Chapter Text
It had been three full days, and still they had not woken. Thranduil had called his best healers to look at them, but they could find nothing wrong. They all appeared to merely be asleep. Glorfindel had told them all not to worry, but his advice was getting harder to heed.
Thorin felt utterly helpless. He had almost lost Dorian not too long ago. Was he going to lose him for real this time? He looked over to where his nephews sat next to their Ones. Fíli had his hand around Leonor’s wrist, feeling her pulse. Kíli sat uncharastically still, holding Ezarah’s hand in his.
Dwalin paced the room, stopping occasionally to fidget with Anthony’s hair. Something had definitely happened between the two since the battle. Bilbo sat in the corner, and Bofur was keeping him company. Nori hadn’t moved from Florence’s side, and his brothers checked on him frequently.
“Any change yet?” Thorin looked up at the voice to see Glorfindel walking in.
“Nothing,” the dwarf sighed heavily.
“I still wouldn’t worry,” Glorfindel said, “There is time yet for them to wake.”
“What if they don’t?”
“Something will happen. I cannot say for sure, but I believe that they are currently making the decision whether or not to stay here, or go back to the world they are originally from.”
“So they could…” Thorin gasped, “… just disappear?”
“If they chose to return,” Glorfindel shrugged, “But I would not worry about that.” With that, the golden haired elf swept out of the tent again. Thorin sighed, turning his gaze back to Dorian’s still form. Out of the corner of his eyes he saw Thranduil enter again with his healers to check on them again.
Would they really choose to go back? What happened then. Would they just disappear as soon as they had appeared? Would they remember them? Or would they be forgotten as soon as they disappeared? It made his chest hurt to imagine forgetting Dorian.
Dwalin suddenly let out a sharp gasp.
“What is it?” Thranduil ordered, immediately sweeping over to the dwarf and Anthony.
“Anthony’s hands are moving!” Dwalin exclaimed. Sure enough, when Thorin looked over, he could see Anthony starting to shift. That’s when Pandora let out a sharp groan, and Artemis’ eyes began to twitch.
Thorin’s gaze snapped back to Dorian, and he let out a breath of relief to see Dorian’s lips moving and his eyes dashing around beneath closed eyelids.
“Dorian,” he said, “Dorian can you hear me?” The elf let out a small groan.
“Jesus Valar shit-fu-” Pandora suddenly screeched as she flailed and fell off the bed she was on. Fíli and Kíli were immediately by her side to help her.
“Pandora!” Kíli exclaimed.
“Are you okay?” Fíli asked.
“Ah!” Pandora screeched, “I’m back!”
“Does anyone else feel… I dunno… like mud?” Artemis groaned as Bofur helped her sit up.
“That’s actually a pretty good description,” Noam chuckled, reaching up to rub at her eyes.
“What happened?” Thranduil ordered as he moved to her side.
“Thorin?” Dorian gasped as he finally opened his eyes.
“Careful,” Thorin whispered, and he gently helped him sit up. The elf looked at all his friends with wide eyes, and they stared back.
“That was a little weird,” Ezarah finally said after a moment.
“‘A little?’” Leonor snorted.
“Are you all okay?” Kíli asked.
“Yes? I think?” Florence shrugged.
“How long were we out?” Hugo wondered.
“Three days,” Bilbo replied.
“Three whole days?” Pandora exclaimed, “I never want to sleep that long ever again!”
“What happened? Why wouldn’t you wake?” Thranduil asked again.
“We were… in between? Is that what we decided?” Anthony said.
“Yes,” Artemis huffed.
“We met the Valar!” Ezarah exclaimed.
“The Valar?” Thranduil gasped.
“They explained why they brought us here,” Noam said, “We were chosen by them to help change the course of fate.”
“They gave us the choice to either return or stay here,” Leonor said as she smiled up at Fíli, “I think you can see what we chose.”
“You chose to stay?” Fíli grinned, and he grew tearful. Thorin then jolted as Dorian shot up from the bed he was on.
“Oh! Oh no no no!”
“What is it?” Thorin gasped, trying to comfort his lover.
“I can’t remember!” Dorian screeched, “It’s gone! Just like the Valar said! I didn’t actually think I would forget!”
“Shit!” Pandora also exclaimed, and the rest of them too grew concern on their faces.
“What don’t you remember?” Kíli wondered.
“We had the choice to return here… with the condition that we wouldn’t have any more knowledge of the future,” Florence sighed.
“So you don’t know what happens anymore?” Nori gasped.
“The Valar said we had completed our mission,” Artemis stated, “There’s no reason we need to remember what happens anymore. Our job is done.”
“What was your job?” Dwalin asked.
“To save the line of Durin,” Dorian said, and he took Thorin’s hand.
“To save us?” the dwarf repeated.
“You, Fíli, and Kíli being alive will help shape the future,” Artemis said, “Not that we can tell how, anymore.”
“It’s so weird!” Ezarah groaned, “Logically I know I should remember what happens! It’s all in the books and movies! But everytime I try to think about what happens… nothing comes to me!”
“It’s really disconcerting,” Anthony muttered.
“We made our choices,” Noam said firmly, “Our reason for being here is complete. We saved many lives. Now, we get to live the rest of our lives here in Middle-Earth. We let fate unravel itself now.”
“That’s right. We made the choice to stay.” Dorian took a deep breath. “I’m ready to settle down with you now, Thorin.”
“You will stay with me?” Thorin had to ask.
“Of course,” Dorian said as he leaned down.
“I love you,” Thorin whispered as he tilted his head up to kiss Dorian.
“Ew! No kissing!” Pandora screeched.
“Pandora,” Artemis warned.
“Whatever. I’m here to stay and explore Middle-Earth! New life starts now!”
“Technically it started several months ago when we were first brought here…” Leonor shrugged.
“Shush. I’m off to find Beorn!” With that, the hobbit was out of the tent.
Dorian looked to Thorin as laced his fingers tighter through the dwarf’s. Pandora was right. This was their new life, and he was here to stay.
Florence looked out over Dale from the ramparts of Erebor. The sun was beginning to set, casting a beautiful pink glow over the city. She took in the sight and breathed in. It already felt like home.
A soft tapping noise sounded behind her. She turned to see Nori limping towards her, using his crutches to steady himself.
“You okay?” he asked once he had stopped beside her.
“Of course. Why do you ask?” Florence replied.
“You’ve just been quiet. Ever since you woke up.”
“I’m just taking it all in.” Florence looked back out across the glowing lands. “Middle-Earth is my home now. Part of it didn’t really feel real until now.”
“Do you miss your old home?” Nori asked quietly. Florence smiled and gently took the dwarf’s hand in hers.
“Of course, and part of me always will. But I do not regret leaving. Erebor will be my home now, with you.”
“You will stay with me?” The two dwarves leaned into each other, and Florence placed a warm kiss against Nori’s lips.
“Always.”
Anthony looked over the papers in front of him. Thorin had assigned him and Dwalin as generals of the new Ereborian Guard, and it seemed he had been the one stuck with assigning shifts. Legolas sat across from him, looking very bored as he gazed at his own papers.
The alliance between Erebor, Dale, and Mirkwood had been officially cemented, and King Thranduil had tasked his son with creating a guard to stay in Erebor. It was part of the plan to strength relations between the three races; Bard would create teams of men to work in both Erebor and Mirkwood, Thorin would send dwarven guards to help in Dale and protect the forest road in Mirkwood, and King Thranduil would supply elves to the ramparts of Dale and Erebor.
“Well, I see ye two are hard at work in here.” Anthony grinned at the voice and looked up as Dwalin entered the room.
“It’s trivial,” Legolas huffed.
“But necessary,” Anthony retorted, “We’ve got to make the east a stronghold. And to do that, we need a strong guard, which requires some paperwork.”
“I just don’t see why I, as the prince of Mirkwood, have to do said paperwork,” Legolas sniffed.
“Perhaps that’s why yer father made ye do it,” Dwalin chuckled.
“In any case,” Legolas said as he stood and flipped his hair over his shoulder, “I am done for today. I must find Tauriel and Pandora now, to discuss our travel plans to the west.” With that, the elf was striding out of the door. Dwalin rolled his eyes, and sat next to Anthony. The blond dwarf pushed his papers to the side and turned to Dwalin expectantly. He could tell the other dwarf had something to say.
“I’m to be sent back to the Blue Mountains with Glóin to help bring our people back to Erebor,” Dwalin explained, straight to the point as always, “Mainly, actually, to escort the Lady Dís back. I was wondering if you would come with me?”
“I’d be mad if you didn’t take me with you,” Anthony smiled softly at his dwarf, “I get to call you mine, now, and I will not leave your side.” Dwalin’s face burned, and he shook his head even as he took Anthony’s hand in his.
“Ye can’t say things like that in public places.”
“Why? Can’t have people knowing you’re actually a big softy?”
“I hate you.”
“Of course.”
Artemis pulled the blanket tighter around her shoulders. It was so cold in the mountains, especially since they were now well into winter.
“You holding up okay?” Hugo wondered as he put his book aside.
“You know I’ve never liked the cold,” Artemis replied, burrowing deeper into Bofur’s side where they sat.
“I agree,” Bilbo huffed from his spot next to Hugo, “I’ll be glad to be in the Shire again. I admit I will miss the adventure, but I would be happy to be back in milder weather again.”
“So, ye plan on heading back soon then?” Bofur wondered.
“We plan on setting back out to Hobbiton once the snow has melted,” Hugo stated as he grasped Bilbo’s hand.
“It’ll be good to be back in Bag-End, especially when it’s not empty,” Bilbo added, beaming at Hugo.
“So, you two really are a thing then, now?” Artemis grinned at the two.
“Don’t get smug,” Hugo warned, and Artemis rolled her eyes. Of course she wouldn't get smug. She wasn’t her cousin.
“Everyone is making their plans for the future, now that the battle is over and the mountain reclaimed,” Bofur said.
“It’s amazing that the quest is over,” Bilbo admitted, “It’s kind of odd to be making plans to go back home.”
“Pandora has been all over the place. Do we know if she has any plans yet?” Hugo wondered.
“No,” Artemis shrugged, “But I did see her make off with several maps of the West.”
“The West?” Bofur repeated.
“What would she want there?” Bilbo asked.
“I won’t even pretend to understand how my cousin’s mind works anymore,” Artemis sighed, “But knowing her, she’s probably got some sort of adventure in mind.” She then looked up in time to catch a look that passed between Bilbo and Bofur. She was about to call them out, when said hobbit stood suddenly and pulled Hugo up after him.
“I am suddenly in the mood for sweetcakes, and I have it on good authority that Bombur was making some. Shall we go find him?” Bilbo asked.
“I-I guess?” Hugo squeaked even as he was being pulled after his lover. Artemis watched them go before turning to her own lover.
“Is there a reason we’re in private now?” she wondered playfully.
“Er… yes,” Bofur shrugged sheepishly, “I wanted to speak of our plans for the future, if I’m still in your future, that is.”
“Bofur,” Artemis smiled, “Of course you are in my future. I chose to stay here in Middle-Earth largely due to my love for you. I would happily stay here in Erebor with you.”
“I was actually thinking…” Bofur trailed off, “I know ye liked the Shire. And I’ve no more commitments here… And I was also speaking to Bilbo about maybe building a smile of my own in Hobbiton…”
“Bofur!” Artemis gasped, “Are you suggesting you would move to the Shire with me?”
“Aye.”
“But your brothers! And we just reclaimed Erebor!”
“I thought that staying here would be what I wanted,” Bofur admitted, “But that was before. When I think about what I want now, I imagine a cozy little home, and a warm fireplace, and reading books with ye in the evenings, and going on walks in the sun…” The dwarf trailed off, his ears bright red. Artemis’ chest filled with warmth, and she flung her arms around here.
“And maybe a few extra little bodies running around?” she suggested softly, and she felt Bofur gasp beneath her, before she was spinning around in his arms.
Ezarah couldn’t stop staring at Kíli. Leonor fought the urge to roll her eyes, for she often did the same with Fíli. The brothers were alive, and it was almost mesmerizing. They had done it. They had saved the line of Durin.
Kíli turned then to see Ezarah staring at him, and the dwarf grinned. With flushing cheeks, Kíli dove at Ezarah and began peppering his face with kisses which caused the elf to laugh. This time, Leonor did roll her eyes. Ezarah caught her look and scoffed.
“Like you’re any better with Fee, Leo.”
“At least we save our displays of affection for my private areas.”
“We don’t have to,” Fíli smirked mischievously as he leaned over and placed a sloppy kiss against her scarred cheek. She felt the blood rush to her face, and Ezarah and Kíli laughed.
“Don’t be such a stick in the mud,” Ezarah huffed, “We survived the Battle of Five Armies. We get our happy ending now.”
“That we do,” Leonor agreed, and she leaned into Fíli’s chest. He was fully healed now, and happy for it. He was assisting his uncle in readying the kingdom, and taking in fully his responsibilities as Thorin’s heir.
“When does the coronation happen?” Ezarah wondered aloud.
“Next week,” Fíli replied, “Balin wants to crown Thorin as soon as possible. Erebor needs a king again.”
“Hm,” Kíli giggled, “And how long after the coronation do we have to wait until we get a new uncle?”
“They had better not hold it off too long,” Leonor growled, “I’m sick of Dorian and Thorin making lovesick eyes at each other.”
“I hope they don’t hold it off for long, either,” Fíli admitted.
“Of course you don’t,” Kíli laughed, and his brother’s face grew warm. Leonor and Ezarah shared a look. They were missing something.
“Okay, but why would it matter if they waited to get married or not?” Ezarah decided to ask.
“Well, first of-” Kíli tried to say, but his brother threw a pillow at him with a burning face.
“You are hiding something,” Leonor stated, fixing her love with a look.
“N-no!” Fíli tried to say.
“Just tell her!” Kíli pleaded.
“Tell me what?”
“I-it’s just a tradition thing,” Fíli said slowly, “Unless the king expressly states that he won’t get married, the heirs usually can’t get married until he does…”
“Is that a marriage proposal?” Leonor gasped, as did Ezarah.
“Say yes!” the elf exclaimed, and he and Kíli gripped each other excitedly.
“I, uh…” Fíli stuttered, “Yes? Will you marry me, Leonor?”
“You silly, witless dwarf,” Leonor huffed, “Yes, I will marry you.”
“You will?”
“Was that ever in question?” Leonor grinned and pulled Fíli in for a searing kiss, artfully ignoring Ezarah and Kíli who cheered in the background.
Noam sat with her brother sipping tea. Glorfindel and the Rivendell elves had just left to journey back to Imladris. Dale and Erebor were looking more and more put together each day, and Thranduil prepared to journey back to Mirkwood himself.
“He asked you to go with him, didn’t he,” Dorian said as he gazed at his sister. Noam smiled. Of course her brother knew what she was thinking about.
“He did.”
“Elliwen would be so happy for you both.”
“My only regret is that she could not be here with us. I believe that I love Thranduil, as he loves me, but we will always be incomplete without her.”
“It will only be for a short while then,” Dorian said softly, “She will be waiting for you both in Valinor when you sail.” The thought filled Noam with burning hope. Dorian was right. Elliwen waited for them across the sea. She had not lost her love forever.
“And what about you?” Noam asked after a moment. She already knew the answer, but part of her hoped her brother wouldn’t say it.
“I will not sail,” Dorian whispered, and he took Noam’s hand in his. She let out a shuddering breath, and a tear rolled down her cheek.
“It would be selfish to ask you to sail with me, I know. But I will miss you, Dorian. Forever and always. We have been together our entire lives.”
“I’ll always be with you, Noam, even if I am not there physically,” Dorian said, “I love you. Immortal life is not my path, as it is yours. My heart goes with Thorin, and I will go with him in death at the end of my days.”
“That will be the day I sail,” Noam cried, “For I will not be able to stay in a land where you no longer live.”
“You will have Thranduil, and Elliwen waiting for you. You will be okay.” He leaned over and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. Noam leaned into it, mourning her brother’s decision. They would follow the same path as Elrond Peredhel and Elros Tar-Minyatur. Twins separated at the end of one’s life.
But Elrond lived on, and so would Noam and the memory of her brother.
A knock sounded, at the door, and the siblings pulled apart.
“Come in!” Noam called, and Thranduil and Thorin entered.
“Are we interrupting?” the elven king wondered.
“Not at all,” Dorian said as they stood, “We were just enjoying our final moments together before you sweep my sister off her feet and carry her to your kingdom to ravish-” Dorian cut off with a wheeze as Noam elbowed him in the gut. Thranduil’s face glowed brightly, and Thorin began to cackle.
“Good riddance to you, Dorian,” Noam chuckled, even as she placed a kiss in turn on her brother’s forehead, as he had done to her moments before. She then strode out of the room, snatching Thranduil’s hand as she did and dragging him along with her. Thorin turned to Dorian and joined him at the table.
“She will go to Mirkwood then?” the dwarf asked as he poured himself some tea.
“Aye,” Dorian said as he sipped again at his cup, “She and Thranduil have become enamored with one another, and she always has felt at home amongst the trees.”
“You will miss her, I’m sure.”
“Of course, but she will not be too far away. She will never be too far away from me,” Dorian said softly. Thorin knew something had happened between the twins before he and Thranduil interrupted, but he sensed it wasn’t for him to know yet.
“I must ask,” Thorin decided to say instead, “Will you stay with me, in Erebor?” Dorian beamed at his dwarf.
“You won’t be able to get rid of me. Not ever, now.”
“However shall I live with that fate?” Thorin chuckled, and his smile grew as Dorian laughed in return.
“Erebor is now my home,” Dorian said, “It already feels like it. I can’t wait to see it flourish as it once did.”
“I will be king in a week,” Thorin stated, “Balin is making plans for the coronation. Dorian, I…” The dwarf trailed off, and Dorian turned to face him fully.
“Yes, Thorin?”
“I would ask you to rule with me,” Thorin almost whispered, “I love you, Dorian. Please, be my partner in life and marry me.” Dorian’s jaw dropped, and his chest exploded with delight.
“I will be yours forever, Thorin,” Dorian promised, “And I would be humbled to help watch over your people at your side.” Thorin beamed, and he leaned up to kiss Dorian. Their lips met in a promise to one another, and Dorian smiled into the kiss. This was home.