She had never planned on stepping foot in Erebor, but here she was and it was all because of Gandalf. The wizard had run into her, Strider, Legolas, Glorfindel, Elledan, and Elrohir at the Prancing Pony. They had just finished dispatching a small group of orcs north of the Weather Hills and had headed to Bree to rest and restock. All were surprised when the gray wizard was sitting there, almost as if he was waiting for them. Gandalf began to speak but Amayla interrupted him as soon as he mentioned that he had recently been in Erebor. She grilled him on the members of the company and life under the mountain, asking about almost everyone. When she got to Balin, she specifically asked if he had had any shocks or surprises and was relieved when Gandalf said no.
"I believe you left out one dwarf Amayla," Gandalf remarked.
"Did I?" Amayla replied innocently.
"Yes, General Dwalin is also well."
"Dwalin, yes, guess I forgot about him. Good to hear that he is fine," she said, voice straining oddly. "And Thranduil? All is well in the Woodland Realm? I haven't been there since this past winter. And I'm certain that Legolas is eager to hear news."
Legolas gave Amayla a look before politely listening to the wizard.
"The treaties between Elves, Men, and Dwarves are holding nicely. In fact, there is a meeting in Erebor soon to discuss a topic that concerns me greatly. It is good that you are here Amayla, as you have information that needs to be shared with the three kings. I think it would be most useful for you to be there. Strider and Legolas, you should accompany her."
"Wait – what are you talking about?" Amayla burst out.
"Nothing that I can discuss in detail here, Amayla," Gandalf replied softly. "You will just have to trust me." Turning to the other three elves, he continued, "Glorfindel, Elrohir and Elledan, I have a task for you also, which we can discuss after the others leave."
"We're leaving – now? We just arrived and our mounts need rest," stated Strider.
"Well, in the morning then, first thing!" insisted Gandalf.
Before anyone could object, Glorfindel spoke up, "As you wish Mithrandir. If it is as important as you imply, then I'm certain the three of them will not object."
The three all frowned at the golden elf, who only beamed back at them with his most radiant smile.
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Weeks later, she found herself riding up to the mountain that she had helped reclaim.
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Strider took the lead in talking with the guards, explaining that they were expected at the meeting. Several dwarves came forward to take their horses to the stables. Amayla was astounded by the splender that was now Erebor. In ten short years, the change was remarkable. Gone was the rubble, the ripped tapestries, and the skeletons. Most importantly the stench was gone, the stench of dragon breath, dragon scat, and death. Back then, the air hardly moved. There were no sounds, only the clang of coins being sorted while the company was looking for the dammed arkenstone. Now Erebor was alive – there was movement everyone. Dwarves coming and going, talking, laughing shouting. The air moved freely and smelled of food and life.
The difference made it easier on Amayla to push away her memories of when she was last there, standing on the rampart, desperately trying to keep Thorin from killing Bilbo, and getting banished for her efforts. That was the last time she saw the company, her friends. Well that wasn't exactly true she thought, she had seen the company fight during the battle – when they finally emerged from Erebor. She was so proud when she saw them all running out, weapons held high. That feeling was fleeting as she returned to the battle. She had joined the fighting once the Orc army had appeared. Orcs were everywhere but so too were dwarves, elves, and men. She fought side by side with members of all the races, saving their lives and being saved by them in return. But she also saw many – too many - fall.
The memories came back fiercely and clearly. She had to stamp down the bad ones. She had to focus on the good memories – but what good memories did she have of Erebor? Of the mountain itself, she had no good memories. Of the quest, well, it was successful. The line of Durin continued. Thorin was King and Fili and Kili were princes. Smaug, Azog, and Bolg were all dead. There were elves and dwarves aplenty mingling with men in the city of Dale so some sort of alliance must be holding. Those were all good things, but they weren't really memories. She certainly had some good memories of the quest: the beauty of Rivendell, learning to ride a horse, flying on the back of an eagle, and dear sweet Bilbo. Falling out of a tree and having Dwalin catch her? NO! Those memories she would not bring up. Those were only allowed late at night when she couldn't stop them. The rest of the company raised good memories – didn't they? Part of Amayla loved them all deeply, but another part could only remember the abandonment. Thrandruil was a good memory. He had helped her and stood by her. He reminded her so much of Ardru. Mahal! Why am I here? Damn meddling wizard!
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Food first. "I'm hungry and before I have to sit in some stupid meeting for the rest of the day, I'm getting something to eat," stated Amayla brooking no chance of dissent from her companions. "Which way to the dining hall?" she asked the guard.
Amayla was unusually quiet as the three ate their food underneath an obviously new tapestry depicting the coronation of Thorin II. "Has Erebor changed so much since you were last here?" asked Strider.
"I was never in THIS Erebor," Amayla answered softly. "The Erebor I knew was full of sickness and death. This one is full of life. Thorin has done well."
"KING Thorin now," Legolas reminded Amayla as they looked at the coronation tapestry. Amayla took notice of the scene, picking out all the members of the company – all expect her.
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As they finished their food, a group of dwarves arrived at the opposite side of the dining hall carrying a large tapestry. "Looks like the companion piece is going up," observed Legolas. The three moved closer to watch as the new piece was rolled out. Legolas and Strider noticed Amayla stiffen as the image appeared. She put her hand on her sword hilt and walked over to a strawberry blond dwarrowdam who seemed to be directing the unveiling. The man and elf exchanged worried glances as they recognized Amayla's attack posture.
"Amayla?" started Strider.
"Stay" Amayla responded as if talking to a dog.
Amayla turned to the dam, 'Is this your work? It is quite beautiful."
"Yes, thank you" responded the blond, "It is my masterpiece."
"Amayla, daughter of Erebor" Amayla bowed her head slightly.
"Caileen, daughter of Ula."
"Well Caileen daughter of Ula, you may want to turn your head so you don't see what is about to happen."
With that warning, Amayla drew her sword and slashed at the tapestry. Before anyone could move, Amayla had created a cut to the middle of the tapestry. Caileen screamed and moved towards Amayla, only to be stopped by a dagger in Amayla's other hand pointed her way. Strider grabbed the nearly hysterical dam and pulled her back out of the way. Legolas tried to stop Amayla but she pointed her dagger at him also, "STAY BACK!" Seeing the near madness in Amayla's eyes, Legolas stayed back as did all the other dwarves in the room.
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Hearing the commotion, two guards came running into the dining hall, swords drawn. By the time they arrived, Amayla had been successful in hacking large chunks out of the middle of Caileen's masterpiece. Strider led the weeping dwarf to a seat. One of the guards approached Amayla but halted abruptly. "Captain Amayla? Is that you?"
Amayla did not stop swinging her sword as she looked at the guard. "Farrak! Good to see you! Are you well?"
"I am fine, my Captain, thank you….. Ahhh, Can I ask what you're doing?"
"Just taking care of this tapestry. I'll be done in a minute. Have you worked on your blocking to the left?"
"Yes Captain, I believe I have overcome that deficiency."
All the while, Amayla kept swinging. "Good, good. Perhaps we can spar tomorrow and I can check that out."
"It would be my privilege, my Captain."
Amayla kept hacking, "Farrak, any chance you know where I can find Galen?"
"Sorry Captain, but Captain Galen left on a patrol to the outer borders. I believe he is due back in a few days."
"That's a shame. I'm not sure I'll still be here." And Amayla kept hacking.
The other guard looked at Farrak, "Shouldn't we stop her?"
Farrak just shook his head. "The two of us are not capable of stopping her."
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After a few more swings, the tapestry lay in tatters on the floor. Amayla took a few deep breaths and sheathed her sword. The hall was silent. Amayla approached Caileen and sat beside her.
"Why?" Caileen sobbed.
"It had to be done. I'm sorry. It was truly a masterpiece," was Amayla's reply as she pulled out a handkerchief for the dam.
Caileen just looked at Amayla, tears rolling down her eyes, nose running.
"Take it. You need it." Amaya paused, "What you also need is retribution. Do you want to claim it?"
Caileen blew her nose, "retribution? … yes, retribution! I claim RETRIBUTION!"
She stood as she said it. Amayla put her hands on her thighs as she stook up beside the stricken dam. "Farrak, you heard her. She makes a claim of retribution. Take us to the King."
Strider and Legolas sprung to Amayla's side. "What is going on?! Have you lost your mind?" they both demanded.
"Relax you two. You are both going to get to witness a Dwarven Trial of Retribution. You should consider yourselves privileged," Amayla calmly smiled at them both. Farrak and his fellow guard approached Amayla and Caileen and motioned them towards the King's council chambers. Strider and Legolas followed.
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When they reached the door, Farrak explained the situation to the royal guards standing there. One guard went inside and quickly returned followed by a young red headed dwarf with a beard bedecked with so many swinging beads and jewels that he jingled as he walked. "I am Grundbar, assistant privy council to the king. The king has royal visitors, so I highly doubt that he will hear your case today. But I will present this to Lord Balin. Your names and your parts of this action?" he sneered at the group. It was only when Legolas stated that he was the son of Thranduil that Grundbar looked up with concern and hurried into the chamber.
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"Amayla?" Thorin responded to Grundbar.
"She's here, now?" Dwalin joined in.
"Aye. I believe that Caileen, daughter of Ula, is claiming Retribution against Amayla, daughter of Ardru. I only interrupted you, your majesty, because one of them claims to be Legolas, son of King Thranduil. I had them wait outside," Grundbar replied.
"You made her wait outside?" Dwalin growled.
"Peace brother. You know that we must deal with this trial first. And then you can go to her," Balin said softly, placing his had on his brother's arm.
"Balin is right, Dwalin. She is here now. We are obliged to answer the call for retribution, but we'll get this over quickly as possible, then this blasted meeting, and then you can go to her. Send orders to the front gate to make certain she doesn't leave," Thorin added.
"Fine, your majesty!" Dwalin answered through clenched teeth, before signaling to a guard and issuing the orders to the front gate.
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In a few short minutes, Grundbar rushed back out looking flustered. "The king will hear your case. Please follow me."
The guards stopped Amayla, Strider, and Legolas as they moved to follow, "Your weapons must be removed before entering the chambers."
Amayla looked to Farrak as she undid her weapons belt, "You will look after them?"
"It will be my honor, my Captain," he assured her.
The royal guard sent a disdainful look at Farrak's deference to Amayla. He watched as the three warriors removed their outer weapons. He pointed at Amayla, "The daggers on your thighs." Amayla sighed as she added them to the pile.
Amayla looked around as she walked into the council chamber. The room was set up with three high tables in a U shape. The chairs were obviously of varying heights as the elves sat no higher than any of the dwarves. King Thorin sat in the direct center with Fili at his right and Kili next to his brother. Ori was next to him, with a stack of papers, ink, and quills at the ready. On Thorin's left was Balin and Lady Dis with an empty seat next to her. Probably for Gandalf thought Amayla.
Then she saw him. Dwalin stood behind Thorin seemingly listening to a discussion between his King and his brother, arms crossed on his chest, in the familiar stance that made Amayla inhale softly and her heartbeat quicken – looking every bit as solid as the mountain he was standing under. He was the mountain to her. During the quest, she sought only to follow her king and re-establish her home. Dwalin became that home to her, until he broke her heart. She quickly looked away as he started to look up, afraid that if she saw his marriage bead that she might break down. On the table to the Thorin's right sat King Thrandruil, Lord Arodir, and several Elfin counselors who looked familiar to Amayla but she was going to have to work to remember their names. On the table to the left was King Bard, Crown Prince Bain, and several elderly men whom Amayla did not recognize. Strider and Legolas were directed to seats along the back wall.
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Amayla's eyes fell upon the Elfen King. A huge smile lit her face as she hurriedly rushed to face him, open hand on her heart. "Edhel adar" (father elf)! It is good to see you again!" bowing her head and extending her hand. King Thranduil returned the greeting. Thrandruil looked at the guards trailing Amayla and simply raised his magnificent eyebrows. Amayla winked at him, whispering, "You're going to like this."
Amayla then turned around to King Bard whom she had not seen since staying in his house in those days before the company left for Erebor. "King Bard, it has been a long time. It is good to see you looking so well. And Prince Bain, you have grown into a fine, handsome man. I saw Sigrid in Rohan, she was doing well, I assume Tilda is also? Please give her my regards," Amayla bowed politely to the King whom she noticed sported a pleasing touch of grey at his temple, but other than that looked much the same as she remembered. The bowman turned king returned Amayla's smile, eyes lighting up showing the growing wrinkles around his eyes that frankly Amayla thought made him look even more handsome.
At that point, Grundbar nudged Amayla toward the space in front of the king of Erebor. Caileen stood next her and Amayla could feel the dwarrowdam tremble as she curtsied before the King.
"Relax" whispered Amayla as she smiled trying to calm the poor dam. Caileen could not understand why Amayla was being so nice to her.
Amayla stood tall and spoke in an extra loud voice – "Hail Thorin, King Under the Mountain" before making a formal bow. Although it was more traditional for females to curtsey, because of her role as a guard and warrior and because she never wore a dress – Amayla always bowed. Amayla's eyes never strayed from Thorin's, but out of the corner of her eye, she could see Fili eyes shining with a tight but real smile on his lips while mimicking his uncle's posture, while Kili was rocking forward in his seat with a smile as big as his face.
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Thorin broke eye contact first which Amayla considered a small victory and leaned to Balin stating simply, "Begin." As Balin stood up, Amayla raised her arm, startling the white-haired dwarf.
"Please, before we start, I must admit that I am uncomfortable standing in these chambers, in front of all this royalty, armed to the extent that I am."
Dwalin sprung forward looking at the guards standing behind her. Amayla simply raised her hand up displaying that she was not a threat.
"Did ye not take her weapons from her before you let led her in," Dwalin growled.
The two guards shifted uncomfortably, looking at each other. Finally, the larger of the two spurt out, "We had her remove her sword, bow, throwing axes, and two knives on her thighs, sir."
Amayla pursed her lips together to keep from smiling as she heard snickering from in front of her – Fili and Kili she suspected without actually making eye contact – and from behind her, Strider and Legolas she imagined. Dwalin just glared at the two guards as he made his way in front of her, asking Caileen to step to the side.
Amayla wasn't sure what came over her, but she couldn't resist taunting Dwalin, "I would have thought royal guards of Erebor were better trained than this."
Dwalin just frowned further. She looked at Kili and winked, "I could have anything down my trousers."
Kili lost all control, laughing out loud and even pounding on the table. Fili, shoulders shaking, had to nudge Kili in his side, pointing out the death glare that Thorin was sending his way.
Amayla turned to the guards, "Don't take it too bad lads, there's probably only one dwarf who could find them all, but I'm sure the crown prince doesn't usually pat down visitors at court. Although I would wager an ale that even Prince Fili wouldn't get them all." Amayla smiled wickedly at Fili.
The blond prince sprang to his feet, yelling "I accept that challenge!"
"SIT DOWN FILI," came the roar from Thorin.
Amayla flashed Fili a quick sign of 10 as Fili was sitting. Fili nodded, silently accepting the bet.
Dwalin started with the two daggers on the side of her boots, shooting both guards a disgusted look as he handed them the knives. Amayla turned her head to the guards, "You two really should have gotten those."
Dwalin motioned to her to take off her coat.
"That's cheating!" she complained as Dwalin patted down her coat. The bald dwarf pulled one dagger from the collar and two from inside pockets. He then took both her hands in his holding her arms straight out. Amayla hated herself as the simple touch of his hands on her flesh could still make her heart flutter. Dwalin pushed up her sleeves and removed the knives on both arms. He then stepped back and frowned.
"Is that all lass?"
"Nope" she shook her head slowly.
Dwalin stroked his beard, looking her up and down. He signaled for her to turn around which she did veeeery slowly. Amayla chuckled as she saw the two princes, heads bent together, pointing and looking at her, deep in discussion. She wasn't too surprised when Fili's face lit up and he fairly shouted, "Her boots!"
Dwalin turned to him as if he were daft, snapping "I already got those!"
"No Dwalin, the back of the boots, just above the heel. Very Nice Amayla!"
Dwalin muttered as he took out the two slim, but deadly blades.
"Just one more" Amayla taunted, "I'd tell you where it is, but where would the fun be in that? Besides, I have a bet with Fili going…"
"Maybe you should frisk her" suggested Kili trying to be helpful.
"Kili!" admonished Dis sharply. Amayla was slightly surprised to see Dwalin's neck go red at the idea. She kept glancing at him, but saw no bead. He probably has an ear cuff instead.
"I have had enough" stated Thorin firmly, killing the mood.
"Wait uncle, just one more minute" pleaded Fili.
"Get on with it then" he grumbled back.
Fili came around the table to take a closer look at Amayla, his bright blue eyes going up and down, left to right, looking for any strange lump or wrinkle. Fili's eyes began to linger on Amayla's chest. Dwalin's frown grew ever deeper. Amalya began to wonder if Dwalin's eyebrows would actually meet in the middle if he drew them any closer together.
"Raise your left arm up higher," Fili instructed grinning. Amayla complied. Fili leaned over to Dwalin and whispered in his mangled ear. Dwalin's blush grew deeper as he looked at Amalya's breasts.
He leaned in to her and whispered hoarsely, "Under your left breast".
Amayla whispered back "Don't you want to make certain he is right?"
Dwalin looked horrified, straightening immediately. Fili coughed throwing his hand over his mouth to cover his laughter at Dwalin's obvious discomfort. Amayla's reaction was the opposite, stiffening at Dwalin's horror, "Don't worry. It's purely defensive, I couldn't get to it without taking off my shirt first so I think your honor is safe," Amayla nearly spat out. Her voice was so thick with distain that both Fili and Caileen looked at her in concern.
Turning to the blond prince, Amayla's smile returned, "Congratulations, I owe you an ale."
Kili slapped his brother on the back as Fili returned to his seat.
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Balin stood up again and cleared this throat, "If we may begin then . . ." and motioned Caileen forward to stand next to Amayla. "Caileen, daughter of Ula, you seek retribution for the destruction of your tapestry that was to be unveiled tomorrow. Is that correct?" Caileen responded quietly with a simple yes.
"Lady Amayla, …".
"Just Amayla," interrupted Amayla.
"Ah lass, perhaps you were never informed, but King Thorin named all in the company as nobles upon his coronation," replied Balin.
"Since I was DEAD at the time, I'm certain that the King did not include me in that proclamation, Lord Balin," Amayla stated tersely, her entire body stiffening.
"Let it be," nodded Thorin to Balin.
Balin began again, "Amayla, daughter of Erebor, heir of Ardru, do …."
Amayla interrupted again, "Honored daughter of Thranduil." The gasps echoed around the room. Amayla continued, "If you are using my formal name, you should use ALL of my titles." All eyes turned to the Elfen king who bowed his head simply in acknowledgement.
Balin tried again, "Amayla, daughter of Erebor, heir of Ardru, honored daughter of Thranduil, do you admit to destroying the tapestry in question.
"Yes" replied Amayla simply.
"Do you agree that Caileen is entitled to retribution?"
"Of course. It was a beautiful tapestry. A masterpiece. She should receive not only compensation for materials and time, but pain and suffering too."
Balin looked at Amayla quite puzzled and turned to the other darrowdam, "Caileen, what type of compensation do you ask as retribution – coin or hair?"
Caileen looked completely uncomfortable, as if she might throw up. Amayla put her arm around Caileen and spoke softly to her, "You want coin, right?"
"Um yes, coin."
"How much lass?" continued Balin.
Feeling Caileen's shoulders start to heave, Amayla encouraged her softly, "Just start by telling them how much the materials cost."
Caileen thought for a minute and whispered, "about 50 gold coins."
"Materials 50 gold coins," repeated Amayla loudly so all could hear. "Now how long did it take you?" Amalya asked.
"Slightly over two years" came the soft answer, tears filling her eyes.
"Over two years of work," repeated Amayla again, adding "let's assume 50 gold coins per year to cover salary plus a little extra, added to materials makes 170 gold coins."
Balin nodded in agreement.
"Then there is the pain of having her masterpiece destroyed, so let's just double it to 340. But we should round that up to a nice even 400 gold coins. Does that sound good Caileen?"
Caileen looked up at Amayla and nodded mutely.
Balin nodded again and asked Caileen simply, "Is 400 gold coins acceptable retribution."
Caileen stated "Yes."
Balin then turned to Amayla and asked, "Do you agree to pay Caileen, daughter of Ula, 400 gold coins in retribution of the destruction of her tapestry?"
"Me?" asked Amayla innocently "Why would I need to pay retribution? It is not my fault that the tapestry needed to be destroyed."
All eyes looked at Amayla in amazement. Balin questioned simply, "Then whom do you say needs to pay retribution?"
Amayla, face blank, replied simply "King Thorin."
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**************** NOTES *********************
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Yay! She finally made it back to Erebor. We haven't quite had a real reunion yet. Its coming . . .
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And here's my secret. This was the first chapter of this story. I originally started the story here, not intending to follow the Hobbit plotline, but as I went along, I realized that I kept asking myself "Why is Amayla doing this?" So I finally gave in and wrote the backstory. 37 chapters later, we are finally here. (Banging head on keyboard) I had to make myself stop writing this part until I finally got Amayla back here. Believe me, anyone who was frustrated that it was taking so long for Amayla to get back, was not as frustrated as I was! That's also why I didn't add as much of Dwalin's perspective as some may have wanted. I never really asked myself what Dwalin was feeling because I knew that I was going to address it going forward. Of course, I could have just switched the story and said that she was only gone for five years, but that would have been TOO easy. The problem I've left myself is I only have so many chapters ready going forward. Gotta get writing. Luckily, husband is going on a golf trip, so I should have some peace to do it!