Well their finaly on their way. Things are starting to enter the final stages before The Great Battle. Ther dragon and gold sickness. Lot's of trying times ahead for Thorin and Philicia . Let's continue on.

Sincerly Durinsdaughter2469

Disclaimer I do not own any of The hobbit character's. they belong to Tolkein. I only own myO/Cs.

Chapter35

Erebor

"By my beard, is that the time?" Bofar who had been passed out under the table jerked up with a shout banging his head as he shot out from under the table. He bolted out the door just in time to see the boats leaving the canal. Thorin had warned them to not be late. The boat's were departing at seven am and who ever was not there would be left behind. The horns blasted the crowds cheered and The Master though soaking wet from his unexpected swim managed to give a glorious speech. The dwarves were full of elation as they slowly drifted down the lake ever closer to the mountain and the slumbering dragon within it. Thorin , Philicia ,Balin, Dwalin, Gloin and Bilbo were in one boat. While Bifur. Bombur,Ori, Dori and Nori were in the other one. The weather that early morning was cold as a fine mist rose from off the water the boats nothing but a haze as they quietly crept over the lake. The oresmen had only agreed to take them to the waters edge fearing the dragon they would go no closer to the mountain. Philicia was sitting close to the stern and Thorin at the other end as his mind was a million miles away."Not to worry laddie they will be in good hand's. Oin knows what he is doing Kili will be up and joining us before we know it."Balin laid a comforting hand on Thorins arm as his gaze was suddenly fixed on the mountain ahead. Philicia had sensed a change in Thorin the minute they boarded the boat's that morning. She slowly got up trying not to lose her balance as she made her way over to Thorin. She looked in the water ice starting to form over the surface it would definatly hinder their progress. When she reached Thorin he was staring off into the distance. "Earth to Thorin, over." Philicia waved her hand in front of his face. His head jerked a little bit as he finally adknowledged her presence." Is all well my heart, are you felling ill?" Thorin asked turning to search her face. "I could ask you the same thing . You seem to be a million miles away." Philicia smoothed a few stray hairs out of his face as she cupped his cheek . Thorin looked deeply into her eye's the anguish of his decision to leave Kili behind weighing hard on him. ''Penny for your thought's, a nickle for a kiss." Philicia held Thorin's face between her hands as she reached up planting a quick kiss on his lip's. "A dime if you tell me that you love me." Thorin wrapped his arm's around her bringing their chilled bodies close together."Your cold." He said bending down to grab a blanket to put over her shoulders. "Thank you, are you ok Thorin?" He let out a breath and sat down placing her between his powerful leg's. "I am concerned for the rest of the company we left behind. Especially after all you have told me .You have informed me of how the dragon is going to attack Laketown .I left my two nephews back there .How am I supposed to feel?" He snapped at her. "Worried, I am too Thorin." Philicia left him alone with his thought's as she went to stand next to Balin and Dwalin."I am worried about him doesn't seem to be himself." Seh said her words touched with sadness."Aye Lassie ,don't let Thorin scare you he had a lot on his shoulder's everything ,the quest it is all pushing the weight down on him." Dwalin patted her arm then went to stand with Thorin. They ate a light breakfast consisting of sweet pastries the ladies had prepared for their journey and drank hot tea chasing away the chill in the air."Winter is almost upon us." Balin said making conversation knowing he also was concerned about Thorin's odd behavior.

So for three day's the boat's drifted on the water all sleeping where and when they could. Thorin huddled down in the bottom of the boat keeping Philicia close to him. Early afternoon on the third day the boats pulled up to a dock on the edge of the river running. "We will take you no further." The oarsman told them. Fearing an attack from the dragon the men of Laketown hurried the company off the boat's and then swiftly turned the boat's around and paddelling away quickly. "Come on we must hurry Durin's day is nearly upon us." Thorin started barking orders left and right at everyone. "Ori, Nori , get a fire going." They had deceided to camp out next to the river in a clearing surrounded by rocks that would offer some protecton within the caves should the dragon be spotted. The mood of the company was apprehensive as everyone tried to make light of the situation. Bilbo who had been shivering since they left Laketown sat near the fire his teeth chattering in the cool mountain air. Bombur had managed to cook up a delicious stew as their stomach's grumbled in anticipaton. "You are amazing." Philicia told him asking for a half bowl more. She took one over to Thorin which he polietly refused. So the rest of the evening was passed in near silence no one wanting to be too loud for the mountain being so close. "This silence is deafining." Ori blurted out . "Hey I have got a great way to pass the time."Philicia smiled as she asked Thorin to get her bag. 'Who wants to play Texas Hold Em?" Suddenly there were eleven pair's of eye's looking at her. Philicia had everyone sit in a circle around the fire as she explained the game to them passing the cards around till everyone had an equeal amount. Now the object of the game is on your turn make the highest hand possible. After further explaining the game they went a few rounds till Thorin ordered everyone to sleep for the night placing a lookout on both ends of the camp. Dwalin was on one end and Nori on the other as everyone else settled in for the night.

"Thorin lay down you are exausted." Philicia said to him as he scooted his bedroll next to her's." What would I do without you givashel." Thorin kissed her brow before setteling into the blanket's. His arm came around her waist as he pulled her against him. Philicia shuttered as she felt the warmth that engulfed her."Are you alright? You have been quiet since we laid down.'' Thorin smoothed the hair away from her face planting a kiss on her exposed neck. "I'm fine." She snapped. When in fact she was not fine at all .Philicia was shaking inside she knew what was coming the confrintation with Smaug, Thorin succoming to the madness and the imminent battle. As her thoughts churned so did her stomach ."Oh Gawd." She groaned and jumped up and ran for the cover of darkness. "Philicia", Thorin ran after her. He stopped and slowly came up behind her. She was on her knees her head bent down as she splattered her dinner over the grass. "Philicia."Thorin softly breathed as his massive arms went around her and pulled her back from the bushes."What brought this about, are you ill my love?" Thorin asked cradeling her shaking form against his. "I'm so scared Thorin." She wimpered into his front. Thorin raised her face to his and what he saw made him hurt all over. Philicia's beautiful purple eye's were big and full of what could be only described as genuine fear. "What are you afraid of, will you not tell me?" He stroked her cheek with his thumb brushing the moisture from her face." I'm scared knowing what's up there, and what lies ahead." Thorin shifted his body and stood up Philicia still cradled in his arm's he carried her back to camp. 'I'm cold. "She said as he laid her down on the soft pelt's. "I will warm you." Thorin stretched out and threw the blanket's over them as he gathered her trembling shape close to his own. "I know you are scared it might have been better that you remained in Laketown." Thorin wispered as his warm breath fanned across her bare skin. "No, I need to be here. I have told Bard all that I can to prepare him for what he needs to do. I told him to tell the people to get as far away as they can and go to the caves south of the city and stay till it is safe. I can't do any more than that. Oh and I also showed him the black arrow he had stached in his kitchen." "That must of made him curious on how you knew." Thorin felt a pang of jealousy as she talked of the bowman but quickly shucked it off knowing that she loved him and him only. Thorin held her closly as her breathing evened out and she fell into a deep sleep. Taking a look around one more time he let sleep take him.

Thorin woke near dawn as the feel of the cool mountain air and the smell of the pines giving him a feeling of nostalga. He knew Philicia was still sleeping from her slow steady breathing he placed a light kiss on her forehead then rose to check the camp. Dwalin was still on watch while Nori had fell asleep against the tree. "How goes the night nadad?" Thorin asked approaching a yawning Dwalin." Quiet as a mouse my king." He answered. "Why did you not wake me?" Thorin asked his eyes scanning the sky as the sun shot her display of colors over the morning sky. "A ya looked so peaceful Thorin all snuggled up to the lass and all I a didn't want to disturb ya. Out of all us it a bein you that has taken the least amount o rest." Dwalin looked Thorin over noticing how the tirdness still shown on his face. "Very well thank you I did need the rest."Thorin admitted ."Go take some rest I will wake you in a few hours." Dwalin didn't argue but went strait to his bedroll and was out right away. Thorin next went to Nori and relieved him from watch telling him to get some sleep also. He sat there quietly watching the sunrise over The Lonely Mountain. Durin's Day at last was here, this, the one and only chance to find the hidden door. 168 years he had waited for this day .His heart yearning his anger growing at the dragon that taken everything from him that day. Thorin wondered what Erebor would have been like now . Would he have been on the throne, would he have had a queen at his side and children as his Heirs. So much loss ,so much what could of been. Thorin was drug from his thoughts as Philicia groaned and sat up. "Oh not now. "She said as her hand came up with blood upon it. "Philicia." Thorin went to her quickly. "Are you alright, Oin come Philiia is injured." Thorin shouted. "Wait a minute Thorin,please." She said her face turning scarlett. "I'm not hurt except a headache and my lower area." "What do you mean?" He asked still not sure of her meaning. "Thorin really." She said reading the panic in his eye's. "I'ts a girl thing. A smirk broke out on his face as understanding came upon him. "Now?" He asked . "Well it's not like I can do anything about it,can I Oh i'm so sure just let me run back to Laketown for some Norplant." She snapped irritated as cramps rolled inherv lower gut."Pardon?" He asked helping her up as she kept the blanket around her middle. "It's a medicine that's prevent's pregnancy and ,this." With that she ran to the river dragging the blanket behind her. Thorin laughed as he reached for her bag knowing she would need a change of clothes.

Snow had already dusted the ground as they started their trek up the mountain. Everyone had filled up on dried meats and pastries and fresh fruit compliments of the people of Laketown. The day's were growing shorter and a coldness had set in bringing with it a wind turning the air to an icy chill. The dwarves seemed oblivious to the cold while Philicia and Bilbo's teeth chattered as they made their way up over the rise. "This was once green and covered with farmland but now it is naught but ash and ruin." Balin lamented his eyes scanning the barren gight before him. They came upon a large city it's tall towers half burned and crumbled away ,i'ts buildings frozen in time. The ruined city stood on the edge of the mountain. Long bridges ran across the river running as Philicia knew with instant clarity what she was looking at. "What is this place?" Bilbo asked his face forlorn. "T'was once the city of Dale, now it is a ruin." Balin said. "It is the desolation of Smaug." The Hobbit looked as he would faint away again. "Come we must find the hidden door the day is passing"Thorin said taking off toward the mountain."Wait" Bilbo hollered. "Isn't this... the overlook." Thorin turned around and stared The Hobbit down. "Gandalf said to wait for him at the overlook. This is the overlook." Thorin started to step toward Bilbo then sudenly stopped." Do you see him?"Thorin barked. "No but.." Bilbo started to argue. "We have no time to wait upon the wizard , we move now." Thorin commanded his face hardend as he spoke." Thorin" Philicia called but he just brushed her off and hurried down the hill. Suddenly Philicia stopped. "No I can't ,I can't go down there.I I just can't." She fell to her knees buring her face in her lap and sobbed. "Thorin was beside her in an instant "What is it, tell me please my heart?" Thorin cupped her chin raising her tear streaked face to meet his concerned eye's. "Thorin." She reached for him as great sobs were torn from her mouth. The company watched quietly as their king sat and pulled Philicia onto is lap to bring his arms around her."This is where it.. happend , in my world, this is where you died." Thorin held her closer as she cried till there were no more tears left.

Wiping her nose Thorin helped her to stand and they took the long way around by passing Ravenhill. The company came to a cross road .One path led to Dale The other one to the front gates of Erebor. Thorin reached for the map unfurling it he and Balin took a look getting a pinpoint of where they were. "We need to find the hidden path. The secret passage will most likely come up into one of the main walkway's." Balin said his sharp eyes scanning the mountain. Thorin nodded his head in agreement. "Bombur, take Bifur and and Bofur and began scouting along the pathway's. Ori you go with Nori and Gloin to check the western face." Thorin had everyone searching but all reported back with no luck. "Thorin."Philicia said coming to stand in front of him. "Why don't you have Bilbo check over the north rise." Thorin looked at her a smile spreading across his handsome face. "Master Burgler!" Thorin called ''You go take a look at the north side and let me know if anything is up there." Thorin had the map clasped in his hands studing it intensly." If the map is true the hidden door should be directly above us." Thorin said his voice hopeful with excitement. So Bilbo went around to the north side kicking at rocks shuffeling dirt away till he looked up and gasped. What his eye's saw could only be what they had been searching for. He ran as fast as his leg's could go. "I found it. It's over here!" Bilbo called to the company. Everyone took off at a run as they came around the side of the mountain. Thorin looked up, a set of stairs hidden within a statue of an ancient dwarf. "This has to be it." He exhaled sharply his heart pounding into his chest. Thorin went at a sprint to Bilbo and placed his hand on the Hobbit's small shoulder. "You have keen eye's Master Baggins."

The sun was slowly making her decent as the company started up the stairs. "We have to go up there?" Philicia said eying the steep steps. "Aye we do lass." Balin called from behind her. The climb up the steps was slow going and Thorin was glancing behind him every few minutes checking the sunset. "Thorin" Philicia reached for his hand ."Don't worry we will make it" She reassured him. "Do you know exactly where the door is ,if you do I would have you tell me now." Thorin's soft voice spoke where only she could hear it. "I don't remember the exact spot all I do know is it has somthing to do with the moon." She wispered in his ear. "You can recall no more?"Thorin asked leaning to wisper in her ear. "No, sorry." She at that moment chanced to look over the side as a wave of dizziness struck her. Philicia leaned against the wall shaking. "Oh gawd I can't look." "Then don't ,come on we must catch up with the others." Thorin clasped her hand gently in his as they could see Nori going around the turn. The climb was steep and dangerous with a few of the dwarves slipping on steps crumbling away with age. After a while they came to another turn that opened up to a ledge. Thorin and Philicia followed by Bilbo were the first to breech the platform. "This must be it, the hidden door! " He said his tone full of waited for everyone to gather around and raising the key up to the sunset a smile gleaming upon his striking face pulled his future queen to his side and placing his arm around her slender waist said "For all who doubted us, rue this day." A triumphent smile spreading across his magestic company cheered as they turned and began searching for the door. Philicia as she watched the sun setting noticed Thorin becoming adgitated. He began giving orders to the dwarves. "Right then, we have a key."Dwalin said. "Which means somewhere there is a keyhole."Balin added. Thorin turned around just as the sun was setting in the western sky."The last light of Durin's day will shine upon the keyhole." Thorin wispered as he stared over the horizon. Balin let a smile spread across his face as he watched his little brother feel for any cracks or abnormalaties in the stone wall. "Nori." Thorin called for the companies resident thief. Nori walked over to the wall and began tapping it with a spoon stolen from Rivendell. Thorin tuned around again as the sun was quickly setting. "Were losing the light." He said his anxiety showing. "Come on!" Suddenly Dwalin started kicking the wall." Be quiet I can't hear when your thumping the wall "Nori scolded Dwalin. "It's no use ,it's not here!" Dwalin shouted his breath coming in gasps. " Break it down!" Thorin ordered his patiences wearing thin. The dwarves began chipping away at the stone with their axes however they had no luck at all. "Come on!" Thorin shouted. "Were lousing the light"! Balin finally spoke up. "It's no good, the door is sealed it can't be opend by force. Thorin turned to Philicia "Tell us where the door is, NOW!" Thorin shouted at Philicia making her eyes tear up. "Thorin" Balin said."She wouldn't know where it is laddie. Powerful magic is on it." He added. Thorin rushed to the edge of the cliff."No." He said his voice cracking. Thorin pulled out the map again and held it up to the light."The last light, of Durin's Day, will shine upon the key hole. That is what it say's." Thorin was fighting tears the anguish heard by all. Tears by this time were streaming down Philicia's cheeks as she felt all of his pain. "What did we miss?" Thorin breathed his voice breaking. Balin was shaking his head no as Thorin came and stood before him "What did we miss?" Thorin softly said to Balin as he stood before his mentor and friend. "We've lost the light, theres no more to be done." Thorin was broken as he stared Balin in the face hoping for some kind of answer." We had but one chance , come on lads, it's over." Balin said as he followed the company around the corner. "Wait a minute" Bilbo said flinging his hands at Thorin."Where are they going?" Bilbo asked him. Philicia felt so bad for Thorin at that moment as she went to him and wrapped her arms around his waist hiding her face in his shoulder. "You can't give up now." Bilbo shouted at the dwarves as they dissapeared down the step's. Thorin held her at arm's legnth from himself and let the key to his kingdom slip from his finger's. "Thorin." Bilbo said as Oakenshield pushed the map in The Hobbit's hand and followed his company down the step's. Bilbo stood on the ledge in complete shock at what just happend. "I will go talk to him "Philicia said. So as Bilbo stayed behind pouring over the map Philicia went to go find Thorin. She went a little way's down the steps and that was when she saw him. After Thorin had left Bilbo and Philicia on the ledge he walked a way's down and stunbling his vision blurry he fell against the wall and buried his hand's in his face and let the tears flow freely down his face. "Thorin" Philicia said coming up beside him. "Leave me be." He hissed pushing her away. "Please ,don't it will be alright." She tried to pull him into her arm's but he recoiled to her touch. "Leave me woman do you not listen when I speak?" Thorin hissed again at Philicia. So she sat next to him silently as the scenes of the Deceolation of Smaug crossed her memory. Bilbo on the meantime was up on the ledge mumbling to himself "Stand by the grey stone when the Thrush knocks ."He said holding map in his hand."Settin sun,and the last light of Durin's day, will shine."He suddenly looked up and it clicked."The last light! He said as the clouds parted revealing a beam of light shining down on the stone wall. "It's the moon, it's the last light of the moon!" Bilbo shouted over the Thrush pecked at the stone as the moonlight shown revealing a darkend spot in the wall. The Bird flapped it's wings and quickly flew away leaving Bilbo with his mouth agape. "I figured it out he thought to himself. ''The key hole!" Bilbo shouted to Philicia as she called down to Thorin. "The keyhole, I found it. Come back,come back! " He hollered down to the retreating dwarves. "Its the light of the moon,the last moon of Autum." Bilbo quickly started searching for the key Thorin had thrown down."The key ,where is it, it was just here." Suddenly his foot caught on something as the key slid close to the edge. It was just about to slip off when it was stepped upon by a heavy Dwarven Boot. The king crouched down and picked up the key to his kingdom. Now after waiting for 162 years Thorin waited for the company who had followed him half way across the world stood beside him and the woman he would make his queen. Thorin inserted the key into the hole and turned the lock. Click, and the cracks in the mountain revealed themselves. Philicia stood a ways away letting Thorin have this moment. He gave the door a good push and was met by a rush of stale air as the door swung open. They were met with nothing but darkness. "Come Philicia." Thorin grasped her hand tightly as they breached the threshold that had been sealed for the last 162 years."Erebor." Came Thorin's soft tone. "Thorin." Balin said holding back tears. Thorin put his hand on Balins shoulder as he stepped into the mountain. "I know these walls...These halls ,this stone. You remember it, Balin, Chambers filled with golden light." Thorin said a erie silence filling the air. They lit the torches that were against the wall the rest of the company slowly came into the tunnel. "I remember." Balin said his eyes misty with tears Nori pointed at the carving above the entrance. It was a dipiction of the throne of Erebor ,the Arkenstone above it with it's light shining out in all directions. Gloin looked up as he read the inscription above the door. "Herin lies the seventh kingdom of Durin's Folk. May The Heart of The Mountain unite all dwarves in defence of this home". "The throne of the king ". Balin said a Bilbo looked up at the carving within the stone. Philicia stood next to Thorin even then she was still a little mad at him . She felt Thorins arms go around her and she turned and smiled up at him. The emotions playing on his face displayed wonder and awe as he placed his hands on the stone once again. "What is that thing above it ",one of the dwarves asked. "The Arkenstone" Balin said. "Arkenstone, and what's that?" Bilbo asked. Thorin had been leaning against the wall his arms crossed. "That Master burgler, is why you are here." Thoin said. Everyone looked at Bilbo as his face appeared shocked. "You can do this Bilbo and as for the rest of you don't doubt he needs encouragement right now." Philicia laid a gentle hand on the little man's shoulder. All was quiet as they made camp out on the ledge for the night. The door was left open just in case the dragon left the mountain and they needed to take cover. Thorin had Gloin and Bofur on first watch as Bombur made a quick stew. They ate in near silence and everyone settled in for the night. "We will send Master Baggins in at first light". Thorin said to Balin. "Aye laddie a good night's sleep will do all of us some good." He said back. "Thorin, Gandalf said not to enter the mountain without him. Shouldn't we wait for him to get here?" Philicia reminded him. "Do you see the wizard here. Why should we wait on him he may never show." Thorin argued back sounding angry. "Well what's it matter now the doors alreadt open anyway."She shot back. "It matter's" Thorin grumbled at her . "Fine then, goodnight." She moved her bedroll over to the cliff wall next to the door and tried to sleep. Thorin and Balin talked for a few more hour's and when Thorin laid down for the night he didn't scoot his pallett next to Philicia's. Thorin was just too irritated with her at the moment. All was quiet that night.

The dawn came way to soon for the company as they were woken by the warmth shining upon them. Thorin went around checking how everyone slept and getting a report from the night watch. "Ahhh" Philicia yawned. Is it time to get up?" She asked looking around for Thorin. She had slept tossing and turning with Thorin not next to her she had known he was upset with her at something and she made a point to find out what it was.