"The prince ventured for her hand, for he would have no other."
The summer festival was a greatly anticipated event between the two cities. For a single week, every house in each city was emptied. Every street was lined with goods made by craftsmen, apprentices, and children. The streets were filled with the people, celebrating the years achievements. Every house contributed something to the festival, whether it be tools, crafts, food, music. There was music, dancing, story telling, juggling demonstrations of weapons. A true moment of peace in the cities. laughing children ran through the streets after one another, dressed in their best. Some carried goods, others nothing, but their was no face without a smile. It was truly the most highly anticipated event throughout the year.
Thorin strolled through the coble streets of Dale, weaving through the crowd. He wore a light, white cotton shirt. Brown bands were sewn into the arms of the long sleeves and down the center of the tunic where the laces were drawn. The collar of his tunic dipped toward his chest. His leather jerkin was fastened over his shirt. A light cloak hung from one of his shoulders as he walked. Thorin made his way toward the center of Dale, where much of the celebration was taking place. He weaved toward the feasting congregation, where he found the brother's Balin and Dwalin. Thorin gave the brother's a heart pat on their shoulder's, bringing their attention from their feast.
"Thorin!" Dwalin cried. He rose from his seat and embraced his friend. "You're late."
"I had business with my grandfather." Thorin explained.
"Well, you're here now. Sit, drink, eat." Dwalin offered. "There is much to be enjoyed at this festival."
Thorin shook his head. "Another time Dwalin. I must find someone."
"Oh?" Dwalin asked.
"He searches for Lady Validhreniel, brother." Balin answered. He looked up to Thorin. "It is done then?"
Thorin nodded. "It is."
"And her father is aware of your intentions?"
"He is." Thorin answered.
"When do you face the warrior?" Dwalin asked.
"We meet for battle tomorrow at noon." Thorin explained.
"I'd wish you lucky lad, but tis the warrior who'll need it." Dwalin said, chuckling. He took a long drink of his ale.
"Oh how wrong you are, brother. Thorin will need every bit of luck when Lady Validhreniel learns of his plan." Balin replied.
Thorin nodded once more. "That I will my friend."
"Well then, best of luck to you laddie, because your lady is just in the courtyard now." Dwalin said.
Thorin turned. He allowed his eyes to drift through the courtyard, searching for the familiar beauty of Vali. Through the feasting crowd, his eyes fell upon the dancers, and the familiar dance of one. He watched the steps with familiar awe as he'd once seen them before. The light steps moved swiftly with the music. Her dress of green and golden trim, curls of sunshine gold, and braids laced with flowers danced with every step she took. Her smile was as radiant as the high sun.
"Well lad, are you going to approach her or stare at her?" Dwalin asked.
Thorin gave his friend a smirk and another pat on the back. "Enjoy the festival." He walked from the brother's and through the throng of dancers. He moved quickly, coming up behind Vali, just as she turned. Her body collided with his, ceasing her dance.
Vali quickly looked up to find herself staring at Thorin. Her surprise melted into a smile. "Where have you been?"
"I had business with my grandfather, that could not wait." Thorin explained.
"You've nearly missed the days festivities." Vali said. "I hope your council was worth it."
"Very much so." Thorin answered. He brush a flower laden braid over her bare shoulder and let his eyes linger for a moment. "I was under the impression you no longer danced at the summer festival."
Vali arched a slender brow. "And whom gave you such impression?"
Thorin smiled and leaned beside her ear. "I believe it was you."
Vali laughed." Well, as you can see, you've been misinformed."
"Oh I saw." Thorin said, a smirk playing at his lips. "You look rather flush, a sign I would by being a tad...out of practice."
A flash of defiance filled her eyes. "Out of practice? You surprise me by your boldness at the knowledge of dance to even claim that I am out of practice." Vali turned her head toward the musical ensemble for a moment before returning her gaze to Thorin. "I fear you've forced my hand in settling this slander immediately."
"I mean no offense." Thorin replied, unable to hide his smile.
"I'm sure." Vali said. "That is why I've selected you as my next partner." She hurried off toward the music ensemble.
Thorin laughed to himself as Vali rushed off. He undid the clasp of his cloak and set it aside. He watched Vali speak with one of the ensemble who smiled at her brightly and nodded. The ensemble began playing a light, quick melody. An old traditional dance. Many nearby the courtyard looked up smiling and left where they were to join the dance. Everyone began clapping to the music as the women gathered in a circle. They joined hands and lightly pranced about the courtyard in a circle. Every few steps they would stop and draw their hands toward the center and back out, prancing around once more. They released their hold of each other and spun in small circles. One arm arched over their head while the arm arched behind their backs. They spun quickly, sending the crowd silent with awe. Thorin watched Vali with more admiration than ever. Her every step was light and precise. Every spin send her braids and curls tossed over her shoulder with grace. With every drawn out note, her steps were slowed to match its pace.
The women suddenly broke from the dance and ventured into the crowds, drawing out men. Thorin laughed aloud as he watched Dis draw out her husband and Dwalin was pulled into the dance. Vali hurried up to him and took his hand. Thorin followed Vali toward the courtyard without resistance. Vali stood to his right, staring at him. Their shoulder pressed against one another, as did the other pairs. They walked in fast circles a few paces and altered directions. The men lifted their hands toward the woman's waist, though never touched them. The women drew their hands toward the man's shoulder, also never touching. The circles grew fasters as their hands grasp the other by the wrist. They released one hand and lightly pranced a few paces. The pair at the end turned about and dove into the arms of the next pair, then lifted their arms above the next. The procession kept pattern for a few rounds, until each pair had taken part of the line. Releasing their partner, the dancers began to weave through to one another, only staying with their next partner for a few notes before moving on. They weaved through one another, taking only a longer pause for the occasional turn about. Around them the crowd was astonished by the dance, clapping festively. The music increased, signifying the nearing end of the dance. Thorin weaved back toward Vali. Their hands met above their heads, while the other fell on their waist. They danced in quick circles as the music increased tempo. Faster and faster they danced, holding onto each other tighter and tighter. Finally as the song ended, Thorin released Vali's waits and spun her out into the courtyard with the other women dancers.
Everyone in the square cheered and applauded. The dancers laughed amongst themselves and clapped. Thorin could help but chuckle deeply. It had been decades since he last dance. He caught Dwalin's red face, deepening his laugh. The ensemble began the next dance. New and old dancers joined the courtyard while others departed. Thorin took the moment to depart from the courtyard.
Vali came to him none too soon. "Well, it would appear that we both are well within our range of practice."
"It would indeed." Thorin smiled. He took hold of Vali's hand. "May I steal you away for a moment? There is something I must speak with you."
"Of course."
Thorin guided them from the square. They moved from the filled streets toward a secluded alleyway. When they were far from the festivities in private, Thorin turned to Vali. "Vali I have news that will no doubt cause your wrath upon me, but I ask that you wait until I have said all that I must."
Vali nodded. "I will."
"I have not inferred or made any notion that my feelings for you are false. Nothing would please me more than to have you as my wife." Thorin began. "And I told my grandfather as much."
"That must have angered him." Vali said. She feared where the conversation would lead them.
Thorin nodded. "It did indeed. He believes I'm throwing away a future. But I have none without you. My grandfather then recalled the law placed for your hand."
Vali turned her face from Thorin and walked toward the mouth of the alley. There was the bitter truth of the situation they were about to face.
"He hopes that the battle with shame me to remember my allegiance." Thorin continued. He slowly walked up behind her. "What he was not aware of, was that I had already approached your father first."
Vali watched the festivities, unable to speak for a moments time. She had known this would come to pass sooner or later. It was inevitable. The law had not been retracted, even when the suitors all but vanished from the arena. "When do you battle?"
"High noon tomorrow." Thorin answered. "If you wish to unleash your anger upon me, do so now."
"There is nothing I can do or say to change your mind, is there?" she asked.
Thorin shook his head. "No.
"So many noble women, and you choose to throw your venture for a half-breed." Vali muttered. "Amada, amada, amada."
"Call me a fool as often as you wish." Thorin turned Vali toward him. "I will always place my venture for you over the nobles of Erebor. You are more than your steal, or bloodline. you the greatest blessing I have beheld."
"Do not mistake my anger as fear for you, Thorin." Vali said. "For I have every ounce of faith that you will persevere against my father's warrior."
"Then what fear does your anger mask?" Thorin asked.
"Fear that you will find yourself unfairly bound." Vali answered.
"I will never feel in such a way, Vali." Thorin reached out and took Vali's hand, pressing a something small into her hand. Vali looked into her hand to find a small metal bead lying on her palm. It was one of Thorin's beads. Thorin took the bead from her palm and caught one of Vali's braids. He slipped the bead onto her braid. "If I am to spend my life in service to the people of Erebor, then let this be my only act of selfishness."
so I wanted to do something light, since you never see that in the hobbit. and I thought a festival was in order. I based the dance (please don't laugh) around riverdance. there were some scenes where I thought it would perfect if they were included. and let's face it, watching a young Thorin dance would be cute.
next chapter: arena!
Amada- elven: fool