Sorry for a long awaited update. Between college, work, and my grandfather being in the hospital it has been hard to find time to work on this story. Hopefully this chapter will satisfy you all till the next one.

One a side note, the italics font style represents the "written" letters between Bilbo and Inara. Since I can't get this site to accept a different style of font this will have to do.

Another note, I understand that some of my readers are a bit confused as to the "time frame" between these little snippets and the LOTR series. Even though the quest for Erebor started 60 years before the LOTR, I am starting the 60 year countdown after the quest. I understand that for those die-hard fans of Tolkien's works that this might cause you to be upset. For that I will apologize, yet I need the "extra" time to help make sure that some of the Hobbit characters' children might be old enough to join in the LOTR events.

56 ½ till LOTR.

Frerin & Durin are 3 ½ years old.

Disclaimer: I don't own the Hobbit, or its characters.

Dear Bilbo,

It has been too long since our last correspondence. How sad that I have neglected writing to you for a year. Things here are changing rapidly that Thorin is having a hard time adjusting to it all. It looks to be a harsh winter this year, but all of us here are hopeful that it will go by quickly. The autumn air has begun to chill early compared to last year. We were spoiled with the warm temperatures so late in autumn last year.

This morning Tauriel came to me asking about how my pregnancy with the twins progressed. When I asked her about the sudden curiosity, she told me that she was possibly with child. Of course I called for Oin, and he did confirm it. Kili has yet to be told of his impending fatherhood, so I will have to write to you again after he is told.

Fili has been busy as well with his own courtship with the lady Sigrid. Your eyes are not deceiving you, Bilbo. Our Fili has his eyes set on Bard's oldest daughter. It has been about a year now that they have courted, and come this spring, Sigrid and Fili will be formally engaged. Their wedding is to take place on Mid-Summer's Eve just outside of Erebor's main gates. It took a while, but I was able to convince Thorin and Bard that this location would work to everyone's interest.

This leads me to my own stubborn dwarf. I love Thorin with all of my heart, but there are days where when I just want to beat him senseless. Our twins boys have started their education a little early than most dwarflings. Mostly at the behest of their father. They spend only a portion of their afternoons with Balin and Ori for their studies. Because of this, Dis has decided to educate Aliena into becoming a "proper lady" in the afternoons. Dis had no idea just how much of an influence Dwalin has been on Aliena. I laugh at how Dis becomes flustered when Aliena uses a choice set of words during their lessons. Thorin has discussed with Dwalin about what is and isn't appropriate language to use during Aliena's combat lessons. However, Dwalin is well... Dwalin.

My duties as Queen Under the Mountain are few, and I am left idle most of the time. I keep busy helping Oin with some mid-wife duties in the Halls of Healing. Since I have become the head mid-wife, the dwarves haven't lost as many babes or mothers as they used to during childbirth. This has made the dwarves hold me in high regards; even more so than just being their queen. Once in a while I will help Bombur in the kitchens. I taught him how to make the most delicious waterfowl this side of Middle Earth. You will have to come and visit some time to taste it. I don't think I have ever seen waterfowl ate so quickly by any dwarf in Erebor till that supper.

Oh Bilbo, how much I miss your company, and Aliena does as well. I truly wish you would come and visit us. Perhaps with Fili and Sigrid's wedding you might be able to grace us with your presence.

Wishing you health and happiness,

Inara

Queen Under the Mountain

Bilbo gives a few chuckles as he finishes reading the letter. Sitting on his bench that sits by the stairs that lead up to his house, Bilbo folds up the letter. He places it in the pocket of his jacket before letting out a few puffs from his pipe. His curly hair slightly bouncing from the cool autumn breeze.

The raven that delivered the letter was sitting on rock fence, nibbling away on a hard biscuit that Bilbo gave the bird.

"Good evening, Mr. Baggins." A blonde, curly haired hobbit says while walking by the gate.

"Good evening." Bilbo says kindly as he stands up. Making his way back to go inside his home, Bilbo ponders the idea of traveling. Sure it has been well over three years since he has seen his dwarf friends, but still a trip to Erebor would take some time. Especially to prepare for.

Walking over to his desk, Bilbo pulls out paper, ink, and a quill. He sits down and begins to write.

Inara, Queen Under the Mountain,

I am most honored to have received a letter, and the invite, from you. You may rest assured that I will attempt to come to Fili and Sigrid's wedding. It was quite the shock when I saw it in your letter that Fili was courting. I will keep this letter short as I do not wish to overload the poor raven who will be carrying this back to you.

Give the company my regards and hopefully I will be seeing you all this coming summer.

Bilbo Baggins

Inara smiles when she sees that Bilbo plans on coming to Erebor.

"Thank you Roac, for your service." Inara tells the raven as she places a few small bits of dried fruits, meat, and bread out for the bird.

Walking back through the main gates of Erebor, Inara pulls her fur cloak closer to her body. It is now mid-winter and the heavy, cold air has made its way into the mountain. By the main gates, the temperature is only a few degrees warmer than the outside air. Further into the mountain the temperature is warmer, about 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Inara arrives back to the Royal Family Halls, and finds that no one is around. She takes off her fur cloak, and tosses it onto one of the many settees. Picking up the front part of her crimson dress's skirt, she makes her way towards her bedroom.

Upon entering her bedroom, a pair of large arms wrap themselves around her waist. The action doesn't startle her anymore, since she can tell by now who the person is.

"Where have you been?" A voice rumbles from behind her.

"Out. What are you doing here so early in the day?" Inara says as she turns around to face the male that is holding her.

Thorin tightens his grip as he gives his queen a very passionate kiss. "There are no more duties for today. So I am free to enjoy the afternoon with you."

"And what are you planning to do with me?" Inara asks in a cheeky voice. She watches as her husband's eyes go a shade darker in their blue color.

"Whatever I want."

Thorin and Inara are lying in their bed, with just a sheet covering from their waist downwards. Inara's body is pressed up against Thorin's side. One of his hands is moving up and down her lower back. His other hand is holding one of her hands to his chest. Their faces only a few inches from each other.

"I got a letter today from Bilbo." Inara says softly, not wanting to destroy the afterglow from their lovemaking.

"And what does our master burglar have to say?" Thorin asks. He still finds it hard to believe that this female from the race of men is his.

"Not much. He does plan on coming for Fili and Sigrid's wedding." Inara answers as she tries to play with the hair that sits underneath her hand on his chest.

"It will be nice to see our friend again." Thorin gives a little gasp, as Inara gives his chest a little scratch from her nails. "Careful woman, or you might not be able to walk straight for the next few days."

"Like that would be a bad thing?" Inara gives him a saucy grin.

Letting out a chuckle, Thorin moves so that Inara lays directly underneath him. He attacks her neck with kisses as Inara lets out a shriek of laughter that soon becomes a low moan.

"You seem to be insatiable today, my queen." Thorin says as he moves away from Inara's neck.

"I am not. How often are we left entirely on our own? No kids. No advisers. No family. Just us." Inara says before pulling her husband down for a sensual kiss that leads to more lovemaking.

So there is this chapter. Short and Sweet. Originally this chapter was going to be back and forth letters, but Inara and Thorin decided to take over things.

In the next chapter, we will see Bilbo arriving about a month before Fili and Sigrid's wedding. Also we will see how Kili handles seeing Tauriel go through the birth process. So it should make for an interesting chapter.

Selene