In the Ruins//Legolas

Chapter 1; Joining a Roadtrip Against Everyone's Wishes

The sun had long set over the horizon when Durion finally arrived at Bag-End. The hobbit hole where the meeting was easily distinguishable thanks to the twelve ponies munching on the unfortunate hobbit's garden. The elf tied his own horse outside of the property so the animal wouldn't add to the disaster that was unfolding. He knocked on the round green door that reached his chin in height and dusted off his cloak while waiting. The door opened and the hobbit that greeted the elf definitely looked like he had seen better evenings.

"My sincerest apologies, Master Baggins. My name is Durion, at your service. I am sorry I arrived late, had some trouble on the road." Durion greeted him by name, which he noted on the post box, and the hobbit's annoyed expression turned to surprise.

"C-come in, please, and let me take your coat."

"That won't be necessary, kind sir, I'm afraid I won't be staying long." The elf smiled and then lifted his eyes, noticing Gandalf rounding the corner into the hall.

"Ah, just the one I've been waiting for. Durion, what took you so long, my friend?" Gandalf smiled and clapped the elf on the shoulder. Durion leaned in and whispered to the wizard's ear.

"A pack of orcs followed me from the south. I've disposed of them, but they're growing bolder. There's a chance someone will tail the company."

"I see. Thank you. Now come, let me introduce you." Gandalf gripped Durion's arm and the elf knew there was no escaping now. "Thorin, this is Durion, the one I deemed fit to be the burglar on your quest." There were shouts of anger even before Gandalf finished speaking. The dwarves grabbed their forks and knives and pointed them at Durion. The elf in question turned his head slowly towards Gandalf. "Don't say it." The wizard grumbled.

"Say what, exactly?"

"Don't say 'I told you so'."

"Oh but it is so tempting."

"What is the meaning of this, Gandalf?! Why did you bring this rat here?!" The hobbit's eyes widened and he gaped at the insult. Durion smiled at him.

"I've been called worse. Do not worry yourself over this, Master Baggins."

"That's enough, Thorin! Durion is a very skilled thief who has centuries of experience." Durion winced at his wording and the wizard too noticed his mistake as the glares of the dwarves just deepened.

"I'd rather be swallowed by Smaug than accept the help of an elf scum!"

"Heard that one before too..." Mumbled Durion and Gandalf sent him an annoyed side-eye glance.

"You're not helping your case."

"I'm not trying to." Durion shrugged and Gandalf's shoulders dropped.

"Well, at least I tried."

"That you did, my friend. Now, I'll be on my way. Good luck on the quest. Again, I am so sorry, Master Baggins. And..." He turned back to Gandalf and placed his hand on his shoulder. "I'll see you... someday." Then the elf backed out of the door, enjoying the look of despair on the wizard's face.

***

Durion balanced the chair he was sitting on on its back legs as he was making more arrows. The wooden hut's tilted structure creaked with every gust of wind. It also shook when the door suddenly slammed open. Durion startled and fell backwards onto the floor, cursing as he collected himself.

"Radagast! What the f-" The elf then noticed the wheezing hedgehog in the wizard's hands.

"Athelas, Durion, quickly!" The elf snatched the plant from the hanger on the ceiling and handed it to him. It didn't seem to be working. Radagast tried multiple other things, but all of them resulted in failure. "I don't understand why it's not working! It's not as if it's witchcraft!" The realization dawned on them quickly enough. "Oh, but it is. A dark and powerful magic." Durion's head snapped to the door, which shook as something climbed up them to the roof. The elf grabbed his bow and notched an arrow. A hand on his arm stopped him from going outside. Durion turned back to look at Radagast, but the wizard was silent. Durion stayed by his side as he did his magic. The beasts outside kept trying to get into the hut, but the wizard's murmuring seemed to repel them. When the incantation was over, the beasts ran and Radagast had a hedgehog happily squirming in his lap. Durion ran outside and stared after the giant spiders that were crawling away with disgust. "Where on this good earth do these foul creatures come from?" A small bird flew to them and chirped at the wizard. Durion patiently waited for Radagast to translate. "The old fortress?" Radagast looked at Durion, questioning gaze, and the elf nodded. "Show us."