Arranged Fate

A/N- One more chapter done. Hope you are all ready for this one, it's going to hop around during a weeks' worth of time. Sorry for the long hiatus, been dry on the muse side lately. But I'm trying to catch back up.

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'

'Khuzdul'

Enjoy!

=^..^=

Chapter 13:

One Crazy Week

There was a loud noise as the door was opened and Kili jerked, pulling Dis with him. He slid down her form and came to a rest on her belly between her legs; Dis had pulled back enough to not get knocked over as well.

This was the scene that Thorin, Fili, Falin, Bifur, Bofur, and Bombur walked in on. Clearing his throat Thorin raised an eyebrow, "did I miss something?" Laughing at the redness that sprang to Kili's cheeks as he released his mother and Dis pulled back, Ochre wiped away a tear as Kili stammered to answer. "No no, just getting a little emotional in here."

Dis snorted as she fought down her own amusement and Ochre smiled happily at everyone. "I have missed you all; Kili told me how you all have been searching tirelessly for me. Thank you for that." Bombur just smiled at her while Bofur and Bifur approached, "why lass, you're as big as an Oliphant. Are ye well?" Bofur spoke first and Ochre rolled her eyes at him, "I am glad I'm not the only one who thinks so. I am well, Oin just did a check-up, we're both fine."

She patted her large belly as she spoke those last words, Bofur looked down at her belly at that and she saw his fingers twitch. She reached out and took his hand gently guiding it down to lay flat against her midsection. To her great surprise and joy she felt the babe kick and saw the look of utter awe enter Bofur's eyes.

She would never get over how that look made her heart warm with contented feelings; she just knew this child would be very loved by all of its uncles and extended family. Looking up she tilted her head at her other uncles, "would you like to feel as well, the babe is very active right now." Kili came up behind her and gripped her shoulders, "yes he or she is almost ready to be born."

Bifur and Bombur came up quickly at that and placed their palms against her belly as well. Ochre felt her cheeks heat but didn't complain, Kili was right she would soon hold their child but first things first. "Falin, Fili, I did want to talk with you both about your wedding." Falin lit up at that as she looked at Fili he just shook his head, "Ochre...are you sure you'll be up to such a ceremony? We can wait if you wish, I know Falin wants you there more than anything and I would never deny that from you both."

Knowing that he was going against what he really wished in this moment Ochre raised a hand, "please Fili, I know you both better than that. If you wait any longer I think you'll both go mad, so thank you for trying to be considerate for me but this wedding must go on as planned."

Falin came over and sat next to Ochre; she took her hand and gave it a hard squeeze, "Thank you Ochre."

-Two Days Later-

Letting out a moan of pain, Kili stretched his back hearing it pop in several places. Across from him his brother Fili was doing the same. They had both gone to spar with the new guards that Dwalin had been teaching and had ended up facing each other as an example match.

Kili had lost just barely but it had been a good match, he felt sufficiently tired from the fight. A fact that would enable him to sleep well tonight or at least he hoped. It had been a hard two nights for Ochre and himself. The babe had been lying on her ribs and it had made it impossible for her to lay down for any amount of time.

Wanting to help his wife, Kili had her sit in his lap and lay against him, it had helped but it made it hard on his back. Hence why he'd said yes when asked to spar today. He needed to stay in shape and stretch his muscles so that he could continue to help Ochre each night.

Today she was with Falin, helping her to plan out the wedding. Since he and Ochre hadn't really gotten such a chance themselves when they were married, he knew she needed this. He just hoped she didn't work herself too hard, Oin had told them just that morning that the babe had shifted into a normal position for birthing. This had Kili nervous, it meant that Ochre could just go into labor anytime now and he was still trying to come to terms with being a father.

Shaking off these thoughts, Kili turned to look at his brother whom had started to spar with one of the newest guards. He looked calm as a cucumber but Kili knew his brother was nervous as well about the wedding. Kili felt sorry for his brother's opponent, knowing just what was in store for the poor guy. Fili needed a good outlet after all.

"Please stop, this is getting ridiculous. I've already decided what will be served after the ceremony; I want a sober husband on my first night as his wife. Not a lush drunk." Falin crossed her arms as she glared at Bombur who was glaring right back at her.

"Not even a little? You won't budge on that?" His voice was pleading and Ochre stifled a laugh from where she sat on a rather uncomfortable chair. Her back had been aching all morning but she knew that was normal, not to mention her frequent trips to the restroom for a break. Her babe was doing a great job of dancing back and forth against her insides. But even in pain she found this current turn of events rather amusing anyway.

Bombur had come to demand an explanation when Falin had sent down the order for what would be their wedding celebration and he found one thing, one key thing missing. The ale.

Falin hadn't been bluffing when she told him about not wanting a drunken husband. She didn't want to take the chance of Fili over drinking and ruining their wedding night. She wanted it to be special, which Ochre did understand but it still was funny seeing her uncle get so upset over such a little thing.

Knowing they could likely keep arguing for a long time coming Ochre decided to be the mediator. She slowly got up and waddled over, "I suggest a compromise. How about the day of the wedding there will be no drinking, but the day after we will have a huge drinking celebration? This way Falin gets her night of wedded bliss and everyone else gets their night of blissful drinking?"

Blinking Falin looked at Bombur and Bombur returned the same look of surprise before both smiled and spoke as one. "It's a deal!" Ochre laughed at that before she swayed a bit on her feet struck by a sudden dizziness. Bombur had an arm about her back immediately while Falin was taking her hand and patting her cheeks.

"Ochre? Are you alright? Is it the baby...is...is it time?" Falin's voice wavered and Ochre knew her friend feared for her. Waving a hand in the air Ochre shook her head, "I'm alright just a tad dizzy. The babe isn't ready just yet. Now, what else did you want to tackle today?"

Falin just rolled her eyes at Ochre's nonchalant attitude but understood why she was trying to change the subject. She'd go along with it this time, for Ochre's sake but if this dizzy stuff persisted then Falin wouldn't let it slide. She'd find Kili and Oin immediately.

"Well, now that the food for the reception is set I need to make my wedding gift for Fili. I know it's humid down in the forges but would you come with me Ochre?" Falin looked so unsure that Ochre did her best to hug the other, as much as her belly would allow at least. She then pulled back to smile, "I'm honored. Of course I'll come with you. Also I am hoping to see Vor down there; he's the one who helped Kili and I out with our gifts and beads. I haven't seen him since we were freed; I hope he is still down there."

Falin just smiled in response before they turned and started on their way, once they had left the kitchens her guard Yinir stepped up and followed behind them and next to him came Falin's guard Kromm. Ever since they had been freed and restored they'd been guarded every moment they were away from any of the company or their family.

Ochre knew most would be annoyed by this constant watching but she was grateful for it. She was happy to have help so near if she needed it, especially as close to birth as she was. Placing her palm upon her belly, Ochre let out a soft sigh. 'I feel like a giant cow, only getting bigger every day. I cannot wait to see you little one, neither can your father. Please be healthy.'

Within minutes they had reached the forges and Ochre immediately looked around for the elder dwarrow Vor. Not seeing him she felt a little let down when a voice echoed from behind her, "Milady...I see yer brought someone other than ye husband this time." Turning Ochre smiled at the old man whose face turned red when he took in her full form.

"I'd heard ye were close to near burstin' but I see yer a mite bit closer than that. I give me heartiest blessings to ye and the wee one. May Mahal bless the birth and give ye a healthy barin." Vor's voice was soft and Ochre felt her face warm with happiness. She really liked this dwarrow for he reminded her of her father before she'd lost him.

She nodded her head in thanks, "I am grateful for such a blessing, I actually am here for my friend here, Falin needs to make her wedding present for Fili. Do you have any suggestions?" Vor looked contemplative for a long moment before he looked to Falin, "Prince Fili likes his daggers aye?" Falin nodded and Vor chuckled, "then I have an idea."

-Hours Later-

Falin held her newly crafted gift close to her chest as she walked Ochre back to her home, with it getting close to nightfall, Falin knew Kili would be looking for Ochre. Besides, Ochre looked asleep on her feet and Falin didn't want her to just keel over on her, not while pregnant. So here she was arm in arm with Ochre as the other swayed back and forth.

It didn't take long to reach the long stretch of tunnel that connected all those in the royal wing. With Yinir at her back and Kromm taking up the rear Falin knew they'd not be waylaid or taken off guard. Having almost reached the door to Ochre's home, Falin called out, "Kili! Kili are you home?!" It took mere moments before the door slammed open and out sprang Kili, his face flush with worry.

He took one look at them and was at their side instantly. Kili grabbed Ochre and shifted to where he was partially carrying her. Ochre just smiled at him before she let out a long yawn, "good night Falin, see you soon. Thank you Yinir."

Kili just rolled his eyes before he steered her into their home being quick about it, once inside he helped her into their bedroom and got her onto the bed. Ochre yawned again but she couldn't help but smile as Kili tried to help her undress. He was currently helping remove her footwear. She shifted to try and make it easier on him.

"I am sorry...I'm just so tired from helping out Falin." Ochre stifled another yawn as she tried to sit up to help get herself undressed. Kili didn't have any of it as he quickly moved about and before she knew it she was in her nightgown. Kili then helped to lay her back against the pillows on their bed as he lay next to her; he brushed her bangs back as he looked down at her, his eyes soft.

Smiling Ochre pushed up to kiss him and he met her partway. As she pulled back she saw the worry in his eyes as well and prepared herself for a lecture. "I know you want to help Falin and that she wants your help as well, but Ochre, remember your condition. I am worried you're pushing yourself too hard, the babe could be born at any time now and you will need your strength when that time comes."

From the look on her face Kili knew what Ochre expected but tonight he would surprise her, shifting he touched her cheek, "now let's go to bed, or at least try. Let me know if the babe is on your ribs again, I will be ready if you need me to help." He then kissed her once more before he blew out the bedside candle, once bathed in darkness he laid down, his arm resting across Ochre's belly.

Ochre placed her hands atop his and spoke softly, "I love you Kili...thank you for everything. Including our babe." Kili just held her closer and kissed her cheek, "for which I thank Mahal every day. I also include our babe in this as well, our little blessing, sleep Amralime." Ochre smiled at that as she yawned once more, it didn't take long for her to fall into a deep sleep. Kili soon followed, holding Ochre close the whole while.

-Five Days Later-

Her back was aching and she felt tightness in her lower belly, but she straightened up and did her best to hide this from the others around her. It was the day of Falin and Fili's wedding and Ochre was determined to not miss it. Not for anything, even a bit of pain.

She felt a sudden and sharp pain stab through her as she watched her friends go about the wedding ritual. They were almost through it all, almost. She tightened her fist as she took a deep breath, she knew as another sharp pain shot through her that she was going into labor. She would just have to suppress the pain just for a few more minutes. 'Please little one, please wait, I will give you all my time if you just give me this. Please.'

As if hearing her Ochre felt the pain recede and let out a sigh of relief. Kili looked at her from where he stood his eyes narrowed and she smiled hesitantly at him, knowing that he'd been watching her closely these last few days. She hoped that he hadn't caught on just yet.

As Fili spoke the words to bind Falin to him as his wife and future queen of Erebor, Ochre felt a sudden 'pop' from within and a warm liquid gushed down her inner thighs and onto the chamber floor. She almost swore at this, it meant that there was no hanging on, no waiting a few minutes after to speak with Falin and Fili. Her water had just burst and within moments said liquid would seep through the layers she wore and the pool of same said liquid would grow beneath her. There was no hiding this.

Falin had just started her part of the words and Ochre decided that she would try to hide what had happened, by not reacting or saying anything. If someone else noticed and did so then fine, but she would see this wedding through to the end. Her baby shifted within and another jolt of pain came with it, she steeled herself, not even her baby would stop her from staying right where she was.

Something was wrong. Kili could almost taste it in the air, even the feel of the mountain was off. He narrowed his eyes as he swept them over the crowd, looking and assessing. If someone was here to attack or hurt the line of Durin he would be ready. But as the ceremony drug on and they finally got to the word exchange, Kili knew it wasn't some outside or even inside danger that was making him feel this way. It was something else.

He swept his eyes around once more as Falin neared the end of her part and he settled his gaze upon his wife, his one. Ochre looked beautiful as always to him, but there was something strange about her appearance. Starting at the top he ran his eyes meticulously over her form and then he found what had been nagging at him.

There was a puddle at her feet, she seemed to be standing in it and the front of her skirts had started to darken from an apparent wetness. He puzzled at this, wondering if she'd spilt water on herself when it snapped into place. Water.

His heart suddenly began to pound, her water had broken. She'd started her labor pains. So why hadn't she said or done anything? He felt a growl growing in the back of his throat and as the ceremony ended, he slowly worked his way around to Ochre's side. 'Stubborn female.'

Once there he deftly lifted her up and at her sudden cry, the entire hall fell silent as all eyes turned to them. He didn't even blink as he spoke in a rush, "congratulations Nadadun. We would stay but we've got a baby to worry about." Kili then turned and bolted from the chamber, Yinir followed them closely as he ran pell mell through the halls and finally to their home.

He'd gone over the plan several times but none had expected it to begin like this. So Kili did was he knew he could and needed to do. Upon reaching the door to their home, Kili turned to Yinir, "go and fetch my mother, master Oin and Bombur's wife." He didn't even have time to thank the guard as he disappeared like a flash back down the corridor.

Once inside their home Kili took Ochre right to their bedroom, he set her down and confident that she wouldn't collapse, he rushed around gathering things. All the while Ochre stared at him in complete shocked surprise; she was stunned at this clear mind of his. Having expected him to get mad or freak out, something else, Ochre didn't know how he was so calm.

She didn't get to ponder too long as he returned to her side with a change of clothes and a wet rag. "Alright let's get you changed out of those and cleaned up. Clearly the pains aren't a constant yet or you'd be sitting down, so how long have you been in labor, wife?" His voice was deep with emotion and Ochre flushed at that, she'd been right he was angry he just was using that anger to stay unflustered. To stay focused on the task at hand.

"Since just this morning I've had pains, but I didn't recognize what they were until they had started the wedding. I had to be there, through the whole thing, I'd promised myself I wouldn't miss Falin and Fili's wedding. Until my water broke I thought I would make it." Ochre's last words came out in a gasp as a sharp pain shot through her. Kili was gentle as he helped her change out of her current garb and into a long dark blue shirt, one of his.

Ochre felt more pain strike her and grit her teeth as Kili looked at her, torn by wanting to help her and wanting to wait for the other's to arrive. Kili let out a sigh as his anger towards her for hiding this began to dissipate; he couldn't stay mad at her. "It's alright Ochre, Falin and Fili will understand, besides," he reached out to brush his knuckles against her cheek, "you did stay until they had finished so no broken promise."

Smiling at that thought Ochre opened her mouth to reply when another contraction hit her. Kili held her firm against him as he slowly began to walk her about their chamber; he'd been told by Oin that this helped the babe get into the right position as well as help the mother focus on something more than just the pain. It seemed to work as they continued walking and Ochre began to speak.

"I've been thinking over names but I cannot settle on one. I'm not sure which would be better, but I suppose we need to know our babe's gender before we settle on one right?" Kili smiled at this, having thought the same thing far too many times than he could possibly remember. "We will pick whatever name feels right, we..."

He was cut off when he heard their front door slam open and voices shouting their names. "In here!" He barked out as he led Ochre in another circle. Dis burst into the room, Bombur's wife behind her. Oin walked in a moment later with Thorin, Fili, and Falin as well. Kili's eyes widened at this, "you all came?"

Falin was smiling but in a fearful way, "we wouldn't miss it. Besides, you might need another pair of hands." Kili chuckled at this as he handed Ochre off to his waiting mother; she'd been glaring at him ever since she'd walked in after all. "Help me then, we need to get some cloths and water for when the babe arrives. Anything I've forgotten Oin?" The elder dwarrow snorted, "to stop being a know it all."

Laughter filled the room before it was silenced by another cry of pain.

A/N- Chapter was getting a bit too long so I'm stopping it here. Thank you all for reading this and continuing with me on this journey. We are nearly at the end now, a few more chapters and the story is done.

Khuzdul words are below-

Amralime- My Love

Nadadun- Older Brother

Until the next time.

May the Fluff Be with You!

=^..^=