She had not gone far when she spotted Aida further along the corridor.
She was not in her wheelchair, but rather standing freely holding her walking stick and berating her young servant girl.
For an apparently frail old dwarven lady, she stood quite steady. At first animatedly waving her hand and pointing her finger at the girl, Aida appeared to be yelling. The poor young girl of course stood looking down at her feet, clearly quite intimidated by the raisinlike dam's tirade. But it appeared that Aida had since asked her a question, and when the girl remained mute, staring at her feet out of fright, it took a far more sinister turn.
The old woman lost her patience and without further delay, landed a heavy slap to her face. The poor waif of a girl, instantly fell to the floor and curled up into a protective ball, holding her hands up silently to protect herself from further assault.
Shobha had seen enough, and hurried over to them, although Aida was so overwhelmed with rage that she didn't hear her approach.
"I told you to keep the vial safe you useless girl!" Aida screeched raising her walking stick ready to strike the girl curled up on the floor in fear. "You have cost us dearly - stand up you useless piece of -"
Spotting the wheelchair off to the side, and not wishing to hurt Aida, Shobha pushed it into her legs causing them to buckle so that she was forced to sit on the chair.
The old dam looked around startled uncertain of what happened herself.
"Oh dear! Lady Aida! Your wheelchair was rolling off on its own! Are you hurt?" Shobha feigned complete concern ignoring the poor servant girl, in case it got her into more trouble. But she had heard enough to know something was amiss. "Here I have put your brakes on now."
"Stupid dumb oaf of a girl! I needed help in my chair and she didn't put the brakes on!" Aida appeared to rapidly regain her composure. Her demeanour instantly turning calmer, and her voice attempting to sound more quivering like that of a frail old woman's. "Really, it is so hard to find good servants these days. But what can I do... I am just an old dwarrowdam. Any other would have the girl flogged for such a severe error..."
She glared at the girl, before turning her prune like face towards Shobha and attempting to look as though she was the victim.
While Shobha thought she was alone when she first walked along the corridor, the mysteriously prompt arrival of a guard made her realise that the shadow guards had always been tracking her whereabouts afterall.
These were a specific set of the Kings guard who had apparently grown loyal to her. They had been mostly injured dwarves who she had treated following the great battle for Erebor some five years ago. They had however soon realised that she hated the presence of formal guards around her, and so had formed a special forces team who often followed her and the children in a very stealthy manner. It also meant that if she ever needed something or found herself in a troubling situation, these men were always mysteriously at hand.
They could only be distinguished from the rest of Thorins guard by the tiny gold crown pins each wore on their collars.
"My Queen, how might I be of assistance?" The guard inquired observing Shobha, Aida and the girl still laying on the floor. This guard was young.
Then she had an idea. But she would need to move fast.
...
Thorin stood in a balcony above the banquet hall, where below he could see his bride dancing. She looked as beautiful as the day he met her, in her pink saree adorned with the jewels he had chosen for her: a flash of pink and gold as she moved light footed across the dance floor. But he couldn't help as his jealousy rose watching her in the arms of others.
At first he imagined she would have danced with Fili or Dwalin as she often did. But this dwarf was neither of them, and perhaps as tall as him although not as broad. He stood out handsomely as he too danced well and wore a suit of teal with a peacock feathered mask. And she seemed to be rather comfortable in his arms, even conversing with him.
"Balin, who is that? Dancing with Shobha?" Thorin looked down, a little green eyed as his advisor patiently joined him peering over the balcony wall.
"Ah, I believe that is young Lord Imli," Balin replied quite innocently, although he was fully aware of the ire it would create.
"Imli?" Thorin sounded angry.
"Aye, Thorin. Now don't be angry, he is one of our most loyal supporters amongst the nobility. And he wields considerable sway in the Iron Hills given how wealthy he is in addition to his place as head of the Smiths Guild." Balin reassured him. "He has proven himself more than loyal to you and the lass - I cannot see him doing anything to harm her..."
"Its not harm I worry about..." Thorin grumbled.
But Balin soon directed him towards a group of well dressed dwarrow, who also apparently appeared rather well fed for that matter!
"My lords," Thorin tilted his head to greet the group standing together closely deep in hushed conversation.
"Your majesty," they greeted him in unison, bowing together.
"Thank you Lord Balin, for arranging an audience with our King..." One lord nodded.
"But we wish to discuss a matter of great difficulty... and delicacy… One concerning business." Another lord in a deep purple suit began.
"You see our mithril has not been selling since the sale of mitrhil from Ered Mithrin commenced..." A third Lord stepped forward. "It is putting us all at great financial losses. As such it is impacting on our tax fees, and our armoury sales -"
"I was not aware that you sold armour?" Thorin raised an eyebrow surprised.
"It is not a large amount, merely commissioned orders, usually to the northern towns. There have been stray orc attacks and having suitable armour is essential to prevent major losses of injuries to the citizens of such settlements.." the lord in the purple suit commented.
"But surely mithril is not the usual type of armour simple villagers would request?" Thorin observed him with further suspicion. "And most other weapons from the Iron Hills are suitably sophisticated enough."
"You would be surprised, your majesty..." He corrected careful to now his head as he contradicted. "Either way, the colony is troublesome to us, Sire."
"They travel to the Iron Hills, trade there, mix with our people as though they are normal." One of the other Lords spat unable to contain his disdain. "All, we ask is that you limit their freedoms. Freedoms bestowed by your Consort."
"And we hear that you seek a mistress, Sire. We would offer wonderful options. Real lasses with ample bosom and hips, and of high standing." Another Lord chipped in. "This would secure a suitable alliance between our settlements also – perhaps even a Dwarven heir?"
"Sadly, I do believe you are quite misinformed there – and my sons will rule." Thorin was taken aback by this. "Who could have possibly made such a claim?"
"Why your Great Aunt, your majesty," another dwarrow spoke up. "It is no shame. Sometimes alliances between our race and others do not suitably satisfy. In the end our female folk are generous in their proportions, appetites as well as their affections..."
"And children of men have no understanding of how to satisfy a dwarf... Even their own menfolk often seek solace in more than one woman -"
"I truly have little time for this. I suggest that you make your point quickly." Thorin snapped impatiently glancing towards the balcony wall again, wondering if his bride was still remained in the arms of Imli on the dance floor.
"Your majesty. We wish to ask you respectfully that you manage the decisions which your Consort makes better. Or else we will not be able to control the consequences of such actions..." The first fat drawven lord who had spoken now voiced his thoughts, clearly with the others in agreement from the vigorous nodding that went on.
"Her place is to keep you satisfied amongst the furs on a good mattress. Or minding your bairns..." Another chipped in with a low tone. "Not poking her nose in the business of the Iron Hills; Dwarven business."
"Or... You COULD simply take a mistress from the Iron Hills... One who would heal any discord between the two clans." The dwarf who spoke earlier added, once more. This time it sounded more like a veiled threat.
Thorin would have immediately unsheathed his sword and taken all their heads right away if he hadn't thought it might lead to huge rift between their clans. It would also put Dain in a terrible position. Although officially the leader of the Iron Hills clan, being the only family of a royal blood line, he sat on their throne. But he was a leader only in name. Most of his decisions made were through advice of his council of lords. Lords that Thorin was steadily realising were more dishonest than common thrives!
He took another step away disinterested and glanced over the balcony hoping to catch a glimpse of a flash of fuschia pink and gold as his wife danced, but didn't notice her straight away.
"Does Lord Dain know?" Thorin snapped back without looking at them. "That you are selling Mithril at a very unreasonable cost... Or that you are selling weapons meant for his army off to villagers in the north?"
But by the time he turned back around the dwarves were scampering away as fast as rather chubby, middle-aged dwarrow could move. It was like the scattering of mice as a cat prowled in. And looking across to the other end of the large balcony he could see exactly why, as Dains broad and shorter figure approached him.
"Cousin! A merry Yuletide to ye!" He laughed as he firmly grasped Thorins shoulder and proceeded to bash their foreheads together, rather hard. "Been lookin for ya!"
"Aye cousin - my sincerest apologies, but I have been tied up -"
"Ach! Of course - ye have the old nag visitin ye eh?!" Dain laughed slapping Thorin on the back hard. "I heard she interrupted yer baths - and the poor lass stood all shiverin' on nout but a bath robe on! Well, I told Aunt Aida that many a dwarrow would give an arm an a leg ter be in her place instead... Yer lassie's a bit too thin fer me tastes of course, but I bet she's all bendy... Eh?! Yer dirty old sod!"
They were promptly interrupted by a well timed but not entirely planned cough, as poor Dwalin, who had genuinely developed a soft spot for her much like an older brother joined them. It was like a bad comedy - as he spat his good whiskey out all over his older brother Balin at the thought of their acrobatic coupling!
"Really brother! How very uncouth!" He fussed pulling out a handkerchief and brushing the amber droplets off his wine coloured-velvet jacket.
"Uncouth?!" Dwalin scoffed shaking his head at Dain, who soon turned a shade of bright tomato as he regarded the King under the Mountain. "Thorins uncouth all over the Princess! In fact he is often loudly uncouth-"
"Alright brother!" Balin chastised, himself now a shade of bright pink. "There is no need to add to this distasteful conversation."
"Och well, she's doin' well for tolerating Aida for even this long." Dain shook his head. "The old hag used to fight with my Ina even when she was ill, just before she passed."
The group of dwarrow fell silent at the thought. Thorin and Dwalin each troubled by their memories of how close Shobha herself had come to being lost too.
"Why did she feel the need to visit, laddie?" Balin asked Dain. "She is very frail to be making such long journeys."
"I dunno..." Dain shrugged his shoulders. "To see ya I suppose...?"
"Aye... And ter get everyone tucked up to lasses of her choosing eh?!" Dwalin scoffed. "Well ah'd rather cut me own bollocks off -"
"Now brother!" Balin patted his younger sibling reassuringly. "I cannae imagine many lasses wanting to be married off to you..."
"Och aye?! I can assure ye that the lasses were all gettin their knockers out, tryin to tempt me, the moment they heard I had arrived!"
"Where was this then Lord Dwalin? In a cheap brothel?" Dain guffawed as the tattooed warrior turned a shade of bright red.
"Well... I am not happy about her attempt to force a mistress upon me." Thorin snapped impatiently. "How could anyone possibly think we are unhappy?"
"Aye - yer unable to keep yer hands off her half the time..." Dwalin grumbled. "And the other half ye spend holding yer hands over yer massive stiffie after ye've seen her or thought of the Princess doin' something! Honestly ah feel sorry for the lass at night! Yer must be givin her a poundin' after a poundin' after a poundin' -"
"Dwalin!" Thorin interrupted this time. "You are speaking of our Queen here!"
"It's true - maybe the Princess would WANT ye to have a mistress just to give her a rest!" Dwalin half laughed and half scowled with disgust. "Have ye ever considered that?!"
"Well... It's true - yer love seems too good cousin!" Dain brushed his ginger beard thoughtfully glancing over at the two Fundins.
But Thorins answer never came as he stood now at the balcony wall scouring the grand room below for where she might be. He feared that he had spent far too long up here already, for he couldn't see any sign of her.
..…
"She is an useless girl, your majesty -" Aida began. "Nothing that a good beating won't fix. I hope we didn't interrupt your evening?"
"Really, Lady Aida, it is no problem... But I think perhaps a night in the dungeons might serve to remind the girl better." She leant over and whispered instructions to the guard who immediately nodded. "Take the girl away!"
"Your majesty you need not do this on my account..." Aida looked up shocked, her jaw slackening slightly.
"Oh no! I insist! My you are my husbands great-aunt after all! I insist." Shobha corrected. "Not to worry I will push you to your room and maybe your other attendant can get you to bed? Besides it is far too much trouble to have you beat her. You must be so tired yourself? No; a night in our dungeons is a terrifying thing, amongst the thrives, murderers and rapists!"
The girl looked up at Shobha, eyes filled with tears and terror at the realisation of what she imagined would happen now.
"Get her out of my sight." Shobha commanded and the guard quickly pulling her up to her feet obliged. And so she finally pushed Aida back to her room, with some difficulty before feigning to clumsily return back towards her room.
But as soon as she was past the main corridor she turned a corner where she had discovered a secret passageway to the armoury. Well, in truth, the twins had discovered the passage while horsing around. It had clearly been unused for some decades by assessment of the cobwebs and dust, which only made the boys want to explore it even more! And so she had been roped into going on an adventure.
Initially she had been worried about getting lost, but it had all been unfounded as the passageway had led straight to the royal armoury, located directly above the soldiers armoury and the training arena. The loud clanging of metal had given the location away long before they had reached the other end!
Being quick, she slipped out and along the stairwell that led down to the now eerily silent armoury, which all the soldiers used to find the young guard she had sent with Aida's servant girl.
The poor girl now looked absolutely petrified, sitting as still as a statue, looking pale.
"My Queen!" The guard beat his breast plate in a usual salute.
"Please, there is no need to do that for me..." Shobha paused realising he was one of the new guards. "Your name?"
"I am Hal, son of Gal." He bowed his head. "At your service, my lady."
"Thank you Hal, son of Gal. Did anyone see you bring her here?"
"No my lady."
"Then you have done very well. And I thank you again. But I may need you to do the same again tomorrow morning." She looked at the young copper haired dwarrow in the brand new armour and uniform. It would have been long after his shift would have ended. But he stood straight and nodded eagerly, clearly proud to have even been selected as one of the junior guards. They patrolled the corridors and did nothing very important but it was part of their training and those that did well would then receive a place as one of the formal Kings guard. "In that case when ever you need it, you can call upon me to return the favour."
He bowed his head again gratefully as the girl now watched with baited breath. She was half ready to suffer in the dungeon, but also this all didn't seem to be heading that way.
"My Queen, please forgive me! I did not harm her Ladyship." The girl finally fell to her knees clasping her hands together and bowing her head. She spoke softly, as though expecting to be beaten at any moment for her transgression.
"Please don't do that..." Shobha knelt down and tapped her wrists gently. "You don't need to be afraid of me. Now tell me do you have a name...?"
The girl looked up with her small, gaunt tear stained face, surprised at the request of whom she envisaged as the only consort married to the most powerful warrior of the north! The shock on her face was tangible.
"I promise anything you tell me will be just between us..." Shobha looked over her shoulder at Hal, who instantly took the hint and subtly backed out of the room. "You will not get into trouble for anything. And as a matter of fact, I might need someone to help me... In secret..."
The girl who was previously gobsmacked needed no further encouragement, instantly opening up to a woman who strangely reminded her of her mother.
"Your highness, I am Jana, the third daughter of Gulab, an advisor to the Sheikh of the near Harad. And my wretched life has only ever gone from bad to worse... But I swear upon what little I have of this world that I did what I had to..." The girl fell heavily onto the bench she had been seated on by the guard.
Jana recounted how she had sadly lost her mother at a very young age, which had meant her father had married off her two elder sisters early. But by the time she was nearing of age, one of the Sheikhs horrible sons had wanted her as a wife, and upon her refused her father had been beheaded, she had been forced upon by the foul prince in question and then after several months of being treated as a bedslave she had then been sold into servitude, where Aida's attendant Meldin had bought her for the service of his mistress!
Shobha had to bite back her own tears as she realised how Jana was only twenty years of age. She was well read, spoke many languages of both the south, Easterling lands and the west. But she still bore many childlike desires.
Her initial thoughts were to take the girl away from Aida. But she knew this would cause a hullabaloo - and one which her husband would never approve of. So she would have to find a way to protect the girl until she found her a suitable home and convinced Thorin to agree with her.
"The vial contained Valerian and Monksbain."
"A strong sleeping potion?" Shobha realised Aida had the poison for her all along!
"I overheard her mention that the Monksbain was a muscle relaxant. It would render you unable to fight off any wishing to defile you even if you did wake." Jana shuddered with the horror of only one who had experienced such terrible things firsthand. "I could not allow this to happen... So I tipped out the liquor. Pretending to spill it instead. Here - it left a stain."
She took off the apron which she wore, that indeed had a brilliant blue stain the colour of aquamarine. But more telling was the strange smell it exuded, like a boiled sweet.
"I can smell it from here." Shobha agreed. She had now grown quite aware of the many herbs and potions they made down in the infirmary and this was a particularly potent anaesthetic like agent. She could perform a lot of minor surgery after the patient had drunk only a small vial of it! "Thank you for telling me. But do you know who might have given that vial to her?"
Jana slowly shook her head, disappointed with herself.
"Well, it's okay. And I promise I am going to free you from that disgusting woman. But I need to think up a plan. Until then you will have to go back to her. But for tonight we will take you to a nice bed for some sleep, and then in the morning I am going to ask young Hal there to escort you to the dungeon where you may need to rub your clothes on one of their most oderous walls so you look suitably traumatised before taking you back to Aida."
The girl giggled a little before falling into a low curtsey in thanks.
"I hope that will satisfy that horrid woman?"
Jana merely looked up, smiling as her eyes teared up once more for the kindness she had been shown.
...
Thorin hurried along the corridor, fearing he was already too late. He had scoured the room as fast as he possibly could. But failing to find her rushed back to their apartment muttering excuses, much to the dismay of a gaggle of busty dams that had flocked to follow him.
Finally, heart pounding, and desperate to shed his heavy suit he arrived in their parlour, where he slowly opened the door to their room and slipped in to the darkness.
Before he could draw his sword, there was kerfuffle as a number of hands grabbed him and bound him with rope.
It was the last thing he expected.
Initially he fought against them, but eventually realised it was futile given he was clearly fighting a large number of them, despite their clear inexperience.
Several footsteps followed into the room as slowly the lamps we lit one by one.
This led to gasps from his apparent attackers who instantly fell into a bow as it became clear who they had apprehended!
Shobha scurried about lighting lamps before returning to her husband, who stood there looking highly irritated as the group of various servants had bound their King with a large mass of thick rope.
Another figure emerged through the door, in his grand teal suit, it was Imli.
"Mahal!" Imli exclaimed rushing over to Thorin and beggining to cut him free as he admonished the servants. "You fools! Did you not even check who you had apprehended before you bound our King?!"
Observing the whole scene, now clearing seeing the comedy of the moment, her eyes locked with the cold blue orbs of her now partially bound husband. She could feel his wrath growing, his jaw clenched with fury, and yet there was something clearly sweet about how he had not burst into an angry tirade at the poor servants who had only attempted to protect her.
Then she realised the servants involved had been those that had subtly stepped forward to attend her during the banquet!
"Do your masters know where you are now?" She asked the group who had fallen to their knees before their King now as Imli hurried to release him.
"No, my lady..."
"Then go. Make sure no one sees you in a group. And if anyone does, make sure you inform them that you brought food and drink to the royal suite as instructed by the kitchens." She looked at Thorin. "My King? Do you still wish to punish these poor souls who only wanted to protect my honour?"
"Under any other circumstances I would have their beards and hair all!" Thorin growled freeing himself from the last of the ample lengths of rope, before sighing. "But in this case - no."
"Thank you Imli." Shobha nodded as he bowed to them both after removing the rope.
"Leave us please." Thorin snapped as Imli bowed once more to his King silently and left.
Hearing the door to the parlour of their royal apartment finally closing behind, she burst out into laughter, as he grunted several curses in Khuzdul.
"Where in Mahals name have you been?!" He barked. "I told you not to leave without me!"
"I just needed to get back." She lied. The truth was seeing all those busty dams displaying themselves and vying for his attention was more than she could turn a blind eye to. It was easier to lie about it though after having seen her warrior King tied up by a large group of poor servants who looked like they hadn't been fed properly for years! "Its Christmas and I wanted to release Kili and Tauriel to have the rest of night to themselves. They are newlyweds, and there is no need to expose them to that Aunt of yours!"
"She is meddling I agree. But she is not that bad.." he grumbled although he didn't like this rumour she had seemingly disseminated. Despite being angry at her, his body still responded to her as though he were an adolescent. He clenched his fists to his side as he moved closer to stop himself from grabbing her. "You on the other hand did something terribly foolish woman! You could have been hurt!"
"You mean you would have hated me if some other man had touched me?" She asked realising the full risk she had taken, at last. Perhaps she may not have been able to live with herself had she been raped knowing that she had put herself in harm's way just to catch some useless person.
"No. I would have never forgiven myself for not protecting you as I should have." Thorin moved closer, gently tilting her chin up so he could swim in her big brown eyes. Slowly he brushed aside the shock of pale hair that stood out against the rest of her ebony locks after the birth of their twins. She had once attempted to colour it using a brown powder she had procured from the Eastern lands. But her hair had simply turned a golden colour, just like Thranduils blonde mane. And it had never changed back.
Grateful that none of it had resulted in any significant problem, she slowly set her hands on his broad chest, running her fingers under his formal jacket to feel the firm muscles of his torso even through his thicker tunic and long waistcoat.
He pulled her closer pressing her small body to his, taking another long look before slowly and deliberately pressing his lips firmly to hers.
It was a possessive kiss, filled with desire and even a little anger, but she was all his. Her hands instantly moved to unclasp his large gold belt, while he expertly pushed the sash of her sari off her shoulders letting the material partially unravel itself under its own weight as the top layers slid to the floor with a satisfying sound.
Trailing kisses down her jaw and along the soft brown skin of her neck, he pulled firmly at the laces that held the silken material of the undesired blouse which covered her breasts before yanking it off her angrily.
"Are you angry with me or my clothes...?" She panted, as she desperately tried to concentrate long enough to pull his jacket and waistcoat off in one go, with the clanking of his belt on the floor.
"I intend to have you tonight; In any way I please for your egregious error, my lady." He growled biting at her skin while pushing the rest of her clothing off her body, leaving her deliciously nude, with nothing but the jewels he had fasted on earlier that evening. The fire ranging in his loins would now only be quenched once buried deep within her.
"But... what about... the contraception...?" She panted as he threw her on the bed, before hastily stripping and climbing over her.
"Then I shall simply have to spill myself over your beautiful body instead," he looked at her where she lay on the blankets and furs, bathed only in jewels and the soft light of many lamps, as though she were a piece of art, picturing where he might paint her magnificent body with his seed. "Anyway, Oin assures me that it is less likely given you are still feeding our baby daughter... But if I did fill your belly with my babe again, it would only do you good to keep you out of trouble."
She wanted to protest. She had no desire to spend the best part of the next year pregnant! But his hot mouth had found her core, followed by his fingers. So she was gone beyond all hope or redemption. Whatever price she would pay for the pleasure he inflicted on her, she was now his willing debtor. And she would fall into as deep a debt as he was willing to offer her...
...
She blinked in the bright sunlight as she stood in the soft sand, feeling her feet sink into the golden powder.
The light blue waters of the shallows broke softly on the sand not far ahead.
It was clearly a dream, and her favourite place apparently, since she liked visiting here quite a bit. But she had been in Erebor for so long now that she couldn't recall the last time she was actually on a real beach!
So whenever she came here, she would allow herself to enjoy it.
She wore the same light nightdress each time, and it always turned sheer under the bright sunlight. But there was no one around so she didn't care.
Although this was also where she usually met Ulmo, it felt as though he had been avoiding her for a little while now.
Picking up her long nightgown, she moved closer to the water's edge and stopped, staring into the horizon. Her worries about the secret she had kept from Thorin about Arun felt like they were eating her alive.
"What's stopping you...?" A deep voice interrupted her.
Instantly she turned to catch the tall form of the King of the Ocean standing behind her.
"You have been ignoring me..."
He stood silently watching her, a gentle smile pulling at the corners of his lips.
She sighed and turned back to face the Ocean again. All this time she had hoped he would help her, or at least protect her, but she was on her own. And all this had come about because she had agreed to help Thorin! She certainly hadn't asked Ulmo to impregnate her with his baby!
"Your thoughts are very loud..." He took another step closer, watching her. He had watched her each time she had found herself on these shores in her dreams, although she had not seen him. "And rather sad."
She didnt reply, just turning back to face the Ocean to contemplate the mess she found herself in now.
"So... I gather you didn't tell Thorin." He mused wondering why she kept it from him all this time.
"You Valar...pester and prod and plague dreams all the time when YOU want something. But when we need you... Well... You're as make-believe as fairytales and happy endings!" She quietly grumbled continuing to look away.
"I take it that you've missed me then." He came to stand in front of her now with a smirk on his face, as he slowly reached out to pick her chin in his hand and tilt her face up to take a good look. There was always something about her that touched his heart. Once when he first set eyes on her, he considered it to be pity, but now he realised it was the hope she carried in her heart that made her most endearing.
"Arun has been demonstrating certain abilities in controlling water." She pulled away from him and crossed her arms over her body, suddenly feeling overly exposed. "I didn't tell Thorin before because I didn't know how. And then it wasn't an issue. After all he is the only one I have had sex with.. "
She took a few steps back, still keeping her arms crossed in front of her chest. His raking eyes had never bothered her before. She had even rested naked against his unclothed frame during labour and not felt awkward before! But today felt different.
"You didn't exactly...well... We didn't... And frankly, I forgot about it." She muttered again. "But since I haven't really shared it with Thorin, it has grown into an ugly secret. And it's eating away at me now..."
She looked up to meet his strange eyes the colour of the Ocean, and felt naked once more. Then she noticed his beard was gone. It made him look much younger despite his fully grey hair.
"But as you say we never lay together. Your husband can hardly fault you." He watched her noticing her change in behaviour. There was nothing to hide, he had seen her unclothed before; even felt her against his skin, touched and caressed her. It did not explain her behaviour. "Unless you harbour... feelings for me?"
He took another step closer, but she stepped back.
The truth was that she was that she was not sure. They had a son together, however implausible the conception - it was still a strange bond. And the way he had been there for her on several critical moments over the recent past, had all resulted in her forming a bond with this god-like being. They were moments in which she had felt alone and abandoned, only to find him there for her.
"It just feels like cheating..." She whispered taking another step back, but this time a wave had rolled in behind her, slowly rising like a strange liquid barrier which stopped her from taking another step back!
"I had no knowledge that you bore affections towards me?" He watched her a little surprised.
"Where have you been all this time?" She sighed quietly. "I have been here so many times -"
"All those times you came here, looking for me?"
She laughed since the Valar seemed incapable of looking surprised. His face looked perfectly serene, as he considered her words carefully.
"Where is this place?" She looked around trying to change the subject, feeling his eyes bore into her. It didn't matter, she loved Thorin and they were married. There could be no one else. And she wasn't even sure whether Ulmo was all made up in her head after all!
"These are the shores of Valinor. My shores." He explained. "And I am not an entity you have created in your imagination."
"Oh." She felt her cheeks flush at the possibility that he could hear her thoughts and wondered what else he might have heard.
"When you first appeared here of your own accord, I imagined I had summoned you by mistake. But you have returned many times on your own since. Of your free will..." he smiled softly. "You clearly developed a connection of some sort."
"How do you know I was here so often?" She blushed recalling how she had on several occasions believing herself to be alone, gone skinny dipping in the warm, crystal clear waters!
"As I said, these are my shores. I know when someone has been here." This time he took a step back. He would not admit to having watched her in such a private moment. She had clearly found herself finally able to relax there, and he wanted her to feel that she had a safe haven here on these shores. It was the least he could do for one who had the burden of raising his only son.
"I don't know how to tell him after so long. It will seem suspicious simply because I wasn't forthright from the very start. Although I only realised it later..." She sighed walking back away from the water's edge to seat herself on the golden sand and watched as the chiselled lord of the seas slowly followed her, to seat himself beside her.
"You have nothing to fear. He would be unworthy of your love if he did not trust you."
She couldn't look at him right now, given how close he sat by her, his large frame towering over her even while seated. Instead she continued to watch the calm sea in the horizon as the waves slowly broke on the sandy shore.
"And our son? How do I help him with his... abilities?"
"He belongs to all three of us - he possesses the courage of Kings, the essence of the Valar and the wisdom and purity of his mother." Ulmo smiled again, looking down on the poor woman who sat clutching her knees to her chest. He would not think of her mortality, for each moment he spent with her, he grew more and more attached to her. "The boy himself will harness his own gift - of that I have no concerns."
She sighed, they had not spoken much, but she felt some comfort in his reassurances.
"I hope so..." she leant over to rest her head on him, still spinning with all her worries and carried on watching the Ocean.
...,...
Thorin stood listening to Balin discussing the trade between the Iron Hills and Erebor, while he put on his chainmail and bracers ready to spar with Dwalin.
"Where is Fili?" Dwalin called out from the arena as he readied their various weapons ready for training his King.
"He had several meeting with various merchants and suppliers, brother." Balin corrected. "He will join us when he is done."
"Very well. But he won't receive any gentler treatment for it!" Dwalin groused tying on his bracers as he readied himself, before addressing Thorin. "Well - com'on then yer lazy arse! Ye haven't bin trainin forever. I can see her gut through that mail, and it looks like the only thing ye've exercised recently is yer cock -"
"Brother! We must maintain some decorum!" Balin chastised his younger brother again.
"Very well, brother! I was mistaken - our King has also exercises his nutsack -"
"Dwalin!" Thorin complained - but before he could say another word, a loud crash echoed from the floor below, followed by a host of loud screaming.
The three looked at one another with no recollection of any timed charges or other explanations that might reveal the true nature of the commotion that was now set in place.
"Let go and see. Make sure you have your real weapons about you" Dwalin hurried down, followed by Thorin and the others only to run into Fili himself on the way.
"Uncle!" Fili huffed holding up a scroll. "I have some papers which I wish for you to glance over. Some matters with the Ered Luin which I have overlooked. They need urgent signing -"
"Are ye as deaf as Oin lad?" Dwalin frowned pushing him along with them. "Didn't ye hear that great commotion?"
"What noise?" Fili muttered still waving the parchment before him. "I just ran over to catch you before you got on the move again, Uncle -"
"It cannot be so urgent - what IS that noise?" Thorin frowned, trying to step past his nephew, who was too quick. Even out of breath, Fili kept moving into his line of vision.
"Uncle...?"
"Where is Shobha?" He inquired sternly. Ered Luin was considered Fili's responsibility. There was no need to have his input on the matter at all!
"I dont know. I was in my study..." The blonde prince shrugged as he struggled to catch his breath. "I thought she was in the infirmary today?"
He scrutinized his nephew carefully, but it seemed genuine, even though Fili had always been skilled at hiding the truth to cover for his brother since the time they were younglings themselves!
"Come let us go to the laundry..."
"The Laundry?!" Fili sounded surprised. "What in Mahals name would you want there Uncle?!"
"Are ya tellin me ye donnae hear the screamin'?! Outa the way or do ya want me ter shove Oin's ear-trumpet up yer baby-soft arse?!" Dwalin scowled at Fili. "Och I see! Yer coverin fer the lads again eh?"
That was all he needed, as Thorin barged past Fili, marching out of the arena and towards the Laundry Halls.
...
Shobha had arrived too late. The soapy water from the large troughs used to carry out the washing in huge batches, appeared to have exploded throughout the laundry halls: all ten troughs!
The washer women were running about screaming terrified as guards and others in the laundry rushed in to try and help.
There was half washed laundry, washboards, and waves of foaming soapy water sloshing about the floor. If not for the Erebor marbled walls, anyone would have thought they were aboard a shipwreck from the sight of it all!
Amidst all the chaos stood the two princes, both soaked to the bone, one wrapped in wet clothes like a mummy and the other covered in a red dye as though covered in blood. Both were laughing heartily!
"I told you I could do it!" Arundin announced to his older brother in triumph peeling wet clothes from his person, as Thrainuil nodded in disbelief wiping the red dye from his face.
"Thrain! Arun! What on earth is going on?! Come here." Shobha called out sternly, causing the two princes to jump to attention. The jig was up and they both knew it. "Right now!"
The two boys who were now as tall as their mothers chest slowly moved towards her. Their countenance immediately changed having spotted her disapproving look, from clear amusement to instant remorse. Anyone unknown to them would believe their new found angelic appearance, but Shobha knew these were well rehearsed with their expressions!
"Mama..." Thrainuil began ruefully. "We're sorry-"
"Never mind being sorry - what on earth did you do?" Shobha looked around shocked, there was no way these two little boys could have overturned all ten large wash-troughs on their own to cause the scene that lay before her.
"Its a trick I noticed I could do in the bath - Thrain didnt believe me..." Arundin looked up at her with tears forming in his big green eyes. "Please Mama - I'm sorry..."
"Its true Mama - I will take any punishment for us both... I told him to do it." Thrainuil tugged at his mothers hand.
Shobha crouched down.
"What exactly happened here boys?" She whispered, suddenly worried.
"You know I can control the water Mama... Well .. I... I made the water explode..." Arundin whispered back worried. "Do you believe me Mama?"
Shobha looked from Arun to Thrain, there was no doubt they were telling the truth but she didnt quite understand. This would have required a great deal of power – perhaps the work of twenty or thirty strong men!
"But ALL the troughs?" She questioned again, hiding her surprise.
"Its not always possible- I have to concentrate - and this was really hard..." Arun whispered in her raspy voice.
"Its true Mama. I saw it!" Thrainuil cried in support of his brother. "He's amazing!"
Shobha gazed beyond them at the large overturned vats, and as she slowly gazed back into Arun's sea-green eyes her heart began to race. It was plain to her now that he was the son of Ulmo and he was naturally learning to harness his powers.
She wondered how many had witnessed what had happened.
"What in Mahal's name happened here?!" A deep voice boomed from behind them as she turned to come face to face with her very angry husband, flanked by Dwalin, who looked as though he was struggling to hold his laughter. Fili and her guard stood behind, the Prince shaking his head and her guard looking rather worried indeed.
"A little accident..." Shobha grimaced as the twins scrambled to hide behind her, clutching at her full skirts. "It's nothing much really..."
"Nothing much?!" His wife's reply made him angrier still. Thorin didnt believe her softness was any good for the young boys. "You call this nothing, my Queen..?! Step out here the both of you!"
Thorins tone was stern and menacing enough to make even the grown dwarves quake, as the two princes remained hidden behind their mother.
"Thorin..." she quietly urged as he stepped closer.
"You are too soft on them." He quietly replied to her, a deep furrow forming between his brows. "This is the worst damage they have ever done! It is reckless, they could have injured so many!"
"They know that -"
"Aye, and yet they show no ownership of their wrongdoings - instead choosing to hide behind their mother's skirt!" He continued sternly.
"And they will spend the rest of the day cleaning up..." Shobha agreed, only to have him groan in frustration.
"Very well, you two stay here and clean up. Fili, you are to supervise," Thorin stared at the two boys who had slowly emerged from behind their mother at this point, neither wishing to be labelled a coward. They were descendants of Durin, and Princes, they would not hide. "I will discuss a suitable punishment with your mother..."
He stepped aside, gesturing to have her follow.
...
Shobha watched Thorin pace his study angrily. He wore his training clothes, including a chainmail vest and leather bracers, which made his broad frame look like a warrior again. It reminded her of how he had saved her from the warg, that very first time they met!
"You had Fili distract me! Can you not see what sort of impression this gives the boys?!"
"Fili had no part in this." She replied quietly, as he grunted in disbelief at that. "I just don't think..."
"Oh no. I promise if I took my belt to them just once - they will never misbehave again." He grumbled knowing what his wife would say to this. "They have to learn... We have tried this the reasonable way, and now I feel there is no choice -"
"Thorin, you said yourself, that your mother always said you could catch more flies with honey than vinegar." Shobha walked towards him, clearly horrified at the prospect of what he even suggested. "And no one should punish any children like that! Please, I have to talk to you about this -"
She stood in front of him, before reaching out to run her hands over his chainmail vest which he wore over an old tunic ready to train. It had always been hard for her to watch any of them train, a bit like watching a boxing match! But, she would be lying if she did not admit that Thorin in his armour (even the light stuff) looked distractingly sexy!
"Please stop trying to smooth things over, my lady," he caught her hand and brought it away from his chest placing a light kiss on her palm. "I love you, and I would give in to anything you asked of me if you carried on this way... But I do not think this is doing our sons any good."
The words stabbed at her heart suddenly. But now with his innate ability to control the waters, like his true father, it would only be a matter of time before the truth would emerge about Ulmo.
She took a step back, at which he straightened up wondering exactly what her urge had been.
"Aye - my mother never let my father beat me. But I could be reasoned with - the same was not the case for my brother Frerin. And my mother accepted this too." Thorin took a step towards her this time, concern washing over his features, that had gathered several more wrinkles and crows feet over the years. "What is it my love..? I will not lay a hand on them, I swear it. But they must be punished so that they learn... They must take responsibility."
"I know." She sighed letting a hand trace along the stitching of one of his leather bracers, feeling her cheeks heat up under his scrutiny."I don't know how to do this..."
"You are lost in thought amralime?"
"What? Oh! N...nothing really." She could feel her cheeks heat up further as she tried to push aside the naughty things she imagined him doing to her. She couldn't help herself. Seeing him in any sort of armour was a real turn on!
"My lady..?" He watched her with great interest as she ran her fingers over the detailing on his bracers, before looking at his mail. It had been quite a similar experience each time she had seen him in his formal armour on certain occasions. Of course, foolishly at the time, he had imagined she was simply admiring their craftsmanship. But now as he cast his mind back carefully, it was hard to deny how wanton he had found her on those nights! He lowered his voice to a whisper. "My wife, do you have a particular preference for me in armour...?"
Her big brown eyes flashed up at him, as though he had caught her doing something she should not be.
"Forgive me - I'm distracted.." she took a step away, but he grabbed her waist and pressed her to his body firmly.
"I can see that..." he lowered his face to claim her lips hungrily, as he moved her towards his desk. And with one effortless movement he lifted her up onto the desk where he seated her sending parchment, quills and ink scattering across the marble floor.
"Oh! God! Thorin! I - you've made a mess -" she panted struggling to concentrate as he continued his kisses down her neck and to the tops of her breasts.
"Aye... And I am not done with making a mess of you yet my wife..." He pulled her to the edge of the desk pulling her legs wide and around his waist, lifting up her skirts before tearing her knickers off as he kissed her again.
"Oh God!" She gasped, as she reached down pulling at his belt, before rubbing his hardening length, which was visible even through his thicker winter trousers.
"Would you like me stop, my beautiful wife?" He pulled away, watching her, hawk-like with his cold blue eyes. His fingers still continued to slowly circle her clit gently enjoying the fruit of her arousal. She seemed lost for words as she pushed herself into his hands, struggling to hold herself up on his desk. And then he suddenly stopped speaking more sternly. "Tell me, would you like me to stop?"
Legs still wobbly, hair now a bit messed up, and panting, she clutched at his chest in desperation.
"No please... Fuck me hard..." She fumbled at his laces, when he firmly grabbed her wrists. "I want you Thorin..."
He positioned her even further at the edge with one hand while he released his aching length with the other before entering her in one sharp movement, keeping his eyes locked with her's.
Setting a relentless pace right away, he thrust hard into her several times, kneading her breasts through her clothes. He usually enjoyed seeing all of her, but today, her heightened arousal was too much for him to ignore. And it was clear from her immediate desire that disrobing would take too long at this point.
Grunting, he stilled a moment to allow his own rising climax to fall away as she orgasmed around him. But before she could recover, he slid fully out only to slam into her again.
Reaching out, she grabbed hold of his leather clad wrists to steady herself, as he carried on picking up his speed. He would soon be unable to control himself any longer, seeing her as she was.
The entire desk was now rattling with each thrust, and the room was filled with the sounds of her moans and his grunts.
It was entirely possible that they were heard along the corridor outside his study, but it was a minor price to pay in exchange for seeing her so turned on!
...
She walked out of Thorins study to find Fili, the twins, Lola their nanny, the baby and Dwalin seated along the corridor.
Arun and Thrain stood up immediately, still wet and covered in dye, running over to her looking worried.
"Mama, are we in terrible trouble?" Arun asked, his big ocean-green eyes filled with sadness.
"You and dad fought didn't you?!" Thrain too looked sad as they both wrapped their arms around her middle in a group hug.
"No! I mean - you are both in trouble but your Adad and I didn't fight..." She placed two kisses on each of their foreheads.
"Then what happened to you Mama?" Thrain frowned. "You hair and clothes are all messed up?"
At that moment Dwalin began to laugh uncontrollably, while she reached up to touch her hair. Thorin, had looked the most dishevelled but had helped her adjust her clothing and hair before leaving his study! Clearly it was not well enough to pass the eagle eyes that their boys possessed.
"Um... No..." She struggled to engage her brain fully after their rather stimulating encounter! "I... Just.. had a fall..."
"Aye, Princess... Ye must've fallen... Over, and over and over and over!" Dwalin laughed.
"Oh dear gods," she smoothed her hair down. "No it's okay, your Adad caught me -"
"Aye... I bet he did!" Dwalin guffawed again. "Over and over and over again -"
"Dwalin." Fili chastised although he too struggled to control his own giggles at Dwalins bawdy humour.
"Well Adad must have been furious, we heard him banging his desk... And even groaning." Arun clutched her hand worried. "I am sorry Mama -"
"Well I hope you wont do any such tricks on poor people again - particularly while they work!" Shobha admonished the boys, but couldn't help herself from blushing. "Have you helped clear up already?"
"Aye Mama, all done." A very red-stained Thrain was glad to announce.
"Right then, baths and bed. You can have your supper in your room rather than in the hall."
"But we were going to sit with Fili tonight! And he was going to teach us how to throw a dagger afterwards -" Thrain complained looking over his shoulder at how older cousin who merely returned an apologetic look back.
"Then you should learn to behave. There will be no training tonight or this week as a punishment." Shobha replied walking back towards their rooms briskly. "Now a good scrub in the bath for the two of you..."
"My lady, I will see to them." Lola offered carrying the baby in her arms. "The little one is sound asleep."
Lola gently lowered the baby into her cot as soon as they had returned to the royal apartments and shutting the door behind her took the boys to their room.
"I see there is something that has been troubling you for a long time, my lady. And now I realise it is the little princes. But in truth you needn't worry. Amad tells me we were terrible at this age. And I would like to think we turned out fine..." Fili smiled. "And we have certainly been at the receiving end of uncles wrath. Many a time. Even Dwalin. We would be made to run laps around our house as punishment to tire us out -"
"Fili... Do you remember when I fell into the lake?" She hesitated, fearing she could no longer keep this a secret. "Well... Something happened. When I died the Valar came to me in a sort of... vision..."
Fili appeared to listen, without judgement.
"And kind of told me I would have twins..."
He nodded again. It took her by surprise, at least she had expected some scepticism.
"Ulmo saved me... and..." she paused again, for although Fili was kind and close friend to her, something stopped her from going further.
"That is how your skin came to be marked...?" He blushed recalling how he had to take her clothes off to warm her up. "You bear the mark of the Lord of the Waters."
"Yes. But there is something else..." She walked over to the cot where Seraeya slept soundly. It was a beautifully smooth carved wood cot, built by Bifur, with soft velvet linings, that had been selected by Dori. Then she sighed worrying there might be a worse threat to her sons than a secret she had not shared with Thorin. "I can't figure out what Aida wants here..."
Her thoughts drifted to this woman discovering anything unusual about her son and what she might do with this knowledge.
"Its the mithril mines from the Ered Mithrin colony. I am certain of this. Not once has she ever visited us in Thorins Halls all these years in the Blue Mountains. And even now after so many years of our return to Erebor, she suddenly appears." Fili found her gaze as she looked up from her soundly sleeping baby. "The Lords I met with are far less forthcoming. But their mithril veins are almost gone - I would be happy to wager a considerable amount on it. That can be the only reason they cannot drop their prices, not even to outcompete the colony."
"You call it a colony, but they are a settlement of their own right. Are they not?" She frowned.
"Their recognition only comes from the freedoms that YOU have granted, my lady. And they are forever loyal to you for this reason." Fili explained. "They even trade under your name. They have named themselves the Queen's Colony. It makes the lords of the Iron Hills nervous."
"What on earth for?"
"Those dwarves you have given a new life to. They are many. Once, treated as outcasts - now they thrive. They have children and wives - families who don't die of hunger or disease. They would march into war for you if you so asked it of them."
"But I can only do these things because of the support I have from Thorin." She wondered whether this was Aida's plan all along. To come between them? "I have no political plans of any kind. I agreed to help Thorin - with his quest... I guess, falling in love was not something I expected..."
Staying in Middle Earth was not entirely something she had planned to do. It all just happened. Suddenly she missed her family so much.
"So you would have returned to your homeland if you had not married Thorin?" He looked at her from where he stood by the door in their large bedroom. "Well, now I worry, my lady. Imli, firmly believes there is a conspiracy against you. All it will take is a misplaced rumour here or there to besmirch your reputation and it would make Thorin appear weak as a King and as a male."
She huffed angrily. It was typical. Although, things hadn't changed that much in some circles back in the modern world either.
"I should no longer be seen alone with you, my lady." Fili suddenly looked worried as he began to extrapolate further in his head. "I am too close to you already Shobha. And a better match in age... If this is indeed what they are angling for."
"What else did Imli say?" She asked as he walked into their parlour.
"He said he will keep an ear to the ground and let me know anything more he heard. But he was far more forthcoming than any other I spoke with." Fili moved to the door with an air of sadness. Of course he admired her, possibly more than he safely should, but also loved her as a friend too. Ever since Kili and Tauriel had been married, they had spent almost every moment together. He couldn't begrudge his brother his happiness. But it made him feel lonely. And she was easy to be around. Now he would not be able to spend as much time with her either, if these suspicions were true. "I will take my leave, my lady."
"Fili. I don't care about me in all this... I worry only for my children and Thorin." She finally admitted what had come to trouble her more than her secret about Ulmo. "Please will you do something for me...? If things change between me and Thorin for whatever reason, I want you to promise me that you will look after Thorin. Stay close to him, and make sure you help him. And don't let them ruin the settlement in Ered Mithrin or crush the new Market hall."
"Why would you think this?" Fili looked at her worried. "You have previously predicted things with such clarity that we have all feared that you possess the gift of foresight. So what do you predict?"
"This whole mistress thing, and the push against me, it may be too much. I am not a schemer or a politician to survive this sort of thing. So eventually something they throw at me will stick." She had always imagined Thorin would have a load of dwarrowdam groupies who might throw themselves at him, but this was truly the first time that it had really played out in any significant way, given that they were married for several years now. She was fully prepared for her husband to leave her. "And when the time comes I have to put our children first."
"Then we must make certain to keep you all safe." Fili looked at her somewhat forlorn although he tried to hide it. "I cannot see Thorin being stupid enough to allow this sort of thing to happen though..."
She nodded as he bowed his head and left. But deep in her heart she wondered whether their love was strong enough to survive her secret of the child she shared with Ulmo.
Before she could return to the bedroom, their parlour door opened again, but this time it was her somewhat dishevelled husband.
"Thorin you walked back from you study looking like that?" She grinned.
"Aye. And I imagine all of Erebor heard me bring you to completion." He smirked back as he shut the door behind him and walked towards her. "My lady, I do not think I have ever had you so wanton..."
"Oh..." She felt her cheeks flush. "I um..."
"Aye..." He moved closer still, admiring how her skin glowed following their lovemaking. "My study is still a mess... and I care not…"
"Oh goodness..."
And then he grabbed her waist and pulled her against his body again, kissing her vigorously.
"But I want you again. Exactly like that." He whispered in her ear as he quickly moved her onto the grand chaise. "Did I feel good?"
"Ah..." She couldn't think anymore as he lifted her skirts and picked up where he had last left off.
...
"Now my princes, you must always wear your eye protection when you sharpen metal or beat it." Thorin finished fastening a soft leather pair of goggles to both their faces. "It is a new thing, but all our Smith's agree it is most useful."
"Adad, is this what Master Oin designed, when he spoke with Mama some time ago?" Thrain tugged at his large goggles.
"Aye, lad. But the design was carried out by Masters Dori and Ori." Thorin corrected recalling the agonising hours they had spent sketching the eye glasses. It had all stemmed from a spate of smiths who had arrived in the infirmary with injuries from metal debris flying into their faces while sharpening and creating a batch of weapons. "And with our aprons we are ready to go..."
Thorin took a small dagger which had turned blunt over the years and held it above the sharpening lathe.
"Now Arun step on that pedal, lad." He encouraged as he watched the stone turn, gathering speed. "My father taught me that if you are to be a good warrior, then the first thing you must learn is to care for your weapons. It is the least you can do."
They stood in his private workshop tucked away amidst the others in their smiths halls. He had decided it was time to give the boys a focus, and after some reluctance on her part, she had finally agreed to letting the boys receive their first lesson from their father. He had of course reminded her that he had given in to her request of not beating the boys for their recent escapade in the laundry rooms. But then he was happy to give in to anything she wished for after their own rather intense experience in his study. Thinking about it had been a source of distraction for him of late, and the memory even now made him semi-erect.
"Now carefully hold the blunt edge to the stone like so," he demonstrated grateful for his own thick apron. "Here Thrain, hold the dagger yourself."
His elder son took the blunt dagger and cautiously followed his instructions following which he had Arun repeat it while his brother controlled the stone.
"Now we must wash off any dust and then carefully oil the blade. Come let us go to the water pump." Thorin stilled the stone lathe carefully before turning to admonish his eager sons. "Not like that! Lads! Wrap the metal in this. They are now sharp, so should you run into someone you may cause them much harm."
They walked through with the wrapped blades. At the small gurgling water pump another dwarf and their son stood washing several items, only to suddenly turn and give way to Thorin and drop their own items, two pairs of horseshoes.
"Sire, forgive me."
Thorin was at first taken aback by the sound of a female voice, having expected a dwarrow. But quickly scrambled to help pick up the items.
"Thank you, your majesty." She curtsied and her son bowed. "My Princes."
"I did not know we had any dams who were smiths here?" Thorin looked at the dwarrowdam better.
She too removed her goggles and smiled.
"My son and I have just arrived from the Iron Hills, my lord. And it is I who must apologise, I was unaware we were beside the King's workshop." It was a clear lie. His workshop was well marked with a large crest. It was unmistakeable even for a blind person!
She looked up at Thorin with eager blue eyes. Her curly chestnut hair was tied back but several tendrils escaped to frame her face. Anyone would have seen how even this had been staged, but Thorin was not anyone: he did not take care to observe any female in great depth. It was a habit he had fallen into since his days in the Blue Mountains. He was quite capable of recognising a white, but did not pay much attention to females until he met her. And even now the dams in his court were not his concern. So this one had caught him off guard.
"I am Lana daughter of One's, this is my son, Eli." She curtsied again and her son bowed.
"Ines? Then you must be Lady Aida's neice?" Thorin smiled politely. "And your husband?"
"My Lord, he fought in the great battle for Erebor," her voice stuttered a little. "But he did not make it back alive."
"Forgive me." It was an equally emotional reply from the King as he remembered all those who had lost their lives - and how he had nearly lost all those close to him too. "I am sincerely sorry for your loss. We lost too many good men that day."
"Lord Gili. And he was indeed a wonderful man." She nodded.
"Well, you are most welcome here in Erebor, my lady." Thorin bowed his head.
"Thank you my Lord. My son wished to see Erebor for himself. But our ponies needed some new shoes..." She removed her thick apron and used it to polish the edges of the horseshoes in her hands. It was a casual thing to do, except it revealed the thin work tunic she wore underneath, which was so sheer it left nothing to the imagination.
Lana was a stunning specimen of a dam, with plump pair of breasts, and wide hips. Her tunic spilled open with her full chest and her nipples were clearly visible through the fabric. She would have been the sort of courtesan Thorin once enjoyed as a young prince, although he had not indulged much even then. There had even been the one occasion he had enjoyed such a dam with Dwalin. He could now only cringe thinking of it.
"She has pink boobies!" Thrain laughed. "I think I like Mama's brown boobies better."
"Hey brother that's not fair! You can't like brown boobies because I like brown boobies! You can like the pink ones!" Arun frowned, apparently upset that his brother had left him none of the brown boobies.
"Your manners lads!" Thorin chastised hastily before an argument broke out as Lana turned a bright shade of pink and quickly folded her arms across her chest. "Lets go. I apologise, Lady Lana. But you are most welcome to make yourself at home here in Erebor. I imagine we shall see you with Lady Aida soon..."
Thorin ushered the boys back around only to find Dwalin standing in the doorway behind, a saucy smirk slapped on his tattooed face!
"So ye like brown boobies eh laddies!" He guffawed as they took a few paces around the corner, receiving a murderous glare from Thorin. "I can think of a few others who quite like brown boobies too!"
"Dwalin please!"
"What's wrong Thorin. I was just merely saying... who wouldn't fancy some very rare, nice brown boob-"
"Alright Dwalin! Don't encourage them." Thorin snarled making the boys jump. "Now go and clear things away and put your aprons and eye glasses back."
Thrain and Arun hurried along to tidy away their workshop.
"Yer donnae need to thank me, Baheluh, but I came to rescue ye."
"Whatever from? That dam?"
"Aye. She was clearly throwin herself at ye. She knows to work the metal, but she's not been working in a while. Did ye see her hands? Smooth as a baby's bottom!" Dwalin huffed. "Or were ye too busy looking at her boo-"
"No! I was not looking at her at all in case you didn't notice."
"Well, for your sake, with these rumours of your apparent dissatisfaction swirling about, I would take extra care." Dwalin groused watching the boys. "Something troubles the Princess... I have been noticing. I think she misses her home - her family, her parents."
"But we ARE her family. She knows that -"
"Aye, and it is true for ye and me, but donnae ye miss yer father? Or yer mother?" Dwalin crossed his hands over his broad expanse of chest. "I know I do."
Thorin stood silently finally coming to accept what he had been worried about all these years. He knew how close she had been to her parents when he first met her. Back then he had feared he would lose her because she wished to return home.
"And she has expressed these feelings to you?" Thorin glanced at him, silently urging him for the truth but also fearful of what he would say.
"Ach no. I don't think she speaks her true feelings with anyone but ye." Dwalin admitted. "That is if ye find time ter talk anymore. Between the bairns and everything else, yer both very busy."
"How could they possibly think we are unhappy?" Thorin shook his head.
"Nori has been receiving word from his spies. Aida is considered as royally connected. And her husband once owned the largest iron and mithril mine there. Now it has been leased to several lords, who I imagine are behind all this. But the common dwarrow of the Iron Hills, nor the lords know what you both truly are. They will hear and spread the gossip they hear. As Mahals word itself!"
Thorin grunted his displeasure.
"At least the vast number of citizens here in Erebor like her. So ye have their support." Dwalin slid both daggers back into their scabbards. "Ye will have to ignore the rest of the rumours, focus on the Princess and let it all pass."
It was rare to find trustworthy words of wisdom, usually his advice on political matters came from the older of his Fundin cousins. But Dwalin had, quite quickly formed an attachment to his bride. He had fought it, projecting his gruff exterior to her as soon as she arrived, but it was clear very quickly, that she had won him over.
Thorin patted his close friend on the shoulder, a silent thanks that came with a nod of his head and with the twins walking ahead they were back on their way.
...
Dear All,
Thank you for following the sequel will be called 'Thorins Consort' (hopefully wont change the title in the next few weeks!)
I will look to set up a new story line on here and post the link. Or else find it via my profile page.
Hope you are all keeping safe and well xx
Special thank you to -
Laugo – thank you so much i dont often get feedback so its nice to know! Here is the second part to the teaser, hope you enjoy :)
Tgo62 – she does indeed do some silly things, but I think she hoped Imli and her guards would be there. I think she believes Thorin will dismiss her concerns over Aida's maliciousness too, so she is keeping it to herself. All alarm bells I think. Lol. Hope you are keeping well. (Another super long chapter for you lol)