Thorin laid me gently on his bed with no words to give me. Part of his crew followed him into the room, even Tauriel, who was now part of the family whether he liked it or not. They all had too many questions that needed answering.
"What did just happen out there? I don't understand." Asked Dori.
"So what now? Do we let the campers in?" Asked Gloin.
"What about Bilbo?" Asked Bofur.
"Lads, that will be enough! Do not overwhelm him with questions. Let him settle down." Demanded Balin.
Thorin caressed my face with the back of his hand, smiling slightly at me. His surroundings were but background noises to him. He took both my hands on his, lifting them to his forehead and making a prayer in Khuzdul to his ancestors. Then he kissed my hands and asked me to rest. A hand was placed comfortingly on his shoulder, he turned to see it was Kili.
"Uncle, I know you are still resentful about elves. But my wife can help Wyenne feel better. You see, I was going to die from the wound of the Morgul shaft until she saved me. I trust her with my life. Would you allow her to try her miraculous hand on Wyenne?" Explained Kili.
"Love, she is the friend I spoke to you about." I said softly.
Thorin turned to Tauriel, who was standing next to Kili waiting for approval.
"Can you save her?" He asked with humbleness.
"Yes I can, if you allow me. Nothing would honour me more." Responded Tauriel.
"By all means, do it. I leave you to it while I do some unfinished business." Said Thorin, rising from my side and out of the bedroom, when Dwalin intercepted him.
"Here is the Arkenstone, safe and sound. The bargain is a sealed deal. They accepted the peace offering." Reported Dwalin.
"Thank you, my brother in arms!" Said Thorin, taking the Arkenstone and holding it close to his heart with reverence.
"Pardon me but, I still do not understand your sudden change of plans. Is not that I am questioning your word, but what happened?" Asked Dwalin.
"All in due time, my friend." Said Thorin.
"Understood. Anything else I can do for you?" Asked Dwalin.
"Yes, I have one more favor to ask of you; Dain must arrive anytime. Make sure he knows of the new arrangement and let him pass. That will be all for now." Said Thorin.
With that said, Thorin left to the throne room, where once his grandfather sat, back in the glorious days of Erebor. Thorin swore with his life to see those days return. He wiped the cobwebs from the hole where the Arkenstone once was and placed it there, pacing back from the throne with his right hand to his chest in a slight reverence. His eyes were fixed on it as he spoke, "Forefathers, Erebor is ours once more. I honour thy memories with this..."
"Your father loved you very much. He wanted you to know that!" Said Gandalf, interrupting his memorial prayer. Thorin turned abruptly to him. Gandalf continued, "those were his last words and they were for you!"
"So you saw him!" Said Thorin with astonishment.
"Yes, sadly I could not save him, as much as I tried. I found him at the ruins of Dol Guldur, just in time to see Sauron destroy him. This is not the end of it, a whole army of orcs is headed this way. Peace could not come at a better time, you need as much allies as you can muster."
Thorin widened his eyes, "I have to warn the others!" he said, leaving the throne room as fast as he could. Balin intercepted him on his way out ...
"Dain has arrived! He is with Dwalin. They are not far behind." said Balin.
"Excellent! I have some updates and I need to reunite all of you!" Responded Thorin.
Not a minute passed when Dwalin arrived escorting Dain Ironfoot. They met Thorin half way.
"Thorin, I came as soon as I could. My entire army is at your service. What are your instructions?" Said Dain.
"Perfect! Is there a priest among your dwarfs men?" Asked Thorin.
"Yes indeed. I always bring one to bless us to victory!" Said Dain with pride.
"Bring him and meet me at the hall of Kings. Quick!" Ordered Thorin, "Balin, come with me!"
I was sitting on bed quite recovered, having a nice girl talk with Tauriel and chuckling as she helped me eat my meal. Those of the company that were with us in the room were satisfied to see me in good spirits, when Thorin broke into the room abruptly, slamming the door open. It startled all of us.
"Everybody out! There is no time for explanations. Meet me at the hall of the kings!" Ordered Thorin. Everybody trailed past him not daring to say a word. He stopped Tauriel, "Not you, I wish to have a word with you first."
Tauriel tilted her head to the side, raising an eyebrow, "Um.. of course, your Majesty.." She sounded uneasy, knowing full well about the king's distaste for elves.
Thorin pulled her apart, "How is Wyenne?" He whispered.
"I would say she is excellently. She was never in real danger, only a bit famished. You can see for yourself.." responded Tauriel with a smile.
"Can you help her dress?" He asked.
"Um.. sure! Why?" Both me and her gave each other a stare of incomprehension, wondering what he was up to.
Thorin did not answer her question. Instead, he began to search an old wardrobe and drawers, until he found a very elegant dwarven gown. He tossed it on my lap hastily. Then he pulled a small jewelry box full of luxurious accessories, emptying its contents beside me also. Curiosity was already killing me.
"Love, what is this all about?" I asked.
"These belonged to my mother. I am not sure if they will fit you, but it's the best I can offer for now. Meet me at the hall of the kings when you are ready. Balin will guide you there!" He said with a no nonsense tone and very rushed.
"I am flattered, but what is the occasion?" I asked, exchanging stares of confusion with Tauriel and then looking back at him.
"It is about time I honour you. We are getting married!" With that said, he left the room hastily.
I covered my mouth with surprise, crying happy tears. Tauriel embraced me tight, "Congratulations are in order!"