Many years ago I couldn't tell you this story, because I didn't know it myself. Some of this information has been told to me many many times after that fact but we can touch on that topic later as we go along. First let's start at the beginning. The very beginning.

I was born in July, in the Third Age of the year 2851, four days before my father turned 105. It was an ordinary day and my mother was on constant bed rest after escaping a near death experience with the stone stairs of the Kingdom. The midwives and healers were at her bedside from dawn until dusk.

When the first spasms of labor began they shoved my father out of the room and locked the door. He was none too pleased, as his wife was screaming at the healers to let him in, to let him stay. Unfortunately that was not the custom, and he remained outside.

It only became worse after well into the 16th hour of labor, when the pains became unbearable and my mother started screaming for her husband. My father took those screams to fuel his anger and he began beating the door with his fists. My father was a well fit man, he was almost through the door before my grandfather tore him away.

"LET ME GO!! She needs me!!! She's calling for me! LET GO!!"

"Enough Thorin!!" My grandfather screamed into his ear, "You'll be of no use to them in there, you'll just be in the way. Let the healers do their duty. You only hinder their work by pounding the door."

Another scream of "THORIN!!!" pierced the crowded hallway my father slumped in my grandfather's arms, tears flowing freely"How did you go through this three times? I can barely stand as it is. She is in so much pain and it's all my fault".

My grandfather chuckled as he let go and watched as my father dropped to his knees, head hanging low. Another scream, more tears fell, and my father clenched his fists so tight, his tanned skin turned alabaster white.

"I was exactly like you Thorin. I wanted to push those doors away, Mahal be damned."

My father's lips turned up in a bitter smile, "Why didn't you?"

Thrain smiled, "Because my father told me exactly what I am about to tell you. Have faith in Mahal my son, for his trails and tests are without folly. Trust in the healers who have helped birth many young dwarflings in the past century, to help your wife through hers. Do you understand what I'm saying dashat?

Thorin nodded but didn't move from his position on the floor, "Yes, father. I understand."

Another scream of my father's name, followed by a loud command of "Push your majesty!". More screaming.

Ten minutes later a sound escaped the room that no one in the hallway had heard in almost a century.

A baby's first cry of life.

My father froze, no breath escaped him, his eyes were vacant, and no sound could reach him except for that shrill screech. It wasn't until Thrain was shaking his shoulders that my father finally became aware of what just happened.

"Thorin? Are you alright dashat?" My grandfather asked.

My father nodded, still awestruck. "I am a father" He whispered.

Thrain smiled big and wide, "Yes you are, and I a grandfather."

Just then the door opened to reveal one of the dwarrowdam healers she was smiling. " The babe is strong and healthy your majesties, her majesty did a fine job."

My father rose to his feet, his knees shaking slightly, the hand on his shoulder helped steady him. He nodded in thanks "Eydís, she's well?"

The dwarrowdam nodded gesturing to the door, "You may come in Your highness."

Thorin moved towards the door, his hand on the knob, and turned to look at his father, his mother, his family who all held encouraging smiles. He opened the door, and took in the sight before him.

A beautiful raven haired dwarrowdam sat up in a bed, sweat beading on her brow, but a smile on her face. She was cooing and saying sweet nothings to the swaddled babe in her arms, not paying any attention to the healers as they cleaned up or her husband who just came through the door. The babe fussed a bit and she chuckled.

"Not so much a morning person are you men ghivashel? You must get that from your Adad."

Thorin chuckled out loud as he came closer to the bed, Eydís turned her head and saw her husband smiling. She gestured him closer with a flick of her head smiling as he approached with caution. When Thorin finally made it to her side he touched his forehead to hers in affection, breathing out a of his anxiety and stress. His shoulders relaxed as he breathed her in, slowly taking in her scent and her presence.

"I was so worried for you. They didn't let me in and all I wanted was to be by your side. Your screams nearly tore me apart."

Eydís smiled her eyes overflowing with love for this dwarf, whom she loved unconditionally. "I'm alright. I'm still here. Nothing could tear me away from you."

My mother leaned away from my father's forehead and looked into his eyes as he stared at her beautiful face, "Now would you like to meet your daughter?"

Thorin's eyes went vacant, as he comprehended what his wife just said. "Daughter?"

Eydís nodded as she passed the swaddled newborn into my father's hands. He, still getting over the fact that I was a she, fumbled at first. My mother laughed, "Support her neck and cradle her in your arms like a cat."

Thorin's eyes narrowed in mirth as he did as she asked. I snuffed and squirmed a bit before resting peacefully in the crook of his elbow. Thorin smiled down at me, not quite believing that I was there.

Eydís smiled, seeing the look in my father's face she told him, "Don't even think about asking me for more yet!"

My father cackled so loud the whole kingdom probably heard him.

It only made him cackle louder when the babe in his arms let out the loudest fart, with a smile on her face.

And that is how the relationship between me and my father began.

~~~~~~~

What do you think?

Tell me your thoughts, don't be shy

-TC110

Eydís- Old Norse for "Island Goddess"