A/N: Hi, guys! Thanks to everyone for all your support and kind words about the wedding chapter (well, the main one, anyway). As you will soon find out, the wedding actually goes on to the end of this chapter too. Spoiler alert: more unexpected arrivals... ;) P.S. For those of you interested, I will be posting the M-rated wedding night scenes from this story in a separate fic within the next hour or so, so keep an eye out ;P

Big thanks to the following people for following/favouriting: sesshoumarucrazy, carter. rebecca. e, theta-Skywalker-587, wildcat717, milkybar and RyanDance.

Review Response(s):

animexchick: Heh, thanks!

alxxman: Thank you...! As for LotR, I don't know yet - I have a few ideas, but they're pretty fragmented so far, so we'll have to see once we get to the end of this one. But it was always my intention to do so, yeah.

Faron Oakenshield: Haha, yuppp! :)

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CheekyLittleFoxy: Haha, perhaps it would be best not to get too far ahead of yourself, hmm...? ;)

'I like large parties. They're so intimate. At small parties there isn't any privacy.' - F. Scott Fitzgerald

Chapter 25:

Though Alana was never in any doubt of this particular fact, one thing was proven that night - dwarves knew how to throw an excellent party. The chaos of the party following Thorin's coronation could have been called tame next to this. Food was being thrown, no less than five drinking competitions were taking place, and of all the dwarves doing neither of them, most were on the dance floor, dancing and whooping as if it were they that had been married.

She and Thorin had danced together four times now, having long ago left their crowns on the table at the top of the hall. She'd also danced with Bofur, and Fili, and Legolas, and Lord Elrond, and Aragorn (twice), and with Lord Dain as well. Most of the night, however, she spent by Thorin, both of them talking and laughing as if nothing had changed, and yet they were both painfully aware that something had changed.

"You know," Alana mused thoughtfully, taking a sip of the wine that was sat in front of her, "this time last year we would have been resting in Rivendell with the rest of the company. It feels like an age has gone by, and yet..."

"It has only been a few months," Thorin finished with a smile. "Indeed, time acts in strange ways sometimes. So much is different now, compared to how it was back then, and yet I do not remember it changing. Only upon looking back do I see how much you have changed in my life." He smiled tenderly, picking up her hand and pressing a kiss to her knuckles. "Never let me forget to tell you how much I love you. I endeavour to remind you at least once every day, so you may never doubt my feelings for you."

"Thorin," Alana murmured with a fond chuckle, "while I appreciate the thought, you do not need to tell me every day for me to know that."

"Nonetheless, I shall do it. Because you deserve nothing else, atamanel."

Alana rolled her eyes, though she was still smiling. "Well, I'm hardly going to complain, am I?" Thorin opened his mouth to reply, but then his eyes skipped over her shoulder and narrowed ever so slightly. Frowning, Alana followed his gaze, and upon seeing who had caused his change in demeanour, smiled politely and bowed her head. "My Lord Thranduil," she greeted. "We are glad to see that you could make it."

Thranduil eyed her for a moment, before a shadow of a smile flickered into place. "It can't have been easy to persuade your husband to send those invitations our way, my Lady. But I am... pleased... that you succeeded. I am glad that the peace we have begun has been, so far, maintained."

Chuckling, Alana tilted her head to the side. "As am I, my Lord, and no matter what may be implied otherwise, we both are happy you could come. When you had not arrived by this morning, I will admit that I grew worried you would not arrive at all."

Thranduil frowned. "There was a slight delay in our leaving - the spiders of Dol Guldur rose up again and drew too close to our borders. I could not leave the forest without first ensuring the safety of its people."

Alana smiled. "I understand." And she did, in a way that was far beyond the understanding her simple words implied.

She had always believed Thranduil to be cold, to have no care for the people under his rule, and to even be cruel at times. On the outside, that was exactly how he seemed. But Thranduil was not heartless - on the contrary, perhaps he appeared this way from feeling too much. He was not without his faults, but he protected his kingdom and, by extension, the many hundreds of lives living within its borders. Sometimes, the risks were simply too great to allow threats close, whether those threats were true or not. Though she still liked to believe that she herself would have acted differently in the same situation, she could understand the reasoning behind the imprisonment of the company within his walls.

Thranduil glanced over at the hall again. "Many years have passed since my eyes last took in a sight such as this," he murmured absently. "Elves and dwarves and men in one room, with no ill will between them." He glanced at her. "You have somehow found a way to close the gaps between our races, Queen Alana, and for that you must be commended. It may be many years yet before we choose to call each other friend, but this is a definitive step in the right direction."

Alana hummed thoughtfully. "I suppose you are right. Though I would say they are getting on well enough right now." She hadn't really payed enough attention before to notice, but many of the drinking competitions had participants of all races. They were competing, yes, but there seemed to be no real animosity. In fact, this was perhaps enough to be called camaraderie, even if it only was after a mug or six of ale.

"Nothing has been proven to better lower the guard of any creature than alcohol," Thorin murmured with amusement, speaking up for the first time since Thranduil's arrival. He gave the elven King a cool look. "Perhaps that is where we have gone wrong these past centuries - if it was that drink were made freely available during our meetings, I think we would not so often come to disagreement."

"If that were the case, we would need to ensure someone wrote down every word spoken - so there are no lost or confused details."

"Something tells me that would be a good idea regardless of the presence of ale and wine," Alana mused absentmindedly, eyes drawn to the table at the very opposite of the room, from which there came a rousing cheer. It seemed the victor of that particular contest had been found. She turned back to Thranduil with a smile. "But now is not the time to be thinking of politics and such things. This is a time for festivity! Enjoy it, as much as you can." She gave a wry grin. "I know this is not what you would usually consider to be a party."

"Indeed not. Though I suppose I can understand it's appeal, in a way." He looked around. "It has been some time since I have seen many of my people so carefree."

"One does tend to lose all inhibitions in an environment such as this. There is so much going on that no one lingers on any one thing for very long. That gives a sense of security to do as you wish without fear of judgement."

Thorin chuckled beside her. "And you are speaking from experience, aren't you, atamanel?" Alana shot him a flat look, but Thorin just laughed again. "That is one of my fondest memories."

"Which would that be?" Kili asked, appearing as if from nowhere.

"The first time I saw Alana drunk."

"And the only time," Alana cut in, frowning. "Something I note for which you have yet to return the favour."

"Oh, you don't want to see uncle when he's drunk," Kili cut in, sipping from his tankard even as he did so. "Ever so dull is he. Sure, he can't walk properly and he swears more than you might think, but he never takes part in any contests or anything like that."

"Oh, I think it would be quite amusing to see Thorin stumbling about," Alana mused, winking at her new husband when he rolled his eyes. "It would make a nice change from his usual composure and... confidence."

"Be sure to invite me when it happens," Thranduil piped up, making Alana wink at him in return. The elven King gave a light chuckle, before tilting his head to the side in polite acknowledgement and disappearing further into the room.

Thorin stared after the elf for a moment, before turning to Alana. "If you ever invite him to a join us in a night of drinking-"

"I get the picture, Thorin," Alana assured him with a laugh. "And I would never do that to you, I promise." She leaned forward and pecked him lightly on the lips. "Now," she said with a feigned seriousness to her tone, "I need to have a dance with my nephew."

"Who? Me?" Kili seemed surprised that Alana had called him out, and yelped when she grabbed him by the sleeve and dragged him from his chair.

The music playing at the present time was bouncy and cheerful, and Alana and Kili easily managed to integrate themselves into the dance, weaving and dodging around the others that were already twirling around on the dance floor. Dancing with Kili was different to dancing with Thorin - with him it felt clunky and slightly awkward, whereas with Thorin it just somehow... worked. Like the two of them could anticipate each other's every move and know how to respond.

Still, by the end of the dance she and Kili were both laughing and both had enjoyed it immensely.

That said, they had barely parted from one another when they were swept up by their new partners - Kili dancing with his mother, while Fili claimed Alana for a second dance.

She chuckled. "I had no idea I was such a catch, today of all days," she teased him, the two of them spinning around the room. "How are you, Fili?"

"I am well, though that is a given, as this is a feast and all feasts tend to raise my spirits. What about you, my Queen?"

Alana rolled her eyes, though there was an easy grin on her face as she replied. "I'm very happy, as you damn well know, I'm sure." She paused for a second. "In fact, I don't think I've ever been happier in my entire life."

Fili shared her grin. "I am glad to hear it," he answered, spinning her away from him, and then drawing her back in again. "Now, I have a request from you."

She pouted. "Oh, I should have known better than to believe it was merely the pleasure of my company that you sought."

Fili rolled his eyes. "Don't be so melodramatic, irak'amad."

"Alright then," she said, smiling again. "What can I help you with?"

"Kili," Fili said simply, and Alana stumbled in a step as a wave of concern washed over her and left an icy chill in her blood.

"What's wrong? Is he alright?"

Fili nodded quickly. "Aye, he's okay. There's nothing wrong with him, I promise. Well, nothing save that he is a blind idiot who cannot see what is right in front of his face."

Alana chuckled. "Oh?"

Fili frowned. "Do you not see it either?"

"See what?"

"Makaylen."

Alana blinked. "Oh. You think she has feelings for him?"

"Think?! Mahal, Alana, it couldn't have been more obvious than a wolf amongst sheep!"

Alana chuckled. "If you say so. And what is you request, súyon?"

"I want you to help me... make him see."

Alana frowned. "And telling him is not the answer because...?"

Shaking his head, Fili twirled her around again. "Kili is as stubborn as Thorin. He would never believe me unless he saw it for himself, and came to believe it by his own means. With something like this, I don't think telling him would be enough to convince him."

Alana hummed idly in agreement. "Yes, I suppose you might be right. But, Fili... I am not so sure that Makaylen seeks anything more from your brother than the friendship that the two of them already share."

Fili huffed. "Then it seems you are blind as well!"

"Fili," Alana reminded him gently, "I know how it feels to be in love."

"But you were not aware of it happening!" he argued. "You were not able to watch it happen right in front of your eyes. I did! I watched every moment between you and Thorin, so I know what to look out for. And I am seeing all the same signs with those two!"

Alana sighed. "I'm not saying I don't believe you," she stated placatingly. "But I... I just cannot see it for myself." They spun around each other again, the final notes of the songs ringing out. "But if you want to find a helping pair of hands, ask your mother. She sees the same things that you do."

Then the two finished the dance with one final, sweeping motion. The crowd around them applauded (at least, those who were watching and paying attention to the dance did so), and the two of them left the dance floor.

"Alright," Fili agreed. "But if I ask for your help in something particular, will you?"

Alana smiled. "Of course. It would be my pleasure."

The two were confused when the doors at the far end of the room suddenly opened. Any guests wishing to leave early in the night were directed out of one of the three side doors in the hall - the main door was for the arrival of new attendees.

Alana's eyes widened when she saw the four men and single woman waltzing into the room - none of them were dressed for a party, but rather for the outside world. They all wore dark cloaks and boots, with garb in various shades of black, grey, and green. Each had a sword at their hip, and two bore bows and quivers too. The whole room fell utterly silent, and you probably could have heard a pin drop.

Then from amidst the silence there came a voice, shocked and utterly confused. "Halbarad?" Every head swivelled to face their stunned Queen, who stepped forward towards the strange group.

One of the men stepped forth to meet her. He was tall and broad-shouldered, with a mop of black hair and a thick, untrimmed beard that was likely upsetting quite a few members of the watching crowd. His eyes were the colour of steel, calculating in appearance, yet as they looked upon Alana they were warm. He bowed his head to her, his arm crossed over his chest and his fist over his heart. "It is good to see you, my Lady."

"What...? What are you all doing here?" She glanced behind him at her fellow Rangers, all of whom she had known she was a child. "Tellia, Aldon, Logon, Dammion... Why have you travelled so far from home?"

The lone woman amongst the group stepped forward. She too had dark hair, and her eyes were such a pale grey that they normally looked silver, though in the warm light of the numerous torches around the room they now flickered like gold. "We did not mean to interrupt the celebration, Alana. We came to see you here, to say our goodbyes."

Alana frowned. "And the Shire?"

"Belegion remained in the Shire with our fellows to ensure the safety of the halflings," Halbarad assured her. "We could not bear to let you leave without a proper farewell." He glanced around. "Though, these are perhaps not the circumstances we expected to arrive to see. What is the occasion?"

Alana snickered lightly, and Halbarad raised an eyebrow. "You just crashed my wedding, Halbarad," she told him, still smiling.

Tellia squeaked, then flushed and covered her mouth. A few chuckles circled the room. "Truly?" she asked, laughing with glee when Alana nodded. "Edregol vêr! (That's wonderful!)" She stepped up to Alana and clasped a hand between two of her own. Alana smiled in bemusement. "Congratulations, mellon nín. We heard of your plans to stay here, but we did not know that you would be married so soon."

Alana chuckled. "Well, you know I was never the patient type," she teased, winking at her friend. Tellia was one of the few other female Rangers, and though she was older than Alana by twelve years, her smaller stature and child-like temperament meant that Alana acted and felt like the older one. There was also a small matter of the fact that Alana was the leader of the Rangers of the north, and so had to frequently command the likes of the those around her. She glanced around. "What are you lot standing around for?" she called, her grin still in place. "This is a party! Come on, get the music started again!"

It took a few seconds, but a new song started, and then the crowds began to go back to what they were doing. The rest of the Rangers stepped forward to greet Alana.

"It is good to see you, my Lady," Aldon greeted, bowing like Halbarad had done. "You must forgive our untimely intrusion."

Alana waved him off. "I am just glad you could make it, unexpected though your arrival was! Come, I would like you to meet my new family." Alana led them up to the high table, where Thorin, Kili, Fili, Dís and all the company were stood, clearly expecting her to do a round of introductions. "My friends, these are the members of the company that freed this mountain from the tyranny of Smaug." She went through each of them, pausing to allow them to give their hearty 'at your service's to her kin, before she reached her most immediate family. She placed a hand on Fili and Kili's shoulders. "These here are Fili and Kili, my new nephews. I'm sure you'll come to learn this pretty quickly if you get a proper chance to spend time with them, but as a start, they are basically exactly like Elladan and Elrohir."

"And I thought two was more than enough," Halbarad grumbled good-naturedly.

"They can probably hear you, you know," Kili pointed out, grinning.

Halbarad smirked. "And whoever said anything about me not wanting them to?"

Alana rolled her eyes. "This here," she said, drawing their eyes back to her, "is Dís, my new sister-in-law, and the boys' mother."

"A pleasure," Dís replied easily, bowing her head. "It is good to finally meet some of Alana's people."

"You've met my mother," Alana pointed out.

"Yeah, but she's your mother," Kili said, pulling an odd face. "She doesn't coun- OW!"

Alana folded her arms across her chest, though there was a distinct satisfaction on her face. She got quite a lot of enjoyment from smacking the back of his head. "That was rude," she grumbled, while Kili just rubbed the sore spot on his head and muttered curses under his breath in khuzdul. Alana shook her head. "Ignore him, he's had too much to drink tonight," she said, making her Rangers grin at her. "And finally - last but not least, as they say - this is my husband, Thor-"

"Thorin Oakenshield," Halbarad murmured in surprise. "When you said you had to move to Erebor I did not realise that it was because you were becoming her Queen." He bowed low at the waist, the other Rangers following his example. "Well met, honourable King. Your stories are well known to our kind."

"And yours to me," Thorin replied with a tilt of his head. "Alana always speaks very fondly of her kin in the west."

"And we of her," Tellia replied with a smile. "I suppose I owe you thanks, my King." Everyone's eyebrows rose at that, and Thorin's questioning gaze prompted her to elaborate. "It has been longer than any of us care to recall since we have seen the Lady Alana so happy."

Thorin smiled slightly, glancing over at Alana, who was biting her bottom lip as she tried to fight off the pink blush threatening to rise in her cheeks. "I do believe I owe you thanks also," he said. "For allowing your own Queen to stay here, with me. I know it could not have been easy."

"I do not believe we could have stopped her if we tried," Dammion said, laughing lightly. "Alana is nothing if not stubborn as a mule."

"I think that might be why she fits in so well with us," Fili piped up, grinning widely.

Alana let out a sigh, dropping inelegantly into her chair beside Thorin. "Why do I get the feeling you lot are just going to tease me behind my back all night?"

"Because you know us," came the simple response.

"Oh, aye," Gloin said from the side. "There are many stories to be shared between us, I think."

"But first," Halbarad said, lips twitching upwards, "I think we wouldn't mind a tankard or two of ale, if you would be gracious enough to offer one."

There was a rousing cheer from the company, and they all bustled off to find the Rangers some food and drink, and to share stories that would likely be at Alana's expense.

She sighed, turning in her chair and then leaning back, so her head came to rest on Thorin's chest. "I love those guys, but they really are difficult to deal with."

A low, rumbling laugh broke free of Thorin's chest. "It is no wonder that you grew so close to my company - your own Rangers are as similar to us as you are."

"It is both a blessing and a curse," Alana grumbled.

Pressing his lips to her forehead, Thorin pointed out, "Were you able to, we both know you would not change a thing, no matter how mad they drive you."

She smiled, watching as her two families came together with laughter and light. "No," she agreed, taking his hand and weaving their fingers together. "I would not."