The sounds of footsteps faintly echoing off the polished marble floor, interrupted her slumber. She cracked open one eye and glared at the intruder, wishing she had her beloved daggers to plunge into their eye socket. Long lithe legs greeted her sight, she sighed and followed the contours of the female elf snorting in irritation at the smiling face of Aerina.
"Lady Riswynn, I have been instructed to provide you with new wears" she said softly, laying a small bundle of material at the foot of the bed.
Riswynn grunted in acceptance, her golden eyes scanning the dimly lit room wondering if daylight had even arrived yet, and why the bloody elf had chosen to wake her at all.
"Your companions have been asking for you" Aerina said cheekily watching the dam, rolled and sit herself up with a hiss, her long blond hair a messy pile on the top of her head.
Riswynn shot her eyes upward "Have they gone yet?" she asked in haste standing up grabbing for the bundle of new clothing.
Aerina rose a brow in confusion "Gone? No, they are currently eating My Lord out of house and home" she chuckled playfully.
Riswynn smirked and rolled her eyes, typical of a bunch of Dwarrow to feast when the opportunity presented itself. The she-elf watched the dam her smile fading, as she scrutinized the bloodied state of dress and the small bandages peaking out through the thin chemise. "Perhaps you will want a bath prepared before you dine?"
Riswynn sighed while the thought of a hot bath was most appealing, she knew that they needed to make haste and leave before Lord Elrond took it upon himself to delay their quest. She shook her head and stared at the elf, confliction raising its ugly head in the depths of her heart, this elf had been nothing but kind to her, unlike her kin. She swallowed hard and smiled gently at Aerina "I should like to thank you for your kindness lady elf, before I depart".
Aerina smiled warmly "You are most welcome lady dwarf; I have found you most fascinating perhaps you will visit again someday"
Riswynn bid her farewell, struggling into the clothing she was given, while her shoulder screamed in pain. She wore a beautifully crafted dark leather jerkin, over a thin sleeveless tunic. A pair of thick leather leggings, a fur lined pair of boots, and greaves. A black coat lined with soft grey rabbit furs, she was pleasantly surprised to find it hooded as well, the large round hood also covered with fur. Several small leather strappings across her hips and chest secured her many daggers, and she was finished dressing. She ran her fingers through her messy locks grunting as her fingers snagged on the many tangled knots of dried blood. With much reluctance she gathered it high on the top of her head and allowed it to flow down her back in wild curls. She ran her fingers over her plaits smoothing them out the best she could and let them hang down to her waist. Once she was satisfied she was properly dressed she slid her favorite daggers and slid them into the sheaths on her hips making her way across the elven stronghold toward her Dwarrow companions.
"There you are lassie, come sit eat with us" Bofur called happily, waving his hand ecstatically as her golden figure came into view.
She smiled and flopped down beside him at the little table provided for the dwarves, kicking her feet under the table she yawned and stretched surveying the area.
"Good morning" Bilbo said cheerfully giving the dwarrowdam a warm smile, as he picket at the food on his plate.
She smirked at him rolling her eyes playfully, it always seemed her hobbit friend was in a happy mood as long as there was ample amounts of food around. She looked down at the portions provided and frowned, it would seem the only things the elves of Rivendell found palatable was green leafy things. She picked at it bringing the large leaf to her nose and sniffed, it smelled of the earth, hardly appetizing at all.
"Its lettuce, it won't bite I promise" Bilbo chuckled with merriment at her, and she felt her cheeks heat with a blush.
"I don't like green food either" Ori said smiling at her, and she nodded in agreeance, dropping her portion back onto the table. She looked around laughing lightly as she found her Dwarrow companions were all in agreeance, faces melancholy at the mearge food provided.
"Where is Thorin?" she asked curiously, looking to the head table, a certain black haired Dwarrow seemingly missing.
"He and Gandalf are speaking with Lord Elrond, before we depart" Balin interjected, with a forced smile.
She huffed "Is that wise?"
"Mind your business lass" Dwalin grunted picking up a bread roll and shoving it into his mouth, she frowned at him before sighing shrugging her shoulder.
"Naibligi zain astî za-a'rukh-zi mainnî" Bifur said, shoving a woven basket of bread rolls towards her. She smiled and nodded her head in thanks, picking up a piece she was surprised to find it still warm to the touch, she brought it to her mouth and took a bite, it was delicious, and she devoured several more pieces, wiping the crumbs from her mouth she looked at Bifur and smiled brightly.
"ikhmênruk" she beamed pointing to the food.
Hurried footsteps brought everyones attention to the entranceway where Thorin stood dressed for travel, his elven sword fastened on his hip "Come we are leaving" he grunted, giving everyone an impatient look as they scurred about shoving last minute rations into their mouths or packs. Riswynn looked at the table of food, deciding not to let it go to waste she procured several rolls sneaking them into her pack.
She followed the group out of the shelter of Rivendell, past the waterfalls and the large stone bridge into the unwelcoming mountains. They traveled for a time in relative silence when Bilbo finally opened his mouth confused "Where is Gandalf" he shouted to Thorin.
Thorin sighed in annoyance, not stopping, or bothering to look back at the hobbit he simply called over his shoulder "He has been delayed Master Baggins, trust that he will join us soon"
Bilbo frowned, he didn't like the idea of traveling without the wizard, who knew what kind of trouble they would find themselves in and having someone that was good with magic was a good thing. His keen eyes turned and looked over his shoulder, the elven city all but a spec in the distance. He would miss the hospitality of the elves, he enjoyed his time there, the scenery was surprisingly serene it reminded him of his little home in Hobbiton.
"Everyone be on your guard, we are about to step into the wilds, Riswynn you know these paths do you not?" Thorin called from the front, stopping to look back at the dam as she labored to keep up. Her golden eyes looked up at him, as he spoke her name. She did know these lands, having traveled over the mountain terrain so many a time in the past.
"Aye, I know the paths safest to take, come along lads, I won't let you fall" she teased in good humor sucking in a deep breath as she hurried to reach the front.
"Here lassie, take this it'll help with the walking" Oin said as she passed, handing her a long crude walking stick. She smiled in thanks taking it in her good hand she used it to haul herself forward. The higher they climbed the cooler the weather became, snow dusted the rocky landscape and made traveling slower as footing became sparse. The trees that grew abundantly at the base of the mountains became thin and eventually only shrubs stood in their place.
Riswynn stopped to catch her breath, closing her eyes as the cool breeze tickled past her blowing her loose curls around her face. She sighed, the cool air felt nice against her flushed skin, she was in pain but was determined to keep going, she didn't want to let Thorin down, he was relying on her to guide them down the right passageways. She opened her eyes and scanned the horizon, in the far distance great mountain peaks stood tall and proud covered with thick layers of plush white snow. She chewed her lip, she knew the fastest route through those mountains was treacherous, it was a steep climb, and the rock became slippery and uneven the higher one climbed.
They walked all throughout the day, stopping one for brief moments of rest, and she could hear the groans and complains of the others as she forced them to keep moving, the only one who seemed content in her ruthless drive forward was Thorin, he walked next to her most of the day, leading the company and encouraging them to keep going. The light of the sun was slowly fading as they walked, darkness slowly creeping in, shadows began to dance across the rocks.
She stopped and heaved a breath, her muscles shuddering from exhaustion, she rested her hand on her knee panting "Thorin, we should stop here rest for the night"
Thorin looked down at the dam, she was panting out little breaths trying to keep quiet in her struggle to remain indifferent to her pain. He grunted in agreeance perhaps it was time for everyone to stop, the area she chose was well hidden amongst the thickest shrubbery and sparse pines. "Everyone we will stop here for the night, Dwalin I want you to take Fili and Kili and scout the area, Bofur, Bifur get a fire going, Bombur start working on something to feed everyone" he shouted.
"What about me?" Bilbo asked quietly.
Thorin snorted "Try to stay out of the way"
Riswynn frowned at the harshness of his tone, Bilbo was only trying to be helpful and the way Thorin often chose to speak to him was intolerable. She beckoned the hobbit closer to her and pat him on the shoulder "Perhaps you can do me a favor Master Baggins" she implored getting his attention. He looked at her curiously and nodded "Would you climb that tall Pine there for me" she said pointing to the tall green tree. Bilbo looked at her oddly "Whatever for?"
She chuckled "You have the keenest eyes in the company, would you look ahead for me and tell me if the path is sound?"
He looked at her confused and she pat his head "I cant climb or I would do it"
He nodded a determined look on his face approaching the tallest pine he could find he grabbed for the lowest branch and hauled himself up disappearing from sight.
"I already sent Kili and Fili to scout ahead" Thorin said stepping up behind her.
She turned and gave him an amused smile "I know, but sometimes all a person wants is to be included and feel valuable to the group, try to give Bilbo something to do, all he needs is a chance"
Thorin grunted crossing his arms, he supposed she was right, the hobbit was useful in some instances, perhaps he should be a little kinder to him. He flicked his eyes down her profile watching as she winced rolling her shoulder, she had walked very far today with no complaints, she was sure of foot and set a fast pace, ensuring the best paths were taken. "You did well today" he said lowly watching as her eyes lit up with mirth and she smiled at him.
"My my is that a compliment" she teased her smile growing as he rolled his eyes at her.
"It was simply an observation" he grunted.
She nodded playing along "Of course"
"Here we are, should get a nice fire going with this" Bofur said proudly dropping a nice size pile of logs at Thorin's feet a cheeky grin on his face.
Riswynn chuckled, there was something about Bofur's nature that always made her laugh, he was a ray of sunshine in a dim world. "Excellent job Bofur, and of course Bifur" she said smiling at both Dwarrow who only blushed in response as they set about making a large fire.
She looked to Thorin "Can I be of service; I don't want to sit around while everyone else prepares camp"
Thorin shook his head "You have done enough; rest we will need your guidance in the morning"
She shrugged her good shoulder and sat down, it was hard and offered little comfort but her sore legs needed the break. She watched as the fire sprang to life, and the smell of smoke drifted through the air, a sense of comfort washing over her as the heat traveled through her. Soon the smell of freshly cooked meat teased her senses and her stomach rumbled loudly.
"Someone sounds hungry" Bilbo teased walking to her side and sitting down, pulling out a piece of bread he offered it to her. She shook her head a mischievous smile on her face as she pulled out her own, bringing it to her mouth she bit off a chunk. She ate only a small portion saving the rest for the journey ahead, tucking it safely back inside her pack with a frown. She picked at small blades of dried grass, pinching them off before throwing them into the fire, watching as disappeared, patiently waiting for her portion of the stew to be served. A hot bowl was placed before her and she smiled happily, shoveling the food into her mouth in an unladylike manner. Once finished she laid back stretching out, the soft fur of her coat cushioning her head. She closed her eyes with a sigh of contentment and allowed her mind to drift, only half aware of her surroundings knowing that her companions were alert. She was so exhausted that soon she fell asleep.
Bilbo watched her sleep a soft smile on his face, she looked peaceful curled into the soft furs, her coat pulled over herself like a blanket, she was snoring softly, and he chuckled "She is exhausted, I think this is the first time she's actually slept on this entire journey"
"Aye best let her rest while she can" Balin said smiling at the dam as she rolled onto her side, taking her fur coat with her.
"Will she be alright though; I know she is injured" Bilbo said in concern looking at Oin.
"Aye Dwarrowdam's are tough as iron lad, she will be just fine" Oin said with a hint of pride.
"Why Bilbo are you interested in our Riswynn" Fili teased shoving the hobbit playfully.
Bilbo snorted his cheeks blazing "Don't be ridiculous" he stuttered out waving his hand as eyes were narrowed in offense "Not that there is anything wrong with her, she's very pretty, we are just friends"
"Relax Bilbo I was only jesting" Fili laughed loudly causing Bilbo to wither in embarrassment and the others to laugh.
"Everyone should get some rest while they can, Dwalin take first watch" Thorin grunted his voice icy, fists clenched in irritation behind his back.
Dwalin looked up and nodded, grabbing his battle ax he slung it across his lap giving it a loving pat "Rest easy lads, nothing is getting past me on this night"
A loud crack behind him had him jumping up in alarm a battle cry falling from his lips, ax raised over his head ready to swing on the intruder's head when Kili walked out of the bushes fixing his trousers yelping in freight as the blade of Dwalin's ax almost removed his head.
"What in Mahal are you trying to do" he shrieked his voice cracking.
Fili burst out laughing holding his stomach as his younger brother almost soiled himself in fear, he wiped his eye and blew out a breath "Thank you Dwalin for protecting us from my brother taking a piss"
Dwalin narrowed his eyes at the blonde prince grunting under his breath "Ungrateful brat"