Dis watched Dwalin eat with eyes focused on his plate. She knew being married to him involved sharing with his first love; the life of a warrior and the honor of being named General of all armies. Still, while eating, he reverted to the hungry youth she always remembered. It was hard to believe so many decades had passed since they played together, first in the nursery at Erebor and then as companions on the long march to certain death by starvation at Dunland.

"It's nice of your brother to think of giving us time alone," she finally commented.

Dwalin looked across the intimate table. "Lass, I know nothing of courting, as you are well aware, but I do want ta marry you."

"Well then, I guess it's up to me to do the courting," she jested with a smile.

He gave a half chuckle at that. "It might be for the best," he agreed.

She looked intently into his Durin blue eyes. "Does marrying a widow bother you?"

Her bluntness took him by surprise. "Not as much as the fear you really wish I was Dwili." He held her eyes.

She shook her head slightly. "Sometimes I think I made a mistake in allowing Father to persuade me in marrying him. He was handsome and came from afar and as a young lass, I dreamed of romance and adventure. You were always there and I didn't see what was right in front of me."

He looked down. "I always thought we would wed."

She reached across the small table and caught his hand that still held a fork. "I know I hurt you. You used to all but live in our chambers in Dunland and Halls of Ered Luin, until I wed. After that, I barely saw you. I know you used excuses like Thorin counted on you or your brother's family needed you, but I dearly missed my friend. I surmised it was because I wed that drove you away."

Dwalin let the fork slide from his fingers so he could grip her hand. "You speak truth. I was hurt and felt abandoned by you. I tried to like Dwili and really did. He was a great dwarf and I hope he never saw what was between us."

"If he did, he never mentioned it. I wish we had wed all those years ago and the boys were ours."

"I can still claim them," Dwalin said.

"They love and look up to you. You are their role model as much as Thorin is. You know….," she looked around to see if anyone was paying them any attention. Balin and Cát were in a deep discussion, as were Thorin and Lióni. "You know," she repeated, "I am still young enough to bear dwarflings. I hope we have our own family; maybe a son to follow in your footsteps."

He felt blood rush to his nether parts and sure his face looked sunburned. Still holding her hand, he answered. "I think my first choice is a daughter. I grew quite attached to Balin's pair and have come to see the joy in having a daughter."

She smiled. "I too would love a daughter after raising two boys, but will be happy when and if Aulë blesses our union with any dwarflings. I want you to understand, Dwalin, son of Fundin, I do love you and always have. I just didn't realize it until after being wed and you weren't there anymore. I think that's why I was punished with a fading bond."

He squeezed her fingers, not realizing his incredible strength until she cringed and he apologized and lightened the grip, but didn't release her soft, white fingers. "You are not being punished by Mahal for being young. If that were the case, not one lass would have a lasting bond. I think your greatest challenge is ahead and you are being prepared by Mahal giving you another companion."

Tears filled her eyes. "I want to hear how badly I hurt you."

He shifted in his seat and released her hand and sat back, folding his arms across his wide chest. "I knew the moment Thráin arrived with Dwili, I didn't stand a chance with you. He was blond and handsome, whereas, I looked like I lost a war singlehanded."

"You didn't have all those battle scars back then and I always thought you handsome and so tall. You are one of the tallest dwarves in the mountain. I looked Dwili in the eye, whereas, I have to crane my neck to look into yours. But, you are very good at evading."

"I don't know what to say, Lass. It hurt watching you wed Dwili. I barely stayed for the nuptials and then left before the party began. I traveled to towns of men searching employment in their forges. It was two years before I had the nerve to reenter Thorin's Hall. By then you were lugging Fili around."

"I remember running into you one morning," Dis picked up the story. "I was shocked to see you and so happy at the same time. I remember showing Fili off to you to break the ice of our long separation."

Dwalin smiled at the memory. "It was all I needed to be able to tolerate your company again. I was captivated with Fili and remember taking him from you and holding him up for a good lookover."

Dis smiled at the memory. "I would get reports from Cát how good of an uncle you were to her daughters and wished you would find a wife, but the years passed and you never did. I know several lords threw their daughters at you."

"They weren't you," he simply stated.

"I know the lasses that came hoping to win Thorin were scared to death they would be chosen for you. Well, I don't think Lióni is scared of you, but you did travel across half the continent with her. You didn't take liberties you both are hiding from Thorin and me, did you?"

Dwalin grinned. "What if we are?"

"Then I would find out and make your life miserable."

He shook his head. "You know how shy I am around the lasses."

"Fili and Kili should have taken more after you than their father in that regard. I was grieved that Kili threw away a life with a dwarven lass for an elf, but will never tell him that and want your word of silence on the matter also."

"I promise and agree. I don't think anyone was happy with a possible union between elves and dwarves."

"We have plenty of time to talk about my sons," Dis replied and looked fondly at Dwalin. "I am stirring again and know in my soul I was always meant to be your wife. This feels right."

"Aye, lass, it does." Dwalin wondered if he were supposed to say anything else, but couldn't think of anything.

Thorin just finished bringing Lióni up to date on his life. He concluded with, "I fought this marriage idea with everything in me."

"I did too," she replied. "I never thought I'd find a dwarrow I was attracted to….until you," she added softly.

He smiled. "I hope you aren't disappointed in me. Outside a kingdom, I don't have anything to offer you."

She laughed and he joined in. "What was it like working among men?"

He switched gears. "At first my youth was laughed at. I remember my first attempt to work in a forge in a small town south of Bree. I wasn't fully grown, but knew I did better work than their best farrier. A strong man that worked the forge told me to get lost that he had work to do. I backed off and watched him work all day. That evening after he closed shop, I slipped in and shoed ten horses. Next morning when he opened all were ready for pickup and he was stunned. He looked at each hoof carefully and then at my skulking form trying to blend into the wall."

"'You did all this?' He asked me and I nodded. "I wanted to show you the quality of my work."

"'It's better than the help I sometimes hire in the village,' he admitted. 'I have a contract to shoe for the army and could use the help. I will pay one silver coin per horse providing you shoe at least ten horses a day.'"

"I figured fast. 'No, I'll move on before taking only a pittance of what a man would get. I insist on at least what they would get.'"

"'Move on then, dwarf, before I whip your hide.'" He grabbed a strap and swung it in my direction. I could tell I was the first dwarf he ever dealt with and although a youth was as strong as him. I grabbed the end easily and ripped it from his hand. 'First lesson, man, is never underestimate the size or strength of a dwarf. We are faster and stronger than you.' To show him I was strong, I picked up the largest hammer and hit it against the anvil so hard the handle splintered. I knew he couldn't do that."

"He made up his mind fast. 'Okay, you have the job and two silver coins per horse,' he agreed, 'but I'm taking the handle out of your pay.' That was my first job. I slept in the stalls with the horses and ate stale bread tossed out for the pigs. I wanted to return to Dunland with as much coin as possible and show Father I was worthy of being his son. I worked for the smithy one month and we got all the horses shod. When the captain came for the mounts, I overheard him comment we were ahead of schedule. The man took all the credit, of course, and pocketed a hefty bonus for coming in ahead of schedule. He did pay me what we agreed upon and I took my leave. He invited me back at that time the following year when the army would bring the horses back to be redone."

Lióni allowed herself to be caught up in his tale. "How did your father respond to the silver you brought him?"

"He was extremely pleased and promptly went north to Bree to purchase cloth for clothing. Our clothes were threadbare and patches upon patches weren't covering holes any longer. I was very proud to help out and it drove me away more often searching for work. Word spread of my abilities and soon I didn't lack for work and our lot improved by me providing funds for tools and necessities. My price rose until I was paid more than men, but they couldn't do what I could. I worked like that until Azanulbizar and trained as a warrior and leader on my visits home. I was gone from the towns of men for at least ten years during that battle. When I once again took on an occasional job, few remembered me. I wasn't about to tell them I was now king and never once mentioned I was a Durin or a prince or king at any time."

"I hope you tell many stories to our dwarflings so I can hear all you did and adventures you went on."

Thorin grinned across the table. "How many dwarflings are you planning on?"

She turned beet red upon realizing what she said. "Well, I assume you can perform your duties, even at your advanced age."

He laughed hard and it carried to the other couples and they turned to look in his direction with smiles. Thorin laughed so rarely, it was a pleasure to hear him.

"This is a fine idea," Cát complemented her husband. "We haven't had this much time alone since my coming here and rarely since our married years."

"You knew when we wed that I was a traveling dwarf on behalf of the kingdom," Balin retorted sadly. "I would have loved nothing more than to be home every night."

Cát looked over the balustrade in Dwalin's direction. "I'm seeing a new side to your brother. I was always scared of him and couldn't believe you were brothers. Like night and day you are."

Balin looked fondly upon his younger brother. "I've never been closer to anyone than him. I practically raised him. Mother was tasked with helping raise Frerin and Dis and we all lived together for years in Dunland. I never took you there. It was nothing more than a hole in the side of the cliffs and families were separated by hides on poles for privacy. It was nothing like living in Ered Luin and Thorin's Hall where we had suites per Durin family. Father and Uncle Gróin didn't have time for dwarflings. As it was, Dwalin had to grow up just as fast as Thorin. Thorin started taking Dwalin with him and Frerin when he looked for work. When not working, the three spent all spare time sparring with each other. They quickly became the best we had. When Thráin was available, he would test all three of them. It took longer and longer for him to beat them down. Then came the day he could only take one per contest. Thorin took over training the advanced warrior class and soon afterwards Dwalin took that post and holds it to this day."

"You are being modest, husband," Cát teased. "I happen to know you also trained them in advanced fighting techniques."

Balin smiled at his memories. "I was a warrior when Smaug came, so already had my training behind me. I was a guard on the long march and my first duty at Dunland was a posting to protect us. Being a Durin, I didn't stay in that post long before taking my place as advisor and courier. We filled positions out of need. Had I remained in Erebor, I would have trained in a skill much like Óin. I do enjoy my trained profession though. I think being the king's herald and ambassador suits me."

"I think you are best suited to be lord of your own kingdom. Why didn't you petition King Thráin to become lord of the Blue Mountains? I'm sure he would give it to you. You've more than earned your own lands. Why Dáin outranks you and hasn't half your skill or experience."

"I'm sorry you married a lesser Durin. Maybe you should have pursued Dáin instead if my title isn't up to your desires."

Cát glared at him. "I would NEVER marry the likes of Dáin Ironfoot. You being chief advisor to the king insures I receive preferential treatment wherever I go. I'm thinking of you and not me. You've worked so hard and deserve the best."

Balin smiled at her. "I have you and two perfect daughters and a position of envy within the mountain. I wouldn't ask for anything less than what Thráin has already given me and that's Moria. Someday we will have to reclaim Moria and drive goblins from it; providing there are any left."

"What of Dwalin? Will he stay at Erebor if you leave?"

"He will stay beside Thorin until one draws their last breath. Dwalin doesn't have my ambitions. Being General of all armies is more than he ever planned."

"And you are still close to the throne. Why if we have a war and lose Thorin, Dáin and young Thorin, you would be Thráin's heir."

"No, Fili would be heir and then Kili," he reminded her.

"I thought King Thráin rejected them?"

"Only as Thorin's heirs. They still hold their lofty positions and titles of prince."

"I still think Fili and one of our daughters should wed," she brought up the subject again.

Balin shook his head. "Tongues would wag if our daughters married a direct linage. It is scandalous that Dis and Dwalin are related. We don't need to be setting a precedence of intermarrying among the Durin clans."

"When I was in the Durin vault with the elves, Lady Galadriel told us she married her third cousin and her daughter, Lady Arwen's mother, married her third cousin also and Lord Elrond was also his wife's fifth cousin from the other side of his family. Fili and our daughters are seventh cousins. I don't think anyone would object. Would you at least mention it to the king?"

Balin thought about it for a moment and then nodded his head. "I'm glad we have a few years before a decision has to be made, but I'll broach the subject with Thráin."

"The years are passing swiftly. Cái is almost of age and you can't honestly tell me there is a lord of suitable rank to wed her."

"Outside Barad's son, Tárad, of the Blue Mountains or Lord Fárin's youngest son, Dárin, no."

Cát mentally compared the two names Balin threw out. "Dárin will be old enough for a wife in about two years and Tárad will wait for one of our daughters if their grandfather Garad says so."

Balin caught a motion and saw Thorin stand and help Lióni to her feet. A quick glance to the other side of the large vault room revealed Dwalin mimicking Thorin's gesture. He sighed. "Our lovely luncheon is over. Now back to the details of the wedding."

They entered the Great Hall named after King Thrór with its floor of gold. It was transformed with decorations and statues of all Durin kings for ten generations, carved from white marble and standing ten feet tall. White gleamed off the gold and amalgamated, giving the floor a pale luminescence. Flowers from Thranduil's Halls and purchased by King Thráin, arrived by the wagon load of all varieties and colors. A raised dais was constructed and wood hidden by bouquets of fragrant flowers.

That's where Gandalf found them looking around in admiration and marched across the capacious floor, his boots clicking in rhythm to his staff. "I left the Durin dwarrow in their private tavern where they assured me they would remain tonight; something about the dams not wanting drunken husbands in their beds or chambers. I rescued Bilbo and escorted him to the elves for the evening. Although he is an accomplished drinker; he is an amateur compared to Durin's." His gaze took in Balin and he now remembered him missing from the Durin's. "What are you doing here, Lord Balin?"

Balin smiled and nodded his head in greeting to the wizard. "Taking my brother's wish I chaperone seriously. Cát and I have had a lovely time and I will make up for forgoing getting drunk today when I join our kin tonight for more drinking songs and raunchy wedding jingles interspersed among non-stop consumption of ale." He looked at Thorin and Dwalin. "I assume you two will also be present?"

Both nodded.

"Are you two joining us for dinner?" Gandalf asked pleasantly, but expected platitudes begging off and leaving him to chaperone so Balin could get to the drinking and singing.

"If that is an invitation, we accept," Balin cheerfully replied. "But first, we need to make sure all the decorations meet with Lass Lióni's approval."

All eyes turned to Lióni and she swiftly looked at Dis. Finally she said, "I like them just fine. How about you, Dis? Would you change anything?"

Dis made a show of looking around. "I think everything is lovely. I for one am ready to retire to the bathing pools. Care to join me ladies?" She included Cát in the invitation.

Both nodded and they departed, leaving the dwarrow alone with Gandalf. Gandalf dropped pretense of politeness. "Have you two informed Balin of the change in plans?"

By the surprised look plastered on Balin's face, Gandalf took that as a no and continued. "We are discussing sensitive subjects and if Lord Balin and his wife are to sit with us, need to be informed."

Thorin and Dwalin looked at each other with eyebrows raised and Thorin nodded. He then smirked and stated, "I don't know, we can just start discussing plans and see how long it takes the advisor to the king to catch on."

Dwalin gave a deep chuckle. "He is getting old and white haired and addled in the head. He might not figure it out until this time next year."

"I must remind you again, brother, that you're the taller and I'm the smarter," Balin enrolled in their life-long game. "I still have to have that talk with you on what your wedding night entails and what to do and not. Standing in for our father is trying at times like these. I can only draw so many pictures. We better get started soon, as I'm sure the next Durin wedding will be yours."

Gandalf and Thorin laughed.

"Well, brother, you best start right now. I only have two days to master your unwanted advice," Dwalin shot back.

"Now, I know you are a touch slow, but in two days it's Thorin's wedding," Balin spoke like Dwalin was an addled dwarf. "You will stand beside him, although I'm sure he could find a smarter groomsman."

"And he will stand beside me," Dwalin retorted with a grin. "And to think you are supposed to be the smarter brother."

"Sometimes I think all dwarves are slow," Gandalf thundered in exasperation. "Lord Balin, I will be performing a double wedding in two days and have to go over the details tonight with both couples."

Balin's face morphed into stunned shock. "You mean my brother is getting wed also?"

"That is precisely my point," Gandalf iterated.

Balin spun on the two dwarves laughing at him. "Why am I just now being informed? Does Thráin know?"

"No, and he better not find out," Thorin threatened. "We weren't even going to tell you, but since you insisted on being a dam today…" He broke off when Balin drew his sword and started laughing at the shorter Durin. "Now that you know, you can help Gandalf get everything right."

Balin put his sword away and let the information sink in. "I am surprised and pleased you are allowing this, Thorin."

"Dwalin has been by my side for most of my life. It only is fitting we share a wedding day. Besides it will give us an excuse to celebrate our anniversary together."

Balin shook his head in amazement. "I must say, you two surprised me." He looked at his brother with a genuine look of fondness. "I couldn't be happier for you and Dis."

"I'm heading to the bathing pools before supper," Thorin announced. "Who's joining me?" Two dwarves and one wizard hurried after the departing prince.

That night at supper at the mountain's only restaurant, the wedding party had a secluded hollowed out room. Dismissing the servants, Balin told Cát about the double wedding. They planned details until the owner discretely asked when they were leaving. Looking around, they realized they were the last customers. Thorin tipped generously and thanked him for his patience with Durin's.

Gandalf bid them goodnight and stated he had to check in with the elves and get a report on the situation outside the mountain and make sure Bilbo had been escorted back inside the mountain for the night.

Gandalf spotted elven guards inside the gate and stopped before one. "Are the ladies of Celeborn in for the night?"

"They were escorted here about an hour ago by Lord Celeborn, along with the hobbit," the guard answered. We have proper protection from here to their chambers."

Gandalf caught the nuance that elves were superior to dwarves in guarding the ladies of Lord Celeborn.

He slipped outside the gate and motioned for it to be closed for the night. Using his limited Maia powers, he searched for the other wizard. Only the screech of an owl replied. "I'm sure Radagast would know what you just said," he muttered aloud and made way to the tents of the elven lords. He was sure they were together; just uncertain whose tent they invaded. He found them in Celeborn's.

"Get the dwarven princeling educated on how to get married?" Thranduil japed, a goblet of wine dangling carelessly from long fingers.

Gandalf just smiled. He didn't know if Galadriel knew of the surprise, but was certain she would never disclose details to this group and let them be surprised as Thráin.

He sat beside Celeborn. "Who is patrolling tonight?"

"Glorfindel, Demythel, Taíban and Vellon each have a company from our respective realms and spread out around Dale and this area. They have orders to kill first and question later."

Thráin sends his thanks and says he will properly compensate everyone with gold and gems."

"I would rather have wine," Celeborn uttered.

"I'll pass it along," Gandalf drolly replied and noticed the other lords were listening and nodding. He sighed. "With the coin Thráin is willing to part with, you can buy your own vineyards."

"We all own vineyards," Elrond stated the obvious. "We want aged wine."

"I don't think Thráin will part with much, if any."

Thráin hollered out when Thorin and Dwalin joined them. "Thorin, about time ye came for advice on the marital night an yer duties."

Laughter overrode any response Thorin might have had. He grabbed a tankard of ale off the table and downed it in one sitting, as did Dwalin. They gave twin belches and joined the party.