"It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife."―Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice
Signi was quiet through lunch, picking at her food as Lifa prattled on about how nervous she was to be spending the afternoon with Kili and Fili. She considered telling Lifa about watching the dwarves sparring that morning, but decided against it when the thought of Thorin's actions bought a fresh wave of anger bristling through her.
Instead, she turned her thoughts to her sister.
"I wonder if they will be having a party for the new spring. I can't imagine the King dancing at one, but the princes surely would," Lifa giggled, oblivious to Signi's eye roll.
Lifa was not the simpering type of girl, although she was certainly behaving that way since arriving in Erebor. Prior to the big move, Lifa's only thoughts on marriage were a distant goal to fulfill her mother's wishes. In the Iron Hills, worthy suitors in their position were few and far between. Most dwarves worked as iron miners or soldiers in Dain's army. They were humble dwarves with crude manners and menial incomes, but they were honest and hard-working, earning any respect they garnered. These were the type of dwarves that Signi preferred. But Lifa was taught to be a proper lady and told from birth that she would marry well into one of the dwarf kingdoms, perhaps a wealthy merchant or lesser noble. Never did she expect to meet the Durin princes of Erebor, much less spend an afternoon with them.
After lunch, the girls met Fili and Kili just inside the main entrance into the mountain. The princes were waiting on them to arrive, Fil standing tall in the light that shone through the open doors. He was certainly growing into his role as heir, but no amount of serious frowns, much like his uncle's, could eliminate the mischievous glint in his eye. Kili stood across from him, leaning against the massive door frame. He did nothing to hide his thoughts, his face open and free, as he laughed at a comment from his brother.
Greeting the boys by the gate, Signi took a moment to breathe the fresh air of spring that flowed into the hall, snaking deep into the mountain. It had been less than twenty-four hours since the girls arrived and yet Signi felt as though she had been locked indoors for a week or more.
There was a brief argument of where to begin the tour. Kili wanted to take the girls down to the lake, which Signi wholeheartedly agreed with, but Fili used his age and favor to override his brother. So the girls were taken first to the Gallery of Kings.
The hall was massive, the largest that Signi had ever seen, with a great golden floor, banners of the House of Durin, and giant stone effigies of past kings.
"Durin, Thrain I, Thorin I, Thror, Thrain II…" Signi muttered as she walked past each one, marveling over the clear resemblance in each face, resemblance that could be seen in Fili and Kili as well. Pausing after the final statue, she looked at where the new one was to be built.
"Have they not started building a statue for King Thorin?"
Kili and Fili shared a look before answering. "Thorin does not want one," Fili said.
"He says that there will be time for such nonsense when he is dead," added Kili. "It is Erebor and Dale that need to be rebuilt, not his pride."
Immediately, Signi felt a surge of guilt. She had been so angry at his behavior in the morning that she forgot that he had an entire kingdom to rebuild as well as run. Of course he would be worried about distraction with the weight of Erebor resting on his shoulders. That didn't excuse his behavior, but it certainly made Signi think.
The addition of Dale in his list of responsibilities was a surprise, but it was a pleasant one.
"Will you build one for him when he passes?" Lifa asked.
Fili nodded. "Yes, there is no king more deserving."
The group stood silently for a few moments more, surveying the blank space before them. Signi tried to picture what a statue of Thorin would look like. No doubt, Signi humored, they would carve his infamous glare into the stone.
Kili finally broke the silence, directing the girls' attention the layer of gold that remained on the floor. He and Fili were not there when Thorin released the mold of Durin too soon, the molten gold still too soft to maintain its shape, but they recounted the tale as they heard it from Ori, Dori , and even Thorin himself. The plan had worked, for a moment, and Smaug was buried in the very gold he craved. But it did not last, and the dragon had stormed out of the mountain in glittering rage, showering the lake with gold as he flew to end Lake Town. The gold left behind smoothed and cooled, and Thorin decided to leave it as a reminder of the serpent's greed.
After, the Gallery of Kings, Fili and Kili led the girls through the mountain, showing them wide balconies, hidden alcoves, and marketplace that would be positively bustling when Erebor was full again. Signi noted that they were not shown any of the lower levels which included the armory, training arena, and forges, but she decided not to push her luck. She had angered the king enough for one day.
The tour was over much too soon, but Fili had other responsibilities to attend to. Signi and Kili trailed behind Lifa and Fili, who were walking arm in arm, as they made the way back to Gloin's quarters, each glaring at their respective sibling before them.
"I can't believe Uncle is accusing me of distraction," Kili muttered, scowling at the back of Fili's head.
Signi groaned, remembering that Kili had taken the brunt of Thorin's anger earlier that morning. "I am so sorry about that," she said, reaching for his bandaged arm to inspect it. "I did not mean for you to get injured."
Kili pulled his arm back, yanking his sleeve over the bandage. "No, it's not your fault. Uncle is still angry at me for… well, let's just say I got… distracted on our journey and he hasn't forgiven me."
Signi rolled her eyes, but did not respond. Complaining about the King to his nephew on her second day there probably wasn't wise.
Instead, she decided to change the subject to something that would not get her in trouble.
"I heard Gloin say that they are reopening the mint in the next few days. Are they also reopening the forges?"
Kili shrugged, laughing when he noticed Signi's annoyance. "I have no idea. That stuff doesn't interest me."
Signi narrowed her eyes suspiciously. "You are a prince and you have no idea what is going on in the kingdom?"
For a moment, Kili looked genuinely chastised, running his fingers over the House of Durin insignia on his belt. "Fili is the one who will be king, not me. And of course that all depends on whether or not Thorin manages to produce a new heir." He halted suddenly, groaning when he realized what he just said.
Signi gasped, casting a furtive glance at Fili and her sister. "Is the king to be married?" she asked, blushing when she heard the uptight tone her voice had taken.
Kili did not seem to notice, shaking his head in response. "Not that I know of, but I wouldn't be surprised if it happens soon. I heard Balin talking about a lady from the Blue Mountains that would be a good choice for a wife. Apparently dwarrowdams from the seven kingdoms have taken an interest in Thorin since he has regained his wealth."
Signi snorted. Of course he would be quite the catch now. Gold seems to make any unpleasant disposition bearable.
"I imagine you and your brother also have flocks of dwarrowdams taking an interest," she teased.
Kili's scowl answered her question. "Those dwarrowdams are not my type. And my brother has never been interested in taking a wife."
Quirking an eyebrow, Signi turned her attention to the couple walking ahead.
"Well, he has never been interested until now."
Thorin sat on his throne, his crown discarded on his lap as he massaged his aching temples. The day had been a trying one from the moment he woke up. Dwalin returned to the training arena that morning after briefing Thorin on news of orcs moving up from the south. It was a small pack, but it was a pack of orcs nonetheless. Ravens had been running reconnaissance since their victory at the Battle of Five Armies, but it was time that true scouts were in the field if their numbers allowed for it. Soldiers were still scarce in Erebor despite the steady stream of dwarves moving into the mountain over the last two years. Thorin tried working with the men of Dale and the Mirkwood elves to keep the orcs at bay, but Dale was still too weak and the elves refused to leave their forest.
Gloin had also updated Thorin about the treasure stores below, assuring him that there was still more than enough gold to keep the mountain running. The mines had been reopened just a few weeks before, now that reconstruction of the lower levels was complete, and Gloin thought it best to reopen the mint within the next few days. Thorin hated these conversations because the mere mention of gold sent greed curling through his chest like a mighty serpent. Gritting his teeth to bolster his strength, Thorin quickly agreed to Gloin's suggestions so that they might move to other subjects.
Next was Balin's turn to discuss with him any communications they had neighboring kingdoms and other Dwarf strongholds. They spoke briefly about Bard, the new Lord of Dale. As much as Thorin detested the man, he held a great deal of respect for the dragon slayer. So few people could wear leadership as well as the man did, especially when it was thrust upon them as it was that day when Smaug destroyed Lake Town. But Thorin found that Bard's humble pride made life increasingly difficult for the residents of Dale. He would not accept any gold Thorin offered that was not earned, which was a good and honest trait, but the people of Dale were suffering when they could have been flourishing. Balin did not think it wise to push the issue, but Thorin's guilt made him obsessed with seeing Dale reach its fullest potential as Erebor did.
The king scowled as Balin concluded his review of another failed negotiation with Bard, but was too weary to respond. Instead his thoughts trailed to the morning's events in the training arena.
"How is the girl," Thorin asked quietly.
Balin did not need to ask Thorin to specify. "She is fine. She did not seem too upset about this morning. I believe Fili and Kili are giving the girls a tour now."
Thorin nodded. It eased his worry that Signi was not upset about the incident in the training arena. He was overly harsh and he knew it. But the boys had to learn. There was so much at stake and he could not allow them to weaken now that Erebor's success depended on them.
But that did not stop the guilt from burning through him when he remembered Kili's pain and Fili's anger. Dis would be livid when she returned from the Blue Mountains.
"Thorin," said Balin, interrupting his thoughts. "The lass meant no harm."
The king sighed. "I know she didn't intend to distract Kili, but the arena is no place for dwarrowdams."
"She might not agree," Balin replied. "Dain has entire regiments of dwarrowdams. Signi grew up in the Iron Hills, and I believe that Dain let her have more liberties than she has here."
"Then she can return to the Iron Hills if she is so miserable here," snarled Thorin. He did not have the patience to entertain the girls when there was a kingdom to run. He did not know much about Signi, her family, or her connection to Dain, but he had heard rumors that Dain allowed the girl to order him around like a dwarfling, something that would not be happening in Erebor. It surprised him each and every time Dain spoke of her because his fondness for the girl was evident. On a few occasions, Thorin wondered if Dain's interest in the girl extended beyond the fatherly interest he claimed to have.
"Peace, Thorin," said Balin gently. "I am merely suggesting that we give the girl something useful to do. She is restless here and will not be content spending her days sewing with the ladies."
Dinner that night was quieter than it was the night before. All of the dwarves were engaged in conversation. Lifa laughed merrily as Fili, Kili, and Gimli each tried to outdo each other with stories of travels, their tall tales spinning out of control. Gloin and his wife joked with Balin, Dwalin, and Thorin, the dwarves arguing over who had the more important role in the mountain. Bofur and Ori were working on the lyrics for a new song while Bombur, Bifur, Dori, and Nori discussed future plans for their businesses in the marketplace below. Oin was seated in the center, happily joining conversations in random intervals, only hearing half of what the others were saying.
Signi was late arriving to dinner (she had been watching the city of Dale from one of the balconies that the princes had shown her) and was forced to take the seat next to Balin who sat closest to the king at the head of the table. Thorin did not miss Signi's disappointed glance at her sister and the younger dwarves. As young as she was, it did not surprise him that she would be more interested in sitting with his nephews. But that did not stop the flash of irritation from coursing through him. She can return to the Iron Hills if she is so miserable here.
Acknowledging her presence with a nod, Thorin turned away and feigned interest in Dwalin's retelling of his sparring session with Gimili. Balin said that she was not upset about his behavior, but Thorin wanted to gauge that for himself.
"Tell me, dear, after your tour today how do you find Erebor?" asked Balin after Signi got her plate.
Thorin continued to eat, not wanting to seem interested in their conversation, but it did not stop his eyes from straying to catch Signi's expression and her genuine smile before she answered.
"Erebor is lovely, far more beautiful than I ever imagined. I still can't believe I am here."
Balin chuckled. "Aye, I still can't believe it myself."
"Was it hard to come back?" asked Signi softly.
Thorin frowned to himself, not entirely sure what she was referring to. Why would it be difficult to go back to mountain of their forefathers? Perhaps she was talking about the loss of their kin, but Thorin found that equally strange. It was not pleasant remembering how their home was destroyed and their families killed, but at least they were now laid to rest in the dignified manner they deserved.
Balin sighed beside her, pushing his empty plate aside and puffing on his pipe for a moment before he answered. "Finding the door and stepping into Erebor for the first time, after so much time had passed, was the best moment in all my years. I shan't forget it until my dying day. But, yes, it was hard to come back. I was just a young lad when Smaug came, much younger than you and the boys" he gestured towards the princes at the end of the table. "We spent years wandering the wild before, working for men, until Thorin was able to make us a home in Ered Luin."
"Do you miss living there?" she asked softly.
"Aye, and Moria. We spent so many years with so little, earning our way just like anyone else. It seems unreal to be back in this mountain with its belly full of gold. I thank Mahal every day but I keep expecting to wake up from this dream."
Signi smiled and Thorin watched as she reached over the table and placed her hand on Balin's. "Mahal has blessed you many times over. So few kings have earned their crown, but yours did a thousand fold when he continued to provide for his people after all was lost."
"That he did. And now that he is your king as well, don't forget the honorable things he has done when he is in one of his boorish moods."
Thorin knew he was caught listening. Glaring at Balin's cheeky grin, he decided it was time to engage Signi in conversation.
"Your father is a good friend of Dain's, is he not?" Thorin asked.
Signi nodded. "Yes, he and Dain go back as far as the hills. Papa has been the record keeper since Nain, so he has always served Dain."
Thorin pondered this for a moment. In all his years, he had no memory of meeting this dwarf.
"Is your father one of Dain's warriors as well?"
Signi frowned slightly and shook her head. "I am afraid not. His health never allowed him to become a great warrior, but he has distinguished himself in other ways."
"Yes," said Balin, correctly reading Thorin's skeptical expression. "Your father is called Wordsmith, is he not? Mikel Wordsmith?"
Signi grinned. "Yes he is and he hates that nickname. Dain gave it to him after he wrote a rather fine contract with the elves living in the Blue Mountains which allowed him to get double the merchandise for half the cost and they delivered each shipment with no additional travel expenses or fees."
Thorin chuckled in surprise. Her father may not be a great warrior, but he certainly sounded useful to have around, much like Balin helped him. "Your father sounds like a good friend indeed."
Signi was saved from responding by Dwalin and Bofur rising to sing a song. The dwarves moved to stand before the large fireplace at the end of the hall, all eyes on the pair as Dwalin played his lute and Bofur sang.
Far away on a hill to sunny mountain side
Many years ago we parted, my little Ruth and I
From the sunny mountain side
She clung to me and trembled when I told her we must part
She said, "Don't go my darling, it almost breaks my heart
To think of you, so far apart"
Carry me back to Lonely Mountain
Back to my clinch mountain home
Carry me back to Lonely Mountain
Back to my old mountain home
I fold my arms around her, leaned her head upon my breast
I told her I would wed her when I came back from the west
At my old clinch mountain home
In my hand I hold a picture of the old home far away
In the other one my sweetheart I'm thinking of today
On the sunny mountain side
Carry me back to Lonely Mountain
Back to my clinch mountain home
Carry me back to Lonely Mountain
Back to my old mountain home
My mother's old and feeble, my father's getting gray
I'm going back to Erebor and I expect to stay
At my old, clinch mountain home
Carry me back to Lonely Mountain
Back to my clinch mountain home
Carry me back to Lonely Mountain
Back to my old mountain home. *
There were no dry eyes in the room when Bofur finished the song. Two years had passed since they reclaimed Erebor, but it still made the company, including Thorin, emotional.
Even Signi, Thorin noted, was smiling through tears as she clapped for the musicians.
"Do you sing any songs, lass?" asked Balin.
Signi nodded, her cheeks red. "Yes, we are quite fond of music back home."
"You will have to share a song with us," said Thorin, nodding toward the spot where Bofur and Dwalin had been standing before.
Signi gulped audibly, her eyes wide as she stared back at the king. "Of course, your majesty, b-b-but I can't…I-I-I don't have my lute! I am not that good, well I'm not that bad, but…"
Thorin could not hold back a smirk as he sensed her embarrassment. She was so flustered over the prospect of singing for them.
Raising a hand to stop her stammering, he said, "Maybe another time. Bring your lute to dinner one evening and share some songs from your home with us. As I recall, Dain is an old softie when it comes to love songs."
Signi's face was still red, but she nodded vigorously. "Aye, that he is," she agreed.
The rest of the evening was spent lounging in the king's hall, listening to various members of the company sing. Many of the dwarves were relaxed in their chairs, smoking their pipes as they listened.
Thorin spied his nephew, Fili, sitting beside Lifa on a bench, his arm braced behind her as they listened. He frowned slightly, but decided to let the lad have his fun for the evening. Scanning the crowd, he soon found Kili sitting on the other side of the fire with Gimli smoking his pipe. Signi was sandwiched between them, leaning forward with her elbows on her knees and her face in her palms. The three were so relaxed and Thorin felt a twinge of jealousy. Nobody was relaxed around him. Never in his life did he have the luxury of lounging with friends who were not afraid of angering him. Even Balin and Dwalin kept him at arms length.
Seeing that everyone in the hall was content and occupied, Thorin decided to take his leave. Silently he rose and headed towards the end of the hall. No one noticed that he was leaving, save Signi who caught his eye as he turned and gave him a small smile. Without a word, Thorin inclined his head in response and left the hall.
* Clinch Mountain Home – The Carter Family. I changed the lyrics slightly to fit the story, but credit goes to The Carter Family (I am terrible at writing lyrics). Dwarves love to sing and I love folk music, so it seemed natural to put it in the story. I do anticipate adding more songs to the story, but I will show some restraint and not post them in every chapter, lol.
Thank you for all of the reviews, favs, and follows! I really appreciate all of the attention this story has received so far :)
As stated before, I don't have a beta reader for this story. I know my writing needs improvement (which is one of the reasons why I write fanfic), so I appreciate any constructive criticism. I do have a very busy job in the real world that eats up most of my time, so I am sure that my posts in the future will be inconsistent.
