Thorin was sitting in a high backed chair resting his elbow on the arm with his head in his hand. His sister Dis was sobbing uncontrollably in the corner as another Dwarf-maid was trying to console her. Thorin's company was also in the room erupting in conversation simultaneously to one and other giving Thorin a mighty headache that soon got his blood boiling.

"SILENCE!" he roared and immediately everyone hushed, even Dis who sat biting her lip to try and stop her sobs from sounding.

His haughty stare made poor Ori who had just joined the company a few weeks ago step back a little for fear of Thorin erupting in a rage. But Thorin's eyes soon softened when he looked over at his sister trying her best to compose herself.

"Leave us" he said quietly; his voice still possessing a stern command. The company and the Dwarf-maid left through the large oak door and they were alone.

Thorin stood, "Dis"

"Oh Thorin!"

She jumped off the chair and collapsed in her brother's arms and cried, "He's gone! He's gone Thorin!"

Thorin held his sister with as much comfort as he could. He was never used to showing affection or receiving any so this moment for him was particularly uncomfortable in a way. He patted her back awkwardly and held her out at arms length to look at her face. The tension he felt having her so close soon faded when he had his personal space back again.

She sniffled and wiped her eyes roughly.

"You have to be strong now Dis. You have two young sons to -"

"They will grow up without a father! Kili won't even remember him" at those words she wailed again and Thorin looked up at the ceiling of his large mountain chamber. He really didn't know how to handle this. He had been in many battles and had seen many gruesome deaths. That experience hardened him as he matured, it hardened his heart, mind and soul and he just had not a notion on how to truly comfort someone's grieving.

"The boys will have-" he paused as Dis looked up at him expectantly; her bright blue eyes sparkling with tears. Thorin swallowed and said, "They will have me."

Dis' pain turned to a smile, "Thank you"

Soon after Dis left his chamber, Thorin reached for his pipe and lit it. He settled himself in the high backed chair and allowed his troubled thoughts consume him. He was always Uncle Thorin. He was the one to take Fili hunting, to give him his first wooden sword, to teach him how to braid. Now, Thorin half laughed within, now his role has changed. He will be the one to put Fili to bed, to help him get dressed, to make him his meals, to bathe him, to rock him to sleep, to comfort him when he cried and to top it all off, there was not just one Fili, but two Fili's.

Kili, he's just a baby at one year of age and Thorin had only ever held him once, maybe twice. He doesn't know how to change a baby once they have soiled themselves. Thorin's nose screwed up as though he could smell it. Pushing that dread away Thorin thought of other worrying things about Kili. What if he gets sick and Dis won't be there? What if he cries and cries and Dis will be nowhere to be found?

Fatherhood, Thorin came to realise was not something he had ever imagined he would do. He was never paternal, ever. While younger, he knew he would need to marry and have children to carry on the Durin Line but thank God for Dis giving him nephews. But now, fatherhood just jumped out of nowhere and grabbed him by the –

"Thorin?"

Thorin jumped, surprised by Balin's presence.

"How long have you been standing there?"

"Just a few seconds" he smiled warmly and walked further in the room, "I just thought that you would be needing some mature advice lad"

Thorin raised one eyebrow and decided to listen when Balin sat in front of him, looking at him quite intently. Thorin became uncomfortable under such study and told Balin to carry on as though he wasn't bothered.

"I know you Thorin like the back of my hand lad. Me and your father grew up together-"

"I know"

"Let me finish. Me and your father grew up together, I was best Dwarf at his wedding and I was the first person he told when he found out your mother was expecting you. He was terrified. Absolutely terrified at the thought of having a child"

Thorin swallowed hard trying to look flippant.

"You look like your father and you act like your father and I know you are just as terrified on taking the role of father to little Fili and Kili"

"I-!" Thorin tried to protest but the old Dwarf cut across him.

"Fatherhood is a wonderful, honourable thing to come to a Dwarf. When you hold those little hands and comfort their tears at night the warmth in your heart will just grow"

"This is your advice?" Thorin stated frivolously; his eyes lazy.

"My advice to you lad is to just let it all flow. Your affections won't happen straight away, but given time you'll soon love those two little laddies as though they were your own sons."

He was terrified he thought, as he watched Balin leave through the large oak door. He placed his pipe in his mouth and once again let his troubled thoughts of being a father figure consume him.

His dark eyebrows knitted together at the thought: What if snot gets on my garments? Will it stain?