Chapter 3: Time in Erebor: Together at last

This takes place during chapter 5 of the main story

"Thorin is still king and Fili is still crown prince."

"And Kili?" I'd been waiting for the subject to come up but it seems like everyone is hell bent on ignoring it "What's he doing now a days?"

"Kili… Kili…" The dwarf throws an uncomfortable look at Kiliel before simply dismissing the subject "I'm sure he's fine. Go back to your rooms and don't start any trouble."

For the first time in a long time, I do as I am told. Not because I was told to (come onnnn. This is me we are talking about) but because I need to. I'd love nothing more than to continue exploring the glorious mountain but I doubt my company of kids are going to make it that long before passing out. I practically have to drag the twins the whole way to keep them from conking out on me. It isn't until we are into the winding halls that we encounter a small problem. Well... not a problem but... well... eh. With my sense of direction, I decided it would be best to leave it to Kiliel to guide us back to our new rooms. Yet, at the archway that would finally let us in, the guards look at the dwelf in a way that can only be described as... a bit... odd.

"... Is there a problem?" they all glance at me, the children, and then Kiliel, once more with that odd look, before returning their gazes to me again. They shake their heads stoically in silent denial but not I'm not all that convinced. None seem to want to speak out and I'm not in the mood to make another enemy needlessly. At least not with two fussy three year olds on my hands "Alright. But don't say I didn't ask."

With that, I step forward and let the two closest open the doors for me. Reaching forward, they open the passage with practiced ease and let us through, two following. They will stand outside our perdonal door, but only when we are actually in the suite. Gliding through the doorway, I listen with half an ear as Thoria counts the rooms along the way to our suite in a sleepy voice. Ours is nearly at the end of the hall; beaten only by the spiral staircase leading up to what I know are Thorin's rooms. The hall is not as heavily guarded with armoured soldiers as it was this morning, so I can assume that Thorin isn't up there. I feel for him, just to be sure. Nope. Not here. I haven't been up those steps, though I have been up there. I haven't asked to go, though no one seems to think I should be up there anyway. No one asked me if I wanted to either, not that I really need their permission.

"3...4... Ours is 4, Mama?"

"Seventh actually." And 14 guards to guard them when their occupants are home. Not counting the ones that stand at Thorin's. Glancing down at Thoria, I smile at the pout on her face "You only counted one side of the hall, sleepy girl."

"M'not sleepy."

"Of course not."

Reaching the door, I go to pull out the key from my pocket but one of the guards behind us beats me to it. Pulling out an endless ring of keys, he steps forward and unlocks the door swiftly. Holding it open for me, he waits for me to usher my family inside. I wonder what the point of having a key is if there is always a guard to unlock the door for me. Fighting not to groan, I smile brightly at him.

"Thank you...um... your name?"

"Eugin, mi'lady"

"Master Eugin... Thank you."

He nods with a small bow and that is that. The kids file in and within 5 minutes, the twins are out. Turning to Kiliel, I find the boy huddled by the door as if afraid to come further in. It is a big change for him; going from nearly total isolation to full on family mode in less than a morning would have me pretty defensive too. Sliding down into the armchair, I motion for him to sit across from me. When he does, I let a out a small sigh.

"Kiliel."

"... Yes, mi'lady."

"Uh... Please don't call me mi'lady."

"Oh! Yes, you are correct. My apologies, your highness!"

"Why are you so formal all of a sudden? You called me Auntie before." A brilliant blush covers his cheeks before he ducks his head into his chest. His ears burn a vibrant scarlet and I can't help but think of how freaking adorable he is. Still, embarrassing him isn't my goal "Have I upset you?"

"No! I just..." rubbing his palms along his thighs, he laces and then unlaces his fingers "Can I... Is it alright... to call you... that?"

"Well of course. I don't mind if you don't mind it."

"No, ma'am! I-I-I mean, Yes ma-your hig-" his voice tapers off into a whisper "A-Auntie Thia."

"You don't have to call me that if you want to."

"... I do... want to, that is."

"Ok... Ok... You know... you don't have to stay here if you don't want to either." his head snaps up so quickly, I nearly jolt back in surprise "I mean, we just met today and I can sometimes be pushy. I didn't even ask how you felt. I just... I'm just... Uuugh! I just want you to be comfortable-"

"I-I am, A-A-A-auntie Thia." he leaps out of the chair and comes to kneel beside my own. His desperation is palpable as he begins pleading "Please don't send me away! I'll be good, better than good. I'll be great, I promise! Ple-"

"Stop begging." his mouth clicks shut and I can see the tears shimmering on the edge of his long eyelashes. He takes a shaky breath but remains quiet. When I feel as though he has calmed down enough, I begin again "Alright... You can stay."

"...Truly?"

"Yes, but no more begging. It makes me feel awful, its beneath you, and it's honestly unwarranted. We are family, kid, and you don't have to beg for my or anyone else's attention. Do you understand?" Grasping his chin, I tilt it upwards so I can look at him square in his face. His eyes are a brilliant shade of grey, Tauriel's eyes, and shine with the need to be loved and accepted. I nearly wince at the childish openness. He nods with a wobbly smile and I return it firmly "Good. I won't send you away if you don't want to go. Should we pack up your rooms then?"

"There are only three beds here... I'd have to sleep on the sette."

"Sette?"

"How presumptuous of me! Maybe the.. The divan?"

"Di...van..."

"I-I-I suppose Master Duke would sleep there... the floor... will suit me just fine."

"The floor?!" Before he can offer another alternative I shake my head roughly. Having never used the word of a divan or sette, I was just a bit shocked. Call me uncouth but all I have in my vocabulary to describe a couch is couch "You'd sleep in a bed, silly."

"But the twins-"

"Oh please, they are 3 years old. They usually end up in my bed anyway." The boy doesn't seem convinced in the slightest "O.k. Then I'll just ask Thor-"

"No! Please don't... please... Can I keep my own room? Just in... Just..." I frown at trying to decide what he wants "Just in case you... change your... mind."

"... If I'm reading you right, then I won't change my mind. But sure. Keep your old rooms if you'd like, though they are pretty far..."

"I can visit though? Here?"

"As often as you like."

The boy departs after that, to do what, I'm not sure but I imagine he just needs a bit of time to think things over. His rooms are way too far though, especially considering he is biologically fourth or fifth in line for the throne, depending on if we are counting Thoria. Sexism. He is housed just a smidge closer to the royal wing than to the atrium that houses the servants quarters: Not royal but not quite the help. His illegitimacy and mixed heritage make his assumption of power sketchy at best though. Kind of like the twins but... on an elf level of hatred. Rubbing a hand down my face I shake my head. He doesn't even have any braids!

"I'll have to do something about that. And soon."

I decide to take the lull in activity to unpack our belongings. There isn't a lot, considering they need to last me THE REST OF MY LIFE. I sigh. The convenience of living in my world is what I'll miss the most... and my family. Can't forget them. When I wake the kids from their nap, I'm nearly overwhelmed by their grumpiness. I expected it, what with the time difference, but that doesn't mean I have to like it. Just keeping them awake, moderately polite, and entertained for the five long hours until they bed down for the night has me mentally, and physically, exhausted. Kiliel is a huge help but even he departs again after dinner. Duke does his best too but... the dog has no thumbs. By the time the twins are fed, bathed, and returned to a blissful alternate state of consciousness, I'm pooped.

"You love them." changing into a long t-shirt and climbing into my own bed, I groan into the pillow "Don't forget that you love them."

The sheets are cool, bordering on cold, and I shiver slightly. Crawling back onto my knees, I grab the numerous pillows and line them up beside me to lock in the warmth. The kids aren't going to be waking up again today; they are well and truly exhausted. Thorin... In spite of myself, I feel for his location for the second time today. He wasn't in his rooms the first time so I assume he was still doing Kingly stuff. I sure hope it was Kingly stuff...and he was doing them alone. I shake my head at the thoughts and lay down again. He's up there now. In his room. Alone. He passed my door and didn't come in...

Why didn't he come in?

Was he too tired? Did he forget that we are here? Is he angry at me? Is he angry that I was angry? Is he punishing me? Doesn't he...

Doesn't he miss me?

As soon as the whisper ghosts through my mind, I bite my lip in punishment for my weakness. The burning in my chest is nothing compared to the heat of embarrassment creeping up my spine. I've slept alone plenty of times before AND after I met him. I'm fine. Shrugging, I tuck myself in with a vengeance.

"I suppose I'll be spending another night sleeping alone. It won't be the first time and if tonight is an indicator of the future... it won't be the last."

THORIN POV

It has been a very long day. Right up until I entered the doors leading to the royal wing, I had skeptical dignitaries and curious well wishers at my throat; All wanting to know of the newest guests in the mountain and, more importantly, how it would affect them. Without even knowing that she is their true Queen, they flock to any scrap of knowledge concerning the mysterious woman and her dwarfing companions. It is no doubt that the children are indeed of my blood. The moment they were seen by the masses I was addressed with inquiries concerning them and their keeper. I know not how my wife would have handled the situation and if dealt with improperly...

Passing the guards after receiving their report, I enter my chambers. Quickly shedding my outer layers and heading to my sleeping quarters, I grab my brush. Splashing my face with water, I stare at my reflection for just a moment.

"Tired. You will go to them like this?" Splashing my face once more, I run a brush through my hair quickly. It tugs with every swipe and I quickly grow annoyed with it. Instead, I run my fingers through my beard but to the same effect. I desire to look presentable but I waste precious moments in trying to do so "There will be time for polite presentations later."

Setting down the brush, I quickly approach the bookcases lining the wall in my study. Tugging on a moderately plain spine, I step back as the hidden passage creaks open. Turning away and grasping a small candle, I brush aside the cobwebs and move forward. Hurrying down the cool steps, I think of my wife. Though relatively early, the guards reported that her quarters have been quiet for at least 2 hours. Considering the day she has encountered, it is of little surprise.

I doubt she would have enjoyed the gossiping of dwarves tomorrow, and there will be gossips despite my best efforts. Not so bad as they would be if I were caught entering her rooms at such a blatantly late hour, nothing but wanton rumors would reach her ears. Reaching the barrier to her room, I pause to listen but I am greeted with only silence. Pressing the latch out of the way, I emerge seamlessly into the living area.

The Skin changer's dog lifts its head from across the room before offering a bored expression at discovering myself. With a huff, he returns to his rest and I continue on my path. I know where the master bedroom lies but I choose the alternate path first. I enter the children's room for but a moment. Reaching down, I stroke my daughter's cheek before doing the same for my son. Their breathing is deep and steady. Placing my hand across their hearts, I feel for the beat. Finding them strong and stable, I am satisfied. Departing once more, I head towards the master bedroom where I know Thia will be.

She has left the door is ajar, most likely to hear the children should they wake. Pushing the door open wider but quietly I find my wife tucked neatly into bed. Surrounded by pillows and blankets, she has made quite the nest for herself. Chuckling under my breath as I remove the barrier I blow out the candle, pull the covers back slightly, and get in beside her.

Almost immediately she shifts her body to mold itself to mine. Her spine presses against my chest and her legs tangle with mine. Her heat rises through the cloth that separates us and I curse myself for not removing more before I came to her. Perhaps though, it is a small mercy. For as memories of this morning flash through my mind, softening my control and hardening my body, I know she is safer this way.

Wrapping an arm around her waist, I tug her back to nestle into my lap. She sighs deeply in slumber, pressing her hips back dangerously. Mahal, even in her sleep she tests me! Running my hand along her hip, I lick my suddenly chapped lips. I could wake her deliciously slow; bring her high and listen to her gasp quietly. I could fill her through the night; training her body to know only mine. If I were gentle we could-no. I stop my thoughts before they become too pronounced to ignore. Tonight is not for that. Not tonight.

Tonight I will just hold her. Tonight I will be grateful to have her by my side. Tonight I will not lay awake, praying to dream of her when I close my eyes... Still... I can do all that AND make love to her... Burying my nose into her neck is all I can do not to flip her onto her back and bury myself into her warmth. She is no doubt still sore. As much as I want her right now, I can not have her. Still... Nipping at her throat, I breath in her scent.

"Thia."

"Tho...rin?" Half asleep, she cranes her neck instead of simply turning to face me. Confirming that I am indeed myself, she offers a half smile and settles back in "You came."

"Of course I did." Fitting my body snuggly around her own, I allow the lullaby of her presence to pull me under. I haven't introduced her to Erebor as a queen yet. Had I entered these quarters so brazenly before acknowledging her stature, a rumored concubine would be confirmed and all she'd be seen as. I have to acknowledge her officially before I am known to frequent her chambers. But I spent too many nights of longing and desperation to sleep so far away, with her finally so close "You're here, my love. I wouldn't dream of sleeping anywhere else."

It came to my attention that I TOTALLY skipped between Thia's arrival in Erebor and her departure two weeks later for the Shire. I really just wanted to get the story moving but now see how much potential that little nugget of time holds. I have been an absent writer since joining the army and I miss my characters. I'd like to dust off the cobwebs and the best practice is through a side story! I'll be writing about the day to day occurrences of my lovely OC during that time frame. Hopefully by the time I'm done with this, I'll be ready to hop back into the main story! See you there!