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Posting a bit early tonight, but I don't think you will mind...will ya?

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Chapter 129

~X~

On the final morning before their return to Erebor, Tauriel woke to the sound of dwarven grumbling. It had been a long night, with her having been among those taking the final round of guard duty, so it was understandable that she had not been the first awake as usual. Looking around, she quickly spotted the source…Flinn. The older dwarrow was sitting on a nearby log, wrapped in a blanket, and from the way his hair was still a bit damp, Tauriel guessed he had just come from a bath in the stream. He was surrounded by both his sons, his grandsons, as well as Bofur and Nori, all of them attempting to make him look presentable. Dwalin was leaning against a nearby tree, his arms crossed over his muscular chest and observing it all with a smirk of humor. She couldn't help but laugh as she watched them fuss, primp, and prod at him, much to his irritation.

"If I find one bow or ribbon in my beard, I swear that heads will roll!" the blond dwarf threatened.

"Oh, hush, you want to look good when meeting Dis again, don't you?" Bofur asked, handing Fili the comb in his hand. "It's been nearly a century, you know…and first impressions are key."

"We're married with two sons, for Mahal's sake! I would like to think I already made a good enough first impression," Flinn laughed, as he let his eldest son weave several braids into his hair.

"Well, it still never hurts to look your best," Kili suggested, holding up a clean tunic and a pair of trousers he had dug out of Fili's pack. "I think these will look good on you."

Flinn stared down at the pile of ratty old clothes on the ground beside him frowning as he realized just how unkempt he must have appeared. He was truly glad for the assistance he was being offered, as well as a change of clothes – something he had not been gifted with in many, many years.

"I do want to look good for Dis," he nodded. "But still, nothing too flamboyant…and no bows!"

"As you wish," Fili laughed, placing one of his own hair clips at the end of this father's braid. It was a small gesture, and yet, to see his adad wearing a symbol of their homeland once again caused Fili's chest to tighten. For a dwarf, braids and hair clasps were part of their heritage and culture. By stripping his father of these things, the slavers had taken from him more than they realized. It was nice to see them replaced once more, even if they were not of his own making. "There, now you look presentable. Amad won't know what hit her when she gets a look at you."

"Do…do you think she'll even recognize me?" Flinn asked, feeling nervous about seeing his love for the first time in so long. "I have aged a bit…both from years and hard labor. I doubt I'm half the dwarrow I once was."

"Oh, please," Kili scoffed. "You might have lost a bit of weight, but after eating some of Amad's home cooking, you'll be fattened up in no time."

"What about these?" Flinn asked, gesturing to his many scars. He then let the blanket slide off his shoulders and slipped into the tunic Fili was loaning him. "No amount of food will make these go away."

"You know that battle scars make the dams go wild," Dwalin told Flinn with a forced laugh. "You earned every one of them through bravery and endurance… no one will ever look down upon you because of them. Neither should you."

"What should I say when I see her again?" Flinn asked, letting his hand rub across his newly trimmed beard. "Honey, I'm home, sounds a bit ridiculous."

"How about just saying hello?" Nori offered. "Then let her do the talking from there."

"Right, but don't forget to toss in a lot of 'I love yous'," Kili suggested. "Amad's a sucker for those."

"What if she comes after me with a blade?" Flinn laughed, though only halfheartedly.

"Then hide behind your grandsons," Fili instructed. "That's what I plan on doing when Sier rains down fire on my head." He reached out and placed a hand on his father's shoulder, looking at him with all seriousness. "Amad will be overjoyed to see you again, Adad. Do not doubt that for a moment. It's truly a miracle that you have been returned to us…one that I still can hardly believe is true."

"You're not the only one," Flinn said with a smile. "It's like I have been given a whole new life." He looked over at little Flinn and Frerin, who were staring up at him with wide grins. "And the best kind too…one with grandchildren!"

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Once Flinn had finished dressing – after asking Tauriel to turn her head, that is - they packed up their gear for the last time, knowing that they would reach the gates of Erebor before dark that day. It had not been a long journey, at least not compared to the one they took with Thorin and Bilbo to slay a dragon and reclaim a mountain, yet Fili still missed his wife and daughter as if he had been gone for months.

The freed dwarves and men were excited as well, looking forward to a real bed and regular meals, as well as the hope of being reunited with possible friends and family. Most were not from Erebor or Dale, having been brought to the mines from other locations, or captured by Gorbash as they passed too close to his lair. But Fili promised that they would do all they could to locate their lost families and see them returned to them as quickly as possible.

A final raven had been sent to the mountain, telling them that they were less than a day's journey away, and to expect them for dinner. And while everyone was understandably tired, the knowledge that they were now on Erebor soil went a long way to boost their spirits.

"Now, we need to plan this just right," Fili stated, looking at his father as the older dwarf rode between his two sons. Little Flinn was sharing a pony with his grandfather, while Frerin had at last been allowed to ride with Tauriel, now that her wounds had healed well enough that they no longer bothered her like they first had. She had even quit using the sling Oin had made her wear, and had begun practicing with her bow and arrow again…when no one was watching that is.

"Do what just right?" Flinn asked, glancing at his son questioningly.

"Present you to Amad, of course," Fili explained. "We can't just have her see you riding up from afar, we have to plan this out."

"You just want to watch our mother faint," Kili laughed, though in all honesty, he would have paid good money to see that himself.

"Do not berate your brother for his ideas," Tauriel scolded Kili. "If your mother is otherwise distracted with regaining her husband, she might not have time to object to the idea of us being together."

"Hey, that's true," Kili agreed, his eyes sparkling with merriment. "Yes, let's plan this out then, to make sure Amad is thoroughly speechless!"

"You need not worry about Dis," Flinn said, leaning forward so that he could see Tauriel, who was riding on the other side of Kili. "She will love and accept you just as I have."

"I thank you for your vote of confidence, Master Flinn," Tauriel said with a warm smile. "Yet I am led to believe that mothers are a bit more protective over their sons than fathers are. And Kili is the baby of the family, as well."

"I knew mother hugging me like that when we left made me look like a child!" Kili groused. "I'm a grown adult now…able to make my own choices. And I choose you, Tauriel! Not even Amad can change my mind about that."

"And I don't think she will try, either, Naddith," Fili chuckled. "Like the rest of us, she only wants you to be happy." He then gave a slight roll of his eyes. "Now, Thorin, on the other hand…he might be a bit of a struggle."

"You leave Thorin to me," Flinn said firmly. "I've known him a lot longer than you two, and I understand how to get around his stubbornness. I've got your back, Kili."

And so they rode on, and as each mile passed, Flinn got more and more nervous…as did Kili and Tauriel.

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~XXXX~

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Meanwhile, back in Erebor, preparations were being made for the returning heroes, as well as all the new dwarves that would need temporary housing until they could be reunited with their families once again. Bard too was working hard to make sure the men would be welcomed warmly as well. It had been decided that all would meet at Erebor, since that was where the company would arrive first, allowing all to greet their loved ones before the great feast they had planned that evening. All would be invited to stay in Erebor that night, then the men would leave for Dale the next day…and the one elf back to Mirkwood.

It had been decided that the funeral services for the dwarves and men who had perished in the battle for Erebor, would be joined with those who lost their lives in the liberation of the prisoners when they returned. That way it could all be done at once, and everyone could honor the fallen as they rightly deserved.

Dis, Sier and Marigold had all cried bitter tears when they learned that their royal guards had given their lives trying to protect Thorin and his family. For Hagen and his soldiers targeted them first, and foremost, in their quest to get to the royal chambers. They were thankful that the number of casualties had been low…yet even one death was far too many.

However, they did their best to focus on the bright side, and the returning company. The preparations for the feast were underway, wishing to show the prisoners a fine evening, one they would not soon forget. Sier and Bergie were beside themselves with anticipation over seeing their husbands again, while Dis was looking forward to welcoming home her sons. Though she would never openly show it, it had been a true weight off her motherly shoulders to learn that they had come through the battle safe and sound. She had lost too many to the sword in her life, she wasn't sure she could stand to lose another.

Thorin and Balin had gone to see Bifur, enlisting the aid of the old toymaker in returning the Arkenstone to hiding. Without a drop of Durin's blood in him, the precious stone did not seem to have the same effect on him as the others. Thus it was decided that Bifur would be included among those who knew of the stone's whereabouts, honoring the dwarf with this responsibility. And even though he did not dare to touch it himself, Thorin breathed a bit easier knowing it was once again locked away in the lower vaults, hidden from sight. There it would remain, until it was needed for some official function…in the meantime, Thorin would not give it a second thought.

And while Thranduil had taken his leave of the mountain several days earlier, it was no great surprise when they saw the elven king, and several of his guards, approaching just after midday.

"Welcome back, Lord Thranduil," Balin greeted him, having been working on preparations for the hanging of the new doors all day. They were getting close, but it would still be several more days before things were back to how they were before Gloin's bright idea. The red bearded dwarf still insisted that it had been the only way…and they should all just be glad that it worked. "Have you come to welcome the company back?"

"Yes, for my captain of the guard is among them, and according to the letter Thorin was sent, Prince Fili wishes to thank me personally for sending her along with them," he informed the white haired dwarf. "I would certainly not wish to deprive him of this honor."

"No, of course not," Balin chuckled, having recently discovered that the elf king's usual somber tone often hid a measure of humor…if you looked really, really hard.

"And as long as I am here," he continued, dismounting and striding confidently towards the still gaping hole in the mountain. "I might as well pay my respects to the queen and the new little princess. Is she receiving guests?"

"I'm sure she is," Balin nodded, doing his best to hide the grin on his face as he escorted the elf inside, directing him to Marigold's current whereabouts. Thorin had warned his councilor that Thranduil was now quite besotted by his new little lass, but to see it firsthand amused Balin greatly. "Right this way, Lord Thranduil…right this way."

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"How much longer?" Talin whined, having been standing at the entryway for the last ten minutes, craning her head in hopes of catching the first glimpse of her father.

"The raven said they were less than a mile away," Bergie told her daughter, just as eager as her children to see Dwalin once more. "Any moment, he and the rest will come over that rise, and then you won't have to wait any longer." Yet even to the grown hobbit, the minutes that ticked by felt like a lifetime.

"There!" Torin shouted, pointing his finger as he jumped up and down. "I see them…I see them!"

And sure enough, one by one the large company came over the hillside, streaming towards the mountain like an army of ants. As they grew closer, those waiting could begin to make out faces, calling out the names of those in the lead with great joy.

"Fili…and Kili!" Sier cried. "I see them both, riding up front!"

"And there's Bain!" Tilda shouted, grabbing hold of her father's arm and squeezing it tightly. "Oh, Da…he looks so much like you riding there."

Bard neither agreed, nor disagreed, with his daughter's assessment of his son, though no one could miss the look of pride that covered his face. Bain had returned victorious from his first mission…his son was growing up, and would make a fine king one day.

"Look, Ama! Look Adad!" Rose called excitedly to her parents. "Flinn and Frerin are back! They're home safe!"

Over this, both Marigold and Sier shared looks of relief, the hobbit mother understanding some of what Sier had been feeling, after having been forced to watch her own daughter put herself in danger just recently.

"I can see Nori and Bofur too!" Dori pointed out, slapping his younger brother on the back and giving Bifur a wink. "I told you those two would be just fine."

"Oh look, Marigold," Bergie squealed, fidgeting nervously as Dwalin grew steadily closer. "He's here…he's finally here!"

"I'm so happy for you, Auntie," the younger hobbit whispered, wrapping her one free arm around Bergie's waist and pulling her in close for a quick hug. "It would appear that everything turned out well…both here in Erebor, and on the mission. Now things can start getting back to normal."

Little Raina took that moment to open her mouth and released a very plaintive wail, letting her mother know that she was either wet, hungry, or just irritated about something presently unknown.

"Back to normal, my love?" Thorin asked, smiling down at his wife and daughter. "Do we even know what that's like?"

This caused Marigold to laugh, jostling the babe in her arms until she fell back asleep, apparently easily mollified.

"Well, as close to normal as can get…how's that?" she offered.

"Perfectly fine with me," Thorin nodded, leaning over to kiss her on the top of her head. "I will take chaotic with you any day, my sweet Mari."

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"Now remember, you two, not a word about your grandfather," Fili reminded his two sons, speaking low as they made their final approach to Erebor. "It's a surprise, and one I don't want you to spoiling by spilling the beans too quickly…understand?"

"And no mention of me and Tauriel, either!" Kili added.

"Yes, Adad," Flinn nodded solemnly.

"Yes, Uncle Kili," Frerin added. "Not a word…we promise."

"Good…now, as soon as we arrive and I greet Thorin, the two of you hop down and go directly to your Ama," Fili continued. "Maybe having you in her arms will distract her from me."

"We'll protect you, Adad," Frerin assured his father.

"Oh, yah?" little Flinn said, sounding a bit afraid. "But who's gunna save us?"

"Well…you two are on your own," Fili said with a shake of his head. "You're the ones who stowed away."

"We're not going to see dessert for a year, are we, Adad?" Frerin moaned, knowing this was his mother's favorite form of punishment.

"A year?" Kili repeated sounding shocked. "You're really being optimistic…I would guess closer to two years."

This pulled a few more moans from the lads, causing Fili and Kili to share conspiratorial winks with each other. They should probably feel bad about teasing Flinn and Frerin….but in truth, they had it coming.

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As the group at last reached Erebor's gates…or at least where the gates used to be…they halted their ponies. Fili opened his mouth to speak the customary words of greeting to his king, but before he could utter a sound, Flinn and Frerin began to scream and wail. Fili and Kili barely had time to grab hold of the two lads as they practically leapt off the ponies, helping them to the ground, before they raced over to Sier. The dwarf princess passed Freya off to Bergie with lightning speed and knelt down with open arms, welcoming her wayward lads into a motherly embrace.

"Ama! Ama!" Frerin sobbed, so completely overcome at the sight of his mother. "We're so sorry…really we are!"

"We'll never, ever, do anything like that again…we promise!" Flinn assured her, wrapping his arms around her neck as he buried his face in her shoulder. "Please say you don't hate us."

"Oh, my little lambs," Sier said, doing her best to speak over the lump in her throat and the tears in her eyes. "I could never hate you…either of you. I love you, my darlings. I love you so very, very much!"

"And we love you, Ama!" Frerin told her, not willing to let go of his mother…most likely for a long, long time.

"What about me?" Dis asked, her own eyes red from joyful tears. "Did you miss your N'amad?" Her question was quickly answered as Flinn let go of Sier and was soon engulfed in a bear hug from Dis, kissing the lad on the top of his head as she relished the feel of him in her arms once more.

"Da, da!" Freya squealed from Bergie's arms, seeing Fili and Kili as they too dismounted from their ponies and stood shoulder to shoulder, grinning madly at the scene before them.

"And what's got you two rooted in place?" Dis laughed, straightening up as she held her hands out to her sons. "Get over here and give me and your wife a kiss!"

"Actually, Amad," Fili said with a smile that wouldn't quit. "We brought you back a big surprise we found during our trip."

"A surprise?" Dis questioned, her eyes narrowing with suspicion. "Not like the time you brought home that stray hound and it infested our house with flees…is it?"

"No…nothing like that," Kili chuckled. "This surprise you'll like…a lot."

"You might even say you will love it," Fili added.

"Well…what is it then?" Dis demanded, not enjoying being kept in the dark. "Out with it."

Fili and Kili shared one final look of pure glee and then stepped apart, allowing everyone to see what they had been hiding behind them. And as Flinn stepped forward, a hush came over the crowd. For even though only a small number of dwarves present remembered him by sight, everyone could immediately see the striking resemblance between him and Fili…telling all that this was family.

Flinn did not know what to think. Oh…his Dis had not changed one bit, she was still just as beautiful as he remembered, maybe even more so. Yet as he watched her expression change from suspicion, to shock, and then to utter disbelief, he knew he had to say something…anything.

"Hello, Dis," Flinn began, clearing his throat as he felt the lump forming there.

And then, all kinds of chaos broke loose.

Oh no...did I just leave you on a cliffie? *blushes profusely* Sorry.

Well, there you have it, Flinn and Dis have seen each other at last. Did you like how Fili and Kili planned it out?

And did you like how Flinn got all gussied up (with no bows in his hair) for Dis?

More to come!

Guest Reviews:

abc: Liked the husband-vegetables did ya? Frerin didn't. ha ha. Oh yes, Thranduil will have a raised eyebrow or two over this bit of news. As for the bride price...oh man, you wouldn't believe how long it took me to figure out what he might ask for. Hope you like what I came up with. Well, it's reunion time! Thanks

Guest: Well, we couldn't have him seeing them kiss now, could we? Especially after Tauriel just broke his little heart over marrying Kili. ha ha. All the dwarves with them are for the wedding...they are very open minded and big hearted. Thanks.

Aranel Mereneth: Fili was very smart to send Frerin...and Kili was equally smart to ask him to shut his eyes and count. ha ha. They are two wise princes. ha ha. The reunion has begun!