Chapter 80

When my eyes opened next, I was in bed. Lifting my gaze, I looked around to see where exactly I was. Sighing in happiness, I laid back down in bed once I saw I was home. I had not expected the battle to turn the way it did. Blinking a few times, I pressed back into the pillow, and jumped when the door opened. Quickly, I jerked myself into a sitting position and looked toward the entrance. Thorin sucked in a soft breath when he saw me sitting up.

"You're awake," he breathed. "Are you all right?"

"I'm a little tired," I admitted, as he came over to the bedside.

He moved with casual ease, but I could tell under it all, he wanted nothing more than to rush to the side of the bed. I adjusted myself a little and sucked in a soft breath. Thorin sat down beside me, his hip on the bed.

"Do you remember anything?" he asked.

"A little. I'm trying not to," I muttered, as he handed me a hot cup of tea.

"We won," he mused, touching my cheek.

I looked up at him in surprise at that. "It was destroyed?" I asked hopefully, and he nodded.

"We didn't lose many, on either side. Thane took the explosion of the mountain to get out of there. He wanted to get you home somewhere safe, and away from that place. I couldn't disagree."

Looking at the cup in my hand, I sighed and closed my eyes tightly. It was over. The battle had been won, despite what others had thought. Evil did not win this time. Humming slowly to myself, I looked back up and Thorin to see him smile.

"We can finally start living," he mused.

"Aye," I smiled slightly. "I suppose we can."

He chuckled, and the happiness that shined in his eyes had me setting my tea aside. Reaching for him, I pulled him toward me and kissed him. His response was immediate, and I could have purred as his hand trailed through my hair. Thorin cupped my cheeks, his kiss turning tender, before he pulled back.

"It brings me great joy, to see you are well," he whispered.

"Do we have everything we need?" I asked gently, looking at Thane.

We had spent the last month healing and taking care of the mountain when word had reached us. A message had come, requesting that the royal family of Erebor join Gondor for the crowning of their new King. I couldn't deny that request, and we had easily made arrangements to travel.

He nodded his head at me, and held our packs close to his side. I nodded my head, and walked over the valley of Dale. The mountain and the city had done much healing in the last month and a half. Kili and Fili were taking over our duties until we returned, and Dwalin was finally well enough. His stitches had been removed two weeks ago, and once the scar healed, he put new ink over it.

Walking down the path, I jumped over a rock and then took my transformation. Smoke shot from my nostrils, and I lowered myself so that Akira, Thane and Thorin could get on my back. We had one week before the coronation, and I was going to take the trip in three days. It was easy as a dragon. I could fly to Rivendell as a dragon in one night. There were good advantages to taking dragon form.

Lifting into the sky, I flew south toward Gondor. It was easy to do, and I wasn't even tired. We flew as quick as I dared, only stopping when we needed to. It was a refreshing thing, to travel in peace. Nothing tried to shoot us down, and no one interrupted us when we did stop. I kept low enough that Thane and Akira could see the land passing beneath us. As I came over Dunharrow, I pointed it out to the others on my back.

"That is where we camped before we rode to war for Gondor," I rumbled over the wind.

"Amazing!" Thane yelled.

It took us just half a day to reach the fields before Minas Tirith from Dunharrow. We came in at night, so it was easy to land outside the city and turn human once they were off my back. Adjusting my clothes, we walked into the city when I announced who we were. One of the guards walked forward, bowing to us. When I thought about it, I had no idea why I had not flown right up to the top of the city.

We were given a ride up in a wagon, which was at least better than walking. Thorin chuckled at that, but he took in what he could see of the city, even in the darkness. When we reached the top, we were greeted by more guards. Thane had been totally blown away by what he had seen, and Akira was just as excited as he was. It wasn't extremely late, so as we were led into the hall where the Steward once sat, we were greeted by Aragorn and others.

"My Lord, King Thorin and Queen Arina have arrived," the guard spoke.

Aragorn immediately turned around from what he was doing and I smiled at him. The man walked forward quickly, and reached out to hug me when he was close enough.

"I told you we'd see you crowned," I smiled.

"Aye you did," Aragorn smiled. "I am glad to see you all well. Especially after what had happened at the Black Gate."

"Think nothing of it," I shrugged.

He nodded his head, and smiled at Thorin. "I thank you for your timely arrival at the battle. Your numbers had helped us."

"Of course," Thorin dipped his head, and Aragorn had to turn and greet Thane.

Thane smiled and shook his hand, before Aragorn was introduced to Akira. She handled herself with more grace than I could ever have. That had to come from Thorin's side of the family. The look on my face had Thorin smiling widely.

"Come, come. The feast has just started. Gimli and others will be happy to see you," he smiled.

I nodded, and looped my arm through Thorin's as we walked into the next hall where all the noise was. Gimli was there sitting with the hobbits, and Gandalf was walking over. Thorin turned his attention toward the wizard, and inclined his head ever so slightly. I wasn't sure how the dwarf felt toward Gandalf, so I kept my arm wrapped through Thorin's.

"Gandalf," Thorin rumbled.

"It is good to see you well, Thorin," he replied. "I am sorry about what had happened."

"I'm sure you are," Thorin sighed, and Gandalf inclined his head for a more private conversation.

Unable to help himself, Thorin was taken off to the side with the wizard so they could speak. Thane had wandered off instantly to go socialize with the men around here. That made me chuckle. He loved parties like this, and the any challenge they might bring.

"Well, the great lady of Erebor returns!"

Turning my head, I bared my teeth in another smile as Eomer walked over. He bowed to me, and I dipped my head in a nod. He smiled at me, but I noticed there was grief deep in his eyes. He was hiding it extremely well.

"It is good to see you alive," I said gently. "Who..."

"You are looking at the new King of Rohan," Eomer replied, his voice tight.

"Grief is still fresh," I nodded, understanding. "I am sorry."

"As am I," he answered, tilting his head at Akira. "And how is this lovely maiden beside you."

I gave him a narrowed look as Akira turned her head to regard the King of Rohan. Under her intense blue gaze, Eomer dipped his head in a nod. I watched him go quiet under her gaze, and that almost made me smile.

"Akira, daughter of Thorin Oakenshield, Princess of Erebor," she said smoothly. "It is a pleasure to meet you..."

"Eomer," he finished for her.

"Eomer," she smiled gently, and I tried hard not to roll my eyes.

"Take care of her," I grunted. "Go have fun."

She smiled at me, and took the arm of the King. I watched as they walked off when Aragorn joined my side. He chuckled at that and I tilted my head at him.

"They have buried Theoden beside his family," he rumbled.

"I am sorry I missed that," I said sadly. "I wish I could have said good bye..."

"We know. What happened when you left?" Aragorn said as we walked through the crowd of people to a quiet place. "Gondor, I mean."

"I left right after you arrived," I said slowly. "When I had arrived home, the mountain had been under attack for two days. We lost many lives. Dain Ironfoot is dead, and so are others. We...we lost Tauriel in the battle."

"The she elf? Wasn't she married to…."

"Kili, Thorin's nephew. Yes," I murmured.

"Oh, I am so sorry," he rumbled.

"We are healing. The defeat of Sauron was heard through out the land," I smiled. "And so were the rumors of the new King of Gondor. I am so proud of you. Years ago I wouldn't have thought you'd do this. I'm glad to see you have."

"Once this is all over, we will talk," Aragorn smiled. "I'd like to enter an alliance with Erebor, and to possibly start a trade. We have much to do once we heal."

"Yes, I think Thorin will be very happy to talk about it," I nodded.

We turned and walked back into the hall, and I watched as Gimli rushed to Thorin to greet him. It dawned on me, that we had not yet told him of his father's death. When Thorin met my gaze, I knew he was thinking the same thing. At the arch of his brow, I nodded my head to him. He sighed, and his shoulders dropped but he led Gimli off anyway. I knew it had to be said anyway. I jumped when a hand landed on my shoulder, and I turned and saw Legolas there.

Smiling, I reached up and hugged him. "It brings me joy to see you are well," I hummed.

"And you," he answered. "I received word from Kili a few weeks ago..."

My expression fell. "So you know," I murmured.

"Aye, I do," he answered sadly.

"I am sorry," I sighed. "It was not something I was ready for either. It's been a rough few months."

"Then we best make sure that tomorrow is a joyful day," he smiled, laying a hand on my shoulder.

"It will be," I nodded.

Watching as he moved off, I walked over and joined Gandalf who was sitting away from the others, observing. He smiled at me and offered me a seat which I took. Sighing, Gandalf looked back over the crowd and watched Thane move among the crowd, and Akira laughing with Eomer about something. That warmed my heart a little.

"Your daughter is a fine young woman," Gandalf said softly. "She will make you proud. Thane...even prouder."

"Thank you," I smiled.

"Dain is gone?" he asked softly.

"Yes, he is," I said sadly. "As is a number of those I love. Thorin was almost among the dead."

"How?" Gandalf asked curiously.

"He saved me from an attack. The sword had run him through. It was like a repeat of Azog," I said quietly. "The wound had been fatal, Gandalf. Had I not been there, he would have died. I don't even think I could repeat what I did that night."

"I've always told you, you are stronger than you imagine," he smiled gently, touching my hand. "I was right. I always had faith in you."

"Thank you," I hummed. "For always having that faith. It got me through many hardships."

"And your courage has taken us through many as well," he smiled. "Soldiers of the Rohirrim speak of the great gold dragon that aided them that day, and the difference it made. Your actions will go down in history, Arina."

"Well isn't that comforting," I sighed. "I did it to protect those I care about. That is all. So does this mean we really will have peace now?"

"Middle Earth is safe," Gandalf rumbled. "Evil can no longer take the upper hand. The time of Men has come, and I believe you will be able to live out the rest of your days happily."

"Well, that makes all this worth it….doesn't it?" I mused, getting to my feet.

I watched Akira and Eomer talking for a moment, and I arched my brow. It was mostly to myself. Thane was speaking with Aragorn and a few other men, and I also noticed his looks toward his sister. That had me smiling. Things were certainly changing.

Frodo had woken the day before Aragorn's crowning. I had decided to wait with the others nearby, just so that we could be there when he did. Thorin, Thane and Akira had gone off to see the city, accompanied with a few guards of course. I stood beside Legolas as laughter suddenly erupted from inside the room. Merry and Pippin wasted no time in running for the door to see their friend. Gimli was not far behind them, and the rest of us took a calmer approach. Frodo had not made it through this battles without his own wounds.

Gandalf had said he was in rough shape when they had brought him back from Mordor. The poor hobbit had slept for weeks on end, his wounds too grave for him to handle. He had woken here and there to be cared for, but Gandalf had said his mind had not been ready yet. I walked in quietly after Legolas to lay eyes upon the hobbit, who gasped his happy greeting. Aragorn followed close behind, and the joy that swept through the room had everyone smiling. Even Legolas. Catching my look, said elf nudged me hard in the side and I chuckled.

"Oh, laddie it is great to see you awake!" Gimli sighed happily.

"It's great to be awake," Frodo smiled.

Aragorn moved forward and laid his hand on Frodo's shoulder gently. "You saved us all," he murmured. "We could not be more proud."

Frodo grinned widely at him, and after I gave the little hobbit a tight hug, I walked out of the room. Everything was finally falling into place. The world was going to begin the long journey of healing. I walked out into the sunlight, and stood there and stared over the grounds. It seemed a bit surreal that we had made it here.

"My Lady."

Turning my head, I watched as Eowyn walked over to me. Her flowing blue dress moved easily with her, and I smiled. Turning toward the Princess, I hugged her. She returned it and I moved back to see her. She was indeed taller than I was, as with most people. I was shorter than Thorin, who was 5'2! She had a good six inches in height on me.

"I am glad to see you here," she smiled. "I wanted the chance to thank you, for trying to aide me...that day."

"I wish I could have done more," I sighed, turning back to the land. "But it was not so this time."

"He is at peace," she said softly. "He no longer feared going to the halls of his forefathers."

"Theoden will be remembered," I nodded.

"As will the great golden dragon who flew with us," she tilted her head down at me.

I chuckled. "I'm not one for legends, but we'll see how long it lasts."

"I heard you brought your family with you," Eowyn hummed. "Do I finally get to meet your husband?"

"Oh aye, and my children," I answered.

"Wonderful!" she grinned.

I laughed pleasantly at that, and listened as a new set of footsteps joined us. When I turned to see who it was, I was greeted with a man I did not know. He had red hair, and bore a similar appearance to Boromir.

"Arina, this is Faramir," Eowyn hummed softly. "He was the son of the steward…"

"Boromir's younger brother," I murmured.

"Yes," Faramir nodded. "I've heard quite the story about you, Queen Arina."

"Yes, I'm extremely popular apparently," I mused, looking over Gondor again. "I am sorry for your losses. I sadly wasn't present when Boromir fell."

"He gave his life for something he believed in. His death was not in vain," Faramir said softly.

"No, no it was not," I agreed. "I will make sure you meet Thorin Oakenshield, Eowyn."

"Good, I'd hate to only just hear stories of your husband," she laughed, making me smile.

The legend of Thorin Oakenshield was not lost throughout the land. His stories from the battles he had fought in were still circulating through people. He was a legend not just among dwarves, but men as well. Those who knew of him were extremely happy to meet him personally at the dinner we attended that night.

There was nothing worth more to a dwarf, then to know his story was circulating around Middle Earth. He was known throughout Gondor. He had dressed in his usual attire for dinner, and for a moment I felt like I was looking at the warrior who had charged out to battle Azog so many years ago. Black was his color. His hair was brushed back as usual, and I found my gaze lingering.

I had taken a dark green dress that flowed nicely to the floor, and the neckline and waist was patterned with gold. The design was perfect for me, and I was able to move freely across the room. It was extremely comfortable as well. Thorin turned his head from talking with someone, and met my gaze as I moved across the floor. I smiled at him, and he returned it. Eomer caught my attention, and I tilted my head toward him.

"I will ignore what you are doing, King of Rohan," I said slowly, teasing him. "But make no mistake, you harm my daughter and I may have to gut you."

"You are so kind," Eomer smiled, bowing his head. "You've raised a wonderful woman. She is simply extraordinary."

"Thank you," I replied, dipping my head.

He leaned down and pressed a kiss to my cheek. "Who knows, maybe one day I'll be calling you mom."

My hand flew to my mouth in an attempt to contain my laughter, and I spun around and smacked him over the back of the head. The mighty warrior laughed loudly as he shamelessly took the hit. Eomer recovered quickly, and grinned at me as he walked off. I groaned, and then joined Thorin.

"May I ask what that was all about?" he asked, leaning down to me.

"Trust me, you don't want to know," I laughed. "You aren't ready for it."

He snorted at me, making me laugh again and I took his hand. We politely excused ourselves and I took him through the crowd to find Eowyn. She was sitting at a table with Faramir, Merry, and Pippin. I announced our arrival and she turned her head and beamed at us.

"This is Master Oakenshield?" she asked, bowing her head. "Your wife spoke often of you."

"I pray it was good things only," Thorin rumbled, dipping his head in return.

"Of course," she smiled. "You kept her going during this fight. I had to meet the dwarf behind the stories. I find you are exactly as I expected."

He chuckled at that, and glanced at me. I blushed a little and wrapped my arm through his. Eowyn smiled again at us and Faramir nodded to him.

"You both make a fine pair," Eowyn smiled.

"Thank you."

We decided to spend the remainder of the evening speaking with them, and Thorin was launched into a few stories when asked about what battles he had fought in. It was nice to actually do so, without worry of battle.

So close... :(