Defended with Shield and Body

The final end

When the war was won, and all the orcs were either killed or had retreated, it was time to collect the corpses and hold a huge funeral.

Besides Thorin, Fili and Kili, no one else of the company had died, even though some had very severe injuries. Dwalin had a huge gash in his shoulder from Bolg's sword, Nori had a bad concussion and Bofur's left hand had been cut off.

The day of the funeral, everyone gathered in the mountain. Dale sounded their huge horns, and a sad sound floated over the plains.

The three dwarves lay on their tombs, hands folded neatly and eyes closed. All three had died with a different expression on their face.

Thorin's expression was rather peaceful, whereas Kili's was one of fear, and Fili's face was filled with guilt.

As the music played, Dwalin laid Orcrist upon Thorin's chest, whispering "I'm sorry I failed you, my king." A tear escaped his eye and he blinked profusely to get it away. Dwalin would not cry, he was a strong warrior. He'd seen loss before.

The elvenking Thranduil approached slowly, Bard only a step behind him. They carried the Arkenstone. Thranduil stepped up to Thorin's tomb and gently placed the Arkenstone between his hands. He stepped back and stood to the side as Balin began to speak.

"Today, we suffered great losses. Dwarves, elves, and men. Many lost family or friends, but they will not be forgotten. Today, we lost a king and a dear friend, as well as his nephews. Our thoughts are with their mother, who lost a brother and two sons."

He paused for a second, fighting back his emotions.

"Let us all remember who we lost today, let them live on in our hearts so their names will not be forgotten. They shall be remembered as heroes."

They held a minute of silence before the dwarves stepped up and lowered the three into their tombs, closing the tombstone upon their grave.

Bilbo turned away and wept silently, but he knew that he was by far not the only one.

~~~~~~

Bilbo refused any gifts the dwarves offered him, for he did not want gold and gems. He turned away to leave for home, when Thranduil approached him. "Master Baggins."

Bilbo turned to him, and bowed, but Thranduil waved his hand dismissively. "You need not bow to me. I came to offer you my gratitude."

Bilbo looked shocked and shook his head. "No, my lord. I did what anyone would've done, really."

Then Thranduil noticed the mithril shirt Bilbo was wearing, and his lips curled into a small smile.

"I see you wear a mithril armour, made for the royalty of elves and dwarves. I must say you are far more worthy to wear the armour of elf princes, and I call you Bilbo Elf-friend from now on."

Bilbo flushed a light pink and made yet another bow. "Thank you, lord Thranduil. Truly. But if you'll excuse me now, Gandalf must be waiting."

Thranduil smiled at the tiny hobbit as he trotted off to find Gandalf, his pack filled with things the dwarves forced him to have, like a cloak and a shield. His elvish sword still hung strapped to his side.

When he was about to get on his pony, Balin approached. "Will you not stay for the feast tonight Bilbo?" The hobbit shook his head. "Gandalf says we should return to the Shire immediately. Will you say goodbye to the rest for me?"

Balin shook his head and nodded sideways. "You can tell them yourself."

Bilbo turned around, gasping softly when the rest of the company stood there, sniffling a bit at their burglar's leave.

Bilbo bit on his lip, wondering what to say. "Uhm.. If any of you.. ever pass Bag End, do not hesitate to stop by... Tea is at four, and, don't bother knocking." He swallowed back a lump in his throat and curtsied.

The dwarves smiled sadly at him and curtsied back. "Goodbye Bilbo." They said in unison.

"Goodbye, Balin, and Dwalin, and Bofur, and Bifur and Bombur, Ori, Nori, Dori, Oin and Gloin, may your beards never grow thin!"

And he looked up at the mountain. "Farewell Thorin Oakenshield, and Fili and Kili, may your memory never fade!"

And with that, he climbed on his pony and left Erebor for good.