Back again, my lovelies!
This chapter is going to be a little more dialogue-heavy than normal, but that's just how I write. I like to do my storytelling through character dialogue. Also, there's a nice little surprise near the end ;)
Happy reading!
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Through the course of the day, the Dwarves were all busy and hard at work getting the refugees settled in as well as continuing the work in rebuilding the mountain. To their surprise, Bard and his son, Bain, showed up later on with a large group of men from Dale to assist in the rebuilding process. When Thorin asked Bard why they would come to help when they had their own city to also rebuild, Bard's answer was that it was to repay them for giving them the means to rebuild their city in the first place.
"Besides, Erebor will take much longer to rebuild than Dale. It will take you a long time before you ever finish it, but if we assisted you, it will take only half the time," Bard also said.
"You are far too generous," Thorin commented to him. "In return for your service, my own people shall also help in the rebuilding of Dale. Anyone we can spare, we will send your way. I am sure they would be eager to help."
"Your extra aid is certainly most welcome," Bard responded gratefully.
As the day went on, Men and Dwarves were scattered throughout the mountain, wheeling in wheelbarrows of stone and buckets of mortar. Pulley systems were made to help lift supplies to higher levels. The sounds of hammers hitting stone echoed throughout the many halls of the mountain. Orders and requests were being shouted and cried out, adding to the level of noise. The day had certainly turned into a busy one.
By late evening, Thorin ordered that all work cease for the remainder of the day so they could take a rest, have their supper and afterwards, the Men could return to their homes. Bofur and Bombur provided everyone a nice, hot meal for everyone, which was gladly received by all after a hard day's work. Once everyone's bellies were full, Bard and his men returned to Dale, promising to be back the next day.
As the Men cleared out, Aelin and Dis went looking for Thorin and found him up on the newly made rampart above the gate, watching the Men leave.
"What are you doing up here?" asked Aelin as they got to the top of the rampart.
Thorin turned to look at her and his sister as he answered, "I simply needed some air. It's a beautiful evening."
Dis came up to the edge, placed her hands on the railing and let out a deep sigh. "I have missed these sunsets," she said almost dreamily. "I had always hoped that one day we would return and I would see this all again."
"Now, that dream has come true," said Aelin, coming up next to her.
Dis smiled. "All because my oldest brother was too stubborn to give up on his ambition to reclaim our homeland," she stated, giving Thorin a teasing grin.
"For once, my stubbornness was a good thing," he replied.
"Aye, that it was,' she said. She looked behind her down into the hall where some of the refugees as well as other Dwarves of Thorin's company, including her two sons, could be seen engaging in conversation and laughter, "I look around and I almost still cannot believe I am really here," she went on. "For so long, I believed coming back here was a hopeless endeavor and I expected to never see my home again. Now, I am standing once again on the rampart of the gate, watching from above what goes on below like I did so often as a child."
"It made you feel bigger than everyone else," Thorin commented, which made Dis chuckle.
Just then, they heard Nori's voice call to them from below, "Aelin! Thorin! Dis!"
When they looked down at him, he cried, "We're about to go have a drinking contest. Any of you want to join us?"
"I'll certainly come watch," said Aelin.
"I respectfully decline," answered Thorin.
Dis replied, "If you don't mind, I would like to have a conversation with my brother, so I must pass, as well."
Aelin looked back at the two of them and shrugged. "Your loss, then," she said with a grin before heading down the stairs to join the others.
As Thorin and Dis watched Aelin and the rest of them leave, Dis made the comment to Thorin, "You know, you do puzzle me exceedingly, brother."
His eyebrows furrowed with curiosity. "How so?" he asked.
"This woman that you have chosen," she responded.
"What about her puzzles you?" he inquired further.
She turned to him. "You despised her for the longest time," she reminded him, emphasizing the word "despised". Before Thorin could say anything, she went on, "Aelin informed me of your intent to wed."
"Did she? Well, I am glad," replied Thorin. "What are your thoughts on the matter?"
Dis pursed her lips. "I am unsure."
"What do you mean?"
"You told me a long time ago that she was a thief and she tried to steal from you. How can you be sure that has no intention of doing so now? She could be using this marriage to get to you and steal from you again."
"You will not speak of her in such a way!" Thorin scolded her immediately, appalled that she would even suggest such a notion.
However, Dis persisted, "How do you know that she won't try again?"
"She has given up that way of life; she has put it behind her."
"You really believe that?"
"Dis, I trust Aelin with my life. She saved me multiple times."
"Well, of course. She can't steal any of your wealth if you're dead."
"How dare you!" Thorin cried out, his anger rising at his sister. How could she think of Aelin in such a way? "You have no right to speak of Aelin like this!"
"That's where you are wrong. I have a right to speak of her as I please because she is wanting to marry you; my brother and only remaining kin. While I may be younger than you, I still have a duty to look out for your wellbeing and be wary of things that may threaten that."
"No, it is you who are wrong, Dis. Aelin would never harm me nor would she ever steal from me," he stated firmly. "She never tried in the entirety of the quest and her brother, Nori, confirmed to me that she has left that life behind her. She is no threat to me. The only thing she did steal from me was my heart and all the love I carry within it, which already belonged to her."
Dis then asked him, "You trust this woman, who is not of royal blood, to be Queen? To rule our people?"
"I do," he answered right away. He continued with conviction, "You know nothing of the sacrifices Aelin has made for this family. She risked her life several times to save your sons. She gave her life to save mine! Apart from you, I have never known another woman to be as selfless as she is. She proved her worth to me time and time again to where I could no longer deny what was in my heart: that I had completely fallen for her. Aelin has been a light in the darkness for me; my saving grace in a time when I had lost sight of everything that mattered to me. She believed in me in times when I didn't believe in myself. Even more, she has brought out the best in me even in my bitterness. Aelin saved me, Dis, and I owe everything to her! She has suffered and endured so much pain through her life and all I wish to do is provide her the happiness and love she deserves, just as she has done so for me. I love Aelin with all that I am...she is whom I have chosen as a worthy companion. I am going to marry her and she will rule at my side as my Queen, whether you approve or not."
There was a heavy silence that hung in the air between the children of Thrain as Thorin glared at his sister furiously and Dis simply stared back sternly at her brother. The tension was so thick, anyone could have cut it with a sword.
Thorin could feel his heart pounding like mad against his chest as his anger slowly began to subside. He was astonished that Dis was so quick to pass judgement on Aelin when she still knew nothing about her. Normally, she was very forgiving and compassionate, so this was entirely new and he couldn't understand it.
Dis said nothing for a moment...until a smile slowly appeared on her face.
"Well done, brother. You passed my test," she stated, looking proud.
Now, Thorin was even more confused. "What are you talking about?" he asked.
She chuckled and said, "Thorin, I adore Aelin! I spent most of the day with her and getting to know her. I have already heard her side of things and I just wanted to be sure of yours. I wanted to be sure that your intent to wed was genuine. For a long time, you were so content with being alone and never marrying that I wasn't sure of what to think, despite my initial excitement."
"When have I ever taken serious matters like marriage so lightly? Do you not know me?" he asked her, legitimately taken aback.
"That's just it: I thought I knew you," she answered. "I was so sure all this time, you would never take a wife, and then I come here to discover that you actually found someone on your journey and are to be married. Forgive me for being a little flabbergasted at the revelation and wanting to find out what exactly changed your mind." She took a step forward and laid a hand on his shoulder. "I meant none of the things I said about Aelin. I wasn't sure how you would respond if I asked outright, so I thought by testing you, I would get a more genuine answer."
By this point, Thorin had calmed down and his eyes looked softly at Dis, seeing that she was a little embarrassed of her chosen tactics. He placed a hand on the side of her face.
"Dis, you are one to outright speak your mind, but when it involves me, you have always been so timid, even as a grown woman," he said.
She shrugged, her head hung low. "You are my older brother and my whole life, I have revered and admired you. I always seek your approval in everything and sometimes, I fear what you may say to my questions and that you may disapprove or be disappointed in me."
Now, Thorin understood fully what had been going through her mind. He gently tucked a hand under her chin and guided her head up so her eyes met his. "Sister...is that really what you think? You believe that I could ever be disappointed in you?" When she could find no words to respond, he went on to say, "Dis, as long as you have been my sister, I have felt nothing but pride in you and the wonderful woman and mother you have become. I wholeheartedly approved of the Dwarf you made your husband and I certainly approved of the way you have raised your sons. There is nothing you could do that would ever disappoint me. Had you asked me outright about Aelin, I would have given you the same answer I gave you now."
She nodded her head, her eyes welling up with tears. "I know...and I should have known that." Quickly, she brushed her eyes free of tears. "In all seriousness, though, I think Aelin is a marvelous woman. I knew she certainly had to be if she was able to convince you of marriage."
He hummed lightly. "Aye, she is. Fili and Kili have said she is very similar to you."
In response, she said, "Ha! No wonder they love her so much."
Thorin chuckled at her.
Dis went on, "Aye, I noticed we have a few things in common already. I'm sure as time goes on, I will see more of that." Then she gave him a curious look and added, "However, after hearing everything you said, there is one question that is now burning in my mind."
"What is it?" Thorin asked.
"You said Aelin 'gave' her life to save yours. What does that mean?"
In truth, Thorin hadn't realized until then that he had let slip that Aelin had previously died. He had wanted to wait to share that information, thinking it would be too much for her to handle on top of everything else. Now, he had no choice but to tell her.
"Mind you, this may be a lot to take in, but I promise you: it is the truth," he warned her.
"I believe you," she replied, showing him she was ready to hear what he had to say.
"Do you remember the battle I told you about in my letter; the one where we finally defeated Azog?"
"Aye, I do remember."
"The truth is: Aelin died during that battle."
Dis eyes turned horrified.
Thorin continued his tale, "I was battling Azog alone and I trapped him under the ice on top of Ravenhill. I thought he was through, but he broke free and caught me off guard. I had been weakened in the fight and was losing to him quickly. Aelin was nearby and came to my rescue. However...she threw herself between me and Azog's sword...and she died a few moments later in my arms."
"That...that cannot be possible…!" Dis exclaimed in shock.
"It is true, Dis," he assured her. He kept going, "We held a funeral for her that was fit for a Dwarven Queen and buried her in the Royal Tombs. She had been there for a month. Here in the mortal world, we were lost without her, especially me, Fili, Kili and Nori. Finally, it became too much and...Aelin could see everything."
He didn't have the heart to tell Dis that Fili had actually tried to end his life because he had been so distraught over Aelin's death. He knew that information would surely destroy her.
"I was visited by Durin the Deathless himself in a vision," he told her, "and he told me Aelin would be returned to us. As it turns out, she gave them quite a bit of hell in the afterlife, begging to be returned to the mortal world because she couldn't bear to see us all suffering without her. She was then brought back to life and has been with us ever since."
Dis had to turn away and brace herself on the railing after hearing his story. She had never heard of such a thing happening in this day and age. Aelin had been previously dead...and now she was alive again. Surely, that couldn't be possible...but she also knew that her brother would never lie to her. There was no reason to, especially about something as great as this. She believed him, but it still was a lot to take in.
"That...is remarkable, yet overwhelming," she finally stated in response, putting a hand over her heart.
Thorin moved closer beside her and said, "You see, I owe my life to Aelin. Were it not for her selfless sacrifice, I would be dead and you and I would not be here together. It is also the same for Fili." He steadied himself, bracing for Dis's reaction to this part of the story. He thought she, at least, needed to know this. "He had been abducted by Azog and was going to be killed in front of me"
His sister whipped around to face him with eyes wide with fear.
"Unfortunately, I was in a position where I could do nothing to save him. We feared the worst; I feared that I was about to lose a nephew I loved like a son before my very eyes and I was helpless to save him. At the last second, Aelin came to his rescue and briefly incapacitated Azog, which gave Fili a chance to escape and he fled Ravenhill. She saved his life when I couldn't."
A loud gasp escaped Dis's mouth, her legs buckled beneath her and she started to collapse out of shock. Thorin was quick and caught her by the arms, steadying her descent, and guided her gently to the ground. He had a feeling she would not take that well. This was exactly why he knew she couldn't know of Fili's attempted suicide. The knowledge of her boy nearly being killed was enough to incapacitate her; if she knew Fili had tried to kill himself, she would never recover from that.
She was on the verge of tears as she leaned against Thorin and was breathing heavily. "My boy...my Fili…," she moaned.
"I know…," he said, rubbing her back comfortingly. "In that moment, when I thought I was going to lose him, all I could think was how I would never be able to face you again. I would have failed you in my promise to keep your children safe...but Aelin helped me to keep that promise by saving him when I could not. Fili, too, is alive because of her."
All Dis could do was try to calm herself down from the initial shock of hearing her oldest son could have died. She attempted to steady her breathing while Thorin kept a firm hold on her to keep her upright.
"You see, all the things Aelin has ever done in the course of this journey was in the interest of others," he told his sister. "She has faced most of her life alone and had been previously abandoned by some she once called her friends and yet, she still was selfless and protected all in my company from harm. She valued our lives more than hers. That above all else is why I knew she was fit to be Queen a long time ago. The interests of others matter more to her than her own and that is the kind of Queen our people need."
Finally, Dis lifted her head and locked eyes with Thorin's. "You are right…and evidently, I owe Aelin more than I realized," she stated. She began to stand up and Thorin helped her. "The boys had told me they would be dead if not for Aelin, but I thought they were just exaggerating. I never realized that it could have been true…. She practically saved the line of Durin and has the makings of a great ruler." She straightened up and brought her hands to Thorin's cheeks. "You could not have found a finer woman to be the Queen of Durin's Folk. I will gladly be the first to bow before her when you both are married and she is crowned Queen."
Thorin snickered. "Well, actually, Nori has already claimed that privilege," he informed her, "but perhaps the two of you could do so together."
"Fair enough," replied Dis, a small smile appearing on her face at last.
Suddenly, a voice called up from above, "King Thorin!"
Thorin and Dis looked up to see a male Dwarf with his head over the edge of a higher balcony, his eyes on them. The Dwarf then pointed out towards the horizon.
"Someone is coming!" he cried out.
They turned their attention to what the Dwarf was pointing at and did, indeed, see the shadow of someone approaching on a horse down the path. The light of the torches from the gate had not yet reached them, so their identity was in question.
"I will go see who approaches," Thorin told both Dis and the Dwarf above him. With that, he made his way down the rampart around to the gate and he walked outside onto the bridge to meet whoever was coming. From what he could tell, it was someone of a smaller stature wearing a cloak and riding on a pony. Was it perhaps another Dwarf who had fallen behind?
"You there! Identify yourself," he ordered the figure.
The figure stopped just outside of the torchlight and dismounted their pony. Then they spoke, "Ah, Thorin. So sorry I'm late."
Thorin froze, startled. He knew that voice and he knew it well. It couldn't be…!
"I forgot my handkerchief again, but this time, I chose to go back for it. It put me a little behind schedule, but...I made it anyway and I am glad to be back."
Now having stepped into the light of the torches and into view, Thorin beheld in front of him, smiling merrily, his friend and the company's Halfling burglar, Bilbo Baggins.
Thorin couldn't believe it. Bilbo was actually back!
"Bilbo!" he exclaimed in astonishment. He strode forward and embraced the Hobbit fondly. "What are you doing here?"
Bilbo responded, "I heard word of a mass exodus of Dwarves heading East just outside of the Shire, coming from the Blue Mountains. I knew that had to be your people heading for Erebor. Once I heard that, I couldn't shake the thought of returning to the Lonely Mountain, even though I hadn't been home for long, so I finally decided to pack my things and follow after the caravan as best I could. Now, here I am!"
"I am very surprised you are here. We were planning on visiting the Shire here soon to see you," said Thorin.
"Well, you don't have to now," said Bilbo.
Thorin then gestured to Dis behind him. "Bilbo, this is my sister, Dis. She arrived here with the caravan."
"Pleasure to meet you, my lady," said Bilbo with a polite bow.
"Dis, this is Bilbo Baggins of the Shire. He played a large part in the company and is a dear friend," said Thorin with a smile.
"I am most honored to meet you, Master Baggins," Dis replied sweetly.
"Let us go inside quickly," Thorin urged them. "The others will be delighted to see you."
Right away, Thorin, Bilbo and Dis went inside the mountain, searching for where the others had gone. One of the other Dwarves told them where they had seen the company go to and the three of them followed the directions they were given. Soon enough, they found the remainder of the company in one of the rooms, half of them chugging ale straight from the bottles and the other half cheering them on.
"Everyone, your attention, please!" Thorin called out.
The others ceased their drinking, letting ale spill over their beards and down their shirts, and they all turned their attention to Thorin.
"We have a surprise guest who has just arrived," he told them and stepped aside so Bilbo came into everyone's view.
All the Dwarves in the room burst with excitement upon seeing their Hobbit friend, crying out his name with elation and running to hug him.
"Aren't you a sight for sore eyes, laddie!" exclaimed Balin.
"As are all of you," replied Bilbo.
"What are you doing here?" then asked Bofur.
Bilbo chuckled. "I heard about a large group of Dwarves near the Shire heading for Erebor and then I just couldn't get the idea of coming back out of my head, so I decided to return and see you all."
Kili came up to him, clapped him on the shoulder and said happily, "It's great to have you back, Mister Boggins!"
"Baggins," Fili corrected him.
"You're never going to get his name right, are you?" then commented Aelin from behind the rest of them.
Bilbo froze upon hearing her voice.
She moved past Fili and Kili and into Bilbo's view. The Hobbit's face turned white at seeing her, thinking he was seeing a ghost.
"Ae...Aelin…?" he gasped out.
Aelin gave him a curious look. "Are you well, Bilbo? You've gone as pale as a sheet," she said, a smirk slowly spreading on her face at her teasing.
He stuttered, "H...ho...how...how are you…how are you…?"
"Alive?" she finished for him. "It's quite simple, actually: I saw that things were not well here, I wanted to come back and I wouldn't let the gods refuse me. Finally, they relented and sent me back to the mortal world where I belong."
"You...you're really alive?" he then asked.
She took a few steps closer and grabbed him in a tight embrace, pressing him against her to show that she was real. He let out a small cry in shock upon feeling her touch him, but once he grew accustomed to it, he gladly hugged her back.
As she was hugging Bilbo, Aelin looked and realized Dis was standing behind Thorin and she had just revealed how she had come back to life. As far as she knew, Dis still didn't know that she had been dead before. She gave Thorin a concerned look, ever so slightly motioned to Dis with her head and mouthed, "Does she know?"
Knowing exactly what she was referring to, Thorin gave a bow of his head in affirmation.
"Oh, good…," Aelin thought. "I thought I had startled Dis as much as Bilbo."
"I cannot put into words how glad I am to see you alive again!" exclaimed Bilbo as he and Aelin came apart.
"Believe me, I am just as glad," Aelin said back.
"Now that Bilbo is here, the company is all together again!" declared Ori with excitement.
"Just in time, too," said Nori.
"In time for what?" inquired Bilbo.
Thorin came up from behind him, took his place beside Aelin and answered, "The coming wedding, of course."
In response, Bilbo smiled brightly and let out a hearty laugh. "That is wondrous news!" he cried. "I am happy for the both of you and now, I am even more glad I returned when I did."
"In addition to that, we had a favor we wanted to ask of you," said Aelin.
"Please, ask away," Bilbo invited.
She smiled at him and asked him, "For the wedding, would you be our ring bearer?"
Aelin had no idea of the irony behind asking the Hobbit that particular question.
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Hahahaha don't you just love that little fun reference at the end? ;D
Yes, Bilbo has returned to Erebor! The company is all back together and just in time for Thorin and Aelin's wedding. We're getting there...most likely, the wedding will be in the next chapter :D Maybe! I"m still figuring out how to move forward. But it'll be coming soon!
Leave a review or PM me!
Love you all!