CHAPTER 8

Hey hey, I know it's been a few months since I updated… but better late than never?

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As soon as Rowen greeted the King he seemed different. He had arrived at her rooms promptly, addressed her politely and offered his arm, but he was quieter than usual. Something obviously plagued his mind as there was a permanent look of concentration sketched on his face. Rowen tried to initiate conversation but today her questions were met with short answers. She even needed to repeat herself a couple of times because he was so lost in his thoughts he hadn't heard her.

"May I ask where we are going My Lord?" Rowen asked again gently.

They walked arm-in-arm through Erebor's hallways early in the morning. At this hour the Mountain was only just waking up. They passed a few tired-looking dwarves who were likely making their way to the Grand Hall for breakfast as well as some maids who scurried past them with platters and baskets.

"To the mines. It's not busy at this hour and it is the source of Erebor's wealth."

"Oh I would love to see the Mines, thank you My Lord. Is it true access is restricted?"

The King nodded. "Yes, a safety precaution."

Rowen gripped his arm as they walked down what seemed like endless stairs. She started to regret wearing so many layers of clothing and tried to hide how breathless she was becoming. She glanced at the King but he didn't seem to be paying much attention to her. He stared at the stairs in front of him with distant eyes. What was he thinking about? Mother had said to always be engaged in conversation and this silence nerved her.

"Are you feeling well My Lord?"

The King turned to her abruptly and slowed his pace. He seemed confused.

"You seem distracted is all," Rowen said shyly. She felt embarrassed now for asking, like a toddler demanding attention.

"My apologies, I slept very little last night. I assure you I am well."

Rowen smiled but she felt her cheeks heat up as she berated herself. With a kingdom to run and so many people needing him every minute of every day, surely the last thing he would want was a needy wife. They walked in silence down a stone walkway and eventually they arrived at a brightly lit cavern. Along the walls were dozens of carts filled with loose stones and rubble. The floor was mostly clear with random items (rocks, picks, axes) scattered about. She clutched the King's arm as he guided her through the debris. Suddenly the King called out, startling Rowen.

"Bofur!"

Rowen looked up to see a grinning dwarf with a floppy hat approach the King. Rowen didn't recognise him but his name sounded familiar. The dwarf shook the King's hand roughly and laughed. He interacted with the King so freely that Rowen knew they must be close friends - he didn't even bow. Rowen watched as the King smiled for the first time that morning and she couldn't help but feel a bit deflated she had not been the cause of it.

"Glad to see yer down here!" the jolly dwarf said loudly, his voice echoing in the cavern.

"May I introduce you to Lady Rowen, daughter of Lord Dalkin from the Iron Hills."

"Bofur, at your service," the smiling dwarf said. "No doubt the Iron Hills is missing such a lovely lass!"

Rowen laughed and decided she liked Bofur right then and there. He was a merry fellow and it was obvious why the King liked him. "Thank you, you're much too kind."

"I would like to show Lady Rowen the mines, Bifur said it was safe to view."

"Aye it is, though I'm not too sure how safe the lovely lass' dress will be. It's quite dirty down there Milady."

Rowen grinned. "Oh I'm sure the dirt will wash out."

Bofur clapped his hands together, barely containing his glee. "Well if the lass is ready we won't keep her waitin', head on through. Let me know if yer need anything! Bifur is also around in case I've decided to clock off early," he said with a wink.

"Thank you Bofur," the King said with a soft smile. Bofur dwarf tipped his hat and walked over to a couple of dwarves pushing a cart.

"I quite like Bofur," Rowen said as she took the King's arm once again. The King led her through a hallway to another cavern that was even more vast that the previous. Rowen gasped, they were very deep into the mountain now. She had never seen anything like this before. The King led her along a high walkway on the side of the cavern and she peered over the edge. Rowen usually didn't mind heights, but when she looked downwards she couldn't see the ground and it unnerved her. It was just a black abyss. Dotted amongst the darkness though were small specks of light. There must of been hundreds of them and it was quite beautiful really, they reminded her of stars in the night sky.

"The lanterns are attached to rope and they provide light for the miners," the King explained beside her.

"It's extraordinary," Rowen murmured. "Do dwarves really lower themselves and mine whilst hanging from ropes?"

"Indeed, it's not for the faint-hearted."

Rowen finally tore her eyes away from the abyss and looked at the King. "Is it Bofur who manages the mines?"

"Alongside his cousin, Bifur. Watch your step," he said, "if you like we can view a cave where miners just found gold."

Rowen beamed and vigorously nodded her head. Finally the King was more attentive and she couldn't be happier.

After the initial shock wore off, Raina felt awful. She had spent all night thinking about her visit to the Gallery. Each time she thought of the King she felt butterflies in her stomach, however it was quickly followed by a wave of guilt. Yes, the King was very handsome and he had been extremely nice to her, but her sister was competing for his heart! He could end up being her sister's husband! Spending time with the King wasn't fair to Rowen. Raina shook her head as she walked towards the training grounds, she would need to avoid him she thought. After some time of not seeing him, this silly little infatuation would then wear off.

Raina straightened her dress as she walked through the large doors to the training grounds. At the centre of the room were several burly, cheering dwarves standing in a circle. At first Raina was confused as this wasn't what she expected to find, but as she neared the group she saw the dwarves were actually standing around a fight. Two dwarves, one with a war hammer and the other with an axe, fought as the crowd around them cheered and placed bets. No one seemed to notice her and Raina was grateful for it. She slowly walked around the group until she spotted the dwarf she was after. Lord Dwalin stood silently with his muscular arms crossed in the inner circle, his eyes flickering between the two dwarves. Raina wasn't sure what he was looking for but he found it about twenty minutes later when he called for the fight to end.

"Halt!"

Both dwarves immediately stilled and turned to their Captain, their weapons falling beside them. Silence filling the room. Dwalin stood for a moment longer before stepping forward. He roughly gripped the shoulder of the dwarf holding the war hammer and the room erupted in cheers. Raina assumed it meant that dwarf had won the fight. The group disbanded and Raina didn't have a chance to seek out Lord Dwalin when a heavy hand landed on her own shoulder.

"Lady Raina, what brings you here?" asked Prince Fili. Prince Kili stood beside him grinning and she couldn't help but smile. Raina had heard stories about the Princes of Erebor and although their antics often placed them in trouble, she couldn't deny they sounded fun to be around.

"Raina? So you're the dwarrowdam who made my Uncle late to his meeting," the younger prince teased. "Kili, at your service."

Raina laughed and curtsied. "I assure you I had no idea about his meeting My Prince, I'm just here to speak with Lord Dwalin."

The Princes exchanged a glance. "And why would such a fine Lady be needing to be speak with Dwalin?"

"I'll tell you if you promise not to laugh."

Prince Fili placed his hand to his chest. "You have my word Milady, I shall take your secret to the grave!"

"I want a training session with him. I know that may sound silly since I'm not a warrior in the slightest, but Lord Dwalin is legendary. I would appreciate even just half an hour of his time."

To her surprise, neither of them laughed (though they did both looked thoroughly amused). "I didn't think you were a fighter Lady Raina," Prince Kili said with a wink. "How skilled are you?"

"I only know the basics but I want to learn more. Do you think Lord Dwalin will teach me?"

"You can try," Prince Fili said. "If he doesn't agree to train you, my brother and I would be more than happy to teach you."

"Oh yes!" Prince Kili said. "Let us know if you need assistance, we are always willing to help a damsel in distress."

Raina laughed. "The reason I'm learning is because I don't want to be a damsel in distress. But thank you for the offer, you're both very kind."

"Best to ask Dwalin now while he is alone," Prince Fili said motioning to the left. Raina looked over to see Lord Dwalin sitting on a bench inspecting a sword. She quickly curtsied once more to the Princes and walked over to the Captain. She received some strange glances as she passed a few dwarves but she ignored them. Lord Dwalin saw her approaching and if he was surprised he didn't show it. He casually placed the sword on the bench beside him and stood, crossing his arms once more. Raina wondered if he crossed his arms to appear more intimidating (if he did, it was working).

"Good morning Lord Dwalin, how are you today?"

"Well thank you, how can I help you lass?"

Raina was slightly taken aback by his directness but after their last conversation, she supposed she shouldn't be surprised. Raina was determined to be nothing but charming.

"Forgive my bluntness, but I have come to ask for a favour." Dwalin stared at her blankly so she continued. "I've come to ask if you would take some time to train me. I know I'm not usually the type of dwarf you would train and I certainly don't plan on fighting any orcs or goblins, but I do want to become a better fighter."

Lord Dwalin stared her down for a few moments, his bushy eyebrows narrowing. "There isn't a need, a Lady like yourself will always have guards nearby."

Raina's smile dimmed. "And I am very thankful for that, but I would still like to learn how to defend myself. I don't expect to be a great fighter, I would just like to know enough to feel confident holding a sword."

Lord Dwalin sat back down and picked up the sword beside him once more, inspecting it as he answered her.

"With all due respect Milady, the soldiers I train fight with weapons bigger than yourself. I think it would be best to leave the fightin' to them."

Raina was disappointed but she has expected this. He was Captain of the Royal Guard after all, she didn't doubt he had more important things to do and she did feel a little childish asking. After years of hearing about what an incredible warrior he was though, Raina wanted more than anything to have a training session with him. She briefly considered having Father ask Lord Dwalin on her behalf but she quickly dismissed it. To have Lord Dwalin agree to train her, she would need to earn his respect which meant she needed to ask him herself. Raina also knew the moment she told her Father, he would tell Mother who would put an end to it before it even started.

"I see. Well, thank you for your time," she said. The Captain didn't respond, so Raina quickly curtsied and walked out of the room waving goodbye to Prince Fili and Prince Kili.

"Will we be seeing you here soon Milady?" Prince Kili called out to her.

"Absolutely, I will see you tomorrow!" Raina replied cheerfully.

Elsewhere in the room, Dwalin heard their exchange and sighed. What in Durin's beard did that mean?

Something was wrong.

Lady Helma sat upright in bed holding her book, trying to focus on the words on the page. She was an avid reader but tonight she could barely read a sentence before her mind turned elsewhere. Since arriving at Erebor something had felt wrong. Af first she had brushed it off as nerves, with her daughter potentially becoming the Queen of Erebor she had plenty to be anxious about. Now that they had been here for a month, Lady Helma was certain it was more than that. It was the King - he was behaving strangely. He and Rowen had spent very little time together, and during the time they had spent together Rowen mentioned he was always tired or preoccupied. Although Rowen seemed content with his attention as of late, Lady Helma felt slighted. She knew the King would have other dwarrowdams present, but for the month they had been here The King had barely looked at Rowen! Her eldest was a fine dwarrowdam, where was his attention if it was not on Rowen? Or was she perhaps too bold and arrogant, was Rowen really not good enough for the King?

She knew she was bias, but she thought Rowen was stunning. Every dwarf in the Iron Hills fawned over her and everyone knew her name. Lord Dain himself even flirted with her, saying "if only he were younger" (though Rowen always quickly excused herself when he started making those comments). It wasn't just the King's lack of interest in Rowen that worried her though, it was his lack of interest in anyone. She had seen him walking around the Mountain with the other Ladies and each time he looked either bored, irritated or completely disinterested. If he was so indifferent, why call for them all? Why not arrange a marriage? Plenty of Kings before him had arranged marriages and it would save him both time and effort.

"Still awake?"

Lady Helma was jolted from her thoughts as her husband walked into the room. His heavy boots tracked dirt across the rug and if she hadn't been so worried she would have been annoyed. Lord Dalkin let out a sigh as he shrugged off his coat and began to pull at his shoes.

"I'm worried," she said quietly.

Lord Dalkin sat beside her and leaned his back against the headboard. He looked at her quizzically - his wife was a strong and sure dwarrowdam. It was one of the many reasons he fell in love with her. It was rare for her to be worried and even rarer for her to admit it.

"What worries you amrâl?"

"The King doesn't seem interested in her."

"We've only been here a month, give it time."

"Durin's Day is only two months away, we don't have much time left."

"You think he will choose by then?"

"Yes, we were invited to attend the Durin's Day celebrations. I wouldn't be surprised if he announced his betrothal at the feast."

"Hasn't he spent time with her? I thought I saw Rowen with him the other day."

Lady Helma set aside her book and began fiddling with her braided hair. "Yes, he was with her. You seem remarkably calm for someone whose daughter may become the next Queen."

Lord Dalkin grunted. "Whatever happens will happen, he will choose whoever he likes. Nothin' we can do about it."

Lady Helma took a deep breath. She knew he was right but it was hard to accept that there was nothing she could do. Surely the other Ladies had plans in place to better their chances. Lady Yvette and Ila would certainly try to pull some tricks to get ahead but she couldn't fathom what.

"He doesn't seem interested in any of the Ladies though," Lady Helma mused. "I've seen him wondering around the Mountain with a few of them and he looks like he would rather be anywhere but there."

Lord Dalkin let out a bark of laughter. "The King has a stone face. No one knows what that dwarf is thinking, only what he says and does."

Lady Helma turned to him, a glint in her eye. "What does he say to you and the other Lords? Does he say anything about the Ladies?"

Her husband didn't answer straight away. Instead he punched his pillow a couple of times before lying down. He pulled the thick blankets around him then looked at his wife expectantly with his arm stretched out beside him. Lady Helma smiled and laid down, settling her head on his broad chest and closing her eyes. Over a hundred years of marriage and he still insisted on holding her every night. No matter how much he may have annoyed her during the day, she would crawl into his arms every night without hesitation.

"He's quiet, at most he will ask a question or two - not about the Ladies though. He doesn't say much, he listens more than he talks. "

"Like you then? Conversation between you two must be riveting."

Lord Dalkin laughed and stroked her hair.

"Do you think he already loves another?" Lady Helma asked quietly. The thought had crossed her mind before and each time she was filled with dread. Rowen was sweet, so eager to love and be loved. If the King's heart was already taken or if he had another that warmed his bed at night while they were married, it would break her heart. Rowen would be miserable and she couldn't bear the thought of it.

"Don't think about such things amrâl. Rowen is a strong girl, she will be fine."

Lady Helma sighed and didn't say anymore. Her husband blew out the candle and she lay in the dark wondering if she and her daughters should have come to Erebor at all.