.
And I just keep plodding on!
Enjoy.
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Chapter 164
~X~
The days drifted on, and soon it was time for Thorongil and his men to part ways with Thorin's company, bidding them a safe journey as they continued home. The soldiers of Rohan left the dwarves, hobbits, and elves in the capable hands of Master Rogan of Himros, who was only too happy to play host to the king of Erebor once again. It was also a perfect time for Thorin and Rogan to discuss their future plans for the coal mining operation, of which everyone was very pleased.
Omer and Maewyn were tickled to see how big Flinn had grown, as well as meet little Frerin for the first time. Mace, who was now in his teens, was more than happy to take the children around, showing them all the places he and Flinn used to play. Maewyn packed several baskets of sweets for the children, and gave Marigold a long letter to deliver to Sier. The two friends had kept in touch over the years, but neither one had managed to find time to visit like they wished, thus they remained close through regular correspondence.
The following day, Rogan had the entire group - ponies, horses, wagons, and all - ferried across the Anduin, making their journey north a much safer one by having the river between them and the Misty Mountains. This would aid in keeping most of the marauding orcs at bay, for they very seldom crossed to the east bank.
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The weather began to grow colder the farther north they went, passing between Mirkwood and the Anduin, until they came at last to Beorn's home near the Carrock. The skin-changer's animal friends had alerted him to their approach days in advance, thus they were greeted warmly - unlike the last time Thorin and his company sought out the large man's home for safety.
"Ahhh, Oakenshield!" Beorn's voice was deep and booming, yet held no hint of animosity. "I wondered how long it would take you all to arrive. We've got beds made up for everyone, as long as you don't mind sleeping on piles of sweet straw."
"Your hospitality is much appreciated, Master Beorn," Thorin told him with a bow. "The journey has been long, and though we are coming to its end, a day or so to rest and relax would do us good."
"I see that you not only travel with wizards these days…but elves as well, dwarf king," the large man stated, noting the presence of Glorfindel and Tauriel among their party. "Might your temperament have altered towards the fair folk?"
"Aye…that it has," Thorin was forced to admit with a rueful smile. "This world is changing, and I apparently with it."
"As am I, it would seem, willingly playing host to dwarves," Beorn laughed. "I don't think you've met my wife…have you?"
"Nay, though we had word through Bilbo that you sought to marry the last time he was through," Thorin told him, eager to meet the lass who was brave enough to take on a man of his size and temperament.
"Henna! Come greet our guests!" Beorn called over his shoulder in the direction of the house. "And bring the youngling with you."
"Youngling?" Thorin questioned, his look of confusion turning to one of delight when a lovely lass, nearly as tall as her husband with long blond hair stepped from the doorway, holding a little lad with brown curls in her arms. "Well, it would appear that more than one form of congratulations is in order. A wife and a son…you've been busy!"
The large skin-changer actually blushed a bit at Thorin's words, though he proudly placed his arm around that of his wife, pleased to show off his family.
"Henna, meet Thorin Oakenshield, the dwarf who won back my respect for his race. And this is my wife, Henna, as well as our son, Grimbeorn, though we just call him Grim."
"An honor to make your acquaintance, dear lady," Thorin said with a low bow. "We in Erebor were very pleased when we heard that our unique friend had taken a wife. We wish you great happiness together."
"Thank you kindly, King Thorin," Henna replied, her kind eyes and warm smile doing much to alleviate any awkwardness between them all. "Please, allow my husband to take care of your ponies and horses, while you all come inside to take your ease. We have a fine supper prepared and are very eager to hear all about your adventures."
"Aye, that we are," Beorn stated. "And tell me, how is that little bunny, Bilbo Baggins, fairing these days?"
"Our mutual friend is doing well," Gandalf told him with a wide smile. "And, much like yourself, he has been rather busy as well. We will fill you in over dinner, and then you can tell us your tale."
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Their time with Beorn was indeed a pleasant one, with the small family taking care of all their needs and desires. The children had a marvelous time playing with little Grim and all of the skin-changer's animal friends. Not to mention feasting on the fresh milk, warm bread, and all the delicious honey cakes they could stuff themselves with. Glorfindel and Tauriel felt especially content in Beorn's home, as did the hobbits, both having a deep love of green, growing things. And while the dwarves did miss a bit of meat with their meals, they were not about to complain. Gandalf spend many long hours conversing with Beorn, the two of them speaking in hushed tones, their faces creased with worry. Still, on the whole, everyone appeared to be in good spirits, thus, when it was time to depart, they all did so feeling rested and refreshed.
"I take it you'll not be getting lost this time in Mirkwood, will you, Oakenshield?" Beorn questioned smiling at the two elves as they mounted up to depart.
"Nay, with two fine guides such as these, our journey is certain to be trouble free," the dwarf told him. "Yet we thank you quite profusely for your warm hospitality."
"You and your kin are always welcome here, master dwarf," Henna told him kindly.
"Miss Henna," Kili spoke up, sounding a bit unsure, yet determined as well. "I…I've been meaning to ask, and I hope you don't think I'm being nosey, but I was wondering…does little Grim take after his father, in the fact that he can change shape?"
"I am not the least bit offended by your question, young prince," the tall blond answered with a smile. "And the answer is yes, our son has shown signs of having inherited his father's abilities. He will grow to be a fine protector of the woods and animals within it, whether he be in the form of a man, or a bear."
"That's amazing!" Kili said, giving Beorn a wide smile. "So you are no longer the last of your kind!"
"Aye, that I am not," the man nodded, looking more pleased than they had ever recalled seeing him. "Now journey well, and be sure to stop in again, if you pass our way."
"It would be our pleasure," Thorin told him. "And should you ever find yourself near Erebor, our gates are always open to you…although you might wish to arrive on two legs, and not four."
This caused all to laugh, and with a final wave farewell, the company was off once more. Heading east, they made their way towards the dense forest that loomed before them. However, this time there were no feelings of dread that had accompanied them on their last trip through Mirkwood, much in part to the fact that they had a wizard and two elves with them that knew the way.
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"Lord Thranduil will be more than pleased to host our party for a day or so," Tauriel claimed, feeling right at home among the trees - the branches almost seeming to reach out to greet her as she passed beneath them.
"And I have a present for him too!" Flinn announced, not forgetting about the little wooden dragon tucked away in his bag. "Well, it's really from Frodo, but he asked me to give it to him."
"I'm sure Thranduil will be happy to receive it," Glorfindel smiled, knowing the elf king had always been very fond of young Flinn and his hobbit sword-brother. "And I am certain he will be delighted to see little Raina as well. I can't tell you how surprised I was when Elrond told me what you had named your second child, Thorin."
"Not half as surprised as I was, I'm willing to bet," the king laughed.
"Oh, stop, you love her name and you know it," Marigold told him with a shake of her head. "The way you and Thranduil carry on, as if you are the worst of enemies, is fooling no one, so why do you even try?"
"It pleases us both to do so," Thorin informed her, giving one of his majestic huffs. "And why ruin a good thing?"
"Why indeed?" Gandalf laughed. He knew that Thorin's attitude towards elves in general had changed greatly over the past few years, and yet, the wizard also knew that Thranduil continued to enjoy the verbal banter with the dwarf king. It worked well for them, and like Thorin said…why ruin a good thing?
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"Welcome to the woodland realm," Thranduil greeted them as they entered his throne room, the tall elf seated lazily on his antler encrusted chair. "I was beginning to fear you all had found the Shire too peaceful, and decided to stay forever."
"The thought had crossed my mind," the dwarf king chuckled. "Yet I am not about to give up my kingdom just yet, though I trust that Prince Fili has been doing well in my absence."
"I have received no messages asking for aid," the elf informed him. "Thus I assume that the mountain has not been invaded, or crumbled to the ground while you were away."
"That's good to know," Dwalin mumbled, never quite sure how to take Thranduil's dry sense of humor.
"I see you have chosen to keep company with dwarves once again, Glorfindel," Thranduil stated, nodding his head in respect to the golden haired lord. "Or might you be remaining within my halls for a time once again?"
"While I always find pleasure in doing so, Lord Thranduil, I fear this time I can only afford a day or so within your walls, in order to rest. I have a matter of great importance to discuss with Master Balin upon our return to the mountain. Though I might seek shelter in your halls upon my return…that is, if I am still in your favor, mighty king." Glorfindel gave the regal elf a polite bow, knowing that Thranduil would never dare deny him anything, yet he was hardly one to abuse his position and power, simply to get his way. Besides, the re-embodied elf knew the best way to stay on the Mirkwood King's good side was to stroke his ego.
"The lord of the House of the Golden Flower is ever welcome at my table," Thranduil told him. "As are you, Gandalf the Grey. Yet, what of you, Thorin Oakenshield…will you be wishing to remain for a while in order to rest?" Thranduil inquired, eyeing the somewhat weary looking group before him. He could only imagine that traveling with so many young ones was an exhausting endeavor. Still, it warmed his heart to see little Flinn among them, his bright blue eyes shining with eagerness and curiosity. The elven lord would enjoy showing his favorite dwarfling around his kingdom.
"If you are offering to house us for a day or two, we might be persuaded to stay," Thorin told him, trying not to sound too eager. "However, we dwarves are a hearty race, and could press on if we are too much of an inconvenience."
"The elves of Mirkwood are nothing if not generous and hospitable," Thranduil stated with a long suffering drawl, making a big show of picking some lint off his robes in an effort to seem uninterested. "And we would not have it said that we turned away allies in need. You are welcome to stay…if the idea suits you."
It was obvious that neither monarch was going to come right out and express their desires, so Marigold stepped forward, giving a fine curtsy to the elf.
"That is very generous of you, King Thranduil," she told him with a warm smile. "Long have I wished to visit your magnificent kingdom once again. I still have very fond memories of my first trip though your lands."
"And what of your husband, little queen?" Thranduil asked with a raise of his eyebrow. "What might his memories be regarding the realm of the wood elves?"
"Well…" Marigold began, trying to find the most diplomatic way around the loaded question without lying. "He has often said that your prison cells are very clean and highly secure…unless one happens to bring along a hobbit that is."
There was a short pause while everyone held a collective breath, waiting to see how Thranduil would react to her words. They didn't have to wait long, however, and soon the elf king was chuckling softly – which for him was saying a lot!
"You have a fine wife there, Thorin," Thranduil told the dwarf. "Honest, and yet very wise. She is a credit to your kingdom."
"I will not argue with you on that," Thorin said, also unable to hide his little smile of pride.
"Then please, stay, and perhaps this time you might be able to see a bit more of my home, and not just the dungeons and the barrel room," Thranduil offered, having long ago figured out that this was how the dwarves had made their escape.
"Let's hope so," Thorin said with a slight harrumph, accepting on behalf of all his party.
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After being assigned rooms and allowed time to freshen up, the main party was escorted to dinner with Thranduil, while the soldiers were provided a fine meal in a secondary dining room. They had originally insisted on remaining with their king for protection, yet Gandalf assured them that Thorin and the others were in no danger within the elf king's halls.
The meal was of the finest quality, with many courses of specially prepared greens…as well as a variety of meats and breads, much to the dwarves delight. When everyone had eaten their fill…and then some…little Flinn spoke up.
"I have something for you, King Thranduil," he announced, hopping out of his chair and coming around to stand beside the elf, the small carving in his outstretched hand. "It's from Frodo! He made it himself. Can you guess who it is?"
Thranduil took the small wooden dragon from the lad, a knowing smile crossing his lips.
"Might this be little Spark, the dragon in search of his flame?" Thranduil asked, touched that the hobbit not only remembered the story he had once told them, but that he had thought to send him a gift as well.
"Yes!" Flinn answered. "He made me one too…he's really good with a carving knife."
"I can see that," Thranduil nodded. "I will be sure to send a message to the lad the first chance I get, thanking him for such a fine gift. I am surprised that he remembered the story. Do you, young Flinn?"
"Sure! I tell it to Frerin and Freya all the time," the dwarfling assured the elf lord. "And Frodo tells it to his little sister Holly too."
"Frodo has a sibling now, does he?" this was news to Thranduil, but he was delighted to hear it.
"Yah, but he's still my sword-brother, even if he has a sister now," Flinn told him in a matter of fact voice. "Oh, and did you know, I have my own sword now too? Uncle Thorin let me bring it tonight to show you, since it was made by your people…or at least we think so." He raced back to where his Uncle was sitting, taking the sheathed dagger from him and carefully brought it back to Thranduil. "Is it really from Gondolin?"
The elf king took the item in his hands, unsheathing it as he inspected the craftsmanship.
"Yes, it was indeed forged in the hidden city of the elves in the first age," Thranduil nodded. "And it is quality work too, for this blade will glow blue whenever orcs or goblins are about, very much like your uncle's sword does. It is a treasure indeed."
This caused Flinn to beam with pride, accepting it back, before returning to his seat beside Frerin.
"And what news is there from Rivendell?" Thranduil asked, looking over at Glorfindel.
"Nothing of consequence, just the same worries and concerns," the golden haired elf responded. "Orcs are ever pressing against their borders, but we keep them at bay. Yet Elrond has sensed a growing threat, mounting in the east, and he fears that it comes from Mordor."
"That foul place has never been at rest," the Mirkwood king spat.
"And until the day when Sauron can be vanquished for good," Gandalf added, looking almost weary beyond words at the idea, "I fear we shall never know a moment of peace…anywhere in all of Middle Earth."
"Well, let's all hope that day comes soon," Kili spoke up, reaching under the table and taking hold of his wife's hand and giving it a squeeze. "Since I, for one, am rather tired of constantly living under the threat of danger. A few years of peace would be greatly appreciated."
"I agree!" Dwalin stated firmly, bringing his fist down on the table. "I might be a warrior, but even I can desire a time with no fighting in order to raise my youngens."
"Ah, Master Dwalin," Thranduil said with a heavy sigh. "If only such times were within our reach, this world would be a much better place."
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The remainder of their stay was a pleasant one, with Thranduil spending as much time as he could with Flinn, as well as the other children…especially little Raina. The dwarflings were enthralled with all the twists and turns of the elven kingdom, and wanted to see everything the elves were willing to show them.
Yet on the second afternoon, the elf king took Thorin, Marigold, and their two children to a beautiful garden nestled in an open space of woods. There was a delightful fountain and a life-size marble stature of a lovely elleth. Rose was instantly intrigued.
"Who's she?" the princess asked, tipping her head back in order to look up at the stone features, carved with such care.
"This, little Rose," Thranduil told her, his tone one of deep sorrow. "Is the one your sister is named for…my wife, Queen Raina."
"Oh, King Thranduil," Marigold whispered, stepping forward with her youngest daughter on her hip, and placing her hand on his arm in a gesture of comfort. "She is beautiful. My daughter is truly blessed to share the name of one such as she." And as she often did whenever near the tall elf, little Raina reached out, begging for him to take her in his arms. He of course complied, always eager to tote the child around whenever given the opportunity. Her merry nature and happy smiles always brought joy to his lonely heart.
"And I am certain that Raina would have been delighted as well," he told the kind hobbit. "She was an exceptional wife and queen, and I believe our son, Legolas takes after her a great deal in temperament."
"I have never met your son, King Thranduil," Marigold stated, looking up at him in curiosity. "Is he still away?"
"Yes, he is, though he has returned several times over the past few years," he told her. "Yet the forces of Mordor do not allow him to remain long, and he is off once again to battle against the growing evil. That is why I too wish for an end to come to all this fighting, for I long to have my son return home for good. Though there are still enemies here to battle, he feels that he is needed far more elsewhere. And I will not deny him the freedom to go where his heart desires. Still, he will be saddened that he missed seeing Tauriel, for the two were always very close."
"Oh…how close?" Thorin asked, sounding a bit suspicious over his remark.
Knowing exactly where the dwarf's mind had gone, Thranduil allowed a wicked smile to touch his lips.
"Close enough that I once hoped that I would be able to call Tauriel my daughter one day," he told Thorin with a leading tone. Yet when he watched the stern look overtake the dwarf's face he quickly added. "Yet, my hopes were not the same as theirs, and such a match was never to be. She and Legolas only cared for each other like siblings. Tauriel has loved but once in her life, and she is with the one she has chosen."
"Oh," was all Thorin said in reply, not quite sure he liked the idea of his newest daughter-in-law ever having had feelings for another…even if it was as innocent as Thranduil claimed. He knew, of course, that her love for Kili was absolute, and the knowledge that they would soon share a child only made that stronger. But still, dwarves were a jealous folk, and Thorin was very protective of his nephews.
"Thank you for bringing us here today, King Thranduil," Marigold stepped in, doing her best to ease the tension in the air. "We are honored that you chose to share such a personal place, and memory with us." All the while, little Raina had been busy playing with the elf's long hair, wrapping it around her fingers as she babbled on about something only she understood – the child's adorable nature bringing a smile to Thranduil's face.
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Later that evening, as Glorfindel and Thranduil sat alone, speaking of elf matters and sharing a fine wine, the Mirkwood king brought up a subject that had been on his mind.
"Have you noticed anything…different…about Tauriel?" he inquired, doing his best to sound nonchalant.
"You mean different in the fact that she is with child?" the blond elf inquired, a slight grin gracing his lips.
"Then you suspected as well?" Thranduil stated, pleased that he was not the only one.
"Not only suspect…I know," Glorfindel laughed heartily. "Lord Elrond and I guessed the moment they arrived in Rivendell, though for some reason, they are keeping the fact a secret, even from their own kin."
"I wonder why they do not wish for anyone to know?" the king pondered. "An elleth can detect the moment she has conceived, and I would assume that Tauriel has told her dwarf prince the happy news. Yet not a word?"
"Not in the time I have traveled with them, no," he nodded. "Still, it is their business, not ours. Perhaps they are waiting to share the news when they reach Erebor. That would make the most sense."
"I suppose," Thranduil agreed, taking another sip of his wine. He was not sure why, but for some reason the idea of a little red-haired half dwarf half elf running around pleased him to no end. "I just hope it has nothing to do with them being ashamed of having a child of mixed race."
"I seriously doubt that," Glorfindel assured his friend. "From what I have observed, Kili is beside himself with joy over the fact, as is Tauriel. I think they just wish to tell everyone once they are all together…I know that is how I would have done it, if I were in Kili's position."
"Oh…and have you been giving the idea of being in such a position much thought these days?" Thranduil teased, watching as the elf lord nearly choked on his wine.
"Me? Married?" he sputtered, doing his best to comport himself. "After all this time? Nay, I don't think such a thing is for me. Though…should the right elleth come along…" he left his words hanging as a pleasant smile crossed his face. "Who knows?"
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Two days passed quickly, and soon they were heading north, on the road to Erebor. They passed Esgaroth before noon, then Dale not long after, and before they knew it, they were finally in sight of Erebor's gates.
"Well, they're still standing," Dwalin joked, causing Thorin to grin. "The lad managed that at least."
"Now don't you go bad-mouthing my brother!" Kili huffed, nearly giddy with excitement over seeing Fili again. "I'm sure he did a fine job ruling in your absence. A lot better than I ever would have, that's for sure!"
"Of that I have no doubt," Thorin laughed, noting that the gates in question were now swinging open, revealing the welcoming committee who had come to greet them.
"Kili!" was the first words out of Fili's mouth when he spotted the party. Then, as his two lads came into view, he felt tears spring to his eyes. "Flinn! Frerin! You're home!"
"Adad!" the two dwarflings cried, slipping down from Storm's back and racing into their father's outstretched arms. "We missed you, Adad!"
"Not half as much as I missed the two of you!" Fili assured them, pulling them close as he buried his face between their heads. "I hope you two had a wonderful trip, and now have enough memories to last you a lifetime…because I don't think your mother and I could ever stand to part with you again!"
And Fili meant every last word.
There! I got them home at last! Safe and sound.
Now we got some Hellos to do, some tales to tell, and some deep conversations to get through.
Not to mention one big surprise by Kili and Tauriel! (of course half the world knows already, from the Shire to Rivendell and Mirkwood...and come on, I'm sure Beorn could tell as well, but he chose not to mention it. ha ha)
And it looks like Fili is happy to have his family back...ALL of them!
Guest Reviews:
abc: Oh I understand when real life gets in our way! Trust me. I have not got any good writing in for five days due to that pesky 'real life' ha ha. Yep, Thorin misses Erebor. If I had a choice, I would like to travel with Aragorn and Glorfindel too...not to mention Gandalf, Thorin, Dwalin and Kili. I would feel pretty safe in that company. You will find out what news Glorfindel wants to talk about with Balin soon enough. Baby news is coming up soon! But really, most everyone knows already, ha ha. Thanks
Feu d'Argent: Good to know you are still out there and reading, even if you are too swamped to review! Yes, there sure was a big baby boom in Middle Earth...must be something in the water. ha ha. I agree, the golden king has a nice ring to it for Fili. And we know he was never called that because he died before he could become king...but NOT IN MY STORY! Thanks.