There stood Thorin, looking over a map on one of the Master's tables. I do not doubt it is the map of Erebor. Balin stood not too far from me. I stood up straight on my walking stick and piped up, "My king you asked for me?"

Thorin's lip perked up at the sound of that. Thorin stood up straight, placing a hand on his back as if it's in pain. He must have in that position for awhile. Thorin's ringed hand gestured to a seat near him, "Sit, and we haven't taken the mountain back yet."

I shuffled closer to the seat and slowly placed myself down. It's plush which is interesting for the Master to have considering how much the town is in ruins. When Balin and I walked up to this mansion, I felt disgusted seeing the Master in a lush life whereas his townspeople are in poverty. It really is concerning. I leaned my walking stick against the table waiting for Thorin to say something. Balin walked closer to sit on a bench against a wall. Thorin sat down on the seat behind him. I didn't notice that chair as he was already standing and hunched over. Thorin thought over his words and spoke, "It is truly destined for you and Dwalin to become Ones with each other."

I gave a nod, "Yes I know of this already."

Thorin wetted his lips as his grandfather was the one to give blessings to nobles' betrothals. He knew the male would ask the daughter's father for her hand in marriage and if the families are of high standing then it would be seen through the royals as well. It was not easier for his brother-in-law to go up to his father and ask for Dis' hand for marriage. Unfortunately, the Fundin brothers do not have their father who can assess the woman in front of Thorin. Dwalin asked his brother who was head of their family to give blessing. Once again unfortunately for Thorin, Balin thought it would give Thorin practice for the higher nobles' blessings. Thorin knew his adviser gave Dwalin his blessing. Balin sees what no one else sees between the two. Thorin slowly sees what Balin sees. He would never admit it. He cannot think of having an elf into his circle. Thorin knew Dwalin would do anything to keep the elven maiden at his side no matter what Thorin would say.

Thorin continued, "I would like to..."

I could feel my heart beating against my rib cage. I am sure it is getting to the point that I hear it in my ears. I stayed silent as I waited for Thorin to give me something. I had a feeling what it could be but I understood that this must be hard on the older dwarf. For centuries he disliked, no let me correct myself, he loathed elves. If he could I am sure he would take away Dwalin and I's bond and place him with a dwarfen woman. However him and I both know dwarven women are hard to come by. The only flaw in this situation is my father's blessing. I am way over the age to be wed but it would feel right as if it were happening centuries ago.

Thorin started again regaining his ground, "I would like to give you two my blessing. My blessing to be betrothed and to wed."

A small smile perked up on my lips. I reached over touching Thorin's hand gently. I spoke softly, "Thank you, my king."

Balin's cheeks are puffed out due to smiling. Balin hopped off the bench and walked over. His fingers lightly touched the braid of Dwalin's. He spoke softly, "Soon my brother will change this."

Warmth filled me. My smile instantly turned into a frown as the thought of my father came back. Thorin's lips frowned as well when he picked up my frown. Thorin asked, "Are you not happy?"

I shook my head, "Nay I am happy. I had a thought over my father. Dwalin never met him nor asked."

Balin gave a squeeze to my shoulder, "I am sure he would have-."

I shook my head once again, "Nay he wouldn't have. My father despises dwarves for reasons. My father... My father and I haven't spoken since we were in Thranduil's halls."

Thorin's frown deepened. Balin's smile was wiped off his face. The two did not know of my father and his hatred. My hand went to my face rubbing the tired flesh. Balin looked over at Thorin. Their eyes met. Balin broke away from the silent communication and spoke to me, "That does seem problematic."

I stood up from my spot, "As much as I argued with my father, I want him to at least like my One. He's done so much for me over the centuries. Thank you Thorin, for giving us your blessing."

Balin patted my hand, "I give you two mine as well."

I smiled, "Thank you, Balin. I am grateful for both of your blessings."

My smile turned into a sad one, "Unfortunately we cannot proceed till my father gives his blessing."

Balin gave my free hand a squeeze, "We will figure a way, my dear."

I reached over at the elder Fundin son and gave him a light hug. I whispered, "Thank you."

I pulled away, "Now I must find my nephews and niece and see how they are faring."

Thorin gave a nod and waiting till the elven maiden left the room. Thorin looked at his adviser for answers. Balin petted his beard in thought, "That is indeed troublesome. Her father may never give his blessing for the two."

Thorin rubbed his face. He removed it then stood up. Thorin pointed towards Balin, "If I can allow them to marry then he could too."

Balin agreed, "Yes but how? It sounds like her father's hatred stemmed before we entered Middle-Earth."

Thorin's hands rubbed his cheeks and eyes in frustration. His best friend will not like the sound of this. When it comes to the she-wolf, Dwalin will do anything for her as Dwalin would do anything for himself. Balin seemed to catch on Thorin's frustration. Balin piped up, "Aye, Thorin. He will be a handful."

I sat in front of Bard's home holding onto my cane. Elladan exited the home finding me in deep thought. His voice snapped m. e out of my thoughts, "Is everything alright, Auntie?"

I glanced over at my eldest nephew then where the sun is now setting. I licked my lips before responding, "Everything is fine, young one. I was just in thought."

Elladan glanced at the door behind him then back over at his aunt. He headed over sitting down next to me on a bench situated outside. Elladan eyed me, "You are lying, Auntie."

I looked over at my eldest nephew at the corner of my eye. I let out a deep breath, "I cannot let anything pass you, can I?"

Elladan laced his hands together in front of him. He replied, "You helped raise us especially when Mother went over. Of course I can see through a lie. Elrohir and I are known to get away with stuff."

I couldn't help but let out a chuckle. Elladan looked over at the sunset and asked, "Is it your One? Has he troubled you?"

I shook my head, "Nay opposite of that. It's my father. Your grandfather does not have a liking towards dwarves. I am afraid when it comes to settling down... He will not give his blessing despite the master dwarf giving me happiness."

Elladan thought over his aunt's words. Elladan glanced over at his aunt who was staring at the intricate design of her walking stick. I continued, "Your grandfather and I aren't on good terms right now. It was over Dwalin and the other dwarves. He cannot see what I see in them."

Elladan spoke as he played with a leather strap of his boot, "I heard what you told Elrohir about the Durin's folk. I feel we cannot stop Eru's choice of your One. If he chose that big dwarf, then so be it. Grandfather needs to see that. He may have hatred in his eyes and mind over dwarves but if he knew of his lineage then maybe he might be satisfied with your One."

I turned my head to my nephew and eyed him. I whispered, "Have you grown into a wise man?"

Elladan smiled big like he did when he was up to something, "Father took me under his wing."

I gave a snort, "Of course he did."

The eldest son of Elrond placed his hand on my knee and reassured, "If it means anything grandmother has accepted your relationship."

I moved my knee away from his hand. I pursed my lips, "She never told me. She told you but not me. Emel... I must speak to her soon about this."

Elladan nervously laughed, "I didn't mean to get grandmother in trouble..."

This time I reassured him, "Nay you didn't I am in need to talk to her anyways."

My brows knitted together, "What were you doing out here in the first place?"

Elladan answered, "I have a feeling we may have visitors."

I raised an eyebrow as I watched him get up. Elladan spoke, "I'll see you around, Auntie. I promise I'll be back."

I scrunched up my nose, "You better... Whatever is catching your and your brother's attention must be dangerous. I saw him leave not too long ago."

Elladan nodded in understanding. With that being said, Elladan disappeared into the dusky night. I let out a sigh standing up. I'd best be heading inside to meditate to reach my mother.