Dwalin drummed his fingers on the armrest of the chair shifting impatiently in his seat. He did not like the long drawn out council meetings that seemed to be slowly taking over his days. He found himself almost wishing for the hardships of the quest to reclaim the mountain. At least those problems could be solved with brute force and determination. It had been over a year since the mountain had been reclaimed from the cursed serpent, and the great dwarf stronghold was flourishing once more. However with each step of progress seemed to come more issues.

Beside him he could hear his brother's diplomatic voice cut through the bickering, attempting to reach some semblance of an agreement. Balin had always been the more diplomatic of the two, navigating the political field like a ship's rudder through water.

Dwalin was pulled from his musings as a single loud knock sounded on the council chamber doors before a guard stepped through. He bowed to the members of the room before turning his attention to Dwalin.

"Lord Commander," He said with another bow "You asked to be informed of any strange comings at the gate...".Dwalin nodded.

"Four riders have been spotted making their way towards the mountain."

Balin and Dwalin exchanged a brief look, the latter then casting his gaze to Thorin.

The dwarf king simply nodded. "I think we have reached a good stopping point for today." He said dismissing those in the room.

Balin and Dwalin both stood following the guard from the room. Fili looked up in surprise as Thorin began to follow them as well. The young prince exchanged a look with his brother before following, Kili at his heels.

As they reached the wall overlooking the main gate they could see what the guard had spoken of. In the distance four figures on horseback were approaching the mountain, their forms hazy in the mist. Fili strained his eyes, attempting to get a better look as they drew near. They were each clad in dark travel worn cloaks- their hoods pulled up against the rain. 'Rangers' He thought.

"What do you think they are coming here for?" Kili whispered as if reading his thoughts.

Fili shook his head "I'm not sure. I have not heard of any dealings that would draw rangers to this area."

"State your business!" The guard called from the gate

"We come on business from your lord commander." One called riding forward.

"Let them pass," Dwalin said, a hint of restlessness in his voice as he turned to descend the stairs towards the gate, the others following behind.

When they reached the main gate, the troupe of rangers were beginning to dismount. Fili's brow furrowed as he noted one of them was a good deal shorter than the others.

"Well now," a feminine voice called out as the short figure stepped forward, "I was not expecting such a large welcome!"

The stranger pushed off their hood, revealing a young dwarrowdam. Pieces of dark hair were plastered to her forehead and cheeks, dripping water down her dirt stained face. Balin and Dwalin rushed forward, embracing the woman.

"Lass Arnt you a sight!" Balin chuckled brushing some of the wet hair away from her face.

Fili looked over as he heard his brother gasp beside him "Nim?"

The dam turned at the name, her smile growing wider "Kee!"

She ran over, throwing herself into Kilis arms, the two laughing as he spun her around.

"Mahal it's been too long." Kili sighed.

"Good to see you have managed to grow some semblance of a beard since I have been gone!" She grinned, patting his cheek.

"Oh aye." Kili ran a hand through his short beard "Though it seems that yours is very much the same." He cast an eye over the wisps of dark hair trailing along the girl's jaw.

Nimera raised an eyebrow.

"Not that it looks bad!" He quickly added.

"Ever the charmer Kili."

She turned to Thorin, giving a deep bow "My King Thorin."

Thorin clapped her on the shoulder "It is good to see you again Nimeria."

She shook her head "I am sorry I could not join you on your journey." Her eyes slid over to Dwalin for a moment "The letter informing me of your quest strangely only reached me after you had already departed."

Thorin raised his eyebrow slightly, his eyes darting over to Dwalin as well "Strange indeed."

Fili watched her intently as something finally clicked in his mind. Nimeria. It took him a moment to connect the woman in front of him to the small wisp of a girl back in the blue mountains. She looked different than last he had seen her when she had left the Blue Mountains over five years ago. She was still shorter than him by almost half a head, but her wiry fame had become fuller and more muscular, her blue eyes still held the same hint of mirth in them.

She turned towards him suddenly as if sending his gaze. "It seems your brother has forgotten me in my absence." She said looking back at Kili

"I have not forgotten you." Fili said quickly, stumbling to recover himself, "I just did not recognize you at first glance."

Nimera hummed noncommittally.

"Come," Balin said, taking her arm "Let's get you settled in and out of the rain. I'm sure we can find some rooms for your companions as well." He looked over to the three rangers.

The one closest to them shook his head "We must be off, there is business to attend to in the south. We came to make sure Nim reached the mountain safely."

Nimera stepped to him, clasping him on the forearm "If you ever have need of me you know where to find me."

He nodded giving her a broad smile "And if you ever wish for the wilds again you know how to reach us."

The three remounted their horses and with one final goodbye they turned from the gate, disappearing back into the rain.

"We shall have a dinner tonight to welcome you home." Thorin smiled

"I am not really dressed for dinner." Nimera said looking down at her travel stained pants and fraying shirt.

Balin sighed "You never are. I am sure Dis will be more than happy to lend you something."

Dwalin clapped her on the shoulder as he took her bag, steering her forward deeper into the mountain. Nimera looked back at Kili and Fili for a moment. "I guess I'll see you at dinner!" She laughed before turning back to Dwalin and Balin.

Fili watched her disappear into the mountain. He frowned as a strange feeling began to pool in his stomach, one he had not felt in five years.