Chapter 1

The Day of Durín

It all started when the last moon of autumn made its last appearance in the sky, covering the land with its silver light, the left side of the mountain finding its way to the first rays coming from the primary sun of winter. Silver and gold intertwined in a single vision of light moving slowly above the smooth surface of the magical marble, it wasn't until the light reached the top of the stones, a single name made it appear, and then the mountain was filled with the sound of a deep horn resounding in the Lonely Mountain.

The sound was welcomed with cheers and music announcing the Day of Durín had arrived.

Prince Thranduil of the Woodland Realm accommodated the silver circlet on top of his head. He smirked admiring his beautiful features on the mirror while making sure his clothes were flawlessly in place. He felt a pair of arms circling his waist just as someone started placing sensuous kisses on his neck. He gasped placing his hands on his lover's arms, tilting his head to the side to give the man the space he needed to continue with his inviting kisses.

"I should leave." Thranduil whispered feeling the hard arousal of the man rubbing against his ass.

"I don't want you to go." The man whisper nibbling the pointy ear of the elf, he smirked knowing this was the most sensitive place of his lover.

"Father is going to send for me soon…if he finds…" Thranduil was turned around roughly; the young prince welcomed the kiss wrapping his left leg around the man's waist.

"I don't care. Let him find you in my bed, perhaps like this we can stop hiding." The man replied breathing hard.

Thranduil tensed finding his self-control just before things got out of hand. Bard, King of the City of Dale knew he had said the wrong thing the moment Thranduil used his immortal force to push him away. Bard glanced disbelievingly at Thranduil, passion still evident in both of them.

"I care." Thranduil said putting as much distance between him and Bard as he could manage.

Bard clenched his fists, looking away from the elf in frustration. "I'm tired of being a secret, Thranduil." Bard mumbled. "You can't deny this between us is more than sex."

"Oh, but I can." Thranduil replied giving the man a half-smirk. "We fuck, Bard. There is nothing else to this, you give me pleasure as much as I give you pleasure."

Bard clenched his jaw shaking his head, "You can't mean that. You…You can't tell me you don't feel anything."

Thranduil furrowed his brows, "When we first started this affair, you assured me you wouldn't start getting any feelings involved. However, if his Majesty is incapable of keeping his part of the bargain, I think it is better to stop our meetings here and now."

Thranduil turned around ready to leave the room but Bard moved quick, stopping him before he could reach the door. Thranduil tensed glancing at the hand wrapped around his forearm, Bard made a face of desperation glad the Prince was facing the other way.

"No, I don't want to stop seeing you." Bard hesitated letting go of Thranduil's forearm. "I will keep my part of the bargain. But, I want you to consider my words, Thranduil."

"There is nothing to consider, King Bard." Thranduil tilted his head looking back at Bard. "I won't be seeing you tonight, so don't come looking after me."

Bard watched as Thranduil left his room with the utmost secrecy, a sharp pain went right through his heart and for a moment he felt nothing but desperation. The King trembled clenching his fists while his body tingled with wanting, and the lack of warmth only Thranduil seemed to provide. It wasn't the first time they had this conversation, but it was certainly the first time Thranduil had threatened to finish their deal. Bard wasn't ready to allow it, he wasn't ready to let go of the elf…even though he knew he wasn't the only one warming Prince Thranduil's bed.

Not for the first time, the King cursed the day he allowed Thranduil any claim on his heart.

Prince Thorin fixed the crown on his head, grunting annoyingly at the servants fixing the rest of his clothing. Balin and Dwalin, his two best friends, followed him swiftly telling him about the people who were going to be present in the celebrations of the Day of Durín.

It was not mystery for the crowned Prince of the Dwarf Kingdom, he had to attend and be host to most of the important dignitaries during the dinner. The day had been spent in the celebrations of his people, organizing the dinner while his father and the council entertained the honorable guests. Now, it was Thorin's turn to make himself know.

"Finally, and most graciously, there is King Oropher and the crowned Prince Thranduil of the Woodland Realm. Our neighbors." Balin said.

"I know who they are, Balin. The blasted elves are always showing their arses haughtily wherever they go." Thorin rolled his eyes. "It's kind of hard to miss the bunch of arrogant annoying creatures."

"Again, our neighbors." Balin replied rolling his own eyes while Dwalin merely hit Thorin on his arm shaking his head disapprovingly. "They are not only our neighbors but also the main source of goods we need to survive."

Thorin grunted, "Very well, I try not to infuriate the pansy Prince while attending the dinner."

"He is known to be quite adventurous." Dwalin explained suddenly, Thorin stopped death on his tracks sending away the servants before turning curious eyes to his best friend.

While Thorin had met King Oropher and had interacted with him before, his dealing with the Prince had been quite unexpected. He had been young, looking for an adventure when he came across the elf; to say Thorin found himself mystified by him would be a lie. Whether it had been for the light or the fact he was thirsty and tired, Thorin had confused the elf with an angel. Of course, the Prince had laughed but, at the same time, he had extended his help. Everything had been fine until Thorin saw another elf. Younger, taller than Thorin but shorter than Thranduil, the young elf was blond and had deep blue eyes regarding him with curiosity.

Thorin remembered the day as if it had been yesterday, whoever this young elf was; Thorin wasn't meant to meet him. Not if the sudden panic coming from Thranduil was any sign, or how fast they had left after having helped him. He hadn't mentioned this encounter to anyone and, when he had asked about the princes of Mirkwood his teacher corrected him telling him there was only one.

Thorin wasn't adverse to the rumors placing the Prince as a seducer of whatever fancies his tastes, but hearing Dwalin speak about it could only mean this was something else. If there was anyone in the Dwarf Kingdom who was good at uncovering secrets, it was Dwalin and his net of spies.

"Should I be worried?" Thorin asked half amused, half incredulously. Even if the stories about the Prince were the truth, what made Dwalin think the elf would set his affections or attentions on him?

"My Prince, I just care for your well-being, this means you should go well-informed." Dwalin replied.

Thorin made a face, his eyes gleaming at Dwalin then at Balin, "I am. Besides, you two are coming with me, nothing can go wrong."

Dwalin and Balin glanced at each other while Thorin turned to make his way to the Dining Hall, the two brothers followed their Prince guilt and worry filling their hearts.

Music filled the Dining Hall with the melody of violins and flutes; the light was vivid, and bright enough to allow the guests pleasant conversation under the glow of magical lamps the work of master craftsmen of Erebor. The aroma of recently cooked food filled the nostrils of the present; wine came as much as beer and everyone seemed to be happy in the celebrations.

Thorin nodded politely at young Bain who was congratulating him on the recent hunting trip he had made. The young man spoke enthusiastically about his own endeavors, with hope lining his voice that he would perhaps be allowed to accompany Thorin at another time. Thorin had agreed smiling back at the young man who made sure to train harder as to not be a nuisance.

"My son seems pretty taken with you, Prince Thorin." Bard approached the dwarf smiling politely at him.

"Your Majesty". Thorin greeted turning his attention to Bain. "He is a good lad. I hope he can accompany me on the next hunting trip, I wasn't making idle promises to him."

Bard chuckled, his black eyes gleaming smartly at Thorin, "I know of this, your Highness. Thank you for extending an invitation to him."

"It is my pleasure, King Bard." Thorin then moved onto the other guests. He worked his charm perfectly, speaking to show himself as educated to men and other dwarves while establishing small conversation. He made his way from one group to the other until finally he couldn't keep eluding the inevitable.

Thorin Oakenshield walked to the table in which the shadows were keeping the Prince of the Woodland Realm hidden. As Thorin approached the table, the dwarf Prince wondered if the elf would remember him. His mind worked on the different ways the conversation could go and he tried to bury deep inside his heart the encounter and the nervous tension upon his chest.

By the time he reached the table, Thorin could notice the beauty of the Eldar shining on those fair features. The long blond hair fell upon the elf's shoulders like a golden cascade, adorning a smooth face with light deep blue eyes. The elf had broad shoulders with a body built out of training and battle experience; however, he didn't carry with him any scars, only marble skin, unmarked by time or injuries. The Prince wore his silver circlet on the forehead, with a dark robe wrapping tightly around his body. Prince Thranduil smiled at him, his lips curling delicately showing off white teeth. The elf exuded confidence and invitation; something Thorin noticed with precaution.

"Prince Thorin Oakenshield." The elf spoke softly measuring every word, his lips curling in amusement while his eyes made sure to take into every detail of the dwarf in front of him. Taller than other dwarves, well-built with fierce blue eyes, and sharp features; Thorin Oakenshield was a wild gem deserving of a closer examination. Something Thranduil found himself inclined to do.

"Prince Thranduil, it is a pleasure to finally meet you."

"Oh, it isn't yet but, if I have my way, it would be pretty much our pleasure to get acquaintance with one another." Thranduil replied signaling the chair in front of him, the elf quirked a brow impressed at the lack of sputtering reaction from the dwarf.

"I expect his majesty is enjoying the celebrations?" Thorin asked politely sitting down while narrowing his eyes.

Thranduil tilted his head rotating the goblet of wine he was holding on his left hand; the elf looked around boringly shrugging.

"I can say I've attended more lively celebrations. But, I won't complain about the nature of this party as long as I have company such as yours." Thranduil smirked enjoying the twitched on Thorin's eye.

"It is a shame you aren't capable of enjoying real celebrations." Thorin replied. "Must be difficult to try and be part of something where you are not the center of everyone's attention."

"Oh? Whatever may you mean by that?" Thranduil retorted arching his eyebrows, his eyes gleamed with emotion as he spoke. "Could it be my reputation precedes me? Or, is it the inability of Prince Thorin to keep his guests entertained? Trying to justify your lack of imagination? The last time I attend Durin's day in the land of Dwarves, the crowned Prince was more…effective in his preparations."

Thorin clenched his fists knowing the last time it had been on his grandfather's day, when he was Prince and Thráin was just a young lad. Thorin glared at Thranduil who smiled sweetly at him, the elf leaned forward his eyes moving from Thorin's eyes to the dwarf's mouth then back up again.

"Then again, King Thrór was driven by ambition and greed, powerful incentives for him to get whatever he wanted."

"Is it a costume for elves to insult the royal family of his hosts? Or is it merely Prince Thranduil's poor attempts at trying to be witty and interesting?" Thorin snorted glancing with indifference at the elf in front of him.

Thranduil laughed leaning back on his chair while shooting Thorin a cold stare, "Excellent, I haven't found such a sharp tongue in a long time. And I thought this was going to be boring."

A moment of silence went through them in which Thorin couldn't look away from those piercing eyes, the elf was highly amused but there was no interest or any other form of recognition in those blue eyes. Thorin narrowed his eyes, anger building up inside his chest at the sudden thought this Prince was mocking him, and Thranduil was pretending not to know him only to ridicule him.

"You have found my sharp tongue before." Thorin said suddenly, Thranduil blinked for the very first time breaking his façade to show perplexity. Thorin snorted quirking a brow at the Prince. "You don't remember me, do you?"

Thranduil visibly tensed, silver eyes centered their attention on Thorin while his mind tried to recollect any memories of having met the Prince before. Thranduil blinked confused, tilting his head while allowing his eyes a quick sweep of the dwarf in front of him. Nothing about Thorin screamed at him familiarity; the elf finally locked his eyes with Thorin's, and he hated the mocking glint he discovered there.

Thranduil gave a half-smile to the dwarf, "It is not in my nature to remember ill-favored individuals."

"Uh? So dwarves had never been part of the repertoire of folk sharing the Prince's bed?" Thorin spat back.

Thranduil clenched his jaw; the smile was now looking more like a grimace while his blue eyes shot daggers at him. Then as sudden as the rage had risen inside Thranduil it dissipated and was replaced by a cold indifference with only small traces of contempt, directed towards Thorin.

"Of course, I tend to share my bed only with finest. Perhaps this is how I met you?" Thranduil leaned forward until his mouth was beside the dwarf's ear, the elf smirked feeling the shiver coming from Thorin. "With you trying to get into my bed, offering yourself but finding my tastes are refined and not easily pleased by a half-wit of a creature? Perhaps, if you were to wait, I could drink enough to forgo your ugliness and please myself regardless of your shortcomings, you are still a prince."

Thorin growled pushing Thranduil away; the elf opened his eyes quite surprise at the strength behind the Prince. The both of them couldn't take their eyes off each other, Thorin looking flustered and angry whereas Thranduil was looking shocked but rather pleased. There was not friendship or any good will missed between them. There was only anger and cold animosity.

"You will keep your debauchery to yourself, elf. I suppose it was too much to ask that Thranduil was a decent Prince or held any honor." Thorin stood up sneering down at the elf. "I believe the rumors are true then, you are nothing more than a mewling quid who offer favors for nepotism."

Thranduil clenched his teeth ready to stand up and answer the dwarf when both Princes were surprised by their respective fathers. Thráin smiled quite falsely at Thorin, hitting him on his back while bowing his head to Thranduil.

"Splendid, splendid! I see the two of you are already getting acquaintance." Thráin comment jovially, Oropher placed himself behind his son placing a soothing hand on the Prince shoulder.

"Oh, yes, we were getting to know one and other, discovering the truth nature of your son, King Thráin was one of the few pleasures I mourn deeply." Thranduil said.

"Thranduil." It was a single word coming from his father, but it was enough to make Thranduil shift uncomfortably.

Thráin laughed shaking his head, "Not to worry, not to worry. There is not harm done when those words are nothing but the truth."

Thorin looked at his father out of the corner of his eye, but remained silent beside him. Thráin tightened his hold on his son's shoulder as a warning.

"He is quite difficult to deal with at first. A trait he inherited from his mother, I'm afraid." Thráin said.

"What a shame he could not learn more from you, your Majesty." Thranduil replied, never once looking away from the furious Thorin.

Thranduil stood up placing the golden cup on the table, "I am afraid I found myself quite tired. May I retire?"

Oropher glanced at his son then back at Thráin, "No, however you will be escorted alongside Prince Thorin to King Thráin's private study where the four of us shall hold a long chat."

To say Thorin and Thranduil felt dread inside their hearts would be accurate, the only time they had known their parents to agree upon something was usually in the cold dealing of politics. Ignoring, by all means, one another. Thorin and Thranduil were taken away from the party by Dáin who could not help but sent lascivious stares to the Elven-Prince once in a while. The silence was filled with tension; both princes were filled with animosity as they were left on their own in the private study.

The both of them didn't have to wait too long, just as they were starting to get restless the doors of the study opened allowing entrance to the Kings. Both Oropher and Thráin entered the room while placing themselves on their respective chairs; Thranduil furrowed his brows eyeing his father, a sense of foreboding gripping his heart when he realized the elf would not look at him.

"Please, sit down. There is much we need to discuss before the night ends." Thráin pointed at the other chairs in the room, and with reluctance both Princes sat down facing their Kings.

"The reason we decided to bring you here is to share with you the good news." Oropher glanced at his son then at Thorin. "We have decided it is time for the Woodland Realm and Erebor to join in a single union."

Thranduil paled, his eyes opening wide as he tried to lock eyes with his father. Thorin merely frowned not liking the way his father seemed to be smiling with a hint of craziness in his eyes.

"What do you mean by that, King Oropher? I thought you only have one son." Thorin replied slowly, Thráin smirked chuckling darkly.

"Yes, he does." Thráin confirmed glancing at Thranduil, then at Thorin.

It took all but a second for Thorin to realize what his father and King Oropher meant, he opened his eyes in horror shaking his head.

"No! You can't mean…You are cannot be planning on arranging a marriage between me and Prince Thranduil?" Thorin exclaimed making sure he put an emphasis on Thranduil's name. He shot daggers to the elf who was staring at his father.

"We are not planning, Thorin." Thráin retorted coldly, he leaned forward making sure his son was paying attention to him. "It has already been arranged. You and Prince Thranduil are to marry in a years' time."

"But, father…" Thorin began a pleading notion in his voice.

"Silence! I am King and I am speaking Thorin." Thráin shut Thorin immediately. "This is not optional and I am not asking your opinion. You are to marry him in a year's time and this is final."

Thranduil could not focus his thoughts, his limbs went numb and his chest felt compressed with a cold emptiness. Oropher lifted his eyes to finally face his son, but the only thing Thranduil could see there was the face of a King, not that of a father.

"We thought it prudent to announce the word of your engagement tomorrow, after which I will take my leave and you will stay here to learn and get to know your fiancé." Oropher said.

"You are leaving me here?" Thranduil whispered indignantly, he narrowed his eyes while clenching his fists. "You can't."

Oropher shoot him a warning glance, "You will stay here, Thranduil. I will send to you a proper guard, but for now you will remain here."

"No need to worry, Prince Thranduil." Thráin interrupted leaning back on his chair. "I know I can't keep you away from your people far too long, so you and my son would visit the Woodland Realm in five or six months. After all, Thorin needs to learn about you and your land as well."

Thranduil felt his eyes stinging with tears as he turned a supplicant stare to his father, this went unnoticed by Thráin but not by his son who couldn't help but watch with growing curiosity the interaction. Oropher shook his head lifting his chin.

"I will advise you and Prince Thorin to get use to the idea by tomorrow, in which you will be presented as a happy, political couple." Oropher said.

"Well said, my friend." Thráin stood up. "This is going to benefit us both and, with time, the both of you will learn to live with one another. Now, I think we should keep with the celebrations."

"If you don't mind, King Thráin, I would like to speak to my son." Oropher glanced at Thráin who shrugged nodding.

Thorin opened his mouth to say something but the warning face of his father stopped him. He too stood up and followed his King with growing anxiety in his mind. Once the door was closed behind Thorin, Oropher turned to his son who was already crying in silence. The look of pure betrayal he was showing was enough to break the heart of the King.

"You have to understand…" Oropher began but Thranduil cut him off.

"That you want to keep me away from my son." Thranduil spat out in anger. "I knew your anger at me was great but I never took you for such a cruel father."

"How dare you, Thranduil? I've been trying my very best to cover up your stupid mistake, a mistake that might as well have cost us your head, or our reputation as the Royal family." Oropher shook his head. "I love Legolas, Thranduil. But you and I know his birth was a mistake."

"My son is no mistake, father. He is born out of love, whether you want to admit it or not." Thranduil snapped back.

Oropher rolled his eyes leaning back on his chair, "Love? What use is love to a King or a Prince? We live in dangerous times, Thranduil. The darkness coming from Dol-Guldur is growing each day. Our forest is being invaded by dark creatures and the fires of Mordor are burning again. We need to be practical and an alliance with Erebor is our best chance."

"I thought you hated dwarves." Thranduil said bitterly.

"I do. They are the reason Doriath fell to its ruin." Oropher looked around the room then centered his attention on his son. "But I'm also a practical King. Our Kingdoms will become one, and while Thorin may be graced with our longevity, King Thráin would die eventually."

"And, my son?" Thranduil finally asked.

"I told you, I will send a proper guard for you." Oropher replied standing up. "He will be with them, but no one, especially not Thorin or Thráin must find out of his true parentage. Understood?"

Thranduil nodded curtly looking at the fireplace as his father left the room. The Prince of the Woodland Realm wiped his tears angrily, screaming in frustration as he stood up throwing the chair to the side. Desperation was trying to fill his heart, thoughts of being trapped and without a chance of ever getting away from the situation guide him directly to King Bard's room.

The man opened the door surprise at the night visitor, "I thought you said I wouldn't see you tonight."

Thranduil smirked licking his lips as his hand made contact with the man's chest putting him forward he crashed his lips to his hoping Bard would be enough for him to forget about everything else.

The announcement was received with great shock and surprise among dwarves, elves and men alike. Everyone was looking perplexed but all of the dignitaries and the guests received the news with great enthusiasm, congratulating both Kingdoms. The oldest of the folks presented in the announcement could only mean one thing, especially since it was the Elven-Prince being engaged to a dwarf. While interracial marriage was not strange, there were not many accounts regarding the union between dwarves and elves.

Among Thorin's friends only Dwalin and Ori were looking worried with a hint of understanding in their eyes.

Bard, King of Dale, was looking sick at the news, his eyes never once leaving the form of Prince Thranduil who seemed to ignore him for the rest of the celebrations.

By the end of the day, Thranduil watched the committee from the Woodland Realm riding away without looking back. The Elven-Prince watched the darkening sky, welcoming the biting cold from winter, while the horn announcing the end of the Day of Durín resounded in the mountain.

Notes:

This chapter had been edited, thank you to the lovely Nerwen that help me out with the chapter.