Arien, Lady of Rivendell

To the Shire

The sun was bright as Arien stepped out of the inn. Thorin had already left some time in the night, and Gandalf had risen before her to collect more supplies. As her eyes adjusted the sound of hooves headed towards the inn. Gandalf sat on his brown steed waiting, the reins of Storm in his hand. "Good morning? Are we ready to go?" He asked as she took the reins.
"I am, though I wish to know who our burglar is." Arien replied as she swung into the saddle. Gandalf grinned and tapped the side of his nose.
"All in good time." Was his only response and they headed back down the now familiar road and out of Bree.

Arien had grown used to the constant jostling of riding as they cantered down the greenway into unexplored land ahead.
"What did you think of Thorin?" The wizard asked as they rode to make small talk.
"Stubborn." She responded with a small smile.
"But I think I can break him." Gandalf burst into laughter.
"Well I do not think I have met anyone so eager to do so. Thorin bares a large weight of his past, most of which concern elves and dragons. So it will be hard, but if anyone can befriend him, it will be you."
Arien smirked.
"Is that a compliment?" She asked and the wizard nodded.
"I do believe it is." He chuckled. The land around them had become greener, and the trees thinned out replaced with short walls. Rolling hills ran alongside them as far as the eye could see. It was beautiful. Flowers sprouted from the ground and they slowed to a walk.
"What is this place?" She asked with a wondrous look.
"We have entered the shire, soon we will pass into Hobbiton." Arien searched her memory. She went back to a lesson her father had taught her about the shire.
"Halflings?" She asked and Gandalf nodded. "They are not the sort of folk to join us on this quest."
"Perhaps not, but I believe that there is one who could be persuaded." He replied.
"Well then, I would definitely like to meet this hobbit." They had begun to pass small houses, dug into the hills. Their round doors were painted bright colours and their gardens were filled with flowers.

They crossed over a bridge and into the town. Many folk walked about, all with grins plastered on their faces, chatting happily to one another. Some sat by the lake fishing, others drank ale outside the pub.
They began to wind up a large hill, with a large tree on top. As they rode, Gandalf began to hum softly to himself and they pulled to a halt beside a house with a round green door. He dismounted and Arien followed his lead.
"Hold Rosie would you." The wizard said and handed her the reins. She took them and watched as Gandalf walked slowly over to a halfling who had not yet noticed their presence. He sat on a garden bench, pipe in hand, blowing smoke rings. His clothes were brightly coloured, with a yellow vest and brown trousers. The wizard stopped infront of him and his eyes slowly opened.
"Good morning."