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From inside the woods was a wooden cabin that held the young girl called Erthril. Beside it was a small cave built entirely of stone. It was handmade by her, taking over several years to finish.
She and her small dragon, Annet, stayed in isolation, with one visitor being her father's old friend, Gandalf. He kept her well hidden as well as protected.
He allowed her to ride her dragon, Annet, only in the dead of night. He told her never to fly too low or too loudly.
But now those days were over, as she could care for herself. She had not seen him for well over a year.
But she knew as well as Annet he would return. She did not expect it to be asking for her help.
But here she sat, leaning on her dragon's side as she read a book gifted by the wizard. It was a book about dragons, what they eat, and how to care for them.
She was startled as Annet let out a low growl upon hearing footsteps. "What is it?" She whispered, standing from her spot.
She let out a breath as from the woods emerged the tall wizard with a short hat and long graying bread.
"Gandalf! What a surprise." She says, closing her book as he walks closer. He smiled at her before turning to the dragon.
"Dear Ethril, how is Annet?" She smiled, looking at Annet, who had since calmed.
Annet was a small yet fierce she-dragon. She had golden scales with bat-like wings. Annet was sweet and kind unless pushed wrongly.
"She has been eating, as the book said. But I must ask, why are you here, Now?" She asked Gandalf as he huffed before using his staff to motion to the cabin.
She led the way back to her cabin, then inside, closed the door behind him. He didn't have to lean as the ceiling was tall to accommodate his height.
"Would you like something to drink?" She asks as he turns to look down at her. He shakes his head, causing her to cross her arms.
"Then what is it you need?" She asks, looking at him curiously. "I would like to call upon the help of you and Annet if you would."
She scowls before saying, "I am in danger of just breathing. Why would you need our help."
Gandalf silently lowers his head before saying, "I am on a quest to reclaim Erebor. Evil is returning, and we cannot allow that to happen."
Erthril rolls her eyes before frowning, "He wiped out my family!" Gandalf nods his head, placing both hands on his staff.
"Smaug." was all he said, and her eyes widened, arms falling to her side. "His loyalties lie with Sauron, but you have Annet. We need you if something goes wrong."
"Why not just get Bilbo!" She shouted to him as she had heard about him from the man before her.
"We are traveling there before light. But if he is not successful." She steps out of the way of the wizard. She kept her head down as she pointed her finger at the door.
Gandalf solemnly walked past her and out of the door. She made her way to her kitchen and then to the window. She watched as Annet growled at Gandalf as he walked past.
