On we go! Sorry for the delay in posting this one, I hope you'll enjoy it. Thanks as always to everyone reading, commenting, and liking this story! Let me know what you think.
It was a week after the celebration, and regular life had returned to Erebor. Without the excitement of balrûn 'uzûgh going on, people were getting back to their everyday activities, and though Arinna had spent most of the tournament working away in the healing chambers, she was one of the few who now had less to do than before, without contestants coming in every day with various kinds of injuries.
It was for that reason that she had time to accompany Marla to the market on that particular day. She had asked the druid to go with her, not just because the two women enjoyed each other's company, but also because the fabrics she wanted to buy would serve for a new dress for the upcoming festivities for the King's birthday. Even though the event was still almost a month away, Marla reiterated that such preparations took time and it would do well to be prepared. It went without saying that she rather expected Arinna to follow her example.
The druid was not planning on purchasing any fancy fabrics for a new dress, she thought, as she walked slowly along the stalls, her arm linked with that of the dwarrrowdam. For one, she was not in a position to buy expensive silks, and furthermore, she didn't consider it necessary. She was still in awe of the simple but beautiful dress that Dis had gifted her for the winner's celebration, and she did not see why she couldn't simply wear that one again.
"Oh, Arinna, look!"
The druid was pulled from her thoughts at the sound of Marla's voice, feeling her pull at her arm and leading her over to a stall manned by an older dwarrowdam. The vendor greeted them kindly as they approached the stall, and the druid glanced down at the fine fabric that Marla was inspecting carefully with her fingertips.
"It's beautiful. It would certainly make an impressive dress," Arinna agreed, looking at the dark red drapery. It was a crimson velvet, beautiful and vibrant in colour, with strands of gold twine running through it. The druid sent her friend a small smile, though she raised her eyebrows slightly as Marla shook her head at her.
"Not for me," the dwarrowdam pointed out, as though the druid was a bit thick. "For you! It would go so beautifully with the colour of your hair."
"And your eyes," the dwarrowdam behind the stall agreed without being asked, earning herself an emphatic nod from Marla and a doubtful look from the druid. "It will make a fine dress indeed, for a fine occasion, I assume?"
Marla gave another nod. "Aye," she answered. "The royal birthday celebrations."
Her words had done their intended job at impressing the vendor, who slowly nodded her understanding. Marla was smiling contentedly, though the druid was fairly sure that with the rising esteem of the woman, the price of the fabric had gone up as well. She cleared her throat slightly.
"It is very beautiful," she offered again, though at the same time sending her friend a pointed look. "But I am not in need of it. Though, I'm sure it would suit you just as well, Marla."
The redhead shook her head, withholding a sigh as she beheld the druid's stern expression. "Ah, no. I'd prefer something blue, actually," she said, turning back to the vendor with a smile. "You wouldn't happen to have something suitable?"
Of course, the woman was not about to let a potential customer slip away, and was quick to gather all the blue fabrics she had around, which were quite a few. Arinna smiled and was about to excuse herself to peruse the other stalls further, when suddenly, a loud horn echoed through the square and she looked up in surprise.
"Sounds like someone's being welcomed at court," Marla muttered beside her, having looked up at the sound as well.
"Aye," the vendor agreed, sending them both a knowing nod. "It's probably the delegation from the Orocarni, the Red Mountains. I heard they were expected to arrive this week."
Marla and Arinna took in the information with small nods, before the redhead grabbed her friend by the arm and steered her toward the way out of the market place. "Let's go see," she said excitedly. "I've never met anyone from the Red Mountains before."
"What about your dress?" Arinna asked, though she let Marla lead her away from the market without further protest.
"It can wait," Marla answered, her voice betrying the excitement she felt at the prospect of seeing the new arrivals first hand, and indeed, the druid felt rather curious herself. As they made their way toward the throne room, where Fili would most llikely be welcoming the guests, Marla spoke up again. "I still think you should get that red fabric, though."
Arinna refrained from rolling her eyes, as they entered the great hall, where a lot of people were already gathered. "It is too expensive," she merely muttered, as they made their way inside and to the back of a row of dwarves.
"You are one of the richest people in this mountain," Marla retorted swiftly, causing the druid to turn her head again to frown at her. The dwarrowdam continued, before she could ask her meaning. "Bofur said you never collected your share of the treasure. The one you were all promised upon signing Thorin's contract. Surely, a bit of fabric would not put a great dent in your fortune."
For a moment, the druid wasn't sure how to respond. Technically, Marla was right, though it did nothing to change her mind on the subject. "I won't be collecting any of my share," she told her friend quietly, as another horn sounded from afar. "I live well enough without it, have done for many years."
"You are a strange woman, I hope you know that," Marla answered with a small shrug.
Meanwhile, Fili was standing in front of his throne, clad in fine garments and with a heavy crown adorning his brow. He was waiting patiently for Lord Finnur of the Red Mountains and his entourage to arrive, as he let his gaze roam over the people gathered in his hall. He could spot most of the old Company gathered somewhere in the crowd, his eyes lingering on Dori, who was eagerly awaiting the guests' arrival in the front row. Further at the back, Fili spotted Arinna and Marla, conversing quietly with each other. He had seen more of the druid these past weeks, after he had appointed her as court physician, and after their impromptu dance after the winner's celebration of balrûn 'uzûgh.
Their interactions seemed less strained to him now than they had some weeks ago, as though something had shifted between them. Fili was more than glad for the change, though he also felt that there was a different kind of tension between them now. He wasn't sure if it was only him that was feeling it, but whenever he talked to her these days, there was a very familiar kind of pull inside him, urging him to acknowledge what he was feeling.
He was ripped out of his thoughts when a few welcoming cheers erupted from the crowd and he returned his gaze to the situation at hand, seeing Lord Finnur making his entrance. The dark-haired dwarf was making his way toward the throne, a small group of people following behind him, and Fili slowly descended the few steps before him in turn, smiling at his opposite. Lord Finnur had ruled in the Red Mountains for many years, the few grey streaks in his hair betraying his age, though he looked healthy and barely tired from the long journey that lay behind him.
"King Fili!" he greeted the younger dwarf loudly, smiling brightly as he opened up his arms and bowed his head in a gesture of respect. Fili gripped the lord's outstretched arm, their hands gripping each other's elbow firmly as he returned the greeting. Finnur gave him an appreciative nod. "We have travelled far to meet you, my King. Though no distance could be too far to attend such a grand occasion as your birthday."
"I thank you," Fili answered with a slight nod. "I am glad to find you in good health and spirits after such an arduous journey. I trust you and your party had no trouble along the road?"
Finnur shook his head. "None at all," he answered, before he turned slightly and motioned for one of the women in his company to come forward. "Allow me to introduce my niece, the Lady Lilya."
Fili glanced at the young dwarrowdam with a polite smile, inclining his head in greeting. She was a pretty, red-haired lass, clad in luxurious clothes despite having been on the road for the past weeks. As she returned the king's gesture with a bright smile, Fili let his gaze wander over the rest of the group. As far as he could tell, the two remaining women were the lady's maids, while the blond dwarf at the back might have been Lord Finnur's guard. He extended his greeting to all of them.
"It is a pleasure welcoming you in our halls. If you are not too tired from your travels, perhaps you will join me and my mother, the Lady Dis, for supper tonight?" he uttered, smiling politely at his opposite, while Finnur quickly conveyed his acceptance to the invitation. Fili gave a small nod, before he motioned towards two of his own guards. "My men will show you and your niece to your chambers. Please, make yourselves at home, rest, and I look forward to continuing our conversation in the evening."
The small group bent again into their respective bows, before they were escorted out of the hall and Fili let out a small, inaudible sigh, before he returned to his throne. Meanwhile, the crowd around him dispersed slowly, having witnessed the excitement of the day, now ready to get back to their usual business. Fili didn't sit down, instead leaning one elbow against the backrest of the throne as he looked at Balin and Dwalin, who had followed the scene from their respective spots beside the throne.
"I think that went rather well," the white-haired dwarf uttered with a small smile, while Fili just tilted his head slightly. "It will be good to renew our connections with the Red Mountains through Finnur."
"Aye," Dwalin agreed with an amused huff. "I'm sure he'll be open to that. Why else would he have brought the lass?"
"She's a pretty girl," Balin mused, shooting a small sideways glance toward Fili, whose face remained neutral. "I knew her mother before Smaug's invasion of the mountain. She was a rare beauty, indeed."
"Oh, aye," Dwalin agreed quickly, remembering the dwarrowdam in question as well. A sudden grin came to play on his lips. "The beautiful Lady Ithunn. Many a dwarf would have liked to court her."
"Yourself included by the sounds of it," Fili uttered, unwillingly involving himself in the discussion upon his surprise at Dwalin's words.
Dwalin's grin widened slightly, though he gave a dismissive shrug in reply. "Oh, I could have had her if I wanted to," he stated self-assuredly, causing Balin and Fili to exchange a small look that Dwalin didn't take note of. "Take it from someone who knows about women, lad."
"Aye," Fili retorted dryly, his gaze shortly wandering over the dispersing crowd again, just catching sight of the back of the druid's head as she made her way out of the hall in Marla's company. He brought his gaze back to Dwalin to give him a pointed look. "And if such a person existed, I would."
Later that evening, Fili found himself sat at the table in one of the large royal dining chambers, which was set with a glorious amount of delicious food, which Bombur as head chef had had prepared for the small group. Besides Fili, his mother, Lord Finnur and his niece, Balin was also present, and the young king was glad for it. During supper, Finnur brought up a lot of topics that he wished to discuss with the king, and while Fili listened attentively to all of them, he was grateful for Balin's input every now and again, even if it was only to ease the lord away from too much political talk.
"Oh, enough of the politics," Dis uttered, waving her hand at the dwarf-lord as he opened his mouth again to speak, silencing him promptly. Fili merely shot his mother a small look, though he was not complaining about the change of topic. "Surely, there will be enough time for that. What I wish to know is how your father is, dear? You must know, my brothers and him were well acquainted in their time."
Finnur's niece, Lilya, looked up from her plate as the dwarrowdam addressed her directly, and indeed, Fili realised with a slight bit of guilt, this was the first time any of them had asked her a direct question at all to involve her in the conversation. Her uncle had taken up so much of his attention, Fili hadn't even noticed that the girl had just been eating in silence. Now, she smiled shyly at the encouraging nod Dis shot her, putting down her cutlery before she opened her mouth to answer.
"Oh, he is well!" Finnur proclaimed, before she got the chance to say anything, and both Dis and Fili watched as Lilya snapped her mouth shut, visibly forcing a smile onto her face as she nodded. Meanwhile, her uncle continued. "I remember well how he got on with Frerin and Thorin, Milady, a friendship that I hope our clans will be able to build upon. He was always very fond of them. I remember how sorry both he and I were not being able to join your brother for his courageous quest to reclaim the mountain. Indeed, I think, I should very much like to meet the infamous Company of Thorin Oakenshield. There ought to be a feast of some kind."
"I'm sure that can be arranged," Dis said slowly, shooting the dwarf a small frown as she watched him stuff a forkful of food into his mouth. He sent her a grin as he was chewing, which caused the dwarrowdam to avert her eyes politely, finding Lilya again, who sent her a small smile of her own.
"My father also speaks very highly of you, Milady," she uttered, her words causing the corners of Dis' mouth to lift. "He was sorry not being able to attend the festivities. Though, he sends his regards and congratulations on your upcoming birthday, your Majesty."
Fili, who had followed the exchange silently so far, looked up at her as she addressed him quietly, sending her a friendly smile as he nodded his appreciation. "Please, convey my thanks upon your return," he replied. "I am sorry to say I've never had the pleasure of meeting your father, but knowing that he was a friend to my uncle, I've no doubt of his good character."
As Lilya inclined her head in thanks, Dis merely nodded her agreement. Thorin, she thought, had always been a good judge of character, if reluctant to trust people he didn't know. And, from what Dis remembered, Thorin had never particularly liked Lord Finnur. Unlike his brother, the older of the two, Finnur, was cruder and less civilised. More arrogant and less likeable. More ambitious and less empathetic.
"I should also very much like to visit Dale during our time here," Lord Finnur proclaimed loudly. "If there is time enough, that is. I have heard great things about its rebuilding. I would enjoy seeing it restored to its former glory again and perhaps, even to meet this new Lord of Dale. People say he's a descendant of the ancient rulers of Dale."
"Aye," Fili answered with a nod. "Bard is a great man. I will see whether a meeting can be arranged."
It was only a few hours later that their guests finally excused themselves, Balin doing the same to accompany them to their chambers, before he would retire himself. Fili and his mother sat back down at the table for a moment, as the door to the chamber shut behind their guests. Fili let out a long sigh, which Dis acknowledged by emphatically raising her eyebrows.
"Does he ever stop talking?" Fili uttered with an incredulous look toward his mother, who merely shrugged.
"Seems not," she retorted, feeling rather drained herself. "He has always been like that. Though, I'd hoped he'd grown wiser, or at least quieter, with his growing years. Lilya seems like a lovely young lady, though, I will say."
Fili tilted his head slightly. "Aye, she seems nice enough," he agreed. "Shame about the uncle."
He looked up as his mother let out a snort at his words, sending him an amused look. "I wonder how many people used to say that about you, back when you were a young lad," she grinned, causing Fili to let out a deep chuckle. He shook his head slightly, leaning back in his chair as his mother's gaze softened and she gave him a kind smile. "He would be very proud of you, you know. And so am I. I don't think I tell you enough."
Taking in a deep breath upon her words, he released it with a small smile. As he looked back up at her, he could feel a wave of emotion rushing up within him. It made him glad to hear her say it, to hear that Thorin would be proud of the job he was doing. Though he had been crowned king over eight years ago, Fili sometimes still felt as though he was an imposter, the wrong man for the job. Sometimes, it felt to him like he barely knew whether he made the right choices, and that the people who were following him simply had not caught on yet. It felt good to get some reassurance from time to time.
It was already late when he finally bid his mother goodnight and made his way to his own chambers. He was feeling rather exhausted by now, the dim light of the hallways doing nothing to help his tired eyes. Blinking a few times to focus as he walked up a set of stairs, he didn't notice the other person approaching from a corridor to the right until it was too late. He heard a small gasp as they collided and instinctively reached out to grasp the person's arm before they could fall. All he could hear as he pulled his opposite upright was the noise of several books falling to the ground.
"Suppose that ought to teach me to watch my step," a familiar voice spoke, chasing any tiredness out of Fili's body at once. He glanced down in surprise, finding his hand wrapped tightly around Arinna's upper arm, while the books that she had apparently been carrying lay splattered in a small pile at their feet. She sent him a timid smile, ripping him out of his momentary stupor.
"Aye," he muttered, clearing his throat slightly as he gave her a sheepish look. "The both of us, I'd say. I'm sorry, I didn't see you."
"It's alright," she replied softly, though her heart was beating fast in her chest. She was acutely aware of the feeling of his large hand still wrapped around her arm, keeping her in place before him. She glanced down at it for a second, before she brought her gaze back to Fili.
The blond dwarf had followed her gaze, though he still hadn't brought himself to remove his hand. Instead, he watched almost dumbly as his thumb stroked across the soft fabric of her sleeve once, before he looked back at her with a small frown.
"You're alright?" he asked, to which she replied with a small nod. And it was only then that he finally drew back his hand, before he quickly crouched down and began to collect the books she had dropped. She followed his action, picking up one of the three herself, while Fili was quick to collect the other two. He looked them over for a few moments, bringing his eyes back to her as he carefully handed them over to her. They rose back to their feet as she adjusted the small pile in her hands, hugging them slightly to her chest.
"Quite the load you're carrying," Fili commented quietly, sending her a small smile as she tilted her head in agreement.
"I spent the evening with Ori in the library," the druid explained. "He recommended them to me and would not let me leave without them."
"Oh, his recommendations are usually very good," Fili answered, thinking of how he had spent many of his past evenings reading one of Ori's recommendations, when his mind had not yet allowed him to go to bed. He nodded slightly, before he motioned tentatively down the corridor. As it seemed, they were both going in the same direction anyway, and Arinna was quick to fall into step beside him as he resumed his way in direction of their respective chambers.
They walked in silence for a little while, before Arinna spoke up quietly. "Why are you out this late, then?"
Fili sent her a sideways look and a small sigh. "Supper with Lord Finnur and his niece," he explained. "It took rather longer than I expected."
"You look a little tired," the druid agreed, returning his gaze with a sympathetic one of her own. Fili titled his head in silent agreement, smiling slightly to himself at her gentle tone.
"Aye, I am," he admitted. "It can be rather tiresome."
As they walked, Arinna looked over at him with a small frown when he said nothing more. She waited for a moment, only uttering her curiosity out loud when it became clear that he wasn't going to elaborate. "What can be?"
"All of it," he sighed. "Being king."
He said it so matter-of-factly that it made the druid falter slightly, and she took a moment to gather her thoughts as they kept walking. As she took in his words, Fili glanced over at her with a small smile, noticing that she wasn't quite sure how to respond.
"Of course, Thorin tried to prepare me for it," he said quietly. "But even as crown prince I never… well, I suppose, we just thought we'd have more time. I had a lot more to learn from him."
Arinna gave a quiet hum, glancing over at him thoughtfully, as he let out a small sigh. It was true, the title and responsibilities had been thrust upon him so soon after the battle, he had barely had time to digest what had happened to Thorin and Kili. Arinna remembered only too well the bad place that he was in at the time.
"From what I can tell, you are as great a king as he was," she finally said, her words genuine and her tone gentle. "I think he would be very proud of you, and so would Kili."
Fili's lips lifted into a soft smile at her words, and he inclined his head slightly as they walked.
"Thank you," he then answered gently, taking in her words with appreciation. He shook his head slightly to himself, before he changed the topic. "Lord Finnur mentioned tonight that he would like to meet the old Company."
"You don't sound very keen," Arinna uttered at the change in tone, earning herself a slightly surprised, yet affirmative look from Fili. The blond king walked along in silence for a few moments, thinking of whether to relay his thoughts to her or not.
"He's a loudmouth, is all," he finally said, deciding to say what had been annoying him all night. Drawing his mouth askew, he glanced at her to convey his meaning. "Kept saying how he wished he could have been there for Thorin's quest, how courageous an undertaking it was. Thorin came to them, to all of them, to seek support. None of the dwarf lords would grant him any, no support, no men, nothing. It was a fool's errand, they said. Yet, after we reclaimed the mountain, they all changed their minds very quickly, proclaiming that they had no doubts about our success all along."
The dwarf let out a quiet huff as he ended his small rant, shaking his head again while Arinna merely let out an understanding hum. "I see your point. Though, I suppose, in some way, it's understandable," she uttered thoughtfully. "No one wants to be remembered a coward. And, I'll admit, even I said to Gandalf on that first night in Bag End that I thought it was insane to join you."
Fili's eyebrows rose in surprise as he looked at her, though she merely gave a small shrug. He couldn't help but smile slightly. "Yet, you joined us anyway."
"I suppose insanity makes for good company," she uttered dryly, causing Fili to chuckle, before she continued honestly. "I've never regretted it."
Swallowing tightly as they rounded the corner into another hallway, almost at their respective chambers, Fili glanced over at her once more. His tone was soft, as he spoke. "Have you not?"
He received a half-smile in return as she shook her head earnestly. "I wish many things hadn't happened the way they did," she admitted, which hardly came as a surprise. "I wish some things hadn't happened at all. But that is the course of fate, beyond anyone's control. So, no, I've never regretted joining Thorin's quest. It brought me many happy memories, as well, after all."
Fili remained silent for a few long moments as they came to a halt in front of her chamber and she reached out to open the door, a thoughtful frown on her face. He was taken aback by her words and their honesty. But, before he could utter anything in reply, the druid had uttered a quiet good night and all he could do was to return her small smile, before she stepped back and disappeared into her chamber, the door falling closed behind her with a soft thud.
He stood motionlessly for another few moments, pondering her words. The dwarf let out a deep breath, before he slowly turned away. Perhaps, he thought to himself, there was still hope that the course of their own fates might intertwine once more.