Círdan broadly exclaimed, "I haven't had this much fun in years. I want to thank everyone for participating and enjoying our displays of prowess, both among our elven realms and our dwarven friends. As you can see, even the best among us cannot compete with the skill of our lords. I want to especially thank Thranduil, Elrond and Celeborn for holding back and not injuring anyone."
There was general laughter in the stands.
"However, Glorfindel, you really didn't have to break the arm of Lord Vellon, did you?" Círdan chastised.
"He didn't have to injure Elladan either," Glorfindel replied in a sing-song reply, drawing more clapping and cheers from the dwarves.
"I'm sure Elladan's pride suffered more than the bruise to his arm. I notice it was the same arm you broke on Vellon that he injured on your elfling."
Glorfindel shrugged and smiled. "Vellon was fresh and Elladan fought each day at several matches. Vellon should have pulled his swing."
Celeborn saw the match and that his grandson was tiring after three days in the ring, while his own master of arms was fresh with his first match against the younger elf. When Vellon easily won and Elladan escorted to the healing tents, Círdan chose him to face Glorfindel for title of best at swords, even though the match was a formality. The four ranking lords sans Círdan spared the winners in each category, but gave the prize to the losers, since it was impossible to best those endowed with Maiar powers or Elrond's ring. That Elladan made it to the final round, along with Legolas pleased the lords, for that signaled within a thousand years the younger elves would take their places as leaders whose skill wouldn't be impugned. Elrohir almost made the cut, but his recent sickness weakened his resolve and he lost the first round that morning. Celeborn witnessed Erestor consoling the youth.
In the healing tent, Vellon let the Golden Wood healers tend his arm. "I fear Lord Celeborn will exact revenge more painful than Glorfindel's swing," he complained to Lord Maiawë, the head healer.
Maiawë smiled as he imparted healing to the broken humorous. "I understand Lord Elladan is in the next tent being treated by Lord Melcótte. It would behoove you to make amends before the great lord crosses your path. Why did you hit him so hard he dropped his weapon and couldn't retrieve it?"
"I don't know," Vellon honestly replied. "Maybe I'm just jealous of the kid. He has talent, but never had to struggle a day in his life for respect being born into that elite linage. I worked my way up through the ranks for six thousand years to my position being born to lowly Sindar servants in the halls of King Amdír."
"If you're not careful, you'll find yourself bumped to being a servant in the halls of Thranduil when Lord Celeborn gets done demoting you for daring to injure his prized daeriôn. Remember when he was just an elfling and came to us injured?"
Vellon remembered vividly. "I was second in command to Lord Verthenwë and he told me the incredible tale of one who claimed to be the grandson of our lord and lady and how he was treated. I can see a year of stables in my future."
A shadow fell across his face and he looked into the cold blue eyes of Lord Celeborn.
"M'lord, I apologize for my actions. Elladan is a fine soldier."
"Why?" Celeborn ground out through clenched teeth.
"I was jealous. I didn't win a competition among the finest warriors until I was four thousand years old and pushed myself endlessly to achieve such skill. Along comes your progeny, a Peredhel at that, and he almost beat me. If I hadn't numbed his dominant arm, he would have bested me and I'm not quite ready for that to happen, especially in front of so many elves from all realms. Songs would have been sung of my defeat."
"Songs will now be sung of Glorfindel breaking your arm to avenge a wrong you did to one who isn't even half your age. I'll make sure our minstrels have their own competition of your foolishness and I'll judge them. In fact I insist on hearing from all four realms tonight and you will sit beside me to listen."
"Yes, M'lord." Vellon's head fell back on the cot and he closed his eyes. He missed the amused smile that flitted across Celeborn's face, but Maiawë caught it and grinned back.
That afternoon was the final day for dwarves also and the winners had to face Durin's. They too couldn't possibly win, but the dwarven competition was to fill elite positions of guarding Durin's, so all had to be the best of the best.
Dáin Ironfoot had his elite guards that had already been proven in years past and in battles sparing against those wishing to join. It wasn't one on one, but groups of thirty took the field and paired off against an equal number. Each was to fight his assigned partner and three strikes the loser had to yield and depart the field. Four times he called for warriors to take the field in the final round. The judges were himself, Balin, General Lötun, Dwalin, Thorin, Garad and Fárin. Soon they had new members of those joining the elite ranks and knew those who needed more training.
Thorin stood in the center of the arena and was wearing his Mithril and gilded armor and welding Orcrist.
Lióni thought him the handsomest dwarf at Erebor, even better looking than his nephews. She flushed when his eyes caught hers and he winked and smiled at her.
The crowd caught the moment and applauded and called their approval.
Thorin captured the audience with his loquacious speech. Swallowing his pride, he ended his speech with, "I want to welcome all elves to Erebor."
He had to wait for more clapping to die down.
"There is a feast tonight and all are invited. It is being held in the Thrór's Hall and any overflow will be to the entrance and out into the night air. All are invited and King Bard, make sure all at Dale come also. We killed Dáin's favorite boar."
He had to pause again when the crowd roared with laughter.
"Just kidding, but we did butcher many animals and raided our gardens to make a feast to remember. Just so everyone knows, I'm getting married in a week; that is if Gandalf gets back from his mysterious mission in time to perform the ceremony. That ceremony is by invitation only and will be held in Thrór's Hall. However, in the dining halls for dwarves, extra barrels of ale and wine will be set out to celebrate."
Again the dwarves clapped, stomped and cheered the news.
"Afterwards, the elves will leave us and hopefully the friendships cultivated with them will endure. Now, I will spar with a soldier of my choosing. It will be one of the elite guard and an impromptu test. From time to time, one of the Durin's will select an elite guard to test and I warn you," he looked in their direction, "you will be prepared or drummed out of the elite guard until at such time you re-qualify." He looked the group over and they all stood straighter. "Thekk, step out."
A stout dwarf pushed through the warriors and stalked to Thorin. "Aye, M'lord, I am ready ta face ye or any Durin."
"Tell us of your conquests during our last skirmish," Thorin called out.
Thekk looked around at the expectant crowd; conscious hundreds of elves were also listening. "I rode out of the mountain with King Thráin an fought all day an slaughtered many orcs. I even got ah partial kill against ah troll."
"So you are one of our best warriors?" Thorin asked.
"I would say so," Thekk bragged. "It is an honor ta serve as ah guard ta Durin's. I've seen ye fight, Prince Thorin. As good as I am, I'm no match for ye."
"Who would you like to fight then and it has to be a Durin," Thorin cautioned.
Thekk looked at the Durin booth. "I don't really want ta fight ah Durin. I'm sworn ta protect ye all an the thought of hurting one isn't ta my liking."
"Balin," Thorin roared. "Get down here and you better be wearing armor."
There was grumbling heard long before Balin pushed his way into the arena. "I'll fight, but under protest. I don't want to hurt our guards. We need them."
Thekk laughed. "No offense, Lord Balin, but I doubt ye can beat me."
"Match on," Thorin screamed and backed out of the ring.
Balin pulled his sword and sighed. "Laddie, just make it look good. I'll go easy on you."
Thekk pulled his own sword and they started trading blows. He soon learned this older looking Durin was still a Durin and his swings were either blocked or met with air. He heard Balin grumble, 'I'm too old for this,' as the first sting and loud ringing of metal striking his armor split the air. The crowd roared; some for him, but most for Balin. He couldn't believe the first point went to this white haired old dwarf. He put all his skill into winning and that sound came again. He was certain it was him, but the judge called point to Balin. He had to get at least one point before the end of the match and swung wildly. He caught Balin in a glancing blow and heard the point with his name attached; just as Balin ducked and slapped his side.
"Match," the judge roared and the crowd went wild.
Thekk stood panting in disbelief. Balin had to be seventy years older than him.
Balin approached with a smile firmly in place and didn't look to be worn down like him. "You may be an elite guard and think you're invincible….but remember, Laddie, a mature Durin skilled in fighting like I am can still win against the best of you. In a few years, our next generation of youth will be sparing against you and my coin is on them to win."
Humiliated, Thekk let the words sink in and moaned. He had been set up and defeated by a lesser Durin for his taunting young Thorin Stonehelm outside the king's door a couple weeks before. He wondered who ratted him out. It must have been the kid he decided and planned revenge before the youth was skilled enough to beat him.
Once again, Thorin escorted Lióni to a function and the dwarves loved seeing their prince obviously smitten with the lass. Before the markets closed so dwarves could join the multi-race party, Thorin escorted her to a table. Hand on the small of her back, he murmured in her ear, conscious of dwarves pressing against the guards to get a look at them and overhear their conversation. "When I saw your gown, I remembered a diadem Hónid crafted that is for sale. I'm sure it's still here, for the price is beyond what most dwarves or even elves can afford." He motioned for Rinid to hand him a circlet made of gold with blue diamonds. It matched her blue gown perfectly.
"Thorin, it's gorgeous." She fingered the expensive item.
He gently removed a clip holding her hair off her face and smoothed the tresses back with gentle fingers. The intimate act brought a flush to her cheeks and she felt the weight of the diadem settle in place. She longed for a mirror. "I need to see it upon my brow," she quietly told him.
Still gazing into her eyes, he reached out a hand and Rinid placed a small mirror attached to a handle into it. Thorin held it up and she saw the work of beauty, the likes she had never seen before on her brow.
"It's new and yours. In time it will be added to our vault with a placard stating I bought it for you when we were betrothed."
"What must I do to earn such a gift?" she asked lightly.
He smiled softly and whispered into her ear, "I will seek my reward on our wedding night." Louder, he replied with, "A kiss upon demand tonight, starting right now." To the delight of the crowd, he captured her lips for an intimate embrace.
To Thráin's astonishment, Celeborn escorted his wife to the feast and sat at his table. "Is there any elf that isn't here tonight?" he asked.
"Legolas refused to come," Celeborn answered. "I wish to thank you in person for the use of your private pools. I've never heard mention of them from elves who visited in years past."
"We discovered the cavern only fifty years before Smaug came an no royal elves visited during those years. My father decreed that area ta be private property of Durin's Folk. Even we have ta make arrangements ta use the falls. I've only been there twice myself since returning. I expect Thorin an Lióni will honeymoon in that cavern," Thráin replied.
Thorin quickly added. "You can count on it. Starting tomorrow, I'll have servants prepare the area and inspect in a few days."
"Has the lass seen it yet?" Thráin asked Thorin, but kept his eyes on Lióni.
Thorin smiled back. "It will be a surprise."
"Now I want to see it," she retorted.
"Patience," Thorin teased.
"I want to wish ye both ah happy anniversary," Thráin interjected.
Celeborn gave a nod of thanks while Galadriel smiled broadly. "Today has been memorable and will be an anniversary we will revisit," she added.
"How did you come to choose the date?" Lióni asked.
"August 19th was a full moon that year," Galadriel supplied, while Celeborn sipped fine wine, more than content to leave that kind of discussion to females. "It was also the end of an eighty year wait, Queen Melian imposed upon us."
Thorin laughed. "Seems we have something in common. If not for Smaug, I would have married about eighty years ago give or take."
"I'm starting to feel gratitude to a dragon," Lióni softly stated to Thorin and he smiled at her. Taking a hand, he brought it to his lips.
At Galadriel's request, Thorin and Lióni sat at the king's table so she could visit them again. She also wanted her husband to see another side of Thorin; one her mirror showed her. She delicately placed a hand on her husband's fingers. It looked to be a loving gesture, but Thráin had read enough of the books on elves to figure they spoke between themselves. He was correct.
'Meleth-nín, I see changes in Thorin. No longer is he angry and driven. I predict in the next hundred years, he will act much like his father does now. Age will mellow their obdurate prince; much the same as it will our adamant elven prince.'
'I trust your judgment, hervess-nín. I do tolerate this version of Oakenshield.'
Galadriel motioned to Lióni's new headpiece. "I spotted it in the market and it would have left with me had I not seen Thorin buying it for you."
Lióni touched the diadem. "I don't know if I'll ever get used to such wealth. We were not rich in Jötunheim. Our wealth in the Orocarni was silver. We exported most of it in coin and bars to the west."
Galadriel nodded. "We own tons of your silver in Lothlórien."
"I've never heard of us ever trading with elves."
"It was when your mine was first discovered during the reign of King Durin V. Our elves helped him win a war and he paid us with silver from your mines before they played out. The quality of your silver isn't anything like it was back then."
"My father says the grade we produce is only good for silverware and dishes," Lióni admitted. "High quality ore is still found, but rare. Still there is enough to keep Jötunheim a thriving dwarven community."
Thorin listened to her talk to the elves as an equal and admired her knowledge. Most lasses didn't take interest in the world of dwarrow, but she was of the ruling family and like Dis, she was privy to commodities and trade negotiations. He was content to listen to the two females talk and so was his father and Celeborn it seemed. They ate quietly while the ladies discussed a wide variety of topics.
An hour after midnight, Thorin escorted Lióni to her family chambers. He didn't see her family, but assumed they were still mingling and enjoying themselves. His chaperones were Gellett and Cát and they looked to be exhausted. He kissed Lióni and whispered into her ear, "You looked beautiful tonight." Her smile told him he said the right thing.
"I had a wonderful time," she spoke loud enough for the chaperones to hear.
And he in the same volume replied, "I'll see you sometime tomorrow, but I was informed you are meeting with our dams in the morning and I must get back to the negotiating table with elves. We've put it off as long as we dare and must have trade agreements in place before they leave."
With a final kiss, he escorted Gellett and Cát to their doors and bid them goodnight. He checked on his father before turning in. Thráin was still up and staring out the window in the glass door to the patio. He joined him and they looked at the campfires among elven tents and the lights of Dale in the distance.
"Sometimes I still think I'm hallucinating all this an will wake in my cell, alone an mad," Thráin stated softly.
"Do you still have nightmares?" Thorin placed a hand on his father's shoulder and gave it a squeeze.
"Not as often. If this be ah dream, I don't ever want ta wake."
"Do you need a healer to bring a draught to help you not dream?"
"I think tonight it would be welcome."
Thorin went to the door and addressed the guard. "Tell the healers to bring a sleeping tea to the king's chambers."
The guard ran down the halls until inside the healing chamber. He passed the message on and the two on call attendants quickly mixed a draught and the head healer on watch ran with the guard to the king. The entire process only took a few minutes and Thráin was sitting in his favorite chair getting sleepy while the healer fussed over him.
"That will be all." Thráin finally had enough and motioned for the healer to leave.
"Want I should tuck you in?"
Thráin waved his son away with a shake of his head.
Risári proudly led her daughter and granddaughter down the long hallway marking Durin territory. Today they would meet with all the dams and lasses of that venerable tribe and formally be welcomed into the fold. She had seen it before and knew what to expect.
Dis assumed command of all Durin dams. She knew her inexorable day of taking command in a closed setting with all present had arrived. In the Blue Mountains, she was cordially treated, but still, because of older dams, considered a youth. Now, she would take the title that was her birthright. She looked at the chairs of legend and the older dams conferred upon her of who sat where. She would take the seat of the old queen, Ziari, until such time Lióni displaced her. Thus she was seated when Lady Risári paid her homage.
"Please, make yourselves at home," Dis quietly commanded. "This meeting is to instruct all newcomers on how to comport themselves….and, of course, instruct our own young." She made a point of looking directly at Balin's two daughters and Dáin's one. "As a Durin, certain expectations will fall upon your shoulders." The last was directed to Lióni. Someday you will sit in this chair and have your ladies spread likewise." She motioned to both sides. "These chairs are held by those in order of their male's ranking to the throne. My father sits on the throne, so as ranking female, I get this seat. Thorin will be next, so you, Lióni, will sit directly to my left.
Lióni was shocked to be placed next to the center chair, but realized she was marrying the Crown Prince and all that came with it. She listened and memorized the pecking order as Dis gave it.
"Lady Aneht is mother to Lord Dáin, who is second in line to the throne. If Dáin were to ascend, then this chair would go to Lady Azie and Aneht would take the chair to the left. Mother's outrank wives and sisters outrank wives if directly related to the throne. Azie is seated beside Lady Aneht for now.
"And I hope it always remains so," Azie spoke up and others agreed.
"Three chairs to each side of me are filled in order; to the left, Aneht, Azie and Dwin, Balin and Dwalin's mother. Meeli, the mother of Óin and Glóin starts the lesser row to the right, with Cát and Gellett on the first row. Behind us the rows change in order from left to right in ranking. So, Lady Dioari, the mother of our dear Ri's is ranking lady and lesser rank goes in order, Aneh, Cái and Bát. Those with Durin blood will rise through the ranks quicker than those married in. In time, the three girls will take their place by your side as your close advisors. Until they are wed, they will remain in the second row. Lady's Theri, Risári and Lári will take places to the right of the Durin lasses and that makes up the dams ruling council."
Both new ladies were honored to be included, but Risári solemnly nodded that she understood their importance as mother and grandmother to the future queen and accepted for them both.
As hard as she tried, Lióni wasn't sure she understood the pecking order, but did memorize who sat where. "So when I marry Thorin, everyone scoots down?"
Dis smiled and nodded. "Yes, you bump Aneht and so forth. You won't bump me until Father dies and then we will swap places. I will never be a queen, but the title of princess outranks that of lady.
"Wow, I never thought of my marriage to Thorin in these terms." She was overwhelmed and it showed in her face, causing the older dams on chairs facing them to laugh.
"Lass, you have time to learn and when it comes time for you to sit in the center chair, it will be as natural as breathing," Aneht told her. "I remember the first time I joined Queen Ziari's group as a lady-in-waiting. I was sure I would do it all wrong. But to marry the nephew of King Thrór automatically placed me on the front row, as your position will do for you."
Meeli cackled. "I don't expect anyone to move far as I'm not long for this world. My son has told me as much, so when I go, the rank will shift once again. Remember, lass, someday you will not only be queen, but queen mother. That is the highest rank and the next queen to marry your eldest son will never displace you. Once you get the title, it's yours for life."
Dis patted Meeli's hand. "You've been the mother I lost and I for one will grieve and miss your wise council. For now, your job isn't done. Lióni can benefit from your vast years."
"Listen to her, my girl," Risári advised. "I remember when Queen Ziari ruled from that chair for as long as I lived here. I am relieved to see the tradition carried on."
Dis continued with the lesson. "It was a rare decree coming from my father that dissolved the marriage of Lord Rádsvid and banishment of Lass Yurna. Anything lesser than those two occurrences involving dams are handled among us. Only one other situation involves the king and that is if a dam is found to be O-zalafaurkhas."
"What does that mean, Lady Dis?" Bát asked.
Lióni had heard the term, but wasn't sure either, so hoped Dis would explain.
"It's when a married dam chooses a lover," Dis explained.
Lióni was shocked. She never heard of any doing so willingly; just a few rapes by non-dwaves, like Lord Skafid's wife. "I thought when two became one flesh, all desire for another vanished?"
Dis looked fondly at her. "I was married before and my bond faded to the point I yearn for another. Most bonds don't fade, even after death of a mate. I'm still trying to figure why I was one of a small handful to be thus. It is not as uncommon as it should be for a wife to stray in the marriage to another; especially if the mate is gone for long periods of time. Getting caught is what is rare."
"Is it always the female that strays?" Lióni pressed.
"Yes." Dis looked at her critically. "You aren't thinking of doing that to Thorin, are you?"
Lióni flushed and vehemently shook her head. "No, it's just I'm learning this for the first time."
Dis glanced at Gellett and uttered, "Yurna was a prime candidate," and then they both remembered Yurna was to become a sister-in-law to Lióni. Dis wished she could recall her words.
"Why was Yurna banished?" Lári immediately inquired and saw chagrin play across Dis' face and then uneasiness.
"I may have misspoken. It's just the king figured the lass would do better never living in Erebor where temptation might have caused problems."
"What temptation," Lári pressed. "I saw it in your face. I'm not allowing my son to marry someone who could never live in this mountain. No, Lady Dis, you spoke truth and I want to know why this lass that was chosen for my son isn't welcome here."
"Very well. If Yurna stays in Erebor, she will most likely make a play for Kili, no matter who she is wed to. If she is sent away, she will most likely be faithful to her husband, especially if placed among new dwarves. She will be ranking lady in Jötunheim and won't do anything to jeopardize that."
"And Dóvad and I were to never find out?" Lári held her head high, for she was still ranking lady of Jötunheim until the wedding until she took an oath to become a lady at Erebor. It was bittersweet when she realized, although having the title of mother of the future queen, she was losing her own lands to rule as ranking dam. "When I tell my husband, there is a good chance he will wish to return to Jötunheim and watch this girl carefully for several years."
"Lord Dóvad can petition the king to return to his own lands. My grandfather, Lord Hárin, petitioned King Thrór to remain ranking lord of the White Mountains and it was granted, even though my mother never saw them again."
"In light of this new information, should my daughter return to Jötunheim, I will remain as maternal family to Lióni," Risári swiftly announced. She had no intention of leaving the home she spent so many years yearning.
Lióni felt like her world was being ripped apart. She counted on her parents being here to support her and watch her dwarflings come into the world and grow. The weight of the chosen lay heavily on her young shoulders, but she didn't say one word. No, if her mother felt the need to return east, she would never bear the guilt of having to choose between her offspring.
That night while walking, Lióni was abnormally quiet and listened to Thorin telling of his young life and the struggles that visited his family. Her own desire to have her parents close seemed so petty in her mind against Thorin's struggles and loss. He led her to a waterfall and they watched the sun set, turning falling water from white to orange and finally back to white. Thorin had stopped talking to sit and watch the rainbow of colors dance along the mist at water's edge.
"You're quiet tonight," he observed.
"Hearing your youthful struggles is a tale unworthy of idle conversation, but revelation that I've been so lucky compared to you."
His arm found her shoulders and he pulled her close and she felt solid muscles of his chest and warmth of a furnace hidden beneath his tunic and vest.
"Those experiences made me the dwarf you see before you," his deep voice rumbled in her ear. I fear all my trials will make me a bad father. I never got to continue my youth after Smaug. From that day forth, I was treated as an adult and looked to for guidance. It was natural to take up blacksmithing in the towns of men when only forty-five years old."
"But you were just a dwarfling," Lióni objected to his reasoning.
"I didn't have the luxury any longer. Father had the crown dumped on him when Grandfather would take a mad spell and wander Middle Earth. He always told me that he also wasn't prepared for that challenge either. I know I wasn't when he disappeared at Azanulbizar."
"You have so many stories and I want to hear them all, but right now, I want to know if you really want me or would any lass do."
He grinned at her impish expression. "I don't know; I've waited this many years, maybe I'll wait for a new batch of lasses to reach majority and do another competition. Or I could just hit myself in the head with my Warhammer and see which feels better."
Lióni laughed at his silliness. "I was thinking more of you declaring undying love and kissing me senseless."
"Well, the latter is easy, but I'm no good at declaring my feelings. I think we should hold off on declaring our love and devotion until at least our first anniversary."
"And why?"
"Because I will know after a year in your bed if I love you or your snoring drives me away," he teased.
"I am going home, Thorin Oakenshield," she spouted and rose.
He quickly grabbed her arm and pulled her onto his lap. "I haven't had my goodnight kiss."
"For suggesting I would snore loudly as to drive you from the bedchamber, I shall pass tonight."
He stood with her in his arms, liking the feel of her arms around his neck. Without warning he splashed into the pool under the waterfall and heard her squeal and laughed loudly as they were soaked within seconds. Under the water they kissed until the need for air caused them to step from under rushing water.
"Thorin, I swear you are digressing to your namesake's age," Azie scolded him. "Now you two have to walk back into the mountain soaking wet and tongues will wag."
Thorin carried Lióni out of the pool and set her on her feet. Offering an elbow, he asked, "Shall we?"
Lióni winked at Azie and Aneh as they walked ahead of them back down the trail and through the main doors. Sure enough, everyone stopped to stare.
Inside their family chambers, Azie dropped her pregnant girth into a comfortable chair. "I'll never take Aneh on a courting walk again until she is ready for her own."
Theri and Aneht looked up from their sedentary tasks and Azie continued. "Thorin was inappropriate in front of the lass. He put ideas into her young mind by kissing Lióni under a waterfall. Aneh told me it was the most romantic thing she'd ever seen.
"It was," Aneh protested. She turned to her grandmothers. "He carried Lióni into the water and right under the falls where they kissed."
"I've seen your father do more romantic kissing scenes with your mother," Aneht laughingly told her granddaughter.
"They're my parents and it's not the same," Aneh protested and the older dams laughed.
"Someday, if I'm still alive and your dwarflings say that to you, I'll bring this moment up," Azie teased. "Now off to bed with you."
Dáin stomped in, his day officially over. He looked at the laughing dams. "Anything I need ta know?"
"Our daughter is growing up and thinks kissing under a waterfall is romantic." Azie filled him in.
"I followed a trail of water to Thorin's door an wondered," he leaned over and kissed Azie. Straightening, he grinned. "I don't think yer too old for romance. Say we have ah date soon."
Azie narrowed her eyes at him. "Did you do something I'm going to be mad about? And where is our son?"
Dáin set in his favorite chair. "Thorin is attached ta Balin after the elves leave an right now he's hanging out with Gimli, Ori, Kili and Fili. They are in the pools. I haven't spent much time with ye an before we forget what caused yer condition with middle of night feedings, I thought ah date would be nice, but if ye…,"
"I accept," she cut him off and they smiled at each other.