𝙎𝘼𝙋𝙃𝙄𝙍𝙀 𝙒𝙄𝙉𝙂𝙎, the hobbit

01

A thick fog had settled like a heavy blanket over the high mountains, and in this dark, mysterious atmosphere, Bilbo grunted as if to protest against the unwelcome intruder. A moth, with wings fluttering in the dim light, flitted above him like a tiny shadow, reminding him of the strangest adventures, where magical creatures and hidden secrets awaited to be discovered.

He then heard a rumbling sound. It was not orcs this time; it was something larger, much larger. The noise came from... behind him. He gasped as a warm breath brushed against him, and two sapphire eyes stared back, glistening with a fierce intelligence. "Well, well, little hobbit. Who would have thought that you would wander so far from your cozy little Hobbiton and end up near Mirkwood?" chattered the beast, its voice a deep rumble that echoed in the thick fog.

"J-just let me know what I need to do!" Bilbo stammered, feeling the weight of the situation start to sink in. The creature's laughter echoed around them like distant thunder. "You think flattery will keep you safe, little hobbit?" she replied with a playful smirk that revealed sharp teeth. "Where is the rest of your merry company?"

She sniffed the air, her expression shifting as she sensed the approach of others. "Do not harm the hobbit," came a deep and familiar voice. The creature halted, her attention shifting to the gray wizard, Gandalf, who stepped forward with the dwarves at his side.

"Mithrandir," she growled, her eyes narrowing. Then she turned her gaze toward Thorin Oakenshield, lowering her head in a reluctant greeting. "Ah, Thorin Oakenshield," she acknowledged. The dwarves, sensing the tension, drew their swords, ready to defend Bilbo and themselves.

"Bilbo, get away from that dragon," Thorin hissed urgently, his eyes fierce as they flicked between the creature before them and their own perilous situation.

Gandalf stepped forward, hands raised in a gesture of peace. "Please, don't harm them. We meant no intrusion upon your territory. We only seek a place to rest and some food," he said, offering her a warm smile that seemed to radiate his genuine intent. "Just one night, for old times' sake?"

The creature's sapphire eyes softened slightly, flickering with curiosity. She regarded Gandalf with a mixture of caution and contemplation. "You think your words will sway me, wizard? This land has been mine for centuries, and I do not take kindly to uninvited guests," she replied, though her tone held a hint of intrigue.

Bilbo, watching the exchange with bated breath, knew that their survival depended on Gandalf's skill in diplomacy. "If it helps," he added quickly, trying to find his own courage, "we can help with anything you need. We are not here to cause trouble."

The creature's gaze shifted to Bilbo, and a slow smile crept across her face, revealing those sharp teeth once more. "A hobbit willing to offer assistance? How curious. What would you offer me in exchange for hospitality?" she asked, her tone playful yet serious, as if weighing the value of their offer.

Gandalf remained still, hoping that Bilbo's unexpected bravery would sway the creature and avert potential disaster.

"Do you have any work that needs doing?" asked the white-haired dwarf, his voice steady despite the tension. "We can get it done." The blue beast turned its attention to him, her curious eyes glinting under the dappled sunlight. "Your names first, if you please."

One by one, the dwarves introduced themselves, each bowing slightly as they did so. The dragon hummed in approval, a low, melodic sound that reverberated through the air. "Very good, come along," she said, unfurling her immense wings and stepping into the towering forest, the green leaves shimmering with golden stripes as the sunlight filtered through.

"You never told us you were taking us to a dragon, Gandalf," Thorin spat, his expression a mixture of disbelief and irritation as they trailed after the creature. The wizard sighed, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Saphira will not harm you as long as you show her respect; that is all I ask."