Over the next week, Amayla settled back into the routine of Gorvuud. After discussing things with Galen, Terssu, and Dhurmug, who had been filling in for Amayla, it was decided that Amayla would not resume full patrol duties, but would rather assist Ardru with his duties so that she could spend as much time with him as possible. She still insisted on riding the perimeter of the settlement nearly everyday, to both keep check on things and to give Mist a good outing.
.
After one such patrol, she returned to see a several strange ponies in the paddock. The stable lad who took care of Mist informed her that an "important group of dwarves" was in talking to Ardru and Galen and that she was supposed to join them as soon as she returned. Intrigued, Amayla hurried in to see Princess Dis, Alva, and several soldiers sitting in Ardru's office. But it was the look from Galen that startled Amayla the most. He was her closest friend and could read him like a book, but the anger she sensed from him, had her completely flummoxed. After introductions, Dis got right down to business.
"Amayla, I am planning on leaving very soon to return to Erebor and need your help," she stated firmly.
Amayla frowned in frustration, struggling to find the right words, "Your Highness, I am sorry, but I just returned. I plan on staying in Gorvuud." She shot a look at Dis, pleading to her to not reveal her secret in front of everyone.
"I realize that Amayla, and I'm not asking you to guide us, but we need your assistance in planning the trip. I do not intend to wait until a caravan can be organized to go via the South. I would like to get there as soon as possible." Dis responded with a reassuring look to Amayla.
"Well, if you want to go the quickest way, that will be through the mountain and you won't be able to take wagons. And of course you'll need escorts," Amayla started.
"I will be escorting the princess," Galen stated coldly.
"What?! Galen you can't go. You can't leave Sarna and the twins. She needs you!"
"She will be going with me, and the lads."
Amayla couldn't believe the chill in his voice. The tears started falling as she realized that she was losing her best friends. Shaking her head, she looked at him pleading, "No, Galen. Please!"
"Perhaps you two should discuss this in private," Dis suggested.
Galen walked over and grabbed Amayla by the arm, pulling her into the empty barracks next door.
Amayla finally snapped and whirled around and pushed Galen away with all her strength, screaming, "HOW COULD YOU AGREE TO DO THIS?!"
"And how could you NOT tell me what they did to you!? How they treated you after you saved their lives?! I KNEW you were holding something back!"
"Who told you?" she whispered.
Galen walked over to his friend and sat her down on a bed. He plopped down next to her and pulled her close with one arm.
"Ardru told me," he answered softly. "The princess arrived shortly after you left so we've had plenty of time to talk. Ardru has ordered me to accompany the princess and I won't leave Sarna and the lads behind. They are still young enough to be carried in a sling and Sarna's parent will come too."
"But Ardru . . "
"I know. It will be hard to leave him behind, but it is his will. I will not deny his last request of me. You can come to Erebor after he goes to the Halls of Waiting."
"But I can't go to Erebor, I'm . . " she sobbed.
"I will make certain you can. The Princess has assured us that she will have the ban overturned."
"But . ."
"No more buts Amayla."
"But I will miss you, and Sarna, and the twins. I've only just met them. I haven't even had a chance to teach them any bad habits yet."
Galen laughed gently, "Then maybe it is good that we leave now!"
Amayla punched him in the shoulder in response.
She wiped away her tears as they reentered the office.
"There is a way throught the mountains on ponies, and I will help you on one condition," Amayla stated firmly, looking directly Dis.
"And that condition?" Dis returned just as firmly.
"You must seek out assistance from the elves of Rivendell."
All in the room sat frozen, until Dis bellowed. "NEVER! We are dwarves! We do not need the help of those treehuggers!"
Trying to be the voice of reason, Galen asked, "Amayla, is that really necessary? I'll be with them. We won't need help from elves."
Turning to her friend, Amayla responded fiercely, "If you do not agree to seeking out the elves of Rivendell, then I will not lift a finger to help. Do not think that you can use the maps to the High Pass. You cannot take ponies through it and it was mostly destroyed by the stone giants. You will never make it through the mountains. And further more, if you intend to go without my help, I will kidnap my nephews and hide with them until a caravan going on the southern route is organized. DO NOT THINK I WON'T!"
Ardru started coughing uncontrollably and Amayla immediately rushed to his side, offering a drink of water.
The old dwarf brushed aside her ministrations, before turning to Dis. "My princess, do not let sour history stop you from creating a glorious future. Now is the time to create that future, one of cooperation and peace between the races. If the elves are willing to provide aid, which my daughter assures is the case, then let them."
Amayla looked to Dis, voice calmed "Honestly your highness, I do not believe I could show you the pass on a map. I came through from the other direction and do not know the landmarks. Even if I were going with you, I would have to stop in Rivendell and ask the way."
Dis threw her hands up in disgust, "Well, I see there is no way around it. We'll go to Rivendell."
"If you wouldn't mind, I have some letters that I ask you to carry to Rivendell and the Woodland Realm," Amayla asked politely.
"THE WOODLAND REALM?! YOU MEAN THRANDUIL!? It is one thing to stop at Rivendell, but quite another to ask HIM for help!" Dis growled.
"Your highness, there is no way around Mirkwood if you want to go in haste. But rest assured, there is peace between Thranduil and Thorin. I will give you a personal letter to guarantee your safe travels. I am hopeful that there will be elves willing to escort you." Amayla assured Dis.
Dis glared at Amayla until Alva, Gloin's wife, calmed her down. "Dis, what is most important is getting to Erebor and seeing our loved ones. It doesn't matter who helps us get there faster, as long as they help us. I know how much you miss your sons and your brother. I miss my husband that much too. If Amayla says that the elves will help us, then we must believe her and accept it."
"You're right Alva. And you too Amayla. We will accept whatever help is given, even if it is from elves." Turning to Ardru and Galen, "I am most thankful for your help. We will return to Ered Luin and finalize our plans. We will see you, Galen, in three days' time."
"Aye, your highness, three days," Galen responded, bowing respectively.
"The rest of you please leave. I would say my good-byes to Ardru in private," Dis commanded.
.
When they got outside, Amayla could only shake her head at Galen, tears running down her face. She tried to speak, but no sound came out. She could only mouth the words "Two days?" Galen's eyes were also misty. He put his arm around her and led her to his house. At the house, Amayla flung herself at Sarna, openly sobbing. The two babies, not understanding what was happening but feeling all the emotions, started crying themselves. Galen pushed the two dams into a bedroom and slammed the door before trying to calm his sons.
About twenty minutes later, Amayla and Sarna came out of the room, wiping their eyes. "I'll take the lads outside, while you two talk," Amayla offered while scooping up the two. When Galen looked at her questioningly, she stated simply, "I'm going to spend as much time as I can with them."
.
Amayla spent the next two days playing with the twins as much she could, going over maps with Galen to chart out the fastest way to Rivendell, and writing letters to everyone she could think of that could possibly help. Unfortunately, the group would not be going through the Shire, opting instead to go via the city ruins of Fornost, picking up the north road there before heading to Bree and following the East road to Rivendell. So, no letters to Bilbo or Foldram, but plenty to all her friends in Rivendell, and everyone in Mirkwood, especially Thranduil. She was determined that her honorary nephews be safe. But when it came to letters to Erebor, Amayla was torn. Not getting any responsed when she had written to everyone when she was in Mirkwood still hurt deeply. Finally, she decided to write a shared letter to Fili and Kili and one to Bifur and Bofur. In both letters, she asked her companions to look after Gorlen and Maylen. She figured that Fili and Kili would provide some fun for the lads, teaching them about the outdoors and how to drive their parents crazy. Bifur and Bofur would, of course, be counted on to provide toys and wooden swords when they were old enough. A few tears stained both letters.
When the time finally came for the group to leave, Amayla was numb. She had cried so many tears that none were left. She made certain that the group was safely saddled and the pack-ponies properly loaded down. She gave big kisses to both lads before Sarna and Solmata climbed onto their ponies. Too choked up to speak, all she could do was wave and wipe her eyes. She stood next to Ardru as the ponies disappeared. Laying her head on her father's shoulder, Amayla could only wonder when he would leave her too.
.
.
He lasted two months. Amyala stayed by Ardru's side as much as possible. The other captains covered her patrols. Everyone in Gorvuud cooperated to make him as comfortable as possible, as he was beloved by all. His coughing slowly became worse and seemed to drain all the strength he had left. On the night he finally passed to the Halls of Waiting, he made Amayla promise to return to Erebor one day. She agreed, but in her heart, she didn't plan on fulfilling that promise anytime in the near future.
.
Ardru's funeral was a huge production for the dwarves of Gorvuud. A tomb had been prepared in advance in the waiting chamber in the mountain nearest to the settlement. A large contingent from Ered Luin, including nearly all of the councilors, arrived to sing the traditional Dwarvish funeral songs. After the tomb was sealed, a huge feast was held celebrating the long and full life of Thror's General, the founder of Gorvuud, and the protector of Ered Luin. As his heir, Amayla led the processions but allowed Bladurg, Ardru's oldest friend to lead the songs. She said little during the celebration beyond what was expected of her.
Toward the end of the celebration, Temlar stood to make an announcement. "Normally, I would not interrupt a funeral celebration to make this type of announcement, but I am here and all are gathered and I do not think Ardru would mind. We have received word from King Thorin that Erebor will be ready for those wanting to return. A caravan will depart for Erebor in the Spring. It will be traveling the greenway south through Rohan. It is the longest way to go, but it is also the easiest for wagons. Any may join as long as you have the resources to make it."
The announcement set off a great deal of discussion, essentially ending the party. Many of Gorvuud's residents clamoured for Amayla to speak. Relunctantly, she did. "We are here to celebrate my father whose mission it was to protect the dwarves of Ered Luin. To that end, he established this settlement. Gorvuud is my home and I am Ardru's heir. I will protect Gorvuud as long as there is a viable settlement." Many dwarves cheered at that statement, but Amayla continued. "But it was also my father's dream to return to Erebor, his home, the home of most Longbeards. So, I will not look harshly upon anyone who wants to go. It is your right and your decision to make freely." With that, Amayla bowed politely and left, wanting only to go rest by herself.
.
Temblor stopped her and asked to speak in private. "Amayla, I have a letter from the King addressed to Ardru. It is yours now."
Her hand trembled as she accepted the letter, "Did he bring any word of Princess Dis or Galen?"
"No. They must have passed each other on the way. He left before she could have possibly reached Erebor."
Amayla nodded and left. Sitting along in her room, Amayla could only imagine what Thorin had written. I don't want to open it. . . Did he tell Ardru everything? . . . Maybe its good that Ardru died when he did . . . Mahal, I miss him so much! . . . It doesn't matter what Thorin said. Her mind made up, she stood and threw the unopened letter into the fire.
Amayla made it through the weeks following Ardru's death in a blur. She knew what she was doing, but nothing held any meaning for her. There had been no signs of orcs since she had returned to Gorvuud. The reason was not clear, but Amayla figured that it had something to do with killing Azog and Bolg and all those orcs at Erebor. She was grateful for the respite, but didn't expect it to last come the spring. The winter was not overly harsh, but there were many periods of loneliness and sadness during the long, dark nights.
.
.
IN EREBOR
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Grundbar came rushing down to the mines, startling Thorin as he, Balin, Fili and Ori were watching Bifur, and Bofur show the visiting Lord Dain what had been accomplished to date.
"Your Majesty," Grundbar cried out between breaths, "Princess Dis and others just arrived!"
"What? Dis?!"
"Amad?!"
Grunbar was trying to catch his breath, having run the whole way, "Aye, it is the Princess herself demanding that you come right away."
Without a word, they all turned and started heading back in a hurry.
"Who is with her?" Balin asked.
"Four dams, several dwarflings, and some guards."
"Four other dams?" Thorin questioned.
"Aye, sir."
"Must be Alva and Ilna, Gloin and Bomber's wives. I don't know who the others would be," Balin commented.
As the they reached the entrance to the mines, Thorin started handing out orders, "Grunbar, go get Gloin and OIn. Bofur & Bifur, go find Bomber. Fili go get your brother, I believe he's sparring with Dwalin. Ori, let your brothers know. Everybody move!"
Thorin's group arrived in the great hall first. The second he saw his sister, he froze for a moment, before running to her and wrapping her in a giant hug, tears flowing down their faces.
"Where are my sons?" Dis asked, as Thorin pressed his forehead against hers.
"On their way. They are well, I promise."
"I know."
Thorin looked at her, confused, but before he could ask anything, Gloin came running in calling for his wife and son. OIn followed shortly.
"Cousin!" Dain bellowed, grabbing Dis and twirling her off her feet.
He put her down when they heard feet pounding into the room with two voices shouting together, "AMAD!"
Fili and Kili embraced their mother as she alternated between kissing them, hugging them, and stroking their faces.
Bomber finally came in, trailed by his brothers, tears falling before he even caught sight of his wife.
Soon everyone in the company arrived, with hugs going all around.
.
When the greetings and the tears finally slowed, Dis made the introductions of everyone who had accompanied them, ending with Galen. When he bowed and introduced himself as a captain of Gorvuud, the Company stopped smiling and shot glances between each other.
Thorin started to speak, "Captain Galen, there is something I must tell you . . . "
But Dis interrupted him, "Brother, stop. Galen has something to say first. It is good that Dain is here for this. Go ahead Galen, it is better to do this right away."
Galen nodded curtly to Dis before standing at attention before his king. "Thorin, King of Erebor, I stand for Ardru, General to Thror. He seeks a trial of retribution against you and all memebers of the company that reclaimed Erebor, on behalf of his heir, Amayla, Captain of Gorvuud, Slayer of Azog."
There were gasps from everyone other than Galen, Dis, and Sarna.
Dis spoke up, "We should proceed immediately to get this out of the way. Dain, if you would preside."
Dain ordered everyone in the company to stand before him, but before he could formally start, Thorin objected. "Just wait a minute! How did Ardru know about Amayla? We only sent the couriers a month ago. And for that matter, how are you all here this early? And how did you know that Fili and Kili were well?"
"From Amayla of course," Dis answered simply.
"Amayla? That's impossible!" Thorin shouted.
Dis looked completely bewildered as everyone in the company froze. She looked at Dain who merely shrugged. Balin put his hand on Thorins shoulder and spoke softly, "Tell them."
Thorin finally choked out, "Because Amayla fell in the battle. She died."
"No she didn't!" Dis quickly admonished him. "She was alive and well in Gorvuud when we left. She helped us with directions and made certain that the elves assisted us on our trip here."
All the company spoke at the same time, hugging, laughing and crying once again, "Amayla's alive!" "Really?" "The lass is alive!" Dwalin, however, approached Dis, grabbing her by the arms and looking her straight in the eyes, "She's alive? You swear to Mahal that Amayla is alive?"
"Of course she is. Why do you all think she's dead?" Dis questioned. Dwalin stepped back, both hands rubbing his face, until he hit a pillar. Sliding down to the floor, he held his head in his hands and wept.
Balin answered Dis, "She fell off Ravenhill, battling with Bolg."
"After saving me," Kili stated softly.
"And me," Fili added.
"And me," Thorin joined in.
"She never mentioned that," Dis said, reaching for her boys to hug them again.
"Typical Amayla," Sarna stated. "She would keep that to herself."
Dain stepped up asking, "So do we still need this trial?"
Galen answered, "There is still the matter of her banishment."
Thorin answered quickly, "It is rescinded of course. Ori, take care of whatever paperwork is called for."
"But why didn't any of you go to her, after she fell," Sarna asked.
"We looked everywhere! We never found her," Kili insisted. "I still don't understand. Where was she?"
"She was in Mirkwood, in Thranduil's Halls," Dis answered.
"Mirkwood?!" Thorin roared. "That dam tree-shagger! Why didn't he let us know?"
"According to Amayla and Thranduil, he did. You told him to send her home," Dis replied.
"I did no such thing! He lies! Typical elf!"
"I would not be so sure brother. His anger at you for banishing her seemed sincere to me. Amayla spoke most highly of him and he treated us very kindly," Dis responded.
"You would believe Thranduil over me?" Thorin looked aghast. "He NEVER told me Amayla was alive. I NEVER would have ignored that."
"He said that he sent you a letter and when you didn't reply, he sent Lord Arodir to you and you told him to have Thranduil send her home."
"Never! Arodir NEVER discussed Amayla with me," Thorin insisted.
Balin gently reminded Thorin of Arodir's visit, "Remember, when we finally cleared the mine entrance and he insisted on talking to you . . ."
"Aye, I remember that visit, but he never mentioned Amayla. . . at least not that I remember. Just something about a soldier and sending him home. . . . MAHAL! . . . I thought he was talking about one of Dain's soldiers . . . I don't think he told me it was Amayla . . . He must not have . . . but I'm not sure. I only remember being so tired and I just wanted him to leave. OH MAHAL! What did I do?"
Dis stepped in front of her brother and gently stroked Thorin's face gently, "Peace Thorin. What's done is done. It was probably just a misunderstanding. I don't belive you sent her back on purpose. Amayla was going back to see her father no matter what. There is no real harm done."
As she turned, she missed the look of regret that Thorin sent to Dwalin.
Dain tried again. "Getting back to the matter of retribution, cousin, I believe that General Ardru deserves a response."
Thorin replied stoically, "He does, and so does Amayla." Facing Galen, Thorin assumed his most kingly stance, stating loudly, "I, Thorin, King of Erebor, accept full responsibility for the dishonor shown to Amayla heir to Ardru, Captain of Gorvuud and offer my beard as compensation." He then bowed to Galen.
Dain then spoke up, "Captain Galen, as representative of General Ardur, do you accept King Thorin's beard as full payment of retribution or do you require it of all members of the Company, as is your right?"
No sounds were heard as all in the room looked to Galen to make his decision. After an agonizing minute, Galen stated solemnly, "The king's beard will be payment enough."
Dwalin stood up and approached Thorin, "I'll leave now and take it to her, let her know, make it right."
Surprised, Dis objected, "Dwalin, you can't leave now. It is nearly Durin's Day. You'd never make it over the mountains!"
"Dis is right. I'm sorry, my friend." Thorin added gently. "Go at the first sign of spring. Bring her back."
.
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********* NOTES ********
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Sorry for delays in updating, life has gotten in the way. I really miss the peace and quiet in my house during the school year. Sigh. Hope that no one is too upset about Ardru's death. It was sad, but was obviously coming. Its just good that Amayla was there for it. It took me awhile to add the scene in Erebor. I had planned on just giving hints about what happened but bent to pressure. I ended up being happy with it. So now that everyone in Erebor knows she's alive and the banishment is rescinded, it should all be smooth sailing from here out, don'tcha think?
