A Hobbit's Tale-Thorin's P.O.V.

1-My Meeting with Gandalf

It was an hour before midnight as I made my way through Bree, it was raining & there were a few people scattered about. I decided to walk in the small pub The Prancing Pony. Before entering I looked about me, for the past few days I suspected as if I was being followed. I made my way in the pub, the place was already half full but I managed to find an empty table not far from the entrance. I sat near the fireplace, a pleasant change from being outside too long in the rain. I ordered a simple meal from the waitress who passed by, I smoked my pipe while I waited. After a few minutes the waitress came over to hand me my meal along with a cup of ale, thanking her I started eating. Hardly had taken a couple of bites of my food, when I began to get this odd feeling as if I was being watched. Slowly I scanned the room looking for any suspicious looking characters, there I noticed a rogue-looking man hiding in one corner. Then in the corner of my eye I spotted another one, they were both men. They were both staring at me as if I was some prized possession. They were staring at me with odd expression on their faces, cautiously my hand slowly went for my sword. I kept my eyes on the two strangers, I noticed they were slowly starting to approach me as well. Before anything could happen a tall figure in grey outfit stood in front of me almost took me by surprise. Coincidence? Not likely. Gandalf the Grey!
Gandalf:(Smiling)"Excuse me, mind if I join you?"
I slowly nodded my head as the wizard took the seat in front of me. He was hatless & by the looks of his slightly wet appearance he had just arrived. I tried to relax as the grey wizard folded his hands smiling at me.
Gandalf: "Well this is a fine coincidence to be meeting Thorin Oakenshield! Allow me to introduce myself..."
Thorin:(Interrupting him)"I know who you are, Gandalf."
He stopped the same waitress & ordered the same meal I was having. Glancing to my right I noted those two characters together in conference, so they knew each other. Then they walked out of the pub, with a scowl on their faces, so to speak. Questioning the wizard that this was no chance meeting, he agreed. Then he inquired about my search for my father whom I had heard rumors may be alive. I have been searching for him, many years even after the loss of my grandfather & my younger brother in the battle of Moria against the orcs. Even the wizard predicted the same thing like everyone else did about this fact, that he might not be alive, but I refused to believe it. Then he showed me a parchment with an odd language. Black speech, Gandalf confirmed that there was a price on my head. By whom, he did not know, I raised my eyebrows at this. Gandalf even mentioned that he had met my father some time ago, he then began to speak about Erebor, the Lonely Mountain. To reclaim my old homeland, being the next Durin blood heir to the throne. It has been many years but the memory of that fateful day still remains fresh on my mind, the fire & ruin plus also a betrayal. I reminded the wizard that the only way for me to be given the right to rule the seven kingdoms of dwarfs is acquire the King's Jewel. The Arkenstone, currently laying beneath the treasure horde, possibly at the feet of the dragon, Smaug.
Gandalf: "Which is why we need to steal it! With the help of a burglar."
Thorin:(Staring at the wizard)"A burglar? How? By whom? Who would have enough stomach & courage to simply just waltz in to steal the Arkenstone? Underneath the dragon's nose!?"
Gandalf: "I have the perfect candidate in mind, my friend. He is a hobbit so to speak & of a good acquaintance of mine."
Thorin:(Raising my eyebrows)"A Halfling, are you in your senses...!"
Gandalf:(Holding his hand up)"Just hear me out, Thorin, I can assure you that this shall work. You did somehow manage to gather the others for this quest?"
Thorin: "Yes, but only a handful to be precise, while many claim it to be a fool's errand."
Gandalf:(Smiling)"So that is it then we shall all meet in Shire, Bag-End in a few days time in Bilbo Baggin's house. By the way, Thorin, there is one more member I would like to bring along. She could prove to be very reliable."
Thorin:(Frowning)"She!? As in a woman? Gandalf, I had hardly considered having this hobbit on board now a woman? If you assume that we need a cook for our journey then that won't be necessary. A few of us can cook."
Of all the ridiculous notions this wizard has, first a hobbit now a woman, I scoffed.
Gandalf: "I can guarantee about this woman not only can she cook but is also a skilled warrior, Thorin. Plus also a healer & tracker, she has been trained by the best if I might add. She is from a well-bred family, I have known her ever since she was a small child. She can be quite resourceful, as for her weapon of choice, well you shall see for yourself then."
For some odd reason he seems to insist, to not only include this hobbit but also the woman, whom I gathered was an old friend. To join our company for the upcoming quest.
Thorin:(Clearing my throat)"Well then, Gandalf, I suppose I shall have to take your word for it. Very well, if you don't mind I shall take your leave then."
Gandalf: "Oh my, leaving so soon? But I was hoping that you would like to meet her, Thorin. She is on her way here!"
Thorin: "Forgive me, Gandalf, but right now I have another matter to attend to. We shall meet in Shire. Farewell."
Part of me was not interested in meeting this woman plus I have to travel to the Iron Hills to meet my cousin, Dain Ironfoot. Putting on my cape with my hood, I headed for the door. On my way out I accidentally bumped my shoulder against a slightly tall figure, a human no doubt. But I had too much on my mind to even stop to apologize. Hardly making a turn when I stopped, curse it I forgot to ask Gandalf whether this woman was a hobbit or...wait, did I detect a pleasant smell of a wild Jasmine? But from where & whom? Turning I assume probably from that human figure I had bumped earlier? Shrugging my shoulders, I have a lot of work up ahead before starting this quest.

1156 words!

Sorry no prologue, this is my book 2, part of the 1st one.