.

Well, here we go, more fun and hijinks for Thorin. Oh, to what lengths will his cohorts go to see him in the arms of his lady love? Do read on and find out.

.

.

Chapter 58

~X~

The snow was now at its worst, burying most of the mountain in a thick blanket of white. Winter would not last long, but they still had at least a month or two before things would begin to melt enough to start work on the project out of doors. In the meantime, as much preparation was underway inside the mountain, where the temperature was constantly pleasant.

A crew of dwarves had been tasked with the manufacturing of a series of pipes, ones that would extend from the River Running to the fields and orchards that would be planted in the spring. Using the ingenious plans the hobbits had drawn up, the dwarves were having no problems engineering the items needed to irrigate the patch of land set aside.

Bergie, when she was not attending to her new husband, was hard at work on both the storehouses, as well as her brewing room. Bofur was always willing to offer her a hand with that particular project, much to Dwalin's consternation.

Marigold was infinitely more pleased now that Thorin was taking an active role in the planning stages, and not simply leaving it up to Balin to keep him informed. In fact they spent many long hours talking over ideas and sketching out what needed to be done. Often, the two would be so lost in conversation that they would not even notice that Balin, who was expected to keep an eye on the courting couple, had dozed off in his chair in the corner…a happy smile on his weathered face.

They were spending more and more time together, causing the whole mountain to be a twitter with speculation as to their motives. Thankfully, no one seemed to be openly opposed to the notion of their king showing interest in a hobbit lass, yet eyebrows were still raised at regular intervals. Thorin did his best not to let it get under his skin, and if Marigold noticed such things, she chose not to speak of it. Still, he knew at some point he would need to address the issue by making a formal announcement, but he did not wish to put the cart before the pony…seeing as how his little hobbit of choice had yet to agree to marry him. However, as the days - and then weeks - dragged on, he wondered just how long he was expected to wait? He envied Dwalin, having already claimed his one, the two of them even now sharing their lives…and a bed. While he, the king, slept alone, forced to only dream of cradling little Marigold in his arms.

Dis was thinking almost the same thing…almost. For she too had noticed her brother's frustrations and wondered what she might do in order to speed things along. Granted, she had been the one to tell Thorin that he needed to be patient, to give the lass time to figure things out in her own mind…still she hated to see her brother suffer.

But since Dis had no idea what to do about it, she did the one thing she was sure would help her think things through…she went to visit her husband. Or, at least she went to visit the statue she had made of him in remembrance. Dis knew that Flinn's body was not truly there in Erebor, for it still lay buried with his fallen comrades beneath the Nukshelhindîn…the Hill of All Sorrow, just outside the Blue Mountains. But it made her feel better when she spoke to it, imagining that he was hearing her words from where he waited in the Halls of Mandos.

So it was that Dis found herself down in the tombs, sitting on a little stone bench as she stared up at the likeness of her husband, Flinn the First. It was odd to think of him in those terms, now that there was a Flinn the Second, but she wouldn't have it any other way.

"I know it has been a while, my love," she said, her voice cutting through the stillness and bringing a bit of life to such a lonely place. "I fear I have been quite busy of late. Don't worry, your sons are fine, as is your new daughter-in-law and grandson. I swear that every day that lad looks more and more like Fili, just as every day Fili looks more and more like you. Kili still takes after me in appearance, though he has your spirit, there is no doubt. You would be so proud of of them, and I know you would have loved Sier and little Flinn."

Here she paused for a moment, her expression one of longing, as she fingered the pendant that hung around her neck. But then her countenance changed and a wide grin spread across her face.

"You will never guess what has happened, Flinn. Never in a million years. Thorin is in love! Yes, you heard me right…in love! Dwalin too, if you can believe it. And that is not even the best part, for they have both fallen in love with hobbit lasses. Hobbits! It was quite unexpected, and yet it truly feels right. However, knowing you the way I do, I am sure that you would have teased Thorin mercilessly about this, and other than Dwalin, you might have been the only one to get away with it too. My dim-witted brother could certainly use your advice on the subject…Dwalin as well, even though he has already claimed his one. Apparently, since Smaug's taking of Erebor, and the scattering of our people to the wind, there has been a serious breakdown in communication about such things as what to expect when finding your one. I know that even we had our moments of foolishness where that was concerned, but nothing like I have witnessed when dealing with Thorin and Dwalin…or even Fili for that matter." She gave a small chuckle as she recalled the emergency love-lesson she was forced to organize the night of Sier and Flinn's abduction. "But do not worry, even though I know they would have much rather heard it from you, I made sure that our sons were set straight, and they are now both well informed. Though Kili has yet to show any desire in put such knowledge to use…still, he is young, and there is plenty of time for him."

Dis grew quiet for a while, lost in her thoughts, until she gave a sigh and looked back up at the statue that so resembled her one.

"I miss you every day, my love," she assured him. "There are so many times I wish that you were here to share the joys of watching your sons mature into the fine dwarrow we always knew they would be. Not to mention seeing your grandson grow, and your two friends find love at last. Needless to say, things have really been interesting around here. And I have not even had the chance to tell you about the other hobbits that have invaded the mountain, though I have mentioned Bilbo to you a few times already! You remember him, don't you…the hobbit who journeyed along with Thorin on the quests?" She paused for a moment, then chuckled to herself, having almost expected the stature to answer her. "Well, like I said, thing have truly been exciting here as of late."

Dis might have said more, but just then there came a light tapping at the large double doors behind her. Turning, she saw Bilbo poking his head in nervously.

"Lady Dis?" he called, his eyes darting around the room in search of her. He let out a sigh of relief when he spied Dis sitting several yards away.

"Come in, Master Baggins," the princess called, gesturing him over with a pleased smile. "How nice of you to drop by, for I have been hoping to introduce you to my husband."

"Your…your husband?" the hobbit asked, looking around with a startled expression.

"Flinn," she nodded, gesturing to the statue in front of her. "I was just telling him about all the excitement that has taken place since you and your companions arrived in Erebor."

Bilbo's eyes followed to where the dwarrowdam was pointing, only to gasp slightly as he spied the stature.

"Fili?" he asked, looking from it and then back to Dis questioningly.

"Nay, not Fili…Flinn," she smiled, pride showing on her face. "They do look amazingly similar, do they not? I dare say that little Flinn will take after his namesake with equal fervor." Dis then turned back towards the statue and made the formal introductions. "Flinn, this is Mister Bilbo Baggins, the hobbit I told you about. Bilbo, I would like you to meet my husband, Flinn, son of Frár."

Drawing himself up to his full height, which was not much even by hobbit standards, Bilbo bowed low in respect.

"It is a great honor to meet the husband of such a fine lady as Princess Dis," he told the statue in all seriousness. "As well as the father of Prince Fili and Prince Kili. You have my admiration, sir."

Dis, who seemed very pleased by Bilbo's reaction, turned to face the hobbit with a wide grin.

"And what brings you all the way down here, Master Baggins?" she asked, curiosity filling her eyes. "Surely you did not take a wrong turn and get lost."

"No, I am not lost, though I admit to having to ask directions in order to find this place," he confessed. "I was looking for you."

"For me?" she repeated. "What on earth for?"

"A conspiratorial matter," he told her, leaning in a bit and lowering his voice. "You asked if I could think of a way to speed things along with Thorin and Marigold. Well, I believe I have set upon an idea."

"Oh, do tell!" she said, clapping her hands together as she stood up.

"I will, but I think it best we do our talking on the move, time is of the essence I fear," he suggested, inclining his head towards the door.

"As you wish," she nodded, turning back towards the statue once more. "Goodbye for now, my darling. I will be back soon and hopefully with more news about Thorin." She lifted her hand and touched her fingers to her lips, then reached out and placed them on the stone-carved hands that were crossed over the ax held before him. "I will always love you, Flinn. Never forget that."

Bilbo stood there in silence, giving his friend a moment to herself. He had never been in love personally, yet he had felt the crippling pain of losing loved ones in death. Dis was a strong and courageous dam, no doubt about it, yet even she seemed vulnerable to his eyes as he watched her now. Bilbo found himself hoping that his new plan would be successful, for if things did not work out for Thorin and Marigold…well, he would not wish the pain of a lost love on his worst enemy.

"So, my sly little friend," Dis began, breaking him out of his thoughts. "What is it that you have in mind?"

And as they both headed back up, Bilbo filled her in on all the details.

.

.

Meanwhile, Marigold caught up to Bergie as the two lasses headed down the same corridor.

"Well, there you are," the younger hobbit called, as she sidled up beside her aunt, intertwining her arm with Bergie's. "I looked for you at breakfast, but you were nowhere to be seen."

"I'm sorry," the married hobbit replied. "I had a bit of a sleep-in this morning. I have been feeling a bit overtaxed lately and I thought a few more hours in bed would do me good."

"Normally I would crack a joke about that's what you get for marrying such a virile dwarf, but since I saw Dwalin alone in the dining hall, I find I am more concerned than amused," she stated, stopping the two of them in their tracks as she stared up at her kin. "Are you all right?"

"Oh yes, perfectly fine," Bergie assured her worried niece. "I think I am just spending too much time cooped up in the storage rooms, and not getting out in the sun enough. Perhaps I will ask Dwalin to take me for a ride to Dale or something, just to get some fresh air. I am sure that is all it is."

"I understand," Marigold nodded, having felt a bit cooped up herself. "Even in the Shire I would start to get a bit stir crazy in the winter months when we were forced to stay inside. Maybe we could convince Thorin and Dwalin to take us both on an outing," she suggested, a wide smile crossing her lips.

"You need only bat your eyelashes at our handsome king to get him to do that, and much more," Bergie teased her niece, causing her to blush and smile. "Am I to assume by the shameless grin on your face that you are nearing a decision? Do I hear wedding bells in your future?"

"I…I just don't know!" Marigold all but wailed, a look of utter frustration replacing her smile. "One moment I am ready to say yes…and the next the whole enormity of the situation hits me like an avalanche. I do care for Thorin…in fact I am pretty sure that I might even love him! But if I accept his proposal, I will also be agreeing to be his queen. Me…a queen! What is he thinking?"

"That he is in love as well?" Bergie suggested, putting her arm around her distraught niece's shoulders.

"But is he? I mean really?" she questioned, looking up at her in fear.

"What are you talking about?" the older hobbit asked.

"Well, Thorin has never truly said he loves me…I mean not in those exact words," Marigold pointed out. "Oh, his actions speak of affection and fondness, and his speech very heartfelt and sincere, but what if he is only pursuing me because he feels that it is his destiny to do so? Is that the only reason he cares for me? Because of some inbred connection that has no rhyme or reason? He claims that I am his one, hand-picked for him by Mahal…but would he have chosen me if it had been solely his decision? Would he? Or does he only want to marry because he believes he will never find anyone else?"

"I hardly think that is the case," Bergie assured her, giving her arm a little squeeze. "Yet, remember, males of any species are shy about revealing their feelings…at least when there is a chance their offer of love might be rejected. You will need to draw him out…show him that you are willing to return his affections."

"I know," Marigold said with a sigh. "Still, I worry that we might be moving too quickly."

"Oh, honey, you are talking to the wrong hobbit if you want advice on going slow," Bergie laughed. "Just don't take too long, dwarves might live longer than us, but even they have a limit to their patience. You have to think of Thorin's feelings as well."

"I am thinking of him…every moment of every day it would seem," she assured her aunt. "I don't wish to keep him waiting either, and he has been doing and saying all the right things. But I still wish I knew what is in his heart, and why he wants to marry me."

"If a full confession is what you are waiting for…I fear this courtship might last longer than any of us ever expected." Bergie laughed, giving Marigold's hand a little squeeze. "But let's not dwell on that right now, instead, why don't you come with me to the storage rooms and help me get a few things done. Then we can go find out favorite dwarves and see about them taking us for a little walk outside."

"I don't know, suddenly I don't really feel much like going out," Marigold confessed, her shoulders slumping slightly.

"Hmmm, well, then perhaps a little trip down to the kitchen, where you can drown your sorrows in pastries and pies?" Bergie suggested.

"Now that I think I can do," Marigold agreed, brightening at the mention of food.

"Good! Because I missed out on breakfast, and I am starving," the older hobbit informed her, taking hold of her arm and quickening their pace. "I am not sure I will ever get used to eating only three times a day…it is simply barbaric!"

.

.

Meanwhile, Thorin was cloistered in his private study with Fili and Dwalin, the three of them deep in conversation over some business concerning Erebor. This however, was good for Dis and Bilbo, who just happened to be seeking them.

"Excellent!" Dis stated, as they walked into the room, not even bothering to knock. "Just the three we had been looking for."

"Oh?" Thorin responded, looking up from the letter he had been writing. "And why is that?"

"Because Bilbo has come up with a brilliant idea to help you speed things along with Marigold, and I intend to see it implemented," Dis told him with a smug smile on her face.

This caused Thorin to sit up straight, looking at his sister expectantly.

"And what might this idea entail?" the king asked eagerly.

"Well, you see," Bilbo began, launching into his explanation. "It is my understanding that nothing gets a lass thinking of marriage more than wee ones. And I believe I could arrange it so that Marigold is asked to mind young Frodo for an afternoon. You, of course, will offer to aid her in this and then she will see what a fine father-figure you will make."

"Father-figure?" Thorin questioned, not sure he liked this idea.

A cross between a snort and laugh escaped Dwalin's lips, causing all to turn and look at him questioningly. He did his best to pass it off as a slight case of choking, but Thorin was not fooled, giving his cousin a scathing glare before continuing on.

"I don't think I have said more than a dozen words to your young cousin since he and his family arrived in Erebor, Bilbo," he pointed out. "What if I scare the child…or make him cry?"

"We have already thought of that," Dis broke in. "And that is why we need Fili's help."

"Me? Why do you need me?" Fili asked, fearful that his mother had plans to give him another letter writing assignment.

"Remember how you asked me to mind little Flinn tomorrow evening?" she asked, looking at her son innocently. "Well, I suddenly find myself extremely busy and unable to fulfill my offer to do so."

"What?" Fili gasped. "But Sier and I have a special night planned!" And they had, one that involved a private dinner, maybe a bit of music, and then a few adult activities which necessitated that Flinn be conveniently elsewhere.

"Now, now, calm down," Dis instructed, holding up her hands to placate her eldest son. "You will not have to change your plans, since Thorin will now be watching over Flinn. That way, the little lad can act as a buffer between him and Frodo, and hopefully this will all impress Marigold so much that she is sure to speed up their courtship."

"Ahhh," Fili nodded, seeing the wisdom of his mother's idea. "But do you think it will work?"

"And why wouldn't it work?" Bilbo asked, incredulously. "I came up with the idea, did I not?"

"Yes, yes, you are a true master-mind, Mister Baggins," Fili laughed, always finding the diminutive hobbit completely enjoyable. "Yet we are all forgetting one thing…this is Thorin we are talking about."

"Are you saying that I am unqualified to watch over a child?" Thorin asked, his eyebrow raised and his arms crossing over his muscular chest. "Might I remind you that when your mother was busy, it was I who was tasked with the job of looking after you and Kili? In fact, I practically raised you two!"

"Exactly!" Fili stated. "And I am shocked that Kili and I didn't develop a nervous twitch from all the yelling, ordering around, and general bossiness we received from you."

"You thought that was yelling?" Thorin asked, his voice rising in volume as he stood up and glared at his nephew. "Oh, I will show you yelling!"

"Oh, you two stop!" Dis huffed, giving Fili a playful slap, as the young blond broke out in laughter, enjoying the look on his uncle's face as he teased him.

"I am sorry, Uncle," Fili assured him, doing his best to grow serious. "You were a wonderful guardian and role model for Kili and me, and Flinn enjoys spending time with you every chance he gets. I was only having a bit of fun, honest."

Thorin gave a huff, looking a bit offended by his nephew's pleasure in trying to rile him. Still, he could see the sincerity in Fili's eyes, and he knew their bond was strong.

"Fine…you are forgiven," Thorin nodded. "This time."

"Good, I am glad that is settled," Dis said with a roll of her eyes. "Now this is a viable plan and I will not have either of you messing it up with any more of your foolishness. Fili, you will deliver your son to Thorin's care tomorrow around three bells, and Bilbo will speak to Drogo and Prim about doing the same with Frodo."

"What do you need me to do?" Dwalin asked, not having heard what part he needed to play in all this.

"You will make sure that Bergie is otherwise occupied and unable to assist Marigold should she ask," Dis instructed. "Do you think you can do that?"

"Me…occupy my wife?" Dwalin laughed, a wicked gleam springing to his eye. "Oh, I think I might be able to come up with something."

"Fine, fine," Dis nodded, either not noticing, or choosing to ignore, his insinuation. "This way, Marigold will get to spend an entire evening with Thorin as they watch over the two lads. And if this does not get her thinking of having a family of her own…nothing will."

"Provided that Uncle does not mess it up," Fili replied under his breath, still chuckling to himself. He wondered if he should be amused by all this…or a little afraid it would all blow up in Thorin's face.

Only time would tell.

Ha ha, yes, Time and the next chapter will certainly tell, ha ha.

How did you like Dis' talk with Flinn Sr.?

And Dwalin, you dirty dog!

So, Marigold needs some reassuring...get on that Thorin!

And let's just hope that all of this does not blow up in Thorin's face. Curb your temper, oh mighty king, and you might just come out smelling like a rose...or a pile of manure. ha ha.

Guest Reviews:

Guest: Yep, looks like they are on the right track. And that little 'dwarrow to dwarrow' talk will have to wait until Thorin figures out his own love life before he can offer any advice to Kili. ha ha.