Hello my lovely readers!

Here it is: a new chapter for a story that I spent quite a long time on for a good long while before. I was excited to do this chapter and I can't wait for you all to read it!

Enjoy!

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Kili's voice echoed, loud and boisterous, through the halls of Erebor, "I see them! They're here! They're coming!"

He came scrambling into the room he knew Thorin, Aelin and Balin would be in, bursting through the door. "They're coming! They're here!" he cried breathily.

"They're here?" Balin repeated, looking to Aelin and Thorin with wide eyes.

"We need to go," Aelin stated to Thorin in a serious tone

"Aye. Let's move," he replied. As they jogged to the door, he ordered Kili, "Find the others."

He nodded. "On it,"

They darted out of the room, running down the winding corridors in search of the other members of the company.

First, they found Dwalin and Nori in the kitchens with Bofur and Bombur.

"Oi, lads!" Aelin called out as they came jogging through. "They're here!"

Dwalin let out a triumphant growl. "Oh, I've been waiting for this!" he exclaimed, brandishing his war hammer.

"I am sure you have," said Aelin with a smirk as Nori and Dwalin came following behind her.

"Wait for us! We're not missing out on this!" cried Bofur, him and Bombur running in tow.

As they ran towards the front gate of the mountain, which was in the middle or repairs, they met up with the remainder of the company coming from another nearby corridor.

"Weapons ready!" called out Thorin.

The other Dwarves obeyed and withdrew their primary weapons, holding them at the ready as they ran out onto the makeshift causeway.

"We're going to give them a welcome they'll never forget," said Fili, coming up next to Aelin.

"You said it, brother," added Kili, appearing on Aelin's other side.

She grinned, twirling one of her mithril daggers in her hand. "You've been waiting for this for a long time, lads. You will finally get your moment," she said.

"Look over there!" called out Ori, pointing straight ahead of them.

They all looked and observed someone riding a horse and coming their way. As the rider got closer, they realized it was Bard.

Thorin stepped forward and asked him as he came to a halt, "Were your people ready for them?"

Bard nodded. "Aye, we were prepared for their arrival, just as you had warned us, my lord. They're coming this way as we speak."

"You have my gratitude for your assistance," said Thorin.

"After what you have done for my people already, it was the least I could do," Bard replied.

"Here they come!" warned Dwalin.

Everyone's eyes looked ahead to where they could see movement coming around the corner ahead on the path, readying themselves for what was to come.

In that moment, they saw the faces of numerous Dwarves coming around the corner with sacks over their shoulders and wagons being pulled behind them by mountain goats. Men, women and children of all sorts came into view.

Upon seeing them, Thorin and his company raised their weapons high into the air and let out a unanimous, loud, triumphant yell to welcome their fellow Dwarves, who had been traveling for weeks from the Blue Mountains, to their new home in Erebor.

"There's King Thorin and his company!" cried out one of the Dwarves in the front of the group. The refugees then cheered delightedly in response.

Bard, with a smile on his face, looked back to Thorin and told him, "We received them into Dale and my people provided additional aid and supplies to those who needed it. Once that was done, I took the liberty of leading them here myself."

"Thank you, Bard," Aelin told him. "We appreciate you and your people helping them."

At this time, the assembly of Dwarves was getting closer and Thorin stepped out to greet them. "My fellow Dwarves!" he called out. "It is truly a grand sight to see you all finally here! I trust your journey here was long and arduous, so please, go inside. There are rooms and areas prepared for you all to rest. There isn't much, as the mountain is still in repair, but there is room enough for all. Welcome to Erebor."

The line of Dwarves moved through, greeting and thanking Thorin as they passed, as well as greeting the other Dwarves of the company, if they knew them. The other Dwarves then started jumping in line and helping some of the refugees carry their belongings and supplies into the mountain.

Fili and Kili were eagerly scanning the crowd ahead and Aelin took notice of this. A small grin crossed her lips. She knew exactly who they were looking for.

A few short moments later, a flash of blue fabric stood out from among the browns, tans and blacks of the rest of the Dwarven refugee clothing. A beautiful Dwarf woman clothed in a lovely blue gown appeared in the middle of the throng, handing an armful of wood to another nearby Dwarf. She had long, dark brown; almost black hair with multiple braids and metal clasps as well as a small semblance of a beard on her chin.

Both Fili and Kili's eyes went wide and great smiles appeared on their faces.

"Mother!" they both cried before they took off sprinting towards their mother.

Aelin couldn't help but smile herself. The boys had been so excited to see their mother, Dis, since Thorin had informed them weeks past that he had received a letter from her telling him that she and the rest of the Dwarves from Erebor living in Ered Luin would be making their journey their way, Fili and Kili had missed their mother so much and now that she was here, she was incredibly happy for them.

Plus, this was Thorin's sister; the woman Fili and Kili had said she was very similar to. Admittedly, she was curious to meet and get to know Dis and find out just how similar they really were. She also wondered if Dis was similar to Thorin in any way.

At a light jog, Aelin followed after the boys so she could meet their mother.

The two of them launched themselves at Dis upon reaching her, eliciting a loud, happy cry from her as she embraced her boys and they kissed her cheeks fondly.

"Durin's beard! Are these my sons I see?" she asked aloud.

"Aye, Mother, it's us!" replied Fili, grinning hugely.

Holding her boys' hands, Dis stepped back and declared, "Let me look at you!" She looked them over from head to toe and, with a proud smile, said, "I know it's only been a few months, but you both have grown! You look like grown, mature Dwarven men!"

It was then Aelin interjected as she approached them, a devious smirk on her face, "They're grown Dwarven men, to be sure, but I wouldn't quite say 'mature'."

"Oi!" exclaimed Kili.

Dis chuckled and said in reply, "Well, these are my sons...I believe you make a fair point."

"Mother!" Fili cried, offended.

Both Aelin and Dis laughed at him and Kili's reactions.

Then Fili moved next to Aelin and said, "Mother, this is someone we'd love for you to meet. This is Aelin."

Kili then put his arms around his mother's shoulders and said to Aelin, "Aelin, this is our mother, Dis."

Aelin extended a hand out and said to Dis, "It is truly an honor to meet you, Lady Dis. Your sons have told me quite a bit about you and I have been looking forward to meeting you for some time."

Dis gave her a curious look for a short moment, but then changed her expression to one of gladness as she replied, "I am most flattered and it is a pleasure to meet you, as well, Aelin. Did you travel with my brother's company?"

"Indeed, I did," said Aelin.

"Mother, we owe this woman our lives," Fili told Dis. "She saved Kili and I multiple times through the course of our journey."

"We would certainly be dead were it not for her," Kili added.

"Is that so?" Dis asked rhetorically. Then she looked to Aelin, a new grateful sparkle in her eyes. "Then I owe you a great debt of gratitude for looking after my sons."

Aelin chuckled. "Well, if they didn't get themselves into so much trouble, I wouldn't have felt the need to be so protective," she said, winking at the two Princes.

Dis laughed as Fili and Kili narrowed their eyes at Aelin for teasing them. "That sounds like my two boys, all right," Dis commented. "They take after their father in that regard."

Then Aelin heard a familiar voice speak behind her, "They are also both brave, able-bodied warriors, just like their father."

She turned to see Thorin coming up behind her, a wide, happy grin on his face at seeing his beloved sister there at last. Dwalin was a few steps in tow behind him. Aelin gave Thorin a loving smile as he approached and he returned the glance in kind.

Dis, too, smiled even brighter at seeing him. "My dearest brother," she greeted him, holding her arms open as she walked up to him, embraced him tightly and kissed his cheek.

"It is wonderful to see you again, my sweet sister," Thorin replied. "It has felt like an eternity since we were last together. I am glad that you made it here safely."

"As am I. The journey was long and hard, but it was all worth it to make it back here where we all belong," Dis stated proudly.

Dwalin stepped forward and then bowed his head respectfully. "Welcome, Lady Dis," he said softly to her.

Dis seemed to blush on sight as she laid eyes on Dwalin. With a small curtsy, she responded, "Thank you, Sir Dwalin, and what a pleasure it is to see you alive and well."

Aelin discreetly threw a smirk Fili and Kili's way, remembering their discussion from weeks prior about how they thought Dwalin fancied their mother and how there was a possibility that, should Dis return his affections, he could one day be their stepfather. She remembered the two lads didn't seem as fond of the idea. As she looked at them and they caught her eye, they grimaced slightly, knowing what her smirk was signifying.

In reply, Dwalin said back to Dis, "Aye, and you are looking as radiant and lovely as ever, Lady Dis."

In that moment, Aelin could've sworn she heard a tiny groan come from Kili.

Dis scoffed while grinning and shaking her head. "Enough of this 'Lady' talk from you, Dwalin. You address my brother by his name; you may do the same with me. Just 'Dis' will suffice."

Dwalin said nothing, but simply bowed his head again. Though, the faintest semblance of a smile could be seen beneath his bushy black beard.

Fili interjected, "Why don't we take you inside, Mother? You must be tired from your journey; you should come in and rest."

"We have a room already prepared for you," added Kili.

She reached out and smoothed Kili's hair, looking at him lovingly. "Oh, my boys…always keen on taking care of me," she sighed proudly, looking from Kili to Fili and laying a hand on his shoulder.

"You certainly raised them well," commented Aelin.

"Indeed," said Dis. Then she exhaled loudly and declared, "Very well. I suppose a rest would do me some good. Lead me to my room then, lads."

Gladly, Fili and Kili led their mother across the causeway and into the mountain with Dwalin following them. Thorin and Aelin remained where they were and watched them as they entered the mountain.

"Those two are certainly the happiest I have ever seen them in some time," stated Thorin.

"Well, of course they are," said Aelin. "They highly revere their mother and they haven't seen her in a long time. They have been eagerly awaiting this day since hearing she was making her way here."

"Rightfully so." Thorin then turned his attention to Aelin. "Did you tell her our news?"

She looked back at him and shook her head. "Not yet. There wasn't much of a chance to, but I thought it would be better anyway to tell her later after she has had a chance to settle in. Hearing news of her brother being betrothed to a woman she doesn't yet know I didn't think was news she would want to receive right upon arriving here."

"Fair point," Thorin replied. He then took her hands, clasped them tightly and told her, "I have no doubt Dis will love you."

She snickered. "I'd like to think she will. Fili and Kili keep telling me how similar she and I are, so I would hope she would like me if we're so alike."

"That and her sons love you very much. She is certainly bound to love anyone who has her sons' approval," Thorin added.

Aelin smiled. "I love them both, too, exceedingly so. Not nearly as much as I love you, though."

Thorin chuckled himself. "I would certainly hope so since neither of them are the one you are going to marry."

She leaned forward, pressed a firm, lingering kiss on his lips and then stated as she pulled back, "Well, your Majesty, you should return to helping your loyal subjects get settled. There is still much to be done."

"Indeed, you are right. Will my Queen accompany me?"

"Will you be calling me your Queen in front of everyone? Some might hear that and word will spread fast."

"No, I will not. The last thing I need is for my sister to hear of my betrothal from someone other than you or myself. I will wait until she knows and then we can make the announcement to everyone else."

"Very well. Let's get to work, then."

Over the next couple hours, the company of Thorin Oakenshield aided the Blue Mountain refugees in getting everything and everyone settled into the mountain. Supplies were stored in separate rooms, the kitchens or in the forges, if necessary. Bombur and Bofur were kind enough to make enough stew to go around for everyone later on in the day for the afternoon meal. With everyone being tired from their journey and hard at work getting everything settled, the two brothers thought everyone deserved a nice, hot meal, so they wheeled around a giant pot of stew throughout the mountain and delivered bowls of it to everyone.

After luncheon, Aelin found herself just wandering around, keeping an eye on everyone as they darted in and out of rooms and corridors. She was thrilled that Thorin's people had made it to Erebor safely. Now, they were all finally home in their true home, at last, and she could see the joy in their faces at knowing that.

Just then, she heard a voice cry out, "There you are! I've been looking for you."

She turned in the direction the voice was coming from and saw Dis walking towards her, a pleasant grin on her face.

"Well, here I am! You found me," said Aelin. "What can I do for you, Lady Dis?"

"Please...just 'Dis' will do," Dis told her.

"Right, of course," replied Aelin.

Dis approached her and said kindly, "If I may beg your pardon, Aelin, but would you like to join me for a walk outside? I would very much like to speak with you and become better acquainted."

Aelin smiled herself and answered, "I would be delighted to."

"Splendid!" exclaimed Dis. She then suddenly looped her arm through Aelin's in a friendly manner and said, "Let us be off, then."

The two Dwarf women made their way through a couple more corridors until they came to the front gate and they stepped outside into the nice, sunny weather.

"So what would you like to know, Dis?" Aelin asked as they walked outside.

"I do have one very important question," answered Dis.

Then she stopped, pulled her arm away from Aelin and looked at her steadfastly. She wasn't smiling anymore, but she didn't look angry; rather focused and slightly concerned. This made Aelin a little nervous in the moment.

Dis then asked calmly, "Were you not once a thief in Ered Luin?"

Upon hearing the question, Aelin knew she should've seen it coming. Surely, Dis would know about her and her reputation, either from around the region or even from Thorin himself over the years.

She sighed and replied, "Aye...I was...for a time. I haven't been for a long while, though. I swore off that way of life."

"Did you not also have a longstanding feud with my brother?" was Dis's next question.

Aelin snickered. "That would also be correct," she said.

Now more confused, Dis asked, her eyebrows furrowed, "So then...what brought you here? How did you end up travelling in Thorin's company?"

"I happened upon Gandalf the Grey wizard on the Greenway and ended up saving his life from a few muggers," Aelin started explaining, "He thought my combat skills would be useful in Thorin's quest and urged that I join. I was opposed to it at first because of my feud with Thorin, but I eventually relented because my brother was also going."

Dis began walking again and Aelin followed beside her as Dis then inquired, "If you will indulge my curiosity...how did you and Thorin go from fighting to being on good terms? How did it happen?"

"Well, it certainly wasn't easy," Aelin said through a chuckle. "We were constantly at each other's throat for a good while in the beginning. The others thought one of us would end up killing the other before we ever reached the mountain. However, on the Great East Road, we were pursued by Warg-scouts and I actually saved Thorin's life—though, it was more by instinct than anything—and in the process, I was injured. We ended up going to Rivendell so I could be healed and recover as well as get help from Lord Elrond. It was there that Thorin and I ended up discovering the truth about each other; that he was not the person I thought him to be and I was not the person he believed I was. Everything we thought we knew about each other was wrong and a misunderstanding. After that, we decided to start over and become better friends."

Dis grinned. "In that time, you also fell in love with him."

Aelin stopped and stared at Dis in disbelief at how she already knew that fact. Dis looked back at her with what appeared to be a cunning smirk on her face.

"How...how did you know?" Aelin asked.

Dis laughed. "Oh, my dear, I saw the look you gave my brother when he came over to greet me earlier today and the look he gave you in return. That and seeing how my sons were so eager for me to meet you. They would not behave as such if you were not someone very important to them. It was not hard for me to put it all together."

A flare of heat rose up in Aelin's blushing red cheeks. "I had not realized it was so obvious to you," she admitted.

"I am a mother, Aelin. I'm very observant," Dis told her with a wink. Then she stated, "I find it very fascinating that my dear eldest brother has fallen in love with a person he used to absolutely despise."

"Did he tell you of me?" asked Aelin.

"Do you mean the night you tried to steal his ring?" Dis asked back. "Oh yes, I heard all about that the drunken rampage Thorin went on when he returned...and for a few days after that. He was so determined to make your life a living hell and then was furious when he heard someone had paid your bail and you were no longer in prison."

"What was your opinion of that situation?" Aelin inquired curiously.

Dis slightly shrugged. "I was too distraught to really pay it any mind. Our brother, Frerin, had just been killed in battle along with our grandfather. That was why Thorin had gone to the pub in the first place: to numb his sorrows with alcohol. Also, since I was not involved in the incident, I wasn't sure what to think anyway. I really had no opinion."

Now feeling more nervous, Aelin asked hesitantly, almost afraid to hear the answer, "Now that you know who I am...that doesn't change your opinion of me, does it?"

The Dwarf Princess eyed her for a moment in thought. Then she smiled and responded, "Not in the least." When Aelin seemed to relax upon hearing her answer, she went on, "You did tell me you swore off your thieving way of life, you made amends with Thorin and you grew close enough for the two of you to fall in love, which I never imagined would be an easy feat with him. I trust my brother completely and if he has chosen you for himself, then I have no reason to doubt you."

"It relieves me to hear that because...there is also something else."

"Oh…?"

"Thorin and I are...to be married."

Dis's eyes lit up immediately and her hands flew up to her mouth as she let out a loud astonished gasp. "To be married?" she repeated. Before Aelin could answer, she threw her arms around Aelin's neck and nearly crushed her in a tight embrace. "Aelin, this is wonderful news! I cannot believe it!" Then she released the hold she had on Aelin and looked her straight in the eyes. "You must truly be a remarkable woman if you were able to convince my brother of marriage."

Aelin thought that was a rather peculiar comment. "I am not sure I understand," she said.

"For the longest time, I never thought Thorin would never marry," Dis explained. "He grew into a cold and bitter Dwarf after we lost our home to the dragon and even more so after we lost the rest of our family, too. He seemed so content with being alone that I thought he would never take a wife. That and I believed it would be a miracle for any woman to break through his hard outer shell and find their way to his heart."

"To tell you the truth, I don't even know what I did to earn Thorin's affections. I still question why he ever chose me," Aelin confessed. "For a time, I thought my feelings for him were unrequited, but then suddenly, he admitted his love in front of everyone and I was completely shocked."

Dis's eyebrows rose, impressed. "That certainly doesn't sound like the Thorin I know. I am surprised he did something like that. You must have really changed him."

"I don't know how, but I suppose I did."

"There is one other thing I must ask you and I want a purely honest answer."

"Of course. Anything."

"Why do you love Thorin?"

This was an unexpected question. Aelin found herself taken aback at hearing Dis ask her this. She wondered if Dis was suddenly trying to interrogate her, but looking at her, she had same look that she did when she first asked if Aelin was once a thief; she didn't look angry or concerned, but focused and calm. Aelin felt no hostility from her, but rather just genuine interest.

She took a brief moment to think before answering, "Thorin is unlike any Dwarf I have ever known. He is passionate about what he wants and what he believes to be right or wrong. He is courageous, strong and a devoted leader. He cares deeply for his people, his home, his family and his friends. He looked after me throughout the journey and cared for my wellbeing. I feel protected and safe when I am with him. Above all else...I see myself in him...and I believe he sees himself in me. We are alike in so many ways, both good and bad. We found comfort and safety in each other numerous times throughout our journey. He made me want to be a better person, not just for him, but for myself. Perhaps what makes me love him the most is that he gave me a family and a home when I had none. I had my brother all along, but I found a family and a home in the company. That and Thorin promised me in Rivendell that I would always have a place in Erebor and I could make a home there, should I desire to. I later discovered that I am a Dwarf of Erebor through my late, estranged mother, which I never knew...and I realized that Thorin helped me get to this point in my life. Because he made me part of his company and brought me here, I was able to discover who I really am when, for years, I was lost and had no inkling as to who I was or where I truly belonged. He gave me the sense of belonging I had dreamt of and desired for most of my life. I owe him everything...even my life...and I never want to leave his side. A life without him is not one I would ever wish to live."

Now having bared her soul to Thorin's sister, Aelin waited patiently for her to respond. Dis looked at her silently and then looked down to the ground for a moment, appearing deep in thought.

Finally, she looked back up, a smile on her face, and she replied, "Aelin...even though I have only just met you...I could not be more proud of the fact that Thorin has chosen you to be his Queen."

A tiny gasp of relief escaped Aelin's lips. "You really mean that?" she asked through a happy smile.

Dis reached down and took hold of Aelin's hands. "I cannot tell you the joy I feel at hearing how you spoke of my brother. There is to be no doubt that you truly love him and you both are meant to be together. Even though I don't know you well just yet, I cannot think of anyone better suited to lead our people at Thorin's side. Not only that, you are his match in every way. I can see it."

Tears of joy began to form in Aelin's eyes at hearing of Dis's approval. "I cannot tell you how much it means to me to hear you say that, Dis."

Dis bowed her head respectfully. "I have been watchful of my brother for years as I am the only direct kin he has left. I've wanted nothing but the best for him and I believe you are what's best for him." Then she smiled even wider. "I also would want no other woman to be an aunt and secondary mother figure to my sons. Fili and Kili have already told me some things about you that you have done and I see how happy you have made them. Their happiness is my happiness and if you have been a source for that, then I welcome you into my own heart, as well. I will be proud to call you 'sister' one day."

Now, she couldn't keep her tears back and Aelin started to cry in front of Dis and turned her head away, overwhelmed by the complete bliss she was now feeling.

"I am so sorry, Dis, I just…," she started to say, embarrassed, but she was too choked up to speak.

"Not all tears are an evil, my dear Aelin," reassured Dis as she brought her hands up and gently rubbed her shoulders and forearms.

"I know...I am just so happy and a little surprised that you were so quick to accept me," admitted Aelin.

Dis lightly urged her head up so she could look at her fondly as she said,"My sons were quick to accept you. Where do you think they got it from?"

Aelin could only beam with utter joy in response.

"Now…," began Dis, looping her arm back through Aelin's, "tell me about your adventures with the company and my brother. I want to know everything."

Aelin laughed. "That's going to be quite a long story."

Dis simply grinned at her and stated in reply, "I do love a good story...and we have all the time in the world."

After that, the two Dwarf women resumed walking arm in arm around the grounds of the mountain, sharing stories of their lives and becoming better acquainted as better friends as well as future sisters.

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How'd you like that? :)

I always pictured Dis as someone very caring, loving and sweet and I always envisioned her and Aelin first meeting being a very nice encounter. I look forward to writing more with Dis and the other characters in the story. There's going to be some really sweet moments coming up, especially with an impending wedding ;)

Leave a review or PM me with your thoughts!