A steady tempo drummed in Kili's head as he slowly regained consciousness. It suspiciously matched a tapping of a hand against the wooden sideboard near his head. Cracking his eyes to glare at the offending hand, she spoke.

"Well, if pretty boy isn't awake."

He groaned and let his head rest back on the soft cushion someone placed under it. "How did I get back here?"

"Da had to have a talk with you." Aneh giggled. "Actually, he just tapped you on the head."

"I remember," Kili growled. "Stop that." Mercifully, the tapping ceased.

"Let me sit near the youngster." Aneht motioned for her granddaughter to move. She stood just as a wagon wheel dipped into a hole. She fell over and Azie jumped to catch her mother-in-law.

"Stop," Azie ordered and she helped Aneht sit across from Kili.

"What's the holdup this time?" Dáin roared from beside the wagon.

Azie glared at him, hands on hips. "We are just rearranging the seating. Do ye wish ta knock me senseless also?"

Dáin held her eyes for a moment and they smiled at each other. "Naw, I'll ply ye with that wine ye favor when we get ta Erebor. An I'll teach ye privately holden up my caravan has consequences." He turned his boar to the front and waved his Warhammer to get them moving again.

Azie's breast jiggled as she laughed silently. Sitting by Aneht, she murmured, "I thought I took care of that when he returned."

Her mother, Theri, and mother-in-law, Aneht, chuckled, while her daughter, Aneh, turned bright red. She was sporting her first adult fashioned beard that she made herself, and like her father, her hair was ginger.

Settling on the comfortable cushions, Aneht looked Kili over critically. "I see your grandmother Lis in you. Your eyes come from Lis' grandfather, Rói. I met him at your grandparent's wedding. He was old, but wouldn't miss his only granddaughter's wedding."

"Tell me about their wedding, Grandmother," Aneh requested as she handed a water skin to Kili.

He drank and kept his eyes on the old dwarrowdam. He too was curious.

Seeing an audience, Aneht brought the occasion to life.

"We got a raven that dwarves from afar were approaching Erebor and on the Old Forest Road. We left the next day and arrived not long before them. Dáin was just old enough to run around and get into mischief at every turn and I had my hands full. Náin and Grór made it clear they were going to the wedding to drink and nothing else. I was excited to get to the Durin dwarrowdams, where the real wedding planning would take place. There we would do our own version of an interview and observe those wanting to join our elite group. I was the last dwarrowlass to undergo their scrutiny as I married the grandson of King Dáin. My mother-in-law, Heffa, was matriarch for the Iron Hills, as I am now."

Azie smiled at that. One familiar consistency among females of every race was the pecking order of women and their importance.

"Of course, matriarch of Erebor was Thrór and Grór's mother, Queen Ziari. Her ladies in waiting were, Queen Dás, Thrór's wife; and Meeli, the mother of Óin and Glóin; and Dwin, the wife of Fundin and mother of Balin and Dwalin. Then came, Lady Dioari, the mother of Dori, Nori and Ori. We three younger dwarrowdams became fast friends. I still exchange letters with Diorai and Meeli whenever anyone is going over the mountains. It will be so nice to have them back here. Ziari still ruled the dwarrowdams, but age kept her confined to the family chambers. For the wedding, she was carried to the hall on a liter covered in white furs and studded with gems."

Kili started to drift as the names of dwarrowdams and who they belonged to bored him. Aneht's next words had him resuming attention.

"We were escorted to the family wing where the dwarrow quickly departed to a hall that served ale from cooled barrels. Dáin took one look at the females, and before I could move threw a fit, screaming he wasn't staying with dwarrowdams. I was so embarrassed by his behavior and knew a dressing down was coming from both of Dáin's grandmothers, or the old queen herself. It was the old queen who replied. 'Young Dáin, come here.' Slowly, wiping his eyes, Dáin approached and stood before her. She said. 'I have seen that act more than once with a Durin male, my own grandsons included. I have just what you need.' She motioned with a hand and a servant appeared. 'Give my great grandson a mug of ale,' she ordered. 'Take him to the dwarrow and watch him. When he is asleep, bring him back. Inform his father and grandfather, it is upon my orders if they ask. They will understand.'"

Kili found himself laughing internally at thoughts of a young Dáin.

"The servant bowed and took Dáin by the hand. All smiles, my son departed and the adult dwarrowdams were left to gossip, visit and wonder what the approaching dwarves were like. All too soon we found out. Gandalf led a group into the main hall. We were at the top of the stairs to get a glimpse, but quickly retreated to the family chamber to await the prospective bride and her family. I remember being in her place only ten years before. All my life I was told my husband would be Prince Thráin, but within hours of arriving in Erebor, we were on the road again to the Iron Hills and my next husband, Lord Náin. After ten years of marriage and a son, we were back in Erebor for Thráin's next choice. The door opened and a group approached. It consisted of several, so we weren't sure who to look at. A dwarrow and his wife stepped out and bowed deeply before the old queen."

"'I am Lord Hárin of the White Mountains and this is my wife, Lady Paq.' He motioned to the woman, and we all looked carefully, memorizing her dress, hair and features under her beard. Paq then removed her beard and we saw a lovely dwarrowdam who took care of her appearance. She pulled a plump dwarrowlass to her side and motioned for her to likewise remove her beard. We got our first look at Lis. Whereas, the mother was dwarvish in appearance, the lass looked more like an elf with her delicate features, dark hair and large azure eyes. We spotted her padded traveling costume and wondered just how skinny this lass was."

Kili had a thought that maybe he was part elf.

"Lord Hárin introduced the rest in his family and I saw the younger queen, Dás, make surreptitious hand movements and servants were leading them away until just Lord Hárin and his wife and daughter were all that remained. Dás spoke. 'Lis, please tell us why you would be a good wife to a Durin and mother of what may be another Durin reincarnate.'"

"We all waited to how the young dwarrowlass would comport herself. She raised her lovely head and answered, 'I don't know that I will. I haven't met my betrothed or him me. When we walk under the supervision of older and wiser dwarrowdams, and learn of the other, we will know. I am sorry for our delay in coming. As you see by looking at me, I am not robust and my parents worry for my health. I believe I am capable of bearing children to any dwarrow, your son included.' She stopped talking and we held our breaths."

"Dás and Ziari made eye contact without giving anything away. Dás turned back to the waiting family. 'Fair enough. Tonight, a formal welcoming dinner is ordered by the king. Tomorrow, you and my son will walk the halls of Erebor, and he will show you our wealth. Your chaperones from our side will consist of Lady Aneht, Lady Dioari, and myself.'"

"I ask that Lady Wiget, my eldest son's wife, an Lady Paq, my wife, attend,' Lord Hárin replied. We looked at the old queen. She nodded her acceptance of the escorts. With her nod, servants escorted Lord Hárin's family to their chambers to get ready for that night.

When Thráin arrived, he had words with Lord Hárin over his tardiness in coming to Erebor. We all heard Hárin equivocate and I watched Lis lay eyes on Thráin for the first time. After his encounter with orcs, all of us were protective of him, and my husband, Náin, in particular. As close cousins, they spent much time together while Thráin healed. Then Thráin came to the Iron Hills and trained with Náin for a year before returning to Erebor and sparing with his own warriors. Náin made sure his cousin was in top form. He lived in our chambers and became as an uncle to Dáin. The lad followed his cousin everywhere. That night when Grór and Náin arrived to get ready for the welcoming supper, Náin had his sleeping son in his arms when he strode into the family chamber."

"My husband first looked at me and then his grandmother. He went to her without stopping to question me. "Granmomma, I know ye are soft where yer son's an grandsons are concerned, but giving ah wee lad ale so as not ta deal with him is low, even for ye."

"Ziari smiled at her eldest grandson. 'Think back, young Náin. Remember when you were a dwarfling and it was your cousin, Rori's wedding. Your father wanted to drink with Glori and you wanted to go with him?'"

"I could see my husband remembering and he suddenly hugged Dáin tightly, causing the boy to squirm in his slumber. 'I sat on my father's knees an he had me sipping his ale, an I thought I was ah grown dwarf. I admit ta surprise when Eln brought Dáin into the hall where we were getting ta know Hárin's dwarrows. At first, he tried ta hide Dáin, an when it finally registered that my son was with us, I motioned the lad be brought ta me. Eln set him on my lap an gave my grandmother's message.' He smiled at the old woman. 'Thank ye.' We all knew a memory had been made and story that would be passed on."

"The next day, Thráin entered the main family chamber sporting new clothes his mother and grandmother's made for him. He was decked in dazzling gold armor on his arms and legs. On his head was a diadem his father crafted for him after his injury that he wore the night before. Still, he was unsure of himself and shy. Dás walked around him, checking all was in order. Stopping before him, she took his hands. 'You have made your father and I awfully proud. A new journey starts with that girl. I talked with her mother and grandmothers at length last night. They will fit in to our lifestyle if you find the lass to your liking.'"

"'Where am I ta escort her?' Thráin spoke his first words to any dwarrowdam since we arrived. In fact, when we arrived, Thráin was absent. I found out later, he was hiding in the gold smithy until he just had to make an appearance. A knock sounded at the door and I saw Thráin stiffen and look like he wanted to run. A servant opened and led Lord Hárin, his wife, Paq, Lady Wiget and Lis to us. Like the night before when she had shed her plump traveling garments, she was wearing a light blue gown with sleeves that flowed just above her wrists. The bodice was proper with a scooped neck. Her figure was slender and she was taller than most lasses. Thráin is also tall for a dwarf."

Aneht looked critically at Kili. "You have your grandfather's height, whereas, your brother is just like your father. Both of you are genuine pretty boys."

Kili glared and Aneh laughed while her grandmother continued.

"Thráin wasn't sure what he was supposed to do. When it became obvious the lad was clueless, and before Dás could make a move, Hárin, who was still loitering, stepped in. 'Well, lad, for ah crown prince, ye aren't so smart.'"

"We all saw Thráin stiffen for a confrontation when Thrór hustled in and overheard. He grinned at Hárin. 'Ah matter kept me from greeting ye. Thráin had more important matters than brush up on his courtin skills.' Thrór turned to his son. 'Laddie, ye ask the lady ta go with ye an offer yer arm.'"

"'Most lads are taught ta escort their mothers, an have them teach proper courting etiquette before the lass arrives,' Hárin replied with a slight air of superiority. 'Paq taught both our sons years before our eldest had need of it.'"

"That was a mistake and Thrór pounced. 'My son is, as you correctly pointed out, the Crown Prince. He must learn languages; etiquette for dwarves, men and elves in business; conduct trade with Dale; be my emissary; be a master goldsmith with his own name recognition; read and write contracts in three languages; be a warrior and lead battles; break his own mounts; and a host of menial tasks. You should be happy he hasn't a clue what to do with a dwarrowlass. That shows he is worthy of his one and not defiled.'"

"When, Thrór, using formal speech registered, Lord Hárin bowed in subjection. 'I meant no offense, King Thrór. I was just surprised that his mother an grandmother's didn't remind ye.'"

"Thrór exchanged glances with his wife, Dás and mother. Queen Ziari replied for the Durin's. 'Thráin's accident put our training him with the fairer sex on hold.'"

"We could see the discomfort in the other party and they struggled not to look at him. Ziari continued; her plans of easing any blame working. 'We can wait a year for the next available dwarrowlass. And we will have time to instruct him in the art of courting. His duties of liaison to Dale were deemed much more important than how to nod at the correct moment to a boring chatterbox.'"

"At his grandmother's comment, Thráin smiled to Lis. 'If you would like, I believe this is where we depart an let everyone behind fall over themselves ta be close enough ta catch ah word ta feed the never-ending gossip mill.'"

"Lis took his offered arm and they led the procession, with Queen Dás and Lady Paq given honorary positions closest to the couple. Everyone stopped to stare because it was the first glimpse of their new prospective queen. I heard comments from my place near the rear of how skinny she was; speculations of a sickly queen an omen of trouble for the mountain. We encountered Gandalf near the rampart, where Thráin escorted Lis first. He towered over us, but smiled kindly at the couple. 'I must say, your travel apparel hid a beautiful lass. Thráin, when you get a moment, I need to speak with you.'"

"'I don't know what is planned for me this week. How about a late night swim?'"

"Gandalf nodded and let us pass. It was my first good look at the wizard and he was taller up close. On the rampart, we lined along the stone balustrade to admire vistas of green meadows, pines swaying in the breeze and the walls of Dale in the distance. Further down the mountain, Long Lake glittered like a polished gem in the sun. Thráin was pointing out places of interest."

"'Look, a raven is landing,' Lis exclaimed in awe as the large black bird extended his talons and gripped the outstretched forearm of Thráin. He slowly moved the bird to her."

"'You can pet it. This is Oolay, patriarch of the ravens.' We watched Lis carefully let her fingers stroke down the back of its neck, while the bird observed her."

"It cawed and she jumped, pulling her hand back."

"'He didn't mean to startle you,' Thráin explained. 'He was asking if you were the one in the group he flew over for three days.' He looked at the bird. "This is Lis. If we make ah mating, she will mother our hatchlings.' Oolay cawed again and flew off."

"'What did he say?' Lis asked and shyly looked at Thráin."

"He seemed just as reluctant to look at her, but answered. 'Oolay says he will welcome young featherless hatchlings.' He offered his elbow again and we descended. Thráin glanced back at the mothers and Queen Dás pointed in a direction. We found ourselves in a market area I had visited whenever my travels went anyplace near Erebor. Dwarrowdams preferred it to the open air stalls of Dale. Traders of men were barred from entering that day so we could remain uncovered and Thráin could look upon the beauty of Lis. She was thin and he looked almost afraid to touch her for fear of leaving a bruise. It was the largest market of all the dwarven communities now that Moria was abandoned. I heard stories as a dwarfling, of a center for trading that covered several levels and stretched for almost half a mile on each level. Even Erebor wasn't that massive, but I loved to visit the shops that carried merchandise from all over middle earth. I could see Lis looking with awe at a display of gold and jewels. The king ordered that stall to display extra jewelry that day to impress Lis and her escorts. That was one of the reasons he was tardy in greeting us."

Kili remembered back to when he was a small lad and the old king and his equally old servant, Nár, that were always together. He looked at the older dwarrowdam as she talked. Slowly he let his resentment of being treated like an invalid evaporate under a story he never heard before. It took his mind off Tauriel and a pain he wasn't ready to deal with.

"Lis looked at more wealth than she dreamed existed. She turned to her mother. 'I don't know if I'm ready for this type of commitment.'"

"We could see Lady Paq wanted to smack her daughter for even thinking of turning down such a title. Thráin lifted a necklace off the table an offered it to her. 'Maybe if ye owned ah few pieces, ye'll see they are the same as the ones crafted from lesser materials. May I?' He indicated he wanted to place it on her. She slowly turned around and lifted her long, dark hair as he worked the clasp and took her hair in his large, rough hands. He let his fingers slide through the strands and never took his one eye off her locks until she turned back to him. We could see he was starting to come to life and knew she was his one. I could have made him awaken, but was so much happier with my Náin. I prefer the ruddier ginger complexion."

"Lis picked the pendent up and eyed the large diamond ringed with emeralds. 'It's beyond words, but how is this yours to give?'"

"Thráin was silent and we wondered if he wasn't supposed to be giving his father's property away. When he spoke, we understood his hesitancy. 'I made that piece from my own store of gold an gems.' He pointed to several other items. 'These are more of my craftsmanship.'"

"I could see the visiting dams were impressed with our wealth and was proud to be a Durin's wife, even if to a lesser lord. Náin was wealthy in his own right. As the days passed, they grew closer and he finally told her how he came to be disfigured. Each day, we allowed a greater separation from us and them, so they could converse privately. She reached up and stroked his scars and he for the first time leaned down and kissed her. The wedding was set for the third month of summer when the wildflowers were at their fullest on the mountain. Dignitaries from Dale came, as did Prince Legolas of the woodland realm. Gandalf officiated the ceremony and Erebor gained another princess. Lis was crowned just after the wedding, again by Gandalf. I asked why a non-dwarf was so intimately involved with our affairs and King Thrór overheard and addressed me himself. 'Lass, Gandalf was before I am. He has led our race for hundreds of years at the direction of Aulë and Manwë from across the sea. Even the elves bow to his wisdom. To have Gandalf grace our halls is a great honor, as most dwarves go a lifetime with tales of his legend and nothing else.'"

Kili thought to when he met Gandalf at Bilbo's and how he commanded respect, even from Thorin. He knew Gandalf ventured to Ered Luin, but was away guarding a caravan. When he returned, Fili was making ready to leave for the Shire and was supposed to be gone before Kili returned. At first he lied about making a trip for uncle, but talk around Thorin's Hall quickly informed Kili of the truth. His mother pulled him aside and gave him the stone as remembrance of his roots and to return to her. He reached into his empty pocket and a reminder of his broken promise to his mother. 'I hope it brings you back to me, Tauriel,' he silently prayed. After Tauriel, he had no intention of returning to the life of a petty dwarf.