Arranged Fate
A/N- Welcome to part two of the madness before the wedding. I do hope you all enjoy Kili's side to this.
Disclaimer- I don't own the Hobbit or Lord of the Rings, but man do I own my OC's and the story in this.
'thoughts'
Enjoy please.
=^..^=
Chapter 5:
One week of Madness- Side B
He felt like he was jumping out of his skin, he'd hardly been able to sleep that first night. Grudgingly after a bout of ribbing and wrestling with his brother he was finally able to nod off.
Today though was the day. He would be a married man before the day was out. Looking over at his brother where he slept, half on his bed and half off of it, Kili wondered what sleeping with Ochre would be like. Did she snore? Did she shift a lot in her sleep? Would she cuddle? Would his headache go away in time?
Feeling his cheeks begin to heat he shook off his thoughts, pushing away all the beginnings of perverted thoughts. He regretted moving his head immediately, the night before still affecting him. He wished briefly to stay where he was until the effects full wore off, but he knew that wasn't possible.
Instead he stood and began to prepare himself for a very long and hopefully very happy day.
The day after they had been in the forge, Kili could think of nothing but that kiss he'd stolen from Ochre. She'd reacted well to it but he had been hard pressed to hide what he was truly feeling.
He had awoken feeling lethargic and listless. All he wanted to do was stay in bed and think on all Ochre had spoken to him about. All she had said in those few hours they had been alone. He looked over to his bedside table at the small box that held the ring and beads he'd crafted.
He still found it hard to believe he'd done it.
So lost in thoughts he was he failed to hear his door open and someone enter. At least until he was struck in the back of the head by something hard. "What the..." whirling he intended to glare whoever it was to death. Only to freeze when he saw Thorin and Balin.
"We have things to discuss. Dress and let us depart." Grudgingly Kili did as his uncle commanded, once he was deemed ready to go, he followed Thorin and Balin from his chambers and through the many corridors of the mountain.
Finally he was lead into a library like room. There were more books than anything else in the room. Balin went to a buried desk and moved several books away. He then pulled out a large and old looking piece of parchment. It took him a bit to unfold it, but when he had Kili could see it was an outline of Erebor. It showed where all the developed places in the mountain were.
Kili looked at it in awe, surprised once more by the grandeur of the place they now called their home. "Well?" Blinking Kili looked up at Thorin in confusion. "Well what?"
Thorin looked annoyed as he pressed a finger down on the map, "Choose the location of your future home." Completely out to sea, Kili looked between Balin and Thorin. "What?" Balin laughed, "I see you remember little of what I taught you about the marriage traditions and customs of our people."
Kili flushed red in embarrassment. Thorin stepped in at that. "Choose where you and Ochre shall build your lives. These are the unoccupied areas of the royal wing. Choose and then we shall get it ready by week's end."
Blinking, Kili bent over the table and took a better look at the map and the area's his uncle had indicated. There was a spot that had a large sitting area in it and thinking Ochre might like the extra space, he tapped the map. "Here."
Balin made a note on a pad of paper he held and nodded his head. "Not a bad choice. Not too far away from your current home. Shouldn't be too hard to straighten it out and set a guard detail if needed." Thorin nodded in agreement.
"It is decided then. You can go Kili. We shall take care of the particulars." Kili bowed his head and did his best to not run from the room. Once outside he took off down the corridor. Slowly he was remembering what Balin was speaking about. The marriage traditions and customs.
He'd remembered the ring and beads. But not the having a home to house himself and Ochre. He'd thought little on all this. Deciding he needed to think he went by his room and picked up his bow. He then he went to grab a quick breakfast from the kitchens.
As soon as he finished eating he made his way to the training grounds. He waved off the guards that started to follow him before he continued on his way. Upon reaching the part of the field where a target was set up, Kili began to practice. He let his mind wander over what had happened and what was going to happen.
He'd been deep in his thoughts when he heard his name called out. Lowering his bow he turned to see Ochre, she'd come with a bow as well. She looked expectant and he quickly realized what had happened. His mother did love to meddle in his life.
He challenged her to a contest, curious to see what her skills were. It soon turned in her favor and he gave in to the inevitable, she won the challenge. He wouldn't ever admit to letting her win though, seeing the look of surprise and pleasure on her face was enough to make it worth it.
Seeing that night had fallen he was about to offer to take her home when Bofur had appeared and taken her back with him. Kili had watched her go with mixed emotions. A feeling that stayed with him as he retired for the night as well.
The next morning he had attempted to sleep in but his brother had taken it upon himself to wake him. Via a bucket of water.
Jerking out of a rather nice dream, which to his surprise had Ochre in it, Kili growled at his brother before leaping at him. They wrestled for a good few minutes before finally both collapsed out of exhaustion. After a few moments of rest, Fili slapped him on the shoulder.
"Let's go. We've got a date." Kili blinked in surprise before he dressed and followed his brother to the entrance of Erebor. Standing there were Falin and Ochre, both held baskets and Kili almost shook his head at his brother's look of delight. 'I should have known.'
Fili took Falin's arm and Kili took Ochre's, Fili and Falin then lead the way down the side of the mountain and around it to a small pond and grassy area. One of the very few places that had avoided Smaug's wrath. It was a spot that he and Fili had found in the weeks after the battle of five armies ended. Both had been bored and wanted to explore their new home, this place had become like a secret hideout for them.
Now it would belong to all four of them. He looked at Ochre as she took in the small slice of green, her eyes lit up as she looked up at him, a smile on her lips. He felt his heart jerk in his chest and froze, watching as the others moved to set up their little picnic. 'What was that? Is it what I think it was?'
He was snapped out of his daze when an apple was thrown at his face. Being a trained warrior his reflexes allowed him to catch the apple before it hit him, but it was a surprise none the less. Ochre laughed at the look on his face even as she held out a small platter that she had piled high with the food she and Falin had brought with them.
Unable to turn down a free meal, Kili dug in and at every last scrap off the platter. When he'd finished Ochre had reached out with a small handkerchief and dabbed at his face where he'd likely smeared some of his food. He admitted even to himself that he wasn't a very dainty eater, never had been.
His face began to turn red at her ministrations and when she finally seemed to finish and moved away his brother came over. The look alone on his face was enough to have Kili narrowing his eyes in warning, he knew what his brother was up to and he didn't like it. Not one bit.
Not swayed by the look he had received, Fili cuffed his brother on the shoulder and said. "Enjoying the mothering aren't you."
Next thing Kili knew he was on his brother, trying mightily to bury his face in the dirt. Fili gave as good as he got though and once again Kili lost the impromptu wrestling match to his elder brother. Fili crowed about it, even turning to Falin with a grin and demanding a reward. Kili just felt depressed.
'Will I ever win against him? Will I ever be good enough...never was growing up. I bet even Ochre is disappointed in me for loosing so easily.' He watched with a heavy heart as his brother accepted Falin's offered kiss, sealing him as the victor of their 'battle.'
Suddenly he felt a soft wetness to his cheek that sparked heat throughout his body, looking down he saw Ochre. She was looking at him with soft eyes, eyes full of love. His body broke out in warmth at that look and he felt all his depressing thoughts fly away. All except one, which he kept in his heart and mind as they had returned to the mountain.
This same thought filled his mind as he bedded down for the night. 'If I have her love, nothing else matters. But, do I truly?'
The third day he found himself up earlier than normal and felt almost eager for the day. He wasn't sure if it was the previous day's events or a good night's rest, but he was up before his brother and set out to accomplish something today.
He needed to craft Ochre a courting gift.
As he dressed he reached for the leather knife sheath that Ochre had given him, he'd loved it the moment he'd laid eyes on it. It was a labor of love to get leather to braid in such a fashion and having the metals she used to fuse it together, she truly had spent a great deal of time and effort upon it. He owed her no less.
Having made up his mind, he quickly secured it to his left arm and finished dressing as quickly as he could. Once ready, he rushed from his room, narrowly missing Ori in the hall. He called a brief greeting before rushing on his way.
To make what he had in mind he needed all the time he could get.
The first place he stopped was the forge, sighting Vor he hurried over. "There you are. I need your help Vor." The elderly man turned to look at him in surprise, "your highness, hadn't been expecting ye down 'ere again so soon. What can I be helpin' ye with?"
Kili lit up at this as he explained what he had in mind. Vor was more than willing to assist him in gathering all the needed materials and before long Kili was at the forge, casting his gift into reality. After he had finished the basic cast, he went about setting the stones and the final touches. This took him a good part of the day and by the time he had finished his work, he was tired and hungry.
So he made his way back up to the halls determined to find himself something to tide him over until dinner. As he'd rounded the corner to move into the main kitchen, he ran straight into someone. He stopped himself before he fell back and reached out to catch the person in front of him.
When he got a better look he was surprised when he saw that it was Ochre. He smiled at her and answered her inquires of why he was there. She then answered his own as they entered the kitchens and saw poor Bombur.
He'd planned on nicking a meal then going out to practice with his bow, but seeing Ochre being who she was and offering her help. He just couldn't stop himself from offering his own services as well. Seeing the look of joy and gratitude on Ochre's face made the next few hours worth it.
Being unable to focus only on the tasks laid before them, Kili did the only thing he could think of and began to sing, a habit he'd learned from his own mother when she'd have to do housework. Once they had helped Bombur enough that he could handle the remaining work himself, Kili dutifully escorted Ochre back to her lodgings.
After bidding her a good night he returned to his own and ran into both his mother and brother. They had been looking for him for a while now. Knowing he wouldn't be able to head to bed without answering their questions, Kili sat down at the table and spoke of his day.
When he'd gotten to his making of the courting gift he was bombarded with a duel, "I want to see it!" So feeling very self conscious, Kili pulled out the box and opened it with shaking hands. He looked between the two and was curious to see their reactions, considering he'd never been the best at crafting such as this he was nervous.
Fili moved over and slapped him on the back, hard. "Well done little brother. I believe she will like it very much." Dis nodded her head in agreement, "yes, yes she will. Make sure you do not wait forever to give it to her." Kili closed the box and slid it back into the pocket he'd taken it from. He looked up at his mother and brother, "I will try, and I've just...never made something like this before. I am not sure how to present it to her, but I will try."
Dis rolled her eyes as she placed a plate of potatoes and a meat loaf before him. "The right time doesn't always come, so try to make one if you can. Now eat and off to bed with you. Remember tomorrow your uncle has requested you two to oversee the re-opening of one of the lower mine shafts. Better to be well rested."
With that Dis took her leave. Kili and Fili stayed awake long enough to eat and wash up. Tomorrow indeed would be a long and hard day. Kili fell asleep rather quickly that night and had a pleasant dream about soap bubbles and Ochre's smile.
His next day, the fourth day began very early.
Before even dawn had broken, Dwalin had barged into the room and had booted both Fili and Kili from their beds. He demanded they meet him outside in two minutes or else. Having been trained for a good two decades by Dwalin, both Fili and Kili knew that it had been no idle threat put forth and dutifully did as they were told.
Once they had emerged they were off.
Thorin had made a plan of which parts of the mines to re-open and which to wait on or which to seal off once and for all. After all these years since they had been in full use, many of the shafts had fallen into severe disrepair. Some had even begun to collapse in upon themselves.
They made it to the current shaft under work in good time. A group of thirty had been assigned to Fili, Kili, and Dwalin. All were accounted for when they arrived and soon their work began.
It was the feel of the rocks as he moved them that had Kili pausing mid motion. Something wasn't right. He could feel it in his bones. Narrowing his eyes he looked down the tunnel at the fourteen dwarrow whom were hard at work with pickaxes and chisels. Another four were souring up the sides of the tunnel with boards and long nails, nails meant to be hammered into rock.
A trembling sensation started at his feet and Kili let out a loud cry, "get out!" But as the ground shook beneath him he knew he'd been too late. If only he'd heeded his first feelings, something Thorin and even his mother had told him was the mountain whispering to him.
All around him chaos ensued as several dwarrow ran past him towards the tunnels entrance, Dwalin was already out, while his brother Fili was further in. Gritting his teeth as a large bolder fell and landed a glancing blow across his shoulder, Kili ran deeper into the collapsing tunnel shouting all the while. "Fili! Fili!"
Sighting him just a bit further ahead Kili put on a burst of speed and helped to grab the injured man Fili was trying to drag back to the entrance. His brother had gotten a cut across his cheek and it was dripping down his chin, but he paid it no mind as they both picked up the elder dwarrow between them and carried the man from the tunnel.
Behind them both felt the air and dust as the tunnel collapsed completely, Kili heard a loud squelching noise and turned just in time to see a younger dwarrow around his age get crushed by the falling debris. His arm was outstretched towards them and once the tunnel grew silent, that was all of him that was visible.
Kili felt his gut churn and took a deep breath to keep himself from getting sick. He'd seen worse in the battle of five armies, but this was different. This was someone he had known, maybe not very well but knew none the less. In the end it was the thought that he hadn't been able to save the other that truly made him feel ill.
Feeling Dwalin's strong hand grip his shoulder, Kili looked to him. "Do not let it fester Lad. There was nothing for it; tunnels are fickle things after all. Now, let's get everyone to Oin and get them looked after. Then we will tell Thorin what happened. I left someone in charge to tally the wounded and dead."
Kili nodded but couldn't help but ask, "What did happen Dwalin? I felt the trembling of the ground and then it all happened so swiftly." Dwalin crossed his arms and looked about at the others whom had made it out, injured and uninjured alike. "There must have been a pocket of air above us, when the hammering began it collapsed. A natural occurrence when mining this deep. Now let's be off."
Falling into step Kili grabbed the arm of one of the injured and helped support them as he followed Dwalin to the infirmary. Once he'd gotten the man there, he hurried back and continued to help several more make it to Oin's in one piece.
Kili was exhausted by the time everyone had been accounted for, the injured and dead alike. He'd sat down for a moment when he heard shouting, looking around he sighted his mother and smiled. She looked panicked as she shouted out both his name and his brothers. Kili moved to get up when she'd reached him but her hands forced him back down, he winced as she gave him a thorough once over.
Once she was sure he was alright she let out a sigh, Kili was about to speak when she swatted him upside the head. Blinking in shock he straightened up as he took in his mother's darkened eyes. "Don't you ever do that to me again!"
"He is sorry Amad, we both are." Hearing Fili's voice, Kili turned his head. His brother had three stitches on his face where he'd been cut. Dis saw this and rushed over; she reached up and cupped his cheeks. Kili watched with a wounded expression, this was how it always had been. Fili was his mother's favorite, he knew this well.
Sighing he turned and was about to leave when he sighted Dwalin, the other waved him over and he hurried to his side. "Thorin wishes to speak with us now." Kili turned his head and shouted, "Fili! Uncle wants to see us!"
Fili gave their mother a quick hug before he hurried over to join them, once he'd reached them Dwalin turned and lead them out. It didn't take them long to reach their Uncle's study, they found Thorin examining a couple maps with a disgruntled looking Gloin next to him.
"But your majesty!" Thorin waved off Gloin's words, "I've made my decision, now get it done." Gloin reluctantly bowed his head and moved past the three of them as they entered the room. Fili flashed him a sympathetic look as he shut the door behind them.
Kili crossed his arms and leaned back against the wall, feeling depressed. Thorin seemed to notice his behavior and gave him a pointed look. Kili straightened up at that, "Now, tell me what occurred down in those tunnels? Dwalin?"
So began the explanation of that morning's events and when all three had finished their recounting Thorin leant back in his chair and looked grim. "I knew that it would be a risk trying to reopen tunnels that deep but that doesn't condone the death's that choice has incurred. Dwalin, seal off that tunnel for now. We will bolster the tunnels that are in better condition first, and then we can try again deeper down."
Dwalin nodded his head and left the office, "Fili, take this to Balin. I want the two of you to inform the families of those who lost their lives. Make sure you both inform them of what I have written within this note, am I understood?" Fili nodded and took the offered paper; he flashed Kili a wink and then left, leaving Kili and Thorin alone.
Kili shifted as he looked at his uncle, "what do you want me to do?" Thorin stood at that and motioned for Kili to follow him. He lead him down several tunnels and back to the family wing. Confused Kili was about to ask what was going on when Thorin stopped and waved at the door before him, "go on then, look it over." Kili blinked before he entered the room and did as Thorin had asked.
The place was large and clean. It looked newly furbished. That was all it took for Kili to realize what was going on. This was the place he had chosen for himself and Ochre. It seemed his Uncle was true to his word. Turning Kili bowed his head, "thank you uncle, I know Ochre and I will be very happy here."
Thorin looked contemplative for a moment before he spoke, "Are you ready to chose a staff for your household, I've had Balin and Bofur gather those whom are eligible." Kili just stared at his uncle, shocked on more than one level.
"No offence Uncle but I want to do that after the wedding. Ochre deserves to have a choice in this matter." Kili crossed his arms at that and when Thorin looked ready to say something he stopped him, "That's my final say Uncle. Now please excuse me. I have some things I need to do."
Kili didn't even wait to hear an answer; he just stomped out of the room and back down the hall. He hadn't lied; he had other things he intended to do now that his future home was ready. It wasn't in his nature to do things half-way after all.
So for the next few hours Kili proceeded to move everything he owned into his new residence. He didn't leave anything behind; he was determined to make it a home he and Ochre could be proud of. What he didn't realize until he'd finished moving everything was just how masculine the place had become. He decided then and there that before he married Ochre he would at least attempt to bring some feminine touches to their home.
Content with this course of action he sought out his mother. He found her with Bombur in the kitchens and as he approached he overheard part of their conversation. "...one. It has been almost two whole hours since either were seen last. Do you have any idea where they could have possibly gone?"
Bombur shook his head looking troubled himself, "I haven't the slightest idea my lady. Last I saw of her was this morning, I have no idea at all about Lady Falin." Kili interrupted at that. "What's happened? Who's missing? Ochre?" Dis looked at him apprehensively as if she wasn't sure of how he'd react to what she was about to say. Truth be told, Kili wasn't sure of that either.
"Ochre and Falin were last seen almost two hours ago. The stable hands say they ventured forth on two ponies towards Dale. Dwalin is about to lead a party of men to go looking for them. I have been trying to see if anyone knew what their plans were." Dis took a deep breath at the end of her explanation and waited to see how her son would react. He didn't disappoint.
Turning Kili looked at the two before him, "please save something for Ochre and I. I'm going to join Dwalin in his search. We'll find them, do not worry mother." He then sprinted from the room hurrying towards the stables, which was the likeliest place to find Dwalin. He made sure to take deep breaths and keep himself calm, not wanting to panic.
When he reached the stables he saw Dwalin and a half a dozen men saddling ponies. He was about to call out to Dwalin when one of the men let out a cry, all eyes turned towards where it came from. Kili felt a wave of pure relief flood through him when he sighted Ochre atop a black and white mare. She didn't look harmed in any way; in fact she looked rather cheerful.
Unable to remain still any longer he walked at a brisk pace until he was steps away from her. Then he just acted. Lifting her he stared up at her, feeling so many things all at once. He told her he'd been looking for her and savored her warmth as she hugged him. He wouldn't admit it out loud but he was getting addicted to that warmth.
Pleased on many levels to hear she'd liked Bard and his family, Kili felt it would be better to wait on opening his gift to them. Remembering his request of his mother and her uncle, Kili promptly lead her away to attempt to glean some alone time with her before the night was over.
The meal was pleasant and he was glad he'd thought of getting it set aside. When it came time to take her home he took his chance and gave her his gift. He felt super nervous and was worried she wouldn't like it. Then came her kiss and everything else melted away.
All that was left was her warmth once more and Kili knew that if he didn't care deeply for her now, he definitely would soon. These were the thoughts that filled his mind as he spent his first night in his new home, dreaming of when it would be filled with Ochre's warmth.
This was when he remembered his idea of buying some things for Ochre to have here and made a mental note to seek his mother out in the morning. He then let himself drift off to sleep; content he'd be able to make this marriage work, somehow.
The next morning he started out early. He had many things he wished to accomplish, least of which was making his new home more...feminine.
His first stop was to find his mother which he had no luck in; she'd already left with Ochre to do whatever it was they were doing. So he'd gone with his second option. Falin at least was home when he knocked on her door.
She looked surprised to see him until he explained to her his quandary. She began laughing so hard he was afraid she would tumble off her chair. It took her a few minutes before she was calmed enough to speak, she smiled ear to ear at him the whole time. "Of course I'll help. Now what first?"
Kili shrugged his shoulders at that, unable to answer. He didn't have any true idea of just what would be appropriate or not. Falin seemed to understand as she shook her head and stood. "Let's be off then. We both have a long day ahead of us."
So he followed where she lead. They went to the shops that had been set up at the foot of the mountain, as well as several that were in the city of Dale itself. Kili was surprised with all that they looked at and all that they found. So far he had not found anything that jumped out at him, most of the day had already passed.
Kili was just starting to doubt he'd find anything when Falin grabbed his arm and drug him towards a small stall. An elder lady was setting out cups and cooking implements, Falin pointed at the design and Kili saw what had drawn her. He bought all the woman's wares without a second glance.
Feeling like he'd made a good effort to make Ochre more comfortable in their new home, Kili decided to head back and reading his behavior easily; Falin didn't say a word and just followed along.
When they returned though his brother was waiting for them, he pulled them both inside quickly and filled them in on what had happened while they had been gone. Kili felt a quiet rage boiling in the back of his mind at the very thought of Ochre being harmed, but he forced it down in favor of demanding to see her.
At the same time he felt guilty for not protecting Ochre better but he forced this feeling aside as well. He followed Fili as they made their way down the halls, seeing Thorin, Dwalin and his mother, Kili quickened his pace. As they reached Dis, Dwalin and Thorin, Kili heard something about a maid.
Thorin turned to them and gave Kili a sad look, "From what Dis tells me, Ochre is fine. She just has broken out in a harsh rash across her form. Falin, I need you to go to her chambers and have it prepared." Falin bowed and flashed Kili and Fili a soft smile before she hurried off to do as Thorin had requested.
"Come, let's go see Ochre and see if we can get to the bottom of this." With Thorin's words they all followed him as they made their ways to the kitchens. Dis explained that she was trying to control how many knew of the incident by keeping Ochre there. Something they all agreed was a good idea.
Kili was taking deep breaths by the time they had reached the kitchens and Fili having seen this placed his hand on his shoulder and squeezed, hard. "Kili, calm down. Ochre is alright, Oin is looking her over right now. She will be fine."
Nodding his head, Kili closed his eyes for a moment and sighed, "I'll be fine Fili. I just need to see her myself." Fili clapped his back at that, "And so you shall, we will find out who did this to her Kili." Kili smiled tentatively at him, "thanks Fili."
Moments later they entered the back room of the kitchens. Ochre was sitting with Oin, whom was smearing a cream onto her skin while she played a game of cards with her Uncle. Kili took one look at her and couldn't stop himself from hurrying over to her side before he could prevent himself he reached out to touch her, only to cause her to cry out in pain. Feeling bad Kili prepared to back away, seeing his gift in her hair made his heart jump and he had to show her the gift she'd given him.
Her reaction surprised him though. He didn't know how to deal with her tears but when she'd leapt at him, he held her close. He felt his heart clench as her tears soaked into his tunic, Thorin's voice had him tightening his grip momentarily.
As Thorin asked her about what had happened, Kili decided he needed to find a way to have her guarded when he wasn't around. He made a silent note to speak with his uncle about it as soon as he possibly could. Then he heard his uncles words and felt relieved, his uncle was one step ahead of him. He gripped Ochre's shoulder as she turned to speak with his uncle once more.
Fili stepped up next to him and he felt glad of his brother's support. After everyone had been given their assignments Kili felt his cheeks flush at his brother's comment and wink. He couldn't help but laugh when he caught Ochre's eyes afterword. They then began to leave and seeing Yinir, one of Dwalin's men, Kili was about to ask what he wanted when he explained his presence.
Kili narrowed his eyes when Ochre replied, feeling a wave of jealousy surge through him. He made sure to lead her off towards her home as quickly as possible after that. Soon after, he knew that it was time to leave so that Ochre could rest and he couldn't decide whether he should kiss her goodbye or not. He opted to give her a kiss on the forehead and left.
His mother quickly bid him goodnight before she rushed off on her own path, this confused Kili a little but he returned to his home as well. When he reached it he found several packages inside one he recognized as the ware's he'd purchased but the rest he wasn't sure.
He looked at them for a long few moments before he shook his head and headed for bed. He'd worry about unpacking those packages in the morning. Feeling bone tired he fell asleep almost as soon as his head hit his pillow.
The next morning he spent a good hour doing nothing but unpacking. He found himself in awe as he took in all the items that lay before him once he'd finished. Cloth, sewing materials, clothing, small vases of varying designs, and several other things as well.
The final package had a note inside it, this one had a box. One that was carved from obsidian and its hinges were made with rose gold. Kili knew Ochre would absolutely love it.
Unfolding the note he began to read.
Kili, when you enlisted me to help you. I went ahead and enlisted some help of my own. Only fair I'd say. Fili got the vases, Bofur provided the cloth and sewing odds and ends. Bifur some of the clothes. The box is from myself and my uncle Balin. He made it himself. We all are happy to help you in this endeavor. Falin.
Kili felt a smile curl his lips as he looked once more at all the items before him. With that smile he spent the next few minutes putting everything away. Everything except the box, he placed it on the main table in the room along with the gift from Bard. They would be the first things he and Ochre would open and look at after they married. He made sure to place the letter with the items as well.
This done he left to seek out his uncle, he wanted to see if anything had been discovered about the incident the day before. He found his uncle in his study reading something. He knocked on the side of the doorframe to gain Thorin's attention.
When he looked up he motioned Kili forward. "I was about to send for you. Have you finished your preparations for tomorrow?" Kili blinked, "preparations?" Thorin chuckled and Kili felt his face heat in embarrassment. "Why am I not surprised. Kili, first you need to have your wedding gift ready. Second, your clothes must be ready. Third, you must have your chamber prepared for the bedding ceremony."
Kili went pale at the third one, he'd forgotten completely about that blasted ceremony. "Uncle must we still go through with that barbaric ritual?" Thorin just gave him a look and Kili had his answer, "fine, but I only want those of the company to be there. Alright?"
"Agreed. Now, what about the other items I mentioned?" Thorin raised a brow but Kili waved him off, "I need to know about yesterday. Was the truth discovered? Do we know who did this to Ochre?" Thorin tapped the table as he looked at Kili, "Yes, it was one of the dam's from Erid Luin as suspected. She has been sent back to the Blue Mountains and is never allowed to return to Erebor."
Kili cursed as he kicked at nothing, he stomped over to slouch into the chair nearest the table. He crossed his arms over his chest, "I would have liked a moment alone with her." Thorin sighed as he shook his head, "I know you would lad, but that is not how things work anymore. We are royalty and must uphold a sense of dignity for our people. She has been punished, anything else would be considered vindictive. Let it go Kili, Ochre is fine and tomorrow, she shall be your wife. Think on that."
Rubbing his hands over his face, Kili shook his head. "Trust me Thorin; I've been thinking on nothing else this past week. I just...I don't know if I'll make her a good husband. I am going to try my best, but..." When no more words were forthcoming, Thorin prompted him. "But?"
Leaning back in the chair Kili looked up at the ceiling, "but what if she is disappointed in me? What if I fail her, like I did yesterday?" The scraping of a chair had Kili straightening up; Thorin had come over to him. Next thing he knew Thorin had hit him upside the head, hard.
He then gripped Kili's shoulders hard and narrowed his eyes at him, "you are about to be married Kili. Stop being a child. Yesterday wasn't within your power to prevent, even I did not know of it until it had happened. I am King and I knew nothing. Now enough of this foolishness. Time to get you ready for your wedding tomorrow. Come."
Thorin waved at Kili to follow him as he strode from the room.
Their first stop was the treasure vaults, Thorin pointed at the mountains of gold and precious jewels and said. "Choose a few gems, and then we shall craft your wedding gift." Kili did as commanded and quickly found what he believed Ochre would like. Thorin nodded his approval and then took him bellow to the Forges.
The two of them then forged a matching necklace and headdress. Once this was done, Thorin took Kili to the seamstresses he'd employed for the wedding. He knew his nephew hadn't thought much on the traditions and such; it was just the way he was. So Thorin had been prepared for this outcome.
Thorin left Kili with the group of Dam's, promising to return in a few hours time. He intended to get the preparations for the bedding ceremony taken care of while Kili was distracted.
Kili on the other hand soon felt like a pin cushion. He had only had to wear formal attire once, when his uncle had been crowned King. But that attire had been mostly what they had at hand, none of this making it from scratch stuff.
He felt a bit disappointed in himself for not thinking about all these details sooner, but he'd been distracted and preoccupied. Not to mention, before all of this he had never thought he would ever marry. Considering how he'd been treated by women since he was old enough to peruse them and even before that. This was still very new to him and he hadn't gotten completely used to the idea yet.
So as he stood there arms up and legs apart, Kili distracted himself from the poking and prodding of the women around him by thinking back on all he could remember of what he'd been taught about the wedding ceremony. He knew there were words that Thorin, as king, had to recite. That he and Ochre had to exchange one of their beads and the rings.
He also recalled something about presenting a wedding gift after they had said their vows. It was a symbol of his ability to provide his bride with nice things, one that the entire congregation would witness. He reminded himself to thank Thorin for helping him out once more like this.
The hours soon passed and as the women finished their measuring, poking and prodding, Thorin returned, Fili and Dwalin in tow. All three were armed and Kili lit up upon seeing them. He knew what this meant and couldn't be happier.
It had been a long time since they had sparred with one another after all.
Thorin lead them out to the practice field and they spent almost the rest of the day sparring and wrestling. Getting out their frustrations and such the best way possible through physical means. Kili felt exhausted by the time they had finished but he also felt lighter in mind and in spirit.
They soon returned inside for dinner and Kili was pleased to find all of his companions on the quest, save Bilbo, waiting. They had prepared several casks of ale and some hearty meats in celebration of Kili's final night as a bachelor. As he looked around him, Kili felt that he was ready for tomorrow and all the days to come. As long as he had family and friends like these to help support him, he and Ochre would be alright.
These were the final fuzzy thoughts in his mind as he passed out from trying to out drink Fili and Dwalin.
A/N- There you have it, Kili's side. I hope you all enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed writing it.
The wedding is next. I cannot wait, I am already writing it as you read this.
Please continue to join me on this journey and as always...
May the Fluff Be with You!
=^..^=