.

Well folks, this is it. The last chapter!

I hope it leaves you with a smile.

Onward!

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Chapter 191

Epilogue Part 2

~X~

~ Back in Erebor, a month later ~

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In Erebor, King Fili sat in the stiff-backed chair in front of his desk, pondering the letter he had just received. Not for the first time, he wished he could toss the seat upon which he sat into the fireplace, yet common sense held him back. When he originally took the throne, he asked his uncle why the chair in his study was so blasted uncomfortable, and Thorin's answer caused him to laugh out loud.

"It's to keep me awake," his uncle had explained with a sly smile. "So many of the documents a king must read and approve are so horribly dull that I feared a comfortable seat would cause me to fall asleep. Having such a chair encouraged not only alertness, but encouraged me to finish my paperwork faster, thus allowing me leave the blasted thing behind."

Fili had always admired Thorin and his ways of doing things, thus, even if it caused pain in his back and rear, he kept the chair – smiling to himself every time he complained about it and recalling his uncle's reasoning. Still, it was not the chair itself that had lines of concern creasing his forehead, but the letter that had come in by raven just an hour ago. It had been from Thorin, the first they had received since his arrival in the Shire, and the news it brought was both shocking…and heartbreaking.

Frodo had accompanied Bilbo across the sea. Fili knew that this would surely cause his son great pain, and he was unsure about how he should handle the situation. Over the past year, he had been called upon to deal with many stressful and potentially sad situations as the new king of Erebor, and while he hoped he had risen to the occasion each time, this one he knew he would need help with. Thus, he had summoned his most trusted advisors…his family.

Just as Thorin had told him, he valued his mother and father's council a great deal, the two always there with words of wisdom and comfort when needed. Fili and his father had grown even closer, the two now feeling as if they had never been forced to part for so many years. A great deal of this was due to the bond they had forged, not as father and son, but as two protective fathers who had beautiful daughters.

With Rose, Raina and Talin out of the mountain, that left Freya and Lili as the only two resident princesses, and they each took on the duties assigned to them with zeal and vigor. Both lasses had become true beauties, their golden hair and Durin Blue eyes making them the talk of Erebor, causing Fili and Flinn to become increasingly worried about the day when they would be faced with their daughters' ones. And while the new king understood that any dwarf Freya might pick would in essence be Mahal's choice…Fili was determined to make the lad work for it! He would not be handing over his only daughter without a fight, no indeed! The same went for his little sister, Lili, and both he and his father only prayed that they would feel that any future dwarrow would be worthy of such treasures. Both father and son agreed that whomever their daughters chose would either take excellent care of their little lasses…or suffer their wrath!

Kili, while equally protective over Freya and Lili, was also coming to understanding that all too soon he too would be in the same predicament with Elenaur! Thankfully though, for now she was still far too small, just starting to walk and talk. And since she appeared to be taking after Tauriel, Kili knew his daughter would undoubtedly be able to handle herself quiet efficiently. Still, that did not stop the dwarf prince from having both Ithil and Anor swear to watch over her, and protect their sister no matter what. Something that the two brothers had long ago agreed to doing, having always adored little Elenaur.

Sier too had become an amazing queen, her loveliness only being surpassed by her kindness. His dutiful wife was always first to volunteer to offer aid or assistance when needed, heading up several relief committees designed to deal with potential disasters. No dwarf went without work, no home went without the needed necessities, and no dwarfling went to bed hungry if Sier had anything to say about it. And through it all, she still managed to play mother to their children, and wife to him, never allowing him to feel neglected or unappreciated. In turn, Fili made certain that his beautiful queen knew how much he loved and desired her, demonstrating his ardent feelings to her any chance he got – be it with flowers, sweet words, or in the privacy of their own chambers.

All in all, Fili had to admit that his life had turned out exceedingly well, and he could not be happier. Well, perhaps not at this very moment, what with the unpleasant task of telling his son that his sword-brother had left Middle Earth. Yet, as a wise king, he would do nothing without first consulting others on the matter, in order to get their opinion and hopefully find a way to soften the blow.

Just then there came a knock at the door, but before Fili could speak up to grant them entry, Kili came striding in, followed behind by Tauriel and Sier.

"You sent for us, Nadad?" he asked, crossing the floor and flopping himself down in a chair as he propped his feet up on the edge of Fili's desk. "What's up?"

"I will explain as soon as the rest arrive," he told his brother with a scowl, reaching out and knocking his feet off his desk. "Show some respect for your king, would ya?"

"You might be my king…but first and foremost, you're my annoying older brother," Kili laughed.

"I could say the same for you, Naddith," Fili huffed good-naturedly, knowing that when it mattered, Kili was always the first to back him and any decision he chose to make. No one could ask for a more loyal and supportive brother, and Fili was fortunate to have him at his side.

Tauriel and Sier only chuckled to themselves at their husbands' usual banter, taking seats themselves as they waited for whomever else had been summoned. They didn't have to wait long, for right then, Dis and Flinn arrived, the two of them now sporting a few more grey hairs as well, but still looking rather spry.

"To what do we owe the summons, Fili?" his father asked, pulling out another chair for Dis and waiting until she was seated before he took one himself.

"Is something the matter?" Dis questioned, noting the look of concern on her son's face.

"I just received word from Thorin, they are safely in the Shire and he sends his love to all," Fili began, starting with the good news first.

"Oh, wonderful," Sier smiled, everyone having been anxious to have word from those who left not long ago. "They made it there in record time."

"Well, Thorin had an appointment to keep," Fili said, both in reminder as well as a lead in to what he was about to say.

"Yes, to see Bilbo off at the Grey Havens," Kili nodded. "Did he make it in time? He didn't get lost and miss it, did he?"

"No, he was there," Fili assured him, watching as everyone's face softened in relief. "He says that he got to see Bilbo one final time, and he was glad he had went early to do so. Yet, what he writes after that is what has me concerned."

"And what might that be?" Tauriel asked, also picking up on Fili's rather unsettling mood.

"Not only did Bilbo sail to the Undying Lands, but Elrond, the Lady Galadriel, and Gandalf as well, which is bad enough. For all will miss that wily wizard's council and wisdom here in Middle Earth. But along with them…went Frodo." Fili watched as his final word caused everyone to react with shock and dismay.

"Frodo sailed across the sea?" Sier gasped, covering her mouth with her hands as the realization of what that meant for her oldest son sunk in. "Oh, dear…Flinn will be devastated!"

"They've been friends for so very long, how will he take the news?" Dis added, reaching out and taking hold of her husband's hand, giving it a squeeze.

"That's why I've called you all here," Fili explained with a heavy sigh. "Flinn will need to be told…yet it breaks my heart to do so." He held up another envelope, still sealed, and with something lumpy stuck inside. "Thorin enclosed a letter that Frodo had given him, and I hope this will offer my son some sort of explanation, but I still fear that he will take the news badly. He was talking just the other day about going to visit the Shire next year."

"Why would Frodo do such a thing?" Kili asked, confused by it all. "He's not old like Bilbo…why wouldn't he just remain in the Shire? And what's in the Undying Lands that would draw him there?" He then sat up straight, his eyes growing wide. "Would he live forever if he went?"

"No, Kili," Tauriel explained with a sad shake of her head. "Even if a mortal sails across the sea, he will still be just that…mortal. Yet, his burdens and pains will be eased, giving him a measure of peace he would not normally find here.

"That poor lad," older Flinn stated, shaking his head in regret. "My grandson confided in me that Frodo was grievously wounded on his journey, by both a morgal blade and poison from one of those vile spiders, a spawn of Ungoliant. Yet from what young Flinn said, he feared, his hobbit friend's hurts ran deeper than anyone knew, and he suffered both physically, and emotionally. So I can't say I begrudge the lad for seeking a bit of peace and contentment in the lands of the elves."

"I think that everyone who knew Frodo understands his motives, and wishes him only the best," Fili agreed. "And yet, that does not lesson the hurt that Flinn will experience when he learns of this. What should we do?"

"We cannot hide it from him…nor should we delay in telling him," Sier stated sadly. "It would hurt all the more should he hear it from someone else."

"And though it is not a task I would wish upon anyone, it needs to come from you, son," Flinn informed him, giving Fili a sympathetic look. "Flinn is brave and strong, yet even he is likely to show great emotion over the news, and it would be best if only you and Sier were there to comfort him. A dwarrow must keep his pride."

"Agreed," Fili nodded. "We will go straight to him from here, and get it over with."

Just then another knock came, with a young page sticking his head in and announcing that there was a message from the raven keepers.

"Now what?" Fili sighed, not wishing to deal with more bad news. He held out his hand, accepting the letter as the page left the room, shutting the door behind him. Everyone waited patiently as the king read the message, a slight smile coming to his lips. "It appears that we shall have the privilege of entertaining royalty this evening," he chuckled. "For a party of elves have been spotted heading in our direction, led by none other than Prince Elledan, Prince Elrohir, and Lord Glorfindel."

"Oh, what fun!" Kili laughed, rubbing his hands together in a devious manner.

"No, Kili!" Tauriel said sternly. "No more pranks! You remember what happened last time, don't you?" Here she reached up and stroked her chin for emphasis.

"But you looked so pretty with that long beard!" her husband whined. "And you know they'll have something planned against us, we'll have to retaliate! It's a matter of dwarf pride!"

"Kili, you are a prince, a war-chief, and should be setting a good example for your people," Dis scolded her youngest son. "You and your brother have already got your sister pulling pranks, I don't think you need to influence any others."

"Oh, come on, Dis," Older Flinn said in defense of his sons. "It's not as if they are hurting anyone…and like he said, the elf twins will be expecting it!"

"Not you too?" Dis grumbled, looking at her husband in frustration. "I swear you're as bad as they are!"

"Well, at least they come by it honestly," Flinn laughed, leaning over to kiss his disgruntled wife's cheek, causing Dis to smile despite herself.

"According to the ravens, the elf party will be here in an hour or so," Fili said, reading the rest of the note. "Kili, will you and Tauriel please greet them…I don't wish to delay telling Flinn any longer than necessary. And since Thorin's letter said that Lord Elrond sailed with Frodo, I'm willing to bet that Elladan and Elrohir are aware of this, and I would hate for them to say something accidentally without knowing."

"That's a good idea," Kili agreed, standing up and leaning over the desk to place his hand on his brother's shoulder. "I'm sorry, Nadad. I don't envy you this task."

"Nor do I, yet it must be done," Fili said with a sigh. He then rose from his own uncomfortable chair and walked around to take Sier's hand, helping her up. "Come wife…we must go break our son's heart."

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Flinn sat at his desk in his new chambers, for when Fili and Sier had transferred to the king's quarters, Flinn and Frerin had chosen to move out into on their own, yet still remaining in the royal wing. Their new quarters were not as large or spacious as some, with only a bedroom and a living space, but that was fine with the two princes…since they still had not learned to cook for themselves, they had no need of a kitchen. Still, it offered the brothers a bit of independence, something they were seeking more of as they grew older. Freya had opted to remain with her parents, at least for a bit longer, showing no signs of wishing to leave the nest.

Flinn was busy at his desk, penning a letter to Gimli and Astra, telling them of his and Frerin's plans to visit them in the fall of next year on their way to the Shire. He and his brother had decided to remain in the land of the Hobbits all winter, then return in the spring, making their journey well worth their time and effort. He had received several letters from Frodo over the past year, and though his friend never came out and said that anything was wrong, Flinn could tell something was bothering him. It was more about what Frodo didn't say…the words and sentiments he left out that bothered Flinn. Still, he had a duty to his father, to stand by his side and learn as much as he could so that he too would be ready to rule one day, and that alone had kept him from journeying back to see his friend.

He had just sealed the letter with his emblem in wax when he heard a knock at the door.

"Come in," he called over his shoulder, setting the correspondence aside as he stood to receive his guests. His smile only widened when he saw it was his parents. "Amad, Adad…what can I do for you?"

"Please, son…have a seat," Fili instructed, gesturing to the small sofa in the middle of the room. "We have something to discuss with you."

"Oh? Is it something bad?" Flinn guessed, judging by their solemn expressions and tone of voice. By the time all three were seated, the younger dwarrow's stomach was tied in knots with worry. "What is it? What's happened? It's not Frerin or Freya…is it?"

"No, your siblings are fine," Sier quickly assured him, knowing that her son's mind would instantly turn to his brother and sister.

"Uncle Thorin? Has something happened to him…or the others?" was his next question.

"I received a letter from your uncle this very day, and he says they are safe in the Shire and all is well," Fili confirmed, then took a deep breath before speaking his next words. "It…it's about Frodo."

"Frodo?" Now Flinn was both confused and worried. "What about him?"

"It seems that Bilbo was not the only one who chose to sail to the Undying Lands…Frodo went with him," Fili told him in a sad voice. "We're so sorry, son…we know this news will hurt you greatly. Frodo was dear to all of us, but you were the one he was closest to."

"He…left? He left without even saying goodbye? But he's my sword-brother," Flinn whispered, his face devoid of all emotions and his eyes staring straight ahead as if in shock. "Or at least he was…"

"And no matter what, he always will be," Fili stated firmly. "Never forget that. Just because he chose a path that was best for him, does not mean he didn't love you or that he will ever forget the bond you two shared." Here Fili pulled the letter out of his pocket and handed it to Flinn. "And he did say goodbye…just not in person. You mustn't blame him, lad, we all know that Frodo would never have gone if he didn't believe in his heart that it was his only recourse."

"I know," Flinn nodded, his eyes now glistening with unshed tears as he looked down at the letter. "He dropped so many hints about it, and looking back, I should have guessed what he intended. I also know that he was suffering…his wounds and emotional scars tearing him up inside."

"Just as I can see that you are being torn up inside by his parting," Sier said in a soft voice, leaning in and putting her arm around her son and pulling him to her. "It's alright to cry, son. There is no shame in it."

And cry he did, not only for the loss of his friend, but for not being there to bid him farewell. When at last his tears were spent, he wiped his eyes, drawing comfort from his parents, who sat on either side of him.

"I…I will be all right," he told them, taking a shaky breath.

"We know you will…in time," Fili agreed, resting his hand on Flinn's shoulder.

"But in the meantime, know that we are here for you if you ever wish to talk," Sier assured him.

"Or if you feel you would like to just smash or hit something," Fili offered. "You know that I am always ready…to offer up Kili as a punching bag."

This caused Flinn to chuckle just a bit, and was obviously what Fili had been aiming for.

"I thank you for the offer, Adad," the younger dwarrow told him. "Yet, I'm not sure Uncle Kili would be so quick to volunteer."

"You never know, he's never been that bright, after all," his father said with a thoughtful look.

"Oh? Then why did you make him your war chief?" Flinn teased.

"Well, apparently I'm not so bright either," Fili laughed. He then reached out and encircled his son in his arms, giving him a loving hug. "I wish I could say or do something to make you feel better. I hate to see you in pain, son."

"You are doing just what I need right now," he told them both. "You're here for me, and I thank you for that."

"Any time," Sier said firmly. "Do you wish to be alone while you read his letter?"

"No…I would prefer that you stayed," he told them, breaking the seal and opening it up. After taking a few deep breaths, he began to read it out loud.

Flinn,

This is probably the hardest letter I've ever written, for you have always been my dearest of friends, and most amazing sword-brother. There are no words to express how much I value your friendship, and how difficult it is for me to say farewell. I thought about writing you sooner, telling you of my plans to leave, yet I had not built up the courage, nor made the choice to actually leave, until only a week ago.

When Queen Arwen offered me her place on the ships sailing to the Undying Lands, I had never dreamed I would ever take her up on it. But as time went on, and my wounds continued to torment me, I came to understand why she had made such a generous offer. I have to go, Flinn…I need to go, for I will never be whole or at peace if I stay here. Out of everyone, I believe that you would understand my reasons the most, having experienced such pain yourself to some degree when you were forced to kill those wolves, in order to save me, Holly and Frerin. Your uncle said it best…it hurts you in the heart, and I fear that mine will never heal. Yet, knowing that what I did helped others, that it possibly saved you from death and destruction, made it all worthwhile.

From the first moment I laid eyes upon you, I knew you would do me good, Flinn, son of Fili. And you have never disappointed me in all the years we have been friends. The day we became sword-brothers was one of the happiest and proudest moments in my life, and I do hope we can remain so, even with me far away. As I said before, it was truly more than any simple Baggins deserved.

Please do not be angry with me for going, try and understand that it had to be this way, and never doubt for a moment that I love you like a brother, Flinn. Remember me as I was before the ring came along, as a happy and healthy hobbit who wanted nothing more than to be at your side. Please look in on Sam whenever you happen to be in the Shire, and raise a pint or two in memory of all we shared together.

I will never forget you, Flinn. And I hope you will always remember me.

Forever your sword-brother,

Frodo Baggins

"I'll never forget you either, Frodo," Flinn whispered as he folded the letter closed and tipped the envelope upside down, allowing the shiny brass button to slip into his hand.

"He left you another button?" Sier asked, eyeing the shiny object with a tearful smile.

"I never knew when I pulled the first one off my coat and gave it to Frodo when we were just children, how much the gesture would come to mean to the both of us," Flinn chuckled, rolling it around in his palm with his finger. "Yet, I've kept every one of them, and I know that he did as well. A few of them had traveled back and forth with us from Erebor to the Shire and then back again. I value them more than any treasures I own."

"As you should, son," Fili nodded. "It was your Uncle Thorin who taught us that friends and family are worth more than all the gold in Erebor."

Flinn stood up and walked over to his desk, pulling open a drawer and taking out a finely crafted wood box. Lifting the lid, he let his fingers glide over the many different buttons held within, recalling each and every time Frodo had gifted him with one. It was mostly during a farewell, but each one held a precious memory he would treasure forever. Reaching in, he placed the new brass button next to the others and gave a little smile at the sight of it. He would not be sad when he recalled his friend…no, he would think of the good times they had shared, the adventures they had had as children, and the strong bond they had formed despite the miles between them. Theirs had been an epic friendship, and even if Frodo was no longer within reach of communication, he knew their bond would not fade. No…never.

Flinn's thoughts were interrupted by a quick pounding on his door, followed by Frerin bursting in without waiting to be admitted. Right behind him was Freya, Lili, and Tae, the five of them spending a lot of time together since the others had left the mountain.

"Flinn! Come quick!" his brother instructed, out of breath from apparently running to find him. "Elladan, Elrohir and Glorfindel are approaching the mountain! Hurry up!" And out he raced, eager to get down to the front gates to be there to meet them. Freya and Lili raced after him, just as excited about the new guests as Frerin, yet Tae remained behind, looking at Flinn with concern in her eyes.

"Are you all right, Flinn?" she asked, noting the sad expression on his face, as well as the familiar button box in his hand. "You…you seem upset." It was then that she noticed Fili and Sier, who had just stood up from where they had been sitting on the sofa, giving the two a polite curtsy. "King Fili…Queen Sier."

"Flinn just received some very distressing news," Sier explained, noting the worry in the young lass' eyes.

"Yes…Frodo, he has sailed across the sea with Bilbo," Flinn told her, not seeing any reason to keep this from one of his best friends. "I will never see him again."

"Oh, Flinn!" Tae gasped, covering her mouth with her hand in shock. "I'm so sorry! Is there anything I can do?"

"No, I will simply have to work through it myself," he told her, closing the lid on his box and placing it back in the drawer.

"I understand," she nodded, her lovely blond hair falling across her shoulders as she did. Of all Bombur's children, she was the only one who inherited the golden locks of her mother, Ilin, while the rest of her siblings sported the ginger coloring of their father. "Still…if you think of anything, please, let me know."

"I will," he told her with a grateful smile.

Tae then stepped forward, throwing her arms around his neck and giving him a big hug, like she had done so many times growing up. Yet, the moment her cheek touched his, the feel of skin on skin, it felt as if a bolt of lightning had struck them both, causing the two to pull away in shock. Tae's hands immediately went to her cheeks, as a blush of pink tinted her skin. While Flinn looked down at his hands, shaking them a bit as if they had gone numb. Yet, when their eyes met again, there was something there they had never noticed before…a pull, a yearning, that neither one could explain.

"Tae?" Flinn said, his voice cracking just a bit as he spoke.

"I…I have to go!" the young dam announced, looking utterly confused by what had just happened. "I…goodbye, Flinn." And out the door she ran, not even bothering to say farewell to Fili and Sier.

Flinn looked after her for a moment, and then over at his parents, his own face a mirror of Tae's…completely flustered.

"Adad?" Flinn began, looking down at his hands once more, opening and closing his fist as he tried to shake the strange feeling running up and down his arm. "Was that…?"

"Only you can tell," Fili told his son, a wide smile coming to his face. "Yet, if what I just saw was any indication…I would say yes."

"You…and Tae?" Sier gasped, covering her lips with her fingers as her eyes grew wide with excitement. "Oh! Ilin will be so tickled! She always thought that you and Tae would make an adorable couple, even back when you were still dwarflings."

"Do you really think that she's my…my one?" he stammered, unable to process all that was going on inside him. "After all this time? I mean we've known each other since we were children."

"That doesn't matter, Flinn," Sier told her befuddled son. "Yet, what matters now is what you intend to do about it. Do you wish to pursue this? Do you think you could feel such things for Tae?"

"I've always liked her," he began, as if deep in thought. "She's very pretty, kind, and a lot of fun to be around…but…"

"But what?" Sier asked, looking rather perturbed. "Please tell me you don't still believe that a wife will make you eat those husband-vegitables like Kili told Frerin so long ago. He was only joking!"

"Or, perhaps you're worried about Tae biting you when she gets mad, like she did when she was little?" Fili teased.

"No, of course not," Flinn scoffed, yet then he got a slight grin on his lips. "Well, maybe…I mean, she can be a bit of a terror when you make her angry."

"Then don't make her angry!" Sier instructed. "And you can start by not keeping the lass waiting! If you felt the spark, then you can bet that Tae did too, and she's probably just as confused by it as you. Go talk to her, for Mahal's sake!"

"Do…do you think I should?" Flinn asked, looking from one parent to the next.

"Yes!" Fili agreed, doing his best not to laugh at his son's hesitation.

"I…I will!" he stated, reaching up and smoothing down his mustache and beard, which was not yet long enough to braid like his father's, but shaping up very nicely. "How do I look?" Flinn questioned nervously.

"Like a dwarrow who just found his one," Fili told him. "Now hurry up, before you lose her again!"

Flinn did indeed rush towards the door, but stopped seconds before exiting. Turning back he gave his parents a wide smile.

"Thank you," he told them, his voice full of sincerity. "Thank you both for everything."

"It's always been our pleasure son," Fili replied, reaching out and pulling Sier closer to him as he heard her start to sniffle. "We love you very much."

"And I love you too," he assured them. He then turned his head and looked down the hallway. "Now…I think I need to go find out if I love Tae as well." And off he ran, the sound of his footsteps disappearing down the hall.

"Well, that was rather unexpected, and even a few years younger than Kili was when he first noticed Tauriel," Fili chuckled. "Still, you can't deny it when you find your one."

"Oh, Fili…our little lad is growing up," Sier all but sobbed, burying her face in his chest as he wrapped his arms around her and patted her back soothingly. "Where's my baby gone? The one who followed you around like a puppy and refused to take a bath?"

"He's still there, you just have to look a bit harder is all. But thankfully, Flinn does agree to bathe more regularly these days," he said with a chuckle. "And we still have Frerin and Freya…they're both a ways yet from growing up."

"For now!" Sier wailed. "Yet before we know it Frerin will find his one as well, and then Freya!"

"Frerin will undoubtedly fall in love with an elf," Fili chuckled, recalling the lad's infatuation he once had with Tauriel. His second son was far too much like Kili. "And Freya…well, I don't want to even discuss that prospect. Let's just deal with Flinn first, shall we?"

"But, Fili…he's my first…our first," she continued to complain. "And seeing him nearly grown makes me feel…well…old!"

"You, my love, are far from old," Fili assured her. You are still a beauty, and the only dam I desire. And what would you prefer, to keep our children from growing up at all…to keep them dwarflings forever? Besdies, we shouldn't begrudge our son his happiness, simply to keep him at our side. We owe him that much at least, for he was the one who brought us together," Fili told her, reaching down and tipping her chin up so that he could look into her tear filled eyes. "If it hadn't been for Flinn…you and I might never have realized that we were each other's ones." The king of Erebor gave a visible shudder of fear. "And I don't even want to imagine what my life would have been like if you hadn't returned to Erebor."

"Oh, Fili," Sier sniffled, reaching up as she stroked his cheek and bearded chin. "Meeting you was the best thing that ever happened to me, and I thank Mahal every day for throwing us together."

"As do I," he assured her, leaning in to steal a kiss. "You have given me such joy, so much love, and three beautiful children. A dwarrow couldn't ask for anything more."

"Really?" she asked, a sly smile spreading across her lips. "Well…how about four children?"

"Four?" Fili laughed, thinking that Sier was only joking with him, yet when her expression didn't change, he quickly sobered up, staring at her in confusion. "You…you mean to say you want us to try for another child?"

"No, I'm saying that we are going to have another child," she informed him, taking his hand and laying it upon her stomach, as if to solidify the idea in his mind. "I suspected now for about a week, but I just had it confirmed this morning. You and I are going to be parents…again!"

"Oh, Sier! A baby? Another wee bairn?" Fili shouted, picking her up and spinning her around in excitement. "If we keep this up, folks will start mistaking us for Bombur and Ilin!"

"Well, if Flinn and Tae do get married, we'll certainly be spending more time with them, that's for sure," Sier laughed, tears coming to her eyes once more, but this time from pure joy.

"Perhaps our new little one will have a nephew just about the same age as him!" Fili joked.

"Or she might have a niece the same age as her," Sier pointed out. "You Durins do tend to sire your fair share of daughters, you know."

"That we do, and each one just as lovely as their mothers," he told her, once more leaning in to kiss his wife's lips, savoring every moment. When the two parted at last he looked down at her with a wicked grin. "Do you know what I would like to do right now?"

"Go tell Kili the good news?" Sier guessed, knowing just how close he and his brother were…the two of them sharing a bond that she never begrudged, and never would. "I can see that you are just itching to inform him that you will now be one ahead of him in the baby department."

"Well…yes, I am rather excited to rub that in his face," Fili laughed, imagining just how he would deliver this amazing news. "But that can wait for later…besides, Kili will be busy entertaining our elven guests. What I was thinking was that you and I should go back to our chambers and celebrate this joyous occasion…alone."

"Now?" she gasped, laughing at his apparent eagerness. "But shouldn't we go down and visit with our friends? They just rode all the way from Rivendell."

"I think Kili can handle things for a bit longer," he assured her, taking her hand and pulling her towards the door. "Besides, when we tell everyone the good news, I'm sure they'll understand. And if not, then who cares, I'm the king, and if I wish for some private time with my queen…then by Durin's ax I'm going to get it!"

"Well, then, My King," Sier said, her voice coming out in a warm purr. "Never let it be said that I denied my liege his heart's desire."

"Perish the thought!" he agreed. "Now let's hurry, or I swear that I will take you right here in our son's room, thus ruining it in his eyes forever!"

And so the two lovers fled down the hall, eager to make their way to their own chambers, where they could safely express their unwavering love for each other in private. They slammed the door shut behind them, and if the sounds of laughter and sighs of pure bliss were heard by anyone passing by the royal chambers, they only smiled and kept walking, never doubting that their king loved his queen very, very much.

.

~xXXXx~

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"What are you doing, my husband?" the ethereal looking lady asked as she approached the muscular man from behind, taking note that he continued to stare into the reflective pool before him. "You've been standing here for most of the day."

"Just checking on my children," he replied, turning his head to smile at his wife, a look of contentment in his eyes.

"Ahhh, yes, the sons of Durin have always been your favorites," Yavanna nodded in understanding. "And what might the leaders of the Longbeards be up to this day, oh mighty Aulë?"

"Living…loving…filling me with pride," he answered, turning his attention back to the pool of water, which in its place of showing his own reflection, instead allowed him to view his favored creations on Middle Earth.

Yavanna slipped her arm around her husband's waist and peered in as well, yet what she saw caused her to laugh out loud.

"They may indeed fill you with pride, but if you continue to watch much longer, I would think you would instead be filled with embarrassment," she told him. "It is not proper to be spying on them while they engage in such actions, husband. Now come away, and give Fili and Sier their privacy. Shame on you, Aulë, is this any way for a Valar to behave?"

"Perhaps not, but I will admit that they have given me some ideas on how I would like to behave with you?" he teased, waving his hand over the water as the image of Fili and Sier disappeared.

"Oh, have they now?" Yavanna teased back, batting her eyes as she gazed up at her mighty husband.

"Yes indeed," he nodded. "My children have done well for themselves, and I rejoice in the way their lives have turned out. No father could be more pleased by the actions of his sons."

"And his daughters," Yavanna added pointedly. "For the daughters of Durin have proven themselves to be courageous, loyal, and wise. They deserve your respect as well."

"And they have it, my love," he assured her. "They have all been assets to the line, and my sons could not have succeeded without them. Even the hobbits and the elf maid."

"I am so happy that you agreed with me that Thorin and Dwalin would be well matched with the daughters of my making. Marigold and Bergie have been so good for them," she grinned, never more pleased than when her husband had allowed the match. "And young Kili…I think he and Tauriel make such a lovely couple. And their children…well, they are so wonderfully unique in so many ways."

"And if the elf makes him happy…well, who am I to stand in his way?" Aulë said with a shrug of his shoulders.

"Now you sound just like Thorin," Yavanna laughed, always having said the dwarf had inherited much of his maker's characteristics…stubborn and prideful, with a healthy helping of subtle humility.

"And why shouldn't I?" he huffed. "I think that Thorin Oakenshield did rather well for himself. He was a fine leader, retook Erebor, protected his people, and cared very much for all his loved ones. What's not to admire?"

"Yes, I wholeheartedly agree," she nodded, knowing there would be no arguing with him on the subject, for his mind had long ago been made up.

"And as long as you are in an agreeing mood, how about joining me in our private chambers, my lovely wife?" he told her, unwilling to let his idea be pushed aside.

"As you wish," she giggled, wrapping her arms around one of his as they began to make their way across the wide room. "Oh, and you will be pleased to know that I have just finished the renovations on the Great Forge, adding in a few details that will be pleasing to hobbits and elves. We can't have Marigold, Bergie and Tauriel feeling uncomfortable when they join they husbands, now can we?"

"No, of course not," he nodded solemnly. "Yet, I will leave that project up to you, for you are much more knowledgeable about what types of green and growing things would appeal to them."

"And you've spoken to Ilúvatar? He has agreed to make concessions for them upon their deaths?" Yavanna questioned.

"I have, and he has agreed," Aulë assured her. "Even guaranteeing that Tauriel will not be parted from Kili for long."

"What about Bilbo and Frodo Baggins?" Yavanna persisted.

"Them as well," her husband laughed. "Flinn will have the chance to see his sword-brother again, just as Thorin and Bilbo will set together and have that smoke they talked about. Do not fret, my wife, all is well in hand."

"I have no doubt that it is, for I have never seen you more adamant about anything, not since you insisted that all three of the sons of Durin survived the Battle of Five Armies."

"And look at how wonderful that decision turned out!" he said proudly. "Now come, wife…my dwarf children have sparked in me certain desires and I intend on seeing them fulfilled immediately."

"Very well, but only if you do so with loyalty, honor, and a willing heart," she insisted.

"I wouldn't have it any other way," he smiled.

THE END

And I really mean it this time.

Well, there you have it folks, the end to a story that rivals that of Tolkien himself...in size, not quality. ha ha. Did it take you very long to realize that was Aulë and Yavanna at the end there? (and you do know that Aulë is Mahal...right?)

I hope I left you feeling happy and good about the future of the dwarves. Things will work out for all of them, I'm certain of it. Flinn and Tae will get married, Frerin will find love as well, Fili and Sier will have another child, Kili will get jealous, but Tauriel will tell him that three is enough, ha ha. Thorin and Dwalin will be happy in the Shire, and when the time comes...all our beloved characters will get to reunite in the Great Forge...or at least make regular visits...whatever makes them happiest. See, all's well that ends well.

I wish I could draw at lightening speed and had dozens of pictures of my characters and the funny situations they got themselves into. Unfortunately, I have been focusing on my writing and not drawing for a while, and I am way out of practice. However, every time I find a picture drawn by some other fabulous artist that just screams "that looks like it might fit my story" I pin it to my Little Son of Durin page on Pinterest. So, if you have a Pinterest account, you can go look at my ideas of what the characters might look like. I must thank madnessdownunder2 for starting me on a hunt for story art. Anyway, go check it out if you can, it is under the name TOWG13. Oh, and if you ever find a picture you think embodies one of my characters, please let me know how to find it, I would love to see it. I am still looking for a picture of what Torin might look like!

Once again, thank you so much for all your reviews, follows, and favorites. You have made me a very happy camper! I am off to the Phantom of the Opera forum now to write there for a bit. If you happen to like Erik the Phantom, look me up, I go under the name Fantomphan33 over there.

I now leave you, but I thank you for your LOYALTY in sticking with me for 191 chapters. It has been an HONOR to have entertained you. And rest assured that Fili will always have my WILLING HEART.

Thank you,

ThatOtherWriterGirl

Guest Reviews:

abc: awwww, sorry I made you cry. Yes, goodbyes are hard, but we all must say them from time to time. Flinn was sorry and sad, but I think he handled it well. And Tae kind of took his mind off of his grief for a bit, right? ha ha. I think it took Thorin a while to get used to the idea as well. I think Thorin looks forward to sleeping in more often now...I know I would! Thanks for your constant and faithful reviews, I appreciated each and every one of them. And thanks for identifying yourself with the abc thing...it makes it so much more personal when I can identify my readers. Hope to see you again for another story...for you never know when I might zip back over to Middle Earth to do some meddling. ha ha. Thanks.