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For those who did not understand the Jambags reference...It was a line from the deleted scenes from BOFA. Dwalin and Kili are on a ram drawn battle chariot and are being pursued by an ugly troll like thing. Dwalin tells Kili to shot him, he asks 'where'...Dwalin says "in his jambags" where Kili replies back "he doesn't have any jambags." And while that whole scene is funny, what makes it even funnier, is that the original script used the word yambags, but they somehow misread it or something and filmed it saying jambags...witch Graham McTavish liked better anyway. Look it up and watch it on YouTube!

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Well, it is time to see WHO or WHAT is at the front gate.

I hope you all enjoy where I am taking this part of the story.

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Chapter 75

~X~

Thorin had thought he had prepared himself for anything, be it friend or foe…and yet when he saw what lay before his eyes, he was literally speechless. They had all arrived at the main gates just in time to see four giant eagles circling overhead as they each in turn made their descent, alighting on the ground in front of the main bridge with precision and grace.

Thorin could not recall the first time his company had encountered the eagles, for he had been badly wounded and unconscious through the entire rescue, but he knew what they had done for him and his kin. Yet Thorin had been witness to their might and power during the Battle of Five Armies, the magnificent creatures of the air joining in as the fifth battalion. It had been their assistance that had turned the tide, rallying the already overwhelmed forces of dwarves, men and elves. They had not lingered after the fighting was over, instead flying off to their own nests to tend to their wounds, preferring higher places of safety than that of the unprotected ground. Yet Thorin had always known he owed Gwaihir, the wind lord, much and he steeled himself for the words of gratitude he would now at long last be able to deliver.

Yet before he could step forward and even speak a greeting, the mighty eagle in front lowered its head, revealing that he bore someone upon his back. Gandalf! Sliding down to the ground, the tall grey wizard smiled brightly and bowed towards Thorin.

"Greetings, King Under the Mountain," he began, having no idea how his familiar, gravelly voice caused a surge of joy and relief to spring to Thorin's heart. "I trust that my returning, though unexpected, is not inconvenient," he joked, repeating Thorin's own words back to him from their previous parting.

"Your coming is never looked for, yet always welcome, Gandalf the Grey," Thorin assured him, unable to keep the smile from his face. Yet that smile quickly faded when the other three giant birds of prey revealed that they too bore riders. "And yet I see that you do not come alone. Whom have you brought with you to our gates?"

"Ah, yes," Gandalf said, suddenly sounding a bit less confident. "Allow me to introduce you to my company." From the back of each eagle slid three elves - one with golden blond hair, while the other two shared identical straight dark locks. However, their hair was not the only features they shared in common…they were identical twins! "This is Lord Glorfindel, and these two are Elladan and Elrohir, sons of Lord Elrond of Rivendell."

All three elves stepped forward and bowed to Thorin, causing the dwarf to temporarily lose his ability to speak.

"And yet, that is not all who travel with me," Gandalf continued, saving Thorin from having to speak around a rather flustering situation. "With me, I also bring emissaries from the Shire." At this the grey wizard turned and winked at Marigold, who was standing beside Thorin, just as stunned as he was. "Some, I believe, Miss Brandybuck will be quite pleased to see once again."

With that, four small heads popped up over the large feathered necks of each eagle, smiling and waving frantically.

"Mother! Father!" Marigold cried out, covering her mouth with her hands as tears sprang to her eyes.

"And what about me, little sister?" Saradoc Brandybuck called from atop of the third eagle. "Have you no greeting for me…or my beautiful bride?"

"Saradoc? Esmerelda?" Marigold could not believe her eyes. There astride the backs of the magnificent birds were the four hobbits she had so dearly wanted to be present at her wedding. And now, thanks to some miracle, here they were…in Erebor!

With the aid of the three elves, the four hobbits were soon on solid ground, much to the apparent delight of the elder two, while the younger pair seemed relatively unfazed.

"Oh, my sweet little Marigold," Menegilda Brandybuck all but sobbed as she engulfed her daughter in a much anticipated hug. "I am so happy to see you at last!"

"I thought we would never get here," Rorimac nodded, taking his turn next in embracing his child. "But if one must travel, I have to say, that by eagle is the only way to go!"

"If it did not necessitate being so far off the ground, that is," her mother added with a slight look of fear and discomfort. "But Mister Gwaihir promised that he and his friends would not drop us, and our escorts kept us securely in place the whole way. Not that I recall much of it…for I kept my eyes shut most of the time."

"I simply can't believe you are here!" Marigold was still overwhelmed by such a surprise. "I never thought either of you would dare to leave the Shire…not for anything!"

"And you would have been correct," Rori agreed, hitching his thumbs in his vest pockets in a manner that conveyed stubbornness and pride. "Leaving our home would have been the last thing we could imagine ourselves doing, and nothing could have enticed us to do so. Nothing that is, except to see our only daughter get married."

"You…you came for my wedding?" Marigold was now crying unabashedly, but only happy tears to be sure.

"We wouldn't have missed that for anything, Mari," Saradoc assured her, finally getting his turn to hug his sister. "Even though you deciding to stay in Erebor to marry a king, caused you to miss out on me and Esme getting hitched."

"You…you two got married?" This came as quite the shock to Marigold, since the last she had heard they were only courting with the view to marriage.

"Had to," Saradoc laughed, pulling the petite, golden haired hobbit lass to his side in a loving fashion. "Esme was not about to let me go traipsing off to Erebor this time, any more than she was the last time I had the chance…at least not without her."

"And the only way my parents would allow that was if I went with my husband!" Esmerelda beamed, holding up her hand so that Marigold could see the wedding band that rested on her finger. "So we moved our wedding up and got married last week. You might say this is our honeymoon trip!"

"Oh, congratulations!" Marigold squealed, throwing her arms around both Saradoc and Esmerelda. "While I am so sorry I missed it, I am so happy for you both!"

"And we are happy for you as well, my now dearest of sisters," Esme told her, grinning from ear to ear. "And for Bergie too, from what we have been told. Where is she, anyway?"

"Right here," the older hobbit spoke up, having approached the group without notice – for even in her now obviously pregnant state, she could still walk as softly as ever.

"Bergamot Bracegirdle! Just look at you!" Menegilda cried, her eyes growing wide at the sight of her protruding stomach. "We had heard you took a husband, but no one said anything about you being with child as well!"

"It would seem that eagles fly faster than a caravan can travel, as I am sure my letter explaining everything should be arriving in the Shire any day now," Bergie laughed, giving her dear relative a hug. "But now that I am wed, I am not a Bracegirdle any more, Gilda. I am a…a…" she stopped there, suddenly realizing that dwarves didn't really have last names, only identifying themselves by adding the phrase, 'son of so and so'.

"She is my much beloved wife," Dwalin broke in, finishing off his wife's sentence for her. "Dwalin, son of Fundin, at your service," he offered with a bow of respect.

"Well now…didn't you find quite the strapping dwarf, Bergie?" Gilda said, almost having to tip her head back in order to look Dwalin in the eye.

"Aye…that I did," Bergie nodded, taking hold of her husband's muscular arm with pride.

"And Cousin Bilbo!" Rori said, spying the smiling hobbit standing only a few feet away. "We can't tell you how grateful we are that you chose to alert us to all these goings on! Until Gandalf showed up at our door with this wild story about our little Marigold getting engaged to a dwarf, we knew nothing about it! Although," he added with a little glare at Bilbo, "if you had not enticed our daughter into joining you on this rather adventurous journey in the first place, there would not have been any news that needed delivering to begin with."

"Yes, that is true, but much to Marigold's displeasure, I am sure," Bilbo laughed, coming forward to greet his relatives warmly. "And my happy congratulations to you and Saradoc, Esme. I am delighted for you both."

"So, sis," Saradoc spoke up. "Do you plan on introducing us to this king of the dwarves who has supposedly stolen your heart? It was, after all, the reason we have been traveling for over a week to get here."

"Yes…where is this brazen fellow who has dared to set his eyes upon my little girl?" Rori Brandybuck asked, the friendly smile leaving his face and a look of suspicion taking its place. "I have a few choice words to share with the lad!"

"Oh…of course!" Marigold had been so wrapped up in the happy reunion, that she had completely forgotten her manners…and Thorin! And while the fact that her father, who was not yet even half the dwarf king's age, dared to call him a lad caused her to chuckle inwardly, she did not dare let it show. Turning, she locked eyes with her betrothed, taking note that he looked rather uncharacteristically nervous. Yet, introductions had to be made, there was no avoiding it…she only wished there had been more time to prepare. Walking over, she stood beside him, her face beaming with both love and admiration. "Mother, Father, may I introduce to you, Thorin Oakenshield, son of Thráin, son of Thrór, king of Erebor…and my fiancé."

"Master and Mistress Brandybuck," Thorin began, placing his arm at his waist and bowing low to the both of them. "It is indeed an honor, and a privilege, to meet you at last. I have heard so many wonderful things about you both, and of you as well, Master Saradoc," he added, nodding to the younger pair of hobbits. "May I also offer my congratulations on your recent marriage, you have found a lovely bride indeed."

Esme blushed at his words, while Saradoc puffed out his chest just a bit more, in full agreement with Thorin's claim. And while Menegilda offered the king a polite curtsey, Rori only crossed his arms and stared at Thorin like he was a fox in the henhouse.

"So…you think you are good enough for my little girl, Mister Thorin?" he asked, receiving a few gasps of shock from those standing around, including Marigold.

"Father!" she said, completely mortified that he would say such a thing…and to a king!

Yet his harsh words did not seem to faze Thorin in the least.

"I know for a fact that I am not, good sir," he readily admitted. "Yet, your daughter has kindly accepted my proposal of marriage, and I will spend the rest of my days attempting to prove my worth."

"Gandalf claims the reason we had to come all this way was because if you attempted to travel to the Shire to wed Marigold, you would be putting yourself in grave danger…is that so?" the hobbit father persisted.

"Sadly, it is true," he nodded, knowing that any other answer would have been a falsehood. And while he had little to no experience with meeting the parents of one's betrothed…Thorin was certain that lying to them was not the wisest thing to do.

"And yet, according to the letter from Bilbo, that Gandalf let us read, you were willing to risk it and journey there regardless…simply to fulfil Marigold's wish to have us present at her wedding?" Rori questioned.

"I was," came his answer. "I would do anything to please your daughter, sir…anything!"

"Well then," the older hobbit replied, a small grin spreading over his face. "Maybe you are not a bad match for my Mari after all. Although, I reserve the right to make my final decision after we have spoken some more, lad," he added, giving Thorin a stern look.

"I would expect no less," Thorin agreed with a respectful nod of his head.

"But first, how about you tell us where we can get a bite to eat around here," Rori demanded, his good humor and happy smile returning. "We have been traveling for many days and apparently eagles and elves know nothing about second breakfast, elevensies or luncheon! I am starved!"

"Rori, don't be rude!" Menegilda scolded. "You know very well that our elven companions saw to our every need, as did Mister Gandalf and the nice eagles!"

"True, but that does not negate the fact that I am still hungry," Rori admitted, rubbing his stomach for emphasis.

"Then we would be more than happy to see you housed and fed immediately," Thorin announced, signaling for a page to step forward. "Please see that the kitchen is alerted to the fact that we have some hungry visitors, and inform the cleaning staff to prepare another set of rooms for our honored guests."

"Oh, no, please allow them to stay with me," Marigold begged. "With Bergie gone, I have plenty of room in my chambers. My parents can have my bed and Saradoc and Esme can take Bergie's old room." She turned and looked at her family expectantly. "I would be so pleased if you would."

"We would hate to kick you out of your own quarters, my dear," Gilda told her, though she appeared to like the idea of staying with Marigold very much.

"I have a very comfortable couch in the sitting room," she insisted. "I should know, I have fallen asleep on it many times while poring over maps and plans for the planting project. Please say you will stay with me."

"Of course we will, sis," Saradoc grinned. "It will allow us more time to catch up. And I really want to hear all about how the work is going. We flew over the fields just before landing, and I have to say, it looks like you have done a wonderful job in my stead."

"That she has," Balin spoke up, coming forward to introduce himself. "Balin, the other son of Fundin, at your service. I will see that any luggage and possessions you brought are taken up to your chambers, as well as a hearty meal from the kitchens to tide you over until dinner. You are most welcome, and I am certain the rest of our hobbit guests will be extremely pleased to hear of your arrival. May I escort you to your chambers?"

"No, I will do that," Marigold insisted, taking hold of her mother's hand and pulling her towards the main gates. "Just wait until you see how beautiful it is, Mother. The mountain is like one big glittering gem!"

"Wait just a moment," Gilda laughed, halting her daughter's urging as she turned and looked back at the eagles. "Mister Gwaihir, we want to thank you and your brethren so very much for your assistance in getting us here in such a short amount of time. Our flight was as smooth and comfortable as a feather bed and we are eternally in your debt."

"You are most welcome, Mistress Hobbit," the wind lord replied, while the other three birds each bobbed their heads in response.

"And thank you as well, My Lords," Rori added, bowing to Glorfindel, Elladan and Elrohir. "And of course you too, Mister Gandalf. Your aid and companionship on our journey was invaluable. But now if you will excuse us…the lure of food, and a long overdue visit with our daughter, must take precedent."

"We understand, Master Brandybuck," Gandalf laughed. "Please, go with our blessings. We will see you again soon, I am sure."

And with that, Marigold ushered her family towards the gates, all the while talking a mile a minute.

Once they were gone, Thorin gathered his wits and stepped forward to address Gwaihir at last.

"Long have I wished to express my gratitude to you for the assistance you have given me and my people in the past," he told the great eagle. "First you saved me and my kinsmen from the orcs while on our journey, and then you came to the aid of us all during the great battle. The dwarves of Erebor are in your debt, Lord Gwaihir."

"It was our pleasure to assist such a noble cause," the wind lord said, his deep voice resonating off the stone walls of the mountain. "If in any way we can thwart the forces of Mordor, we shall do so gladly. We were much gratified to know that in doing so we were also able to aid you in retaking your rightful place as King Under the Mountain, Thorin Oakenshield. It also pleased us greatly to assist in bringing the Shirelings to Erebor, so that they might witness the pair-bonding of you and your mate." Gwaihir then shook himself, ruffling his feathers and stretching his wings. "But now we must return to our stronghold in the heights, for we have been gone too long, and I need to look to my kin. Farewell, dwarf lord, may the wind lead you to where the sun sails and the moon walks," he said, giving the customary words of parting known to his kind.

Thankfully, as a king and a diplomat, Thorin had spent many long hours researching customs and salutations, and thus knew the proper response.

"Farewell to you as well, oh mighty wind lord, and may your eyries receive you at your journey's end," he said with a low and humble bow.

And with that, the great eagle flapped his wings and rose effortlessly into the sky, followed swiftly by his three companions. Leaving a crowd of stunned and amazed dwarves and hobbits in their wake.

However, once Thorin was able to tear his gaze off of the retreating eagles, he noticed that he still had four guests to deal with. And while Gandalf was always welcome…the elves were quite a surprise.

"Am I to assume that you three are staying?" he asked, perhaps sounding a bit more rude than he would have liked. In truth he had no issue with Rivendell elves, for as he recalled, Elrond had been nothing but helpful and hospitable on their journey through his land. Yet, Thranduil, and the woodland elves, had left their mark, and even though he fought to keep his bitterness confined to them alone, he feared it might have slipped into his tone when addressing these elves…just a bit. He would need to work on that.

"Well, King Thorin," the tall blond elf replied, a small upturn of his lips revealing his lack of offense. "It would appear that our only means of transportation just flew away, and we are a very long way from our home. Might we impose upon your good will and beg for shelter and a meal, master dwarf? At least for the night?"

"Thorin, I must say, your hospitality has grown cold indeed if you mean to deny my companions lodging after all they have done to help get your betrothed's kin to Erebor," Gandalf said, his tone a mixture of censure and disappointment. "For when Bilbo's letter reached me, I was visiting in Rivendell, as a guest of Lord Elrond."

"In Rivendell?" Bilbo broke in, curiosity getting the better of him. "Yet your letter arrived only moments before you did? Why was it, and you, so late in getting here? "

"A wizard is never late, Bilbo Baggins, nor is he early. He arrives precisely when he means to," Gandalf corrected him, trying to appear stern, yet failing. "As for why it took my letter so long to get back to you, well that would be my fault entirely, dear friend," he added apologetically. "You see, I sent your young raven off on another errand in the meantime, asking him to deliver my regrets to the head of my order in Isengard, as well as to the steward of Minis Tirith, before returning to Erebor. For I had meant to journey to see each in turn about a very important matter, and they needed to be informed of my imminent delay. Yet from what you stated in your letter, it appeared that my presence was needed first in the Shire, and then back here. I am sorry that my message was delayed , Bilbo."

When the hobbit nodded in understanding, the grey wizard continued speaking, knowing that he was now forgiven.

"As I was saying, when I explained the situation to my elven hosts, and consequently devised the plan to enlist the aid of the eagles, Glorfindel, Elladan and Elrohir were kind enough to offer their assistance. After all, Thorin, I am certain that Master Baggins, as well as a few others in your company, recalls how unsettling it was to ride upon the backs of such magnificent creatures without the fear of falling off…even if you cannot."

"That is true," Bilbo nodded, remembering his short, but unsettling, time in the air as one he would rather not repeat. "And I can guarantee there would have been no way Marigold's parents would have dared such a journey if they had to cling to the backs of such great birds all on their own." The hobbit then turned towards the three elves. "You were generous indeed to offer such aid."

"It was our pleasure, for we do so enjoy the company of your kind, Master Baggins," Elladan spoke up.

"My brother speaks true," added Elrohir. "We were greatly intrigued by you and your hobbit companions during your short stay in our beloved Imladris. So much in fact, that we three shall be remaining in the area throughout the summer, and if you will have us, accompany you back to the west in the fall."

"Oh, that would be both delightful and very comforting, My Lords!" Bilbo replied, clapping his hands with glee. "The sons of Elrond, and Lord Glorfindel, would be a most pleasing addition to our company!"

"So…you will be requiring shelter all summer?" Thorin asked, not sounding pleased at all. It was one thing to be polite to Rivendell elves…it was quite another to house them for an extended stay.

"Nay, son of Durin," the blond elf said with a laugh. "We have already made plans to visit with our kin in Mirkwood until it is time to depart. We only require lodging for the night, and then we will acquire mounts and ride south to King Thranduil's halls come morning." He then stepped closer, placing his palm upon his heart and bowed respectfully to the dwarf king. "I realize that both our people have had many reasons to distrust each other in the past, yet I am pleased that peaceful relations have at last been restored. Your generosity to my kin, after the battle that took place here on your very doorstep, has reached the ears of elves everywhere. May I in turn offer you my services, King of Erebor, and know that Glorfindel, of the House of the Golden Flower, will forever more be considered your ally."

"Wait…" Balin said, stepping forward with a shocked expression on his face. "House of the Golden Flower? You don't mean to say that you are the Lord Glorfindel…the elf who battled a balrog and died…only to be re-embodied by the Valar and returned to Middle Earth as an emissary? That Glorfindel?"

"The very same, master dwarf," the elf replied with a humble smile and nod of his head.

"He what?" Dwalin asked, having spent more time training for battle than reading books. He looked the tall warrior up and down with a huff. "I ain't never heard of him."

"Well I have," Thorin muttered, an almost reverent tone peeking through his gruffness. And now that he took the time to look, Thorin could see that this was indeed no ordinary elf. He was tall and straight, with shining hair of liquid gold and a face that was both fearless and full of joy. On his brow set wisdom, and in his hand was strength, and even Thorin could recognize that he was in the presence of a mighty warrior. "In honor of your legendary deeds, and past sacrifices, I do offer you shelter in Erebor as my honored guest…you, and your companions."

"You are most generous, King Thorin," Glorfindel said with a warm smile. "Long have I desired to gaze upon the wonders of the Lonely Mountain. Especially its golden halls and silver fountains, which I hear tell are legends in their own right."

"Then shall we all go inside?" Gandalf suggested. "I might not be a hobbit, but I have come to appreciate a great many of their peculiarities…and one of them appears to be eating on a very regular basis."

This caused even Thorin to release a small grin, as he signaled for everyone to reenter the mountain.

"I can't believe it," Dwalin whispered to Bergie as they trailed behind everyone, bringing up the rear.

"Believe what?" she asked, her eyebrows coming together questioningly.

"That Thorin is willingly going to play host to elves!" he said in sincere shock. "Elves!" Would wonders never cease?

Are our mouths dropping on the ground? Thorin, hosting elves...willingly?

So, did you all guess Eagles, Gandalf, Hobbits AND Elves?

Now Marigold's dreams can come true. She can have her family AND a live husband at her wedding. Whooohooooo!

I hope you all don't mind a little bit of Glorfindel and the twins. I think they are three of the most fascinating and underappreciated characters in Tolkien's arsenal. And weren't they sweet to come all that way to help out?

Wonder what fun they will bring?

Guest Reviews:

abc: OH yes, Dis is ready to plan a wedding to end all weddings! And it is nice that she has the golden hoard of Erebor to fund it too! Ha ha, yes, when one deals with wizards, one needs to have a lot of patience. ha ha. Sili does sound rather silly. ha ha. But these are also the dwarves who gave you the name Groin. Ummmm, hello...

Aranel Mereneth: I see you guessed SOME of who came calling, you only forgot the Eagles. ha ha. Three points for you!

Mjean: Glad you are still there and still enjoying it! See my explanation of jambags at the start of the story. Yes, I too had to watch and re-watch that part several times just to figure out what he was saying. ha ha. Thanks.

Kendall Merritt: I am a little happy that the jambags line made you laugh...ok...I am a lot happy. ha ha. Thanks for the review.

Guest: You get two points for your guess. It was Gandalf and yes, he brought friends. Now...what will Thorin DO with them? ha ha.