DISCLAIMER: Let's get this out of the way. I do not own or have any hope of ever owning the characters or happenings of middle earth. They belong to Tolkien and as far as I'm concerned he can keep them. For now. I do however, own my OC, Thia! So don't steal her. Please, feel free to leave any comments and/or questions that you may have. Follow the story in which ever way you would like, but make your thoughts known but be polite while you do it. Thank you!

CHAPTER 14

"I love you, Thia."

"I know you do."

"That is not typically how one responds to that admission."

"Ah, sorry sorry." I throw myself into his arms and snuggle my nose into his neck, kissing his strong jaw sloppily as the sun touches just enough of him that I'm jealous of it "I love you too, Thorin. So very much that I think I could cry tears of joy, topaz, and opal. When I think of you, my heart goes all a-twitter. #Erebor."

He chuckles at my antics, having no idea what I'm talking about but knowing it was meant to humor him. Pulling me closer with an answering kiss to my temple, eyes, and cheeks he hums in feigned agreement before lying still. My eyelids grow heavy as the quiet seconds steadily tick by but just before I drift off into lala land, I am flipped onto my stomach and jolted awake. Laying motionless, I peer over my shoulder at my smirking mate as he nips at my shoulder blades playfully.

"I seemed to have lost you for a moment." he murmurs, lightly tracing my hip with a calloused hand. Dear God in heaven, I love his hands. Steady and strong from true work; they have already left their gentle marks in the soft flesh around my waist but I don't mind a bit "It is not time to rest just yet, my love."

"But we just… I just… you just…" I drop my head into my pillow, not able to finish the sentence out of embarrassment "Aren't you tired yet?"

"I could never tire of you." his fingers travel lower and lower until I couldn't see them even if I tried, due to my eyes rolling back in my head. But oh my, can I feel them "Even if I forgot my very name and this mountain were to crumble upon itself; not in a thousand and one lifetimes could I ever have enough of you, Thia. Again."

"Thorin…"

"Again."

His icy blue eyes singe my flesh with freezing heat and I shiver at the little primal part of me that wants to conquered. Not by just any but definitely by him. His voice which is so low and commanding; so full of insistence and promise that I can't even dream of saying no to this perfect male. So again we-

"We have been here a week!" I nearly jump out of my skin at the exclamation "How much longer do you intend to stay in this blasted place?"

"He's right, lassie. It's about time we left."

My oh so sweet memory is invaded and ruined by the impatience of dwarves. Can't a girl fantasize about her husband in a public place without being interrupted?! I watch with a bored expression as Nori paces the foyer irritably while Gloin nods in agreement with each curse. Regardless of my annoyance, the thief is right; It has been a week since we arrived in Rivendell, which is more than enough time for us to be up and on our way. I'm honestly just stalling for the time to run out on my implant so I can have the elves take it out. 'I've really been back here for three months already. It doesn't seem that long.' Leaning on the banister, I ignore the dwarves in favor of watching the children play in the colorful open garden.

Many of the elves have already left Rivendell, leaving it a much less animated place than the last time I visited, though no less beautiful. Elladan and Elrohir were ecstatic to meet the twins, being twins themselves, and I was just as excited to finally meet Arwen. A true beauty in both character and body, the daughter of Elrond is truly worth knowing. She left two days ago to search for her lover and I know what tidings he'll bring, so I have been focusing on other things. I'm having my implant removed, and probably shoved into a glass jar for further examination if the healer's enthusiasm is anything to go by, after Frodo arrives. My group will be able to get back on the road just about the day the young hobbit awakens. I've already talked it over with Elrond, though I haven't really said anything to my dwarves. What could I say? That the elves are less likely to leave a scar? True, but not helpful.

"I haven't seen Rhimla in many moons and I'm eager to return to me lovely wife's side."

"We didn't need to know that, Adad." Gimli rumbles, entering the room with Dori. They both bow to me, regardless of the numerous times I all but begging them not to "Ye'll be seeing Amad again soon enough."

"Aye, I should hope so. Tisn't a need to be shy, my lad." he chortles with a sly look "How d'ye think ye came to be? Wasn't from me braiding 'er hair, that's for sure."

"Adad-"

"Heh, even if it started that way. She has the thickest-""

"Please, stop!" the dwarf, though clearly not a child, whines "I beg of ye, stop!"

"All right, all right you two." I laugh at the pure disgust on poor Gimli's face and take pity on him. No one wants to hear about their parents bumping uglies "We can leave by the end of the week if you are all finished with your business here."

"It's the first day of the new week." Dang, Nori caught me "You're planning some, aren't you? If you think-"

"That is most acceptable, your highness." Dori interrupts his brother's rant, placing a small cup of tea before me and stepping back. Chamomile of course "Where are the young prince and princess?"

"Here!"

Thoria answers the question herself, popping up beside the banister by my leg. It is too tall for her to scale but we can see her face between each column. Her brother, cousin, and god brother stand slightly behind her as the little girl chats with Dori as well as she is able. Her hair is filled with all sorts of things of questionable origin, causing my to tussle the mass.

"I need to rebraid your hair, babe..."

A slight commotion can be heard throughout the house just as I spot Arwen racing onto the grounds carrying a familiar bundle. Picking up the skirts of the dress, one of many I'd been all but forced into wearing during my stay, I begin to follow after her only for Nori to grip my arm, halting my movements.

"This is what you were waitin' for? A broken halflin' that you met once." his ire is apparent as he shakes his head firmly "It is none of your business."

"Let the elves take care of it, Queen Thia." Dori agrees, barely showing any concern "They know their skill well enough."

"It's Frodo, not just some random 'broken halflin', you jerk." I reply tugging on my arm but he only tightens it. The thief has been even more restricting ever since his chat with Gandalf. I do not know what had been said but ever since he'd stuck to me like my shadow. I'm sick of it to be honest "I don't want Bilbo to be alone while he waits for him to wake up. Now. Nori, let go."

"It is none of your business." he repeats stoically, nodding to his brother who returns it in understanding much to my disbelief. Standing up, the elder leaves the room as Gloin and Gimli depart under pretense of keeping the children company. When the room is clear, the thief continues "Dori will see to the burglar an' ring bearer."

"I can-"

"Have you forgotten your place or do you just not care? You are the Queen of the dwarves of Erebor. Wayward Shire halflings do not fall under your rule or concern. You need not go."

"Bilbo is my friend and I-"

"An' I have been tasked with keepin' you safe by your husband, who supersedes whatever your trivial desires are." The dwarf shoves me into a chair but is sure not to let go of my arm "Goin' to your FRIEND at this moment would not be safe. Thus... You. Can. Not. Go."

"Nori…" I grit out through my teeth "I swear if you don't let go I'm going to really drop you out of the sky this time."

"You may but as long as I don't release you, you can't leave me anywhere you aren't willing to stay." he quirks a braided eyebrow at me accompanied by a sly smirk while gesturing at his clothes "An' with no skin to touch, you can't use my strength against me. Your gifts have fatal flaws, dear Queen."

"You can't make me stay here." I growl low in my throat; clenching my fists

"I can. There are many methods I could use. You wouldn't like any of them." I frown at the threat in his voice, not at all pleased when he straightens to his full height. It's true that any method to restrain me would be unpleasant in it's effectiveness. With me sitting, his height is disgustingly almost impressive "My assignment is to keep you safe from all hurt, harm, an' danger. Hate me or not, but by Mahal I'm goin' to do it."

"I'm so sorry Bilbo!" I apologize over and over to my friend. If we weren't sitting on a bench, I'd probably be bowing. He has aged so much in these past weeks, before my very eyes, and he grows tired quickly now. He barely made it to Rivendell without breaking a hip. Seriously "I would have been here sooner but Nori wouldn't let me out of arms length for days and forget even going near Frodo's room!"

"It's true Master Baggins!" Merry supports vehemently from his place on the ground before us "Even now I'm sure he watches."

"I don't trust him." Pippin flicks his head from side to side in worry "He said he was going to gut me!"

"He said that?" I ask, flabbergasted that the thief even bothered talking to the young hobbits. He has only expressed tasteless disdain for them "Really?"

"Well… no." I scowl, feeling like I've missed something "B-but he looked like that's what he was thinking, Miss!"

"He probably was." I softly bump my shoulder into Bilbo's as he frightens the young Shirelings even further "Nori is not the kindest of fellows."

"That's putting it mildly." I huff

"Hm." Bilbo chuckles airily before settling into stillness again "You are right, Meridoc."

"I am?"

"Yes. He is most surely watching us all now."

"That is… worrisome." The two hobbits look around obviously before ducking their heads and trying to be inconspicuous before Merry spots a pleasant sight "Frodo!"

"You're alright!" Pippin twitters, bounding over through the grass to throw his arms around his friend "Frodo!"

It's an 'awe' moment that I would love to stay and watch but it's in this instant that Gloin arrives and pulls me away. Dipping his head in greeting to Bilbo, he loops his arm through mine, and begins leading me away from the hobbits before I can even say 'elevenses.' Following his lead, I wait for an explanation as we drift through the halls.

"Ye know, lassie…" he starts just as I'm opening my mouth to ask what is up "The world is a wondrous place. One could spend their life searching for all its hidden gems and never even scratch the surface. The Arkenstone, for example, was at the very center of the mountain. It took years to uncover."

"… I suppose that's true."

"Mmmm. A wife is like that to 'er husband." I blink up in shock as he continues, not sure where this is all coming from "For years ye dig into the earth, finding gem after gem but none matter until you find your own Arkenstone."

"Gloin, what-"

"You are Thorin's Arkenstone, lassie, his One. The one he chose to wed, bear his children, and grow old with. He asked Nori to take care of ye whilst ye went on this little trip and I know the spymaster can be a mite forceful but don't take it to heart. It's 'is hide that is on the line should he fail in his duty. Still, now" We stop walking so he may give me a piercing look "it is time for ye to return to yer mountain."

"And I will, I just-"

"Ye shant fool me, lassie." he shakes a finger at me, pulling me along again "I saw the look in yer eyes when ye saw that wee hobbit brought in."

"What look?"

"The look ye used to give Thorin and 'is nephews." we arrive at my room and he finally releases my arm "Ye want to help that lad."

"… He doesn't need my help." I say this but who I'm convincing is debatable. I studied the books and movies for a reason, just in case "He'll survive this adventure but…"

"No buts lassie. You can't save everyone and even if you could... you shouldn't." he opens the door and gently pushes me inside. It's quiet, so I know the kids are off playing. Probably with their second favorite pair of twins, themselves being the first "Ye cannae live 'is life for him. Leave his future up to fate."

"Fate…" I all but spit the word "FATE would have me married to an elf with dwarven children or worse: a widow."

"Aye, but the ultimate goal would have been achieved: your children. Would you wish them undone?"

"Of course not."

"Mmm. Fate is funny that way." he sighs with a quick bow, as if it makes up for him dragging me around the complex "Get yerself together now."

"Are we going somewhere?"

"Not 'we' lassie." he leans in a starts to shut the door, not even allowing me to shut it for myself "Ye have a meeting with the wizard."

With a grunt of acknowledgement, I shut the door the rest of the way to quickly change into something I haven't been rolling around in the dirt in. The twins and I played hide and go seek which turned into tag when Kiliel showed up and then sexual harassment when Grim joined in. By the time Merry and Pippin stumbled upon us, I can't safely say what was happening. All I know is that I need to be clean. 'Feeling' for Sugar I ensure he's nowhere nearby before stripping down and hopping into the tub. 'Thank you Merilin for running my bath.' My old friend from my dragon hunting days always knows what I need before I need it.

I keep my hair tied up, not having time to wash it, noticing how light the strands have become with my time outdoors. The natural highlights all but glow and I wink at my watery reflection in a rare moment of self-adoration. What can I say, I like my hair.

Running my hands over my right bicep, I contemplate my latest inked art piece. Once I heard about glow in the dark tattoos, I knew that I had to get one. It's a tree, oak if anyone was silly enough to ask, that twists around my upper arm to form a shield. I'd never get someone's name tattooed on me but I can do this much. Since it can't usually be seen, I often forget it's there. It symbolizes Thorin of course, but I specifically placed it on my right arm, rather than my left as a shield should be. 'I wonder what Thorin will think of it when he finally sees it.' He'll probably freak out and that's something I don't want to miss.

Scrubbing down and rinsing off, I leave the warm water in search for clothes. Picking out a clean burgundy dress, I slip it on with some soft shoes and quickly make my way to Gandalf's location. Pulling my hair down from its updo, I eventually find him and Elrond being creepy on a balcony. The two are all but spying on poor unsuspecting Frodo and Sam. So I of course, spy on them. Just to be fair. 'It's not like I don't know what they are talking about anyway.'

"His strength returns." Elrond announces, stating the obvious "He will live yet."

"That wound will never fully heal."

Gandalf appears reluctant to admit Frodo's health, instead focusing on his troubles. I know he cares for the kid, rather than just doesn't believe in him and for a moment, I pity the wizard. Being so intune with the races of the world, he has no doubt come across many who he would consider a friend. Time and time again he will meet people, generations of them, and each one will die. Dwarves, men, hobbits, elves: They all die. No wonder the mair holds his friends so close... he doesn't know when he'll lose them, only that he will. The fact is very... very sad and I find this to be one of the few moments of realization that I wish this whole thing was just a simple movie again.

"He will carry it the rest of his life."

"And yet to have come so far still bearing the Ring...the hobbit has shown extraordinary resilience to its evil."

"He is not the first one to do so."

"Ah yes... It's sole female carrier."

"It is a burden he should never have had to bear." turning to his partner, he spots me and starts in surprise but says nothing in greeting. Probably because he's blaming me for not taking the ring from Bilbo in the first place "We can ask no more of Frodo."

"Gandalf, the enemy is moving. Sauron's forces are massing in the east. His eye is fixed on Rivendell. And Saruman, you tell me, has betrayed us." A deep frown etches itself into the wizard's brow. His eyes flicker to mine and I shrug in apology for not telling him ahead of time. Gloin was right, I cant hope to change everything, nor should I "Our list of allies grows thin."

"His treachery runs deeper than you know. By foul craft, Saruman has crossed Orc with Goblin Men...he is breeding an army in the caverns of Isengard. An army that can move in Sunlight and cover great distance at speed." Again, his eyes dance towards mine while Elrond is not looking and it is my turn to frown. What does this have to do with me? I can't take on an army all by my lonesome. Who do I look like, Aragorn? Magician has me confused "Saruman is coming for the Ring."

"This evil cannot be concealed by the power of the Elves...We do not have the strength to fight both Mordor and Isengard..." the elf turns fully away from his longtime friend to overlook his lands in solemn sorrow "Gandalf...the ring cannot stay here."

The two share a moment of silence, listening to the sounds of the world. Their immobility is almost disconcerting to the point that I want to yell at them to cut it out. Instead I stand in the silence, holding my breath and waiting to be told why I'm here.

"This peril belongs to all Middle earth. They must decide how to end it. Not just for themselves but for those who come after." Elrond rounds himself to speak directly to Gandalf but stops short, visibly startled by my presence. He bows deeply in respect "Apologies, my lady, I did not hear your arrival."

"You were busy telling Gandalf that the time of elves is over." I say with a soft bow of my own, letting out the breath I'd been holding as his eyes widen "I never understood it. It's not as if you are leaving the planet or something."

"Your sight is impressive. I had heard rumors of it. Have you considered training with the Lady Galadriel?"

"I can't say I ever got the chance to consider it."

"Please think on it."

"I will but... you won't be here much longer to see if I succeed."

"Alas, my people are leaving these shores, my lady. Gandalf, who will you look to when we have gone? The dwarves?" he turns to me with a bow of apology as I make a very unladylike snort "I mean no offence-"

"But some is taken." I bite out, taking offence for my husband's, and now my own, people "You would speak of their greed and selfishness as you look for someone to hand this burden off to as if it weren't your problem too. I doubt this small portion of the world will be enough for a guy who came back from the dead 3 times."

"Perhaps not, however it is well known the love dwarves have for their riches." he answers cooly, though not rudely "Even you, the Queen, are a treasure that your husband and King seeks to have sheltered at all times."

"Well a bit over bearing, Thorin does not shelter me. He can't because I refuse to be coddled."

"That may be so but your release from his mountain was for the sole purpose of shielding your ears from the whispers within it without your husband knowing of the shrieks beyond it."

"… What whispers?" I ask, squinting my eyes at the elf "What shrieks?"

"It matters not, as you are unable to hear them for now." Gandalf interrupts, smacking his staff on the ground "It is in Men that we must place our hope."

"Men? Men are weak. The race of Men is failing."

"Well excuse me!" I cry out, creeping closer to the end of my nerves "You are really being mean today, Elly."

"El...ly? My lady, you may share a race but as I know your other worldly origins are true. Your blood flows through none of the men of this world. You are beyond them in more ways than measurable." I'm not sure how to feel about his statement but I lose some of my steam and just let him speak his mind "The blood of Numenor is all but spent, its pride and dignity forgotten. Do you know of their fate, my lady?"

"I know that Sauron surrendered, was captured, and taken to Numeron during the second age in the year of 3261 by the king Ar-Pharazon." I remembered the name so well because it always reminded me of a Pharaoh "His goal was actually to gain control of the advanced city, which he did; forcing them to turn against the Valar which eventually caused their near total demise in the year 3319. Sauron's body was destroyed in the fall but the ring somehow ended up back in middle earth to help Sauron's spiritual body fight in the last alliance between elves and men."

"You are quite knowledgeable on the subject. Has this been given to you by your gift?" I shake my head at the wizard. If he knew how many flash cards I have in my house dedicated to this stuff he'd barf "Then? Why the interest?"

"We have a city like that in my world as well. It's more of a myth though." I explain, as they continue to stare at me like I'm a fortune cookie "It was the city of Atlantis. It was a said to be a utopia were demigods, or half god/half humans, lived. The wonder of this place was not to last however, as those living became materialistic, trivial, and morally corrupt. This angered the gods and as punishment they sent fire and earthquakes to sink Atlantis into the sea."

"That sounds exceptionally violent." the elf frowns at his friend, taking the myth to heart

"It is." I shrug with a sigh "It's similar to the biblical story of Sodom and Gomorrah; two city that were so corrupt that God destroyed them and everyone within them."

"God or gods?" Elrond questions and I immediately know what he is asking

"I do not believe in the 'gods' of this world or my own. Still, there seem to be people who are stronger than the general public and live on a different plain who may be seen as godlike. That aside, I do believe in God. Singular." shrugging again, I wave my hand in 'continue' gesture "Regardless, I understand the idea of Numeron and your current notion of the strength, or lack thereof, of men."

"Does your god often destroy his people." I listen for any hint of sarcasm but only find curiosity from the elf, so I answer

"Perhaps he does. Or perhaps they destroy themselves." I laugh lightly, shaking my head at the idea that crosses it "Maybe the two switched places for all I know."

"Or perhaps Atlantis and Numeron are one and the same."

"That would mean it was destroyed twice and they have a bad reputation for staying alive."

"Nothing is impossible, my dear." Gandalf hums, leaning on his staff "The ring of power had to have entered your world somehow."

"Gandalf…"

I muse with a half smirk. Leave it a wizard make connections where there are none. Sodom. Gomorrah. Atlantis. Numeron. They all amount to the same thing: Be mindful of angering those more powerful than yourself. Eveen so, a bit of Gandalf's suggestion rings true; the ring had to enter my world somehow and itl osts is power when it did so. That being said, all those cities were destroyed; none sprouted up on earth with magic rings.

"It was a joke Gandalf, just a reference for understanding. Not that it matters now as the ring is back and ready for action."

"It is because of men the Ring survives." Elrond is not letting this thing go. Jeeze, after God knows how many years, this guy is carrying his torch better than an Olympian. Meh, being that its is the AntiChrist, I can understand his anger but still... His eyes glaze over as he falls into a memory "I was there the day the strength of Men failed."

"Isildur…" I whisper as a vision of the event unnecessarily pulses through my mind. It's gory and vivid; the smell of fresh blood that slides into my nose and across my tongue has me gagging "I didn't need to see… or taste that."

"Your sight gives you understanding. It should have ended that day, but evil was allowed to endure. Isildur kept the Ring...and the line of Kings was broken. There's no strength left in this world of Men. They're scattered, divided, leaderless. Perhaps the last strength of men were cast out into your own world."

"Hn." I hum, unable to rid my mouth of the lingering taste of fleshy soot "Then they did a terrible job there too because they couldn't destroy the ring there either."

"Fate has brought it back for there is one who can unite them, men of this world, to end this. Here." Gandalf suggests, blatantly ignoring my remark so I bob my head in agreement "One who could reclaim the throne of Gondor."

"He turned from that path a long time ago." I hear the heat in Elrond's voice, even as his face remains calm as stone "He has chosen exile."

"Well, we can't throw the darned thing back into the river bed." I huff out, fighting not to spit out the all too real metallic taste "Something has to be done about it."

"And so it shall." The three of us stand mutely, debating the next move

"Why was I called to this meeting?" I ask suddenly, not seeing why I was needed

"To invite you to the council before you leave tomorrow, my dear." Gandalf answers, patting me on my head as he leaves the room "I feel you may be needed. Until then."

~~~~~~~~~~Shishi~~~~~~~~~~

I'm writing an original works! It won't stale anything, just wanted to share. I think I could be a forensic psychologist/fiction writer. I could be Bones! Anywho, I have the next chapter written already and its basically ready for posting. How bad do you want it? Let me hear you scrrrream! Sorry. Wrestling moment. Don't scream your comments, type them.

Editted 6/30/2017