Amayla was speechless when the groups met up. There were eight riders surrounding a female elf. It was easy for her to recognize Glorfindel. He was taller than the others, and his hair was exactly as written: long, flowing, and golden. He was riding on a huge white horse with bells hanging off him. But Amayla was even more stunned to see the lady in the middle. Obviously, she was someone of great importance to have such an impressive guard. She was a tall as the others, at least as far as Amayla could tell on a horse. She had wavy, blond hair, lighter than Glorindel's, and stunning light blue eyes. But there was more to her that Amayla had never experienced before. It seemed like she glowed, as if light emanated from her. When the lady looked at Amayla, the dwarf couldn't move. She wasn't frightened, but felt that the lady was reading her mind, her feelings, and her memories. Amayla sat frozen until Elrohir and Elledan greeted the lady, breaking the connection. The twins motioned for Amayla to approach and proceeded to introduce her to their grandmother, Galadriel, the Lady of Lothlorien. Amayla bowed as politely as possible on the horse and received a smile in return, a smile that somehow put Amayla completely at ease.
Strider made his bows to the lady also and then introduced Amayla to Glorfindel. Amayla couldn't seem to sit still in her saddle and she kept fidgeting with her hair. She was appalled at herself to hear a giggle slip out when Glorfindel spoke to her and her ability to speak seemed to have fled. She sat and smiled and tried unsuccessfully to speak until Strider mercifully gave Glorfindel her name for her. Finally, Amayla shook her head clear and managed to squeak out an "at your service" to the golden elf.
"I have never me a dwarf that could ride a horse before," Glorfindel remarked.
"It is my first time to do so," Amayla stammered in return, only able to glance at the elf from the corner of her eye.
"Well, you're doing quite well for your first time."
"Thank you m'lord."
"Please, just call me Glorfindel."
Amayla giggled again and could only smile. Strider however, laughed fully and loudly.
When they rode into Rivendell, Glorfindel, Elrohir and Elledan escorted their grandmother to the front, while Amayla, Strider, and the other guards rode directly to the stables. Amayla was surprised to see Dwalin waiting in the paddock area, sharpening one of his axes. He immediately rose to greet her, helping her down from her horse.
"How was your ride, Lassie?"
"Fine, just fine. Riding a horse is not much different than a pony, except for the getting on and off parts. But never mind about that. You won't believe who we met on the way back!" Amayla was talking so fast and smiling so broadly that Dwalin couldn't help but smile with her.
An elf came and took Laerloth by the reins and said that he would take care of him, which Amayla thanked him for.
"Who lassie?"
"We met Glorfindel, the Glorfindel!"
"Who's Glorfindel?"
Amayla frowned at Dwalin, "Do you really not know about Glorfindel? The Balrog slayer, who came back from the dead?"
"Sounds like some Elven fairy story that Balin was always trying to get me to read," Dwalin grumbled.
"It's not a fairy story! He's real, and he's here, and I met him!"
Dwalin frowned at Amayla, but she didn't notice. "And he was escorting the White Lady of Lothlorien, Galadriel. I met her too."
"You mean the white witch? I thought she was a fairy story too."
"Don't call her that! She's Lord Elrond's mother-in-law, and Elrohir and Elledan's grandmother. Although you would never know it to look at her. She's beautiful, radiant really. She almost seems to glow."
"Hrumpf," was all Dwalin could muster, frowning even more.
"Well, what did you do this afternoon? Hope you didn't sit around just waiting for me," Amayla asked trying to get Dwalin to lighten up.
"No. I watched Fili and Kili attempt to train Bilbo. That was amusing."
"How did Bilbo do with the new sword."
"Better actually, but that's not saying much considering where he started from."
"Good. I'll work with him tomorrow. I need to get some archery practice in too. I'm still not used to the new bow. We're leaving the day after tomorrow right?"
"Aye."
"Good then we will have a good chance to spend some time with Glorfindel too! We should go tell Balin about him. I'm sure your brother will want to meet him!" Amayla gave a little squeal again and practically started skipping back towards their quarters. Grawlin growled and stomped behind her. They found Balin with Ori in Rivendell's library.
The library was beyond her wildest imagination. Living in Gorvuud, Amayla never had access to many books. Her father would try to buy her one every year when he went to the annual council meeting in the heart of Ered Luin. She would usually share them with the farmers around Gorvuud once she finished with them. To see the bookshelf after bookshelf filled with hundreds of volumes of books stopped her cold.
"It's quite the sight, isn't it Lass?" asked Balin bringing Amayla out of her stupor.
"I've never seen so many books in one place. Where would one even start?" Amayla wondered aloud.
"Just wait until we get to Erebor, Lassie. The library there is three times the size," smiled Balin.
"Can you imagine Amayla? Three times as big as this! I can't wait to see it," added Ori. He was seated at a table with a stack of books in front of him, one opened to a map.
"Which treasure are you more excited for Ori, the gold in Erebor or the library?" asked Amayla.
Ori tilted his head and started thinking. "Why not both Lad?!" Balin answered for him, slapping him on the back.
"Well, Ori, in any of your books have you read about Glorfindel?" asked Amayla with a sneaky grin on her face.
"Glorfindel, the Lord of the House of the Golden Flower?" returned Ori.
Amayla turned to Dwalin and made an 'I told you so' face before looking at both Ori and Balin smiling widely, "Yes, that Glorfindel! Well, what would you say if I told you that I just met him!?" she squealed.
Ori's eye grew wide and his mouth dropped. "You met Glorfindel?"
"Truly lass?" added in Balin, his eyes alight.
"Yes, he is here! I just rode in with him. He was escorting the Lady Galadriel."
"The White Witch of Lothlorien?" asked Ori, still amazed.
"Don't call her that!" Amayla warned. "She is Lord Elrond's mother-in-law and quite amazing!"
"And you met her too?" asked Balin.
"Yes," Amayla nodded. "Would you like to meet them? Dwalin here doesn't seem to care."
"Hrmph."
"Of course!" the two said at the same time.
"Well, actually, only Glorfindel said that he would join us in the dining room at dinner. So you can definitely meet him. I can't say for certain about the Lady Galadriel."
"Glorfindel," Ori sighed. "Dwalin, did you know that he slew a balrog?"
"Aye, so I've heard," the bald dwarf frowned even further.
"So please, be on time for dinner, and I'll introduce you!" Amayla bent down and gave Ori a tap on his forehead. "I'm going to go tell Bilbo. I'm sure he'll want to meet him also. And then I'm going to get cleaned up." She waggled her eye brows at Balin.
Dwalin went with her as she told Bilbo about Glorfindel and the dinner plans. They found him with most of the company at the sparring rings. The hobbit was indeed excited to meet the famous elf. Thorin, who had finished with Kili, asked to speak to Amayla. He pulled her away from all the others and sat her down on a bench. His face was even more grim than usual and it was seriously worrying Amayla.
"We will be leaving the day after tomorrow, and will be taking the mountain pass."
Amayla nodded in acknowledgement and frowned, expecting more.
"The path is treacherous and not suitable for ponies. We'll be going on foot."
Amayla's heart sunk, "The ponies," she whispered.
"We will not be taking them."
Tears started to fill Amayla's eyes. "What will happen to them?"
"Lord Elrond has agreed to have someone take them back to Bree and will sell them there."
"Not Tigr!"
"No, of course not, Tigr is your pony. Lord Elrond will do whatever you want with him."
Amayla didn't know what to say. "I must think about this . . . I don't know . . . I will have to . . . think . . ."
"I am sorry Amayla. Of course you should think on it, but you must tell Lord Elrond tomorrow."
"Yes sir, thank you Thorin."
All the excitement that had built up inside Amayla left, leaving her completely deflated. She needed some time alone to think.
As she moved to return to her room, Dwalin stepped up to escort her back. Amayla lashed out at him. "Reallly Dwalin? First Balin, and now you! Am I to have a son of Fundin escorting me everywhere in Rivendell? I think I can make it to my room, by myself, in the middle of day! I would like to be left alone! Thank you very much!" With that, Amayla marched off, by herself.
She took a bath and tried to think about what to do, but could come up with no good plan. She only hoped that dinner and an evening with Glorfindel would improve her mood. Her spirits fell even deeper when dinner was only with the company, minus Dwalin and Thorin weren't there. It wasn't until dinner was over that Glorfindel was able to join the dwarves. He was accompanied by the twins and Strider. They entered as Bofur was starting another of his raucous songs. Glorfindel immediately started stamping his foot and clapping along. His was the most boisterous of clapping when the song finished, helping to lift Amayla's spirits.
Amayla made all the introductions but sat off slightly, letting Bilbo, Balin, and Ori pepper the golden elf with questions. Elrohir and Strider approached her quietly.
"I heard about the ponies," Strider said softly, "I am sorry Amayla."
Amayla smiled weakly in return.
"Tigr is most welcome to remain here at Rivendell. I will personally take good care of him . . . when I am here," promised Elrohir.
"And how long will you be in Rivendell? Won't you be going back North with the Rangers?" Amayla asked.
Elrohir could only shrug and nod.
"I don't want him to be left as the only pony here," Amayla said sadly. "He is used to being ridden and no elf can ride him. And he wouldn't even have any mares that he could . . . " She looked at Strider, "you know!"
Strider chuckled.
"But I will not sell him. I plan on picking him up when I return to Gorvuud after reclaiming Erebor!"
"Then leave him in Rivendell. He will not suffer. We will try and find an elfling to ride him." Elledan assured her.
Amayla could only make a face of frustration.
"Cheer up Amayla. Look to the hobbit. I think Glorfindel is more taken with him than you were with Glorfindel!" Strider nudged her and smiled. They walked over and joined the jocularity.
"You eat how many times?" Glorfindel asked astonished.
"Seven times: breakfast, second breakfast, elevenses, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner and supper. I can't tell how much weight I've lost between the exercise and the lack of food. My coat is quite loose!" Bilbo complained causing laughter among all.
"I can attest to their appetites," said Amayla. "I had dinner with them one night and we had as much food on the table as we had on the table for all of us tonight, and there were only two adults and four small children. And I had to pass on dessert!"
"Well I hope I do not insult anyone if I do not eat all that is offered when I travel there." Glorfindel exclaimed.
"You are going to the Shire?" asked Amayla.
"Yes, the four of us will take the ponies to Bree and then I think we shall visit the Shire before heading back north," answered the golden elf.
Amayla immediately thought of Foldram and his family. "Do you think you could visit a friend of mine and his family? They were most gracious to me and I would like to send a letter and perhaps some gifts." She turned to Bilbo, "Do you think Iris Brandybuck and her family would mind a visit from some elves?"
"They might be surprised, but if they were willing to host a dwarf, I imagine they would also hosts elves. I'm certain young Foldram would enjoy it!" Bilbo answered.
Amayla looked to Glorfindel, Strider, and the twins. They all smiled back to her. "Of course Amayla."
"Thank you, thank you, thank you!" She squealed, her face bursting into a huge smile. She immediately ran over to Bifur and Bofur. "Can you help me make some gifts?" she signed to Bifur. He smiled and said that he might already have something done, but would make whatever she wanted. Bofur said he would help too. "Anything to get out of sparring all day again."
"I'd like a toy sword for a young hobbit and then something for two small lasses and they have to be ready by tomorrow evening."
"It will be our pleasure lassie," Bifur signed back.
"Would you like me to help?" Amayla asked.
"Lassie, we've seen you carve and while it is certainly better than you sing, I think you should leave the toy making to us."
She bumped both of their foreheads and signed "thank you."
Her mood now incredibly lightened, Amayla joined in when the elves started playing music. Unlike the tunes that had been played the first night they were there, the songs this evening were much more up tempo and to the Dwarves' liking. Bofur of course sang, as well as Fili and Kili, followed by Glorfindel.
When the elf finished, he turned to Amayla and extended his hand to her. "Amayla, perhaps you would honor us with a song?" Without missing a beat, every dwarf in the room sprang forward yelling, "No!" Glorfindel was startled but Amayla could only laugh. "No thank you Glorfindel. I will not subject you to my voice. Mahal graced me with many talents, but singing is not one of them as my FRIENDS can attest." Elrohir took her place and started a jolly tune.
While the elf was singing, Thorin and Dwalin finally joined them. Amayla smiled at the bald dwarf who returned her smile but did not move to join her. Amayla frowned slightly but turned her attention to the merriment. That was kinda strange. Is he mad at me? I guess I yelled at him, but I didn't think it was that bad.
Dwalin was not mad at her but after the conversation he had just had with Thorin, he thought it better to keep his distance.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX SEVERAL HOURS EARLIER XXXXXXXXXXXXX
The two had spent most of the afternoon and evening going over their supplies and determining what equipment they would need to assemble the next day to be ready to leave the following morning at first light. They didn't stop for dinner, settling for having some food sent in. When their plans were in place, Thorin asked to speak to Dwalin on a different subject.
"It has come to my attention that you may have feelings for Amayla. I bring this up not only as your friend, but as Ardru's representative. In his letter giving Amayla's recommendations, he also asked that I look after her as if she were my daughter. As such, I must ask if you are considering asking to court her."
Dwalin stood quietly for a moment and rubbed his head. "Aye," he whispered, "I am."
"Have you kissed her?" Thorin asked smiling.
"Almost, but no," Dwalin mumbled.
"As your friend, I am pleased for both of you. But as Amayla's guardian, I must ask what you can offer her."
"That is the problem Thorin. I have nothing to offer her now, except my heart and my axes. That is why I have not asked her yet. When we reclaim Erebor, I will have everything to offer her."
"I agree. I think it would be prudent to wait, not just as Amayla's guardian but as the leader of this company. I do not want you to be distracted."
"Never Thorin! My duty is to you and this company. I'm sure that Amayla feels the same way. Our feelings will not get in the way."
"Very good, my friend."
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
When he walked into the room where the company was singing with the elves, Dwalin's initial instinct was to find Amayla and sit next to her. When she smiled at him, it took every ounce of self-control to stay where he was. He returned her smile, but then turned to watch whichever elf it was singing. The song was pretty catchy and soon the large warrior found himself tapping along with the music. He occasionally snuck a peak over to see what Amayla was doing, finding her happily clapping with Bilbo at her side. The new tall blond elf sat with her also which did not please Dwalin at all. At least she's not wearing a dress that the elves could look down and see her luscious breasts . . . those breasts . . . Stop it lad . . . not until Erebor!
After a few more songs, Amayla decided it was time to turn in. She had plans for the next day and now needed to fit in writing a letter to Foldram and Iris as well as making sure the gifts for the young hobbits were ready. As she rose, it was Thorin who moved to escort her back, "If I may have the honor Amayla?"
"Of course Thorin, although I will say it again, I am perfectly capable of walking to my room by myself!" she shook her head once again.
"Of course you are, you are an excellent warrior, but you are still a dam, and your father would have my beard if I let you wander around unescorted."
Amayla rolled her eye. "You know I cannot argue with that."
"Yes I do!" he winked back at her placing her arm on his.
After walking a bit, Thorin started talking. "You seem to have enjoyed yourself among these elves."
"Aye, I have. I know you dislike elves based on the way you were treated by Thranduil, but these elves here have been nothing but kind and honorable. Perhaps the Mirkwood elves are different, but I would not hesitate to trust the ones I have met here."
"I still cannot trust them fully. I believe they will try to stop us from our mission."
"IF they try, we will not let them."
"I'm glad to hear you say that."
Amayla stopped in her tracks. "Thorin, please do not doubt my loyalty to you. My friendship with the elves mean nothing to me compared to my dedication to our mission."
"You do your father proud, Amayla. I do not doubt you. I am most pleased that you joined the company."
They reached her door and Thorin wished her a good night's sleep.
