A/N Spoilers: so much fluff coming your way! This is the last official chapter of this shin-dig. I will be uploading the epilogue hopefully before Christmas. It's been a fun ride!

"What are you two doing here?" I questioned as the party from Ered Luin began to thin out as many of them were shown to their rooms.

"Took us a bit by surprise when Princess Dis showed up at our door," Grandmother explained. "She said the Mountain had been retaken and we were to come to the coronation and wedding of King Thorin." She cupped my cheek with a withered hand. "You did it, my dear. We are so proud of you."

Grandfather wiped away a few of my tears. "Why do you cry, my little blacksmith?"

I laughed. "I'm just so happy to see you both. I never thought you'd be able to make the journey."

Grandfather shrugged, "No missin' leg is going to stop me from seeing Erebor regain her king."

I turned back to Dis. "Thank you so much."

She shook her head, grinning mischievously. "It wasn't my idea." She glanced over at her son.

"Fili, you did this?" The damn prince shrugged at my question. I looked back to my grandparents. "I'd like both of you to meet Prince Fili, my betrothed." Both of their eyes grew wide, openly staring as Fili's arm wrapped around my waist. Grandmother covered her mouth as squeals escaped. Grandfather observed my love for a long moment before extending his arm.

"My little blacksmith deserves nothing less than a prince of Durin." I couldn't help but laugh.

Fili grinned as he grasped Grandfather's arm. "I think she deserves more but I'll do my best by her."

I shook my head at the two of them. "Let's get you two settled in."

I spent as much time as I could with my grandparents in between all my duties up until the coronation. Grandfather and Balin spent most of their hours attached at the hip, much to Grandmother's amusement. Over dinner, Kili and Bofur were keen to find out embarrassing facts about my childhood from my grandparents. Sadly, they were successful in obtaining a few things to tease me about. Daviel continued to invite me and Tauriel to lunch and usually, Dis would join us as well. I was quickly warming up to the female dwarf. Somehow, I shouldn't have been surprised since she'd given birth and raised two of my favorite dwarves. Still, I could tell she was wary of Tauriel, despite the obvious love between her and Kili. She didn't outright distrust her simply for being what she was, but she didn't welcome her as openly as she had me. I hoped this would change when we traveled to Ered Luin.

The day before the coronation, Tauriel had been a no-show for our lunch with Daviel and the soon-to-be queen herself was called away halfway through. I found myself actually enjoying my time with Dis. She was full of stories of Kili and Fili's childhood as well as stories of her own time in Erebor before Smaug. But something had been bugging me and I thought this was the perfect opportunity to ask.

"May I ask you something?" The princess nodded, taking a sip of her ale. "I have noticed the hesitation and distrust most of the court shows Tauriel. But I have yet to receive even a fraction of glares or unkind whispers despite my being only half dwarf. I am grateful to be so readily accepted but I can't help but wonder why."

A smile slowly spread across Dis' face. "There are few things we dwarves hold in higher regard than dwarf purity: honor, courage, and loyalty. You showed all of these qualities in joining the Company though you had no claim to the Mountain, which Tauriel did not. And when you saved the life of a prince, the heir to all of Durin, for now, you forever silenced any naysayers to your claim to Fili's heart." My eyes grew wide. I hadn't saved Fili's life because of courage or honor but because of my love for him. "My son has always held loyalty above all things and I can see now that virtue echoed in you. And I could not be prouder of my son's choice." Water welled up behind my eyes, threatening to spill.

"Thank you," was all I could manage to say. Dis nodded before changing subjects and leaving the answers to my question for me to ponder.

Finally, the day of the coronation and wedding dawned. I only knew this because the sun blinded me as I awoke. Strangely, I wasn't in my bed. No, I was still in my sitting room and my pillow was moving, or rather breathing. I glanced down at my dwarf and couldn't help the smile that spread across my lips. He looked so peaceful. With a sigh, I began to shake him.

"Fili," I sang quietly. He didn't budge. "Fili." The slightly louder call only elicited a groan. Rolling my eyes, I began placing kisses along his exposed neck, up his jaw, until finding his lips. Yes, he was awake now.

"I could get used to that," he grinned when we parted.

I stood up. "The coronation with be starting soon, we both should get dressed."

He caught my hand. "Actually, I'd hoped you would let me braid your hair first before I go."

"Why?" I asked, cocking an eyebrow. He hadn't braided my hair since that night at Beorn's, though I'd kept it braided in the same way since.

"I'd like to give you betrothal braids and an engagement bead," he answered, taking out the bead-like clasp from one of his mustache braids. I stared at the tiny thing in his hand as warmth flooded through me. "I know we have been betrothed for a while but with all of the court and guests being here, I want everyone to know you're taken." I had to laugh at that, but I nodded all the same and retrieved a comb before sitting down in front of him as he sat on the sofa. I let out a sigh as his magical hands moved through my hair.

This set of braids took quite a bit longer. There were seven small ones that started at the edge of my scalp and laid over top of the rest of my hair before all of them were joined with the bead and the rest of my hair in one larger braid that ran all the way down my back. I caught his hand before he pulled away after tying off the end and pressed a kiss to it. "I'm going to go get dressed. I will see you in the King's Hall." He helped me up to my feet before pulling me into a breathless kiss.

"I love you."

I matched his grin. "As I love you."

After putting on my deep green dress, I hightailed to Daviel's room to help the bride get ready. Dis was already there, braiding Daviel's onyx hair. They looked up at my entrance. Both looked surprised before dissolving into grins. "Your hair looks lovely," Dis said, eyeing the bead.

"I certainly hope it was Fili who braided your hair or else we may have a brawl before the reception even starts," Daviel chuckled.

I giggled. "I wouldn't let anyone else near my hair, save perhaps Dori but I guess he'll have to deal with a broken heart." Both dwarrowdams simply laughed. We set to work readying Daviel.

"You don't think he'll run, do you?" Daviel asked quietly as Dis worked on the laces of the dress.

I took Daviel's hands in my own. "If he does, I'll sick the Company on him to drag him back to the altar kicking and screaming." That got a giggle out of the Lady of the Iron Hills. "He loves you very much and you have both waited so long for this. Don't let fear poison this day."

"Spoken like a true queen," Dis said and I blushed. "There, all finished." I stepped away from Daviel to admire our handiwork. She looked every bit the Queen of Durin. The gown was ornate; a deep blue with gold inlays, slim at the waist only to flare out a bit all the way to the floor. Atop her black braids, sat a golden crown very similar to Thorin's.

"Oh, I've forgotten my shoes," Daviel laughed before disappearing into her bedchamber to find the missing piece.

Dis grasped my arm. "I have something for you." She grabbed a small wooden box from the table and handed it to me. "As betrothed of a prince, it's only fitting you wear a sign of your status." Nestled inside was a simple but beautiful gold circlet with a handful of emeralds at the front creating a diamond shape.

I looked up at my love's mother. "Thank you, it is beautiful." She removed the circlet from its box and gently set it on my head. "I don't know if you know this but my mother died in childbirth." Dis paused and stared at me. "I've never known what it was like to have a mother. My grandmother was the closest thing my whole life and she has loved me like a daughter. And I have seen your love and affection for your sons and the great men you helped mold them into. I guess I am trying to say that I am glad to have you here, to be part of your family." The princess' blue eyes were a bit glassy as she embraced me.

As we parted, Daviel returned. "All right, let's go get me hitched."

Dis and I arrived in the King's hall and quickly found Fili, Kili, and Tauriel standing just to the right of the throne. The Arkenstone sat firmly in its place above. Thorin and Gandalf were already there and Bilbo, Balin, Dwalin, and Dain stood opposite us. Fili kissed my cheek and then his mother's. I offered Kili and Tauriel a grin as Fili's arm wrapped around my waist. I spotted members of the Company mixed in with the rest of the crowd. Even Bard was there with his children.

A trumpet sounded and Daviel entered, walking gracefully across the stone pathway toward the throne and her soon-to-be husband. I glanced back at Thorin and nearly giggled at the awestruck look on his face. My mind wondered to if Fili would wear the same expression when we married. I was pulled back into the present when Daviel reached Thorin and he took her hand as both knelt before Gandalf. The entire Mountain fell silent.

"Do you Thorin Oakenshield, son of Thrain, son of Thror, do hereby take up the mantle as King Under the Mountain? To protect and defend its people, to love and honor them, and forsake all self-desires?"

"I do," the King answered.

"And do you Daviel, Lady of the Iron Hills, daughter of Bolga, do hereby take up the mantle as Queen Under the Mountain? To work alongside its king, to love, to honor its people, and forsake all self-desires?"

"I do," came Daviel's confident reply.

Gandalf's weathered features wrinkled as he smiled. "Please stand." The two did so. "You may now begin your vows."

Thorin placed a gold ring on Daviel's finger. "I take you to be my partner in life and my own true love."

Then Daviel placed a gold ring on Thorin's finger. "I will cherish our friendship and I will love you today."

"I will love you tomorrow."

The next part they said together, "I will love you forever."

Thorin placed a quick kiss on Daviel's hand before saying the next part of his vows. "I will trust you and I will honor you."

"I will love you faithfully through the best and the worst."

"I will love you through the difficult and the easy."

"What may come I will always be there."

Two grinned as they finished their vows together, "As I give you my hand to hold, so do I give you my life to keep." I leaned against Fili and he pressed a kiss to my hair as the royal couple turned back to Gandalf.

The wizard took the Crown of the King from Dain's outstretched arms and placed it on Thorin's head. "Now come the days of the King and Queen Under the Mountain. May they be blessed!" A great cry rose up as we all cheered. Finally, Erebor had a king once more.

Everyone quickly shuffled down to the Banquet Hall where a great feast was served. Though most sat at their respective places for the first bit, making jolly conversation, soon the temptation of the band was too much, and many made their way to the center of the room that had been left bare for a dance floor. Bofur, of course, led the charge and Fili, Kili, and I had a good laugh watching his overdramatic movements. Fili pulled me up for one dance and then twirled me into his brother's arm for the next. Soon enough I was passed to each member of the Company save for the King. After dancing with Lord Dain, I needed a moment to breathe and so returned to our table which was set higher than all the others for the royal family and those sitting with them.

As I gulped down my ale, there was a small tug on my sleeve. I looked down to see little Tilda had found her way away from her father. "May I sit with you, Miss Avi?" she asked and with a chuckle, I helped her settle onto my lap. She looked at me, silently asking a question to which I nodded and she began to grab food and put it on my plate for her to eat.

A chuckle sounded in my ear and I glanced up to meet my love's gaze. 'What?' I mouthed.

He leaned over to whisper in my ear. "I love watching you with the little ones. I long to see you round with our own child." Warmth spread through me as he pulled back and I placed a kiss on his cheek.

"Miss Avi, your cheeks are red," Tilda pointed out matter-of-factly and both Fili and I laughed.

Just then Kili appeared, clapping his brother on the shoulder. He eyed Tilda with a bit of a confused look before shaking it off. "It appears our burglar hobbit has decided this would be the proper moment to slip away."

My eyebrows furrowed. "Without a goodbye?"

"We must stop him," Fili said, rising from his seat.

Kili nodded. "Balin is escorting him and Gandalf out. I was sent to fetch the two of you."

I glanced over to the King who was dancing with his new queen. "What of Thorin?"

"Dwalin is getting him. But we must hurry."

I turned to Tilda. "I'm afraid I must go but I shall see you before we leave for the Blue Mountains, all right?" She nodded and threw her arms around my neck. I returned the embrace before following the pair of brothers.

We found the others at the gate. Bilbo was facing Balin, looking out over the Valley and Gandalf stood nearby with his horse. "…tell the others?"

"You can tell them yourself," the old dwarf said causing the wee hobbit to turn back. Several emotions crossed his features at once as he took in all of us standing there. He grinned and approached us, holding onto his pack.

Tears threatened to spill as he addressed us. "If any of you are ever passing Bag End…" he paused, seemingly to have difficulty getting the words out. "Tea is at four, there's plenty of it. You are all welcome." We offered him a bow, even Thorin. "Uh, don't bother knocking."

The King stepped forward. "And you are always welcome here, Master Baggins." With that, he embraced the hobbit which paved the way for each of us to hug him in turn.

When it was my turn, I kissed his head and squeezed him tight. "Be safe and raise more hobbits just like you. The world needs more Baggins'." Bilbo chuckled at that.

All too soon he nodded to all of us and joined Gandalf on the horse, riding off into the distance as the sun began to set. I wrapped an arm around Fili, leaning into his chest and grabbed Kili's hand. I sincerely hoped that wouldn't be the last we saw of our dear hobbit friend. There was still much life to live. A life that was hard fought and even harder won. But this quest had done so much more than reclaim a stolen kingdom, it had made us a family.