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Jillian Baade: I just wanted to say I'm getting your kind reviews but I have no way to respond to them since you sign in as a guest. But thank you so much for reading. Also, don't worry, you WILL find out the story behind the chicken, the goat and the barmaid. ha ha. Also, not sure if you've been following my new story called Mistaken Identity, but I'm about to post the final chapter for it this Monday. Thanks again!

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Chapter 130

Amrâlimê = My love

Agnât'adad = Father-in-law

~X~

At first there was a mixture of shouts and gasps from those around who recognized Flinn for who he was, causing everyone else to whisper and talk amongst themselves in shocked confusion. Thorin noted that Dis had begun to sway slightly, so taking a step closer, he took hold of her arm just below the elbow to steady her. He then held up his other hand, calling for silence.

"Flinn?" Dis whispered, either doubting her strength of tone, or her sanity. "Is…is it really you?"

"Yes, my precious diamond…it is," he nodded, holding out his arms to the side in a welcoming gesture. "In the flesh."

Dis needed no more assurance, for the sight and the sound was undeniable… it was Flinn, her one true love, just as she remembered. Though she was unsure as to how it was possible, she couldn't deny what was plainly there before her eyes. And without another moment's hesitation, she flew across the space that separated them, launching herself into his awaiting arms.

The force of her embrace almost knocked Flinn over, causing the dwarf to take a step back in order to catch his balance. Yet he instantly wrapped his own arms around her, burying his face in the warmth of her shoulder, drinking in the familiar scent of her…one that brought a wave of memories and emotion flowing over him. This was what he had held on so long for…this was the reason he had fought so hard to stay alive. And now, at long last, he had his reward in full.

"Oh, Flinn," Dis sobbed, pulling back just far enough so that she could cup his cheeks and look into his soft brown eyes. "I don't understand…they said that you were…"

"Dead?" Flinn finished for her, leaning in as he rested his forehead against hers, shutting his eyes in deep sorrow. "I know…and by all rights I should have been. But through some miracle, one I never felt I deserved, I lived…and I've come back to you, my wife…my one."

"I care not how or why…just that you're here," she insisted, running her hands across his shoulders and down his chest, attempting to prove to herself that he was indeed real. "I have missed you so much, so very much, my love."

"And I you, Amrâlimê…every minute, of every hour, of every day since we were parted," Flinn told her, unable to hold back his tears any longer. "You, and our lads, were the only thing that kept me going. The hope of seeing you all again, to be in your arms once more."

"Just as mine have ached to hold you, my Flinn." And without any warning, Dis reached up and kissed him, her lips pressed firmly on his as she slipped her fingers within his hair, pulling him down to her in a greedy fashion. The kiss was not gentle, nor sweet, instead it was infused with years of longing, heartbreak, and denial…and Flinn answered back with equal fervor. Neither one caring that everyone gathered around was staring directly at them.

That is, until the two long-lost lovers heard the sound of sniffling coming from beside them, pulling apart to see both Fili and Kili, with tears streaming down their cheeks, reaching out for a group hug. The tears were quickly turned to joyous laughter as all four of them huddled close, sniffing and wiping at their eyes as they smiled at each other.

"Our family is together again," Dis stated, a catch in her voice as she never thought this would be possible outside the Halls of Mandos. "What do you think of our lads, Flinn?"

"I couldn't be more proud of them, my love," the older dwarrow stated. "You did a fine job raising them in my absence…you are a marvel." He then raised his head and looked beyond his immediate family, his sights settling on the still stunned face of Thorin. "Yet, from what I hear, I have you to thank for much of what my lads have become, old friend. I am in your debt."

Thorin stepped closer, with Fili and Kili moving aside so that their uncle could approach unhindered. Dis, on the other hand, did not relinquish her spot at her husband's side, yet no one blamed her one bit. Flinn extended his free arm, offering his brother-in-law a warrior's handshake, yet Thorin would have none of that. Reaching out, the dwarf king pulled Flinn into a crushing bear-hug, slapping him on the back, unable to find the right words to express his joy.

"Flinn…" Thorin said at last, his voice thick with emotion. "I grieved for you…we all did. We sang for you, believing you to be safe in the Halls of Mandos all these years." He looked down at his feet, shame and remorse on his features. "Forgive me for not searching for you…we assumed you were among the slain that the orcs had burned…yet, you were not. I failed you, my sister-brother."

"NO!" Flinn was quick to state, not wanting this glorious moment dampened by needless regret. "You have never failed me! How could you know? As I said, it was a miracle that I survived my wounds at all. You were right to assume I had perished…I harbor no ill will or blame against you, my brother. None at all, and neither should you. I will not allow it. Not after what you did for my wife and sons, to step in as you did and shoulder the responsibilities that should have been my own to bear. For that is a debt that I can never repay."

"It was my pleasure," Thorin assured him. "I never saw it as a burden…Dis is my sister, and Fili and Kili are fine dwarrow. You have every reason to be proud of the dwarves they have become."

"And speaking of reasons to be proud," Fili interjected, just itching to introduce his father to his wife. "Please, come meet my one…my Sier."

Of this, Flinn seemed immensely interested, and allowed himself to be led over to where the wide-eyed dam waited. Dis, still unwilling to let go of Flinn, was at his side holding on to his arm tightly.

"Adad, this is Sier…my wife," Fili introduced. "Sier…I would like you to meet my adad."

"Flinn, son of Frár, at your service, my lady," he responded, placing his hand over his heart and blowing low.

"Sier…at yours and your family's," she managed to say, giving a curtsy. Though when she heard her own words, Sier blushed a bit. "I mean…welcome home, my Agnât'adad. It is indeed an unexpected pleasure to have you back among your kin and kith."

Flinn reached out and took her hand, bringing it to his lips as he gave her a smile that reminded her so much of Fili.

"And it is with unparalleled joy that I at last meet the lass who has stolen the heart of my firstborn, and given me three fine grandchildren," Flinn told her. "Fili is indeed a very fortunate dwarf."

"That I am, Adad," Fili agreed, wrapping his arm around Sier and pulling her to him as he kissed her on the temple. He longed to do more, but it would not be seemly in front of such a crowd…oh, but the moment he got her alone, well that was another story. And he could see from the look she was giving him, that she felt the same way…or was that perhaps anger that blazed in her eyes? Fili swallowed hard, maybe he was in far more trouble than he thought.

"Do you like him, Ama?" Frerin asked, tugging on her skirts as he looked up at her hopefully. "He's really nice."

"And he looks a lot like Adad too, don't you think?" Flinn added, grinning up at his grandfather with pride.

"Very much so," Sier nodded, looking over at Dis and giving her a smile that said so much. It was easy to see that the older dam was still quite overwhelmed by all this, and there would be time later for explanations. But for now, all her mother-in-law needed to know was he was there…and that was enough.

"And this is Freya," Fili continued, reaching out and taking his daughter from Bergie, hefting her on his hip as he stepped closer to his father. "But don't be offended if she doesn't take to you right away, she is rather shy and a bit stand-offish when it comes to strangers." Yet before he could barely get the words out, the little lass reached out her hands, stretching towards the older dwarrow and giving him a wide toothy grin.

"Da, Da!" she giggled, allowing Fili to place her in Flinn's arms, startling just about everyone around them. As Flinn held her against his chest, her face parallel with his own, she cooed and smiled, placing her chubby hands on both his cheeks and giving them a happy pat. "Da, Da, Da," she stated again, leaning in to place a very loud, and wet, kiss on his nose.

"Well, I never," Dis marveled, recognizing this as quiet extraordinary for her only granddaughter. "She has never warmed up to someone this quickly."

"Why are you so shocked…I've always had a way with Durin females," Flinn laughed, leaning down to kiss Dis on the cheek as she blushed slightly. Then turning back to his daughter-in-law he gave her a wink. "And I can see that my granddaughter has inherited your beauty, Sier. Fili will need to be on his guard when she comes of age."

"Maybe even before that!" Fili grumbled, not enjoying the thought of his daughter even looking at another dwarrow.

This caused those around them to laugh, everyone knowing just how protective the crown prince was of his little lass.

"And this is my bride," Thorin spoke up, eager to present his friend to his own wife. "Marigold, from the Shire."

"A true delight, My Queen," Flinn stated with a bow of respect, though his happy smile never faded. "Thorin indeed chose well."

"He chose?" Marigold scoffed good-naturedly. "Do you have any idea what I had to go through to convince this stubborn dwarf to even court me?"

"Sadly…I think I do," Flinn chuckled, watching the tips of Thorin's ears turn red. "You must be a very persistent lass, if you were able to tame this wild warg."

"I'm not some domesticated lap dog yet, old friend," Thorin grumbled. "I still have some bite left in me."

"I'm sure you do," Flinn laughed, yet his eyes were drawn to the bundle in Marigold's arms. "And this must be your daughter, Princess Rose."

"NO! It's not!" Fili gasped, suddenly realizing that Marigold was no longer pregnant, and that there was indeed a brand new babe in her arms. "When did this happen?"

"A lot has taken place while you were away," Thorin assured them, straightening up as he introduced his new daughter. "Everyone…meet Raina. She was born just a few days ago, quite unexpectedly, and under what might be considered very unusual circumstances." When Fili and Kili looked at him with curiosity, Thorin waved them off, letting them know he would explain later.

"I'm Rose," the little dark haired dwarfling announced, stepping up and holding out her hand in greeting to the blond dwarf.

"And a more lovely flower I could not imagine," Flinn told her, reluctantly handing Freya back to Sier so he was able to squat down to shake Rose's hand. "Happy to meet you, little Princess. Your cousins have spoken very highly of you."

"What about us?" Talin asked, suddenly at her cousin's side, eager to meet this new dwarf as well. While the reunion with Flinn had been going on, Dwalin had dismounted his pony and come to greet his family, hugging his children and kissing his wife most profoundly, leaving Bergie quite breathless.

"Did Flinn and Frerin tell you about us?" Torin spoke up, coming to stand beside his sister.

"Most assuredly," older Flinn nodded, still down at their level. "Your adad has as well, speaking quite proudly about his amazing lad and lassie. Not to mention his lovely bride…Bergie was it?" At this, Flinn stood, bowing to the intriguing hobbit beside Dwalin.

"Aye, Master Flinn," she grinned, still clutching to her husband quite possessively. "And I've heard a great many stories about you over the years as well. It will be interesting to see if you can live up to all the bragging your sons and wife had done on you."

"Oh, Dwalin…I can see you found a true match in this one," Flinn laughed. "No fear of speaking her mind at all…I like her."

"That's my Bergie," Dwalin nodded, pulling her even closer and staring down at her with adoring eyes.

Next, Balin, Gloin, Bifur and Dori all took turns greeting their old friend, while Oin, Nori, and Bofur were also reunited with their families. Needless to say, it was a very joyous time for the Durin family and their closest friends. And while Flinn shook hands and was given hugs by all around, he always returned an arm around Dis, keeping the one he wanted most, close beside him.

Fili had been quite overcome by the entire reunion, but when his eyes caught the sight of Bard and Tilda standing nearby, he realized they were not the only ones eager to have their loved ones back in their arms. Turning, he signaled for Bain to dismount and approach, the young prince having been glued to his spot, enthralled by the scene before him.

"King Bard," Fili began in a commanding tone, drawing the attention of all, even those still welcoming Flinn home. "I wish to commend your son, Prince Bain for the outstanding assistance he and his men provided on this mission. Not only did he command the battalion that took on a hoard of orcs, but he also stormed the mines and rescued our group, who were trapped inside. He is a fine man, a fine prince, and someone I would be honored to have fighting at my side. You have every cause to be very proud."

"I have ever been so, Prince Fili," Bard stated, his heart about to burst from emotion over his son's fine deeds. He then pulled Tilda in close to his side as well, looking down at her with the same fatherly gaze. "I am proud of all my children. Yet it is with great gladness that I welcome home my son and heir, commending him on the fine way he has represented the people of Dale. It is good to have you back, Bain." And stepping forward, he engulfed his middle child in a manly hug.

"It's good to be home, My King," Bain stated, returning the embrace. Yet, over his father's shoulder, the young prince could not help but catch the eye of a pretty dark haired girl, her face beaming and her gaze centered directly on him. He returned the smile, accompanied by a brazen wink, one that made her blush and look away. He would find time to speak to her soon, when not so many eyes were watching. Bain pulled away from his father and turned back towards where his men waited. "Though I would be remiss if I did not bring the actions of my second in command, Dunner, to your attention." The young prince signaled for the dark haired man to approach, bowing to King Bard with his fist over his heart as a sign of respect. "Dunner was extremely valuable to me, offering advice, wisdom and protection…to the point of saving my life in battle."

"I owe you much, then, Soldier," Bard stated, looking somewhat troubled by the news that his son's life had needed saving. "For the lives of my children are more precious to me than anything on Middle Earth. For your deeds, you will be greatly rewarded, and retain my eternal gratitude."

"I was only doing my duty, Sire," Dunner insisted in a humble tone, bowing once more. Yet when he straightened, his eyes fell upon Tilda. "And for the lives of you and your kin, I would gladly lay down my own."

"Thankfully, that was not required," Tilda spoke up, stepping forward and extending her hand to the handsome soldier. "Yet for saving my brother, you have won my gratitude as well…Dunner, was it?"

"Aye, My Lady," he nodded, accepting her hand, yet instead of shaking it, he turned it over and kissed the back of it gallantly…never taking his eyes off the lovely princess. It was rather obvious to all, that the two were currently sharing a moment…one that might escalate to something more, given the time and opportunity.

Bain, however, seeing what was going on, reached out and removed Tilda's hand from Dunner's grasp, pulling his younger sister back a few steps until she was once more within her father's protective circle.

"My father said you had his gratitude, not his permission to manhandle my sister, Soldier," Bain stated, eyeing his friend a bit more suspiciously, though there was an undercurrent of respect there as well.

"Of course not. Forgive me, My Lord," Dunner stated, sounding a bit startled. Yet no amount of censure could erase the small smile from his lips as Tilda continued to watch him with her lovely eyes, a bit of color rising to her cheeks.

Fili, fully aware of what was taking place before his very eyes, quickly tried to divert everyone's attention to another matter. This time, calling forth Tauriel, as he moved over to where Thranduil stood.

Tauriel, who had till now been holding back, very touched by the wonderful reunion playing out before her, dismounted and made her way to stand before her king. With her eyes lowered, she waited for him to acknowledge her.

"I was informed that you were of great help to the mission, Captain Tauriel," Thranduil said, not a hint of emotion in his tone…yet that was hardly unexpected. "You have done well, and are a credit to your station."

"Thank you, Lord Thranduil," Tauriel replied, overcome by his words of praise. "I was happy to be of use."

"Of use?" Fili scoffed, breaking in on the conversation. "She was more than that! Far more!" The dwarf prince brought himself up to his full height, which was still considerable less than either of the elves, and met the king's gaze. "Captain Tauriel was instrumental in the defeat of Gorbash and the rescue of the prisoners, Your Majesty. I can honestly say, that without her, we would have never succeeded in our mission. Every one of us owes her our lives."

"Indeed?" Thranudil's dark eyebrow raised, though a hint of a smile could also be seen on his face. "Is this so?"

"Prince Fili highly exaggerates my participation, My Lord," Tauriel said with a blush, bowing low before the elf king. As she did, however, the intricately woven courting braid slipped loose from the rest of her hair and fell forward, dangling there for all to see. And while Thranduil didn't seem to notice it, much less understand its meaning, someone else did.

"What in the name of Mahal's hammer is that doing in her hair?" Dis all but shouted, pointing at the symbol of dwarven courtship. She was still clinging to Flinn's arm, and standing off to the side, having been paying attention to Fili's words. Yet now she was looking around, mentally calculating the number of single dwarrow who might have had reason to interact with the she-elf on the mission.

Dis' gaze fell on Oin first, but quickly dismissed the idea, knowing that the healer would have long considered himself too old to court anyone, much less an elf. Bofur and Nori were standing side by side, yet when she leveled them with an inquisitive stare, neither one would meet her eyes, both looking intently at the sky or the ground. And even if they would not confirm or deny anything, the princess could read the innocence on their faces, and it spoke volumes.

That left only one…Kili!

Whipping around, Dis stared at her son…her youngest, her baby. Kili did not look away, he did not flinch, and to her supreme shock, he nodded boldly.

"I put it there, Amad," the dark haired prince confirmed. "And I fully intend to add my beads to it the first chance I get." He then stepped over to where Tauriel stood, the she-elf looking somewhat unsure about what to do or say. Yet all her worry seemed to disappear as she felt him reach out and take her hand in his. "Amad, I once promised that you that you would be the first to know when I found my one…and even though a few others kind of figured it out even before I did myself…but I'm telling you now. I love Tauriel, Mother, and she loves me in return. I've asked her to marry me, and she agreed. Please be happy for us."

Dis stood there, her eyes moving from Kili, to Tauriel, and then to where their hands were connected, all the while gaping like a fish out of water.

"Kili, what is the meaning of this?" Thorin's booming voice broke the silence that had fallen all around them. He took a step towards his nephew, and yet a hand shot out to stop him. Without even looking in her brother's direction, Dis had successfully halted his approach, effectively telling him to stay out of it.

"Kili…you're in love?" Dis repeated, almost as if she needed the words reaffirmed. He nodded. "And she…agreed to marry you?"

"I did, Lady Dis," Tauriel assured her. "I realize I am most likely not what you expected, or desired, for your son." At this the she-elf noticed the first sign of reaction from her king, a slight rising of his right eyebrow. This caused her to cringe slightly, fearful of what the high elf was thinking at this moment. Still, she forced herself to continue. "Yet our feelings for each other are no less real. With my king's permission, I will take your son's hand in marriage and remain by his side until we are parted by death. I only ask that you give me the opportunity to prove to you that my affections for Kili are real, and that I will do right by him in all ways."

"Dis," Flinn said softly, pulling her shocked eyes off the two lovers, and over to him. "This is a good thing…I promise. Tauriel saved not only Kili's life on this journey, but the rest of ours as well. If it were not for her, none of us might have made it back alive. Not him, not Fili, not me…and not even your grandsons."

At this point, Dis' head began to swim, it was all too much to take in, especially in such a short amount of time. Flinn had returned from the grave, her sons and grandsons were back safe, yet she had just been informed that all their lives had been in great peril. And now…her little Kili had fallen in love and intended to get married…to an elf? It was all too much, and in response, Dis felt her mind shut down, causing her to do something she had never done in all her life.

The princess of Erebor fainted.

And here you all thought she would go down from seeing Flinn again! ha ha. fooled you!

So, what did you think of the reunion stuff...

Flinn and Dis?

Flinn meeting Fili's family? Freya liking Flinn?

Marigold and the baby shock?

Dis noticing Tauriel's braid and Kili's admitting it was him?

Thanks