Sorry this took so long I found it tricky to write and am still trying to decide which way the characters will go from here. All the lovely favouriters have encouraged me to get back and write this please enjoy.

Chapter 13

"Edda dearest you should go to your room before Nora notices you are gone," Thorin spoke softly shaking Edda's shoulder and kissing her lightly.

"Thorin Edda is my maid and my friend and she already knows exactly where I am, now please come here and kiss me," she pulled his face back down to hers and kissed his lips flicking her tongue in softly.

Thorin began to become aroused again and wondered if this was a good idea but Edda's kisses were insistent, before long he could not hold back she sighed with pleasure as he joined her in the bed. Soon their kisses, turned into caresses which then proceeded into a more languid repeat of the night before. Thorin lay on his back completely sated. Edda's head was resting on his muscular arm as she stroked her fingers lightly across his chest.

" Thorin I love you," she purred softly.

Thorin looked down cupping her face he pulled her in for a soft kiss and spoke.

"I love you too my dearest one," he replied.

Edda sighed with contentment and snuggled closer her breathing slowing as she went back to sleep, Thorin also fell back into slumber. When the dwarves set forth that day there were several knowing glances amongst some of the older dwarves, although the youngsters were blissfully unaware of any changes in the atmosphere. Flori looked askance at Nora who winked at him and he nodded dwarves were not judgemental when it came to those who were betrothed, any impropriety would not be mentioned.

Several days later to the relief of all they had arrived at the mighty halls of Moria, Frerin was impressed the mines were not as majestic as Erebor had been but they were magnificent in their own right. Straight away King Durin sought audience with his granddaughter and Thorin.

"Your majesty I thank you for your reception of myself and my men," Thorin spoke formally.

"Come here my lad, let me look at you," the king took Thorin's hand and shook it firmly looking him in the eye, a wise and ancient dwarf he could see the sorrow and loss in the young dwarfs countenance. It was obvious that he was affected although his youth may protect him the king hoped the passage of the years would not embitter him.

"You should go now take your ease have some refreshment we have of course heard news of Erebor's tragedy, but I would hear what has happened from your mouth prince Thorin."

"Indeed sire I thank you again," Thorin bowed his head to the king of Moria and with Edda took his leave to bathe and eat.

That night there was a banquet in his honour although it was somewhat subdued and Thorin was asked to speak of what had happened. As his tale unfolded many dwarves wept and rent their beards in sorrow at the loss of Erebor and so many of their kin. Thorin finally sat with his head lowered Edda sat beside him gently holding his hand her body against his; he was comforted somewhat by her presence. That night she came once more to his room they simply held each other and slept exhaustion both physical and emotional overcoming them both.

"Frerin come here I will take you down to the smithy they are great metal workers here," Thorin said to his brother.

Frerin grinned with excitement being at the mines with so many others of his kind had been excellent healing for the young dwarf. He leapt after his brother racing ahead Thorin's lip quirked at the sight of him. Thorin had received word from his father that the family was safe and settled in the Iron Hills, he knew that he and Frerin must return soon to help with the care of their people.

Upon reaching the smith Thorin set Frerin under the guidance of one of the sword mastersmiths and went to speak to an old friend.

"Omfred how are you my friend?" Thorin asked the large blonde bearded dwarf before him.

"Thorin I am well, I am sorry greatly for your losses," Omfred answered embracing the prince.

"Thankyou but I still have my family and someday we will win back our home," Thorin replied, he did not speak the name Erebor it had become painful to him.

For some time the pair spoke Thorin had always found Omfred to be a solid and intelligent dwarf and he was glad of his company, but he also had another reason for speaking to his old friend.

"Omfred I would ask you a favour."

"Anything Thorin I owe you for my brother's life but I would do anything you ask out of friendship in any case."

Thorin clapped Omfred on the shoulder saving Oluff had gotten him his favourite coat so he had not minded a few wolf bites in the doing.

"I would ask that you will watch my lady Edda, there are guards of course but I have seen you out wrestle most of them and I fear the times we have entered are becoming darker. Even here in the mines I have felt some darkness an evil that I do not understand, it grieves me to leave but I must. Perchance this feeling is simply the effects of what happened with the dragon I know not but I would that my Edda be protected by one who knows my feelings on this."

Omfred looked at Thorin with some concern in his eyes and nodded.

"Very well Thorin I will do as you ask, Oli too has spoken of this but I dismissed it. I should not he has always been sensitive to such things but I had hoped that this was just a dark imagining," Omfred replied looking a shaken.

Thorin thanked Omfred and fetched Frerin thinking over the discussion he determined that he had done what he could, afterall the fact that both he and Oluff had the same feelings could simply be a coincidence as both had been wounded and the attack on Erebor had disturbed the minds of many. Thorin spent the next few weeks with Edda as much as possible they knew things were now inexorably altered and Thorin had a new duty to salvage the lives of his people. Finally the day came when he must depart he and Frerin packed and thanked King Durin as they left the hall Omfred nodded to him and towards Edda.

"You must look after yourself Thorin and come back to me as soon as you can my love," Edda's voice was firm but her eyes shone with unshed tears.

"I will be back as soon as I can my dearest but you know it may be many months," he replied stroking her face softly he then leaned in and kissed her cheek.

"Listen to Omfred," he whispered as he kissed her.

She raised an eyebrow at him as he stared into her eyes she gave the briefest of nods. Thorin and Frerin took their leave and began the long journey to the Iron Hills and a new life with their dispossessed people.