It had been an easy journey, even through Mirkwood.

Actually, Mirkwood wasn't easy, but they do like to pretend.

They had packed enough food and water, and had rationed as a precaution. They had emerged from the forest tired and hungry, but nothing that couldn't be fixed by a warm meal and a night under the clear sky.

They'd be over the mountains and in Rivendell within the fortnight.

Billa was actually enjoying it.

She had gotten the taste for travelling, and had long ago figured out how to lessen the discomfort that comes along with it. It also didn't hurt that she had Thorin at her side almost always.

They had all brought their own bedrolls, but oftentimes, Billa's would remain on the cart.

It was a path she had taken more than once, except this time, there was no reason to stress or worry. She was with her family, and their goal was to have a wedding in the Shire.

She wasn't the odd member out of a dwarven company, fighting orcs and wargs while on their way to reclaim their home from a dragon. She wasn't the halfling amongst kind, but distant elves and a wizard, mourning the loss of her dwarrows. She also wasn't the odd hobbit who had bizarrely decided to join a dwarven caravan, doing her best to not irritate her travelling companions, worrying over whether or not she would be welcomed.

It was nice, and it was almost relaxing. She didn't have the worries that came with ruling a kingdom, and she was constantly comforted by the familiar sight of Thorin in his travelling clothes.

Long ago, she would have never thought she'd have missed the sight and smell of dirty armor, thick smelly tunics, and a slightly damp fur coat. But she found she did. As much as he wore the royal robes with pride, the worn down clothing somehow suit him so much better.

It was something she had noticed while in Erebor, he almost appeared more himself when he was simply lounging about in a simple tunic and trousers.

It fit.

He had grown use to them in exile, she supposed.

It really could be any number of things.

And she really should stop getting lost in thought.

This was probably the twentieth time that Thorin had gripped her reins and gently guided her back into the group.

But really, there wasn't all that much to do except think, and perhaps that was part of the reason she actually enjoyed long ride on the back of a pony. She could just sit and get lost in her own mind.

Perhaps it might be better if she ride with Thorin.

That way she could just lean back and not worry about all that much.

And maybe she could tease him too.

It'd be fun for her.

Maybe not so much for him.

After all, it's not like they could really do all that much. They were travelling over an open plain, with their company.

He'd just get either extremely frustrated, or he'd take his revenge and do the same thing to her.

And since he's been in a rather good mood lately, it might be better not to do that at all.

She'd just have to suffer a sore back.

They'd be reaching the Old Ford in about a day or two.

This journey was passing much quicker.

She was pulled out of her thoughts once more by Thorin gently guiding her to his side.

They rode side by side for what could have been hours, before she was pulled towards the back of the group by Dís.

"Sister dear, let us talk about your upcoming wedding. Or rather, what happens after."

Fíli and Kíli had appeared as if they were eavesdropping, but had very quickly rode forward until they were with Dwalin.

"Whatever do you mean?"

"Many things. I am fairly positive that you and my brother have already partaken in the tradition of a wedding night, which I do not blame you for, there was every chance that one or both of you would not live to see Erebor. But, many cultures share similar traditions regarding marriage, and I wondering the hobbit traditions are regarding the week after the wedding."

Billa could do nothing to prevent the blush from spreading across her cheeks and to the tips of her ears.

"We have what we call the harvest moon. Most hobbit weddings are in the Spring, but there are also quite a few at the start of the harvest. So, that's partly where the name came from. Following the wedding night, there's a set amount of time where the newly wedded couple enjoys some peace and solitude. Oftentimes, family members will leave food and other gifts at the step, so that their time is as worry free as possible. Of course, for hobbits, cooking is a great joy, so the food isn't really needed."

"We have something similar, I'll explain once you're done."

"Also, another reason why it's called the harvest moon, many times a hobbit will find themselves to be with child shortly after. The more respectable your family is, the longer the time is, never exceeding a full moon cycle."

"Billa, I feel this is something we've never really addressed, I am sure you are aware that children are rare for dwarves. The brother's Ri, their mother was considered very blessed to have three children - so much so that it was ignored that they have three different fathers. The royal family does tend to have as many children as they can, to guarantee a line of succession, but when my parents had three, it was wonderfully celebrated. Bombur and his wife have the most children born to two dwarves in centuries."

"They only have four."

"Yes. But you so only as if that is a small amount. Did you know that my sons are only five years apart? You know dwarves have longer lifespans, but hey have the smallest known. age gap between siblings.

"How many years are usually between siblings?"

"At least ten, and that's still a relatively small age gap."

"Oh."

"What I'm asking is, what is the typical hobbit family like? You say that it is expected for a child to be born shortly after marriage."

"I did, yes. My parents were very odd for the fact that they only ever had one child. Bagginses tend to have smaller families, and Tooks tend to have larger ones. It isn't considered odd to see a family with ten children. My mother was the ninth of eleven, my father was also an only child."

"Did you just say your mother was the ninth of eleven, as in eleven children?"

"Yes, yes I did. There are quite a few who are in awe of my grandmother."

"And these were all born to the same two hobbits?"

"Yes, of course!"

"What is the average age gap?"

"Well, it can be anything from a year to five. Five's stretching it, but it's usually around one and half to two years."

"Billa, I have to ask, do you want children with Thorin?"

"Yes, of course! I've always wanted a large family, but never found anyone I'd be willing to call husband. I settled for being the favorite babysitter of the Shire."

"Would you be willing to let my sons keep the heir titles?"

"Yes, definitely. As much as I am aware of the fact that I am marrying into royalty, I can't say I would terribly mind if none of my children ever took the throne."

"Namad, I wasn't aware my love for you could grow any stronger. What I am going to say next is something that you may not have been aware of, but Thorin has always longed for a large family. He had always deemed it impossible, for even if he found anyone to take as a wife, dwarves aren't very fertile. Raising Fíli and Kíli did help him, and he loved it. He may not look it, be he's wonderful with children. He is going into this marriage, expecting to possibly be blessed with a child, two if he's lucky."

"I never looked at it like that. Dís, how common is it for a female child to be born?"

"Not at all, part of what added to my grandfather's belief that he was meant to rule was the fact that a daughter was born to his line. It is considered a blessing from Mahal himself. Why do you ask?"

"Hobbits tend to have the same amount of females as they do males. If I were to bear a daughter, how would it be received?"

"By Erebor? There would no doubt be several festivals held in her honor, it would be a reason for great celebrations."

"And by Thorin?"

"Any child would bring him joy beyond measure. But a daughter? She would be spoiled and doted on beyond belief. There's nothing that would make him happier."

"That's good to hear."

"Why, may I ask?"

"For the future, of course. I have always wanted a daughter, and I was wondering if Thorin would feel the same. You said he holds the belief that he will be lucky to father one child?"

"Aye, I did. Any dwarf would."

"Did you know that there's an old wives' tale in the Shire, the first daughter of the first daughter of Took will have two names to write down in her guarded book."

"And what does that mean?"

"My mother was the first daughter of the Old Took. I'm my mother's only daughter, so I am obviously her first. It's just a silly story, but it says that I'll have twins."

"Twins?"

"Two children are carried and birthed by the mother. Siblings, with the same birthday."

"That can't be possible! And even if it were, surely you would not make it through the birth! Kíli was a small babe, but I barely survived."

"Hobbits have very easy births, a blessing by Yavanna, some say."

"Yavanna."

"Yes, what of it? The legends say that we are her children. We pray to the Mother, just as you pray to your creator."

"Yavanna is the wife of our creator, Mahal."

"Oh."

"Yes."

"Hmm, maybe it isn't so strange for a hobbit to marry a dwarf."

"Maybe."

*Namad - sister