Chapter 21 ~ King Under the Mountain

Stories of "Thorin the Bold" spread like fire on a dry hot summer's day. Some say he had been killed fighting for his kingdom and Dain now ruled. Others said his father came to reclaim the throne or Thorin was healed by Kale and they both ruled living in peace. Some also said the Arkenstone healed him and now was in control. Story after story of the "King Under the Mountain" was passed down as the magnificent Erebor was being restored.

Snow began to fall as nearly a month had already gone by. Dain and his soldiers had stayed with Thorin to help rebuild, and the kingdom had already begun to look as magnificent as it did long ago. Such news of Thorin's reclaim of the kingdom had finally reached his people in the Blue Mountains and they had quickly begun to make their journey home.

With help from Galadriel, Thranduil, and the arrival of Elrond, they helped shape and restore Kale's forest that Thorin had once promised her. It had not taken long with the pull of Kale's presence that animals had already begun to flourish in it. Gwaihir had also made his home in the mountain, with his eagles, to offer protection and loyalty to his queen. Kale had managed to heal their female and already a promise of eaglets was in the future. Thorin was able to finally breathe again as he saw his future finally secure in his home and inside Kale.

Thorin stood before all races of dwarves, elves, and men, and even a wizard and a hobbit. He was adored as the strongest and most magnificent of the kings of middle earth. There was no work this day as a ceremony was planned to crown the king and queen and to also give Kale the wedding she deserved that he was unable to give her when they first made their vows. The elves had adorned the forest with the most elaborate and royal décor. Trees were manipulated and twisted that formed arches and grew flowers that winter never saw.

Thorin stood breathless as she made her way to him holding tight onto her father's arm. Brakin seemed to realize her anxiousness and held her close. Thorin knew she didn't approve of such an event, with her shyness, but as their eyes met she relaxed and walked faster to reach him. She was exquisite adorned in a collar of gold leaves, she also disproved of. Her beautiful gown was wrapped with a fur hood to help keep her keep warm and dwarvish fur boots that made Thorin smile at the sight of them. He could not see her belly but knew the most beautiful part of her was warm inside.

Everyone was in awe of her and smiled as they watched her walk to him. The air around the lonely mountain was full of joy and life. She stopped to put a necklace around Rafe's neck and then hugged him tightly as he kissed her forehead and unwilling closed his eyes and let her walk away. The thought of this being what she wanted out of life cut him deep but he would now gladly hurt for her happiness.

Kale's eye caught Dis' as she walked by and smiled. Dis had just arrived and helped Kale get dressed for the ceremony. Kale loved her sweet, gentle nature but could sense she could be strong and fierce if needed. She was the female version of her Thorin and she loved any part of him. Dis hugged her several times thanking her for the love she has breathed into her brother's soul.

"It was rare to ever see him smile Kale, and now that is all I see on his face."

"I will try my whole life to make him happy," Kale promised.

"I don't think you will have to try, I can see that he is yours completely and I am so happy for him. He deserves the life you will have together. And I am so happy to hear I will be an aunt."

Kale smiled looking down at her growing belly. "He will be a wonderful father; I have seen him with Kili and Fili."

This brought tears to Dis' eyes. "I will always be thankful to Thorin for helping me with them. I lost my husband and little brother all in one day. I could not have done it without him. You could not have chosen better Kale, I know he is my brother, but I promise you."

"I know, Dis, I know that with all my heart!"

The memory faded as she focused on Thorin's eyes that seemed to burn into hers. Even his gaze sent chills down her body. When she finally reached him, Brakin kissed both of her cheeks and then hugged her gently before giving her to Thorin again. Thorin bowed and Brakin knew that she was now in the most loving hands life had to offer besides his own. Thorin had kept his promise and everything was now set right. It was a long and perilous road but his daughter could now live the life she for so long desired.

They stared in each other's eyes smiling as they listened to Gandalf and then promised their vows again to one another and their kingdom. Thorin would rub her shaking hands and then would kiss them and whisper that everything was ok and he loved her. She knew it was as long as he was by her side and she smiled at the thought of where life had led them. They bowed and received their crowns and then kissed deeply as King and Queen of Erebor. Everyone stood and cheered as they turned and presented themselves. Laughs were softly heard as Kale shyly turned and hid in Thorin's side. He laughed himself and put his arms around her holding her tight and then held her chin up smiling kissing her again.

The night was filled with music from inside the mountain. The company was such that had never since that day been seen before. Everyone would depart the following day to make their way back to their homes and leave Erebor to the dwarves and Kale.

Thorin introduced Kale to Beorn and then they explained how they already knew each other. Thorin was brought to tears and sickened as he bowed before Beorn pledging his thankfulness for his wife's aid. Beorn made him stand pleading with him that it was his honor to help her. She also thanked and hugged him for his aid in the war to her husband promising he always had friends in Erebor. Thorin had never seen Beorn blush before but smiled knowing he was taken by her like everyone else that had ever been in her presence. She asked him about his many animals and he beamed going on and on about them. Thorin wrapped his arms around her and listened for once to the babbling Beorn delighted he was able to hear his tales.

Gandalf sat with Bilbo sipping wine and sharing stories. It was nice to finally breathe easier that such right had been turned to good and the journey had in fact, been worth it all. Gandalf smiled at the king Thorin had become and the queen that helped get him there. He could never have made it without her. He was hardened by life and his outer shell was somewhat impenetrable, until her found her in Rivendell that day. Their love was stronger than any power Gandalf could ever possess. When he had first met Thorin he was full of bitterness, hate, and revenge and now watching him laugh and smile wrapped in the arms of his queen he saw peace, love, and happiness. He rose and bid Thorin a good night and Thorin thanked him and Bilbo for everything they had done and would always be indebted to them, then they also disappeared into the night leaving their company on their own so they could be together.

Thorin's heart was in his throat as she stood by the window. He had taken her wedding dress off and she was left with a sheer gown that clung softly to her body revealing every shape of her that his ached for. Her belly was growing and it made his heart sing to know the babies seemed healthy and were doing well every day. He removed his shirt and stoked the fire when he heard her gasp.

"Thorin," she yelled grabbing her belly. He dropped the logs and ran to her begging what was wrong.

"They're kicking," she said amazed, pulling his hand to her belly and killing his fear in one touch.

Tears spilled from their eyes as they felt their babies move with life. He kissed her and held her close praising God for such gifts and all that life had given him. This was what he fought for and would do it all again to have them in his arms. Their home, a place where darkness once fell, had no power anymore and was bathed with light and life and he would fight to his last breath to protect the treasure that had stolen his heart.