The company had covered much ground before they finally set up camp for the evening.
"We are entering dangerous lands, my love," Thorin said, "I suppose you do not have a weapon."
"I do not," Marryn said, "and even if I did, I would not know how to use it. Haban kept none in his home that I knew of."
"You have no skill with any weapon?" Thorin asked, surprised, "Even in defense of your life?"
"Only a needle," Marryn joked.
Thorin blinked at her and said, "Come with me."
She followed him outside the circle of the camp. There stood a bale of straw left by some farmer.
From beneath his coat, Thorin pulled a sword. It was small and light with a wrapped handle.
"I traded some of my food shares for this," Thorin said, "Those without swords can still die upon them."
He handed it to Marryn who held it uncomfortably.
"Take a swing," Thorin said, pointing at the straw bale.
Marryn sliced at the straw, her face red with embarrassment at being watched.
"Another," Thorin said, "harder this time."
Marryn tried again, harder than the first time but still not hard enough to make much of a difference.
Thorin approached and stood close behind her, wrapping his arms around her to adjust her feeble grip on the handle.
"Like this," he said, his warm hands guiding her gently.
He slid his hands up her waist. "Keep firm through here."
He stood at a safe distance and said, "Feet apart. It'll help you keep your balance."
Marryn obeyed.
"Swing again," Thorin said, "and use more than your arms this time."
With a grunt, Marryn slashed at the straw bale again. She looked to the dwarf for approval.
"Better," he said, "much better. Keep practicing."
Without warning he drew his own sword and swung it lightly at her. She knocked the blow away with a gasp.
"A quick reaction," Thorin commented, "Good. But keep in mind that an enemy will not be so gentle."
He put his sword back in its sheath and gave her one as well. "The sword is for you. Practice with it when you have time and do not hesitate to use it in time of need. I cannot lose you again."
Marryn sheathed the sword hesitantly and tied it about her waist.
"Do you really think I will need to use it?" she asked rather hoarsely.
"I pray you do not," Thorin said, taking her hand and kissing it softly, "But there is no harm in being prepared. If ever I am not there to defend you, then you must do it yourself."
Marryn nodded. Thorin kissed her deeply before the two of them strode back to camp arm in arm.