Chapter 4

~Rain, Tears, and Friends~

Rina falls on her back after a particularly strong shove from Astrid. Her sword lays a few feet away in the grass.

"You still need to work on your balance," Astrid hooks her duel great hammers into their holsters on her back. She then reaches a hand toward the fallen woman, "but you are doing very well compared to when you started."

The white haired woman laughed, "I doubt I'd be able to stay standing if we were actually fighting. I still say its cheating, you have super strength! Why can't I go back to sparring with Lana? At least she fought fair." She brushes the dirt off her breeches.

The blonde chuckled, "It's not cheating if it prepares you for a strong enemy, you've been saying that since we started sparring. I let you and Lana spar with daggers for the first five years to build up your muscles. Her natural style of fighting is for speed and she doesn't use conventional weapons, so I doubt you'd be able to keep up with her. You need to go against someone who mainly uses strength," the women make their way back to the house.

"Once you can hold your ground against me, it will be good for you to train with her again but with her normal weapons," she lets out a loud laugh as they walk across the thresh hold, "Let's hope you learn how to handle me quicker than Lana did, we don't have twenty years till our mission starts."

'The quest….' Rina shakes her head to stop any doubts from settling in her thoughts, 'Stop it! You've come a long way and still have plenty of time.'

They drop off their gear before making their way to the kitchen. "So you were wanting Lana and I to go to the Prancing Pony tonight right? She said something about some travelers from Tristlebridge bringing in some rarer metals for you and some herbs she could use for a salve."

Astrid starts preparing some potatoes and rabbit for dinner, "Yes. I asked Ryely Butterbur at the Prancing Pony to hold on to some of their wares a few days ago. Apparently they were on a tight schedule to get to the Blue Mountains and probably left earlier today," she looks out the window, seeing the dark clouds hanging in the sky, "It looks like it's about to start raining. Tell Lana to get both of your cloaks out, I'd hate for you to catch a cold out there."

Rina turns toward the hallway as the smith starts to prepare the ingredients for the meal. She makes it to Lana's room as the brunette opens the door. "Hey Rina, how'd the training go?"

"Ended with me on the ground, as usual." They both chuckle before making it to the front room. "Astrid said to make sure we take our cloaks, apparently it's going to rain pretty hard later." The girl hummed in response.

After their satchels and cloaks were secured they went to Astrid. Lana energetically gave the blonde a hug, "We're off, any idea when dinner will be done?"

"It should almost be done by the time you get back," She patted the girl on the head, "if you don't care to, could you go through Staddle and pick up some thyme? It seems we ran out the last time we had stew."

"Sure," Rina noticed the pitter patter of rain on the roof, "Let's go Lana, before the rain gets too bad. See you in a bit Astrid." The brunette said goodbye as well and then they were out the door.

Once they bought the herbs from one of the few hobbits who had their stalls open in this weather, they quickly made it to the East Gate of Bree. One of the young guards waved to the pair.

"Evening Rina, evening Lana."

"Evening Ted, make sure to stay warm in this weather. Would hate for Sibil to have to spend her first week as your wife tending to your sickbed." Rina laughed at Ted's flushed face, waving goodbye as they went farther into the city.

By the time they made it to the Prancing Pony the rain was coming down in sheets.

Lana turned to Rina, "I'm going to see if Mira has any clothes that need mending and bring her what I've fixed since last time. As long as that's okay with you."

"Yes, that's fine. Just come back here when you are finished." After saying a short farewell Rina watched as the girl ran across the street to the tailor's shop. Silently the white haired woman went into the tavern. As usual, it was filled to the brim with the people of Bree.

"Ah good evening Rina! How are you doing this evening?"

"Very well Ryely, Astrid told me that you had some goods you were holding for us."

"Yes yes, give me but a moment to get it all from in the backroom. Ned, give me a hand with the goods we have saved for Astrid the smith."

The two men hurried toward the storerooms as Rina surveyed the room. While most tables seemed happy with drink and food, one table in a small side room seemed abnormally quiet; a table occupied by half a dozen dwarves. She smiles as she makes her way over to them.

"Good afternoon gentlemen, Rina," she curtsies, "At your service."

One of the scruffier, red headed dwarves turned his head toward her, looks her up and down, then turn back to the ale in front of him.

Put off by his mood, Rina called over one of the barmaids, "Can you get a round of ale for this table here, I'll be paying." She handed over the coins and maid quickly nodded and went to fill the tankards.

"You think a tankard can make up for what your kind have done to us? You're a dumber wench that I gave you credit for." The same dwarf from before turned to her with an angry glare.

Rina stood at her full height, crossing her arms over her chest, "Excuse me?"

He slammed his chair backwards and stood eye to eye with the woman, "Deaf too. Tell me, was your Ma dumb and pass it to you? Or did your Da beat it into you?"

At the mention of her parents Rina went still. She thought of her mother often, on how much she would've loved this world… Tears started to prick her eyes.

"You know, I thought most people who have been through what you dwarves have would be grateful and thankful at a kind gesture. Apparently I was wrong about that."

He chuffed in a sarcastic tone, "No shit. I'm sure you've heard how 'poor' and 'sad' the dwarves are, how they 'grovel' and 'beg' just to make it through the night. Well we don't need prissy humans like you looking down on us like mud on your boots. We don't need or want your charity."

Just as her anger was reaching its peak, Lana made her appearance, "What's going on here Rina?"

The dwarf sat back down and turned to the rest of the table, "Would you lookie here, she even has a dwarrowdam as a pet! Word of advice lass, don't stay to close to the race of men. Sooner or later she's gonna toss you aside for her own gain."

"She would never do that to me! Rina is—"

The white haired woman raised her hand to stop Lana from saying more. "You don't know anything about me besides my race, and it's true. Men have treated you badly in the past. But I understand your pain and have known of your burden for most of my life. Don't presume that I know nothing of the horrors your people have seen."

"You may say you understand, but I know you can't," he quirked a wild eyebrow at her, "the stories your people have kept record of doesn't even begin to cover our history. Go home to your knitting." He began to drink from his ale once again, clearly thinking the conversation was done.

Lana put a gentle hand on Rina's shoulder, "Come on."

The brunette made it to the archway before she heard a soft voice.

A King he was on carven throne

In many-pillared halls of stone

With golden roof and silver floor

And runes of power upon the door

Everyone at the table snapped to face her, thinking the same thing; how could this human woman know this song? This song had not been uttered since the fall of Erebor; the old wounds from the losses of their past reopen made it hurt too much to remember.

The light of sun and star and moon

In shining lamps of crystal hewn

Undimmed by cloud or shade of night

There shone forever fair and bright

Memories flood the minds of the dwarves, of their great halls alive and vibrant with life. Families, homes, and lives still flourishing under their King's rule. Children laughing and playing, not yet knowing what fear or hunger were.

The world is grey, the mountains old

The forge's fire is ashen-cold

No harp is wrung, no hammer falls

The darkness dwells in Durin's halls

Each dwarf hung his head in sorrow. Moved by this human girl whom they taunted just minutes ago. It shouldn't be possible for her, a non-dwarf, to understand their pain, yet somehow it felt like she did.

The shadow lies upon his tomb

In Moria, In Khazad-dûm

But still the sunken stars appear

In dark and windless Mirrormere

The ginger dwarf from earlier looked up at the woman with small tears in his eyes, obviously remorseful of what he had said earlier, yet his pride kept his mouth closed.

There lies his crown in water deep

Till Durin wakes again from sleep

As the song comes to a close, Rina couldn't keep her tears from falling. The room was silent except for the shaky breaths echoing around the room. The barmaid finally returned with the six tankards in hand, concerned over the tension in the room. Rina noticed her discomfort and shook her head, motioning for her to continue her job. Timidly a mug was placed in front of each dwarf, who now eyed it with guilt, before she left to get back to work.

Rina finally looked around the table. "I know I am not a dwarf and I don't have first hand experience of what you have been through. But you have no idea of how many tears I've cried over your people. The loss of Khazad-dûm, of Erebor, your livelihoods… fearing for your women and children and wondering if you will be able to survive. The races of elves and man have been cruel and mocking, but not all are like that. Not all are blind to your sorrows. Some even share them. Remember that the next time you belittle a woman who just wished to show you kindness. Enjoy your ale."

She reached for Lana's hand, "Let's go, it's getting late."

Lana quietly nodded, "Rina… are you okay?"

"I will be, let's just get home. Astrid is probably worrying over us."

They go to the counter where Ryely had their supplies ready for them. Quickly they paid the man and left the Prancing Pony, never noticing the watery, bright blue eyes watching them leave.

The mysterious figure took one more swig of his ale. As he stood he pulls the hood of his cloak over his dark black tresses. Leaving coins on the table as payment, he makes his way out into the rain.

By the time they made it home it was well after sunset. The rain had stopped, leaving a clean scent in the air. Lana still looked at Rina with concern, the latter hadn't spoken at all on the trip back. They went into the shop with their items in tow, heading for the kitchen and quickly sat at the table.

"Took you long enough, food's been done for nearly half an hour. Come on and give me that thyme so we can start eating." Astrid finally turned away from the stew pot and noticed the distress of the other women. She puts down her cooking utensils and quickly sits across from them, "What happened?"

"Nothing important," Rina searches in her pack, "here is the thyme, I don't know about you but I'm ready for some warm food," She hands over the herb, but doesn't look the smith in the eyes.

Knowing she isn't going to get anywhere with the white haired woman, she gives a pointed look at Lana.

The brunette quickly looks at Rina and back at Astrid, "We ran into some dwarves at the Prancing Pony who were from outside of Bree. They didn't have nice things to say toward Rina."

Astrid's fist slams on the table, startling the other two girls, before suddenly standing and looking out the window, "Those dwarves are fools! To look down on someone just because of their race," She growls in annoyance, "They are hateful creatures who don't deserve the breath left in their bodies!"

Realizing what she has said she turns to the women apologetically, "I'm sorry Lana, I don't mean you or all dwarves, I just can't stand the ones who are prejudice against the other races."

"It's alright," Lana smiles in understanding, "but I think you should let Rina know why you feel so strongly about this, I think you may have frightened her."

The blonde looks towards the other woman, noticing the confusion on her face, and sighs, "Lets get the food passed out first."

Soon each of them had a bowl of food in front of them, though only Lana ate at the moment.

Astrid put her elbows on the table and clasped her hands together. Slowly she looks at Rina, "As you know I am half dwarf and half man, but you don't know my parent's story."

The smith gets a far away look in her eye as she starts her tale.

"Jewelry! Come get the finest jewelry in all of Dale or Erebor!" A fine dwarrowdam in her prime cheers out with a look on joy on her face. "Hand crafted by my mother and I, nothing surpasses the quality of our work!"

She was a very find dam by dwarven standards; she had a square shaped face with berry red lips, her eyes were a caramel brown and her hair strawberry blond. She had little facial hair apart from her luscious sideburns which she braided down her face. Her height and stature were average for most dwarrowdam, but her spirit was something more.

The city of Dale was overflowing with festivities. Today was the celebration of Lord Girion's 30th year as Lord of Dale. Men from far and wide came to see the wears for sale and enjoy the food and wine, many dwarves from Erebor came to show off their crafts, and a few elves also partook in the event, including Thranduil, his Queen, and their son.

"Amad! This good sir here just bought the last of our silver jewelry on display. Do you want me to go pull some more?" The young dwarrowdam shouted to her mother down the way.

A sophisticated dwarf looked down the street trying to find her only daughter. Her hair was golden with perfect ringlets being pined at the back of her head and her sideburns were much like her daughter's but extended to the corners of her mouth. Her chocolate brown eyes finally found the young dam.

"Yes, that's fine! Just make sure you stay safe. There should be some back at our stall in the square with your Adad and nadadiths!"

Smiling at the small bit of freedom, she quickly shifted through the crowd to where the men of her family sold their metals to the Dale smiths. She finally made it to the square and noticed her father speaking with a customer. Her brothers can be seen in their wagon, reorganized the remaining items.

Sneaking behind them, she quickly pulled them both into headlocks, "Hello my favorite nadadiths, have the sales been good today?"

"Namad!" Both looked up reverently at their older sister. Although they were no longer children by dwarven standards, they always felt like dwarflings when together.

Her middle brother had a longer, more pointed face than either of his siblings. His eyes, brown as bark, always seem to look down his slightly pointed nose. Cinnamon colored hair hangs from his head while that of his upper lip is just long enough to braid into an outward curl atop his thick beard.

The youngest was a miniature image of their father; Broad forehead, slightly bulbous nose, and hair so red it looked like rust. He also inherited the muddy eye color of their father as well. Since he had just reached his 60th birthday, he strutted around as if he were a fully grown dwarrow, bragging on how his scruff was starting to sprout and how his beard would be as thick as their adad's.

Before her youngest brother could say anything, their gruff father called him to the front and begrudgingly he went. She returned to her assigned task.

"Where are the stores we brought with the extra jewelry? Amad and I need to restock."

Her brother quickly looked over the chests, before pointing the correct one out. She shuffled back towards it as he shifted his weight some, "Namad?"

"Yes?"

"Do you think amad and adad are embarrassed by me?"

She stoped in her tracks and looked at her brother. "Why on earth would you think like that?"

"I just…I feel like gems, metals, and jewelry aren't my craft. You and nadadith obviously take after our parents, but me, I'm just odd."

She quickly wrapped her brother in a hug, "Just because the calling Mahal gave you isn't what our family is known for doesn't mean they aren't proud. You have a mind for learning, deep insightful learning, and you were given that for a reason." She pulls back and gives a slight punch to his shoulder, "Who knows, maybe one day the rest of the family will get in a pickle that you have to get us out of. Like when nadadith got his head stuck in a banister." She cackles as she gets back to work.

He blushes at the memory, "That was ages ago, why must you always bring it up?"

"Just because you're 97 doesn't mean I'm going to quit picking on you. You'll always be my little brother."

A loud voice bellowed out, "What about me?"

Their youngest brother had returned with a slip of paper in tow. He handed her the paper and she quickly grabbed everything on the list, "You are my baby brother of course."

In a very contradictory way he stomped his foot and declared, "I'm not a baby anymore! I'm almost of age!"

She gently ruffles his hair, "And when you are of age, I'll stop calling you a baby. Now, lets get these wares to the customer."

With arms filled, she made her way to the front of the stand, handing the wares to her adad. When she turned toward the two customers her world seemed to slow. The first was a smith they had made deals with in the past, the young man next to him, however, was new. He was obviously of men, standing around 6' 2", a full foot and a bit taller than her. He had the most dazzling blond hair that sparkled like mithril in the sunlight, eyes a mysterious hazel one could spend hours studying. His eyes widened, but for what she did not know.

Breaking away from watching the younger man, she turned to the smith and curtsied, "Hello Master Gustaw, how did the last supply of steel do in your shop?"

"Very well my dear," he turned back to her father, "I swear your daughter gets lovelier each time I see her. Have you gotten any suitors running after her?"

Her adad shrugged, "We have had a few possibilities, but nothing that has worked out as of yet."

It was a bit of a sore subject in their family. At the fine age of 137 she was well into her adulthood, something that bothered her mother greatly when the subject came up. Her amad had married her adad when they were 75 and 76, and as such her mother was chomping at the bit to get her betrothed to an "upstanding dwarven family of good morals".

She, on the other hand, believed in the old tradition of finding her One. That if she was meant to marry, it would be for love and love alone, not for titles and high standing.

The smith straightened, "Yes, of course. It is a big decision, and not one to take lightly. Dwarves take marriage very seriously, correct?"

Her adad nodded, "Aye. To us the bonds of family are stronger than stone. The only choice if you don't marry a dwarf is to be married to your craft as we say."

As the two continued to go back and forth on Dwarvish customs, the young man began to pack their purchases into his bag. She quickly moved to help him as some of the whetstones started to fall.

"Thank you." His bass voice was surprisingly quiet for his stature.

"You're welcome." She handed him things to pack as she decided to make conversation with the man who sparked her interest, "I haven't seen you around here before. Are you new to the area?"

"Yes. Master Gustaw took me in. I'm currently an apprentice at his shop and hope to have my own smithy in the future." His eyes brightened as he spoke of his dream. He quickly shook his head, "Where are my manners," his hand quickly reached for her, palm upward, "My name is Ryce."

She felt her face barely blush before she rested her hand in his, "Voin, at your service."

"The Hobbit (Part 1): Song of Durin" by Eurielle on YouTube

Amad - Mom

Adad - Dad

Nadadiths - Little Brothers

Nadad - Brother

Namad - Sister

"Ryce" is pronounced R-ee-se

Now, let me know who your favorite character is so far and why?

Astrid doesn't seem to like dwarves too much, that may put a damper on the quest don't you think? Luckily Lana seems to be able to calm her down fairly well.

Also, I know that we haven't seen any key characters aside from Gandalf yet, but since the company is near and dear to most of our hearts I want to give my characters enough of a story to where they feel like part of the world and not just tacked on. I'm sorry if it feels to lengthy for some of you, but trust me, there is method to my madness that will connect everything later on.

Reviews:

AriettaRyuusaki: Well…am I right to assume that those 2 women would join Rina (I like this nickname) and the company? That would explain the pairings, if I'm right.

You'll just have to wait and see lol as for the nick name, if you look at most dwarvan names they are only one or two syllables (Ex: Thror, Thor-in, Fi-li, Ki-li, La-na, even As-trid), so Rhi-ann-on would probably seem like a suuuuper long name, so Ri-na is much more "dwarven" than her full name. Basically our little Lana has fully accepted Rina as family from the start.