"Dáin Ironfoot, step out. One by one, I'm taking revenge on every lord who refused to help Thorin retake Erebor. Thorin might think vengeance is his, but by right of the king, it is MINE." He roared the last word and everyone knew a showdown of the ages was before them.
Otsey accepted a glass of ale and the probing of a Blacklock healer.
"What did he say ta ye?" Dóvad leaned over and asked.
Otsey thought how to answer his lord and decided the king's words were for him alone, so gave a different answer. "I felt like ah dwarfling at my first sparing lesson. How did he make it look so easy?" The thought of fighting orcs and wargs for fifty years overwhelmed his mind.
"His fighting is superior than when he led us at Azanulbizar," Máfog uttered from Otsey's other side.
"I wouldn't have challenged if I knew he was capable of making me look like ah fool with just ah few blows," Otsey acknowledged. "I would like ta stay an learn from the Durin's."
Dóvad nodded his acceptance. "If they will have ye, I'll speak ta them."
"Will they listen ta ye?" Otsey had his doubts Dóvad possessed any sway with those willing ta toss him swiftly into the dungeon.
"Don't worry about this little dust up I'm having," Dóvad assured all who were listening. "I'll be back soon."
Thorin Stonehelm's eyes were huge when his father slapped him on the shoulder and stated, "If ye ever find yerself in my place, fight an die with honor." He stalked proudly to the king and bowed. "Ye have the right ta execute judgement, but I warn ye, I'm not ah trifling youth ta be messed with. I may break ah few of yer bones, as I'm sure they are brittle with age."
Thráin laughed at Dáin's attempts to anger him, and was joined by almost everyone who also saw the ploy.
Gandalf glared and remained focused on maintaining connection with the others.
"He is mine to fight," Thorin Oakenshield screamed in rage.
"I'm sure you will take your turn when Lord Dáin recovers," Galadriel reassured him.
Elrond cast a glance at her and she met his eyes and smiled. Linked as they were, everyone could hear if he spoke so let his eyes meet hers for what he sought. There was merriment in her blue orbs, so he figured she knew the winner. He refocused on the fight.
Thráin slapped his Warhammer on the stone and sparks flew to the delight of the dwarflings. "Fight or run back ta the Iron Hills."
Dáin assessed Thráin's technique with the youth and adjusted his stance. When Thráin swung low, he jumped and came down from above, trying to break the arm that swung. He figured a clean break and all would be back to normal. He really didn't want to hurt the older dwarf. The arm wasn't where he aimed and he felt his ankle smart when Thráin pulled back in mid-swing. He barely had time to jump back before the older dwarf swung again.
Thráin aimed this time at Dáin's head, figuring he better knock the younger, stronger dwarf out fast, for Dáin was no novice in the ring. Dáin blocked and bunted Thráin's Warhammer with his own. Both stepped back assessing their next attack. Dáin aimed for ribs that would kill an orc and Thráin drew his sword and blocked, while getting another lick in on Dáin's body with the Warhammer. And so they attacked and parried and danced within the circle and it became obvious to the bystanders that for an old dwarf, Thráin fought like a dwarf in his prime. Slowly, he wore Dáin down and in turn felt himself matching pace.
Dáin knew his stamina was finished and threw his Warhammer, catching Thráin along his head on the blind side over the helmet. He had a flashback of a like injury from the dwarf that tried to kill their king not long before and hoped his kin didn't join the fray, for he heard them cursing and crying foul. He drew his sword and advanced.
Several days away, Thorin raged that he was going to drive Dáin into an early grave, one broken bone at a time. He felt hands tighten on his and realized he must be hurting the elves, so relaxed slightly.
Thráin was stunned and his sight blurred, so he took several steps back. Instinct to survive took over and he swung the Warhammer high and stabbed low. He heard a curse and clang against his sword, as Dáin chose the wrong weapon to block and he took Thráin's Warhammer blow to the head over his helmet.
Dáin keeled over and let out a loud oomph as his back slammed into the floor. Before he could roll to his feet, the Warhammer struck again to his side and everyone heard his next exclamation in the form of oof and breath knocked from him.
Thráin laid the edge of the elven sword against Dáin's neck. "Had enough, lad?"
"Aye," he gasped and held his hand for Thráin to pull him to his feet. Once upright, he laughed and slammed his head into Thráin's. "Good match, old one. Tell me, how did ye win ah bought that should have been mine?"
The crowd quieted quickly to catch the answer. "Fifty years of catching water skins an fighting orcs and wargs for Sauron's amusement kept me fit." He slapped Dáin's armor with his free hand. "Ye are getting soft, while I was fighting as hard as the battles we fought at Azanulbizar all those years in captivity."
Dáin belted out a laugh. "Tell that ta the orcs an wargs I killed."
They made their way to their kin, each holding the other up and both in obvious pain.
Dwalin looked at Thráin with new respect. "I guess that will quiet the naysayers."
"I hope so. If I have ta take on too many of ye warriors in yer prime, I won't live very long."
Gandalf broke connection and hurried to Thráin's side, pushing through Durin's and the Company and those who wanted to be near the king. "You could have warned me, Thráin," he thundered and most warriors felt it better to slip to the drinking halls for ale and celebrate there.
Azie pushed through, leading the way with an army of dams in her wake. "You trying to kill my baby's father before it has a chance to know him?" she screamed in Thráin's face. King or not, she thought the fighting of Durin's petty and beneath the king.
"Azie," Dáin snarled in frustration. "He had every right ta take me ta task for failing Thorin. Mind yer place."
Azie's face turned red and without another word, she spun and hurried away before he or anyone could see tears welling up in her eyes. She knew being pregnant caused capricious emotions, but he was sleeping elsewhere tonight if she had any say in their home.
Aneht shook her head in disgust. "Dáin, you haven't got the sense of a raven. You never talk like that to a pregnant dam, or any dam for that matter. I hope Azie kicks you out of your plush bedchamber and makes you sleep on the floor like the dog you are."
Laughter broke out from everyone close enough to hear and Aneht led the other dams away.
Even Gandalf was grinning. "I think the dams did what I cannot." He sobered just as fast. "How many other leaders do you feel you must fight, Thráin?"
"When I heal from this bought, I'll deal with Dóvad next. Getting ah lick in on those who abandoned my son makes me feel good." He looked around until spotting Lötun. "Get Dóvad an his rat packed away?"
Lötun pushed between Dwalin and young Thorin to the king's side. "Aye, they are back in their cells. Lord Dóvad thought ye were going ta ask for his apology in front of everyone. He is prepared ta accept an take his place as one of your lord's."
"I'll let him cool his heels until Thorin arrives." His head injury left him dizzy and he wanted to get cleaned up and lie down and spotted Óin hovering. Knowing Dáin was not welcome in his own home, he offered, "Come ta my quarters, Dáin. That way, Óin doesn't have so far ta go. Besides, ye might want ta avoid yer home until Azie forgives yer rudeness. Of course, buying her an expensive trinket from the market will help."
Dáin's answer was to throw his arm around his son for support and he limped slowly to the Durin Hall.
"Da, I didn't think ye would lose," Thorin spoke quietly.
"Neither did I. He may very well be the toughest dwarf alive right now. How long did we fight? It seemed like forever."
"Ye fought for an hour without letup. I could see ye both getting slower as time passed."
"Feel like taking yer old man on?" Dáin joked.
"Right now, yes. When yer healthy, I'll pass."
Dáin chuckled and squeezed his shoulders.
Thráin, a few steps ahead, had his own helpers. He had Balin on one side and Dwalin the other. Each held an arm. "I am spending tomorrow in my chambers an maybe bed," he acknowledged, knowing his old body wasn't up to sparing like a dwarf in his prime too often.
"How long did it take you to recover from bouts of fighting fell beings?" Dwalin asked.
"They usually let me rest for ah week or more."
Balin looked at him sympathetically and they made the rest of the way in silence.
Thorin felt drained and wasn't surprised to see glowing hands of Glorfindel giving him strength and heard Elrond telling everyone what they were witness to. "Hanna," he muttered when the warrior stopped. He saw the elves departing to tents and dwarves walking a log over the creek.
Garad and other lords waited for him. "Coming?"
Thorin shook his head. "I'm staying with the elves until we reach the mountain." He didn't explain further, although the lords hoped. He motioned for them to leave and turned back to Elrond. "I will find a place under a wagon, if alright with you?"
"No, it's not all right with me," Elrond replied and turned to find Elladan. Seeing him near the family, he called out, "Elladan."
In three leaps, he joined them and his father ordered, "Make a cot for Prince Thorin in your tent."
"Yes, Adar."
Erestor overheard from returning to see Elrohir settled for the night. "I would rather Prince Thorin take Glorfindel's cot and bunk with me and leave that overgrown elfling in Elladan's tent. That way I can ask questions for the book."
Elrond shrugged and looked down to Thorin. "He is definitely more civilized and I'm sure has a fair amount of wine from the barrel that traveled over half of Middle Earth."
"I'm not sharing with a dwarf," Glorfindel protested vociferously, causing everyone but him to laugh. "I'll take the small cask I had filled to my new tent."
"Come, Thorin," Erestor invited. "I have the flask I carried when escorting you on the back of Gwaihir, and it's the good wine.
"You were holding out on me," Glorfindel wailed and Erestor turned laughing at him.
"Come get your putrid wine."
"And how are you feeling this fine morning?" Gandalf greeted Thráin sternly and threw a glare at Dáin."
"We are enjoying ah quiet morning before I have ta work in my office an Dáin has ta get ah foothold back in his chambers in the form of ah gift for his wife. Join us for breakfast?"
"That's why I'm really here," Gandalf admitted and changed his tone. Sitting at the cozy table, he grabbed a plate and cutlery. He let Picket pour a cup of tea before directing his attention to Dáin. "All you had to do was show up and drive a dragon from the mountain, Dáin."
Dáin looked at him in surprise. "I thought we were settled with that?"
"You know I used my magic and allowed Thorin to see the fight?"
Dáin mumbled around a bite, "Then I won't have ta fight him also."
"I wandered through the halls and market on my way here. Everyone is speculating on further acts of discipline on ranking lords." He pierced Thráin with his blue eyes as he spoke.
"What are they saying this fine morning, as ye put it?" Thráin asked.
"Some think you fought with dark powers of Sauron and others took a more pragmatic stance. They said fighting to stay alive gave you strength and agility above those your age capable of exhibiting. Most think Dáin threw the fight."
Dáin turned beet red. "He beat me fair an square. I wouldn't allow any dwarf ah free mark against me, not even the king."
"I believe you, Dáin. I'm not the one you have to convince."
"It would be unfair to fight any other lord than Dóvad," Thráin reasoned. "The Longbeard leaders are too old. Garad and Fárin are my age. I suppose I could fight them at once. I figured ta fight Dáin an Dóvad, the younger lords ta show my displeasure."
"Ye really thinkin on taking them at once?" Dáin inquired.
"Might as well. Dóvad, I'll take like I did ye, one on one."
"Why don't ye let me take him?" Dáin offered.
"Nay, if I leave him ta anyone, it will be Thorin, but don't hold yer breath. Thorin will want ah fight also." He looked at Gandalf. "How did ye show Thorin our fight?"
"Magic and my crystal. The elves helped and I learned that Lady Galadriel and the lass, Arwen are also with Lord Círdan and in the dwarven caravan. The Nazgûl are no match for the combined powers accompanying Thorin.
"And of course your rings of power," Thráin added.
Gandalf threw a quick glance in Dáin's direction.
"I'm not as dumb as I look," Dáin replied with a twinkle in his blue eyes. "I figured ye an Elrond had the rings of Celebrimbor. I'm guessing the witch of the wood also bears one."
"Just so that information stays hidden. Did you tell him?" Gandalf asked Thráin.
Thráin shook his head. "Nay, I kept yer confidence.
"I'm not telling a soul," Dáin vowed formally and signaled an oath with his hand.
Lióni accompanied her mother to the market for the first time. It was much grander than the small trading post at Jötunheim, where merchandise from the west was slow to arrive, if at all. She spotted three lasses that shared their booth for the fight at the same time they saw her.
"Hello," one called out as they approached. "I'm Verdi, Lord Rádsvid's daughter. You are from Jötunheim and daughter of the disgraced Lord Dóvad."
They formed a half circle in front of her with the rotund one in the middle.
"I'm Byrta, Lord Pýirt's daughter. We are from the Iron Hills and Longbeards. Mother says you are mongrel and not even qualified to be queen of all Longbeards, so why did your family come?"
Lióni looked at the thin, pale haired dwarrowlass with disdain. "My father was the only one to show backbone against the Durin's, unlike your fathers, who I'm sure lick their boots." She saw the third staying quiet and asked, "And who is your father?"
"Lord Lofar," she quietly replied. "I don't want to marry, but will be forced to wed one of the old dwarves. I've only seen one Durin our age and he isn't a warrior at all."
"You won't have to worry about marrying Prince Thorin, Lambi," Verdi stated with authority. I've been assured the king likes my healthy stature and is confident I'll produce at least half dozen strong sons."
"How will the Durin's know you're pregnant?" Lióni couldn't believe the jealously in her tone. She had no claim on him and his bare sweat covered chest flashed through her mind.
"Ha, very funny," Verdi replied disdainfully. "And what is your little name."
"You'll find out sooner or later. I'm Lióni and my great grandfather was best friend of King Thrór and his chief advisor. That's the title Lord Balin now holds." She had satisfaction of seeing envy in their faces.
"The king will never choose you," Byrta avowed haughtily.
Further down the market, Lári was having a similar experience, only with their mothers.
"Lári, I saw your husband and son from our position. Why on Middle Earth, did the king allow them to come?" Colna, Lambi's mother asked with just the right amount of scorn and doubt. She was also with Verdi and Byrta's mothers. They formed a click years before in the Iron Hills and were determined their daughters marry Durin's.
"King Thráin will rightfully defend the honor of Durin's," Lári replied as if they were dense. "Why my mother saw once King Thrór wipe the arena with the ranking lord from the White Mountains for talking back to him." She was happy to have her roots in the mountain to fall back on. She knew these three never set foot inside the mountain until recently.
"But your lass isn't full Longbeard blood," Brigda, Byrta's mother almost whispered. "Surely Thráin won't dilute the Longbeard linage?"
"But it was his son, Thorin Oakenshield who came for our daughter." She shrugged off the small white lie. "He was already caught outside the protected halls of Jötunheim alone with my daughter, Lióni."
"Your daughter must be loose to let an unbound dwarf escort her alone, prince or not," the third dam was heard from with her nasally tone.
"Now, Verdi," Colna chastised with an ersatz frown, "they thought Thorin was king, and wouldn't tell the king no."
All three laughed.
"To think that King Thráin was forced to trick your husband into coming," Verda chortled, her huge belly shaking like a bowl of pudding.
"And if Thorin weds my daughter, all your schemes and plans will be for naught," Lári smugly retorted.
They fell silent and Brigda crossly accused, "I wouldn't put it past you to spike Thorin's wine with peyot root to soften his stony heart."
"Lióni is more than capable of bringing Thorin to life and without an aid like it was rumored you and Verda both had to use upon finding a dwarf to wed."
Verda's face burned red in remembrance.
"Look," Colna pointed and they all followed her finger. "Dáin Ironfoot is in the market." Without warning, she led the charge to intercept him.
Lári was going in that direction, but held back from the others, although close enough to eavesdrop.
"Lord Dáin," Verda cooed and with a bold move, touched his arm. "You poor thing, how are you this morning?"
Dáin tried not to knock the offending hand off, but did step back, for the dams were crowding him. He knew if Azie was at his side, they would remain a polite distance. "Fine," he growled and went to move around them, but was grabbed next by Colna.
"I saw you looking at wares dams favor. Do let me help you find the perfect gift for Azie."
He pierced her with a sharp look. "What makes ye think I'm shoppin for my WIFE?" He let the last word ring loud. "I have ah lass also."
"Even better. We have our daughters with us and they are looking for jewelry from Erebor for their dowries," Verda purred. "Perhaps your lordship could point out your favorite pieces."
Dáin looked around for help. He spotted Dóvad's wife and pushed through the three Iron Hills dams and approached her. "Ye don't look ta be with them. Perhaps ye could help me."
Lári respectfully didn't grab him, but smirked over her shoulder. "I'm assuming you are trying to worm your way back into Azie's good graces?"
He grinned at her perceptiveness. "Aye, ye heard what I said." They moved to another table sporting jewelry this time. "Thráin suggested I don't go home without something pretty." He looked and the vendor figured he had a sale and bowed his head in respect.
"Does Azie have a lot of jewelry?" Lári asked.
"Some, but we were cut off from the mountain for ah long time. I think something for her an my daughter will go ah long way in making amends." He spotted a ruby and diamond necklace and matching bracelet. He scooped them up and looked at the quality and then the vendor. "This is some of your father's work, Rinid."
The lapidary nodded. "King Thráin is allowing me ta sell ah few pieces. I will have ah private showing when all the lords arrive an ye will be allowed ta choose first. I need money ta buy more gems, so King Thráin chose what I could put on display." He pointed to four items. "These are all Father's an the rest mine."
Lári saw the blue diamond barrette and knew it would look beautiful in Lióni's light hair. "How much for this?" She pointed to it.
"Fifteen gold coin," he told her.
She fished her precious coin and counted. Then she turned to Dáin, "I'm sorry. I got so excited to own some of Lord Hónid's work; I didn't wait for you to choose. I'm sure Lord Rinid will allow me to put the coin for another piece if you want this for your daughter or wife."
Dáin smiled kindly at her and picked it up for closer inspection. "I think this will catch Thorin's eye if seen in your daughter's hair." He tossed it to Rinid, who slipped it into a soft velvet sack and gave it to her. Dáin handed the necklace and bracelet to Rinid. "I'll take these an this," he scooped an emerald and diamond diadem up. Azie will look good in this an Aneh was promised fancy jewelry if she did well in her studies. I'll make sure she understands who Hónid is an its worth. Put is on my tab." Thanking Rinid, he moved to a booth that caught his eye when he first entered the market area.
It was owned by a Longbeard from Jötunheim he didn't know.
Lári wasn't sure if she should accompany him or continue with her shopping until he turned and motioned her over. He scowled at the three dams still trailing and gawking, but didn't tell them to leave.
"Do you know the quality of his work?" He pointed to the vendor.
"Excellent quality." Lári smiled at the dwarf, "Master Bek, how are you?"
"Lady Lári, I am delighted ta be here an was just ah babe in arms when taken from this mountain. It's ye we are worried about." He threw a cautious glance at Dáin and looked back at her. "Are they treating ye all right?"
"They are very kind to us. What did you bring?"
"Since I had ta pack light, I only brought things I could pack into duffels. I figure young uns will be born an need blankets an gowns, so limited my stock ta baby apparel."
Dáin picked up a thick fleece blanket with a knitted pattern on one side of a ram in full curl. "I'm sure my next will be ah boy, so am safe getting this for him." He tossed down one gold coin when the vendor held a finger up.
"I'm sure a girl will be just as warm in it," Lári assured him.
"I don't know. When Aneh was born, Azie wouldn't use one thing that belonged to my eldest, Thorin. She insisted only girl items be used. If I have ah girl, I will hold this for Thorin's first."
"Your son?" she asked.
He grinned. "Nay, Oakenshield."
"Do you know who the king is favoring for him?" Lári braved the question and saw the other dams crowd around them, feigned discreetness forgotten.
Dáin's blue eyes twinkled. "The one that doesn't annoy him." He laughed and quickly departed.
"If you dams will excuse me, I was on an errand." Lári, turned and motioned for Lióni to catch up and hastened to a booth selling textiles.