I sat down in the chair at his gesture and he got up and came back with some bread and cheese. Not realizing how hungry I was until I took a bite I could barely stop myself from scarfing down the whole thing like an animal.
As I ate Gandalf explained the different species we might encounter and more about the Dwarves themselves. I swallowed my last bite, hearing about Man, Elves and Dwarves. I noticed that it was starting to get light outside, dawn arriving when he told me that Dwarves were incredibly stubborn I grinned at him, "So am I. But I think we'll get along. I'm flexible when I need to be."
He looked pleased with that, then told me about Orcs and Goblins. I wrinkled my nose at that but shrugged, knowing that I could take care of myself. Gandalf then explained the way of money and suggested that I go into Bree to acquire some supplies. He pulled a piece of paper out of his sleeve and handed it to me. It had a list of things to buy. I raised an eyebrow when he handed me some coins, "Um, I feel bad for taking your money tho."
He smiled at me, "I will accompany you to for now, but I don't fear that you will repay me when you can."
I nodded, standing up when he did, "Certainly, but are you sure?"
He nodded and lead me out of the house and onto a path that lead to the town next to us. Going into the small down I realized that I was sticking out like a sore thumb, looking and dressed very different from everyone else. Gandalf must have realized this too because the first stop we made was to a clothes shop. He stood by the door, waving me in and I chose carefully at the selection of pants and tunics. The man that came over to help sniffed when I chose these instead of a dress, but my glare had him quickly changing his tune. He helped me pick out some more sturdy clothes for three more outfits and I chose some extra under garments as well.
The man showed me a back room and I changed, now wearing dark gray pants and a dark blue tunic. Securing my tunic with a sturdy belt I went out and the man helped me then pick out a pair of good boots that went up my calves. Then I pulled my hair into order and fixed a low ponytail I tied with a piece of leather. Studying myself I checked everything over. I was somewhat stocky, my eyes were a deep green like emeralds and my hair was bright red that went to the middle of my back and my bangs framed my face. Feeling better, I thanked the man and we bartered for the items. By the time I was done we both came away feeling like neither of us got cheated and I went out to join Gandalf.
He hummed approval and we went from there to acquire a sturdy leather pack to put the extra clothes I had bought in, along with some supplies for the road. I acquired jerky, apples and other dried goods that would keep. I also bought a sturdy blanket, some simple medical supplies such as herbs and bandages, some strips of leather for repairing things and seasonings just in case. He even showed me where I could buy some traveling ink, quills and a blank book bound in brown leather to draw in. All the while Gandalf explained things to me, of what we saw and what we might see on the road.
It was mid afternoon by the time we had everything I might need, including a cloak that was a bit patched but would have to do. But I was without weapons. Gandalf looked up at the sun and I said, "If you have someplace to be, I can acquire the weapons I'll need and meet you somewhere."
Nodding he turned to me, "Very well, I must meet the others. Over there is the weapons smith." he pointed off to the side, "and meet me back at the house by this evening."
Nodding in agreement I watched him turn and leave before I headed for the weapons smith, excited to see the weapons. When I got there tho, I was slightly disappointed. The weapons weren't very impressive, mostly crude weapons like clubs, maces and one or two axes that looked like they had been used on rocks. The weapons smith was a big man, bulging muscles and a brown mustache the only bit of hair on his head.
He looked me over in disbelief, "Don't tell me a little lass like you is looking for weapons."
I cracked him a pleasant smile, "I am. Now please tell me that this isn't the best you have." I poked at one of the axes and he studied me. I met his eyes and stared back. Finally he shrugged and flicked a finger at me. I followed him through the smithy and to a back room. In it was better quality weapons, but not by much and more expensive that I thought. Cocking my head to the side I looked over the weapons carefully, taking them in hand and testing their weigh and balance, knowing what I was looking for.
This must have impressed the smith because when I picked a sword and two daggers he said, "You may pick one more dagger."
Raising an eyebrow, I didn't argue but instead I picked a hunk of metal and asked, "Can you turn this into ten throwing knives?"
He looked startled, then grinned suddenly, "Ah, your more than meets the eyes huh?"
I just gave him an innocent smile, that made him laugh a loud bellowing laugh before he took the metal from me and asked me to describe what I wanted. I did, and as I picked sheaths and scabbard from what he had I settled the daggers on my belt, on each hip and the sword across my back. Then picked smaller sheaths and fashioned them to hold the rough but sharp knives the smith was making. When he was done it was starting to get dark and the knives were no more that blades shaped like arrow heads but larger, as large as my palm. Two knives went on each of my arms and would be hidden by my sleeves. Two in each boot and the rest I hid on my body and in my pack. The smithy looked even more impressed but said nothing as I paid him the last of the money.
He thanked me profusely for my purchase, which embarrassed me and I waved him off as I left. I was feeling much more comfortable, and less naked now that I wasn't walking around weaponless. Glancing up at the setting sun I figured I had better head out to the house to meet Gandalf and meet the Company I was to join.
However on my way through Bree towards the gate, I saw something curious. A group of men was standing around something and when one shifted I saw that they were standing around what could only be a Dwarf, based on Gandalf's descriptions. Short but stocky, he had dark black hair that was sprinkled with gray, two braids swung on either side of his head, anger shone in his blue eyes I could see from here. I could barely make out an aquiline nose, short beard, his brow bone, and a square jaw that had a stubborn streak the size of a mountain in the fading light. My first thought was that he was very handsome. He had an almost majestic air about him, like someone of importance. I moved closer to get a better look.
He was clenching his sword in a tight knuckle grasp at his hip but he had yet to draw it. The Men just seemed to be harassing him, and the insults I could hear just told me that they were picking on him just because he was a Dwarf. This irritated me, mostly because I didn't like bullies.
While I was watching this I sensed something behind me and spun. Only to stare. I had thought the smithy was big, but this man was huge! A bear of a man I had to looked way up to see him grinning like a pervert at me, missing teeth and his hair in a matted mess. Backing up I bumped into one of the men and suddenly I was thrust into the circle next to the Dwarf, who looked as startled as me.
Glancing around I saw the four Men make room for the giant and he sneered, "Look what we got boys. A dirt sniffer and a red haired bitch."
Stiffening, I turned to face him. Anger hummed in my veins as I said coolly, "I'm sorry, I better clean my ears tomorrow because I could have sworn you called me a bitch and just insulted my friend here."
The Dwarf glanced at me scowling and glared at the Men in a way that could cleave rock, bracing his feet apart for better balance, "What are you doing girl? Your going to get yourself killed!"
I snorted, making a show at playing with my sleeve and the giant laughed, a annoying laugh like listening to a hyena. He took a step forward and just as, "Bitch," left his lips a second time, my fist embedded into his nose. He stumbled back with a shriek, blood gushing through his nose and before his friends could avenge him I spun and slammed a foot into the one on the left. He flew back with a cry to land in a horse trough. I didn't stop moving and judo threw one of the larger guys into another, the bigger squashing the smaller. The last lunged with a dagger and I grabbed his hand, wrenched it until he held the dagger to his own throat. Glaring death into his sweating face I snarled, "Best run, before I change my mind and gut you like a pig!"
I let him go and he bolted with out a second thought. I hadn't forgotten the giant as he got to his feet with a roar and my foot slammed into his stomach. I dodged as he wretched, and then the pummel of my dagger hit his temple and he fell like a stone. Sheathing my dagger, I looked around for more opponents and found none. I smiled at the Dwarf who looked like I had hit him in the face with a fish, "You alright Master Dwarf?"
His startling blue eyes continued to stare at me and I began to worry, "Master Dwarf?" His jaw snapped shut with a snap and he nodded slightly in thanks as he said in an almost impressed voice, but it came out haughty, "You didn't need to butt in, I could have handled them."
I shrugged, picking up my bag where I had dropped it by his feet, "They weren't worth killing, too much effort. And besides," I winked at him, "I don't like being called a bitch. Very rude."
This got him to almost crack a smile and he seemed to suddenly remember his manners, and bowed his head slightly, "Well I thank you for your assistance."
I nodded and watched as he turned and headed for the gate. Since it was the direction I was traveling I followed. He glanced back at me and at the questioning look on his face I explained, "I'm heading this way too."
He gave a nod in understanding and continued. I followed, letting him be ahead of me and as we walked through the gate and turned on the same path to go to the house, he looked back at me confused. I just shrugged and saw that as we continued, the more his shoulders tensed and the faster he walked. When we both made it to the house he muttered under his breath, "You must be joking."
"Hmm?" I looked at him curious, wondering if he was apart of the company I was to join and asked him, "Aren't you going to knock?"
He glanced at me, and I could see the disbelief and anger on his face before he turned and knocked with a bit more force then was necessary. When the door opened I saw Gandalf first and then a group of Dwarves behind him, looking at me curiously. I smiled and said, "Hello Gandalf."
The Dwarf in front of me marched in and I bowed at the door, remembering my manners, "Ariana, at your service." Then I walked in, closing the door behind me. Gandalf said smoothly, "May I present Thorin Oakenshield, the leader of our company."
I gave a nod hello and saw the looks of disbelief on all the Dwarves faces, more so on Thorin's face than the others. Some showed a bit more curiosity than disbelief. I would have almost been insulted if I hadn't expected this. Men never liked woman being able to do what they could. Thorin glared at me in almost distaste, "This... girl can't possible be the burglar you spoke of Gandalf."
I raised an eyebrow as he circled me as if I was a horse for purchase and he asked in a sneering voice, "Can you use those weapons or are they just for show?"
Once he was in front of me I was amused to find that I was just a head taller than him, but said smoothly and only showing mild interest, "I can use them, and as you saw before, I am not useless when it comes to a fight."
Thorin sniffed, folding his arms and continuing to glare at me, "You should go back to what woman are good at, house work. Don't you have dishes to clean?"
That got a chuckle out of the other Dwarves and he seemed to decide to ignore me. He moved back to the table and Gandalf looked at me, concern in his eyes. I gave him a dazzling smile, "Charmed. I am without words on how charmed I am by his words of cheer."
Gandalf hid his chuckle in a cough, seeming relieved that I wasn't offended and I followed him to the others.
