Chapter 48

(So sorry this took so long lol!)

The next day was bitter cold, and everyone was forced to stay inside the mountain. I layered myself in warm clothes, this time not wearing a dress or skirt. Pulling on a thick dress sweater, I made sure my pants were warm enough and pulled on a beautiful coat that was soft and warm. I kept one braid in, so that my beads were still on display and then decided on leaving my long dark hair down. It flowed in waves down my back and I shivered in the cold. Even with the doors closed and the fire going, it was still cold in the mountain. Thorin was fixing his own coat, and he glanced my way. A smile lit up his face, and he ran a hand through his hair to get it out of his eyes.

"Should I just allow you to stay in bed?" Thorin teased. "You were never made for winter."

I shot him a glare. "Hush. No one beside dwarves apparently were made for winter."

"I think you were only made for summer," he chuckled.

I grunted at him, and another hearty chuckle left him at the noise. I followed him out of our chambers, and put my arm through his. He gave me a soft smile, one that was only reserved for me. I couldn't help but reach up and kiss his cheek. He leaned into it, and a gentle hum left his throat. I moved closer to him, enjoying the warmth he provided. Blasted winter, I hated the cold.

"Your plans?" I asked softly.

"I'm stuck in meetings with Balin," he rumbled. "After yesterday…he is quite displeased with me."

"Oh?"

"As I said, I still have two more to pick to be on the council," Thorin replied. "There might have been a huge loss of temper at one point on my end."

I snorted at that. "That doesn't surprise me."

He gave me a narrowed look. "Your support as always warms my heart."

I laughed at that. "Sorry," I sighed dramatically.

"And your plans for the day?" he asked.

"I am doing more reading today," I answered. "Ori found a book on shifters, and it is in Khuzdul. So he's going to read it for me, and I'm going to write it in the common tongue."

Thorin's eyebrows rose in surprise. "That is fantastic news. I know you have been searching for answers you do not have."

I nodded and glanced at the large hall we walked into. Thorin spent time in the gallery of the kings each morning. It was as if he was reminding himself of what had happened, and how he didn't wish to have it happen again. This was the first time I was with him, I just had not been paying attention. I looked around the hall for a long moment, and then tilted my head to the King. I couldn't read his expression, and I knew I was staring at the King, not my husband for the moment. He was guarding himself, not wanting to show what he was thinking about. His arm however, tightened around my own.

"I can never take back the things I said back then," he said suddenly, causing me to look at him.

"I know," I said softly. "But I also know that you are sorry. The fact that you wish you never said them was good enough for me."

Thorin dropped his head a little, and sighed softly before he turned to face me. He reached up to cup my cheeks, and his thumbs rubbed over my skin. Closing my eyes briefly, I hummed happily at the attention.

"I cannot tell you how happy it makes me that you stayed during all this," he rumbled. "And dwarf or not, I am happy to have you. I'm glad you'll have me."

I gave him a dazzling smile. "The same applies to you. Now, go do your King stuff. I have a few things to take care of. Let's try to remember this part of the day and not rip each other apart later."

Laughing softly, Thorin leaned down and kissed my lips. "I'll try," he teased.

I smiled at him, and watched as he finally walked off when Fili came to fetch him. Once they were out of sight, I went and made my way to the library. Ori greeted me happily, and even had a cup of hot tea waiting for the both of us. I took it from him when he offered, and enjoyed the whole pot with him before we got to work. I was trying to delay it, but eventually we got down to business.

The next several hours went by agonizingly slow, and after six hours of writing, I was ready to break the table and the book I was writing. I had learned several things I had not known about shifters, which helped ease my mind. A growl left my throat as I ended a sentence, and Ori fell silent. The gentle dwarf look at me as I glared at the book in front of me. I was just about done.

"I cannot write anymore," I whined. "My hand hurts!"

"Sorry, sorry," Ori whispered. "Sorry, My Lady."

I gave him another evil look, and the shy dwarf just gave me a smile. He marked where we were at, and closed the book. I did the same for mine and rubbed my aching hand for a few minutes. He couldn't help the soft giggle that escaped his lips that earned another glare. Ori knew I would never harm him, so every now and again he'd tease me.

"We can continue tomorrow?" Ori smiled.

"Fine, fine," I sighed. "I am surprised that this book is as thick as it is."

"You should be overjoyed that it is!" he beamed, walking with me. "We have discovered so much!"

"Yes," I agreed. "I am glad to know that I was not the only one with visions. I knew my father had them, but to hear that it's possible is comforting. Rare, but possible. As my power grows, my healing abilities will as well."

"Hearing that some shifters can push their abilities out is pretty interesting," Ori offered. "Healing anyway, and their magic. You've already mastered most of your magic. Maybe tomorrow we'll find out about aging and such."

"That would be nice. I have no idea how old my parents had been when they passed," I said thoughtfully.

Ori smiled at me then as we entered the dining hall, and he bowed to me. I dismissed him with a nod of thanks and a smile. I pulled my coat around me further, and turned my head when Nori walked over.

"The King wishes to see you," he bowed, grinning. "He's in a mood."

"Great," I sighed, and followed him.

We didn't have to go far to the private room Thorin was in. It was one of the many studies that the King had throughout the mountain. When I nodded to Nori, I pushed the door opened and shut it gently. Thorin was signing something, and I could tell from the scowl on his face, he was very upset.

"Oh, love," I sighed softly.

He glanced up at me. "Will we be dining together this evening?"

"If that is what you wish," I replied, going to him.

"It is," he rumbled. "I am almost done."

I waited patiently, and once he put the quill down and got up I gave him a gentle smile. The King arched his brow, but leaned down to kiss me. I returned it, unable to hold back how happy I was. The only downfall was my hand was hurting terribly.

"Tell me you had a better day than I did," Thorin sighed.

I took his hand, and walked from the room so that we could return to our chambers. "I did," I smiled. "My hand is unbearably sore, but I found out that several of my abilities are normal. Some are rare, but others are normal for a shifter who masters her skills."

Thorin dipped his head as he listened. "That is wonderful news. I am happy you found something," he murmured.

"I am quite pleased," I boasted, and it made him smile. "We are finishing more of it tomorrow, after I do my usual rounds."

The snow was still following the next day, so I went about my usual business. Thorin decided to go help Kili with training the new recruits down in the large indoor arena they had. I met with several others, and spoke with Dis for some time. When I was done with my usual rounds, I decided to make my way down to the arena to see the training in action. Dwalin was there, as usual and so I went to join his side. He greeted me with a slight bow, and a smile.

"My Lady, I have not seen you down here in years," he teased, his voice soft.

My eyes found Thorin in the middle of the arena, showing several dwarves how to wield a sword properly. He was in his element, and I could tell that he was extremely happy. Kili was training in the bow, and I noted that Tauriel was with him today. Pulling my gaze to Thorin again, I watched the way he moved and how easy it was for him. He was a skilled warrior, and a predator on the battlefield. The way he moved was oddly graceful, and his motions were fluid and precise. I smiled at that, it was no surprise. As he paused for a breath, his eyes found mine and he gave me a smile. It was subtle, just a lift at the corner of his mouth, but it was for me none the less.

"You should knock him down a few notches milday," Dwalin grinned. "Show him he can still lose."

I laughed. "I don't think I could ever beat him at a sword match. But, he still can't touch me."

"Exactly," Dwalin beamed.

I couldn't help the grin that stretched across my face, and I calmly walked forward. "Your warmaster thinks you could use some help, my King."

Thorin calmly brushed his hair from his face. "Does he now? I must inform him, that even he can't touch you."

All the dwarves bowed to me as I came to stand next to Thorin, and I saw Kili grinning as he dismissed his group. No one apart from the company had even seen me in action when it came to my human form. Everyone was so used to my dragon form, or anything else I chose. Dwalin snorted from where he stood, not replying to his King's remark.

"Does that mean you aren't up for the challenge?" I teased. "I wouldn't want to embarrass you."

Thorin almost growled at me, his eyes sparking to life at the jab. He put his sword away, and grabbed a staff instead. Kili motioned for everyone to clear the area so that we had the room, and I sighed and took off the thick sweater I had on. The prince took it from me, and moved back as Thorin and I walked out.

"One thing all of you will realize, is that it usually is impossible to touch her," Thorin sighed. "But, if you ever find yourself practicing with someone like Arina, you will find that you will be faster in all that you do. There is at least something gained from torturing yourself."

Every dwarf chuckled, and I noticed they were clearly curious. I sighed, and watched as Thorin took a stance. He spun the staff expertly, and raised an eyebrow at me before he moved. I was instantly dancing around him, dodging each attack as it came forward. He had become faster, and it had been such a long time since I had done this, that he was closer than usual. He noticed it and spun, trying to knock my feet out from under me. I quickly jumped it, and danced out of his reach again.

"You are slower than usual," Thorin grinned, his eyes glowing.

"Been a long time since I've done this," I chuckled, ducking from a swing.

I felt the air move at my back, and silently cursed myself. Focusing, I spun away from the next attack, and as Thorin went to hit my shoulder, I turned away from it. We danced around the arena, and I used all the space I could. He jabbed and swung at me, moving with me. He was faster than he had ever been, but I was still able to evade him. After twenty minutes of our game, he paused, and I saw his chest rising and falling rapidly. I smiled at him, unable to help it.

"Done yet?" I teased, and he leaped forward.

I laughed, and twisted behind him, and ducked from his jab that he sent behind him. I moved again as he turned, and he swung viciously. I ducked, thinking quickly and turned away from the next quick lunge, catching me off guard. Suddenly, he was in my space and knocking my feet out from under me. Surprise ran through my body, but he promptly caught me in his free arm.

"Well," I breathed, my chest rising and falling quickly.

"You've lost your touch. Or I just know you that well," he smiled.

"Only took you a hundred years," I snorted, and he laughed.

Thorin put me back on my feet, and there was an uproar of excitement. Every solider was clapping, and he grinned. Placing his forehead against mine, he hummed. I chuckled, catching my breath and enjoying his touch.

"Don't you have a book to write?"

"Hush," I mumbled, and kissed him. "I'll see you for dinner."

I left him a few minutes after that, and made my way to Ori in the library. He was already there, and had what we needed out. I was greeted with a smile, and we quickly got to work. It was another painful few hours in the room with him. My hand felt like it was going to fall off, but I was ecstatic. There wasn't much on aging, only that the oldest shifters ever known were about 700 years old. I closed the book, happy it was finished and looked at Ori.

"I would say that's pretty amazing," he grinned. "There were not many shifters to begin with, so maybe Sauron doesn't have any. Or they are all hiding like you were."

"If only we could be so lucky," I smiled. "Thank you for all your help, Ori. I truly appreciate it."

"I love this sort of thing," Ori answered. "It's no issue."

When I left him, I made my way to go see if Thorin was back in his study. When he wasn't, I headed up to our chambers. Opening the door, I saw him sitting in his chair in front of the fire. I knew he heard me, but he gave no indication that he did.

"Are you all right?" I asked softly.

"Yes," he rumbled, his voice reassuring. "Just tired."

I gave a smile, and sat down across from him and told him about what I found out. It was nice to know that we would live the remainder of our lives together. Thorin got up and kissed me, pressing his cheek against mine for a moment.

"Are you all right?" he asked. "You surprised me today."

"Well, sooner or later you were going to get me," I chuckled. "I'm feeling just fine."

Over the next few weeks, we battled even more terrible winter storms. We assisted Dale in any way that we could. I even went as far as melting the snow in my dragon form. Thorin claimed he had never seen a winter like this. Even the winter after the Battle of the Five Armies wasn't as harsh. He ended up becoming very busy, so I was left to do my usual rounds and over see a few things that needed my attention. I could focus on things within the mountain, while Thorin could handle everything else.

I stood quietly after assisting in Dale, and wrapped my coat around me. It was bitter cold, and I had just finished warming the streets of the city in my dragon form. Bard walked out from attending to something and he smiled gratefully at me. I nodded to him, knowing that he was thankful, I knew I would be if I were him.

"We cannot thank you enough," he sighed.

"Of course," I smiled. "Like I said, you are one of my favorites, and I enjoy helping those in need. Thorin has been keeping me locked in the mountain so, even in the cold I had to get out."

Bard smiled at me, and offered his arm. "Come, let us have some hot cider before you return to the mountain."

"That sounds lovely," I sighed. "Is Fili still around?"

"Yes, the prince is busy attempting to woo my daughter," Bard rumbled, patting my hand.

"I..." I trailed off. "He...he has honest intentions, I swear it."

The man laughed. "I will say he has been most respectful. I will give him that. He has already approached me."

"Oh...does Thorin know?" I asked, dreading the answer.

"No," Bard grinned.

Letting out my breath, I walked into the office he had and allowed him to pour me a cup of cider. I took it gratefully, and took a sip of it after letting it cool.

"Thorin does know that the Prince has fallen for your daughter," I admitted. "He isn't displeased with it."

"Well that surprises me," Bard snorted. "Your husband isn't exactly known to be the accepting type of dwarf."

"He's been married to me for almost two years. We've known each other far longer," I sighed. "I help, believe it or not. And to be honest...they were not meant to survive the Battle of the Five Armies."

Bard paused and looked at me in shock. "I'm sorry...what?"

"They were destined to die," I said, sitting down.

"Then, how are they alive?"

I rubbed my stomach gently, and looked at the King of Dale. "The Valar allowed me to change their fate. If they were truly, truly meant to die...they would have. The Lady of Light says that my love for them is what saved them. The Valar changed their mind at the last moment. I'm assuming they are...allowing things to happen."

"And what is your take on this?" Bard arched his brow.

"If they love each other, let it go," I shrugged. "I am seeing an alliance between men, elves and dwarves like never before in these lands. This could truly help in the years to come. On top of that, we are making people happy."

Bard regarded me for a long moment, and took a drink of cider. "I guess I cannot complain about that. It's all I've ever wanted."

"I think we've all wanted the same thing," I nodded. "It just takes someone to take that first step."

Bard smiled at me. "I think you were that first step, long ago," he chuckled.

"Probably was," I agreed.

"Let me accompany you back," the man offered.

"No, I can fly," I answered. "Thank you."

I gave him a hug, and left the office by flying out the window as a hawk. I returned home as quickly as possible, and immediately had a bath drawn for me. I avoided Thorin for the rest of the day, till he came in for dinner.

"My Lady, you've been absent," he noted.

"I tried to be," I snorted.

"That's not like you," Thorin answered shortly.

"Who cares," I snorted.

The dwarf arched his brow at me, and I immediately shut my mouth and hung my head. I didn't want to fight with him, and I bit my lip.

"Sorry," I murmured.

Sighing, Thorin walked over and leaned down to press a kiss to my forehead. "Let me braid your hair," he murmured.

"Ok," I agreed.

He took me from my chair, and led me to the furs that were in front of the fire. I let him sit me down, and the brush began to run through my hair moments later. Slowly, my body relaxed, and I closed my eyes as he continued to focus on what he was doing. Thorin grabbed my beads that he gifted me, and braided my hair for me. I heard them snap into place as he finished. Thorin leaned forward, and pressed a tender kiss to my cheek. My bad mood gone, I looked at him gently, and touched his cheek. I ran my fingers through his beard, and quietly I reached out to kiss his lips. A hum left his chest, and our foreheads pressed together.

"Your turn," I offered, grabbing the brush.

Thorin smiled, and sat quietly while I got to work. I redid his braids, and brush his long black hair till it was knot free. I took my time and enjoyed the peace while I focused. When I was done, we went to bed happy, rather than our backs turned toward each other.

So sorry this took so long! It has been busy! Anyway, enjoy! Review for me please!

Misty, your latest review made me so happy! Thank you very much, I've worked so hard on Arina and I'm glad she's coming along! ;)