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I needed to clarify something about baby Raina's name. First of all, I did find the name on some random site that had elf names - but nothing official to Tolkien. Also, it was on a simply baby name site that I saw that name meant Beautiful Queen...NOT that the name literally translates that in Sindarin or Quenya from Tolkien. I just thought it was pretty and liked what it meant. It is NOT cannon. Thanks.
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I am posting early today because the FF site is apparently acting up again and I am worried that this chapter might not get through...I hope I am wrong, and you are all reading this two hours earlier than usual. Guess we will see when I hit the post button.
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Chapter 126
~X~
Once Marigold and little Raina had been safely moved to the healing halls for further observation, Thorin reluctantly took his leave and headed for the main entrance, joined by Bard, Balin, Gloin, Gimli and Dori. From what he had been told, there would be some major work to do in securing the entrance to the mountain once again, and he wanted to see it for himself. When he beheld the destruction that awaited him, he shut his eyes and gave a sigh of resignation. Well, he had told Gloin to open the gates anyway he could…and that is what Thorin had to keep reminding himself. Yet it would take at least a week to shore up the foundation and repair the gates, if not longer.
"Should we ring the all-clear signal and call everyone out of quarantine?" Gloin asked, eager to change the subject after seeing Thorin's expression as he stared at the large gaping hole in the entryway.
"No, not yet," the king said with a shake of his head. "First we need to sweep the mountain for any remaining enemy, as well as lock up the prisoners, and deal with the dead. Morning will be soon enough for everyone to know what has happened. Let them sleep tonight."
"I think we could all use a good rest," Balin lamented, having only caught a few hours of shut-eye himself over the past two days.
"We can sleep when the mountain is secure," Thorin insisted, not wanting to risk any Blacklocks still running around free where they might cause trouble. He was pretty sure that most had been dealt with by Bard and Thranduil's soldiers, but that did not mean there weren't a few strays hiding here or there. He was just about to organize several companies to search the mountain, each one accompanied by one of his own dwarves so there would be no mistaking who was who, when he heard a familiar horn being blown not too far off.
"Is that our troops?" Dori asked, rushing over to where he could peer out into the night. Before long they could see many riders approaching with torches in their hands to light their way.
"Look!" Gimli announced pointing at the head of the group. "It's Bifur! He must have caught up with them and convinced them to double back!"
Sure enough, the salt and pepper haired dwarf was indeed leading the way, a look of relief on his face when he spied Thorin standing there surrounded by friends and family.
"Did we ride all this way in the dark for nothing?" Bifur asked, though there was only joy in his tone. He leapt from his pony and approached to enthusiastically shake Thorin's hand. "Good to see you out of the dungeons, My King."
"It's good to be out," Thorin nodded.
"What of the Blacklock enemy, My Lord?" the captain of the soldiers asked, halting his pony and holding up his hand to stop those behind him. After he dismounted, he looked up at the gaping hole in the doors. "What in the name of Mahal happened here?"
"Gloin happened," Thorin said, shooting an accusatory look at his cousin.
"It was the only way I could think of to open the gates so that Bard and his soldiers could get in," the ginger haired dwarf insisted, folding his arms over his chest in a grumpy manner.
"And Thranduil's troops as well," Gimli added. "Those Blacklocks didn't know what hit them!"
"But how did you catch up to our soldiers so quickly, Bifur?" Balin asked. "They had at least a day's head start on you."
"Turns out they got waylaid by a pack of orcs not too far from here," Bifur explained. "So I overtook them before nightfall, and we journeyed back immediately."
"Orcs…how many?" Thorin asked, instantly on alert. "Were there any casualties."
"No, we took them completely by surprise," the captain stated proudly. "A few of our troop were wounded, and are coming along at a slower pace, but nothing serious. The orcs were a pack about fifty strong, heading north from Mordor I can only assume. We laid waste to their forces and left the carcasses burning before we returned."
"Excellent work," Thorin nodded in approval. "Yet now we have another job for you and your soldiers. As Bifur apparently explained, we were invaded by Blacklocks, and it was they who sent you to the Iron Hills, using a forged order from me to do so. Yet with the aid of the men of Dale and the elves of Mirkwood, they have been rousted. However, there might still be some hiding within the mountain, and we need those who can distinguish between our people and theirs to flush them out. Also be on the lookout for casualties or wounded, starting with the royal chambers. I need to know if any of my personal guards still live."
"Consider it done, My King," the captain said with a bow of his head. He then signaled for his troops to dismount, leading them inside as he barked out his orders, sending dwarves scurrying this way and that – some to search for hidden enemies and any wounded, while others to take care of the prisoners and the dead already accounted for.
"Now that this is settled, and our troops are taking care of things…will you at last get some sleep?" Balin asked Thorin, noting just how tired his cousin appeared. "I might not be king any more, and thank Mahal for that, but I do hereby order you to your quarters where you can get some rest."
"I do not appreciate being dictated to, Balin," Thorin told him in an arrogant tone. "And yet…this time, I think I will concede. I do feel as if I might fall asleep where I stand." He then looked around at all those who had also been up as long as he. "In fact…you should all retire to your chambers. And that is an order from the king."
"One we will be happy to obey," Gloin chuckled, slapping Gimli on the back as the two of them grabbed hold of Bifur and dragged him along. "You did a fine job getting help, old friend. You deserve a rest too." They had only gone a few steps however, before the older dwarf stopped and turned back.
"My King," he began, reaching into his vest and pulling out a cloth bag about the size of his fist. "I…I still have the Arkenstone."
Everyone was silent for a moment, and Thorin's eyes seemed to widen at the sight of the object in Bifur's hand. Then, as if some weight was lifted from his shoulders, he gave a sigh.
"Keep it," Thorin ordered. "I will get it from you later. Right now, I leave it in your protection. Guard it well."
"Aye," Bifur nodded, understanding his reluctance to receive it back. And so they turned away and headed out once again.
"That showed a lot of restraint," Bard said in a low voice, fully aware of what the stone meant to the king and his house. "You never cease to impress me, Thorin."
"I succumbed to its pull once," he lamented. "I shall never do so again. It might be an heirloom of my people, but it no longer holds sway over me or my heart. Marigold occupies that position now." He released a slight chuckle and a wide smile. "And if you will all excuse me…I will return to the healing halls and visit my wife and daughters before I find a cozy spot to lie down, and sleep for a week."
"You've earned it," Balin nodded. "We will post guards here at the gate, to make sure no one enters or exits without permission. Tomorrow we will end the quarantine and begin rebuilding the gates."
"Fine…you do that," Thorin nodded, waving at Balin as if to say he trusted him to take care of things from here on out. For all he had on his mind now was seeing Marigold, Rose and little Raina.
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As Thorin entered the healing halls, he was met with a startling sight. Thranduil was there, standing beside his wife's bed, holding his infant daughter in his arms. And most surprising of all…the elf king was smiling.
"I believe she has your nose, Queen Marigold," Thranduil informed her, gently rocking the tiny babe in his slender arms. "And your hair."
"Let's just hope she has not inherited my husband's stubbornness," the hobbit laughed.
"Nay, my lady," Thranduil chuckled. "I can already sense that this little lass will have your quiet and mild spirit, and be adored by all."
"Adored by all, I can agree with," Thorin spoke up, stepping into the room with a look of slight irritation. "Yet quiet and mild? You surely can't be referring to my wife…the little spitfire that she is."
"Oh, Thorin, we didn't see you there," Marigold told him, a glint of humor in her eye. She held out her hand and he quickly approached, taking it as he kissed it gently.
"Obviously, otherwise I would not have overheard you besmirching my good name," he insisted, yet he too held laughter in his eyes. He looked over at a nearby bed, seeing that Rose was snuggled in, fast asleep, a peaceful smile on her little face. It made his heart glad to see that she had not been adversely effected by the harrowing events of the last few days. He then turned his attention back to his wife. "And how is our littlest princess doing?"
"She is doing very well," Marigold assured him. "The healers say that even though she is a bit on the small side, she is perfectly healthy." She then glanced up at the elf king with a grateful smile. "Thanks to Lord Thranduil."
"It was my honor to aid you both, my lady," he insisted, not taking his eyes off of the now sleeping infant in his arms. "Just as you further honored me and my kin by naming your daughter after my wife."
"Well, just remember who she belongs to," Thorin huffed, holding out his own arms in a demanding manner. "I believe you have now held my child longer than I have!" He knew he sounded a bit snide, but he was still a dwarf, and it was in their nature to be jealous and possessive over their things.
Thranduil rolled his eyes in exasperation, but handed her over to Thorin nonetheless. Still, he seemed a bit reluctant to do so.
"I will take my leave then," he said with a bow of his head. "Rest well, Queen Marigold, for if I recall, you will not be getting much sleep over the next several months with this little lass around."
"Indeed, I shall not," the hobbit laughed. "Yet Thorin is a fine father and takes his role seriously. I will not be alone in this endeavor."
"Then you are truly blessed," Thranduil said, doing his best to hide the sadness in his eyes. "As is little Raina…truly blessed indeed." He then gave them both a bow, bidding them farewell.
"Wait," Thorin said, stopping him at the door. He seemed to hesitate before he spoke again, clearing his throat a bit before doing so. "Tomorrow I will be holding council, to discuss retaliation on the Blacklocks and new strategies to make sure something like this never happens again. Would you…would you care to join us?"
Thorin could tell that Thranduil was almost as surprised to be asked, as he was to be extending the offer…almost. And as they stood there staring at each other, he wondered if their newly formed friendship would extend this far.
"I would be honored to do so," the elven king assured him at last, bowing his head in acceptance. "Until tomorrow." And then he was gone.
Once the door was closed and they were alone at last, Marigold scooted over a bit on the bed, patting the open spot next to her. Thorin did not hesitate and sat down beside her, resting his back against the headboard as he continued to look down at his daughter.
"You gave us quite a scare there, little one," he whispered softly, leaning in to place a kiss on the top of her brown curly head. "When you're older, you and I will have a very long discussion about timing…and how you most assuredly added to the grey in my hair."
"Oh, pish!" Marigold scolded, reaching out to run her fingers through his long dark strands. "It only makes you look distinguished, and far more handsome than any lass deserves."
"You deserve so much more than I could ever give you, my beautiful Mari," Thorin argued. "And yet, you are the one who continues to bestow upon me the greatest joys."
"They are my joys too, you know," she reminded him, looking from Rose to Raina. "And now we have two children…just like you saw in your dream. Do you think that is all we shall have?"
"Right now, this is all I think I can handle," Thorin laughed.
"Agreed," Marigold nodded, the memory of childbirth still too fresh in her mind to be thinking of more. "Do you mind terribly that I named her after Thranduil's wife? I know it was very wrong of me not discuss it with you first."
"Nay…it was a very kind gesture," Thorin assured her, leaning over and kissing her on the cheek. "In fact, by doing so, you might have done more for diplomatic relations than even little Flinn did when he befriended Thranduil five years ago. And at least it's a pretty name, and not something that we would be hard-pressed to pronounce."
"Rose and Raina…I like the sound of that," Marigold nodded, snuggling into Thorin's side, as she continued to stare at their new baby.
"You do know what this means though, don't you?" he asked, his tone turning a bit gruff.
"No…what?" she responded, her eyes beginning to droop closed.
"That pesky elf will be dropping by a lot more, simply to check on his wife's namesake," he huffed. "As if showing up once every few years for Durin's Day wasn't bad enough…now we'll have to suffer through even more visits!"
"Oh, hush," Marigold scolded, as she let out a yawn. "You're happy about all this and you know it. Now, be quiet and get some sleep."
"Yes, my love," he whispered back, leaning his head against hers and shutting his eyes. And in this one moment, all seemed right with the world.
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~XXXX~
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Kili felt warm, and so very comfortable. He almost hated waking up, but the sun had apparently just risen over the hillside and was boring a hole in his eyelids, forcing him to rise. Yet when he did, he was met with the most wonderful view…Tauriel's lovely face right before him, her eyes still closed in peaceful slumber. It was then that Kili realized there was a slender arm draped over his chest, and his own was conveniently wrapped around her waist as they slept.
How had this happened?
As he thought back to the previous night, he recalled sitting beside her talking, and then her offering to finish her story while he laid his head on her lap. That was the last thing he remembered, however, and the two of them must have eventually fallen asleep…together! This was not exactly proper, and yet, Kili didn't regret it one little bit.
"Good morning," came a gruff voice, off to his left, causing Kili to roll over to see who it was. There stood both Flinn and Fili, the two dwarrow scowling down at him with their arms crossed over their chests…and they did not look happy. Now Kili was starting to regret his position just a little bit. "Care to explain this…son?"
"Yes, Brother," Fili added, his expression so much like his father's beside him that Kili had to blink twice at the uncanny resemblance. "What happened to you heading off to bed soon, like you had said? I see this did not happen."
By now, Tauriel was wide awake, sitting up as she assessed the situation, apparently just as surprised as Kili was by their rather intimate position.
"We…we were talking…and then I got sleepy," he began, doing his best to explain things to the two disgruntled looking dwarrow. "We must have drifted off." When they did not appear to believe him, he got defensive. "Nothing happened! Honest!"
"Kili is correct," Tauriel quickly stated, not wishing for her love to be slandered. "We were simply overcome by exhaustion and succumbed to sleep. Nothing more."
"While I believe you both speak the truth," Flinn nodded, "I still feel that my son and I need to have a very long, and overdue, conversation. Might you excuse me, my lady?" At that Flinn reached down and hauled Kili to his feet, dragging him off into the trees before he could even get out a word of farewell.
"Kili is not to blame for this," Tauriel insisted, looking from the retreating dwarrow to Fili, and back again. "Please do not chastise him for this."
"Oh, he's not in any trouble," Fili grinned, his somberness giving way to a look of amusement. "But like our adad said…Kili is long overdue for his father/son talk, and now seems like as good a time as any."
"Oh…and what might they be discussing?" she asked, standing up and brushing the dust off her leggings, using her good arm.
"Life, love…you," he answered with a wicked smile.
"Me?" Tauriel seemed aghast at this. "Do I even want to know the details?"
"Probably not…it's dwarf stuff," Fili shrugged. "If I were you, I would just go about your daily routine, they might be a while. Flinn has over ninety years of fatherly speeches to make up for in this one shot. I have a feeling he plans to cover everything."
"Very well," Tauriel sighed. "Just make sure Kili comes back in one piece, will you?"
"I've been looking out for my little brother all his life…why should I stop now?" Fili laughed, giving Tauriel a jaunty salute and heading off in the direction Kili and Flinn had gone.
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"I told you we didn't do anything!" Kili groused, as the two tromped through the forest until they came to a fallen log, his father instructing him to sit down.
"And I said I believe you," Flinn assured him, taking a seat as well. "Yet, it was brought to my attention that you have not exactly been schooled in the manners of courtship and what transpires when you meet your one."
"What? Who told you that?" Kili gaped. Then his eyes narrowed. "Fili…that blabbermouth!"
"Don't blame your brother, he is simply worried about you," Flinn told him. "He explained that Thorin did what he could, but also that he was lacking in certain information himself, due to not finding his own mate until just recently."
"I'm sure he would have gotten around to filling me in when the time came," Kili insisted, feeling as if he should stick up for his uncle.
"I'm sure he would as well, yet, it is meant to be my duty…and I have missed out on so many other things in your life, I would like to take the opportunity to set things straight now…in this matter," Flinn almost begged.
"You mean you…you want to tell me about…well, you know…lad and lass stuff?" Kili was not quite sure he could even say the word out loud, let alone hear it described by his father…whom he had pretty much just met two days ago.
"Well…sort of, if you would care to listen," Flinn sounded almost hurt. "I know it might be a bit presumptuous of me…but…"
"No! I mean, yes…I would be honored to have you tell me," Kili was quick to say, not wishing to insult his father in any way. "It's just that…well, it's kind of embarrassing."
"Perhaps it would be if I told you in the manner Fili asked me to." When Kili's eyebrows came together in confusion, Flinn elaborated. "He told me to go into great detail and to use many examples of myself and your mother as references."
"OH MAHAL, NO!" Kili moaned, covering his ears in horror.
"But I won't," Flinn assured him, laughing at his son's apparent misery. "I will tell you what you need to know, and nothing else. However, please know that if you ever do have questions…about anything, I am here to answer them, no matter what."
"Ummm, thanks?" Kili said, daring to look up at his father with a cringe. "But why do I need to be told anything? I mean, I seem to be doing just fine on my own…don't I?"
"You are a fine dwarrow, a credit to your race, but even you could use a bit of…direction?" Flinn had fumbled for the correct term, trying not to use any that might further mortify his son.
"So…you're going to draw me a map?" Kili asked, looking even more confused than ever.
"Of sorts," Flinn laughed. "Just give you a few pointers, so that you don't get off course and not reach your…destination."
"Wait a minute," Kili said with a heavy sigh. "The metaphor was good to start out with, but now I think I am getting a bit lost. Just tell me…what do I need to know?"
"Dwarves by nature are a very passionate race. We are very protective and jealous over what is ours, and we have the capacity to love very deeply as well. Now, I assume you have already awoken, if you haven't then you would not be so convinced that Tauriel is your one, am I correct?" Flinn asked.
"Yes…I…I'm awake," he nodded, not looking his father in his eye.
"Then it would probably be best if you didn't tempt yourself overly much with continuous physical contact…such as sleeping side by side with your arms around each other," Flinn suggested. "As I said, ours is a passionate race and even the most stalwart and honorable dwarrow can slip if he is not careful." At this Flinn's face turned a bit red, and now it was he who could not look his son in the eye.
"WHAT?" Kili sprang to his feet in shock. "You mean, you…and Amad?" He began to pace back and forth, tugging at his hair in misery. "I really don't want to hear about this!"
"Kili, it's not what you think," Flinn insisted, standing up and placing his hands on his son's shoulders. "I admit…I tried. I lost myself one night and I could easily have let things go too far, but Dis stopped me. She probably should have done so with a right hook to my jaw, but instead she just began to laugh, and believe me, that killed the mood right there."
"Again…I don't want to hear this!" Kili insisted, covering his ears with his hands once more.
"Well I do!" came Fili's voice, as he slipped out of the woods and approached the two. "So…you and Amad dabbled a little before you wed?"
"No!" Flinn argued. "We stopped in time…or more correctly, she stopped and I followed her lead. Your mother is not exactly easy to disagree with."
"Oh, we know that all too well," Fili laughed.
"I'm still not listening," Kili continued.
"The point I am trying to make here, Kili," Flinn stated, giving the grinning Fili a stern glare. "Is that you should not allow yourself to be tempted beyond what you can bear. You two have your whole lives ahead of you, don't try and rush things by moving too fast. You and Tauriel already have more than your share of obstacles to face, simply by being of two different races. Don't add to it by doing anything you will later regret. You will thank me one day…I promise."
Kili stared at his father for a long moment.
"That's it?" he asked at last. "That's all you wanted to say…about everything?"
"Yes," Flinn nodded.
"No gory details…no advice on positions or technique…nothing?" Kili oddly sounded somewhat disappointed.
"Well…if you would like, I am certain that Fili here could give you that information," Flinn suggested, gesturing to his oldest son – whoes smile quickly faded into one of shock.
"WHAT? Me?" he gaped. "Oh, I don't think so!"
"What's the matter, Fili?" Flinn chuckled. "You said you wanted your brother to know these things, and I'm not the only one here who's been with a dam."
"NO, NO, NO!" Fili stated holding up his hands and waving them back and forth in protest. "What goes on between me and Sier is not up for discussion!"
"Oh, but aren't you the one who wanted me to share stories with Kili about me and Dis?" Flinn was really enjoying this, and the look on Fili's face was simply priceless.
"I was only joking!" Fili shouted, throwing up his hands in protest.
"And so was I!" his father said, now roaring with laughter.
"What…you were?" Fili questioned, simmering down immediately.
"Of course, you don't think you got all your trickster ways from your uncle, do you?" he asked, still unable to stop his mirth. "Besides, what kind of father do you take me for? I have not even met my daughter-in-law yet, and the last thing I need to hear are details that would make it impossible for me to look her in the eye!"
"Yah…I see your point," Fili nodded, beginning to see the humor in all this. "And I'm sure I'm already in enough hot water with Sier as it is, I do not need to anger her any further."
"Exactly, and it would be a rather poor first impression for me as well," Flinn agreed. "Isn't that right, Kili?" He looked around, suddenly noticing that his younger son was no longer there, having obviously slipped away without saying a word. "Kili?"
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Kili came striding back into camp, shaking his head in exasperation and mumbling to himself. When he spotted Tauriel, he walked right up to her, placed his hands on both her forearms and pulled her down towards him for a long, lingering kiss. When they parted, they were breathless and their eyes had that soft dreamy look.
"What was that for?" she whispered, cupping his face in her palms as she leaned her forehead down to connect with his.
"I thought I better get one last kiss in before those two came back and began to take their role as chaperone seriously," he explained. "But I want you to know that I plan to do things right by you, Tauriel, and I will never do anything to shame you."
"I never thought you would," she stated, pulling back in surprise. "Besides, Kili…I have a mind of my own, and I know how to use a weapon. You needn't worry about me, I can take care of myself."
"Oh, I'm certain you can," he laughed, loving how independent she was. "I worry more about me!"
"Don't fret, Kili," she grinned, giving him a quick kiss on the tip of his nose. "Your virtue is safe with me."
Kili stepped back, straightening his tunic and giving a small snort of indignation.
"I should hope so!" he informed her, looking rather sure of himself. "I'm not some easily seduced dwarrow, you know. I expect you to woo me good and proper, before I agree to take you as my wife."
"Oh, really?" Tauriel laughed, covering her lips with her fingers as she tried to hide her amusement. "You know, I find playing hard to get rather attractive in a…dwarf."
"Hmmm," Kili mused, his face breaking out into one of his infectious grins. "Then you're just going to love me!"
"I already do, my prince," she told him. "I already do."
Well, there you have it...Kili will remain a virgin till his wedding night. ha ha. Unless Tauriel can convince him otherwise, ha ha. (which she won't) But that does not mean they won't have more kissing sessions or alone time...if they can shake Fili and Flinn. ha ha.
Flinn and Fili sure had fun messing with him though. And Flinn probably really enjoyed spending time with his lads.
Yippee, Bifur is back and so are the troops. Now they can scour the mountain before letting everyone out of quarantine. Bifur did a very good job.
Thorin and Thranduil are still enjoying being Frenemies. ha ha. They won't give up their verbal sparring too easily though. Looks like little Flinn is not the only dwarfling the elf king will be visiting now. ha ha.
Also, even though Golum did say "I'm not listening." it was in LOTR, so it does not count as an official Hobbit movie quote...just in case you were going to list it as such. ha ha.
Guest Reviews:
abc: Both Thorin and Thranduil took big steps that day, didn't they? And while they will be allies and friends...they will still enjoy needling each other a bit. ha ha. Glad you liked the baby's name. And yep, Fili and the others are on their way home, and boy is everyone in for a shock when they get there! Thanks
Guest: Ha ha, I am the sneaky sort! Got to watch me carefully. Yep, Thorin gets two girls, and Thranduil is the best OB/GYN in Mirkwood, ha ha. I honestly think Thranduil KNOWS that Dis gave it to him without Thorin's permission, and that is why he loves to bring it up. ha ha. Glad you liked Flinn's talk with Tauriel. And it is a race now...who will get home first, Fili or Bombur? ha ha. And is it a contest? That someone HAS to faint? ha ha. Yah, the end is sad to write, but really, the story can't keep going on forever and ever and ever and ever...can it? ha ha Thanks.
Feu d'Argent: Well, I hope you get an A anyway. Glad you liked the birth, and as for Raina's name...see my comments at the start of the story. ha ha. Of COURSE Thorin will complain about elves again...it's his favorite pastime. ha ha. Flinn is pretty nice, isn't he. We love him. Kili does have some nice hair...even if it is kind of wild at times. ha ha. Thanks
Guest: Nope, no cliffie. And what color IS shocked? ha ha. I have been reluctant to give Thorin a son...he raised Fili and Kili, now he gets girls to keep him on his toes. That and I just don't want there to be any hard feelings later if his son wants to know why he is not king and uncle Fili is. I promise to do 'something' with Kili's kids...even if only in an epilogue. Thanks.