AFTER THE UNEXPECTED JOURNEY

A sequel to 'An Unexpected Journey'

Disclaimer: I do not own the Hobbit or any of the characters/story lines that belong to it, all credit goes to J.R.R. Tolkien, in all his glory.

Here is the sequel as promised! A warning that you will need to read my first Hobbit fan fiction to get the goings-on in these chapters.
Each chapter will be quite long, not the length of my usual chapters, because there's just so much to write! :) I hope you all enjoy it!

So without further ado, here is more Hayden & Thorin goodness!

CHAPTER ONE - AFTER THE UNEXPECTED JOURNEY

"It is not the strength of the body, but the strength of the spirit."
J.R.R. Tolkien

"Deep breaths, you'll do fine Hayden."

"Thanks Fili."

"Just don't look them in the eye… or speak directly to them."

"Is that supposed to help Kili?"

"Do you want to impress them or not?"

"Of course I do!"

"Then just do as I say."

"Sure."

"Well, that was surprisingly easy."

"What?"

"Getting you to listen to me."

"Oh no, see Thorin told me specifically not to listen to anything you say."

"What? Uncle?"

"Kili, and I say this in the nicest way possible, shut up."

"Both of you shut up."

Hayden let out a deep sigh to try tame her nerves. Thorin, standing to her left, took her hand in his and smiled reassuringly.

"You will be fine, love," he murmured to her, "They are only dwarves."

"That's exactly what I'm afraid of," Hayden frowned.

It had been two months since the Battle of the Five Armies, and since Hayden's recovery she had done all in her power to help repair the kingdom. Today was the day the Agùlab, or the dwarven Council, arrived in Erebor. While the rest of the dwarven population in the Blue Mountains had arrived a good month ago, the eleven elder dwarves that made up the Agùlab had stayed behind to organise the last of the affairs in their temporary home.

Hayden hadn't had a peaceful sleep since Thorin had told her the Council would be arriving soon. The idea that the approval of these eleven dwarves (twelve including Balin) would decide whether she could marry Thorin scared her beyond her wits.

"I will be by your side the entire time," Thorin assured her.

He brought her hand to his lips and kissed it, smiling softly.

"I love you," Hayden smiled.

That was when the dwarves appeared through the Front Gate of Erebor. They looked like typical dwarves to Hayden; short and stout, with long thick beards and heavy expressions.

Thorin let go of Hayden's hand and walked forward to meet them. A white haired dwarf, who looked to be the eldest of the eleven, was first to meet Thorin. The two dwarves leant forward and touched foreheads, as was customary in Dwarvish culture, and exchanged words in Khuzdul.

Hayden took a deep breath and thought over quickly what Balin had told her that morning.

"Be charming, but be sure not to be too overwhelming. It does not take much to please a dwarf. But it will take some time to build their trust."

Thorin was smiling when he turned to face Hayden, holding his hand out for her to come forward.

Hayden glanced fleetingly behind her before going to him. Dís, Fili, Kili, Harvey and Bilbo were standing there, smiling reassuringly. Harvey even gave her two thumbs up.

When she reached Thorin, after what seemed like a lifetime of walking, she took his outstretched hand and he squeezed hers comfortingly.

"May I introduce you to Hayden Parker," Thorin said proudly, "My nephews and I would not be standing here without her."

The dwarf standing before them bowed low to her. When he talked his voice was deep and gravely, but respectful nonetheless. "Lord Garil, at your service."

When he returned to his full stance he looked over Hayden, as if inspecting her. "So, this is the human you have talked so avidly about, my King."

"Indeed, this is her," Thorin smiled, tilting his head slightly for Hayden to say something.

Hayden inclined her head to the dwarf, trying to be as graceful as she could. It was times like this she wished she were as elegant as Lady Galadriel or even, dare she say it, King Thranduil.

"Idmi," Hayden smiled, "It's a pleasure to finally meet you. I have only heard the best of your Council from King Thorin." [Welcome]

"You know Khuzdul?" Garil raised a thick eyebrow.

"I'm in the process of learning," Hayden said, "Thanks to Lord Balin."

The dwarf did not hide his surprise, and even looked slightly impressed, which sent Hayden's spirits soaring.

"On behalf of our Council, I thank you for your service to our kingdom," Garil said formally, "I heard tell you not only aided in the success of the Battle but in the Quest for Erebor. And for that we are all grateful."

Hayden merely smiled brightly and bowed her head again, remembering Balin's other words.

"Speak only when necessary. We dwarves are folk of few words."

"Well I can certainly see why you caught the eye of our King," Garil said, showing Hayden the first glimpse of a smile.

"That's very kind of you, Lord Garil," Hayden smiled, "Though I must say I hardly caught his eye. When your first impression is fainting in front of someone it's hard for them to forget you."

She made to lean against Thorin's chest as Garil chuckled, but Balin's warning stopped her just in time.

"No physical contact unless Thorin initiates it. Remember, you're not officially betrothed, no matter what your past together has already entailed."

God, she really needed to make a book with all these little notes in it. She could call it 'Balin's Words of Wisdom.' Hayden only just managed to stifle her laugh at that thought.

The dwarf Lord laughed at her comment and grinned broadly. "Shall we adjourn for supper? All this travel does tire a dwarf."

"Of course," Thorin said.

He steered Hayden towards the hall where they were to have dinner and squeezed her hand again.

"I'm sorry if my hand is sweating," Hayden whispered to him, "I've never been that nervous since I had to give a speech for graduation."

"You did wonderfully," Thorin smiled, "Perhaps after dinner we shall have our own celebration."

Hayden turned to smirk at him, "You mean we might actually get to touch?"

Thorin eyed her, sensing her sarcasm. "No need to be like that, my love. I have given you many reasons why we cannot share a bed, and though it doesn't please me any more it is necessary."

"I say bollocks to you and your laws," Hayden teased, "I didn't travel halfway across Middle Earth to take up celibacy."

Thorin laughed, an action that caught the attention of many of the Council members who were following them. In the Blue Mountains Thorin had been a sullen Prince, turned King after his father's disappearance. For them it was quite odd to see him so vibrant, and all in the presence of this one woman.

And so the twelve members of the Agùlab, Thorin and Hayden dined with one another. They talked of matters in the Blue Mountains and what the future held for them in Erebor, and while Hayden truly was interested in their conversations, she couldn't help but let her thoughts wonder.

She wondered what those eleven dwarves thought of her. Had she made a good enough impression? It certainly seemed so. They were all nice enough, each making their own personal conversation with her and many of them laughing at her simplest of comments. Then again that could have been because by that time they had all consumed a fair amount of ale.

But Hayden took it only as a good sign; that they would all give their approval and she could finally be wed to Thorin Oakenshield.

"What do you mean they won't hear it?" Thorin cried.

Balin sighed and sent Thorin a weary look, begging him to not lose his temper.

"The Council met early this morning to discuss the matter of your marriage to Hayden," Balin said wearily, "And while they were extremely taken by her and are utterly grateful of her sacrifices for Erebor, they cannot allow you to marry her."

Thorin growled low and put a hand to his forehead. He already had a headache that morning, no doubt from his excessive consumption of ale the night before, and this news was not helping it.

"I do not see why," Thorin growled, "What is so wrong with it?"

"Thorin," Balin sighed, "She is human."

"And is that such a crime?" Thorin cried incredulously, "Since when do we allow race to hinder love?"

"It is unheard of," Balin explained, "You are the first Durin in three generations to reclaim Erebor and now you wish to continue the line with a woman who is not of Dwarvish decent."

"Are you saying you have a problem with Hayden?" Thorin asked suspiciously.

"Now Thorin, be reasonable," Balin said firmly, "I hold nothing against the lass, nor do I have any issue with her being Queen. Quite frankly I believe she would be the best thing to happen to our monarchy since the attack."

"Then why-?"

"It is not me you need to convince," Balin said, "Those other dwarves did not spend a year travelling with her in the Wilderness. They did not witness her courage, quick-wit or intelligence. To them she is merely an ordinary mortal woman who has caught your attention."

"But she is no ordinary woman," Thorin sighed exasperatedly.

"Then show them that," Balin encouraged, "Make a plan with Hayden. Use every chance you can to convince them."

"A plan to do what, Balin?" Thorin growled frustratingly.

"To impress them," Balin said, "I will tutor her in all the ways of our people if I have to."

"I doubt there is much she does not already know," Thorin pointed out.

"Nonetheless, I will not have her leave this kingdom," Balin said determinedly, "She belongs here with us. We are her family. And she will be made Queen, be it on my head."

Thorin smiled and clapped Balin over the shoulder, "Thank you, old friend."

Balin smiled back and simply nodded.

"But," Thorin said under his breath, "Perhaps it would be better to… not tell Hayden for the time being."

"Thorin, she needs to know," Balin protested.

"I know she does," Thorin sighed, "But she was able to connect with them last night by simply being herself. If I tell her now it could change her entire attitude towards them."

"Aye, that is true," Balin nodded heavily, "Then it's settled. I will do all in my power to keep her here."

Thorin nodded simply, a concerned frown still etched on his brow.

"Do not dwell on it, Thorin," Balin said, "If she could win over the toughest, stubbornness dwarves in our Company, she can do this."

Thorin sighed. He truly hoped so.

"Do not be so fast to back away from an attack," Dwalin explained, stepping back from Hayden with his axe at the ready.

Hayden had requested to have battle training as soon as they had settled down in Erebor and she had fully recovered. After all, they were living in Middle Earth and she wanted to know how to protect herself properly. Dwalin was first to step up to the challenge of training her, a little too enthusiastically though for her liking.

"It's a bit hard when you have a massive dwarf swinging their axe at you," Hayden said, wiping the sweat from her forehead and retightening her grip on her sword.

"Remember what I told you," Dwalin said firmly, "You may not have strength, but you are fast – use that to your advantage."

He launched forward with his axe and Hayden quickly dodged skillfully out of the way, sword at the ready. She had improved considerably since her first lesson, but she still had a long way to go.

"And what if my opponent is faster?" Hayden asked, dodging yet another blow.

"Then enjoy your funeral," Dwalin let out a rare grin.

Hayden pursed her lips and was almost caught off guard by another of his swipes, but she quickly dropped and rolled between his legs.

"And what if I'm fighting a big lug like you?" she asked with a small smirk, "Is my best bet to just tire them out?"

"That's not a bad idea," Dwalin grunted, "Though if they are anything like me they will not tire easily."

He swung out with his sword arm and their weapons clashed together with a loud chink.

"Oh I just love watching sentimental bonding sessions like these," said a mocking voice from the sidelines.

"What do you want, Fili?" Hayden asked, not even bothering to look at him. She knew his voice when she heard it. "Kind of busy."

"So I see," Fili drawled, "But I come on behalf of my overbearing uncle. He wants you in the forges."

Hayden dropped her sword immediately and Dwalin had to stop himself mid swing before he hit her. Thorin was always so busy during the day, as was she, and seeing as they could not spend the evenings together as she would have liked she took any opportunity she could to be with him.

"Sorry, Dwalin - I'll be back!" she called, running off to Fili.

"That certainly got your attention," Fili grinned.

"What does he want?" Hayden asked, picking up a towel from the ground and wiping her face.

"You really think he would tell me?" Fili raised an eyebrow.

"Right," Hayden shrugged, "Can I go freshen up first or-?"

"He was rather insistent you be there immediately," Fili said, "So off you pop."

"Alright, alright," Hayden said.

She left Fili and Dwalin in the training grounds, running off to the forges. Along her way she went through the directions in her head. Erebor was just like she had expected it to be – a maze. It was a beautiful maze all right, but confusing at the best of times. It had taken her a month just to remember the way to her own quarters.

She turned right down a flight of stairs and noticed a familiar figure walking ahead of her, scribbling furiously onto a piece of parchment.

"Hey, Harv!" Hayden called, running to him.

Harvey spun around and smiled, "Hey Hay- oh, wow you're sweating."

"I've noticed," Hayden said, "I've just been training but Thorin called me down to the forges- what are you doing?"

"I was actually just down there with him," Harvey said, holding up the piece of parchment in his hand, "Him and Balin needed some help repairing a few of the machines."

"Ah, right," Hayden nodded.

Harvey had been a mechanical engineer graduate back in England, so he had been extremely useful in the reconstruction of Erebor. The dwarves kept him busy, that was for sure.

"What's that then?" Hayden asked curiously, nodding to the parchment.

"Just formulas," Harvey shrugged, "See I was trying to figure out what angle the-"

"Well that's great, Harv," Hayden interrupted with a grin. As much as she loved him, she hated hearing about the boring ways of engineers.

"Architects," Harvey sighed, rolling his eyes dramatically and walking off.

Hayden resisted the urge to send him a rather rude hand gesture as he turned back to grin at her.

It took her another half an hour to actually reach the forges, after taking too many wrong turns to count. By the time she noticed Thorin by one of the fires she was quite flustered.

He was waiting patiently, examining one of the swords that had just been forged. He was wearing a light tunic and pants, which were covered in dirt and coal, along with his face and hands – he had obviously just been forging.

"You certainly took your time," Thorin said, placing the sword back on a shelf.

"I got lo- oh, never mind," Hayden sighed, "Why did you need me?"

"You were training with Dwalin, yes?" Thorin asked.

"Mhm, until I got your message from Fili," Hayden said.

"I thought, as you are using the swords from the weaponry, you could use your own weapon," Thorin said.

"My own?" Hayden frowned.

"I know designing is your area," Thorin said, leaning against the char covered table, "If you wished to draw your own sword I could have it forged for you."

Hayden blinked, "You mean designing my own sword?"

Thorin nodded, smiling at her obvious excitement.

"That's fantastic," Hayden grinned, running a hand through her hair, "But what am I going to do? It's going to take me forever to come up with a good enough design."

"I'm sure you will in no time," Thorin smiled.

"What gave you this idea?" Hayden asked.

"You will be needing a proper sword to train with if you are going to improve," Thorin said, "If you have your own you will be able to become accustomed to the feel of it and what not."

Hayden beamed. She hadn't had a project like this in such a long time.

"Do not stress about it too much," Thorin said, noticing her frown as she thought it over, "Take your time."

Hayden nodded and walked over to lean on the table beside him. "What have you been doing?"

"Helping forge," Thorin said, "It is rather nice to get my hands dirty every once in a while."

Hayden nodded, "Though you could have at least washed up if you knew I was coming to see you."

He turned to narrow his eyes at her and she smirked back cheekily.

"I could say the same about you," Thorin said, nodding to her current dirty training attire.

Hayden humph-ed but continued to smirk, "Quite a pair we make, huh?"

"Quite," Thorin smiled. For a moment he just stared at her, and she was worried he was about to kiss her. Not that she didn't desperately want that, but she was trying to make a good impression with the dwarves. And being caught making out with the King was probably not the way to do that.

Just seeing him all dirty after forging was enough to drive her mad. She rather preferred him looking like this than when he was clean and regal looking in his fur coat and blue robes. If only he would just lift her up onto the table with his greasy hands and-

"I never had the chance to ask," Hayden said, clearing her throat significantly, "What the Council thought of me?"

Thorin looked unsure for a moment. It was for a split second that his eyes portrayed a worry that frightened her, until they returned to normal quick enough.

"They loved you, truly they did," Thorin said, his voice sounding strained, "But I believe they would like to get to know you more before they make their decision."

It was something about the way he said it that made her unsure of whether he was telling her the full truth. But she trusted him completely; after all, what could he possibly have to hide from her?

"Well that's a relief," Hayden smiled, "Let's just hope for the best then."

Thorin nodded and his eyes trailed off for a moment, "Yes... let's just hope…"

Hayden frowned and turned fully to face him, elbow leaning on the table. "Thorin-"

"Everything is fine," Thorin said, meeting her eyes and smiling, "I am tired is all."

"Right," Hayden said uncertainly, still frowning. She would drop the subject… for now. "I should get back, Dwalin will be waiting for me."

"So soon?" Thorin asked, visibly disappointed.

"Well I suppose he could wait a little longer," Hayden said, "He won't be happy with me though."

"I'll make sure to have a word with him," Thorin grinned, obviously happy he had gotten his way.

He gestured her over to the weaponry of newly forged weapons to show her his own work. She muttered a small "suck-up" in her usual teasing tone as she passed him through the door, earning her a subtle smack in the behind from him.

It would be a miracle now if she would make it back to her quarters without having to explain the large dirt handprint on her ass.

The next two months passed in a blur. For Thorin, it was a blur of meetings, stress and financials. For Hayden however, it was much different.

For some reason, Balin thought it necessary she be versed in the culture of the dwarves. This included their history (which she already knew plenty of), their religion and their rituals.

Hayden loved learning at the best of times; school had been her savior during her childhood. But this dwarven tutoring was driving her insane. It was ridiculously dull; now she understood why Fili and Kili so detested their own tutoring classes.

She was also beginning to learn Khuzdul, another job of Balin's (bless his bearded soul). Having the mind of a mathematician, Hayden had never excelled in English or other languages. Khuzdul was like a more complicated and violent version of German; in other words – complete torture. But it was necessary. If she wanted to be Thorin's Queen one day, she needed to attend meetings, which were held in entirely Khuzdul. The thought made her sick to the stomach.

Between her tutoring and Khuzdul lessons, training with Dwalin (and on the off chance Fili and Kili), spending a few days a week with Dís learning the 'ways of royalty,' and trying to think up a design for her new weapon, Hayden hardly had any time for herself, let alone for Thorin. And that was the hardest part of all.

One night, after a particularly rough day of having to remember an entire conversation in Khuzdul and enduring an hour of Dwalin's physically grueling training, Hayden found herself in the deserted kitchens a few hours after dinner.

The kitchens were still open, but it was only Bombur and few other dwarves preparing food for the next day. She was always welcome to come snack and chat with Bombur, and she rather enjoyed it, though lately she hadn't had the chance to given her schedule.

"What would you like tonight, Hayden?" Bombur asked, in his usual gentle tone, "I've just finished a fresh batch of brownies."

"Brownies sound amazing, thanks Bombur," Hayden smiled, slipping onto a stool behind the countertop.

"Another hard day?" Bombur asked.

"It's always hard," Hayden said, resting her chin on her palm, "But I'm not complaining. How was your day?"

"Busy, as usual," Bombur said, bustling over to her with a plate full of brownies that could have fed at least three dwarves.

"Is Bilbo still helping you?" Hayden asked.

"On occasion," Bombur shrugged, "But he has taken to helping Ori in the scriptorium. There are a lot of documents that need to be repaired."

"Mm, I've heard," Hayden said, "How are Cala and the kids?" Cala was Bombur's wife, of whom Hayden had talked to on occasion. She was a kind natured dwarf, but like all dwarf women she was tough. And with eight young children to look after Hayden could hardly blame her.

"Cala is well, thank you," Bombur said, "And the children are a handful, as always."

"Hm, well there are eight of them," Hayden smirked, taking a bite out of a brownie and resisting the urge to moan. How had she ever lived without Bombur's cooking?

Bombur chuckled, "I do love them with all my heart, but they are… difficult to say the least."

"Hey parenthood is no picnic- or from what I've heard it isn't," Hayden smiled, "How old is your eldest?"

"Forty-one," Bombur said, "Still a child, but she seems to think differently."

"What is that… hm, around sixteen in human years?" Hayden said, "Ah so she's hitting the difficult teenage years."

"Difficult is an understatement, Hayden," Bombur said exasperatedly, "But I love her dearly."

"Of course you do," Hayden smiled, "Why else would you be working so hard?"

"I do try," Bombur smiled bashfully.

"You shouldn't be so modest, Bombur," Hayden said sincerely, "I honestly have not met a cook that's up to your standards. I'm afraid if anyone else cooks for me it'll be an extreme disappointment."

Bombur chuckled, "Well thank you, Hayden. Perhaps I could give you some tips if you would like?"

"That's kind but uh… cooking isn't my specialty as you know," Hayden said, "I think I'd burn the kitchens down."

Bombur smirked and nodded.

The doors to the kitchen opened suddenly and they turned to see who had entered.

"Oh, I am sorry," a dwarf said, "I did not realise the kitchens were still busy."

It was Runo, one of the youngest dwarves in the Agùlab. And by young, he was probably around one hundred and seventy years old, which was definitely saying something.

"What can I help you with?" Bombur asked.

"I was after a late night snack," Runo said, patting his belly.

"I've just served Miss Hayden up some brownies if you would like some," Bombur said, nodding to Hayden.

Runo seemed to only just notice Hayden then, because his eyes widened in surprise.

"My lady, I did not expect to see you here," Runo said, "And at such a late hour."

"When hunger calls," Hayden smiled. She was too tired to put up the 'Queenly' façade that she had been forced to use around the Council.

"I feel your pain, my lady," Runo smiled.

He approached her and raised his eyebrows to the seat next to her and Hayden nodded with a smile. Runo took the seat and reached for a brownie, while Hayden and Bombur exchanged an awkward glance. This evening had definitely taken an unexpected turn.

"I understand you are still in the process of learning Khuzdul," Runo said, after finishing his first brownie, "How is that faring?"

"Very well," Hayden said, "I've never been too skilled at learning new languages but I think I'm getting there. Slowly… but still improving I suppose."

Runo chuckled, "Yes, there are not many outside our race who have ventured to learn our complicated tongue. But if there is anyone who can teach you it is Lord Balin."

"He is a very good teacher," Hayden agreed, "He has the patience for it. And believe me he needs a lot of it with me."

Runo smiled, "I am sure you will be fluent in no time."

Another silence passed between them, though Hayden felt it wasn't as awkward as she feared. He was quite easy to talk to for an older dwarf.

"There are rumours of many that you hail from another world," Runo said, "And I can see you are an intelligent young lady. I wonder what your trade was in your old home?"

Hayden tried not to look too surprised. None of the Council members had actually asked her what she had done for a living in England. Obviously they had just assumed that, as a woman, her duties would have been similar to females in Middle Earth.

"Uh well, I was educated nearly all my life," Hayden explained, "The last five years I completed a degree in Architecture, and that was what I intended to do before I met King Thorin."

"Architecture, you say?" Runo raised an eyebrow, "Fascinating. You will prove quite useful to us, my lady, if the Council does not decide to change their decision."

Hayden frowned, "I'm sorry, did you say change their decision?"

"Why yes," Runo nodded, absentmindedly twirling his beard between his fingers. "A shame, it is. I am sure you would have made a wonderful Queen, with the proper training. But there is still time to sway their decision – I know you have certainly changed mine."

Hayden couldn't even feel remotely happy with his words. What the hell was this guy going on about?

"I'm sorry, I'm still a little confused," Hayden said, "Are you saying the Council has already made the decision?"

"Of course, my lady," Runo said, meeting her gaze with a frown now himself, "But surly King Thorin told you?"

Hayden stayed silent and gaped quite un-Queen-like at the dwarf.

"Although you are no doubt a brave and intelligent young lady, we cannot allow you to marry our King. You understand of course, King Thorin must continue the Durin line with purity, and he cannot do so with a human woman, no matter how beautiful she may be," Runo continued, oblivious to Hayden's reaction, "Though we may be able to make an exception, which we have discussed with the King. There is a case where you marry and become the official Queen, but your children will never be heirs. The throne will be passed to Prince Fili in time, but the King will be needing heirs of his own, just in case. For that there are many dwarven women of a high status who will be more than willing to carry his heirs-"

This was about as much as Hayden could take. The room started to spin like she had just gotten off a rollercoaster.

She dropped the brownie in her hand and jumped so violently off the stool it went crashing to the floor, leaving Runo stunned looking after her as she ran out of the kitchen.

Hayden stormed through the deserted halls, with only the light of torches to guide her way. But she knew exactly where she was going this time.

She could hardly think straight she was so blinded by anger and hurt and confusion. How could they think she would allow that to happen? That she would agree to another woman carrying Thorin's children? Her husband's children? The thought made her sick, but also burning with fury.

She sprinted up the flight of stairs that led to the sleeping quarters. Usually she would turn left to go to her own, but this time she took a sharp right to the male chambers.

It didn't take her long to reach the end of the hall and when she did she arrived at a large golden door. Without pausing to think she hammered loudly on the door with both her fists, taking out her rage on it so she wasn't tempted to throttle the dwarf inside.

She continued banging on it as hard as she could until it swung open and she only just managed to stop herself from falling face forward into Thorin.

He was in his nightclothes and looked murderous at being awoken at such a late hour. As soon as he saw Hayden his expression softened. But as soon as he saw Hayden's expression he almost cowered.

"Hayden, what are you doing here?" Thorin asked, "It is past midnight-"

"Why didn't you tell me they had already made their decision?" Hayden said through barred teeth.

Thorin looked as though he wanted to disappear then and there.

"Hayden, I meant to tell you-"

"When? When were you going to tell me?" Hayden asked incredulously, "When your other woman is pregnant with your back up heir?"

"Come inside, please," Thorin said wearily.

"I-don't-want-to-come-inside," Hayden growled, "I want a bloody explanation, Thorin Oakenshield!"

"You're going to wake the entire kingdom," Thorin hissed.

"Like I care!" Hayden scoffed.

But she knew she couldn't keep screaming at him from the corridor. So she would have to settle for screaming at him in his quarters.

She stormed passed him and spun around sharply on her heel to face him, arms crossed tightly over her chest and a murderous expression on her face. Thorin thought he had never seen her so angry.

"Two months," Hayden said, "For two months you kept this from me? Do you know how hard I've been trying to impress those dwarves?"

"I know," Thorin sighed.

"No you don't know, because I've hardly seen you!" Hayden cried, "Everyday I've been practicing Khuzdul, training, learning how to be a proper lady- and I swear if I see one more page about the war against those bloody elves I'm going to go mad!"

"But you did it, and you impressed them," Thorin pressed.

"For what cause, Thorin?" Hayden asked bitterly, "They already made their decision that we can't marry, only my better half decided not to tell me! Which I'm sure he has a very good reason for."

She stared at him with a raised eyebrow.

"I knew you were stressed," Thorin said, "And I thought if you knew what their verdict was you would be less warm to them-" Hayden scoffed loudly "- So I had Balin tutor you in attempt to impress them, and it worked did it not?"

"Oh it worked, did it?" Hayden scoffed, "You think their decision now is an improvement to not being married at all?"

Thorin frowned.

"Let me see," Hayden said, "We get married and Fili is your heir. But you need back up heirs, as every King needs I'm sure, that will be carried not by me, your wife, but by another dwarven woman who volunteers for it. Yes, that sounds perfect to me. What wife wouldn't want their husband screwing another woman because her own children aren't good enough?"

"And you thought that I would do this did you?" Thorin asked stiffly, "You thought I would approve of this decision and share my bed with another woman for the sake of it all?"

Hayden faltered at that. She had been so mad he hadn't told her that she hadn't even thought about what he had said to the proposal.

"I- that's not the point, Thorin," Hayden said, "The point is that I've been running around mad for the last two months while you've known their thoughts all along. Imagine finding out in the kitchens that someone else is going to be sleeping with your husband because your own children aren't- pure."

Tears had begun to well in her eyes now as the full calamity of the situation crushed down on her. Thorin was looking like he had had the air knocked out of him.

He went to her hesitantly, and was encouraged when she didn't flinch away from him. He put a hand gently on her waist and the other went to her cheek to brush away the tears that had fallen.

"If you thought I had agreed to that despicable verdict then I am sorry you were led to believe that," Thorin said, "Please know that any child I have with you Hayden will be a blessing. And I will not have my own blood shunned because of their heritage."

"What are we going to do then, Thorin?" Hayden sighed.

"We will do what we always do," Thorin said determinedly, "We will fight."

"And if cutting their limbs off doesn't work?"

Thorin let out a low chuckle and smiled, "We will convince them, even if making Fili my permanent heir is what it takes to make them happy. But I will not have children with anyone other than you, Hayden. You must know that."

"I do know that," Hayden sighed, rubbing her face with her hands, "I'm sorry I took it out on you, I-"

"I should have told you earlier," Thorin said, "I only wanted to protect you."

Hayden looked up at him and pursed her lips, "When will you learn."

Thorin chuckled and wrapped his arms around her. "I love you."

"Love you too," Hayden murmured into his chest.

Thorin sighed in content and nudged her hair with his nose.

"I will call a meeting, and we will settle this for once and for all," Thorin said.

Hayden nodded and smiled against his chest. Now with his arms around her, she felt more at home than she had these past four months.