PART I

1. RETURN TO ME

It was a beautiful spring day, a slight breeze blowing in the open window, the late afternoon sun warm with the promise of summer soon to come. Thorin was at his desk trying to compose a delicate letter to his cousin Dain. He was working in one of the old guard rooms above the gates of Erebor. Years ago after the Battle of the Five Armies Kaylea Wolf used the room as an office when she was helping with the reconstruction of Erebor, she said she needed a window to help her think. Thorin had spent so much time in the office that he continued to use it, even after his much larger formal office near the forges was cleaned up and refurnished. He would never had admitted it but he had become used to having the window. Gloin and Fili were with him, going over reports from the new works in the Misty Mountains.

Gloin looked up, something out the window had caught his eye. "Rider coming in," he said absently.

Thorin grunted, not looking up from his letter. "Must be the envoy from Dain," he said. "Early. We weren't expecting him for two days."

"No, it's a man," said Fili, squinting at the incoming rider. "From Rohan, by the look of the horse."

"Looks more like an Elvish horse," said Gloin, turning back to his paperwork.

Thorin was only half-listening, trying to find the most diplomatic way to make a request of his cousin. He did not want to leave it to a scribe.

Fili looked again at the rider, thinking he seemed familiar somehow, though he was still too far away to make out much detail. He saw something moving along the banks of the road, then it crossed from one side to the other behind the horse.

"He has a big dog with him," Fili frowned, Why did that seem so familiar?

Thorin dropped his quill and stared at his nephew. "What did you just say?"

Fili looked at Thorin. "He has a big dog…" his voice trailed off, his eyes going wide.

Thorin jumped up, knocking his chair backward and grabbed the spyglass he kept on his desk. He was at Fili's side in an instant, the glass to his eye. He studied the rider for a few seconds then handed the glass to Fili and disappeared out the door.

Gloin and Fili looked at each other, neither needed the glass to know who the rider was.

Thorin hurried down the steps to the front gate, telling himself not to run. She was still a ways off, he had plenty of time to get to the gate before she arrived. The gate guards snapped to attention as he approached, Thorin ignored them. The gates were still open as the sun was not yet down, Thorin strode out and across the bridge. He made himself stop there, though he badly wanted to continue down the road. It had been almost 11 years since she had last ridden out of Erebor, Had she changed? Though his life was much different now his love for her remained as strong as ever, seeing her brought back all his feelings with an intensity that felt as if it would crush him. His heart was pounding in his chest, waves of emotions hitting him one after the other - pure joy, uncertainty, anticipation. When Kaylea Wolf reined in her horse in front of him his heart soared as he met her icy-blue eyes. Feeling that familiar thrill run through his body was so sweet he could taste it. She was unchanged, the same travelling clothes, the same wolf, the only thing different was her horse.

Kaylea dismounted and took a knee before him, bowing her head. "My king," she said.

Thorin smiled and stepped forward, offering her his hands. As she put her hands in his and drew herself up he felt the familiar sensation of sparks running over his skin, his heart felt as though it skipped a beat. Thorin had to will himself to keep still, all he wanted to do was take her into his arms, but he knew he could not do that in full view of his subjects watching from the gate. And if he started kissing her he would not be able to stop.

"My lady," Thorin said, still holding her hands. "It gladdens my heart more than you know to see you again."

Kaylea smiled. "I hope you had not given up on me, my king."

Thorin shook his head. "I had your word you would return. I had hoped it would be before this."

Kaylea nodded. "I have been trying to get back since I left. Finally I am here." She squeezed his hands. "You look well."

"As do you, my lady." The two of them stood looking at each other, Thorin holding her hands in his. He had remembered in his minds eye how beautiful she was, but seeing her in front of him again took his breath away. Like some goddess stepped down to earth; her chiseled features, her long golden hair. She was little changed, not a day older, her clothes were the same, in her hair were the braids that matched his own, mithril beads shining in the last of the sunlight, inside the neck of her tunic he could see the chain he had given her.

Kaylea could not believe the joy she felt at seeing Thorin again, she had not realized just how much she missed him until he was standing before her. He was both younger and taller than when she had seen him last. His head was now even with the bottom of her nose, his hair raven black without a touch of grey. He looked like a Dwarf of 80, not one pushing 210, the boosterspice had made him a true heir to Durin the Deathless it seemed. Kaylea was glad to see he had kept his beard short, in fact it looked even shorter now than she remembered. She couldn't wait to feel it against her body again, the thought sent a tingle up her back. Kaylea wanted so badly to kiss him but she could see he was holding himself back so she held her ground.

Kaylea ran her thumb over the back of his left hand, feeling his wedding ring. "And you are now married."

Thorin nodded. "To a princess of Ered Mithrin. I have a son, and she is again with child." He looked at Kaylea closely, wondering how she would take this news, but her face was unreadable. "She is a good friend and a valuable counselor."

"A good friend?" Kaylea asked, shaking her head. "I am sorry to hear that, my king. I hoped you would find love with the mother of your child."

"My heart belongs to you, my love," Thorin replied. "As I told you, it always will." He felt a sudden tightness in his chest, his heart sinking. He shifted his hands, bringing them up to interlace his fingers with hers. "And you? Have you found...another?"

Kaylea gave him a radiant smile, meeting his eyes. "I lost my heart a few years back," she said. "To a homeless king who had this crazy plan to slay a dragon." Thorin smiled, feeling a great sense of relief flood over him, he had not realized he had been holding his breath. They stood looking at each other for a long moment, holding each other at arms length each desperately wanting to close the distance between them.

"If we stand here much longer Fili is going to come out and tell me I am not behaving as a king should," Thorin said, smiling ruefully. Kaylea laughed.

"Let me care for my horse, my king," she said, slowly letting go of his hands. "It has been a very long ride today. Then we can catch up." She winked at him.

Thorin smiled back. "Of course, my love. I am sure you would also like to wash up after your ride. I will have your quarters prepared. Do you still remember your way?"

Kaylea looked at him questioningly. "My quarters? Where I stayed before?"

Thorin nodded. "They are your apartments, my lady. None stays there but you."

Kaylea chuckled, shaking her head. "That seems like rather a waste of space," she reached for the reins of her horse and they went together into Erebor.

As Thorin had predicted Fili was standing just inside the gate, his face full of concern. Gloin was with him, and several other Dwarves Kaylea did not recognize. She greeted the members of Thorin's old company warmly then led her horse down the side passage to the stables. Hector came trotting in as well, looking from side to side as he followed her.

Kaylea unsaddled Hadrian and rubbed him down. She gave him a measure of grain and went over how he was to be cared for with one of the stable boys as she gathered her things. The stables had been enlarged and there were stalls that could accommodate horses now. Indeed the kingdom looked very prosperous, with new gates and improvements made to the main halls. There were many Dwarves and Men moving through the Hall of Kings, the sounds of business echoed around the chamber. Thorin had done well. And he had an heir, so his kingdom was secure. Kaylea had to admit she was secretly glad Thorin was not in love with his wife. If he had been she would have bowed out gracefully, but she would be lying to herself to say it would have been easy. Seeing him again had brought back all her feelings for him in a rush, she felt as if she loved him more than ever. She found herself looking forward to the evening, hoping Thorin was not going to keep up appearances and stay away. Judging by her welcome, she did not think that would be the case.

Kaylea found her quarters newly renovated, with a larger bed, new furniture, rugs and wolf decorations scattered around. There was even a proper bathroom now, with running water. A fur bed had been provided for Hector, who sniffed at it and curled up where he could watch the door instead. Kaylea tried out the bathroom first, it felt good to get the road dust off, it had been a long ride from Mirkwood today. She had just pulled her tunic over her head when she heard Thorin's soft knock on the door. Not wasting any time then, she thought with a smile and decided not to bother putting her pants on, they were just going to come off in a minute anyway. She took a deep breath before opening the door, she felt nervous as a schoolgirl, her stomach full of butterflies. She opened the door and Thorin quickly stepped inside, he already had his hands on her waist as she closed and locked the door. Kaylea turned in his arms and leaned back against the door as Thorin put one hand behind her head to draw her mouth down to his. Kaylea relaxed into his arms, relishing the taste of him, the feel of his beard tickling her face. She had forgotten how good it felt to kiss Thorin, that smell of frankincense, the taste of rain on earth, how all her cares vanished and she felt like everything was right in the world. They kissed each other for a long time, their hands moving over each other's bodies, reacquainting themselves. Kaylea could feel Thorin stone hard pressed against her, just the thought of him inside her made her instantly wet. After a few moments Thorin moved his hand up under her tunic, finding nothing but bare skin he moved his hand up inside her thigh, his touch electric. Kaylea broke their kiss to gasp as he slid a finger inside her. She reached for his belt, unhooking it and unbuttoning his breeches. Thorin moved her legs apart with his knee and Kaylea bit her lip as he slid into her. His touch, the feel of him inside was so intense, from the minute she had set eyes on him she had been anticipating this moment. Thorin brought them both to an almost immediate finish. After, the King leaned against her, his head resting on her shoulder.

"How I have missed you," he said, inhaling deeply. The familiar smell of her, that desert sand and sage. "You feel so good."

"I have missed you more than I can say," Kaylea said, holding him close. "I have missed this."

Thorin gave her a wicked smile. "I won't be finished with you for hours," he said, biting her on the ear, then the neck. He moved back to step out of his boots. "Let us move somewhere more comfortable."

Several hours later, Thorin lay curled against Kaylea's back, his arm around her waist, the smell of her filling his senses. He kissed the curve of her neck. Thorin found it strange, they had not seen each other in ten years but once they were together it was like she had never left. He brushed her hair aside to rest his face on her neck.

"How long can we stay in this bed," he asked.

Kaylea smiled. "You are the king, you tell me," she replied.

Thorin chuckled. "I am not expecting Dain's envoy for two days, so we can stay until at least tomorrow."

"Will not the queen wonder where you are?" Kaylea asked, turning her head to look at him.

"She is away in the Ered Mithrin visiting her family, my love."

Kaylea frowned. "I thought you said she was with child."

Thorin sighed, really not wanting to talk about his wife. "She is. She does not trust the midwives here, my son was born in the Ered Mithrin this child will be as well."

Kaylea frowned. "I think I will need an explanation," she said. She started to roll over, but Thorin tightened his arm to stop her.

"We have not seen each other in years. Can our first conversation be about something other than my wife?" Thorin sighed. "I did what you told me to do, what everyone told me to do and, much as I hate to admit it, it was the right thing. Is that not explanation enough?"

"Very well, your majesty," Kaylea said, with a smile. "We can talk about it another time."

Thorin kissed her neck again, her shoulder, he could not get enough of the taste of her. He felt like the man who finds water when dying of thirst in the desert.

"Why are you here, my love?"

Kaylea wriggled against him, smiling. "To see you, of course."

Thorin slapped her playfully on the butt. "You know what I mean! Why are you here in Middle Earth? Why now?"

Kaylea took a deep breath, suddenly serious. "To observe the progress of the Enemy. To go to Mordor and see how his plans progress."

"Then I am going with you," Thorin said.

Kaylea turned her head again to look at him. "My king, it is far too dangerous."

"Is that supposed to make me not want to go? If you think you are going to show up after all this time and I am going to just let you ride into Mordor by yourself, you are sadly mistaken."

Kaylea rolled over to face him. "This journey may take months, my horse cannot bear us both all that time. And I doubt your kingdom can spare you."

"My kingdom will be fine, Fili can manage it almost as well as I," Thorin replied, fingering one of the beads at the end of her braids. "And I have my own horse. A gift from the Rohirrim."

"The Rohirrim gave you a horse?"

Thorin smiled, remembering. "It was part of a weapons deal. They said I was the tallest Dwarf they had ever seen, they thought it was amusing so they gave me a horse. She is small, but very fast."

Kaylea sighed. Now that she was here she did not want to leave Thorin, but taking him to Mordor was very unwise. She decided to try to buy some time. "I do not have to leave right away. Let me think about it."

"Think about it all you want, I am going with you," Thorin replied, smoothing her hair away from her face. "And when we get back from Mordor you can marry me."

"You are already married."

"I have an heir now, I can be unmarried." Kaylea just shook her head.

"I cannot marry you, I told you that before," Kaylea met his gaze. "You are just not going to take no for an answer on this, are you?"

"I am not, my love," Thorin replied. "There must be some way it can be done. Perhaps I could spend some of my time in your land and you could spend some in mine."

Kaylea smiled, shaking her head. "You do not know what you are asking, my king." She drew him close and kissed him. She wished with all her heart she could take him back with her, but Blackwolf would never allow it. He might allow one of his Elven kindred to travel about the Empire, but never a Dwarf. And Thorin had a kingdom to look after.

"Then tell me what I am asking," said Thorin, not willing to let the matter pass. "Are things so different in your land?"

"They are very different indeed," Kaylea replied. She wrapped her arms around him, her hands stroking his body. "A conversation for another time, my king."