Middle Earth

I squinted my eyes and raised my hand to block out the light. When my vision cleared, I saw that it was bright and sunny, and I could see lush green grassy hills and forests alike. A smile reached my ears as I knew exactly where I was.

Middle earth.

I turned only to find no door or Gandalf. Only a small box. I knelt down and opened it finding a letter and a small pouch. I opened the letter and read it

Erica

I apologise but I have some matters to attend to. Here are your instructions. Beyond the hill you see there is a town that goes by the name of Bree. Head over there and gather yourself some supplies for your journey and some new clothing as your own will make you stand out like a sore thumb. There is money in the pouch. If you so desire you may purchase a weapon as well.

Once you've done this it is about a two days walk to the shire where the meeting shall take place. Just follow the path I have marked out for you from the east woods of Bree. Once you approach the shire you must head to bag end and find the green door with the mark that I will leave the day I get there.

There is no need to worry about bumping into any trouble the paths you will take are very safe. I look forward to seeing you in a few short days.

Gandalf.

Well at least he has it set up for me :). I put the pouch in my pocket and set off beyond the hill. I spotted Bree and began making my way down there. I walked through the streets avoiding the odd stares people were giving me until I spotted a clothing shop. I went in and gathered some shirts, a couple of corsets and pants. I purchased a long dark green cloak with some fur on it too. Once that was done I got food and medical supplies and got out of the town quickly as people still were staring. I guess they aren't used to strangers?

I got behind a bush and changed into new clothes. I changed into black loose trousers with a black corset with gold stitching and under that was a shoulder less blue puffy shirt with black trimmings. I really liked it. I pushed my brown curly hair away from my face and swung my cloak on. My gloves remained on so I was set. Now I think I'm in the eastern forest?

My eyes spotted some glowing blue markings making me grin. I found his path!

Time to head off to the shire!

(Gandalf pov)

Hmmm she is late. I hope she didn't get into any trouble on her way here....nooooo no she's a smart girl, I'm sure she's fine. I just worry how this lot would take to having a woman in the group though I haven't mentioned such a thing yet. Thorin Oakinshield has already arrived as has everyone else. The discussion of the quest had not began yet.

"You look worried Gandalf. Something the matter?" Balin asked. I snapped from my thoughts, realising I had been puffing my pipe in nervousness. I gave him a reassuring smile "I'm well, We are just one member short. they are just a little late" I said quickly. The company began mumbling to themselves as soon as I said another member "Surely you miscounted Gandalf! All are accounted for!" Kili grinned

I stood catching everyone's attention "actually master Kili, I have asked one more to join us." I said.

"well then! Best save the laddie some food then!" Bofur declared filling up a plate. I mentally smirked. The shock he will get when he and the others realise that it's a lass.

Thorin leaned in to whisper to me "you didn't say anything about another member Gandalf" he sighed in annoyance. I winked "trust me Thorin. I know what I'm doing.it will be useful to have this one around" I spoke, getting the stubborn dwarf even more annoyed. He rolled his eyes and resumed to eating his meal.

I prepared to sit down until I felt the room grow slightly chilly and specks of frost line the windows. The candles on the tables blew out giving a few of the dwarves a fright. I smiled to myself.

"Alright! Who put the fire out! It's freezing in here!" Bilbo yelled from the kitchen.

"None of us lad! Were all through here!" Dwalin called. Three hard knocks sounded from the door, making everyone go silent. I stood up "it feels and sounds like she is here" I informed them making my way towards the door.

"She Gandalf?" Bilbo asked curiously. I nodded with a smile and opened the door....

(Thorin pov)

As soon as I moved away from Gandalf, the room suddenly went cold, some candles blew out on their own and there were arguments about the fire being put out, yet it was still a blaze. How strange. My eyes followed to the windows where I noticed frost specks line the edges. Now that is odd...

I heard Three hard knocks on the door making everyone go silent. Gandalf stood smiling "it feels and sounds like she is here" he said moving towards the door.

Wait! Did he say a she!?

Who does that fool think he is! Bringing a woman to this company!? I followed him, ready to give him a piece of my mind until he opened the door to reveal the woman.

By Durin...she was...beautiful...

She was small in height, almost a few inches shorter than myself. She had curly brown hair that reached her shoulders.her skin was white like snow and she had beautiful deep blue eyes.

No snap out of it Thorin! She's a woman! Women do not survive well in the wild.

But yet I wonder...how did Gandalf come across her...better yet, did SHE cause the coldness?

(Normal pov)

Gandalf opened the door with a smile "there you are! I was getting worried about you!" He exclaimed stepping aside as Erica stepped inside.

"Sorry Gandalf, I took the wrong path and had to turn back" she said sheepishly as she removed her cloak. Bilbo stepped up and took it, hanging it on the hook.

"As long as you are well my dear that's what matters!" Gandalf exclaimed closing the door.

"Gandalf! Keep the heat in!" Fili complained as he walked out the dining room with Kili.

"Oh! Erm Erica, you seem to be freezing up in your thoughts again, would you mind?" Gandalf asked motioning to the frost. Erica blushed and mumbled a sorry. She wove her hand and immediately the cold dropped and rose back to warm heat and the candles in the dining area re lit.

"That was you?" Bilbo asked curiously. Erica nodded as the other dwarves began to pile in. Their faces turned from excitement to shock upon laying eyes on the girl before them "our new member is a lassie? Surely not Gandalf?!" Dwalin grumbled

"My thoughts exactly" Thorin mumbled to himself.

"Ooooh come now my friends, do not doubt her because of her gender, she is more skilled than you see to believe" Gandalf explained

"And pretty..." Kili mumbled, feeling a blush form on his cheeks.

Thorin ignored that and approached Erica, keeping a firm face.

"Thorin Oakinshield, meet Erica Silvermist" Gandalf introduced.

Being the gentleman he was taught to be, he grasped Erica's gloved hand and kissed it "tell me lady Erica. How much experience of fighting have you had?" He asked, beginning to circle her.

"None much I have to admit, but my ability will be of use to you, I can assure you of that" Erica stated quietly, trying not to show fear for the tall dwarf. Thorin stood in front of her and stared her down "then show me this ability of yours" he ordered.

Erica looked to Gandalf for consent. The old wizard nodded so she took off one glove and laid her bare hand on the wall...immediately, ice began to grow upon the hard surface, shocking the dwarf prince.

"What the..." Dwalin whispered.