Chapter 10
When Fili made it back to the royal quarters, he immediately found Thorin. With all the chaos of coming back injured and Ileana's birth, he had no time to confront his uncle about the marriage contract that Eira warned him about.
He knocked on the doors leading to his uncle's private rooms. Thorin called for him to enter. Upon entering the chambers, Fili saw that Thorin, Balin, Dwalin and Gandalf were all speaking together. They looked up to see Fili enter. Thorin grimaced slightly, as he had been waiting for Fili to confront him about the contract since he returned from Mirkwood.
Thorin gestured for his nephew to sit down and then whispered something quietly to Balin, who stood up and left immediately.
"I just sent Balin to get Kili." Fili nodded and then sat down across from Gandalf, his arms crossed. He wasn't sure how to broach the subject when Dwalin just grunted at him.
"Spit it out, Fili. If you think any harder you're brain might explode."
Fili shot him a glare and then looked over at Thorin, before demanding, "Why in the world did you present her a marriage contract, without my consent or without any warning to me?"
"I thought it was the best course."
"Without consulting me about it? It's against tradition. It's as if it's an arranged marriage now. I was planning on courting her formally. Why couldn't we just wait?" He tried to rein in his voice, keeping any hint of betrayal out of it, but he failed. While he forgave his uncle over what happened in Lake-town and the battle over six years ago, he couldn't forget it. The emotional wounds were still fresh, and although he didn't mind the idea of marrying Eira, he wanted it to be their choice, in their own time.
"We don't have the time for that." Thorin told him quietly, looking him in the eye with something akin to regret.
Fili paused, and then said, "What do you mean?"
"I wanted to tell you and Kili together. I thought it would easier." Fili grew alarmed at his uncle's words. Fear struck his chest.
Fili nodded in apprehension. Whatever it was, it was quite serious. Gandalf looked weary as well, and Dwalin refused to make eye contact with Fili.
Kili entered with Balin only a couple of minutes later, noticing the tension in the room immediately.
"What's wrong? Something else didn't happen, did it?" Kili asked earnestly, looking between the dwarves and Gandalf.
Fili only shrugged and looked over at his uncle. Thorin smiled at the two younger dwarves consolingly.
"Your brother was asking why he can't formally court Miss Eira. I told him it was because we didn't have the time for it."
Kili was outraged. "What do you mean? So you're saying that no matter what Fili feels for Eira, he can't court her? Just because he's so busy? That's..."
Thorin helped a hand, annoyance crossing his handsome features.
"No. I presented a marriage contract to Miss Eira instead."
Kili's mouth opened wide. Fili glanced at his brother and suddenly felt amused. Of course his uncle knew that Kili was a gossip as well as Fili. It appeared that this was Kili's first time learning about the contract.
"What did she say?" Kili asked, looking excitedly between his uncle and Fili. Fili stared around, trying not to make eye contact with anyone else in the room.
"She hasn't decided yet." Balin told him.
"That's besides the point, Thorin," Fili interrupted, now that Kili was caught up. He didn't want to think about Eira's answer too much. "Thorin said we didn't have the time for that. What did you mean exactly?"
Thorin looked between Balin and Dwalin and then decided to break the news quickly.
"I'm sick."
Fili's eyes met his uncle's, and in that moment, Fili saw the illness. It was in the dark circles under his eyes, the bagginess of his clothes, the paler skin and the thinner, grayer hair. Thorin was dying.
"What do you mean?" Kili asked, his voice wavering a bit. Fili looked at Kili in pity. They both looked to Thorin as their second father, the dwarf who raised them after their own father was murdered all those years ago.
"Oin says it's a mass, in my gut. It's nothing that can be cured. Balin already made me speak to Tauriel and Lord Elrond about it. It's a course of nature. Sometimes people get sick, and they die, unfortunately. We are mortals, after all."
Fili put his face in hands, and rubbed his eyes.
"How long?" Fili asked quietly, looking up at his uncle sadly.
"The estimate is a year at the most. I know you feel very deeply for Miss Eira, Fili. And she has excellent character. I know that you'd like to court her in the traditional sense, but I'm afraid with all your duties, finding time to do that will be difficult. It would be best if you two were married as soon as possible, so you can both learn what you need to in order for you to take over for me. Oin says that in the end, I may not be myself, and I may have to abdicate the throne to you before I pass on."
Fili shook his head in denial. Not about Eira—he had no problem marrying her as soon as possible. He'd figure that he would court her as much as he could during their betrothal and when they married. But to become king so much sooner than he expected? He thought that Thorin would live a much longer life.
Thorin's voice was quiet. Fili looked at Kili and put a hand on his younger brother's shoulder, squeezing it tightly. Kili cleared his throat.
"You will be a great king, Fili. There's a reason why I have this illness, why you will be the one to lead Erebor and the seven clans in the future. You have a quiet strength and compassion that I do not possess myself."
"I can't...I know it's..."
"Fili." Thorin stated firmly, "You were released from the Halls of Mandos for a reason. You will be the king that our people need."
"Thorin, no. It was...you know it was just a fluke...I'm..."
"No, Fili. Gandalf has told me that you've spoken to Lord Glorifindel quite a bit. You were brought back to us for a purpose. What that is, we don't know. I know you'll figure it out though."
He stood up and then knelt in front of his nephews, pulling them into his embrace. Fili felt tears threaten to leave his eyes. He screwed his face up against the pain that threatened to come to the forefront. He had to be strong, for Kili.
Poor Kili was openly sobbing already, clinging to Thorin with fierce strength.
"All will be well, my sister-sons. I still have some months left. We will spend as much time as possible together. And, I believe that I would like to see the both of you get married before I have to go." Thorin informed them as he held them close to him. He remembered when they were small, how often they would crawl into his lap. He remembered how he would hold them in his arms, reading to them or telling them stories about their family.
Kili looked up, his eyes filled with tears, a question in his face.
Thorin nodded, and then replied, "Yes. After Fili and Eira. And it will be quiet, with only family and the company, understand?"
Kili nodded his head eagerly, and thanked his uncle before returning his embrace.
They stayed like that for a long time, until a gentle knock came out the door. They did not notice that Balin, Dwalin and Gandalf had all slipped out to give the three some privacy.
Dis entered, and said, "There you are." She then looked at her lads and Thorin. "You told them, then?"
Thorin nodded as Fili and Kili stood up suddenly. "You should all be getting ready. Supper is in less than an hour. Fili, you need to-"
Fili cut her off. "I'll get myself ready, amad. I know."
He began to leave when Thorin stopped him. "Wait, Fili." Fili watched as Kili and Dis left the room.
"I know you're uncomfortable with telling others about what happened to you. But have you told Eira about it?"Thorin questioned.
"You mean the fact that I actually died, can remember every detail in the Halls of Mandos and that I was suddenly thrust back into this world?" He sighed wearily, "Why would I want to tell her about that, Thorin? So she'll push herself as far away from me as possible?"
"She deserves to know. She'll marry you anyway." Thorin said, knowing that he was right.
Fili shook his head. "I'm...not ready to tell her. That's too much to burden someone else with. I'll tell her when she needs to know."
Thorin only replied, "It's your business. Trust your instincts. I believe that Eira will be an understanding companion though. Just something to think about."
Fili only nodded as he left his uncle's quarters and walked back into his own to get bathed and dressed for their dinner party.
A couple of royal guards came to their home to accompaniment Eelis and Eira to the royal quarters. It wouldn't be proper for the two of them to just show up without an accompaniment, so they had to be shown in and eventually, shown out.
Eira and Eelis walked slowly behind the two guards that were leading them. Eira tried to ignore the dwarves and dams who had stopped to openly gawk at Eira and her father, with their finery on and being accompanied by royal guards in the direction of the wing.
She even noticed a dam or two glare in her direction and whisper to her companions. Maybe it wouldn't be so easy to say yes to the proposed marriage contract.
The guards led them into the royal quarters, where they passed by several rooms. Eira had only seen a small portion of the rooms in the halls. She tried to keep her mind straight, so she could remember how to get out of there later, but failed. There were too many turns, and the stone walls all looked the same. They were heading into the royal dining hall, where the royal family decided to meet together when they ate as family.
The royal family often ate with the other dwarves in the grand dining hall, but if they ever wanted any privacy or parties, this was the place where it happened. Eira entered into the room after her father, and was taken aback by the splendor on the smooth rock walls. There were lit golden sconces, diamond chandeliers, and beautiful round mirrors. The long, dining table and chairs were made with the finest wood, carved with the utmost precision and detail. Her eyes were specifically drawn to the silver crests of the three male heirs of Durin on the wall each with their own unique, geometric designs. They were situated in a triangle-Thorin's at the head, Fili his right side and Kili on the left.
She tried to take everything in, when she was greeted softly by Tauriel. She quickly said hello, and struck up a conversation with friend. Her father, she noticed, was already gone.
She turned to Tauriel, who said to her, "You wouldn't believe the fuss that Kili was giving his mother about dressing nicely. He refused to let her choose his clothes for the night, so she passed it on to Thorin. Thorin is not happy about that."
Eira frowned slightly. "You know, I don't think I've ever seen Kili tidy himself up. He always looks like he just been through a storm. Fili usually always looks nice."
"You should have seen them all when I first met them. They were all even grumpier than usual, starving, and sick. Poor Fili's hair was all over the place. He was pissed at us too, because we kept taking all of his weapons." Tauriel commented, and then continued, "And then there was Kili—you wouldn't believe what he said to me when he saw everyone else was getting searched."
Eira only smiled. That sounded like Kili, who was reckless and didn't seem to care for responsibility and appearances the way the king and Fili did. She felt a pang of jealousy that Tauriel had known Fili so much longer than her.
It was then that she saw Tauriel gasp. "You're wearing my gift, and in a new braid. It's beautiful!"
And then Eira felt that small stab of jealousy disappear at Tauriel's compliment.
Eira touched the braid that was hanging above her family braid. "Oh yes. This is just a bit more formal. You usually have a gift from someone to show your status. I don't have beads or jewels but I have this lovely ribbon from my dear friend."
Tauriel smiled and gripped her arm slightly. "Oh mellon, it's been so much easier to live here in Erebor since I've met you."
She smiled back at Tauriel and nodded. Her eyes then sought out her father, who was standing and speaking next to a tall man all clothed in gray. He had a long gray beard, and although he looked like a man, she had the distinct feeling that he didn't quite belong in this world, as if he was a higher being, only visiting for a short time. He looked up, and stared at her, before giving her a small smile. And then he continued to converse with her father. It was funny though. When he looked up, it was if she could feel herself being examined, thoroughly pulled apart and then put back together.
She frowned slightly, when Tauriel turned her slightly to greet the two male elves that approached them. They had just entered, apparently. The royal family was still not present. It was obvious that they were not very punctual. They were still waiting on them.
"You must be Tauriel. We have heard about you from King Thranduil." The darker haired elf said, with a slight inclination of his head.
"Yes. And it is an honor to be the presence of you both, Lord Elrond, Lord Glorifindel," She said this in Sindarin, and Eira couldn't help but appreciate the beauty of the language she heard.
The two elf lords inclined their heads to Eira, and said, "You must be the masterful sketch artist. I've hardly ever seen Thranduil so surprised at a gift. It was a very insightful present. Prince Fili told us it was your idea, Miss Tauriel."
"You're too kind," Eira said, and then, gave the proper dwarvish introduction, curtsied low, and said, "Eira, at your service."
They both beamed looking at each other, breaking out of their cool facade. "You're the first dam we've met, in many years. And, by far, the most polite." Lord Elrond commented, his voice still serious but his face was kind.
Eira laughed lightly. "That doesn't surprise me, milords. We dwarves are a bit fearful of those people or things we don't understand."
"You don't seem that way at all." Lord Glorifindel stated politely, giving her a once over glance. He heard of this lass from Fili's two companions, Gloin and Bifur, who openly spoke to Gandalf about Prince Fili's affections for her.
"That's because this is the first time I've lived in a dwarfish settlement. I lived with my parents on the plains of the Eastern Fold of Rohan most of my life. I had to get used to doing business with humans and the occasional, wandering elf."
Tauriel beamed at her.
"Ah yes. That makes more sense. Well, if you ever find yourself traveling northwest, you are more than welcome to see me in Imladris," Elrond commented to her with a nod of his head.
"That is very kind, milords. And very generous. Thank you." She said softly, inclining her head. She stood to the side, taking in more of the dining room. There was a long, formal table set with ten place settings. She took in the dark, cherry wood and admired the beautiful color. She then excused herself from Tauriel and the elf-lords, and was making her way over to her father when a dinner bell rang.
She stopped near her father, who patted her arm. Eira knew the custom to stand by her seat while she waited for the royal family to enter. So, she found her place at the end near Lady Dis, and stood. Across from her stood Tauriel. Next to Tauriel stood her father. But, next to Eira, was Gandalf, who smiled quiet genially down at Eira. She gave him a small smile back when the royal family then entered the room.
Thorin and Dis entered first, then Kili and Fili entered second both smiling friendly, looking quite handsome in their clothing. Poor Fili still wore a bandage on his cheek, but it didn't take away from his overall appearance too much. And Kili did clean up well. Eira eyed Tauriel, whose eyes softened with affection when she spotted Kili.
Thorin wave his hands, before saying, "No need to be so formal my friends, just take your seats."
Eira was taken aback when she noticed that Gandalf pulled out her chair for her, and helped her to sit down. She whispered a kind thank you. She watched as Eelis helped Tauriel, and then, helped Lady Dis into her seat as well.
"You're making us all look very bad, Master Eelis," Thorin called to him before giving him an amused stare.
Eelis only smiled back and said, "Well, someone needs to make sure that the elf-lords get a good impression of us surly dwarves."
Elrond and Glorifindel only smiled at each other enigmatically, appearing amused at their present company.
"I'm sorry, Master Eelis, was it? You wouldn't be the blacksmith whose goods were given to the Greenwood elves?" Lord Glorifindel asked tentatively, hoping he didn't offend the dwarf. They were a proud race, and were especially vainglorious over the work of their hands.
"It's his work," Fili answered from where he sat, as they were served soup for their first course.
"It was very well done, Master Eelis," Eira heard Gandalf say, complimenting him.
"It's nothing. As long as it's used to hunt and kill the evil in this world, than anyone can use my weapons, gladly." Eelis replied, taking a drink of wine from his glass.
"Well said," Thorin commented, and they continued to eat while making small talk. Thankfully, the dwarrow, elf-lords, and Gandalf carried most of the conversation. Every so often, Eira would see Fili catch her eye and he would give her one of his lovely smiles. She smiled back as demurely as possible, since they were at dinner with so many others, and she felt quite shy.
"So, Master Nori? Wasn't he the dwarf in your company who stole some of our property in Rivendell, King Thorin?" Lord Elrond questioned. When they had arrived, Fili was led immediately to the healing halls and Lord Balin commented that Thorin was already there, hoping to keep Nori occupied.
Thorin tried to repress the smile creeping up on his face. "Aye, that's Nori. He's done well for himself. Makes hardly any trouble at all now."
"Well," Gandalf inserted, "he is married now. Tell me, how in the world did Nori find himself married?"
Dis replied this time, "Ileana came from the Iron Hills about four years ago. She found a job working for Dori in his shop and she became quite the talk of the mountain with her designs. Nori met her, and I don't know..."
Kili laughed at his mother. "I'm pretty sure I know..."
Dis glared at Kili who sobered up immediately. Fili just laughed openly at his brother's words while Eelis gave the younger prince an amused glance.
"Anyways, Ileana told him that if he wanted to court her, he had to shape up. He still has his card games and some gambling, but he's kept out of the dungeons. Ileana would kick him out if he even comes back too drunk."
"His wife just delivered triplets today. The first set in over two hundred years, actually." Thorin informed the elves who exclaimed at the blessing of Nori's children. Children were treasured more than anything by both dwarves and elves. It was one of the few things that the two races had in common.
"Let's hope they all take after their mother more than Master Nori," Gandalf said with a twinkle in his eye.
She was beginning to feel sleepy and was hoping that she could speak to Fili alone before she had to return to her home later tonight. That was when she heard her own name.
"I'm sorry," she said softly, "I didn't quite catch that." She said at the table at large since she was sure she had almost started to doze off and she couldn't pinpoint who spoke her name.
"Are we boring you, Miss Eira?"
She thought quickly, and before even thinking it through, said aloud, "Would you like the honest answer your majesty?"
Thorin looked surprised. Fili looked at his plate, with his shoulders shaking, as though he was trying hard not to laugh out loud.
Thorin was about to say something in reply to Eira, when Dis cut across him. "You are quite boring. You cannot blame her for practically falling asleep. Remember, she's had a long day."
"Of course, Miss Eira. Thank you for helping Lady Ileana with her delivery. She and Nori were lucky to have you there." Thorin complimented Eira with ease.
"It was no problem," Eira said softly, hoping that she wasn't as red as she was feeling. Eelis only had his eyebrows raised at his daughter.
"So, Nori and his wife had triplets. And his wife and children are perfectly healthy...Are you a trained midwife, Miss Eira?" Gandalf asked her quietly, staring at her with his piercing, blue eyes.
"Oh, no. I'm not. I'm actually a gardener. I would say that's my primary craft, sir. But, my amad was a midwife, informally trained, but I picked up a few things from her." Eira informed Gandalf as their servers placed plates of dessert in front of each of them.
"Informally trained, but you learned how to deliver a breech newborn from her?" Gandalf asked incredulously. There was a tense silence as Eira noticed the look her father gave Gandalf. She was surprised. Eelis was staring at Gandalf angrily, his defenses raised.
"I didn't say my mother was unskilled, Master Gandalf, only informally trained," she replied, sitting as straight as possible, her shoulders back and her head held high.
He looked her over with a curious stare. "You know who I am? Have we met before?"
"No," she said politely, "We have not met. But, you are old and dressed in gray, so I just assumed. Oh look, dessert."
She said, realizing that the word vomit she was spitting out could possibly get her in trouble. She took a hasty sip of wine and then closed her mouth tightly. Once again, Fili's shoulders were shaking as if he was trying hard not to laugh.
He wasn't the only one laughing this time. Tauriel's eyes were twinkling merrily, Lord Glorifindel and Lord Elrond were smiling openly, and Thorin, surprisingly gave a booming laugh at her expense.
"You did ask her, Gandalf. And, you are old," Kili said, coming to Eira's aid. They then turned their attention to dessert, and Gandalf himself engaged himself in conversation with Eira quietly.
"I was very impressed by your sketch work. Perhaps you can draw something for me while I'm here visiting, if you don't find my presence too irritating." Gandalf asked her, hoping to get on the dam's good side.
"Oh no, sir. I didn't mean that at all. I would be glad to help you. You can find me working with Master Ori in the library, at least until the winter thaws out." Eira replied.
"And you are a gardener in the spring and summer then? That is an uncommon craft for a dwarf." Gandalf told her with amusement.
"Aye, it is. But there is satisfaction found in tilling the ground to bring forth food and I love the fresh air." Eira said to him.
"You must feel stifled in the mountain, Miss Eira. You must ride well, since you lived on the plains." Gandalf commented to her. Most dwarves could ride, but dams preferred to walk, from what he remembered of their culture.
"Aye, she rides. We lived in Rohan, didn't we?" Eelis replied to Gandalf, once again a hint of suspicion to his voice. What was wrong with her father?
Fili looked up at her with a smile, and she returned it gladly. That was something that he didn't know about her. He would have to take her riding sometime.
"Perhaps a trip to Dale is in order," Tauriel commented to Eira. "It has been too long since I've visited Bard and his children."
"A wonderful idea," Dis said softly. "They have a much wider variety of shops and stalls. I could do some shopping."
Thorin grumbled a bit at his sister's words.
"Sure," Eira replied lightly, "It's been a long while since I've ridden a pony. And anything to get out for a ride would be welcome."
They began talking among each other as Eira devoted herself to the pear tart in front of her. It was quite delicious. She really had to taste more of Master Bombur's cooking.
"I can't believe you didn't order apple tart amad. That's my favorite," Kili complained to his mother, picking at the pears on his plate with a grumpy look on his face. Eira had to push down the snort of laughter coming up. He looked like the most stubborn, angry little dwarfling.
"You know how your brother gets around apples," Dis commented down the table. Eira raised her head at Fili, who blushed at his mother's remarks.
Thorin and Kili laughed at his expense, while Tauriel tittered compassionately.
"What's wrong with apples?" Lord Elron asked curiously, "They're one of my favorite fruits. I remember when your company passed through Rivendell. King Thorin, your nephews ate their weight in apples."
"Aye. That was until Fili was stuck in a barrel that had once contained sweetened, rotting apples. We all traveled in the barrels down a rapidly moving stream. We were quite desperate to escape, you know. It wasn't the most refined or masculine escape attempt."
There was Tauriel's twinkling laughter. Fili pushed the plate away slightly looking a little green. Eira felt poorly for Fili. He was obviously humiliated. He was beginning to look sick as well.
"I was hit by an arrow, and as soon as I was on the rocks, Fili ran over to make sure I was alright. And after he was sure I was okay, he got sick everywhere." Kili commented to the table, a sly grin on his face as he glanced at his brother.
"I haven't been able to taste or smell an apple ever since," Fili finished, looking embarrassed at all the attention aimed at him.
They all fell to talking again after their meal was over, and Gandalf asked Eira a few more questions. They waited for Thorin to rise from the table, and he, along with Dis led them into the adjoined parlor with a roaring fire. It was large enough to fit their entire dinner party, and there were many comfortable chairs. As everyone settled down, Fili found Eira, and tugged her arm slightly, guiding her to another small sitting area that was in a more private corner of the large parlor.
There was a small end table between them, and on each side of the table was a chair. They sat across from each other.
Fili smiled at Eira, glad to finally have a chance to sit next to him. It was proper dwarf etiquette to sit those courting away from each other at the dinners, so as not to engage in any improper behavior under the table.
This was an excellent idea, because as soon as he had seen her, he had been awestruck. Her light brown hair was pulled back, and for once completely in place. She had her braids perfectly straight, and there was a ribbon in her formal braid—a sky blue ribbon that wound in and out through the rest of her hair. If she had any jewels, then they would have gone in that braid as well. He would have to gift her some jewels—perhaps diamonds or sapphires.
And then there was her gown. He was struck mute when he saw her standing there at the table next to Gandalf, waiting for Thorin to take his seat.
Seeing her everyday in loose, working clothes didn't prepare him for seeing her in a more formal dining gown. It was a rose pink color, with light cream flowers embroidered throughout it. While her arms were completely covered, her neckline went further down than he had ever seen, leaving the line of her throat and the top of her chest bare. And the way it fit her—it was if she was made to wear that dress. It clung to her breasts and waist, showing her tiny little waist and then flared out, showing off her lovely hips as well. He had struggled to breathe when he first spotted her, and had noticed the smile and wink that the devilish Gandalf had given him when he had helped Eira into her seat at dinner.
She looked tired as he sat across from her, and then he decided to say something.
"You look very lovely tonight," he commented. It was a complete understatement, but he definitely meant it. She was beautiful.
"Thank you. You look quite fetching yourself." He wore trousers, a tunic and navy dinner coat that was cut to his figure quite nicely, showing off his broad shoulders and narrow waist.
He nodded at her compliment, returning her smile. She decided to break the ice and asked awkwardly, "so the marriage contract...what did you think?"
"I see a couple of problems," Fili said. She found her heart jump into her throat. He didn't approve of something. What was wrong? Did he wish to dispute the contract with her father and his uncle? It was well within his rights.
He flipped to a page, and showed her a number. It was her bride price.
"This number is far too low. I'm planning on giving your father more, much more than that." Fili told her earnestly.
She felt herself blush. "That's already an outrageous amount, Fili. You can't mean that."
"I mean it, Eira. I'm sure your adad will agree with me. And then, here." He pointed to a paragraph that read that the length of the betrothal would only be a month long.
"That doesn't give us much time," Fili said, quietly. "Is that alright with you?"
"I was planning to agree with it." Eira commented back to him. "The sooner, the better? I honestly can't stand the dirty looks I get already. We might as well just get it over with."
"Well, as long as you're that happy about it," he said, winking at her and laughing slightly at her answer. "Alright then."
"Well, I hope you don't mind, but I may have some informal requests." Eira told him pointedly. She had thought of many things that she wanted from Fili. She knew that he was going to be busy, but she wanted to make sure that they would make their marriage work, regardless of his status.
"Oh?" He asked curious as to what exactly was on her mind.
"Yes. First, I am not to be kept from working. I won't just be bearing dwarflings and getting fat by sitting around and gossiping."
Fili's eyebrows shot up and he fought a smile. "You know, there will be other things that you can do. Like visiting the lower levels, helping me with running the affairs of the kingdom, sitting on councils if you'd like...all sorts of work. We all don't sit around getting fat, you know."
Eira looked at him with exasperation. "Well, I've seen enough noble dams to see that most of them use it as an excuse not to work, and I'm not like that."
"Of course you aren't. I have no problem with that. Any other requests?" Fili accepted willingly, amused at her request.
She bit her lower lip, feeling a little nervous, and then, said, "Yes, one more...I would like to have at least one meal with you a day."
Fili looked confused, and then said, "But, of course. We'll always eat together with my family and the great hall."
"No, Fili. I don't mind doing that, of course. But I want a meal with only you, everyday. Whether it's dinner, breakfast or lunch...I can make it, and it will be just the two of us. I think..it would be a good way for us to stay connected to each other, no matter how busy we get."
There was a silence and then Fili felt a small smile grow across his face.
"I think I can do that. I will probably look forward to those moments more than anything else in the next few months."
She hesitated, and then put her hand on his, and asked quietly, looking around to see if there were any eavesdroppers. "Did you speak with your uncle?"
"Yes," Fili said, squeezing her hand back, his throat tight, "he told me everything. I can't imagine being without him..."
"It will be alright. My adad told me that because we are mortal, that's what makes this life so beautiful."
He smiled, and then said, "Shall I find us a quill?" He pointed his chin to the marriage contract. She noticed the way his braided mustache moved and laughed, wondering what it would be like to finally kiss the dwarrow in front of her. She nodded in agreement.
He slipped out of the room, and then within only a couple of minutes, returned with a quill and ink. He took the quill, and dipped it in the pot, signing his name on the bridegroom spot and then handed it over to Eira.
She took it from him, and looked him in the eyes.
He reassured her, "You don't have to. I always said you can tell me no."
Instead, she signed her spot on the contract for the bride quickly, and then put the quill back in the pot. She then leaned forward and gave him a kiss on the cheek.
"I think I'll take the risk."
He felt himself smiling in response, and from the inside of his well-tailored dinner coat, pulled out some beautiful, silver beads.
"These are for you, of course." Fili told her. She accepted them gratefully.
"Thank you. I will thread these through my braid starting tomorrow." He beamed at her. And then he rolled up the marriage contract with the ink now dried, and walked over to his uncle, holding it out to him.
Thorin gave him a beaming grin, and then turned into the direction of Eira. Fili gestured for her to come over, and she found herself in King Thorin's arms as he hugged her.
"We will be so happy to welcome you into our family," he said. She noticed that her father came over and clapped Fili on the shoulder and was shaking his hand as well. Fili gave Eelis a beaming smile.
"What's going on over there?" Gandalf asked amused, as Thorin still had his hands on Eira's shoulders.
"I hope you plan on staying for another month, Gandalf. You're more than welcome to as well, Lord Glorifindel and Lord Elrond. We'll be having a wedding then." Thorin called over, a smile beaming on his face.
Dis practically squealed in delight as she rushed over, pushing Thorin and Fili out of the way, and grabbed Eira into her arms, hugging the other dam to herself tightly. Kili and everyone else, came and congratulated the two of them with hugs, handshakes, and words of honor for their future marriage.
After the congratulations from everyone, Thorin spoke quietly to Eelis and Dis, the two of them looking over at Fili and Eira, who were speaking with Kili. They broke open at bottle of aged wine, and toasted the new betrothal.
And now, the three guardians were speaking among each other about the wedding.
"What do you mean," Dis asked coldly, "that their betrothal is only a month long?"
"Thought it was best to get them married," Thorin replied, taking a sip of wine, while pretending that he didn't know what the problem was. He knew that Dis would be upset by the short betrothal period, but Eelis didn't seem to mind it at all. It was much easier to feign stupidity when Dis was angry. It would only make her more upset if he knew all along that she would be mad.
"I need longer than a month to get everything ready for a royal wedding. There will be her coronation as a princess immediately following, you know." Dis protested angrily.
"What do you have to do?" Thorin asked, acting quite clueless to the problem. "Fili has some work to do in the forge, but besides that...I mean, you've been going on about that wedding gown before we even showed her the marriage contract."
"What about all the invitations and the travel time, Thorin? Many of our allies will wish to come." Dis wanted to bash her older brother over the head.
"You worry too much, little sister. Everything will be fine. Fili and Eira won't care about a huge celebration."
"Well, it's not about them." Dis commented, huffing slightly and putting her arms over her chest. Now Thorin was legitimately confused.
"But they're the ones getting married." Thorin informed his sister. Eelis did his best to hide his smile.
Dis looked as though she were ready to slap her elder brother when Eelis commented quickly, "It's about family and friends as well, your majesty. A celebration is to honor the couple getting married, yes, but it's also about inviting those that you care about to witness it. I know that Eira could really care less about how big of a wedding they have, but she will want Fili and Lady Dis to be happy."
"I can't do anything, Dis. I'm sorry. It's in the contract." Thorin then pointed to the newly betrothed couple who stood, looking very happy and talking with the others, "Will you make them wait any longer to be married?"
Dis's face softened at the sight of her oldest son and her future daughter-in-law. They had their arms locked together and their countenances shone brightly. They looked like they were deeply in love with each other. She never would have imagined her oldest son so happy to be married.
"Well...we need to move Eira into the royal quarters immediately." Dis said, looking at Eelis. It was really the first time that she had met the dwarf. He seemed a kind dwarrow, who was hard-working and of course, protective of his only child.
"Where will she be staying?" Eelis asked, with his eyebrow raised at Dis' statement.
"There are several quarters available to her." Thorin answered, "We need to prepare a guard detail for her. Even though they aren't married yet, we want to make sure that she's protected."
"And, of course, you'll be moving up here as well, yes?" Dis asked expectantly.
Eelis eyed them and started to shake his head.
"There's plenty of room," Thorin replied. "And, I'm sure your daughter would like to see you as often as possible as she adjusts to a newer way of living."
"I'll think about it," Eelis said, then went back to their original subject. "When do you want Eira to move in up here?"
"Tonight." Dis commented. "Word will be getting out quickly; I'm sure the servants are already beginning to talk. You can't fault them—this is big news. There hasn't been a royal wedding here in a very long time. I have no doubt that the guards will talk as well. The whole mountain will probably know by tomorrow evening's supper at the latest, I'm positive."
"You can stay with her, you know. I'll give you one of the two bedroom guest rooms. Will that be alright?" Dis asked Eelis kindly, knowing that he must be having an upheaval of emotions, just as she was.
He nodded at her and said, "That will be fine. I will go back to my quarters tonight though, and bring everything up tomorrow. We don't have many possessions."
Thorin nodded at the agreement and then replied, "We can have some dwarves help you with that."
Eelis rubbed his eyes, feeling tired at all the excitement of the evening. His daughter was so very happy. He smiled at her, and she caught his eye. She detached herself from the prince and came over to Eelis asking "Do you want to leave adad? We can."
He shook his head, feeling his words stuck in his throat and he cleared it a couple of times. He told himself that this was just a part of life—your children grow old, fall in love, get married and have children of their own. It was the natural course of things. And yet, that didn't make it any easier.
"No. It's alright lass. We all agreed that it would be best for you to stay in the royal quarters until the wedding when you can move in with Prince Fili." Eelis told her, putting his arm around her and giving her a small kiss on the forehead.
"Will you stay with me? Until we wed at least?" Eira asked softly, not quite ready to be parted from her father. Someone needed to watch over him still.
"Do you wish me to? They've offered me quarters up here after your wedding too." He informed her.
"Of course, adad. I'll always need you. And someone needs to take care of you." He felt a smile break across his face at her words.
"Well, then. I'll go get a few things for us tonight, and then we can fully move in for the month tomorrow."
"Alright, adad. Thank you." She gave him a hug.
"Eira," he whispered, "tread carefully around Gandalf. He's not all he appears to be." Eira looked at him surprised. Eelis only shook his head, not willing to explain more.
And then with that final word of caution, Eelis left the room quietly.
"We'll have a guard set up for him too," Fili commented in her ear. Eira turned toward Fili and sighed softly. Fili continued his statement. "He's marrying into our family as well, you know. I wouldn't try and separate you from your adad."
She looked at him fully. Fili looked exhausted, but cheerful still. Eira had a feeling that she looked the same way that he did.
Dis swept over to them, and said to Eira, "Come on dear. It's getting late. I'm sure you want to go to bed."
"I..."
"It's alright. You can borrow a night gown or two tonight. Tomorrow starts a busy day for you." Dis bowled over her protests.
"Oh?" Eira asked. That wasn't what she was going to say. She had a feeling that Dis usually got her way when it came to things though, regardless of what anyone else did, so she stayed quiet.
"Yes. We need to get you a royal wardrobe." Eira frowned slightly while Fili looked at her with something akin to pity.
"But...I was to help Ori." Eira began to protest.
"He'll understand, I'm sure. We have fittings, and a whole host of other things that we'll need to start discussing."
"Amad," Fili began to say, trying to intervene.
Dis gave him a warning look. "You were raised to be royalty, and Eira will be flung into it. It is best that we can prepare her as much as possible for what will come next."
"Please, amad. Just don't overwhelm her too much." Fili practically begged. He didn't want Eira to be too uncomfortable.
"It's alright, Fili." Gandalf quipped, eavesdropping on the conversation, "The lass already signed a contract to marry you. She can't get out of it all that easily now."
Eira gave Gandalf an amused look and she swore that he winked slightly at her in return.
"Come, I'll show you to your rooms. Fili, will you come with us as well?"
Fili nodded, and then followed Eira and Dis out the door trailing behind them.
"I wanted to bring the two of you out here, because I want it to be understood that as of now, there will always be a chaperon with you. It could be me, Eelis, someone your familiar with or a royal guard." She turned to look at Fili sternly.
"Do not try anything before you are married, is that clear?" Dis wagged her finger at her son in warning.
Eira looked taken aback as Fili blushed and said, "Amad!"
"Do you understand, Eira?" Dis asked the lass. She had a feeling it would be fine, but she wanted to impress upon them the importance of refraining from intercourse before they were wed.
"Of course. I don't want Fili to be killed before we're even married." Eira replied, looking at Fili with a small smile.
"Ah. So your father wants to make sure that you are married before you engage in intimacy? Good. Some dwarves are much more relaxed about that. But you will both be royalty, so you are not to do anything. You can't risk a babe conceived out of wedlock; if the timing is off by too much, then there will always be questions about the child's legitimacy." Dis informed them as she marched them over to Eira's quarters.
Eira couldn't look at Fili. She was feeling slightly annoyed that so many people were getting involved in her relationship with her future husband.
Dis arrived at a door and opened it. It was surprisingly warm inside, with the fireplace already lit.
"I had the servants set this up and start the fire already. There are two rooms—one for you, one for your father. We eat breakfast together up here in the dining room. After that, you're on your own for luncheon and supper. A servant left some things for sleeping on your bed, my dear." She then leaned forward, and to Eira's surprise, and immense pleasure, Lady Dis gave her a small kiss on the cheek.
"I'm so happy that you will be a part of our family. I've always wanted a daughter." She told her with a beautiful smile.
She then straightened herself up, and said, "Fili. I'm going to be down the hallway waiting for you. I'm going to leave the door open. I'll give you a few minutes."
She swept out of the room without a backwards glance.
He stood to face Eira, feeling embarrassed at his mother's words. Since he had started to become of age, his mother never really spoke to him about his body's changes and hormones. What he learned was from his uncle and his uncle's close friends. Most of his uncle's friends liked to give him tips on how to get their womenfolk in bed with them.
But Thorin only told him, when he started his changes, "Those things are normal. You do not have sex outside marriage." And then his own mother would practically beat him if she saw him look at any dam cross-eyed. Because of his amad and uncle, telling him how serious it was to be married before engaging in physical intimacy, he had only kissed a lass or two, and unfortunately, not very well. It was when he was a lot younger, usually as a prank or a dare from his brother.
Eira looked up at him very prettily and he found himself wanting to kiss her.
"Your amad seems besides herself with the idea of a wedding." She told him, her voice soft and expectant.
He winced, and said, "I wish you luck."
She gave a small laugh, and looked at him curiously, her head cocked to the side in question. Her hair was finally beginning to slip in the back, and he had an overwhelming desire to see her with her hair all down, and her braids completely unwound.
He coughed slightly, and then asked quietly, feeling a fool once more, "May I kiss you?"
She replied, "I'd like that very much."
And she stood on her tiptoes as he held onto her waist, bent down and kissed her lips. She smelled so sweet, like something floral, and her lips were very soft against his scratchy beard and mustache. Not wanting to be too forward, he reluctantly pulled himself away from her. She kept her hands around his neck, and pulled him closer, once again, returning the kiss softly. They broke off after a few moments.
"That was my first kiss. Thank you. But, I think we might need to practice more." Eira commented, blushing slightly at her forwardness.
Fili leaned forward, giving her a small kiss on the cheek and then whispered in her ear, "I believe that is a brilliant idea." She felt herself unconsciously shivering at the feel of his hot breath on her neck, just below her ear.
"Good night," he said, giving her one small peck on the lips. He turned back to look at her with a tiny smile, and then, reluctantly left her in her quarters.
He had the distinct feeling, that once he began kissing her, he wouldn't be able to stop.
Author's Notes: Woah. This is a long chapter. Hope you all don't mind. There's a lot that happens. All will be revealed about what happened to Fili, after all he has to tell Eira at some point. Poor Thorin—don't worry, this plays a part in the plot. And maybe he'll last longer than a year. And why would Eelis be suspicious of Gandalf when he willingly talks to elf-lords? Elrond and Glorifindel are good supporting characters and I threw them in there so we could establish that they have met Fili and the others. Again, this is for the plot way in the future.
I hope you all liked the way I wrote Thorin breaking the news to Fili and Kili. Poor Kili. He's such a sweet soul. (Fili too, of course). That was a hard scene for me to write-their relationship is complicated but they love each other. Hopefully, that got across.
The next four chapters: things happening during their betrothal period, including Eira formally presented to Thorin's council, a trip to Dale and tea with Tilda, a celebratory pre-wedding dinner, and then, finally the wedding. So, wedding will probably be around chapter 15. Sorry if I get long-winded, once I start writing though, I have a hard time stopping.