Chapter Thirty-eight; The Stables Grow
Kili was just starting home from a short day at work when he saw Lina, dressed in her tunic and leggings. She hadn't dressed that way since before Luna was born. He saw she was alone and was instantly worried.
"Is everything alright?" He asked.
"Everything's fine! I've found someone with three mares for sale and I though I'd ask you to join me and go look at them." She said with a smile.
"Excellent! Shall we go now?" He asked.
"Yes, I thought so, do we need to go home for anything first?"
"I don't think so. Lead the way!" He said, amd followed her out of the mountain to one of the outside houses. The Dwarf showed them to the small barn behind the house.
"Here they are, my lady." He said, opening the door and leading them out into the small pen.
Lina looked them over and nodded thoughtfully. She leaned over towards Kili. "Would you lead them in a small circle one at a time?" She asked.
"Of course." He said, and did as she asked, brining them out of the pen for more room.
"Could you do the same in a straight line now?" She asked, and he did so, noting the mares' manners on a lead.
Lina walked around the ponies as he led them, looking at them from every angle. She nodded in a satisfied way, removed their halters and looked at their teeth.
"Do you mind if I ride them a short distance?" She asked, and Kili smiled. She was taking this most seriously.
The Dwarf looked slightly surprised and shook his head. "Not at all, my lady!"
"Thank you!" She said as she swung up, tackless, onto the first mare's back. She winked at Kili and guided the mare away at a brisk walk, speeding up to a trot and finally a smooth canter as she disappeared from sight.
"She knows what she's doing, your wife does, my lord."
"Indeed she does." Kili said, watching for her with a smile.
"I've never seen a woman so good with a pony. No saddle, not even a bridle. It's no wonder at all she won the races she competed in."
Hoofbeats on the stone announced her return a few minutes later and she stopped the mare abruptly before jumping off. She said nothing, but took the second mare. Kili put a halter on the mare she had just brought back and followed her, wanting to try her out himself.
He caught up to her just outside the town, where she was trotting and cantering careful serpentines and circles, figure-eights, stopping, backing up, spinning around and trotting the other way. He stopped and watched her canter a perfectly straight line, changing leads every six strides. When she finished he clapped and she spun the pony towards him, clearly startled, since her hand was on her side, where he knew she kept a hidden dagger.
"Oh, it's you. What are you doing here?" She asked.
"Well, I wanted to see how I liked this mare, and I also wanted to see you put that one through her paces, which you certainly did. I still don't know how you do it." Kili replied. "I can't see you give a single cue."
"That's the way it's supposed to be. Maybe when Luna's older I'll be able to teach you." She said.
They rode back together, and Lina took the third mare out while he rode the second. He watched her again, amazed by her skills.
"I miss this. Riding for the joy of it, and dancing with the pony like that. It's a magnificent feeling, like you're free and there's nothing to stop you." She said. "We're going to need to make more time for me to ride and hunt, you know. It's been far too long."
They swapped ponies to give Kili a chance to ride the third mare for a bit. While they rode back Lina asked, "What's wrong with them?"
Kili thought hard, picturing each pony in his mind and searching for problems. He shook his head. "Care to enlighten me?"
"Later." She said as they arrived back at the seller's home. She dimounted, as did Kili, and stood with her arms crossed for some time, looking back and forth between the three. At last she declared, "These are fine ponies, Master Onar. We will buy them."
She paid the Dwarf and smiled with barely contained excitement.
Kili chuckled and handed her a lead rope. "Here, take this one. I'll get the others."
She took it and they led the ponies down the trail to their stables. One of the mares Kili was leading snorted and Lina smiled.
"I'll tell you now. The first one is headstrong. You can tell by the way she keeps her nose high up and her neck stiff. If I'd had a bridle on her she would have been pulling, like she does the lead rope. This one's fine. She's a bit clumsy with her feet, but working with her will fix that. The third has a ewe neck, but it isn't too bad."
"Well, amrâlimê, you definitely have a better knowledge of horses and ponies than I. What are we going to name them?" Kili asked.
"This one is Lasbelin." Lina said confidently, gesturing to each pony as she spoke. "That one is Ethuil, and the other we can call Laer."
"And what do those mean?" Kili asked, enjoying the sound of the Elvish words.
"Autumn, Spring, and Summer, in the order I said." She replied. "Do you like them?"
"Of course! We'll need a Winter now, though. Perhaps she should be dappled grey, what do you think?"
Lina nodded and swung onto Lasbelin's back. "Can't catch us!" She laughed, cantering away.
"Not fair!" Kili called, getting onto Laer and coming after her while leading Ethuil. They made it to the stables moments later.
Naki greeted them and took the mares to the stalls he had ready for them. "They are fine ponies, my lady!"
"I agree. Now, we need to find us a lad who won't mind exercising them in the mornings. However, I want to make sure I like him before we hire him. See if you can find me two or three and I'll pick one." Lina instructed.
She and Kili walked back up to the mountain and Kili smiled at her. She had seemed quite lively today.
"Luna's been grumpy over the past few days. I think she's missing Fili." Lina said. "We should go and see them later."
"If you like, dear. I haven't had a chance to see the twins yet." Kili agreed. "Oh, I forgot to tell you! Thorin is going to travel from Dwarf kingdom to Dwarf kingdom on some sort of inspection tour to see how things are running, and to let everybody gawp at the king."
Lina laughed. "That means he'll be coming here, then?"
"Eventually. He's going to the Iron Hills first, and then possibly to the Orocarni and the Grey Mountains." He said. "After that he'll come here.''
"Splendid! When did you find out?"
"Rasr brought the message today."
Lina was delighted by the news. She opened the door to their home and saw Dis knitting in a chair by the fire while Luna sat grumpily on the rug.
"Well hello, Luna-love! How's my girl? We've got some ponies now, maybe we'll go down to see them soon, hm?" Lina said, picking her up. "I know, you miss Fili. We're going to go see him tonight, alright?"
Luna continued to look grumpy and Dis smiled. "She loves her uncle, doesn't she?"
"Speaking of uncles, Thorin is going to visit sometime next autumn." Kili said.
"It's about time he dragged his sorry hide over to see his great-nieces and -nephews." Dis said. "Well, I suppose he's been busy. Running a kingdom isn't as easy as sitting on a throne in a crown and fur robe telling people what to do, like people think."
"If only it were! At least things are running smoother here, other than the hunting problem."
"Hunting problem?" Lina asked, instantly curious.
"Well, the hunters and huntresses around here got careless, hunting close to home, and now most of the game is further away." Kili explained. "I was going to ask you about that, actually."
"How far away?" Lina asked.
"Two days ride at least, according to the Dwarf who presented the problem in the meeting yesterday."
Lina nodded, thinking. If we could keep the hunting restricted to one area, the game might come back elsewhere, or we could send the hunters farther into the mountains and have couriers bring back the meat and hides.
She told Kili of her ideas and he nodded. "I like the idea of a hunting camp further out. That would work until the game comes back and longer, as long as they don't overhunt."
Dis agreed and said she thought she would go home now. She sent her regards to Fili and Mora and departed.
Fili opened the door when he heard a quiet knock. It was Lina, Kili, and Luna, who held her arms out to him with a gleeful "Unca Fili!"
Fili chuckled and took her. "Hello there! Come to see your cousins?" He said. "What are you laughing at?" He asked Lina and Kili.
"She has been glaring at us and been generally grumpy for three days. Now look at her." Lina said.
Fili did so and saw Luna's cheery grin. She looked happy enough now. "Well, no matter. Come in, I won't keep you on the doorstep." He said, waving them in.
"How is Mora feeling?" Lina asked.
"She's doing well. She's still in bed, but she'll be up and about soon." Fili replied. "So, Kili, looking forward to being an uncle?"
"I can't guarantee I'll be as good an uncle as you, but I'll try. To think Luna's happier with you then her parents." Kili said, shaking his head.
Fili chuckled. He liked Luna quite a lot. She was cute and clearly enjoyed being around him, a sentiment that he returned wholeheartedly, but the pride he felt when he saw his own children couldn't compare.
He led them into the bedroom, where Mora lay reading a book. The twins were asleep in their cradles, and Lina instantly went over to take a better look at them. Kili followed her a bit more slowly.
Mora set her book down with a smile. "Hello, Lina! It's good to see you, Kili." She said. "Aren't they precious?"
"They certainly are." Lina said with a fond smile. "I hope we aren't disturbing your rest."
"No, don't worry about it! I'm glad you came. And thanks for fetching the crib the other day, I appreciate it."
"Not at all, glad I could help." Lina said.
Fili was glad they had visited. He had missed his niece, to be honest, as well as his brother and Lina. They stayed and chatted for a while, and Lina made dinner.
When they went home Fili felt refreshed, and Luna certainly looked in good spirits.
Lina recieved a note from Naki and read it as she dressed in her tunic and leggings.
Lady Lina
I have found four young lads for you to choose from. I would trust any one of them, and they are all good with animals. They are keen to learn more about ponies and riding, which I find a good quality, and all are impressed with Your Ladyship's excellent riding in the past Durin's Day Festival Races.
I have arranged for them to be at the stables at four o'clock this evening.
Naki
"Kili, I'm going to the stables!" She called as she closed the door behind her.
She arrived in fifteen minutes, barely in time to meet them.
Naki smiled and stepped aside to reveal the three lads. They were near thirty years of age, and all strong.
"My lady, I'd like to introduce Ramir, Drek, and Drar." Naki said, and they all bowed.
"At your service!"
"Lina at your's and your family's!" She replied. "So, tell me about your past experience with ponies."
Ramir stepped forward slightly. "I haven't had much, my lady. My father owns a pony he uses to cart firewood from the forest, and I ride him sometimes. I'm not very good, but I can stay on."
Lina nodded and looked at Drek, who cleared his throat.
"I hang about the paddocks sometimes and help Loni groom some of the ponies." He said.
Lina nodded again. "So you haven't done any riding?" She asked, not accusingly.
"No, my lady." He replied.
"I have. Mum and Da have a few ponies they hunt with, and I go with them sometimes. I can get a pony to do anything!" Drar said.
"I am not looking for someone to force my ponies to do anything. I'm looking for someone whom I will eventually be able to trust, without supervision, to take proper care of them and follow instructions." Lina said. "I'm looking for someone who will accept corrections and be willing to change what they are doing to follow my instructions. I don't claim to know everything about horses and ponies, but I will teach you everything I know, as I was taught."
Drek and Ramir nodded, but Drar looked skeptical. "And what if we disagree?" He asked.
"I'm also looking for someone who will respect the ponies, Naki, Prince Fili, Princess Mora, my husband, myself, and eventually my daughter. This means you will respect our decisions, do exactly what we ask you to, and most importantly, do everything we ask you to. If instructions or duties are neglected there will be consequences."
"Yes, my lady." Ramir and Drek said. Drar looked as though he might argue, but didn't say anything.
"I am afraid, Drar, that I cannot give you this position. However, should you come again in a few years with a more open attitude I might reconsider. Ramir and Drek, if you would follow me please." Lina said, rising and walking into the barn. "What is the main duty of a stablehand, Drek?"
"To care for the ponies, my lady. This means feeding, watering, and grooming them." Drek replied.
"Do you agree with this, Ramir?" Lina asked.
"Yes, my lady, but I would also add cleaning out their stalls and tacking them up should the owner be going out." He said.
"Very good, both of you. And what is the most important thing to remember when exercising a pony?"
"To follow instructions." Drek said, at the same time as Ramir said, "Not to overwork him."
"Both are important, but I was looking for to follow instructions." Lina said. "Now, there are two ponies here. Ramir, I want you to go into that one's stall and tell me a bit about her."
Ramir hesitated, and she nodded encouragingly. He went in and pet her nose, looking her over a bit. He stepped back for a better look, and moved her to the other side of the stall to see her other side.
While he did so, Lina watched to see how comfortable he was around the animal and how he treated her.
"Well, my lady, her neck is slightly curved, and her feet are a little larger than average, but no deformities." He said.
"And how old is she?" Lina asked.
"I don't know, my lady." Ramir said.
"That's alright! Drek, could you do the same for that pony there?" Lina asked. "And while he does so, Ramir, would you fetch two stiff brushes from the tack room? It's just over there."
Drek went into Lasbelin's stall. "I can't see anything wrong with her, Your Highness. Am I missing something?" He said after looking her over a few times. He checked her teeth carefully, which she noted. "Oh, and she's six years old."
"You are doing fine. The slope of her shoulders is ever so slightly steep, but that is easy to overlook." She said approvingly. "Now that Ramir is back, I'd like you two to groom these ponies."
They set to work eagerly, and Lina watched the skill with which Drek brushed and the courtesy that Ramir had for his pony. When they finished she looked the ponies over.
"Well done. Now, Ramir, I want you to fetch a saddle from the tack room." She said, and as he went for it she turned to Drek. "You said you hadn't done any riding, am I correct?"
"Yes, my lady, but I hope I could be useful around the stables." He said.
"What if I were to teach you? Or would you rather not ride?" She asked.
"My lady, that is most kind of you, but I wouldn't want to impose. I have nothing against riding, I never had the chance." He said. "I can tack a pony up, though." He said.
"It wouldn't be imposing; I offered. If things work out for you to work here I will see if I can find the time to teach you. You can fetch another saddle and tack her up."
Ramir returned just then and she instructed him to saddle Laer and for Drek to saddle Lasbelin. She was quite pleased with the lads, and went over to speak to Naki as they worked.
"I find these two very good. I thought you said you had four lads, though?"
"Yes, Lady Lina. The other, Ferun, couldn't come this evening, but he will be here tomorrow." Naki explained. "I don't blame you for turning Drar down, he hadn't shown that side of himself to me, else I wouldn't have considered him. Drek is eager to learn, though inexperienced. And Ramir seems like a reliable lad."
Lina nodded and called for Ramir and Drek to lead their saddled ponies out. She went over to check their work.
"Ramir, lad, I'm afraid you've got this girth too loose. Perhaps she puffed up when you fastened it." Lina said. "Well done, Drek. Now, put them both away and put the tack back in the tack room."
They did so, and came back to her when they were done. She took a deep breath.
"Now, I believe most of the population knows this, but I am a Half-Elf. Would that be a problem if I hired either of you?"
"No, my lady!" They replied.
"There is one thing that I must make crystal clear before I make a decision. I expect honesty, responsibility, respect, and especially proper treatment of any ponies in your care. If you ever need help with anything, I would much rather you asked Naki or myself than tried to do it yourself. There is nothing wrong with needing help. I don't think that will be much of a problem, though. You've both shown that you are capable." She said, looking each of them in the eye. "These are my stables, and I'm proud of it. I grew up in Minas Tirith, and I worked in some stables similar to the paddocks. The owner, Rhebryn, was my friend, and he taught me everything he knew. I would like to pass on that information to you. It will take attentiveness, a willing spirit, and an acceptance of correction, as well as owning up to your mistakes. Can you do that for me?"
"Yes, my lady." They said.
"What sort of wages are you expecting?" She asked.
"I was hoping for a silver penny a week." Ramir said, but Drek ducked his head respectfully.
"Whatever you see fit to pay me for my work, my lady." He said.
"A silver penny a week seems a fitting sum. I expect you both to be here at seven tomorrow morning for your first day's work." She said.
They thanked her and left for their homes. Lina smiled, then sighed, turning to Naki. "Did I do the right thing by Drek? I don't know if I'll be able to find the time to teach him, what with Luna."
"I think so, my lady. He's a good sort, and in my opinion we're lucky to get him at this stage of his knowledge. He won't have any bad habits and you'll be able to teach him exactly the way you want."
She nodded. This was going to be marvelous.
In response to the guest review;
I've been reading your story all day and I completely love the characters you have written. Lina is such a strong feisty lady and to read her struggles in the earlier chapters were heartbreaking to read. I am so happy that everything is working out for Lina and Kili. You say you are writing a sequel? Please do, though will it be about The Lord of the Rings or will it be about Lina's children as they grow up? Either way, I do not mind. Your style of writing is flawless. I await the next chapter. Keep up the good work. Kelly
Yay, review! I am so happy that people like this story. Keep an eye out for more fiesty Lina! I thought BOTFA needed a happy ending, so here it is! I have not entirely decided on the plot of the sequel, perhaps it will be a combination of the kids growing up and LOTR. Hanks for your review, Kelly, I really love feedback!
Expect five or six more chapters, guys! And keep an eye out for the sequel, which I hope to publish sometime this summer.