Welcome to Chapter 3!
Sorry I took so long to update, but it's worth the wait. Be prepared for a lot new characters this chapter as we meet all the potential brides!
ThatOtherWriterGirl: Thanks so much for the feedback! I really like term dwarrowdam, I'll use that moving forward, thanks! :)
Please let me know your thoughts, I'm always interested to hear what my readers think!
Thorin slowly pulled his fur lined coat around his shoulders and looked around his chambers. Everything was silent and still, save for the crackling fire. He found comfort in the silence and he didn't want to leave. Everyone was waiting for him downstairs and though Thorin detested tardiness, he couldn't bring himself to hurry.
He had spent the past two weeks with Dwalin and his scouting party. The previous scouting party has reported an orc sighting in the North and Dwalin immediately sent word out to his soldiers. Usually Thorin wouldn't join a scouting party, but he found himself growing restless so he joined at the last minute. Of course, Balin and Dis had not been pleased. The letters had been sent two weeks prior and it was possible some of his potential brides and their families would arrive soon. Thorin had waved away their concerns. He would be spending all his free time with his guests over the coming months, he needed time to himself before any of them arrived. Thorin had returned less than an hour ago and as soon as he stepped into the mountain, he was ushered to his chambers to bathe and dress.
Knowing he couldn't stay much longer, he forced himself to leave his chambers. Balin was waiting for him outside and Thorin could see his friend trying to mask his irritation.
"You're late laddie," Balin said. "We need to get a move on before the Lords see your tardiness as an insult."
Thorin scoffed and began walking with him. "How many have arrived?"
"All six of them."
Thorin almost stopped walking from shock, but Balin grasped his arm firmly and pulled him along.
Balin saw the surprise on his face and spoke softly. "The first family arrived only three days after you left. The last arrived the day before yesterday. They have all settled in and it's clear they all know why they are here." Balin quickly looked around to make sure they were alone. "Remember lad, you need to have an open mind. Now that we have started this, we need to finish it in accordance with Dwarven tradition. One of the six dwarrowdams presented to you will be the future Queen of Erebor."
Thorin nodded stiffly. The reality of what he had agreed to now weighed on him. What if he hated all of them? What if they hated him?
Thorin didn't have time to worry any longer as they reached the royal entrance to the throne room. It was a small door, not nearly as grand as the main entrance, but it allowed members of the royal family to enter the throne room without being seen by the public. Taking a deep breath, Thorin pushed open the door and held his head high as he walked in. Fili, Kili and Dis stood beside his throne already in their places.
"Where are they?" he asked as he neared them.
"They're all waiting by the main entrance," Dis replied, not meeting his eye as she fiddled with a button on her sleeve. He knew she was still irritated he had left. She wore an elegant emerald green gown with gold trimmings. While Durin's usually favoured blue Dis has always preferred green, much to their mother's dismay. Her hair was curled (Thorin didn't understand how dwarrowdams did that) and pulled away from her face to show diamond encrusted earrings. It always made Thorin happy to see his sister dressed as a Princess once again. "Since you insisted on leaving, I greeted them upon arrival and spent a little time with them as they settled in."
'And?"
Dis finally met his eye and hesitated. "Some were more pleasant than others."
Thorin groaned and took his seat in this throne.
"Some of the ladies were nice though!" Kili interjected. He stood to Thorin's left next to Dis.
"We only met them briefly, but some of the dwarrowdams were lovely Uncle, quite pretty as well," Fili said from his right. Thorin smiled at his nephews. He was grateful for their cheeriness, especially now. He hated to admit it but he was nervous.
"Let's begin," he said.
Balin held up his hand, signalling for the guards to open the main entrance doors. "Good luck laddie," he whispered before taking his place to the side of the room.
Lord Nurin strode into the throne room with his three children close behind him, his face as impassive as always. Of all the families invited, Thorin was most acquainted with Lord Nurin. He resided in Erebor before Smaug had attacked and was known to be a fearsome warrior. He was one of the dwarves who had followed him to Ered Luin. Lord Nurin worked as a blacksmith, married his wife and raised his three children there. When Erebor was reclaimed, Lord Nurin did not return immediately. He ran a successful forge in Ered Luin with his two sons and from what Thorin heard, he was initially reluctant to return. After a few years though, he packed up and moved to Erebor. Lord Nurin was no longer a blacksmith, instead serving as a General in Thorin's army and occasionally joining his council when it became evident he was a brilliant military strategist. Lord Nurin and his children now spent time floating between Erebor and the Iron Hills.
Once they reached the throne, Lord Nurin and his sons bowed. Behind them Thorin could see a small figure curtsy.
Lord Nurin stepped forward. "Your Majesty, I am Lord Nurin, son of Lord Narr. May I introduce my children, my first born son and heir, Nor."
One of the young dwarves with chestnut coloured hair stepped forward and bowed his head. Thorin stared at the young dwarf who looked almost identical to Lord Nurin in his youth.
"My second son, Nerin."
The second dwarf stepped forward and Thorin fought the smile creeping onto his face. This second dwarf looked so incredibly like his brother and father it almost made him laugh. Perhaps Nurin's sons were twins?
"And my third born and only daughter, Neli."
Nor and Nerin parted to allow their sister to step forward. She looked nothing like her brothers and Thorin assumed she took after Nurin's late wife. She had honey coloured hair and brown eyes as wide as saucepans. Neli was pretty, but she looked so young. All the dwarrowdams who had been invited were over 100 years (Thorin insisted upon it), but Neli with her small frame, big eyes and almost too pale skin looked like a child.
"You have a strong line Lord Nurin," Thorin said. "The resemblance between you and your sons are clear as day."
Lord Nurin beamed. "Thank you My Lord. My sons take after me not just in appearance. Both Nor and Nerin are trained warriors and are hoping to serve in your army as I have."
Clever man, Thorin thought. He's highlighting his family's loyalty and allegiance. Thorin then turned his attention to Neli.
"Lady Neli, I assume you take after your mother then?"
Neli smiled shyly and nodded, her cheeks becoming slightly pink. "Yes Your Majesty, my mother was a beauty and I consider myself lucky to be only half as pretty as her. I also inherited her love of reading and writing, which is mostly how I spend my time."
The poor girl was clearly nervous, she had spoken so quickly and softly Thorin almost missed what she said.
"I will enjoy hearing about your readings," he replied.
"Thank you for extending this invitation to our family, My Lord. We are honoured," said Lord Nurin. "We understand it is late and you have many to greet, so we will not take any more of your time." Lord Nurin and his sons then bowed and Neli curtsied so fast she almost toppled over. They left the throne room and Thorin could not have been more thankful for the Lord's efficiency.
As soon as Lord Nurin was out of sight, Lord Farin strutted in with his family. Thorin took a deep breath in and readied himself, he knew Lord Farin's introduction would not be as quick as Lord Nurin's. Lord Farin was a stubborn, conceited man Thorin had met once before and once was more than enough. Thorin didn't enjoy the dwarf's company, but the Lord and his wife were very close friends with his cousin Dain, so Thorin knew he had to be friendly. If he was rude, Dain would certainly have something to say about it.
"Your Majesty, I am Lord Farin, son of Lord Frain of the Iron Hills. My family and I are honoured to have been invited to Erebor. May I introduce my wife, the lovely Lady Yvette."
Lady Yvette smiled widely and curtsied. From what Thorin had heard, she was just as proud and rude as her husband. Lady Yvette wore an extravagant dark red gown and was covered in jewels and gold. Clearly they enjoyed flaunting their wealth.
"This is my first born and only son, Ilir."
Ilir met Thorin's eye but didn't smile. He bowed stiffly before stepping back. Thorin thought his behaviour was odd, but then noticed how different he was to the rest of this family. He wore fine but simple, dark clothes and unlike his father, mother and sister he didn't wear an excessive amount of gold. In fact he wore no gold or jewels at all from what Thorin could see. He also didn't seem to like being the centre of attention.
"This is my second born and beautiful daughter, Ila."
Ila dropped into a curtsy before her father had even finished speaking. As she rose she met Thorin's eye and flashed what she thought was a seductive smile. Her dark hair fell in waves around her shoulders and her green eyes looked an him hungrily. Ila wore a light green gown with quite a low neckline offering a generous view of her bosom. Ila wasn't unattractive and she certainly didn't look like a child. She was pretty, but she was trying so hard to be attractive that Thorin found her behaviour and manner unappealing. Regardless, Thorin gave her a small smile.
"Welcome to Erebor Lord Farin, I hope your journey was well?"
"Indeed My Lord, I believe we were the first to arrive," Lord Farin. "My daughter was especially excited to see Erebor and become acquainted with the royal family."
Thorin turned his attention back to Ila. "What part of Erebor excites you most Lady Ila?" He asked.
Ila hesitated, her smile faltering for a second, but she quickly recovered. "My father has told me so many stories My Lord. I am most excited to explore and learn about Erebor's rich history."
A good answer, Thorin thought, but it was painfully obvious she had rehearsed it. No doubt her mother and father had prepared an answer for every question he could possibly ask.
"I will arrange for you to have a tour," Thorin said, "so you may learn more about Erebor."
Ila giggled. "I would love that My Lord! I have already wandered through Erebor's halls and am enamoured with the mountain. We are so lucky to have such a courageous King such as yourself to reclaim this wonderful treasure."
"I have told my daughter all about your brave fight to reclaim Erebor My Lord," Lord Farin interrupted, "but it would be such an honour for her to perhaps hear the tale of your victory from you one day."
Thorin tried to hide his annoyance. "Yes, perhaps My Lord," he said, "I will find some time to escort you through Erebor's hallways myself Ila."
Ila beamed and curtsied. Lord Farin bowed once more and led his family out of the hall, a grin plastered across his face. Once they were alone, Thorin turned to Balin.
"How old was Neli? She looks like a child!" He whispered angrily.
"She is 102 years," Balin said calmly. "Though she looks young she is old enough to marry. Lord Nurin actually said she is already quite taken with you."
Thorin glowered at him from his throne and said nothing.
The next hour passed by slowly. Lord Gror of the Grey Mountains entered the hall next with his wife Lady Taliea and their daughters Kaia and Kalea. Lord Gror was a good man and he came from a noble family. He apologised for the absence of his son - his son's wife was heavily pregnant and he was therefore reluctant to leave her side. He proudly introduced his daughters and like the previous families, expressed what an honour it was to be invited. Kaia was closest to Thorin's age of all the dwarrowdams presented to him, so he was eager to meet her. She was polite and courteous, smiling at him prettily when presented and offering compliments whenever she had an opportunity to praise him. Thorin knew Kaia had rehearsed her responses too, but she seemed more confident and mature. She wasn't the most attractive, but Thorin thought her dark features where striking. Her younger sister Kalea said nothing and stared at the ground majority of the time. Lord Gror and his wife seemed incredibly pleased with Kaia and Thorin's interaction.
Thorin received Lord Dev of the Grey Mountains next. Thorin knew very little of him. Lord Dev, his wife Lady Dala and their daughter Yesna led reclusive lives. Lord Dev presented Yesna and spoke about her as if she wasn't there. When Thorin asked Yesna how the journey to Erebor was, he found it strange and almost rude when her father answered for her. Neither Lady Dala or Yesna spoke. He exchanged a bewildered look with Fili as they left. Something was amiss there.
Lord Madlen of the Iron Hills entered the throne room next, followed by his son Einar and daughter Elli. Lord Madlen was a loud and jolly man. Thorin had seen him in the mountain before enjoying a drink and laughing with Bofur and Bombur. No one had a bad word to say about him. Einar was known to be good with an axe and Elli was known for her beautiful, long blonde hair and bright blue eyes. Most dwarves had darker features, so blonde hair was considered a rarity amongst dwarves. Elli greeted Thorin enthusiastically and smiled brightly. She clearly had a similar disposition to her father. Thorin asked her how she was and she cheerily answered that she was excited and comfortable in Erebor. To his surprise, she then asked him how he was. She was the first dwarf to ask him a question that evening. He smiled warmly at her and assured her he was well.
Thorin was tired by the time Lord Dalkin entered the throne room. Thorin glanced at Kili stifling a yawn and hoped he didn't look as tired as his nephew. As Lord Dalkin approached, Thorin was shocked to see the most beautiful dwarrowdam he had ever seen to his right. Her wavy black hair was tied back and her dark doe-like eyes studied the throne room. Her skin wasn't as pale as her father's, it was ever so slightly darker making the gold jewellery she wore shine brilliantly. Her lips were parted slightly and they were painted magenta, the same colour as her dress. She was beautiful. As they approached she tore her eyes away from the room and looked at him. Her eyes widened a little and she quickly looked away. Thorin forced himself to look at Lord Dalkin. For the first time that night, he was excited to talk to a dwarrowdam and he eagerly awaited for her to be presented.
"My King, I am Lord Dalkin son of Lord Dror of the Iron Hills. This is my wife, Lady Helma,"
Lady Helma smiled and curtised. Thorin had heard about her. While her gruff husband was a man of few words who preferred his own company, she was well known for her event planning. According to Dis, she led the planning of every major event in the Iron Hills.
"May I present my eldest daughter, Rowen."
Thorin turned to the beautiful dwarrowdaw, but she remained still. Instead, a dwarrowdam he hadn't noticed until now stepped forward. She curtsied and smiled up at him.
"It was an honour to receive your invitation My Lord," she said, batting her eyelashes at him.
"May I also introduce my youngest daughter, Raina," Lord Dalkin said.
The beautiful dwarrowdam with doe eyes stepped forward and curtsied. Raina, Thorin thought. Her name was Raina. He found it hard to not look at her.
She was beautiful. She also was not one of the six dwarrowdams presented to him.