.
Some of you are apparently overly concerned about our two mischievous little dwarflings, but come on, don't you trust me?
In the immortal words of Fili. "Don't worry...I've got this." ha ha.
.
.
Chapter 97
~X~
The following day passed quickly, with all of Erebor preparing for the quest. Weapons were sharpened, provisions were gathered, and ponies were made ready to ride. It was decided that Oin would accompany the group, just in case there were injuries during the rescue, or the slaves they liberated required medical attention. The old healer insisted they take along several wagons to transport any who were too incapacitated to walk or ride, and while this would slow them down, it was deemed necessary. The dwarves would be bringing a supply wagon anyway, just as the men of Dale surely would as well, so what was one or two more to add to the caravan?
Fili, who had taken to riding Storm over the past few years, had built up quite the rapport with the sturdy little pony. When Sier had become pregnant with Frerin, and later Freya, her husband had forbidden her from doing any unnecessary riding. Thus she had insisted that he be the one to exercise Storm, so that the pony would not grow fat and lazy. Ever since the two had teamed up to rescue Flinn and Sier that fateful night, the dwarf and the pony had come to an understanding…one that quickly grew into a fast friendship. Now, the sturdy dapple-grey was his first choice for mounts, and Fili would be taking Storm on the journey, trusting him not to bolt or flee in the face of battle.
Sier spent the day getting Fili's gear ready to go, as well as packing items for her sons' trip to Esgaroth. It would be rather quiet in their little home with all three of her males gone…but Sier did her best not to let her sadness show. She learned from Dis that a long face and tears did very little for the morale of those going off to battle, and she would not add to Fili's worry if she could help it. Still, this would also be the longest that Flinn and Frerin had ever been away from home - and her - leaving her motherly heart a little empty. Sier would of course have Freya to keep her more than occupied, but she knew she would miss her little lads.
Yet this trip would be nothing compared to how much she would miss them when they traveled to the Shire the following year, possibly as early as next spring. Thorin was determined to make good on his promise to take Marigold and Rose to visit Rory and Menegilda, and Flinn had been anxious to see Frodo again. And, of course, if they allowed their older son to go, there would be no way they could expect Frerin to remain behind. The two brothers were practically inseparable, and she knew that Fili understood their close bond very well, having always had the same relationship with Kili.
Drogo and Prim had kept in touch since leaving Erebor, and through their many letters and drawings, Sier felt as if she already knew Frodo's baby sister, Holly. She would have loved it if she and Fili could accompany Thorin when they went, but as the crown prince, he was expected to remain behind and shoulder the duties of the king in his absence. So, after much tearful deliberation, Sier and Fili finally gave permission for their two sons to travel to the Shire. Thorin had promised to protect them with his life, and while they did not doubt he would do just that, a mother still worried…and so did a father. However, neither of them wanted to deny their son a visit with his sword-brother, or for a chance for Frerin to meet the little hobbit that Flinn never stopped talking about.
However, what had truly tipped the scale for Sier was when Dis announced that she would accompany them as well. Saying she wished to meet this extraordinary hobbit lass who had stolen her friend's heart so quickly. Bilbo and Dis had become rather close while he had been in Erebor, the two of them having formed a strong friendship over their attempts to get Thorin and Marigold together. And Dis felt the need to make sure this Daisy measured up to her standards for Bilbo. Knowing that Flinn and Frerin would have their overly protective grandmother along, truly set Sier's heart at ease.
Yet this rescue mission worried her for another reason as well. Fili had not been required to leave the mountain for more than a few days since their daughter was born, and Sier was concerned about how Freya would handle her father's extended absence. The little dwarfling was used to Fili being there, to play with her and tuck her in at night, thus Sier was not looking forward to dealing with the separation anxiety that would surely ensue. Add to this the fact that Freya only allowed a small number of people into her circle of acceptance, and most of them would be departing the following day. Sier really hoped that the mission would be swift and successful…knowing that Freya would not be the only one missing Fili terribly.
.
.
Kili's mind was mostly occupied with Tauriel, yet he worked hard at keeping his thoughts on the mission. He could not afford to appear distracted in front of Thorin, for fear he would sense something, and insist that his nephew remain behind. Kili knew the importance of the quest, and that the freedom and lives of many depended on him keeping his head in the game. Still, he couldn't squelch the excitement that had grown in his chest at the idea that he would see Tauriel again the following day. And it couldn't come fast enough for him.
.
.
Flinn and Frerin had explained their secret plan to Bram, Tam and Tae, enlisting the help of their friends to ensure that things went off without a hitch. When they told Tor, Tal and Rose what they planned to do, they of course begged to come along as well. However, too many stowaways would surely get them caught, thus ruining the plan for everyone. So, the twins and the little princess agreed to remain behind in Erebor and cover for them if needed.
.
.
That night they had a private family dinner in one of the smaller banquet rooms, enjoying the warmth and love shared between them all before they would be forced to part.
Dwalin paid extra attention to Bergie and his children, making sure they knew how much he loved them and would miss them while he was away. Torin was a bit clingy, not wishing to vacate his father's lap, while Talin ran around with her little wooden sword, pretending to be her father in battle. Bergie, always the rational one, pasted on a brave face and did her best to smile and laugh. Yet she knew that later on, when they were alone, she would communicate her worry and love for her husband long into the night. It was the price she paid for marrying a warrior…and yet she would never regret her decision.
Thorin spent most of the evening speaking quietly with his nephews, giving them last minute instructions as well as encouragement and advice. It was always hard for him to send them out in battle while he remained behind, yet it was the duty set before a ruler, and Thorin understood that the mountain must have its king. He had full confidence in Fili and Kili, yet that did not stop him from worrying. He would always fear for them, for they were like his own sons, having raised them both from a very young age. He had once asked Dis if she thought her husband, Flinn, would have approved…if he would have been pleased with how he had taught and trained his children. It had warmed his heart when Dis had stated that Flinn would not only have approved, but that he would be proud of the fine dwarrow Fili and Kili had become under Thorin's guidance. Still, at times like these, he often wondered if he had done enough.
Ori and Dori fussed over Nori all night, much to the former thief's dismay and embarrassment. Both brothers went to great lengths to make sure he had more than enough provisions, as well as a pair of hand knitted mittens and a scarf to keep him warm on the long journey.
Bofur, too, was surrounded by his cousin Bifur, and his brother Bombur…as well as Ilin and the kids. All of them laughing and joking, and doing their best not to think about what could happen on such a mission. It was better not to go down that road unless it became necessary, for doubt and fear were the enemy, and it did no one any good to let it take hold and grow.
Oin was treated to a fine evening as well, with Gloin plying his older brother with several rounds of ale. Granted, being the healer, he would normally stay out of harm's way, but every time they stepped outside the protection of the mountain, bad things could easily happen.
Dis, who had played the supportive mother many times over the years, did her best to appear confident, yet Sier could tell that inside she was just as scared as she was. It was moments like these that both she and Dis knew that there was always the potential that their loved ones might not return. Yet the two dams always leaned on each other for support, and so far, they had been blessed to welcome their warriors home safe and sound. They both prayed that this time would be no different.
.
.
Later that night, as Fili and Sier held each other tightly, basking in the afterglow of their heated union, she spoke the words he most needed to hear.
"I love you," she whispered into the darkness.
"Just as I love you, my perfect wife," Fili replied, his hand stroking the soft skin of her arm. "And I promise to return to you…healthy and whole."
"You better," she insisted, tightening her grip on him, never wishing to let go. "And do your best to keep that brother of yours out of trouble as well."
"I always do," Fili chuckled. "Yet, this time I am unsure as to how much I should interfere. I know his infatuation with her is unwise…and yet, I will not stand in the way of my brother's happiness. Not for anything."
"Then don't," Sier offered. "Just watch over him, protect him from every kind of injury…even one of the heart. He will need your support, now more than ever."
"And he will have it," Fili swore, leaning in for a long, deep kiss. "Now, how about we spend a little more time talking about our love, instead of Kili's?"
"Just talking about it?" Sier teased, knowing exactly what her insatiable husband had in mind.
"Oh, I think you know what I mean," he chuckled, rolling her over until he hovered above her. "And if not, allow me to demonstrate."
.
.
The next morning dawned bright and sunny, with Sier, Freya and Fili all standing at the gates saying farewell to Flinn and Frerin. Bombur wanted to get an early start, hoping to make it at least halfway there before stopping the first night. Everyone was packed, loaded up and ready to go…but the endless stream of goodbyes were holding them up.
"Now, you two be extra good for Bombur and Ilin," Sier instructed the lads. "Don't argue or fight, and remember your manners." She knew she was being silly, since Flinn and Frerin never disagreed on anything, and they were polite to a fault. Still, Sier felt it was her motherly duty to remind them of such things. "Oh, and wash your hands and face, and be careful of your clothes."
"Sier," Fili said, his tone telling her that she was indeed being overly protective. "Next thing you know, you'll be telling them to eat their vegetables and wear clean underclothes. They are going camping…let them have fun and get dirty."
"I know," Sier said with a heavy sigh, kneeling down to kiss both her sons' cheeks, causing them to roll their eyes and look embarrassed.
"Oh, Ama," Flinn sighed, wiping at his cheek with the back of his hand. "We'll be just fine. Don't worry about us."
"Easier said than done," Sier moaned, standing up and looking down on her growing lads. When had they gotten so big?
"I expect you to do everything Bombur tells you," Fili told them sternly. "But I also want you to have fun and enjoy yourselves. I can't wait to get home and hear all about your exciting adventure."
"We promise, Adad," Flinn nodded. "And we hope to have some very good stories to tell when we get back as well." He couldn't help but secretly smile, knowing that the adventure they would be on was not exactly what their father had in mind.
"Goodbye, Baby Freya," Frerin told his little sister, kissing her chubby little hand as she grinned at him. "Take care of Ama for us. And don't grow too big while we're gone."
"She will miss you both," Sier told them, as Flinn kissed the toddler's cheek as well. "Just like I will."
"And I," Fili nodded. Yet seeing how eager Bombur and his family appeared to be on their way, he did his best to cut things short. "Now, hop on your pony and get going. There is a lake full of fish to catch, and I hope to dine well on them when I get home, do you hear?"
"Yes, Adad," the lads nodded, as Fili lifted each one onto the same little brown pony. Frerin was too young to ride alone, and Flinn was only too happy to share with his brother. "Be safe, Adad…and tell Uncle Kili, Uncle Dwalin and the others goodbye for us."
"I will," Fili nodded, doing his best to keep the tears out of his eyes. This parting thing was harder than he thought it would be. "I love you both."
"We love you too," Flinn assured him. "You too, Ama…and Freya."
And with a few more waves and blowing of kisses, the little company departed, heading down the road towards Dale. Fili and Sier stood there for a long while, watching them go, until Freya began to fuss in his arms.
"Da, da, da, ma?" she said, pointing after her brothers in confusion.
"They will be back soon, my love," Fili told her, kissing her cheek.
"And so will you," Sier stated, giving him a pointed look. "And both your lasses will be here waiting to greet you with open arms."
"But not if I don't gather the rest of my things and make ready to ride," Fili insisted, hefting Freya on his other hip as he slipped his arm around his wife. "Come, keep me company while I pack." And with one final look down the road at the retreating forms of their sons…they headed back inside the mountain.
.
.
Bombur felt they were making excellent time, and was quite proud of the fact that they were right on schedule. He was a stickler for that kind of thing, and had the whole trip mapped out on paper, down to the minute. This habit stemmed from overseeing the kitchens, making sure that every meal was prepared in order and everything finished on time. The children were all laughing and having a good time, while he and Ilin were enjoying the fresh air and time away from their duties. They had not minded bringing Flinn and Frerin along, having always loved the two lads a great deal. Secretly, Ilin was hoping that her little Tae might one day turn out to be Flinn's one…stranger things had been known to happen.
Yet just as they were passing the turnoff to the gates of Dale, Bombur heard a loud and pitiful wail behind him. Turning he saw Frerin burst into tears from where he sat in front of his brother.
"What's the matter with you, lad?" Bombur asked, eying the child for any signs of injury.
"I…I want my ama!" Frerin bawled, rubbing his eyes with his fists. "I wanna go home…I want my ama!"
"Oh, Frerin," Ilin cooed, guiding her pony back to where the two lads sat upon their own. "Your ama will be waiting for you when you get back. In the meantime, we're going to have so much fun on our trip."
"No! I don't wanna go camping…I want my ama!" He then began to cry even louder.
"Frerin, you're such a baby!" Flinn scolded, acting as if he were truly put out by his brother's display. "I knew you were too little to come…you always ruin everything!"
"I don't care!" Frerin sobbed, hiccupping several times as he choked on his words. "I wanna go home, I wanna go home!"
"Fine," Bombur said with a heavy sigh. "We'll turn around and take you back home." This did not sit well with the cook, for by doing so they would lose precious time, and be way off schedule…but what else could he do?
"No, Adad!" Bram whined. "We don't want to go back!"
"Yes, we're having fun," Tam insisted, also looking very upset. "They can go back on their own!"
"Nonsense," Ilin spoke up. "We would never allow such a thing."
"We don't want to ruin your trip," Flinn broke in, looking just as upset as the other children. "What if Frerin and I go to Dale, and then ride back to Erebor with Prince Bain? They'll be leaving very soon to go on their journey anyway."
"I don't know," Bombur muttered, not looking as though he thought this was a good idea. Fili had entrusted him with his children, and the last thing he wanted to do was betray that trust. Still, he also had three young ones of his own to keep happy, and none of them seemed pleased with the idea of turning around and going back.
"Don't worry, Bombur," Flinn began, doing his best to sound convincing. "We can see the gates of Dale from here, and I know exactly where the king lives. We will go directly there and find Prince Bain. I promise." When Ilin and her husband exchanged questioning looks, Flinn pressed on. "Besides, Father was going to let Frerin and I travel all the way to the Shire with Uncle Thorin…surely you can trust us to go a hundred yards to Dale."
"But that means you will miss out on the trip as well," Bombur reasoned.
"That's all right," Flinn said, looking somewhat saddened by the idea. "I feel kind of bad about leaving Ama home alone anyway….and I would really like to be there when my adad leaves on his journey. It doesn't feel right not saying goodbye in person when he leaves." He then looked over at the cook and his wife, giving them his most pleading look. "Please…we can do this. Honest. I don't want to delay your trip any longer."
"Let them go if they want, Adad," Tae also whined. "They're spoiling all our fun."
After a few more moments of thought, Bombur relented, giving the two lads a stern look.
"Very well, but I insist upon taking you to the guard at the gate and handing you over personally," Bombur said, feeling as if it was a good compromise. "Then you are to go straight to the king's home and find Prince Bain, where you will stick with him like glue until he hands you back over to your adad… understand?" He stated, shaking his finger at them in a warning gesture.
"Yes, Bombur…we promise!" Flinn nodded.
"All right then, we best get going," he said, giving Ilin a quick nod as if to say he would be right back.
Flinn looked over at Bram, Tam and Tae, flashing each a secretive smile for all the help they had provided in convincing their parents to let them go. It had all been an act, of course, and each one had played their part well.
As the three headed up the road to Dale, Bombur leaned over and patting the older lad on the back affectionately. He then ruffled Frerin's hair, giving him a kind wink. "And there ain't nothing wrong with wanting your ama, little one. So don't feel bad or let anyone give you a hard time about it."
"I won't," Frerin nodded, sniffling a bit as he wiped his eyes. "Thank you, Mister Bombur."
"You're welcome, lad," he smiled. Soon they reached the gates of the city, and spying the guard on duty, Bombur signaled for him to step forward. "These are the sons of Prince Fili of Erebor. They are to go straight to King Bard and Prince Bain, is that clear?" When the guard nodded, looking somewhat startled by this order, the ginger bearded dwarf turned back to the two lads. "We'll see you when we get back, then. And tell that father of yours good luck from us."
"We will," Flinn nodded, waving farewell. The two sat there on their pony, watching until Bombur had returned to his own family and headed on their way. They then looked over at the expectant guard.
"We know the way to King Bard's," Flinn assured the man. "There's no need to escort us."
"I…I'm not sure," he said hesitantly, not knowing what he should do.
"We wouldn't want to get you in any trouble for leaving your post," Flinn continued, playing on the man's sense of duty. "And the King's house is just up that way…we can see it from here."
"Well….I guess it's all right," he nodded, not having been excited about finding someone to take over for him while he played escort. "But if you get lost, or have any trouble, you come straight back and find me…understand?"
"Yes, sir," Flinn smiled, knowing they had won. "We'll be very careful. Thank you." And off they went, hurrying their pony up the cobblestone street. After they had gone a ways, Flinn leaned down and whispered in his brother's ear.
"I hope you know I didn't mean anything I said to you back there," Flinn said. "I don't think you're a baby at all."
"I know," Frerin grinned, sitting up a little straighter in the saddle. "Did I do a good job of crying?"
"Very good! If I didn't know it was all an act, I would have thought those were real tears," Flinn complimented.
"They were real tears," Frerin giggled. "I pinched myself really hard just before, so I didn't have to pretend." He held out his arm, showing Flinn a big red spot on his skin. "I might even get a bruise out of it."
"Your first battle wound in the service of your king!" Flinn told him, watching as his brother's eyes grew wide in surprise.
"Really?" he asked.
"Well, we are on a mission, of sorts…so sure, I would say it's a real battle wound," Flinn reasoned. "Now let's hurry before that guard changes his mind and comes looking for us."
Thankfully, it was still early and there were very few people out on the streets at that hour, making it easy for them to find a quiet spot to veer off their assigned path. Slipping from the pony, Flinn helped Frerin down, before leading their mount down a few alleyways and over to the stables. They untied their packs from his back and opened the gate, urging him inside with the others. There were always messengers coming and going from Erebor, and each dwarf needed a fresh mount, so it was highly unlikely that one extra pony in the corral would be noticed any time soon.
Once they knew their mount would be well cared for, the two little princes snuck their way around the buildings and streets until they came upon the sight they were looking for. Prince Bain and his company, making ready to ride to Erebor to meet up with the dwarves.
"What now?" Frerin asked, looking a bit worried.
"Now we sneak into the supply wagon and hide ourselves," he told his brother, reminding him of the plan.
"But you promised Mister Bombur that we would find the prince and stick with him until he handed us back over to Adad," the younger dwarfling reminded him. "And Adad said you should never break a promise."
"We won't be breaking any promises, since that is just what we are going to do," Flinn nodded. "We will stick with Prince Bain in his wagon until we get far enough out on the road that Adad can't turn back and take us home. Then he will have to let us go with him!"
"Ohhhh, good," Frerin nodded, quite impressed with how his brother's mind worked.
"Now, let's go!" Flinn hissed, taking Frerin's hand and scurrying to the unguarded supply wagon. They rolled underneath it and waited for several soldiers to walk past. Then, placing his finger to his lips in a hushing gesture, Flinn told Frerin to wait there while he found a way in. Crawling on his belly, the older dwarfling inched his way to the back of the wagon, and after looking both left and right, he scurried up into the back.
Frerin waited there for a few moments, his eyes darting every direction in search of danger, but he almost yelped out loud when his brother's head suddenly poked out of a small hatch in the floor of the wagon.
"Here, Frerin!" Flinn whispered, waving him over. "Crawl up through here."
It was apparently a little door designed so that one could access the tongue of the wagon from inside, making it easier to do repairs, but it was the perfect size for Flinn and Frerin. Once inside, they shut the hatch and looked around. Most of the goods were stacked several crates deep, but with only a little effort, the two of them cleared out a small hole near the front of the wagon, building themselves a bit of a fort so that they would not be seen. They stretched a blanket over the top, and in no time at all, they had a very snug little nest to call home.
"We might be a little cramped for a bit," Flinn warned his brother. "But it will all be worth it when we hop out and surprise Adad in a few days." He looked around at the goods stacked beside them. "And if we run out of the food and water we brought with us…there seems to be plenty for us to eat here."
"What about…I mean…what if I have to use the privy?" Frerin whispered, his cheeks turning a bit red at the question.
"Then we use the little hole in the floor…just aim carefully," Flinn instructed wisely. He looked at his little brother, giving him his bravest smile. "Don't worry…I'll take care of you. Nothing bad will happen, I promise. Do you trust me?"
"Yes," Frerin nodded, his eyes bright with confidence. "And I can't wait to see the look on Adad's face when he sees we came along."
"Me either!" Flinn grinned. "He's going to be so surprised!"
Oh, yes...Fili is certainly going to be surprised...but something tells me that THEY are in a for a big shock as well. ha ha.
Pretty devious little dwarflings though - they really planned it out good.
Poor Bombur...he is probably going to cry when he finds out how they tricked him.
I think Sier is going to miss her boys...and Fili too.
Guest Reviews:
Elisabeth: Welcome! Glad you could join us, but I am sorry that you have been deprived of sleep due to reading. But hey, I have given up sleep in exchange for writing...so it is only fair. ha ha. I do love to bring certain things back in to the story, either from the movie, book, or previous chapters. It is fun! You will see a lot more of them in future chapters! I am so happy you are enjoying the story...still much more to come!
Guest: Hmmm, your favorite couple...who could that be? Fili and Sier? Thorin and Marigold? Dis and some hot, studly, soldier dwarf? Just kidding. I think you mean Kili and Tauriel, right? Yep, more of them heading your way!
CubitalFossa: No...I just didn't want to write a bunch of talking with the soldiers...so nothing was missing. However, it had been pointed out to me that for some odd reason, when I posted chapter 96, the FF site had a hiccup and copied 96 over 95 for a while. I got it fixed as soon as I could, but I really hope that no one got confused as to why 96 was doubled. Thanks for asking.
Guest: Did Friday come fast enough for you? And yep, I don't see those little darlings getting out of this without a bit of punishment. But Fili should remember that he was JUST like them once. ha ha. Payback time boys. Glad you liked the Tauriel part at the end. There will be more of her and her thoughts soon, but first they have to get on this mission!
abc: Yep, those sly little kids have a plan up their sleeve...one that we hope won't backfire on them. And Fili is in for a shocker...that's for sure. And with Kili mooning over Tauriel and stowaway kids along...the mission will indeed be very interesting. ha ha.
Guest from chapter 5 and 10: Loved the little faces you sent, and I would hand you a tissue if I could, but they don't seem to fit through a computer very well. I am glad you liked the father/son reunion scene. Thanks for reading and reviewing.