'Sylla! Sylla! Can you come here please?' I heaved my green dress off of my bed and pattered down the spiralling steps. The cold slabs tickled the bottom of my feet and yet I did not shiver. 'Sylla!' my mother cried. 'I'm coming! Goodness gracious, you have no patience!' I called, entering the great dining hall of Erebor. It was a huge room, designed around four great pillars which held it up beneath the rock. A long, greatly embellished table was central, with multiple dishes set upon it. At the head, King Thror was sat, eating meaty mouthfuls of his breakfast and gulping down wine from his great chalice. How someone could pile down so much food at once was beyond me. Sat beside him was Thorin, future King under the mountain, my best friend. I smiled at him and he cheekily winked back. Thror noticed and gave a booming laugh, crimson wine dribbling into his mighty beard. I noticed Thorin trying to hold in his laughter. Thror was fond of my family and treated me like I was the princess of the mountain even though I lacked royal blood. I giggled slightly and then hastily ran into the kitchen. My mother was cleaning plate after plate. 'Good morrow mother.' I said, smiling up at her. She looked down at me and patted my brown hair. 'Sylla, I wanted to tell you that-'She was interrupted by a recognisable voice. 'That your splendid father has whittled you a new bow!' I turned quickly to see him. 'Bofur! You shouldn't spoil such surprises!' My mother scolded. He laughed and handed me the freshly carved bow. My emerald eyes shone. It was curled at the ends where the string was tightly pulled in and was of the finest wood. 'Oh Dilla, she deserves it!' He said, leaning onto the top of his mattock. I stroked the filed wood gently, and looked up at him. His hat was slightly tilted on his head, his hair braided from each side and his smile beaming down on me. I could never love anyone more than my father. 'Go on then! Go and try it! Callyn is waiting in the stables at Dale!' I kissed his cheek and went to leave. 'Oh and Sylla!' I turned and looked at my parents, starry eyed. 'Put on some boots, you aren't a Halfling!' I smirked and ran out, clutching my bow in my hand.
I knocked on the giant gates of Dale. 'Who goes there?' Bellowed a voice. I cleared my throat. 'Sylla daughter of Bofur. I wish to proceed to fetch my pony, Callyn. He is in the stables.' I heard a loud clang and I moved backwards. The gates began to slowly move inward, revealing its contents like a newly opened box. The orange and red buildings glittered like amethyst gems in the sunlight. Children flew their kites high up into the air among the clouds. Merchants tried to tempt settlers into buying newly fashioned robes. I couldn't wish for a better place to be. In a flurry of happiness, I skipped up to the stables and entered. I saw Callyn, chomping away at his hay. As I went to open his pen, Airabeth, human princess of Dale, swung down from the rafters above. 'How on Earth did you know I was coming?' I asked, astonished. 'Because I'm as magical as the great wizard Gandalf. That's how!' She said, dropping down. 'No, really! How did you know?' I repeated, nudging past her and leading Callyn out of his stable. 'Your father brought Callyn back from his visit to the Blue Mountains.' She said, attempting to pull Bludoc, her chestnut horse, from his stall. He whinnied and almost reared. 'Ah yes, he went to visit my uncle Bombur and second cousin Bifur I believe.' I replied, saddling up Callyn. I climbed onto his back and looked up to see Airabeth trying to get Bludoc to stand still so she could put her saddle upon him. 'You're hopeless!' I cried, as she finally clambered up. 'Not nearly as hopeless as you! Race you to Mirkwood?' I grinned challengingly. Airabeth returned my smile with narrowed eyes. 'Last one there is a rotten mushroom. Callyn, as fast as you can go! Now!' I cried. Callyn neighed and bolted off, Bludoc and Airabeth not far behind.
I could see the mountains of Mirkwood towering ahead, as Callyn galloped across the Rohvanion plains. He was remarkably swift for such a small beast, his small yet sturdy legs propelling him across the grasses. I could hear Bludoc, his hooves like thunder, blasting directly behind us. I leaned toward Callyn's right ear. 'Come Callyn, power onward my boy. Find the strength deep within your heart.' I felt him pick up the pace, his gallop became more beated. Suddenly, a flash of white rocketed past me. I turned to see Bludoc was miles behind. In fact, he wasn't even moving. He was grazing! The look on Airabeth's face unforgettable. But then who had been tailing me all this way. I looked onto the horizon at the white creature. Its rider was clad in navy blue and had dark hair which just flowed past the shoulders. Just as soon as he appeared he was gone, into Mirkwood leaving no trail of his previous existence. I was held in my tracks as Bludoc stormed past. I collected my thoughts and pushed Callyn forward.
We walked our horses into a clearing of the forest and tied them up by the forest river. We quickly dismounted, throwing our boots on the cold grass, dipping our feet in the cool water. 'So I suppose I win then.' giggled Airabeth. 'From my eyes, it were a draw, I believe dear maiden.' said a deep smooth voice. I closed my eyes and took in a breath. Thorin. 'Cousin!' Airabeth exclaimed with glee. The two kingdoms where so united and close, they were almost kin. They hugged, and quickly began a playful battle. 'I believe I win, my young cousin.' Thorin said, after having only a 3 minute war resulting in a headlock for Airabeth. 'No fair, you have ten years on your side!' whined Airabeth 'Not to mention 10 stone.' she whispered to me. 'Come now Thorin, no one likes a bully!' I said, quickly poking him in the waist and diving behind Callyn. It was not the first time I had teased him and it had not ended all that well. Safe to say, it should have been the last time I jested by the river side, but unfortunately, I can get a little carried away. 'What was that, my lady?' Thorin replied, knowing I hated such etiquette. He came around my pony, dragging Airabeth with him, ready to seek his revenge. 'Who's the lady?!' said Airabeth, wriggling from his grasp. 'I defended you, you worm!' I said indignantly. 'Oh calling names, I'm so scared.' replied Airabeth with a smile. Thorin released Airabeth, dunking her a little in the water and strode over to me. 'How fair you Sylla?' He said with a hint of worry in his voice. 'What did your mother want?' he asked, with a polite arm grasp. 'I'm okay. It was my father who wanted to see me; he made me a new bow.' I took my bow from my back gently; ready to show off my dear fathers loving work. Thorin took the bow, and pulled it tight. He let it go, and it gave a satisfying 'twang' to put the string in place. He handed it back to me and I strapped it onto my back once again. He still did not seem entirely satisfied with my answer. 'A fine bow indeed' he said with a smile. 'Sylla I wa-' He was cut off suddenly, when a lump of mud flew over Callyn and hit him, right in face. He stomped round Callyn in mock anger, only to find Airabeth collapsed over, laughing loudly. I too couldn't resist laughing at the future king's face, so proud and majestic, dripping with damp, smelly mud. I burst into fits of giggles and ended up beside Airabeth, clinging on to her for dear life. 'Right,' Thorin said through gritted teeth. 'Let's see how you like it!' too my surprise, he didn't aim it at Airabeth, but at me. I spluttered, and Airabeth doubled over and laughed even louder. 'This... Is... Fantastic!' she said, wiping tears from her eyes.
And so, war began. Mud thrown in all directions flew, and quite often found a target. After a while the battle ended and we valiantly collapsed together, our faces aching with smiles. Our cloaks were covered in soft, squishy mud, so we washed them in the river and laid them out to dry. We dipped our tired feet in the icy water again, soaking up the peace and quiet of the morning sun. 'It's always so nice to get out of the palace, even if I have to spend it with you two love birds.' sighed Airabeth. She always used to joke about our relationship being any more than friends, and I never really thought about it, I mean not that I'd say no of course…. But I splashed her with some water to warn her off the subject. 'How fairs your mother and father? 'Said Thorin, quickly changing the topic. She paused. 'Same old. Father wants this, mother wants that. I would love to leave, and go on an adventure, but I don't think mother could cope, locked up with him all day' Airabeth's father was not a cruel man, but nor was he kind. He had a sickness of the mind, which meant his temper was short and his attitude appalling. Airabeth's mother on the other hand was a wise woman, known for her gentle nature, but who was also stubborn and one of indignant behaviour. When the king's mind became more clouded with fine foods and wine, the family often had conflicts, Airabeth's adventurous and unruly traits inflaming the situation. More and more frequently, Airabeth had been visiting her 'cousins' in the lonely mountain, and learning all about the adventures of dwarves and heroes of gold. 'I want to see the world! I want to explore the glittering caves, and the moving forests! I want to meet elves and hobbits and all the creatures on the earth; not be sold for marriage and kept as prisoner.' Airabeth seldom spoke of her mind in this way, and it surprised me and Thorin. Airabeth loved her kingdom, and would make new friends with the village people. Often, however, I had felt like this too, but I was proud of my kingdom, and fond of my kin. I was almost in two minds; one yearned for adventure, and the other to stay at home. 'Adventures aren't everything Airabeth. You'll have to accept your duty to your people soon. One day,' the prince said softly 'you'll be a fine queen, and friend to the lonely mountain. You'll settle down, and rule over your people for many years.' He finished with a sigh. 'It's our destiny that we shall all accept.' I looked at him, but he just stared at his own reflection in the crystal water. 'But you have adventures Thorin,' Airabeth continued. 'Even you Sylla, your dad lets you go anywhere!' She lay back onto the grass. 'Because I am a mere servant,' I winked 'I don't belong with the rich folk.' I said mockingly. 'Excuse me!' replied Thorin 'you are a friend of the great prince.' He said, puffing out his chest. He could be so proud. I splashed water on him and smiled.
After a little more conversing a rider approached us, from the Dale. Airabeth tensed suddenly. Riders only came when there was trouble or a new rule, usually of taxes. She was fond of the people in her region and would often help them when she could, much to her father's disgust. He had raised the taxes and accused Airabeth of helping them due to a secret lover among them which we all knew was nonsense. If Airabeth ever learned to love a man, I would eat my father's hat. The rider reached us. 'Hail Princess Airabeth, Prince Thorin and Lady Sylla.' Airabeth sat up slowly. 'What news is it, Eothyn?' She asked. 'Your father requests your return, for the King of Mirkwood and his kin will be arriving for a feast.' 'Today!' Airabeth exclaimed. 'You cannot be serious!' Her face darkened. 'He intends I marry one of them! I won't go' she shouted. 'I refuse!' And with that, she folded her arms across her chest and led back on the forest floor. Just as the rider began to protest, Thorin rose. 'No Airabeth, you must do this,' she looked at him with pleading eyes. 'You need to start taking your duty seriously!' And there I was caught in the middle, suddenly all eyes on me. 'You should go' I said quietly. 'I'm sure nothing will come of it. Even if it does, you won't have to accept.' At least, I hope not, I thought darkly. 'You're both not being fair.' Airabeth said suddenly and stood. 'You don't understand.' she said and jumped onto Bludoc. 'Life isn't meant to be wasted, trapped in four walls. It's meant to be lived and that includes travelling, anywhere and everywhere, no matter who you are!' And she rode off, back to Dale, and I knew she would not attend the dinner. To shake off her father's riders, she'd hide in her room, and do whatever it would take. Still, it was unusual to see her behave in this way, and I was quite anxious to see what ailed her and made her quite so angered.
'Now stubbornness of Dwarves I'll accept, but Airabeth is getting very persistent and feisty indeed,' Thorin grinned ' though with those parents….' 'Hey!' I exclaimed, slapping him playfully on the arm 'I can't help but agree with her Thorin. Maybe we should explore. Maybe she could find her own partner and be married, and I'd go with her, you could come too! We could see the elves and go to R-' 'No.' said Thorin. He said it quietly, but forcefully, and the conversation soon stopped. Silence took us. The sun shone through the dappled leaves and the water of the river lapped gently at the bank. I could see that the matter was close to his heart, maybe he will be forced to marry too. One day. That thought hurt me a little, but I couldn't tell why. Probably loss of a friend, nothing more. 'My Lord, why did you pursue me and my friend this morning?' Thorin looked at me out of the corner of his eye. 'Because my fair lady, I can do as I please without reason since I am the Prince.' This was no help to me at all, and silence reclaimed us. 'Where were you heading?' he asked eventually. I paused thoughtfully. I'd planned to go for a casual stroll, and visit the Market, catching up with Airabeth and some of the villagers, only it didn't seem a good enough reason. 'I was just going to stay here for a while and then go into Dale and buy some things for my mother.' I lied. He held his breath. I knew he could tell I wasn't telling the truth. 'I guess I'll accompany you to Dale, after all you need a strong Dwarf by your side to take down cousin Airabeth the fearsome' he winked. I giggled thinking about the clumsy girl. It was amusing to think of her as a fearsome warrior, covered in chainmail, 10 times to big and with a sword much too heavy. 'And where may I find such a valiant dwarf warrior?' He pushed me gently, and then helped me up. We got onto our ponies, and set off. Neither of us let on to each other how worrying Airabeth's behaviour was, the future and its relations, nor what our real intention for travelling outside the Lonely Mountain that morning was either.