Dear All,

Thank you again for taking time to read my story so far - sorry I have been posting replies to reviews on the reviews bit itself. So just wanted to say sorry if it seemed like I have not replied.

Thank you guests, ladyofsouls, MissCalla for reviews - sorry about cliffhangers (but there may be a few more coming up).

great spot ro - meant to say Vanyarin

Memo - thank you feel very chuffed. Its a bit scary publishing my story online - so its really great to hear good feedback. Hope you enjoy the rest.

Please please keep posting your reviews/comments / favouriting/following

And Happy Halloween

Thorin had now received emissaries bearing banners from most of the leaders in each clan, pledging their allegiance to him as their true King. They agreed to unite under him and his heirs if the time ever came. He had not heard from the Blacklocks, and so the company all now believed they had all perished at the hands of Kasha.

A handful of older noble families had declined their invitations, objecting that the line of Durin would be 'further diluted and weakened' by Easterling blood. Thorin, Balin and Gloin were not troubled by it, given not everyone could be satisfied. The truth was that during the time that Erebor had been lost to the fire drake, the dwarven population had also dwindled. With no stable settlement until they reached the Blue Mountains and rebuilt, very few younglings were born and many had perished without suitable shelter or food. Therefore more dwarves would have to accept marriage from races not of their own, much like his own grandfather had done. Thorin accepted he would not please all with his choice of bride, even it had been a dam.

And so, Erebor was now full of activity, with many of the noble families all readying themselves for the feasts to be held around the wedding. Court was a place where they could find suitable partners for their sons and daughters who were of age. They still had fifty smaller apartments that remained unoccupied, but did not expect any further guests.

Gael had done well under their care in a few days, his wounds had started improving and he too appeared to have put on a bit more weight. He began by sitting next to Dis and Shobha at mealtimes. And then insisted on sitting next to Fili, Kili or Dwalin. Shobha would always read to him in the evenings, in the royal library, while Thorin sat smoking his pipe, watching them with quiet amusement. She would often spend time with the child inbetween her work, allowing time for Dis to do the things she had wanted also. But Gael had a cot placed in Dis' room, where he would sleep. And the boy had started learning to read and write, attending lessons with the other dwarflings. The younglings had been kind to him, although they knew he was no dwarf, because Shobha herself had introduced him to them on his first day. And of course, all the younglings loved her and would do anything for her including looking after a new friend.

Gael had quickly come to regard Dwalin as a father figure, who had taken him to training and shown him how to use a dummy sword, under the watchful eye of Dis, of course! And Dis had closely observed Dwalin with the child, often with starry eyes, her final reservations and guilt, because of her late husband, beginning to crumble.

Shobha had started taking riding lessons from Thorin, but helping her onto the saddle and watching her ride, had left him highly distracted at times. Thus, he had then entrusted Fili to take some of her lessons instead. And Fili had been more patient and encouraging with her, after all he was her training partner, but perhaps had enjoyed getting her in and out of the saddle a tad too much himself. She had been a fast learner, but seemed to enjoy petting and grooming her pony most of all. The mild creature had taken to her also, enjoying the many treats she would arrive with, and often looking forward to her mistress' gentle brush strokes.

The wedding plans were almost completely set, now all that remained was to handle the various audiences and feasts with the nobles.

...

That morning, Thorin had addressed all the nobles that had arrived. He stood on the dais, in front of his throne, with Fili and Kili standing next to him. They were all dressed in their deep blue suits. They were formal but simple. And it was clear nonetheless that they were the heirs of Durin, and Thorin was King. Balin, Gloin and Mara had stood at the front in support, while Dis, Shobha and Dwalin had stood at the back of the hall, although formally dressed themselves, with Gael holding Dwalin's hand looking at all the dwarrows and dams dressed in their best, like a sea of colour.

"Ladies and Lords, we bid you welcome to Erebor." Thorin spoke in his deep voice. Although he didn't seem to raise his voice much at all, he could be heard clearly right at the back of the hall amidst the pin-drop silence. "To old friends, we thank you for your unwavering support. And to those new to Erebor, we thank you for your allegiance. The quest to reclaim the Lonely Mountain has been a long and dangerous one, and the task of rebuilding has been far from easy. But I hope in my future days to restore our Kingdom, your Kingdom, to even greater days than we have seen in the past. And so I am grateful for your well wishes as I prepare to wed my One, my bride to be as she embarks on my journey to rebuild with me."

At this the crowd erupted in cheers, Thorin looked at the far end of the room, spotting Shobha in the background. He hadn't addressed such a large crowd as this since the time that he was crown prince, before Smaug. And while it felt good to see a full court, he was fully aware that not all of them were genuine supporters of the line of Durin. He gave them time to settle down once more.

"We will be welcoming Lord Dain and our kin from the Iron Hills tomorrow, and there will be a great feast in three days thereafter. And our marriage ceremony a week thereafter. Followed by our consummation period. We expect you will have the chance for an audience with myself, my heirs, Lady Dis and my betrothed, in the next ten days prior to the wedding. And for those who are unwed, may Mahal bless you in finding your One also, and given the number of gentle Lords and Ladies here – I expect you may have a fair chance!"

The crowd broke out once more, some in laughter and some in cheers.

"What a stiff old goat he's become!" Dis whispered giggling, causing Shobha to stifle a chuckle and Dwalin to guffaw.

And as Thorin gently bowed his head in acknowledgment of the cheers and began to usher the Princes down, there was a quiet but sure interruption.

"My King, would you permit us a request please?"

Thorin halted, along with Fili and Kili who were just about to descend down the steps.

"Aye, Lord Mervin." He recalled the ruddy, red haired dwarf who was one of the large farmers close to the blue mountains. He had three sons, all who helped him acquire and run large areas of land by the foothills. Mervin had been loyal to their family.

"It is a rarity to have so many dams under one settlement. And could I be so bold as to ask whether our Queen to be would be able to organise some activities for the dams? Such as needlework, art and other crafts?" His wife nudged him again. "And it would give the females some company, as some have travelled from areas with few fellow dams…."

"But the bride to be is still busy with some preparations for the wedding, my Lord and Lady." Balin then spoke up, turning to face the eager couple.

"Aye, my Lord Balin, but perhaps it is best if our Lady begins to take on these duties, given the coronation soon, and taking up formal duties of the Queen thereafter." Another Lord chipped in.

"Lord Belmon, that is true, but surely even the ladies who have travelled would prefer time to rest and prepare for the various festivities?" Glóin quickly added.

"Actually, Lord Glóin, it would be beneficial to both the Ladies and our Queen-to-be to become better acquainted, given future working relations…" Another fair haired smaller dwarrow spoke up. His features were pinched close together, giving him the appearance of a weasel.

"In that case Lord Elgin, it is settled." Balin confirmed defiantly.

Watching at the back, Shobha inwardly groaned.

"Don't worry, dear sister, I will help you.. that is for certain." Dis said placing a hand on her shoulder.

"I feel a bit thrown under the bus there.."

"If they had said no, if makes you look weak." Dwalin spoke quietly. "Och.. com'on lass! If you handled those thugs at the Black Arrow – what's a bunch of poofy old skirts?"

To which both Dis and Shobha shot him a glare in unison.

"Right come on lad. We know when the ladies don't want us." Dwalin quickly backtracked. "Now you've heard the King, we can take you to Oin and then your lessons."

"Thank you… and then can I go practice my bow and arrow after lessons pleeease?" The little boy asked looking up at the warrior.

"You can join the Princes when they go. I have some training with the King, lad… let's leave these grumpy ladies, and go join other men…" Dwalin muttered as he walked away with the boy.

Shobha observed Dis smiling, as she watched Dwalin and Gael disappear down the large corridor. She was clearly in love, and they were enjoying parenting the boy as a couple. They just needed time to work out their feelings fully.

Who knows maybe they might adopt the child? Shobha thought smiling to herself.

"What are you smiling about…? Come on! We have some planning to do!" Dis quickly linked her arm in Shobha's and started dragging her off towards their rooms.

Late that afternoon most of the noble dams were all seated around the table in the formal Royal Dining Hall. They were all chatting, drinking tea, and eating cookies. Shobha and Dis walked in and joined them. At first they ignored the two for a few moments, to imply an air of self importance. But when Shobha took the King's seat at the head and Dis next to her, they all stood up from their seats, and curtsied.

"Thank you my Ladies for joining us." Shobha spoke still standing. "Please take your seats… as you know we have gathered you all to arrange a series of classes and groups to allow you ladies to learn skills and socialise with one another. And today will give us a brief chance to get acquainted also. Once we get everything organised more, I would hope we meet less often as you will be able to continue matters with little oversight from me, or Lady Dis."

Shobha sat down and the dams who were silent at first, then looked at one another unsure of what came next.

"Maybe we should begin by introducing ourselves, why not go around the table." Shobha looked to her left. Each dam took their chance to introduce themselves, and finally getting to Shobha, there was an initial silence again, and then several dams spoke up.

"My Queen, are you experienced in matters of pleasing a dwarf..?"

Shobha was surprised at such an open line of questioning.

"I hardly think that is the point here." Dis interrupted.

"Well, I think as we are all female here, there is no shame… and she should be warned. After all dwarrows are very different in their size and stamina to men folk." A confident blonde dam spoke from the further end of the table.

"Particularly those who are close have heard our King has a particularly voracious carnal appetite…" another seated next to her with red hair and emerald eyes with thick sideburns spoke up.

"Aye, and our Queen has such tiny hands. Almost babe-like.." another chestnut haired dam sitting close to the two who spoke, added with a stifled giggle.

These were all clearly intended to be insults.

"And a smaller bosom than what he is thought to enjoy.." the blonde one who spoke initially returned back.

"Aye, you wouldn't want the King left unsatisfied and wishing to take a lover?" A different darker haired dam added.

"It's a shame those who CLAIM to have had such experience are not here to be challenged about the nature of such defaming lies now, isn't it ladies." Dis' comments cut through the air like a hot knife through butter. And all the women suddenly quietened for a moment.

"But are you saying that Lady Lira, lies to us about such a matter, my Lady?" The blonde dam challenged Dis slightly more tentatively.

"Well either that, or clearly she was incapable of satisfying him… for if those were indeed the preferences of my brother, then surely we would have a different Queen now." Dis had completely crushed her argument, making her blush.

"Do you know what… we are getting off to the wrong start here… lets forget about business talks for now… and get to know each other." Shobha looked at Dis, and gently placing her hand on her arm, she winked as she had thought of an idea. These women were vicious and clearly harboured a lot of gossip and secrets, some likely terribly scandalous. She had dealt with women like that before. Mike had been surrounded by such women, from his mother to his older sisters. Fortunately his eldest brother and wife and his youngest sister had been her allies in these matters, particularly where Mike had turned a blind eye. She found in these circumstances a bit of alcohol helped. "Ladies will you give me and Lady Dis a moment, while we go and speak with Lady Elin to arrange some proper refreshments, and then we can chat. After all I do not wish to become a stiff Queenly sort… no I would encourage your advice and counsel!"

The women looked at her, some encouraged and some even pleased to hear that the new Queen may be willing to admit that she was lesser to these noble dams.

Taking Dis with her, Shobha quickly found Elin and described exactly what she wanted, and returned back to the dining room. This time t were more subdued with their conversation, feeling satisfied that they had put her suitably in her place.

As conversation continued mostly with Shobha asking about each of the women's families, Elin and some of the other dams working in the kitchen arrived with several platters of bruschetta with various toppings and many carafes of wine and fresh goblets.

And so the evening continued. Shobha and Dis shared two carafes marked with the royal crest, while the other dams heartily drank and ate, chatting about a variety of routine issues. Eventually as they all became more and more tipsy, with exception of Shobha and Dis, who had been secretly drinking very dilute wine and grape juice, but they had played along nonetheless. And soon the various dams had revealed many different scandalous bits of gossip and stories about themselves and others.

Finally as the evening wound down, Shobha stood up and addressed the dams.

"Once again, my dear ladies I thank you for granting me this audience. It has been most enlightening." She smiled at them all, as they slowly started to realise that she was not quite as drunk as they were. "And now we are all 'friends' and acquainted with each other's secrets – let us bring some suggestions for a timetable of activities that you would all like to see set up for your entertainment while you are here in Erebor."

And with that she bowed her head and they all attempted curtsies some almost falling over as they did. Then stifling their laughter, Shobha and Dis quickly left the room, and headed to the parlour that she and Thorin shared. Once within the safety of this room and with the door shut and Zodar on guard outside, they began hooting with laughter.

"Oh Mahal! That was simply inspired!" Dis clutched Shobha's hands and they both began to jump up and down in victory.

The door from Thorin's study opened in that moment.

"Mahal! Are you two quite well?!" Thorin took a few steps in to investigate, his initial look of irritation fading into a very small smile seeing his bride and sister. "You look like you have won some horrendous battle…"

They stopped jumping in delight and merely nodded at him, smiling.

"Hmmm… it wouldn't have anything to do with the complaints I've received about the ladies all pouring out of the meeting room drunk and unable to walk, would it now?"

"Maybe.. but only deservingly so dear brother. I will leave Shobha to explain later tonight." Dis smiled.

"I can see you two are going to be even tougher to negotiate with, than my mother was with the women in court." He rolled his eyes.

"By the way… since I have you both in the room: Lord Elgin has been milling around." Dis warned. "Perhaps it's a good thing that you do share a bed until the day of the wedding. But keep your noises down. And don't be seen entering the room together. Thorin will have to sneak in later or something."

Shobha wasn't sure what to make of that warning.

"Ugh! This is much more dangerous than I thought…"

"But you have us all in this!" Dis smiled rubbing her arm.

The next day Dain and the dwarves from the Iron Hills had arrived. They had brought a large number of guards, who had protected them on the journey here, given there were many caravans and carriages. But the guards had been well prepared and had arrived to set up a large camp in the fields just outside of Erebor.

They had welcomed Dain as the last time he had visited. He had however been less jovial, being worried about making good impressions for the introduction of his son to Lady Lira and her father, Lord Elgin. He had also reported that the orc attacks had impacted on the traders travelling to the Iron Hills, and wanted to discuss matters in depth with Thorin, Dwalin and Balin. A prospect which worried Shobha.

The ladies had been relatively well behaved in their meetings with Shobha and Dis, at least towards them, but they had still on occasion indulged in trading insults amongst themselves. They had managed to arrange needlework, sewing and portrait painting for the dams so far. Shobha had secretly suggested that they were given shifts on the cleaning teams and cooking teams to be more useful, earning her a secret chuckle from Dis.

Soon the evening of the grand feast had arrived. Shobha had a special suit made for Gael, and she had seen to him getting dressed first, allowing time for Dis and Dwalin to get ready. They had then taken over looking after Gael. Dwalin had readied his chess board, as they had found Gael rather enjoyed a game of chess. And much to his delight had learned some of Dwalin's plays already, making him a good opponent!

Thorin had dressed in his room and then rapidly rushed over to Shobha's in hopes of catching her while she was still half clothed for some 'pleasurable impropriety', as he had begun to call it. Unfortunately, she was already dressed in a fiery orange Sari, with a gold blouse that was cut fully open at the back and with a large V-shaped cut into the front exposing a very kissable strip of skin including her naval and up to just below her bust. He would enjoy placing his hands on her bare skin whenever he got the chance! She had paired it with the sapphire heart pendant he had given her on Durin's Day and the matching earrings and a sapphire hair pendant. And she was pinning up her hair as he walked in to her room. The fiery shades and the contrasting sapphires all against her warm brown skin, made her look like an ethereal goddess. It took his breath away. He walked over to her and placed a trail of kisses down the back of her neck.

"Amralime." He whispered, skimming his fingers down the sides of her arms.

She turned and gave him a kiss wrapping her arms around him.

"Sorry… no time for any 'pleasurable impropriety' today." She whispered back.

"Ugh.." he groaned at having lost out on his plan. "You look beautiful, Amralime."

She turned to face the mirror once more and pinned a final strand. As he wrapped his arms around the bare skin of her waist, pressing his body to her back.

"Mmmm… I like this though… should we set a dressing table for you, my beautiful one?"

"No need for now, my King."

"That brings me to the question of where you would like us to prepare our room, my Queen? Both our rooms are far too small… Perhaps the Queens rooms or the Kings or my parents old room? That has a window – although it probably needs to be resealed. I will show you tonight when we return." He said thoughtfully, keeping his deep blue eyes fixed on hers in the mirror.

"I want Dis to keep the Queens apartments. And Fili to stay in the King's chamber, Thorin." She said finally opening a small glass jar and taking a red salve and applying some to her lips. Since she had no makeup here. So she had learnt how to make lip stain from Elin and Mara in the kitchen by melting beeswax, almond oil, peppermint oil and red food colouring.

"Oh Mahal!" He whispered squeezing her tighter.

She turned to face him and fiddled with the button chain on the front of his formal coat, evening it out. And then tutted at him.

"My lovely husband to be… if you kiss me now there will be evidence of your impropriety."

And then he bent his neck and placed a trail of hot open mouthed kisses along her jaw and down her neck, biting and sucking her skin at points. He would likely leave a love bruise here or there, but he didn't mind what others may think: it would be a subtle and clear mark that Shobha was his One.

"Its only… if you… kiss me… my beautiful One." He breathed onto her skin in between, making her pant and sigh.

She melted into him, as he pressed his growing arousal into her making her gasp and pant hotly.

"Now I have you suitably flustered, let me walk you to the dining halls…" he smiled.

They were joined by a large group, with Dwalin, Dis and Gael; who had become a makeshift family unit, although Thorin being his usual blinkered self, had not noticed it yet. Fili and Kili, who looked very much the heirs of Durin walked behind them and Balin, Glóin, Mara and Gimli behind them. Even Oin had joined the group to walk along from the royal wing, although he too did not reside there.

Balin had confirmed that the rest of the company were expected to join them just outside the Halls with Little Lena, as Elin and Bombur would remain in the kitchens to supervise. Culinary skills truly were their passion and while this sort of event would have scared anyone else, for them, it was their moment to shine.

The hallways leading up to the Great Dining Halls has been decorated with a variety of banners, that Shobha now realised were the banners sent by various clan leaders showing their support and allegiance to their King. The Durin House crests were placed on the outermost remits and she noticed that he had received several banners from the woodland realms also, including Elrond, Galadriel and most surprising of all Thranduil! Of course they had been placed in the outermost areas.

The vast solid wood doors which were normally shut, and a smaller dwarf sized set of doors within them only left open had now been fully opened, which opened the Dining Hall into the large hallway. And tables had been set spilling all the way out into the hallway, allowing the Soldiers and every single dwarrow and dam residing and visiting Erebor, including Dains soldiers who had camped outside, to enjoy the feast! They were already milling around their tables enjoying merry conversation and tankards of ale and mead. And as they saw the King and his company approach all stood to salute him, by slapping their fist to their breastplates, receiving a gracious bow of the head in return from Thorin. Despite some of the nobility being against a monarchy, the majority of the remaining people, including the warriors and soldiers all seemed to love their King.

They stopped briefly to have the rest of the company join them. Shobha bent down and gave Lena a hug before taking her hand. Lena was dressed in beautiful emerald green dress and matching slippers, which complemented her eyes perfectly, and her shock of red curls had been tamed today with a few emerald hair clips. Thorin watched his bride fondly take hold of the youngling, with a slight upturn of the corners of his mouth. He hadn't fully accepted that they should have children yet, given his fears, but seeing her like this made it clear that he couldn't deny her of the joy.

Shobha had arranged the seating plan with Mara, Dis and Elin such that Gael would be tucked between Dis and the Princes, Gimli between Glóin and Oin, and Lena between herself and Mara. There would be no head table on the dais tonight, but it would be joined with several others to allow all the company to sit together and enjoy the feast with everyone else. Tauriel, had been extended an invitation, but had politely declined. It was too large an event for her to be at, for her first time, and with too many haughty nobles to contend with.

"Ho! Ho! Thorin! Finally joining us eh?" Dain came over and grasping Thorin's shoulder, gave his forehead a great big knock.

"And my Lady Shobha, my apologies for trying to set the wrong Thorin on you when we last met!" He let out a booming laugh, grasping her arm.

"Gentle with my bride, Cousin-"

"No need to warm me, Cousin." Dain gently placed his forehead to hers. "I don't want to knock out yer bride. In fact she's a little knock out! Well… this is an unusual dress: very nice eh Thorin? I can see the grumpy old bugger will be enjoying a gathering for once then." He began booming again with laughter and making her blush. Then he turned to say a few things to Thorin in Khuzdul. Her knowledge of their language was still quite formal. But judging by his tone, the way Dis blushed and that she'd heard Thorin grunt similar words sometimes as he climaxed, Dain had said some unspeakably rude things!

"We have young amongst us Cousin!" Thorin chuckled after he had replied back in Khuzdul. Although it seemed the things he replied with had not been any less rude.

"Och, aye! Forgive me! This wee one isn't yours surely… it's only been a few months!"

"This is Lena: Elin and Bombur's little girl." Shobha introduced proudly.

And with that Dain bowed low to her, and received a giggle and a curtsy back from Lena.

"At your service my Lady."

Eventually after several more greetings they all took their seats, and Thorin said a few words of welcome. Then the feasting began. The room had been abuzz with the noise of chatter and merriment. Dwarves definitely knew how to party! Platter after platter of food, jugs of ales and carafes of wines had continued to flood into the Hall from the kitchens.

Shobha had found it interesting to discover that despite their love of food, and tendency to put on weight, dwarves did not suffer from similar diseases such as diabetes or heart disease the way that humans did!

Thorin had always been very attentive to her, particularly at mealtimes, but that evening had taken care of making sure Lena had food that she preferred also. In those moments Shobha couldn't help but imagine him as the father of her future children, and it appeared he too enjoyed envisaging her as the mother to his children.

As the evening had worn on, Thorin, who was normally very controlled about how much he had to drink, had allowed himself to relax a little more than usual.

He had repeatedly raised his glass to her, within their little, group toasting her. And the children had all thoroughly enjoyed themselves in addition to the adults, particularly seeing their usually grumpy King, rather merry tonight.

"Dwalin, here, said I should relax this evening… from my royal duties!" Thorin let out a deep chuckle in Shobha's ear, making her tingle all over, as he openly ran his hand along the bare skin of her back. "And Fili and Kili, good lads. These are the last few nights I have to agonise, thinking… dreaming... about bedding his little sister, before I actually get to do it!"

"Och Thorin!" Dwalin groused.

"What?!" He laughed as he watched his best friend and nephews turn red. "It's a groom's duty to please his bride… and then have his wicked way with her. Over and over and o –"

He was interrupted by Dis who smacked him across the head.

"Ow!"

"I would be careful about discussions on having one's wicked way with your dear friend's sister. Or else Dwalin might just have to return the favour!" Dis winked, and gave Dwalin's muscular arm a squeeze much to the chagrin of Fili and Kili, who despite having witnessed horrific battle, now had their hands over their eyes! Shobha squealed at this, and Thorin looked at her suspiciously.

Eventually Thorin had switched to water, although by that point he was rather tipsy. And as the feast had wound down, and the tables slowly cleared to make room for a dance floor as on Durin's Day, Elin had come over to collect a very tired little Lena, who was falling asleep leaning on Shobha as she carefully cradled her in her lap.

"Thank you Shobha. Lena looks like she has had a lovely time!" Elin smiled carrying the little girl. "She was so excited to be sitting with you and Thorin today. And now she's all worn out."

"Well, little one, why not sit with us for our wedding feast too?" Thorin smiled at Shobha.

"Thank you, your majesty." Lena smiled, and then leaning over from her mother's arms, she gave Shobha a peck on the cheek. And began to wave. "Night night Shobha and your Highness."

"Sleep tight darling." Shobha smiled blowing her a kiss as Elin carried her away.

"Hey – why do I not get a kiss?" Thorin complained, smiling dreamily at Shobha and continuing to tease her bare skin, drawing patterns. "Will you give me kiss at least my Queen?"

He cupped her chin in his large hand and tipping it up, gently kissed her. He came away from his kiss with staining to his lips from hers, so she quickly reached up and brushed her thumb over his lips to rub it away. Thorin however, being somewhat tipsy caught her thumb in his lips and began to kiss up her hand and arm.

"Oi Thorin! You'll have plenty of time to enjoy your new Queen soon enough! You'd better go open the dance floor with your love. Otherwise I will have to do it!" Dain came over to hover behind the couple patting Thorin on the back. Shobha was rather glad he hadn't done the same to her, as she would have likely landed on the floor with the force he used.

"My King, do you think you are safe to dance?" Shobha leant over and whispered in his ear, giving him the opportunity to cheekily allow his other hand to trace feathery patterns across the bare strip of skin on her abdomen.

"My pretty pretty Queen, I wouldn't dream of allowing anyone else open the dance floor with you." He grabbed her waist and hoisted her up onto her feet, at first pressing her body shamelessly to his despite all the guests keeping their eyes fixed on the King and his bride.

"Mahal's massive bollocks! This one is already trying to worm his way into her undergarments!" Dain laughed loudly once more. "You'll be with child in the next few months I wager! In fact I may have to save you on the dance floor if he keeps on like this!"

"I wager a month!" Kili winked.

"No. He will want to enjoy her first… I think anyone in his position would! So I wager two months!" Fili smirked, although he turned slightly red as he noticed Shobha looking at him mouth agape. She expected cheek fro Kili, but not from Fili!

This time Dwalin clipped the two princes around the head, receiving a thank you from Dis.

Then Thorin, suddenly transformed into the picture of respectability, kissing her hand, and gently leading her out on to the dance floor. And as the band began, he started whirling her around the room. He was surprisingly steady and kept her held tight to his body, enjoying the feel of her bare skin in his hands. He knew that he would never get enough of that.

She could feel all eyes were fixed on them, it appeared at first other's were reluctant to join, opting instead to watch. But soon they were joined by many other couples led by Dis and Dwalin. But Dain never had the chance to interrupt as Thorin slowly guided her towards the edge of the dance floor and began to walk her out.

"Are you alright Thorin?" Shobha looked at him worried.

"Aye, my pretty little Queen. I think we had better get to bed though… we wont be missed now." He smiled at her dreamily and taking her hand in his, kissed it once more.

"My King," a small made blonde dwarrow bowed his head, smirking at them. "My Lady. Not leaving so soon, I hope."

"Lord Elgin." Thorin stood tall and tilted his head ever so slightly in acknowledgement, while Shobha found he gently brought her closer to him protectively. "I hope you are enjoying tonight's festivities." But despite his attempt to brush the dwarf off, he appeared to stick like a limpet to a rock.

"I know you expressed your interest in my daughter at one point – I do hope there are no hard feelings. After all Lord Thorin Stonehelm is more her age." Elgin smiled falsely, making him look a bit reptilian.

"Oh no! That is hardly any concern at all. My Queen and I both wish you all well. Dain and Thorin are good dwarves of the highest honour." Thorin mustered a light smile. "Please excuse us; there are some more guests I must introduce my bride to.."

Shobha smiled at the dwarrow also, but he scowled at her, wanting to speak more. Just then he was interrupted.

"Ah! Lord Elgin!" Balin popped up patting him on the back. "Come and join Dain and myself – we wanted to ask after those mines of yours.."

Balin ushered him over and turning gave Thorin and Shobha a wink over his shoulder.

Thorin interlaced his fingers with Shobha's and began ushering her back to the royal wing without a further delay. As soon as they rounded the corner and finally arrived in the royal wing, he immediately scooped her up into his arms, with a slight stumble and began to stride towards her room, albeit, somewhat slower than his normal pace.

"My lovely King, I think you should put me down. I have had less to drink than you."

"Hush my Queen…" He planted a sloppy kiss on her. "If we don't get in there soon, I think I shall be too tired to do anything to you… and I would at least like to undress you –"

She realised that he must have used all his last energy to dance with her and deal with any final conversations, and was probably a lot more drunk than she thought.

Barr stood guard outside Arya and Thráin's old apartments, which had now become theirs. He slammed his fist to his chest in salute.

"I hope you got some food Barr…" Thorin bowed his head.

"Aye my King."

"We are not to be disturbed. And you may want to try and keep your ears blocked –"

"Alright.. Thank you Barr." Shobha interrupted, feeling quite embarrassed. She wondered how many of the guards had heard their 'impropriety' so far. He had always teased her afterwards about how loud she was, and yet when she would try to muffle her sounds with her hand, he would always stop her by holding them back. And he had learned so well what had made her come undone that every orgasm had been astoundingly intense!

She opened the door, and he pushed her in gently, giving her a playful spank. But after walking through he stood there in the doorway a bit dazed.

She quickly pulled him in and shut the door.

"Right my lovely King, lets get you into bed.."

"Oh not until I have undressed you.." he growled. Then walking over to her, he ran his hands around the exposed brown skin of her abdomen, and finally planted them firmly on her hips, pulling her in to him. "You're so pretty, my Queen."

He kissed her, his tongue skimming her bottom lip seeking entry, and she gave it without hesitation, pressing herself to him as she ran her hands up his coat, and around his neck. He began murmuring in Khuzdul. She found the soft purring sounds he made with such a harsh language rather arousing.

Shobha quickly undid his button chain, removed his belt and coaxed his coat off. And slowly guiding him to the bed bodily she managed to get him seated on the end of the bed.

"Boots off please…" Shobha bent down to help him, only to receive another spank.

"Naughty girl… you should be stripping for me!" He smiled at her. "And I should be pounding you – ah.. maybe we shouldn't wait anymore..."

He took off both his boots with a bit of a struggle.

"Mmmm – and what about getting me pregnant?"

"Oh.. who knows: I am older than most who take a wife. Maybe my seed is no longer fertile…" he pouted. "Will you still have me if I cant father you a child, my love?"

Shobha took his tunic off next, and gently brushed his cheek with her hand.

"I love you Thorin… and that wont change. What if I cant have a child?" She stroked his hair softly, standing between his legs now.

"What? A pretty, young thing like you…? You are probably so fertile, it may make up for my old seed, my darling wife." He smiled again, eyes half closed for a second before waking up again. And then he spoke to her with a more commanding tone. "Now unclothe for me my pretty little Queen!"

He began clumsily helping her pull out the pins and fastening that had held her sari together and kissed her while letting the material fall. And then she stopped.

"Truly, Thorin." She looked him in the eye, concern flooding her face. "What if I am unable? I know there should be no problem, my mother and sister had none. But I don't know until I try I suppose. And of course I have never tried with another man before…"

Now she just felt neurotic. It appeared even she had consumed more ale than she would have liked.

"Then it would not matter to me. I still have my heirs in Fili and Kili. And it just would mean I can enjoy your body as much as I like then." He smiled at her reassuringly and then kissed her. "The truth is dwarves need several attempts to conceive… and sometimes we never do. That is why we regard our women and children as so precious."

"Maybe that's why you are so horny." She giggled as he wrapped his arms around her waist attempting to untangle the sari and then stopped.

"Amralime, There you go using your dialect words again… like 'oh-kay' and 'horny'.." he let out a low rumbling chuckle and kissed her nose.

"Horny means aroused."

He looked suitably scandalised.

"Oh no Amralime… my horniness is entirely of your doing, I assure you. Now how do I get this –" he wiggled the sari.

"Just hold this and I will turn for you…" she gave him the sash end and stepping away spun on the spot. But before she could complete the full revolution, he got up and grabbed her from behind running a trail of kisses along the back of her neck and pulled her onto his lap, sitting on the edge of the bed again.

"Just like unwrapping a gift…" he whispered, snaking his hand under her breasts and then brushing her nipples through the material, to find them peaking under his touch. "Oh Mahal… I would give everything up to have you for an eternity."

Then he began undoing the laces on her blouse, and tuning her again to face him before unwrapping the rest of the sari and letting it drop to her feet. He pulled her blouse up clumsily over her head. Then he planted more sloppy kisses on her breasts as she ran her hands through his hair. Then he finally pulled her onto the bed in his arms. He was not as agile as he normally was, and they both ended up in a heap on the bed.

The fatigue of the evening and days previously had finally caught up with Shobha, and so she lay on top of him resting her head on his chest for a bit. Soon his breathing began to steady within a few moments, with his arms resting on her back. She couldn't let him sleep like that. They would both pay for it with aches and stiffness the next morning. So she sat up, straddled his hips and gyrated herself against him, kissing him awake.

"Oh Mahal! My lady! Please wake me up on our wedding night as as you are now…" he opened his eyes and grasped her hips, pressing her down on his hardening bulge.

"Get into bed fully please, my love.." she stopped her rocking to tease him, making him groan.

He reached in between her legs skimming his thumb lightly over her silken knickers, eliciting a sigh, and down to the laces on his trousers, untying them. Then thrusting his pelvis so she could feel him under her again, he pulled his trousers down and kicked them off.

"Alright, my beautiful one," he gave her buttocks a squeeze, revelling in the feel of her in his hands, and gently shifted her onto the bed. Then he positioned himself next to her and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close. "I'm sorry, Ghivashel… I wanted to ease your tensions again tonight…"

"It's ok, my love. You need to sleep this off… and I need to remember to ask for a full breakfast to be brought up tomorrow."

"You are so good to me, ithtir."

(Ithtir – bright starry one)