Chapter 14

Eira woke up with a loud moan. She turned over in her bed, flopping from her side to her stomach fluidly. The furs and woolen blankets were so warm. She buried herself further into them, attempting to go back to sleep. Her head was pounding and she felt a jolt in her stomach. Her muscles were aching. She felt a hand shake her shoulder.

"Up you get Eira. We need to get you ready." It was Lady Dis' voice. Her hand was gentle on Eira's shoulder.

Why would she need to get ready? What was going on?

"Come on, Eira. Sit on up lass." Dis commanded, grabbing her elbow and tried to pull her up.

Eira attempted to sit up, pulling herself up weakly. She rubbed her eyes and felt another jolt to her stomach. She suddenly began to dry heave, and then there was a bin in front of her and she threw up. A soft hand was on her hair, rubbing it slowly. Tauriel was standing next to her, brushing her hair out of her face. Eira knew it was the elf because of her friend's voice and words of encouragement.

"Better out than in, Eira. Get it all out and then we'll get you something to drink and something bland for breakfast." Dis said, encouragingly.

Once her stomach was completely empty, a mug was pushed into her hands. She still hadn't had the chance to really open her eyes. There were some other female's voices that she heard.

"Take a sip, Eira. It will make you feel better. You need to clear your mind. You have a long day ahead of you." Dis commanded softly. Eira took a sip and then shuddered but immediately felt her head clear. Instead of fogginess, she felt dull pain. She downed the rest of it as quickly as possible.

"Hangover cure," Anna said softly, taking the cup back from Eira. "One of Bombur's specialties. I think Gandalf may have added a little something to it as well."

Eira finally opened her eyes and looked around her. She almost didn't recognize her room until a shock of recognition came over her. It was her future home—the place that she and Fili would move into when they married.

Dear Mahal. Why was she here already? Where was her husband? Why was she in her underthings?

Her eyes suddenly cleared and she widened them, looking around at the dams and elf surrounding her. What was going on?

"What's going on? Why can't I remember how I got here?" Eira asked, feeling a mixture of fear and shock.

Anna and Hilda exchanged glances with one another.

"We'll tell you as you get ready. Stand on up. Let's get you in that bath tub. That should help you feel better," Dis commented. Tauriel and Anna helped her to stand up. She felt a little wobbly still. They led her into the adjoined bathing facilities where the large tub was filled with hot steaming water.

Everyone was shooed out as a couple of maids helped Eira to undress and eased her in to the water.

As she pushed her head back, resting her neck against the tub, she attempted to remember what had transpired during their celebratory dinner the night before. After taking a couple of sips of her drink and eating her meal, everything became a fuzzy, blank slate.

She let out a frustrated sigh. One of the maids helped her wash her long hair, and then, after what seemed like too short of a period, they insisted that she get out of the tub, dried her off, and put her into a warm, fluffy robe.

They led her out into the bedroom, and helped her to sit on a soft armchair in front of the fire, so as to get her hair to dry as quickly as possible.

Anna brought some crusty bread and another small drink for Eira to have. Eira sipped on her drink and cast around her mind trying to remember everything that transpired the night before. Why did she wake up so sick this morning? She took a couple of nibbles of bread, only to calm the nerves of her raw stomach as she considered that today was her wedding day.

When Dis reentered the room, the maids left quietly. Dis took the seat across from her in front of the fire in her bedroom. Eira watched as she settled into her seat and then asked, "Why can't I remember anything besides the incredible food last night? I don't even know why I'm in our quarters."

Dis held Eira's hand and said, looking her in the eye. "You were given a strong beverage last night. It was laced with an aphrodisiac that made you...more amorous than usual toward Fili."

Eira's eyes widened in horror. "Oh, no. No. No! I..." Her face turned beet red in shame. What had she done? Did he wish to cancel their contract because of how wantonly she behaved toward him? She knew immediately that Fili would never engage in intercourse without her consent. And could she have willingly given it if she couldn't even recall what transpired?

"It's alright, Eira." Dis said softly, squeezing her hand in comfort. "We found out that it was Dain's daughter, done as a dare. Fili was quite angry with her and insisted that she wasn't even to formally meet you or apologize to you."

"But...did...I act...horribly around him?" Eira asked, her face still flushed. She was earnestly seeking answers. In all honesty, while it was a cruel prank, Eira's actions toward Fili were highly entertaining to Dis. At least she knew that her future daughter would be able to keep her son happy.

Dis laughed slightly, and said, "Well, you couldn't keep your hands off of him and when he brought you back to your rooms, apparently you locked your chaperons out of your bedroom."

Her face colored even more at that comment. She had a slight memory of Fili leaning over her, and kissing her deeply. "You will have to ask Fili what exactly happened in there. He refused to tell anyone what happened, even Kili."

She looked at Eira, and said, "Come, dear, don't fret about what happened. Just talk to Fili about it tonight. We need to get that hair fixed up, and get you all ready. We don't have much time. We let you sleep a lot longer than we originally planned. We have to make sure that you can walk in a straight line as well."

"Fili isn't canceling the contract then?" Dis startled slightly, and her eyes softened at Eira's anxious query. The lass was completely in love with her son. They were so good for each other.

"Of course not Eira. My son is just as smitten with you as before. Don't talk nonsense." She insisted that Eira stay sitting and then went to the door that opened up to their front room. In marched Ileana and Hilda. Between the two of them was a beautiful cream colored gown, with long, billowing sleeves and a short train. It was cut quite beautifully and from her prior experience of wearing Dori's clothing, she knew that it would fit perfectly. The thread was gold and it was embroidered with Fili's geometric insignia. It was gorgeous. Her eyes began to water slightly and she felt a lump in her throat.

What she missed more than anything, was her own mother. Astra should have been by her side, helping her to get ready in Dis' place. She was thankful for everything Lady Dis had done for her, but still it wasn't the same.

She blinked back tears as she stood up as the two dams hung it up. Anna and Tauriel entered next, bringing in a few more items, and placed them on Eira's vanity table. Dis shooed Eira behind the privacy screen. Tauriel appeared next to her. Elves were not as private with their bodies as dwarves, so she didn't bat an eye as she helped Eira get out of her robe and into her dressing gown and stockings. She then helped Eira into her corset, with the supportive stays that she usually never had on her corsets.

As she stepped out from behind the screen, she was ushered to her vanity. She gave a cry of exclamation as she took in the state of her blue silk ribbon. It was cut in half.

"I was wearing this last night." She said, lifting it up and fingering it slightly, "What happened?"

Anna and Hilda looked between one another as Tauriel smiled to the side.

"Fili used it to tie your wrist to the bed post. I have no idea why he needed to do that. You might have to ask him yourself. He seemed pretty flushed when you got through with him. Oh, and you were trying to chew your way free of it." Anna broke the news quickly, and then hurried around, trying to get everything out that they needed.

Eira look horrified, and then her face became stern. "Who is this dam that poisoned me? How dare she!"

"She will be a cousin, so you need to let it go," Hilda informed her. Dis began brushing Eira's long hair with a comb and then a brush.

"I had no idea that you had curls, Eira," Tauriel said as she watched, helping to get her clasp ready.

"They're more like waves," Eira commented softly, looking at herself in the mirror. She looked too pale. She watched as Dis expertly braided her hair and coiffed it tightly behind her head.

"You look beautiful. I know you probably wished your mother was here to help you get ready for your wedding, but I am so honored that you allowed me to help." She put her arms around Eira as the younger dam gave her a nod and a watery smile. There was no use in getting too sad about her mother's absence. Eira firmly believed that her mother's presence could still be felt. Dis gave her a warm hug. "I'm so glad Fili chose you."

Hilda and Anna swooped forward and began to powder her face slightly. Ileana brought out the dress after, and then, helped Eira into it, buttoning up the back of her gown. The buttons started in her lower back and went all the way up to the back of her neck.

Ileana then took out a needle and thread, and began to hem the length of the gown and the long sleeves so they fit her better.

"Where are the babes?" Eira queried, noticing that the triplets were not present, unfortunately. Eira wanted to see those sweet little babies again. She had visited Ileana a few times in her spare time after the betrothal. Ileana and Nori needed all the help they could get. Poor Ileana was only a month postpartum. She felt bad that she was here, helping her with her wedding instead of with her babies.

"Don't go feeling bad," Ileana said, sensing Eira's discomfort, "I'm feeling well enough as it is, and I could use a little break from those fussy little buggers. Nori has his brothers to help. I am actually quite entertained at the idea of the three of them trying to deal with the babes. I wouldn't miss helping you get ready for anything, Eira."

"Dori is helping with Fili this morning," Dis informed Eira as she supervised Ileana as she finished her sewing. "That means it will probably be Thorin who is taking care of the babe. He's such a sucker for little ones."

Eira looked up with a happy smile on her face at the thought of the stern king melting while holding an infant.

"Really?" Eira asked, feeling highly amused at the idea.

"Yes. He was always holding Fili and Kili when they were babes. It was the first thing he did when he came back from his travels. He would come and visit with me and Nali and ask to hold one of them. He said it was one of the best ways that he could feel peace."

"There. That's it. I'm not quite as skilled with the needle as Dori." Ileana smiled slightly at Eira, and then turned her to look at herself in the full length mirror against the wall. The dam that looking back at her was someone that she didn't recognize. She was far too beautiful...it couldn't be her, could it?

She swallowed tightly.

The dams surrounding her nodded in approval.

"Gorgeous," Anna said softly, "You look every bit our princess."

"Not quite," Tauriel said quietly and brought out a small box. In it was found a small circlet, a rose gold color. There were diamonds sparkling from it as well. There was also a beautiful necklace, made of gold, with a pendant shaped in a sapphire teardrop.

She looked up, shocked and said, "Those aren't mine."

Titters of laughter filled the room, and Tauriel pulled out the necklace first and handed it to Dis, who put it around her neck.

"This is from your father. He wanted you to have something specifically from your wedding. He insisted on the pendant."

She only nodded, her throat tight. "Yes. The pendant was my mother's. I believe it was my father's gift for their betrothal."

She nodded in understanding right back at Eira. She then pulled out the circlet. It wasn't a normal gold color, but a slight rose tinged gold.

"The metal is an alloy of copper and gold, you know. Fili made the circlet. You'll get your formal crown this afternoon during your coronation. He wanted to do white gold or silver, but I told him it would clash with gold threading on your dress, so he did this instead. He said yellow gold wouldn't stand out against your hair enough."

Dis placed the circlet gently on her head, and said, "Now you look every bit Erebor's newest princess."

She nodded and then there was a knock on the door. Eira looked at Dis, her eyes wide open.

"It's your adad, probably. He'll escort you to the sacred forge. I need to go check on Fili." Dis smiled and then left the room. The rest of the dams left, besides Tauriel, who held her squeezed her hand tightly and then left with a smile. Eelis, ever the proper gentleman, let the dams all exit before entering the room.

She felt tears start in her eyes as she saw her adad, dressed in his most formal clothing. He was dressed in charcoal gray breeches and a dinner coat. His tunic was a cream color, matching Eira's dress exactly. His hair and beard were neatly trimmed with his braids completely in place.

He put his arms around her gently and she flung her own arms around his shoulders.

"Adad. You look so handsome." Eira said softly, giving him a small smile and then feeling some tears well up in her eyes again. What was wrong with her? She was so emotional this morning.

"I can't even hold a candle to you lass. You're positively beaming." Eelis insisted, smiling at her softly.

She smiled shakily, and sobered up quickly. "Last night adad-I'm so sorry if I shamed you."

"You did nothing of the sort. Your faculties were inhibited. You had no control of your actions." Eelis growled slightly. She noticed then that his knuckles were slightly bruised. Eira reached forward and pulled his right hand toward her.

"What are those?" Eira asked, accusingly.

"Never you mind about that, lass." He grunted in reply, not looking her in the face.

"Adad..."

"I had words with Lord Vail over your behavior, that's all."

"Words usually don't leave bruises." Eira commented, staring at her father, trying to figure out exactly what he did. He had learned to brawl, mostly from the Rohirrim that he had grown to like a great deal.

He waved her away again, and said, "Gandalf and King Thranduil both knew what it was that was slipped to you and it explained your behavior. Lord Vail suggested it was something else."

She looked at him critically, and asked, "What about Fili?"

"Spitting angry when he came back from escorting you back here. I have to say though, lass. Do you remember why he had half of his tunic unbuttoned and wrinkled, with his hair wilder than I've ever seen?"

Her eyes widened slightly, her face bright red. "I don't-"

"Wait until that last hammer sounds, lass, before you try anything today, please." She only nodded, her face bright red, and he smiled slightly.

There was a knock at the door, and Eelis offered his daughter his arm. They walked out of her quarters together.

Fili woke up, not quite as early as Eira, but still early enough. He shuffled slightly, and then to his surprise, was bombarded by his uncle and Gloin, who both looked more than annoyed at their assignment to help Fili prepare for the day. Dori was there as well, bringing in his brand new coat for the wedding. He raised his eyebrows slightly to see that Thorin was holding a small baby in his arms. Kili was bouncing on his heels in excitement. Kili loved parties, much more than Fili did. He was looking forward to the day's festivities. Fili smiled slightly at the scene.

"Babysitting duty?" Fili inquired curiously.

Thorin only grunted, trying not to smile too much when he looked down at Nori's little lass. Dori ordered Fili to get washed and ready as he hung up his new dinner coat and found the rest of the clothes that he would be wearing to the wedding and coronation.

It was about a half hour later that Kili was ordered to start banging on Fili's door so that he would finally get out of his bath in order to start getting ready. It wasn't too much longer until he was completely dressed and ready to get married, his hair dry and properly braided; his clothes tidy and wrinkle free. Kili handed him a box, with the work he had done at their family forge during their betrothal period. Besides making several things for Eira, including her crown and several pieces of jewelry, this was the object that would seal her as a member of the line of Durin.

"Put on your crown, brother. It's time to go." Kili said, his eyes bright. Fili only looked at his brother, who grinned at him knowingly. Fili only smiled back and then felt Thorin's arm around him, squeezing his shoulder tightly.

At that moment, the door knocked and Dis walked into the room. She was already dressed in her finest gown, and she looked radiant, as if she was the one getting married. She crossed the room, and grasped Fili by the shoulders in order to give him a hug.

"My son," she said softly, her hand patting his face lovingly.

"Amad..."

"How is Eira?" Thorin asked, concerned.

"Sick this morning. I think she revived over some of Bombur's cure. She still looks a bit peaky though." Dis replied to Thorin, smiling at her brother holding the baby lass in his arms. Thorin handed the babe over to her uncle who cooed at her lovingly as she startled when she was switched over.

"Let's go get you married," Thorin said gruffly, leading the others out of the room. Fili clapped Dori on the shoulder, thanking him for the new coat, a navy color with gold threading. He then smiled at the newborn babe in Dori's arms, sleeping, and then put his hand on the baby's head softly with a smile.

"Come on, Fili. Your lady love will be waiting for you." Kili sing-songed. He didn't know why he liked teasing Fili so much. It was still a surprise to Kili that Fili was getting married. For the longest time, he had shown no interest in dams whatsoever, and then in less than five months, he was getting married to a dam he had only met since the last Durin's day.

They walked into the sacred forges, a forge that was rebuilt after Smaug's destruction. It was where all the important ceremonies of the kingdom took place—weddings, naming ceremonies, blessings and funerals. For as they were created by Mahal, the Smith, all of their most essential occasions were to take place in the holiest of forges inside of the kingdom.

Thorin led their party in. The forge and anvil were already warmed. In front of the forge was an altar, with a cushion on the cold floor, where Eira and Fili would kneel in reverence to their maker. Fili stood to the side of the altar, next to Thorin as he waited for Eelis and Eira to arrive. The rest of their party sat down and waited for the rest of their guests to arrive. Fili fidgeted nervously, as he waited for Eira to show up. He was intently avoiding eye contact with Kili and everyone else who was in attendance, including, for the first time, an elf. Tauriel, who was sitting next to King Thranduil once again, smiled openly at Fili's nervousness.

It was while he was avoiding eye contact with everyone, that a small hush fell across the room, as though a breath was being held. Fili looked forward, and his eyes finally settled on his bride, who was being escorted to the front of the room with her father. She looked slightly nauseated at first. But then, her eyes met his, and she smiled at him. She then practically floated across the room on her father's arm. Eelis took her hand off of his elbow and handed it to Fili, who gripped it firmly in his own.

He looked at Thorin, who then gestured to the cushion at the altar. Fili helped Eira to kneel, and the kneeled right next to her, keeping a tight hold on her hand.

And then, Thorin began to speak. He spoke of their creation, of their maker and Mahal's own marriage to Yavanna. He spoke in ancient Khuzdul, talking of the sanctity of marriage and the holiness of joining their bodies and souls together. He spoke of the importance of children and began to recite their responsibilities to each other as husband and wife. Dwarf mythology spoke of marriages lasting throughout eternity, after their deaths. They would be reunited in the halls of Mandos in order to live together with their families forever.

Eventually, Eelis was called forward. Fili and Eira stood up, and her father removed the clasp from her braid that marked her as a member of his family. He gave her a small kiss on the forehead and then returned to his seat next to Dis, who surprisingly, squeezed his hand slightly in comfort as he blinked his eyes rapidly. Then Kili came forward, holding out a wooden box. Inside were two pieces of rectangular silver that were etched with Fili's mark. It was to symbolically signify the beginnings of his own line and family.

Fili helped Eira up, and gave the metal to Thorin, who placed it on the warm, large anvil. The silver began to heat up, and Fili swung the hammer against the metal, singing the traditional vows of the dwarf groom in a low, bass voice. After Fili finished, he gently handed the hammer to Eira, who sang the vows of the bride in a lovely alto voice with each strike against the forge. She then gave one final swing of the hammer, and handed it to King Thorin, who as the officiator, swung one last time and smiled as the two metal pieces finally joined together as one. Fili looked at Eira with a beaming smile, and then took the tongs from his uncle, and dunked the metal into the slack tub.

Thorin looked over the slack tub, and eyed the newly forged lump of metal, and laughed slightly, and then informed the crowd, "It appears Eira is as impossible with the forge as her father claimed." She joined the infectious laughter, not upset at all at her lack of skill.

"Thankfully, Fili has some talent." Thorin said, and signaled to Kili.

Kili brought forth the box, and handed it to Thorin, who opened the box, and showed the contents to Fili and Eira and then lifted it to the small crowd. Inside of the box, on a cushion on red velvet were two silver clasps, each marked with Fili's sigil.

"You first, Eira." Thorin informed Eira, offering her the contents of the box. Eira picked up the silver hair clasp. She reached for Fili's marriage braid. She noticed that his blonde hair was as thick and coarse as she thought, it would be. She smiled at him shyly as she clipped the clasp onto the end of his braid. He smiled at her and then put his hand in the box. He pulled out her silver clasp, pulling her maiden braid close, enjoying the feel of the hair in his hand and clipped it on the end.

Thorin nodded approvingly as Thorin looked between the newly married couple and announced.

"I'm proud to announce the joining of Fili and Eira, in body, mind and spirit from now on, into the eternities."

There was a cheer that went up from the crowd as Fili pulled her hand, bringing her close to him and giving her a small peck on the lips. She kissed him back softly and then grinned at him shyly, and then with their hands entwined he followed Thorin into the grand hall.

The rest of the day went by in a blur. She wasn't sure exactly how many people showed up to her coronation, but it must have been the entire kingdom since she couldn't even begin to recognize familiar faces in the sea of people. Thank goodness they were officially married because Fili gave her strength with his constant touches.

She was presented to the crowd, next to Fili, as his wife. She was then instructed to kneel before King Thorin, who sat on his throne. As she kneeled, with her head bowed low, she spied her father, Dain and Dis all looking over at her. Then she found Fili, her husband, who nodded at her encouragingly.

Then Gandalf stood up to speak the ancient vows. Eira put a fist over her heart and was made to promise to serve the people of Erebor and all the dwarves of Arda; to protect them; to obey her king's righteous will and command; and last of all, to fight against the evil of Middle-Earth, in whatever way she could. She was then officially crowned by Thorin as a princess of Erebor.

The crowd cheered loudly as Thorin helped her up and then led her to Fili who stood on the right side of the king's throne.

"All Hail Princess Eira!"

The cheers were roaring throughout the grand hall. Thankfully Fili's hands were constantly on her back to lead her or grazing her hand as many councilors, visitors and others came to congratulate the new couple on their marriage and her coronation as their princess.

There was a large feast in their honor. She was a bit hesitant to eat or drink anything until Fili leaned over and took a bite and then a sip of her drink. "I think it will be alright. They've increased the guards for the celebration." She only nodded and then began to eat and drink herself. She didn't want to get too intoxicated. She needed to be completely aware tonight. She wanted to remember everything.

After the feast, she danced with Fili, several of his relatives, including Dain and even got to meet the sweet hobbit, Bilbo, who she only remembered seeing vaguely yesterday. She spoke a little to her father, who remained at her side steadily, but Eelis seemed to speak to Thorin and Dain quite a bit throughout the night as well. Throughout the afternoon and evening, she felt Fili's heated stare on her quite a bit.

It was winding down in the evening, and there was a break in the music. Thorin stood up and said, "As most of you know, it's dwarven tradition to give a gift of some sort for the families of those getting married. There are many things that we can give you, Eira and Eelis, but I believe the gift of music will be the most cherished one we can give you tonight."

There was an awed silence as a harp was brought forward for Thorin, and two fiddles for Kili and Fili. Dis was brought a flute, and as one they began to play. The melody was soft and beautiful, one of the most moving songs that she had ever heard before. She focused mostly on Fili, who had his eyes closed as his hands moved the bow over the strings, completely in tune with his brother, their movements almost identical.

The song ended and there was a small moment of silence when all of a sudden, the entire hall burst into applause. Few dwarves had seen the royal family perform together, and it was an honor to hear them play their music so splendidly.

Thorin, Dis and the lads put away their instruments, handing them to their attendants.

Eelis then stood up with Eira as the royal family took their seats.

"Finding a gift for the royal family, is more difficult than I think most people realize," he said jokingly. There was a round of applause and laughter at his statement.

"I may have had to call in a favor to a friend of mine from Rohan, and we managed to meet an agreement." He paused and then gestured to one of the dwarves who brought forward a parchment of paper. Eelis cleared his throat and began to read what was a letter.

Dear Prince Fili and the rest of the royal family. Congratulations on your marriage to Master Eelis' daughter, Eira. My name is Eolain. I am a horse breeder of Rohan and a dear friend of Master Eelis. Eelis wrote to me, proposing an idea for the two princes of Erebor. He told me that they were kind, gentle dwarfs, but fierce warriors who always protected the borders of their kingdom.

This reminded me of the battles that we face everyday on the plains of Rohan. The orcs keep coming, but we keep pushing them back. Master Eelis persuaded me with a fair amount of his own weapons and gold, in order to bring you this gift straight from Rohan.

You will find, in your stables, two geldings. They are mini horses who are distantly descended from the Mearas. They were far smaller than the average horse, only slightly bigger than a pony although they are full-grown. They are both gray in color—I will only say that Prince Fili should get the first choice in the matter.

They are excellent horses and the only reason they are small is because of a rarity in their blood. We have seen it before. They are incredible creatures, but of course, still too small for us to ride. Please treat them well. They will serve you in defending your homeland.

"A friend that I made in Rohan, that I fought alongside of, is a breeder of fine horses. Most of you are aware of the Horse Lords and their relationship with the animals that they ride into battle. These two are considered, "dwarf horses'". There was loud raucous laughter at the term.

"I, like Eolain, hope these horses serve you well, so that when you lead our army into battle against the evil in this world, your mounts will be as stalwart and hearty as you both are."

There was a huge applause at that. Both Kili and Fili had their eyes opened wide at the incredible gift. Exactly what had Eelis promised this breeder to get him to part with two of their horses, albeit tiny ones?

Fili and Kili turned to Eelis with grins on their faces and gratitude in their hearts at the gesture. Thorin and Dis smiled openly at Eira and her father.

Eira then stood up and said, "I have something else as well for you, King Thorin, Lady Dis." Tauriel stepped forward this time, and handed her two scrolls of parchment. "It took me a while to hunt down enough people who knew your family well enough. I hope I've done them justice," she said as she handed one scroll to Thorin and one to Dis.

Dis and Thorin looked at each other before unrolling the scrolls.

Thorin felt a lightness to his heart as he took in the portrait of himself and his siblings. In between, him and Dis, was Frerin's likeness as well. The three of them looked far younger and very happy. Seeing the picture reminded him of how much Fili reminded him of his younger brother. There were no wrinkles or scars. It was the three of them, after the mountain was stolen from them, while they were in exile. And yet, their countenances still shone with love for one another.

Dis began to weep with emotion as she took a look at the portrait that Eira gifted her. It was a portrait of her and her lost Nali, each of them holding a much smaller version of their sons. Joy lit her features in the portrait. Kili and Fili appeared young, innocent and carefree of the harshness of the world. Dis gave her a hug and handed the portrait to Fili while Thorin showed Dis his own. Thorin clapped Eira on the shoulder, and gave her a large hug.

"Well, you certainly made our musical production look shallow, didn't you?" Thorin said, before shaking Eelis' hand.

"Nonsense," Eira said softly, as she was pulled into Fili who gave her a swift kiss on the forehead, his face lit with joy and gratitude. He was so lucky to be married to this dam, who was incredibly thoughtful and kind.

"Aye. You've done much for our family in welcoming us to your home." Eelis replied.

The music began to play again, and dancing started anew while Eira leaned into Fili who was now sitting next to her at the head table, their hands entwined. His grip on her hand had not faltered throughout the entire evening. She leaned her head against his shoulder as they sat at the table.

"Can we go now?" She asked quietly, looking at him.

He looked around and then said, "Yes, we can. Let's go." He tugged her from her seat, and then, as discreetly as possible, left through a side door into the hall. The halls were surprisingly empty as he led her up to their quarters. He found their new apartment, on the other side of the nursery with the balcony that he had taken her to, what seemed like a lifetime ago.

He opened the door to their quarters, where she slept last night, and then invited her inside. The front room was cold and dark, but she felt the way, leading them to their bedroom. He told her that he would get a fire started, since the embers were so low. The entire bed had been redone from her thrashing last night, and her clothing all picked up from the night before.

She looked around and walked to the vanity, pulling off the beautiful silver crown that laid on her head, placing it on the vanity. She then took out her earrings and startled when she felt Fili's arms encircle her from behind. He reached for the clasp that held her necklace in place and took it off, placing it gently on the table for her. She turned her face to his slightly, and then, swallowed.

"Can you undo those buttons for me? I can't reach. It was probably planned that way, knowing Ileana." Fili only nodded, pulling his own crown off and placing it on the table next to her own before moving his fingers over her back, unbuttoning slowly. She felt his hands graze her back, and then his lips moved to her neck, kissing her gently as he pushed the gown off of her shoulders. She let the gown drop, leaving her in her corset and undergown. She lifted her legs out of the dress and laid it on the stool that was sitting to the side of the vanity. She then turned around and boldly pulled his face to hers as she kissed him, deeply. His hands moved to her waist and then lightly moved down to her hips, feeling the softness of her curves. They deepened the kiss and she moaned slightly. She was startled though as she felt her lower back pushed into her vanity.

"Sorry," Fili said, his voice low and husky, looking at her with heat in his gaze.

Her eyes glanced over to their bed. He only nodded in agreement and continued kissing her as he led her to their bed. Her hands reached for his dinner coat, pulling if off and throwing it to the ground.

He moaned slightly, looking over his shoulder at the coat and said, "If Dori knows that you threw his work on the ground..."

"Shh..." She said softly, "undo my corset strings. I can never reach them when they're this tight."

He nodded and then loosened the strings. Her deep breathing eased as she looked at him in the eyes. She pulled at his tunic and he stepped back to remove his clothing and boots, only leaving him in his breeches before hovering over her in bed. Her eyes fluttered against his as he pushed her into the soft bed. She pulled his mouth to hers and kissed him deeply, her hands grazing over his torso and then she stopped the kiss.

Her hand was on his scar, a deep, white, jagged scar that was raised on his torso. She felt along his waist. There was a scar on his back, in the exact same location. He had been impaled. It looked like a wound that he shouldn't have survived getting.

She looked at him with alarm and he pulled her close to him, and whispered in her ear, "He's dead. The orc that did that—he's gone. You don't need to worry about that."

She only nodded numbly, swallowing hard as her hands beginning to explore his body even more. His broad shoulders and hardened muscles were so different from her own soft curves. She felt his eyes on her and she looked at him with a smile. He reached for her braids, and began to unwind them, reaching her maiden's braid last.

He hesitated, his hands lightly touching her braid, one last question in his eyes.

She nodded slightly, and said, "Please, Fili." He only nodded at her answer, and unwound her braid. He then engaged her in another kiss, eliciting the most beautiful sounds he had ever heard before, her hands were tight on his skin as they laid together for the very first time.

They snuggled close together, with his arms holding her close to him. He pressed a soft kiss against her temple as she began to doze to sleep.

It was a singular experience, the first time for both of them. Incredibly awkward and shy at first, having to rely on instinct instead of their own education. In time they would learn more about each other's bodies the more times they engaged in coupling.

She leaned her head onto his chest, and looked at him blearily. His eyes were open, his fingers grazing across her bare shoulders and back. He then began to sing.

Her eyes widened slightly, and he smiled at her, pleased that she recognized the song. It was a time honored tradition, that dwarf grooms, on their wedding nights would sing a traditional song in Khuzdul to their brides. The song spoke of his new wife's beauty and gentleness and of his undying love for her. Not every dwarf was aware of the tradition and as she watched him, she felt complete. She knew now that he loved her, every bit that she loved him. He reached for her hair when the song ended, and re-braided her maiden braid into their marriage braid.

She sighed into his bare shoulder, and then sat up suddenly, gasping.

"Oh my goodness. I forgot." Fili looked at his wife, with her bare back to him, alarmed at her sudden movement.

"Are you alright?" Fili asked, she nodded as she winced slightly from the stinging between her legs, looking over the side of their bed for her undergown. She couldn't find it so instead, she pulled one of the furs off of their bed and pulled it around herself to keep herself warm as she rushed to her dresser.

"I wanted to give this to you yesterday, but I forgot." She said softly, and turned back to him, making her way across the cold floor. She had a small box in her hand. She shivered unconsciously at the cold on her skin, and as soon as she reached the bed, he pulled her into his naked body, in order to warm her up. He kissed her on the lips and she moaned slightly at the contact. And then stopped, putting a hand on her chest.

"You're distracting me." Eira complained to him, holding out the box to him.

"It's not my fault that you're irresistible. You only have a little fur covering you, Eira." He pointed out in exasperation. Honestly, she was now his wife, and they had engaged in an intimacy that was an incredible experience. He wanted to repeat it as much as possible. Perhaps that was the reason why Thorin had always instructed him on not having intercourse before marriage. Once he had bedded his beautiful dam, he would want to keep doing it.

"What's this?" Fili questioned, his thoughts turning to the wrapped box in his hand.

"Your gift. You got me so many betrothal gifts, I wanted to present something to you as well. I hope you like it."

He looked at her with a small smile as her eyes soaked him in. She knew that she wasn't going to tire of intercourse anytime soon. It was an experience that she was not likely to forget. She wanted to memorize every part of him and lay with him as much as possible.

They were supposed to have children, after all. It would probably be good to practice as often as they could.

He unwrapped the paper that she took from him and then he opened up the wooden box. She stopped his hand before he opened the box.

"Wait. There is a tradition in Rohan that I learned about and liked quite a bit. Their grooms were gifted with a horse by their wife's family and then, the bride would give him a locket. Now you can open it."

He opened the box to reveal a small, gold round pendant that opened on a thin, gold chain. He looked at her and she nodded. He opened the locket gently. Inside of the locket was a thick curl of her amber hair.

"So, when you have to go," she swallowed slightly against the discomfort in chest at the idea of him going out to battle, "you'll always have a piece of me with you."

"Is it alright if I always wear it? Even when I'm here?"

"Of course, silly. It's your necklace, after all. You can do with it whatever you'd like," Eira replied softly. He pulled her into a soft kiss that eventually became more heated. He broke off the kiss suddenly and said, "I think I'd like to wear it now. Can you do the clasp for me?"

She nodded and tightened the necklace on his neck. She was no longer tired, and when Fili turned to her once again, she had an aching feeling in her gut. He turned his gaze to her and he was no longer tired either. He pulled her on top of himself and said, "You started in this position yesterday, you know."

"What?" Eira asked, the furs falling off her, revealing her bare torso. "Are you going to ever tell me what happened?"

"Nothing." He said as his hands began to trace the sides of her body. He propped himself up on his elbows. "Except you trying very desperately to seduce me."

"Did it work?" Eira asked quietly trying to ignore the tingly feeling that she got as his hands roamed all over her body.

"No. But it gave me a few ideas." Fili said with a smile, before meeting her halfway for a passionate kiss that she eagerly returned.

Author's Note:

They're married! Yay! Hope you all enjoyed their wedding day. (and night. We'll never know exactly what Sigrid told Eira to do, but let's just say Fili is more than impressed. Let your little pervy imaginations go wild.)

The little horses—as I wrote about them I kept singing the song from Parks and Rec "Bye Bye Lil' Sebastian" I am considering having one of the lads name their horse Sebastian.

I'm going to start writing the rest of the story. I'm hoping to get it all written out so I have the rest of the story to post more often. Think of this as the first half that is setting up the exposition and is a bit more light-hearted. It gets dark, and I'm not afraid of killing off people if it serves the plot and character development. Hopefully that doesn't break too many hearts.