The Last Stage:
After farewells and a last minute check over by Oin, I lead the way to Dale. Bard met us at the gates and gave me a broad smile.
"I am glad you survived, Anduin" Bard said stepping to the side.
"As am I, this is Bombur" I said indicating the rotund dwarf "my brother-in-law."
Bard's eyes widened a little "really? Congratulations."
"Thank you, have you seen Bilbo?"
"Yes, he was in the market a little while ago" Bard replied.
"I'll say my farewells here then, as we are escorting Bilbo home."
"When shall I see you again?" he asked pressing my hand.
"I'd say when winter has returned" I replied.
"That long? In that case take Bain with you" Bard said turning around.
"Are you sure? Is he not needed here?" I replied.
"I think it will be good for him to see some of the world before he gets too settled here" Bard replied with a smile. "So? What say you?"
I turned to the others "what do you think?"
"If the lad is up to it, I don't see why not" Bombur replied.
"Please let him come Auntie!" Kanin tugged on my sleeve "please!"
I laughed "I think you have your answer Bard, we'd love to have him along."
"Excellent! I'll get him organised and meet you at the Great Hall" Bard raised his hand and turned up a path to the left.
"See you soon" I replied heading for the market.
"How far away does Mr Bilbo live?" Kanin asked.
"Oh, it's ever so far" I replied with a smile "we have to travel through woods and over mountains and if you're lucky you might get to meet the Lords of those lands."
"Really?!" he looked pensive for a moment "who are the Lords?"
"Well, in the depths of Mirkwood is the seat of Thranduil, then there's Beorn who takes care of the woods at the edge of Mirkwood."
"Don't forget Elrond in Rivendell" Bombur added.
"Oh yes, remember how all of you decided to bathe in the fountain?" I laughed.
"Aye, they were good times" Bombur replied with a fond smile.
We made our way through the town and found Bilbo on his knees, scratching around in the dirt.
"Bilbo? What are you doing?" I asked.
"I decided to bury the acorn I picked up in Beorn's garden here instead of at home" he replied.
"How come?"
"There's a lot of trees and delightful scenery in the Shire" Bilbo stood up and looked around "but there's nothing here, so I think this will brighten up the place and give the people some hope for the future."
"That's a nice thing to do Mr. Bilbo" Kanin said bending down to look at the ground.
"Thank you, now are we about ready to head off?"
"Almost" I replied "we're just waiting on Bain to join us."
"Bain?"
"Bard's son, remember" I said adjusting a strap on my bag.
"Oh yes, that's right" Bilbo replied "he's coming along now."
I turned around and saw Bard striding along with Bain running behind. "All ready to go?" I asked when they reached us.
"Yes, and he's promised to be on his best behaviour" Bard said clapping his son on the shoulder.
"Well, if we're all set we should head off" Gandalf announced, arriving with horses and ponies in tow.
"I've never ridden a horse before" Kanin told the wizard, shying away from the nearest horse.
"Nothing to fear my lad, you'll be riding with Anduin."
Kanin relaxed and slowly held out his hand for the horse to smell. He squealed excitedly as it snorted and nibbled at his fingers.
Once everyone was mounted, Gandalf lead the way out of the city. Bain looked a little nervous sitting behind Bombur but it wasn't long before he was enjoying himself.
I placed my hand on my stomach and took one last look at the mountain. I fancied I could see Bofur on the battlements and I turned my thoughts to the possible child I would be bringing home. Home. The realisation that Erebor was now and forever my home struck me suddenly. I looked down at my nephew's hands, clutching tightly to my belt, and smiled. I turned my gaze to the road ahead and began planning what I was going to say to my in-laws and to Lady Dis.
…
As we were travelling slowly, it took a little while to pass through Mirkwood. We made sure to stay on the path this time and made it through the forest with no troubles. A few weeks later I began to be quite sick every morning. I went to Gandalf for advice.
"It seems to me, my dear, that you may be with child."
"W-what?" my hand automatically went to my stomach.
"Congratulations, you're going to be a mother in a few months" Gandalf replied.
"It worked? How is that possible?" I was astounded.
"That is one of life's mysteries, my dear" Gandalf said with a smile. "Our pace will become a little slower now for your comfort, so we will arrive at Rivendell a little later than planned."
Gandalf patted my arm and moved off to check on his horse. The others came over and asked what was wrong.
"I'm pregnant" I replied with an incredulous note to my voice.
"You're what?!" came the reply.
"Must I repeat myself? By the time we arrive in the Shire I will be almost ready to have a baby" I replied placing both hands on my stomach.
"Congratulations, lass" Bombur smiled and stroked his long beard.
"I'm so happy for you Anduin" Bilbo smiled taking my hand. "We shall have to celebrate when we get back to Bag End."
"That sounds lovely, thank you" I replied returning the smile.
The boys were a little unsure of what to say but we had to move on so they settled for smiles and hugs.
…
As the weeks rolled on, my sickness seemed to take an age to reduce in severity. It wasn't until we reached the Misty Mountains that I was able to eat and keep it down. My ribs had healed with no problems and I began to notice my stomach growing in size. Bain and Kanin were excited about seeing the Elves and chattered incessantly about how they'd differ from the Mirkwood elves.
I smiled to myself and turned my thoughts to home and what Bofur was up to. He had mentioned before we left that by the time we returned he'd have expanded my room into a set of chambers. I glanced at Kanin and hoped he'd be okay growing up underground and surrounded by dwarves. Only being ten he should be alright and he'd probably think of it as some great adventure.
Before long we were travelling across the Gundabad plains and all apart from the boys were extremely on edge. We hadn't forgotten what happened last time we crossed the plains. As I looked around I fancied I could see the hidden entrance to Rivendell and my thoughts turned to the moment I showed Thorin I could be of use by assisting in the defence of the group. A lump formed in my throat as memories of the stern dwarf passed through my mind. Kili would be a fine king but he certainly lacked the imposing presence Thorin had.
I dabbed at my eyes and focused on the path ahead as Gandalf began changing course. We passed through forest that stretched for many miles and soon came upon a babbling river.
"How are we to cross?" Bain asked looking uncomfortable at the speed of the water.
"There is a bridge just ahead, so you have nothing to fear" the wizard replied.
Once across the river, I fancied I could hear singing floating through the trees and I felt a feeling of peace wash over me. I glanced around and could just see the roofs of Elrond's House peeking above the trees. I placed a hand on my stomach and wondered whether the baby was still okay after all the riding. Elrond would be able to tell me, and put my concerns at rest.
As if I'd called him, Elrond emerged from the building in front of us. He opened his arms as Gandalf approached.
"It has been a long time Mithrandir."
"Quite, My Lord" Gandalf replied dismounting and bowing his head.
"Your companions look tired" Elrond smiled as he looked us over. His gaze lingered on me for a long while. "I believe congratulations are in order Anduin" his smile widened a little as he came towards me. "You must be exhausted my dear, I'll have a room prepared for you immediately."
"Thank you, my Lord" I replied with a small bow.
Elrond turned and lead the way inside as a few elves came and saw to the animals.
"Come on lads" Bombur said "they may not have meat, these elves, but they're alright."
Elrond waited until after supper before taking me aside. "Who is the father, if I my be so bold?"
"The Dwarf Bofur" I replied "you may remember him from the last time we were here. He was the one who stood atop the stone plinth on the terrace and started singing."
Elrond grimaced at the reminder of the mess the dwarves had made. "Yes, I know the one. Now I sense you are having a few concerns about your condition, allow me to put your mind at rest" he said leading the way to the Healing Rooms.
Two elves emerged and bowed. "My Lord, how may we be of service?"
"This young one's condition is the result of a meeting between herself and a dwarf and she is not at ease" Elrond smiled down at me. "Set her mind at rest and be sure to document everything."
"What do you want to document it for?" I asked.
"This is a very, very rare occurrence and we need to make sure the information gained is recorded for the future" Elrond replied turning to the door. "You and your friends may stay as long as you need".
"Thank you, My Lord" I bowed my head and turned to the Healers.
…
An hour later I returned to my room a little dazed. The Healers had said my pregnancy was progressing well and they'd given me herbs to eat that would essentially banish the sickness and keep me healthy. I sat on my bed and placed my hands on my stomach. "It won't be long now" I whispered "what should I name you both?"
"Both?! Your having two?!" my head snapped up as Bombur came through the door.
"Apparently so" I replied "that's what the Healers told me."
"So I'm going to be an uncle to two direct nieces or nephew's as well as Kanin?" Bombur sat down next to me. "My parents are certainly going to be surprised" his eyes crinkled as he smiled.
"What are they like?"
"Very hard-working" Bombur replied. "Pa works down the mines from sun up to sun down and Ma is the head cook for Lady Dis."
"Wow, that's amazing!" I smiled. "Are they going to be okay with the situation between Bofur and me?"
"It might come as a shock but they were never expecting him to marry in the first place" Bombur wrapped his large hand around mine. "The fact that there is going to be babies will help smooth things over" Bombur chuckled "Ma loves children and is going to adore yours when they're born."
"Thank you, dear brother-in-law" I replied a broad smile spreading across my face.
"You are most welcome, dear sister-in-law" Bombur returned the smile and stood up. "I'll let you rest now, and I'll see you tomorrow."
"Goodnight" I replied seeing him to the door.
We stayed at Rivendell for several days; during which Bain and Kanin asked the Elves seemingly endless questions. Gandalf soon decided it was time to go, so we took our leave and struck a course for the Shire. We passed into a rocky area that I recognised as the location of the trolls.
"There's something we need to find here" I told Bilbo.
He looked around and nodded "of course."
We dismounted and made our way into the cave and began searching for the chest. It didn't take us long to unearth the gold and precious gems we'd buried all those months ago. Bain and Kanin were amazed at the contents of the chest.
"Are we really taking that with us?" they asked.
"Yes we are" I replied "you boys can take anything you find as well."
"Really?"
"Just be careful digging around" I told them.
I steadied the pony as Bilbo and Bombur loaded the chest and strapped it down. Once the boys had picked over the piles of debris we continued along the path.
A few days later we reached the borders of the Shire. Bilbo and the boys dismounted and unpacked the pony.
"Ah, the borders of the Shire" Gandalf said alighting from his horse "it is here I must leave you."
"That's a shame" Bilbo replied "I quite liked having a wizard around". He smiled "seems they bring good luck."
"You don't really suppose, do you, that all your adventures and escapes were managed by mere luck?"
Bilbo's face flushed.
"Magic rings should not be used lightly, Bilbo" Gandalf said with a knowing look. "Don't take me for a fool – I know you found one in the Goblin tunnels...and I've kept an eye on you ever since."
"Well, thank goodness for that" Bilbo replied with a smile. "Farewell Gandalf."
"Farewell."
"I wouldn't say it's been a pleasure being on this quest you organised" I added "but I've grown fond of you Gandalf." I smiled "farewell."
"I understand, my dear, I wish you luck for the future" Gandalf inclined his head.
"You, uh...you needn't worry about that ring" Bilbo said suddenly "it fell out of my pocket during the battle. I lost it."
"You are a very fine person, Mister Baggins" Gandalf replied "and I'm very fond of you, but you're only quite a little fellow in a wide world after all."
Once our farewells had been completed, we split off in our respective directions. Bain and Kanin looked about them in a most curious manner, as though the forest was an alien world. The boys took turns leading my horse and talking with Bilbo. In this manner we traversed the final miles in what seemed like no time.
As we climbed over the last hill before Hobbiton, I noticed a lot of activity near Bag End. As we walked along the path towards Bilbo's house, we saw many hobbits passing in the opposite direction carrying various household items.
"Wait a minute...that's my mother's glory box! And that's my dining chair!" Bilbo exclaimed.
Another hobbit went past carrying a footstool.
"Put that pouf down! What is going on?!" Bilbo demanded.
"Hello, Mister Bilbo!" said a cheery hobbit pushing a wheelbarrow. "You're not supposed to be here."
"What do you mean?" Bilbo asked.
"On account of you being presumed dead and all."
"I am not dead!" Bilbo fumed "Presumed or otherwise!"
He strode off up the hill, pushing through the crowd. "Stop! Stop! There's been a mistake!"
"Who are you?" a female hobbit asked with a sneer.
"What do you mean who am I?! You know bloody well who I am, Lobelia Sackville-Baggins! This is my home! And those are my spoons!" Bilbo snatched said spoons from Lobelia's hand.
"This is most irregular" said the auctioneer. "It's been more than thirteen months since the disappearance. If you are, in fact, Bilbo Baggins and un-desceased – can you prove it?"
"What?!" Bilbo asked incredulously.
"Something official with your name on it will suffice."
"Alright! Right" Bilbo pulled out the contract for the quest and looked through it. "A contract...of employment as a...never-mind as what." He handed it to the auctioneer "there! My signature!"
"Certainly seems to be in order" the hobbit said perusing the document "yes, seems there can be no doubt."
Bilbo nodded and mounted the steps to his house.
"Who is this person you pledged your service to? Thorin Oakenshield?"
Bilbo paused and turned around with a sad look on his face "he...he was my friend."
After the hobbits had left we followed Bilbo inside to find chaos. What was left of his possessions were spread all over the floor and most of his furniture was missing. I found a chair in the kitchen and sat down.
"What are you going to do Mister Bilbo?" Kanin asked picking up a few loose papers.
"Buy everything back I guess" he replied glumly. "It's a good thing we picked up that treasure."
"We'll stay for a few days to help, don't worry" I smiled.
"Thank you, although I won't have to overexerting yourself given your condition" Bilbo replied.
"I'll be fine, but thank you for the concern."
After resting for a few days, we set about getting Bilbo's possessions back. It took longer than planned as many of the hobbits were unwilling to relinquish their purchases. A lot of extensive haggling and pleading eventually got his house back to normal. Once his larder was full again, Bilbo set about organising a celebration for me.
"You don't have to" I argued accepting the drink Bilbo handed me.
"Nonsense, it's my pleasure" he replied bustling about the kitchen. "After everything we've been through over the last year I think we deserve a little party."
The party was a success and I began to prepare for the journey to the Blue Mountains. Bain and Kanin had spent their down time learning about the curious ways of the hobbits and learning to ride my horse. I drew up a list of the supplies and began sending the boys and Bombur out to purchase things Bilbo couldn't give us.
By the end of our second week in Hobbiton we were ready to continue our journey. At Bilbo's insistence I allowed a local healer to give me a check over.
"Do be safe, won't you?" Bilbo asked as the boys helped me onto my horse.
"I'll be fine, don't worry" I replied "we'll be coming by on our way back anyway, so you can meet the little one." I kept the truth from Bilbo and the boys so it would be more of a surprise.
"Farewell and safe travels" Bilbo smiled raising his hand.
"We'll be back before you know it Mister Bilbo" Kanin said grabbing hold of the horse's halter.
With a final wave we headed off along the road towards Ered Luin.
When we were around a days journey from Ered Luin I began to have frequent aches in my lower back. I began to get anxious and the feeling didn't abate until we reached our destination. Bombur lead the way to Lady Dis' residence and I noticed the boys were subdued in awe at what they were seeing.
We were shown into a suite of rooms and Lady Dis joined us not long after. After noticing my swollen stomach she ushered me swiftly into a chair and called for some tea.
"I am correct in my guess that you are here to give me tidings of what has occurred across the mountains."
"That you are My Lady" I replied steeling myself for what was to come.
"The heralds say we had the victory but they did not mention what had happened to my kin, please tell me all you know" Dis sat in a chair to my left and inclined her head for me to continue.
"It is true we won the day however...it was not without great loss. Th-Thorin...succumbed to his wounds soon after battle ceased." I paused to wipe the tears from my eyes. Kanin came over and wrapped his arms around my shoulders.
"My brother...is dead?" tears filled Dis' eyes and she reached for a handkerchief.
"I'm sorry to say it is true My Lady" I replied dabbing my cheek with my sleeve.
"What of my sons, please tell me they are alright."
"Though being severely injured Kili has made a full recovery" I swallowed hard "Fili f-fell d-def-..." emotion overcame me and I couldn't finish. I focused on the pain I was experiencing as it was getting more intense and lasting longer.
Bombur sat next to me and placed a large hand on mine. "He fell defending Thorin, I'm sorry but he didn't make it."
"My eldest? My brave one? How come such a curse has been laid upon my line?" Dis wailed.
I reached out to Dis and clasped her hand tightly "if not for my own injuries at the time, believe me My Lady I would have been there. Fili was one of the first to extend the hand of friendship to me when I joined the Company and I extend to you my deepest sympathies."
"Thank you Anduin, and you Bombur, for bringing me this grievous news. Please rest and regain your strength." Dis rose and headed for the door "a feast shall be had tonight, I'd like you to be there."
"Of course, My Lady" I replied getting to my feet. As I did I felt a sudden wetness and another wave of pains.
"Anduin? what's wrong lass?" Bombur asked grabbing my arm in support.
"I think the birthing process has begun" I replied squeezing his hand.
"Bombur! Get her comfortable while I summon the healers" Dis ordered before rushing out the door.
"Uncle Bombur? what's going on?" Kanin asked as I laid down on the bed and tried to stay calm.
"Your Aunt is going to have her baby soon, my lad" Bombur replied.
The door opened and Dis entered followed by the healers.
The next few hours were uncomfortable as the pains grew worse and closer together. I struggled to follow the healers advice on breathing techniques but Bombur and the boys took turns reassuring me. It wasn't long before the pains were coming strong and fast and I didn't need the healers to tell me I was almost done. Over the course of the rest of the afternoon I focused on controlling my breathing and my nausea; all the while clutching whichever hand was in my vicinity. All of a sudden I got the urge to push and, with encouragement from everyone and a few more pushes, I heard the plaintive cries of my baby.
As the babe was placed on my chest I saw Bombur whisper to the healers. They nodded and repositioned themselves as I began to push again. A few more minutes and both my babies were being checked over.
"Congratulations, two healthy girls" one of the healers said placing the swaddled babes in my arms.
"Well done, Anduin" Dis cooed stroking one baby's head. "May I ask who the father is?."
Before I could answer Kanin crawled onto the bed and held his arms out. I placed one baby in his arms and told him to sit still. He looked over at Bombur and Bain and smiled "Uncle Bombur, look at how tiny she is."
A spark of understanding flared in Dis' eyes "I leave it in your capable hands then Bombur to announce the news to your parents."
Bombur inclined his head and Dis left.
"Will your parents be happy?" I asked drowsily.
"Very, Anduin, very. Now give me that child and rest, you've earned it."
I kissed the foreheads of my babies and handed them to Bombur. I sunk into the deep feather mattress and soon sleep stole over me. My thoughts going to Bofur, tinged with sadness that he was on the other side of Middle Earth instead of here with me. Oh well, I told myself, I'll have the greatest surprise for him on our return.