Chapter 44

"Though Brief"

"Nalor, send for the healers and meet us in the birthing room!" Thorin shouted as he lifted Torshar into his arms and began to walk quickly out of the forges. The moon maiden's brother took off running gathering Thbir and the company as well as Bilbo on the way. Soon, the entire kingdom was abuzz with the news of the arrival of the heirs of the throne of Durin; some were a little more excited than others.

Screams echoed down the halls as Torshar pushed per the healer's orders. Thorin and all of the men stood outside the birthing room due to it being forbidden during childbirth, expect to healers. The king paced before the double doors in worry and his stride increased with every agonizing scream.

Three hours later a baby's cry made everyone stop and listen; it was followed shortly by another scream then a second baby's cry. Thorin could feel his heart skip a couple of beats at their cries and felt tears start to form. One of the doors opened and a male healer dressed in white and grey robes stepped out with a smile, "My king, you are the father of a son and daughter." He stated making the king smile proudly.

"May I see Torshar?" he asked.

"The queen requires a bit of rest while she is transported back to your chambers and the newborns need to be cleaned. Just another hour, I promise you." The healer assured then returned inside to assist in readying Torshar for transport. Thorin leaned against the wall as the tears of joy began to fall.

A short hour later, Torshar was lying in her bed in a comfortable sleeping gown and cradled her children close in both arms. The company entered quietly and Thorin quickly sat beside her on the bed and kissed her deeply, "You did wonderful, sweetheart."

"Thank you Thorin… I just wish you could have been there beside me…" she confessed sadly and looked down at the sleeping twins.

The king kissed the versifier's forehead then gazed at his sleeping children. Pride, joy, excitement, and anxiety filled his heart as the boy slowly opened his eyes to reveal light blue irises. Torshar smiled and whispered, "Torim…"

"Soul King…" Thorin smiled as the girl's eyes opened to show the same light blue her brother possessed, "Thlin."

"Oath Singer… They're perfect." The versifier stated as tears of joy began to fall, "Torim and Thlin… Welcome home…"

"Can you believe the twins are almost seven now?" Dis asked Torshar as they sat in the cave gardens, watching the little ones run around and play.

The minstrel smiled, "No, it seems like only yesterday that they were born…" she answered.

Through the years Torshar and Dis grew closer as a family because shortly after the twins were born the royal sister spoke to the queen about the heartbreak she was feeling due to the loss of Fili and Kili. Torshar became her rock and they would spend hours talking about anything and everything. Dis had been the perfect godmother to Thlin and Torim, every time she would visit they would scream in happiness and jump for joy.

"How is Thorin's project coming?" Dis asked as she crossed her legs at the ankles and leaned back on her hands.

"He is frustrated to say the least. When he's not home with us or performing his royal duties, he is in the forges… I'm starting to seriously worry." The queen confessed and looked down at her ring finger with a slightly sad expression.

The royal sister took her hand and smiled, "Why don't you two spend the day together tomorrow? I can take the twins and we can go visit Bard and his family in Dale." She suggested.

"That's a great idea, Dis!" the versifier exclaimed in exhilaration, making her sister-in-law laugh.

"Why don't you go surprise him with the plan?" she giggled.

Nodding Torshar stood up, dusted off her skirts, and started to head out, "You don't mind watching the kids?"

"Nah, no problem at all."

"Thanks, Dis." She called then walked out; the twins' giggles echoing off the walls.

Once again she found Thorin in the forges but something was off as she stepped inside. Her husband appeared a bit pale, even in the light of the flames. His movement was slow and choppy at best; he seemed fatigued and was sweating a lot more than normal. The versifier became a bit concerned as she closed the distance between them, "Thorin."

The king's eyes appeared glassy as he turned his gaze to her, "Torshar, what are you… Ugh…" he groaned and collapsed to the hard floor before he could finish asking his question.

Torshar was by his side in a millisecond, rolling him onto his back, "Thorin?!" she called and shook him, Thorin?! THORIN! She then screamed when there was no response or movement.

Thlin and Torim laid on either side of Thorin as he slept in his bed, they refused to leave his side when he was brought in after his collapse in the forges. Torshar immediately summoned the healers to see if there was anything they could do but none of them could give her an answer. In her frustration and worry, the queen called for someone to find Gandalf the Grey or Calyr and bring them to the Mountain.

While waiting, Thorin would awaken but only for an hour or two at a time. Thlin was becoming more concerned as no sign of the Wizard or Elf came. Torim held his sister's hand as they lay beside their unconscious father and while their mother paced the room; nervously wringing her hands.

The news of the king falling ill quickly spread throughout the kingdom and even flooded into Dale. Bard became anxious at the thought of losing such a valued friend.

As the news spread even further, a Wizard in grey robes approached the front gates of the Dwarf Kingdom. The guards did not hesitate to allow him entrance as his Dwarf escort shouted his business. The small escort guided the magic wielder through the halls until they reached the royal bed chambers.

"Mother… Is father going to die…?" Thlin asked, making Torshar stop pacing and face her family.

Smiling reassuringly, the versifier walked over to the bed, picked up her daughter, then took that spot beside her husband, "No… No, Gandalf will arrive soon and everything will be fine…" she cooed and hugged her family close.

The escort knocked then opened the door, "Gandalf the Grey, Your Majesty."

Both twins jumped up in excitement, "Gandalf!" they cried as they ran over and embraced his legs.

Chuckling, the older man knelt down and embraced them, "It is wonderful to see you kids again!"

Torshar got up from the bed as Dis entered, "Children please go with aunt Dis while Gandalf and I speak. If anything happens, I will send for you." She ordered sweetly and received nods from the kids and Thorin's sister as she led them out, closing the door behind them.

"What happened, Torshar?" the grey wizard asked as he stood to his full height.

Tears fell as the queen wrapped her arms around herself, "He just collapsed… He's in and out of consciousness, can barely hold down food or water… I'm scared, Gandalf…" she confessed.

The Istari member placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, "I will do my best to help him." He assured then approached the bed.

Exiting the room, Torshar slowly walked to her study as shock seemed to grip her soul. Nalor looked up as his sister entered then quickly stood when he noticed her movements were staggering, "Torshar, what is it?!"

"Send the fastest horses to the Shire… Find Bilbo Baggins… Tell him… Thorin is dying…" she ordered as she slumped into her chair.