A/N: Here’s the final part for prayingdragon's request, I hope ya'll enjoy :D
Over the next while everything seemed to go smoothly. As you and the company neared Erebor a sense of satisfaction went through you all. Having passed Thranduil’s halls and having made it out alive was certainly a feat, and the company was particularly congratulatory concerning the blow you had saved Kili from during your escape. Orcs had happened to track the company, and your sharp eyes had spotted the arrow aimed at Kili, and your sword had swiftly deflected it. That was certainly your redeeming moment that proved your abilities.
Now the group had long since passed Laketown and were beginning their trek up the mountain. Your legs felt as though they were on fire, but excitement coursed through you as you neared your destination. It felt like ages before you reached the secret door, but when you did, you couldn’t be happier. As the last light of Durin’s Day (which happened to be the moon) shone upon the rock, it revealed the keyhole.
Now had come the time for the company’s burglar to shine.
You waited while Balin spoke with Bilbo, smiling to yourself as you heard his kind words of encouragement. You could have listened to his soothing voice for ages if you weren’t interrupted.
"Y/n!" A voice interrupted you. Bofur marched up to you with a wide smile.
"I have something I’d like you to hear, if you wouldn’t mind. Been working on it for quite some time now." You pursed your lips in thought, then sighed and nodded. Bofur grinned, snatching your hand and leading you from the group of dwarves.
He led you to a more secluded area, where sound didn’t travel as far.
"Alright," he said. "Here it goes.
There’s a girl I know who bathes by the river,
With skin so pale and a voice so soft
It gives every man the shivers.
She has an angel’s grace,
And can be a man’s best mate,
And a fighter through and through.
Let me tell you about this girl I know
And I bet you will fall in love with her too.”
For a moment you stood in silence, fiddling with your fingers. Bofur’s gaze pierced you like a fierce blade, seeking reaction.
"I thought it was beautiful." You stepped forward and planted a small peck on Bofur’s cheek. You were truly moved by the piece, finding your heart swelling. "Did… did you write that for me?"
Bofur blushed a vibrant scarlet and nodded vigorously. “Aye. Just for you.”
"Bofur." An authoritative voice probed, drawing both yours and Bofur’s attention. Thorin stood, his eyes narrowed on the dark haired dwarf. "Shouldn’t you be watching the area?"
"Er… Uh, yes Thorin." The heat from Thorin’s gaze caused Bofur to stutter, and with a parting smile to you, he scurried off, but Thorin caught him by the arm.
"I would not make any further advances on Y/n, Bofur. I believe someone else has caught her eye." Thorin stated, then gestured to the side, where you had turned around and began walking toward Balin with an elated smile.
Bofur seemed to deflate then. “Okay.”
"Hey," Thorin’s hand clapped against his shoulder, "you’ll find your lass some day. It’s just not today."
Bofur nodded in thanks toward Thorin, then retreated to start his watch.
~ ~ ~
"The stars are so beautiful tonight." You murmured to yourself. At the moment you sat next to Balin with both of your backs pressed against the rock.
"Do you know about our constellations?" He questioned, and you shook your head and looked him in the eyes.
He was taken aback then. He found sudden adoration for the way the stars shone in your eyes, making your e/c irises look as if they were dancing in their own unique flame.
"Well," he suddenly grew parched as he pointed up at the glittering stars, "there is what we call Mahal’s Axe. You see, there? The stars connect to make an axe."
You squinted, then your eyes popped open and you grinned. “I see it.”
"And there. The constellations for the three mountain ranges. Ere-"
"Ered Luin, the Iron Hills and… The Lonely Mountain." You interrupted, your voice filled with marvel and wonder.
"Aye." Balin whispered, turning his eyes away from the stars to gaze at you. "Would you like to know more?"
You could barely contain your grin as you laid your head softly against his shoulder. “Yes please, Balin.”
And so you listened as Balin spoke, telling wondrous stories behind the many constellations that lined your view. He told you of how they aided travelers and folk in their time of need. Each story fascinated you, and before long you found yourself enveloped entirely. When he ran out of stories about the stars, you told him your stories. You told him of your battles, about the lore you knew of dragons and their marvelous attributes. Your own fascination fascinated him, and then your conversation lapsed into a different language entirely. He gave you tips and pointers, and you dug out your book and you both read together. Your head cleared, and you expressed your desire to learn Sindarin. To your shock, Balin also memorized a few phrases.
"You know so much of the world… You’re marvelous. Astounding, so beautifully amazing." You murmured late that night. The sun had begun to rise, and you still leaned against Balin affectionately, and his arm was now wrapped around you protectively.
Balin found himself blushing. “I… I don’t think I could ever compare to you. You say I’m so many things but words cannot express what I think of you.”
Immediately your cheeks heated as well. “Balin..”
It was then that the moment was shattered. Somewhere deep within the mountain a rumble started, then grew and multiplied. It caused the earth to shake and tremble, and you clutched Balin closer.
"What is that?!" You heard Kili call, and Bofur hurried back to the area.
"Oh no…" You murmured, and all eyes went to you. "We’re going to have to fight a dragon now."
And then, with their hearts in their throats, the dwarves descended into the mountain to save their burglar.
~ ~ ~
No one could believe what they had just witnessed. No one was ready for the tumult of emotions that overwhelmed them the moment Smaug burst from the ceiling of the massive pillared room and soared high toward the unsuspecting Laketown.
The company crawled their ways out of the mountain and watched as destruction was delivered to the town. Flames grappled to the buildings and destroyed them, causing pillars to collapse and for buildings to fall into the lake. You felt your heartstrings tear as you stood on the ledge of the cliff, watching the flames. It was obvious that Smaug did not plan on leaving any survivors.
"Oh no…" Your hands flew up to cup your cheeks. Tears pricked your eyes, but you held them back. You had to be strong.
"Wait.." Bilbo murmured as he peered over the ledge. His sharp eyes locked on Smaug as he soared through the air then, as though struck, he stopped mid flight. His wings flapped wildly in an inordinate fashion, his neck stretched toward the mountain. Then, when his wings failed him, Smaug the Great and Terrible collapsed into the destroyed Laketown.
Your eyes widened at the sight. “Did he just…”
"He did. He did." Bilbo repeated. "Smaug is… Dead!"
He’s gone, he’s gone, he’s gone!
You couldn’t help but mentally cheer and you bunched your fists and swung them through the air. You couldn’t contain your glee. Finally. Finally, this adventure was at its end.
However, though most of the dwarves shared your enthusiasm, one dwarf did not. Balin stood with his arms limply at his side. Foreboding swelled within him. He knew… He knew that not all was over. And he was terrified.
His eyes locked onto you, seeing your glee and hopefulness reflected in your eyes. He was afraid that it would be destroyed, but he suddenly felt himself unable to let his feelings go unknown to you.
"Y/n." He called to you, and with your ecstatic smile, you turned to face him. "There’s something you must know…"
Your expression felt at his sober tone, but you nodded.
You watched quietly as Balin dug into his pocket and withdrew a small silver chain. For a moment you didn’t know what to think, and then you saw the pendant that was attached. And it was gorgeous.
Dangling from the elaborate chain was a perfectly carved pearl dragon with small red rubies as eyes.
"I found this for you… In the Orc cave. It was there and I thought of you, and how fitting it was…" He held the delicate chain, then looked to you with a smile. "May I put it on?"
Without a word you bobbed your head and turned, sweeping your hair over your shoulder. The cold metal met your skin and made you shudder, but as soon as it was clasped around your neck, you were completely warmed.
"Balin, it is so beautiful. I can’t believe… Why would you?"
It was not Balin’s voice that answered, but Thorin’s.
"If you cannot see the love Balin has for you, then you must be quite obliviousness to a number of things." The dwarf said, causing your eyes to pop open. "Now come, it is time to reclaim our treasure, and more importantly, the Arkenstone."
You were shell shocked, watching as Thorin strode past you toward the entrance. He gestured for the others to follow, and so they did. Eventually it was only you and Balin on the mountain side.
"He wasn’t lying, right? You really-"
"I wish I had told you sooner. That is my only regret, Y/n."
And then the two of you moved at once, your arms wrapping around each other. Your lips met each other’s in a kiss that could only be shared between those destined to be, and you held onto Balin as though your life depended on it.
When you withdrew your foreheads rested against each other, the heavy breaths of you and Balin being the only thing that needed to be heard.
"Men lananubukhs menu." You murmured ever so faintly.
"Men lananubukhs menu." He returned.
There you stood with Balin, in an embrace you wished to never leave as you both stared at the city of Dale and Laketown below.
Men lananubukhs menu- I love you.