As predicted by Gandalf's cryptic instructions, a distinct Dwarvish rune etched into the door marked the spot. Alyssane's journey had been swift but intense, covering the distance to Hobbiton in a mere four days. Traveling long and hard from the Gap of Rohan, she followed the North-South Road, eventually intersecting with the Greenway until she reached Bree. Four days of relentless travel, during which she pondered the purpose of her arrival. Gandalf's penchant for secrecy was no surprise; the wandering wizard was notorious for withholding crucial details, leaving her to arrive with more questions than answers.
Bree, a dismal town, held little appeal for Alyssane. Her arrival brought an air of unease among the locals; her hood concealed her face, yet the unmistakable hues and insignias on her attire betrayed her identity. As a Ranger of the North, she took pride in her role, but it evoked mistrust among the townsfolk, who sought to avoid her presence.
Clad in predominantly in dark greys and green, Alysanne wore a long, shadowy shirt with a leather corset cinched around her waist. Her pants, fashioned from a deep shade bordering on black, provided insulation against varied climates. A fur coat, deep green like the colours donned by the Dunedain rangers and Dark fur lined boots, completed her ensemble.
Pausing to clear her mind after the arduous journey, Alyssane dismounted Arion and found a quiet secluded place for him to settle in. Tenderly removing his saddle and the rest of her belongings from her friend she whispered soothing words whilst stroking his mane "Stay here Arion, be calm, I will return soon"
Turning from her companion, Aly made her way along the path toward the inviting green door of the hobbit hole. Each step echoed with a quiet determination; her mind focused on the impending meeting. With a deep breath steadying her nerves, she rapped on the door 'Knock, Knock, Knock'
"Stepping back, Alyssane waited in anticipation. The Hobbit's door swung open swiftly, revealing a small figure—barely reaching half her height. His gaze, a mix of confusion and perhaps a hint of awe, met hers as he peered up at her. Alyssane observed the details of the Hobbit—slightly curly blonde hair, warm brown eyes—before lowering the hood of her coat with a graceful motion, bowing respectfully.
"Alysanne at your service, Master Baggins," she announced with poise and a respectful tone.
As she straightened up, Bilbo's reaction was unmistakable. His mouth fell open slightly, rendering an awkward silence that lingered for more than a fleeting moment in the entryway of the hobbit hole. Despite Alyssane's small smirk, she masked it behind a subtle tilt of her head, attempting to alleviate the tension.
"R-right, can I help you, Miss?" Bilbo's words stumbled out.
"Aye, can I come in? It's quite chilly out," Alyssane replied, sensing the need to ease the discomfort.
"Oh, yes, very sorry. Where are my manners?" Bilbo moved aside, granting Alyssane passage into his home. Taking in her surroundings, she marvelled at the surprising spaciousness and coziness of the abode. Not a speck of dirt marred the interior, a revelation considering it was a 'hole in the ground.'
Slipping off her coat and carefully hanging it on a nearby hook, unfastening her weapons and setting them aside, figuring she had no need of them in this place.
Alyssane turned to Bilbo who she found was still gazing at her with a puzzled expression. "I've had a long journey Master Baggins, do you think maybe I could have a drink of something small, water is quiet fine" Alysanne asked, inclining her head. Bilbo, nodding in acknowledgment, motioned for her to follow him down the hall to the kitchen.
Silently trailing behind Bilbo, Alyssane settled at the table, patiently awaiting his return. "Thank you," she nodded appreciatively as Bilbo placed a cup of water before her. Seating himself on the opposite side, he began to enjoy his meal. "You mentioned a long journey?" Bilbo ventured, curious about her travels.
"Indeed, a four-day journey up from the gap of Rohan," Alyssane replied, her voice carrying traces of the miles she'd covered. Before Bilbo could delve further into conversation, another knock interrupted their exchange.
Their eyes met in mutual curiosity, silently questioning the identity of the unexpected visitor. Bilbo glanced at Alyssane, seeking some form of acknowledgment. She shook her head, signalling her lack of knowledge. With a resigned sigh, Bilbo rose and trudged toward the front door.
Aly could hear quiet voices from where she was sat which began to get louder as she heard hard footsteps along the ground of the hobbit hole, she turned slightly to behold what might have been one of the tallest dwarves she'd ever encountered—clad head to toe in robust fur-trimmed garments, boasting a slightly balding head and a thick beard. Upon noticing her, the dwarf halted, giving Alyssane a thorough once-over. With a deep bow, he introduced himself, 'Dwalin, at your service, miss,' before swiftly taking Bilbo's vacated place opposite Alyssane, promptly delving into the untouched meal before him.
'Alysanne, at yours,' she responded, a tinge of surprise lingering in her voice. In the corner, Bilbo eyed the newcomer with a mix of disbelief and distaste as Dwalin voraciously devoured the meal, discarding bones onto the plate. "Very good, this. anymore?" Dwalin asked looking at Bilbo.
Bilbo, flustered, stammered, 'Oh, yes,' and hurriedly offered a plate of biscuits. Alyssane chuckled softly as she watched Bilbo sneakily pocket one for himself, eliciting a shy smile from him in return. As Bilbo distributed the biscuits, he addressed them both.
"It's just I wasn't expecting company" his gaze alternating between both Alysanne and Dwalin.
Suddenly the doorbell had rung, finishing of his mouthful "That'll be the door" glancing up at Bilbo.
Alysanne, weary of watching Dwalin indulge himself, opted to accompany Bilbo to the door. As they swung it open, they were met by another, older dwarf offered a respectful bow, introducing himself, 'Balin, at your service.' Bilbo deadpanned a greeting, "Good evening"
Yes, yes, it is. Though, I think it might rain later. Am I late?" Balin inquired, causing Bilbo's confusion to deepen. "Late? Late for what?" He turned to Aly, seeking clarification. She merely shrugged in mild amusement and chuckled softly. Bilbo's frown deepened as Balin proceeded through the halls, leaving him puzzled.
Balin glanced at the human woman and quickly noted her diminutive stature, unusual for someone presumed to be of the race of men. Assuming she was the hobbit's wife, he greeted her as 'Mistress Baggins,' taking her hand and lightly kissing it. Aly chuckled, withdrawing her hand and offering a polite bow.
"Master Balin, just Alysanne, if you will. I am unmarried and likely here for the same reason as you and your companion in the kitchen" she explained, sensing a hint of disapproval in his reaction. Shaking off the momentary unease, Aly followed Balin into the living room, however she could have sworn she heard him muttering away to himself 'he's not going to like that'.
"Oh! Evening brother!" Aly turned the corner just in time to see Dwalin with his hand stuck in a biscuit jar "By my beard, you are shorter and wider than last we met." Dwalin said smirking. "Wider, not shorter. But sharp enough for the both of us." Balin quipped back.
The two Dwarves then shared a large laugh and made move to embrace each other, still chuckling Alysanne watched on in fascination whilst Bilbo looked on in utterly perplexed. To her amusement the brothers then head butted each other heard and moved on like it had never happened.
As they trailed the two brothers, Bilbo's frustration surfaced. "It's not that I don't like visitors; I do, as much as any hobbit. But I do prefer knowing them before they come visiting," he expressed, his tone tinged with exasperation. "The truth is, I don't know any of you. Not in the slightest. I don't mean to be rude, but I had to speak my mind. I'm sorry." He raised his hands in a conciliatory gesture, surveying the trio gathered around his pantry.
The two brothers paused their search, turning their attention to Bilbo. "Apology accepted," Balin replied with a nod. Alysanne couldn't help but burst into laughter at the interaction, watching Bilbo nod with a mix of amusement and concern for the hobbit, he was beginning to look quite frustrated.
For the fourth time that evening, the doorbell chimed. Bilbo, taken aback, turned slowly to gaze down the long hallway, sighing and shaking his head. Alysanne felt a wave of pity for the hobbit, unaccustomed to such unexpected company. "Don't worry, Bilbo. I'll go see who's at the door," she reassured him, turning to face him. "Just take a deep breath, and I'll be right back." With a nod, Bilbo walked off, visibly distressed.
Aly sighed as she made her way to the door of Bag End.
