Disclaimer: Anything you recognize is not my own, yadda yadda yadda. I'm not making any money off of this. (Though I wish I could.)
AN: Thanks for read this far. :) I promise, Thorin and the rest will show up in this chapter.
I woke to Gandalf softly calling my name. I opened my eyes slowly to a dark room. The fire had gone out some time in the night and it was still early. I sat up and rubbed my left eye with the palm of my hand.
"What time is it?"
"About an hour before dawn," He answered in a hushed tone. His hat was already back on his head, his things gathered in his hand. "Gather your things. I will meet you down stairs when you are ready."
I nodded and watched him walk out the door, closing it snuggly behind him. I swung my legs over the edge of the bed and stood up. I stretched and, per my usual routine, twisted my back to the left and right, feeling a series of satisfying 'pop's as I did so.
I reached into the pile of discarded clothes that I had worn yesterday and shook them out. I grinned slightly to myself when my undergarments, namely my underwear and bra, fell out, glad that Gandalf had left.
I tucked the offending garments into my pack. I wasn't quite willing to part with them, despite the fact that they were stained with mud and had a few holes in them. I pulled out a dry pair of undies, then looked over the thermals I had been wearing yesterday. After a moment of debating, I reached behind me and grabbed my knife from under the pillow. Grabbing the shirt, I quickly cut it into a few long strips. I had the cloak I borrowed from Gandalf, now. I didn't really need the shirt, too.
I tugged off my clothes and pulled on the clean underwear. Then I grabbed the strips of shirt and tied a few well placed knots. It would not be the most comfortable breast-band in the world, but it would work. I slowly wound it around my chest, thankful that I was not overly endowed. A little more than B's, a little less than a C. Pulled tight and tied off, the stretchy material pulled my breasts tight to my body, leaving little in the way of curves.
Next came a pair of clean socks, followed by my ACU pants, undershirt, and jacket. I realized I was missing my dog tags, too, and was surprised it had taken me so long to realize it. I rubbed my throat absently and realized it was slightly sore in spots. They probably had been lost, too, along with my vest, weapon and helmet.
I tugged my boots on and laced them tightly. I reached into my ruck and pulled out a new pair of hair bands and used those to tie my hair back up into my usual bun, knotting it low on my neck. I grabbed the makeup, too, and using a small compact I had kept with it, began to apply layers to my face and neck, wincing whenever I touched a bruise. After about ten minutes, I inspected my efforts and nodded. It would do. The makeup broke up the contours of my face, making the feminine curve of my jaw, cheekbones, and nose much less pronounced.
I debated putting my cover, hat, whatever on my head, but decided against it. With the cloak over me, it would just look strange. Well. Stranger.
After tugging Gandalf's cloak around my person, I took a glimpse around the room, making sure I was leaving nothing behind. I then hauled my sack over my shoulders and made my way down the stairs.
I cast my eyes around the large room I was now in to find Gandalf standing at what I assumed to be the bar. He nodded at me and I walked slowly over to him. Save for a few drunks passed out and snoring at tables, the room was quiet and empty.
"My my. Is this the camouflage make-up you were speaking of?" Gandalf asked, peering closely at my face.
"Yeah. Do you think it will work?"
"It certainly is distracting. I doubt anyone will know what to make of you."
"I'll take that as a good thing."
He chuckled softly and motioned for us to head out the door. Once outside, he set a brisk pace.
"There is a farm just outside of Bree to the west that we will make a stop at. The man there breeds horses and he owes me a favor."
"For what, if you don't mind me asking?"
"I introduced him to his wife."
I laughed outright at that. It was a line I had not expected and Gandalf cast his twinkling eyes on me.
"Though, between you and I, I think it is I who owe him." He said, conspiratorially. He chuckled heartily.
We walked out of Bree in relative silence, Gandalf pointing out this and that as we passed. I was still reeling from the events of the past few days, and still was not entirely sure I believed it. He paused a few times to ask if I was alright and, staying quiet, I merely nodded slowly.
The sun's rays began to creep over the horizon and I was momentarily struck blind. As light crept over the hills, I was amazed at the beauty around me. Movies had nothing on the real thing. The colors were so bright, so intense. The sound of water rushing in the background was layered behind the chirp of the newly awakened birds.
"Its beautiful here," I sad softly.
"It is." Gandalf answered. "Though I fear darkness will destroy it."
He had added the latter on in such a soft tone, I hardly thought he meant to say it at all. I wondered idly what he was referencing, but decided to stay quiet on the subject.
Not long after dawn, Gandalf led me to a small house tucked back off of the road we were on. There were rolling hills and pastures as far as the eye could see. Horses milled back and forth, grazing lazily upon the dew kissed grass. A man was out by what I guessed to be a barn, two young boys with him.
"Master Edmund Swain!" Gandalf called heartily. The man, Edmund, paused and turned around, a grin breaking out on his features.
"Well, now. Aren't you a sight for sore eyes!" He half walked, half jogged to us, the boys swift on his tail.
"How fare you on this early mornin'?" He asked once he reached us. He leaned on the fence in front of us and looked over at me curiously.
"Why is that man dressed so funny?" One of the boys asked. Edmund hushed them.
"Now, boys, don't be rude" He softly swatted the back of the young boys head, the one who had spoken. "Sorry 'bout that. Their mum would be furious if she 'eard him speaking like that!"
"Ah, yes. And how is your sweet Winney?" Gandalf asked, bringing attention back to himself.
"Good! Expecting another babe any day now."
"Congratulations. Would that be the fourth, now?"
"The fifth, if you can believe it!"
"My, my. You have been busy!" Both men laughed heartily.
"So, Gandalf, what can I do for you?"
"Well, if you must know. I will be doing a bit of traveling with my companion here and I am need of two horses."
Edmund nodded thoughtfully.
"I suppose you'd like the gelding back that you left here last time?" He asked. "Hes in good shape. Should do you well."
"That would be excellent."
"And for your uh… companion…" Edmund looked me over. "Are you sure that he wound not prefer a pony? I have a few, mostly to take the children around on, but I can most definitely spare one for an old friend."
Gandalf looked at me in askance and I shook my head no. I had had too many bad experiences with ponies, from getting bitten to kicked. I'd take my chances with horses.
"Ah, no. A horse, if you please, Master Edmund."
Edmund reached up and stroked the days- old stubble on his face. He looked down at the boys.
"Roddy, Theo, bring Draysill and Grey-mane out." He turned to Gandalf and I. "Can I tempt you two with breakfast?"
"No, thank you. We are in a bit of a hurry this morning. Perhaps another time."
"No need for thanks, old friend. For what you've done for the family, and you loaning us Draysill to help rebuild the barn… Well. No thanks are needed. I will leave it at that." The man smiled up at Gandalf, and I had a feeling the wizard had done a bit more than just introduce the man to his wife.
It didn't take long for the boys to bring out two horses, both with saddles and bridles already in place. One was a tall draft horse, a dark bay color with an off-centered white blaze down his nose. The other was a dappled grey horse, slightly smaller in size then the bay. It reminded me of a Percheron I had ridden when I was younger, and I smiled to myself. The horses nickered and danced on their feet as they made their way to us. When the boys reached us, the reins to the large bay were handed off to Gandalf, and the reins to the dapple where passed off to Edmund.
"Grey-mane is a bit big, but hes a softie. Taught all my boys how to ride." Edmund looked me over before handing me the reins. "May he serve you well."
"I thank you." I said, attempting to pitch my voice low. The farmer looked momentarily surprised, then nodded his head to me.
"A friend of Gandalf's is a friend of ours. Perhaps if you two journey this way again, you will be able to stop for a spell."
I nodded my thanks. I watched Gandalf mount up and looked over my new steed. The saddle was much different then the ones I had grown up riding. The stirrups were left longer, the seat having a much wider horn then the western saddles of home, but a more swept back cantel. I used to be able to ground mount fairly well, but it had been a few years and I hesitated. Both men and both boys were looking at me expectantly.
I noticed straps that were on the back of the saddle and realized it must be where you could place your things. I took off my ruck first and tossed it lightly over the horses back and used the straps to secure it in place. I was thankful that I had repacked the bag. Add that to the fact that a few of the larger items were missing, and it was a much smaller load than it had been when I started out with my squad.
I eyed the stirrups and decided to save my pride.
I led the horse over to a large rock, stood up on it, and slipped my foot into the stirrup. With a rusty movement, I slung my leg over the other side and settled myself into the seat. One of the boys ran over and helped me adjust the stirrup length when I discovered they were about two inches too long.
"We will be off, now, Edmund. Thank you again," Gandalf said after I was finally settled in my seat. We looked over at the boys and their father and I smiled warmly at them, hoping that my thanks was conveyed properly.
"May the road rise to meet you, my friend!" Edmund said by way of farewell. Without further ado, he turned and led his boys back to the barn. Gandalf turned his horse and began walking down the road.
I tugged the reins, probably harder than I should have, and Grey-mane tossed his head and snorted. He flicked his ears back reproachfully and I pat his neck.
"Sorry, boy. I haven't done this in awhile. I'll try not to do anything too stupid if you try not to buck me off," I said softly, feeling out of place again. It was ridiculous. I was a soldier in the United States Army. An American of the planet Earth. I did not belong here!
I gently squeezed my legs and was pleased to find that the horse listened with little prompting. I was relieved I had not been stuck with some stubborn headed ass of a horse.
I caught up with Gandalf and pushed my hood back. It was much warmer here than it was back home and I was glad I had decided not to put on a second layer.
"He seemed like a nice guy," I said, just to break the silence. Normally, I was at ease in most situations. I had a sarcastic sense of humor and managed to be cheery despite my surroundings. I did not like how I felt at the moment. So out of place, depressed, and tense. I was pretty sure my mount could feel it because he pranced and snorted every now and then. Dreysill, Gandalfs horse, looked at the dapple grey with what I could swear to be distaste.
"Edmund Swain is a fine fellow," Gandalf allowed. "His wife has a temper, but she is a decent woman of good stock. The two boys you saw were his eldest. He has a girl a bit younger, and then another boy, now that I think of it. And apparently another on the way,"
He chuckled softly, no doubt remembering the hearty laugh he and Edmund had shared.
"Gandalf…I don't think I should go with you to Bag End." I said suddenly.
"Why ever not?"
"Because… I don't want to screw anything up," Gandalf opened to argue. "No, listen. It will be hard enough for you to convince Thorin that Bilbo is the burglar you need. If you show up with me and try to convince him that you need to bring yet another stranger, another non-dwarf, on the quest then I am afraid you will push him past his tolerance. If he refuses to bring me, fine. But if he refuses to bring Bilbo… Then everything crumbles. Besides…"
I hesitated a little.
"I need to be by myself. Just for a little while. I still… This is all just too strange."
We continued on the road in silence. Gandalf glanced up at the sky and stopped at a crossroads.
"I will reach Bag End a little past ten this morning. I will leave you in a clearing with the horses and our things. Then I will be meeting some of the dwarves on the road. Tomorrow, around mid-morning, I will meet you here with the company and, hopefully, Bilbo."
"Alright. Okay. I can do that. Thank you."
Gandalf nodded and turned towards the woods. We weren't very far in when he stopped and dismounted. I followed suit and glanced around the small clearing. It was relatively open and you could see the road from where we stood. I looked at Gandalf cautiously.
"Isn't this a little too… exposed?"
He chuckled.
"This road is quiet, even by Shire standards. It may get a dozen occupants in seven days' time. If you stay quiet, travelers will more than likely pass you by. You will be safe here. Crime in the Shire, or even Bree, is nearly unheard of." He tugged a few items out of his pack and set about loosely tying Dreysill off to a sturdy young tree. I tugged the reins over Grey-mane's head and followed suit, then tugged my pack off of his back and set it down, slightly out of the way.
When Gandalf began to gather twigs and sticks, I felt the color drain from my face as I flashed back to the night of the flood.
"Are you alright?" Gandalf paused, a bundle of wood in his arms.
"Yeah," I replied breathlessly. Despite the warmth of the springtime weather, I felt cold. Determined to push my feelings aside, I began to pick up larger branches, breaking them over my knee. With each satisfying 'crack' of wood breaking, I felt the tight coil that had developed in my chest loosen.
Once we had enough fire wood, Gandalf set about building a small fire in the middle of the clearing. It seemed as though I blinked and there was suddenly a fire started.
"How…" I stopped when Gandalf gave me a mysterious smile. "Wizard. Right."
Gandalf tugged a bundle out of his pack and tossed it to me. I opened it and shook it out. It was a faded dark blue cloak.
"Becka gave it to me to give to you last night. She saw the how long the cloak you wore was, and thought you might appreciate something your size. It was hers, apparently, in her younger years."
I thumbed over the soft fabric and smiled softly. Such random acts of kindness were nearly unheard of where I came from.
"I trust you have rations?" He asked as he slung his bag over his shoulder.
"Yes. I'll be alright. Go ahead, Gandalf."
"If you are sure, then. Keep an eye on the horses. Dreysill likes to steal food when you are not watching, so beware. He is particularly fond of sweets. He will not be here when you wake. I will have called to him before then."
With that parting remark, he inclined his head in my direction and, without another word, turned and strode out of the clearing. I was not going to ask how he would call Dreysill to him. I was learning.
I watched him until he was out of sight, then turned to look at the two horses. Glancing around again, I picked my way back over to Grey-mane. I grabbed the 'horn' of the saddle in one hand and attempted to put my foot in the stirrup. I managed on my first try, but upon attempting to sift my weight onto that leg, I promptly slipped and fell on my face.
"Urf!" The noise was involuntary and embarrassing. "Fuck,"
Grey-mane shifted and Dreysill tossed his head in what I imagined to be amusement.
"Oh shut up," I muttered darkly. I stood up and dusted myself off. I tugged off my ACU top, pulled my knife out of my pocket, and adjust my breast band.
It took me another half-dozen times before I managed to successfully ground-mount. I felt much more proud of myself then was really necessary, but I would take any success I could get. I did it a second time and felt like shouting. Grey-mane tossed his head and snorted as I dismounted.
"Ok. Sorry. Just one more time." I grabbed the horn and with much more confidence, went to stick my foot in the stirrup again. Just as my foot touched the metal, Grey-mane stepped quickly to the side and snorted. Again, I fell promptly on my face, re-splitting my lip.
"Damn you," I snapped. I heard a short giggle and turned around to see a small family watching me from the road. I grinned sheepishly and turned away. I could feel myself blush crimson.
"Why didn't you warn me?" I asked Grey-mane. He turned his big brown eyes on me innocently.
"Ugh," I grumbled. I checked that the family had moved on before brushing myself off and tending to my now bleeding lip.
The rest of the day passed slowly. Thankfully, there had been no other travelers to make an ass of myself in front of. I pet the horses awhile, scratching their favorite places. I led them both at some point to a small brook and let them drink before sating my own thirst. I washed out and refilled my canteens. I nibbled on an MRE.
It wasn't until dark fell that I started to feel restless. Every time I sat idle, my memories assaulted me. I could feel panic rising in my throat when I once again thought about never returning home. Tears, unbidden, rose to my eyes and I wiped them angrily away. I heard rustling and I snapped my head up, only to hear a shift of hooves. Suddenly, the large face of Grey-mane was thrust in front of me and I yelped, falling backward from the crouch I had been in. He tossed his head slightly and I looked to find that the loose knot that I had tied had come loose.
"Bastard," I said, without feeling. He thrust his head into my hands as I sat back up and I rested my head on his muzzle. He rubbed his nose back in my face and I laughed softly.
"Alright. I get it. Solider on, right?" I pulled my head away and let out true laugh as I looked at the horses face. There was makeup smudged all over his muzzle
I reached into the pack that I had dragged closer to the fire and pulled out some of the baby wipes. As I went to wipe his face off, he sniffed and snorted.
"Stop being a baby," I said with a laugh. After a few minutes of struggling, I had cleaned the makeup off his face.
I sucked it up. I put everything on the back burner and tried to enjoy the small reprieve I had. The day time birds fell silent and gave way to the hoots of owls, the bark of foxes, and the occasional snort or nicker from the horses near me. I pulled out an MRE and, after preparing it, ate it quietly. I yawned and set my dessert down for a moment, standing to add a few more logs to the fire. I turned around and found Dreysill with his muzzle buried in the dessert bag. He lifted his head and shook it off, blueberry cobbler stuck all over the hair on his face. I shook my head and laughed again.
After washing his face in the brook and once more sating my thirst, I made my way back to the fire and spread out the cloak Gandalf had given me on the ground. I dragged my pack next to that and lay down after tugging off my boots, using my ruck once more as a pillow. The cloak Becka had given me I used as a blanket. After starring at the cloudless sky and the millions of stars, I closed my eyes and slept.
I awoke to the sound of crickets chirping. I opened my eyes slowly and sat up, rubbing the sleep out of them. I realized, too late, that I still had make up on and groaned. I pushed the cloak off of me and, after tugging my boots back on, stood, stretching and finding that I was less sore than the day before. After checking on my horse, and noticing that Dreysill was indeed gone, I made my way to the brook and washed my face.
I ate the remnants of my MRE from the night before cold and washed it down with a 'kool-aid' like drink powder I had mixed in with my canteen.
The sounds of birds chirping greeted me and I paused to watch the sunrise. It was not often I had the luxury to do so and I had to admit it was beautiful. I thought about home and, now that I had distanced myself from the situation, decided that I had to make the best of this situation. I would do my duty to the best of my ability and if that meant helping these dwarves on their quest to reclaim their land, then so be it.
I knelt down and began to reapply my make-up with determination. I nodded slowly as I reviewed my work and threw Becka's cloak over my shoulders, tying it quickly into place. Gandalf's cloak was tucked back into my pack.
I covered the fire with dirt I had kicked up and, once I was sure it was out, I threw my pack over Grey-manes back and secured it in place once more. Steadying him, I ground-mounted successfully, though groaned as the muscles stretched. Apparently, while the rest of me was on the mend, my newly stretched muscles were protesting their use.
Knowing that it was still too early to meet Gandalf and co, I began to put Grey-mane through some paces. I walked, I trotted, and I cantered. I wasn't quite up for a full gallop yet. My body was protesting as it was and I did not want to push it.
The sun had not yet reached its highest point when I heard voices and the sounds of hooves. I stopped Grey-mane and looked down the road. I tugged my hood up over my head and waited.
"Move on!" Was the first clear thing I heard. The voice was deep and held a graveled edge. My heart lept in my throat as I waited. Grey-mane shifted under me.
It was not long before I could make out in clear detail the company that approached me.
In the lead was a tall (or, well , what I assumed would be tall for a dwarf) and imposing figure perched on a shaggy, bay pony. His hair was a black mane around his head, a few grey streaks standing out in sharp contrast. His beard was short and braided. A fur mantle was around his shoulders and, though well cared for, he wore worn armor and leathers, weapons strapped to his side. This could be none other then Thorin Oakenshield.
I took in the other dwarves, their persons resembling the actors more than I thought possible. I listed them off in my head and, when I came to the lone hobbit, I smiled to myself. He looked a little younger than Martin Freeman had, which was understandable. As far as Hobbits go, he *was* young. But the fearful exhilaration written on his face was hard to miss.
As they rode near, I noticed that Thorin leveled a dark glaze at me. He turned his head ever so slightly to watch me as he passed. The company turned to look at me in turn, a few offering a curt nod. Three younger looking ones, who I assumed to be Ori, Fili, and Kili, turned to watch me in fascination.
I wasn't until Gandalf neared that I turned my attention to him. He smiled warmly and with sharp gesture, tossed something to me. I reached up and caught it, startled as it clinked.
"You're share," He said with mirth. I *had* told him to double the bet. I tried to hold back a grin.
The company stopped and turned to look. Thorin did not look pleased.
He jerked the head of his horse in our direction and he starred at me. He gave a good glare, I had to admit, his dark brown eyes holding more fire than I had anticipated. But I had gone through basic training. My drill sergeants had screamed in my face and put me through hell. I returned his gaze in the most non-threatening way possible.
"And, who, in Mahals' name is this?!"