Dear All,
Thank you so much for reading along so far.
Just a quick reader involvement if you would like.
I need to create some Dwarf Nobility - need names, descriptions, where they are from in Arda.
They should be families (parents, daughters, sons etc.)
Please please post in reviews - and cont to feedback/review/fave/follow.
xx
...
Thorin and Shobha had spent the whole evening together, and missed supper. They had shared a relaxing bath, where he had found ways to make up some of his faults to her. And then he had braided her hair and given her the bead he had made for her, and made up to her in several other ways in bed, where she had finally made up to him for keeping secrets.
Neither couldn't promise that they may make little errors even in the future, just so they could find ways to make up to each other. She also couldn't promise that she wouldn't use her body in future as a bargaining tool to sway his agreement in her favour. Equally he too couldn't promise that he wouldn't punish her delicious body for her slip ups in the future. Then utterly spent they had slept soundly all night in each other's arms.
...
They had joined the company early for breakfast, but had planned in advance to keep it brief, as they were expecting questions and ribbing. They sat together, and he held her hand under the table as subtly as possible without revealing that they were eating one handed.
"So you two missed supper," Dwalin began.
"Shobha purposely deceived me yesterday, taking the younglings out and putting them all at risk." Thorin spoke with his stone mask. He was clearly incredibly good at acting. "You wouldn't know anything about that would you, baheluh?"
"Aye, Dis informed me later. I thought you were aware." Dwalin grimaced.
"It appears our Lady is very capable of getting what she wants." He spoke calmly, while squeezing her hand under the table. Fortunately the innuendo was lost to everyone else.
"So what else did my sister tell you. Do we know who gave Royal approval, when I had forbidden for the younglings lessons to be taken outside?" To which everyone had suddenly found their breakfast most fascinating, and Dwalin had turned strangely red. They also noticed that Dis had been late to arrive for breakfast that morning, and Dwalin had claimed some excuse about her being busy with wedding arrangements. Shobha wondered whether something had happened between them, and made a note to delicately enquire later from Dis.
They all had quickly finished breakfast together, and after kissing her hand, Thorin had joined Dwalin, Fili and Kili for training. Shobha had joined Mara to help with the clearing project to make quarters ready for the nobles and other visitors.
They began with several large suites.
"Let me introduce you," Mara took Shobha's hand and introduced her to the team of workers. "This is Lani, daughter of Dani; Lyra daughter of Nela; And Fara daughter of Lina."
Lani, was a large dam with a full and elaborate chestnut beard and matching elaborate hair braids, who bowed her head and smiled. Lyra was a blonde dam, with a fuzzy blonde beard who was slightly thinner with warm brown eyes, and Fara was a red haired dam with twinkling green eyes and bright smile. They all appeared to appreciate the help.
"We are honoured to have your help, Lady Shobha." Lyra spoke up for all three of them. "It's not usual for the Queen to offer help in such simple matters."
"Please just call me Shobha," she giggled. "And I am not a Queen, nor is this a simple matter, my lady. What can I do?"
They showed her what they needed, and all set to work. She worked with them energetically and efficiently, dusting, wiping, cleaning, and setting the rooms up with bedding.
They easily got through five suites in the morning together, when Dis arrived with a tray of sandwiches, fruit, and drink. She found them all busy at work, Shobha humming to herself.
"My ladies, I have some refreshment." Dis smiled.
Lyra, Fara, Shobha and Lani all stopped and came over for food.
"My lady, thank you." Fara smiled, reaching for a sandwich, while Shobha poured out drinks into mugs.
"This is well done ladies," Dis smiled looking at the apartment they were in. "Mara and I will be at your disposal for this afternoon also. How many more rooms do we need?"
"Well, these are the larger apartments, and they are the last of the bigger ones. So we may get through another ten this afternoon." Lyra smiled.
"His Majesty has agreed that I can arrange some more help from Dale, if you are agreeable. I will ask Sigrid for the best and most trustworthy ladies." Shobha looked at them all, taking a bite of a sandwich.
"Has he now?" Dis smiled. "So you convinced him."
"After some discussion yesterday…" Shobha blushed. In truth, it had been negotiated in the bath.
"Well we will be grateful for the help Shobha," Fara smiled.
"How are the wedding plans my lady?" Lani asked shyly.
"I am fortunate to have our Lady Dis helping, in truth." Shobha smiled, and leant on Dis, who put her arm around Shobha in reciprocation. "And I think the simpler we keep everything the better."
"Are you nervous about your wedding night my lady?" Fara whispered.
"Errm…" Shobha wasn't sure how to answer that one. She didn't really want to tell them Thorin wasn't her first. "Are all you ladies married?"
They all nodded.
"I was nervous on our first night. But my husband Barr was so sweet and kind… I think you don't need to be nervous." Fara spoke softly, while Dis chuckled.
"Thank you… that's really reassuring." Shobha placed her hand on Fara's shoulder. She could see Dis stifling a giggle out of the corner of her eye.
"You can always come to us if you have any worries, but I am sure lady Dis will speak to you more later on," Lani smiled.
"Aye, dwarrows don't often tire easily, unlike what I hear about men folk." Lyra chuckled back. And they all watched as Shobha blushed. She had indeed noticed that Thorin had not tired all evening last night, despite how tirelessly he had brought her wave after wave of pleasure repeatedly in a variety of ways.
These ladies were rather straight talking, and in truth Shobha was a bit lost for words.
"That sounds promising." She winked back at them, receiving further girlie giggles.
"Come on then," Dis smiled warmly. "Let's get stuck in. And hopefully finish a bit early."
They all finished their drinks and pulled on their aprons again, moving on to the next set of apartments.
That afternoon sped by and they were able to clear fourteen apartments with the help of Dis and Mara altogether. Shobha had even employed Zodar to help quite a bit. As the day had worn on Shobha had found her humming transformed into very quiet singing to herself, as they had divided off and begun to clear rooms on their own. She would have been mortified to sing in front of anyone, but on her own she loved it. And she hadn't heard when Thorin had stood in the door to the room she was clearing. He stood quietly straining to hear what she sang; She had the voice like a Maia Queen, and had heard a few words he did not understand. She had been singing 'Quando, Quando'. He wondered what the word meant and what she thought of as she sang and worked…
Then he coughed to snap her out of her concentration, and she finished clearing the cupboard and turned to look at him.
"My lady, I apologise for interrupting your work," he smiled softly. "But I have arranged for your escort to Dale, to meet with Sigrid, tomorrow morning."
"Oh.."
"You did negotiate your position on the matter rather unforgettably last evening, my lady." He smiled, making her blush as she recalled what he did to her at that point to elicit a 'yes' from her lips and include his terms on the matter.
"Thank you… And Mirkwood, my King? I recall I gained your full agreement on that last evening also." It was now his turn to blush. This had been negotiated on her terms as she had brought him to a spectacularly messy ending in bed.
"I will arrange for that before the week is ended, and you will have Kili at your disposal also, my lady, as you requested." He conceded touching her cheek softly. "Now perhaps I can relieve you of your duties, and possibly draw you a bath to relax? My sister says you have been working very hard."
…
The next morning Dwalin, and Dis stood by the stone bridge from the Great Gates along with four of Dis personal guard and Zodar, as Shobha walked over to join them with Thorin. They were getting ready to walk up to Dale, invitations in hand. Thorin had insisted that she returned after breakfast and wore her dagger belts, and while he desperately wished to fit the ones on her thighs himself, he knew it would lead to significant delays.
"Ah Dwalin! I have word that Bilbo and Gandalf travel together and will be with us by the beginning of next week." Thorin confirmed.
"Excellent!" Dwalin nodded. "We have a few of the best barrels of Old Toby, saved up for exactly this sort of thing.. the lads will enjoy a good knees up."
"Come now, its not just the lads that like a bit of pipe weed and a fine ale." Dis shot at them.
"Aye sister. Now I should not hold you up further." And with that he kissed Shobha's hand and disappeared back through the Great Gates.
...
As they reached Dale, there appeared to be a large commotion in the city. Guards were running about, people carrying pales and panicking, and many closed shutters despite it nearing midday.
Lord Bard stood in the middle of the main square, surrounded by a crowd of people and guards, while Sigrid rushed over to greet them, having spotted them from afar.
"My Lady Shobha, Lady Dis, Lord Dwalin!" She bowed her head.
"What's going on my Lady?" Dwalin asked, hands on his weapons.
Shobha noticed there was a shift in the posture of their guards, who had initially walked behind them, but now appeared to have formed a loose circle around them and stood scanning the surroundings attentively. Zodar stood close to both Shobha and Dis. Even Dis appeared to be on edge. Shobha had realised from the last few visits, that Dale had been somewhat of a dichotomous place, which was either relaxed or very scary, but she didn't quite expect this.
"I apologise for this, but we were attacked by a small orc pack. Unfortunately it was in the early hours of the day, most were asleep, and not many guards about, so the southwestern border of Dale." Sigrid explained fast. "We have driven them away, and put out the fires, before they could cause too much damage, but there are those who have lost their homes and many who have injuries."
"Is Dale secure now?" Dwalin asked.
"Yes my Lord, but we will not have the chance to sit and talk as we intended my Ladies," Sigrid spoke sadly.
"How many injured?" Shobha asked looking around and stepping closer.
"Maybe thirty, and ten further children." Sigrid replied. "Six families have lost their homes."
"Zodar, can you ask one of the guards to fetch some more medical supplies," Shobha turned to him quickly. "We need salves for infection, cuts and burns and as many bandages as can be carried, perhaps bring another two guards to carry what is needed."
"I don't think this is such a good idea," Dwalin said to her sternly.
"They are in need, this will help."
"Thorin will have my beard if you come to harm." He frowned.
"Then lets make sure that doesn't happen." Shobha put her hand on Dwalin's arm reassuringly.
"Thank you my Lady, that is very generous." Young Lord Bain, Bard's son had joined his Sister's side. "My father just said, they will be arranging for the families to be rehoused, but will need more soldiers to patrol. We are sending for more men from those who remain in Esgaroth, but also appealed to Gondor for aid."
"We will need to discuss this with our King," Dwalin replied. "But I will not leave Lady Dis and Lady Shobha unguarded."
Bain nodded at the warrior.
"Quick show me the way to your injured, I can begin to have a look." Shobha urged on.
…
Sigrid had led the way to the large Town Hall, where the main meeting room had been transformed with makeshift cots for those who were displaced and injured. There were people attempting to bandage some in areas, and there were others handing out food and drink to the injured.
Shobha took her coat off and and began rolling up the sleeves of her shirt, as Sigrid and Bain both silently gasped at the belt of daggers that sat around her waist. The belt had been perfectly fitted and hand made for her by Dwalin himself.
"Show me your supplies, and let's get going." She said scanning the room.
"Tell me what I can do," Dis followed and turning to Dwalin, Zodar and the remaining two guards spoke quickly. "Stay close to us please."
"We will stay here with you and help," Bain added. "These people will not harm you."
They worked quickly and efficiently, guided by Shobha, and had been joined by a further six guards with more supplies and a few healers from Erebor by command of the King. Within several hours they had finished seeing to everyone.
Sigrid followed the group out of the Town Hall, as they readied to leave.
"This was not quite the visit I planned; we had your wedding invitations; and we wanted ask for your most trusted female workers to help with some paid cleaning work in Erebor, but after this, I think it's probably not possible." Shobha turned to Sigrid.
"Oh no my Lady," Sigrid grabbed her hand in hers. "You have been so helpful today, it would be an honour to return the help. Besides there are some women there who will be grateful for the extra money after this. It will be paid work to help rebuild their homes and lives. No body wants charity."
"Thank you Lady Sigrid," Shobha looked at Dis. "Perhaps we could increase the pay, given work is urgent…?"
"I think you would be allowed to make that call, Sister," Dis smiled, admiring how she naturally handled such matters. She would be the perfect Queen to rule beside her brother. She would have the foresight and the temperament that he didn't.
"And we are honoured to accept your invitation. And would like to extend any offer of help for your auspicious day." Lord Bard walked over and bowed. "You have been most gracious and rapid to react, when we haven't even called for your aid. But your King has joined us himself."
Bard bowed his head in gratitude to them all before turning to leave.
"Heads up, Thorin's on his way," Dis spoke as they put their coats back on.
Thorin, Balin and several more of the Erebor guard walked over, stopping to talk to Bard once more as they passed each other.
"Dwalin, we are going to leave some of the guard here for the night," Thorin spoke to him. "Will you be able to look at their defences and guide the men. I have sent a raven to Dain asking for more men. But we are rather lacking. And will need to look at our own defences."
"Aye baheluh," Dwalin nodded and then signed at Thorin. Temper, she was in no danger: I was there
Thorin nodded, and signed back. Am truly grateful, brother
Dwalin nodded back and turned to leave.
"I am here to escort you back, my Lady." Thorin extended his hand to her.
"I know you will be angry, but I couldn't just leave them." Shobha looked at him, trying to gauge his reaction. But he didn't seem angry or irritated, only concerned.
"I understand, and have come to realise that sometimes you cannot be stopped. But in future I would be grateful if you could send word to me first, please, my lady." He kissed her hand. "There could have been riots, or further orcs.. and you could have been in grave danger." She had already been through so much for him, he couldn't bear the thought that she may have been hurt here, and he hadn't even been there to protect her. He kissed her hand once more.
"Aye but we were all there." Dis spoke in solidarity, although it was clear he was not angry.
"And I could have lost you too, sister. How would I explain that to Fili and Kili."
"Is this not a concern Thorin? I understand there have been other attacks in the area?" Shobha looked at him, as he matched his pace to hers. "Tauriel said they have had problems with orcs. But where are they coming from?"
"There are old tunnels in the Misty Mountains which may house them. We were attacked by goblins on our quest here. And travellers and traders have reported being attacked on the roads near the mountains. But they appear to be more bold in their movements." He confirmed. "I will be sending out word for more warriors and soldiers to protect Erebor but this has been occurring for a while over the last few years. Now we rule with the Arkenstone, more will return to Erebor. And we will have strength in numbers."
It was nearing dusk. While the days were getting longer now as they were approaching March, it still grew dark early. They had walked some of the way in silence. Thorin and Dis flanking Shobha with Zodar and the remaining guards walking in front and behind.
"Thorin, do you think they will attack Erebor then?" Shobha broke the silence looking at him.
"From the pattern over the last few years, I do not believe that to be the case. But in any case, we fortified our defences since the last great battle." He looked at Erebor, as it loomed ahead in all its strength and majesty. "And we will prepare further."
As they finally reached Erebor, they noticed the first set of caravans had arrived from the Blue Mountains, and the many dwarves unloading their things. Some appeared to have families. It was a lovely sight to see, and they bustled about arranging their things, faces hopeful of a new settlement and the start of a new life for them.
Shobha hoped that they had enough serviced, clean apartments, and that Sigrid would be able to help with providing further ladies.
Kíli stood waiting for them as they arrived at the stone bridge. He waved enthusiastically as he saw the group approach.
"Uncle! Amad! Shobha!" He came bounding over giving Dis and Shobha hugs and bumping his forehead gently with Thorin's.
Dis stood still suddenly, observing him, as though he had changed.
"You've asked her then? Oh my boy!" She hugged him again.
Thorin looked at Shobha. He hadn't quite fathomed what had been going on.
"Tauriel has accepted his courtship, I think, judging from the new braid." Shobha smiled warmly watching them. It felt like an immensely private moment, that should have been between Dis and Kili.
Thorin smiled at Shobha, silently admiring her and once again kissed her hand. He loved that she understood his nephews, and she observed all the subtle events in a way that he never did. She would truly be his better half, the One to complete him, and watching her now, as she observed his sister embrace her son with a big smile, he silently thanked Mahal for her.
"Aye, my Lady!" Kili grinned turning to them, and receiving a hug from Shobha. "But we have something we need to do… and I might need your help."
"Of course, what do we need to do?" Shobha nodded, as Dis stood next to Kili, her arm around him.
"Perhaps this is best discussed in my study." Thorin interrupted leading the way quickly past the bowing and curtseying newcomers.
After quickly stopping to address the new arrivals at Erebor, they all following him fast into the royal wing. Balin, Dwalin and Fili had joined soon also. And they all sat around the room paying attention.
"I have spoken to my brother who is glad to help. But I need to formally ask for Tauriel's hand from Thranduil, as she was an orphan and raised in his court." Kili looked at his mother and then Shobha and Thorin. "And Fee and I would go, but, we would appreciate it if Amad and you came with us, Shobha."
"No!" Thorin spoke on behalf of them. "You can go, and I will send my guards to accompany you. Its bad enough that one of the Erebor Princes is to court a Mirkwood Elf, but to go there begging him for her hand.." Thorin didn't seem to want to finish that sentence. "We are only just recovering politically, at great cost, to show those who challenge our right to rule, that the Arkenstone is back where is belongs. There is no need for the future Queen to be seen associating with elves."
"But would this not be a good alliance to have, and what better way than through marriage?" Shobha countered. "They too are having trouble with the orcs. We are in need of help –"
"We are not that desperate for help." Thorin shot back sternly. "I am not happy."
"The lass has a point actually Thorin." Balin came in brushing his beard thoughtfully. "Thranduil has already healed you twice from mortal wounds Thorin, and after the last gesture of goodwill made by Shobha on your behalf.. and he had even written enquiring after your health, which you are yet to respond to."
"Aye, because it was not an act of goodwill, but he held my life to ransom until Shobha found the jewels. They only healed me before it was found, because they knew without me they would get nothing." Thorin spat.
"I don't think so, brother." Dis stood up and put her hands on her hips. "I for one am not letting my son travel to the Halls of the Elves asking for the hand of his One, on his own."
"Fine Sister, then I will go with you."
"Um.. No…" Both Princes, Balin and Dwalin spoke together.
"Thorin, it is best to leave this to someone slightly more tactful." Balin spoke softly.
"We will go instead baheluh." Dwalin said nodding towards Balin, who looked back at Dwalin and nodded in agreement.
"And what of the journey? You were attacked by beasts on your way, last you travelled into Mirkwood." Thorin asked Kili. "I will not have Shobha or your mother come to harm."
"Aye, but Tauriel and her guards will escort us to avoid that." Kili confirmed.
Thorin stood looking at them all running his hand through his beard, considering all the options. And then appeared to reluctantly give in.
"I am not happy about this. And there will be no further trade or other agreements, unless it is discussed with me first." He looked at Shobha. "But I will reluctantly agree."
"Then it is decided, we will prepare to leave in the next few days." Dwalin looked at Balin and Fili.
