Bearded

Chapter 11

For the past three days Gudrun had locked herself in her rooms. The workshop was too public for this. She had asked Trug to excuse her to the Master and Trug had even agreed to finish the commissions which were due before her return. They had not been particularly enthusiastic, but they were the most reliable person she knew and Gudrun knew she did not have to worry about work at least.

She had purchased multiple reels of steel thread as well as two of copper and one small reel of pulled silver. She could not afford gold or mithril, but in any case, gold would have looked wrong. She knitted and twisted and hooked. As she worked, time seemed to melt away.

Normally such an offering would need more time, but who could say when he might depart? The talk about a new settlement is sounding more official now, not just rumours. When would the opportunity arise again? In fact, if his parents are to be left behind while he is pioneering, a dwarrowling in Erebor would be a comfort to them. They are too old to help in establishing a new settlement. The days of dragons are long past for Gloin. He is a whitebeard now and should be allowed to enjoy the delvings of his arm.

She must do the best she can with the time she had. Her hands knew what to do and the years of practice and dedication allowed the tiny links to flow forth, almost as if they were living things growing from her needles. With the two thin needles she created linked chains, looping them through and securing them with tassels and when her hands began to cramp, she rested.

She made herself a hot drink and the warmth of the cup eased the cramps in her hand. She could not see how this could not succeed. Everybody would be happy. Mili and Gloin would have a reminder of their son when he went away and their line would continue, Gimli would have the child an Elf could not give. The Elf should be happy. The rumours would die down if Gimli had a respectable dam by his side, even if it was just a sham. And no one would be forced to look at that deformed-looking elvish face. She spat and it sizzled in the hearth. She was doing them all a favour as much as they would be helping her to get what she wanted.

Finally, she was happy with her work. She wanted to do the right thing and not to step wrongly. Presentation was important, so late that third morning she laid it out on a Durin Blue velvet cloth, ready to be received. She gave a coin to the little neighbour pebble to deliver a message and another coin to wait for and bring back the reply.

She had not even finished cleaning her workbench when she received the return message. At the gong for third shift they would be ready to receive her.

She had thought about asking Trug to come with her, to lend her strength, but the matter was still a sensitive one between them and she did not wish to wake sleeping wargs. Besides, the fewer people directly involved the better. Gimli's father, and surely his mother too, were already aware, and the Elf was more than involved. She steeled herself and walked out of the door. She had on her blue skirt again, of course. It was the only one she had which looked decent. In the pocket of her belt was an amulet Trug said they had bought for her at the market to ward against the evil eye.

Once she was sitting in the spacious reception room of Gimli's parents' home she decided to launch into her prepared speech without preamble. The enchantment may eventually prevent her from speaking if she didn't simply lose her nerve at the sight of Gimli, his mother and father and the Elf looking intently at her.

"Master Elf, I do not know for what purpose you have enchanted Gimli, but I wish you to know I mean him no harm. As a gesture of goodwill and as a formal declaration of azlâf, I have brought you a gift." She laid the blue velvet on the small table in front of him. "I can shield you from public speculation about your relationship if you would allow it. Of course, I cannot force Gimli to do anything against his will." She caught Gimli's eye and continued in a rush. "I wish only to have him sire my Dwarrowlings and leave you both in peace." The Elf stood suddenly. Gimli quickly stepped in front of him.

"Gudrun, I think you should leave. Now." Gimli's voice carried a note of warning and she scrambled up from her seat then stood frozen. Gloin's large solid hand was on her elbow and he led her gently but firmly to the door. Without taking her leave she rushed out onto the street, leaving the door open behind her in her haste.

As she walked the distance back to her home she mused. A part of him must be disgusted. Perhaps beneath the enchantment Gimli would be glad of what she had provided and to not have to see that raw chin every time he looked upon him. She had even included tassels so they could braid in whichever patterns they desired.

Of course, I would never force myself on him. Her thoughts strayed to the kiss then she damped down that uncomfortable memory. The proposal had now been made. Not as formally as required and not as intimately as she had hoped, but Gimli was now aware and could consider the idea.