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Congratulations to those who found the movie quote from the last chapter. It was Thorin saying "I cannot sit within a prison of stone while the men of Dale fight our battles for us! It's not in my blood, Balin." I changed the wording just a bit, but the essence is still there...and this time Thorin got to say it, not Kili. ha ha.

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Now back to the mines for a bit before we re-join those in Erebor.

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Chapter 121

dashshat = Sons (plural)

~X~

Everyone who had fought in the mines were exhausted – for the lack of sleep, food, and water, was at last taking its toll. Still, they knew there was much work yet to do, and none of them wanted to be anywhere near this accursed mine come nightfall.

Bain and the troops shared what little provisions they had, making sure that the two dwarflings were allowed to eat and drink first. It was not much, just some bread, dried meat, and a flask of water, but to their rumbling little tummies…it was a feast.

After everyone had been given a bit of something, and allowed to sit down for a short while, they were soon back on their feet, ready to finish the job they started. Kili and Tauriel had been escorted back from the other side of the crevice, with the wounded elf leaning on her one's shoulder the whole way. Not that Kili minded, since any reason for such intimate contact with her was a pure delight. Fili had suggested that the two make their way back to where Oin waited with the wagons for immediate attention, yet the two stubbornly refused to leave before the rest.

"We started this together, Brother," Kili insisted. "We'll finish it the same way."

"And I will not leave without Kili," Tauriel also stated, solidifying the fact that both were staying.

"Fine," Fili grumped, though delighted to see that their bond appeared strong, the thought of leaving each other's side apparently unthinkable. It reminded him of the first few months - or was it years - after he and Sier had first recognized their love for each other. Even a few moments apart had been agony for him, and he could only imagine that Kili and Tauriel were experiencing the same thing. Fili prayed that Thorin and their amad would not oppose his brother's choice in mates, for such a disagreement could cause a serious rift in the line of Durin. "But…I insist that you remain here and wait until we are prepared to leave, understand?"

"Perfectly, Nadad," Kili nodded, plopping himself down on the stone floor beside Tauriel, showing no interest in moving from that spot. He was anxious to check her wounds again, to make sure they had not reopened during their short journey. "Just let us know when you are ready, and we'll be right behind you."

"No…I think I'd prefer the two of you remain in front of me…so I can keep an eye on you," he grinned, giving Kili a sly wink.

Kili couldn't help but blush just a bit, knowing that everyone had been witness to his and Tauriel's kiss. Yet…he'd do it again in a heartbeat. In fact, he found as he looked over at her, he wanted to do it again right now! Kili had no idea how he had managed to exist those sixteen years parted from her, for now, after revealing their feelings for each other, he never wanted to leave her side again.

Little Flinn and Frerin had been terribly upset when they had seen that the pretty elf had been wounded, determined to remain at her side while Kili tended to her ever so gently. The two dwarflings kept asking if she needed anything, more than willing to fetch it, no matter what she might ask for. Frerin had always been attentive to her, but now that Tauriel had saved little Flinn's life, he could see the devoted admiration in his older nephew's eyes as well. Kili found himself almost jealous as he watched them fawn over her, yet it also touched him deeply that his one appeared equally taken with the lads. Frerin had carefully cuddled up next to her, looking up at Tauriel in much the same way the lad stared at sweets, causing Kili to wonder how the dwarfling would take the news that he intended to marry her…might he soon have a fight on his hands?

However, all such thoughts fled his mind as he watched his one snuggling with Frerin, suddenly imagining Tauriel with a little one of her own…of their own! While Kili had dreamed of her over the years, never had it been of their wedding, or of any future children, as many dwarrow were known to do. Yet as he stared at her now, he couldn't help but daydream of that very thing.

They would have several, he quickly decided, first a lad and then a lass. One would have red hair and the other dark like his. They would also be excellent with a bow as well as a sword, and fluent in both Sindarin and Khuzdul, he would see to that. Kili could almost envision their adorable faces when he shut his eyes, imagining him and Tauriel holding their little ones in their arms.

After that, their next few children would be…well, whatever Mahal decided would be fine by him. Just as long as they were happy, healthy, and all theirs. Kili could feel his body once more respond to the idea of being that close to her, of the two entwined in the act of creating dwarflings…or elflings? He was not sure which race they might favor in looks…or what they would call them. And yet, Dwalin's words came flooding back to him at that moment, and it made him smile. They would be called…loved.

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Flinn and Torvald led Fili, Bain, Dwalin, and half their troops down the twisted maze of tunnels until they came to the prison cells. When Flinn pulled open the doors and stepped inside, many of the hollow eyed prisoners stared at him in shock and confusion. Some were aware of what had been taking place, while others didn't understand why no one had come to take them to the mines, to force them to work another hard day's labor under the lash. Yet when the blond dwarf leapt onto a boulder and informed them all that their tormenter was dead, and that they were now free, half the group broke out in loud cheers…while the other half openly cried tears of joy.

Torvald thanked Flinn for being so thoughtful as to move the pot of mash inside before they left. Stating that the bit of food had done much to invigorate his fellow captives in their charge to their aid.

"It will also help those who could not fight to at least muster the strength to make it out of the mines and away from here," the one-eyed dwarf continued. "I fear we are a right sorry looking lot…but it ain't no fault of our own."

"You have all endured bravely," Fili told him, his look a mixture of sympathy and pride. "Mahal created us strong…we dwarrow are not easily broken."

"Aye, laddie," Torvald nodded. "And we will thank the maker each day for sending you to save us."

As Fili and the others assisted each one out of the cell and down the tunnels towards freedom, the crown prince guaranteed everyone that they would receive better meals in the days ahead, but first they needed to get out of the mountain. They dutifully searched the entire cavern, making sure that no one had been left behind, before shutting the door once and for all…never to house a single prisoner again.

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On the way back, Fili asked his father to take him to Gorbash's throne room, where he has last seen their weapons that had been taken from them. With a bright smile, the dwarf prince slid his twin blades back into their sheath and strapped them to his back. He had felt a bit naked without them, and was happy to finally have his swords back.

Kili's bow and sword, as well as Dwalin's axes and Nori's staff-like weapon were also retrieved and brought to their owners once more. Bofur had not had time to grab his weapon when they had been attacked, and for all he knew it still lay on the floor back at the cave. So he opted to keep the pickax he had borrowed, at least until he could arm himself properly once again. Dwalin's grin nearly split his face when he saw Fili returning with his beloved Grasper and Keeper in his hands, thanking the young prince over and over for retrieving them.

"Talin would have wrung my neck if I had not returned with these," he explained, also strapping them to his back where they belonged. "She has it in her mind to inherit these, when I get too old and feeble to lift more than a spoon to my lips."

"Well, she will be waiting a very long time for that, cousin," Fili laughed, slapping him on the back with a laugh.

He then turned back around, watching as the weary looking prisoners filed across the walkway, one by one, with Bain leading them towards the entrance of the caves. There was a little over one-hundred, just like Glorfindel had guessed, yet he wondered exactly how many they were leaving behind. From what his father had said, death had been a daily occurrence, either due to accidents, illness, or outright murder by the orcs, making this mine hardly more than a tomb. And so it was, that Fili decided that like any grave…it should be sealed tight.

"Come on, brother," Fili said, reaching down to help Kili to his feet. "It's time we left, and allowed the dead to finally rest in peace."

Kili seemed to understand his meaning, and gave Fili a solemn nod, standing up and turning back to aid Tauriel. Her wounds had thankfully stopped bleeding and even if she limped a bit, she appeared strong, easing his worries considerably.

Dwalin hefted Frerin in his arms, while Fili took hold of little Flinn. His father walked at their side, stumbling only slightly as he did his best to appear alert and strong. Fili and Kili gave each other knowing looks, understanding just how tired their adad truly was, yet did not wish to seem weak in front of them. As if they would have ever judged him…still, they said nothing, allowing him his pride.

When they got close to the exit, Flinn shaded his eyes, obviously not having seen the light of day in many, many years. The other prisoners behaved similarly, ducking their heads or pulling their garments up to offer them a respite from the glare. Yet when Flinn was at last standing in the full light of day, he stopped, tilted his head upwards and shut his eyes, basking in the sun. He stood there for a long time, a slow smile spreading over his face as if the warmth was reinvigorating him, breathing life back into his tired bones.

"How long has it been?" Dwalin asked his old friend, looking at him with both sympathy and concern.

"Years," Flinn answered, his head still tipped up. "Many, many, years." He then took a deep breath and opened his eyes, looking over at this two sons. "And I can't think of anyone better to share this glorious moment with than you two, my dashshat. Thank you."

Fili and Kili were moved to tears as they looked into their father's brown eyes, it still had not fully sunken in what this all meant. Their adad was back…he wasn't dead and he would be returning to Erebor with them. Returning to the place of his birth…and their mother's arms. Oh, how they couldn't wait to share this news with her. Fili was tempted to call a raven that moment, and send word back to her…but he knew that it would be much more enjoyable to tell her in person, to see the look of joy on her face. He wondered if she truly might faint…he almost had when he had first beheld his adad standing there.

"What do you intend to do now?" Bain asked, walking up and addressing Fili, yet feeling a bit like he was interrupting something when he saw the three dwarrow wipe away their tears.

"I would like to seal the mine…to make sure that no one else attempts to excavate anything more from within," the crown prince stated firmly. "That place is ready to collapse in on itself as it is, it will take very little to make sure that it does." He turned to his father with a gleam in his eye. "Do you know where the orcs kept their blasting powder, by any chance?"

"Aye, that I do," the older blond dwarf nodded, apparently pleased by his son's suggestion.

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While Bofur and a few other dwarves worked on setting the kegs of powder where they would do the most good, Fili and Kili tried their hand at stonework, carving out a plaque to place at the front of the mine. It named this place a tomb, for those brave ones who gave their lives inside, as well as those who died fighting for their freedom. For they had heard from Bain that several of his soldiers, as well as their own, had indeed fallen in the battle with the orcs.

At last Bofur and the last remaining dwarves exited the mine, trailing a line of black powder behind them, all the way out to where the others stood.

"Is everyone out?" Fili asked, looking at the dwarves and men standing around, staring at the entrance to the mine with a variety of expressions. Some seemed sad, some angry, while others wore a mixture of the two…yet all appeared eager to see the place destroyed.

"We have accounted for everyone," Bain assured him, having checked twice just to be sure. "The only ones that could possibly be left in there are orcs, and they deserve what they get."

"Then light it, Bofur," Fili instructed, a grim look on his face.

Bofur took out his flint and caused a spark to catch hold of a small torch that Dwalin held, handing it to the miner with a nod. Yet before he could set the powder ablaze, the hatted dwarf stopped and looked back…directly at Flinn.

"Would you care to do the honors?" he asked the blond dwarf, watching as his eyes opened wide in surprise. "I think you have more than earned the right, old friend."

When Flinn hesitated, both Fili and Kili urged him on, thinking it highly significant that he be the one to destroy his former prison. Giving a nod of compliance, the dwarf who had long been assumed dead, took the torch and walked forward, standing at the end of the trail of black powder. He turned around, looking at his fellow captives, holding the torch up high in a salute to them, and then dropped it on the ground. Everyone watched as it sparked and sputtered, the flame licking up the line as it raced towards the mine entrance. It disappeared inside, the little sparks vanishing around the corner…and then they waited. It felt like forever, but at last, deep within the mountain they heard an explosion…then another, and another. The rumbling sound that followed grew louder and louder and suddenly a shower of rocks, dust and debris came billowing out of the mine entrance. When the haze settled at last, and everyone could see that the mine was completely sealed, there arose such a cheer that little Flinn and Frerin had to cover their ears it was so loud.

When it was deemed safe, Fili and Kili stepped forward and placed the plaque they had carved on the stone slab at the entrance. It read:

To the fallen, both in labor and service to their people.

We honor you…and you will not be forgotten.

It was a solemn moment, one that was not heralded by shouts or cheers. If anything, the only thing that could be heard was weeping.

And so as the sun began to set in the west, they turned and headed west. A company of dwarves, men, and one elf…but this time, they were all free.

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~XXXX~

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Thorin and the others quickly and silently made their way out of the dungeons and into the corridors leading to the armory. While he was glad for the blade he held, the king would much rather be using one of his own making than something borrowed from a Blacklock guard. He had not once let Rose out of his arms, not yet trusting that she was truly safe after the scare he had taken. When he had heard his little flower scream like that, it had aged him beyond imagination. Nothing was as precious to him as Marigold, Rose, and their unborn babe, and it made him almost laugh to think he had once coveted mere gold and precious gems above all else. Yet, he was still a dwarf, and they were naturally predisposed to greed…but he knew exactly where his desires now lay, in his love for his family and friends.

When they arrived at the armory, Thorin touched a spot on the wall and a hidden panel opened, revealing a rack of swords, daggers, bows and arrows, all forged or crafted by him personally. He allowed his eyes to drift to a specific spot that remained empty, then turned to glare at his sister.

"Now don't you start with me, Thorin Oakenshield," Dis huffed, knowing that he was still brooding over the loss of the sword she had gifted to Thranduil without his knowledge.

"No…I have more pressing matters to deal with, but don't think for a moment I've forgiven you for allowing my wife and daughter to be placed in danger," Thorin scolded, his look promising great retribution.

"Thorin, stop!" Marigold reprimanded, glaring at her husband. "If you must be upset with someone, then let it be me. I was the one who insisted on coming along, and your daughter was just as adamant. Now leave your sister alone."

Thorin chose not to respond, filing away his anger for another time. Right now he needed to concentrate all his rage on Hagen, and freeing Erebor from the hold he had on her. Bard would be attacking at nightfall, but until then, they needed to do all they could to be ready to give aid. If he could only find that villain and do away with him, he was certain his followers would scatter without their leader.

Reaching in, he handed Balin, Gloin, Dori and Ori weapons, yet when he went to grab one for himself, he hesitated, his fingers fisting momentarily before he took hold of a very specific blade. The one that had once belonged to his brother, Frerin. He heard Dis give a slight gasp, and as he turned, he saw that she too held an identical sword. Flinn's. Thorin found this fitting, for brother and sister would vanquish the enemy with the blades of those they had loved and lost. They would honor them in this way.

"Gloin, take Gimli and Dena, and get to the gates," Thorin ordered, shaking himself out of his thoughts. "Do all you can to see that they are open when Bard arrives. The easier it is for them to get inside, the faster this rabble can be rousted. I will take Balin, Dori, Dis and Sier with me, as we go after Hagen." He then turned to Ori. "You, take Marigold and Rose back to the tunnels and guard them, understand?"

And while the young scribe nodded understandingly, Thorin was met with strong protests from his wife.

"What?" Mari all but shouted. "I wish to stay with you! Who do you think you are to order me about like that?"

"I am your husband and your king," he stated firmly. "And I will not have you, or our children, placed in harm's way any longer."

"And yet you would allow Dis, Sier and Dena to remain and fight?" she protested.

"They are dwarrowdams who have been trained to fight, and have had much more practice with a weapon than you," Thorin did his best to placate his wife. "And most importantly, they are not with child." He stopped speaking and stepped towards Marigold, taking her face in his hands gently. "Our child," he whispered. "Please, my love…I cannot concentrate on what I must do if I am worried for your safety. I beg of you, do not fight me on this, go back to the tunnels and guard the little ones. I can't lose you."

Marigold opened her mouth to argue, yet Thorin quickly brought his lips down upon hers, silencing her with a kiss. It was neither the time, nor the place, for such displays of affection, and yet the king and queen did not know when – or if – they might get another chance. As the kiss continued on, the other dwarrow and dams looked away, trying to focus on anything but what was going on before them. When Thorin and Marigold parted, the king only had to utter one word to further convince his wife.

"Please," Thorin whispered, resting his forehead against hers and sharing a tender moment.

Marigold was undone, by his kiss as well as his heartfelt plea. She knew in her heart she would only be a liability in her current condition, her large belly making it difficult to walk quickly, let alone run if the need arose. So, in the end, she nodded her head in agreement.

"Thank you, my love," Thorin sighed, leaning in to kiss her on the tip of her nose. "Do not worry for me, I swear to return to you."

"You better!" she stated firmly. "This child needs to know its father, and I am far too young to be a widow."

"Agreed," Thorin nodded, gracing her with one of his now more frequent smiles. "I love you, my beautiful hobbit."

"And I love you, my stubborn dwarf," she replied, reaching up and throwing her arms around his neck as she gave him a final embrace.

Thorin then picked up Rose, hugging her close to him before kissing her on the cheek.

"Take care of your mother and your little brother or sister, Rose," he instructed.

"I will, Adad," she nodded, a little tear forming in the corner of her eye. "I love you."

"Not as much as I love you, my little flower," he assured her, setting her down. "Now, go, and be careful," he ordered, giving Ori a nod towards the hallway.

The young dwarrow took hold of Rose's hand, leading her, and her mother out of the armory, looking both ways, before disappearing down the corridor. Thorin watched them go with a heavy heart, wondering if this might indeed have been the last time he would see his beloved family.

Oh...something tells me is isn't. ha ha. But a healthy helping of worry will help you stay sharp, Thorin.

So, now Fili and the gang are officially out of the mines and heading home...though it will take them nearly a week to get there. Hope everything is right as rain by the time they get back.

Thorin does not play fair...kissing Marigold to get his way like that. Low blow, dude. ha ha.

Wonder how Gloin, Gimli and Dena are expected to get the gates open? Say the magic words? Ask the Blacklocks pretty please?

Tune in next time and find out!

Guest Reviews:

Emrfangirl: Yes, you found the movie quote, but unless you can remember your pass word and sign in, I can't give you the reward snippets for playing! I'm sorry. But good for you for finding it! Rose was a real trooper, wasn't she? And yes, ear-plugs would be a must around her when she gets mad. And just because they follow Hagen does not mean that they all believe he is 100% right...but they still follow. If they were smart, they would stand up for what they know is right and side with Thorin. But they don't. too bad. Hope you enjoyed this chapter too. Thanks

Aranel Mereneth: Oh yes, Dis is brave...and reckless. A perfect blend of Fili and Kili. And Rose did a great job, didn't she? Thanks

dojoson41: OH...THAT. ha ha. Then yes, I still agree. ha ha.

Guest: You too get points for finding the movie quote, it is just too bad I can't send a PM to a guest reviewer, so I can't forward you a snippet. But you are still a winner for finding it...so pat yourself on the back for that. Rose takes after her daddy, no fear, none! And I bet she had fun, I mean how often do you get to throw a fit and not get in trouble for it. She might file this little trick away for later. Like when she wants a pony. ha ha. As for your guesses...it could be both! ha ha. Thanks

abc: You're welcome. Yep, they are free now thanks to Rose and her Durin temper tantrum. ha ha. Thorin better watch out, she might have just found the perfect way to get what she wants from here on out. ha ha. And yes, that WAS the line from the movie, good eye. But again, without an account the FF site won't let me PM you and send you your snippet. Sorry. I too love stories where Frerin lives! And believe me, if I could have found a way to have him come back TOO...I would have. But I figured Flinn was enough, if I brought back all their dead loved ones the story might not be very believable. (as if it is now with dwarves, elves and hobbits...right? ha ha) Thanks for the continued reviews.