Chapter 7 Furr's Toy Shop
Susy and Tauriel took Little Xander and Tiki to Bofur and Bifur's toy shop. They wanted to entertain their sons by showing them toys in the cousins' store. Besides, a courier from Moria had arrived, and Susy knew that the three years old Little Xander, and two years old Tiki would be underfoot. Thorin's wife suggested to the visiting Tauriel to take them to Furr's. Susy noticed as they left, that Thorin was somber, as Balin was reading the message.
The half-elf and half-dwarf were excited, and were running all over the shop. Susy sigh, and smiled at her son, as he looked at the wooden soldiers. Tauriel was showing Tiki some wooden puzzles, Bofur had laid out in his shop. Bofur and Bifur hurried over to greet their friends.
"Lady Susy and Tauriel greetings! How are your husbands? "asked Bofur, with a smile. Tauriel shouted 'fine, and then ran after Tiki, who was running through the shop. Bofur approached Susy, as a smiling Bifur watched Tauriel and Tiki.
"Thorin is fine, so far. A courier came from Moria, with a message for Balin. I am worried Bofur that it might be bad news. That is why I brought Little Xander here, "replied Susy.
"I hope it is not bad news, "said a quiet Bofur. Bofur spied a twelve years old scruffy boy entering the shop. "Hey! I told you not to come here anymore! Get out of my shop! " Bifur chase the boy out of the store.
"Who is that? "asked a confused Susy.
"They call him, Quinn. He lives in the streets of Logan. The shopkeepers here in Little Logan had been having problems with this boy stealing things from their shops. He had already tried before here, but I have caught him in the act. Remember Brodall, who first show us Little Logan. Well, Bifur and I handed the boy over to Brodall, since he was a council member. Brodall did a public caning as punishment for his stealing in our village. We were hoping he would not come again, "said a sad Bofur. "It was horrible to see a young lad get thrash with a cane. "
Susy frowned about the boy, and then saw Little Xander laughing, as he looked at the wooden monsters next to the wooden soldiers. She joined her son, and said, "Xander, if you are a good boy, I will get you a new toy. " Little Xander smiled at his Ma, as he looked around the shop.
"Tiki, stop running in the shop! Do you have something in your hand? "asked Tauriel, who had caught her son. The she-elf opened her son's hands, and found a small red wooden top. "Tiki, shame on you! That is call stealing, and you do not do that. " Tauriel took the top, and put it in a box with other wooden tops. Tiki had followed her, and took another top. Tauriel was about to tell her son something, and barely seen him take another top.
"No, Tiki! You do not take anything from the shop, unless you pay for it, "said Tauriel, as she took a blue top from Tiki, and put it back. She grabbed his hand, and pulled the half-elf to where Susy was talking to Bofur and Bifur.
"Did Tiki found something he likes, Tauriel? "asked Susy.
"I am afraid so, Susy. He keeps trying to take a top from the shop. I am trying to teach him that it is wrong to take things that are not paid for, "said an irritated Tauriel.
"Uh…Tauriel? What does he have in his hands? "asked Susy, as the she-elf and dwarves looked at Tiki.
"Tiki, give it to me now! "warned Tauriel, as Tiki quickly gave his Ma a yellow top, which was in his hand. "What am I to do? "
"Do you ever spank him? "asked Bofur.
"No! Kili and I do not want to spank our child, "said an upset Tauriel.
"Let me try something, Tauriel, "said Susy. "This works a lot with Thorin. " Tauriel nodded, and watch Susy took Tiki over to a chair for parents to sit on. Bofur and Bifur watched as well.
"Tiki, did you take some toys that were not yours? "asked Susy from the half-elf. She looked Tiki in the eyes, and slowly the half-elf nodded. Then, Susy pretended to cry, as Tiki looked surprised. "Oh Tiki, that makes me so sad, that you would do that. " Susy continued to cry making Tiki very sad. Little Xander heard his Ma crying and ran to his Ma.
"Ma, do not cry. I will take care of you, "said Little Xander, who patted his Ma's hand.
"I am sorry, Aunt Susy. I will not take any more toys, "said Tiki, who took out three more tops from under his shirt. The half-elf put the tops on a shelf, next to Susy.
"Do you promise me, Tiki? No more taking? "asked Susy, who wiped her tears. She still cannot get over how well Tiki can talk. Little Xander was not talking like Tiki, until he turn three.
"Yes, Aunt Susy, "said a sad Tiki. Susy smiled at the half-elf, and gave him a big hug. Tiki smiled like his Da, and hugged his great Aunt Susy.
"Yes, Tiki. Adventurers do not steal, "stated a righteous Little Xander.
"Is that right, Xander? What about those cookies you took out of the cookie jar? "asked his Ma.
Little Xander stared at the floor of the shop, and replied, "I was hungry. " Tiki laughed at Little Xander, who laughed back. Susy got up, and joined Tauriel.
"How did you know how to handle Tiki, Susy? "said a surprised Tauriel, as the cousins nodded.
"I use to work at a place that taught and took care of children. It was called a daycare, and I was a teacher there for twenty-five years, "said a smiling Susy.
"So, you know everything about children, "said Bofur.
"No one can know everything about children. They can do things that will surprise you, "answered a smiling Susy. Thorin's wife looked at the children, and said, "I want you two lads to look all over the shop, and if you are good you will get a new toy. " Little Xander and Tiki shouted with joy, and hurried to look at the toys. Little Xander quickly took Tiki to look at the wooden monsters.
No one noticed that Quinn was peeking through the front window of the shop. He saw how quick the small elf took the toys from their box, with no one noticing him. He wished that he was that fast. Quinn scratched his dirty blonde hair, and wonder if he should looked the elf up later.
Quinn wanted to become part of the Thieves Guild, but they are really strict on who can join. They do not want someone who was not swift, and can get easily caught. Quinn have been practicing in Little Logan, thinking that dwarves were dumb and would not catch him stealing. But he was prove wrong, and suffered a heavy caning. Quinn rubbed his backside, as he remembered the pain he felt. If only he could be quick like the little elf, but he knew that is part of being an elf. They were fast and sure-footed, something he will never be.
"Boy, I see you did not steal anything, "said a rugged man, with a dirty tunic.
"What is it to you?! "snapped a frighten Quinn, who was trying to act brave.
"I can teach you how to steal if you want, "said the man, who had a scar mark in his hair.
"You can? "asked Quinn.
"Then follow me, boy, "said the man, as he turns away. Quinn quickly followed the man.
"Name boy? "
"Quinn, "answered the blonde-haired boy, as he looked at the man.
"Name is Filly, but you will call me, Sir, "said the man.
"The Filly?! "asked an excited Quinn. The man stopped, and grabbed Quinn's tunic.
"Never say my name out loud, "warned Filly, who had frightened Quinn. Quinn nodded his head, as Filly let him go. He signals the boy to follow him out of Little Logan.
"Ma Ma! "called out Little Xander.
"Yes, Xander, "said Susy, who was talking to Tauriel, as Bofur and Bifur dealt with customers. Susy and Tauriel walked over to where Little Xander and Tiki were hiding things behind their backs.
"Can we have two toys? I promise not to take any more cookies, unless I ask you, "said Little Xander.
"Why do you sounds like your Da? He is always making proposition like that to me, "asked a laughing Susy, while Tauriel smiled.
"Can we?" asked a hopeful Little Xander, as Tiki looked hopefully at Susy as well.
"Tauriel, what do you think? "asked Susy, who winked at the she-elf.
"Hmmm…I do not know. Have they been good lads in the store? "asked a teasing Tauriel. The half-elf and half-dwarf nodded their heads. Susy laughed at the children's eagerness.
"I guess you have been good, "said Susy. "What toys did you pick out? " Little Xander show her a dwarf soldier and a griffin, which made Susy paused. She remembered the griffins that had attacked her and the others, when they were traveling to Logan. Susy was pregnant with Little Xander, at the time. She smiled at her son, and said 'alright'. Tiki shows her an elf soldier and a dragon. Susy remember Thorin telling about how his dwarves fought the dragon, Smaug, and got the dragon out of Erebor. And the cost of ridding the dragon was the destruction of the small town, Lake-town. Susy nodded, and took the toys to Bofur, who had finished with his customer. The lads followed Thorin's wife to the counter, where Bofur waited. The lads were distracted by some puppets nearby, while Susy and Bofur talked softly.
"So, did the lads pick out something they wanted, Lady Susy? "asked Bofur, as she shows him the toys. He quickly looked at Susy, with surprise. "Have Thorin told them about the dragon, Smaug? "
"I hope not. I told him that they were not old enough to hear that scary story. He told them about Beorn the skin-changer, and Xander had nightmares about a bear for a week, "exclaimed Susy.
"How about the incident with the griffins? "asked Bofur.
"No, I do not think Thorin told that story either, "replied Susy. "Devie says Bombom still get nightmares about that griffin that tried to eat him. "
"Poor Bombom. I have a feeling that he will be scared of griffins for the rest of his life, "said Bofur. Do you want me to wrap the toys separately? "
"Yes. The dwarf soldier with the griffin, and the elf soldier with the dragon, "answered Susy, as she watched Bofur as he wrapped the toys, and then put the lads' name in dwarfish on their packages. Susy paid for the toys, as Bofur smile. Bofur had to show Susy which package belong to which child, since she cannot read dwarfish. Susy gave each lad their toys, and led them to Tauriel.
"Let us go to my home, and use my food bag to make lunch, Tauriel, "said Susy.
"Yes, I do not feel like cooking today, "replied the she-elf, as they waved to the cousins and left the shop.
"That is why I love my food bag. I love cooking, but sometimes I am not in the mood to cook, "said Susy, as she stopped to watch Pig-face Pri and Kayla walking by with their babies. Each she-dwarf gave birth to a son, and the babies looked like their twin fathers. So, they could have been mistaken as twins, since the cousins look so much alike. But the mothers were always fighting about their baby being more handsome than his cousin.
Susy noticed the children opening their packages, and leaving the parcel papers on the ground.
"Xander! What did I tell you? "warned Susy.
"Never throw paper on the ground, "said Little Xander, who quickly picked up the paper he had thrown. Tiki did the same, because he always did whatever Little Xander does.
Susy smiled at the boys, and took the parcel papers from them. She folded the papers, and put them in her pocket. The children smiled at her, and Susy said, "Let us go home, and eat lunch. " The two females and their sons headed for Oakenshield.
Chapter 8 Poor Balin
Susy opened her front door of her house, and saw Thorin talking quietly with the messenger from Moria. Thorin got up to talk to his wife, so he signaled her to the fireplace. Susy told Tauriel and the children to come in, and sit on the couch. Then she went to the fireplace to talk with Thorin.
"Thorin, what is wrong? The house feels like someone had died, "said Susy, as she tried to read Thorin's face. He looked surprise by his wife's words, and said, "Someone did die. "
"Oh no! Who? "asked a surprised Susy.
"Balin's son, Balin II was killed by an arrow shot by a goblin fiend. The goblin horde over ran Moria, and took the mine away from the miners and their kin. It was a big battle inside the mines. Most of the miners got the she-dwarves and children out of the mines. Some of the homeless dwarves headed for the Ironhills, some to the village, Thads, and others to Erebor. Balin's son made a last stand with his best soldiers, and was never heard from again. A survivor from that last battle told of Balin II's death, "narrated Thorin. Susy started crying, and Thorin hugged her. Tauriel saw that something was wrong, so she took the children outside into the garden.
"How is Balin? "asked a sad Susy.
"He is so devastated, that he went to his room, "stated Thorin. Susy headed for the stairs, wanting to see Balin.
"Susy, he needs some time alone, "said Thorin. Susy stopped and shook her head, and then went to Balin's room.
Balin heard the door to the sons' dormitory open and close, then sighed.
"Thorin, I told you I do not want to talk with you right at this moment, "said a weeping Balin.
He felt smaller hands go around his neck, and he knew it was his Little One. They both cried together, and held on to each other, tightly. Balin felt closer to his Little One, than his kin. Dwarves were taught to hide their feeling of sorrow, because to them it was a sign of weakness. Dwalin use to tease Balin about being easy with his tears. But Balin knew he needed to cry his sorrow out, or the sorrow in his heart would consume him. His Susy understood, and he felt most of his sadness leave him, because she would never consider him weak. The crying stopped for a moment, and Susy lean her head on Balin's shoulder.
"I am so sorry about your son, Balin. "
"He was always taking risk, before thinking things out, "said a sad Balin. "But I will avenge his death. I will get Thorin, Dwalin and the others to go with me, and kill as many goblins before we die. "
"Balin, will all your deaths bring your son back? All it will do is leaved many wives as widows, and many children crying for their Da. I love you very dearly, Balin. You, Dwalin, Gloin, and Oin are like family to me. I do not know what I would do, if you were not here with me. " Susy started to cry again, as Balin gently rocked her. They cried some more, until they felt exhausted.
"Have you ever lost someone you love, Little One? "asked Balin, as he stared out the window toward the running brook, and the river, Cris.
"Yes, Balin. I had buried my mother, my father, two of my brothers, and lastly my husband. "
"You poor, lassie. Does the pain get any better? "
"You buried your wife, Oren. Did it get better, Balin? "
"It is still here, in my heart. And it will hurt now and then, but I will never forget her…or my son. "
"From what I have learn, the pain does not get any better, but it does hide away somewhere into your heart. But we were made to endure all kind of hardship, and go on. You will give your love again, Balin. To someone who is already dear to you. You will see, "said Susy, as Balin wiped his tears. They sat side by side looking out the window, when the door slam opened. In ran Little Xander and Tiki all excited, as Thorin hiss for them to come back to him.
"It is alright, Thorin. Let them come in, "said Balin, as Thorin sadly nodded and closed the door.
"Ba, look at the new toys Ma brought us! "said an excited Little Xander, as he shows his soldier and monster to Balin. Tiki show Balin his toys as well, as the small dwarf smile.
"Xander, his name is Balin, "corrected Susy, as Balin smiled at the two youngsters.
"No, Ma. I am going to call him Ba, "stated Little Xander.
"That is right, Aunt Susy, "said the quick-tongue Tiki.
"Why Ba, laddies? "asked a smiling Balin.
"Well, we cannot call you, Da. Because Da is Da. So, we decided to call you, Ba, "said the happy Little Xander, as Tiki nodded. Balin and Susy were flabbergasted, and Balin quickly hugged the two small children, who with their innocence brought so much happiness to a very sad dwarf.
"Yes, I am your Ba. And I will always be your Ba, "said a teary-eyed Balin. Susy was trying her best not to cry, as she smiled at her son, and Tiki. Little Xander pulled away, and looked around the bedroom.
"Ba, are you sick? Why are you in our room? "asked Little Xander.
"Yes, Xander. I am sick in my heart, "said Balin, with a tremble in his voice.
"Tiki and I will take care of you, "said little Xander. "Lie down, Ba. "
"Maybe it is best if I go sit outside, while you take care of me, Xander and Tiki, "said Balin, with a smile.
"Come on, Ba, "said Tiki, as he took Balin's left hand. Little Xander took Balin's right hand, and they helped the small dwarf stand. Balin smiled at Susy, as the two children took Balin to the door. Little Xander opened the door, and the children took Balin to the stairs. Susy slowly was following them, and stopped at the stairway. She saw that Thorin, Tauriel, and the messenger were sitting on the couch. The two dwarves and she-elf stay quiet, as the children escorted Balin toward the back door of the house. Tiki tried to open the door, but Balin helped him, since the half-elf could not reach the door latch. The children took Balin outside, and closed the door.
"How is Balin, wife? "asked a worried Thorin, as Susy walked over to the couch.
"He is very sad, but being with the children helps some, "said a sad Susy. "I was about make lunch. "
"This is Barra. He was the one who brought the message about Lord Balin II, "stated Thorin, as Barra bowed to Susy.
"Barra, would you care to stay, and eat lunch with us? "asked Thorin's wife.
"Thank you, my lady. But I must go now to the Blue Mountains stronghold to tell them of the news of Balin II's death, "stated Barra.
"Are you traveling alone? "asked Thorin.
"No, there are five of us traveling together for safety, "replied Barra. "Tell my Lord Balin, that our sympathy is with him. " The courier bowed, and left the house. His companions were camped in front of Xander's cave, and were waiting for Barra. Xander the wizard gave the messenger direction to Thorin's home. Then, he provided food and drinks for the visiting dwarves, as they waited. Barra finally walked out of Logan's main gate, and joined his companions. They gave him his share of the food and drinks. After, Barra finished his meal, they told Xander 'thank you' and 'farewell'. Xander smiled and waved to the dwarves, and wished them 'safe journey'. Xander quickly headed to Oakenshield to see if he can offer his help. The wizard knew that a messenger usually meant bad news, and he was worry for who the message was for.
Tauriel was helping Susy set the table for lunch, as Thorin watch through the window next to the fireplace. He could see Balin sitting in his favorite chair, next to the house. He was talking to Little Xander and Tiki, as they laughed at whatever Balin had said. A knock come on their front door, and Thorin went to answer it. Oakenshield was surprise to see Xander of Logan standing outside his door.
"I hope I am not intruding on you, Thorin? "stated Xander.
"No, Xander. Please come into my home, "replied Thorin. Xander slowly enter, and smile at Tauriel, who smiled back. The she-elf went back into the kitchen, where Susy was pulling out fried chicken, a meatless taco salad, mashed potatoes with gravy, corn on the cobs, buttered rolls and cole slaw, which became Little Xander's favorite food. Susy knew that Balin just love fried chicken, so she wished to spoil him a little.
"Xander the wizard is here, Susy, "said Tauriel.
"Well, we will set out an extra plate for him, "said a slightly smiling Susy. She was still upset about Balin's news about his son. Tauriel smile, and took an extra setting for Xander, if he decided to stay for lunch. The she-elf entered the dining area, and saw Thorin whispering to Xander, next to the front door. She knew that Thorin was telling the wizard what had happen to Balin. Tauriel was about to enter the kitchen, when knocking was heard on the front door. Thorin reached over and opened the door to find Dwalin, Kili, and Fili, standing in his front yard.
"What are you doing here? "asked Thorin.
"We heard a rumor that a messenger from Moria had visited you today, "said Dwalin, as he pushed himself into Thorin's home. Thorin sighed, as he invited his nephews in.
"Yes, a courier did come here today, "said Thorin, as he closed the door.
"So, what was the message? "asked Dwalin, as Thorin was reluctant to say.
"The message was that my son, Balin II is dead, "answered Balin, at the door to the garden. The children stood confused next to Balin, as they tried to figure out what Balin meant about his son.
Tauriel got a hold of the children, and took them into the kitchen. The dwarves and wizard were silent at the way Balin told the news. Tears started falling from Dwalin's eyes, as he rushed over to his brother. Balin took Dwalin outside, so they could cry together over the lost of a son and a nephew.
"Fili, I want you to go collect Lilybelle, Mer, and Little Taffy, and bring them here. This is family business, and Balin and Dwalin needs our support. We will stay here with them throughout the day, and night, "said Thorin.
"Yes, Thorin. But what if they asked why they need to come? "wondered Fili.
"Tell them that one of their kin needs them. Do not tell them about Balin II death, "stated Thorin. Fili nodded, and left the house.
Susy came out of the kitchen, and looked at her husband, nephew, and friend. The males were quiet, waiting for Susy to say something.
"So, who is staying for lunch? "
"I think it is best that I leave, so you will be able to express your sorrow, without my intrusion, "said Xander. He gave Thorin a hug, then wave to Susy and left. Susy looked to Thorin, who sighed.
"I am sorry, wife. I do not know at the moment, how many are eating lunch here. All the kin that are here in town are staying here to support Balin in his time of need, "said Thorin, as Susy nodded. Thorin's wife went back into the kitchen.
Tauriel have given the two children cookies from the jar to keep them quiet, and turn to see Susy enter the kitchen.
"What had happened, Susy? "
"Thorin had invited all the family for lunch. I have a feeling he invited them for the whole day and night. Let see…there are five dwarves…four wives…and three children. So, we need twelve settings for lunch. " Susy pulled out five more setting and put them on a tray, and then handed them to Tauriel, who took them to the dining area. Kili saw Tauriel carrying a tray with plates, cups, and silverware on it, and hurried over to help his wife put out the settings on the table. While Kili helped Tauriel, Thorin was pacing, as he thought about Balin.
"This is a sad time for the family, Tauriel. I have never met Balin's son, but I have heard that he was a great dwarf, "whispered Kili. Tauriel hugged her husband, and sighed with sadness.
"We need to explain to Tiki what is going on, "said Tauriel, as Kili nodded. Kili and Tauriel went into the kitchen, to help Susy carry the food into the dining area. The two females and dwarf brought the food, and place them on the table.
"Ma, I am hungry! "whined Little Xander, as he followed his Ma into the dining area.
"Xander! "snapped Thorin. Little Xander looked at his Da, and slowly walked up to his father. Tiki followed his cousin, hoping Little Xander will not get punished. Tears were in Little Xander's eyes, as Thorin sighed and picked up his son.
"I am sorry I snapped at you, son. But we need to be good today. Balin is very sad, "said Thorin, as he sat on the couch, with Little Xander on his lap.
"Why is Ba sad, Uncle Thorin? "asked Tiki, who stood in front of Oakenshield. Thorin looked over to Kili and Tauriel, waiting for them to decide if he should tell their son what was going on. The couple talked, and Kili nodded to Thorin, as Susy hurried into the kitchen to cry. Tauriel and Kili went to calm Susy, in the kitchen.
"You know how much your Das love the both of you? "asked Thorin. He smiled as both lads nodded. "Well, Balin loved his son, too. "
"Ba had a son? "asked Little Xander.
"Why do you call Balin, Ba? "asked Thorin, with confusion.
"We cannot call him, Da, "said Tiki. Thorin smiled at the simplicity of a child's thought.
Yes, your Ba had a son. Well, he found out today that his son had died, "said Thorin, slowly. He waited to see how the children would react to the word 'died'.
"What is 'died', Da? "asked Little Xander, who was confused. Tiki was confused as well, as he climbed onto the couch to sit next to Thorin.
"'Died' means that a person will not be here anymore, "said Thorin.
"You mean he left Logan? "asked Tiki.
"Tiki, Balin's son had left Middle-Earth. All that you see here and everywhere is Middle-Earth. And Balin's son will not be back, and that is why Ba is sad. One day, we will all leave Middle-earth, but that is a long time from now, So, be happy with your Da and Ma, and love your Ba, "stated Thorin. Both lads hugged Thorin, who choked down a sob. There was a knock on the front door, and Little Xander quickly got off his Da's lap to answer the door. He smiled, when he saw his cousin Fili, Lilybelle, Mer, and Taffy, Dwalin and Mer's five years old daughter.
"Taffy, you need to come see my new toys Ma got me at the toy shop, "said an excited Little Xander.
Tiki jumped off the couch, and said, "I got some new toys too, Taffy. " Taffy laughed, and went to the dining table with Little Xander and Tiki.
Lilybelle and Mer hurried over to Thorin, as he stood up from the couch.
"Thorin, what is going on? Fili said that someone in the family is in need, "stated Lilybelle, the hobbit. Mer was too scared to ask about anything, but she wondered where her husband was.
Sighing, Thorin said, "Balin's son was killed by an arrow in a battle at Moria. Balin just got the news today from a courier. "
Lilybelle and Mer gasped, as tears started falling from their eyes. They heard the garden door opened, and Balin and Dwalin entered the house. Dwalin was wiping his nose on his sleeve, as Balin use a handkerchief from his pocket.
The females saw Balin, and ran over to him, giving him hugs and kisses. Balin looked over to Thorin, who shrugged his shoulders.
"Balin, I am so sorry about your son. I am so over come with sadness, "said Lilybelle, who hugged the small dwarf.
Patting the hobbit's back, Balin smiled, "Thank you, Lilybelle. It is nice to know that so many care about our tragedy. "
"That is right. He was your nephew, Dwalin, "stated Mer. Dwalin only nodded his head, as he could not look at his wife. Mer threw herself into Dwalin's arms, and they both started crying.
"Dwalin, I thought dwarves do not shed tears? "teased Balin.
"I do not care! He was my nephew, who I use to teach how fight with a sword and axe, "cried Dwalin, as Mer held on to her husband.
Taffy hurried over to Dwalin, and said, "Do not cry, Da! I will take care of you! " Dwalin hugged his adopted daughter, and they went to the couch as a group.
"No more crying! It is time to eat! Ba needs his food! "shouted Little Xander, who was standing on the chair. The dwarves and females in the gathering room started laughing. Susy, Kili, and Tauriel came from the kitchen to see what was happening.
"Xander, get off that chair, before you fall off! "warned Susy, as Kili helped his little cousin down.
"Xander is right; it is time to eat, "said Balin, as everyone went to the dining area. Everyone gather at the table, and sat down to lunch. During lunch, Balin and Dwalin would tell tales of Balin II from infanthood to adulthood. Everyone got to know Balin II, and how much the two dwarves loved their son and nephew. They continued to talk after lunch in the gathering room, as Susy sent the children to play in Little Xander and Balin's bedroom. More crying was done by the females, and hugs were given to Balin and Dwalin. Finally, the dwarves went outside to talk, while the females cleaned the dining table, and did the dishes.
"My heart goes out to Balin and Dwalin, "said Lilybelle, as she dried a dish. "I cannot imagine losing your child. Fili and I been trying for a child, and still nothing happen. "
"Stop trying, Lilybelle. It is when you are not trying that you will have a child, "said Mer, who was putting the cups away.
"Thorin keep telling me to 'let us try for another child', but he is really saying, 'let us get intimate', "said Susy, as the females laugh.
"That sounds like Kili. He always wants to get intimate, "replied Tauriel.
"Dwalin is the same way. Is that a dwarf thing? "asked Mer.
"It must be, because we are all married to a dwarf, "said Lilybelle. The females laughed so hard, and it took them a while to stop laughing, and finish the dishes.
"So Balin, what are you going to do now? "asked Fili. "Are you going to get Moria back from the goblins? I will go with you to fight. "
"Aye! I will go as well, "stated Kili. Thorin and Dwalin looked at Balin, and stayed quiet.
"No, laddies! Susy pointed out that all we will be doing is going to our deaths. And what would happen to your wives and your child? Who will take care of them? "said Balin. All the dwarves were quiet, as they ponder Balin's words.
"Why is Aunt Susy so smart? "said Fili.
"Yes, she is very smart, and that is why I always lose most of our arguments, "said a smiling Thorin. The dwarves laughed. "I am glad you do not wish to seek revenge, Balin. Because I would had turn you down, since I love my wife and son. I would not want them to go on without me. Life is too precious to throw it away. "
"I felt the same way as Thorin, brother. I would have turned you down as well, "said Dwalin.
"Is it possible that my brother had grown up? "teased a smiling Balin, as Thorin and Dwalin smiled back.
"But what about Balin II's body? "asked Kili.
"They had made a tomb for him, and he was buried there in a regal burial. No goblin or foul creature can break the tomb, "stated Balin. They were all quiet, as they asked Aule to keep Balin II's spirit in bliss.
Later at dinner, they continue to talk about Balin II, and Balin's plan to still live in Oakenshield. Everyone was relieved that Balin was staying in Logan.
After dinner, the close family was trying to figure out the sleeping arrangement, when Little Xander whined that he wanted to sleep in his bedroom. So, the children, and wives were sleeping in the son's dormitory, while the dwarves slept in the daughter's dormitory. It did not take long for the children to fall asleep and next the wives. But the dwarves talked long into the night. Then finally, Thorin told them that he was going to bed, and told them goodnight, as he close the dormitory door. Oakenshield walked over to the master bedroom, and opened the door. He smiled, as he saw his wife standing at the big bedroom window that had a view of the running brook. Susy was brushing her hair, as she looked at the lights of the city of Logan.
"Are you not tire, wife? "
"I am a little tire, Thorin. I just cannot get over Balin II's death. I do not want to imagine something like that for our Xander. "
"It is part of life. When I died, I choose my death to be rid of Azog, who had cause sorrow all my life. Now, I hope never have to die too soon again, because I got you and Xander in my life. "
Susy turn around, and smiled at Thorin, saying, "I love you too, Thorin. " Thorin took her hand, and led Susy to the bed. Susy put her brush on her small table next to her side of the bed.
"I love you, Susy. Do you want to try for a child? "asked Thorin, as he smiled. Susy laughed, as Thorin say, "Seal door, privacy. "
"You had been trying for that child every night, since Sebastian told us that we could be intimate again. Even after we have another child, I still want to be intimate with you, Thorin, "said Susy, as she hugged her husband. Thorin kissed Susy, as they held each in bed.
Chapter 9 Next Morning
After breakfast, Little Xander and Tiki went into the garden to play with their new toys. Taffy wanted to stay with her Ma, so they left her there in the dining area. They had their soldiers and monsters, and decided that their soldiers were marching to battle monsters. Little Xander and Tiki went to the neighbor's fence, and put their soldiers on top of the top rail. Their monsters were slowly approach the soldiers from behind. Little Xander without thinking hit his soldier with the monster, and it fell into the neighbor's yard.
"No! "whined Little Xander, who tried to reach the toy, but could not. There was a broken board in the fence, which a child could stick their head through. So, little Xander tried, but his head was too big. "Tiki, stick your head in the hole, and get my toy for me. "
"Alright, Xander, "said Tiki, as he slowly pushed his head into the hole. Since the half-elf's head went through the fence, he could reach the toy soldier. He grabbed the toy, and gave it to Little Xander, who was happy, as he looked at his toy. Tiki tried to pull his head out of the fence, but he could not.
"Xander, help me. I am stuck in the fence, "said a scared Tiki. Little Xander tried to pull out his cousin, but Tiki cried in pain.
"I will go get Da, Tiki, "said Little Xander, as Tiki started to cry.
"I enjoy our visit with the family, "said Lilybelle. "We need to get together more often, just to enjoy each other company. "
"I agree with, Lilybelle, "said Fili, as he hugged his wife. Everyone was relaxing after eating a large breakfast. They were sitting at the dining table, and were reluctant to leave each other company. Balin II's death scared everyone, in realizing how short life is.
The garden door slam open, as Little Xander came running into the dining area, startling everyone.
"Xander, do not slam the door! "warned Thorin, as his son ran up to him.
"Da! Tiki is stuck! "shouted Little Xander. Kili took a hold of Little Xander, and turn the child to face him.
"What do you mean that Tiki is stuck? Where is he stuck? "asked a worried Kili.
"Tiki's head is stuck in the fence, "said Little Xander. Kili looked at Thorin, and then everyone ran outside to find Tiki. Everyone stopped in amazement to see the small half-elf's head had entered the fence. They could hear him crying, as he tried to pull his head out of a hole in the neighbor's fence. Kili and Tauriel hurried over to Tiki, as Dwalin and Fili started to laugh.
"This is not funny! "snapped an angry Kili. Tauriel tried to help Tiki out of the hole in the fence. Tiki cried in pain, and Tauriel looked at Kili, with tears.
"Dwalin and Fili go into the house, you are not helping. I want all of the females to go in as well, "ordered Thorin. Susy hurried and took a hold of Tauriel.
"Do not worry, Tauriel. Thorin will get Tiki out of the fence for you. Come Xander, you do not need to be in the way, "said Susy.
"But Ma…I want to help Da, "fussed Little Xander.
"Xander obey! "snapped Susy. Little Xander quickly followed his Ma, with no more arguments. The door closed, as Thorin, Kili, and Balin looked at Tiki in the fence. Tiki was still crying, and Kili told him that they will get him out.
"Well, Thorin? "asked Kili. Kili looked at his uncle with hope.
"Well, we could try pushing him through to the other side. But his shoulders are too wide to go through the hole, "said Thorin.
"We can put oil on his head, and see if that helps him to slide through, "offered Kili.
"Wait! I will be right back, "said Balin, who headed to the forge. Thorin always left the forge door to the garden unlock, in case Balin needed to work on some jewelry when Thorin was not there. Balin quickly entered the forge, and came back with a clawed hammer in his hand.
"You are not going to hit my son with hammer, are you, Balin? "asked Kili, as he watched Balin headed to the fence. Balin quickly pulled out the nails from the board that was making the hole in the fence. Then, he gently pulled Tiki out of the fence. The crying Tiki hugged Balin tightly, as the small dwarf carried the child to his Da.
Kili quickly took Tiki, and smile at Balin saying, "Thank you, Balin. Please, never leave us. We would be helpless without you in our lives. " Balin smiled, and patted Kili's back. They could barely hear a small 'thank you, Ba' coming from Tiki, who had buried his face into his Da's shoulder.
"I am just glad that you are fine, Tiki, "said Balin, as the three dwarves headed into the house, with Tiki. Everyone turn to see them enter with the child.
"Oh Tiki, "cried Tauriel, as she took her son from her husband.
"How did you get Tiki out of the fence? "asked Susy.
"Balin did it. He took the nails out of the board that was making the hole, and took Tiki out with no harm to the lad, "explained Thorin. Susy hurried to Balin, and hugged him.
"Leave it to my brother to use his head, "said a smiling Dwalin.
"And leave it to my brother to laugh at someone else's misery. Shame on you, brother! "scold Balin.
Pointing to Fili, Dwalin exclaim, "Fili, laugh as well! "
"Uh…, "said a embarrass Fili. Everyone laughed at the embarrass Dwalin and Fili.
"I am glad, Balin scold you, Dwalin. You better tell Tiki you are sorry, "ordered Mer.
"Sorry Tiki, my lad. I did not mean to laugh at you, when you needed help, "said Dwalin.
"I am sorry, as well Tiki, "said Fili. Tiki turned to the two dwarves, and did a raspberry at them. Everyone laughed at the child.
"Wait. I want to know how Tiki got his head stuck in the fence, "wondered Susy.
"Xander asked me to stick my head in the hole to get his toy, "said Tiki, innocently.
"Xander! I told you to stay away from that hole! Now, you are going to be punished, "said an angry Susy.
"No, Ma! I will not go to the hole anymore, "whined Xander.
"It is too late for promises. You got your cousin hurt for disobeying. Go to the kitchen! "ordered Susy. "Good bye all, I hope you visit again soon. " Susy followed her son into the kitchen, and everyone could hear Little Xander crying.
"Is she going to spank him? "asked Kili, with surprise.
"No something more horrible than a spanking. She is going to make him do woman's work. He hates that, "said a smiling Thorin.
"Woman's work? "asked a confused Fili.
"Washing the dishes, "replied a smiling Balin. Everyone laughed, including Tiki.
"Well, I think every rest day we should spend the day together, and talked about what had happen during our week. You should come to my home, since it is the biggest, "said Thorin, as the family headed to the front door.
"Braggart, "teased Dwalin, as Thorin gently shoved his kin and boyhood friend. They laughed, and hugged each other. The dwarves hugged Thorin and Balin, while the females gave kisses and hugs. Finally, the house was quiet, as the two dwarves could hear Little Xander crying, as he washed the breakfast dishes. Susy was talking to him about what he did wrong. Little Xander was in trouble for disobeying her, and two for putting Tiki in a bad place. The dwarves smiled, as Susy taught her child about his errors.
Then, Thorin took Balin to the couch, and they both sat. Thorin looked at Balin, and said, "Why did you not want to talk to me, after you found out about your son's death, Balin? "
"I figure you would be disgusted to see a fellow dwarf succumbed to tears. You know how we were taught to never to cry like a female, "explain Balin.
"Balin, you are my dearest kin and friend. I would never look down on you, if you shred tears. I understand how you feel losing your son. I would die if something happened to Xander, "said Thorin.
"Then, I did you a wrong service, Thorin. Forgive me for assuming how you would treat me, "said Balin.
Thorin and Balin stood and hugged. Thorin was closest to Balin, than he ever was with his brother or his sister. They smiled at each other, as they released each other from the hug.
"You know, you and Susy are the dearest persons in my heart. And I think I added two more, "said a smiling Balin.
"Who? "asked Thorin.
"Little Xander and Tiki, "replied Balin, with a tear in his eyes.
"Well, I am not surprise…Ba, "teased Thorin.
"Oh, you heard about that, did you? "asked Balin.
"Yes. It surprises me what children will come up with, "said Thorin.
"Hopefully, Little Xander can figure out a way to get out of his Ma's punishments for him, "said Balin, as he smiled. Thorin laughed.