Chapter Nine:
"Why do you dwarves make everything so complicated," Aerchkaleya complained, perched several meters above her guests on a rather large, protruding sapphire. Despite the whining, Ark was actually enjoying herself. It was the first time in a while she had spent time with other females, same race or no. Upon her insistence, Dis had come to her rooms along with Gatena, and three other dwarfish women who were intertwined with the company; Farla, Gloin's wife, Bombur's wife Maoli, and Kettra, a long time friend of Bofur, Bifur, and Bombur, also one of the only people who could not only understand Bifur, but communicate with the dwarf. After having spent practically a year surrounded by mostly men, it was a fantastically nice change to have female company.
Gatena chuckled from her place on one of the lounges that occupied the ground and spoke up, "At least you have some basic knowledge and even a bit of experience with it. I didn't even know there was a whole process to dwarfish courting!" The others laughed as well, and Ark grinned, understanding her surprise. Gatena had told them all earlier of courting of Men and Hobbits, and then of her and Fili's relationship. The half-hobbit girl had been shocked when the dwarrodams had informed her that in all technicality, Fili had already gotten half-way through the dwarfish courting traditions.
Maoli patted the younger girl on her shoulder and assured her, "At least you're almost done. Besides, I'm sure no one would see a problem with a marriage soon. It'd be a good celebration, something to lift everyone's spirits."
Kettra nodded in agreement, adding, "The princes are loved among the people, and all any of us wish is for their happiness. And, it is quite clear, Lady Gatena, you make the eldest prince very happy." Ark chuckled as Gatena sighed and began insisting they all drop the 'Lady' already, that there was no need for formalities. Somehow that lead into another discussion of weddings and the complicated planning it all took on top of maintaining courting rules.
Dis looked up at the giggling Fae and interrupted her mirth, "What about you, Heart of the Mountain? Last I checked, that was a courting braid in your hair." Immediately, Aerchkaleya's laughter stopped as they all turned their attention onto their host. Sighing as she realized she wouldn't escape anything, the Fae jumped gracefully off her perched and settled into one of the squishy arm chairs.
The first to speak was Farla, asking, "How are you and Prince Kili? You've both been so busy as of late, I doubt you've seen much of each other."
Ark shrugged, slightly confused but answered none the less, "We have been fine. Since the change in council, Thorin, Fili, and Kili have all been busy working with them. I've been helping with the mines and working mostly to assist in the final stages of rebuilding Dale. We've managed to see each other once a week or so." It confused Ark why it would matter how often she saw her One.
The others looked amongst each other and Kettra questioned, "Do either of you try to make time to see each other more? Only once a week isn't much time." Gatena nodded and chipped in she saw Fili at least once every other day, and made efforts to make sure that happened. Maoli even told her that despite having six little dwarflings, her and Bombur tried their absolute hardest to spend an evening alone at least once every month.
Swallowing, Ark realized she was doing a terrible job, and had been doing it for the entire time she had practically known Kili. She didn't make efforts to spend time, she had simply assumed that he was just happy to have found her and that was all that was needed. Ark forgot how different Dwarves and Fae were. Dis was the first to notice Aerchkaleya's mood shift, and quickly tried to comfort the girl, "I doubt my son has even noticed. As soon as things settle down, you will be able to spend much more time. You shouldn't worry, especially now."
Ark smiled weakly and nodded. Despite the kind words, it didn't mean she felt that much better.
-0-0-0-0-0-
"Good evening, Frodo." Aerchkaleya smiled as the small hobbit practically launched himself into her arms, immediately telling her about his day spent with Kili and Fili. The former and latter were smiling brightly, though looked a bit worn down. The small hobbit had been left in the care of the youngest Durin's while the elder hobbit had been aiding Dori, Ori, and Balin in restoring one of the main mine maps, while Ark and Thorin had begrudgingly been stuck in Council meetings all day. Dis had lucked out, having spent the day with Gatena in the infirmary. While Ark felt bad her friend was ill, she was incredibly jealous as well.
Kili found himself by Ark's side, his arm winding it's way around her waist as they moved towards the royal dining room, Fili and Thorin behind them discussing the days events. Frodo was giving his own rendition to his favorite Fae, who nodded and commented when appropriate. Eventually, Kili fell back with his brother and uncle, the three watching how well Aerchkaleya handled the small child who was practically bouncing with excitement in her arms.
Fili chuckled and commented, "Aerchkaleya is quite good with children it seems. When she isn't stuck with you, Uncle, according to what I've heard, she's often in the marketplace watching the dwarflings while mothers shop."
Thorin glanced at the elder brother curiously and Kili told them both, "She helped her sister raise her three children, and then their children. And, she told me she frequently watched dwarflings while Erebor was still being refined. She watched most of them grow and have kids of their own."
"It's difficult to remember that she'd older than dwarves, and that she practically raised the first few generations of Erebor's dwarves," Fili mentioned, his face still twisted in thought. The three agreed silently. Despite how old she actually was, she didn't appear so, and having slept for such a time, she still had a bit to learn on recent dwarf culture. It was a bit of a mind boggling thing on the best of days.
The group reached the dining hall, where Bilbo was already waiting, Aerchkaleya relinquishing the fauntling to his guardian. It didn't take long before the entire Company along with the hobbits and Fae to be yelling and shouting and eating. As with every dwarven meal, cutlery was forgotten, food was thrown, and ale was chugged. Everyone traded stories of their day, a couple of new mines had been found, and with the map nearly restored, there were several that would be reopened within a few days time.
About twenty minutes later, Dis arrived with Gatena, who looked much better compared the that morning. Fili got up and pulled her to sit beside him, while Dis took a seat beside Thorin, Bilbo on the other side. Maoli was towards the end of the table with Bombur while they attempted to keep some semblance of control over their dwarflings and the little Hobbit who had chosen to sit with them. Even Gimli sat with the young dwarflings, despite his insistence he was too old to be considered a child, he had 'decided' to 'set a good example' and sit with them.
Halfway through the meal, Kili had managed to spare enough time between inhaling his food to ask his One, "How was your day, then?"
It was just a simple question, but then again, it was those kind of simple questions that could mean the most, especially when Ark hadn't seen much of him in the past month, and vice versa. Snatching a roll midair, she replied, "Boring. Spent the entire day in council meetings with your Uncle. What about you, did you enjoy watching Frodo?"
"I swear they have extra energy stored in those feet! How can such a tiny creature be so hyper," Kili groaned, grabbing a piece of cheese off a passing platter. While the pair continued to talk about their day, Gatena glanced nervously towards Dis. In response, Dis gave the girl a kind smile and a small nod, tilting her head gently in encouragement.
The half-hobbit swallowed before tugging gently on Fili's sleeve, catching his attention. He gave her a questioning smile, and rather that speak up, Gatena slipped out of her chair and inclined her head towards the door behind her. The elder prince looked confused, but got up and followed his intended out, swallowing the ham and cheese quickly. As the door closed behind him, Gatena sighed a small breath of relief when no one came after them.
Watching Gatena curiously, Fili asked, just as confused as the expression on his face, "Is something wrong? My mother didn't say something terrible, did she?"
That made her chuckle, and she reassured him, "No, no, your mother didn't say anything terrible, Fili. I have something to tell you, but you have to try and not get upset. Promise me."
The confusion blended into concern, the dwarf nodding and replied, "Of course I promise, Gatena. You're okay, right?" He couldn't help it, before he let her answer, Fili moved closer and hugged her tightly. It wasn't as if a hug could fix everything, but the way she was speaking was scaring him, and the only thing he could think of to reassure either of them was to hold Gatena close. It was something he had a tendency to do.
Fili's sudden hug actually made her laugh a little, but the smaller girl returned the embrace, finally telling the worried prince, "I'm fine, Fili! You're such a worry-wart, you know that?" When Fili loosened his grip and looked down at her, Gatena blurted out before she could think, "I'm pregnant." Immediately, she wanted to take it back. Not the… creating or whatever, but the blunt way she had told him. There were several better ways to do that, and she hadn't done any of them.
Gatena watched him, slightly concerned. Fili simply stood their, blinking dumbly before repeated, "Y-your pregnant?" Chewing her lip nervously, she nodded and watched as he fell silent again, blinking a couple more times, before a massive smile spread across his face and he scooped her up, spinning her happily and whooping excitedly. The wave of relief that crashed onto her was indescribable. Gatena had been terrified he would be upset for some reason.
The noise brought Kili, Ark, Bofur, Bombur, and Dwalin tumbling into the hall, the three dwarves with weapons drawn, Bombur had his ever faithful ladle, and the Fae holding a loaf of bread that was about the length of a sword, wielding it like a weapon comically. Both Fili and Gatena stared at the bread oddly, with Kili yelling, "Whats wrong?!"
The response that the small group got was from Fili, "Ark, what the hell would a loaf of bread do in a fight?"
Authors Note: Yes, it's short. But, fluffy happiness and a little drama? I dunno, I like it. I know it's short, I have a horrid feeling they will be staying at about this length for a while, and I'm sorry about that. I thought the bread was necessary by the way. My little cousin did that once. I saw a spider and screamed adn he ran into the room weilding a baguette... made me laugh at least... anyway reviews are good for me! the more reviews the faster these chapters will come. Oh, and be aware a couple more OC's will be joining soonish... yeah.