Clill and Thorin sat together at the head table, watching over the celebration. The Dwarves were eating, drinking, dancing and singing the day away. The city was loud with the joyous celebration.

"Does your city have many parties like this?" Clill asked as she watched the rowdiness increase.

"Only on special occasions", Thorin answered.

Thrain and Balin smiled as they watched their children bond. It was practically the first time they've seen any sort of kindness between them.

"How much longer do you think it'll be before we're grandfathers?" Balin asked.

"That's what the bedding ceremony is for", Thrain answered.

"Let's hope they go through that without any problems."

Unbeknownst to the two fathers, Clill was listening in on their conversation. The bedding ceremony was one thing she knew she was not ready for. She was not ready to give her body to Thorin just yet. She was not ready to embrace that part of marriage. Hopefully Thorin would understand. Clill had to tell him that giving herself completely to him was not going to happen just yet.

"Clill!"

She and Thorin looked up and smiled as Dwalin can with a full mug of ale in his hand. He hugged his niece tightly.

"You were beautiful up there today", he said. "I'm proud of you."

"Thank you, Uncle", Clill smiled as she hugged him back.

"Thorin, take good care of her. Hurt her and you don't want to know what will happen."

"I can assure you", Thorin chuckled. "I have no intention of harming her. I will take care of her."

Clill blushed as she watched Dwalin hug her husband. Thorin really seemed to care about her. Dwalin patted his nephew's shoulder and walked away to join in the drinking and celebration.

"My lord…" Clill started.

"Don't call me that", Thorin stopped her. "You only need to call me that if we're involved in important affairs. We're married now. You may call me Thorin."

"Thorin", she nodded. "Did you really mean it? That you won't hurt me?"

"I may be a stubborn Dwarf and a fierce fighter, but I would never harm a woman."

Clill looked at him with a smile. She leaned in and kissed his rough cheek, giggling as she felt his beard tickle her chin. Thorin gave a smile and turned to eat his food. The celebration continued as some of the Dwarves climbed onto the tables as they danced and sang. Thror stood in his chair, clapping his hands loudly to gain the attention of the party.

"The time has come for the bedding ceremony. As per custom, the prince and princess shall be taken to their new room and conceive their marriage, ensuring the future of our people."

Clill blushed and looked at Thorin nervously as the women pulled her to the bedroom first. Thorin gave her a reassuring look as the men took him.