The King And The Dragon

And You Are?

Gandalf goes to open the door. He opens it, and there he stands. We all see him, standing there silently.

And instantly, my heart pounds and threatens to beat out of my chest. My nerves shakes violently awake. And I feel... amazing. This all happens within a blink of an eye.

"Gandalf." the King says.

He steps into the house, takes off his coat, and hangs it up.

"I thought you said that this place would be easy to find. I lost my way, twice. Wouldn't have found it at all if it wasn't for that sign on the door." he continues.

My eyes still take in every detail of him. Everything.

He has long black hair with some streaks of gray, a dark brown goatee, lightly browned skin, and blue eyes, but mine are still darker. He's wearing black traveling clothes which would make him invisible on a moonless night.

"What sign?" Bilbo asks, his temper slightly surfaces. "There is nothing on the door, it was painted a week ago!"

"There is a sign, I put it there." says Gandalf, calmly. "Let me introduce you to the leader of our company, Thorin Oakenshield. Thorin, this is Bilbo Baggins."

Thorin makes his way to Bilbo and encircles him, inspecting him.

"This is the hobbit?" he asks Gandalf, who nods, then goes back to Bilbo. "Tell me, Mr. Baggins, have you done much fighting?"

"I beg your pardon?" Bilbo asks, confused.

"Axe or sword?" Thorin continues before waiting for an answer. "What is your weapon of choice?"

"Well, actually I have some skill in conkers. But, I fail to see where that's relevant."

Thorin smiles slightly and chuckles. "Thought as much." he says. "Looks more like a grocer than a burglar."

Some of the dwarves chuckle at this. Then, Thorin looks at me.

Oh, shut up, heart!

"And you are?" he asks me, kind of rudely.

I slightly bow, as is customary to bow before a king. "Saphira, sir, at your service." I respond as he starts to circle me, inspecting me as well.

"And YOU have done any fighting?" he asks, a disbelieving smile on his lips, obviously not believing that I could fight.

I've always known that many people would underestimate me.

"Yes, sir. More than you think."

"Oh really? Why, may I ask, would you have ANY experience in fighting?" Thorin asks, his temper started to show.

"Well, your Highness, if you must know, I'm a Ranger."

Now, my temper's starting to show. "And I've been on many adventures for many kings. Ask your cousin, Dain."

Yes, I've worked for Dain Ironfoot, High of the Iron Hills. He is a little crazy, but he is my friend.

"Oh. I am sorry. Saphira, is it?"