The celebration lasted for three days. Erebor was finally reclaimed, and dwarves from all over Middle Earth came to see its splendor. Word had been sent to Thorin's kin in the Blue Mountains, and Fror was expected to reunite with them in a week's time. Fili and Kili made a full recovery, the news of not one but two new cousins having lifted their spirits (Fili's previous disposition toward pregnancy having been forgotten). Bilbo was considered a friend of all dwarves, and the poor hobbit couldn't go anywhere without receiving hard pats on the back, shouts of greeting, and more dwarvish racket than what he had to contend with throughout the journey. But he didn't seem to mind it- in fact, Bilbo took it all in stride. He'd even started patting them in return.

Náin and Agora were the hit of the party, between naps and feedings, and they charmed everyone they met. Even Gandalf, who approached Thorin with half the mind to rebuke him for his little performance at the front gate, was completely won over the second he held the prince and princess in his arms. "My lady," he said to Rose, "you have very beautiful children." Rose nodded her thanks over the shouting within the halls and attempted to pull the babies away from the wizard's beard, which they had locked their little fingers into. The queen was dressed in her finest satin gown, the first time since the day Smaug attacked. Her crown was pure gold, with ruby gems that made it look like her hair was lit in a red glow. She sat at the end of the table beside her husband- places of honor, much like the ones they were given that night in Bag End all those months ago.

The elves and men had started to leave when the battle had ended, and now all that remained was the elvenking and a host of soldiers. Thranduil made a special request to see Bilbo and Gandalf off himself, so for the moment he was content with putting up with dwarves who couldn't hold their alcohol, shouting up and calling him pretty.

Among the party-goers, Rose ran into Balin and Dwalin as they were toasting.

"To kin," said Balin raising his goblet. It wobbled in his hands a bit.

"To the company," said Dwalin, repeating the gesture.

They guzzled their beer, half drunk already. Dwalin almost stumbled over when he saw his queen staring at him. He straightened as best he could. "My lady," he said with a bow. Balin followed suit. "Please," said Rose, with a dismissing wave, "there's no need for that. We have known each other far too long to be formal."

"We wish to recognize our queen," said Balin with another bow. He smiled when she stuck her tongue out at him.

"Haven't you had the chance to join in the festivities?" asked Dwalin.

"I just got back from tucking in the twins for the night," Rose said, "Fili and Kili wore them out."

"It's amazing," said Balin, "how a pair of injured youths can heal so quickly."

"Indeed," the queen said, "it's like having an extra set of children to look after." They laughed. "I was wondering if you've seen my husband anywhere?"

"He just went to the back door entrance," said Dwalin, pointing behind her.

"Seemed like he wanted some fresh air," agreed Balin.

Rose gave them her thanks and began weaving through the crowd. It took longer than she would have liked, but everyone seemed to want to speak with the queen and new mother of twins- especially if one of them was a girl. She politely answered questions ("No, she doesn't have facial hair", "Yes, Thorin was very excited- I thought he was going to faint right there in my chambers") and asked some in return ("How is so-and-so?", "Your beard is coming in quite nicely- any plans to remodel that room of yours?"). When she was halfway through the throng, she glanced back to see Bilbo sitting in the corner laughing with Bofur and his brothers. She smiled to herself and walked into the dark hallway. The voices from the party became a distant echo.

Thorin stood on the edge of the mountaintop with his hands clasped behind his back. He was looking up at the stars in deep thought. Rose almost didn't want to disturb him. Almost. She slipped out from behind the door, leaving the stopper in place. If they let it close, they would have to descend the entire mountain and go around to the front. It had been hard enough trying to find the door on Durin's day, Rose had been told. Lose it tonight and they would never find it again. She wrapped her arms around Thorin's waist from behind.

"You're missing all the fun," she said. She rested her head between his shoulder blades as he chuckled.

"There are enough inebriated dwarves in there, they don't need another."

"Oh, it's not that bad- Dwalin and Balin were sober enough to stand on two feet."

Thorin looked back at her. "If those two are drunk, we're all in trouble."

Rose looked up at him, deadpan. "I'll tell everyone to evacuate- Erebor is no longer safe."

Chuckling, Thorin took his wife's hand and pulled her around to embrace her. For awhile, the two of them were silent, content with enjoying the other's company. The years of poverty, wandering across Middle Earth not knowing where they would get their next meal- it was over. Thorin kissed her forehead before moving south to her lips. Rose could feel his tear against her cheek even as she pulled back from him. She blinked in surprise.

"Thorin?"

His smile told her enough, and she laughed once in disbelief. "What a cheat you are." His smile receded a fraction as he asked "What do you mean?"

"The sword and crown don't fool anyone, you know. Inside, you're soft as a flower."

"Funny, coming from a woman named 'Rose.'"

He caught her hand before it collided with his chest and gave it a kiss. "How and I supposed to be angry with you when you're being so sweet?" she teased.

"Making up for lost time," he casually replied. He held her close once more.

"It's a beautiful night," Rose said with a nod to the stars. Almost every constellation was out that night.

"Yes," Thorin agreed, not taking his eyes off her, "beautiful."

Rose rolled her eyes. "You're giving me that line?"

Her husband shrugged a shoulder. "I figured I'd try."

They kissed again, but briefly.

"Come," Rose said, "it's too wonderful a time for you to be out here by yourself." Without waiting for him to say anything. She took his hand and pulled him back inside. Thorin's voice echoed in the hall as they made their way back to the party. "You've always been right before, especially when I didn't listen. Perhaps it's time I did."

The dwarves shouted with praise when their king and queen entered the room.

The next morning, the entire company of Thorin Oakenshield gathered at the main entrance for one last time. Bilbo stood by the wizard, dressed in fresh traveling clothes given to him by the dwarves- specifically, Rose. "You aren't trekking across to world with nothing but those tattered vests of yours," she said. With him was a small sum of treasure- much smaller than his designated fourteenth share. "I won't have any use for it in Bag End," said Bilbo when Rose insisted he take more. At the gate, she held Agora in her arms. Thorin carrying Náin, and the rest of the dwarves filed in behind them. Gandalf faced the group. "It appears we have reached our journey's end," he said, "we must leave you now."

"We thank you for all that you've done," said Thorin. The two shook hands, and the rest of the dwarves bowed low in respect. Then Bilbo stepped forward, and was met by handshakes and farewells. "If ever you are near Erebor," said Balin, "you are welcome to join us."

"We shall have a grand feast," agreed Kili. He limped a little when he came forward to embrace the hobbit, but was otherwise alright. "And have another game of Mahal in the Middle," agreed Fili with a wicked grin. Bilbo smiled. "I should like that very much." He gave his goodbyes to the others, Bifur tipping his hat, Bombur almost crushing him in his grip. Balin and Dwalin patted him so hard on the back he was sure it would bruise, and Oin offered to give him a last inspection to see if he needed a tonic to which he politely declined. At last, he came to the royal family. Rose was the first to come forward. "Thank you so much, Bilbo," she said. Agora let out a string of happy noises when she saw the hobbit. He smiled, taking her hand and giving it a little shake. "It was an honor," he said. "I am very glad to have met you- all of you." Rose hugged him, mindful not to squish her baby, and stepped away for Thorin. Bilbo straightened. "Goodbye, Thorin son of Thrain."

He held out a hand, but Thorin took the little hobbit in a tight embrace. "You have my thanks, Mast Baggins," he said, "and Balin is right- we shall feast with you in our halls again." Bilbo sniffed loudly when the two separated. He said goodbye to little Náin, and when he was standing beside Gandalf, he turned to face the dwarves one last time. "If ever you are in Hobbiton, tea is at four, but you are welcome anytime." He added, "Don't bother knocking." The others chuckled. And then, the hobbit walked out the front gate to the waiting elves below, and started off on his journey home.

The birds chirped happy little tunes as they passed. Some of the elves sang along, glad to be done with battles and medical procedures. Thranduil rode in the front, and the wizard and hobbit took up the rear of the group. The sun was shining, the road was clear ahead, and for the first time in a long while, Bilbo was at peace.

"You've changed, Bilbo Baggins," Gandalf observed from the top of his white steed.

"I should like to think so," replied Bilbo from his pony, "there is much that I've done these past few months."

"Indeed," agreed the wizard, "but don't let it go to your head. You are one small hobbit in a wide world, after all."

Bilbo laughed. "Thank goodness!"

END

A/N: Thank you so much for reading (and keeping me alive long enough to get it all in at the end). Your reviews are wonderful, and I am grateful for every one of them. Until next time!