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The next few days had been spent further preparing for the wedding day. Shobha had moved the few things she had accumulated into their new room, as had Thorin. After Dis had discovered that Lady Lira had been 'lost' on the evening of the feast, and wondering around in the Royal Wing, she practically encouraged them to sleep in the same bed, regardless of traditions! But of course, they were to keep it quiet, and not be seen going to the bedroom together.

Two days prior to the wedding, Gandalf had finally returned from Imladris and brought with him a young man, named Estel, who brought good wishes, and a banner bearing friendship from Lord Elrond and his realm. Of course Shobha recalled, this was Aragorn, although his identity was concealed and while she was excited, she could not say anything. Estel also delivered a gift or another delicate gold bangle from Arwen, with a note for Thorin's Queen:

Dearest Lady Shobha,

My father and I thank you for your invitation, and wish you and the King under the Mountain, a happy and prosperous future. My father has already sent his pledge of support to the King under the Mountain.

I have heard many wonderful things about you from Lady Galadriel and Mirthandir, and I am sorry that on this occasion we will not have the opportunity to meet.

But I hope that we will meet in the future, and would like to extend a warm invitation for you and the King to visit us and stay for a while.

I hope you accept my gift of an Elven bangle, made of the finest craft we have here, and wear it on your wedding day.

With all our best wishes and love,

Arwen

The bangle was similar in make to that gifted by Thranduil, and would make a good pair together. However on this occasion, Thorin had been less concerned by Arwen gift in comparison. Instead he had immediately taken Gandalf to his study to speak with him.

This left Shobha and Dis to keep Estel company. They arranged for him to stay in one of the royal bedrooms. And after finally locating the whereabouts of Fili, Kili and Bilbo, they arranged for Estel to be shown around Erebor by the group, and taken for lunch. Estel was a tall man, with dark hair and a regal manner. Shobha had asked him about Rivendell, and Arwen. The latter in particular had made him blush. He didn't look quite like the warrior and King that Shobha imagined Aragorn would become, but it was exciting to meet him anyway – even if she couldn't say anything about it.

"What did the White Lady say, Tharkun?" Thorin asked impatiently as soon as they had reached the quiet of his study. "Will she be ok?"

Gandalf took a long silent look at Thorin.

"Lady Galadriel said she must survive in order for your heirs to rise to their true greatness…"

Thorin was beginning to get irritated. Gandalf always spoke in riddles, it was not helpful.

"So she will bear my child then?" Thorin paced. "Is that certain…? We can be… careful."

"You rock-brained fool. The only way to be certain that a child is not conceived is to abstain!" Gandalf grumbled. There were times when he found Thorin taxing: he was not always sharp, even if he had courage and skill beyond measure. "I have seen the lust in your eyes when you look at her. Your control is held back by a mere thread. Just because I am a hermit, do not think I have little idea of how the world works, Thorin Oakenshield!"

"But, do you mean to say that she will certainly come to be with child?" Thorin rephrased the question to see whether that may change things.

"No there is no certainty in any of this, Thorin."

"In that case, is there still a chance of death?" Thorin asked worried.

"Yes… but your dreams may not have been true." Gandalf added. "Lady Galadriel thought some of your visions and even dreams may be influenced from a darker power. Trying to influence your actions. So they cannot be fully trusted."

"I saw a baby boy –" Thorin sat down on an armchair opposite Gandalf. "And she was…"

He couldn't bring himself to finish what he was going to say. Gandalf looked at the fear etched across his normally stony face.

"Shobha told me that she would like children."

"Is this the reason you allowed her to become intoxicated, so that she would speak without reservation?"

"I am not a custodian, I do not tell people what to do my King." Gandalf shot a stern glance at him. "She is aware that she may die, but she still wants children Thorin. I think it will only be a matter of time, if you are to live as husband and wife."

"There is a problem with orcs from the Misty Mountains. They are effecting our trade and travel and the safety of our people." Thorin spoke directly. He knew she would be unhappy, but it may be the solution. "I should lead a party into those goblin tunnels, where we became lost. Dain will help."

"And you think that will prevent your bride from conceiving a child?"

"No but I would be away for some time. Perhaps return with injury, it would delay things. Maybe even calm the desire.." he looked away. He wasn't sure his desire would be calmed, but perhaps she may.

"This would be most unwise Thorin. You would be leaving Erebor unguarded. And your bride unprotected." Gandalf was clear. He knew there were growing problems with orc become bolder and venturing even into Mirkwood. "It would be too risky. You almost died facing Azog – and your heirs are still not ready, should anything happen to you. What if something happens to you all?"

"We must stem this problem before it grows. Dale was already attacked. I do not understand who is aiding them. The Goblin King was killed when we travelled through on our journey here." Thorin brushed his beard thoughtfully. "Dain thought they came from the south: some traders who were able to survive have given accounts."

Gandalf looked at his pipe and put it down on the side table, thinking silently. Saruman had not discussed this at Rivendell, although it must have come to his attention certainly. There was little that occurred near Isengard, or all of Middle Earth for that matter, that Saruman the White was not aware of.

"I think they are gathering in numbers for an attack of some sort." Thorin looked at Gandalf. "We were caught off guard last time. I do not wish to be attacked once more."

"You will need to prepare Erebor nonetheless. Fortify your boundaries and defences. Warn Dale and Esgaroth." Gandalf spoke. "They do not come for riches and wealth. They come to destroy the people."

Gandalf stared at the empty fireplace. He would need to send Aragorn away. But there was now something that troubled him further. Was there an small army being assembled for a tactical attack? These were meant to be times of peace. Lady Galadriel's words came to him: Would Thorin's mission leave Erebor and his new Queen vulnerable? What or who were these armies looking to destroy specifically he wondered.

"I believe your Queen should bear you an heir. However, I will return to stay for a while when the time of birth nears, so I can be present around the time of birth, should I be required." He could tell, Thorin was looking for this assurance. He had after all healed Thorin on many an occasion during their quest. "But do not leave to search for the orc hideout until you are certain of where or what they may have planned. And even then leave some of your strong warriors to guard Erebor – perhaps leave Fili here with a strong army."

"I would be grateful for your help on such a quest, Tharkun." Thorin looked at him sincerely. "I did not expect to be fighting another war so soon. And after all the trouble we have faced here in my own Halls of late..."

"Unfortunately Thorin, you and your heirs, as well as your Queen and close company, will always find traitors amongst your nobility." Gandalf confirmed with a gentle smile. "But I see that you, your company, and even your new Queen seem to be managing the matters rather well…"

"My Queen appears to have the ability to make allies rather easily. She has won the hearts and trust of many of our own people, and those in Dale already." Thorin smiled subtly to himself.

"Even Thranduil and the Lady of Lorien are rather taken by her it seems." Gandalf studied his reaction. It appeared that this solitary dwarf had finally found his missing piece.

"Hmmm…. She had the courage to do what I could not." Thorin glanced at him sidelong.

"You mean the lady had the humility to rectify the past wrongs."

"Aye Gandalf. It appears my lady has the ability to rectify wrongs, and heal the deepest wounds." He felt the sting of his past dragon sickness. While he knew deep down that he would never be clouded like so again, he would always live knowing, and trying to make amends for the wrongs he had committed while under its influence. And perhaps that was all the more reason why, he had to seek out and destroy these orcs dwelling in the Misty Mountains, that were terrorising the lands.

That evening, Thorin had insisted on taking Shobha to the training ring himself, as her training had been somewhat neglected over the last couple of weeks with everything else going on.

He had first taken her down to the armouries to show her how to access what ever she required, teaching her the Khuzdul word used to open and seal the walls, and showing her where the royal weapons and armour were kept. He had already picked out some armour for her and sent it up to their room, so she would be ready.

Next he had walked her around the entrances and other passages in and out of Erebor and how they were sealed shut, with enchantments in case of an attack. He took time to teach her the Khuzdul words for these carefully. Then he had finally shown her the way to the deep waiting halls, where it would be her task as Queen to guide the old, sick, dams and young to keep them protected. There were several more enchanted walls leading to this, which could be sealed to act as barriers to slow down intruders trying to reach those vulnerable. And finally there was an exit tunnel that ran deep underground which opened directly on the edge of Mirkwood. This too had an enchantment on the wall, that was the strongest of all.

"This will hold long enough for you to lead them all to Mirkwood safely." Thorin said after sealing it shut once more. "But there are also explosive charges midway through the tunnel ready. All you would need to do is light them once the last person has crossed. That would hold any attackers back further. I do not believe Thranduil would turn you away. But if there is any concern, I have placed large secure amounts of gold in both the Blue Mountains and Iron Hills. This can be used as payment for your safe passage."

"Thorin, why are you showing me all this? I thought you are not going off on some war." She took his hand and stopped him before he could walk them out.

"It is the standard duty of a Queen. It is what you need to know, Amralime." He looked at her keeping his stone mask on once more. Her face was filled with worry.

"What are you not telling me my King?" She scrutinised him carefully, placing a hand on his chest accusingly. "I know you are hiding something. That's why YOU personally are taking me to training. Otherwise Fili and Dwalin are my sparring partners."

"Amralime, I have to show you these things. Otherwise it would not be correct. If anything should happen to me, you must know to lead our people out to safety." He touched her cheek tenderly.

"What would happen to you Thorin?" She gazed up at him resting her small hands on his chest.

"Well if we were attacked… besieged. My men would rally to me. It would be my duty to lead them out." He pierced her with his gaze, and then tugged on her long braid playfully. "You are no fighter abnamul… you are more a lover."

"Are you going in search of orcs again, my King?" She demanded.

"No, my beauty. But Gandalf thought they may be looking to attack a settlement nearby. They have already attacked Dale. Perhaps we are next. I am merely preparing." He held her hips, pulling her close. He loved the way his hands fit so well exactly there, where her hips led up narrowing into her waist. "Your duty as my Queen, is to safeguard our people. That is part of the oath you will swear at your coronation."

He brought his lips to hers in an urgent kiss, wrapping his arms tight around her. The thought of such danger troubled him. But knowing she had a safe escape route made him feel better, and he would fight to the death to ensure she had time to escape leading what was left of his people. He was less certain of the protection Thranduil would provide his people, but he knew she held some sway over his cold heart, and would take what little comfort in that. His grandfather and father both made the mistake of not preparing his people for the event of an attack. Many had no escape. He vowed he would be a better ruler than that. And now he had found his Queen to fulfil that which he would not be able to carry out as he faced battle and defended Fili.

"Now, come my Queen, you still have to face me down with a sword.."

Thorin rolled on the floor and jumped back on his feet. She was panting hard, he had put her in heavy armour that he would expect her to wear if they were ever attacked, saying he would personally take her through such formal training once a week. This armour weighed heavy, and was hot, making it more uncomfortable to move as fast as she was used to.

"Keep your arms up!" He barked at her. "You will be attacked by more than just one. And they will not go easy on you as I do."

He swung his sword at her and she blocked it, parrying back with her other short sword. She hated not having a shield, but he had knocked that out of her hand a while ago. He easily blocked her, and swung at her again, but she ducked turning back to strike him, which he blocked.

"Good – that's better." He locked her swords in his and pushed gently. "Do not let them get this close, some may butt their heads with you.. so use your shoulder to push me back." She shoved her shoulder against him and then kicked his shin, pushing him to the ground again. Then she quickly turned back to reach her shield which was near enough according to her judgement, but just as she reached it, he hit her hard across her buttocks, which were the only area devoid of some form plate or armour. She landed roughly on her front, just narrowly saving her face by landing on her arms.

"Ouch!"

He quickly grabbed her by he waist and pulled her up into his arms, checking her for injuries. He looked furious.

"What did I tell you?! Never look for your fallen shield when you are in the middle of fighting!" He barked again. "I used my hand, but that could have been a sword or axe!"

"I will be bruised black and blue in time for our wedding." She complained, sweating and breathless. She wanted to push his hands away for making her work so hard, but she was just too tired.

Thorin, observed her carefully, a wave of guilt flooding him. He had pushed her too hard - she looked exhausted. He would draw her a bath to relax her, he thought, and keep his hands to himself, even if he had to use every last ounce of restraint.

"You have to be able to defend yourself, if we are ever attacked. I pray you are never exposed to such, but I can not fight well, knowing you can not defend yourself properly, Amralime." He spoke softly this time. "It will not be like fighting men, these vile creatures only live to kill and destroy life. This is why you must stay in the deep waiting hall, and escape if our defences are breached. But there is always a risk of being attacked."

The truth was, they may even torture, or rape her. A vile reality that he would keep to himself.

"Ok. But that was a hard spank!"

"I will soothe it for you later." He whispered grabbing her hips again. "Come on, my Queen, let's get you out of that armour."

"So, are you going to treat me that rough in bed, my King?" She teased.

"Even rougher, my lady," he growled deeply undoing her armour quickly. "I hope to take you in every way possible that you will allow... would you like that my little Queen?"

"Yes please."

Thorin laughed, a rarity, which rumbled from deep in his chest and made his torso vibrate. She loved it when he did - it was one of the few brief moments in which it was evident he was truly relaxed.

"Now shall I draw you a bath, Amralime... to relax those muscles. I have worked you hard enough."

"We can't rest for long my King. Can't be late for dinner: we have a guest from Rivendell for dinner." She consoled him with a kiss as he groaned.

That evening after dinner together they had all retired to their rooms. Shobha had enjoyed talking with Estel, even if there had been a glint of jealousy in Thorin's eyes in relation to this. It was, of course irrational as he had only just come of age. Observing this had made Gandalf see what Galadriel had spoken of: Shobha possessed the qualities needed to understand and befriend people of all races and ages, which Thorin did not. It was what he needed to complete him from being a good King to a great one. She had to survive indeed in order to instil this into any children they may have, so that they too would become great leaders in their own rights. Something that would be needed given the darkness had begun to spread. Whatever Saruman chose to believe or ignore, war would be upon them all in the next fifty or sixty years.

Gandalf was grateful for Thorin's loan of his former room, which contained a suitably large bed. His journeys of late, had been long and what little rest he had taken had been on the ground. He looked forward to a soft bed.

His wet room was larger than most others in Erebor also, but the bath was still a tight squeeze. He was grateful nonetheless.

He took the makeshift large towel, which Dis had thoughtfully sewn together from several towels and wiped himself dry. Then wrapping it around him he walked to the door and paused. He could hear shifting in the room. Somebody was in his room, but he had not heard a knock. And he was aware that Thorin did not trust any servants to wonder around he royal wing freely. He quietly dressed and grasped his staff from behind the door.

As he entered the room he noted the lamps were dimmed and the light shafts had been shut. He could not sense any clear danger. Gandalf silently looked around the room allowing time for his eyes to adjust.

There was soft breathing, very quiet but he could hear it. And it appeared to be coming from the bed.

Gandalf lowered his staff, and chuckling quietly to himself walked over to the bed quietly and stood by the bed contemplating a moment. Then he quietly got into the closer side of the bed. Before he could do anything else, he felt a pair of small warm hands on him, they began to wonder along his back feeling his shoulders and hair. Then within moments, a loud scream echoed through room and the rest of the royal wing.

The high pitched scream pierced through the royal wing. Thorin was awoken just as he was drifting asleep, with Shobha nestled in his arms and both very naked.

"Wake up abnamul," he stirred her awake, gently moving her aside and jumping out of bed, pulling on some clothes. He tossed her nightgown and robe to her, but she still had her eyes closed. So he leant over and pulled the furs and blankets off her exposing her to the chilly air. He watched for a moment, greedily while her gorgeous, dusky brown skin prickled with goosebumps as she groaned.

"Shobha! Get up and get dressed now!" He spoke sternly pulling on his boots. "There is something going on."

He picked up orcrist and tucked deathless in his belt, turning to see her pulling on her boots after finally having got dressed quickly. He tossed his coat over to her, which she pulled on and then grabbed his hand as he opened the door and peered into the corridor. Barr stood outside waiting for his King, weapons drawn.

'Sound from your previous chambers Sire' Barr signed.

Thorin nodded.

'Let me go first Sire.' With that Barr led the way while Thorin followed keeping Shobha behind him.

They opened the door entering his former room, which was now illuminated with several lamps as Gandalf stood by the bed. Balin and Fili were already there, stifling what appeared to be chuckles. Even Estel, who had been given Shobha's former room had arrived with his weapon drawn, but now appeared to be re-sheathing it.

"Gandalf ?" Thorin looked at him, and he gestured towards his bed, smirking mischievously.

There in his bed was a curvaceous blonde dam, her hair was let loose, and she was very flushed as she clutched the blankets and furs to her to cover her nudity. Thorin immediately let out a stifled guffaw, which turned into a low rumbling laugh, as Shobha covered her mouth giggling.

Just then Dwalin and Dis rushed in. Their night clothes and robes were quite dishevelled, and their hair mussed. Dwalin's eyes widened seeing the dam, and Dis also covered her mouth taking a moment to compose herself and then clipped Dwalin across the head.

"So, before we go any further, what were you doing in my bed?" Gandalf finally spoke.

"Honestly Gandalf, what do you think?!" Dis interrupted irritated. "She was trying to get into bed with my brother, so she can make a grand statement on the day of the marriage, and ruin it for all."

"But I thought you were being proposed to Thorin Stonehelm lass?" Balin spoke up.

"Well? Answer them!" Thorin commanded.

The dam no longer looked haughty unlike the first time Shobha had seen her. She was pretty, with a round face and cat-like narrow green eyes.

"Thorin, perhaps we should let her get dressed first." Shobha picked up her things from a nearby chair.

"Actually, no. She has committed treason, and trespassed in the King's chambers. Therefore she is allowed no such civil treatment. We have sufficient witnesses. I should have her dragged to the dungeons and interrogated."

"Your Majesty… yes – I was intending to seduce you. I snuck in while I thought you were in the bath and waited in the bed. I thought it was you – but apparently the great wizard was in your room." She spoke mildly.

"Barr, how did she get in here?" Thorin turned to him.

"She did not use the main corridor. Only certain trusted men guard the royal wing now. Last time, she claimed she had been given an audience with the King and Queen to be – but this time no one would be allowed unless Balin has agreed, and certainly at this hour no one at all would be permitted." Barr confirmed. "The only passage that is unguarded as it is locked is the one leading from the Throne room direct to your study, Sire. But the throne room would be locked."

"So? Speak up Lady Lira." Gandalf urged.

"Aye." She said conceding. "I hid in the passageway just before the throne room was locked. Then hid in your study and then parlour."

"Barr, send someone to bring her father here now. And if you do not speak freely, I will send for Lord Dain and Stonehelm." Thorin threatened. "Now I know your father is part of group of lords who want to remove me from the throne. I take it that this was an attempt to do so? What else is planned for the next few days?"

"They had paid a woman from a village settlement of men near Dunland to come forth on your wedding day. Her child has dark hair and blue eyes, and could be considered to bear some resemblance to you. She would claim that you fathered her child." Lira looked worried now.

"And is any of this true? Or do you admit here before many witnesses and my own bride, that you are conspiring?" Thorin demanded, looking livid now.

She looked around the room scowling, but couldn't bring herself to speak.

"Speak freely and you will avoid the dungeon and keep your reputation, unlike what you have tried to do with me."

"Aye, your Highness. It is all a lie." She admitted finally.

"And what about the rumours you are spreading that you bedded Thorin in Dunland?" Dis asked sternly.

"Well I did get into his bed. But he was too drunk. All he did was snore – and loudly." She looked down.

"I want you to correct those rumours – and stop spreading them."

Lira nodded. And there was another knock on the door followed by Lord Elgin who entered, accompanied by Barr.

"What is this – I demand to know?!" Elgin spat, and halted when he saw his daughter. He was dressed in an opulent red velvet robe and matching slippers. "Have you been trying to seduce my daughter, your Majesty?!"

"Actually, your daughter got into MY bed." Gandalf spoke calmly.

"And where was the King sleeping then? Since this is the Kings room?" Elgin still spoke defiantly.

"The King slept in Prince Frerin's room – giving his room to his guest, Gandalf. Not that it is of any concern of yours." Balin replied calmly but sharply.

"Now your daughter has trespassed, and committed an act of treason. But we believe it was under your instruction –"

"No! If she committed any such it would be only by invitation of the King!" Elgin pressed on. "How else would she be able to gain access at this hour to the royal wing. Perhaps the King was too drunk to recall inviting her… or telling her he would like to take her as a mistress to produce suitable heirs."

"Elgin! Do you mean to say that I lie!" Gandalf stood tall suddenly almost filling the height of the room. " Do not dare utter such falsehood in my presence!"

"Yes! Yes! I apologise Great Wizard!" he suddenly cowered.

"Now go with Balin next door and inform him of everything you have done. And all you know of plots against me or my Queen, my heirs and anyone in my Kingdom. I want all details." Thorin commanded. "I want you to reveal all the names of those who plot against me also – as you are all likely in a group together. If you confess, then I will spare your banishment from this Kingdom, and will not reveal what your virtuous daughter attempted to Lord Dain, and she will still have a chance of a good marriage."

Elgin nodded in defeat, turning to Balin.

"Wait! Barr remain in here until she is dressed and then have another guard escort her back to her room." Thorin added. "And I want you all to leave for the Iron Hills the day after our wedding. There will be no more rumours from either of you or your people in Dunland – or I will cut off trade. Also, while I will not call it a banishment, to save your reputation, for now, I never want to see your face in Erebor again. Is that clear?"

Elgin nodded scowling again.

"Your daughter may be allowed back here, if she is married to Stonehelm and arrives accompanied by him all the time. Otherwise the same will apply. And should any further rumours be spread, then witnessed statements from us all will be released, showing your plotting and detailing Lady Lira's easy virtue." Thorin concluded turning to leave and nodding to Balin. "There is no more to be said here."

Dwalin and Dis left the room first, followed by Thorin, Shobha and Estel. Apparently Fili had remained to supervise Barr to make sure Lira was suitably dressed and escorted back.

"So is there a reason your tunic is on back to front, baheluh?" Dwalin ribbed.

"Aye; the very same reason my sister wears your tunic underneath her robe, baheluh." Thorin cocked his brow, making Dwalin blush.

"We read a story to Gael, at bed time and fell asleep on the couch…" He began to squirm under Thorin's scrutiny.

"Oh aye – fell asleep unclothed then?" Thorin smirked smugly over his shoulder, leading Shobha back to their room.

"Go easy on them Thorin." Shobha grinned excitedly, squeezing his hand.

"He is only getting a taste of his own medicine back." Thorin wrapped his arm around her waist as he opened the door and guided her back into their room, before shutting the door. He quickly took off his belt and rested his sheathed swords on the chair near the door. Next he followed with removing his boots and turned to Shobha, as she removed his fur coat and draped it over a chair. "In any case, that is your doing isn't it, my lady?"

"Not really. They had loved each other for a long time although they have never said anything to each other or admitted it to themselves. They just needed the tiniest bit of guidance. And now we will have to keep Gael as well, unless you are willing to break up that little family... I doubt Dis and Dwalin will give him up without a fight." Shobha smiled satisfied walking over to the bed.

"Hmmmm…..You always seem to get what you want out of everyone, my love." He enjoyed how she challenged him, and how even when he thought she had conceded on the surface, she had succeeeded at beating him quietly. She was not an overt demagogue, with rash empassioned actions, but rather one who achieved important changes with greater longterm outcomes, quietly and calmly.

"What can I say: It's a skill." She said biting her lower lip as she took off her robe. It drove him crazy when she did that, and the beauty of it was she didn't realise it.

"Right then, let us get those clothes off you, abnamul." Thorin grabbed her from behind, grasping her hips, pressing his steadily hardening erection into her and kissing her neck as he brushed her long dark locks out of the way. "I think your meddling deserves some pleasurable punishment…"

Abnamul – beautiful