Thorin's Consort

by PenDame

It's been five years since since found herself on this quest with Thorin. She had hoped to maybe return home even briefly to see her family back then, before she got swept up by life. Now, three children and years of marriage in, she still can't seem to figure out her role as Thorins consort. Of course the dams throwing themselves at Thorin don't help. So what should she do now?

4. Chapter 4

She pulled out a tooth brush from the hidden pocket of her dress and showed Dori and Ori, who both sat nursing one of Dori's fancy hot toddies.

"That is a tooth cleaning twig?" Dori picked it up delicately and inspected it.

"Marvellous..." Ori muttered amazed as he pulled out a sketch book and a stick of charcoal ready to sketch. "But it is the same strange material you showed us with some of your other possessions from your home... plas-tick."

"And that is not boar bristle... But maybe that may do?" Dori once again ever so gently touched the bristles and then shook his head. "Mahal no! It would need to be much softer..."

Between Dori, Ori and Bifur, they had been able to replicate several things she wanted to have made almost perfectly into Arda-friendly versions. This included crutches for injured soldiers, wheelchairs, a stethoscope, needles and syringes to name but a few. These dwarves enjoyed the challenge of replicating what she had envisaged so much that they had begged her to arrange a regular monthly morning meeting during which they sat together discussing possible ideas for inventions!

"Yes please..." She sighed. There was only one pack of toothbrushes left, from the large supply she had originally packed in her rucksack.

"And we are still working on that two-wheeled cart for you."

"Oh yes! I look forward to that." She smiled at Ori who referred to a bicycle. "And the three wheeled version?"

"I think Bifur has already put a test version together, my lady," Dori smiled wiggling his eyebrows. "We added a couple of changes... Which I think the Princes will love."

"Oh you are all too good to them." She couldn't help but beam back. Their toys were usually an endless source of delight for the boys.

But before she could say another word, the door to Dori's apartment opened as Nori let himself in.

"Ah brother! A warming tea or perhaps a tasty hot toddy?" Dori offered, as the dwarf with the star shaped hair took his coat and half muddy boots off silently by the door.

"Perhaps a hot toddy brother. But I am here for our Queen today." He moved straight over to the table where they sat, pulling up a small pouffe, and bowing low before seating himself. "Please accept my apologies for this interruption, but lady Dis asked that I identify the concoction that was used to corrupt your drink..."

Shobha set her mug down on a coaster and turned towards their third brother, giving him her undivided attention. He was most certainly a spy through and through, although to anyone else, he would seem harmless or even quite charming, but something about him scared her on occasions.

"I take it this was not simply tea -"

"No my Queen, in fact, it was a concoction of waterhemlock and oleander. Or so I believe it to be. I can smell the oleander, but waterhemlock is rare and would have required someone skilled in herbs to find it. Most likely sourced from Bree. I certainly have never come across it around these parts, nor would I be able to readily find someone to supply me with it." Nori replied with a worried look. He was the sort of dwarf that was able to get out of the stickiest situations, and so if HE looked worried, there was clearly something to worry about.

"And are you able to find where this particular mixture came from then brother?" Dori interrupted attempting to look unperturbed. As the eldest of the 'Ri'-brothers, he usually felt the need to step in and help his younger siblings, or at least be seen to be doing so. It was a lifelong habit, even if Nori was quite capable of looking after himself, Dori still felt the need to do this.

"Not in the form of a stain on the dress of a Queen. The fabric is very heavy and would have absorbed much of the liquor - I am fortunate to have even scavenged enough drops in order to identify the liquid." Nori brushed his beard. "In fact, I needed to call upon a favour with a woman who lives just south of Dale in order to discover the truth."

"Not that witch brother!" Ori looked concerned. Although he was the sort of dwarrow that often looked concerned at the slightest thing.

"She is not a witch little brother! Nay! In fact she is a fine lass indeed – an excellent herbologist, a fair cook, and not such a bad healer either. And with a wee bairn herself to look after," Nori winked cheekily. "Whenever we need a potion or two we would see her... But even she struggled to identify this rare plant."

"So the aim was to kill our Queen?! By Mahal's beard! We must tell our King at once!" Dori stood up sending parchment flying off the table and narrowly upsetting his own mug!

"It would have not killed, brother. But it would have made you very ill indeed, my lady." Nori looked at Shobha this time, a slight blush creeping into his cheeks at having even imagined it of their Kings Consort. "I fear it may have harmed the Princess though, if she still feeds off your..."

"Oh my gosh!" Shobha rubbed her head. This really was not what she sighed up for when she thought of a happily ever after with Thorin. "And do you think he would believe us? What true proof do we have that it's Aida? And where did she even get the poison from?"

"I have no doubts it will be one of those greedy Lords from the Iron Hills." Nori growled. "But I will keep my ear to the ground, to see what I can learn further. One thing I can be sure about is that their sort, always make mistakes."

...

Thorin spun around to avoid a strike from Dwalins wood sword before striking out with his own, only to be blocked.

"Och yer hot stuff today!" Dwalin mocked, swinging a wooden axe. Their training weapons may have been made of wood, but a blow still left a good bruise and hurt terribly!

Thorin jumped this time to avoid the low blow with a growl back.

"Aye. Certainly quicker than your wit brother!" He leant down as he swung back low.

"Well yer mind is on someone else Thorin!" Dwalin swung as he kicked out, landing their King on his back again, and rubbing his own shoulder. "Ah donnae think we ought ter carry on since ye only end up being hit like this..."

"Aye. I have been troubled by a few things of late.. " he finally revealed to his closest friend, but was not ready to discuss the matter with anyone else yet. Not until he had processed his own thoughts.

Dwalin knelt down to inspect his friend who sat there rubbing his shoulder and leg from the last strike he had been dealt.

"Not here Thorin. We are not alone today..." Dwalin whispered glancing quickly at one of the stands, where a dam and her son sat watching.

"I thought this is a time when few are awake. I even left my own wife asleep..."

"Aye, that it is. But the Princess still nurses a babe in the night. I know from Lola; she often pities the lass for it..." Dwalin lowered his whisper still. "And yer bride probably already gets a good piece of Thorin the night before eh?"

Thorin grunted a complaint about his friends vulgarity.

"Weeell… This one here is after her very own piece of Thorin..." Dwalin rolled his eyes unseen to their spectators.

Thorin glanced over at the stand again, where Lana and Eli, her son, sat patiently. The boy carried several training weapons of his own and watched on eagerly.

"I will find out how our timing got revealed and plan a different time in a few days -"

"Well, theres no need Dwalin. She merely wishes for her son to see and learn from the best." Thorin dismissed his friend. In truth he felt pity for her, having realised that her husband had fallen in battle. "Let the boy join us."

"Ah hope ye know what yer doin'. That lad does not come on his own."

"Fear not Dwalin, I have ducked the advances of plenty of dams in the past." Thorin stood up and beckoned for the boy to join them. "Besides, I think seeing the lad train with us may spur on Thrain and Arun to train too I think..."

...

"Come on my little sweethearts it's time for bed." She ushered the twins along, as she carried their little toddler Seraeya, on her hip.

"My dear, please let me help?" Mara joined their little group with Dis.

"Thorin is late." Dis however openly grumbled. "As are Dwalin and Balin."

"Oh, I'm sure it's something or other. It's fine, I can get them off to bed. I'm quite used to it -"

"No, Shobha. We insist on helping." Dis was quick to take Arun and Thrains hands. "We are, after all, family. And Thorin should not break his word to you so casually."

Shobha couldn't help but give Dis a double take. It was the sort of kindness she had never shown before!

"So, Nori said the guest room will be converted into a dining room so you can take your meals together there, as a family." Mara confirmed as she walked beside Shobha. "That way we can taste and supervise the meals better. And Elin will see to your meals directly from the kitchens herself. And we can control the serving staff better too."

"But we will always be alone?!" Thrain complained realising what it all meant.

"Actually, I have asked Dori for a much longer dining table." Mara grinned at Thrain and then Shobha. "That way you will always have company. I certainly would rather join you all, as would Dwalin and Balin, or when Kili and Tauriel visit. And Dori is seeing to the whole matter, so that it's not too large, and you can still play in there. It will be generally quite nice. Maybe even nicer than dining at the high table with the rest of Erebor gawping."

"I mean, really, that's what it was always like, Shobha. You need not think the people will begrudge you this. Everyone else who lives here has a dining table and a small kitchen in their apartment." Dis explained in a very matter of fact way. "Frankly I am surprised there was no threat against you before like this."

As they turned towards the main corridor leading up to the Royal apartments, they spotted an unhappy Dwalin who led the way as Thorin walked along behind laughing with a small dwarven boy, whom Shobha now recognised as Eli. They all wore training clothes, and looked sodden with sweat, while behind them walked Lana. She too appeared partially dressed like she was ready to train, but looked far more kempt, in trousers, a billowing white shirt with ruffles and a leather corset that accentuated her ample chest. Shobha could help but imagine it was the sort of outfit Lara croft would wear had she lived in a bygone era! They all wore trousers here to train, but it was often frowned upon otherwise.

Dis muttered something in Khuzdul, which definitely sounded like a profanity. It was not always easy to tell with Khuzdul being such a throaty language with many harsh sounds. But there were some words and phrases which most certainly sounded rude!

"Och Mahal, I am tired and so bloody hungry, I could eat Orc food!" Dwalin growled a complaint as he reached their group first. "I reminded him but he has spent the last hour, like a rock-brained fool training Lana's boy!"

Dwalin sounded frankly quite angry.

"You're hangry." Shobha patted him on the arm. "Get yourself to the informal kitchen. If they have the miners, masons and workmen dine there, they won't mind a little sweat – you just need to eat."

"HE should have joined us for dinner." Dis glared at her brother as he walked along next to the boy. She had wanted to go looking for her brother earlier when he was late to supper but had instead chosen to sit with Shobha. She had started to worry about how close her son had grown to her sister-in-law, although he was currently away in Ered Mithrin, she knew his usual preference was to sit with Shobha. If Thorin became less present, it would only be a matter of time before rumours would swirl about the inappropriate nature of the Queen's relationship with the King's nephew and heir.

"It's fine. I am going to get these two into the bath..."Shobha ushered the boys in as Mara followed her.

Thorin finally joined Dis at the door, where she waited with her hands on her hips and a terrifyingly stern look on her face. She was tall for a dwarrowdam, and carried an air about her that reminded many of Thrain too! And as such many dams feared the Princess Royal.

Lana too was quick to avoid her murderous glares and speaking quietly, curtseyed to the King before ushering her own son away.

"What do you think you are doing?" Dis frowned at her brother as he strolled in peeling off his belt and scabbard and throwing them down by the door after shutting it behind.

"Training. Something which YOU and Dwalin often nag me about, might I remind you." Thorin sounded angry now, feeling his sister just wanted to pick a fight. "Why? Did you want to cosy up to Dwalin again this evening? Sorry I ruined your plans-"

"No! What are you doing with Lana and her son? For all and sundry to see might I add?" Dis tried again. "Have you completely lost your mind? You miss dining with your family while spending time with... With... THAT woman!"

"Dwalin and I trained, she happened to be there with her son watching... And so I trained the boy..." He said it although he too began to finally see the strange coincidence in it all. "Really there is no harm -"

"Think of what you are saying brother. Meanwhile your family are seen dining ALONE with your QUEEN... ALONE -"

"Well, I am sure Fili or you might happily take my place -"

Suddenly the door from the children's nursery opened into the parlour. This time an angry looking Shobha stood there.

"You can have your sibling squabble - but keep your voices down! We can hear everything you are saying!"

"Very well my Queen, but it's merely the truth!" Thorin barked whipping off his sweat soaked tunic. He had hoped in truth that he could have had his wife to himself right now, but she was always surrounded by others. And in fact he had hoped that seeing him is just his leather britches and bracers would have some effect on her but alas it seemed at this moment that she had missed it.

"What on earth is the matter now?!"

"If you would let me train our sons then this wouldn't be a problem -"

"They are already very young compared to their peers in class, and you yourself said dwarven children dont train till they are older!" Shobha frowned.

"But they are not dwarven, they are also half man!" Thorin raised his voice. "I don't know why you are being so precious about it and criticising me for training Eli -"

"I did NOT have any criticism. I am just trying to get the children to bed, so that I can finally put my feet up!" She rolled her eyes wishing she had never bothered asking them to quieten down. "Your voices carry through to the children's room."

"Well if you're so tired, then dont work! I am quite capable of providing for you! Where's Lola?"

"It's Lola's night off. She's not a slave! And the problem is not with my work."

"You make all these rules, and I have no say -"

"What exactly do you want Thorin? To train our boys? Okay then; I will let you, Dwalin, Fili and Kili train the boys but they will not be sparring with other dwarven boys who are clearly YEARS older! That's not fair -"

"You cannot know whom you face in battle woman! Battle is not a fair sport!" Thorin barked again. It was unfair now, for he was taking out his own frustrations on her. All he wanted was to have her in his arms, to know every thought that went through her pretty head.

"No! No other children; If the twins hurt someone else or some other horrid boy hurts them – it will all be on you!" She raised her voice to match his, growing more irate by the minute. This was not a conversation to be had like this – but apparently she had no choice there. "We are all quite capable of a normal discussion but this is what you both want right? So let's fucking do this! When it comes to our children, I do ninety percent of the child-raising, which I don't mind by the way; But I am not letting you expose them to unnecessary danger just to satisfy your ego!"

"This is not your world, Shobha. The sooner the boys learn to defend themselves the better. And I am certain that you know this." Thorin growled back knowing he was right and she knew it too.

"Unfortunately it's a fucking reality I accept every day!"

"And YOU should train too." He pointed out angrily. "Then maybe you wouldn't have to hide behind my nephew or Imli all the time. Waiting for their rescue!"

They were words he instantly regretted for the split second he hadn't thought. To his own ears they sounded jealous.

She fell silent immediately.

"Or perhaps I should just fuck off back home. Then you could lead your middle earth life just as you liked." At first she turned to head back into the children room, only to face Thorin and Dis again as she felt herself bubble with rage. And she would let it all out before she returned to the children now. "In fact, why don't you take up with a mistress. Even have a spare family - a perfectly dwarven one. To do all your dwarven things with! Then you wouldn't push us."

When she paused to take a steadying breath, Thorin and Dis both tried to speak but she held her hand up to silence them. It was not something she often did, but tonight she had enough. And it seemed to have taken them both by surprise!

"I for one didn't sign up to this fucking shit! And if that's how it's all going down then so be it. Have your dwarven life with any dwarf woman you fancy. I wont stop you. This day was probably coming all along. And who am I fooling?! Men, dwarves, dogs, you're all selfish, unreliable fuckers in the end. So be my guest." She seemed to have suddenly let out all her steam. Maybe some of it should have been directed elsewhere. "I should have never come here. And then I should have never stayed."

Dis and Thorin suddenly both felt terrible. They knew what it was like to have no home to return to. And Thorin certainly knew what it had been like to live in her alien world with all its strange customs.

"Right." She took another deep breath, closing her eyes and slowly exhaling to let go of all the anger and frustration she felt. "I am going back in there to sort these children out for bed. And I would like a little bloody peace and quiet please - in fact - Thorin, throw on a fresh tunic and go keep Dwalin company. All the workmen who dine in the informal kitchens will enjoy dining with the King under the Mountain."

"Let me help you -" Dis offered.

"Why not keep them company? I've got these three and I have Mara too."

...

When Thorin returned he found her tidying their parlour.

He hadn't been long in the dining hall, before most of the miners, smiths and masons and all stood up and bowed. They had each come over to the King's table to say how much they had felt honoured by his presence indeed. She had been right about it.

Quietly he walked over to where she stood now, looking out of the window.

"I'm sorry, my lady..." he said in the most authoritative tone he could muster up. He would not grovel at her feet, after all she was his wife, but he was sorry all the same. "I often forget how different your world was. And how much you must miss it... Even your parents, for their warmth, love and kindness.. "

She stopped folding the clothes she had begun to sort out in a basket, still looking out of the window at the snowy landscape that stretched out as far as Dale.

"I miss them... So much..." She whispered, as though it hurt to admit this truth. "They would have loved to see the boys and adored Seraeya..."

"I know." He stepped closer, running a finger along the brown skin of her long, slim neck. She had her hair up today, something he particularly enjoyed, because it meant he could unpin her locks. It was an intoxicating thing to unravel her glossy ebony strands, just as he unravelled her delectable body. "Meri jaan..."

She turned and smiled at him, clearly surprised that he remembered the rudimentary lesson in Hindi her mother had given him.

"After all these years..." She slowly moved to place her small hands on his large chest, and he couldn't stop himself as his eyes closed for a few seconds feeling how her touch burned right through even the thicker material of his tunic. "How could you remember?"

"It was the least I could do." Thorin lightly ran his hands down her back before pausing at her waist. "I am only sorry I have not used the words your parents had taught me more."

His lips pulled into a gentle smile, and she leant her head against him, only to gasp as he caressed her.

"I apologise my lady. Being near you..." He apologised looking down at the raging bulge he now sported. "I have no control over that."

Perhaps it was not so unexpected, after all, he had often become aroused quickly each night as they retired for bed.

"Ah!" Slowly she let her hands drift down towards his trousers, at first teasingly enjoying the feel of his rather impressive erection, through the material of his trousers. But it didn't take her long to refocus her thoughts, removing his belt and loosening his laces to free his painfully hard looking erection. "I am supposed to be mad at you, Thorin."

He was quick to lift up her skirts before picking her up to set her at his groin with her legs wrapped around his own waist, his hardened member already impatiently poking at her.

"Aye my beauty," he moved her over to the edge of the bed with great urgency, his own trousers still tangled around his ankles, as he entered her after what felt like an eternity. "But being mad feels no where near as good as this, my Queen... don't you think?"

Still keeping her legs around him, she rolled them both over so that somehow she now came to sit on top of him. Leaning forward steadying herself with her hands on his chest, she lifted herself off him almost almost fully before lowering herself back down very slowly. He too greedily watched every little sensation that registered on her face, allowing her to taunt him as she moved deliberately and far too slowly for his liking.

"Is this how you would have me punished my Queen?" He begged her silently to speed up. Slowly undoing the laces on her dress to open it, allowing himself other distractions.

"Yes." She grabbed his wrists and pushed them down onto the bed. "I will not have you thinking you can behave like that towards me, then make it all okay by by 'sorry-fucking' me."

"Even if I do exactly what you like woman?" He growled a warning, never taking his eyes off her. His cold azure gaze meeting her warm doe eyes. "I am most sincerely sorry, you know that... But you also know very well that our sons will be safer for learning to wield a weapon."

His words made her stop. It was a feeling of hopelessness seeing the reality of the world she had come to call home.

"My lady?" He sat up, still holding her in his lap so that she didn't fall. The struggle to focus on anything but the act they engaged in at present was a challenge but he had lost her attention. Without this, any climax he reached, and he was so close to reaching it, would be pointless. "Please tell me what troubles you? We can discuss the boys training arrangements in greater detail later and I will do what you wish to be satisfied..."

She stared into his face, gently stroking his beard while she wrapped her other arm around his neck.

"All I wish for is your happiness and for the safety of our children." He quietly urged her to speak.

"But will you be happy?" She looked down. "You have gone to such lengths to get Erebor back to its glory days. Except I don't really fit well in this life... I mean what would your grandfather say -"

"While I have always loved him, I am glad that I am not my grandfather. It was his fault that Erebor fell in the first place. But one thing I know is that he would value my convictions and yours too!" He cupped her chin lifting her face up to his. "Besides which, he quite liked the women from the East... He used to have courtesans sent from the East to serve him in court, even though they did not serve his bed. After his love for my grandmother the only other true love he possessed was that for Gold."

He pulled her against his chest, kissing her face gently before stealing a soft kiss from her lips.

"And I will be beyond happy so long as I have your love..." Then he smiled cheekily giving a gentle thrust. "And so long as you let me finish inside you this night."

He leant in and kissed her again, but this time there was a burning hunger in his kiss. A desire to claim her; To make her his and only his. But he pulled back to examine her face for her answer. He would not carry on unless she agreed.

"Ah, my King..." she opened up the front of her dress further for him, letting him slip a hand in to softly caress one of her breasts, making her arch her back. "If you keep asking to finish inside me like this, you really will need a mistress because I will find myself pregnant again, and the morning sickness your babies give me will not allow me to satisfy any of your appetites at all!"

He laughed thrusting into her again several times.

"You smart-mouthed wench I should teach your pretty mouth a lesson for talking to your King like that. Or even implying that some common mistress would satisfy me in your place." Grasping her tight, he rolled them both over, so she lay back on the bed again with him over her, before he grabbed her legs roughly and threw them over his shoulder, settling quite happily with her brought down against his hardness. "Should my best port finish, then I would not substitute it with cheap wine for all the gold in the world. No; I would rather go without!"

He pounded into her several times, before leaning over to pull open her dress fully with one hand and then taking his time to kiss each of her delightfully sensitive nipples.

"Oh God!" A whispered moan escaped her lips, feeling the overstimulation of her entire body from his position between her legs and his lips on her breasts. "And... how do you plan to teach me a lesson...?"

"By making you forget how to say anything but my name alone..."

...

He stirred awake to a dim light in their room, and immediately reached out to touch her. She was usually the first thought he had when he woke, and the last thought she occupied as he drifted to bed each night.

It was still very much the middle of the night, although she was not in bed. Lifting his head to look around, and much to his releif, he spotted her seated by the window.

It was her favourite place, and he had often found her seated there reading or folding their clothes or simply watching the world outside. The window was tall and faced Dale, so it gave a beautiful view of the valley below the Lonely Mountain and the small winding road into the mannish settlement.

She wore her dressing gown, and her hair cascaded down her shoulders. She lovingly cradled their baby daughter in her arms, singing softly. The babe too clung to her mother, a tiny hand still clutching a soft tendril of her ebony hair, which she seemed to love playing with often.

He remained watching silently, but it felt as though he was intruding on a private moment of bliss they both shared, and yet he couldn't stop himself. It reminded him of the panic he felt when she sat him down and revealed that she was with child again. The guilt that had washed over him, in that moment for enjoying her body so much had felt enough to kill him then. And yet seeing her and their babe now, equally made him secretly wish for another chance to see her again with child. To watch a babe cling on to her so lovingly, and suckle off her full breasts again.

"Thorin...?" She called softly as she stood to settle Seraeya back in her cot, noticing her husband awake.

"Aye my beauty," he winced stretching in bed to find his foot ached again. It was the tiniest reminder of his final battle with Azog. A careless strike from his mace - it had been nothing at the time, but she had picked it up, washing out and repairing his foot herself. He never made a fuss about it, but it troubled him from time to time still.

He watched attentively as she tucked their toddler in and quietly moved towards his side of the bed.

"I saw that..." She sat down next to him, gently touching his arm. "It's your foot isn't it...?"

He grunted quietly, too proud to be honest about it.

"I know it troubles you. I have seen the limp you hide so well.. would you like me to rub it?" She ran a hand down his leg, but he didn't give her the chance to reach his feet.

"Aye..." He was quick to pull her into bed, taking care not to hurt her, but enjoying how her robe came undone. It was an opportunity that couldn't be missed - he slipped his hand under the opened garment finding his way straight to her core. "I have inflamed flesh you can rub, my lady..."

She laughed, before taking advantage of his disability as she kicked his injured foot, making him let her go, so that she came to sit on top on his waist.

"I will happily rub your engorged flesh for you, my King. But only IF you see Oin for your foot. He suggested that maybe you could have a more supportive boot made for you. And you know Dori will be the perfect dwarf for that." She teased him, slowly undoing the tie which was entirely decorative now, given how he had almost fully opened her robe anyway. She was only a few inches away from where he wanted, making his body twitch with anticipation. All he needed was to move her down without her noticing and he could slip himself in.

"So, you have been discussing my foot with Oin have you, amralime?" He gently ran his hands up her thighs to set them lightly on her hips.

"Well, I doubt you are going to ease up on your training..." She leant over his chest, her long soft hair falling over him, bathing him in softness and a wonderful fragrance. He inhaled her deeply, sweeping her hair back with one hand and letting it run down her body pushing the robe off her on that side. "So this is the best thing."

"My lady, I would want to train our sons myself. Wasn't that our agreement..?" He quirked an eyebrow, as she inched dangerously closer to where he wanted. Then he inhaled her again. "This is new..?"

"Mmm... Sandalwood - well, it's not what they call it, but.." she leant down and kissed him again softly allowing him to sneakily position himself closer still. "Dori knows some dwarves that trade with merchants from the East. And they get some of the most wonderful perfumes, jewels, spices, cloth and all sorts... It's pretty to just look through their stalls -"

"Aye." He grasped her hips firmly as he finally impaled her on his hardened length, watching her lean back half clothed as she slowly sunk down on him. "I give you my word that I shall see Master Oin. But, I must ask in return... Have you been training my lady? Your body feels stronger."

She pulled up and lowered herself back down slowly again.

"Well, when you have as much sex as we do - and it's rather acrobatic wouldn't you say? Plus all the picking up and carrying of these three kids, I think it's just happened." She let his hands take over now in guiding their pace. "Besides life here is a lot more physical than how things were back at home."

He suddenly stilled within her, halted by her words.

"You do not feel this is your home, my lady?"

She too sat back up, suddenly self conscious.

"I... I don't know really.. I kind of got swept up with life. I never really thought about it..." That last part was not true. Lately she had been thinking more and more of the family she left behind. It had made her feel a bit more out of place here. "But it doesn't mean I don't love the life we have made for ourselves..."

He watched her face closely, after being with her for so long it was easy to know how she truly felt, even though she might not admit it. And all this now troubled him very much indeed.

"Amralime... I want to do something that reminds you of your family. But something, we as your new family can celebrate together with you." He knew he had cut right through to her homesickness when he saw the gentle smile appear tug at her soft lips. "Perhaps a celebration that you all loved together."

He squeezed her hips, finding his need to move inside her slowly building up to distraction again. Gritting his teeth, he was determined not to give in. He would have this conversation with her one way or other.

"Holi." She whispered without needing to even think. It had been the one festival they had all enjoyed. Her parents had met for the first time then, so it had been like a secret anniversary for them, and even her sister had loved the mayhem and mess of colour the gulal had brought about! Dev had pulled out all his expensive water guns, which he only let the kids use on special occasions, and her niece and nephew loved having a license to officially ruin their clothes and get completely covered in the coloured powders.

"The festival of spring?" He smiled recalling one of her stories about her own gods. "Then we should plan for this. There is ample time -"

"Mmmm..." She finally moved, bringing them both the much needed friction that each had clearly been desperate for. "But I can't think right now... I need you..."

...

Arun ran down the corridor shouting out at his brother behind him. Each of the boys held a wooden sword in their hands and laughed as they raced along the upper levels of the Mountain fortress.

"Smaug is coming!" Thrain yelled from behind.

"I'm not scared -" Arun came to an unexpected halt just as the corridor rounded and pulled his brother in behind him, crouching down to peer around the corner.

"What in Mahals -" Thrain began only to have his younger brother silence him with a well placed hand over his mouth.

"There are two dwarves over there. And they do not look as though they are up to anything good." Arun whispered to his brother, who frowned at him annoyed.

As far as Thrain was concerned they were supposed to be fighting Smaug not other dwarves or orcs or whatever Arun imagined these dwarrow to be!

"You can't just change the story!" He whispered back annoyed.

"They are saying something about Fili!" Arun whispered back angrily. "Look - if you don't believe me!"

They both peered around the corner carefully, straining their ears. Lola had only agreed to let them play up here on the basis that they were safe, with the rookery on the floors above, these corridors were pretty much deserted all the time. They had often played with their mother up here, once upon a time before their baby sister was born.

Thrain opened his mouth to contradict his brother, only to be convinced by his deep interest in the situation.

The two dwarves wore cloaks, with hoods making it hard to see their faces well, given how closely they huddled in their conversation. But their voices could be heard from where the boys stood.

"It cannot be another male. It must be the Prince." The first dwarf spoke. "It will bring great shame upon the whole house of Durin: the King who married the harlot, and his nephew who kept her bed warm!"

The other dwarf nodded vigorously.

"But he is well guarded. And Lord Imli rides with him -"

"The road back is long and there are many areas which can prove a good location for an ambush." The first dwarf carried on. "But capturing him is not enough."

"But we cannot keep him concealed for long - Imli will no doubt return with news of their capture." The other dwarf grunted.

"Not if they are both captured. Kill Imli if need be. It matters not." The first dwarf complained. "Then we stage them together in bed. The King himself will not be able to explain how they are both found in bed together -"

"But Aida's servant runt spilled all the potion."

"We can acquire more. Can you be sure to capture him? Should anything go wrong it cannot point to us -"

"We have paid some men. Mercenaries, but they do not speak. And the money had passed many hands now." The second dwarf agreed confidently. "I even have news they may be ready to return in another day or two-"

"But what if there is a delay or they leave early?"

"They have been paid to remain in wait as of yesterday."

Arun turned to catch his brother watching wide eyed in horror.

"We must tell Mama now!" Thrain whispered back.

"What if she doesn't believe us. Or it takes time - you heard them -" Arun shook his head. But Thrain pulled him back around the corner, just as one of the dwarves look towards their location.

"Who's there?!" The second dwarf called out. "Show yourself!"

The boys looked at each other terrified. Their tiny hearts beat fast in their chests, sure they would get caught, as Arun inched away from the corner, pushing his brother along silently.

"I heard that!" The first dwarf called out, drawing out his short sword.

The two dwarrow took a hesitant step towards them. Neither wished to catch anyone for fear of exposing their identities. But all the same they could not afford to have any part of their plan revealed.

Thrain glanced at the open corridor. It was a crisp winters day. The snow still lay thickly around but the skies were blue and some of the ravens circled above, stretching their wings.

"I said who is there?!" The second dwarf moved closer still.

Arun was sure they would be caught now, but Thrain grasped his hand silently and urged him father back, as they both stood flush against the wall.

Suddenly a raven appeared out of nowhere flying along the corridor and out into the blue past the approaching dwarrow. And a second bird swooped in from outside.

"Mahal! It's just the poxy birds! I hate this place." The first dwarf laughed nervously, but the second dwarf was not fully convinced. He stood watching the corridor for a while still, when a third raven flew along the corridor to land on the stone floor hopping into a corner and pecking at the wall, as though looking for some sort of grub. "See I told you - just the birds."

"We cannot be so unguarded about such a matter..." The second dwarf growled silently and walked along the corridor but as he peered around the corner, the corridor was entirely empty!

The boys stood panting in the dark stairwell beside the rookery.

"How did... you... do that?" Arun looked on at his brother with admiration between breaths.

"I..." Thrainuil himself was too short of breath to reply initially. "I think I can talk to animals...or... At least, they understand me?"

"That's amazing!" Arun smiled.

"Well the ravens always know what I ask..." Thrain shrugged. "And then the horse that day..."

"I thought that was because I released the ice..." Arun smiled and patted him on the back. And then he looked worried again thinking of their cousin, who they adored very much indeed. "How do we warn Fee?"

"I have an idea." Thrain looked towards the noisy rookery entrance. "Come on."

They both hurried along, and passed through the large entrance to the ravens keep. The cawing of the birds, which formed a loud and continuous cacophony from their various nests throughout the vast cavern immediately quietened as Thrain entered followed by Arun. His younger brother who had covered his ears with his hands in expectation of the noise, slowly lowered them a little surprised at this.

The large birds perched within their nests watched the two boys with an eagerness that took the younger prince by surprise. He turned around looking from one side of the cavern to the other, still expecting for the din to resume.

"My Princes," the elderly keeper seemed to appear out of nowhere. He held a bird in his hands that held out its wing in an unusual way. "It is a pleasure to have you visit us today indeed."

The old dwarf bowed, still holding the bird in his hand.

"Thank you Sir," Thrain stepped forward. "What's wrong with him?"

"His wing was pierced by an arrow..." The keeper replied. "Fear not my sires, I have removed it, just needs to bandaged."

"I need to send an urgent message, to... Someone" he witheld anything that might be comprising .

"Of course my Prince, they await your calling." The old dwarf looked about the cave. "You know, your majesty, you have a way with the birds that reminds me of your great-grandfather. In fact, it is said that our great forefather Durin was able to speak with Ravens and other animals. And it is said that they obeyed him in the truest sense."

"Brother! Did you hear that?!" Arun whispered from beside him now, clearly excited.

"Aye, brother. But first we must get a raven sent." Thrain gently gave his brother a nudge. "Remember?"

"My Princes, would you not wish for the help of your mother or father in this matter?"

"There is no time, Master Keeper." Thrain shook his head and looked up at the birds, only to have two of the largest birds fly down gently to perch at their feet and look up at the eldest prince.

"By Mahals beard!" The words escaped Arun as he smiled at his big brother.

In fact looking at the birds as then lowered their heads, it was almost as if they bobbed their heads in a bow!

"Well, your Majesties, it appears that Roac and Rune, the eldest of the birds and the leaders of the whole conspiracy have taken it upon themselves to deliver your message.." The old dwarf bowed his head at the large birds. "You know, my young Princes a group of ravens is called a conspiracy."

The boys looked at one another surprised momentarily before opening their mouths to ask about sending a raven once again. But the keeper already understood.

"And where will you send this urgent message?"

"To Lord Imli," Thrain began. "And Prince Fili. It is urgent - we really must hurry..."

...

Shobha hurried along the corridor towards the royal study. Thorin had been working late for the last few evenings, although he had joined them for She had thought better of dining in their new private dining room, until she could gather Fili, Kili and Tauriel together for their first meal together.

Of course it meant they no longer found the space to dine together as a family, with the children having their mealtimes supervised at Dis' apartments, in her smaller dining room and Shobha and Thorin often dining in their parlour, the infirmary or his study. It mattered not these days, because even since she had that strange dream about Thorin and Ulmo she had very little in the way of an appetite. In fact it had only been a week and Denin had already taken in come of her corsets!

But after the boys had confided in her about what they had heard two days ago only tonight, she needed to see him even if it meant interrupting whatever important paperwork he needed to complete.

As she got closer though it was evident that the door to his study was slightly ajar, with the clear sound of a woman's laughter coming from within.

It was hard to quite explain how she felt as she paused in the corridor. While seeing all those dams openly offer themselves up to him at the ball, had indeed made her feel a little uncomfortable, it had hardly brought on any deep feelings of jealously in her. She simply had little time to consider it given her hectic lifestyle.

But this tonight, felt different. Maybe it was still not deep rooted jealousy, but there was certainly a hint of it creeping in. Of course it was almost entirely well masked by her worry over Fili and Imli, so unwilling to linger by the open door she paused a few steps away, half willing to turn back.

If he was indeed having an affair, and he was hiding it well, she didn't want to know about it. Her life was too complicated, and she was a million miles from home with nowhere to go and three small children to protect. However inhospitable Erebor was turning, it provided her with the safety she needed at this point.

"My Lord, please forgive me for being so poorly prepared in this matter. It is most embarrassing..." The dam spoke in a breathy voice.

"There is no need, my lady. Please think nothing of it." Thorins reply was much more matter of fact.

"No really, my Lord, you have been so generous to train my son, and now this. It is the protections that a good husband would afford his wife," she sighed into the words. "And I have nothing to give you in return for your generosity..."

The woman hesitated.

"I mean is there nothing at all that I could do..." She offered again.

"Really Madam, it really is nothing for us." He sounded rushed. "And Lord Gloin would have happily granted you the load, had you requested."

Shobha turned back and stepped away from the study, no longer wishing to hear this dam, in her persistent drive to worm her way into Thorins orbit.

When suddenly the door opened wider.

"Well... I wish you a good night and a pleasant slumber..." Lana stepped out of the study giggling. She wore an elegant navy dress, with a very deep plunging neckline that exposed a large portion of her ample bosom, with a matching embroidered velvet corset with fine silver patterns. It had clearly been tightly laced to accentuate her cleavage. She attempted to wiggle a little as she stepped out of the door, only to stumble a couple of steps and turned a bright shade of pink as she spotted Shobha. "Oh."

Not wishing to be rude, Shobha silently bowed her head to receive a reluctant curtsey back from the dam who was quick to be on her way.

Half inclined to return back to their bedchamber and just sleep away her worries, she paused and then felt her mounting concern over the fate of Fili and Imli overtook whatever wounding her pride might have from the encounter she had.

So she carried on along the corridor and entered Thorins study shutting the door behind her, to spot Thorin deeply absorbed in his work at his very busy desk.

She gently shut the door behind her before turning back to face him.

"Why can I not find any true peace so that I may attend to this work?!" He muttered harshly. "Why in Mahals name can no one leave me be -"

"Well then I will go."

"No! Shobha!" He moved at lightning speed shutting the door behind her before she could leave. While Lana's attentions were certainly flattering, he had found himself feeling weary of his endless paperwork and desired none other than the attentions of his own wife. "I am glad you are here - what is it? What takes you so far away from me?"

He tilted her face up to meet his.

"Have you heard from Fili?" She replied quietly moving away from his touch. It didn't feel right allowing him to hold her at this moment, whether it was Lana or her genuine concern for Fili and Imli, both whom had rescued her at some point or other, she couldn't be certain of. All she knew was it didn't feel right.

"No. Why? What troubles you?"

"When were they leaving?"

"I... Cannot recall. Balin knew the details -" he sighed with some irritation. It was not Fili he wished to discuss.

"And how did he receive the message?" She pressed.

"It would be the usual, a sealed note delivered by a raven-"

"Who delivered it to Balin?"

"I do not know the details?" He snapped irritated by her barrage of questions. "What is this about? Really? And don't make up some vague excuse.. you have been perpetually distant. The only time I have your full attentions is when I have you... Do not think that it goes unnoticed; I am your husband!"

"The boys were playing up on the corridor beneath the Rookery and overheard two dwarves discussing a plot to abduct Fili." She explained quickly, watching his cold gaze bore into her. "They have already sent a Raven but have heard nothing back -"

"And you are certain it is not mischief? Or their imagination?" He frowned again taking a step towards her.

"No! See?! You keep dismissing me!" She threw her hands up in exasperation. "What's the point in saying anything to you? You never want to listen."

"Very well, so you believe this account. And a raven has been sent warning them, perhaps they did not wish to reply in case it might tip off the plotter?" Thorin shrugged as he stepped towards her again.

"You think this is a joke?" She frowned.

"I think you have done all you can, aye. There is nothing we can do now but hope and pray." He kept his voice as neutral as possible. Fili was like a son to him, but all the same he had felt jealousy at how close the young dwarrow was to his wife. He took several paces towards her, now she was trapped against the door, and grasped her hips either side with his hands. Her frame, although tiny, fit so perfectly in his hands and against his body but they seemed to have fallen into a strange dance of teasing one another and not succumbing. "But every day you make light of me, by begging me to have you one moment, and then just as readily reject my affections when it pleases you..."

"I..." She gasped as he towered over her, grasping her hips. It was a grip she was all too familiar with. A grip that was always associated with pleasure. "I am always yours... But I am afraid I think it's YOU that plays with my heart, just as perfectly as you do my body..."

He froze upon hearing her words, unsure of how he could have wronged her. But just as she always did of late, she was quick to slip out of his hands.

"My lady, I heard no complaint the night before last, when you woke from a dream and wished for me to tend to your needs." He placed his hand on the door, blocking her easy escape. "If something displeases you, I would ask that you air your dissatisfactions now."

She stood silently for a few moments, her big brown eyes holding his icy gaze, like the warm sun thawing snow. The truth was that she had nothing rational to say, other than her own fears that he had been on occasion careless of the little promises he'd made to spend the evening with them or have dinner with her. It just seemed so trivial and silly.

"I am worried about Fili, Thorin." She shook her head. "The boys told me they sent their raven around two days ago..."

"Aye. But perhaps they left before the message arrived? Or before they could reply...? There is likely an explanation..."

She sighed in frustration. It just felt like he was not listening to her.

"Perhaps we may discuss this later, my love. I need to finish this tonight," he concluded, standing back from the door. "I have requested that Lola and my sister watch the children tonight and for the next day. I have also arranged for Oin to oversee your sick at the infirmary. I think it is time we commence our agreement of two days together once more. Seraeya is quite old enough now, and should they require you then they can let us know..."

She sighed quietly without replying, knowing fully well how 'later' would go, when she fell into his pleasurable arms. Particularly during their days off when they spent almost all their time in bed! It made her wonder whether she was a sex-addict - or even a Thorin-addict?! The thought would have made her laugh usually, but she found herself too worried about Fili and Imli.

"I.. thought we could spend some time with the kids tomorrow..."

"Very well, my lady. Supper with the children and bedtime. But the rest of the evening and day are for me."

...

She lay on the soft grass blinking up at the brilliant blue, cloudless sky. Smiling at the familiarity of where she was, she reached out and ran her fingers over the soft carpet as she shut her eyes and then sat up.

She was back home in her parents garden. Eagerly she turned back to look at her parents house, hoping to catch at least a glimpse of them. But the large doors leading out from the kitchen-diner were shut. There was no way they were in on a day like this and not in the kitchen with the doors open.

Sitting up now, she noticed that she wore one of her favourite summer dresses. The red one with big polka dots!

"My beauty..." His voice was quiet as he observed her at home. It was easy to recall her homeland, and her parents house for him. It was like a small piece of pure bliss, from the warmth that dwelled within the house to the lush green garden surrounding. And despite how long they were away, she still looked as though she had come home. And seeing her there in that pretty red dress... Mahal help his heart.

"Thorin..?" She looked up to watch him walk over slowly, certain this was now a dream. Despite the years that had passed, the increased silver streaks in his mane and the additional crow's feet and lines on his face, he still looked unbelievably majestic. Certainly in her eyes, the elves had nothing on this dwarven king.

"Aye, my love, you have taken us back to your parents home." He strode over slowly, and came to sit beside her. They had spent the last day making up for some unspoken grievance she held against him. It was not how he wanted things - he wanted her to openly talk of the matter, but it had been something she had been clearly holding on to for a while. They had then made love in every possible way he could imagine, until both quite worn out, had fallen into a deep slumber. "Did you get a chance to meet your parents?"

She shook her head sadly, as he came to wrap his arm around her, so she could lean against his chest.

It had been a while since they had a shared dream in the last few months, so Thorin was grateful. It was a sign of a deep connection for their kind, and prior to the birth of their daughter they had been frequently sharing their dreams, so the short while had worried him at first until Gloin had suggested it was because of how busy and exhausted they both were with their newer arrival that the dreams had grown rare.

He stroked her back gently, as they sat together silently on her parents lush green lawn. He always found they were both usually barefoot in these dreams. It was rare for a dwarf to be barefoot unless they were about to engage in an act of intimacy, a bit like letting hair down. So he often saw this as a sign that he had joined her in one of their shared dreams. She on the other hand, often walked around barefoot - it was her preference. It was also quite enough to arouse him at best and at worst a real distraction!

"You miss them terribly don't you?" He took her hand, enjoying the feel of her soft skin against his.

Unable to find the words, she silently leant against him for a while, letting him gently twirl her soft dark hair in his hands. He always found it comforting, but even she found it soothing.

"Do you think about your parents often?" She finally asked.

"All the time, my love... But I imagine them as being gone - away... Somewhere far away. Where travel is not possible. And someday we will meet again." He replied gently. "It is harder when you think they are still alive..."

The pain in his voice at that point became a bit more tangible as he recalled his search for his own father.

"That's just it. I thought I would have something within... A feeling of how they are... Or something... But I feel nothing other than how much I miss them?" She whispered.

"Is that why you came here? You were hoping to see them?" He watched her face closely as she lay her head down in his lap.

"I... Don't know..." She admitted for the first time. "I know I can't control how things will be... But I worry about whether they have come to accept that I am gone... For good. The thought that they might be worrying about me, or searching for me, or grieving, really breaks my heart."

He listened attentively, as she spilled her worries, fears and sorrows further.

"Would it please you to return to your home?" He asked hesitantly, nervous that her answer would be affirmative.

"Not if it means leaving you." She knew this was the utmost sacred truth. "I love you, and we have a family together."

"Aye, my love - but I have not been much of a good father or husband recently, with everything going on." He admitted spurred on by her own confessions. "I have been missing mealtimes together or leaving you to manage the children alone -"

"It's okay." She reached up to touch his face gently. "I know you have been busy... And grumpy."

A deep rumble erupted from within his chest as he chuckled at her joke.

"And I intend to make it up to you and our little ones." He smiled down at her.

She sighed contentedly still laying in his lap.

"I am sorry you didn't get to see them this time." Thorin felt a pang of guilt at the feeling of having trapped her in Erebor away from her parents. But all the same he couldn't possibly give her up selflessly and let her go. SHE was his treasure. "Perhaps we can try retuning in your dreams... There is a chance that your minds are connected in some way, just as our own minds are. There is a belief amongst us dwarrow, that every time you recall someone out of the blue, it is because they are thinking of you."

She nodded again silently feeling somewhat relived at having let him know just how much she missed them. It had weighed on her mind heavily of late. And this last day of uninterrupted sex, foreplay and everything in-between had also given them a chance to connect again.

"I have so many happy memories here," she smiled as she reached out and ran her hand over the grass again.

"Aye, and I have a few too, my love," he offered.

"Oh?" She suddenly sat up avidly listening.

"Well, you recall when your parents invited us to dinner after the wedding..." He shut his eyes as though savouring another thought and as he opened them she suddenly found herself wearing a green silk wrap dress. It was one she had back at home. "You wore this dress... we sat in the garden talking as the sun was setting, before going in for dinner. And Mahal! I had never seen a more beautiful creature than yourself. In fact I had been so desperate that I wished I could have had you in this very garden itself."

She laughed as he slowly ran his hand up one of her smooth legs drawing the dress open further.

"Oh! So...I am pretty sure we won't get caught now will we? So I am all yours -"

He didn't give her any time as he grasped her waist and rolled them both over, bringing her body perfectly beneath his.

And just like that it felt as though the distance they had been creating between them, had vanished entirely.

"Now my Queen, I pride myself on being able to bring you to your peak even in our dreams."

...

Seraeya giggled emphatically as her brothers made funny faces and jumped about. She sat snugly nestled in her sling against Shobhas chest and wrapped up thoroughly against the cold wind.

"Thank you for helping to look after them, Mara. I really am grateful," Shobha whispered to her friend standing beside her laughing.

"Nonsense my dear. They were a pleasure! You know they are surprisingly sensitive and caring young boys? When I let them know they had to be good to help you, they instantly did exactly as they were told!" Mara chuckled, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Not to mention, your sister in law was most helpful, and even when Seraeya grumbled initially, she insisted we just let her play a little longer to see whether she might tire out, without needing to trouble the both of you! I have also noticed she acts like your guardian these days when it comes to that horrid hag and her retinue... Maybe she has buried the hatchet?"

"Oh! I don't know... I think these are very strenuous circumstances for everyone, including the Princess Royal of Erebor; I think I will reserve judgement for now!" Shobha laughed back. "How is Gloin managing with the new influx of these rich Iron Hills types?"

"Mahal Shobha! He is inundated: Why just the other day, Lana insisted on asking for a loan!" Mara frowned somewhat unhappily. "And when Gloin said he would discuss it with Thorin, the stupid wench went straight to the King that very evening!"

"Oh I see..." Suddenly it made sense to her. "But doesn't she have money?"

"Aye! Apparently it is until she has more brought over." Mara rolled her eyes. "Gloin and Thorin discussed it later, and Thorin gave her a loan from his own money in the end. Gloin did not think it would be suitable to loan money to anyone claiming they had money arriving, since it could just as easily go wrong. It is not a risk Erebor should be taking - imagine if we did that for every single dwarrow and dam that came asking?!"

Shobha nodded feeling uneasy suddenly. It was not her gold after all, it belonged to Thorin.

"I mean can't she just wait a few days without spending frivolously?" Mara muttered. "She's scheming that one. I don't know what it is, but I plan to find out what she is up to."

They watched the boys silently again for a bit as they horsed around, now kicking a ball, and completely unconcerned by the dwindling light.

Several dwarf tradesmen and workmen stopped to bow to the princes, before kicking the ball at the request of the boys. And then laughing after a few passes they would then bow to Shobha before returning back to the lonely Mountain.

"Right, boys! Five minutes and we're going in!" Shobha called out much to their protests and Seraeyas giggles.

"Shobha, I need your advice -" Mara asked suddenly. "Gloin wants Gimli to learn accounting so he might take over as treasurer some day. But my stubborn son wishes to learn to fight and become a warrior. I am afraid for his life, after all he is my only son.. You have boys, what would you say if either said this?"

She linked her arm reassuringly in Mara's.

"It is hard to stop a child following their true wishes, even if it seems dangerous... Perhaps Gimli should be taught to fight as a warrior, if he needs to use his axe one day. In the meantime maybe he should work for the treasury under his father?" Shobha smiled, she hadn't ever told Mara about the Tolkien books, and apparently neither had Gloin. "Is he any good with the Axe?"

"Aye! Gloin and Dwalin both say he is a natural! But how did you know?!" Maras pretty face was filled with clear surprise. "He only just started."

"I... Lucky guess?" Shobha replied distracted as she took a few steps On the stone bridge to squint into the distance where a distant silhouette seemed to move along the northern road towards the Mountain! She thought she imagined it at first, until it became clear the lone rider was making his way over.

"Guards! Boys! Inside right now!" She shouted urgently as a large raven gently landed at Thrains feet and cawed at him. "Boys! Inside! Right now! Guards!"

Even before she had truly called for her guard, who remained invisible most of the time, had appeared surrounding them as they all began to walk in to safety.

"Mama, that's Fili!" Thrain cried half excited and half worried as he reluctantly joined his mother. "Rune told me."

The little boy pointed at the large raven who had taken to the skies again, circling with a loud caw.

"Are you certin?!" She couldn't hide her worry, as she turned to usher her sons inside with Mara.

"Aye Mama," Thrain jiggled on the spot impatiently. "I want to stay to see him."

"No baby, I want you and Arun to go with Mara and tell your Adad that a rider is coming from the north. Go!" She ushered him in again, and Mara took his hand gently pulling him along with his brother, at first reluctantly. "Go! Now!"

"But Mama -"

"No buts baby!" She replied sternly. "I am coming too. Lola will be back now, otherwise please could you keep Seraeya too, Mara?"

Mara didn't hesitate, nodding as she hurried the boys along the corridor with Shobha.

"Do you think it's really him?" Mara whispered to her. "Whoever that rider is looks unwell. That pony trots too fast for it to be leisurely and too slow for a capable rider."

"I don't know but we can see better from the nursery window."

It hadn't taken them long to get back into the royal apartments where Mara had ushered the twins in, to find Lola pottering about tidying.

The boys instantly rushed to the window where they all gathered looking towards the North road. Shobha had been right, the vantage point from this part of the mountain was particularly excellent, and it was clear now why the dwarven king, historically, had kept their living quarters here.

"It's him Mama! It's Fili!" Arun screamed half excited, half worried.

"Let's go!" Thrain joined in.

But Mara had been right, the dwarf that rode on this pony did not look well. He was slumped forwards slightly and carried another dwarf who appeared as though he could barely remain upright.

"Right boys, you are all dirty. Wash up and we are all going to have supper soon." Mara looked at Shobha worried. "And I bet if we send a message, Gimli will love to join us, and teach you how to hold the axe!"

The boys cheered, but still remained at the window until she coaxed them towards their bathroom. Young Gimli was indeed quite the entertainer - although there was such an age difference between himself and the two young princes, he seemed to get along well with them, describing his training, regaling them with funny stories from his lessons with other dwarves at school, and he was even willing to play with them. He quite happily viewed them as younger, and more annoying but sweet siblings.

"Oh lads! You heard Lady Mara - I don't think Gimli will want to dine with dirty dwarflings. Do you?" Lola ushered them along.

"Thank you Mara, and Lola - I am going to the infirmary."

She was quick, informing two of the guards to carry a message to Thorin, before heading for the infirmary. There she had two cots prepared and sent two gurneys ahead to the great entrance. Her thoughts suddenly turned to Fili, worrying about how hurt he might be, as she rushed back to the entrance.

The pony was still approaching the stone bridge along the path, the rider and passengers both looked unwell, but the passenger was now slumped right over the animals neck, and it strained in its final trot back.

But as they finally reached the gates, her heart sank to see Fili slide off the pony in agony, helped down by several guards. Shobha rushed towards him.

"My lady, you are a sight for sore eyes -"

"You are hurt Fili. Onto the gurney -"

"I am not so bad, Imli took the brunt of it - he saved my life the fool!" Fili winced as he reached up to help several guards carefully lower the other dwarf, whom she recognised as the very same. They were both covered in dirt and blood, but still well armoured. "We need to get him to the infirmary right now."

She checked on the chestnut haired young Lord as he was laid down on the gurney. His handsome face was pale and covered in sweat, and he weakly opened his eyes to look at her, as she checked his armour for where the worst bleeding came from.

"Come on! Lets go." Shobha instructed the guards carrying Imli. "Fili, just get on the gurney -"

"No my Lady. I am son of Durin. Let me walk."

Two guards were quick to fall beside him now as a crowd had gathered by the entrance of passing dwarrow and dam. They helped Fili by supporting the Prince as he began his pained hobble back to the infirmary.

She was quick as she over took them and let Oin know, but the guards had arrived soon after. And so they began, methodically stripping the young Lord of his armour, until he lay on the cot in his undertunic, soaked in blood.

"I fear I am food for the worms, my Queen." Imli groaned silently as she cut the clothing off and began to examine his stab wound before pressing on his abdomen section by section. "But I can go to the halls of my forefathers now I have changed upon seeing you one last time."

"Don't be silly," she lifted a small vial to his lips. "Drink. It will ease the pain. You are lucky your wound is bad but it looks like it might have missed any of your vital organs."

He smiled again weakly after drinking the contents down with a little cough.

"We were ambushed, my lady." Fili called out from the cot next to Imli. "It was only fortunate that we received two ravens from two young Princes of Erebor warning us. Or we surely would not be here -"

"How long ago?" Shobha called back.

"Two days -"

"Lassie...?" Oin popped his head through the gap in the screen offering his help. "Fili has several bad stabs to the left thigh - needs a good washout. And he has lost a lot of blood, but he will live. How is this one?"

"Penetrating stab to the abdomen, I certainly through, but no ongoing bleeding now - but I think he has a fever with it. A peritonitis maybe..." She glanced at him, worried about sounding negative in front of the patient. "He needs a good clean up and then we will have to watch the fever like a hawk."

"I will get the fever medicine mixed up, Lassie. Better get it in him now. And your fluid device?"

She nodded in agreement as the old dwarf hobbled away. It turns out that they did have several sort of antibiotic type potions here, but they were only to be taken by mouth, and she had shown Ori and Dori several large bore needles which she had brought in her medical kit, which they had been able to replicate that attached to a glass bottle and some leather tubing all which could be boiled and sterilised to act like a drip to give fluids. It had been the best she could do in Middle earth. And she had only given small doses to a few dwarves that had been horribly wounded in various accidents over the last few years. After all, she couldn't guarantee the sterility or safety of it all, but none so far had died.

"He will need something." Oin returned quickly with a trolley containing it all while she carried on cleaning and dressing his wounds.

"My Lady..." He gasped seemingly in pain at times.

"Lord Imli...?"

"Tell me in all honesty, am I to die...?" He reached out with a bloodied hand and touched the skin of her arm delicately, as if deriving some momentary happiness in the contact. "I will need to make preparations -"

"No. You will recover from this and learn your lesson about being more careful." She grasped his hand tightly. "I will need to clean a bit more and apply some more salve..."

"My body, heart and soul are all yours to do anything you please..." He smiled through the pain.

"You are delirious... Or high." She placed the back of her hand on his sweat-drenched forehead momentarily before carrying on working as fast as she could. "We will give you some more pain relief once I am done but it is strong stuff. You see, Oin found a way to extract opium from poppies. And it's quite strong... Right all done, so now we can get some more -"

But as she stood to leave, he caught her hand with the last of his determination.

"Please, my Lady," he whispered, his blue eyes watching her as he continued taking shallow breaths. "I may not survive this. We both know it is true. As a dying man I would ask one final wish of you."

She reluctantly turned to him, still holding his hand and as she took in the entire scene, realised they were both covered in a sea of red. It was all his blood!

"Please, my lady..." He begged again. And it sounded so helpless, that she could not help being moved, although she worried what exactly it was that he would ask of her.

"What would you have me do?" She knelt by him, and whispered back.

"A kiss. I know it's wrong, and if I survive, I am happy to be punished by our King. I will take any number of lashes, pay any fine..." He whispered, desperately clutching onto her hand still. They had kissed once, many moons ago. She had been vulnerable, and he had been unable to help himself. But as heavenly as it was, he had never been able to let it go. The memory of her lips upon his had been firmly etched into his heart. And yet he wouldnt press her further given the reality of their lives. "Just one more kiss... For a dying man. I would beg it of you... But I would understand if you must deny me all the same, my lady..."

Blinking away tears as they filled her big brown eyes, she suddenly found herself kissing him. His lips soft and gentle.

And he too was weak, but reached out to softly run his fingers, through her long, glossy raven hair as it draped over her shoulder.

Finally pulling away she looked down at him, his handsome features looking pale and washed out.

"I can die now, my Queen, as your devout servant."

"You will do no such thing, Lord Imli."

"Lassie..." A quiet voice at the screen that surrounded Imli's cot alerted her attention to the old dwarf standing there. "Thorin has arrived and is with Fili. I will send two of the apprentices to help clean and dress him lassie..."

He gently ushered her on, moving the screen aside so they could move to a small bowl, where she washed her hands and dried them remaining silent.

"Ye did a kind thing, lass. And in my eyes it was the right thing ter do." He whispered, as she looked down at her hands. "I moved Fili around - and Thorin is with him. No one is the wiser lassie, so you take a moment to wipe the guilt off yer face."

"They came to harm because of me." She took her bloodied apron off in frustration. It had made little difference, since Imli's blood had stained her dress all the same. "And now I am doing... mad things!"

"Thorin may be a jealous man, and as far as ye go - I would say he's right ter guard ye so well, but sometimes he is also hot-headed and the fool in him might act quicker than his noggin would take to realise that what yer did was naught more than an act of kindness." Oin spoke frankly as he patted her on the arm and took the blood soaked apron from her. "I have patched up Fili, he too has lost a bit of blood, but he is very lucky indeed. Although I think luck had little ter do with it. Now, do ye need some more time lassie?"

She shook her head, wiping unspilled tears from her eyes before patting herself down, subconsciously straightening her clothes, not that it would make any difference given the blood that stained her clothes.

"Good girl." He patted her hand as they made their way over to the bay in which Fili's cot crown prince was now sitting up, in only his undertunic sporting several bandages on both legs, which he rapidly covered up with a blanket as he spotted her.

"My lady," Fili winced, as Thorin stood in front of him listening. "I was just describing our stay in Ered Mithrin -"

"But what alerted you?" Thorin urged him on extending his hand out to his wife to invite her to join him.

"Almost within two hours of leaving we received two notes, carried by the two largest of the royal Ravens -"

"Roac and Rune -" Thorin instantly knew, although he fell deep into thought over the matter.

"From the Princes; Thrain and Arun." Filis bruised and bloodied face managed a grin then. "They warned us of a possible ambush they overheard on the upper levels where they play. We avoided the roads and even had several guard but these orcs had been paid to track us."

The thought made her gasp as she looked down at her bloodied dress.

"And when we were attacked, we were outnumbered greatly!" Fili shook his head slowly. "I heard Imli warn me, but before I could do anything about it, he came between me and the wretched creature or I would have been surely laying in that cot now."

Shobha's eyes met Fili's, neither had any words at that very moment, but the sadness each felt was clear.

"Imli saved my life." The crown prince finally broke the heavy silence. "But maybe neither of us would have been here if not for the young princes."

She felt terrible; helpless at being able to do what she would have done if she had been back home, where she could have taken him to theatre, and then guilty that she had been unable to stop this although her sons had warned her.

Stepping away unable to bear her own guilt, she turned and walked out of the screened bay where Fili was being treated. Her feet carried her fast, back to their room, where she stripped out of her dress with as much speed as she could muster. Then she marched into the ensuite in her underslip and corset, where she spent the next few minutes vigorously scrubbing Imli's blood from under her fingernails. She usually needed a bath to soak her hands after managing such a large amount of blood, but today she had no time. There was nothing more conventional medicine in Middle earth could do to help the poor dwarf who had been one of her few trusted supporters. But there was one thing she thought of now. A final hope.

"What in Mahals name are you doing?" Thorin asked quietly as he stood in the doorway watching her strange ritual.

"I should have done something about it, when the boys came to me," she quickly dried herself with a towel before tiptoeing past his broad frame and pulling out her riding trousers, a loose tunic and a jacket. Then as she pulled on her boots she frowned down at her feet. "Well, in fact I tried to get YOU to do something about it! So in truth, Imli's life was in YOUR hands!"

"You know that, all I would have been doing is sending more of our good soldiers to their death!" Thorin snarled. "Neither of those two dwarves would have wanted that!"

She sat down and pulled on her boots, lacing each up silently.

"Where exactly are you going, Shobha?" He growled again.

"The only place that might have a healer that can help Imli." She replied looking up at him.

"I forbid it." He grunted. "At this hour - it's dangerous! What of us? You husband and your children?"

"I will be careful."

"No! Imli would not wish for this." He grabbed her when she stood up and pulled her against him.

"Please Thorin. I have to do this." She lay her head against his chest, it was a familiar place of rest for her, to lay there listening to his beating heart. But today, even he couldn't comfort her.

Tip toeing up she kissed him.

"Then I should come with you." He clenched his fist.

"I had better do this alone." She reached up and touched his cheek. "I will take a guard if it helps - but they tend find us quickly along the path."

"Unless those foul beasts find you first - or you lose the path." He warned stepping closer.

She finished lacing her boots and looked up at him thinking. He was right and they both knew it!

A knock on the door interrupted them both as a guard entered.

"Sire, forgive my intrusion - but there has been an incident in the Iron Hills, and Lord Balin has received a raven of great urgency." It was the same young guard who had come to her assistance the other day with Aida and Jana.

"Is he in the war room?"

"Aye, your majesty."

"I shall be there right away." Thorin turned to look at his wife, sensing her growing unease. "Give me a few hours."

"No Thorin. I can't wait a few hours - Imli may not have a few hours." She worried out loud. "And you owe him - since he sacrificed his own life to save Fili."

Thorin groaned. She was right, and he knew it. But he couldn't ignore this matter from the Iron Hills either.

"Dwalin." Thorin took her hand and began marching out before stopping briefly to address the young guard. "And you lad; go prepare yourself and ready three ponies. Do you think you can protect our Queen?"

"With my life, Sire. I am one of the unseen guardsman now." He stood proudly and beat his breastplate with his fist in salute.

"Then you are tasked as our lady's personal guard during this visit. But you must keep it secret." Thorin bowed his head gracefully, suppressing a grin at the young dwarrows eagerness. The guard was clearly not experienced, but what he lacked tactics he would make up for in strength. And either way the only dwarf he would trust to guard her was his very own battle-partner. "We shall meet you in the stables."

They had found Dwalin fast, and he did not need asking twice.

"You come home as soon as you have what you want. Do you understand?" Thorin patted her down, buckling up several daggers to her belt, and checking how secure her mithril best was under her coat. His icy blue eyes were fixed firmly on her. "And should they decline your request, you are to return back to me immediately none the less."

He pulled her against him and kissed her roughly before helping her up onto her pony.

"I love you Thorin." She whispered, before turning to Dwalin who had already set off ahead, and glancing back at the young guard who sat on his pony behind her patiently. "Lets go then..."

...

Dear All,

Thank you for following so far, hope you are enjoying the story so far.

And thank you ColdOnePaul for your reviews - those aristocratic dwarves from the iron hills are trouble through and through. frankly, i am not sure how she is going to manage them and I am quite worried its not going too well... Where is Gandalf when you need him?! haha!