.

Hello all!

Another chapter.

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Chapter 170

~X~

As Erebor came into view, the party gave a sigh of relief…the mountain was still standing, and so were its gates. Kili, Tauriel, Ithil and little Anor met them all at the gate, with smiles on their faces.

"Hello little brother!" Fili called from his pony, urging it forward in order to get there quicker. "Did you miss me?"

"Oh…were you gone?" Kili answered back, doing his best to keep a straight face, yet failing miserably. It was obvious to all that the two brothers had missed each other terribly, and the powerful hug that ensued as soon as Fili dismounted left no doubt.

"So how was it being king?" Fili questioned, once they had finally released each other.

"Just horrible!" he laughed. "Work, work, work…all day with no let up." He turned to Thorin, who sat astride his mount, giving his nephew an appraising look. "How on earth do you do it, Uncle? I had to keep reminding myself that it was only temporary, or else I swear I would have gone insane."

"Now you know how I felt when you left me alone here and took a vacation in the Shire," Fili accused.

"Well, never again!" Kili stated. "From now on, I leave all the duties and responsibilities to you and Uncle Thorin. I am not cut out to rule…you two can have it!"

"Still, I thank you for the short reprieve, Nephew," Thorin smiled. "Our visit to Ered Luin and the Shire was a wonderful break. But I am more than willing to take on my role as king once more."

"And perfect timing too," Kili informed him. "Dain and several other leaders from the different clans are heading this way for a conference. I was afraid I would have to entertain them all, if you ended up delayed in your return. And trust me, I can only handle so much of that diplomatic mumbo-jumbo talk." At this he gave a slight shudder, showing his distaste for such niceties.

"And how did you do, Tauriel," Marigold questioned, looking over at the tall redhead who was holding her newest son, Anor. "Did the life of a queen suit you?"

"Not at all," Tauriel replied with a wide grin. "I am of the same mind as Kili, that I would much prefer to remain in charge of defense…not politics."

"But we have planned a fine welcome home feast for you all," Kili announced, looking at all the faces he had missed so much over the past several months.

"Then how about you pass me that new lad of yours, and let's get to the eating," Thorin chuckled, reaching out his arms to accept little Anor, a wide smile on his face at the sight of him. "And how's my newest nephew been while I've been away? Growing like a weed, I see."

Marigold and Sier exchanged knowing looks, both fully aware of how taken Thorin was with babies. For a gruff, stern, and often unreasonable dwarf, he sure had a soft spot when it came to the little ones. And it was apparent that Marigold couldn't wait to tell him her good news.

"Lili!" Ithil cried, racing forward to engulf his friend in a warm hug. "You're back!"

"Did you miss me?" she asked, her eyes beaming with happiness.

"Every day!" the lad assured her.

"Oh, Ithil, it was amazing, truly it was!" the youngest princess told him. "Ered Luin was wonderful, and the Shire was so pretty…you've got to hear all about it!" And off the two went, with Lili talking a mile a minute, and Ithil grinning from ear to ear, drinking in her every word.

Dis and Flinn approached their youngest son, greeting him with a warm hug.

"She couldn't wait to get home and share all her news with Ithil," Dis laughed, loving how close the two children were.

"And Ithil was counting the days until she returned as well," Kili laughed. "It would seem my little sister and my son are just as inseparable as always…even when they are miles away."

"Tight knit families are a blessing," Fili told them, having aided Sier down, and now ushering Flinn and Frerin towards the gates. "Isn't that right, Naddith?"

"Truer words were never spoken, Nadad," Kili grinned, the two brothers throwing an arm around each other's shoulders as they headed inside.

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Later that night, after a very enjoyable welcome home celebration, and Rose and Raina were tucked into bed, Thorin and Marigold readied themselves for sleep as well.

"It is good to be home," he sighed, stripping off his tunic and stepping over to a nearby wash basin. Pouring a bit of water from the pitcher into the bowl, he wetted a rag and began to wash the dust off his arms and chest, not having enough energy to take a full bath. He closed his eyes as he let the water ease away some of his tension, the miles he had ridden that day having drained him more than he had realized. Yet he regretted nothing, for the look of happiness on Marigold's face when she and her parents had been reunited had made it all worthwhile. Thorin knew there would be more trips in the future, but for now, he would enjoy being back in Erebor.

"Yes, it is," Marigold agreed, coming up behind him and wrapping her arms around his waist, allowing her hands to slide up his chest. A hum of pleasure could be heard escaping her lips, causing the dwarf king to melt against her, desire quickly replacing his weariness.

"Careful wife," Thorin warned, dropping the rag and turning around so that he could pull her to him. "I am weary beyond words, but not so much that I would pass up a chance to ravish you…if that be your wish."

"It's always my wish, husband," Marigold teased, leaning in to place a gentle kiss upon his still damp chest. "Yet, perhaps we could talk a bit first?"

"Talk?" Thorin never liked the sound of that…for usually it meant he had done something wrong and was in trouble.

"Yes, talk. Where we sit down, and speak words?" the hobbit teased, taking him by the hand and leading him over to the bed to sit.

"Have I done something to displease you?" he questioned, though the smile on her face led him to believe that she was anything but angry with him.

"No, not at all," she stated, rolling her eyes at his jump to conclusions. "In fact, I think you will enjoy this particular conversation very much."

"Oh?" Thorin liked the sound of that. "Then please, speak your piece."

"Well, I was thinking about Lili and Ithil, and how they are the best of friends because they are the closest two in age," she began, taking the long way around to get where she wished to end up. "It's nice when there are multiple younglings like that, who can bond and be as close as siblings."

"True," Thorin nodded, recalling how he and his brother Frerin were close in age, much like Fili and Kili.

"But now, with Tauriel having little Anor…I worry that he will not have a playmate his own age," she did her best to look saddened by this revelation.

"Aye, it would be nice for him to have someone to pal around with, but what do you want me to do about it?" he asked, looking at her in confusion.

"Well…how would you feel about you and me providing your newest nephew with a friend?" she asked, a slow smile spreading across his face. "A little lad or lass that will be half hobbit and half dwarf." At this she placed her hand over her stomach and looked down at it with such love in her eyes that even Thorin, who was not exactly good at picking up on subtle hints, understood completely.

"You…you mean that…that you're going to have another child?" he stammered, all thoughts of sleep having now vanished with her words.

"No, Thorin, I mean that we are going to have another child," she giggled, reaching up and cupping his cheek.

Thorin was speechless for a few moments, his face breaking out into a wide and joyous smile.

"OH, MARIGOLD!" he cried, reaching out and taking her into his arms. "Another babe? When?"

"I would say early spring," she grinned, returning his embrace.

"Spring?" he questioned, pulling back as he looked at her curiously. "How far along are you? When did you find out?"

"I became a little suspicious around our second month in the Shire, and went to see Doctor Burrows just before we left for home," she explained. "He confirmed it…I'm already a couple months along."

"WHAT? You knew the whole time we traveled home and you didn't say a thing?" Thorin suddenly roared, his protective nature coming to the fore. "What if something had happened? Why didn't you tell me?"

"Because I knew this was exactly how you would react," she stated, holding out her hands and gesturing to his now fuming self. "Case in point."

"Not if you had told me when you first learned of this!" he argued. "I would have…have…"

"Have what? Remained in the Shire till the babe was born?" she countered. "Moved Erebor closer so that I didn't have to travel so far?" When her suggestions only seemed to frustrate him, she laid her hand over his and spoke calmly. "Thorin, did you in any way not see to my every need and care all the way back? Did you withhold your protection, or not see to my comforts?"

"No! Of course not!" he fumed.

"Then how would knowing have made any difference…except in causing you added stress?" she reasoned. "I told Fili, Dwalin and Flinn, and they all kept a very close eye on me all the way home."

"YOU TOLD THEM, BUT NOT ME?" Now Thorin was really upset, leaping to his feet as he paced around the room, running his hands through his hair and mumbling to himself in frustration.

Marigold simply rolled her eyes and folded her hands in her lap, waiting for him to finish his rant so they could continue their conversation. After a few more minutes, he did indeed calm down, letting out a deep breath as he turned and looked at her for a long time.

"I am not happy that you chose to keep me in the dark," he stated.

"Yes, Thorin," she answered.

"And as the father, I should have been the first to know," he continued.

"Yes, Thorin," came her next reply.

"And I do not like the idea that you thought I would overreact or smother you if you had told me you were with child," he finished.

"Of course not, Thorin," Marigold grinned.

"And yet…I suppose you know me better than anyone, and probably did the right thing," Thorin admitted, coming back over to sit beside his beautiful wife. "I love you, so much, my jewel, and I'm thrilled beyond words that we will have a new little one soon."

"And who knows, perhaps this time, it will be a lad," she grinned, knowing that it had long been his desire to have a son.

"Or a lass," he countered. "I adore our daughters very much, and I would not be opposed to having a dozen more…just as long as they all take after you."

"I am pleased to hear that," she laughed, leaning in and kissing him on the lips. "However, you already have two lasses, so I think it is time we have a little lad that takes after you."

"No matter what we have…I will be more than happy," he assured her, taking her in his arms and pulling her to him, resting her head under his chin. "For as long as I have you, how could I be anything but?" And even if deep down in his heart he did find himself hoping it would be a lad this time, he knew he had spoken no lies…for Thorin was simply thrilled that a baby was coming. No matter what it turned out to be.

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Even with the news of the upcoming child, things eventually returned to normal. Fall faded into winter, causing everyone to be cocooned inside the mountain while the snow piled up outside. Trips to Dale were few and far between, though the ravens kept them abreast on what was going on in the two cities to the south of them.

Flinn and the rest of the royal children, were schooled right along with every other dwarfling in the mountain, though along with the usual classes, they were required to sit with Balin three times a week and learn diplomatic skills as well as laws and government. Frerin found the 'king lessons', as he called them, very dull and often fell asleep whenever Balin droned on. However, Freya, Raina, Ithil, and Lili, even though they were still on the young side, paid attention and seemed to enjoy most of what they were being taught. The twins, having only minimal royal blood in them, had been excused from such things. And much to Talin's delight, Dwalin filled his daughters extra school time with weapons training instead. Torin continued to work with his mother and Marigold, always having been more interested in growing things than throwing things.

But it was Flinn and Rose who truly seemed to benefit from Balin's teaching, and always please their parents by getting high marks. So it was a bit of a surprise when Fili was summoned by the white haired advisor to come to the class room one afternoon. His first thought was that Frerin had been acting up again, knowing that the lad had very little interest in diplomacy…and had instead been begging to shadow Oin around and work in the infirmary. And while he and Sier had no issue with this, they thought it best to limit his exposure to the horrors of wounds and illness, until he was just a bit older. Still, they encouraged his interest in healing and supplied him with many books on the subject.

Yet when Fili entered the small room Balin used to teach the children, he noted that it was Flinn who sat at a table all by himself, looking sullen and withdrawn, while the rest of the children worked happily in groups.

"What's going on, Balin?" Fili asked, eyeing his usually energetic son with concern. "Why does Flinn look so unhappy?"

"I have my suspicions, lad," the kindhearted dwarrow replied, keeping his voice low. "Flinn arrived this way, and no matter what I said, I was not able to get him to open up. When I questioned Frerin about what might be upsetting him, his brother could offer no explanation either…other than the fact that he seemed to shut down during history class today."

"That's odd, Flinn usually enjoys history," this was really starting to confuse Fili. "What were they studying?"

"Our quest to retake Erebor," Balin explained, giving Fili a pointed look. "Particularly when it took place…as in the year."

Fili stared at Balin for a moment, trying to understand what his older cousin was getting at…and then it hit him. The date. Fili knew that this day would come…but he had always prayed it would be far in the future, when Flinn was older. And yet, he had been a fool to hope his bright son would not figure out the truth eventually. Now it was time to face the music.

"Can…can you take the children somewhere else for a bit, Balin?" Fili asked, his throat constricting a bit as he swallowed hard. "I think I need to speak with Flinn alone."

"Aye, I think it best," Balin nodded, patting Fili on the back sympathetically as he ushered the other children out the door. Frerin gave his father a worried look as he walked past, obviously concerned over his brother's mood. Fili did his best to smile confidently, nodding his head as if telling him things would be all right. When only he and Flinn remained, Fili quietly walked over to where his son sat, the lad didn't even raise his head to look at him.

"Flinn…would you like to talk about it?" Fili asked, worried that maybe his son might not wish to even speak to him.

"You lied," he said in a sad and quiet voice. "I never put it together until today…but you and ama lied to me."

Fili closed his eyes and gave a deep sigh of regret. He should have addressed this sooner.

"I…I'm sorry, son," Fili began, pulling up a chair and sitting beside the lad, not quite sure what to say. "While it was not done to hurt you or cause harm…it was still a lie, and I am sorry."

"Ama said that you were away fighting all that time, and that was why you were not around while we lived in Himros," he continued, at last lifting his gaze. Yet when Fili saw the hurt and betrayal mirrored in those blue eyes, he almost had to turn away. "And you said you were retaking Erebor…but you weren't, were you? That all happened before you and Ama even met. Didn't it?"

"Yes, Flinn," Fili admitted. "Erebor had been retaken five years prior to when your mother and I met. I was not off fighting any battles when you were born and growing up in Rohan…I was here, within the mountain."

"Then why didn't you come for us?" he pleaded, his eyes now brimming with tears and waiting to fall. "Why did you stay away? Didn't you want us? Didn't you want…me?"

"Of course I did!" Fili told him, taking hold of his son's shoulders as if to strengthen his words. "I love you more than you could possibly understand, Flinn, and I have since the moment I knew you existed. But there is something you should know, something your mother and I should have told you long before this." Here he sat back and took a deep breath, steeling himself for the confession that was to come. "I met your mother in Erebor…back when your Uncle Thorin was inviting dams to the mountain in hopes of Kili and me finding our ones and falling in love."

"Was Ama one of the dams Uncle invited?" Flinn questioned.

"No…well, in a way, I guess she was…but not really," he tried to explain. "Your mother was a servant girl to one of those dams…a servant to Bina."

"You mean that horrid piece of caragu that kidnapped us and wanted to kill Ama?" Flinn gasped. He had been very young back then, and as the years had passed, much of that night had faded with time. Yet he still recalled that evil dam's face, and how she had taunted his mother, saying horrid things that he had not understood at the time.

"Flinn, please watch your language," Fili said sternly. He knew that his son was upset, and he couldn't fault the lad for his accurate description of Bina, but still, use foul speech would not be tolerated. "But yes, your ama worked for her. And when I spurned Bina, telling her that I would never take her as my wife, she grew angry with not only me, but your mother as well…and decided to punish us both."

"What? How?" Flinn's eyes had grown wide with terror, recalling just how vicious the dam had been.

"She had the both of us drugged and placed in my chambers…in bed." Fili could feel his face growing hot with shame. This was still something that haunted him to this day…and to now have to admit his sins to his son, well, it was a bitter pill to swallow. "Now, Flinn…I've explained a little to you about what happens when a dwarf finds his one, right?"

"Yes," Flinn nodded, not quite sure what this had to do with what they were talking about. "When Uncle Kili and Aunt Tauriel touched, it woke something up inside him that told him she was his one. And he knew then and there that he had to marry her and have kids."

"Exactly…he had no choice, it was Mahal's will," Fili added, trying to stress that last part, in hopes that it didn't make him look like some lecherous fiend. "Well, it was the same for me and your ama. I too had no choice. I mean…I guess I did have a choice, but I wanted her to become my wife because I loved her, not just because she was my one. However…when she and I ended up in bed that night…I didn't really know her very well yet, and my mind still hadn't figured out that she was my one. But my heart had, and so did my body. It woke up, and well…without me even realizing it…we made you."

Flinn stared at his father for a long time, trying to wrap his mind around what he had just been told. His parents had once explained how Frerin had got inside his mother's tummy, but it had been in terms a five year old could understand…and that was not saying a lot. Still, he comprehended enough to realize that his father was telling him that they done things that only married people should do, and since his parents had just met… Flinn knew that was not good.

Fili watched his son's reaction carefully and when he saw the hurt and shame cloud his eyes, he hurried on to explain more.

"That isn't to say I wouldn't have married your mother the moment I knew she was the one Mahal had made for me, because I would have…I swear!" Fili insisted. "But Bina had messed everything up for us…throwing us together before we had time to act on what we certainly would have, if only given time."

"So…how did Ama and I get to Himros?" Flinn questioned, trying desperately to understand. "Did you send her away because you were ashamed of her…of us?"

"Mahal no! I would never have done that!" Fili gasped. "I had no idea your mother was carrying you, and neither did she. But when she woke up from the drugs, she got scared, worried that I might think it had all been her idea and not Bina's. So she ran away. She joined a caravan heading for Rohan and I had no idea where she had gone. I searched and searched for her, desperate to do what I could to make things right, but she had vanished into thin air." Fili lowered his head into his hands, his elbows resting on his knees. "I felt terrible over what I had done…fearing that I would never find her and be able to make amends. And as the years ticked by, my hope of ever seeing her again began to fade."

"While all the time we were in Himros…and I was told that my adad was off fighting someplace far away," he whispered, almost as if he feared a normal tone would somehow shatter his heart.

"Your mother only said all that to protect you, Flinn…and so you wouldn't grow to hate me." Fili admitted sadly, not wishing for Sier to be blamed for anything.

"Did Uncle Thorin know we were there when he came to make that deal with Master Rogan?" Flinn asked.

"No, he had no more of an idea where your mother had gone than I did," he told his son. "But the moment he saw you…he knew. He knew immediately that you were my son. It was he who convinced your mother to come back to Erebor, although she had already decided to do that herself when you had turned five."

"Ama always said I would meet you then," he nodded, recalling her words very clearly. "And…what did you think when you saw us?"

"I won't lie, Flinn…I was shocked, and a little frightened," he said truthfully. "But the moment I laid eyes on you, I loved you more than anything in the world. You were my son, blood of my blood, and I was never going to lose you again."

"And Ama?" he pressed.

"Well, she and I needed some time to work things out," he confessed. "Even though she was my one, it took me a little bit to realize it, but the more time we spent together, the more I knew I couldn't live without her, any more than I could live without you. If I had known back then what I know now, I would have swept your mother off her feet the moment our eyes met and never let her go. She is my life Flinn…just like you, Frerin and Freya are. I may have mislead you before, and I will forever be sorry for doing so, but never, and I mean never, doubt that I love you. It was on that day when you and your mother arrived back in Erebor that I think I truly lived for the first time."

"So…are you and Ama married now?" Flinn asked after a few moments of silent contemplation.

"We got married the very next day after you arrived…remember that little party we all had that night?" Fili asked.

Flinn scrunched up his face as if deep in thought, but then brightened a bit as if the memories were coming back.

"Yes…I met Bram, Tam, and Tae that night for the first time," he nodded.

"Correct. Well, that was our wedding party," Fili confirmed. "We didn't tell you all this because it is important that we keep this a secret, telling everyone that we had married in secret a few years previous. We didn't want the mountain to know about Bina's trickery, nor did we want that hag to realize her little ploy had worked…in a way. But that does not mean I was ashamed of you, your mother, or what we did. For she and I were meant to be together forever…we just kind of took a strange way of getting there is all." Fili slipped off his chair and knelt in front of Flinn, looking up into his eyes. "Son, you have to believe me when I say that nothing has changed. I love you, I love your mother, and I hope you still love me. I promise that I will never lie to you, or keep anything from you ever again. You are a warrior now," he reaching up and let his fingers run over the braid and bead that spoke of his son's heroism. "And sometimes warriors must be brave enough to accept the past, and then move on. Please say you don't hate me, Flinn."

"I don't hate you, Adad!" he cried, throwing his arms around his father's neck and burying his face in his shoulder. "I love you!"

"Oh, thank you, Flinn," Fili almost sobbed. "And do you forgive me?"

"You didn't do anything wrong, Adad!" he said in confusion. "It was that Bina that did it all! I just wish you'd told me when I got old enough to understand everything. When we went over your quest today in class, and the teacher started listing all the dates…everything suddenly clicked in my head and I got so confused. I just couldn't understand, and it scared me."

"I'm so sorry, Flinn. Do you understand now?" Fili asked hopefully.

"I think so," he nodded. "But if I have any more questions…"

"Then you come straight to me, and I will tell you anything you wish to know," Fili broke in, his tone conveying his promise. "I won't keep any secrets, and tell you all you need to hear."

"Right now…I kind of need to hear you say you love me again," Flinn said, looking a little embarrassed by the request.

"Now that is something I will never tire of saying," Fili assured him, pulling him in for another big hug. "I love you, son. I love you very, very much. And I will keep telling you every day until you are sick of hearing it…but that will never make it less true."

"I love you too, Adad," Flinn giggled, pulling back with a wide smile. "Can we go home now? I am kind of tired of school today."

"Of course," the crown prince nodded, scooping him up in his arms and balancing him on his hip.

"Adad! I'm not a dwarfling anymore!" he protested, rolling his eyes.

"I know…but humor me this once, will you?" Fili begged. "I don't think I am quite ready to let you go just yet. Please?"

"Fine," Flinn said with an exasperated tone, yet the twinkle in his eyes said otherwise. "But only until we get to our chamber doors, I don't want Ama seeing you carrying me, for fear she will get the idea she can still pick me up like she does Freya."

"Deal…it will be our secret," he winked, placing his hand behind Flinn's head and pulling his son in for a quick kiss on the cheek.

"ADAD!" Flinn griped, wiping the back of his hand across his face. "Not kisses too!"

"I just can't help it," he laughed. "You will always be that sunny haired lad who stole my heart when you crawled up into my lap that first night. I thought my heart would burst from love…and I'm so proud of the wonderful son you've grown to be. So very proud, Flinn."

Flinn blushed a bit, but still allowed his father to carry him all the way back to the royal chambers, although they did compromise and Fili instead gave him a piggy-back ride…since it was a bit less childish. As promised, Fili set Flinn down before they entered, allowing the lad to keep his dignity. The moment the young lad saw his mother, standing in the doorway of the kitchen, she ran over and hugged her around the waist.

"I love you, Ama," Flinn told her, looking up with a wide grin.

"And I love you," Sier replied, staring down at him in confusion. "What brought that on?"

"Oh, nothing…I just wanted to tell you," he stated, stepping back, thought the smile never left his face.

"Flinn!" Frerin cried, jumping up from the floor where he had been playing with Freya and her now fat and saucy cat, Gandalf. "Are you all right?"

"I'm fine," Flinn assured him, no trace of his earlier gloominess in sight. "What'cha doing?"

"Playing with Gandalf," Frerin explained, any concern over is brother's curious mood now quickly forgotten. "I tied a little cloth mouse to the end of a string, and he's been chasing it all over the room. Come see!"

And so Fili watched as his three beloved children laughed and ran around the room, the grey cat chasing the toy the whole time.

"Fili?" Sier asked, wiping her hands on a dishtowel and coming to stand beside him. "What's going on? Frerin said Flinn was upset, and that Balin called you in to speak with him. Is anything wrong?"

"Not anymore," he smiled, his eyes misting up just a bit. He then wrapped both his arms around her and pulled her to him, letting her lay her head on his chest. They both stood there in happy silence for a while, just watching the children play. "We really do have three amazing children, don't we?"

"Very amazing," Sier said with a happy sigh. "Are you sure everything is all right, Fili?"

"Yes, my love…everything is perfect," Fili grinned. "And I couldn't be happier."

Well, Flinn knows the truth now...the whole truth and nothing but the truth. ha ha. I think he took it well, and Fili did a great job reassuring him.

And Thorin is tickled pink about a new baby...not so much about being kept in the dark about it though, but hey, he'll get over it.

Ok, just a few more important milestones to go, and then the epilogue. (yes, yes, I know, I've been saying that for a while now.)

Guest Reviews:

Emrfangirl: Yep, I am such a push over...and so many have been begging for it. Rose would indeed be capable, and maybe in time that would be possible, but right now the dwarves are still a patriarchal society. Men rule, but women call the shots, ha ha. Talin is her daddy in female form, ha ha. Loves those axes. And as you saw, yes, the gates were still standing. ha ha. Thanks.

Feu d'Argent: Glad you liked it. at first it was just a 'filler' chapter, but after I added some more stuff to it, I rather liked it a lot as well. Glad you like the baby names. ha ha. You go right ahead and read any chapter over again that you want. You have my permission. ha ha. Thanks.

abc: True, Durin males do tend to differ from one another...but hey, dwarves like variety. Yep, Bilbo made nice with Flinn and no hobbit or dwarf blood was spilt...not that Dis would have allowed such a thing. Yes, having his son close by would be nice...Erebor is a LONG ways away, and visits will be hard as time goes by. And come on...who HASN'T tinkled behind a tree at least once in their lives? True, Thorin has become more observant, but Marigold is also good at hiding stuff. A name? I need a name for this new baby? DRAT, I hate coming up with names, I really, really do. Oh well...I'll think of something. Too bad Gandalf's name has already been taken, ha ha. As for your question...I looked it up and a regiment could be 1,000 to 2,000! BUT I did not know that. I should have used a 'squad' since that is about a dozen. That is what I pictured a regiment as...about 12. So, let's just say in dwarf terms, a regiment is 12. ha ha. Thanks.

dojoson41: Glad you like the name Anor. It grows on you...like Ithil did with me. And yes, it does look like there might be a lad to rule after Thorin...but in Ered Luin, since I would never take Erebor away from Fili and Flinn. thanks.