Date: TA 2941

Thorin: 195 years old

Lina: 192 years old

The misgivings and fears residing deep within Lina's heart refused to leave. Instead, they seemed to grow. Though she tried, she could not dislodge the doubts which entered her mind whenever she thought of Erebor. Certainly she longed to see the city free again. The dragon had ruled for far too long, but at what price would the city be taken? Dwarves were not the heroes. They were not the ones in the legends who slew dragons and rescued cities, that distinction belonged to Men. How could Thorin hope to win back Erebor without an army or a way inside the Mountain?

Gandalf's support of the return to Erebor had only added fire to Thorin's desire. The dwarf had thrown himself into preparations. Gandalf had promised to locate a suitable burglar for them. Lina had been relieved to hear that at least the wizard knew they would need a back way into the Mountain, as well as someone with the skill to find Smaug's weakness. A burglar would be just the one to complete such tasks.

The wizard had left, leaving instructions that Thorin was to send the dwarves going with him to a house in the Shire. There was to be a mark upon the door which would signal the burglar's place of residence. It was here the dwarves following Thorin would meet and finalize their plans.

Lina, however, would not be at this meeting. She was remaining in Belegost for an extra day to await the return of her assassins from the north. As contracts ended for members of Lina's special unit, they had reunited under her in a separate fighting force. Much like the force under Kira had begun.

Lina's company, once reunited, would follow after Thorin's, meeting them at the Trollshaws, the last forested area before reaching the Misty Mountains. Last minute messages would be exchanged before the two groups once more went their separate ways. Thorin's band was to take the High Pass across and continue on to the Old Ford. Lina's force would travel north and join up with Kira's army. The combined fighting forces would make their way south to rejoin Thorin at the Old Ford. If things went as planned, the forces would continue on the Old Forest Road. The theory was that the army would be relatively safe travelling that road as long as they all stayed together.

Once a general plan had been put together, Thorin had sent out a call for dwarves willing to journey across the Misty Mountains to reclaim Erebor. Outside of the dwarves already travelling with Lina and Kira, only thirteen dwarves had volunteered to join Thorin. Three of those dwarves were the source of a heated debate between Lina and Thorin.

Fili, Kili, and Gloin's son, Gimli, had volunteered to join the quest. Thorin had readily accepted his heir, Fili. Kili had been refused, as had Gimli, on the basis of his age.

"Kili's only five years younger than his brother. You can't simply leave him behind!" Lina argued. "To separate them like this, giving one the chance of a lifetime and completely ignoring the other is not right."

"Kili is too immature for to risk him in the company," Thorin replied.

"He is immature because he lacks the experiences Fili had long ago. Give the lad a chance to prove himself," Lina pleaded. She could not bear to let Thorin leave Kili behind. If Fili were to stay behind as well it would not be so bad, but Thorin had seen no problem in taking his heir with him. Kili had never been given a real chance to demonstrate his skills as Fili had. To turn Kili away now would devastate him.

"Thorin, Kili has trained for this chance his whole life. Let him prove his worth. You will not regret his presence." Lina rested her hand tenderly on his arm. Thorin softened under her touch.

"Very well, I will take Kili with. However, I will not take Gimli. Fili and Kili are my heirs, it is only fitting that they are on hand when Erebor is retaken. This is not war, however, and I will not risk another dwarf's son on such a venture."

Lina saw there would be no point in arguing with her husband now. He had made up his mind. Gimli would not be joining the venture.

The total number of dwarves travelling with Thorin now numbered twelve. Most were in some way related to Thorin, though not all. Balin and Dwalin had volunteered, ever loyal to their friend and distant cousin. Oin and Gloin, cousins of Balin and Dwalin, had also volunteered. Oin was slightly deaf, but he was a skilled healer. Gloin was not always the brightest, but he was a skilled and stubborn fighter, not likely to give up ground in a battle. Three brothers, Dori, Nori, and Ori, were also related to Thorin. Dori, the eldest of the three, was extremely strong, though slightly pessimistic. Lina found him whiny. Nori was interesting. The stories of his "adventures" in the outside world gave Lina the impression the quest was his way of escaping some unpleasant fate for his actions. Ori was simply tagging alone with his two older brothers. He was not particularly strong or clever, but he was a dedicated note-taker and enjoyed drawing. Lina had already requested he keep a journal and sketchbook of the quest to show future generations. The young dwarf's face had brightened at her suggestion.

Of the twelve dwarves following Thorin, only three were not of Durin's line. Bofur and his brother Bomber were descended from another of the Seven Fathers. Lina had guessed they were Broadbeams, but she was not certain and had not seen fit to make inquiries. If they wished to join the quest, then Lina would raise no objections. The only dwarf not related directly descended from royalty was the cousin of Bofur and Bomber, Bifur. Bifur had fought in the Battle of Azanulbizar. Lina recognized him by the axe head still embedded in his skull. He had changed a great deal, but his love for the young children he made toys for had not. If the axe had not damaged his fighting skills, Lina was willing to bet he would be absolutely deadly in a fight.

Some of the dwarves followed out of loyalty to Thorin, others followed out of a desire to make their fortunes. Whatever the reasons, Lina was simply glad that Thorin would not be left on his own while she called upon Kira. The group was already larger and better equipped than that which had followed Thrain on his own mad venture. Balin had made sure of that.

Lina thought fondly of Balin for the role he had taken. He had been Thorin's friend and companion since the days of dwelling in Erebor. His wisdom and advice had frequently kept Thorin safe and healthy. Balin knew, too, the concerns Lina had for her husband. The dwarf had already promised Lina quietly that he would watch after Thorin as he had before. The promise made Lina feel slightly better about the quest.

The tired warrior gazed around the room she'd shared with Thorin for nearly a century. She had grown so accustomed to life in Belegost that she wondered if she'd be able to live in Erebor once again. Only twenty years had been spent in that place so long ago, and they were neither the happiest nor most memorable of years. Yet if Thorin was to go, then she would follow. Staying away from Erebor had been hard for him. Now he had the planning and backing to make the journey. Lina would not deny him this.

Thorin appeared. His newly sharpened blades were placed on the table as he shrugged off his cloak. Lina looked up from her place before the fire. She saw the worry, but also the determination shining in his eyes. This journey had taken him over. He worried for the safety of those following him, but he was determined to make this trip a success.

"You are quieter than normal," he observed.

"Am I?" Lina didn't think she'd been any quieter than normal, but for Thorin to comment upon it, it must be true.

"You're still worried this will go as my father's journey did, are you not?" He settled his large frame on the floor beside her.

"The thought had crossed my mind," she admitted softly. "Someone took your father. What's to stop them from taking you as well?"

"If they've waited this long, I doubt they're particularly interested in me," he told her with a wry smile.

Lina did not reply, her eyes fixed instead upon the flames dancing before her.

"Look at me." That simple order captured her attention as it had so many years ago. Her eyes moved to focus on the powerful dwarf beside her. The blue of his eyes electrified her once more. The sensations he'd always been able to cause within her began anew. Shivers ran down her spine as he tenderly stroked her face.

"We will win this battle as we have so many others," he told her. "You will rule Erebor at my side. Fili shall rule after us, Kili supporting him as he always has. The line of Durin shall be reestablished in Erebor."

Lina gave a faint smile at his words. The pain still gripped her heart. Durin's Line would once again rule Erebor. But at what cost?

"Everything will work out," Thorin whispered, placing a gentle kiss on her forehead. "I promise."