The Hobbit: Odd Love in Strange Times

Chapter 18 of my Hobbit story, enjoy.

Reviews

Marina Ka-Fai: Thanks :)
Boris Yeltsin: Thanks :)
canonman89: Glad you enjoyed it :)
Hobbitpony1: Thanks, glad you enjoyed it, especially Fili's fight and of course, Azog's burial :)
Sofasoap: Thanks, glad you enjoyed it, oh really, nice :)
Wolfgirl2013: Thanks :)

Now onto the story.

Disclaimer: The Hobbit belongs to JRR Tolkien, Peter Jackson and all associated companies.

Chapter 18

The battle was over; the arrival of the eagles, as well as Thorin showing up with Azog's bladed arm, broke the orcs spirit. From there they fled in a panic, pursued by the eagles and Beorn. Those that remained soon got to work, ensuring the dead were treated with respect, each one being prepared for their race's burial customs.

The wounded were taken inside for treatment, amongst them Ori who had received a rather deep gasp to his head. With their wounds fully treated and their recovery ensured, Bain and Tilda left the infirmary. Bain looked to his sister, worried.

"Are you sure you're alright Tilda?" He asked, concerned.

Tilda smiled at him and nodded. "Yes Bain, I'm fine, my ankle doesn't hurt anymore."

Bain smiled back. "Good, that's good to hear. Well, looks like things are going to start getting better now."

Tilda agreed before seeming to spot something over Bain's shoulder. She gave a mischievous smirk, confusing Bain.

All she said however was. "I'm going to go see Da."

With that she hurried away; leaving Bain even more confused. He turned and found what Tilda had seen. He blushed as he saw Elisa approaching him. She was staring, wide-eyed at him, fear was apparent in her eyes, she was trembling slightly.

Bain recalled the harrowing discovery of her scars, he had been barely conscious, but he still heard her confession. She knew that too.

"Bain…" She gasped.

He smiled lightly. "I told you, I'm fine."

She nodded. "I know, but seeing it…I just, I mean, what with my, we…"

Bain shook his head; she was doubting herself, his love for her, due to her scars; her imperfections. He smiled wider and held out his arms.

"Come here." He said softly.

Relief flooding her she did so and they embraced tightly, losing themselves in their kiss.

Meanwhile, elsewhere in Erebor, having had their injuries treated; those who had fought Azog and Bolg had gone their separate ways. While there was mourning for the dead, there was also plans for a celebration, for their victory.

The prospect of a party, with food and all had attracted Bilbo like a moth to a flame. He immediately went to try and help preparations. While Legolas went to join the other Elves, Thorin cited important business and left. Seeing the looks between Kili and Tauriel, Fili politely excused himself and left.

He knew Kili wasn't happy, particularly due to Tauriel's recklessness in the battle. The danger she had put herself in. Still even the knowledge of that impending argument couldn't shatter his joy. The battle was over, their hated enemies dead, there was a chance for peace. It was then he heard something that brought even more joy to him.

"Fili!"

He turned and grinned as Sigrid came rushing towards him. He was relieved to see she looked so much better now. She knew it was over too and all the worries and cares had, for the time being at least, left her. He hurried to meet her halfway and, immediately, they embraced. It was only then he noticed that there were tears in Sigrid's eyes.

"Sigrid…"

She finally choked out. "You're alive, it…it's over, I feared…I feared the worst and…"

Fili shook his head. "Don't worry, I'm here, I'm alright, we all are."

She nodded, grateful for his reassurance. He smiled and gently guided her down the hallway. As they walked they came across another sight; which made Fili grin. Sigrid spluttered, blushing furiously.

Right in front of them, was Bain and Elisa, locked in a tight embrace, their foreheads pressed together, gazing into each other's eyes, lovingly. Sigrid muttered some excuse and left, Fili also left, granting the young couple some privacy.

The celebrations were ready to begin; already things had been prepared and those within the grand hall set aside for this occasion were eager to start. Three people however, were not even thinking about the celebrations, they had their minds on other matters.

Those three were Bard, Thorin and Thranduil. They had assembled in Erebor's throne room ready to discuss some notable developments they had noticed recently.

"We must discuss this at once." Thranduil remarked. "This is quite a…unusual situation after all."

Having received his precious gems, as promised, Thranduil was in a more cheerful mood, or at least, as close to cheerful as he could be.

Bard nodded in agreement. "Yes, it's a…tricky state of affairs, that's for sure."

Thorin sighed. "Agreed."

"So, how shall we go about this?" Thranduil remarked rhetorically.

Thorin paced before the throne, his brows furrowed.

"The core of this issue is the people involved." He remarked at last.

This prompted Thranduil to reply; rather casually. "Obviously."

The issue they were discussing was the feelings they had noticed between Sigrid and Fili and Kili and Tauriel. They had seen the happiness of both couples and the clear love between them. However as usual, issues such as their roles in society muddied the waters. They had decided to talk and see what was to be done, what their final decisions would be, regarding the relationships.

After a long silence, Thorin spoke up.

"There are different issues affecting these two couples." He paused and then elaborating. "Fili and Sigrid's relationship is of course affected by royal protocol. As my heir Fili would normally be expected to marry into a good Dwarven family. I'm sure that Sigrid would normally be expected to marry well to; with a nobleman."

Bard nodded. "Yes, those would be the normal circumstances. But still; I have no qualms about her and Fili. Truth be told, my line is secure, Bain will easily be able to see to that."

Thranduil arched an eyebrow. "Oh, your son and that…girl he is with; a blacksmith's daughter?"

"Like so many from Lake-Town, a simple person, descended from a noble lineage in Dale. I can easily restore her family's nobility." Bard replied sharply.

Thranduil smiled at that and Bard had a feeling that he had just passed some kind of test.

"I have no children of my own, my line is not secure." Thorin remarked. "At least, not in the normal sense. If I were to allow both these relationships…"

Thorin trailed off, they all knew that if Fili and Kili were able to remain with Sigrid and Tauriel, it would complicate things in regards to either of them succeeding Thorin as King under the Mountain. Yet Thorin's smile suggested he had a solution.

"…Yet I can easily make Dain my successor, he has also already married and has a child of his own, his side of the family is secure, ensuring our lineage continues."

Bard smiled, Thorin's reasoning made sense; that just left the issues of how to openly accept the relationships.

It was Thranduil who came up with the solution.

"There has been much animosity involved between us all for too long." He paused as if considering his words. "I say we let them go ahead, rather than simply love affairs, have them…betrothed, married. Let it be seen as a means to achieve an alliance between the three of us."

After much discussion regarding that idea, the decision was finally made and they all agreed; with their decision made, they left the throne room, heading to join the celebrations.

End of chapter, hope you enjoyed it, read and review please.