A Hobbit's Tale-Thorin's P.O.V.

37-Memories

We remain quiet for a while, waiting & pondering about what to do next. I rub my thumb softly against her skin while I simply dread knowing for the fact that we need to escape. Before Durin's Day, I hope that Bilbo Baggins is safe. There was hardly a chance for us to escape Thranduil's dungeons, unless you have the keys. I briefly glance at Anya, her eyebrows were furrowed as if she was thinking about something. I found this really endearing about her, besides her intelligence & beauty the little things she does. Not many females in my life ever swayed me the way she did, which is why I became attracted to her.
Anya: "Thorin, listen to me, I'm sure that this might work, we can use Thranduil's help. With his army behind us we could overtake the dragon."
For some reason I wanted to disagree with her, before I could answer she raised her hand.
Anya: "Listen, the elf's army could easily become a distraction to the dragon. They could keep him occupied enough for Bilbo to slip into Erebor & retrieve the King's Jewel. Besides even with Gandalf & the 15 of us could have hardly pull it off. Even with or without luck."
Balin: "You are indeed Wildon Hadin's kin, my child, Lord Hadin also used to give good advises to King Thror now & then."
Wildon Hadin? Why did that name sound so familiar? Suddenly I remember knowing about him.

*He was one of the richest men living in the city of Dale. A few of the humans we got along splendidly for years. Him & his kin were our brothers-in-arms for almost three generations. I do not remember Lord Hadin's father but I knew him & his two sons. He had five daughters & many nieces & nephews. I remember a tall man with shoulder-length black hair, fair skin & golden-brown eyes. Heck all the men in his family do while the women were of well-bred families. There was Lord Hadin's niece, I've forgotten her name, she looked like them but died at a very young age. Wildon Hadin was a warrior, a philosopher & at times a good advisor too. Him & his kin treated us like their family even some of our ladies as well. He was among very few human whom I admired from afar. Both Dwalin & I knew him since we were both young dwarflings. Both the Durins & Hadins would exchange gifts on many different occasions. Wildon Hadin & his beautiful wife, Ivona Hadin were there when my siblings Frerin & my sister Dis were born. I've never intended any of the Hadin children's day of birth besides the ladies in my family. But one afternoon my mother sent me & my siblings to the Hadins to see the youngest grandchild. My grandmother wasn't well so mother stayed behind. The Fundin brothers accompanied us as well, Lord Hadin's younger son Orion's wife, Rita was about give birth to a son. He has three daughters while his older brother, Frederic has two sons & two daughters. I remember that it was a pleasant day that afternoon & I was anxious to head back to Erebor. Frerin & Dis were waiting so was Balin but like me Dwalin was getting annoyed. I was about to inform Balin about my intentions just then the door bursts open & Lady Ivona Hadin enters. She was holding a small bundle of cloth in her arms & it was moving. Lady Ivona had a tired smile on her face as she walks upto me.
Lady Ivona: "Prince Thorin, it is wonderful that you came here in your mother's place despite your busy schedules. I trust you to do this believe me but right now we're short staffed. Rita is taking her time in recovery & my assistance is needed so here you go. My most prized treasure & grandson Andon Hadin."
To my utter dismay she hands me the small bundle in which her grandson, the newborn baby, in my arms. Then she rushed out before I could object, I stood there awkwardly as my siblings & the Fundin brothers crowd us. Both my siblings & Balin cooed the baby even Dwalin's features had softened as he stares at the baby. I was getting agitated for the baby was wailing a bit, the last & the only baby I held was my sister Dis. Reluctantly I look down & that was when the baby stops his wailing once his eyes locks with mine. He had a mop of black hair & the same golden-brown eyes. But his eyes held this innocence & charm that held me captive for some odd reason. Instinctively, I held out my finger to him & his tiny fist holds it firmly. Right then I knew that he would make a strong-willed warrior like his grandfather maybe more. I hardly noticed when Dwalin & the others left us, I stayed at the Hadin's mansion much longer than intended. I was strolling in the garden holding Andon closer in my arms, he had fallen asleep by then as I softly hum the lullaby my mother sang to us. Thus our bond of friendship began that day. Eventually as a few years went by Andon grew to be a bright eyed handsome young boy. He was about my height at the age of 12, the exact copy of his grandfather's youth as my grandmother always says. He would always tail my shadow whenever he comes to Erebor either alone or with Lord Hadin. He would watch me & Dwalin perform in our training, he would pester Frerin to show him how to ride a pony, he & Dis became good playmates. The boy mentors me in every way & he would also pester Dwalin to show him how to use an axe. Dwalin refused saying that it's no child's play but deep down I know Dwalin cares about the boy. At times we would often wish that if we had a son he ought to be like Andon. He was an eager pupil as I taught him a few tricks & such. It is really rare in those days for humans & dwarfs to be friends.