Chapter 2 – Some explanation

As Thorin awoke he was startled by the two dwarflings who were sleeping peacefully on his chest, but then he remembered last night. He laid his head back into his pillow so his nephews would get some more rest. The first beams of sunlight were coming through the curtains, but Thorin knew they were not the reason for his awakening. But before he could think more about the reason, he heard a faint knock from his entrance door.

Thorin groaned. He had forgotten completely, that Dwalin would pick him up as usual and they would go to work together. But it seems that today, Dwalin would have to go alone.

Ever so carefully, he entangled himself from his nephews and stood up quietly, but

"Uncle?", it was Fili's sleepy voice.

Thorin bend down to his nephew, who looked up at him with half-open eyes.

"I'll be back in no time!", he whispered.

"Promise?"

"Promise!", he then leaned down and gave his nephew a little kiss on his cheek.

Fili started to giggle softly. "You tickle!"

Thorin chuckled quietly too, before he stood up again.

"Go back to sleep Fili!"

Fili nodded slightly, yawned and closed his eyes again, while nestling his head onto his brother's.

Thorin quietly left his bedroom and closed the door behind him. He walked down his entrance hall as Dwalin knocked a third time at his front door, way harder and louder this time.

"I am coming, stop molesting my poor door!", he said and the person behind the door began to chuckle.

As Thorin finally opened his door, he was greeted by a smiling Dwalin, who looked him over from head to toe.

"Have I waken you, my great king?", he asked grinning.

It was some kind of stupid joke of Dwalin. When he wanted to annoy Thorin he would use the term 'my king'.

"Yes, you have. In fact, you have woken not only me, but my nephew as well!"

The grin on Dwalin's face disappeared and changed to irritation.

"Your nephew? Are you still dreaming Thorin? Do I have to fetch a bucket of cold water, for you?"

"That will not be necessary, but thank you Dwalin. Just come in and I explain it to you, but be quiet!"

Dwalin entered his home and headed right to Thorin's living room.

"Then start to explain!"

"Yesterday I got visited by two dwarfs, who were sent by my sister, Dis. They told me, that she is grieving about the loss of her husband and that she is not very well…"

"Wait a moment… the loss of her husband? You mean, he is dead?"

"I fear so. He died because of his battle wounds."

"Damn!", Dwalin was shocked.

"Indeed. However, they were not alone. They brought two dwarflings with them, my sister's children. Dis wants me to take care of them, because she is not able to do so in the moment."

"And they are…", he asked cautious.

"They are well and healthy, only a little tired from their journey. They are sleeping right now."

"Understandable… so I guess you will not go to work today… or the following days that is?"

"Would that be a great problem?"

"Nah, I will manage it on my own just fine!"

Thorin was relieved. "Thanks Dwal! What would I do without you?"

Dwalin nodded. "I will inform my brother about this. Maybe he can give you some advice that you – as far as I know - surely need and I make sure that I come by later that day and check on you!", Dwalin stood up.

"Dwal, you're the best!", Thorin grinned.

He let himself be pulled out of his chair by Dwalin and put into a tight embrace.

"I know you would do the same for me!"

"That I would!"

They parted again.

"By the way, what happened to your braid?"

"Kili misused it as a chewing toy…"

"That is disgusting, the poor lad, hopefully he was able to clean his mouth after this!"

"Out!"

Thorin was literally shoving the laughing Dwalin out of his house. But exactly these things made Dwalin to Thorin's best friend. Even though he was a king, Dwalin always said what was on his tongue. Most of the dwarves he got to know would not dare to say something like this to a king in exile, but Dwalin was painless, and that is what Thorin liked about him the most, the honest and open behaviour and manner.

As the door was finally shut behind Dwalin, Thorin let himself lean against it. This will promise to be an interesting day and not just because of the two little dwarflings who came running down the hall, but because of the visit they would receive, especially since Dwalin loved children.

Hooray, Dwalin is in the story! ;D

Well, he will not play a central role, but he will certainly appear a few times!

Hope you enjoyed!

Please, tell me what you think so far! ^^

C Ya

Inkognito ;D