EPILOGUE ~

They arrived back at gates of Erebor three days later. Fili had almost fully recovered from his wound, and Arien felt a great burden lift from her shoulders. She had made it home at last; she was safe. She could return to her family once again, and perhaps things could return to normal.

Thorin and the remainder of the army returned a week later, bearing good tidings of victory. Their arrival brought forth a party, that spread around Erebor like a wildfire. Buntings were strung up around the streets, travelling bands ambled along the cobbles of the giant city, belting out cheerful music and leading a trail of dancing dwarves. A grand ball wall also held, with Thorin as the host.

The festivities lasted over a week; though not everyone was as cheerful as those successful in returning from the war. Thoros' family mourned for their loss the entire week, shutting out Arien's pleas for forgiveness and attempts to invite them to join the celebrations. Her failure put Arien in a foul mood, which Fili tried his best to diminish.

"You know it's not your fault, Arien," he protested as she mumbled something concerning guilt. "You couldn't have done anything to change his fate. He wouldn't want you to sit around and blame yourself for something you didn't do."

Arien began to protest, but faltered. He was right. Even if his family did blame her for Thoros' death, she knew it wasn't her fault. Not wholly, anyway. Perhaps if she'd reached him just a little quicker, she could have prevented the loss. But there was nothing she could do to turn that back now.

"You're right," she mumbled, her shoulders slumping in defeat.

"I know I am!" Fili exclaimed, bringing a smile to Arien's features. "Now, how about we go and duel until the sun dies down and the moon comes up?"

This sent Arien chuckling and running to fetch her sword.

"Don't be too long!" Cried her mother, pecking her on the cheeks before allowing her to race back outside.

"You ready?" Asked Fili, as she returned to their spot, by the stream.

"Ready," she grinned, lunging forward with her blade outstretched.

They really did duel until the sun died down and the moon came up.

[END]

A/N: I'd just like to say a really huge thank you to everyone who's read, voted for and commented on this story, it really means a hell of a lot! Thanks for sticking with me to the end; your encouragement and support has allowed me to continue with this fanfic and get to the point where I am now. My writing is improving as I practise more often, and this is the perfect opportunity to prove what I can do. So, thank you, for giving me that opportunity, and giving me that chance!

If you're going to miss Arien and Fili, don't worry! Because I have a sequel planned for the future. But I won't be writing it until I finished a few other of my stories. It's going to be titled, 'Blood, Steel and Dragon Fire', so look out for that when I start writing it!

Also, last thing, I'd really appreciate it if you check out my other writings - I have a few fanfictions on the go, and I can now concentrate on some of those now that this is finished. I might get a chance to edit it in the future, but for now, it's a goodbye to Arien and Fili, and definitely Thoros ;(

Thanks, again, for being awesome followers! And people in general! Keep loving Fili :)

~ _imagine_fantasy_