Before Dwana could say another thing Brann stormed off to the royal wing and her chambers. As she pushed up the heavy doors she could see that Thorin was already there, taking off his royal garment. In her irritation Brann did not see Thorins thunderous expression.

'You spied on me!'

'You conspire with elves!'

Husband and wife yelled at each other simultaneously. It would have been amusing if not both were furious at the other.

'I conspire with no one!' Brann frowned. 'How can you even say that?'

'My source said that you met with elves on the road to the Grey Havens, despite Dwanas warning.' Thorin growled.

'You should tell master Nori that he shall listen closely the next time before he spreads lies!' Brann snarled.

Thorin looked at her in surprise, but soon his disappointment took over again. 'You met with the elves, do not deny it! And Nori was there to keep an eye on the elves and not you in the first place!'

'I do not deny anything!' Brann exclaimed, but she made a mental note that Thorin had at least not sent the spy after her. 'I met them on the road and I was curious! I have never met elves before and I wanted to talk to them!'

'Why would you want to talk to the elf scum?' Thorin sneered. Brann looked at him in disbelief. She had never heard Thorin utter such ignorant and disgusting words before.

'Thorin...' Brann stepped back from her husband and his glare.

'Elves are treacherous and without honor!' Thorin yelled. 'They have watched as our home was taken from us! They have watched as we nearly starved! No help came from our former allies! Never trust an elf!'

'Thorin, please...' Brann could see all the pain and all the fury about losing his home in Thorins eyes. As well as incredible hurt. Hurt about betrayal. Hers and the elves. 'Thorin, I am sorry...'

'You are my wife. How could you do this to me?' Thorin grabbed Branns arm and pulled her struggling form close.

'Thorin...' Brann stared back at her husband in shock. 'Please, you are hurting me!'

The firery glare in Thorins eyes was instantly replaced by worry and remorse. He let go of Branns arm and stepped back. 'Forgive me...I did not mean to hurt you...'

'You scared me more.' Brann sadly looked at Thorin. But the heartbreaking sorrow in his eyes showed Brann that he truly was sorry. 'Please, Thorin. I am your wife, you have no right to order me with whom to talk or who to meet.'

'I am not ordering...I am asking you...please.' Thorin looked at his wife pleadingly. 'The elves have betrayed us. Me and my kin. I do not want to have any contact with those pointy eared traitors. The memory of their treason feels like a thorn in my heart. Don't you understand?'

Brann felt her fury diminish. Thorin was her husband and his pain was hers. And in a way she could even understand his hatred. But after the fight over Durins Day and then this Brann was still fuming.

'Never tell me what to do or with whom to speak ever again.' Brann told him. 'I am your wife, not your slave, Thorin.'

Thorin suddenly remembered what he had planned for tonight. 'Yes, you are my wife. And I intended to mark you for everyone to see tonight.'

Brann did not understand. 'If you think that I will let your lips anyway near my skin today, then you are greatly mistaken, Thorin.'

Despite their fight Thorin had to chuckle. He held out his hand and showed Brann five beads gleaming in his palm.

'Let me braid your hair.' Thorin asked softly and stepped towards Brann.

'We are married for nearly two years now. I never wore beads and braids. Why now? Am I not shiny enough to show me off like a treasure to your kinsmen?' Brann asked dryly. But as she looked down at the shining beads in silver and green her anger diminished. They were so beautiful.

'I have neglected to mark you as my wife in the dwarven way. These beads mark you as mine. As my queen.' Thorin murmured. 'They show our unity and our love to all. I would be honored if you would wear them and I apologise for not having done this before. Frerin did not waste any time. He was clever doing so.'

Brann smiled and felt a warm tingle in her heart. 'You still want to braid my hair? Despite my temper lately? Although you think that I deceived you by talking to elves?'

'I would never want to lose you, my queen.' Thorin whispered and took Brann into his arms. 'You are honorable and loyal. And our hearts belong to each other. Nothing you could do would change that. And I hope nothing I could do would.' Thorin smiled sheepishly. 'I have been stupid in my rage and blind in my hatred for elves. Please forgive me!'

Brann cupped Thorins cheeks in her hands. 'I love you, you stupid dwarf! I will forgive you if you forgive me...for being insufferable.' as Thorin nodded and smirked Brann grinned at him. '...now braid my hair...'

Thorin smiled widely as he took Branns hand and pulled her into the light of the fireplace. He took one last glance at Branns free falling mane before he braided it into the same style he wore himself. Two silver beads were braided into the hair at the back of her head and the two green ones were attached to the two braids at the side of her face. The fifth one, a golden bead with dwarven runes engraved on it was braided into a long streak of Branns hair on the left side of her head. As he was finished he proudly looked upon his wife and queen.

'You look beautiful,' he whispered. 'The green beads are of the same color as the walls and stone of Erebor. The color of my home. And the two in the back are mithril. Light as a feather, but strong as dragon scale. They are engraved with the signs of my house, the runes of Durins folk. I chose braids like the ones I wear, so that everyone can see that we belong together. The golden one lies directly above your heart when it falls over your shoulder. This one is our bead. I engraved it with our names. All these braids won't capture your lovely hair to your head. They still fall freely. I love your hair.'

'Thank you.' Brann kissed her husband lovingly. Suddenly she understood what made the braiding special, she felt an intimate and strong bond between her and Thorin as he moved his hands through her hair and braided his beads into her hair. 'I love the beads and the wonderful meaning behind them. I need to learn how to braid your hair.'

'Its easy, you´ll learn it in no time. And until then I´ll just walk around in sloppy braids.' Thorin chuckled as Brann small fist hit him square in the chest.

Brann then leaned back into Thorins arms and sighed peacefully. 'You sneaky dwarf.'

'Sneaky?' Thorin looked down at her in surprise. 'Me?'

'Yes, you!' Brann grinned. 'Everytime I am mad at you, you manage to distract me and to say or do the right things to make me remember that I love you no matter what. Sneaky.'

Thorins sheepish grin made her forget their fight. Although Brann was still curious about elves, she decided to keep her curiosity to a minimum. The pain and hurt in Thorins eyes when he talked about Thranduils betrayal had touched Branns heart. She could not bear seeing him sad and hurt. With a heavy heart she decided to stay away from elves, for Thorin. But she would still somehow learn more about them. Her curiosity had been awaken.

The next day Thorin and Brann woke up to Dwalins yelling.

'Alright...alright...we're up.' Brann remarked dryly and peeled herself out of bed. 'I only understood the words "red", "hair" and "insane" but they do not make any sense.'

Thorin quickly put on his robes and marched out into the corridor to see what made the captain of his guard yell through the whole mountain. Brann needed a moment longer put on her dress and followed Thorin out. The moment she stepped into the corridor she knew what the yelling was all about. Thorin and Dwalin both stood petrified and stared at Dwana, whose hair was of a bright red. Brann remembered that Dwana had bought something from the market yesterday and smirked. The young dwarf look fierce with the bright red mohawk, but it was barely suitable for a courtlady. And Dwalin seemed to hate it, too.

'My queen! Would you please tell my daughter that this is inacceptable?!' Dwalin turned to Brann with wide eyes, but Brann ignored him. Her agreeing with him would only fuel Dwanas resistance.

'Dwana! I love it!' Brann said to Dwalins shock. He tried to reach for her, but Brann slapped his heavy hand away. 'You look about ten years younger, Dwana! This is so adorable!'

Thorin grinned brightly as he realised what Brann had said, but Dwalin needed a while longer. Dwana thought about it for a moment and rushed back to her room.

'I'll change it back immediately!' she called back to them.

'What did just happen?' Dwalin was still completely flabbergasted. 'I think I´m getting a stroke...'

Thorin laughed at his old friend and kissed Brann goodbye before he strolled to breakfast with the captain of the guard. Brann looked after them with a smile and walked to Dis chambers. Today Dis and Thrain would spend the day to prepare Brann for the celebrations at Durins Day, which meant Khuzdul lessons and a proper introduction of the royal dwarves which would attend the feast. To test Branns Khuzdul, they decided to only speak the dwarven language. Brann stumbled over the words more than once, but she improved as the day passed.

'Lord Dain II, Thorins cousin and lord of the Iron Hills.' Brann remembered the dwarf. He had been kind to her and although he had a rough character - like most of the dwarves - Brann saw him as a father figure. 'He has a wife, Mya, and two daughters and a son. His daughters are Mila and Maia and his son is also named Thorin. He bares the name Thorin Stonehelm, why?'

'Like Thorin he received his name through a great deed. You know how Thorin came to the name Oakenshield?' Dis asked and Brann nodded.

'Thorin lost his shield at the battle of Azanulbizar. He grabbed an oaken branch and used it as a shield, hence the name Oakenshield.' Brann had seen the oaken branch in Thorins tent as she had brought him the sleeping potion.

'Thats correct. Thorin Stonehelm is still very young, half of Thorins age. But he has already proven himself in battle. Barely out of his youth he charged the orcs at Azanulbizar at the side of his father. In that battle he received a mighty blow to the head which would have beheaded many other dwarves, but Thorin did not die. He even continued fighting after the mighty blow. Did you see him in the healing tent?' as Brann shook her head Dis smiled. 'Thats because he was not there. He was named Stonehelm, because his skull is as thick as a helmet made of stone.'

'Oh my.' Brann was impressed. 'Does that mean that he is even more thick headed than my Thorin?'

Thrain and Dis had to laugh. 'I never thought of it that way.' Dis chuckled.

'I have last seen him as a small dwarfling. At the battle of Azanulbizar I only saw him for a few moments. But he is an impressive dwarf, Dain can be proud of him.' Thrain mused. 'Dain and his family will arrive in a few days. Thorin will be at Ered Luin to personally invite lord Mara, so you will have to welcome Dain here as Thorins queen.'

'Thorin will be in Ered Luin?' Branns expression darkened. 'Does he have to personally go there because of the incident between me and Dara?'

'Well, yes, but its not a bad thing.' Thrain was quick to explain. 'With his presence Thorin will respect lord Maras honor. He will demonstrate that Daras behaviour has no concequences for the relationship between the Blue Mountains and Ered Luin. Lord Mara can save face that way.'

Brann nodded, but she was worried. Thorin would be in Ered Luin, within her range. She trusted Thorin, but she did not trust Dara who would probably use the chance to get her sticky paws onto Thorin again. Determined Brann shook her head, she already had an idea. After lunch Brann strode through the mountain without any particular intent. She walked through the great hall, past the mines and past the library. Then after an endless stroll she hid behind a corner and waited. As Nori followed around the corner shortly after Brann stepped into his path.

'Master Nori. I already thought I needed to hunt down little Ori to get to speak with you.' Brann smirked with satisfaction as she saw Noris astonished face.

'My queen, at your service.' Nori quickly bowed and looked at her with a sly expression.

'I have an appointment for you, master Nori.' Brann smiled at the spy and told him his task.

Thorin was about to leave for Ered Luin five days later, as Kili spilled a cup of sticky chocolate over his uncle at breakfast that morning. Thorin, who was already clad in his royal journey clothes cursed into his beard. Thrain, who took his little grandson onto his lap scolded Thorin with an amused expression.

'Son, its just the pants. Go and change the pants.' he smirked as Thorin cocked an eyebrow at him.

'If I have to change my pants, I have to change my belt. If I change my belt, I need to change my tunic. If I change my tunic, I need to change my coat. If I change my coat, I need to change my boots...I need to change my armour...' Thorin grumbled and mentally went through his wardrobe.

'Just change your pants, honey.' Brann had difficulties keeping her cool and not burst into laughter. She knew that her husband was very vain and fussy about his looks, especially when it came to his position as a king, which did not bother Brann at all. It seems that I like him looking handsome at my side, too. Brann mentally scolded herself. With a blink towards Dis, Thrain and the two dwarflings Brann followed Thorin to their chambers to help him chose a new outfit for his trip.

As Thorin stripped out of his clothes and chocolate pants Brann bit her lip and tried to keep her hands to herself. To distract her mind, Brann went to the wardrobe and chose a pair of pants of the same color as the old one, so that Thorin did not need to adjust his complete outfit. As she turned around Thorin had already stripped out of most of his clothes.

'You just needed to change the pants, melekuh.' Brann smirked as Thorin frowned at her. 'But since you´re already late...'

Thorin tried to protest, but as his wifes lips captured his own and her body pressed into his he forgot everything he wanted to say. He would be away from her for a whole week and he already missed her. Grumbling in Khuzdul he lifted her up into his arms and walked back to their bed, making the morning unforgettable for the following week. Thrain and Dis exchanged a knowing smile as Thorin left for Ered Luin and Brann bid him goodbye in a new outfit herself.

Dwana stood at Brann side, her hair back to her normal brown color. 'Is that master Nori in the kings delegation?' she asked Brann, who nodded.

'Indeed, its him.' Brann answered and looked at Dwana with a grin. 'He will keep an eye on a certain dwarf lady.'

'Don´t you trust Thorin?' Dwana frowned at her queen.

'I trust him completely.' Brann smiled. 'It is Dara whom I do not trust. Master Nori has the order to remind her of my words when she comes too close to my husband. Low key of course.'

Dwana grinned as she heard about Branns plan, but instantly started to twitch in her new dress. It was voluminous around the legs, with a high collar and it twitched with every movement Dwana made.

'Do I need to wear this, I look ridiculous.' she grumbled.

Brann smiled warmly and looked at her courtlady. 'You look great, Dwana. All grown up.'

Dwana did look nice indeed. She had exchanged her trousers and tunic against the simple, but classy dress. She did make an interesting appearance combining the dress with her mohawk, but it suited her. Dwalin had sighed heavily as he had seen his daughter that morning. His little girl was about to grow up. He had swept a tear out of the corner of his eye and had glared daggers at Brann who had smiled at his gesture. As nobody was looking he slid a finger over his throat to tell Brann to shut up and the queen a chuckled at the captain of the guard. Only a few days ago Dwalin had nearly hugged her into oblivion out of gratitude. Her care of his daughter had touched him deeply and he loved his queen for her big heart. Of course he would never openly admit it.

Branns attention was pulled back to the gate as a delegation of dwarves came down the road from the north. She felt Dwana stiffen beside her and took her hand behind her back.

'Relax, just stand behind me and welcome your kin from the Iron Hills. And for Durin´s sake, don´t make me nervous.' Brann smiled as she heard Dwana chuckle. The young dwarf straightened her back, but held her breath in the next moment.

'Who is that?' she asked and stared at a young dwarf walking behind Dain.

'That is Thorin Stonehelm, my dear.' Thrain murmured who stood at Branns right side. His eye twinkled with amusement as he saw Dwana look at Thorin Stonehelm in awe. That day would get interesting.