Dain's arrival had been a grand affair. Thorin, Dis and the Princes had arrived at the Great Gates to receive them. Balin, Dwalin and therefore Shobha had also been obliged to dress up and join the welcoming party, along with Gloin and Mara.
The Lord of the Iron Hills was not as tall as Thorin, but still was very formidable. He had a large scar across his face, as testimony to a horrific prior battle fought and won, and many tattoos. He also had wild red hair, a ruddy complexion, and rather scary tusk-like moustache adornments. Despite lacking Thorin's height, he was still just as broad, giving him the appearance of a human tank.
Dain greeted everyone very warmly, despite the way he looked, speaking with a thick accent and a booming laugh. He butt heads with Thorin, Dwalin, Fili and Kili very violently, and gave Dis a large bear hug even. Then stopping at Shobha, he took her hand in his and planted a surprisingly light kiss across her knuckles, bowing at the same time. She curtsied back in return.
"And who is this gorgeous creature…?" He boomed. He was clearly a charmer – and very well practiced at it. She could see why he was so popular.
"This is Shobha, Balin and Dwalin's adopted sister, Dain. Surely they have spoken of her in ravens to you..?" Dis cut in.
"Aye!" he drew back, "But I did not expect a lady from Rhûn!"
"I doubt our wonderful family expected that either, when they found an abandoned baby," Shobha smiled, trying to make light of the moment. Dain laughed back.
"Well your family kept that one quiet," Dain slapped Dwalin and Balin on the back rather firmly. Shobha was grateful it hadn't been her, or she would have likely gone flying. "But then again, I can see why… your family home would have been under siege from the all the dwarrows asking to court her!" He laughed again. "We thought the number of dwarrows seeking Dis' hand would be a struggle enough to control… So my dear, I expect you are here in Erebor looking for a suitor…?"
"Oh no – " but before she could protest he interrupted her.
"I have a son… Thorin Stonehelm! He is handsome and an excellent warrior… not to mention the heir to the Iron Hills…"
"Oh no Dain! The poor boy is not ready to settle down just yet." Dis stepped in to save her skin, Fili and Kili both shaking their heads in agreement with a look of horror on their faces, eyes continuously darting across to Thorin.
"Come cousin – I expect you haven't had breakfast yet." Thorin put his hand on his shoulder quickly changing the subject and leading him away. "Bombur has prepared an excellent repast."
The noble families that followed had a stuck up air to them. Rarely did any smile with the small crowd of citizens from Erebor that had gathered to welcome them. They did however appear very impressed with the architecture of Erebor. But it was an impressive place.
Thorin Stonehelm, Dain's son was due to arrive tomorrow escorting another group of nobles from the Iron Hills. And the following evening there was to be another feast held in the private royal dining hall to welcome them all. The organisation of which had kept Balin and Dis occupied.
Shobha herself had spent less time in the company of Thorin since he suggested that she should be sent elsewhere after the attack by the dogs. She had felt awkward, and at first she would check whether he was in his library before using it, and when he came in to join her, would then make an excuse and retire to her room. Eventually she had discovered where the public library was and started to use that. She had otherwise kept herself busy between working with Bifur, working in the infirmary and taking lessons with the dwarflings.
Thorin had noticed that she had been spending less time in the library. At first he thought it coincidental and then thought she had simply decided that she would return home and not stay there. He had thrown himself into work, training and taking time to hold the Arkenstone for short periods with Balin and Gloin. There were also no further attacks or break-ins since. At least for now.
That evening they all stood in the large royal dining hall around the fully laid out, long dining table. Shobha had arrived with Balin and Dwalin reluctantly. They were all dressed formally, Balin in his wine coat, tunic and black trousers, Dwalin in his brown suit with fur trimming and Shobha in a fuchsia pink silk dress with very fine gold embroidery and an elaborately laced bodice. She had wanted to claim that she had felt unwell and remain behind, but Dwalin had groused that if he had to go and put up with the fussy nobles, then so did she.
Dinner itself had been a much more formal and quiet affair. Shobha had still been ushered to sit near Thorin, between Balin and Dwalin. He had openly paid attention to her when Dis had asked her about how she had been spending time, curious about what had broken their comforting routine from before. She had been very non-specific with her responses. And he had made a mental note to ask both Oin and Bifur whether she had been working additional hours, which could have been tiring her out more than usual perhaps.
After dinner, everyone had gathered around various corners of the room, to smoke and chat. Many nobles had suggested that Thorin should now look for a bride, as it would give him enough time to raise any children that they may have. He had neither agreed nor disagreed like a true diplomat, although he had pointed that he already had heirs in Fíli and Kili.
The daughters of the noble families had all flocked around Fili and Kili. And while some had tried the same with Thorin, he had wedged himself amongst the older dwarrows and discussed less entertaining topics which had driven any such attention away. Leading them to flock to Dain instead.
He had stopped to speak with Shobha, while she stood by the fire speaking with Dis.
"Are you well my lady?" Genuine concern showing across his face. "You have not said much this evening…"
"I am well, your Majesty. Just a little tired," she had felt touched by the gesture, but she just wasn't sure what more to say. The last time they had truly spoken to each other, he had wanted to send her away!
"Have your wounds healed well? I never get the opportunity to check as you have not used the library much of late," he furrowed his brow.
"They are healed – although they will likely scar very badly. Particularly with my skin tone." She rubbed her right forearm subconsciously as she mentioned them. She still had the occasional nightmare about those dogs. "But I would do it again in a heartbeat for Lena."
"May I see…?" And before she could protest, he stretched out his hand, gently picking her forearm up and so she slid the sleeve of her dress up slightly. The scars were indeed quite prominent and ragged looking lacerations in a row on the outer side of her forearm. They were much paler than her warm deep honey brown skin, making them stand out further. He very delicately ran his other fingers over the scars keeping his eyes locked on the wounds in order to avoid giving away the softness of the moment.
Dain who had been observing this, walked over to them. "What are you doing to that poor girl cousin..?!" He boomed as he peered at her arm. "Oooh! That's nasty! Elin mentioned you saved her little girl from those beasts!"
This directed more and more noble dwarrows and dams to walk over, many listening quietly to the Princes singing Shobha's praises at her quick thinking. Unfortunately the dwarrows that gravitated towards Dain and Thorin were also more interested in discussing more politics. Apparently trade and migration were hot topics even amongst the Dwarves of Arda!
"But surely, your Majesty, I do not see why Erebor has to open its gates to any old riff raff..?" One of the dwarrows asked. He was portly, and much shorter than others and wore a very elaborate suit in green velvet, with borders made of mithril. And he spoke very confidently. "There are still many noble families who remain in the blue mountains and the Iron Hills whose rightful home is here. Should they not be prioritised? Just because Fundin took in a stray.." But by the time he muttered his final comments when he noticed many of the company were looking at him like he was an orc.
"As King under the Mountain, I have given orders to welcome all who come to craft, work and make a better life here at Erebor. Those who remain in the Ered Luin and the Iron Hills, are too old, too young or not so willing to travel." Thorin towered over this dwarrow. "I know what it has been like to live in exile without any welcome – deemed as riff raff… it is rather strange that I received no such valiant words from such nobility when my kin and I asked for aid on our quest to reclaim the mountain?"
The dwarrow looked a little taken aback. He opened his mouth, accentuating his triple chins and then closed it again, having found no words to say. But Thorin didn't stop.
"Why Lord Halgar, I recall your father Rothar was just a low ranking soldier and as you call it, riff raff too, until my father gave him a place on his personal guard." He let Shobha's hand go gently. "Why if more noble dams were even as half as accomplished as Fundin's stray, then Erebor would have a Queen by now!"
"But my King, do you not require more wealthy nobles here?" Halgar finally had the courage to raise the question.
"We have ample wealth. Instead, what Erebor needs are more true Dwarven craftsman." Thorin concluded.
While that had concluded many of the political discussions, the guests had lingered for a little longer, not wishing to appear impolite, but had then slowly taken their leave one by one.
But it was difficult to deny the strength with which he had come to her defence – there had been no need. Surely this made his feelings for her quite clear? After everything that had transpired recently, she would need time to think about it.
