Next morning I woke up at dawn, as usual and sat up muffling a groan. Having slept in the same position all night my back was not happy. Seeing no one around but hearing them outside, I stretched till I popped, gathered my pack, walked outside and saw the Dwarves outside packing up some ponies, saddling others and a horse. Gandalf waved me over, "I was about to wake you up. I sent Dwalin and Gloin to acquire a horse for you."
I nodded, yawning and then went to help Fili and Kili saddle the ponies, who were fidgeting and excited to be going as well. The one on the left had thick blond hair that was braided back intricately, with several silver beads clasping them. His mustache was braided as well, and his greyish-green eyes sparkled with mischief. He had tanned skin and was wearing a furred surcoat over a maile shirt. He had four swords that I could see strapped to his body, as well as two throwing axes.
The dwarf on the right was younger with dark brown hair. He had no braids, or beads, but had his hair pulled away from his face by an intricately engraved silver clasp. His brown eyes were cheerful and equally as mischief. He was paler than the other, and leaner. He had a surcoat as well, though his was a mix of leather and wool. He had a bow strapped over his back and a single sword belted at his side.
Fili and Kili glanced at each other when I came to help but shrugged once they saw I knew what I was doing. I talked gently to the ponies to calm them and they settled. Swiftly, I saddled four of the ponies before I heard a noise. Dwalin and Gloin was coming up the road leading with two ropes, a horse that was dark gray in color, tack looking like it was tied while the horse was bucking and it was very unhappy. It snorted, tried to rear and danced around. Gandalf said, displeased, "This horse is too wild. Why did you buy it?"
Dwalin hung onto the horse as Gloin let go to explain that this was the only horse they could purchase. The horse suddenly reared, lifting Dwalin off the ground and I quickly went over to him before he could get trampled and seized the horses halter, forcing him down, "Now that's enough of that my laddy buck."
Surprised by the extra weight it went down on all fours and I soothed, "Calm down, your alright."
He shifted, as if unsure he was going to rear again and I gently breathed into it's nose. Dwalin growled something that sounded like lunch and the horse being the main course. Then the horse stopped fussing, looked me over curiously and blew into my face in a greeting. I said softly, "You can let go Master Dwalin."
Dwalin stared and cautiously let go of the halter. Smiling I fished an apple from my pocket and let the horse eat it as I called, "It's alright Gandalf, he'll be fine."
Everyone stared as the horse became well behaved and let me remove the saddle, then put it on him correctly. It wasn't much of a saddle, more like a piece of wood and leather that would have to do. I hoped it wouldn't fall apart on me. The horse didn't have a bridle so I just used the rope and hooked it on each sides of the halter to create reins and then looked at the others with my best innocent face on, "I like animals and they tend to like me." by way of explanation. Gandalf chuckled and I tied my pack onto the horses back and then waited for the others. I saw one having trouble getting on his pony and without being asked I helped the plump red haired Dwarf with a big braid over his chest up with a boost. His name was Bombur and he seemed startled when he saw it was me but I just gave him a smile. I went over and swung up onto my horse's back. I cooed in his ear and said, "I think I'll name you Laddybuck."
Laddybuck just gave a whole body shake, startling a laugh out of me and I moved as Thorin rode at the head of the company and then waited as the others went on, Gandalf in the middle and nudged Laddybuck to join him.
Gandalf smiled at me and I grinned back, settling back to enjoy the ride and looked around at this new world. Wondering what awaited us.
0o0
That night I watched the Dwarves make camp and was awed in the quick and well used to routine they used to do it. Soon we had a fire going thanks to Gloin, Bombur was cooking something in a pot over the stove, and Fili and Kili were unloading the ponies. I was about to help them when I saw Laddybuck turning to look at Fili. I saw Laddybuck begin to move toward the young Dwarf. Grabbing his halter in a vice grip I forced his head around to look at me and scolded him quietly, "Now none of that or I'll muzzle you like a dog."
He tried to pull away from me but I had a hold of him good enough that he couldn't break free. I said firmly, "Be civil Laddybuck. I don't want them killing you because you hurt them. And honestly I wouldn't be able to stop them. I'm a guest on this quest and they won't listen to me. So behave."
Laddybuck shifted and finally lowered his head in submission. I rubbed his ears and let him go, unsaddling him and giving him a rub down. Glancing at the Dwaves, glad that none of them seemed to see me talking to a horse I decided to just sit back out of the way. Patting Laddybuck I sent him over to the ponies to eat and settled down on a patch of grass at the edge of the camp. Thorin, Balin and Gandalf were on the other side discussing the path they were to take and the others did their own things, chatting cheerfully and eagerly waiting for the food.
At that moment I felt the weight of everything catch up with me and began to nod off. Before I knew it I fell over and with a sigh, fell asleep. I didn't see the looks of distaste or scoffs from the Dwarves, nor Gandalfs fond smile. Laddybuck came over a few minutes later to eat while keeping an eye on his sleeping rider.
