Thorin chuckled softly and I leaned back from him, so that we could see Bilbo and Gandalf off. I watched them ride away and I crossed my arms quietly, so I could draw my own coat around me tightly. The wind picked up, making my hair blow back from my face and earning a slight shiver.

"What have you accomplished?" he asked.

"Well since you are helping to rebuild Esgaroth, I was busy with Balin. We got the gold bands up around the pillars finally, and the stairs down to those halls have begun to get fixed," I replied. "I've been checking on the businesses and they are doing well. Bofur's tavern is...adorable. Just don't tell him I said that."

Thorin laughed at that, and looked over at his nephews as they stood with Dis. "And how is Fili?" he rumbled.

"Better everyday," I nodded my head. "He lasted longer today than he did last week. That's a good improvement."

"I'm glad that he's healing well," Thorin sighed softly. "Come, let's get something to eat before we must part again."

"You have more to do?" I glanced at him.

"I do. A few mines are going to be fixed and started up again," Thorin nodded, as we walked inside.

"Has word got out that you are king?" I asked quietly. "And that the Arkenstone has been found and put back in its rightful place?"

"It has. Balin has sent our ravens to the seven families, and I'm pleased to say that they were all happy to hear of our success," he nodded.

"What of the Firebeards?" I lifted my gaze to him.

"Gandalf personally has said we have nothing to worry about," Thorin nodded his head.

"Good," I sighed softly.

I fell silent after that as we made our way up to the study that Thorin usually spent most of his time in. Shutting the door gently, the King glanced my way when I still said nothing. I couldn't help it, and sighed when he faced me fully. Turning to my husband, I gave him a gentle look, and reached up to press a kiss to his lips. I enjoyed the contact, and I know he did as well. Thorin reached up, touching my cheek briefly, before moving away and standing a few feet from me.

"Are you troubled about something?" he questioned curiously.

"No, I just want to make sure everything is falling in place," I murmured, and looked up before the knock at the door came.

"Yes," Thorin greeted.

The dwarves quietly walked in and set down our meal at the corner of the room on the table. I thanked them softly, and watched as they bowed and left us in peace. Going over, I poured some water and ate a few grapes that were there with some other fruit. Thorin joined me, and pulled out his chair so that he could eat his meal. I sat down with him, and listened as he started talking.

"Our stocks are doing well," he rumbled, after he swallowed a bite. "Trade with both Thranduil and Dale is still smooth. We've also started up trade with Dain. As we've mined over the past several months we've been able to start things over. Give us a little more time and it'll be as if Erebor never fell. I am just happy we are doing so well a year after we won back the mountain."

"It's nice to hear that," I smiled. "You've worked so hard to get us here."

"I haven't done this alone, Arina," he rumbled, glancing at me. "Without a certain shifter at my side I would have failed."

"Hush," I waved my hand.

"You don't give yourself enough credit," Thorin replied gently.

I glanced at him after taking a bite of my lunch, and tilted my head slightly. "I guess it could go both ways," I said slowly. "You saved me as well."

Thorin gave me a smile that had my breath catching in my throat for a moment, but I took a drink to hide it. Even after all this time he still took my breath away with just a look. Sighing quietly I finished my lunch, and got to my feet and went over to him when he was done. Leaning down, I kissed him on the lips and ran my fingers through his short beard. He had kept it short for my sake and because he liked it that way. Thorin's eyes softened slightly, and he reached up to trail his own fingers down my cheek.

"I told you that you'd be great," I said softly.

"Don't get too ahead of yourself," he rumbled in amusement, as I leaned away.

"I'm not," I said firmly glancing at him. "And anyway, I'm sure there is still much to do even after Erebor is fully restored. I've heard word over the last month that more Orcs have been moving across the Wild. Beorn sent a raven to me the other day to let me know that they seem to be traveling. No doubt they are heading to Mordor."

"I am not surprised," Thorin sighed gravely. "Do we have any idea if Sauron is strong enough to attack?"

"Oh no," I shook my head. "I've spent much time in the library with Balin this last month. Smaug thankfully left that alone, and most of the books were kept safe. Dusty...but safe. I've read as much as I could about him, and as I know he can not rule unless he has his ring. He will not take form again unless it is returned to him. As far as I know he is still too weak to do anything other then gather his forces. We must gather ours as well over the years. I think that Kili's marriage to Tauriel is a good thing. The alliance formed will be extremely strong."

"One could only hope," Thorin sighed.

I sighed quietly and moved away from him to pace the room, my mind still wandering. There was one other thing that was bothering me, and I knew it was an extremely testy subject, but I had to voice it. I felt like this was the only time I could talk about what was so strongly on my mind.

"What is it?" Thorin asked lowly, reading me all to well.

I couldn't help but smile at how observant he was, so I turned to face him. His blue eyes sharpened on me, seeing the look I had and he crossed his arms and leaned into his chair to get comfortable.

"Is it that obvious?" I asked slowly.

"Something else is bothering you. I feel with that look on your face we might be here awhile," he answered.

I gave him an irritated look when he smiled, knowing that he was right. I sighed and paced the room for another moment before finding a place to stand, feeling a little threatened. I needed a quick escape for this.

"Bare with me," I said slowly. "I'm trying to feel my way through this. I know that his marriage...and ours...may not give you the heirs you so desire in your life. And I will be honest that it does...bother me."

"Arina." Thorin looked at me, his eyebrows rising in surprise.

"I cannot give you a full blooded dwarf heir," I answered simply. "And now neither can Kili. I...it bothers me, Thorin. I feel like we've placed a burden upon your shoulders. Preserving the line of Durin is extremely important, I know that. I guess..."

Thorin held up his hand, silencing me instantly. I pursed my lips and put my hands behind my back, while looking to the floor. I could feel my cheeks burning, but I wasn't sure if it was in embarrassment or something else. I looked up when I heard Thorin's chair scrape against stone and watched him walk up to me. The King Under the Mountain walked forward, his expression not giving me anything. Reaching forward, Thorin cupped my cheeks and brought my gaze to meet his own.

"If I learned anything in my time with you," he began gently. "I've learned to embrace life and whatever it throws at me in this marriage. If we ever have a child, that child will rule this kingdom. It will still be Durin's blood. And I am not the only one carrying his blood. You've already said yourself, that nothing with stop Durin the Deathless from returning, if that is his wish."

"That is not something I would have thought to hear from you," I admitted.

Thorin chuckled softly. "You know me to be too stubborn and full of pride. I've held grudges, and I spoil many things, but I'm a dwarf. It is what we are known for. But for you, I could deny you or our child nothing, Arina. Do not let that bother you. As for Kili and Tauriel, I will try to remember what I said to you. However, I'm sure that would be a rougher road."

I looked at him and my expression melted at this words. I couldn't express the joy that filled me when he finished speaking with words alone, so I kissed him. He kissed me back with such passion, that for a moment I got lost in the feel of his lips against my own. Pulling me to him, Thorin deepened the kiss and his thumbs stroked my cheeks gently before he released me. Meeting his gaze again, I gave him a smile when I gathered my thoughts.

"Thank you," I murmured quietly.

"For what?" he rumbled.

I gave his hand a tender squeeze and pressed our foreheads together. "Everything," I said softly.

"Mahal help me if I can't give you more," he chuckled, his deep voice rumbling.

"You've already given me all I need," I smiled when he backed up.

He gave me a thoughtful look as he headed back to grab some water. I sighed as I watched him and then crossed the room to finish what I had left in my cup. Turning, Thorin offered me his arm and we walked out of the room together and back down to the halls below us. I kept silent next to him as we approached Dwalin who had assembled the dwarves Thorin had requested.

"Are they ready?" Thorin asked.

"Aye," Dwalin nodded. "At your command."

By the time winter had approached, there was still no word from Thranduil on the issue of Kili's marriage to Tauriel. With the weather now bitter and cold, building Esgaroth had stopped until spring, and Thorin was now back under the mountain. We put much more effort into fixing the issues that were still left in the mountain, and continued to store as much as we could for the winter. Orcs were still moving through Middle Earth, gathering in Mordor. It made me uneasy, since we had taken on a few packs of Orcs that had attempted to raid Dale. Thorin had immediately sent out forces to help our neighbor, vowing that he wouldn't be like his grandfather. He wouldn't cut the dwarves off from the world again.

Standing quietly out on the balcony, I wrapped my coat around me tightly as I thought over what needed to be done. I had to confront Thranduil again, since my ravens had gone unanswered. Thorin was getting ready for the day, and glanced my way when he saw I wasn't coming in. His grunt caught my attention, so I turned to give him an affectionate look.

"Stay out of trouble," he chuckled, coming over and giving me a kiss on the lips.

"Just because I'm Queen doesn't mean I will," I teased, earning a grin.

"Right," he rumbled.

When I was left alone, I decided that it was time to visit a certain elf lord. He had hid from the world long enough to give me a proper answer, and I was going to get one today. Tauriel was already doing well within the mountain, and Kili was in the middle of building her a room that could see that stars. Dwalin had made her part of the guard, and she had also spent much time going back and forth between Dale and Erebor as a skilled healer. I wasn't about to let Thranduil ruin that. Pushing my transformation into a hawk, I took to the sky and headed toward Mirkwood.

Gah, the reviews are always most welcome.

Mistyeyesc, you gave me a fabulous idea. I had not actually made it that far in the story, so now I'm writing again. :D

silkissez, Fili will be included soon :P I think lol I can't throw him out now.

Thanks to all the favorites and follows, they make me happy to know people enjoy this!