The next morning Ila woke slowly and uncomfortably. She had slept well enough, falling asleep before Thorin finally came to bed. Because she felt ill and Thorin would likely come up to bed smelling like a barrel of ale, Ila had put Thora in her crib for the night. Ila didn't hear her cries, which she was listening for despite not having opened her eyes yet.

Her stomach was upset, and she feared the return of morning sickness. She also realized that she had fallen asleep before figuring out how to tell Thorin she was with child again. She knew it wasn't what he wanted right now, but how could he really be upset by the news of a new royal dwarfling? Ila didn't think he could be anything but overjoyed when he got over the initial shock.

Speaking of her husband, Ila rolled over towards him and opened her eyes. He was naked, lying on top of the covers, face up, and snoring intermittedly. He also smelled like ale and it hit Ila right before the realization that she was going to wretch.

Ila rolled over as quickly as she could, forcing herself out of bed before she began to vomit.

The sound promptly woke Thora who began to wail from her crib, the two noises enough to wake the dwarf king from his alcohol induced slumber.

Thorin grumbled awake, groggy and slow to come to consciousness. Thora crying was nothing new to him now, but what was that other sound….

Ila stood up straight then, pushing her hair back and wiping her mouth. She must have been a sight, she thought as she stumbled towards the table where the water basin sat.

Thorin pushed himself up and stumbled even slower after her.

"My love," he said groggily as he reached her to rub her back as she washed her face.

"Are you alright?" He asked as he splashed some water on his own face.

Ila nodded, then pushed past him to grab Thora from her crib.

"Shhhh, mummy is sorry for waking you so." Ila soothed her daughter. Thorin came over to wrap his arms around them both, but Ila turned her head in disgust at the smell and Thora screwed up her face and cried even harder at him.

"Ohh," Thorin grumbled at them both. "Surely I am not so bad."

"You smell terrible," Ila said and retreated to a comfy chair to pull her breast free and present it for Thora.

Ila held her dwarfling with both arms as she was ever growing, but laid her head back against the chair and closed her eyes. She was feeling better but not one hundred percent.

"Ila," Thorin called to her from what he judged to be a safe distance. "Do I need to call for Oin? You do not seem to have improved from last night."

"No my love," she replied, thinking quickly. This didn't seem the right way to tell him. Then she had an idea.

"But I believe a nice hot bath would improve my being. And most certainly yours."

"Fine. As soon as your maid arrives she can take Thora and we'll go down to the baths." Thorin agreed, liking the idea very much. Ila smiled at him and closed her eyes again, letting her babe nurse as it laid across her lap, so close to her new brother or sister.

Ila's heart sped up, she was about to burst with the news. But telling Thorin while he was naked, groggy, and hung over was just not what she had envisioned. Patience, she told herself.

A knock came at the door then and it opened almost immediately after.

"Good morning my la—OH!" Zahra cried, turning around as soon as she'd entered the room and was greeted with the sight of the king's bare backside.

Ila laughed out loud, not being able to help herself. Thorin grumbled and finished pulling on his robe before he disappeared to use the chamber closet.

"My lady, I am so, incredibly sorry-" Zahra began but Ila raised a hand to silence her.

"Please, he isn't embarrassed I can assure you. I doubt he will even remember this. Come in."

Zahra had been apologizing with her back to Ila, she had not dared to step any further inside their bedchamber after that sight. Zahra turned around, red as a strawberry.

"So, did you enjoy last night's festivities?" Ila asked with genuine interest. She doubted that Zahra knew that she was aware that Fili had been alone with her the night before. She wanted to gauge her reaction to the question.

"Oh, yes I did your majesty." Zahra replied with a sparkle in her eyes that Ila did not miss. "The food and ale were excellent, as was the song and dance."

"And the company?" Ila further inquired.

"Oh, well everyone was incredibly kind and friendly as always." Zahra answered, hoping the queen didn't know about her being alone with Fili. What would she think of that?!

Ila didn't want to press her, so simply replied, "Well good, I am glad you are enjoying your new home," and promptly dropped the subject. But she believed she saw the early signs of at least an infatuation, if not more.

Thora had her fill of breakfast and released her mother's nipple. Ila stood up to walk her dwarfling about and burp her before handing her off to Zahra for a while.

"The king and I are going down to the baths this morning. We will see you at lunch." Ila instructed Zahra who nodded and went to draw a bath for Thora after helping Ila out of her clothes and into a robe. Thorin rejoined them only to kiss his daughter on the head and lead his wife from the room. He didn't really seem to notice Zahra and that was truly fine with her. Less reason to be afraid of him.

"Come princess, time for your own bath," Zahra said and began to gently wash Thora who splashed and played as she did. Zahra smiled at her, being half in the present and half in last night. She and Fili had stayed out on the balcony for some time, until she was afraid Ila would be missing her. Much to her dismay, when they returned Ila had retired for the night having not felt well. Zahra feared the anger of her king for being lax in her duties, which Fili immediately recognized and sought out his uncle to take account for Zahra's absence. Thorin had waved the matter away, saying Kili had taken Ila up to their rooms. He didn't seem concerned, and Fili assured her that everything was fine, amidst apologizing for keeping her so long. She thanked him for the excursion, then insisted she should retire. The two parted quietly with shy smiles, Zahra leaving the hall and Fili watching her go. He had to think of a way to see her again tomorrow…she would be all he thought about for the rest of the night.

Ila and Thorin had made their way down to the baths, Thorin making sure a guard was just up the stairs to make sure no one came down while they were there. Ila stepped out of her robe and sank into the water. She sighed and let it envelop her as Thorin practically fell into the water behind her. He immediately submerged himself and Ila took the moment to fret. Now was as good a time as ever, but the walk down here still wasn't enough time to figure out how to break the news.

Thorin reemerged, his long, wet mane looking like black silk as he slicked it all back. He shook off the excess water and stretched, feeling better already. He reached for Ila but she moved just out of his grasp, giving him a teasing smile.

"Come here," he said, lunging forward at her in the water and grabbing her around the waist. Ila yelped and giggled, wrapping her arms around his neck and giving up easily.

Thorin pulled her flush against him roughly, ready to join them at the hips already.

"Darling, darling, be careful." Ila urged.

"Why?" Thorin slurred as he pressed his lips into her neck, not becoming any gentler.

"Darling, really." Ila protested and put her hands on his shoulders.

Thorin, aroused and in no mood to be denied, frowned at her impatiently.

"Why is that my love?" he said with some agitation.

"Because I am fragile," Ila said softly.

Thorin narrowed his eyes at her, searching her eyes for the truth.

"What do you mean?" he asked slowly.

Ila smiled at him, rubbing his chest and laying her forehead against his gently.

Thorin whispered to her, barely believing what she meant to tell him was true.

"Ila….tell me plainly what you mean to say."

Ila sighed and hesitated for only a moment. "You are going to be a father again."

Thorin pulled back to look into her eyes, disbelief in his own.

"But how? We have been so careful? And you do not look it." he said looking between them at her flat stomach.

Ila faltered a bit, being upset that he was not immediately overjoyed at the news.

"Thorin, you know there was that one night…once is all it takes. Why are you not happy?" she asked, her face fallen.

"Oh my love," Thorin said, gathering her to him again. "I am happy." He said as he pressed his lips to hers. Ila wrapped her arms around his neck and closed her eyes.

"You know I wanted to wait, our poor Thora. But it is obviously meant to be." Thorin said, stroking her back. "But are you truly sure?" He asked, pulling back once more to look at her.

"Yes dear, I am two weeks late, and the dizziness and morning sickness….I should show any time now." Ila assured him.

Thorin gently stroked her lower belly, flat though it was. He then looked back to her and smiled widely.

"Very well my love. But let's wait to tell anyone till you do."

Ila smiled back at him and he drew her to him once more.

"Aren't you happy? Truly?" Ila asked.

"Of course. How could you doubt it?"

"I just know this isn't what you wanted right now…"

"My love, you know well that I thought your body needed time to rest and Thora deserved time to be the only child. I also selfishly wanted you to myself for a while. But such was not meant to be." Thorin said as he pushed a lock of hair from Ila's face. "But that is fine my dear. You know I desire a son, and I know you do too."

Ila smiled and kissed Thorin hard, glad to see he agreed. She wanted to give him a son so much, to give Erebor its heir. This time it would be for certain, she told herself.

They kissed each other passionately, and without another word, Thorin pulled her legs open and wrapped them around his waist in the water. Ila molded herself to him, and they made passionate but gentle love in the weightless water, their hearts full as could be.

Two weeks later, Ila was standing in front of her mirror early in the morning, her robe hanging open and Thorin behind her with his head resting on her shoulder.

"Yes…." He said softly as he traced the new curve of her lower belly. "That is most certainly a dwarfling."

Ila smiled widely, stupidly she could see from her reflection, and leaned back into her husband. He brought his other great hand to place them both on her belly and kissed her neck.

"Now that is it certain, we can share the news." He said dreamily.

Ila kissed his cheek and giggled. She couldn't be happier now that Thorin was over the initial shock and equally as happy as she was.

"But our poor little Thora. Her being an only child did not last long at all."

"I know, but you can't believe I will neglect her. I will nurse them both at once if I have to,"

Thorin shook his head and kissed her again. The couple was so happy and engrossed in one another they did not notice the door open and Zahra appear.

She gasped silently and started to withdraw from the room, but saw they hadn't noticed her. She really should have learned from walking in on her naked king two weeks ago…..But today she stood there, knowing it was time for her to arrive anyway and hoping they would notice they weren't alone. Thorin moved from behind Ila and Zahra thought it was safe then, but he moved to kneel in front of her and push her robe apart to kiss the tiny swell of her belly.

Zahra felt overwhelmed by a strange flood of feelings then. First, how very sweet and precious the sight was, Thorin kissing and whispering softly to his unborn child. Ila had confided to her a few nights ago that she was pregnant, but they were waiting to tell anyone until there was no doubt. Thorin had not been as convinced as she, but the protrusion that had appeared now proved it.

Secondly, the sexual nature of what was occurring in front of her was not something Zahra was used to. She had seen Thorin and Ila hug and kiss but that was it so far….Ila standing half naked in front of her husband while he kissed her flesh on his knees was a bit of a shock.

What was most different and shocking about it was the feeling it gave her low in her abdomen…the quickening of her breath, and then the involuntary thought of Fili that popped into her head.

Zahra blushed and looked to the floor, hoping one of them would notice her already. She heard movement and Ila called her name.

"Zahra, there you are. Did you sleep well?" she asked happily.

"Yes my lady, thank you." Zahra replied and walked towards her lady who had now pulled her robe tight around her body. Thorin had walked to Thora's crib to kiss her and then promptly left. Zahra went to Ila's wardrobe to pull a dress as was the morning routine.

Ila had gone to pick up Thora and give her breakfast, but little if any time passed before there was a knock at the door. Zahra didn't even bother putting the two voluminous dresses in her arms down before she went to the door. Ila's eyes were on the door as well as she had no idea who that could be first thing in the morning.

Zahra opened the door and practically dropped everything in her arms in a poor attempt to curtsy to the King's own sister, the Lady Dis.

Dis smiled at Zahra and stepped past her to embrace Ila who was still holding a nursing Thora.

"I am sorry, I know that it is first thing in the morning but I just heard the news."

"Just now? From Thorin?" Ila said surprised.

"Oh yes, my servant passed him in the hallway and he said I should come see you straight away. I knew it could only mean one thing."

"My my! Am I glowing already then?" Ila asked happily.

"Yes, and you have been. And I didn't believe it would be long at all."

"Well, your brother was not as happy as I at first."

"Of course not. He wanted you to himself for a while longer, naturally."

"Yes, you are right. And he thought Thora should have much more time as an only child. That it wouldn't be fair to her."

"He has a point there…I had five years between Fili and Kili….but it will be fine. Thora won't remember a time when her brother isn't there. Unlike Fili who didn't know what to make of Kili at first."

"Brother? You are certain this time?" Ila asked, her fears evident.

Dis smiled and touched her face. "You will give Thorin an heir. Don't you worry over it."

Ila smiled and nodded, hoping she was right. Thora was done then, and Ila handed her to Dis who was always eager to take her. Ila looked to Zahra and suddenly had a realization.

"Oh! Dis, you haven't actually met Zahra yet have you?"

"No, I have not had the pleasure." Dis said from where she sat holding her niece.

Zahra dropped the dresses onto a nearby sofa so that she might properly curtsy to her ladyship this time. Dis looked her over very briefly but Zahra noted it nonetheless. Dis gave her a warm smile.

"And how do you find the Mountain? Warm and welcoming I hope."

"Oh yes my lady, I couldn't be happier to be here." Zahra replied quickly.

"I'm glad. Your service will be even more needed now, what with another Durin on the way."

"I take every care for my Queen, I assure you my lady."

"Oh Zahra, you can relax dearest. I will not need much care for some time. And we are all confident in your abilities." Ila tried to get her to loosen up. She then addressed Dis:

"She has been indispensable in Dwala's absence. I could not have hoped for a better handmaiden."

Dis smiled and nodded to Zahra, thinking she was a timid but pretty creature. She reminded her of a doe, innocent and a bit frightened, not knowing which way to go, but good natured.

Zahra went about dressing Ila then, thankful for the distraction and for something to focus on while the two ladies talked.

"I take it no one else knows?" Dis asked.

"No, just Dwala of course. But now that it is certain we won't be keeping it a secret anymore." Ila answered as she stepped into a light blue dress.

"Oh, but you know who was the first very to know? Even Thorin doesn't know he was the first."

"Hmmm, one of my boys then?"

"Kili. He escorted me back to our rooms that night when I was feeling ill at the ball….I realized it and blurted it right out at him." Ila laughed.

"Well, he told not a soul. Not even his mother." Dis assured her as she swayed Thora back and forth, much to her delight.

"Aren't you ready for Fili or Kili to have little dwarflings?" Ila asked, half in jest.

"Ha! Kili needs time to be young and free yet, but Fili could be ready for the task I think. But that would assume he were married, and I don't see Thorin arranging that any time soon. He is still young…he deserves time to be free too."

Zahra kept her eyes down, feeling her heart sink a tiny bit.

"Yes, but I remember thinking that too, then marrying Thorin made me happier than I ever could have imagined being. Companionship is very important. And I am younger than him." Ila pointed out.

"All true. But there is no one he fancies….at least not that I know of. And I believe I would know." Dis replied. Zahra wanted to sink into the stone floor with every word. Ila noticed and decided to change the subject.

"Well, all things in their time." She said as Zahra pulled her long hair free of the dress. Everyone looked to the door then as it opened and Dwala walked in, Farin in her arms.

"Dwala!" Ila exclaimed. Dis looked happy to see them too.

"Good morning ladies," she said, Ila crossing the room to embrace her.

"Look who is growing by the day, and already so much hair! Much unlike your father." Ila said to Farin as he blinked up at her. Dwala just laughed.

"He did once though, he sported quite a mohawk in his younger years." Dis said.

"So he has told me. I wish I could have seen it myself." Dwala added as she sat next to Dis and traded dwarflings with her. Thora was exceedingly happy to see Dwala and Farin and stretched out her arms for Dwala to take her. Dis laid Farin in her arms, he looking sleepy and dozing almost immediately.

"Well, I suppose you will be telling the whole Mountain now." Dwala said with a smile.

"Yes, I am about to burst with news. I think of the family though everyone knows….except for Fili! Has anyone told Fili?!"

Everyone looked to one another, seeing if anyone had, and quickly realized that was a no.

"Well, I shall tell him today. Thorin won't let me practice with Kili anymore but I can at least watch."

"I don't see why not, you are barely even showing with your dress on. Some exercise, light exercise mind you, might actually be good for you this early on." Dis said.

"Try telling your brother that." Ila replied.

Dis nodded knowingly, as did Dwala.

"Oh, and Thorin doesn't know that Kili knows, so Kili will need to act surprised when Thorin tells them. He doesn't know that he wasn't the very first to know."

"I will take care of my youngest." Dis assured her.

Ila went to her vanity now that she was dressed to tend to her hair. Zahra picked up the robe and other dress to put them away. She still didn't feel like she fit in yet, not because the others were not nice, they most certainly were, but Ila and Dwala had such history together. And Zahra was still a bit nervous around Lady Dis, who was still largely a mystery to her. As such, when Ila asked her to take the laundry down stairs to tend to, she was happy to get out of the room.

She wasn't as strong as Dwala and marveled that she could carry so many dresses at once, but Zahra managed, slow going down all the stairs as it was. She knew she must look funny with the great heap of dresses she had, and was glad few dwarves were milling about that morning. It was not a short journey to the wash rooms in the lower part of the Mountain. It was near the hot baths that the royals enjoyed. She secretly wished she could visit them too, she heard it got rather cold here in the winter. If she remained here that long, that was. She had no idea how long she would be under the Mountain, or how long Dwala would be temporarily relieved of her duties. When Ila's mother told her she was to serve her daughter in Erebor, she'd only said "as long as the Queen shall need you." Whatever that meant.

Zahra stopped at a landing to rest for a moment and regain her hold on the dresses. She was about to continue on her way when someone startled her.

"Not to doubt your ability to perform your duties, but you look as though you could use some help."

Her heart leapt. She knew that voice.

Prince Fili had come out of nowhere, as he often seemed to, and as usual Zahra could barely find words to respond to whatever he might have said.

"Oh, I am fine. I assure you. It's just a long journey….and her majesty's dresses are rather heavy…"

"Yes, they are practically works of art." He said as he advanced and tried to take them from her arms.

"Oh no, I've got them really." She protested, but Fili wouldn't have it.

"Don't worry, there is no one here to see me carrying them. Lead on then." He said as he walked next to her, effortlessly carrying the bundle of dresses.

Zahra was blushing like mad and quickly continued the conversation.

"There really has to be a better way to transport her wardrobe from the royal chambers to the wash rooms."

"Oh yes, but I think Dwala likes doing it the hard way. Or rather, she is so strong and so used to it that is doesn't bother her." Fili observed.

"Yes, she is much stronger than I." Zahra admitted.

"She is much stronger than most female dwarves. Between her genes and Dwalin's Farin will be strong as two oxen."

Zahra laughed, loud and rather heartily, before she could stop herself. She felt a little embarrassed, she didn't have the prettiest of laughs but it was sincere.

The sound of it made Fili laugh too, and she could feel herself growing red this time.

"I am sorry, I am not laughing to make fun of you, it was such a happy laugh that's all. It made me want to laugh too."

Zahra smiled and giggled much more prettily this time, then looked to her feet.

"So, are you still enjoying your new life here? You seem right at home anyway."

"Yes, yes very much. And now with the baby coming perhaps I think I might be needed even longer than originally intended which—"

"Baby coming? What baby?"

Zahra stopped in her tracks as both hands flew to cover her mouth.

Stupid, stupid, stupid…..was all that was running through her mind.

"Fili—my lord—please don't say I let it slip. I wasn't even thinking, I just—"

"Zahra, Zahra please." Fili tried to calm her, he would have raised a hand to quiet her but his arms were full of Ila's dresses.

"I promise, I will say nothing and act as surprised as ever." He assured her. "Though, I do not find it surprising at all. Uncle and Ila are very much in love, and very much inseparable. They make the most of the time they have….err ugh I mean you understand." Fili felt himself growing red now, he had just referenced the act of sex to a maiden…married sex but still.

"Everyone is expecting an heir so it makes sense that they are continuing to try…..anyway I promise I will pretend when I hear that it is the first time such news has reached my ears."

Zahra let out a great deep breath. "Thank you. I can't believe I just did that."

"It's just me. It's not as though you told the entire kingdom."

Zahra smiled a little smile, but clearly was still very out with herself.

"And as for being just me, you must not call me your lord."

"But you are my lord. You are a Prince of Durin, I am just a common maid."

"You are anything but common." Fili replied and she was clearly surprised, the two stared at each other for a moment, letting that comment sink in.

"I-you flatter me, Prince Fili."

"I do not. I would not say it if I didn't think it true." Fili answered quietly.

It was really a comical scene. Fili and Zahra stopped on the landing of a staircase, he heavily laden with the queen's dresses, the two just staring at each other.

"Zahra—"

"Fili!"

The two snapped to attention, Zahra looking terrified and Fili looking annoyed.

Thorin was walking down the stairs towards them, but stopped short.

"I've been looking for you, the council is about to start. We have a lot to review this morning for the trip to Ered Luin next week. Come." Thorin said, waving his nephew towards him and about to turn around, but then stopped, seeming to just notice the dresses.

"Why are you carrying Ila's dresses?"

"I offered to carry them for Zahra, be of some use you know." Fili joked but was still nervous from the previous conversation.

Zahra would not be seen weak and inefficient in the king's eyes however.

"I can manage your majesty, your nephew was just being exceptionally gracious." Zahra asserted and forcefully took them from Fili. He allowed it but wanted to refuse to hand them over. If Thorin hadn't interrupted them he would have finished the journey with the dresses, no matter what was said next.

Thorin grunted and nodded to Zahra, then held his arm out for Fili to come on. Zahra made a little bow to Fili, then turned and went on about her business.

Fili watched her go sorrowfully for a split second, then turned to join his uncle. As he reached Thorin he slapped him on the back, and said lowly in case Zahra possessed extremely keen hearing,

"Carrying dresses huh?" Thorin raised his eyebrows.

"Just trying to be nice uncle, she came here knowing no one."

"I know. You are right to be kind."

Fili felt that Thorin wanted to say more, but didn't. He most certainly seemed to think more of what he had just witnessed, but for whatever reason chose not to comment.

Fili felt conflicted. Did he offend her? Did she feel the same? It was impossible to tell. What was more, is that she was a commoner. But did that matter? He looked at his uncle….

Ila was pregnant again, a boy and heir were certain this time. He had never once heard of a dame having two female dwarflings in a row, if two at all, which was rare enough. He would not inherit, it was foolish to believe otherwise now. As such, it shouldn't matter who he married. There were few females with any royal blood around. Ila was the only princess in the Iron Hills, there were none here and none in Ered Luin. Anyone else Thorin could put forth would have some common blood anyway, so what did it matter?

Even more than that, his own father had not been of royal blood. His mother was a Durin, but a female, and with two older brothers no one had thought the line of succession would ever fall on the shoulders of her offspring.

Of course, that was all depending on if Zahra felt anything for him, and he had no true idea. He would be leaving for three weeks soon, perhaps being away from her would prove he felt nothing real at all.

And perhaps not.

Later that day and not long before supper, Fili was summoned to Thorin's chambers. He entered the antechamber where his uncle, aunt, brother and mother were already there. He knew of course why he had been summoned, and made an effort to look confused for Zahra's sake.

Ila was sitting while Thorin stood next to her, Thora in her arms. His mother was sitting close by and Kili was standing next to her, also pretending to have no idea what was going on. Zahra stood a little behind Ila, hands clasped in front of her and waiting to be needed by her lady. Her eyes briefly met Fili's and he could see the worry there, and made a small smile to her that he hoped communicated there was nothing to fear.

"Fili, good you're here. Alright all, now that everyone is present, your aunt and I have a very important announcement to make." Thorin began.

"We are all getting private hot pools in our rooms?" Fili asked, obviously joking, but then maybe not.

Dis lightly smacked her youngest's knuckles and he suppressed a smile.

"You wish," Fili said, then quieted down seeing the look on Thorin's face.

"No. Something much more important than that. Your aunt is with child again, and your ancient and noble line of Durin is continuing to flourish."

Ila smiled beautifully, and everyone cheered. Thorin was holding her hand and squeezed it as he knelt to kiss her. Dis noted that she was already glowing, and Fili and Kili both made perfect shows of being completely ignorant to the fact until now. Fili looked up at Zahra, giving her the quickest of winks and saw her smile back at him. Fili then took his turn after Kili to kneel and kiss Ila's cheek and congratulate her, both of them giving Thora a kiss too which she happily received.

"When will you announce it to the kingdom?" Fili asked.

"Tonight at supper, hence why I am telling you now."

"Everyone will be overjoyed. You can't have too many dwarflings running around the Mountain." Dis said, clearly very happy.

"Come then, let's go to the great hall. I'm starving." Thorin said and Ila rose to hand Thora to Zahra before taking her husband's arm.

"Coming mother?" Fili asked Dis. She thought about it for a moment, then conceded seeing her two sons looking expectantly at her.

"Alright, it is a special occasion after all." She answered.

Everyone was merry and happy as they left the room together, Kili escorting his mother behind Thorin and Ila, enjoying even the view of the back of her head, her pleasant scent wafting back towards him. Fili and Zahra brought up the rear, the two shyly smiling at one another, Thora looking back and forth between them curiously. Fili thought she looked the natural mother, and was sure she would be a great one. The energy between them was a bit tense, but not in a negative manner, and the awkwardness he had felt earlier that day was gone. They said nothing, lest the others hear, but wished the walk to the great hall could have lasted much longer.

A/N: So I saw BotFA today. Dang. Was not prepared for that one death scene…it was so short yet terrible and lonely. Thank you Peter Jackson for keeping the gore down, I couldn't have taken it otherwise. As such, I had to write something happy for the Durin's today, so here you are. ;)

So I've noticed a couple of things from the reviews. First, most people are pulling for Thorin/Ila to prevail, not Kili/Ila. Second, everyone pretty much wants Fili to rule, whether that means no heir or an heir that doesn't inherit. Wonder how all that will turn out…..?

:D