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Sorry for the late posting - or at least later than usual - but not only did I have a house full of guests the last few days, my beta was also swamped with work, and this chapter just got finished being corrected.
So onward!
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Chapter 163
~X~
The day of departure dawned bright and sunny, though everyone's moods were the exact opposite. Most tried to put on a brave face, but everyone knew there were going to be many tears as the dwarves, hobbits, and elf prepared to leave.
"Thank you for all your wonderful hospitality, Bilbo," Kili told his dear friend. "You and Daisy made us feel right at home."
"As it should be, since as far as we are concerned, you and Tauriel are family," Daisy stated, wiping her eyes with a pocket handkerchief that Bilbo had offered her.
"I'll miss ya, lad," the hobbit said with a forced smile. "And you be sure to give that brother of yours a hug from me. As well as his pretty wife and new little daughter."
"I will, Bilbo," Kili assured him. "He was really sorry he couldn't come. Maybe next time, if we leave Thorin at home." Though even Kili knew the possibility of that was mighty slim.
"And you be sure to take care of that…er…wife of yours," Bilbo told the dwarf prince, stumbling over his words in an effort not to give anything away. He was itching to say something about the baby, but Thorin's stern warning was still ringing in his ears. "Daisy and I can't be more pleased about your…your… marriage. We are just so happy for the both of you."
"As we are for you, as well," Tauriel said with a smile, though it was a bit on the confused side over the hobbit's odd behavior. Still, she leaned down and hugged Daisy, and then Bilbo, before stepping back and allowing Kili to do the same.
"Keep our room open for us," Kili said, placing his hand on Bilbo's shoulder. "You never know when Tauriel and I might be passing by and wish to drop in for tea…as well as supper…and of course dinner. Oh, who am I kidding, we'll want to partake of all seven of your hobbit meals."
"And you will always be welcome," Bilbo grinned, missing the cheeky dwarf already.
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"Oh, Bell," Bergie gasped, as Hamfast, his wife, and all their children came up the lane, wishing to see them off. "Little Samwise is getting so big!"
"That he is," the sweet hobbit lass agreed, bouncing their youngest in her arms while their four other children crowding around the pair. "But thankfully, he has no problem entertaining himself with simply his fingers and toes, nor does he appear to be one for making a fuss or throwing a tantrum. He might be the easiest one we've had so far."
"Well, don't go counting on that to last," Bergie laughed. "I'm willing to bet that little Sam here will end up surprising you yet. I can see a bit of mischief hiding behind those adorable brown eyes of his. I'd watch this one closely, if I were you."
"Now Bergie, don't you go fretting Hamfast and his wife," Dwalin laughed. "Not all hobbits are like you, with an adventurous streak and all. Let the lad be what he will…even if that means a gardener who is content with only seeing the sunrise over his own potato field."
"Yes, my love," Bergie agreed with a giggle, hugging her friends farewell.
"And don't you worry about your home, Bergie," Hamfast told them. "Bell and I will see that it's swept free of cobwebs and aired out regularly. Making sure it's good and ready for you when you come back to visit."
"Thank you, we really appreciate it," Bergie told them, giving them a final wave goodbye.
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"I'll miss you, Tor," Holly said with a sad little sniffle. "Promise you won't forget me?"
"Of course not, I'd never do that!" he assured her. "And I'll miss you too. But remember, you promised to write to me…when you learn how."
"I remember," the hobbit lass nodded.
"I…I got something for ya," Torin told her, reaching into his pocket and taking out a little box. "My adad helped me make it, but it was all my idea. I hope you like it." He then handed it to her, digging his toe into the dirt in an embarrassed sort of shuffling motion.
"For me?" Holly gasped, pulling the top off the little wooden box and looking inside. "Oh…it's so pretty!" she squealed, pulling the little pendant out by the chain it was strung on.
"And look…I carved a little holly leaf into the metal," he told her, proudly pointing out the little indentation. "Just like your name. And don't worry, my ama says that in flower talk, holly leaves mean nice things."
"Thank you, Tor," she said, slipping the chain around her neck as she smiled from ear to ear. "I'll love it forever." Holly then leaned in and gave the shocked lad a kiss on the cheek, making him turn several shades of red over the gesture.
"Yah…well…you're welcome," he blustered a bit, not quite sure what to do in the face of such a display of affection. Yes, his mother often kissed him, and even his father and sister on occasion…but never had anyone else tried such a thing.
"Oooooh," Talin called from the back of the wagon, sticking her head out as she watched her brother with wide eyes. "I think someone's in looooove!" she teased, shutting her eyes and making kissy noises.
Now Torin was really embarrassed, his eyes darting around to see if anyone else had noticed. Thankfully, most of the others were too busy talking, having missed the innocent kiss entirely.
"Oh, shut your pie hole, Talin!" Torin told her over his shoulder, his face turning beet red. Then, looking back at Holly once more, he gave her a little wave and a smile, before he turned and ran towards the wagon. The dwarfling climbed inside, giving his still giggling sister a sock in the arm as he went.
"Ouch!" she complained, rubbing the spot with a look of indignation.
"Serves you right," he huffed, sitting down on the floorboards, as a sad look came over his face.
"I'm sorry, Torin," his sister apologized, suddenly realizing that this was no laughing matter. "I didn't mean to tease you. You really are gunna miss Holly…aren't you?"
"I…I guess," he answered with a shrug. "I kind of got used to her being around, is all."
"Well, you'll always have me!" Talin told him with a wide smile, sitting down beside him and throwing her arm around his shoulders.
"I know," he chuckled, rolling his eyes. "The problem is how to get rid of you!" This of course made them both laugh, bringing a little smile back to the lad's face.
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"Uncle Bilbo told King Thorin that he'd try and visit Erebor again soon, and I'll come too…I promise," Frodo told his friend, reluctant to say goodbye.
"Well, bring my gold button when you do, it'll show you the way," Flinn stated, now as somber looking as his sword-brother.
"And when you come, you can sleep in our room with us!" Frerin insisted, very excited about the idea of hosting their hobbit friend within the mountain. "You can meet Freya too…you'd like her, and I'm sure she and Holly will be great friends."
"Of course I'll like Freya," Frodo grinned. "She's your sister, after all, so she must be amazing!"
Frerin threw his arms around the hobbit lad and gave him a big hug, still a bit in awe that he had met the famous Frodo Baggins at last.
"Come visit soon!" he yelled, racing over to the wagon, and leaving Flinn and Frodo to say their final words in private.
The two friends stared at each other for a while, not quite knowing what to say. It was obvious that they didn't want to part, yet knew their time was growing short.
"Oh, I almost forgot," Frodo said reaching into his vest pocket and pulling out a little carved piece of wood. "I know it's not much, but I was wondering if you could give this to King Thranduil, whenever you see him next." He handed the item to Flinn, who inspected it carefully.
"Is this Spark?" Flinn said with a wide grin.
"Yes!" Frodo beamed, rather pleased that his friend had recognized the little dragon from the story Thranduil had once told them.
"Did you carve this?" the dwarfling asked in an impressed tone.
"Yah, and I know it's not as nice as the carved elks he gave us, but this way he can have a little piece of the Shire, just like we have of Mirkwood," Frodo said proudly. "I didn't know what else he might like, so I went with that."
"I'm sure he'll love it," Flinn assured him, tucking it into his bag carefully. "I know I would, especially knowing you made it yourself."
"You really mean that?" Frodo asked, shyly pulling another carved piece out of his pocket. "Because I made you one too…but I wasn't sure if you'd want it."
"Why in the world wouldn't I?" Flinn said in an excited tone, taking the identically carved little dragon in his hand and inspecting it just as closely.
"Well…he is a dragon, and I know that dwarves are not really that keen on them, ever since Smaug and all," Frodo reasoned. "I didn't want to offend anyone."
"I think Uncle Thorin will allow this little fellow to live in Erebor without much fuss," Flinn laughed. "And I will treasure it forever."
"Do you think Thranduil recalls telling us that story…or even remembers me?" the young hobbit asked.
"Of course he does," Flinn argued. "Elves have really, really good memories, since they live so long." He then stepped closer and placed his hands on Frodo's shoulders. "Besides, you're my sword-brother, Frodo, and no matter how far away we might be, you know that I'll never forget you, not in a million years. And I'll always come if you need me."
"As I will answer your call as well," Frodo smiled.
Without any warning, the two lads were suddenly hugging, one wishing the other a safe journey, while the one leaving was whispering promises to visit again soon. It was a very touching moment, one that was witnessed by almost everyone standing around. They knew these two friends might be separated by miles…but never by love. It was a beautiful thing to see.
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"Now you be sure and send word the minute you get back to Erebor…or anytime in-between," Rory instructed, giving his teary-eyed daughter a warm embrace. "We'll miss you, my little flower," he told her, then turned and scooped up Rose into his arms. "And you as well, our precious granddaughter."
"We'll miss both of you," Menegilda stated, hugging Raina to her chest as she kissed her cheek. "I can only imagine how much you two will have grown the next time we see you."
"I promise this will not be our last visit," Thorin assured his in-laws, doing his best to make this parting more bearable.
"And we thank you for that, lad," Rory nodded, setting Rose down as he gently removed Raina from his wife's arms, taking his turn at telling his youngest grandchild farewell.
"I hope we packed you all enough to eat, and keep you busy on your way back home," Menegilda fretted, kneeling down as she next embraced little Rose. "I also put in an extra helping of those cookies you like so much, and a few other surprises for you and Raina as well."
"Thank you, Grandma," the little princess sniffed, wiping her eyes and trying her best to smile. "I'll miss you both a lot…and so will Raina."
"Not as much as we will miss you, and your mother," Rory said with a sigh, passing Raina over to Thorin, before touching Rose's cheek one last time. "Safe journey, Thorin. And take care of my girls."
"You know I will," he assured his father-in-law with all seriousness.
"Marigold, I have something for you," Esmerelda said, balancing little Merry on her hip as she held out several rolled up pieces of parchment to her sister in law.
"It's to help you remember us by," Saradoc added, his own eyes suspiciously moist.
"As if I would ever forget any of you," she told them with a little laugh. Yet when she unrolled the pages, she understood what her sister-in-law meant. For there, on each sheet of parchment, were drawings of all her loved ones. Rory, Menegilda, Saradoc, Esme, Merry and many others she had been especially close to. "Oh, Esme…these are amazing! Did you do them?"
"Some, but Ellie helped, she's so much better at doing faces than I am," the hobbit lass said with a blush of modesty.
"I don't know what to say," Marigold choked out, sifting through the pages with joy. "You both did such a wonderful job."
"We even made a few extra of the children so you can give a set to Flinn and Frerin's parents," Ellie Took told her, pointing to one that depicted the two dwarflings standing with Frodo and Holly.
"Oh, they will love them," she assured them, giving both hobbits a big hug in gratitude.
"And we will be sure to send you another one when little Pippin is born," Paladin added, placing his hand over his wife's stomach.
"Now, you stop," Ellie fussed. "And who's to say it will be a son this time? We appear to have great success with daughters."
"Exactly, and we now have three beautiful ones," Paladin nodded. "So, don't you think it's time we had a boy? I think we're due, my love."
"Whatever you say," Ellie said with a roll of her eyes, breaking up the gloom with a bit of levity.
And with one final tear-filled hug to both her parents, her brother and sister in law – not to mention little Merry - Thorin assisted Marigold, Rose, and Raina into the wagon. Everyone else was loaded up as well, leaving only Thorin and Bilbo standing face to face, the two friends reluctant to say those final words.
"Well, once again I am forced to bid you farewell, Master Burglar," Thorin said in a low voice, thick with emotion.
"Yes, and each time it gets harder and harder," Bilbo nodded. "Still, I have my memories to get me by till we meet again, old friend." He then turned and pointed to a tree that grew up on the hill above his little hobbit hole. "See that there?"
"The tree?" Thorin asked, not quite sure why Bilbo chose to point it out now. It was a simple oak tree, nothing too impressive, and looked to be only a decade or two old. "I see it."
"It grew from an acorn I took from Beorn's house on my first return trip from Erebor," he explained. "I know that there's an identical one growing in Dale, one I planted in the midst of battle to prove that no matter what, one should never despair. I see that tree for what it is…a promise of hope. Whenever I look at this one, I think of all the things we have been through together, the danger, the travel, the discovery, and the victories. Whenever you stand beneath the other tree in Dale…think of me, Thorin. Just as I will stand here, and often think of you."
"Dearest of hobbits," Thorin said, his voice choking with emotion. "You never fail to surprise or amaze me. May our paths continue to cross many times, Bilbo Baggins, for I shall never stop desiring to see you, my friend."
"I think we both know the way across Middle Earth," he laughed.
"Aye…that we do," Thorin agreed, embracing the hobbit one last time before he mounted his pony.
"Farewell, Bilbo," Gandalf called, raising his staff into the air. "Look for me in the fall, for I wouldn't miss the harvesting of the latest crop of Long Bottom Leaf."
"I'll save you a bag of the first cutting!" Bilbo called, doing his best to smile through his tears. "Safe journey to you all. You will be missed."
And so they departed, amid a myriad of waving hands and final calls of farewell, until they rounded the bend and were out of sight.
"Well, Daisy," Bilbo said, wiping his eyes with his pocket handkerchief. "Looks like it's just you and me again…at least for a while."
"You're more than enough company for me, my dear Bilbo," his wife assured him, snuggling into his side. "And life with you is always full of excitement!" She turned and stared down the road at where the dwarf king had gone. "And don't worry…we'll visit Erebor soon enough."
"Really?" Bilbo asked, looking rather excited. "You would consent to go?"
"I would follow you to the ends of the earth and back, Bilbo Baggins," Daisy assured him with a chuckle.
"Good, since I wouldn't dream of going anywhere without you, my love," he told her, leaning in to give her a kiss on the tip of her nose.
"As if I would ever let you," she laughed.
The two hobbits walked back up the path to Bag End, arm in arm, opening the bright green door and stepping inside.
"So…what shall we make for second breakfast?" Bilbo asked, rubbing his hands together in anticipation.
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While everyone remained a bit subdued for the first few days, still sad about having to part with family and friends, they were soon cheered by the exuberant soldiers whom they met at the edge of the Shire, just as planned. The regiment had enjoyed their visit with their loved ones very much, and rattled on about this and that, telling the others everything that had happened during their stay in the Blue Mountains. Thorin and Dwalin were anxious to hear news from Ered Luin, not having been back there since the retaking of Erebor. Thorin figured he might have to reserve a little more time on his next trip west, in order to visit there himself, just to see that they were taking good care of the place in his absence.
The days passed and they journeyed on, stopping briefly to visit the stone figures of Tom, Bert, and William, when they came at last to the troll caves. Next they rested for a few days in Rivendell, where Elrond warmly welcomed them once again. This was, however, only after making Kili promise not to pull any pranks this time, to which the dwarf prince readily agreed – having no desire to leave the elven home with his skin sporting an odd color a second time. As it turned out, Elladan and Elrohir were out on a long patrol, and would not be back before they left, but Glorfindel had returned, and had been anxiously waiting for Thorin to arrive.
"I was hoping you would allow me to journey back to Erebor with you, King Thorin," the golden elf requested. "I have some news that might be of great interest to your cousin Balin."
"Of course," Thorin agreed, pleased to have such an addition to their company. "You are most welcome."
"Excellent! And I would also like to hear all about your rescue mission to the mines last year," he added, turning to bow towards Tauriel and Kili. "Lord Elrond promises that it is a tale worth hearing, and if it explains how my woodland kin here ended up married to Prince Kili…I am certain I will not be disappointed."
"Oh, yes," Kili grinned widely, his arm snaking around his wife's waist in a gesture of pride. "It is indeed quite the story."
And by the time they finished telling him everything, Glorfindel had to admit it had indeed been an amazingly beneficial adventure.
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So their journey continued, this time with the addition of the legendary elf lord, his good humor and personable nature drawing everyone in. They traveled south, skirting the Misty Mountains, however keeping a safe distance for fear of being set upon by goblins or orcs who inhabited the area.
Once they reached the Gap of Rohan, they were met by a cavalry of horsemen from Edoras, sent out by King Thengel to aid them in crossing their lands. Much to everyone's delight, they were led by Thorongil, the dark haired soldier they had met before. Glorfindel was especially pleased to see the young man, the two apparently being longtime friends. Much of the first day was spent with the two of them in deep council, sharing information that was pertinent to only them. Yet, but the second day of their trek through the lands of the horse riders, the two of them seemed more at ease, eager to engage in friendly conversation with the rest of the party.
"Ah, it is good to see you are still alive and in once piece, Prince Kili," Thorongil teased, having ridden up beside the dwarf and his elven wife. "No further encounters with bears, I hope?"
"No…no bears," Kili mused, not appearing irritated in the least by the man's jab. "We did have to dispatch a pack of wolves that had crossed into the Shire, threatening their livestock and their homes. But no bears."
"And were there any injuries?" the soldier asked, truly concerned about the gentle little hobbits.
"Just the wolves," Kili assured him with a wide grin. "In fact, Flinn here, took out two of them himself." He nodded his head toward his nephew, who was riding Storm a few feet away, his little brother tucked in front of him in the saddle.
"Well, Master Flinn…two wolves, and at your age?" Thorongil said in an impressed voice. "That is quite a feat, you will undoubtedly become a fine warrior one day. A credit to your race and family."
"It really wasn't so special," Flinn told him, looking a bit embarrassed. "I only did it because I had to…they were gunna eat me, Frerin, Frodo, and Holly if I didn't."
"Then you are to be doubly commended, young prince," Glorfindel cut in. "For there are only three reasons why people choose to take a life. One is for personal gain, two is because they enjoy it, and the third is in an effort to protect. It is a fine thing that you fall into the last category, the noblest one of all."
"You…you really think so?" Flinn asked, looking up at the tall elf with wide eyes.
"Indeed I do," Glorfindel nodded.
"And he should know," Thorongil added, also looking at his friend with a tinge of hero worship. "For Glorfindel sacrificed his own life to save others, having to battle a fierce Balrog of Morgoth. If he had not done so, protecting those in his charge, Lord Elrond…among others…would never have been born."
"Really?" Frerin gasped, eyeing the tall blond elf in awe. "You were brave!"
"To be sure, I wasn't," Glorfindel chuckled. "I was scared to death…quite literally. Yet I could not simply stand by and see my friends, Tuor, Idril and their son, Eärendil, murdered, now could I? Just as Flinn could not as well." At this, he looked directly at the dwarfling prince, the two of them sharing a look of silent admiration. "Yet, why don't we speak of happier subjects?" The elf suggested, turning back to Kili. "So tell me, master dwarf…how long did it take for that lovely shade of purple to fade from your skin? Elladan and Elrohir were quite pleased with their handiwork, and couldn't wait to relate the tale to me when I returned to Rivendell. I am indeed sorry to have missed it."
"What's this?" Thorongil asked, suddenly very interested in this story. "You were victim to one of the twins' famous pranks?"
"They were victims of one of mine as well!" Kili stated in his defense, not looking happy about the path the conversation had taken.
"Ah, yes, I heard," Glorfindel laughed, though giving Tauriel a look of sympathy. "And while I would have loved to have seen Elrohir sporting a magnificent dwarf beard, I must confess that your wife is perfectly lovely without one."
"Yah…that part kind of backfired on me," Kili admitted, shooting Tauriel a sheepish look. "Perhaps it is best we change the subject once again," he suggested.
"Oh, no, you can't stop there!" Thorongil insisted. "This is a tale I need to hear…in full!"
In the end, it was Thorin and Dwalin who filled the soldier in on what had happened, with everyone pitching in until Kili was rosy red in embarrassment. Tauriel took it all in stride, even chuckling a bit to herself here and there, though trying to keep it hidden from Kili.
Once everyone had had a good laugh at the dwarf prince's expense, Glorfindel and Thorongil entertained them for hours by relating tales of how others had fallen prey to Elladan and Elrohir's pranks. It was all fun and games, until Thorin caught sight of how closely Flinn and Frerin were paying attention to the stories…and he wondered if they were filing such ideas away for later use. If so…Erebor was in for one wild ride!
So...there you go, a bunch of sad goodbyes. *sniffle, sniffle*
But they are on their way home now! Did you like the mention of Spark again?
And I thought since they were so close, they should have met back up with Thorongil *cough* Aragorn *cough* again, even if for just a bit.
I hope to get them home by next chapter! But we will see how slow their ponies move. ha ha.
Guest Reviews:
abc: Yes, a hobbit party does sound like a romping good time, especially if Gandalf is the entertainment. ha ha. Yep, Thorin and Dwalin know about Kili's baby, but so do Marigold and Bergie. That's why Thorin told Bilbo if he spilled the beans, Marigold would skin him. ha ha. And no one would want that! ha ha. Thanks
arrondissement: Ha ha, yes, Torin does take after Dwalin...but thankfully Torin has a nice head of curly brown hair. ha ha. Dwalin would indeed have been a 'foot in mouth' kind at that age. ha ha. No, I miss Fili too, but I did kind of feel bad that when I wrote Kili's romance it was centered around an adventure - saving everyone in the mines - and I wanted to give Kili and Tauriel a little more 'air time' ha ha. But Fili is my favorite, so having him back soon will suit me just fine. Ha ha, nope, Thorin would claim Kili has no senses! Too funny. And yes, I did know that, and THANK YOU for noticing too! It was a goal of mine, to see if my story could be number one, and low and behold...it is! Very excited about that. If you happen to be a Phantom of the Opera Fan as well, my story over in that fandom is also number one as well. I do have several of those books published on Amazon, but I still left them up on FF so you can read them for free. Thank you for all your kind words about my writing. I REALLY appreciate you saying so. Well, I am sorry for making you wait (and check your phone so many times over the past few days and get nothing in return) but I am so happy you are that interested in seeing what happens to them! I hope this chapter will tide you over till the next one! Thanks
Emrfangirl: Yep, Tor and Holly made up! And of course Thorin and Dwalin noticed Tauriel was preggers...from years of experience, they could tell when Kili was keeping something secret...or at least TRYING to. Just call him Twinkle Toes Dwalin! Thanks.