Hello and welcome to the first chapter! I hope you enjoy this story and please feel free to leave feedback, I'd love to hear your thoughts!
Also just a note, in this story Thorin is a bit younger than he is in the books. I'm placing him at about 165 years old.
Enjoy :)
"Are you talking to the lads tonight?"
Thorin sighed and placed his mug down on his desk. After a long day of Council meetings he had hoped to escape to his study. He craved solitude, but Balin had spotted him walking briskly in the halls and followed him. Although he was in no mood, Thorin knew he had waited too long already.
"They'll be coming soon, I've sent for them."
Balin slowly walked over to his desk and took a seat opposite him, offering a small smile. "I know it's a difficult conversation, but people are beginning to whisper."
Thorin took another drink from his mug to avoid answering. He knew what people were saying. It had been a decade since Erebor had been reclaimed and the once empty halls slowly filled as dwarves from Ered Luin and the Iron Hills arrived. They offered gifts as a sign of their loyalty to the line of Durin, sung his praises and boasted to all of their brave King who had won back their home. Although no formal announcement had been made, many expected him to marry after his coronation like his ancestors had done. Noble families had travelled to Erebor with their daughters in the hopes of gaining his favour. However, between restoring Erebor and righting the widespread devastations of the war, he had little time and energy for them. His own happiness was not a priority, not when his people were suffering.
Not wanting to waste their time, the dwarrows had turned their attention to the young princes. Years passed and while Fili and Kili flirted and enjoyed the attention from dwarrows, neither expressed an interest in settling down. Some families saw their efforts were futile and brought their daughters back home. Some dwarrows met their One and married whilst others stayed in Erebor, not wanting to give up their chance to join the royal family. People grew concerned over the years - there weren't many dwarrows to begin with and now the King and Princes had rejected the most beautiful and noble dwarrows.
"People want to know the line of Durin is secure." Balin continued gently.
Thorin nod his head in acknowledgement just as they heard a knock. Not waiting for a response, the door swung open and Kili walked in followed by Fili. Both were covered in sweat and had swords strapped to their hips, obviously just having finished training. The grin on Fili's face and sour expression on Kili's told Thorin his elder nephew had bested his brother.
"Uncle! I thought it would be wise for you to know that you are in the company of a cheat." Kili announced, shooting a glare at his brother.
"Ha!" Fili barked. "It's not my fault you trip over your own feet brother."
"I demand a rematch!"
"Won't losing twice be even more humiliating?"
Thorin smiled softly at their antics. Balin chuckled and shook his head before standing.
"I think it's time I took my leave." He bowed to Thorin. "Let me know the outcome of this meeting!" he called over his shoulder.
Once the door shut, Thorin wiped the smile from his face and leaned forward in his chair. Noticing the change in their Uncle's demeanour, both Fili and Kili silently made their way to the chairs in front of his desk and waited.
"I ask for both of you to take this conversation seriously," Thorin began, his eyes lingering on Kili. "Have either of you heard the whispers about our bloodline?"
Fili and Kili shared a glanced and hesitated before nodding.
"After all we've been through, our people look to the line of Durin for strength and security now more than ever. A son of Durin has always, and will always, sit on the throne of Erebor. Like our ancestors, it is now our responsibility to ensure the line of Durin continues."
Thorin's eyes flickered between this nephews. They had caught on to what he was talking about and now Fili was averting his gaze, suddenly more interested in the contents of this desk while Kili was struggling to contain his laughter. Thorin sat back in his chair and waited. He wished Dis was here. When it came to emotions and matters of the heart, she managed her sons better - he never knew what to say. It would be months until she returned from her visit to the Iron Hills though and this couldn't wait any longer.
Fili was the first to break the silence. "I don't wish to marry Uncle. Though I enjoy the company of dwarrows, I have no desire for a wife."
"Neither do I," Kili said quickly. "I've no time for a wife - much less children. Can you imagine a mini-me?"
Fili broke into a smile. "Oh Mahal, the horror."
Thorin ignored Fili. "No time? What are you doing exactly?"
"I'm training Uncle! Dwalin's growing older - he's not old, but when he retires as Captain of the Royal Guard, someone needs to take his place."
Kili had puffed out his chest while explaining and Thorin couldn't help but chuckle. He wasn't surprised. After decades of training, Dwalin had only recently let Kili join his scouting party (with Thorin's permission of course). From Dwalin's reports, Kili was thriving. He consistently rose early, took orders without complaint and, to Thorin's disbelief, took every task assigned to him with complete and utter seriousness. At times he was perhaps overeager to engage in a fight, but age would mature him. For now he shaping up to be an excellent warrior.
"And you?" Thorin said turning to Fili, clearly amused. "Have you no time for a wife?"
Fili smiled and shook his head. "Time isn't the issue. I've thought out about it and marriage simply isn't something I want, especially if I am to rule one day."
Thorin raised an eyebrow at that. If?
Fili grinned. "Well, you're still young Uncle. Is there no dame that's caught your eye?"
Kili roared with laughter. "I can write you a list of dwarrows who have noticed you."
"Can you imagine a mini-Uncle?"
"We could teach him how to fight!"
Thorin sighed and ran a hand through his hair. He should have waited for Dis.
