Whee! Thank you for all the lovely, lovely reviews. I went back and bumped up the chapter a little more. Now they are on their way—sort of. I promise though that it won't take another 84 chapters or even 20. Maybe not even 5 dearreader! Here's a long chapter to reward your loyalty to my favorite couple. Thank you for waiting so long!

Chapter 84

After a very warm sleep, I laid in my new, luxuriously soft sheets, hugging myself and giggling. With a final squeal, I bounced out of bed and almost danced to the bell cord. Did everyone in love feel this way? Maybe when Thorin came I'd revert to sweaty palms and nervous stutters, but I hoped not. Hope. I felt relief when Oin decided to help me and a cautious hope when Kili became my friend. Thorin built on that hope, even to throwing himself into battle to save my friends, and with the dear company and Durins supporting me, Father and Lord Boron retreated bit by bit from my mind. Still, even with all their support, I didn't feel fully free until last night.

Otha and Kitra came in good time, but I was already out of my bath and getting ready for the day. I didn't want to be late for Thorin at the door.

"My but you look like the cat that ate the cream," Kitra said. "Did something happen last night?" I stopped my bustling about and thought through my answer. I could swear them to secrecy, but I didn't want every word and nuance examined by a committee.

"I think I've found something I'd like to do."

"Oh?" Otha asked, sounding interested. My deflection worked. "Let me guess. Something to do with children?"

We discussed what they had seen around the kingdom and how I might be of service. Thorin's world was even more mine now, and I wanted it to thrive. As far as romance goes, I hadn't the least notion of how to please a dwarf, but maybe he'd respond my efforts on behalf of his people. We had talked for a long time last night about his mother and grandmother and what they'd done to improve life inside Erebor. Pride in his family rang through every word. Win a dwarf through what he loved most, Mebla once told me, and what Thorin loved most was his people.

Thorin wrapped a towel around his waist after his bath in his chambers and rubbed his face, chest, and underarms with a towel. Once dry, he tossed back his hair and raked out the tangles with his fingers. A slow smile tugged his lips to one side before it broadened to a flash of teeth.

She smiled when I called her, "My dear."

He trimmed his beard and readjusted a hair cuff that had come loose. After pulling on a pair of butter-soft, suede breeches, he shrugged on a tunic and dabbed on her favorite scent. Next came a velvet jerkin. He wasn't overly concerned about his appearance, so he dressed in his usual manner. After tugging on his boots, he knocked on their joint door.

"Almost ready," came Areen's panicked voice. "Uh, almost ready!"

He listened in and chuckled as her maids bickered over final touches to her hair and jewelry

"I'm not wearing the pins, broaches, tiara, and the necklace." Areen said. "Honestly! I'm not a treasure trove!"

How wrong she is, Thorin thought as he waited with his hands behind his back. A few muttered comments later, and Areen opened the door with a bright smile. She wore three enormous broaches, each the size of his palm, and multiple ruby hair clips. A heavily encrusted diamond tiara sat low on her head.

"Good morning, Thorin!"

"Good morning, Areen. I trust you slept well." She nodded with an embarrassed flush. Before he could ask her the meaning of it, she stepped forward and held out her hand.

"I don't want to miss a moment with my friends before they go." She motioned to the jewelry she wore. "I was told that I had to wear wedding gifts everyday according to rank. Is that right? A senior counselor gave me these, but it's too much, isn't it?"

Thorin could see why she was annoyed. Lord Dorn, known for his extravagant taste, had gifted Areen with a suite of jewels, a gorgeous array, but fit only for the grandest state occasions and probably not even then. Thorin appraised her appearance before pronouncing judgment.

"No one expects you to wear everything, and Lord Dorn is known for his flamboyance. What do you want to wear?"

She relaxed and tugged off the tiara first. Her maids rushed forward to save her hairdo. Next, she unpinned the more ornate broaches, and Thorin helped her pull out all two of the jeweled hair clips. He took his time pulling the pins out and carefully arranging her hair over her shoulders. Otha and Kitra stood back and bowed their heads, sharing a small grin, while he took his time. He ended his ministrations with a soft caress of her cheek.

"Lord Dorn won't be offended?"

"Not at all. By wearing them sparingly, you show how precious they are."

"There's politics in everything, isn't there?"

"Aye, and you're doing splendidly. Shall we go?" With her hand tucked in his and Sky by her side, they walked side by side, both smiling with gentle contentment, neither willing to speak and spoil the glow that enveloped them both. Coming to the door, Thorin bowed with an exaggerated sweep of his arm, chuckling at her knowing smile.

"Are you playing the gallant, Thorin?" Before he could answer, Nori and his brothers rounded the corner. Nori's upper lip curled as he homed in on her broach.

"Only Lord Dorn would give a woman a breastplate for a wedding gift." Thorin pressed his lips together at Areen's sudden unease. He was about to reprimand Nori with a few choice words when she turned toward the ginger dwarf with a mocking smile.

"And only an uncouth lout would comment on a lady's dress, but then again louts are well-known to be developmentally stunted in more ways than one." Far from being upset, Nori chortled.

"I see that wedded bliss hasn't changed our relationship."

"Not in the least."

Inside the hall, various voices rang out in welcome. Thorin bid her sit with her friends and enjoy their last moments together. Fili placed Frerin on his feet, and he toddled around the table, holding on to the edge as she had taught him. When he found her, he settled in her lap and rested against her chest. Thorin gazed at them with happy imaginings, and the others refrained from commenting, all except Nori whose eyes twinkled with mischief, but before he could say anything, Bofur leaned over and grabbed his shoulder with a hard squeeze.

"Not one word, lad, not one word, else I'll hang you from your heels in the marketplace."

"You're bluffing." At that Ori and Bombur leaned over. Dwalin scooted his chair closer.

"He'd have help," Bombur said. Dwalin nodded with his brows hovering over his eyes like storm clouds on the horizon.

"For certain, aye. Not a word, Nori. Not to either of them."

"You're no fun."

Dwalin looked over at Arif who was having a private conversation with Mebla. They had been much in company since he was ill, although he detected nothing but sincere interest from her. She was as far from Lady Potilla as Sky was from an asp. Spiteful viper! He had heard her poisonous talk filtered through others who lessened the venom in the retelling. There was nothing outright treasonous in her comments that he could tell, but she was skirting the edges with her disgust at Arif being on intimate terms with the ruling house.

Fili kissed Della's hand and nodded toward Areen.

"She's a natural, and it's a good thing she's blind. There's no doubting what Thorin's thinking."

"You think there's hope then, Fili?"

The elder prince took another glance before nuzzling Della's cheek with his nose. "More and some to spare."

At breakfast, Areen outlined how she wanted to contribute to Erebor, and the others added their ideas with some more constructive than others.

"How 'bout hand puppets to teach the young ones life's mysteries," Nori offered. His toes promptly felt the heel of Dori's boot. "Ow! Get off! Ow!"

"Serves you right," Ori muttered. "I think her idea to start a daycare is wonderful. That way our young can spend time with each other, and the elders who care for them when the parents are working can have some society as well."

Thorin beamed with pride, although the thought of her working so much dismayed him. She had already volunteered to train the guide dogs for Frerin and Arif, as well as decided to attend all meetings at least once to give each its due. The image of her dashing from one meeting to another until the evening feast soured his mood. He scoffed under his breath. Maybe they could steal a moment or two if they chanced to meet in the hallways.

"What's wrong, Thorin?" Fili asked. "You look like you did when you first laid eyes on Thranduil those years ago."

His king managed a wan smile. "I appreciate her eagerness to serve, and, in truth, I should have expected it, but it doesn't leave much time for," and he waved his hand between him and Areen, not wanting to voice the rest.

"I understand, Thorin. Della will help her, Thorin." Fili paused to watch Areen who turned her head to seek out Thorin. "All will be well."

They watched Areen and her friends share their last moments. Lord Vinn cradled Areen's face in his hands before kissing her forehead.

"I no longer need be worried for you, child," he said with a tremulous smile. "You have much love and support here." He bowed to Thorin who dipped his head in return. "We have leave to come back as often as we wish to honor Feron and spent time with you. The distance is not too great. You'll see us again soon, my dear."

The women huddled together while Tildur patted their backs awkwardly.

"Visit us soon, Areen" Mebla said. "Write to us often."

"Often," Sella echoed.

Many promises were exchanged and handkerchiefs made soggy before the contingent from the Grey Mountains walked out the main gate. After Lord Vinn mounted his pony, Thorin took hold of the bridle.

"You need have no fear for her, Vinn. The full weight of my house will defend her."

"I am more grateful than I can express, my lord king." He leaned over. "She is very happy here." He leaned over as far as he dared. "And I know that you are the cause."

"I pray that may be so."

The next week though tested Thorin's patience as Areen spent most of her time drafting proposals and attending meetings. Some nobles questioned her ability to attend to details because of her blindness, but their questions were reasonable, and she listened without offense. Slif and others kept watch over her, and they told Thorin of the general praise she was receiving for giving even the most outlandish suggestions her respectful attention. She gave all their due, and if the dwarves were surprised at her maids constantly by her side taking voluminous notes, they saw the necessity. She was also quick to learn the names and positions of the various nobles, and not once did she forget to wear her wedding gifts.

Unfortunately, not all dwarves were blessed with good taste, and a fussy, puce-colored gown did nothing for her, but she shared her delight at the softness of the material and averted disaster. Nori, of course, likened the color to a rotting cherry. A second later he tumbled to the ground, cursing Dwalin on the way down.

Thorin acknowledged the time that Areen spent with him, but all of it revolved around her projects, and he yearned for a night on the garden balcony filled with soft words of affection. He cursed that he, too, was busy. Many issues had been deferred by events, and they needed his attention now. Never had he written so fast or made decisions with so little deliberation. He signed the last piece of parchment from the backlog on his desk and went in search of Areen, only to hear that she was in another meeting. He sighed, knowing that he wouldn't see her until the evening feast.

I was so tired my bones ached. I could hardly feel my feet from walking so much, but I had done my best to win Thorin's approval It was just a beginning, but plans were moving forward. He had to be impressed and I hoped a little bit more.

"It's almost time for the feast, my lady," Otha said. "What is your will?"

"I need a quick bath. What do I need to wear tonight?" Kitra flipped through her notes.

"Uh, a Lord and Lady Gerg gifted you with an, um, how shall I put this? Uh, Otha?"

She said nothing. It had to be ghastly, whatever it was. I sighed and surrendered.

"Let's have it." Otha cleared her throat.

"They are a lovely couple, and they meant well."

"What is it?"

"It's an, uh, accoutrement for the blind."

"A what? An accoutrement? What the heck is that?"

"A, um, walker on wheels."

They shifted back and forth, their shoes creaking, no doubt waiting for me to explode, but I wouldn't. Not in front of my people, I wouldn't.

"Are you sure they aren't trying to pull something?"

"Oh no," they chimed. Kitra rushed to explain. "They're very old, and Lady Gerg has used one for years. She swears by it."

Well, that was better but not great.

"And I'm supposed to wheel into the feast?" They didn't need to answer. Of course, I was. But how to honor Lord and Lady Gerg without looking like a fool escaped me. They told me that the walker was elegantly made with rare inlaid wood and gems. Almost an artwork, they said. Right. I needed a good soak, and it was during my soak that I got my brilliant idea. Well, not brilliant, but good enough. I sent word to Thorin that I would come down a little later with Otha and Kitra. He wasn't perked to hear that, but my idea needed a grand entrance to make it work.

Thorin drummed his fingers on the table and tried not to eye the empty chair next to him. He didn't know why Areen wanted to come by herself, but she said it was to honor her next gift. He tried not to take it personally and soothed himself with a long drink of ale before wiping the back of his hand against his mouth.

"We can't start without her," Balin said to Dwalin. "Everyone is assembled."

"She won't be late, brother. The bell hasn't struck the hour yet."

Just then the doors swung open, and Areen entered, looking dignified in a simple gown of garnet. Behind her, Otha wheeled in what could only be a walker. Kitra followed with Sky. Thorin's scowl silenced scattered snickers, and he watched the slight twitch of Areen's lips as she counted out the steps to the center of the floor. When she reached it, she stopped and waited for Otha who whispered in her ear. Nodding with great dignity, she turned to where Lady and Lord Gerg sat.

"Lord and Lady Gerg, I am greatly honored by your gift and wish to show it to best advantage as I'm told that it is as beautiful as any work of art. It will be cherished as intended." She placed her hand over her heart and bowed her head. Otha whispered in her ear again, and she grinned at the elderly couple before making her way with Sky to Thorin's side.

"Well done, my dear," he said after he seated her. "I don't think I've seen them happier."

"It worked then? I couldn't come in hobbling next to you like some old crone."

"They didn't mean that."

"I know, but it wouldn't have looked good all the same."

"True, and I applaud your clever solution. May I ask a favor?"

"Of course."

"May we dispense with business for tonight? I'd like to leave work on our desks this evening."

She nodded and fumbled for his hand. He gripped it tight.

"I would love that." Her eyes sparkled, and he loved seeing her smile at him like he was the only one in the room who mattered. Lifting her chin to bring her eyes level with his, he kissed her nose. Carefully, she leaned forward to do the same but missed and kissed his eyebrow. He laughed at her chagrin.

"Care for another try, my dear?"

"I think I will."

Together they ate and drank and traded stories. He kissed her fingers from time to time, raising a lovely blush. For her part, she leaned close to him, and more than once, he caught her sniffing his scent.

"Your favorite, I believe."

"Mm, you need to wear this every day." She paused and bit her lip before adding, "It makes you quite irresistible." Pleased, he laughed and kissed her hand.

"From now on, no one will wear this scent but me."

"We need to give it a name then."

"Do we now? What do you suggest?"

Others, catching their conversation, began throwing out their suggestions.

"How about, 'Regal'?" Ori offered.

"'Majestic'?" Dori said.

"'Kingly'."

"'Monarch'?" Arif said.

"That's a contender."

"I vote for 'First in Rank'," Nori said under his breath. "Kidding! Just kidding," he said as he dodged Bofur's elbow.

"What do you think?" Thorin asked Areen.

"I like 'Monarch'. It's you, but it sounds good too."

"'Monarch' it is then. Inform the perfumers, Balin."

Dwalin looked down the table and nodded. The evening was joyous, and he mentally raised his ale to Areen who handled an embarrassing situation with grace and tact. Thorin looked happy with his arm laying on the back of Areen's chair and stroking her back from time to time. For her part, she seemed to welcome his attentions and even snuggled closer. Good. He turned to observe his protege. Arif was having a splendid time with Fili and Kili and fit in like a third brother. Far from retiring as weapons trainer, Arif continued to work with Dwalin. Arif taught footwork and fighting techniques while Dwalin acted as sparring partner. It was a successful solution, and Dwalin was as proud as any father.

"Satisfied Dwalin?" Bofur asked. "I don't often see a smile under all that hair."

"Satisfied? Aye. That's the word for tonight." They looked out over the assembly and grinned at various antics before grimacing in twin disgust.

"Can someone be banished for being annoying?" Bofur asked. They watched glumly while Lady Potilla gossiped loudly about anyone and everyone who was unfortunate enough to cross her path.

"There must be a way for Potilla and her ilk. She'll overstep yet, and then I'll throw her out the door by the scruff of her neck."

"Pity her father can't see her for what she is."

"Great pity." He watched her exit with her few remaining friends, tossing a venomous look at Arif before she stalked out the door. Her leaving before the king was no doubt intended as a slight on the Durins, but he could do nothing since womenfolk could leave public feasts at any time to attend to personal needs.

I was exhausted, and I must have nodded off on Thorin's shoulder because I felt his laughter against my cheek. I could have stayed there forever with his arm around me, but it would be bad form to fall asleep on him, so I pulled away. I didn't know how I was going to make it back to my chambers. Maybe I needed the walker after all.

"Ready to go, Areen?"

"Very ready, Thorin." Hmm. That didn't sound very romantic, and I cast about for something else to say, something flirtatious. "I know I'm tired, but I would very much like to spend some time with you on our favorite balcony tomorrow if you're free." Ugh. That sounded like I was asking for an appointment, but it was the best I could think of.

"For such an invitation, I will make myself free."

As soon as he stood, all noise stopped. After complimenting Slif and his cooks on the fineness of the feast, he told everyone to continue before pulling out my chair and helping me stand.

"I believe I'll retire as well."

Thorin led me down several corridors before a nobleman caught up with him. The matter sounded urgent, and Thorin sighed. "It appears that the day isn't through with me yet, Areen. My apologies."

"Oh, of course. That's fine. Otha and Kitra will go with me, so Fili can take Sky for the night. I hope it's not serious."

"Not if attended to," and with a kiss on my hand, he went on his way, and we went on ours with walker in tow. It wasn't long before we heard voices at the end of another hall—unfriendly voices.

"A walker? How hysterical. What a fool she made of herself."

"Really? I thought that she handled herself remarkably well given the circumstances."

"Did you see Arif at the head table, Potilla? More handsome than ever. Could be a prince himself. Oh, and I was walking by the armory yesterday and just happened to see him training. So strong and his muscles! Any girl would be happy to be in his arms, but you already know that, don't you?"

I mustered enough energy to pray that Erebor had another way to my chambers, but it didn't. As we came closer, all talking stopped, and I heard voices acknowledge my presence. All except Potilla's were respectful enough.

"My Lady Areen," she said. "I congratulate you on your gift. Lord and Lady Gerg are known to choose the perfect gift to match one's interests and abilities."

I scoffed inwardly. I was way too tired to have this conversation, but I couldn't let her disrespect go unanswered either.

"I am grateful that they saw fit to gift me with something that they value so much themselves. It speaks very highly of them."

"Indeed."

"Good evening then." Now I knew that I was the one to end conversations, and she should have acknowledged the dismissal, but she didn't.

"Forgive me, Noble Consort, but I find it fascinating that Arif has found a place at your table. Is he there because he requires your assistance? Perhaps in negotiating the intricacies of tableware?"

It took the last of my fading energy and self-control to not spit out the first ugly thing that came to mind, but I also needed to end this fast. I don't do well when I'm tired, and Potilla would be only too happy to share any misstep. I decided to cut to the chase.

"Arif has risen in the Durin's esteem on his talents and impeccable character alone." She scoffed, and I was done. "I'm sure that you're next choice will better suit your character, Lady Potilla, and so will his."

She squeaked and made little sounds like a kettle. Her friends laughed outright—traitorous wretches—and I cocked my head and listened to her hissings and squeakings, and little puffs of outrage. Together they made a funny little tune, and I couldn't help a snicker. A moment later, my cheek exploded with pain from her slap. Her friends gasped, and I resisted the urge to touch my face as I struggled to keep from crying. I begged Mahal not to let one tear fall, and he agreed.

"How dare you!" she shrieked. "How dare you laugh at me! I will not let this insult go unanswered. I challenge you to single combat in two days!"

I blinked, momentarily distracted from the pain.

"What?" She repeated her challenge with relish, and I blinked some more. I turned to where I thought Otha and Kitra were standing. "This is ridiculous. Is this a joke?" A long moment passed.

"No, my lady," Otha said. "It's no joke."

"Can she do this?" I asked, still flummoxed.

"I don't know, my lady," Kitra said in a small voice. "We've no experience in these matters."

"You have two days before you meet my blade, my lady." Potilla said with obvious satisfaction. "Spend them well." She stomped off with her gaggle of friends fussing behind her.

"She's just making trouble, right?"

"I'm not sure, Areen," Otha said. "We're not sure of protocol here."

"But she expects me to fight? That's silly. How would that happen anyway?"

The first person I thought of was Thorin and if I should tell him. I couldn't believe that Potilla meant anything more than blowing off steam. Surely not. I didn't insult her. If anything, her friends were having much more fun at her expense. She must have had too much to drink and would sleep it off. I shrugged.

"I'm going to bed," I said. "I'm sure it'll be nothing tomorrow."

Now lest some of you think that this is needless baiting, I assure you that there's a reason for everything. We are nearing the end of the story, and this is important. Or at least I think it is. Please review!