Second Chances

Billa, Thorin, Fili and Kili wake up three months before they are to start the quest. All remembering what had happened, and knowing that they had been give a second chance to get things right, but there is more to it than that. The blessing of the ancients of the is upon them, and all their kin. But who are these two new Istari and what is their connection to the two blue Istari and Gandalf? (This Chapter has been edited and revised)

Pairing Shipping Fili & Fem. Kili Thorin & Fem. Bilbo Dwalin & Fem. Ori Dori & Fem. Balin Bofur & Fem. Nori Bilbo & Dis Frerin & Fem. Thorin Stonehelm Elrohir & Fem. Elladan Aragorn & Arwen Fem. Gimli & M. Tauriel (Yes, there two Bilbos and they are twins. Elros and Aragorn are one and the same in my fics.)

Disclaimer: I have no rights to any of J. R. R. Tolkien works and am making no money from this.

AN: Respectful reviews most welcome. May all who read be blessed, strengthened and encouraged by it. Lord be will done.

Text legden

"Speaking"

'Thinking or character actions intermittent speech'

'Speaking by thought, sight or foresight.'

"Speaking in a form of speech other than common."

"Speaking in both common and another form of speech."

/Character narration/

~Dream or Flashback~

Chapter 10

Partings and Preparing

Over the next two day Arwen and Estel made ready to start their journey and Smeagol was beginning to become himself for the first time in 450 odd years and he took to the whole company, but he was unsure of the elves and Estel. They had been in Rivendell nearly a month and half, and in some ways the dwarrows were glad to have the time to work side by side with the twins and Elrond in the forge, and Billa, Balin, Ori and to the shock of many, Kili, spent a good deal of time pouring over tome over tome and scroll after scroll gaining knowledge that would not only later help in the quest, but later in the rebuilding of Erebor and Dale. Oin was overjoyed when Elrond was will to give him a study of elven healing and healing herbs, and how the music of Iluvatar and the Ainur helped in healing and told Oin that Durin the Deathless had been trained by Fingolfin in the healing arts and in smithing of the Noldor, and of the love that they shared. "My lord Elrond, do you mean to tell me..."

Elrond smiles at Oin's shocked face. "Durin was and always was and will be as Kili is, and they are only able to call Durin male because they would not believe that Fingolfin and Durin were and are soulmates. The elder children of Fingolfin cared for Durin, but they lost both because of the doom of Morgoth. So in this way we are kin, the house of Finwe and Durin's folk."

Oin thought and then looks to Elrond. "So it was because of Durin, that the Elves ever gave the other six father a chance and the same the other way round, but I need to think about this. But like Kili. Kili is half and half, but so is Fili. Their gender is going settle soon, the next few decades maybe. Durin in all the times after the first waking, has died broken and without his uumm her soulmate, and only breed because it was pretty much forced to my understanding. The last time Durin vowed that no longer would he um she do so, and would die childless if his um her Ze was not found."

Elrond nods looking serious and then smirk. "Yes, I know where she can find him when she wakens once more, and that he is waiting for her. Also he has a blood tie to Durin's folk through Thorin's mother, but I will say no more."

Oin eyebrows arch. "Well that's helpful, but I guess that need to keep it under my beard for now."

*}~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~{*

That evening Elrond, Elladan, Elrohir and The company ready to see Arwen and Estel now openly called by him Aragorn and Elros, to go. Aragorn was standing in front Elrond as his Ada/Brother helps him into his lightweight mail, that Elladan, Elrohir and Fili had work together to make him. "Brother... Elrond ... Ada ... Say something, don't just cry and fuss over ..."

Elrond pull him into a tight but not uncomfortable hug. "It is hard to let you go. It seems I only just gotten you back, and I will be more alone than when my dearest went to the undying lands, because Maedhros and Maglor will not be able to stay once the company has gone; they must follow."

Elrond pulls back, resting his forehead against Aragorn's and holding his face in hands. Both hear in their minds two voices like and unlike their own. 'If you given in it will be to the ruin of many not just yourselves. Love each other do not lust after each other. Lean on the Most High, ask for the strength to endure and overcome, and he will give it.'

Aragorn moves his head to Elrond's shoulder taking a deep breath as they continue to hold each other. They both feel the peace they need. "Brother I am still near even when the miles are between us, speak to me in thought and I will listen. Dream of me and I will dream of you until my feet find their way to you, but our souls will not be parted this time. I chose now, as I have been give a second chance to, to be of elvenkind and will when time comes take to the greyships, but it will be one of the last, if not the last. I have much that I must do before I can go with you."

Elrond pull back search Aragorn's eye smiling as he sees the truth. "You are going to be the only bearded elf, of your age brother."

Both laugh at this, as Arwen puts her arms around Aragorn from behind resting her head on his back. "Yes, we chose to be of Elvenkind and our children will need to chose as we did between our two kindred. Come we must go for now."

Arwen let's go and is pulled in between them, and all of them hold each other until they hear footsteps and see the dunedain and Elladan and Elrohir coming. Elladan and Elrohir hug Arwen and Aragorn. "Brother the time will go quickly. We all know it is now time for me to begin. So do not fret. The hand of Eru is with me and upon me. I will return to you."

Elrond final let go of his and Arwen's hands. "Yes, and the blessing of the Ancients as well. Bare it well dear brother and dear sister, my heart is with you both. I will be watching and waiting for the both of you."

Thorin and Billa look at Elrond as he watch them leave as see Kensheero place his hands on Elrond's shoulder from behind, and he gently kisses side of Elrond's head above his ear as he whisper only loud enough that Elrond and Billa can heard it as Elrond start to tremble and weep. "Well done brother, now we can finally be as we should be and know that our love can now be pure and true, as can yours and Celebrian and myself and Arwen, do not fear I will look to the one that made me. We will return to you side brother."

Elrond turns and buries his face in Kensheero chest. "It will work out for the best, now you must go and look after yourself. I know you are right. I will do as you have asked. I feel to weak now that the two of you are going to be far from me though not as far as my one, but by Eru's grace I will endure this so that the lives of many will be saved. Now go before I can not let go."

With that Kensheero wipes Elrond tears and kiss the tip of his nose and walks into a portal and is gone. Elladan and Elrohir help Elrond up from his knee. "Ada, You spoke as one of the Istari?"

Elrond smile and then laughs a real joyful laugh. "My dear ones, I am one of the Istari. We have always hidden in plain sight, and we are woken in our time and only at the right time. Fili and Kili keep this in mind. We, who are born Istari do not know we are until Eru calls us to wake, by his blessing."

*}~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~{*

Dual stood smirking at Bilbo and Dis as they wave to those Mili, Varla and Verna and the children. "Well, ready or not we do need to get going."

Dis smirk back at her. "Is your gate portal slower than walking? Or will it take more than a minute to get there. Yes, I though so. I think Trowanel impatiens have worn on you a bit. The four of you are something."

Dual sticks her tongue out and smiles. "Catranel and Trowanel both have. If you have one you get the other."

Bilbo smirk and speaks under his breath. "I know that's been true from day one."

Dual opens the portal with a swirl of her staff, and they walk through to see the Elven way, and Legolas, Catranel and Radagast waiting. Catranel laughs at Radagast ruffling Dual hair and Dual grab for his hat as Radagast runs behind her. "Catranel your sister still thinks her hair is scared."

Catranel gives him a look. "Uncle you treat your hat the same."

Legolas smirks. "To each their own, come cousins. Maybe you can help things instead of adding to the madness."

Bilbo notice the Istari heading off the other way and shakes his head. "They have other things to be about now I see. Legolas what is this madness you speak about?"

Legolas stops and frowns looks over his shoulder and then face forward again, as he continues walk. "Dis, Frerin will need us all to become whole once more. I will let him tell you himself. Dain and Thorin Stonehelm are already here. Helm helps, but Frerin needs us all."

Dis looks at her cousin puzzled. "How does Stonehelm help, Dain's child was only 5 winters old when he disappeared, and he had never seen the babe?"

Bilbo and Legolas share knowing smiles. "Dis, dear. You would be seeing another kind of madness in him once he has healed more, that only the younger Thorin can tame."

*}~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~{*

Three hours later they walk into Thranduil throne room to see Thranduil and Thrain pouring over paper and maps, Tauriel lean against Thrain chair pointing to different things out. Thrain smiles and gets up to pull Dis into a hug as spins her round. Dis giggles. "NADA I am not a little dwarfling."

Thrain puts her on her feet and then looks from the beads in her and Bilbo hair. "And who is this halfling that you would give him your bead much less wear his, since when does and Halfling know how to make them, and who wed you."

Thranduil pales, but smiles. "I did, but he was not always a hobbit. Does your memory fail you in this Brother. Vili and Dis were wed 7 years before his death, before the east gate of Khazad-dum, and Dis had given birth to two little ones five year apart. Bilbo and Vili are one in the same. He is your son by wed and in heart."

Thrain looks hard into Bilbo's eye as Bilbo wringing his hand. And Thrain smack his forehead. "Of course, you died beside Fundin, but why a hobbit Vili."

Bilbo relaxes and smiles. "Well Nada, it's what Eru and Mahal though best. Who am I to ask why to The Great Maker of us all and his servant made it so, but I am still Fili and Kili's birth father by blood. Eru blessed me with that. It was a good thing when they washed down river into the Shire from an Orc attack. They both needed blood and if Billa and I had not been there they to give it they would have died of blood loss. But as far as I know they are well and strong and mated and Kili is with child... Dis don't look at me like that, Nada needs to know this... Oh..."

Thranduil, Tauriel and Legolas smile both looking alarmed at how pale Thrain is. Legolas help him to his chair. "Here Uncle sit and have breather."

Thrain nods and then looks at Dis. "My only grandchildren are soulmates, and the younger is with child. How many are in the womb."

Thranduil smiles and squeeze his shoulder. "Legolas can you go and get your younger cousins. Tauriel go and see to the guard." Both nod and leave, he waits until he no longer feel them to be in hearing range. "From Thorin's letter from Imladris their are two."

The color start to come back to Thrain's face and he smiles. "Good, Good, all is well. If it were just one at her age I would be concerned she would lose the little one, but with two she will have no choice but to slow down. But Durin is most likely in her womb. It always and pair of Soulmates that are Sibling that bare and sire Durin, but I wonder who the other is. Fingolfin is your Legolas. Who... Finrod Felagund, I would wager, he was close to them both and he would have gladly joined in bond to the line of Durin. But he died before his true one was found am I right. That means we can expect another close in bond to be with child."

*}~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~{*

The next few weeks were quiet, but a few pranks on Lindir and Oin and Gloin. (Which Thorin and Elrond helped with a bit.) And at last after months of planning and wait midsummer's eve came and Ori and Dwalin were wed as were Bofur and Nori. (Bearfoot too, with Bofur and Dwalin's feet touching, what an odd way to bond. Maybe Billa's ever, Fili and Kili's part time shoeless habits are wearing on them.)

Nori and Ori blush as Bofur and Dwalin pick them up and share a content smile. Bofur beams at Ori and Dwalin as he stand holding Nori to his chest. "Go easy on him Ori, and remember yer the first ta touch Dwalin. But mind yer thoughts. But sight us if ya need anything. I doubt you'll be walkin much the first few nights... What?"

Ori glares playful and smirks. "Nori, give him our best, please. Since I can not watch I want to hear..."

Dwalin blushes and his mouth gasps open. "Ori... "

Nori hides her face in Bofur chest. "Give Dwalin the same, for us."

Bofur leans gentle back to open the door and gives Dwalin and Ori a heartbreakingly loving smile. "Don't hold back, love each other and us as Eru moves ya too. Good night, my mates."

Ori smiles soft with a secret smile. "Come, Dwalin before your arms get tired."

Dwalin laughs. "Like you could make my arms tired."

Bofur gently lays Nori on the bed, and Nori catches the sad look in his eyes. "What's wrong lover mine?"

Bofur smiles sadly slowly taking his tunic off. "Ori and Dwalin need time, we just have ta wait. But It hurts knowin that they are still holdin back so much, from each other and us."

Nori helps Bofur take off his pants as Bofur undresses, and pull he into her arms. "I know Bof. Give it time and we will watch and wait for them to be ready. Are you ready?"

Bofur smiles lovingly down at Nori. "More than ready my Dove..."

Four hour later Ori smile contented resting on top Dwalin as he combs his fingers through her hair. Dwalin smirks. "I still hear them. Do you think they will sleep much tonight."

Ori kisses the spot on Dwalin chest where her cheek is resting. "Probably not. Can you move yet?"

Dwalin tries to lift his leg and it trembles and falls to the bed. "No, Are you pleased?"

Ori gives a smirks a bit like Nori and a bit like Bofur, but all Ori. "I am but if I have not pleased you..."

Dwalin blushes. "No complaints here. Surely all that did not come from books."

Ori nuzzles Dwalin's chest hearing him gasp and whimper. "Of course not all. But you and Nori are quite different, and Nori and I never went beyond be intended, but I did read a lot of books before... before Nori and I ... Before the Orcs, and Fili and Kili got hurt and swept down river."

Dwalin rubs Ori's back, and looks up as Bofur opens the door Nori in toe. "My heart, please do not think about those things."

Bofur sits by Dwalin and shokes Ori's back and Ori whimpers. "Dwalin, I need Bofur to hold me, please comfort Nori."

Dwalin nods only half surprised, as Bofur opens his arms to Ori. Nori sits on the other side of Dwalin pale and trembling, Dwalin rolls over. "Hey, Nori. Come here, dove."

Nori gives him a broken look. "I I I'll be fine... Dwalin."

Dwalin rubs her still bare back. "No you won't, come and lay down and let me hold you."

Nori nods and lays down, sighing as the tears fall as Dwalin hold her from behind. Nori gasp she start to feel the echoes, as she hears Bofur whimper. "Ori, we must wait..."

"Please, I am not asking for that..."

"Can ya really hold back..." Nori buries her face in Dwalin chest.

Dwalin holds her tight kissing the top of her head. 'Do you want me to stop them Dwal?'

'No, Bofur is strong.'

'Not when it comes to Ori.'

'Really, but what is Ori..'

'Ori and Bofur have been mated for years, Dwalin. I witnessed their vows. I have kept it close, because he is my one and she is my second. She wants you to know, so now you now, but...'

'Nori, you and Ori...'

'No, not yet. But Ori can not have children for another 27 years. They've tried...'

Ori freeze as she and Bofur hear Nori pause in though, and then realise that they had lost themselves in front of Dwalin and not just Nori.

Ori sobs into Bofur's chest still deep inside of him. "Dwalin, I am so sorry..."

Dwalin sighs smiling into Nori's hair. "Don't be. Just stay in line alright, your not right now are you."

Ori feels Bofur hold her closer. "Nori.."

Nori takes a deep breath. "Don't even think of stopping for me. I need both of you and I can't right now so, just don't stop. I need to feel what I can."

Dwalin hold Nori and rubs her back until she falls asleep and smiles. "Rest easy Nori, all three of us are safe, your job of keeping the evils of the world at bay from us is over, now let us stand with you. It may take long years before we know how we fit as mates and have ourselves sorted, but... We will."

Dwalin shivers as his begins to feel not cold but the echos he feels from Bofur and Ori slow and careful love making.

*}~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~{*

As the four of them took their week all the others finish the travel plans to get to Beorn if he would have them, and to Thranduil's halls. Thranduil had sent letters back to Elrond, Elladan and Elrohir, and as the company finish reading them, they look up to see Elrond was blushing brightly, because the twins were kissing one another in open passion as Elrohir presses Elladan to the wall. They pull apart quickly when notice how quiet it had gotten, but stood side by side interlaced finger, with contented smiles. Elrond looks at them and they smirk at him, and they hold their arms out to him. Elrohir speaks in fatherly tone. "Come little one you are not to old for us to hold you."

Elladan gives him a motherly look. "Do not be shocked that we lost ourselves like that; we have fought this since the first time we came of age and that was our first kiss. Come let us hold you for a bit and remember the blessing you and Elros have been and are to us dearest son."

The Company watches mix emotion as the great lord Elrond is held by his Children who were and still are his parents. Elladan begins to sing and everything shifts Elrond now really is the younger and Elladan and Elrohir the elders. (And their hair turns Auburn. Elladan's darker and Elrohir's lighter and brighter almost a deep crimson, and the guise making Elrohir's eyes and face look identical to Elladan fades.)

Bifur speak up. "Maglor, your an Elith?"

Elladan now once more Maglor smiles and tries not to laugh as she finishes singing Elrond who is now Aragorn's age to sleep, and Elrohir now once more Maedhros picks him up. (Not his full height yet, about ⅔, but still taller than any his age.) "Well friends, I will go put him down for much needed nap and return, and I will see to getting them to start the lunch. He has not been sleeping well."

As he walks away Maglor take a deep breath and let it out slowly. "The blessing of the Ancients indeed. We have been forgiven. Bifur, my friend I have always been an Elith, but my ada, after the silmarils came into the picture thought it would be best for me to hide it, because of being of both gender. The Doom laid on us by Morgoth and the thrice cursed gems drove him mad with hatred, and he never liked the fact that his two oldest children were soulmates, or that we were closer to our uncles and cousins than him and our siblings, after that. It was worse before he died. But you know most of history I think."

All of the company listen wide eye. Gimli smile. "So you can, talk as much as your brother. I am glad you both stopped playing fools and you have the house of Fingolfin's blessing on your bond but I must say I am looking forward to your wedding."

Maglor eyes widen and she blush to roots and Maedhros walks back quiet red himself as Thorin and Balin crack up. Maglor hide her face in Maedhros' chest as he speaks. "Sorry you are not allowed to look. You see when elves wed it is just the two of them, and as for the blessing, that is done before and after. All we needed was the go ahead. Now we have it. But we do need two honour guards for each of us. Two wed to unwed, and since Durin's heirs are our closest kin here with us besides our Elrond. We would ask you Thorin and Billa, Fili and Kili. It need not wait longer than night, but not until after supper. Those who wish to bless us can but during our week we will not stay hid just close to our rooms in the bounds that Elrond had already set. Maglor they are relaxed now. Stop hiding in my chest love."

Maglor looks up still blushing speaking a bit softer and more like Elladan. (No there is not a personality split. It just a they are able to fully be themselves without Feanor's will baring down on them.) "Well I have heard that most of you play well. Maybe we can find some new parts to put to that horrid lay about us before luncheon."

*}~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~{*

After Bofur, Nori, Ori and Dwalin's week was up. Everyone began packing. Elrond had a bit of a time reajust, but knew things would be well, but as Elrond, Maedhros and Maglor stood watching Thorin and Company leave. Lindir and Glorfindel ran up to them. Glorfindel speaks. "So it is true, Maglor my friend I fear that neither of you will be safe here even with Thranduil and Legolas' blessing once those here find out who you and Maedhros are. They will kill you. Lindir and I will do all that we can to give you time, but tomorrow or the next day at the latest you must go, and make for the... Lady Arwen ... No?"

They all turn to see Dual coming up the stairs. "You can call me that but she is my past. Koushiero dear brother this must be dealt with quickly I will aid as I can but the timing must be right."

Elrond nods and looks pale. "Ada and Nana, Dual the blue will get you out of here as soon as you can pack but you must keep to yourself. I will have to do the same if they see me with you, I will not be able to help you farther, because I would need to flee and then we would have no home to come back to here. Please Lindir and Glorfindel doing all you can but do not draw attention, or blood."

They go to do just that. Maedhros and Maglor pull Elrond in their arms. "Be brave for us dear son of ours, all we will do so for you. We will send you word when it is safe."

They both kiss the top of his head and then pull away. Elrond walk away tears freely flowing but with prayer on his lips. "Well let us go you two. I think I can set some things up to keep Elrond safe, and Stall the foolish wrathful Elves. They will rue the day they cross Dual the blue and her kin."

Two days later saw Thorin and Company plus Smeagol under and through the Misty mountains. They had used the old tunnel that Gandalf had used to save them last time. Smeagol was able to get them through with only hitch being the Goblin king himself stand in hall that lead to the back door. Thorin and Gandalf made quick work of him and they got out and all ran safely to the clearing. The mid afternoon sun was bright, but the sun was lowering in the sky.

Smeagol looks at Gandalf. "Gandy. I need to go and see if I can find a way in and out Mordor. Ask that Eru will be with me. I will come to Gondor from there. Aragorn is to be trusted but who else there can be trusted."

Gandalf nod sadly. "Aragorn only for now he will tell whom you can trust, but his name there for now there is Thorongil, you can remember that."

Smeagol nods. "Thorongil that is who I ask for in Gondor, good bye."

Smeagol went quickly and quietly. Billa and Thorin share a look with Fili, Kili, Ori and Gimli. Billa spoke as cold chill going down her back hearing Azog's warg pack howl. "Gandalf do you think you could get word the eagles maybe, cause I think we will need their help soon?"

Ori growls. "We need to go and quick. The pack's getting close."

They start running and end up right where they had before and in trees once more, but as Thorin face off with Azog and Billa charges Azog things start to differ from before, but in way that none them could foresee.