The Warrior Who Waited

Going on an Adventure

Key -

italics; internal thoughts

The next morning was absolute chaos, with dwarves rushing about, stuffing food into their mouths as they gather their things, bumping and clattering against tables, chairs, and decorations. I sat in the parlor waiting patiently for them to finish up, in awe that Bilbo hadn't woken up to any of it. Gandalf joined me in the parlor, quietly smoking his pipe with a thoughtful look in his eye. I had picked up my journal, the one place where I keep my adventures logged respectfully so that I can remember them more specifically. An elf's memory gets foggier as the years blend. One hundred years become a blink in the life of an elf. That saying has stuck with me forever, and the longer I live the more it becomes true.

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Ethuil 2941

Today I sit in the parlor of a Hobbit hole, Bilbo Baggin's home to be precise. We, a company of 13 dwarves, Gandalf, and myself, are about to venture out to reclaim Erebor, Thorin Oakensheilds old home. We had tried to persuade Bilbo into coming with us as the dwarves require a burglar, Gandalf believing he was the proper one they needed. The wizard still holds hope that he will join us, and I stand with him, no matter the doubts I hold. I arrived here late last night to an unwelcoming greeting of dwarves, they didn't know I was coming and didn't want me. Gandalf and I persuaded Thorin that I was needed for their rather loud and eclectic wouldn't survive without my knowledge and help. Thorin and his nephews, Fili and Kili, have a price on their heads from evil, but unknown sources, and that seems to be the main reason for my staying in the company. Looking at the map, the shortest route will be through both Imladris and Mirkwood. Hopefully, we will be able to stay far enough from the kingdom of old Greenwood so we aren't caught. Although with Thorin's hate of elves, it shouldn't be a problem. We are about to head off, pray for me.

Andreth of Middle Earth

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The dwarves had finally checked and rechecked enough times to deem themselves ready to disembark. Walking outside after grabbing a biscuit, I noticed that Gandalf had left the contract laid out on the kitchen table. I smirk, glancing at the sly wizard out the window, before making my way out. Noticing the dwarves' many ponies, many carrying loads along with the dwarves. Turning to the left, I let out a high-pitched whistle, making them all turn their heads, startled. A few seconds later we hear a thunder of feet, before my beautiful Gilrain trots right up to me, stops, and blows air in my ear as a greeting.

"Good morning to you as well Gilrain, did you have a nice night?" I greet him, before muttering more closely, "Because I didn't...other than the nice bed." He snorts in reply.

"Hmm, I agree. But the sooner we get there the faster it's over. You ready for a long trek?" I ask as we hold a conversation between ourselves that no one else would understand. Elves have a special connection to living creatures, able to feel their soul, creating a connection many do with their horses, allowing us to communicate easily. I check Gilroch for any issues or odd markings, not finding any, I secure my pack onto my back before mounting him, saddleless. I look up to see half of the company looking at me like I'm both crazy and in wonder... I try to let that not inflate my ego. Thorin, on the other hand, glares at me gruffly, sitting atop his pony. Raising my eyebrows in a silent question, he just hmphs and turns to lead the company away with a shout "Let's go!"

Rolling my eyes, I lead Gilrain next to Gandalf's pony, as he chuckles at our silent banter. We follow along behind the rest, my body fluidly moving with Gilrains after having so many adventures it's become muscle memory. I glance back at the Hobbit hole, finally back to its peaceful silence, wondering if Bilbo would wake up in time to join us, if he joins us.