.
.
I'm posting an hour before midnight on Saturday so I don't have to get up early to post in the morning on Sunday.
Sleeping in! ha ha. Enjoy!
.
.
Chapter 6
~X~
Nori had planned this to the letter, which he thought was a rather ingenious pun since it was a letter he was planning to covertly deliver. Fili had given him the lass' petition the next morning, and the following day he enlisted the help of Bofur just as he said. And now, if everything went well, Lady Réann's request would be on Thorin's desk by midday and no one would be the wiser.
He found it rather comical that Fili had been fighting this whole arranged marriage thing for months, yet here the prince was, aiding one of the very lasses he had been staunchly determined to avoid. In fact, he had been ordered to avoid them, at least for a little longer, however the normally dutiful Fili was now breaking that rule. Going against Thorin's wishes and sneaking around behind everyone's back was Nori's job…not Fili's! Maybe the golden prince had some promise in the art of deception after all. The spymaster found that his opinion of the lad just jumped tenfold.
His musings were cut short, however, when the very person he was waiting for came around the corner, heading for Thorin's office. Balin. The trap was about to be sprung. Nori only had to wait and hope that Bofur was being as vigilant. Or at least half as vigilant – for no one was as good as him.
Nori watched from his concealed location as the white-haired advisor plodded down the hallway, his eyes conveniently glued on one of the many pieces of paper in his hands. Just when he began to wonder if Bofur had fallen asleep, the hatted miner rounded the corner and barreled right into Balin, knocking both of the dwarves – and the pile of papers – onto the floor.
"Oh! Forgive me, Balin!" Bofur begged as he clamored to his feet, reaching down to aid the elderly dwarf back into a standing position. "I didn't see you!"
"Well, that's rather obvious," Balin huffed, brushing off his tunic and looking at the mess around them. "It will take me forever to get this all sorted out again."
"I'm so sorry, really I am," Bofur continued, kneeling down as he began to gather the papers back into a pile. "I'll take care of it, don't you worry."
Nori stifled back a laugh as he watched the frustration in Balin's eyes, the old councilor shaking his head at the haphazard way Bofur was shuffling them around. Now it was his turn to act.
"Hey, Balin," he called, stepping out of where he had been hiding, and putting on a genuine look of surprise. "What's going on?" At this, the white-haired dwarf turned his attention to who had called, effectively taking his eyes off Bofur. "Need any help there?"
"No, I believe I've had enough help for one day," Balin said with an exasperated sigh, turning back to accept the jumble of papers from Bofur's hands. "I'm already late and this little mishap will put me even further behind schedule."
"Oh, I'm sure good old King Thorin will understand," Bofur said with a goofy grin, slapping Balin on the back as he walked past him. "Just tell him I'm to blame, he won't have a hard time believing that."
"No, I suppose he won't," Balin agreed, giving a bit of a chuckle before he headed back on his way.
Once the elderly dwarf was around the corner and out of earshot, Nori turned to Bofur.
"Did you do it?" he questioned in a low whisper.
"Yep, just like you said," the miner grinned, tipping back his hat with pride. "When he turned to look at you, I slipped the letter in with the rest, slick as you please. He never saw a thing."
"Excellent," Nori beamed. "You'll make a fine thief yet. Though usually in that line of work, one is taking something away…not adding it in."
"Thanks, but no thanks," Bofur laughed. "I'll leave the illegal stuff to you and stick to the petty stuff. And I only went along with this to help Fili, though I can't understand why adding a letter into Balin's pile would be of any help to him."
"Oh, trust me, it will," Nori assured him, throwing his arm around his friend. "Now, how about we head down to the pub where you can buy me an ale while I tell you all about it?"
.
.
Balin grumbled all the way to Thorin's office, shaking his head at the mess he now carried. He prided himself on being organized and punctual, and today he was going to be neither. When he arrived at last, he pushed open the door and entered unannounced, not bothering with formalities since he didn't see the point. Thorin raised an eyebrow as he spotted his councilor, yet chose to remain silent when he saw the look of frustration on his weathered face.
"Before you say it, Laddie, I know I'm late," Balin huffed, plopping the pile of papers onto the desk.
"I wasn't going to say a thing," Thorin mumbled, too engrossed in his own thoughts to comment on Balin's words.
"Well, you should!" the older dwarf stated, sitting down as he began to reorganize the missives. "Because it wasn't my fault!"
"I never said it was," Thorin continued, reaching for the ink and quill in order to sign off on a supply order.
"Well…don't you want to know whose fault is was?" Now Balin was getting perturbed.
Thorin gave a heavy sigh and sat back in his chair, staring at his friend.
"Does it really matter? And would you telling me speed any of this along so we can get down to business for the day?" he questioned.
"I…well…no," Balin admitted, shaking his head as he gave a little laugh. "I suppose you're right. Never mind."
"Good. Now that that's settled, what's on the agenda for today?" the king asked, not looking forward to more demands on his time, but knowing it came with the job.
"Looks like this is at the top of the list," Balin stated, picking up the first paper and handing it to Thorin. And while they had originally all been organized in order of importance, now it was anyone's guess.
A few hours later, as they neared the bottom of the stack, Balin paused before handing over the next order of business to his king, eyeing it curiously.
"I don't recall reading this one," he mumbled.
"What was that?" Thorin asked, reaching out and taking the paper in order to read it himself. It looked plain enough, a request for an audience with him, but even he was a bit shocked to see who it was from. "The Lady of the Grey Mountains wishes to speak with me? Whatever for?"
"I have no idea," Balin admitted. "I don't recall her making the request. Though I suppose it could have been delivered when I was out and one of my aids took the message."
"I certainly hope it's not a plea to further her case for Fili's hand," Thorin sighed. "The last thing I need are dams wanting to bribe, plead, or beg for my favor in the matter. I promised Fili that the choice would be his, and no amount of swaying with change my mind on that."
"I have not personally spoken with any of the candidates as of yet, so I cannot advice you on how they might behave in this matter," Balin confessed. "Still, you can't exactly ignore her, it could be considered an insult if you didn't at least respond."
"You know, that might not be a bad idea," Thorin mused, once more sitting back in his chair as he stroked his beard thoughtfully.
"What's not a bad idea? Refusing to respond to her?" Balin had to disagree, that was a terrible idea.
"No, having you speak with the dams," Thorin clarified. "It would be helpful to know a bit more about them before Fili is expected to meet them for the first time. Give the lad a bit of an edge, you might say. After all, he's being rather blindsided by all this."
"Ahhh, I see your point," Balin nodded. "We could have Fili make a list of questions he would like to know and pose them to the dams, offering him some background and insight without actually having to meet with them and break the rules about not associating until the final dam arrives."
"It's the least I can do, after forcing this on Fili in the first place." Thorin still felt badly over his part in all this. "I will speak to him this afternoon and find out what he might like to know about the lasses."
"I agree, it would be a kindness to the lad," Balin conceded. "But what about the Lady Réann's request?"
"I will send word that I will meet with her," Thorin stated, yet held up his hand before Balin could respond. "Yet, not before the seventh dam arrives from Ered Luin. I would not wish it to appear that I'm playing favorites. I will schedule a meeting, but not until after my sister and Lady Dola arrive."
The mention of the Blue Mountain lass got Thorin thinking, for like her, he too had known from a young age that he was craft-wed. Yet, being the heir to the throne had left him in quite the predicament, one he was forever grateful to his sister for getting him out of. For by supplying him with her two sons as heirs, Dis had released him from the duty of taking a wife and producing children of his own. Granted, Thorin had dabbled in the art of love…or love making, but no matter how comely the dam, or how pleasurable the act, his heart had always belonged to the forge.
Fili knew why Dola had been chosen, and he knew not to pick her, but Thorin could only hope that another of the dams would catch his eye…and his heart. For if not, he was certain that Dis would never let him have a moment of peace over it. Shaking his head at the terrible thought, he focused once more on what they had been discussing.
"And since Fili has known Dola since they were children, I don't think anyone will cry foul if he learns more about the others' background and character before she arrives." A smile spread across Thorin's face. "Yes, I think this is a fine idea, and I believe Fili will feel the same way."
.
.
"So…what do you think?" Thorin questioned, having explained his idea to Fili later that day. "This way you can get a feel for the dams before you meet them. Find out a little bit of what makes them tick."
"I…I think it's a marvelous idea!" Fili admitted, though quickly calculating in his mind if this could in any way go ill for him and his little deception. Still, he couldn't see how it would, so he was all for it. "How soon will I need to have my set of questions prepared? Is there anything I should, or shouldn't, ask?"
"Nothing comes to mind," Thorin mused. "Though I would avoid getting too personal, if you take my meaning."
"So, what prompted all this?" Fili questioned. "Not that I mind, I'm simply curious."
"I was hoping this might help you warm up to the idea of an arranged marriage," Thorin confessed. "I know you have long known Lady Dola, and though I've already stated that it would be very unwise if you chose her - for several reasons - I believe it is only fair that you know a little something about your other prospective brides. And I'm willing to do anything to see that this whole process is as painless as possible for you, Fili."
"I thank you for that, Uncle," the blond prince told him. "I know this isn't your fault. It's the council members forcing the issue, and it's them I blame…not you."
"I appreciate your understanding, Fili," the king nodded. "Still, whatever I can do to aid you, I will. This I promise."
"Then I will get started on my list of questions right away," he beamed, looking forward to this idea more than he thought he would. "I'll get Kili to help me, he's really good at being nosey."
"Just don't let him get carried away," Thorin laughed, know just how inquisitive his younger nephew could truly be.
"I won't, Uncle," Fili assured him, heading for the door. "I promise."
.
.
Fili left the king's office in a much better mood than when he had arrived. Being called before his uncle lately had often led to bad news or new obligations he had not been excited about. Still, the thought of being able to ply Réann with questions without her knowing they were coming from him, was intriguing. Granted, he would learn what the other dams thought as well, and that wasn't necessarily a bad thing, but he honestly found he didn't care. However, it was only fair that he took their answers into consideration as well, especially since he had been feeling a bit guilty for breaking the rules about associating with any of the six before the seventh one arrived. But when he thought of Réann, and how much he had been enjoying spending time with her, he found he couldn't wipe the smile off his face.
They had spent the last three evenings together in the ballroom and each time they were forced to part, Fili felt as if a piece of himself left with her, and he couldn't wait to see her again. Was this the beginnings of love? Was this what his mother and father had felt? If so, he could only hope it would last…and that Réann would eventually agree to be courted by him. Sadly, that left him in a pickle, for she still believed him to be Dwalin, not Fili the crown prince! And she had made no secret of the fact that she had zero interest in becoming the future queen of Erebor. He would seriously need to work on fixing that little issue!
"KILI!" he called, bursting through the door of his brother's chambers. "Put on your thinking cap, we have some work to do!"
"Work?" Kili questioned, scrunching up his nose at the idea. "I've done all my duties for the day, I'm tired!"
"Oh, but this you'll find fun," he promised, grabbing a piece of parchment and a piece of lead as he headed for the table. "I need you to help me come up with a series of questions for Balin to ask the lasses on my behalf. Questions that are meant to help me learn more about them. Are you in?"
"You bet!" Kili beamed, leaping to his feet and scrambling over as quickly as possible. "So what'cha wanna learn about the lasses?"
"Nothing about them…I only want to learn more about Réann!" Fili explained.
"Of course, but you can't make it look that obvious," Kili said with a roll of his eyes. "So, you will have to throw in a few generic questions as well. So, let's start with those, just to get them out of the way." Here he tapped his finger on his chin a few times before inspiration hit. "Ask what their favorite gem is. Dams really like sparkly things. And what qualities she thinks she has to offer to you and Erebor."
"Oh, good ones!" Fili grinned, writing as quickly as he could. "What else?"
The two brothers brainstormed for the rest of the evening, coming up with a dozen good questions. Ones that would offer Fili more insight into Réann's thoughts and desires, while including some generic ones so no one would guess they were specifically tailored just for her.
"So, when will Balin be meeting with the dams?" Kili questioned, once they were finished.
"Soon I hope," Fili said.
"And what's your plan for sneaking in while it's being done?" Was his next question.
This made the older prince laugh, realizing that his brother knew him far too well.
"You know that large wardrobe that Balin has against the back wall of his office?" Fili explained. "I think it's just the perfect size to fit two dwarrow in…don't you?"
"That I do," Kili replied, his own face turning up into a devious grin.
.
.
"Dwalin?" Réann whispered, entering the little alcove the following night. "Are you here?" They had agreed to meet on the battlement, instead of the ballroom, in hopes that Jareth would show up with a letter from her father. She had not seen her handsome commander in over twenty-four hours, and for some odd reason, it felt like a lifetime for her. When had she grown so attached to Dwalin? Why was she now counting the hours between their visits? Still, she had a job to do, so Réann decided it was not wise to examine her motivations too closely…at least not yet.
"Over here," came a familiar voice, causing her to turn towards the sound.
"Dwalin," she greeted, watching as he stepped out of the shadows, his golden hair nearly glowing in the moonlight. "I have news!"
"You do?" Fili questioned, looking around in confusion. "I've been here for quite a bit and I've not seen your owl deliver anything thus far."
"No, news about the prince!" she explained, leaning against the stone ledge as she fiddled with her hair nervously. "Today all the dams were informed that we will be interviewed by the king's adviser! To answer questions for the prince! I'm worried, Dwalin…what if I say something wrong?"
"Wrong? How could you say anything wrong?" Fili asked, perplexed as to why Réann seemed so upset about the idea. "Just be yourself and answer the questions truthfully. No one can find fault with you for that."
"Yet how can I, when all I want is for the prince to turn me down?" she moaned, bringing her hands up to hide her face. "I'm so confused. I could purposefully say all the worst things possible, but that would bring shame on my family! And I can't simply say I don't want to marry him, for then they might throw me out of Erebor without being able to meet with the king! What should I do?"
Now Fili was torn. He had thoroughly enjoyed dreaming up the questions she was to be asked, and yet, here she was, in turmoil over the whole idea. Still, it wasn't like he could rescind them now and cancel the whole thing. Thorin would be highly suspicious if he did. Thus, he simply had to find a way to ease her mind about it all.
"Well…as you said, you can't exactly lie," Fili mused. "That would be dishonest and could get you into trouble if they found out. And really, no decision will be made solely based on a few questions, right?"
"I suppose not," she agreed.
"Then don't fret so much and just say whatever comes to your mind," he advised. "In the end, no one is going to make you marry anyone you don't want to. It's only a shame that the prince can't say the same thing."
"Oh, right," she nodded, Dwalin's words making her feel much better. "I suppose I'm worried over nothing then. Still, I will be much relieved when it is all over and the prince has chosen any bride but me."
"You know," Fili began, unsure if he should even speak such words. "The prince is not exactly the worst candidate for a husband. And he comes with great wealth, as well as the prospect of one day being king." Promoting himself as a future mate felt wrong, but at some point he would need to come clean over his ruse, and it might go easier if Réann thought better of him.
"Wealth and prominence mean nothing to me," the lass huffed, crossing her arms over her chest as she glared at him. "And if you think that's the kind of dam you take me for, then you are not the kind of dwarrow I thought you were."
"No! I didn't mean that," Fili quickly protested. "I just…well…"
"I know, I know," she sighed. "He's your prince and it bothers you that I don't see him as the golden catch that others do. Your loyalty is commendable, and as you said, I don't even know him. Still, that's not why I am here, and I don't intend to ever marry for anything but love." Here she reached out and gave his arm a playful shove. "So just stop trying to change my mind, Dwalin." Her face suddenly took on a worried expression. "Unless for some reason you want me to pursue him. Is that it?"
"What? No, of course not!" Now Fili was truly sorry he had opened his mouth. "I would never want you to seek another!" Yet after saying that, he was sorry he opened his mouth again. "I mean…I…that you are free to care for whomever you wish. That's all."
"Good," she grinned shyly, averting her eyes. "I'm glad I have your approval on that."
The two slipped into silence, each not knowing how to further the conversation without treading on potentially embarrassing subject matter. Thankfully just then, the fluttering of wings was heard, and right between them came a flurry of white feathers, causing both to step apart.
"Jareth!" Réann smiled, glad for the distraction. "How are you, dear friend?" And moving forward she reached up to scratch his feathers behind his head, prompting him to turn his neck and shut his eyes in delight. "Do you have a message for me?" Sure enough, when she looked, she found the cylinder strapped to him, just waiting to be opened.
"Here," Fili offered, pulling out a little bag from his belt. "I brought some scraps from the kitchen…just in case."
"That's kind of you," she said, touched by his thoughtfulness. She chose not to mention she had done the same, deciding to leave her pouch hidden in her bag. "Look what nice Commander Dwalin brought for you, Jareth." Réann then laid out the meal on the ledge for him to devour while she removed the letter and replaced it with one of her own. "Soon he will favor you over me," she giggled.
"I hardly think so, but it is good for me to start knowing how to ingratiate myself to them, should we ever happen to employ their services like I hope we will," Fili told her.
"Has there been any reply to my petition yet?" Réann asked, her voice full of hope.
"None so far, but I've been assured that your request for an audience was presented to him. Still, the king is not one to share his thoughts with just everyone," he assured her. "And it might take a while for him to decide the best course of action. Still, I will keep my ear to the ground."
"Thank you," Réann nodded. "I hardly expect him to drop everything simply to see me, but I do hope he will grant me a few moments of his time."
"Your petition was very well written and offered some very beneficial trade ideas. Thorin would be a fool not to at least hear you out." Fili reached out and tucked a stray lock of her golden hair behind her ear. "And I assure you, the last thing I would ever call Thorin is a fool."
"Again, you have to say that," she smiled. "You work for him."
"True, but do you see me as the kind of dwarrow who would work for anyone less than honorable?" he asked.
"Oh, no!" Réann stated, once more blushing slightly at their close proximity. "I believe you to be a dwarrow of excellent character, and a great judge of who is worthy of your allegiance."
"Thank you," Fili said, giving her a slight bow. "I too find you to be a lass possessing fine morals and wisdom. Not to mention great beauty and a kind heart. I am very happy that you chose to come to Erebor."
"As am I," Réann admitted, and was surprised that she actually meant it. Meeting Dwalin had not been on her agenda, but in her mind, it was the most fortuitous event she could have hoped for.
Fili found himself drawn to Réann in a way he had never known possible. It was like they were linked somehow, by a potent force drawing him to her. Her lips looked so temping in the moonlight, and he found himself powerless to resist. Would she pull away? Would she slap his face as Dola had? Should he even dare? Yet, before he could make up his mind, he found himself grabbed by the lapels of his vest and pulled towards her, his own lips being assaulted by hers.
Réann had no idea what had come over her, but one moment they were a foot apart and the next thing she knew, she was kissing Commander Dwalin fully on the lips. This was her first kiss! And as she felt his shock wear off, the two melted into what she felt had to be the best kiss ever! He was both gentle and commanding, carrying her along towards a feeling she had never experienced, yet never wanted to leave. What would her father say? Or her brothers? Had she come to Erebor to make an alliance, only to find her One in the process? Could this truly be happening?
Fili no longer had any doubt in his mind. Réann was the one. His One! He would never feel this way about another in all his life, and as he deepened the kiss, he wanted to soar on this bliss forever. Still, the issue of his true identity stood in the way. He was in too deep to simply admit his deception now and brush it off as a misunderstanding. Oh, no…he was in a pickle for sure. However, all of that mattered very little as his fingers began to thread through the silken strands of her hair, loving how it felt so right holding her that way. He would find a way to rectify this wrong…later.
"Dwalin," Réann moaned softly, her tone one of pleasure as well as disappointment. "I…I think we should stop." And reluctantly she gently pushed him back a few inches, though her hands never left his chest. "I don't know what came over me. I shouldn't have been so bold."
"Do you regret your actions?" he whispered, praying she wouldn't say yes.
"No, of course not. Do…do you?" was her hesitant reply.
"Not in the least!" Fili was only too happy to assure her.
"Still, I'm here as a guest of your king and as a candidate for my people, honor-bound to present myself as a potential mate for the prince," she pointed out in a plaintive voice. "And while I fully intend on making myself the least desirable choice, I feel that engaging in any romantic actions with another right now would be a deception and a betrayal." Here she looked up at him, her eyes full of hope. "Not that I don't want to…mind you. Just, well…not until this is all over. All right?"
"I completely understand," Fili told her, his heart now torn in two. He saw her point. She felt it dishonorable to pretend to be one thing while doing another. And yet, wasn't that exactly what he was doing? Pretending to be Dwalin while having feelings for her as himself? Oh, why had he not been honest from the start? "Yet, please know that when this is all over…when the prince has at last chosen his future bride, I want nothing more than for you to be standing at my side."
"I too would like to explore such an idea," she admitted. "And, there's no reason why we can't still continue seeing each other…right? I mean, just to make sure that I'm kept up to date on the state of my petition."
"Indeed, that only makes sense," Fili chuckled, seeing her reasoning for what it was, an excuse to carry on with their clandestine rendezvous. "I can't have you left in the dark should I come across some very important information. So, when is your meeting with Lord Balin?" As if he didn't already know, but he had to at least pretend he didn't.
"The day after tomorrow. Giving me plenty of time to stress and worry," she informed him with a grumpy expression.
"Then I tell you what," he offered with a sympathetic smile. "The day after your interrogation with Balin, how about you sneak out and meet me in the stables. And as a reward for you having to endure such questioning, I will take you on a ride outside the mountain."
"Really? That sounds wonderful!" Réann beamed excitedly. She had seen very little of the surrounding lands as they had approached the mountain, having been forced to remain hidden in the wagon she was riding in. And from what she had seen looking out over the rampart, the rivers, forests and grasslands looked very inviting.
"I believe you could use a bit of fresh air after being cooped up in the lady's chambers for so long," Fili told her. "Think you can make it down there around twelve bells?"
"I'll be there even if I have to fight my way out!" Réann promised.
"Well, let's hope it doesn't come to that," he laughed. "Just dress warmly and don't get caught."
"I promise!" And reaching up, she gave him another quick kiss on the lips, before racing out of the alcove, her cheeks flushed red from her daring actions.
Fili was left staring after her, his fingers rising to where her lips had just touched his. Oh, yes, he could become used to this. He then turned and looked up at Jareth, who was staring at him with an accusing look in his large round eyes.
"That's right, you saw what you saw," he told the white bird. "She kissed me." His eyebrows then furrowed in concern. "Just don't go telling her father about that, all right? I don't want my head lobbed off before I ever get the chance to court her properly."
Jareth stared at him for a few more seconds and then spread his wings, taking off over the wall and out into the night. Fili watched him go, a sudden twist of worry in his belly.
"Was that a yes or a no?" he called after the owl. Yet, sadly, no answer came.
We've had KISSES! I think it's only a matter of time before a marriage bead will be placed in her hair...but not until that pesky prince chooses a bride, right? ha ha.
And look, Fili get's to grill the dams...at least by proxy. I do hope that wardrobe can fit two dwarves in it...I guess they will find out.
More to come!
Guest Reviews:
mangomaus: I'm glad, but please be assured that your kind review also made MY day! Another chapter will be posted on Tuesday, so keep your eyes out! Thanks!
Jillian Baade: Hmmm, It either had to be written as a prank - Elves making fun of dwarves...or someone was really, really dumb and did NOT do their research, that's for sure. Next time I'm in Rivendell, I will see if I can pick up a copy of it and check the author's name. It' probably says "Written by Thranduil." ha ha.