Wee bairns on the way! Of course, it does take almost ten months, but this story won't! I agree with you, dearreader, but what the heck? I'm a sucker for kids. A couple more chaps to go to introduce additions, but our ladies have to get in the family way first...

Chapter 51

Letters flew between Erebor and the Iron Hills in the weeks that passed, and within five months, Frain sent word that he and Bemma were expecting.

"They sound so happy," Relianna said. "The words are fairly leaping off the page." Thorin held up a blotched and barely legible note from Dain. He pinched it between his thumb and forefinger and tried to decipher the smears.

"And Dain's delirious with joy," he said. "I don't need to read it to know." Relianna took a look over his shoulder and burst out laughing.

"Between him and Frain they're going to commandeer every pocket handkerchief in the land. We should bring some with us as a joke."

"I think they'd be more grateful than amused."

As soon as they could, they packed up for their second visit, the first being Lady Carba's wedding to Naldin. Thorin secretly hoped the good news might inspire his wife to want a child of her own sooner rather than later. He hadn't pressed her since they wed, but he yearned for her to carry their child. It was hard watching her take the draught each time before they made love, but he kept quiet.

"I wonder if it'll be a boy or a girl?" she asked on their first night on the road. They sat on folding velvet chairs around a cheery fire. Silver plates of roasted game, sausages, bread, and cheese lay within reach. Thorin speared another piece of pheasant with his knife and picked it apart while Relianna licked her fingers after finishing a sausage. Thorin's eyes shone with pride at his wife. A little drop of grease fell on her gown, and he handed her a starched napkin.

"Did I get some grease on my gown?"

"Just a little there."

"Oh, bother, now there will be a stain. The laundry maids will think me ill-mannered."

"Not at all, Sweet Relianna."

Pulling over a goblet of water, she dunked the napkin and tried to rub away the spot.

"They will so," she said. Her brow wrinkled as she tried to see if the spot was gone, but the firelight wasn't any help, so she took to rubbing again. "I'm always having my gowns cleaned or mended."

"You're out and about, and I love that about you. I hope Bemma is well. I know the first months can be trying."

"I only pray the babe will be healthy," and she grimaced. Thorin took her chin in his hand. He wasn't about to let her diminish the joy of the occasion.

"The child won't struggle like Frain did, love," he said. She began to protest, but he held his finger over her mouth. "Let me finish. I'm not saying there won't be trials, but we now have the means to care for any child Mahal sees fit to bless our kin with," he said firmly. "All will be well." She didn't look convinced but smiled gamely and changed the subject.

Arriving late in the afternoon on the eighteenth day, they saw Frain and Bemma waiting by the heavy, gray doors. The Iron Hills was less elegant than Erebor but imposing in its own way. She wore a looser gown and looked content and lovely. Frain had his hand on her shoulder and beamed with pride. Lord Kerba and his family were already there.

"I'm going to be a father!" Frain crowed. "Relianna, never in my wildest imaginings!" He was so excited he nearly squeezed the air out of her with his hug while Thorin pressed a gentle kiss on Bemma's cheek. Frain's joy was infectious, and while they discussed the risks at dinner that night, he refused to let anything dampen his mood.

"We know what to do now, don't we?" he said to those at the dinner table. "Kerba and I've been thinking that Bemma should take my medicine throughout the pregnancy."

"We think it would strengthen the babe and lessen the likelihood of bleeding," Kerba said. "Relianna, your thoughts?"

It was a novel suggestion but one that made sense. She smirked at her brother's eager face.

"I agree. It would certainly give the child a better start." She caught Thorin watching her closely.

"You should take it too, Relianna," Kerba said. "We feel that the longer you take it, the more protection you'll give the babe."

"But I'm not ready to have a child yet. I still have so much to learn as queen."

Thorin squeezed his hands together and looked down at the tablecloth. It was obvious that he was struggling with her choice, and the others watched the blood leave his fingers.

"You'll always be learning, child," Dain said after a glance at his tightly wound cousin. "Don't let that stop you."

"But I want time alone with Thorin, father."

"I said you'll always have it regardless," Thorin said, his patience fraying despite his resolve. He kept his eyes on the tablecloth. "Have I failed to keep that promise?

"No, no, you haven't," she said, "but it's too soon. I'm not ready."

"You want children, don't you, Reli?" Bemma asked.

"Yes, I do. Of course, I do. It's just ..." She hugged herself and stared off at the wall. "I love children and have always wanted them, but what if now I ...? Oh, I don't know."

Thorin pursed his lips and blew out his breath slowly while he gathered his thoughts. Something had changed. It wasn't just time with him now, and he realized what was holding her back. He flicked his eyes up, saw her defensive scowl, and knew he was right. Of course, this wasn't the best time or place to have this discussion, but then again, she wouldn't get too angry with the others there.

"I'm willing to wait for as long as you need but not for the wrong reason." He reached out to take her hand, but she crossed her arms over her chest, and his hand clenched into a fist. "Their announcement brought up ghosts from the past, didn't it? You're afraid our child will live Frain's life, but it won't be that way. We have all the resources of Erebor and the Iron Hills at our disposal. Our children, all our children, will be well-protected."

"That won't stop accidents though. Even being careful, it never did."

"Whether our child is born now or five years from now doesn't change the risk," Thorin said. "By that reasoning none of us should have children."

"You promised not to pressure me. You promised!"

Thorin held out his hands in surrender, and Frain signaled his sister to calm down. It was a tense moment, but after looking around at those who loved her, she pressed her lips together and reined in her frustration. Thorin had kept all his promises, and up until now, he hadn't said a word about children. He gave nothing away, but she knew she had hurt him, and after wringing her hands, she shared how her childhood ignorance had cost Frain. Simple games and everyday events were enough to put him in bed for days and weeks at a time. Her memories were vivid, and they felt her panic and guilt as the words dribbled out in fits and starts.

"What if I do something wrong and hurt our children, Thorin? How will our people treat them if they can't do what others can? Maybe they'll despise them and me for giving birth to them. How can I watch you and them live through that?"

Now it was the King of Erebor's turn to contain his temper. He didn't give a fig about the child being a bleeder, other than concern for his or her welfare, and it angered him that she was so sure their people would think the worst.

"They will treasure any and all children we have, love. They'll rally to our side no matter the outcome. You've nothing to fear on that account, and you're not a child now. You'll know what to do."

Looking around the room, she saw sympathy, concern, love, understanding, resolve, and shock. Frain looked like he'd seen a specter. Slowly, he got up and pulled a chair over before sitting down and taking her hands.

"Do you wish I'd never been born then?"

"What?"

"Do you wish I'd never been born?"

"How can you say that? Of course not."

"Do you think I regret my life?"

She didn't answer that, and he squeezed her fingers.

"I don't blame you, dearest. I never have. We were children then, and you never meant to hurt me. I was so happy when I was with you, and living was worth the risk. It always is." She tried to pull her hands away, but he didn't let go. "We had a hard life, I won't deny it, but look at us now. Don't let the past control the future." He kissed her hands. "I want you to have the joy I feel. You deserve it."

Relianna turned her head away and closed her eyes. No one else knew what to say except Bemma who put her hand on her shoulder.

"Let's take a walk," she said. "I need to stretch my legs. Then I'll show you what we've done for the nursery. After they left, Frain walked over to Thorin and patted his back. His brother-in-law was composed but glum.

"Give her time—a little more time, I mean. She'll come 'round."

Meanwhile, Bemma took the opportunity to help Thorin. It was obvious he was devastated by his wife's forceful refusal, and she wanted to ease Relianna's concerns if she could.

"It's beautiful, Bem!" Relianna she said as she looked around at the snug nursery. A cradle made of embossed silver stood in the corner of a room decorated in silver and white. The room was filled with light and hope. "I expect it won't stay this clean for long though!"

"I don't care," Bemma said to her surprise. "All I want is my child."

Flustered, Relianna looked under her lashes at her friend and realized that for as long as she was there, she wouldn't escape the subject of children. Still, what a wonderful subject it was. Her brother having a child. New life for a family who never expected to have such a blessing. Their mother and grandfather would have been so thrilled and proud. Their father was leaking right and left, and yet ...

"They love him," she said, "but they tolerate me. What trouble will I bring on Thorin and our children if I give birth to a bleeder? I have one strike against me as a mixed-blood as it is." Bemma stared at her with her mouth open. "Don't look at me like that."

In all their years, Bemma had never heard Relianna be so cynical and pessimistic, and she was surprised and disappointed.

"Reli, this isn't like you, always worried about what everyone thinks, and why do you think they'd be so hateful? That's not very generous. You fear their judgment, yet you're making a big one of your own, aren't you?"

After a pause, she agreed, and Bemma smiled.

"I suppose you're right. The memories are so strong, but I'm sorry for casting a shadow on what should be a happy time. I'm being selfish. Forgive me."

"There's nothing to forgive. You've been through so much so quickly it's a wonder you aren't plagued with the vapors." They snorted and giggled remembering a noble-born who lived on her divan, always too indisposed to do anything for herself. She used to wave a lace handkerchief at anyone passing her door since she wouldn't do anything for herself. "I agree with what Thorin and Frain said, and I know you do too."

"They're right, I know."

"And I know of no one better to help you sort things out than your husband."

"Throw caution to the wind then?"

"Not exactly," Bemma said. "We did plan and think things through, but we have too much love to keep it to ourselves, and he so wanted to be a father."

That thought struck Relianna hard. She felt that she and Thorin too had plenty of love to give, yet she was willing to let fear and remorse steal their future. In a flash, she saw how ridiculous it was. Frain had never been so happy, and wasn't life a risk in any case? Besides, sometimes it took a while to be with child. It had already been five months, and even if she did get pregnant right away it would be another ten before she gave birth. Surely, that was time enough to prepare.

Bemma watched her work through her feelings without saying another word to sway her. It was a matter of timing and faith. Nothing more. Relianna looked around the room again, and Bemma knew at once something had changed.

"Durin blue is a lovely color."

"It is. Very."

"What is Thorin doing now?"

Heading back down the stairs, Relianna and Bemma found their menfolk sipping port and exchanging news. Standing in the door frame, the two smiled at the genial scene in front of them.

"Top me off, Frain," his father said, wiggling his glass in the air. "Ah, fine stuff, this is."

"Wonderful cheese. It came from where, you said?"

Sensing their presence, the men turned to see them and stopped their conversations. Relianna smiled brightly before addressing the gathering.

"I'm rather tired, and I'll say goodnight."

"Are you unwell, love?" Thorin stood at once.

"No, no. I just need to go to bed."

"I'll go with you then."

They walked the hall in silence, and it wasn't until they reached the top of the stairs that she stopped her husband.

"I'm sorry, Thorin. I didn't expect to feel this way, but memories have plagued me ever since we heard."

"I understand, and any decision we make we make together, but I don't want fear to rule our lives."

"I know. Will you help me?"

In answer, he smiled his lazy, sleepy-eyed smile of contentment that she adored and wrapped his arm around her waist. "Of course, love." The hall was dark, but the sconces sent light dancing on the floor and walls. They walked slowly toward their chambers and kissed at the entrance. After washing up, Relianna sat at her vanity table and took her hair out of its pins. Thorin was supposed to be undressing, but he could never help stopping and watching while she readied for the night. She picked up her silver and boar-bristle hair brush that was a gift from him off its gilded tray and brushed her hair until it gleamed. He walked over and stood behind her.

"I want us to talk through whatever troubles your mind," he said. His hand came to rest on her shoulder. "I want to know what you're thinking. We promised never to hide anything." She looked at him in the mirror and nodded.

"I didn't mean to hold anything back. I suppose I didn't know it was there until it came up."

After leaning down to kiss her cheek, he took her hand and helped her unlace the back of her dress. Even at Erebor, he wouldn't allow a maid to do it.

"No, no, wear nothing, love," he said, pushing aside the nightgown laid out on the bed. "Nothing will come between us tonight." The draught sat on the nightstand, and they looked at it and each other, their eyes assessing the other's mood.

"I won't press you, Relianna," he said. "It's your decision."

She put her hand on the stopper and waited before shaking her head.

"We have more than enough love to share," she said, "but I'm afraid. Help me not be."

His lips found her throat and then her shoulder.

"I will. I swear I will."

Thorin made good on his promise, and some months later it was Erebor's turn to send good news to the Iron Hills. Frain and Bemma birthed a healthy girl with no sign of bleeding, and everyone breathed a little easier.

"They're calling her Tamra," Relianna said with letter in hand. "How wonderful. Can we go?"

Thorin ran his hand over her swelling belly. He was more proud than he could express, but everyone saw the exuberant joy in his eyes, his stride, and in the set of his shoulders. Fili and Kili often joked that Thorin would have walked into walls without their help, and his people often stopped to listen to him humming in the corridors.

"You've brought new life to our king and kingdom, lass," Balin said to her one day. "Never fear. All the world loves a babe."

Yet for all their joy, the pregnancy had its challenges, and Relianna was often hunched over a basin vomiting up her meals while Thorin rubbed her back.

"You aren't well enough to go, love," he said. "We will as soon as you're feeling better. I won't risk our child traveling."

She wasn't surprised at his answer and shrugged. There would be time enough. Frain had written that Tamra looked like their mother and that Dain would have written but he couldn't stop weeping long enough to put quill to paper.

However, as the months passed, Relianna was no better, and her brother and father arrived early to be on hand for the birth while Bemma stayed behind with little Tamra.

"She's had it rough," Thorin said once they arrived. "She's not gained as much weight as we wanted, but there's been no bleeding."

"That's a good sign," Frain said. "I want to help her deliver, Thorin."

His brother-in-law winced, but he also knew there was no one more capable and that he would be needed if things went awry.

"Of course," he said. Frain laughed at the look on his face.

"I'll be with her at the head of the bed while you welcome your child. I promise I won't look."

"And I'll be just outside the door," Dain said. "I won't be in the way."

Lord Kerba and family arrived a day later. They had been included in all communications, and Thorin felt his steady presence was needed.

"How is she, Thorin?" he asked.

"Well at present, but she's near her time, and it's been harder on her than I'd hoped."

Kerba took a deep breath and patted his back.

"We're all here to help."

"As are we," Fili said with Kili at his side. "Everything is ready, uncle."

After the travelers refreshed themselves, and while Relianna was napping, the families and company congregated in the largest meeting chamber along with all supporters. They wanted to plan how to prepare Relianna and Erebor should the child be a bleeder. Without saying so, those in the know suspected that Relianna's pregnancy, so different from Bemma's, might signal a different outcome, and they wanted to be ready.

"We'll stand with you, Thorin, to announce the birth," Balin said, "That should quell any unease if there's a problem."

"I'm more worried about how Relianna will take the news if there is."

A quick patter of feet tripped down the hallway, and a loud knock interrupted the discussions. The door opened to admit Clea.

"My lord," she said with a hurried curtsy. "It's time."

The wee bairns deserve a good welcome before we say goodbye, so I'll be writing a few more chapters. I hope you enjoy.