"Captain, Red Patrol reporting back, General" Amayla stood at attention.
"You are late. We expected you yesterday, Captain. Proceed," replied the white-haired dwarf.
"Nothing significant to report, sir. No orc signs at all."
"Then why were you late?"
Amayla smiled and sat down, "Only good news Ardru," and the old dwarf relaxed knowing Amayla would only refer to him by name outside of official business. "We saw Haimla, and she had three healthy cubs with her!"
"Three?! That is good news."
"That's why we were late. She and the cubs were out in the meadow near the bend of Blue creek – the one to the west of the rapids. We didn't want to disturb her and there was no way around. So we made it to the blind in the old oak grove and waited her out there. By the time the way was clear, it was nearly sunset, so we spent the night. I'm famished!"
Ardru pushed his half-eaten plate of ham and bread her way and glanced wistfully at the female warrior. Amayla busily made herself a small sandwich, eating greedily before noticing Ardru's expression.
"What did I miss?"
"The letter arrived just after you left on patrol."
"What letter?"
"The letter that I've been dreading since he visited last fall."
"From Thorin Oakenshield?" Amayla whispered. "Is it time?"
"Yes, my daughter, it is time."
"You will allow me to go?"
"Is there any way I can stop you?"
"He is our King; it is our home. I must go."
"If only I could go in your place, or send another."
"Father, we've talked about this. Your time for such adventures has passed. You served Thror honorably. Your duty now lies with protecting this village and its dwarves. And the only other warrior worthy of the opportunity is Galen, and with the baby due in a few months, he won't leave Sarna, nor should he when I am perfectly willing to go."
"There is Terssu."
"Please father, do not dishonor me by comparing me to Terssu. He was the best choice for captain, but that does not mean he is my equal."
"I will miss you daughter."
"And I you, father. But have no worries. Mahal willing, I will be back in a year and will escort you myself back to Erebor." She laid a kiss on her father's forehead as a single tear fell down his cheek.
"Here is the letter."
"Dammit! This letter was written almost three weeks ago, asking to meet up in Hobbiton in a month. That only gives me 8 days to make a trip that should take me 2 weeks! Mahal curse the slow mail here!"
"Gather your things. I'll have your pony saddled. There'll be no time for long good-byes. I'll pass on your regards to the garrison. GO CHILD!"
It took Amayla less than two hours to be on her way. As she gathered her weapons and training sword, Galen stopped by with a plate of food. "Didn't think you had a chance to eat since you've been back. You need something before you leave." "Thanks," was her reply as she stuffed a sausage into her mouth.
Galen slumped into a chair, "It should be me going."
"No Galen, it shouldn't. You have a family here, a good life, and my honorary niece or nephew on the way. Besides, the garrison should be represented by its FINEST warrior!" Amayla smiled down to her best friend.
"And that's why I said that I should be going," Galen smirked back. "Oh, you might want this for the trip," he continued throwing a bag of coins at her.
Amayla caught the bag in midair, before testing its weight. "Wow, do you think I'll need this much?" she questioned.
Galen just shrugged, "Ardru said to give it to you."
"Ardru," she whispered, "Galen, you must promise me to watch over him, he's …."
Reaching over to give her a hug, Galen just whispered back, "I know and I will."
Her good-bye to Ardru was brief but intense. Father and daughter stood in silence, foreheads touching, tears flowing for a moment, but Amayla felt it lasted for hours. Finally, it was Ardru who took her face in his hands and placed a final kiss on her forehead. "Be strong, my daughter." "I love you father." With that, Amayla mounted her pony and rode away.
Amayla followed the Lune river south until the eastern fork joined in. As it was early spring, the weather kept getting nicer the further south she went. Bulbs were poking out of the warming earth and animals were emerging from hibernation, making food fairly easy for Amayla to gather or hunt. Fish was readily available in the river, but Amayla was in too much of a hurry to stop and fish, and fish was never one of her favorite foods for that matter. When all else failed, she could always eat some of the jerky she brought along, but hoped to use it only as a last resort. The new spring grass was perfect for her pony Tigr, a chestnut stallion with blond tail and mane. There were also plenty of trees for Tigr to rest under and Amayla to rest in.
But as they left the river on the sixth day and headed east, rain clouds were ever present. While Amalya was grateful there was no serious storms to halt them, the going was much slower as Tigr had to slog through the mud. And trees were few and far between allowing for very little cover. The best she could do for cover at night was some rock outcrops that allowed her to rest up off the mud. There were also small pools of water for both dwarf and pony to drink.
It was finally on the morning of the eighth day that the weather cleared and Amayla could see the change in the landscape. The land was greener, small streams were everywhere. She had never been in the Shire before or met a Hobbit, but she knew from the stories that Ardru told her that she was getting close. As the sun started to set, she came across her first hobbit farm. She heard the young hobbits before laying eyes of them. As she got close, the four younglings stared at her from afar. The youngest finally making the decision to scream, turning and running to the farmhouse. Two, probably older hobbits, quickly and just as loudly, followed suit. But one young hobbit just stood and stared at the dwarf. Amayla decided it would be prudent to approach the child on foot, dismounting and leaving her sword on Tigr.
"Are you a dwarf?" the young hobbit asked walking along with Amayla but keeping a fair distance away.
"Yes I am. Are you a hobbit?"
"Yes. I've never seen a dwarf before."
"And I've never seen a hobbit."
"What's your name?"
"Amayla, what's yours."
"Foldram. That's a nice pony. What's her name?"
"HIS name is Tigr, he's a boy pony," Amayla chuckled at the youngster.
"Can I ride him?"
"Hmmm, I think we better ask you mother permission to do that, but you could hold his reins."
Foldram's eyes grew wide and he puffed out his chest as he walked closer and proudly took hold of Tigr. "What are you doing here?"
"I am meeting some of kin nearby. Any chance you know where Hobbiton is?"
"Hobbiton? Sure! ….. Well, not really. I mean I've been there before, with my family for the Harvest Fair. But I don't really know how to get there, yet. My mother knows. You can ask her."
"Do you think she'll talk to me?"
"Sure, she's really nice. Come on!" And Foldram started skipping down the lane.
When they reached the front walkway, Amayla asked "Why don't you go ask your mother to come out while I tie up Tigr." Amayla also took a moment to tie her throwing axes onto Tigr also.
A curtain in the side window moved and Amayla saw an older Hobbit female peek out. Amayla smiled and waved slightly trying to look as unassuming as possible. After a few moments, the front door opened with little Foldram pulling his mother out by her hand. Amayla had to smile when she saw the heavy frying pan in her hand.
Amayla took the opportunity to bow, hands extended to show that they were empty, "Amayla, at your service."
"See ma, I told you she was nice," chirped Foldram.
"What do you want?" Foldram's mother stated harshly.
"Mistress Hobbit, I am simply on my way to Hobbiton. I'm meeting some kin there. My map is lacking in details. It has gotten me this far, but I am in need for more detailed directions to get to my final destination."
"What's your business in Hobbiton?"
"Just meeting up with some fellow dwarfs at the home of …. Let me see here .. a master Bilbo Baggins. You wouldn't be chance know him, would you?"
"As a matter of fact, he's a distant relation. But why would a group of dwarves be meeting at Bag End?"
"Bag End?"
"That's Bilbo's home."
"Oh, well, I honestly have no idea why we are meeting there. You would have to ask Gandalf the Grey about that. I'm just following directives."
At that name, Foldram squeaked, "Gandalf the Wizard? You know him? He has the best fire works! Always shoots them off at the harvest fair!"
"Well if Gandalf is involved, perhaps you are respectable. I'll give you directions. Here, give me the map. I'll put all the details on it." The Hobbit took the map inside, nodding her head for Amalya to step inside, and walked over to a desk in the corner. It only took her a few short minutes to mark out the directions.
"Thank you most kindly, Mistress ..ummmm…" Amayla paused waiting to be given the Hobbit's name.
"Iris Brandybuck"
"Thank you, Mistress Brandybuck. About how long do you think it will take to get there?"
"By pony, I would guess four hours."
"Mahal! Four more hours?! I was hoping to make it there tonight."
"I would not suggest that Miss Amayla. It's a cloudy night; in fact, I think we're in for more rain. You'll never find all the right turns in the dark."
"Can she stay here Ma?" asked Foldram looking up with his big brown puppy dog eyes.
"Oh no, I couldn't possible intrude in your home," insisted Amayla saving Iris from answering, "but I saw your barn back there. I would be most appreciative if you'd let me bed down there with my pony. I'll pay you of course. It's been several weeks since I've had a roof over my head. I'll be out at first light."
Iris didn't know why exactly she decided that she could trust the dwarf. Maybe it was because she had never seen a female dwarf before or maybe it was because the dwarf was going to visit Bilbo, but most likely it was the excitement in her son's dark eyes. Always looking for an adventure, here was one that had come to him. "Fine, you can stay in the barn. And I won't be accepting any money from you. Far be it from me to have a relative say that I didn't welcome one of his guests. Foldram, show her to the barn and the well. You're welcome to share our supper."
"Can I ride her pony to the barn ma?" Foldram tried for even more, "Amayla said I could if you gave me permission."
Amayla smiled down at Foldram and reassured Iris, "He's very gentle and I'll keep the lad's hands away from all my weapons."
Iris smiled and nodded her permission.
Foldram clapped with glee and ran down to where Tigr was tied up. He started to climb up the post next to the pony attempting to climb onto the saddle.
"Hold up there Master Foldram!" Amayla shouted walking toward the hobbit, "Wrong side. Step on down and go to the other side. Always mount on the left." She lifted up the young hobbit and placed him on her saddle. Tigr tossed his head at the strange load on his back. "Give him a pat on the neck and talk to him gently," Amayla encouraged him, "Hold on tight to the pommel. I'll lead him."
Amayla started towards the back of the house. She looked up to see Foldram grinning madly and waving. Standing at the door was Iris with two small hobbit lasses hanging on to her skirt. Both had huge dark eyes and open mouths as they watched their brother riding a strange pony.
It took a few minutes to reach the barn but Foldram's smile never faded. Amayla led Tigr into an empty stall next to a black and white cow who only raised her eyes briefly before continuing to chew her cud. "Slide on down, big man!" Amayla called as she reached for Foldram.
"I'm not a man, I'm a hobbit!"
Amayla tossled his curly hair and chuckled. "Show me the well please, Master Hobbit!"
Foldram grabbed a bucket and led Amayla out the door, pointing at the well. "I can fetch it all by myself!" he bragged.
Amayla kept smiling as she started to remove her gear from Tigr. It felt good to be under cover in a place where she knew she could sleep unimpeded. She was worried about being a day late for the meeting but could only hope that she could catch up tomorrow. Foldram came in struggling with the full bucket but managed to pour it into Tigr's trough without spilling too much. "Can you fill it once more for me please. I'd like to clean up before super. I think your mother would prefer that."
"Yes, she always makes me wash up before we eat." Foldram answered somberly.
Amalya tied up Tigr on a long lead that allowed him to start eating the oats Amayla had poured out for him. After checking his hooves, Amayla started brushing him down, humming a dwarvish tune as she went along.
"Can I help" asked Foldram.
"How about you brush his tail. He'll like that. Just remember to stay at his side, not directly behind him. Don't want you to get kicked." Foldram found a brush and proudly started workig on Tigr's tail.
"Miss Amayla, are all those weapons really yours?"
"Yes, they are."
"Are you really a warrior?"
"Yes, I am."
"I didn't know girls could be warriors."
"They can."
"I want to be a warrior and go on adventures. I read about them all the time, but I'm stuck on this farm."
"Well my dear lad, warriors have to be smart and strong. So you keep reading and keep working hard on the farm to build up your strength and maybe you can be a warrior. But I'll tell you a little secret," Amayla bent to whisper to Foldram, "Sometimes I wish I had a nice home like this instead of a smelly old barracks."
Foldram looked at her like she was crazy.
"You've done a fine job on Tigr's tail. You go run inside and wash up while I wash up out here. I'll see you inside in a few minutes."
With Foldram gone, Amayla took the opportunity to strip out of her clothes and give each piece a good brushing. While she didn't have the time to wash them, at least she got rid of most of the dust and dried mud. She took special care of her boots so she wouldn't track mud into the house. Using a separate bowl of water, she was able to soap up, scrub down, and rinse off her entire body. She took out her single braid and brushed out her plain brown hair too before retying it in the same simple style. Mahal, it feels good to be at least this clean! she thought as she redressed and headed back to the house.
Foldram had been watching for her and flung open the door as soon as she turned the corner around the house. "She's here, she's here!" he shouted.
The house was small and well appointed. There was a warm fire blazing in the hearth. The living room was full of well-made wooden furniture, with a second room taken up by a beautiful wooden table inlaid with various different woods the center of which appeared to be a small garden of irises. The table was laden with platters of food ranging from ham, sausages, whole small fish (which Amayla was planning on passing on) as well as cheeses, pickled vegetables, and piles of what appeared to be fresh rolls. It was only at special feasts that Amayla had ever seen such a varied spread. "Are there more coming?" ask Amayla amazed by the large quantities.
"Welcome, Miss dwarf, and no, there is only us here. My husband is away helping to repair a bridge that was washed out in the last heavy storm we had a week back. He's a fine carpenter as well as a farmer."
"That explains the beautiful furniture. Did he make it all?"
"Yes, over the winters, he usually makes a piece or two."
"He is quite gifted. This is the most beautiful table I've ever seen." Amayla smiled, "Now is there something I can do to help with supper? Is smells wonderful."
"Just getting the butter now, and we are all set. Please sit."
"Here, sit next to me Amayla." Foldram grabbed her hand and led her to a seat on one side of the table.
The two younger hobbits sat across from Amayla and Foldram and shyly looked at her. Foldram spoke up, "These are my sisters: Flora and Petal." Amayla smiled at them all.
Iris sat at the foot of the table. Obviously, the head of the table was left for the children's father. "Please help yourself from that platters and pass them around. We don't stand on much ceremony."
The dinner was most pleasant. The food was delicious and Amayla was able to avoid eating the fish without Iris noticing. Foldram peppered Amayla with questions between bites of food. Amayla told stories about bears, and cubs, and dwarf feasts, while avoiding any tales of orcs so as to not frighten the young hobbits.
"I hope you left some room for some fruit cake for dessert," Iris grinned as she stood to go to the kitchen. "Cake! Yay!" yelled the children. "There's more?" groaned Amayla. "I couldn't eat another bite. How did we possibly eat all that you served for dinner?"
Iris just laughed, "You don't know much about Hobbits do you? We love our food!"
"Well honestly, I'm certain that your cake is wonderful, but I am not used to such treats or such quantities of food, and I do not want to be sick. So I must decline your most gracious offer and really need to head off to sleep if I am going to be off at first light. Let me help with the dishes first?"
"You can help me clear the table, but that's all. You look tired and need to get up early. You should go to sleep."
Amayla gave a tired smile and turned to Foldram. "Come on young hobbit. Even warriors have to help with the dishes."
When the dishes were cleared away, Amayla gave a hug good-bye to all the girls and Iris. Iris handed Amayla a small package, "Something for you to eat in the morning. And please give Bilbo my warmest regards."
She knelt down to Foldram and wrapped her arms around him. "Come back and visit please?" he whimpered.
"I promise," and she gave him a gentle bump to his forehead. "That's how dwarf warriors say good-bye."