A/N: So here is our last chapter in Lake-Town; they will be leaving in the next. Please let me know what you think about this chapter as it is completely from my brain with nothing familiar except the celebration of the townsfolk and the banquet before their departure. I hope it doesn't seem out of place. It's a bit of a short chapter but it seemed a logical place to stop. Thanks again for all the readers and reviewers!

ro781727: Oh yes, probably one of "those" looks that moms or teachers have down so well (and as I am both I know it well lol!).

Just4Me: They live in a rough place and even Bard would want his girls to be able to defend themselves if needed. And yes, why should Bain get to have all the fun? :)

All the credit goes to Tolkien and PJ. I'm just trying to live in their world.

Rhae enjoyed her time with Bard's daughters. She'd never had any close female friends and it was a very new experience for her. After being around fourteen males for almost a year, it was actually rather refreshing. That new friendship and their training sessions helped keep her mind from other, less pleasant thoughts. Kíli was on her mind constantly as it seemed the arrow wound in his thigh was still paining him. It should have healed enough by now not to cause him much trouble but he still looked very pale and she caught him gripping his leg above the injury many times during the day. Thorin's protectiveness had started to take on new levels the longer they were in Lake-Town. She attributed it to the fact that they were now among Men and it had flared his possessiveness seeing her around those similar to her own kind. She was trying hard to keep it from annoying her, remembering his words the night they had arrived in Lake-Town, but it was getting harder each day as she could feel his glowering eyes on her anytime she happened to speak to someone. She also had been having very vague but disturbing dreams, similar to what she had experienced in Mirkwood. There was nothing definite in them, only seemingly random visions and a sense of hopelessness. She could never remember what she'd seen once she woke in the mornings but that feeling of despair stayed with her throughout the day. The dreams, her worry over Kíli and Thorin, combined with her daily lessons with the girls and her usual sparring sessions, were leaving her utterly exhausted in the evenings. A couple nights she didn't think she'd make it up the stairs before she collapsed.

Besides all that, Rhae was ready to leave Lake-Town. It was getting harder and harder to conceal her disdain for the slimy Master and his little assistant. She left each meeting she attended with Thorin wanting nothing more than to place a well aimed arrow or sword blow to them both. The Master's greed was sickening and she saw Alfrid for the little sycophant he was. The continued celebrations of the townspeople, while well meaning, only served to make her feel worse. They were celebrating the small hope this very uncertain mission gave them. It was rather depressing to look around at the poverty they seemingly lived in and know that it would continue if the company failed. Gifts of clothing, trinkets, and other various items were brought to the inn each day. Townspeople would stop them in the market to give them things. There was always a crowd watching the sparring sessions and their excitement was palpable. She tried to always have a kind word for any that wanted to talk to her but she felt increasingly uncomfortable with their notions of the company almost being their saviours. And then things turned slightly ugly two days before they were to leave, placing more worry on her shoulders.

The company had finished for the day and had left the armory. On their way back to the inn one of the merchants caught Rhae's attention, wanting to present her with something. She turned to speak to the woman, motioning the dwarves to go on without her. The woman handed her a bracelet, explaining that the herbs contained inside were said to help ward off danger. Rhae thanked her, slipping the cord around her wrist with a smile. She hadn't taken many steps away from the woman's stall when she felt a presence at her side.

"Might I have a word, my lady?" She frowned at the little man dressed in black but, remembering the company was depending on help from the Master, she nodded slightly. "Let us step out of the flow of traffic. These cretins will run us over." Choosing not to comment on his insult to the townspeople she followed him but only until they were just beyond the market stalls. No way would she trust the little rat alone. Crossing her arms she waited for him to have his say.

"The Master has decided to give your company a sending off party tomorrow night." It seemed like he was expecting her to say something and when she didn't he continued. "It is to show our support for this endeavor and to wish it successful."

"I assume the King has been informed of these plans?"

"I believe the Master would have mentioned it today."

"Well, thank you for informing me." She made to leave when he stopped her.

"You will be there, of course. The Master would like to speak to you."

"I go where my husband goes."

He sneered a bit. "You do not need to pretend with us, my lady. There is no way a dwarf married a human. I understand your presence among them perfectly."

"Excuse me?" Anyone from the company could have warned the man right then that the tone of voice and frown were clear warning signs that Rhae was angry and ready to lash out. However, he was oblivious and continued.

"Why else would a lone woman travel with such a group of men? We, of course, take no issue with that, and I was hoping you might consent to stay behind when the dwarves leave. There is no need for you to continue with them and place yourself in such needless danger. It would be quite profitable for you." He placed a hand on her arm which she slapped away.

"You presume wrong," she hissed, glaring at the man who, despite his stooped posture, was still a bit taller than her.

He stepped closer and she found her back against a wall. He gripped her shoulder this time. "There is no need to keep up pretenses with me. The guise of a Ranger is a nice touch, I must say." He pressed himself against her and sought to get his hands in her hair only to suddenly find himself on his back on the ground, the point of her sword touching his neck.

"I am a Ranger of the North, descended from the great Isildur, and have been for almost seventy years. I am indeed wed to the King Under the Mountain and so you have just insulted the Queen. I have killed men for less." She put a bit more pressure on the blade, making the greasy man squeak in terror. "Know this, if you ever dare lay a hand on me again, I will make sure no one will ever be able to call you a man from that day forward."

"Stryker!" a deep voice bellowed and she turned to see Thorin stomping towards her. He had doubled back to find her when she didn't appear at the inn after a few minutes. The same woman who had stopped Rhae told him she had seen Alfrid talking with her only moments ago. That was when he'd spotted them behind the stalls and saw red when he realized what was happening. However before he could get to her he saw her flip the man easily on his back, pulling her sword on him. A spurt of pride for his wife's skills managed to flash its way through the rage that was coursing through him.

"Thorin, I was just finished here," she said with a smirk, the anger and indignation still clear in her eyes. He reached down, grabbing Alfrid by the collar and slamming him into the wall.

"Lay a hand on my wife again and my blade will be the last thing you see in this life."

He released him and took Rhae by the arm, leading her back through the market stalls. Their altercation had drawn quite a bit of attention from the merchants but they were on her side. No one could stand Alfrid and they enjoyed seeing him get put in his place not only by a woman but by a dwarf as well. Thorin was silent as they returned to their temporary home. She knew it would be best not to say anything; she knew well how he acted when he was this angry. The company was eating dinner when he marched her through and up the stairs, thirteen pairs of eyes wide with amazement. Sighing inwardly as he closed the door to their room she prepared herself for an eruption. It didn't come immediately. He stood with his back to her, hands fisted at his side, his shoulders rising and falling rapidly as he breathed heavily.

"Thorin?" she broached after several moments, laying a hand on his back. The sound of her low voice finally broke him. He whirled around and grabbed her upper arms. She shrank a bit from the rage she saw on his face.

"How dare he touch you?" he seethed. "What did he say?"

"He mentioned a party the Master is throwing tomorrow evening."

"And?"

Rhae hesitated, knowing how he would probably react to what she had to say. "He believed I was with the company merely as your whore."

His grip tightened for a second and then he swore loudly in Khuzdul, slamming a fist into the wall next to them. She was glad it was made of solid wood or else he probably would have punched a hole straight through it.

"I will kill him," he growled. She placed a hand comfortingly on his arm, trying to get him to look at her.

"He erred and has been soundly put in his place for it. I told him I would relieve him of his manhood if he dared touch me again. Between that and your threat I do not think he will come near me again." He was looking at her but she wasn't sure if he was actually seeing her through his anger. Reaching up she placed a palm on his cheek. "We leave in two days. We cannot risk angering the Master at this point."

"He touched you! He dared think -"

"Yes, and I made him pay for his gross insult."

"What would have happened if I hadn't gotten there when I did?"

"I probably would've drawn a little blood from the rat's neck with my sword and then left him lying there for all the townsfolk to see."

Thorin was trying to think clearly. He heard Rhae's words but they couldn't break through the red haze still clouding his mind. There was anger there, certainly, but an overwhelming feeling of possessiveness was pouring through him. It was almost as if there was another voice in his head, warning him about others having designs on his wife and it fueled his anger. Rhae was his, and his alone. He didn't want anyone even near her. To see another man put his hands on her had almost sent him into a murderous rage.

"You will not go anywhere without one of the company with you."

She pursed her lips together in irritation. "Thorin, I am -"

"You are MINE!" He pulled her roughly against him, one hand on her lower back, the other gripping the back of her neck, and crushed his lips down on hers. His hands held her immobile but she was so surprised the thought of struggling didn't even cross her mind at first. A dark thought slithered through her mind and that finally broke through her shock and she tried to pull away from him. He broke the kiss but kept his hand on the back of her neck, forcing her to look up at him. His blue eyes were dark with madness and desire. It was the madness she saw that sent a shiver down her spine. This wasn't Thorin, it was something else, and she was suddenly more fearful than she had been at any point on their quest. She took several deep breaths, frantically trying to figure out a way to defuse the situation.

"Of course I am yours," she finally managed, wrapping her arms around his neck. "I am going nowhere." She kissed him gently, hoping to calm him and bring him back from wherever this possessiveness had taken him. His arms slid around her tightly as he returned her kiss, his lips demanding and hungry. Eventually she felt him begin to relax under her hands, his kisses gentling.

"I am sorry," he breathed.

"It is alright, Thorin."

"I was so angry; I don't know what came over me. To think I almost - I could have -"

She placed a finger on his lips to silence him. "I understand. You do not have to apologize to me." He pressed his forehead to hers, still breathing heavily. He was truly mortified at what he felt like he had been about to do while that haze clouded his mind. Rhae had pulled him back, her words and her touch had calmed him, and she could still stand there with her arms around him.

"Men lananubukhs menu," she whispered and a shudder ran through him at the sound of his native language on her lips.

"Khuzd tada tabjabi d'ahlut yusth mud ashmur diya ins ubnanhu." She leaned back on his arms to look into his face. Only the first word was familiar to her. He smiled and ran a finger down her cheek. "A dwarf that chooses to take a wife must guard her as his greatest treasure."

Rhae had no words in response to that. It took her breath away, warmth suddenly shooting through her belly. She brought her lips to his again, pressing into him, completely willing now. He needed no further encouragement, lifting her as if she weighed nothing and carrying her to their bed.

The next day was spent in preparations. Supplies were brought and bags were carefully packed. Weapons were checked, sharpened, and checked again. Rhae could feel the excitement radiating off Thorin. Tomorrow would signal the start of the end of their quest. She felt that excitement as well but it was tinged with caution; they had traveled far and been through so much but the hardest part of their journey was still ahead of them. She watched with pride as Thorin moved among his company, lending a hand wherever it was needed. He truly was a good leader. When the hour came she had to drag him from their preparations to dress for the Master's banquet. Considering what had happened yesterday, Rhae had no desire to go anywhere near the place, but knew she needed to be by her husband's side.

Maud had brought her a dress for the occasion and she eyed it where it was laid out on the bed.

"It's not going to jump up and attack you," Thorin teased.

"I hate dresses."

"But you look so fetching in them, marlûna." Grinning she rolled her eyes at him. She quickly donned the wine colored gown, Thorin lacing up the back, and ran a brush through her hair.

"Let's get this over with."

He held out an arm, blue eyes twinkling in amusement. "As you wish, my lady."

The banquet was not enjoyable. The ostentatious display of wealth the Master had brought forth was sickening in Rhae's eyes. Since the company did not seem to be bothered by it, enjoying the platters heaped high with food and the plentiful ale and wine, she swallowed her disgust and kept a smile on her face. Not having much of an appetite, she pushed some food around her plate and watched Bofur as he downed mug after mug of ale. She hoped Oin had something for his head in the morning. As it was they were probably going to have to drag him out. There was music and dancing as well and Thorin surprised her by pulling her out to the floor. They had never danced much beyond a couple short jigs at their marriage celebration and she was amazed at how well her husband moved. It was easy to forget the circumstances that had placed them in this hall in Lake-Town when she was held tightly in his arms while he spun her around amidst the other couples.

Alfrid wisely avoided them, hardly sparing them a glance during the entire evening. While thankful for that, something else popped up that annoyed Rhae. A perky blonde, probably the daughter of one of the "wealthy" merchants that had been invited, hovered around Thorin throughout the evening. It seemed like every time she looked for him, there was a blonde head next to him. It was no secret to her what the woman's intentions and hopes were; a king of any race would be considered quite a catch. His irritation was clear to her though he masked it well.

Rhae had finally had enough of the bouncing little blonde when she saw her placing her hand on Thorin's arm and trying to wiggle close to him. She suddenly understood the jealousy and anger he had felt the other day. He excused himself and stomped over to where Dwalin was sitting nursing a mug of ale. Seeing an opening, Rhae came up behind her, leaning in to whisper in her ear, her voice low and threatening.

"If you don't leave my husband alone, I will make you disappear and make it look like an accident." The woman whirled around, her eyes widening in fear when she saw who had just spoken; she'd seen Rhae in the training grounds and heard the rumors that she was one of the deadly Rangers who roamed lands far to the West. She hadn't been aware the handsome dwarf king was married to the Ranger. The flash of anger in her eyes didn't escape Rhae's notice. Dropping a quick curtsy the blonde hurried away, melting into the crowd.

"How did you manage that?" a deep voice said at her side.

She gave him a smirk. "You'd be horrified if I told you."

Thorin looked at her closely. Despite the smile on her pale face, which he was fairly certain was forced, he could see the exhaustion she was trying to hide. He wasn't blind, he had seen how she dragged herself to bed each night and wasn't eating much. Knowing how irritated she became if he fussed over her too much, he had limited his comments though now he was questioning the wisdom in that decision.

"Are you alright? You look a bit pale."

Surprisingly, she didn't lash out at him. "I'm not feeling like myself this evening. I was considering going back to the inn to rest. We've got a busy day tomorrow."

"I will come with you. I am not keen on banquets and parties."

"Even ones in your honor?"

"Especially ones in my honor." He took her hand and led her from the Master's house, eager to get her back to the inn before she changed her mind. Rhae seemed to lean on him more the closer they got to their destination, her grip on his arm getting tighter as well. She suddenly jerked away from him, dropped to her knees at the edge of the bridge they were crossing, and retched over the side. He grabbed her shoulders to keep her from toppling over into the water, panic shooting through him. When she tried to stand back up he scooped her into his arms and hurried the remaining distance to the inn.

"Eldon!" he bellowed as he came through the door. The man and his wife rushed into the room.

"Master Dwarf! What happened?"

"Go to the banquet and fetch our healer, Oin." The flustered man ran to obey the dwarf king.

Maud followed Thorin up the stairs, helping him get Rhae into bed.

"Has she been ill for very long?"

Thorin shook his head. "I haven't noticed anything much out of the ordinary. She's been exhausted at the end of the day, not eating much, but she's been working hard since she took on teaching those two girls." Maud looked down at the woman on the bed thoughtfully.

"I can have a look at her while we wait for your healer, my lord. I raised two children of my own." Thorin considered for a moment and then nodded. The quicker they figured out what was wrong with Rhae the quicker she could get better. "If you would please step outside the door for a few moments?" He looked hard at the woman but she met his gaze calmly.

"Only until Oin gets here," he growled, stepping out of the room and closing the door behind him. As he leaned against the wall he heard Rhae retching again and he cringed. He had no idea what could have caused this sudden sickness unless it was something at the banquet. The little scuffle with the Master's assistant flashed across his mind; he wouldn't put it past the little rat to have wanted revenge on Rhae for her humiliation of him. His knuckles turned white as he clinched his hands into fists, restraining the urge to hit something. If that was the cause he would have more than words for the Master of Lake-Town. It seemed like it took Oin forever to get there. He raised an eyebrow when he saw his king sitting on the floor outside the bedroom though he said nothing as he knocked on the door and was admitted. Thorin could hear muted talking though no matter how much he strained he couldn't make out the words.

Loud commotion downstairs drew his attention from their bedroom and he knew the rest of the company had returned. They would probably want to know why first he and Rhae and then Oin had disappeared from the banquet without a word to any of them.

"What is going on, Thorin?" Balin asked when he walked in the common room. "We saw the innkeeper rush Oin out of there like a pack of orcs was on his heels. Is Rhae alright?"

Thorin shook his head. "I do not know. All I know is she's been extremely sick since we left that banqueting hall." There were concerned murmurs from the company as they found places by the fire to sit and wait. Bilbo stared into the flames miserably, afraid he had somehow given Rhae his cold. It wasn't long before they heard soft footsteps and Maud appeared, her face a controlled blank.

"You're needed upstairs, my lord," she said to Thorin. He took the stairs two at a time. The rest of the company looked at each other worriedly. The fact that Oin hadn't reappeared couldn't be good. Maud refused to answer any of their questions and slipped back into the kitchen.

When Thorin re-entered their bedroom, his gaze went immediately to Rhae. She still looked pale but she was sitting on the edge of the bed with a look on her face he didn't understand. His gaze shifted to Oin and was further perplexed at the smile on the elderly dwarf's face.

"What's going on? Is she alright?"

"She's perfectly fine. In fact, she's better than fine I would say."

Thorin's frowned. "I held her as she was sick not an hour ago. I wouldn't call that fine." His confusion deepened when Oin came to his feet and took a few steps towards him; he could've sworn he saw the other dwarf's eyes glistening.

"You're going to be a father, laddie." His head snapped to the side, his eyes seeking Rhae's. There was amazement and joy in her gaze but he also could see a hint of fear, or was that uncertainty?

"A father?" he breathed in awe, just looking at her. They didn't even notice when Oin, feeling himself rather superfluous now, slipped out of the room. Rhae was watching Thorin for his reaction to this news, not entirely sure how he would take it. He, however, felt rooted to the floor. He had never imagined having an heir of his own body. Knowing his line to be safe with Fíli and Kíli to follow behind him he had never really thought about it, especially as the years had passed and he had never found his One. And now? Something warm flared inside him and steadily began to grow as he envisioned a little dark haired dwarfling by his side, learning how to hold his first sword. Visions of the same dwarfling running to him, calling him 'adad' with arms in the air begging to be picked up, and Rhae standing nearby with her beautiful smile flashed across his mind.

"A father!" he said again, this time with a brilliant smile on his face. He was by her side on the bed in a moment, crushing her to him in a tight embrace. She wrapped her arms around him in relief, finally releasing the breath she hadn't known she was holding. She had been completely speechless when Maud had first voiced her suspicions. When Oin had confirmed the other woman's diagnosis her first thought had been of Thorin and what he was going to think about this. They were supposed to leave for the mountain in the morning! The smile on his face helped alleviate some of her worry. She breathed in the smell of him, his presence soothing her frayed nerves. This would change so much.

"You are not angry?" Her voice was surprisingly timid. He sat back, cupping her face in his hands.

"Angry? Why would I be angry? Dwarves see children as a supreme gift, a rare blessing from Mahal." He crushed his lips to hers. Never had he thought his heart could feel so full. This quest had already given him so much more than he ever expected. He finally broke the kiss, resting his forehead against hers.

"When...when will the baby come?"

"Oin was not sure. There is a difference in the length of time dwarven and Dunedain women are pregnant. As I am about a month along I can say I have at the least eight months." She sighed. "I am hopeful Gandalf will have an answer for me."

Thorin could say nothing to that. He quickly did the math in his head and realized she had endured Mirkwood, Thranduil's dungeon, and their escape in the barrels while unknowingly carrying his child. At any point along the way something could have happened to cause her to lose it and that thought made him feel a bit panicked. No wonder she had been feeling so exhausted since arriving in Lake-Town. Something else came to mind and he looked at her a bit worriedly.

"Last night - should we not have...?"

Rhae had to think for a moment to figure out what he was talking about. "What in the world are you talking about? Why would that be an issue?"

"Dwarves...we do not lay with our wives when they are with child. Will it not harm the babe?"

"It is perfectly fine, Thorin. The Dunedain and Men do not refrain from intimacy when their wives are pregnant until it is uncomfortable for the woman." She gave him a reassuring smile. He simply held her close, running a hand through the hair she had, for once, left hanging loose. An heir! A son to follow after him as King Under the Mountain. His desire to reclaim his home suddenly took on a whole new meaning, a new intensity filled him.

"Come," he said, placing a kiss on her head. "The company will be wanting to know you are alright and are probably pestering Oin for details." She placed her hand on his arm and let him lead her downstairs. The animated chatter stopped as soon as Thorin and Rhae stepped into the common room. She felt all their eyes on her as he lead her towards the fireplace.

"Are you alright, lass?" Dwalin was the first to speak up.

"Aye, I am perfectly fine."

"Oin wouldn't tell us anything," Dori huffed in irritation.

"Weren't my place to run my mouth," the healer replied.

"But you're alright?" Bilbo's voice was full of concern. "The two of you disappeared from the Master's house and then Oin was called for..."

"Rhae is fine. She is not sick, she is carrying my heir."

There was almost an audible gasp from the company at Thorin's words. They stared in wonder, this possibility having never crossed their minds. Balin was the first to recover, leaping to his feet, unable to keep a few tears from spilling down into his beard. His cousin, his King, married and to be a father; his joy knew no bounds. For the first time he was glad for the meddling of wizards.

Surprise. :)

Revised/Edited May 2016