Chapter Text
She shared a look with her companion. This was not the sort of place one would think to find their quarry. Well they travelled through the village she eyed the strange architecture comparing it to that of the dwarves. She wondered if they made the hills or just built in them. It was different from the vast halls the dwarves carved deep under ground. These houses where made within the hills and not so deep. Each had a little round door, curved windows and a little chimney on top.
Her companion had been silent since they crossed the border into the Shire, making their way to the meeting plac set by the wizard. His mind filled with thoughts of the task ahead.
Bilbo was relieved everything was finally calming down. Hed had enough excitement for one night and just wanted to go to bed. He wished hed never answered the door, cursing his good manners. He gave the old wizard the stink eye. It would be nice to at least have had a warning, could have stocked his pantry with extras. The dwarves had completely clean him out!
It went quiet as there was a knock at the door. The dwarves faces serious and all turned to the door. "He is here." Gandalf said ominously.
"You better get that lad" the older dwarf with the white beard advised. He cautiously made his way to the door. They did say they where waiting on one more. He slowly opened it to reveal another dwarf. He looked less ragged than the others and seemed to hold himself differently.
"I thought I had the wrong house, would have gone past if not for the mark." The dwarf said stepping into the house adding his weapons to the pile.
Bilbo was outraged, "Theres no mark on that door, it was painted a week ago!" Pointing at the door.
Gandalf raised his hand, "I put it there myself."
Bilbo shook his head and looked outside to hide his annoyance and was shocked when he a pair for glowing green eyes looked back at him. He released a yell of fright and slamed the door closed, a yep sounded from the other side. "Theres something out there!"
He points at the behind himself well bracing the door.
The newest arrival shakes his head and removes the terrified hobbit.
"No you can't, it'll eat us!" Warns a terrified Bilbo. The creature makes a whining bark. The dwarves laugh behind. Bilbo looks at the door in worry as they open the door to reveal a black wolf. Its laying on the door step rubbing its nose with a paw, it looks up with narrowed watering eyes.
"Shes with me" the dwarf rolls his eyes, "sorry Ellie". He gives the wolf with a apologetic look. "You ok?" 'Elle' stands and enters letting out a little woof, she gives Bilbo a hard look well moving into the house.
He pokes his head out hopeing his neighbors didnt see, the rumours it'd start. He closes the door more gently this time and returns to the dining room. Everyone with serious looks and intently listening as the latest guest retails his journey. Miraculously someone had found him a plate of food and the wolf was quietly chewing on a bit of jerky at Gandalfs feet. He turned his back to them and tried to pretend he wasnt listening to their conversation.
Elle curiously eyed the hobbit, when Gandalf told her of the hobbits this was not what she expected. He was about the size of a child but with the face of a adult. A bit shorter then the dwarves but more proportionate like a man, till you get to the big hairy feet which are uncovered and seem to have never seen the inside of a boot. Elle jerks her head away, feet no matter what race are not appealing. Her gaze moves over the faces in the room all familiar. Her head doubles back when she spots Ori, the young dwarf isn't old enough for a quest like this. Her eyes narrow on Dori, who must have felt her stare looks at her. She jerks her head to Ori which he replys with a shrug "no controling youngins these days" he mouths.
Gandalf stands and unfolds a map of Erebor, which sparks a discussion amongst the group about returning."Youll need a blighting good burglar for that. An expert I imagine." Muses the hobbit, the company stops and all attention turns to him. "And are you?" Asks Balin, the hobbit snorts. "I'm not a burglar, haven't stolen a thing in my life." "Then why in the blazes are we here?" Throin looks to Gandalf. The rest of the group starts talking over one another agreeing he shouldn't come. Elle feels a rush of magic as Gandalf stands, a shadow falling over them. "If I say Bilbo Baggins is a burglar than a burglar he is. Hobbits are fast on their feet and can easily past unnoticed." Throin agrees and Balin starts sorting out the necessary paper work. The hobbit has the sense to read it, has a panic attack and faints.
They file out of the house into the night, makeing there way down the hill till they find a good place to camp. The dwarves dont bother with a fire or setting up camp, they just unroll their bedding where they stand. Elle lays just outside the group and takes watch, her kind dont need as much sleep as her friends. Could easily go a couple days without it if needed. She shares a nod with Gandalf as he enters the camp, setting up his own bedding not far from her. It's not long before he joins the others in sleep.
They break camp at sunrise. They chatter amongst themselves well eating a short breakfast, placing bets on whether or not Mr Baggins will join us. Elle does not believe so but doesn't but wont put her money against Gandalf. Throin mounts his pony and the others follow. Elle falls to the back of the company, protecting their flank. She doesn't think they will be attacked in the shire but it's better to be safe than sorry.
Her ears perk up as she hears a yell, turning her head she sees a little body running full tit down the hill waving something about. Her eyes widen with surprise, it's their burglar. She releases a short bark to alert the others who look back to see the last member closing in. They stop and watch as he makes his way to Balin and gives him the signed paperwork.
"Give him a pony" Throin orders before starting off again. The company fallows ignoring the hobbits protests to the pony, Bofur and Nori lift him and deposit him on the nearest free pony.
Suddenly Bilbo calls the company to a stop, "we need to go back!" he says patting his pockets. "What is it now" Throin snaps from the front. "I've forgotten my handkerchief" bilbo says miserably. Throin snorts, shakes his head and shoots Gandalf a amused look before telling the group to resume. Bofur kindly rips off the bottom of his coat and throws it to the poor hobbit.