Hey All! Sorry about the lack of author's note last chapter, my computer times out at 11, so I had to post before I lost the document.

Borys68 - I must say, you are certainly my best supporter so far! Thanks for the thumbs up - though I only thought of it because of another fanfic. I'm not at all learned in the ways of the Dwarven folk...

Well... Here's chapter 8!

"WHAT IS GOING ON HERE!?"

Thorin roared, his authoritative voice easily silencing the crowd that had amassed. The only sounds now came from the still struggling boys, who were pulled apart by rough hands and turned to face Thorin. He examined the faces before him, disappointment lining his face. Neither of the boys would meet his eye, both becoming unnaturally interested in the condition of their boots.

Thorin started questioning his nephew first, releasing the collars of their shirts.

"Kili, what happened?"

"Uncle, he started..."

Thorin held up his hand.

"Kili, I don't want to hear excused, or who started what. Just tell me exactly what happened. Without insults, if you don't mind."

"Reina and I came down here to fetch some things for Ma. I don't know what, Reina has the list."

Thorin looked to his daughter, who nodded.

"Go on."

"We heard laughter when Reina stopped to lace up her boot. I looked around, and there was this-"

Kili stopped at his uncle's glare.

"He was across the street, laughing his head off."

Another confirming nod from Reina. Thorin turned back to the two under question.

"Go on, lad." Dwalin growled, standing forbiddingly behind the two boys.

"I asked him what was so funny. He said, laughing the whole while, that it was hilarious how far the line of Durin had fallen - the heirs of Erebor running errands like common servants. i almost tore into him then, but Reina kept me back."

Here, Thorin turned to the other boy; shaking his head, he recognized the oily mop of hair that accentuated the men of Bulzak's household. Bulzak was an outspoken troublemaker, known for starting brawls in the mines. His sons tended to follow in his lead.

"Is this what you said, boy?" Thorin all but growled, his own anger sparked at the mirth the boy had found at the King's family's troubles.

The boy didn't say anything; he simply nodded, with a smirk on his face that Thorin was itching to wipe off. Reina placed her hand on her father's arm before he could, silently calming her father's temper with her own presence.

"Continue."

"Then his friends joined in;" Kili continued," They began to name how many things showed that were no more worthy of being of the line of Durin as an Elf. His friends - cowards that they are, thought to add that they thought we were bred from elves, of how Ma must've tricked my Da, of how you must've been drugged, because of how elf-like we are."

Dwalin growled behind the boys as Reina simply looked at her shoes. This boy was so close to the truth about her, and she tried so hard to be a full dwarf.

"I tore into him then, 'cause Reina had gasped at his idiotic accusations, and had let go of my arm."

"Alright, Kili, that's enough. Now what do you have to say for yourself?" Thorin toed the boy next to his nephew.

"Only that what I said was true - any dwarf could see it. No dwarf would be so gangly, or would be beardless - especially a girl! And they always go traipsing off into the woods, him with his silly elvish weapons."

"That boy has helped bring in more game than anything or anyone else has. Kili's aim is true, and his arrows are sharp. You should be grateful, boy." Dwalin growled. He had taught Kili to use the longbow that he carried himself. He was proud of the boy's natural aim. Kili's kills were also a source of most of the meet at the market, these days. Reina seemed to be following in her cousin's footsteps, so far as weapon choices went.

"That's enough, Dwalin. Boy, I'm sure the council will be interested in how you seem to be following your father in your social conduct. You come with me."

"Thorin - what about Kili? This is not his first brawl, on market day no less!" Balin stopped Thorin from leaving the circle for a moment.

"True, but Kili did not start the confrontation. I will explain the matter to the council. I will speak with him tonight. He may be called to appear before the council himself, tomorrow." Thorin replied. "Reina, go back home with Kili. Tell Dis I'll be home soon."

Reina nodded. Thorin looked at his youngest nephew.

"Kili, go home. I'll talk to you tonight."

"Yes, Uncle." Kili replied. Reina helped him up, and they both began to walk home. Thorin clapped a firm hand on the boy's shoulder before he could run off.

"Come along, boy. Let's get this over with, shall we?"

"What are you lot looking at? Go about your business. There's nothing more to see here."

Dwalin followed Thorin, as extra insurance that the boy wouldn't escape justice.

Thorin shook his head. His life was a whole lot more hectic since Reina had come into his life. He simply wished hectic didn't always involve someone close to him getting into trouble or into fights - as was often the case of late with Kili.

OK, Now we're getting somewhere. Next chapter, a heart to heart from Thorin to his nephews and daughter, and rearrangements of the line of Durin!

R&R, please!