Author's Note: Thanks for the reviews, Borys68 and sarah0406v(Yup - I decided to make Sigrid and Dis closer friends, because Dis might be a nice maternal influence as well as a guide to help Sigrid understand noble life a little more). I'm sorry this chapter is a little late :) On another note, I find that I like comparing Dwalin and Balin's role to that of the hand of the king, Ned Stark in GOT.

Chapter 25: A Stitch in Time

Tilda was gaping at the samples of material. Sigrid fingered the fabrics and smiled, which Malin was glad to see her do. The apprentice, Hidi, even showed them sketches of dwarven fashions, which interested and fascinated both girls because to them they were foreign and exotic, as well as being fancier and more expensive anything they had ever had.

When all was done, Tilda wanted to visit the North Walkway above the forges again, to show what they were like to Sigird.

Over the deafening clamor (for, unlike Tilda's earlier visit, the forges and mines were now running at full force) Tilda pointed out the forges, the carts that ran on intricate pulleys, the amazing gears and mechanisms, the large hammers and anvils of dwarf design. Sigrid found the whole spectacle very distracting and loud, and Tilda was a little chagrinned that her sister did not find as much pleasure in it as she did.

The water-powered turbines whizzed to a stop after awhile, and work began to slow down. Many were leaving work early today to attend the afternoon archery matches.

Finally it was time to go to the training arena to watch the dwarves and Men compete. They arrived a little late, so Malin had to fight through the crowd to get to the front benches. Dis was there too, and soon Sigrid and Tilda watched with Dis from the sidelines whilst Malin slipped away, having seen Lallek and Nori.

"Malin!" Lallek exclaimed and embraced her, "I haven't seen you in ages..."

"Lallek, " Malin smiled affectionately, "It is good to see you. I wanted to give you some space to rest awhile, before my brothers and I descend upon your family."

"It is no trouble," Lallek laughed, "Even though I know nothing of babies, Dori does. He's watching our little one now, and Nori promised to take me out for a little excursion... What fun!"

Malin was not paying attention to the atheletics, but Lallek apparently was, so Malin sat next to her, with Nori on Lallek's other side, and

"I heard about the last time you were here," Lallek said, and then giggled, blushing.

It is good that she can laugh about the matter, Malin thought, pleased.

"Aye..." Malin replied, then asked, "How is Nori's business? I hear the shop is to open soon!"

"I look forward to it," Lallek smiled, "Though in all the excitement for Ori's book, Nori has conveniently left off the business for a few days... I don't nag him... do I, love?"

"What? No..." Nori didn't look like he was listening, but Malin knew he was known for having sharp ears.

"Malin!" Ghiza tapped her shoulder from behind.

Ghiza? Come to see to the matches? Malin turned around and embraced her. Ghiza was never overfond of the training arena.

"Even if I came to watch," Ghiza would tell Malin, "Gloin cannot stop from retelling to me every detail of Gimli's successes."

Ah, Gimli was a lad to be proud of, very proud of indeed.

Strangely, Gloin wasn't here. He and Gimli were together attending to some matter for tonight's small banquet, Ghiza informed Malin. Instead, Ghiza was here with Oin, who smiled pleasantly and nodded at Malin. Unfornately, Iga wasn't here - even with all the new kitchen apprentices, she and Bombur were always tied up in the kitchen. Balin felt that a member of the Company should be treated better, but Bombur always took great pride in his work

Malin glanced at the arena - Bain was up against Thorin, who decided to join the match in a show of good faith. He was actually not bad at archery, and Bain and Thorin were closely tied. Arrows whizzed to the targets with stunning accuracy as the crowd cheered.

Malin's eyes wandered from the game to the front seats, where she saw Sigrid and Tilda sitting alone. Things had gotten louder and rowdier in the crowd as the tie between Thorin and Bain had persisted.

Then Malin noticed that Dis had walked over to speak to Kili at the side lines. Malin got up to move to where the girls were, but Ghiza suddenly pulled Malin aside and began to ask about something... Malin wasn't listening. In a couple of seconds, she had excused herself and started pushing her way through the crowd, then a gasp was heard.

The match paused temporarily.

Malin pushed her way in front, and the first thing she saw was Sigrid, fallen over, on her hands and knees in front of her seat. Apparently some overexcited members of the crowd had started throwing various articles like boots and beer-mugs in front, and Sigrid had gotten hit.

"I'm fine, I'm fine," Sigrid protested as she got up.

All sounds stopped as Thorin immediately stalked over, helped her up, and then roared,

"No more throwing things!"

Silence fell.

Bard came to sit by his daughters just as Malin came up front and joined the girls. Dis hurried over as well and took a look at Sigrid's head. Apparently there were no bruises, and no real harm had been done, so the games continued. Thorin cast one contemptuous glance at Malin and stalked back to continue his shot. He drew back his bow and sent arrow after arrow flying swiftly and flawlessly

Bard took his daughters back to their rooms after the game, Dis following them to make sure everything was alright. Helplessly, Malin watched them leave before Dwalin swiftly grabbed her and pulled her oneside.

"Thorin is going to be furious," Dwalin hissed,

"I'm so sorry," said Malin, "I was wrong to leave them alone. Dis..."

"Dis was not charged with watching them, you were."

"I have failed brother, I know." Malin's voice was low and she looked at the ground.

"Come."

Dwalin was taking her out of the arena. Balin followed.

Malin found herself walking up to Thorin's office.

"Your fool of a sister!" Thorin raged, "Disobeying my instructions and letting Bard's child get hit!"

This shelling really hurt, and it wasn't even Malin's fault. However, what hurt her the most was that the king did not even address her or look at her. He was ranting at Balin, who looked so woebegone and bitten that Malin felt she had rather take the king's verbal blows herself than have her brother be at the biting end. What hurt her equally as much was that Dwalin, with whom she had grown closer and really wanted to please, was now really, really mad at her and looked ready to disown his sister for crossing the king.

"Forgive me, my king," Malin was on her knees, "But it was not my Lord Balin's fault. Let the blame be entirely mine."

Thorin said nothing. After a nothing he waved his hand to dismiss Malin, and Dwalin pulled her out of the room.

"Go to the ladies now," said Dwalin, "Your duties are not over. Be more careful."

"Aye," said Malin, turning away and walking off. She dreaded going back to the girls.

I hate Erebor, she thought. It wasn't even a big mistake. Sigrid didn't even get hurt. I don't see why the king is so angry with me. It's so unfair - I hate this stinking mountain. I wish I never came here. Sigrid was supposed to be with Dis. Even if I was next to her, how could I have stopped her getting hit? It makes no sense!