Disclaimer: Anything you recognize is not my own, yadda yadda yadda. I'm not making any money off of this. (Though I wish I could.)

Thorin and I took our leave of the meeting hall, two heavily armed guards leading the way. After the little skirmish earlier, they seemed reluctantly to leave their king alone and quite frankly, I did not blame them. I knew there would be issues. I had been agonizing over them for days. But I did not think that out right war between dwarves would be a possibility.

Thorin had my arm through his, one of his large, ringed hands on top of my own. While his face was drawn into his usual stoic and brooding gaze, the tightness in which he held my hand proved that he was very much agitated still. While we were still greeted and bowed at and offered the typical 'at your service,' most everyone moved out of our way quickly. News seemed to have travelled quickly of Uskal's proclamation as everywhere we turned, I could hear a flurry of whispers that followed. The only change in Thorin's stone façade was when we heard two younger male dwarves discussing how he had knocked Uskal on his rear with one hit. That amazement in the youngster's voice drew to his lips a small self-satisfied smirk. I bumped against him lightly and offered my own small smile, to which he simply raised my hand to brush his lips against.

"My king," The guards paused outside of the door to his quarters and offered bows as they opened the doors.

"My thanks for ensuring we reached our quarters unmolested. Go now and join the rest in the halls prepared for the feast. We need not have any more quarrels. Ensure it is so," Thorin offered a nod to both of the guards before ushering me inside and closing the doors behind us.

It was not until the doors were closed behind us and we could hear the sound of retreating boots did Thorin come to me and wrap me in his arms.

"Damn that Uskal," He muttered against my neck. "You have only just healed and already you are under harm's way."

"Thorin… It's…" I started, but he stepped back and shook his head, holding me now at an arm's length, hands gently caressing my shoulders.

"Do not say it is okay, for it is far from. Dwarrowdams are few and far between and while they are not fragile things, they are still not as strong as dwarven males. We do not bring ourselves to hit them. It is… sacrilege… unless our own life is truly threatened. For him to have hit you so carelessly… It is against our nature. Tis but another reason that it was so foul that I ever laid hands on you, sickness or no."

He heaved a heavy sigh and dropped his hands from me, one coming up to rub his face, the other resting at his side.

"Hey, I forgave you for that. You were not of your own mind. That was not *you*." I took his hand and tugged him to the bed where I urged him to sit.

"What have I done to deserve you?" He whispered softly. He pulled me to stand in front of him and rested his head on my chest as he wrapped arms around me. It was such a sweet and vulnerable act. I rested my head on his and soothingly ran a hand through his hair. After a moment, we parted, and I crawled up onto the bed next to him, legs tucked to my chest, chin on my knees. I watched him for a moment, noticing the bags under his eyes.

"Dis said you were dragged off to meetings practically the second you arrived. Have you been at that all day and night with no rest?" I asked, cocking an eye brow up.

"Nay. I had a few moments of reprieve. We paused once for a meager supper and again late in the eve to sleep. I did not slumber well- I worried for you and my mind seemed to spin endlessly. Would that we could simply skip this feast and take our dinner here. I do not think I can stand any more mindless rambling about who feels they are owed what." He leaned back and stretched then, a few audible pops issuing forth now and again. He groaned in appreciation at each one and I had to bite back a giggle. As serious as the matters at hand where, I could not help it. His groans were so low pitched and drawn out it almost sounded like he was purring.

"And what, woman, are you tittering over?" He asked, pausing in his ministrations to glance at me with a mildly exasperated look on his face. I just grinned and shook my head. He shook his shaggy head at me.

"Well, my love, if we are to go to this accursed function, I suppose it is time that we dress accordingly. I do not fancy standing in front of so many with a bloodied nose and torn clothing." He stood and turned to me for a moment.

"I guess. Probably wouldn't look great for me to show up all travel worn and dusty, either." He smiled and offered a hand to me. I took it and let him pull me to my feet.

"You would put to shame and out shine any one of them, no matter your manner of dress." He laid another kiss to my hand before leading me to one of the plain stone walls in his room that was flanked on either side by bookcases.

"Charmer," I muttered. He flashed a heart-melting smile, then reached out a hand and pushed on a brick.

Imagine my surprise when the entire four-foot wall opened to reveal a damn decently sized bathroom, complete with a vanity, tub, an area for changing, and a section cordoned off for taking care of one's business. I must have looked ridiculous, standing in the door way, gaping.

"Come now. Of all the wonders you have seen, you are shocked by a bathroom?" Thorin asked, head tilted ever so slightly to the side. He leaned casually against the wall, arms crossed, as he watched me explore, clearly amused.

"Well, yes. I mean… the door thingy. That's really freaking nifty." I examined the frame, wondering just how they managed it, then turned towards the bathroom and began to wander.

Way back when, I had always thought the dwarven halls of stone must be so drab and boring to look at. All grey stone and flat colors. The more I saw, the more wrong I realized I was. The stone floor was smooth, but not a simple, solid grey. It was marbled with darker and lighter colors, ranging from black to an off-white color. The walls were a smooth pale color, accented with an engraved boarder along the top and middle of the wall. Shelves were carved directly into the wall. Some held simple decorative trinkets, others glass bottles and vials that I assumed were meant for bathing.

The changing area to the right was a large "L" shaped piece of dark wood, solid and smooth planks for all but the top foot or so, where sections were notched out and depicted rich imagery of the mountain and trees, lighter and darker colored woods crafted artfully to give contrast.

To the left, and behind the door in which we came into, was another similar area where a toilet sat, complete with a pull handle above that I assumed allowed it to flush.

Along the back wall sat a large wash basin, a mirror hung above, a stand with clean towels to the left, and a rack for, I assumed, wet towels to the right. In each corner of the rooms, opposite of the toilet and changing rooms, were large potted ferns, adding a splash of rich green to the room.

The most eye-catching part of the room was the very center of the room; a tub, probably five feet across and three feet wide was entrenched into the very floor, with a lip of maybe six inches raising up on all sides. It was pitch black with decorative ruins done in a gold inlay and gold faucets. A thick, red carpet, two or so feet wide, ran around the entire length and width of the carpet. I peered further into it to find the tub to be deeper than I anticipated, probably close to four feet. On each side were benches to settle on.

I tried to think about when the last time I had a long soak in a hot bath and I realized it had probably been months. I wondered if dwarves had bubble bath.

"We do not have time for such opulence at the moment, my heart," Thorin's voice held an edge of amusement. "Though we can most certainly make time for it. Judging by the look on your face, I believe you would very much enjoy such an opportunity."

I glanced up at him to find that he was only a few feet from me now. I grinned sheepishly.

"Yes, yes I would."

He shook his head and gestured with his arm towards the wash basins. He pulled a small lever and water began to flow from a small tap just above the basin. He picked up a towel, flicked his wrist to unfold it, then wet it. He began to dab at the dried blood below his nose and in his beard while I pulled out my own towel and began to wash my own dirt-and-blood stained faced. At least it wasn't my blood this time. I dabbed at my lip. Well. Most of it, any ways.

We cleaned up the best we were able before making our way back towards the bedroom. With a touch, Thorin shut the door to the bathroom while I watched with longing. He chuckled and shook his head at the look on my face before leading me to a second chest-cabinet, which I had not remembered seeing the first few times we had visited his rooms.

"I had this brought here for you, along with garments from Lake Town, and a few more outfits of dwarven design that Ori had put together for you. It may be presumptuous of me to assume that we are to share a room from here on out…" He started. I was about to protest that it was not really presumptuous, but he held up a finger. "…but, if I remember… you sleep better when you are serenaded by the snores of a king,"

I laughed then and shook my head.

"Thank you, love." I said softly.

"You are most welcome," He answered. "Come now. Dress and we shall make our way down to dinner."

I nodded my head before opening the doors of the cabinet and looking through my options. It was, thankfully, mostly pants and shirts, though I did notice a couple of dresses.

"…Do I have to wear a dress?" I asked after a moment, chewing on my lip.

"Dress as you will," Thorin said over his shoulder. He was busy changing out his shirt for a non-ripped one. "I do not plan on dressing decadent and flaunt riches in the faces of those who have none, or who desire that which they have not earned. Rather I will go as I have travelled- in my worn cloak, my oaken-shield, and Orcrist at my side. Let them remember that I fought to be where I am, and that I am not to be trifled with, nor to be taken lightly."

I nodded slowly, more to myself than anything. His ire was still up, and I knew it would take him a long while to cool down fully. He had already faced so many tragedies and so much adversity. It was frustrating to see him have to put up with this, too. I knew part of it was that he was now king and that was just a part of it… But I also knew that adding me into the equation made things infinitely worse. I wondered, not for the first time, if he would come to regret falling in love with me.

In the end, I chose to dress similarly to Thorin. I pulled on black trousers and slipped a leather belt around my hips. Thick dwarven-style boots came next, fur lined with leather straps fastened securely. I pulled on an ash-grey, long-sleeved tunic, a black leather vest with silver fastenings, and my own thick cloak, lined with pale grey fur. I picked up my sword from where I had leaned it against the bed post and attached it to my belt.

Thorin came up behind me and adjusted my cloak minutely. He jerked his head towards a mirror inside the door of the chest.

"We are a well-matched pair, if I do say so myself." He said softly. He was right- we were dressed almost identically, with only a few, minor differences here and there. I leaned against him momentarily.

"Thorin, how serious is this?" I asked, watching his face in the mirror. His brow furrowed, and I turned to look at him.

"Do not worry…" He started.

"Don't tell me not to worry," I said, bluntly. "I am going to worry. First off, 'cause I am a woman and second off, 'cause this is my home now, too. If I am really going to be at your side every step of the way, then I need you to be honest with me."

He was silent for a moment.

"We do not have the proper provisions yet for another skirmish. Many are still wounded, and our supply of armor and weapons is lacking, and will be, for a few months yet, until the mines and forges are once again back in full working order. If it was simply Uskal and his clan, I would not worry over-much. It was those that left in support of him that are a cause for concern. It represents a fair amount of the ruling clans in the Blue Mountains. That does not count those that left, less than pleased, from prior meetings. At least two clans from the Iron Hills will most likely side with Uskal, should he make a move.

"Erebor was called home by countless clans, families… Individuals looking to better their crafts, or start anew. When Smaug came… They found purchase in the Blue Mountains. In the Irons hills. Marriages were made. Friends. Bonds. Those will not be so easily cast aside should it come down to war between us. We are a proud race. Quick to anger, and long to forget. Some will not forgive, nor forget, the betrayal they see when I once again trade with Thranduil-king and harbor those whom some see as enemies."

"We trade heavily with both the Irons Hills and the Blue Mountains. If there is enough of a debate, or if the ruling houses gathering and decide it is against their best interest, they will cut off trade before it can even begin again. We would trade mithril, steel, gems in exchange for food and other materials. With both Dale and Lake town destroyed and so many more mouths to feed… Well. Had it not been for you, my Queen, we more than like would not have had enough provisions for even our own through the cold before trade betwixt the dwarven realms could resume. It may yet still prove to be a sparse winter."

"Doesn't Erebor have any way to supply food?" I asked finally, after processing everything that had been said. Thorin raised a brow.

"After all of that, you are concerned about merely the food? I do believe the hobbit has been rubbing off on you," Thorin stated, the humor behind it forced.

"Of course, I am concerned about everything else! But a self-sustaining food source is hugely important. It means you must trade less for provisions, which opens you up to trade more for materials for whatever crafts being done. It also means that you must rely on other sources less. Yeah, having someone to trade with to get extra supplies is great when you want a little variety, which people inevitably demand, or to help fatten the larders when you have a crappy season, but in situations like this, if someone tries to cut you off to be petty, or to try and weaken you and your armies… Then it is not going to have as great of an impact. And beyond that, if you have surplus crop or whatever, that just gives you something else to trade out for."

Thorin just starred at me for a moment.

"What?!" I asked, almost exasperated.

"Talya, from what you have told us, and what I have gleaned from you, you were born the daughter of farmers, and you were, as you called it, a mere soldier. How were you able to become so learned in matters of state and trade as well, when it was not in your calling, or that of your families?" He was stunned.

"I studied… A lot." I answered with a huff. Which was true. Mostly. Okay. Not at all. I had just spent entirely too much of my youth playing simulation video games. Pharaoh, Rise of Nations, Age of Empires… Entirely too many hours gathering resources, monopolizing trade of certain materials, and ruthless executing any competition. I passed Economics classes solely based on the fact that I played those games to death.

"So… Do you?"

"We hunt. We trade. We gather. We do not farm. We never have." He answered simply, still watching me with an odd expression.

"Well, that needs to change. I want to sit down with Ori and some of the boys to go over some things. Once we have that figured out, we can at least cross that off the growing list of problems. From there, we need to figure out just what we need, weapon and armor wise and see if we can't switch around some labor. See if we can't find more stuff to salvage. Its not ideal, but we can go back through Dale and salvage what we can from the dead orcs. We need to do something with bodies, anyways, or its going to a be a stinking, festering mess. Their tools may be crude, but they are serviceable. Worse come to worse, we scrap it and make other stuff out of it. What is the training like for the armies here? Do you have mandatory service or is it voluntary….?"

"I believe you need to sit in on meetings from now on." He finally said, and I groaned. "Hear me out. I have only just truly picked up the mantle of King. I was a prince. I watched my father rule and was taught and lectured. But never have I sat where I do now. My scope has been limited to the few around me, and my mind set was turned towards mere survival. You have given me much to think about. Truly, you must speak to me of your home more. I have known you were intelligent. I did not realize how learned you were. I have many advisors; most were there for my father when he ruled, and my grandfather before. Seldom do they offer new ideas, or ways to improve. Tradition, heritage, and history. That is what they rely on."

"I told you, Thorin. If I am to take up the title of your Queen, it will be because I have earned it, and because I contribute. Not just because we are shacking up together."

"I appreciate that, my love." He stepped forward to plant a kiss on my head. "Now we really must be on our way, otherwise we will be late."

He offered me his hand and I once more took hold of it. The two of us made our way out into the hall, side by side, hand in hand, dressed as the warriors we had always been. I cast a side-long look at Thorin and admired how handsome he was, how well put-together he was. He could put on such a mask that, unless you knew what to look for, you would never guess that something was bothering him. There was the slight furrow to his brow, with the left side raised ever so slightly in comparison to the left. The corner of his mouth was turned down to a minute degree and he would breath just a little deeper, as if the very air he was drawing in was helping him to clear his mind. I almost asked him what was bothering him, but I knew better. He would tell me once he processed.

We were almost at the dinning hall when he stopped and turned to me, brows fully furrowed.

"Talya…" He asked.

"Yes, Thorin?"

"What in Mahal's name does 'shacking up together' mean?"