Chapter 43

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I named Vardamir the godfather to my son. And Legolas chose my cousin Arwen as his godmother. My uncle and cousins came when Thorin was born. They all loved and adored him just as Legolas and I did.

When Thorin was ten, we decided it would be alright to travel to Mirkwood. I knew Thranduil was dying to meet his grandson. It would be a surprise.

"Maman!"

I smiled and picked up Thorin. I'd been teaching him French, then we would be moving on to Elvish. He was growing so fast. I kept Thorin with me as we traveled. Vardamir came with us.

It was a long journey, but Thorin was a good little traveler. He enjoyed everything he saw and wanted to touch everything. When we saw the forest, I started to get scared. I held onto Thorin and stopped.

"Jupiter?"

Legolas took my hand and I looked at him.

"Nothing is going to happen to our son."

I kissed the top of Thorin's head and nodded. As we got closer, I saw an escort of elves. I smiled and shook my head.

"Look what grandpa did for you? He sent you your own personal guard." Legolas said.

Vardamir chuckled and the elves greeted us warmly.

Legolas' POV

I was relieved that my father sent guards to travel with us. I smiled at my son and stroked his little head.

It didn't take us long to reach my father's halls. And he was waiting there for us when we arrived. He hugged me tightly and then I moved. Jupiter came forward with Thorin.

"Ada, this is your grandson. Thorin."

He smiled and Jupiter handed Thorin to him. Thorin laughed and grabbed my father's crown. Father laughed.

"One day." He said.

I put my arm around Jupiter and she leaned into me.

"I only wish your mother was here with us."

I looked down and Jupiter lifted my face.

"She is always here. Just as our parents are."

Vardamir put his hands on her shoulders and nodded. Father smiled a bit.

"You're quite right my dear. Come then, let us go inside."

I smiled and we followed my father inside.

Jupiter's POV

Thranduil loved his grandson. He spent as much time as he could with him. He would let him sit on his lap whilst he sat upon his throne. This gave Legolas and I some more time to be alone. I watched Thorin playing with his grandfather in the gardens. I smiled and leaned against the window. Thorin was crawling after a butterfly. I smiled at how happy my son was. I could feel Legolas in the room and I smiled.

"Before we go home, I want to take Thorin to Erebor."

"You want him to meet Thorin?"

I nodded and Legolas put his arms around me.

"I know that you talk to Thorin about things that you think others won't understand. I want you to know I'm always here. I will always be here to listen." He said softly.

I turned in his embrace and laid my head against his chest.

"Je'taime Legolas, mon amour."

He kissed me gently and then held me tight.

Legolas' POV

We stayed with my father for a little over a month. I'd ever seen my father this happy. Not since my mother had been alive. I was glad Jupiter and I had managed to bring something that could make him smile. On the final day of our visit, Thorin walked a few steps. Jupiter was almost crying she was so happy. Thorin did what Jupiter called a 'faceplant' and then started laughing. He was such a happy child.

I hugged my father tightly before we left.

"Protect your family my son. Your mother would be so proud of you. Just as I am."

He stepped back and I smiled. Jupiter hugged him before mounting her horse. Thorin waved to his grandfather as we rode away.

Dale was our next stop. Jupiter was eager to see Bard again, and to introduce him to our son. When we arrived, the people of Dale greeted her with warmth and respect. Thorin was fast asleep in his mother's arms. Bard was outside to greet us when we reached his home.

"Jupiter! My dear friend, it is good to see you."

She smiled and I helped her off her horse. Bard noticed Thorin right away.

"And who might this little lord be?"

"Thorin, son of Legolas." She said.

I smiled proudly and Thorin opened his eyes. He stared at Bard and tilted his head. I chuckled and Jupiter gave him to me so she could hug her friend.

"Lord Legolas?"

I turned to see Tilda. I smiled at her.

"Tilda, you've grown so much."

She smiled and then Jupiter looked at her. A bright smile came to her face and she ran forward.

"Jupe! You've come back!"

"I always come back. I want you to meet someone."

Tilda stepped back and Jupiter took Thorin.

"This is Thorin. Legolas' son and mine."

She smiled at him and he once more just tilted his head. I chuckled and took my son from his mother.

"~You are my greatest gift.~"

He laughed and waved his arms a bit. Bain came in the door and Thorin looked at him.

"Jupe…is this one yours?"

Jupiter smiled proudly and nodded. Bain smiled and walked over.

"What do you call him?"

"Thorin. For the bravest dwarf we ever knew." I said.

Jupiter smiled at me and nodded again. Thorin started to cry and I handed him to his mother. She took him into the other room and I smiled.

"You've done well for yourself."

I looked at Bard.

"When I first met Jupiter, I knew she was lost and missing something in her life. Yet she was always so willing to help. Even though she didn't know any of us. I've always felt protective of her and I've always wanted her happy. You've given her the life she deserves, the life she's always wanted."

"I'm certainly trying. Thorin and her parents would never forgive me if I fail her."

"Nor would I. But I'm not worried. I know you'll take care of her, and your son."

I nodded and Vardamir put his hand on my shoulder.

"And you know what I'll do if you fail."

I smiled and chuckled.

"I'm more afraid of Tindomiel than I am of you."

He started laughing.

"Everyone is afraid of Tindomiel."

Jupiter came back out and I put my arm around her shoulders.

"Will you be staying with us for the night? Or are you planning on heading for the mountain?" Bard asked.

I immediately looked at Jupiter. I knew she was eager to visit Thorin.

"If it's not too much trouble, we'll stay here. We've come a long way and need some rest."

Bard smiled.

"Of course. You're always welcome here, Jupiter. And your family as well."

"Thank you, old friend."

"Of course."

She smiled again before going back to Thorin. I sighed, because I knew that being here always reminded her of the war.

"It still haunts her, does it not?"

I nodded.

"Sometimes she has nightmares. The birth of Thorin made things much better, but a piece of her died during that war."

"We all have nightmares of that war. They may never go away." Bard said.

I sighed.

"I was afraid you'd say that."

I found no sleep that night, nor did my beloved wife. Thorin however, he slept like a dwarf. I turned and pulled Jupiter into my arms.

"I know you're awake."

She sighed.

"I can't sleep." She said.

"I know. Come with me."

She got dressed and we walked out. She told Vardamir we were going for a walk and he would watch Thorin. The trees had grown back so now there was a little wood in the field.

"I know being here breaks your heart. Tell me what I can do to make it better." I said.

She looked away.

"I don't think there's anything you can do mon amour."

I sighed and put my arms around her.

"If its too much we can leave. I know Fili and the others will understand."

"No. We can't just leave. I'll be fine."

I kissed her shoulder and then her neck. She leaned into me so I kept going.