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A blacksmith's love


Eilin stood at the last step almost trembling from anticipation. Holding her daughter close to her bosom and having her son toddling around the gathered crowd. Her eyes were glued upon the high road next to the River Running, looking at the dust which was being raised by the incoming troops. Like many other dwarrowdams that were surrounding her, she too was trying to detect her man. She licked her bottom lip and squeezed Rhianaye's bottom hard enough to make the little baby squirm bothered in her arms. She took the last step down and held her breath. If he was amongst them, then he should be the one leading the march. He should be the first one to make an appearance behind the dusty wall. She heard Dis' voice next to her and she almost jumped out of her skin.

"Calm down..."

She shook her head. "I cannot...don't ask such a thing from me..."

The silence from the Princess made the Queen look at her. "I waited patiently for almost a month for news. I slept each night with the fear that Roac was going to deliver me the news of his inevitable death. Now that I am so close to seeing him again I cannot calm down." Eilin's eyes were full of anguish.

Dis pursed her lips. "Roac told us that he was alright and on his way here. What more do you need?"

Eilin closed her eyes and shook her head. "What if something happened in between...what if they came across Orcs on their way up from the Dunlands, what if..."

Dis' hand landed on her forearm. "Even after a year of being married to him you aren't able to quiet your heart when he is away, are you?"

Eilin's eyes cracked open and gazed at her daughter who was cooing at everyone. "No...especially now that he is a father. I don't want to lose him...His children need him! I need him..." She kissed Rhianaye's black wavy hair.

Dis crossed her arms and sighed. "It's a fear that every dwarrowdam has. Especially us that are married to soldiers..." -She hesitated and paused making Eilin look at her- "Us who were married to soldiers..."

Eilin's lips curled down. "I sound so egotistical and insensitive..."

Dis shook her head and clasped her shoulder. "I understand you." -She stopped and her frown deepened- "Still..." She hesitated.

Eilin frowned. "Still?"

"You have to learn how to handle it..." Dis' eyes seared in hers.

Eilin's brow wrinkled and she turned towards the highway. "What am I going to do if one of these days he doesn't come back?" Her voice was barely a whisper.

Dis' face hardened and Eilin didn't notice her cheeks paling. "You will lament his death and you will raise your children to be proud heirs to his Crown. You will do what I did for my husband and my child..."

Eilin gazed at her with eyes that were toying between terror and sadness. She reached up and cupped Dis' hand, but she was void of words.

Dis looked at the road and pulled back her tears. "I have told you before on many occasions. My Queen we are proud dwarrowdams. Women of brave men who yearn to die from the sword of the one they hate. When our men leave for battle we pray they return to us, but we are also prepared that they might not do so. Your husband gifted you with two amazing children. You have his soul trapped in them. If one day he doesn't return then cherish his spirit that will still live through your babies."

Eilin's eyes pooled with tears, but she remained quiet.

Dis smiled and pressed her shoulder. "For Mahal's holy beard your son is identical to your husband. He is going to grow up to be a second Thorin."

Eilin's looked fixedly at her toddler who was walking unsteadily between the crowd. He was following a bug that was escaping him every time he tried to grasp it. A ghostly smile appeared on her lips. "They look so much alike, aren't they?"

Dis's smile widened. "Physically they are one and the same. I am sure they are such inside too."

Eilin gifted her beautiful daughter with another soft kiss. The baby leaned her head on Eilin's shoulder and cooed the dwarrowdam behind the Queen who smiled sweetly at her and waved. "Thank you for trying to make me feel better." Eilin whispered at her sister in law.

Dis' eyes glimmered and this time she smiled towards the road. She raised her hand and pointed at it. "Rejoice my dearest, he is here." She said proudly.

Eilin felt her heart tripping over its own beat and she looked up quickly. Indeed there he was riding in front of the march with Dain on one side and Durar on the other. Dwalin and Fili were following behind as did the rest of the regiment that went to Rohan. He looked dirty, but not dishevelled and certainly not bloody. Eilin barely had the brains not to step over her son as she dashed on the road to meet him halfway. All the dwarrowdams that were awaiting their husbands with equal worry rushed behind her in unison. She steadied Rhianaye on her shoulder and stopped in front of his proud horse out of breath. She reached up and grasped the reins while he looked at her apparently amused.

"Thorin..." She exhaled.

He leaned his elbows on his knees and raised his brows. "A heist, my Lady?"

She frowned momentarily taken aback. "I was so worried...what?"

He released the reins to her care and alighted. "Is this a heist from the most beautiful Queen of the North and her gorgeous baby girl?"

Eilin dropped the reins and cleared some wild red locks from her eyes. "Thorin don't jest please! You cannot imagine how worried I have been for you during this month!"

Thorin hand engaged her waist and drew her in. "I missed you too..." He whispered.

Eilin drew in a deep breath and fell on him with a desperation that gave him pause. Her free hand came under his armpit and wrapped around his shoulder blade with a need that made him frown. Then she spoke in a muffled tone, buried as she was blissfully between the fur of his heavy coat. "I am so happy you are home..."

He kissed the top of her head and turned to offer a gentle kiss on Rhianaye's neck, a mere moment before Eilin's hand released his shoulder blade and cupped his cheek. She drew him down with a fervour that he appreciated more than words could tell and captured his lips in a passionately demanding kiss that stole his breath away, but lasted only too little. She then pulled back panting and looked at his lips. "I love you..." She murmured.

He frowned and observed her face with equal zeal before sweeping down and drawing her in a ravenous kiss that made her yelp. Neither pulled back even though there was great commotion around from all the reuniting families. He devoured her shamelessly in front of his people and his children and it was only the small hand of Rhianaye which pulled his hair back that stopped him. When he raised his head and looked at his Gem, she gave him a toothless smile and cooed him with meaningless mumble. Eilin's face was blissful as she leaned on his chest. Thorin caressed his daughter's face and rubbed his nose on her cheek. "How are you baby Gem?" He spoke in a hushed tone.

Rhianaye giggled and thrust her fist in her mouth.

Thorin pulled her hand away and kissed it. "Hey hey, manners young lady."

Rhianaye looked at him with her huge green eyes that seemed larger than life and pulled her hand out. Then she started munching on a finger instead of the whole fist. Thorin's finger caressed her soft cheek and his eyes glistened with pleasure. "Did she feed well?" He asked his wife.

Eilin nodded from his chest, not ever wanting to pull away. "Yes, my love. Almost every single day."

"Where is my brave boy?" Thorin's brow wrinkled and he looked down suddenly remembering his son.

Eilin did the same and felt a wave of guilt rushing over her, as in her haste to see Thorin she forgot about their boy. "Farin!?" She cried.

Thorin made a full turn around himself and looked between the legs of the crowd, but couldn't see him anywhere. "Farin!" His rich voice thundered and instantly a pair of small hands grasped the fur of his heavy boots. Thorin turned around with a wave of relief and saw his son gazing up at him with his gorgeous azure eyes. Calm despite the commotion around them, the baby had managed to navigate alone through all these people and locate his parents.

"Dada." He said very clearly.

Thorin's face melted in a wide smile and he swept Farin in his arms. "Where have you been my little warrior?" He cupped his son's face and looked at him adoringly.

Farin smiled widely at his father. "Dada, aaaaataaaa, eeeeeee!" He reached out and wrapped his fingers around Thorin's warrior braid and pulled hard.

Thorin laughed and kissed his cheek. "I agree with you completely."

"Ata dada aaaaaa..." Farin continued and then giggled.

Eilin laughed quietly. "You know I think he is trying to have an actual conversation with you."

Thorin raised his brow and observed his son in admiration. "I do believe so too."

Eilin wrapped her free arm around his waist and led him inside the gates. "Are you tired, hurt, hungry?"

Thorin smiled and bounced his son who never stopped baby talking to his father. "I am all of those, but above all happy to see my family."

Eilin grinned and got ready to speak, but Dwalin didn't let her. "Cut the man some slack. He barely had the time to set foot back in his Kingdom and you almost ravaged him!"

Eilin looked playfully at the huge bodyguard. "Good for me!"

Dwalin shook his head. "Not good for the Kingdom though. Allow him to rest, because he runs everything and mistakes in his position are not easily forgiven" -He said and then looked at Loa who approached him with a smile and a white handkerchief. He raised his brow and his smile was hesitant as he reached out for it- "Hello my dear woman."

Loa curtsied and smiled. "Hello my Lord. Welcome home."

Dwalin looked at the handkerchief. "Is this for me?"

Loa nodded and blushed so much that Lis made a disgusted noise. "Someone kill me now please."

Thorin chuckled and pressed his bearded cheek on his son's smooth one, delighting in Eilin's warm embrace.

"Silence your mouth missy." Loa chastised.

Lis pointed at the handkerchief that was now in Dwalin's hand. "You just gave him a token of loyalty and I am standing here in front of you guys seeing the whole thing! I am not a baby like them! Have mercy!" She pointed at the royal babies.

Thorin's laugh was lighthearted. "Allow your mother to express herself girl. We have been missing for a little more than a month."

Lis looked at the King crossly and turned her back at them all. "Fine, whatever..."

"And be more polite in your welcome..." Thorin raised his brow.

Lis looked at him above her shoulder and instantly her eyes filled with regret. "I am not mad at you Sir..."

Thorin tilted his head. "Don't be mad at anybody. Just be happy we are all back."

Lis' lips curled down and she lowered her head as Thorin's words gave her plenty food for thought. Her mind fled to her dead father and how much his loss had cost not only to her, but to her mother. She looked at her mom's happy disposition now and on one hand she was pleased that someone else was making her mom shine again, while on the other she felt hateful that this someone came back alive, while her father hadn't. She wanted nobody to take his place...nobody.

Eilin oblivious to Lis' internal turmoil looked up at her husband and cleaned his dirty hair away from his cheeks. "You need a bath..."

"Desperately..." He nodded.

"And food..." a sweet smile covered her lips.

"I am ravenous for you, not for food." He bit his lower lip and looked keenly at her soft lips.

She blushed and pushed him away. "Okay, I am taking over you...now!" -She said decisively and took Farin from his arms. She was about to turn to Loa when she fell face first upon Dis who was standing there patiently to be noticed- "My lady, I almost stepped on you."

Thorin tilted his head slightly. "Hi gerbil."

Dis' controlled smile broadened as she rushed and buried herself in his arms. "Welcome home wolf."

He enfolded her close to his heart and kissed her forehead. "I am happy to be back to you..." He closed his eyes.

She nodded. "Everything went well. Fili informed me..."

Thorin chuckled. "Did you release him from your claws?"

Dis nodded with a frown of regret. "Unfortunately. You see Valdis was waiting to welcome him in turn."

Thorin sighed and rubbed her back. "Allow them."

Dis closed her eyes and gave him a firm kiss on his cheek. "I did...I always do."

Thorin drew back and offered her a doting look. "You look as beautiful as ever."

Dis punched his shoulder. "Go away, go with your wife..."

He felt Eilin's fingers stippling around his and looked at her. "Are you coming?"

Dis rolled her eyes and opened her arms. "How are you going to handle him and the babies?"

Eilin raised her brows. "What?"

Dis made an impatient gesture. "Give me the twins. You've been all over each other ever since he arrived. You need some time alone."

Eilin smiled and gave them over. "Are you going to feed them?"

Dis gave a sloppy kiss to the cheek of each baby and nodded. "Feed them, bathe them and put them to sleep. Go with your husband. Have fun!" She waved them off.

Eilin gave one last grateful look at the Princess and pressed Thorin's fingers firmly. She led him decisively down to the royal hot springs and took care of him exactly as she had offered. Needing to relate to him all the love she felt in her heart, she helped him get off his clothes and got into the water with him. She washed his hair and his body. She took care of his fresh abrasions and when he began relaxing under the waterfall she decided to offer him a quiet massage that loosened up every single muscle on his strong body. She also pampered him with myriads of kisses that started off as butterflies that woke up goosebumps on his skin and ended up with her mouth devouring him with unparalleled need. When she pushed him close to the edge of the lake and straddled him, he engulfed her with his immense presence, but allowed her to take over a love making that started off as a silent and very slow rocking and ended up with them splashing about and moaning hard enough to alert the upper levels. She barely remembered if her foggy brain counted days as Loa always advised and she didn't care. He sure didn't mention anything to her when he was reaching his heights or after the deed was done, but that might have been a consequence of his ultimate fatigue since he had being on the road for more than a month. Eilin was not going to reveal her most intimate thoughts to him at that moment, but when he emptied his passion inside her she ended up half hoping that his hot seed would blossom in her once more.

Their bodies rode out their pleasure together and relaxed side by side enjoying their sated state in shared silence. Her fingers never stopped caressing his chest and stomach, ever so often passing above his deadly scar and lingering over it for several thoughtful moments. When she heard his breathing becoming heavy, she knew that he was about to fall asleep. She awakened him gently, dressed him up with clean clothes and led him to their bedroom. The adjoining bedroom of their children was quiet and that meant that Dis had done a very good job and they were asleep. Something that wasn't difficult for Eilin to do for Thorin also. She led him to bed, helped him off his clothes again and buried him under the heavy quilts. Sated as he was from the passionate attentions of his wife even though there was no food in him, he fell asleep quickly. As for Eilin after checking on the babies and tucking them in, she got in bed with him and wrapped herself around him. Then she closed her eyes allowing sleep to overtake her. For the first time in a month her mind and body felt truly peaceful and just before falling asleep a smile appeared on her lips and her fingers tightened firmly around Thorin's shoulder, keeping him to her.

It was near the crack of dawn that the crying of Rhianaye awoke both of them. First one to open his eyes, despite his exhaustion from the trip was Thorin. He lifted up his head and felt his whole body heavy as led. It took a serious amount of effort for him to turn and look at his wife who was rubbing her yawning face. All his muscles felt sore and his stomach was growling, but the crying of his daughter erased every other need from his mind. He groaned and even though his intention was to push himself up and go check on his baby girl, his body decided against it and forced him to lay down again and close his eyes. "Bullocks...I didn't miss that when I was away..." he murmured.

Eilin cracked one eye open and looked at him amused. Then she shuffled through his significant amount of hair and snorted. "I will go, sleep..." She cooed him.

He opened his eyes slightly. "Are you sure?"

She nodded and leaned down to kiss his forehead. "You need to rest. I will take care of them." She reassured him and before she even got out of bed he was already snoring lightly. She threw her husband the most doting gaze and wore her warm coat above her nightdress and her heavy boots. She rushed in the children's bedroom which she had taken a lot of effort to decorate with Thorin's assistance who made both beds and their nightstands with his own two hands. She picked up her daughter and tried to hush her, but Rhianaye wouldn't have it. "Come on baby, what's wrong...are you hungry?" She whispered and kissed her daughter's head. The baby's cry became almost shrill when she understood that she had her mom's attention. Eilin lowered her nightgown down her shoulder and allowed Rhianaye to latch on her nipple. The baby released a couple of groans and moans of discomfort and instantly began sucking. Eilin closed her eyes and looked at Rhianaye adoringly. Her finger caressed the baby's small ear and Eilin's heart melted. "There you were a whole month barely waking up to feed at night...then your father comes back and you decide to raise hell in order to get his attention." She spoke in a hushed tone.

Rhianaye groaned and shifted, but never lost touch from the of her food.

"It's him you wanted to wake up, isn't it? You wanted him to cuddle you?" Eilin's voice gained a playful tone.

Rhianaye closed her eyes and sucked like mad. Her little finger mauled her mom's breast to force the milk out.

"Well, too bad I am carrying the food you little rascal..." -Eilin scrounged her nose and gave her a peck on the cheek. Then her eyes turned to her son who was sleeping soundlessly- "As for you my brave little warrior, you were raising hell during every night your father was away and now that he's home not even your sister's crying can wake you up!" She teased.

Farin didn't react.

Eilin sat on the rocking chair Thorin had made for her from mahogany, which was ample in the forest of the River Running. She closed her eyes and began singing a lullaby softly to her daughter while she fed.

"A blacksmith courted me nine long months and better,
He stole my heart away, wrote to me a letter,
His hammer was in his hand he looked so brave and clever,
And if I was with my love, I would live forever..."

Slowly as Eilin's magical voice filled the children's bedroom. Rhianaye began drifting away and her mouth stopped sucking. By the end of the lullaby she was sleeping calmly in her mom's arms with her mouth hanging open from Eilin's breast. Her mom looked down with a loving smile and caressed her hair gently. "Yeah, you guessed it Little Gem. I am singing about your dad..." She whispered, but had no time to reminisce on those early days were her love for Thorin was just blossoming and when his courting was at its best. The moment Eilin stopped singing Rhianaye gave a mighty kick and began crying again hard. Eilin cringed and gave a quick look at Farin. Then she peeped worried at the adjoining door to their bedroom. "Hush little darling, you will wake up both your poor dad and your brother, have you no mercy for them?" Nevertheless the baby girl didn't feel the need to share her mom's worries and began shrieking. No matter Eilin's tries to make her latch on again Rhianaye denied and finally the Queen threw in the towel and decided to take her out for a small walk to calm her down and allow her husband the much needed sleep. With a quick glance of care towards Farin she closed the door of the children's bedroom and heard the salutation of the guards outside.

"Keep it down!" -She hissed- "The King and the Prince are sleeping!"

The guards exchanged a worried stare and then bowed at the Queen. She straightened her body and placed the thrashing baby on her shoulder, patting her back to help her burp. "Don't let anyone disturb my husband! Not even if Erebor is on fire, is that clear?!" She said assertively.

The guards bowed in respect, but took care not to make any noise.

Eilin nodded and began walking down the corridor, needing to walk as get away from the Royal chambers as possible, whilst Rhianaye didn't seem willing to calm down. Half way through the King's halls it was Rhiannon's voice that made Eilin look up sharply.

"Is she colicky?" Her childhood friend came rushing over.

Eilin smiled widely and drew her in for a warm embrace when she approached. Then she nodded quickly. "Something is bothering her. Probably gas. She ate pretty well a few moments ago."

Rhiannon caressed the baby's back and turned her loving eyes to Eilin. "Why are you out here?"

Eilin pursed her lips and looked towards the golden gilded staircase that led up to the Royal corridors. "He just returned from Rohan. You saw them, didn't you?"

Rhiannon nodded and engaged Eilin's elbow as the Queen led them to a place she had only recently discovered and adored. "I was at the gates, but I didn't want to bother . you."

Eilin shook her head. "He was so tired. I didn't want Rhianaye to wake him up."

Rhiannon smiled widely. "You love him so much..." She let that thought trail.

Eilin raised her brows thoughtfully. "You have no idea. I love both my husband and my children to death."

Rhiannon nodded. "I know my dearest." She said solemnly as they entered the star fountains of the first level residential areas.

It was a circular tall cavern that had crystals sparkling in the midst of Erebor's rocks. The masons had carved a fountain in the middle of the room which was fed by the river that passed through the mountain. The water works masters had created a true masterpiece that took Eilin's breath away from the first moment she saw it. The great lamps of blue hue hanging from the ceiling made the crystals sparkle like diamonds. Thorin had teased her a couple of times telling her that they were indeed precious stones he had decided not to dig out. Maybe what he said was real, maybe not, but it mattered little. The combination of the impressive fountains, the lamps and the fountain was almost magical and always soothing for Eilin, but also for her daughter who found great delight in the fish which swam in the huge pool.

The moment Eilin sat at the edge of the pool and pointed at the waters, Rhianaye's shrieking stopped. "Look at the little fishies my baby. You want to feed them?"

Rhianaye sniffled and grasped her mom's nightgown tightly in her fist as she tried to lean over to see the fish.

"Look at this little cutie pie. She stopped crying instantly." Rhiannon said in mild admiration for her friend's newly acquired abilities to sail through the difficulties of motherhood with a smile on her face.

Eilin nodded and gave Rhianaye some bread crumbs that were left there at the edge of the fountain by other visitors. The baby threw them in and instantly the large fish came over to gobble them up. The baby pulled back scared and then began bouncing in her mom's arms and giggling. "She adores the fish, while Farin adores Roac." Eilin flicked her shoulders.

Rhiannon looked at her with affection. "I missed you so much."

Eilin reached out and clasped her hand. "I missed you too."

"Who would have thought that one day you would end up married to the man you used to draw, mothering two wonderful children. Remember the old days?" Rhiannon's eyes glimmered with emotion.

Eilin looked at her gaunt face. Rhiannon was still trying to recover even though a year had passed from her misadventure, but she was learning the ins and outs of being a maiden very fast. "Did Maria burn all of them when I left?" Eilin smirked.

Rhiannon frowned momentarily and then dug into her pocket. "No, I saved one. I always carry it with me."

Eilin's eyes looked at the folded paper mesmerised and barely noticed her baby who started pushing all the bread-crumbs in the pool. "You have kept this all along. Why?"

Rhiannon tilted her head and offered her friend a lopsided smile. "It was the only thing I had left from you."

Eilin grasped her hand and squeezed it tight. "Can I see it?"

Rhiannon nodded and opened it up. Eilin felt her heart skipping a beat and filling up with sorrow for those dark years of the first part of her life. She looked at the elder Dwarf-Lord she had drawn with the long white hair and beard. His face was full of wrinkles, but his eyes were kind and benevolent. Eilin sighed deeply. "I couldn't have been more wrong..." She murmured.

Rhiannon flicked her shoulder. "We were both wrong. Me in my descriptions and you in capturing them."

Eilin wiped a stray tear. "I am so happy you are with me again."

Rhiannon lifted up Eilin's hand and placed a firm kiss on the back of it. "Thank you for giving me this chance."

Eilin shook her head. "Thank him, not me." She said and pointed at the drawing.

Rhiannon looked at it also. "Will you show it to him?"

Eilin's eyes grew wide. "No way! He is going to kill me. He prides himself on his appearance and I cannot blame him."

Rhiannon snorted. "Cannot blame him either."

Eilin looked at her playfully.

Rhiannon pointed at the baby and caressed her wavy black hair. "I mean look at this beauty. The perfect combination of you too. As for your gorgeous son, he is identical to his father."

Eilin nodded unable to hide her pleasure.

Rhiannon raised her brows. "Thank heavens the King of the North doesn't resemble this drawing. Imagine your children taking after this old relic!"

Eilin laughed out loud at that, but slowly her laughter died down.

Rhiannon reached out and clasped her hand. "Hey, what's wrong?..."

Eilin nibbled on her bottom lip and lingered there for a few moments, in two minds about revealing this deep inner thought to her best friend.

Rhiannon frowned and pointed at her. "I know this look. Something is ailing you. Out with it."

It took the Queen several moments to speak and when she did her eyes were on the back of her daughter's head. "I worship the children that Thorin has already gifted me with..." She lingered.

Rhiannon raised both brows. "But..." She drawled.

Eilin swallowed heavily. "Is it wrong of me to wish for more?"

Rhiannon's face twisted in momentary confusion. "You want more children?"

Eilin looked up at her and nodded.

Rhiannon remained confused. "Of course not...I mean why not..."

Eilin looked like a guilty child caught with her hand on the honey cakes. She remained silent, nibbling both lips.

Rhiannon observed her carefully for a couple of moments and then exhaled. "Why do you look guilty about something so simple?"

Eilin's gaze fell on her briefly and then returned to her daughter. "I didn't count days today."

Rhiannon frowned deeply. "Say what?"

Eilin exhaled exasperated. "Count days, to keep the babies away..." She waited for her friend to catch on.

Rhiannon's mouth opened up in sudden realisation. "Oh, okay. So what...you might get another Prince or Princess then. Good! I hope they take after you, because you are far more beautiful than the King."

Eilin sighed and closed her eyes. "It's not that simple."

Rhiannon snorted. "I think it was very simple..."

Eilin looked at her solemnly. "I don't think he wants more children."

Rhiannon's happy face twisted again in confusion. "What do you mean? Why wouldn't he want to?"

Eilin waved her arms nervously. "The twins and the demands of fatherhood, weighed more heavily on him than he had originally anticipated. He told me, many times. I mean he loves us and shows it with every opportunity, but the few times we manage to be intimate he is very careful to count days like Loa taught us. He is trying to stop the babies from coming."

Rhiannon settled down. "And that bothers you."

Eilin gazed at her with tight lips. "It shouldn't bother me, I know. He gifted me with two charismatic twins. Why would I wish for more?"

Rhiannon smiled and clasped her hand. "Because you love him."

Eilin's shoulders slouched. "I do..."

"Then tell him you wish to try again..." Rhiannon advised.

Eilin shook her head. "No...no...no...not when he is so dedicated with the counting. Not when he is so tired and torn between ruling the North and our taking care of our family. He needs rest Rhiannon, not me with a belly full of people again!"

Rhiannon exhaled. "So the guilt trip is that you didn't count today?"

Eilin nodded quickly. "I both fear he impregnated me again and at the same time I am excited by the idea."

Rhiannon raised both brows and whistled. "That's truly ambivalent."

Eilin smiled tiredly and caressed her daughter who leaned back to her mom and cuddled while her eyelids were drooping heavily. "Don't you think I know?"

Rhiannon observed the large fish that were still gobbling the crumbs Rhianaye threw in. "Don't lie to him."

Eilin looked up sharply at that. "I won't."

"What about today?" Rhiannon said calmly.

Eilin scrounged her lips. "He didn't count either. He didn't even say anything. In the heat of the moment he let himself go...and that gives me a small hope that he wants it too, but he is afraid."

Rhiannon flicked her shoulders. "I don't blame him. He is over his head as it sounds."

Eilin's serious expression slowly melted. "He needs all the support I can give him. Not more responsibility."

Rhiannon frowned. "Well honey if he didn't count either he might have the responsibility land on his lap and this time I hope it has red hair!"

Eilin's lips curled up and she smiled. "I shouldn't feel guilty then?"

Rhiannon pulled her in and gave her forehead a kiss. "You both messed up today. Don't feel guilty, always be truthful and hopeful for the future no matter what it holds for you and him. Your love can sustain you through the difficulties of motherhood, even though I have never experienced them myself."

Eilin heard the regret in her friend's voice and she looked up at her. "I wish you wholeheartedly to fall in love hard enough to go blind and to fall so pregnant you won't be able to walk for nine months!"

Rhiannon's brow wrinkled. "Is that a wish, or a curse?"

Eilin stippled her fingers through her friend's and beamed. "The best wish I could ever give you."

Rhiannon's eyes watered. "Thank you...thank you so much..."


Íth stood by the door and curtsied to the beautiful Queen who was looking above Íth's head towards the back wall, lost. "...Thank you so much for allowing me to come over in such short notice, my Lady."

Eilin shook her head slightly in order to clear it and smiled still partially disoriented. "And...and you are?"

Íth bend her knees deeply and lowered her head, allowing her long wavy blonde hair to fall like a blanket in front of her face. "My name is Íth, my Lady. I am the widow of commander Burinur of the Ironfoots and niece of Lord Durar."

Eilin's lips curled up slightly and she looked at the boy this dwarrowdam was carrying. Then her eyes returned to this woman's long luscious hair and the most improbable question popped up in her confused mind. "Why don't have any braids?"

Íth looked up at the Queen who was some inches taller than her and blushed. "I don't like them. I am sorry if my hair style offends you...but..." She hesitated and her eyes fell on Eilin's loose and curly hair.

Eilin noticed and touched it gingerly. Then she huffed and closed her eyes. "Of course you don't offend me. I never wear braids either that is why I was surprised when I noticed another woman with similar tastes to mine. It's rather hard to see a dwarrowdam..."

Íth spoke over her. "Detesting braids. I know." She smiled.

Eilin's mouth formed a quiet smile also. "Exactly. You said widow?" Eilin's brow shadowed.

Íth averted her eyes and caressed the back of her son who was trying to peep inside the door, searching for Thrárin. "My husband died three years ago in an accident, my Lady."

Eilin pressed her lips and looked at her hands regretfully. "I am sorry." She whispered.

Íth tilted her head and gave Brunar a loving kiss. "It was long ago, my Lady. No need to fret about it."

Eilin looked up and found herself engaged by the kindness she saw in this dwarrowdam's clear eyes. Her mouth formed a ghostly smile. "I was informed by Rhiannon that you wished to see me since yesterday. What can I do for you?"

Íth curtsied again. "I wanted to introduce myself to you since the first moment I came in Erebor, but me and my uncle came across you at the staircase that was leading up to the Royal offices and you looked way too preoccupied so I was introduced to the King first, to my regret."

Eilin crossed her arms. "Why to your regret?"

Íth looked at her with a veneration that was hard to hide. "I admire you, my Lady. I admire you to the utmost like the whole of Middle Earth does. Your rough beginnings in life which your surpassed, your honesty, your loyalty, your impeccable ethics...the rare quality of character and spirit you presented which stole the King's heart. All that has become a legend amidst our kin. A banner of hope that everything is possible if someone retains their honour throughout the difficulties of life. It was a dream of mine to get to meet you and after my uncle settled here under King Oakenshield I began pestering him for a visit. He only lately agreed and I took the opportunity to come over." -Íth hesitated visibly- "I hope I am not sounding as needy as I think I am..." She nibbled her bottom lip.

Eilin's face brightened up, but still her mind was partially lost in her own demons. Not allowing her to treat this loyal dwarrowdam with the warmth that was her trademark. Hell, lately even her husband was not feeling her warmth and all that was because of her father. She tried to push back all the bitterness which threatened to taint this meeting. She reached out and clasped Íth's forearm. "Thank your for you kind words. Know they are greatly appreciated."

Íth bowed respectfully. "The King told me to allow you to rest yesterday and ask for an audience today. Did I do well?"

Eilin's lips curled down sadly. So Thorin advised this woman to keep away after their altercation in his office about that bloody candidate. She couldn't really blame him. That meeting had turned her mood so vile that she avoided contact with everyone for the rest of the day and hurried to go to sleep before Thorin returned from work. She didn't want to face him after their rough discussion, mostly because she was guilt ridden about her own attitude. Something that she regretted this morning when she woke up all ready to make up with him, only to find his side of the bed empty. What made her guilt even more hard to swallow was that he made sure he had fed all three children himself before leaving. Then she was left with nothing to do, but partake in Rhianaye and Durin's board games and with helping Thrárin with his wooden puzzles in the company of Rhiannon and Valdis. That was until the door knocked and this beautiful dwarrowdam came along to try and pull her out of her ever growing depression with her grateful words. Her voice sounded diminished when she spoke next. "Yesterday was a difficult day for me."

Íth nodded. "The King told me..."

Eilin licked her bottom lip and tilted her head slightly. "I am happy to get to meet you today. So who is this handsome young man?" The Queen forced her mouth to form a smile as her hand reached out and caressed Brunar's back.

Íth unclenched the boy's fingers from her vest and turned him around. "Say hi, baby to the Queen of the North."

Brunar got ready to hide in his mom's vest again, but the moment his eyes fell on the exceptionally beauteous Queen and her kind green eyes, he took a double take and a small smile broke on his lips. "Hi..." he said timidly.

Íth exhaled in relief. "That's better...isn't it my baby?"

Brunar nodded and twisted his finger around one of his mom's warrior braids making Eilin notice them also. "Yeah..." -he mumbled and then tried to peep through the door again- "Where is Thrárin?" He asked with a subdued voice.

Eilin's brows rose. "You know the Prince?"

Íth hurried. "They had a rather good connection in the King's office yesterday. Prince Thrárin asked Brunar to be his friend and my son hasn't stopped asking for him all day yesterday and this morning."

That was the first time that an honest and wide smile appeared on Eilin's lips. She pulled back and showed them inside. "Please come in. My son is right there." She pointed at her younger boy.

Durin barely looked up from his game with Rhianaye, but his sister's eyes got stuck on the newcomer. "Hello." Valdis said kindly.

Íth paused and curtsied before allowing Brunar to get down. "Good morning, my Lady."

Valdis smiled widely. "You have a warrior braid." She noticed, making Eilin look at her proud that she made the same observation as her mother, almost at the same moment. In the meantime Brunar sat next to Thrárin and took a wooden piece trying to find a place to put it without asking for permission. As for Thrárin he accepted him immediately as if he had been keeping that spot all this time, just for his new friend.

Íth cracked a shy smile. "I did some mildly brave things back home I suppose..."

Eilin led her to the couch. "Please take a seat. Rhiannon, offer the Lady a cup of tea."

The first maid stood up and went to serve the new dwarrowdam who was sitting gingerly at the edge of the couch observing her son with worried eyes.

Eilin turned to her other friend. "This is Lady Valdis..."

"Proud iron maiden of the Ironhills and niece of Lord Dain Ironfoot. It is an honour, my Lady." Íth bowed respectfully.

Valdis smiled widely at her. "An honour it is for me. Welcome to our company."

Durin looked at her once more with a stern gaze that would have put his father to shame and then continued with his board game. "So what did you do that was so exceptional to earn you a warrior braid?" He sounded dreadfully bored.

Eilin sat next to Íth and cringed at her son's austere tone towards newcomers. "Durin for the sake of Mahal's holy beard...be more gentle please."

Durin gazed at his mom sternly. "When dad is missing, I am the man of the family and I need to protect you all."

Eilin frowned. "Don't think I don't appreciate your eagerness to shield us, but against whom? This is Lord Durar's niece."

"Whom we barely know anything about..." The impressive nine year old rebuked and Eilin sighed and rolled her eyes.

"I am sorry about this. My oldest son is kind off special in his own way...it's difficult to explain." Eilin tried to smooth down the roughness of Durin's attitude.

Íth stood up and then kneeled down in front of the young Prince. "Of course the Prince is special, my Lady. This is Durin the Seventh or else the Deathless and it is the ultimate honour to be in his presence."

Rhianaye smirked under her fingers, but her brother didn't yield a single smile. "At ease, Madame." He said haughtily.

Eilin reached out and clasped Íth's hand. She drew her back on the couch, just as Rhiannon brought over the tea. "Have a drink and quiet down the worries that Durin has awoken in you, please. He is unnerving to everyone who gets to meet him, but deep down he is the most caring heart."

Durin raised his brow at his mother, but remained silent.

Íth took the tea and observed the oldest son of the Queen who seemed to be a copycat of the King she met yesterday. "How can anyone sustain their nerve when in the presence of the final reincarnation of the most honourable forefather of our kin?"

Durin seemed totally unruffled by those words and more interested in the board game.

Eilin turned to Rhianaye. "Let him be, before he decides to give you the third degree. You met all our children apart from our little Gem Rhianaye. The apple of her father's eye and my ultimate pride."

Rhianaye jumped up and came up to Íth happily. She reached out her hand. "Nice to meet you ma'am."

Íth clasped her hand and brought it to her lips in order to kiss it. "An honour it is for me, young Princess. You are so beautiful..."

Rhianaye blushed from head to toes and wiggled her bottom. "You are pretty too..."

Íth's restricted smile widened and she pressed Rhianaye's hand. "What a polite and lovely little girl...I am almost jealous..."

Eilin took another cup of tea that Rhiannon bought for her. "Is Brunar your only child? He seems such a calm and collected boy."

Íth looked at her son thoughtfully. "He is my only and he is very withdrawn, my Lady. After the death of his father he seems to have lost all his spunk." Her voice became hushed and Eilin had to stretch her ear to listen to the words.

Valdis who didn't hear that last part smiled widely. "You said you are almost jealous. You wanted a girl?"

Íth looked at her and nodded eagerly. "I wished for a girl from the beginning. Mahal decided to honour me only once and with a boy. I cannot complain as my little warrior is the most precious gift my husband ever gave me."

Eilin caressed her shoulder gently. "I seem to be blessed with more boys also. This is why Rhianaye is very special to me." She whispered.

Íth's eyes glimmered. "Our kin doesn't give birth to girls easily, my Lady. That is why dwarrowdams are far fewer than their male counterparts and female births are almost worshiped."

Eilin's eyes admired her daughter who burrowed in her mom's arms. "Then the great Gods did bless us indeed with this Gem." She rejoined quietly.

Rhianaye gave a kiss to her mom's cheek and pulled back. "Come on mom enough silliness! I need to go play with Durin."

Eilin squeezed her shoulder. "Go baby."

Íth admired the Princess as she strolled happily and sat next to her brooding brother and then turned her attention to the Queen again. "I won't hide from you that I fear for my son's shy nature, my Lady. That is why I felt the first ray of hope when your son managed to draw the first words out of Brunar's mouth yesterday in the King's office."

Eilin looked at her youngest son who giggled when Brunar's wooden piece popped out of its place and flew up in the air landing in his cup of milk. Brunar looked at it frowning for a few moment before snorting. "I hope they can find company in each other. You see my twins have a special bond between them that my youngest son cannot penetrate. Plus the age difference and Durin's attitude, which is far beyond his years, are not helping either. So Thrárin gets left behind a lot."

Íth nodded and observed the two younger boys. "This is the first time since forever that I have seen my son smiling...nay strike that..." -A ghostly smile appeared on her lips- "Laughing...he is laughing." She pointed at them and Eilin turned. Thrárin was laughing so heartedly that he managed to pass down his mirth on Brunar. Eilin turned her gaze on Íth's sad eyes that were pooling with tears and felt her heart twitching.

She reached out and cupped her hand. "Keep hope close to your heart..." She whispered.

Íth turned her eyes to Eilin and swallowed hard. "Hope..."

Eilin's lips curled up in a bright smile. "No one who comes in this kingdom is devoid of hope." She said and her heart smiled with her.

Íth's eyes seared on the Queens. They remained like that looking at each other until the creaking of the door made them both look back.

Eilin's face opened up. "Honey..." She whispered and released Íth's hand and rushed to Thorin.

He looked down at his wife and his calm countenance hardened, if only slightly. "Hi...beautiful." He spoke in a hushed tone.

The hairpin at the side of her mouth curled up and she looked back at the room. "You came at the right time. Look at how well they are all playing..."

Thorin raised his brows and looked at Thrárin with Brunar who were laughing like mad. "Oh, I can see that alright."

Eilin then approached him and whispered. "Why did you leave this morning without kissing me?"

Thorin sighed and gazed at her calmly. "Why didn't you kiss me goodnight?"

"I was asleep..." Eilin rebuked, but her heart was not in it and it showed. Her eyes were eating him up longingly.

"Well you were asleep this morning also and I didn't want to wake you up." Thorin rejoined quietly.

Rhianaye stood up and came running to hug her father. "Hi daddy!" She cooed.

He leaned down and kissed the top of her head. "Hi baby. Is your belly still full of porridge?" He asked her with the sweetest smile and caressed her full stomach. The need to feed and strengthen his daughter had never diminished no matter how many years had passed.

His son answered instead. "Well she ate enough for the two of us!"

Thorin raised his brow at Durin. "She needs it...we said that enough times already."

Durin flicked his shoulders and sat back calmly. "If you say so dad..."

Thorin pursed his lips. "I never got a chance to ask you if you caught Hávarthur yesterday?"

Durin's solemn face slowly twisted until it gave off the pride he felt inside at that moment. "Caught him and almost beat the living daylights out of him."

Eilin frowned. "Whatever for?"

Thorin gave her a lopsided smile. "I'll tell you later."

Rhianaye looked back at her formidable brother. "I stopped Durin from bashing Hávarthur's face in, daddy."

Durin pointed at her. "Which you shouldn't have done...You were supposed to help me, not stop me!"

Rhianaye frowned at him. "Oh come on! As if you were going to force him to take the dive. Hámundur would have stopped you!"

Durin raised his brow proudly. "I hardly think anyone can stop me so easily."

Thorin gazed at him calmly. "Apart from your sister apparently."

Durin's face became crimson red and Rhianaye clapped her hands. "Ha...apart from me indeed!"

Durin looked at Íth and knowing that his father would bash him if he spoke nastily in front of this dwarrowdam he swallowed the nasty retort that came to his mouth and remained broodily silent.

Thorin looked at Rhianaye who hopscotched back to her brother and gave another quick look at Thrárin and Brunar before turning to Íth. His mouth formed a smile effortlessly. "Good morning, my Lady."

Íth stood up and curtsied deeply. "Good morning, your Majesty."

Thorin observed the two younger boys. "I see they are playing very well today."

"Yes. As I told the Queen this is the first time in months I have seen my son laugh so heartily."

Thorin turned his attention to the beautiful face of his wife. "The Queen's soft presence helped them loosen up. I told you that was going to happen."

Íth bowed again. "You were right, your Majesty."

Eilin entwined her fingers through his and pulled him out of the room. "Excuse me for a moment whilst I have a word with my husband?"

Íth nodded. "Of course, my Queen". She gave a half hidden prolonged look at the King as the door shut behind him.

Eilin drew him a couple of steps away from the guards and released his hand.

He kept his intense eyes on hers.

She took a step forth and wrapped her arms around his waist. Then she leaned her body on his tall frame and her head on his chest. The exhalation that left her bosom resounded in the corridor. "I am sorry for yesterday." She whispered.

His arms came instantly around her and enfolded her tenderly. "Do you feel better?" He spoke in a muffled voice as his face got buried between her wild red curls.

She nodded and pressed him hard enough to evoke a low sound from his throat. "Yes."

"I really didn't want to wake you up this morning, that is why I didn't kiss you before leaving." He explained with a hushed tone.

She pressed him again firmly. "I thought you were mad at me..."

He shook his head. "Not mad, but I am sad."

She stalled. "I didn't want to talk to you last night that is why I fell asleep before you came."

He nodded quietly and his bearded cheek rubbed against her locks. He closed his eyes. "I know, that is what made me sad."

"I love you..." She didn't dither on that at all.

"Don't let this tear us apart please..." He begged.

She frowned and looked up at him. "Is that what you think?" She sounded shocked.

He swallowed and gave her a hesitant nod. "I am not sure at times...I know you don't mean for all this to happen, but it happens nonetheless. I fear what this is doing to us. I won't lie."

Her warm hand disentangled from his back and came up to cup his cheek. She drew him down. "I cannot live without you...you know that, don't you?"

He nodded gently and closed his eyes when her soft lips pecked his tenderly. "Me neither..."

She inhaled sharply and her nails clawed his cheek roughly. "I won't let this tear us apart. I promise."

His strong arms pulled her in and his lips skimmed hot above hers. "I will do the best I can to protect you and our family."

She felt her eyes welling, but held back the tears. "I know my heart."

"Tell me what to do...Just for once tell me..." He frowned and his thumb lingered under her earlobe.

"Keep them away from Erebor..." She whispered and looked at his face lovingly.

His frown deepened so much, it clouded his clear forehead. "I cannot control Middle Earth Eilin, I told you, but I will give orders to the guards. No one gets in Erebor unless they go through Balin or me first. Is that okay for you?"

Eilin felt her heart pinching her and she leaned her head on his chest. She nodded fervently and a smile appeared on her lips. "Yes, my heart. Thank you."

His forefinger caressed her earlobe and he offered her forehead a dozen butterfly kisses. "I just want to see you smile."

She squeezed him tight. "I promise to get better. Just promise to be patient with me." Her voice was hushed, almost beseeching.

"I promise, my love." He said and leaned his cheek on her head, cradling lovingly for a long time.

They remained like that quiet, with no more needs to exchange any words between them and he didn't make a move to pull away from her even though Erebor required him on its helm. Only when she drew back and gave him a firm doting kiss and a wide smile of affirmation did he allow her to return to the Royal playrooms with her ladies in waiting and went back to the barracks to find Fili and Dain.

Was his heart convinced that everything was going to be okay?

He couldn't answer that question no matter how reassuring Eilin's words and actions had been today...his perceptive inner eye saw the clouds that were forming above his Kingdom and that made him draw inwards with heavy deliberations.


A/N: * Celtic Lullabies - A blacksmith courted me.


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