The big victory dinner was held that evening. All the various groups had joined together and contributed supplies. Even the eagles helped, ranging far and wide for venison and the occasional sheep. No one cared to asked where they came from; they were just glad to have them. Bombur had outdone himself with help from Willa and some of Bard's men. The elves had sent supplies, but thinking their welcome would be somewhat cool, they stayed away during the day.
As the sun set, crowds began to gather in the great hall. Thorin and Naya stood at the Great Gate to welcome everyone near the heads of Azog and Bolg, proudly displayed on pikes. The rest of the company were tasked with behaving themselves and making everyone welcome. Dain and Bard were among the first to arrive with their entourages. Those unable to attend back in the camps did not suffer. Food and drink were well supplied to all.
Last to arrive were Thranduil and Legolas. Thorin had grumbled half-heartedly at their attendance. "Thror is rolling over in his grave. Too many elves have been in this hall over the last week." He smiled at Naya to take the sting out of his words. Since he had regained his throne, he was growing positively mellow.
"Play nice. It's the last time you will most likely ever see Thranduil. I don't see you paying any friendly visits to Mirkwood, do you?" She, too, had noticed the change. Thorin was much less prickly now than ever before.
Thranduil and Legolas approached the pair. "On behalf of my father, many thanks for hosting this fine event," Legolas said formally. "It is our pleasure to attend." Thranduil nodded stiffly.
"Welcome to Erebor once again, King Thranduil, Legolas." said Naya. "You grace our home with your presence." Thorin managed not to wretch and also nodded. Naya thought it was a wonder he could manage that much. Thranduil moved on to speak with Bard and Beorn.
"Congratulations, Naya. You seem to have come out on top in the end." Legolas said with a wink. He added quietly so only she could hear. "You make a better queen than an otter in my humble opinion."
"You saw me in the river? I always thought you knew more than you let on, you rogue!" Naya was pleased to hear her belief verified.
"It took me awhile after the gala. Everything seemed a bit cloudier than usual. I kept seeing a large sword and hearing murmured words. Eventually, your face surfaced along with the other bits and pieces. It wasn't until I saw a very large otter carrying a very large sword that I knew for certain. I am glad I did not shoot you that day." Legolas grinned at her discomfort.
"I felt bad for getting you in trouble. You weren't supposed to be in that throne," she said defensively.
"I know, but I am glad I was. If I had not been on guard duty as part of my punishment, then someone else may have been only too happy to slay a large otter. Just think where we would be then?"
"Not feasting with allies, I can assure you." Naya reached out to touch his arm. As she did so, Legolas noticed that her eyes seemed to dim and become unfocused. "I am sorry we will not become better acquainted, Legolas. You have many great deeds ahead of you in the years to come. And, I think, you will like dwarves much better someday than you do now." She gave a little shake of her head and laughed. "Don't mind me. I have a way of saying too much. Shall we join the others?" Without letting him respond, she moved out into the room to mingle with her guests.
...
Bilbo marveled at the crowd and the food. He had never been at so grand an event. Kings and queens (well, one soon to be queen), warriors and wizards. He drank it all in trying to remember as much as possible. This would provide years of pub tales back in the Shire. Thinking of home made him all the more anxious to depart even though he enjoyed seeing Erebor come back to life. Just then, Gandalf walked into the room. Bilbo hurried over to discuss their departure date.
"Gandalf! Have you decided yet when we are leaving? I really should be getting home. It has been months since I left. Who knows what those Sackville-Bagginses will have done in my absence!"
Gandalf smiled down at the little hobbit. "Soon, Bilbo, soon. I still have a few things to work out with the various parties camped here. It is important that at least some form of cooperation remain after I leave. Smaug may be gone, but other dangers still remain in the world. Thorin and Bard will have to be on guard for many years."
"But I thought the orcs are all gone. What else could cause harm?" Bilbo was alarmed that any further hurt could come to Thorin and Naya. He wanted to go home, but he would hate to hear that they were in any further distress.
"The orcs are reduced, not gone, Bilbo. They will return," He hurriedly added as he saw Bilbo's fear, "but not for quite some time. Thorin and company should have many years of peace and plenty before orcs are an issue again."
"I thought we had saved the world! I hope the Shire isn't in any danger!" His voice rose to a squeak of fear.
"Don't worry about that, Bilbo. The Shire is the last place that will face any danger. I guarantee it." Little did Gandalf realize how hard he would work to accomplish that in the distant future. "Now, come let us enjoy this wonderful feast. Bombur has outdone himself!"
...
The evening came off remarkably well, Naya thought later. No fights broke out, most of the dwarves behaved themselves (Nori got caught once or twice by Dwalin trying to pick the pockets of elves and Dwalin almost took a few swings at various elves himself), and everyone had more than enough food. She wandered over to where Gandalf sat smoking his pipe.
"So, Gandalf, did you accomplish what you intended when you met Thorin all those months ago? I don't believe you really just wanted him to regain his throne. Nice side effect, but it doesn't really seem to be a wizard's concern." Naya was curious to know the real reason behind Gandalf's quest.
"Valinaya, I said it before, I will say it again. You are a most unexpected player, and sometimes, a little too insightful! I will confess ridding this region of Smaug was the driving force. Helping Thorin and his little company was a bonus. He seems to be coming into his own these last few days." Gandalf blew out a dragon shaped smoke cloud and smiled contentedly.
"Well, I just wanted to say thank you, no matter the reason. You have certainly brought change and happiness to my life. If I can ever be of any help, don't hesitate to send word. You're going to be traveling with Bilbo, aren't you? I worry about him and that ring. He sees it as a toy, but I sense its power." If Naya hoped the wizard would reassure her, it was not to be.
"It is no toy, most certainly. What it is, I am not sure. For now, let him enjoy his adventures. I can see no harm in it." Gandalf blew several more smoke rings.
"It was useful, I will admit. We could not have succeeded without it. Thorin would still be a 'guest' of Thranduil or spider chow. Still, I worry." Naya said no more.
"My dear child that is the concern of others. Run off and enjoy your triumph. This is as much your celebration as Thorin's. He could not have done it without you." Gandalf closed his eyes and continued his smoking.
Naya wandered back to where Thorin and Bard were in deep discussions over the rebuilding of Dale and Erebor. With his share of the gold, Bard intended to assume Girion's place as King of Dale and restore the city to its past glory. Thorin wanted to recruit dwarves from the various dwarf enclaves to resettle the mountain. He hoped that survivors and their descendants would return once they learned the dragon was gone. While his treasury was reduced from the rewards he had given, there was still a mountain of gold to finance his plans.
Dain would be leaving a few of his warriors behind to help defend the mountain along with some of Esgaroth's men. He thought that some of his folk in the Iron Hills might be open to new adventures in Erebor, and Thorin had extended invitations to anyone interested in coming. Even two of Naya's brothers would stay for at least a short time to make sure there was no regrouping of orcs or roving bandit attacks.
Naya listened to all the excited chatter with a sad smile. It was hard to see what her part in all this would be. She had no skills for such endeavors, and even though Willa had agreed to stay, she would be awash in a male sea. That got a bit tiring after awhile. Even if dwarf-women eventually arrived, there would never be very many, and she would always be an outsider.
...
Later that evening, she was in her rooms playing with Niggle when Thorin returned. "You seemed rather quiet at the end, Naya. Are you alright?" He sat down and waggled his finger at the kitten who promptly bit it. "Ouch. What a little devil he is!"
"You shouldn't use your fingers as toys. It teaches bad manners." Naya smiled to see Thorin's growing relationship with the little beast. "Listening to everyone tonight, I realized that you all have plans and adventures. Bilbo and Gandalf are heading home, you and Bard are busily rebuilding. The other dwarves are buzzing around with their own tasks. Everyone has something to do but me." She hesitated. "I'm worried I might get bored. We all know what happened the last time that happened!" She rested her head on his shoulder.
"I was thinking I need someone to oversee the rehabilitation of the mountain itself. Certainly you have skills with plants and animals? That should keep you busy for a day or two." He kissed her gently. He hated that she seemed unhappy just when they had triumphed. "And I will be around to keep you entertained never fear. We can finally have some uninterrupted time alone. In comfort," he said as he rolled her over onto her back.
"I guess that's some consolation. You are my handmaiden after all." She removed his shirt as he worked on her dress. "I like your idea. I will speak with Poppa before he leaves. He should have some ideas and may be able to supply us with bees and cuttings." Naya turned her attention to Thorin's kisses. "I think you missed a spot," she murmured.
...
The next few weeks were a series of goodbyes. Bilbo and Gandalf finally set out for the Shire. Bilbo invited any and all to visit him at any time. Naya wished that it would be possible someday. "I can make no promises, Bilbo. I would love to see your country. It sounds so pleasant and peaceful. Somehow, I doubt Thorin and I will have much free time for many years to come. Return and visit us if you are able, we would love to see you." She didn't say anything to him about the ring. More warnings would do no good. It was Gandalf's concern now.
"I will miss everyone so much," said Bilbo, "but I really must be getting home. They probably all think I am dead by now. My reputation will never be the same!" He hugged Naya one last time. He bowed to Thorin. "You will be a great king, Thorin Oakenshield. Erebor is in good hands."
Thorin pulled Bilbo to him in a great hug. "You are not getting away that easily. None of this would have been possible without the burglar, now would it? What was the final count for saving my life? Three or four, at least. You are always welcome here, Baggins, be sure of that." Bilbo looked faintly startled at this response, but pleased nonetheless.
Gandalf paused for one last word with Naya. "I doubt I will be this way again for a very long time. The North is in good hands now. If you ever have any cause for concern, contact Elrond in Rivendell. He will know how to reach me, but I expect there to be peace with the Necromancer defeated." He had explained his earlier absence to Thorin and Naya.
"I hope you're right Gandalf. We have plenty to keep us busy for years to come. Peace would be a nice bonus. You take care of yourself." She hugged the wizard, bringing a startled look of pleasure to his face.
As they rode away, Thorin and Naya stood side by side. "I will miss them both," said Thorin.
"Me, too," Naya replied. "Me, too."
Next to go were the armies of elves and men. There were no heartfelt goodbyes to Thranduil, although Legolas did come and utter the diplomatic niceties. Naya had a bit of a warm spot for him since he hadn't killed her when he had a chance, and he had forced Thranduil's hand on the original alliance. "You are welcome anytime, Legolas, although I doubt you will take me up on the offer. It would probably not be a very comfortable visit. Thorin still doesn't, and probably never will, like elves. It's a shame, really. With your stubbornness, your species have so much in common!" Her eyes twinkled up at the tall elf.
"Don't let living with dwarves ever change you, Valinaya. Perhaps your giving spirit will work a small miracle on them. Who knows? Maybe Erebor will become the center of charity in Middle-earth!" Legolas enjoyed bantering with Naya. She had such a quick mind. "If you ever need help, ask it of me, not my father. He will never change, of that you can be assured."
Bard left with the elves. He would be returning soon to start the reconstruction of Erebor. Naya hadn't gotten to know him very well, but she knew there were many years ahead to learn all about the stern bowman. He and Thorin had gotten to be good friends in a very short time.
Last to leave was her father and all but two of her brothers. Heth and Andler had volunteered to stay for awhile. Naya intended to ask them to stay far longer and help her restore the desolation as Thorin had suggested. "Poppa, Thorin wants me to restore the mountain and surrounding areas. Do you think you could send some bees and cuttings to help?"
Beorn smiled at his daughter. "You don't even need to ask. As soon as I get home, I will start collecting things to send. We will make Erebor blossom like never before."
"Could you send some of the other brothers with the things, Poppa? I think perhaps in the end, we could be a family again. I would like to see them if possible." Naya didn't know if they would all come, but she had to try. It had already gone well with the ones who had come to her rescue."
"I will extend the invitation, but you should know that a few of them have gone all but wild. I rarely see them anymore," Beorn told her.
Naya decided to be honest with her father. "I almost did that, a few months ago. Thorin and I had an argument and when I went wild, I thought about staying that way. I'm glad I didn't, but it was a very powerful desire."
Beorn looked closely at her. "Be careful going wild when you are upset. It makes the pull stronger than ever. You might get trapped when you don't intend to."
"I doubt I will do it often. First, there is not much forest to run in and I am so happy right now that there is no need. My life is certainly not what I imagined it being all those months ago."
Beorn hugged her tight one last time. "We must be on our way. Let me know if you need anything that I haven't sent. It will please me greatly to aid in restoring this land. It was beautiful long ago, it can be again. I love you, Naya." Beorn realized that saying it got easier every time.
"I love you, too, Poppa. I'm going to miss you."
Once again, she and Thorin stood at the gate, watching the departure. "Perhaps he will return again someday," Thorin said. Even though she had said nothing, he knew that Naya was grieved at this parting.
"I doubt it. He is older than he looks, Thorin. This journey was harder on him than he will admit. I think that is why he is sending more brothers. They need to know more about the world to take his place when he is gone." Naya hated to think of a world without her Poppa. It would be a cold and lonely place.
"He is a great man, Naya. We will honor him forever in Erebor. Our very existence is thanks in part to him." They continued to stand there until the last man and elf faded into the distance.
...
Last of all to depart was Dain. He and Thorin had been busy planning the future of Erebor. Dain would be sending skilled dwarves to help rebuild the mountain and Dale. Word would be sent far and wide that Thorin was looking for people to resettle the area. Thorin's own people in the Blue Mountains would need to decide whether to remain where they were or to come to him in Erebor. Once again, Naya and Thorin stood and watched an army disappear in the distance.
"Do you think your sister will come, Thorin? After all, Fili and Kili are here and Fili at least will remain. He is your heir and should start learning what that entails." Naya hoped that Fili would settle down a little bit. He still acted like a very large child at times.
"She will remain to care for our mother who I don't think has the strength for a lengthy journey. However, I believe once my mother has passed, Dis will return. She dotes on her sons and has never liked being separated from them for very long." Thorin missed his mother and sister. "I wish I could talk to them. I would like my mother to know that Erebor has been regained. However, I'm not sure she could even comprehend that these days. When I said goodbye all those months ago, she was failing. For all I know, she may already have died "
Naya had seen many emotions on Thorin's face, but never the kind of sadness that was reflected there now. She wrapped her arms around him. "I'm sure she is proud of you, Thorin, no matter what. Mothers always are."