The Hobbit and Her Memories

CHAPTER 9

BILBO'S POV

The eagles had come and finished the battle of the five armies. Once they were gone, King Thranduil and his army of elves returned to Mirkwood. The men of Lake-town took shelter at Dale and healed the wounded: elves, dwarves, and men.

The company of Thorin gathered around the bodies of Fili, Kili, and Thalia. I still cradled her while crying. Thorin cried, too. Over his nephews and Thalia.

After weeks of burning dead orcs and clearing the battlefield, a grand feast was held at the Kingdom of Erebor. Thorin, who had his long hair combed and his short beard trimmed, wore rich clothing and presented himself as only a warrior. Balin and Dwalin, along with Thorin's cousin Dain, announced him King of Erebor.

Men from Dale and dwarves cheered and rejoiced in gladness. There was a huge party with music, lots of food, dancing, singing, and talking about the future. I decided to excuse myself and went out onto the balcony.

Above me, the moon shone full. It's light lit up the field. It was hard for me to think that just a month ago a battle for Erebor had happened and took the one I love.

"Thalia..." I breathed. "If only you were right now." Then, I chuckled. "If you were here, you would probably be down dancing and singing and being your wild self." I thought of a silly young hobbit skipping around the halls, with her long curls bouncing and a bright smile on her face.

"Don't worry, Bilbo. She's still here as long as we remember her." I turned and saw Thorin walking towards me. He leaned against the wall next to me and looked across the horizon. "Strange, isn't it? To think all that has happened."

I thought about it. Our adventure.

"There are some things I regret, but fate is fate." Thorin sighed. I shook my head.

"I wouldn't change a thing about this adventure." I said, placing a hand on Thorin's shoulder. "This is more than any Baggins deserves." Thorin smiled and laughed and ruffled my hair; like the way he used to do to Thalia. Then, his expression became serious.

"I want you to stay." Thorin said. "I want to live here in Erebor." I blinked at the offer. Stay here? Forever? I snickered a little at the thought of Thalia immediately saying yes.

"I loved to, Thorin. I really do." I admitted, which made Thorin's eyes light up. I straightened my posture. "But I can't stay." Thorin's shoulders slumped slightly.

"This has been the greatest adventure of my life, and I don't want it to end." I said, wiping my eye with the back of my hand. "But the Shire is my home. I miss it."

Thorin nodded in a understanding matter. Then, he smiled. "When will you leave?"

I laughed. "Hey, don't rush me!"

I stayed for months. Everyday was different and intriguing to me. Thorin taught me many defenses and trade, and I taught him about maps and gardens. The dwarves and I never ran out of ideas.

But it was time.

Time to go home.