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Thanks to all who brought presents to the soon to be newlyweds.
The gift table is stacked high!
Now, let's get to the ceremony!
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Chapter 28
~X~
Nearly two hours later, Tauriel's handmaids had thoroughly washed and scrubbed her skin till it glowed. Next, they worked on her hair, brushing it and leaving it loose to hang down her back as tradition dictated. It grieved Tauriel that her mother, or any other female relatives, were not there to attend to her, always having missed her deceased parents a great deal, but especially on this day…her wedding. For here is where she would normally be given advice on marriage, the keeping of a home, and how to please her husband. And while Tauriel was adequately informed on what was meant to take place that evening, it would still have been nice to be given a bit of motherly advice and reassurance.
Tauriel would not be expected to wear any type of special gown, just a simple white dress made of soft linen. Yet a crown, made of woven straw and a mixture of late blooming flowers, would adorn her head. Tauriel had been assured by Thranduil that he had prepared for this in advance, should Thorin accept the proposal, and brought along a sword for her to gift her new husband, as well as a ring. Everything was set, everything was ready…and soon she would officially be Kili's wife.
Tauriel had thoroughly thought this through, agonizing over her choice deep into the night for the past weeks, ever since the messenger had returned with Thorin's agreement to this meeting. She knew that Thranduil would not have forced her into such a thing, and Legolas had made no secret to his distaste over the union, but in her mind, this was the only way she could ever hope to get what she wanted out of her life.
Mirkwood had always been her home, and she found that living beneath the shade of the trees had been comforting as a child. Tauriel couldn't count the number of times she had slipped away and walked among the leaves, or sat in the branches of a cozy oak, just imagining what her future might hold. Yet, as she grew older, she began to feel hemmed in, not only by her location, but her station in life. She did not wish to cook, clean, and mend, like the other females of her village, she wanted to hunt, fight, and see more of the world. And while she was allowed a bit more freedom, being the adoptive daughter of the Jarl, it was never enough. Legolas had gone behind his father's back and taught her how to shoot a bow and arrow, the young lass practicing every chance she got until she was nearly as good as he was. However, what good were such skills when she would never have a chance to use them?
Erebor, she had heard, was different, and here she firmly believed that she could reach her full potential, as well as attain her goals. Kili didn't appear to be the sort who would hinder her in doing so, and if he was…well, she would cross that bridge when she came to it. Tauriel knew she would miss her family, with Thranduil and Legolas being as dear to her as a father and brother, for she hardly remembered her own parents who died when she was very young. She only hoped that by agreeing to this marriage, and helping to seal the bargain between Mirkwood and Erebor, she could return the favor for all they had done for her.
"My Lady," one of the hand maids spoke up, breaking into her thoughts. "Shall we get you dressed and head back to the guest lodgings?"
"Oh…yes," she nodded, stepping out of the warm water and quickly being wrapped in a large cloth to dry off. "We can't keep my groom waiting, now can we?" She did her best to laugh at her own jest, but even to her own ears it sounded hollow. It would appear that even if this was her choice…she was still nervous about the whole thing.
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Kili was anything but nervous, in fact he was practically giddy. After he had procured all the gifts he would be required to present to his bride, including a fine gold ring he had purchased from Bifur, he was taken to the now empty bath house to prepare for his wedding. And even though he knew that the water he was bathing in was no longer the same as what Tauriel had recently used – it having already been washed down stream – he couldn't help but feel intimately connected to her somehow because of it. She had just been in the bathhouse, washing naked in this very pool, perhaps even thinking of him while she did so. Kili shut his eyes and did his best to force such thoughts from his mind, for it was doing him no good at the moment, when he needed to be focused on getting ready, not fantasizing. Besides, after tonight, he would no longer need to dream of what she might look like unclothed…he would know!
Suddenly, that caused his mind to settle on another matter. Tauriel would be seeing him naked as well! And while Kili had no doubts in his mind that he would be beyond delighted with what he saw…would she?
"Fili?" he spoke up, turning to his brother as he also undressed and stepped into the water. "Do…do you think I'm handsome?"
This question nearly caused the blond warrior to stumble and fall face first into the hot springs.
"What?" he balked, pulling back just a bit as he stared at Kili in confusion. "Why on earth would you ask that?"
"Well…I'm getting married," he reasoned. "And while I've never had trouble finding women willing to spend time with me before, I'm kind of worried what Tauriel will think of me. I mean…will she be pleased with what she sees?" Here he made a sweeping gesture over his bare chest and what lay beneath the water. "Am I handsome enough for her?"
"Well…I've never heard any of the lasses complain about your looks before," Fili answered, sounding rather awkward in doing so. "And I suppose, as men go, you have a decent enough build, and not so many scars that it detracts from anything important. Now, I'm not saying that I would find you appealing, but I suppose a woman would consider you…acceptable."
"Acceptable?" Kili recoiled, his face scrunching up in distaste. "I don't want to be merely acceptable…I want to be…be…" Here he stopped, not sure if he would come off as vain if he used words like amazing, magnificent…or god-like.
"Kili, stop worrying," Fili said with a roll of his eyes. "She's already agreed to marry you, and she's seen you in the light of day. I hardly think she'll be disappointed in the dark of night."
"I certainly hope not!" Kili huffed, feeling as if his brother was of no help at all.
"But tell me," Fili continued, swimming over until he was able to look Kili directly in the eye. "Are you sure you wish to go through with this? It's just you and me now, Brother…you don't have to pretend if you're only doing it to help out Thorin and the treaty. Be honest with me."
"I am, Fili…truly! I do want to marry her!" Kili said adamantly, though touched that his sibling was concerned for him. "I can't explain what it is, but I just know this is what I was meant to do. She is the one I'm destined to be with. I want to marry her more than anything in this world." He then gave Fili a narrowed look. "And I would have been rather put out had you too wished to take her as a wife yourself."
"Oh, no, there's no worries there," Fili laughed. "I have enough on my plate with only Kara. Tauriel is all yours." He then turned and reached into his trousers that were lying next to the springs. "And speaking of our women," he laughed, pulling out a few coins and handing them to Kili. "Here's what you loaned me to pay Ingulf. We are even now…Kara belongs to me alone."
"Good," Kili said with a sigh of relief. "Though I suppose I'll miss her excellent sewing skills and the way she cooks rabbit and quail."
"You're still going to be living with us, you know," Fili laughed. "It's not like you're moving out." He suddenly got a worried look on his face. "Are you?"
"No…I mean, I hadn't planned on it," Kili replied. "Do you think Uncle Thorin will ask us to?"
"I don't think so…at least not until you two start having a mess of kids," Fili reasoned. "And even then, I'm sure he'll just add on to the longhouse so you and Tauriel can have your own space." He reached out and put his hand on Kili's shoulder. "Besides, I would miss you too much if you left."
"I'd miss you too, big brother," the dark-haired warrior said with a smile. "And are you truly happy for me?"
"I am," Fili nodded. "I'm both happy for you and proud to be your brother. You have grown into a fine and respected man, one whom the gods have undoubtedly blessed on this day."
"I feel as though the gods have blessed me as well," Kili said with a happy sigh. "I can't wait to marry Tauriel."
Just then Thorin and Dwalin arrived, the two men coming to bathe as well. Kili remained silent until they had both divested themselves of their clothes and sunk beneath the water before speaking.
"Uncle…do you think I'm handsome?" he questioned, that concern still weighing on his mind.
"What?" Thorin gaped, eyeing his nephew as if he's lost his mind.
Fili took a deep breath and dunked his head beneath the surface. He'd already attempted to field that question…Thorin was on his own.
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While for some, the evening came far too quickly, for others it seemed to drag on forever, but at last it was time. The ceremony would be held outside, allowing the opportunity for more spectators, as well as a greater chance that the gods would smile down upon them favorably. The goði, a tall man with long white hair and a weathered look about him stood at the head of the assembly, waiting upon a small wooden platform that had been quickly erected for the ceremony. At his feet lay a sow, bound tightly, not allowing it to wiggle free and run. Tall polls were at all four corners, each one wrapped in ivy and evergreen boughs, making the place look quite festive, even on such short notice.
Fili had Kara wear her best dress, and proudly escorted her to the wedding, yet he was forced to leave her side when the ceremony was meant to start. Melind was close at hand however, and Kara was happy to have her friend there to explain the things that she didn't understand. Kili stood straight and proud before the goði, waiting beside Thorin, Fili, Dwalin, Balin, Bofur and Nori. Kara found it strange that so many were standing at his side, but Melind quickly explained they were serving as witnesses to the exchanging of the dowry, something that had to be overseen by at least six respected men in the village.
Thranduil was the first to emerge from the crowd, all making a pathway to where the groom waited. In his hand he held a small chest, which he opened and held out to Kili as Tauriel's dowry. It was a shockingly large sum, yet not unheard of for the kin of a Jarl. Kili reached out and humbly accepted the offering, telling Thranduil that it would be held in trust for Tauriel and any children they might have. He then passed it over to Fili, and turned to Thorin, taking a similar sized chest from his Uncle and presenting it to Thranduil as the bride-price. The minimum price set for such a gift was ten ounces of silver, though that was the "poor-man's-price" being the minimum amount which would render the children of the union legitimate by law. Thankfully, Kili, being not only the nephew of the Jarl, but also a skilled raider and rather frugal with his money, had chosen to offer far more than that. Even Thranduil raised an eyebrow at the impressive amount he found within…over half a pound of gold coins and assorted objects!
When both parties appeared to be satisfied, and all six of the witnesses attested to the end of the financial aspect of the marriage, the actual ceremony could begin. All except Kili and the goði stepped down and took their places among the crowd, with Fili remaining a bit closer, but still off to the side. Those gathered once again parted, this time allowing the bride and her kinsman, Legolas, to approach. Tauriel walked alone behind the tall blond in front of her, who carried the sword she would be expected to present to her husband. And while her adoptive brother performed his role to the letter, he continued to wear a scowl the entire time.
Once she had arrived at the dais, Thranduil came forward and assisted her up, before laying her hand within Kili's. He then stood back, taking his place beside Legolas, who positioned himself opposite to where Fili was on the other side.
"We call upon the goddess Freyja, seeking her approval and blessing over this union," the goði began in a loud voice, holding his arms up towards the sky. "We beseech you to evoke your powers over love and fertility, uniting this couple in the bonds of marriage. As a sacrifice, we do hereby offer up one of your sacred animals, asking that you hear us on this day." Here the man pulled a sharp blade from his cloak and with one swift movement, bent down and sliced through the sow's neck, ending its life as quick and painless as possible.
Kara turned her head, having known this was coming, but still hating to see such things nonetheless. She waited to look aback until she had heard the attendants remove the pig, taking it off to be butchered and served at the feast being held later. Now, as she watched, the goði held up a small bowl, which contained a portion of the blood he had just spilled. Thankfully, several thick boughs from a fir tree had been laid over where the rest of it had stained the floor of the dais, and though no one else seemed to mind, Kara was grateful for the gesture. After a few more words were spoken, the old man poured the blood from the bowl onto the ground behind him, apparently as an offering to the goddess.
So far, both Kili and Tauriel had remained silent and still, but now it appeared that they were meant to participate. Kili turned, reaching out his hand to accept the sword from Fili, who had been holding it for his brother. He then laid it flat across his palms and held it out to Tauriel.
"This is the sword of my father, who bore it with strength and pride while he lived," he said, his tone one of reverence. "I do hereby give it to you to keep in trust for our children, given to our son to present to his wife at his marriage. Do you accept it?"
"I do," she nodded, allowing him to place it in her hands, whereupon she reached down and attached it to the sash she wore around her waist. It was then her turn to take the sword that Legolas held, also presenting it to Kili in a similar manner. "This is the sword of my father, who also bore it with skill and might, until his own death in battle. I hereby give it to you as a symbol of my faith in your abilities to guard and protect me, as well as our children. Do you accept it?"
"I do," Kili told her, unable to keep the wide smile off his face, as he also attached it to his side.
"Now, the rings," the goði said, gesturing for Thranduil and Thorin to step forward and each hand the small golden bands to him. After saying a blessing over them once more to the goddess Frejya, he handed them to Kili and Tauriel. "These rings symbolize not only the sacred arm-rings upon which oaths are sworn, but they also stand for the strength of the unbroken circle, just as your vows should remain unbroken as well."
Kili then proceeded to slip the gold one upon Tauriel's finger, while she in turn presented him with a silver one, placing their now decorated hands together, palms touching as their rings did the same. At this point, they stared at each other for a long moment, both of them feeling the near hum of energy surging between them. And while Tauriel was shocked by this, having had no true hopes of forming such a bond with her yet unknown husband, for Kili it was just another reassurance that he had chosen correctly.
"Please place your hands upon the sacred hammer of Thor and answer this solemn question." He then stepped forward, allowing them to rest their hands on a wooden representation of the god of Thunder's weapon. "Do you, Kili, swear before Odin, Frejya, and Thor, that you wish to marry this woman?"
"I do swear before the gods," he responded.
"And you, Tauriel, do you also swear before Odin, Frejya, and Thor, that you wish to marry this man?" he continued.
"I…I do swear before the gods," she answered, only hesitating slightly, but earning a smile of understanding from Kili.
"Then I say to this gathering, they are man and wife, let us celebrate with them!" Here there arose a great cry of joy from the crowd, all cheering and offering up their congratulations. The couple was soon surrounded, receiving hugs, pats on the back, and all kinds of well-wishes.
Kara had found herself actually becoming misty-eyed over the whole thing, having thought it very romantic and touching…well, after the part with the animal sacrifice. She had been watching Fili as his brother had spoken his vows, and loved how his face had shone with such joy for Kili. It was foolish that people imagined them to be a cold hearted and vicious race, when it was obvious that they loved just as deeply as any other. Yet, when Fili turned and caught her staring, he had given her a wide smile and a playful wink, making her blush bright red and turn away.
When the cheers had died down a bit, it was time for the bride-running, which thankfully required no participation from the bride herself. Instead, the groom, and his kinsman who had held the sword for him, would now race to see who would reach the feasting hall first. Once there, the loser would be required to serve the mead that evening. And while there were some who took the race far too seriously, the two men often doing all they could to cheat or trip their opponent in order to win, most of the time it was universally understood that the groom was meant to win. Thorin held up his hand, signaling for them to get ready, while all watched and cheered for their chosen runner. When he dropped his hand, off they raced, jumping over obstacles and weaving their way through the streets while laughing and grinning like loons. Thankfully, Fili was not about to make his little brother serve the wine at his own wedding, and while he did make it a challenging competition, he pulled back at the last moment and allowed Kili to reach the meeting house first. Or…at least that's what he later claimed he had done.
"Well…brother," Kili said between gasps for air. "It looks… as if you will be…waiting on the tables at this party."
"True, true," Fili agreed, bending over and placing his hands on his thighs as he too struggled for breath. "But that only means I will always have the jug in my hand and can easily refill my own mug as well."
"You always can find an angle, can't you?" Kili laughed, slapping him on the back in fun.
"One of the benefits of being born first," Fili told him. "I'll always be that much smarter than you."
"Ah, but today I am the wisest man alive," Kili countered, standing up as he watched the crowd of guests making their way towards them. "For I was smart enough to claim this amazing maiden as my wife. I truly couldn't be happier, Fili."
"I'm glad of it," the blond warrior told him sincerely. "And if you don't mind me saying so, I believe she got herself an amazing husband as well."
"I don't mind you saying it at all," Kili laughed. But then his expression turned to one of concern. "But honestly…do you think I'm handsome?"
"It will only ever matter what she thinks, brother," Fili told him with a roll of his eyes. "And stop asking people that, especially men…it's rather unsettling."
Kili had no further time to comment, for just then his bride, followed by her family and his arrived. Leaping into action, the groom drew his newly acquired sword and barred the way, holding it across the doorframe in order to halt her there. From where she was watching, Kara pulled back, rather offended by Kili's actions, yet Melind, having easily read her friend's expression, leaned in to explain.
"He only stops her so that he might assist her over the threshold of the door," she whispered. "It is his duty to see that Tauriel does not stumble as she enters. If she were to trip or fall as she passed through the door, it would be an omen of extreme misfortune."
"Her fall?" Kara scoffed, having been watching the willowy red-head quite closely. "I've never seen anyone move so gracefully in all my life…not even a queen walks with such poise."
"I'm sure that Kili would love to hear you say so," Melind smiled. "Men see it as a source of pride when their women are complimented."
"Oh? Then perhaps I should go find Bofur and list all your fine qualities," Kara teased, keeping her voice low so that on one would overhear her.
"Stop!" Melind blushed, her eyes immediately seeking out the handsome warrior of which they spoke. And it was no surprise to either of them that he was staring right back at her as well, a smile of utter devotion peeking out beneath his mustache. The two had been attempting to be more discreet, after Kara had caught them kissing in the alleyway, but there was no denying that their love for each other remained strong.
Kara felt a pang of sorrow over what they must be going through, hoping that they were able to work things out soon and get the money needed to buy Melind's freedom from Gier. Her attention was drawn back to the bride and groom, however, as Kili did indeed take hold of Tauriel's hand and escort her through the doorway and into the meeting hall, officially beginning the festivities. Melind headed off, saying that she would be expected to serve Gier if he chose to attend the party, leaving Kara unsure as to what she should do herself. She was just about to head to the communal kitchens and see if Ilin needed any help, when she felt a pair of strong arms embrace her from behind. It was easy to guess who they belonged to, and she didn't feel a moment of concern.
"I saw you watching me during the ceremony," Fili whispered in her ear, his voice deep and husky. "Did you enjoy what you saw?"
"Yes…I liked the wedding very much," she answered, purposefully acting as if she had not understood his suggestive question. "Everything except the sacrifice and blood part…that I could have done without."
"That was not what I asked," he chuckled, leaning in closer and placing a kiss on her neck.
"Fishing for compliments, are we?" she giggled, his beard tickling her and causing her to pull away.
"If I must," he smiled, spinning her around so that she was now facing him.
"Well, I have to admit, you did look rather handsome standing there holding that sword, and you appeared very happy for Kili. Besides, you always look attractive when you smile," she confessed, unable to evade the truth any longer.
"And how do I look when I'm not smiling?" he questioned, finding her words very much to his liking.
"Fierce," she replied, recalling her first opinion of him when they had come face to face in the hold of the ship. "Dangerous and deadly."
"Ahhh, then I will be sure to always smile when around you," he laughed. "For I would never want my little raven to fear me in any way."
"You keep calling me that," Kara chuckled. "But no one else understands why, since you are the only one who has ever seen my birthmark."
"And that's why I do it," he explained. "It makes it something special between us…more intimate." Here he waggled his eyebrows a bit, making Kara laugh at his antics. "Now come, I must go inside, for it is my duty to serve the mead tonight…and it is your duty to serve me."
"Oh, yes, Melind explained the meaning behind you and Kili racing ahead of everyone else," she nodded. "It is a good thing I didn't place a wager on you winning…I would have lost."
"I let him win on purpose!" Fili insisted, looking slightly hurt. "What kind of brother would I be if I bested him on his wedding day?"
"The winning kind?" Kara teased, giving him a little shove in the direction of the door. "Mustn't keep the thirsty guests waiting."
"Oh, you are a cruel woman," Fili laughed, yet knowing in his heart he would never want anyone else.
Well, it's official...they are married! And it would appear that Kili is looking forward to the honeymoon a great deal. ha ha. I really, really hope Tauriel finds him handsome. ha ha.
I did my best to follow traditional Viking customs during the wedding, but I will admit to leaving some of the more 'gory' aspects out. Too much blood for my tastes. ha ha. But the rest I got off of a very helpful website called "Viking Answer Lady". Check it out if you want to learn more about the culture...and get a sneak peek at what's to come at the reception!
Wasn't that sweet of Fili to 'let' Kili win the race? But now it looks like Fili will be a very busy man during the reception...there's a LOT of thirsty Vikings attending!
Thanks again for attending Kili and Tauriel's wedding. They appreciated your support.
Guest Reviews:
Guest: Oh, I like your choice of gifts, and that whole "dangerous but elegant" line...perfect fit for Tauriel. I think Kili loves her just like that...wild. Thanks for the kind review, and I wish I could have sent you a reward snippet, but the FF site won't let me send PMs to guest. Sorry.
abc: Yep, everyone had mixed feelings about the deal...but really, Kili and Tauriel are all that matter. I did my best to keep the blood at a minimum. Would you believe that they took the blood from the pig and flicked it all over the bride and groom (and guests) by dipping a fir-twig and flinging it at them? No wonder they didn't have a special dress to wear...it would be ruined! Not sure what 'hint' you're seeing with Fili and Kili knowing about Thorin's torch he holds for Olane, but it will come into play later. ha ha. Yes, there goes a very good joke down the toilet...no more Kili teasing Fili about being part owner of Kara. Oh well, it's for the best, and like you said...Thorin said NO MORE teasing. ha ha. Oh, new clothes for Kili would be perfect...new socks too! Tauriel knows how to shoot already, but she does need a new bow and weapons. So she would love that as a gift. Thanks, and hope you enjoyed the wedding.
