As promised, we are leaving right off after the Coronation, to continue the saga of my story of Kili and Tauriel! For part 1, please look on here for "Kili Cannot Be Dead," and for part 2, "Kili, King Under the Mountain." And don't forget to visit the two Facebook pages I manage for related pics and info (recently I showed the pics that gave me the inspiration when I wrote about Tauriel's hair for the Coronation: Kili Cannot Be Dead and The Promise, A Walk On Starlight :)
Thank you to all my readers for following this long journey with me. To my lovely reviewers:
Lisstu: You're welcome & Thank you! :)
Susan: Wow! Thank you so much for your wonderful words! I know, I can't wait for them to be finally be together too
TinuvielTurner: Aww...thank you Hun :) And yes...let their great life begin!
Helena1414: thank you :) oh yessss...coming up very soon (pun-*wink *wink)
Celebrisilweth: Thank you very much :)
Lisa: You're welcome :)
Aneita: Thanks & here you go :) Yes, we will find out soon ;)
Bienniel: Thank you...and will do :)
Megumisakura: Thank you :)
Margaritasc: Thank you! I know...wish I had more time to write so I could post chapters quicker :)
The start of Book 3:
Chp 69
After Kili and Tauriel were presented as King and Queen of Durin's Folk, and of Erebor, and the audience gave their applause, Balin indicated they could return to their seats. Dwalin walked over and handed the pillow with the Arkenstone back to Dis as it was his turn to present something to the couple. He walked over to Twain who had kept watch over some fine weaponry and they both approached the couple on the dais. Dwalin had no problem speaking loudly as he began, "King Kili and Queen Tauriel, may I present...your royal arms, which you may carry at all times. They come from the finest Blacksmith in all the land, who is now in residence here in Erebor. Twain first handed Dwalin, who in turn presented it to Kili, a magnificent silver axe. Double headed, but small enough to wear in the holder at his side, prominently featured was his diamond shaped overlapping pattern carved into the middle, above the black leather wrapped hilt. Twain then handed over a small bow of darkest wood with a matching quiver of black wood arrows with white feather tips. "And as our King favors a bow, he also made this for you my Lord," Dwalin said. "And for Queen Tauriel," Dwalin continued, reaching back and getting the weapons Twain was handing him, "A fine sword and an unbreakable bow...one made out of mithril and a matching stock of arrows." He handed them to Kili and in turn, Kili presented them to Tauriel. First he handed over the sword, it was smaller and chunkier than any elven blade she had ever used, but exquisitely crafted and finely balanced as she felt it's heft in her skilled hands. Kili helped her place it in holder at her waist. Lastly he gave her the bow and matching quiver of arrows that Dwalin had handed him. She ran her fingers along the smooth and cold silver colored metal and plucked the thick string, giving it a pull and was surprised at the lightness of the bow but with the strength it took to pull it back. She and Kili bowed and Kili said, "Thank you. On behalf of myself and Tauriel, I accept these magnificently wrought weapons."
They returned to their seats and Balin again spoke, "And now, we will hear from his majesty, King Kili." Kili cleared his throat and slowly stepped down to the podium. He began as what was clearly the prepared part of the speech, "I want to personally thank everyone for making the journey here to Erebor. Many kin have come from all corners of Middle Earth to witness myself and Tauriel being crowned King and Queen, and we appreciate the long and arduous journeys you have made. And, we have new friends, such as King Bard of Dale and his family, that have made the short trip across the valley to see his friend crowned King. We also want to thank our allies, the elves, who have also traveled long distances to bear witness in the long reckoning of their lifetimes, to the events here today." As he mentioned each group, he and Tauriel bowed in turn. Tauriel, most reverently, and of course elven style with hand on breast, to her elven kin at their mention.
He continued to the more impromptu and heartfelt thoughts of his speech, "And so...much I have seen and done, in the short reckoning of my years, and yet, here I am as your King now. Though I have been reckless, I did spend a great deal of tutelage under my Uncle Thorin and my brother Fili, in addition to the many quests and adventures I have had in my own right. Rest assured, that I will endeavor to make the wisest and just Ruler that I can be, and I am grateful to have the following Kin as my council."
And now Kili proceeded to the part of his speech where he would show everyone who he had picked for his Council of Eldars. He continued, "As I call you, please stand so that I may introduce you to the gathering...My Counselor and greatest and oldest friend of my Uncle Thorin, Balin, son of Fundin, Son of Farin, and son of Borin who was younger brother of Dain I." Balin bowed to the assembled group. Kili next introduced Dwalin, "Brother to Balin, and Master of the Guard of Erebor, and the one who trained me and Fili when we were lads." Dwalin gave a stiff and slight bow, seemingly embarrassed by the title and/or all the attention. Next Kili said, "And for our Master Financier, I introduce Gloin." Gloin, in all his red finery took a bow. " And now, for those that tend our sick, I now appoint Oin to Master Healer. Oin is oldest brother to Master Gloin, Son of Groin, and is Of Great Grand kin to Borin, younger brother of Dain I, whom was father to King Thror." There were approving nods and comments throughout the Gallery as Oin got up, sans ear trumpet, and bowed to the crowd. Kili continued, "Next are my distant cousins and members of the Company of Thorin Oakenshield, Master of Supplies, Dori; and our Master Scribe, Ori." He waited until the two of them had taken their bows to continue.
Kili started up, "And next is someone I'm sure you all have come to know or should...to appreciate all the fine fare he and his helpers have supplied everyone with, this is Bombur, Master of the Kitchens." Bombur slowly got up from and took a bow upon rising and his cheeks were a rosey pink. Kili smiled and knew Bombur preferred to not have a fuss made over him, and was anxious to get back to his kitchens were he could finish preparing the magnificent feast for the night's celebrations, so quickly hurried on to his last names. "I have just a few more names to speak for my Council, and they are: these lads do come from distant dwarf settlements but they were there and answered the call of Thorin and thus proved their loyalty and bravery during this quest. The first, brother to Bombur, is our Master Builder, Bofur whom you have him and his crew to thank for doing such an incredible feat of making the needed repairs quickly here in the Mountain; and his cousin Bifur, Master Craftsman. If you need anything mechanical, large or small, see him and his crew." Bofur, dressed in fine clothes, but still placed one hand on his floppy hat, so as it would not fall off and took an immense bow. Bifur, who seemed a little more with it, after the battle sans axe in his forehead, seemed genuinely touched by being named a part of Kili's council, also took a bow and smiled a goofy smile at the crowd.
Kili surveyed the crowd and everyone seemed to be a fine mood after the last of his Council took their bows. He continued, "And lastly, but none the least, are my two emissaries from this dwarven realm and all Longbeard strongholds for the rest of Middle Earth. These two I am about to name did not know I would be awarding them this esteemed honor, but I hope they will accept. First, to our ever-wandering friend, Gandalf the Grey, if you are thus interested, I request that you be on my kingly Council and keep me briefed on all the happenings in Middle Earth and to know that you will be forever welcomed in dwarven lands as our friend and ally, for all that you have done to help me and my kin achieve this formidable quest." Everyone turned to look at Gandalf who stood from his chair and took his hat off. He bowed to Kili and said, "I accept your offer, King Kili, and would be happy to meet with you regularly regarding any news and tidings I receive."
Kili smiled and said, "wonderful, wonderful." Then he continued, "And lastly, I want everyone present to know about one of the best burglars...but best friends...anyone could ever have. My uncle Thorin once thought him to be a grocer...but our Halfling friend from the Shire realm has proved his bravery time and time again during our adventure, and even though he may not think so, he became a mighty warrior in the process. Who else would have the nerve to stand up for what's right against Thorin during his terrible dragon sickness! So...Bilbo, son of Bungo, from the distant Shire realm, I appoint you Master of the Gardens of Erebor; and also to be an emissary to your land, and a friend of our people, until the ending of time. Do you accept?" All eyes were on Bilbo who had already whipped out his handkerchief and was wiping his eyes. It took him a moment to stand up, when he did he spoke gently but with purpose in his words, "I am very honored, and yes I will accept this gracious award given to me by your Lordships, King Kili and Queen Tauriel," he said, as he bowed to each in turn; "And as long as I reside here in the Mountain I will tend the Gardens, until a suitable fill in can be found, upon my leaving. And yes, I will remember all that happened, the good the bad, those who survived, and those who didn't; and will endeavor to let future generations know of it."
Kili and Tauriel were momentarily taken aback at Bilbo's words, but continued on with the Ceremony. Tauriel went back to her seat and Kili spoke his last part of his speech as sson as he was sure he had the attention of everyone in the room. He began, "And so...enough blood has been spilt in the reclaiming of the Mountain...there will not be an Orc sacrifice today; nor indeed would myself or Tauriel want to start our rule that way. Instead... we want to open our hearts and arms in friendship to all peace loving peoples and denizens of Middle Earth; and to know that those interested in such, have an ally and a friend in the dwarves as long as I and my descendants sit on the throne. May today's ceremony usher in a new era of friendship between old kin that we have not broken bread with in many a long year; new friends such as the citizens of Dale and of other similar homes of humanfolk where new bonds and mutually beneficial trade will be established; and lastly, but not the least, our original allies of old - the elves, whom I personally extend my open arms of friendship and hope that we may rekindle the bonds that once existed between our two peoples."
Kili said the last part of his speech forcefully, but amicably and he, Tauriel, Dis and Balin especially looked the elves way, and as Celeborn was the most senior representative of the elven contention there, they focused their attention on him and he smiled and nodded slowly in Kili's direction, effectively giving his consent to Kili's words. Kili smiled and clapped his hands together and finished his speech, "Therefore, again, on behalf of myself and Tauriel, I want to thank everyone for making the journey to witness the events of today. I invite everyone to stay for the feasting and merriment that I'm sure will go on long into the night! Lastly, a few notes, I invite my dwarven kin to a summit on the morrow and we shall discuss all of your concerns that were brought to my attention recently; and...to our old allies that have traveled such a long way...I want to meet with you as well...if you are inclined to stay at least one or two more days?" Again Celeborn gave a slow nod. "Very well then, now, it is up to my Queen for the awarding of gifts." After Kili's last words and of the comments of his rule everyone cheered much, after their fashion.
