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I hear wedding bells! Did you all dress up for the nuptials? Come on in and decide if you want to sit on the Dwarf/Groom side or the Hobbit/Bride side...there are plenty of chairs for all. But if you are wearing a big floppy hat, don't you DARE sit in front of me and block my view! ha ha

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Chapter 52

~X~

While Bergie and Marigold fussed over the bride's attire and hair, Dis made the rounds to alert all those she felt should be in attendance at the impromptu wedding. Every hobbit wished to be present, as did the entire company and their families. Kili, Fili and Sier were equally shocked and delighted, having had no idea that Dwalin and Bergie had even been interested in each other. Still, they all quickly readied themselves, including Flinn, and hurried to the chambers where the ceremony would be held - not wishing to miss a moment. There they found the room already filled with both dwarrow and hobbit alike, all grinning from ear to ear over the odd, yet joyous, turn of events.

"I knew this was coming," Ilin smiled proudly, acting as if she had instigated the match personally.

"I think we both did," Dena corrected her. "After all, before we had a talk with Bergie, the poor lass didn't know the first thing about dwarrows and their ones."

"Oh, really?" Dis mused, thinking that maybe talking to Thorin was not the only thing needed to speed things along with those two. If Bergie hadn't know such things…why on earth would Marigold?

"Yes, indeed," Ilin nodded. "Poor thing couldn't figure out what on earth Dwalin was waiting for."

"But it would appear that the waiting is over," Dena laughed, covering her lips with her hand as she met Gloin's eyes through the crowd. "Skin on skin," she whispered to the other two dams. "That is what I have always said."

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When Bergie and Marigold finally arrived, Balin and Bilbo were waiting outside the door, prepared to fulfil their assigned roles. Stepping forward, the white haired dwarf drew the bride-to-be into a warm, brotherly embrace.

"I could not have wished for a better, or more suited, mate for my little brother," he told her, fighting back his tears. "Take good care of him, my dear. I know he will strive to do the same for you."

"I have no doubt," she nodded, leaning in to kiss his weathered cheek. "And I promise to love Dwalin for the rest of our days, Balin. He will never be left in doubt of my feelings for him."

"I am so happy for you both," he smiled, stepping away as Bilbo approached.

"Since I seem to be your closest male relative within a hundred miles, I hope you will accept the offer of my arm as you walk down the aisle," Bilbo proposed, giving Bergie a warm smile.

"I would be honored, dear Cousin," she assured him, linking her arm with his and leaning in for a quick hug.

"Shall we go in?" Balin asked, also taking hold of Marigold's arm and giving it a kindly pat. "The rest are already inside, and if my poor nadadith has to wait much longer, I think he will burst!"

"Then far be it from me to delay the proceedings," Bergie laughed, extending her hand in a gesture for them to carry on. "I am just as anxious as he is."

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Balin and Marigold entered through the double doors and walked towards the front of the room, where Dwalin waited for his bride. There were hobbits and dwarves lining either side of the aisle, all with happy smiles on their faces, anxious to see two of their own unite both races in matrimony. Even Gandalf was there, standing near the front of the room, towering over all in attendance. Yet no one could mistake the wide and satisfied grin on his face, or the twinkle in his ancient eyes, as he watched the joyous proceedings unfold. This was a monumental day for all, and he could feel in his bones that it would have long reaching benefits for both races. Yes, the grey wizard was very pleased.

When Dwalin saw Bergie enter, just behind his brother and Marigold, a huge smile spread across his face. To some, it almost appeared as if the grizzled warrior might rush forward and snatch his bride out of Bilbo's hold…but he held his place, waiting anxiously.

Thorin stood one step higher on a small dais, and if at all possible, looked more nervous than the groom. For his eyes were trained on the pretty little hobbit on Balin's arm, who was steadily walking towards him. Thorin couldn't help but imagine what it would be like if this was his wedding, and soon it would be to Marigold he would be speaking his vows. One of his worries about her had just been dispelled, for Dwalin had proven quite emphatically that a hobbit can indeed be a dwarf's one. But what about his other concerns over their possible union? Would the dwarves of Erebor accept Marigold as their queen? Would she even accept him? Thorin had heard every word that Dis had said, and while he wanted to believe them with all his heart…he still feared rejection. Not only from his people, but now from Marigold as well. He had not been making a very good impression the past few weeks, and after the stunt he pulled that very morning, Thorin doubted the little hobbit lass would even speak to him, let alone accept his pursuit. Still, he would never know unless he tried…right?

Thorin's thoughts were interrupted as Bergie came to stand beside Dwalin, with Bilbo reaching out and placing her hand within his. After bestowing a chaste kiss on her cheek, the male hobbit shook his friend's other hand, and stepped back to stand with the rest of the assembled guests.

Sier and Fili exchanged looks, both thinking back to when they too had stood where Bergie and Dwalin were now, speaking their vows and sealing their lives as one. The two had come a long way since that day, finding both love and happiness, the likes of which they had never imagined. Fili reached out and took hold of her hand, giving it a little squeeze, silently assuring her that his feelings would never change.

Flinn, who was getting rather sleepy – as it was now dangerously close to his bed time – leaned his head against his mother's shoulder as she held him on her hip. He looked around the room until he spotted Frodo, his trusty sword brother, and gave his friend a tired little wave. Flinn was fighting to remain awake since his parents had told him that there would be a small party after the ceremony, and he did not want to miss out on getting a piece of cake. Few things were worth staying up for…however sweets were definitely one of them.

Suddenly, Thorin's voice boomed through the hall, causing Flinn's eyes to snap open and focus on his great-uncle.

"Have those in attendance come here out of loyalty, honor and a willing heart?" he asked, looking down at the two standing before him, giving them both a warm smile.

"Aye," Dwalin and Bergie both replied, looking at each other confidently.

Thorin knew what his next words should be, but as he stared down at his best friend, he felt compelled to deviate from the usual ceremony, in order to say a few words from his heart.

"I admit when Dwalin announced his intent to take a wife…only a scant hour ago…I was a bit startled. Not due to his quick decision, for I have always known my kinsman to be one who makes up his mind in a hurry, never letting the grass grow under his feet, and faithfully following through with whatever he purposed to do. And it was not because he has chosen to wed this beautiful hobbit lass instead of a dwarrowdam, for I can easily tell that they are perfectly suited for each other, and they will both be extremely happy." Here Thorin stopped and darted to give a quick glance over at Marigold, hoping to glean something from any reaction she might give…but there was none. In fact, she refused to even make eye contact with him, choosing instead to focus on her aunt. So, clearing his throat, he continued on. "No…my shock came from the idea that now I will have to share my dearest friend's company with another." Looking at Dwalin, he gave him a slightly regretful smile. "You have been my faithful cousin, a brother in arms, and the truest friend any dwarf could ever ask for. You have been at my side through the worst of times, and now it is my privilege to stand here today and share in the best of times with you. I wish you nothing but happiness, my sword-brother and friend."

It was obvious to everyone that Dwalin had been moved by Thorin's speech, yet all the warrior could do was nod in response. He was suddenly too choked up to do any more, but that simple action conveyed all that needed to be said between them. The King then set his eyes on the hobbit lass before him.

"And you, Bergamot Bracegirdle," Thorin continued, his expression softening as he looked into her gentle brown eyes, "For accepting Dwalin's proposal, for becoming his wife, and agreeing to put up with all his dwarfish stubbornness, it will be my pleasure on this day to warmly welcome you, not only into the kingdom of Erebor…but into our family as well. You both have my eternal blessing on this union."

There came a joyous shout from all those in attendance, as well as a nod of approval from Gandalf, obviously very pleased by Thorin's speech. When everyone at last simmered down, the king continued.

"Now…who here stands for the bride?' he asked, looking out at the group gathered around. "Who among you speaks for her character and recommend her to this dwarrow?"

Dwalin couldn't help but cringe at this, having given no thought to the fact that this question would be asked, and he shut his eyes in resignation when he heard Bilbo speak up from behind him.

"I am told that I am to fill that role," the hobbit announced, his voice sounding only slightly unsure. "As her nearest male relative, I will stand as her champion and challenge any who dare to malign her character." Here he cleared his throat and looked around nervously. "Though I truly hope no one does, for I didn't think to bring my sword with me tonight. So unless you would accept my challenge at a game of Conkers, I am rather unprepared for this part of the ceremony."

"I think you are safe from engaging in any form of battle this evening, Master Baggins," Thorin chuckled, seeing that no one was going to raise any doubts about Miss Bracegirdle's character. "And has the groom offered you, her champion, proper compensation for the bride's hand?" Thorin asked, raising an eyebrow as he looked at his friend, who appeared as though something had soured his stomach.

"I have been advised to answer that he has not," Bilbo replied, looking over at Fili, who was now grinning from ear to ear. "Though I fear, that once again, I am at a loss as to what this means."

"It means," Kili spoke up, stepping forward until he stood beside his brother, the two of them simultaneously folding their arms over their chests in a look of triumphant glee, "That Dwalin, knowing our traditions and customs, should have approached you, as Bergie's champion, before the ceremony began and offered you compensation for the loss of such a prize in his family."

"A monetary offering is usually accepted," Fili added. "Though you could demand livestock, trade goods, or even gems. All of which Dwalin would have to pay if he wished to procure your blessing, and the hand of this fair maid." He then looked over at Dwalin with a sly and vengeful gleam in his eyes. "And have you done this, cousin? Have you offered Bilbo the bride price?"

"You both know very well that I have not!" Dwalin growled, feeling like a fool for forgetting, as well as getting caught in Fili and Kili's sly little prank.

"And why should he?" Bergie broke in, looking a bit perturbed by all the fuss. "I am my own person, no one owns me, so why on earth should Dwalin be paying anything to anyone for my hand?"

"It's to show that he values your worth," Dis spoke up, trying to explain things to Bergie in a way that would not offend. "To show that he appreciates what you will be bringing to the marriage, and that it will cause your family a hardship at your leaving. It is not meant as an insult to you…in fact, it is meant to flatter you."

"Oh…" Bergie replied, giving this all a bit more thought. "Well…in that case, if it is a dwarf tradition, I will not protest against it. Though I still think it is rather unnecessary."

Dwalin gave Bergie an adoring look - as if to say that she was the most amazing thing in the world – and then turned his eyes on Bilbo.

"The customary offering for a fine dwarrowdam is two hundred gold pieces," he began, shooting a withering glare at Fili and Kili. "But I am willing to offer you six-hundred pieces of gold for the hand of my Bergie. For I deem her a treasure beyond compare. Will you accept?"

"I most certainly will not!" Bilbo argued, looking a bit aghast.

"What?" Dwalin barked. "Why in Mahal's name not?"

"Because I have no use for six-hundred pieces of gold, and see no reason why I should be profiting from your marriage!" the hobbit responded in defense. "I have no true claim on Bergie, yet I give her to you freely. Keep your money. "

"That is not how things are done, Bilbo," Balin interjected, hoping to avoid a scene, and not delay the wedding any further. "Dwalin is offering it to you in good faith, as is part of our wedding traditions, and it is customary that you accept…unless you feel more is required."

"I don't want any more!" Bilbo argued. "I don't even want the amount he is trying to give me!"

Here, Drogo stepped forward and spoke to Bilbo, looking nervously from his cousin to the large dwarf warrior standing before them.

"Bilbo, it would appear that by not accepting the money, you would be insulting Mister Dwalin, and possibly shaming Bergie in the process," he whispered. "I think it would be best, all things considered, if you just took the money."

Bilbo did indeed turn and stare at all the expectant eyes trained on him, and seeing that he was vastly outnumbered in this, gave a sigh of resignation.

"Very well…I will accept your offer, Dwalin, if it will make you happy," he assured him.

"It will, my friend," Erebor's war chief nodded, rather pleased with himself for getting his way. "Thank you." He then turned back to Bergie with a satisfied look on his face, taking her hand as he gestured for Thorin to continue.

"Now that that is settled…will you, Dwalin, son of Fundin, of the line of Durin, claim this lass as your mate and companion for the remainder of your days? Will you protect her, show her honor, and take on the role of her champion in all things?"

"I accept, and hereby swear to do so," Dwalin spoke up, no sign of wavering in his voice. For this he earned a bright smile from his love, as she stared up at him with great admiration.

"And will you, Bergamot Bracegirdle, cousin of Bilbo Baggins of the Shire, accept this dwarrow as your mate and companion for the remainder of your days? Will you care for him, show him honor, and take on the role of his comforter in all things?"

"You bet your brass buttons I will!" she answered firmly, grinning from ear to ear, her cheeks flushed with excitement.

Her rather unorthodox reply caused several to snort with laughter, but they were quickly hushed by Dis, Ilin and Dena. Thorin, apparently unfazed by Bergie's affirmation, did not miss a beat.

"Dwalin, do you have a token to give to your wife?" the king asked, knowing full well that this part of the ceremony his friend was prepared for.

"Yes," Dwalin assured him, turning back to take the bright silver clasp out of Balin's outstretched hand. Neither he, nor his brother, wore clasps or beads in their hair or beards. Mostly because Balin kept his hair short and Dwalin long ago lost most of his. And while Dwalin chose not to place any ornaments in his beard, stating that it was safer not to give an opponent anything to grab hold of in battle, Balin's reason stemmed more from the fact that he took pride in curling the ends of his facial hair, requiring no further adornment in his mind. However, both brothers often wore a silver clasp with their family's crest engraved on them in the form of a cuff around the outside of their ear…Dwalin more noticeably than Balin. It was this emblem, which had been engraved on a small bead, that he now placed in his bride's hair, his fingers quickly weaving a delicate braid amongst her tawny curls, securing it at the end for all to see.

"What is this for?" Bergie asked, lifting up the braid and eyeing the silver decoration with delight and curiosity.

"It tells all that you are taken, that you are my wife, and mine alone," Dwalin informed her proudly, apparently eager to show her off to the whole mountain.

"Oh, it is lovely…and so unique," Bergie assured him with a wide smile. "In the Shire, we symbolize our married state with the giving of a ring."

"Would you desire a ring?" Dwalin offered quickly, anxious to both please his little lass, as well as willing to blend both hobbit and dwarven wedding traditions into the ceremony. His eyes darted around the room expectantly. "Does anyone have a ring?"

There were many looks of distress and hands digging into pockets, leaving most to shake their heads sadly, revealing that rings were apparently in short supply. And the one hobbit who did sport a ring on her finger, was unwilling to relinquish it due to the sentimental value it held as her own wedding band.

Bilbo could not help but let his hand drift to his waistcoat pocket, fingering the plain gold ring that he always kept on his person. He had not used it in a very long time, for Gandalf had strongly advised against it, but there was no way he would have ever been able to part with it, regardless of the reason. Besides, if Dwalin had slipped that particular ring on Bergie's finger, pandemonium would have reigned when his bride vanished from sight. He looked up and caught the grey wizard staring at him, as if reading his mind, and noted the barely visible shake of the old man's head. He nodded back, of course, but found it almost humorous to think that Gandalf would imagine he needed to warn Bilbo against offering it as a wedding token. How foolish.

"Dwalin, I do not need a ring," Bergie insisted, not wanting Dwalin to go to any more trouble than he already had. "The bead is perfect and it is all I need."

"No, if it is one of your traditions, then you should have a ring," he maintained. Then his eyes grew bright as he reached up and tugged one of the cuffs off his ear and held it up. "Will this do for now, if I promise to forge you a far better one later…one that befits your beauty and worth?"

"I think you are going to spoil me, Dwalin," Bergie laughed, though she nodded her head and held out her hand.

The little silver cuff had to be spread apart just a bit in order to properly fit her finger, but once it was on, it looked rather stunning - causing both Dwalin and Bergie to grin with pride.

"There," the groom stated. "You are now seen as my wife by both my people and yours. There is no backing out now."

"I wouldn't dream of it, my handsome warrior," Bergie assured him, leaning in to place a kiss on his lips.

"Hold on, now," Thorin laughed. "I have not finished the ceremony. Wait until I make it official."

"Then get on with it," Dwalin huffed, feeling as if this was taking forever.

"It is my happy pleasure to announce that the two of you are bound together by heart, mind and body. Dwalin, I give you your wife. Bergie, I present to you your husband." He then leaned in a bit and gave them a wink. "Now you may kiss."

Dwalin and Bergie did not need to be told twice, and this time not only did the hobbit throw her arms around her new husband's neck, but he picked her up and spun her around – her fuzzy little feet no longer touching the floor.

Everyone cheered and clapped, thoroughly pleased for both of them. Kili was delighted for his cousin and mentor, but as he had watched the proceedings, he could not help but wonder if there was a chance for this in his future as well. He had not given marriage much thought, until his brother had seen fit to take a wife. Kili knew he had no current desire to turn husband, yet lately…his mind had drifted back to the one time a lass had caught his eye. Still, he had not seen her in years, and he was certain that she had all but forgotten about him…so, what was the point? But as his eyes fell upon Fili and Sier, the two of them looking at each other with so much love and devotion, it caused an unexpected surge of longing to have what his brother did now.

Yet when his gaze turned to his mother, standing there with tears of joy in her eyes, and fingering the little medallion that hung around her neck, he began to have second thoughts. Sure, love was grand and beautiful…but there was always the fear that you could lose your mate, and he knew his mother still mourned his father, Flinn, who waited in the halls of Mandos. Kili wished he could remember him better, but he had been only a babe in arms when his sire had died. Fili recalled him better, but even his memories were few and scattered. Yes, love was a wonderful thing…but was it worth the heartache? Was it even for him? Time would tell, he supposed, but until then, he would simply be happy to remain as he was…single and free.

Everyone was taking turns hugging and congratulating the couple, Marigold being the first to throw herself into her aunt's arms, shedding tears of joy. Thorin slapped his friend on the back as Dis came forward to engulf Dwalin in a crushing embrace.

"Shall we all retire to the next room for some ale and refreshments?" Balin offered loudly, gesturing to where he had obviously already arranged a small spread to celebrate his brother's nuptials. He then gave Dwalin a wink. "Don't worry, Nadadith, we won't keep you and your lovely bride too long."

"That would be greatly appreciated," Bergie stated, causing everyone to laugh, and actually made Dwalin blush slightly.

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The gathering was a pleasant one, with much laughter, toasting of the newlyweds, and enough food served to satisfy even the hungriest of hobbits. Flinn and Frodo, who had both remained awake during the ceremony, now sat together in a corner, feasting on slices of the much anticipated cake.

"So…what do you think will happen with Bergie and Mister Dwalin now?" Frodo asked between bites.

"I guess the same as anyone else who gets married…they will move in together," Flinn shrugged.

"Does that mean Miss Bergie won't go back to the Shire?" The idea of not returning to the home he loved so much, caused Frodo a bit of distress. Sure, Erebor was nice, and he hated to think of parting with his new sword brother…but the Shire was special. It was home.

"I don't know," Flinn mused, looking over at the smiling couple as they talked and laughed with others. "I don't think Uncle Dwalin will want to leave Erebor, and it would make my Uncle Thorin really sad if he did. So I guess they will stay here."

"Do you think they will have any kids?" Frodo continued to muse.

"If it takes them as long to have babies as it does for our parents to give us a brother or a sister, then I doubt it," Flinn responded with a huff of irritation.

"I know!" Frodo agreed, ceasing his questions and directed his attention back to his cake.

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During the evening, when no one seemed to be paying attention, Dwalin whispered something in Bergie's ear and then disappeared out the side door, slipping away unnoticed. When he returned he was carrying a small chest, and striding to the center of the room, he sat it down on a table for all to see. Fili raised an eyebrow at his cousin when he noticed it was the same chest he had gifted to Dwalin as Sier's bride price. The young prince couldn't help but laugh when the older dwarrow leaned down and blew a thick layer of dust off the top.

"Not been touched in months, I take it?" Fili laughed, causing Erebor's war chief to chuckle.

"Ain't had any use for it, lad," he nodded. "I only took it as a formality, you know…and to set you on your ear a bit. But you did a fine job of getting even with me today."

"No hard feelings?" Kili asked, having happily gone along with his brother's joke, but still hated the idea of having Dwalin upset with him.

"Nah," he assured them both. "There's no way I could hold a grudge on a day such as this." He then reached out and pulled his blushing bride to his side, pleased at how well she seemed to fit there. "But now, just so that no one can say I welched on a debt…Bilbo Baggins, I do hereby present you with the bride price." He opened the chest, showing a pile of gold pieces, and then tossed another small bag on top to complete the amount agreed upon. "Are we square?"

"I suppose we are," Bilbo nodded, looking rather confounded. "Though I have no idea what I will do with all this. I still have that other chest of gold we found at the troll cave, stashed away at Bag End, completely untouched. Not much call for treasure in the Shire."

"You can do whatever you want with it," Dwalin assured him. "Just as long as you accept it now, our business is concluded."

"Then it would not hurt your feelings, or offend you, if I gave it away?" Bilbo asked hopefully.

"I am sure my brother couldn't care less," Balin stepped in. "Yet the idea of simply giving away gold is morally offensive to just about any dwarf!" This announcement was met with a mixture of hearty laughter from the hobbits, and serious nods of agreement from most of the dwarves, Gloin especially.

"Still, at the risk of alienating myself from my dwarrow brethren, I will indeed be giving it away…to everyone here tonight!" That idea seemed to spark everyone's interest, and even the dwarves found no reason to complain. Thus the coins were divided evenly between every adult present, with a few left over to give two shiny gold pieces to Frodo and Flinn. And while they seemed delighted to receive their gifts at the time, soon their interest waned and they set them aside to free up their hands for more cake.

All the hobbits appeared pleasantly happy to receive a share, but it was Hamfast Gamgee that was the most excited, possibly thinking of his own potential wedding when he returned home. Perhaps the coins he now possessed would go a long way in convincing Bell's father that he was an acceptable suitor for his daughter.

Yet after the gold was distributed, and several more rounds of ale had been passed amongst the guests, Dwalin announced that it was time for him and his bride to depart.

"I thank you all for sharing in our special day," the happy groom announced. "My wife and I appreciate all your warm wishes and fine regards." He paused there, taking Bergie's hand and giving it a gentle kiss. "I rather like the sound of that…my wife."

"I find it very pleasing as well, my husband," she giggled.

"Then why don't you two get going and make it official?" Bofur shouted from the back of the room, holding up what was obviously one mug of ale too many. Most just laughed at the hatted miner's flippant comment, including Bergie and Dwalin, but it did earn him a scolding elbow to the ribs from Bombur.

"Best advice I have heard all night," Dwalin agreed, grabbing hold of Bergie and lifting her into his muscular arms.

"Dwalin!" she squeaked, having been unprepared for his boisterous display.

"Would you rather I toss you over my shoulder and carry you out that way?" he asked, raising a teasing eyebrow.

"I suppose if you must carry me, this will do just fine," she assured him, wrapping her arms around his neck with a wicked grin. "I am all yours, you big brute."

"That you are, lassie, that you are," he agreed, giving a final nod to all their guests as he and his bride disappeared out the door amid a round of cheers. And that was the last that anyone saw of them for many days…and nights.

Shhhhhh, let's leave the newlyweds alone, all right? Unless any of you feel brave enough to stand outside with your ear plastered against the door. ha ha.

So...it looks like Thorin might be taking Dis and Dwalin's advice to heart at last...and he MIGHT just do something about it too!

Did you like Fili getting even with Dwalin over the bride price? And poor Bilbo didn't want to take it, ha ha. Silly hobbit.

Guest Reviews:

Guest H: I hope you enjoyed the wedding! And Yep, I think Thorin did take notes this time, and listened. Now let's see what he DOES with his new resolve...next chapter.

Emrfangirl: I am glad you approve of how Dwalin and Bergie just jumped right in with both feet. Marigold might be a respectable hobbit lass, but when you stomp on her heart, she will trip you without any regrets. ha ha. Hope you enjoyed the wedding...and what will be coming next. ha ha.

ValarenOfGondor: Did Thorin respond to Marigold walking down the aisle as you thought? It sure got him thinking, that is for sure. Yes, Thorin does have legitimate concerns...but come on, she is your one...just GO FOR IT and to heck with the consequences. The dwarves of Erebor will just have to deal. Thankfully the age thing won't be an issue, like Dis pointed out. Dis really did love her husband, and I think it is important to show that even after death, a dwarf remains loyal to her/his one. And as much as Dis and Bilbo would have been adorable together, I think Fili and Kili would have had a bit of trouble dealing with their mom finding another dwarf or hobbit. ha ha. Can you see them calling Bilbo daddy? ha ha. Dis and her team still have a ways to go with Thorin, but at least he is thinking in the right direction now. ha ha. More on THAT in the next chapter.

enilorac44: 12 hours? Sheesh, were you hibernating? ha ha. I am happy my story made you smile and I hope you are back in the pink really soon. I just figured that Dwalin wouldn't have a nice wedding suit just hanging around, and really, they needed something borrowed and old anyway, right? ha ha. Not sure what the new and blue things were though, ha ha.

Aranel Mereneth: Yep, things would move a lot faster for the line of Durin if they did. Dwalin is the only one in the family with brains it would seem. ha ha. Oh, and Dis. Your mental picture made me cringe and giggle. Poor Thorin.

Guest: I am glad the last chapter made your day, and that you think it is sweet and fun as well. The funniest chapter so far? Did this one get a few giggles out of you as well? Thanks