I am glad to have some feed back and follows for this story. This was a little hard to get started, but I think I have a general idea of where I'm going. Any feedback is welcome!


Chapter 2

Thane shifted his stance and followed the guard into the large dining hall. He had remembered the place since he had been here last. It had not changed much, and that was something he welcomed. The fact that it had not changed just eased his mind about war finally being over. Aragorn, and his elf queen Arwen were eating breakfast at the table together. He followed the guard in and stopped and waited for the introduction.

"My Lord," the guard rumbled. "Prince Thane has arrived."

Aragorn looked up at the announcement and he smiled at that. "Thane, it is good to see you," he greeted. "Come, join us for breakfast. I'm sure you are hungry."

"Thank you," Thane nodded, and joined them at the table. "My Lady, it is good to see you."

"And you," Arwen said softly.

"So tell me, how is Erebor?" Aragorn asked.

Thane filled his plate, and thought about his home for a moment. Even though he had just left it, he felt odd. He had never left that place. This journey was going to be exciting, that was for sure. Looking over at Aragorn, Thane leaned back.

"The mountain is well," he nodded. "Grass has finally started growing, and Dale is finally repaired. They will both be back to their full glory. The repairs ended in Dale this spring. Erebor is always fixing and coming up with new things in the mountain."

"That is good. I am glad to hear that," Aragorn sighed. "It has been long over due. How fairs King Thorin and his Queen?"

"Mother and father are well," Thane answered, taking a bite of his food. "The whole family is doing well. How fairs Gondor, and yourself?"

"We are almost done repairing inside the city and soon we will rebuild the city by the river," Aragorn hummed. "But right now, many are focused on claiming back land that had been taken from them. Orcs have been driven out, but we want to continue our journey. There are still towns that get attacked, and we want that to end."

"I'm sure that will not be a problem. A long journey perhaps," Thane rumbled, finishing his food. "What are your thoughts?"

"I have given Mordor to our defeated foes, so they may make a home for themselves," Aragorn began. "Under the condition that if they attack, they will be killed. Their numbers are small, and they pose no threat. I felt it was right to do. However, there has been word that there are men out there that allied with Sauron. After his fall, they have been terrorizing the West. The King of Rohan and I have been in discussion about traveling that way and putting an end to it. These men threaten the Shire, and even the Blue Mountains."

"The dwarves that still linger in the Blue Mountains are more peaceful than those who reside in Erebor. That is why they chose to stay there," Thane nodded. "I've heard of Orcs in the Misty Mountains as well."

"The Orcs have not been an issue since the fall of Sauron. Without a leader, they've turned on each other or went into hiding. Those who come into contact with them have easily killed them," the King rumbled.

"So it is men who pose a bigger threat at the moment?" Thane asked.

"Yes, I'm afraid so."

Thane took a drink of his water and leaned back. He thought over what was said, and looked across the hall for a moment. He threw some ideas around in his head and thought a few things over.

"If I can get the dwarves in the Blue Mountains to rally, maybe they will align with you on this fight for peace," Thane mused, glancing at Aragorn.

The King of Gondor looked at him curiously. "That may prove useful."

"I could head that way," Thane nodded. "I've studied maps of Middle Earth, I know where everything is out West. Better that I go, and not put you in harms way. You are far more important to the men of Middle Earth."

"You are important," Arwen smiled. "Do not think of yourself that way."

"I don't mean any disrespect, it is just the truth," Thane hummed. "I can leave now if you wish."

"I will ride out to Rohan. Meet us there in two days," Aragorn nodded, and Thane was on his feet.

"My Lord," he nodded. "Thank you for breakfast."

Aragorn chuckled as he walked off. Thane was excited to venture toward the Blue Mountains. The stories he had heard from his mother and father had been amazing. He was eager to see the rooms that Thorin had occupied in the mountain, and to see what his father had built back when they had been left with nothing.

Walking out of the castle, he ventured to the very end of the large white walkway and looked over the large field. Six years ago it had been red with blood, and now it was green again. The river was flowing quite nicely and soon, the scars would disappear. One day, it would be like it had never happened. It'd be nothing but a memory, and then a legend in the history books.

Stretching his arms, Thane jumped off of the large cliff that stood about the city. Pushing his transformation, he took the form of a great eagle instead of the dragon. The dragon would alarm the dwarves, and he didn't want to cause any alarm. He could only hope that he could rally the dwarves for the purpose. They needed them to help keep the peace. Amusement flooded him at the thought suddenly. If they didn't answer to him, he'd just call on his mother or father to get it done. Thane had both traits from his parents, so he had no doubt he'd get the job done. He could be just as terrifying as Thorin, but had adopted his mother's persuasive personality. He usually tried his mother's approach first.

Catching an air current, Thane made his way high over the Misty Mountains and past the West Gate of Moria. The place that Balin had fallen. His mother had been very descriptive about what had taken place when she had been there. He would have liked Balin. That was one dwarf who was dearly missed by his family. He could tell very easily, especially by watching his father. Ruffling his feathers, he continued on, glancing at the old forest of Lolthlorien and beyond. Galadriel and Celeborn had left just two years ago. He had met the Lady of Light once and that had been when his mother had been captured.

He had not been sure how to handle the elf. Stretching his wings, he gave a few strong pumps and after a few short hours he was soaring past the Shire and onward. The trip was smooth and there had been no interruptions. Thane could clearly see that the land was healing, everywhere. It filled him with joy, seeing the difference. He had never traveled this far west, so the landscape was much difference. Rohan and Gondor didn't have the dense forests that he was seeing. Instead, it was rolling plains, and rocks and mountains.

Thane clicked his beak and tilted his head to see everything a little better. He understood why his mother loved traveling. The land itself changed so drastically. Nothing was ever the same. His parents had described the Blue Mountains in great detail, so there was no missing it when he came upon it. Folding his wings, he shot down to the ground and landed not far from the gates. The horns blew immediately, signaling that someone had arrived. Pushing himself to his human form, he adjusted his cloak and walked forward.

Several guards met him, and he could see instantly that they weren't sure on who he was. It was no surprise to him. Glancing down to make sure he had his father's ring on, he looked up at the few guards that gathered.

"Who are you?" the guard asked, and Thane gave them his best smile.

"I am Thane, son of Thorin," he introduced. "Prince of Erebor. I'm here to see the council."

"Prince of Erebor? We have yet to see the famous family, prove it."

Lifting up his hand, he showed them all his father's ring. "I would assume transforming from an eagle would prove who my mother is. All of you are familiar with Arina, Queen of Erebor."

"Oh, My Lord I am so sorry!" a guard gushed, shoving forward. "Follow me, I will take you to the council. Bofur speaks highly of you when he travels here during the spring months."

Pleased that someone knew who they were dealing with, Thane followed the guard inside. He was tired, but he'd only sleep once he knew the council would side with him and aid the King of Gondor in what had to be done. Everyone wanted peace. He was used to the dwarves giving him a hard time in Erebor, so this was no different. It amused him.

"You are much taller than we thought," the guard mused.

"I take after my grandfather on my mother's side," Thane chuckled, following him to a large door.

He had been schooled about the council who cared for the Blue Mountains. They had been sent back from Erebor after giving his father a hard time about the Queen. Arina had told him that they would be difficult, should he ever come into contact with them, but he was ready.

"My Lords, Prince Thane of Erebor has come to see you!"

"Prince Thane?" a dwarf asked. "Thorin's son?"

"Aye, the one and only," Thane announced, walking forward. "I am sorry for not alerting anyone sooner, but the task I've been handed was from the King of Gondor."

"King Aragorn?" one dwarf asked.

"There is only one King of Gondor," Thane replied dryly. "I am here with a request from the Blue Mountains."

Instantly the council grew cold and withdrawn. It didn't take an expert to see it. Thane regarded them for a long moment. His mother had told him to be ready to deal with these folks. While the people would probably rally to him, the council would not.

"That depends on the request."

"If I involved the King, the request would turn into a command," Thane answered, his voice firm. "We are aware of men moving throughout the countryside still loyal to Sauron. King Aragorn would be grateful for any help that the dwarves could give to help him achieve the peace we are all looking for."

"Would he now?" a dwarf grumbled.

"It would do us all a favor if the dwarves of the Blue Mountains helped. Erebor, Dale, Rohan and Gondor have secured the east. They are going to send out small numbers to aide in this, but if you would help us, that would save us some trouble."

"And what dare say is in it for us, should we help?"

"I won't call my mother or my father to this mountain," Thane grunted, already irritated. "For your failure to answer to a call for aid would be answered with something far worse. I am sure the Queen would have no issue with restricting trade from the mountains, if I'm so bold so say that. Or stopping it entirely. You all were absent from the war with Sauron, it is time you answer the call."

The whole council in front of him bristled, and he sighed quietly. Either way, the dwarves were going to rally to his aide, should he need it. He could easily hold a mountain wide meeting and tell them what the expected. They would answer the call.

"Should you have need of us, we will answer, My Lord."

One of the lords nodded his head, his voice soft. It rang with truth and Thane bowed his head in respect. At least one of them still seemed to have access to their brains. He adjusted the sword at his hip and glanced at them.

"I am heading to Rohan right now, and will let the Kings know that you have agreed to help," he rumbled. "We are truly grateful my Lords. This is a time for all of us to truly unite under. Once and for all there will be peace through Middle Earth."

They said nothing as he walked out, and asked the guard to take him to the room Thorin had once occupied. The dwarf had been all too eager to show him. Thane followed him down a large separate hall, and he paid attention to every detail. It was no Erebor, but it was still beautiful here.

"We had kept up on everything over the years, should the King ever visit," the guard rambled. "But, we are sure he will not be returning to this place."

"I highly suggest you visit Erebor," Thane smiled, opening the door. "You'd see why."

When he walked into the room, he was greeted with the sight of a bed and desk close to each other. A lovely fireplace had been set in the room, and an old harp was in the corner. A couch and chair sat in the middle of the room. Arina had often spoken of the couch she had slept in.

"Any word on what will become of Moria, My Lord?"

Thane looked at the dwarf guard. "I am not sure. The Queen does not seem eager to set foot in that place yet. It holds too much death. I think it is best that we leave it the way it is for now."

"Such a sad thing to hear," he sighed.

"Aye," Thane hummed, and glanced around the room again.

It was bare, since everything had been transferred to Erebor. He smiled a little, and then turned and walked out of the mountain with the guard. By the time he had left the Blue Mountains, the moon had just risen. He could make it to Rohan by the morning. He'd fly half way and then sleep for the night.

"Thank you, for you guidance," he rumbled, thanking the dwarf.

"You are most welcome, My Lord. Safe travels."

Nodding his head, Thane turned into a great eagle and flew off. Feeling accomplished, he spread his wings and made it as far as he could for the night.