AN: I still don't own anything Tolkien or Lord of the Rings. I just own my characters and storyline.

I am so very sorry for not updating sooner. The world is in chaos, and even though I'm lucky to have a job I can do from home, it hasn't been easy adjusting.

I won't go into details, but let's just say that my time is not my own right now, and it's a bit hard to write these days. But I will try to get to it as much as possible.

With the virus spreading across the globe, I can only cross my fingers and hope that everyone, including my readers, stays home, stays safe, and stays healthy. My thoughts are with all of you and your loved ones.

Please enjoy the chapter. I hope it can be a bit of a distraction from the strange world we currently live in.

Chapter 42: Visits Around the Mountain:

When I woke, I ate the breakfast Ethelwen brought me, and wrote a note accepting Thorin's invitation for a walk. After the message was sent, I started to get ready for my tour day with Balin and our friends. Ethelwen and I both dressed in loose, comfortable clothing, with no jewelry, and my friend ensured the shoes she chose for me were good for a long day of walking.

The others were waiting in an outer hallway. Balin came to greet me, and as he began chatting, it was quite obvious how happy he was to be back in Erebor.

"There are a number of places I would like to show you, lass," he said, smiling as I started walking beside him. "There have been many improvements and new additions. Many who had fled the dragon have returned, some with their families, to start new lives and new businesses."

The last time I was here, I had seen many destroyed, crumbling structures. At the time, several had been patched back together or repaired somewhat, but not very well. There had been many broken pillars, shattered walls, and buildings that were only two standing walls and a fabric roof.

A lot had changed since then.

I was astounded that so many buildings had been built. They had either been carved into the Mountain, or stone had been brought from rock quarries or from loose rock gathered from building projects. The ones set into hallowed out Mountain cavern walls had fronts made from loose stone, tightly packed and sealed with a substance similar to concrete. Buildings made entirely of loose stone was formed of the same stuff, and supported with thick beams of wood, in case of a cave-in.

There were very few carvings engraved into the structures made of the loose stone pieces, but they had more than made up for it by hanging signs or banners from nails carefully hammered into the walls. Since there was no need to fear rain, wind, or other dreadful weather, the decorations were safe from harm.

Balin was quite happy to point out the great market that was set up in a huge cavern, with sturdy stalls selling everything a shopper could want. Gandalf stopped to look at a stall selling different types of travel gear, while Gwyn began questioning an herbalist. Even Ethelwen managed to find something that turned her head, namely the stalls selling fabrics, ribbons, and threads from Dale.

Ethelwen had a pouch of coins for her and I to share, compliments of Lord Elrond, dangling from her belt. I hadn't touched it in Mirkwood, since King Thranduil had been extremely generous with his gifts, so it was still quite heavy and full.

After a few hours of walking through the caverns, when my belly started rumbling, I offered to pay for the midday meal, since Balin was proving such a wonderful guide. Needless to say, my offer was quickly accepted. 'Never underestimate the gift of a free lunch to someone,' I thought in amusement.

The tavern we stopped at served us a marvelous meal of whole roast ducks for us to share, mashed potatoes with gravy, and an apple tart that had me wishing I could lick the plate. Everyone had a good helping, though Balin went back for seconds and thirds.

Gandalf noticed and chuckled as the Dwarf sat back in his chair, groaning a little from his meal. "It seems you came away from the Shire with a hobbit's appetite," he teased. "I have not yet begun to understand where all of that food goes, once they eat it."

Balin gave his stomach a pat and grinned. "Right here, my friend. But you do have a point; after watching Bilbo eat, both here and in the Shire, the lad still looks as trim as he did before our adventure."

After lunch, Balin started up the tour again, taking us through various areas of commerce, and neighborhoods where families lived. I was surprised and thrilled to see Dwarf children running about and playing, for I had never seen children of any race except those of Men.

Balin saw my surprise, and a puzzled look crossed his face. "What troubles you, lass?"

I explained that I had only seen children in Dale, but not in any other place I had visited thus far. "For there were no children in Lothlorien or Mirkwood, that I could see, and none in Rivendell. I am a little surprised, but pleasantly so, to see them here."

"Would you like to meet them?" Balin asked.

I shook my head. "No, let them play. Thank you, though."

After we walked a little further, I felt I had to ask something that had been bothering me. "Balin, are Kili and Tauriel truly back in Thorin's good graces?"

A gentle hand reached out and patted my arm. "Yes, lass, they are. Thorin was a bit upset about their marriage, and for a while, even Princess Dis's pleadings wouldn't move him. But when they found out they were expecting a baby, it softened Thorin's anger."

I glanced over and saw an affectionate look on his face. "So, it was their firstborn that brought them back into the family?"

"Aye, it was," Balin said. "Thorin decided, for the babe's sake, to let matters lie and to bring his nephew back into favor. He said the child was innocent, and he does love Kili like a son. Princess Dis is thrilled at having grandchildren, even if their mother is an Elf, but she's moved past that. Kili and his family are now welcome whenever they please, though they live only seven miles away."

Well, that was good news. I was happy that Erebor's royal family was back together, at least partially. "And I'll bet Fili is happy at being able to see his brother," I casually mentioned. "They seemed quite close, when I saw them in Rivendell."

"They are, and both are happy that things have been mended," Balin said, tucking his thumbs into his belt. "Although, Thorin had to give into his Council when they said Kili and his descendants could no longer be part of the line of succession."

I froze mid-step, causing everyone else to stop behind me. "What? Why?"

He sighed and gently took my hand, carefully leading me further along the path we were following. "He didn't want to do it, lass, but it's a complicated situation. I don't think the people would mind an heir who was half Man, half Dwarf, but a half-Elf, half Dwarf heir would not stand. The grudges between our people and the Elves run deep, and old prejudices are hard to get over, especially when it concerns a crown."

Balin gave my hand a squeeze. "Give it time. It's possible, in a generation or two, Kili's grandchildren or great-grandchildren might be considered part of the Royal Line, but for now, they have been made Lords and Ladies of the Court, and Thorin has been putting aside a bit of coin for each child. They can have either have a comfortable life in his Court, or start a business for themselves when they are grown…after they've been educated, of course."

I felt very relieved to hear that. "It means a great deal to me, knowing that the children will be provided for. I had worried about them, but I will be sure to thank Thorin for his generosity."

Looking over his shoulder, Balin leaned a little closer to whisper, "Truth is, lass, Thorin partially did it with you in mind. Oh, he does love Kili and his children, and would have done something for them anyway, but I know he was thinking of you, too."

My heart jumped a little at that. "Thank you, Balin," I whispered back.

The tour ended in the early afternoon, when Balin declared that he could not take us to the hotter work areas today. "The smiths and others of those crafts will have closed for the day," he said apologetically. "We can continue it tomorrow, or in the next few days, if you wish."

We agreed, and separated for an afternoon rest. But when I arrived in my rooms, I found Gwyn nervously standing in my parlor. "Forgive me, my lady," she said with a curtsey, "But Princess Dis heard you had ended your day early, and wishes for you to join her for afternoon tea, if you are not too tired?"

I was tired, but I didn't want to risk upsetting Thorin's sister with a refusal. Ethelwen seemed to sense this, and stepped forward. "The lady will require a brief time to tidy herself and change," she said. "She will be ready in half an hour."

Gwyn curtseyed again, and ran off to deliver the message to the Princess. Meanwhile, I was caught up in Whirlwind Ethelwen, getting cleaned up, changed, and rejuvenated with a quick 15 minute nap before Gwyn arrived to escort me.

As I had seen upon my arrival at Erebor, Princess Dis was very unlike her brother in appearance.

With dirty blonde hair rather than dark, it was clear where Fili got his looks from. Dis also had a slight 'beard,' like all Dwarf women –it more resembled long sideburns, framing the jaw and coming just short of the chin. The hair was very fine, and appeared soft and silky, like the hair on her head, rather than coarse. The color also made the appearance of the beard not as obvious, especially since the Princess had lovely fair skin that complimented her sapphire-blue eyes.

'Yup, I can see where her sons get their good looks.' And I had to admit, Fili and Kili were very handsome Dwarves.

Housed in the Royal Wing, Princess Dis had some of the loveliest rooms I'd ever seen. Her walls were the grey stone of the Mountain, but they were covered in beautifully crafted tapestries that hung from jeweled hooks or nails driven into the walls. Furniture of the finest quality, built of wood but heavily cushioned for comfort, was strategically set about the rooms, ready for guests.

A sterling silver tea set was set out elegantly on a table, with tiered trays of food nearby. The air was scented with mint and citrus from the tea, with a faint hint of sugar from the frosted cakes.

Princess Dis welcomed me with open arms, a smile, and a plea that I sit down. "For you must have had a long day, walking with Balin," she said.

Gwyn, who was to wait on us, stepped forward when the princess waved at her, and began pouring tea. When we each had our cups filled and sweetened as we liked them, my hostess insisted that I call her by her name even as she passed me an empty plate.

"For I do hope we can be friends," she said. "My brother tells me you go by several names. Which may I use to address you?"

"My given name is Alyssa," I replied. "The Elves kindly bestowed upon me an Elf name, but I always ask that my friends call me Allie."

"Balin has called you Allie," Dis commented. "I shall address you with that, if you do not mind?"

I assured her I didn't, and everything pretty much went onwards from there.

Dis was just as straightforward as any other Dwarf, but she was also sweet. She asked about my friends and family in Rivendell, and about my travels so far around Middle Earth. Her questions were full of genuine curiosity, and she was always attentive to the answers I gave.

After an hour of chatting about ourselves, Dis went rather quiet, clearly lost in deep thought. I suspected she wanted to talk about something specific, but feared it might be awkward. While I appreciated her consideration about my feelings, I really did want her to just ask or say whatever was bothering her.

"Dis, it is clear something is troubling you," I said, setting my cup aside. "Now, please tell me what it is, so we can get back to our nice visit."

She set her own cup aside with a sigh. "You are right. Forgive me."

With her free hands, she reached out to take mine. "Allie, my brother has told me of his feelings for you, and I admit I wanted to see the kind of woman you are. I see now that you are exactly how he described you."

I felt myself blush as my head spun, imagining what kinds of praise Thorin had spun to put me in such a good light with his sister. 'This is so embarrassing!'

Dis chuckled, a sound that was good-natured and put my troubled feelings at ease. "You are a good woman, with a kind heart and a sound mind. And I find that I like you very much."

Her smile suddenly turned a little sad as she squeezed my fingers. "I also know what you've done for my youngest son and his wife. Kili told me how you took Tauriel under your wing, and helped them be together, so they could wed. I think it was also your influence that caused Thorin to provide a livelihood for them, and for the children. It is a debt I can never repay, for now my sons can meet without fear of drawing their King's anger. For that, I thank you."

I felt my cheeks flush, and not for the first time, I was speechless. Dis seemed to sense this, and swiftly gave me a big hug, her beard tickling me a little along my cheek. When she pulled back, she smiled broadly and gave my hands a squeeze.

"Now, you'd best go get some rest," she said, squeezing my hand in hers. "I look forward to seeing you at the next feast. I apologize for not attending before, as I wanted to spend time with my grandchildren while they are here. But we will all be there for the feast Thorin has planned in a few days, I promise."

She squeezed my hands again, a comforting gesture of friendship. "But before that, perhaps you can come for luncheon tomorrow? Kili and his family will be there, and Fili. I would like you there, too."

I smiled with genuine pleasure. "I would be happy to. I don't think I've seen Fili since my last visit; he must be quite busy, as Thorin's heir."

Dis swelled with motherly pride. "Yes, my brother has had Fili running all over, from Erebor to Dale and back again, learning all manner of things. It is good for him, to expand his horizons."

When I left, it was with a slightly heavier heart than when I had arrived. I hadn't really thought of what it would mean for Fili, if I had children with Thorin, and how it would affect the succession of Erebor's throne. For any child I had with Thorin would immediately take Fili's place as heir, and all Fili's work would be for nothing.

'And how would Dis feel, if her eldest son was pushed aside after working and training so hard to become King? Would she resent me for it?'

I'd never seen an angry Dwarf mother, and something told me that I definitely didn't want to.

Sighing, I returned to my rooms, where Ethelwen waited for me. Hopefully, she would be able to distract me from my thoughts, as they were beginning to turn rather depressing.

"Do you know how much of an idiot you've been?" Dis demanded of her brother.

Thorin winced. In many ways, she resembled their dearly departed mother, especially with her temper. Princess Lis, wife of Thrain, had been a strong spirit and an even stronger warrior, one who had given her life protecting Erebor from its enemies. In many ways, Dis took after her, particularly in looks and spirit.

Still, that did not give his little sister the right to lecture him thus.

When he did not answer her, Dis scowled even harder. "I admit, I had been skeptical when you told me of your feelings for Alyssa. I thought it a silly fancy for a young woman, one who would be easily dazzled by a King's title and riches. In that, I am glad I was wrong."

She set a goblet of wine on the table beside him and took her own seat. "She's a good person, one who is smart, kind, and wiser than most of her race. But you've been going about this all wrong, and with little thought for anyone but yourself. Have you even given thought to what she must think, and how she feels?"

He did not like that, but perhaps Dis was right. He was too bold, and too foolish in his actions. He had let his feelings run away from him, and so had put everything at risk.

"We can blame Dwarf customs for only a few of the things you've done wrong," Dis continued to lecture him. "However, I do remember my own husband being unusually forward and stubborn while courting me."

Thorin sighed and sat back in his chair. "It's like I can't help it," he admitted. "In my head, I know she is a person, with thoughts and feelings of her own, but there's another part of me that is as immovable as the Mountain. That part says that I need to move quickly, to win her and wed her as soon as I can, before someone else does. I don't know why that stubborn part tends to win, even when I struggle to think about things."

Dis smiled. "I think it is part of being a male Dwarf. Dwarf females number less than males, and many of us are unwilling to wed and surrender part of our freedom so easily. I can understand how you males must feel driven to succeed during courtship."

It was true. On most days, Thorin acted like any King did; he met with his advisors, signed important documents he had carefully read through, and listened carefully to petitioners who came to appeal for his aid and advice. Sometimes, he met with builders and craftspeople on the construction of new buildings or pathways. Merchants and traders came to see if he would be willing to sign deals with other realms, like Rohan and Gondor.

'Fili often brings me word of what people are saying about me, and everyone agrees that I'm doing well as King. No one is dissatisfied with the prosperity I've created, though they do grumble about the taxes. The citizens of Erebor and Dale are well-fed, well-housed, and lead peaceful lives.'

Their safety was due to his army's constant patrols of the borders, for Thorin firmly believed that the Orcs would one day return. Even now, his warriors were training hard, waiting for the day when another war was upon them.

By all accounts, Thorin was considered a fine, stable monarch who cared for not only his people, but for Men as well. He would not go so far as to call King Thranduil his friend, but at least they were allies and dealt well with one another, when they had to at all.

But whenever he thought of Alyssa, something inside Thorin's mind changed. A sort of possessive madness took over, and it was extremely difficult to suppress. Time and again he found himself wanting to aggressively court her, to shower her with gifts of jewels or land or wealth beyond anything the Elves could give her. He had even briefly considered the idea of presenting her with quarters fit for a queen, filled with silks, jewels, gold and expensive furnishings.

'Lucky for me, Dis slapped me upside the head and told me not to do something so foolish.' He gave his sister an affectionate look before turning back to his wine. 'I can only imagine how Alyssa would have reacted to such a thing.'

After a moment of quiet consideration, Thorin sighed. "I will move slowly," he declared. "I have invited her on a walk through the new area of the Mountain. I will speak to her then, and try to be reasonable."

"See that you do," Dis snapped, offering him a plate of pastries. "Honestly, brother, how much time have you truly spent with the girl? Talk with her, get to know her, then decide what to do from there. And all the while, try to fight whatever it is that causes you to act so irrationally, for both your sakes."

She was right, of course, though he would not admit it out loud.

"Goodnight, dear sister," he said, rising to his feet. He then went and pressed a loving kiss to her cheek. "I will let you know how things went as soon as I am able."

Dis rolled her eyes. "Whether things go right or poorly, I will know long before you cross my doorstep," she retorted with a playful smile. "You know how fast gossip travels, especially when it's regarding a King."

Muttering curses in Dwarf, Thorin left her room.

AN: I know, people are against the Allie/Thorin romance; you'll just have to wait until the next chapter to see what happens next. In the meantime, please review. Thanks.