A/N: There it is. The epilogue. So...I hope you like it. I sure liked writing it. There was like too much angst last chapter. ;)

I have to thank each and every one who has reviewed once, twice, or every chapter, because I know I didn't thank all personally, but your kind words seriously put a grin on my face everytime. You are awesome readers.

PS: I will write some parts of Ari and Bofur's time in the future. I think it a good idea. ;)


Epilogue: The second chance


"Ari? Where are ye?"

"I'm here!"

Bofur's head appeared in the doorway leading to our kitchen. "Where've ye put the salt again? Can't find it."

I chuckled. "Wait, I'm coming."

I stood from the couch I had been lying on, sparing my back a little respite, and hurried to my husband's side.


As I stood on my tiptoes reaching for the salt, he came behind me, an arm snaking around, a hand deposing itself onto a slightly swollen belly.

"If you're distracting me, my love, I won't be able to reach it."

"Mmh." He didn't seem to care at all when his lips met the crook of my neck.


It had been three years since we had come back from Middle-Earth.

I had found I hadn't left at all in my home-world, or rather for mere hours.

I had started working as a language teacher again, Bofur slowly growing accustomed to a new life.

We had gotten married six months later.

And I was pregnant with our first child, expected four months later.


That evening, though, as I was brushing my teeth, came a gasp from the bedroom, then Bofur called my name.

I hurried at his side. "What is-?"

I cut short.


It had come back.

The door.


I looked over at Bofur's, whose eyes were twinkling.

His hand met mine.

I smiled widely. "Finally. We can go back."

He leaned in, nuzzling his nose to mine. "Yes, finally."

I pushed him aside. "Go then, grab the bag!"

He chuckled and moved to the wardrobe, where we had been keeping a luggage ready for when the day would come.


We had started being homesick about two months after coming back.

And I wanted nothing more than to see Hobbiton again.

And Kili. And Bilbo. And Elrond. And Galadriel.


Bofur's fingers entwined with mine, his gaze going to where our son or daughter was growing. "Let's go then. Together."

I smiled, and outstretched my other hand.


The door opened.

And we stepped out into the sunset.