A week went by and summer was upon the Mountain and its surroundings. To herald its coming, and to enjoy the time of plenty and peace that had finally returned to the dwarves of Erebor after so many years, Thorin decided to hold a great feast. Not only would there be plenty of food and ale, but music and dancing too, and Ila was beyond excited.

The last feast of this size had been her wedding and she had not been able to enjoy it at all, not with the impending loss of her virginity. Ila loved to dance, and to mingle and enjoy herself. Thorin was looking forward to it himself, as any dwarf looks forward to lots of good food and ale, but anything that made his wife happy made him even happier.

It was almost time to go downstairs, and Ila was nearly done with her finishing touches. Zahra was finishing with the laces of her gown as Ila was finishing up with her hair. Zahra for one was particularly excited, since Dis had asked to keep Thora during the festivities. While she came out more and more these days, she had no desire to attend such an enormous occasion, especially not when she could be cuddling a little Durin. For that matter, she had offered to keep Farin as well. Dis had loved Dwalin all her life, like her own brother, and she already doted on his little one too. As many had noticed, the coming of dwarflings to the Mountain again had done wonders for her health and happiness.

Thorin had already pulled on his furs and crown and was sitting in his chair waiting on his wife, eager to get downstairs and enjoy himself.

"You look lovely my dear, stop fidgeting with your hair already." He said as he admired her, barely noticing Zahra was there.

"You would think so regardless my love," Ila said but continued in front of the mirror.

"Who are you trying to impress exactly? Should I be worried?"

"Oh hush! Don't even play. And do you not desire a queen deserving of the title?"

Thorin rose and walked towards her, motioning for Zahra to move. She did so immediately, despite not being done with the laces.

Thorin took the laces and finished tying them, they being almost done anyway. He pulled her hair aside and kissed her neck, watching her eyes in the mirror.

"You look magnificent. Can we go now?" he asked.

Ila smiled and turned her head to place a soft kiss on his bearded cheek.

"Yes, I suppose I look as well as I am going to."

"You can't improve upon perfection." Thorin replied.

Ila giggled. "Do you hear how he flatters me? Beware of silver tongued devils….they always want something." She said playfully to Zahra who smiled in return. She would not be seen participating in joking at the king's expense, that was one thing for his wife to do and another entirely for her. And Zahra still feared Thorin. He seemed to be one dwarf to everyone else and another entirely to his wife. He had a tender side indeed, but that was reserved exclusively for Ila and their Thora.

Ila looked Zahra over and smiled brightly. "You look rather radiant tonight Zahra. Is there a certain someone that you hope to catch the eye of?"

"Oh, no your majesty. I only want to look like I belong there." Zahra blushed a bit, that was not entirely the truth.

"Well, you should take the chance to enjoy yourself tonight while Thora is with her aunt. I can't imagine that I will need much tending to either." Ila said sweetly and genuinely hoped that Zahra would get the chance to have some fun.

"Come on then or the party will be over before we arrive." Thorin urged his wife and she wrapped her arms around his and let him lead her from the room. Zahra followed, her hands clasped in front of her. She wore a golden dress with a modest neckline that showed a little of her modest bust. She wore a thin gold chain around her neck that her mother had given her a long time ago. She thought herself nothing fantastic, but that she was pretty enough. She also knew that by simply being a female in a race dominated by males that she would have a husband one day, there was no doubting it. But was it so terrible to want a husband that she actually liked? Or who felt something for her? Ila and Thorin obviously loved each other very much, and Ila's parents did too, but not all couples were so lucky. She would marry whoever her king and father agreed upon. But that didn't mean she couldn't hope.

The great hall was filled with dwarves already well into their ales. The music wouldn't start until after the food was served, which was just waiting on Thorin to arrive. As always, when he entered the great hall with his queen for any official event, cheers and applause were all that could be heard. Ila showed her bright and radiant smile as always, Thorin not able to suppress one tonight either. He ascended the dais with his bride and spared only a few words before supper was served, being eager to dine himself.

Dwala was already there and took a seat next to Ila, eager to catch up on anything she might have missed and Ila felt the same. The two were not used to being without each other for any length of time. Dwalin sat next to Thorin, the two speaking with full mouths. Balin sat next to his brother, and gave Ila a sweet smile and nod as he passed her by. She was glad to see him out for the night. Fili and Kili had already been in the room as well, and mingled as they ate and drank since the head table was already much accounted for. Kili could not sit next to Ila so he had little interest in sitting at present. Fili was eyeing Zahra, who had not wanted to intrude on Ila and Dwala's little reunion of sorts. The two needed to catch up and she couldn't imagine what she could add to a conversation between two dames that hadn't been separated since childhood.

As such, Zahra currently didn't know what to do with herself. She didn't know anyone else outside of the princes, but she would not be so bold as to approach them. She awkwardly sat at the nearest table, by herself, and began to fill her plate with food.

Kili saw Zahra sitting by herself as he was taking a great gulp of ale from his tankard. She was pretty….

He sighed. He really was aware that he needed to tear his love for Ila out of his heart by the roots…it was like some poisonous plant that was growing in him, slowing killing himself from the inside out. But it just wasn't that simple. And it wouldn't be fair to any maiden that he tried to replace Ila with in his heart…or so he rationalized to himself.

However…his brother didn't fancy anyone so he was aware….perhaps she would be a good match for him. She was sweet and a little shy….he had always imagined Fili with someone a bit reserved. It would suit and compliment his nature. And if nothing else it was killing him to see her sitting there alone like that.

"Brother," he elbowed Fili who was talking to a younger dwarf, Gloin's son, Gimli.

"Hmm?"

"You should go keep Zahra company. She looks painfully alone over there, and doesn't know a soul outside of us."

Fili looked at Zahra, sitting there at the end of one of the long tables, studying her cheese and bread a bit too intently. She was so pretty in her gold dress and light brown hair…..simple but naturally attractive. Not overdone or trying too hard.

He took a gulp of ale. "Why don't you go? Or we both go?" Fili asked and Kili shook his head.

"I'm to arm wrestle Bombur next."

"Oh, right. Well," Fili sighed deeply, then summoned his courage. "Alright."

Kili slapped his brother on the back and Fili walked over to Zahra only after refilling his tankard.

Fili cleared his voice as he stood over her, trying to get her attention.

Her light brown eyes peered up at him, innocent and timid as a doe, but he was the one fighting the urge to run.

"Is there anyone sitting here?" he asked. Clearly there wasn't…but he could think of nothing else.

"Oh, no. Please." She said and moved over a bit. Fili swung his leg over the bench and sat next to her, grabbing some cubes of cheese for himself.

"Are you not eating a proper supper?" Zahra asked.

"Oh, I'll eat more and more as the night goes on. Especially as I drink." Fili answered and Zahra nodded.

"You're not drinking then?" he asked, noticing she only had water.

"I don't usually, I mean not that much. I don't have the head for it. Nor do I think the queen would find it very becoming of me."

"One or two will not hurt you."

Zahra smiled, "I don't know. Perhaps."

Fili grabbed a mug and poured her a little, then handed it to her to taste. Zahra eyed it suspiciously, then took it for a little sip. She made a face that suggested she didn't find it unpleasant, then smiled at Fili.

"It's not bad," she said and sat it back down.

"I don't mean to pressure you, only for you to have a good time. I know you must have been very busy this past week, and so far from home and everyone you know." Fili stammered out, hoping she did not think he was trying to get her in trouble.

"Oh, I understand. But yes, this last week has been a whirlwind." She said honestly.

Fili smiled in return, and Zahra admired his beautiful blue eyes. How very different he looked from his brother, and from the rest of the Durins. He had the eyes but that was all. He must take after his late father, Zahra thought.

"Well, do you like it here then?" Fili continued.

"Oh yes very much. It is all I grew up hearing about and more."

"And you find everyone nice enough?"

"Oh yes, everyone has been tremendously kind."

They smiled to each other and went back to their food, both wanting to say more but being at a loss.

"I'm sorry," Zahra said suddenly and Fili looked at her confused.

"You must think me so anti-social, sitting her by myself, then struggling for anything to say. I am just a bit shy that's all….and not used to such crowds or—"

"Please don't apologize. I don't think you are antisocial at all. I think you are a lady." Fili assured her, his expression sincere. Zahra couldn't help but smile at him, he was so very sweet, and not at all cocky for a prince.

Fili had an idea then, something about Ila that he remembered from when she first came to live under the Mountain.

"Say, would you like to get out of here then? I mean just for a little while, before anyone can miss you. I think I know somewhere that you would feel more comfortable." Fili offered.

Zahra blushed, thinking that she really shouldn't, but in truth this was all a bit overwhelming, and it would save her from sitting here by herself. Not to mention she would be in the company of the prince….but what might anyone think if they saw them?

"I—I would like that…but I would fear what anyone, particularly the queen would say to find my alone in your company." She replied and hoped that was not offensive of her, or presumptuous.

"I understand, but no one will see us. All the Mountain is here tonight. And I propose nothing dishonorable." He assured her, and thought her even more the proper maiden than before.

"Well….alright." Zahra replied and smiled, taking a drink of ale and then getting up to follow him. As they pushed through the throng of drunk and drinking dwarves, she realized Fili was right. No one would notice they were gone or even notice them leaving, where ever they might be going.

The music was in full swing now, and so was the dancing. Dwala was sitting on her husband's lap, neither of them dancers but they enjoyed watching everyone else. Thorin was sitting close by, smoking his pipe and watching his wife move about the room. He had a feeling she was going to ask him to dance but he had drunk too much to be light on his feet at the moment, and was enjoying relaxing. But sure enough, she came walking towards him, giving him an expectant look and batting her long eye lashes. Thorin gave her a look and as she extended her hand to him he took it to kiss instead of getting up.

"Not right now my love, but why not ask one of the lads." He said as he stroked her hand.

Ila pouted at him but didn't push him, instead she looked around for Fili or Kili. Fili was nowhere in sight, hopefully that meant he was with Zahra since she didn't see her either.

Kili was laughing and knocking mugs with Gimli, but quickly realized Ila was eyeing him. He clapped Gimli on the shoulder and walked towards Ila, ready to do whatever she pleased.

"Your uncle doesn't feel like dancing, so would you mind?" Ila asked sweetly and Kili resolutely sat his tankard down and took her hand. Ila led him to the floor and the two spun around, well in view of Thorin as they danced. Kili minded where his hands landed, what with everyone looking. Ila was laughing loudly as they went, twisting and twirling.

Kili was doing the same, reveling in the moment.

Not too far from the great hall, Fili had led Zahra up onto the great balcony that overlooked the main entrance to Erebor. It was a beautiful, warm night and there was not a cloud in the sky. The stars shown like a million fireflies above them, and Zahra sighed in appreciation.

"I do miss these views, truth be known."

"I thought you might. Ila certainly did when she first came here. She actually got into a bit of trouble for sneaking out here one night by herself."

"Really?! Oh…I bet she was in a lot of trouble. I mean….the King obviously loves Ila, but I would be very afraid to upset him."

"He was very upset, but he couldn't stay upset. Kili and I found her and tried to escort her back to her room before anyone found her, but no luck."

Zahra smiled. "But I understand. We don't live entirely within the hills back home….Ila was fairly free to roam as a princess…and if she loves the stars as much as I do then living under a Mountain must have been a difficult adjustment."

"Yes, and while Uncle has much improved since Ila came to live here, he is still incredibly protective. She is only allowed out of doors with Kili or I and that includes guards as well. Thora is not yet allowed outside of Erebor and I imagine she won't be for some time."

Fili was doing a good job of keeping the conversation going. He hoped he seemed calm and collected but he was truly nervous to be alone with a pretty maid. He wished he had his brother's easy and care free spirit in this regard.

"That is to be expected. I am very mindful of how I care for her I can assure." Zahra added.

"Oh, no doubt. You seem to be doing just fine." Fili said and smiled in encouragement.

Zahra blushed. "Thank you. I try."

They smiled at each other, then looked down at their feet, not knowing what else to say.

"Thank you for bringing me out here, it really is a nice break from the Mountain."

"Oh, you're welcome." Fili replied, and moved a tiny bit closer to her where she stood leaning against the stone.

"Are you sure you're not missing anything inside?" Zahra asked timidly and looked back towards the great hall.

"Oh, no. That will go on well into the morning. We can stay out here as long as you like until Ila retires. She never stays for the end of such things."

Zahra smiled and looked back up at the stars. Fili smiled too, but kept his eyes on her, not the stars.

Inside, Ila and Kili had danced three songs already, but suddenly Ila started to feel a bit off. Her head was swimming and she felt a little queasy. She slowed the pace of her dancing and Kili could see by her expression that something was amiss.

"What's wrong?" Kili asked concerned.

"I-I don't know. I just feel dizzy and not myself at the moment. I just need to sit down I think." She said with her hand over her heart.

Thorin saw through the crowd that Kili was leading Ila to a chair, she looking a bit pale. He immediately rose from his seat and moved through the dwarves, they parting like the sea for their king, inebriated though they were.

"What is the matter?" he asked as he reached them.

"Nothing dear, I am just a little dizzy. Too much exertion for one night I'm sure." Ila calmed her ever worrisome husband.

There was sweat on her brow and she looked paler now that he was closer. "You need to rest," he said and she started to rise but quickly sat back down, her head swimming.

"That's an order after that," Thorin said and went to pick her up, but she protested.

"Thorin no! I don't want everyone to think I got drunk and had to be carried out of here, how embarrassing!" She insisted and Thorin sighed.

"Fine, where is your handmaiden?"

"I don't know, I told her to enjoy herself and that I wouldn't need tending to much tonight."

"That's no matter, that's what she is here for!"

"I persuaded Fili to entertain her Uncle. It's my fault if she is currently unaccounted for."

Ila smiled conspiratorially at Kili and he winked back at her.

"Kili, please escort your aunt to my chambers, in such a fashion that will not embarrass her." Thorin said, obviously thinking his wife was being ridiculous but complying with her wishes nonetheless.

Ila smiled and kissed his cheek, again assuring him she was fine and would see him when he came to bed. He kissed her back, then watched as Kili led her from the room.

Once they reached the royal chambers, Ila sat down on the bed and was thankful to be able to recline. She wasn't sure what had come over her downstairs….she hadn't felt like that since…..

And then it dawned on her.

"Oh," Ila said, sitting up straight.

"What is it? What's the matter? Should I call for Oin?" Kili said, concerned even more now.

"Oh….nothing." She said but with distress in her voice.

"That sounds like something Ila." Kili insisted.

Ila was busy doing some math in her head, not really paying him any mind.

"Ila?" Kili continued, now coming to kneel by her side.

She realized what was the matter with her, and staring off into the distance for a moment to let it sink it, finally came back to the present and to Kili who had gently taken ahold of her arms.

"Ila!"

"I'm pregnant!" she shouted at him.

Kili made a face that clearly said that was the last answer he was expecting.

"What?" was all he could manage.

"That's what's wrong with me, I must be with child again!"

"Oh….well, isn't that a good thing?"

Yes, it was as far as she was concerned. She wanted another dwarfling, and she wanted to give Thorin his heir. But Thorin had not wanted her to get pregnant again so soon….and they had been careful.

But there was that one night. It was almost six weeks ago now, but then her moon cycle was two weeks late almost, and the timeline worked out. It only took one time, after all.

But shouldn't her body have changed by now? No…not when she really thought about it. She had been training with Kili so much…she had become more athletic, she had gained muscle and lost the baby weight plus some, her body had been in flux.

"Yes…" Ila whispered, her hand on her belly. Kili was still on his knees and his eyes were nearly level with it. He looked as she did to her midsection.

"You don't look it, but I suppose it is still too soon?" he asked.

"If the timing is right in my head, I will show very soon."

"Well, you wanted another, and a boy. It is certain this time. Congratulations Ila." Kili said and brought her nearest hand to his lips to kiss.

"You're the first to know," Ila said sweetly, a river of emotions running through her.

"You must not tell your Uncle. I will tell him tomorrow, once he is sober." She added said.

"I wouldn't dream of taking the privilege from you." Kili replied.

"He didn't want me pregnant again so soon….I hope he is happy."

"Of course he will be! How can you even doubt it?"

Ila smiled and squeezed his hand. "I suppose this means an end to my training for now, Thorin will never let me near the arena with another Durin in my belly." She said sadly.

Kili frowned. He hadn't thought of that yet. "No, probably not. But I will keep you company as I did last time." He said and smiled. He stared into her hazel eyes for a moment, wishing she could see all his love for her there, then rose before he made himself heartsick.

"You need lots of rest then. I will tell Uncle you are fine and he needn't worry."

"Yes, but Thora! Your mother has her and Farin."

"I will have mother's servant bring her to you at once. Just relax." Kili replied.

"Thank you." Ila replied, laying down and covering herself with a blanket.

Kili nodded and went to leave, but Ila called his name before he could pass through the door. Looking back at her, he said nothing but only raised his eyebrows, ready to acquiesce to any request she might have.

"I love you," she said quietly and sweetly.

Kili's heart skipped a beat, but then knowing full well what she meant, starting beating again.

"I love you, too." He replied, then closed the door firmly behind him.

A/N: JenB, I've seen that shirt! It makes me lol, I may have to get one.

Someone remarked a while ago that the pulling out method was pretty ineffective and that made me laugh, because that was the point. JBut I'm thinking that maybe they didn't know any better, as I'm guessing our more primitive ancestors didn't either.