The Merging of Destinies (Legolas Romance) *New Version, Same Author*

3: The journey begins

(A/N the outfit above is what Val wears.)

Val couldn't remember falling asleep, thinking it impossible with all the snoring but she awoke to the sound of shouting.

The hobbit hole was bustling. All around her dwarves were hurrying to pack food and get themselves sorted for the journey ahead. Overlooking them all was Gandalf, who seemed to be in an argument with Bombur. It appeared that the latter was trying to take the whole pantry with him. Well, what was left of it.

Groaning, she got up off the floor and noticed Bilbo was not yet awake. He probably wouldn't be for some time. Still feeling half dead, Val trundled into the kitchen, bumping into some dwarves on the way in search of some coffee. She let out a sigh of relief when she found some freshly made and began to drink it, swearing when it burnt her.

'I thought you'd appreciate some coffee, this early in the morning.' Said Gandalf.

'Thank you. You didn't have to,' Said Val, taking smaller sips this time. 'When are we leaving?'

'Not long now.'

Val nodded and gathered her weapons. She attached her dagger on her hip and sword on her back. Satisfied that she felt comfortable, Val took one last look around the hobbit hole before slipping outside and sitting on the bench that was there.

The sun was just beginning to seep over the horizon, casting a reddish glow over the landscape. The she elf breathed in a mouthful of fresh air and closed her eyes, reveling in the quietness. It didn't last long.

She felt someone sit next to her. To her surprise it was Ori.

'Are you scared?' He asked.

Val looked at him then back out over the Shire, 'No.' She loved travelling and knew that anything dangerous they came across she could kill easily.

'I am.' Said Ori, looking down. Val sighed and looked down at him.

'Good,' began Val. 'Being scared means you're not stupid. And anyway, you'll have me for protection.'

The dwarf seemed to relax at those words.

'Will I have your protection Sorceress?' Val rolled her eyes and turned around. Kili was leaning against the door frame smirking.

'Well that depends on whether I deem you in danger or not.' Said Val, who gave the dwarf a smirk in return.

Kili was suddenly pushed forward by Fili, who behind him came Dwalin, Balin and the rest of the Company. Gandalf was the last one out and shut the door quietly behind him.

'We will be going to the Green Dragon as that's where we'll be getting the horses.' Said Gandalf and began walking through the gate, down the road. One by one the dwarves went after the wizard with Val walking at the very back.

She could hear them placing bets to see whether or not Bilbo would turn up, Gandalf betting that he would which was no surprise to Val. She declined to bet but had a hunch that the hobbit would turn up.

A few hobbits were making their way into the fields to start the day's work, all of which were looking at the Company strangely as they walked by.

As they came to the Green Dragon at last, Val noticed many small horses and two larger ones. The she elf immediately went to the black horse and stroked it, whispering calming words into its ear.

Once they were all on the horses, they set off and began walking through the Shire East. The hills and fields slowly turned to woodlands and streams.

The sun was high in the sky when Val heard a voice from behind, 'Wait! Wait!'

Val turned around and saw Bilbo running towards them, contract in hand.