Chapter 57
"Thorin!"
Dwalin pounded furiously on the door with a clenched fist.
"Do I need to break it down to get you to come out?!"
His words rang through like it always did whenever the brute attempted to jive Thorin's mood early in the mornings, though Éla hadn't bothered to heed his warning in jest either, stroking through Thorin's hair, entangling her fingers between the soft locks before he sat up slowly from the comforts of her embrace.
"Oh don't bother. He wouldn't dare." Éla played along with the mild threats but it didn't stop Thorin from intently watching the door as if a hurricane was about to burst through at any given moment. She placed a hand to his chest, gliding up to play with the metal beads of his braids, mindlessly feeling around the engravings.
"No, he will." Thorin half jumped out of bed, throwing pants on in haste and a shirt from the pile on the floor. Last night's intentions had clouded his judgement. He was thinking with another head, not paying regards to the following day's schedule, selfishly wanting more time alone with his wife. "Last we need is for a scurry of dwarves marching through that door."
"It's locked, isn't it?" Éla drew the blankets over her as she slunk down a bit, keeping quiet.
"Aye." Thorin looked back to make sure his wife wasn't exposed in any way before turning the lock and opening the door wide enough so his friend would only see him alone. Dwalin opened his mouth to protest a snide remark but stopped when Thorin gave a nonverbal warning and so he didn't dare.
"What happened?" Dwalin asked apathetically, sharp eyes narrowing as he overlooked his king's current disheveled appearance and firm hold of the door. The brute's irritation grew steadily the longer he took notice of Thorin's current state stripped of regal aura.
"The council's been waiting over an hour for you." Balin pressed, striding up to the pair from down the way. "Best get dressed and - what is it?"
Balin watched the two exchange awkward glances, looking from one to the other as if he were singled out by some secret he ought to know. Thorin returned an almost pleading look, mildly uncomfortable by the conversation about to take place, rendering Balin confused and Dwalin huffing in disapproval.
"Have Fíli cover for the morning, it'll be good practice for him. If it's urgent, I'll deal with it later." Thorin went to shut the door but Dwalin stopped it with a heavy hand.
"It's plenty urgent." Balin protested, stepping forward between the two. "Thorin, you're already late and if you don't make a show of yourself within the hour Dain will send forth a search, turning this mountain inside out looking for you until you are found. If he finds you're still in bed, he'll burst through that door with his axe."
Thorin's arm relaxed against the thick wood, easing it open only a little. He'd forgotten about his cousin still visiting.
"There are matters that go beyond Fíli's current understanding." Balin pressed on, lowering his voice and pointing an accused finger at Thorin who should've known better. "Not once have you been late without good reason. You have everyone worried without cause."
"Alright, get some clothes and we'll be off." Dwalin turned back to face his friend, applying more pressure on the door in an attempt to open it to shove their king to start his day but Thorin pushed back.
"There were personal matters which required my attention." Thorin cautioned, lowering his head in a reserved manner. "Balin, I ask that you postpone any request requiring my word for mid-day. There's business I must tend to first."
Dwalin scoffed by the remarks he overheard. "Business...what business? You have a schedule to keep. This is unlike you to turn away from your duties. Now c'mon."
"You come to our door. Do I need to spell it out for you?" Thorin cocked a brow, amused by their poor discernment of the situation, waiting for the subtle hint to click.
Dwalin sent another deadpanned look Thorin's way before his sight settled on the small crack of the room visible between his king and the wooden-stone frame. He cleared his throat and took a step back, face turning a few shades of red when he finally clued in after the long stare they held. Balin simply looked upon their king with such wariness, it felt wrong and riddled Thorin with guilt for not thinking ahead. His actions would certainly have consequences and yet this was an act that posed a small opportunity for a positive outcome. He had hoped Balin, least of all, would understand and remain accommodating just this once.
"A warning would be nice next time." Balin nodded, his white beard bouncing in the act as he watched his younger brother avert his gaze to the floor.
"That's s easier said than done, Balin. Trust me when I say, this was not planned." Thorin looked between the two, somewhat relieved that he could spare them all the embarrassment. "Perhaps you'll think twice before tearing down my door?"
"That's an image I don't need burned into my eyes." Dwalin turned his back to Thorin with crossed arms, now uncomfortable by the unspoken acts that his mind could only conjure by way of imagination. They'd forgotten Éla was the only woman occupying the mountain at this time aside from the occasional healer or two from the Iron Hills whenever Dain visited.
"What's done is done." Balin pursed his lips, meeting Thorin's eye with a slight nod. He should be happy for his king and yet the delay couldn't have happened on a worse day. It was a poor setback to an already tight schedule where the councilors strived to make headway with what they could before spring. "We'll see you this afternoon?"
"Aye. Now, if you'll excuse me." Thorin closed the door behind him, locking it with a soft click and exhaled the breath he wasn't aware he held. He had no doubt he'd be getting an earful later that day but if it allotted him a brief moment longer with his wife after their long night, he was going to take it. Any dwarf who dared to think his reason an enervated dotage of his precious time, his mind turned over ideas to reprimand such opinions. Thorin spiraled in thought, desperate to convince himself more so anyone else that this did not make him weak. He now had a wife and it was part of his duty to produce an heir. For the sake of his honour, a heightened sense of restlessness washed through him. He had to remain patient and now make certain that their door remained locked in the evenings to come.
Éla relaxed upon seeing her husband breathe a sigh of relief, hand slinking down the wooden frame as Thorin turned around to rejoin her. She slid a hand up under his shirt as he climbed back into bed, meeting him for a soft kiss. "Clothes are overrated."
Thorin pulled the fabric over his head, the chilled air coolly kissing the warmth of his neck and chest, returning to her immediately under the covers while a hand trailed down her thighs, watching her intently for any sign of discomfort. He'd put her through a lot over the course of night and he had no doubt she was paying for his actions now that they've had some time to rest.
"How do you feel?" The question escaped him quietly as he nudged his nose into her neck, her hand mindlessly combing through his hair again as he planted light kisses up her jaw.
"Well, my legs are like stone and I honestly don't know where you get your energy from, but I won't say no to more." She tilted his face up with a finger, to which he rose to hover over her instead. "Can we not stay like this all day?"
Thorin shifted his massaging hand from her sore muscles towards her heated core. While she responded by widening his access, tired limbs trembled beneath his touch. His face hovering close to hers yet far enough to tease.
"You need rest, love." He made a point to ghost over her sweet spot, far too sensitive to continue prior activity when she flinched involuntarily by the rough feel of his hand. "In time, you'll be well accustomed."
"A good excuse to frequent a nightly routine?" She asked through a lustful gaze, receiving a soft smile as the dwarf king contemplated the desirable suggestion.
"Perhaps." He met her in a long, drawn-out kiss.
They were both still tired and Thorin eased himself into her side, slowly breaking away and resting his head in the crook of her neck as a strong arm wrapped around her torso, keeping their bodies close.
The heavy weight of him next to her felt so safe and secure, Éla nearly wept. Happiness and contentment swelled her heart as she eased into his strong hold, tuning in to the gentle rise and fall of his chest next to hers. She was still dazed from their sleepless night and found Thorin right in his assessment, for her body was spent and cried out for some much needed rest as she could barely move lower extremities. He entrapped her in bed but she didn't mind as they drifted back asleep.
There was vulnerability in these secret moments they shared. Their room slowly became a place of tranquility and trust. Aside from the occasional interruptions, their nights would remain undisturbed. No matter how long a day took hold, they could always find a mutual barrier of loyalty and peace within the other.
They were gradually finding peace.
000
"Alright. Let's get this over with." Balin motioned for the others in the room to seat themselves as he led Fíli to take charge with Dain, quickly averting worry to explain all was well. The heir and councilors continued to look beyond the door in hopes of seeing their missing king stride on through but no one followed.
"Where's the king?" Falo looked to those who'd returned from their hunt for their missing leader.
Dwalin gruffed, slowing his pace so the others would be out of earshot. He disliked the councilor for many reasons and would give away one of his prized axes to have a brawling go at the old dwarf, even if it broke a law or two that would cast him into a dungeon. He would be happy to do it without so much as a second thought too with his hands bound like a thief's, the widest grin stretching across his face. Unfortunately, he had a reputation to uphold and people to protect so he settled for contemptuous remarks instead.
"He's busy."
"With what?" Falo asked none amused, taking a swig from his mug as the group filed back into the meeting room.
"His wife."
The old dwarf choked on his drink as the Leftenant passed, following Lord Balin's stead. It was no secret Falo disliked the king's wife, always finding cause for complaints when the royal family was out of earshot and adding pressure to circumstances that remained far too fragile for scrutiny, but the warrior took a small glimmer of delight with his joke. While he never intended to share any private matters like that with anyone, especially when it concerned his closest friend & king, Dwalin felt a sense of superiority in bringing about a little shame to the councilor for all the trouble he'd caused the last few weeks when regarding their female companion. Falo was left to wipe up the mess running down his beard as Dwalin left him to follow last into the chamber. He silently hoped it would be the last they'd hear of his unnecessary probing.
Fíli observed the exchange with discretion. He tried not to linger a long gaze down the way as Dwalin joined them with a widening grin, clearly pleased with himself for a second longer before returning to his cold-stoned surveillance of the lot. Kíli nudged his brother in the arm, leaning close.
"Is Thorin not coming?" Kíli whispered sharply, turning to Balin who'd taken a seat next his brother, worry crossing his face as they hadn't seen their uncle all morning. "Is he ill?"
Balin returned a small warning through his smile, one that encouraged them to wait until they were not around so many prying ears. "No lad. We'll be joined later."
The princes turned to converse with each other in hushed whispers while Balin began another discussion with Lord Dain, most likely to bring about order for the morning.
"That might be a good time to ask him to train." Fíli suggested. "Maybe at dinner?"
"Maybe." Kíli looked around the table, some faces were foreign to him. His presence amongst the group was new but welcomed after Fíli asked Thorin if the younger could join in to curb his boredom. Oddly enough, their uncle was fine with it so long as they behaved when in the presence of the councilors. "Is this what you deal with now?"
"Mostly, yes." He looked around too, sliding some notes towards Kíli. "Sometimes it's a bore but there's a lot of importance placed on those who attend. Lots of discussions."
"Importance you say..." Kíli's attentive sight settled on the chief councilor still patting his grey beard dry. The two snickered quietly by the sight. It was strange to Kíli, sitting among so many who aide Lords & Kings. Their childhood in the Blue Mountains was more lax. Less formal. Sure, Thorin had his great halls when he became King of Durin's Folk after his father Thrain went missing, yet Erebor was different, felt different. A heavy weight hung over their shoulders now. This city was not their place of birth but that of their futures. Much had changed over recent months and yet some things remained the same. Those small comforts of normalcy were frequented by Kíli because without it he found himself going awry.
"I received a letter from mother this morning." Kíli offered quietly, darting eyes between them and their leaders. Fíli's head tilted slightly, refraining from snapping around by the news.
"And?"
"They're four weeks out. Making good time it seems." Kíli dropped his sight to the scribbled notes laid out before him, uninterested in its contents but accepted the boredom that would surely follow. He too wanted to show that he could be responsible like his brother. After all, it was something to do and staying by Fíli's side. "There was mention of the group splitting into two. I think my last letter sent her into a a bit of a frenzy."
This caught the brother's attention. "How so?"
"She has asked that we don't let Thorin know about my tellings. It looks like a few of the warriors went off ahead." Kíli hushed. "Should we be worried?"
The two were startled by a heavy palm slamming down on the table, jumping out of their boots as the sudden sound rendered those present into silence. Balin cleared his throat as Lord Dain retreated his gloved hand.
"Right then. Let's begin."
000
Thorin's body resting next to hers felt like a weighted blanket. The euphoric numbness from their night finally crept up on Éla as she stirred awake from sore muscles and stiff joints, coming down from the highs of earlier pleasurable actions. Light rays basked the room with an illuminated glow as the sun shined bright outside. How long they had slept, she couldn't quite tell nor get her bearings aside from her husband fast asleep in her arms, his warm breath fanning over her collarbone each time he exhaled deeply. Éla didn't have the heart to wake him, though noon was most likely fast approaching and his presence would soon be required.
Reposeful fingers rose towards her husband's temple, knowing he would have to start his day else someone would dare to finish what Dwalin nearly started earlier. Softly, she pushed hair away from his face, receiving a slight shift from him. Éla giggled quietly, a poor attempt not to startle him while her other hand worked up his arm holding her secure, doing her best to ease him out of slumber. It was quickly becoming one of her favourite parts of their mornings together.
As he stirred, his grip tightened. Éla continued the light strokes up his arm, reaching over to trap him in an embrace of her own when she felt Thorin become more restless. She held him like a child to her chest and then he rolled onto his back, bringing her with him. Éla let out a quiet oh as he relaxed into the pillows, still drowsy from sleep despite the firm hand placement on her back. Reluctantly, he opened his eyes.
"We should start the day." Éla quietly suggested, resting her head above his beating heart. "You should have something to eat as well. You'll be busy, I'm sure."
Thorin reached for her hand above his chest, holding it in his larger one. "It almost pains me to leave your side."
A smile crept at the edge of her lips from the husky comment reverberating into her ears. Her smile broadened to know she's the only one with the luxury of seeing her king so relaxed, to which she rose high enough to see his welcoming face awake to view hers.
"I'll have to add your braids in again." He slipped fingers through loose brown tresses fanning around them as she idly played with his beard. Its coarse yet soft bristles became somewhat of a comfort to her. She secretly hoped he'd grow it out because it was a bit longer than she last remembered, wondering if he noticed the minor change as of late as well.
Éla rolled back onto her side, patting his arm like the ticks of time, feigning boredom. "For that, you will need to get out of bed."
Thorin closed his eyes, a frown hardening his relaxed features after heaving a long sigh. "I should've taken the day off."
"Missed opportunity, I'm afraid." Éla rolled off him drawing more blankets to her as she hugged the plush cottons and quilts, eyeing him peacefully while doing her best to stifle laughter when he shot her a questionable look followed up with a crooked smile by the crude insinuation.
"As King, that can be corrected." Thorin turned on his side, leaning in for a kiss.
"Too late." She mischievously stopped him with fingers to his lips, wanting nothing more than to allow him to do as he pleased however, all good things must come to an end. "You already gave your word. You must keep it."
His denial only reignited a burning flame within, feigning hurt like a kicked pup. "You would kick me out of my own chambers so easily?"
Éla cupped his face with both hands, stroking his cheeks with her thumbs as she laughed at the poor sight. "I don't want to but you have people who need you elsewhere. I'd like to remain in the good graces of your council. When things slow down, maybe we can take a proper day to spend together."
Thorin thought it over, nodding in approval and sat up. "That would be nice. Come. I'll fix your hair before I take my leave."
He extended a hand for her to take as she slid from bed, swinging her legs over the edge. They really did feel like stone fastened to her ankles with rope. Thorin searched for her discarded robes, finding the heap where she left it last.
An etched sight lingered on the bandages firmly wrapped around his mid section, worry flashing across dark orbs as the mind began to think rationally again.
"And your wounds?" She asked, hugging the blankets to keep warm, yet worry seeping through her thoughts remembering a month hadn't passed since he was cleared for walking and light physical activities. Of course, she hadn't known about it due to the council having kept her at a great distance during that time.
"Fine. You needn't worry."
Truth be told, he was a bit sore in more places than he cared to admit. A year's worth of fierce love-making practically done in one night. He should've known better than to submit to his own needs and subject Éla to the full force of his vigorous stamina right from the start, though her nimble fingers had sent his flushed skin into a frenzy. It was that very same guttering flame he'd dwelled over prior to the quest. A once impossible purpose rekindled, now he sought out other avenues of benefit instead.
Thorin shrugged it off with a tiny smugness added to his narrowed gaze while he steadied her gait as she slid out of bed, wrapping Éla in the soft fabric of her robes while she balanced herself with a hold on his outstretched arms. Her trembling frame was enough incentive for him to have known better than to go all out so soon. How could he have held back when her desperation met his? Hours of continued activity left his own body stiff, wounds ghosting over a tingling dull pain from lack of rest. He would have to maintain more control next time. Still, he tried to hide the growing smirk stretching the corners of his mouth when she sat back down on the edge on the bed.
Mahal never allowed him to be happy, truly happy. Thorin always believed his life was meant to be lived full of deceit and sorrow, never permitted to share in simpler joys of life despite his sister's fawning. A shielded barrier protected him, a wall put up from life's hardships over the years. Thorin knew he had to bring it down for his marriage to work. Éla slowly did the same and he needed to show her that gentle side of him. He was a warrior leader, a king. That part was easy to portray. It was the only one he'd known all his life. Now, he silently prayed for a calming bliss, the next chapter in his life to be filled full of peace and plenty of his own accord and maybe, just maybe, a small blessing of his own blood.
Above all, Thorin wanted her to feel like a woman again. No need to fight or remain alone, and to love her till the end of their days. To grow old together.
"Will you manage? You don't have to leave today." Thorin suggested, pushing her back down onto her back, seemingly lost in the soft taste of her lips when they met for another kiss.
While she enjoyed the warm bodily contact pressed onto her front, he had to get ready. "You're stalling."
"Am I?"
Éla exhaled a discordant sough."What must I do to keep you?"
'Nothing." He leaned back at arm's length, conceited with a strong desire to stay despite his word. "Though I do have duties that require attention."
"Erebor needs its king." She sighed humorously, nudging him further. "I suppose I should share. Can you truly not stay?"
Thorin had an idea, entrapping her on the bed with both hands acting as a barrier on either side of her form. "I will be yours again in the evening."
"Just the evenings?" She asked, idly playing with the ties to his breeches as he leaned back onto her.
"We shall see." He kissed her again. "Perhaps we'll have little ones down the road to keep you company when I cannot."
"You really are going to try, aren't you?" Éla tugged playfully on his breaches, a response to the fun look he kept giving her. It was presented with such hopefulness she grew uncertain of the future he strongly hoped for. "How many?"
"How many what?"
"Children. How many do you want, well, expect?" The twisting of the ties stopped as her hand fell to rest over her stomach.
Thorin's blue eyes bore into at her lovingly. "As many as you can give."
"And if I'm unable to?" Generally, and rightfully so, she grew concerned over the matter. "You won't turn this into a substitute from gold-sickness, will you?"
"My love will not change, Éla. If this makes you uncomfortable, I can refrain myself from future action." Thorin pressed his forehead to hers, their noses connecting.
Éla reached her arms around his neck as he hovered. "That's not what concerns me. I don't want to see you hurt if we can't have children."
"Your worry is misplaced when you're the one who required healing." A sturdy hand roamed down her chest towards her womb, resting above soft skin. "Mahal will decide that future. Do not give up hope."
Thorin slid further down onto an arm, worry nonexistent but filled with tender care with each action he took.
"Only if you don't stop what's begun." Éla smiled when he lowered back down to claim her mouth again. His gentle maneuvers continued with a softness she didn't want to end. She also knew he had to for her sake of barely being able to move.
"A promise is a promise. Your well-being comes first." Thorin pecked her lips with a final brief kiss before standing, bringing her with him as he slicked an arm under her waist to hoist her up.
"I was comfortable there." Éla mused, failing any attempt to frown. The heavy weight of her body felt much more sluggish than before now that she was upright, pulling the ends of her robe closer to her body for shelter from the chilled air.
"Your smile is worth more than any jewel." He said as he caressed her face in the palm of his hand.
Éla made a show to stand on her feet. "Keep talking like that and I will bar you from leaving permanently."
Thorin didn't respond. His crooked smile returning as she tried to hobble over to the table of food, relying on his unshakable hold so she wouldn't fall. Once she made herself comfortable, Thorin stood behind her chair, already running fingers through her hair for braid separation while she nibbled on something savoury. When he finished, his attention diverted to his scattered clothes around the room. Finding his shirt first, he slipped back into the first of many layers. Watching him zig-zag back and forth was a delight for Éla. He hadn't bothered dressing with chainmail, the sheet of metal was heavy given his current status but he wouldn't mention that to anyone so he opted to skip that layer. Seeing Thorin transform back into the King Under the Mountain was a sight to behold as it was when he undressed. The deep blues and blacks suited him well, and it saddened her to know he had to go so soon. If only he could skip a day without plans falling through. She wanted to be greedy and keep him captive a short while longer but that level of authority surpassed her status. Even as the king's wife, there was little she could command.
"See something you like?"
"My answer won't sway your decision to stay." Éla replied pleasantly poised. Thorin observed her attentive gaze looking him up and down as she slowly chewed on a chunk of cheese. He walked over, boots thudding across the stone floor and knelt on a knee.
"Will you manage on your own?" Concern played out while he rubbed her outer thighs. Worry enveloped each word. "I can arrange for someone to accompany you if you wish."
"I'll be alright." She offered him a piece, spirits brightening upon his acceptance. "At worst, I'll stay in bed."
Thorin's head dropped, stifling a laugh. "What am I going to do with you?"
"Seeing as you will now be late, you'll have to wait and find out, dear husband." Éla played coy, breaking off a small piece of bread to offer him.
000
Éla gazed upon her reflection in the mirror, hands coming up to trace the edge of skin near the binds of her robes. While her skin wasn't bruised, skin beneath was tender to the touch. Eyes closed into a sigh as a finger trailed across her collar, reminiscent of her lover's heated touch. Every inch had been passionately mapped by him, it was a sensation she never experienced before. Not even their time in Esgaroth could match the sheer intensity of his love. Everything about Thorin felt like a dream. They were home with much to live for and yet by some inconceivable notion, it didn't seem real.
A pleasant distraction for another time.
The memory sent Éla's heart racing as her mind conjured ways to keep that intensity going. While she enjoyed the attention, marriage wasn't solely about lust. No matter how good it felt. Their journey for self discovery had only just begun. There were many small details they've yet to learn about the other. She hoped their feelings wouldn't dim over time and so Éla made a silent vow to be what he needed her to be and so much more.
Right now, she sought to be productive where she could and limped around for a few minutes to regain walking strength before dressing herself for the day. A sudden sharp pain zapped across her lower back. Muscled ached when she froze, hands coming to work out the knots and soothe the area. She scoffed, realizing she was getting old after one night of activity. As she slipped into her violet dress, thoughts considered potential tasks which could be done, ignoring the dull pain lessening a bit yet not entirely disappearing while she moved around.
A decision settled on the library where she last aided her nephews. Unless someone requested her presence and with restricted movement that should fade soon, Éla decided now would be as good a time as any to learn more about the royal Line of Durin and their customs. If she was going to be part of this family, being educated on such formalities would prove noteworthy.
000
Balin and Fíli exchanged sidelining glances, anguish splitting the group into two; the first bombarding the king upon his entry and the second keeping distance.
Falo followed after their king with continued pesterance. "She can never be seen as more than a consort. A poor match on the road, one that should've had prior approval befitting the House of Durin."
"Are you finished?" Thorin spoke cooly, brow furrowed and face taut. Ignoring the councilor, he took a seat and drew attention to the others filing in after them.
"Your Majesty," the old dwarf gruffed, shoulders stiffening under pressure ignored, "she can never be Queen."
Thorin's eyes flashed like daggers. "I've been patient with you-"
Falo leaned over the table, both hands resting atop the cool grey stone as he commanded authority against his king. It was a bold move and not a good show to uphold. The others seated themselves quietly, Therl scribbling some notes as the argument continued to escalate.
"I try to get you to see that this will never be a good union. Not for the kingdom's future. Your nephews require brides now that they are of age and given the circumstances surrounding your wife, well, if she cannot give you an heir in the year to come, a better match one will be made for you. One of royal blood from the other dwarf-"
Thorin slammed a closed fist on the table, rendering the heightened discussion into silence. Falo shut his mouth.
"I understand the implications of my actions, Master Falo. And yet you've caused me more trouble than my own quest to reclaim Erebor. I suggest you find yourself another burden to busy yourself with. Éla will be your Queen whether you like it or not." Thorin's sharp gaze turned deadly. He had enough. For his day to start off pleasant only to turn dour like an infectious disease from this festering conversation, oh he didn't want to hear any more of it. He really had the right mind to walk out and leave them to fuss over themselves.
Falo's anger challenged Thorin's. "She can never be Queen. Not without council vote. It. Is. Law."
"You see Éla as nothing more than a burden." Thorin looked around, eyes seething with hidden rage held in check, ready to burst a moment's notice. It was an option of many but not the right one to diffuse this disagreement. He had to show composure. "Have we all not suffered enough? Were you not informed about our loss? I'm certain everyone in this room knew of it else you wouldn't have started travel to the mountain till spring."
Fíli dropped his head with remorse, staring down at the table's edge, occasionally glancing at the others when no answer came. Dwalin hadn't moved a muscle sitting opposite the prince, sight downcast and arms crossed, just listening with Balin holding his own tongue too. The Iron Lord himself remained quiet.
Thorin was cross and yet he held onto what composure he had left to spare from bursting out against the sensitive topic. "One would think you could show a little regret for insulting my wife so freely. I won't sit here and listen to it any longer."
"My Lord, it is protocol. One that you've broken and which has led us to pick up the pieces before word gets around to the other families." Falo pressed.
"To Hell with protocols! Have you not seen a woman mend herself after battle? Whether it be from orcs, death, or loss of a child?" Thorin took in a steady breath through the nose, lowering his voice with dangerous intent. "We respect our women. Mothers, venerated. Yes, Éla's journey wasn't approved and broke customs, however, she already paid a price far worse than death and you still find ways to threaten her honour. Not one of you objected to my marriage earlier this week and you have no right to object to it now. So, if anyone else wishes to further disrespect my wife, you may see yourselves to the door before I decide to throw you out."
Kíli hadn't seen his uncle on the verge of rage since his bout of dragon sickness and wanting to throw Bilbo from the ramparts. It proved unsettling, though he took amusement from seeing the old dwarves squirm uncomfortably in their seats. Even Therl's scribbling ceased.
"It's no use continuously digging up the past." Balin calmly stated, darting between Thorin and Falo who'd calmed himself enough to take a seat. "Might I suggest that our Lady focus on recovery rather than being thrown into the fires of acting Queen? There's no need to rush when our people are still half a world away and with a mountain to rebuild."
"Aye. Let's get on that." Dain piped up, sending the councilor a glared warning through his bushy ginger brows. "Time is short and we must take our leave tomorrow so enough with this useless rabble."
He faced his cousin. "Thorin, half from my group will stay behind for repairs and whatever else ye need done. Master Falo will be returning with me to the Iron Hills until spring arrives. I'm sure Lord Balin can advise you during this time?"
Thorin bowed his head slightly in acknowledgement, much to Falo's unspoken disagreeing opposition.
"Now, about yer forges."
000
Pages turned absentmindedly, the reader losing focus on the jumbled words with her nose deep in a book. Éla's attention diverted between reading only to stare at the page before her and her mind wandering to places it shouldn't. A smile tugged at the edge of her lips whenever her thoughts wandered back to Thorin. It was silly and selfish whenever she reminisced about their shared moments brought back to the forefront of memory from a chapter reminding her in some small way. With it came the physical downfall as well. The dulling pain in her lower back had eased too, but it was still present. Between mild discomfort and eagerness to learn, she settled on searching through old books about women and childbearing. Whether she remained in good health or not, reading caused little damage if it shed some light to better improve her chances to provide for her husband.
There was no foul in reading text. Now if she were a hundred years younger, this would've been a lot easier.
Éla suspired. Taking a break from the many books spread out on the table, she rested her eyes while carefully stretching her body. The sharp pains had subsided yet were replaced by a dull ache which enveloped around her. It proved puzzling for it to have lasted this long. She grew weary, wondering whether to visit Oin or ask him for advice based on new knowledge from her findings regardless. The healer was no midwife but his skills had been proven invaluable throughout their journey. She told herself she just needed rest.
"Lady?"
Éla sat up, not expecting company. Upon noticing the dwarf entering the library, her heart pounded anxiously.
"Lord Falo. What do I owe the pleasure?" She asked politely.
The councilor casually made his way over, hands clasped behind his back as beady eyes looked up and down the rows of bookshelves, uninterested in any particular subject as he the distance between them shortened.
"Nothing."
Éla waited.
"I should apologize for my earlier actions, though we may not see eye to eye on matters."
An apology laced with warning.
"Thank you." She was cautious, unsure about his intentions being here.
"I will be departing for the Iron Hills with Lord Dain at first light." He went on, lazily looking around at the books she had laid out. "Our return won't be for another month. The king will be busy. As will you, I'm sure. Erebor doesn't need more problems to arise."
His sight settled on one of the many texts about royal etiquette. Another about dwarven customs from generations past.
"Lord Falo, I don't want to be cause for any more trouble." Éla chimed, attempting to form a truce with the dwarf.
He locked sight with hers, critically studying her appearance. With finer clothes and jewelry, she'd look the part. Her steadfast personality was a bonus in his books but he'd never allow that to come to light, not unless she proved herself to be of value in due time. Falo had no say, at least not until their people were back home under the mountain. Time would soon decide.
"You may have the support of those who followed you but you will do well to remember that as the king's wife, it's your responsibility to produce an heir. You must play your role, Lady." Falo spoke with little bitterness, though truth hung on every word as he departed from her presence, leaving her alone in solitary isolation.
000
A/N:
- Grotesk, I'm glad you're enjoying the updates! (You're on a streak for reviews too.)
Hope everyone's doing well & my long pause hadn't made anyone antsy...I got stuck with wording (hides from embarrassment..), but I'd rather give you all a decent chapter than rush through it too much. (When I get stuck I tend to write future content and double back when inspiration hits.)
Enough of my rambling, hope you enjoyed reading!