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Ok, one more chapter with a little sad stuff in it, but then we get to more happy times and adventure. OK? So grab the tissues and get to reading.
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Chapter 178
~X~
The marriage of Jorun and Tam had infused life back into the mountain, giving the dwarves of Erebor something, other than the encroaching enemy, to focus on. Yet no one was more tickled over the even than Bombur and Ilin. As expected, the pleased parents welcomed Jorun with open arms, and the fact that he had a touch of Durin's blood in him, only made him all the more appealing. Besides that, he was a raven keeper, which was a very prestigious and sought after position among the dwarves of Erebor, causing Bombur to strut around proudly, telling all that would listen about the fine catch his Tam had made.
Now, if they could only find a lass for Bram!
Bergie and Dwalin were also blessed with happy news from Tor and Holly, announcing that they would at last be grandparents. Many had worried that the young couple were never going to have children, but nearly twenty years after their wedding, it finally happened. A trip to the Shire was immediately planned, in hopes of being there for the birth, but word of increasing dangers on the road forced them to postpone the journey, having to wait for a safer time.
Thus it was, through messages delivered by the ravens, that Holly eventually gave birth to a strong and healthy lad, whom Torin named Fundin. This left Dwalin in tears over the news, very touched that his son would think to name his child after his grandfather. Bergie and her husband now desired even more to go for a visit…but with orc attacks and wild-men ravaging the countryside, Thorin strictly forbade it. Still, letters were still sent back and forth, and Esme Brandybuck and Ellie Took were kind enough to sketch pictures of the growing lad, offering the proud grandparents a glimpse into the life of little Fundin.
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More years flew by, and sadly, with them passed many of their friends from Dale. Sigrid, Bain, Brenna, and Dunner, all succumbed to time and old age, leaving Tilda the last of Bard's children yet living. When her time was near, her children and nephew, King Brand, called the dwarves to her side, allowing the princess to say her farewells.
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"Fili…Kili," Tilda spoke, her voice cracking a bit from emotion. "Many will say I had only one brother…Bain, but in truth, I had three. You two have brought me equal amounts of aggravation and joy, just like any sibling, and I've treasured our friendship from the first time I laid eyes on you."
"As have we, our dearest Tilda," Fili assured her, his own voice hoarse from grief. "For the longest time you were our only sister, and we've enjoyed tormenting you like any older brothers would."
"More even," Kili added, doing his best to smile. "Since you were never afraid to get us back for each and every silly prank and trick."
"And while I might have seemed angry at the time," Tilda chuckled. "I wouldn't trade a moment. We had a lot of fun, the three of us."
"That we did," Fili nodded. "Though, I still think Dunner worried that we would make good on our threats and do him bodily harm."
"And we would have too," Kili stated firmly. "If he had ever hurt you, our dear Tilda, we would have skinned him alive."
"With one of Fili's many, many blades?" she asked, her wide smile making her appear less frail.
"Of course," Fili assured her, patting his coat in affirmation.
"Well, now you have your own true sister, Lili, to watch over," Tilda continued, reaching out and taking both dwarves by the hand. "And if you smother her with as much love and protection as you did me…she is a fortunate dam indeed. Take care of yourselves, my dear, dear friends. Promise that you'll think of us all from time to time, and remember with fondness the day you climbed out of our toilet, and into our lives."
"We will never forget," Kili swore.
"And we'll never forget you either," Fili added.
The two leaned down and kissed both her cheeks, not even caring that they could taste the salty tears that mingled there…both theirs and hers.
And as Princess Tilda of Dale passed into legend, Fili and Kili mourned deeply.
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Brand continued on as king of Dale, working to fortify the city, as well as strengthen their army and defenses. Mordor had become an imminent threat from the south, while the orcs from the north and Easterlings from Ruin were growing bolder and more dangerous each year. It was at this time that Thorin was almost glad that Bilbo was safe in Rivendell, and not in Erebor where war loomed on the horizon. Mirkwood had also reported an increase of activity on their southern borders, the enemy in Dol Guldur growing stronger and more deadly. Times were changing…and not for the better. The situation truly irked both Dwalin and Bergie, who wanted nothing more than to travel to the Shire and see their new grandson. Yet even Dwalin would not risk taking his wife over such dangerous terrain, insisting that they remain put until things were safer. As time went on, Thorin wondered how long before Erebor would be faced with open war.
Sadly, the answer came sooner than they anticipated.
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One night, in early summer of 3018, a strange figure came to the gates of Erebor, demanding an audience with the king. Normally the guards would not have dared to disturb the king at such a late hour, but the visitor so unnerved them, that Thorin was called forth. Fili, Kili and Dwalin stood at his side, weapons at the ready, should the stranger's motives prove ill.
"Who are you, and why have you summoned me?" Thorin asked in a stern voice, though a cold shiver ran up his spine at the mere sight of the cloaked figure. "State your business and be gone."
"I am a servant of Sauron, the Great Lord of Mordor, and he bids me greet you with words of friendship, oh mighty king of Erebor," the creature said, his voice coming out in a strange hiss, much like a snake ready to strike. "In exchange for your loyalty and aid, he is willing to provide you with many gifts, such as rings of power, much like he gave to your ancestors of old."
"And what exactly would we be required to do, in return for such gifts?" Thorin spat, knowing that the rings had been nothing but a curse to his people, a trick by Sauron to bring them under his dominion.
"Nothing of consequence, the mere smallest of favors," the servant of the dark lord replied. "My lord Sauron desires information concerning the creatures known as hobbits, specifically one going by the name of Baggins. For he has heard that one had dealings with your kind in the past. This thief has stolen from my master something that he wishes returned…a simple gold ring. It is but a little thing, a trifle really, but the lord of Mordor fancies it. Find this Baggins, and get from him what Sauron seeks, and the three remaining rings that your dwarf-sires possessed will be returned to you, as well as the realm of Moria." The hooded figure leaned forward, a pair of disturbing red eyes seemed to glow beneath his hood. "Do you refuse?"
"I say neither yea nor nay," Thorin informed him in a commanding tone. "I must consider this message and whether what you offer is of true benefit to my people."
"Consider well…but not too long," the stranger warned. "For Sauron has also made this offer to others, and he will only reward the ones who do his bidding…and bring retribution on those who refuse."
"The time of my thoughts is my own to spend," answered the king, crossing his arms over his chest and giving the creature a menacing glare.
"For now…perhaps," he responded, before mounting his horse and riding off into the night.
"What was that?" Kili whispered, stepping forward and placing his hand on his uncle's shoulder. "He appeared as no man I've ever seen."
"It was a foul servant of an even fouler master," Thorin said through gritted teeth. "His offer may have seemed benign, but even a fool could hear the menace and deceit in his words. And the fact that he offered me all three of the surviving rings of power given to the dwarf lords only proves to me that Sauron was responsible for my father's death. For Thráin was wearing his ring, passed down from Durin the Third, when he disappeared many years ago. It is clear that the power which has reclaimed Mordor has not changed, and is ever the betrayer of old. Sauron cannot be trusted, and never will the dwarves fall victim to his lies and deceit again!"
"Who do you think he meant when he said others have been offered the same as us?" Fili asked, not at all liking the idea that someone might at that very moment be contemplating betraying Bilbo.
"My guess would be Dain and Brand…perhaps even Thranduil," Thorin mused. He then turned to a guard standing nearby. "You, take five others and go to Dale immediately. Tell king Brand that I desire to take council with him first thing in the morning. I must know whom the dark lord would try to make my enemies." The guard bowed and raced off to fulfill his assignment. Thorin then turned and looked at Dwalin and his nephews, the three of them wearing the same look of fear and worry as he. "We must protect Bilbo…at all costs."
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The following morning, the king's council chambers was full, with everyone talking at once, yet no one knowing what to say.
"What are we going to do, Uncle?" Fili asked, slamming his fist down on the table before him. "The servants of Mordor are searching for Bilbo!"
"I know," the king grumbled, uneasy that their friend was now the focus of the enemy. "The question is…why?"
"Why does Sauron do anything?" Kili commented, throwing his hands up in disgust. "But we know that whatever the reason…it can't be good."
"He claimed that Bilbo was a thief…that he stole a ring from Sauron," Thorin reminded them. "Do any of you ever recall Bilbo having a ring?"
When all shook their heads, unable to remember seeing the hobbit ever wearing any kind of jewelry at all, Thorin continued.
"Yet that is what they claim we must retrieve from our friend," he muttered. "However, I fear that even should this token be restored to him, Sauron will not overlook such an offense, and that Bilbo's life is in grave danger."
"The cloaked messenger came to Dale as well," Brand told the dwarves, the king of Dale having arrived at sunrise to take council with Thorin over the distressing matter. He had brought his son, Prince Bard, with him. The young lad being only nineteen, yet taking after his great-grandfather in more than name only. Often, when Thorin caught sight of the lad, he could almost believe that his old friend walked the earth once more, the two being so alike in looks. "He also tried to tempt me with offers of power and riches, if I would give him information about hobbits…and the name of Baggins. I sent him away empty handed, offering nothing that might betray my grandfather's longtime friend."
"And we thank you for your loyalty, King Brand," Thorin told him with a nod of gratitude. "Yet we do not know how many other he has attempted to bribe."
"Well, you can count me as another," came the unmistakable voice of Dain, the robust dwarf striding into the room with a look of pure rage on his face. "The vile creature dared to darken my door as well a little over a week ago."
"Dain!" Thorin said in astonishment. "When did you get here?"
"Just a few moments ago," the lord of the Iron Hills replied, walking through the parted crowd until he stood before his cousin. "I saddled my boar, gathered some troops, and rode as quickly as we could to warn you. Yet from what I just overheard, it would appear I'm too late."
"Your coming is greatly appreciated, as is your council, Dain," the king assured him. "The more that stand with us, the stronger we will be against the dark forces that seek to tear us apart."
"We must warn Bilbo," Balin insisted. "Yet it cannot be done by raven, for Lord Omak says he will no longer send his ravens over the Misty Mountains. The goblins have taken to shooting down any messenger birds they see flying over. Someone will have to go in person to Rivendell."
"I will go," Fili volunteered, stepping forward.
"I thank you for your willingness, my nephew," Thorin told him, but gave a shake of his head. "But I need you here. As the next in line for the throne, your place is within the mountain…as is mine."
"Then I will journey to Rivendell in his place," Kili offered.
"No!" came a sudden cry from Tauriel, causing all to turn and look at her in shock. "You…you can't go, Kili…not now."
"Why not?" he questioned, finding his wife's forbiddance rather odd. She had never insisted he remain behind before, no matter how dangerous the assignment. "If you worry about me so, you are welcome to come along." In fact, Kili would welcome her company on such a journey.
"No…I cannot go either," she said, bowing her head.
Thorin, who also found Tauriel's refusal rather uncharacteristic, narrowed his eyes and stared at the elleth with suspicion. When he saw her hand hover over her stomach for just a moment, Thorin's keen mind went wild. Could it be…?
"Tauriel…you're not making sense," Kili said in a confused manner. "Why can't either of us go to warn Bilbo?"
"Because…I am with child again," she admitted, her face turning a slight shade of pink at her confession being so public. "I…I planned on telling you the good news tonight, but now…I can't have you leaving on a journey that might take you away from Erebor for an unknown length of time, and risk missing the birth of this little one."
"A…a baby?" Kili stammered, his confused expression morphing into one of utter joy. "A BABY!" he cried, rushing forward and taking her in his arms, bringing her face down to his in order to kiss her tenderly. "I can't believe it…after so long…another child!"
It had indeed been many years since Anor had been born, causing the couple to assume that two were all they were ever meant to have. Yet the prospect of a new little one filled Kili with a sense of hope and pride.
"Congratulations brother!" Fili laughed, hugging the both of them, a wide smile nearly splitting his face. "Three is the perfect amount to have you know. And just wait till you two tell Ama and Adad!" For Dis and Flinn had chosen to mind the younger children while the important meeting was going on, keeping them away from this disturbing news. "She will go crazy, for you know how much she loves babies!"
"A new prince or princess!" Dwalin said, clapping Kili on the back, before giving Tauriel's hand a gentle kiss. "The mountain will be thrilled."
"Who cares about the mountain!" Kili stated also grinning from ear to ear. "I'm the one who's thrilled!"
"I hope it's another lad," Frerin spoke up, earning a jab from Flinn at his side. "Ouch! What was that for? I'm just saying, with Torin gone, we could use more lads."
"You're being rude," Flinn huffed. "The babe will be what it will be, and everyone will love it."
"Thank you, Flinn," Tauriel smiled, touched by his statement.
"I too am very happy for the both of you," Thorin assured them, the joyous news exactly what was needed in such dark days. "With all the little ones growing up so quickly, we've been in need of a new babe to shake things up. Dis and Flinn will indeed be beyond happy." The king then grew serious, his expression turning somber. "But Tauriel is correct, with a babe on the way, neither of you can go to Rivendell," Thorin affirmed, knowing how important it was for his nephew to be on hand during the pregnancy and birth. "Yet who can we send to warn Bilbo? It would have to be someone he would trust."
"I will make the journey," Gimli spoke up, rising from his seat beside his father, Gloin. "I have never been to the home of the elves, yet I'm certain I can find my way. And Bilbo knows me, so he would believe my words."
"That he will," Gloin said, looking up at his son with pride. "You should take the path over the Misty Mountains to save time, for going by way of the Gap of Rohan will take too long."
"Is that safe?" Prince Bard asked, having heard tales of the goblins that inhabited the tunnels beneath the mountain.
"We could enlist the aid of Grimbeorn, the son of our friend the skin changer," Balin suggested. "It is said that he is now the leader of his mother's people, the woodmen living between the Anduin and Mirkwood. Beorn has grown old, yet still patrols the boarders of his own lands, keeping all manner of foul beasts at bay. Yet Grimbeorn has been known to offer safe passage over the Misty Mountains. He and his men have worked hard to keep the pass open between Dale and Rivendell…if any are brave enough to take that path."
"I am brave enough, and I request permission to go as well," Flinn spoke up, coming to stand beside Fili. "If the enemy is looking for a hobbit named Baggins, they could easily be led directly to the Shire…and Frodo. I need to warn my sword-brother. Please, may I go, father?"
"Not without me, you're not!" Frerin interjected, rushing forward and crossing his arms over his chest in a stubborn manner.
"While it appears that separating the two of you is out of the question," Fili laughed, placing his hand on his older son's shoulder. "You both have yet to reach adulthood, thus I'm not sure if sending you off on such a distant journey is a good idea."
"We've made the trip three times over," Flinn argued. "And we were a lot younger then! I'm seventy now, and Uncle Kili wasn't much older than that when he went on the journey to retake Erebor. You can't ask me to stay behind when Frodo might need me, Adad. The Shire is not very far from Rivendell… please, I just have to go!"
"The lad has a point," Thorin noted, recalling two young dwarves begging him in the same fashion to let them following him on a quest to kill a dragon. "And sending Frerin along would be wise, since he's studying to be a healer and all."
"See, Uncle Thorin agrees," Flinn stated, turning his attention back to his father, his eyes begging him to relent.
"You know, if you don't let them go, they will just stow away like before," Dwalin chuckled, recalling the lads' last little prank.
"Fine!" Fili huffed, knowing he was outnumbered. "But you two get to be the ones to break this to your mother…not me!"
"Thanks Adad!" Flinn and Frerin cheered, giving him a quick hug before racing out the door. "Let's go pack!"
"You will have your work cut out for you, watching after them," Fili told Gimli with a heavy sigh. "But even I would not deny them the opportunity to go, seeing as how Frodo might actually be in as much danger as Bilbo, having the last name of Baggins and all."
"And before you ask, old friend," Thorin spoke up, seeing that Dwalin had opened his mouth to do so. "I would love to send you along, for I know you fear for your son's safety should the servants of Mordor actually locate the Shire, but I need you here. I cannot spare you at this time, with the enemy surrounding us on all sides. I need my war-chief here at my side."
"I…I understand," Dwalin nodded, shoving the nagging fear for his son deep down as he squared his shoulders.
"I will write a letter immediately for you to take to Bilbo, Gimli," Thorin stated. "And one for Elrond, and perhaps Gandalf as well. Let's hope they can shed some light on all this!" Thorin hated not knowing what was going on. "But having servants of Sauron hunting you is never good, and it grieves me greatly to think that our gentle hobbits are now targets of the enemy. I just hope we can warn Bilbo in time," the dwarf king grumbled, knowing he would not rest easy until everyone he cared about was safe.
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Sier was less than pleased to hear that her lads would be off on another journey, and this time heading over the Misty Mountains! But after hearing their reasons, and talking at length with Fili, she at last relented. Thankfully, along with Gimli, and the two princes, Thorin was sending a full squad of soldiers with them for protection. Dain decided to return to the Iron Hills very soon, not wishing to leave his kingdom without their king for very long, especially during such dark times. Thorin only hoped the weather would hold, for the Misty Mountains were not pleasant to cross at any time of year, but worse when faced with rain or snow.
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The following day, after Tam had heard that a group of dwarves had come from the Iron Hills, she hurried down to see if any of the friends she had made while staying there were among them. To her delight, Astra, a stout warrior lass whom she had grown close to had, made the trip. The two laughed and hugged, not having seen each other in almost ten years. When Tam stepped back, Astra marveled over the plump round belly that betrayed the coming of a child.
"You're going to have a baby!" Astra cried, thrilled for her friend. "I was overjoyed when you wrote and told me that the dwarrow you had your heart set on finally recognized you as his one. But now this?"
"This will actually be number two," Tam said proudly, patting her stomach. "We already have a little lad, who's with my Amad right now, named Jaruth. He's almost five."
"Ah, almost ready for his naming ceremony!" Astra grinned.
"And what about you? Any handsome dwarrow giving you the eye?" Tam asked, knowing that she and her friend had often spoken about their desires to wed.
"Not yet," Astra said with a roll of her eyes. "I'm starting to think I'll end up being wed to my craft. But that's all right, I mean I enjoy being a soldier, and am working my way up in the ranks quite nicely. I hope to be squad leader by next year."
"Excellent!" Tam commended. "You're one of the best fighters I know, Astra. Anyone would be a fool not to notice your skills."
"Sadly, that's all any dwarrow notices," she laughed. "So are you going to introduce me to your husband and son before I must head back to the Iron Hills? Lord Dain wishes to depart very soon, he says."
"Of course! If you're free, we can go right now," Tam offered.
"Free as a bird," Astra assured her, turning around so quickly that she ran directly into a passing dwarf. The two of them managed to get their legs tangled up, and ended up falling onto the stone floor, right in the middle of the large entryway.
"Oh! Forgive me, Master Dwarf," Astra begged, having landed on top of the red-bearded male none too gently. "I wasn't looking where I was going."
"N-n-no trouble lass," Gimli stammered, not only shocked by the unexpected encounter…but completely mesmerized by the pair of sky blue eyes staring down at him. "I'm just happy I broke your fall."
"As a soldier, it wouldn't be the first time I was laid out flat by an opponent," she chuckled, rising to her feet and offering the dwarrow her hand in assistance. "The name's Astra, daughter of Munro, at your service," she said with a bow.
"Gimli, son of Gloin, at yours and your family's," he responded. "I don't think I've seen you around before."
"And you wouldn't," Tam interjected. "Astra is from the Iron Hills, and came with Lord Dain as part of his contingent."
"Ahhh, that would explain it," Gimli nodded, unable to take his eyes off the fair maid. She was not a dainty thing, but her form and curves were rather pleasing to his way of thinking, in fact…he found her downright adorable. And the fact that she had just landed on top of him, well that was doing things to his person that he was suddenly hard-pressed to explain.
"We have to be going now, Gimli," Tam informed him, taking Astra by the arm and pulling at her gently. "I'm off to introduce my friend to Jorun and little Jaruth."
"Of course," Gimli nodded, stepping aside so the lasses could easily pass.
"Sorry again for knocking you down," Astra called, looking over her shoulder at the red-bearded dwarf as they headed off. "But I hope to run into you again, Master Gimli!"
"Any time, lass," he grinned back, waving as she disappeared around the corner. Gimli couldn't wipe the smile off his face, nor could he explain the odd sensation that seemed to race through him, light lightning coursing through his veins. "Feel free to run into me any time, Lady Astra," he whispered to himself, before continuing on his way, with a light spring in his step.
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"So…what's the story with him?" Astra begged, pumping her friend for information the moment the two were out of earshot. "Is he single? Is he looking? Is he nice?"
"Yes to all the above…I think," Tam said with a laugh. "I mean, I know he's single, he's also very nice, but I guess I honestly don't know for sure if he's looking, per se. Jorun told me last night that Gimli just volunteered to go on an assignment for King Thorin, so he will be leaving Erebor in only a few days, and no one knows exactly when he will be returning. But as one of my husband's best friends, as well as high in the king's favor, I wholeheartedly recommend him to you. And from what I just witnessed…I think you may have sparked some interest in him as well."
"Yet no dwarf worth his salt would lay his duties aside simply to pursue a dam…and one he has just met, no less," Astra said in a forlorn tone.
"He would if you were his one," Tam pointed out. "No one can ignore Mahal's choice."
"Still, Master Gimli will be leaving on his journey, and I'll be heading home to the Iron Hills," the dark-haired dam said with a sigh. "I guess it simply wasn't meant to be."
"I wouldn't give up hope just yet, Astra," Tam giggled. "I mean, look at how long I had to wait for Jorun…and now I'm about to give birth to baby number two! One never knows what the future holds…do they?"
"No, I suppose they don't," the Iron Hills maiden nodded. "Maybe Gimli and I will meet again, at a time more convenient for…for…well, you know!"
"That I do," Tam laughed, patting her belly with a slight blush. "That I do."
HEY, look...Gimli might have found his ONE! Guess we - and he - will have to wait and see.
Sorry about Tilda.
Tor and Holly have a baby...and named him Fundin!
And Tam and Jorun have one and 1/2 babies.
Hmmm, looks like the war of the rings is starting. And Yippeeee, Flinn and Frerin get to go to Rivendell. Sier is NOT going to be happy!
Guest Reviews:
abc: I do try and keep you all entertained with as stead a stream of chapters as I can. ha ha. As for what Flinn will do - I can't tell you...but you will be finding out very soon. ha ha. And I would never be offended by you asking questions! Yep, the dams are more 'attune' to that stuff I think, and they are pretty much awake and ready to go long before those sleepy males wake up. ha ha. But it is only fair, since with so few dams for a dwarf to bond with, it's better that they stay asleep until things are for sure and certain, that way they don't get their hearts broke or hand out in a state of sexual frustration for years. ha ha. More fun to come! Thanks.
Feu d'Argent: Yep, being a dwarf, smelling the ale is much preferred to coffee. ha ha. I agree, a king should pass his crown on BEFORE he passes on himself. Better for everyone. I think everyone in Middle Earth should just live forever...well, except orcs and the other bad guys. Flinn is packed and ready to go at a moment's notice. Just say the word. Thanks. (anxiously waiting for my crown)
Emrfangirl: Weddings are nice, right? Sorry about the deaths though. Frerin has studied with anyone who would teach him, and of course Thranduil would have let him pick his healer's brains. ha ha. And sorry you are dreading more deaths. I just hope that some of the major ones you are worried about never come to pass. I do plan on sticking MOSTLY to canon...but there are a few little tweaks I have planned here and there. Nothing major though. That will all be revealed very soon. Thanks