That evening after having help with a wash and a further change of dressings to his much improved wound, Thorin sat in bed having some supper, surrounded by Shobha, Dwalin, Balin, Fili, Kili and Glóin.
While Oin had told Thorin he was to rest for the next few days, he had insisted on catching up with all matters going on in Erebor, and that Fili run through all the issues, beginning with mundane matters first. And Dwalin had groused that it was unnecessary for them to all be present for that, but Thorin had insisted otherwise.
And since Thorin had insisted on keeping Shobha by his side, Dwalin had positioned a side table and his chair next to her setting up a chessboard and started a game.
"And what about the Lords you found in your room, Fili?" Thorin asked raising an eyebrow, after an hour of discussing many simple issues in the daily running of Erebor, satisfied that Fili had indeed managed them well.
"They initially claimed they were curious to see the Arkenstone." Fili shook his head.
"Of course after an hour in the dungeons next to that very smelly cell, where that prisoner had died and rotted… and with the threat of being there a few more days, following by Dwalin turning up with a crazed look swinging his axes… Well they all confessed." Nori chuckled, as Dwalin demonstrated his crazed face, which was rather menacing actually.
"Aye, but they were soft targets," Balin shook his head sympathetically. "Worrin had been blackmailed; you see he had recently married a young noble dam from a wealthy family from the Iron Hills. His coach works has been suffering from poor profits and he had hidden the debt from his wife and her family. The blackmailer claimed his debt would be revealed and his marriage and reputation destroyed unless he searched Fili's room. He was also forced to buy a set of small hand saws from our market and claimed they were stolen. They were likely what was used to damage the beams in the mines."
"Halgar's youngest daughter is with child, the father cannot be found, and she has been kept concealed, to avoid scandal. This was used to blackmail him. As you know he owns two of the lager forges in the Iron Hills. He had paid the smith to leave Ered Luin, and travel to Erebor with him. He too was instructed to find the Arkenstone." Fili looked saddened by the state of things. "He only admitted to that, but we think his blacksmith started the fire in the forge. Sadly, Bane, the smith was found poisoned in his room in the Black Arrow Inn in Dale."
"I'm sorry to hear that." Thorin ran his hand over his beard. "Bane was a hardworking, good dwarf and was well liked in the Blue Mountains."
"Then there is Meldin. His wife and young son were held to hostage within their own apartment from the Iron Hills by those Stonefoot dwarrows, and they had threatened to kill the two of them if Meldin didn't do as instructed. He admitted that he was asked to approach Halgar and Worrin and pass messages, and he distracted the guard to the Royal Wing, to allow the break ins, each time." Balin shook his head. "We found his wife and son tied up in his quarters here. The dam had been slapped, but apart from a few bruises, she is ok. And the boy is shaken but with the grace of Mahal he is completely unharmed."
"And the two mercenaries we apprehended, are not saying anything yet," Dwalin spoke up from the chessboard. "I can't push them much more at the moment Thorin. But we will break them down with time."
"So the common thread is that there is someone in quite an influential position, with close ties to the Iron Hills, who could know about these personal details, who is behind all of this..?" Shobha asked.
"We need to let Dain know quietly, and send Halgar and Worrin back. They can never be allowed to return to Erebor, nor can we have any further trade with them. But we should offer Meldin and his family asylum and protection." Thorin concluded. "Balin will you draw up the necessary paperwork?"
"Aye Thorin."
"But whoever has been responsible overall has managed to keep their name out of it, and beyond what we mentioned, the trail has gone cold." Nori revealed.
"We have increased our guard, and more patrol. Fili and Kíli have a guard on them all the time. Zodar will continue to be Shobha's guard. I know you trust him Thorin." Dwalin carried on. "We have extra guards at the forge, the markets, and the mines also."
"Can we move her to my parents old room, so she is next to mine? I expect that will be a preferable solution to keeping her in my room, at least in your eyes Balin?" Thorin said reaching out to hold her hand.
"Actually I have an additional request…" she spoke up. "I want to be trained more."
"That should be no problem lass, you have been very good in your defence training. We can readily build on that." Dwalin smiled.
"No Dwalin! I don't want her anywhere near any danger." Thorin interrupted.
"Thorin, I have no intention of fighting if I can avoid it, but what if I am taken hostage like Meldin's family? I must be able to defend myself well." She stroked his arm reassuringly. "It is safest that I am prepared."
"Aye Thorin, the lass is right." Balin added. "And to be honest, while you are not married yet, she is our sister and a daughter of Fundin. We are her kin, so have more rightful say in the matter and agree with Shobha."
"Yes, that is the story we have provided –" Thorin began, but was interrupted by Balin.
"Actually Thorin, when you were unwell, and Shobha set off for Mirkwood. We drew up the adoption papers and made them official… forgive us, but we had to prepare in case you did not survive." They had all been unhappy about preparing such, but felt the need to be safe. "It bears witness by Fili's Royal Seal, as your heir. She is now officially a Longbeard." Balin smiled at Shobha and Dwalin.
"And in any case, if you don't agree, we will have to send Ravens to Dis," Dwalin smiled softly thinking of Dis.
"Ugh! So this is how it's going to work in future then?" Thorin looked curiously at Dwalin. Shobha wondered whether Thorin suspected that Dwalin and Dis had feelings for each other.
"Well, how about I move my room closer, and I train more?" She tried to compromise.
"If that is what you wish then, my Lady". He kissed her hand again.
"Great we will set a timetable between you and me." Fili smiled looking at Dwalin, who nodded back.
"What about me?" Kili interjected not wanting to be left out.
"You will just gossip and waste time!" Dwalin groused.
"You get extra training time with Uncle." Fili chuckled.
"Oh before we forget, Oin suggested that we report you have been in meetings with the elves, to explain their presence." Balin added.
"And what of the Elven Captain?" Thorin asked.
"The story we will provide if asked, is that they are here asking for aid with the beasts that spread in Mirkwood…" Dwalin confirmed. "She is agreeable to this also. And in any case she had informed us that she will be leaving tomorrow morning."
Kili remained very quiet during discussion of Tauriel's departure.
"I really like Tauriel," Shobha smiled looking up from the chessboard, and then moving a piece again.
"Elin, Bombur and Lena love her too!" Kili began to gush. "And what an archer!"
"I think I will ask whether she can visit us often…" Shobha said watching Dwalin take another one of her pieces. She had never been good at chess, while Dwalin, she presumed would have been an excellent strategist, being a warrior.
Thorin watched her, he hoped she hadn't made too many Elven friends.
"Actually, I need to learn to ride too, I think." Shobha looked back at Thorin and then turned back to the board chuckling. " oh.. you've got me I think. Told you I wasn't good at this!"
"Aye, my Lady, that would be my pleasure." Thorin smiled softly at her.
"Check and mate!" Dwalin moved his piece. "Well at least you got me through the boring part!"
"I hope this is not going to be a regular amendment to you attendance at our meetings on matters concerning Erebor, Dwalin?" Thorin continued. "As for the threats. I think the only solution will be for me to be seen ruling with the Arkenstone. As King Thrór did."
"Should we get you two married off, and maybe a wee bairn on the way first, Thorin…?" Glóin looked a bit worried as he spoke.
"That didn't change anything for Thrór." Balin reasoned.
"No but he loved Raena and Thráin even with the sickness." Glóin countered. "And maybe if he hadn't married her before the sickness, then Thráin wouldn't have come along. Here me out… I know Thorin has Fili and Kili as his heirs, but I am thinking of the next generation. What if Fili and Kili never find anyone or anyone suitable… these two still need to have a few bairns. Raena had Easterling blood, and she was accepted well."
Shobha was starting to squirm at the discussion of their future procreation, partially because she felt guilty that she hadn't even told him she loved him yet. They just never had much time alone these days. But the last few times they had been alone, they had indeed been only a few moves away from procreating future Durin babies. She started feeling a bit flustered just thinking about it.
"Well Glóin, it would be good if my future bride had time to accept my proposal to court." Thorin sounded slightly annoyed. Why hadn't she accepted? They had been alone long enough for her to tell him. But then, perhaps it would be understandable given all that she had been through recently. If she needed more time to think, he would wait. After all, those many months ago, when they had set off on their hunting trip on the day she had stumbled into them lost and injured, he wouldn't have ever thought of marriage and children for himself. And even then he reminded himself that he had robbed her kin of her, through his actions so far. So, he would wait, and give her the time she needed.
"I would if I had time, between dealing with Morgul-shafts, giant spiders, lousy elvish kings, finding necklaces in mounds of treasure and grumpy Dwarven Kings…" she felt annoyed at that. It was unfair of him to have been so demanding.
"Well, either way, I must do this." Thorin resumed to his unreadable expression once more. "It may be the only way to unite all our clans."
"And as Gandalf said in the past, he supported your company in reclaiming Erebor to such an extent because he believes that the darkness is returning slowly, and Sauron slowly gathers strength," Shobha saw the others wince as she uttered that name. "The dwarves are a strong and less corruptible people, who will stand firm against any future attacks. But must be united."
"Then we should reclaim Moria too..?" Balin suggested.
"No!" Shobha and Thorin spoke in unison. Balin and Dwalin were taken aback.
" –We need you here Balin. Your counsel is invaluable."
Balin looked from Shobha to Thorin, it appeared there was something still in those mines that represented a threat, but they didn't appear to want to discuss it. So he would accept this was not a good idea.
"But what will you do if you are affected by the Arkenstone again?" Glóin questioned, brow furrowed with concern.
"That is why I must practice." Thorin was resolved. "If I seem to be affected, The we hide it once again."
"Thorin, how did you overcome it last time?" Shobha turned to face him in her chair, studying his face closely.
"My will power… but I recall, the appeals of Dwalin and my Sister–sons." He spoke frowning, trying to recall more details.
"We will have to support you as best we can then." She concluded, trying not to show her worry. It had to be done, they had to be strong as a race.
"Come on, we should go and check on Tauriel. She will be leaving early, and I would like it if she visited again soon." Shobha stood up.
"Have we scared you off with our discussion of producing me an heir, my lady?" Thorin reached out to gently grab her hand before she could leave, and kissed it lightly, his low rumbling chuckle audible.
"Hardly my King, I am more concerned that you won't have the stamina to finish the task for me, in your current unrested state!" She quipped back, making Thorin laugh whole heartedly. It was lovely to hear him laugh.
"Oh! Ho! Ho! She's got you there baheluh!" Dwalin laughed along with the others.
Tauriel had left early the next morning, leaving Kili very downhearted. He had asked her to stay secretly, but she had explained she could not leave her people just yet. However, she had explained that Shobha had invited her to visit them as often as she could, which would offer them the chance to meet. Kili had been grateful for Shobha's quick thinking. It would give him the chance to woo her. After all Tauriel, had only spent time with him so far, she had been cautious of his advances, although it was clear she had an affinity to him. And despite the very generous gesture made towards Thranduil, tensions still existed between the elves and the dwarves. Tauriel was sensible enough to know not to contribute to this with a misplaced relationship with one of the Durin sons.
They were all starting to return to some normal routine now. Thorin had reluctantly rested for several days, although insisting on having meetings at the end of the day to keep up on matters that Fili was attending to. Shobha had returned to combing work between Bifur's team and Oin in the infirmary, but also joining the younglings for lessons and Dwalin and Fili for more advanced training.
She would join Thorin for supper, and they would talk a bit, but always have company from Fili and a Balin or Glóin. It was better that they all spent time with him, and then gave him ample time to rest afterwards. Shobha didn't want to take up any extra time from when he should have been resting. He had almost died.
She had also been relocated from her old room, to another room adjoining the parlour next to Thorin's room. She had heard him pacing in there an a couple of occasions, as he gathered his strength over the last few evenings. And had been tempted to open the large door in her room that opened into the parlour and run into his arms, but had stopped at the door, placing her hand on the cool, smooth, dark wood and thought better of it. No, she would allow him time to rest.
The next morning Shobha received her first Raven. The messenger was a small-made, young dwarrow with dark brown hair and very little beard. He had knocked and patiently waited for her to find her dressing robe to throw over her billowing white nightgown, before she reached the door.
"A Raven for you my Lady." He bowed as he offered her a folded sealed parchment. She took it and and gave him several silver coins for his trouble, as she had been advised by Dis, and thanking him shut the door behind.
It bore the Royal Durin seal! She was excited, it could only be Dis!
And there it was penned neatly and with elaborate flourishes:
My Dearest Shobha,
Hope this finds you well.
I have reached Thorin's Halls at last. Our journey was quite uneventful. And we are settling down for the winter here.
Word has reached our nobles here of the trouble in Erebor, but their support remains unwavering.
I hope you haven't had any more trouble there.
I am thankful you are there to keep an eye on Thorin. He is such a solitary dwarf usually, it is comforting to know he confides in you.
Convey my thanks and regards to Dwalin.
May Mahal bless and protect you all.
All my love,
Dis
She felt relieved that Dis had arrived safely, but also a bit guilty. She would have to let her know about what happened to Thorin, but didn't want to cause too much concern. Particularly as things had been taken care of. Perhaps it was better as a conversation face to face. She would have a think and reply in a couple of days. But first there was something she had to do.
After getting ready quickly, she opened her door to find Zodar standing outside.
"Good morning my Lady," he bowed. "Where to this morning?"
She had reluctantly become accustomed to having Zodar around. He had been among one of Thorin's first personal guard, and was very experienced. She had often felt sorry to see him standing there, so had arranged for a comfortable chair outside her room, and always dismissed him early whenever possible, so he could return to see his wife Mena, his son Ranor and little girl Arna.
"Good morning Zodar," she greeted. "We have to head to the market hall today, specifically I need to find the jewellery stall of Kallon, son of Fallon."
"Aye my lady, I know Kallon, my wife buys jewellery from him. He is skilled and fairly priced. I know the way."
He was good enough to not ask what it was, she had intended to pick out. Now she had to keep it quiet, and she hoped Kallon would be trustworthy enough for that.
When they arrived in the market hall, it was still quite early, so there weren't many people bustling about. They had been delayed slightly at the treasury where she had to stop to withdraw some money, from the payments she had received for her work in Erebor. She had been given a locked chest for her own wages, since her room had been broken into on several occasions.
Kallon's stall had been empty, and she found the middle aged dwarf dusting and cleaning his glass cases of jewellery.
Shobha and Zodar stepped through the door causing him to look up a bit startled, but recognised them both fast. Perhaps it was not usual for him to have any custom so early in the mornings.
"Lady Shobha! Zodar! Good morning!" He looked up and smiled. He had twinkling blue eyes and black hair streaked with a lot of grey. "What a pleasure to see you again my lady – my forehead has healed well, have a look..." he moved some of his hair out of the way showing his neat almost fully faded scar. Dwarves seemed to heal exceeding well, and much faster than humans did. She found however, that all patients behaved the same when they saw a doctor in a social situation. They tended to show their scars off with pride, and she had always liked the chance to see how they faired too! So she happily obliged taking a good look.
"And how can I help you this morning, my lady?" He smiled genuinely, and appeared rather curious.
"It's a bit of a private matter actually Master Kallon," she smiled.
"Would you like me to step out my Lady?" Zodar asked.
"Oh no, but please could we keep it between us?"
"Yes my lady" Zodar replied.
"You have my word," Kallon replied sincerely.
"Well in that case… I need to buy a betrothal bead."
And to that Kallon and Zodar both looked at Shobha with big grins on their faces.
