Without further adieu~~
Chp 72
It wasn't a long walk to the Royal Dining Hall for all the happy groups moving about the Mountain. Everywhere the royal couple walked, everyone seemed to be in a festive mood, none the least the King and Queen beaming at everyone they passed, firmly set in their shared bliss. As they arrived at the Dining Hall they could see that many more tables and chairs had been added. Instead of a U shape, now there were six long rows of tables with chairs or benches on either side. At the table in the middle, Kili's larger throne chair was placed at the end, but now was joined by a smaller chair, not as ornately decorated but still indicating a stately presence. Kili and Tauriel were led to these two chairs and Kili helped Tauriel into hers. They were not many in arrival yet, so the couple took the time to relax and make small talk.
Slowly arrivals made their way into the Dining Halls. Bilbo toddled into the Royal Dining Hall alone, but with an ebullient expression on his face. He was shown to Kili and Tauriel's table, but further down to the end and he happily took his seat. The King and Queen were relaxing and observing those who were starting to arrive and take their seats. Bilbo started up a conversation with an older, stately dwarf and dwarrowdam couple who were seated across the table from him, Kili and Tauriel smiled. Other members of the Company were shown to the heads of the other tables, as they filed into the room. Bard and his children, proudly wearing their gifts, came into the room and were shown their places at the end of the next table, closest to the King and Queen. They were excitedly showing each other and examining their purchases from the Market area. Balin and King Xen'ab walked right in and swiftly went to their seats, one down from Kili and Tauriel's and were chuckling between themselves about some good joke.
Now, as the sun had descended over the horizon, there was quite a bit more action in the room. The pages were running themselves ragged showing everyone to their seats; and still there was no sign of the elves, or Gandalf, so one side of Kili and Tauriel's table sat empty for the moment. After a bit, Dis arrived with two other richly dressed older dwarves, Lord Bune and Lord Aiuer, and they were chatting about something obviously important. The pages showed Dis to the seat next to Kili, and the two Lords, further on down the table. There was lots of happy excitement in the crowd as Kili and Tauriel looked around and took in everyone's joyful mood. When it seemed like everyone could wait no longer for the food and drink to start, a hush came over the crowd as Gandalf, heading the group of elves, had just appeared in the doorway to the Royal Dining Hall. Most of the seats had been taken already, so it was apparent where the Elven lords were to sit, and their entourage at spots at the other tables.
Gandalf sat at the end of Kili's table, next to Tauriel. Next down the table were Lord Celeborn, Lord Cirdan, Lord Elrond and Lord Thranduil. Tauriel seemed apprehensive as she noted the Dwarf Lords and Kings were seated right across from these Elven lords, but there didn't seem to be as much animosity as she thought there would be when the elves took their seats and right across from them. In fact Lord Cirdan immediately struck up a conversation with Lords Bune and Auier. Kili smirked when he noticed his love's perplexed expression. He leaned over and whispered, "Bune and Auier are from my home in the Blue Mountains, and the Grey Havens is not very far away...so they have been acquaintances for many a year." Tauriel processed the information and said, "Oh...of course, I should have known that. But hearing of other distant lands and cultures was not one of Thranduil's priorities in teaching us." Kili looked darkly a moment, but let the feeling pass quickly because of the jubilation around him.
The servers were busy offering the dining patrons their choice of favored drink because Bombur instructed his helpers to make sure everyone had something to drink when the inevitable toasting part of the evening came. Pairs of them were going around with different tankards or long bottles in their hands, and it was no surprise the elves present chose the drink out of the tall glass bottles and most everyone else took the darker and frothier liquid from the tankards. It was quite already that time, so Balin stood up and banged his thick mug on the table. Everyone slowly let their conversations die down and Balin patiently waited. When it was silent and all eyes were on him, he raised his mug, and said loudly, "Long live Kili, King of Erebor, may he reign for many years in peace and prosperity, war and strife, and bring good fortune to all those present!" All the dwarves banged their mugs on the table resoundingly and yelled "Aye, Aye!" The elves and humans present were more inclined to raise their glass or mug in the air.
Similar toasts were offered during the next hour, which put everyone into a festive mood. The lads of the Company each stood up and wished their best to King Kili's reign. When it was Gandalf's turn, he spoke for awhile about Thorin and how proud he knows he would be to see Kili ascend to the throne. Bilbo, in his typical joyful but emotional manner, made a lovely speech about how seedlings grow into a majestic oaks and give shade and comfort to all those under their protection; and likened Tauriel to the acorns, propagating the species but also giving sustenance to all others around her. Afterwards, Tauriel and Kili were very moved and they both motioned Bilbo up to the head of the table for big hugs.
After Bilbo, Lords Cirdan, Celeborn and Elrond all made fine toasts in their own way and spoke to the uniqueness of Kili and Tauriel's union and its' implications in all the histories of Middle Earth. Kili and Tauriel were awed by the Lord's thoughts, Tauriel bowing to each Lord in turn after their statements. Lord Thranduil's toast was simple, but heartfelt, as he wished the couple all of his best for a long happy future together. Tauriel again, slowly and most reverently bowed to her former father figure.
Lastly, it was Lady Dis's turn. She spoke eloquently, touching on her family's more recent exiled years and how her brother took it upon himself to train Fili, and Kili, in the rites of Durin rule. She also mentioned how proud not just Fili and Thorin would be of him, but Kili's father and the great Dwarf Lord they knew he will become. Then she retouched on her previous speech, but now with numerous races present; that spoke to the unusual pairing of a dwarf and elf, and how their union might begin to heal the rift that has existed between the two races. In this, she urged her kinsmen to forego ancient prejudices and embrace that their King has found his one, and even though she be elven, she is proud, brave and loyal, all qualities dwarves admire and revere and she will make a steadfast and true queen for their peoples. She ended by recapping some of Kili's brave deeds throughout his life, thereby assuring their assembled kin that he will make a fine ruler for many years to come. She raised her tankard with, "my son, King of Erebor, the Hall of your Great Grandfather Thror is yours to rule as you see fit," she toasted the mug and bowed. Most of of the other dwarves and even the assembled men and elves, hobbit and wizard present bowed their heads. Kili was taken aback with emotion of this reverent gesture. He dragged his sleeve across his nose and Tauriel caressed his hand to give him strength. He slowly arose from his chair, took a moment to compose himself and spoke, "Thank you, mum. And thank you everyone for your well wishes. I do hope I can live up to everyone's expectations, I do intend to try. And with the help and support of everyone in these Halls today...I know I will be able to. Thank you again for your confidence in me for the blood of Durin runs strong in my veins and I will NOT let any of you down!" He said resoundingly and the assembled host hooted, clapped and or stamped their feet. A little cheerier now, Kili said, "Now please...my wish is to enjoy this great feast prepared in mine and Tauriel's honor; and for much merriment had by all!"
No one needed to be told twice and the servers began pouring in, laden with trays of all sorts of fine fare and everyone began to dig in immediately. There was roasted meat chunks and potatoes on iron skewers, basketfuls of bread and rolls, tossed greens with an oily dressing, carrots bobbing up and down in a thick stew and a headied aroma pie with the hint of an exotic spice with a thick golden crust which was a mellowed orange color on the inside when it was cut open. Everyone enjoyed this first course, but most were waiting to see what tasty meats would be prepared and hurried to clean their plates. Soon, the servers bustled in, heavy and immense dishes in hand. There was stuffed pheasant complete with the feathers attached, the ever present roasted pigs, slabs of thick red steaks and ribs and lastly, plated shiny silver fish garnished with greens and pungent yellow sliced citrus.
Dwarves and humans loaded their plates full and happily started trying some of each they had gotten. Kili smirked as he noticed the elves were choosing mostly the fish, or pheasant, and even then had modest amounts on their plates. He noticed the same of his love's plate and inquired of her, she replied, "As with sleep, Amralime, elves do not need much sustenance, and all of this food is more than enough to keep us satiated," she smiled. Kili thoughtfully said, "Wow, well, I guess that is one way where dwarves and elves differ greatly...we love to eat! And if not for fighting, forging and sleeping...and other amorous pursuits," he said as he reached down under the table and caressed her thigh, "we wouldn't be doing much else!" Her cheeks turned a bit pink, not for his action, but for the present company they were in. Kili gave a good belly laugh and continued to enjoy his meal.
As this course began winding down, and without skipping a beat, the servers came in arms laden with trays full of desserts. Creamy golden custards, moist cakes, sweet smelling pies, glazed and honied nuts and small, delicate spongy rolls with a sugary flavor that everyone went back for seconds and thirds for. Finally though, the pace of the meal was winding down as it seemed most had had their fill and were leaning back in their chairs, enjoying conversations with their neighbors. But their was still a jubilant atmosphere from the crowd and, if on cue, just then the musicians came into the room which made everyone clap and cheer.
There were dwarvish style horn players with metallic looking instruments that let out a deep baritone sound that the dwarves present clapped their hands and stomped their feet to. There were also wood instruments with brass keys being played and they made a sweeter sound. Lastly dwarven fiddlers were bobbing in and out of the crowd enticing everyone, even the elves, to at least clap their hands in time with the rhythm! A few dwarves stood up and sang jaunty tunes to the music, these included Gloin, Dori...even Dwalin...who's song went on about some dwarven barmaid with a face like an Orc. Everyone, especially those in the Company, who knew of that particular adventure were raucously enjoying a good laugh, all the while still clapping their hands to the music.
Lady Dis even had a turn at singing, her song was more fair and sang of Durin exploits, both newer and ancient but everyone still enjoyed and clapped along. Gandalf knew that sooner rather later, Bilbo would take a turn, as everyone who knows a Hobbit, knows they can't resist a good feast with dancing, singing and music! Sure enough, Bilbo asked one of the fiddlers if he could borrow their's and with a flourish, he jumped on the table and began to play a merry tune. Everyone clapped and laughed as he weaved in and out, singing while playing and nary spilling plate nor cup.
It was getting close to midnight when Bilbo was done playing and singing and sat back down and wiped his brow with his kerchief. This time the musicians music was more subdued, but nonetheless hauntingly melodic. Kili took this opportunity to ask his Queen to dance. Tauriel was a little taken aback, as he hadn't mentioned they would have to be dancing in front of everyone before now. She needn't have worried...elves are very graceful, and even though she was unfamiliar at first with dwarven rhythm, she quickly caught up and they made a beautiful dancing pair. Everyone watched them with admiration as the two with so much love in their eyes slowly twirled around in time with the music. The tune was over and Kili and Tauriel finished it off with him bending her backwards for a deep kiss. Her extended length was no problem for his strong arms and shoulders as he held her firm and tight in his grip. The two lovers stood back upright and were surprised by the clapping, as they had forgotten everyone else was around. They smiled pink cheeked at everyone and danced a little further apart this time as another tune started up shortly. Others joined in on the dancing, once the King and Queen had taken the first dance. Bard took turns dancing with his daughters, and a few of the dwarven couples got up and everyone enjoyed watching them dance. Bilbo even walked across the room to a pretty, after their fashion, younger female dwarf who had been sitting across the room. She was surprised at first but looked over at her father sitting nearby and when he gave her a nod, she took Bilbo's hand and she seemed to have a good time keeping up with all of his merry movements.
This went on for another few hours as different people, or couples got up to dance or sing along with the music. The royal couple had sat down and watched as the raucousness of the crowd eventually died down. Dis nodded to Kili, and he ushered Tauriel over to door, realizing his mum's intuition about everyone wanting to say their goodnight's and last best wishes. She was correct as everyone in the room slowly made their way from their places and made last conversations with the King, Queen, wizard, elf or hobbit, as desired. This long line of these dignitaries were by the entrance to the Dining Hall. Kili said his goodbyes to Bard and his children and promised they would hold regular counsel together.
As the elves approached, Balin, who was standing next to Kili, reminded him that the assembled elven host had traveled a long way and they would like to hold court with the King of Erebor before their journey home. Before Kili could even mention anything, Lord Celeborn brought up the topic as the elves were making their way out of the Hall. "So, my good King Kili," he asked, "May we request an audience with you and your Queen on the morrow, before we take our leave from your Kingdom?" Kili spent a few moments wondering why the elves would want to meet with him and Tauriel, but quickly sputtered out a quick, "Yes, yes of course," as he realized they were all waiting for his reply. Celeborn smiled and replied, "Very good then. The first day of your rule begins tomorrow and it has been a long day and I am sure you will want to be well rested." Kili smiled and thanked the elves for coming to the feast, but internally puzzled on the Lord's words.
As everyone else had filled out, the rest of the Company, Dis, Bilbo, Gandalf and Kili & Tauriel were left. Gandalf promised to escort Bilbo to his room and then catch up with the elves, so they said their goodnights. The Company took their bows to take leave of their King, and Kili shrugged and said, "My friends...that is not necessary. For I arrived at the throne, by accident of birth and only that; each and every one of you would make a worthier Lord than I, and I am forever in all your debts' for seeing this quest, Thorin's quest, to its fruition." They all smiled at the young ruler and knew Mahal had chosen well, but still gave him some very hard arm punches or headbutts as they adjourned to their chosen destinations of their bed chambers or to find where the festivities might still be continuing into the night.
Tauriel looked at her love, and said, "You have an important meeting in the morning and I would like for you to get some rest. It has been a very long day. I shall seek relaxation in the Gardens on this night." Kili sneered slightly as her statement meant she remembered that once she was Queen, she could continue forth through the Kingdom unaided. Tauriel, sensing what was Kili's thoughts by his expression, went over and whispered in his ear, "When we are finally together, I want nothing pressing to be on our minds, so that we can fully give in to our wants and desires of each other...let no one or thing come between us again once we bond as one." The passion flamed in Kili's eyes giving him an unneeded erection and the pair shared a passionate kiss. Dis for her part, turned around, examining the few passersby in the hallway. After they pulled apart and Dis heard them say their goodnights, she asked, "I'm wondering if I might ask to accompany Tauriel for a little while on this night anyway." Tauriel said of course, and Dis kissed her son, the newly crowned King as he yawned. He said his goodnights to the most important females in his life and slowly made his way to his new quarters, the King's! He watched as Tauriel and his mum walked off in the opposite direction. He sighed, adjusted himself, and couldn't wait until the following night. After the long walk to his new chambers he slid into the sumptuous sheets on the large ornate bed. His profound loneliness, lasting only a few seconds, as he settled into a restful slumber very quickly.
There is nothing I can say to apologize for the long wait for this next chapter, other than I'm sorry. Please know, if I had my choice, I would be spending my time with my feet up, in the sun and writing. Sometimes life gets in the way though. These last few months have been the most trying in my life and I find myself having to make a career change, through no fault of my own. Not entirely unhappy about it because, in August, I will be teaching at a local High school! I'm old enough that I can still remember doing imaginative play when I was young, before video games and tv became the "it" thing, and I always remembered playing a teacher. I think coming up with lessons and helping others learn new things (one of my passions!) was always an immense joy for me, and now I really get to do that!
But...here in the States there are immense hurdles that need to be jumped through for people who don't have formal training. Luckily my degree is in a field where there are very few teachers, so schools are clamouring for people in my field...there's just been sooooo much I've had to do (not to mention EVERYthing else going on in my life!) so it is really hard to be mentally in the story lately as I've been so busy.
Rest assured, I have not forgotten about Kili and Tauriel here, as about 130k words later and they still haven't had sex! Gotta remedy that quick huh? ;) And now, finally Kili is King and we will see what adventures await them. I promise I will try to post new chapters as often as I can :)
{{Hugs}}
