Year of Firsts - Oath
Two days passed quickly as the Company hustled by setting forth in clearing out a small hall lined with long-forgotten carvings of warriors and kings. The great Hall of Kings resided above them on another level.
Excitement and anticipation were exchanged between the camaraderie of dwarves as their hard work finally paid off. Broken walls had been reinforced from cave-ins, and a black tarp lined with golden runes had been laid out, running up the center of the darkened room. Candlelight flickered and bounced off the marble stones, emitting a calm emerald glow once the dust had been wiped clear. It was a peaceful nook possibly used for prayer one time.
Ori had been mesmerized by the stained glass embellishments adorned by crystals hanging from the high ceiling. Perched on an overturned boulder which had been shoved into a corner, he whipped out his journal and began to draw the beauty the outlook provided. Clad in special attire worn in the Battle of Five Armies, the dozen were requested to pay tribute that evening in honour of the fallen. Occasionally, the scribe would look up from his sketch when another dwarf entered the hall dressed royally, scratching away on many pages marking small details and notes for later. Even Bofur looked sharp despite the worn-down leather hat he refused to part with.
Bifur and Oin set about pacing the room, adjusting small details on candle fixtures lining the walls or kicking a stray pebble that was missed during initial cleanup as they waited for the others to arrive.
"So, what's this about?" Bofur finally asked aloud to no one in particular, growing slightly impatient walking in slow circles around the glowing room. There was only so much stone and runes to marvel at before boredom set in.
"A ceremony is to take place, laddie." Oin said, ear trumpet raised as he and Gloin joined the group, beards neatly combed and small weapons slotted in their place without grit or grime.
Bofur nodded to himself. "Ah, so a formal speech and then dinner. Got it."
Bombur perked up at the mention of food. They were still rationing certain ingredients low in supply between those who've resided in the mountain since battle. The tubby dwarf did his best not to complain about hunger even though he aided in the kitchens. He took pride in knowing his cooking had gotten better since departing on their quest many, many months ago. Still, it was a task he'd rather leave to his own wife and maids with the skills to prepare a decent meal. The stews they've been making were quite bland with what little greens and dried fruit the elves had spared the month prior. The Iron Hills even rationed what they could to those in the mountain without bringing about famine to their own borders. Bombur was impartial in these dire times, but they always got a good chuckled at the younger ones grimacing when chewing on the leafy vegetables.
It would be many more weeks before they saw proper crop and fully stocked salted meats again. He would have to control his urge when the next food supply arrived. Fortunately, that evening would hold a small feast. Mahal knows they've earned it.
Balin paced the long halls in search of Thorin earlier that afternoon. There was no sign of the dwarf king in his chambers, nor was he anywhere near the lower halls as he passed Dain Ironfoot a little while later with the council members hot on his heels. Balin heaved a sigh as he made way back up towards the bed chambers, now in search of the young princes.
Idle chatter echoed around the old dwarf as Balin drew near to an opened door filled with laughter. Normalcy rekindled the bare echoes of the Lonely Mountain. It quickly became a welcomed memory to one's ancient memory of a past life. The old soldier knocked audibly for the pair to hear amidst their childish mannerisms when no one was watching.
"Evening, lads." Balin entered without invitation, scanning the room for any sign of their missing uncle.
"Mister Balin!" Kili exclaimed excitedly as he eyed his distant cousin's red attire, metal attachments gleaming under the light. "You clean up well."
Balin cocked a brow, unsure whether to take that as a compliment or insult. "Have either of you seen Thorin? Or know where he might be?"
Fili and Kili shot each other quizzing glances as the eldest straightened his outer coat. "Not since this morning."
"Last I saw, he was headed toward his study." Kili added, his brother helping him into a layer of chain-mail as his arm was still wrapped in bandages, the weight still a barrier at certain angles.
Balin pursed his lips, frustrated that their presence was soon required as he continued to watch the two princes helping the other into their royal attire. Fili fiddled with the clasps on his brother's last layer, buttoning his shirt and tying leather threads. He smoothed out any wrinkles, patting Kili on the shoulders, signalling that he was ready. The pair looked like proper princes.
Gone was their innocence when adorned in golden fabric trims, hair braided neatly with silver clasps. They looked like true warriors minus any actual armor. If their mother could see them now, she would weep with joy.
Fili turned back to their guest as he limped without his walking stick. "I haven't seen him since yesterday's exchange with the bow-man."
Fili had the privilege of witnessing Dain cautiously explain to Thorin about the gold being divided between the men and elves while on his death bed. There was enough to spare and without their king's verbal consent, Ironfoot had taken it upon himself with Fili and Balin's approval and confirmation of Thorin's honorable words back in Esgaroth, to give the Men of the Lake what they were rightfully owed so that they may rebuild. Fili knew it was the right thing to do at the time, and watching his uncle be unfazed by their actions was a sign of relief. Bard's recent presence, however, was on behalf of the Elvenking Thranduil, to which Nori had found the white gems of Lasgalen. An heirloom which had been long lost amidst the gold, was found by chance in the treasury. Sealed in its original wooden chest, a few emeralds and other gems were thrown in for good measure. Fili had hoped that it would be a sign in good faith to mend the rocky relationship between elves and dwarves now that Thorin was well again to reign. Still, they were hesitant to witness the king's reaction to such dealings without his own approval. The young heir felt confident that their futures would reclaim its lost prosperity between renewed alliances now.
Fili looked himself over, making sure everything was in place. "Have you asked Éla? She might know."
Balin blinked at the revelation. "I haven't. Though, it is getting late. Hurry so we may take our leave."
"We don't want to miss this." Kili said excitedly as the brothers followed the old dwarf towards their next destination.
All afternoon was spent in preparation as the setting sun cast a golden glow outside, illuminating any metal surface through the small window. Éla stood before a mirror, staring at the woman looking back, lost in thought. A hand feeling the soft velvety fabric of her dress, a beautiful dark nightshade violet adorned with silver stitching which she'd found while clearing out her family's old shop in the lower levels below the day before. There, she'd filled a weaved basket with old tools and trinkets in hopes that one day she would return to the same work her mother and grandmother once took pride in.
The dress was always meant for her. A gift her mother had secretly worked on for her twenty-fourth birthday, one that she would've never celebrated for Smaug had attacked that summer before it could be finished. The dress itself was of a simple dwarven pattern for women; a squared neckline cinching just below the bust, flowing freely to the ground. The hem around her neck and cuffs on the sleeves which flared by her elbows, were rimmed with silver thread. The front embellished with a floral pattern of dark green and sapphire jewels. She bit her lip, lacking assurance by an unfinished reflection. During her excursion, she also found a black waist belt to tie around which had similar green silk embroidery encasing more tiny sapphires.
Her look was simple yet elegant. It would have to be enough.
After her prior discussion with Thorin two nights earlier, she went on a hunt to find appropriate clothing for the event that was now only hours away. They agreed not to rush anything now that their lives were no longer in immediate danger, to rekindle a lost connection, and yet for her own safety and that of Thorin's actions to be legitimized, they were to be wed before an audience.
The mere thought of rushing into a marriage with a stranger who was a lover, making time for a relationship through friendship and restarting it all, it terrified her. She had no doubt Thorin felt the same. His awkwardness had her wanting to embrace him, to hold him yet she wished for the same in return. The soon-to-be wife wished nothing more than to spend the rest of her days in peace. Perhaps they would find that in the little things along the way.
Even though her and her betrothed rarely saw the other during this time, there was a small corner of her heart which found happiness in solitude. It allowed her to be with her own thoughts. No one to trouble the female dwarf as she quietly questioned and cursed Mahal for her pain only to move forward with acceptance as he intended her life to play out the way it was meant to.
Defeated in knowing nothing more could be done, Éla turned towards a cleared vanity and sat down. Unfastening the ribbon holding her hair into a loose braid, she ran fingers through her dark tresses, smoothing out the strands while contemplating on an appropriate pattern for the occasion as she looked at her reflection in the smaller mirror.
A quiet knock at her door caught her attention immediately as the knob clicked open.
"Come in." She hollered, no longer caring for any further interrupted disturbance. Eyes watched the lower corner of the mirror as a head peaked through, opening the door fully to an unexpected welcoming sight. Éla spun in her seat, surprised to see Thorin enter her chambers without notice. They weren't supposed to meet until mid-evening.
Thorin greeted her with a warm smile as he paced towards her decked out in full regal garb of dark blue, blacks, and silver linings, his black fur-trimmed cape trailing behind in his wake. Éla looked him over from head to boot in his approach, a smirk crossing his features. She'd never seen him look the part of a true king before this day. As if stunned by some spell, she found herself unable to look away.
"Do I pass?" He asked amused, stopping at arm's reach from her chair.
"Sorry." She turned in her seat, meeting his smugness through reflection, a hint of pink colouring her cheeks. "You simply look...you like a true king."
Thorin chuckled as he set aside a black box on her table.
"What brings you here so early?" She asked, curiosity peeking an interest as he met her subtle stare in the mirror. "Is it not improper to meet before an intended date?"
Her tone had a hint of playfulness, most likely from nerves being rattled by their rushed schedules as she fiddled with the fabric of her dress in her lap, idly smoothing out stray creases.
"When has anything we've done been proper?" He quipped, smirk broadening as she thought it over. "May I?"
Éla nodded, allowing Thorin to take hold of her hair as he gestured for approval, fanning it across her shoulders. Without wasting time, he began to part sections to braid. Her hair was thick yet fair enough to style with ease. Leaving strands to frame her face, he took enough from the top to pull back into a simple braid, adding pieces as he went. When half her hair was in his hand, he reached for one of the silver clasps to fasten his work. Éla watched him work effortlessly, his fingers brushing through her locks clouded her mind. The rhythmic pattern lulled her into a dream-state as she closed her eyes, a low hum escaping her.
Thorin looked up every now and then, content in their peaceful tranquility as he separated the one half braid into three. His pace slowed upon noticing her shoulders relax, glancing up at her reflection, her features lightened peacefully as he continued.
Thorin's breath hitched as she exhaled deeply. He was about to start conversation but thought best not to press words during a moment of contentment. It would be one of few seized opportunities they would enjoy without disruption before long. With him now crowned King Under the Mountain, their daily lives will be very different from before. With her head slightly tilted back for him, her neck lay bare, elongating uncovered skin. He shook away obscene thoughts and focused back on the task at hand. He would have to be patient. That much he owed.
There was a reason why braiding became so intimate within their culture. It was a great sign of trust between dwarves, mostly amongst family. If a couple were courting, it would often times become a premarital ritual.
As Éla released another sigh, she opened her eyes to inspect the current work being done, stealing glances over his robes in the process. There was something different about Thorin that couldn't be explained. Something familiar yet unknown. She wondered if his sickness was gone, or if this was a distraction from it. Despite her worries, everything would wash away with each glance through the mirror. His gaze kind and welcoming whenever their eyes met. It was as if a silent promise was being made, him honoring his word; I will take care of you.
When he was ready to seal his work, she handed him three smaller beads as he returned an amicable smile in thanks. Taking the three new braids, he clasped them together with a larger bind, causing a ripple effect, leaving the bottom half of her hair untouched as he smoothed it out.
Grabbing the black box from the desk, Thorin opened it to reveal its contents. Éla's eyes darted towards the gold shimmer under the setting sun, displacing her attention from the work done to her newly braided do.
"Thorin, what is this?" She inquired about the gold-plated necklace he delicately removed from its casing, bringing it down in front of her as she moved her hair away from her neck so he could fasten it.
"It is a gift." He explained, watching as the delicate layers glided down into position. The necklace's golden chain merged into blue metal petals, reflecting different tones of light as it curved into two silver bands, forming a two-dimensional teardrop mold. At the center of the design dangled a rather large sapphire stone held up by a smaller silver chain, it's connection hidden by a smaller gem too dark to see its color.
Its beauty was breathtaking. While Éla remained mesmerized by the necklace, Thorin reached for the headdress, waiting to finish the ensemble and giving her a moment to straighten away from the mirror so he may rest it upon her head.
"There." He backed away so she could stand, straightening his stature out of pride in having the privilege to share in these tender moments. "You are ready."
As Éla rose from her seat, Thorin inhaled sharply, looking her over with great honor to see her like this.
When she turned around from her seat and stood before him, it was as if the wind was knocked out of him by her beauty.
"Is something the matter?" She questioned sheepishly, feeling embarrassed by his hard stare as she looked back at her reflection in the mirror. "Is it too much?"
"No." He responded, allowing himself to bask in such regal aura. "It is enough for a queen."
"Shall we?" Thorin offered his hand for her to take.
The dwarf princes waited outside a room where their comrades had resided. The small gathering of dwarves multiplied upon Dain arriving shortly after them, his guards following him down the narrow hall. Fili eyed the council trailing behind as they spoke indistinctly amongst themselves, not bothering with the business of the Company.
The elder prince relaxed when they were out of sight, turning to Balin who continued to pace back and forth impatiently.
"Any sign of 'em?" The question startled the trio as Dwalin emerged from the room. Their question answered as Thorin and Éla rounded the corner.
"Finally." Dwalin's irritation subsided as the pair approached. "Let's get this done."
The warrior winked before disappearing behind the door. Fili and Kili greeted their uncle, grins widening by the happy sight of family. Balin cleared his throat before either one began to hound with questions and comments.
"Everyone's ready to proceed."
Thorin returned a nod to his trusted advisor, who straightened in posture and proceeded to lead the royals into the small hall set up for the ceremony that was to follow.
Éla held onto Thorin's arm, anxious fingers bunching the fabric of his sleeve as she took those first few nervous steps with him by her side. As they entered the room, her focus jumped between the many happy faces of their journey's companions to the taut expressions from certain councilors and dwarves she had never met prior. Attention shifted to the candlelit chandeliers hanging high above them, to the backs of the princes striding in front. She did her best to emulate warm greetings as they passed their kin, stopping behind Balin who took a place next to Dain at the end of the corridor.
Upon their approach, Dain lightly bowed in their presence. Éla's heart quickened as all eyes were now upon them. Thorin guided her to stand opposite him as they faced each other, her hands held in his, ready for their next journey to begin.
There were no lavish rituals or grand words announced with each step. The room remained quiet as Dain honoured ceremonial text used for matrimony. His words blurred into mumbles as Éla became entranced with fear and excitement. Too tense to meet the stares of their witnesses, she remained glued to Thorin instead. Worry seemed to wash away gazing into those sapphire eyes of his. Perhaps it was the dim lighting in the room that caused them to sparkle a bit more than usual, or that she found herself in a dream not quite ready to wake up from. The world telling her this was real only came from Balin wrapping cloth ribbon around their hands as Dain continued on, his voice distant in the far corners of her mind as Thorin beamed at her without a trace of worry.
Khuzdul woke Éla from her trance as Balin's hands rested on top of theirs and below, holding the two together as Dain finished with a few final words. Cheer erupted amongst their friends as the newly wedded dwarves were released from their binds, turning to bow to Dain and Balin with respect, then the elder dwarf reached for the crown sitting atop a pedestal behind them, carefully placing it atop the king's head. Thorin then looked to Éla, bowing to his new wife, an act which stirred suspicious mumbles among a select few. He offered an arm for her to take. In one fell breath they faced their people, Thorin standing tall.
Just as they entered, they took their leave, dwarves filing out of the room and following their king like a small army as they were led towards the Hall of Kings above. The journey passed quietly, each corridor adding more to their party as they reached large stone pillars with an open floor showcasing many statues of their forebears. Their footsteps echoed in the vast chamber of golden replicas as they entered. At the end was a large pillared rune stone etched with a similar design to the king's throne. This tower had been erected as a memorial in honour of lives lost during the Battle of Five Armies, and to become a beacon of hope. In the upper center of the pillar, encased with gold overlooking them, rested the Arkenstone. It's bright shine cascading the area around it.
Thorin let go of Éla as he stood in the center of the atrium, his nephews joining him on either side. Éla stood back with Dain and Balin, followed by the rest of their people. Thorin observed everyone with interest, waiting until all attention was on him.
"Let us remember those who were lost to dragon fire and those who fought in battle." He began, voice booming across the stone walls. "Even after losing so much, if more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, the world would be a merrier place."
He paused, allowing his words to sink in, memory surfacing with the same phrases he shared with their Master Burglar. "So I come unto you, realizing that now. Without a dear friend to share in these joys, we would not be standing at the threshold of our kingdom. There is work to do, for the glory of Erebor shall be rebuilt as the stronghold of the North!"
Cheer erupted as Thorin continued, hand gesturing towards the pillar behind him. "The Arkenstone will remain on display as a symbol. A symbol of motivation and unison where dwarves shall be made strong again!"
Éla watched as those around her celebrated Thorin's pledge. Inspiration spread as their yells quickly became deafening. He was a changed dwarf, she saw that now. It might've taken a battle to death's door, but he did not have that look of desperation and greed like before.
It appeared there would be a first for everything.
A/N:
If there's anything you'd like to know more of that I'm not covering, please leave it in the comments or message me, and I'll tie it in to the story. (Character interactions, questions still needing answers, etc...)
There's a timeline, but I'm also open to other characters and events getting a bit of a spotlight too. Hope you're all enjoying the new developments as this first year of reclamation is tackled.