Chapter Two: Return to Erebor
Sixty Years Later
Slowly, she drew an arrow from the quiver strapped to her back and notched it. The smell of earth filled her nostrils as she breathed in and out just as her father taught her to do before releasing the arrow. As the air left her lungs so did her arrow from her bow. She watched it fly as the arrow soared through the trees and embedded itself into the large buck. As soon as the arrow pierced its side the deer took off into the brush. Lowering her bow Torvi began running after the deer following its tracks and blood trail. The trail led her for an hour through the forest until she came upon a small glade with a stream meandering through the middle. She immediately spotted the deer lying still in the shallow water as a trail of red blood flowed from its side and was washed away by the clear water. As she grew closer, she could see her arrow still protruding out of its side which was another bonus as she could use it again. Torvi let out a sigh of relief as she approached the fallen body. She had been gone for three days and until now the hunting trip had not been as successful as others. With winter approaching, it was critical that this trip went well seeing as how it was most likely the last time she would be able to hunt before the first snowfall. So far she had only managed to catch a few squirrels that were far too small to be able to sell in the market. This deer had been the largest game she had spotted the entire time in the forest and her family depended on her sales to the butcher. Content with her hunt,Torvi felt that she could now return to her home in the Iron Hills.
Torvi had just dropped off the meat she had salvaged from the deer with the butcher and was walking down the street with her purse heavy with gold when Rorvi caught up with her. "Hey little sis," he said.
"What are you doing here?" she asked. "Shouldn't you be on your shift in the mines?"
Rorvi shook his head. "I got off early, mother sent a message that said I was urgently needed back at home."
"So why are you here and not back at home?"
"The message also said that I needed to bring you back with me." he said calmly. "I am glad you came back today because I was really not looking forward to traipsing through the forest looking for you. What took you so long? I was expecting you be home yesterday."
"I hadn't found any game except for a couple squirrels until earlier this morning." she explained. "Why does mother need us so urgently?" she asked sounding a little more concerned. "Is everything alright? Is mother ok?"
Rorvi just shrugged. "I know as much as you do, so I suggest you stop asking questions and hurry up." he said behind his shoulder as he quickened his pace down the worn and muddy path.
Torvi readjusted her hunting pack and followed after Rorvi as quickly as her legs would carry her. She did her best to try and not think about the possible reason for such an urgent summons from their mother but it was impossible. The last time something like this happened, they received the news that their father had been killed in a mining accident. With the memory seeping into her thoughts she quickened her pace even more as the urgency to know what was so important gnawed at her mind.
"We are moving!" said both siblings in unison.
"Yes," said Siv patiently.
"But this is where father is buried. We can't just leave him!" stated Torvi
Siv faltered at the mention of her late husband. It had been thirteen years since the accident and the wound felt just as fresh every time it was brought up. She did not like the thought of leaving the burial place of her husband but she had to think of what was best for her children, Rorin would have wanted it. "I know it will not be easy, but Dis has requested that I join her in Erebor as a companion. She has even promised work for Rorvi as an apprentice as a blacksmith for the person incharge of the armory."
"But I am not a blacksmith, I am a minor. I know nothing of the trade."
Siv placed a hand on her temple and closed her eyes, trying to muster some more patience to her supply that was running very thin. "That is why you are to start out as an apprentice. The pay is better than what you are making now and the occupation is much safer. I will not have you working in those mines any longer. It is too dangerous, I will not have you suffer the same fate as your father." Her words were sharper than she meant and she saw the hurt in her sons eyes as she uttered them. She had lost her husband but her children had lost their father and it was obvious to her that Rorvi still suffered as much as she did. He did well to hide it but every once in awhile it would show up. "Also, in addition to moving back to Erebor we will inherit the money that belonged to both my family and your fathers before Smaug took the mountain leaving us with only what we had in our pockets. This will be good for us, we will no longer have to scrimp and pinch to make ends meet"
Rorvi chewed on the inside of his lip as he thought deeply about their situation. It was true despite their family moving her for financial gain the last ten years had been a struggle. After their father had died they were able to make what small fortune they had built up to last for several years but once that ran out they became desperate. They had all worked together to survive but it was no way of living. He spent every day going down into the dark mines which was a struggle in itself as he worked in the mine that took his father's life. His mother had taken to giving out sewing lessons and Torvi helped an elderly woman out with her market stall. In addition to her job with the old woman Torvi would also go hunting to help bring in some extra money and meat for the table. Every few weeks or so she went out hunting by herself which Rorvi did not like at all. She was skilled with a bow and as the years went on she became more and more talented but she was a hunter not a fighter. Each time she went out on a hunting trip he worried for her safety. As an attempt to keep her safe he would join her on his days off but those were a rarity. Just yesterday he had been worried sick when he came home to find that she had still yet to return. He always did his best to not show his concern too often as Torvi did not like to be coddled like a child. She was stubborn in that way but Rorvi did his best to still protect her without her knowing. As much as a struggle it was to pack up and leave sixty years ago Rorvi knew that his mother was doing this for the best of the family. He had to support her. "When will we leave?" He asked, earning a relieved and appreciative smile from his mother.
"In two weeks," said Siv. "That should give us enough time to settle anything we have here and pack."
"But what am I going to do?" Asked Torvi. "What about my job at the market stall?"
"You will no longer need to work. With the extra income of Rorvi's new work and the large sum of money we will regain from our family line we will not need the extra money. Instead you will be able to focus on more important things like becoming a lady of court." She said giving her daughter a disapproving look as Torvi slouched in a chair wearing a pair of loose pants and shirt with her legs draped over the armrest and looking filthy from her hunting trip. "I know we have not been living like it lately but we are still noble. You have done well to being able to adjust and so willing to help out, especially after your father passed on but Mahal has given us an opportunity to hold our heads more proudly about our heritage."
"Since when did it become so important that I act like a lady?" Asked Torvi sounding skeptical.
"Ever since you were born into a noble family, that is when." Said Siv sternly. "You will need to marry some day and a noble dwarf is not going to accept some hooligan as a wife." Said Siv, pushing Torvi's feet off the chair and to the ground causing her to sit up right.
"Married!" Cried Torvi. "But i just turned of age and you never seemed so concerned before! Why is it so important all of a sudden!"
Siv rubbed a hand across her face, praying to Mahal for patience. "Because before our situation was different. Now we have a chance to live better than we have in the past decade and now that we will be reinstated into high society we must act the part."
"So now that we will have money all of a sudden we have the right to act better than normal people?" Argued Torvi.
"Torvi that is enough you know that is not what I mean. I know you have gotten used to the simple life but it is time you remember who you are and what duties that comes with. You are daughter of Rorin, son of Roric who was a wealthy and highly esteemed noble. He was the right hand man to Thrane before Erebor fell to the dragon. Our family took a hard fall when we moved to the blue mountains and although you do not remember a time of when we were wealthy it is time you get used to it. You are a noble lady therefore you are to act like one and live like one. That includes marriage."
Siv's voice was just lower than a yell but it was firm in conveying the message. Torvi's eyes flashed in anger as she stood up quickly and walked towards the front door, grabbing her bow and quiver as she passed by their resting place on the kitchen table.
"Where do you think you are going?" Demanded Siv.
"To find myself a noble to marry!" She announced loudly as she waved her hand in the air. She opened the door and slammed it behind her as she walked out into the cool night air.
Siv slumped against the table as she exhaled her frustration. Rorvi could see how upset she was and he did not like seeing his mother this way. He knew this was not easy for her to leave her husband's burial site but she was doing what was best for the family even if Torvi did not see it that way. He walked over and gave his mother a hug as she let a few tears escape her eyes.
"Don't worry mother," he said giving her a tight squeeze. "I will go find her and talk to her, she will come around."
Siv pulled away from her son to take a look at him as she put a hand on his cheek. "You are a good boy Rorvi. You had to grow up faster than you should have but I appreciate everything you do for me and Torvi."
Rorvi gave her a smile and a kiss on the cheek before moving to go find Torvi. Grabbing his coat as he passed by the coat rack, he opened the door and followed after his sister knowing exactly where to find her.
Torvi was sitting on a rock looking up at the stars with a small frown on her face when she heard the crack of a tree branch. Instinctively she grabbed her bow and swiftly notched an arrow as she stood up and faced the direction of the noise. Taking aim she held her breath as the brush began to move and Rorvi appeared from behind a tree with his arms up and a calm look on his face. As soon as he came into view she relaxed and sat back down on the boulder. Rorvi took a seat next to her and looked up to the sky. A silence fall upon them for a time before Rorvi broke the quiet as he spoke.
"Do you remember when mother and father once talked about moving to the next village over back when we still lived in the Blue Mountains?" he finally said not looking away from the stars. Torvi gave a hum of confirmation but nothing else. "You were so convinced that your life would be miserable if we were to leave our home and friends. I remember you even managed to runaway to go live in the forest in an attempt to protest leaving that house." He let out a laugh as he thought about the memory. "It didn't take long for Fili and I to get the information out of Kili as to where you were hiding when we found out what had happened. We could only convince you to come back with us by telling you that mother and father had decided not to move, which thankfully they did by the time we got home, otherwise I think you would have taken off again. But then later down the road we really did move, and farther than the next village over. When we first arrived to the Iron Hills you were miserable for several weeks," he paused for a moment, looking at her and watching as she played with a clump of moss that she had torn from the rock. "Torvi," she looked at him. "I know you don't want to leave home but remember this used to not always be home." Torvi just shrugged her shoulders and dropped the moss to the ground as she brushed her hands to rid them of dirt. "I am not saying it will be immediate but someday Erebor will be home to you."
Torvi took in a deep breath and let it out slowly. "It's not leaving here that I am afraid of Rorvi. In all honesty I could care less of where we live."
Rorvi looked at her, confusion evident on his face as she spoke. "Then why are you giving mother such a hard time? You know she hates the idea of leaving father but she is doing this for us."
"I know. It's just…" she paused trying to find the right words. "I know mother means well. I am just afraid of the changes that are going to happen. When we lived in Ered Luin people knew we were of noble birth and they treated us as such. There was so much expectation and so many rules. Those not of noble birth treated us like we were better than them and some people seemed to despise us because of it. Then there were the other nobles. I know when I was born we were not as poor as we are now but I know other nobles saw it differently. They saw us as inferior, as if we were only tolerated because of our connections with the line of Durin. With grandfather having had such a high post, mother being friends with the King's sister, and even our friendship with the heirs to the throne helped the other nobles tolerate us. I know I was still very young but I was not naive. It was like we didn't fit anywhere. We were too noble to fit in with the commonfolk and too common to fit with the nobles. But when we moved here, no one treated us like that. We are accepted here for who we are, not who our forefathers were. I am just afraid that when we go back to Erebor, where nobles and commonfolk are more divided, things will go back to how it was. Our life here may be a struggle but it is simple and peaceful." She let out a deep slow sigh. "Sometimes I wish I was not born into this family. Being noble is complicated, I feel like I will not be able to be myself when I have to always live up to others expectations of how I should and should not act."
Rorvi listened closely to his sister, he had never realized just how much Torvi enjoyed the lifestyle here. He had never had to worry about such things because it came easily to him and the more he thought about it the more he realized that since he was a man he could get away with things a lot more easily. For Torvi it was different. There was always a certain expectation of women of noble birth and never had he considered it until now. He thought about his answer for awhile before speaking up. "I know it is not going to be easy and that you will have to adjust and change some of your habits, I will have to as well. But you're smart Torvi, if there is anyone who could figure out away to have both words, it would be you, that I do not doubt about you." Torvi gave him a smile and bumped shoulders with him, giving him a silent thanks. "Either that or our mother will just have to accept the fact that her daughter will be an old maid." he added jokingly.
Torvi smacked him upside the head before pushing him off the rock where he landed on the ground. He gave out a grunt that quickly turned into a fit of laughter as Torvi slide down and crouched next to him. "If mother has to get used to anything, my dear brother, is that our family line will end with the both of us since we both know no lady will marry your horrid goblin face." With that said she stood up and took off running as Rorvi chased her through the woods yelling after her to take it back.
Two Weeks Later
Torvi stared in awe at the two large statues depicting dwarven warriors on either side of the wide entrance of Erebor. Their journey had gone quickly, which she was torn between being grateful and bitter about. With winter soon approaching the air was becoming cooler and the wind that blew from the north cut through her clothes and brought a chill that sank into her bones. There journey had started in the late fall when the days were warm and only cooled down during the nights, but as their journey went on it warmed up less and less with each passing day. The coldness made it miserable during the night which made her happy to finally see the entrance of Erebor, tonight they would sleep in beds surrounded by thick mountain walls that would block out the wind. For once in the past two weeks she would finally have the opportunity for her body finally stop shivering. Despite this pleasantry to come, Erebor was not home. Of course the Iron Hills had not once been her home either but it was where her father was buried it felt wrong to be starting anew without him.
Torvi adjusted the scarf that she had wrapped around her neck and covered her head so that it blocked the wind from her numb ears. Her breath came out in a cloud as she exhaled and the warmth of her breath reacted with the cold air. She did her best to take in every sight and filed it away to her memory. Torvi had only ever heard from her mother and father's stories of what Erebor had looked like but now she was able to see just how grand Erebor was and it was far more superior than she had imagined.
Siv walked in front as Torvi and Rorvi followed behind leading the two ponies that carried what few possessions they could bring with them. The small family made their way to the opening in the mountain and Torvi's stomach flipped with nerves as they passed through the threshold. The hustle and bustle of the numerous people coming and leaving the entranceway made it difficult to move through the crowd. Rorvi grabbed the reigns of her pony leading it closer to his own in an effort to help them move more easily without being separated. She was busy looking up at the vaulted ceiling high above and the intricate carvings that decorated the towering pillars supporting the roof that she did not see it coming. As she gazed up at the architecture her attention was quickly brought back from her admiring when a sturdy body bumped into her shoulder. She began to stumble backwards from the force but felt two strong hands catch her and steady her. Once she had her balance the person kept moving as the dwarf mumbled a gruff and hurried apology. She looked back to see the dwarfs face but all she saw was a glimpse of blonde hair and medium build as he was swallowed up by the masses that surrounded them.
"Torvi," said Rorvi grabbing her hand. "Stay close, I don't want to get separated and spend the entire first day in Erebor looking for you."
Torvi gave him a sour look to show him that she did not appreciate being treated like a child, but she followed more closely behind him as she reminded herself that she had the rest of her life to admire the halls and corridors of Erebor. As they went further into the mountain it became less and less crowded as they moved away from the high traffic parts of Erebor. Torvi watched as her mother looked around eagerly as they entered the grand hall and she caught sight of Dis standing in the middle of the room eagerly watching the entrance way in which they had just walked through. Torvi removed the scarf she had hooded over her head as they entered the room doing her best to tame her hair from being blown around earlier that morning.
Her mother gave out a youthful squeal and both her and Dis, as lady like as they could, swiftly moved towards each other until they were both embracing the other women in her arms. Torvi and Rorvi walked together until they caught up to where the two women were busy hugging and kissing each other on the cheek, both had tears in their eyes from the happy reunion.
"Oh Siv, it has been too long," said Dis.
Torvi looked at her thoroughly and was happy to see that despite all the years that had passed, Dis looked the same as she had sixty years ago. The only real difference was the greying hairs that now sprouted from her temples. Dis pulled away to take a good look at her best friend. Unlike Dis, Siv had changed a lot. The last few years had been difficult on all of them but none more than her. Not only did she lose her husband but without his income they had become accustomed to just scraping by with the necessities. She was thin and pale mostly from stress of losing her husband but the added stress of trying to provide for her children had made her age more than necessary resulting in several wrinkles near her eyes and mouth. Her hair was more grey than the light soft brown but her smile and green eyes were bright with life.
"It has," agreed Siv. "I would have come sooner, but we had a lot of things to take care of before we could depart for Erebor.
Dis waved her hand in the air as if to show that it did not matter. "Well you are here now," she said happily as her eyes wandered to the two young dwarves that stood just behind their mother. "Surely these two cannot be your children!" said Dis in surprise as she looked from the two siblings back to Siv.
Siv gave her a nod and turned to face her children as she kept one arm wrapped around her friend and indicated with the other. "You remember my son Rorvi?"
Rorvi gave her a small polite smile as he nodded his head in a small bow. "Yes of course, I would be able to recognize him anywhere. He looks just like his father." she said giving Rorvi a good examination. He was of medium height with a strong build from the years of working in the mines. His hair was red and he had a thick but short beard that covered his face. "You are definitely not the small boy that used to get into trouble with my eldest son, that is for sure! You are quite handsome I dare say you do not have any trouble with the ladies," she added with joking wink. "Have you got yourself a lass?"
Rorvi's cheeks brightened into a pale pink as he shook his head. "No. I dare say their was not much opportunity to meet many ladies in the mines of the Iron Hills, ma'am."
Dis gave him a smile as she looked over to Siv. "You raised him well manured" said Dis. "Perhaps you will be able to rub off on my sons again and this time it will be for the better." Her gaze now moved onto Torvi. If she had not been standing with her family, Dis would hardly have recognized her. She was much taller than she last saw her by at least several inches. Her fire red hair that was once tight with untamable curls had turned into more of a shade of brown than red but when in the right light it seemed to gain a glimmer of red tint. Her hair was much longer which seemed to weigh down her curls into a soft wave that cascaded down her back. Her hair was loose aside from the two braids that hung down on one side of her head. The first one signifying her family and the second just above the former, indicating that she was of age. The first braid was decorated with a copper bead that held the family insignia while the second was only decorated with a simple strip of leather indicating that she was not courting anyone at the moment, something that oddly made Dis happy to know. The freckles that had one covered her entire face were fewer as they had faded over the years but as Dis looked more closely there were still enough to give her that familiar look from when she was a child. As she examined her face there was one thing that stood out to Dis that had not changed since the day she was born and that was Torvi's eyes. Her eyes still shone with that beautiful shade of green that always reminded her of the new leaf buds during early spring. As Dis took in all of Torvi there was no other way to put it, Torvi had matured into a beautiful young woman. Dis smiled widely at the girl who seemed to have become uncomfortable under her gaze. "No need to tell me who this beautiful young lady is." She took a step nearer and cupped Torvi's face as she admired her more closely. "Torvi, I always knew you would grow up to be beautiful but never did I think it was possible for a dwarrowmaid to be so strikingly beautiful."
Torvi did not know what to say or do so she gave a weak appreciative smile of thanks. She had never thought of herself as beautiful and had never really learned how to take it when people commented on it. For the first time, Torvi noticed a dark haired dwarf grinning mischievously with a wide toothy grin standing behind Dis. Torvi need no introduction as soon as she spotted him but Dis had already noticed her attention move to him and spoke up.
"Of course you all remember my youngest son Kili?" She said pulling him forward.
He gave Siv a handshake and a small bow then moved towards Torvi taking her up in a big hug and lifting her up, causing her to expel a laugh as she hugged him back. After he let Torvi down he moved onto Rorvi who clapped Kili on the shoulder before giving him a hug as well.
"I must apologize for my eldests absence. He was told to be here but I am afraid he has been detained in other matters." she gave a small side glance towards Kili before painting a smile back on her face. "But perhaps you will be able to see him tonight if you would give us the honor of your presence. Tonight we are hosting a small dinner and would love to have you present. Although I would understand if you would rather get settled, it has been quite a journey" said Dis.
"The honor would be ours as long as it is not too much trouble," replied Siv, accepting the invitation.
Dis waved her hand in the air. "It will be no trouble at all and it will give you a chance to become acquainted with some of the families who have returned to their mountain homes as you have. Speaking of which, I am sure you are eager to see your new home and get settled in. I unfortunately have a meeting to attend to but Kili will show you to your living quarters and the stables in which you may keep your ponies as well as give you a small tour of Erebor of at least the main areas."
Kili grabbed one of the ponies reigns from Rorvi and put an arm around Torvi as Dis and Siv said a quick goodbye and assurance that they would catch up later. "Right, if you would please follow me, I will give you the best tour that any dwarf has to offer." he said giving a cheeky smile and wink at Torvi.
Torvi just rolled her eyes and smiled, she was happy to see that Kili was still the same old Kili as before. It had been a long time since she had heard from him. When she first moved to the Iron Hills they both kept their promise and wrote as often as they could but after time went on letters came less and less often and eventually all corresponding ceased by the end of the second year. She had been nervous as to how to act around him but as they walked and talked she soon found herself easing into the familiar interaction that they had always shared in their younger years.
Kili first guided them through the marketplace where there was an assortment of all sorts of shops and trades. Torvi did her best to remember what all was available as they passed through, making notes for future reference but it was so vast and quick passed she soon gave up. At the end of the large hall was a makeshift stable where a stall was open for their two ponies. Once their ponies were happily munching on a pail of oats, Kili helped them unload and carry their belongings to where he said the living quarters were located. He lead them down a corridor with numerous doors all leading into various family homes. Most homes were quiet as the majority of Erebor's population was down in the mines or at the market but occasionally they walked past a home and heard the cries of a baby or laugh of a child. Finally Kili stopped just before a study oak door with an intricate handle made of copper. As Torvi looked more closely at the handle she realized that it was in design of her family insignia. So this was truly their home, she thought.
He opened the door and motioned for them to enter. "My mother thought that you would like to have the home that your family had before Smaug came. She had it cleaned for you arrival, there were some belongings left behind that she was not sure if you would still want or not but she instructed that they be left for you to decide what to do with them. She said that if there is anything you need to not hesitate to let her know." said Kili as he entered to the house behind them.
Torvi watched as her mother looked around the front room. It was obvious that things had been recently cleaned and rearranged. Most of the furniture was old and some of it broken, most likely from the hasty way in which the family fled from the mountain. Despite these few setbacks, the home was grander than anything Torvi had ever seen. Several carvings and patterns covered the stone walls and were inlaid with gold and silver making it look as if the walls had precious metal veins that webbed all around the house. It was breathtaking and Torvi could not believe that it was theirs.
"It is perfect," said Siv. "It has been a long time since I have stepped into this house, I have so many fond memories of this place." She walked over to the hearth on the far side of the front room and looked at the old portraits that hung above. She smiled as she picked up an old frame that held a painting of a dwarf that looked almost exactly like Rorvi. Torvi could only guess that it was an old painting of her father when he was about Rorvi's age.
Rorvi immediately made his way down the hall toward the bedrooms with his bag of belongings. "First come, first serve on bedrooms," he said over his shoulder.
Torvi felt a nudge on her side and looked over to Kili who was standing next to her holding one of her own bags. "Come on that sounded like a challenge and if he is anything like he used to be, we had better claim you a room before he decides to occupy all of them."
Torvi smirked at his comment as she led the way down the hall. "I wish I could say that was true but unfortunately he has changed a lot." she replied.
Kili raised his eyebrows questioningly. "How so?"
"Oh it is the same characteristics and personality, just...amplified." she said as she motioned her hands as far apart as she could to make her point. Kili gave her a look as if not understanding. "Oh you know, more self absorbed, overly protective, bossy, obnoxious, big headed..." she counted on her fingers as she began to list each one off until she was interrupted by Rorvi sticking his head from one of the rooms down the hall.
"Who you calling big headed?" asked Rorvi defensively. He walked down the hall towards them and grabbed Torvi around the neck and put he into a headlock. "Don't believe anything she says Kili," he said as Torvi let out a shriek and tried to push her brother off of her. "She has become the master of lies over the years," He said as he began rubbing her hair with his knuckles. Torvi began yelling at Rovi in protest as she pushed at his arm around her neck. Rorvi just grinned even wider as he did his best to keep his grip tight on his sister without hurting her too much.
Kili watched the two siblings squirm around as he did his best to not laugh but as soon as Torvi became free and he took in her disheveled appearance of hair sticking up every which way and a scowl aimed at her brother, he let out a loud laugh. "You both haven't changed at all." The two siblings smiled at eachother as they breathed heavily from their tussle and Rorvi gave Torvi a pat on the back.
"The room at the end is free sis, leave the biggest for mother...you get the smallest since you're the youngest." said Rorvi giving her a shove towards the end of the hall before returning to his own room to unpack.
Kili followed Torvi down the hall and into the room. Torvi glanced around the room and immediately felt content. It was small but perfect for what she needed. Their was a single window on the far wall that flooded the small room with sunlight. There was a single bed and small chest at the end of it for her to put her belonging. On the wall to her right was a small table with a small mirror above it. Kili walked in behind her and placed the bag he was carrying on the bed as he watched Torvi examine the room. After a while as she began pulling clothes from a pack and placing them into the chest at the end of the bed.
Torvi had only put away a few things when she paused and looked thoughtfully up at him as he leaned back on his elbows. She really didn't feel like putting away anything, she felt restless and full of energy despite having just traveled for the past two weeks.
"You know, I can finish this later. What do you say you show me around Erebor and we can catch up on sixty years of life?" she asked.
It was as if she could say nothing else that would make him grin any wider. Kili pushed off the bed and was already headed out the door. "I thought you would never ask." he said excitedly as Torvi tossed the shirt she was folding roughly into the chest and followed after.
As they passed through Rorvi's room he stuck his head out. "Where are you two off to?" he asked suspiciously.
"Kili is going to show me around Erebor." replied Torvi.
Rorvi's eyes brightened and a mischievous glint appeared. He shut the door and followed after them. "Forget packing," he said. "I am coming too".
The trio all left for the front room where Siv was busily rearranging the furniture and organizing the cupboards in the kitchen. "Kili is going to show us around Erebor. Do you need anything mother?" asked Rorvi.
Siv just shook her head and waved them on. "No I will go to the market in a little bit to fetch the things we need later. You three have fun...and stay out of trouble." she added.
"We will" the three chorused as they headed out the door.
"And be back by six o'clock sharp so that you can be ready for the dinner tonight!" she shouted just before the door shut behind Rorvi who gave her his word that they would indeed be back in time to be ready.
From what Torvi first imagined her first day in Erebor to be like, it had turned out much better than expected. Kili took them all around the mountain showing them the kingdom and introducing the two siblings to various people. Somewhere nobles, some were familiar from her days in the blue mountains, and some were simple common citizens. They had even had the honor to meet several members who were in the company with Kili when Thorin reclaimed Erebor. By the end of the day Torvi had a large grin on her face and when it came time to head back home she was sad to say goodbye to Kili. That was until he reminded her that she would see him later that night at dinner. In her opinion she was not in the mood for spending the evening with several nobles, she was not quite ready to dive into that sort of lifestyle just yet. But the thought of having Kili there to make it endurable gave her a new initiative to return home and get ready.
"Where have you two been? You are ten minutes late!" said Siv as soon as they came through the door. She shook her head and waved her hands in the air. "Never mind. Just go get ready for the night. Rorvi I already polished you boots and their is a new shirt and britches for you to wear on your bed. Torvi same for you, I laid out your new dress on your bed now go get changed so we can do something with your hair." she said pushing both of them down the hall towards their room.
"Dress? Why do I have to wear a dress and why do I need a new one?" protested Torvi as she was pushed down the hall.
"No arguing just do it." snapped Siv becoming impatient with her daughter.
Sighing, Torvi marched the rest of the way to her room as she thought about what was to come. She did her best to calm herself by reminding herself that Kili would be there as well as Rorvi but their was something inside of her that made her feel nervous.
Today was not Fili's day. He had all but stormed out in the middle of a conversation with Thorin. Thorin would be angry with him but Fili would deal with that later, right now he needed some air, needed to be free with some peace and quiet of his own. The mountain had nowhere to provide that, which was the very reason why he making his way out of the gates a towards the wooded area just east of the mountain. He had been so focused on where he was going he had almost run over a poor dwarrowmaid as he had exited the front entrance. He had not even stopped to properly apologize and see if she were ok but at the time he had been desperate to be alone. Now that he was alone in the secluded forest he couldn't help but feel guilty for how gruff he had been and made a note to seek her out and give a proper apology. Just as this conclusion came to his mind he realized that he had absolutely no idea what the girl had even looked like. He hadn't gotten a look at her face and there had been a scarf hiding his hair the only thing he really knew was that she smelt like pine and juniper. As he walked through the forest he became more calm and he began to think over his conversation with Thorin.
They were in the meeting hall with a large rectangular stone table where the kings council had just been held. Many of the council were close friends and comrades such as Balin, Dwalin, Bifur, Ori, Oin and Gloin. Also on the council were other various members of nobility which included his least favorite, Lord Ferer. Kili was present as well, he was not officially a member of the council but being next in line for the throne should anything happen to both him and Thorin it was thought best that he be involved with the dealings of Erebor. He and Kili where just about to depart and go meet their mother when Thorin had asked him to stay behind. Kili gave a quick sympathetic look before he promised to wait outside for him. Both of them had an idea to what this was about, Fili had been caught yet again failing to pay attention to the discussions being talked about. Although Thorin had not said anything infront of everyone else he would definitely say something now as this was not an uncommon event. Kili was just as guilty for the same thing but Thorin expected more of Fili as he was next in line to take the throne. As soon as Kili shut the door behind him, Thorin sat back down, interlaced his fingers, and propped his arms up on the table looking thoughtful.
Fili let out a sigh and ran a hand through his hair. "Thorin i'm sorry for not paying attention again. I just…" he stopped speaking as Thorin held up a hand.
"Come sit down for a minute," he said pointing to the chair next to him. As Fili crossed the room he waited for Fili to sink into the empty chair before he spoke again. "Fili I know you have had a lot on your plate right now and I know I don't say this a lot but I appreciate your efforts in which you have been putting forth in learning everything. I have not been easy on you and what I am about to ask you to do not going to make it easier " Fili looked at him as he was trying to decipher where this conversation was going. "It has been brought to my attention that there is concern about the lack of a future queen." He paused for a moment looking wearily at Fili. "Right now it has only been certain members of the council who have expressed their concern but the more I have thought about it, I see it becoming a concern for many more in the future years to come, especially if there is no sign of change."
Fili was now leaning forward listening intently as he knitted his eyebrows together in confusion. "Thorin I am not sure I am quite following you. What are these concerns? Is there anything that I can do to help?"
Thorin gave a small smile of appreciation at the dedication his nephew had for the future of Erebor. He truly would be a great leader when the time came. Unfortunately Fili was not going to like what he was about to ask him. "Right now the people are content with me having you as my heir and you mother as a queen consort since I do not have a wife. But the concern is when you take my place as King and there is no Queen at your side. It was convenient for me that I have you to take my place but you will need a wife to produce an heir."
It hit Fili as to what Thorin was slowly saying. "Are you suggesting that I need to get married?"
Thorin let out a sigh. "It has become a concern that you have not been taking courtship into consideration and that you are not taking the role of heir as seriously as you should."
"And whose concern is this? Ferer? It was Lord Ferer wasn't it?" Fili snorted as he stood up swiftly and began to pace back and forth. "Do you agree with him?" he asked. Thorin did not say anything but looked down at his hands. Fili felt the heat rise in his chest, it was obvious what Thorin thought. "You honestly agree with Ferer? Of all the people to take council from it is him?"
"That is enough Fili. I am not saying that you have to get married immediately but I just ask that you start making an effort in at least finding someone to consider courtship within the nobles that are present." he said.
"Are you kidding me? Have you met any of those girls? They are all dimwitted, selfish brats!"
"Fili that is not fair! You cannot just rule them all out because you think they act that way. I know you have not put any effort in trying to get to know any of those girls except to lead them on enough for you and Kili to get a good laugh."
"That is because I have no interest in courting!"
"And that is the concern of the council!" Thorin rubbed his eyes in an effort to bring clarity on how to present the situation better. "Fili, I am not asking you to get married or even enter a courtship at the moment. All I am asking is that you at least show an effort to satisfy certain members for the time being. You still have a lot to learn about ruling and this is one of them. Can I ask you to do this for me?"
Fili stopped pacing and thought hard. "So all I have to do is pretend to make an effort? As if I don't have enough on my plate I have to put on a show just to satisfy a couple of nobles that don't have anything better to do than try and manipulate me?"
Thorin gave out a sigh and rubbed his head. "Fili, you know I don't agree with the way Lord Ferer tries to manipulate you a Kili but this is something I need you to do. And there would be no harm in taking it seriously since one day you will have to take a bride but yes right now all I ask is that you make an appearance every once in awhile perhaps at gatherings and social events that you at least speak with some of the young ladies."
Thorin watched closely as Fili chewed on the inside of his lip. "Very well, I will do this since it is obviously so important above trying to learn how to run and entire kingdom." He said sarcastically. "Now if you excuse me I have something to do." Without waiting for a dismissal from Thorin, Fili turned his back on his uncle and ripped open the door.
Fili burst through the door as his mind wandered over what he had just agreed to. Although he had calmed down on the outside he was still fuming. He passed by Kili who had been leaning against the wall when Fili came out of the council room.
"Fili what happened?" he asked as he quickly pushed off the wall and began following his brother down the hall.
"Apparently I have to get married that is what!" fumed Fili. He took the corridor that led down to the front gate, he needed air, he needed sometime alone to think.
"Fili, mother wanted to meet in the great hall to meet with Lord Rorin's family. Where are you going?" he asked.
"You go, I need some time alone. I have enough people to meet." he said as he ignored his brother's protests and quickened his pace. Kili made an attempt to follow but after awhile he gave up and left Fili to brood in his anger.
Fili slowed down his pace when began to realize how heavily he was breathing from the combination of physical exertion and fury that had come back as he played the memory in his mind. He was angry with Thorin for being so weak to bend to the council's wants. In his opinion Thorin should have stood up for him but again Fili felt as though he was being manipulated as always by certain members of the council. What made it worse was that Thorin seemed to agree. He felt as if he would never be taken seriously, as an heir he felt as though the matter should have been brought up to himself instead of Thorin but it had not. Yet again they did not think him qualified enough to listen to their complaints about himself.
It was several hours before Fili made his way back towards Erebor. He had calmed down and some reasoning had enlightened his mind, making him less bitter towards Thorin. As he thought about what he had to do he was reminded about the dinner his mother had arranged for the night. Thorin had asked him to just put on the facade during social events. Although Fili had agreed and he was prepared to do as Thorin asked him, he was not ready to start so soon. A loud sigh escaped him as he walked up the ramp leading to the front gates. Maybe Thorin was right, perhaps he at least try to take it seriously. With every passing season more and more families had come to the mountain to reclaim their homes, perhaps one of these days the right person would eventually show up. There had to be at least one girl in the world in which he could tolerate and get along with.
So I may have lied when I said the next chapter would be shorter but I wanted to get everything set up. Either way I hope you enjoyed it and everything made sense. Thank you so much for those who gave me your thoughts and comments they are very helpful and appreciated. Also to those who followed/ Favorited this story thank you as well. I will do my best to update as often as I can. Fili and Torvi will finally have some interaction in the next chapter at the dinner. Until next time I hope you enjoy and if you have any input send it my way!