This takes place back in Erebor before it was taken by Smaug. In this, Dwalin is the new captain of the guard for Erebor, and Thorin and Frerin are about Fili and Kili's ages.

This is a totally new style that I've taken on, so please go easy on me!

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Young Dwalin sat down at the table at the end of solider's unit dining hall across from the golden haired Frerin, feeling incredibly shy because not only was he the new captain of the guard, but also because this was the heir to the throne of Durin. They had only met a couple of times before, Dwalin was actually closer to Frerin's brother, Thorin who was forever getting himself into trouble.

Frerin looked up silently as Dwalin sat down with his mug of ale, and he gave him a small smile.

"Evening Dwalin." he said kindly

Dwalin nodded back, "Evening your majesty."

Frerin shook his head and chuckled, "no need for formalities here, are you waiting for my fumbling vagabond of a brother aswell?"

Dwalin laughed, he was not waiting for Thorin, but he was glad that he wasn't the only one who thought of young Thorin as a little too adventurous.

"Nay, just having a cuppa' before I turn in. How was-"

But he never finished his sentence, he was cut off by the large stone doors of the dining hall opening. They knew something was wrong the minute Thorin stumbled through the door. He was covered in dirt, and his hair was mattered with mud and leaves. Usually, this disheveled state was normal for Thorin but was was unsettling was that Thorin was quiet. He stood there in the doorway with an empty look on his face and a tremble on his lips. When he finally spoke, it was a mumbled stutter;

"I-I need to w-wash up-"

And they he started walking no-limping towards the bathing rooms that were down the hall.

"Thorin-?" Frerin started, concerned for his brother, but Thorin didn't stop. Dwalin exchanged a nervous glace with Frerin as Thorin disappeared down the hallway. What was going on?

After a few moments of dense silence, Frerin finally stood, Dwalin looked up at him.

"I'm going to see if he's okay" Frerin said quietly. Dwalin nodded, but stayed where he was. He had a feeling that Thorin did not want to be crowded right now. He watched Frerin turn the corner and waited, for a sound, or a voice, something that said his friend was okay. There was nothing but silence, and the sound of running water.

Dwalin tapped his fingers against the table, there was something about the way Thorin looked that troubled him. And the fact that he barely said a word. Usually Thorin never stopped talking, what had happened?

Dwalin jumped a little when the heard the washroom door open. He looked up and saw Frerin step into the room, a grim look on his face.

"Is everything okay?" Dwalin asked

Frerin started to shake his head, but then he stopped himself and shrugged.

"I don't know, Dwalin." he said quietly in a tone that made Dwalin shiver.

"Did he tell you what-"

"Can you go grab some of his clothes? I think his night wear is at the washers." Frerin interrupted.

Dwalin paused, but then nodded and stood up.

"What's going-"

"Just go. I'll tell you later."

Dwalin nodded, and turned to leave for the washers feeling slightly unsettled that Frerin wouldn't tell him what was going on.

When Dwalin returned, he walked straight up to the washroom and knocked softly. He heard a quiet gasp, and then Frerin's whispered assurances; "it's only Dwalin, with your clothes. It's alright, no one is going to hurt you." and then the door opened a notch and Frerins head poked out. Dwalin smelled the sopy water as it wafted out, and heard the splashing of the water, but Thorin was silent.

"Here are the clothes." Dwalin said softly, "is everything okay? Whats going on?" he asked again.

"Everything will be fine. Im going to take him to the palace, let him rest in one of the private rooms until we get this all sorted out." Frerin said, his tone grim and serious. Dwalin nodded and handed him the bundle.

"what else can I do?" he asked

Frerin thought for a second, and then said."wait here. I'm going to help him get dressed, and then go order the palace to start preparing his room early. Can you sit with him while I go?" he asked.

Dwalin nodded, "sure, no problem."

And Frerin shut the door again.

Dwalin paused in the hallway, unsure of what to do, unsure if he should be listening to the whispers coming through the door. Finally, after what seemed like ages, Frerin emerged and closed the door behind him.

"Dwalin?" he asked, beaconing him towards him.

"yes?"

"I'm going to go get things sorted out. Can you sit with him until I get back?" Frerin paused, then took a deep breathe, "Dwalin, I'm not sure-he's a little freaked out-he doesn't want to be touched, just-just be there for him, okay?" he asked with a pained expression on his face.

Frerin gripped his should in what seemed to be a reassuring way, but Dwalin could feel his fingernails digging into his skin. Dwalin just nodded, still confused about what was going on.

"Did he tell you-?" he started to ask, but Frerin shook his head.

"He hasn't said a word-i think he's in shock. He needs a quiet place to rest, then I think he'll get better." Frerin explained.

Dwalin nodded again, "okay."

Frerin gave his shoulder another squeeze and then turned away, jogging towards the palace.

Dwalin waited until his footsteps faded to knock softly on the door.

"Thorin?" he asked softly, "it's Dwalin, may I come in?"

Dwalin paused, but he didn't hear an answer. He opened the door quietly and stepped in.

Thorin was sitting with his back against the wall, knees tucked up against his chest, his wet hair lank against his face he did not look up when Dwalin entered, or do anything at all except hunch his shoulders in, making his appear smaller than he seemed.

Dwalin felt lost at what to do. Thorin was so different, so still and quiet. It scared him, but he also felt a rush of anger. Whomever did this to his friend, and crown prince was going to pay. He let a breath out, and then walked over and kneed next to his friend. Now he could see that most of the dirt on his face was actually bruises, like someone had beaten him badly.
Dwalin did not miss the shudder, or how Thorin leaned away from him.

"Thorin?" Dwalin asked again, he gently put his hand on his friend's knee.

"everything is going to be okay." he said, trying to be reassuring, but the he felt Thorin flinch under his touch so he moved his hand away.

Dwalin sighed, then leaned back against the tub, mindfully aware of the distance between them. He could see Thorin was shaking but trying hard not to show it. What had happened? To make him so scared? Thorin seemed incredibly small in the baggy nightclothes he wore. It was so unlike him, to be small and quiet. He seemed to be battling with something internally. He kept shuddering and shaking his head, unaware of where he was, or who he was sitting with. Dwalin sensed that he was drifting farther and farther away, and he had no idea how to bring him back.

"Thorin?" he said, and when his friend didn't respond he said it again.

"Everything is going to be okay. You're safe now. No one is going to hurt you. Thorin? Look at me." Dwalin asked. Thorin froze, but after a few moments he looked up. Their eyes met for a split second and then Thorin looked away.

Dwalin sighed. "whatever happened, you can tell me. I'm not just your captain of the guard, I'm also your friend, no matter what." he said gently, eyes never leaving his friend's face. Thorin nodded his head slightly. He closed his eyes and leaned his head against the wall. He let out a shaky breathe and then another one. Dwalin smiled a little but he didn't want to say anything to break this sudden change in atmosphere. Thorin seemed les tense now, than before. And Dwalin realized that they didn't need words to be comfortable with each other. He felt a sudden surge of confidence, whatever this was, whatever was ailing his friend, they could fix it.

They both jumped when Frerin knocked on the door, and the comfortable spell that was between them broke. Thorin shuddered again and lowered his head. He stood up and opened the door.

Frerin smiled slightly when he say him. "hows everything going?" he asked softly. Dwalin just shrugged. "it's going, I guess."

"good. can you- can you help-lets bring him over?" Frerin asked awkwardly.

Dwalin nodded, then opened the door wider. He turned to his friend, walked over and kneeled down next to him.

"Thorin?" Frerin's here. Lets get you to bed. Everything will be better in the morning, I promise."

Thorin nodded slowly without opening his eyes. Dwalin stood, then backed up, giving Thorin room to stand on his his own. Thorin winced slightly as he pushed himself up to standing, he clutched his right side with his left arm and swayed a little.

"Whoa, you're okay?" Dwalin asked , reaching out to steady his friend. Thorin's eyes flashed opened and he flinched away from Dwalin's touch. Dwalin immediately withdrew his hand.

"Sorry, I'm sorry." he whispered, he took a few steps back and it was only was when he had given Thorin enough space did he move on his own, towards the door. Dwalin noticed that he was limping slightly and exchanged a concerned look with Frerin before he opened the door wider and gestured for them to follow him.

The walk down the hallway was long and silent the only sounds were from the shuffle of their shoes, and the occasional sniff from Thorin-the loudest sound he had made since they found him. No one talked, or laughed and it was so unsettling her had to think that this was a then Dwalin saw the real pain in Thorin's carefully masked face, the tremor of his hands as they fidgeted with his sleeves, and the limp in his walk and Dwalin knew that this was no dream. This was real, a real person had attacked his best friend and Dwalin honestly had no idea what to do next.

They got to the rooms quickly enough. No one had stopped them in the hallways or asked any questions. One of the advantages of being with the crown prince of Erebor, right? Dwalin thought sullenly. Frerin opened the door for them and they followed him in.

Thorin limped over to his bed, but didnt sit. He looked around a little, and then back down at his feet. He seemed to be thinking things over. Dwalin couldnt help but look around the room. He had never been inside one of the royal bedchambers before. It was one of the few that actually had windows.

"Thorin?" Frerin asked, Thorin jumped but the looked up towards him.

"You can rest now. We'll figure everything else out in the morning. It will get better, I promise." Frerin told him, gesturing towards the bed.

Thorin nodded, and then sat down.

"Dwalin and I will be right next door, if you need anything." Frerin continued, giving a nod to Dwalin's confused stare. Frerin's rooms were on the other side of the palace, he must of arranged it so he could be next door. Dwalin then realized that Frerin intended to keep him with him. What did that mean? Did the royal Durin's actually consider him as a friend?

Thorin nodded again, and then laid down, favoring his left side. He let out a shaky breathe and closed his eyes.

Dwalin tapped the bed gently with his hand.

"Try to get some rest, Io. We'll see you in the morning." He said quietly and then he followed Frerin out, closing the door softly behind him.

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So?

How'd you like it?

How did you like the Young Dwalin, Young Thorin, Young Frerin thing? Was it good? It seems like they do have a lot of history in the movies, I'm just trying to explore it in more detail.

Please review!