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Chapter thirteen: The tale of the letter

Dis smiled to herself contently. The cake was nice to look at, but really adorable was Del, grinning and silently gazing at the chaos he had produced in the kitchen. It was his first baking experience. He had done awfully, but he had done it nonetheless. He turned to face Dis.

"And now for the cleaning, Del..." she reached for a broom in the corner, but was interrupted by Thorin entering the room, dragging along two miserable looking dwarflings on their braids.

"Havoc and Mayhem have to tell you something, Del." he pushed the brothers forward. Both hopped from one leg to the other, glancing up at Del, who was still smiling raptly.

"We are truly sorry that mum hit you with the frying pan..." Kili started.

"...and we are even more sorry that she made you do the baking..." Fili added.

"...and we are exceptionally sorry that you have to do the cleaning up..." the younger brother finished and together they chorused:

"...forgive and forget?" they smiled innocently up at him and Del was about to give in when Dis said:

"Oh, I think he will evade the cleaning, because you are going to do it... like you will be doing for the rest of the month." The boys groaned in agony as their mother shoved brooms into their hands and Thorin motioned for Del to accompany him outside. They sat down together and watched some Dwarves carrying firewood.

"There will be a small celebration tonight, for Balin's birthday. We invited the brothers and Ori, Dori and Nori to come over. They are good friends of mine. And probably they will ask you about the braid..."

"Speaking of which... when am I supposed to give you my braid? I should very much like to make a bead of my own for you... and Havoc promised to show me how to braid... though I'm convinced I shall never be able to do it as accurately as you do..." Thorin chuckled.

"Mayhem you mean... there is no need to hurry. I'm quite content that you wear mine. So take your time. Enjoy the evening and tell everybody who wants to hear that the braid is about the pledge..." Del nodded and pulled out his pipe.

"I'm so glad I came here with you. It has turned out to be completely wonderful..." Thorin smiled at that, turned around to see who was watching and gave Del a quick kiss.

"Getting courageous, are we?" But his eyes were so full of love, Thorin did not mind the teasing. Not at all. "I should get Balin a present, yes?"

"Well, you don't have to... but I guess he would like that a lot..." Del took a pull on his pipe and sighed contently. He shrunk on the bench, his arms crossed on his chest.

"I love this place. And not only the place..." Del smiled as he saw Thorin blush. It was easy enough to make him blush, but Thorin? No, this was a rare thing and Del cherished the moment. "What would he like, though?" Thorin shrugged. He had bought new pipe weed, and Dis was giving the cake. "Anyway... I should first sew my shirt, it got torn on the hunting trip. And I want to look presentable tonight." Thorin chuckled and watched Del getting the shirt, a needle and yarn. After several tries and failures Del was at the end of his rope. Completely annoyed he stared at his finger which was bloody and swollen. He gave Thorin an angry stare and lifted his arms helplessly.

"My dear Del, you are completely useless at this, at it seems..." luckily for Del Ori just came along and saw Del's distress. He bowed to Thorin nervously and offered his help. Del triumphantly smirked at Thorin and moved to give Ori some space.

"Thank you so much, Ori. I'm utterly useless at this, as Thorin puts it." The young Dwarf smiled and started sewing Del's shirt. "Ori, do you happen to know what Balin would like as a present tonight?"

"I am not sure, Master Del, I wrote a collection of poems for him while Dwalin purchased some pipe weed." Thorin looked gloomily in his direction, Ori tried his best to ignore it.

"It's just Del, Ori. Alright?" Ori nodded. "Ah, I think I have an idea!" Del got up, leaving Ori and Thorin alone outside. The prince watched Ori closely.

"You know, too..." he managed to say and keep his voice calm. It seemed all his friends found out about Del and him already and he wondered what part his nephews had in this.

"Yes." Ori answered, never looking up from his task. "He is a good choice, but you know that. He wears your braid..."

"Thank you." Thorin could not think of something better to say. He wondered if Ori really meant his words, but they were comforting nonetheless.

"Our community should be more open to such relationships. They are nothing extra-ordinary. It's two people loving each other. I see no difference." Thorin was astonished to hear Ori say something like that, but it made him feel easier. And the young Dwarf had a point. Before he could say something Del came back, his dagger and a wooden log in his hands. It seemed he was about to carve an object.

"When you are giving weed, I shall make a new pipe." he hummed happily as he started carving. Some time later Ori was finished sewing Del's shirt and handed it to him.

"I could show you how to sew properly, Del, if you wish."

"I'm afraid I have to decline, Ori. I'm going to learn how to braid soon, not to mention my lessons in khuzdûl... ah... and the training I'm giving Fili and Kili. But if you ever desire some training with weapons, let me know. I would gladly advise you." Ori grinned knowingly.

"I see. Sewing is not top priority. But don't worry, rumor has it that prince Thorin is very capable of sewing himself, so you can rely on him if need arises..." he stood, bowed low to Thorin and left them. Thorin stared after him. He mumbled something about lack of respect and how dare he, but Del saw his amusement.

"So I will come to you next time. I shall not forget..."

It was already late when the guests arrived. Balin sat on the table front, smiling contently and accepting presents and congratulations. His brother sat on his right side, close to Ori. Del learned that, as the names suggested, Dori, Nori and Ori were brothers. Kili and Fili had managed to get the cleaning done in time. Now they sat on either side of Del and held his hands. They were still sorry that Dis had hit him on the head and their amends did not stop. Even though Del had told them he had forgiven them, they did not leave his side. They even challenged Thorin by ignoring his stares, he would not have Del next to him tonight, they found it to be their exclusive right...for now. Dis smiled at the three affectionately. They cut the cake and were halfway through the ale when a dirty, ragged looking Dwarf approached the party. Dwalin, Thorin and Del got up in unison, getting their weapons. Del shoved the little ones behind him, ready to protect them whatever happened.

"Thorin, son of Thrain?" the Dwarf asked carefully. Thorin made another step and gave a short nod. The dwarf bowed low.

"Felor, son of Fellon. At your service. I am here on behalf of King Thror, your grandfather. He send me to give you this." he produced a piece of paper out of his pocket and handed it over. Thorin took it and stared at it.

"Thank you Felor, son of Fellon. See to the kitchen and tell them to provide you with food and shelter. You may go." The Dwarf seemed relieved and retreated with a last nod. Thorin had a closer look at the paper and found it to be a letter. He opened it and Del saw his eyes fly over the lines, his mouth agape.

"What is it, Thorin? Is grandfather alright?" Dis asked him, worry heavy in her voice.

"He is just fine. He summons an army to reclaim the ancient kingdom of Moria. He wants me to join in." he handed her the letter to read for herself.

"Thorin,

your father and I have gathered men along the Misty Mountains, we will go for Moria. You will join us in spring at the gates. Take as many men with you as can be found. Together we will drive the enemy away from our halls. May Mahal shield you,

Thror."

"He cannot make you. Your responsibility is here, with your people. Refuse him!" Thorin crushed the letter she had given him back in his hand.

"You know I cannot disobey. I will follow his call. Balin, I need you to inform every Dwarf that can take up arms to be ready in spring. They will need time to prepare their departure..." Balin nodded and went to do as he was told, when Dis stopped him.

"I see there is no point in arguing with you about going. You have made up your mind already. But you will not ruin this party now. You can inform them tomorrow, Balin. Have a seat and enjoy your birthday." Balin looked to Thorin for approval and when the prince nodded he sat down again.

It was dark outside and quite cold when Thorin and Del finally got inside, the brothers had been asleep for over an hour now. They quickly got undressed and tucked the blankets around them. Del drew Thorin close, his chin resting on his head and his hand brushing through his hair. The prince was troubled and he could feel it.

"What bothers you, Thorin?" he kissed his forehead softly. "Tell me, please." Thorin closed his eyes and nuzzled deeply into Del's hair.

"I have to leave. There is no choice for me, not really. Grandfather ordered me to come, and I cannot turn him down, as much as I would like to. This is going to be our battle, a battle against an army of goblins. They have conquered these halls of our fathers long ago and they will not give them up easily. We will be outnumbered, I don't think I shall return..."

"You truly underestimate your skill in battle. You will survive, I will see to that..." Del gave him a loving smile that made Thorin happy and sad at the same time.

"I will not order you to follow me, Del. This is our battle, and I cannot expect you to come with me... Pledge or not, I cannot make you risk your life so easily for something you know not..." Del's hand came to rest on his cheek.

"Thorin, I did not pledge my allegiance to you because I had to. I did it because I love you. With every fiber of my being. And I will not let you take up this fight by yourself. I will be on your side. We will draw swords together and fight together. I will be with you. And I will do whatever I have to to see you safe and sound. You are not alone. You will never be alone again. You have me now. I am yours and I will not leave you." he firmly kissed Thorin and nodded to himself. Thorin responded to the kiss and relaxed. He had hoped for Del to say that. To tell him he was not alone. They would be facing this battle together. He did not need to know more. They would be alright. Or so he hoped.