A/N: And so here we are, almost at the end of this journey. This chapter is a bit different from the others. It covers about seven months of time but it is broken up into small snippets; I didn't feel it was necessary to try and describe months of rebuilding. :) I hope you like it. As always, I listed to Brunuhville while writing and editing, this time "Rise of the Fallen" and "Hopes and Dreams." Continued thanks to The Dwarrow Scholar for the Khuzdul words; the Sindarin I found at . This is NOT quite the end, there will be an epilogue posted next week to finish everything up. I can't thank all of you enough for your support and I hope you will join me in my next adventure (more info on that at the bottom).

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Arianna le Fey: I hope this meets your expectations. Thank you for your kind words!

swthrt890: I am so thrilled that you have enjoyed my story that much!

ro781727: Thank you!

My Petal Heart: I wouldn't leave y'all hanging! Of course there's a bit more. :)

kayakergrl: I'm so glad you found my story and enjoy it! I hope it continues to meet expectations.

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Even though we're into AU territory all credit goes to Tolkien and Peter Jackson. I couldn't have envisioned any of this without their genius.

After a few days of rest in the comfort of their own home, Thorin felt it was time to get to work. Rhae thrilled to help him into the familiar blue tunic, brigandine, and fur-lined coat; she didn't think anything could suit him as well. He had redone all his braids and cleaned every bead and buckle. Her heart skipped a few times and she wondered if it would always be so when she looked at him. As he had chosen to forgo any sort of finery in his attire she gladly followed suit, happily donning her tunic, leggings, jerkin, and boots. He then took her arm and escorted her from the room. The members of the company awaited them at the designated spot, filing in ahead of Thorin and Rhae.

"Thorin, King Under the Mountain, and Rhaella, Queen Under the Mountain!" Dwalin called, his voice echoing through the hall, and all within snapped to attention. The dwarves shouted their joy at seeing their king when Thorin stepped onto the dais in the Hall of Kings and Rhae felt her heart might burst from pride and love. This was what Thorin was meant to do, he was meant to be king, and she thanked the Valar that she had been a part of helping him achieve his dream. She looked forward to seeing him lead his people for many years to come.

Once the cheers had faded Thorin finally spoke, "Words cannot express how thankful I am to have such brave and honorable kin. You came without question when I called for aid and together we have defeated a foe that has plagued us since Azanulbizar. We have shown that the line of Durin will not cower and is not easily broken. Without the help of every dwarf in this room we would not now be standing in the halls of our fathers and grandfathers." Cheers rang out again. He glanced at Rhae and gently pulled her back to his side. "Now, now we can look to the future. You have been in good hands while I recovered. Under the guidance of my wife and queen you have begun the reconstruction of Erebor, begun the work that will make it once again the greatest dwarf kingdom in Middle-Earth." The dwarves all cheered again and Thorin took a deep breath of satisfaction. Rhae squeezed his hand and he met her eyes, eyes that were so full of love and pride that he felt his breath catch.

He turned back to the crowd. "Our future has never looked brighter. The enemy is destroyed, we have our home back, and the line of Durin is secure in my son." There were some murmurs of surprise and Rhae felt hundreds of eyes turn in her direction. Her cheeks flushed a bit but she kept a smile on her lips. "Let word go out! All that want to return to the mountain are welcome! Erebor is ours!" He wrapped an arm around his wife's waist, pressing a kiss to her temple as the dwarves again cheered, their cries echoing through the room.

"Thorin!" Oin called, hurrying to his king's side. Rhae felt sick for a moment - the healer had been in the Healing Halls this morning - until she noticed the merriment in his eyes. "Your nephew is asking for you." Thorin grabbed her hand and hurried from the Hall of Kings, Kíli right behind them, leaving other members of his company to explain their sudden departure to the assembled dwarves. She couldn't keep a smile from plastering itself on her face when she saw Fíli sitting up in the bed he'd lain in for over two weeks. His brother and uncle hurried to his side, Oin hovering nearby.

"What happened?" he asked, his voice a bit raspy. The healer handed him a glass of water, which he sipped from gratefully. Thorin filled him in on what had transpired since he'd been in Azog's grasp; Fíli didn't remember anything after the orcs had cornered him in the watchtower. Rhae felt that was probably a good thing.

"It seems I am in your debt again, milady," he said, looking at her with a smirk on his face and that usual twinkle in his eye. She stepped next to the bed and took his hand, giving it a fond squeeze.

"As I told you when I pulled you from the river, you owe me nothing. While I have a breath in my body I will do what I can to protect the line of Durin."

Gandalf and Bilbo left them the following day. It had already been planned and Rhae was glad they had still been in Erebor to see that Fíli was going to be alright. Bilbo had helped with the cleanup in the mountain and spent time with Rhae, copying down some of his mother's best recipes for her. Gandalf had worked with both the dwarves and the men in Dale, assisting in aiding the development of a relationship between the two races. He had been concerned about Thorin's reaction to Bard but it seemed the King Under the Mountain was at least trying to look past his long held prejudices and work with his nearest neighbor. Rhae was sorry to see them go but she knew how Bilbo longed for his armchair and his garden. She had also given Gandalf a message to pass along to Halbarad. She wanted to make sure he was aware of everything that had happened after she'd left her post outside the Shire and of her new circumstance, though Rhae highly doubted he didn't know already. And so the next morning saw the company of Thorin Oakenshield gathered at the Front Gate to say good-bye.

Bilbo stood in front of them, shifting from foot to foot, his nose twitching as he tried to fight back tears. Part of him didn't want to leave, they were his friends, but part of him - that Baggins part - was desperate to get home. Ori stepped towards him and held out a small package wrapped in leather. Bilbo opened it carefully and a bright smile lit his face. As he hugged the young dwarf Rhae was able to see several sheets of parchment covered in sketches though she didn't attempt to see what they were. It was clear the hobbit was quite touched by the gesture. Bilbo finally turned to the company.

"If any of you are ever passing Bag-End, tea is at four - there's plenty of it. You are welcome anytime." They all bowed to him and he smiled. He made to head to the pony that was waiting by Gandalf's horse, then paused and turned back. "Eh, don't bother knocking." Rhae was floored by the big smile on Dwalin's face and figured something had happened at that long ago dinner that made this comment amusing to the burly dwarf.

"Safe travels, Master Burglar," Thorin told him with a fond smile and quick embrace. "Please stay in touch. You are always welcome in Erebor." Bilbo could only nod he was so overcome. The two had reconciled, Thorin apologizing profusely for his actions on the rampart though Bilbo required no apologies; he knew that had not really been Thorin Oakenshield up there. He scurried to his pony and climbed up with Gandalf's help. The wizard gave them all a tip of his hat; the former Ranger knew this would not be the last time she laid eyes on the Grey Pilgrim.

"Good-bye, Bilbo," Rhae called softly, giving him a final wave.

"Good-bye, Lady Stryker," he replied with a knowing grin on his face.

Word arrived from Dis a few days later and Thorin rushed into their bedchamber to show her the message. Taking the parchment Rhae swallowed a laugh when she saw how excited he was. He reminded her of a small child who had done something he was immensely proud of and couldn't wait for his elders to see how smart he was in his accomplishment.

Thorin-

You cannot imagine my joy when I received word that you and my sons were safe and victorious. I was wrong to doubt you, brother. I have informed those here that if they desire to return to Erebor they are free to do so; I believe some will choose to stay but a majority seem to be preparing to make the journey. I will be with them. Expect us by spring. I look forward to meeting your yasith.

-Dis

"Spring. They will be here by spring," he stated happily.

"I am glad to hear it. I hope she is here before it is time for the babe to be born; there are things I would like to ask her." She looked back down at the message Dis had written. "How many do you think will come?"

Thorin scratched his beard thoughtfully. "I would expect over half. Once I discover who has stayed behind I will have to appoint someone to take my place; I don't want to leave them leaderless and unprotected."

She nodded, handing the small note back to him. "It would be hard for you to govern Erebor and Ered Luin at the same time." She glanced up at him and patted the bed next to her. "Come. The day is over and it is time to put aside your business for the night." Thorin wasn't one to deny his wife anything and only a moment or two had him beside her under the blankets. Once she was tucked under his arm, her head resting on his chest, he filled her in on what he had done in the hours they had been apart.

Rhae was amazed at how work progressed in the mountain. Once Dain had returned home dwarves from the Iron Hills began relocating to Erebor and the rebuilding continued day in and day out. As more moved back to the mountain groups were sent with the Lake-Town survivors to begin the rebuilding of Dale. Bard and Thorin conversed heavily on the topic, deciding work should focus on homes and the market for the time being. A similar plan was in place in the mountain. Both rulers knew their citizens needed a way to make a living and the sooner the Men and dwarves could get to work, the sooner trade could begin with other kingdoms.

Once Thorin's wounds were completely healed he was overseeing every aspect of the rebuilding, Fíli and Kíli by his side. Rhae was perfectly happy to step back from her early duties. While Thorin knew he couldn't keep her locked in their home, he made it clear that she was not to do anything strenuous under any circumstances. So Rhae helped Balin in assigning residences to new families and shop stalls to merchants. She truly enjoyed this as it gave her the opportunity to meet those that would call Erebor home. Her fears of not being accepted were quickly washed away. Yes, there were some very surprised dwarves when they were introduced but none showed any disrespect. A few of the elderly arrivals seemed rather puzzled or concerned though they were still courteous.

Thorin and Rhae were learning to be a married couple. They'd been joined for several months but hadn't had the chance to really have time alone until after his recovery. He was memorized with how her body was beginning to change as the pregnancy advanced. At night he would keep his hand on her stomach, almost in a protective gesture which she found endearing. Though they were perfectly suited for one another arguments were unavoidable - they were both stubborn and hard headed - but they had agreed to never go to bed angry and that forced them to talk through everything. It was rather comforting as life slipped into a pattern that would continue, for the most part, over the years. They took most of their meals at home - Rhae found she enjoyed cooking for her husband - though they would eat dinner in the main dining hall with the other dwarves a couple times a week; they were expected to be seen there and she had no problem with the tradition. Sometimes the company would be invited for dinner, Bombur joining her in the kitchen to help with meal preparation. Some of Bilbo's shared recipes became favorites. Rhae was quite content, which surprised her greatly. In all her years as a Ranger she had never felt the desire for a husband or home and here she was, wife of the King Under the Mountain. Gandalf's words all those months ago came back to her frequently and she had to shake her head every time they did; the meddling wizard had been right when he'd said the quest might show her something she was seeking. She hoped she never saw a time when he was wrong.

"Lord Elrond of Rivendell!" Thorin and Rhae looked up in surprise. This was not a visitor they had expected to see in Erebor. He approached where the two were standing on the dais, a smile on his face. His arrival was certainly different from Thranduil's arrogant gliding. He bowed respectfully, the elves behind him following his lead.

"Thorin, King Under the Mountain and Rhaella, Queen Under the Mountain, it is a joy to see you on the throne of Erebor. You have emerged victorious against all odds."

"Welcome, Lord Elrond," Thorin said, his voice a bit stiff. Rhae rolled her eyes, some things would probably never change, and took a step towards the elf lord.

"Le suilon! Gi nathlam hí Lord Elrond."

He gave her the customary kiss on each cheek then smiled down at her. "I can only imagine what Rhaethan would say if he could see you now, my dear." She could only smile; she hadn't seen her parents in a dream since before the battle though she hoped they were proud.

"I was wondering if I might have a word with you," Rhae asked quietly. Elrond seemed a trifle surprised at her request but nodded. Thorin wasn't exactly comfortable with his wife speaking with the elf lord alone but he knew she would go no matter what he said. He supposed this particular elf wasn't quite as bad as he'd originally thought; he had helped decipher the map. He watched her leave the Hall of Kings with a sigh, turning back to the elves Elrond had left behind. What in the world was he to do with a bunch of pointy eared tree-huggers until his wife returned?

Rhae led the way to the King's Study, which was behind the massive Throne Room. So far nothing had been done to that space and she had a suspicion that Thorin wasn't ready to re-enter the room where he'd treated her and Dwalin so badly. There was a fire crackling when they entered the private space and she stepped closer; she was still not accustomed to the chill in the mountain. Knowing the much taller Elrond would most likely not fit in one of the chairs she remained standing.

"What is troubling you?" he asked. "Agoreg vae Rhewil."

"Thank you. I am glad I have accomplished that which you and Gandalf had hoped but I am still concerned about so much. There are still so many uncertainties. Will the dragon sickness try to ensnare Thorin again? Have we truly defeated the enemy or merely delayed him?" She paused, looking down at her hands; she hated feeling vulnerable or admitting weakness but she needed to know. "Will I be able to deliver this child safely?" Elrond studied her for several moments and she tried to remain patient.

"Thorin has defeated the dragon sickness and once that has happened it cannot affect his mind again. He has shown that he is stronger than the pull of the gold. The effects of that sickness will linger for a while, however." He saw the flash of fear in her eyes and hurried to reassure her. "I do not mean that he will be like he was while under its influence but the knowledge that he did indeed fall will haunt him for some time. He will worry that it could get him again and he will question a lot of his thoughts and decisions, wondering if it is the sickness returning. You will have to stay by his side, assuring him that the danger is passed, until he realizes that truth."

"Considering the stubbornness of dwarves I have a feeling that may take some time."

Elrond chuckled. "As for your parturiency, you are strong, Rhewil, as is the child you carry. I do not foresee any problems. As with any pregnancy I would advise you to be cautious and not overtax yourself during the last couple of months."

"How long should I expect to carry the babe? I'm into my fourth month now."

"That I cannot answer with perfect certainty. Obviously there is a difference in the length of time Dunedain and dwarven women carry their children. Considering the size of the child now I would think you have another six months." She considered his words.

"Ni lassui Hîr vuin. That is some comfort but what about my other worry?"

He sighed. "The future is still hidden from us. A move has been made but everything remains shrouded in shadow. You and the dwarves have given us more time but how much I do not know." She nodded, understanding what was left unsaid. This was only the beginning.

Winter passed slowly and Rhae realized why dwarves always wore so many layers. Erebor was chilly though Thorin assured her that once they got all the forges repaired the heating system in the mountain would function as well. She looked forward to it. As her pregnancy advanced she tired more quickly and she was forced to cut back on some of her activities. Her husband liked this turn of events. Their biggest argument came after he found her in one of the training arenas taking target practice so when she voluntarily slowed down he was relieved. To occupy some of her time she joined Dori and Ori as they cleaned out the chambers that were to be given to Dis when she arrived. Rhae was quite curious about the dwarrowdam. Fíli and Kíli were so different it would be interesting to see what their mother was like. Thorin had said that Fíli was more like his other uncle, Frerin, while Kíli took after their father somewhat. This left her with no point of reference when considering what their mother was like.

As the snow outside the mountain began to melt they began to look more eagerly for Dis's arrival. Thorin sent scouts out with instructions to send word when they spotted anyone. Rhae knew he was worried. There was no way to know how many, if any, of the orcs had escaped the battle or where they were if they had. There were also the goblins to be concerned about. It was too much to hope that the death of their king had them still in confusion. So they waited, hoping to hear each day that the dwarves had been spotted.

Rhae was anxious for her arrival as well. Besides the fact that she was Thorin's sister, she was someone Rhae could talk to about her pregnancy. There weren't many dwarrowdams in the mountain yet and those that had come were not willing to speak so openly with their queen. Mara, the young lady that had become her waiting woman so to speak, was open and friendly but she had never had children and so could not help Rhae with her worries. Mara's mother, Ona, held the same reluctance as the other handful of dams in speaking freely with the queen. If Lord Elrond was correct she was a month from giving birth and she would dearly like some female advice. Though if she could have her way she'd have the babe immediately. Rhae had never been so uncomfortable in her life.

"I feel like an oliphaunt."

Fíli chuckled. "Then the beasts must be quite a bit smaller than I've heard." He thought she was as pretty as ever. He had seem a few dwarrowdams in the family way back in Ered Luin and Rhae nowhere near resembled their ... roundness. She had taken to wearing dresses most of the time claiming they were more comfortable but grumbling that Dori didn't even have to alter them for her size anymore.

"Have you actually seen one?" Kíli asked eagerly, walking out of the kitchen with a plate of honey oat cakes in hand.

"Once and I hope to never see them again. The Haradrim are not a group I wish to have any dealings with in the future." She stretched a bit, trying to find a comfortable position. "Have you looked into the chambers we have ready for your mother?" They both nodded. "Will she like them? All your uncle would say is they looked fine which wasn't exactly helpful."

"Ama will be pleased. She is not ostentatious in anyway and probably lives much simpler than most dwarves would expect," Fíli assured her. She gave him a smile of thanks and snagged a cake from Kíli's plate, sinking her teeth into it with pleasure. It was one of Bilbo's recipes and one that they all especially enjoyed.

"I wish you had been with us at Bilbo's that evening," the brunette dwarf mussed, licking his fingers. "There was so much food! We covered his entire table! I never knew hobbits were such fine cooks."

"I was there," she told them, calmly picking up another cake.

"You were?"

"In a way, though I missed your dinner." She finished her snack before explaining further. "I watched each of you arrive that night and then I stayed outside under the windows, listening to what was going on in the hobbit hole."

"Why? Why didn't you just come in? Gandalf had obviously asked you to join us so why did you wait until Bree?" Kíli asked. She raised an eyebrow and gave him a knowing smirk.

"Many reasons, the main one being I wasn't sure yet if I would even join your quest. Deciding to help your uncle was not a decision easily made. I wanted to make sure the lot of you truly believed in what you were attempting. Your quest already bordered on the completely impossible and a group that didn't really care if they were successful or not is always destined to end in destruction."

"So what convinced you to join us?" Fíli was floored to find out that she had been there all that time; she'd been that close and they'd never known it.

"The song." She smiled at the memory. "The song about the Misty Mountains; it spoke of such longing and determination."

"I never knew that song would have such an effect on someone not a dwarf." They looked up in surprise at Thorin's voice, amazed that he'd been able to enter the room without any of them being aware of it. He stepped behind where Rhae was seated on the low couch, reaching down to gently rub her shoulders. She closed her eyes contentedly. "You said you had many reasons for not joining us that evening?"

She leaned her head back and looked up at her husband. "I was well aware that you would not easily allow a woman to join your company and the argument that would take place if I'd made my presence known then." He had the sense to look a bit abashed at her words.

"And I would have been completely wrong," he finally replied. Rhae showed her acceptance of his words by handing him a honey cake which he devoured as enthusiastically as his youngest nephew.

"Has there been any word from the scouts, uncle?" Fíli inquired.

"That's why I came looking for the three of you. I just received word that the first wagons have been spotted. They should begin arriving in Erebor by morning."

Rhae stood next to Thorin, Fíli and Kíli on his other side and the rest of the company behind them as they watched the caravan moving towards the Front Gate. Once they were close enough she was able to spot the dark haired dwarrowdam that rode at the front of the procession.

"Ama!" Kíli yelled, waving his hand over his head. That seemed to break the tension and there were cheers from the Erebor dwarves and the new arrivals. She knew the members of the company were just as anxious to see their families but they waited as the king and princes greeted the sole remaining member of theirs. Dis slid from her pony and rushed into the waiting arms of her sons. Rhae felt her eyes sting a bit and she swallowed back the tears as she watched their reunion. Thorin patted her shoulder and then placed her hand on his arm, stepping forward to greet his sister.

"Welcome home to Erebor, Dis," he said, his own voice cracking a bit with emotion. She gave him a tight hug.

"I never thought to see you in your rightful place, Thorin," she whispered, tears shining in her eyes. Then she turned to the woman at her brother's side. "And I never thought to see the day when my curmudgeon of a brother would take a wife. How in the world do you put up with him, my dear?" Rhae laughed as much at her words as at the look that crossed Thorin's face. His little sister looked almost like a copy of him with the same dark hair and brilliant blue eyes. She'd heard that female dwarves could have huge beards just like their men but Dis's face wasn't hidden. There was a tiny tuft on her chin and a soft line that ran to the middle of her jaw line on each side. The dark hair was done up in several elaborate braids, beads visible on many of them. Her face was lit up in joy, open and accepting.

"Dis, this is Rhaella," Thorin said.

"I am so happy to finally meet you, Lady Dis."

"Now none of that nonsense. You're my sister and there's no need for all that ceremony. I look forward to getting to know you and to hear how my brother and sons behaved on the journey. I want to know if they - " Dis had stepped forward, pulling the woman into a hug, but had frozen when something became shockingly apparent to her.

"You are with child!" she squealed, her eyes wide in amazement. Dis looked between her brother and his wife, elation flooding through her. The last sentence of Rhae's letter to her in Ered Luin now made perfect sense. "When is the babe due?"

"I am not entirely sure but Lord Elrond believed within a month," Rhae explained.

Dis looked at her brother incredulously. "Lord Elrond? My, my, how things have changed since you left Ered Luin, brother. I believe there are many stories to be told to catch me up on everything that has transpired." She turned back to Rhae and took her free arm, gently pulling her from Thorin. "Come, you shouldn't be standing around like this. Let the men handle getting all the ponies and wagons situated. We have so much to talk about!" Rhae let herself be led away, already feeling perfectly comfortable with Dis. Thorin and his nephews were left standing at the Front Gate staring after them as the rest of the company finally rushed out to find their families.

"That went well," Thorin said in amusement. He looked at Fíli and Kíli. "Come on, lads, you heard your mother. Let's start getting her things unloaded."

"I thought she might not let us go once she was here," his youngest nephew muttered.

Thorin laughed and clapped him on the back. "There's nothing females love more than babies. I doubt we'll be able to separate Dis from Rhae until the little one is born."

Thorin was fairly accurate in his assessment; Dis was rarely from Rhae's side. He had thought his wife would object to such coddling but surprisingly she didn't seem to mind. It made him happy to see how quickly his wife and sister became friends. As her pregnancy had progressed Thorin had seen that Rhae was getting more and more nervous and he hoped Dis's presence would help ease some of it. It wasn't long before Rhae did tell him that his sister had been able to ease her mind about many things concerning her pregnancy and the babe.

They had a small celebration for the company and their families a couple of weeks after the Ered Luin dwarves arrived. Rhae was happy to have the chance to become better acquainted with them all. Even though she had to remain seated most of the evening, she was never lacking for company. Dis remained by her side as did Breli and Nara, Gloin and Bombur's wives. They were full of helpful, and sometimes not so helpful, information about giving birth to a dwarven baby but she took it all in stride. Having never spent much time around the expectant women in the Dunedain camps, Rhae had no more than just basic knowledge about what was to come and so was grateful for anything they could tell her.

There was music and story telling, all the members of Thorin's company wanting to regale their families with tales of their bravery on the quest, and of course, plenty of ale. Ori was even able to convince Rhae to sing the first song she'd shared with them around the campfire. The words washed over them all and Thorin watched her proudly, recalling the feelings that had surfaced as he'd watched her sing all those months ago. Oh how he'd fought it, he mussed as he took another gulp of ale, and what a fool he'd been to do so. Everyone applauded and asked for more but Rhae waved them off, declining politely. Bofur gladly stepped up to give them more music.

Dis watched her sister-in-law closely, a suspicion growing in her mind. She had to give it to her, Rhae did a fine job of hiding the pain, but she finally decided it was time to speak up.

"How long have you been hurting?"

Rhae looked at her in surprise but didn't deny her words. "Since early this morning. How did you know?"

"I know the signs well enough. I think it's time we return to your chambers, namadul. We don't want the heir to make his appearance in the middle of one of Bofur's drunken melodies." Rhae chuckled as she stood, then gripped the back of her chair, her face contorting in a grimace. Once the pain had passed, Dis began to lead her from the room, Breli and Nara close behind.

"Rhae, Dis, where are you going?" Thorin called, having spotted them heading for the door.

"Nothing to worry about, brother. It's just time for your wife to give birth to your child." There were cheers from all the dwarves in the room and Thorin made to follow his wife and sister but Dis waved him off. "No, no. You would only be in the way. She is in good hands. Don't worry, the fact that Rhae's mother died in childbirth is nothing to be concerned about." The mug of ale Thorin had been drinking crashed to the floor.

Rhae laid in the bed, exhausted but strangely exhilarated. She didn't know what time it was but judging by the light streaming through the balcony windows it was well past midday. Nothing she'd trained for or experienced in her years as a Ranger had prepared her for the difficultly of giving birth. Dis and Oin both said the birth went smoothly but she felt as if she'd been beaten. She'd had no idea those particular parts of her body could hurt so much. But it was worth it. She could hear the baby's quiet mews as Dis and Nara cleaned him.

"Drink this, lass," Oin said, appearing at her side with a small cup. She took it without question; she knew better than to argue with the healer. It was bitter but someone had added a generous amount of honey to make it more palatable. "That will help with the pain."

"I thought you said everything went smoothly?" she teased with a raised eyebrow.

"And so it did, but any female that has just given birth will be in some pain, especially one that has given birth to a dwarven child while not being a dwarf herself." He patted her hand. "I've always said you were a strong one."

Dis came over, laying a small bundle into Rhae's arms. "Now, would you like for me to admit my brother? He's been out there all night clamoring to be let in." She vaguely remembered hearing Thorin's hollers to be let in off and on during the night and nodded, never lifting her eyes from her son's face. He was perfect. He had his father's dark hair and blue eyes and his ears certainly had a dwarvish shape to them. The rest of his body seemed to speak of his mother's Dunedain blood, lacking the short, stout look of most dwarflings, or so Dis had said.

The room got very quiet and she looked up, her eyes immediately locking with Thorin's. He stood almost frozen in the doorway, the closed door at his back, staring at her with an expression she couldn't identify on his face. His heart was racing and he fought the tears that wanted to come. This was not a time for such emotions! The tableau before him was one he could never have dreamed up. Rhae sat in their large bed propped up with pillows and covered in blankets, her hair in a single long braid over her shoulder, face pale but happy, and a tiny bundle in her arms. He thought back to all the times he had thought her beautiful: that first moment she'd faced him in challenge on the road, the dinner in Rivendell, standing on the Carrock after defending him, laying in their bed the morning after they were married. She'd been beautiful in his eyes each time but none of them could quite compare to the sight of her sitting with their son in her arms. Finally he was able to get his legs to obey and came to her side of the bed. In that moment Rhae suddenly realized the look on his face was one of awe. Her heart melted and she carefully slid towards the center of the mattress, making room for him to sit down.

"Are you sure? I don't want to cause you any pain."

"I am fine, Thorin. Please, sit with us." Once he was next to her she placed the bundle of blankets in his arms; it seemed so tiny in his hands. "I'd like to introduce you to your son, Durin." He looked down at his son, unimaginable joy bursting within him. They had spoken of names though nothing had been decided for certain but for her to choose the name of the founder of his royal line? He couldn't be happier. He situated the little fellow in the crook of his left arm and wrapped his right around the shoulders of his wife, pulling her to his side. She looked up at him and he kissed her, the gentleness of it taking her breath away.

"Mahal truly blessed me the day he dropped you into my path. I will never again question the decisions of the gods. I love you more than words can express, Rhaella."

She snuggled into him. "Men lananubukhs menu Thorin, son of Thrain, son of Thror, King Under the Mountain."

yasith: wife

Le suilon: I great you

Gi nathlam hí: You are welcome here

Agoreg vae: You did well

Ni lassui Hîr vuin: Thank you my lord

namadul: sister in law

Men lananubukhs menu: I love you

Preview of my new, AU Thorin and Rhae story... coming in a few weeks!

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If the Dark Returns

It had been four years since that meddling wizard had asked her to join their quest, three years since the Battle of the Five Armies had been won by the dwarves, elves, and men. Stryker, Ranger of the North, had refused the offer, wanting nothing to do with Thorin Oakenshield. There was darkness leeching into the world again, threatening all who lived there, and she had work to do. So why was she so unsettled? Why was she feeling this pull to travel over the Misty Mountains? A chance encounter with a dwarven princess and then an unexpected mission from her Chieftain sends her exactly where she had no desire to go but felt pulled to nonetheless. Can she put aside her dislike of the King Under the Mountain to help him fight off the evil that refuses to give up?

Revised/Edited May 2016