More Than Meets the Eye

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Over the next two weeks, Arielle tried to keep busy, to keep her mind on the wedding instead of the miscarriage. It wasn't at all easy, although despite the initial pain, she recovered fairly quickly. Still, it weighed so heavily on her, the feeling that she'd somehow done something to cause it, despite both Narnerra and Thorin's insisting nothing could be further from the truth.

But as far as she was concerned, she almost wished it was something she'd done. That way, she could avoid doing it the next time, should there be a next time. Of course, she dared not say anything, for Thorin would go out of his way to convince her that of course there would be a next time and everything would be just fine. While she appreciated it, part of her wanted to just tell him to not be so emphatic. She was saddened over the loss and simply could not get her hopes up so easily again. It was sweet of him, of course, and she knew that without him and his sweet, if somewhat inept at times, support, the whole ordeal would have been so much worse.

So, she threw herself into the final stages of the wedding planning. And when the guests began to arrive, she found herself thrust into the role of Queen of Erebor, greeting them alongside Thorin (and with much help from Dis) and welcoming them.

She looked over at Thorin as a small man with somewhat bushy, slightly messy reddish-brown hair alit from a coach alongside a tall, gaunt-looking man with long gray hair and an equally long, gray beard. "Who are they?"

Thorin smiled. "The shorter one is a hobbit called Bilbo Baggins and with him is Gandalf the Grey."

"The fireworks wizard?"

"The same." He leaned closer. "How are you feeling?"

"Thorin, please, stop hovering. I am fine. I've had no cramping or discomfort since that first day. And I feel as I did before then." She leaned her head against his shoulder. "Is it possible Narnerra was wrong?"

"It isn't beyond the realm of the possible, I suppose. But I confess, I would be surprised."

"I would, too. She is far too thorough. Still..." She smiled as the halfling and the wizard drew near.

"Master Baggins!" Thorin's deep voice rang out practically to Dale as he embraced the hobbit. "Welcome to Erebor!"

"It's wonderful to be here," Bilbo replied softly, casting a glance up at Arielle. "And it is lovely to meet you. I must confess, when Thorin had written me that he been betrothed, I was shocked. But seeing you, of course, I am far less shocked."

Thorin laughed as he eased an arm about her shoulders. "Bilbo Baggins, I'd like to introduce you to Arielle Farran. Arielle, Master Bilbo Baggins."

"It's wonderful to meet you," she said, holding out a hand. "Thorin has spoken of so highly of you, I'm so glad I finally am able to shake your hand. From what I understand, you played a large part in the Company's reclamation of Erebor."

To her surprise, Bilbo's cheeks went ruddy. "Yes, well... I apologized for what I'd done, but it had to be done."

She had no idea what he meant, but smiled just the same. "I am so glad you were able to come."

"I could never miss this," Bilbo chuckled. "The wedding of Thorin Oakenshield? It's one thing I never thought I'd live to see."

Gandalf chuckled. "Nor did I." He bowed slightly as he moved to stand before her. "It is an honor to meet you, Miss Farran. And I'd like to shake your hand."

She cast a glance at Thorin, who shrugged, and then at Gandalf himself. "And why might that be?"

"You are the woman mad enough to take this dwarf as your husband." His gray-blue eyes actually sparkled as a smile lifted his beard. "And he is the luckier of the two of you, for he has by far the better end of the bargain."