unexpected company

Chapter 5

Raven's POV

We arrived in Shire without much difficulty however Thorin does not seem to know where to go. I won't be much help since I haven't been here for so many years, I can't even remember my own age let alone where what is. I took air into my lungs and at the same time smelled a familiar scent of tobacoo, that would be Gandalf. "Wait, isn't that the way?"

"It's not, I know where I am"he replied irritably.

"Oh really, It's just that we're going second round and you're too stubborn that you won't take advice"

"Fine then, show the door you want us to go to." So I did. I turned Fantoma and followed the scent of tobacoo that led me to a green circular door on which one of Gandalf's runes was clearly visible. "Here we are" I said,smiling. "If you knew it was here, why didn't you say anything?""Because you didn't listen to me, silly."

As soon as we dismounted I let Thorin go first, he knocked on the door three times than they were opened by hobbit and Gandalf stood behind him. "Gandalf," saidThorin" you said we could find it easily, we lost our way twice." "You lost your way twice," I corrected him from behind him. "Don't start again, you didn't even know where it was." he fired back at me. "At least I had suspicions and the noice couldn't be overheard." He didn't seem to have anything to say about that. I looked at Gandalf, who was too busy trying not to laugh. Between me and Thorin this has become a normal activity. Dwarven king walked into the house while I stood outside,waiting for an invitation. Gandalf noticed and actually laughed "Dear Bilbo, Raven won't come in without your permission." The Hobbit turned to me with shocked expression, "Oh, sure, come in, My lady."

"Thank you, Master Baggins"

"Please, just Bilbo, My lady"

"In that case, just Raven" I said with a slight bow and palm on my heart. I took of my cloak and turned when I felt someone looking at me. They were two young dwarves. I smiled and said " Do you need something?" The two looked at each other than back at me. "I'm Fili" began the blond "and Kili" continued the dark- haired " at your service" they said at the same time as bowing. I gigged"Raven, at yours" I said with a complete bow. Right palm on my heart, left arm behind my back and a deep bow at the waist with my right foot slightly in front. "How long did it take you to rehearse" I asked with curiousity. They laughed at that. "Several days" Fili replied.

"What news from meeting in Ered Luin? Did they all come?" Balin asked, sitting next to Thorin.

"Aye, envoys from all the seven kingdoms" Thorin informed them. The others muttured among themselves.

"What do the dwarves of Iron Hills say? Is Dain with us?" Dwalin asked. Everyone present went silent, awaiting Thorin's answer. I stopped listening to the conversation there and got lost in my memories and thoughts. 'Does Dain still remember me? It's been so long. I doubt it. He was just a small child back then.' First thing I heard was something falling to the ground. I turned my head away from the window and saw Bilbo sprawled on the ground. I concentrated on his heartbeat and found outhe was just uncounscious. I reached him, lifted him in my arms andwent with him to the next room, Gandalf was right behind me. I left them alone and came back. I noticed the paper on the desk that wasn't there before. I read it and it was a contract where everyone was signed. I looked around to find something to sigh it with. Balin handed me quill and ink. Everyone had their eyes on me. I took the quill but with my fingernails hurt my palm and signed it with my own blood.

R.H.V.

Raven the Higher Vampire.

I handed Balin the contract that he took over. He looked at my signature and asked, "why did you sigh it as an R.H.V.?"

"Thats my name, Raven"

"But what H.V. means?"

"You'll know when the time is right" I said mysteriously, sitting back back at the window. After a while Thorin began to sing. When they were done, I got up and headed out. I sat on the bench and looked at the stars. Behind meI heard the door open and shut,I didn't have to look back,I knew exactly who it was. "Do you need something Thorin?"

"How did you know it was me?"

"I just knew"

"Are you all right?" he asked when he sat down next to me.

"Yeah, I am." I tried to smile.

"In the time we've been together on the road, I dare to say I got to know you a little bit since we met. I can tell when something is going on with you. You're not as sarcastic and cheerfull as you normally are." I gave up the possibility of convincing him I'm fine right here and there.

"It's no big deal, it's just..."

"Just what?" he asked me gently.

"Memories I wanted to forget but I can't, no matter how much I try"

"Memories of what? Of battles? You said you've been through a lot of fight"

"No, not that. Memories of my family"

"Why would want to forget your family?"

"My parents are dead and my sisters... Who knows, I don't know if they are alive at all, I tried to find them, without success" my voice broke a little in the end.

"I'm sorry about that. Who were your parents?"

"My mom was an elven sorceress,one of old elementals, and my dad was dwarven swordsman. So I'm what you call a halfbreed, am I right?"

"What happened to them? What killed them?"

"Orcs and gobblins attacked our village, we had no chance to defend ourselves, they killed them right in front of me, I was able to run away half-dead." tears were now streaming down my cheeks and I couldn't stop them. I felt two strong arms wrap around me, I wasn't defending myself like i usually would. The only ones I didn't mind hugging me were Gandalf, Gabriel and Trevor, now Thorin joind the group. When I calmed down, I took a deep breath and rested my head on Thorin's shoulder, who didn't seem to mind at all. "Thank you" I whispered. "For what?"
"For everything" I looked up at him "we should go back, they'll be looking for us and you need rest." I said with a small smile. "So are you" he smiled back at me. I nodded and together we started to walk back inside. When Thorin went to bed,Gandalf came to me. "Do you need anything?" I asked. "Yes, I would like to ask a favor" said Gandalf.

"Indeed, what kind of favor do you have in mind?"

"Could you wait here for Bilbo tomorrow? We have to leave early in the morning and I'm sure you will be able to catch up with us."

"He's still hesitant, isn't he?"

"Yes, he's not sure about himself but it's very nessesary for him to go as much as it is for you."

" All right, I'll give him a ride but only if he decides to go on his own however I'm pretty sure that Fantoma will have two riders on her back" I said with a grin that exposed my canines and my eyes began to glow bright red.