They were the last of the company to enter the War Room. Shobha and Dis took seats along with the rest of the company, Thorin sat at the head and Wellin stood at the front of the room looking very uneasy.

"Master Wellin, we know you want to get back to your family, so why don't you begin," Thorin opened.

"Your Majesty, we have had a through look at beam closest to the entrance and the one furthest – there are clear small saw marks that are noted on these. While I cant comment on the one in the middle – it is likely this was also sabotaged in the same way." He concluded. "I have also spoken in depth to Denna about this matter, as she supervised the tunnel excavation and reinforcement – and I can vouch for her character and skill. She is certain there were no imperfections on the wood the day that the reinforcements were put in. What's more she even inspects many of the tunnels regularly for their integrity – and she has on many occasion even repaired tunnels. She works with another dam named Mira. Either way, we believe the damage must have been carried out overnight."

"Why only last night?" Balin asked.

"Well those beams would have given way within the day, after sustaining such cuts. They have been done cleverly mind – as they have been done on the side that is not clearly visible."

"Does anyone else have any queries relating to the tunnel cave-in… otherwise we can let Master Wellin leave." Bofur asked looking around the table.

"Yes one last question – Do you think that was meant to kill or injure?" Thorin asked.

"Well my King, we were very fortunate that Lady Shobha acted fast – as if anyone had been under those beams when they collapsed… well I would think they would be dead." He looked terrified.

"Thank you Master Wellin – that will be all." Thorin gave the miner a nod, trying to keep his calm, clenching and unclenching his right fist on the table.

Wellin bowed to the group and left the room.

"Thorin they knew your plans to visit the mine in the morning." Dwalin began. "If you hadn't been delayed because you waited for us – well.."

This made Thorin slam his fist onto the table. "I need a guard on Fili and Kili all the time."

"Aye." Dwalin assured.

"Dis, you need to return to Ered Luin. There will be our allies there, who need reassurance and strength." Thorin commanded and for once Dis didn't contradict or boss over him. "But I need you to take Shobha with you."

"No." Shobha spoke up to everyone's surprise.

"It is not open to debate – "

"No, Thorin." She spoke again, calmly. "I will be just as vulnerable anywhere else."

"Its true Thorin." Dis began.

"Don't encourage her, Sister."

"We can protect her best here, amongst the whole company." Balin suggested.

"What like today? Or when the dogs attacked? Or the men on the road to Dale?" Thorin spat. "No."

"I think that I would like a say in what happens to ME Thorin…" Shobha insisted.

"We will have this conversation later then – " He concluded. "Alone."

"Also whoever was responsible, had broken into my room." Balin stated. "Nothing is missing -"

"But it was a distraction again." Thorin concluded. "Whoever is after it, is responsible for the attacks."

"It is safe Thorin – only I know" Balin reassured.

"But that will make you a target too, wont it Balin?" Shobha asked.

"Aye – and you as his kin." Thorin stepped in.

"Surely it is this group of nobles looking to place a governed council under their own control, in place of the King." Dis suggested worried. "In this case how could they have entered the mines unseen Bofur?"

"We don't mine at night – but we have miners patrolling the entrance. They may have been distracted, or someone could have been dressed as a miner and slipped in. Everyone is busy down there. We will have to be more vigilant." He sighed. Bofur always seemed cheerful – it was unnerving to see him so downcast.

"Any unusual chatter Nori?" Dwalin asked.

"There was one thing – several of Dain's nobles, Lord Worrin, Lord Meldin and Lord Halgar, from the Iron Hills, all asking about hiring the King's own forge… When its not in use." Nori added

"My forge is only for MY own use." Thorin growled. "If they have smiths, they can be subcontracted under our employment. Keep an eye on them."

"Actually now thinking about it Thorin – one of the two smiths in the Blue Mountains, shut his works before I left. He claimed he was being paid more to work elsewhere." Dis frowned.

"They have been too slippery so far - must be hired mercenaries or spies!" Dwalin looked concerned. "I will increase the guard and the patrol everywhere. Including the Kitchens, Bombur."

"If they are after the Arkenstone – why not bait them out?" Shobha asked.

"How…?" Dwalin looked interested.

"Well claim the jewel is hidden in one of our rooms – mine or Dis'– and catch them when they come in."

"That may actually work…" Dwalin contemplated.

"No." Thorin stepped in – his eyes blazing. "We are putting them in unnecessary harm."

"But they wont be expected to be in… they will most likely create another diversion. And in any case we will be there to protect them."

"No. Dis, you have to return to the Blue Mountains urgently with several of our smiths. They cannot lose their remaining smith. And your leadership will be needed amongst them." Thorin commanded. "Do you need one of us to travel with you? Perhaps take Shobha with you?"

"I will be fine." Dis concluded. "I will send you all regular Ravens."

"I will have a think about setting a trap." He had only just moments previously kissed her, after months of deliberation he had made his move in a moment of pure selfishness. If she would stay because of him, her safety would be his complete responsibility, and he would not allow her to be harmed, even if it meant sending her away against her wishes.

Thorin and some of the company remained, while Shobha, Dis, Oin, and Bofur left.

"Walk back with me Shobha," Dis held out her elbow for Shobha to link her arm in. They took several paces in silence together before she spoke. The way that Dis matched her pace to Shobha's reminded her of Thorin so much. "I am worried about Thorin. He has been pushing himself to spend time holding the Arkenstone. He has been spending more time in the treasury to start with and building himself up."

"Do you fear he will…"

"Succumb to the sickness." Dis quickly added noting Shobha's worry. "Not that I think he shows signs of it at the moment… But I feel better knowing he has you.. and you could keep an eye. I worry about my boys all the time. But I know Dwalin keeps an eye on them…"

"Oh yeah?" Shobha looked at her with an eyebrow raised. "I've been meaning to ask what's going on there…"

"I'm a widow – courting a widow is a bit complicated… And I don't know whether it is fair on Dwalin. Surely he will want children of his own. He has such a kind soul beneath that tough outer armour." Dis hadn't been able to open up to anyone since she lost her mother, Frerin and her husband. Suddenly she too felt a pang of guilt about keeping Shobha from her own sister and family. But surely they would not stand in the way of Shobha's happiness. Her brother would make a good husband to Shobha and an equally good father to her children, and she knew with certainty that she was his One.

Shobha was sensitive enough to back away from too many questions. They clearly had feelings for each other. Deep enough for him to feel protective of her children, and likewise for her to imagine him as a father. This would be a matter to look into and even do something about perhaps in the future, when things were a bit more settled.

"And if you really are going to use your room as bait, please be careful." Shobha had never seen Dis look genuinely worried before. "I also need to show you how to send a Raven, so you can write to me while I am away."