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I am trying to get MORE chapters out per week right now, but I can't really give you a schedule. 'Just quicker' or 'more per week' is all I can guarantee. Some days are busier than others, so just keep checking back.

Thanks

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Chapter 122

~X~

Once Marigold and Rose had left with Ori, Thorin sent Gloin, Gimli, and Dena towards the gates, while he, Balin, Dori, Dis and Sier headed for the treasury, hoping to find Hagen still wandering around lost in the catacombs. The day had passed quickly, and the king knew it was nearing dusk. He could only hope that Bard and his men would be able to get inside Erebor, and aid them in their cleansing of this foul infestation.

Thorin felt a twinge of regret at sending Dena into the fray, as well as taking Sier along with him, for he knew that both dams were greatly loved by their mates and would have preferred to have them safely back in the tunnels with Marigold and Bergie. Yet, he also understood that they had every right to fight for their homes, and they would have argued bitterly if he had attempted to force them to stay behind. He would catch it from Fili when he returned, Thorin knew this…and yet, his nephew had trained his wife well, and Sier was now just as formidable as any other dam from the Longbeard clan.

Many clans, such as the Blacklocks and the Stiffbeards, did not allow their females to fight, choosing instead to keep them locked safely away, the only vocations allowed to them being that of homemaker, wife, and mother. Yet Thorin had always known that the females of Erebor were a strong attribute, and he would not be foolish enough to turn down good warriors. Dis would have his hide if he had tried.

So they made their way quietly down the halls, looking around each corner and keeping a close guard on their flank. However, when they reached the treasury at last, and crept into the third chamber…they found Hagen already gone. The room was a mess, their search for the hidden door behind the tapestry had apparently been difficult, resulting in their need to ransack the place. The woven wall-hanging had been ripped down and the door was once again shut, signaling their departure. Hagen must have grown irritated quickly at not finding what he sought, and more than likely headed back to the dungeons to throttle Thorin for his lies.

"Very well," he muttered to himself, gripping Frerin's blade tightly in his hand. "Then we will simply have to hunt the bastard down."

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Meanwhile, Ori was doing his best to see that Marigold and Rose made it back to where the entrance was to the hidden tunnels. He was probably one of the few dwarves who knew every inch of those passages, since he had been the one to map them when they had been completed.

Still, it felt as if every turn they made led them into a group of enemy soldiers, and more than once they barely made it into an alcove or a hiding place as they stormed past. Something had stirred them up, and Ori could hazard a guess as to what.

"I think they've discovered our escape from the dungeons," he whispered as they huddled in a small nook, waiting for the coast to be clear. "They seem to be on high alert and looking for something…mainly, us."

"Can we get back to Aunt Bergie, Ama?" Rose asked, looking up at her mother in fear.

"Of course…it just might take us a little longer is all," the hobbit assured her, putting on a brave face.

And Marigold was right, for they were hardly off again when they were required to hide once more when another squad of Hagen's dwarves rounded the corner. It was becoming frustrating, and they were left wondering if they would ever get to where they were headed.

Finally, when the passageway appeared clear, Ori crept out and signaled for them to follow, keeping his sword drawn and his ears on alert. They hadn't gone far when there came a startling cry from Marigold behind him, yet when the young scribe spun around, there was no sign of the enemy.

"Marigold…what is it?" Ori gasped, taking note of the way her eyes had grown wide and she was holding her stomach.

"I…no…it's nothing," she insisted, reaching out and steadying herself against the wall as she took a few deep breaths. "I'm sorry, let's keep moving…I'm fine."

Ori was not exactly convinced, yet he took her at her word and they moved on down the passageway, ducking around several more corners before he heard his queen let out a more desperate cry than before.

"Ama…what's wrong?" Rose asked, fear on her adorable little face.

"I…I think your brother or sister has decided to make an appearance a bit early, my flower," Marigold explained, doing her best to keep the pain out of her voice and a smile on her face. Yet when she glanced over at Ori, the two shared a quick look of desperation.

"Now?" Ori gasped, his eyes darting from her face to her stomach, then back again. "Here?"

"No, not here, I can make it back to the tunnels," she asserted, taking a few more steps before she doubled over in pain once again. "Then again…maybe here is just as good a place as any."

"WHAT?" Ori squeaked, his eyes looking around frantically. "I don't know anything about birthing a dwarfling!"

"What's to know?" Marigold said with a slight chuckle, yet there was no humor in it. "The baby comes out and you catch it…simple as anything." She knew she was lying, but she had to say something to ease the fear in Ori's eyes.

"No! No! No!" Ori repeated over and over, holding up his mitten covered hands and backing away. "I can't do that!"

"Then you will simply have to go find someone who can!" she moaned, leaning against the wall and sliding down it as another spasm hit her. "This child is coming too early…I'm not sure what that means, but it can't be good."

"Ama!" Rose whimpered, not used to seeing her mother weak and in pain. "Ama…what can I do?"

Ori realized that she was right, and him falling apart was not going to do a bit of good. So looking around, he spotted a door, hoping that it lead to some safe place for them to hide. Going to his queen he aided her to stand, letting her lean on him as he brought her to the door and pushed it open. It was one of the smaller weaving rooms, and thankfully there was a large amount of both unspun wool and already made blankets on hand. With Rose's help, they made a cozy little nest on the floor, easing Marigold down carefully until she was in a comfortable position.

"Now what?" Ori asked, still in a slight state of panic.

"Now…you go find help," she informed him, breathing in and out in an attempt to abate the pain. "Go to the healer's chambers…or get Bergie…anyone!"

"But I can't leave you two alone!" he protested. "Thorin would have my hide!"

"He will have your head if I tell him you didn't follow the orders of your queen!" she growled, straining against the pain that ripped through her. "Now…GO!"

"Y-y-yes, Your Majesty," he stammered, suddenly more scared of displeasing her than Thorin. "I will hurry…and I'll bring back help…I promise!" And with one last look of worry, he turned and snuck out the door, his footsteps fading into the distance.

"Well, my little one," Marigold said to her stomach. "Looks like you have picked a really inconvenient time to announce your presence." She then looked over at Rose, still sitting at her side, appearing unsure and frightened. "Don't worry, sweetling…your ama will be just fine. I just need you to hold my hand and talk to me until Ori returns. All right?"

"I can do that," Rose nodded, doing her best to smile. "I can be brave…remember, Adad said so."

"That he did, and he was so right," Marigold nodded, so very proud of her little Rose. "You are just like him, you know, so very strong and brave. I only hope I can be as well."

Yet as the time ticked by and the pain in her stomach increased…the frightened little hobbit wondered just how brave she would need to be.

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Gloin, Gimli and Dena, had made it to the front gate, hiding behind some of the tall pillars as they assessed the situation. There were more than a dozen guarding the doors, all well-armed and quite formidable…while they were only three. And yet, they knew that night was quickly approaching and if they didn't do something, Bard would be locked outside, with no way to enter and give aid. Thorin was counting on them, and they were not about to fail their king.

"I have a plan," Gloin whispered, turning to look at his wife and son apprehensively.

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Not far away, Bard waited with his soldiers, keeping out of sight of Erebor's gates until night had fallen and the cover of darkness could conceal their approach. He had waited all day for an answer from the ravens…yet none had come. This was a disappointment indeed, for he was not sure if he and the men he brought could storm the gates and take on a hundred dwarves inside a mountain. They were slightly outnumbered, as well as meeting them on their own territory…beneath rock and stone. Perhaps in an open field fight, they may have prevailed, yet inside Erebor, their enemy could be hiding anywhere, behind any corner, down every hallway and in a million other places they could not anticipate. If only they had more men, but the remainder of his troops had gone with Bain to aid in the rescue mission. Perhaps if they had known there would be dwarves here that needed saving he might have kept a few more in Dale. Yet, there was no sense in wishing for what could not be. They would simply have to do their best.

Yet before he could form another thought, movement at the edge of the forest caught his attention. The sun was just setting and it was getting dark, but Bard could clearly see that his message for aid had not gone unheeded. Thranduil and the Mirkwood elves had answered his call to arms.

As he watched them approach, Thranduil on a mighty elk, and his well-armed troops behind him, Bard's courage swelled. The odds had just tipped in their favor, and the king of Dale no longer feared defeat.

"Your message was unclear as to the nature of your request for assistance, Bard of Dale," Thranduil stated as he came within speaking distance of his ally. "And yet, we find you prepared for battle…might I inquire with whom?"

"Dwarves," Bard stated, watching as the usually stoic elf raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Yet not with Thorin or the inhabitants of Erebor…but those who have taken the mountain prisoner."

"Oh?" This seemed to be of great interest to Thranduil. "Tell me more."

So Bard filled the tall blond elf in on what they knew, how at least a hundred dwarves of uncertain origins had infiltrated Thorin's halls and taken him and most of his high officials captive. Telling him how they had rung the quarantine bell, sending most of the inhabitants into confinement, and causing the dwarf kingdom to be on lockdown.

"And how did you learn such things?" Thranduil asked, marveling at Bard's ability to gather information from a mountain that was shut tight.

"Balin came out and told me…posing as King Thorin," he explained. "I am not sure how or why the enemy was led to believe such a thing, but that is apparently what has taken place."

"It is a wise tactic," Thranduil nodded. "The use of a decoy to protect the king in times of danger. I applaud Master Balin for his bravery in doing so…for it could lead to his eventual death if the enemy sought to do away with the king."

"Then we need to get in there and make sure such a thing does not happen!" Bard rather liked Balin, the white haired advisor having been very generous with his knowledge and aid over the past years as Dale had struggled to return to the great city it once was. In fact, he now realized that he had become fond of many of the dwarves in Erebor, King Thorin most of all. He had to chuckle to himself as he thought back to their first meeting and how he had been so frustrated with all thirteen of them. Each one had been stubborn, rude, ungrateful, and unwilling to listen to a word he said, and yet he now blessed the day they had turned up on the riverbank, looking to hire his barge. "Will you ride with me, King Thranduil, to the aid of our dwarf friends?"

Thranduil sat there for a long moment, quietly thinking it over. The irony of the situation was not lost on him, for he recalled another time when he had brought his army to aid the dwarves…and had turned away, unwilling to offer aid. Long had he regretted that decision, one motivated by anger and resentment for the gems that King Thrór had denied him. Yet Thorin had proven himself different than his grandfather, he had acted honorably and returned the white gems of Lasgalen after the Battle of the Five Armies. That, and his unexpected attachment to Thorin's young nephew, Flinn, had gone a long way in healing the rift between their races, and it shocked Thranduil to think that he now considered the dwarves his allies. Would wonders never cease?

"Yes, I will indeed ride with you to the aid of Erebor," he nodded firmly. "Yet, how will we know who is friend and who is foe? If we are to storm a mountain full of dwarves…how will we know whom to kill?"

"I would assume that the ones trying to kill us would be the obvious answer," Bard said with a rueful grin. "If as Balin said, most are confined to their quarters, one would hope we will only encounter the enemy."

"Then lead the way, King Bard," Thranduil said, nodding his head slightly as he gestured for the man to take command. "I, and my soldiers, will follow."

And so, as the last light of day slipped behind the hills, and darkness began to claim the land…the men and elves silently made their way towards Erebor.

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~XXXX~

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After the sealing of the mine, Fili and Bain led their soldiers, and the newly freed captives, away. Choosing to set up camp a fair distance from the place that had for so long been their torment. The sun would be setting soon, so they headed back towards the tree line where Oin and the wagons waited. As they went, Fili hastily scribbled a few notes on some paper loaned to him by one of Bain's men. He wanted to get a message off before the ravens could no longer fly, hoping that it would reach Erebor the following day.

He wrote one to Thorin, briefly telling of their success and that they would be starting home in the morning. He chose not to go into detail, as it would probably take several sheets of paper, and he simply didn't have the time. The second note he wrote to Sier, assuring her that Flinn and Frerin were alive and well…again, he decided not to elaborate on what had transpired, feeling that tale was best told in person…and while she was holding her lads in her arms. When he was finished, Fili called down a raven, a strong looking hen who was willing to take his messages home to Erebor. He wondered at the fact that Telk had not returned with a reply to his first message, but then again, it had only been a few days since it was sent, and they had been rather hard to find, being inside a mountain and all.

When they arrived back at the tree line, Fili could see that the old healer had been working hard to patch up the wounded. On their way back, they had seen where Bain's men had disposed of the orcs, their bodies having been tossed into the same gully they had used to sneak up behind them. The men and dwarves who had died in the battle, were wrapped tightly in oilcloth laced with pungent herbs and stowed in one of the wagons, with every intention of taking them back home for a proper burial.

When Oin saw the bedraggled bunch of prisoners arriving, he was quick to order food and water for everyone. Camp was made and soon multiple pots were bubbling with a fine smelling stew, ready to feed those eagerly awaiting it. In the meantime, blankets, medical supplies, and an assortment of clothes and boots were passed out among those who needed them. Making sure that every man and dwarrow was made as comfortable as possible for the night. Fili was once again grateful for the wagons they had brought along, not only because they carried a large amount of food and supplies in them to care for the former captives, but as these were used up, that would leave more room for the ones who couldn't walk all the way back to Erebor. It would be at least a four to five day journey, depending on how quickly the wounded and tired could walk, and Fili did not wish to push anyone more than he had to.

However, Fili's desire to get home was now twofold…one, being that he missed Sier, and wanted to assure her that their lads were safe. And two, he couldn't wait to tell his mother that her husband was still alive. He shook his head, still amazed at the whole situation himself. It was almost too much to believe. And yet, as he turned and looked at his father standing in the line to get a bowl of hot stew, he knew it was true.

He then let his eyes drift to where Kili and Tauriel were sitting, side by side around one of the many campfires as they enjoyed a meal together. Oin had tended to the elf's wounds, declaring that she would heal nicely, as long as she took it easy for the next few days. Kili had been quick to assure the healer that he would see to her convalescence personally. The two were quickly joined by little Flinn and Frerin, positioning themselves on either side, and digging into their own bowls of stew. The dried meat Bain had given them back in the mine had helped, but growing lads needed regular meals of sizable proportion, and they gobbled their dinner down quickly. Fili couldn't help but smile as he watched those he loved more than anything, laughing and talking, so very grateful that they were all still alive.

"I used to watch you and Kili that same way," Flinn murmured, walking up beside Fili with a steaming bowl of the stew clutched in his hands. "It does my heart good to see that you adore your lads the same way I did you two…and still do."

"I never knew I could hold so much love in my heart," Fili admitted, still gazing at his sons affectionately. "But thanks to Sier…I now know what it means to be completely content. They are my life, all four of them." He then chuckled just a bit. "And Kili too. After all, I've been watching over him for so long, it would be hard to stop now."

"Even though he is a full grown adult, with an apparent love of his own?" Flinn asked, taking several ravenous bites of his meal and dunking a hunk of bread in to sop up the juice.

"Kili…an adult? Oh, that'll be the day!" Fili laughed, causing his father to grin at his jest.

"Prince Fili," came the voice of Bain, approaching from the side, followed closely by a very nervous looking dwarf. "I was hoping I could speak to you for a moment."

"Certainly," the blond dwarrow nodded. "Have you and your men had enough to eat? We've plenty to share if not."

"No, thank you, we are well stocked and we have all had our fill," Bain assured him, appreciative of his concern. "I wanted to alert you to the fine deeds of this particular soldier here, for his help was instrumental in our victory over the army of orcs that were sent out to ambush us."

"An ambush, was it?" Fili stated, his eyes growing wide in concern. "And for what fine deeds am I to be thanking you for…Master Jorun, isn't it?" Fili and Kili worked very hard to make sure that they knew most, if not all, of the soldiers by name, taking a personal interest in them and their families.

"I…I only did my duty, my prince," the bashful dwarf insisted, not daring to look Fili in the eye. "It is my honor to serve."

"Do not let his modesty fool you," Bain cut in. "If it were not for his ability to speak to the ravens, then we would not have known about the orcs lying in wait for us, and we might have all been slaughtered."

"A raven speaker, are you?" Fili said in surprise. While all Longbeards had the potential to understand their feathered friends, only a few were trained to use this ability. "And how is it that you ended up in the ranks, and not as a raven keeper? It is a very prestigious and highly sought after position, and we are always in need of such assistance."

"I…I was unaware that I had the ability…and I never had an opportunity to try, Your Majesty," Jorun stammered. "My great-grandmother always claimed to have Durin blood, but it never occurred to me that it would help me understand the birds any better than the next dwarf."

"Well, apparently, you were mistaken, Master Jorun…and who knows, perhaps you and I are long lost cousins!" Fili laughed, seeing how the young dwarf blushed at such words.

"Oh, nay, my lord," Jorun insisted. "I am but a lowly dwarf of miner stock. I could never be related to one as great and fine as you."

His words caused Fili's smile to turn into one of thoughtful contemplation, apparently choosing his words carefully before he spoke again.

"Jorun…I would like to introduce you to my father, Flinn, son of Frár," Fili said, gesturing to the blond dwarf at his side, who was at that moment trying to wipe a dribble of stew off his unkempt beard. When he realized he was being spoken to, he quickly straightened.

"At your service," Flinn choked out, bowing slightly so as not to spill his precious meal. He had not expected his son to include him in the conversation, and had almost forgotten the proper words of greeting, having gone for so long without such niceties.

"He too was born in the mines of Erebor, and worked hard all his life in the service of his king. I do not see anything lowly about his background, or any of those who work for the betterment of our kingdom, for his blood runs through my veins just as strongly as that of Durin's line. And just because I happen to wear a crown on occasion, that does not mean that I am any better than you. Understand?"

"I…I don't know what to say, My Prince," Jorun gasped.

"Then say nothing, for it is I who should speak words of gratitude to you, for your fine service," Fili grinned. "Upon our return to Erebor, your deeds will be brought before King Thorin, and a position among the raven keepers will be yours if you so wish it. Might you have a wife and little ones to feed and care for, Master Jorun? For such a promotion would come with an increase in pay as well as status."

"No…I have no family of my own," he admitted, though his eyes grew wide with excitement over the idea of an elevation in his status.

"Well, I would start thinking about such things if I were you, Jorun. For once word gets out about your fine service to your king, you will quickly be in high favor amongst the dams…and who knows, you might even find your one." Fili almost burst out laughing at the frantic expression on the dwarrow's face.

"A…a wife…for me?" he stammered. "Oh, no, I ain't ready for married life just yet…no sir!"

Fili stepped forward and placed a hand on his shoulder, giving him a look of amusement. "Just wait, Jorun…if and when it happens, I guarantee that you will be the happiest dwarf in all Middle Earth. Trust me."

"If you say so, Prince Fili," the younger dwarf chuckled. "If you say so." And with a bow and a final word of thanks, Jorun headed back to join his company, a wide grin spread across his face. Bain too took his leave, going to check on his men and set up a schedule for watch that night.

"That was very kind of you, son," Flinn told him, when they were alone once more. "I have to admit that it felt rather strange to hear you addressed as royalty…and yet, I suppose I always knew that you and your brother would inherit such titles from your mother's side of the family. I often felt like the odd dwarf out when everyone would get together for family functions. I mean, I was the only one without a drop of Durin's blood in my veins…so I used to feel much like Jorun. Insignificant." When Fili opened his mouth to protest, Flinn held up his free hand to stop him. "I said I used to feel this way," he explained. "Your mother and Thorin set me straight on that point, years ago. I just wished to say that you did a fine thing with Jorun, and I am so very proud of the dwarrow that you have become…both you and Kili. You have more than exceeded my wildest expectations, and I can't wait to get to know even more about you two."

"And you can't imagine how many questions I have for you, Adad," Fili said, a catch in his voice revealing how emotional he had suddenly become. "All these years I thought I would never see you again, never be able to speak to you, or ask you all the things a lad needs to know from his father. I have missed you more than you know."

"And I have missed you," Flinn choked out. He stepped forward and wrapped his free arm around his son, pulling him into a warm embrace. "I wish so much that I could have been there as you grew, to be the father I wanted to be. To teach you, and watch you become the fine dwarrows you are now." He pulled back and looked him in the eye, obviously concerned about his next question. "Thorin…did he…well, you know…tell you all the things that should have rightly fallen to me, as your father. About life…and love?"

Fili knew what his adad was asking, and he couldn't help but chuckle as he went to answer.

"Well…Uncle Thorin did his best to tell us what he knew," Fili said with a slight reddening of his cheeks. "But when it came to knowing how to identify a one…well, he was a bit scarce on the information himself. So, it fell upon Amad to step in and help fill in the gaps."

"Your mother?" Flinn gasped, almost choking on the word as he attempted to picture his wife educating his sons. "She told you two about…about…" he couldn't even say the words out loud, just imagining the embarrassment such a conversation must have caused Fili and Kili.

"Not exactly…I mean, she rounded up Bombur and Gloin, and had them tell us what we were to look for, how we might feel, and stuff like that," Fili could still recall how mortifying that night had been, especially before he was allowed to put his clothes back on. "The rest…well, I kind of figured that part out on my own, with the help of Sier. But I am willing to bet that Kili will quickly be in need of some pointers…if you know what I mean." He nodded his head towards where his brother sat with Tauriel and his sons.

"Ah…yes, the elf lass," Flinn nodded. "I see what you mean."

"Just do me a favor, would ya?" Fili asked, looking rather devious. "When you talk to him…be sure to explain things thoroughly, and in great detail. Oh, and don't forget to mention Amad, a lot, and throw in a bunch of personal experiences for good measure."

"Fili!" Flinn stated in a shocked tone. He then got a very pleased smile on his face. "I see your little wicked streak has only grown since you were a child. It suits you!"

This made Fili laugh, feeling a warmth in his chest at his father's unconditional approval. He had missed that…very much.

"But before I have a chat with your brother about…the facts of life," Flinn added. "Perhaps I could get your assistance with something else?"

"What would that be?" Fili asked, knowing he was willing to do just about anything his father requested.

"Help me get some time alone to speak with this Tauriel…my future daughter-in-law," he asked. "I would very much like to get to know her a little better."

"Ahhh, of course," Fili nodded, looking over at the little group sitting by the fire. "Ill get right on that."

Oh, Fili, you are so bad...you are trying to embarrass your little brother! Not nice.

And what plan might Gloin have?

Ummmm, Marigold...can't you just...oh, I don't know, cross your legs and hold it in? This is NOT a good time for a baby to be making an appearance. Then again, it is Thorin's child and he does have that impeccable timing. ha ha.

And watch out Hagen...Thorin is hunting you down!

Guest Reviews:

Emrfangirl: Shhh, we won't tell Frerin about the wedding until it is happening, OK? And you better believe they got their weapons back! Can't leave THOSE behind. Thorin will probably be mad over that sword Dis gave away till the cows come home. Fili and Kili have already fought their own battle...they need a break. I think Bombur was the only smart one of the whole bunch. ha ha. No movie line in that one.

abc: It was cathartic for Flinn to be the one to seal the mine. gave him closure...for real. ha ha. Kili would be jealous of a butterfly if it landed on Tauriel's shoulder, ha ha. At least two...maybe more, but two to start with for sure...In Kili's mind. ha ha. Well, Thorin can't have his speical swords on display for just anyone to use, ha ha. And yes, as much as we would love to bring Frerin Sr. back...it just wouldn't work in this story. Thanks.

dojoson41: Wow, what kind of sucky writer would I be if I brought Flinn Sr. back only to kill him off before he saw Dis again? OR...Killed off Dis before Flinn got back to Erebor. Yikes...I would be run out of the FF site on a rail! ha ha.