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I know it's still one hour before Sunday - at least for me - but I figure, why wait? ha ha.
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Chapter 17
~X~
At the same time as all the hullabaloo was going on in Erebor, Lord Darmin sat in his study, mulling over how he was going to keep his people fed this winter, when the door burst open.
"Adad!" Duffin called out, entering quickly with his two brothers right on his heels. "Another letter from Réann."
The mention of his only daughter always brought a smile to his face, and he set aside his work in favor of reading something encouraging. Taking the letter, he opened the seal and began to read out loud, his three sons listening anxiously.
Dear Adad,
I have wonderful news! King Thorin has agreed to see me and appears very interested in the trade proposal. He sent me a message the previous day and said that as soon as the seventh dam arrives, he will set up a time for us to speak. I am both nervous and excited at the same time, and I do hope I won't say the wrong thing or inadvertently offend him in some way and ruin everything.
"As if Réann has ever misspoken or acted offensive," Gimrin scoffed, having complete confidence in his sister and her abilities.
"That is very good news, Father!" Duffin agreed. "And if we can get the trade route up and going before winter, we may not need to worry about how to feed everyone."
"That would be a blessing indeed," Darmin nodded, his heart a bit lighter now. Yet, what he read next changed all that.
And while my upcoming meeting with King Thorin is exciting, I have more news that I hope you will find just as wonderful. For you see, Father, I now believe that I have developed more than just feelings of friendship for Commander Dwalin. In fact, I know I have. And those feelings are love.
"WHAT?" Duffin barked, standing up as he stared open mouthed at his father. "I told you that dwarf was out to seduce her!"
"She can't be in love!" Gimrin added in, his own face a mirror of his brother's shocked expression. "Didn't you say this Dwalin fellow was almost as old as you?"
"Does this mean Réann's in danger?" Taurin asked, fear in his voice.
"No, it means no such thing," their father assured the youngest of his sons, before holding up his hand for the other two to be silent so he could continue reading.
You will be happy to learn that he is indeed the Dwalin, son of Fundin, you assumed he was. And he has proven himself both honorable and kind, going to great lengths to offer me respect and protection. He is also the one responsible for getting me the audience with the king, thus aiding all our people in the process. I know it sounds sudden, but these feelings have been coming on for a while. And it was only yesterday, when we were out riding together that I realized it was truly love that had been growing in my heart. Sadly, there is nothing that can be done about it at present, since I am determined to play out my role as a potential bride to the prince, but once his choice has been made, Dwalin and I wish to court in earnest.
"AH! Then there's still time!" Duffin broke in. "Their hands are tied until the day the prince picks his bride. We can stop this before it goes any further."
"I'm with Duffin!" Gimrin agreed. "I say we saddle up and ride for Erebor this very day."
"I'm going too!" Taurin spoke up, not wanting to be left behind.
"All of you just stop! I need a moment to think!" Darmin commanded, scanning over the rest of the letter quickly yet seeing only more flowery words describing this dwarf. As her father, he had always known that one day he might be forced to give her away to some love-sick dwarf, but he had at the very least wanted to know the lad a while first. And while it pleased him to learn that this was indeed the same Dwalin he had met many years ago, who had a fine character and was without a doubt a brave warrior...the fact that he was so much older than his daughter bothered him greatly. Not to mention the fact that he just couldn't stop imagining the odd hairstyle the dwarf had once sported. Did that make him shallow, if he couldn't overlook certain physical characteristics in view of the dwarf's reputation?
"Father…we have to do something!" Gimrin pressed, unable to handle the silence.
"We can't just let Réann be taken advantage of like this," Duffin insisted.
"And I don't intend to!" Darmin said emphatically, rising to his feet. "I trust my daughter's judgement, as well as her assessment of character. However…though I have no reason to doubt him or his motives at present, I can't in good conscious just allow this Dwalin fellow to swoop in and steal her away unchallenged. Thus…we will be riding to Erebor, whereupon he will have to prove his worth to me in spades before I willingly hand over my only daughter!"
"YES!" Duffin yelled, heading directly for the door. "I will be packed and ready to ride in one hour!"
"Then you will be forced to sit and twiddle your thumbs, for I have a few things I will need to do before I can go riding off and leave the Grey Mountains in the care of my advisers," Darmin informed him. "We will depart in three hours' time, and not a moment sooner." However, after taking note of the anxious looks on his son's faces, he added. "Nor shall we leave a moment later. Do not fear, we will reach the mountain in time…and Mahal help the dwarf if he is playing false to my little lass."
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Not long after Réann returned to the Lady's Chambers, Princess Dis called all the dams into the community room and made an announcement.
"Since both the interviews with myself and the king, as well as your time allotted to spend with the prince, has officially begun," she began in an authoritative tone. "You will all now be expected to remain in your private chambers until the day the prince makes his choice. This is so that none of you color the other's opinion by speaking about what you talked about, what you thought of him, or what he thought of you. We have gone to great lengths to keep this a fair contest, and I know you will understand and comply with this final addendum." Here she took out a list and began to read it off. "The Lady Réann has just completed her interviews, and the Lady Dola will be next. Then will come Jorhild, Mirev, Gorta, Estur, and Feren. Do you have any questions?"
One or two dams opened their mouths to speak, but after seeing the stern look on the Princess' face, they apparently decided against it and closed them just as quickly. This all sounded fine to Réann, not only the part where Dis had claimed that she had already had her meeting with her son, but also that from here on out they were not allowed to speak to each other. Not that she hadn't hoped to get to know Dola better, but the less time she had to spend with Mirev and Gorta, the better.
Still, with the dwarrowdam guards now being stationed in the communal room, any chance she had of sneaking out to see Dwalin had just been curtailed. The idea of not seeing him for the next few days was excruciating, especially now that the king knew about the two of them, and she was desperate to speak to him about it. Still, she had to keep reminding herself that Thorin had told her not to worry, and soon this would all be over. Then she and Dwalin could at last be together - out in the open and free. So, with a nod of compliance to Princess Dis, Réann dutifully went back into her chambers, prepared to wait it all out.
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Dola, having been taken next to supposedly meet with the king and the prince, was shocked to learn that Fili was indeed the dwarrow that Réann had fallen in love with. She too had laughed heartily when told that he had been going under the guise of Commander Dwalin.
"Oh, I can see that Fili hasn't changed one bit since he left the Blue Mountains," Dola chuckled. "Still a scamp, and prone to getting himself in trouble. I'm willing to bet that Kili has not improved either?"
"Some," Dis had to admit. "I mean, they have both matured to a degree, yet this little fiasco hardly speaks in their favor."
"Still, this couldn't have worked out better if it had all been planned," the younger dam pointed out.
"We agree," Dis grinned. "Yet, we are counting on you to help us make sure none of this gets out, especially to any of the dams."
"Yes. For though I don't know them very well, I can just imagine a few of them would squawk in protest if they learned about this little ruse," Dola agreed. "I will be on my guard and protect Réann and her secret any way I can."
"You are a true friend to the Durins," Thorin told the Blue Mountain lass. "I thank you for all you have done, and continue to do, in order to reunite the seven clans."
"My family and I are ever at your service, King Thorin," she assured him.
"Something I have always appreciated. Now, I want to hear how your Father is doing," Thorin added, leaning back in his chair and getting comfortable. "As well as your progress on your mastery. I'm told that you have been working on your entrance for the guild."
"Yes, I have, Your Majesty," Dola beamed, always eager to speak of her craft. "By this time next year, I hope to be a full-fledged master in smithing."
Thorin nodded approvingly, recalling the day he too had submitted his work for the guild to inspect. It had been a proud moment for him indeed, one he would never forget. Sadly, once his grandfather fell in battle, and his father disappeared, Thorin had been forced to leave his first love and take up the mantle of king. He did not regret it, of course, though often he found himself longing for the life of a commoner. One who was free to spend all his time on his craft, and not the daily concerns of running a mountain. Yet, as Dola launched into great detail over her submission, Thorin smiled at her enthusiasm. This was like music to his ears, and it made him itch to be down in the forges, his mind already filled with the sound of the hammer ringing on the anvil. Ah, yes, he would have to make time very soon to revisit his first, and only, love.
They talked for quite a while, catching up on her family as well as the goings on in Ered Luin. Yet a knock at the door interrupted them, with both Fili and Kili poking their heads inside.
"May we come in?" the blond dwarf asked, spotting Dola as a wide smile broke out across his face. "Dola! I heard you made the trek over the Misty Mountains!"
"With far less trouble than I heard you did, Fili," she laughed, standing up and accepting hugs from both princes. "And though I know you won't be choosing me as your bride, it's still an honor to have been asked to come."
"And the money you will receive for doing so won't hurt either, will it," Kili laughed.
"No indeed," Dola nodded. "But being of assistance to the Sons of Durin is reward enough." She then turned to the king with a smile. "Yet far be it from me to deprive you of the pleasure of demonstrating your generosity, King Thorin."
This had the somber king chuckling, having always enjoyed Dola's quick wit…something she inherited from her father.
"So…am I to assume that you've been filled in on…well, everything?" Fili asked, looking at his mother and uncle for confirmation before he spoke out of turn.
"Oh yes," Dola laughed. "I know all about how you are pretending to be Dwalin in order to spend time with the Lady Réann. And while I do not condone your deception, I do highly approve of your choice in dams. So far, out of the candidates, I would say she is the best of the bunch."
"I agree," Fili beamed, happy that his old friend approved. "Have you had much time to get to know her?"
"We've only spoken for a short time, but I was able to worm a confession out of her," Dola grinned. "A confession that she is deeply in love with a dwarf...one she apparently thinks to be Commander Dwalin. I still can't believe you told her that's who you were! Didn't Dwalin take umbrage to you using his name in that manner?"
"Yes…and expressed his displeasure quite effectively," Fili huffed, rubbing the back of his head, which still stung slightly from the slap his friend had given him.
"Serves you right," Dola stated. "I would have done worse to you, were I in Dwalin's place."
"You have done worse!" Fili reminded her, pointing to his cheek where she had once slapped him. "I wore the mark of your handprint for days after, I'll have you know."
"That's what you get for trying to kiss a lass who does not want to be kissed," Dis reprimanded her son sternly. "Next time you might end up with a knife in your gut for your troubles. Remember that."
"Aye, the Sons of Durin are to treat all dams with respect!" Thorin warned, looking at both Fili and Kili.
"It was a respectful kiss!" Fili protested, dodging a slap from Dola for his cheeky retort. "Well it was!"
This had everyone laughing once more, and they all sat around getting reacquainted. Finally, when Dis felt enough time had passed to appease everyone that Dola had been spent her allotted time getting to know the prince, she escorted her back to the Lady's Chambers.
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Fili had a sinking feeling that the next few days were going to drag by. Between being forced to spend time with the other dams, and not being able to see Réann, would undoubtedly suck the life right out of him. Each morning, and then again each evening, he was expected to spend time with a different lass. Escorting her around, showing her the mountain, and generally doing all he could to pretend he was interested in getting to know her. He could only imagine that some days would be harder than others.
His time with the Lady Jorhild had at least been tolerable, for while she was a bit self-absorbed, Fili had to admit she was amiable and pleasant to be around. After sharing breakfast with her, Fili had decided to take her to the market - since Réann had hinted to the fact that the dam enjoyed shopping - and that had apparently been the correct choice. He had chuckled to himself at how many bundles of dresses and other goods he had been forced to carry back to the Lady's Chambers for her. The pile being so high he almost couldn't see over them, but it had made the lass happy. And really, Fili wanted each one to leave the mountain feeling as if this all hadn't been a complete waste of time.
However, that evening, when it was Mirev's turn, Fili wanted to cut things short as soon as possible. From the moment he said hello, he knew she was the last dam in the world he could ever have been enticed to fall in love with. With her constant criticism of Erebor and their military forces, the way she bossed everyone around, and especially how handsy she got during dinner, Fili was ready to take a page from Thorin's book and pitch her over the side of the battlement. Still, he held his tongue, attempted to smile, and managed to avoid most of her roving fingers and inappropriate touches until he could safely call it a night without causing too much offence.
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"Uggggg!" Fili moaned, flopping into the chair in front of the fireplace when he was able to escape at last. "I thought she would never stop talking…or touching!"
"That bad, eh, Brother?" Kili winced, feeling his nadad's pain. "No redeemable qualities at all?"
"None that I could tell," Fili grumbled. "Jorhild was all right, though I think if I married her, there wouldn't be a piece of gold left in the mountain by the time she stopped shopping."
"I was told that you played pack-mule for her and all the goods you bought her," Kili laughed.
"It was the least I could do, since I won't be choosing her," Fili explained.
"And what did you give Mirev?" his brother asked.
"My time…and I didn't give in to my desire to throw her off the battlement, so I'd say she walked away with a lot!" Fili huffed. "And to think, I still have another two days of this."
"Then it will all be over and you and Réann can live happily ever after," Kili reminded him.
"If she will forgive me for my deception," he pointed out in a worried tone. "I mean, I love her, and she loves me, but this really isn't the best way to start a marriage."
"She'll understand, I'm certain of it," Kili assured. "I've never seen two more suited for each other than you and Réann. She's kind to a fault, and smart enough to understand how things like this can happen…and then completely get out of hand. She might even get a good laugh out of it, once she cools down."
"Still…I think it might be best if I get her a little gift to say I'm sorry," Fili mused, recalling that he had thought about doing just that. Still, he had no idea what might do the trick. It had to be something special. Something that told her he knew her likes and dislikes, that he knew her.
"Good idea! What will it be? Something shiny…something warm and cozy…or something romantic?" Kili asked, listing off a few ideas.
"I don't know." For in truth, he had no idea what would fall into any of those categories. "I've never had to dream up the perfect gift before."
"Then you should probably head off to bed and hope you do dream about it, Nadad," Kili told him, getting up and heading for the door. "Because tomorrow morning you are scheduled to escort the Lady Gorta to breakfast and then to the gem cutting rooms. And from what I recall coming out of her mouth in Balin's office…I do not envy you one bit. Not one little bit."
Fili only moaned loudly as his brother left, knowing he had another horrible day ahead.
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"What do you think Dwalin is doing right now?" Réann asked Amara that night as she got ready for bed. "Do you think he's on duty? Out on patrol? Or maybe getting ready to sleep as well?"
"If he is, are you imagining him shirtless and snuggled beneath a set of satin sheets?" her maid asked in a teasing tone.
"AMARA!" Réann squawked, throwing a pillow in her direction.
"Am I wrong?" she asked in defense.
"Well…" Réann hedged, her face turning red at the thought. "I might have been imagining him sparsely clothed, but I don't think he's a satin sheets kind of dwarf. Far too rugged for that, I believe."
"Ah, more the type to sleep between the furs of animals he killed with his bare hands, is he?" Amra teased further.
"Oh, now you're just being mean!" she groused, tossing another pillow at her friend.
"I'm sorry," the maid laughed, picking up the bedding off the floor and returning it to where it belonged. "I imagine that Commander Dwalin is standing by his fireplace, staring at the flames and thinking only of you. Wishing you were with him right now and not locked away in here for the next several days."
"You really think so?" Réann's eyes lit up with both hope and joy.
"I know so," Amara stated. "Now, best thing for you to do is get some sleep. Time passes quicker when you do, and the sooner you shut your eyes the sooner Dwalin can visit you in your dreams."
"Oh, if only he would," she sighed, climbing into bed and snuggling under the thick blankets with a smile.
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That night, Fili did indeed dream of his lady love, reliving the night they met on the battlement. He couldn't help but smile at the sight she presented, all dressed up like a maid, bravely standing her ground and so determined to send her letter off despite the challenges. He also loved how she interacted with Jareth, the snowy owl that appeared eager for her attention and to do her bidding. Fili felt a kinship with the owl, for he too was completely devoted to the Grey Mountain dam.
Suddenly, Fili sat up in bed, fully awake and alight with a bright idea. That was it! He had discovered the gift he would make for her! And leaping out of bed and throwing on his clothes, he left his chambers and headed down to the forge rooms. Yes, this would be perfect!
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Despite his lack of sleep, Fili met the Lady Gorta for breakfast right on schedule, the two eyeing each other as if sizing up a battle opponent. It would seem that the Ironfist lass had no interest in the gem cutting rooms, and after a very uncomfortable breakfast, she insisted on being shown the weapons rooms and the training ring.
Fili was only too happy to take her wherever she pleased, since most of the time she had her eyes on the swords, axes, and other weapons, and not on him. When they made it to the ring, she also insisted on sparring with several of the dwarves who had come to practice that day - again, leaving Fili to simply sit and watch. He had to admit, Gorta was a good fighter, but the more he watched, he saw her utilize several underhanded tricks and dirty moves. Ones that would never be tolerated by Dwalin or any honorable fighter. Thus, by the end of their time together, Fili could confidently mark her off of his list as well…not that any but Réann was actually on that list, but he still had to pretend, didn't he?
Lunch he spent with his mother and uncle, telling them all about his horrendous morning. When they didn't seem the least bit sympathetic, he glared at them sullenly.
"You're enjoying this, aren't you?" he demanded, crossing his arms over his chest.
"A little bit," Dis smiled, reaching out and patting his hand. "I mean, you had it coming, son."
"Haven't I suffered enough?" he whined. "Can't you arrange it so I can at least see Réann…just for a little bit?"
"NO!" Thorin stated firmly. "We are so close to getting through this without anyone finding out the truth. Do not go and ruin it all now simply because you can't control yourself. You will see the lass on the day you do your choosing, and not before. And that's final."
"Yes, Uncle," Fili mumbled, grabbing a roll and taking a bite before he was tempted to say more.
"And just think how happy she'll be to see you by then," Dis said encouragingly. "They do say that absence makes the heart grow fonder."
Fili could only hope that was true. Still, as he thought about the gift he was working on for her, he prayed that it would help smooth things over between them when she at last learned the truth.
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"Oh, Amara! I think I'll just die if I can't see Dwalin soon!" Réann wailed, throwing herself onto her bed in abject misery.
"I suppose it might boost his ego a bit when I tell him you perished due to the lack of his amazing presence," she said sarcastically. When Réann gave her a scathing look, Amara shrugged. "You would say no less to me if I were moping around about not having my dear Gimrin to stare at…which I don't, by the way."
"I'm sorry," Réann said sympathetically. "That's all my fault too, for dragging you here with me. What a fine pair we are. You without your love and me without mine. Whatever shall we do to survive?"
"Well…you could read me those parts of your father's letters again," she suggested eagerly. "Where he mentioned Gimrin and how he misses me."
"That's all fine and well for you, but what about me?" Réann demanded.
"Don't worry…I'm sure Gimrin misses you too," she replied straight faced.
Another pillow striking her in the chest was the only answer she received.
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Dinner with Estur turned out to be more enjoyable than Fili had imagined it would be, with the light-hearted lass flitting around the table trying every delicacy presented with an infectious zeal. During the course of the dinner, Fili actually discovered that Estur was a distant relative to Bofur, Bombur and Biffur - the four all coming from the Broadbeam clan. When he called the three in, the private dinner turned into a veritable family reunion, with all four of them going over their family tree and asking about this relative and that.
Soon the night flew by, filled with much laughter, singing, and even a bit of dancing. Estur was rather light on her feet for a buxom lass, and by the end of the evening her three cousins - four times removed on her mother's side it seemed - had all promised to stay in touch and even visit whenever possible. So it was, that Fili escorted Estur back to the Lady's Chambers with a smile on his lips, something he hadn't expected when the night began. Still, it was only Réann's face he saw when he kissed the back of Estur's hand, wishing her a pleasant night.
Just one more day, and one more dam…and then he would see his lady love again. Fili couldn't wait. But until then, he raced back down to the forges, eager to see his project completed before the first morning's light.
He worked most of the night, finishing his project just before dawn. The crown prince had never labored so hard over something in his life, attempting to make it perfect in every detail. As he laid down the polishing rag and looked it over, he gave a wide smile. Yes, this would do nicely.
Fili had spent hours drawing up the design of a snowy owl in flight, trying to get the feathers and wingspan flawless. He then carved the mold himself, before casting it in the purest white gold the mountain offered. When it was finished, he set the eyes with deep blue sapphires that matched Réann's to a tee, dusted the tips of the wings with diamond powder to make them shimmer, and strung it on a delicate mithril chain. It was Jareth in every detail, and he truly hoped Réann would love it as much as he loved her.
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"Good morning, sleepy head!" Amara sang out as she entered Réann's room. "Today's the big day! The prince meets with Feren this morning and then you will all be called before the king for the announcement of who he chose!"
This thought had Réann leaping out of bed, a smile on her lips as she raced towards the dresser. For if that was the case, and Prince Fili did pick his bride, that meant she would see Dwalin tonight!
"Help me find something perfect to wear, and my hair has to look just right!" Réann demanded tossing items here and there in her search.
"Hmmmm, if I didn't know any better, I would think you changed your mind and are trying to dress to impress the prince," Amara teased.
"Not on your life!" Réann laughed. "I have eyes for one dwarf and one alone…and his name is Dwalin."
"If you say so," the maid smiled, walking over to the wardrobe and pulling out a freshly pressed gown. "And I think what you're looking for is this."
"YES! That's it!" Réann squealed, reaching out to hug her friend. "You always know exactly what I want before I do."
"It comes from being your friend for so long," Amara agreed. "Now, go get washed, and I will see about breakfast."
And off Réann went, humming to herself and unable to wipe the smile off her lips. Tonight, she would be with Dwalin again!
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After a quick bath and a change of clothes, Fili found himself eating his breakfast with the Lady Feren in near silence. He had made many attempts at conversation, however the stoic Stonefoot lass refused to respond. So, after multiple tries, he gave up and just ate.
When breakfast was over, he asked if she would like to go for a walk, to which she nodded. Over the next hour Fili was able to count on one hand the number of words that Feren spoke, and even those were hardly more than grunts. This got him thinking about his future, and how he and Réann never seemed to run out of things to talk about. He could envision them staying up late discussing the events of the day, diplomatic decisions, or just laughing and teasing until they fell asleep in each other's embrace. Fili couldn't imagine any situation that would arise that might cause her to be silent like the lass beside him, for his Réann was not one to hold her tongue on any subject!
Thus, for the remainder of their walk, Fili let his mind wander to thoughts of his love, and he almost forgot for a while where he was and who he was truly with. When it came time to part, he politely bid the lass farewell and handed her back over to the guards outside the Lady's Chambers, once again, without a single word from her.
That was it. He was finished!
He had fulfilled his duty, and now Fili could go claim his bride at last!
Ahhh, but will she WANT to be claimed? Guess we will have to wait and see.
So, how did Erebor Speed Dating go for Fili? ha ha.
And it looks like Réann's father and brothers are not happy with what they heard. ROAD TRIP!
Guest Reviews:
Guest: Thanks! I was going for funny in this story, with just a touch of romance. ha ha. Fili deserved a bit of fluffy fun - even if he is beating himself up over having lied to the dam he loves. Thanks for reading and reviewing. T.O.W.G.
Travelbug : (looks like you sent in two reviews? Did you re-read the chapter and think of more to say? ha ha) Well, Dis and Thorin are trying to keep everything under wraps, so that no one finds out what Fili's been doing. And as for how Réann might react...well that's anyone's guess. (except me, I know, but I'm not telling). Dis is indeed ONE of the places they get their mischief making skills, but I think some comes from their dad, and their uncle too. Fili had the head-slap coming...boy did he ever. So how did you like Fili's punishment and do you think it was just? Thanks.
"Guest S": Tea and cookies? These are dwarves...maybe Ale and huge slabs of meat might be more their style? But I'll take the cookies, and the brownies...thank you very much. After staying up all night working on his gift, and then wooing lasses all day, Fili will definitely need some good strong coffee...and maybe a good stiff drink. ha ha. Thanks for your kind review! T.O.W.G.
Emrfangirl: I'm glad they were happy tears. I love funny stories, because don't we all want to laugh...and there's enough sadness in real life, why write stories that make you cry too? Of course Thorin's first thought was it was Nori. Who else is an expert at sneaking around. And I always wanted to have Dwalin slip Fili on the back of the head for using his name. I'm so happy it lived up to your expectations. Not seeing his lady love until he 'dates' all the other lasses IS a punishment for Fili, right! Hopefully Réann will cut Fili some slack when she hears all the extenuating circumstances.