Chapter 22

The task took me almost the whole day to complete, and I also helped gather gold together using my tail to separate piles. I had to hand it to the dwarves; they sure knew how to get things done. They had cleaned up the room with the forges, and the machines that could be saved were fixed. It would take a little longer to get the rest of it going. While I had been working down with the stone pillars, they had managed to get the gate Smaug had broken to stand up right again, or at least partly. Don't ask how, because I had not been paying attention when they had done that. Standing off to the side as I placed a pillar back to where it was, I growled loudly at it when it ground against stone as it was slowly put back in to place. I gave it a firm shove and was happy to see it set in place. Satisfied that it would stay, I moved back and rumbled to myself, careful not to step on the dwarves who would pass under me every now and again.

"Everything is looking wonderful."

Turning my head, I saw Thorin standing there on the top of one of the bridges that stretched across the hall. I rumbled softly and approached him, my head level with where he stood. I blew out warm air and it made him smile. Reaching out, the dwarf king ran a hand over my scales that were between my nostrils. He looked tired, but there wasn't much I could do about that. We had much work to do.

"That was the last one," I informed him. "And it's a good thing to, I am tired."

"Well, then you will be happy to know that there is dinner in the golden hall. The rest of Dain's people arrived and have quickly set up for dinner. We've managed to clean out over fifty rooms and get them back under control," Thorin replied his hands behind his back. "We found that the gardens have just about burst with fruit. They were all left untouched, we just had not been able to get to them."

"That is very good to know," I mused softly, and looked over the large amount of gold that still was littering the room.

"Come on, let's be done for the night," he suggested gently. "Meet me in the golden hall."

"Yes, My Lord," I mused, making him smile as he walked off.

I stood there for a moment and then turned human. Catching my breath, I left the cavern of gold and headed up through the forges and back to the golden hall. Fili joined me before we entered and he grabbed my arm. I gave him a look as he tucked my arm around his and he patted my hand with a brilliant smile on his face. I felt my heart skip a beat at the look on his face. This could have turned out so different, but it didn't. I forced myself to stay in the present.

"You cannot go in there alone," he teased. "I shall accompany you."

"You brute," I laughed. "I don't know whether to smack your or leave it."

"Please leave it. I'm still unbearably sore from battle," he replied, almost pouting.

"Hmm," I smiled, and reminded myself to check Thorin's back when we had a moment of privacy. "Are you doing all right otherwise?"

"I am alive," Fili patted my hand. "That's all I could ever ask for."

I nodded my head and then hugged his arm as we walked. "Thank you, Fili," I said suddenly. "Thank you and your brother both, for being there for me when I needed it."

"You've done the same for us," Fili replied softly. "We both love you to pieces."

I chuckled softly. "And of course it is returned to the both of you."

Walking in to the hall, I let Fili lead me over to Thorin who was at the head of one table. He kissed my hand when he left me with his uncle and then joined his brother down the table. I stood quietly with Thorin, not interrupting him. It was time for a speech, I could feel it and I hated that part. At least his weren't long and boring like his grandfather's had been. I glanced up to see Balin and Dwalin both giving me a look and I flushed, knowing they knew exactly what I was thinking about. It almost made me laugh, but I gathered myself.

"To many prosperous days to come," he said, raising a glass. "We have finally come home."

The cheers that echoed through the hall made me smile, and I laughed as his arm wrapped around my waist and pulled me close. He pressed a kiss to the side of my forehead, ignoring the whistles and the cheers.

"And to the day I can call you my wife, and my queen," he rumbled in my ear, making me blush.

"Stop it," I gushed, leaning to look at him. "You are making me weak in the knees."

"Good," Thorin smiled and kissed me on the lips, earning a whooping cheer from others. "I love you, Arina. I always have."

I couldn't help the surge of emotion that swept through my body and I smiled at him as the words settled over my ears. I hadn't realized how good it felt to hear those words come from him. Reaching up again, I kissed him and wrapped my arms around his neck as he laughed when I pulled back. His arms were solid and warm around me...and alive.

"I love you," I murmured against his ear.

I felt him settle slightly against me, and when I leaned back he had a warm look on his face that had me smiling till my cheeks hurt. Song broke out through the hall as dinner progressed and almost everyone was laughing. As dinner ended, the drinking started and the singing grew louder. The dancing started shortly after, and I cringed when Kili grinned and came over to me.

"Where is that lady of yours?" I asked flatly. "I don't dance."

"Oh come on, Arina!" he begged. "Please! I remember when I was younger you loved to dance!"

"That was thirty years ago," I countered as he grabbed my hands.

"And it was for fun. Have some fun, or has my uncle infected you with his brooding," Kili grinned, and ducked when Thorin went to smack him over the head.

I gave him an irritated look as he tugged a little harder on my hands, making me move a step as I slowly gave in. The moment I did, he was twirling me away from Thorin. I couldn't help the laugh that escaped from my lips as we danced around and around for what seemed like hours. I had to admit that it was more fun than I remember having lately. I vaguely noticed that Thorin had walked toward the entrance, and so I focused and saw Bard walking in. Nudging Kili with my elbow as we danced, I nodded in the direction of them, and his expression grew serious so he whirled us through the crowd and toward his uncle. I couldn't help the laugh that escaped me as he did so. Fili, Bofur, and Balin were joining us. Catching myself gracefully, I left the crowd and joined Thorin as he approached Bard.

"Go back to the dance," he said softly. "Have fun."

"After knowing what he holds, I think I'll stay with you," I replied simply.

"King Thorin," Bard said bowing slightly in respect. "My Lady Arina."

"Bard," Thorin replied. "It is good to see you made it out alive."

"That I did, no thanks to the woman at your side, and your timely arrival," Bard answered. "I am glad to see you are of a better mind."

"As am I," Thorin nodded, and glanced down at me for a second. "What did you come here for?"

"To give you this." Bard pulled out a brilliant white jewel from his coat that glowed despite the darkness.

Thorin shifted slightly in surprise and then slowly took the Arkenstone from him. I watched him quietly, keeping my expression as relaxed as possible. He had over come the madness that ran in the family, but I was scared that he would fall right back in to it if given the chance.

"Thank you," Thorin said finally. "I trust Thranduil has been helpful to you and your people this day."

"He has done as requested, I cannot thank you enough. We now have more than we'll ever need to rebuild our lives here," he nodded. "Thank you. I hope that we may live in peace and both benefit from each other."

"I am sure we will," Thorin smiled, and they nodded to each other.

As Bard left, I looked at the jewel that rested in Thorin's hand as he turned it over and looked at it. Sighing quietly, Thorin turned and handed the jewel to Balin who took it in surprise. The older dwarf looked at the stone before turning his attention back to Thorin with an arch of his brow.

"Will you keep it safe?" he asked. "Keep it out of my sight and out of mind for now."

"I will," Balin nodded his head as he walked off as the brothers followed him quietly.

Thorin glanced down at me as we rejoined the celebration. "What?" he asked.

I shook my head as we sat down at the table with Dain and a few others. "Nothing," I mused softly.

"I am no fool," he smiled. "You would have my head if I fell under that sickness again. I have no intention to. That stone can stay as far away from my bloodline as it can get in this mountain. Even if it didn't affect me now, I don't want to take a chance just yet."

I let him rub his thumb over my hand gently as he spoke with Dain about what needed to happen over the course of the next year. Getting to my feet after a while, I ran a hand through Thorin's hair and left him in his conversation and walked outside. Something was pulling me, urging me to go out and see what was going on. Stepping across the bridge that had been repaired thanks to the wizards magic, I glanced at the entrance of the mountain behind me. It was quiet, and I felt off. The elves were still down with the men of Dale and I could hear that they were still working well in to the night. The city was going to have to be rebuilt, and no doubt we'd be down there helping.

News would have spread rather quickly about the city being saved. Maybe that's why I felt so uneasy all of the sudden. Scanning the area, I left and walked up the side of the mountain that led to the look out, where we had watched Smaug destroy Laketown. In the daylight, we could see the body of the beast that lay in the lake, but now I could see nothing.

"Why do I feel like this?" I questioned myself, and turned when a cackle caught my attention.

I watched a raven fly toward me, and land on the stone beside me. Reaching out, I ran a hand gently over the feathers of his back and let him nip my finger.

"You carry news," I said softly.

"A dark power has returned," the bird said softly. "That is what you are feeling. He has been banished...but we fear it is not over."

"Who told you this?" I asked.

"The Great Eagles," he replied as he hopped up a little higher so he didn't have to look up. "They have been watching. The Orcs have returned...they fear this is only the start of it."

"Can you tell me more?" I asked.

"No, that is all I know," he sighed sadly.

I looked back over the lake and then down on Dale. "That's not...all you came to tell me," I said as a scent caught my nose in the wind.

"There are more..." he croaked. "Stragglers are coming. They will try to take the mountain from Thorin. They have huge beasts...it will take numbers far greater than what they have to beat them..."

"The wounded are not yet healed. It's only been two days," I whispered. "But they shouldn't worry."

"Why?"

"Because I am with them," I said quietly. "When will they be here?"

"They come from the south. In a day, maybe less," the raven replied quickly.

I sucked in my breath and looked at Dale for a moment. "Go down to Thranduil and let them know. Tell them to keep a lookout. The moment that they see anything they are to blow their horns," I said firmly. "I will tell Thorin. I cannot venture far from the mountain, just in case it is a trap. Will you do that for me?"

"Yes, I can do that," he nodded hopping forward.

"Thank you," I replied gratefully, and stroked his wing. "Be my eyes, as you fly. Tell me all you see."

"My Lady," the raven replied and flew off quickly, heading down to the city below the lookout.

Turning swiftly, I hurried back toward the mountain and rushed inside. I wasn't sure if they'd be here by morning or later. They had no time to prepare for anything if these Orcs got here tomorrow. All they could do was seek shelter in the mountain and leave it to me. I wasn't keen on doing this again, but I knew it had to be done. Walking into the hall, I moved through the crowd and back toward Thorin and Dain. Balin was with them again, and they were laughing and smiling about something. I didn't feel like crushing their spirits with this news and my shoulders dropped. Thorin looked up as I approached, giving me a look.

"I was wondering where you went off to," he rumbled.

"Hmm," I gave him a smile, and then leaned down so that I could speak in his ear. "I need to talk with you. Dain as well if you'd like."

Thorin look at me seriously when I leaned back from him a little, and nodded his head. He rose to his feet and brought both Dain and Balin with him, then led us to a room that we could speak privately in. I hated that we had just won a battle, and here I was about to warn them about another one.

"What is it?" Thorin asked turning with his arms crossed.

"I was just informed that we have another wave of Orcs on their way," I replied. "They are attacking from the south, and according to my messenger they are the stragglers that were left just in case. I have put Thranduil on alert to let me know when they see anything but I think it would be wise to make sure the others are held up in here just in case anything gets past me."

"You plan on going out there yourself?" Dain asked in surprise.

"That's out of the question," Thorin replied his tone firm.

I sighed and looked up at the rock ceiling, then at them both and then looked at Balin who smiled a little.

"She's right," Balin said firmly. "We don't have the numbers right now. We will be crushed with all of Dale if we make a stand."

"They have beasts with them, I'm assuming large ones," I said quietly. "Word is going to spread that the mountain has been won, and the King has finally returned Thorin. You are not ready yet, not in numbers. You and Dain both still have injuries to heal."

"I will fight just fine!" Dain protested, as Thorin just looked at me.

I looked between them both in exasperation and put my hands on my hips. "Listen to me," I said firmly. "You both are wounded and need to heal! You need to keep those in here safe. I'm not asking for permission to go out there. You both will stay here while I protect this place. I already said I was going to do just that, Thorin."

Both of them fell silent at my rant, and Thorin lowered his gaze to the ground but I could see the hint of a smile at the edge of his lips. Balin nodded his head slightly and was smiling. Both of the dwarf lords kept their eyes on the ground for the moment. Dain sighed quietly in defeat and his shoulders sagged a little.

"Well that settles that then," he said slowly.

"I guess it does," Thorin nodded slightly impressed.

"Yes it does," I replied sharply.

"Yes, ma'am," Dain said quietly.

Pleased with myself, I gave Thorin a look and arched my brow. He shook his head at me, and smiled slightly. I knew that telling them to stay here was hard, but I knew that none of them were in any condition to fight another army. I was only doing what was right.

"We'll make sure everyone stays in and stays safe," he rumbled. "You will do well to come back."

"Of course I will," I said as we walked back out together with the other two. "How is your back?"

"It's fine," Thorin answered not looking at me.

I snorted at him, and then very softly ran my hand down his back and earned a slight tightening of his shoulders. His jaw clenched tightly and when I glanced at his eyes I noticed the pain that flashed in their depths. He was trying to hide it, but with me he couldn't get away with it. I gave him a leveled look, and he sighed loudly.

"Fine, you can tend to it," he said in a hushed voice.

"A queen takes care of her king," I said with heavy amusement, and earned an irritated look. It made me laugh. "Your words."

"I think I'll start to regret those," he shot back, as we went to a spot where the wounded were.

It was easier for me to get fresh bandages and Oin gave me something to put on his back when I approached to get some hot water. I took what he offered and listened as he began to speak about what I needed to do.

"Here, smear this on the wound. It'll keep it protected against infection and so that it won't let the fabric stick," he instructed.

"Thank you," I nodded, and he smiled at me.

Rejoining Thorin, I looked at him as he sat there, his arm resting on the table with the most awful look on his face. I knew he hated being treated for his wounds, to much of a warrior to admit he needed help. I rolled my eyes as I set the hot water down behind him and came around his front so that I could see him.

"Don't look so miserable," I sighed.

"Why shouldn't I?" he asked.

I snorted a soft laugh and helped him take his shirt and coat off. Having him stand, I took the knot out of the fabric so I could change it. I touched his chest, and arched my brow up at him.

"For one, it's me," I finally replied. "I mean come on; I hope it's this easy to take your shirt off later."

I didn't look at him except for out of the corner of my eye to see that he had turned red beneath his beard and I grinned as I unwrapped the bandage. I put some hot water on where I was taking it from the wound so it wouldn't hurt so bad and then threw the dirty bandages in to the fire.

"Sit," I smiled, and waited for him to before I started cleaning around the wound.

It had bled slightly so I had to clean around it, and gently cleared any blood from the gash itself. When I was done with that, I put the cloth down, and reached for what Oin gave me.

"This might hurt," I warned him, and watched as he nodded.

Thorin tensed only slightly and his breath left him as I applied the ointment to his back. Once it was done, I had him stand again so that I could wrap it in a new bandage. Tying it against his front, I patted it and let out my own breath.

"I don't like doing that," I admitted. "Causing you pain. Despite what you might think, you brute of a man."

Thorin chuckled softly and eased in to his shirt and I helped him slide back in to the black coat he had on. He turned to look watch me as I cleaned my hands off and dried them. I sighed and steadied myself when I looked up at him.

"I'll try to be more reasonable," he teased gently, and pressed our foreheads together.

"Oh, you are too kind," I said rolling my eyes.

"Well, I'd like to think I am on occasion," Thorin replied, as he led me toward the front gate.

The dancing and the drinking had finally stopped, and everyone was bedding down for the night. The whisper about what was going to happen already had some dwarves moving deeper in to Erebor like I had wanted. This city was a fortress. Unless they had something big enough to break through again, we'd be safe inside. The vast halls and tunnels that led through the mountain provided extra protection.

"I will take the first watch," Thorin said after he grabbed a few blankets.

"You should be getting some rest." I looked at him and he shook his head.

"No. Not with this threat. I will sleep early, and be waiting for you to return if you leave," he answered, wrapping a blanket around me.

We walked up the steps to the front gate where we could get a clear look over the valley and beyond. Dale was quiet, but I could faintly make out elf guards there, which had me, relax. Thranduil so far was honoring his words. Going to the corner of where we were standing, I sank down on a chair that had been placed up here. I sighed and looked over the land to the south.

"And you thought you wouldn't be queen material," Thorin mused, standing with his hands behind his back. "You acted like one today."

I glanced up at him and then rested my feet up on the ledge, and leaned back in the chair. "If it's what you need, then it's what I have to be," I said quietly. "Though I'm sure you'll get mad at me quite often."

Thorin smiled as we kept watch. "Well that would just make it even with how many times I've made you mad."

"Oh...no you didn't make me mad," I laughed. "You down right would make me see red. You are so stubborn, you know that right?"

"Maybe," he mused.

"No, there is no maybe. You are," I stated firmly, which earned a smile from him.

"Get some sleep," he said softly, turning to face me. "You'll need your strength since you are firm on this."

"Fine," I replied, and closed my eyes when he ran his hand through my hair and pressed a kiss to my head.

I fell asleep quite fast, knowing I was safe under his watchful gaze. I was sure nothing would get past him while he was awake to watch.

Thanks for the review and all the favs and follows. Sorry this took so long!