Chapter Text
The feast is about to begin.
The tables are decorated, everything is in its place, and the dishes are already being served to each hobbit, dwarf, and other guests.
Bilbo arranges Frodo so that he's comfortable in the cold; spring nights often cause allergies.
The new member of the house looks charming in the suit Bilbo sewed a few hours earlier; however, to ensure his health, Thorin has covered him with one of his skins as a blanket.
The dwarves have been dancing, sharing dinner, and discussing ale.
Gandalf particularly appreciates the Shire dance and has not skimped on his joyful dancing.
Tauriel seeks the peace she hasn't had in years. It's the first time she's put aside her bow, the first time that another's celebration has been so full of harmony.
Kili sits beside her with a heavy sigh.
—I'm sorry about what happened. I had no idea Fili had brought Beorn with him.— the dwarf apologizes.
—You don't have to blame yourself. Your brother's move was wise. Perhaps we would have to mourn a loss now if it weren't for his judgment. There will be time.— she consoles him with a cheerful smile.
—Miss, I've heard you don't eat meat, so we prepared a plate of salad for you.— a hobbit greets, handing a plate to Tauriel.
—Everyone here is so kind; it looks like a village straight out of a storybook. Thank you very much.— the elf nods, appreciating the gesture.
Bofur danced until he was exhausted, and he was also very satisfied because his woodworking seems to be appreciated here.
Fili had time to go see the cake and return to help set the tables.
Never has a king been so condescending.
The rest of the company looks on in amazement at what appears to be a charming, peaceful village gathering.
Something strange for the dwarves, who are noisy but very lively when it comes to celebrating.
The people of the Shire are known for their eternal calm, although now laughter and loud conversations are in abundance.
Children play around the tables, running in circles until they fall.
At this moment, the place is brimming with festive spirit.
Everyone reacts with applause when Bilbo and Thorin arrive.
The boy's proud father calls for silence with a raised hand.
—All of this is a celebration conceived by you, the inhabitants of the Shire. I don't have enough words to express my gratitude for the acceptance, respect, and harmony I felt from the moment I arrived here.— Thorin exclaims calmly.
—We also want to thank you for the party. I didn't expect my baby to cause such a commotion.— Bilbo jokes, causing some laughter.
—Don't say that, Mr. Baggins. You are the soul of the Shire.— says one of the inhabitants, standing up from the table.
—It's also a way to celebrate your union with Lord Thorin. Today we want to celebrate the whole family.—
says another of the ladies, raising a glass.
—For Frodo!—
The night unfolds in complete calm, with a few explosions from Gandalf's fireworks flying around.
The happy family wanders from table to table until they find the long-sought-after couple.
—And those long faces?— Bilbo hesitates, rocking the already sleeping baby.
—It's not our intention to dampen the celebration, Uncle Bilbo.— Kili whispers from a cut log serving as a chair.
—I hate to see my nephew in that mood.— Thorin laments, crossing his arms.
—It's my fault, Your Majesty, I...— Tauriel tries to say, but the dwarf stops her with a gesture of his hand.
—I know how much you mean to Kili's life, and believe me, if I had my say, I'd say it's madness. A dwarf and an elf thinking about love— Thorin laughs ironically. —But the heart tends to be rebellious. We don't make decisions with our heads when our chests ache. That's why, along with Bilbo's intercession, I've decided to give you my blessing.—
Kili's face changes abruptly to one of surprise. Tauriel is speechless for the first time in several hundred years at the unexpected acceptance.
—I may not know much about elves, but I'm sure you're honest when it comes to love. I did my best to convince this grouch— the hobbit jokes, nodding his head at his husband. —Now it's your turn to take the risk, to pursue happiness.— Baggins advises, while Tauriel nods silently.
—Thank you very much!— Kili exclaims in a sudden burst of euphoria.
The two walk away in silence, leaving the lovers in a state of confusion interrupted only by their shy laughter.
—Do you think we did the right thing?— Bilbo murmurs, walking up to the hill where the chosen place for the party can be seen.
—Anyone can fall in love and dream of getting married, it will be up to them to face Thranduill's will.— Thorin answers, carefully carrying Frodo.
The family sits on the comfortable hill where the green grass abounds and the flowers bloom even at night.
Bilbo smiles, sure that this is the beginning of a new adventure, but he still has to ask.
—Do you regret leaving the throne for this?— the hobbit asks.
—No, it's time for a new era to dawn, led by the young, while I enjoy watching my son grow day by day.— the dwarf agrees, watching the baby sleep.
—But if you were given the choice again...— Baggins insists.
—I would choose you because you have given me the most beautiful thing I could have asked for: a family.— Thorin smiles tenderly.
Many dangers have been overcome, while others may lie ahead, but for now, Bilbo can sigh with the certainty that this story belongs to him, an ending worthy of a novel:
And they lived happily ever after, with the eternal image of a beautiful people, many good friends, and a wonderful son.
The end.