It seemed not quite real to be no longer a maiden. Well, Lori supposed she was still very much a maiden in truth, for all the spoken vows she'd made in the great hall, dutifully witnessed by her dwarves of Erebor and her dear kin. There had been little fanfare, as need had driven them to speedy unfolding of necessary rituals. Married with no finery and with all her travel-dust cloaking her, she did not doubt she stood the age's most lamentable bride. Yet she felt fir to burst, such was her joy to know herself firmly ensconced within the bonds of marriage.

It had been agreed thereafter that she would be afforded time enough to go through whatever preparation she thought necessary to setting her at ease. There was no one of the womenfolk who might grant her wisdom, thus Lori was forced to rely on her own good sense and she had no small measure of it. Indeed, there was enough to know there was little to be gained from bothering the men as they set about their own business. There would be a feat, she was promised, but ere such, she thought it wise to gain the appearance of a bride within the chambers afforded her.

To that purpose, she had enlisted the aid of the youngest dwarves in finding some contraption she might fill with water. They had been kind enough to carry it to her own chambers along with a few trunks boasting lengths of cloth, trinkets and even full garb. The idea that any of it might fit her she held in disbelief. But she could work a needle, and there was still time until nightfall.

Lori shed her borrowed array, glad to be free of it and the reminder of her peril. She set it aside with care, nevertheless, and climbed in her makeshift tub under lukewarm water, sinking down as far as she would go. Being the size of it swallowed her whole, she managed to get everything wet from head to toe. From there on, she had only to rub and scrub and make use of all at her disposal. It would have been nice to have her mother with her for she would aid Lori in cleaning her tangle of locks. And further yet she would offer much needed counsel. Good and well though her knowledge might be, it was all very different coming from a woman who had been wedded long. Alas, that was not to be. So she saw as best she may to her washing and rising, glad enough when she climbed out of her tub to find she'd left all filth behind.

She felt a new hobbit, swathed in clean linens. Dragging the chests along, she set herself before a roaring fire, patting her hair free of moisture before she opened the trunks, eager to see what it was she had to work with. The smallest one boasted an assortment of colourful jewellery, all of them heavy pieces wrought of gold and intricately patterned, encrusted with gems and brushed with delicate filigree. She left them after a moment of admiring the work. Such choices she found hardest to make and would have preferred something plainer. The second coffer hid quite a number of needful attire pieces, from plain shifts to outer robes. The best part was that much of the decorative hems and collars could be detached. It seemed dwarven women were lovers of economy. Humming her wonder at the brilliance of their craft, she selected what she thought would suit her best, even coming upon a plain blue garb which looked to suit her. It had been doubtlessly designed with a young dwarven maid in mind and drew a bit short as the fall of its skirts went, however, attaching one of the embroidered borders solved the issue readily enough.

Once the business of being properly robed was behind her and her hair could finally stand to be raised in the fashion of married women, she returned to the smallest chest and drew from it such ornaments as she thought might suit. Braiding was involved, naturally, and then the careful setting of her adornments. She had even a small looking glass in which her labour reflected itself and glad was she to see it bear such sweet fruit.

Lori took her time observing the, queenly, she thought, creature staring back at her. She had not the gravitas and a born and bred royal consort, but she was, she told herself, no worse for it. Her cheeks, which had once been plump and rosy, were somewhat drawn. Lori imagined it was on account of recent troubles. She pinched both cheeks to call colour into them and then gently bit her lips to redden their swell. There was little else to be done. Drawing back her shoulders, she fiddled a moment longer with her headpiece before pulling away from her twin and looking down upon herself.

It was quite the loveliest garb she had ever worn. Her sisters, she did not doubt, would have teased her, though glad for her good fortune. She wished there were some way to send word to them and to each a bit of the goodly prize she'd won, for she had little need of it, could well foresee they would. And some to her parents as well; their little farm could use some fresh horses and a new cart. She would get to it, of course; Bilbo was bound to make back for the shire and she could trust him to carry out such a wish if she had it. There Lori paused in her musings for she thought she heard the sound of footsteps. As though to confirm her suspicions, a light knock upon her door called to her attention.

Skipping forth, spry as a young child, she drew open the door and met the gaze of a grinning Kili. "All is in readiness, I see," he said by way of greeting, giving her a courteous bow to go along with the fine speech. "Your arrival is eagerly anticipated, little queen."

Smiling back shyly at the reminder, she demurely stepped forth. "Let us be off then. I should not like to keep all waiting overlong."

Her arrival was marked by a cheer from the foremost of her newly acquired subjects and a keen glance from her lordly husband. Seated at Thorin's side, Lori was afforded a great deal of attention, the outpour of well-wishes mingling with jests that brought a blush to her face. The good cheer of all made her heart lighter, especially that of her close kin. In fact, when she caught a likely moment, she approached Bilbo intending to learn whether he was truly pleased.

"Well, what say you?" she asked softly, keeping her voice low amid the general conversation. "Shall you bear glad tidings to my father when you return home?"

"Gladder still would he have been to hear of it ere you set yourself upon the path, but, aye, I will tell him of your happiness." She could see all too well his peace was not made upon the matter. That he still chose to support her warmed Lori's very heart. "But you must promise me to be oh so very happy. Do not, I beg of you, make a liar out of me." Those words he spoke archly, making it plain he jested with her.

She rewarded his effort with a wide smile and leaned into him ever so slightly. "Forsooth none may equal me in delight. May you tell that to those who ask. And I foresee my days are wife will be equally joyful." Bilbo clasped her hand in his, giving her a squeeze. She knew not his meaning and did not ponder it either, for their conversation was ended when Fili and Kili, with customary mischief for guide, set upon them.

"What conspiracy brews here?" questioned the oldest. "I hope, master hobbit, you are not attempting to draw out fair queen away." His voice was mellow, soothed by wine and victory.

"Quite so, for that would be a grievous offence," continued the younger. "And we could not stand for it."

"Oh, hush you," Bilbo shot back, eyes darting in a glare from one dwarf to another. "Is there nothing else to be done than intrude upon us?" There was no heat behind the complaint and the brothers took it for their cue to be seated. Whatever conversation was afterwards had, it was split between the four of them for a short time, until Lori found her attention called by old Balin.

The elderly dwarf had a fatherly gentleness when he spoke. "You are now tied in fate to us, lass, and will doubtless feel the weight of your choice ere long. But until such a time, I wish you much joy and would beg a boon of you, if I may."

"If it be in my power to grant, I will gladly do so." He patted her hand and reminded her that as she wielded more power in her new position she ought not to make such promises. Lori countered that she did it for him only. Balin did not belabour the point but made his wish plain.

"Keep you an eye on our king and draw him from his troubles as you may. Long has been his road to this moment and he would benefit greatly from your care." She did not doubt as much and gave her word of honour. She admitted to him, though, that her attempts might not be met with success considering there was much to repair and thus likely to brew trouble.

Baling laughed softly in his beard. "You will learn soon enough, lass, what your true power is."

That was as much as she was going to get out of him, she reckoned, as food and drink flowed and filled them. She moved steadily from one of the company to another until she had exchanged words with each. And then it was time to return to Thorin's side. Seated by him, she found his gaze fastened to her just as soon as she'd lifted her goblet for a sip of drink. "It looks there is much talk to be had and all wish to hear you speak."

"They want to wish us well and no less should they. It is the least I can do to hear them out." In truth, the office of queen gave little comfort beyond the little she could do well, such as listen to their faithful friends.

Thorin reached out for his own goblet, a handsome smile answering her words. "So it is, and yet these affairs draw on so long. And to think not even as much as a fraction of them are here. In this at least I am fortunate." She blinked in confusion and curled her lips to match him.

Their exchanges thereafter were constrained to such matters as were of immediate notice. Though Lori was aware of the odd tension swelling between them, she never addressed it. Something told her she would be all the happier for biding her time. On drew the night, drink setting song free. Voices rose soon enough in harmony, the dwarves setting the tone with their songs. They sang sometimes in the common speech and sometimes in their own tongue.

And then came the change she had unknowingly been anticipating from the very start. Their little company broke, its members going to their own beds. All but her and Thorin, for they had other matters to see to. Lori knew not whether he would take her to his chamber or go to her own, for in the Shire wives and husbands did not, as a rule, keep separate rooms. But in such a place as Erebor, it was bound to be different and she knew not which she might prefer.

Her heart set itself to heavy beating as she followed her beloved and then found herself in a great chamber, a merry fire casting its golden glow about. She had time enough to measure her step when she made over the threshold and the even more of it to rest her eyes upon the inside of the great room, so very different from the humble abode she had spent most of her life in. Why, they could likely fit twice as many members as her family numbered in it. What one did with so much space, she could not say.

The middle of the chamber was marked with a goodly-sized bed. She could not tell what manner of mattress had been placed upon the carved frame of hard stone for the covers were turned. The scent was fresh though, her nose told her, and she was happy enough with that. Lori paused as the doors closed in her wake, feeling quite suddenly uneasy. Her heart fluttered in her chest as the thud faded, leaving only the splitting and bursting of wood to sing. She gazed at the hearth, instinct driving her steps nearer. The bed she gave a wide breadth to, something ancient acting as guide. Warmth stroked her fingers when she stretched her arms forth. She felt Thorin's eyes on her but did not turn. Lori left it to him to dictate the speed. He knew better, by her reckoning, what was to be done and how it might be best achieved.

Beside that most obvious of challenges, there was one more thing which kept her rooted where she stood. Hardly could she dissect it, for she herself could not guess its use. Soft sounds from behind her told of movement. The press of Thorin's hands upon her shoulders was firm yet gentle; Lori sighed almost noiselessly. In his turn, her husband coaxed her around until they stood face to face. His grip fell away to rest just beneath her elbows. Scant light touched his features; she was neither tall enough, nor broad enough to blot it out and had to admit she liked the effect very well. It cut away some of the regular harshness she met.

He kissed her then, the intent behind it unmistakable. Whatever had been said before, it could little compare to the momentous nature of it. There was no hesitation and no quarter given. Thorin's mouth pressed hers intently, hands moving down her arms and then to her hips, digging into cloth and flesh, anchoring her against him. She threw her arms around him as best she could, pressing up and against him. They parted ere long, breathing heavily. Thorin gave her a moment and when that has passed he brushed countless kisses upon her lips. So good was he at keeping her attention to him that when it finally dawned upon her they'd moved from the fire she was already pressed to the egde of the mattress and he shielded her from all else. There it was, the last of innocence faced with the ruthlessness of change.

Working the laces of her garb, Thorin drew her clothes away one piece at a time, unhurried, seeming to enjoy his task immensely. Lori kept still, though the sudden urge to shy away almost overwhelmed her. Scrupulously keeping his eyes upon hers, the dwarven king smiled gently, pressing one last kiss to her forehead before he released her to her own devices. She did not wait to see him disrobe, but rather made her way beneath the covers, drawing the material up as far as she could without burying her head beneath. Eyeing the ceiling she waited with baited breath for what would follow.

He joined her at length, the dipping mattress accompanied by rough skin upon soft flesh. She allowed him his explorations with no complaint, for he was gentle. Even so she tensed when his hand cupped a rounded breast and made the oddest noise, her face flushing. They shared kisses again, his mouth taking hers time and again before Thorin moved his attention to her throat. She melted at the feeling, shivering as he moved down along the arch to her shoulder. "Wait," she croaked, cradling his head to her, fingers combing through his hair.

Thorin looked up. "Nay." His voice was soft, but firm, refusal secured with a shake of the head. "We wait no longer." And those were the last words she had of him for a time, as Thorin put his mouth to better use. His pace was steady, but his daring crested. Lori could do little but cling to him, holding on tightly through the sliding of lips until she was quite breathless.

He settled them between her thighs and she, mustering all her courage, raised one hand to cup his cheek and did her best to encourage him. She might have cried out when first he breached her, but she could not rightly say. There was some pain, a tight pinch gone almost as soon as it had surfaced. She bore then the great stretching which seemed fit to tear her. Yet she endured and none too soon found use in the press of his weight to her. Thorin spoke to her throughout, the words unknown to her but her heart told her it was praise. His pace quickened after a time and she hummed at the tight coil settled in the pit of her stomach, stroking his back comfortingly.

It came to pass that a great shudder wracked him, amid much noise. Lori drew tight about him, embracing him as wholly as she could manage, wondering but briefly at the foreign feelings assailing her. Both breathed labouredly. But then, just when she thought to ask after him, Thorin pulled away from her with great care and gazed into her face once he'd settled on his side. "I stand in awe of you," he whispered, voice rough with some unknown emotion.

"And why should that be?" she questioned, not daring to move much beyond her neck so she might see him fully.

He made no reply but set to stroking her hair. In short order exhaustion conquered her and she fell into a deep sleep, only half-feeling hand on her. No mean feat that in any event. No dreams, neither fair, nor troubled, disturbed her rest. There was only the nothingness of the great beyond and its restorative powers.

She woke again near sunrise, more out of habit than need and found but dying embers where a fire had once roared. Thorin slumbered at her side, securing her to him with one arm thrown about her waist. She turned on her side and winced at the bite in the muscles of her thighs. Biting her lower lip, Lori compressed herself against her husband, hoping the familiar scent and the heat of his body would drive away wakefulness. And she was correct to some degree, for Thorin woke then from what must have been in fact a light doze. Seeing her eyes open in the gloom, he asked after her pains.

"I am well," she answered. For some reason, she knew not why, admitting to him the sting bothered her felt wrong. In truth, the pain, whatever there was of it, had begin to fade and so when he shifted so she would lie half atop him, fingers caressing a path up her spine, she drew in a light breath and trembled. Yet all was well and before she knew it sleep had claimed her a second time and so when she came to once more it was to an empty bedchamber.

Blushing at the lateness of her rising and even more at her lack of clothing, she made use of the ewer of water she found near the bed. Of her wedding night she had little thought. Mayhap once she'd grown used to the dealings of wives and husbands she would have aught to compare to. Until such a time, she relegated all such notions to the back of her mind and concentrated on making herself presentable and exploring the room in depth, though all she had to wrap around herself was a thick cover.

Fortunately her exploration proved fortuitous. She was trying one of the doors she'd found just to the side and gasped to see on the other side her very own room wherein she had washed and prepared herself for the previous night's feast. Skipping happily into the comfortable domain with an armful of her belongings, she took to dressing into one of the simpler dresses she managed to rustle from the coffer and pinned her hair out of the way.

She might as well go in search of food, though how she might find the kitchens she did not rightly know, Lori considered as her stomach rumbled. And so she would do, as soon as she'd folded her dress neatly and placed it out of the way for washing. As it turned out, however, she had no need of kitchens of any sort. Food had already been prepared and even some of the dwarves lingered still over their meal along with Bilbo.

Much like their previous encounter, the company took well to her arrival. Thorin, Balin and Bofur where nowhere to be seen however. She asked after their whereabouts, but she got only a vague answer and as her stomach pressed for nourishment, she did not insist. Instead she found herself seated between the much favoured nephews of the king and their good cheer lifted her mood considerably. "Know you truly not where your uncle has gone?" she questioned, after thanking Fili for filling her goblet.

"I know only that they are still taking stock of what remains within the keep, for you see, the foul dragon had gathered much and more in this hoard of his." That was understandable; an inventory would be needed, especially if gold was to be doled out. She asked where she might find them nonetheless, thinking to greet Thorin and leave him in peace after. They had their treasures and she had her dresses, many which needed to be taken in if she was to make proper use of them.

"One more thing, before I forget," she said, "who was it that gifted me the lovely dresses in my chamber?" She needed to at least express proper gratitude.

Kili flushed at her question and leaned in so he might speak in a voice that did not carry. "Well, you see, Fili and I thought you might need them; they were our mother's." Gasping at the knowledge, she could do little but ask whether they were certain they wished her to have them.

"They will do far more good on you than they will rotting in a box," came Fii's stout answer. "And mother would not have wished them to be wasted. But quite beyond that, we are very glad you like them."

Tears threatened to spill as she looked from one brother to the other. "I do not know what I would do without the two of you." They seemed to take that in their own stride, with Kili grinning proudly while Fili gave the merest of nods and returned to his food. The meal went by in like manner and by the time she was done, Lori's resolve to fin Thorin doubled.

She might have thought differently were she aware just what her was about, but as ignorance bred bliss and she, comfortable hobbit that she was, wished no more of her life, Lori gathered her skirts with care and set about her self-imposed task, thinking it a grand opportunity to see more of Erebor and its works of wonder ere long. Bilbo joined her, very much glad to see in good spirits. "Married life suits you, it would seem," he noted, offering his arm in a rather gallant gesture.

"Who knows, it might suit you just as well if you deigned to look at the right lass," she teased, laughing when he scowled. Lori pressed him no further, content with the reaction she had engendered.