CHAPTER 18

"I love you, Thia."

"I know you do."

"That is not typically how one responds to that admission."

"Ah, sorry sorry." I throw myself into his arms and snuggle my nose into his neck, kissing his strong jaw sloppily as the sun touches just enough of him that I'm jealous of it "I love you too, Thorin. So very much that I think I could cry tears of joy, topaz, and opal. When I think of you, my heart goes all a-twitter. #Erebor."

He chuckles at my antics, having no idea what I'm talking about but knowing it was meant to humor him. Pulling me closer with an answering kiss to my temple, eyes, and cheeks he hums in feigned agreement before lying still. As the quiet seconds steadily tick by my eyelids grow heavy. Just before I drift off into Lala land, I am flipped onto my stomach and jolted awake. Laying motionless, I peer over my shoulder at my smirking mate as he nips at my shoulder blades playfully.

"I seemed to have lost you for a moment." he murmurs, lightly tracing my hip with a calloused hand. Dear God in Heaven, I love his hands. Steady and strong from true work; they have already left their gentle marks on the soft flesh around my waist but I don't mind a bit "It is not time to rest just yet, my love."

"But we just… I just… you just…" I drop my head into my pillow, not able to finish the sentence out of embarrassment "A-a... Aren't you tired yet?"

"I could never tire of you." his fingers travel lower and lower until I couldn't see them even if I tried, due to my eyes rolling back in my head. But oh my, can I feel them "Even if I forgot my very name and this mountain were to crumble upon itself; not in a thousand and one lifetimes could I ever have enough of you, Thia."

"Thorin…"

"Again."

His icy blue eyes singe my flesh with freezing heat and I shiver at the little primal part of me that wants to conquered. Not by just any but definitely by him. His voice which is so low and commanding; so full of insistence and promise that I can't even dream of saying no to this perfect male. So again we-

"We have been here a week!" I nearly jump out of my skin at the exclamation. My oh-so-sweet memory is invaded and ruined by the impatience of dwarves. Can't a girl fantasize about her husband in a public place without being interrupted?! Placing a hand over my heart, I clutch at my imaginary pearls "How much longer do you intend to stay in this blasted place?"

"For once Nori is right, lassie. It's high time we left."

I watch with a bored expression as Nori paces the foyer irritably while Gloin nods in agreement with each curse. Regardless of my annoyance, the thief is right; It has been a week since we arrived in Rivendell. It is more than enough time for us to be up and on our way. I'm honestly just stalling for time. Gimli and Gloin are here, so soon Frodo will arrive too. I'd like to confirm this, so I wait. I also want the elves to take out my implant. 'I've really been back here for three months already. It doesn't seem that long.' Leaning on the banister, I ignore the dwarves in favor of watching the children play in the colorful open garden.

Many of the elves have already left Rivendell. It's a much less animated place than the last time I visited, though no less beautiful. Bilbo is tired all of the time. Time is catching up to him quickly... Elladan and Elrohir were ecstatic to meet the twins, being twins themselves, and I was just as excited to finally meet Arwen. A true beauty in both character and image, the daughter of Elrond is truly worth knowing. She left two days ago to search for her lover and I know what tidings he'll bring... At least I'm pretty sure I know but I have to be SURE. For now, I have been focusing on other things. My implant. It's gotta go... And will probably be shoved into a glass jar for further examination if the healer's enthusiasm is anything to go by. I've already talked it over with Elrond, though I haven't really said anything to my dwarves. What could I say? That the elves are less likely to leave a scar? True, but not helpful. Once I confirm that Frodo has indeed arrived it'll be all good. My group will be able to get back on the road just about the day the young hobbit awakens. 'IF he shows up.' I nibble at my lip before shaking my head. He'll be here. That's just how this new timeline is going. I just don't know WHY? Gloin moves to stand by the banister beside me.

"I haven't seen Rhimla in many moons and I'm eager to return to me lovely wife's side."

"We didn't need to know that, Adad." Gimli rumbles, entering the room with Dori. They both bow to me, regardless of the numerous times I all but begged them not to "Ye'll be seeing Amad again soon enough."

"Aye, I should hope so."

"..."

"I do miss her."

"..."

"Especially her-"

"Adad."

"Tisn't a need to be shy, my lad." he chortles with a sly look "How d'ye think ye came to be? Wasn't from me braiding 'er hair, that's for sure."

"Adad-"

"Heh, even if it started that way. She has the thickest-"

"Please, stop!" the dwarf, though clearly not a child, whines "I beg of ye, stop!"

"All right, all right you two." I laugh at the pure disgust on poor Gimli's face and take pity on him. No one wants to hear about their parents bumping uglies "We can leave by the end of the week if you are all finished with your business here."

"It's the first day of the new week." Dang, Nori caught me. I cut my eyes at him but he doesn't care "You're plannin' some, aren't you? If you think-"

"That is acceptable, your highness." Dori interrupts his brother's rant, placing a small cup of tea before me and stepping back. Chamomile of course "We shall be ready."

"What-"

"Where are the young prince and princess?"

"Here!"

Thoria answers the question herself, popping up beside the banister by my leg. It is too tall for her to scale but we can see her face between each column. Her brother, cousin, and godbrother stand slightly behind her as the little girl chats with Dori as well as she is able. I'm able to discern much of her half-formed words but most others only catch a few strays now and again. It doesn't stop them from getting the gist and nodding along. Her hair is filled with all sorts of things of questionable origin, causing me to tussle the mass.

"I need to rebraid your hair, babe..."

"No problem, babe."

My deadpan reaction to her is interrupted by a slight commotion. It causes a stir that can be heard throughout the home just as I spot Arwen racing onto the grounds carrying a familiar bundle. Picking up the skirts of the dress, one of many I'd been all but forced into wearing during my stay, I begin to follow after her. Before I can make it across the room Nori has a grip on my arm, halting my movements.

"This is what you were waitin' for? A broken halflin' that you met once?" his ire is apparent as he shakes his head firmly "It is none of your business."

"Let the elves take care of it, Queen Thia." Dori agrees, barely showing any concern "They know their skill well enough."

"It's Frodo, not just some random 'broken halflin', you jerk." I reply tugging on my arm but he only tightens it. The thief has been even more restricting ever since his chat with Gandalf. I do not know what had been said but ever since he'd stuck to me like my shadow. I'm sick of it to be honest "I wasn't sure of the exact day they'd come in. I don't want Bilbo to be alone while he waits for him to wake up."

"It is none of your business."

"Nori, let go."

"It is none of your business." he repeats stoically, nodding to his brother who returns it in understanding much to my disbelief. Standing up, the elder leaves the room as Gloin and Gimli depart under the pretense of keeping the children company. When the room is clear, the thief continues "Dori will see to the burglar an' ring bearer."

"I can-"

"Have you forgotten your place or do you just not care?"

"... What does that even mean?"

"You are the Queen of the Dwarves of Erebor. Wayward Shire halflings do not fall under your rule or concern. You need not go."

"Just because I'm Queen doesn't mean I no can't care about people who don't swear fealty to me. Bilbo is my friend, OUR friend, and I-"

"An' I have been tasked with keepin' you safe by your husband, OUR King. He supersedes whatever your trivial desires are." The dwarf firmly shoves me into a chair but is sure not to let go of my arm "Goin' to your FRIEND at this moment would not be safe. Thus... You. Can. Not. Go."

"Nori…" I grit out through my teeth "I swear if you don't let go I'm going to really drop you out of the sky this time."

"You may but as long as I don't release you, you can't leave me anywhere you aren't willing to stay." he quirks a braided eyebrow at me accompanied by a sly smirk while gesturing at his sleeves "An' with no skin to touch, you can't use my strength against me. Your gifts have fatal flaws, dear Queen."

"You can't make me stay here." I growl low in my throat; clenching my fists

"I can. There are many methods I could use. You wouldn't like any of them." I frown at the threat in his voice, not at all pleased when he straightens to his full height. It's true that any method to restrain me would be unpleasant in its effectiveness. With me sitting, his height is disgustingly almost impressive "My assignment is to keep you safe from all hurt, harm, an' danger. Hate me or not, but by Mahal, I'm goin' to do it."

Nori kept true to his word. Everywhere I went, he was there. Gloin stayed with Bilbo and Dori kept a close eye on Frodo. Not only to watch over them but to turn me away whenever I managed to escape Nori. It rubs me the wrong way but I was completely unable to visit the hobbits until Nori LET me. Bastard.

"I'm so sorry Bilbo!" I apologize over and over to my friend. If we weren't sitting on a bench, I'd probably be bowing. He has aged so much in these past weeks, before my very eyes, and he grows tired quickly now. He barely made it to Rivendell without breaking a hip. Seriously "I would have been here sooner but Nori wouldn't let me out of arm's length for days and forget even going near Frodo's room!"

"Oh, he was just being protective is all."

"Protective my foot!"

"It's true Master Baggins!" Merry supports vehemently from his place on the ground before us "Even now I'm sure he watches."

"Yeah, he is." I respond with an annoyed huff "He most definitely is."

"I don't trust him." Pippin flicks his head from side to side in worry "He said he was going to gut me!"

"He said that?" I ask, flabbergasted that the thief even bothered talking to the young hobbits. He has only expressed tasteless disdain for them "Really?"

"Well… no." I scowl, feeling like I've missed something "B-but he looked like that's what he was thinking, Miss!"

"He probably was." I softly bump my shoulder into Bilbo's as he frightens the young Shirelings even further "Nori is not the kindest of fellows."

"That's putting it mildly." I huff

"Hm." Bilbo chuckles airily before settling into stillness again "You are correct though..."

"I am?"

"Yes, Merry. Master Nori is most surely watching us all now."

"That is… worrisome." The two hobbits look around obviously before ducking their heads and trying to be inconspicuous before Merry spots a pleasant sight "Frodo!"

"You're alright!" Pippin twitters, bounding over through the grass to throw his arms around his friend "Frodo!"

I smile, even knowing that one of my babysitting dwarves is going to come to drag me away. I was frustratingly told that I could see Bilbo but not Frodo. This an 'awe' moment that I would love to stay and watch but as expected Gloin arrives and pulls me away. Dipping his head in greeting to Bilbo, he offers his hand to me. With a sigh I let him help me up. Looping his arm through mine, he begins leading me away from the hobbits before I can even say 'elevenses.' Following his lead, I wait for an explanation as we drift through the halls.

"Ye know, lassie…" he starts just as I'm opening my mouth to ask what is up "The world is a wondrous place. One could spend their life searching for all its hidden gems and never even scratch the surface. The Arkenstone, for example, was at the very center of the mountain. It took many years to uncover."

"… I suppose that's true."

"Mmmm. A wife is like that to 'er husband." I blink up in shock as he continues, not sure where this is all coming from "For years ye dig into the earth, finding gem after gem but none matter until you find your own Arkenstone."

"Gloin, what-"

"You are King Thorin's Arkenstone, lassie. His One. The one he chose to wed, bear his children, and grow old with. He asked Nori to take care of ye whilst ye went on this little trip and I know the spymaster can be a mite forceful but don't take it to heart."

"..."

"It's 'is hide that is on the line should he fail in his duty."

"I know..."

"Very good then. Now" We stop walking so he may give me a piercing look "it is time for ye to return to yer mountain."

"And I will, I just-"

"Ye shant fool me, lassie." he shakes a finger at me, pulling me along again "I saw the look in yer eyes when ye saw that wee hobbit brought in."

"What look?"

"The look ye used to give Thorin and 'is nephews." we arrive at my room and he finally releases my arm "Ye want to help that lad."

"… He doesn't need my help." I say this but who I'm convincing is debatable. I studied the books and movies for a reason, just in case "He'll survive this adventure but…"

"No buts lassie. Ye cannae save everyone and even if you could... ye shouldn't." he opens the door and gently pushes me inside. It's quiet, so I know the kids are off playing. Probably with their second favorite pair of twins, themselves being the first "Ye cannae live 'is life for him. Leave 'is future up to fate."

"Fate…" I all but spit the word "FATE would have me married to an elf with dwarven children or worse: a widow."

"Aye, but the ultimate goal would have been achieved: yer children. Would ye wish them undone?"

"Of course not."

"Mmm. Fate is funny that way." he sighs with a quick bow, as if it makes up for him dragging me around the complex "Get yerself together now."

"Are we going somewhere?"

"Not 'we' lassie." he leans in and starts to shut the door, not even allowing me to shut it for myself "Ye have a meeting with the wizard."

I'd like to apologise. I'm really deep in cup of depresso espresso and it is making writing... unbearable. I can barely look at the words, I can't focus on any of it. I for sure wanted to get this chapter out and it took me two weeks to edit it AFTER I cut it in half. Please be kind. I'm just having a hard time.