Angel On Fire

Chapter 3 - Fitting In

I stare at the woods before us and I let out a frustrated sigh as I think to myself, 'You never know how convenient cars are until you don't have one.' I glance ahead at the group of dwarves riding their ponies along like they were having no problems and I groan inwardly. Walking sucks. Running a hand through my hair I look at the leader of this small group and find myself wondering about him. I had learnt his name was Thorin, just as I had learned the names of all the other Dwarves, hobbit, and wizard. I had to admit their names were a little on the odd side but then again, they were probably normal for this world.

Thorin, the leader, was a bit on the pompous mysterious side. I could tell he didn't exactly like the idea of bringing me along. If I had the choice, I wouldn't have been here either, but shit happened and here I was. Besides the arrogance, I could tell that his kin loved and trusted him. They would follow him to the ends of the earth without a second thought. I had to admit he intrigued me.

The rest of the dwarves, save for Dwalin, seemed to enjoy my company. They liked to ask me about my home and I would laugh at their stunned and confused expressions at things they didn't understand. They were very kind men. Bilbo was very curious. He was even more curious about the thought that my world had billions of books and songs. He couldn't believe there were that many people in my world.

Gandalf was strange, and I had met very strange people in my world, but he ranked at the top. It seemed like he had some kind of inclination about what had brought me here, but he wouldn't say anything. It made me suspicious but there was nothing I could really do. I couldn't read his mind. I didn't have that kind of ability unfortunately.

Looking around at the scenery I am entranced by its beauty. This place might be different from what I was used to but that didn't mean it wasn't gorgeous. There was something magical about the landscape. I couldn't quite put my finger on it, but this place felt right. Like I was right where I belonged. It was a rather strange situation. For now, I would have to shrug it off and soldier on.

The sudden howl a wolf sends the entire company into a panic as their eyes dart around trying to find the howls owner. "What's going on?" I ask in confusion at their actions.

"Wargs." Kili tells me making me cock and eyebrow at him in confusion.

"I don't know what that is, is it bad?" I ask confusion filling my face and he nods.

"Very bad." He replies, and I feel fear wash over me. If they were nervous then I should be the same. I look around but see no sight of whatever a Warg was.

"Keep your eyes open." Thorin orders all of us to do as we slowly make our way further down the trail. I feel my heart start to race at the thought of an unknown assailant. What was a Warg? Why was the rest of my company terrified of it? Biting my lip, I slowly follow along with their cautious footsteps as we make our way forward down the road. Thankfully I didn't find out just yet what a Warg was as we made it safely away from the howls.

Hours later, when we were safe in our camping spot, I find myself once again staring at Thorin. I didn't know why but I could tell he was hiding something dark within his head. What plagued his brain? As if he felt my gaze, his eyes shifted toward mine and I quickly look away toward where Bombur was making dinner. Clearing my throat, I stand up and walking over ask him, "Would you like some help?"

"Bombur doesn't really talk lass," Bofur replies talking for his brother. "But I'm sure he'd like the company."

"I'm not sure I'm the best company right now." I say making Bofur look up at me.

"Why not?" He asks straightforwardly making me chuckle.

"I'm not really the type of girl that has a lot of friends, I don't really socialize that much. I have two true friends but..." I pause as I think about Thor and Loki and how they must be worried sick about me; or did they even realize I was gone. I feel my heart clench at the thought. A little voice in the back of my head whispered dark things to me making me clench my jaw.