Goldfire's comforting licks normally did wonders for Kili's nerves but not right now. The creature had taken to low whining as he nuzzled his head under his master's hand, striving for a response. While Kili would reply with scratches and pets, his mind was elsewhere.

If they had remembered…if they had brought it up at the very beginning. Perhaps they should have taken off down the hall after their Uncle but both Princes knew more so than most how important formality was with Dwarven traditions. The moment their uncle had stepped out of the doorway, the start was begun.

Interrupting for anything less than a lethal wound or birth of a child was unacceptable. They had forgotten and not taken their chance and now they had no choice but to work with it. They had to find a way to preserve not only their pride but the overall integrity of the ceremony itself!

Though, that did not leave them a lot of options.

"Kili, look." The blond haired Prince kept a spark of hope in his voice, as best he could. "How about we see if we can really cannot get up, okay? Isn't it possible that we might be overreacting? After all, it's been months!" He raised his head high "And you and I both know that we hardly pay much attention to our wounds anymore. Perhaps, we are fretting over nothing!"

Despite his desire to protest and call his brother out for being an utter fool, Kili recognized a false reassurance when he heard it. Maybe he should have admitted to it, stated the obvious that lying to themselves did nothing but without much else to be done, he stood and walked to stand before the fire. Goldfire and Shadow stayed perched on the couches, watching intently.

"You're a better student than me, Fili." The younger stated the obvious as he looked into the now roaring fire, as if the warmth would provide an answer to this conundrum. "So how does the ceremony work?"

Blond haired draped into his eyes, Fili scoffed a little, the guttural sound half-insulting and half-amused. "You would do well to listen better to our traditions, brother."

"I was a kid when we were taught about this!"

"So was I!"

Rounding on his brother, the playful look on Fili's face displaced some of Kili's ire but he still retorted "You know you were always taught more than me…well, with more emphasis than me. You're the crown Prince, Fili. Always have been."

"And you KNOW you're not the Spare. Well, not just the Spare. Uncle has never called you that or tolerated anyone that did."

Raising a brow, Kili offered "I know that. I don't think the rest of Erebor will know that but that's not the point. Point is…you know more about this than me. So, how does this work again?"

Giving a light sigh, Fili settled on the ground, though he lowered himself slowly, sitting on his knees, feet curled slightly so his backside barely touched. It put a lot of strain on the thighs but it was better than having to crouch, though not by much. He nodded to his brother when he mimicked the movement, though he caught that wince. "They'll crown Uncle first but our ceremony is the same. Balin is going to have us kneel and then he recites—"

"Our lineage to Durin the Deathless." Kili chimed in. "And he hasta do it for both of us, right?"

Fili nodded, "Both of us. Then Uncle will ask us our vows and give us our titles."

Kili smirked, "Crown Prince for you and Spare for me."

Rolling his eyes, Fili retorted "He won't call you Spare."

"I know, I know. But then we rise, right?"

Fili nodded again. "First me, then you."

"So…do I have to kneel and wait for you to get crowned then sit through my own?"

Fili had to admit, "I…actually don't know."

Face collapsing, Kili pouted "Really? I thought you memorized all these rituals?! You told Uncle that you did."

"And I did…most of them." Fili didn't like admitting it but the fact of the matter was, he never truly paid attention to the rituals in great detail. Much as he remembered the major points and facts, the timeline of them and the order, not so much. "But I had my limits too."

Kili said nothing else. He knew first hand that the very tedious trials and rituals of their ancestors could put anyone to sleep. "So…there's lots of kneeling, listening and reciting basically."

To that, the blond haired prince could agree. "That much I do know."

"So like all our other ceremonies just in front of a lot more folk and a lot longer."

"Basically." He sighed. He had truly thought he had this ceremony down until his brother started to ask questions. "Maybe we should just wait for Balin."

The two Princes went silent, thinking. After an awkward pause, Kili asked, "So…can you stand on your own?"

Fili snorted and set his brother with a dark glare. "We haven't exactly been sitting here forever. It's simple."

"So, can you?"

Face contorted in concentration, Fili said a rude remark under his breath and shifted his legs. Surely he could. After all, it had been some time since the battle and he had done remarkably, as had Kili. He had healed, he had…

Cutting, burning pain erupted in his side. It felt like someone had punched him right on those old wounds. He hardened his mind, set his thoughts on simply rising but without a support, he tumbled forward, hands on the ground.

Kili's face was hardly surprised but there was a deep sadness, worry and fear to it. He could read the unspoken words in his brother's eyes. The lostness. The 'what are we gonna do.' The 'how can we preserve the honor of our ancestors like this.' "Fili, if you can't get up then you know I'm gonna crawl like an animal. We aren't going to be Princes, we're going to be beasts! How do we uphold _Uncle's_ name, his honor like this?"

Fili cursed.

OOOO

Bilbo frowned as he followed Thorin, "Yes, the Three Blessings. I have heard it addressed oh so many times now and I would appreciate knowing what exactly it means." Huffing, he added "I do hope my ignorance has not been embarrassing."

Chuckling out loud, Thorin retorted, "My friend, you've nothing to fear of that. In fact, you were participating without even knowing it."

Throwing his arms up, Bilbo said, "Thorin, you speak that like it's a good thing but I must disagree." His eyes took on a spark of their own and the Hobbit continued, "A well-mannered hobbit would very much like to know about the traditions of his friends…" He frowned. "And you say I have already been participating?"

Chuckling as he rubbed his chin a moment, the Dwarf King confirmed, "Aye, you have. I must confess, Bilbo, with as much as you read and as well versed as you were with the elves, I assumed you had heard of our Three Blessings. The elves are well aware of them."

Perhaps that was more surprising than anything! "Do they? I thought that if you dwarves keep yourselves so close that the last people you would share anything with would be the elves!"

Thorin had no argument for that but as they made their way down the stoned hallway, he clarified, "It is from days of old, before the wars that tore our races apart. Before the elves' arrogance made them go back on their word." His voice took on the same biting tone he always had when discussing elves.

Bilbo had heard several tales of the fights over the Silmarils, among other conflicts, but now was not the time to argue it. After all, it was quite clear that the elves had not told the whole truth either and he suspected neither side would really ever uncover who was to blame (though it seemed the crux of the blame could be divided evenly in Bilbo's mind) so it was pointless to ponder it. "Your 'Three Blessings' is that old?"

Thorin chuckled, "Our race is very old, Bilbo. I know not how old the Hobbit race is but suffice to say that the dwarves were created by Mahal before even the Coming of the Elves. It was only to appease the All Father that Mahal set us to sleep until after the First Born awoke."

Bilbo had read some of such but the elves knew little on dwarves and it showed. He smiled, "So, you were truly first?"

"I choose to believe so." Thorin smiled, pride raining off his face and he stood tall. "When the first of our race, the Seven Fathers, awoke, Mahal taught them our tongue, Khuzdul." He smiled, as if recalling himself and maybe because he was directly of Durin's Line, maybe he could to a certain degree. "For the longest time, that was our tongue. Our only tongue. When we first encountered the elves, this was a problem as we spoke Khuzdul and at the time, they spoke Primitive Quendian."

Bilbo nodded. He knew that all elvish languages could be traced back to a single tongue but it was intriguing to hear how it tied into the Dwarves. "Aye, I'd imagine that made meetings difficult."

"The elves made it difficult." Thorin insisted and while Bilbo resisted the urge to roll his eyes, he remained quiet. "We once had another band of brothers, other dwarves. I believe you called them 'Petty Dwarves.'"

Bilbo blinked, intrigued. "I…was not aware there were others Thorin."

"They were different from us, smaller and yet carved from the same stone. The elves saw them as little more than animals. The reason you have yet to hear of them and will never see another is because the elves met them with blade and arrow until none were left." There was a darkness to Thorin's tone but also a deep regret and sadness. "Be it from malice or ignorance is up for debate, my friend, but needless to say, we were not open with elves and for good reason."

Bilbo nodded, trotting after Thorin as he marched his way down the narrow corridors, seeking out the remainder of the Company. They'd found Bifur and Bofur easily enough but that still left quite a few to locate and Erebor was quite large. Bilbo didn't entirely mind though. He enjoyed time to speak and converse with his dwarven comrades. "And yet…?"

"Our ancestors were no fools and yes, there were elves that worked well with us. Those whom helped created Durin's Door at Khaza'dum." Thorin eyed his Hobbit friend with a smile, "We began friendship with those elves through the Three Blessings."

Bilbo waited patiently and Thorin continued.

"As I said, we spoke different tongue and the poor relations with elves from past events had tainted out trust. We needed a way to tell when meetings would go well and when they would go south. We began to have attempted meetings, in secure locations and some of our ancestors began to learn the elvish tongue, though in broken bits."

Thorin paused, looked skyward as if thinking. "After some time, we finally settled on symbols we could use upon greeting to show our intent. The elves were a bit slow to catch onto them, clinging to their tongue as if it were all that was sacred." A slight understanding slid over the Dwarf King's eyes. "But given our secrecy with Khuzdul, I suppose I can appreciate that."

As was his way, Bilbo nodded, patiently, though he paused to gingerly work his way up the twisting step of stairs after Thorin.

"We came to realize we needed symbols, things that would be understood no matter what the language and those symbols came to be the food offered upon meeting."

Bilbo stopped, cocked his head, "The food?"

Nodding, Thorin clarified, "To offer food is a promise of potential alliance and what you offer is showing what you are willing to give: drink promises safety, bread or fruit promises healing and meat promises support of whatever you are pursuing."

Bilbo considered this information a moment, thinking over their past adventure. "That is why Dwalin and the others were so…well, casual with me when they came. Because the food I offered contained all of that?"

Thorin smiled down at his friend, "Aye, it did and in vast amounts, my friend. It eased their minds. That is what I mean when I say you have been participating without meaning to."

Bilbo made a mental note to always have meat, bread and drink available once he returned to Bag End, just in case. The Dwarf King had gone silent as they walked but Bilbo was still pondering and after a time, he inquired,

"Thorin."

"Mmm?"

"Is…that why when we arrived at Rivendell, you remained on edge until they offered us food?"

A simple nod.

"You and the others pushed Kili, Fili and Ori to the center; I heard the boys griping about it or at least I think they were. It was in Khuzdul—"

"They were griping." A half smile passed the king's lips. "Rather rudely, I might add."

"Because you did not know if safety was to be had and you say the elves are aware of this…" Oh, all of a sudden Bilbo's eyes grew fiery and dark. "And Lord Elrond most certainly would have been, as well versed as he was!"

"He, if no others, yes." Thorin found himself cut off when Bilbo…little, polite Bilbo…suddenly cursed, creatively.

"Yavanna's seeds and fruits! It was a slight! It was a…that was why you wanted to move quickly, why you wanted to leave. They didn't…"

Nodding to his friend's sudden realization, Thorin confirmed, "They gave us no meat even though they certainly had some. The refusal to provide any was a very clear sign. Elrond meant not to support us on our mission. Healing and protection he would give but not support for our mission. It became even more apparent after he read the moon runes. You saw it as well as I."

Bilbo scowled, face red. "I suppose I could see his concern but…" he looked up at Thorin. "The elves do not have faith in you and that disbelief is rooted in nothing but old prejudices. I have seen sides of you that they cannot see not because it is not there but because to see them is to admit their own faults. I'm sure there are sides to the elves that you cannot see for the same reason."

Thorin was silent a long moment but then he gave a hesitant nod. "I will never have anything but distrust for elves. Too much bad blood has been spilled between us for that. But they have my gratitude."

Bilbo knew what for. After the battle, when all the wounds were being tended, it was the elves that had managed to heal the festering wound on Kili. It was a payment that could not be repaid but a lingering, if reluctant peace between the Elven King and Mountain King seemed an appropriate attempt. Bilbo smiled, brightly, and said, "And you show if by extending the Three Blessing to Tauriel and Prince Legolas. Not all would do so."

The King to be Crowned smiled and this one met his eyes. "It was not my first intention but Kili and Fili can often have that effect on me—help me see things that my anger blinds me to. I won't forgive the elven lass—not after what she did to my Kili-but I can tolerate her and give her respect, if for no other reason than for Kili. The elven Prince…he has shown that while he has Thranduil's appearance, he does not appear to have his hardened heart. There is hope within him and even my old eyes can see it. So, I shall offer the Three Blessings to them, as my ancestor did in days long gone."

Patting his friend's palm, Bilbo smiled "You've gone beyond what your ancestors have done in more ways than one, Thorin. I'm honored to call you friend."

Offering a nod and a squeeze of hand in return as they continued their prowl of Erebor the older Dwarf gave that gentle and warm chuckle of his "And all the dwarves of Erebor are blessed to call you one."

OOOO

In all honestly, it was not very long before the doors to the chambers opened and dwarves began plowing in but to Fili and Kili, nerves utterly a wreck, it seemed hours. All the same, the two princes rose from their seats on the couch and greeted the coming Company with hugs and smiles.

Amid ruffles to the hair, Bofur's gentle chuckling and finally Thorin, Balin and Bilbo entering—trays laden with sweets and drinks in their arms—the atmosphere of the room felt much cheerier, even to anxiety drenched lads. Again, they considered, for a moment, trying to pull their Uncle aside but Balin was already making his way to the centerpoint of the room and there was naught to be done about it.

So, Fili shooed their wolves from the couches, Kili took his seat upon the floor, freeing up the chairs for his elders and busied himself with a sweetened pastry and mug of spiced ale. After a moment's pause, Fili did the same and when Thorin finally took his spot amid the large armchair, the room's bustle went silent.

Balin;s eyes were warm, gentle as they always were as he spoke, clear and with purpose. "It is a grand night that has come upon us. Tonight, after much strife and struggle, we prepare to give the crown back to its rightful owner, the one who has helped us to endure throughout our years in exile. Thorin II Oakenshield, son of Thrain, son of Thror, you do us all the honor of choosing us as your Company."

There was a pause and the room erupted into shouts of acceptance, of cheers and the clinking of mugs. When Thorin lifted his head and cleared his throat, the cheering ceased as all eyes settled on him.

"The honor has been mine, this whole time." Thorin reassured them all. "No army, of any size or pedigree could have given me what all of you have. Not just on our quest but before and after. The right to guide your futures is something I bear with a willing heart and the greatest honor and the strongest of loyalties."

Balin nodded and opened his arms to the room, settling mainly on Bilbo, "I see that Thorin has extended his invitation to you as well, Bilbo Baggins of the Shire."

Very formally, as that seemed to be the flow, Bilbo bowed slightly. "He has, Balin, son of Fundin. I accept it with the utmost gratitude. It is more than any Baggins deserves, truly, but I count myself blessed to have it."

Kili, despite not being sure if he had the right just now, added, "You would be hard pressed to find someone more worthy, Mr. Boggins."

Despite himself, Bilbo chuckled, "It's Baggins, Kili. Baggins."

Balin waited for the faint chortles around this exchange to die before stating, "Tonight, we begin the preparations for our King and our two Princes. Tomorrow eve, they will be crowned but tonight is a night of cleansing, of preparation and reflection." He eyed the two Princes in particular. "Tomorrow eve, Thorin will humble himself before the Mountain and Mahal, kneel to his knees and take his vows before the city and all that have been chosen to bear witness. Fili and Kili, you both will follow, in mirror image of him and take your own vows to the city upon which Thorin will grant you the titles that bear you each best. You will rise, Fili first as crown and blood heir and Kili second as second heir. And Erebor will greet its new and rightful rulers."

Oddly enough, there were no cheers to be had right now. The room was full of somberness, with even Bombur not eating and all were simply watching the eldest of them with revered silence.

"I, as eldest among us and keeper of our history, will take the task of presenting the vows." He smiled now, that warm, comforting smile, "And I am told that Thorin has selected young Ori to record the vows in written word."

The young dwarf, nestled between Dori and Nori, grinned widely and nodded, though slightly shyly "It is with the greatest of honor that I accept."

Balin nodded, firmly. "That leaves the final selection to you, Thorin and Fili and Kili. For this upcoming night, you will go into the depths of Erebor. You will bathe amid Her Salted pools and sit amid the comfort of her dark and you will reflect, you will ponder and you will take the full weight upon your heart of what you will be declaring and undertaking with the setting of the next sun. May Mahal guide your hearts well in it."

The three heirs gave heavy but respectful nods and Balin continued.

"But you shall not be alone. As it has always been, you will select two to be with you: one as your Honor Guide who may direct and make right the ways of our traditions and your Spirit Guide who may lend comfort to your soul and listen to your burdens. You will choose them now and choose them with a certainty in your heart."

An eerie silence spread over the room and Thorin nodded to his two nephews. He would grant them permission to choose first. As much as this night weighed heavy on him, it weighed perhaps even heavier on them, young as they were.

Fili shifted and nodded to Kili.

Put on the spot, the youngest of the Durin heirs considered. He knew what tradition dictated, he knew that dwarves from notable Dwarven families were expected to be chosen but he gave no thought to that. If these chosen folks were meant to guide his way in both tradition and in heart, he could only think of two:

"For my Honor Guard, I select Dori. For my Spirit Guide, I select Bofur."

The two chosen dwarves stepped forward and neither tried to hide the shock from their faces. They bowed, on one knee and Kili stood before them when his uncle made a simple sharp jerk of his head that he should do so.

"The honor is great that you give to us, Kili, son of Dis." Dori stated and his voice trembled.

"And we accept it with humility in our hearts." Bofur finished and both rose. They moved to flank Kili, Dori to the right and Bofur to the left.

Fili stood, and as his brother had done, considered his options. He had grown up knowing, intimately, all these dwarves but much like his brother had done, the choices were quite clear in his mind of whom he would choose and whom he should choose.

"For my Honor Guide, I select Bombur. For my Spirit Guide, I select Nori."

Again, much as before, there was unspoken shock. To select from the same family and to select from families not ripe in lineage was unusual but perhaps it should not have been for the two princes. They had grown up, humbly and these families had always and forever been there.

Nori and Bombur knelt, as their brothers had done and proclaimed themselves as their brothers had done.

"You do us a great honor, Fili, son of Dis." Bombur spoke, his voice quivering just slightly and it made his beard tremble.

"And we accept it, with honor due to your name," Nori finished and his eyes were locked on Fili's. His reputation as a thief had been well known in the boys' childhoods but much like their Uncle, they never looked down upon him for it. It was…humbling to be chosen for such an important task.

As they moved to flank the boy, Balin set his sights on Thorin.

"For my Honor Guide, I can select none other than Dwalin."

The balded warrior gave a low bow, "I have served you before and I will serve you always, my King but you give me an honor with this I cannot repay."

Thorin waited, accepted his response and then after a long pause, a long time of waiting, he stated, firm and proud.

"For my Spirit Guide, I would select Bilbo Baggins."