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Answering a few frequently asked questions:

This is the last fluffy chapter before things start hopping...nearing the end here, so the drama should increase just a bit.

Kili's love-life will be dealt with in the NEXT section of the story. He is not going to meet his 'one' in this part, but it will happen...wait for it...

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Now on with the story.

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Chapter 72

~X~

The news about Thorin and Marigold had spread like wildfire throughout the mountain. It warmed Dis' heart that whenever her spies would return with news about what the residents of Erebor had to say about the happy couple, it was always a favorable report. No one apparently had any issue with their king taking a hobbit for a wife, just as long as Fili would be the next to take the throne. Marigold even began to wear her courting and engagement beads in plain sight, proudly displaying it for all to see from a neat braid behind her right ear. Many of Erebor's residents would stop the hobbit lass in the halls and offer their congratulations, or give her little gifts to welcome their future queen. Marigold did her best to show her appreciation, making sure they all knew how much their acceptance meant to her and her betrothed.

Bard had returned the following day, still a bit hung over, but very apologetic for his behavior the night before. Thorin just laughed it off, completely incapable of holding a grudge over the incident, not when he now had the approval of his people…and he knew that Marigold desired him. Still, Bard insisted on voicing his regrets in person, and swore never to overindulge in strong dwarf ale again…at least for a while.

Thorin was like a proud peacock, strutting around Erebor with a smile on his face that had everyone talking. They had never seen their king this happy before, and the consensus was that everyone liked it. Especially his cabinet of advisors, since his pleasant mood made council meetings run much more smoothly. Even if they often had to repeat what they had just said, as Thorin was prone to drift off in some daydream about Marigold, and not be paying attention.

Word of their impending marriage had even reached Mirkwood, resulting in a letter of congratulations arriving from King Thranduil himself! Thorin was not quite sure how he felt about this, but in the end, Balin insisted that he respond back, thanking the elven king for his kind words. Keeping good relations between the three kingdoms was paramount, and if it meant having to pen a letter or two every now and then, so be it. Thorin could almost imagine Thranduil's own advisors having been behind the missive, much as Balin had been instrumental in his reply. It was an unconventional alliance…but it worked for them.

The planting was well underway, with the grain seed now in the ground and the fruit trees all planted in nice neat rows. The potatoes were next, followed by more root vegetables, as well as several fields of corn. The dwarves had even agreed to allow the men of Dale to plant some leafy greens, knowing that they would not be partaking of that particular crop themselves.

All in all, things were going along splendidly, with no orcs or goblins in sight, much to their relief. That did not stop Thorin from having guards posted at the perimeter of the fields, both day and night, to stop anyone from harming the workers or the crops. The last thing they wanted was for anyone to be ambushed while out tending the fields, but there was also the fear of vindictive orcs setting fire to the crops as well, destroying all they had worked so hard to build. Thorin would not let that happen!

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Dis had set up another meeting between her and Marigold, asking Bergie and Sier to join them once again. The princess was sure that by now the hobbit would have many questions, mostly concerning her role as queen, and she was anxious to see any of her fears put to rest.

"Dis, are you certain you do not mind that we are getting wed first in the Shire?" Marigold asked, looking up at her future sister-in-law with hopeful eyes. "I do not want you or anyone else in Erebor upset over this. Anyone who wishes to make the journey would be more than welcome."

"Oh, there might be some grumbling about it, but once everyone realizes they will still get their big party when you return, that should placate them easy enough," Dis assured her. "As for me, of course I would love to attend your first wedding, but with Sier and Bergie being so close to giving birth at that time, I feel it more important that I remain here to assist them. Though I am sure you will have a very lovely wedding in the Shire." Dis did her best to conceal the fact that it was the trip there and back that bothered her, not so much the idea of missing out on the festivities. It turned her stomach into knots every time she thought of the danger that Thorin was placing himself in by insisting on this trip. If only she could tell Marigold about her concerns…but her stubborn brother had strictly forbidden it. "Besides, this will give me plenty of time to put together a fabulous second wedding while you are away. But in the meantime, I will do all I can to prepare you for the duties you are to fulfill once you return."

"Oh, yes please!" Marigold agreed eagerly. "There are so many questions I have that I hope you can answer. I do so wish to impress Thorin, and not be an embarrassment to him. I am not afraid of hard work, and I am generally a quick study, but I have no idea where to start."

"Do not worry, Marigold," Sier laughed, setting down her cup of tea as she smiled warmly at the anxious hobbit. "When I first came to the mountain, I was just as green as you, but in no time at all Dis had put my fears to rest with her excellent teaching."

"And really, how hard can this whole queen thing be?" Bergie asked, tucking into her fifth butter biscuit since she arrived. "I mean, as royalty, don't you have everything done for you?"

"Not in dwarf society," Dis corrected, trying to hide her look of amusement at the little hobbit's appetite. "The queen, just like the king, is expected to lead their people by example. You will be required to be at the head of every committee, attend every important meeting or function, and keep abreast of the needs of your people. For that is what they will soon become…your people, Marigold."

"Aye," she nodded, her eyes wide, but determined. "I understand, and I will do all I can to live up to this position of responsibility."

"But don't worry too much about it, for Sier and I will both be here to assist you," Dis said comfortingly. "Just because you are taking on the role of queen, does not mean that we will be stepping down from our duties, or foisting them all on you. We will make a fine team, the three of us, and be there to support you every step of the way."

"For that, I am eternally grateful," Marigold said with a sigh of relief. "I have found that I have become very attached to the mountain and its people in the short amount of time I have been here. And I can only imagine that such feelings will grow over time. I am ready and willing to do all I can to ensure the prosperity, and safety, of everyone within its stone walls."

"Then you shall make a fine queen indeed," Dis nodded. Though deep inside, she knew that the best way for this hobbit lass to ensure such things, would be to forbid Thorin to travel outside the boundaries of his kingdom. Yet, knowing she could say nothing, Dis simply smiled and took another sip of her tea.

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Later that day, Dis sought out Bilbo, eager to ply her co-conspirator with questions.

"So, have you heard anything back from Gandalf?" she asked, keeping her voice low.

"Not a word," Bilbo answered, looking frustrated over this. "I have made the trip to Raven Hill every day for the past two weeks, and still Simek reports that the raven he sent has not returned." He gave Dis a worried look. "Should I be concerned? Do you think Gandalf is all right?"

"Gandalf is the last person in Middle Earth I would think to worry over," Dis said assuredly. "I mean, I have not known him as long as you, but he appeared to be one wizard who could take care of himself."

"Yes, I am sure you are right," Bilbo nodded. "Still, it has been a long time…making me wonder if he even received my message. And if he has, why has he not responded back? I don't like this, not at all."

"There could be many reasons, all of them harmless," she said, trying to sound comforting. "Perhaps the raven has simply not located him yet, so he has not had a chance to respond. Sadly, the only thing we can do is wait, and hope for the best," Dis said with a sigh. "But…if your plan does not work, then I am going to have to dream up something myself. For the more I think on it, the more I come to dislike the idea of Thorin going to the Shire."

"I like it even less than you," he muttered. "While I have long desired to have everyone come visit my home – perhaps this time in a more leisurely manner and by invitation - I do not wish for anyone's lives to be jeopardized because of it. If leaving Erebor puts Thorin in danger, he should be smart enough to remain where it is safe!"

"You would think so," Dis huffed, crossing her arms over her chest in agreement. "But he is blinded by love, and that is not a very wise place to find oneself in when being hunted by the servants of Mordor."

"Would you like me to speak with Marigold?" Bilbo offered. "Get her to convince Thorin?"

"Nay…then he would only be angry with you…and me, for putting you up to it," Dis said with a sigh of regret. "If your plan does not come to fruition, then I will think of some way to stop this without resorting to alerting Marigold of the danger. We have until fall to think of something. I am sure there has to be another way."

"If so, I cannot see it," Bilbo replied sadly.

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A few nights later, Dwalin was lying in bed, his fingers laced behind his head as he stared at the ceiling.

"I think I would like to name our babe after Thorin," he announced, speaking into the darkness. "Or Balin."

"As in taking their exact names?" Bergie asked in a sleepy voice. "Wouldn't that be a bit confusing? Even you said that it was rather irritating having Dain's son share Thorin's name."

"No…not their exact names, but something close," he mused. "Balin is my brother, and Thorin as close as one, and I would like to honor them by naming the lad after one of them."

"What if it is a girl?" Bergie asked, rolling over and propping her head up on her hand and elbow. "Then who would she be named after?"

"I…I don't know," Dwalin confessed. "I have not got around to thinking in that direction yet. How about you…do you have any ideas for a lass' name?"

"Well, in the Shire we tend to choose flower names for girls," she contemplated. "That or we choose past family names…kind of like you were talking about."

"Do you have a favorite? Someone you might wish to name our child after," he asked. "And I am not even saying we have to give it a dwarf name if it is a lad…your desires on the matter are just as important."

"No, I think a dwarf name would be just fine, if we have a son," she assured him. "In fact, I don't think I would mind a dwarf name even if we had a daughter. Although…I don't believe I am too keen on the idea of Thorina for a lass," Bergie stated, scrunching up her face in a distasteful manner.

"No, I completely agree," Dwalin laughed, enjoying his wife's good humor. The morning sickness had finally faded, and Bergie seemed to be blossoming as she grew larger. "We will think on it some more and come up with the perfect name. Thankfully, we still have all summer to decide."

Oin had been doing a great deal of research on hobbit births, even enlisting the aid of Prim to fill in the blanks. Halflings apparently carried several months less than Dwarves, and if his calculations were correct, Bergie was now already a third of the way to giving birth, by hobbit standards. Her stomach had already begun to swell, and Dwalin swore that she visibly grew a little larger every day. It had been speculated that due to their mixed race, the gestation period might take a bit longer, but nothing was for certain. Still, it caused Dwalin to beam with pride every time he looked at his little wife and growing child. This was his family…his! And he would never let anything or anyone harm them…NEVER!

"Dwalin?" came the questioning tone that the bald warrior knew quite well.

"Yes, my buttercup?" he responded, knowing what was coming next.

"I'm hungry," she pouted, her lip sticking out as she rubbed her grumbling tummy. "Or more specific…your babe is hungry."

"Oh, I hardly think it is the bairn alone that desires to be fed," he laughed, knowing that her condition was not solely to blame for her ravenous appetite. He was beginning to understand why most hobbits were farmers…in order to satisfy their constantly starving wives…pregnant or otherwise. "But tell me, what does the little one desire tonight?"

"Pickles," she said with a happy hum. "Sweet pickles if they have them...although dill would be fine if not."

"I will go and see," he said with a sigh, though his expression betrayed no reluctance. It was his duty to see to his wife's needs, and if truth be told…Dwalin enjoyed being needed in this manner. He could not carry the child for her, nor share the sickness she had experienced, so he was happy to be of help in any way he could. "Is there anything else either of you desire?"

"Ummm, a glass of milk?" she asked, giving a hopeful grin.

"Pickles and milk it shall be," he nodded, getting out of bed and slipping on his breeches and bracers, pulling the straps up over his bare chest and shoulders. "I will be right back."

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Stumbling down the darkened hallways at such a late hour was nothing new to Dwalin, and the guards on duty had become accustomed to seeing their war-chief making such nightly raids on the kitchen. They would often nod, or give him a sympathetic smile, always doing their best not to snicker at the odd assortment of items he would return with.

Yet this time, when Dwalin reached the door to the kitchens, he found that he was not alone.

"Fili?" he asked, looking up at the prince questioningly.

"Hello, Dwalin," Fili grinned, standing there in his night shirt and trousers, with nothing on his feet. "Making a midnight food run for Bergie?"

"Aye…and you?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Sier is in desperate need of bread…any kind of bread, but with lots of jam," he laughed. "You?"

"Pickles and milk," Dwalin revealed.

"Oh, that was last week for Sier," Fili nodded, recalling that rather unsettling phase quite clearly. "I just pray that she does not develop a need for apples! Oh, Mahal, anything but apples!"

"Why have I not run into you before, if your wife is having night cravings as well?" Dwalin wondered, thinking that he alone was forced to endure such requests.

"I have learned to anticipate her needs, and I stocked our room with so many different things that most of the time I am not required to leave our chambers to fulfil her cravings," he announced proudly. "Yet, I didn't think about jam…so here I am."

"Smart," Dwalin nodded. "Yet Bergie asks for such a strange variety, I fear our quarters could not contain it all. So here I am, off on another nightly sojourn."

"Shall we pilfer together then?" Fili offered, stepping aside as he extended his hand towards the door in an inviting fashion. "Age before princely beauty."

Dwalin only chuckled as the two dwarrow made their way inside, stopping in their tracks as they came face to face with a sight they had not expected. Kili's backside…yet thankfully, this time it was clothed.

"Kili?" Fili asked in a shocked voice.

The younger prince, obviously surprised by his brother's voice, spun around with a start. He had a large turkey leg between his teeth and a loaf of bread in his hands.

"What are you doing, lad?" Dwalin barked. "You best not have eaten the last of the pickles, or there might be blood!"

"You would wound me over a pickle?" Kili asked, removing the poultry from his mouth and pulling back in surprise.

"Not your blood…MINE!" Dwalin huffed. "You have not seen how vicious Bergie can be when she is hungry!"

"And the same goes for the jam, Kili!" Fili warned, pushing his way past Dwalin to inspect the jelly cabinet. Thankfully there were still several full jars on the shelf, ready and waiting for his own ravenous lass.

"Do you come down here often, little brother?" Fili asked, tucking a couple jars in the crook of his arm, before reaching over and taking the loaf of bread from Kili.

"Hey! That's mine," he protested.

"You would deprive my unborn child of the food it desires? Talk about taking the bread right out of his mouth!" Fili joked.

"It does not even have a mouth yet," Kili retorted. "And even if it does, we won't be seeing it for another six to seven months. Until then, I don't think it will mind if we both share the bread." And grabbing the loaf back from Fili, he split it in half, giving the larger chunk to his brother and keeping the rest for himself. Then looking over at Dwalin he grinned. "And pickles…at midnight? Your baby is strange."

"Are you looking to gain a few bruises tonight, laddie?" Dwalin snarled, narrowing his eyes on the dark prince.

"Oh, no," he laughed, holding up his hands in defense…even if they were full of bread and a turkey leg. "I am just stating the facts. Even I would not be caught eating pickles at such a late hour. It would give me indigestion and nightmares."

"Well, apparently it does not do the same for Bergie," Dwalin said with a sigh, reaching for the large crock that contained the brine soaked vegetables in question. "Now…where do they keep the milk?"

"In the cows?" came Kili's helpful suggestion.

"You really are looking for a beating tonight, aren't you?" Dwalin growled, pushing the comedic lad aside as he strode over to the cooler, pulling out the pitcher to pour himself a large mug full.

By now Kili had hopped up on the counter, watching his brother and cousin with an amused grin, still gnawing on the turkey leg and carefully guarding his half a loaf of bread.

"So…how often do you two come down here, for this is the first time I have seen either one of you," Kili commented.

"We must all be on different schedules," Fili laughed. "Our wives' stomachs apparently do not keep time with yours, little brother."

"I will have to remember that and be sure to sneak down earlier, for fear of arriving too late and finding the cupboards bare," he teased back.

Just then, the door opened again, but this time it was the face of a hobbit, and not a dwarf that appeared.

"Drogo?" came the surprised greeting by all three dwarrow.

"What are you doing down here?" Kili asked.

"I…I came for some food," he admitted rather sheepishly.

"For Prim?" Fili gasped, having heard from Sier that the hobbit couple had long wished for a sibling to keep Frodo company. "Is she…"

"Nay," Drogo answered, sounding a bit saddened by the admission. "I am here to get a bite to eat for Frodo. I swear that child has a hollow leg!"

This caused all the males to burst out laughing, and soon they were aiding the hobbit father to find enough food to satisfy his son's hunger.

Yes, it was a rather strange club to be in, but as the four males at last made their way out of the kitchen, each one heading back to his own chambers, they knew they were all in very good company.

I hope you enjoyed your last peaceful chapter. And I am not saying that the next ten will be pure chaos either, but they won't be all fluffy happy either. Ups and downs, worries and joy...normal life. ha ha.

I sure hope Gandalf writes back soon...Bilbo and Dis are becoming concerned.

Awwww, Dwalin is thinking of baby names.

And Fili, Dwalin, Kili and Drogo just started a men's club of their own. Dis has her tea parties, and the boys have their midnight kitchen raids. ha ha.

Guest Reviews:

(thank you all...I love my guest reviewers!)

Emrfangirl: Sorry about your migraine, hope you are better. Ha ha, what prank has EVER gone completely right? And it served Thorin and Dwalin right. ha ha. Flinn is such a cut little kid, he could read the phone book and we would all say "Awwwww." Yes, Kili is NOT into cleaning, and especially bathrooms after he had to mop up Thorin's after dragging him out of his tub to go save Fili and Dwalin. ha ha. And I know you meant "Shield" when you said Flinn should have slipped and hit Kili with the sword. It would have been a bit more painful had it been a sword, ha ha. We can't have Kili damaged before he meets his one, can we? The line of Durin must endure! I love the pranks too! Thanks

Feu d'Argent: You just keep making all the finger slips you want, ha ha. It only means an extra review for me! ha ha. Do you need me to write your family a note excusing you from being insane for laughing over seemingly nothing? I am just impressed that you KNOW the word Verbosity. With the way the use of good language has declined, not many do. ha ha. I loved your whole "shut your pie hole" line...yep that sounds like something a dwarf would say! I will deal with Thorin's 'talk' soon, but yes, we always do have Kili's! What fun! As for your question about Tauriel...refer to the answer I gave at the beginning of this chapter. Soon...he will get his turn in the next section of this story. I have been doing a bit of fluff chapters since I had to kill some time to get them to spring...so they can go outside, plant and generally be out and about. But spring is officially here now! Oh...so YOU are the strange girl I have seen hanging around waiting for updates? ha ha You need only check every OTHER day...I post on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays (and the occasional bonus chapter on the weekends)

abc: Balin and Dwalin are nothing if not completely loyal to Thorin! Love them both. Ha ha, I am NOT going to be the one to tell Dis you compared her to an elephant! ha ha. Brave words. Well, you just make sure to place your bed with Nori...that way you might win some coin. But yes, it is ALL UP TO ME. ha ha. OH the power! And Kili's love story will happen, but not in THIS section of the story. Wait for it...

Aranel Mereneth: My husband says he hates stories where one bad thing after another happens...he likes happy times too. ha ha. But you can't have a good story without SOME drama, maybe just not one hit right after another. Glad you are enjoying it.

enilorac44: ha ha, do you mean the whole thing about him telling Dis that "IF he ever gets married, she will be the first to know?" ha ha, yes, one should not open ones mouth without realizing it often comes back to bite you in the butt. ha ha. But Kili's time will come...in part three.