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Well, apparently all a writer has to do is kill off a beloved character and BAM, the reviews come crawling out of the woodwork. ha ha. I will do my best not to let that become a trend, ha ha.
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Chapter 175
~X~
Bain's coronation was attended by many, with even Thranduil and Gandalf making an appearance. The elf king had of course been invited, but no one was quite sure how the wandering wizard had known about the event. Wizards were a mystery that way.
Yet as the day of the hobbits' departure loomed, Bilbo couldn't help but be pleased that Gandalf would be accompanying them back to the Shire. They would travel with Queen Sigrid and the company from Rohan for the first leg, and the wizard had assured them that Glorfindel and the twins would be waiting there to escort them the rest of the way. This did not surprise Bilbo, for he had come to rely on the elves a great deal when traveling, and he had not yet been disappointed by them.
However, what did shock him, as well as everyone else, was when Torin announced that he would be going to the Shire as well. This was apparently news to his parents, and Bilbo thought Dwalin was actually going to catch fire, with as red as his face suddenly became.
"YOU WHAT?" Dwalin roared, causing everyone in the room to flinch. "What do you mean? You can't leave Erebor!"
"Why not, Adad?" Torin protested. "I'm no longer a child. And if Holly and I are to discover if we're truly meant for each other, I need to spend time with her. How do you propose I do that if we are living on opposite sides of the Misty Mountains?"
"Through…letters?" he sputtered, unwilling to listen to his son's logic. "With visits?"
"I think you know as well as I do how dangerous it's getting to travel these days," Torin once more pointed out logically. "How long do you think it will be before we dare try another journey? Each day Mordor grows stronger, and I can't wait for ten years to see Holly again."
"And yet you would willingly wait that long to see us?" Bergie asked, not quite as opposed to the idea as Dwalin was, but certain that she would miss her son terribly.
"Ama," Torin began, stepping forward and taking her hands in his. "You know I love you…both of you. But if you were in my place, would you be able to go ten years without seeing father? Wouldn't your heart drive you to be with him no matter the distance?"
"Of course it would…and it has," Bergie assured him, giving Tor a knowing smile. "I left the Shire to be with your father…just as you must leave Erebor to be with Holly."
"WHAT?" Dwalin roared, looking at Bergie as if she had just spoken of treason. "You'd let him go?"
"I don't think we have a choice, husband," the brave little hobbit stated, looking up at Dwalin with sorrowful eyes. "He's growing up, making his own decisions, and we can't continue to treat him like a child anymore."
"Well I can!" Dwalin huffed, crossing his arms over his chest. "He still has ten years before he reaches maturity, even by hobbit standards!"
"And don't you think those years might be best served finding out if he would like to spend his remaining ones with Holly?" Bergie argued.
"Will everyone stop being so dammed logical!" Dwalin bellowed, throwing up his hands in frustration. "I don't like it, I don't want him to go, and that's final!"
"Adad," Torin said in a pleading tone. "I have to go. I need to know if that's where I'm meant to be. In the Shire, with Holly. I know this is a bit of a shock for you, but please see things from my point of view. Yes, I'm part dwarf, but I'm also part hobbit, and I must be true to both sides of my heritage. And right now, the hobbit side is telling me to go…to test the waters, and see if Holly is indeed the one I'm meant to be with. Please, Adad. Please."
Dwalin was silent for a good long time, with everyone standing around silently watching to see what he might say. Yet, as he looked at his son…really looked at him, even the hardened warrior could see that Torin was no longer the child he had always wanted him to remain. He stood as tall as Frodo, who was nearly an adult by hobbit standards, and his son had always been more serious minded, maturing faster than his sister or many of his full dwarf cousins. Still…this was Torin, and the bottom line was that Dwalin didn't want him to go. Yet in the end, Erebor's war chief stepped forward, pulling his lad into a tight embrace.
"I…I'll miss you, son," he whispered, his voice catching in his throat. "I don't know what I'll do without you around."
"I'll miss you too, Adad," Torin assured him, burring his face in his father's shoulder, doing his best to hide his sorrow. "But you'll still have Talin, and you know she's the better fighter between the two of us. I think we always knew I was more suited for gardening than weapons training."
"You can still take down an enemy better than most of the wet-behind-the-ears cadets I train," Dwalin told him firmly. "You've always made me proud, son. Even in this, for it took a lot of guts to stand up for what you truly want."
"Thank you, Adad," Torin said with a watery smile, trying his hardest to appear grown up. "Thanks for everything."
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And so, when spring arrived, and everyone was set to leave, Torin was among them. It was a very tearful farewell, with many knowing that this might be the last time they would ever see each other. Rory and Menegilda had offered to have Torin stay with them, even though Bergie had pointed out that her old home was just sitting empty. Yet the couple had reasoned that having a strong young lad around the house would be a big help, as well as give Marigold's mother someone to fuss over, now that all her chicks had left the nest. This pleased the hobbit queen very much, and she urged Torin to take them up on their offer, to which the lad agreed. Still, even knowing that someone would be there to help her parents with the chores and things did not lessen the tears Marigold shed at their parting.
Drogo assured Dwalin that they would carefully mind Torin and Holly, making sure their courtship was conducted in an honorable fashion. And Prim promised Bergie that she would see that Torin wrote his mother often, telling her every little thing that was going on in his life. Well…perhaps not every little thing.
Yet the one who seemed to weep the most at Tor's leaving, was Talin. She had never been without her twin brother, and from the way the two clung to each other, it was obvious that the young dwarrow was finding the separation difficult as well. Still, his sister understood her brother's need to go, and gave her blessing upon his decision.
In the end, as the company headed down the road towards Dale, with Gandalf, Bilbo and Daisy leading the way, there was not a dry eye to be seen. Rory and Menegilda were getting up in years, making this parting all the more grievous for Marigold. While Torin's leaving was the first time Bergie and Dwalin would be without their son. And so they stood there, clinging to Talin as they watched them disappear into the distance. Needless to say, it was indeed a sad day in Erebor.
Yet, time has a way of healing all wounds, and the many letters over the years did much to alleviate some of their grief. Marigold was extremely pleased that Torin had taken to her parents so well, the older couple often writing about how much of a blessing the lad was to them. He was becoming an excellent gardener as well, working every day under the tutelage of Hamfast Gamgee, and quickly rising to one of the best in the Shire. His courtship with Holly was coming along as well, with no signs of them losing interest in each other.
Back in Erebor, Talin continued to train with her father, daily improving on her skills and making Dwalin beam with fatherly pride. Still, often Bergie would find her husband on the Battlement, staring in a westwardly direction, thinking of their son.
Flinn also continued to grow, his strength and stature earning the admiration of all who met him. His skills in battle were nearly honed to perfection, with both Fili and Dwalin often finding themselves flat on their backs after sparing with the lad. No father could have been more proud. Thorin did indeed begin training his nephew for his future royal duties, by assigning him the position of ambassador to the elves of Mirkwood. The young prince greatly enjoyed his new role, and took it very seriously – but not too seriously, since he and Thranduil could often be found laughing and talking when they were supposed to be in council. After a few years however, Flinn began to take Ithil with him on such trips, reasoning that his cousin would eventually make a better ambassador to the elves than he, seeing as how he favored his mother's side in looks and temperament. Many of Mirkwood's residents responded to him quicker than they had to Flinn, and the young lad took to the assignment like a duck to water.
Frerin studied hard and was quickly becoming one of the finest healers Oin had ever trained. The dark-haired prince was always eager to learn something new, and never shied away from any medical situation, no matter how gory. He did, however, draw the line at helping with births…he was not ready for that! Many nights, Flinn would have to beg Frerin put the medical books away and douse the lights so that he could get some sleep. It was at this point that the older brother began to regret having begged his father to let him share a room with his sibling so many years ago. Still, Sier and Fili were bursting with pride over their younger son's accomplishments, telling him how fortunate they were to have their own personal doctor in the family.
Freya, after having raised several litters of kittens – thanks to Gandalf – had set her mind on the care of animals. More often than not, she could be found in the stables, brushing down the ponies and making sure they were all happy and healthy. Fili did his best to convince his daughter that this was not exactly what was expected of a princess, but Freya had never been the conventional type. In the end, Fili gave up and let his spirited lass do as she pleased.
"It's not as if I've ever been able to stop her before," he grumbled, ignoring the fact that Sier was trying not to laugh at him. "So why start now?"
Just like her father, Lili had developed a love for stone, and hung out in the gem cutting room as much as she was allowed. Flinn was rather impressed by her feel for the craft and encouraged her to work towards her masters in the art. Every one of her female cousins and nieces loved it when Lili began learning a new technique, for they were often the recipients of her sparkly trial and errors. Yet it was Dis who had the biggest collection of Lili originals, and wore her daughters work with pride.
Fili and Kili had simply adored playing big brother to their delightful little sister, and they assured their father that when the time came for Lili to find her one…they would both be at his side, eying the dwarrow with great suspicion and doing their best to fully intimidate him. Needless to say, Lili was not pleased.
Kili had turned out to be a wonderful father, and was as proud as a peacock over Ithil and Anor. The dwarrow spent every spare moment teaching them about hunting, fighting, and of course…pranking. Ithil still favored following Thorin around, soaking up his kingly wisdom like a sponge, with the elderly monarch swearing that the youngling now new more about royal matters and law than even Balin. Yet for all his knowledge and book learning, Ithil and Lili were still the terror of the mountain, the two of them thick as thieves.
Anor, on the other hand, had always taken more after his father's dwarf side, and the young lad quickly began to show a true talent for silver smithing, carrying on in the footsteps of his great-great-grandfather, Thrór. Thus, Anor too could often be found in Lili's company, the two of them mixing their respective talents to create awe-inspiring jewelry, encasing many of the lasses expertly cut gems with elaborate silver fasteners and chains.
Many times, Kili would have to go in search of both his children to bring them home for dinner, thankfully, he always knew just where to find them…at his parent's chambers.
Tauriel and Dwalin continued to make a fine team, the two having worked together well over the years keeping the mountain safe and the soldiers well trained. It had taken a few years to gain everyone's acceptance, but by her skill and respectful manner, the she-elf at last won over the admiration of Erebor's residents. Tauriel even made good on her promise, and instructed both Flinn and Frerin on how to use her fighting blades. Thankfully, Frerin only had to bandage Flinn once…when he accidentally cut his brother while practicing.
As for Rose, Raina, and Náin, well no one could deny that they were Thorin's children. Between Rose and Náin looking as if they were cut from the same dwarf cloth, to Raina's stubborn streak that ran a mile wide…many times Marigold was forced to throw up her hands in utter defeat, leaving any council or discipline to their father. However, even if Raina inherited the dwarf trait of being obstinate, she favored her mother in every other way, her bouncy curls and sunny disposition mirroring her hobbit side perfectly. And as much as she loved her home in Erebor, the little lass had long ago informed her parents that when they moved to the Shire…she intended to accompany them. This pleased Thorin and Marigold immensely.
Náin had thrown himself into the study of everything associated with rulership, ever since Thorin had told him what Khorád and the other councilors at Ered Luin had proposed. At first, the lad was a bit unsure if he could handle such a vocation, but Rose was right there to encourage him, saying that if he wished to take up the mantel of king in the Blue Mountain, she would go with him and offer her support and council. This boosted Náin confidence greatly, and so for now, the two siblings were working with that particular goal in mind.
Marigold and Thorin had no complaints, since if things worked out, Rose and Náin would then also be nearby, once the crown had been passed to Fili. For the Shire was much closer to Ered Luin than Erebor, and having their other two children within visiting distance would be a blessing to them both.
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As more years passed, the trouble with Mordor grew, bringing with it great fear. Often, when there was no moon, and the evening was at its darkest, the dwarves of Erebor could see the red glow that hung over Mount Doom, spewing fire and smoke as hot as Sauron's ire. It was this that kept anyone from daring to travel to and from the Shire, and even making it impossible for Bain and Tilda to travel to Rohan for their brother-in-law's funeral in 2980.
In battle, an orc arrow had pierced his heart, killing the horse lord instantly and robbing Sigrid of her husband, and Rohan of their king. Théoden, who had just turned thirty-two, was crowned as their next ruler, taking his father's throne with a heavy heart. Sigrid was inconsolable, but did her best to remain strong for the sake of her children, and grandchild. Théoden had married a lovely girl named Elfhild, yet after only a year together, she had died in childbirth, leaving their son, Théodred, in the care of his father. Sigrid had done much to aid her oldest child in the raising of the lad, and many credited Théodred as what had kept the dowager queen from following her husband in death. Bain and Tilda promised to come visit as soon as possible, but for the next eight years, everyone was forced rely on letters carried to and from by ravens to send word to friends and family. And as servants of the enemy began to darken every corner of Middle Earth, travel was the last thing on everyone's mind.
Yet when a letter from Torin arrived late in the summer of 2988, its contents caused quite a stir in the mountain.
"Marigold!" Bergie called, beating on their chamber door early one morning. "Marigold, open up, it's important!"
It was Thorin who answered though, still in his night clothes and looking rather irked for being roused so early.
"What is it, Bergie?" he asked, scratching at his beard with a yawn.
"Where's Marigold?" she demanded, pushing her way inside with a solemn faced Dwalin on her heels. "We received a message from Torin…and it concerns her."
Just then the little hobbit queen exited their sleeping chambers, coming out to see what all the commotion was about.
"There you are," Bergie stated, rushing to her niece's side. "We must go back to the Shire immediately."
"What? Why?" Marigold asked, quickly tying the sash around her bed jacket. "Is something wrong with Torin?"
"No…it's your parents, Rory and Menegilda," Bergie told her in a sad tone. "Our son says…that…well, they might not make it through the winter. Their health is declining and Doctor Burrows recommends that you come right away."
"Oh, Thorin!" Marigold cried, rushing to her husband as he enveloped her in his strong arms. "My parents!"
"We will leave as soon as we can arrange transportation and supplies," Thorin said, not hesitating for a second in the face of his wife grief. "I swear that I will get you there in time."
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Within the week, Thorin and Marigold were packed and ready to go, with both Fili and Kili agreeing to remain behind in Erebor to shoulder their uncle's duties. Since Thorin's stay would extend throughout the winter, with no way to return home until the snow melted in the spring, the two brothers felt better having each other on hand to back them up, should trouble strike. Flinn and Frerin, of course, went along, as well as Rose, Raina, Náin and Talin. Bergie and Dwalin were not a about to be left behind, quite eager to see their son once again. And this time even Balin, Nori, and Bofur requested to tag along, not having been back to the Shire since they had originally met Bilbo.
Tilda and Dunner too asked to accompany them as far as Rohan, the princess of Dale having wished to visit her sister for some time, and this appeared to be the safest way of doing so. Bain would have gone as well, but since Thorin and the others would not be returning until the following spring, the new king realized he could not be away from Dale that long. So, the company of dwarves, hobbits and men, set out, heading south around the Gap of Rohan.
It was a long and harrowing journey, with Thorin noting that each time they made this trek, more and more dangers seemed to present themselves. Yet he would never have denied his wife a chance to see her parents, especially after reading Torin's distressing letter, begging for them to come in time to say their farewells.
Thankfully, when they at last arrived in the green lands of the hobbits, Rory and Menegilda were still among the living…yet it was obvious that they wouldn't be for long. Marigold did her best to appear optimistic, and not let on that she feared the worst. Saradoc too was having trouble dealing with the idea of his vibrant parents' health declining so rapidly. Yet both were well into their hundreds, and thus far, the oldest known hobbit had been the Old Took, who had lived to the ripe old age of one-hundred and thirty. So it was that both siblings, as well as all the grandchildren, spent as much time with them as they could, doing everything possible to ease their burden and make them comfortable.
Torin had done much over the past decade for the older couple, and they now looked upon the lad as family, even going so far as to bequeath their cozy little hobbit hole to him in their will. At first Torin refused, saying it should go to their own children, but Saradoc already had his own place, and Marigold claimed that it would be far too difficult for her to ever live there once her parents were gone. Besides, Bilbo had already located a nice little place for them, just like Thorin had asked. It would not be ready for some time, but the current occupants had been toying with the idea of moving to Tuckburrow for a while now, and had apparently been looking for an excuse to begin the proceedings. So, in the end, Torin did indeed accept Rory and Menegilda's kind offer, the older hobbits saying it would be an early wedding present, for when he finally married Holly.
The winter was indeed a rough one, and soon it, and the cruel hand of time, took their toll. So it was, just when the last of the snow melted off the hills, hobbits from all around gathered to lay Rory and Menegilda Brandybuck to rest, the two having passed only days apart. Thorin held his wife gently, doing all he could to comfort her as she wept bitterly. Esmerelda did the same for Saradoc, while Pippin and Sam stood on either side of Merry, showing their support. Holly held Torin's hand, giving it a gentle squeeze every now and again for strength, for the lad had become rather attached to them while staying at their home over the past ten years. Everyone would miss the lively couple, but none so much as Saradoc and Marigold.
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"I'm happy that you and Thorin are planning to return to the Shire, sis," Saradoc told her a few weeks later as the pair sat together in Bilbo's parlor. "Things won't be the same without mother and father, but just knowing that you will be coming home one day makes me feel much better. Merry is growing up, and soon he too will find a wife and move out of the house. With so many leaving, you might say, it is good to know that some are coming as well."
"You just keep that in mind when the grandchildren start arriving," Marigold told him, doing her best to sound jovial. It had been hard on her, and she was just now starting to allow herself to smile once again. "That handsome son of yours is almost to his majority and I am willing to bet he will have a whole flock of lasses vying for his attention really soon."
"Aye, and I for one can't wait!" her brother laughed. "Bring on the grandbabies!"
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The cold weather was still upon them, and it would still be several more months before they could safely travel home, but in the meantime, Bergie and Dwalin were in a tizzy. For Torin had at last proposed to Holly, and she had said yes! The two were finally of age, and their hearts had not altered in all that time, making it a surprise to no one when the announcement was made.
It was decided that the wedding would take place the following month, giving them plenty of time to plan, yet not having it too close to when the party would return to Erebor. It was just what the Shire needed to brighten everyone's mood, after the sad loss of Rory and Menegilda. Thus, everyone was only too happy to pitch in and make it a wedding to remember.
Marigold, Bergie, and many of the other hobbit lasses worked tirelessly, slaving over dishes, decorations, and the dress. Torin, being a well-known gardener, had apparently planned ahead and built a sturdy little green house the previous year. And just like magic, all the flowers he had planted came into bloom only days before the wedding. Thus, even though it was still early spring, Holly was able to have the traditional wreath of flowers to wear on her special day.
Thorin offered to officiate the marriage, to which Tor and Holly agreed to readily. And with a little coaching from Marigold, he was able to incorporate much of the hobbit's traditions into the ceremony. Yet, there was one tradition that was all dwarf…and one Balin felt that his brother had woefully overlooked. And as his older brother, the white bearded dwarf was not about to let Dwalin shirk this duty…not by a long shot.
Uh-oh...what is Torin in for now?
and sorry again for killing off some characters, I will TRY not to do that unless absolutely necessary. But old age sneaks up on everyone, man, hobbit, dwarf and elf even...its inevitable. But if I can find a way to save them...I will. Otherwise, I will give them as peaceful of an end as I can.
So...Tor and Holly are getting hitched at last! I don't think Dwalin is ready for it though.
And I hope you enjoyed finding out what all the young ones are up to these days.
Guest Reviews:
abc: Sorry...I fear I made a lot of readers sad due to Bard having to die. I didn't WANT to do it, but there was just no way around it. I am pleased that you liked how I sent him off. Yep, Simek is one smart bird, and tiz true...but time flies for dwarves it seems. ha ha. Thanks.
Guest K: Yes, and I am sorry I made you all sad, but thanks for the review!
Feu d'Argent: I will try not to have TOO many sad times ahead...but the war of the rings is coming up. So there IS that. Everyone will miss Bard. I know, right? Let the poor new king grieve for a day or so first...but you know what they say, the people must have their king. I think Simek has things all figured out with Jorun and Tam. ha ha. And yes, Jorun does have Durin's blood in him...but way, way, way, way back. Thanks.
arrondissement: Romeo and Juliet were pretty young and they fell in love. ha ha. But don't worry, they waited until they were ready, but some people just KNOW who they are meant to be with from the get-go. And yes, being an 'adult' at thirty-three (or 80 for a dwarf) does give them a lot of experience with life before they get there. Really...I never knew that about Pippin's wife. Thanks for the info. Yah...I hear you, I sure miss adorable little Flinn who wouldn't take a bath unless it was in a barrel and who refuses to let anyone but his ama see him naked. ha ha. Yes, CHOOSING your one is much more meaningful, but it is the way of dwarves, so it is special to them that way too. And I know you meant Gloin and Dena...not Gimli, ha ha. AS for Torin waking up...he did it the 'hobbit way'...naturally and because of true love. Oh yes, Tam is a beauty, with Bombur's red hair and Ilin's fiery spirit. And oh, boy, please do all the fan art you want, just make sure you put it where it can be seen! Thanks.
enilorac44: I'm sorry I streaked your mascara on the Metro! But you should have just looked everyone in the eye and told them "HEY, you'd cry too if Bard had just died in the story YOU were reading!" ha ha. Thanks for the review, I would have responded personally, but you have your 'No PM response button' clicked, so I couldn't.
Guest: Ha ha, Birdbrained! Yep, we should ALL aspire to be as smart and observant as Simek. Thanks!
Guest: Yes, no one is ever prepared for a hunk like Bard to die. Not even me! And yes, Bard's grandson will have to die in battle at the gates of Minas Tirith...while his cousin Brand will be fighting at the gates of Erebor. Ironic, no? And who says Thorin will be gone? He is of the line of Durin you know...they live a long time. Having Nain be king of the Blue Mountains was not exactly my idea...a reader suggested it and I was like, Hmmmm, THAT could work! Oh, so that picture is from a King Arthur movie? Interesting. Very dwarfish looking though. Thanks for sharing.
Guest: Well, in your room reading and crying is much better than doing it on the Metro or at work, so let that be a warning to you...always read in a safe environment. ha ha. Thanks.
darkone7142: Hey, good for you for getting your spring planting done! You are way ahead of me. And thanks, I really did try and make Bard's exit a memorable one, he was worth the time and effort. he will be missed. I thought about having Thranduil come, I really did, and maybe he did a few days before this, but I just wanted this time to be about the dwarves and then his kids. With so many characters to deal with, it is hard to stick them all in and give them lines. And I would never throw a book at you! Don't you know that words can hurt! ha ha. Thanks.