There and Back Again

Chapter Twenty-Five: One Last Night

Sighing in relief as he reached Thalia's chambers, Thorin could not help but ponder the fact that the last week had been spent finalising plans for the attack against the Easterling army that was marching toward them. 

It had decided to take the battle to the approaching army rather than allow them any closer to the mountain, it was one way of ensuring that the battle did not spill further than needed like it had last time. 

The Battle of the Five Armies had left quite a bit of devastation in its wake and it had been years before Erebor, Dale and the surrounding area had truly recovered. 

The winters had been harsh and they had all had to pitch in, Thorin nor Bain wished to see that happen again and were united in wishing to protect their home. 

Rohan had somehow succeeded in beating back the army that had surrounded them at Helm's Deep and Thorin knew that they could no longer ignore what was happening in their world. 

It was their turn now to ensure that this darkness would not swallow them all, he would do anything to keep his family safe. 

Despite the fact that it had only been days since he and Thalia had wed, Thorin had no regrets in how it had taken place; though his council still did not know, he would leave this world a happy dwarf if that was what Mahal had planned for him. 

Tomorrow he would rise early and ride out with the finest warriors to defeat this evil before it had the chance to take hold of everything that he cared about. 

When he had fought in the Battle of the Five Armies, Thorin had thought that he had nothing left to lose but his own life; he had never considered that Thalia would ever consider forgiving him after their fight. 

This time, however, he had Thalia and their children to think about and Thorin felt that there was even more at stake now; he did not dare consider their fate if he failed to win this battle. 

Stepping into the chambers, Thorin was relieved to see that there were none of Thalia's ladies present; he did not wish for an audience tonight when it could be their last together. 

There were so many dwarves that would be joining him on the march and there were some that would not be returning to their families; they would die with honour for their Kingdom and to keep it safe.

Thalia offered him a weak smile as she stared at him, she had never thought that this would come so quickly and it made her stomach turn at the thought that this could be their last night together. 

The two had argued when Thorin had announced that she would remain here and act as regent in his absence; he would have no one doubt where the power rested even if he was not in the mountain. 

Thalia had wished to travel with the army, she could fight and she had no intentions of cowering when she could help; it had taken a lot to dissuade her from going with him and risk the chance of their children being left as orphans. 

Dis was also remaining along with Kona, the three would represent the House of Durin in the absence of Thorin, Fili and Kíli who would all travel to fight with the army. 

"Daddy," Samara squealed jumping down from her chair and rushing over to Thorin, she had not seen him in a few days and she was so happy that he was here. 

Everyone had been so tense recently and no one would tell her why and she did not like it; she rather liked that now everyone greeted her as Princess now. 

Theo peeked up from the book that he was reading just as Samara run into their father's arms; it had been a strange couple of weeks and both the twins wanted to know what was going on.