Inflamed (Harry Potter & The Hobbit/LOTR Crossover) (LegolasxOC)

4- Hunted

We had been walking for fifteen minutes or so when we came across a cave. As it turned out, Gandalf and Thorin thought that the Trolls would have a cave. They were right. We entered the cave and was immediately greeted by a foul smell, one that made me want vomit again. Luckily, there was nothing left to throw up, since I'd emptied my stomach back by the Trolls. "Oh, what's that stench?!" Nori asked, gagging. Gandalf made a face, replying, "It's a Troll hoard. Be careful what you touch."

I took his warning to heart and touched nothing, afraid to know what he was warning us against. "Seems a shame just to leave it lyin' around. Anyone could take it." Bofur commented innocently, the tip of his shoe touching gold coins splattered all on the ground. I smirked, slowly learning just how often treasure was on a Dwarf's mind. Glóin grunted, "Agreed. Nori, get a shovel." Thorin, while looking around, found two swords covered in cobwebs. Gandalf joined him, taking one off of his hands.

When they unsheathed them, I could tell even from where I stood that they were made of fine craftsmanship. Thorin stared at his in wonder and awe. "These swords were not made by any Troll." Gandalf nodded in agreement. "Nor were they made by any smith among Men." Gandalf studied the blade in his hands closely. "These were forged in Gondolin by the High Elves of the First Age."

My eyebrows raised in surprise. There were Elves here, too? I watched Thorin, confused, when he suddenly wore a look of digust when told that they were Elven blades. Gandalf noticed his reaction as well and promptly told him, "You could not wish for a finer blade."

I had expected Thorin to throw it away, judging by his reaction, but he kept the sword nonetheless. As I followed the others out of the cave, I noticed some of the Dwarves putting a chest into the ground, Dwalin watching with disapprovement. Glóin shrugged. "We're makin' a long term deposit." I snorted quietly, catching Glóin's eye. He watched me with a blank expression that wiped the smirk off my face. I kept walking, my face bowed to the ground.

Thorin looked at his friends who were taking forever, dawdling. "Let's get out of this foul place. Come on, let's go. Bofur! Glóin! Nori!" They started to pick up the pace, grumbling as Dwarves often do. At least they did a lot so far. I had fallen into step behind Gandalf when he stopped, picking up a sword buried in a mass of leaves and dirt. However, the blade and sheath were untouched by the filth. "Bilbo." The Wizard called.

The Hobbit snapped out of his daze, causing me to chuckle quietly at the funny face he pulled. "Hmm?" He held the sword, small for me, but long enough for a Hobbit, out to Bilbo. "Here. This is about your size." His jaw dropped, as if the idea of giving him a weapon was ludicrous. "I can't take this." Gandalf shoved it in the Hobbit's hands, pretty set on him having it. "The blade is of Elvish make which means it will glow blue when Orcs or Goblins are nearby."

I knew what a Goblin was, though not by Middle-Earth standards, but I was pretty sure I didn't want to find out what an 'Orc' was. Bilbo protested again, "I have never used a sword in my life." "And I hope you never have to. But if you do, remember this: true courage is about knowing not when to take a life, but when to spare one." Gandalf said, wisely.

I was still pondering over Gandalf's words when Thorin stopped and hissed, "Something's coming!" "Gandalf-" Bilbo whispered. The old man ignored him, ordering in a hushed tone, "Stay together! Hurry now. Arm yourselves." I drew my sword out, doing as told, spying the others drawing out their weapons, too. We took off for the woods, silent and tense.

Suddenly, a sled pulled by rabbits emerged with a man dressed all in brown driving it. I couldn't get a good look at him because he was moving so fast, but from a glimpse, I could tell he dressed oddly, but maybe it was just me. I held my sword up, ready if a fight were to ensue. But from the way Gandalf looked at him, I could tell that there would be no fight. "Thieves! Fire! Murder!" The man cried. Gandalf barked, "Radagast! Radagast the Brown. Ah. What on earth are you doing here?"