.
STOP
! WARNING !
The FF site was acting up earlier this week, and when I posted chapter 178 on Monday, it did not notify everyone that a new chapter was up.
So make sure you read that one first if you haven't already.
Don't miss a chapter or you will be lost.
.
.
Chapter 179
~X~
As it went, it took more than just a few days to organize things, and a full week has passed before the company was ready to ride. Dis threw a big party the night before everyone was to leave, insisting that the news of Kili and Tauriel's upcoming baby be celebrated as a family. And since Gimli, Flinn, and Frerin were heading for Rivendell, and Dain back to the Iron Hills, there was no time to delay.
"I can't believe I'm going to be a grandmother…again!" Dis all but sobbed, hugging both Kili and Tauriel for what seemed like the hundredth time. "With all the wee ones growing up so fast, it'll be nice to have a babe in arms once more."
"We figure that the child will be born in late spring or early summer of next year," Kili stated, knowing that while Ithil had taken almost a full twelve months, Anor had arrived after only ten…so there was no telling how long this third one would take.
"And do you know what it will be yet?" Sier asked, just as tickled as Dis over the prospect of a new prince or princess.
"No, not yet," Tauriel laughed. "Kili's already asked me at least a dozen times since finding out one is on the way. But soon I will know."
"Or…maybe I will dream about this one first!" Kili stated, looking hopeful. "I mean, Tauriel gets to have this amazing bond with our little one even before it's born, don't you think it's only fair I find out what it will be first?"
"When you spend nearly a year carrying a child inside you, Kili, then you would deserve any of the little benefits that your wife gets," Dis huffed, shaking her head in exasperation.
"Just give up, Son," older Flinn instructed. "You'll never win this argument. And believe me…I've tried."
.
.
Later, Fili sat his sons down in a quiet corner and did his best to warn them about everything he felt they may face on their trek over the Misty Mountains.
"Watch out for the stone giants," he began, instructing them in all seriousness. "And try not to travel when it is raining, the rocks and small pathways can be very slippery. Oh, and under no circumstances should you ever seek shelter in a cave!"
"Oh, I think we learned that lesson back when we were nabbed from that cave by Gorbash's goons," Frerin said with a shudder of revulsion. "I still wake up with nightmares about that orc licking me to see if I would tasted good enough to eat!"
"We promise to be extra careful, Adad…honest," Flinn swore, doing his best to set his father's mind at ease. "We'll listen to Gimli, do everything he says, and not take any unnecessary chances."
"And if anyone scrapes their knee, I'll be there to patch them up," Frerin added, hoping that such minor injuries would be the extent of their medical issues.
"I know you two are growing up, nearly adult dwarrow now, but to me and your mother you will always be our little dwarflings," Fili admitted, staring at them as if he were indeed seeing the children they once were. "Now, go visit with your Amad for a while, and if she wants to hug or kiss you…"
"We know," Frerin cut him off with a sigh of resignation. "Just let her."
"Don't worry, Adad…we'll even offer some of our own, without her having to ask," Flinn assured him.
"WHAT?" Frerin gaped. "We will?"
"Yes…we will!" Flinn told his brother sternly. "And with a smile on our faces."
.
.
Gimli had spent most of the evening thinking about the pretty dark haired dam he had met a few days ago. He had not been able to get her out of his mind, and he was beginning to wonder why that was. The dwarrow was not a fool, and his father had told him all he needed to know about finding his one, but right now, the timing had to be the worst. He was going on a journey for the king, assigned to deliver a very important message, as well as watch over the two princes…Gimli couldn't afford to be distracted by a dam!
But he was.
Later that night, as he was making his way back to his quarters, wishing to turn in early so he would be fresh for morning, something strange and unexplained compelled him to wander up to the battlement overlooking Dale. The moon was full, and there was a very pleasant breeze blowing up from the valley, making Gimli smile. He would miss Erebor while he was gone.
Yet his breath caught in his throat when he saw the very lass who had captivated him standing at the far end, leaning against the stone wall, staring out into the night.
"Lady Astra?" he said, causing the dam to turn and look at him, a wide smile gracing her pretty lips. "What are you doing out here?"
"I couldn't sleep, so I took a walk," she explained. "And you?"
"On my way back from a party, and thought I'd just get a breath of fresh air," he answered.
"Had a bit too many, did ya?" Astra teased, making the dwarrow blush.
"Well, I won't lie to ya, lass, I was rather deep in my cups by the end," he laughed. "But I can hold my ale."
"Good to know," she nodded. "Perhaps I'll have to test you with that one day. I'm no slouch myself when it comes to a good old fashion drinking game."
"Oh, really?" Gimli was intrigued.
"My father was a warrior, and his father before him, as well as my two brothers," she revealed. "So I was raised cutting my teeth on a blade and lulled to sleep by the sound of a battle cry. I'm no delicate flower, Master Gimli, and I ain't never pretended to be."
If at all possible, the red bearded dwarf found he admired her all the more. She had dazzling eyes, a perky little nose, and hair the color of the ravens…and yet, for all her lovely qualities, it was her fierce, no-nonsense attitude that attracted him to her the most. Now here was a lass who could fight at his side, stand toe to toe with him in an argument, and still turn his heart to mush with only a smile. What a dam!
When Gimli realized that his mind had been wandering, and he had failed to respond to her last statement, he cleared his throat, trying to think of something to say.
"So…you'll be leaving for the Iron Hills tomorrow with Lord Dain?" he inquired.
"Aye, that I will," she nodded. "And you? I hear you'll be heading west, over the Misty Mountains."
"That I will," Gimli stated. "Not sure when I'll return though. But I'll be taking the two princes with me, so I dare not let them be gone too long. Princess Sier would have my beard!"
"Oh, dear," Astra laughed, taking a few steps forward as she reached her hand out, lightly touching Gimli's long facial hair. "That would be a shame, master dwarf, for you have such a fine looking beard. I bet you're the envy of all the dwarrow in Erebor."
Gimli didn't know what to say, his heart was beating wildly, and he found himself completely tongue-tied. No lass had ever touched his beard before, other than his amad - and Lady Dis one time, when she'd grabbed him by it to drag him off to be disciplined by his parents for some foolish prank. Yet this time was nothing like those…and he liked it!
"Now…I…I don't know about that," he said with a blush, though he didn't step back or try to extract her fingers. "It's no better than any other dwarrow's."
"Oh, I beg to differ," Astra hummed, loving the feel of it as she ran her fingers through the tip. "I'm highly impressed by it."
"Well…thank you, lass," he said, a little bit out of breath by now.
"Too bad you won't be heading east tomorrow, instead of west," she said with a heavy sigh. "But maybe after you return? I'm sure that Lord Dain would always welcome the king's favored warrior to the Iron Hills. Perhaps you could come and visit one day?"
"I just might do that, lass," Gimli grinned, heartened by the invitation. "And since Dain and I are distant cousins and all, I'm pretty sure I would not be turned away at the gates."
"My, what an impressive lineage," Astra said, her eyes opening wide. "Perhaps I have set my sights too high, for I'm no one special. Not from a noble family or anything…just a plain warrior lass."
"Oh, there's nothing plain about you, Astra!" Gimli was quick to state, lest she give up and leave. "I find you highly intriguing, and well worth my time and trouble."
"You think me trouble, Master Gimli?" the dark haired dam laughed, her flirtatious tone doing things to his mind…and body.
"Trouble of the worst kind," he joked back, giving her a wide grin. "For I fear, that given time, you could easily break my heart."
"While I may have been bred for battle, I promise that you have nothing to fear from me," she told him with a sly grin. Then her expression became thoughtful. "Yet, since we'll be forced to part ways come morning, and for an undisclosed amount of time…I feel the urge to be bold with you, Master Gimli."
"Oh…how so?" he questioned.
"Like this," Astra revealed, grabbing him by the front of his tunic and pulling him to her, bringing their lips together in a none-too gentle kiss. Yet Gimli didn't mind a bit!
It was his first official kiss, but if he had his way, it most certainly wouldn't be the last. Yet just as quickly as it had begun, Astra called it quits and pushed Gimli away.
"Now, don't you go thinking me a lass of loose morals for that," she warned. "I'm simply a dam who goes after what she wants, and I won't apologize for being myself. And I realize you're the one who has to decide if I might be your one, or if there is any hope for the two of us, but should you return from your journey and be thinking that I am…well, you know where to find me." She then straightened, smoothed down her hair, and squared her shoulders. "Until then, I bid you goodnight, and hope you have a safe trip." And with a final bow of her head, she breezed past the stunned dwarrow and headed down the steps, disappearing from view.
Gimli was once again left speechless…but suddenly without any doubt about where he would be heading the moment he returned from Rivendell. He had heard that the Iron Hills were rather lovely in the fall.
.
.
The following morning, Thorin and all the royal family, as well as many more loved ones, turned out to see the two parties away. Gimli, the two princes, and his group of soldiers off to warn Bilbo, and Dain and his soldiers heading for the Iron Hills. As Dain and Thorin said their farewells, Sier and Fili did their best to remain strong as their sons prepared to depart. Freya was once again being left behind, and she was not the least bit happy about it. However, having learned their lessons the hard way, her parents aimed to keep a very close eye on their daughter, for fear she slip away and try to follow her brothers…again!
"We'll give Bilbo your best when we see him," Flinn assured them, waving from atop his pony, a sturdy little colt named Sunny. The tawny palomino was one of several that Storm had sired during his long and happy life in Erebor, the faithful pony having lived far beyond his expected years. The entire royal family had mourned his loss, but the spirited offspring he had left behind were proving to be just as smart and loyal as their sire. Flinn, of course, had been given first pick, and had chosen Sunny, or more correctly, Sunny had picked Flinn. The two were now quite a team, with mount and rider almost reading each other's thoughts.
"Try to send word if at all possible," Sier begged, knowing that such opportunities were unlikely, but she desperately wanted to know about their progress.
"And if you go to the Shire, give Tor, Holly, and little Fundin a hug from us," Bergie added. "And give that little lad those presents we sent with you as well. We want our grandson to know that we love him."
"We won't forget," Frerin assured her, sitting atop his own pony as well. He too had inherited a foal from Storm, but the younger prince had chosen a little filly, one that inherited her sire's dapple grey coloring. Misty, as he called her, was gentle and patient, and she had both a sure foot and easy gate. Frerin then turned and waved one last time at his family, hating to see his mother so upset by their leaving.
Flinn too was feeling the pain of parting, but he felt the need to go, to protect his sword-brother from coming to harm due to mistaken identity. Yet, even as distracted as he was, the prince's keen eyes did not miss the intense looks exchanged between Gimli and a pretty dark haired dam from Dain's company. Well now…what was going on there?
"Ride swiftly, and return in the same manner as you left, healthy and hale," Thorin called, raising his hand to those leaving. "May Mahal bless your journey."
So with everyone calling their farewells, Gimli took the lead and headed out, looking back one final time as he glimpsed Astra doing the same.
He would definitely miss that lass.
.
.
The summer proved to be a long one, with time creeping by without any word from Gimli or the two princes. Thankfully, Tauriel's pregnancy was the perfect distraction to keep Sier from missing, and desperately worrying about, her sons. The two sisters-in-law spent many of their days planning and preparing for the upcoming baby. Kili, ever the proud father, did all he could to ease his wife's burden, though she had yet to even start showing.
"It's a lass!" Kili all but shouted, waking up one morning with a wide smile on his face. "We're gunna have a lass!"
"What?" Tauriel mumbled, blinking the sleep from her eyes as her husband's exuberant voice woke her from her slumber. "What are you talking about?"
"I dreamed of our child!" Kili explained, throwing back the covers as he leaped out of bed, pacing back and forth as he ran his fingers through his sleep tousled hair. "I dreamed that we had a lass! That you and I were holding her in our arms, and she was healthy and oh, so beautiful!"
"Did you now?" Tauriel smiled, sitting up and watching her husband as he paced the floor. "And are you certain this was a premonition of what's to come, and not merely the product of your over-active imagination and several pints of ale?"
Kili stopped and glared at her for a moment, a bit frustrated by her lack of faith in him.
"NO…it was real!" he stated firmly. "Well, it wasn't really real, but a dream about real events…events that are for sure to happen. I know it means we're going to have a lass." He then got a very smug grin on his face. "And I found out before you did!"
"And what if, in a few more weeks, I grow to feel that it is a lad I carry?" she questioned. "Then what? Will you still remain adamant that our child is female?"
"I…I don't know!" he huffed once more. "Why are you doubting me?"
"I'm not," she giggled, holding out her hand to him in an apologetic manner. "I was merely teasing you, my love. If you say we are having a daughter, then I believe you. And I couldn't be happier about it either. I too have been hoping for a lass this time."
"Well wonder no more, for I can tell you without any doubt in my mind, that we will have the prettiest red-haired lass with your green eyes and lovely smile," Kili all but crowed, crawling back into bed and cuddling with his happy wife.
"And what shall we call her?" Tauriel asked, loving how excited Kili was over this.
"I like the name Elenath…like we talked about before," he suggested.
"The elven word for stars?" Tauriel nodded with a smile. "I love that. Then we will have the moon, sun, and stars…all within the reach of our arms."
"And I'll never let them be farther away from us than that, my love," he assured her. "A little lass…I can't wait."
"Me either," Tauriel agreed. They grew quiet, both lost in their own thoughts, until the elf lass could feel her husband begin to fidget. And knowing Kili as well as she did, she couldn't help but laugh. "Go on, go tell your brother the good news," she said with a sigh. "I know you are itching to do so."
"Thank you!" he cried, kissing her on the cheek quickly before bounding out of bed and racing for the door.
"Kili!" Tauriel called, halting him before he could exit.
"What?" he asked, hopping up and down on one foot and then another in anticipation.
"Put your clothes on first," she giggled. "I think Erebor has seen quite enough of you in an undressed state."
"Oh! Right!" Kili blushed, looking down to see that he was only wearing some sleeping pants. "Good idea."
.
.
The going had been slow and difficult for Gimli and his companions, but with the help of Grimbeorn, and the strong woodmen who served as guides over the Misty Mountains, they at last made it safely to Rivendell, arriving at dusk on the eleventh day of October. Weary beyond words, they were welcomed by Lord Elrond himself, as they crossed the bridge into Imladris.
"Hail friends from Erebor," the tall dark-haired elf greeted them. "You have come far and through many perils. What brings you?"
"We come seeking Bilbo Baggins," Gimli explained, dismounting and bowing in respect to Elrond. "We bring evil tidings that concerns him, for the enemy is searching for our hobbit friend."
"That is indeed dark news," the elf nodded. "Yet such things are not unknown to us, for we too have heard rumors that Sauron is seeking Master Baggins. But be assured, he is here, residing in safety among us. Yet tell me…have you by chance encountered any others on the road?"
"A passel of goblins and one or two wargs," Gimli answered. "Nothing we couldn't handle, especially with a skin changer along for most of the way. Why do you ask?"
"We have had word that the nine are abroad," the ancient elf revealed with a worried look. "I have sent out those capable of confronting such evil in hopes that they might locate a small group traveling from the Shire, and guide them safely to our borders."
"The Shire?" Flinn gasped, jumping down from his pony and striding forward, desperate for more information. "Who is journeying from the Shire?"
"Ah, welcome Prince Flinn," Elrond smiled, recognizing the young dwarf, though he was now much taller and more muscular than when they had last met. "I see that you have indeed grown to favor your father and grandfather in looks. Yet your directness you get from your Uncle Thorin, I believe."
"Forgive me, Lord Elrond," Flinn said, blushing slightly at his rudeness. "But we have come a long way in hopes of delivering our warning, and now to hear that other hobbits might be in danger…I find I cannot help but fear for my sword-brother, Frodo."
"As well you should," Elrond stated, his expression once more turning grim. "For he, along with three others, were said to be heading our way, but we have not had word of their whereabouts in quite a while. And as I said, the nine have been seen between here and Bree. We indeed fear for their safety."
"Who are these nine you keep talking about?" Frerin asked, always eager to learn something new.
"The Black Riders…the nine Ring Wraiths," Elrond explained. "They were once great kings of men, but the nine rings of power that Sauron gave them corrupted them, twisting them into evil servants of his, now bound by him to do his bidding. They are terrible creatures that go about hooded and cloaked in black, and they have the power to freeze a man's blood, and steel his courage."
"That sounds an awful lot like the foul beast that came to Erebor looking for Mister Bilbo!" Gimli revealed, causing Elrond to look at him in confusion.
"It would seem that you do have tales to tell." He then gestured for others to come forth, taking their ponies to be cared for, before inviting them into his peaceful home.
"But what about Frodo?" Flinn demanded, unwilling to take his ease while his sword-brother might be in danger. "We have to go looking for him!"
"I have already sent out many riders, one of them being Lord Glorfindel," the ruler of Imladris revealed. "Everything within my power is being done to see that they are given safe passage, and you leaving now would only put you in danger as well. As I said, I have sent out those strong enough to turn the nine aside…we can only hope that they are found quickly."
Flinn did not seem at all satisfied by this, but he knew better than to go against the council of Elrond, so with a sigh of defeat, he followed their host into his home. Still, the young dwarf was unable to stop himself from looking back, his eyes scanning the dense forest that surrounded the last homely house west of the sea, desperately hoping to catch a glimpse of his sword-brother.
"Wherever you are, Frodo…" Flinn whispered to himself. "Please be safe."
Well, they made it to Rivendell! Now they just have to wait for Frodo and the others to get there too. Better hurry up, Flinn is not known for his patience. ha ha.
So...looks like Kili thinks it will be a lass. How nice that he got to find out first.
And yes, Kili, put on clothes before you go telling Fili your good news.
Well, apparently Gimli is head over heels in love now...too bad he is off the next day!
Guest Reviews:
Guest: (concerning your review from chapter 79) Sorry the whole "Frodo the Ring Bearer" at the wedding made you sad. But I just couldn't help the little play on words there. And now that you've caught up here, you can see it's just about to come back into play. ha ha. I am happy you are enjoying the story and thanks for the kind review!
abc: You are welcome. I too have not seen many updates on stories I follow. So sad. But I am so close to the end, there is no way I'm giving up now! ha ha. I hope that Tilda will be my last sad death scene. I hated to do it, but there was no way to make her live forever. Yep, I left Gloin at home, and sent Gimli as the head dude. ha ha. And BABIES for everyone...well, most everyone. Little Fundin, Tam and Jorun's two and now one more for Kili and Tauriel. I had to find SOME reason for him to stay in Erebor. ha ha. As for Gimli...oh yes, I didn't want Dena to end up without any grandbabies, ha ha. And I always thought he deserved to find love. But don't worry, he and Legolas will still be the very best of buddies! Thanks.
arrondissement: Drat...I guess I forgot that the dwarves knew about the ring that Bilbo had. ha ha. See what happens when you haven't read the acutal book in so long and you rely too much on the movie? Oh well, I've changed so many other things so far, what's one more? ha ha. Tauriel is a bit 'male rich' at home, but with them being Kili's sons...she's not EVER bored. ha ha. As for the guy who came and spoke to Thorin at the gate...I think it was just one of the Black Riders...I think...and if not, I made it just one of the Black Riders. ha ha. Tae is still way too young (as is Flinn) to be thinking about making any babies, no matter what color of hair they have. ha ha. But don't give up hope yet. Gimli and Leggy will still be BFFs, but I really want Dena to be a grandmother. ha ha. I decided that Holly and Tor couldn't have kids TOO soon or they would be all grown up by the time Dwalin and Bergie got to see them. So I made them wait, but I am blaming Tor's dwarf genes on this, not Holly's infertility. Dwarves take longer at times, and Tor does not have as much Durin blood in him...but they will have one or two more before they are done. Also, you have to remember that I kind of messed with the ages early on, bringing Frodo into the story sooner than I should have, so don't go freaking out about deaths and ages too much. And don't worry, my story will not last long enough for ANY of the dwarf/hobbit couples to get old enough to die. NOT. GUNNA. HAPPEN!
Feu d'Argent: Oh, boy! I love my crown like Amy from Big Bang Theory loved her tiara. ha ha. ("put it on me, put it on me, put it on me!") Yes, Tilda's passing was sad...but necessary. Oh, come on, Tam is happy and she want's her friend to be happy too. And who better to fix her up with than Gimli? And this just gives Gimli something to look forward to when he gets home! I can't remember where I read it...probably on line somewhere...that Bard II looked a lot like his great-grandfather. And when is my coronation? I need to pencil it in on my calendar. ha ha. Thanks!
Emrfangirl: Yes, but Tilda got to say bye to her 'brothers' and that's a good thing. I think this is just good motivation for Gimli to come back all safe and sound. ha ha. Incentive! Tal is more dwarf than hobbit, so she will not be 'looking' at the lads till she is much older. And poor Dwalin couldn't handle her growing up too fast. ha ha. I can't tell you yet what plans I have for Flinn and Frerin during the war of the rings...but you will find out soon enough. Promise. Thanks!