token of our friendship. For a strange creature like you to brave the wilds, I honor you."

Relly peered down at her new gift. She still wasn't quite used to presents or saying thanks but her chest felt warm at the very gesture. Beorn was a fierce enemy but she also saw in him traits she admired: toughness, independence, and just his general aura. She felt a grin grow on her pointed face as she looked up at Beorn and bowed her head.

"Thanks." The word tasted funny but she was trying to be gracious. Of course, she had no idea what to do with a Warg skin, but she figured it would be a good blanket for the cold nights ahead.

Everyone said their fond farewells as Beorn stressed the importance of the rules he had specifically told them about the dark days ahead, including the warnings about not drinking or bathing in the queer black stream in Mirkwood and to stay on the path. As they all waved goodbye, the company continued on their journey as the miles stretched between their current place and Beorn's cottage. The adventurers were now back in the world of unknown terrors, no soft beds and the realization Gandalf was leaving them soon as well.

"Are you really leaving us, Gandalf?" Relly quietly asked the wizard. He had looked out for her since she met him; he was the whole reason why she was able to join the company. The grey haired wizard had rescued them so many times with his magic and skill. If they were ever backed into a corner again, they would have to rely on themselves than the power of Gandalf the Grey.

"The ones you care for never truly leave you," Gandalf replied to the young thief. "I believe you of all will be just fine, my dear Relly. Why, I remember when I first met you and you threatened to slit my throat and take my things!"

Relly gave him a shy smile at the mention of the memory. She would miss him terribly, like she missed her own grandfather. "I wouldn't have done it anyway. You didn't have anything good on you worth stealing."

The wizard and the thief laughed together as they rode on the ponies, their laughs attracting the attention of some of the dwarves. Relly had found a father in Thorin, playful older brothers in Kili and Fili and a kind grandfather in Gandalf. There couldn't possibly be anyone else to fill up a role in that gaping heart of hers.

At first, Relly saw frolicking rabbits chase each other and heard the birds chirping high up in the trees. Deer would pause in their tracks and run at the very sight of the sixteen member group and light would filter in through the gaps of the leaves above them. However, the woods began to darkened and the common fauna were no longer to be seen. The edges of Mirkwood crept closer and no birds sang as an ominous cloud hung over them.

"Well, here we are, at the very touches of Mirkwood. I hope you like the look of it," Gandalf described Mirkwood to the less-than-impressed party. Relly rolled her eyes. Liking was far from the choice of words she had in mind. More like depressing. "Now, it would be nice to send the ponies you have borrowed back to Beorn."

"What?" Bofur complained. "Certainly Mr. Beorn wouldn't mind if we held onto them wee bit longer-,"

Gandalf bellowed, "No! Beorn is not as far from you all as you'd like to believe. It would be wise to keep your promises to Beorn, as he is an enemy you do not want to have. You all do not understand the amount of kindness he has shown you by allowing dwarves to ride on his ponies," Gandalf's voice was low and his eyes a darker shade of grey.

An indignant frown was on Thorin Oakenshield's face, his eyes glaring at the very horse Gandalf was riding. "And what about that one?" he asked. "You didn't mention you would return that horse."

Everyone glued their eyeballs to Gandalf. The grey wizard gave a small 'harrumph!' as he looked at his horse. "I didn't because I'm not sending this one back."

"Then what do you intend to do with it, Mr. Gandalf?" Ori piped up although his question was not appreciated.

"I am not sending the horse back, I am riding it!" Gandalf fumed. Relly forgot that the good-natured wizard was capable of a temper and held her tongue for fear of upsetting the wizard even further. A few tense minutes later the wizard seemed to have calmed down as he took in a deep breath and spoke once more.

"It is no use arguing. I have already extended my original plan of stay with you all and I have business in the south that needs taking care of," he explained again. Relly did not want to be reminded that Gandalf was leaving them since it hurt her heart. "We may yet meet again, not too soon though. It all depends on your courage, senses and luck. It is good of me to send Mr. Baggins and dear Relly along with you. I have said from the start their resourcefulness will be an advantage and it certainly -hah- hasn't failed to surprise me as well."

Relly started grinning, hearing the very mention of her name giving her some new recognition. She had Gandalf and Thorin's respect and her pride swelled, side-eyeing Bilbo. He also had a smile on that round face of his, Relly snapping her head back into position as Gandalf cheered them.

"Cheer up Thorin and Company, for this isn't the end. Forget about the forest and dragon for tonight and dream of treasure instead!"

Morning came and to ignore the ever present future of Gandalf leaving them for good, the company filled up their water skins by a clear spring designated as safe to drink from and began the distribution of wares and supplies. Without the ponies, they would once more have to carry their lot on foot, much to the chagrin of many dwarves and of course, Bilbo.

"Oh, but mine is so heavy," Bilbo lamented. This wasn't entirely true as each member of the party had to carry a certain weight of items but he sounded like a lame child.

Relly reached her arm over to his pile of stuff, grabbed some food containers from him and put them in her own sack. "There. Now you don't have to carry as much."

Bilbo looked bemused at her actions but ultimately was grateful that Relly was nice enough to share the load. She was finding it harder and harder to cover up her good deeds with excuses or back handed compliments. Her words were flimsy around Bilbo and she had to actually concentrate on what she was going to say, unlike before when she could just tease him without ease. It was a weird sensation that never quite left the back of her mind, like she couldn't poke fun at him like she used to.

Ori noticed Relly's actions and offered to carry some of her things in return. Relly shook her head, rejecting his well intended offer. "It's okay Ori, I can carry this. It's not-," and she hauled the strap of the sack over her shoulder, "too bad." No, this is really heavy, she resigned, but I can't let anyone see it's too heavy for me.

The first order of business was to send the ponies back. As the ponies trotted away, Relly couldn't help but be jealous of them returning home safely to Beorn. As much as she liked being on this adventure, she was growing tired as well and found it harder to sleep for more than an hour every night. The idea of Death started to crawl under her skin unlike before when she was carefree and pushed Death aside. If anything, Relly was aware she was becoming more vulnerable to such thoughts.

The time came for Gandalf to send off his final farewells to everyone, the moment no one had been looking forward to. His absence would more than likely doom them. Relly had grown so fond of Gandalf, the wizard who saved her from an angry baker and whisked her away on a quest. He was their last minute savior, more powerful than any being Relly had ever known. And he was leaving them for "business", whatever business a wizard could possibly have was over her head.

"Good bye, good bye!" Gandalf waved his hand to them. "Just stay on the straight path and remember! Do not stray for if you do, even I cannot predict the dangers that may befall you." How comforting to know, Relly groaned.

"Is there truly no way around?" Bilbo asked. Relly glared at him in disbelief. One moment he was worth saving his life; now was not one of those moments. "Isn't there another way other than this creepy forest?"

Gandalf nearly berated him. "Bilbo Baggins, I am ashamed of you for ever thinking of such a thing. You cannot go under, over, around or sideways, it is far too late to go back. You must go forward. Someone has to keep an eye on those dwarves and Relly for me," and he gave both of them an odd look that made Relly's skin crawl with goosebumps. Not that he sounded scary but she didn't like the hint in Gandalf's voice.

"Well that's very a very comforting thought," Thorin made a sarcastic remark, his slate colored eyes hiding his worry that Gandalf was truly saying goodbye. Relly walked closer to Thorin, looking up at him as to assure him that everything would turn out alright, even if she personally did not believe so. "If you won't go any further with us, then just bid good-bye already!"

Not liking to be cut off, Gandalf let out a small forced breath as his wrinkles softened and looked at every single member of Thorin Oakenshield's company. He patted the neck of his horse as he said, "Good bye then!" and the horse turned around and off they went. However, that wasn't the last thing he said. "Good bye again! Take care of yourselves and remember, DON'T STRAY OFF THE PATH!"

Relly stood in her spot for a few moments, watching the grey dot disappear from her viewing horizon. That was it. How easy it was for people to come in and out of her life. She wanted to believe that Gandalf would cross paths with them again, maybe after they reclaimed Erebor and slayed the dragon Smaug. With a tiny sigh, Relly exhaled all of her sadness as she cracked her knuckles and saw Bilbo sitting on the ground, slumped over and appearing to be rather depressed.

"I cannot believe he would leave us behind," Bilbo grumbled with dismay. "I did not want to think that day would ever come."

Relly crouched down on her knees beside him, looking in the same direction the gentle-Hobbit was gazing at. Her body had a mind of its own and she hadn't actually planned on sitting near him. She kneaded her lips a little, unsure of what to say to try and cheer up Bilbo. He could be such a whiny worrywart. Her ears perked up a little when she remembered what Gandalf told her about people leaving. That should comfort him, just as long as he doesn't start crying like a big baby. Her throat went dry as soon as her jaw creaked open to say the quote but she swallowed her spit and said it anyway.

"'The ones you care for never truly leave you.' That's uh, what Gandalf told me," she added that to make sure Bilbo didn't get the idea she came up with the phrase. Bilbo raised his chin a little and looked at her, a little longer than Relly was comfortable with. "I mean, of course he'd say that, I wouldn't say something so du-," but she was interrupted by Bilbo.

"That's very...nice of you, Relly," he said to her and was that a closed lipped smile on his face? She turned her head away, gulping quietly to herself. Whenever he said her name in conversation, the muscles in her chest tightened up and her neck felt like a thick vine was constricting her airflow, as if she were choking. "I suppose Gandalf wouldn't want us to worry about him, would he?"

Relly picked at her nails as a way to avoid looking at Bilbo and to pretend she didn't care as much as she did. "I guess not. Anyway, we need to get our stuff and go. Thorin wants to go into the forest right now," she nervously ran her hand through her hair and stood up, shoving her hands into her trouser pockets and making a beeline for her sack, not once looking over her shoulder.

I don't even know why I did that. Relly told herself over and over why she didn't know but like all things true, the real answer had been apparent for quite some time now.

Those steps were the first steps into the wild wood without Gandalf and nobody said a word for the longest time. What was there to be said? Even Thorin, who did not always agree with Gandalf's decisions, was quiet and kept a stone-hard gaze on his face, his eyes locked in on anything moving in the dark wood.

The lichen glimmered with an odd emerald green and by now Relly had become accustomed to the darkness. Bilbo's eyes were the sharpest out of anyone's, much to her wounded pride, and he would often point out the things they missed such as one solitary bird and black squirrels scurrying around the wood. Every gnarled tree looked the same to Relly and she soon grew sick of seeing trees, trees, trees, the occasional nasty set of stringy cobwebs and you guessed it, more trees.

"I'm sick of all these trees," Gloin couldn't keep it unsaid any longer. "I'm used to the tunnels but this...I feel like I'm suffocating!"

The other dwarves murmured in agreement. Dwarves were used to winding, dark tunnels but Mirkwood was a whole other story of twisting, never ending paths.

What Relly hated the most were the nights. The nights weren't particularly cold or warm, just very unnerving. It would be incorrect to say she never saw anything in the forest but she did often see beady yellow eyes peering at her and the thought of being watched by unknown creatures made it even more difficult for her to fall asleep. This was why she often volunteered to keep watch. Everyone huddled close together with sleeping bags often touching others but it was the only way anyone could feel safe.

Relly felt her head nod but she jerked herself back awake, sitting on a fell log as she sat above her sleeping companions. She believed she still have half an hour left on her shift, or who knows. It was not easy to keep track of time in this forsaken forest. Wearing the Warg skin as a blanket, Relly pulled the fur closer to her shoulders as she spotted a pair of bright red eyes peeking at her. She wanted to yelp but the eyes flickered away as soon as they appeared.

When Relly was by herself and the world was alone and quiet, it allowed her time to glimpse at her friends. Even the mighty Thorin had fallen asleep and she gently smiled at her father-like dwarf, eyes closed just like any other being. Thorin had split his bread with her and talked to her even more now that they were travelling once more. Her thoughts trailed from Thorin to Bofur and Ori, her closest friends. Lately Ori had been rather withdrawn from her and only answered her in short sentences. This bothered her since Ori was usually the most talkative around her. She stifled a yawn as she rested her chin on the palm of her hand.

She thought of Bilbo and she was thankful the night was so pitch dark or else an animal might see her face turn scarlet. Her old self wanted to continue thinking Bilbo Baggins was a bum bachelor with no desire to be here, that he was a wet rag and a stick in the mud...and her head started to spin a little bit. Yet he had rescued her from the stone trolls, knew how to cook, was the first one to leave the tree and fight Azog and now, well now, he was causing her to feel rather ill whenever she was around him.

I'm just exhausted, Relly shooed away her feelings as she fought off sleep for half an hour more until Bifur woke up groggily and replaced her. She more than accepted sleep this time around.

It's kind of a boring, shorter than usual chapter but I tried adding in the boat episode and just, the pacing was all wonky and I am a firm believer in ending chapters without them ending awkwardly. So that's for next time. I think the next chapter might be in Bilbo's POV too.

There's a kiss next chapter. Hmmm.

Once again, you guys are totally precious :)