Aida watched the boys play with clear disdain as she sat talking to Lana, and another dwarrowdam. This left Shobha to sit with Dis. Despite how long they had known each other, their relationship had not grown very much.
Thorins sister barely tolerated her and it was hard won respect. So Shobha, having accepted that it was not her fault had now stopped trying with her. It was a distant relationship. But Dis liked their boys; Quite possibly because they bore a striking resemblance to Thorin, even if unknown to them all, Arun also looked undeniably like his Valar-father, and so she would often ask to babysit.
At first, Shobha hardly trusted anyone to look after the twins when they were still infants. After all she had been through, they had been more precious to her than life. But Mara, Dwalin, Balin, Fili, Kili and Tauriel would often take turns to watch over the babes while she slept. She had even received prolonged visits from the Elven-King himself, much to Thorins irritation. Bifur had taken it upon himself to build beautiful nursery furniture fit for the boys who were much larger than dwarven babies. And as they grew he had supplied an endless amount of toys. Dori had equally opted to do what he felt was in his strength, to arrange for beautiful clothes to be made and delivered to the princes, while Ori had drawn picture books and simple stories.
And slowly she had learned to trust those she regarded as near and dear to help. Of course, Mara had brought Lola along to visit one day. It was then that Gimlis young nanny had instantly taken to Shobha and the little ones. And so a close friendship was formed.
Lola was a young dam, clever, and very beautiful indeed, with deep mahogany hair, twinkling blue eyes and a pretty heart-shaped face. She had almost no facial hair unlike other dams and was also slighter in build. It was only later that she had confided in Shobha that she too was the child of a mixed race marriage, with her father being a dwarrow and her mother being a woman from Bree. Sadly her mother had died soon after her birth so her dwarven grandmother had helped to raise her. But she had found other dwarf kind to be less accepting of her.
Mara on the other hand was as an absolutely stunning dwarrowdam. She was not only considered highly desirable (lucky Gloin!), but also extremely popular. She was of a noble bloodline closely related to Thorins mother, and hence considered very powerful. Shobha loved and admired her, since she made absolutely no judgement on a person, only valuing people for how good and decent they were. It made her one of Shobhas most powerful allies and closest friends.
"Do you always let the princes run amuck like this?" Aida asked sarcastically. "It is unbecoming of royal children... Lana's young lad is most civilised."
Aida looked at Lana's son who sat next to his mother reading a book. Arun and Thrain had invited the boy to play, but he had merely scowled and whispered something back, shaking his head.
"Well, I believe children should be allowed to play. What else should they do? Go out and earn a living?" Shobha laughed casually at her own joke, receiving only harsh looks in return from the old dam and her new visitors. She did however earn a muffled laugh from Dis who sat beside her. "But I am sure your niece's son is an exceptional young dwarf."
"Oh my Eli is brilliant! He is an excellent student, well mannered and his training is coming along marvellously." Lana boasted. "He is so much like his father."
"Did your husband travel with you also Lady Lana?" Shobha asked, only to have Dis clutch at her hand too late.
"No, your highness, Lord Gili, fell in the great Battle of Erebor." Dis corrected quietly.
"Oh gosh! Forgive me, Lady Lana, I am so very sorry - I didn't know -"
C
"It is most insensitive of you, girl! War is not a trivial thing!" Aida chastised. "Our male folk fought to secure these lands - and our Thorin owes much to the Iron Hills!"
"I would never dream of such. It was truly a terrible terrible battle." Shobha agreed, but she was interrupted again.
"If not for my Dain and his men, Thorin would have no kingdom today -"
"Oh no! Even Dains armies were not enough to face Azog and Bolg, Lady Aida. If not for the men of Dale and King Thranduils armies, we would have been in trouble indeed. But none of this would be possible if we hadn't driven out Smaug – which was all down to Thorin and his company." She tried to correct. "It matters not - we lost too many good people that day -"
"Her majesty should know - she had the misfortune of being there." Dis spoke up proudly for the first time in front of Shobha. "How you found the courage to fight -"
"Nonesense. No women fought that day." Aida dismissed, explaining to Lana as if it were absolutely true. "They have used that story to make our people accept her, when she has neither royal, nor dwarven blood within her.".Loo
"But Cousin Dain himself recounts it well." Dis frowned at the old woman, before looking to Lana for support against such a ludicrous claim. "I mean, Fili will tell you how she brought down Smaug herself -"
"It surprises me that his majesty felt it acceptable to send a female to fight alongside him." Lana asked surprised. "He treated you as another male?"
"Hardly, Lady Lana. My brother is not some backward dwarf." Dis once again spoke up, sounding a little angry. "They believe in a females value."
"Well, your mother would never have approved, child." Aida dismissed her. "All this modern notions of working, and running a family or household. I mean really?!"
"I personally could not possibly imagine how I could focus my efforts into raising my son, or seeing to our household if I worked." Lana agreed taking a sip of her tea, as Aida turned to pour out another cup. "I would always make sure my Gili and Eli knew they were my priority. Surely you cannot keep a dwarrow satisfied if you are always gone or busy..."
Her comment was very loaded, although it seemed to go over Shobhas head. It angered Dis, who had always been more than just a wife and mother, often responsible for the running of the Blue Mountains and Thorins Halls.
It made Dis suspicious enough, on the other hand, for her to take a little more interest in their latest guest in Erebor. It was certainly an innocent enough comment and her sister-in-law smiled politely as she always did in her interactions with these noble-dams. But there was something in Lana's words that Dis felt also alluded to a dissatisfaction within her brothers marriage. She, herself had always been among the greatest protester, opposing Thorins choice of bride. But even she couldn't deny that her brother seemed very happy indeed, for once in his lifetime of moroseness. She was even certain their youngest child was not the result of planned procreation, but rather the inevitable result of her brothers insufferable attentions towards his wife of another race!
But one thing made her begrudgingly respect the woman; And that was the woman's deep love towards her own sons! Fili and Kili had both once sat her down and explained to her the reality of how Shobha had saved them all; Of Thorins gold-sickness, of the woman's willing sacrifice during their quest on several occasions. And knowing that she had come from a very far away land, to which the road back was closed, made her pity the lass for the brave way in which she bore it all. Dwarves were not easily trusting. But to have won over not only her brother, but also her sons and the Fundins, made the woman worth something more than the way many of these nobles treated her!
"Here... A fresh cup." Aida handed a cup and saucer to Meldin who brought it over to her diligently. "It matters not, my dear, I am here to guide you. And I will help you see the ways of our people."
It was too gracious coming from Aida. Dis gave her brother's wife a quick sidelong glance, but found the woman looked distracted.
Shobha took the cup and held it in her hand for a moment thinking. Their talk had taken her back to the battle against Azogs armies. She had been reminded of how easily things could have turned out the other way.
"Your highness...?" Dis gently touched her arm, seeing the look on her face, she immediately guessed where her sister-in-law's thoughts had gone.
"Lady Dis?" She blinked suddenly. "Forgive me...I -"
"I was just mentioning to Lady Lana that our school here can accommodate another youngling. Even for a short period." Dis offered. "Perhaps young Eli can provide exemplary behaviour for the dwarflings of Erebor?"
"Hmmm... Yes..." Shobha replied, still a little distracted, thinking of poor Lana's husband.
"In fact I have been suggesting that Lana find a suitable husband. She is still young. And most attractive. The Iron Hills have so few suitable dwarrow for a lady such as herself." Aida explained proudly, as Dis rolled her eyes. "Drink your tea Shobha, before it goes cold..."
"Oh... Yes..." Shobha replied absentmindedly, and looked down at her tea. Then as she lifted her cup to her lips, Thrain ran straight at her. He crashed into her knocking the cup and its contents over her dress. "Thrain! Baby! My goodness!"
She stood immediately, grateful for the layers of skirts protecting her from the hot liquid and immediately set the cup down to inspect the boys clothing to make sure he had not been scalded.
"You silly boy! You could have been burnt!" She knelt down in front of him looking into his remorseful face as she scolded him. "What were you thinking?"
"Mama I'm sorry!" He cried, tears falling from his strange brown-streaked blue eyes.
"This is what I mean by poor behaviour for Princes!" Aida scolded harshly. "You bring shame upon your great father! And your great grandfather!"
"It was an accident, Lady Aida." Shobha stood up, standing in front of her eldest son.
"Perhaps there is much to be said in a child's behaviour; Not of the child but of the mother that has raised them." Lana remarked snidely.
"Well then I think we should take our ill-mannered selves back home." Shobha beckoned to Arun, who immediately joined his brother and mother. "I think we have outstayed our welcome here..."
"Really, you must show more humility when it comes to advice from others with more experience in rearing dwarven children." Aida uttered dimissively. "Would you not agree Lady Dis?"
"In truth, Aunt Aida, I think Shobha has more children than any of us. And does a marvellous job of balancing being a mother with her duties as a healer, a dutiful wife and Thorins Queen Consort." Dis stood up, standing beside Shobha and taking Arun's hand. "I for one admire her for it. And I agree with my brother, that he could not have chosen a more suitable bride among any of the races."
Dis' response was clearly not something either of the dams had expected - let alone Shobha herself, who had always believed she had strongly disapproved!
"I will be joining you, your highness." Dis addressed Shobha, before turning back to look at Lana. "And I would advise that you address your Queen with as much propriety as you hold with such great regard!"
And with that surprising turn of events, Shobha found herself being led out of Aida's apartments by Dis herself!
"Come now, boys, let us join Lola and your sister in the nursery while your mother gets changed." Dis led them on towards the royal suite. Then she turned to Shobha as they entered the Parlour that led to each of the rooms. "Go change and take some time to yourself. I can see that took you back to the battle that day. I hear of the atrocities of war, but I am beginning to see how terrible they truly must have been..."
Shobha still lost in her own thoughts of that day, found Dis' blue eyes, that bore a striking resemblance to her brothers, and nodded. She recalled the masses of bodies bleeding, dying and dead strewn across the fields, covered in mud and for the most part unrecognisable. It was as horrible as it got. But it was something she had never spoken of or shared with anyone. Not even the brave company who fought valiantly that day. Not even her own husband!
"I have never said this before... But Fili and Kili told me what you did that day... And why you did it." Dis whispered, her voice choking at the thought of what could have been. She reached out to the woman for the first time, despite having met her over five years ago, and caught a hand in both of her own. "I thank you for keeping my sons safe."
Shobha, still shocked by her heartfelt words looked up from her hands to her face to find Dis' eyes filled with tears. She nodded as the dam quickly let her hand go and wiped away unspilt tears.
"She will have a different tale to tell Thorin you know..." Shobha warned Dis about Aida. "I don't get why he is so soft on her... When he surely knows..."
"Mahal! Could this truly be your first complaint about your husband?" Dis replied in a mock surprised tone.
"Its not a complaint - I was merely wondering out loud." Shobha laughed.
"Thorin always adored our mother, and grandfather the most. Aida is the last living thing that is close enough in blood to resemble our mother. But she is nothing like our mother!" Dis smiled gently as though fondly recalling her brother in his youth. "And yet I have no doubt that if he ever were placed in such a position, he would choose you over them. Now go, get yourself changed..."
And with that Dis followed the Princes into their grand nursery room.
It had taken Shobha some time to absent mindedly unhook herself out of her formal dress, and find something more comfortable that she wore on a regular basis. Her thoughts continued to flash back to what might have been if Thorin had died facing Azog, as the Valar had expected. It would have left her widowed in a strange land without a husband, with half dwarven children, being shunned by both dwarves and humans, given the state of how racist people were!
Just as she finished dressing, there was a knock on their bedroom door, and it slowly opened to reveal Dis, entering through the connecting door to the children's nursery.
"Dis...?" She was surprised to see her.
"Have you sent the dress to the laundry yet?" Dis asked quietly shutting the door behind.
"No - why?"
"The boys just revealed that Arun saw Aida pouring something into your tea." Dis hurried over to where Shobha, still surprised, had returned to pick up her dress in their dressing room. "Arun, was too worried to tell you, because he has been in trouble with you both recently, so instead Thrain decided he would take the blame for upsetting your tea cup."
They both rifled through the dress to where it had stained from the tea. And sure enough the stain did not appear like a standard tea-stain!
"They are clever boys. And very protective of you." Dis smiled admiringly again. "Now let's get this to Oin, and then maybe Nori. One or other will be quite able to identify what was in the tea."
Shobha nodded, pulling out a laundry bag to put the dress in.
"Perhaps we should not tell Thorin anything yet until we are certain of what is going on."
...
"This road to Dale, is not a great distance. But the value in keeping it free from snow and ice once winter sets in is great. Since trade is dependent on this. We regularly buy our food in through these routes, and Dale often requests medicines from Erebor." Thorin explained to his two young sons as they walked along the long cobbled road. Men and dwarves from both ends had been paid to carry out the clearing work which left the road almost completely free from snow, and two rather tempting mounds of snow either side throughout.
"Not to mention Dale's main income is as a trade town for us. They receive visitors from far and wide who wish to make purchases in our markets. And if that ceases then their people will lose the money they need to feed their families." Balin explained flanking Arun on one side. "It is an incentive for them too."
"But we pay for the road to be cleared? All the way?" Thrain inquired innocently. "Isn't it fair to share, like me and Arun?"
"Och! Ah never thoughta that!" Dwalin chuckled from beside Thrain. "See they have their mothers brains eh?"
"We are far wealthier, my son. The money we possess could allow us to pay for the roads to be cleared by twice the men every day of winter for the next thousand years and we would still have ample left over." Thorin winked at his son, as they continued on their way back to Erebor. Thrain and Arun each reached a hand up to hold onto Thorin as they walked on for a bit.
"Adad, why do you not like us to play out here?" Arun asked this time.
"You are both crown princes of Erebor, and you are my life. It is not safe out here - even with the guard. Anyone could harm you or abduct you." Thorin explained gently. "And your Mama and I would never forgive ourselves for it."
"What is ab-duct?" He asked again looking up with his blue-green eyes, and a little frown.
"Abduct means to catch you and take you away." Thorin explained again. "But that is why we all go together. And why I am always armed."
"And why we will train ye boys up to be ferocious warriors!" Dwalin chipped in. "So the two of ye can give any idiot that tries it a bloody good arse-hidng -"
"Aye Dwalin!" Thorin interrupted sighing at his closest friends use of colourful language around his very impressionable sons, who he knew fully admired their Uncle Dwalin without reservation!
"Arse-hiding!" Thrain jumped out, letting go of his father's hand and waggling his bottom to some unknown but clearly glorious rhythm in his own head before kicking out like he was fighting an unseen foe.
"Yeah! Let's give those bloody idiots an arse hiding!" Arun was immediately by his brothers side copying his kicking movements and throwing in a few punches for good measure too.
"I swear Dwalin, you corrupt those boys far too much!" Thorin grumbled attempting to regain order but it was too late. They continued to dance about chanting repeatedly 'arse-hiding! arse-hiding!" as they ran around each other. "Lads! Lads!"
"Ach Thorin! Let em have a little fun eh?" Dwalin grinned at them. "They aren't doing any harm.."
"Brother! They keep learning most colourful language and now I see precisely where the source is -"
"Och the Princess can swear like a Corsair when she wants! I've heard her with me own two ears - and some of the things she says makes ME blush!" Dwalin nodded slowly with the greatest admiration and pride he could bestow on a woman! "Besides the lads take after yer spiritedness - I recall very well the two of us getting into real trouble as lads..."
He fell a little silent as he remembered how much the fun had increased still when Frerin had joined in too, although he was so much younger. It was hard to imagine the same thought hadn't passed through Thorins head as well.
"Adad! Look! The cart is stuck! Can we see?" Arun pointed at the large cart the men had used to carry grit and their shovels to clear the road to Dale.
The younger of the princes let go of his father's hand to run across to where the large horse stood neighing with frustration as a bunch of men and dwarves surrounded it.
Two men held its reigns while several dwarves and men attempted to free the cart, where the wheels had frozen into the snow.
"Wait! Arun! It's too dangerous to get close!" Thorin called out worried in case the horse kicked out. It was too late as in addition to Arun slipping through the crowds, Thrain had also let go of Thorins hand and followed his brother. "Thrain!"
Dwalin and Thorin were instantly moving through the compliant group surrounding the scene as the King's guard hurried to clear a path ahead. And as they reached the boys Thrain had already been hoisted onto the shoulders of a man from Dale, and was patting the distressed animals neck gently, while Arun had gone to the back to look at the wheels which looked frozen solid after having sat a long while in the cold, as the road had been cleared.
"I will get Thrain, you take Arun away from the cart." It was not a loud command from Thorin, but he and Dwalin had now lived a lifetime as battle companions, having formed a strange bond, which meant that each could communicate with the other in an almost wordless manner!
Dwalin disappeared towards the rear of the cart, as Thorin reached the horse where the two men fought.
But to his surprise and to everyone's utter shock, they watched as the horse visibly calmed down in response to the elder of the two princes, who spoke gently while stroking its head. The huge shire horse soon leant its head towards the boy nickering softly, as though Thrain was its master.
"Stand aside for the King under the Mountain!" Several guards shouted as Thorin made his way to stand beside the man that carried his son on his shoulders.
"You Highness, Sir." The man bowed his head careful to keep Thrain balanced. "The Prince wished to try speaking with the old girl... I assure you I would have kept him safe m'lord."
"Very well. I thank you..."
"I'm Erik son of Arne, Sire."
"I thank you Erik, son of Arne." Thorin tilted his head graciously. "Now Thrain, get down this instant -"
But he was interrupted by an eruption of loud cheering and several cries.
"Guide the horse forward! We have freed the cart wheels!" A man shouted from behind.
"My Lord!" The guards were instant as the moved close ushering back Thorin and Erik, who still carried Thrain on his shoulders for safety.
"Forward, girl! Yah!" Another man called from in front as he led the horse out, pulling on her reins.
And with that the much calmer animal gently walked forward off the muddy snow where it was originally stuck and into the freshly cleared cobble road!
The group of men both dwarf and human cheered again, as they lifted the younger brother into the air on the shoulders of another!
"Three cheers for our Princes of Erebor!" The men of Dale shouted cheering and applauding. "Hail Prince Arundin! Hail Prince Thrainuil!"
Dwalin stood beside the man who carried Arun on his shoulders now, chuckling, and glanced briefly at Thorin who could only look on in surprise.
...
Shobha made her way out of the infirmary and down to the main entrance, wrapping a large blanket around her shoulders.
It was midwinter, and it felt bitterly cold that day. The winters in the northern region where Erebor was located were usually very cold indeed, and even after five years of living here, she still felt unaccustomed to these temperatures. Thankfully the summers were fairly warm, and dwarven technology was as sophisticated as they boasted, with the inside of the mountain being much warmer. She still had extra warm dresses made for the winter and much thicker blankets than even Thorin preferred. He would usually tease her about warming her up in bed - but his methods were far more successful than she expected, and after falling pregnant with their daughter a little sooner than she had planned after the twins, she had opted for more practical solutions to her cold problem!
The infirmary was surprisingly quiet, and Oin had been away that day, although he had been unusually secretive about it after suddenly taking the time off. It had left her with a strange uneasiness that felt irrational and yet was undeniably present. It make her worried about the trip to Dale Thorin had arranged for himself and their boys.
As she made her way to the entrance, she could only clearly make out the closest part of the long cobbled road that ran into Dale. And her view would not have improved even if she ventured out onto the stone bridge, which would have been unsuitable given she was not dressed well enough for it either!
Thorin, Dwalin, Balin and the boys should have returned by now, but it would not have been usual for the children to be easily distracted by one of the many toy or food stalls in the town market.
As she stood watching the road, willing them to return immediately, two cloaked figures appeared at the entrance. They appeared to be deep in hushed conversation, and had not noticed her where she stood beside two large guards.
Initially they stood at the entrance, conversing further, before two stable hands arrived with their ponies, standing on the stone bridge ready for their masters.
Closely watching each of the dwarves, it was clear who they were.
She pulled her blanket around her tighter and hurried over to where they stood.
"Fili?!" She called out as she reached them, causing both dwarrow to suddenly turn towards her.
The young prince was easily recognisable, after spending so long with him working on various projects throughout Erebor, his mannerisms and silhouette were are easily recognisable to her as her own husband's!
"My lady," he bowed quickly, looking somewhat uneasy. "You should not be out here in the cold."
"My Queen," the other dwarf bowed and as he stood he removed his hood out of respect. His blue eyes scanning her form worried. "I thought you were busy in the infirmary..."
It was Imli!
"It's not busy - and I am worried about our King, who has taken the young princes to Dale..." She glanced at the road again. "What are you both doing? I didn't know you were travelling somewhere.."
The two dwarrow glanced at each other as though desperately looking to one another to confer what they should reveal. Given the circumstances with Thorin and the two boys missing, along with Dwalin and Balin, now that she became fully aware of the whole group, their secrecy agitated her even more.
"You are both hiding something critical to me! I can see it from your faces!" She complained. "So come on... Out with it!"
They hesitated still, each one mumbling.
"I think I know you both well enough now to know you are hiding something important!" She frowned getting frustrated by the minute as she now imagined. "Tell me I'm wrong! That you're both going to visit some... Brothel... Of some sort! And I will accept it - but otherwise I... I..."
She looked from one to another angrily.
"I... Demand you as your Queen!" She spoke a little louder. "Right now!"
"Very well, my lady!" Fili broke first seeing the distress on her face. "We are riding out to the colony in Ered Mithrin."
He hesitated looking at Imli then fearing he had already revealed too much.
"What? Why are you going suddenly?" Initially having appeared distracted, glancing at the road, she suddenly refocused on them.
"My Queen... there has...been an orc raid on the colony -" Imli began hesitantly. He had no intention of telling her, this had been a decision taken with Thorin, Fili and Oin. They all knew she would insist on visiting them, but their baby was still young, and often needed feeding.
So Thorin had concluded the full truth would not be revealed to her. What his nephew and the young lord were unaware of was that he had failed to disclose anything about the matter, having become utterly distracted by her as he had found himself of late. Their marital conjugation, after a period of 'drought' after the birth of their daughter had suddenly resumed in recent times and spectacularly so. And with the intensity of things as they were currently, he found himself aroused as soon as he saw her when he returned to their apartments each evening. He would only just about manage to tuck their sons in to bed before he found himself unable to control his own urges. It meant all other matters were entirely forgotten for quite some hours, by which time she was exhausted and sound asleep, that waking her to discuss matters of the Kingdom did not feel correct.
"What?! When was this?" She was entirely taken aback by the news and her focus was now keenly on the two of them.
"I am sorry, my lady. I thought you had been made aware," Imli was genuine in his surprise at this. "It was just yesterday at dusk -"
"But there are dams and children -"
"And they are all safe, my lady," Fili assured. "One dwarf was killed and several hurt, but they are being tended to now."
"So that's where Oin went?" She sounded disappointed. "I always trusted him."
"He never wanted to, my lady - Thorin said he would tell you last night..." Fili spotted the creeping blush on her cheeks as he mentioned last night, and the slow realisation of why she had not been informed finally dawned on him. "I am sorry my lady. We do not think it is safe for you to travel there at present. And it is the one thing all of us agreed on. But..."
"But you do not always listen to what is best for you." Imli sighed in frustration. "It leaves us in a terrible position. But you have a target on you right now. And going to Ered Mithrin is the last thing you should be thinking of. If not for the sake of those who love you or that of your own, then I beseech you to think of your children."
He would lay at her feet and beg her if he believed it would make her see the truth.
She stood there surprised observing Imli, as if seeing him for the first time. Thorin had often seemed jealous when it came to any contact she had with Imli, or Fili for that matter. He seemed sure whatever Fili felt, that he would not behave in a way that would hurt his uncle. However Thorin was less certain of Imli's loyalty, always suspicious of any help or support he had for her. Seeing him now, she realised what Thorin saw too. Perhaps she always suspected subconsciously, which would explain why she didn't reveal to Thorin that Imli was her hooded guardian.
"Okay." She took deep breath. "What are we doing in case they get attacked again?"
"Thorin sent soldiers at dawn, and we received a raven to say they have arrived safely, along with some stone masons and Lord Imli's smiths. They plan to build a strong gate and portcullis, which will withstand any small stray orc attack." Fili listed out attempting to alleviate her worries as best as he could. "But none of us believe this was a mere random attack. Orcs can be bought. And raiding a mining settlement would benefit them well with further plunder. It would be madness to allow you there."
"But we will go. And will remain until all the injured are tended to, the defences are built suitably and we are satisfied all is well before returning." Imli confirmed. "Please, entrust us... On your behalf."
"Okay." She nodded slowly, before looking from Fili to Imli. "Please be careful."
...
Thorin walked along flanked by Dwalin and Balin while the twins skipped in front of them.
"So what exactly did Arun do?" Thorin asked again unsure of what he had heard the first time.
"Och Baheluh, the little lad looked at all the wheels and then found the two back ones were frozen solid to the ground..." Dwalin carried on hooting with laughter. "So he pulled his little dinkle out and pissed on the two wheels!"
Thorin gave Dwalin a sidelong glance filled with disbelief, before the corner of his lips began to twitch into the hints of an amused smile.
"Och! Ye should ave seen it!" Dwalin carried on laughing! "The lads got an excellent aim! And Mahal he's got a decent sized trouser-snake too -"
"Dwalin." Thorin groaned.
"Ach stop being such a prude! Yer hung well too..." Dwalin laughed again. "He won't be ashamed to drop his britches, eh lad?!"
"And the snow melted...?" Thorin was unsure himself, having never heard of such a technique.
"Like butter!" Dwalin grinned proudly. "They made a fine team eh? Remind ye of anyone...?"
Thorin smiled at him thinking of all the many times they had fought together. There was no one he would trust with his life more, and he could neither think of a more honourable death than to die defending Dwalin.
The walk back to Erebor, although uphill was fuelled by their lively chatter and laughter.
But Thorin soon fell silent as the stone bridge to the great gates came into view. Standing there talking to Fili and another dwarf was the unmistakeable figure of his bride. She was not dressed suitably for the outdoors, using only a large thick blanket shawl over her winter dress.
She hadn't spotted them yet, but appeared to be deeply engaged in what the other two dwarves had to say to her.
And then his heart sank as he realised that he hadn't informed her of the attack on the Ered Mithrin dwarves. He feared that she might insist on travelling with them now, but to his surprise she gave his nephew and the other dwarrow, he now recognised as Imli, a little kiss on the cheek each before they bowed to her and mounted their ponies. And then in a flash they were off on the northern road.
He could feel his irritation growing, partially due to his own jealousy, but also because of how she had neither dressed for the cold, nor taken a guard with her on venturing outside the mountain as he had always insisted on.
But as he quickened his pace towards her, she turned to spot the group returning and wrapping up her blanket tighter she watched them.
"We are late returning." Balin pointed out. "Come on little laddies, your mother must have been worried..."
"Och no brother. The Princess wouldn't be upset about that..." Dwalin mused, glancing at his King now. "But I would wager that HE's in trouble..."
Thorin muttered something under his breath as he strode on towards her watching the boys run ahead eagerly towards their mother.
"Mama! We helped the horse and cart when it was trapped!" Thrain broke into a run, with his brother not far behind.
"Aye Mama!" Arun cried hurrying to catch up, and nearly slipping again. "Wait for me Thrain!"
"Hi my beautiful boys!" Shobha opened her arms as the two boys ran at her, almost knocking her over with their enthusiasm as they both grabbed her in a tight hug together. "I am glad to see you! But it sounds like you have had fun!"
"Och shucks... Ah donnae often get called boo'iful Princess, but I thank ye all the same fer yer honesty!" Dwalin winked, walking over to join them as her laughed at his cheek. "Our Princes have quite a few loyal followers amongst the men of Dale as well now!"
"You're out in the cold, my lady." Thorin complained quietly as he leant over their sons to place a soft kiss on her lips.
"You were all late, and I got worried..." She kissed him back half relieved they were back safely, but also somewhat annoyed with her husband all the same.
"Ew! Yuck Adad!" Arun laughed.
"Aye Adad! Keep it in yer pants!" Thrain mimicked Dwalin.
"What?!" Shobha shocked at his words, looked from her eldest son to Dwalin knowing fully well where he had learnt that one from.
"Och Mahal! Come on lads, let's get in and washed up in time for supper!" Dwalin groused ushering the boys along. "That's it.. before ye get yer Uncle Dwalin into any more trouble."
"What happened?" She stood to find the waiting hand of her husband, along with his heavy fur coat which landed on her shoulders.
Dwalin quickly ushered the children along with Balin inside the mountain while Thorin took her hands in his.
"You are frozen, Shobha. What in Mahals name made you come out like this?" He pulled his large coat tighter around her, rubbing his hands along her arms. "Let us get you by the fire..."
He had been quick, realising that she had found out about the orc attack herself. Getting her into his study was perhaps the best he could manage. The bedroom, although private, would only flare up his desires for her, and the parlour was no different recently. But after their last 'discussion' in here, where they had not even been capable to undressing first, the study was proving to be an equally difficult place to concentrate.
Cursing his pants for their restrictions, he tended to the fire again, as a means to distracting himself from looking at his wife where she sat huddled up. He would want to hold her, if he saw her there looking so vulnerable, but the act of holding her was a slippery slope into sheer bliss for him. He would resort to this if she became genuinely angry at him.
"Do you really think this was a targeted attack on Ered Mithrin?" She frowned still holding the blanket and his coat wrapped around her. "Who was hurt? Tell me the truth?"
"Why didn't Fili or Imli tell you?" He snapped irritated, turning to look at her, knowing that both these dwarves had insisted they tell her the truth from the start.
"I trust you more. Because I would like to think you truly love me..." She looked up from her little huddle to find his icy eyes assessing her. Being wrapped in his coat like this reminded her of the very first time they met. It was hard to imagine it was six years ago, when they had both lost their way, and when she had fallen asleep to find he had moved her into his bedroll to keep her warm. That was the first time she had been wrapped up in his smell of tobacco, and vetiver. His big fur lined coat reminded her exactly of that. "So tell me why I did not hear of this until now..."
"I tried to tell you woman. But you distracted me -"
"Oh I distracted YOU? That's rich when you jump me as soon as you are through the door of our bedroom like a horny adolescent!" She scoffed laughing at his ridiculous notion.
"Do not play coy with me... I hear no protests from you woman!" He snarled walking towards her, watching her. Despite being angry about it, he found himself becoming aroused just watching her. "The truth is that when I am between your legs, all thought leaves your pretty head just as much as it does mine - admit it!"
She fell silent, realising he indeed had her on that point. He knew her inside out!
"So exactly what happened?"
"They had an orc attack at dusk. Fortunately they get a fair amount of snow too, so the mines were shut, and none had ventured out. Even trading had halted briefly. It was only one of the dwarves on night watch that sadly lost his life. But they have lived in the wild for years and are always alert so they were able to raise the signal on time." Thorin paced in front of his study glancing over at her from time to time as she listened avidly. "So the dams and children were moved to safety. And in any case the orcs didn't get far into the settlement before being driven out. Had they attacked after dark and all were in their beds there is no telling how it may have ended."
She fell silent, her thoughts heavy with various possibilities.
"Fili said they were targeted because of me?" She stood up and moved towards the fire, staring at the flames. "How could anyone feel threatened by those poor souls... Or me for that matter...?"
"My lady, have you seen the settlement of late?" Thorin quietly asked, moving closer to her.
"Of course not... I haven't been able to travel for a while - since I was pregnant..."
"Aye - I know..." He spoke more softly this time unable to help himself as he brushed a stray lock behind her shoulder. "But I assure you the settlement has been fortified and built up. The homes are more comfortable, it is cleaner, they have ample food, good clothes and the families are thriving. All because you granted them some place in society. They trade and make plenty of money..."
"Fili said they trade under my name? If they didnt do that would they have been safe...?" The guilt in her voice was palpable.
"No, my love..." He moved closer again until he could wrap his arms around her. "They out trade some of the old Lords of various industries in the Iron Hills... It's the politics of our world. They are not able to work hard, so will try to bring down those who do."
She remained silent feeling his presence so close.
"I received a raven this morning from the guards. They wanted the largest possible Queen's Standard brought with the soldiers we sent. And I hear from the captain of the guard that it was the first thing they did after clearing up - to raise your flag. They will stand strong and stubborn in their support for you. So don't feel as though you led them to harm..." He pulled her close now kissing her neck from behind. "Besides YOU have been hiding something about our sons, my wife..."
"..What?..." Her heart instantly sped up as she froze in his firm arms.
"Thrain has a natural gift with horses..." He practically whispered in her ear with his deep voice, that it made her shiver.
"Yes... he.. is strangely good with all animals.."She shut her eyes desperate to control herself. "You must have noticed... how the Ravens all quieten whenever we have taken him up to the rookery. Those birds watch him, as if waiting for his instructions?"
He was quite clearly aroused by her, and could clearly see the effects of his actions on her. But he wanted her begging him first.
"Hmmm... And Arun? He has lighting quick thinking..." Thorin slowly removed the coat, followed by the blanket that covered her and moved his hand around her waist, setting his hand over her lower abdomen, feeling her breath falling fast. "He urinated on the frozen wheels and melted the ice... Rather effectively... I have truthfully never seen manipulation of water in this manner by any…"
The urge to tell him about Ulmo and Arun was now greater than ever. She knew the risks of keeping it a secret grew by the day. But something held her back for now.
She stiffened again, letting out a shaky breath and clutching at his hand that always felt on the cusp of wondering lower down.
"Hmmm.. ?" He hummed into her neck, delighted at how he felt he was certain she would be soon be begging him to take her.
"I..." She let her head fall back onto his shoulder, taking a few deep breaths and fearing the only thing holding her up was now him. "I... We... Can't.. "
Without warning, she pushed herself away from him, at first grasping the mantle above the fireplace for support and then standing up fully, panting.
"What...?" He watched her knowing she was very much aroused.
The erection tenting his trousers was now quite clear even from where she stood, and the disappointment in his voice was all too evident.
"I can't.." she moved away from him. All she wanted was to give in to him, but just as he knew her body perfectly, so she knew him all too well. And he was trying to prove a point. The outcome would be all too enjoyable none the less, but she wouldn't give in this time.
"Why... my love?" He moved towards her again curious and still not quite ready to concede himself. "You cannot be bleeding... I had you just last night... And it is too early for that..."
She backed away slowly.
"I can't... Because I have to supervise the children for dinner." She laughed clutching on to her chest, cursing the damn corsets that they wore for having such little room for expansion, and watching his rising ire as she reached the door. But she didn't stop, quickly letting herself out, even if all she could think of was letting him touch her.
For if she burned, he would burn with her...
...
Thorin led her along a corridor, in silence. It was hard to make out his face in the dim light, but there was an irritation about his demeanour.
He grasped her hand tight, and was almost pulling her along now.
"You should have told me sooner." He muttered. "But now I think of it, I can see how obvious it was."
"What is going on...?" She blinked as he finally led her into a large room that was sparsely furnished. It was dimly lit with a fire place, a chest and a large bed in the middle. "Where are we...?"
"We are where we should have been all along..." He grunted, moving her in and shutting the door. "I know your little secret… about Arun, my lady..."
She froze. Those words were not what she wanted to hear, her heart beat sped up.
"See... The thing is my Queen, any sort of affair with another while married to the King under the Mountain is considered treason." He was strangely gentle but also impatient. He quickly grasped her, turning her around so he could unlace her out of her dress before kissing her hungrily. It left her out of breath and giddy. But he gave her little time to recover tossing her onto the giant bed after unclothing her fully. "There is no need to deny what you are truly feeling any longer... I know there is another that occupies at least a part of your heart."
She sat up, heart pounding, feeling extremely vulnerable all naked and alone on that extraordinarily enormous bed!
"Oh amralime, you are in denial..." He was quick to shed his clothes also quite unceremoniously before climbing on himself. He traced a hand up her leg, inching higher up her inner thigh as she shut her eyes in delicious anticipation of his touch. But when she moaned lightly, because he touched all but where she wanted, he hushed her gently. "Shhh... My love... I could not blame you even if I wanted, for who could say no to the Valar?"
She gasped in shock, but he simply leant down and kissed her again.
"So we have decided upon a solution..." He lazily ran a large calloused hand up her stomach and around a breast. "A solution I think you will find most... satisfying..."
Then out of the darkness the familiar towering figure she readily recognised as Ulmo appeared. He too was naked, his strange shark-like skin glistened in the dim light cast by the fire place.
"What are you doing...?" She glanced up at the newcomer, attempting to sit up and cover herself with a fur. But Thorin stopped her.
"You need not be ashamed here.." Her husband gently turned her face to look directly at his, azure eyes observing her, strangely, without judgement. "Neither of us wish to give you up... We both realise what torments you is that you are torn to choose..."
He gently stroked her body in long languid movements, his hands beginning on her abdomen before skimming past her hip and down her thigh, only to return back up, teasing her as it drew closer to where she needed him. It made her hold her breath, as she silently craved his touch to set her free.
"And a King could never deny the wishes of one of our Great Guardians; a giver of life..." Thorin continued to tease her drawing circles on her inner thigh as he edged ever higher. "But I claimed you first... so you will always belong to me…"
"Please..." She closed her eyes begging.
But to her surprise she found a second pair of smoother hands on her. Her eyes snapped open, as she panicked. It was very much unexpected but not altogether unpleasant.
"Yes little one..." Ulmo lay beside her now, watching intently with his strange ocean-coloured eyes. His face was filled with a new eager attentiveness that was wholly unexpected of a 'God' whom she imagined had lived countless years!
Observing his face, she had never really noticed his chiseled features before. Not like this. Despite giving the overt appearance of an older man, he actually looked much younger close up. His skin was smoother, his physique clearly very muscular and his eyes, bright. His touch was less demanding than that of her husband's, she still remembered from when he briefly eased her pain during her first labour with the twins.
She shut her eyes again, imagining this to be a dream, but she could now feel both pairs of hands along her legs, body, and kisses on her neck, breasts and skin. Her breath fell faster, as she finally let go of her self-consciousness, overcome by the sheer pleasure of their contrasting touches.
"And so, we have decided that we will be happy to share you..."
She jolted awake, breathing fast, still tangled in Thorins arms, and feeling quite turned on!
"Hush, my love... You are safe..." He whispered brushing her long ebony hair aside.
She leant against his chest with sheer relief, running her hands through the dark hair that formed a V- shape on his torso.
"Mmmm... Amralime, your gentle touches are like the flint that sets a fire ranging in my loins..." He kissed her sleepily, running his hand down her body before stopping at her hips.
She had felt something for Ulmo, she knew that much, but she hadn't expected it to go this far. This dream had been like a strange revelation of her deepest, darkest thoughts. It had been unexpectedly pleasant, but she couldn't get beyond how it felt like cheating. And one thing was certain - she loved Thorin. For everything they had been through, and even for all his flaws, she still loved him.
Turning so that her back lay against his chest, she placed her hand on top of his, and slowly drew it down to where she needed him this instant.
He immediately groaned as he understood what she wanted him to do. It was a little unexpected since he was sure he had worn her out earlier that night, but he was more than happy to tend to her request.
"My beauty... Mmmmm… So wanton..." He whispered in her ear enjoying the fruit of her arousal. "Already..."
"I need you... again..." She replied opening herself up to his hands as they explored her body all too eagerly. It was true. She needed for forget what she had dreamt, at least for now. At least until she could make sense of this all in her strangely muddled head.
...
Dear All,
Launch of the sequel – here we go… These are definitely uncharted waters now. Updates will be a little slow but hopefully longer chapters. Please please do post me your comments to let me know what you're thinking.
Thank you ColdOnePaul for your reviews – I am most grateful. I hope you enjoy this chapter too.