A week had passed since Erebor welcomed the arrival of its newest princess, though it still had not seen said princess in the flesh. If Ila had thought Thorin was protective and overbearing before Thora's arrival, she clearly had seen nothing. Ila had been bound to her bed by his orders so that she might rest and regain her strength, but the cabin fever was becoming too much for her. While Ila was mesmerized and impossibly in love with her little one, she did want to leave their chambers from time to time.

Such was not to be however, at least not for the time being, but Thorin had not said how long she would have to stay in their room. Her meals were brought to her every day, just as they had been the last month of her pregnancy when she was bedridden, and Thorin ate with her whenever he could. Luckily Dis and Dwala were ever present, not just to keep her company but to help with Thora.

As for the little angel of a dwarfling, she was currently feeding at her mother's breast.

"There, there my little love. Always so hungry…" Ila sweetly spoke to Thora while she ate. Dis sat close by, beaming at Thora and waiting her turn to hold her. Dis was overjoyed to have a new dwarfling in family and as such was more social and came out of her own chambers much more often. Everyone was happy to see that, and Ila was enjoying the guiding hand with Thora. Ila found that motherhood was coming rather naturally to her, and things that had frightened her before now seemed second nature, like feeding and comforting her little one. She had once been too afraid of dropping little dwarflings to hold them but Thora was like an extension of her body, she simply fit to her in all the right ways.

Thorin was good with Thora too, holding her with great care and surprisingly natural about it. When Ila had asked him where he learned to do that he'd responded, "With the boys of course. Kili was still very young when their father was slain, and I rocked both of them to sleep many nights."

Ila's heart melted at the thought of him rocking a little Fili and Kili to sleep when he was a much younger dwarf.

"They must have thought you were their father at times," Ila mused.

"Fili was old enough to know better, he remembered his father very well. Still does. But Kili has no memories of him, only me. Frerin passed before, and neither of the boys remember him really." Thorin spoke with no emotion in his voice, but Ila could tell he was far away from them for a moment.

"Only you," Ila finished for him. Thorin looked to her briefly and smiled, looking back to Thora who had drifted off. He held her close in his arms and steadily continued to rock her, as he loved to do and as he did many nights when he would return to his ladies after a long day of ruling and being parted from them.

At the moment it was lunch time, hence Thora being fed, and Ila guessed that Thorin had been too busy to get away and have a bite with her. A servant had brought her lunch and some for Dis as well, as she generally ate in her chambers too. Ila had eaten a little, but not too much since she was conscious that she wanted to lose her baby weight and return to the dwarf Thorin had married. It was a self-imposed insecurity, as Thorin had not seemed to notice or care. They had also not coupled yet. Ila was too tired and her body was still healing for anything of that nature. Soon she hoped, since she missed Thorin as much as he missed her.

"She is fairly insistent for a baby girl," Dis observed. "I don't think the boys were quite so greedy at my breast. But, then she is a princess." Dis said with a smile, interrupting Ila's thoughts about her husband's body.

"She does seem to be hungry all the time…but I suppose that is natural. She got to eat as much as she wanted whenever she wanted in my womb."

"Yes, one reason why she didn't want to come out I imagine." Dis mused.

Thora's blue eyes were half open as she sucked contentedly, finally coming to a stop. Being sated, Ila handed Thora to an eagerly waiting Dis and fixed her gown. Both dames were so intent on other things that neither of them noticed Thorin enter the room. He came in quietly as was his custom now, not wanting to risk waking a sleeping Thora, or a sleeping Ila for that matter. Thora of course had not slept through the night yet, and Ila had to sleep when she could, which was whenever Thora decided to sleep.

Thorin's heart warmed like the sun itself at the sight before him. His love was lying in bed, comfortably propped against the headboard. Close by sat his sister, holding his little princess in her arms. He stopped and simply regarded them for a moment. They all looked so happy and content. Ila was all smiles as usual, Thora was cooing up at her aunt and Dis was smiling a true and beautiful smile as she gently rocked the baby.

"My lady loves," Thorin said and they turned to look at him.

Thorin walked over to put his hands on his sister's shoulders and look down at his little one. Thora smiled up at her father and he offered her his index finger which she promptly wrapped her fingers around. Ila melted at Thorin's toothy grin.

"She is strong for a female," he observed proudly.

"Well of course she is," Ila said and reached for him, "She's a Durin."

Thorin quickly leaned over to give her a sweet kiss on the lips and sat next to her on the bed.

"So, anything interesting going on downstairs?" Ila asked, genuinely interested and hoping Thorin would relent and let her leave these chambers soon.

"Ah, more of the usual. Nothing of note, my dear." He said without taking his eyes off Thora.

Ila tried not to look disappointed, tired of not being able to see anyone or anything other than this room. But that was a conversation for private, not to be had with Dis present.

Thora was falling asleep in her aunt's arms, full and sated from her lunch. Her little eyes were fluttering shut and Dis was rocking her slow and gentle, enjoying every minute of it.

"Your little one has decided it's time for a nap. Perhaps you should do the same while she slumbers." Dis said, carefully handing Thora back to Ila. Ila hated to admit it but she was indeed sleepy, and the sight of her falling asleep in the middle of the day would only further serve to convince Thorin that she was indeed weak and still required lots of rest. But her eyes betrayed her as they were heavy, and she tried to blink herself alert again but found she could not. She laid the soundly sleeping bundle that was Thora on the bed next to her, then laid on her side facing her. Dis rose to leave, kissing her brother on the cheek as she passed him.

"Dwala will be back soon, and you know where I am should you need me," Dis said as she took her leave. Ila thanked her and looked up at Thorin who smiled after her.

"She seems the happiest I have seen her," Ila said quietly, lest she disturb their babe.

"She is in the best spirits I have seen in many years. But babies have that effect on her." Thorin said.

"And you?" Ila asked.

Thorin turned his gaze upon her, then on Thora, a slow smile spreading across his face.

"How is it possible that I could ever have been happier?" he asked as he came around the bed to the other side, laying behind Ila to spoon her, his great iron tipped boots hanging off the bed and his arm around Ila. Ila laced her fingers with his and settled back into him. She felt his beard brush her neck and his lips press into her shoulder.

Ila closed her eyes and smiled. She was too comfortable and happy to be cross with Thorin at the moment. She had been about to ask if she was allowed to come down to supper tonight, but she didn't want to ruin this moment. And besides, she knew the answer would be no.

Ila sighed and Thorin felt her relax. "Go to sleep my love," he whispered. "I will watch her while you sleep." Ila wanted to tell him she loved him, but she slipped from consciousness before she could form the words.

Thorin felt her steady breathing and knew she was fast asleep like their babe. He was staring past her at Thora, feeling that he held the entire world there in his arms. He had never imagined he could love anything or anyone the way in which he loved his ladies….and he knew that he would do anything to keep them both safe. He barely trusted anyone with Ila, but Thora…he hadn't even wanted the boys to hold her at first, but Ila had insisted. Fili was a bit stiff and unsure with her, but Kili had been a natural. After his initial hesitation he had to admit it warmed his heart to see his nephews cradling his daughter, as he had once held them as new born dwarflings.

But still, he was not ready for the palace to meet Thora yet. She needed to be a bit older and stronger before she made her official debut. Ila needed to rest as well…but he knew she would not tolerate his isolation of her much longer. She just didn't understand…she was all he had. If something were to happen to her, or Thora for that matter, there could never be another for him. Nothing would ever be able to take their place, so he had to keep them safe, whether Ila understood or not.

Downstairs, Dwala was pacing in her rooms, waiting for Oin to come as he had said he would. Dis had stayed with Ila so that she could be relieved of her duties for a bit, Ila insisted as she knew why she needed to consult with the old healer. Dwalin was elsewhere, as Dwala hadn't told him she had some time away, and if he'd known he would be there maximizing his time with her.

But Dwala didn't want him there, not right now. She had to be sure of her suspicions before she let Dwalin know anything. She was walking back and forth, twisting her fingers. She was almost sure herself without the ancient dwarf's professional opinion, but she had to be absolutely sure. Granted, in time she would know either way but she felt she couldn't wait long enough for her body to show her.

A knock came at the door and Dwala hurried to open it. Oin greeted her and lumbered in, turning to her with his ear horn up and at the ready.

Dwala shut the door behind her after looking to see if Dwalin might have been coming by chance, and seeing the coast was clear, closed it tight.

"Thank you for coming," she began.

"Of course, of course. Now what's the matter? You look healthy to me. Rosy cheeks, shiny hair—" He mused as he looked her over.

"Oh, well, I'm not ill that is….I mean I believe I may have a certain condition that is all and wanted to know if you could confirm it for me…." Dwala stuttered, not really having thought about how she would explain it. Hopefully he would get her drift.

"A certain condition?" the confused expression on his face clearly communicated that he did not.

"Um," Dwala bit her lip. "Well, um, family condition….now that I have been married for a while…"

"Ahhhhhhhh," Oin said, a look of understanding spreading across his face. He came over and felt of her forehead and neck with his hands, then gently felt around her midsection. She turned her face to the side, being a little embarrassed but knew it was necessary. She then remembered what a compromising position giving birth was and wondered why she blushed at this.

"Well," he said taking a step back. "Is your moon cycle late?"

"Only a week, it could still come." Dwala replied.

"Maybe, but your skin is warm and your abdomen feels like it might be swelling. How does your chest feel?"

"Um…a bit tender."

"Dizziness? Vomiting? Nausea?"

"A little, no, yes."

"Ah, well. I would say that you can expect to show soon. That is of course the only telltale sign, but I think it is safe to begin preparing for a dwarfling." Oin gave his diagnosis very matter of fact.

Dwala exhaled a great breath and nodded, she couldn't speak at the moment. But she had known this was the truth, really. She could feel her body changing; she just wanted a second opinion.

"Is that all?"

"Oh, yes, yes that was my only concern."

"Right, well I shall leave you then." Oin said and made his way towards the door.

"Oh, Oin—" Dwala called with one last thought. "Please say nothing to anyone yet, I haven't told—"

He waved at her, cutting her off. "Of course not, I will act surprised with everyone else." He said with a little smile and saw himself out.

Dwala smiled a little smile back but then sat down took a few deep breaths.

They were going to have a baby! But….she and Dwalin had never discussed dwarflings. Surely though, he had to imagine there was some danger of them, as much time as they spent in bed together, but they had just never talked it out. She felt her fears were largely misplaced, surely he would rejoice at becoming a father. What dwarf did not want children to carry on his name?

But she wasn't sure of how to tell him. She luckily had the rest of the day to think about it. Excited to tell Ila the news, Dwala left her chambers and went back upstairs to tend to the queen and princess, half excited and half terrified of seeing Dwalin again.

When Dwala reached the royal chambers she peeked into the bedroom, hearing no noise and not wanting to disturb anyone who might be sleeping. She was glad she'd done so, as King Thorin was lying in bed with Ila, a protective arm wrapped around her and Thora lying close to them. All three were asleep it seemed, but Thorin's eyes snapped open suddenly, peering directly at her. She had made no noise at all, so she'd thought, but then again he was ever vigilant.

Dwala bowed shortly and receded from the room, going to sit in the antechamber until he left or she heard the baby wake, whichever came first. She had plenty to occupy her thoughts anyway.

It wasn't long before Thorin emerged and gave her a nod, walking wordlessly out of their chambers and on to whatever it was he had to tend to that day. Dwala rose and went into the bedchamber to see Ila half-awake and staring lovingly at her Thora. The dwarfling was thankfully still sleeping, and Dwala came to sit next to Ila. Ila turned slowly to look at her, her sleepy eyes asking the question. Dwala only broke into a wide smile with tears immediately filling her eyes, and Ila did the same, reaching out her hands for her friend. The two embraced tightly, both overjoyed at how Mahal had blessed them.

That evening, an exhausted Dwala made her way from the royal chambers to her own as she did every night. But this night was different of course. She barely registered how tired she was, only thinking about Dwalin. In all the time that had passed between her discussion with Oin, she still hadn't decided on what to say. She would just wing it, saying whatever came to mind she supposed. She was hopeful; she had left a happy scene indeed. Ila having supper while Thorin rocked Thora by the fire. She couldn't wait to see Dwalin holding their little one. She only hoped he would be as excited by the news as she was.

Dwala opened the door to their rooms, hearing Dwalin in the bedroom. Sam came running out to greet her as he usually did, and she pulled out a treat for him she had taken from the kitchen earlier that day. He happily ran to a corner with it, in fear that someone or something would try and take it from him as always, though why he feared such a thing she didn't understand.

Dwala saw on the table in their antechamber a small plate of cheese, bread, and meat that she knew Dwalin had brought up with him. She often was so busy with Thora and Ila that she missed supper these days. Truly, she enjoyed the baby so much that she often tarried longer than necessary and just missed supper, but now that she was carrying her own little one she would have to make sure and eat. She had given Ila too much grief about that to be a great hypocrite now.

Dwala was starving and was on the plate of food in an instant. Dwalin appeared in the doorway then, everything removed but his trousers, tunic, and suspenders.

"Missed supper again, and hungry for it I see." He said disapprovingly. Dwala knew only half of that was for not eating, the other half was for missing some of what little time they had together these days.

Dwala swallowed and looked apologetically at her husband.

"I know my dear, I will be better about eating….I promise." She said sweetly.

"You'd better," he said as he approached her, pulling her by the waist into his arms and none too gently. He was not a gentle creature in general, but Dwala loved how possessive he was of her, and he loved to manhandle her a bit too.

But that would have to change, at least for a while.

"There dear, be gentle." Dwala said as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

"Gentle?" Dwalin cocked his head at her. "Since when do you like me gentle?" he asked.

Well, this was it, Dwala thought. No time like the present and no better way she could see.

"Well," she said biting her lip as she looked up into his blue eyes. "I'm a bit more fragile these days than I usually am," she said slowly.

He narrowed his eyes at her a bit, not following her lead. Dwala withdrew her right hand from where it rested behind his neck and took hold of his hand, bringing it to rest on her stomach.

She said nothing, only watched his face. He looked down at her midsection, seeing it no different than usual but knowing what she must mean. He looked back to her, mouth hanging open just a bit, his expression unreadable.

"You're….you're with child?" he asked in a quiet voice.

"With your child," Dwala answered in an equally quiet voice.

He let out a breath, abrupt and jagged, like someone had punched him square in the stomach. He looked at her as in disbelief, and Dwala was afraid for a second, but she didn't have time to say anything before he had picked her up by the waist and was swinging her around the room.

Laughing a great laugh from deep in his belly, Dwalin swung her around again before lowering her into his arms. Dwala had yelped in surprise but then began to laugh herself, wrapping her arms around his neck as he pressed her to him. He covered her lips with his in an ardent kiss before pulling back and finally giving her a view of his face. He wore a great and genuine smile, so wide that Dwala wasn't even sure she'd ever seen him smile like that before.

Sam had run from his corner at all the excitement to see what the fuss was about and was standing on his hind legs pawing at the two of them, wanting to be included. Dwalin reached out a large hand to scratch his head and Dwala smiled down at him.

Dwalin then rested his head on Dwala's forehead, rubbing her back and whispering to her, "A dwarfling….I never thought I would have a dwarfling…..but then I never thought I would have you."

"Are you happy then?" she asked.

"Aye lass, aye I am happier than I can tell ye," he murmured and kissed her again, sweetly on the lips.

Later, as they lay in bed, Dwalin traced his fingers lightly over Dwala's belly, finding it hard to believe that his dwarfling was in there. Dwala was lying on her back in his arms, he leaning over her on his side.

"When will you start showing?" he asked.

"I don't know," Dwala replied sleepily. "I am not sure how far long I am. But soon either way I would imagine," she said and yawned, turning onto her side and pulling him with her so spoon.

He pressed a kiss into her neck and pulled the covers over them. This was Sam's cue to hop onto the foot of the bed as he did every night. He curled into a ball and quickly fell asleep. Dwalin did too, but Dwala remained conscious long enough to remember her dream. She and Dwalin sleeping like this, but her belly swollen and a little dwarfling tucked under her arm. If it truly was foreshadowing, then their first born would be a boy, and she would bear Dwalin at least two children.

She hoped it was true, and fell asleep smiling.

A/N: So the saga continues. Going to try and move things along at a quicker pace given how much there is left that I want to happen.

Two slightly unrelated notes: You know have you a great husband when he buys you a solid bronze Thorin statue for your birthday (but seriously, who knew they made those?).

Anyone going to Dragon Con in Atlanta at the end of this month? I am and Karl Urban will be there! *sigh* As well as Billy Boyd, Adam Brown, and Jed Brophy! I was hoping for more dwarves but I will take what I can get. :)