Chapter 26
Searching and Alone Time

Bilbo showed us to where the other dwarves were. They were sitting in a dining room type of room.

"Balin!" Bofur called.

"Kili!" Nori called.

"Bell!" Dwalin called.

"Bombur!" Bofur called. The dwarves laugh and hug us. Dwalin pulled me into a hug. I was shocked but hugged him back.

"Glad your alright, lassie. Bilbo was worried." Balin said, hugging me.

"Thank you." I said. Fili pulled Balin aside and they were whispering in urgent and scared voices.

"Bell helped Bard kill the dragon." Bofur said. The dwarves look at me.

"Why, lassie?" Dwalin asked.

"I'm about to marry into the line of Durin. I would do anything to help my future kin." I said. The dwarves smiled and all hugged me. I saw Fili smiling at me from where he stood. We all go quiet as Thorin enters the room.

"What is everyone just standing around. We got the Arkenstone to find." Thorin said. I frowned deeply, but follow the others into the treasure room. I stood near a column and watched the dwarves search the entire room. I stayed hidden so I wasn't seen standing around. I watched Thorin as he stood on a balcony observing. I saw Bilbo doing the same thing. I didn't notice that Fili and Kili were missing.

"Any sign of it?" Thorin asked.

"Nothing yet." Dwalin called.

"Nothing here." Nori called.

"Keep searching." Thorin said.

"That jewel could be anywhere!" Oin called.

"The Arkenstone is in these halls. Find it!" Thorin yelled.

"You heard him. Keep looking!" Thorin said.

"All of you. No one rests until it is found!" Thorin said. I shake my head at this and walk out of the treasury. I walk the halls of Erebor. It was beautiful like Fili said. I heard footsteps and turn to see Fili heading my way.

"I want to show you something and then we can talk. I know I got expaining to do if your marrying into my family." Fili said, holding out his arm. I took his arm and he led me through hallways. I followed his lead. We walked down halls.

"Where are we going?" I ask.

"Right now we are near the Royal chambers, but what we're seeking is outside. Trust me." Fili said.

"I trust you." I said. Fili smiled and stopped right outside a wall. He let go of me and walked up to the wall. He pushed on the walls. "Now your spiking my interest."

"Kili and I found a secret tunnel while exploring while the others searched for the stone. We use to do this in Ered Luin. Here we go." Fili said, pushing the door to a tunnel open. Fili grabbed a torch and we go through the tunnel. We walked for awhile until we came to sunlight in the distance. "Close your eyes and I'll guide you." I gave him a look, but close my eyes. He took my hands and led me, guiding me without running me into anything. He stops me and I feel a breeze on my face.

"Fili?" I ask.

"Open them." Fili said. I opened them and gasped.

It was a garden that was untouched by weeds and the dragon on the outside of the mountains. Winter flowers were blooming. It seemed like it was touched by magic.

"It's beautiful." I said.

"It was the garden of the wife of the Thror. My great grandmother. I think she would want you to have it since Hobbits love the aspects of gardening." Fili said. I tackled him to the ground.

"It's beautiful and I will care for it." I said. Fili rolled me over so I was under him.

"I know you will and our children can play here." Fili said. I smiled up at him as he leaned down and kissed me. Our clothes were lost and soon we came one.

A few moments later. We lay curled up on the grass. I ran my fingers across his chest.

"You know what's wrong with Thorin." I said. Fili sighed.

"I knew this conversation would come up soon, but not this soon. Its a gold sickness. It consumed Thror, my grandfather, and now Thorin has it." Fili said.

"Gold sickness?" I ask, sitting up and looking him in the eyes. There was no lie in his eyes.

"It's also called Dragon sickness. All you think about and care for is the gold. Family and kin doesn't matter. It runs in the family." Fili said.

"So if Thorin dies and you become king..." I couldn't finish as I Felt the tears begin to form.

"I will fall under it as well." Fili whispered. He sat up and took my face in his hands. "I promise you, my love. I won't let it consume me. I don't want to hurt you." He pressed his forehead against mine.

"I believe you." I whisper. Fili pulled me down and pulled me close. I felt his breath slow and knew he fell asleep. I knew I had to stop this sickness or something. I couldn't see Fili or Kilis suffer from it. I let sleep take me as I slept in Fili's arms.

AN: Bell now knows. More to come. I got the apartment. We already have internet for it so it won't take me long to update. So it won't be a long wait. I promise. Till next time