Born from Stone (A Thorin Oakenshield story)

Thrice will the trumpets ring

Three days later they departed from the Elven realm and Eilin was quick to start complaining about her freedom again. She wanted to cook for him and the soldiers, and help Loa with the washing of their clothes. Though this time instead of forcing her to immovability he allowed her some freedom, although he insisted that she remained close to the camp and always be escorted by two guards. She told him to forget it, but Thorin coaxed her grumpiness away with endless patience behind the closed tent. He managed to ease her up so much that in the end she began to enjoy his attentions and the long rests he was forcing them to take in order to not tire her out. She did cook for him and on occasion washed his clothes though. When he caught her and got ready to chastise her, it was her turn to coax his annoyance away by wrapping her fingers around his braids and pulling him down for a kiss. Thanking him for allowing her to do this small little thing for him, even if it was just a fraction of what he was doing for her everyday.

Thorin led them slowly northeast through Rhovanion and it took them several days to see the East Bright. When the Blue Mountain guards saw the clearing they pointed happily. "The narrows of the forest! Look the Mountain is at the distance!" They erupted in happy exclamations in Khuzdul alerting a sleeping Eilin that something was up. She pulled back the tent to see Thorin smiling down at her.

"We are home." He told her with a stunning smile that echoed in his eyes and when she gazed at the peak of the Lonely Mountain she felt her heart warming up.

The blizzard had finally subsided, leaving behind a soft snowfall. The grey clouds were not so dense anymore, but Eilin couldn't see patches of blue sky behind them like she did at the Shire. She helped Loa bring down the tent so she could enjoy the snowfall and Thorin delighted in the pleasure he witnessed in her features. Every doubt that he felt back in the Shire that she'd never look this happy in Erebor got dispersed when they reached the high road of the River Running. Her face was calm and content as she was enjoying the snowflakes cooling her skin. Any lingering suspicions that Eilin didn't see Erebor as her home got faded away the closer they were getting to the Mountain.

They continued in high spirits until the fires at Erebor's gates could be seen clearly. Thorin's attention was drawn to a flock of crows that was circling above them. He smiled contently at Dwalin who reciprocated. What drew all of them out of their calm contemplations was the marshalling of the royal guards at the sides of the road close to the gates. Thorin scowled and offered Dwalin a guarded look which his friend answered by a careless flicking of his shoulders. "I have no idea." He said even though Thorin didn't speak at all.

He tightened his hands on the reins and looked at the carriage that was next to him. Eilin was trying to gather their things with the help of Loa totally unbothered. It was the ringing of the trumpets that finally drew her attention as they approached. Thorin raised his hand and stopped the progression. His eyes looked at the gates that seemed empty on the outside and held his breath. The trumpets rang again and the royal guards presented arms.

"Twice?" He whispered and looked back at Dwalin who was sitting on his horse calmly.

When the trumpets rang a third time a ghostly smile appeared on Dwalin's lips. "Thrice will the trumpets ring to welcome home the King." He rejoined.

Thorin fixed his stern gaze on him.

"What is happening?" Eilin's quiet voice drew Thorin's eyes away from Dwalin.

He shook his head uncertain and signalled the guards to start the progression again. With his heart thudding and his stomach in tight knots he arrived at Erebor's gates and dismounted. The guards opened up the doors for him and pulled aside. The lieutenant cried out. "Present arms for the King!" and all the troops did so.