The next morning when Shobha awoke, Thorin had already left. This was slightly unusual, as he always usually waited for her to wake on the nights they had spend together. But she didn't want to make too much of this, as he had started her fire and brought tea, and even drunk his cup.

She woke and poured her own cup of tea out. It was still warm, so she presumed he couldn't have left too long ago. And then she spotted a small note on the tray.

Mry Dearest Shobha,

I did not want to wake you early, as you seemed tired.

I have a few things I must see to – but will join you at breakfast.

With all my love

Thorin

This did make her feel slightly better. And he appeared to have showered in her wet room and worn the change of clothes he always kept spare in her wardrobe. Shobha quickly showered and dressed herself, and found Zodar waiting as usual in the corridor.

"Good Morning Zodar." Shobha smiled.

"Good Morning my Lady."

"Do you know roughly when his majesty left my room in the morning?"

"About two hours ago my Lady." Zodar looked puzzled about the early questions.

"Oh, is that not a bit early for you?"

"Aye my lady, but his majesty had a message sent to me to arrive an hour early as he would have a few things arrange, and did not wish to leave your room unprotected."

"But my tea –"

"You had another pot brought through by Dis."

They arrived at breakfast as the rest of the company were arriving. Dis arrived with Fili, Kili and Dwalin, while Thorin was waiting at the entrance to the dining hall deep in conversation with Balin. When he noticed her arriving he turned to greet her.

"Good morning my Lady," Thorin kissed her hand. "I trust you rested well?"

"Yes thank you." She smiled.

Just as they took their seats they were interrupted by one of Thorin's guard, another rather large dwarf named Barr.

"Your majesty yourself, your Queen and Prince Kili are requested by the Great Gates urgently," he spoke fast, urging the King to follow.

They all stood up and hurried, with several more guards following.

As they reached the stone bridge they were met with a dozen Elven guard, in their helmets and armour. The accompanied Legolas at the front, who carried a banner in hand. They appeared to have been standing there for some time waiting patiently, and their horses tied nearby.

There were small groups of dwarves gathered around now and openly staring, some in shock, some in disgust, and some simply curious.

Kili seeing Legolas smiled and ran forward to greet him, as Shobha began to follow, when she felt a gentle tug on her hand to find Thorin reaching for her.

"Why has Thranduil sent his guards?" He looked cautiously at them.

"I don't think it's worrying… let's speak to Legolas and see.." Shobha took his hand and squeezed it gently in reassurance.

But as they reached them, Legolas was lowering the banner to reveal a beautifully dressed Tauriel, walking forward with a small cushion bearing another fine gold ring.

"Mae g'ovannen, King Thorin, and my Lady Shobha," Legolas smiled at them serenely as Kili stood in front of Tauriel, gawping with a grin.

"Mae g'ovanen, Legolas and Tauriel."

"My father grants his blessings for the union of the Prince and Captain Tauriel." He continued. "He also sends his well wishes for your up coming union, and thanks you for your generous invitation."

He presented a letter and a small silken pouch to Shobha. She took the letter and opened it.

Dear Lady Shobha

Thank you for your gracious invitation. It is with regret that I will be unable to attend, but my son Prince Legolas and Captain Tauriel will be attending.

To the King under the Mountain I offer my congratulations – he is a better Dwarf for having you.

To you, my Lady, I wish to offer my allegiance, completely.

Should you ever be in need, I pledge my word to come to your aid.

Please accept this pre wedding gift from our Kingdom. It is of the finest of our craft and I hope you will wear it on your wedding day.

Be well.

Yours truly,

Thranduil

Inside the pouch was a fine gold bangle with a pattern of berries on a vine etched into it and his royal seal printed in the centre. Thorin hid his scowl at the gift, it looked flimsy, but he could not deny that it would suit her little wrists.

The Elven guard then turned in unison and saluted the King and Queen at this point. And both Legolas and Tauriel bowed their heads, placing their hands on their chests.

Shobha merely stood there mouth agape having read the letter with Thorin, while he placed his arm around her waist protectively, pulling her tight to his side. He didn't like the tone Thranduil used, but in all his years he had never seen the Elvenking make such a gesture towards anyone.

"Thank you, Prince Legolas." Thorin stepped away from Shobha and bowed, before returning back to her side still keeping his arm around her. "Would you like to join us for breakfast? We can offer your guards refreshments also and of course I expect Tauriel to be staying?"

"We Thank you for your generosity and would enjoy this offer, but unfortunately this can not be today." Legolas smiled lightly. "We are expected back soon by the King."

Tauriel came over to a still surprised Shobha, with Kili in tow, and gave her a hug.

"Thank you," she whispered smiling. "It was certainly whatever you said that swayed him.."

The rest of that week had passed quickly. Shobha had spent the time working to help Mara and her team clear the apartments. Seven women had been sent by Sigrid, who had joined on the first day, but been unable since. And with further dwarves coming from the Blue Mountains to settle in smaller caravans there were more hands helping still making the work quicker.

Mara had, in between kept Shobha up to date on replies to wedding invitations; it appeared that almost everyone was attending and by the third day she had stopped mentioning all those attending and instead only reported those sending regrets.

Thorin had spent every night privately with her, but sensing how tired she had been from the work, he had spent the evening drawing her a relaxing bath and then holding her until she slept. He had begun to routinely fall asleep in her bed now, although they both had clothes on.

Thorin noticed that she remained quieter and more pensive since her trip to Mirkwood and wondered what the elves had shown her. He wondered whether she thought of her home land and parents or whether she was having misgivings about marriage to him. Then he realised that although she had told him bits he did not know enough of her life before, and thought he should find out more about her own culture and customs.

He had also been plagued by nightmares, sometimes she was giving birth and bleeding to death, sometimes he saw her being entombed in stone, and sometimes her body was consigned to fire as they had done with some of those fallen in battle. And so Thorin would wake in the morning earlier than Shobha, and start the fire to warm the room, and take his tea while watching her sleep soundly. And having been so eager for so long to claim her, the fear that she would conceive and die of childbirth had been enough to temporarily suppress his desire to undress her and play with her body even if purely for her pleasure. And as she made no move for the same he only held and kissed her.

Each morning he had met Dwalin early to train, leaving either Zodar or Barr to guard her room. At first Dwalin had been upset about coming across him, as he left her room clothed in what he had worn the night before. But then Thorin had opened the door to show him Shobha lying there fully clothed, sleeping soundly, which had eased the tension.

And so, early on the Tuesday morning of the following week, the company all gathered together watching the small caravan belonging to the Grey One pulling in with Bilbo seated in front fussing.

The halfling clambered down carefully once the horse had stopped fully and came walking over with his hands in the pockets of his waistcoat.

Shobha was amazed at how small Bilbo actually was, he was no bigger than a large child. She smiled warmly as he approached with his wavy chestnut hair, red and green waistcoat and shirt and cravat. He would have been an odd Victorian inventor, if not for his 'hobbit feet' and slightly unusual ears, which she fondly recalled had become quite the item to possess after the Lord of The Rings movies, back home! She observed the rest of the company as they all grinned at Bilbo with great fondness. Even Thorin, who stood by her with his arm around her waist clutching her to his side, bore a warm smile.

"Well Thorin, congratulations old man!" Bilbo gave Thorin a firm handshake followed by a hug. "You look much better than when I last saw you… and this must be your lovely lady."

He smiled trying hard to hide his curiosity and surprise at her different appearance.

"Shobha, this is Master Bilbo Baggins, our master burglar, brave companion, fourteenth member of our company and my good fried." Thorin smiled.

"Pleased to meet you Master Baggins. I've heard so much about your adventures!" She smiled as he shook her hand and gave her a quick peck on the cheek. He had sparkly blue eyes which closely observed her with a slightly mischievous look.

"Oh the pleasure is all mine, My Lady Shobha. It is not often you get to meet a beautiful and charming lady willing to tolerate the King under the Mountain." He smiled, as Thorin chuckled slightly. "Please call me Bilbo."

"Aye Master Baggins, I truly have have struck gold with my beautiful Queen." Thorin gave Bilbo a firm pat on the back.

"Gandalf!" Shobha smiled as the tall wizard approached, his eyes crinkling with his smile. He came to stand by Bilbo with his staff. She let go of Thorin temporarily and stepping forward gave him a hug which reminded her of when she would give her parents a hug as a child as she only came up to his chest.

"Ho! ho! My dear! It appears that your host is trying to keep you in Erebor by bestowing the title of Wife and Queen upon you!" Gandalf chuckled as he bent down to hug her back.

"I think you're right Gandalf! I've been tricked!" She joked back. "But those fireworks that you provided on Durin's Day really helped to set the romantic scene… so you are now officially an accomplice you know."

"Oh come now, I think your betrothed would imply that rather pretty and revealing dress you wore that day was more to blame." He winked back and then looked at Thorin, bowing his head. "Either way, you will make a rather splendid Queen, I think. The Valar were rather generous to Thorin."

Thorin smiled in agreement and bowed back, then stepped forward and gave him a warm hug also.

"You are right Gandalf. Mahal has been most generous." Then a strange slightly sad expression flitted across Thorin's face before he composed himself once more. "I must talk with you about some important matters Gandalf… but first let us have breakfast. Come, Bilbo… this way."

Shobha wondered what it was that Thorin had been upset about. She couldn't help wonder whether this angst was the source of his new found routine. Although she herself had been lost in thought a lot since meeting with Galadriel. With their wedding coming up, she missed her mother and father more than ever. Similarly her sister would have been coming with her for dress fittings and her nephew and niece would have been a page and flower girl. She needed to think of what to do for them, so they didn't feel the loss of her, or worry about her. Initially she thought of some sort of message, but they would worry still, and imagine she had run away from them, and she didn't want to hurt them in that way either, as the times they had together as a family had been very loving and happy.

"My Queen..?" She was snapped out of her thoughts by Thorin leaning over to her and gently touching her hand. "You are deep in thought… Amralime."

"Oh no nothing really.." she tried to smile at him reassuringly.

"You normally love those muffins." He whispered looking at her plate where her first muffin still remained completely untouched. "Perhaps you need a rest today. You have been helping with the cleaning everyday, when Mara tells me even the others have had a day or two of rest in between.."

"But I had a day away in Mirkwood and Dale, Thorin." Shobha tried to explain, although she knew eventually she would need to share her true worries with him. But perhaps not at this point, where he appeared to have worries of his own.

"I think we both know those days were hardly restful for you and anyone else for that matter." He spoke softly. He needed her to talk to him, but at a time that they would not be interrupted. This evening they would be having a dinner to welcome Bilbo and Gandalf with the rest of the company, which would not allow them much time, as there would be much drinking, smoking of pipe weed, song and tales told of their quest. And today he would meet with Gandalf which would allow him the chance to ask about his visions. He knew Gandalf would be travelling to Mirkwood tomorrow to speak with Thranduil and he would likely return only a day or two prior to the wedding. So he would have to leave it to the next few days to press her on her thoughts and what truly troubled her.

"So, I see you have really rebuilt much of Erebor since I was last here." Bilbo interrupted looking at the lovers. She was indeed unusual in her appearance, like the Easterlings, but beautiful nonetheless. And observing them deep in a private conversation across the table, Bilbo couldn't deny that the raven haired King and soon to be Queen of the Lonely Mountain made a stunning and very regal couple.

"Aye Master Baggins.. structurally most of it has been repaired. We are working to fortify our defences further for the future of course. But all that remains are the cosmetic restorations. And in fact, it turns out our Queen is rather good at stone masonry and has been working for Bifur and his team."

She blushed as Thorin brushed the back of his hand on hers smiling proudly.

"Really my work was nothing – they were merely babysitting me and keeping my hands occupied, and out of everyone's hair." She shook her head. "It really is nothing compared to what the rest of the team do.. Now Bilbo, I have heard many brave tales about your adventures: I would love to hear about them sometime. And more about the Shire – it must be so beautiful." Thoughts of the Shire, reminded Shobha of the English countryside, where they would go on picnics and berry picking and cycling during the warm summers. She would want to travel to the Shire if she could. She wondered how she could convince Thorin to take her there.

"Perhaps we should take you on a tour of our Great Kingdom?" Kili stepped in enthusiastically. "Shobha and Fili will help I am sure."

"We will walk with you for a bit, but our bride to be has a fitting this morning with Denin. And Kallon will be there too – to inspect the jewellery." Dis interrupted.

"And then we have to go over the seating arrangements. And you have already started receiving gifts.." Mara added smiling.

"Um.. perhaps you should write those thank you notes out for gifts." Fili ribbed. "You have seen Shobha's handwriting haven't you? It looks like a spider fell in the ink well and angrily ran all over the parchment…"

This set Kili, Dis and Bilbo laughing loudly. Shobha had spent a lifetime of being told how awful her handwriting was, even for a doctor! But she was completely offended when she spotted even Thorin stifling his laughter by covering his mouth and looking away pretending to refill his mug with more tea!

This was all escalating into a bit of stifling wedding nightmare for Shobha. That was the whole reason she had wanted a quiet intimate 'close-family-and-friends-only' sort of wedding with Mike in the first place. It had upset Mike's mother for quite some time, so they had decided to do it all in Wales and in a grand Castle, which had appeased some of her grievances. It was safe to say Gwynn was not an easy woman to please. And while it now seemed like a distant nightmare, Shobha used to wonder whether she considered any woman good enough for her son!

"Try not to scare my bride too much please… we do have three weeks left." Thorin grumbled at Dis.

"Actually, dear brother, its only two and a half weeks now." Dis corrected him rather sternly. "And soon the Noble families will be here, so if we don't tackle these remaining tasks now, there will be no time later.. and you wouldn't want your bride to be marrying you with no clothes would you..?"

A thought which made Thorin blush.. given the number of hours he had already spent greedily feasting on her bare skin. And while he had tended solely to her pleasure in as many different ways as he could think, despite her begging him at times, in the throes of her pleasure, he had never penetrated her. This was something that he desperately looked forward to and the thought alone made him painfully aroused. But they would need to consider taking proper precautions first, and he was glad of his restraint now, as the dreams came flooding back to him. This reminded him that would need to speak with Gandalf urgently.

"Aye…" Thorin sighed looking at Gandalf, who had been observing him closely, as if expecting him to ask. "Gandalf, could I speak with you please, perhaps you have some time now?"

"Of course, I will stay in Erebor tonight and leave for Imladris and Mirkwood tomorrow." Gandalf confirmed, looking at him more seriously.

"Come on then, you will need time for the tour –" Dis stood up.

"And a break for lunch – and tea too please…." Bilbo added hopefully.

"Aye Master Baggins, and no doubt you will want time to rest and ready yourself for dinner." Fili added remembering how fussy he had been when they had met him first in Hobbiton.

"We have some barrels of Old Toby still left for later." Dwalin called from next to Dis grinning. He appeared to be suddenly looking forward to dinner.

Shobha wondered whether it had anything to do with spending more time with Dis. Their romance appeared to be among the slowest burn types that she had ever come across. She didn't really like interfering, because it usually resulted in either very positive or very negative results. But in their case, a tiny bit of interference couldn't hurt, given she was her sister-in-law to be and he was her adopted-brother: Therefore she was best placed to at least find out a bit more.

And with that they all stood, and Thorin turned to her, placing a gentle kiss across her knuckles.

"May I pick you up before dinner, Amralime?" He whispered leaning so close to her ear, it sent a shiver down her spine.

"I would like that very much." She smiled softly.

Thorin sat in his study with Gandalf, who sat quietly listening and puffing away on his pipe.

"It's particularly about the visions…" Thorin explained.

"But these began when you held the stone." Gandalf confirmed not looking at him.

"Aye. First I thought they were what I hoped for." Thorin continued. "Maybe it was showing me my wishes and dreams. And the visions took away the disgust and sickness I had from before when I used to hold the stone…"

"Your marriage… and children?" He focused his glinting blue eyes on the dwarf. "A baby… or young children… is that all."

Thorin swallowed. How much more information did he want? He had explained about the image of her playing with younglings, and the one of her giving birth and holding a baby. He felt embarrassed about revealing that he had seen himself making love to her with wild abandon: sometimes she was bedecked in jewels alone; sometimes she wore a blindfold; sometimes he held her hands down; and sometimes she had her wrists bound with ribbons to the bed. "What specifically do you mean?"

"Well the children she ran after… is there any certainty they could be yours?"

"The fields were the land adjoining Erebor, where I had seen her last summer playing with the dwarflings. And the young had black hair.." He felt irritated. "I don't know for sure… I assumed it. And the visions were so short lived –"

"Tell me exactly what other visions you had. You are leaving something out Thorin Oakenshield." He eyed the dwarf King with suspicion.

"I saw us making love each time: before the vision with children. " Thorin felt he was confessing some of his most intimate thoughts that he had about her to this old wizard.

"Hmmm…" Gandalf kept his eyes on the King. "And you have no further visions at all anymore?"

"None, and the Jewel sits on the Throne as it once did. It appears to have no more effect –"

"Thanks to your Queen-to-be." Gandalf looked at his pipe now. "It was likely the purity of her heart that has saved you all."

"Aye." Thorin would forever be grateful for everything she had ever done. From calling on Thranduil to save his life, to helping him overcome the dragon sickness. "Which is why I can not have her bear any young if she is to die.."

"I suspect the original visions you had of her were just the Arkenstone appealing to your greed. You are better than Thror and have never had a need for gold the way your ancestors have. However, I suspect your desire for her outweighs everything… am I right?" Gandalf looked at Thorin this time his gaze piercing.

Thorin could not find the words to answer, it was almost as though the wizard had ripped the truth directly from the depths of his soul. He simply nodded.

"And part of that is your carnal desire for her… and your wish to one day sire a young one with her." Gandalf tapped his pipe out once again and reached out to the mug of tea on his side table. "The vision of her chasing the young is likely a similar seductive vision, allowing the stone to take more of a hold on you through these desires. And you were likely seeing an altered memory of her when you saw her during the last summer months."

"So does that mean the vision of her giving birth and dying is the true one?" Thorin suddenly stood up nervously and began pacing the room. "Maybe it's not too late… you can take her away. Find a way to send her back… She may hate me, but if she lives and is safe, I am certain she will find happiness. And I can live with that… While I was afflicted, I became obsessed that she must come to be with my child."

"There are other forces at play here Thorin, greater than you think… Dark forces.. as we discovered during your quest, which I came across in Dol Guldur." Gandalf frowned.

"Lady Galadriel visited your future Queen in Thranduil's Halls, I must know what she showed Shobha." Gandalf frowned. "I think you were being influenced by the forces of the Dark Lord When you saw those… I believe there is an important future that your children and Shobha will play in the strength or Middle Earth against the darkness."

"Let me summon Shobha now – "

"No! I suspect she had made up her mind to stay with you. Galadriel will have revealed some of her visions to Shobha. She is a wise Lady, but she believes the girl should not be sent back.. That her place is indeed as your Queen." Gandalf spoke calmly as though he knew. "And she has not been wrong: It appears there is some alliance being forged between Erebor and Mirkwood. Even if your people do not trust the Elves, Thranduil will do likely come to her aid."

"I have seen how Thranduil looks at her… with all lack of honour. He would keep her as his concubine if he could – not treat her as a Queen, as she deserves!" Thorin glowered.

"Don't be so foolish! Thranduil will not touch your betrothed. And I doubt she would let him."

"I did see her body in death, in my dreams of late: sometimes she was entombed in the white stone of Erebor, and others she was consigned to fire… but she had mentioned to me according to the customs of her people they did this... and whether I had this in mind when I dreamed –"

"No the fire is important." Gandalf spoke looking at the dying fire. "But I need time to think and speak with some of the council."

Thorin stopped pacing and looked at Gandalf intently. He spoke of too many possibilities, her safety needed to be assured.

"I suspect that you should have children, and she may be at risk of death. But Lady Galadriel is unlikely to sacrifice the life of one with a pure heart.. there will be other factors." Then Gandalf looked at him once more. "What are the wishes of your betrothed, Thorin? Does she want children?"

"Aye, she told me that is her wish."

"I will need time to think."

"But the wedding is in three weeks Gandalf."

"Well I am sure you are rather capable of keeping your desires under control… seeing you on Durin's Day, I though she would have been with child already by now!" Gandalf chuckled.

"Mahal help me! This is no jest Gandalf: Shobha's life hinges on it – and I must know!"

Denin's shop had been closed for the afternoon just for them. And Shobha had tried on several Saris and dresses that had been made for formal dinners and events that would surround the time of the wedding. The final two outfits were for the wedding and coronation, and Thorin had shown a preference for her to wear a Sari for both. She had insisted on longer sleeves for both, as she still found Erebor quite chilly at times, and Dis had suggested the more elaborately laced and revealing blouse for the Coronation Sari, reminding her quite crudely that it would be that outfit which Thorin would have the pleasure of undressing in the evening.

And so there she stood on a small platform in the changing room lobby where Denin had adjusted the furniture to have several mirrors surrounding the platform. She wore the evening coronation outfit, which would be worn for the feast also. And Dis had put her hair up roughly and dressed her in all the matching jewellery, and then disappeared to fetch Kallon and Denin.

The Sari for that evening was in a hot pink, embroidered with large gold patterns and the same gold edging used on her other saris, and on some of Thorin's matching outfits in his contrasting Durin Blue.

Shobha found several reflections of herself staring back at her, looking very much an Indian Princess or Queen, but with sad eyes. Her parents and family should have been here to share this day. She was clearly good at tormenting herself. She kept reminding herself that they would never deny her the chance of having a happy life. And if what Galadriel said was indeed true, she would need to be strong.

Just then the curtain opened slightly behind her.

"Oh lass!" Dwalin popped his head through and smiled. Shobha turned back as fast as she could given the material of the Sari was not securely fitted, as Denin had wanted to make some adjustments. And she was certain she caught the gruff warrior wiping a tear off the corner of his eyes. "You look like a Princess! If our Father and Mother had been here they would both insist on giving you away, and making the journey to the altar."

"Dwalin, I'm glad you're here." It was all too much. She started sobbing again. And he quickly ran up to her, then being very careful to not step on her skirts wrapped his arms around her in a large hug. "Everyone's suddenly left me… and I am thinking about my parents… and there's so much going on…" she managed between sobs.

"There, there, lass," he held her tight and stroked her head. "I think they are all here in our hearts. And your parents would approve of your marriage to Thorin… he is the best man I know. But he is better for having you."

She continued to sob for a bit longer.

"Lass… Dis will kill me if I let you ruin your clothes with your tears…" he spoke softly, which made Shobha laugh.

"Oh goodness Dwalin!" Shobha laughed, in between the dying sobs, as he slowly let her go and handed her a hanky. "So what happened between you two… please… I have been crying; you need to cheer me up."

"Och… I met her that day when you took the children out in the snow. She was upset, because you had shouldered all the blame. And she found me to ask whether we should tell Thorin that Fili had given Royal Approval. And I tried to convince her that was of little use…" Dwalin looked at his feet and then adjusted her hair tikka pendant before continuing. "Well I know Thorin, when it comes to you he will end up giving in, so I said he just needed time to cool off and talking to you would help… Well we went back to his study and found it empty.. and we didn't see Zodar so we were about knock on your door, when we heard the two of you laughing about the deal you both struck in the bath and I thought he was going to bed you!"

"Oh god!" She was mortified, and wondered exactly what Dwalin had heard. That evening, Thorin had played her body as skilfully as he had his harp: Each time he touched her, it had been as though he had been studying an important map or skill; he had learnt exactly what and where had given her the most pleasure, so that each subsequent climax was even more intense than the previous. In fact at one point they thought they had heard someone outside the door and instead of stopping, he had purposely made her orgasm at that very point but kissed her firmly to stifle her cries. And now she wondered whether it had been them.

"He was getting ready to braid your hair…" Dwalin looked at her suspiciously. "Why what did you do in the bath?"

"Nothing like that." She pursed her lips. She knew he would spot it if she lied so thought to change the subject fast. "Hang on, what are you even doing here Dwalin?"

"Dis wanted me to practice a walk with you so I don't trip you up or step on your Sari." He smiled, every time Dis was mentioned now.

"So did you kiss her that day?" Shobha quickly fired her next question before he could think again.

"Aye.. well she kissed me first – I was going to come in and send Thorin to his room, when she kissed me to stop me from going in…" he blushed again.

"And… what did you do?" Shobha squealed.

"I kissed her back…" he rubbed the back of his neck again. "Problem is I don't think she expected me to kiss her back!"

"Wooohoooo! At last!" Shobha grasped his hands.

"Thing is she kissed me back… and well… we really got into it… you know." He let one of her hands go and slapped it to his head.

"But that's great!"

"No lass… when she realised a few minutes later. Well she got all flustered and ran…"

"And what did you do?" She asked, clinging to each word he uttered as though her life depended on it.

"I ran after her once I realised what just happened myself.. but she had gone into her room and didn't answer when I knocked. Although I swear she was leaning on the door. I thought I could hear her breathing."

"So did you talk to her after that…?"

"Aye, but she pretends as though it never happened." He looked a bit down. "So I haven't raised it again… figured it was a mistake."

"No, I've seen the way she looks at you. She really fancies you." Shobha smiled.

"And did she say that to you exactly lass?"

"Well no…"

"Then we leave it… bedsides this is not some wallflower we are talking about – it's Dis. If she wants something she will ask for it." Dwalin concluded.

"I don't think that is true… it's complicated because of her late husband. But how long ago was that?!"

"Och no… leave it. A widow must always choose. Now that was a good try… but I was lecturing you on the importance of keeping your virtue until you are both wed –"

Fortunately they were interrupted by Dis herself who was followed by Kallon and Denin.

"Oh Good! You're here." Dis spoke to Dwalin and then turned to Shobha. "Oh my dear! You look an absolute vision!"

"Aye, Our King certainly knows how to select jewels perfect for you!" Kallon spoke stepping up onto he platform and admiring his own work. "Now we need to check the fit of the crown and measure your fingers for the rings. Not to worry I will leave a bit of room, most females swell a little when they come to be with child. And I expect you will in the next year Lass…"

"Well if you look like that on your wedding night… I would give it a month!" Denin cackled with Dis and Kallon, while Shobha blushed. These dwarves were a bawdy bunch indeed!

"Och I don't need to hear that about my little sister!" Dwalin grumbled, muttering further curses in Khuzdul under his breath.

After a rather exhausting afternoon both physically being moved about by Kallon, Dis and Denin and mentally, due to everything else, Shobha found herself relaxing after a shower. She had set her dress out, lay on the bed and focussed on her breathing to clear her mind. Between her worries about how to help her parents and Thorin's nightmares she hadn't been sleeping well. And slowly as she continued she drifted off to sleep…

She was awoken by a knock on her door. Jolting awake, she had to take a moment to realise where she was. Getting herself up she walked over to the door, to find Thorin letting himself in.

He was dressed in a deep blue velvet coat and trousers with a tunic in a one shade lighter underneath. It was simple but still formal, and he had offset it with his large sapphire studded belt.

"Amralime, are you well? You are not dressed." He looked at her concerned.

"Sorry Thorin," she said running her hands through her hair, which she realised must have developed a load of kinks from laying in bed while wet. "I've been so tired, I must have fallen asleep."

Looking at her in her bathrobe, and with her hair still damp and mussed from her light sleep, reminded him of the first time they kissed, and the first time he touched her. She was just as much a tempting vision now: her robe was coming undone, with it very precariously remaining together due to the tie. He walked over to her and taking her hand, he kissed her.

"You seem tense, my beautiful one." He pulled her into his chest and kissed her once more.

"Mmmm… there's a lot do do… and I had my fittings today so it was all a bit emotional."

He gazed lovingly into her big dark eyes. Perhaps that was what she was preoccupied by – her worry about her family. He didn't want to interrupt her so that she could open up to him as much as she felt comfortable.

"Thank you for the jewellery. They are all beautiful… perfect actually," she changed the subject herself. She didn't want him to feel that she wasn't happy to be marrying him, or to burden him, when clearly he appeared to have many things on his plate too. And tiptoeing up she kissed him, wrapping her arms around his neck, snaking her fingers into his hair. She needed a distraction badly. Pausing to look into his intense, deep, blue eyes, she crashed her lips against his, pressing her body to his desperately, and allowing her hand to trail down from his chest, and the middle of his muscular abdomen to his trousers rubbing his firmness, to find it growing harder to her touch.

"Mmmmm… Mahal! Would you like me to ease your tensions my Lady?" He asked, as he watched her robe finally splay open revealing a hot trail of brown skin from between her breasts all the way down to her delicious apex. And then she kissed him again and undid his belt with a click, letting it drop to the ground, and began to slide her hands under his coat.

"We cant be too late Amralime… they are beginning to gather up now… but I can help you.." he spoke huskily as he fought to control himself. She was much more needy today, her hands wondering all over him and kissing him passionately.

"Yes please.. I need this.." she broke their kiss and still holding one hand she stepped back towards the bed. And Oh Mahal! She let her right hand trail down lazily from her neck, between her breasts and all the way down. And he watched with greedy eyes as she began to touch herself.

He grabbed her and kissing her vigorously slipped his hands along her body upwards, brushing past her breasts and up to her shoulders, where he slipped her robe off revealing her beautiful form completely. Then growling in appreciation he fast rid himself of his coat, letting it drop to the floor and followed her to the bed.