"St. What Day?"

Râlia nearly face palmed herself. It wasn't a hard name and yet here Kili was, being difficult. They were stuck in the Lonely Mountain that day due to a freak snow storm that had blown in the previous day. Already, there was over a foot of snow on the ground and everyone was bundled up to ward off the cold from the wind that beat against their home. "St. Patrick's Day, and it's three days before the spring equinox and a great celebration where Gavin and I lived."

"Why?"

She looked over at Melli who was holding Flori, who in turn amusing herself with her mother's hair. "Well, I'm actually not sure of the real story. In the country where he lived, they throw a festival on the day of his death as a celebration for what he did in his life. Were we lived, we wore green, played games, and drank. A lot."

"Why green?" Fili asked from his spot on the floor with Dhiren who was sitting next to his father, concentrating far harder on his toys than a two-year-old should.

"The Irish, the countrymen of the Saint, tell that he wore a little green plant called a shamrock to explain his religion. It's considered good luck now and not wearing green on this particular day can get you tormented by people pinching you." Out of the corner of her eye, Râlia saw Kili give Tauriel a particular look. "A color oddly not surrounding dwarves and Tauriel would probably be the safest of us all that day."

A coughing laugh came from Fili as he knew what she was insinuating. But it was true, the Elf was probably the only one in Erebor with so much green in her wardrobe. Melli piped up again.

"You mentioned drinking, in abundance."

"Oh yes. It was customary for many to clean their bathrooms the day before or of in case they became sick. Gavin and I would engage in contest with others to see who could drink more."

"That would be no contest here," Kili announced. His focus returning to the discussion after Tauriel refused to look at him. "Dwarves are hearty creatures, made to drink. I think we could outdrink you and your brother."

"What of your lovely wife, brother?"

There was a moment of silence as they watched him squirm.

"Probably."

"You sound hesitant."

"Shut up."

Ralia laughed, "If I didn't know any better, I would think you wanted to have a competition between all of us."

"Why not? We can announce it for Erebor and Dale that we are celebrating a holiday from where you and Gavin hail from, I doubt anyone would complain."

"After being here almost four years, it's a little strange Fili."

"Nonsense," Kili jumped in obviously excited about the idea of a party. "Everyone loves you and your brother, not to mention how boring my brother has become in the last few years."

"I could say the same to you."

"I would have to say all of you are rather boring, except for my lovely Melli."

Everyone turned and saw Nori in the room. Ralia craned her neck to see around him, "Two things: how did you get in here and that's a biased opinion."

"I walked in."

"Swore I bolted the door against Balin." Kili muttered, looking curiously down the hall behind the thief.

"You did." Nori walked over to Melli, pulled on her braids and took Flori from her lap. He pulled something out of his coat and handed it to the toddler.

Fili squinted his eyes at the object from his position on the floor. "Is that Balin's eyepiece?"

"Maybe."

Snorts of laughter were heard from various sources in the room. "So what were you all talking about that made how boring everyone is to be brought up."

"Ralia has a holiday festival centered around drinking contests." Tauriel offered.

The Queen rolled her eyes when Nori looked at her in interest. "There's more to it than just drinking, and it isn't the only one we have that involves copious amounts of drink."

"When is it?"

"Around two weeks away." She answered Nori.

"Then let's have a party! I need to see Melli drink Dwalin under the table as I heard happened before."

The other occupants turned their attention to the partially blind dwarrowdam who looked at them coolly. "Dwalin insists that never happened."

The next day, all of Erebor knew of St Patrick and the festival to be thrown in his honor. The day after, word reached Dale and the third day, Gavin was in Erebor giving his sister a tired, amused look.

"I can only assume your dwarves were responsible for the excitement of a Saint they've never heard of before."

"I only told them a story, Kili was overcome with the thought of dwarves holding their drink better than us."

"That's why this is happening, because he thinks he can outdrink me?"

"Us."

"This is ridiculous."

"So is Kili."

Having no choice but to go along with the plans, as both populations were excited about the day and mostly because everyone was taking the day off, Râlia and Gavin gave in and threw out suggestions for decorating and favors to make. The color green was overflowing in both towns, both swearing more than they had ever seen in their life. Someone had sent a raven to the Iron Hills and Fili received a message the fourth day that Dain was on his with food and drink to join in on the celebration. The Lord arrived the day before the festival and immediately set his men to work helping set up tents and stalls in Erebor, the main halls taken over as there was still some snow on the ground and cold.

The fateful day came and as the sun crested over the horizon, a large hand slid over a small waist, down a rounded hip, and thick fingers pinched the warm flesh of the thigh beneath it. A reaction was immediate and Ralia yelped, driving her elbow into Fili's stomach. He coughed out a laugh as she sat up, wide awake and glaring at him.

"What the hell was that for?"

"You said, if someone wasn't wearing green on this day they would be pinched."

Her eyes narrowed,

pain throbbing lightly on her thigh. "You aren't either," Râlia pointed out. Neither wore clothes to bed last night.

Fili's eyes widened and he rolled away from his wife, falling off the side of the bed.


"HAPPY ST. PATRICKS DAY!"

It was midmorning, Gavin and Ralia standing side by side in astonishment as they looked out over the festival. Dwarves and Men mingled with each other, clashing tankards in toasts, children with green paint and ribbons ran about through tents and between legs playing tag, and women gathered in groups talking and giggling amongst themselves. The gaiety in the air was marvelous and almost, unsettling. These people had no idea what it who they were celebrating for and yet, it was almost merrier than Durin's Day and the anniversary of Smaug's death. They caught the attention of one of the dwarves and he grabbed the attention of Bofur who was at his right. The hatted dwarf weaved his way through the crowd and to Râlia's side.

"Amazing what can be done in a short amount of time, eh?" No response. Bofur could guess what was bothering them, he was much more observant than most gave him credit for. "Join in on the fun, it's only lasting for the day."

"Why are they so...cheerful? No, exuberant."

Bofur looked up at the future King of Dale. "For the two of you, this is how much your people love you both. It is something you talked of fondly and this was done so you two could have a piece of home and they will enjoy it with you. Now, if you'll excuse me ..." he stepped away in time for Kili to come crashing into his sister in law. Thankfully, Gavin was quick and kept her upright.

"To the drinking tent! We must have our contest and uphold our place at the top of the drinking ladder."

"So if she beats you, is that still holding your position?"

That stopped Kili briefly, "Good point. Though, I doubt it will happen. To the tent!"

A hand came up and slapped his dark head. "Why don't you let them enjoy their day before drowning them in barrels." Fili stated, humor evident in his voice. He turned to his wife and looked her up and down in her new silver and green outfit. "Come, I'll show you what Dain brought."

Râlia placed her hand in his, smiling at his matching clothes. "Gavin, go find Sigrid and have fun. We'll meet later and win Kili's drinking games."


Time was lost to everyone as they immersed themselves in the frivolities. Wrestling, prize games, face paints, crafts, food of course, every opportunity that was thought of was taken. Râlia wound up with a crown of paper shamrocks and flowers from a group of children and a new scarf from a new Lady of Dale's court. It was mid afternoon when Kili reappeared with Tauriel and made his announcement again, this time those who were near and heard him roared in agreement leaving little choice. Gavin was found and was sat with Râlia and Tauriel on one side of the table with Kili, Fili, and Dwalin opposite.

"I know I'm pretty, but donna confuse me with yer wife."

Râlia snorted, the warrior must be a couple tankards in himself already. "Are you are about this?"

"Of course they are!" Dain bellowed as he stepped up to the table. "Now, rules. One drink at a time and drink till ya drop." Stomping and cheering was heard all around and Râlia shrugged helplessly.

"Can I join?"

Melli approached with Nori and took a seat before she was given an answer. "Seems a little unfair, the women and a man against them?"

"Call quits whenever ya need." Dwalin called frm his seat.

"I was referring to you four."

The insult was heard by many, laughter rang and bets were made. Eight cups were slide down the table.

"Begin!"

One after another, cups were emptied and after ten, everyone was still at the table. Although a few were swaying in their seats. Râlia and Gavin had broken into an Irish jig and were taking turns singing as they drank into their eleventh.

"...Oh my name is Captain Kidd as I sailed, my name is Captain Kidd"

"And God's laws I did forbid, and most wickedly I did as I sailed..."

"I murdered William Moore and I left him in his gore, twenty leagues away from shore as I sailed..." Gavin shouted above the cheers of the crowd.

And it continued. However, at nineteen, Kili surprisingly quit as he dragged Tauriel from the table. Cat calls and hollars followed them from the hall. The game continued and Dwalin was the next one done, falling backwards and landing with a snore. Two drinks later, Gavin called out he was done although Râlia suspected it had more to do with Sigrid draped across his back and breathing into his ear than it was the drinks. She continued to sing every pub song she remembered as her and Melli kept up with Fili and Nori. All of them were very drink but none were giving in yet, that was until a few more cups were downed and Nori fell asleep halfway through their 29th drink.

Râlia was watching Fili with bleary eyed interest, as far gone as he was, her husband was still making suggestive moves at her. Sloppily. A glance to her left saw Melli staring into their 30th cup. The blonde healer sighed.

"How much longer is this going to take? I want to tie up Nori to our bed."

Laughter rippled through the crowd. "You heard the lady, take the lad to his room!" Dain shouted through his amusement. This seemed to motivate her and Melli downed the drink, then staring at the other two.

"Come on! I have somewhere to be." As she spoke, Nori was being lifted and carried away.

With a sigh, Râlia downed hers and Fili followed suit. It only took two for him to slam down his empty cup and stare at her with half open eyes.

"I'm done. Call it a tie between you two."

"It's a tie?"

The bench fell back as Fili stood and just like his brother, dragged his wife away to their rooms. Everyone stared after them and when they disappeared through the door, coins changed hands. Melli stood, grabbed her walking stick and followed the same path to Nori. Bofur and Balin stood off to the side and watched all this happen. The toymaker sighed and looked over at the advisor.

"Next time, we get them different partners to see who can win."

"They're all going to have one hell of a morning tomorrow."

"Aye."


It took me three days to write this cause I work so fucking much. Doesn't help I got the idea the day of.