Arranged Fate
A/N- Hello to those reading my story, thank you for deciding to grant me a bit of you time. I do hope I don't disappoint.
I am planning two parts to this chapter, so I hope you all understand once you've read it.
Disclaimer- I don't own the Hobbit or Lord of the Rings, but man do I own my OC's and the story in this.
'thoughts'
Now for the madness.
=^..^=
Chapter 4:
One Week of Madness- Side A
She was really starting to hate mornings.
Ochre turned over and stuffed a pillow over her head to drown out the loud banging at her door. She knew just who was behind the door and didn't want to open it. But when she heard the hinges and wood start to crack she growled and sat up.
"Fine! I'm up; I'll be out in a few minutes, please wait." The pounding stopped immediately at her words and she sighed before setting out to get dressed and ready for the day only to stop short as a thought crystallized in her mind.
This had been her routine for the last six days.
But today would be different, today was the day. The day she would finally marry her One. Her Kili.
It had started the morning after she'd spent such a wonderful time with Kili down in the forge. She'd been sleeping in late to catch up on her rest, when the pounding had started. Confused and more than a little annoyed at being woken from her peaceful slumber, she was ready to berate whichever of her uncle's she found standing there.
Only it wasn't her uncle's she came face to face with, it was the Lady Dis. She had a large basket with her and a suspiciously happy glint to her eyes. Ochre had let her in without hesitation. A choice she soon came to regret.
Dis began by asking, "Please pick out the colors you like the most." Ochre did so in slight confusion, before Dis explained, "I am going to help with your wedding. Whichever colors you choose will be for your wedding dress and the decor for the celebration afterwards."
They spent most of the morning pouring over the cloth and by the end of it all, Ochre felt cross-eyed. When Dis had stood to leave she gave Ochre a soft smile and said, "Kili wishes for you to meet him at the training fields by lunchtime. Have fun." She then disappeared out the door, leaving Ochre blinking in surprise after her.
Of course she'd gone as requested, only to find out that Kili hadn't asked for her. But he didn't turn her away when she showed up, bow in hand. It turned into a little contest between the two of them and to her great pleasure, Ochre won in the end.
She'd been called back to help her uncle's with some household duties and that had ended that first day.
The second came with a trip to a seamstress for a fitting. Which Ochre was still sore from all the pins pricks and prodding she'd received.
Soon after she found herself at lunch, after being picked up by Falin whom told her she'd planned a picnic with the brothers, a fact that Ochre had enjoyed. It turned out to be a rather eventful picnic. Fili had said something to irritate his brother and soon both were wrestling away in the dirt, while Ochre and Falin cheered them on. In the end Fili had won and demanded a reward, which he received from Falin. A kiss to the victor.
Seeing the look that entered Kili's eyes as he watched his brother and Falin. Ochre snuck up beside him and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. He blinked and flushed red, but that look of sadness that he'd had in his eyes disappeared, which had been Ochre's goal all along.
So ended the second day.
The Third dawned with Dis dragging Ochre out of bed and down into the bowels of the treasure vault. She had Ochre sift through several precious jewels and metals until she'd chosen the ones she wanted to wear on her wedding day. She'd found some amethyst and opal stones which she found beautiful, so she choose them.
Dis promised that they would be ready for her the day before the wedding for a final fitting. Ochre merely nodded her head and finally at mid-day she was able to bid Dis farewell and sought out her uncle's. She still needed to choose whom she would have give her away at the wedding. A hard decision for her but she knew it was one she needed to make.
She'd been unable to find any of them and as she made her way to the kitchens to seek out Bombur, she ran into Kili. This had been a pleasant surprise. He'd been there to get a quick snack and having seen her, his face lit up. He asked her what she was doing for the rest of the day and walked with her to meet with Bombur when she'd told him her plans.
Once they had found Bombur he was waist deep in work, it seemed his kitchen help was out sick and he was all on his own. Hearing this Ochre offered to help and being who he was, Kili volunteered to help as well. So the next few hours were spent as they washed the dishes and cleaned up the kitchens. Kili had even started singing a silly little tune about soap bubbles.
It had been a very pleasant afternoon and early evening. She'd retired to her rooms with her choice made; she'd have Bofur give her away. He'd been the one closest to her after all. So she'd fallen asleep with a soft smile upon her lips.
Then began her Fourth day.
Dis was late and Ochre found herself waking up despite herself. As she made to leave her room to find some breakfast, she saw that all three of her uncle's were seated at the table and arguing about something. Worried by this, she approached.
This allowed her to hear something about a cave-in. She'd asked "What's happened?" all three fell silent. More worried about this, Ochre demanded to know what was going on. That is when Bombur explained that several dwarrow had been in one of the older mineshafts and a cave-in had occurred. Several had been injured and three had been killed.
Knitting her brows she asked if it was why Dis had yet to show. Bifur sighed at that as he signed that the prince was hurt. Ochre felt her heart freeze in her chest as she asked which one it was. All three gave her the same look and that was all she needed to know whom it was. Kili had been hurt.
Bifur knew the way to the medical ward that Oin had set up after the battle and lead her there as fast as they could possibly move. When they'd entered there were several wounded dwarrow all around and a spot off to the side where three figures lay shrouded in white cloth. Ochre kept her eyes ahead of her though; looking everywhere she could to see if she could catch a glimpse of either Dis or Kili.
As they made their way through she saw Dis carrying some bandages and hurried over. Dis had seen her approach and smiled tiredly. She asked if Ochre was there to see Kili and she nodded. Dis laughed at that and informed her that Kili had only received a bump on the head and a few scratches.
She then proceeded to tell her that Kili was currently in council with Thorin and Fili. That once it was over she could see him, but not until then. Deflating and feeling rather drained for all her worry, Ochre thanked Dis and left the infirmary. She wandered the halls for a good few minutes, not sure what else to do when someone called out to her.
Turning she watched Falin approach and smiled when the other asked if she'd like to come with her. That she had something she'd like her help with. Ochre had agreed in a heartbeat and followed where Falin lead. This was out of the mountain and to the stables.
They were greeted by a couple stable hands, both young dwarrow. Falin instructed them to bring two mounts and turned to Ochre. "Have you met Lord Bard and his family yet?" Ochre blinked at that, "no...I've not left Erebor since arriving."
Falin laughed long and hard at that and Ochre felt her face turning red. "Not to worry. I will make all the introductions. His lordship has requested a chance to present you with a wedding gift, hence this trip." Falin gave Ochre a slap on the back as her smile deepened, "he's not scary so don't worry. Besides, I am certain you will love his daughters."
The stable hands returned with two ponies, both female and very shaggy looking. Ochre took one look at the black and white one and practically fell in love with her. She petted the pony from the top of her head down to her tail. The pony snickered and shook her head, enjoying the treatment. "Does she have a name?" Ochre looked at Falin who shook her head.
Looking back at the pony before her, Ochre looked into her soft brown eyes, "clover. That's what you'll be called." Falin patted her shoulder and Ochre looked to her, "we'd best be on our way. We don't want to be gone too long."
Nodding her head, Ochre gave her pony another soft pat before she mounted and spurred her foreword. She and Falin kept at a pretty sedate pace until they were out of sight of the mountain. At which point Falin picked up speed and Ochre matched her.
Before long they reached the outskirts of Dale and were met by a couple men guarding the entrance to the city. Falin raised her hand in greeting and spoke with them, while she did this Ochre looked around and couldn't help but see the damage that the dragon had wrought upon the city. Most of it looked new and she couldn't help but admire the humans for rebuilding so quickly.
Falin called to her and they were lead into the city. She was impressed by Bard and his family. The eldest Sigrid especially. All of them had greeted her and Falin with much warmth. Then Bard had presented her with a box. It was a wooden box and felt heavy in her hands. He'd asked her to wait to open it until she and Kili could open it together, she had agreed.
They had parted with smiles and promises to come to her and Kili's wedding. A fact that made Ochre's heart feel lighter. The kingdom had good friends in the people of Dale and its leader.
Ochre and Falin made it back to Erebor just as the sun began to set, several guards came out to meet them and Falin cursed under her breath when they saw Dwalin at the head of them. He looked pissed. Both had dismounted and as their ponies were lead away, Dwalin approached and held up two fingers.
"Two hours. Where have you both been and why didn't you take your escort with you?" Falin snorted while Ochre blinked in confusion, "Escort? I have an escort?" Dwalin's face softened a little as he turned to her, "your personal guard if you will. You're our princes' soon to be wives; we cannot have either of you without some protection."
Ochre understood immediately she bowed her head and was about to apologize when she was suddenly lifted up into the air. "Ochre! I've been looking all over for you!" She smiled as she recognized the voice, it was Kili.
She embraced him tightly and enjoyed his warmth. "I went to see you this morning upon hearing of the accident, but was told to wait. I am glad you are alright. Falin took me with her to Dale; we met with Bard and his family." A soft laugh answered her as Kili set her back down and pulled back to look at her. "Bard is a very good friend, I am glad you got to meet him."
Pulling out the box she held it out to him, "he wanted us to open this together. Said it was a wedding gift to us both." Kili nodded his head before he took it into his hands, "we will wait then until after the wedding. Open it then, if that is alright with you of course."
Ochre smiled and nodded her head, a soft blush crossing her cheeks. Kili tucked the box into one of his pockets and presented her his arm. "See you later Falin, Dwalin." Both raised their hands in farewell before Ochre turned back to Kili. She happily took his arm and let him lead her away, "where are we going?" Kili touched a finger to his lips, "to dinner, my Amad made sure to have Bombur set something aside for us." Ochre felt her blush deepen as she shifted closer to him, "I'll have to thank him for that later."
They had spent a pleasant evening just laughing over embarrassing things from their pasts. The meal had been warm and delicious as all the food her uncle made was. But the best had come when Ochre had wished him a good night.
Kili reached out and took her hands in his much larger ones. He lifted her hands and kissed her knuckles. "I have a courting gift for you; it's a bit late considering you already gave me yours. I hope you will like it." His cheeks were pink as he pulled out a long thin box from yet another pocket in his cloak.
Ochre's eyes widened in delight and surprise. She took the box gently from his hands, her eyes slowly filling with tears. "Thank you, I will cherish it." She moved to open it when he stopped her with his hands. "Wait until later." He then had escorted her home; they were greeted by Bifur whom had a stern look on his face. He wished her a good night and before he turned to leave, Ochre tugged on a lock of his hair, bringing his face closer.
She gave him a soft but quick kiss before muttering a goodnight and darting through the open door past her snickering uncle. Kili stood stunned for a few moments before he flushed red once more and returned to his own home for the night.
Ochre had been too nervous to look at the present Kili had given her that night and had gone straight to bed. Her heart full of love and joy.
This was how her Fourth day ended.
The Fifth day began pleasantly enough, but it soon turned sour.
She had awoken with a sense of excitement, looking around to find the present Kili had given her. She pulled it towards her and slowly opened it with shaking fingers. She was really nervous to see what was inside.
Pulling off the top of the box she stared at the jeweled hair clip. It had dark almost black jewels, which she assumed were obsidian. But the metal, it was rose gold. Her favorite. She felt a soft smile cross her lips, 'he remembered.'
She had been surprised by his behavior the day before. Almost as if he returned her feelings, but she knew it was still too soon for that. Considering how angry he was that first day he was probably just acting the gentleman for her sake. Sighing she cradled the hair clip and smiled sadly at it. Least she could do was wear it; he had made it for her after all.
She was almost completely dressed for the day when Lady Dis came knocking. Ochre opened the door with a smile and greeted her soon to be mother-in-law. Dis brightened considerably when she saw the jeweled clip in Ochre's hair. "He finally gave it to you then, wonderful. I was wondering when he'd work up the courage."
Ochre blinked in surprise, but before she could say anything, Dis waved towards the door. "Today we will be doing the last fitting for your dress. Then we shall review the food for the wedding dinner. Let's hurry and get you dressed then."
Sighing Ochre did as asked and dressed the rest of the way. She then let Dis lead her away.
The fitting went well and everything was deemed A-Ok by Dis, the maids dispersed but one seemed to linger. Ochre only noticed because she was looking for a chance to escape, Dis stopped all attempts at that when she grabbed Ochre's arm and began to drag her along.
She heard a noise behind her but couldn't stop to see what it was. Dis was determined to get her to the kitchens. Soon she forgot about the strange maid and that noise and got caught up in discussing the food with her uncle.
They had decided on four courses, a beginning meal of pork and potatoes. A middle meal of chicken and spiced cakes. An ending meal of beef and stewed mushrooms. Then a final meal of one of her favorites, her uncle's beet cake doughnuts. There would also be several types of ale served throughout. All in all it was something that she and her uncle agreed would be the best for how much ale everyone would consume.
She had seen Kili semi-drunk once and wasn't sure what she wanted to see more. Kili drunk completely off his butt or all his attention on her and her alone. She shook off the thought as her arm started to itch. She scratched at it absentmindedly.
Ten minutes later as she and Dis were about to leave, Dis turned to her and gasped. Ochre looked at her in confusion, only to see the horror on her face. Next thing she knew she was being grabbed and looked over. "Ochre, what happened? Why is your skin all red like this?"
Blinking, she looked down and gaped at seeing the dark red splotches all over both her arms and neck. "I...I don't know!" Hearing her distressed voice her uncle had come over and asked, "Did you touch any oils? You know how that stuff irritates your skin."
Ochre shook her head not understanding at first how this could have happened. Then she recalled the maid and wondered if that was how this occurred. "I will fetch Oin. Do not leave here." Ochre just watched Dis leave, not saying a word. It could have been accidental, but then she recalled several dam's from Erid Luin whom loathed her when they'd found out she'd been picked for prince Kili.
Not that any of them loved the prince; it was just the power and prestige. The bloodline that they wanted. These same dams had come to Erebor as well, in the same caravan as herself, Falin and Lady Dis. She looked up at her uncle Bombur and saw from the look on his face that he was thinking along the same lines as she. This did not bode well if it was true.
Minutes later Oin entered with Dis right behind him. He quickly determined that someone had coated her clothes in plant oil, one that caused even those without an allergy to react to it. Dis narrowed her eyes at this and Bombur put in his two cents as well. "Several Dam's back home my Lady; they used to pick on Ochre for being chosen. This was a trick they used then too."
Not wanting to cause anyone trouble Ochre kept silent. Dis took all of three seconds before she drew the same conclusion as Ochre had about that maid previously. "Oin please take care of Ochre, I shall return momentarily." Then she disappeared once more.
Oin spread a cool ointment on Ochre's skin and she sighed in relief when the irritation began to lesson. She thanked him before they waited in silence and with baited breath for Lady Dis to return. Almost half an hour later and during a very interesting game of cards, Dis walked in. On her heels were Kili, Fili, Dwalin, and Thorin. All looking like they had eaten something rancid.
Kili immediately came over to her side and gently touched one of the patches on her arm. Ochre flinched at the pain and he jerked back. He sighed then smiled when he saw the jeweled clip in her hair. He pulled back his sleeve and she saw the braided leather knife sheath she had made him. It had been her courting gift to him and she had been wondering if he'd liked it or not. He hadn't said anything to her about it after all.
She felt tear come to her eyes as she jumped up from the chair she sat in and dived into his chest. He rocked back on his heels even as his arms wrapped about her back, holding her close. She cried softly into his chest, unable to hold back anymore. Kili didn't say a word if he felt the wetness from her tears, all he did was start rubbing circles on her back.
"Ochre." Hearing the deep tones of Thorin, Ochre took a deep breath and slowly pulled away from Kili. She glanced up at his face briefly, brushed away her tears and turned to face her king. "My King." Thorin's lips twitched a bit at her address before he grew stony once more.
"I hear this isn't the first this has happened to you, am I right in assuming what my sister says is correct. That one of the Dam's from Erid Luin did this to you?" Ochre shook her head, "I am not sure. I was fine until after the fitting. Then I began to itch, at first it was light then...as you can see. It spread."
Oin nodded in agreement, "a dose like this could only have been applied on purpose Thorin. I am sure of it." Thorin paced back and forth across the kitchen floor before he stopped and clasped his hands behind him. "Very well then, I shall have Nori look into it. Ochre, because the wedding is so close and this happened. I am going to assign you a bodyguard, at least until this occurrence is settled."
Ochre blinked in surprise but nodded her head. Kili gripped her shoulder and she placed a hand over his. Fili smiled at her, "don't worry Ochre. This will not happen again." Dwalin nodded his head in agreement while Oin piped up again.
"I suggest you rest at home the remainder of today my Lady. Take a long hot bath to wash the remnants of the oil from your skin and rest. Tomorrow you should be right as rain." Ochre smiled at him, "thank you for your help Oin." He just nodded his head and excused himself.
Dis turned to Thorin and spoke gruffly, "I will take her home. The maid I spoke of shouldn't have gotten far. If in fact it was her whom did the deed." Thorin nodded in agreement. "Dwalin and Fili will apprehend her. Kili, go with your mother and Ochre for now. I will keep you all informed of what we discover."
He then looked at Ochre once more and his eyes softened. "And you take it easy. Understood?" Ochre smiled at him and nodded her head. Thorin then turned and left Dwalin right behind him. Fili gave her thumbs up, "spend some quality time you two." He then winked at Kili before leaving as well.
Both had matching blushed upon their faces at his words and even shyly glanced at one another before they caught each other's eyes and laughed. Dis shook her head at their behavior, her own smile threatening to appear. "Alright then, you heard Oin. Let's go."
As soon as they had stepped outside a rough looking man stepped up and bowed to them. "Yinir at your service. King Thorin has placed me as your guard; I shall do my best to fulfill that duty." Ochre smiled and bowed her head, "thank you Yinir. I am grateful for such a strong protector." The man blushed before he took a step back and allowed Kili to pull her along, a bit more roughly than he needed too.
Ochre noticed this but didn't say anything. If Kili was jealous of her speaking with other men then it could only prove good towards seeing what he truly felt for her. With this in mind she sidled closer to him, but made sure none of her skin touched his. She didn't want him afflicted as she was.
They had made it back to her home without issue and finding no one home she welcomed all three inside. Dis then swept her away for a bath, deeming it under Oin's orders. She suffered a scrubbing she wouldn't soon forget but it did help ease the irritation. Soon after she shared a meal with Dis and Kili before both excused themselves.
Dis looked preoccupied, while Kili looked torn. But he left after bidding her a goodnight, sneaking in a quick kiss to her forehead before he disappeared out the door. Ochre spent the rest of the night thinking of that kiss and Kili's behavior with Yinir. She soon found herself nodding off before any of her uncle's returned home.
This was how her fifth day ended.
Then day six came.
Lady Dis had arrived bright and early to inform her that the culprit had been apprehended and duly dealt with. When she'd asked who it was, Dis waved her question off. She told her that today was her day of purification in the eyes of Mahal and all of Arda. Readying her for her soon-to-be husband's attentions.
Ochre felt her face flame at Dis's words and wondered if the woman had been joking. She soon found out otherwise.
After dressing, she was lead in a covered shawl to a chamber she'd never been in before. Dis explained that this room was for the purification process.
All around her were statues of the Kings of Erebor, all the way back to Durin the deathless. In the centre of the room was a large dais. Upon which was a bucket of water and a towel. Confused by this she walked towards it only to hear the doors to the room being slammed shut. Jumping she whirled to see that only she and Dis remained.
Yinir must have barred the doors. She looked to Dis in confusion only to have her say but one word, "undress."
Ochre blinked in shock at this but pulled off the shawl and her upper clothes. She kept her small clothes on and shivered at feeling the coldness of the room. Dis shook her head and pointed at her small clothes. "Remove it all." Her voice was steely and Ochre knew she meant what she said.
"Why?" Dis narrowed her eyes and waved at the statues around them. "You are about to marry into this Ochre. Royalty. You must gain the approval of our ancestors by bearing all to them, to the mountain, and most importantly to Mahal."
Shivering at the completely serious look in Dis's eyes Ochre slowly did as commanded, her hands shaking all the while. Dis nodded her head in approval when she'd finished shedding the last of her clothes. She then pointed to the dais, "Now you must wash yourself completely while asking for Mahal's blessing." Ochre shook in slight fear at Dis's tone of voice, she'd never heard the woman this grave before and it scared her.
Ochre slowly walked to the dais and saw a rag in the bucket of water. Taking a deep breath she proceeded to wash herself, the water was lukewarm and with the chill in the chamber it made it a very cold bath. Once she was certain she'd washed every part of herself she grabbed at the towel and quickly wrapped herself. All the while shaking like a leaf as she finally took a deep breath to steady herself for what she was about to say.
"May Mahal bless my marriage to Kili son of Dis, daughter of Thrain, son of Thror of the line of Durin. May I bare him healthy heirs and be a worthy mate."
Dis then spoke a few words in Khuzdul, deep reverence in her voice. "Dayamu Khuzan ai-menu." She then smiled warmly at Ochre, "come child. You have done the ancestors proud." Ochre moved to gather her clothes but Dis snapped out. "No! Do not touch them, they must remain here. You are cleansed and they are not."
Understanding flooded her mind even as her cheeks heated. This meant returning to her home in nothing but the towel. Dis knocked at the door twice and was passed a cloak in deep royal blue; she held it out to Ochre. "Put this on. No one must see you directly as we return." Nodding her head, Ochre slipped into the heavy garment. It even covered her hands and drug on the ground about her feet. Dis flipped up the hood, letting it fall over her face.
She couldn't see a thing except the ground at her feet. Before she could voice this, Dis took her covered arm and began to pull her along. "Just let me lead you. I will get you there in one piece." And she had. Once home Dis had ushered her uncle's out and proceeded to lock the door tight. She then helped Ochre to dress in a soft gown of the same royal blue as the cloak.
It was the color of royalty.
Dis then explained that none were to see her except herself until the morning of the wedding. This would guarantee the blessing of Mahal and her own purity in the eyes of all who would see her. As Dis explained she understood this was tradition for the royal family but it was still strange.
They spent a pleasant enough day and evening before Ochre retired for the night, more than a little nervous for the coming day. This made it hard for her to sleep and when she finally did get to she knew she'd get only a meager few hours.
So ended the sixth day.
A/N- I know this is a cliff hanger and I am sorry for that. The chapter has just gotten way too long. If I started in on the wedding it just wouldn't end.
Here at least is a good stopping point.
This is the main Khuzdul in this chapter-
Dayamu Khuzan ai-menu - Blessings of the ancestors upon you.
I am planning on having Kili's side of this ordeal in the next chapter. I know it's weird but I feel it would be best to get both sides in full.
As always...
May the Fluff Be with You!
=^..^=
