Hi again! We're back with Caladwen and at last, her and Thorin are going to be coming face to face with each other for the first time in a hundred and seventy one years! Let's see how well that works out.

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GodShynin300 – You got your wish, they will be reuniting in this chapter!

Old Feelings Resurface

The next morning, the dwarves wake feeling refreshed and slightly more relaxed than the night before. Thorin revealed to all of them, after a meeting with Elrond, they will be staying in Rivendell for two weeks before moving on to Erebor. This leaves a mixed reaction from the group. Some of the more stubborn among them – Gloin and Dori being just a couple - grumble away about being in the housing of the elves. Most of the others welcome the chance to rest and relax after the incident with the trolls and then the Orcs.

Thorin however, has his own reasons for wanting to stay as long as possible. He's going to spend as much time as he can to find Caladwen. He knows she's here.

Dwalin, the only other dwarf to know where his cousin's mind is, has vowed to help him search for the lass. He has to admit, he would like to see her again, after forming a close bond with her during their time in Erebor.

Once they had had breakfast, one of the elves informs Thorin that Elrond has given them permission to use their training grounds as much as they would like while they are here. So, taking the elven Lord up on this offer, Thorin leads the others in the direction the elf told them to go.

Soon enough, they come to a training ring, which is already occupied by two young elves and, to Thorin's surprise, a human boy! He couldn't be any older than ten years old!

One of the elves spot the dwarves approaching the trio and stops, grinning as he speaks to them.

"Ah, you must be Thorin Oakenshield and his company. Our father informed us you might turn up. I am Elladan and this is my younger brother, Elrohir." both elves bow in respect to the dwarves, which surprises them all, not that they will show it.

Before Throin can speak, the young boy tugs on the sleeve of Elladan's tunic. "Elladan, are they the dwarves Auntie Cal told me about?"

This statement causes three of the dwarves to freeze, one more so than the others, who already knew the possibility of her being there. Especially at hearing the nickname the lad used. Thorin, Dwalin and Balin had only ever heard Dis say that name.

"Cal? The lad doesn't mean Caladwen of Mirkwood, does he?" Balin asks, not daring to believe it.

Elrohir looks to the dwarves in confusion. These are the dwarves in her stories, so why would she not go to them already? She knows they're here, his father told him himself she knows.

"Why of course. There are no other elleths by this name."

Even Fili and Kili's eyes go wide at this, having grown up knowing about Thorin's long lost beloved. Their mother was always talking about her when they were dwarflings..

"Do you know where I might find her?" Thorin asks.

Elladan and Elrohir look at each other, silently communicating with one another before Elladan nods.

"I'll take you to her."

Thorin nods as he turns to his company. "Stay here and train."

With that, Thorin follows the older brother back inside. This is it. . .after all of these years. . .he is finally going to see her. . .

After walking through the halls and taking many corners, Elladan stops in front of a door and knocks. Thorin's heart skips a beat as he hears her voice admitting entrance. Glancing at the dwarven King, Elladan opens the door, allowing Thorin to enter. He does and as Elladan closes the door, leaving the pair alone, his eyes finally gaze upon the only elf in existence that does not bring hatred and disgust coursing through his blood.

She stands on the balcony, her back towards him so she doesn't even know he's there. Her blond hair flowing down her back. He feels a thrill of excitement surge through him at the Durin blue dress she wears, the colour of his house.

"Elladan, what is it? I am in no mood for your games."

Taking a deep breath, Thorin utters a word, just one.

"Caladwen."

Waking up the next morning, I feel a sense of trepidation run through my veins about today. Today's the day. . .it has to be. Today is the day I confront Thorin. I do not know how long I would be able to keep myself away if I did not. And Elrond is right, I cannot keep running from my past.

Rising out of bed, I go into my bathroom and take a long bath, just to relax me long enough to get done what needs to be done. After drying off and dressing in a Durin blue dress, the colour of Thorin's house, I sit at the vanity, brush my hair; redoing my courting and engagement braids without even thinking about it.

I stare into the mirror, looking at the braids Thorin bestowed upon me many, many years ago. I remember the day Thorin asked me to marry him all too well. It was a few months before the sacking of Erebor. . .before everything changed. We were together. . .we were happy. . .and now, our future is uncertain. . .all because of my father.

I stand and walk out onto the balcony, my hands gripping the hand rail, as memories of that terrible day plague my thoughts..

My father refused to help Thorin and his kin. . .yes, I understood that taking on a dragon was suicide. . .but that didn't stop him from assisting the dwarves in other ways. Of the dwarves that survived, many would have lost loved ones. Spouses, parents, siblings, children. . .children became orphans within just a few moments. Not only did the dwarves suffer, but so did the men, women and children of Dale. Even fewer of those survived, forced to flee to Esgaroth for safety.

I led Thorin and Thrain to Mirkwood, hoping to be able to get them some supplies at least; food, bedding, medical supplies. But my father only turned them away and kept me from leaving with them, forbidding me from ever leaving.

That was the last day I ever spoke to Thoron. Seeing him is a different matter as I escaped – from my own home – and even though a dwarf had denied me access to where they camped, I always made sure I wasn't too far behind to offer protection and food. The last time I saw him being at the battle at Moria after kiling Azog. . .or at least I thought he was dead until I was captured by him.

My thoughts are interrupted by a knock at the door. I recognise the knock to be Elladan.

"Enter."

The door opens and closes, but there's no sound from whoever has come in. Iritation fills me as Elladan says nothing.

"Elladan, what is it? I am in no mood for your games?"

After a moment's pause, a voice speaks up, but it's not Elladan.

"Caladwen?"

My body freezes, as I take in a sharp breath at that voice. . .Thorin. . . yesterday may have been the first time I've seen him for over a hundred years, but I certainly recognise his voice anywhere, the same voice that can still make me go weak at the knees.

Taking a deep breath, I turn and see him standing just mere steps away from me, looking as handsome as he ever did. Streaks of silver in his hair, which make him look more dashing.

His eyes are still the grey/blue storm I remember, although, they have a roughness and a coldness to them which I haven't seen before. . .and that worries me slightly.

"Hello, Thorin." I say to him, once I am able to speak.

"Caladwen. . .it is wonderful to see you again."

I give a small smile. "As it is to see you."

There's a slight, uncomfortable, pause as we just look at one another, thinking of what to say next.

"How have you been?"

I nod a little. "I have been well, thank you. Yourself?"

"Same."

There is yet again another pause. I never thought it would be this uncomfortable to speak to him after so long, but with what has happened in the past, I had no idea how to handle this. No idea how I should talk to him.

"How. . .How is Dis?"

He gives a small smile at the mention of his sister. "She is well. She misses you."

I smile, fingering under the sleeve of my dress at the bracelet she made me that I still wear. "As I do her."

I look down and take a deep breath. What I am about to ask might not be the best thing to bring up, but it's something I have wanted to know for over a hundred years.

"Frerin. . .did. . .did he survive?"

The distraught look on Thorin's face is enough of an answer, even without him explaining further. "He died not long after you left."

I look down, my fists clenched as I try to keep back my tears. He was too young, far too young to have been taken from us.

"I'm sorry, Thorin. . .I'm so so sorry. . .I tried to get to him. . ."

I hear his steps coming towards me, my heart turning cold for a moment as I wonder whether he's going to be angry with me, before feeling his finger g under my chin to tip my face up so I can see him. Looking into his eyes, I'm surprised to not see the anger and hatred I expected, but instead seeing the love and softness to them I had always known, as well as gratitude.

"No, Caladwen. You have nothing to be sorry for. Nothing at all. In fact, I should be thanking you. And I do thank you. You stayed by him and made sure he got away from the battle, you made it so that he could die comfortably." he then pauses for a moment as he looks me over. "He spoke of you, before he died. After I went back from seeing you off, he said. . .he said I was to find you, go out and find you and if I did. . .never let you go again."

He then reaches up behind his neck for a few moments before passing me a necklace, one that causes my heart to shoot into my throat. My mother's necklace. . .the same one I gave to Frerin to give to Thorin before I left them. . .he still has it. . .

Feeling Thorin's hand slide to my cheek, drawing my attention from the necklace to him, his soft smile those eyes, still holding the love I've been dying to see for a century. I subconsciously nuzzle my face into his hand, his fingers rough from hard work. I see the smile grow as he places his other hand on my other cheek and gently presses his forehead against mine, our noses now touching.

"And I promise, amrâlime, I will never, ever, let you go again."

That is all it takes for me to break. My legs give way, causing me to fall to my knees, Thorin dropping down with me as he gently takes me into his arms and I openly weep, sobbing into his chest. All these years I have spent worrying and praying that somehow, Thorin would not resent and hate me, just as the other dwarves did. Just to have my fears now wash away with my tears. . .I could not help but to weep. Thorin loves me. . .he still loves me. . .

This time, no matter what happens, no matter what anyone says. . .I'm going to stay with Thorin. I do not think my heart could take more separation. This is where I want to be, right here in his arms.

Yay! They're finally back where they belong! With each other! I really hope you all enjoyed this lovely chapter. Please let me know on your thoughts and I should be back with the next chapter soon.

Translations;

amrâlime – my love