Thorin had lived a long time and seen many things, many of which she wished to forget. Some things were not worth dwelling on. As the days passed, she thought less of the dragon and what it brought. Yet despite that, there was no denying what happened. She was a queen with a throne that still smelled faintly of dragon.
Some would have called this a happy ending. She had her kingdom, her heirs, her wealth, and her peace. Dale was rebuilt. The hobbit was her friend and had forgiven her over the Arkenstone incident. Peace had even been made with the elves.
Age brought new aches. She had more grey in her hair, and the wrinkles on her face were from more than just frowning. As the days passed, she became weaker. Eventually, all dwarves weakened if they did not die first. But hardy she remained, knowing Aule would want her no other way.
Life had changed. Some days Thorin could not understand how the elf queen was her lover. Age brought no change to her. Ever proud she ruled, and she surely would continue to. She was everything Thorin had once hated. Beautiful, strong, able to hold back pain. There were some days when she would nearly relapse and hate the elves once more. Now only admiration filled her, along with a dread knowing she could never obtain it.
But she could not hate the elves, not again. She would not disappoint Thranduil. What they had formed was precious, special. It had to be carefully tended to, and Thranduil and Thorin did just so. However, sometimes it felt as though they were a bit too careful.
"I am getting old," Thorin said. It was the oliphaunt in the room.
Her lover said nothing. Her eyes were on the wall.
"Leave me," Thorin said. "I should not hinder you."
Something flashed through her eyes. Pain etched across her face, but she did not protest. Some part of Thorin was disappointed that she didn't put up more of a fight, but she knew that it was for the best.
The next night she slept alone. It was colder. Now she lacked an extra body to keep her warm. But she knew that she had made the right choice as she listened to her bones creak. Thranduil did not deserve to chase after someone who could die at any moment. Thorin knew from experience that the elf deserved so much better than that.