Eclipse of Hearts ✔

Epilogue I • Five years later

It was pouring rain. Cold crept beneath her dress, causing goose bumps on her skin, but she loved the sound of the falling water. It didn't rain much in Chyndall and Alyssae found it soothing to listen to it and watch it, while the cane roof of the upper terrace prevented her from becoming wet.  
The downpour called up memories. She saw herself, sitting in a barn, hurt and afraid to be send away by dwarfs. They were all frozen, staring outside and hoping the weather would brighten up soon.  While sitting there, she hadn't known what to do. She never could have suspected the dwarfs would accept her and that that gruff dwarf, who could only stare at her anger and spread insults, would love her.
The whole journey she was chased by doubts that went further than her own self preservation. She had met the love of her life, had made friends who were worth more than all the gold of the world and she had endured leaden ordeals. 
But she had hold on. First on her own, later with help of others. That heavy period in her life had changed her for good. She had learned how to stand up for herself. In the beginning she had been afraid her parents would forbid her to leave Chyndall again and when she returned, now she reigned over that kingdom with a dwarf on her side. 
"Are you standing here again?"
Alyssae turned around and looked at Thorin. His eyes scanned her face, worried. She smiled to take away his fear. Those last years she had stand here a lot, hoping to get a glimpse of their daughter.
Five years ago she had disappeared after the wedding of Kíli and Tauriel. First she had been afraid that her child had been stolen, but Thorin had found the Arkenstone between his belongings and they knew Niamh had given it back. Her departure had been her own choice. Alyssae could only guess about the reason why, and it made her feel sad. She supposed Niamh chose loneliness over a family and even though it hurt, she could accept her choice now. Niamh had the right to fill in her life as she wanted it, just like Alyssae had done. She could only hope she would see her daughter once again. Sometimes she whispered to the wind, hoping he brought the words to her daughter, encouraging her, wherever she was and by whatever difficulties she was confronted. 
"The rain recalls memories," Alyssae answered. "Do you remember that day that we sought shelter in that barn?'
Thorin grinned. "I know that you thanked me for saving your life. I think I have refused to do the same until this day." He looked at the little boy he held in his arms. "Your father isn't a good example, is he?' With his little finger he brushed the boy's cheek and looked up to Alyssae again. "Hereby I want to thank you for saving my life. That day - and many other days."
Alyssae pulled him in her arms. "Fi-nal-ly."
Softened she looked at their son, who had inherited her purple eyes, but the figure of his father - although Thorin claimed he was too large for a dwarf baby. 
"Honesty is the best policy," Thorin answered, with shining eyes. If there was one thing they had learned the past years, it was the need to be honest. 
She kissed his temple. "Well, than I have to tell you that I really love you."
His blue eyes met hers. "So much that you want to change Faelas' diaper?"
"Don't exaggerate my words."
For a moment she felt captive in his smile, then she showed her tongue.
"No, Oakenshield. I don't fall for that anymore."

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Note: this isn't the last chapter. One more chapter/epilogue is coming. 

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