Thorin let out a deep sigh as he and Thrain walked through the antechamber of Erebor's royal wing and into the main hall. He had not known about the visit to the marketplace until the daily briefing earlier that morning and they left for it almost immediately after. Thorin did not mind performing his duty as prince; in truth he greatly enjoyed it most of the time. But what he did not like was when things were sprung up on him without warning. He liked his days and his duties planned out and with a purpose and walking around Erebor's main market was not something he believed was of crucial importance for him to do. The Trade and Commerce Overseers could see to that.

Thorin silently followed his father into the main sitting room and heavily lowered himself into one of the large chairs. Apart from his early morning training the session the day was proving to be somewhat boring. They had a meeting or two later on in the day but that was it. Until then he had some time to himself so Thorin allowed himself relax into the comfortable chair and close his eyes.

Thrain sat across his son in a similar chair and observed him for a moment before deciding to break the silence.

"What did you think of our visit?"

"I noted nothing of great importance," Thorin responded, his eyes still closed. When his father did not reply Thorin opened his eyes to find Thrain looking at him intently. "Erebor's market and merchants are as active and prosperous as ever, and the people seem happy."

"Let us hope you make the same observations when we return there next week."

"What do you mean?"

"We will be visiting the markets again in a week's time."

"I understood that part," Thorin said shortly. He was never good at hiding irritation when he felt it. "What I do not understand is why."

"It has always been important, and now more than ever, for us to exhibit a strong and united front to the people of Erebor," Thrain explained.

"We have never faltered in that respect. What is so different now?"

"Do not pretend to be ignorant of the issues within this family that have arisen in recent times."

Thorin did not like where the conversation was leading. He knew, of course, what his father was talking about but did not want to acknowledge it. This was a topic he would much rather avoid than discuss.

"The issues you speak of are not that severe," he said defensively as he sat up straight.

"Not yet, but if we do not take measures to prevent potential problems now they may be out of our control in the future."

"Nothing will be out of our-"

"Do not belittle this," Thrain said, his voice louder than before. His son got his short temper from him.

"This is only temporary. He will get better," Thorin uttered as he broke eye contact with his father and sat back in his chair. He stared at his knees and began slowly pulling on his beard, which he always did while deep in thought.

Thrain knew his son's reluctance to discuss the king's increasing instability. He himself had a very difficult accepting the decline of his father's mind, but if Erebor was to remain the grand kingdom that it was, King Thror's sickness and its side effects had to be dealt with, eradicated if possible.

"Thorin," Thrain sighed, "we do not know what will happen but we do know that Dragon Sickness has been an enemy of this family in the past. We cannot risk Erebor's fate on the possibility that the king will improve. We must expect the worse and hope for the best."

Thorin heard his father's words and knew he was right.

"There are rumors spreading already. Rumors about the king being unwell, possibly unfit to rule."

"Those rumors are nothing but lies being spread by gossips who have nothing better to do with their time," Thorin said harshly.

"They are not lies and you know this. You have seen his outbursts. You have seen his obsession with his gold grow and come in the way of important things, mainly his duties."

"Yes, I have seen all this. But it does not negate how well he rules when he is right of mind."

"True, but it does not mean we can overlook what inconveniences us," Thrain said, a note of finality in his voice.

Thorin rose from his chair and went to stand before the large fireplace, resting his right arm on the mantle and looking at the dancing flames. After a few minutes of silent contemplation he turned to look at his father.

"So what are we to do? Go out into the kingdom and converse with the people? How will that help the situation?"

"If we lock ourselves behind closed doors while the people talk of this, doubt and eventually panic will begin to take hold. They will believe the rumors if we hide. However, if we show the people strength, confidence, and honor they are more likely to have faith in the Line of Durin."

"And how will this help the king?"

"It will be much easier for us to deal with the issues plaguing the king if we do not have to deal with a discontented kingdom at the same time. This is a precaution we are taking in case things take a turn for the worse." Thrain hoped Thorin would understand. He did not have to like the plan, but he did need to participate.

Thorin sighed again, frustration overtaking his mind. He understood what Thrain wanted to do, understood that it was necessary. But Thorin still could not accept his grandfather, the King of Erebor, needing their help in such a trivial way. His father was asking him to smile and wave.

The young prince scoffed and shook his head.

Thror had always been a figure of absolute strength and pride in Thorin's mind. Powerful and unwavering. So admitting that the king was somehow weak was not an easy task for Thorin. He looked back at the fire briefly before relenting.

"Very well. I will do as you say father," his deep voice was laced with a hint of defeat. "Though I believe our time could be better spent," he added.

"I know son," Thrain said as he relaxed his shoulders. He was glad Thorin had agreed to his plan and was relieved he did not put up more of a fight. But then again, the prince knew of his son's love and admiration for the king. He would do anything he could to help him.

As Thorin crossed the room to pour himself some wine from a small table covered in an assortment of bottles Thrain could see the irritation building on his son's face and decided that a change of subject might be in order.

"There is another benefit to us visiting the kingdom every week."

"Really? Enlighten me," Thorin said then took a sip of wine.

"It will give you a chance to look for a bride," Thrain casually put forward.

Thorin almost choked on his wine.

"Why in Durin's name would I look for a wife at the markets? And for that matter why would I look for a wife at all right now?"

"You are still young Thorin but do not forget that if you do not find yourself a wife I will have to decide on one for you when the time comes. Which would you rather have happen?" Thrain tried to hold back a chuckle at the face his son was making; half confusion, half fear.

"I will find someone to marry for myself when I am ready. I am only 68."

"True, but you do not have forever and courting takes time. And you would much rather court and marry someone you love than someone I pick," Thrain said with a smile. He enjoyed teasing his son even though he was serious about the matter. Dwarves loved once. Only once. He had been lucky enough to find and marry the dwarf he loved above all else and he wanted the same for his son. He would prefer not to arrange a marriage for Thorin. The Line of Durin should be continued through pride and happiness, not obligation.

Thorin knew he would have to marry at some point but had not thought it would be for quite some time. He had a few intrigues here and there with females but never felt the urge or need to court any of them. He had hoped to avoid it further, for the next ten years perhaps. There was too much on his mind, too much for him to do at this time and falling in love would only be a hindrance. But his father had other plans apparently.

"I am not saying you must start courting right away. Just see who is out there, see who and what you prefer."

"So you would let me marry anyone I choose? No matter their vocation or background?" Thorin asked jokingly, expecting his father to have already chosen several females who he thought would be considered suitable to inherent the title of Princess of Erebor and future queen.

"I will not deny you the one you love, my son," Thrain said seriously.

Thorin looked at his father and saw that he was telling the truth. Dwarves did not marry often so when they did it was because they could not be without one another. His father would not deny him this, would not keep him from someone he loved because of bloodlines. Thorin was surprised to feel a sense of relief flood him at this revelation. He did not realize he had been worried about not being allowed to marry whoever he chooses. Even though he had no plans to fall in love in the near future, it was good to know he would not be restricted when he finally did.

Thrain, knowing he need not say more on the matter, hoped his son would find someone on their excursions throughout Erebor. Mahal only knew Thorin could use a female in his life to keep him grounded.

"Shall we have lunch now?" Thrain asked merrily. "We have talked of serious matters for too long."

Thorin smiled appreciatively at his father and waited for him to get up and lead the way to the dining hall.

Good food always seemed to be an effective way to brighten up a dwarf's day.

Edited 10/25/2014