Chapter Fifteen
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SUMMARY: The trip to Erebor was packed full of important meetings, a great deal of fun...
...and many profound experiences.
Bofur has turned his ballad of Kili and Tauriel into an elaborate, unforgettable production, which touches the heart of everyone present in the Hall of Kings.
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Sometimes people fall in love with those who do not return the same strength of feelings. It is as it is," he said with a quiet intensity. "What I give, I give freely. You owe me nothing, not love, not friendship, not even obligation."
― Sherry Thomas, Tempting the Bride
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Erebor, 28thof July, 2942 T.A.
Tauriel woke up in her apartments in the Mountain, and saw the light streaming in from the window onto her white blanket, reflecting the angular patterns of the lead came-work. She had been surprised at the number of windows she found in the Mountain, when she began to visit – for some reason she had assumed there were very few – but these windows reflected the excellent craftsmanship of their race: many of the Dwarven colored-glass windows were turned into an art form, and they told stories like the tapestries hanging in the Hall of Kings.
How her heart pounded yesterday when she finally met the Lady of the Blue Mountains, face-to-face! Tilda was holding her hand – she knew Adahad placed her little sister beside her on purpose, to ease her anxiety.
Dís looked so much like Kili, her stomach did a somersault. Bless Tilda for speaking up with Alda such wonderful enthusiasm, and instantly lightening the mood.
"Ai-menu duzhuk, Tauriel-uzbadiya,"Dís smiled, and touched her forehead and nose.
"Suilad, brennil vuil Dís,"Tauriel whispered shyly. Suddenly overcome, she looked down, but the Dam lifted her chin, and met her eyes with a kindly gaze, and spoke in Westron.
"Welcome, Princess Tauriel. I am happy to meet you." Dís gave her a small nod, and suddenly a weight was lifted. They eyed each other with tears in their eyes, each feeling the absence of their loved one keenly.
The memorial service in the Tombs was made easier to bear when Lady Dís took her hand and asked that they pay tribute together.
Tauriel held out the bouquet she'd put together herself, and said, in a broken voice, "Govano i nothrim în ah i mellyn în mi Mannos. Gi melin, urieb, Kili."
Dís whispered words in Khuzdul, and tried to offer her tribute, but her grief was such that Dwalin took it and did it for her. His strong arm remained around her shoulders, and he guided her gently back to her place, but she held Tauriel's hand throughout, and wouldn't let go.
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Once the service was over, and they made their way up the massive, long staircase. Tauriel remained beside Kili's mother, with Ada's subtle nod of approval.
"I would like to meet with you in my chambers, if you would, lass. In one hour?"
Tauriel bowed. "I would be honored to accept your invitation."
It was a good meeting. She and Dís were a bit awkward at first, but soon settled in with each other.
"Your family is certainly a unique one, Tauriel." Dís told her as she handed her a glass of wine. "A mish-mosh of races and personalities."
"It is. Just a year ago, I would never have imagined it, but now I cannot be without them…" She looked at the Dam in consternation. "I am sorry, My Lady; I did not mean to –"
"No, child; never be sorry for the blessings the Valar has given you. I know you have experienced great loss, too and not just my Kili."
"If there is one thing I have learned since living in Dale, is that none of us has to bear our burdens alone. I see the same in Dwalin, My Lady. He has been especially kind to me, though many find that surprising."
"I don't." Dís smiled, and she settled herself into her comfortable chair. "I've known him all my life, and he helped me get through my husband's death, too."
"That was kind of him."
"My Vili, who was a cousin to Glóin, was a good husband, but we were only married for a short time. He was killed during a cave-in, may his soul rest in the Halls of our Fathers."
"I am sorry, Dís."
She waved her hand. "It's funny how much I think of him lately. Maybe it helps to remind me that the hurt truly does fade, and one day I'll remember Thorin and my boys with fondness, too. Oh, I loved that Dwarf! I imagine it was like when you first met Kili; you know when you meet your One, don't you?"
Tauriel nodded her head, but said nothing.
"Fili took after his Sire, you know; determined, serious, loyal to a fault. But my Kili took after me. He did everything with his whole heart, and would plunge head-first into any new adventure he could find. Thorin was always having to yank him back by his beltloops." She laughed. "Just like he had to do with me, when we were young. Thorin looked out for me, like Fili looked after his brother, didn't he?
"Anyway, I was still carrying Kili, when Thorin came and told me my husband was killed. Vili was working a vein of silver with the group he was leading, and heard those first groans from the Mountain. He cleared all the tunnels, quick as he could, but there was a young lad with his leg stuck under a boulder, and my husband wouldn't leave him, no matter how much the boy begged him to go."
Dís looked down at her mug of ale. "But that was my Vili, through and through, and I wouldn't have wanted him any other way." She shook her head. "He ordered everyone to stay back and had just managed to free the lad and send him out, when the tunnel gave way."
"Your husband saved lives."
"Hundreds of them. He was every bit a hero as my brother and sons." She refilled their glasses of whiskey. "There are some who might tell you that's no comfort, dearie, but they're wrong, at least for me. I'm proud of what my husband did! I'm proud of my brother, too; he did something no other Durin was able to do – throw off the Sickness! And my boys gave their lives to protect and save our people, and knowing that gets me through the day." The Dam gave her a sad smile and shrugged. "Well, some days, anyway."
Changing the subject, Dís looked around. "I never thought I'd be in my rooms here again…. I was born and raised in this place, but I realize now, it will never be home to me. I remember when the Dragon came like it was yesterday." She sighed, and looked at Tauriel. "I remember the Elf King, back then, too."
Tauriel winced. "I am sorry for any misunderstandings that caused you to hate him. He really is not-–"
"Hate him? Where did you get that idea, child?"
"Well, I know King Thorin –"
"My brother was a fool, child. Don't get me wrong; I'll love him to my dying day and beyond, but I saw what the damned Arkenstone did to my Sire, and my Grandsire and I saw what it was doing to my brother." She spat. "Gold-sickness my arse… If Dáin hadn't made sure that damned thing was thrown in the pit, I would have done it myself."
"Ada thinks it was of same materials as the Silmarils, and refused to touch it."
"Your father was right, Tauriel. I was there when my brother demanded King Thranduil kill that Worm. I couldn't say it out loud then, of course, but your Thranduil was right to refuse." Dís smiled at Tauriel. "I also know all about those supplies he gave to my folk. Thorin hated him, yes, but I never did." She tilted her head to look at the tall, lean red-haired elf. "I think you and I will get along fine."
Tauriel held out her hand. "I know I cannot make up for those we mourn, but I hope in some small way you would allow me try. Had things things been different, you would have been my mother, and I would cherish you, thus."
"Had things been different, you would've been a good wife to my son." Dís took the hand she offered, with tears filling her eyes. "I'd like that, lass. I'd like that very much."
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Erebor, 29thof July, 2942 T.A.
This trip to Erebor wasn't just a vacation, of course. Bard, Thranduil and Dáin met daily to go over issues that had arisen since their original summit last December. Everyone was happy with the agreement made back then, which were mostly economic.
While the leaders were hammering away at politics, the children were doing their part to foster relations between the races. All the kids were having fun, but the highlight for them was luncheon on the third day of the trip. The adults were busy with their food, and the conversation was lively and friendly, but they began to notice an increase in the noise level at the children's table.
"Sounds like the kids are having fun," Bard said to Thranduil. They were facing away from them, but Tilda's giggle could clearly be heard in the mix.
Across from them, Galion suddenly gasped in horror, which got everyone's attention.
"What is it?" Thranduil asked.
Percy began to laugh. "What was that you said about 'following the customs of the Kingdom you visit?' Look." He pointed.
"Ai!"Thranduil grabbed his husband's arm. "Bard! Look at our children!"
The activity at the children's table was boisterous, because they were having a food fight. Even Sigrid was laughing, and there was his little Tithen Pen, with a big blob of mashed potatoes in her hair, gleefully smashing some of it in Rhys's face.
The Dwarves thought it was hilarious, and Thranduil was surprised to find he did too.
"My Lord-–" Galion started to get up.
"Peace, Mellon nîn; Percy is right. They are enjoying the customs of our host. I think," the Elvenking grinned at Bard and Dáin, "the Ambassadors at the other table are ensuring the success of our trip, do you not agree?"
Feren shook his head. "Galion still remembers when we were small."
"How could I forget it?" Despite himself, Galion smiled. "At least these children are aiming at each other. A certain Elven Prince hit me full in the face with a blueberry pie."
"You, Thranduil?" Balin chuckled.
"In my defense, I was aiming it at Feren-–"
"—but I ducked," Feren grinned, "just as Galion came in the dining room."
Everyone at table roared with laughter.
"Aye, well." Dilna rose, "Come on; let's rescue these bairns." She was followed by the rest of the parents, and together, they managed to wipe the worst of it off the smaller kids.
"Can we jump in the river again?" Bain asked, eagerly. Tilda heard that, and gave her Ada a pleading look.
"Why not?" Bard shrugged. "Just keep to the shallow parts, and hold your sister's hand. And if she gets cold, bring her in."
"I'll do that, Da." Sigrid said, and took Tilda's hand, then turned to Princess Dura. "Come on! It'll be fun!"
"We may as well bring the bairns some towels." Queen Dilna was standing next to Hilda, who was shaking her head, with a smile.
"Bard's kids grew up on the water," she told the Queen. "Once they get wet, we'll be hard-pressed to get them out."
"We'll all go." Dáin said, and turned to the attendants. "Bring out some chairs. We'll 'ave our our drinks by the falls. Come on you lot!"
The adults followed the eager crowd of children as the group merrily made their way out a side door, and the kids stripped down to their underclothes and waded in.
It was wonderful. As the warm summer sun peeked through the trees, they watched their children play together.
Tilda got out when her fingers got pruny, so Thranduil wrapped her in a bunch of towels, and she cuddled in his lap. Eventually, her eyes drooped and she took her afternoon nap in his arms. Even Bard waded in up to his knees, but the kids wouldn't let him get away with it, and soon he was whooping and splashing with the rest of them.
The impromptu picnic might have delayed their scheduled talks for that day, but nobody really cared, because the children did more for their countries by the small waterfall, than any treaty could.
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Erebor, 31stof July, 2942 T.A.
Thranduil, Bard and the family took great care getting ready for the formal banquet on their last evening of their trip.
Bard helped him fasten Girion's necklace around his throat, and put the sapphire and diamond circlet on his head. "There. Looks great, love."
"Thank you, Meleth nîn." Thranduil turned his head back and forth in the mirror to make sure it was even. "I am surprised Galion has not bothered me about wearing the other one."
"He won't either."
"What do you mean?" Thranduil turned in his chair to face Bard, who was sitting on the bed, buttoning up his tunic, and arranging his hair.
"I went to Galion, and 'confessed' that it was damaged, and when I took it to be repaired, it fell into the caverns."
"Well, it was not a lie, and it was damaged..."
"He doesn't need to know it was because you threw it across the room." Bard gave him a lopsided grin. "Twice."
"A minor detail; not worth mentioning."
"And it did fall into the caverns…"
"That is also true."
"I also told Galion you were very upset about that crown, and you didn't want to talk about it. After all, it belonged to your father…"
Thranduil came over and set his chin on Bard's shoulder. "I was terribly upset…"
"Anyway, he ended up feeling very sorry for you, and hopefully, that will be the end of it."
Thranduil kissed him. "Thank you, My King."
Thranduil looked at his husband quizzically. "What are you thinking?"
Bard had a thought. "What if Galion tries to replace it?"
"Ai…" The Elvenking's eyes widened. "I had not thought of that."
Bard got up and pulled Thranduil to his feet, "You're on our own with that one; there aren't any bottomless pits in Dale. Now, come on."
Thranduil went to his trunk and removed the two square boxes, holding items they'd ordered from Dáin.
They went out into the common area of their suite, to see if anyone else was ready. Bain was sitting on the couch in his black leggings and burgundy tunic and new boots.
"You look splendid, Ion nîn," Thranduil smiled his approval. "How do the boots fit?"
"Pretty good, but a little stiff."
"The only cure for that is wearing them, son." Bard sympathized. "You look every inch a crown prince."
"Ada?" Sigrid's voice called out from the girl's room. "I need help with my hair!"
"Coming, Iellig."
Sigrid was wearing a royal blue gown, with gold trim, with three-quarter-length sleeves. It was a simple style, but well-cut and elegant. Though appropriately modest for a young girl, she looked much older than her sixteen years, and very beautiful.
Thranduil stepped over to where she was seated in front of the mirror, and proceeded to braid and arrange her hair in a large arrangement of swirls and waves at the nape of her neck, and expertly styled the shorter, curly strands to frame her face. Like Tilda, the summer sun had streaked her brown locks with natural golden highlights, but her skin, though tanned, remained free of freckles. "The last time I did your hair was your birthday."
"I remember." She smiled up at him. "I'll never forget that night."
The Elvenking returned her smile, as he stroked her cheek. "And I will never forget you that night. It is always an honor to dance with the most beautiful young woman in Dale."
"What about me?" Tilda said, from her perch on the bed.
"You looked pretty then, and you are prettier now," Thranduil answered her. "No, hênig," he turned to Tilda, "leave those boxes alone."
"What are they?" Tilda was curious.
"You will see," he told her. "Sigrid? Where is your jewelry?"
"There," she pointed to the box on top of her trunk.
The Elf took her garnet tiara from its box and carefully placed it on her head and fastened it with hairpins. "There. How is that?"
Sigrid smiled. "Great! Could you fasten my necklace?"
"I can." He helped with her bracelet, as well, then he turned to Tilda. "Now, stand up and let me see…"
Her dress was green this evening, with short, puffy sleeves and a high waistline, with dragonflies embroidered on the bodice in silver. She held up her skirts and showed Ada the matching silver slippers.
"You look adorable, Tithen Pen."
"And I've got my necklace from Uncle Dáin!" Tilda she held up the little diamond the King Under the Mountain had sent her, when she was so ill last winter.
"He will be pleased you are wearing it."
Tilda looked at her sister's jewelry wistfully, and sighed. "How should I wear my hair?"
Thranduil handed her the smaller of his two boxes, "with this."
Tilda opened the box and squealed. Inside was a thin headband, decorated with small diamonds, and the same small dragonfly Tilda had worn to her sister's party.
"Ada! It's so pretty! Sigrid, look! It matches my dress!"
"It's perfect, Til. Here." She got up from her chair. "Sit here and have Ada do your hair."
"Would you like the dragonfly on your headband, or in your hair?"
"Could you put it up again, like Sigrid's party? I could wear the band in front, like hers."
"It could be worn as a tiny tiara, yes." Thranduil grinned.
Tilda grinned and clapped her hands together. "Yay!"
As the Elf arranged her hair and placed the decorations, Tilda asked, "What's in the other box?"
"I have three daughters, do I not?"
"Ooh!" Sigrid regarded it eagerly. "For Tauriel?"
"Yes, and it is a surprise, so please do not open it. She will be here in a few moments."
Soon, both girls were ready and when they went out to the common area, their Da was completely bowled over.
Tilda ran over to him first. "Da! Lookee what Ada got me!" and turned back and forth to show him. "It sparkles!"
Bard smiled and bent down and kissed her cheek. "It's almost as pretty as you, Beanie. Now, where's your sister-–"
Sigrid stepped out from behind Thranduil, and when Bard saw her, his breath caught.
"Oh…" He swallowed. "Oh my…"
Sigrid turned around, and her dress swirled over the smooth, stone floor. "Is it all right?"
Bard cleared his throat, then held her face in his hands. "You look just like your mother did on our wedding day." He kissed her forehead. "I thought that no one could be more beautiful, but I was wrong. You're a vision, darling."
"Oh, Da…" She hugged him.
"Just remember, Sea Monsters: NO food fights tonight. We will act like Royalty from Dale, yeah?"
Just then, there was a knock on the door, then Tauriel came in. Her dress was light purple, and her hair was done with elaborate Elven braids.
"You all look wonderful!" she exclaimed with a smile.
"So do you, love." Bard came over and kissed her cheek. "You just need the finishing touch."
"What do you mean?" Tauriel was bemused.
"Ada and Da got you something!" Tilda was grinning.
Thranduil stepped forward with the box. "You are a Princess of Dale, and while it is long past your sixteenth birthday, the traditions will be observed. Here," he handed it to her, "This is an early Begetting day present for you, Gwinïg. Dain, Bard and I wanted you to have it for tonight."
Her eyes widened, as she took the box, from her Ada.
"Open it! Hurry!" Tilda squeaked, jumping up and down with excitement.
Tauriel lifted the latch, and everyone gasped. there in the black velvet was a beautiful jewelry set, which included a diadem, a necklace and a bracelet, done in yellow gold (which is tradition for Dale) but fashioned in Elvish style, as befitting her heritage. The headpiece greatly resembled Thranduil's sapphire and diamond one, as a tribute to her status as his daughter, but finer lines, accented with a Peridot, in honor of the month of August.
"Oh, it's gorgeous! It's just so gorgeous!" Sigrid cried. "You have to put it on! Ada, can you help her?"
"I would be honored." He took Tauriel's hand, kissed it and carefully placed the headpiece. Sigrid insisted on helping her with her necklace, and Tilda tried to help with the bracelet, but she was too excited, and her fingers were fumbly.
"You can help me take it off, later,Tithen Pen, will that be all right?" Tauriel smiled at her.
"All right. You look so pretty!"
"See how lovely you look, Gwinïg." Thranduil took her into their room, to the full-length mirror.
"Oh…" Tauriel's eyes swam, as she reached up to touch her forehead. "I look –"
"You look, like a daughter of Kings," Thranduil kissed her cheek. "And I am honored to be your father."
"Come on, everybody, we need to get going." Bard mustered the group. "We don't want to be late."
Thranduil took Tauriel's elbow, and waited until everyone else went through the door. "Are you sure you will be all right? I know you said you would not mind Bofur's song, but if you feel at all uncomfortable during the performance, I will be happy to…"
"No, Ada." She put her arm around his waist and hugged him. "You told me it is important to face these things, did you not?" She looked up at him. "I know it is important for our countries that I be there, but that is not why I want to do this."
"I care nothing about politics, when it comes to the welfare of my children." Thranduil assured her. "What would be your reason?" he smiled down at her.
"Lady Dís will be there, and I want to support her. She has no more family, Ada, and I will not let her bear it alone."
"Gwinïg…" he kissed her hair. "I bless the day the Valar placed you in my arms." Thranduil offered her his arm. "I would be honored to escort the most beautiful Elf to the party. May I?"
"The honor is mine." She placed her hand on top of his, off they went.
It was indeed a formal meal, for it was held on the now-famous Golden Floor of the Hall of Kings. The children of both races were on their very best behavior (for which Galion was most relieved), and the food was delicious.
After the meal, the speeches and well-wishes, and it was time for the concert. Thranduil and Bard had been told that Bofur and his musicians had been hard at work, turning his song into a larger, multilayered production, which now included a chorus and some soloists to depict the journey of the Dwarves to reclaim the Lonely Mountain. He also translated it into the Common Tongue, for their Royal guests.
Before the music could begin, however, it was time for the youngest attendees to take their leave. Galion smiled, took Tilda's hand, and waited patiently as she bid goodnight to her family and to their hosts.
"I could stay, Da. I'd be very good."
"No, Little Bean. You've had a big week. Anyway, they'll be singing about fierce battles and lots of fighting and you don't like that. Go on with Uncle Galion, love. Give your Uncle Percy and Auntie Hil, a kiss first."
Tilda reluctantly agreed, and left with the rest of the small children.
Everyone became quiet, and the lamps dimmed, as Nori stepped forward, put his fiddle under his chin, and began to draw his bow across the strings in a slow, sinuous motion, and a mournful melody began to echo through the Giant Hall.
Bofur, accompanied by the harmonies of the chorus behind him, began to sing his story, and the music's ebb and flow easily helped the listeners to imagine the Original Company's adventures and the tragedy of the Battle of the Five Armies.
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Bard must have seen Thranduil's face, because he moved his chair closer, so he could put his arm around him. "Are you all right, love?" He whispered softly.
Thranduil just nodded, and leaned into him, and glanced over at Tauriel.
The tempo of the music changed as did the melody, when Bofur began to sing the saddest part of the story:
Kili and Tauriel struggled with Bolg on Ravenhill, and though they fought valiantly, Tauriel reached out with an anguished cry, when Bolg plunged his weapon deep into Kili's heart. As he lay dying and unable to talk, bade her farewell with the one lonely tear on his cheek.
Both Tauriel and Dís started to cry at this, and Dwalin and Sigrid left their seats to support them, as the song went on:
Thinking Bolg had killed Tauriel, Legolas, Elven Prince performed impossible feats to gain the upper hand in their fight, and eventually plunged is long knife into the evil creature's skull and, and twisted it with angry satisfaction. Bolg, the evil spawn of Azog, was dead at last…
Thorin Oakenshield sacrificed his life, to stop Azog the Defiler once and for all, for slaughtering his nephews, for trying to wipe out his people, and for doing the Dark Lord's bidding in order to destroy the North.
The the production had to pause for a moment, as applause reverberated through the Hall. Once it died down, a new song started:
Tauriel wept over the body of her beloved and put the stone from his mother back in Prince Kili's hand, as poor Legolas went off to heal his broken heart.
The sight of her sorrow melted the ice in the heart of the Mighty Elvenking (from the death of his own wife), and how he was moved to tears over Tauriel's anguish. He mourned his son's departure, of course, but realized that Prince Kili was a good and honorable Dwarf, and worthy of his foster-daughter's love…
When Prince Kili's comrades came to take away his body, the King of the Woodland Realm not only honored him with an Elven salute of respect, but paid Dwarven courtesy by bowing low before the fallen Prince.
Now came the verse about the Stone of Promise:
"Come Back to Me," it said, and for now, it is safely in Prince Kili's hand, waiting for the day when his mother will join him in the Halls of their Fathers, so he can return it to her. Kili sings about his beloved; though his love for Tauriel is never-ending, he wishes her nothing but joy, as he keeps watch over her for always…
At this point, if there were still any residents of the Lonely Mountain who were not convinced that the Northern Kingdoms was a bad idea, final coup d'état that endeared them to their new Elven neighbors was the last song in Bofur's production. This was the song Bard and Thranduil had heard when Balin and Ori came to Dale, and the Elvenking was glad their daughter could hear it, and hoped it would offer comfort to Lady Dis, as well.
(The song, called "Beside you," was the highly-anticipated finale to Bofur's production. It reveals how Tauriel now wanders in the Forests near her home in Dale, thinking of her Prince and remembering the love she lost, before it ever really began, and how Kili still offers her solace, from his place in the Halls of his Fathers).
Two spotlights appeared, and Ori stepped into one in his formalwear to sing Kili's part. He was joined by an attractive, blonde Dwarrowdam, dressed in all her finery, and she would sing the Lament of Tauriel.
Nori's fiddle was put down and he stepped back in the shadows, while Bombur changed to his wider Bodhrán, and began to beat a slow, low rhythm which bounced around the hall. These were joined by the haunting sounds of a Long-whistle played reverently by Bifur.
The Dam sang the part of Tauriel, the Elf Maiden, in a high, clear voice:
How can the small flowers grow,
If the wild winds blow,
And the cold snow is all around?
And where will the frail birds fly,
If their homes on high,
Have been torn down to the ground?
Hear the winds,
That carried you away, and do you
Hear the trees as they try to comfort me?
But though I'm miles and miles apart from you,
You're beside me, when I think of you,
Amrâlimê...
Ori opened his mouth, and his contralto voiced Kili's response to the Elf Maiden's pleas:
Your flow'rs still bloom in spring,
And your birds still sing,
The warm sun will soothe your fears...
When stars fill the night sky,
Lift your face and cry,
And they will dry your tears...
Curse the winds,
That carried me away from you, but I
Bless the stars as they shine to comfort you,
And though though you walk in starlight in another world,
I'm beside you, when you think of me,
Amrâlimê…
The Maiden sang again:
How can a tree stand tall,
If the rain won't fall,
To wash its branches down?
And how can a heart survive,
Can it stay alive,
If its love is denied for long?
Lift the wings,
That carry me away from here and,
Hear the trees as they sing their song to me.
But when I'm miles and miles apart from you,
You're beside me, when I think of you, Amrâlimê
But you are with me, as I dream of you,
Amrâlimê…
The Dwarven Prince responded:
I'm beside you when you think of me, Amrâlimê
I'll be with you, when you dream of me,
Amrâlimê…
They sang the last verse together, with Kili echoing the plaintive voice of Tauriel, as they vow to always keep the other in their hearts:
And my song will bring you near to me,
And Mahal will bring you joy, again…
And I'll always remember you…
And I will always watch over you
Amrâlimê, My Love...
The Dwarrowdam continued singing the melody in non-lexical vocals, which added to the atmosphere, as the lamps slowly dimmed, until the entire Hall was in complete darkness.
Above them, high on the catwalks of the Hall of Kings, four deep, male voices began to sing, in a much slower, meaningful cadence, and everyone present knew this chorus was not meant for Tauriel. All could see and feel the loving presence of Lady Dís's husband, brother, and sons, as they offered solace, and reminded her that she is never truly alone, that they will see her again, one day:
Though we're miles and miles apart from you…
We'll always be thinking of you…
We will always watch over you…
And Mahal will always comfort you…
Amrâlimê…
The low, mournful sounds of Bifur's Long-whistle filled the the air, and the slow, thrumming beats of Bombur's large Bodhrán echoed off the walls and ceiling, until they finally died down.
Utter silence reigned for several minutes, as the audience tried to absorb the magic of what just happened. There wasn't a dry eye in that huge, cavernous Hall, and when the lamps were slowly turned up, the tears became evident.
Then everyone in the legendary Hall of Kings were on their feet, and the air exploded with applause, and the Alliance of the Northern Kingdoms gained the loyalty of every resident of the Lonely Mountain.
"Look, love," Bard whispered to Thranduil, as if the Elvenking needed any reminding. His eyes met with Dain, as they observed the effect the concert had on those dear to them.
Tauriel was on her feet, with her arm around the Dwarrowdam's shoulders, both of them smiling through their tears. Dís was looking up, with her hand over her heart, knowing that this goodbye wasn't really forever, and she would see them again, when it was her time to leave Middle Earth.
And Tauriel would go on to live and love and have the blessed life that Kili wishes for her.
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This night was recorded in the History books as the stuff of which the greatest romantic tales are made, and the fact that it was all true, sent many young Dwarrowdams off to sleep, dreaming of someone who could love them as much as Prince Kili loved his beautiful, fiery Elf Maid.
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TRANSLATIONS:
Ai-menu duzhuk, Tauriel-uzbadiya – (Khuzdul) I'm at your service, Princess Tauriel
Suilad, Brennil vuil Dís –Greetings, beloved Lady Dís
Govano i nothrim în ah i mellyn în mi Mannos. Gi melin urieb, Kili - May you join your family and friends in the afterlife. I love you always, Kili
Iellig– My daughter
Gwinig – "Little Fingers" a pet name for Tauriel; when she was little, she got into everything.
Amrâlimê – (Khuzdul) My love
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NOTES:
"Came Glasswork" according to Wikipedia: "Came Glasswork is the process of joining cut pieces of art glass through the use of came strips or foil into picturesque designs in a framework of soldered metal. Final products include a wide range of glasswork, including stained glass and lead light pieces." wiki/Came_glasswork