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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.

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Authors Note – I can’t say how much I value your patience while I deal with grieving the loss of my mother. Writing is still sporadic as my depression is really killing my muses, but I’m trying because writing is a healthy emotional outlet for me. The stress and depression is getting to me. Finances are a huge concern because I’m unable to work, and Mom was the source of income for us after she took me in. I’ve been battling to get disability and have been waiting for months regarding the appeal being seen. I was told recently it could be as late as November before I hear anything. I qualified for foodstamps, but I live in a county where there is literally no help for housing. The charity who helped me in April can’t help with rent for May or June. I haven’t been able to find help for May’s rent, and I am overdue for my internet payment too. I’m trying to hold on and believe that I’ll get the disability answer I need, but I don’t know what I’m going to do to keep a roof over my head. My family can’t or won’t help, and I can’t leave the county because I’m on special programs to help with medical. Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers because I am so terrified and stressed right now.

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

Chapter Forty-two – Meeting and Arrivals

Hawthorn felt rather pleased with herself as she made her way to the King’s Halls, and the dwarrow who had accompanied her seemed rather pleased as well. She knew they were curious about what the private conversation had been given how rattled Thranduil had seemed during the discussion that had taken place once everyone had been called back into the tent, but they said nothing about it. She was grateful for that since she had no wish to add more fuel to the fire in regards to the issues between her family and the elves of Mirkwood.

She entered her family’s suite, finding the rest of the company waiting for them, and the hobbit gave a small grin at Thorin.

“How did it go?”

“I believe it went well,” she replied. “Bard is gathering his people and should be here between now and sunset. Calon-Tad, they have people ill with them and will need your help. He’s getting a headcount of those who need your aid.”

“I’ll be ready for them,” the healer promised, pleased she had asked for an amount of those who would need his help.

“And Thranduil,” Thorin asked.

“I don’t know what the lass told him after she insisted on a private discussion, but he was rather shaken when we returned to the tent. His son did most of the negotiating in his stead; our belongings will be returned to us and when they are, the gems will be handed off to the prince. In addition to that, the elves will aid us in supplying for the coming winter and have agreed to meet at a later date for a formal treaty that will include trade, aid, and military support,” Balin told him.

“You’re certain he won’t betray us,” Gloin asked, blinking when something was passed to Hawthorn.

The hobbit moved to stand in front of Thorin, passing him a familiar looking sheathed blade.

“Prince Legolas accepted our token of good faith and in return, he entrusted Orcrist to me to be returned to you as a sign of good faith from his people,” she said. “I have a feeling he will be handling negotiations for a while.”

Thorin drew the blade from its sheath, feeling relieved that he had the sword restored to him. He smiled up at Hawthorn, who relaxed when she saw the approval on his face.

“You did very well, ukradel, and I thank you for it.”

“You’re most welcome,” she told him. “I think asking for the prince to work as ambassador for the treaty negotiations would be wise. Thranduil will most likely not wish to see me for some time, and I don’t see him being able to be polite enough in the presence of dwarrow while creating the treaty.”

“One of these days you must tell me what it was that you used against him,” the king said to his betrothed, sheathing the sword and leaning it against his seat.

“Perhaps,” Hawthorn said softly. “Right now isn’t the time.”

Thorin accepted her answer, and the conversation went on about news regarding the preparations for the new arrivals as well as the latest reports from Dain and Dis. The advice Lord Elrond had given them about hiring some of the Dúnedain for escorts had been taken, and the princess had reported that they would be ready to move as soon as the winter weather broke and the mountains were able to be traveled.

The hobbit was heartened to see the company cheer up even further at that news since the princess would be coming with all of the dwarrow of Durin’s Folk and a few of the Broadbeam dwarrow who had treated them so kindly when Thorin’s people needed aid. She knew they missed their families a great deal, and she hoped winter would not linger in Eriador so her friends could be reunited with their loved ones quickly.

“My sister also sent a message for you,” Thorin said, handing her a sealed roll of parchment. “The poor raven was weighed down with a letter for me and message for you and the lads.”

Hawthorn took the roll, looking up at everyone.

“Would you mind if I read this,” she asked, not wanting to be rude.

Once the others assured her they wouldn’t mind, the hobbit broke open the seal and settled herself on a chair so she could read in comfort.

~Dear Miss Baggins,

I regret that a letter must be the first form of communication between us, but I find that I could not abide the thought of waiting until winter passes before I could finally speak with you.

My sons have written of you several times, always with the greatest respect and admiration. For all their silly antics, I trust their instincts in regards to reading people. Their impressions of you as well as the words of my brother, who is slow to trust, has shown you to be a kind, compassionate, and brave lady. Your courageous actions in protecting my family have only affirmed their thoughts of you to be truth in my mind.

You have kept my family alive to make it to Erebor in one piece, and I am more grateful to you for that than you will ever now. My gratitude has only grown due to the knowledge that my brother, who I feared would spend his life alone, is happier than I have ever known him to be.

You will be pleased to know that I have been in contact with your uncle; he has sent supplies to help keep us in good health throughout the winter and has promised to have food supplies, seeds, saplings, as well as everything we will need to know to start new farms from scratch. Apparently, he spoke to the best farmers and gardeners in the Shire about the situation in the areas Smaug desolated and they are writing everything they know in regards to how to bring life back to an area that has not seen life in over a century.

Your uncle is a generous man, which is something I say rarely about people, as his requirements for payment is something we can easily meet. He asked that I pass on a message to you and tell you that he is very pleased you have found your cariad. He said that he will pray to the Green Lady that you will spend your life with him in happiness and seemed pleased when I told him that your One was my brother. We have been passing messages over the last few months sharing stories about you and Thorin.

I must close this missive now, and I ask that you continue to keep my foolish family safe from their own actions and stubbornness. I also ask that you keep yourself safe for I very much desire to enter my old home and meet the woman I will one day call sister.

Thank you once again for your actions and for making my idiot brother so happy.

Dis Axedancer
Daughter of Thrain
Princess Under the Mountain~

Hawthorn set the letter onto her lap, blinking for a moment to control her emotions. She’d heard a lot of things about her future sister-in-law, and it seemed that the dwarrowdam was just as intelligent and formidable as the company had made her out to be. However, the hobbit could tell that Dis loved her family and it really touched Hawthorn to know that the dwarrowdam wanted to meet her.

“Everything all right?”

The question drew her from her thoughts, and she looked up to spy the entire company watching her with expressions of concern and dread on their faces.

“Everything is just fine,” she told them. “Princess Dis was very kind in her letter and shared some news. My uncle will be aiding Ered Luin, and everything needed to rebuild the farms will be sent when the dwarrow in the Blue Mountains leave to come home.”

“That’s good news,” Fili said with a sigh. “Even mild winters can be cause for concern when it comes to making sure we have enough food. Mountain areas aren’t the best for growing crops, and dwarrow are not made to be farmers. A few have found a knack for it, but there’s not enough of those to really keep our people fed properly in winter.”

“The hobbits grow more than enough to share with your people and not have to put themselves on rationing to make it through the cold months,” the hobbit pointed out. “I’m just pleased that something could be done to help.”

“You’ve made it a great deal easier for my sister,” Thorin agreed. “I am grateful you made the suggestion to your uncle because not having to worry about food this winter will make it easier for Dis to focus on the preparations for moving once spring arrives.”

“I am happy to have been able to help,” she said softly.

The discussion changed, going into various topics that revolved around the restoration of the mountain and what needed to be done for the humans, themselves, and the dwarrow Dain was bringing with him. She looked up when Ori came in with an announcement.

“Bard and his people are here,” he said.

Thorin rose, attaching Orcrist’s sheath to his belt. It was obvious to Hawthorn that her betrothed was a lot more comfortable now that he had the elvish blade at his side once more.

The group headed to the gate, and Dori, Bofur, Bifur, and Nori pulled the mechanism to open the massive doors. Outside was a group of humans with Bard in the front.

The king took a few steps forward, smiling at them as he spoke.

“Welcome, friends, to Erebor,” he called to the group. “We have a place for you to sleep with bathing facilities attached. I’m afraid it will be close quarters until we can inspect more of the mountain to ensure each area is safe, but we will at least be warm and fed during the winter months.”

The crowd of humans cheered, happy with the news of having shelter for their children and themselves. Bard had explained to them that the dwarrow would be willing to have their aid with helping restore the mountain, and all of them had thought it was a good way to not only keep themselves busy during the winter months but a great way to help the ones who had aided them in their time of need.

Before Bard could reply to Thorin’s welcome, a child’s voice broke through the noise.

“Miss Queen Hawthorn!”

Astrid broke through the crowd, rushing to the hobbit. Hawthorn beamed, recognizing the child immediately, and she pulled the little girl into a warm hug.

“Oh it’s good to see you,” the lass told the child. “Have you been a good girl for your mama?”

“Uh huh,” Astrid told her, beaming at her. “I helped Mister Bard pack so we could come here. Mama’s still stick though.”

“My heart-father is going to help her,” Hawthorn said, gently rubbing the child’s cheek. “Hopefully, she’ll get better soon.”

“I hope so,” the little girl said. “I don’t like it when Mama is sick.”

“I know, sweetie, and my heart-father will do his best,” she assured her, hugging her once again.

Thorin and the others watched this take place with fond smiles on their faces. Seeing the future queen of Erebor interacting with the young one put hope in the hearts of dwarrow and men alike. She was proving herself to not only be intelligent and cunning but also kind, compassionate, and loving to those around her. Watching her helped them believe that the future was going to be bright, even with the hard work ahead of them.

“We thank you for your generosity, King Thorin,” Bard stated once the child had quieted down, content to be beside the hobbit. “We have all agreed to help with the restoration of Erebor as much as we can as we wish for our neighbors to have a home they can be proud of.”

“My people will do the same for Dale when spring arrives,” the king assured him. “I received a letter from my sister today, and she informed me the planning for the return of our people to Erebor is going smoothly. We shall have their help with rebuilding your new home once they arrive and even though we are few in number, we will do all we can to ensure your people have a place to love and call home.”

“He’s a nice dwarf king,” Astrid whispered to Hawthorn.

“Yes, he is,” she murmured back, walking with her as the company escorted the humans deeper into the mountain. “He knows what it’s like to not have a home, and he never wants to see anyone have to go through what he and his people went through.”

“It’s scary,” the little girl admitted.

“Yes, it is and it’s something to remember,” the hobbit cautioned her.

“Why, Miss Queen Hawthorn?”

“I’m not queen yet, sweetheart, so just call me Hawthorn,” the lass said with a smile. “It’s important to remember in case someone comes into your life who has lost their home. If you remember how scary it was to lose yours, then you’ll be willing to help that person as much as you can.”

“Mama said that helping people and being nice to others is really important,” Astrid shared.

“Your mother is a smart woman,” Hawthorn told her. “It’s always important to help every human, hobbit, dwarf, or elf that crosses your path. Not every person is a good person but an act of kindness may be the one thing to turn a bad situation into a good one.”

“You’re smart too, Miss Queen Hawthorn.”

The hobbit laughed quietly, smiling at the little girl.

“You’re not going to stop calling me that, are you?”

“No ma’am,” Astrid told her. “You saved me and Mama like a queen or princess in one of the stories she tells me, and it’s who you are.”

Hawthorn kissed her forehead, then brushed a lock of hair out of the child’s eyes.

“Then, Miss Astrid, you may call me that but you are the only one who can. When I marry King Thorin, everyone will call me Queen Hawthorn but you, sweetheart, are the only one who can call me Miss Queen Hawthorn.”

Astrid grinned, then hugged her before hurrying to follow her mama into one of the rooms cleared for the humans. Once alone, the hobbit smile and laughed, touched by the child’s fondness for her.

“Your loyal subject abandon you, Miss Queen Hawthorn,” Fili asked, making her turn to give her two future nephews a glare.

“That is for Miss Astrid to use, thank you,” she told him, shaking her finger at him. “Miss Hawthorn or Hawthorn will be enough for you.”

“Oh I don’t know,” Kili drawled. “Auntie has a nice ring to it.”

It was obvious the pair were trying to embarrass and fluster her, but she smirked a moment before her free hand went to her hip.

“Well, if I’m auntie then that means I have the right to scold you just as your mother or uncle would,” Hawthorn told them.

The two brothers squeaked and paled, realizing she was telling the truth, and both hobbit and company laughed at their reactions.

“It is rather precious to see her interact with you,” Thorin commented, leading the company back to the King’s Halls.

“She’s a sweet child,” Hawthorn answered. “I find myself becoming rather fond of her; I will hate to see her move to Dale when it’s ready for habitation.”

“Actually, there might be a job available for the lass once her mother deems her old enough,” Balin shared. “You will have ladies-in-waiting but will need a handmaiden for running simple errands and staying near you in case you need something. We can ensure she gets a good education and even training for a position as an adult should she wish for something else.”

“Would the dwarrow accept a human child in such a position,” she asked, hopeful in keeping the child and her mother close at hand if possible.

“They will since children are important, and a child willing to learn in order to train for her future is something everyone will want to see succeed,” the adviser stated. “You’ve a good rapport with her, and that’s an important start.”

“Maybe you and I can talk to her mother about this once she and Astrid have a chance to settle in and Nessa feels better,” Hawthorn suggested.

“I am ever at your service,” Balin smiled.

“Another decision about your part of the household made,” Thorin told her. “How do you feel about it so far?”

“I’m still nervous, but I’m hopeful that I’ll learn quickly enough to be what you and your people need as queen,” the hobbit said. “I’m pleased there may be a way I can see Astrid more often. She brings sunshine into a room, and that’s needed right now.”

“It’s a trait I think she won’t lose since her rescuer is a bright ray of sunshine herself,” he said, kissing her softly. “Erebor needs as much sunshine as it can get.”

Hawthorn simply blushed, touched by her betrothed’s words and knew she would do her best to continue providing as much aid and sunlight as she possibly could.

Author’s End Note - Thank you for reading, and please let me know what you think of the chapter. Again, please keep me in your thoughts and prayers. I seriously need a miracle right now; I don’t understand how the government can justify making people in need wait this long for decisions. See you guys next time ~ Laran
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Mending the Broken Pieces