They had been picked up by a guard of elves on their horses, led by Tauriel and taken to Thranduil's Halls without great trouble. The journey had not been quite as awful as the last time Shobha had been transported by Thranduil himself on his Elk.
And they finally all stood in Thranduil's grand Throne Room. Zodar had not been permitted to accompany them by the elves, and reluctantly remained at the stone gate.
Tauriel after guiding them through, had then disappeared elsewhere. Shobha and Dis stood flanked by Dwalin behind, Kili in front and Fili and Balin either side forming a protective border, while the Elven guard stood around them.
Then a set of tall doors opened to the far left, and Legolas walked in, smiling and greeted Kili as though they had been long time friends.
He then turned to Shobha, and bowed.
"My Lady Shobha. I hear there is good news."
"Prince Legolas." She bowed her head and smiled. "And I bring invitations in person."
"We wondered, as Lord Elrond and Lady Galadriel have received theirs already."
Then he stopped his conversation and looked to the door where he had just entered through as if he already knew. Moments later Thranduil walked through wearing his silvery robes and his crown of berries.
"Ada." Legolas bowed with his hand on his chest.
"So she returns today, the future Queen of Erebor." Thranduil always seemed to find a way to make a grand statement of an entrance. Even without being on his high Throne, he still stood tall enough to look down haughtily at them. "And she brings invitations…"
"King Thranduil," Shobha bowed her head. "I am not the only that would seek an audience with you."
"Yes, the young Prince seeks the hand of my Captain." He looked away disinterested. "But I can not agree this would be a fruitful union, as he is mortal."
"I think that is up to them, to decide on such matters, King." Dis came to stand by Kili and Shobha.
"Ah, the fiery Princess Dis, of the Blue Mountains." Thranduil suddenly turned to look down on her, scrutinising. "And tell me, have you enjoyed raising your young and growing into your dotage without your husband? And knowing what you know, would you wish that upon your kin? I may not be the Elleth's father, but I know he would not wish your fate upon her."
Shobha put her hand gently on Dis' arm looking at her. She could see the anger rising in Dis. She was not that dissimilar to Thorin in that aspect. Thranduil seemed to do this: aggravate in order for a response. She looked at Shobha and seemed to understand taking a deep breath and nodding her head.
"No King Thranduil, but if I were offered the choice, I would choose to marry him, and have our beautiful sons, and feel true happiness even if was short lived."
"She would be treated as a Princess of Erebor." Kili spoke up.
"I doubt you know much of that. But perhaps she has grown tired of those with true stature, and wishes for your kind." Thranduil looked down on Kili.
"Or perhaps, my Lord, Captain Tauriel wishes for a real man, who is well endowed," Fili smiled disarmingly with his response, almost as though he was joking with a friend. He was actually very sharp in his delivery. It was clear he would make an excellent King one day.
"I have no time for frivolous chitter with dwarves," Thranduil turned his back. And then pacing away and turning back, he walked slowly to stand before Shobha once more bending his head to look straight into her face with great curiosity. Then he spoke almost silkily, as though he were calling to a pet. "Tell me, my dear, I see he has caused you heartache recently… and yet you stay. A form of madness runs in that family, would you allow for your future young to be afflicted with the same?"
He extended his fingers carefully and tilted her chin to look closely at her face. His cold narrow eyes like scalpels trying to dissect into her thoughts.
And then she heard him in her head.
You will die giving birth to his heir. To your son. Your death will drive him to madness and despair.
Just as you have cured him of his sickness.
Knowing this, would you still stay with him?
She shut her eyes for a second, tears prickling. Then opened them and looked back into his cold blue eyes looking down at her. Surprisingly she found herself able to speak back to him in her mind.
What will become of my child? …Our son?
He held her gaze.
He will be a great King, greater than Thorin or Thror.
He will singlehandedly hold back the forces of darkness here.
Erebor will thrive for another Age because of him.
But you will never see him achieve greatness.
And he will resent his father, believing that he was the cause of his mother's death.
Shobha took in a deep breath, broken up by silent sobs, as tears trickled down her face.
He looked down at her with pity now, but he continued.
But you need not suffer this fate – You are not yet bound to him.
You have suffered much heartache at his hands – he is unworthy of you.
And my offer of protection here in my Halls still remains…
With that almost as though she had snapped out of a trance, she stepped away, withdrawing her face from his cold fingers and into her hands, wiping the tears.
"Her Ladyship has graced us, and wishes to meet you…" he extended his hand to her.
Thranduil looked down, at this woman with pity. He had never, in his life, ever, looked at a mortal with pity. He pitied the fact that she had been brought here by the Valar, away from her kin, which in itself must have caused her great suffering, but now she was to suffer here, for the greater good of Arda. And despite the strange gifts that she possessed, her intuition did not allow for escape. Although he was probably as great as dwarves would ever become, Thorin did not deserve her.
And the Lady Of Lorien had now travelled here, just to see her. He would want to hear what she had to say to this mortal.
Reluctantly Shobha took his hand. Dwalin, Balin and Fili stepped forward to follow, but Thranduil held his free hand up halting them. As she followed Thranduil she could hear Legolas address the others.
"Lady Shobha will come to no harm in our Halls." Legolas stepped forward in reassurance. "Please come and rest for a while. Lady Galadriel has come with the sole purpose of meeting your Lady."
Her heart beat fast. She had always been so good at remaining calm even under a lot of pressure, but this was different. It felt like that first day she had come across Thorin and the group.
As she followed, he led her slowly, almost languidly out of the main Palace. The buildings and the outside woods and gardens all appeared to seamlessly merge into one another. And suddenly they were in a private garden.
In the centre near a white stone bench, there she stood, tall and regal, dressed in a long white silken gown. She was turning her back, with her long golden hair trailing down below her waist. And almost sensing heir arrival, she turned in one fluid movement, and smiling lightly, she shone, glittered, almost as though she were a star!
Many months ago, if Shobha had been told she would meet Lady Galadriel, she would have squealed with excitement. But now she was scared.
Had Thranduil revealed to her what the Lady Of Lorien had seen?
"You have nothing to fear from me, my child." She smiled again warmly and extended her hand. Almost as though under a spell, she let go of Thranduil's hand and placed it in Galadriel's, who guided her gently closer to her. Another tall blond male elf remained seated on the stone bench behind them, which could only be Celeborn.
Thranduil at first hesitated letting her go, wanting to join them, but receiving a calm look from Celeborn, he took a seat next to him. Galadriel led her slightly further away and then turned to her, grasping her other hand also and peering into Shobha's eyes. She didn't feel so afraid now. Her eyes although piercing were warmer. Her judgement seemed fairer.
Galadriel spoke, and once again she could hear her in her head although she did not speak a word.
Gandalf informed me of your arrival on Arda.
The Valar have brought you here, in their great wisdom, for the events of Arda have not taken place as they imagined.
Shobha seemed to be able to communicate back.
Thorin, Fili and Kili were supposed to die?
And Dain to become King instead?
Galadriel spoke back.
Even Dain as King would not be the better outcome.
Shobha Seth, mortal of pure heart,
There is an important part in the future of Arda that you are to play.
And there is one that you have already fulfilled: Durin's heir is now free from the curse of the Jewel.
You were the reason for that.
If you are wed to him, you will bear several heirs…
Shobha interrupted her.
But Thranduil said I would die of childbirth –
She smiled
I cannot see an exact future, but I see possibilities.
What I showed the Elvenking, was one such possibility.
He carries a favour for you, that he has never for any other mortal.
He will be an ally for a Queen, even if not close, he will come to your aid in your darkest hour,
as he has already, for the one you love..
He judges mortals harshly, but he sees you for who you truly are.
Almost as well as I see your true heart.
Shobha looked at Galadriel again.
But what about my parents and family at home?
They suffer because I disappeared…
But I fear my heart will not allow me to leave him.
Galadriel looked at her sad this time and nodded.
Alas, I cannot guide you in your decision with you loved ones.
But you will know what to do about their plight.
And when you decide, I will aid you with that.
When the time comes you will travel to Imladris, and I will be waiting.
Shobha nodded, tears streaming from her eyes once more.
What about Thorin, my Lady?
She smiled and placed one hand very lightly on Shobha's cheek. It was so light that if she hadn't seen her do it she wouldn't have felt it.
You have cured him, and the line of Durin.
But you already knew, you never had anything to fear with him.
And any heartache you have felt by his words, he will forever spend easing away.
He will never succumb to its curse again, as your warmth occupies his heart completely.
Your example of willingness to sacrifice yourself for him, has rid him of his greed.
He will live the rest of his days aspiring to be good enough for you.
And your heirs will never suffer this curse again, as your blood will run in their veins.
Although they will rule under the King's Jewel.
Shobha didn't want to leave. She wanted to remain in the positive light of this most amazing Lady.
So Galadriel looked at her once more.
Child of pure heart, fear not.
The choice is still yours, although you have already made it…
You will rule in times of peace and will bear him several strong heirs.
They will play a great role in the War to save Middle Earth from the Darkness,
in the quest to destroy The One Ring.
Shobha looked up at Galadriel and nodded finally. And Galadriel continued:
I am grateful for your invitation, my dear.
The she reached out and placed her hand over Shobha's open palm.
And for our new Queen, I gift you:
A phial of our precious healing waters of Lothlórien.
For all the many times you have saved the lives of many,
May it come to your aid, when you are in need.
When Galadriel moved her hand away, a beautiful phial containing crystal clear water appeared in her palm, it was attached on a pendant to a shimmering chain, which looked like Mithril.
Shobha clutched it to her chest and bent her head low. It was clearer than day now: She loved Thorin, there would be no going back. She would need to figure out how to ease the loss her family felt.
As Shobha stood up and looked into Lady Galadriel's face once more. The Lady Of Lórien smiled softly, and nodded her head. Shobha truly had been graced by her wish to visit.
Shobha curtsied low to Lady Galadriel and Celeborn, who had now come to stand by her side silently. They both bowed their heads then placed their hands on their chest and extended their hands.
Then Thranduil was by her side once more, silently holding out his hand. Again, she reluctantly took his hand, and he guided her away and back towards the Palace. Her hand in his, was small and warm. She had slender fingers. He imagined the Dwarf King enjoyed holding her hand frequently.
"Thank you." She whispered softly. She appeared to have still been overcome emotionally from what Galadriel had told her. He felt a slight sorrow for this small, vulnerable, mortal once more.
"You are welcome, my dear." While Thranduil remained aloof and cold, there was a softness that had crept into his tone.
"How did you know I would visit today?"
"Tauriel."
Shobha laughed mirthlessly. Of course. It was nothing magical, or from a vision.
"Lady Galadriel, has known for some time however." He looked at her sidelong as though he realised what she was thinking.
"Why will you not give your blessing to Kili and Tauriel when you in your wisdom can see it is true love?"
"And what do you know of true love?"
"I know what it feels like…"
"Hah! You mortals live for a blink of time and believe you know what it means." He scoffed at her, stopping and boring into her big brown eyes once more.
"I have seen how Legolas looks at Tauriel. He will do anything for her. And would you have your own son driven mad watching her pine for Kili within your Halls?" She stood her ground and touched the phial of water that Lady Galadriel had given her, which now lay hanging between her breasts. It gave her courage.
"And what is to stop me from posting her to the farthest reaches of the realm." He smirked down at her, as if he had cornered her.
"You could try but I doubt that will stop them."
He looked at her for a short while, as she stood there defying him. It was hard to ignore that the Dwarf King had indeed fallen for a rare beauty among men. And with a heart to match.
"Answer me this one last question, my Lady: if I believed that Prince Kili abducted my Captain, and I brought an army to the gates of Erebor, what you do?" He looked at her once more, this time allowing his eyes to openly wonder over her small but perfectly proportionate form. She had not dressed up to visit his Halls, but it was clear that she would look beautiful when dressed in the proper attire. And he imagined the Dwarf King would equally enjoy many an hour undressing her. He didn't understand his own feelings towards this mortal; a mix of pity and admiration.
Perhaps he should cut down on the Dorwinion?
"If Tauriel left your realm against your will, and you marched an army to the gates of Erebor, I would gather up any soul willing to wield a weapon to fight in the name of their love, and I myself would lead them to meet you out on the battlefield."
"You truly mean what you say, I suspect." He continued to keep his gaze fixed on her. He hoped it would make her feel uncomfortable, but she didn't seem to flinch. She simply seemed to stare back with the innocence of a child attempting to face up to a parent, with her big, brown eyes.
Thranduil took her through the remainder of the way in silence and allowed her to join their group. Tauriel, had joined them already, and now wore a beautiful gold ring as gifted by Kili. They all looked at Shobha smiling with relief to have her returned back to them. And then were all taken back to Erebor soon after.
…
By the time they arrived back in Erebor, it was dusk. They all had travelled in silence, mentally exhausted, contemplating, and Kili having not gained Thranduil's formal blessing, was downcast.
Thorin and Zodar stood at the stone bridge awaiting their return. As they neared they saw Thorin's face shift from concern to a slight smile.
"Well..?" He asked Kili and Fili as they all dismounted. "Were you successful?"
"No Uncle," Kili looked truly down. "I was so sure, it would work with Shobha there."
Dis wrapped her arm around Kili again. "I doubt that he will refuse you, love."
"He is considering it." Shobha said, as Thorin took her hand in his and kissed it.
"Then you will hear positively." Thorin smiled softly and kissed her hand once more. "I am certain."
…
That evening Thorin and Shobha had dinner together privately in their parlour. Although she hadn't been that talkative. She seemed exhausted and pensive after the visit to Mirkwood. He worried about her and wondered what Galadriel had told her.
Had she mentioned the visions he had seen while he had held the Arkenstone initially? He was certain they were some sort of future visions. And then he recalled the vision he had before he fell into the sickness, the one of her giving birth; with the sheets soaked in the blood of his Queen; why did he alone hold their child in the vision after this, and why had she been missing from it? He would need to think about it and ask Gandalf. If it meant she would die giving birth, he would rather they did not have an heir.
After dinner, she had relaxed on the sofa laying her head in his lap while he stroked her hair, watching the fire silently, just enjoying the comfort of being together. After she fell asleep, he gently carried her to her bed, and then removed her shoes and tucked her in.
"Thorin…" she whispered stirring and reaching out to touch his face sleepily as he moved the blanket.
"Aye my beautiful one," he smiled softly. "Rest now."
"Please stay with me tonight…" she whispered. "At least will you hold me until I fall asleep… please…?"
"I would never deny you anything I can give you Amralime." He kissed her gently, and taking off his coat and boots, he slipped in behind her, inhaling the floral smell of her soft, raven hair and skin and wrapping his arms around her. He held her close to his chest, ignoring the urges of his body, while she fell asleep in his arms, and he too succumbed to sleep.
…
Thorin paced in his study, he could not settle, he could not concentrate.
What was taking them so long?
He would no longer wait.
He marched through the doors into their parlour and then into his bedroom.
"Aaaargh!" Shobha lay on the bed, Dis encouraging her, mopping her brow while she panted, and blew out breaths. Her forehead was drenched in sweat, the loose strands of hair clung to her head.
"Thorin!" Oin cried from the foot end of the bed. He was reaching between her thighs. Blood seeped away staining the sheets and Oin's tunic. "You should wait until we call you…"
Thorin began to feel the panic mount. He had only ever witnessed that amount of blood in those who were not long for this world on the battlefield. He rushed over to the other side of his Queen, who let out another agonising cry and began to pant again.
"I can not wait Oin, I must be near Shobha." He spoke kissing her hand as she grabbed it firmly and squeezed, letting out another cry. "You are doing so well, my lovely, strong, Queen."
"Almost there lass." Oin spoke calmly. "Head is out… this one is s big fella…"
"Rrrrrrrggghhhhh…" she groaned. "I can't do it… I'm so tired."
"Dis I need more gauze and warm water." Oin commanded still completely calm. "Now listen to me lass, you can do it. Take a few more breaths and then when I say bear down. Once these shoulders are out the rest is easy… ready.."
"No no no!" She shook her head, her eyes appeared to be slightly vacant.
"Yes you can, Amralime… hold my hand and squeeze tight." He kissed her head as he wiped her forehead and brushed away the loose hairs.
"This is all your fault!" She leaned into him.
"And I will spend the rest of my life making it up to you, my beautiful wife." He kissed her again and she panted a few times and nodded at Oin.
"Push lass, give us everything you have…" Oin spoke gently.
She gave one final push, holding on to his hand tight, ending with a muffled cry as she turned to him and bit down on his shoulder.
"Good girl. That's it lass. All out." Oin spoke as the loud cries of a baby echoed through the room. "And we have a healthy young Prince… Dis." She was by Oin's side cradling the baby wrapped in a clean dry towel, gently wiping his face with the damp gauze.
"Well done, my Queen, I'm so proud of you." Thorin kissed Shobha, as she smiled weakly at him.
"Would you like to cut the cord, my King?" Oin offered.
Thorin kept hold of Shobha's hand, but she looked at him and nodded.
"Go, Adad, cut your son's cord." She smiled. "And bring him back to see his Amad."
Thorin gently kissed her and quickly knelt beside Oin, as he took the clean blade and severed between the tied ends. As he glanced up between her thighs, the sight terrified him. So much blood.
"Oin will she be safe?" He whispered.
Oin looked at him concerned but kept his voice even, "We need to stop the bleeding now, she has lost a fair bit. Quick take the child, I need Dis with free hands now."
Thorin took the crying bundle and brought him back up to Shobha's side.
"Look at your Amad, our little handsome Prince." He held the babe before her. He had a shock of raven hair stuck to his head, olive skin and a face with full lips and big hazel eyes. He was truly handsome. "What should we call you?"
"Frerin, son of Thorin." She smiled at him. "Unless you object, in which case my second choice was Fundin.. now hush my little one."
"Aye my love, Prince Frerin, son of Thorin and Shobha." Thorin smiled. "He is perfect."
She cried out again in pain. And the babe seemed to follow his mother.
"Oin.. what's going on?" Thorin looked agitated.
"We are tying to work fast to free the placenta. It is stuck," Oin spoke more urgently. "Sorry lass, otherwise the bleeding will not stop."
"Oin… Dis.." Thorin sounded concerned.
"Let them work Thorin." She managed in between groans. "Let Amad sing you a song… stars shining bright above you.. night breezes seem to whisper I love you… birds singing in the sycamore trees… dream a little dream of me…."
Thorin had heard her sing this to her swollen belly before while in the bath. He loved it when she sang this song. She was shy to sing aloud, claiming her voice was not nice, but in truth she had the voice of an angel. And he hoped he would hear her sing more, now the babe was here.
Little Frerin seemed to settle to the sound of his mother's voice. There was quiet.
"See my beauty? He settles to his Amad's voice already.." Thorin smiled over at Shobha, but she lay slumped in the bed. Limp and lifeless. "OIN! OIN! OIN!"
Dis rushed over and began to lay her down in the bed.
"DIS! …SHOBHA! …SHOBHA!"
"Thorin! Thorin!... it's ok my love," he felt her with him once more. She held onto him tight and stroked his face. "You were having a bad dream… you're ok now… I'm here."
He held her tight. No, if that was her fate… they would not have younglings. He wanted her more than any perfect heir they may have.
"I love you, my beautiful one." Holding her tighter still and burying his face in her soft hair, he let his breath steady. Then feeling her relax her body against him, he drifted off to sleep.
