Chapter 55
I gift you with a very long chapter!
23 YEARS LATER
I couldn't keep track of the time even if I had wanted to. Years flew by in a blur to me, from running Erebor and training Thane and even making trips out when needed. Being a Queen was no longer enough, and soon I became the eyes and ears of Erebor. I had begun to go on routine patrols after another ten years had passed. Orcs had begun to travel across the land, and they were becoming more and more aggressive. At first, when Dol Goldur had been occupied, the numbers of Orcs had been low enough. Now, it was something else entirely. Sauron was growing more powerful, and it put everyone at risk.
Thorin had grown uneasy with the recent attacks on the Greenwood, and we had sent out dwarves to help in anyway possible. To make crossing the lake easier, we had built barge stations, and had completed a board walk that carved its way along the edge of the city. It was large enough to carry horses, reinforced with thick wood to keep it in place. It had taken many years to complete, but in the long run it had been the better option. It also put trade into a faster pace. It was easier to get things between the Greenwood and the cities between it and the mountain.
Thane had grown in the years, going from the scrawny little boy, to a lanky teenager before finally filing out into a young man that was built just like his father. He was 33 now, and in dwarven standards, he was still young. Shifters reach the end of their growth at 20, and he followed suit in that. After that, he had aged the same way a dwarf or myself aged, which I took as a good thing. His hair had stayed the same color, as had his eyes. Instead of growing it long like Thorin, he had kept it just a bit longer than his shoulders.
He had put his talents to great use, and he had become quite driven. Thane had spent time with Dwalin and his father as he got older, becoming the perfect warrior. He had become so committed to it, that he had even sought out Tauriel to teach him. She had been more than happy to assist him, and had helped mold his skill into something deadly. When he wasn't training, he was reading and learning all about the history of the world, and when that hadn't been enough he had sought me out to further his shifting abilities.
I had been a little cautious, so we had gone down into a private hall where even a dragon could fit. He had perfected his shifting skills, and within this last year he had finally taken dragon form. His warrior mind proved to be helpful, and he was as sharp as any. I was almost jealous of how strong he was, but then again he had his parents with him. Had my parents escaped, I was sure I would have been just as strong at this age. He had some trouble with holding the form, but that had only pushed him to grow stronger.
While he had done all of that, I had also worked on my form. I didn't want to fall prey to Sauron, so I focused on keeping my mind clear while in the dragon form. It did not come easy, and my mentor had not been gentle. I had called on Gandalf to help me, and the wizard had happily agreed. We had kept it secret, just in case the information fell into the wrong hands.
Fili and Sigrid had grown extremely close, their marriage only proving that we had done the right thing. Within five years, Sigrid had given birth to a daughter, and then later a son. Dis had been so thrilled to be a grandmother, and if one wasn't aware of the dangers outside, life would be almost too good to be true. They had both grown into fine young adults, and while I worried about Sigrid as she was aging, I knew that Fili would be okay. Kili and Tauriel had not been as lucky, but then again they never mentioned any news of trying to have children. No one had felt like pushing it.
Even though the evil had begun to spread through the land, I was still happy with all that had happened. I sighed and jerked myself from my thoughts, and walked down the steps and into the Gallery of the Kings. I found Thorin and Thane there together, and I smiled when I watched them together. Thane was just a bit taller than his father, a gift from his grandfather; my father. Father and son stood in almost the same position, and I was blown away with how lucky I was. Even on this sad occasion.
"Ready, Amad?" Thane asked, not turning around.
"I suppose," I mused, joining Thorin's side.
"They said he will not last the night," Thorin rumbled.
My expression fell, and I sighed softly. "Best we get there before the sun sets."
Nodding, I turned with them and we left the mountain. The trip to Dale was quick, and soon we were jumping from our mounts and following Fili who had already been in the city. He had been waiting for us, and he took us to the house where we needed to be. I found myself not wanting to say good bye, but I knew that wasn't right.
"Here," Fili nodded.
"I'll go first," I sighed, wanting to get it over with.
Thorin nodded his head gently, and I let go of his arm to walk into the private room of King Bard. He had aged over the last twenty years, but he had no withered away like most men. Being the warrior he had been, he looked better than most men on their death beds. I felt my heart pound painfully in my chest, seeing the once proud man laying there. His eyes opened when I shut the door, and his sharp gaze found mine.
"It's amazing, after all these years you barely have aged a day," he whispered.
"Oh, I have aged," I said gently. "Even if I don't look it."
Walking forward, I took the chair next to him and reached out for his hand. He took it, and his old fingers wrapped around it. He had been having heart problems for several years, and we could do nothing to fix him.
"You still seem as sharp as ever," I murmured. "I'm going to miss your presence in this city."
"No you won't," Bard teased softly. "You'll be happy to have one less man teasing you on this earth."
I laughed, and felt the tears come to my eyes. "You have been such a dear friend to me, to us for all these years. I'm honored that I had the chance to get to know you."
"You are an amazing woman, My Lady," he coughed, his other hand holding his chest. "I pray you will take care of the others."
"You know I will," I smiled. "You've had a long and happy life. You've done your family so proud."
Bard smiled and the expression lit up his whole face. I blinked through my tears, and got slowly to my feet, so that I could reach across and hug him as best I could.
"Take care of them," he whispered. "Bain will be a good King."
"Aye," I murmured, and kissed his cheek. "You will be missed, dear friend."
I left him, to let Thorin go in and speak with him. They had also become close friends over the last few decades. I sat down, aware that his children were there, and Bain was quietly holding Tilda. All of them had grown into fine men and women. Fili was letting Sigrid cry into his lap, and beside them, Fiona their daughter and their son Ajax stood quietly. Ajax was embracing his sister as she cried, and I looked at my hands as they rested in my lap.
It occurred to me, how Sigrid had aged as well. When they had married, Sigrid had been 26, and now she was almost fifty. She looked good in her age, and had stayed sharp as she could. It hurt me to know that she would probably be gone in the next decade or so. Glancing at Fili as he stroked her hair, I knew that something similar was going through his head.
A hand fell to my shoulder, and I gave a gentle smile. Reaching up, I took Thane's hand in my own and squeezed it. I could hear a few chuckles from inside the room, and Thorin's voice seemed more emotional than usual. Thane sighed sadly, and kept his hand in mine until Thorin walked out. Thane had gone in to say good bye briefly after that. I noticed he didn't like saying good bye to someone who was dying. It bothered him more than he let on, but that was life. He had never seen anyone he knew die. He had been around death before, but not like this.
"We'll let the family stay with him," I sighed. "If you have need of us, please send a raven."
"Thank you," Fili nodded, as Sigrid went back to her father.
I reached out and hugged him tightly. "You are strong," I murmured to him, and he squeezed me back.
We left them for the night, and had our dinner in private. Thane had excused himself to go do his usual training with Dwalin, who was going to get beat up a little more than usual tonight, I had a feeling. I finished my glass of wine and looked at Thorin quietly.
"Let him be," he rumbled. "Dwalin can handle it."
"You sure?" I asked.
He chuckled at that. "I am not," he admitted. "But I know Dwalin, he'll get through to him. He's done it plenty of times with me. I am sure our son is quite similar."
I pursed my lips, and couldn't keep the sadness off my face. Thorin threw some logs into the fire to help warm the room, and he took me to the large couch that was in the room. I let him draw me forward, and he cradled me against his chest. I let my fingers drift to the skin on his neck, and I sighed.
"Sadly men do not live as long as we do," he hummed.
"I know that. I've been around death enough. It is still sad. He was a great man," I murmured.
"Aye, he was."
We spent a good amount of time together, before the both of us ventured down to the training area. From the steps, I could hear Dwalin growling at Thane. We listened to the clash of metal, and the sounds of two warriors going at it. I sighed as I heard Thane let out a frustrated roar as he brought his weapon down. We came down to see him kick Dwalin back with such force that the warrior didn't get back up right away. I glanced at Thorin, who nodded his head.
Pushing myself, I called on my powers and moved across the arena and appeared in front of Thane who was ready to charge, while Dwalin slowly pushed himself up. I saw the surprise flicker across his face, and then he turned when Thorin laid a hand on his shoulder.
"You are grown, but you are still young," he sighed. "We've been blessed, by not having to deal with the death of those we care for in this mountain. But men do not live as long as we do."
Thane listened quietly to his father, and glanced to see Dwalin spit blood from his mouth. For a moment, I saw regret flash in his eyes but Thorin drew his attention again. I turned to Dwalin, who put his axe down with a grunt.
"Boy has the temper of his father, with the strength of his mother," Dwalin grunted. "Magical strength, that is not fair."
I gave him a laugh, and motioned for him to go sit so I could tend to the cut on his forehead. He allowed me, and I cleaned it and stopped the bleeding. It was slowing already, and I was happy that I didn't need to stitch it. I kept my brain moving so that I didn't listen to Thorin and Thane. Once we were done, I was happy to see Thane apologize to Dwalin, who waved his hand in dismissal.
"Think nothing of it, lad," he rumbled. "We've all been there at some point in our life."
I sighed, and left the arena to go somewhere quiet. I walked outside to get a breath of fresh night air, and jumped when a raven flew into view. Stretching out my arm, I let the bird land on it, and he rubbed his face against my hair.
"Chief," I said affectionately.
"You are called to Rivendell, My Lady," he croaked. "You must leave as soon as time allows."
Grunting in frustration, I looked over Dale and thought things over. I was sure I could leave in the next three days. Nodding my head quietly, I brought the bird inside to get him something to eat. He spent the night inside the warm mountain. I spent the next few hours reading in our room, and the door opened quietly. Thorin walked in, and I noticed that his expression was unreadable. I tensed dramatically, and sucked in a painful breath.
"He passed away a few hours after we left," Thorin sighed, shedding his clothes and throwing on something else.
"May he rest in peace," I murmured, a few tears escaping my eyes. "Lord Elrond has called me to Rivendell. He wants me there as soon as I can be there."
Thorin glanced up sharply, and I sighed softly. "Why?" he rumbled.
"I'm not sure, but I cannot turn away from the request," I answered. "It has been many years since I was there. I must go."
"Leave in the morning," he nodded, his hand brushing over the harp.
He sat down, so I moved to get comfortable and his fingers started to drift over the instrument. It was always so relaxing to hear Thorin play, and it always got me ready for bed. I did not want to fall asleep crying. Bard would live on in our memory for the rest of our days. Better that he passed away with those who loved him by his side.
"I will take Thane with me," I nodded. "That way everyone else you need is here. I do not need to take a group of dwarves. I do not plan on traveling on the road, it is dangerous. Thane could use the chance to see the land."
"Aye, agreed," Thorin rumbled. "He is no longer a lad, and it's time he starts to see the world. I want him to see as much as he can."
"I will try to be back as soon as I can," I murmured, letting him draw me forward.
"Stay safe," he whispered, pressing a kiss to my lips.
"You know I will," I smiled, letting our foreheads press together.
I pressed another kiss to his lips, and backed up so that Thorin could say his farewells to Thane. I hugged Fili and Sigrid, who were ready to head down to Dale again.
"I would stay," I whispered, holding Sigrid's hands tightly.
"I know, and that is comfort enough. But this is important too," she said, her eyes watering. "Da didn't want a big funeral anyway."
I chuckled at that, and gave her hands a final squeeze. Thane adjusted the sword at his hip, and I glanced at him. He nodded that he was ready and we left the mountain. I transformed into a great eagle, and let him jump onto my back. Lifting into the air, I set off toward Rivendell.
"What's it like there, Amad?" he asked.
"Rivendell?"
"Aye," Thane laughed.
"It was a beautiful city, and I am sure it still is," I mused, catching an air current. "It is just as stunning as any dwarven city. Built out of marble and other beautiful stone. It's crafted extremely well, and is a very peaceful place. I sought out sanctuary there long ago."
"Back when you were in hiding?"
"Aye," I answered, gliding at a steady pace.
I didn't want to stop if I could help it. The quicker I arrived at the elvish city, the sooner we could leave. However, I knew that probably wasn't going to be the case. Thane wanted to see the city, and if Elrond called me there was reason. Something must be wrong, and I was sure that he wasn't going to be the only one there.
"We can fly in shifts," Thane said quickly. "I've read the maps enough, I can fly for a while so that you can sleep as well."
"Smart man," I teased.
"Amad, you flatter me," he laughed.
I flew well into the night, until I could not anymore and we traded. He jumped from my back and took the form of an eagle, so I turned human and let him catch me. Thane had caught a few hours of sleep on my back, so I did the same and fell asleep. He flew until morning, and well into part of the afternoon before he finally had to take a break.
It took us four days to reach Rivendell, and we only stopped to find things to eat. I did not want to linger anywhere if we could help it. I landed just outside the main bridge into the city and Thane slid from my back. I turned human, and glanced at my son. He looked over the city in amazement, his eyes looking at everything he could.
"This place is beautiful," he rumbled.
"Aye, it is," I sighed. "Come."
He followed me, and soon we were crossing the bridge and entering the courtyard. I looked around for a moment, and chuckled at Thane.
"Ah, a face I have not seen in quite some time."
I looked up at the brown haired elf that was walking down the stairs to greet me. He looked similar to Elrond, but was a little more fair. I gave him a narrowed look, and he grinned at me.
"Elladan," I grunted, and he bowed.
"Very good," he smiled.
"Scent," I snorted.
"And the fun was ruined. Come, my father is expecting you," he nodded. "And who is this?"
"Elladan, meet Thane, Prince of Erebor," I hummed. "My son."
"You have your father's features," Elladan answered, and then bowed again.
Thane returned the gesture. "Thank you."
We walked with the elf, and we soon found ourselves on a patio where Elrond usually stayed. Thirty years ago, I had come to this very place and saw the company for the first time. I chuckled softly at the memories, and glanced up when Lord Elrond turned around.
"Arina," he beamed, his face lighting up.
"Lord Elrond," I answered, bowing slightly.
He walked forward and hugged me tightly, and I had to return it. When the elf lord backed up, he looked to Thane who reached out and shook his hand.
"You look just like your father," he smiled. "Almost."
"So I'm told," Thane chuckled.
"I've heard much about you over the years," Elrond smiled. "Prince Thane. Your mother speaks often of you."
"I'm right here," I grunted. "Wondering why we are here."
"I'm sure he'll reveal that to you at some point."
Turning my head at the voice, I took in the elf who stood off to the side. He had not changed since I last saw him.
"Legolas," I nodded. "What are you doing here?"
"I have been traveling," he answered, walking forward.
I reached out and hugged him. "You've been up to something."
"Yes, he has been with Estel," Elrond rumbled. 'Rather, now he goes by Strider, or Aragorn."
"The ranger you sought after?" I asked, looking back to Legolas.
"Aye. He is the heir to the throne of Gondor," he said quietly.
"Come, Thane. I'm sure there is much you'd like to know. I can spare an hour," Elrond smiled.
"I would be quite happy to hear all I can, given the time," Thane smiled.
I watched them walk off, and sighed quietly. "So who is this Strider?"
"Come, he is here right now. You can meet him for yourself," Legolas nodded, offering his arm.
I followed him, and we walked down to one of the training areas. A man that looked around Thane's age was practicing with a sword. He had dark brown hair, with facial hair to match. I was quite surprised to see him, because he resembled the painting of Isildur. I had often looked upon the painting of the man who had cut the Ring from Sauron himself. In front of that painting, was the sword that had shattered in the process. My eyebrow rose in surprise, and I watched as the man paused and turned to us.
"Aragorn I'd like you to meet Queen Arina," Legolas introduced. "She is wife to Thorin Oaskenshield, King Under the Mountain."
"Ah, you are the mighty queen of Erebor," the man nodded, then bowed. "I have heard you are a force to be reckoned with."
"I can be when I choose," I answered. "But my son could far exceed that. So, you are Isildur's heir."
"I am," Aragorn rumbled.
I looked at him from the steps, and for a moment I was taken away by how important this man could prove to be. He was one of the Dunedain, and older than he appeared. He had been part of the Rangers in the North. No doubt he was a force on the battlefield.
"One day, you could do great things," I murmured.
"If I am honest, I'm quite bitter about it," he rumbled.
I nodded, understanding that he did not want to speak further. "So you must be incredibly skilled if Legolas sought you out."
He chuckled. "Curiosity."
"Aye," Legolas agreed. "I had to see there was more to this...after the Battle of the Five Armies."
"I tried telling you," I grunted, and the elf smiled.
"I am like my father in some ways, My Lady."
"Aye you are," I chuckled.
"Amad?"
Turning my head, I watched Thane walk over to me. I turned to face my son fully and he sighed.
"Lord Elrond seeks an audience with you," he nodded.
"All right. Why don't you stay here, and have some fun," I answered. "Maybe someone can find you something to eat."
He gave me a smile, and I patted his arm and walked away. I found Lord Elrond waiting in his private study. A huge grin spread across my face as I walked inside and shut the door.
"The last time I was in this room," I mused. "Was when I was in trouble."
"Aye, you were," he chuckled. "But you are not now."
"What is so important that you called me here in all haste?" I asked, sitting down.
"It's about the Nazgul," Elrond rumbled.
"I sent you that raven almost twenty years ago," I snorted. "And now you have something that could be useful to me?"
"I do apologize on how long it took. Time seemed to slip away from me," he sighed. "I've been rather busy. Aragorn's father was killed many years ago, and his mother sent him here. I raised him until he was of age and then revealed to him his history. It has not helped me that my daughter has fallen in love with him."
"Dear me, are you venting?" I grinned. "This is unlike you."
"I am simply giving you an explanation," Elrond grunted.
"Venting," I teased, and for the effect, he rolled his eyes.
"Anyway, we've been keeping our eye on the Nazgul. There are more than the three that now reside in Dol Goldur," he explained. "I believe they are going to gather the others, and it is possible that they will attack the mountain."
"Why am I here then?" I demanded, surging to my feet.
"They are after you, and your son," Elrond answered slowly, getting up. "They'll settle for just one of you. I didn't want to give a raven this news, in fear that they didn't get you the message."
I glared at him for a long moment, and thought that over. If the enemy had realized that Elrond had known of their plans, it was sure that they would destroy the message. We were also safe within Rivendell, and knowing that we were gone, the Nazgul wouldn't attack the mountain. I looked at the elf then after I pulled myself from my thoughts.
"How do I prepare myself against them?" I asked. "I've dealt with everything but the pull of magic, and I find that I am quite weak against it."
"You need to learn to set up barriers in your mind," Elrond answered, happy with my choice of question. "Do you remember what it felt like when The Lady tried to enter your mind?"
"Of course I do," I mumbled. "You don't forget that."
"Usually, that's what it will feel like when someone tries to get into your mind," Elrond answered. "I had trained you before, but you've grown soft. You need to learn how to throw them from your head and protect your mind."
"Would battling against the darkness of a dragon help?" I asked.
"In a way, yes it would," Elrond nodded. "But that won't be enough. You may start to meditate in order to protect yourself. Your son could benefit from this as well."
I nodded my head, and slowly sat back down. "This is not something I wanted to deal with," I muttered.
"With the evil of Sauron growing, I do not think any of us want to, Arina," Elrond sighed. "But we must."
"I know," I sighed. "Well, since you called us here, I hope we can at least stay the night."
"Of course, I have two rooms prepared for you already. I will see you at dinner?" Elrond asked.
"Of course."
Getting to my feet, I turned and left the room. The brief news disturbed me, and I found myself heading to my room without finding Thane first. I knew Elrond would take care of him in that case. I drew a hot bath, and sank into it while a maid had taken my clothes to clean them. I found myself wishing Thorin was here. I could certainly use the comfort, but he had duties back at Erebor. Leaning my head back, I listened to the sounds of the city.
It was so peaceful here, that given the chance, someone could lose themselves in it. I had found myself in that position on many occasions back before I had found Thorin again. I washed my hair, and cleaned myself up after awhile and by then my clothes were back. Drying off, I let out a quite breath and put my clothes back on. I left my long hair down to dry, with a braid that pulled away hair from my face, and my beads were back into place.
When I was finished, I went out searching for Thane. I could hear them in the courtyard, so I followed the noise. He was there with Legolas, while Aragorn sat off to the side and watched the two. Legolas had obviously challenged Thane to a sword match, and I smiled. My son was sure giving him a run for it, his skills up there with the elf.
"You forget, we have access to an elf at home," I teased, sitting down beside Aragorn.
"Yes, one I trained," Legolas remarked, smiling.
I glanced over at Aragorn as he smoked a pipe and I tilted my head. "Were you around when the Quest for Erebor took place?"
"I was," he nodded. "I was only ten, and I had just arrived here. I remember the dwarves coming to the city."
"Amazing, I didn't see you," I hummed.
"I stayed well hidden," Aragorn smiled. "After eight years, Lord Elrond told me of my heritage, so I left here and joined the Rangers in the North. I stayed with them till just around a year ago, not mainly. Legolas has been a companion for about ten years now, he is not always with me."
"Seems that in this time, everyone has to stay hidden," I answered, watching Legolas attempt to trick Thane.
"I've heard about you, mostly through Lord Elrond. There are also some stories of you through the land," Aragorn mused. "You have turned out to be quiet a force. I'd not want to make an enemy out of you."
"If I were an ordinary human, all I'd have are my skills. Which I admit, might have grown rusty over the years."
"How long has it been since you drew a sword?" he asked.
"Since I was young!" Thane boasted. "And she should not have to, when she has me and my father to protect her."
Aragorn laughed at that, and I sighed and hopped to my feet. It was a slight challenge from my son, and I was not about to let it go. I tilted my head, feeling the laughter bubble in my chest.
"Fine, I'll do what I've always done to your father," I smiled. "I don't need a weapon, your job is to try and hit me."
Thane gave me a narrowed glance. "I wouldn't want to hurt you mother."
I laughed, and watched as Aragorn found a staff and threw it to Thane. He caught it easily, and glanced it over before returning his gaze back to me. He wasted no time in charging, and I was soon dancing and swinging around him. That was one thing that had not changed, I was always quick. Many years of chasing Thane through the mountain and even outrunning Ajax and Fiona had kept me on my toes.
With a swing, I ducked under it and twisted around his arm and dodged another back stab. Grinning, I kept the game up for several minutes, until I knew Thane was getting frustrated. Thorin was usually in the same boat by this time as well. Laughing, I dodged one last lunge, and expertly moved my feet and tripped him. Thane hit the ground with a thump, and he glared at me.
"I finally understand why Adad would not train with you," he grunted.
"Your father likes to hit things," I laughed. "With me, he cannot, and even if he could he'd happily hit himself first."
Chuckling, Thane took my arm and I hauled him back to his feet. He brushed the dirt from his cloak, and I ushered him off to go get ready for dinner. Legolas put his sword away, and approached us both as Aragorn got to his feet.
"Your son has become a force to be reckoned with," the elf smiled.
"He's a very driven man," I smiled. "If he wasn't training, he was studying, or working on his skills. He chose his schedule and he stuck with it. I'm very proud of him."
"Only in looks, does he take after his father," Legolas nodded. "The height must be from your side."
"Well of course. Thorin may be taller than most dwarves, but my father stood at least five or six inches higher. I do remember that," I replied.
"I'm sure he'll do great things one day," Aragorn rumbled.
"Same could be said of you," I answered, tilting my head at him.
He grunted a little at that, but I could see that he struggled with it. All three of us spent time together before dinner, and I told Aragorn all about the Quest for Erebor. Legolas had only met me when they had taken us prisoner, so he wasn't much help. Aragorn enjoyed the barrel escape the most.
"If you had been able to talk to the dragon once more, do you think you could have changed his mind?" Aragorn asked.
"No," I shook my head. "Smaug was extremely intelligent, and he bowed to no one. I don't think he'd even submit to Sauron. What makes you think he'd stop just because a little woman asked him to? Had I been able to turn into a dragon, it may have been different. He was...in a way dear to me, but Thorin was more important. I had long ago gave him my loyalty."
"It must have been amazing to see a dragon up close," he grinned.
"You do have a knack for getting in trouble," Legolas muttered.
"It was quite terrifying," I laughed. "I wouldn't recommend it."
Dinner soon followed, and I let Thane take over the talking. He was as animated as Bofur or Kili when it came to telling stories, or just having fun. I knew the elves were more peaceful, but thankfully Elrond had a sense of humor. It was refreshing to be outside, and away from the mountain. We stayed up into the night with the others, before I finally retired to my room to get some sleep.
This was quite hard to write. I had to think about what I was going to do as LOTR comes into the timeline. Enjoy this long chapter! Review as always! :D
