Disclaimer: I don't own any familiar characters, and or anything pertaining to the world of the Hobbit. All, but my ocs, are owned by J.R.R Tolkien
Chapter Two
Birthday Wishes
Just north-east of the ever-darkening forest of Thranduil's Kingdom of Mirkwood, past the resurrected city of Dale, sits a mighty mountain. Reaching up to touch the blues of the heavens, and rooted firmly in the ground, the mountain stares down upon the fruitful Valley of Girion with a watchful eye. Some would dare say that it is, in fact, the mightiest of all the mountains in Middle Earth. There are few who would disagree upon this point, at least not those who dwelled close to the mountain's borders. Erebor, the mountain is called, is the kingdom of dwarves and is a prosperous kingdom at that. While Erebor is both rich gems and power, it isn't the mounds of gold that are held in its heart that make it rich. It is the creatures that dwell within the make the kingdom opulent in love. For love is the most coveted treasure among the Durin Folk.
This was never more prevalent than in Erebor's present royal family. King Fili, the Lionheart, and his wife, Queen Magdalen, the Champion of Erebor. Their union brought together two worlds that were never supposed to meet. But together they forged a new world for their family and for their love. It was these stories that Claudia and her siblings grew up listening too. They dreamed off the tales of their father and the company of Thorin Oakenshield's exploration to save their home. The shadows in which they were born into were long, her sisters and cousin seemed to outgrow these shadows.
Claudia was not one of them.
It was a truth that she could never escape. Claudia faced this truth as she twisted uncomfortably at her vanity, staring into her reflection as one of her maids, Erin, tugged and fought with Claudia's wild locks trying to tame into some reasonable fashion, though Erin would've had a better time taming a warg. Claudia grunted feeling the painful pull of her strains. She hated it when anyone, other than herself tried to brush through her hair. No one seemed to comprehend the tenderness of her head.
"Ouch!" Claudia yelped, pulling away from the vicious teeth of Erin's brush.
Erin narrowed her dark eyes, placing her hands on her hips. "Perhaps if you brushed this hair every once in a while, then you wouldn't have all these tangles, Princess."
Claudia glared at Erin, reaching out to snatch the brush from her gloved hands. Turning back to her mirror, Claudia began working through the waves of her hair with ease. Behind her, Erin rolled her eyes grumbling as she turned busy herself with the next task. Claudia moved her focus on her hair. Heir in dwarves culture was of the utmost importance. It told stories of their accomplishments, their kin and their crafts. Their hair was an extension of their ancestry, a reminder of the power of familiar love. Claudia wore four braids; one to represent her status as second-born, one for her chosen weapon, a staff, and two for her kin clans of Ur, and Durin.
Her clan braids sat proudly on the right side of her head, while the other two were braided neatly behind her ears. Every braid was proudly displayed in her usual style, which was a thick appropriate for the celebration, to which Claudia disagreed.
Taking the pearl pins that scattered across the dark oak vanity, Claudia picked one up pinning back the front twisted pieces of hair. Claudia studied her features, brushing her fingers through the waves of her hair. Her hair was the color of dull wheat as winter came to kill it's stocks. She had inherited her father's wide nose and her mother's sharp eyes. While her parents and siblings had defined crystal blue eyes, Claudia's were dark and murky. Lifting her chin she studied her bare chin. It was a point of ridicule in her childhood, though it was a struggle she shared with her sisters. Their mother was a quarter dwarf, and like her daughter had no beard.
"You look beautiful, my princess." Erin smiled finishing tying the ribbons of her dress.
Claudia noted how Erin stepped back from her taking in all of Claudia's appearance, misty tears glimmering in her almond eyes. Her hands clasped together laying her bearded chin into them. "Is something wrong, Erin?" Claudia questioned.
Erin flicked her hand in Claudia's direction, grabbing the handkerchief from her apron adding dabbing at the corner of her eyes.
"You just look so grown up miss, that's all." Her voice rose an octave.
Claudia narrowed her eyes, Erin was always a bubble of emotions. Erin had been her maid since she was a child, and she saw the woman with material respect. Claudia knew when Erin was lying, but getting information from the woman was like pulling teeth.
Rubbing her forehead, Claudia tried to keep her headache at bay. Everyone was keeping a secret from her, and she hated secrets. Claudia ignored the odd comment and studied her dress. The dress sat tight on the tops of her shoulders and billowed from her shoulder tightening from just above her wrist. A line of buttons flowed from the peak of her chest down to the hem of her skirt. The delicate amethyst color of the dress reflected Claudia's favorite gems. Claudia never cared for gems or diamonds. In fact, she hated most of them, but the mesmerizing color of the lavender stone always had her heart. Looking up at Erin through the mirror, Claudia lifted a brow playfully.
"It is only with the help of my maid that I can provide such beauty to your eyes. I've been told I can be quite the orc when I don't have guidance."
Erin sighed at the princess's dramatics, playing with her hair so that it sat perfectly over her shoulders.
"You would not look so orcish if you didn't detest my help so much." Erin pointed out.
"I have to agree with dear Erin on that point, my dear." A new voice called.
Claudia looked down at her hands in dismay, picking at her nails.
"My Queen." Erin quickly bowed dipping so her knee brushed the stone floor.
Claudia could hear the swishing of her mother's heavied skirt. She didn't need to turn to know her mother was in full Queen garb. Glancing in the mirror Claudia took in the sight of her mother. At fifty-six Magdalen was a picture of beauty. Though she didn't have the traditional features that were considered beautiful in dwarven culture, she was still envied by many. Her skin was like cream, fine lines touched her face like the masterful cravens found in the architecture of Erebor. Above her light brow was a long scar, a scar of legends. Claudia had always admired her mother's beauty, but it was her witty charm and bravery that she wished to inherit the most. Her mother could charm an orc.
"You've done a wonderful job so far, Erin." Commented the pleasant voice of the Queen of Erebor.
"Thank you, my queen." Erin rushed hurriedly.
"I can take the rest from here, thank you for tending to this wild one." Said Magdalen sweetly.
Erin was a fairly known maid, she had replaced her Aunt Helena, Claudia's old maid when she retired. Erin hadn't become accustomed to being around royalty and always seemed star-struck whenever her family came around.
Claudia glanced up at her awestruck maid, clearing her throat to break her intense concentration. A deep rosy blush graced the young maid's face, as she realized she had been staring. Bowing quickly Erin muttered a goodbye and fled from Claudia's apartment, leaving mother and daughter alone.
"You think she will ever get the courage to call me by my name?" Magdalen laughed, sitting on the edge of the vanity.
Claudia looked up, meeting her mother's eyes. "She intimidated, Mama. Both the Queen and the Champion of Erebor are intimidating titles."
Magdalen smiled standing up and placing a box on her vanity. Two hands sat on Claudia's shoulder. Smoothing out Claudia's natural curls, Magdalen played with her hair. The crystal eyes of Magdalen studied the dullness of Claudia's color.
"Twenty-two seems like just yesterday Kili was chasing you, and Theo in diapers."
Claudia rolled hers, cringing at the image of her and cousin running down the hall in nothing by their diapers.
"Mama, I'm twenty-two. You could resist the urge to embarrass me."
Magdalen tapped Claudia's full cheek playfully.
"I am your Ama, it's my job. No matter how old you are." Magdalen dotted, leaning over to grab the wooden chest.
"Speaking of birthdays…" Magdalen flashed her daughter her infamous mischief smile.
The squealing of the box sounded behind her. Claudia's heart leaped at the sight of Magdalen's gift. Sitting on the top of her head just above a few loose curls, sat a crown of gold. Under the warm orangish glow of the lights, the solid wall of gold was illuminated. The top of the crown was lined with small diamonds that sparkled like water under the rays of the sun. A ghostly translucent veil arranged around her hair.
"Your grandmother gave me this on my first Durin's day," Magdalen spoke remembering that distant day.
Claudia smiled at the mention of her grandmother. Lady Dis had been the matriarch of their ever-growing family. She always had a special place in her heart for her grandchildren. Her siblings and cousin knew that what they couldn't get away with their parents, their sigin'amad would. Claudia had many fond memories of following Dis around as she spoke to the people. They would always stop at one of Dis's favorite bakers, and they would snack on lovely little cakes for the rest of the day. It was some of the happiest memories of her childhood. A sickness had gripped the Valley of Girion the previous year and had claimed the lives of many. Claudia had caught the mysterious sickness, and her grandmother had refused to leave her side even when she begged her to.
Claudia had recovered.
Dis did not.
The nimble fingers of her mother, worked through Claudia's free hair, dragging her from her thoughts.
"She gave it to me after I thought I lost everything. She was the first person to offer me friendship here. " She paused, snaking her arms around Claudia's shoulder.
"She would be glowing, knowing you were wearing it," Magdalen whispered to her daughter, reaching down to place a kiss on the high of her daughter's cheek
Claudia placed her hand over her mother's hand, giving it a little squeeze. Magdalen butted her head against Claudia's, smiling gently at her.
"Come on, we have a birthday party to attend."
The doors of the royal dining hall vibrated with life behind. Claudia screamed internally as she heard the cacophony of laughter and voices. Parties were fun on occasion, when they were younger Theo and Claudia would watch Thorin and Dwalin get drunk. They would make a game of seeing who could steal the most off of either person. Claudia was usually the winner, Theo claimed had she not been born a princess she would make an incredible thief. But a held party centered around her made her skin crawl. The thought of all eyes on her, thinking about how she was such a disappointment before her own eyes, was not her idea of fun.
"I know this isn't what you wanted, Claudia," Magdalen remarked staring at the doors in front of them, giving Claudia's arm a light squeeze.
"But we wanted to celebrate you. Today is important." She insisted though she wasn't sure if she was trying to convince Claudia or herself.
A frowened dug into her skin. Magdalen stared at the door in front of her, her hand-knotting together. A sigh filled the air between them as Magdalen turned to look at her daughter. A hand reached out to cup Claudia's face.
"You are twenty-two now, you are old enough to make your own choices now. And whatever you choose your Da and I will always support you" She insisted, shaking Claudia lightly.
Claudia grabbed her mother's thin wrist. "And what choices would I have to make?"
A sad smile graced her mother's face as her hand withdrew. Magdalen nodded to one of the guards nearby, who turned to open the grand doors. A wave of "Happy Birthdays" flooded over Claudia before she could stop her mother from drawing them in. The mask of a queen replaced her mother's face as they entered the grand hall.
The heavy smell of her favorite ale and sweet berry cake rang in the air as loud at the haste melody of music that came from deep within the hall. Claudia was swept from her mother's arms and into the familiar crowd of faces. Spinning on her heels she quickly thanked party-goers for their birthday wishes, when an enormous hand caught her waist lifting her into the air as if she weighed nothing more than a feather. A hardy laugh echoed in the room.
"Dwalin, let me down!" Claudia squeaked.
When her feet touched the ground once more she was met with the face of the captain of the guards. Beside him stood Dag, who openly smiled at his dearest friend.
"Dwalin, I'm supposed to be a respectable lady now. I shouldn't be tossed about like a dwarfling." She teased the often grouchy dwarf.
Dwalin bopped the tip of her nose, just as he did when she was a child. "You are the daughter of Magdalen Kathan, you never had a chance to become a respectable lady, my little lassie."
Claudia threw her head back, jovially laughing. Dwalin had been the closest thing Claudia had to a grandfather. He was solemn and strict and had made warriors out of the next generation of the royal family. But also relished them in love. The standoffish brute façade always seemed to melt in any concerns having to do with the three Durin sisters. They had the man wrapped around their fingers.
"Happy Birthday, lassie." He pulled her into an earnest hug.
When he released her, Claudia was moved on to Dag. Dag mimicked his adoptive father's movement lifting her in the air effortlessly.
"You might be older, but you still can't beat me in chest." He teased.
Claudia snorted, "You keep telling yourself that."
Moving on she went from person to person until she was finally plucked from the line of birthday wishers, and pulled to the earth that sat at the edge of the room.
"I don't think I could have smiled for another five minutes in front of those Nobles." Claudia sighed in relief, sitting down on the stone's edge.
"We won't want the birthday girl unhappy now would we?" Her cousin, and throne in her side, Theodon smiled.
Theodon was the son of her aunt and uncle, Kili and Taruiel. While he had all the bearings of his father, dark hair, and boyish charm, he was every bit his mother too. With pointed ears hidden behind his shaggy hair, a part of him was still an elf. The union of dwarf and elf had been the shell shock not only to the people of Erebor but to the elves of Mirkwood too. It was not something that was done, that was until Kili and Taruiel came along. Many had resisted the change and looked upon the prince with venom in their eyes as if he were a curse upon the kingdom. That was something that Claudia and Theo shared. With human blood coursing through the veins of Claudia and her sisters, there was always some dwarf questioning their true right to the crown.
"Course not, Theo. It's all about me today, as it should be every day really." Claudia stuck her nose up teasingly, mimicking the Lady Dido Underhill who sipped at her ale and looked around the room trying to find someone to offend her.
Theo's broad shoulders moved as he chuckled, Claudia joined in with him. When their laughter died down, her eyes set on the party around them.
"Why would they ever think to have this big party for me. The last time I had a party like this I was five years old." She wilted in her seat.
The mirth died in Theo's face as he began drinking, not meeting her eyes.
"And where is Alma, she should be here with us making fun of people."
Claudia glanced at Theo noticing his paling features. Her burrows knitted together at the sight. She noted that Theo looked worried like he did when he knew they were caught doing something they weren't supposed to be.
"You are keeping something from me," Claudia observed.
Theodon choked on his drink and began banging on his chest. After a few moments, he calmed, not making eye contact with his cousin.
"And how do you know that, dear cousin. I could just be excited to spend time with you on your birthday."
Claudia took his drink from him setting it on the table calmly.
"Because, dear cousin, I have known you my whole life. And you are a horrible liar." She reached out catching the sleeve of his coat before he could slip away.
"What is going on, Theo? Everyone is acting strange." She demanded.
Theo let out a squeak unsure of what to say.
"Claudia, stop torturing Theo and come greet your guests. This is your party after all." Called Rowan, Claudia's eldest sister, and heir to the throne.
In Claudia's opinion, Rowan was the most elegant creature that Mahal had ever created. Her long hair was made up of pure strains of sunlight and reminded her of the dawn. Her blue eyes shone like a thousand diamonds. And to make all the matters worse her beauty ran right into her soul. She was kind, well-spoken, and knew how to get exactly what she wanted. She was everything that Claudia wished she could be.
"You're right it is my party, and I should be able to torture Theo if I please."
Rowan rolled her eyes, claiming Claudia's hand as she led her away from her haven. Rowan smiled politely as they made their way through the crowd. And everyone they passed smiled back at her, their eyes shining with their admiration of her older sister. It almost made Claudia want to throw never seemed to inherit this aptitude of charisma as her sisters had. Claudia hated crowds, she always seemed to find herself sneaking away from the stiffed lip Nobles who wished to engage her with silly conversations. Not that anyone desired to have a conversation with her. Out of the three princesses, Claudia was the least fascinating. Rowan was exceptionally smart and witty for her age. She was fluent in khuzdul, common, and Sindarin by the time she was elven. Esteemed elders such as Lord Balin and Lord Ori saw themselves as an equal in education.
"Odette!" Rowan yelled, catching the attention of their youngest sister, who seemed in an enthralling conversation with one of the more handsome guards. Claudia was sure if her Da caught sight of her youngest sister throwing herself all over a guard, he would die. Odette did no wrong in his eyes, she was an angel. Odette flashed a smile and a wink at the guard as she excused herself coming to join her sisters.
"I was in the middle of something, Row. Couldn't have given my five more minutes." Odette whined.
Odette was the spitting image of their grandmother, with an angular, well-defined nose, and distinct Durin eyes. Her hair was the molted color of the sunset, with bright orange flashes weaved in. Her tomboyish streak was reflected in her clothing. Her orange dress stopped at her ankles revealing her work boots as if at any moment she would flee from the party to the confinements of her workshop. Odette's talents lied in her crafts of leatherworking and ironworking. Her talents had presented themselves fairly early on in the dwarven culture. Their father had taken Odette under his wings after she revealed interest in his craft. She was a prodigy in her craft. Then there was Claudia. Claudia was very well-read, and a competent warrior by many standards. But in the shadows of her sisters, her accomplishments seemed inconsequential
"If you mean you were in the middle of acting like a barmaid trying to get a tip, then no, of course, I would not give you five more minutes." Rowan quipped, picking up Odette's wrist with her free hand, her eyes searching the crowd for something.
"Tonight is not about you, Odette." Rowan mothered.
"I wish it was," Claudia muttered.
Rowan ignored her comment, dragging her sisters to the head table. At a table surrounded by bundles of blue tulips and baby breaths set the rest of the members of the royal family. To the far right sat her great-uncle, Thorin, and the family advisor, Balin. Thorin, the former king, was much like Dwalin in many regards. While he acted stoic and intimidating around others, the girls knew that he would do anything for them, all they needed to do was ask. The years had worn on the former king, deep wrinkles dug in his skin and his once raven hair began to grey. He had once claimed that his hair only began to grey after their mother had come into his life. No one disagreed with him.
At the far right sat Claudia's aunt and uncle, Kili, and Tauriel. Kili and Claudia had always been close. When she couldn't come to her parents for advice she would always seek Kili's. Though many did not look at him for wisdom, Claudia did. Claudia knew the lengths of his wisdom and how deeply he cared for his people. That wisdom was hard-earned. The boyish charms of his youth began to weather into sophistication. The golden crown sat atop of his oak-colored hair. In all but height, he and Theodon were one and the same. And then there was Taruriel. Claudia adored her aunt and had learned many things from the elven women. Her skin was unaging and her hair glowed like wildfire under the light of the room. She was the picture of grace at the side of her husband. Strength was exactly who Tauriel was. Kili and Tauriel courtship was not easy, and there had been many obstacles in their way. But with the support of both Thranduil and Erebor royal families, there was no one to stop them.
At the tables' center sat King Fili and Queen Magdalen, holding each other's hands. Rowan, Claudia, and Odette had grown up embarrassed by their parents' affection toward one another. They never seemed to quite grow out of their honeymoon phase. It was not in a dwarves' nature to let affection out so freely when not in the privacy of one's home. But Fili and Magdalen didn't seem to care. Claudia watched as her mother leaned over and whispered something into Uncle Kili's ear, as he nearly choked on his food, while she held her stomach as she laughed.
When Fili caught sight of his three daughters, he stood holding out his arms. Claudia groaned internally, watching as her Da around the table. Her Da wore the raven crown of the king and his finest red robes. Though his demeanor was that of a king, in front of his daughters he was just a goofy parent.
"Oh my girls, Mahal could not make three finer gems!" Fili spoke loud enough to attract the attention of those around them.
Fili scooped the three girls into his arm. Odette squirmed punching at her father's arm. He placed a kiss on each other's heads. Odette yacked in distaste, wiping away Fili's kiss. Rowan laughed at her father's antics. Fili turned to clasp his hand on Claudia, his eyes holding the gleam that her mothers did.
"My baby, you've grown old today." He smiled.
Claudia rolled her eyes, trying to escape her father's grasp.
"Da I'm twenty-two, stop." She pleaded a red flush touching her cheeks.
Fili clasped his hands around Claudia's dragging her to the dance floor. "Dance with me." He yelled, already spinning her into the first move.
The floor soon emptied leaving just the pair to dance their way around. Claudia clung to her father trying to ignore the feel of all eyes on her. Fili didn't seem to notice at all, his eyes were only focused on his daughter in front of him.
"I can't believe you are twenty-two, Claudia. You were only two yesterday." Fili commented sappily.
He spun Claudia out and into his arm. "But I will always be your little girl." She whispered to her father, hoping no one else could hear her embarrassing confession.
Fili and Claudia swayed to the music. "You will be. You have your whole life to find adventure, but no matter where you go. This place will always be your home." He said firmly to her. Though Claudia thought that the affirming words were more for her father than herself.
Claudia placed her head on Fili's shoulder and swayed. Claudia had always been her father's daughter.
"I love you, Gehyith. And will always support your choices." Claudia pulled back, looking up to see the misty eyes of her father.
She knew Fili would not shed a tear, but the startling sight of the misty shook her. Why was everyone worried about her choices? She was not involved in any council decisions, so why had people kept bringing up the choices she would have to make when there were none to be made. Fili bowed, breaking Claudia's thoughts. Claudia grabbed her skirt and curtsied to the king.
Fili reached out and held up Claudia's hand. Two drinks were handed to Fili and Claudia. Tapping on his glass the crowd fell quiet.
"To my dear Claudia, may you be blessed with the spirit of the day, which is peace. The joy of the day, which is a promise. And the heart of the day, which is love." Fili raised a glass, and everyone cheered.
Claudia raised her glass, throwing back the ale in the most unladylike fashion. Slamming her drink down, she turned to find Theo, ready for the real party to begin. Though when she turned it was not her cousin she found. Two familiar brown eyes stared down at her, smiling a smile that made her stomach do flips.
"Brand!" She yelled happily.
Claudia smiled, wrapping her arms around Brand's board shoulders as he lifted her into the air. He sat her down, his free hand reaching up to play with her free curls. Brand adored her hair and enjoyed it most when it was down, though it was rarely found out of her usual ponytail.
"You said you couldn't come tonight!" She cheered, pulling back from Brand's grasp.
"I wanted to surprise you, my love." Brand pressed a kiss into Claudia's cheek
Claudia laughed, tapping Brand's defined shoulder. "You certainly did! I was never cross at the thought of you not here." She admitted.
Brand bowed his head, chuckling at her quip. "I wanted to surprise you with your present." He said taking her hand in his.
Claudia tilted her head, confused that he would gift her something in front of everyone. Brand knew how much Claudia loved her privacy.
"Claudia, I have known you since we were children. When we first met you were a conceited little know it all, and not much has changed."
Chuckles erupted from the crowd.
Claudia's cheer disposition slowly began to fade at the tone of his words. Her chest restricted painfully as he continued on.
"But I have changed for the better, because of you, my love." His fingers rubbed circles into her hands, she knew it was meant to be a soothing gesture but it had only intensified her anxiety.
"And I hope that we can keep changing, together, for the rest of our lives."
Brand began lowering to his knee, and Claudia's heart stopped. Her eyes bugged out and her fingers reached out to dig into Brand's skin trying to keep him on both feet. Turning she flashed a smile to the adoring faces surrounding them while clenching her teeth and hissing at Brand.
"No, no, no."
He ignored her pleads, pulling a ring from his pocket. Thin golden vines circled around itself. Two twin diamonds glitter on either side of the largest emerald gem she had ever seen. The depths of green moved like dancing grass on a windy summer day. Claudia looked between the ring and Brand, all words, both Khuzdul and Common, were lost on her.
"Princess Claudia of Erebor, will you do the honor of being my wife?" Brand flashed his charming smile.
The entire room leaned in awaiting the princess's answer. Claudia felt as if she had swallowed stones, she had never wished more than for the floor to swallow her whole. Claudia broke her gaze from Brand, and looked to where her family stood. Rowan looked as if she had just heard the loveliest news of her life, as she smiled sweetly at the couple. Beside her, both Odette and Theo looked as if they were about to burst with laughter. Thorin and Dwalin looked stoic, but still eagerly awaiting her answer just like everyone else. And then there were her parents, they stood closest to her. Hope glowed in her father's eyes. Brand was a good match for Claudia, and she knew that.
He was kind, smart, and compassionate. Where Claudia was quick-tempered, Brand was slowed to anger. At Brand's side, Claudia would become Queen of Dale and ensure peace between the two kingdoms for generations. They had known each other for years. Brand had been her first in many loved Brand. It all should be so simple, and yet Claudia could not produce the desired answer. Claudia's eyes moved to her mothers. Magdalen met Claudia's gaze, there was a storm brewing that was just as intense as the one inside of Claudia. Magdalen bowed her head at Claudia. Her parents would never force her into a marriage she did not wish for. They wanted her to be happy, and they thought Brand made her happy. Claudia wasn't sure what would make her happy.
There was a small tugging on her hand, pulling her attention back to Brand. He held the ring closer to Claudia.
She finally spoke.
"Can we speak in private?"