Warrior's Heart

Chapter Eighteen

Two days later, they bid Rivendell farewell. Arielle smiled up at Elrond, who looked as if he might have aged since the dwarves' arrival. "Thank you for your hospitality, Elrond. And for Amara. She truly is a lifesaver."

"It was a pleasure having you, Princess Arielle," he replied. Then, his gaze slanted to the Company and his smile faded somewhat. "It's always... interesting... having dwarves in residence."

She bit back her laugh at the pained look on the elvenking's face. "They are a boisterous lot," she sighed as Thorin stepped up alongside her, Tiriana in his arms. "But, they keep life interesting."

"I thank you as well," Thorin said, shifting Tiriana to his left arm. "If it wasn't for your generosity, I most likely would not be here, standing before you now."

Elrond's expression grew serious. "And that would have been a tragedy, one I could not allow to happen if at all possible. I believe you will be fine king and just ruler, Thorin. Do not prove me wrong."

Tiriana lifted her head to look up at Elrond with sleepy eyes. "Thank you."

Arielle's heart melted at the small hitch in her daughter's voice, and by the way Elrond's expression softened at once. He caught Tiriana's hand in his and said, "You are very welcome, Princess Tiriana. Be good for your papa and for your mama."

She nodded, her black curls bouncing as she solemnly promised, "I will."

Thorin gazed down at her, then over at Arielle and she stepped up to slip her arm through his free one. Elrond's smile became paternal as he said, "Take care and travel swift. Good fortune be with you on your journey to Erebor."

With that, they made their way to the coach that would bring them to Erebor. The Company rode ahead on ponies, and Gandalf stood to the side with Bilbo, who would be leaving for the Shire behind them.

"Wait one minute," Thorin said, passing Tiriana to her. "I should bid Master Baggins farewell. I doubt I will ever cross paths with him again and I owe him."

"Me, too, Papa?"

Arielle nodded. "Let Papa say his farewells and then we will."

"Is Master Baggins leaving?" Tiriana asked softly.

"He is, love. His home is far, far from here and he misses it like Papa misses Erebor."

"Where is his home?"

"It's in the Shire. It's a lovely place, with plenty of open fields and soft green grass and time seems to slow down there."

"Will we ever see him again?"

Arielle sighed softly as Thorin embraced Bilbo, and shook her head. "No, love. I don't believe we will."

"That makes me sad."

"Me, too, love."

Thorin stepped back and gestured for them to join him, so she carried Tiriana over and set her down before the hobbit. Tiriana hugged his legs. "I'll miss you."

Bilbo crouched to scoop her into his arms, and lifted her carefully. "I shall miss you, too, Princess Tiriana. I don't have the chance to meet many lovely princesses, you know."

"Come visit us. Please?"

"I shall, little one. I promise." He hugged her. "And you and your mama, and your papa, and your baby brother or sister must promise to come visit me as well."

Tiriana looked over at Arielle. "Can we, Mama?"

Arielle nodded as Thorin draped his arm about her shoulders. "Of course we can."