The Heart of the Mountain

Prologue

"Are you sure a Halfling is the best choice, Gandalf?" Thorin's voice was laced with doubt. Gandalf dipped his head.

"Yes, Thorin. I am positive he would make a most exceptional burglar." Thorin scratched at his beard and leaned back in his chair.

"Then I take it you already have someone in mind?"

Gandalf nodded. "His name is Bilbo Baggins." He trailed off, apparently lost in thought. He did not speak again until his Dwarvish companion cleared his throat pointedly. "Ah! Apologies, my dear Thorin. I was simply thinking on another possibility."

"Of a burglar?" Gandalf paused, then shook his head.

"No. Another one who could wield the forces of nature."

"Magic, you mean." Thorin's tone turned hostile. "You mean an Elf, do you not? They are the only ones with any kind of... witchcraft," he spat, hands tightening into fists. "I refuse to allow any of those traitors into my company. No doubt they'll run when things get hot." It was clear he was trying to be ironic, though his anger was also quite obvious. Gandalf again shook his head.

"That, my dear Thorin, is not entirely true," he murmured, a repetition from an earlier conversation of theirs. Thorin tipped his head but did not reply. "There is... another race, secluded and few in number. They call themselves Fae, and while they are similar in ways to the Elves, they keep themselves separate. In fact, most despise the Elves and would kill them on sight." A smile turned the Dwarf's mouth upwards slightly.

"Despise them, you say?"

Gandalf held up a hand. "Now, Thorin. I advise you to keep a level head. As they keep hatred towards Elves, they are not overly fond of other races. Many view themselves as high above us all and would treat us like dogs."

Confusion filled both the expression and tone of Thorin Oakenshield. "Then what-- or whom-- do you mean to add to my company, old man?" Gandalf did not let his annoyance show.

"There is one I know of, a mage long abandoned by her people. She did the same to them. I believe she will be a wonderful asset."

"Two questions, Gandalf. First of all, how do you know this... 'mage' is suited for the wild? Second, will she truly join, if she so callously abandoned her own?" Gandalf lifted a gray eyebrow.

"The Fae turned their backs on her long before she did the same to them. I have no doubt they mistreated her greatly."

"And why would that be?"

"Her disposition," responded Gandalf evenly. "She is not like the others." Thorin mirrored the wizard's raised eyebrow.

"You truly believe she will be an asset." Gandalf dipped his head.

"Indeed, I do. I am also certain she will agree to journey with us." Thorin's features hardened.

"You've already asked her, haven't you?" Gandalf's silence was enough of an answer. Crossing his arms, Thorin let out a deep sigh. "You know I don't like this."

"I am aware. However, you must think about what is best for your quest, not about your pride." Thorin gritted his teeth, but said nothing. "She is en route to the... meeting place already. I feel it would be best if you met her ahead of time."

"I must first find out if my kin will assist us," reasoned Thorin. Gandalf couldn't help a smile, aware that it was Thorin's way of acquiescence. "Then I will speak with your Fae."

"Ah, but there is no time for that." The wizard turned around. "She is here." Thorin's eyes snapped up to see a tall woman striding through the crowd-- an exceedingly beautiful woman, by all accounts. She was receiving stares from all around, though she ignored them all. Long golden hair cascaded down her back while striking eyes the color of the sun watched him carefully. Gandalf stood and bowed lightly. "Aurae."

Aurae returned the gesture. "Mithrandir." She looked over at Thorin, and he disliked the way he felt like a mouse under the glare of a hungry hawk. "I take it you are Thorin Oakenshield?"

"Yes, I am," he said coolly, making no move to show the same sign of respect Gandalf gave. The two sized each other up.

"It is an honor to meet you, King Under the Mountain." Thorin tried detecting any hint of sarcasm, but found none in her voice. "Gandalf has already told me the basics of your quest. If you will have me, I would be more than glad to join your company." The Dwarf found he was surprised by Aurae's own show of deference.

He also surprised himself when he replied seemingly without will. "It would be an honor to have you among us, Aurae." The barest hint of a smile appeared on Aurae's face, and she held out a porcelain hand.

"Then do we have an accord, to travel together and protect each other as the greatest of companions might do?" Thorin hesitated, but reached out and grasped her smooth fingers firmly.

"We do." They shook on their promise, and so Aurae was inducted into the company of Thorin Oakenshield.