Chapter 15: Epilogue II: One year later...

"MAM! WE'LL BE LATE!" Dru paced back and forth on the carpeted floor and was sure she'd started to make a pattern from where she'd been walking for the last ten minutes.

Her mother didn't even turn to look at her, instead carried on putting in another braid in her hair, merely glimpsing at her daughter from her vanity mirror.

"Royalty is never late. And Ladies make an entrance," Dis began to check her appearance again, before picking up her brush and running it through her hair for the fifth time.

Dru just groaned and came to stand behind her mother, looking into her eyes in the reflection.

"Yes, but I want to get there and not have to shove through the crowds!"

Her mother gave her an incredulous look and stopped brushing.

"Shove through the?!- Honestly, Dru. You won't be shoving through anyone!" Dis went back to brushing her hair, though threw Dru a warning look before saying, "and put it on."

Dru instantly knew what her mother meant. She'd been presented with a tiny, golden crown that rested on a headband, encrusted with small red gems. It wasn't the gaudiest thing Dru had been offered, but it still made her feel uncomfortable to be presented with 'gifts' and items that would show off her status.

She pouted and looked at her mother again in the reflection, widening her eyes in the hopes her mother would pity her.

"Do I HAVE to wear the crown?"

Her mother merely rolled her eyes.

"Tiara. And yes, it's compulsory, don't complain. You don't go to celebrations like this without the proper attire. So, go put it on."

Dru almost stamped her foot. But then she remembered she was in fact not a baby and that she was a Princess. She turned from her mother and made her way over to the bed where she'd dumped the item, in the hopes it'd be 'forgotten' before they had to attend the celebration.

It had only been a month before preparations had been made, but in that time Dru had been impressed by how quickly people worked together to make it come to fruition, just the way they'd worked together in rebuilding and restoring Erebor and Dale.

Thorin had been right about help arriving fast. With a month, both the town and city had been tidied until they could begin on restoring everything and within half a year, everything was already improving greatly and the mountain was once again overflowing with Dwarves. Not one person was idle and before anyone helped themselves or built new homes, they always ensured their neighbours were living in comfort. Thorin had insisted that before any of the royal chambers or throne room were touched and tidied, that everyone lived in sufficient lodgings and plenty of food. He'd given out plenty of plenty, more to people so much that paupers soon became successful businessmen in their own right. He'd felt guilty at his attitude and treatment of the people of Lake-Town and his first action had not just been to give what money he could, but to also lend a hand. It was a little shocking watching the King of Erebor and the new Lord of Dale knee-deep in rubble as they rebuilt walls and ensured the safety of the town.

And now, a year after the battle had been won and the people had been asking for a large celebration, Thorin had decided to agree. He hadn't really wanted to use expenses on frivolous parties, balls, festivals, etc. but Balin had actually said to him that it was what the people wanted. They wanted fireworks, dancing and a celebration to honour the King and his brave company for not only getting back the mountain but for defending Dale and Erebor. It had taken a little convincing, but he'd finally agreed to it when his sister literally said to him, 'just bloody do it or I'll throw it myself' and helped with the preparations as speedily as he could. Dru hadn't really been told much about the day, except that she'd have to wear a dress (with no trousers hidden underneath), royal attire, be on time and be prepared for Balin to give a long speech that recounted the events of the battle (and a little of the journey leading up to it).

So now, here she was: staring at the crown with great reluctance. She'd been shown it a couple of weeks ago and she hadn't needed to wear it before, nor was she told she'd really need to wear it after, but still...she didn't want to look ridiculous.

She sighed.

"Dru...we've been through this," her mother's voice sounded reassuring but she didn't turn around to face her as she glared at the ornament, "I'm not asking you to marry a potato. Just wear the crown for a few hours. And you WON'T. Look. Stupid. I promise."

Dru nodded, though more to herself than her mother since she couldn't see her. She reached forward, plucked the TIARA off of the bed and slipped it over her neat curls. She was grateful that she'd had help with her hair today, pleased with how neat and tidy her curls were and how polished and gleaming the beads had been when she was first presented with them.

She turned back to her mother who FINALLY stood from her vanity and looked back towards her daughter. Dis was wearing a simple and elegant long green gown, her sleeves billowing out over her upper arms, but resting in tight circles around her forearms to show off the multitude of bracelets she was wearing.

When Dis had first arrived back inside the mountain, she seemed to slip easily back into 'Princess Duties', but never neglected the woman she had become. She oversaw restoration plans, helped find books in the library archives that would aid them in future building and even bossed about the volunteers in the kitchens, before rolling up her sleeves and 'showing them how to cook a bloody decent turnip stew'. Dru had loved to watch her mother both work and be waited on occasionally, her mother sometimes forgetting she had a handmaiden to her side to grab things for her and would roll her eyes and say, "Daisy, if you don't move away from that bookshelf and let me get it, I'll not be teaching you to read anymore," to which the poor girl would quickly curtsy and step aside, allowing Dis to continue on looking through old and dusty tomes.

As she looked her mother up and down, she couldn't help but fight against the tiara, one last time for luck.

"Still don't understand why you don't wear it any more," Dru's fingers began to lazily play with the beads in her own hair as she waited for her mother to explain it to her (again).

"Because THIS," Dis waved her hand to the top of Dru's hand, "is no longer fit for me. I have my royal beads," she signalled to the ones she was currently wearing in her braids, "my bracelets and earrings," she waved her hands, letting them jangle and jingle together, "AND technically, I am no longer The Lady Dis...one day I'll be the Queen mother."

Dis actually shuddered at the thought, though it might just have been the title more than the actual occupancy.

"Mam," Dru smiled up at her mother's arched brow, "you look very nice by the way."

Dis smirked at her daughter before she grabbed her by the shoulders and wheeled her around so suddenly, Dru almost stumbled flat onto her face. Luckily, her mother's grip and strength were still the same after seventy years and she merely propelled her daughter forward until Dru could look at herself in the vanity mirror again.

She smiled over Dru's shoulder and the hands relaxed to a more comforting show of affection.

"And look at you. You're beautiful."

When Dis had said that to her growing up, Dru would either scoff or pretend to agree and walk away. But today...even with all her scars, she actually felt it.

Due to the hours, she'd spent outside, tending to the gardens in Dale (with Tilda and Sigrid's help), helping clear away rubble or looking over plans to start new buildings, the cuts that had once littered over Dru's face, arms and the majority of her torso had faded to nothing. The healing salves had worked quickly and now, the only other scars she bore (other than her older ones) was the long silvery line on her stomach and the one on her neck. Her burnt breast had been treated and healed again, so there was not much different to it than what had happened before. She didn't mind those though. She remembered what someone had told her long ago and felt nothing but pride when she looked at them. She'd survived the worst and her family was alive with her: that's what mattered.

And the dress she wore: 'Mahal!' she chuckled to herself at the thought that, a year ago she wouldn't have been caught dead in a dress and now...she wore one once MAYBE twice a week.

When her mother had arrived, the first thing she presented Dru with was not just one, but TWO new holsters after Dru had written her a letter and explained what had happened. It didn't really bother her when she wore her tunics, coats and trousers, but as soon as Dru had been given the ones her mother had done...she had to see how they looked.

The first leather holster she'd been given was a vast improvement on the last one. Tougher and more secure to last even against the worst attacks by any blade. Dru had practised with it in the training grounds below and had taken a mace to the side on purpose to see how it fared. It wasn't even scratched and whilst she'd been winded, she was also pleased with how her new accessory fared.

The second holster her mother had given her was not leather at all and had ribbons and a button clasp around the top. It'd been...strange to gaze on such an unusual item, but when Dru put it on, she actually fell in love with it. Unlike the hidden 'pocket' in the other one, it was padded with fabric and cotton that Dru could rearrange to her heart's content, depending on if she wanted it a little bigger or smaller.

And after a little persuading by her mother, she agreed to test and try it with dresses. The first trial run had been a little nerve-wracking for Dru and had ended with her getting soaked in a fountain, but the overall reaction had been positive.

After that, it was just a matter of agreeing what dresses she liked and what would be 'appropriate' for royal meetings or discussions. Her mother had no need for all the dresses in her closet and drawers and had happily shared out most of the ones that Dru liked.

After letting Dru keep her old rooms and decorate them to her hearts content, she'd only taken the items she really wanted and then thrown some of the stuff she believed Dru needed (like the large vanity mirror and desk), Dis had moved to the floors above, closer to her father and grandfather's rooms. She'd elected to stay there to spare Thorin the need to move since he seemed content enough with his old chambers. He'd also expressed his wishes to stay closer to Dru, encase she needed anything urgently.

Just thinking about Thorin made her suddenly remember where they were supposed to be heading and quickly straightened out any wrinkles on the tartan overskirt she wore. Dis didn't miss this and began to help Dru, though probably more to quell the growing nerves at being out in public.

"A couple more readjustments to the skirts, sleeves and the front and you'll have a complete wardrobe," Dis' hands suddenly appeared at the top of her daughter's dress and gave a swift tug as if to cover her daughter more, "Make sure you keep your girl tucked in, don't need to be popping out for everyone to see."

"MAM," Dru couldn't help but blush as she swatted her mother's hands away, but let herself be grabbed when her mother smirked at her and pulled her towards the door.

"Oh shush, let's go!"

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Of course, Dru had worried needlessly about 'shoving through the crowds'. Despite what was obviously a late appearance on both their parts, as they walked through the corridors and archways of Erebor, people parted to let them through, giving them bows and curtsies as they went. Dru was still not used to that, but at least she knew now that she didn't have to stop at every single one and return the gesture.

She was also not used to the guards that seemingly appeared out of the shadows and escorted them everywhere. There had been a few security issues (and a kidnapping threat) once Erebor had begun to grow in power again, trade slowly seeping back in, so Thorin had agreed to the extra protection for his family.

Well, to be precise, he'd told Dru that she would need extra protection over the others and when she fought with him about it, he barked that she was too important to him and if anything happened to her, he would throw his crown and then himself into the forges. That had quickly led to tears from both sides and they'd eventually, a compromised had been reached: Dru would be allowed her freedom in Erebor (she never felt a threat from her own people) and Dale, but if she ventured any farther, she'd bring a guard of her choosing.

To be fair, these guards didn't bother her as they were mostly there for her mother's benefit. Her mother hadn't argued about it, but stated to Thorin, 'If they try to follow me when I have my committee meetings, I'll shove my foot up your backside.'

He'd been ok with those agreements.

As they drew closer to the Throne room, Dru kept her focus on the wide variety of people that had come. Dwarves, Man and Elf stood together inside Erebor and it filled her with...a strange but wonderful feeling. They'd finally mended the broken and strained relationship between the Elves of Mirkwood AND Thorin had even become acquaintances with the folk of Rivendell, though he could mostly thank the wonderful communication skills of Balin, Gandalf and even Dis when it came to addressing them face to face. Sometimes, his past prejudices would get the best of him, but one or the other would set him straight.

Looking amongst the crowds and those that stood alone in the long alcoves the stretched above and below from all sides, she could occasionally make out a familiar face she knew here and there. It wasn't hard to miss Bombur, his wife and their children, that was for sure.

As they came to a stop along the side of the bridge, she was displeased to see that she could only see from the side and found she actually longed to be closer.

Regardless of the royal status of any female, they were not to join the men by the throne unless specifically asked to by the King himself. Dis had explained this was usually to do with proclamations or special birthday mentions, so she'd only been up there a couple of times a year when they'd first done it.

Dru didn't think it was very fair. ALL members of the family should be allowed to stand together.

Still, she was not one to baulk at ALL traditions. At least this way, not everyone would be looking at her. Regardless of how she'd seen herself in the mirror earlier, she still felt uncomfortable at times when large crowds of people focused their attention on her.

"My Lady," a guard suddenly appeared in front of her and blocked her view altogether, "My lady, you are to come with me. The King awaits."

Dru suddenly felt her stomach drop.

'Oh no...what have I done?'

Surely he didn't know about her matchmaking for Bifur? The cheating at Snapdragon? The Sledding down the mountains of Gold?!

'Maybe he knows you sent for Bilbo for his birthday present?!'

Oh no.

She turned towards her mother and her small smirk did nothing to quench her worry, burning deep inside of her.

"Go now. Best not keep the King waiting," her mother's hand suddenly gave her a swift pat on the backside and Dru involuntarily jumped forward with a small yelp, her cheeks burning red with embarrassment as she did as she was told.

She desperately tried to look down at the floor as she walked, but was aware of the hundreds, possibly even thousands of eyes upon her.

Finally, she found herself staring at a pair of familiar clean boots.

Her eyes slowly trailed up and whilst she was scared, there was something comforting about seeing Thorin wearing his royal robes without armour and the crown he'd thrown away and refused to put back on (until Dru had forcibly put it back on his head and just told him to behave himself).

But his face was not a hard stare or scowl as she expected. He rarely did that for her any more, instead, he bestowed those smiles and little fleeting glances that made her want to hug him.

But now, they were in front of a crowd of people and the only she could do was wait for him to address her. She gave him a small curtsey and glanced quickly to his sides. Both Fili and Kili were smirking at her as if they knew something she didn't. She'd get them both back later for it, once she figured out what it was all about.

Thorin leant forward slightly and quirked his brow at her.

"You're running late," Dru felt a twitch in her eye and wanted to go over and tell her mother off for making him wait, "What are you doing there?"

She felt a little confused by his statement. Did he...not want her standing so close to the throne? Or did he not want her there at all?

"Urm...watching?" She whispered, unsure of whether or not that was the right answer.

Thorin's eyes softened even more and he smiled at her and she instantly relaxed.

"You belong up here. With your brothers," he settled his back against the high throne once more, waiting for her response.

But Dru was temporarily stupefied by his statement.

He wanted her there?!

She tried not to bluster with her words as she wanted him to see reason. If she was there, then someone here would be upset about the breaking of tradition...right?

"But-but-I'm a girl," she leant in closer and used her eyes to signal around him that he was surrounded by males and that was what was meant to be, as were the tradition.

Thorin's lip twitched in the corner and she knew he was fighting down a smirk.

"Yes. And I'm the King. And I say you stand up here with your brothers and your family...where you belong.

Dru suddenly felt a little emotional. He was purposefully breaking all the rules, just so she could stand by her brothers. She was suddenly aware of all eyes watching her again and hastily looked around the Throne, not knowing where to go now. She shuffled a little awkwardly but asking him in a much quieter voice, "Urm...where do I go?"

Thorin brought his hand up to rest against his chin, moving his finger in front of his mouth to hide his smirk.

"Kili." Was all he said and Dru figured that it made sense. Oldest to youngest.

She slowly moved away from him and up to the step to stand next to Kili. He was wearing his best brown and green robes and his hair had been neatly brushed back over his shoulders, showing off his growing beard that had begun to thicken when they settled in the Mountain.

He gave her a playful wink and just before she turned herself about to face everyone, she caught him mouth 'Nice dress' at her.

She was thankful her skirts were long enough to hide the gentle kick she gave him.

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She stood the entire time and listened to Balin speak.

It was a very rousing speech, recounting the day they had reclaimed Erebor, but Dru had LIVED that day. She was paying more attention to the faces watching them. Sneaking glances at Kili, Fili and Thorin's outfits.

Thorin may have been wearing the crown again, but he no longer had that wild look in his eyes the last time he'd worn it. No heavy fur coats (much to Dru's disappointment).

Kili's smaller band around his head, compared to Fili's slightly larger one.

They had not been made by anyone paid to do it. They were gifts and heirlooms, the same as hers. The ones wore by Thorin and his younger brother before Smaug arrived.

And now she was closer to the front, Dru was pleased to see a lot more familiar faces up close and personal. The rest of the company was of course there, some throwing winks, smirks and even blowing a playful kiss 'thank you, Bofur', but it was the townsfolk that caught her attention the most. The faces and people that had been kind to them and helped them on Durin's Day were there. Bard and his family in fine, clean clothes (though Dru knew that as soon as they got back to Dale, Tilda would rush out of those clothes to carry on digging in her muddy garden) and Gandalf's recognisable form standing close by and keeping a watchful eye over proceedings.

It hurt her to know that Bilbo had not of course been able to make it then, but according to his reply to her letter, he'd be there soon to visit and surprise Thorin. She was very excited about that.

Scanning the faces she wasn't at all surprised to see that among the elves of Mirkwood, Tauriel was there and wearing a familiar braid that she'd been sporting only recently.

Dru smirked and was tempted to playfully point her out to Kili, but she knew he had already seen her. She had a feeling that was why he was wearing clothes that matched hers.

Eventually, Balin drew to a close and with one loud proclamation, bid everyone to join him as he shouted, "Hail, King Thorin!"

Dru almost missed it the second time, but couldn't stop herself from smiling at the voices that carried around the deep cavern from everywhere. If it hadn't of been improper, she would have leant forward to catch a glimpse of Thorin's face.

Quickly and quietly, once it had settled down and Thorin had stood to let it be known he was to speak, he kept his own speech short and simple: He was not just Erebor and Dale to profit and grow, but those he had formed an alliance with to prosper also. A new counsel had been formed and he would attempt to help any and all who came to him. Lastly, he thanked not only the members of the company for their bravery and loyalty to him, ever unyielding, but to his family. To his sister who had kept him strong, his nephews who had fought by his side...and to his niece, who had saved his life.

Dru didn't hide the tears that fell from her eyes, but reached her hand out and grabbed hold of Kili's as everyone began to cheer for them. She laughed when she looked over and saw Kili was actually crying also.

So much for royal decorum. She had a feeling Fili and her Mam were crying also.

As they finished and Thorin made his way out and along the ridge, Fili, Kili and Dru followed after him, followed by the numerous guards that would protect the King.

Walking back along the hallways and corridors towards Thorin's chambers, was eventful. The number of people who seemed so overwhelmed to be in the presence of Thorin and his family was a little amusing to Dru, but she was also very touched by it.

Despite the past, Thorin was not only where he belonged, but he was respected and admired for how he got there.

When they made it to his chambers, Thorin turned and gave a small bow to the three of them, Fili and Kili returning it and Dru giving a small curtsy.

Just before he turned away completely though, Dru couldn't help but break Decorum one last time.

"See ya' later for supper?"

Thorin seemed to contemplate this for a long time, probably thinking about how much paperwork he had. Finally, he gave her one of his dazzling smiles and nodded his head.

"Aye'. I will see you then," he turned from them finally and entered his own chambers as the guard opened his door for him.

"I'll make sure Fili doesn't eat all the cheese rolls!" She yelled after him and dodged the playful swipe that her elder brother tried to catch her with.

"You Toad!" He swiped at her again, but she ducked and quickly skipped away from a safe distance, only turning back to grin at him.

"I'll see you lot at supper then!"

Dru ignored everyone's amused and scandalised stares as she sauntered off by herself, whistling a merry tune in a very unladylike manner. But then, as she'd stated to Fili the previous evening:

'Who wants to be a lady? Certainly not me.'

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"Just a little more!" Dru grunted as she stretched up as best she could, holding the heavy candle lighter in both hands as she tried to reach the last candle with it.

Her mother had left her in charge of setting the table after putting the food in the pot and leaving it to cook and Dru had found that the lighting in the small kitchen area was a little dimmer than usual and when she looked up, realised it was because someone had forgotten to light the small chandelier above the table.

It had been cleaned within an inch of its life, cobwebs no longer clinging to it all around and spreading out into the highest sections of the ceiling.

Still, didn't make it any easier to reach or light the blasted things. There were only ten and she'd gotten all nine in a circle, but they were all at different levels and the farthest one was right in the middle and seemingly JUST out of her reach but as always, her stubbornness wouldn't let her leave it.

It just wouldn't be right to leave that ONE on its own.

She'd taken her boots off so she wouldn't dirty the table and felt cold ceramic underneath her foot when she moved. It was all right though, she'd remembered the plate placement and smirked at the thought of her big brother enjoying his food and teasing her, not knowing what he was eating off.

She heard the doors open behind her and footsteps approach and hoped it was someone with a better reach than her, then she remembered her mother had still left the pot slowly cooking in the corner. She turned to look over her shoulder.

"Mam? Is that you-AH!" she shrieked in shock when the plate shifted underneath her as she turned and she lost her footing. She stumbled backwards until her foot met nothing but air and she felt herself fall from the table and descend to the ground below.

Bracing herself for the inevitable pain, she shut her eyes tightly to stop the world whirling past her vision. Just before she felt the ground meet her back, two strong arms encircled her and despite their intent to keep her up, gravity and her weight were working against them. There was a sudden jerking mid-fall before she kept tumbling, but the arms didn't let her go. If she was falling, so would they.

Her back did indeed meet the floor, but the arm around her waist and the other around her head protected her from any serious damage. She merely grunted when a weight suddenly landed on top of her and knocked the wind straight out of her, crushing her arms in between their bodies.

She opened her eyes and was met at first by a tuft of wavy blonde hair before the head shifted and two blue eyes met hers, full of worry and concern.

"Are you all right?!" Fili didn't let her go and looked into her face, waiting for any sign that he should get them up and take her to Oin. But there was no need.

Other than a slightly bruised backside and the sudden realisation that one of Fili's legs was in between her own and pressing down against her, Dru felt ok. She did have to fight down on her blush and cleared her throat before answering him.

"Yes...you?"

Fili nodded at her and sighed in relief, his hand gently stroking the back of her head.

"Thanks for the catch."

Fili slowly began to disentangle himself from her pulling back so she could sit herself up, though he was reluctant to let her go.

"We weren't supposed to hit the floor, but I forget you're heavier than you look."

Dru could only glare at him but had to fight her smirk when she saw the teasing glint in his eye. As he pulled back, she was suddenly aware of the strange feeling in between them and looked down to see the Wooden candle lighter had snapped in two.

"Oh...you broke my thing," she pouted, though technically it was not her thing to break. Fili merely laughed and pulled it aside as he pulled himself up to stand in front of her.

He had intended on offering her his hand but glanced down at her lack of footwear.

"Why have you got your shoes off?"

"I didn't want to get the table filthy with bootprints!" she let him look at her from above, amused at his confusion, "We have to eat on that."

"But your feet aren't filthy?"

She raised one of her feet so it was level with his waist and wiggled her toes at him.

"Clean as a whistle."

He laughed and finally helped pull her to stand, his attention turning back to the table behind them. He looked at the slightly askew plate and back at her, his eyebrow raised.

"Whose plate is that?"

Dru smiled sweetly.

"Kili's."

Fili nodded and turned back to the table, placing the plate in the spot it had been before. Sometimes, it was good to know they shared the same sense of humour.

They began to potter about the place, Dru finally giving up on the candle and instead, getting the ale and jugs ready for everyone. Fili stood in front of her and took four of the cups, but didn't move aside straight away.

Dru looked at him quizzically, wondering what it was he was looking at.

"What?" She looked him up and down, making sure he wasn't about to play a nasty trick on her. But she trusted him enough when he took a step closer and leaned in towards her.

She was very surprised when his lips landed on her bare cheek and stayed there for a few heartbeats before he pulled back and smiled at her.

She definitely couldn't fight the blush that appeared on her face then.

"What-What was that for?"

Fili cleared his throat and said in his most earnest voice, "Because you look very beautiful today."

Dru spluttered and stuttered for a few moments before she was able to answer.

"Fi-Fili! You sound just like Kili," she didn't realise she had nervously begun to shake the rest of the cups in her hands, causing them to chatter and clink against one another, "thank you."

She shuffled about from one foot to the other during the awkward silence and before Fili had a chance to move away from her, she reached up and planted her own kiss against the corner of his mouth. When she pulled back, she was pleased to see his own cheeks were as flushed as hers felt.

"You look very handsome today yourself...Lord Fili," she broke the strange and crackling tension between them with a cheeky smile, which he returned.

"Thank you, My Lady Dru."

He knew she hated that title, especially when he or her friends called her it, but the shove she gave him was only a little playful and they both dumped the rest of the cups on the table, just in time for the others to pile into the room, led by Kili.

"Are you two still fighting?!" He walked straight over to Dru and threw his arm around her shoulders, attempting to put her in a headlock, "you need to learn to respect your elders!"

"UGH, KI!" Dru, now with her hands and arms free, gave him a sharp dig in his ribs with her elbow, "get me out your smelly armpit!"

Kili immediately retracted his arm from her and grimaced as he held his side in both hands.

"Ah, careful!" He glared down at her, "that's no way to treat royalty!"

Fili couldn't help but laugh at his little brother.

"It's your own fault, you know she's a got sharp elbows' as well as teeth."

She playfully nattered her jaws up and down at them, before stepping away to help pour out the drinks for the company. She greeted each of them in turn, making sure Thorin received his customary kiss on the cheek. Every day, regardless of where they were, she'd make sure she'd come to find him and give him at least one kiss.

'For luck,' she had simply stated when he enquired as to why.

When she came to Balin, she leant in between him and Dwalin and smiled at him as she filled his cup.

"Balin, that was a beautiful speech you made," she made sure his drink was poured all the way to the top, "remind me to propose a toast to you later!"

"If we proposed a toast to everything clever that comes out of his mouth, we'll be rat-faced in no time!" Nori smirked from across the way, put playfully raised his drink and took a huge swig.

When all the drinks were full and everyone was seated and ready, happily talking amongst themselves, Dru made her way over to the large pot, checking if it was ready before her Mother came back.

She leant over the top and shut her eyes as she took in a deep breath.

"That smells delicious-OW!" She felt a sharp tug on the top of her ear and flew back as she clutched at it, glaring at the perpetrator.

Her mother merely gave her a cold look before 'shooing' her away from the pot with her hands.

"Your hair is going to get in the broth, how many times have I told you to always tie it back when cooking?!"

Dru just rolled her eyes and mimicked her mother's facial expression when her back was turned and she thought she was safe.

"I know what you're doing, Dru," came her mother's voice and Dru suddenly stood frozen to the spot.

How DID she do that?!

She busied herself in preparing the bowls, scurrying around and trying not to test her mother's wrath any more. And that's when she actually stopped and watched everyone.

Bombur, Bifur, Bofur.

Ori, Nori, Dori.

Fili, Kili.

Oin, Gloin.

Dwain, Balin.

And Thorin.

All sitting around the table, laughing, drinking and talking about anything. Just the image of everyone together and happy and celebrating one of the biggest fights in their lives...it made her want to cry. And laugh. And run over and hug and kiss every one of them.

All alive and happy and how it should be.

Home.

She suddenly had a childish want, to jump on the spot and start dancing and skipping around the room, though with no music she felt it would look mighty strange.

And when she looked at Bofur and found he'd brought his flute with him, tucked into the side of his belt, she suddenly had a wonderful idea.

She went over to him and leaned in close, a conspiratorial glint in her eye.

"Bofur?"

He turned to her with a smirk and a wink.

"Aye', My lady?"

She just rolled her eyes at him but leant in closer and began to whisper into his ear. Bifur chuckled as he overheard what they were saying, but Dwalin couldn't help but squint in disapproval, worried at what plans she had in store.

"What are ye' up to?"

Dru pulled back and gave Dwalin a little wink, before saying simply, "you'll see."

She looked back at Bofur and nodded and he returned the gesture, before pulling out his flute and giving it a clean.

"Anything my lady asks."

A few close by noticed him pull out and prepare his flute, but everyone turned as he began to play a familiar tune on it. They all recognised it and they all pictured a fire, uncertainty for the future, but the safeness and loyalty they had felt that night.

'Of all the money that ere I had,

I spent it in good company,"

Some of them turned around to see Dru, who had walked back towards the bowls on the table opposite and began to fill them up from the broth. Her mother came over to the table and helped put out the baskets of bread as she joined in the song, singing perfectly with her daughter.

'And of all the harm that ere I've done,

Alas was done to none but me.

And all I've done for want of wit,

To memory now I cannot recall,

So fill me to the parting glass,

Goodnight and joy be with you all.'

As each bowl was placed down, no one made to drink it or dip their bread in. Instead, they began to sing what they remembered, each one joining in. Thorin had smiled at his sister and niece before chiming in, followed by Fili and Kili. Soon, almost everyone around the table was singing, Bofur happily playing the tune.

Of all the comrades that ere I had,

They're sorry for my going away,

And of all the sweethearts that ere,

I had They wish me one more day to stay,

But since it falls unto my lot,

That I should rise and you should not,

I will gently rise and I'll softly call,

"Goodnight and joy be with you all!"

As Dru and Dis took their places with their family and friends, Dru happily allowed Fili to pull her against him, his arm tucked around her back. She leant her head against his shoulder and just relaxed.

She wouldn't tell him. Maybe one day but just for now as they were, she was happy. And as the song came to an end, the entire company cheered and raised their cups, toasting to one another. Not just as friends and family: but as a fine, fine company.

'Oh, if I had money enough to spend,

And leisure time to sit awhile,

There is a fair maid in this town,

That sorely has my heart beguiled,

Her rosy cheeks and ruby lips,

She alone has my heart in thrall,

So fill me to the parting glass,

Goodnight and joy be with you all.'