DISCLAIMER: Let's get this out of the way. I do not own or have any hope of ever owning the characters or happenings of middle earth. They belong to Tolkien and as far as I'm concerned he can keep them. For now. I do, however, own my OC, Thia! So don't steal her. Please, feel free to leave any comments and/or questions that you may have. Follow the story in whichever way you would like, but make your thoughts known and be polite while you do it. Thank you!

CHAPTER 3

The act of fleeing from a loved one takes more out of me than I thought it would. The urge to pass out caused by suddenly 'jumping' after so long, amongst other more private reasons, is so strong that I get close enough to see stars dancing around my head. Placing my hand on the cool wall, I attempt to set myself straight. 'Come on body, just hold out a little longer.' Steadying myself, I set down my things once more and approach the location I know my children occupy. They seem to be in someone's quarters as it is two rooms separated by an archway. I landed in the bedroom portion but the children appear to be in the communal area. I spot Duke taking a siesta and deduce that the kids have more than likely already worn him out. Leaving the canine to rest, I continue on. Thoria's laughter greets my ears and I smile, happy that she is content for the moment. 'At least their surprise babysitter isn't too upset.' I wonder who it is though; Fili or Kili?

Standing in the open archway, I lean onto the wall and watch as the children play a strange version of tag with a young dwarf, who is neither Kils nor Fils, around the age of ten or eleven in human years. A quick bit of age conversion and I settle on around 20 years old. The game consists of Thoria running, the child chasing, and Theodore not getting involved as usual. He watches the happenings attentively but shows no signs of joining in. Even if he refuses to play at the moment, I can always trust my boy to keep his sister out of harm's way. At only three he's still a protective manly man. If he thought the dwarfling was trouble, he wouldn't let him near the girl.

At least, I assume the kid is a dwarf… and a he. His stout stature is a dead giveaway to his dwarfish roots, and the only confusion is really in his delicate facial features. They are almost… feminine. Taking in the strawberry blonde hair and light-footed sureness, I suspect I've found myself a dwelf.

"Are you Kili's son?" I ask curiously but immediately feel terrible as he flinches from my voice, nearly toppling over his own feet in surprise "I didn't mean to startle you, I just-"

"Who are you and why are you in my rooms?" he demands and I can't really blame him. I'm kind of a creep right now "If you've come to-"

"Mama!" Thoria cries out, just about bowling the poor kid over in her enthusiasm to get to me. I welcome her into my arms despite the pain raising up my spine as I bend to hug her "Where you go?"

"Mmmm, I just had a little meet and greet." I answer, waving my hand dismissively "It was... strange."

"Hm?" she hums curiously but I just shake my head

"Mama?" little Kili whispers as he watches Theodore come over to stand silently by my side "You are HIS mother?"

"Both of them, yeah. And sorry." I lift my hands to show I mean no harm and hope he doesn't start screaming for the guards. That's the last thing I need right now: more guards "I'm Thia Malcolmson and I'm here for my children."

"You?" He gasps and looks me up and down before eyeballing the kids "You are correct!"

"Uh, yeah." I nod slowly, not sure where this is going "Yeah, I know that."

"If you are HIS mother then you would HAVE to be THE Thia Malcolmson!" he states, putting crazy emphasis on too many words and I'm starting to wonder why everything is so amazing to him. All his suspicion flies out the window as the preteen's eyes widen in admiration "I've heard so many stories about you! How you slew the dragon. OH! And Azog! That was an impressive feat, especially for a lady a-an-and if you're really a daughter of men, shouldn't you be, um, you know, dea-"

"And your name is?" I ask, trying to keep him from having a heart attack or pronouncing me dead like so many others already have today "You clearly know me, but I don't know you yet. You took such great care of my children and I'd like to properly thank you."

"Ah, that's right!" he once again transforms; this time becoming a polite gentleman, dwarf, uh... er... dwelf "Kiliel son of Kili at your service, Queen Mother."

"Thank you for your service…Queen Mother?" I ask with a tilt of my head. That's the second time I've heard the phrase "What is that?"

"Well, you of course." He answers as if it's plain as day. When I still look confused, he goes on to explain "The 'Queen Mother' is a name given to only very special Ladies. She is the mother of-"

"Kiliel is a girl's name." Thoria says randomly and I'm surprised she would be so… mean. Theodore's hand curls into the fabric of my pants, signifying he is greatly annoyed. Whether by his sister or cousin, I don't know "You're a boy... right?"

"Thoria! That's not a nice thing to say." Why she suddenly decided to insult the dwar- dwelf is not as important as the fact that she did "Apologize."

"Thory, Ma-"

"NOW, Thoria."

"… Sorry Kiliel." She mumbles with a pout before she grins at him "No more name talking, k?"

"Thoria…" I warn, not feeling up to her sass this late. Or early. I put my hand to my head to will away the dancing lights "Cut it out."

"It's alright, I was getting ahead of myself." Kiliel gestures to a love seat-like cushion "Please, sit. You look a bit faint. May I offer you food or drink?"

"Ah, no. That's alright, I don't want to put you out." I do, however, sit down before I fall down. Baby boy climbs into the open space beside me, claiming the spot as his own "It's really nothing. I'm just a little tired is all."

"That is good to hear. However…" the boy seems to be choosing his words carefully "Why are you here? In my rooms no less? And after so long?"

"I'm in your rooms because my children arrived here. Where they are, I'm not usually far from if I can help it." I stroke my son's face to let him know I can hear his low murmurs about our time apart. I've learned to multitask because regardless of what is happening around us, if Theodore wants to tell me something, he does. Kiliel nods in understanding, waiting curiously for any further information "The time gap is not my doing. As for why I'm here overall, it's just because I need to be."

"For His Majesty?"

"For him. For me. For them." I lift my hands in a shrug before I feel a frown tugging at the corner of my mouth "I wanted us to all be together."

"… But his Majesty is getting remar-"

"How can I repay you for your time?" I ask suddenly, hoping I don't sound too harsh. I don't want to hear about Thorin's less-than-appealing actions at the moment "Is there anything you want?"

"Something I… want?" he inquires and I have a creeping suspicion that it's not a question he gets asked often "Something... I... want..."

"Mhmm. If I can do it, I'll do my best to see it done."

"I've heard so much about you and your adventures..." studying the floor, the child looks very young "Might you t-tell me one?"

"I'd be delighted."

At Kiliel's request, I begin a mini storytelling session about a few parts of the adventure. He admits to having heard them tons of times from tons of perspectives but never my side. The children always love the portion in Rivendell so I give my rendition, and Kiliel seems enthralled by it as well.

Even with my body aching, I don't stop Theodore from climbing into my lap halfway through. Thoria takes his place beside me and Kiliel tentatively rests his head on my knees as I spin the tale. We laugh and shout and have a great deal of fun at my expense. Glancing around at the nearly bare room once I've finished, I wonder why the guards haven't come to investigate the noise clearly emanating from this room. They came to check out Thorin's when… Stupid guards.

"The twins weren't too loud, were they? No one came to complain?"

"… No one ever comes here anymore." He says in a solemn voice, face losing all semblance of joy. It causes me to immediately seek a way to alleviate his sadness

"Well, I came. So that's something." I answer, lightly tapping him on the chin with my fist. He blinks up at me as if I'd suddenly appeared out of nowhere. Trust me, I know the look. His expression is so full of a childish need for attention that I can only guess how lonely he's been and I've no idea why Kili would let it happen "Auntie Thia is here to save the day, so chin up. Alright?"

"Mm." is his only answer, as he presses his forehead into my knees, and if they become a little damper than usual, I don't notice "Yes… Auntie."

Placing my hand on his head, I rub light circles into his hair. The tresses are silky smooth to the touch so unlike the coarseness of a dwarf's. Curling a lock around my finger, I find something significant missing. 'No braids.' I find it odd and wonder at the lack of hair adornment but cannot contemplate it for long.

"I see you have met Kili's son." The door thuds closed and I lean my head back to stare at the ceiling, counting to ten "You did not give me much to go on in your location's description."

"And yet, you still found us."

"These quarters are usually much quieter." He answers, coming further into the room "It alerted the guards."

"Not that they came to check."

Pop goes the moment. I must have been talking for longer than I thought if Sir Lost-a-lot had enough time to catch up. Kiliel stands and wipes his face violently at hearing his great Uncle's voice, just to bow his head in respect. Thoria's head bounces between her cousin and the newcomer, while Theodore appears to be content with calmly laying in my arms. Deciding to get the introductions underway, I coax the boy into standing. Suppressing a groan of pain, I follow him up.

"This" I gesture to the toddler before me "is our son, Theodore. Many call him Theo for short."

"My son. Theodore. Theo." Thorin repeats the name slowly, seemingly trying to commit it to memory. They share a moment of recognition that I can't quite put my finger on as I beckon my daughter forward. Kiliel stands silently at my back, watching the scene play out. Thorin bends to a knee so he can stand at eye level with the boy "I have been waiting for a very long time to meet you again."

"..."

"Thorin." I call lightly, recapturing his attention as Theodore makes no move to answer. I assume my husband means 'again' as in before Theodore was born "There's someone else."

"Someone else?" he asks, totally oblivious. His gaze shifts to the dwelf behind me and he shakes his head in denial "If you mean Kiliel-"

"I don't, though Kiliel won't be forgotten. I mean our daughter," I wink at the half dwarf as I floor the king with a surprise kid "Thoria."

"Hi." She says meekly, waving her fingers at her father

"A... A daughter? But..."

"Use your manners Thorin." I chastise and Thoria giggles softly "When someone greets you, you greet them back."

"Right. You are right. Hello… Thoria."

He answers in comical disbelief, staring at the child as though she may sprout wings. She puts up a brave front but before long his starring causes her enough unease to hide her face behind my legs. The king makes a soft sound of regret before trying to persuade the girl from her hiding place. The curious thing that she is, it doesn't take but a moment. Looking between the two, Thorin finally comes to a conclusion and lifts his eyes to me. I try not to look smug.

"Twins?"

"Twins. And you said it couldn't happen." I fondly ruffle each child's hair "Show's what you know."

"That it does." Thorin grasps each child's hand, then cups their cheeks with a laugh. He pulls them into a soft embrace and the image is so perfect that I could put it in a greeting card "Twins. The first dwarvish pair of twins. Thia, you are truly amazing."

Releasing the doubles and standing, he pulls me into a swift hug that startles me into stillness. Even as annoyed with him as I am, his arms find a way to cool my flaming anger with him and I think that annoys me even more. It isn't far that I want to melt into his warmth and have his scent surrounds me like a thick blanket. I don't want to want him more than my next breath. It eats me up inside that I haven't felt this right in ages. I want to be angry, not comfortable!

He pulls back slightly to gaze at me in wonder that is only blemished by the smidgen of guilt behind his eyes. 'And why shouldn't he feel guilty after the stunt he pulled?' A sharp exclamation is at the tip of my tongue but I literally bite it down. I can have enough self-control to let my children grow up happy. Yes, I'm hurting. Yes, I'm angry. However, that is THorin and my fight and it shall be kept between us. I want our children to be blissfully unaware for the most part, being transferred to a new world is enough to worry about. Parents are going to fight sometimes, however, the children shouldn't be in the middle of it. So even if I want to yell and throw things and make Thorin know how very angry I am about our situation, I won't. Not here. Not with our children between us. So taking the compliment for what it is, I offer him a small smile in return.

"I do my best." I reply lightheartedly. It is not to last though, as the little lights start dancing on the edges of my vision again and the dwarf's face falls out of focus "I think… I should sit down now."

"Are you alright?" he asks worriedly

"Fine." I respond with a slow blink, knowing what is coming "Just... need to sit."

"You are pale." He frowns and tightens his arms around my waist to keep me from falling. I shake my head to try and clear it, but that only makes things worse. Thorin places a heavy hand on my head before clicking his tongue "You are warm. I knew you should not have gotten up so soon."

"Mama?" Thoria calls, a touch of worry scratching at the edge of her tiny voice "You ok?"

"Don't worry, baby doll." Even as the words exit my mouth I feel myself leaning heavily into Thorin's arms "Just look out for your brother while I rest for a minute, ok?"

I can't wait for her answer as the world goes lights out.

THORIN POV

"Will she be alright?" Kiliel asks as I place my One on his bed "I thought she looked faint earlier."

I sent the servants to prepare rooms for her and our son before I began my search, so this is only temporary. Glancing at the lass by my side and the dog in the corner of the room, I know I will have to add a number of things to the list. I had forgotten Thia's impressive ability to surprise me. I did not inform anyone of her position as my returned wife, hoping to give her some calm before the storm I know will come. I will have to think of a reason to explain her reappearance and what will occur henceforth.

"You should have come to me then."

"I apologize."

Rarely do I interact with my grandnephew. After his parents'... untimely departure, it became increasingly difficult for anyone to speak plainly with the lad. It is only made worse with him being so clearly half-elf. His ears are softly pointed and his hair is straighter than any dwarf's could ever be. Even without looking at him, his gentle voice is an instant alert to his mixed heritage. It matters not that he is a half-breed, but only the race he is mixed with.

Regardless of our kingdoms actively trading, elves and dwarves cooperate only when necessary. Kiliel's tender features and demeanor ensure that he is made fun of by other children and sometimes adults as well. Even his name is soft. Try as I might, with my numerous duties, it is impossible to see to him on a regular basis. With his guardian reaching such an advanced age she is unable to see him too often either. A new one will have to be found soon.

I barely offer the lad a glance as I caress Thia's sleeping face. It tilts toward me until her cheek rests in my palm, warming the calloused skin there. Her thick lashes swipe across the tops of her golden cheeks as her face slowly regains its color. 'Rest. All she needs is rest.' It had been so long since I saw her but she hasn't changed at all. Not in the ways that matter... Her brown hair has grown, falling softly in rivulets down her back. Her face has lost most of its baby roundness, leaving behind a mature beauty. Her hips have widened, as is expected when a woman becomes with child. Yet, she is just as I remember her, fire and all.

I was overcome with emotion upon seeing her again; the need to hold her in my arms was unbearable. Though I tried to restrain myself, I still held her too many times and apparently too roughly. My One was always a delicate spit fire and I will make up my treatment of her when she is well enough to forgive me.

"You are not fully at fault." I concede on the subject "I should not have let her leave and she should not have pushed herself so far."

"What's wrong with Mama?" a soft voice asks. I turn to the lass, my daughter, and watch the worry splash itself across her little face. Her breathing is heavy with fear and if I look well enough, I may be able to see her heart beating through her breast like a baby bird "Will she be ok?"

"She will be fine, Gehyith." I place a hand on her hair that feels so similar to my own to calm her. Seeing her so distressed brings me no joy "She is simply tired."

"How come?" her voice is unlike her mother's. It's light, like tiny bells chiming in the breeze but I find it beautiful nonetheless "Hm?"

"… Because we were moving furniture in my quarters," I answer with a half-truth. The bed indeed moved, and broke even, but not once did she complain. She welcomed me time and again, which is more than likely why she is in this position now "It is why she is so tired and sore. We must let her rest, as she should have done before."

"Ohhhhh." The young child looks as though she has more questions but decides not to ask, instead going over to stand beside Kiliel. She looks around for a moment before frowning in the direction of her mother's prone body "Theo! Papa said Mama has to rest!"

Papa... The title rests on my shoulders like a thousand precious stones; a heavy burden but worth the strain. Turning my head slightly, I see Durin Reborn climbing into the bed beside his mother. He pauses only a moment to face his sister with a look that lets her know he heard her, before continuing to crawl to Thia's side. Watching the interaction, I realize that the lad has not been away from her side since I entered the room. What worries me more is his silence; I have yet to hear him utter a word. 'Is he a mute?' The possibility seems unlikely, mostly due to the fact that he was whispering in Thia's ear when I entered the room.

I do not wish to upset the child, however, Thia will rest better without him attached to her hip. It will also do him good to add some distance. He can not stay with his mother forever. While she may have been the sole provider for the twins up to this point, I shall assist from now on as is my right as his, and her, father. Mind made up, I approach the bed and wait for his attention to fall on me. When it does, I address him directly.

"I know you worry for her however you must let your mother rest now, Durin."

"THEO, Papa." I hear the girl answer, her brother simply blinking up at me "Durin is our last name."

"Our." Kiliel states and I silently commend the lad on figuring out who my son is so quickly "You share the name?"

"Mhmm. Mama says I'm Thoria Distiny, not Destiny 'cause Destiny sucks, Durinson but I'm Thory and Theo is Theodore…" She stops here, as if trying hard to remember her brother's full name "Here."

She extends her tiny wrist, showing me a small gold bracelet. Her second name is a reminder of my sister, Dis. I softly grasp the offered appendage noticing that it is not the hand of a man-child but of a dwarf. Though slightly thinner and smaller than average, both children appear to be normal dwarflings. The birthing must have been torture on the little woman's body and I can only thank her for living through it. 'To have been cut and lived, her strength is truly astounding.' Yet, all I can offer her in return is more pain… Focusing on the trinket I can see that etched into the surface, written in every language known to middle earth and some not, is her full name. Rubbing my thumb across it, I do the same for her brother. 'Theodore Farrell Durinson.' Thia named them after my siblings…

"Theo only talks to me and Mama 'cept when it's reallllllly 'portant" She babbles on, mispronouncing many words and lifting her arms for Kiliel to pick her up. The young dwarf attempts to comply, careful not to drop her knowing he'd face both Thia's and my own wrath if he did "But he listens."

"Is that so?" I arch an eyebrow at my son only for him to arch one in return "Hm."

"Why… why did you not wish for me to tell Auntie Thia what the 'Queen Mother' is?" Kiliel questions the young girl. Though I am unsure when this occurred, my curiosity has been piqued "To be Amadel... It is an honor."

"It is indeed." I agree, dreading how the sun begins to rise higher over the horizon. I will have to leave soon for the meetings "Surely you would want your mother to know of it?"

"No." the raw power that suddenly radiates from the little body beside me is astounding, to say the least. The voice is that of a child but at the same time, it is not "It will bring her sorrow to know of our position and that is unacceptable."

That word 'Our' is used again. It's almost as if- A shift tilts the atmosphere of the room so that the power is more balanced, as though it was coming from two places. Without turning, I know the stabilizing shift is my daughter's doing.

"Her happiness is of the utmost importance to us and we will not have it jeopardized."

There is no threat in her voice, only truth. Dwarves are not known for their magic, having very little need for it. Durin himself was not a magical being despite his repeated rebirth yet my children seem to be overflowing with it. No…. not magic. Just power. Pure unbridled potential. I've no concept of what it means and as they are adamant about Thia not discovering it, I have no way of determining if she unknowingly has information about its extent or purpose. Even so, I am unafraid of this revelation. In fact if anything, I am saddened by it.

If the gods have deemed gifting such young children with unbelievable power, then great darkness is surely approaching for them to do battle with. I understand why they do not wish for Thia to be made aware. With her intelligence, she would quickly come to the same conclusion and it would indeed bring sorrow to her heart. For no mother would wish such a fate upon her child. Accepting that it is no longer a simple matter of ancestry reborn, I turn to address the doubles only for the overwhelming power in the room to suddenly disappear completely. Kiliel collapses under the relieved tension and slips to the floor where Thoria wiggles out of his arms to join her brother by their mother's side. They watch me with odd eyes that once more hold childish innocence. Before I can ask what has occurred, the answer is given in the form of a waking Thia.

"Sorry about that." She says with a wincing stretch. Blinking her eyes into focus, she looks at the children by her side and then around the room "So. What did I miss?"

The children are not pulling the wool over Thia's eyes! Let me start with that. They really are normal three-year-olds. The only difference is that, when needed, their 'older selves' can come forth. It's like, their souls begin talking. The twins understand life as three-year-olds UNLESS their souls are talking, then its adulthood. They return to childish normalcy quickly enough. I just wanted to say that in case of any confusion.