The end of this chapter was rather painful to write... I don't know why. There's just something about Moria and the Dwarves going to their doom that just makes me sad. :/

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Disclaimer: I don't own The Hobbit or the Lord of the Rings, I only own Nàin and the characters that I have come up with and their stories.

Chapter 21
Reclaiming Khazad-dûm

"Around all of Erebor?"

Bofur's voice echoed against the stone walls, his eyes darting around at everyone staring at him expectantly; hopefully. Fili and Nàin had gathered the Dwarves they trusted the most, the Dwarves whom together formed the Council of Erebor, and told them all about their plans for the defences. It had taken a time to tell them though as the news of Nàin sudden awakening had reached the ears of everyone and shocked most of them. Both Thorin and Kili had been beyond happy and couldn't stop hugging her, nearly knocking her crown off of her head. Nàin's heart warmed at the affection and especially at the fact that Thorin's eyes seemed to light up, some of the mist and sickness disappearing from his eyes at the sight of her once more being next to Fili. Though it wasn't just that which had taken a lot of time. For Nàin to explain exactly what had happened and what she had seen during her time asleep took longer than expected as well. The Dwarves questioned a lot and discussed a lot as well, theorizing about what had awoken her and what she had seen could have meant. Not to mention that once she and Fili had explained what they wanted to do against this enemy they assumed was rising, all the Dwarves had gone hysterical and tried to come with their own ideas for defences and how to gather materials. Calming them all down had been tremendously difficult.

"Nah, I doubt we can provide you with what ya need," said Bofur with a saddened look on his face, clearly not happy with the fact that he could not help his own King and Queen. "The ore veins for iron here are few as it is, and nearly depleted."

"We'll just have to find a different way to gather the materials," concluded Balin from his spot next to Thorin.

"Thank you, Bofur," spoke Fili, nodding his head at the Dwarf who bowed low before beginning to back out of the room.

"Bofur? You are allowed to stay," said Nàin, causing him to look over at her with a smile on his face.

"Oh, I know, your highness. But my men down in the mine need me more than you two right now," confessed Bofur. "Besides, Bombur's been eatin' again. Last time I left him in charge he had take' three lunch breaks within an hour. I gotta keep an eye on him."

Nàin smiled at his words, nodding her head at him. Silently, Bofur bowed once more before exiting the room as Kildin held open the door for him.

"Perhaps Bard has some means of getting the ore for us," tried Kili. "We can bargain with him."

"We could. But it would be much more reasonable to get our own hands on something," said Balin. "So we don't get tricked."

"Aye, I agree," voiced Dwalin from next to Balin, leaning against the round, stone table they all were sitting around. "I still don't trust him."

Fili looked towards the centre of the table, seeming deep in thought. Nàin wondered what his plan was and why he had not yet voiced it. He had seemed, earlier that morning, quite anxious about the idea he had in his head and she was quite curious as to what could be so bad about his idea.

"Dain could offer us some," declared Thorin. "I will send him a letter."

"Also, tell him about this… threat. He might want to keep some for himself to make his own defences stronger." Thorin nodded his head at Nàin.

"If this threat is real, if this is Sauron…" breathed Balin, exchanging a look with Thorin. "I've heard about him from my forefathers. He was a cruel, cruel 'man'."

"He won't give up until he's got all of Middle-Earth in his grasp," agreed the Master of the Archives, sitting next to Kili with Ori by his side. "And he won't try to fight all the kingdoms. He'll use other methods. Like the one he tried on you, your highness."

Fili grabbed Nàin's hand from underneath the table.

"Whatever happened… We can only thank Durin for you being awake again," finished Balin, a silence taking over the room after his words that was only broken minutes later by Fili's voice.

"Dain won't have enough to keep us safe… Erebor is big," sighed Fili. "We… We might need to get it from somewhere else."

"But where from?" asked Nàin, squeezing his hand tightly. "Fili, you told me you had a plan…"

He took a deep breath, leaning forwards as he said the one word that made most Dwarves around the table squirm, "Khazad-dûm."

"Moria…" breathed Gimli sinisterly, his father beside him shivering.

"Home of Durin's Bane," mumbled Thorin.

Nàin stared at Fili. "What became of the Kingdom after the battle where we lost King Thror?"

"Nobody really knows. All we know is that it's infested with Orcs, Goblins and whatever foul things they see as their allies," explained Fili.

"And Durin's Bane?"

Thorin sighed, "The creature was alive centuries ago. For all we know, it's dead."

"You cannot seriously be thinking about taking back Khazad-dûm?" asked Kili with a furrowed brow. "Fee, that's madness!"

"We need materials. I'm doing this for the people. For us. Khazad-dûm was rich of Mithril. Balin, can we use mithril for defences?" asked Fili, all eyes now on Balin.

An internal struggle seemed to go on inside of Balin. Most likely Balin wanted to tell Fili off for even thinking about sending people there. Then again, mithril was stronger than any iron or steel could ever be. At last, Balin let out a sigh, "Yes."

"Brother, it's madness!"

"Kili. He's the king," scolded Thorin, causing Kili to open his mouth to retort something, though deciding against it when Thorin glared at him. "And we need the materials."

Nàin stayed quiet, leaning back in her throne, still holding Fili's hand. She remembered Ori's request and his wish to go with whoever wanted to reclaim Moria. She remembered her answer as well. Though upon hearing everything dark that was going on in that place, she regretted her answer deeply.

"All this for an enemy you do not even know if you have," said Kili quietly.

"We do know there is an enemy out there, though," said Balin, again with a sigh that told Nàin he truly didn't want to give anyone anymore reasons to go to that foul place. "Talks of a Necromancer leading armies of Orcs have been going around Middle-Earth lately. Gandalf even confirmed those rumours, saying he had seen him himself."

"Did he ever say what he saw? What he looked like?" asked Nàin quietly, earning a shake of Balin's head.

"Is no one else against this?" asked Kili incredulously, looking around the table.

Silence ensued as each Dwarf looked down at their lap. Most Dwarves were probably against this idea, knowing that it was not the best of ideas to let anyone go close to that place. Though they also knew that it was one of the best ideas they had for getting more materials.

Then, a voice spoke up which surprised everyone; everyone but Nàin.

"I will go."

All eyes turned to Ori and the Master of the Archives scoffed, "You? What makes you think the King will let you go? You can barely even lift a sword."

"He will go, because I allow it," said Nàin loudly and clearly, staring at the Master of the Archives with determined eyes.

"But… Why?" asked the old Dwarf.

"I trust him. That's why," she simply said, her glance looking over at Ori who tried his best to contain his glee and pride.

"So, we're doing this?" asked Kili quietly, avoiding eye-contact with both Fili and Nàin.

The King and Queen glanced at each other, silently telling each other that they had no other choice. Fili turned towards the rest of the Dwarves first and nodded his head, "We will."

"Well then," sighed Balin, leaning forwards, "I suppose there'll be one last adventure for this old Dwarf."

"Brother-" began Dwalin, his voice upset.

"I know what I'm doing. Besides, Ori is going to need some help," said Balin, winking at the young Dwarf.

"I've studied old maps. I know my way around that place as though I've lived there," said Ori proudly. "And I will document everything for future generations. We will take it back. We will win."

"Just… Just focus on getting the upper halls back at first, alright?" said Nàin.

"And send as much materials as we can to Erebor," added Balin.

"Kili, send word out to the rest of Erebor," ordered Fili, earning a curt nod from Kili, "Let them know that whoever wants to join may do so. They'll leave in a week."

"Yes, sire," said Kili monotonously, earning a look from Fili. "Thank you all for coming… We'll leave it at that for now."

Kili was the first to scrape his chair back and leave, his footsteps showing to everyone he was not happy with what Fili and Nàin had decided upon. Thorin stayed behind with Fili and Nàin as the rest of the Dwarves slowly left the room.

Nàin sunk down in her chair, placing a hand on her forehead, "I've sent him to his death."

"You don't know that," said Fili quickly, trying his best to reassure her. "Besides… He won't be the only one in that case."

Nàin closed her eyes as he said this, though a hand on her shoulder caused her to open her eyes again, seeing Thorin looking at her, "This is the best thing for the kingdom. You cannot risk the fate of your kingdom, at the risk of one or two Dwarves."

Fili looked away while Nàin simply stared at Thorin.

"I know that. And I know that ruling a kingdom is hard and these choices are things that one has to make, but it doesn't make them easier," said Nàin quietly. "It makes them worse because I allowed him to go."

"We allowed Balin too. Just for some materials."

"Materials that can or will save all Dwarves in this mountain," added Thorin. "No matter what Kili will say, what you're doing is thinking like royalty; like leaders. Your heart sometimes has to be ignored so you can do what's best for your people."

One day you will be king, and you will understand.

"Now that that's out of the way," said Thorin, scooting closer, his eyes suddenly changing into his serious stare, to his worried glance. Nàin watched him for a while as he inspected her, seeming to be trying to find the right words. "Are you sure you're alright?"

Nàin couldn't help but smile at his worry and affection. Although the Sickness was always there, haunting him, he was still the sweet Thorin Oakenshield Nàin knew and loved from back in the old days; the Thorin who would take care of her when her father would not and the Thorin who was her guardian.

"I am truly fine. What I saw in my dreams was… Strange. And frightening now that I think I know what it meant. But I'm fine now. And I feel fine too."

"You understand what this means, right?"

Fili leaned in, his eyebrows furrowed, "What do you mean?"

"This means that Sauron already knows what can weaken this Kingdom's leaders. What can poison your minds," said Thorin in a low voice. "Don't think that myself and Dis have simply been watching all this time. And don't think that I have not forgotten the tales of what used to reside here in Middle-Earth – about the rings of power and Morgoth's devoted worshipper who never let go of what Morgoth believed in; the one necromancer who wanted to rule Middle-Earth. The reason behind the Orcs wanting this mountain all those years ago was not for its gold, which you may know by now already. It was for its position," said Thorin, earning a nod from Fili.

"Yes, Thranduil told me. With it, he could manage to wage war on all of the east; on Mirkwood and the Iron Hills. I assume that if he takes over this part of Middle-Earth, he can attack Gondor and Rohan from the East."

"And should those Kingdoms fall, Sauron only has the rest of the Elves left to fight before he has taken Middle-Earth. And the time of the Elves is coming to an end, their defences will be weak," stated Thorin, glancing behind him as though he was afraid someone might overhear their conversation. "There may come a day when Middle-Earth calls for aid. And when that day comes, you must be prepared to act."

Fili's hand squeezed Nàin's hand again before he spoke, "And in what way should we act?"

Thorin leaned back again, "That, is completely up to the two of you. Neither I nor Dain would probably risk any Dwarves leaving to fight someone else's fights… But neither I nor Dain are King under the Lonely Mountain. You are. And you will choose the fate of the Dwarves if the time should come."

Nàin glanced at Fili briefly before once more looking over at Thorin, "You really think such a day will come?"

Thorin stayed quiet, glancing down at his own hands once before standing up, "I suppose we'll just have to wait and see." With that said, he bowed his head and made to leave.

"If such a day does happen," said Fili quietly, his other hand moving up to Nàin's cheek to gently caress it. "I say we would all fair way better if we do have our defences up."

Understanding what Fili was saying, Nàin nodded her head, "Aye, I do believe we made the right choice after all. We cannot risk the lives of all these Dwarves just because we feared what was in that mountain… Let's just hope everyone makes it."

A week later, both Fili and Nàin made their way down the stairs, past the Market and towards the entrance hall where the group of Dwarves had gathered to leave together for Khazad-dûm. They had brought with them some ponies to ride on and some carriages filled with various items they would need during their trip and upon arrival at the mountains. Nàin caught a glimpse of one of them and did not miss out on the vast number of weapons and armour they had packed.

She caught the sight of some Dwarven women as well, which made her smile knowing that they would be needed just as much as the men. Not to mention that they seemed confident carrying a sword or axe, which might turn out to be useful. Amongst the Dwarves that seemed to be leaving (there were also many Dwarves there who were obviously simply saying goodbye to friends or family getting ready to leave) Nàin recognized a few Dwarves. Of course, Balin and Ori were there, whom Nàin already knew were going to go to Khazad-dûm. Though she was surprised to also see Oin there, preparing his bag filled with herbs and bandages, clearly ready to treat any wounded if they so came by. Gloin and Gimli were standing with Oin, saying goodbye to him, while Nori and Dori were standing beside Ori to give him a proper goodbye. Nàin soon saw Dwalin and, out of all the people in the world, Ersâ approach Balin to say goodbye to him. Nàin, upon seeing this, quickly nudged Fili in the side.

"Is that Ersâ?" whispered Nàin as she leaned closer to Fili.

"Yeah. They married not too long ago-"

"WHAT?"

Fili hushed her quickly as some of the passing-by Dwarves glanced at them strangely, "Are you honestly surprised?"

"Well, yeah! That's Dwalin! He, of all people, found love?"

"I understand why you are surprised, but you have to understand that it was Ersâ who proposed and Ersâ is clearly a feisty Dwarf if she dares to take on Dwalin," whispered Fili back.

"Wow… I would never think he could have it in him. I wonder if they'll have children," murmured Nàin before gasping, "Oh I bet that his children will have him wrapped around their fingers the moment they are born! He'd be such a cute father."

Fili chuckled at her words before a horn was heard. Both Nàin and Fili immediately turned into their leader-modes before taking a step forwards, all Dwarves turning to look at them. From off the side, Nàin noticed Thorin and Dis appearing to watch along with Thor and the two baby-twins. Dwarves around them cooed at the new babies while Thor rolled his eyes at them and went to stand in front of Thorin, mimicking his proud stance and calm demeanour as he watched his parents.

"Today is an honourable day for it marks the beginning of our fellow Dwarves' journey to reclaim Khazad-dûm. What they will face when they arrive there, is uncertain. What will be left of the once mighty kingdom, is uncertain," spoke Fili loudly, his dark voice reverberating and echoing against the walls and pillars. "But not all is uncertain. For I know that these Dwarves have the strength to retake those halls from the Orcs and I know that the Kingdom of Khazad-dûm will once more thrive under the leadership of Balin, son of Fundin. I am certain that Moria will be ours again!"

Upon his last words, the Dwarves listening cheered, raising their hands and clapping. Nàin saw Ori smile widely, a large book clutched in his arms. She saw Balin curtly nod his head as some of the Dwarves around him cheered him on for becoming a lord. She saw Oin proudly cross his arms over his chest, nodding his head at some words his brother and Gimli told him.

Oh how she wished she would see them again someday.