The Eyes of Emerald

Chapter 38

Dawn slowly opened her eyes. She knew the was no longer where she last was. She could tell because she couldn't feel the bitter cold of the snow. She felt the shelter of blankets, and scent of burning herbs. As she slowly sat up, she saw she was in her bedroom, wearing her night attire. Near her was Bofur, who was chanting over the burning herbs as the flamed leaves fell into a liquid. When he stopped, he looked at her, and she saw his face stained with tears. Bofur then broke into tears again and embraced the girl. Dawn gripped tightly and she too began to tear up. "I thought I lost you."

"I would be with you even if you had." When they separated. Dawn cleared her senses. Fili and Kili. Where were they, and were they alright?

"Kili..." Dawn began. But she was paused by Bofur.

"The lad returned with the elf that healed him. He's safe and happy."

"Fili...where is he?" she asked, showing great concern. But her answer was given to her when she heard footsteps. From her door appeared Fili. He was a bit beaten up, but compared to probably the rest of the dwarven army, was seemingly unharmed. His face showed signs of sleep deprivation and endless worrying. But the moment he caught sight of her, he was shocked.

Could it be her? Was this true? He approached her and caressed her face in curiosity and disbelief. Dawn's eyes swells with tears. She broke the silence and kissed his lips. He eagerly returned the passion. When they separated, they embraced tightly, and let each other cry on their shoulders.

"Fili, I thought you were dead," Dawn sobbed.

"I'm here," Fili assured. When they separated, he placed her necklace into the palm of her hand. "And I will never leave your side."

After Dawn faced a reunion with everyone, she had to face the sad truth that they would host an honourable funeral for what would be an honourable king. She dressed in a beautiful dark grey dress with a grey veil for respect. All who participated in the battle attended to pay their respects. Thorin laid on a stone tomb in his clothes, holding the Arkenstone. He was the rightful owner. And he would be the last to possess it before he was to be sealed. Dawn held onto Fili's arm the entire time, as did he, to support each other during this time of grief. She noticed that Kili and Tauriel were doing the same.

"Sleep well, my king," Dawn whispered to Thorin.

Before the coronation, Dawn and Tauriel were led by Fili and his brother to a woman wearing a black veil to cover her face. She had many dwarves surrounding her, and giving condolences. "Dawn, I think it's time you met a very important person."

The veiled figure turned their head and looked up. They slowly removed the veil, to reveal an beautiful elderly dwarf. She smiled warmly at the sight of them all, and took the hands of the brothers. "My boys. My brave, handsome boys," she said with a warm voice. Dawn gasped and bowed to who was in front of her. This was no ordinary dwarf woman. This was Dis, princess of Erebor, sister to the late Thorin Oakenshield, daughter of Thrain, granddaughter to Thror, mother of Fili and Kili.

"Mother," Fili said as he embraced the woman. "I'm sorry that we finally see each other after such a long time in such circumstances." 

"Nonsense, my child," Dis said with a smile. "With every rose, there is a thorn. Yes, I have lost my brother, and that is a painful thorn indeed. Yet I have a grand bush of roses: I get to see both of my sons safe, my dear Fili shall be king..." Kili took his mothers hand and placed his prized stone in her palm, and she shed a tear. "...and my loyal Kili has kept his promise." Dis then looked to the two woman. She lifted Dawns chin as she still knelt down in honor.

"And this must be the famed Balorat Su, who saved both of my treasures. You are a beauty, there's no doubt."

Dawn blushed at the compliment. "It's an honor to meet you."

"The pleasure is mine. And don't think i've forgotten about you," she said addressing Tauriel. "You are a rare beauty yourself." Tauriel, try as she may to avoid it, blushed. Fili then discretely whispered something into Dis' ear and her face lit up, but none could hear what it was he had whispered. All she did was nod. 

"Dawn, may we have some privacy?" Fili asked gently. Dawn nodded and bowed to the princess, and the girl left with Tauriel as the prince as his brother spoke with their mother.

"The king is dead!" Gandalf spoke the crowd.

"Long live the king!" Balin cried as he raised his chalice. This followed with everyone crying out in allegiance, and Fili bowed to his new subjects. He was heir of Durin, and the king of Erebor.

That night there was a great feast. All were singing, dancing, and telling stories of old. Ori even began to sketch pictures of the company. Bildo curiously asked for a picture of Fili, Kili, and Dawn. To add detail to her, Ori added the color green to her eyes, to symbolize her importance. But Fili took a break from the crowd and stepped out to a balcony for some air. She stared out into the night sky.

"You should be celebrating, my king," Dawn spoke from behind. She was wearing a beautiful pearl colored dress. Fili smiled at her. He then took her hand and revealed a piece of parchment. It was their contract.

"Do you realize what you have done by saving my life?" he asked. Dawn looked up and her eyes sparkled as they reflected the stars. "You have conducted a true heroic deed in the name of love."

"You as well," she replied. "For bringing me home."

Fili placed the parchment back in his coat. He then took a breath. He was going to do it. He exhaled as he knelt onto his knee and took Dawns hands.

"Dawn, you are my one. After we have completed the three steps, I know that I want to spend the rest of my days with you. Until we enter the halls of our fathers.  And even then, when we meet at the gates once more, to join and in hand with one another for eternity" He then revealed a ring. It was a simple ring made of what looked like silver. An engagement ring.

"Will you do me the honor, of being my one, and my queen?"

Dawn's eyes swelled with tears of joy, and she smiled brightly. "Fili from the House of Durin, I accept your proposal, and I ask you as well, to be my one."

"I do." Fili lifted Dawn into the air and twirled her around with joy. The two then kissed passionately. They couldn't believe it. They were going to get married. After all of this time.  Through all the trials and tribulations of the journey from the humble shire to the grand kingdom of Erebor, their kingdom.  They loved each other, beyond the comprehension of the gods.