Moving forward

I nodded to the dwarf, handed him some coins and took package he was holding.
"Straight from Thorins Hall, master Hrogarth sends his regards", boomed Dwarf voice.
"Send my regards to Hrogarth as well, his crafting skill is remarkable", I answered.
Dwarf smiled and looked at Inn Entrance "Shall we have a drink or two, Master Strongshield?" he asked, looking at me and waiting for reply.
"it's just Harondred for friends, Crovar, I would gladly join you, but i got important bussines to take care of.", I looked at his face getting bit sad and reached to my purse, handing him few coins, "Have a drink on me buddy".
Dwarf's face brightened a bit, "Yer know dat's not da same? Right?" he boomed, "But i shall rise a Mug to your well being" he added, and turned away to walk into Inn.
I watched as he climbed the stairs, and vanished in dim and noisy room, drunken voices from inside were heard as some patrons inside were trying to sing, failing miserably, but apparently having good time anyway.
"I know, it is not the same, Buddy, but you will find companions there, and I have no heart for it today" i mutered to myself, walking towards my steed standing nearby. I've positioned Halgald, my trusty horse and pulled myself up and sat in the saddle.
I kicked sides of the steed and guided my steed, riding slowly to old graveyard near Bree. Thoughts rushed through my face as delicate wind was ruffling my hair, sun was shining bright, and trees along the road were casting pleasant shadow.
Ride wasn't long and soon i reached the small stone wall marking boundaries of my destination. I jumped down, "Stay here Halgalad, i won't be long", i patted horse neck and he nuzzled me playfully in return, then lowered head and started chewing grass.
I stepped on gravel path leading into graveyard and walked to grave coverd with white Simbelmyne flowers. Kneeling briefly before the grave i placed hand upon tombstone. "Hello, sweetie." i muttered "I have news to share, I'm moving on with my life".
"Your mom found her happiness apparently, I'm not part of it anymore, I wish her all the best. I have also found my peace, thanks to remarkable woman, who stood by me in darkest hour and helped me get through plains of despair and resignation", i have spoken in my mind, as i did every time visiting daughter's grave.
"Sandred is making my heart beating again, after i thought it won't beat anymore and I am going to propose", my monologue went on. "I ordered a suitable ring, and today I am going to kneel and ask her to be my wife, one i will grow old with, one I love and get love from". I sighed and stood up "I wanted you to know first".
"Sweet dreams, I miss you", i said last sentence aloud and walked back to place i left Halgalad at. Looking back before mounting steed, i noticed sunray shining straight at Simbelmyne patch making it glitter. I slowly turned steed and let it walk towards Rambroke nighbourhood, where house of the Riders stood.
I got to the house not remembering the road, i was trying to imagine what to do and how to behave when time comes. I was also searching for right words to tell what I feel. Legs trembling and heart beating fast i walked up the steps leading to rather spacious mansion.
Smile crawled on my lips while passing strange crack in stone brick in the middle of the stairs, memory of Merdric running in panic and Operetta chasing him and throwing anything that was within hands' reach, flashed before my eyes. I stepped into house bit calmer then few moments ago, smell of delicious food filled the air inside.
In main chamber near firepit I saw Sandred, she was pouring sauce over roast rotating it slowly over fire, humming under her nose some merry tune. I've approached her "Hello, Dear", voice shaking only bit, but smile on my face was covering it, at least i hoped so. She turned and smiled at me "Hello, Dear" she replied "I missed you".
"i missed you too." I replied. Soon after other riders started to appear at Kin house, and it got soon quite crowded. Sandred invited all riders to take place at the table and feast while food was still warm, and they eagerly did as requested. I waited till all ate some and relaxed, some were frequent guests other came after longer absence.
With heart beating stronger i braced myself and decided there is no point in waiting longer, I took my place next to Sandred, she was smiling and talking. "Sandred" voice was shaking slightly, again. She turned still smiling but saw my face was serious and she got little tense, looking at me bit surprised. I rised voice a bit so all could hear it.
"I want to thank you, for standing by my side when I needed it most and I want to take it further". I reached to my purse and get ring out of it, clasped in my hand, no one could notice what it is. I kneeled and saw Sandred taking deep breath, i took her hand in mine and raised second hand holding ring with large adamant set in it, "would you marry me?".
World stopped for a bit as i was awaiting her answer, her face showed mix of various reactions, joy, fear, shock and happiness were struggling to take control over it and in the end i saw one, winning it all, Love. I was calm when she open her mouth, I knew what she will say, "Yes" echoed in my ears, and smile bloomed on my face. I stood up and embraced her, kissing softly, heard round of applause going through the room.
Riders gathered cheered and clapped their hands. Later on, company moved over to celebrate at Prancing Pony Inn, Barliman was more than happy to crack keg of his finest brew open. I was happy seeing friendly faces smiling, but holding Sandred in my arms was really making my heart beat again, as strong as it should.