Warrior's Heart

Chapter Twenty-Four

When Arielle awoke the next morning, she was alone. She vaguely remembered Thorin brushing a kiss over her lips as he whispered, "Do not get up, love. I'll get Tiriana. You sleep."

She stretched, the linens soft and smooth beneath her, the bed far more comfortable then the last one she'd slept in when in Erebor. Everything about Erebor was far more comfortable this time around.

With a smile, she sank back into the pillows. If someone had told her the last time she was there, she would once again return, but would find happiness there, she'd never have believed it. She thought her experience there when Thorin suffered from the dragon sickness would have forever tainted Erebor for her. She tried not to dwell on it, tried not to think about it, but at the same time, it was difficult at times to not do either. She'd seen a side of him she never would have believed existed, but at the same time, she also realized she was far stronger than she'd ever thought. How else did she explain her refusal to give up on him?

A while later, she opened her eyes again and this time, sat up and pushed back the covers to swing her legs over the edge of the bed. She bathed and dressed in warm leggings and tunic, tugged on thick fur boots and went in search of Thorin and Tiriana.

She found them in the dining hall, where he sat, with Tiriana on his thigh, along with Dáin and several other Iron Hill dwarves. Thorin looked up and smiled as he caught sight of her and said, "Look, love, Mama."

Tiriana broke into a toothy smile and waved. "Mama!"

"Good morning, loves," she stepped up behind Thorin to drape her arms about his neck, and leaned forward to brush her lips against his furred cheek, "and thank you for letting me sleep in."

"You're quite welcome, princess." He glanced over at his cousin. "Shove down a bit so the queen might sit."

Dáin nudged the dwarf sitting next to him, who seemed to be struck dumb at the sight of her. The dwarf jolted from his reverie and immediately shuffled down. Thorin patted the bench to his left. "Sit, love."

"Mama!" Tiriana reached for her and Arielle took her easily, letting her snuggle against her as Thorin rose from his seat.

"What would you like, Arielle?"

"I'm not hungry," she said, shaking her head. "I've hit that stage where there is very little room for much."

"You need to eat."

"And I will, when I'm hungry. But I'm not just yet."

"Mama sick?"

Arielle shook her head, ruffling her daughter's black curls. "No, love. Mama isn't sick."

Thorin stepped away from the table. "Let me fix you a plate and you can pick whatever you want from it."

"Thorin."

"You need to eat something, no matter how small." He pressed a kiss into the top of her head, which was enough to take the edge off her irritation.

"Mama, don't be mad. Papa is just trying to help."

She smiled at Tiriana. "I know he is, sweetling. And I love him for it."

Dáin reached over to touch her hand. "It will put your mind at ease to know me and the boys will be heading back to the Iron Hills come the morning. I've caught Thorin up on all he need know and Erebor is in good hands."

"Good. I mean," she cleared her throat, "it's no trouble if you wish to stay and visit a bit longer."

"I would love to, but the old ball and chain—er, my wife— sent word that I am to return posthaste or I'll find my key will not work."