Chapter 1: An Unlikely Companion (See end for notes)

Rivendell- She had been watching them ever since their arrival at Rivendell- Thorin Oakenshield, King Under the Mountain, and his company of 12 dwarves, a hobbit and of course the wizard, Gandalf the Grey. Ever curious she was as the grey-bearded wizard let them into the kingdom. She could see they were apprehensive, Thorin especially reluctant to get any help from the elves.

Despite his reservations, as pointed out by Gandalf, they needed lord Elrond's help in order to read the hidden message contained in his map, the map that would lead the dwarves back to their home. As the rest of the company sat to feast, Thorin and Gandalf, along with Lord Elrond and the Hobbit proceeded to try and unlock the mysteries of the map. Adara followed silently, making sure to keep out of sight. The quest to reclaim Erebor intrigued her greatly.

She watched as Lord Elrond talked about the crescent moon that shined upon them, how the Dwarf King was lucky for it happened to be the same moon that shined upon them centuries ago when the map was created. Lord Elrond took the map in his hand and placed it on the table, the rays of moonlight shining down upon the map, revealing the elusive riddle.

She leaned forward slightly trying to get a better glimpse at the map when she suddenly felt a hand on her back. She flinched at the touch and looking over her shoulder she found Lindir.

"What are you doing Adara?"

Adara let out a small sigh knowing she would have to leave. "Nothing. Just curious."

"Well come, we need you at the feast. Lady Galadriel and Lord Saruman are on their way"

"Really? I take it they do not approve of the quest then?"

"Not at all".

Lindir placed his hand on her shoulder and led her back. Adara knew the dwarves would try to leave before the elven council could stop them. However, she figured Gandalf would stay as a distraction. She had to prepare herself.

~X~

"Leaving so soon? And here I was thinking you were starting to enjoy our hospitality" a slight smirk covered her lips as Adara leaned against the column, blocking the dwarves escape.

The company looked at her curiously, wondering why she had gotten in their way. Thorin took a step forward, his eyes raking her body, moving up and down trying to size her up. Upon gazing upwards he noticed a strange pendant decorating her uniform just above her right breast, a piece of fiery red hair having gotten caught on the tip of what appeared to be a flame.

"Out of our way Elf" Thorin spat at her gesturing with his hand for her to move over. He walked forward as soon as he saw movement but she only moved to further block his way.

"Don't think I don't know what you're doing, Dwarf. The elven council has been summoned and you intend on sneaking out of here unnoticed." She presented a challenging tone as she looked down on Thorin.

He noticed her eyes were of an unusual coloring, golden irises crowning her pupil with flecks of amber. She also had a light dusting of freckles covering her cheeks, something that to his knowledge was uncommon amongst the elven kin.

"And what is it to you what my company and I do?"

Just as she opened her mouth to respond, Adara reached behind her head for hilt of her dagger. Thorin and his company immediately placed their hands on their hilts as they prepared to arm themselves for what they assumed was an ambush.

But to their surprise, the elf maiden simply fell to one knee, holding out one of her daggers before him, now looking up at the Dwarfwen king. He looked down on her, a little unsure of what was going on.

"I have come to offer you my sword and bow. I wish to accompany you on your quest to reclaim your homeland" she said, warm amber eyes meeting the icy-blue eyes of the King.

Thorin opened his mouth to respond but he was at a loss for words. Whether the elf was being sincere or not, he could not tell. No elf had ever offered him or his people any assistance, ever. He thought back to the time when he watched his kingdom burn as Smaug darkened the skies with smoke and flames. He remembered as he pleaded for Tranduil and his army to help them. He remembered how the elf King had turned his back on them, just when they needed him most.

Darkness and hatred began to consume the King. Adara could see the flames burning inside him and she thought that he might explode, but instead he simply said "You? Accompany us?"

He scoffed turning around to face his company as a smile began to form on his lips while laughter rose up to his mouth. The others followed their leader, laughing at the elf princess. She arched an eye-brow at him as she placed the dagger back in its place once again, rising up and crossing her arms over her chest in the process. "Even I must admit that is a rather funny joke Elf. Now if you'll be so kind as to let us pass, we shall be on our way."

"You find this funny Dwarf?" Adara exclaimed, her tone getting dark and serious. "Because I am being quite serious."

"Elves are selfish creatures. They do not care about anyone but their own kin. They hide in behind their precious trees and rivers, turning a blind eye to those around them. So why in Durin's name should I believe you to be any different?"

At that response Adara felt a bit of hurt in her heart. She knew the stories about how Erebor had been lost, the on standing feud and hatred between the elves and dwarves in this land, especially of the Durins. However, she would not let that stop her.

"Let's just say we have more in common than you might think" she said calmly. Once she saw that Thorin wouldn't budge she continued "Look, I understand. Given your history you have absolutely no reason to trust me. But despite what you might believe, we elves aren't all that bad. Some of us do indeed want to help those of Middle-Earth, and I am one of them."

"But why would you want to help us?" asked Fili taking a step towards them. "What is Erebor to you?"

At that Thorin could see some sadness take over the elf maiden, even if for a brief moment. She quickly composed herself however and said "My reasons are my own. Besides, as long as you know that I am being truthful and sincere, they do not matter. Additionally, given the pac of orcs that seem to be hunting you I would say you could use all the help you can get."

"Those orcs are long gone," Thorin growled.

"Those orcs are hunting you and they will be back. You'll need my help. Killing orcs happens to be my specialty."

Thorin stared at Adara for a while, thinking about what she had just said. He did not want her to join their company, but it didn't seem like she would give in.

"I think we should let her join!" piped Kili from behind. Thorin turned over slowly, giving Kili a death glare. "What? She can help us."

"Balin, Dwalin?"

Balin looked at Thorin with his thoughtful gaze. "Well the lass seems eager and frankly it wouldn't hurt to have another sword."

"I don't trust her, but then again she might just come in handy" said Dwalin is his thick accent.

"Fili?" Thorin asked.

"It seems that she could be a valuable asset Uncle, don't turn her down."

Thorin looked over at the rest of the company who seemed to nod in agreement. He then looked at Bilbo who said "I have no problem with elves."

Thorin then turned back to face Adara, already flashing him a triumphant grin.

"Excellent then it is decided" she said. "Come along follow me."

Thorin gave a deep exhale as he watched the others follow the elf, Kili especially seeing a bit eager to go and talk with her. He didn't know what to expect, he certainly didn't trust her, but despite his reservations, he was afraid she was right about the orcs. If this elf gave them a better chance at defeating those orcs and completing their quest, he knew the right thing to do would be to accept her company, despite every bone in his body telling her not to. But he figured if he said no, Gandalf would very quickly accept her assistance. He always seemed to have a thing for elves.

Hello there! I hope you enjoyed the beginning of a new fic idea I have. I am really in love with this idea of a female elf joining the company on their journey! This is my first fan fiction for the Tolkien works world so I hope you like it! Comments and reviews are always welcome.

Disclaimer: None of these characters, except Adara and her world, are mine. These are all characters, stories and settings from J.R. Tolkien's the Hobbit. I am simply taking his story and adding a bit to it.