Plot is getting thicker. Hope you all enjoy.

Chapter 20

*Thorin**

Bilbo and Ori both jumped in surprise as the book slammed onto the table with a resounding 'thwack'

"Again! Nothing!" Thorin growled, his tone shaking with his increasing anger. "Nothing to indicate the infernal thing is anything more than a gem that was mined from the caves of Erebor."

"It's not the books fault." Bilbo scolded gently as he pushed the book towards Ori.

"The only thing of note that it's from an unknown source, unlike any jewel ever seen in brightness and color." Ori recited from his notes before looking between Bilbo and Thorin, grimacing at the lack of detail his King was in dire need of finding.

Thorin nodded impatiently. "Yes. Yes, we know all of this already. Why is it that this King Varric thought the Arkenstone was the Iklal Kurdu he was looking for? And how in Durin's name is it a weapon that my wife is supposedly supposed to wield?"

"Not that I am doubting this dream of yours, or the unnerving coincidence of your grandfather's writings speaking of unknown threats over a 'cold heart', but there is literally nothing in any of these records. According to this, the gem didn't require being cut to achieve its preexisting radiance. We also can't be sure they meant Mistlynn." Bilbo sighed, just as frustrated with the lack of any further information.

"It was mined here! And who else could they be talking about? Dis?" Thorin seethed as he jumped to his feet and began to pace in front of the table. "This so-called King must have been mistaken! He was just as mad as my grandfather was."

Bilbo and Ori glanced at each other. Bilbo pressed his lips into a grimace as he rubbed the back of his neck. "That is a very grievous mistake for a king to make… to threaten another king with war over a supposed weapon in the form of a jewel?"

Thorin answering laugh was a snarky one. "One would think."

"We are missing something. Perhaps if we had it brought out from the vaults…" Bilbo tried to diplomatically suggest, fully aware at how sensitive his friend was at the mere mention of the stone.

"No!" Thorin spat, his eyes flashing with a darkness Bilbo hadn't seen since their quest just years before. "It stays in the depths of this mountain to keep its poison from touching anyone in this family!"

Ori looked down at the table, stricken at Thorin's outburst while Bilbo slowly shook his head and sighed. "I'm not saying we bring it out and leave it, I'm just suggesting we should consider examining it."

"No Bilbo. We have all seen it and the only thing it seems to be capable of is corruption and rot."

Bilbo's fingers thrummed against the table as he stared hard at Thorin, who returned the hobbits glare with his own. "You conquered its hold over you, Thorin." He sighed before continuing. "You know we have no choice but to look at it further, to see if there is anything that may have been missed, especially since we now know it could be more than just a gem."

Thorin closed his eyes as he fought to control his breathing as he listened to Bilbo continue. "I understand that you want to protect Mistlynn. I really do, but if we don't rule out the Arkenstone and we ignore this … issue… it may put her in even more danger, if not put us all in danger."

Thorin swallowed thickly as he opened his eyes. He saw the sympathy in Bilbo's gaze, and he couldn't argue with the hobbits point. He had the most annoying habit of being right and seeing the difficult truth and speaking it aloud when others were not ready to accept it.

He couldn't shake Frerin and Vili's foreboding words, they had never appeared in his dreams in such a manner of warning. It had been so specific, and he could feel something was off, he could feel something was lurking in the shadows just waiting to reveal itself. "I am afraid it will corrupt her. Nothing good can come of it." The thoughts became words, slipping through his lips as shaky confession that gutted him to his very core. "I cannot lose her to its evil."

Bilbo clenched his jaw as his glistened with teary understanding. Before he could find the right words to comfort his friend, heavily rushed footsteps echoed in the darkened room of the library.

"Mahal be praised. We have been looking everywhere for you!" Balin's voice was strained, making Thorin's head whip around quickly to face him as he approached. His advisors face was ashen, as was Gloin's and Dwalin's as they accompanied him.

Thorin stood quickly from his seat, his body tense. "What is it?"

"It's not a coincidence that you are researching the Arkenstone." Balin's tone was grave. "You should have come to me sooner."

Thorin tilted his head as his eyes narrowed, "What do you mean?"

Gloin cleared his throat. "I was checking in on the weekly accounts after dinner. I noticed it was significantly colder. Colder than I have ever felt it. Even when we first claimed it from Smaug when the furnaces were still cold."

Thorin raised his eyebrows as a slithering sense of unease snaked through his body. The sound of Bilbo's chair being pushed back against the stone floor did nothing to break the uneasiness that now filled the room.

"I followed the draft, coming deep from the vaults…" Gloin paused, taking a deep, steading breath before continuing. "It's coming from the Arkenstone. The door and locks were frosted over. I had to summon Balin and Dwalin's help to open it."

Thorin's eyes flashed as he studied the three before him. Dwalin's jaw was clenched tightly. "Ye need to come see it fer yerself." Dwalin ground out, as he gave Thorin a resolute look.

"I don't go into the treasury, let alone the vaults." Thorin's expression was stone.

"I'll blindfold you if I must Thorin, but you need to come. Immediately." Balin pressed, his voice shaking with a stress Thorin had rarely heard come from his friend. Thorin studied the three of them for a moment, before sighing in resignation. "So be it. Ori, bring your notes. Bilbo, will you accompany us?"

Ori rushed to gather his quill and papers while Bilbo nodded, his expression grim. "Of course, my friend. Lead the way."

The group made their way quickly through the darkened halls. Thorin fought to keep his heart from racing as they drew closer to the treasury with every step. He hadn't set foot into the treasury rooms since that last battle he fought with himself, when the armies of his cousin, Dale, and Mirkwood were fighting the legion of orcs and goblins that had amassed outside the gates of Erebor.

His fists were clenched tightly, his breathing rapid as he kept his eyes straight ahead of him. His teeth ground against one another as the massive, gilded stone doors came into view. The guards opened the doors for them as they drew near, allowing them to enter without a word being uttered between them.

Thorin sucked in harsh breath through his teeth as the dull golden glow from the amassed riches bounced around the walls and pillars that surrounded him. He kept his eyes forward, trained on the back of Gloin's head as they followed the treasurer into the hallway that led into the caverns of the vaults. He noted the abrupt change in the temperature, and he couldn't help the shudder that coursed through him. As they continued further down, he could see the puffs of his breath freezing in the air surrounded them.

"Blessed Yavanna." He heard Bilbo's teeth rattle. "This cold doesn't feel natural."

"Tis not." Dwalin growled, his dark eyes sparkling in the dim light of the hallway torches. Bilbo drew his arms around himself to fight the cold that was seeping through his dinner jacket.

He nearly ran into the back of Ori as they came to an abrupt stop and stared at a door, thickly encrusted with a sparking frost, tendrils of ice reaching out and spreading across the floor and walls surrounding the door.

Thorin stepped forward, unable to tear his eyes away from the door. "Open it." He barely breathed out, dread filling him as fast as the nausea that was beginning to overwhelm him.

Gloin nodded grimly as he fought with the iced over lock and entered in the combo only he and Balin knew. The locking mechanism clicked as it opened. Gloin braced his shoulder against the door and gave it a bodily shove. Thick frost broke free from the hinges and door frame as it swung open, letting the dwarves and hobbit enter.

Bilbo felt the color drain from his face as his eyes fell on the pedestal that stood in the middle of the room. It was encrusted with an even thicker layer of frost. It hurt to breath in the air of the room as ice crystals floated on the frozen air, glittering in the eerie light that was coming from the stone that was placed on top of the pedestal.

"That … that isn't how I remember it." Bilbo stuttered, the first one capable of breaking the uneasiness and dread that was thick in the heavy icy air.

Thorin no longer felt the bitter cold biting into his skin. His lips were parted as his breathing became labored as he stared in disbelief at the source of his inner torment. Bile burned back of his throat, his wide, unblinking eyes reflecting the cold, sparkling light that seemed to overflow from the depths of the gem. A silvery blue mist churned from within the gem, as if it were a turbulent sea that was roaring, trapped within its prismed walls. He couldn't tear his eyes from it as he took cautious steps towards it.

"Careful now." Balin chided, his voice tight with worry. "Do not touch it."

Thorin didn't notice Dwalin stepping behind him, close enough to grab his friends arm if need be. "When did you notice this?" he managed to choke out as he kept his gaze solely on the Arkenstone.

"It wasn't like this yesterday. I walked past this door before locking the vault master door yesterday evening, and nothing was amiss. It was when I came in this evening, after dinner that I noticed it." Gloin stepped to stand beside Thorin, his brows furrowed in concern.

"A weapon. That's what they said." Thorin breathed out.

"Who said?" Balin pressed, his eyes widening at Thorin's whisper.

"Frerin and Vili." Thorin's throat bobbed before he tore his eyes from the gem back to Balin. "They came to me in a dream. Warning me about the Arkenstone. That it wasn't ours to keep. That it was meant for her to wield it."

"Her?" Balin questioned as Dwalin huffed incredulously.

"They said she was the heart, and that I couldn't lose her. That she would be the one to return the balance to our people." Thorin crossed his arms over his chest before he rubbed a hand over his mouth and beard, to clear away the frost that was beginning to form from the vapors of his breath.

"Do you know who they spoke of?" Balin stepped closer, his eyes sliding from Thorin's face to the glowing Arkenstone.

Thorin sighed heavily as he closed his eyes and shook his head. "I have my suspicions."

Dwalin growled. "Ye have been keepin things from us."

Thorin's eyes shot open, flashing in annoyance at Dwalin. "I've been trying to make sense of things before I came to anyone. I just told Bilbo and Ori this evening. Not that I have to explain myself to any of you."

"Now is not the time to be at each other's throats." Bilbo rushed in between the two dwarves. "It's a lot to process. And it is just speculation at this point until we can find further information."

"We cannot help if you do not tell us what you know." Balin pressed. "Who do you think they are warning you about?"

Thorin turned away from the Arkenstone. He couldn't bear to look at it anymore. His jaw was clenched as he made eye contact with each of his companions. "Mistlynn." He whispered.

The silence grew heavier as the air itself seemed to press down on them oppressively. Balin, Dwalin and Gloin looked at each other in alarm. "Why do ya say tha?" Dwalin's bushy brows where furrowed, clearly surprised.

"I found a journal of my grandfathers, hidden in a secret compartment in the desk in our quarters during our honeymoon. I read through it and found out that a King Varric of a Northern Kingdom was demanding the return of the Iklal Kurdu, otherwise he would see the refusal as a declaration of war. It only added to the fire behind his madness, because he just assumed he was demanding the Arkenstone."

"I remember none of this." Balin shook his head back and forth adamantly. "When did this take place?"

Bilbo rocked back and forth, from his toes to his heels as he rubbed his hands vigorously over his arms. "It was several years before Smaug came. Ori and I checked the timeline and it falls in line with the deterioration of Thror's good sense. It was a catalyst almost to everything that could have possibly gone wrong."

"He said nothing to our Adad." Balin squeezed the bridge of his nose. "The Iklal Kurdu?"

"Speaking of cold heart, I am freezing in here." Bilbo stammered as his teeth began to chatter.

Thorin's stomach plummeted like a rock after being tossed into the sea. He looked at Bilbo then back to the glowing Arkenstone. "The cold heart. Durin's beard, its one in the same."

"It's been in hands of our kin for centuries, why is it just now doing this?" Gloin rumbled. "After all that's happened since it was discovered."

"Something awakened it." Balin's expression became grim as he looked at Thorin. "Has anything happened since this morning? Did you notice anything different about Mistlynn."

Thorin shook his head adamantly. "No, nothing. We just spent the morning together. I played the harp and she …" he trailed off as it all began to slide into place. "She sang. I've never heard her sing before. Her voice is unlike anything I have ever heard. It was as if the mountain around us was listening."

"Of course." Balin murmured. "She told me of her mother's gift of song. I have my suspicions she may have been an Aria."

"A what?" Gloin and Dwalin looked at Balin in confusion.

"An enchantress of song." Ori explained hurriedly, eager to get out the freezing room. "They are a myth. Supposedly they can influence the elements, or earth, or even dormant objects of magic with their voice. It was said their line died out towards the middle of the second age."

"I've never heard of an Aria in the tales of our people. She never said anything, just that her Amad taught her how to sing and her Adad forbid her from singing after her death." Thorin crossed his arms over his chest, despising how more and more just seemed to fall into place when it came to his One.

"That's because it's a gift that was gifted by the Valar to the Elves. One of the many forms of magic they can wield that is passed down through generations. The gift of an Aria can only be passed down and inherited directly from mother to daughter. Apparently, Mistlynns Adad knew of her gift, and wanted it silenced." Balin grimaced.

"Why?" Thorin managed to breathe out, his mind now racing with all the new information.

"I don't know. She only said her adad couldn't cope with it." Balin's frown deepened.

'All of this …" Thorin gestured sharply around him, "Doesn't leave this room. We will research this in secret, I do not want Mistlynn knowing until we have some answers."

"Thorin…" Both Balin and Bilbo began at once, protesting the secrecy but Thorin silenced them with one sharp look.

"No. We have no idea how this will affect her. Until I know she is not in danger, she is not to know." His tone was unyielding. "I don't want her anywhere near the treasury. Keep eyes on her and make sure she stays clear from this part of Erebor." He glanced over at the glowing Arkenstone with ill-concealed contempt. "It may draw her in if she is too close."

Balin sighed reluctantly, before nodding his head. "Very well, but I suggest only until we learn more. Secrets will do nothing but make this worse for you both."

Thorin gritted his teeth. "I am fully aware of this, but at this point I don't know how or what to tell her. She doesn't seem to have any sort of understanding about the Arkenstone or her possibly being an Aria and I will not burden her with this along with everything else."

His comrades nodded their head in silent compliance. "Lock up Gloin. Make sure no one but yourself or Balin come down here."

"Of course."

*Mistlynn**

Weeks had passed since Mistlynn had noticed the change in Thorin, as if overnight it occurred without warning. He and Bilbo had been spending a lot of time together, so she just assumed they were catching up.

But the nights were becoming later, and his eyes were often distant and lost in thought of whatever was preoccupying his time. She brought it up to Bilbo, who just brushed it off with a smile and gentle pat to her hand, assuring her they were just trying to sort through some of the old records they had discovered from Thror's rule. She could see how that would be trying for Thorin, since the relationship he had with his grandfather had been a complicated one.

She tried to take on more tasks during the day, hoping to alleviate some of his stress.

Balin and Dis praised her ability to adapt quickly to the everyday politics that were essential in the running of the massive kingdom. She was especially keen on negotiating, and she helped draft and establish trade agreements that Balin had written off as nearly impossible to ascertain. She took many merchants and visiting emissaries by surprise with her quick wit and intellect. Word had spread she was a feral beauty from a distant rural town in the North.

She relished those moments when they realized they had been beaten badly in their own crafted game of half-truths and twisted words, and that there was more to her than just an exotic face.

She found herself desperate to make Thorin proud, to prove to all those who looked down on her that her savagery was so much more than her isolated upbringing. She knew that her worth wasn't determined by her ability to best the male warriors in the ring like it had been for her father, who had kept her out of all matters of running the White Kingdom. Thorin prized hard work and intellect above all else besides loyalty, and she was determined to prove herself worthy of him and his love.

She couldn't allow her old insecurities to rear their ugly head in her new life. She had Thorin, a new family and friends who loved and valued her, she would tell herself whenever she felt the cold prick of doubt creep up her spine. She wouldn't allow herself to pout or feel sorry for herself whenever he was late to dinner or bed, when he would answer her questions about his day with distracted, simple responses and a brief kiss to her temple.

Their intimate moments she now craved with a fiery tenacity were becoming fewer and farther between, much to her growing unease. But her doubts would be dashed the moment he would quietly slip into their bed late at night and immediately pull her against his body and wrap her in his arms. She savored those hours where the world stilled and she could just be, loved and safe in his embrace. She knew in the morning when she awoke that warmth and safety would be gone, and she would feel the cold settle in just like it had on the side he had lain only hours before.

It was times like this she missed her mother, or rather the idea of her. She couldn't remember her in exact detail or summon a complete memory with her in it, but she remembered the comfort and love she felt when she would hold her and sing her to sleep. It saddened her that she couldn't remember her beyond those fleeting things, as if more of her memory could fill that void deep within her that ached to be full. She loathed these moments of weakness and would chastise herself thoroughly for it.

She had always pushed down the pain of her mother's absence in her life before. She put on a brave face, determined and unflinching like her father taught her. She had to survive the brutality of her world and harshness from her father and brother.

But now, as she acclimated to her new life, she witnessed the relationship Dis and Gemlinn had with their sons, of the love and laughter they shared. And she found herself feeling old wounds opening slowly as that part of her awakened; a young, scared little girl who silently grieved the loss of her mother and craved the love of her broken father. Love had been something he was no longer capable of giving, not in the way she needed it as a young dam.

Argos had been her only comfort in her life, the last good thing her mother had done in this world. She still struggled to accept his death, and often imagined him still alive and still helping herd the reindeer and fishing like he had always preferred doing over fighting. He had been a loving Dwarrow and openly declared his preference of cultivating life rather than taking it unless circumstances called for it, much to Valinn's loathing disappointment.

The stability of her life now let her see all that she lacked, of what she had been denied. She knew how to be efficient and lethal, how to hold her head high and take charge without fear. But to feel anything other than anger and drive was terrifying.

Since coming to Erebor she had been given and seen love in its entirety, and she was beginning to realize that she was ill equipped to take it all in, to accept it as something permanent and not fleeting. It was all beginning to sneak up on her amidst the stillness, like a predator would on its cornered prey. The anxiety and fear would arise, threatening to steal her breath from her. But, she would bend it to her will and shove it back down, into the dark and cold places within her soul, banished and subdued but never really gone. It preyed on this fear that thrived in her constant anger, that she wasn't enough, that she was sorely lacking and undeserving. And that it was only a matter of time before Thorin, along with everyone else saw that as well.

Dis and Rosalyn's jovial laughter broke her reverie, and she was brought back to her current reality. She was walking through the bustling markets, arms linked as they mingled through the sea of content faces. Dwalin had finally admitted that Rosalyn was his One and proposed, much to everyone's delight and relief. They were now getting ideas of what Rosalyn wanted for the ceremony flowers and were meeting Dori in his shop to begin the sketches for her gown.

She had a smile fixed on her face, occasionally nodding, and expressing her approval on something one of her friends said, but she wasn't fully present. She let them lead the way, and she was glad they couldn't see her inner turmoil. She was desperate for it to go away.

They walked through the door of Dori's shop, and were greeted enthusiastically. She felt her spirits lift slightly at the sight of the excitable Dwarrow who was eager to design another of his comrades One's bridal gowns.

"I am so honored to help you design your gown!" Dori had ahold of both of Rosalyn's hands as he beamed at her. "I never thought I would see the day Mahal would bless that cranky old badger with his One. I've never seen him smile so much; I would be terrified if I hadn't known the reason!"

They all laughed while Rosalyn blushed profusely, her eyes twinkling with happiness. "I could scarcely believe it myself! I guess I have Dis to thank for the romantic proposal."

"Oh, he just needed a little nudge. Thorin was quite useful himself in encouraging him to finally admit it. They are not hard and tough as they want others to believe them to be." Dis chuckled knowingly. "Now my dear Dori, I know you! You already have some good ideas for our dear Rosalyn. You have been betting on this match since before Thorin and Mist got married."

"You know me all too well Dis." Dori smiled, pleased with his foresight on the matter.

Mistlynn was smiling at their banter as she let her eyes look over all the brightly colored fabrics that filled the walls around her. Different textures and patterns, luminous silks and luscious folds of jewel toned velvets drew her attention away from the conversation as she turned and walked further into the shop.

Another room lay adjacent, where a platform surrounded by mirrors was arranged perfectly to capture the daylight that was cascading through the led cast windows etched into the front of Erebor where the massive front gates where located. She stopped abruptly at the threshold of the room, taken aback by the sight of one of Dori's seamstress's working.

It was a young dam no older than 10. Her long golden curls were pinned up perfectly with shiny blue ribbons, framing a beaming face with honey brown eyes that sparkled in the light. She was too busy admiring the beautiful dress in the mirror to notice the Queen's presence behind her.

Mistlynn stepped back, hiding herself partially with the wall as she continued to watch. Another dam stood from her seat and walked up towards the mirrors; her smile just as wide as the younger dam's as they made eye contact in the mirror directly in front of them.

Mistlynn felt her chest clench tightly as she watched the older dam, undeniably the mother turn her head to look down at her daughter with an unbridled affection as she smoothed and rearranged her daughters golden curls. Her lips were moving, her voice too low for anyone else but the daughter to hear. By the way the young dam's face beamed with a joy that radiated from deep within her, it was undoubtedly praise of her beauty. The mother's smile became soft as she leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on top of her head before caressing her cheek softly as she tucked a stray curl behind her ear.

Mistlynn swallowed hard, too caught up watching this tender moment between mother and daughter to realize she had a stray tear escaping her burning eyes and silently running down her cheek.

She didn't even hear or feel Dis approaching her from behind. "There you are! We didn't realize you had walked off. Did something catch your …" Dis stopped abruptly as she gently placed her hand on Mistlynn's arm. "Mistlynn, dearest? Is everything alright?"

Mistlynn jumped, alarmed, and embarrassed that she was caught in such a weakened state. She coughed, attempting to hide the tremble in her voice as she quickly rubbed her cheek dry. "Oh! Some dust got in my eyes. I was just looking at this beautiful fabric." She looked up at Dis briefly to see the concern evident on her face before turning away quickly. "Did Dori find his designs yet? I am so eager to see what he's drawn up for her." Mistlynn went to step back towards the main room where she could hear Dori and Rosalyn talking.

Dis's grip on her arm tightened, stopping her from walking ahead. "Mist. Are you sure? You seem upset." Dis lowered her voice as she tried and failed to make eye contact with her friend.

"Yes Dis. Why wouldn't I be fine? It was just some dust." Mistlynn smiled her brightest smile as she focused her gaze over Dis's shoulder and stepped towards the main room.

Dis frowned as she watched Mistlynn walk away to join their friends. She looked back towards the fitting room and watched the mother and daughter bond over a new dress that matched the pretty blue ribbons in the girls hair. Dis's brow furrowed in confusion before turning away, unable to dismiss the look of pain on Mistlynn's face as that lone tear slid down her cheek.

*Thorin**

Later that afternoon...

"I take it there was nothing useful he could tell us?" Bilbo grimaced as he saw the exasperated look on Thorin's face.

"Nothing other than more speculation." Thorin sighed. "He had his scholars look, they found nothing even close. The only shared history we have with Mirkwood is our past trade routes and past conflicts with my forefathers. The furthest back they go is when our kin were contracted to construct his halls." He

"I thought Thranduil actually fought against drakes in the great wars?" Ori blinked owlishly behind his spectacles.

Thorin nodded. "He did, but it was his father who witnessed Azaghal slaying Glaurung. They knew Thingol but were not present in Menegroth when it was sacked by Nogrod. He can only agree with our suspicions that the Nauglamir may have been similar to the Arkenstone. It drove the Dwarves of Nogrod mad when Thingol refused to let them keep it as payment for their work, and from what he knows it drove Thingol mad with greed as well."

"That is but one account. From one source." Balin grumbled as he steepled his hands in front of his as he rested against the table.

Thorin groaned. "I don't know of any other source to reach out to unless we chance an expedition to Moria. And Durin knows what those bloody goblins have done to the archives there." He leaned back in his chair and rubbed his forehead wearily. "I do not wish to reach out to Rivendell or Lothlorien just yet, and Gandalf it seems has disappeared."

Frustrated silence fell upon the room. Bilbo let out and exaggerated breath after a moment. "Well, maybe I can make a stop in Rivendell on my way back this spring … he will be more than happy to assist me with my research since I didn't offend him the last time I was there."

Amused chuckles filled the room.

"Twas all in good fun." Dwalin mumbled begrudgingly as he rubbed his beard with his hand.

"You burned their furniture and bathed in their fountain!" Bilbo protested in mock horror.

"I apologized to him!" Thorin groused back, trying to bite back a mischievous grin at the memory. "I sent him a formal apology and a satchel of what? Gold? Diamonds?..."

"Sapphires, rubies and diamonds." Balin chuckled.

Thorin smirked at Bilbo. "Yes! Now, he can buy as much furniture and fountains to his heart's content."

Bilbo rolled his eyes. "Rogues. The whole lot of you." He scoffed as he closed the book in front of him and stretched.

"You do know what they say about guilty by association and all that implies right? Barrel rider?" Thorin's smirk grew into a full grin as he leaned back into his chair.

Dwalin threw his head back and laughed heartedly, as did Balin and Ori as they watched Bilbo's mouth hang open before he started laughing along.

"I must admit that one just rolled off the tongue in the moment. However, when you say it, it sounds utterly ridiculous."

Their laughter was interrupted by Dis opening the door to his office and briskly walking in.

"Why yes, sister. Do come in." Thorin drawled as he made eye contact with Dis from his seat.

Dis crossed her arms over chest as she popped her hip to the side, her eyebrow raised in challenge. "I heard cackling through the door, no point in knocking."

Dwalin snorted. "Dinnae say ye were dress shoppin with ma Rosie?"

"We are finished for the day. Just reporting to my brother like he asked me to if I noticed anything was amiss with our Queen."

The playful smirk vanished from his mouth as he stood up quickly and walked towards Dis. "If she has anything to do with this research scavenger hunt you all have been tiptoeing around, I'm telling you right now it has to stop." She shook a firm finger at Thorin while the rest of the room grew somber.

"What happened?" Thorin was now standing in front of her, his undivided attention on her.

"What is it that you're doing Thor?" Dis whispered, just so that he could hear. "She hasn't said much to me about anything, but she's quieter. More withdrawn. I caught her crying at Dori's shop when she did think I was watching her. If this is all about her you have to let me know, so that I can help you both better."

Thorin's bright eyes grew wide in alarm. "Crying?" he nearly shouted, drawing their friends immediate attention at the word. Thorin grimaced at his unintentional outburst at the word. He looked back to see them all looking at him worried.

"I told you nothing good would come from keeping secrets from each other." Balin sighed wearily. "She knows something is happening, you have been looking into this day in, day out, late into the wee hours of the morning. She isn't stupid, Laddie." He gave Thorin a pointed look. Bilbo nodded his head in agreement with the advisors words.

"She was watching these customers in the dress shop. The daughter was getting fitted for a dress while the mother was watching. I've never seen her look so sad, Thorin. She didn't even notice she was crying." Dis was frowning as she looked directly at Thorin. "Whatever it is you've done or haven't done. Just fix it." She scolded gently.

Thorin shook his head in bewilderment. "I haven't done or said anything. Dis, I'll catch you up with what is going on but I can't tell Mistlynn about anything just yet. I don't have enough information."

"That's the problem, Thorin." Balin stood up from his chair. "She knows something is holding your attention, and it isn't her. You haven't even been married for 3 months yet."

"This is all about her, and her safety Balin, you know that." Thorin growled in frustration.

"What Balin is saying is that she doesn't know that. It is time that you spoke with her. See if she knows anything. She may hold the key to all of it and may not even realize it." Bilbo spoke before anyone could interject. "I will inform Dis about everything. But it is time, as Balin said, to talk to Mistlynn."

"Well, dinner is about to be served. And I'm telling you it bothers her that you have been either late or skipping." Dis pinned Thorin with a pointed glare. "She hasn't said as much but I can tell. So why don't we all make it to dinner, and you can talk to her afterwards?"

Thorin studied Dis for a moment before nodding in agreement. "Very well." He conceded,