CHAPTER 8

My first order of business is to check on my boys. 'SAFE.' I want to go to them immediately but my help is needed here. After the little meet and greet in the bath, I rush to rinse off all the soapy suds so that I might check on the guards. They are knocked out like I thought but none are injured to the point that I can't rouse them. The trickster was sure not to hurt them more than necessary, or maybe he just didn't need to. The dwarf, if he can be called that with his light-footed arrival, is obviously not good news but I can't decide whether he's bad to the bone or just annoying.

With more than a little help from Thoria, we manage to wake all the guards. It's a lot of running back and forth to get water to toss on them, asking who needs medical assistance, and forcing them to lean on me. Still, I keep it up until the guards are coherent enough to be extremely disturbed by the turn of events. When they are, I rush out of the bathing hall to find the nearest uninjured guard and tell them what happened. They jump into high gear and rush back to aid their friends before rushing us back to the rooms for safekeeping. They apologize for the 'failure' the whole way there. I just ask that they let me know if they need anything or if any injuries are more serious than they appeared to my untrained eye. This clearly surprises them but they nod before taking off again.

Two rush off to inform Thorin of the 'situation' at hand after my place has been secured, leaving me to explain an edited version of what has happened to the now worried boys. It's difficult with Thoria interjecting but I manage to calm them all. By the point when Thorin arrives though, there is no time left to discuss what happened. It ticks me off because now Thorin is aware but will ensure that I won't be able to gain any more insight on the situation. As I exit the rooms with the kids in tow, I notice that all the guards are different. He's already changed them so I can't ask what the previous ones saw. It's frustrating. I get that he wants to protect me. I get that in this world females are little delicate flowers that need to be kept away from certain darknesses. I even get that to everyone in this world, I'm too much, put myself in business beyond my need to know, and should just sit quietly while my husband figures it out. That's just not me. Still, I promised to be... more typical of the expected woman during this meeting. The events of this afternoon can't undo that promise so I do the fancy bows as I enter the hall. I allow myself to be guided to my place behind the children before the counsel and say nothing. Two ornate chairs are brought out and placed next to Fili, who sits along the back wall. The dwarves all look at me and the children, mostly me, in curious suspicion as the meeting begins. Balin walks between my group and the Dwarven counsel like a lawyer before a jury.

The room is a semi-circle. On the flat side are rows of empty benches, I assume for onlookers during public dealings. Due to this dealing with the children, it was decided that it would not be open to the public. In the center of the flat side is a large door leading back into the hall. In the middle of the room is an enclosed witness stand. There is no seat there, just wooden bars. That is where we stand. Seated further ahead at the curved end of the room is the Royal Dwarven Counsel. Each one is a high-ranking official that manages some part of Erebor. From trades to agriculture, each one plays a major part in making sure this place runs in tip-top shape. They are each seated at a long U-shaped table with the top being reserved for the royal party. There is a door behind the Center chair that the monarch uses to enter. We all bow as Thorin enters, followed by Fili. The king gives the command for everyone to be seated. Unable to do so, the kids and I just straighten up and wait. Balin introduces the children one by one and I feel like they are being auctioned off. Their names and ages, temperaments and assets they can bring to the kingdom. When he introduces me, the murmurs begin. When he states I'm Thorin's One, the gasps of surprise start up. When he says I'm here to be recognized as the King's legal wife, all hell breaks loose.

"All will be discussed but first!" he indicates for the kids to move forward. They do so, after getting the ok from me. The twins have met Balin before but are still cautious of the situation "We must take care of our greatest gifts."

They are thankfully received well, as not a single person in the room doubts that they are indeed of some relation to the King. Sure, many need strong convincing that I'm their mother but it's assumed that I'm either a lover or have secretly raised the kids in place of their mom. Either way, they are his, he accepts they are his, and that's enough apparently. Thoria and Theodore are quickly crowned as prince and princess, without much fuss at all. A bow here, nod there, and boom! Done. They are guided to sit to the right of Fili as they are not Crown Prince and Princess but I really didn't want that anyway. They'll be safe, cared for, and have a home for the rest of their lives... Pending any more dragons. The only chair to the left of Fili also happens to sit just slightly behind Thorin. I don't need to look to know that Thorin is watching me intently. His chair sits higher than all as the ruling monarch; the back reaching twice as high as any other. There is a smaller bench against the wall behind his, the one beside Fili, and I can guess who it belongs to. Its back reaches higher than the others as well but not nearly as high as Thorin's.

'The Queen's place.'

The constant reminders that different people are 'less than' others due to race or sex makes my blood boil. Honestly, his elaborate bench makes all others look like lawn ornaments, it's senseless to me. I take a deep calming breath and try to soothe my American rage. Now isn't the time and this world isn't the place. I remind myself that I chose to be here. I chose to come back knowing without a doubt that I'd be losing some of the freedoms Id grown to take for a God-given right. I can feel the King's eyes on me but I do not meet his. I do not know how to treat a King, especially in this setting. The meager cliff notes I received from Balin were the same repetition I've been getting: Be quiet. I know if I look up at him now it'll be with the eyes of a wife, not a subject. An equal, not an outsider. My eyes would shine with defiant anger and I am angry. I'm angry not for myself but for Kiliel. The twins were accepted with ease because they looked the part. Thats all. But Kiliel? He has to go through a whole song and dance just to be allowed to stay in the mountain.

"Why is he still here?"

"Send him back to his motherland!"

"What need have we an elf?"

Killiel stands with his face downturned as insult after insult is thrown at him. The tips of his ears are red with embarrassment but he does not move. If he had cried out or reached for me, I would have held him tightly and protected him from the onslaught but he doesn't. He's being as strong as he knows how and I won't be the one to break him. He stands with his head down but back straight as he and his mother are slandered in the name of Dwarven Pride. Not a single dwarf insults his dwarven lineage; instead directing their distaste to tear apart the elleth that bore him.

"We are not here to decide whether he may remain or go. That was decided years previously as you all recall." Bringing the shouts down to a manageable level, Balin returns to the subject rather than the insults "Only a guardian for him is needed.

"Again?!"

"His current, Princess Tilda, has grown old and can no longer keep him as her charge."

"Bah!" snorts a well-dressed dwarf. He's overdressed compared to everyone else at the table "We wasted enough time a few decades ago doing just that!"

"Aye, but she is a daughter of man, and their lives run shorter."

The group grumbles but does not start insulting Tilda or her humanity. I suppose it would be like me insulting a Mayfly for only living 24 hours. It's just a fact that I live longer, and doesn't really deserve bragging rights. The counsel easily names me as Kiliel's guardian, or rather, they don't care enough about him to argue the fact. Without lifting his head, he returns to my side, and the ordeal is temporarily adjourned. The room needs to be reset for an audience, as many people want to attend the situation surrounding the King's secret wife.

The children are dismissed and I immediately console them. The twins are confused at Kiliel's treatment and don't understand why everyone was so mean. For his part, he gives them a very forced smile that hurts my heart. Fili, bless his soul, comes over and volunteers to take them back to the rooms. The twins eagerly agree, having quickly learned that Fili is the fun older cousin. Kiliel though... he just nods without raising his head. There is not enough time to really talk so I sigh and thank the older dwarf for his help before heading back to the council room. Just as before, I wait in a side room out of the way. I am guided in once the scene is set, and again on the stand. Most importantly I hold. My. tongue. As such, I currently stand before all while we listen to a few pompous dwarven lords try to deny me my name.

"Lord Balin, we all know the story of his Majesty's One. A daughter of man born with future sight was picked by Mahal himself and gifted with abilities to aid in the noble quest to reclaim Erebor. Her contributions and story lay etched into our walls." the audience murmurs and I make a mental note to check it out. I haven't been able to site see much unless the maids are with me "You want us to believe that his One, a woman from 60 years ago, still lives and currently stands before us without having aged a day?"

"Yes." Balin answers simply, not bothering to elaborate

"And what proof have you of this? Girl!" I look to the speaking dwarf and maintain my mantra. *Inhale* Silence *Exhale* Silence "Tell us, you claim to be the honorable One from our history. Prove it! In the ballads, it is said that the Berch Kannag flew through the air and strangled Smaug with her bare hands!"

"..."

"That is not something we can repeat." Balin says with a chuckle. I thank him for it because my mantra isn't working and I was about to ask the dwarf if he was stupid. The story gets worse each time I hear it. I remember Balin calling me that though. 'Seeing girl' or something "It would be unwise to attempt to make such a viewing."

"She had other gifts, did she not?"

"Yes, she did." I open my mouth to list them but Balin continues on. Oh, yeah. Quiet "She was born with the gift of sight but when Mahal selected her to aid our King he gave her new abilities of strength and the tongue to speak any language she could hear. This is testable."

I do not correct or elaborate, thinking that some of my abilities will only freak them out as well as knowing to never lay all my cards out on the table. I'm not unbeatably strong, in fact, I'm as soft as a baked bean but my limits are none of these dwarves' business. I spend the next half hour arm-wrestling any dwarf who wants to try to beat me. None can, as I have the ability to use their strength without a filter. Like, humans are all super strong but if we use all the strength we have, our bones will crumble so we limit our strength into usable forms. Not me, at least not when using this gift. No matter how much strength I use, it's not my own so I suffer no ramifications or limits.

"If... If she is a daughter of man she should no longer be living." the latest dwarf contender shakes out his arm with a wince. He went all out and will probably be pretty sore. He gives me a nod of appreciation though, so I'm not too upset about this drawing out. The dwarves in the audience murmur and nod, agreeing with a very acceptable statement "How do you explain this?"

"…" For the 1st time since this whole thing started Thorin and I exchange a look. How do you explain that your wife is kind of an alien? Easy! You blame someone no one dares fight against. He glances down at Balin and nods "Mahal had need of her. When she fulfilled her duty to him, he returned her to our King's side. He is not subject to time as we know it thus, neither was she or her children while in his care."

Of course, this starts a cacophony of arguments being thrown across the room. This one agrees, this one disagrees, this one wants to eat supper. It's all very uninteresting. I personally just want to sit down. I know I should take this all more seriously but it changes nothing for me. I've decided that I don't care what anyone else decides; I'm staying with Thorin and thats that. I do want to be liked though...

"Madness!"

"Sounds reasonable, lads."

"Preposterous!"

"I am not one to argue with the will of Mahal."

"What did Mahal need a woman for?"

"What WOULDN'T he need one for?"

"Ugh! You vulgar-"

"Who are ye to question Mahal?"

The arguments go back and forth until I just tune them all out. My patience thins with each moment I spend in the presence of these dwarves. It would be an unfair lie to say they are all getting on my nerves, as some hold a nearly passive demeanor that I didn't think a dwarf could pull off. Even the louder ones aren't dislikable; they are just loud, which is to be expected. Quite a few of the council have already secretly accepted that I am Thia, Thorin's One and subsequent wife. I was tested in numerous unnamed ways through all of this and assume I passed based on the stern but approving gazes. The ones who hold out appear to either not want me as Queen or are just being difficult. Understandable. They are weeded out though and we move on to decide if I am able to hold the title of Queen or Queen Consort. I'd have lost my mind if they suggested I settle for 'Concubine.' It was previously explained to me that a Queen has the ability to rule in the absence of a King. A Queen Consort, on the other hand, is the King's spouse but cannot rule in his stead. This was the only place that Balin was unsure of how the Council would decide. He knew we could make them all see that I am indeed myself but allowing me to rule them without a Dwarf holding the reigns was another story. It is decided that I will be Queen Consort and I can't say I mind. I will never hold the power to rule UNLESS both Thorin and Fili die. At that point, I will become a Regent for Theodore until he is of age. It is voted on and passed. I'm finally allowed to sit. I take up the place beside Thorin and wait. The room is again emptied of the majority of the occupants, leaving behind the council and their advisors. The advisors line the walls behind their parties as we move on. While a quiet observer before, Thorin will freely be able to participate from henceforth. Now come the expectations.

I am content to sit and listen to reasonable wishes. Taking on a few duties as well as allowing the children to be trained for whichever direction their lives may take them are a few requests. Basically being aware and supportive as well as an active member in the Kingdom. Totally acceptable. Although I have no political power on my own, I need to be aware of a number of things so I can assist with my part as Spouse and Regent should the time arise. Many of these dwarves have clearly taken classes in delicacy. So I've no problem with the majority of the dwarves in attendance.

It's the abrasive, ignorant, and downright rude dwarrow that rubs me the wrong way. Lord (I've been forewarned and forced to address them in such a way lest I severely offend someone) Posen is the worst. It makes sense though, what with him being the father of Miss kissy face and the schemer as well as, surprise surprise, Dulola's distant cousin. 'Oh joy, a family of haters.' It's probably how she secured the head maid position even though I never see her do any work. Whenever someone addresses me with any form of respect, Posen snorts loudly through his nose until I feel like throwing something at him. Balin, who is thankfully standing nearby as King's advisor, gives me his best 'No, ma'am' look that I try to honor. Thorin apparently has the same growing irritation as I when Posen raises his voice again in objection.

"Have you something you would like to say on the matter of my Queen, Lord Posen?"

"... Just that we cannot be certain that she is so." The room groans. He has been the one challenging every nearly unanimous vote. He has continuously revisited this topic, much to everyone's chagrin. He sniffs in superiority towards my direction. His grey eyes flicker with the same distrust and scorn as the females in his family "There is surely some witchcraft afoot."

"There is not. I recognize her as the woman who aided in slaying the dragon Smaug, as do the dwarves who honored my call and fought beside her to reclaim this mountain you sit in so safely." Balin nods in agreement from his place as does Dwalin, who stands by the door like a sentinel. Thorin takes my hand, showing the room the wedding band on my ring finger, and draws the braids from behind my ear "She is the one whom Mahal blessed as favored and selected from countless others to be my One. She is the woman I chose myself to be my wife. What more would you wish for?"

"Lord Dain! He could confirm her identity." Posen nods, speaking louder than needed "We should wait for him to set this matter right. Until then, my daughters-"

"My cousin has his own kingdom to rule without providing support for a fact that I already know to be true." Thorin's hand rests in my own and I can feel his calm fading "This issue has been settled."

"Uh…well…" the dwarf shifts his eyes in thought before honing in on my ring. He straightens up and waves his hand dismissively "Show us."

"Mahal, Lord Posen. What? What is it you desire to be shown?" someone at the far end of the table asks in a tired voice. I guess I'm not the only person at my wits end with Posen "State your point clearly."

"The king's jewel is said to have been broken down, remade into a ring, and given to the Queen Consort."

"And? It's clearly on 'er finger."

"Yes, clearly. A truly fine gift from a King to his Queen." I nearly roll my eyes at his obvious disdain for me " Nonetheless, it could have been removed from the true Queen after her death and simply given to this girl."

"You think to call me a liar, Posen?" No title is offered as Thorin glares ice shards at the chatty Cathy "I could have your tongue cut out."

"No no, of course not, Highness." Posen all but grovels before continuing "I only meant that it is POSSIBLE."

"This is a true possibility but it is not what has occurred." Thorin gives the dwarf a frown "Nor does it explain your earlier statement."

"The only semblance left of the Arkenstone is the image placed on Queen Thia's back, whom you claim is beside you now, King Thorin." Who blabbed about my tattoo? Ugh, more work. For the first time, Posen turns to actually address me directly "You should have this image, yes?"

"..." Having hardly said anything during all of this, I blink in surprise that someone is asking ME a question. I'm never doing the quiet thing again. It sucks and I answer "Yes."

"You have no right to ask anything of her."

"My-my daughters-"

"No suits for my person may hold any longer, as a Queen is already in place with suitable heirs."

"But-"

"You have done well for your people, King Thorin, to reacquire Mahal's blessed Queen Mother. Even in its absence, you still hold the king's jewel." a lord (why he needs 30 of them was never explained) comments, speaking about me as though I were some inanimate object. He is one of the few that remained on the fence about my authenticity until after the arm wrestling. He didn't participate, I guess he just decided that since he couldn't fight me, he should play nice "Do you intend to claim the young Prince Durin as your new heir?"

"And what your daughter?" another offers "What shall you do with her?"

"I've never heard of Dwarf twins..."

"I have sired two children simultaneously by the same woman. The first set of twins born of a dwarf." Thorin acknowledges proudly, doing his utmost to keep the peace. Still, whether 'sired' is the right word, I'm not too sure. He didn't really do anything when you think about it "They shall both be raised within the safety of this mountain. Prince Fili is my current heir and my daughter shall be safe and content for her whole life."

"How is it that they are wholly dwarves if their mother is a daughter of men?"

"What of your children to come?"

"Will they be half breeds?"

"I cannot explain the plans of Mahal, only my own." The simple statement seems to be enough for the dwarves. I'm beginning to see a pattern here "A decision has yet to be made on who shall hold the title of my heir in the future."

"Of course not, sire." the pushy dwarf starts again, rounding the long table to approach us. It is a long table... "Might I suggest bringing your son here once more?"

"Why?" I ask, forgetting the quiet rule. No one gasps or tries to smack me in the mouth so I continue "There is nothing more on the agenda that either child needs to partake in."

"True, highness, True. Nonetheless, it cannot be denied that he has spent much time with you, his mother, and not enough with his father, the King. We should begin introducing him to the courts as soon as possible." he nods to himself, turning his attention back to Thorin "While young, it is well and good for a child to be near his mother. Her sacrifice is greatly appreciated and she will forever be remembered as the one who brought him into the world. However, he now needs to part from her side to stand by your own, my liege. It is imperative that you prepare him for his future."

"You mean to take my son from me?" I gape in defensive disbelief, the expression worsening as my counterpart looks deep in thought as if even CONSIDERING the very idea "And you would allow it?"

"Thia…" he says lowly, simulating a 'we'll talk later' vibe that I want nothing to do with. I raise my eyebrows at him, silently demanding he explain himself this instant. With an invisible sigh that only I notice, he does "You know I would not allow such a thing. He is our son and I would never keep him from you anymore than you would me. However it is true that I have spent very little time with the lad, even after your return."

"I know that… but… Thats not anyone's fault."

"No, it's not. You must trust me on this, my One. Not today, but our son will have to train eventually." the idea of Theodore being away from me breaks my heart and I know Thorin plainly sees that "He will not be gone from your sight for long."

"Indeed not. Young Durin-"

"His name is THEODORE, not Durin." I correct, growing annoyed that everyone keeps calling him out of his name. No one calls Thorin or Fili 'Durin' so why my kid? I'm getting upset "Get it right."

"Yes, of course. Take heart, Majesty. You will still have your daughter to tend after." he placates poorly and continues, ignoring my growing hopes that his head explodes "Her place by your side is secure until she reaches of age and is married, as is her duty. We have no need of her until then."

"No need?" the headache I'd been fighting off attacks my temple with a resounding thump. I close my eyes and ignore the dwarf as he drones on "Who do you-"

"King Thorin, I know you this isn't something you want to discuss anymore" Posen interjects and I want to wring his neck "But I think we would be derelict in our duties if we didn't have at least a wizard or someone ensure this girl is who she says she is."

Having noticed that I am about to rain hellfire on his council Thorin acts quickly. With a wave of his hand, the guards begin leading the females from the room. I'm extremely confused as an arm is offered to escort me out but I also know that my usual temperament would probably ruin all the hard work we just did. Grasping the offered arm, I don't fight the guidance. Just as the remaining females and I begin to pass the empty audience benches, Eponine lets out a cry and trips. I'd noticed her in the audience but didn't notice her along the rows of advisors. She stumbles into my back, catching the material on her way down. I was told to be careful in the dress because it was made in a hurry. I think Eponine meant to embarrass me but from flush on her cheeks, I dont think she meant to completely bare my back to the room. The stitches give out and shes left sprawled out on the floor with half my dress in her hands. The shimmering tattoo on the base of my spine is out for the world to see and I imagine Mahal probably set this all up just for a good laugh. The audible gasps don't make me feel any more regal but I take it with a heaping pile of salt.

"It… it could be fake." Posen tries once more, rising from his seat as if in a trance. Looking over my shoulder, I catch a glimpse of the dwarf's clouded gaze. I quickly turn to face him when the dwarrow begins to storm over with an outstretched hand "Let us be sure."

"You go too far, Lord Posen!" Balin growls in a way I didn't know he could as the guard at my back wraps his cloak around my shoulders. The room shouts in agreement as the Lord ducks his head in shame "To request to lay hands on another's One, let alone the Queen Consort, is a grave offense."

"Apologies." he murmurs, retracting his hand and shaking his head to clear it, genuinely dazed and confused "Apologies."

"You have your proof, I will hear nothing more on the topic of my wife's validity. From henceforth, forgiveness shall only be granted in the form of a detached head." The cloak material tickles my skin but I refuse to shiver, instead looking down at the gaping dwarfdam. Reaching out, I gasp her hand and pull her back to her feet before walking away. Thorin's voice rumbles over them all, quieting the questions "Lord Posen, come to my receiving room after. We will have words."

Dwalin opens the door for me with a mute nod and I'm grateful for his silence. As soon as the doors close behind me, I pick up my dress and walk/run out of the hall. I don't accept this, not all of it. The anger wells up inside me even as I grow immensely tired. I'm tired of being angry or sad or hurt. This is not how it was supposed to be. Then there are my babies. The court would honor one and disregard the other, using both as pawns in an elaborate game of chess that never ends. Even going as far as to call Theodore 'Durin,' they desire too much from my boy. They'll take it all if they can, if I let them, but how can I stop them? Am I even allowed to?

This is why I hate politics; it makes no sense! I stop running and collapse against a cool wall, sliding down as tears well up in my eyes but I blink them away. I'm not the childish girl who entered this world all those years ago; Bright eyed, bushy tailed and hungry for adventure. Kili is a semi-suicidal moron. Fili is hiding from himself. I'm pretty sure Thorin wants me to massacre half his 'advisors' so he doesn't have to. Thoria is the little princess I always knew she was and while I expect her to one day marry, I want it to be for love not political gain. It's true that with Theodore being the son of a king, he will more than likely one day rule, no matter how crippling my aversion is to the prospect. And Killiel... Damn it all to hell!

"Can't we just take this a little slower? I know it's technically been 60 years but come on!" I speak to myself, pulling my knees up to my chest and resting my forehead on them. Back when this all started, it was so simple: Don't let anyone die. Now it's the whole living part that is kicking my butt "Isn't there any place that doesn't have kings or queens or… voyeurism?"

The Shire

The answer comes to me like a Godsend and I take it at face value. I have been meaning to get over there anyway. Bilbo's party is rapidly approaching and if I use my 'jump' just right, I can stop and visit a couple of people on the way. I could stop by and say hello to Addasser and punch Thranduil in the face. And Grimbeorn should have been born so I can meet him when I see Beorn. Then there's Rivendell of course, I still have some things there. I can bypass the shire and visit the Blue Mountains to see Bofur and Bombur and Bifur before doubling back and making it to the party in record time.

Bilbo wouldn't mind a little company on his second adventure. It'll be nice to take the trip from the Shire to Rivendell without being chased by orcs and I'm sure the children will be more than happy to finally meet 'Uncle Bilbo' not to mention seeing the sun again.

We haven't been outside since we got here; the areas that are closest to the outside world have been forbidden to visit. Thorin fears for the children falling from the elevations and I never found it too important of an issue to push being that dwarves don't really need direct sunlight... even if I do.

Yes, it'll be good for us all. I nod to myself thinking this is just what we need. I start to stand up, feeling a little better before I collapse once more at the weight of all the things I forgot.

"What about the fact that Thorin probably won't agree to let me take the kids all the way across middle earth." I place my hand on my chin and hum "Or that Frodo is kind of sort of going to save the world. OR that none of my problems will be fixed by my taking this impromptu vacation..."

The Shire.

"I need to go though. Even if nothing is fixed, it'll give me time to relax and think of a solution, right?" Making up my mind I stand once more and head to my room "It's not like I'm joining the fellowship or anything like that. Everything will be alright once I get to the Shire."

THORIN POV

I want to go after my wife but still have issues to address here. She wasn't shaken by Posen's daughter's slight. That her back was bare for a room of males to see disturbed me but she was covered quickly. I will give her time to level her temper and visit her tonight. I know she is extremely unhappy with the turn of events but things could have ended much worse. In fact with everything being as it is, this outcome is very good. Thia has been accepted as my Queen Consort and the twins our children. I even had her named as Kiliel's guardian, much to the lad's relief. It took a great deal longer than I would have liked but she is mine and all must know and accept that. Our son on the other hand... while he too is mine, I will indeed need to spend quality time with him. He still has not said a word to anyone outside of his mother and sister. I'll not be an absent father, to him or his sister.

"Is something the matter, your highness?" Musoud, a Lord from a long line of jewelers, drags my attention back to the conversation. Though excellent at his craft, he often lacks conversational awareness which leads to him speaking his ideas of truths more harshly than he means. Such as my daughter being a mere trinket for political gain. He has not made a good first impression on my wife, narrowly missing the tongue-lashing of his life. Though it is significantly better than Posen and his daughters. He looks toward the door with curiosity."You seem displeased. Shall we send someone after the Queen?"

"No. She will be fine." Not that she could be easily caught if she desired not to be found. The ease in which she wields her gift has improved since she first discovered it "Despite her duty to Mahal, she has never been away from our children for very long. She is anxious to be with them again."

"I see. My suggestion about your heir must have no doubt upset her then. My apologies but I simply think it is vital-"

"Yes, thank you very much, Lord Musoud. No matter the difference in preferences, my wife and I only wish the best for our son's, and daughter's, future." Deciding to end the conversation before it gets started again, I move forward to the next topic "The official announcement of our union will be made in four days' time."

"Of course, your highness. The sooner the better. May you grow prosperous with Mahal's chosen bride."

With little more to discuss on my private life, the meeting progresses quickly and at times even smoothly. We discuss upcoming events and future planning, much like any other meeting before this one. Yet I would be a fool if I thought that everyone within this room agrees with the outcomes placed before them. It was the same with... her. I could not welcome her into the royal house, not without a bond between her parents, but I declared her under the mountain's protection. All outwardly silenced their tongues when referring to the half-elven child and I believed... hoped... that they would leave her be. For some time she was left alone but alas... One would smile in my face and cut my bloodline just the same. When I was informed of her death, my heart went out to my nephew. The deed was done and her killer was brought to justice. He honestly thought he was doing the right thing, taking no fee to kill a child, and giving no names of who gave him entry. His death was not swift.

Concluding the meeting, I meet each dwarf's eyes before departing. Some of them are good dwarves; honest and hard-working. Most of them in fact. But there are always a few possessed by darkness who wish calamity on those around them. Despite Thia's worries, the twins are not much like their deceased cousins except for the different races of their mothers. That was the defining factor of their fate. Dwarves have always intermingled with the daughters of men in Dale. Both before and after Smaug. There are a number of interracial couples currently living in both Kingdoms. My own crown heir married their Princess. It was a long-standing tradition that ensured good relations for generations. In addition, it gave hope. Women are more fertile and plentiful than dams. The union between dwarf and woman usually did not yield any more children than Dwarrow amongst themselves but it gave more opportunities to make the attempt. When it did result in a child, it was rejoiced. Still, some relationships are acceptable while others are a death sentence. That child's fate was sealed simply due to her elvish lineage. My children have no fear of death for having Manish blood. Having Fili as my heir also protects them, as there is less fear for the throne. Paired with their lack of Manish appearance, as well as housing Durin's soul, I doubt they have anything to fear in their ancestral home. Our future children will fall under this cover of protection as well. It is to this that I attribute to having received no threats on their lives. Not yet at least. With Thia and my upcoming union, however... darkness will come, as it always does, and I will be ready.

This. Took. Hours. Why? I had to rearrange and edit multiple chapters to make it fit a little better. It DIDNT fit better so I had to work some more. I combined side chapters and main chapters, changed a major story part because it didn't seem likely, and it got looooooong. Ugh. I'm glad this chapter is over

Berch Kannag roughly means 'daughter see' which makes no sense, which is why Thia can't understand the phrase. The idea behind it is "The child of sights" or "The daughter of fate.