.
It was brought to my attention that I overlooked a very vital part of the Shire's defensive system. Thus I made a quick change to this chapter to reflect this. I hope this helps explain a few things:
The Shirriffs, also known as the Watch, were the sole form of law enforcement in the Shire, and the closest thing to a form of defense or deterrent that the Shire position of Shirriff was a voluntary honor. There were a total of twelve Shirriffs, three for each Farthing, though more could be called up in time of need (as happened around TA 3001). The only thing that differentiated Shirriffs from other Hobbits was a feather they were given to wear in their hats. Along with the Shirriffs-service, the Bounders were charged with responsibility of keeping strange persons and creatures from entering the Shire and making trouble. They wandered or perhaps patrolled parts of the Shire and its borders as part of their duties. They deferred to the Shirriffs-service and were probably deputized able-bodied hobbits that were charged with helping them in their job.
.
.
Chapter 162
~X~
Thorin and the others had almost reached Bag End, when they saw a small group of hobbits heading down the lane towards them. They all had weapons in their hands, though most of those were farm implements, ranging from sickles to shovels. Three of them had identical, long pheasant feathers stuck in their jaunty caps, causing them to stand out from the rest. However, the usual happy looking hobbits each wore such fierce looks of determination, that for a split second, Thorin found himself reaching for his own weapon. Yet when he saw that Rory Brandybuck was leading them, he relaxed.
"Thorin!" his father-in-law called, speeding up their pace. "We got word there were wolves in our borders, so I rounded up the Shirriffs and a few of the Bounders as quickly as I could. We'd just gone up to see if you wished to join us, but Daisy said you had already gone out." He then stopped and gaped at Thorin's red stained bandage. "What happened to your arm lad?"
Thorin Oakenshield, the mighty king of Erebor and victor at the Battle of Five Armies, had to chuckle. Only Rory could, and would, call him lad without fear of reprisal…even if he was over a hundred and fifty years the hobbit's senior.
"The wolves are all taken care of, Rory," Bilbo stated, stepping into the conversation. "No need to worry any further."
"What? How?" one of the other hobbits asked, looking shocked by this news.
"By bow, ax and sword…not to mention a few well-placed stones," Dwalin spoke up, giving Flinn and Frodo a little wink. "The Shire's safe now, you can all go back to your business."
There was a collective sigh of relief from the group, for it appeared that several of them had not been looking forward to engaging such a formidable foe.
"If you would spread the word to the rest of Hobbiton, it would be greatly appreciated," Bilbo suggested. "And would one of you be sure to let Ellie Took know that Paladin and Saradoc headed down to the Brandywine Bridge to tell them it's safe to remove the tree that fell over the river? It wouldn't do to have her worry."
"Aye!" one of the younger hobbits nodded, taking off at a run towards Paladin's home.
"Well, boys," Rory told the rest of the group. "Looks like we came to the party a mite too late. Yet I thank you all for your willingness and support. I will be sure to mention each of your names to Mayor Whitefoot."
Each of the hobbits nodded in reply, giving Thorin and the others salutes of admiration, before breaking off in different directions, eager to spread the word that the wolves were no longer a threat.
"Now…what happened to your arm, Thorin?" Rory asked again, not about to be derailed in his query.
"What do you think happened, Father?" Marigold said with a longsuffering sigh, leaning in a bit closer to her husband, as she looked up at him with pride. "He raced in to save the day…and ended up with yet another battle scar that I must attend to." And while her tone was meant to be sharp, the fear and worry in her eyes tempered it greatly.
"Well, I'm glad to hear about the saving the day part, though it does grieve me to see my daughter's husband bleeding, like you are," Rory said, shaking his head. He then shrugged and looked over at Marigold. "Still, I suppose that's what happens when you marry a fierce warrior of a dwarf, my dear. Best get used to it."
"No, I never shall," she stated firmly. "So you best take better care, husband, and not go giving me grey hairs before my time!"
"Yes, my love," Thorin grinned, leaning down to kiss her on the tip of her nose. "I will endeavor to do my best."
"Thank you," she nodded in finality. Then looking over at her father, her countenance brightened. "We are all dining at Bilbo's tonight, would you and mother care to join us?"
"We would be delighted to!" he replied, leaning forward and holding out his hands in an invitation to Rose. The little lass quickly broke from the pack and raced into his arms, allowing her grandfather to hoist her up. "Would you like to come with me to fetch her, little one?"
"Oh, yes!" Rose giggled, having grown very fond of her grandparents since their arrival. "Do you think Grandmother has any of those special cookies she bakes?"
"I'm willing to bet she does!" Rory laughed. "And I doubt it will be too hard to convince her to bring a basket of them along for dessert."
"Yippeee," Rose cried, clapping her hands in glee.
"I told you they would spoil our girls," Marigold whispered to Thorin.
"Let them," he replied, just as quietly, a smile on his face. "It makes me happy to see your parents enjoying their grandchildren so much. They will miss them terribly when we leave."
"Yes…when we leave," the hobbit lass repeated, a look of sorrow in her eyes. "And yet, I think it is getting to be time. Erebor needs its king, and I believe its king needs Erebor just as much."
"Nay…all I need is you, Marigold," he countered, looking down at her with all the love in his heart. "Only you."
.
.
The next few weeks passed uneventfully, yet with great speed. The party planning was in full swing and even though the much anticipated event was still days away, many of the tables and tents had already been set up in the field beneath the large oak tree. The whole Shire was abuzz with excitement.
Thorin had indeed healed nicely, with Marigold now only fussing over him half the time, and having long since allowed him to return to the smithy…but only with his promise that he wouldn't overdo. Merry was back up and running around as well, with no sign that his ankle had ever been hurt. And while Flinn and Frodo appeared to have weathered the harrowing experience well, a couple times Thorin and Kili had to come in at night and comfort the older dwarfling when he was plagued with nightmares over the incident. The dwarf king assured Flinn that it was normal, and nothing to be ashamed of, even revealing that he too had gone through much the same thing after his first kill. Granted, Thorin's enemy had been an orc, and amid a battle fought beside his own father…but it had still resulted in nightmares.
Tor continued to do all he could to get back in the good graces of Holly, and tried not to take it personally when she refused to come out and play with him and the others as much. She apparently preferred to stay inside and under the watchful eye of her parents, since the incident with the wolves. Prim and Drogo had been worried about her at first, but as the days went on, the little hobbit lass appeared to be recovering well. Even she seemed excited about the party, and talked non-stop about the food, the decorations, and all the booths that had been planned.
Saradoc, Drogo, and Paladin's families, as well as Hamfast and his, were a constant feature at the Baggins' home, all of the children becoming fast friends. The little round door seemed to never fully shut, for someone was always running in or out, the place a hive of chatter and laughter. Bilbo had become so used to all the chaos that he wondered how they would live without it once Thorin and his company returned to Erebor. He would miss them all a great deal.
.
.
Finally the big day arrived, bright and sunny without a cloud in the sky. Gandalf had returned, right on time, with a cart full of fireworks and other assorted surprises for the celebration. There were dozens of tents and even more wooden booths set up, each one offering games, wares, food, drink, and anything else one could dream up that would entertain a hobbit. As all the guests began to arrive, Bilbo was there to welcome them all, ushering them along, pointing out features he was sure would interest some, while directing others to different activities. He truly was the host with the most…of everything!
"A fine job, Bilbo," Gandalf complimented as the meadow began to fill with eager hobbits and dwarves…and one elf. "Besides being a master burglar, you appear to excel in party planning."
"We hobbits are known far and wide for our hospitality, and affinity for celebrations…no matter the occasion," Bilbo laughed, watching a group of children crowding around a booth designed to entertain the younger groups. "And I do have to admit, the promise of your fireworks later tonight was quite the draw. I wouldn't be surprised if we had visitors from as far as Buckland or Michel Delving!"
"I would hope so," Gandalf muttered, looking a bit offended. "Otherwise I would begin to fear that my reputation was slipping!"
This caused both friends to laugh heartily, before Bilbo returned to his assignment as host.
.
.
As the day progressed, with everyone having a marvelous time, the crowds did indeed swell to an almost unheard of size, leaving Bilbo to worry that they might not have enough food for all. However, Daisy, being well prepared for any situation, had taken it upon herself to enlist the help of many of the lasses in Hobbiton. So it was, that as the sun began to set, a steady stream of hobbits marched into the fields, all carrying trays, boxes, and barrels containing more food and drink, assuring that no one would be left lacking.
Once dinner was served, dessert eaten, and fresh kegs tapped for the pleasure of all, Mayor Will Whitefoot got up and stood on a small platform erected for toasts and speeches.
"Hobbits of the Shire!" he bellowed out, holding up his mug of ale as everyone quieted down, turning their attentions to him. "Tonight we all wish to thank Bilbo and Daisy Baggins for their fine hospitality and delicious food!" This was met with a round of cheers, many lifting their glasses to the now blushing pair. "Nothing gladdens our hearts, or our stomachs, more than an evening of merrymaking, which tonight was of the highest quality."
"And it ain't over yet!" called a loud voice from the crowd, apparently belonging to Fatty Bolger.
"Yes, yes, there's indeed more to come," Will laughed, knowing this night would more than likely not be over before the sun rose the following day. "But tonight also gives us the perfect opportunity to thank a group of visitors who have done us a true service during their stay. I'm speaking of Master Thorin Oakenshield, and his companions, who bravely battled the wolves who attacked our lands a few weeks prior. If it had not been for them and their skill with blade and bow, there is no telling what damage might have been done to our homes, stock…or our very lives." Here he turned and looked directly at the dwarves and elf, sitting at a few of the nearby tables, raising his mug to them in a salute. "We thank you all for what you have done, and from this day on, you and your kind are more than welcome within the borders of the Shire. To the dwarves!"
"To the dwarves!" came the riotous round of cheers and applause, causing Thorin and the others to look around in shock. The entire time they had been in residence, each had been treated decently, yet with a mixture of wary suspicion. Now to be hailed as hometown heroes, well, that was quite a shock.
"Will you be saying a few words in response?" Bilbo asked, grinning at the flustered king. "It will be expected, and you wouldn't want to disappoint everyone, would you?"
Thorin looked at his friend dubiously, not sure if he was teasing or not. But when the hobbits around him all began to call out, urging him to rise and join their mayor on the stand, the dwarf was given little choice in the matter.
"Go on, cousin," Dwalin chuckled, shoving at Thorin in an effort to get him to rise. "Show 'em that the king of Erebor can be gracious. Or…at least as best as a pompous windbag like yourself can muster."
This earned a stern look from Thorin, yet he did indeed rise to his feet and make his way up to the platform, amid another round of applause.
"Umm," Thorin began, clearing his throat and looking out over the sea of hobbit faces. He was more than used to giving speeches back home, but he had not anticipated having to deliver one here…and certainly not tonight. Suddenly he missed Balin, and his fancy way with words, always there to aid him in sounding more dignified than he truly was. Still…he was sure he could manage something. He hoped. "We thank you greatly for your kind words of appreciation. And it was our pleasure to be of assistance in your time of need. We have enjoyed your hospitality, your kindness, and are glad that we were able to repay you in some small way. A handful of your fine folk journeyed to Erebor half a dozen years ago, offering their services to us in a project that has since produced its yield tenfold. It was our honor to offer you aid, thus continuing to strengthen the friendships and ties between Erebor and the Shire. May your pantries never run empty, and the hairs on your feet never fall out."
The calls and cheers that rang out were near to deafening, and as Thorin looked over at his wife, kin, and friends, he saw that they were clapping just as enthusiastically. He had apparently done well.
"And now, friends," Mayor Whitefoot shouted over the noise. "What say we get to the music and dancing? And if Master Thorin will permit me, I would ask for the privilege of a turn around the floor with his lovely wife, Marigold. Might I have your permission?"
"Aye…but only after I've had the privilege of dancing with her a few times myself," Thorin chuckled, liking the pudgy hobbit, but still not willing to give up his chance to hold Marigold in his arms. After all…dwarves were a jealous lot by nature, and Thorin was definitely a dwarf!
.
.
Thorin did indeed dance with his wife many times, as well as with Bergie, Daisy, Menegilda, and even Esme Brandybuck, before the night was over. Yet most of the time he spent at Bilbo's side, smoking his pipe and chatting with the pleasant hobbit. They would be leaving for home soon, and the two friends were beginning to feel the melancholy setting in over the prospect.
"You will come back to Erebor yourself soon, won't you?" Thorin asked, looking over at Bilbo in anticipation. "You can't expect us to always be the ones journeying across Arda, can you?"
"Nay, we'll come. Though I do have to say that your people are far more adventurous than mine," Bilbo laughed, blowing a perfect smoke ring into the air, watching as it floated over the darkened hills before fading from sight. "I'll see what I can do about convincing Daisy to make a trip to the Lonely Mountain within the next decade or so. Until then, you just keep those letters and updates of your family coming."
"Agreed," Thorin nodded, turning his attention back to the merry gathering laid out before him. Flinn and Talin were zipping around the dancefloor, bumping into people and laughing the whole time, while Rose and Frerin were also doing their best as well. Though the king noted that his youngest nephew appeared to have two left feet and caused his daughter a bit of pain every time he stomped on her toes. Frodo and Pearl, Paladin's oldest daughter, appeared to be doing much better as a couple, even if the lad looked a bit uncomfortable, unsure about the proper steps. Rory took the opportunity to dance with Marigold, while Menegilda sat nearby, happily bouncing Raina on her knee, amid peals of laughter. Everyone appeared to be having a wonderful time.
All but Torin, that was, for he was standing off to the side, eyeing little Holly Baggins with what could only be described as a pout. Thorin noticed that something had caused a strain on the children's friendship, but he had been warned by Marigold not to interfere. So, leaving it in the capable hands of his wife, he had put it out of his mind.
"Why are Kili and Tauriel not dancing?" Bilbo asked, taking note that the dark haired prince and his elven wife were relaxing at a table, watching the merriment, but not joining in. "From what I remember, Kili's typically the life of a party, on his feet the whole time and never lacking for a partner. Is Tauriel not the dancing kind? Or do they fear they look an odd pair when they do?"
"Oh, they do make the odd pair, in height, that is," Thorin chuckled. "Yet that never stops them, nor do they appear to notice. I'm certain that Kili, being the overprotective dwarf our race is known to be, simply does not wish to overtax his wife, or put any undue stress on their unborn child."
Bilbo, who had just taken a drink of his ale, spit it out all over the grass before him, causing Thorin to pull away, not wishing to be caught in the spray.
"THEIR WHAT?" Bilbo rasped out, choking on both air and ale. "Why didn't anyone say something?"
"We're not supposed to know," Thorin informed him, wiping ale droplets off of his trouser legs with a look of irritation. "And you can't tell them I told you either."
"Why keep it all hush-hush?" the hobbit asked, looking over at Kili and Tauriel with renewed wonder. "I think its great news!"
"So do we!" Thorin huffed, apparently frustrated by all the secrecy as well. "But they have yet to inform us of the blessed event, Mahal only knows why, thus we're respecting their privacy. Dwalin thinks it's because Tauriel does not wish to stand down from her position just yet, being a warrior and all. I think it has more to do with the fact that Kili wants his brother to be the first to know. Yet, for whatever reason, they apparently intend on telling everyone when the time is right for them…thus we wait."
"Oh, my!" Bilbo gasped, sitting up a bit straighter. "And you let Tauriel fight wolves knowing she was with child?"
"Like I said, Tauriel is a very capable warrior," Thorin stated firmly. "Next to Dwalin, there is none other I trust more with the lives of my family and friends. And if she feels she can engage in such activities, who am I to stop her? Besides, with both Kili and Dwalin watching over her, she was in no real danger. The two of them would have laid down their lives to protect her."
"But if Kili and Tauriel haven't said anything, how did you find out?" Bilbo queried.
"Dwalin and I are both fathers, and we know the signs better than most," Thorin assured his friend with a sly grin. "The little looks Kili gives her when he thinks no one is looking, how she often lays her hand upon her stomach in a loving manner, or how my nephew has been overly delicate with Tauriel ever since Rivendell. That's when Dwalin and I think it happened. And also, since leaving Elrond's home, they both just seem more at ease…more content." Thorin took a few puffs on his pipe, appearing deep in thought. "I know they've wanted a child for some time, and with Dis and Flinn being blessed just recently, I can imagine that only heightened their desire for one of their own. Now, there seemed to be no tangible anxiety in that department, they appear…relaxed."
"Well, I'm happy for them!" Bilbo grinned. "And I promise not to say a word."
"Good, since if you do, Marigold and Bergie would likely skin you alive…just as they said they would do to Dwalin and I if we said anything in front of the couple," Thorin laughed. "I suppose they'll tell us in their own time, more than likely when we get home. Until then…well, let's just say it's going to be a long journey, and we'll have to watch our tongues carefully."
"I'll say," Bilbo nodded, knowing how hard it was not to say something, especially when it was such good news.
"How about you, old friend?" Thorin asked, looking to change the subject…somewhat. "Any plans for children between you and Daisy?"
"No…no child for us," he told his friend in a somewhat sad but final tone. "It seems that it's simply not in the cards. But we are content, and we have named Frodo as our heir. Besides there are always enough fauntlings around our house to make sure we're never lacking in that department."
"As long as you're happy, Bilbo, that's all I could ask for you," Thorin nodded, understanding that no life was ever perfect, and that disappointments were things one must come to except. Even he, with his lovely wife and perfect little daughters still secretly wished for a son…and yet at the same time not. A son of his might one day feel slighted due to his hobbit blood preventing him from taking the throne. While Rose and Raina would never have aspirations for the crown, even though they would always be highly respected and seen as true princesses of Erebor. Thorin was more than pleased to pass the mantel of rulership to Fili; he had definitely earned it, and would be a fine king, one his people already respected and followed without question. Still…he understood Bilbo's predicament, and sympathized with him.
"So…when do you think you'll be leaving?" the hobbit asked, though fearing the answer.
"Two weeks," Thorin answered, also with a twinge of sadness in his tone. "We do not wish to delay too long and risk running into trouble, or arriving home after Durin's Day. We might be going by way of the Gap of Rohan, but the weather can turn on you in a blink of an eye…and it would be best to be safe inside the mountain when the snows come."
"Aye, that it would," Bilbo nodded in understanding. "We will miss you though," he stated. "Things won't be the same without you, old friend."
"And nothing has been the same in Erebor since you left," he said in return. "Hobbits are rather unique creatures, and there never seems to be a dull moment when one is around."
"Ahhh, and you would know that more than most," Bilbo laughed. "After all…you married one."
"That I did," Thorin agreed, grinning from ear to ear. "And I've never regretted it. Not for one moment."
.
.
Kili and Tauriel sat snuggled against each other, enjoying the sights and sounds of the party around them. The dwarf prince had already emptied, and refilled, his mug half a dozen times, and seemed in no hurry to stop. He couldn't help but wish that Fili or Bofur were there to celebrate with him. It wasn't quite as much fun drinking alone, and Tauriel had firmly refused to touch a drop of spirits since Rivendell. Dwalin had willingly downed a few with him, but then was stolen away by Bergie, begging her surefooted warrior to dance with her. The two were currently putting on quite a show, impressing everyone around them.
"Are you sure you do not wish to dance?" Tauriel asked, eyeing her husband suspiciously. "You appear to be concentrating on the festivities quite a lot."
"No…I was just watching Bergie and Dwalin," he assured her with a grin. "It still surprises me to see how light on his feet he is, especially for being such a lumbering troll."
"You do him a great disservice, husband," Tauriel scolded. "To be such a fine warrior, he would naturally have ample grace and agility. Perfect for both battle…and dancing. He is one of the best I've seen at both."
"Oh?" Kili asked, looking up at her with concern in his eyes. "And what about me? How do you view my battle and dancing skills?"
"Top of the class," she assured him with a wink and a smile. "Among a few other things I would certainly place you first at. You are a very well rounded dwarf, my love, with many fine-tuned skills."
"Well…that's more like it," he nodded, grinning wickedly up at her. "And even though I think dancing might be too strenuous on you and little Ithil…" Here he reached over and quickly gave her tummy a secretive pat. "I believe if we sit here nice and quiet, conserving our strength, we might be able to do a little undercover dancing of our own later. What do you think of that?"
"Need you ask, my love?" Tauriel giggled, loving that hungry look in her husband's eyes.
"Well…I never want you to think I would just assume, or take your desires for granted," he told her, lifting her hand to his lips and kissing her palm suggestively.
"Then be assured that my desires are very much in tune with yours," Tauriel stated, letting her thumb brush across his lips, which were still turned up in a wide grin. "Now, stop looking at me like that, or I fear we will be required to cut this evening short, and I don't wish to leave before Gandalf's fireworks. After all, we missed out on them last time…remember?"
"How could I forget?" he said, letting out a low moan of desire, as well as frustration over having to wait. "Yet, I promise not to deprive you of them a second time…but only if that old wizard doesn't take all night before lighting them off!"
"Agreed," Tauriel told him, squeezing his hand as they continued to watch the dancing.
.
.
Torin had finally had enough. He had waited and watched most of the evening, looking for the perfect opportunity to ask Holly to dance, and thus far none had presented itself. So, throwing caution to the wind, he stomped over to where the little hobbit lass sat on a tall bench between her parents, her short little legs swinging back and forth merrily, unable to touch the ground.
"Holly," he began, having to clear his throat a few times before he could speak correctly. "Would you…I mean…do you want to dance…with me?" He then held his breath, waiting for the heartbreaking sound of her brushing him off once more. For he had asked her several times over the past weeks if she wanted to play, go for a walk, or dig in the garden at Master Gamgee's home, and every time he was left disappointed. So you could have knocked him over with a feather when this time…she said yes!
"I would love to dance with you, Tor," she told him with a little grin. "Thank you for asking."
The dwarfling was then left speechless, not knowing what to say or do next, but somehow he managed to extend his hand, helping her off the bench while her parents gave each other a knowing wink. Tor led Holly to the dance area, where they began to step side to side, a bit stiff and awkward, but both children had smiles on their faces.
"I…I was afraid you would say no…again," Torin told her after a few minutes of silence. "I was starting to think you didn't like me anymore."
"Of course I like you, Tor," she assured him, though she refused to make eye contact as she did. "I was…well…my feelings were a bit hurt, and then with all the stuff that happened with the wolves…I was just…just…"
"Mixed up?" Torin offered, seeing that she was lost for words.
"And scared," she nodded. "I just didn't feel like doing anything but stay home, where I felt safe. But I think I'm better now, really."
"Good, because I…well, I kind of missed you, Holly," he revealed, his ears turning a bit pink at the tips.
"I missed you too, Tor," she admitted, smiling back at him. "And I'll miss you even more when you go home."
"Yah…but we can write to each other," he suggested. "I mean…after I learn how to write proper, that is."
"Oh, yes!" Holly told him excitedly. "I'd like that."
"And you never know, we might be coming back to visit again real soon," he added hopefully. "After all, my ama is a hobbit and this was her home, so my adad said he would keep bringing her back for visits and stuff."
"I hope so," the lass said. "But until you leave, we can still play and have fun, can't we?"
"Sure! Would you like to go fishing down at the pond tomorrow?" Torin asked eagerly.
"All right…but you'll have to put the worm on the hook for me," she said, scrunching up her nose in distaste over the slimy job.
"Deal!" he told her with a wide grin, suddenly happier than he had been in a long time.
.
.
"Well…will you look at that," Bergie muttered, jerking her head to the side and causing Dwalin to turn in that direction. "It would appear that your son finally made up with Holly."
"Finally made up?" he asked, eyeing the young couple with furrowed brows. "Were they at odds?"
"You hadn't noticed?" she asked, pulling back a little from her dance partner and giving him a confused look. "Torin's been moping around for weeks trying to get the little lass to forgive him for his thoughtless words."
"What did he say?" Now Dwalin seemed upset, not liking the idea that any child of his would have been rude…especially to a sweet child, like Holly.
"Nothing that matters now," Bergie assured him, finding it funny that the irony was completely lost on her own less than tactful husband. "Let's just say that your son learned a very valuable lesson about females. One that will serve him well in the years to come. And who knows…one day, Holly might end up being our daughter-in-law. Wouldn't that be nice?"
"What? How?" Dwalin said with a scoff. "Dwarves don't come of age until they are in their seventies. Holly will have long since married by then."
"Not necessarily," Bergie argued. "Torin is part hobbit as well, you know. And who's to say he won't take after my side and begin sparking with the lasses at a much younger age? It could happen. After all, out of both our children, he is more hobbit-like than dwarf. Just look at his feet!"
"But his ears are all dwarf," Dwalin countered, not sure if he liked the idea of his son growing up too quickly. "Still…I guess he got the best of both worlds, and no matter who he takes after, I still couldn't love him any more than I do now."
"Then we'll simply have to keep an eye on things, and perhaps you will be giving Torin that father/son talk sooner than you thought," Bergie laughed, knowing that her husband was dreading that day a great deal.
"I suppose I can handle Torin eventually taking a fancy to the opposite sex…but I draw the line at Talin!" he stated firmly. "She will not be finding her one until I am good and ready, understand?"
"Until you're good and ready?" Bergie scoffed. "And when will that be? Never?"
"And then some!" he told her. "Now, let's stop discussing our children's future love lives and concentrate on dancing. There'll be plenty of time for that kind of disturbing talk later, and having you in my arms like this is a real treat, so I don't intend to waste a moment of it."
"Then spin me, you big brute, and show these hobbits how it's done!" Bergie laughed merrily, as Dwalin did just that, the two of them dancing nearly ever dance for the rest of the evening.
.
.
The night was indeed capped off with a fabulous display of fireworks. And this time, Gandalf got to shoot off the one shaped like a large fire-breathing dragon, causing several of the adults to scatter in fright, while the little ones clapped with delight. Thorin placed his arm around his wife's shoulders and looked down at little Raina, who was snuggled against her chest, sound asleep. It was moments like these that he lived for, moments when he could just be Thorin…husband and father.
Still, the mountain called to him and he knew he would return to take up the mantel of king once more. But someday, they would come back to the Shire, build a new life and live in peace. He looked forward to that day, when Fili had been crowned king, and Erebor was in the fine care of his nephew.
"Are you ready to go home?" Marigold asked, as if reading her husband's mind.
"Are you?" he countered, searching her eyes in hopes of learning the truth.
"I am," she assured him with a smile. "It was nice to be back here for a while, but I can't help but miss our other family and friends…not to mention our own bed. Bilbo's place is nice, but I fear the walls are a bit too thin for my liking. I now prefer the thick stone of Erebor."
"Afraid that you might become too loud while we are being amorous?" Thorin teased, knowing that his little wife could be rather wild at times…much to his delight.
"Something like that," she giggled, blushing slightly. "But to me, Erebor is home…for now. And wherever you are, that is exactly where I wish to be."
"Me as well, my precious gem," Thorin told her with a kiss on the cheek. "Always."
So there you have it, the final hoo-hah at the Shire. And a good time was had by all.
Even Tor and Holly made up.
Next will be the trip home.
Guest Reviews:
abc: Yep, Flinn and Frodo were both very brave and they will indeed have stories to tell for years and years to come. Thorin was a big help, and I think Marigold has become a bit more used to him wounding himself these days, and thought she still fusses, it is more with exasperation really. ha ha. It is a far cry from back when they were courting and Dwalin nicked him in their sparring session. ha ha. Yes, all good things must come to an end, and so their visit must as well. AND this story too, if I can just wrap it up with a nice bow. ha ha. Thanks
arrondissement: Yes, our boys were brave and Holly is still nursing a bit of bruised feelings...but she will get over it soon enough...oh, look...she just did! ha ha. That would have been sweet if he had fixed up a tea party for her...but that is not high on a lad's list of things to do at this age. ha ha. Fishing is more his speed. Glad you like the name I picked out for Tauriel and Kili's son. And don't worry...I got every other name already chosen as well. Wait for it... ha ha. And NOOO, don't cry! THAT will never happen, not in a million years. BECAUSE I won't let it, and I won't take my story that far, so you don't have to worry about it, or even imagine it happening! An that's final. ha ha. Yah...humans and elves with hobbits? Too strange I think. ha ha. However, if Kili and Tauriel can deal with the height thing just fine, why not them? ha ha. Thanks.