Chapter 52

The next few weeks went by in a blur. From introducing Thane to all of those we knew in the mountain, to taking care of him, I found that I had no time at all to do anything. Thorin continued doing what was needed of him, because a King's work was never over. We held a ceremony, officially introducing Prince Thane to the kingdom of Erebor. Fili happily took over a few of my duties, and I wasn't sure if he was relieved or not that he was no longer heir to the throne. Thorin had not taken that away from him, because he knew that if Thane was anything like his mother, his sense of adventure could take him far from the mountain.

Everything came together so easily after that. Thane grew like any normal child, and he was in fine health. I don't think anyone could be any happier in the mountain. Being a mother was as exciting as I was hoping it was going to be. He kept everyone on our toes the moment he got control of his legs.

TEN YEARS LATER

"THANE!"

The familiar roar of the king echoed through the hall, and I chuckled softly. Ever since Thane had been able to walk, he had been trouble. Under the careful guidance of myself and his family, we had been able to keep him somewhat amused. He had grown into a fine little boy, and his dark hair had turned into a dirty blonde, just like Fili's. A shade darker, and a little thinner, but beautiful none the less. As tradition, Thorin had insisted that we let it grow out, and now it was down to his shoulders. If anything, his blue eyes had only turned more blue.

As I moved through the market, I grabbed a few things that I needed to repair a few of his clothes, and listened to Thorin roaring out for our son again. I smiled, unable to help it. Thane's first shift had happened when he was five years old, and from then on we had started working on it. His powers were extraordinary for a young boy, and I knew it was only going to be better. He could shift with ease, much easier than it had ever been for me. Where I had great healing abilities, he however had not. Thane still healed faster than most dwarves or elves, but it was nothing compared to what I was able to do.

It was unfortunate that his abilities to heal himself were not as powerful, because the boy was a walking war zone. He could hurt himself on anything or nothing at all. He was not a clumsy boy by any means, he was always doing things that hurt himself. He had kept us up many nights when he had been younger. I paused in what I was doing, and quietly reached out with my senses to see where my mischievous prince had run off to. I smiled and walked forward for a moment, before skirting behind a small kiosk.

"You know, I wouldn't anger your father any more than you already have," I smiled, squatting to see my son.

He smiled at me. "He was putting me through prince lessons. I much prefer training with cousin Fili, or Kili for that matter."

"Yes well, Fili has been away tending to a few things in Dale, and Kili is away with Tauriel. They are traveling to the Blue Mountains. They should be back soon. You can always annoy Dwalin for training," I mused.

"But Dwalin hurts," Thane snorted, and I laughed.

"Like that's stopped you before," I grinned. "Why don't you surprise your father and ask him to teach you the sword?"

"Would he?!" Thane's expression lit up.

"Oh, I'm sure he would," I nodded.

Thane grinned, and jumped to his feet while snatching my hand. He jerked me through the crowd, and to the edge of the market where Thorin was stubbornly standing. I laughed at the look on his face, and shrugged my shoulders.

"Can you blame a ten year old?" I asked, arching my eyebrow. "He has another question for you. Unless King duty calls."

"It depends what it is."

Thane moved forward, and wrapped his arms around his father's waist. Thorin kept his arms crossed, and kept up the impressive scowl on his face.

"Oh please, please teach me the sword Adad!" he pleaded.

Thorin arched his brow, and then glanced up at me. "I have no doubt this is your doing?" he rumbled.

I gave a pleasant smile. "I don't know what you mean."

"Of course not," Thorin snorted, and his scowl disappeared. "Fine."

"Yes!" Thane cried, thrusting his fist into the air.

I hummed happily, and laughter bubbled from my chest when Thorin glanced at me again. He came over, and pressed a quick kiss to my lips before leading Thane away to the training area no doubt. I shook my head a little, and walked back to our chambers and dropped things off. The last ten years had gone by so fast. With Kili and Tauriel together, Kili had given up his rooms and moved to a different part of the mountain. Since the move, Thane had taken his cousin's room over. Things had changed, and the mountain was finally back to how it used to be.

It had not come easy, but it was something to be proud of none the less. I walked out to the balcony, and took in the warm summer sun. It was like it had been, back when I had first come to Erebor. Dale was flourishing, and Esgaroth was settled firmly again as well. Even though so many things had gone so well, the darkness was still creeping over the land. More and more Orcs had moved across the region, and while it was rare to see them here, they were still out there. Thranduil had spoken of increased activity around the borders of his land, and the spiders had come back as well.

I sighed quietly, and pushed myself to a raven and flew down to Dale. I landed just on the outside, and turned human again. I walked through the city, and smiled when a few of the town folks greeted me with happy bows. I easily found Fili who was working away with Bain on something. The last ten years had turned the teenager into a fine young man. Tilda had also blossomed into a beautiful young woman, just like her sister.

As with all things, with time moving fast, I was greeted with an even grayer Bard. He was aging well, but the man was now in his late fifties. Chuckling slightly, I lowered my head in a greeting.

"It has been a long time since you came to Dale," he smiled, offering his arm.

"Yes. I've been busy. Sending Fili is much easier," I chuckled.

"Of course. You should tell him that it would be fine if he would wed my daughter already," he grunted.

"Apparently the both of them are not sure," I replied. "Both of them are to dedicated to their people. She wants to remain here, and wants to continue serving in the mountain. While he doesn't mind traveling, he doesn't wish to take her from her home."

"Wisely said," Bard grunted.

I chuckled. "With all due time, Bard. I'm sure. But I cannot read people's minds."

"That wouldn't be a bad talent to have," he snorted.

I laughed again, and went walked over to where Fili was helping Bain. Dale still needed help with training the forces of their city, and Fili enjoyed that. I stopped and watched for a while, before I finally cleared my throat. He turned around, and my nephew by marriage hastily bowed.

"My lady!" he breathed.

"Oh please, the formality is painful," I laughed. "It is time to return to Erebor. Are you ready?"

"Of course."

We bid good bye to everyone, and I waited for Fili to grab his pony. I pushed my own transformation to a horse, and we made our way back to the kingdom.

"You two need to make up your minds," I complained.

"Oh please," he laughed. "You sound far to young."

"Well, trust me I can be worse," I snorted, tossing my head.

He chuckled again, and we entered the mountain a while later. I was human the moment we stepped through the gates and we decided to head to the royal halls to see if dinner was ready. Fili sighed as we walked inside, and we were greeted with Thane sitting with Dis and showing her what Thorin had taught him. I smiled when I saw them, and when Thane turned, his blue eyes lit up.

"Amad!" he grinned. "Fili!"

I laughed as he jumped up and wrapped his arms around my neck. I hugged him fiercely, and then tossed him easily to Fili who caught his younger cousin with ease. I could smell the food being cooked, and it made me happy. I was starving and it was apparent that so was Fili.

"Tell me all about what Uncle taught you today," Fili smiled.

I turned my head to see Thorin smoking a pipe off to the side with Dwalin and Balin. I had noticed lately that Balin had become restless. His trip to see Bilbo two years ago had changed him. I could see that he was happy, but something was changing. He was restless, and itching for something. Deciding to ignore it, I approached Thorin who opened an arm. Slipping into his hold, I pressed a kiss to his cheek, just above his beard.

Even after ten years, he had not grown out his beard. I preferred it short, so it just stuck with him. It always brought a smile to my face, and I pressed my cheek against his chest. He tightened his arm around me, and pressed a kiss to the top of my head.

"And how was your session?" I asked.

"He will be a force on the field. He is naturally gifted."

"Like his father," I smiled.

"Of course," he puffed out his chest.

"We'll see how tough the lad is when he goes after me," Dwalin snorted, a smile on his face.

I chuckled at the warrior. He had not changed much over the years, beside sporting even more ink. The bell sounded for dinner, and soon we were all sitting and laughing around the table. I took it all in, and watched as Fili and Thane teased Dis during the meal. That was never going to change, and I found that I had missed it. The only one missing was Kili and his wife. I knew they'd be back soon, so I wasn't worried.

The next day, we were up bright and early. Thorin had a brief session with Thane before he was pulled away to tend to something. I decided today was a good day to work on his shifting. We walked outside, and I took in the green grass and the river that flowed in front of the mountain. Sighing I took in a breath and looked over to my son who was stretching. He raised a brow at me, just like Thorin and I laughed.

"Okay, ready?" I asked.

"Of course."

We spent the better half of the day going through as many animals as he could muster. He was much stronger than I had been at his age. He had mastered all of the normal animals that were found in Middle Earth. The only thing he had trouble with was flying, which sadly was something he wanted to do. I should not be surprised when he wanted to try all the hard stuff. The quicker he was able master something, the better for him. He had just as much courage as his father. I wasn't sure if that was a good thing or a bad thing.

"Come on, Amad!" he grunted. "I'll never get good at it if you avoid it!"

"Fine, turn into a hawk. I'll follow in a larger form, so I can help if you can't," I sighed.

When he transformed, I took the form of a great eagle and watched as he took flight. He took to the sky, so I followed him quietly. He was a little shaky, and I flew under him until he was able to smooth out his body. Once he steadied, I gave a pump of my wings once I was clear of him. I came up beside him, and tilted my head gently toward him.

"Just feel, my love," I said gently. "Let it guide you. Don't over think it so much. It's okay to let go, in this form it will help you fly."

"But..."

"I am here if you need me," I said softly.

I watched him click his tiny beak together, and he took a breath. As he gave in, his body steadied and after an hour he was soaring around the mountain with me. I cried out proudly, and watched him bank right, and shoot right over me. I chuckled, and he gave me a knowing glance. I flexed my feet, and nodded as best I could. Suddenly, he was human and falling to the earth below. Tucking my wings I went after him, shooting through the air at an amazing speed. I reached out with my talons and caught him, gently easing his fall.

Thane cried out in happiness, and I managed to get him on my back. Spreading my wings wide, I took him for a ride all over the mountain, and let him stand up and open his arms. He was going to be amazing when he got older, and I knew I was going to be one proud parent. I already was, and it was going to only get better. Dipping down to glide over the lake, I slowed down and let my wings hit the water.

"UP!" Thane cried. "Turn into a dragon, Amad!"

I chuckled, and thought of what I wanted to become. My body changed, and grew in size. Feathers were replaced by scales, and jaws took over my beak. Large wings opened up, and I roared more for Thane than myself. He loved the dragon I turned into. Lifting up, I flew back to the mountain and touched down gently after we went on another flight. By then, I was sure he was ready to be done. Spoiled little prince. I grinned, baring my teeth at the thought of it and snorted smoke out of my nostrils.

When I landed, he was hungry and I laughed at that. Folding my wings, I let him slide down my neck and to the ground below. Watching him, I rumbled and looked over when Dwalin stepped out to greet us. I was human soon enough, and I adjusted my clothes and walked over to him once Thane joined me.

"I think we can give you a break in shifting," I chuckled. "You certainly are strong."

"I have the blood of Durin in me. Of course I'm strong!" Thane said proudly, thumping his chest.

I laughed, and nodded to Dwalin who walked with us. "What news do you bring?"

"Oh, you'll be happy to hear what happened this morning."

"Can it wait till after lunch?" Thane asked.

"Go find Thorin, I'll feed the lad lunch," Dwalin laughed.

"All right," I nodded.

I went and found the King sitting on the throne. He was deep in thought, but from the looks of it, he wasn't angry. I walked to stand in front of him, and gave a dramatic bow that earned a soft smile.

"What troubles my King?" I asked gently.

"Nothing," he mused. "I have just been approached with a marriage proposal."

"Let me guess, did Fili finally ask?" I smiled.

"Aye, he did," he mused.

"And what of it?"

"Bard and I have been in discussions, and Bain is going to take over his rule when he passes. The lad has already married, as you know. Sigrid has made the choice to join us here in Erebor," Thorin rumbled.

"Well that sounds wonderful," I smiled.

"Fili wants a small wedding," Thorin rumbled.

"Aye, we can give him that," I answered, walking up to him.

He reached out, and wrapped his arms around my waist. I let him press his head into my stomach, and I ran my fingers through his long hair.

"What is it, love?" I murmured.

"I am tired,'' he rumbled. "That is all."

"So many things that are out of your control," I teased, my voice gentle. "So many changes. Do not fear change, my love. Embrace it."

"Aye, I have tried. Balin wants to leave Erebor. He thinks he is no longer needed here," Thorin sighed, sitting back.

"That is not true," I replied sharply.

"He wishes to travel, Arina. I cannot deny him that," he sighed. "If that is what he wants, then I will allow it. I owe him for teaching me all I know in the Blue Mountains."

I felt my teeth grind together, and wanted to lash out and say no. I knew exactly where he wished to go, but could I truly stop him if he wanted to leave? I sighed, and gave Thorin an understanding look.

"So that is what bugs you."

"Aye," he rumbled.

"Well, we can't deny him. As you said," I said sadly.

"Amad! Adad!"

I turned my head as Thane came running down the path and he slid to a stop before launching forward and onto Thorin's lap. I chuckled, and watched my husband melt at the sight of his child. I moved to the side and gave a soft hum. I had no control over what others did, and it seemed that Thorin was going to need to learn that as well.

"Come, I am sure your father is hungry. You may have eaten, but I have not," I said firmly. "Let's go find some lunch."

"I could always eat again, Amad," Thane snorted, giving me his best scowl. "I am a growing child."

"Oh yes," Thorin laughed, hoisting him onto his shoulder. "You have much growing to do. You must surpass your mother in height after all."

"Hush," I growled, and they both laughed.

We found something to eat, and I ended up ushering him off to go with Ori to the library. He enjoyed reading as much as I did, so that was a plus. While he was very much like Thorin, he did have a few things from me. I watched him go, and took a bite of my lunch. I enjoyed the next hour alone with Thorin, when Balin quietly walked into the room.

"And he arrives," I sighed.

"I imagine you know why I am here," he answered.

"As you are worrying the both of us, aye I'm sure I know why," I sighed.

"You cannot keep me here forever, Arina," Balin said gently, coming to sit with us. "I wish to head to Moria. I want to reclaim it. I have heard it is no longer taken with Orcs and other foul creatures."

I tensed a little, and I sighed. "We cannot stop you Balin."

"No," Thorin agreed. "But that doesn't make it any better."

"Lad, I'll be a message away. It's time the dwarves take back what is there. I will not be going alone, there are others who wish to accompany me."

I looked at him quietly, and then nodded my head. "You have my blessing. Always."

"Thank you, my lady. We will be leaving in three days."

I had so many reviews for the last chapter and the one before that. It makes me so happy! Thane is coming together quite well, and I am excited to show you all what he will be like when he is a man. I'm moving things around to my liking, as we all know it is what I do.

Misty- as usual your reviews are amazing. I love all of them! Keep them coming.

Anyway, I might keep this one whole story, and we will be going through to the LOTR, instead of making a sequel. It is easier, and there are so many things to go through in this life. I'm curious as to making Arina travel a little bit. I'm excited to bring in the characters from the LOTR, especially Theoden, Aragorn and some others. It will be so interesting. I'm feeling a trip to Rivendell is needed lol.

ENJOY! Review, do all those wonderful things. There are so many of you following, care to throw me a review. Can we reach 100?! :D