It wasn't difficult for Ila to wake the day of her wedding. She had the most impossible time of falling asleep and she woke in the early hours of the morning to lay there waiting for Dwala to rise and join her. Whereas Ila had been excited the night before, now she felt sick. Sick from nerves mostly, but excited too. She was anxiously awaiting the arrival of her mother especially. She hadn't seen her lady mother since the day she left for Erebor and had missed her terribly at first, but Thorin had quickly occupied her time and thoughts to make the separation from her family much more bearable. She would get to see her brothers and father as well, which made her very happy indeed. Dwala was excited for that too.
Ila felt Sam stretch and reposition himself at her feet. He had grown considerably in the three weeks she'd had him. She wished he could be in the wedding too but knew better than to ask. She also assumed that he would no longer be allowed to sleep with her after today. She couldn't imagine Thorin sleeping with a fluffy little sheepdog, even one as adorable as Sam.
Ila tossed and turned, trying to get comfortable but even that seemed impossible. Finally Ila just sat up in bed, Sam waking and crawling into her lap. She scratched the yawning puppy as he lay in her embrace, completely relaxed and calm, the exact opposite of how she felt at the moment.
A few moments passed and Ila heard her door opening, knowing it was Dwala, who soon appeared still in her dressing gown.
"I knew you wouldn't be able to sleep." She said.
"Apparently neither can you." Ila replied.
"No, not on a day like this. When the king under the mountain finally takes a bride!" Dwala aid dramatically and ran to jump on the bed next to Ila who laughed and Sam hopped into Dwala's lap to lick her face.
The two dwarf maidens laughed and played with Sam as long as they could, knowing that they may never again get to sit with each other in this fashion, and that everything would change today. Dwala took Ila's mind off the impending events until breakfast arrived, followed shortly by Ila's mother and a practical army of servants.
Ila had little time to embrace and catch up with her mother before she had to begin to get ready. Before Ila knew it she was standing before the mirror while her mother and Dwala were dressing her, an unusually difficult task considering the size and weight of her wedding gown.
It was absolutely beautiful, a true work of art. Ila thought the seamstresses must have worked on nothing else those three weeks, and here they were standing by ready to sew her into if need be.
It was silvery white like mithril and practically glowed, Ila thought. It shown like pale moonlight and her dark waves made for a dramatic contrast as they laid against it. The bodice of the dress was modest enough without being too much so, and crystals adorned it in intricate patterns until the bodice met her skirts, where the crystals spilled into streams that went the length of her gown. The train that Dwala would have to wrestle was nearly six feet long and thankfully detachable. It too had rivers of crystals sewn into it and Ila thought it was truly too beautiful to wear.
Ila refused any of the necklaces that her mother or Dwala suggested, thinking them too much with the intricate dress she wore. Some simple earrings and her veil were the only adornments she was set on wearing. As for her hair, which she insisted on wearing down, it was full and almost curly with crystals dotting it to match her dress. Ila's mother stood back to survey their progress, almost ready to declare her daughter complete, when a knock came at the door.
Dwala went to see about it and Ila fidgeted, anxious already to be out of the garment. She didn't know if she could wear it for hours as she knew she had to. Walking was going to prove a task.
"My lady," a servant of the king said having entered the room with Dwala. He bowed and then stepped closer to Ila. He had in his hands a bundle of dark blue velvet, which he held as though it were most fragile.
"If I may present to you, a wedding present from the king," he said and Ila remembered Thorin's promise of a wedding gift to come. She had forgotten all about it with everything to be done that day, and then excitedly looked to her mother who urged her to go forward and look.
Ila stepped closer and the servant unfolded the velvet to display a magnificent set of blue diamond earrings and necklace to match. The sight literally took Ila's breath away and the rest of the females in the room gasped loudly upon seeing the glittering jewels. The necklace was like a waterfall of diamonds, with a great tear drop shaped one hanging in the middle of many smaller ones that hung in three separate strings. The earrings were great tear drops that dangled by strings of smaller blue diamonds. Even as a queen, Ila had never imagined she would call something so beautiful and magnificent her own.
"Your favorite, I do believe my dear." Ila's mother said as she held Ila by her shoulders from behind and peered at the jewels. "You must have made quite an impression on the king in the four weeks you've been here." She said. Ila was still in shock, only now reaching out to gently touch her gift.
"Come, let's put it on you then," Her mother said and carefully took it from its velvet bed to put around her daughter's neck. She fixed the earrings while Ila regarded herself in the mirror, overcome by the necklace and the sight of everything having finally come together.
Dwala stood off to the side now, almost awe struck at how regal and beautiful Ila looked in all her finery. She felt that she might tear up but told herself that she would have plenty opportunity for that yet.
"Are you ready, my love?" Ila's mother asked, taking her by the hand.
Ila couldn't find the words, she only nodded at her mother and turned towards the door. Dwala moved behind her to pick up the long and heavy train, bracing herself for what would be a long day as they made their way out of that room and into a new life.
In the great hall the crowd had been gathering for some time already. The throne room was magnificent but no place for a wedding, considering there was essentially nowhere to stand. Add to that the fact that there was but one throne-the king's throne- and it wasn't a very good place for a wedding at all. As such, the head table where the king would normally sit was removed until after the ceremony and there would stand the wedding party. The space was naturally higher than the rest of the room and provided an ideal vantage point. There had been created a center aisle for Ila to walk down with the tables on either side and so the problem was easily enough solved.
The feast that followed the wedding would be the most impressive part no doubt, but the great hall was covered in flowers and streamers as well. More candles that usual littered the room which was normally quite dark, as most places under the mountain naturally were. White rose petals littered the path that Ila would shortly walk.
At present, Thorin was pacing about in a private corridor just off of the great hall. Dwalin watched him from where he leaned against the wall.
"She's the one that should be nervous, ya know." He said as he watched his king and friend try to walk off his nervous energy.
"Aye she should be, for what do I know about women?" Thorin replied.
"You know enough to get you through tonight, I dare say. After that you don't even have to see her again if you don't want. Besides, she might have a face like a troll for all we know."
Thorin did know, actually, and the promise of that beautiful face soon to be staring back into his was about to do him in. He had faced so many trials and battles in his life, how was it that a mere slip of a dwarf maiden had him more frightened than he had ever been?
Thorin soon heard the horns that signaled the start of the ceremony, rather they signaled that everyone take their seats. He and Dwalin looked to each other and then proceeded to the great hall. Thorin entered and everyone rose in respect as he made his way to his proper place. Dwalin took his place beside him and Thorin looked around for his nephews who were noticeably absent. Balin, who would be presiding over the ceremony, was already in place and gave his old friend a warm smile. Thorin returned it briefly and then returned to frowning, anxious to see Ila and uncomfortable in his formal robes. He wore a lush and magnificent midnight blue tunic, trimmed heavily in patterns of silver and a heavy robe trimmed in fur to match on over it. A heavy silver belt matched the crown that sat on his head, which he really only wore on special occasions. It bore no jewels but was perfectly polished and gleamed in the torchlight. While he looked as regal as any king among elves or men ever did, he could not wait to rid himself of it all at the end of the night.
Thorin's heart skipped a beat as he thought Ila was coming through the door as so many heads turned that way, but instead he received a wonderful surprise. His nephews had entered the great hall with their lady mother, Fili escorting her and Kili right behind them. Both of his nephews looked smart in their dress robes, Fili in crimson and Kili in a dark blue that nearly matched his own. Dis on the other hand was clothed in a deep purple gown with a relaxed smile on her face. Thorin's heart soared to see her out of her chambers, especially on such an important day for him.
The crowd inclined their heads respectfully as Dis passed and she neared her brother. Fili presented her to Thorin and she curtsied to him, which he returned with a deep bow. Dis gave him a warm smile and Thorin couldn't help but return it, his heart happy to see it. The boys looked extremely proud of their mother as they led her to her seat of honor not far from Thorin and then took their place standing on either side of her.
Thorin barely had time to straighten himself when the horns blew again and signaled the start of the ceremony. He pulled himself up to his full height and adjusted his regal mask of solemnity and strength when Dain appeared in the doorway with Ila at his side. All of Erebor that was packed into that hall turned and stretched to see the princess walk down the aisle in her most magnificent gown and jewels. Soft gasps and whispers could be heard as Ila made her way towards her king, some saying she glittered like mithril itself. But Ila heard nothing. It was if she were deaf all of a sudden. All she could do was put one foot in front of the other while looking at Thorin waiting for her at the end of the hall.
Dain looked like an old, wild beast next to his vision of a daughter. Long, untamed reddish locks fell down his back and his beard was to his waist. He was covered in furs and was shorter than Thorin and thick as a tree. He was a fierce and revered warrior however, and many there counted catching a sight of him the best treat of the night. Ila was practically leaning on him as they neared their destination, and he squeezed her arm after feeling her tremble next to him. He of course had no idea that Ila had fallen in love with Thorin, he only thought his young daughter was terrified of marrying the cantankerous, older dwarf that was his cousin. He could not have been more wrong.
As Ila came to stand in front of Thorin, he could barely tear his attention away from her long enough to greet Dain properly and take her hand from his. She was impossibly perfect in her gown and the gift he had given her, draped daintily around her neck. He wished he could have seen her face when she received it.
Dain took his seat next to his wife and sons and Dwala stood obediently behind Ila holding her train as she held Thorin's hand and faced Balin. As for what was said during the ceremony exactly and what the particular rites were, neither Thorin nor Ila could tell anyone. They heard little if anything, for they were hopelessly lost in each other's eyes. Ila's chest was rising and falling rapidly enough for anyone to notice and Thorin was gripping her hands harder than he should. Dwalin didn't notice anything, as he was too busy staring at a certain dwarf maiden but a few feet from him who was determined not to look back at him. Kili could do nothing but stare at Ila, knowing what beauty lay beneath her veil and feeling sick to his stomach that it could not be his. Fili noticed his brother's behavior, which he had found increasingly strange of late, but even then and there could not tell the source of it.
Thorin and Ila came back to reality long enough to slip the rings on each other's hands, but then they passed back into a trance as the ceremony continued. Finally, the moment came to remove the veil. The citizens of Erebor had been speculating for weeks now as to what Ila really looked like under there and some craned for a better view. Ila held her breath, so ready to be rid of the thing and to finally kiss Thorin.
Oh, Mahal. They had to kiss. She had almost forgotten.
Thorin had not forgotten and was ready to rip the thin fabric off her face. He didn't though, but when Balin declared them dwarf and wife, he slowly released her hand to reach up and pull her veil back from the left side of her face until it was gone.
There she was. The vision of perfection that he had gazed upon for one brief moment in time almost a month ago, even more beautiful than he remembered, and now his wife. Again, soft gasps were heard through the hall as the dwarves of Erebor beheld their new queen for the first time.
Dwalin's and Fili's faces made expressions that clearly conveyed they were not only surprised but appreciative of what they saw. Lord Balin only smiled warmly at the couple, and Kili, whom thankfully no one was looking at, betrayed himself with a knowing and heartsick look.
Ila barely had time to draw her lips into a smile when Thorin's mouth covered hers in a passionate kiss. He managed to keep his mouth closed, but the force and the feeling behind it told Ila that his restraint was weak indeed. One of Thorin's hands went to cradle her head as the kiss went on and now cheers and cries could be heard throughout the room that had been respectfully quiet until that point.
Ila tilted her head up into the kiss and melted into Thorin. He knew he had to cut it off soon, but didn't want to. He wanted to pull Ila towards their chambers that very moment but knew he could not. So instead he gently pulled away and released his hold on her lips.
Ila was blushing and her full lips were red from the insistent kiss. Thorin barely heard the cheers and cries erupt even louder now as he took Ila's hand to present her to the room. Ila broke into a shy smile, feeling strange that everyone could see her face now. Thorin then quickly led her aside so that their table could be prepared and the banquet could start.
Ila's parents and brothers were embracing her and congratulating Thorin in the meantime. Dwala seemed happy as well though also like something might be amiss, though she couldn't decide what. She looked as though trying to avoid someone and Ila made a note to ask her.
The table was laid in a hurry and Thorin soon bid the banquet begin. Ila was nervous about what was to come that night but not enough to lose her appetite. She took a glass of red wine to calm her nerves and filled her plate, not having eaten anything at all that day. Thorin on the other hand hadn't touched his food.
He was leaning back against his chair and facing Ila, intently watching her every move. A servant placed a mug of ale in front of him which he noticed enough to take a drink from but never took his eyes off of Ila while doing so. He sat the mug back down and absently traced its handle as he continued to gaze at Ila.
Finally, she felt his eyes on her and looked up at him. She swallowed and cautiously said, "My lord, is something the matter?"
"Nothing in the world." He replied with a slight shake of his head.
Ila smiled at him. "But you are not eating. It is your wedding feast. Are you not hungry?"
Thorin's lips drew into the hint of a dangerous smirk. "Very." He nearly whispered and Ila's smile faded as she grasped his meaning. Embarrassed, she lowered her eyes to her food. He had begun to express himself more and more freely with her in the past three weeks but nothing like that. Ila was not offended but wasn't sure how to respond.
"Darling," Thorin said soothingly, reaching over now to place a hand over hers.
"I apologize, I should not have said that." He said with eyes that were afraid they'd offended her deeply.
Ila met those eyes and allayed his fears.
"Don't apologize my lord, you only surprised me."
Thorin leaned even closer. "Thorin. Your husband. I am only your king and lord when speaking with others."
Ila smiled prettily at him and it nearly did him in. He squeezed her hand and lightly stroked it as she continued to eat.
"Are you certain that you are not hungry husband?" Ila asked sweetly while holding a cube of cheese in her fingers. Thorin narrowed his eyes suspiciously but leaned in towards her. Ila daintily fed it to him, giggling as she did. Thorin smiled as he chewed and Ila took some grapes to feed him next. She did so one at a time, highly amused with herself and Thorin enjoyed the attention from his bride, neither of them noticing how many stared at them.
Dwalin, who sat next to Thorin on his other side, had stopped in the middle of eating an entire roasted chicken, to stare in disbelief. Dis only smiled, happy for her brother. Fili laughed and Kili couldn't look. Dwala was enjoying dinner and catching up with Ila's family and so didn't notice. Other dwarves in the great hall noticed, but mostly to laugh and say how they never thought to see such a sight.
When dinner had passed the drinking and song really began in earnest, and Ila wondered how long the revelry would last. She wanted to retire before she was sleepy and still able to perform whatever duties were expected of her. She didn't realize though that she and Thorin were about to make their exit.
Ila was sitting next to her mother now, who was stroking her hair and quietly offering advice for the evening, but not anything that Ila actually found helpful. This wasn't the place to ask and she figured she would find out soon enough.
Ila's older brothers Nain and Fain were laughing and carrying on with Fili and Kili, the latter of whom was well on his way to being thoroughly intoxicated. Ila wondered if he was trying to impress her brothers, who were older and exuded more confidence.
Thorin approached them now and Ila perked up, not hearing a word her mother said.
"My darling bride, it's time to retire." He said as soon as he reached her.
Ila felt faint. Already? Thorin did seem anxious to leave and there was no telling how long this party would go on. It would be well after their departure that was for sure. Ila nodded and called for Dwala, but Thorin stopped her.
"Your handmaiden will not be needed tonight. She may retire of her own accord when she is ready." Thorin said and Ila's eyes were like saucers as she heard his words.
"But….my lord, how will I undress?" Ila asked, truly concerned now.
Thorin smirked but quickly threw off the expression. "You can manage for one night, my queen." Thorin said and Ila looked to Dwala who was standing nearby and had heard the entire exchange. She looked to her companion with surprise and anxiety, but could do nothing to defy her king.
"I will see you in the morning mistress." Dwala said as she felt Thorin's eyes on her, daring her to say anything else.
Ila nodded to her but was not happy about being denied her handmaiden and the comfort of her friend on this night. Ila's mother rose to embrace her daughter lovingly and place a kiss on her forehead, assuring her that all was well and would be well. Thorin then held out his arm which Ila took, and many cheers and even screams were heard as they exited the great hall.
Up next, the wedding night! Which will be quite sensual, so consider yourself warned. I'll try to post by Sunday, provided I survive midterms. Have a great weekend everyone!