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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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Author’s Note - I have to thank everyone for their kind uplifting words in regards to my situation. I also want to say “THANK YOU” for those who asked after and received my gofundme and paypal information. Things are still tight, but you guys have kept a roof over my head – especially my fairy godmother in training. All of you have been so important in keeping my strength going after the loss I’ve taken this year. You have no idea just how much your encouraging words in the messages have meant to me. Some people think that kindness has become a thing of the past, and I have proof that they are so very wrong!

Here’s the next chapter; I hope all of you enjoy reading it! Thanks for your patience.

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

Chapter Forty-three – Unexpected and Expected Arrivals

The next few days were busy with dwarrow and humans getting everyone comfortable and starting small explorations to determine the safety of the areas being investigated. Hawthorn was pleased to see everyone getting along, and she spent time with Astrid and the other children in hopes of giving them some form of structure since a good portion of the adults were busy with work.

She and Ori had decided to give the little ones lessons for the morning hours of each day, knowing that education would be important for them. Hawthorn divided them up into two groups – those who could read and those who could not. Those who could would sit with Ori to work on their sums while the hobbit instructed the ones who couldn’t read on their alphabet and how to read small words.

Thorin and Bard were both enthusiastic about the little school because it was helpful in preparing the children for later in life as well as keeping them busy. This allowed the adults to work the various tasks they had been assigned for the day without having to worry about keeping the little ones out from underfoot.

In fact, when the dwarf king heard of their idea, he sent Bofur and Bifur with Gloin and Nori to find one of the schoolrooms that had been set up for the dwarrow children years ago. The group came back with enough slates and chalk for the children to use as well as two chalkboards for the teachers. A room beside the sleeping quarters for the humans had swiftly been prepared as a schoolroom and although it was fairly plain and bare, Ori and Hawthorn were enthusiastic about it.

Both would teach history together with Ori focusing on the area of Rhovanion around Erebor and Dale, and Hawthorn shared the history about the elves, men, and hobbits in other areas of Rhovanion and Eriador. It worked out well that way since Ori wasn’t as familiar with what she knew and was eager to learn; she was the same regarding the history of her new home.

Once school was let out for the day, both scribes would be put to work in making lists and official documents to be sent to other kingdoms in hopes of rebuilding trade and alliances that would help both the mountain and Dale grow. She and Ori had also been sent to begin work in the library once it had been determined to be safe, and they would spend time sorting through documents in search of old trade agreements as well as any maps or plans that would help the company keep track of areas that had needed to be worked on next.

Ori was using the time there to teach Hawthorn how to read and write their runes as well as instructing her in Khuzdul; he’d gotten permission from Thorin, who had complimented the scribe on remembering their future queen needed to be able to understand her subjects completely.

It was busy and tiring, but everyone seemed to thrive on it. The schedule was only broken a handful of times, and Hawthorn was needed for several of them.

The first had been the arrival of Prince Legolas with several crates that contained the belongings of the company that had been confiscated. Once it was determined everything was there, the dwarrow handed over the chest that contained the star gems and jewelry that had been crafted with them.

Upon hearing Thorin asking if Legolas would mind representing his father when the time came for the treaty to be negotiated, the prince bowed and agreed, asking if Hawthorn would represent Erebor. The monarch pointed out that she would require an adviser until she learned enough about her new home to represent her people well, and the elf had been remarkably understanding. If this particular elf remained as willing to work on this treaty as he was now, the dwarf king might not mind working with him in the future.

Legolas had not come with just the company’s belongings; he had brought supplies of food, medicines, bedding, and other necessities that would make getting through the winter a lot more comfortable. He never asked for any repayment and refused to accept any when Thorin tried to insist, stating that this was his way of ensuring the refugees and dwarrow would have what was needed.

As he left, the elf stated they might be seeing Gandalf soon as he’d been spotted near the border between Mirkwood and Dol Guldur not long ago with a few others. The news of where their wizard friend had been did not sit well in the hearts of the company, and they discussed it during times together and hoped that Gandalf was all right.

After Legolas’s departure, there was no further news of their friend and all of them were concerned about it. They had hoped to see the wizard by now, and the worries only added to the burden of concerns when it came to the feeding and care of those within the mountain. The worries became worse when Oin announced to the company that Nessa, Astrid’s mother, had passed in the night. Apparently, the illness was one that had defied even Legolas’s attempts at healing.

When he’d heard the news, Thorin immediately went to the rooms where the humans were living and drew Bard aside, discussing what needed to be done in order to see that the woman was laid to rest according to the traditions of their people. They also talked about young Astrid, and the leader of the people agreed that Hawthorn may be able to help the child as the little one began training to be the Queen’s Handmaiden.

Once the decision was made, Astrid was called in and they explained things to her, offering her a choice of what she wanted to do. Bard assured her that he and his family would see her as often as possible, and the child made the decision to serve as Hawthorn’s handmaiden. The answer didn’t come as a surprise to either male as they knew just how dedicated the child was to the hobbit.

“Are you certain, Astrid,” Thorin asked her, wanting to make sure the lass knew what she wanted.

“I’m sure, King Thorin,” she answered, rubbing at an eye to keep the tears away. “Miss Queen Hawthorn needs me, and I know she’ll be nice to me. I have to learn a trade someday, Mama said, and this is a good start.”

“Very true,” the dwarf said. “Go gather your things, and we’ll head to the Royal Halls.”

The little girl headed to obey him and once alone, Thorin turned to Bard.

“I think I would like to send her to stay with you so many days of the month so she has time to be around her own kind and keep the connections she’s made so far,” he told the new King of Dale.

“It’s a good idea,” Bard replied. “Tilda enjoys her company, and I know she’d miss her if she didn’t get to see her.”

“Knowing Hawthorn as I do, I’m certain your daughter will have an open invitation to come and spend time with Astrid,” Thorin chuckled.

“Of that, I have no doubt,” the human said, chuckling as well. “I’m not sure who has the other wrapped around their fingers more – Astrid or Hawthorn.”

“That’s a question we’ll never have an answer for,” the king replied, smiling when the child return with a small pack. “Ready to go?”

“Yes, sir,” she said, taking his hand when he offered it.

“Good,” Thorin said, heading out of the area where the humans were living. “We’re going to speak with Balin first; he’s my chief adviser and head of the Scrivener’s Guild. He’s going to help teach you when your school is done in the mornings. You’ll learn things about how to act when Hawthorn is doing her duties as my queen, how to help her when she needs it. It’s a lot to learn.”

“I can do it,” she said to him. “I’m smart.”

“Yes, you are,” he smiled. “She’s going to rely on you a lot, Astrid, and it’s an important position. You’ll be working with her ladies-in-waiting as well.”

“What are those?”

“Those are women who Hawthorn trusts to work with her,” he answered. “You’ll be helping out as well, doing little things for her to make life easier.”

“This way she has time to help others like she did me,” Astrid asked.

“Exactly that,” he told her, heading down a few hallways.

Thorin answered her questions honestly, telling her a bit about what her duties would be, and he soon found his adviser in the room that had been chosen for his office.

“Balin, I have a student for you,” he called.

The white haired dwarf looked up, recognizing the child immediately, and he gave a small bow as he smiled at her.

“Miss Astrid, it does my heart good to see you,” he said. “You’re going to be learning from me?”

“I’m going to be Miss Queen Hawthorn’s handmaiden,” the little girl told him. “King Thorin offered it to me today since Mama went to Mandos’s Halls.”

“I’m sorry for your loss, Miss Astrid, and I will do everything I can to make you the best handmaiden in the history of the Longbeards,” Balin promised. “Come and sit down; we’ll have a chat and see if there’s any questions I can answer before your studies and training begin.”

As the child took a seat, leaving her bag beside her chair, there was a knock on the door. Thorin opened it to find Fili, who spoke before he could ask what was going on. His sister-son looked a little frazzled, which concerned the king.

“Some elves have arrived, Thorin, and they won’t speak to anyone but you,” the blond prince told his uncle. “Two of them have a crest I recognize, but the third bears one I swear I’ve seen but can’t place.”

“What is the crest you recognize?”

“Rivendell,” Fili said, falling in step beside his uncle as they headed to their guests. “I think they’re twins because they’re eerily alike.”

“Those would be Lord Elrond’s sons,” he quietly shared as they headed to the room where the three elves were waiting. “I’m told they are very close to Hawthorn and view her as a sister. I’m not certain what would bring them here at this point in time unless it’s to check up on her.”

“That’s just it though; they asked for you, not her,” his heir commented, making Thorin feel a mixture of dread, worry, and curiosity.

He didn’t say anything in response, simply opening the door to the room that doubled as a meeting room for the company. It was in the King’s Hall, which was a known safe area, and Bombur and Bifur had cleaned it up a day ago for the use of the company as they were going to be on Thorin’s council.

When he stepped in, Thorin found himself the target of two pairs of gray eyes and one pair of silver-touched blue eyes. He nodded, giving a small smile to his guests.

“King Thorin,” the owner of the unusual blue eyes spoke. “Please forgive our unscheduled arrival, but we were sent ahead by Lord Elrond. These are his sons – Elrohir and Elladan.”

The twins bowed when their names were spoken, and the dwarven king had a feeling he’d be mixing them up for a while until he could find a way to identify one from the other. He gave a nod in return to the bow.

“You are both welcome to Erebor, my lords.”

“Thank you, King Thorin,” one of the twins answered. “I have the honor of introducing Lord Glorfindel.”

Thorin’s spine straightened at the introduction of the ancient elf. He knew the story of the Balrog Slayer very well; it was a story he’d always found himself rereading when he was younger, and he respected the elf for his deeds.

“Welcome to Erebor, Lord Glorfindel.”

“Thank you, King Thorin. I offer my congratulations to you for reclaiming your rightful home,” the blond elf replied.

“Thank you, my lord. Please, sit down,” the king offered, gesturing to the round table that had been discovered, cleaned, and moved into the meeting room yesterday. “I must apologize for the state of things; we have a long way to go in regards to renovating the mountain.”

“It’s to be expected, my king,” the other twin answered. “Elrohir and I knew that things would be in disrepair, but there was no time to wait for things to be ready for visitors.”

Thorin frowned, sitting down when the others did.

“I assume this is an urgent matter then?”

“I’m afraid so,” Glorfindel answered. “My lord Elrond went with the White Council to see to putting an end to the darkness caused by the Necromancer. They arrived to find Mithrandir gravely injured and managed to banish the fiend from Dol Guldur.”

Concern crossed the king’s face when he heard the news; Gandalf was a friend, and he disliked hearing the news the wizard had been harmed.

“Is he all right?”

“He will be,” Elrohir answered. “He, my father, and our grandmother are recovering and will be joining us soon. We were sent ahead with a warning; there is an army marching on Erebor.”

Thorin straightened, leaning forward. This was news he hadn’t expected, and his mind was running quickly with plans and thoughts.

“Army?”

“Led by a pale orc,” Glorfindel replied.

“Impossible,” he answered. “Hawthorn put a dagger into Azog’s skull; he could not have survived that.”

“He didn’t,” Elladan assured him. “This is the spawn of that Eru-cursed orc. Apparently, he is as big as his sire and just as nasty.”

“Mahal, is my line ever to be free of being hunted,” he growled, looking both angry and worried. “How big an army is coming?”

The answer made Thorin pale, knowing he had no way of driving away a horde of that size.

“My cousin Dain is arriving soon with troops and supplies, but we could not successfully face an army of that size with the reinforcements he is bringing.”

“You will have help,” Elrohir replied. “Our father and grandmother have convinced Thranduil to muster his fighters. Imladris is too far away to send for aid, but our grandfather dispatched troops when the news of the orc army reached him. They will be here shortly before the orcs will.”

“I have refugees from Laketown in my halls,” Thorin said. “Some of them might be willing to lend their swords to our aid. I sincerely doubt the Master will do anything except drop the bridge to keep his town safe from attack.”

“He’s already done so,” Glorfindel said, sounding disgusted. “A messenger bird was sent to warn him, and we were going to stop by to see if any would volunteer to fight. We found the bridge had been destroyed with no way of reaching the town from the shore.”

“I wish I could say I’m surprised, but that would be a lie,” the king replied, shaking his head. “This is going to be a difficult battle.”

“Mithrandir is calling in allies as well,” the blond assured him. “We have a few days to draw up battle plans.”

“We’ll need it,” Thorin sighed. “I hope Gandalf gets here soon; I don’t trust the treasury due to the dragon, and most of the armory found its way into the gold heap. The men don’t have decent weapons or armor, and I need to change that if some of them are willing to fight alongside us.”

“If all goes well, he should be here by tomorrow,” Elladan said. “Our father was fairly hopeful that he, Grandmother, and Mithrandir should be here by midday. Thranduil will need more time to muster his troops.”

The king rubbed a hand over his face, callouses brushing against his beard. His mind was racing, and he knew he would need to summon the company and Bard to try to come up with plans for this battle.

“I appreciate you coming to deliver this news,” he said, finally forcing his mind to calm so he could focus on his guests once more.

“We had reason to want to come to Erebor,” Glorfindel admitted. “Are you aware of our relationship with Hawthorn?”

“She is family of the heart to you,” Thorin replied, having a feeling he knew why the trio had wanted to come. “She’s spoken of the members of her heart family often and with a great deal of love.”

“She is our sister, though her self esteem issues give her trouble in accepting it,” Elrohir told him. “We were both overjoyed and upset when we heard she had found her cariad. As much as we want her to be happy, we need to know that she will be loved, respected, and protected as she so richly deserves.”

“Our sister has had too much heartbreak in her life, and we want to see her smiling and singing once more,” Elladan finished.

“In this, gentlemen, we are in agreement,” the dwarf told them. “She is my One, and I value her heart as a treasure greater than any riches all of the dwarrow kingdoms could unearth. I seek to make her happy and help her find her inner strength.”

“I am glad to hear it,” Glorfindel said, eyes taking on a deadly gleam as he met the ones of the dwarf. “While she is their sister, I love her as if she was my own child and am blessed that she loves me as a member of her heart family. If she is hurt due to your actions, King under the Mountain, I will pull Erebor down to make you suffer in return. I have fought against the darkest of beings, and I do not fear a dwarf king.”

A chill ran down Thorin’s spine at the words, and he knew the ancient elf would keep his promise. Truth was, he would welcome the punishment if he ever did something to hurt his One.

“She is my heart and soul,” he answered, meeting his eyes. “I will do anything to keep her from harm and love her as she deserves. Her family is welcome here in Erebor anytime as seeing you and the others she loves as her heart family will only bring her more joy.”

The three of them stared at him for a long moment before Glorfindel nodded.

“Accepted,” he said. “Now, we should make plans for what is coming.”

Thorin nodded, getting up to send for his company and Bard. There was work to be done and people that needed to be kept safe. By Mahal, he would see it done!

Author’s End Note - I don’t think I’d want to have the legendary Balrog Slayer angry with me either! Glorfindel sneaked into this chapter, and I loved him too much to try to edit him out so he stayed. I hope all of you enjoyed this chapter. Please let me know what you thought. See everyone next time! ~ Laran
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Mending the Broken Pieces