The Hobbit: All in the Family

Chapter 1 of a new Hobbit story; this time, the focus is on Tilda; for a change, hope you enjoy it.

Disclaimer: The Hobbit belongs to JRR Tolkien.

Chapter 1

The newly revived Kingdom of Dale was once more beginning to flourish; as was its neighbour, the Dwarven Kingdom of Erebor. Both Kingdom's and their inhabitants had recovered well in the years following the death of Smaug the Dragon. Today was a special day in the Kingdom of Dale however; as their ruler, King Bard, was preparing, along with the citizens, for the wedding of his youngest daughter and child; Tilda. Tilda was currently in her bedroom, clad in just her sleeping shift and standing before her looking glass. She noticed she looked rather pale; she bit her lip as her thoughts began to wander to her upcoming wedding.

'This is it; today's the day…' She thought to herself. 'I'm getting married, to a man I've never even seen. Although, what I have heard about him, doesn't seem so bad.'

She fidgeted slightly; despite that thought, she still didn't feel quite reassured. There were so many fearful thoughts rushing through her head.

Try as she might, she couldn't control them. 'What if my husband proves…ungallant; what if he isn't…What if he hurts me?'

She tried to dismiss the thoughts, telling herself she was being silly, that she shouldn't make assumptions before meeting the man. But it did no good; the thoughts remained and she fought not to tremble.

She was mercifully distracted by a knock at the door; which then opened. It was then her older sister, the oldest of Bard's three children, entered.

"Tilda?" She greeted carefully.

Tilda smiled. "Good morning Sigrid."

Sigrid nodded; also smiling. "Good morning."

Tilda shifted awkwardly. "Well, this is it."

"I know." Sigrid replied softly; her eyes telling Tilda she was aware all was not well.

Tilda bit her lip again; wondering just how much to say. Sigrid had a remarkable talent after all, of being able to read her, better than anyone else.

In the end, all that came out was. "I'm so nervous."

Sigrid immediately embraced her sister. "I can be nerve-racking, but trust me, it will be alright."

"You sure?" Tilda asked; suddenly feeling like a child again.

Sigrid nodded. "Yes, now please, tell me, what is troubling you, perhaps I can help."

Tilda hesitated briefly before finally explaining her worries and fears to Sigrid. When she finished Sigrid nodded slowly; gently embracing her younger sister again.

"Oh Tilda; it's quite alright to be nervous; these fears are normal, especially in a political marriage such as this." She explained. "But you have to remember, you are a Princess of Dale; daughter of the Dragon-Slayer. You lived, with us, in Smaug's shadow for most of your life; you lived when he attacked. What is a man compared to a dragon?"

Tilda laughed lightly at that; agreeing with Sigrid and began to relax. Before long the servants arrived and Sigrid helped them as they began to change Tilda into her wedding dress.

Meanwhile; within the great hall, the final preparations for the wedding were underway. Standing watching as this took place, was King Bard himself.

'All these years and I've yet to get used to that title.' He thought to himself.

While the responsibilities as King had fallen to him; he was used to shouldering heavy burdens. He had done so all his life, especially when living in poverty in Lake-Town, raising his three children by himself.

He sighed gently. 'Yet now Tilda is getting married; a political marriage, to create an alliance to help protect our lands true, but still…They grow up so quickly.'

He smiled at that; while today was Tilda's wedding day, Sigrid was also betrothed; rather unusually to a Dwarven Prince, Fili of Erebor, one of King Thorin's nephews. His son Bain, the middle child of the three, was also married, rather happily too.

Bain stood with his father; also smiling as he looked around, observing as the Great Hall was decorated for the wedding.

"I still can't believe Tilda will be married soon." He said happily. "It feels like only yesterday we were living in Lake-Town, just trying to get through each day…until the Dwarves and the Hobbit Bilbo came into our lives."

Bard nodded; that was certainly when everything changed. "I know what you mean Bain; it won't be much longer until Sigrid's wedding too."

Bain nodded; smiling widely. Bain's smile grew as a beautiful young woman the same age as him then entered the hall.

The young woman was above medium height, being around a head shorter than Bain, she had long, wavy light blonde hair, which she wore loose, allowing it to frame her face and fall naturally past her shoulder; clear grey eyes; pale skin and a lanky build. She was graceful and blessed with a generous, but not over-bloomed womanly figured. She wore an exquisite dress which bared the tops of her shoulders.

The woman smiled as she approached Bain; when they were close enough they embraced and Bain kissed her.

"Tiana." He greeted his wife happily.

Tiana smiled warmly. "Hello Bain."

She turned to Bard and bowed before speaking to both of them.

"I've just come from Tilda's room, she looks amazing." She paused before adding. "Sigrid said she was a little nervous, but she's alright now. Sigrid will be down shortly too."

Bain nodded at that. "Excellent, we're nearly ready here too."

Tiana's smile dropped a little as she looked back at Bard.

"I…my father sends his apologies, he cannot attend. I fear his condition has grown worse." She explained.

Bard nodded sadly; Tiana's father was a good, generous, kind man; who unfortunately suffered from severe gout.

"I understand; I hope he recovers soon." Bard replied gently.

Tiana nodded and they resumed waiting.

It wasn't much later that Tilda's soon to be husband and his retinue arrived; he was met before Dale's royal palace by Bard. The man Tilda was to marry was older than her true, being around twenty-five. He was tall, easily at least a foot taller than the girl he was to marry; with a lanky build, fair skin, shoulder length dark brown hair and brown eyes, he also had a slight beard.

"Sire." He greeted Bard, bowing as he did so.

"Welcome Alrek." Bard replied as the man stood up. "I am pleased to see you've arrived safely."

Alrek nodded and together they entered; Alrek soon noticed a pair of young people, waiting for them.

Bard introduced them to him. "Ah Alrek, this is my son, Bain and his wife Tiana."

"Pleasure." He greeted them with a friendly smile.

Bain nodded. "Likewise, you are most welcome."

Tiana also greeted him politely and soon Alrek; having also been introduced to Sigrid; was away getting ready and preparations were complete. The wedding was ready to begin.

End of chapter, hope you enjoyed it, read and review please.