Mahal's Folly

by Elberfan

This is the story of an orphaned dwarf, raised by Erebor's most renowned general, as she joins the company of Thorin Oakenshield to reclaim their homeland. As a seasoned warrior, there is only one dwarf that could match her, however, their dedication to their duty gets in the way of their happiness. Follows the book/movie and goes beyond.

37. Chapter 37 - North to Erebor

There was an audible gasp from many in the room. Thengel jumped to his feet, "Father, you cannot!"

Fengel brushed off his son with a slight wave of his hand, "I can indeed." Turning back to Amayla, "I am told that it is made of mithril. I would accept it in exchange for an escort for your people."

Amayla felt as if she had taken a direct hit to her chest by a mace. She couldn't speak and was having difficulty simply breathing. Finally, she whispered, "This was my father's sword. It's all I have left of him."

"So, what means more to you, the safety of your people or a hand-me-down of your father?" Fengel mocked.

With tears streaming down her face, Amayla's hand reached down to her sword. But before she could unsheath it, Thorongil put one hand on her shoulder and the other on her hand on the sword. He whispered into her ear, "Wait, Amayla, we will find another way."

Margad then stepped forward asking for some time for Amayla to think about it. Fengel agreed, but warned that he would have her decision by noon the next day or the dwarves would be thrown out of Edoras.

Thorongil, Lindir, and Margad escorted Amayla out of the Golden Hall and back to where the caravan had set up camp for the night. The three males tried to talk to Amayla but she would have none of it. "Do any of you have a way of coming up with 300 gold?" she yelled. When they could only look between each other, she spat out. "I know what I must do, I would just like some time alone to come to terms with it!" She marched off into the night before finding a secluded spot, hugged her knees, and cried her eyes out.

Bladurg found her a few hours later. "Can I join you, lassie?" the old dwarf asked softly.

Amayla nodded.

"You don't have to do it, lassie."

"Yes I do. Its only a thing."

"A 'thing' that means the world to you."

"Aye, but it's still just a 'thing'. Not worth somebody's life."

"Come back to camp, lassie. There are people there that want to talk to you."

Amayla sighed but got up. "There is nothing to talk about. The lives of our people are worth more than my father's memory. Fengel is an Orc's ass, not worthy of touching Ardru's sword, but there's nothing I can do about it."

"Just come back to camp, lassie."

"Bladurg! There is nothing to talk about. We cannot risk crossing the Mark with just five guards. I have to give Fengel the sword."

"I'm not arguing with your lassie, just asking you to come back to camp. Now listen to your elder and lend a hand to an old dwarrow."

.

Amayla reluctantly hooked her arm under Bladurg and walked back with the elderly dwarrow. When they reached the camp, Bladurg led her to a gathering of dwarves, elves, and men. Sitting around a fire were the four Dwarves guards, several couples from Gorvuud, Thorongil, Lindir, Telhurmion, and most surprisingly, Prince Thengel.

Before she could say anythig, Thengel stood up, "Amayla, I must apologize for you being in such a position. My father is an ass. Sigrid wanted to pass on her agreement with me also."

Thengel's straightforward statement brought a smile to Amayla's lips. "Thank you Thengel, and thank Sigrid too."

Thorongil then took Amayla by the hand, "You do not have to give him your sword Amayla."

Amayla ripped back her hand, "But I do. I will not risk the lives of my people over a simple object."

"Your father's sword is no simple object, lassie," Bladurg stated softly.

"We will get your people to Erebor safely Amayla, you do not have to give up your sword," Thorongil repeated.

"We?" asked Amayla confused.

"Yes, we!" added Lindir. "I will give you four of my soldiers to accompany you."

"And I will go with you also," Thonogil added.

"Ten soldiers," Amalya mused, "Thank you, but that may not be enough."

"It will be enough if you are accompanied by a troup of Rohan's finest riders," stated Thengel.

"Riders of Rohan? But your father will not allow it!" Amayla retorted.

"My father does not need to know of it. There is a patrol that is to go out tomorrow morn. I will replace the leader myself and just so happen to ride in the same direction as your caravan. A happy coincidence."

"Really?! And you are all in agreement? But how did this come about?" she asked.

"It was simply the right thing to do Amayla. We could do no other," Thengel replied.

"I thank you, your highness. Rohan will be blessed when the time comes for a new king." Amayla then looked at the dwarves who were gathered, "And you are all in agreement. Willing to go tomorrow?"

"Of course lassie," Bladurg answered as the rest all nodded in agreement. "We will all be ready before the first light!"

Tears starting falling down her face again as Amayla hugged everyone, except Lindir and Telhurmion who both got elvish arm salutes, thanking and rethanking everyone over and over again until they all made her stop to get ready to leave.

.

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As the first light broke over the horizon, the dwarves all proceeded to the front gates of Edoras. They were accompanied by Thonogil, Telhurmion, three other elves, and Amayla. The caravan left as soon as the city gates opened, startling the guards, but not allowing any time for the king to be alerted. By mid-afternoon, the Rohan riders caught up to the dwarves, bringing Amayla some peace of mind. Thengel was to stay with them until they crossed over the Anduin river near the field of Celebrandt. At that point, they were to meet up with forces from Lothlorien or perhaps Mirkwood.

.

The trip was arduous as all wanted to cover as much ground as possible. There was some fear that Fengel would send out troops to bring back Thengel, but none reached them. The men of Rohan were impressed that although the caravan was full of dwarvlings and infants, there was no complaining about the speed of travel. They were a hardy group and each knew his or her role in the caravan. No one wanted to be the cause of slowing down.

During the trip, Amayla and Margad had become friends of sorts. Margad lost the chip on his shoulder over Amayla replacing him as the leader of the caravan. It was blantantly obvious that she not only knew every adult in the caravan, while Margad knew only the dwarrows, but she knew and cared for every dwarfling in the caravan. And the feeling was mutual. Early after leaving Edoras, Amayla took some time to compliment and thank Margad for his actions when they spoke to King Fengel.

"You have quite the talent for diplomacy," she remarked, "it's a talent I do not possess."

"Its from spending time around Kovlar. I had to learn how to please him to get ahead," he replied.

"Hmph, Kovlar," Amayla nearly spat as she said his name. "I would not tie yourself too closely to him. You have a brain. Dwarves like Kovlar do not like others around them who are smarter than them. And most dwarves are smarter than Kovlar. I remember when he tried to join the Gorvuud garrison. Not only were his fighting skills sub-par, but he was too stupid to realize it. Once Kovlar is tested in a real fighting situation, I have no doubt that he will reveal his true limitations. I just hope that he does not cause the deaths of others by doing so. I do not believe that the King will leave him at his post for long."

"Really? You think King Thorin will have him removed?"

"I know Kovlar and I know Thorin, excuse me - King Thorin; so aye, I think the king will have him removed. My advice to you is to not try and jump ahead to a position you have not rightfully earned. Do a good job in the position you have, no matter how insignificant you think it is. Remember, somebody is always relying on you. Earn the respect of those around you and you will succeed and advance."

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The trip had gone well as they approached the Anduin river. A contingent of elves from Lothlorien arrived shortly after they made camp before crossing the river. When Amayla asked Telhumion how the elves had possibly known that the caravan had arrived, the elf simply shrugged and stated "the Lady Galadriel." The Lothlorian elves would escort the caravan to the borders of Mirkwood where Thranduil's elves would take over. A scouting patrol crossed the river to make certain that there were no dangers about as the river crossing would leave the caravan completely vulnerable. Thengel and his men planned on leaving the next morning, but all the plans changed when the scouts returned.

The scouts reported seeing a large force of orcs east of the Anduin heading north. The orcs were led by a squadron of wargs bearing riders as well as a large contingent of regular soldiers. Amayla, Thonogil, Thengel, Telhumion, and the leaders of elves of Lothlorian all agreed that they could not let the orc force pass. They decided that the safest place for the caravan was on the west side of the river, while the soldiers would cross and lay in wait for the orcs. Although the orcs outnumbered the men, elves, and dwarves, the numbers were not too drastic to overcome. And the element of surprise was on their side.

Before the soldiers departed, Amayla spoke to her Dwarvish soldiers. "Gorum and Horum will cross the river with me. Margad, you and Vint stay behind to protect the caravan. Margad, if I do not return, you will resume command of the caravan and lead it to Erebor. If you are in trouble, take the Forest Road through Mirkwood. King Thranduil's forces will find you and I promise you that they will help you. Trust them, please!"

Margad objected, "Captain Amayla, I would rather fight with you. Do not leave me behind like some dwarfling!"

"Margad, I would not leave my people in your hands if I didn't trust you. Do not take this as an insult for it is not intented as such. I believe that you will get them to Erebor if I am not able to. Mahal watch over you."

Margad bowed to Amayla, "And over you too."

.

The soldiers all crossed the river and took up their positions, keeping out of sight of the approaching enemy. When the orcs came into range, Amayla, Thonogil, and all the elves let loose their arrows, cutting down the number of the enemy nearly in half. The orcs were caught completely off-guard and made for easy pickings in the follow-on fighting. In very little time, only a few orcs were left putting up a fight. Amayla and Thonogil fought near each other and both stopped at the same time when they ran out of enemies to face.

Amayla turned and smiled at the tall man when she noticed an orc drawing back an arrow that was pointed at Thorongil. Instinctively, she shoved him out of the way only to cry out as the arrow pierced her left shoulder. She stumbled forward, but managed to stay on her feet and turned to see her assailant who unfortunately had let loose another arrow that struck her in the side. Amayla could feel the arrow penetrate her outer layers, but she didn't think it had gone in far enough to do serious damage. At least she hoped so. She saw the orc who shot her fall to an arrow and glanced over to see Thonogil notching another while shouting to their companions about the new threat. Although the pain was excruciating, Amayla went full-on warrior, furious at the creatures who dared to strike her down. She charged the orcs as they poured out of the forest to the north. The rest of the soldiers joined her quickly.

This time, surprise was on the orc's side as was the serious depletion of elvish arrows, leaving the fighting to hand-to-hand combat. The number of orcs this time was significantly greater than before and the battle was intense. Amayla kept fighting even though she was weakening quickly. As she faltered, orcs got more and more strikes on her, finally forcing her to her knees. She could barely raise her sword up for protection. Her vulnerability became obvious and orc after orc surrounded her. Amayla managed to block one more strike but felt her sword fall from her grasp as she collapsed on the ground. A shadow passed over her and she looked up to see an ugly creature raise his weapon to strike her down. There was nothing she could do to stop it.

Amayla looked to the ground and said a quick prayer to Mahal before facing her fate. But before the monster could give the final blow, an arrow came through the middle of his neck. The orc's eyes widened right before he fell over dead, right next to her. Behind him, Amayla saw a flash of red hair as more orcs fell to elvish arrows. The forces of Mirkwood, led by Tauriel, joined the battle just in time. A smile crossed Amayla's lips as she lost consciousness.

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Amayla found herself standing in a meadow, the sun was shining, insects flew from flower to flower, and in front of her stood a great mountain, with enormous doors carved with Dwarven ruins. She looked around, but saw no dwarves or any activity at all.

This must be the Hall of Waiting. I guess I'm dead.

"No, you're not dead Amayla. If you were dead, the doors would be open to you."

Amayla turned to see a blinding light approaching. She squinted until the form of Lady Galadriel came into focus.

"Lady Galadriel? I don't understand."

"You are not dead Amayla," she repeated, "but you are close. You are walking the thin veil between life and death. You alone can choose to give up on life and the doors before you will open, or you can choose to fight and remain among the living."

"I feel a pull from beyond the gates. But it does not scare me. It feels like love."

"Those are the loved ones that entered before you."

"Ardru? And my parents? They are there too?"

Galadriel nodded.

"My parents and Ardru," she whispered.

"Two of your fathers wait behind those doors, while your third awaits you in Middle Earth."

"My third father?"

"If you go back, you will learn. It is your choice to make. Forward through the gates to your loved ones who left before you or back to your life and the ones who love you still."

"My family is in there," Amayla murmured, looking at the gate.

"Not all of all your family," Galadriel smile cryptically.

In her mind, Amayla saw an image of a dwarven family inside a mountain. The husband stood with his arms around his wife laughing as a young dwarfling lass toddled toward her older brother who had his arms out to her, yelling "Come on La La, come get me!" As the little lass fell into her brother's arms, he shouted, "Did you see her Amad? Did you? She walked to me!" "Of course she did, she loves her big brother!" the dam answered.

"It is your choice who you will meet, Amayla. Your parents today, or . . . "

"My brother. I have a brother. And he is alive. I know it. I can feel that my parents are there, behind the doors, waiting, but not my brother. I will go back. I must!"

"I must warn you Amayla. You have been gravely injured, if you go back, there will be pain," Galadrial cautioned.

"I don't care. I lived through pain in the past. I can do it again."

The light around Galadriel grew brighter until it was blinding, causing Amayla to squeeze her eyes tight. When she opened them again, the sky was much darker and there were faces hovering over her. She had overwhelming pain throughout her body. She could hear voices but had trouble understanding exacty what was being said. Instead, she focused on red hair whirling around. "Tauriel?" Her lips moved but no sound came out.

The red-head's face appeared before hers. "I'm here Amayla. Hang on."

"My people," Amayla managed to whisper. "Keep them safe. . ." With that amount of effort, Amayla passed out again.

Amayla woke up occasionally over the next several days, but could never fully comprehend what was going on. She was still in a great deal of pain, but all she could tell was that she was strapped down and the trees and clouds were passing by rapidly. At times, the pain became nearly unbearable and she she would cry out. Whenever that happened, she stopped moving and was given something terrible to drink, resulting in sleep taking her over once again.

Finally, Amayla found the desire to open up her eyes once again. The pain was not nearly as bad and she could tell that she had stopped moving. She started to hear voices again that were familiar, but weren't clear. She had no idea of where she was or how long it had been since the battle with the orcs, and she wanted to know about the caravan and the safety of her people.

Open your eyes Amayla. You can do it. It's not hard. Just OPEN THEM!

It was as if her eyes were stuck closed. She thought she was doing what it took to open them, but nothing happened. The voices, though, became clearer.

"She's stirring."

"Call Neston."

"Amayla!"

She began to distinguish the voices. One was female, and other was male. She tossed her head side to side, but still her eyes stayed shut.

"AMAYLA, OPEN YOUR EYES!"

King Thrandruil? Is that really you? Am I dreaming again?" Amayla murmured.

Thranduil grabbed her flailing had as he sat down by her side, placing it between his two. "It is I, you are not dreaming Amayla," he assured her.

"But how?"

"Estel and others brought you here yesterday. You are in your old room in the healing halls. Neston has been taking care of you."

"My people – are they safe?"

"Tauriel and her soldiers are escorting them along with a group from Rohan. They are going the longer, eastern route, but it is safer these days. Your people will be fine."

"Thank you, your majesty."

A voice came from the doorway, causing Amayla to attempt to sit up. "Good morning Amayla! I see you are finally awake," Neston spoke softly. "You know that you are my favorite dwarvish patient, but you don't always need an injury to come visit!"

"I believe I told her that the last time she was here, Neston. It must be that hard dwarvish head of hers," Thranduil added, although there was only laughter in his voice.

"Tell that to the orcs that seem to be everywhere these days," Amayla muttered.

Thranduil's face turned dark for a moment before he stood, "I will let Neston and Eliril tend to you now, Amayla. Rest well. When you are strong enough, I will have a chess board brought here so that I may beat you."

"Grrrrrrrreat," Amayla said sarcastically, before continuing, "but truly, your majesty, thank you for everything."

Thranduil smiled at her and patted her hand once more before departing.

.

Amayla was pleased to see Eliril come in after Thranduil left bearing a tray of medicial what-not. After Neston thoroughly examined her and instructed Eliril on replacing bandages he stood up to leave. "The good news is Amayla, none of your wounds were from a morgul weapon and Estel did an excellent job of cleaning them and binding them during your little jaunt here. It is quite amazing that you have no infections and that none of the deeper cuts hit anything major. You are weak from bleeding but that we can take care of. You should stay quiet to let all your wounds heal and not tear open any stitches, so limited movements until we take out them all out. Walking is alright once you feel up to it, but that is all! I mean it!"

"Thank you Neston. I promise," Amayla swore, crossing her heart.

Eliril continued her ministrations after Neston left, filling Amayla in her continuing courtship Gaviolith. Amayla finally got a word in edgewise asking Eliril who the elf was who had treated her.

"Estel is not an elf. He's Lord Elrond's human foster son. I was under the impression that you knew him," she responded.

"Oh yeah. Estel is one of his names. I remember Elrohir calling him that. He was Strider when I first met him, then Thonogil in Rohan, so now I guess I'll have to get used to calling him Estel," Amayla sighed.

"Well, whatever his name, I'm sure he'll be by shortly to see you when he wakes. The king ordered him to sleep when he came to sit with you. Estel had stayed by your side since you arrived. Now, I'll go get you some soup – and don't even bother to ask for something else – Neston has ordered soup for you today and I won't disobey his orders."

Amayla slumped down in her bed. "Fine. As long as it's not fish soup!"

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.

Estel stopped by several hours later to check in on Amayla.

"I hear I have you to thank for my injuries not being severe, so thank you very much Thonogil, or Estel or whatever your name is! Neston said you did an excellent job." Amayla teased him.

"It was the least I could do for someone who saved my life. I am happy that you are doing well, Amayla. And that was very kind of Neston, he is a well-regarded healer. My father said that he was one of his best pupils. And yes, here in Mirkwood, I am Estel, but I am going back to being Strider shortly. I will be leaving with letters to Elrond and return to patrolling with the Rangers. I have had my fill of King Fengel. Perhaps when Thengel is on the throne, I will return to Rohan."

"I don't blame you for feeling that way Estel. I would rather not see that man ever again in my life! When do you leave?"

"The day after tomorrow, at first light. King Thranduil wants to discuss the battle we had with the orcs before writing to my father. He'll probably want to talk to you too."

"I take it the battle was a success? Other than me, were there any serious injuries? Did we lose anyone?"

"Thankfully, there was no loss of life. You were, by far, the worst injured."

"Lucky me."

"Well that was because we were caught by surprise. It could have easily enough been me who took the first arrow. There was some intense fighting, but when the elves from Mirkwood arrived, the battle ended quickly."

"Thank Mahal for that."

.

Later in the evening Thranduil came for another visit. "You are sitting up Amayla? Has Neston allowed it?"

"He told me to take it easy. Its hard to be more 'easy' than barely sitting up. Besides, we dwarves are much heartier than you elves give us credit for." At Thranduil's smirk, Amayla frowned at him, "I'm not just talking about our thick skulls!"

"I said nothing!" Thranduil defended himself while chuckling.

"You were thinking it, your majesty! And I'll have you know that I rode on a pony to Mirkwood two days after getting swiped by a giant bear. I think I can 'sit up' after a few orc arrows."

"Well if you are well enough to sit up, you are well enough to play chess. I'll have the set brought," Thranduil said while signaling to an ever present guard.

"Wait, wait! I think I'm having a relapse!" Amayla cried out, clutching at her chest.

Thranduil raised an eye brow at her and ordered his guard to bring the chess set, and some wine.

.

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The next day, Amayla woke feeling much better. Eliril applied salve to her wounds and bruises and Neston agreed that she could eat some "real food." Amayla insisted on walking around more, always escorted by Eliril. By the afternoon, Amayla felt strong enough to walk the distance to the King's council chambers to discuss the battle with the King and Estel. Thranduil was very pointed in wanting to know directions, locations, and even details of the enemy's weapons. Although unclear exactly what her answers meant to the King, Amayla supplied the answers to the best of her memory until he was satisfied. Before she left, Thranduil had one final question for her.

"I have not yet informed Erebor that you are here. I wanted your permission to do so, Amayla. So, do you want me to inform Oakenshield?"

Amayla paused and took a few deep breathes before answering, "No, not yet. They are expecting me with the caravan so there is no hurry to let them know."

"As you wish."

"Thank you, your majesty."

"Oh, and if you would join me for dinner?"

"It would be my pleasure, your majesty."

.

Dinner with the King was most pleasant. Estel, as he was known in Mirkwood, was there also and regaled them with stories of being a Ranger. Thranduil seemed pleased to learn that Legolas was riding with Elrohir and Elledan, although he was not pleased when he heard that Glorfindel often joined them. At that, Amayla rolled her eyes and shook her head at the King. The conversation turned to the happenings in Rohan and King Thranduil was furious to hear that Amayla had been imprisoned. Amayla tried to calm him by letting him know that Mirkwood's cell were far more luxurious than Rohan's, but Thranduil was less than amused.

"You were with my patrol and I know that Rohan has a treaty with Erebor, you should not have been treated thusly," he stated angrily.

"Princess Sigrid more than made up for the harsh treatment and Crown Prince Thengel defied his father to protect my people, so I have no quarrel with them. King Fengel however . . . well, I would call him something in Khudzul, but it is not polite and you would not understand."

"Whatever you call him cannot be worse than he deserves," Estel spat out.

"Let us talk about something more pleasant. If you feel up to it Amayla, I can take you down to the stable and introduce you to my newest elk. He is quite gentle, except of course, in battle."

"Thank you, your majesty! I would very much enjoy that! I haven't seen Mist since I arrived and I would love to see her too."

Estel left the two of them to visit the stables on their own as he prepared to leave early the next morning. Amayla greatly enjoyed meeting the king's mount. He was surprisingly gentle and let her stroke his velvety nose. Mist was also thrilled to see her rider and the carrot she brought with her. Amayla promised to visit Mist the next day for a thorough grooming.

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Amayla spend the next few days growing stronger, eventually moving out of the healing halls and back into the room she had stayed in previously. After Neston gave her permission, she began riding Mist again, often accompanying by the king as he showed her around Mirkwood while checking on his people. The elves in the palace became used to seeing the dwarrowdam strolling and dining with their King. Although still shocked by it, most close to Thranduil were pleased to see him more relaxed than he had been in years, especially since his son had left the forest.

For her part, Amayla just enjoyed her time in Mirkwood. She gave little thought to her future. Whenever the idea of returning to Erebor crept into her head, she pushed it away, deciding to simply ignore the issue for as long as possible. Eventually, she could ignore it no longer. Tauriel returned, announcing that the caravan had successfully reached Dale. With their arrival, Amayla knew that someone from Erebor was bound to come for her. It was at dinner that night that Thranduil forced her hand.

.

"So the time has come, Amayla. Don't think that I don't know that you have been ignoring the issue. But with the arrival of your people Amayla, even Oakenshield will figure out where you are. You are, of course, welcome to stay here or I will send an escort with you to the mountain. What would you like?" he asked.

"I still don't know, your majesty. There are some in the mountain that I am desperate to see. But there are also those whom I can't imagine facing again."

"If it is Oakenshield, I can't blame you for that. But I thought you said that your banishment was rescinded."

"It has been, so I've been told. And its not KING THORIN that I am afraid to face."

"You are afraid of someone? Did they hurt you?"

"No," she barely whispered, "not physically".

Thranduil stood quietly and looked down at her, "Anyone who would harm you is a fool, and will answer to me."

"Thank you, your majesty. But believe me, there is nothing you can do to help me. It is Mahal's will." She turned away and started pacing. "And what would I do when I got there?"

"Would you not take up a position of command in Oakenshield's army? I would assume that General Dwalin would want you."

Amayla huffed softly, "Oh I'm sure he doesn't." Seeing the look of puzzlement in the king's eye, she continued quickly, "Besides, I don't want to be a regular army commander. Simply drilling all the time? That would drive me crazy. And I don't know if I could live in a mountain. I've only ever lived in a forest. I guess that's why I like it here so much. If only you had some bears, it would be perfect."

"I'm afraid that that is beyond my capability Amayla." He put an arm around Amayla's shoulders and she rested her head against his chest. "Why don't you think about it tonight. But by tomorrow, you must make a decision, or one will be made for you as I would expect a delegation from Erebor very soon."

Amayla didn't sleep much that night. She spent most of the time staring out of her window and praying to Mahal. The next morning, she met with King Thranduil as he was eating his breakfast. They were interrupted by missives arriving from Imladris. Thranduil insisted on Amayla eating while he read through them.

"Are you familiar with Fornost, Amayla?" the King asked.

"The old ruins? Aye. I've ridden past it. Wouldn't dare camp at it. It is said to be haunted, and just being near it, I can understand why that is said. Why do you ask?"

"Elrond reports that the Rangers have seen increased orc activity around it. He thinks that they may be basing out of there. He is concerned, as always."

Amayla's eyes grew wide, "Orcs basing in Fornost? The only reason to do that is to raid Breeland and the Shire!"

"Elrond is not certain of that, just stating his concerns. He tends to be a bit dramatic."

"He also has the gift of fore-sight, which makes his concerns all the more real!"

Thranduil bowed his head to Amayla but remained quiet.

Amayla began pacing, thinking about Lord Elrond's words to her, ". . a new task will present itself. You will deal with it and you will succeed."

Amayla stopped and turned to Thranduil, "I want to join the Rangers."

Thranduil waved his hand at her indicating that she should continue.

"I am a warrior. I have loved ones there. I can protect them. It is my calling."

Thranduil said nothing, just looking at her, studying her.

"And If I join the Rangers and meet up with Legolas, perhaps I could encourage him to return to Mirkwood. I would be very happy to do that for you."

The normally stoic king squeezed his eyes shut for a moment before turning to Amayla. "If that is your decision, I will respect it. I will write the necessary letters. You should go to Imladris and speak to Elrond. I'm sure he can assist you in reaching the Rangers. I well send an escort with you. When will you leave?"

"Tomorrow morning, your majesty."

.

Amayla spend the rest of the day getting ready. Tauriel stayed with her and helped arrange supplies from the fletcher and the cook. Eliril took care of preparing a bag of necessary medical supplies. While they were all packing, Galion found the three females. "King Thranduil asks all of you to join him for dinner in the state dining room, in your finest attire. Amayla, I will escort you. Please be ready in two hours. I will send some maids to assist you." He then bowed and left.

Tauriel sighed heavily, "You owe me for this Amayla. I have one dress and I hate wearing it!"

"Sorry!" Amayla laughed. "Its not my idea. I'm lucky that I have a dress to wear at all. The good thing for me is that I wasn't going to pack it anyway."

Unlike the other two, Eliril was thrilled, "I've never dined with the king before. This is exciting! Do you need anything else from me Amayla? If not, I'd like to go get ready for dinner! I can't wait to tell Gaviolith about this!"

"Go!" both Amayla and Tauriel shouted together.

After the blond elf left, Tauriel turned to Amayla, "I better be going too. Wouldn't want his majesty to get mad at me for not being dressed properly. See you there."

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After being primped within an inch of her life by two extremely determined elves, Amayla was dressed and coiffed and ready to be presented to Thranduil. The two had done their very best to make Amayla look as elvish as possible. Given her height, or lack thereof, her build, and her coarse hair, their accomplishment was quite remarkable. Amayla smiled and thanked them, keeping her laughter to herself.

Galion came and escorted her to the King's private chambers. Amayla was surprised when Galion left her completely along with him.

"You look lovely Amayla," the king began.

"Thank you, your majesty. But I feel a little ridiculous, the two did their very best to turn me into an elvish lady."

"And is there anything wrong with that?"

"Of course not, except that I am no elf nor am I a lady. I am just a simple dwarvish warrior."

"You sell yourself short Amayla, you are far more than that. You are a leader of your people, you are a protector of the innocent."

Amayla blushed and bowed her head.

"But I worry about you, which is why I had Galion bring you here so that we could speak privately."

"Your majesty? Is this about me joining the Rangers?" she questioned.

"Yes and no. You have made it clear that you wish to join the Rangers and I will not stand in your way. I am certain that you will be an asset to them. What I worry about is that you have no one to stand for you and no one to return to."

Amayla shrugged, finding no words to dispute him.

"And that is why I would like to offer you a home, Amayla."

"I don't understand."

"I would be honored if you would allow me the priviledge of standing as your father."

"My father?"

"It is a not uncommon practice for the Eldar to foster young elves or the children of men. I admit I do not know of a case of a dwarf being fostered, but I do not see why it would not work."

"You wish to be my father?" Amayla barely whispered.

"If you would have me, yes Amayla. I do not expect you to see me as you did Ardru. You are fully grown, but even adults sometimes need families to support them and homes to return to."

Amayla stood silently, looking at the ground. It would be nice to have a place to call home. But Thranduil, as my father? I have grown to trust him, and he certainly treats me well. What was it that the Lady Galadriel said in my dream – if it was a dream? That my third father awaits me in Middle Earth? This must be what she meant.

She slowly lifted her eyes to meet his. All she saw in his clear blue eyes was love.

"Yes!" she stated with a smile on her face and tears flowing freely. She rushed toward him and wrapped her arms around his waist, her head resting on his chest.

Startled, Thranduil stook awkwardly with his hands by his side.

Amayla leaned back to look at her new father figure, "You're getting a dwarf as a daughter, you're going to have to learn how to hug!"

"I know how to hug, it has just been awhile."

"Well, get used to it!" she said while both crying and laughing.

After finishing their embrace, Amayla asked, "So how do we do this? What happens next? Does somebody have to approve it?"

"Amayla, I am the King. I ask no one for approval," he stated frowning at her.

"Oh yeah. Excuse me for that."

"But to answer your question, I will announce it at dinner, where we should be headed now."

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Thranduil took Amayla by the arm and led her into the dining room where all turned to bow at the king as he escorted his new daughter to sit next to him. Thankfully, her chair was raised to that she was about the same height as everyone at the table. Amayla was very pleased to have her friend Tauriel sit next to her while Lord Arodir sat on the other side of the king.

When the meal was finished, Thranduil signaled to Galion who came forward with a small box. Everyone sat quietly when the king stood to speak. He held out Amayla's chair and helped her to stand, only to frown heavily at seeing just how short she was as compared to the table. One look to Galion sent the butler scurrying. The king stood silently until Galion returned with an empty wine crate for Amayla to stand on. Everyone in the room was looking to each other trying to figure out what was happening, yet no one dared speak, not even in whispers.

After assisting the dwarf up on the box, Thranduil made his pronouncement. "The dwarf Amayla has spent a good deal of time in the Woodland Realm over the last five years, much of it as a patient, some of it as an unwelcome guest, but most recently as a much-honored guest. She has ridden with our patrols and has proved her bravery and skills time and time again. Recently she has lost her home to orcs and her father, a dwarf I greatly respected, to the Halls of Waiting. Because of that, I have decided to step in for her father and offer my halls as a home to her. To my great joy, she has accepted. Therefore, it is my pleasure to announce that Amayla will henceforth be known as honored daughter of Thranduil and the Woodland Realm."

There were gasps from all in attendance.

Thranduil then opened the box and held up a necklace for all to see, "So that all may know that Amayla is a member of my family and due all the respect that one would show me, I have had this crafted for her."

The pendant was not large, made up of thin branches of antlers in silver with a small green enameled leaf at the bottom with a clear, brilliant diamond set in the middle.

As he fastened it around her neck, Amayla had a good look at the stone, "This is one of the gems of Lasgalen, your majesty, I cannot!"

"You can and you will. This will make it clear to all that you are my daughter."

Once again, Amayla had to wipe tears from her eyes.

Neston stood and made the first toast, raising his glass and saying "To Amayla, honored daughter of Thranduil, welcome to the Woodland Realm!"

Amayla smiled as all, though to varying degrees of enthusiasm, joined in on the toast. Afterwards, too many elves for Amayla to remember came to her to offer their congratulations. Tauriel, Neston, and Eliril were, of course, the most heartfelt. The rest of the evening went by in a haze until Thranduil himself forced Amayla to go to bed before her early rise in the morning.

The events of the night before made departing in the morning all the more difficult. Thranduil, Tauriel, Neston, and Eliril were all present to wish her a farewell. Finally, after many tears and hugs and promises to come back, Thranduil ordered Amayla to leave. She mounted Mist, waved good-bye one last time, and rode off to start the next chapter of her life.

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******** NOTES ********

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I know this is a long chapter, but I just had to get this part over with! I had a difficult time coming up with the reason for her joining the Rangers. Hope you like this. Originally, I had orcs attacking the Shire and killing somebody in the Brandbuck family. Hadn't decided exactly who. I even deleted a family member so that some could escape on Tigr. But when it came down to writing that part, I just couldn't bring myself to do it. And since canon says that the Shire was peaceful until the time of the LOTR, I decided not to go there. I'm a wimp. SPOILER - NEXT CHAPTER SHE GOES BACK TO EREBOR. I PROMISE!

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Also, my life is not allowing me as much time to write so I may have to slow down the updates a little. I don't have many chapters in the hopper! But I'm trying!

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Also, thanks for the reviews. They really keep me going!