"Keep searching!" Thorin growled from an upper level. He had found clean clothes that once belonged to him in the royal wing. They were far more befitting of a King than the peasants clothing they had procured in Laketown.
Bofur, Nori and Bombur has been left to seal the gaping entrance left by Smaug's exit, while everyone else had been set to work searching for the Arkenstone.
"I have made another round of tea for everyone." Bombur interrupted.
"And is the entrance sealed?"
"Aye, Sir." Bombur nodded. "I have some honey and almond biscuits left, perhaps you should eat something?"
The chef looked at his King sympathetically. He wanted to tell their leader that she would have wanted him to eat. But at the same time they were all too heartbroken to speak of her yet.
Balin watched Thorin carefully. He had not stopped for any food since they arrived in Erebor. Even what little Thorin drank had to be forced on him by Dwalin or himself.
"Hmmm… aye, I will join shortly. I do not want too many distractions like this, hence forth, until we find it." Thorin replied absently scanning the vast room filled with gold.
As the rest of the company slowly left the treasury for a rest, Nori dashed in hurriedly.
"A small group approaches! They are still several hours trek away. They are too far to make out clearly, and hooded!" He rushed over to Oin demanding his viewing glass once more, only to be intercepted by the King himself.
"Show me." Thorin growled leading the way to the ramparts above the entrance, as everyone else followed. They would only expect the return of the the two Princes and the remaining two dwarves.
He looked out for a short while and then returned the glass to Nori who had clung desperately to his side, waiting to hear anything about those approaching.
"It is just Dori and Kili, who is limps slightly." Thorin turned to retreat back inside pausing to speak over his shoulder at the healer. "Oin could you see to my nephew please."
He expected Fili and Bifur would remain to claim her body and transport it back, or else perform her last rites there itself. In one of their many discussions on their various customs and traditions, she had mentioned that there had been a great Sacred River in her parents homeland, and many bathed in the river to cleanse themselves of their sins in penance. She had claimed to not believe in such an 'easy out' for wrongdoings committed. However, she did find the custom of burning the dead in funeral pyres on the river bank strangely meaningful. He wondered whether, Fili, who had been intrigued by this at the time, may have taken it upon himself to carry out a similar custom on the banks of the Celduin, where she sacrificed her beautiful life. Thinking of that very point riled him more. She had taken such a great decision all on her own, without a thought for him.
Thorin returned to the treasury, secretly wiping away a few angry tears that clung to the edge of his eyes. She would not want him to wallow after making it thus far, but instead complete the quest.
…..
"I don't understand." Nori grumbled watching the slow hobble of Kili and Dori along the rocky road. "Where are Fili and Bifur then?"
They heard a strange rumbling from directly below them and Ori peered down into darkness. He could make out movement, but little else.
"Down here! We need help! I have Lady Shobha, and she needs to be seen by Oin straight away!"
They both recognised Fili's voice immediately.
"Hurry, we need a gurney and enough rope." Nori sent his brother away, before calling down. "Is Lady Shobha able to climb? We have a rope ladder."
"No we need to carry her." Fili shouted from below with urgency. "Hurry! She's not well."
Within moments Thorin had returned with the rest of the company and had created a makeshift hoist and raised her safely up.
"Oin and Gloin are preparing your room for her, and Bombur is heating water. Bring her this way lad," Balin lead Thorin down the corridors fast, back to the royal wing, which had been cleared first.
Fili, Bifur and Dwalin had followed close behind, worried. As the others remained to help Kili and Dori up.
"Ye did well lad." Oin nodded at Fili.
"She taught us to revive a person according to the healing she practices –"
"So she expected for this to happen…?" Thorin angrily paced the Kings suite, where she lay tucked in the bed under several blankets. "And YOU let her do this?!"
"I swear Uncle, she would not tell us what she intended until it was too late –"
Thorin growled, clenching his fists either side of him.
"She is well enough, lad. Still cold, but well. She needs to be warmed slowly and Fili has started that well enough." There was no sense in arguing now. Oin needed everyone to work together to help.
"And what of the bruises on her chest?"
"She taught us to compress the chest and breath into the mouth to revive the heart and breathing. And that is what I did." Fili explained. "She had no heart beat or breath when I found her –"
"The lad spent a long time in the freezing lake searching." Bifur explained still keeping to Khuzdul. He had vowed, never to use common tongue ever again, unless she was returned to herself once more. "I worried the Prince would not emerge himself at one point. And when the Prince brought her up, she lay there as though dead, no breath, no colour..."
The toy maker stood back and shuddered at the recollection of the image it conjured. He certainly thought she was lost then.
"There is something more I must discuss," Oin mentioned quietly looking at Thorin. "A more delicate matter…"
"I will wait outside."
"Thank you Bifur. Why don't you get some rest and food." Thorin offered. "I expect Kili and Dori have climbed up now."
Gloin followed Bifur, placing his hand on his comrade's shoulder sympathetically. Then Thorin turned to Fili, Balin and Dwalin, indicating for them to leave, but the three remained.
"We are staying and that's final." Dwalin argued, as he looked at Oin nervously.
"It's alright lads, give me and Thorin a moment. There is no concern, and ye can return once I'm done. But I must speak with Thorin first." The old healer reassured.
And with that Balin lead the other two out. He imagined it would be discussion of whether the lass was with child.
"Thorin, I know yer concerned, and there is a chance she may be with child. But I wanted to tell ya now, tis too soon to tell. All I can say to ye is that she is otherwise well, and that is a surprise. The icy water would have stopped her heart on its own, but she also looks like she received some sort of spark through her hand. And the fall itself well…" the healer shook his head sadly. "She has been either a very brave lass with a calculated plan, or a very lucky one with the Valar on her side."
Thorin walked over to her, as she lay there looking so small and vulnerable, standing beside the large bed reaching out to touch her but stopping himself in case he woke her.
"Why would she take such a risk?"
"I expect the lass intended to kill the dragon. We will not know the details until she is awake."
"And the babe? Will it…" he whispered softly, kneeling down by the bed, his voice breaking a little.
"Och laddie," Oin came to stand by him, and grasped his shoulder firmly in support. "It's too early to even say, and often such terrible events as she has been through can often lead to loss. Ye must be gentle with her. She needs rest, but don't worry, you can lay by her. The body heat will help."
Thorin nodded sitting on the edge of the bed now to reach over and brush his hands through her soft, raven locks.
"But nothing more – none of what ya did that night. Ya hear me." He spoke very sternly at the dwarf King. "The lass needs her rest."
"Aye, Master Oin. I am no monster, to bed the lass in such a state!"
"Even when she wakes, you must wait for her to be ready… ye must realise, that her heart would have stopped, from what Fili said. And she would have been dead for a few moments." Then Oin hesitated slightly, his pale eyes watching her breathing movements for a moment.
"What is it?"
"Just something I noticed while examining her. A strange mark. A conch shell from the ocean, but it is finely drawn, and if not for knowing it were on her skin, I would swear it to be real. And it is adorned with water droplets that glisten, as though if ya touched them, yer hand would get wet…" Thorin had been unable to hide his surprise from the healer, so he didn't press any further. Oin imagined their King would have seen every last inch of her skin that night at the Inn. "All I can say is that there is no artist who could mark skin so in all of Arda even for all of Thror's hoard."
"I must see this Oin. Show me."
"Not now. When she wakes." Oin quickly walked over to the door before he could press further and opened it to allow Dwalin, Fili and Balin to walk in, ending the conversation.
"Oin!" Thorin called out, but he simply ignored their leader.
"I am going to look through the infirmary and take stock, so it is in good order. But I shall return to check on her. Remember she needs to be gradually warmed up – so don't hold her too tightly, and keep the hearth burning exactly as it is."
….
Shobha opened her eyes slowly, and lay in the dim light staring at the dark ceiling for a while. She felt drained, and her chest ached like someone had taken a steak mallet to it. Slowly she pulled herself up to find she was in a large room, decorated with tapestries with a few chunky pieces of furniture and a large fireplace. She was on a very large bed, under several blankets, furs, and was dressed in a soft, large, navy tunic. Judging by the colour, size and style, it could only belong to Thorin.
As her eyes slowly adjusted to the dim lighting, she spotted Fili asleep on a couch, and Dwalin slumped snoring away in a large armchair. Then turning towards the soft snoring sound to the right of the large bed, she saw Thorin, leant over in another large armchair, asleep and with his hand resting on the bed, as though guarding something.
Wondering how long she had been unconscious for, she slowly moved herself towards the edge of the bed. This was not Laketown, so she assumed it had to be Erebor. She had finally arrived. But she needed to pee, and had no idea where anything was.
"Going somewhere, my lady?" Thorin was up, and had reached the other side of the bed with lighting speed.
"Um… yeah, the bathroom…" she batted his arms away as he tried to carry her. "I can walk – "
"Actually I carried you all the way." Fili muttered stirring.
"Let me take you." Thorin had his arm around her waist already.
"I don't think I am ready to pee in front of you yet."
"Should I take you in stead then?" Fili offered, sitting up. He thought twice against vocalising that he had already seen her naked, and so she didn't need to feel embarrassed, in front of his Uncle.
Dwalin opened his mouth only to close it again as she held her hand up at him.
"Nope. No one needs to take me thanks." She tried standing on her own, but her legs felt a little wobbly still, and silently she was thankful for Thorin's supportive arm at that point. She groaned in frustration. "Ugh..."
"Amralime, I will take you and then stand outside, until you are ready for me to bring you back."
After returning from the bathroom, which was a hassle but a good sign that her kidneys were working, she found the room had mysteriously filled with the rest of the company. Also Bombur had arrived with a bowl of vegetable broth, and a cup of tea with honey especially for her!
"Miss Shobha!" Bilbo cried giving her a hug. "We saw you fall with Smaug… how did you –"
"Aye, we thought you dead!" Ori stepped in looking terrified.
"How did you slay the beast, lass?" Balin asked surprised.
"I had read about dragons as a child – every kid in my land knows about dragons. But in our tales, they tend to prefer princesses to gold. And usually a brave knight saves the damsel in distress. I had a feeling Smaug was no different. And luckily I was right." She wasn't ready to tell them about her so called gift of telepathic communication yet. "So I signalled for the dragon with a flare gun –"
"The ball of red fire that we saw shoot up in the sky." Balin nodded in understanding.
"I knew he wanted to leave with me, rather than eat me. I mean otherwise it would have done that straight away right?" She continued, as they all watched her avidly. "And my father works for the ministry of defence, so he had packed my bag with a few helpful items, and I used a dart gun – I guess a sort of poisoned arrow to fire at the place where the scale was lost from Girion's arrow."
"So the legends were true then." Bofur looked on in awe.
"Yup but the poison is not one that kills. It sort of makes you weak and sleepy. And my plan was to bring him down in the lake, so he would drown. But I guess the dose just wasn't enough." Shobha explained, as Bombur gently pushed the bowl into her hands. "And Smaug started to squeeze me, so I had to resort to my backup plan, the taser gun. It delivers a large electric shock… um…"
She took a sip of warm broth. It felt reviving, and was the perfect temperature. Bombur always put together the perfect dish, from next to nothing. It was a talent in its own right.
"Um… its like a bolt of lightning."
They all gasped at that. And Thorin grunted something angrily in Khuzdul.
"I know. I know. But I had to. And the problem was – that shock went through my body too." She took another sip as she allowed them to process this. Fili and Thorin both groaned this time together, while Oin shook his head in absolute disapproval. "Yeah, and that shock was what brought down the dragon and stopped my heart and lungs –"
"My Lady!" Thorin was at her side half angry, half horrified, grasping her hand and pulling it to his chest.
"People would have died… and I know this sounds crazy, but the Mahal and Yavanna spoke to me, and said I had to kill that dragon – as in ME." And then patting his hand gently, she shrugged. "If I was going to put myself at risk, and kill a dragon, I would make sure I could save the people of Laketown for that."
Thorin growled at the thought. He would not give them a single coin in payment. As they all owed their lives to his One, his Queen. And he secretly hoped, maybe even the mother of his child.
"Is that why you taught us –"
"Cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Yup. Although I didn't intend to go under for so long… but perhaps it was the mild hypothermia that saved my organ function, because I must have been dead – I mean out, for a little longer than would be considered healthy without resuscitation."
"Mahal! You were dead!" Thorin was now on his knees next to the bed. He had promised to protect her, but had done the opposite.
"No! Unconscious –" she tried to sooth him.
"No, my lady, your heart was not beating when we lay you on the deck of the barge." Fili corrected honestly.
"Thanks Fili."
"So that explains your bruises. And the burn to your palm." Oin approached her and picked up her bandaged palm.
"The Valar wanted you to slay a great dragon?" Thorin looked pained. He only hoped that she had not been tasked with more.
"He IS dead right?" She nodded.
"Aye!" Nori, Fili, Ori and Gloin all exclaimed together, cheering.
"Perhaps the mark on your lower shoulder… is from the Valar," Thorin shook his head again.
"What mark – Ah!" She tried twisting herself to look over her back, but the pain of extra movement to her rib cage shot through her again.
"It is an incredible mark." Oin agreed. "Now, I think that's enough – let the lass finish her broth and rest again. We have more cleaning and preparation to get through.."
The healer ushered everyone out of the room, and Thorin remained, while Oin checked her over once more. He redressed some cuts and bruises and the burn from the taser.
Then Thorin had helped unbutton her tunic so she could slip one shoulder out gently to reveal the mark.
"Mahal! It is an incredible mark. I assure you, this was not present when we were last in Laketown." Thorin confirmed as he ran his fingers softly over the mark. It indeed looked real, and the water droplets that lay on the conch glistened as though they truly were little drops of water on her skin.
While Thorin was uncertain how he felt about a Valar marking her, stroking her deep brown skin along the edge of her shoulder, that narrowed into her lower back aroused him intensely. "It is certainly a mark from the Valar."
"Hmmmm…" she recalled how Ulmo, 'King of the seas', and 'Lord of the Waters', had been the one to 'return her back' from his 'domain', as he had put it. Perhaps he had marked her for some reason. She was certain he must have aided in her return to life. The Valar would probably speak with her again soon, and then she would ask why Ulmo had marked her.
"Now lass, it's time for a rest." Oin began to leave. "I will return to check up in ye in a few hours again."
"Wait – Thorin! Azog, and Bolg are sending two armies down to Erebor. And Thranduil and Bard…"
"The news that Erebor has been reclaimed will have started to spread, my beauty. There will be many who will take interest in the news." Thorin smiled at her. "Don't worry. I have already sent ravens to Dain and the Blue Mountains, and they will set off soon to help defend our Kingdom. You just focus on resting and recovering…"
She groaned inwardly. Macho Thorin was back and he may as well have said 'don't worry your pretty little head and focus on making a baby for me'! She was too tired to argue, so she shuffled under the covers, and he leant over to kiss her tenderly. But she stopped him from pulling away, grabbing hold of his hand.
"Please… um.." she felt embarrassed to ask. She was no damsel in distress – she was a 'dragon slayer'.
"What is it my beauty?" He gently cupped her chin.
"Please stay with me Thorin –" she flushed again at her own childish request as he smiled at her. He felt triumphant at her request, glad that she needed him, as much as he needed her, but was careful not to show it. "At least until I fall asleep."
He kicked off his boots, and tossed his coat on the armchair nearby, to slide into bed next to her. Then brushing her hair over her shoulder he cradled her, nuzzling her neck, and inhaling the familiar scent of her skin.
Feeling relaxed, and at home suddenly, Thorin was just as grateful, silently, for the request, as Shobha was for his acceptance.
"Thank you," she whispered, clutching his muscular arms. "I'm sure you have lots of things to look into…"
"Hush, my beauty. You are more important to me." He held her tight. "In any case, I enjoy seeing you in my tunics."
She shut her eyes, feeling the warmth of his body, and his steady heart beat, soon drifting off into peaceful sleep.
…..
When she finally woke up, Dwalin had arrived with a cup of tea and some freshly baked breakfast buns by Bombur.
"Morning Princess," he spoke softly placing the tray on the side table and passing her a mug. "How are ya feeling now?"
"A bit better." She nodded, smiling a little, and bracing herself for a lecture on how she should leave the fighting to them.
"Are you ready to take a walk?"
"I would love a wash first. And any decent clean clothes that don't constrict the chest would be great. Please, no dresses."
"Aye Princess. And would ya like a grand carriage too?" He gave her a wry smile, making her roll her eyes.
"So," she finished her tea. "Are you on babysitting duty today…?"
"Och no – Fili has the honour today. But Thorin heard that he had to rip yer dress open to revive ya, so he preferred either myself, Balin, Dori or Oin help ya dress."
….
After getting washed and dressed, Fili had accompanied her around the parts of Erebor that were cleaned and considered safe for now. She felt surprisingly well considering everything she had been through over the last week and imagined it had a little to do with the 'divine intervention' she had received, for surely she would not have survived if not for that. She also took the chance to inspect the strange tattoo mark, she assumed was from Ulmo. It was larger than she expected and surprisingly tasteful. In truth she had never seen any such a realistic looking tattoo even at home.
At her request, Fili had eventually found the way to the temple of Aulë and Yavanna. It was a small space, high up in the mountain. She imagined it would have been nice, quiet place to sit and think, or get away from the hustle and bustle.
Even at the Hindu Temple to which her parents had taken them, from the time they were children, she had always preferred periods when there were no services. When individuals would arrive, spend time quietly praying and then ring the bell. There was something comforting about sitting quietly, observing the beautifully carved statues, with their pretty faces, and the occasional ring on the temple bell. Shobha had enjoyed the same when she had visited other landmark religious buildings while on away on holiday. From the Buddhist rock temple in Sri Lanka, to Cologne Cathedral, or St Peters Basilica or the Jubilee Synagogue in Prague to name but a few.
There was something sacred about a holy space, not just because of how beautiful they tended to be, but also all the hopes, dreams and wishes that the people visiting had brought with them. Even in a desperate plight, prayers would be said with hope.
Fili lead her in. The space was dusty but otherwise untouched over the decades that Smaug had dwelled in the mountain. He adjusted a lever, that opened a light shaft which illuminated the two central statues of Aulë and Yavanna. The statues had rather resembled the pair, except Yavanna had been portrayed as tall if not marginally taller than Aulë. And having met them, Shobha knew Yavanna was much smaller than him! When she smiled at that, Fili watched her carefully, a soft smile threatening to break on his face mirroring her.
"We have no temple in the Blue Mountains like this," Fili whispered, watching her run her hands across the feet of their statues. "You look a bit like, Lady Yavanna…"
"Fili. Thank you for saving me." She sat down on the stone seats that had been carved into the room, realising she had never thanked him. She knew the time would come when she would have to return the favour, but needed to wrack her brains on how she would do that.
"You would do the same for me, my Lady."
Shobha remembered that it was Ravenhill where Fili and Kili died at the hands of Azog and Bolg, and she vowed to do everything she could to stop these.
"There is going to be a great battle Fili. And you will all go to Ravenhill chasing after Azog –"
"The filth." Fili spat at hearing the name.
"No, seriously, please listen to me. You need to avoid going there, but if you do, you must all stick together, and remember it's a trap."
The golden haired prince merely stood there looking at her, trying to take in her warning and what it truly meant.
"Is there an armoury…?"
"Aye, my lady. And a training arena. But I do not think you are ready to engage yet – surely you must still be battered and bruised? It is a surprise you are walking around like so…" he held out his hand to walk her out.
"No you need mithril –"
"How do you know –" Fili was surprised that she even knew of mithril, but before he could say more they were interrupted.
"And what are you doing with my lady up here, all alone?" Thorin looked at his nephew irritated.
"Nothing uncle – I –"
"I wanted to see the temple." Shobha clarified, as Thorin took her hand and began to lead her away. "Were you looking for me?"
"No. I visited the old rookery. But my nephew should know better than to lead you away to secluded areas. And he has spent enough time away from his training, and duties." He spoke in a slightly menacing tone, which appeared to have Fili somewhat nervous. It made Shobha wonder what their interactions had been like recently. Surely since it was Thorin himself that had entrusted Fili to protect her, and part of those duties had included dredging her out of the freezing water, at great risk to himself. But it had also meant resuscitating her, which would have required him to cut, or in this case rip her out of her wet clothes, even if it meant seeing her stark naked. It was merely unfortunate than only a few nights before that, Thorin, himself had ripped her out of her dress, for, ahem, other reasons! But the latter should not have been held against the crown Prince. After all, nobody except Thorin and herself knew the way in which he had disrobed her at the start of their night of passion!
Nonetheless Fili had fast disappeared, leaving the two of them standing there, as Thorin possessively circled her, coming to stand immediately behind her.
He wrapped his arm around her narrow waist and lowered his head to brush her left ear, his beard scratching her skin lightly.
"Do you feel suitably rested, my lady," he purred softly at her, a stark contrast to the way in which he had addressed Fili mere moments prior.
"Mmmm… although another sleep won't hurt." She leant back into him.
"And are you hungry at all…" he let his hands drop towards the waistband of her breeches, drawing feathery patterns as they went.
"Um… are you hungry…?" The moment the words left her lips, he was planting hot kisses along the skin of her neck, and his other hand had wrapped around her chest fondling her breasts gently through the fabric of her blouse.
"Aye, my beauty. I am always ravenous for you," he rasped, voice thick with lust.
"Ah…" she turned her head towards him and kissed his beard lightly, bringing her hands to grasp his powerful arms, as they engulfed her. "Thorin… I am still a bit bruised, and sore…"
As much as her spirit was eager, her body was still recovering.
"I could kiss your body better." He breathed along her skin, brushing her hair aside. "To make you feel better… perhaps bathe you in warm water, like we did at the Inn. But as you can see the royal stone tub is much more comfortable for two. I like you in my tunics, with nothing on underneath, my beauty."
"Mmmm… they are very soft."
"Aye, I have set aside the softest for you."
"I… um – don't think I'm ready yet…" she turned in his arms to face him now, worrying that she would bruise his ego, but if he was disappointed he didn't show it.
"It matters not. I will be waiting," he gently kissed her, placing his hands on her hips now, and doing the best he could to ignore his uncomfortably tight trousers. "And when you do give yourself to me, the wait will only make you all the more needy."
He began to lead her back towards the lower levels.
….
As they arrived near the Throne room, Nori came rushing over.
"It's Bard, Sir. He approaches."
"Hurry, everyone to the ramparts. Arm yourselves, and be ready!" Thorin shouted, leading the way. "You stay here, my lady."
Bilbo had joined her. She was still a few days of rest from her chest soreness settling enough to allow for her to run, and breathe deeply. But she would not stay hidden away!
"Come on. Let's go." She urged the hobbit on.
When they reached the ramparts Thorin was already addressing Bard.
"It is not my responsibility to compensate your people, for the Master running off with your town's tax money." Thorin warned him.
"But your Majesty, our people have lost so much now. Half of Laketown is burnt to the ground, because you roused the dragon from its lair. A bargain was struck, and it is only a small fee. We merely ask for aid in rebuilding –"
"And then what? Fees for trading? Fees for safe passage for OUR people? Fees of passage of food and other resources – perhaps even a tax…" he snarled. "I am well aware of the greed of your kind! Where were YOUR people when we needed aid? When we were without roof, clothing or even food? When our young and females perished. No you will not get a single piece of this –"
"Thorin!" Shobha uttered shocked. Although she realised she shouldn't have been, and really she should have expected it. "He helped us, even at risk to his own family!"
"My Lady Shobha," Bard addressed her, bowing his head. "I am pleased to see you well and on your way to health."
"Do not address my bride! Your dealings are with me and me alone!"
"Wait – Balin said I was entitled to a Fee for marrying you. Why don't I pay Bard, from what I would get –"
"And is that the reason you wish to marry me?!" He stood close, towering over her. "In any case, you refused such a payment and contract, the last we spoke… or have you changed your mind now, and wish for the treasure after all?"
"Thorin. It's only a small amount. Everything else is yours."
"You promised Uncle, and Bard helped us get Lady Shobha and Kili to safety." Fili interrupted.
"There are others who would have claims on their own heirlooms in the Mountain, my King. Those who would be less peaceful in their petitions -"
"The elf! Do not speak to me of wrong doers, unable to pay according to contracted agreements, but demanding the best dwarven craftsmanship!"
"Think of your Queen, and your people. A simple settlement would resolve all this. There will be ample treasure there surely." Bard called out again nervously.
"Think of my Queen?!" Thorin growled resolved. "You mean as you did? When you sacrificed my One to the firedrake, and then turned on her, casting her out when she had died to save them? Do not make me laugh! No! Be gone ere arrows fly!"
As Bard turned reluctantly, Thorin addressed Fili sternly.
"I would begin to act wisely, as the King you were brought up to become." He towered menacingly over the blond Durin, as Kili came to stand by his brother in support. "And show respect and decorum towards those your senior, and their brides. Or you will find yourself in great difficulty."
"Thorin!"
Thorin strode towards her intently, his blue eyes piercing hers. She felt frozen in his stare, naked. And he knew exactly what he did to her, he had noticed it before. It was a visceral reaction, the way that some deer froze in the face of a hunter's bow.
"And my lady, I think you have given yourself enough for the sake of their kind! You are too benevolent for your own good, and end up being used by menfolk," he cupped her chin in his hand gently forcing her to look up at him. Seeing her face tinged with sadness, he softened immediately though. "You are too precious for me to allow that. And if I must imprison you for protection, even from yourself and your kind nature, then I will, my love."
She gasped and pulled away from him, stumbling into Bilbo, who had come to stand behind her, as the rest of the company looked at her bewildered. But Thorin had immediately caught her, and set her gently back on her feet, as she attempted to push him away.
"Come on lass, lets get you some food," Balin stepped in, gently wrapping his arm around her shoulders leading her away.
….
"What was that about Princess?" Dwalin asked, trying to gauge her response. He had never seen her ruffled before, even in the face of the most terrifying enemy.
"I was engaged to be married before, to a man," she explained looking at the others. Although she expected everyone to look at her shocked, they all seemed to nod understandingly. Even Bilbo! "Ok, and why do you not seemed surprised? I'm not some tart you know –"
"No lass, we would never think that of you!" Bofur shook his head vigorously.
"It's just, you are a child of Man, and of a certain age…" Gloin tried to explain.
"What you mean old?" She rolled her eyes.
"No lass, of marriageable age, is what we mean," Balin smiled softly.
"And delicious – ow! – delightful to look at," Nori corrected himself after receiving another clip across the head from Dori.
"Any Male would be lucky..." Fili blushed a little.
"Aye, my lady." Kili nodded not wishing to be left out. "You are only second to Tauriel, or Amad."
"I don't know whether they have Princes in yer land…? But yer father should've only given ya away to such a fella," Dwalin nodded.
"Well, he chose me. And I thought I loved him, and that we would be happy together, but he left me before we were married – for another woman –" although she had braced herself for this to turn into an intensely painful and personal conversation, she was surprised at how little she felt at all about it. It was old news. And it didn't matter anymore. "Actually for many other women…"
"Hmmm… while many women in a night might come close, it probably wouldn't be the same – unless ya had a twin sister – ow! Brother! The lass needs to know the truth! Ow!" Nori complained at Dori again. "Now if ya had a twin that really would be something – ow! –"
"Thanks – I think. But it's ok. To cut a long story short, even I didn't know it wasn't love until…" she blushed. "So please don't worry, I don't feel bad. It's just that I kept in contact with his sister even afterwards for a bit, because they were nice, and I guess I didn't know how to distance myself. But it was unhealthy, given that he used that to try and hurt me… and Thorin stepped in while her stayed with me..."
"Princess, he may be my best friend, but King under the Mountain or not – he's a lucky man to benefit from the stupidity of another dickless bastard." Dwalin gently placed his hand on her shoulder. "And as yer big brother, I have no hesitation in beating him up if I think he needs it. But I agree with him on one thing, we need to protect ya."
She smiled, as all remaining thirteen members of the company present nodded their heads. There was no judgement, just kindness.
"Thanks – I've never had a big brother to beat anyone up." Shobha leant her head on the gruff old warrior's shoulder. Dev, her brother in law, was the closest she had to a big brother, and although he was lovely, he was meek and nerdy – the polar opposite to Dwalin. He certainly would not be capable of beating anyone up, let alone Thorin! But then again, Myra her sister would probably be quite capable of doing that, herself. "Dwalin, I hope it never comes to that."
"Um… I hate to be a mood killer, but everyone else agrees that Thorin is different…right?" Bilbo interrupted suddenly.
"Aye lad, but I think this began even as we entered the Mountain." Balin ruminated for a bit, brushing his white fluffy beard. "It's is not as bad as Thror had, but it is similar. It settles somewhat when the lass is with him –"
"Except this time." She added.
"No lass, I truly think his anger with Bard is that he was willing to sacrifice you to the dragon."
"And when we thought ya were dead, Princess," Dwalin shuddered thinking of it all. "It was worse."
"Well it's going to get worse. I have to warn you all. Because there will be a battle –"
"Aye Princess, but Thorin has sent a Raven to Dain."
"It won't be enough." She still couldn't bring herself to tell them about the impending deaths of the three Durins. But she could warn them about everything else. Dwalin however seemed to have noticed something in the shift of her demeanour when discussing the matter.
"Tell us what we need to do then Princess."
…..
After everyone had been warned in the way she knew best, relating as much as she recollected, and they had all left to prepare for the worst. But Bilbo had remained. She hadn't mentioned the part where he had offered the Arkenstone in exchange for peace. She inwardly groaned imagining he had now concocted the plan all on his own.
"I feel like.. or at least hope that… um… over these months we have grown to become friends, Miss Shobha…"
"Of course Bilbo." She smiled and nodded. "What's up?"
"What if I said I had a plan? But I didn't want you to be involved."
"Then I would worry…"
"The elves and the people of Laketown want some compensation right?"
"Technically Thranduil wants the necklace." She nodded.
"Actually, I think you're wrong. I think Thranduil wants you."
"Um… I don't think so…"
"He may not want to marry you himself – because he can't, but he wants to keep you in his Kingdom." Bilbo shook his hands animatedly, pacing about her room. "There is something... strange about him. I mean - he doesnt even have a portrait of his dead Queen anywhere..."
"Ok… let's say you're right. What's your plan? To give me away…?" she groaned. "Because I've had enough of being shackled.."
"No. Something equally valuable. You heard Thorin. You are the most precious thing to him." He reached into his coat pocket.
"Oh God! You have it don't you…? Bilbo, you can't do anything foolish –"
Their conversation was abruptly stopped, when the doors to her room were flung open, as Thorin marched in. And they both jumped, standing stiffly as though they had been caught kissing or worse!
"I am betrayed." He whispered angrily at them.
"It's not what you think!" Bilbo squeaked.
"Thorin…?" Shobha approached him as he initially paced around brooding, before registering their startled look.
"What are you both doing here?" Thorin growled suddenly raising his eyebrows.
"Oh I'm sorry, perhaps I need to sleep in another room –"
"No Amralime, you will sleep here in the Kings chambers, it is our bed. Forgive me, I wasn't expecting to find Master Baggins here…" he watched Bilbo with eagle eyes. "What have you there? In your hand?"
"Um… it's nothing –"
"Show me."
"Really – Thorin I'm quite tired, and he should be leaving," she moved around to catch his hand, but he merely took her hand and placed a kiss on it, before moving around to watch Bilbo again.
"No he can show me –"
"Its silly really. I picked it up in Beorn's garden." Bilbo gently opened his hand and showed a small acorn sitting in his palm. "I thought, maybe if I return back, I would plant it in my garden to remind me of my travels to Erebor and back. And it would remind me never to take my home for granted."
Shobha silently exhaled a breath she didn't realise she was holding, as she watched Thorin's stern face soften. Bilbo clearly had better skills in slight of hand than she expected!
"Master Baggins, that is not silly at all. It is a most honourable wish. If only everyone had such benevolent intentions…" he walked over to the Hobbit and placed his hand firmly on poor Bilbos shoulder.
"I hope you don't mind if I retire now Bilbo." Shobha moved over to the armchair by the hearth and sat herself down heavily.
"Do you feel unwell, my beauty?" Thorin was fast to rush to her side, as Bilbo quickly slipped away.
"Just a bit tired, I'm sorry."
"Let me," he quickly scooped her up into his arms and carried her to the bed. "You have had a most taxing day, my lady."
She really was more tired than she had realised. She shed her boots and rolled into bed, as he worriedly watched.
"Should I call for Oin…?" He brushed her cheek with his hand gently, watching her. She looked paler than normal, which worried him.
"No – please. I just need to sleep a bit."
Thorin quickly removed his coat, belt and boots, climbing into bed beside her.
"Come here," He pulled her over gently into his arms. And they both lay there, just feeling at ease.
"What did you mean when you said you are betrayed?"
"One of my own kin has taken the stone, for themselves. Stolen it from me." He growled under his breath. It made her panic.
Heart racing, she twisted in his arms to face him, as she lay beside him, wincing a little as she felt the odd pull on her rib cage.
"Thorin, they all love you. They have followed you, and will do, to the ends of the earth or over a cliff." She brushed his beard gently with her free hand, as he shut his eyes, enjoying her touch. "Please trust me on this…"
"I trust you, my beauty. With my life." He lowered his head and kissed her gently, holding her as though she were a delicate doll. "Amralizi."
"I love you too, I think I always have." She hoped she could do enough to save him.
...
"There is no need to be shy – step forward." Gandalf looked at the darkness beyond the tent flaps as he sat with Bard. Thranduil on the other hand stood up, drawing his sword, ready for whatever creature may have lurked.
After a short pause, several tentative steps heralded a small individual.
"It's just me." Bilbo emerged slowly, and Gandalf stood immediately smiling.
"Ah! Old friend! How good to see you.." the tall grey wizard stooped down to give the halfling a warm hug. "How are you?"
"I don't have much time, so I must be quick." Bilbo moved around nervously. He wondered whether Shobha had guessed what he intended to do, and whether she had succeeded at keeping Thorin suitably distracted for a bit. He didn't like the thought of her straining herself in the sorts of activities he could only imagine they had gotten up to that night at the Inn. The incessant banging of the bed against the wall, the moans, his grunts, her screams, had gone on for what seemed like hours! Possibly most of the night! And she had been through a terrible ordeal with the dragon and apparent drowning, from what Fili described!
"Oh I see." Gandalf spoke almost in mock surprise. "Well then let us not delay you."
"I come here on behalf of the King… Under the Mountain," Bilbo began. "And I am here to present you all with a solution for peace. Because there are greater foes that will threaten us all soon."
"And what solution do you present to us, Master Baggins?" Bard opened for him.
"This is the halfling that stole the keys to my dungeon and released my prisoners, right under the noses of our guard?" Thranduil observed the hobbit curiously, and scoffed. "And then stole my personal prisoner… and now wishes to present us with a solution?"
"Yes, well, my sincere apologies for that, but I can't actually recall, why you imprisoned the helpless lady, after she came to harm in your lands?" He felt braver thinking about her. "But I have come here for purposes of business."
"Well then state your business." The elvenking resheathed his weapon and sat down looking bored. He expected that this halfling had been sent to make a plea of some sort, and he would have none.
"Consider any debt owed to you both paid." He pulled out a brilliant shining jewel, to the surprise of all three. Bard gasped and Thranduil suddenly leant in to take a closer look.
"Is it really…"
"The heart of the Mountain." Thranduil confirmed. "How came you by this?"
"I was the first to enter the Mountain, and there, I found it."
"Then you stole this too." Thranduil concluded triumphantly.
"No!"
"Then explain now, what right you have over this jewel? Lest we are accused of thieving it also," Bard was concerned suddenly. He understood how important Erebor would be in future for the trade and wealth of Laketown. Accepting a stolen heirloom would ruin any such prospects.
"It would be my share of the treasure as promised."
"This is more than what is needed." Bard looked worried. "I dare say - I do not like it..."
"And I only want my personal prisoner returned." Thranduil explained. "The woman… tell me, Master Baggins, your plan worked well, but you overlooked stealing the keys to her shackles did you not? Does the woman enjoy bearing my seal on her pretty limbs and her lovely neck?"
"You placed the girl in shackles?!" Gandalf shook his head in disbelief.
"You would have been better off returning the woman to me –"
"Forgive me your highness, but I was under the distinct impression that the Princess from the East, belonged to the Dwarf King." Bard suggested. He had seen how the Dwarf King had cared for the woman and felt uneasy about the manner with which the Elvenking spoke of her. Surely their Elven council would not permit their King to remarry a mortal woman? "And I do not believe there is anyone foolish enough to steal such a treasure from the King under the Mountain. That would be akin to sure death –"
"Please take the Arkenstone, and consider all debts paid. The King may then pay you for it later. But do not believe for one second that stealing the lady again will lead to anything other than great disaster. If your men came here expecting war. For her, they will only await a bloodbath." Bilbo warned.
"It will be the only way then." Thranduil agreed reluctantly. There was no need for his elves to pay with their lives, for his desire to keep the woman in his Halls. After all he could never have her for himself, even if he secretly desired it. She would at best be his courtesan, and he knew she deserved better than that.
"Then I am agreed also," Bard reluctantly nodded. "Why do you do this? And put yourself at risk?"
"He is my friend. But I care for the woman also. I do not think she has deserved even a fraction of the pain she has been subject to – and there is every chance that she carries –" he suddenly held his tongue. He always suffered this problem, whenever he was nervous. He gave too much away. It just seemed to have a habit of slipping out.
The realisation made Thranduil snort. Even sullied by carrying the heir of Durin, she was still valuable to him!
"She is with child then?" Bard felt terrible thinking of this. She was with child and yet she had risked everything to save the people of Laketown.
Bilbo looked down at his hands, suddenly finding his fingers very interesting, as he gently placed the Arkenstone on the small table that had been set before them. He did not know for certain, but nonetheless it was not his secret to reveal. Instead he bowed his head to them all and turning, set off to leave the tent.
"The heart of the Mountain, or the King's heart. Perhaps it might work." Gandalf spoke distantly as he followed Bilbo out of the tent. And then he paused suddenly grabbing the halfling's shoulder. "What did you mean by greater foes?"
"Azog leads an army here – but his son will lead another army secretly from Gundabad. Legolas and Tauriel have tracked them." Bilbo explained quickly, looking towards the Mountain nervously. He was starting to worry his absence would be noticed.
"Lady Shobha." Gandalf immediately realised. Only she would be foolish enough to interfere with fate, and influence decisions. The old wizard smiled to himself, he would have nothing to meddle in, if she carried on this way! "Well you had better get back then before anyone notices you gone."
….
Shobha awoke that morning to find Thorin had left early. She began to stretch only to wince from a bit of pain. It was surprisingly much better than she expected however. The bed smelled of him – vetiver and musk. It was easy for her to get used to this. To get used to waking up to him every morning.
She was tired enough to feel like going back to sleep, but worry over how to deal with Azog kept her from relaxing all the same. Grabbing his pillow in frustration she noticed he had left her a small note.
My Beauty,
Rest, bathe and relax today.
I will return to you soon.
All my love,
Your Thorin
Her thoughts were interrupted by a gentle knock on the door, but the door opened, as Fili walked through carrying a tray with tea and some biscuits. He was followed by Bilbo and Kili.
"Good morning my lady," Fili smiled. "I hope we did not wake you."
"Good morning! I was up already. Thank you for bringing this over…"
"It's the only way I would be allowed to check up on you, without Uncle getting mad." Fili set the tray down on a side table by the bed.
She didn't like the sound of that, although she had suspected this previously. Thorin had at one point trusted Fili to protect her, along with Dwalin. She sat up against the bedhead and pulled her legs in.
"And I suppose you're here as his chaperone then?" she smiled at Kili.
"Aye my lady," the dark haired prince made a mock bow. "At your service."
"How's your knee?"
"Much improved my lady. Thanks to the beautiful Captain Tauriel."
"I hope you got your wager money." She smiled at Fili, accepting a mug of tea he passed over.
"Aye." He passed her a plate of biscuits, which she initially took. And then hesitated. "What's wrong?"
Her head spun and her stomach lurched – perhaps she had sat up too quickly. She had been feeling run down over the last few days. It was a strange sensation. Overwhelming and sudden.
"Here." She quickly set the plate on the bed and pushed her mug back into Fili's hand. Within moments she was out of bed, and dashing into the wet room, wincing in pain, only just reaching the toilet in time to fall on her knees and throw up.
Fili had been quick to react, setting the mug back on the tray and after listening through the door, certain that she was indeed vomiting, coming to kneel by her side.
"That's it – let it all out." He gently rubbed her back, while holding her hair out of the way.
Bilbo peered through the doorway, retching himself as he saw Shobha throwing up. Kili didn't even want to see. He stood outside the door trying hard not to listen to the noises of her being sick, the idea of pinching a few biscuits off the plate, now long forgotten.
A little while later they were all back in the bedroom, as she sat on the edge of the bed, gingerly sipping her tea.
"I think we should call for Oin." Fili observed her carefully. She had looked paler than usual for a few days now. He knew even Thorin had noticed, for he had seen how his uncle had spent time whispering to the old healer.
"Please don't – its probably nothing." She knew the last few weeks had been tough on her system, and wondered whether all this outdoor camping, and drinking from streams had finally led her to catch some strange Middle Earth parasitic disease. She certainly would have ingested decent amounts of water from the lake by Esgaroth to make this a strong possibility, and there clearly was no proper sewerage system. The latter thought alone was suitable enough to make anyone's stomach churn. "If I am sick again, then I promise I will see him. But its probably all that lake water."
"Nice." Kili grumbled, putting a biscuit he had just picked up back on the plate without taking a bite.
There was a loud knock on the door, this time Dwalin arrived in the room.
"Quick all of yer – to the armoury. The elves have gathered an army with the menfolk of Laketown and are about to march on our gates!" Dwalin explained. "We must be ready to defend what's ours."
Kili left immediately, and Shobha observed him with relief noting that his limp had completely resolved. Fili hesitated however, looking at her worried, before he reluctantly followed his younger brother.
When she stood up to follow with Bilbo, Dwalin turned to her frowning.
"And where d'ya think yer going Princess?"
"To the armoury."
"No, you are going to stay in the safety of the royal wing."
"Just let me come over to the armoury first – shouldn't I at least have a dagger or something?"
He grumbled in Khuzdul before following her out. Her smart mouth was always a source of trouble one way or another!
Bilbo remained silent throughout. She understood why, but she wouldn't push it. She needed to think about how she could stop them all from being killed.
As they entered the armoury, she immediately halted in her tracks. Thorin stood in the centre assembling armour on two strange wood hangers, presumably for the two princes. He, of course, looked very much the King under the Mountain, in his gold armour and Raven Crown, all majestic and warrior-esque!
She groaned, irritated at herself, annoyed that her libido had suddenly decide to find itself at that inconvenient moment. And rather surprised that she wanted to do unspeakable things to him, in that suit of armour!
Looking up from his task, and seeing her expression, he left what he was doing to stalk over to her, with a smug look on his face. He had studied her enough from the time he had stayed with her, to know what she was thinking. It amused him very much that his armour had roused her carnal desire, and he fully intended to use it. It was a shame that he didn't have as much time, given the elves and men had assembled outside Erebor. If she was not with child already, he intended to rectify that situation soon!
Dwalin had led the hobbit over to find him some armour suited to his size, while the two young Durins had instinctively made their way straight to their armour. Everyone seemed occupied with testing and selecting various weapons and armour, the clash and clatter of metal echoing throughout the great armoury.
"Like something you see?" He circled her like a predator, before coming to stand in front of her, as though they were the only two in the large room. Watching him before, all majestic broad shoulders, and powerful muscles from afar had been hot, but seeing him undress her with his eyes was 'knicker-droppingly' sexy! Except she had no knickers on!
Shobha mentally slapped herself. If she was going to do this – she needed to focus!
"What are you wearing underneath?" She was pleased with what she thought had been getting straight to the point. Until he softly chuckled, leaning over and claiming her lips roughly.
"Why not find out for yourself, my eager little Queen?" He grasped her firmly around the waist and pressed her body against his cold, hard armour. It shouldn't have turned her on, but feeling the brush of cold metal against her nipples through the soft fabric of her tunic, made her heart race.
"Mmmm –" she broke their kiss, concentrating hard to focus, and steadying herself against him. "No, I mean are you wearing mithril? Please, Thorin."
"There are three vests that we have found so far – I have given two to Fili and Kili, and intend to give the last to Bilbo." He cupped her chin softly, hesitating to tell her that he had found Dis' old mithril vest, which she would need to wear, until the last minute. He had no intention of her even imagining that she would see any fighting, but instead would be hidden away deep inside the mountain, with Fili guarding her. While that thought worried him, as he suspected his nephew had feelings greater than friendship towards his One, he would not risk the life of the Crown Prince in battle after finally securing Erebor. He had even come to terms with thinking that, given he was closer to her age, he might make a better husband for her, and in the event of his own death, Fili would care for her.
"No! You need one." She pulled away from him, as if breaking a spell.
"Amralime I have never –"
"I don't care. I want you to wear one. Bilbo can stay here with me – the battlefield is no place for a hobbit!"
Bilbo made a strange huffing squeak, from behind Thorin, ready to protest. He had finally found his courage, and he intended to fight alongside Thorin.
"Shut up!" Shobha snapped at him over Thorin's shoulder and Bilbo knew better than to argue. "Thorin, I want you to wear it please. You are the King – Azog is after YOU. And Fili and Kili – not anyone else."
"My beauty, it is a gift of friendship. Bilbo, has been loyal to me. To us. And protected you –"
"I agree with the Princess, baheluh." Dwalin, Bilbo and Balin had now gathered near them.
"I have mail and my armour."
"Ok stay here then. Stay and protect me."
"We are not going to war just yet, my love." His reply was fast and muted as he ran his hands along her sides. "And I will have Fili protect you."
Then he looked at her with a deep hunger once more.
"Why, my beauty, what would you have me do if I were to stay?" He ran his finger playfully along the waistband of her breeches. Kili groaned in the background as though he were contemplating how he had been conceived. "Do you have a particular taste for me in armour, my Queen?"
This time Dwalin cursed on hearing his friend discussing the apparent perversions of the young woman, whom he saw as his sister. It made her want to laugh, but she didn't, given the importance of what she was trying to achieve.
"I might…" she whispered coyly – if he wanted to use sex as a bargaining chip, to save his life, she would play. "If you agree to wear the vest."
Thorin groaned again. And slowly one by one the dwarves had slipped out of the armoury. Nori had been among the last to remain, being prone to a bit of voyeurism, and certain they were moments away from beginning some form of foreplay, he had secretly hoped to catch a glimpse. But Dori had returned promptly to pull him out.
Thorin had taken the moment, realising their solitude and gently manoeuvred her towards a wall nearby.
"And… what would you give me… my beauty," he pressed himself against her gently, wrapping his arms around her, to pull her in tighter. His cobalt eyes were dilated with desire, as he looked down at her. "If I were to agree to wear it…"
"I guess… it depends on… two things," she was panting as he began to kiss her, running his hand down to squeeze her behind. "If you wore it… and asked me nicely – Ah! Then… everything…"
He groaned, fighting the desperate urge to take her immediately.
"You are playing with fire, my lady," he ran his hands along hers and pinned them to the wall above her head, holding them in one hand, while he began to touch her with the other. "Please… I beg you…"
Suddenly she stiffened, feeling her head spin again. Noticing her change in demeanour, he immediately let her go, stepping away, worried that he had overstepped her boundaries. And she clasped her hands over her mouth horrified, running out of the armoury, as he attempted to follow, concerned.
"Bathroom!" She cried as she dashed around outside trying to open several random doors, in hopes that soldiers needed to use the toilet too.
"Here –" Fili ushered her.
"What did you do?!" Dwalin asked sternly, standing in Thorin's path.
"Nothing!" Thorin shouted. "She just dashed out while we were kissing! Now let me pass!"
Shobha wanted to dash back to explain, but her only focus now was to aim her sick into a suitable receptacle. The bathroom Fili had ushered her into had been unused. In sixty years. But despite the dust was in good working order, and certainly was the closest one. Just as she reached the toilet on her hands and knees, Thorin was by her side, taking over from Fili.
Eventually, Shobha had found herself laying on the ground, supported against Thorin, while Oin had started fussing over her.
"Ugh. Do we have to do this here, now?"
"I'll decide on that lass," Oin sternly hushed her as he gently examined her stomach. "How many times have ye been sick?"
"Just this morning."
"But it was voluminous, and just as sudden as this. And she refused to see you earlier." Fili chipped in from behind.
She huffed. She didn't expect Fili to have been such a snitch!
"When did ye last bleed lass?"
"What's that got to do with it…" she looked around embarrassed. But found that with exception of Thorin, Fili, Dwalin and Balin, the remaining members of the company had disappeared. 'Ladies problems' – that was apparently how to clear a room even amongst dwarven company! She would be sure to reuse that, when the time was needed again!
"I will decide that too lass – now if ye want, Thorin, and the rest to leave too, I can arrange for that… but you need to answer."
She hadn't thought about it, expecting it would take a few more attempts or a little longer.
"How long was I out for?" She looked up at Fili.
"The first day we pulled you from the lake, one day at Bards home, another day journeying to Erebor, and three days since arriving… Perhaps almost a week." Fili counted on his fingers, frowning in concentration.
"Oh!" She sat up, from her strange makeshift 'Thorin-couch', the realisation hitting her like a wave of panic. She had completely lost track of several days! "I think I might be sick again –"
But this time Dwalin was ready with a bucket.
"Ye don't have to get up Princess."
"What is it Oin? What's wrong with her?" Thorin looked up panicked. He was imagining the worst.
Oin felt her pulse once more, and then stood up.
"So lass? How many weeks?"
"Four and a half. But that is so soon – " she then recalled what Yavanna had said, about assisting their conception – making her 'more than pregnant' – perhaps she was further along than she should be? And Vána who had claimed she was 'fertile' with 'new life'.
"I would have you both tell me what is wrong – instead of having your coded healer discussions!" Thorin interrupted again.
"What's wrong? Princess? Why will ya not tell us?" Dwalin was nervous also suddenly.
"Brother…" Balin, who had now realised, stepped in shaking his head, trying to defuse the situation, but the two warriors only took his reaction as a sign of some calamity.
"What?!" They both exclaimed.
"Relax both of you." She finally broke the silence.
"The lass is perfectly healthy." Oin paused, to gauge Thorin's reaction, but it appeared their King still had no inclination. So softening his tone, he continued. "Yer going to be a father Thorin."
"Oh my beauty!" He moved himself to cradle her completely, kissing her, repeatedly.
There were a few sniffles from behind them, and they both turned to catch Dwalin, attempting to look his usual gruff self, as he wiped his nose on his sleeve. While Balin, unabashedly wiped a few tears from the corners of his eyes, grinning widely at them both.
"Princess! It's just all the dust yer covered in…"
"Get over here you two big softies." She beckoned. And suddenly they both found themselves in a big dwarf group-hug.
"Well is the lass…?" Gloin leaned in through the door, looking at his brother, who simply nodded. And then the red haired dwarf laughed in delight. "Ha! Ha! Ha! I knew it!"
"You can't leave us out," Fili mentioned softly.
To this she merely stuck her arm out from deep within the ball of the other three dwarves and Fili rushed over to give them all a collective hug, and one by one they all found themselves congratulating their King and his One.
"Now at least, will you bloody well wear the vest." Shobha insisted.
Thorin grumbled again, only to find everyone else looking at him sternly.
"I wouldn't upset the lass, Thorin," Gloin patted him on the shoulder. "And anyway, I doubt you will find anyone willing to wear that mithril in your place now, Thorin."
"Very well. Since my beautiful One asks me so nicely."
Their tender moment had been interrupted by the sounding of Elven horns. They had company.
…..
Dear All,
Thank you so much for following my story do far. Xx
Please please cont to post comments and review and follow and fave xx
The conch shell is quite important but it will become apparent in future chapters – there will be more excitement to come before that though ;)
As for what is more pregnant than pregnant – my lips are sealed... but all will be revealed in time... promise... XD ;)
Special thank you to -
UnaLouise for your lovely review. Thank you so much, you totally made my day! I would update more, but I have been working a lot of extra hours at the moment, so its taking a bit longer. Hope you enjoy this chapter too :)
