Silently she stared up at the ceiling; the soft breeze that came through the windows, sending the light, pale curtains, fluttering. In Erebor, it was nothing like this; and although her mother had brought a distinct elfness to the Mountain, it still maintained the aesthetic of the dwarves. The cold rock of the Mountain that made up the walls of her room, covered by heavy tapestries depicting the great deeds of dwarven heroes; even one of her own family journeying to reclaim their home, sat above her bed. There was always a fire to warm the room, even though as part dwarf and part elf, she never really noticed the cold. And there was certainly no breeze that would make its way into her room; not that she didn't like the feel, as it gently caressed her skin; it was just more that it served to remind her that she was not at home with her family, and that she might not see the great halls, the workshops of the smiths, the throne room, nor those she loved, for a long time to come........if ever again. The latter notion making her sit up.

She had been thinking about the quest to come, all night. Especially since Boromir and Aragorn had spoken to her. It amazing her how the two men could have such differing opinions on her helping Frodo; the princess sure that the Gondorian's opinion was much more like her father's had been, before he met her mother. That battle, fighting was not a thing for females; but all dwarves thought that, not just her father........Her father......Mahal, she missed him already; and her mother, a tear coming to (Y/n)'s eye, as she remembered her mother's embrace would always make her feel so warm and loved.

Her family had always been her world, and having such a big family, had always meant that she had someone to turn to; (Y/n) brushing the tear from her cheek as she wondered what her brother had been doing, since she had left the Mountain. Wondered if her aunt Dis had had to box Fili and Kili's ears, despite how old they were getting. What new toys might now line the shelves in Bofur's little workshop; and what wonderful smells might be coming from Bombur's kitchen. The thought of the rotund dwarf's food, suddenly making her stomach growl; the princess pushing back the sheet on the bed and letting her feet fall to the floor. (Y/n) knowing that there was no point in fighting it and given that it would appear that she was not going to get any sleep, she might as heed her stomach, and see what the kitchens of Imladris, may have to offer. The princess quickly making her way through the corridors of the elven lord's realm, this not the first time that she had made such a trip; (Y/n) sure that Lord Elrond was well aware that every time she would come and spend time in Imladris, she would sneak into the kitchen's, though he had never said anything, or scolded her for her nighttime trips.

Suddenly she stopped, a rather delicious odour of cooking food filling the air, the princess following it and only stopping as she heard some familiar voices. A smile coming to her lips, as she peered around the corner to find three little hobbits cooking over a fire.

"And what are you three up to.......?" She questioned. Merry, Pippin and Sam almost jumping out of their skins, before realising who had caught me. Pippin getting to his feet and going over to where she stood, taking her hand, before pulling her over to join them.

"We are having supper........there is some nice crispy bacon, eggs, sausages, mushrooms and tomatoes.......you can join us if you like......." Pippin explained, the hobbit smiling broadly as her stomach gurgled again.

"I am part dwarf, Pippin; dwarves are not known to turn down good food......" The princess replied, happily letting him lead her over to Merry and Sam. Pippin sitting her down in his seat, before moving next to her.

"Is Frodo coming too..........?" (Y/n) said, as she gratefully took a plate

"No.......Mister Frodo said he wasn't hungry........" Sam replied sadly. It obvious to (Y/n) that Frodo meant a great deal to the gardener. And she was sure that no matter what may come; no matter what evil they might have to face, she was sure that Sam would always be by his friend's side.

"I know that it is easier said than done, Sam, but try not to worry. Frodo has been through a lot, and I am sure that he is just tired. We have a long journey ahead of us, so it is only right that he should want to get as much rest as he can......." (Y/n) told him, as she placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. The blonde hobbit finally nodding, before he seemed to brighten.

"Now, who wants extra bacon........."

                                                       >>------------------------------------<<

(Y/n) sat back and sighed, she was happy and full. Sam proving himself to be just as good a cook as Bombur was.

"(Y/n).......?"

"Merry......?"

"Can I ask you something.........?"

"Of course........." The princess replied, as she sat up and looked to the hobbits.

"Are you scared...........? I mean, are you scared of what might happen when we leave here..........?" Merry continued. (Y/n) taking his hand and that of Pippin, as she saw the looks of concern in the cousin's eyes and those of Sam too.

"I would be lying if I said I wasn't. I might be older than all of you, and even Frodo; I might know how to handle a sword, axe and bow, but that does not mean I have ever had to wield them in anger; that I have ever had to fight for my life. So yes, I am scared. Not that I think that there is anything wrong with that; I believe that having a certain amount of fear is healthy. When I was younger, my father would tell me the story of how my family reclaimed our home, and once I asked him the same question; asked him if he had ever been afraid, and do you know what the great Thorin Oakenshield said.....? What the King under the Mountain told me........? He said that he had been scared for the entire journey. Scared that he would fail, scared that he might let down all those that had put their faith in him; that he might lose his friends, his nephews or my mother. So, if it is alright for my father, one of the bravest dwarves I have ever met, to be scared, then I think it is fine that we too can be scared. Though we have the likes of Gimli, my uncle Legolas and Aragorn with us. And even the notion of having Boromir by my side, makes me less afraid. So, we should all take heart in knowing that we are in brave company." (Y/n) answered. The three hobbits looking at one another, before nodding.

"Now........" The princess continued, as she got to her feet.

"I think that we should all get some sleep. The next few days will be busy, as we prepare ourselves for our journey. And you should get as much rest as you can in your comfortable beds; I can imagine that it will be sometime before we are able to sleep on anything but the ground, once we leave Rivendell...." She added, bending down and placing a kiss to the cheek of each hobbit. Bidding them a good night, before taking her leave; hoping now that she herself would be able to rest.