AN:Thanks for the guest reviews, I appreciate every one! Anyway, this chapter has been simmering for awhile now, I hope it's juicy and meaty, and doesn't disappoint :) I'm going back to having 1-2 scenes a chapter and more frequent updates, simply because I think it would be easier to digest and read :)

Chapter 38

Malin coughed great hacking coughs suddenly, turning away. She felt her stomach heave and the bile rise in her throat, but nothing could be done to stop the itch that provoke the great coughs that in turn threatened to promote the upheaval of her breakfast.

"I'm so sorry, milady," the young, fidgety tapestry-maker's eyes grew round in concern, "While we cannot wash or beat the old tapestries, I have tried my best to clean it to the best of our abilities."

Dwalin patted, or rather, pounded, Malin affectionately and glared at him, "Ye'll have to do better than that, lad. I can't have no tapestry that makes my sister sick each time it releases bad humours into the air."

Balin held up his hands,

"I'm sure that Daram knows what he's doing."

"I certainly do, sir," assured Daram apologetically, "And with a tapestry as old as this one..."

Malin downed the glass of water, choking slightly on it, and coughing stopped. She held her hand over her mouth and said, "Forgive me for the interruption."

"Forgive me, milady," Daram bowed, "I was too hasty."

With Balin's leave, Daram continued to unroll the heavy fabric as Dwalin stepped back suspiciously, glancing frequently to make sure Pearl was alright.

Balin was the first to approach it as it lay on the dining table, and he touched it hesitantly.

"This is it," Balin nodded, "As clear as day. Our line as it was before the fall of Erebor. Your work is a marval, Daram. You have managed to restore tatters and rags into a thing of beauty. I thank you."

"That accursed dragon stole more than one prized possession," Dwalin mumbled, his arm over Pearl as they too examined the family heirloom, now restored.

"We will make a new one, of course," Balin rubbed his hands together, "May I commission it from you, Master Daram?"

"I am at your service, my lord," Daram bowed, trembling slightly.

Dwalin coughed, and added,

"But not so soon," Balin added quickly, "Our family continues to grow."

Pearl rubbed her protruding belly with a warm, pleased expression.

"And has grown," Balin glanced at Malin, whose fingers were tracing their mother's line back up to Yana, the great she-warrior quietly. Malin's name was not on the tapestry; it had been made long before her unexpected birth.

"Dearest," Balin took Malin's hand as they walked along to meet with Dis and squeezed it. Malin was startled by the unexpected affection. Balin was wise, yes. And proud as well. He was not given to many displays of sentiment.

"My lord, what is it?"

"I..." Balin paused, "Whatever the dragon may have done is in the past. We only look to the future."

"Aye?"

"I know for sure that had not the dragon come, we would not have had you, Malin. Mother and Father... were not on the best terms for a time. Father was loyal to the king, mother felt we ought to take our leave of the... madness... that consumed the kingdom. The fire brought them together..."

Malin felt numbed by the revelation, and she held her brother's hand more tightly. Her face was dark, as it often was.

"Namadith," Balin rubbed her shoulder with his other hand and embraced Malin reassuringly, "You were never a burden. You are not a burden. You are not a curse, nor a plague. Forgive me if I neglected you those long years..."

"Pray do not speak of it," Malin interrupted him, "It has long since past. I do not resent you. The life that you have led, with all its hardships... I could have asked for nothing for than what was given to me, which was far more than what was due."

"You deserve better, Malin," Balin sighed, rubbing his tired brows.

"You tire. You slave far too much with too many duties. Can not one of the young dwarrows assume some of your responsibilities towards the king?."

"They can, they may... they do," Balin shook his head, "This very day, Frar attends to Thorin instead of I. After serving for such a great time, I feel... uneasy at the changes. "

"Ah, but such changes for only for the better. For one thing, it allows to to take a day for yourself," Malin pressed him, "A day to do as you wish. Surely you of all people deserve it. Speak no more; it is done. I shall send word to Dis, and today your comfort shall be my only concern. It is I who lack in my care for you, Balin."

Balin led himself be taken aside and commanded to rest himself on a bed of leisure. Malin scurried about, ordering his favourite foods and hiring a young masseur to see to the hard knots in his neck.

"We'll take care of each other," Malin plopped down on the seat beside him, sipping her own mug of beer as Balin supped on mead and summer Shire grapes, "Dwalin has Pearl, but I will care your needs as you do mine."

Balin smiled,

"That you may rely upon, my dear."