*Claws my way out of the ground* I LIIIVEEEE! Well sort of. Apologies at this point are falling a little flat since it's been, what, five months? Longer? The worst part is that I haven't been inherently busy. Tired, yes. But not overly busy, I just haven't had any motivation to write. I've still been getting reviews from you guys even now and you guilt tripped me into a new chapter - so kudos on that! Keep up the good work.

I will save you from having to read my replies to questions you probably forgot you'd even asked. If there is anything pressing about the story that you want to know then drop me a message and I'll try and clear it up for you, otherwise just review and hopefully there won't be such a long wait but who am I kidding I'm a terrible human being.

Also, if you are a writer/artist yourself and fancy getting some of your work featured then please read the notes at the bottom because I'm planning a little contest to try and keep my motivation up!

Other than that.. Enjoy?

Chapter 25

Fili and Kili are on their feet, protesting almost as soon as the words have left the Kings mouth but I find I don't have the energy or the inclination to object with them. Perhaps I knew he was going to say something like that – If I were in his situation I might try to send away the people I cared about too. That does not necessarily mean I will go willingly however.

His Majesty slams his fist onto the table and roars at his nephews for silence and the two of them fall quiet, though grudgingly. "You will go with Dain to the Iron Hills, where he can protect you."

"But Thorin we want to stay here, with you." Fili tells him, a deep frown on his face as he watches his uncle.

"You can't send us away now," Kili adds. He has the look of a kicked puppy, though perhaps angrier. "Have we not proved ourselves? Have we not earned our place in Erebor?"

"I have made my decision!" His Majesty says firmly in a voice that allows no room for argument. He watches his nephews for a moment, as if expecting them to continue their objections but they don't, so he glances round the table until his eyes come to rest on me. "And what of you Lady Rúin, will you disobey me too?"

I take a moment to answer him, mulling the situation over in my mind. I do not want to leave and in truth I am not sure he can actually make me, short of exiling me to the Iron Hills but do I dare ignore an order from my King?

"I will go, if it is your wish." I say as calmly as I can, and I see the King sag ever so slightly in relief – or perhaps sorrow. My heart pounds. "However I will not go to the Iron Hills."

"But-" Lord Dain starts, I raise my voice ever so slightly to cover him. I am not finished.

"You say that he can protect us there. Am I to believe that the Lord of the Iron Hills can offer more secure holdings than the King of Erebor? That his house is any less likely to harbour these factions?" I ask, glancing from Thorin, to Dain, then Balin and Dwalin. "Your intentions are good, your Majesty, I have no doubt – but you... you are a fool if you think it is proximity to you that makes Erebor dangerous."

I swallow the lump in my throat. I have just called the King under the Mountain a fool – and in front of his most trusted advisor's and heirs, but it is true if he thinks sending us away will do much good.

"If I am to leave then I will return to Nordinbad." I tell them, pressing my fingers together in front of myself. "That was my home and I should like to return there to see the friends I left behind."

"Lord Gorin is of Durin's line though distantly," Thorin says, a deep frown on his face, his eyes watching me. "But Dain is my cousin, he can better protect you in the Iron Hills."

"Perhaps, though I am still sceptical." I say, frowning back. "You asked for me to leave and I shall do so, but to a destination of my own choice. However, there is one condition."

"And what is this condition?" Thorin asks. He looks angry, but that is common with him – perhaps my refusal to do as he says has annoyed him more than I anticipated, though why he thought I would go willingly is beyond me. Dwalin is frowning at me and Balin has an eyebrow raised. Evidently people do not often bargain in this way with the King.

"You must tell my family of the danger you are putting them in. All of the candidates for your marriage in fact." I say, pushing to my feet. "It isn't fair to put them in harms way without their knowledge."

"It will cause a panic – throughout Erebor." Dwalin tells me, his voice a low growl in the otherwise quiet room.

"There is already panic in Erebor, after what has happened today. If these accidents continue the people will know something is wrong. They are not stupid and they will not thank the King who tried to hide it from them." I tell him. I take a deep breath, I am getting off topic. "And if you will not tell them willingly then I will. My family at least, I cannot – will not- leave here if they are in danger."

"What if this news sends our potential Queens-to-be fleeing for the hills?" Balin asks me, curious to here my answer. I pause, watching his old eyes for a moment. I think he understands, at least a little.

"Then perhaps they are not the Queens you are looking for?" I suggest. "It has been a long time since Durin's folk have had a reigning King and Queen. We are a hardy people and a Queen that would run from danger and leave her subjects unprotected to save her own skin is not one many would follow gladly."

I pause again and look around the table.

"But that does not mean you should keep such dangers hidden from them." I say. I twist my fingers together in front of me as I turn my attention back to His Majesty. "I understand your reasons for keeping this attempted coup silent, but one of those women may one day be your Queen. And a lie which could result in the death of your soon-to-be Queen is not a good way to start."

There is silence once I am finished and for a moment I simply stare at the wall behind the King, waiting for him to order me removed from his War council, perhaps from the Mountain entirely. The seconds tick by and still I wait until finally a sigh escapes Thorin's lips.

"I will.. think on all you have said." He tells me, pushing to his feet. The others gathered around the table mirror him. "I ask that you keep my secret for now, Lady Rúin, even from your own family... at least until we have made arrangements for you and my nephews to leave the Mountain."

I watch him for a moment, warily. It is not that I don't trust the King of Erebor, it is simply that I don't know enough about his character to take him completely at his word, not when the safety of my family is at stake. "As you wish." I say finally.

"We have kept you long enough," His Majesty says after another moment. "You have my thanks for coming."

I have been dismissed. So I drop into another curtsey and turn on my heel, Marrik a step behind as I stride out of the War Room.

Walking through Erebor is still as magnificent as the first time I stepped foot into its polished halls, though now it holds a tinge of malice. Am I a potential target for assassination? Are there killers hiding in plain sight? If I step into a less used corridor will I come face to face with my murderer, dressed as a kitchen server?

I shake my head. Perhaps leaving Erebor is the right thing to do if I am jumping at shadows and imagining my own demise at the hands of a hidden assassin. I hadn't particularly wanted to come here to begin with, but now the idea of leaving seems impossible. To return to my old life in Nordinbad – or worse, the Iron Hills where I know no one and nothing – seems a terrible step back.

I pass a group of guards going in the opposite direction and have to force myself not to shy away from them; their armour clanking, sword scabbards slapping against legs and their friendly chatter putting me on edge.

Allowing myself to be afraid is not an option. The attack today has shaken me badly, yes, I am not too proud to admit that. I have never been in a situation where I did not have at least the chance of fighting what was trying to kill me – however I will not let it dictate how I live the remainder of my days, in Erebor or anywhere else. I am not accustomed to being afraid and I will not tolerate it of myself now.

"How long will Toldin be in the Healing rooms?" I ask, turning my head to address Marrik while still keeping an eye on where I am heading.

"Some days, My Lady." Marrik informs me. "Master Oin thinks he has concussed himself and lost a lotta blood to boot. He'll need time t'recover."

I nod to myself. I will visit him tomorrow, to make sure he is feeling better.

I think about going to the library to read, but just as my feet take the motions to turn down the right path a passing noble woman brushes my sleeve and I flinch back.

She is already gone, halfway down the passage with her companion, her laugh a sound that bounces back to me against the thick stone walls. I blink, surprised to find myself standing so close to the stone – not quite huddling, but close enough that I can feel it's cool smoothness against my right arm.

"Are you well, My Lady?" Marrik asks. I glance back at him. He has one eyebrow raised, the other drawn into a semi-frown as if he can't quite figure me out. With a nod I stand up straight, nudge away from the wall and carry on as if nothing has happened; I head for my room. To read in the privacy of my own quarters, I tell myself. Not to hide.

.

.

I do not join my family to eat in the Dining Halls that evening, nor do I join them for breakfast the following day. When I do finally leave my room to visit Toldin I almost walk straight into my sister who is raising her hand to knock on my door.

"Oh! Rúin I was just – Mahal what happened to your face?" She asks, her already outstretched hand moving forward to touch one of the cuts on my cheek from yesterdays rock fragments. I jerk back slightly, letting her hand fall away from my skin, then bring my own fingers up to touch the pock mark.

"It's nothing, I'm fine." I tell her, dropping my hand to my side and stepping past. Marrik moves away from his place by the door as I walk out and is by my side a moment later.

"It's not nothing Rúin, you look like someone's been spitting glass at you!" She frowns as her eyes take in Marrik, his own face similarly marked. As I am not overly forthcoming with information she turns to my guard. "What happened?"

"I am... not at liberty to discuss it." Marrik says as tactfully as he can, giving her a small bow as I stride off, more than willing to visit Toldin instead of being interrogated by my sister. Trúin however is not finished and follows after us.

"Not at liberty?" She storms, almost hiking up her skirts in order to keep up with Marrik and myself. "Rúin! You are injured, your guard is injured and you won't tell me how?"

"It's not any of your business, at the moment." I tell her, stepping around a group of courtiers, leaving perhaps more room than is necessary.

"None of my-" Trúin splutters, failing to understand why I won't tell her what is going on. She resorts to her trump card. "I will get mother. Do you think she will stand for such paltry excus-"

"Quite frankly Trúin, you can say whatever you like to mother," I cut her off as I turn the corner towards the healing rooms. "It changes nothing. I won't tell you. Not even if you bring the the might of our whole family down upon me."

We stop outside the doors to the healing room and Trúin finally pauses to take in her surroundings. Her frown deepens. "Why are we here?"

"I am visiting someone." I say simply. "Marrik, would you escort my sister to wherever she needs to be. I suspect I will be here for some time at any rate."

"Of course My Lady." Marrik says, then motions to my sister to lead the way. She stares at me for a moment before stalking off, indignation warring with worry on her face. I hear her begin to question Marrik mercilessly as they head down the corridor – Trúin's voice echoing back to me in the strange way that Erebor distorts sound.

In another time I might have been quite pleased to see the lock of shock and quiet bewilderment on my sisters face, both for the fact that I have denied her something she wants to know and that I am dismissing her in such a manner.

Now however I just feel tired.

I would like to tell her what happened. I would equally like to tell her that she is in danger and that it may not be safe for her to walk the halls of Erebor alone anymore. That I'm not just sending Marrik to make sure she actually leaves me, but for her own protection. I would like her advice on the strange writhing in my chest whenever I think too hard about certain things and I would love for her to accept those feelings without turning against me if they prove to be true.

But I can have none of those things until His Majesty has decided whether or not to reveal his secret, and so I must keep all these thoughts to myself.

With a sigh I turn away from the quickly retreating forms of my sister and my guard and enter the Healing rooms to see how the boy who saved my life is faring.

.

.

I return to my room some hours later after leaving Toldin and visiting Lavri to commission some more appropriate clothing from her. She was curious, I can tell, but I simply told her I was planning a trip and needed something more suitable than dresses to wear.

With no actual day set for my departure she told me she would have them done as soon as possible, which with her could be before the morning dawns – though I hope she doesn't think I needed them that urgently.

A sigh escapes me as I sit down at the edge of my bed, massaging my eyes with the palms of my hands.

Toldin still looked pale. He seemed in good enough spirits but every now and again he would forget what he had been about to say, or stop speaking mid way through a conversation until I prompted him to continue.

When I bought my concerns to Master Oin he told me not to be concerned, that with head injuries such as the one Toldin had suffered it was not uncommon to be a little muddled for days after. I didn't push for more information, hoping that the Master Oin's skill with medicine would prove true – but I saw worry behind the older dwarfs eyes, and that in turn has worried me.

I crawl into the centre of my bed, pulling free the dagger from the loop in my belt so it doesn't dig into my side as I curl up on the rich covering, intent on sleep. My eyes feel heavy and so I allow them to close and am just starting to doze when someone knocks on the door at the back of my room – the one that leads to our family area.

I sit up, annoyed and open my mouth to ask who it is only to have the door open before I can do so. Brúin walks in, a smile on his face and a platter of food balanced on one hand. "You missed dinner again."

"I bought something at the market." I lie smoothly. The idea of food had completely escaped me, but now I can smell whatever Brúin has bought in and my stomach give a traitorous rumble.

Loud enough for my brother to hear. "You won't be wanting this, then?" He asks, lowering the plate so that I can see the roasted chicken legs and vegetables swimming in a thick gravy. My stomach rumbles again.

"Well it will only go to waste if I don't eat it." I reason as I climb off of my bed and remove the platter from his hands. I take it over to my vanity table – not wanting to get grease on my bed covers. "Thank you."

"Anything for you, little sister." He tells me as he turns back to the door to leave. "Also, mother says we are to attend a meeting with his Highness in an hour. She wants you to dress accordingly."

"You may tell her that I will dress as I damn well please." I mutter around a mouthful of chicken. Brúin snorts, rubbing a hand over his thick beard.

"You know I think I'll let you pass that message on yourself." He says. I huff and he leaves me to my dinner, closing the door with more force than is necessary because of course he can't do anything quietly.

I finish my dinner and change into some fresh clothes; a pair of well loved trousers and a white cotton blouse that is long enough to conceal all but the tip of the dagger at my waist. Perhaps I am being paranoid – both my father, Brúin and Marrik will be with us on our trip to the King's meeting, and there will no doubt be more guards there. A small dagger is little use against anyone trained in fighting, but it is enough to give me some small measure of control.

When I join my family in the corridor I quickly deflect the questions about my lack of dress and then the more pressing demands of what I have done to my face and arms. I haven't seen my mother or father since before the mine incident and while I have no doubt they have heard about the accident, none of my family members seem to have but two and two together.

Or so I think.

My father gives me a long look when I fend off their interrogation and inform them that we are going to be late if we stop to talk. I walk a little faster just to get away from his measuring stare. Perhaps Brúin has shared his concerns for my safety with my father, perhaps it is simply paternal instinct that prompts his assessing gaze. Whatever it is, his eyes remain on me for the majority of our trip to His Majesties dining hall.

Trúin keeps her distance from me, possibly because she is still angry for my earlier refusal to talk to her. When we join the other nobility at the long dining table she sits on the opposite side of the table to me, beside my mother and continues to avoid my eyes.

There are several faces here that I recognise and some that I wish I didn't. Amrlin and her mother are seated some ways to our right, with an unfamiliar man whom I take to be her father along with her annoying younger brother Farlin.

The timid young dwarrowdam Misa is sitting far down the length of the table, almost at the end where I doubt she will be able to hear anything that is being said. Beside her and her mother is the Lady Trella and her daughter Embra who I met in passing some months ago.

Lady Airi with her mother and father, Lady Aale and Lord Eldric are next up, her brother notably missing from the group – which is just as well since his name has escaped me completely. I also spot the Lady Gewnelyn and her family, though I don't allow my eyes to linger on them since her father is glaring at any and all people he seems to come in to contact with.

"I wonder what this is about." My mother is saying once I finish my cursory investigation of those gathered.

"It must be important." My sister says, still not looking at me – not that it matters since my Father, who is sitting on my sisters left, is more than making up for it. I don't think he has even blinked since we sat down.

Brúin makes a show of rolling his shoulders and brings his large hands up to rest on the table, nudging my arm in the process. "Who can say?"

I ignore him and watch as the last few dwarrowdams we are waiting for enter. Lady Liha and Tarani come in together and seat themselves, looking none too happy that they are so far down the table.

Dwalin and Balin are present, as is Lord Dain and the Princes – only His Majesty is missing, though even as I think it I hear the sound of heavy footfalls. A moment later he enters the room.

Everyone rises from their seats as he comes to stand at the head of the table. Fili and Kili take their places to either side of him along with Balin and Dain. Dwalin stands just behind the King's chair, arms folded over his chest and a fierce look on his face that tells me he is not happy with what is happening.

"Please, sit." The King under the Mountain says, though he himself remains standing. "You are probably all wondering why I have invited you here, at such short notice. It is important that you listen to all I have to say. Some of you will not like it, I ask that you allow me the time to explain."

I glance around the table as surreptitiously as I can while all eyes are on the King. Some of the ladies are looking hopeful, perhaps thinking that his Majesty is going to name his bride-to-be, others look pensive, as if they realise something bad is going to be said and that this is not a happy gathering.

"It has been bought to my attention that I have placed some of you in danger, without your knowledge," Thorin Oakenshield begins, clasping his hands behind his back. He doesn't look at me, for which I am thankful. "While my intention was to do the opposite, it seems I have been.. misguided in my attemps."

My fathers gaze is burning into me from where he sits across the table. How in Mahal's name can he connect what little the King has said to me? I keep my eyes on the King, not wanting to confirm my fathers suspicions.

"I am sure you have all heard of the incident in the mines yesterday, many were injured and three of our people were killed – I myself was almost among them." He says, drawing gasps from the assembled nobility. "It has been said that this was a tragic accident. While it was indeed a tragedy, it was not an accident."

There are more gasps, louder this time and quiet muttering breaks out around me. I risk looking at my father and find him watching me, as I knew he would be. His eyes are sad. I think perhaps he was hoping against hope that I was not involved in what the King is about to reveal though he is no fool. He can make the connection between the marks on my skin and the shattered boulder in the mines which killed three others.

I prey he never finds out how close that death count came to being four.

The King holds up his hand for silence and obediently the murmuring quietens. "Since I reclaimed my Throne, almost ten years ago, there have been those who seek to take it from me. They have tried to illegitimize my nephews claim, to take their birthright from them." Thorin says, his voice growing steadily colder the more angry he becomes. "Because of this I invited you here. I see now that I should have made this known from the start. That in not telling you I have placed you in danger, and your families. These groups may target you too."

The King pauses and his eyes meet mine for a moment before moving on.

"I understand if you no longer wish to remain within Erebor, those of you that came from different holdings. I bare you no ill will if you leave, and the same to those of you who have always lived here." Thorin says. "It is my hope that some of you will remain, no matter the dangers. I must have an heir if I am to bring stability to Erebor, and to do that I must have a Queen."

The room is silent. I have often scoffed at the saying 'so quiet you could hear a pin drop' but I think if I were to drop one now I would see it isn't as foolish as it seems. The complete quiet makes my ears ring, until, to my surprise, my sister stands up. Her chair squeals on the stone floor as she pushes it back and I watch as she takes a deep breath, composing herself.

"I will stay." She says, and briefly I see a flash of pride mix with the worry on my mothers face. "I may not be a strong fighter like my brother, nor as good with a bow and arrow as my sister, but neither am I a coward."

I am surprised. Honestly shocked at her words. While I have never considered my sister a coward, neither have considered her brave. She has little experience with fighting, she has never faced off against an Orc or felt a blade glance off bone as it parts through flesh.

Yet here she is. Standing alone, facing a man who just told her that she is in danger because of her closeness to him and she is willing to stay, despite that. I smile slightly. I think I will have to re-adjust my idea of what makes a person brave.

Not one to be outdone, Amrlin is soon on her feet, a look of defiance on her face. Slowly the dwarrordams around the table start to rise, one by one. Airi. Liha. Gwendolyn. Tarani.

Misa moves to join them, uncertainty written on her face, but her mother takes her arm and pulls her back into her seat with a warm smile on her face. Secretly I am glad, Misa is two young and shy to have ever been considered a real possibility for the position of Queen.

Lady Trella and Embra remain sitting too, the former staring down anyone who might look upon her or her daughter for not rising and judge them. I do not blame her. A mother who looks out for her daughters well-being over her own ambition is not someone to be mocked.

Thorin is quiet for a moment as he looks at the assembled nobles. His eyes find mine again and hold for a second. Two. Three. And he looks away. "I admit I did not expect such a response. I see I was wrong to have kept this from you all."

"I am sure there are questions, I will do my best to answer them and assuage what fears I can." The King under the Mountain lets out a breath. "But first if I might speak to Lady Misa, Lady Embra and Lady Rúin - alone for a moment."

The table erupts into conversation as His Majesty moves away from the us, walking to the large fire place that I remember falling asleep in front of during my last visit here. Lady Misa and her mother go to join him, followed by Lady Embra and Lady Trella. I push myself up with a sigh and move to follow – only to be surprised when my father stands and mirrors my footsteps.

I frown at him and he frowns back, but we remain silent as we join the other Ladies and the King by the fire.

"I wanted to assure you that your choice is respected," His Majesty says once we are gathered around him. "The safety of your families should come first, and I thank you for taking the time to come here even if you decide not to stay."

There is some murmured thanks for Lady Misa and Lady Rani who state they wish to remain within the Mountain for the time being, though will not be attending any more of the King's dinners. Thorin thanks them and they leave us with a series of curtsies.

The Lady Trella announces that she and he daughter plan to leave Erebor, though they thank the King for his hospitality and would he mind if they waited till Lord Dain was ready to leave so that they might travel with his caravan. The King assures them that is no problem and bids them farewell.

And then it is just me and the King. And my father.

"Lady Rúin, Lord Dalkin." His Majesty says, inclining his head to my father who gives a rather short nod back. The King says nothing about this subtle disrespect and turns his attention to me. "Do you agree that I have honoured my end of our bargain?"

"I do." I say, shifting slightly. "When am I to leave?"

"Tomorrow." Thorin says and I take a step back in surprise, a deep frown on my face.

"Tomorrow?" I repeat, louder than is strictly necessary.

"And just where are you sending my daughter, your Hightness?" My father asks in a tone that could freeze the ocean.

"To the Iron Hills." His Majesty informs him.

"To Nordinbad." I correct, which earns me a frown from both dwarrows. "I agreed to leave, but I did not agree to go to the Iron Hills."

"No one is going anywhere until I find out what is going on." My father says, his voice steel and pitched a little too high because soon both my mother and Trúin appear behind us, faces pinched because no doubt we are embarrassing them again. Brúin walks almost lazily to my side until the King under the Mountain is surrounded by my family.

"Dalkin, dear," My mother says that last word as if she is addressing an enemy. "What in Mahal's name is going on?"

"Rúin is leaving. Tomorrow." My father says, through clenched teeth. Brúin grunts from beside me.

"Allow me to explain." The King under the Mountain says as I try to massage away the growing headache between my eyes. "Lady Rúin was unfortunate enough to encounter someone who I believe was sent to assassinate me. It was decided that she would leave with my cousin and nephews on a visit the Iron Hills. A political envoy on the surface, but in reality to remove her from harm. Though apparently now she has decided to return to Nordinbad, against my orders."

"The first flaw, My King, is thinking that anyone would believe my sister to be a political envoy." Brúin says with a smirk, despite the situation he has managed to find something that amuses him. "The second is thinking she would be packed off like a sack of apples to wherever you wished to send her. Rúin has never been good at doing what she is told."

"Something I am beginning to realise." The King says flatly.

"You truly think she is in danger?" My father asks. He was suspiciously quiet during the King's explanation. "Because of this... assassin?"

"Her closeness with my nephews has probably not helped." His Majesty says. "But yes, I do."

"All right," My father says with a decisive nod, planting a meaty hand on my shoulder. "Come on lass, I'll help you pack."

.

Back in my rooms my father assists me with stuffing my small belongs into bags, though we have to appropriate some extra ones for the books and dresses I have amassed during my time in Erebor.

"So," My father says casually as he tips a stack of books into a duffel bag with such carelessness that I cringe. "All His Majesties pretty words explain why you're leaving, but not how you came to be covered in all them cuts and scrapes."

I sigh. I'm sure he has worked it out by now but no doubt he is waiting for confirmation.

"I was in the mine." I tell him truthfully. What good does it do to keep secrets when I am leaving tomorrow. "His Majesty invited me when I went to bid Lady Dis goodbye. I was intrigued, so I went."

"Always been too curious for yer own good." My father grumbles, throwing a pile of clothes on top of the books. It is no wonder my mother packs whenever we travel places. "Close to it, were you?"

I pause, thinking of the dust in my eyes, the grit in my mouth and the cloud of rock shards that swept over me as the slab struck the ground mere feet away. "I could have been closer."

My father is silent as I drop the bag I had been filling and move to sit on my bed, dropping my head into my hands. The mattress dips beside me as he sits and wraps a thickly muscled arm around my shoulder.

And quite without meaning too I find myself telling him everything. From the moment I found the private balcony, to the moment His Majesty invited me to the mines with him - leaving out only that I was very almost crushed by that incident. My father listens in silence, rubbing small circles on my shoulder with his thumb. I don't remember falling asleep.

.

The next morning I wake to a bustle of activity. My mother and Trúin have been making preparations since late last night, or so Brúin tells me as I fell asleep well before they returned from the Kings meeting – tucked into my bed by my father like he used to when I was a little girl.

"I hope I have everything packed." I grumbled, looking on as the castle staff cart my belongs off to the main entry hall to be loaded onto a wagon. "If half of it accidentally ends up in the Iron Hills I will be sending his Majesty a very strongly worded letter."

"I'm sure they'll end up where he means for them to go." Brúin assures me, though in truth that is what I am afraid of. "Ah, here." He hands me a lightly wrapped parcel. "Your dress maker came by early this morning and dropped this off. There's a note.. somewhere – here it is."

"Why did no one wake me?" I ask, annoyed. I would have liked to say goodbye to Lavri.

"Father said to let you rest. Long day of travelling." Brúin says as I un-crumple the note he fished from his pocket. It is only a few sentences, written in a looping script:

Rúin my lass, I'm sorry I couldn't get more done for you, but I didn't have the time. I'll send the others as I finish them, you'll still get your moneys worth from Old Lavri. It was a joy meeting you my girl. Look after yourself.

I blink, feeling my eyes sting unexpectedly and slip the note into my pocket. I shake my head and Brúin kindly turns away while I gather my thoughts. "I suppose we should be heading off."

"I suppose so. We've got to meet with the Princes and His Majesty before we go." Brúin tells me as we stride from the room. "Must keep up the appearance of you being a... political envoy!"

"Will you shut up about that." I snap, annoyed. I don't know what possessed his Majesty to say that. "I'm not even going to the Iron Hills."

"But no one else knows that!" Brúin smirks. "You must be seen to be doing your diplomatic duty."

"Quiet, or I'll run you over with a wagon." I threaten, though all my brother does it laugh.

"How kind, especially after I agreed to make the journey with you!" Brúin says in mock hurt. I sigh and give him a gentle shove by way of apology. I am glad that he agreed to come with me. I have never been without him, or any of my family for long and it makes my chest ache to think of being seperated from them.

"It is kind." I agree, as I step into the main hall which is dazzlingly bright with the grand doors open, morning light slanting in. "I could not ask for a better brother."

"Now don't start with that little sister," My brother warns as we weave our way towards the King under the Mountain. "Watching father bawl his eyes out over your leaving wasn't enough for you? You want me reduced to a weeping lump too?."

"He didn't bawl." I say, defending my father, though it was a shock to us all when a tear slid down his cheek earlier in the morning when I said my goodbyes to my parents. They decided not wave us off, content to have a more private farewell in our rooms – though Trúin is here somewhere, supervising my belongings.

"Ah, Lady Rúin. Lord Brúin." His Majesty greets as we come to a stop beside him. I note that neither Fili or Kili look too thrilled with the prospect of their little adventure, though the both muster a smile for me. "I trust you are ready to leave?"

"I am." I say, nodding. "Assuming all my belongings are present."

"I believe the last are being loaded now." Lord Dain informs me as he walks over. There are a lot of people milling around, far more than there were when Dis left not two days past – though that may be in part due to the Lord of the Iron Hills. He is certainly more of a people person that his Monarch, and the small crowd gathered around us is testament to that.

"Excellent." I say, though the word sounds forced, even to me. Trúin appears beside me and pulls me into a hug, wishing me and our brother a safe journey. She promises to write to me and keep me up to date on all the court gossip – which I assure her won't be necessary, though I do commit to sending her my own letters once I am settled.

To my surprise and delight Toldin comes forward from the press of bodies, led by Oin.

"I am sorry you're leaving, My Lady." Toldin tells me with a sad smile. "Healing Master Oin says I have a little longer to recover before I can return to guard duty, but I would have liked to have accompanied you."

"What is important is that you get well." I say, pulling him into a gentle hug to avoid knocking him off balance. "I owe you my life, Toldin. You are a very fine guard."

"T-thank you, My Lady." He says, his cheeks reddening. "I'm sorry I can't..." He pauses. Blinks once. Twice. Then remembers. "I can't stay, Master Oin says I have to return to bed. I hope to see you again, My Lady."

"I'm sure you will Toldin." I nod, smiling again as he turns and melts back into the crowd. I feel a pang of regret in my heart that he is injured because of me, and I wish with all my might that he recovers fully.

"Shall we be off, then?" Brúin asks at the same time someone lets out a warning shout.

I blink and turn to see the crowd parting around a hooded dwarf, one arm drawn back with a dagger gripped to throw. The arm snaps forward and the blade glitters in the morning light as it glides through the air towards us.

Someone shoves me in the arm and I stumble into Trúin, looking up just in time to see Brúin step in front of the King – a the knife embedded in my brothers chest.

:O

So. That was fun? It was a bit disjointed, I'll admit, but I hope it was passable. I've actually had this scene and the one after it planned out for... probably about a year, I just never knew how to fit it into the story. *muffled sobbing.* You're all going to hate me for this, aren't you?

Moving swiftly on! I thought it would be an interesting idea to hold a little writing contest (or if you aren't fond of writing, a drawing contest?) The idea behind it being for you guys to write or draw a little scene around the theme of The Úin Siblings Adventures!

Now this can be Rúin and Brúin, or Trúin and Rúín or Brúin and Trúin or all three of them together - they can be doing anything from having a water fight with each other, getting up to mischief, doing dares or just generally some kind of shenanigans. If you're really up to the task you can make it a sad story - bonus points if you make me cry! You have free reign. You can have them as they are now, in Erebor. You can write them a wee little babbies, or children, or teens. Include your own OC's if you like - but make it interesting!

All you need to do is write it out and post it somewhere like Tumblr, or even here I suppose if Fanfiction of a fanfiction is allowed? (or an art site if you decide to draw it?) Credit me for my characters and the In Search of a Queen Story. Send me a link preferably through PM or via my Tumblr (Arkanfire) By the end of September and the winner will get their story added on as an Extra to the end of the next chapter with full credit given and a link to the original too.

If no one is interested then that okay too. It's just an idea. And if it gives me more motivation to update sooner then that's a bonus! As always, thanks to those of you on Tumblr that kept up with my word count and yelled at me about the terrible killing slip :D

Follow/Favourite/Review as you see fit. Much love.