"Well done my Princes!" Thorongil cheered as the twins rehearsed their sparring. Apparently they were natural swordsmen, and had truly taken to their training under Thorongil in a way that they had not with Thorin, Dwalin or even Fili! "Keep going."
The tall man walked over to where Shobha stood watching the boys on the empty ramparts of the upper parts of the mountain, which served as the perfect outdoor training arena. He examined his wooden sword which he used to train the boys before carrying on watching them again.
"Thank you - you really have worked wonders with them." She commented watching on as Arun spun around and blocked Thrain in a well practiced formation.
"It has been a delight to train Princes with so much natural potential. It is clearly a reflection of their pedigree. They have the blood of warriors flowing through their veins." He tilted his head. "And it is good for me to start returning back to my normal activities. I have asked King Thorin that I might accompany his next trade over to Rohan."
"So you will be leaving soon then?" She couldn't help sounding disappointed. In truth, after her relationship with Thorin had grown strained, she had socialised less and less. So Kili, Tauriel, Mara, Imli and Thorongil were the few people that she had closely associated. And now with Imli about to leave for the Iron Hills, Thorongil's absence would also be sorely felt.
"Aye, my lady..." He felt a little pity towards her. She was effectively a like a prisoner in a gilded dwarven cage. "But King Thengel would gladly welcome a Queenly visitor and her family, if you chose to travel with me? I would gladly be your escort, and vouch for your safety, as well as the children. Although the route we would take is much safer than most anyway."
She turned to look at him, contemplating his suggestion seriously.
"I would also take it upon myself to ensure your safe return back to King Thorin..."
"And you are friends with Lord Ecthelion?"
"Aye, my Lady... I am acquainted with the High Steward of Gondor."
"I would like to see Minas Tirith... I could just imagine the coronation..." She thought of the stories she read, and how she had imagined the white tree.
"Oh no my Lady, the stewards are not crowned... Just rule by proxy -"
"No, no. There will be a coronation one day in the not so far future. When Isildurs heir will be crowned... the returned King." She replied quietly, a smile creeping onto her face although she didnt look at him. "The sword that was once shattered will be re-forged."
"How... Do you know that for certain...?"
She glanced over at Thorongil, to find him staring at her with wide eyes and his mouth slightly agape in disbelief.
"Nothing in the future is certain... According to Lady Galadriel. Or Gandalf, for that matter. Or else Thorin, Fili, and Kili should have all died reclaiming Erebor." She smiled openly this time turning back to watch Thrain and Arun, as they struck their swords together. It was like a perfectly rehearsed dance. "Could we maybe keep this conversation between you and me?"
"I do not understand my lady? You would not wish the King to know or to discuss it with him?" He glanced down at her, eyebrow quirked in surprised.
"No. It's just that I need some time to figure out a few things..." The truth was, she wondered whether this was the task the Valar had planned for her all along? She knew it was probably silly to ask. But maybe she could stop Saruman from getting the keys to Orthanc...? It would certainly save many deaths from the battle for Helms Deep...
...
"Well, the air here so close to the lake, has truly helped, my lad," Aida slowly walked along holding on to Thorins arm. They made their way to the grand dining hall for the spring feast that had been prepared. It was not so much a formal evening but rather a series of quieter formal suppers laid out with gentle cadle light for those living in the Mountain to mingle more. In truth it had been an idea set forward by Shobha as a way to help singleton dwarves find love in the Mountain, which could be otherwise very busy. It had seemed to work for the last few years with many more marriages amongst the young dwarves in recent years compared with then they first returned back to Erebor. "Your Amad would be so proud of how you run the Kingdom..."
"Aunt Aida, it is hardly a solo effort..." Thorin replied quietly. "Many of the ideas come from Balin, or Fili or Dis..."
"All very talented -"
"But the best ideas are in truth from my wife -"
"I am doubtful of that laddie - the girl is so uncivilised... What do they say: You can take the girl out of the Harad..." Aida sneered in disapproval. "Why just the other day we spotted her running after younglings in the school with no shoes on along the royal corridor. She was even chasing the school master, weaving and dancing around the guards without any shame!"
Thorin hid a smile at the description. He could just imagine her, having invited all the children to play indoors. It was probably on one of the days when it had been raining heavily outside - certainly too much to go out and play.
"Oh the scandal of such behaviour." Aida continued, leaning in to Thorin. "You really must have greater control over her, my lord, before she brings much greater shame upon you! I mean she even lifted her skirts high enough to show all and sundry her ankles and legs! And not a stitch of hair on her legs…"
Thorin remained silent, helping the old woman along as he wished he had glimpsed the whole affair! She clearly had timed it for a day when he had been away from his study.
"You know it would not be a terrible thing for you to have a dwarven mistress, one who understood the noble classes, and helped with those aspects of your rule, my lord.." Aida gently suggested. "It needn't be so sordid. Perhaps more of a formal arrangement. And in truth I dounbt the girl would be opposed to it, now that you have had so many children -"
"Aunt Aida, my wife is quite enough for me," Thorin attempted to gently rebuke her suggestion with humour. "In fact I would say she is too much..."
"Yes. That is what worries us all." Aida curled her wizened old lip with disgust. "And all those males who fawn over her... Well - you just tell me if you consider it. I know so many respectable dams who would make the perfect fit for you."
He finally smiles politely as they reached her table in the grand hall that had been decorated with soft candles and large vases filled with spring flowers. Looking around it was beyond magical.
Many young dwarves and dams had gathered around talking to one another, all dressed in colourful dresses and suits, clearly looking for suitors.
"Why not dine with us tonight?" Aida suggested. "There is no high table, yet another tradition your bride has taken away for these feasts. And Lana and her son will be joining me soon. The lad admires you so very much, and he is very skilled with the sword and axe under your tutelege..."
"Very well..." Thorin replied, realising he was not aware of Shobha attending tonight. Frankly she had avoided many of these events ever since they had that talk on the stone bridge, and in truth so had he to a lesser extent.
"That's a good lad..." Aida smiled happily, as he pulled her chair out and helped her get seated.
But as he stood up to glance around the room, he noticed a wave of dwarves and dams all bowing and courtseying in the far end of the grand hall. It was enough of a commotion to make him pay closer attention to the crowds.
Apparently, and quite unexpectedly, she had arrived, accompanied by Dis, Fili and Dwalin. She wore a dusky pink dress decorated with gold embroidery, and sections of material cut out at the back and shoulders. It revealed patches of her warm brown skin, a shapely waist and sloping shoulders. Her hair was down, with some strands swept back and pinned into place.
It appeared that she hadn't noticed or expected him to be there either, but many of the younger dwarves and dams flocked about her briefly talking, joking and complementing her on the spring feasts. She was popular among the younger dwarves of Erebor, who were not of noble blood in stark contrast.
At first she seemed to stand by the table they all planned to sit at. Then, she joined Dis, who seemed to be seating Fili, beside a young dam. It was a clear set up by his sister, but the presence of his wife seemed to help his nephew and the dam, as they both chuckled at something she said.
He took another step towards them watching, mesmerised, as she then urged Dis towards Mara, where they had another brief conversation, before she finally guided his sister to a seat beside Dwalin!
"My Lord...?" A voice called from behind. "We have a seat here for you..."
But he seemed too preoccupied by her. They had spent the rest of that night together after the Holi celebrations, although she had been a little more distant. But they had since met a few times at breakfast or supper. It had been only for the duration of the meals, and their conversation easy, but his confession of needing more time apart had not sat well with her. So she had seemed friendly yet distant herself.
"My Lord...?" A hand gently rested on his arm, bringing his attention back to his guests. And turning he found Lana standing beside him dressed perhaps a little too grandly for the occasion, in a heavy brocade dress and her usual low cut neckline, this time edged with lace for marginally more modesty. "We have a seat saved for you..."
He found it hard to tear his gaze away from his wife in the distance as she seemed to be engaged in a very serious conversation with Mara, only for both to suddenly change their demeanor as they were joined by Dori. It intrigued him to know what they had been discussing. He even briefly wondered whether Shobha had entrusted their very personal secret regarding Arun with Gloins wife. They were after all very close friends.
"My Lord...?"
"Lady Lana," he bowed his head finally affording her a brief glance before finding his gaze drawn back to Shobha in the distance. "I am sorry but I must decline your invitation tonight. Perhaps some other time..."
He was quick to make his getaway despite Aida's vocal protests behind him. The many dwarrow and dam gathered in groups along his path all immediately cleared the way for him, bowing and courtseying as he passed. But he was unsurprised that he had not drawn the same warm attention that his radiant wife had.
In fact, the table his wife milled about, almost entirely ignored his approach, as everyone was engaged in amusing conversation.
"My Lady," he greeted her standing close behind. "Good evening."
She straightened up, startled by his voice, turning around to face him, still quite surprised and at a loss for words.
"Good evening, your Majesty," Mara stepped in, resting her arm on Shobha's, before courtseying. "It is an unexpected honour to have you join us..."
Shobha, was quick to follow Mara's cue, which the rest of their table also followed.
"Thank you all, for the warm welcome," Thorin bowed his head gracefully, turning to give Dwalin a pat on the back, which the burly warrior reciprocated. "I hope I am not imposing...?"
He moved towards Shobha, who still seemed a little taken aback.
"Oh! Of course, your Majesty - please take my seat..." Mara offered.
"No! Please, I will arrange for another place to be set Mara." Shobha finally intervened looking towards one of the serving staff.
"It is really no imposition. Master Dori has invited me to sit with him to discuss some important business," Mara squeezed her arm, reassuringly, giving her a subtle wink. "I shall see you for breakfast tomorrow...or perhaps more likely lunch once you have recovered from the evening..."
She chuckled, giving them both a formal courtesy before ducking away, leaving Shobha blushing at her comment and watching her friend leave unhappily lacking the buffer she craved, as the rest of the hall returned to their own conversations.
"My lady," Thorin extended his hand, and when she placed her hand in his, he gently brought it up to his lips place a kiss across her knuckles. "You look breathtaking as always."
"Oh... Thanks... But really, I am giving Lola some time off. The children are sound asleep and Tauriel and Kili are using the balcony attached to our apartment for an alfresco romantic supper while keeping an eye on them..." She smiled politely, as he pulled out her chair for her. "And I just wanted to get a few people doing nothing out for a pleasant meal."
He looked around the table, giving Dwalin a frown, and signing at him in Igliahmek.
What are you doing with my sister baheluh?
Dwalin frowned, signing back:
What are YOU doing with MY sister?!
"Please don't offend anyone or make a scene tonight Thorin..." Shobha whispered leaning in to him, noting that he didnt pull away from her when she did. "Dis is trying to introduce Fili to a very pretty and intelligent young dam..."
"My apologies... but you know it wont work out between him and the lass…" He leant in closer, enjoying the closeness and the waft of that floral perfume she wore, which lingered close to her skin.
"Why not?!" she whispered back a little annoyed, finding his icy gaze piercing her as if it might draw out her very thoughts if he carried on.
"Because she is not you." His reply was very matter of fact, as though he had come to terms with some possible notion that Fili harboured unrequited feelings for her. "Oh come now, my pretty one. We both know Fili has a fondness for you…"
"Not like that, I assure you Thorin."
"I think you are being quite blind to it - not that I feel threatened by it any longer." He meant it! These days his greatest worry was the extent of how she felt about the Lord of the Waters with whom she shared a child! "Are you trying to set my sister up with Dwalin?!"
"Really, Thorin? I think you need to relax a little." She let her hands trail along his arm playfully for the briefest of moments. It was teasing and intended to distract with good effect. "If you had told us you intended to dine tonight, I could have arranged for an extra place -"
She suddenly paused realising that perhaps he hadn't intended to dine with them all along, and had been invited by someone else. Scanning the room quickly, she spotted the table at the back where Aida and Lana sat scowling at her. It became hard for her not to imagine that he had initially accepted an invitation to dine with them, and then felt obliged to sit with her for the sake of appearances.
"Unless you had a prior invitation to dinner with others of course." She found her appetite slowly disappearing.
"I walked Aida here -"
"Yes of course, I suppose it doesn't look good if you didn't join us right?" Shobha replied quietly feeling a fool for having thought anything else about his presence. "Well, you can join them a bit later anyway, I don't intent to stay very long."
"My lady... In truth, it is rather nice to be able to join you..."
"It's okay Thorin, you dont need to pretend for me," she replied quietly keeping her eyes down on her plate, when he placed his hand on her arm stilling her movements.
"No my lady, I truly mean it," he found her big brown eyes gazing into his. "I have been looking forward to dining with you - and had hoped you might have invited me one of these evenings, to join you. I have noticed that you have been dining less in the Great hall for sometime."
"Oh. Well, I didn't realise..." She lied unwilling to expect much from him now. "This was not planned really..."
"It is a shame," he reached over and filled her glass with water. "I am truly sorry that I have never told you what a wonderful job you have done with organising these spring feasts. And you should be here to see the many young dwarrow and dam find love... These halls looks so magical... and you look simply breath-taking. Truly it is so easy to fall in love with you over again..."
He smiled gently, watching her cheeks flush in the golden light of the candles.
...
There was a loud road from the crowds as Thorin announced the spring games.
"Will you offer a dance to the winner of the wrestling again this year?" Dis inquired from where she sat beside Shobha with a smile. "It might put a bit of true competition into the mix-"
"Hah! I doubt that very much!" Shobha burst out into laughter at the thought, which their little toddler instantly copied as she sat on her mother's lap observing the excitement around them. "Besides these things can only lead to trouble. No, I have no intention of going tonight at all."
"Nonsense! You must offer a dance!" Mara urged from beside her. "You know what your problem is, my dear... You have been much too easy. You have to make your husband work for it."
"Mahal Mara! That's our King and my brother you are talking of!" Dis cringed, covering her eyes with a hand as she watched Dwalin fighting in the arena.
"So what?" Mara clapped as Dwalin pinned his opponent and was declared the winner by the judge in the ring. "I don't think he appreciates our Queen enough..."
"Really, I think I am just going to sit as far back from all this as possible." Shobha shrunk into her seat. Thorin had been a little warmer in his interactions with her in the past few weeks. But he had not attempted to have things return to how they were previously, and it was almost a month since they had that evening of passion after the Holi festivities.
The grand training arena deep within Erebor had been transformed with seating to allow various family, and suitors to watch as many dwarves took part in the multitude of challenges from wrestling matches to sparring, and archery and axe throwing to boulder tossing.
This year they had included wrestling games for adolescents and archery for younger dwarves to take part in if they chose to.
"Here we go!" Shobha clapped as Thrain and Arun stood alongside several other younglings with their bows aiming for the targets.
The initial rounds of the competition had been easy in eliminating most of their opponents, with only Eli and another girl remaining.
"Come on Arun and Thrain!"
Shobha and the other dams seated by her both turned to spot, much to her shock the excited shouts from a tall redhaired woman seated several rows behind. When she stood up and clapped again it was instantly evident that it was Tauriel, who was seated next to a very red looking Kili, who gently coaxed her back into her seat.
The judge raised his hand again and all four contestants raised their bows, aiming at their targets, and when he lowered his hand they all let their arrows fly, except the young girl. She took her time and fired her arrow, hitting a perfect bullseye.
"That's cheating!" Eli complained, whose arrow had completely missed the mark. "That's not fair!"
"Booooo!" A low jeer erupted near one of the lower seating areas occupied by some of the nobility.
The poor young dwarf girl, turned a bright red and shrunk back, although Arun moved closer to her and patted her on the back gently.
Shobha looked behind her, as Kili spotting her also stood up and began to move towards the edge of his row.
"Can you keep Seraeya for a few minutes please?" Shobha handed her toddler to Mara. "Go to Aunty Mara, darling."
"What are you going to do?" Dis turned to her worried. "You may upset a lot of people -"
"That was not cheating." Shobha replied standing up and following Kili as they made their way down to the arena to where the judge stood with another talking quietly.
The two dwarves turned to her and Kili bowing immediately.
"My Lady." The judges turned towards them. "Prince Kili..?"
"There is no rule as to when your arrow can be released." Kili cleared up with the judges. "The young lass should clearly qualify for the final round."
"I am not certain," one of the judges muttered looking through a long folded parchment of rules. "It says here if the arrow is not released within a reasonable time, it is forfeit."
"This was not so delayed." She weighed in, watching as the girl's parents, Lana and another Lord began to approach the group now.
"If he wants to win, and disqualify the girl, then I will give up my place too!" Thrain stood firm by his brother.
"Yeah me too!" Arun joined his brother.
"What is this?" Thorin stood behind them, frowning.
"She didn't fire her arrow as soon as the judge signalled! It's not fair!" Eli complained directly to Thorin.
"So perhaps you may have better luck next time, little one..." Thorin patted the girl on her shoulder.
"Thorin, there is no such rule. She delayed firing by a few seconds, but she has hit a perfect bullseye." Shobha intervened.
"I can vouch for this Uncle." Kili nodded.
"And we will both drop out if she is disqualified!" Arun and Thrain both protested as the girl moved to stand behind Shobha nervously. "So then you can win Eli!"
Thorin looked at the children for a moment and then at the judges who held up the parchment.
"It says the archer can take a reasonable amount of time to fire after the signal is given. But undue delay will lead to disqualification." One of the judges waved the parchment.
Thorin looked at Eli who stood angrily with his arms crossed over his chest, and then he caught Shobha's gaze. They stood staring at one another for several long moments, then he moved towards her.
"I hope you realise that this will upset many of the nobility." Thorin whispered in her ear.
"Then I will wholly support our sons if they wish to give up their places in the tournament." She replied back.
"So what do you propose?"
"The girl won fair. Her aim is even better than Arun's. We can give Eli a consolation place." Shobha suggested whispering back. "You will lose any popularity as a fair King with everyone else if you don't give the girl her rightful place."
"Very well my lady." He whispered so close to her ear that it made her close her eyes briefly and gulp. "But I hope this will soften your disposition towards me."
"Oh..." She took a shaky breath.
"I do not think you would have won in any case with that shot, lad." Thorin gave Eli a pat on the back. "But I know you very well, young Eli and I expect your excellent sportsmanship to shine through."
But the young dwarf merely frowned and sulked off to join his mother in the stand.
"That won't go down well with them." Kili frowned at the gaggle of rotund noble-dwarrow gathered at the edge of the arena. They looked thoroughly insulted as Eli sulked over to them, where Lana stood at the centre of the group.
And then Arun ran over to Thorin, tugging at his father's sleeve, who halted immediately and knelt down to listen to the young prince as he whispered in his father's ear.
Then within moments of Kili and Shobha reaching their seats again, Thorin called to attention the whole crowd gathered.
"It is my greatest honour to announce the first ever spring games set for younglings to take part in this year, opens with the Archery competition, which has concluded in a most honourable manner," Thorin called out, his deep voice reverberating across the stone walls of the grand arena. "In first place, and with the most numbers of perfect targets was Prince Thrainuil, son of Thorin, followed in a close second place by Miss Liana, daughter of Lyon, the first ever dam to win a prize at our spring games-"
The crowd erupted into a roar of applause, as Thrain waved at their end of the stand, furiously, grinning from ear to ear.
Then Thorin signalled to the crowd for quiet, and as their cheers died down he resumed once more.
"And in Third place, is Master Eli!" Thorin announced, as Shobha looked confused back up at Kili in the stand above, who shook his head and shrugged unsure what was happening himself.
There was a smaller controlled round of applause, mostly led by the nobles who has caused a fuss earlier. But the crowd fell silent this time quickly, interested in what their King had to add.
"This is in place of Prince Arundin, son of Thorin, who has honourably forfeit his place -" but before Thorin could finish, the crowd erupted into huge applause once more. This time there were shouts, hoorays and cheers, so loud it made the stands vibrate!
And Arun rushed out towards where Shobha sat with everyone else, eager to give his mother a big hug. As he made his way across to the centre of the row, many dwarrow and dam standing to give the prince way, each bowed with true respect.
"Mama! I hope I will win next year..." he smiled as he reached her, immediately giving her a hug.
"I think you will my baby..." Shobha smiled back giving him a kiss and a big hug as Mara moved over to make room between herself and Shobha for the little boy.
The rest of the tournament had been a greater success and run with little or no controversy.
Gimli had won the wrestling competition for adolescent dwarves, easily beating several older and larger dwarf boys.
Dwalin had opened the axe throwing competition, and reliquished his place after two rounds of obliterating any competition. He had then made his way over to their stand, all shirtless and glistening with sweat to squeeze himself in next to Dis with a rarely spotted grin on his face. Dis too, appeared to be quite enjoying it. She congratulated him with a sweet peck on the cheek and sat there a little stiffly looking on ahead at the rest of the compatition.
Shobha had always thought they had rather fancied one another, but hid it well, for the sake of Thorin and the memory of Dis' husband who had perished in the battle of Azanulbizar, when she was still pregnant with Kili. But something had changed after they had joined her at dinner when Fili had been set up! It was not an entirely expected result, given that Fili had not enjoyed his date with the pretty dam as much, but it certainly had sparked something between Dis and Dwalin. Of course, Thorin had to be distracted that evening, but seemed entirely disinterested in them after starting up a long conversation with Shobha. That too had been unusual, as if they were getting to know each other all over again. They had spoken about their parents, about his memories of Frerin, she too had recalled some funny and sweet moments with her own sister. And he had asked after her daily work and comfort, hoping he could find something to gift her which she had a true need for - something she could use on a regular basis and in doing so think of him each time. He had even accompanied her back to their rooms and had slept on the large couch in their room.
The memory of that evening made Shobha smile to herself as the competition around them roared on. It had been the first time in a while she had started to relax.
Next Bombur had left the kitchens to take part in the boulder-toss. Lifting far more than any other opponent in just the first round, and had been quite satisfied to return back to the kitchens after receiving proud kisses from Elin and his little daughter.
Finally the main wresting tournament had been opened by Thorin. His opponent had been a larger dwarf, who was as tall as Thorin and possibly more muscular, clearly being younger. Clearly less interested, Thorin had taken several throws onto the mat and the judges looked ready to declare the other dwarf the winner.
This was a competition that Shobha hated in general, despite its popular appeal amongst the dwarves. It was the most aggressive and often several dwarves ended up with fairly serious injuries in the infirmary, including severe sprains, dislocations of shoulders, broken fingers or noses and even a broken leg once!
Having almost centre seats, as she was always given, she watched on with clear worry on her face at how Thorin, who was no longer a young dwarf, had taken several hard throws.
At one moment, his piercing blue eyes found hers in the vast crowd, as he countered his opponent when challenged.
And then suddenly after blocking the young dwarf successfully to throw him over, Thorin stood up and addressed the audience.
"Will my Queen offer a dance to the victor of this round?"
The audience suddenly all began to chant:
"Dance... Dance... Dance..."
"Ye better respond, before he asks ye fer more than just a dance in public -" Dwalin ribbed from beside Dis.
"Mahal Dwalin!" Mara shook her head.
"Och we know the way yer lasses talk amongst yerselves..." Dwalin waggled his bushy eyebrows. "No need to act all prim on me behalf."
Shobha took a deep breath and stood up, still carrying Seraeya who looked around at the crowds and then spotting her father waved at him wildly. The audience had now fallen completely silent.
"Very well, my King, I offer a dance tonight to the winner of this round." She spoke up, causing another eruption of applause.
And with that the two dwarves began to wrestle again. This time the blows were much more fierce and grappling much more determined. At one point Shobha had her heart in her mouth watching, until suddenly, within a moment, Thorin had conclusively pinned the other dwarf down ending the round.
Thorin gave the young dwarf a pat on the back after they both bowed to each other. Then he took the young dwarf's hand and raised it up, as the crowds gave him a standing ovation.
"Isn't that unfair to this chap?" Shobha whispered to Mara.
"Don't worry about him, all the lasses will fall over themselves for him after facing the King, and nearly beating him, and he will now have secured a place in the final rounds." Mara quickly turned to Shobha and began looking her over. "But now you have to get ready for the feast tonight."
"Ugh. I hadn't thought that through," she sighed. The truth of the matter was, she still loved Thorin with all her heart, and he was taking a very long time over his attempt to 'get over' what had happened. In fact she was not sure whether he would ever let it go. "I wanted to avoid all that tonight -"
"Now not possible." Dis concluded. "We have to get you ready. You have to show those stupid hacks that YOU are his Queen. And that he is not looking for them to jiggle themselves at him."
She had not liked the gossip that Aida and many other nobles were spreading at the moment. Even though she herself had been last to warm up to her brothers choice of bride, she had now grown to love her niece and two nephews. So the thought of breaking up her brother's family became a personal war for her!
Shobha covered Arun's ears, where he sat between her and Mara.
"Who is jiggling at who Mama?" He asked innocently.
"Nobody darling."
"But I heard you and Aunt Dis..."
"Your Aunt Dis means... Um... Yeah.. I'll tell you after dinner..." She shot Dis a stern look as they all began to stand and leave while there was an interval.
The rest of the tournament would carry on for a while, but the children would soon grow bored, and would need supper and bed soon.
...
Shobha set the candelabras along the centre of the dining table and pushed their bowl of fruit to one end. Then she stood back to admire her grand family dining table that hadn't seen full family gatherings for a few months now, since either herself or Thorin avoided dining together with the children still. There was something a little bitter sweet about it all.
But tonight it had been transformed into a cosy setting at one end for a romantic meal.
Soon the children would be asleep and she would get ready for tonight's festivities. She would miss the most of the feast, and arrive in time to open the dance floor with Thorin as she had promised, and then she could slink away as soon as she could be free.
Again she played about with the table arrangement until finally settling. Then rushing to her bureau, she took out the two notes she had written and popped outside to see the guard.
"Good evening, milady," both guards saluted her with a strike of their breast plates.
"Good evening!" She was about to hand her notes to then when she recognised the older guard who had spoken to her outside Thorins office that evening. Suddenly she found herself blushing, as she wondered how much of their 'activities' he had heard! "Oh! I am sorry..."
"Milady," he bowed his head. "You've nothing to be embarrassed about, we are the King's guard; sworn to secrecy by honour."
"And we like you very much."
She turned to spot Oleg his partner who spoke quietly from his post on the opposite side of the door.
"Master Oleg!" She blushed again.
"Aye, Milady," he nodded profusely, making his helmet rattle as he was surprised she remembered his name!
"What a pleasant surprise to see you both..."
"What can we do for you milady?" The older guard asked smiling. She hadn't seen him smile openly before. Like all the other guards he had looked quite morose up until now.
"Please could you take this note and deliver it to Lord Dwalin?" She handed the first parchment to Oleg. "But please dont say it's from me... Just that one of the servants delivered it."
"Aye, milady." Oleg grinned wondering what mischief their Queen was getting up to.
"And then wait for me to leave and deliver this note to Princess Dis." She gave the second note to the older guard. "I am sorry I didn't catch your name last time..."
"Grul, son of Golag, my lady," the older guards bowed his head.
"Master Grul," she handed him the other envelope. "Thank you."
"My lady." Grul bowed his head again.
"Begging your pardon milady, but shouldn't you be dressed and on your way to the feast?" Oleg asked.
"Yes... But I think I will give the feast bit a miss. Who wants to be seated with a bunch of stuffy old nobles eh? Lady Mara is here, Lady Dis is not attending..." She shrugged wondering who else it would leave her seated with. Fili and Balin would be the most entertaining, but were often in high demand, and now Kili and Tauriel didn't attend these events either.
"Its their loss milady." Oleg shook his head.
"Now don't keep her majesty with yer nattering, Oleg." Grul admonished his young partner again. "Our Lady has to get ready for the evening..."
She smiled as they both bowed, before ducking back into the parlour.
"Shobha!" Dis called out angrily. "Shobha! What in Mahals name are you doing?!"
"Coming!" She hurried into the bedroom where the two dams had set out her saree and jewellery. It took her by surprise, since she imagined a dress would have been quicker and less of a fiddle. "What's all this?"
"Your response to any gossip." Mara replied very matter of fact.
"Aye - there is only one response to a chesty dam, and that is your impossibly narrow waist in comparison and the acres of height you possess compared to them," Dis pulled her along and began to undo her corset hurriedly. "I mean, I am among the tallest even for males, but you are almost as tall as Thorin! So show off your figure. Especially since you still have some hips after the weight you put on with Seraeya."
"Come on my dear..."
"Quick quick! Youre worse that the children!" Dis laughed as they hurried her along.
With the two dams working around her, she had been dressed in her saree and her hair done up with pins and jewels, in record time.
"How do you know how to do up a saree?" Shobha asked surprised still.
"My dear girl, we have helped you so many times and watched you - we have learned between us." Dis admitted and then frowned at her brother's wife. "Now I think you have been dilly-dallying long enough..."
"Come on..." Mara nodded in agreement with the more fearsome dam and began hurrying Shobha out. "Thorin knocked earlier to see whether you were ready..."
"What...?" She was a little surprised, but then again, perhaps he too wanted to make appearances count.
"Yes! But you were not ready."
"Okay! I am going!" Shobha began followed Mara into the corridor.
"Do you need an escort?" Mara asked, making a few last minute adjustments to Shobha's clothing and jewellery.
"No. Go get ready. Gloin will be waiting."
...
Shobha loitered in an empty corridor very close to the banquet hall a little longer. She had taken a slow walk here, and then paused outside a painting of Frerin.
There was a bench opposite the large portrait, where she often paused. He was a handsome young dwarf, rather a lot like Fili in resemblance, his features were much more refined compared to Thorin's, and his blond wavy hair had been nearly held back by several braids, making him look much more princely. But at the same time his shoulders and torso were clearly very muscular.
She often wondered what he was like, but knowing how sensitive both Dis and Thorin were about the loss of whom they considered their 'baby brother', she had never asked much about him.
So at times when no one was around she sat on the bench opposite his portrait. It reminded her of her own family, and how much she missed them.
"Do you often make it a point to loiter here, when you are expected elsewhere, my lady?" Thorins deep voice surprised her. "Because that would explain a large number of formal gatherings to which you were late…"
She stood up turning to find him walking towards her along the corridor. Her heart began to beat faster with anticipation.
Although he was now a little older, with more grey in his hair and beard, he still looked handsome. And he had dressed up - which did things to her insides. He wore a deep blue velvet suit with fine silver edgeing paired with a heavy belt and a dress tunic underneath. It was simple but very regal.
"Always." She pursed her lips. "But the more crucial question is why are YOU late?"
"We have been having some problems in the mines..." He admitted with a sigh not wishing to elaborate much more on anything. "I had a few enquiries to look into... But Fili has been given the responsibility to step up..."
"Okay..."
"I also stopped at our rooms to escort you here, but the guards said you had left some time ago..."
"Yes well... Can you blame me for my reluctance to be subject to snide remarks and what ever other insults I get..."
"Not with me there," he moved closer to follow her gaze. "I assure you that, my lady..."
He took a step closer to stand near her, protectively, without seeming to crowd her, or pressure her into joining him. It was one of the quiet places that she seemed to visit from time to time.
"You find some comfort in my brother's painting don't you...?" He asked softly as she stood and walked towards the large portrait.
"He has your eyes... Well I guess you have your grandfather's eyes really..." She gave him a sidelong glance. "I'm sorry... Is this too painful for you?"
"No..." He moved closer to her still as they both admired the painting wanting desperately to wrap his arms around her exposed waist. "He would have loved you..."
"That would make a difference.. "
"It is no lie," his gaze slowly drifted down her body, taking in her small frame in the ruby coloured saree. Her hair had been tied up, revealing the fully opened back and narrow waist. He ached to touch her deep brown skin, but he gave her space. "He would have been besotted by you."
She turned to find Thorin watching her carefully.
It was hard at this point, not to feel worn down by his hot and cold behaviour.
"I wish I could have met him too .."
"Aye... I wish he was still with us," Thorins voice was quieter this time. "He refused to stay back with my mother and Dis..."
He had never spoken about Frerin with any other since Azanulbizar, so it finally felt like the greatest relief to tell her.
"I promised my mother to bring him back. But we were separated in battle." He carried on, pausing for a moment as he recalled the painful details. "I could not protect him as I swore it... And he succumbed to his wounds before I could take him back to see our mother one last time."
She turned to find him stood close behind her, but staring at the portrait of the young prince, his blue eyes heavy with sorrow and so much responsibility.
"But it wasn't your fault, and you must have been rather young yourself..." She whispered, slowly reaching out to take his hand. "You were responsible for the whole clan then. It couldn't have been easy..."
He interlocked his fingers in hers, bringing her hand up to his lips.
"He was our little brother, carefree and full of life. He didn't let anything worry him, and everyone loved him for it." Thorin glanced up at his younger brother again. "Our mother didn't live long after I returned... With no grandfather, no father and no brother."
Slowly, and deliberately she reached up towards his face, so he could move away if he wanted. But he remained there, standing close to her, his sad, azure eyes locked on her.
"He would have been proud of what you have done for all your people since..." she softly stroked his face, letting her hand trail down to his chest. "He clearly wanted to step up and do his part to help. And you should be proud of that too."
"He could not be afforded a proper burial in stone, as a prince of Erebor should have been. Receiving only a funeral pyre. And his armour stripped of him so no orc could desecrate or plunder his final resting place." He leant his face into her hand and shut his eyes feeling the comfort of her small cool hand, while slowly wrapping his own arms around her waist. Taking his time he slowly pulled her in as if she were a startled doe, until he was close enough to kiss her. But still holding back he whispered to her instead. "I miss you, my love... I cannot even find you in my dreams any more. I feel as though I wonder these dark halls each time I sleep, searching but never finding you..."
"Please don't do that Thorin.."
"I do not understand..."
He looked at her, eyes filled with hurt and confusion.
"No, no. You cant pretend that you dont know what I mean by that." She stepped away this time, but he didn't let her go. "All this hot and cold behaviour, it's exhausting for me Thorin..."
"But I told you, Shobha, I can't stop loving you. I just need some time." He cupped her chin in his hand, lifting her face up to look into his.
But she still remained silent for a bit, frozen in his intense gaze.
"Ah... Laddie... Everyone's looking for you both." Balins gentle voice made them both turn towards where he stood at one end of the corridor. "I am sorry to interrupt you both..."
"No! Not at all!" She replied, as he still held her close. "A promise is a promise... Thorin? I believe I owe you a dance?"
She took a step forward and still holding his hand now looked back at him.
"Amralime..." He whispered, guiding her towards the grand hall in which they were banqueting.
Inside the grand hall, everyone had begun to clear tables aside creating space for a dancefloor as the musicians had started setting themselves up on a small temporary wooden stand.
The chatter died away into complete silence as they entred. Then everyone turned to face them and fell into bows and curtseys.
"Welcome and goodevening," Thorin bowed his head as he addressed all his people, before bringing his wife's hand up to his lips again. "And I am grateful to my challenger for his strong competition and skill - and to my gracious wife for her offer of encouragement..."
She curtseyed to him, lowering her head, as she had been shown some time ago. After the nobility had started returning to stay in Erebor, she had required etiquette lessons, which had been relatively painless following instruction by Balin, Dis, Mara and of course Fili and Kili, who had provided comic relief.
"May I have this dance, my lady?" He asked quietly, guiding her to stand from her deep curtsy, before pulling her closer.
She merely smiled and nodded.
Part of her suspected his affection towards her was in order to keep up appearances to prying eyes, but she was certain what they had felt in the corridor moments earlier was real, including his confession.
The music began to play, and before she could think, he had whisked her around the dancefloor in his arms. The crowd had remained watching for quite a while, as if suspicious themselves, before finally joining the dance floor one by one, led, thankfully by Mara and Gloin, who despite the entirely opposite looks and personality made a truly handsome dwarven couple.
"Are you tired my lady?" He whispered in her ear after several dances.
Unsure of what to make of his question, she searched his face and shook her head slowly.
And his intent was clear as he continued to dance with her for sometime longer. Often they were interrupted by others, who cut in to dance with their Kings Consort, partilarly Dain, Fili or Dwalin. But tonight he held her tight as they danced for many more songs still.
"Are your feet hurting?" He asked again.
"No..." She found genuine concern in his sapphire eyes. "Why do you keep asking?"
"I fear that the moment I let you go - you will disappear somewhere where I cannot find you..."
"Well, you have to make your rounds with everyone right?" She replied back quietly. "And I really can't do that tonight.."
"But you have no problem with the other dwarves?"
"No. Well they don't judge or pry." She sighed as he spun her away and drew her back against him. "While I can just imagine the gossip at the first sign of weakness... And then it'll be back to the good old days where you had a... a gaggle of women following you around..."
He laughed at her suggestion, but knew it was true and certainly over the last few weeks Fili had grown a small following himself, entirely unwittingly.
"So you heard about that then?"
"Oh yes, Aida painted a perfect picture..."
"It's funny because if you ever notice another woman, it's not one in a gaggle," he countered, pulling her tight against him. "Besides, you have possibly a more sizeable following of male admirers, that which I must contend with..."
"Even IF that were true, they don't follow me around..." She admitted. "Frankly, Thorin, at this point I have accepted that you may indeed decide it's over between us, but the thought of our children seeing these women throwing themselves at you shamelessly or fighting to become your mistress is morally repugnant to me... Not to mention something I would cringe at explaining to them."
"Is that why you have had fresh travel clothes made for you and the children?" He watched her with an icy stare, daring her to deny it. "I saw the clothing arrive yesterday from Denin."
"The children have outgrown theirs, and mine got torn from the last time I went to Greenwood." She replied calmly, still holding his gaze fearlessly. But the truth was she was indeed slowly getting them all ready. "But I can't help wonder how observant you are these days..."
"You and our children ARE my business." He replied sternly. "As for any hacks following me - I swear to you, on my life, I would never let that happen."
She didn't reply, just carried on holding his intense sapphire gaze as they carried on spinning around the room.
Then suddenly there was an interruption.
"Laddie, some interesting information has come to light..." Balin patted Thorin on the shoulder, just as the music paused for a moment. "I asked Dwalin to be here, to help take over, but..."
"Not tonight Balin," Thorin was quick to reply, still keeping his eyes locked firmly on her.
"I really think you will want to hear this -"
"It's fine, go."
Thorin paused, glancing briefly at Balin, as though he was some sort of irritating insect.
"Where in Mahals name is Dwalin?!" Thorin snapped at Balin, who shrugged with uncertainty. "He said he would join us..."
Shobha stood quietly hoping that it was because of her little scheme that the younger Fundin was absent.
"Shobha?" Mara was instantly by her side, as Gloin came to stand near Balin. "I will keep our lady company, your Majesty."
Initially Thorin had accompanied Balin and Gloin, but even during his conversations in the upper levels, he had kept a keen eye on his wife. Tonight he would not let her get away. He wanted her in every sense, but tonight he would show her that his intent was to return back to the way their relationship was once.
But she had grown highly accustomed to disappearing these days. Even when she was so eye catchingly stunning as tonight, and despite being much taller than other dwarves, she was still light-footed enough to escape when she needed it.
Midway through his conversation, he noticed on glancing over the crowd below, that suddenly, she had disappeared.
Unable to reveal to anyone, the war he had been waging against his gentler half in secret, he carried on carefully listening, while also paying close attention to the crowds.
Finally, it became painfully clear that she had simply disappeared some time ago. It made his heart sink as much as it did make him irate.
...
A firm knock promoted Dis to hurry across to the door.
Unlike Lola, she preferred to sit in their parlour and read or sew while babysitting the children in the evenings. She still heard them fine if they woke up or had a nightmare.
"Your highness, this came for you," the guard handed a sealed parchment.
"Thank you. Who was it from?" Dis looked around a little uncertain of what was going on. Very few people didn't attend the spring feast. And it was usually out of necessity rather than preference.
"One of the servants, my lady," the guard replied. "They had been asked to hand it over to you..."
"Very well. Thank you." She hurried back in and shut the door before inspecting the wax on the seal. It was good quality and the parchment was from Erebor. She held the letter to the light to check it had nothing within it that was intended to cause harm to them, but the parchment was thin and showed no signs of changes. After the attempt at poisoning Shobha, she too had taken greater care about her daily activities. There was clearly some vicious intent towards Thorins House, it meant she and her son's would also be possible targets.
Carefully she opened the seal and unfolded the parchment:
My Lady,
Would you care to have dinner with me?
See you in Thorins Dining room this evening...
D.
Her heart fluttered at the mysterious note. The first dwarf that came to mind, was also one that she imagined had no eyes for her, beyond her place as his closest friends sister.
Then she reread the note. Her heart pounding in her chest now.
"Oh goodness! I am not even dressed!" She panicked to herself at first. "Oh Mahal! Oh Yavanna!"
Then shutting her eyes, she took another deep steadying breath.
"It probably means nothing." She took several more calming breaths and then looking at her self in one of the mirrors hung in Thorin and Shobha's parlour, she attempted to adjust her hair a little, and then pulled out several pins releasing several locks of her long raven hair. "Come on... Maybe it's not even him..."
She sighed and took several hesitant steps towards the grand doors to their dining room. Then pausing at the doors, feeling butterflies in her stomach she slowly reached out to the handles and pulled the doors open.
Inside, the room was decorated with several tall grand candelabras along the table. The first was fully lit, casting a warm glow. The table at that end, where Thorin and Shobha usually sat, had been set with two places and another note lay on the table.
As she stepped closer she could see the various tall vases of spring flowers, that sat in multiple places around the room.
The lively family dining room had been transformed into the most romantic setting for dinner!
Picking up the note she read:
Please light the candles, dinner will arrive soon. There is wine at the end of the room.
Looking around she picked up a candle and began to light all the others that were unlit, still wondering who could have gone to all this effort. Was it really the dwarf she thought of...? The anticipation added to the butterflies in the room.
A gentle knock on the open door startled her. Turning, in the dim light cast by the multiple candles she had lit so far, she recognised the broad frame of the dwarf that stood in the doorway. His stance was always stern and wide, as if he was always ready for a fight. All those years smithing, working as a guard, and his life as a warrior had taken all the refinement that once had been taught to him when he first lived in the mountain as a younger dwarrow.
He took a step in to the dining room, and even in the dim light, she could tell that he was smiling.
"Good evening, my lady..." he bowed his head gently, before taking another step in.
Even in his new suit, cleaned up, she recognised him straight away. And it set her heart racing again.
"Good evening Dwalin.."
"Ye... Look beautiful my lady.." he replied blushing a little before he snapped into action. "Och! Look at me standing there gawpin at ye like a complete baffoon - let me help ya."
He hurried over and took another candle before setting about lighting the other candles too.
"This is beautiful, my lady..." he said softly as he lit the other candles. "Ye didn't need to go ter so much trouble.."
"I didn't go to any trouble at all.." she too was surprised. After all, she was under the impression that he had arranged all this.
"I really enjoyed yer company at our last dinner..." Dwalin was quick as he lit all the candles and came to stand closer to her as she finished her side. "I always have enjoyed yer company though, my lady... I just never imagined ye thought of me in this way..."
"In truth Dwalin..." She looked around her to find the room had been transformed into a magical place with a million candles. "I thought that you had organised that..."
"Och... Well I wish! I have always fancied ya... But I never imagined..." He repeated a little nervous himself, while pulling out a chair for Dis. "Nah I got a note inviting me to dinner here... I really had no idea..."
"Dwalin... If neither of us arranged all this..." Dis looked a little disappointed.
"Och I see! The princess!" Dwalin finally understood, turning a right shade of red. "I...er...hope it doesn't change anything though my lady?"
Dis suddenly looked up at him, quite surprised by his boldness.
"I mean... I know the lass has been tryin to set us up, with the table seating and all..." He walked towards her quietly, and carefully picked up her hand in his. "But the truth is, that she is only observing what is truly there between us.. perhaps all along..."
Dis stood up slowly to take a better look at the old blushing warrior.
"How... Long have you felt this way..." She took a step closer to him.
"Since the time I helped you with the children after Azanulbizar..."
"I recall that well," she took a step closer. "But I thought I was imagining things too..."
"It's understandable, ye had the boys and Yee husband has passed. Life was complicated." Dwalin agreed stepping closer to her so that they were tangibly close, but he counting.
"The truth is ye've helped raise the boys," Dis reached out a hand and set of down on his brand-new suit. "You've helped raise them as though they were your own... and well... she is your adopted sister. It's a nice gesture she had gone to the trouble of arranging..."
"Aye... And it's rather romantic - and yer lookin' so nice tonight..."
"Me?" Dis blushed, surprised by his awkwardly sweet compliment. "I didn't even get a chance to dress up properly. But you have certainly cleaned up well, Lord Dwalin. That new suit really makes you look rather handsome..."
"Och thank ye..." Dwalin moved closer to her encouraged by her soft smile. She was usually a hardened dam, having had to raise her two sons with the sternness of a father as well as the softness of a mother. "It seems a great shame to waste such a nice dinner fer two..."
"Yes it does..." Dis found herself taking a careful step closer to the broad, tattooed younger Fundin. "It seems an awful waste indeed..."
And then suddenly Dwalin tilted his head, closing the space between them, to press his lips to hers gently.
...
She followed the dark stony halls. All the lights had gone, and there was not a torch in sight. Nor even the faintest glimmer of a distant light to guide her. So she felt her way as fast as she could, using her hands along the stone walls to guide her.
All that existed was the darkness. And a sense of hopelessness that accompanied it.
After what felt like days, but was more likely hours of doing this, she leant against the wall and slid down until she sat on the smooth floor.
She wanted to cry, but nothing came so she rested her head on her knees listening to her own breathing.
"Amralime..."
That gentle, deep voice, which she recognised so well, from what seemed so long ago now interrupted her thoughts.
Disoriented in the dark, she looked around in the darkness, when his familiar hand found hers.
"Shobha.. my lady..." Thorin spoke softly, gebtly wrapping his arms around her. "You are here..."
"I don't know where I am...?"
"You found me..." He whispered, gathering her into his arms now. "This was Erebor as we first found it - in darkness."
"How the devil do you see anything?"
"Mahal, our great father, made us for these mountains, in his wisdom." Thorin chuckled as he began to carry her along a corridor. "We can see quite well in conditions you would consider pitch black."
"Can you get us out of here...?"
"I can try..."
He had carried her along many corridors, for quite sometime, both of them in silence, but it didn't seem to help. Each new corridor he turned down was just as pitch black as the last!
"It's no use." He replied shaking his head, as he stopped at the next junction. She pushed herself out of his arms to land in front of him. Then reaching up she began to feel his face. "Each night, I can never get out, nor find a torch."
"Why do you come here ..?" She asked, as he gently wrapped his arms around her waist again.
"When we were first due to enter these halls, I believed it would be the best moment in my life. And I couldn't wait to have you return. But when I saw you plunged into the lake in the arms of the beast believed my own world plunged into darkness too." He explained quietly, one of his hands stroking her cheek softly. "I felt a loneliness I had never, in all my life felt..."
She touched his cheek, wanting to touch him and kiss him, but holding back, uncertain of how he felt.
"And you feel like this now, because of me?" She cursed the dark in her head, for being unable to see his face.
"I wonder these halls, in the dark loneliness each night, hoping to find you... but I never find a way out."
Unable to stand it any longer, she reached up to feel his face again, and contrary to what she expected, he let her feel his face, placing his hands on her waist in expectation instead.
"I'm sorry." She genuinely felt terrible that he had felt so broken over her. "I'm here now..."
He pulled her in, and claimed her lips. It was a sacred kiss - unlike any he had ever given her before: it was neither lusty, filled with animal hunger, nor chaste, limited to innocence.
"I always thought you didn't want me in your dreams any more... That you had shut me out?" She whispered. "And that's why I never saw you anymore."
"Amralime, I always found you before... Except on the nights you dreamt of..." It was a partial complaint. He meant the nights she dreamt of the Valar, and in particular Ulmo. It was a strange jealousy to possess, but it was one he could not help when it came to her. "But after your confession, I thought I lost you..."
"Perhaps we both shut each other out then," it suddenly occured to her what needed to be done. Taking his hand, despite being in complete darkness, she stood for a moment in front of him, facing the expanse of pitch black corridor ahead. Closing her eyes, she concentrated.
And then without warning, they both felt it - the gentlest of breezes. But it was certainly palpable.
"Let's go!" She tugged at his hand, as she followed the soft sensation against her cheeks.
They carried on for a while, with each turn making the feel of the breeze stronger until light began to filter in.
Then, suddenly the corridor ended and they were out in the blinding light…
….