AN: Happy Reading Everyone!

Edited: 12/07/17

AN2: WORK ON THE SEQUEL WILL BEGIN IN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS. KEEP A WEATHER EYE OUT FOR UPCOMING NOTIFICATIONS.

Chapter Thirteen:

'English'

'thoughts'

"Westron"

"Sindarin"

"Quenya"

"Khuzdul"

/Black Speech/

-osonwe/telepathic speech-

The day of the 6th December 2941 TA, dawned bright and clear. Aella stood atop the battlements, where only two weeks prior she had been banished from. From her position, Aella observed the bustling crowd below. The dwarves of the Iron Hills and even those of the Company were busy with the finishing touches for Thorin's official coronation as King Under the Mountain. Aella herself had been busy all morning, stuck in the healing rooms helping Elladan and Elrohir with the remaining injured.

The day before after the Funerals had been held, Thorin had offered to the Men of Dale, the Elves of Rivendell and Aella's remaining kin a place of shelter within the reclaimed Halls of Erebor. Aella privately thought Thorin had purposely held off until Thranduil had left with his army, not that she could really blame him. She too had been more then glad to see the ElvenKing go. Although Legolas had chosen to stay along with Tauriel, as ambassadors for Mirkwood. As it was, everyone who was sheltered Under the Mountain was invited to the Coronation and the subsequent feast; courtesy of the supplies brought by Dain's caravans. Aella cast one last long glance over the bustling crowd before turning away to get herself ready, the ceremony was to start soon.

...

Aella was once again seated between Fili and Kili, this time however they were seated in the Throne Room. Aella grimaced as once again Dain stared at her in complete confusion. 'He really needs to pay attention to his cousin's coronation. Not to Bilbo's or my seating arrangement,' Aella thought, returning her eyes to the throne where Thorin was knelt before Gandalf. The Vows of Kingship were the last part of the coronation, just before the crowning. 'They are also the longest part,' she noted glancing at Kili's bouncing leg. Nudging him in the ribs stopped his fidgeting but gained her a glare in return, much to her amusement. She smirked back at him, earning herself a nudge to the ribs herself. Giggling under her breath Aella once more focused upon the throne, somewhat thankful that it seemed the crowning was at hand.

"By the witness of Mahal and the people of the Mountain, I crown you Thorin the Second, Oakenshield, King Under the Mountain and of all Durin's Folk," Gandalf intoned as he lay the Raven Crown of Erebor upon Thorin's brow, Balin translating in Khuzdul for the occasion. A resounding cheer sounded from the audience as Thorin stood and turned to face the crowd. The loudest cheers came from the Company, Aella, and Bilbo. After several moments, Thorin raised his hand for silence. Once the room was quiet he spoke.

"It was the dream of my Grandfather, my Father, and then of myself to once again reclaim Erebor for Durin's Folk. Through perseverance and hardship, Erebor has once again been reclaimed!" Thorin's words once again sounded a great cheer, that quieted upon his gesture once more. "It is time now, to acknowledge those who made such a feat possible. Thanks must also be extended to the Men and Elves who lent their aid upon the slopes of the Mountain." Again, cheering resounded throughout the Hall. "I would like to now present Deednames in acknowledgement of the outstanding achievements and great feats of courage, and sacrifice made by the recipients in the face of grave peril." Aella blanched at Thorin's words glancing along the row she was seated in, suspicion rising.

"First, I call upon the Prince Fili, son of Vili, son of Dis." Aella watched as Fili stood from his seat and approached the throne, kneeling at Thorin's feet head bowed. "For great courage in the face of innumerable enemies and for standing unwavering against all odds; I name you Fili Lionheart, Crown Prince Under the Mountain." Fili raised his head as Thorin lowered a circlet of pure gold upon his brow. Once coronated, Fili rose to his feet and Thorin gently knocked their foreheads together, mindful of their new accessories. As Fili stepped to the right of the Throne, Thorin spoke once again.

"Next I call upon Prince Kili, son of Vili, son of Dis." Kili followed his brother's previous actions falling to his knees upon reaching his Uncle. "For exceptional skill in archery, and great feats of courage and sacrifice I name you Kili Keenshot, Prince Under the Mountain." Once again Thorin lowered a circlet upon Kili's brow, this one made of pure silver. Kili and Thorin gently knocked their foreheads together, before Kili went to stand at his brother's side.

And so went the Deedname Ceremony. Aella watched as one by one, majority of the Company were acknowledged with Deednames. Dwalin was presented the name Thunderhammer, for his exceptional weapon mastery and loyalty. Gloin, Ironshoulder for his fearlessness in battle. Dori, supported by crutches was named Strongarm, for his immeasurable strength. Nori followed shortly after, named Shadowfoot, much to Aella's amusement. Bifur was named Trollsbane, in acknowledgement of singlehandedly taking down a troll. Then Aella's heart stopped.

"I would next call upon a member of my Company that time and time again, threw themselves into mortal peril in protection of us all. Their bravery, resourcefulness, healing skills, and genuine heart earns them the right to a Deedname. Aella of the Dúnedain, please come forth." Silence reigned as Aella forced herself from her stunned stupor and approached the throne. Mimicking the others she knelt at Throin's feet, head bowed in respect. "For the fierce protection and selfless sacrifice, you have given in service of the Company, Erebor and her Royal Family. I name you Aella Wolfheart, friend of all Dwarrow." Aella gazed up wide eyed at Thorin as he lowered a beautifully crafted necklace of a wolf over her head. Once the necklace was settled he held out a hand and helped her to her feet, before pushing her gently towards his sister sons. Aella followed the helpful gesture and tried not to stumble to Kili's side only to be positioned very publicly between the two princes. Aella stared down at the necklace in wonder before Thorin's voice drew her attention once more.

"Last but not least. I call upon Bilbo Baggins of the Shire." Aella could see that Bilbo was just as surprised as she had been about the whole thing. When Bilbo went to kneel however, Thorin stopped him, drawing whispers and gasps from several corners of the Hall. Aella hid a smirk at that. "For loyalty beyond compare, and great selfless sacrifice. Bilbo Baggins of the Shire has gone to lengths far beyond what any dwarf or being in Arda would ever think of going, to ensure that Erebor would once again be restored to her former glory." As Thorin spoke, his eyes never left Bilbo's. Aella withheld a joyous little squeal, she had totally called it. "For these deeds of friendship, I would name Bilbo Baggins of the Shire DragonRiddler. May he also be known as Dwarf Friend, and have it recognised across all houses of Dwarrow folk." The Hall was silent for all of three seconds before the entire Company roared with exalted cheers, prompting the rest of the Hall to follow in kind. Aella grinned as Thorin whispered to Bilbo, chuckling at the blush that spread over the Hobbit's cheeks. She was glad for them. Thorin motioned for silence, reigning in the cheers.

"There is one last thing before the feasting can commence." Thorin caught Bilbo as he was about to move away. "I would like to make a formal apology to Bilbo Baggins, for the inappropriate and terrible treatment afforded to him as part of the Company. In hopes of reconciliation and gaining forgiveness I would offer a place in Erebor as Royal Advisor. No matter his decision to stay in Erebor or return to his homeland." Bilbo's eyes could not get any wider, Aella mused to herself. Before he coughed and straightened his new dwarvish made waist coat that Dori had made for the occasion while he'd been bedridden.

"I accept the apology of the King Under the Mountain, and express that all has been forgiven," Bilbo said, his voice strong and his eyes soft as he met Thorin's gaze. The Company once again started to cheer, covering the whispered conversation between the hobbit and King. Bilbo stood on Thorin's left as he finally faced the crowd once more.

"With the ceremony's conclusion, it is with great pleasure I announce the Feasting to commence!" Thorin's voice boomed around the Hall, earning the loudest cheer yet before the crowd began to leave the Throne room for the Great Hall. Aella glanced back at Thorin and Bilbo with a happy smile, even as Kili pulled her in the direction of the doors. She really was truly happy for them.

...

The feast had been going on for hours, and yet showed no signs of stopping or slowing down. Aella laughed as she watched a rather drunk dwarf sing and dance on a nearby tabletop; simply enjoying the good cheer, and company of her friends. She was sat with the brothers Ri and Bilbo at a table not too far from the high table, where Kili and Fili were sat looking bored out of their minds; much to her immense amusement. Aella grinned as Ori and Bilbo argued about what constituted as the better writing instrument, a metal nibbed quill or a simple feather quill. Nori was testing his sticky fingers on passing dwarves before being caught by Dori who spent the next half hour lecturing the star-haired dwarf, although it appeared as though Nori had long stopped listening. Silence suddenly fell upon the feasting crowd. Surprised, Aella turned to look at the raised dais where Thorin now stood from his throne like seat at the main table.

"We have one more formality to see through this evening. This one brought with a tale of one of our people," Thorin said, before gesturing for someone to take the dais. Aella smiled when Bofur took up the centre of the dais, Bombur, and Bifur remaining to the side.

"Thank you, your Majesty," Bofur bowed, before turning to speak the crowd, "I will be telling the tale of Nuradid Ironbender." Aella's felt her heart jump to her throat at the name, before being startled when Kili appeared at her elbow. Aella narrowed her eyes minutely as he gently pulled her from her seat and lead her towards the dais. Her eyes widened in realisation and her mouth fell open to protest, only for her to fall silent as Bofur began to speak.

"This tale was once told to a small boy, by a friend of Nuradid's. A Ranger of the North, having spent days tracking a band of Orcs across the lands of Rhudaur; finally caught up with their prey among the forested foothills of the Ettenmoors. Hiding in a tree, the Ranger could see that something had stopped the Orcs from their roaming and the sounds of fighting could be heard. Having assumed it was simply a wild wolf – or perhaps even mountain lion – the Orcs had decided on for dinner, the Ranger had planned to utilise the distraction. Charging into the clearing, they leaped into the fight. Sword already swinging. The Ranger managed to take the Orcs by surprise, as had been their intention. However, as they fought they began to realise what they had assumed to be an animal was – to their surprise – a Dwarrow Warrior; identifiable as such, for he was of stout height and possessed a lustrous grey beard."

Laughter rang out as the story progressed. Aella had taken to observing the crowd and blushed when she noticed that across the Hall, Alton and the twins had cottoned on to the story and the identity of the Ranger. They were staring at her from their table with disapproving expressions on their face. Aella averted her eyes sheepishly. She'd forgotten that she had never told them about that particular Orc hunt.

Bofur continued his tale, "the Dwarrow had been injured by the orcs, as he had been greatly outnumbered before the Ranger had caught up. But despite his injuries, the Warrior continued to fight on. Wielding his two great dwarven axes with ease, orc after orc fell to their blades as he passed into the renowned bloodrage that so often overcomes Dwarrow Warriors in battle. So consumed was the Dwarrow, that the sight awed the Ranger; who likened him to the great Dwarf Warriors of old as he slammed his axe into his enemies. Never stopping, even when one managed to sneak in a lucky shot. The Ranger described it as the very image of Death they witnessed that day in those foothills." The Hall was silenced, enraptured by Bofur's recount.

"On the felling of the final orc, the Ranger approached the injured Warrior offering their assistance in dressing his battle wounds. To the Ranger's great surprise, the Dwarrow simply laughed and beckoned the Ranger to his side. Seeming as if unaware of the many wounds he'd gained throughout the skirmish. Instead, the Dwarrow Warrior praised the Ranger on their skill, further surprising the poor Ranger. A bond was born that day as the Ranger healed the Dwarrow, as the Dwarrow had insisted that the Ranger join him in his adventures. It was upon this time that they exchanged names, the Dwarrow introducing himself as Nuradid Ironbender and the Ranger as: Aella of the Dúnedain." A great cheer resounded at the revelation. A blush heated Aella's cheeks and she tried her best to hide behind an amused Kili, as the eyes of the Hall focused on her.

"For several years Aella and Nuradid travelled the realm of Eriador, fighting to rid our world of Orcs and help the struggling peoples that crossed their path. But as most companions do, ten years after their first meeting they parted ways with plans of meeting again once their duties were done. However, it was not to be. For naught three years ago, their paths crossed for the last time. In events that very much mimicked their first encounter, Nuradid and Aella met in the midst of battle against fell creatures. After slaying the last orc, Aella tried desperately to stop the inevitable. For Nuradid had been wounded terribly. Through the sorrow of his last moments Nuradid instructed his companion, naming her a true Dwarf-friend and instructing her in the ways of sending the dwarrow dead back to stone. And so, ended the tale and life of Nuradid Ironbender. Aella did as she was bid. With a heavy heart, she committed Nuradid to the stone praying to Mahal that he would find his way to the Halls of his Ancestors."

Aella was rather astounded at how many dwarves were sobbing into their ale and beards by this point of the tale.

"However, there was much Aella did not know about her dear friend. For he had not yet told her the names of his family though he spoke of them often. Nuradid was born as the eldest child of Bimbur son of Rombur of the Broadbeam Clan, and Durira daughter of Nurira of the Firebeard Clan. While he had no children of his own as he dedicated his life to his craft, his younger brothers Rimbur and Rifur did, three Sons of Ur between them."

Aella had at this point nearly stopped breathing, she suddenly knew where this was going. Pulling a pouch from the confines of her shirt that had not left her neck since she'd put it on at Nuradid's tomb side. Inside the pouch, bore the three beads Nuradid had bestowed on her in his last breaths. His birth bead, his coming of age bead, and the last one was forged from mithril with a wolf etched upon it; she had never figured out what the last one represented. Aella approached Bofur, pouch in hand. Bifur and Bombur moved closer as she held it out to Bofur, who shook it out onto his palm to reveal the three beads. His eyes lighting up as they fell upon the mithril bead.

"I've been searching for Nuradid's remaining family for the last few years," she said, her voice chocked, "these are the beads he gave to me to pass onto his family." The Hall was silent as she spoke, watching with bated breath to see what would happen. Although many Dwarrow were still teary eyed, others were beyond consolation; their beards a mess of tears and ale. Bombur shared a look with his brother and cousin, before turning to her with a small fond smile.

"Beads such as these Aella, are given to the offspring of the dying dwarrow," the usually quiet dwarf said.

Aella's heart stopped.

"This was Nuradid unofficially adopting you, until you found his clan to follow through with his claim as he no longer could," Bofur said gently, though the general silence in the Hall allowed him to be heard by all onlookers.

"What?" she whispered, shock beginning to set in.

"This bead was his birth beard, identifying him as a Broadbeam and a Firebeard; as his mother was an only child he inherited the Clan name from her father" he explained handing it back to her, "this bead represents his coming of age," he continued, handing the next bead over. Pausing on the last bead Bofur held it up. "And this bead, he made for you."

Aella almost fell over.

"If you see here, the wolf represents you while the border is a smaller inscription of the Broadbeam and Firebeard clans' crests. This is essentially a birth bead and a coming of age bead all in one." Bofur explained, handing the last bead over to the now completely stunned Ranger. Aella stared at the beads in her hand tears finally spilling down her cheeks. At this point Kili had stepped up beside her letting her lean on him to stay upright.

"With the authority as members of Nuradid's Clan and with the King's permission; we acknowledge Nuradid's claim of BloodKin as good as if it had been completed officially," Bofur intoned, "You are now recognised as a member of the Ur Clan. Aella Wolfheart, HeartDaughter of Nuradid Ironbender."

Aella collapsed, and would have fallen if Kili had not caught her. Bifur stepped forward holding out a Kinship bead made from expertly whittled redwood that bore the crest of the Urs. A mattock and axe crossed over a blazing flame. He turned to Kili as Bofur, and Bombur stepped back.

"We ask for permission to braid your HeartSister's hair with the Ur family braids. To complete Nuradid's and our own claim,"Bifur said formally.

"You have my permission," Kili responded before whispering to her, "think you can kneel down by yourself?" Aella nodded and sank to her knees, clasping Nuradid's beads close to her heart. 'This must have been why Kili told me to wash my hair and redo my braids. Also, why he was so insistent that I leave the rest of it down too,' she mused dazedly, wiping away her tears as Bifur gently sectioned off her hair just above Aella's HeartSister braid, and began to braid.

"This braid is to symbolise you as a HeartDaughter of Ur. I will be clasping the Ur crest bead onto it,"Bifur grunted to her quietly. Aella simply smiled as he continued the braid. She noticed absently that her hair had grown on the journey to Erebor, as it now fell to her lower back as opposed to midback. She thought about trimming it back but realised that would have to happen after she left Erebor, otherwise her dwarves would get very upset with her. Bifur finalised the braid by clasping it with her new bead, before helping her stand. The onlookers cheered loudly as the three Ur's took turns knocking their foreheads – gently – against Aella's, before Kili followed up with one of his own.

Aella could not stop grinning. She finally had found a new family. One with Uncles, as the Ur's had insisted she call them. Brothers, because that was what Kili, Alton and the twins had become. Sisters, as Gilraen and Arwen were as close as being. A mortal Father for that was what Nuradid was, even though he had passed onto the Halls of Ancestors. And that was not including the Valar, for they too had found their place within her crazy new family. She silently sent a grateful prayer to Mandos for making it all possible.

'Thank you Attö (father [Quenya])."

...

The feast had gotten considerably rowdier after Aella's formal adoption into the Ur family, and she was more than grateful that it appeared to be finally winding down. She'd received more than enough back slapping and shoulder patting for a life time. Bilbo had managed to get the Company together with Gandalf and Thorin's help, to inform them all of his impending departure. The Company had of course as expected tried to reason with him but Bilbo had just said:

"I've been gone long enough for the entire Shire to think I am dead, I did just run off without informing anyone. I'd rather hope to return to oust Lobelia and Otho from their attempts to steal BagEnd out from underneath me." Aella had laughed at that.

"Perhaps the return journey does not have to be so rushed my friend," she had said, interrupting Kili from his pleading and gaining everyone's attention. "I was sure that you had forgotten to tell your Grandfather of your departure. So, when we stopped in Rivendell, I encouraged Gandalf to send a missive to your Uncle to inform him that you were following in your mother's footsteps and were going on an adventure. The Thain will protect your claim to BagEnd from Lobelia, he was ever so fond of your father for building it for your mother." Aella had to brace herself for impact, as a hobbit sized bullet raced towards her.

"Thank you!" Bilbo exclaimed, hugging her fiercely.

"My pleasure. Though I would say I have only bought you a few more days, a week at most. You will still need to leave soon to get across the Misty Mountains before winter sets in."

"That is more than enough time," Bilbo enthused before letting go to celebrate with the rest of the Company.

"That was a kind thing you did for Bilbo there Aella," Gandalf said, appearing at her side from where she watched the Company fondly.

"It was what needed to be done," Aella said with a smile before smirking slyly at the Istar, "and you needed someone to remind you that there are consequences when stealing poor hobbits from the Shire. One being a responsibility to inform their Uncle's that they are leaving," she admonished teasingly. Earning a sheepish yet innocent look from the Grey Wizard.

"I don't know what you are talking about," he said.

"Of course you don't," she allowed with a grin. The two sat there in silence for all of a minute before they began to laugh. Aella losing her breath from laughing so hard. Their laughter had drawn the attention from those around them, and brought smiles forth. The two old friends sat together, reminiscing for a while before Aella felt two presences appear on either side of her. Dread filled her as she saw a mischievous glint enter into Gandalf's azure eyes. She was grasped by each shoulder and was easily pulled from her chair. Glancing to either side of her she noted the culprits to be Elladan and Elrohir. Aella didn't even bother to fight them as they picked her up and set her on one of the heavy stone tables that stood nearby.

"What do you two miscreants want now?" she sighed only to see that they had been joined by the whole Company, Gandalf, Alton, Legolas, and Tauriel.

"Miscreants?" Elladan said his tone faux offended.

"Yes miscreants. What do you want?" she demanded, eyes narrowed.

"You have yet to sing for us this evening. It's tradition that you sing at all events," Elrohir answered with a grin. Aella raised her brows.

"Tradition? What do you mean tradition?"

"We're making it one," Elladan said, with an identical grin. Aella groaned burying her face in her hands for a moment, before eventually looking up.

"Only if I get to choose the song," she said after a moment.

"Of course," the twins said in unison. She nodded before taking another moment to consider her options, before it hit her. While today was meant to be a happy one, and the song was usually considered a sad one; it was perfect for the circumstances. For the Quest was over and within a week both she and Bilbo would be leaving. So as sad as it may be, to her it was perfect.

"I saw the light fade from the sky,
on the wind I heard a sigh
As the snowflakes cover, my fallen brothers
I will say this last goodbye"

Silence fell over the Hall and all eyes turned to her as she began to sing, she almost wished for there to be some form of accompaniment.

"Night is now falling, so ends this day
The road is now calling, and I must away

Over hill and under tree
Through lands where never light has shone
By silver streams that run down to the sea

Under cloud, beneath the stars
Over snow and winter's morn
I turn at last to paths that lead home

And though where the road then takes me, I cannot tell
We came all this way, but now comes the day
To bid you farewell

Many places I have been, many sorrows I have seen
But I don't regret, nor will I forget
All who took that road with me"

As she sang she saw each member of the Company realise what she was singing about. Even those who were not a part of the Company but had been a part of the Quest were moved by the lyrics.

"Night is now falling, so ends this day
The road is now calling, and I must away

Over hill, and under tree
Through lands where never light has shone
By silver streams that run down to the sea

To these memories I will hold
With your blessing I will go
To turn at last to paths that lead home

And though where the road then takes me, I cannot tell
We came all this way, but now comes the day
To bid you farewell

I bid you all a very fond farewell"

(The Last Goodbye, Billy Boyd)

Aella's final note rang throughout the hall in an almost ethereal manner, which made her glance suspiciously at a rather smug looking Istar. Although she said nothing, the Istar seemed to have felt her disapproval. Thorin who had finally left the high table to join the Company, took the chance to beckon the Company to him; including Aella. Alton helped Aella down from the table, before pushing her in the Company's direction.

"I would like to thank you. All of you for the sacrifices you have made on this Fool's Quest I led you on. I could not have asked for a more capable, loyal, or honourable Company. I thank you all for your willing hearts, and would – if you all accept – invoke the bond of BattleKin with all of you," Thorin said, looking less like a King and more like the Dwarf who had led them all on the Quest.

"A fool you are my King, to think that any of us would refuse," Balin responded earning a loud cheer from the other members of the Company. Aella joining in, and thanking Eru for allowing her to be a member of the Company of Thorin Oakenshield.

...

A week had passed and Aella stood with the Company at the Gates of Erebor, for what was officially the last time. Although they would all forever view themselves as the Company of Thorin Oakenshield. It was time for both Bilbo, Aella, and Gandalf to leave along with the remaining Rivendell Elves and those of the Dúnedain who had yet to leave. They were just waiting on Thorin to arrive before they could depart. So, Bilbo and Aella had found themselves being laden down with advice, gifts, and orders from each of the Company. When Thorin finally arrived, he spoke formally with the group.

"This is the end of our Quest, and so completes the contract each of you signed. Our goals were achieved and your rewards given. So ends the Company of Thorin Oakenshield." Aella withheld a snort, as did several of the others.

Aella had refused to take a fifteenth of the treasure as had Bilbo, so during their last week the two of them had renegotiated that part of their contracts. Aella's part of the treasure was reduced substantially and the majority of what remained was to act as a dowry when the time came that she and Fili would wed; and hadn't that thought made Aella mimic a tomato. Finished with the formalities, Thorin pulled Bilbo away from the group – much to the Company's amusement – to talk in private. At the same time Fili did the same, bundling Aella away quietly in the opposite direction while everyone was distracted. Once out of earshot Fili finally turned to her.

"I just wanted to say my own private goodbye," he said, "and extract a promise."

"A promise?" Aella asked with an amused smile. Though truthfully, she was glad that Fili had taken the initiative to speak with her in private.

"Come back, as often as you can. I know you have asked for time, and I understand your reasons. But please come and visit. You can also always write." Fili was almost begging.

"I promise," Aella said stepping forward to lean her forehead against his, "that I do freely. I will visit frequently Fili, never fear that. I will also write even more regularly. I don't know how long it will take me to mend the fractures upon my soul, but please believe me when I say you will be the first to know."

"Thank you," he whispered, pulling her into a tight embrace. Aella sank into his warmth for several moments before pulling back slightly.

"I also have something for you," she said. Pulling away a bit more she pulled her bead pouch from beneath her shirt. Opening it, she retrieved the mithril bead that Nuradid had made for her. Fili's eyes widened exponentially at this.

"Aella..."

"I would like to exchange this bead for the temporary one that holds your Promise braid. If you would let me," she said, studying the shocked expression on Fili's face. Fili's eyes softened and a gentle smile pulled at his lips.

"I would be glad for it," he said. Aella smiled brightly at his permission and reached for the braid she had first done in his hair, the one that matched her own. Unclasping Kili's spare bead, she replaced it efficiently with her own. The two of them stared at the bead for a moment before Fili swept her off her feet causing her to laugh and hold on tightly. He dropped her back to her feet gently, although they did not leave their embrace for several minutes.

"Getting cozy over here are we," Kili's teasing voice interrupted their moment. Making them jerk apart with slight blushes covering their cheeks.

"A private goodbye," Fili corrected.

"I also exchanged the temporary bead in Fili's Promise braid for a more official one," Aella added. Kili walked closer to investigate, easily spotting the mithril bead. Kili smiled approvingly.

"Good choice," he said, "let's head back before any of the others begin to miss you two." The three of them walked back to the Company, Aella walking in between the two brothers, clasping both brother's hands.

On returning to the Company Aella saw that Thorin and Bilbo had returned as well. The last of the goodbyes were said before Gandalf rounded up Aella and Bilbo, insisting it was time to leave. With that Aella turned and walked to Lennox's side, petting the Clydesdale gently before clambering surprisingly gracefully up on his back and into the saddle. Once comfortable, Aella watched as Thorin helped Bilbo onto his Pony. Smirking at the sight, she called one last goodbye to the remaining Company as the group set out.

Aella led Lennox in a trot beside Bilbo and his robust pony who he had informed her he had promptly named Primrose. As they rode away from Erebor, the Lonely Mountain slowly growing more distant Bilbo spoke quietly.

"Do you think any other Hobbit will go on an adventure such as mine?" the hobbit said, gazing at the rolling hills they passed.

"Someday Bilbo, Hobbits will be one of the most influential and respected races in all of Middle Earth," Aella answered with a knowing smile.

"Do you truly believe that?" Bilbo asked.

"Yes Bilbo. I truly do," Aella said, turning her gaze from the hobbit beside her, who carried a very special ring. Aella let her gaze fall upon the horizon, and the road that lay ahead.

THE END OF THE HOBBIT ARC.

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