Sorry this took so long!

He was there when Balin returned. The old dwarf had gone to visit their burglar. For perhaps the last time. Bilbo must have known, he seemed different on this last visit. Hmm, little hobbit was getting old, his hair was graying.

Dwalin was there to greet him.

"Your back."

"Back and better." Balin answered, and sat across from Dwalin. "Bilbo sends his good wishes and regards."

"And how is the hobbit?"

"Cheery as ever...lad's beginning to get old." Balin chuckled. "I suppose that puts me nearly in the grave." He didn't mention that Bilbo also seemed sad in the last day of Balin's visit. Nervous, it reminded Balin of the early days of that long ago journey. "He's got a little lad of his own now."

Dwalin's eyes widened.

"Well, a cousin, generations younger than him. I suppose more like a nephew." Balin smiled. He had been taken aback when he saw a little pair of blue eyes stare up at him from behind Bilbo's leg.

"And how does this little cousin fare? Is he like the burglar?"

"A bit, much more...adventurous. But, the elder told me he was much the same when he was younger. Energetic little thing." The old Dwarf added,"Much like the other cousin of his...name escapes me, but you remember, years ago when we visited with the Ori and Nori?"

"The wee one? Aye, I remember."

"Hmph...sometimes I wonder, what became of him." Balin said mostly to himself.

"I suppose you can find out when you return..." Dwalin suggested, his eyes not meeting his brothers. He went on,"When will that be?"

"I do not know." And it was the truth sure enough.

Balin could see in his brother's eyes what he meant, and he knew Dwalin wished to change him mind. And he understood why. He knew most thought it needless, in fact several did. Dain approved, but Balin recognized the doubt, the smallest flicker of doubt.

And often that doubt entered his mind, and it would continue to do so in the coming months. But he knew in his heart it had to be done. And he knew they had every chance as they had when they sent themselves off to reclaim Erebor.

Just as long ago, it was more than reclaiming a kingdom lost. He had spoken with Gandalf, and found there was more at stake. Much more.

"When will you set off again?" Dwalin's voice broke through his thoughts. His brother, his little brother, who was showing signs of age himself. His beard long, and greying, his eyes had the sign of a long life. Not weary, but experienced. And had the spark of many more years to come.

"Soon...perhaps a fortnight's time I think."

Dwalin nodded. "And not alone..."

"Aye, not alone."

"It will be quite lonely here, without you."

"You've never complained of being lonely before...not even when we were but small younglings..."

"Like our former burglar, I'm aging. We both are." Dwalin sighed.

They were quiet for some time, well aware this may be the last they would see of each other. They had gone decades, years and longer without any contact. But the air, the unspoken sir was different. It had been different for months, and both brothers knew why.

It had been so when Smaug came, when they knew their father must leave them...When they saw the lonely mountain and stepped back into the cold halls of Erebor. And the dawn of the Battle of Five Armies.

The silence, told them, that things will change. That they will change for worse or better, and no one being could say which.

"Well, I'll be off then." Dwalin finally said, moving forward towards Balin. And to Balin's surprise, he embraced him, something he had not done for centuries.

"I will see you tomorrow." Balin said as he left. His heart, aching several different things all at once. He went into the kitchen to eat a bit, then rest.

He stared, for the biscuit jar, that resembled the old glass one they had when the brothers where dwarflings, had it's seal casted to the side. Crumbs had be purposefully set around it.

And Balin laughed, the most hearty laughed there ever was. And somewhere in the rebuilt city, Dwalin was smiling to himself.

Many, many thanks to all who have read/ reviewed/ and followed this! It was fun to write, but I don't know why certain parts turned so sad, but it was a joy X) to finish and try my hand at! I may do another someday...