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

4: Trolls and being hunted

The next morning it was hammering down with rain, causing everyone to be in a foul mood. Val was soaked to the bone by the time they set off and even though she could have easily gotten rid of the rain, the selfish part of her wanted the dwarves to suffer.

'Here, Mr. Gandalf? Can't you do something about this deluge?' Asked Dori, thinking Gandalf was powerful enough to control the weather. Val sniggered quietly to herself at the thought.

The wizard seemed annoyed at being asked this, 'It is raining, master dwarf. And it will continue to rain until the rain is done! If you wish to change the weather of the world, you should find yourself another wizard.'

'Are there any?' Questioned Bilbo.

'What?' Asked Gandalf. He should really get his hearing checked, thought Val who noticed that he often didn't hear questions directed at him.

Bilbo pressed him again, 'Other wizards?'

'There are five us,' said Gandalf who realised what the hobbit was asking him. 'The greatest of our order is Saruman, The White.' Cunning little fucker, thought Val. She detested the wizard and if ever put in a room with him, she would split his skull. 'Then there are the two blue wizards. Do you know, I've quite forgotten their names.'

Gandalf trailed off in thought.

'And who is the fifth?'

'Well, that would be Radagast, The Brown.' Answered Gandalf. Val had crossed paths with Radagast on a few occasions and quite liked the wizard, even if he was rather odd.

'Is he a great wizard or is he...more like you?' Asked Bilbo innocently. Val laughed, causing a few heads to turn her way. Gandalf rose his eyebrows in surprise at being somewhat insulted.

'I think he's a very great wizard, in his own way. He's a gentle soul who prefers the company of animals to others,' said Gandalf. Well, at least I agree with him on that, thought Val. 'He keeps a watchful eye over the vast forestlands to the East, and a good thing too, for always evil will look to find a foothold in this world.'

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Just as they had done the day before, they rode continually throughout the day and stopped when it was evening. Though it was much lighter when they stopped. Val would guess late afternoon.

The elf looked around and noticed they had stopped at a burned down farmhouse. Gandalf was doing the same thing. 'A farmer and his family used to live here.' He said.

No one was paying attention as Thorin was instructing people. 'Oin, Gloin.'

'Aye?'

'Get the fire going.'

'I think it would be wiser to move on. We could make for the hidden valley.' Suggested Gandalf.

'I agree with Gandalf on this one. This house hasn't long been burnt and we're exposed to an attack if we stay here.' Said Val, who turned to face Thorin.

The dwarf's face grew thunderous. Here we go, thought Val. Prepare yourself.

'You haven't spoken for days and yet you decide to lecture me about how I should proceed on MY quest? I don't need your help. I don't even want you here!' Shouted Thorin.

'Fine.' Said Val calmly and walked off. She found a small lake which had a waterfall and sat down on a rock by the waters edge.

The sound of falling water and the odd bird call relaxed her, but she still wanted to drown the little shit in the lake in front of her.