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Thorin's speech therapy is going well. Soon he will be able to say those three little words! Hold on just a little bit longer folks.

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Now let's go see how that might come about...

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Chapter 65

~X~

"So…did it work?" Dwalin whispered, sliding into the chair beside Thorin at the dinner table. Bergie had been a little tired following their afternoon rendezvous, so he had allowed her to remain in bed, promising to bring her a plate of non-offensive foods when he returned. Yet he had been anxious all day to find out if his plan had been successful…if their mock battle had stirred up feeling in Marigold similar to those of his own wife. Oh, he knew that Thorin would never allow things to go too far with the lass before they were wed, but still, a healthy dose of desire couldn't hurt.

"Did what work?" Thorin asked casually, not even bothering to look in Dwalin's direction, continuing to stare down at his plate.

"My plan!" he fumed, knowing that his cousin was now having a bit of sport with him. "Did seeing you fighting, and then wounded, get her to confess her feelings for you?"

"Nay," Thorin said with a heavy sigh, setting his fork down as he leaned back in his chair dejectedly. "Though, it did buy me an entire afternoon with her, fussing and coddling me like a babe," he added with a touch of satisfaction.

"Well…I suppose that is something," Dwalin huffed, truly irritated that his grand idea had not brought success.

"Yes…yes it was," Thorin agreed, a wide grin spreading over his face as his eyes closed at the memory of her gentle attention. She had fretted and pampered him for hours, tending to his wound even better than Oin, in his opinion. She had sat attentively, listening to stories of battles he had both won and barely survived, not once appearing bored or unsettled. It had truly been a very pleasant afternoon. At last pulling himself from his reverie, Thorin looked over at Dwalin with narrowed eyes. "That however does not justify your dirty little trick, or spilling my blood, especially when you failed to warn me ahead of time."

"It is my duty as your war chief to make sure you are always in tip-top fighting condition, and if I have to take a cheap shot now and then to keep you on your toes, so be it," Dwalin explained, doing his best to sound confident in his reasonings.

"Hmmm," Thorin hummed suspiciously. "I think you were just trying to look good in front of your own lass, and throwing me to the wargs at the same time."

"Could be," Dwalin chuckled, knowing he could never fool his cousin for long. He could also tell that Thorin was not truly angry and held no grudge against him…and for that he was glad.

"So, tell me, how are you and Bergie handling the idea of being parents?" Thorin asked, switching the subject off of him and Marigold.

"Fine, fine," Dwalin responded, reaching over and filling his bowl with the hearty stew that was set before him. "I mean…at least I think we are."

"You think?" he asked, dunking a buttered roll into his own bowl as he stared at Dwalin in confusion.

"Well…I'm trying to be supporting and encouraging," he explained, looking both worried and confused. "And I think it has helped Bergie grow more used to the idea…even a bit excited, in fact. But…"

"But?" Here Thorin leaned back and stared at his kinsman with concern.

"But…every now and then, when I start thinking about the idea of a babe…I get nervous myself," Dwalin confided. "I mean I am thrilled beyond words…but, what if it is I who turns out to be a lousy parent? You might not realize this, but I am not exactly the cuddliest of dwarves…I get angry, I am not very patient, and I have been known to raise my voice from time to time. What if my child hates me?"

"Dwalin," Thorin began, placing his hand on his cousin's shoulder. "Even if you are all those things…your child is not going to hate you. Think about it, you pretty much just described someone else to a tee as well…your own father. And Fundin was one of the best examples of a parent and teacher that I could imagine. Everyone loved him, regardless of his rather abrasive nature, including you and Balin. I have also watched you deal with Fili and Kili as they grew up, not to mention Ori and Gimli. And while you might be a bit gruff at times, no child could ask for a better father than the one I know you will be." While Thorin had meant every word, his speech had left him feeling a bit exposed, causing him to clear his throat and add in a brusque voice, "Besides, Bergie will be there to smooth things over for you when you do mess it up."

"Oh, thanks," Dwalin laughed, though he appreciated Thorin's encouragement more than he cared to admit. He really was trying to be the strong one, to ease any and all of Bergie's fears…even if it meant concealing his own. "But truly…thank you for saying so. It means a lot coming from you."

"Oh, yes," Thorin replied with a huff, crossing his arms in frustration. "Coming from the dwarrow who is not married and will never have any children of his own if he can't get the lass to say yes!" He looked over at Dwalin with an almost pleading look. "Got any more bright ideas? Preferably ones that do not involve spilling my blood?"

"Nothing comes to mind," Dwalin said with a sigh. "At least not while you are calling for such strict conditions on this," he teased.

For that, he earned a very stern glare from his king.

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Meanwhile, Marigold had sought out the company of Bergie, wishing for some much needed advice.

"Come in," Bergie offered, not entirely surprised at finding her bewildered looking niece at her doorstep. "Would you like some tea?"

"No…no, I am fine," she mumbled, sitting down as she wrung her hands together anxiously. "I…I was hoping you might…well…"

"Help you figure out what it is you are currently feeling?" she suggested, taking the spot beside her and watching her with an almost teasing expression.

"Yes!" Marigold wailed, flopping backwards and throwing her hands over her eyes. "Oh, Bergie…I can't explain it. When I saw Thorin fighting…with all that sweat glistening off his strong, powerful muscles…I just…just…"

"Couldn't breathe?" the older hobbit laughed, knowing exactly what Marigold was going through.

"Exactly!" she nodded, uncovering her face and staring at Bergie with wide eyes. "He was just so…so…painfully beautiful to watch that I couldn't tear my gaze away."

"I noticed," came Bergie's laughing reply.

"And my stomach…it was doing strange flip-flops and then there was an ache, right here," she pointed to the pit of her stomach. "Something I have never felt before…yet want to feel again. What was it?"

"That, my dear, was desire," Bergie explained, doing her best to wipe the goofy grin off her face and be serious. "It tells me that your feelings for Thorin have reached the next level. You are no longer just infatuated with our handsome king…but you desire him, physically."

"I…I do?" she gasped, her face turning red at the thought.

"All the signs are there," Bergie nodded. "And tell me, how did you feel when you saw him get wounded?"

"Terrible! I was scared to death!" Marigold cried, her face becoming ashen with fear. "I know it was only a little flesh wound, but I swear I felt as if he had been sliced in two. That was very wicked of your husband to do such a thing!"

"Yes, yes it was," Bergie agreed, though maybe not for the same reason as Marigold thought. She knew that the whole thing had been staged for her niece's benefit – and it had apparently worked – but to draw blood on your own king and kin might have been going a bit far. She would have to properly scold Dwalin for that…later. "Still, if you were to analyze your feelings, I would be safe to say that you not only find Thorin interesting, charming, kind and handsome…you also find him desirable. And that, my dear, is very important in a budding relationship."

"I…I did feel very warm and dreamy-like when he kissed me that one time," Marigold nodded, recalling how wonderful it had been.

"Just the one time?" Bergie looked shocked. "You mean you have not tried for a second kiss?"

"Well…we almost kissed in the Silver Fountain room…and again in the hallways when we lost the children, but we always got interrupted," she confessed.

"Try hiding away in a linen closet, no one will bother you there," Bergie suggested with a wide grin. "But seriously, I think if you are feeling such things, it is safe to say that he is too. The poor dwarf, he is probably going completely mad, waiting for you to make the next move."

"I don't wish to purposely put Thorin through any discomfort," Marigold gasped, looking horrified by the thought. "But…but he has still not expressed to me his true feelings, I mean, not really…in words at least. Is it wrong of me to require such a thing?"

"No, of course not. But like I said, males are not often forthcoming when emotions are involved," Bergie said with a sigh. "They are just as insecure as we are at times."

"But until he says it…until I know he means it deep in his heart, how can I give myself over to him, heart, mind, and…and body?" Marigold asked, sounding so completely broken hearted. "I want him to choose me because he loves me…me! And not because of some notion that I am destined to be his chosen one or something. I want him to choose me out of love, and for no other reason."

"And that is a realization he will have to come to all on his own," Bergie said with a sigh. "I can only guess at his feelings…but from what I have seen, I do believe in my heart that Thorin Oakenshield loves you, Mari. Truly."

"If only I knew for sure," she said with a heavy sigh. They were silent for a moment or two until Marigold spoke again. "But…he was very striking while fighting, was he not?"

"Well, he is no Dwalin," Bergie laughed, a grin playing at her lips as she recalled just how amazing her husband had appeared while sparring. "Yet, I will have to admit that the king of Erebor is a right handsome buck. However, don't you go telling Dwalin I said so. He is already giving poor Bofur the evil eye whenever he chances to speak to me, I don't think he needs any more reason to act like a jealous fool."

"You know…Thorin has also been giving Kili strange looks as well," Marigold mused. "I wonder why."

"Dwarves are just strange sometimes," Bergie muttered, rolling her eyes in exasperation.

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Later that night, Fili emerged from Flinn's bedroom, a warm smile on his face as he shut the door quietly behind him.

"Is he asleep?" Sier asked, looking up from her sewing project as she sat by the fire.

"Finally," Fili nodded, reaching for his pipe that he kept over the mantel and filling it with some of the Old Toby that Bilbo had brought him. "He must have had a million questions tonight. All about his new brother or sister."

"I fear we will tire of his curiosity long before the baby arrives," Sier laughed, patting the cushion on the sofa next to her in an invitation.

Sitting down beside her, Fili propped his feet up on a small padded stool and stared into the flames, puffing on his pipe as he let his mind wander aimlessly. These were the times he treasured most, quiet moments alone with his wife after an enjoyable evening with his rambunctious son. This was what a dwarf lived for. Looking over at his silent wife, he raised an eyebrow when he caught sight of the striking gold fabric she was stitching on.

"What is that?' he asked, pointing the mouthpiece of his pipe at her project. "Getting a head start on dwarfling clothes?"

"Nay," she laughed, scrunching up her nose at his suggestion. "I would not choose this for our little one. Durin blue, or pink, would be more suitable, don't you think?"

"Aye, but what is it you are making then?" He was now really curious.

"A coat for Kili," she responded, holding the half-finished garment up for his inspection. "I did promise I would make him one next. And exactly to his specifications, too."

"Ahhh, yes," Fili laughed, doing his best to recall his brother's exact words. "He wanted it gold, with fox-fur trim and silver buttons. I think he requested that just to outdo mine and Thorin's. You are very generous to cater to his…well, rather odd requests."

"Just like you, I consider Kili my brother, and would do almost anything to please him," Sier told him matter of factly, earning a warm smile from her husband. "Besides, I think he will look amazing in it. It will really bring out his eyes."

"Careful," Fili warned, yet his tone was still light and playful. "I'm rather prone to jealousy, you know. Remember that incident with Dwalin?"

"How can I forget?" she giggled, recalling the look on everyone's face when he came barreling into the room that night. "And neither will you, with Dwalin retelling the story at every gathering."

"Much to my eternal embarrassment," Fili nodded, looking a bit annoyed.

They were quiet for a few moments until Sier broke the silence.

"Fili…may I ask you a question?" she began, her serious tone causing him to turn and look at her with concern. "And I need you to answer honestly…no matter what."

"I…of course," he agreed, worry furrowing his brow. "I would never lie to you."

"I know, but you might hold something back to spare my feelings," she insisted, setting her sewing aside as she turned and looked him directly in the eyes. "I need you to tell me the truth…do you honestly care, even a little bit, if we should have a lad or a lass?"

"Sier," Fili all but gasped, also putting his pipe aside as he went down on his knees before her, taking her hands in his. "Have I ever given you any reason to believe that I would prefer one over the other? I will be overjoyed with whatever we have…a lad…a lass…or even a puppy!" he insisted, adding in the last in hopes of making his wife smile. It worked.

"No…you have never made me doubt you, in anything," she assured him, loving him all the more. "It is just that Bergie voiced her concerns over Dwalin's preference today and it got me thinking. I know we cannot choose, but I just wondered if secretly, you had a preference."

"No…none," he firmly stated. "I want our baby to be healthy, happy and…well, much like Flinn, here right now." He got a sheepish look on his face at this admission.

"Not you too!" Sier laughed, shaking her head in exasperation. "Though I'm sure by the time I grow the size of an olifphant, I will be wishing for it to come immediately as well."

"I can't wait," Fili smiled, his eyes growing dreamy as he imagined his precious Sier heavy and round with his child. He swore that he would make sure she lacked nothing, that all her worries, needs and desires were seen to…by him personally. "Every day with you is an amazing adventure…one I still can't believe is true." Fili reached up and caressed her cheek, loving how she stared down at him with such affection. "I love you, Sier…more and more every day."

"And I you," she assured him, placing her own hand over his and turning slightly to kiss his palm.

"Ama?" came a sleepy little voice to their right, causing both to turn in time to see Flinn stumbling out of his room, his blanket in tow and his fist rubbing at his droopy eyes. "Ama…I'm thirsty."

"You already had two glasses of water before you went to bed," Fili stated, raising an eyebrow at his son.

"But I am still thirsty," he insisted, walking over and leaning against Fili's shoulder. "Why are you on the floor, Adad? Did you get all dirty? Sometimes when I am messy, Ama won't let me sit on the furniture either."

"No, I am not messy," Fili laughed, standing up as he scooped Flinn into his arms, tickling his tummy as the dwarfling giggled. "I was just telling your ama something very important, and from a kneeling position seemed the most appropriate."

"All right," Flinn nodded, accepting his father's reasoning without question. "But I am still thirsty."

"And then you will want to use the facilities, and then you will be hungry, and then thirsty again, and it will continue to circle around until it is morning," Fili told him, pulling another series of giggles from his son. "Will I never be allowed to rest?"

"And you wanted this second child to come right now?" Sier asked, grinning at her complaining husband. "If you think you are deprived of sleep now…just you wait."

All Fili gave in answer was a roll of his eyes, turning as he headed off to the kitchen with his happy son still in his arms. Sier just smiled and picked up her sewing once more. Poor Fili, she thought to herself. He really is in for a rude awakening when the babe arrives.

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Elsewhere in the mountain, Dwalin lay beside Bergie, absentmindedly stroking her hair while she rattled on about this and that. He had been only half listening, being lulled to sleep by the feel of his wife beside him and the soothing tone of her voice. Her mentioning that Dena claimed Gimli had a large head made Dwalin chuckle slightly, yet when the subject turned to Marigold, his eyes popped open.

"Bergie," he began, pushing himself in to a sitting position and looking down at his wife questioningly. "May I ask you something without you getting upset with me?"

"Of course you can," she nodded. "A husband shouldn't fear talking to his wife about anything, Dwalin."

"That's not what I hear from Bombur and Gloin," Dwalin chuckled, recalling how the two husbands had often put their foot in it with their wives. But Bergie was far less volatile than Ilin and Dena, so he pressed forward. "I just want to know what it is that your niece is waiting for. I mean, I respect her desire to make sure Thorin is the one…but how long does she need? Our king is slowly going insane waiting for her to make up her mind. What else does he need to do to prove himself?"

"Dwalin," Bergie said, giving a drawn-out sigh of frustration. "I don't think it is right for me to tell you that. While I trust you with my life, I know for a fact that should I say anything on the subject, you would feel honor-bound to tell Thorin, and that would ruin everything."

"How…how would giving him the key to figuring this all out ruin anything?" Dwalin asked, looking at his wife as if she had lost her bleeding mind.

"Because, if Thorin can't solve this problem, and give Marigold what she needs, all on his own, then it would mean nothing," she explained slowly, as if speaking to a confused child. "It is really nice that everyone is trying to help this courtship along, and finding ways to push the two of them together…but unless it comes from Thorin's heart, it is worthless."

"Hmmmmm," Dwalin hummed, leaning back against the headboard and staring at the ceiling in thought. "I see your point. But…can't you just give me a hint? I feel badly for my cousin, he is growing both frustrated and despondent. He hardly yells at anyone any more, barely eats, and spends most of his day lost in daydreams over the lass. This is not good for him, or our kingdom…something must be done."

"Marigold is not faring well either," Bergie nodded, resting her head on her palm as she propped herself up on her elbow. "She wants things to progress as much as you claim Thorin does, but without the one thing she needs from him…I don't see how it will. If only there was a way to motivate Thorin into action without actually telling him what to do."

"This is hopeless," Dwalin sighed.

"No…just difficult," Bergie muttered, her tone suddenly becoming very thoughtful. "But you know what…I just might have an idea. It is risky…and it could either make or break this courtship, but if Thorin's feelings are as strong as you claim, it should work. Are you willing to aid me in this endeavor?"

"Of course!" Dwalin insisted, turning over so that he was now face to face with his wife, loving the little devious look in her eyes.

"You can't tell Thorin about it though, or it would ruin everything," she warned, holding up her finger and shaking it at him sternly. "Swear to me that you will tell no one…no one!"

"I will not breathe a word…not a blessed word!" he promised her.

"All right then," she said, rolling over onto her back and lacing her fingers behind her head. "This will take some very intricate planning…and no small amount of sneakiness."

"We should enlist Nori then…he's good at sneaky," Dwalin offered, eager for this to succeed.

"Yes, he might come in handy," Bergie agreed. "I will also need you to play a very big role." She then turned her head and gave him a sly wink. "As for the rest, just leave that to me."

"Have I ever told you how irresistible you are when you are plotting?" Dwalin asked, feeling his heart begin to race and his blood begin to heat up at the mere sight of her.

"No…can't say that you have," she giggled, loving that predatory look in his eyes as he stared down at her.

"Well, lassie, allow me to explain it to you in great detail," he growled, practically pouncing on his wife…yet being ever so careful, considering her now delicate condition.

Well, now it appears that Bergie is on the job! When all else fails (meaning Dis, Bilbo and Dwalin's ideas) you call in the big guns...BERGIE the Brave. ha ha.

Sooooo, looks like Marigold has the hots for Thorin's body. That will be very helpful. ha ha.

Awww, Fili, you are the best husband ever! And the best father too. Dwalin will have a tough act to follow.

Stay tuned for Friday, when you can find out what Bergie has up her little hobbit sleeve!

Oh, and before I forget, here is what I decided on gestation periods for those in Middle Earth. Hobbits - 8 months. Men (women) 9 of course. Dwarves 10 months and Elves 12. And it works out nice for my story line too. Thanks again for all your suggestions and input.

Guest Reviews:

Guest abc: First of all, thanks for identifying yourself! And what do you mean Dwalin learned his sneakyness from Gandalf...what about Fili and Kili...or even Thorin...oh who knows, maybe Fundun was a big prankster? ha ha, But yes, Gandalf is sly as well. ha ha.

Aranel Mereneth: yes, Dwalin is pretty cheeky. And I have to agree with you. If you stuck Balin and Thorin next to each other and asked me whom I would rather hug...ummm...sorry Balin. No contest. I would be on Thorin like stink on a skunk. ha ha.