"Grandpa!" Thorgol shouted as he ran to Thorin.

"Hello Laddie!" Thorin picked up his grandson and hugged him.

"I've been practicing with my ax like you taught me." He smiled proudly.

"Good for you Lad. Keep practicing and you will be the best warrior in all of Erebor." Thorin encouraged him.

"Hello Father. To what do we owe this visit?" Athina asked.
"Do I have to have a reason to visit family?"

'With that look on your face you do." She replied. Athina was dressed in a simple dress. Thorin has spoiled her since he's found her. She has an abundance of beautiful dresses but she still chooses to wear her old and plain ones. She reminded Thorin of Darila in that way. Of course Darila knew how to dress like a princess and she would when need be but when she could she always kept it simple. Darila did not believe she was better than anybody and never acted like it.
"Middle Earth to Thorin." Athina said.

"I'm sorry. I was just thinking."
"It's quite alright. Thorgol, Gimnia, go play. Me and Grandfather need to talk."

"Yes Mama." The children replied and reluctantly left Thorin's side.

"What's going on?" Athina asked as she sat in a chair.

"When's the last time you heard from your Mother?" Thorin questioned while sitting beside her.

"The day she died. You know this." She replied almost bitterly. Athina hated talking about her Mother's death. 

"I think she's here."
"People don't return from the dead."

"I know. I'm saying I don't think she died."
"The orcs murdered her Father. I was there." She said getting irritated.

"Did you see it happen?"
"I-" 

"Did you see it happen?"

"No. She told me to run. She gave me a small knife and told me to run. She told me to head for the Blue Mountains. She said I had distant kin there and if I told them who I was they'd take me in. I ran and ran and ran. I kept looking back for her. I guess I was too worried about her that I got lost. Luckily Simil's family found me and took me in. She promised she'd come back but she never did." Athina had been holding this in for a long time. She was angry. Angry the orcs took her Mother from her at such a young age. Angry her Mother left her alone. Angry at herself for leaving her Mother when she could have done something to save her. Angry that her Father did not come and find them sooner and saved her Mother. But most of all she was angry at Mahal.

Thorin could see the mixed emotins in his daughters eyes. He did not know what to do. So he decided to do what always made Darila feel better. He gently grabbed his daughter and pulled her into a hug.

"Hush my child. I'm sorry. I can't fix the past but I can help make the present and future better. It's going to be alright. Maybe this is your Mother keeping her promise to you."

"Thank you. I hope you're right but then again I hope you're wrong. I want to see my Mother more than anything but then again I've gone through so much and I've changed so much I don't know if I can take it. Is that selfish of me?"
"No Las. You're not being selfish at all. I promise you that no matter what happens I'll always put you first."

"What makes you think she's returned?"

"A dress. Your Mother was a very very talented seamtress. She had a unique pattern she would use that no one else could master. A dress with that patteren was left at Bofur's house for his late wife or his daughter. Darila and his wife were best friends." Thorin explained.
"You're basing all of this on a dress? There's no real evidence."

"I know she is back. I can feel it."
"Having a feeling is not enough to convince me. If my Mother is out there she would have came to me long ago."
"There has to be a reason why she did not return. She must have known something we don't." 
"When you bring me back solid evidence I'll believe you and help find her."
"I'll bring you back enough evidence. I'll bring her."

"I'll see you soon my love." Fili said while holding Dalila's hands in his

"I know. If you have not returned by the end of the week I'll come find you myself."
"I appreciate it love but you will not."
"Oh really?"
"You're staying with Mother while I'm gone."
"Am I now? Since when have you been in charge of my life?"
"Fili don't you know not to poke a bear?" Kili joked from his pony.

"Please Dalila. It's for your own safety. Bofur is coming with us. Bifur and Bombur have agreed to watch over you and Mother. It's easier to do that if you're together. I'll be a nervous wreck if you're alone." Fili ignored Kili's remark.

"Fine. But next time don't say it so demanding."
"I'm sorry love." Fili smiled. Dalila sweetly kissed him on the cheek. Fili tilted his head and captured her lips in a soft tender kiss.

"Stay safe." Dalila told him.

"Always." Fili said mounting his pony.

"Bye Dalila!" Kili shouted.

"Bye Kili! Stay safe!"
"Don't worry Lala! You're forgetting I'm the responsible one." Dalila smiled at this. Kili was still not back to normal and he probably never would be but he is trying. When he heard the news about Thorin and Darila he instantly decided to help. Thorin was by his side through the whole Ragna incident and he was going to be by Thorin's side. 

"Come in dear. It's too hot for you to be out here." Dis said.
"You're right. They'll be alright." 
"Of course the will Dalila. I think they'll be home in a couple days." Dis assured her.

"I hope so."
"Don't worry. Why don't you come help me finish a blanket I've been working on. I know you love sewing."

"I'd love to."