Chapter 10 The Sleepover
Bombom seventh birthday was coming up, so Susy decided to throw him a sleepover. She had asked Devie, if she can give Bombom a party at her home. Devie was so moved by Susy's gesture, that she gave her permission. When Bombom heard about the party, he went and told his siblings, his kin, and his Da.
So, Susy invited Devie, Mer, Lilybelle and Tauriel for lunch, so they could plan the party. Mer and Lilybelle could not make the party, but Susy promise to get Taffy, and bring her to the sleepover. Devie told Susy, that if she make the food, that she will handle the other things for the party. Tauriel told them, that she would watch the children and help clean up after the meal. Tauriel wanted to come to the party, because she never let anyone watch Tiki anymore, since the incident with Orla.
Devie and her daughters made the decoration for the party, while Bombur made the birthday cake. The day before the party, Bombom and his brothers found and ate the cake, which made Devie very angry. Susy said that it was alright, she could pull something out of the food bag, which Devie and Bombur were relieved. So, Bombom, Pady, Taffy, Tiki, and of course Little Xander were going to sleep in the daughters' dormitory, at Oakenshield. Susy was so excited about the party, that Thorin gave his permission to his wife. He was not too fond of the idea of having that many children in his home. But he loves his wife, so he told her it was fine with him.
On the day of the party, Thorin and Balin was leaving the forge, after a long day at work. They were ready for supper, as they headed to the house. Thorin and Balin watched the children running around the garden, as Devie and Tauriel were watching over them.
They entered the house, and found Susy placing the food for the children on the table. Devie and Tauriel had put decorations in the dining area to make the room look like a castle. They had hanged and place paper royal crests, paper knights, paper banners, and paper shields all over the dining area. They had paper armor, wooden shield, and wooden swords made for the boys. But Devie made a special crown for Bombom. For the girls: flower laurels, lacy shawls, and small bouquets of flowers were made for them. Balin was amaze by all the work the ladies did for Bombom, and smiled.
Thorin was looking at the food Susy had put out for the children. She had a hard time thinking of some healthy food for the children to eat, since children are very picky. Susy had made sword-shaped fish sticks, shield-shaped cheese sandwiches, fruit kabobs, and grilled vegetable kabobs, served with milk. And for the dessert, Susy had pulled out of the food bag, castle-shaped cupcakes, since Bombom love cakes. Thorin frowned, as he looked over to his wife, who was making sure she did not forget anything. Thorin was very hungry for his supper.
Seeing the face Thorin was making, Susy said, "What is wrong, Thorin? "
"What am I and Balin to eat, wife? "asked Thorin, who crossed his arms.
Susy kissed Thorin, who gave a slight smile. She took Thorin by the hand, and led her husband and Balin into the kitchen. Susy took Thorin and Balin, down the stairs to the cellar. Thorin was about to protest, when he saw what was in the cellar. With Xander the wizard's help, Susy had the cellar turn into a den for Thorin and Balin. There was a big fireplace, which Susy had lit for them. For the dwarves' comfort, the wizard had put a large comfy couch, and three soft pillow-like side chairs. Xander also put a coffee table, and side tables for them to put food and drinks on. Susy had Xander put ottomans in front of the chairs, so her dwarves can rest their feet. They completed the den by laying a thick rug underneath the furniture.
Susy had already placed finger food on the coffee table for Thorin and Balin. Barbecue ribs on a platter, cheese sticks in a bowl, a platter with grilled vegetable kabobs, and a bowl full of fruit. Thorin's wife had also put two small kegs of beer for Thorin and Balin to drink. Two plates, two mugs, and napkins were next to the food. Thorin and Balin quickly fill up their mugs with beer and sat down in the side chairs. Thorin smiled, and then looked at the grilled vegetables.
"Rabbit food, wife? "asked Thorin.
"Thorin Oakenshield, you better eat all that food on the table! I do not need Little Xander seeing you act like this. I am already having trouble getting him to eat vegetables. He does not need to see you not eat your vegetables. So eat the vegetables! "stated Susy, who left in a huff. Thorin smiled, as he watches his wife goes up the stairs.
"Thorin, you love grilled vegetables. Why the deception? "asked Balin.
"I love seeing the fire lights up in my wife's eyes. It is a game we play with each other, "answered Thorin, as he quickly put food on his plate. Balin laughed at the silly couple.
"It is so peaceful here, I never felt so contented, "remarked Balin, as he lean back on the comfy chair, while putting his feet up on the ottoman in front of him.
"Well, I hope the children behave tonight. I do not want to be awoken in the middle of the night, "said Thorin, as he chewed on a rib.
"Not even by your son, Little Xander, "teased Balin. Thorin smiled at Balin, and then he raised his mug, and hit mugs together, with Balin. They took a deep drink of beer, and settle down to eat in peace.
Susy opened the garden door, and said that the food was ready. Devie told the children to not to run, and to clean their feet on the outdoor mat. Bombom had the children marched into the dining area. The children stopped, when they saw the dining area looking like the inside of a castle. Susy, Devie, and Tauriel helped the boys to put on their paper armor, and Devie put the crown on Bombom. Then, the females help Pady and Taffy put on their shawls, and flower laurels. Bombom told the children to sit down, while the ladies serve them their food. Susy had made salad for herself and the other females, except her and Devie's salad had grilled chicken in it.
"I would love to throw a sleepover for Tiki's birthday. The children are behaving so well, "said Tauriel.
"That is because they are scared of making Thorin angry, "said a smiling Susy. Tauriel and Devie laughed.
"Where are Thorin and Balin? "asked Devie.
"They are in the cellar, eating their supper. Xander the wizard had helped me turn the cellar into a den for them, "said Susy. "Tauriel, where is Kili? "
"When Fili heard from Lilybelle about the party, he invited Kili to eat and sleep with them. Fili and Dwalin are waiting for a delivery of metal blanks to makes swords with. They had a big order for swords from the castle. They will be busy for five weeks making these swords. Hilarion said he would help them make the swords. Mer and Lilybelle wanted to stay home, and take care of their husbands, "answered Tauriel.
"And I thought that they did not want to come, because of these lovely children, "said Devie, as Susy and Tauriel laughed.
"Lady Susy? "asked Bombom.
"Yes, your majesty? "asked Susy, with a smile.
"Can we have more food? "asked Bombom.
"What do you want? "asked Susy, as she got up.
"We want more of everything, "said Bombom, as the children nodded.
Susy quickly went into the kitchen, and brought back fish sticks, fruit kabobs, and vegetable kabobs, but no more sandwiches. Susy did not want them to eat too much cheese. She put the food on the table, as the children started grabbing food to put on their plates.
"Are these children or wargs? "asked a surprised Susy. Tauriel and Devie laughed; as they watched the children fill their plates. The females watched the children laugh, talk, and eat their food. "Make sure you leave room for dessert, because we have a special dessert for all of you. "
When the children finish eating, Tauriel and Devie took the extra food and dishes into the kitchen, while Susy watched the children. Devie came out of the kitchen carrying the castle-shaped cupcakes, which made the children 'aahhh'. They love their cupcake, and were reluctant to eat it. But after Susy told them how sweet the cakes were that made the children change their mind.
After the children finished their dessert, Susy had them to go change into their sleeping gowns. The children hurried up the stairs, while Devie and Tauriel went to do the dishes quickly. Susy went and got her anything bag, and sat down on the couch. She was looking at the rug in front of her, as she waited for the children.
Three weeks ago, she had told Thorin that she wanted to put a big soft rug in front of the couch. Thorin had shrugged, and said that was fine with him. Susy had opened the anything bag, as big as she could. She started to pull out a roll up rug from the bag, and had Thorin pull the rug out for her. When Thorin had unrolled the rug, he was enchanted. The rug had a deep blue background, and in the center was the Lonely Mountain. Thorin had kissed his wife, and helped her put the rug in front of the couch.
The children came out of the dormitories, and ran down the stairs to Susy, like a pack of wargs.
"Do not run down the stairs! I do not want one of you to fall down! "scolded Susy.
"Sorry Aunt Susy, "said the children, except for Little Xander, who said 'Ma'. Susy told the children to sit on the rug, as they waited for Devie and Tauriel to join them. The she-elf and she-dwarf finally walked into the gathering room, and sat on the side chairs.
"Everyone is going to get a blanket, since this is Bombom's birthday. Bombom already got his special gift this morning at his house, "said Susy.
"I got a pony, all of my own. His name is Butter, because he looks like butter, "explained Bombom. The ladies laughed, as they remember the cute Shetland pony that they have given Bombom. The pony was a lovely cream color, close to the color of yellow butter. It took Kili a long time to find the pony for Bombur's son. But the ladies were happy with the pony, and paid and thanked Kili for his trouble.
"Yes, your pony is very nice, Bombom. But now, let me hand out the blankets. First the girls…for Taffy, a purple blankets with flowers on it. " Taffy hurried to Susy, and took her purple blanket, and hugged it. It was soft to the touch, and she hurried to Pady to show her friend, her blanket.
"For Pady, a pink blanket with butterflies on it. " Pady quickly went, and got her pink blanket. She showed it to her Ma, and then went over to show it to Taffy. The girls wrapped themselves with their blanket, hugging them to their faces.
"For Tiki, a green blanket with horses on it. " The half-elf hurried to get his blanket, and then went to his Ma to show her his blanket. Tauriel smiled at her son, and told him to go sit down with the other children.
"For Xander, a blue blanket with swords on it. " Little Xander slowly stood up, and tried to walk like his Da. He strutted toward his Ma, and got his blanket. Little Xander bowed to his Ma, who tried not to laugh, and then ran back to his friends.
"And for Bombom, a red blanket with a crown and knights on it, "said Susy, as she smiled at Devie's youngest son. Bombom hurried to get up, and quickly went to Susy. When he saw the blanket, he gave a big smile. Bombom hugged Susy, and went to show his Ma his blanket. Devie touched the red blanket, seeing how soft it was. She told Bombom to go sit down. The children told Susy thank you, and wrapped themselves in their blankets.
"Now that everybody got their blankets, it is story time. I am going to tell you the story of Cinderella, "said Susy. The children clapped their hands, and readied themselves for the story. Susy told how the step-mother and step-sisters were mean to Cinderella. The children were happy when the fairy godmother helped Cinderella to meet her prince. The children were so enthralled by the story; that they did not notice when Thorin and Balin entered the gathering room. The two dwarves smiled, as they saw how well behave the children were acting. Thorin and Balin headed to their bedrooms, ready for bed. The children clapped their hands after Cinderella was finish, but Taffy wanted to ask Susy something.
"Aunt Susy, what is a step-mother? "asked Taffy.
"A step-mother is a woman that a child's Da marries, who is not the child's Ma, "explained Susy.
"Like my Da, Dwalin? "asked a scared Taffy.
"Taffy, Dwalin is never going to be mean to you, like the step-mother was to Cinderella. When Dwalin first met you, you had called him Da. He fell in love with you, in that moment. That was why he adopted you, so the whole city of Logan would know that he was your Da, "said Susy. Taffy smiled, and hurried to Susy to give her a hug. Then, Taffy went back to sit down.
"Now, I am going to tell you a story about a puppet named Pinocchio, who wanted to be a real boy, "said Susy, as Devie and Tauriel smiled. Susy told the children about the good fairy who promise to make Pinocchio into a real boy, if he was good. But Pinocchio got into trouble all the time. When Susy told about Pinocchio getting a donkey's tail, the boys pointed at each other saying their friend was going to get a donkey's tail. Everyone laughed at the silly boys. The children clapped their hands at the end, when Pinocchio finally became a real boy.
"One more story, Aunt Susy? "asked Bombom.
"Alright, one more story, then it is time for bed. This story is called Hansel and Gretel, about a brother and sister, "said Susy. She told them how their Ma had left the children in the forest, and how they got lost. Susy told them that children were not supposed to talk to strangers. A stranger could be an evil witch, but it is hard to tell. Susy told how the witch had captured Hansel and Gretel, and wanted to eat Hansel. The children pretended to be scared, but Susy could see that one child was scared. She told how Hansel and Gretel killed the witch, hoping that would remove the fear in the child. But the child was still scare. Finally the story was over, and Susy sent the children to wash up before going to bed.
Devie and Tauriel went with the children, as Susy sat and wonder about the child. She decided to stay up late, in case the child needed someone to talk to. Susy was hoping he would talk to his Ma, but she will wait and see. She grabbed a book from the bookcase, and sat on the couch. After an hour, Susy knew that everyone should be asleep by now. She was putting the book back into the shelf, when she heard a small voice.
"Aunt Susy? "
Susy turn around, and smiled at Tiki, who had tears in his eyes. She beckoned Tiki to come to her, and he quickly ran to the woman. Susy pick up the two years old, and sat on the couch with him on her lap.
"What is wrong, Tiki? "
"I am scared, Aunt Susy. "
"Were you scare of the witch in that story I told you? "asked Susy. Tiki nodded, as he held on to Susy, tightly.
"Why are you scared of witches, Tiki?
"Bombom and Pady took me, that the mean old woman who stole me was a witch, "said a sobbing Tiki. Susy hugged the small half-elf, and remembered what Thorin had told her. That a mean old woman slaver had stolen and hurt Tiki, the day Kili hollered for Thorin. Susy now felt guilty in telling that story to the children.
"Why did you not tell your Ma, Tiki? "
"My Ma is asleep. Besides, I did not want Bombom and Xander know that I am afraid of witches. They would laugh at me. "
"Tiki, everyone is afraid of something. I am very afraid of rats, and your great Uncle Thorin knows it. Do not let anyone make fun of you, because you are afraid. Come with me, Tiki. "
Susy stood Tiki on his feet, and led him by the hand into the dining area. She had grabbed her anything bag that she had placed on the dining area table, after the children went to bed. Susy pulled out a small green token bag that had a long strap, as she open the kitchen door. Tiki followed his great Aunt Susy, as she headed into the kitchen. She went to the cupboard next to the cellar door, and took down a white sack. Susy went to a stool next to her preparation table, sat down, and put both bags on the table. Tiki went to the table to watch what she was doing. Susy opened the white sack, and put her hand in. She took out a hand full of salt and filled the small green bag. She sealed the small bag of salt, and hanged the bag around Tiki's neck.
"Why did you put this bag around my neck? "asked Tiki.
"If you ever meet a witch, just throw the salt into her face. It will burn her, so that you could get away, Tiki. So, always wear this token bag to keep you safe, "stated Susy, who remember all of the myths she heard about witches.
Tiki smiled, and hugged Aunt Susy, who took him back to the stairs in the gathering room. Susy saw Tauriel waiting for them, at the top of the stairs. Tauriel had been looking for Tiki, when she found his bed empty. Tiki hurried to his Ma, and hugged her, and then the half-elf quickly went into the dormitory to go to bed.
"Why was Tiki with you, Susy? "asked Tauriel.
"Tiki was frightened by the story about the witch. I gave him a token bag of salt to keep witches away, "said a smiling Susy.
"But salt is deadly for witches, "stated Tauriel, as Susy look at the she-elf with surprise.
"Well, let us hope he never has to throw salt at a witch, "said Susy, as they headed for bed.
Chapter 11 Incident In The Forge
Little Xander was spending the day with Tiki, at Kili and Tauriel's home. They were in the second bedroom, which was Tiki's room. The three years old Tiki had shown four years old Little Xander the circular stairway that was in his bedroom. The stairway leads to the lookout room, above Tiki's room. There were only windows for walls in the lookout room, and a circular bench that went around the room, underneath the windows.
The lads were playing with the toys Tiki had gotten from his past birthdays. But after awhile, Little Xander started getting bored.
"Tiki, let us go up the stairs to that room on top, "suggested Little Xander.
"Alright, Xander. " The two lads hurried up the stairs and enter the lookout room. They sat on the bench, and look out at the village of Little Logan, and the city of Logan. They were so excited to see so much of both places.
"Look Xander! There are your godfather and his friends walking on the street, "exclaimed Tiki.
"And I can see my Da and Ba going to the house, from my Da's work house. And there is Ma taking clothes to wash, "added Little Xander. Thorin' son looked around, and finally noticed the big oak tree that Tiki's home was made from. There was a single branch hanging close over the tree's platform. "Tiki, do you ever climb your big tree? "
Tiki looked at Little Xander with concern on his face, as he said, "No, my Da told me not to, because I was too young to climb the tree. "
"Well, I am not too young. I am four years old, now, "declared Little Xander. The half-dwarf quickly got off the bench, and hurried down the stairs, with his small cousin following behind him. Little Xander waited for his cousin, and then they went out of the bedroom. The two lads quickly walked to the door to the bridge, and opened the door. Little Xander peek out, and saw no one nearby. The lads went through the door, and closed it. Then they hurried across the bridge to the platform.
Below them, Kili was cleaning the fenced yard, when he thought he heard scurrying across the bridge above. He lean his pitchfork against the fence, to go check the platform. Tauriel was working in the vegetable garden next to the front door. She looked up, as she saw Kili slowly approaching the outside stairway. She could see that Kili was trying to hear for something, and listen too.
Little Xander was looking at the branch, which was two feet above his head. He smiled at Tiki, who was standing away from the branch.
"Tiki help me up, so I can get that tree branch, "said Little Xander, smiling.
"No, Xander. You are too heavy, and I might drop you, "said a worried Tiki.
"You are scare, Tiki. Well, I am an Oakenshield, and I am not afraid. I will jump for the branch, "said an angry Little Xander. Tiki was a shame that his cousin said he was afraid, and would not look at Little Xander. Little Xander started jumping for the branch, barely touching it. He was so busy jumping, that he did not hear the footsteps going up the outside stairway. Little Xander almost got the branch, when someone grabbed him.
"Let go of me! "snapped a frighten Little Xander.
"Xander, what are you and Tiki doing on the platform?! I do not want you two on the bridge or platform! "said an angry Kili.
"I want to climb the tree, "whined Little Xander, as he tried to remove Kili's hands from his body.
"You are too young to climb this tree, Xander. "
"You cannot tell me what to do, Kili! You are only my cousin! "yelled Little Xander, as Tiki stood quietly watching his Da fight with Little Xander.
"Well, let us go see what your Da have to say about it, Xander, "said Kili, who pulled Little Xander by his arm. Little Xander fought Kili, but the angry dwarf pull the child down the stairs, as Tiki follow. Tauriel stopped pulling weeds, to ask, "What is wrong, Kili? "
"I will tell you later, Tauriel. I am taking the lads to see Thorin, "replied Kili. The she-elf could see how angry Kili was, and let him deal with Little Xander. Kili was marching his little cousin through the marketplace of Little Logan, with his son trailing behind him. Kili was so preoccupied about Little Xander, that he did not noticed Bombur, Bofur, and Bifur wave to him, from in front of the inn.
"Kili looks very angry, "stated Bombur, as he and his kin watched the dark-haired dwarf enter Thorin's forge with the two lads.
When Kili, Little Xander, and Tiki entered the forge, no one was inside.
"Do not touch anything in this forge Xander and Tiki, "warned Kili, as he went to the garden door. Kili opened the door, and stood in the doorway calling for Thorin. He was so busy looking for Thorin that he did not noticed what the two lads were doing, behind him.
Little Xander and Tiki were looking at the weapons that Thorin had repaired. They saw two long swords in their scabbards, an axe hanging from the wall, a shield that was lying on the anvil, with Thorin's hammer on it.
They looked next to the front door, where the fire pit was glowing. A table was against the wall, which had items to start the fire with. The table was underneath a shelf on the wall. The table had three bottle of oil, a box full of kindling, a bag of coal, and a few logs. But the shelf had one thing that caught the children's eyes. Leaning against the wall, above the fire pit was a silver dagger, with a fancy etched design on it. The dagger was sparkling, as if it was magical. Little Xander wanted so badly to touch the dagger.
"Xander, look at that small sword, "said a smiling Tiki.
"Do not be silly. That is not a sword, Tiki. That is a dagger, "stated Little Xander, who had hurt Tiki's feelings. "I want to touch that dagger, but it is too high for me to get. Go climb on that table, Tiki, and get me the dagger. "
"But my Da said not to touch anything, "said Tiki.
"You are afraid again, "teased Little Xander.
"I am not afraid, "said an angry Tiki. The half-elf went to where Balin's worktable was, where the small dwarf was working on a necklace. Next to the table was the stool that Fili always sat on. Tiki tried to move the stool closer to the fire pit. Little Xander helped Tiki move the stool to the table, that had Thorin fire starting equipment. Tiki climbed onto the stool, then onto the table. The small elf was trying to reach the dagger, but could barely touch it.
While Tiki was trying to get the dagger, Xander the wizard was heading to Thorin's forge to see about his silver dagger. It was a magical dagger that needed to be exposed to heat from a very hot fire pit. Thorin was heating the dagger for his friend, as a favor.
Coming through the garden, Thorin and Balin approached Kili, who told them the lads were in the forge. Thorin was yelling at Kili for leaving the children unattended in a dangerous place. Xander entered the forge the same time that the dwarves entered the other doorway. Xander and the others froze when they saw where Tiki was on the table, and Little Xander standing next to the fire pit.
Tiki accidently knocked over one of the oil bottles, which rolled into the fire. A big fire flare-up erupted from the fire pit, as the oil bottle broke. Xander quickly covered Little Xander with his fire shield, as the flare-up headed his way. Little Xander covered his head, as he saw the fire coming toward him. Tiki quickly jumped on top of the shelf, which held his weight. The half-elf was far away from the ball of fire, and was safe. Thorin, Kili, and Balin screamed in fear for the two lads, as the flame finally died down.
Thorin went over to Little Xander to check on his son, Kili went to Tiki and took him off the shelf, and Balin went to check on Xander the wizard, who had collapsed to the floor. The two children were unhurt, but the wizard looked to be covered with first degree burns. It seems that the fire shield had absorbed too much heat, which causes a burning sensation on the wizard's body.
"Thorin, Xander is hurt very badly. We need to take him to Sebastian, "stated Balin, as he helped the wizard to sit up.
"You go ahead to Sebastian, Balin while I talk to Kili, "said Thorin, who was checking Little Xander for injuries. Kili was checking his son, as well, and was happy that Tiki was fine. Balin gently helped Xander to his feet, and slowly escorted the wizard to Sebastian the healer.
Thorin turn to Kili, and shouted, "I want you to hit that child of yours! He is a bad child, who needs to be thrashed! "
"My child is not bad, Thorin! And I am not going to hit him! "yelled Kili, back. Susy had heard the screams, and had slowly hurried to the forge. She had put her head in when Thorin was making his threats.
"Your son nearly killed Little Xander! He did hurt Xander! Of course, he is bad! If you do not punish him, I will! "warned Thorin, who turn around and left the forge to check on Xander the wizard.
Tiki started crying, as Kili said, "Tiki, I am not going to hit you. And I am not going to let your Uncle Thorin hit you either. "
"But I am bad, Da, "said a crying Tiki, as Kili hugged his son.
"You are not bad, Tiki, "said Susy, as she entered the forge. "What is going on Kili? Tell me what had happened? "
"I had brought Little Xander and Tiki here to talk to Thorin, because Little Xander was being rude with me. I had left them alone in the forge looking for Thorin. Somehow, Tiki was on top of that table, and he had knocked over a bottle of oil into the fire pit. There was a big ball of fire come out of the fire pit, and almost burn up Little Xander. Xander the wizard protected Little Xander with a spell, but he became burned by the spell. Balin took Xander to Sebastian. Now, Thorin is calling my son bad, and he wants me to hit my child, "told Kili to Susy.
"I got one question. Tiki, why was you on the table? "asked Susy from the half-elf.
"Xander wanted to touch that dagger on the shelf, so he told me to get the dagger for him. I told him no, and he told me I was afraid to do it, "said Tiki, truthfully.
"Tiki, I told you two not to touch anything, "said Kili to his son.
"I am sorry, Da. You need to spank me, because Uncle Thorin said I was bad, "said a sad Tiki. Kili started crying, and said, "I cannot hit you, Tiki. I love you too much to raise my hand against. "
"You two come with me. It seems that I got a lot of kin that needs to be punished, "said Susy, as Kili carried Tiki behind Susy. Susy took Kili and Tiki to where she was rinsing out the clothes, and hanging them on the clothesline. Kili put Tiki down, as he watches his aunt.
"Tiki, you did not obey your Da, after he told you not to touch anything, so you will rinse the clothes, "said Susy, who moved a stool next to the big tub of warm water. She had put a basket full of soapy clothes that needed to be rinsed. Tiki smiled, and went to rinse the clothes.
"Kili…."
"No, Aunt Susy. I am not a child, "said a smiling Kili.
"Did you or did you not, leave the children unattended in a dangerous place? "asked Susy. Sighing, Kili smiled, and nodded his head. "Kili, you will take the clothes Tiki rinses, wring them out, and hang them on the clothesline. " Kili joined his son, as Susy waited for the others to come back.
After ten minutes, Thorin, Balin, and Little Xander entered the garden through the forge. They saw Kili and Tiki rinsing and hanging the clothes.
"How is Xander, Thorin? "
"Xander is fine, wife. Sebastian said that the burns are not that bad, so he would be his same old cranky self by tomorrow. Why are they doing the laundry? I wanted that child hit for all the trouble he caused, "demanded Thorin, who went to grabbed Tiki. Susy stood in his way, and glared at her husband.
"You have to hit me first, before I let you harm that child, "warned Susy. Balin went paled, as Thorin glared at his wife.
"Fine wife…as you wish, "said Thorin, who closed his hands into fists. Balin shook his head, in fear for his Little One.
"Before you hit me, Thorin. Xander, I want you to come here, "said an angry Susy. Little Xander slowly walked to his Ma. "Did you tell Tiki to climb that table in the forge? "
"Yes, Ma. " Thorin looked surprised at what his son said.
"Were you misbehaving with Kili at his home? And did you talk back to Kili? "
"Yes, Ma. But he would not let me climb the big tree, "answered Little Xander. Thorin's mouth dropped open, at what his son had said.
"Xander, you are too young to be climbing a huge tree. And if Kili tell you something, you better obey him. Go to the wash tub, and start washing clothes, "ordered Susy.
"No, Ma! I do not want to! "cried Little Xander, as he slowly walked to the wash tub. Thorin, Balin, and Susy watched Little Xander as he cried at the wash tub. Kili and Tiki smiled, as they continue to do the clothes.
Susy turn to Thorin, and said, "If you want to still hit Tiki, then hit me, Thorin. "
"Wife, I am not going to hit you, "said Thorin, with a smile.
"Well, I was hoping you would not hit me. I did not want you to hit me in my stomach, "said a coy Susy.
Looking confusedly at his wife, Thorin asked, "Why did you say that? " Then a smiled broke out on Thorin's face, as he hurried to his wife. "Are you with child, Susy? "
"I wanted to surprise you at supper, but yes…I am with child, "said Susy. Thorin hugged and kissed his wife, as Balin and Kili congratulated the couple. "By the way, guess who is cooking lunch today? "
"Who? "asked Thorin, with a smile.
"You are, Thorin, "said Susy, who smiled back.
"What?! Now, wait a minute, wife…, "complained Thorin.
"Now, did I or did I not tell you that you needed to put those oil bottles far from the fire pit? You said you were going to do it, last week. If you had moved the bottles like I had told you, Xander would not have gotten hurt, "stated a frowning Susy. Thorin sighed, and nodded his head.
"Alright wife, I will cook lunch today, "said Thorin, as he kissed his wife. Balin escorted Susy to a chair, and sat next to her. Thorin walked over to where Little Xander was washing the clothes.
"Did you hear Xander? Your Ma is going to give you a little brother or little sister, "said a smiling Thorin.
"I do not want a brother or sister! I want you to kill it! "snapped a teary-eyed Little Xander, who was angry with his Ma. Thorin raised his hand to hit Little Xander, but Susy shouted at him.
"Thorin! " Looking at his wife, Thorin frowned at his son, who realized he had made his Da angry.
"For saying a horrible thing about the baby, you will do the dishes after lunch, Xander, "said Thorin, who was trying to control his temper.
"No Da! "cried out Little Xander. Kili just shook his head, as Tiki went to get more soapy clothes. Thorin stood over Little Xander as he washes the clothes. Then he made Little Xander take over rinsing the clothes. While Little Xander rinses the clothes, Thorin took over Kili's job of wringing and hanging the clothes. Kili and Tiki went to sit with Susy, as Balin brought a tray with some glasses, a pitcher with fruit juice, and cookies for everyone. He put the tray on the outside table, and served his Little One.
"I am glad Thorin did not hit you, Little One, "said Balin.
"I would have stopped him, Balin, "said Kili.
"Me too, Da, "said Tiki. The three elders smiled at the innocent child.
"Many blessing on Xander's head for saving my son. But I hope this teaches you, Tiki. If Little Xander asks you to do something, and you know it is wrong…do not do it, "said Susy, as the half-elf nodded his head.
"Well, thank you for the kind words, my Lady, "said a voice. A sunburned looking Xander and Tauriel had walked up to the group, who was watching Thorin and Little Xander finish the laundry.
"Kili, I waited for you and Tiki to come home, and you did not. So, I came looking for you, and Xander told me about what happened in the forge, "said a worried Tauriel.
"Well, Tiki and I had to finish our punishment for misbehaving, "said a smiling Kili, who kissed his confused wife.
"Both of you were punished? "asked Tauriel.
"Yes. Tiki for disobeying his Da. And me, for leaving the children alone in the forge. We helped washed the clothes, "said Kili.
Turning to Susy, an angry Tauriel said, "You punished my husband and child?! "
"Yes, Tauriel. Kili is my nephew, as you are my niece. It is either I punish them or Thorin does. And Thorin idea of punishment is hitting your child, "stated Susy. Tauriel froze, and realized what Susy said was true. Xander was quiet, as he listens to the family squabble. "Xander, please be seated, and join us for some refreshments. "
"That sound wonderful, Lady Susy, "said the wizard, as he indicated to Tauriel to sit with her husband and son. Everyone was drinking fruit juice, and nibbling on cookies, as Thorin and Little Xander joined them.
"How are you feeling, Xander? "asked Thorin, as he helped his son sit down at the table.
"I am feeling a lot better, now that I am away from Sebastian's coddling, "said Xander the wizard. "What is this I hear about you, Little Xander? I heard that you were misbehaving today. " Little Xander would not look at his godfather, who smiled at the embarrassed child.
"I just found out that he had talked Tiki into climbing that table to get your dagger, "said Thorin. "Tiki, promise me that you will never climb my table again. "
"Yes, Uncle Thorin. I am sorry, "said a sad-eyed Tiki, as Kili patted his son's back. Thorin smiled at the small half-elf.
"Thorin, are you going to tell Xander and Tauriel the news? "asked Kili.
"What news? "asked Tauriel, who sat next to her husband.
"My wife is with child again, "said a smiling Thorin. "Let us hope she does not name the child, Gandalf. I think one child named after a wizard is enough. " Everyone laughed, except the children who did not understand.
"I had already picked out a name for our new son, "said Susy.
"Another lad? "asked a surprised Balin, as Susy nodded. Thorin gave his wife a kiss on her head, as little Xander pouted.
"Fine wife. What is the name you had picked out for his child? "asked Thorin, who sat next to his wife.
Susy smiled, and said, "Thror Alin Oakenshield. " Thorin got choked up at the mention of his grandfather's name. He gave Susy a big hug, and clapped hands with Balin.
"You named him after Thorin's grandfather…that is wonderful, "said a smiling Kili. Tauriel kept quiet, knowing how King Thror treated King Thranduil at Erebor. She is hoping this child will not be like his ancestor.
"Why Alin? "asked Xander, who was confused by the name.
"Where did you get the name Alin, wife? "asked a teasing Thorin.
"You do not understand? "asked a surprised Susy. "Alin is for Balin and Dwalin. " All the elders were speechless, as tears formed in Balin's eyes. The small dwarf hugged his Little One, and told her 'thank you'.
"So, what are you making for lunch, Thorin? I am very hungry, "teased Susy.
"What do you want to eat, Susy? "asked Thorin, who hugged his wife.
"I have been craving beef stew and cornbread, "said a smiling Susy. Everyone smiled at the thought of beef stew.
"I can make the beef stew, but I do not remember what cornbread taste like to pull it out of the food bag, "stated Thorin.
"Well, if you invited me for lunch, I will pull out the cornbread from the food bag, "stated Xander the wizard. "And I will pull out cream spinach as well. "
"Cream spinach?! Gross! "said Susy, as she made a face.
"What is creamed spinach, godfather? "asked Little Xander.
"It is a vegetable, that is good for you to eat, "said Xander.
Thorin smiled at Susy, and teased, "You have to eat your vegetable, wife. So, Little Xander would eat it too. " Susy frowned at her husband, as Little Xander laughed at his Ma.
"I would not laugh, Xander. If I eat creamed spinach, you will eat creamed spinach, too. And I promise you, it tastes very slimy, "said Susy. Everyone laughed at Little Xander, whose smile dropped from his face.
Thorin invited Kili, Tauriel, and Tiki to lunch, to make amends for the way he acted at the forge. Xander helped Thorin pull out a vegetable stew for Tauriel, and two pans of cornbread. Kili and Balin had the two females and children sit at the table in the dining area, while they put the settings on the table for lunch. The males decided to spoil the woman and she-elf for being good Mas to their sons.
"Kili should get in more trouble, more often. He had never serve me at any meal, "said a laughing Tauriel. "I am sorry I yelled at you, Susy. "
"You were defending your husband and son that you love. I understand that completely. I would have done the same for Thorin and Little Xander. I hope Thorin is a good cook; I do not want to get sick from his stew, "said Susy, as Tauriel laughed.
Little Xander would not look at Tiki, who thought Little Xander was mad at him. Finally, Little Xander hugged a surprised Tiki, and said, "I am sorry, Tiki. I was bad with you. You are my best friend, and I do not want you mad at me. "
"I am not mad, Xander. I just was sad that you almost got hurt by the fire. And you hurt my feelings when you made fun of me, "said a sad Tiki.
"If I hurt your feelings, just tell me to stop. And I will, Tiki, "replied Little Xander.
"Alright Xander, "said a smiling Tiki. The both lads smiled and laughed at each other. The two females were watching the cousins, and felt a lump at their throat at how easy children forgive wrongs done to them.
Finally the man and three dwarves brought the food to the table, and serve the two females and children their lunch. Thorin made sure that his wife and son got a good serving of creamed spinach. He started laughing as they both made faces when they took their first bite of the spinach.
Laughing, Xander the wizard teased, " I think that is the only time your son looked like you Lady Susy, when he made the same face you did tasting that spinach. "
"I will not forget this Xander. You have been warn, "teased a smiling Susy. Everyone laugh, and started to eat their stew.
"The stew turn out great, Thorin, "said Balin, who was enjoying lunch. The two lads were eating like they were starving.
"Tiki, eat your food slowly, "scold Tauriel, as her son looked at her.
"Can I have more spinach, please, "asked Tiki, as Little Xander tried to give his cousin his serving of spinach.
"Xander! You will eat all of your spinach, "ordered Thorin.
"But I do not like spinach, "said Little Xander, who was moving the spinach around in his bowl.
"Well, you better eat all of that serving you have, or I will put some more in your bowl, "warned Thorin. Little Xander quickly ate his spinach, and then made a face.
"Thorin, do not look at me. I have already eaten my spinach, "said Susy, as everyone laugh. "Well, the clothes should be dry close to supper, so I will take it down before I cook. "
"Wife, you are going to rest, while Little Xander and I take down the clothes from the clothesline. And Balin and I will cook supper, "stated Thorin. "I will hire Lilybelle to help with the housekeeping again. Fili told me that she wanted to make extra money to get some more goats from Prine. "
"I do not want to Da! "whine Little Xander.
"I will help you, Xander, "said Tiki. "We will tackle the clothes together. "
"Alright Tiki, "said Little Xander, with a smile. After lunch, everyone was in the gathering room talking, except for Thorin and Little Xander, who had to do the dishes. Little Xander started whining, but Thorin told him to stop. He reprimanded his son in the way he treated Kili and Tiki. That he have better not heard Little Xander disobeying his cousin Kili again. The father and son enter the gathering room, and went to see how everyone was.
"So, who are the guardian for Thror, Lady Susy? "asked Xander the wizard, as Thorin sat next to his wife.
"I was going to ask Balin and Dwalin to be the guardians for Little Thror, "said Susy, as she looked over to her dear Balin.
"Speaking for myself, I would be honored Little One, "said a happy Balin. "My brother, Dwalin would be proud, I know. "
"I still cannot believe that I have been here only five years, in Middle Earth. I was alone, scared, and weak. Now, I have a wonderful husband, great friends and family, a great son, and another son on the way. I could never imagine my life now, in this lovely home. I feel so happy now, "said Susy, who hugged Thorin.
"I thought I would be living in the Blue Mountains stronghold, with a she-dwarf wife, "said Thorin. "And if I look at a she-dwarf now, the Nutcracker would use her shillelagh on me. " She hit Thorin's arm, as he laughed. Everyone laughed at the couple, as the two lads looked around.
"Da, who is the Nutcracker? "asked a confused Little Xander.
"I will tell you the tale, when we take down the clothes, "said Thorin.
"Thorin Oakenshield, you better not, "warn Susy, as Thorin hugged his wife and laugh.