Big thanks to KidintheDark67 and thatgirl2002 for following/favouriting.
Nice Egan – Yeah we have a few more chapters left though.
Rachetg – Hopefully the rest will be just as sweet.
Guest – Haha! I do that quite a lot myself.
Aranel Mereneth – He is isn't he. And I added the brother at the last minute as I wanted her to have more family.
The Perfect Birthday
Brushing down her dress Lysa knocked gently on Fili's door. Given how early it was there was every chance she would be waking him up. But this was all part of his birthday surprise. Smiling to herself as she heard him groaning Lysa bent down and picked the tray up. After all these months of not having to work it felt odd to be standing outside someone's door with their breakfast. But this – she reminded herself – was different. She was doing this through choice and not because she was a slave. Fili mumbled something that sounded like "come in" and Lysa eased the door open with her back; turning around so she would see Fili.
"Happy Birthday my love."
"Lysa?" Fili sat up in bed and Lysa couldn't help but watch how the blankets fell away from his muscled chest. Fili ran a hand through his hair whilst Lysa carried the breakfast tray over to him. Handing it to him she smiled.
"I insisted on doing it myself. Ended up having a very heated debate with Bombur over it."
Smiling Fili shuffled over so she had room to sit down. Curling up next to him Lysa pecked him on the lips. Fili smiled.
"Thank you Lysa. Honestly it's wonderful."
Shrugging immodestly Lysa sat back as he tucked in. It was nothing special really. Sausages, bacon, eggs and toast. But she knew it was the gesture itself that mattered. The fact that she had bothered to get up and make this for him because it was his birthday. Unable to resist she grinned.
"So then, eighty four?"
Fili grinned at her, "wait a few years and it'll be your turn."
Lysa smiled warmly. Fili picked up a rasher of bacon and held it out to her with the fork. Lysa shook her head.
"It's your birthday breakfast."
He nodded, "I know. But this is a thank you."
Nodding Lysa took the bacon before leaning back as Fili wolfed down the rest of his meal. As content as she was to sit here and watch him all day she could stop the nausea from forming in her stomach.
"So…about the celebrations tonight."
Fili glanced up at her. Lysa gave him a small smile. Last week Dis had told her there would be a feast to celebrate Fili's birthday. As exciting as that sounded this would be Lysa's first actual feast. The first time she would be a guest and not a slave. The first time she would be publicly on display in front of the whole of Erebor. Fili reached over and took her hand.
"You have nothing to worry about. It's honestly a lot less scary than it sounds. All you have to do is sit with me, eat, drink and maybe dance."
At the twinkle in his eyes Lysa grinned, "I think I can manage that."
Fili nodded and Lysa smiled before getting up off the bed. Fili frowned.
"Where are you going?"
"To get your present of course."
Hurrying towards the door Lysa blew him one last kiss before leaving him. She'd meant to bring it with the breakfast but there had been no way of being able to carry it safely. Walking quickly through the corridors Lysa paid no attention to where she was going. It was too early for anyone to be up and about. Meaning she didn't see her mother until it was too late.
"Sorry!"
Blushing Lysa watched as her mother brushed her dress down before smiling. Although she referred to her parents as mother and father both to herself and people like Fili; she hadn't yet called them that to their faces. After so many years of being without parents it seemed strange that she should have them again. She hadn't been able to stop visiting her family since they had arrived. Fili had been a couple of times and Lysa noticed how nervous he always got around her father. Mind you she couldn't talk. She had been a nervous wreck around Dis. Her mother smiled.
"How are you?"
"Fine," Lysa blushed, "Just getting Fili's present."
Her parents loved Fili. And not just because he had saved her from slavery. Although they knew a little of what happened Lysa hadn't told them everything. She certainly hadn't told them about how Fili had rescued her from execution. She hadn't told them and she never ever would.
"He'll love it Lysa," her mother nodded. Lysa held her hands together.
"I hope he does."
It was clear her mother wanted to stay, however she simply nodded.
"I'll see you later."
Nodding Lysa held her mothers hand briefly before leaving. Since being reunited she hadn't been able to hug them or kiss them. She knew it was upsetting for her parents that she was like this but she couldn't help it. Even though they were here parents they still didn't seem like it. She just had to hope things would change as time went on.
Reaching Fili's room Lysa clutched the present to her chest. Knocking she pushed the door open and glanced round. Fili was still in bed but he'd braided his hair and Lysa could see he had new beads were his birthday braids were.
"Present from Thorin," Fili explained as she sat down. Nodding Lysa held out the parcel. Eyeing it curiously Fili took it and pulled away the string. Under her skirts Lysa crossed her fingers.
"Lysa..?"
"You don't like it."
Fili glanced at her as he held the coat out. It was the same colour as his old one but a lot thicker and with several extra pockets both on the inside and outside. Fur lined the whole thing and the stitching around the cuffs matched his crest.
"But where did you get it?"
"I made it."
Fili's mouth dropped, "You…oh Lysa it's wonderful."
Returning his hug Lysa smiled. It had taken a lot of late nights and a lot of help from Dis and her mother but finally the coat had been ready.
"I hope it fits. It's not like I could get you to try it on."
"I don't care," Fili laid it to one side before taking her face in his hands, "It's beautiful. You're beautiful!"
Kissing him Lysa moved so she was almost sitting on his lap. Fili seemed to have no complaints about this as he hugged her waist and pulled her close against his body. His other hands moved to her back and Lysa could feel him undoing her laces.
"Anyone would think you were taking advantage of me."
She said it lightly but Fili's face clouded over.
"Am I? Do you feel like I'm pushing you too much?"
"No," rolling her eyes Lysa reached round and undid her laces.
"No I was just joking love."
She allowed Fili to ease her dress off before he lay back down and pulled her on top of him.
Lysa couldn't stop her pacing. She'd been doing for the past twenty minutes. Having spent the whole day with Fili, Lysa had completely forgotten about the feast until now. Only when Fili told her he needed to get ready did the panic set in. She knew of course there was nothing to be scared of. She had seen plenty of feasts in her time and knew what to expect. But she had always been on the side lines. Just watching and waiting for the next order to come. This was completely new for her.
"Lysa?"
Glancing up Lysa blushed as her mother entered.
"Shouldn't you be getting ready? It's almost about to start."
Nodding Lysa then shook her head. Her mother gently pushed the door to and moved towards her.
"What is it?"
Allowing her mother to take her hands Lysa bit her lip.
"I'm just…I've never been to a feast before. Not like this anyway. What if I do something wrong? What if Fili asks me to dance and I get it wrong? What if…"
Her mother shook her head, "You're overthinking this Lysa. I've bene to enough feasts in my time and believe me when I say you can't do anything wrong."
"Suppose he doesn't like my dress?"
Her mother glanced over at the bed where the dress lay.
"Then he's an idiot. But Lysa you have nothing to be scared of. Fili loves you remember?"
Nodding Lysa removed her hands from her mothers and glanced over at the dress. Pressing a hand to her stomach she tried to force down the nausea. Her mother rubbed her back.
"Will you be alright?"
"Yes. Yes I see you in there."
Her mother nodded before pausing. As she was kissed on the cheek Lysa couldn't help but freeze. It was by the tiniest of fractions but she saw her mother sigh.
"I know I shouldn't be upset. After all you've been through so much," she pulled Lysa close and this time Lysa found it easy to return the hug.
"I know. I'll get better soon. You just need to wait a bit."
Her mother blinked back her tears, "I've waited seventy years for the miracle of finding you alive. Believe me I can wait a bit longer."
Nodding Lysa waited as her mother left. Turning round she glanced at the dress with a small smile. She remembered trying it on for the first time yesterday. Up until that point she hadn't been able to imagine one day becoming a Queen. But the second she had seen the dress she couldn't stop imagining it! Quickly stripping off her old dress Lysa grabbed the new one off the bed and slipped it over her body. The dark green fabric brushed over her skin and she shook out the flowing sleeves. The bodice had hundreds of tiny jewels dotted about. In the right light they looked like diamonds. Doing up the silver laces Lysa then tied the silver belt around her waist. It hung low on her hips and she traced one of the many branches that it was made from.
Brushing out her hair Lysa gave a small nod. She would be fine. It was just a feast. There was nothing to be scared off. She would be fine.
Staying close by the high table Fili watched as the crowd laughed and chatted with one another. They had about ten minutes before food would be served but he had already seen Kili sneaking into the main hall with some food in his hands. Smiling to himself Fili sighed. Kili had already told him his plans to go back and he had to be honest; he was dreading it. He knew his mother was feeling the same. As happy she was her youngest was engaged to his One the fact he would be leaving was a lot to take in. But, Fili mentally reminded himself, it was important to do what was right for Kili.
"How are you?"
Smiling at his brother Fili's eyes glanced once more around the room. Almost everyone had arrived now.
Almost everyone.
"Is she here yet?"
Fili shook his head, "What if she's ill? Maybe she had a nightmare! She did say she was going to have a nap. Maybe I should find her."
He barely took a single step when Kili pulled him back.
"Lysa will be fine Fee. I imagine she just wants to keep you in suspense."
Fili nodded. It was too warm to wear his new coat and he'd been forced to leave it behind. He'd wanted everyone to see what Lysa had done for him. But it didn't matter. If everything went to plan she would give him the best birthday present he could ask for.
"Happy Birthday Fili."
At Karin's voice Fili groaned to himself before turning round with a smile. He could still remember what Kili had said about Karin and Lysa. How his brother had been forced to stop him storming off to confront her.
"Thank you Karin."
Karin gave a wide smile; almost as fake as his own.
"I was hoping to see Lysa? She must be around here somewhere."
Fili wasn't going to answer her and instead just shrugged. Karin gently elbowed her way past Kili who raised an eyebrow. Fili forced himself to keep a straight face as Karin stood beside him.
"I've been meaning to ask you something. I've heard the rumours but I wanted to know if they were true? Was she really a slave?"
Fili jutted his chin out, "Yes she was. Why do you ask?"
"As I said, I heard rumours," Karin cocked her head to one side.
"And I take it it's also true that she's slept with more men than she can count?"
Fili forced himself to just shrug.
"I can't answer that one Karin."
She narrowed her eyes and Fili was praying for a way to run off when he heard small gasps coming from the other end of the hall. Glancing over he saw the door was open and a figure walked through. Their hair fell way past their shoulders and Fili could see the worry in Lysa's eyes. Her dark green dress looked beautiful against her pale skin. Doing a sneaky glance Fili realised that everyone was staring at her. And everyone was smiling. He glanced at Karin.
"Excuse me."
Not letting her answer Fili hurried through the mix of people and tables. Lysa remained by the doors and as he got closer Fili smiled. She looked every inch a princess. No, more than that. She looked like a goddess. Reaching out he took her hand. The second she held it the worry vanished from her eyes.
"You blow me away sweetheart," he kissed her hand.
"You're absolutely gorgeous."
Blushing Lysa inched closer towards him. Fili hugged her before heading back up towards the table. He could feel Lysa clinging to his hand and he smiled down at her.
He would never understand how she had fallen in love with him. He was just so thankful that she had.
Pushing away her plate Lysa rubbed her stomach with a small smile, Never before had she had so much food. Beside her Fili leant back and at the leftovers on his plate Lysa flashed him a glance. He raised an eyebrow.
"You can't still be hungry?"
"I've never had this much food in my life," Lysa took his hand, "So yes I am."
Smiling Fili watched as she picked up the remaining bits of meat and fruit from the plate. Downing the last of her wine Lysa smiled over at Fili.
"Are you alright?"
He nodded, "Yes. Sorry I was just thinking."
Lysa went to reply when she saw the others were getting to their feet. As the tables in the main hall were being pushed to the sides her mouth dried. Fili squeezed her hand before getting to his feet. Taking his hands Lysa did likewise and followed him down. Out of the corner of her eyes she saw Thorin and Kili doing the same and as the dwarves gathered round in a huge circle her stomach dropped.
"What's going on?"
Fili kissed her cheek, "They're waiting for someone to open the dancing. Usually Thorin does it with mother but since it's my birthday and you're here…"
Lysa could feel her face going red.
"No I…Fili I can't dance."
"Nonsense," he smiled, "You've had lessons haven't you? Since coming here?"
"Yes but I'm…what if I go wrong?"
He stroked her palms gently.
"Lysa no one here will care. Most will be too drunk to dance properly themselves," he then bowed.
"Besides, surely you wouldn't deny me a dance on my birthday with the most beautiful girl in Erebor?"
Rolling her eyes Lysa nodded and allowed Fili to lead her onto the floor. Until that point there had been a low hum of chatter. But that all died as Fili held her against him. Lysa gave a small shake of the head.
"Fili…"
"Just keep your eyes on me," he whispered, "Trust me. Just pretend it's you and me alone in our room. Like we did the first time we danced."
"Only without Kehal bursting in."
A dark look crossed over Fili's face before he relaxed and nodded.
"Exactly."
Keeping a tight grip on Fili Lysa allowed him to move her around the floor as the music started. She knew she incredibly stiff but her nerves were too much for her to just relax. Fili winked at her and before she could say no Lysa gasped as he spun round; lifting her off her feet. His hands gripped her waist as he lifted her up before putting her down again. She clung to his hands once more but she was no longer hanging on grimly. Instead she could feel her body relaxing as though was she was doing was natural. Fili smiled.
"A beautiful girl and a beautiful dancer."
Kissing him on the nose Lysa let go of one arm, spinning before moving back to Fili. He held her close as the music finished. Mere inches from his face she reached out to caress his cheek.
"You were amazing," she whispered, "I didn't know you'd had lessons."
He gave a mock gasp before cupping her face and gently kissing her. Ignoring the whistles Lysa expected Fili to take her off the floor. Instead he didn't. Moving away she watched as he rummaged in his pocket. Her gasp was lost in amongst the others as Fili slid down onto one knee. He held out a silver ring with white and pale pink gems in the shape of flowers.
"Ever since I met you," his voice shook, "I knew I was the luckiest man alive. No one else was worth thinking about compared to you. When we first met…I was so lost and so afraid. And you fixed me. You didn't care how broken I was; you helped me. You stuck by me and you helped me get better. And along the way you somehow fell in love with me. I owe you so much Lysa," tears leaked down his face and Lysa blinked back her own. Fili smiled.
"Will you do me the honour of becoming my wife?"
Ta-dah! The moment you have all been waiting for has finally arrived! So now we have three engaged couples on our hands! Just checked and realised we're starting to draw to the end of this story which is quite sad. Let me know what you all think xxx