With Durin's Day a few days away, Dis, Fili, Kili and Shobha visited Denin, who also was their seamstress. After previously describing a Sari and then sketching one, which promptly brought a wicked smile to the faces of both Dis and Denin, today was the day they would have their final fittings.
Denin, must have been one of the most successful of the seamstresses, as her shop was rather large, with many fitting rooms and several large waiting areas fitted with many soft padded armchairs and sofas and large mirrors from various angles. Even by modern designer standards it would have been considered high-end luxury.
Fili and Kili had disappeared into two fitting rooms, opposite to Dis and Shobha. The Sari was stunning indeed. Dis and Denin had chosen navy blue silk again for her, with the blouse extending to just above the naval at the waist, and the lower petticoat beginning just below, so there was just enough exposed waist at the front, while at the back the blouse had been scandalously cut up, almost exposing all of her back, with lacing to tease the eye. The blouse was embroidered with gold, the sleeves were long and sheer and, the neckline and back had delicate gold edging. And the sash that was draped again was a sheer material with simple gold patterns. Dis had wanted more of her waist bare, but Shobha had preferred to cause less of a stir, and felt this would be scandalous enough. And Fili had corrected her stating, quite matter-of-factly that most of the other dams would be dressed far more scandalously as they were all hoping to attract a husband.
The Sari fit perfectly, she stepped out of her changing room, to find Dis and the two princes admiring themselves and each other in the many mirrors. When they noticed her they all spun around to face her, showering her with compliments.
"This is perfect! Ooooh and the colours are so rich – it really suits you!" Dis exclaimed. "Come on then, spin around so we can see your back!"
She obliged with a spin and as she returned back to face them found both Kili and Fili staring, mouths agape, and Dis grinning from ear to ear.
"Exactly the response I was aiming for!" Dis clipped the princes around their heads.
Dis had a stunning dress on in a deep lavender shade, with rich silver embroidery, and a rather plunging neckline – she looked like a designer Queen of Hearts. Fili and Kili once again wore matching deep blue suits with mithril edging.
The curtain to the central mirrored area was drawn back slightly as Thorin appeared with Dwalin following. They too had arranged to have fittings of their suits concurrently to Dis, so she would give them her opinion. She immediately huffed and went dashing at them pushing them back out.
"You can't come in here brother- you cant see Shobha! We are trying out some clothes!" She pushed them all out.
"Its not a wedding… we have to try ours on too Dis," Thorin complained, his baritone voice rumbling.
"No Thorin, you can ALL wait. We will be done in a few moments – Denin! Denin! Look at these Dwarrows there are going to ruin everything!"
"Not to worry my lady, come on your Majesty, my Lords – use these fittings rooms here and we will have you ready in no time." They heard Denin reply.
Dis then appeared back through the curtains.
"Come on Shobha – lets get you changed back," Dis ushered her back into her changing room and started helping with removing the sash and holding it like she were a hand maid. "Thorin is such an impatient man!"
"Well, I'm sure he has many things to get on with…"
"Nonsense! He will have a few moments he can spare." Then taking the sash she stepped out. "Hand me your garments as you remove them, dear, I am just outside your curtain…"
"Thank you Dis – but you really don't need to wait on me."
"Actually Shobha, I wanted to ask you…" Dis held her hand in through the curtain without opening it waiting to accept the blouse. "Thorin said that Gandalf will see you on Durin's Day about getting you back home… well – look I don't know how to ask this so I will just go ahead: If Gandalf says he can return you back – will you choose to go home?"
There was a brief silence while Shobha unlaced her Sari blouse, removed it and handed it to Dis, and quickly slipped on her blouse, knowing she couldn't stay silent for long.
"…Of course I do worry about my parents – and miss my family," she began.
"And you know that you have become a big part of ours, Shobha… What's more I am certain there will be one brooding, grumpy dwarf who would be very broken-hearted if you were to leave now…" Dis collected the blouse, folded it carefully placing it with the sash and shot her hand through the curtain again, awaiting the skirt and petticoat.
"But Dis, I'm not a dwarf… and with all the politics going on, surely I would be a poor choice, seen as both mankind and an Easterling.." Shobha handed her the final garments and pulled on her breeches and boots fast. Then opening the curtain found Dis standing there waiting hands on her hips, already having folded everything and neatly piled it up for Denin.
"My brother has faced Smaug, Azog the defiler and many other terrible foes in battle. I think he can handle a few silly old noble dwarrows," with that, Dis gave Shobha a big hug. "He is a changed dwarf to the one I last visited in Erebor. And I think we both know why… You just cant leave us now.."
Dis winked at her and then spun her around and seated her on a nearby stool. She then quickly and efficiently braided her hair back into a neat and comfortable long braid. They hugged again, and Shobha set off back to join the students for lessons.
As Shobha slipped through the main curtained area to the dressings rooms and began walking through the next, she found Dwalin standing in front of a mirror in a deep brown velvet suit, with fur lining and lapels.
"Lass – look at this! I look a right buffoon!" Dwalin complained, as Denin fussed about his jacket.
"Not at all – you look very handsome and still like a warrior…" she stopped and smiled. "Dis will agree."
He muttered something in Khuzdul in response as Denin continued to fuss. Then one of the curtains to the adjoining changing rooms drew open and Thorin stepped out, barefoot and in just a pair of navy linen trousers, which were unlaced. His chest was covered in dark hair, which highlighted his very broad muscular shoulders and tapered in a V-shape just below his naval and thickening just above the line of his trousers.
He was angry, eyes fixed on his trousers, muttering in Khuzdul and walked chest first into Shobha. She stumbled at the force almost falling backwards with the force of his body. But he reacted fast reaching out and steadying her by wrapping his arm around her waist and pulling her to his body. In surprise she placed her hands on his chest to steady herself. He was grateful his trousers had not fallen to his ankles in these moments, but he knew the effect his body would have to having her pressed against his like so, with her small cool hands and her chest on his. It was too late – he was starting to feel aroused already, so quickly stepped away from her, holding her hands to ensure she was still steady. It was then that he noticed her staring at him, eyes blinking in surprise initially. Her big dark eyes fixed on his and then moving down his exposed neck and shoulders to his chest as if drinking him in, and then blushing before letting his hand go, giving his the chance to pretend to hold his trousers laced, and preserving some dignity at the same time. Was she really looking at his form with appreciation?
"My apologies, my lady - " he fast turned on his feet and strode back into his changing room.
"My King, do you need any assistance..?" Denin called out. "I can get my lad to help – where is he? Goldin! Goldin!"
"No thank you. Just give me some time to get dressed please –" his deep rumbling complaint came from behind his curtain.
"Sorry about that." Shobha's hands flew across her mouth in embarrassment as Balin emerged from another adjoining changing room. "Denin – shall I pick my dress up tomorrow..?"
"No lass – Goldin can drop it off."
With that she quickly waved to Denin and briskly walked toward the door.
"You took a long time to let her go Thorin! Are you in need of a cold shower perhaps?!" she heard Dwalin ribbing.
She quickly left Denin's shop into the crowded market place.
