Cursed with Shadows (Hobbit Fanfiction)

Chapter Seven: A Horrible Start.

Note: Before reading this chapter, I would like to mention that I am slightly switching up some scenes from the original film storyline. So don't get too upset if the story doesn't go exactly like the film. It's a fanfiction remember :)

Allison P.O.V

A small smile graced my lips as the hobbit came running with a signed contract in his hands. I knew he would come. Not long after, the sound of coins bags being thrown caught my ears. Turning back, I caught a glimpse of Gandalf catching a bag of coins while he said to Bilbo, "I never doubted you for a second-"

A throat was cleared. Turning my head to meet the old dwarf, I think Balin was his name. He gave me a comforting smile as he tried to get a glimpse of my eyes that hid under my hood.

"Allison, is it?"

I nodded my head, my hands nervously clenched around the reins of my pony. Why was he talking to me? People usually never talk to me except those of my family. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Marcus tense at my uncomfortableness.

"So Allison, have you lived in the Shire your whole life?" Again, I nodded my head to his question. He let out a small laugh with a twinkle in his eye. "Not much of a talker are you lass." My eyes widened in panic. "I'll close my mouth if you want me to, lass. No harm done." Once those words left his mouth, a sudden pang of guilt hit me. Speak Allison, just speak!

"I-it is not that," I mumbled as I pulled my hood down.  I could feel eyes on me as I did.  My dark raven hair that came to my shoulders gently blew across my face, creating a viel between myslef and others. "I am not a person who is usually talked to by someone other than my family." Giving him a nervous smile, I saw his brows furrow in concern. However, as he mouth opened to speak again, a small growl came from Marcus.

Yet this growl was not directed to Balin as such, but rather to the spirit which stood in front of my pony.  It was once human, judging by its features. Average height, round ears and two feet and a mouth filled with rotten and a few missing teeth. My heart thumbed hard against my chest.  I renched at the reins, causing my stead to come to a halt, hence the rest of the company. My ears were immune to the complaints coming from the drawfs. At this moment, they were invisbale, and it was only me and the spirit. With its shoulders hunched forward, it halted infront of my horse. Its white eyes stared straight at me as its head tilted slightly to the side. The air around me began to feel cold as I shivered uncontrollably. I instincly lean back on my horse as it raises its hand up to me. Its fingers smothered in soot, almostly camoflaging its sickly pale skin.

No, no, no! Not now! Please!

"Are you alright lass?"

I felt a gentle hand on my shoulder and jumped. With one last growl from Marcus, the spirit vanished.Realsing a shaky breath, I turned my gaze to the drawf. Clearing my throat, I nodded my head and mumbled.

"I-I am sorry," pausing as I tired to think of what questioned Balin had just asked me. "I think the reason why people don't talk to me is because I am different." The dwarf seemed to think at my answer for a moment before letting out a chuckle.

"Ah, I see." He then dropped his head and ran his thumb gently along his horse's reins.  His brows knitting together, as he opened his mouth and closed it again. Obviously haaving trouble to find his words. After a moment had past, the silver haired dwarf finally spoke, "I am sorry to ask this, but I am curious. You are half elf, half..."

I stopped short at his question. What was I exactly?  I looked ahead to my mother's figure, my eyes  to her pointed ears. My mother was elf for sure. But what of  my father? I had no clue what species he was. If my father was also an elf, wouldn't I be tall like an elf? Then was he human, hobbit, dwarf or another spieces, I did not know.