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Mending the Broken Pieces	By : LadyLaran Category: Lord of the Rings Movies > Het - Male/Female Views: 13613 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I do not own "the Hobbit" nor do I make money from this story. Tolkien and Jackson are the ones who own the characters and world.

Chapter List
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Author’s Note – I do apologize for not getting this out on Wednesday. I’ve been dealing with health issues and found out I’ve got a double whammy in regards to sinus and ear infections. I’m a bit of a zombie since my doctor has me on several types of antibiotics and steroids to knock this crap out fast.

Disclaimer – I do not own “the Hobbit” nor do I make any money from this story.

Chapter Thirty-nine – Plans, Repairs, and Discoveries

The next few days had passed fairly peacefully as the company found things that could be of use to them. Some of them spent time ensuring the gate was repaired enough to hold anything attacking from outside but could be opened to welcome the dwarrow Dain was sending.

Hawthorn had spent part of her time in the treasury, looking for her staff alongside Gloin, Nori, and Dwalin. She hoped it could be found soon as she was so very stiff; the bruising from her collision against the wall had yet to fade, and Oin had warned her that it would take time to do so since there was probably layers of bruising beneath the first layer given how hard she’d hit.

Though the hobbit was still so very pleased with the outcome, a part of her was growing worried about her betrothed. Thorin had been slightly withdrawn lately, having to be reminded occasionally to eat or rest, and she wondered if she was just being overly concerned since he had been focused on working with the company to ensure they were safe and had what was needed to be somewhat comfortable as they waited for Dain and the supplies he was sending. He would joke with his nephews and family, but she could sense something wasn’t quite right and it troubled her.

She was so lost in thought, she wasn’t quite paying attention to her footing and tripped over some heavy object. The hobbit let out a small cry, tumbling down a mound of gold to land in a small little valley.

“Are you all right,” Nori asked, then froze. “Mahal, I can’t believe it.”

Gloin and Dwalin hurried to the dwarf’s side, freezing as well when they spotted what was laying in the girl’s lap.

Hawthorn blinked, dusting off the golden coins and pausing when the gem in her lap caught her attention. It matched the description of the stone Thorin needed, and she looked up at the three of them.

“Is this it?”

“Aye, that’s the Arkenstone,” Dwalin answered. “You found it, and we weren’t even trying to look for it!”

“I can’t believe it’d fall into my lap like this,” she answered, staring at the stone resting on her legs.

“Me either,” Gloin said with a laugh. “I think it’s a good omen. Tuck it into your pocket, and you can present it to Thorin tonight at supper. We really need to find weapons and armor, and that staff of yours still hasn’t shown itself.”

The lass tucked the gem into her pocket, accepting Dwalin’s help in getting to her feet, and she rejoined them in looking through the treasure. It took the better part of two hours for her staff to be found, and it was Nori who had discovered it. He handed it to her with a grin, and then the dwarrow urged her to exit the treasury since she was unsteady on the heaps of gold. They really didn’t want her to fall again, a sentiment she heartily agreed with.

Hawthorn was grateful to leave the large chamber, not liking the feeling in the room, and she went to find either Thorin or Oin. She found her father, telling him what had happened in the treasury. He promptly steered her back to the room where the company had been bedding down and ordered her to take a rest. He gave her a bit of pain tonic, staying until she drifted back to sleep.

The hobbit woke much later, finding the entire company in the room. They were quietly joking and getting settled for the evening, and she spotted Bombur working on their evening meal. Dwalin and Nori were inspecting her staff, making sure it had not taken damage during her confrontation with Smaug.

Slowly, Hawthorn sat up and leaned against the wall. The motion caught Thorin’s eye, and he smiled at her before speaking.

“Now that she’s awake, I’d like to hear the reports from everyone,” he said, moving to sit beside her.

“The gate is functional now,” Bofur reported. “It’s not pretty, but it’ll open and close as well as hold up if we have anyone trying to get in when they shouldn’t. It was a matter of reinforcing the mechanisms, and they’ll need replacing pretty quick. It should hold for a while as long as nothing too powerful tries to pound their way in.”

“Ori, would you start a list of repairs for me. The gates should be at the top of it since the safety of the people is tantamount,” Thorin said. “Good work everyone; we’ll get them fixed first so as to keep everyone protected.”

“I found bedding that had been put away in cedar chests,” Dori spoke up next. “That’s just what we found in the King’s Hall, and it’ll be enough to keep us warm for the winter. I also found spare fabric and clothing I can adjust so we’ll have clean clothes as soon as I have the time to make alterations to them. There’s probably more spare blankets in the market as well as the other homes, but we’ve not had time to go hunting for them.”

“If we can manage it, let’s not go into the homes until we’re ready to document who the owners had been if it’s possible so we can ensure any returning families have their homes to return to. The dwellings whose lines died out will be offered to any who have no homes – priority to families with bairns first.

“The clothing idea is a good one; we need to stay clean to keep healthy. Do what you can, and pull in others who can sew to help you.”

“There’s a bathing room in the King’s Halls,” Fili told his uncle. “I remember you telling us about it and the other hot springs in Erebor. From what we can see, the King’s Halls look to be intact and the spring is clear with fresh water and no pest problems. We can take advantage of that, especially those who have been hurt.”

“Did you get to take a look at the structure of the halls to make sure they’re sound?”

“We dragged Bifur with us once we realized the hot springs was in great shape,” Kili replied. “He has more experience, and he taught us what to look for.”

“Stone feels safe and sturdy,” the former miner replied. “Toilets are functioning too, drawing water in and out, but didn’t test the sinks. I’m not trained in plumbing.”

“Let’s move in to the halls tomorrow,” Thorin suggested. “They won’t need as much repair, and we can work around that until the major repairs for Erebor are lined out. I want to leave this room for Dain’s troops as well as open up a few more if possible so they have a place to bunk until Dain is ready to return home.”

“I checked on the healing ward,” Oin stated from his position near Hawthorn. “Mattresses and linens are ruined with age, which I expected. Furniture is solid. It needs a good scrubbing, someone to check the plumbing, and resupplying.”

“That’s good news. We’ll try to get that as quickly as possible,” Thorin told him. “It needs to be ready in case of accidents or illness.”

Ori put that at the top of the list; the King’s Halls were at the bottom because he knew Thorin would demand that his people had a place to sleep first before he allowed the halls to be repaired and renovated.

“From the looks of things so far,” Bofur stated. “The damage done was to the entry hall, a few walkways, and the treasury. All that damage was due to the dragon coming in or us fighting the bastard. I’d suggest getting someone to examine the flooring of the treasury when possible due to the sheer weight of the gold and dragon in there, plus a few columns were broken during the fight. I’m worried about the structural integrity there.”

“That location will be the absolute last for repairs or any work outside of making sure the structure is sound,” the king said in response. “Dwalin, were you, Gloin, and Nori able to find what we need?”

“Aye,” he answered. “Armor and weapons for everyone, even found Frerin’s bow that my father made for him for his name day. I figured you’d want Kili to have that.”

“Good, lock up the room and give the key to Nori,” Thorin ordered. “He’ll be the last person anyone would consider holding the key, and I don’t want anyone else in there until we know for certain that the dragon hasn’t tainted anything. Once Tharkun examines it and deems it safe, Gloin I’d like you to spend a few hours a day on inventory to pull out what doesn’t belong to this kingdom. Bard will need Dale’s treasure returned to him when he’s ready.”

“I’ll set up a second storage room and have Nori lock it when I’m ready,” he answered his cousin, passing a small package to Thorin. “We found the item you were asking us to find.”

Nori set Hawthorn’s staff by her bedding, grinning when she beamed at him.

“Thank you! I hope it didn’t take you too long to look it over,” the hobbit told the pair, who chuckled.

“Not long,” Dwalin assured her. “Even with the dragon smacking it out of your hand and the shuffling around during the battle, there’s not a scratch on it at all.”

“I feel relieved to know it’s all right,” she said, looking happy. “Oh, speaking of the treasury, Thorin, I found something for you. It sort of fell right into my lap when I took a tumble down a pile of gold.”

The king turned when he heard her words, and everyone went silent when the Arkenstone was pressed into his hands. He examined it a moment, then leaned in to kiss her softly.

“Thank you, ukradel. This way, if I am challenged about my right to sovereignty, I have the means to prove it.”

“You’re welcome,” she answered, pleased when he handed it to Balin.

“Keep this somewhere safe please, cousin. I have plans to have a new throne made, and the Arkenstone will be placed somewhere in another part of the mountain. Given the problems my grandfather had, I have no wish to fall under the gold sickness. I want it put into the mountain but in a way none can access it, but it can be seen as proof that Erebor’s heart has been restored.”

“If it’s not on throne, can that cause problems for you,” Ori asked, looking up at his king.

“No because the lords of the Longbeard clan will swear fealty to me and the bloodline,” Thorin replied. “I will no longer allow an object to be sworn to; it’s the king who leads, and the king is one of the holders of the bloodline of Durin himself. If they don’t like it, I can easily appoint their replacements.”

Balin and a few of the older company members looked pleased by his decision, and the head adviser bowed his head to his king.

“As you will it, my king,” he answered.

The planning session went on through dinner, and Ori took detailed notes as he did so. A lot of things were discussed, and Thorin felt satisfied once it was done. Having a plan was reassuring, and he would do everything to ensure his people were safe and thriving once more.

He was so lost in thought, he jumped slightly when Hawthorn touched his arm. He looked into her blue eyes, seeing concern there.

“It’s all right, Hawthorn; I was just thinking about the plans,” the dwarf lord reassured her.

“You’re not eating again, and it’s not the first time I’ve caught you doing that or being lost in thought. I know you have a lot on your mind, fy brenin, but please try to take better care of yourself,” she asked, sounding worried.

“I will, ukradel,” he promised, kissing her softly. “There’s just a lot to be done.”

“I know, but the situation isn’t as dark as we feared. This is a time of work and planning, but it’s also a time to be happy. The exile is almost at an end.”

Thorin rested his forehead against hers, smiling lovingly at her. She was right, and he needed to try to remember that this was a joyful time. He would try to express his happiness because the Valar had blessed him and his people.

“Thank you, my love,” he murmured. “You always manage to say or do the right thing to help me stay on task and remember what’s important.”

“That’s what I’m supposed to do,” she said, smiling back. “Now, eat before I have Bombur sit on you so Dwalin can feed you.”

That sparked laughter from him, and he threw his head back as he did so. Oh yes, he was certainly blessed and hoped she would continue to put a smile on his face even when the days were dark.

Author’s End Note – I hope everyone enjoyed it! Hopefully, things cooperate so I can post on Wednesday like I usually do. Thanks for reading! ~ Laran
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Mending the Broken Pieces