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Getting closer to the end! But not quite yet!
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Chapter 183
Hiril nín = My Lady in Sindarin
~X~
"It's over!" Flinn cried out, waving the letter in his hand as he ran up the path to Bag End. "It's OVER!"
Frerin, who'd been sitting outside on a bench reading a book, jumped to his feet at his brother's excited voice.
"What?" he asked, leaning over the small wooden fence in order to hear what Flinn was shouting about. "What's over?"
"The war! It's over!" he continued to yell as he raced up, now out of breath. "A letter just came by raven from Uncle Thorin! Sauron is defeated! Frodo must have destroyed the ring!"
"He…he did?" Frerin gasped, but then his look of shock turned to utter joy. Leaping over the little gate, he grabbed his brother as the two began to jump around, hugging each other and laughing with joy. "It's gone…it's finally gone!"
"What's gone…your minds?" came Torin's voice, standing on the small hill just above them, his spade in his hand and a confused look on his face.
"No, silly! Frodo has fulfilled his quest!" the older dwarf explained, having long kept the true nature of his sword-brothers journey a secret, per Elrond's instructions. But now…Flinn no longer saw a reason to hide the truth. "The war is won, and Sauron is no more. Frodo must have destroyed the dark lord's ring of power!"
"Whoooohoooo!" Torin cheered in excitement. He'd not known the whole story, but it was easy to read the fear in Flinn and Frerin's eyes, every time Frodo and his mission was mentioned. So he knew that whatever the brave hobbit was doing…it had been very dangerous. Tor hurried down and slapped his two cousins on the back, just as pleased as they were.
"So now what?" Frerin asked, unable to wipe the smile off his face. "Do you think that means Frodo and the others will be coming home?"
"Why wouldn't it?" Flinn guessed. "I mean, if they destroyed the ring, what reason would they now have to stay away?"
"Did Uncle's letter say anything about Gimli…or if it was indeed Frodo who destroyed the ring?" Frerin questioned, reaching out and taking the rolled up missive from his brother and scanning it quickly.
"Well…no, but who else could have done it?" Flinn stated, though the smile on his face began to fade. "Frodo was the one assigned to carry the ring, so if it was destroyed, wouldn't it make sense that he was the one who did it…and that he is all right?"
"Of course it does!" Tor said firmly, hating to see his cousins now in doubt. "And I'm certain that Gimli is fine as well. I'm willing to bet that Frodo and Sam will be back here in no time at all. Not to mention Merry and Pippin, though I'm confident that they caused the most trouble along the way." He then gave Flinn's shoulder a firm squeeze. "Don't go losing hope now, not after all this time. This is good news, and we should be celebrating!"
"Yes," Flinn stated, his smile quickly returning. "You're right, Tor! Frodo and the others will be home soon, I can feel it in my bones!"
"Will you two be heading back to Erebor then?" Torin asked, unsure as to what the two princes had in mind.
"No, not yet. I told Frodo I'd be here when he returned, and I intend to keep my promise," Flinn said confidently. He then threw his arms around his brother and cousin's shoulders. "Looks like we might have trained and armed the Shire for nothing."
"And thank goodness for that!" Tor laughed, still having the heart of a gardener over a warrior.
"Now, come on, I say we round up everyone who's close to our four errant hobbits and tell them to meet us at the Green Dragon!" Flinn insisted. "I'll go find Drogo and Prim. Frerin, you head over to Paladin and Saradoc's places, while Tor, you go get Holly, and tell the Gamgees the good news. And the first ones to arrive at the pub tells Rosie Cotton to tap a keg and keep the beer a flowing, because the drinks are on me!"
"Oh, feeling generous today, are ya, Nadad?" Frerin teased. "And here I always thought you were as tightfisted as Gloin with your gold."
"Well, todays a special occasion!" Flinn laughed. "Now, get moving, you two, those pints aren't gunna drink themselves!"
Torin and Frerin didn't need to be told twice, and all three headed off in different directions, set on rounding up everyone who knew Frodo and his other three companions.
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So, within the hour, the large table in the back of the Green Dragon was host to a rowdy crowd of hobbits and dwarves, each one lifting their mugs in a toast.
"To my son Frodo, the most famous of hobbits!" Drogo laughed, downing his mug in one long gulp.
"And to Gimli!" Flinn spoke up, imagining what the Lady Astra might think of his cousin now.
"Let's not forget Merry, Pippin, and of course my Sam! Who will be home in no time, I'm sure!" Hamfast added, equally as proud. "Though I still can't believe a lad of mine took off into the wild like that. And here I thought he was more the home-body type."
"Not if it meant parting with Frodo," Flinn remarked, recalling the hobbit's fierce loyalty to his sword-brother.
"Excuse me," came the sweet voice of Rosie Cotton, her hands full of several more mugs of ale for the table. "Did I hear you say that Sam might be coming back to the Shire soon?"
"That's what we're hoping!" Hamfast grinned, relieving the barmaid of at least two of the mugs she carried.
"As well as Frodo, Merry, and my young lad, Pippin!" Paladin added, snitching the last couple of the of drinks, and passing the second one to Saradoc.
"Oh…well, that's fine news," Rosie replied, now grinning from ear to ear. "Fine news indeed!" and off she went, her strawberry curls bouncing a bit as she did.
"Now, you two slow down!" Esme scolded, taking note that this would be her husband's fourth drink.
"That's right, we don't want to be rolling the two of you home," Ellie laughed.
"We're celebrating, wife!" Paladin cheered, his spirits not the least bit dampened by his wife's words. "And what better reason could there be than the fall of Sauron and the prospect of our youngens coming home?"
"Well…I can think of one," Torin stated, giving Holly a wide grin.
"Torin, not now," she whispered, her cheeks turning red. "We're here to toast to Frodo and the others."
"What's this?" Flinn pressed, eyeing the two suspiciously. "Oh no, out with it. Now you have to tell us!"
"We're going to have another bairn!" Torin blurted out, unable to hold it in any longer. "We just found out this morning!"
There were several loud cheers and many offers of congratulations given to the couple.
"To children!" Drogo called out, raising his mug in the air.
"Hear, hear!" Frerin shouted, downing his own mug and slamming it onto the table as he let out a loud burp.
"FRERIN! Where's your manners?" Holly scolded, making sure that Fundin, who was happily sipping at a cup of apple cider, knew that such behavior would not be tolerated at their dinner table.
"Sorry, Holly," Frerin laughed, wiping his mouth with his shirt sleeve. "But if Frodo's coming back, that means we'll be heading for Erebor soon after. And I, for one, am not looking forward to acting like a prince once again, and having to mind my manners all the time. Let me just be a plain old hobbit for a while longer, will you?"
"And you think that's how respectable hobbits act?" Bell Gamgee asked, giving the young dwarf a stern glare. "I've raised three lads and three lasses, and I can tell you that not one of them ever acted so rude."
"At least not in front of you, my dear," Hamfast laughed, slapping Frerin on the back. "And I say, since this is a special occasion, we should all be excused for our manners." With that, the older hobbit rose to his feet and let out the loudest belch you've ever heard, earning a round of cheers from all the males, and long-suffering eye-rolls from the lasses.
"To Frodo and Sam!" Flinn called out, raising his mug once more.
"And Merry and Pippin!" Saradoc added.
"And Gimli!" Frerin cheered, lifting his cup as well.
"And our new lad or lass!" Torin finished, as they all downed their ale.
So it was, by the time the celebrating was done…the lasses did indeed have to guide their stumbling menfolk back to their hobbit holes.
However, in their merriment, no one noticed the sour-faced looks being directed at them by Lotho Sackville-Baggins, who had sat at a nearby table nursing a mug of his own. Nor did they see him rise to his feet and quickly exit the pub, heading off to who knows where.
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~XXX~
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Back in Erebor, repairs were going well. Though not much damage had been done to the outside of the mountain, Dale and Esgaroth had taken a hard hit. The dwarves were quick to offer aid in masonry and metal work, fixing walls and homes alike, just thankful that the attack had not come during the winter seasons. As it was, they would have the rest of the summer to get the two cities of men back in working order, yet until then, Thorin continued to open up the mountain, housing all who needed shelter.
It was near the first of April, when the raven returned from the Shire, bringing with it much anticipated news from Flinn and Frerin.
Greetings, Uncle Thorin and family,
It was with great pleasure and relief we received your message. We were distressed to hear of the battle that raged through our homelands, and wish we could have been there to aid in the fight. Yet our hearts were warmed with the news that no lasting harm befell our kin. We were however greatly saddened to hear of the loss of King Brand…he was a fine warrior and friend, he will be missed. Please convey our condolences to Prince Bard for us.
Frerin and I are fine here in the Shire, as are Tor, Holly, and little Fundin, along with the rest of our hobbit friends. Our time here was not idly spent, however, and we feel that we managed to prepare the residence for a battle that thankfully never came. Still, I do not begrudge our efforts, nor the promise I made to my sword-brother, Frodo. We will remain here for a bit longer, until our friends return safe and sound.
Please give our love to our families, and send word as soon as you hear from our brave cousin Gimli. We have thought of him often over the past winter and would dearly love to know of his fate.
On a happier note, Torin and Holly ask that we send word that they are expecting their second child, due to be born in the spring. They are very happy and dearly hope that with the war over, Dwalin, Bergie, and Talin will be able to come for a visit.
Ever your loyal servants and devoted nephews,
Flinn and Frerin, sons of Fili, son of Flinn.
Needless to say, when Thorin finished the letter, Sier was in tears, with Fili was not far behind. It had been many, many long months since they had any word about the fate of their children, and to hear that they were safe, was indeed a load off their burdened hearts.
Yet it was Dwalin and Bergie who let out loud whoops of joy.
"Another grand-baby!" Dwalin crowed, grabbing his wife and spinning her around, his battle wound now mostly healed.
"Can we go, Dwalin…can we please?" she begged, having nearly gone out of her mind over not yet seeing her grandson. "I absolutely refuse to miss out on the birth of their second child!"
"I've been itching to see little Fundin just as much as you, Bergie," Dwalin pointed out, still bursting with pride over the idea of being a grandfather for the second time. "And now that the war is over…there ain't nothing gunna keep me out of the Shire, that's for sure!"
"Now that's what I like to hear!" yelled Talin, more than excited at the prospect of seeing her twin brother again.
"Yet we've still not heard any word about Gimli," Gloin bemoaned. "With the fighting over, one would think he'd let us know if he's alive or not!"
"Give him time, old friend," Thorin said in a consoling manner. "We are likely to hear something soon."
Just then a knock came at the king's council chamber door, and an out of breath Jorun came in.
"A message was just delivered, Sire," he stated, holding out a folded piece of parchment. "It's from Gondor!"
Quickly thanking the raven keeper for its speedy delivery, Thorin wasted no time ripping it open and scanning the contents, his lips turning up into a smile as he did so.
"What did I tell you, Gloin?" he chuckled, giving the worried father a nod of satisfaction. "Just listen to this!"
King Thorin, Lord of Erebor,
You and your kin are invited to the royal coronation of King Aragorn, son of Arathorn, Elessar, the Elfstone, Chief of the Dúnadain, and heir of Isildur; Elendil's son of Gondor. For he will be taking up rulership in his chief city, Minas Tirith on Mid-year's day on the dais of the White Tower.
The king requests the presence of you, King Thorin, and your queen - your heirs, Prince Fili and Kili, and their wives, and any others who wish to make the journey with you. It would be an honor if you would join us for this momentous occasion.
Master Gimli, who has won great renown and the favor of the king for his bravery and fine deeds, also asks that his parents come as well. He awaits you all in Minas Tirith, along with Frodo Baggins, Samwise Gamgee, Meriadoc Brandybuck, Peregrin Took, Prince Legolas of the Greenwood, and Gandalf the White.
Respectfully yours,
Faramir, son of Denethor
Steward of Gondor
"Gimli's alive!" Gloin cried out, literally jumping from his chair, hugging his wife and then his brother.
"My baby lives!" Dena sobbed, allowing Ilin to engulf her into a warm and happy embrace.
"And has apparently done very well for himself in the process," Fili pointed out, over joyed by this news. "Highly favored by the new king of Gondor?"
"I can't wait to hear all the stories he has to tell," Kili laughed.
"Will we be going, husband?" Marigold asked, looking up at Thorin in question.
"I would think we must," he stated. "It's not every day a legend such as Isildur's heir rises up to take his rightful place as king. And for each of us to be requested by name…even our wives, it would be a grave insult if we didn't go."
"But…Tauriel can't travel that far so soon after having a child," Kili argued.
"Who says I can't?" the elleth stated, sounding a bit perturbed by the insinuation. "I am not some weakling, nor is our little Elenaur. We can, and will, be making the journey, for we will not be remaining behind."
"Well…looks like she told you, little brother," Fili laughed, having long ago come to realize how strong and willful dams could be.
"And we're going too," Dwalin insisted, gesturing to Bergie and Talin. "Then we can head west towards the Shire from there."
"Not without me, you're not!" Balin huffed, just as eager to meet his new grand-nephew as well.
"But if everyone wishes to go…who will remain behind and mind the mountain?" Thorin demanded, looking around questioningly.
"I will," Dis spoke up, standing from her seat and staring at Thorin confidently. "I've watched you rule for years, brother, I think I can do just as good a job, if not better, while you all go for the coronation in Gondor. And I can guarantee that the gates will be standing when you return."
"Oh, for Mahal's sake!" Gloin groused. "Won't everyone just let that die?"
"Probably not," Kili chuckled. "I mean they still love teasing me about walking around Erebor naked…so why should you be exempt?"
Everyone got a good laugh out of that, even Gloin himself.
"Other than your sons, dear sister, there is no one I trust more to rule this mountain with wisdom and skill," Thorin told her, his words of praise both heartfelt and sincere. "I thank you for your generous offer."
"So, if Dis is to be the regent queen…does that make me some kind of king?" Flinn asked, a glint of humor in his eye.
"Don't go getting any ideas of grandure, brother," Thorin laughed. "I fully intend on passing my crown to your son…be satisfied with that."
"Oh, I am, believe me!" Flinn told him, giving Fili a smile of pride.
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So, within the week, a large party made ready to ride to Gondor, accompanied by King Bard II and Lord Thranduil, who also received invitations to the coronation. At first Bard had hesitated, hating to leave while his city was still in need of repair, but his cousin, Geir, insisted. Saying that he would see to things in his absence, and that it would be most wise for Bard to make himself known to this new king. Besides, Geir knew it would do the young man good to get away for a bit, allowing him to put some distance between his father's death and the responsibilities he would need to shoulder once he returned home.
Thorin, having left Dis and Flinn in charge during his absence, took along Marigold, Fili, Sier, Kili, Tauriel, and all their children, with Lili insisting on tagging along, for she was not about to be left behind. Also there was Dwalin, Bergie, Talin, and Balin, with Gloin, Dena, Bofur and Ori all eager to make the journey as well. Nori would have liked to have gone too, but he was forced to remain behind, still nursing his broken arm.
Gondor would be the furthest Ithil, Anor, and of course little Elenaur, had ever been from Erebor, and the half elf children appeared to love the adventure very much. Kili's sons more so than Elenaur, since they had a bit more freedom, riding ponies instead of being cradled in their mother's arms the whole way - but even the infant seemed mesmerized by all the green growing things around her.
Fili, who had not had much time to coddle and spoil his new little niece, begged to hold her any chance he got, be it on the road or around the campfire. He was careful to make sure that Freya was not jealous, however, with the young dam rolling her eyes at her father when he questioned her about it.
"Adad, I'm nearly a grown dwarrowdam now," she told him. "I'm far past the notion of being jealous. However, I might become a bit perturbed if you go hogging little Elenaur all the time. Let some others hold her too, will ya?"
"Yah!" Kili agreed. "With as much as she's seen of you lately, she might start thinking you're her adad, and not me!"
This had everyone laughing…but Fili still refused to hand over the red-haired child for at least another hour.
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Lili, Freya, and Raina seemed to be having a marvelous time on the journey, with Rose and Talin the ringleaders of the lasses. They would sing songs, tell stories and often be found whispering conspiratorially between themselves…leaving Thorin a bit worried at times. Dwalin took it all in stride, saying he knew whatever Talin got herself into, she could easily get herself out just as well. Thankfully, nothing actually happened, and the dwarf king was happy about that.
It took them some time, but at last they reached the capitol city of Gondor less than a week before the scheduled coronation. The magnificent sight of the White Tower, spiraling high and gleaming in the morning sun, welcomed them at the end of their long journey.
Once they had been greeted, and shown to their respective quarters within the city, the Steward of Gondor himself sought them out, saying that King Elessar wished to speak with them.
"We are greatly honored to be invited, of course," Thorin told the handsome young man as they made their way down the halls. Thranduil and Bard had been invited as well, and while the elf king appeared unimpressed by his surroundings, young Bard couldn't seem to see enough, his eyes darting this way and that in awe. "Yet, I fear that I have no idea why he would have listed us all by name, or now wish to speak with us in private. I have never before met this king."
"Have you not?" Faramir questioned, looking down at the dwarves in confusion. "For Lord Aragorn speaks very highly of you all, and was quite pleased when he heard you had arrived."
"That is curious, Prince Faramir," Thorin mused, having heard that the man had been given the title and position of Prince of Ithilian.
"He was especially excited to hear that Prince Kili and his wife, Lady Tauriel, had come as well," the man continued, pushing open a set of doors and striding in.
"He was?" Kili asked, shock in his tone. "I can't say I have any idea as to why that might be."
"Well, Master Dwarf," came an oddly familiar voice from directly in front of them. "Knowing you as well as I do, I was understandably concerned that you might have run into some sort of trouble on the way…such as a hungry bear, or perhaps turning purple again."
The group of dwarves, hobbits, elves, and one man, stopped in their tracks, as a stalwart figure rose from a chair, looking every inch a king of men.
"Thorongil?" Kili blurted out, his shocked expression turning to one of amazement. "You're the new king?"
"That I am, Prince Kili, though I now go by the name of Aragorn, if you please," he chuckled, coming over and bowing to the stunned company.
"But…but I don't understand," Kili continued. "If you were heir to the throne of Gondor, what were you doing among the soldiers of Rohan?"
"Learning, Master Kili," Aragorn chuckled. "A king must know the needs and customs of the people he will one day ask to follow him, does he not? And what better way to gain such insight, than to live among them for a time. It also afforded me the opportunity to get to know and understand your race better as well, and I was very pleased to do so."
"Just as long as you don't judge our entire race on Kili's example alone," Dwalin chuckled, recalling the trouble the lad had gotten into during their time traveling with the Rohirrim.
"Nay, Master Dwalin…yet I must admit, it did offer me a great deal of amusement. And it helped me to easier understand one of my traveling companions as well, a Master Gimli."
"You and my lad traveled together?" Gloin spoke up, eager for any news about his son. He had hoped he would have been at the gates to greet them, but that had not been the case.
"Aye, that we did, and a finer dwarrow I would be hard pressed to find," Aragorn told the grinning parents. "He spoke of you two often, as well as the rest of the Durin family. I learned a lot from Gimli, and owe him a great debt." He then turned and addressed Thorin, Thranduil and Bard. "And I wish to thank you all very much for accepting my invitation. I greatly desired to express my gratitude to Erebor, Dale, and Mirkwood for intercepting the armies of Easterlings and orcs, whose combined forces could have easily tipped the scales in the enemy's favor, should they made their way further south."
"Well…it wasn't as if they gave us much of a choice," Thorin chuckled, still quite flabbergasted by this odd turn of events. "Yet, it was our honor to have helped."
"I heard that you lost your father, King Brand, in the battle, Lord Bard," Aragorn stated, placing his hand over his heart and bowing reverently. "You have my deepest sympathies. I have always thought very highly of your family, though I regret that I never met your father personally."
"Thank you, your majesty," Bard nodded, his tone revealing the grief in his heart. "My father was a brave man, and gave his life in defense of his city and people. His death was a noble one."
"Yet, still a great loss to you, and all of Middle Earth," Aragorn insisted. Next he looked over at Thranduil, who stood there straight and tall, his own eyes giving nothing away. "I have heard much about you as well, Lord Thranduil," he smiled. "For your son, Legolas, speaks very highly of you, and I am certain he will be overjoyed to hear you have arrived. I am deeply grateful to you for allowing him to journey with us, he was invaluable to this mission."
"I am pleased that Legolas was of service to you, King Elessar," Thranduil said with a slight nod of his head. "My son has ever been one to champion the plight of the weak and oppressed, thus it did not surprise me that he would have volunteered for such an assignment as this."
"He would have undoubtedly been here to greet you when you arrived," the king stated, then glancing over at Gloin. "And your son as well. But I fear that I sent them on an important errand, and they have yet to return. But I left word that they be notified about your arrival the moment they do, and where they might find you."
It was then that the others noticed the lovey elf maiden coming to stand beside Aragorn, her ethereal beauty taking their breath away.
"May I introduce, Arwen Undómiel, daughter of Lord Elrond, and my future queen," Aragorn said, holding out his arm as the dark haired elleth took it with a smile.
Everyone bowed, even Thranduil, yet no one knew exactly what to say in the face of such splendor.
"Greetings, friends of the north," Arwen welcomed them, her voice like the tinkling of bells, causing all listening to fall under her warm and charming spell. "Your reputations precede you, and it is an honor to meet you all at last." She then stepped closer, looking directly at Tauriel. "In fact, I have long desired to make your acquaintance, Princess Tauriel." She leaned forward, the dark haired elleth's eyes wide with wonder as she beheld the sleeping babe cradled in Tauriel's arms. "Is she yours?"
"Yes, Hiril nín," the wood elleth acknowledged, her eyes wide with amazement, yet she quickly lowered them to the floor in reverence. "She…she is called Elenaur, and is our third child."
"And these are our sons, Ithil and Anor," Kili spoke up, gesturing to the two lads at his side, completely unaware of the awe this elleth inspired in his wife.
"How wonderful!" Arwen beamed, taking in the sight of the unique little family. "Three children, named for the sun, the moon, and the stars…or should I say star-fire?" At this she reached out and touched her fingers to Tauriel's chin, tipping her eyes up to face hers. "I would very much like to speak with you, little sister from the forest. I have many things I wish to ask…and as to the nature of my questions, I am certain you can guess."
"Yes, my lady," Tauriel nodded, realizing how her own situation mirrored that of the beautiful daughter of Elrond. For she too had elected to wed a mortal…choosing the bitter with the sweet.
"Do you recall the conversation we shared on the way to Rohan, Princess Tauriel?" Aragorn spoke up, drawing the elleth's attention to him. "It would seem that your wisdom was sound…and I too have at last achieved my heart's desire. I thank you for the encouragement and advice you gave me."
"I am indeed happy for you" Tauriel smiled, recognizing the love between Aragorn and Arwen. "For the both of you."
Just then the side door burst open and an ecstatic Gimli came rushing in, followed closely behind by a tall blond elf.
"GIMLI!" Dena cried out, rushing forward with her arms opened wide. "My baby!"
Normally the dwarf in question would have rolled his eyes at being called that by his amad, but at that moment he couldn't have cared how childish it made him look. Taking her in his arms, he hugged her tightly and swung her around, laughing with joy.
"My lad!" Gloin bellowed, slapping his son on the back enthusiastically, since his mother would not relinquish her hold on him long enough for his father to get a hug in as well. "Just look at you! I would swear your beard is a foot longer!"
"I don't know about that, but I feel a hundred years older, that I can assure you," he laughed.
"Ada!" Legolas called out, though he was far less exuberant than Gimli, embracing his father in a more dignified manner. Yet the moment Thranduil had Legolas in his arms, his decorum broke, and he hugged him fiercely, as if unwilling to let go.
"I've missed you a great deal, my son," he whispered, not wishing for all to hear his tender words. "The Greenwood has not been the same without you there. I hear that I now have even more reason to be proud of you. You have done well."
"Thank you, father," Legolas smiled, doing his best to hold back his own emotions, not wishing to cry in front of the dwarf.
"Now come!" Aragorn said, gesturing to everyone to follow him. "There are more friends for you to meet. We shall then feast together and speak of happier times."
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So the group followed Aragorn and Arwen to a large banquet hall, and there they were reunited with Frodo, Sam, Merry, Pippin and Gandalf. There was much laughter and talking between them all, with questions and answers being tossed back and forth between them all. Yet it was the fact that their friendly wizard was no longer Gandalf the Grey, but the Gandalf the White, that had Thorin most curious, having been completely baffled by the idea ever since receiving the message from Gondor. There was apparently quite a few stories to tell about the journey they had all been on.
Frodo was especially glad to hear that Flinn and Frerin had weathered the war safely in the Shire, and that all was well and good back home. Dwalin and Bergie pestered all four of the hobbits for information about their new grandson, wanting to know every detail they could divulge.
Elrond, Elladan, and Elrohir were present, as was Glorfindel, turning the evening into a rather lively time, for Fili and Kili and the twins passed around many wild stories and jokes, keeping the room laughing. Glorfindel, Thorin, Balin and Gandalf talked through most of dinner, the name of Moria often being overheard throughout their conversation. Yet as soon as the ale was brought out…they abandoned such serious matters and took to drinking.
Gimli had invited Legolas and Thranduil to sit at the same table as he and his family, entertaining all by recounting many of the adventures he and his new elf friend had shared. Gloin had been highly amused by the competition the two had engaged in during the battles, in the end calling it a draw, for neither one had the heart to claim victory over the other.
Amongst the merriment, Aragorn made several more introductions, bringing over Éomer, King of Rohan, and his sister, Éowyn – who was now engaged to Prince Faramir, the two rarely out of each other's company. Bard was especially happy to meet them, for the siblings from Rohan were his cousins, through his great-aunt, Sigrid, though they had never had a chance to officially become acquainted. The four of them spent the rest of the evening talking and catching up.
The children were being thoroughly entertained by Merry and Pippin, the two younger hobbits telling them story after story about their adventures, from their trek through Moria, to how they aided Treebeard in taking out Orthanc. Ithil and Anor were especially excited to hear about the walking tree-hearders, while Rose, Talin, and Lili wanted to hear more about the ancient dwarf kingdom of Khazad-dȗm. Freya and Raina however, were far more interested in tales about Lothlórien, never having had the pleasure of seeing the Golden Wood for themselves…except from a distance as they passed by. Thankfully, Merry and Pippin were fond of talking, so each child got to hear more than enough details about their subject of interest.
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Later, just as the sun was beginning to set, there came another group to the doors, ones that caused all conversation to cease. Arwen rose immediately and hurried across to welcome the newcomers, a party of elves, and if Thorin was any judge…they were very high ranking elves at that.
"Welcome, Grandmother!" Elrond's daughter greeted them, leaving no doubt in anyone's mind who they were. The Lady Galadriel and her husband, Lord Celeborn…rulers of fair Lothlórien.
Aragorn also went to greet them, as did Elrond, his sons, Thranduil, and Legolas. Yet what shocked Thorin the most, was that Gimli quickly joined them, even receiving a warm and friendly smile from the Lady of the Golden Wood. Yes indeed…it would appear that even Gimli's rather staunch opinion of elves in general had changed…and quite dramatically. Still, you could have knocked Thorin over with a feather when the elven couple made their way over to his table.
"Greetings, King Thorin of Erebor," Galadriel said, causing Thorin to stumble to his feet and bow low before her. "I wished to thank you for our kind words concerning our triumph in battle. It was a very thoughtful gesture."
"I…I…" Thorin stammered, quite in awe over being so close to the Lady of the Golden Wood. "It was my pleasure, and your victory was well earned."
"Long has there been animosity between the elves of Lórien and the Sons of Durin," Celeborn spoke up. "And yet, with the coming of your kin, Gimli, to our fair woods, there has been a chance for peace between our races."
"I am glad to hear that, My Lord and Lady," Thorin nodded, knowing he had much to thank his younger cousin for. "It was a tragedy indeed that my ancestors awoke the evil in the depths of Khazad-dûm, causing not only ruin for my race, but suffering for yours as well. Please allow me to humbly apologize for past grievances, and assure you that you may hereafter count on the Sons of Durin to come to you in your hour of need. For I wish for peace to reign between the woods and the mountain, now and forever more."
"I once told your kin, that it is said that the skill of a dwarf is in his hands and not his tongue…and yet, here you too prove that idea a misconception," Galadriel chuckled softly. "It would seem that my husband and I have missed much by holding the dwarves at arm's length for so long. A mistake, I assure you, which will hereby be rectified."
"As is my wish as well, fair lady," Thorin agreed, giving the two stately elves a low and humble bow.
.
.
As the gathering began to wind down, Arwen did indeed find a quiet corner in which to speak with Tauriel. Elenaur was wide awake and eagerly accepted being held by the pretty elleth, the soon to be queen quite enraptured by the tiny babe. Arwen plied her new friend with many questions concerning her love for Kili, and her choice to bind herself to a mortal. The wood-elf knew just how the daughter of Elrond felt, loving one so much you felt you could not live without them, yet knowing that one day fate would require you must.
"Yet, there is one difference between us," Arwen revealed. "For where you are a child of the firstborn…I am of mixed blood. My great-great-grandmother was Lúthien Tinúviel, who married the mortal, Beren. Thus, her children were granted the same choice as she…to choose immortality, or follow our loved ones in death. My father chose the life of the Eldar…where his brother, Elros, chose to be mortal. It is from my uncle's lineage that Aragorn came forth, down through the line of the kings of Númenor." The lovely elleth lowered her eyes a bit, a sad expression crossing her face. "Mine was not an easy decision, and I know I have pained my family greatly by doing so. But Aragorn is my life, and to me, in the end, there was no choice at all."
"I do understand," Tauriel nodded. "For I feel the same way about Kili. I tried to deny my emotions, to pretend they did not exist, and yet…I could not. In the end, I realized that by fighting against them, all I was doing was wasting precious time with the one I loved more than my own life. And while we both know that one day we will be forced to part…I hold out the hope that if the Valar chose to put us together, perhaps they have a plan for us when our time at last comes to an end."
"That very well could be, for Lúthien and Beren were granted such dispensation…why not you as well?" Arwen agreed. She then held Elenaur up, watching as the little lass laughed and giggled. "And your children will also be afforded the same choice as I, due to their mixed blood. To retain their immortality…or take on the life of their father's people. Either way, they shall all enjoy a long and satisfying years, yet whether they should come to love an immortal, or a mortal, they can choose a lifespan to match."
"That…that never occurred to me," Tauriel whispered, shocked to realize that her children would be given such a choice…unlike her. "I suppose I never thought any farther than the fact that they might have an extended number of years, what with having immortal blood in them. But they could actually choose one or the other?"
"It is the choice of Lúthien," Arwen smiled. "As for me, I have chosen live out the remainder of my days with the one I love, sharing his years until he passes…and then I shall fade and follow him in death. I do not fear this, nor do I intend to dwell on such times, but instead revel in the years that we have been given."
"As will I," Tauriel agreed, her eyes drifting over to where her husband sat, laughing and talking with his brother and the two elf twins. Oh, how she loved him, and she had three wonderful children as proof of that. And for Tauriel, that was more than enough for now.
Wow...a lot of time covered there!
And I know that it was only Aragorn and Arwen's wedding that took place on Mid-year's day, and his coronation happened a bit before that, but I decided to squish them both onto the same day for convenience sake.
Looks like things are going really well in the Shire...except for Lotho...what is that rotten rat up to?
I hope Arwen's talk with Tauriel was to your liking. And nice to know that Ithil, Anor and Elenaur all can choose whom they will love and if they wish to be mortal or immortal. I think it helped Arwen to know that she is not the only one in such a predicament.
And looks like Dwalin and his family are at last going to see little Fundin! I hope.
Guest Reviews:
abc: Yah, I would have been a real meanie if I had saved them from the Battle of Five Armies only to kill them off here! ha ha. As you probably just read, Flinn and Frerin are fine...although they seem to have gone a bit native, and forgotten all the manners their mother taught them. ha ha. And no, Lotho is still being a pill. Yep, Elenaur is indeed a Durin...and a little Star-fire. ha ha. Glad you liked the name. Hey, you're right...Fili and Kili both have two boys and a girl, while Thorin has two girls and a boy! Thanks!
Emrfangirl: Yah, while Peter Jackson dragged out the hobbit for three movies, I took LOTR and smooshed it into like two or three chapters! ha ha. Oh I bet Astra thought it took forever though! I think Astra is safe and sound, and kicked some orc butt during the battle at the Iron Hills. Gimli will be proud of her. And you just saw what your 'boys' are up to, but more on them next time. Yep, the story is going to end...one day...but even I do not know when just yet. But soon. Thanks.
dojoson41: Awww, you read it multiple times? That's so nice to hear! And yes, an arrow would not look too bad sticking out of Lotho's chest, would it. Kind of decorative I would think. ha ha. Thanks.
Aranel Mereneth: Wow, thanks. And for me, writing battles and action is HARD! Yes, Fili is a bit worried over his boys, but he knows they are safe for now. And look! Fili did get some time with his niece! Thanks