Oda watched her husband leave the outlook through a haze of tears which rolled down her cheeks as soon as she felt Thranduils grip on her shoulder. She tried to fight him, but his grip was firm and Oda had no strength left. With a last glance towards the shocked Balin and Dwalin she returned to the camp of elves and men. She was given her own guarded tent and sat down in front of the fire. She was cold and miserable. Even the fire could not warm her up. Oda could not forget the look in her husbands eyes when she had talked to him. He was not the same dwarf who had left her in Mirkwood. He was not the same dwarf she had married thirty years ago. He was not the same dwarf who had shed tears together with her when their first dwarfling was born dead. He was not the same dwarf she could rely on in every way in her life. She had failed. She was on this quest to keep Thorin from straying and she had failed. But maybe it was not too late. She was about to think of a plan as the tent-door opened and the halfing came stumbling in together with Gandalf.

'You!' Oda was furious. 'You dare showing your face here again, wizard? You led us into the wilds of Mirkwood and you let Thranduil imprison us. You sent my husband on this quest and now he is lost to all of us. Where have you been when he needed you?'

Gandalf paled and Bilbo jumped at her harsh words. Oda could see tears roll down his face. 'What happened?' she realised that the halfling had been in the mountain with the other dwarves as she came to Erebor. 'Why are you here?'

Bilbo told her everything. He told her how Thorin had changed and how he had lost his mind day by day. Bilbo had in fact found the arkenstone and he had delivered it to Bard to force Thorin to negociate with the men. But this plan had backfired and Thorin had nearly killed Bilbo in return.

'No.' Oda did not want to believe it. 'Thorin would never do such a thing.'

'It is true, queen Oda.' Gandalf assured her. 'I saw Thorin grab Bilbo by the throat and hang him over the edge of the cliffs. Your husband is beyond our reach now.'

'You give up the ones you use in your sick game of chess quite quickly.' Oda stood up and grabbed her coat. 'You will bring me to my husband now, wizard.'

Gandalf looked at the determined queen and sighed. Maybe there was hope left for Thorin. Gandalf and Bilbo distracted the guards as Oda slipped out into the night. Despite her growing belly Oda was quick on her feet and she managed to climb up the cliffs to Erebors outlook. She was out of breath as she reached the mountain, but she had to go on. The halls of Erebor were hollow and silent. Bilbo had told her that the dwarves had set camp near the treasury and had explained to her how to get there. Oda walked through the wast corridors of the mountain till she found the treasury. Some of the dwarves were counting the treasury, while others were sleeping between the piles of gold. Oda had never seen so much gold in her life and she had to concentrate on her steps. Kili saw her first.

'Oda!' he shouted and made the other dwarves jump. He ran towards her and hugged her tightly, but then he jumped back again. 'By Durins beard, did I hurt you? Or him?' he pointed at Odas belly.

Despite their situation Oda had to smile. 'How do you know that its a he? And I think he is fine.' she smiled at Kili reassuringly. The other dwarves had gathered around them, their faces full of newfound hope.

'Glad you are here, little girl.' Dwalin used Odas old nickname and gave her a gruff smile. 'Maybe he´ll listen to you.'

'Did you even try to talk to him? Dwalin? Balin?' Oda needed to know.

'We tried. But he is our king. We cannot go against him.' Balin sighed.

'He is your king. Thats why you have to help him. He is not himself, I could see the curse gleam in his eyes.' Oda was determined to find him. 'Where is he?'

'He is in the upper halls, propably in his old rooms.' Balin told her. 'Shall I accompany you, lassie?'

'Please.' Oda nodded and together they made for the upper levels.

'How is Bilbo?' Balin asked Oda.

'He is scared and hurt.' Oda looked at Balin in worry. 'Is it true, did Thorin try to kill him?'

The old dwarf nodded pained. 'His nephews had to drag him away from the halfling. I have never seen him like that, Oda. He is almost as sick as his grandfather was.'

Oda had to sit down on the steps. The air had gotten thin and the bad news had taken her breath away. 'I should never have stayed behind. I should have followed you into the river.'

'And drown without a barrel?' Balin shook his head. 'No, Oda. You did the right thing. There is a small part of Thorin growing inside of you. Maybe the prospect of holding his child in his arms will bring Thorin back to us.'

'And what if that isn´t enough?' Oda had to ask.

'Then, lassie, then all hope is gone.' Balin stated earnestly.

Oda found Thorin in his rooms. Balin had turned away the moment she opened the door and Oda slipped into the room without Thorin noticing. Thorin stood by the fire, holding a golden goblet. His eyes were staring into the flames, but his gaze was distant. He looked tired and pale and Oda could see dark rings under his eyes.

'Thorin?' Oda asked quietly. Thorin turned his gaze towards her, he did not seem surprised at all. Suddenly Oda asked herself if Thorin would even realise that she really was there, with him. 'Thorin, its me, Oda.'

'My sunlight.' Thorin whispered and for a second Oda could see the old fire of Thorins eyes spark up before it was gone again. 'What are you doing here? You should be with your new friends, the elves.'

'I came here as their prisoner, Thorin. They are not my friends. And even if they were, would that give you a reason to hate me?' she asked softly and walked closer to her husband.

'The elves are our enemies. And so are their friends.' Thorin snarled and turned away from Oda, not seeing the hurt in her eyes.

Knowing that no words could reach him Oda walked over to her husband and gently touched his arm. Thorin winced at the touch, but he did not pull away.

'Regardless what you say or what you do to me, Thorin, I will stay at your side. But I will not leave you to your madness...' Oda froze as Thorin turned around and grabbed his sword. With a mad gleam in his eyes he turned to her, pointing his sword at her throat.

'You. Sweet words come out of your mouth and yet I can hear the treachery in your mind. You have come here with my worst enemy and you have stayed with him voluntarily.' to Odas horror Thorin now pointed his sword to her belly. 'What if this child isn´t even...'

Thorin did not get the chance to finish his sentence. In a mixture of motherly instinct and rage Oda struck him with her fist, hitting him square on the nose. Blood shot out of Thorins nose and his eyes filled with tears, so that he lowered his sword. Oda gave him a strong kick and Thorin stumbled against the walls of his room with a loud rumble. The dwarf was usually stronger than the woman, but the fear for their baby had set free a strength that she had not expected herself. But she had promised something. She had promised to stay at his side no matter what. She had promised to take him back to Dis. Oda would not run. Taking a deep breath she fought back her mother instincts and moved towards Thorin who was still fighting to gain control. Oda took his hand holding the sword and pointed it against her heart.

'You want to kill me, Thorin Oakenshield?' she asked him sadly. 'Then do it. Our dwarfling and I will wait for you in the halls of your ancestors, if you can ever repay our deaths for the sake of gold.'

Thorin could only stare at her. His hair had fallen into his face and his eyes had become dark. For a short moment Oda thought that he would actually kill her. But suddenly she could see a warm gleam in his eyes, a gleam which only showed when he was with her. She could watch the warmth return to his eyes and the madness fading into oblivion. The she heard the sword clash onto the stony ground.

'Oda.' Thorin whispered. 'Oda, what have I done?'

'Thorin.' Oda rushed to his side and took her shivering husband into her arms. 'You are back. I am so glad that I have you back.' She could feel Thorins strong arms around her, pulling her close to never let go again.

'I am so sorry. I can understand if you could never forgive me...' Thorin chocked. Oda had never seen him like this. The king of the dwarves of Erebor was helpless and lost. She took his face into her hands and looked him in the eye.

'You were sick, Thorin. You were not yourself. I am your wife. What kind of wife would I be if I left you with your sickness and leave your side?' Oda whispered. 'I love you, you stupid dwarf. And I will let nothing stand between us.'

Thorin slid down the wall and crushed onto the hard floor, covering his face in his hands. Oda kneeled down in front of him and took his hands. Seeing Thorin like this broke her heart. He had always been the strong and confident leader of his people and Oda had gotten to know him as the stone hard dwarf who could stand against everything and everybody. He had been there for his people, but nobody had been there for him. He had been alone in his responsibility, even in all their years of marriage. Oda would not let this happen again.

He was about to say something as the door to his chambers opened and Balin came rushing in, followed by Fili.

'Thorin! A goblin army stands before our gates! The elves and men stand against them, but they are too few!' the old dwarf informed his king.

'Uncle, we have to do something!' Fili stepped in and urged Thorin to a decision.

Thorin was on his feet instantly. 'Down to the armory, get your weapons and armor ready, du bekar!'

Balin and Fili instantly saw the change in Thorin and their faces lightened up, despite the situation. Balin bowed to Oda as Thorin rushed by him and with an assuring smile Oda followed her husband and the dwarves down to the armory. The thirteen dwarves took up arms and put on their mithril armor. Oda put on the armor Thorin had given her before they had gotten married.

'Its ten thousand goblins and orcs against a few thousand men and elves and our company. We do not stand a chance.' Dwalin murmured. 'I do not fear to die, but this is suicide.'

Oda suddenly remembered that she had called for help from the Iron Hills. 'I have sent a trush to Dain when I was still in Mirkwood, he should arrive any minute with reinforcements.'

Thorin looked at his wife in surprise and took her hand. 'A true queen of Erebor.' he said and kissed the back of her hand.

Smiling at him Oda grabbed for her weapons, but Thorin held her back. 'No. The dwarfling.'

'I can´t stay behind when you are all fighting.' but Oda knew that she had to. But she would not remain inside of the mountain. 'Alright, but I will support you with arrows from the lookout. Maybe Kili could stay with me? His archery skills are already legend with the elves of Mirkwood.'

Oda thought of the red hair that Kili had left behind. Kilis words to her, speaking of his promise to his mother to come back to her still lingered in her mind. She looked at Kili who stood there looking at her, obviously torn between staying to protect his aunt and best friend or fighting alongside with his brother. Fili was the one who decided for him.

'Protect us from above with your arrows, little brother.' he told Kili and blinked at Oda. 'And protect auntie.'

Kili nodded slowly and took position at Odas side. Oda parted from Thorin unwillingly, but there was no time for sentiment. The battle was raging beneath them and the man and elves were the minority. As the dwarves of Erebor made ready to charge Dains army arrived at the battlefield and together the dwarves of Erebor and the Iron Hills threw themselves into battle. Oda and Kili supported their backs from above and the battle turned in favor for the free folk of Middle Earth. It was then when Oda saw a huge and ugly orc approach her husband. Terrified she watched the battle between the king of Erebor and the orc leader and fought the urge to rush to his side. Thorin was a strong and firce dwarf warrior, but the orc was much taller and the reach of his weapon was longer. Oda heard herself cry out as Thorin was hit by the huge warhammer of the orc and went down. They were out of her arrows reach and there was nothing the queen could do but watch.

In this moment Oda saw a small army of riders approach from the south. The two banners shone high in the evening breeze and she recognised them immediately. It were the banners of the Blue Mountains and Ragnors people. Runa. Oda felt a sting of guilt. She had thought about asking for help from Thorins kin, but not from her own. Her sister had never let her down and now she had come with an army. Oda could see Runa ride at her husbands side as they charged at the orcs, turning the upper hand of the battle in favor the the men, elves and dwarves for good. It was Ragnor who killed the orc who had attacked Thorin and Oda felt a pang of relief rush through her body. She only hoped that it was not too late.

The two Dunedain sisters met again on the battlefield. Thorin and Ragnor had been taken to the healers, both were injured, but not badly. The dwarves of Erebor had not one single dwarf out of their company and Kili was happy to see that Fili had returned with only a few scratches and bruises. Oda took her older sister in her arms, thanking her for their help. The army from the Blue Mountains was led by Gloins wife, a fierce and terriying, but yet beautiful dwarven lady. Oda chuckled as she gave Gloin a slap on the back of his head, but then kissed him with all the love they held for each other. Watching the dwarves from the Blue Mountains Oda suddenly felt a heavy weight in her heart. The dwarves of Erebor would return home to Erebor. And she would have to leave her own home to stay here with them. The few remaining men of her people still lived in the Blue Mountains. Oda did not know what would become of them. Runa seemed to read her sisters mind. She cleared her throat and gestured Oda to follow her into one of the tents.

'You will stay here?' she asked Oda although she already knew her answer. As Oda nodded Runa smiled. 'Ragnor and I have planned a little take over of your kingdom. Since the dwarves will leave the men of Duath will get back their home. Ragnor and I will fusion our two kingdoms into one and make the Blue Mountains a fortress of the Dunedain again. And I will have my mountain back.'

Oda sighed in relief, although she felt guilty for leaving. But Runas grin made her forget all doubts and sorrow. Runa had never really forgiven the dwarves of Erebor for the take over of the Blue Mountains and now she had the chance to rebuilt her kingdom. Oda could stay in Erebor with a good conscience. The two sisters walked to the healers tent to look after their husbands. They found two completely drugged kings and an irritated Oin.

'I had to give them tranquilizers. I may have given them a wee bit too much, but they have made it impossible for me to treat them.' Oin rolled his eyes.

Days later Thorin and Oda walked through the halls of Erebor.

'There is alot of work to do.' Thorin sighed. 'The dragon has damaged more than we expected.'

'Now that we have Erebor back, we have all the time in the world.' Oda assured him.

'Yes, and I already know what chamber I will restore myself first.' Thorin send his wife a soft smile.'The nursery in our home. We are home, Oda.'

The queen of Erebor smiled lovingly at her husband. Every trace of the gold sickness was gone and the arkenstone was kept deep inside of the mountain, so that it would never again be the cause of any hostility between the dwarves, elves and men. The biggest battle was yet to come, the diplomatical relations between the kingdoms had to be reestablished. Oda had asked Bilbo if he could stay for a while as their diplomatical advisor. The halfling had everyones respect and he would be heard. To her relief the halfling had forgiven Thorin for his actions under the influence of the goldsickness and had agreed to stay until the diplomatical councils were over.

Dis and the remaining dwarves from the Blue Mountains were yet to arrive, but Oda knew that the reunion would be a happy one. Kili and Oda had stayed true to their promises towards Dis. Kili would return into her arms unharmed, as well as Fili and Oda had watched over the Durins in Dis´place. At last the promises made to Dis had been kept. Dis Durin would not have to fear losing any more members of her family to death anymore.

The line of Durin would be continued with Fili and Kili. Oda knew that the dwarfling inside of her would never become king, but she did not mind. It was hers and Thorins precious jewel, more worth than anything else. It would be a child of love and hope. A sign of their unity, as well as the unity of men and dwarves. The free folk of Middle Earth only had one weakness and that was their faction. The elves, men and dwarves hid behind their cultural differences and let mistrust and prejudice cloud their judgement. Oda was no naive young woman anymore, she knew that it would take alot to open the diplomatical gates between the peoples, but she would do whatever she could at the side of her husband, the king of Erebor.

Under Thorins rule, Erebor became strong again and the dark shadow which had lingered above the Lonely Mountain slowly disappeared into the East to return to Middle Earth only decades later. But it would then realise that there is no greater force than people fighting for their home.

I am so sorry for the last two chapters, but I have completely lost track to my own story and I had to finish it. I dislike leaving stories without an ending. I sincerely hope that I managed to end it well and thank you all for your review, favs and follows! You guys are the best!