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Chapter 20
~X~
Fili led Réann down several corridors and up a flight of stairs, before stopping at a very familiar door and pushing it open.
"The ballroom?" she giggled, recognizing it immediately.
"I thought it was a nice place where we could be alone," he smiled, pulling her inside. Nori, of course, was right on their heels and slipped in behind them, taking up a spot by the door as he leaned against the wall. "Or…as alone as we can be with our faithful chaperone."
"It's your uncle's idea, not mine," Nori grumped, taking out a small dagger as he busied himself with cleaning under his fingernails. He then did his best to ignore the two, much to Fili's delight.
"Do you remember what we talked about the first time we came here?" Fili asked, leading her farther onto the dancefloor.
"My hope of getting your uncle to hear my petition for a trade agreement?" she asked, thinking back. It still made her laugh to think that all this time she had been talking to the crown prince himself…and not the commander at all. Looking back, she felt a little foolish.
"Yes, but I was thinking about how we talked about the upcoming royal wedding, and how the reception would be held here," he reminded her. "And you said that you would not be in attendance, stating that you would be long gone by then."
"Yes…that I do remember. And I meant it too," she grinned, but when she saw the way Fili raised his eyebrows expectantly, her face turned serious. "You can't mean that you were already considering choosing me as your bride, way back then!"
"Oh, but I was," he assured her. "In fact, I believe I had already figured out you were my one by then too…even if I didn't quite understand what I was feeling. But I knew you were the only dam out of them all I would even consider asking to be my wife."
"But you hadn't met any of the others yet…had you?" Réann accused.
"Didn't matter," Fili told her with a firm shake of his head. "You were it."
"I…I don't know what to say," she confessed. "I will admit that I did like you a great deal by then, but it wasn't until our ride outside the mountain that I figured out you could actually be my One. I guess it just took me longer to figure out what you knew all along."
"I'm pretty quick like that," Fili stated proudly – earning him a loud scoff from Nori, who was apparently listening more than he appeared to be. After throwing his friend a stern glare, he continued, though lowering his voice a bit just to be safe. "And all I could see when I looked around this room was you and me, dancing together on our wedding day. You smiling, and me just as proud as I could be. I envisioned the whole thing."
"And what was I wearing on that day, if you saw it all so clearly?" she questioned, stepping closer as she placed her hands on his chest.
"A lovely gown of royal blue," he answered. "Durin Blue, in fact, just as I will be."
"But the colors of the Stiffbeards is red and gold," she countered. "Shouldn't I be wearing one of those…after all, it will be the last time I can honestly do so, since I will be inducted into the Longbeard clan from that day forward."
"True…" Fili nodded. "But that's even better, since I imagine you will look stunning in red…or gold, your choice."
"Red, I think," Réann mused. With gold accents. But only if you accent your Durin Blue with gold as well. Then we can match."
"Perfect," Fili grinned. "See how well we work together. Solving all the problems of the world in no time at all."
"Yes, because what we plan to wear on our wedding is what's weighing on the minds of all the dwarves in Middle Earth," Réann laughed. She then sucked in a deep breath, letting it out slowly. "Our wedding…I still can't believe it. We're getting married!"
"I know!" he agreed. "And yet, I can't be happier about it. When all this was arranged, and I knew the dams were coming here to Erebor, all I wanted to do was hide in the Misty Mountains and hope the goblins would eat me. But now, I will thank Mahal every day for making Balin suggest the whole idea."
"I'm glad that you aren't holding it against him," Réann told Fili. "I rather like Balin, he's been very kind." She then started chuckling a bit. "And to think, when he heard me say I was in love with his brother, he must have thought I was insane."
"I would have paid good money to see both his, and Dwalin's face, when they found out," Fili laughed.
"I did see them…and the way the commander actually backed away from me like I was poison, didn't do much for my ego, let me tell you," Réann huffed. "But I was so nervous and scared I was ruining everything with the king that I didn't have time to be offended until later."
"Would you like me to challenge him for your honor?" Fili asked, willing to do so if she requested it, but hoping she wouldn't.
"Mahal no! The last thing I would want is for you to get that handsome face messed up with his axes!" she stated. "I was almost sure that Duffin was going to end up dead when he insulted the commander."
"Oh…I could take him," Fili said, doing his best to sound sure of himself. It didn't help that there came another scoffing sound from Nori's direction. "Or at least I could avoid getting killed long enough to tire him out."
"Either way, there's no need," she assured him. "I'm rather glad the idea that I was his One repulsed him. For you're the only dwarf I want…forever and ever."
"Just as you are the only dam I will ever want as well," Fili agreed. And leaning down, he kissed her lips, proving his point very effectively.
"All right…that's enough," Nori broke in, pushing off the wall and striding over to break things up. "I think you two've had enough alone time. Best you head back to your chambers now." When Fili opened his mouth to protest, the former thief held up his hand for silence. "You heard the king…everything will be done by the book until you put that final bead in her hair. Now get moving or I'll hog-tie you both and drag you out of here."
The mental picture had them both chuckling, but when they noticed the serious look in Nori's eye, they sobered quickly.
"Fine, we'll go," Fili conceded. "But only because you've done so much already for us and we don't want you getting in any trouble."
"Yes, Nori," Réann agreed. "And thank you for everything." Here she rose up on her tiptoes and kissed his whiskered cheek, making him blush a deep red.
"Careful, Réann," Fili said in a deep voice. "I'm a jealous dwarf and even though Nori's a reformed thief, I still wouldn't put it past him to steal you right out from under my nose if you give him too much encouragement."
"And I could do it too," Nori laughed, loving how nervous Fili now looked. "Dwalin ain't the only one who's a hit with the lasses, you know."
"I'm sure you are," Fili said with a roll of his eyes, pulling Réann securely against his side. "Just remember what I said…she's mine."
"As my prince commands," the brown-haired dwarf said with a wink. "Now, let's get going, before they send out a search party for you two."
And so, they exited the room, with Fili turning around and taking one last look before shutting the door. Yes indeed…he was very much looking forward to dancing with Réann on their wedding day.
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Thankfully, time flew by quickly and that day finally arrived, though not soon enough for Fili. Réann's family stayed for a week after their sudden arrival, getting to know the royal family and the soon-to-be groom a lot better. In the end, Darmin had to admit that Fili met all his imagined standards for a son-in-law. He was of good moral character, he was not too much older than Réann, he came from a good family, he could easily protect her with his fighting skills…and best of all, he sported a very normal hairstyle. After they had remained in Erebor for as long as they dared, it was decided that Gimrin, Amara, and Taurin would stay behind to help with preparations, while Darmin and Duffin were forced to return to the Grey Mountains – at least until the wedding.
Dis was only too happy to head up all the arrangements, inviting everyone she could think of to come witness her son marrying his One. Thorin had at first refused to extend an invitation to the king of Mirkwood, but both Balin and Dis overruled that decision, stating that it could cause a rift, as well as hurt feelings. Thus, a raven was sent to King Thranduil after all. However, much to Thorin's relief, the elf king was otherwise occupied and sent his formal regrets.
When it came time to invite Bard and his family, Thorin made a point to have him come up to the mountain so he could do the job personally. And though it was all done in fun, rumor was that the dwarf king gave the man a stern scolding for keeping secrets from him. Stating that if he can't trust his neighbors and allies, then who could he trust. Bard did apologize, but then the two of them sat around for another hour laughing at the good joke the king of Dale had played on the crown prince.
Réann did get her red and gold dress, and Fili thought his blue and gold tunic looked rather fetching, unable to wait for the day he could wear it. Bombur worked day and night planning out and cooking a feast fit for a king…and a prince…and his bride. And it was well assured that no one would go home hungry.
Kili was at his brother's side the whole time, offering suggestions, advice, and all the help he might ever need. One would think with how excited he was, it was Kili getting married. Yet when people would ask him if he was thinking of settling down, he would shake his head vigorously and say he hadn't met the right lass yet. Still, that odd little twinkle in his eye told a different story.
Thorin had indeed sent all the other candidates home with a hefty sum of gold, making each of the clans happy and satisfied with the compensation. Both he and Dis gave a sigh of relief when Mirev, Gorta, and Feren at last left the mountain, pleased to be rid of the three dams at last. Jorhild and Estur they bid fond farewell to though, those two lasses having been a joy to be around. Once again, Bofur, Biffur and Bombur promised to keep in touch with their distant relative, and even invited Estur back for the wedding.
And while it went without saying, for Thorin trusted each of his guards implicitly, every one swore on their swords not to speak a word of anything they had heard that day in the throne room…about the prince having pretended to be their commander in order to woo the lass in secret. For the last thing anyone wanted was for the other clans to learn of this and cause a stink…not when things were at last going so well.
So, the wedding day arrived, bright and sunny, though no one would know it within the mountain. Fili and Réann stood before Thorin, grinning from ear to ear as he spoke the ancient words, binding the two of them together as husband and wife for all time. As Fili placed the marriage bead in Réann's hair, he felt a wave of relief wash over him that almost took his breath away. She was all his at last. No one could ever take her from him now.
When they were instructed to offer their first kiss as a married couple, Fili wasn't shocked at all that it was Réann who made the initial move, taking his face in her hands and pulling him down to her. This had everyone laughing and cheering, even her father…though it was mixed with the wiping away of tears, for he hated to think he was losing his little lass. Still, he was also the first to embrace the pair and offer his congratulations, knowing that he couldn't wish for better for Réann. Lord Darmin knew Fili would take care of his daughter, and really, Erebor wasn't too far a distance. Besides, with Jareth's help, getting a message to her was only a quick flight away.
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"Is it all you dreamed of?" Réann questioned Fili as the two of them whirled around the ballroom later that evening. "Dancing with me here?"
"Even better than I could have imagined," Fili assured her, loving how perfectly she fit in his arms. "And best of all…I no longer have to worry about Nori hovering over us as our chaperone!"
"Don't bet on it," Réann laughed, pointing to where the royal spy was watching from where he stood by the refreshment table.
"Oh, he's not watching us," Fili assured her, though he made a mental note to check with Thorin that Nori was indeed no longer on chaperone duty, now that they were good and wed. "Follow his line of sight."
Réann did just that and found that it was indeed not them the former thief was staring at…but instead, it was Jorhild from the Iron Hills. She had come as a guest of Lord Dain and his wife and was apparently having a very enjoyable time dancing at their wedding reception.
"Do you think he likes her?" Réann whispered, excitement in her tone.
"With Nori, it's hard to say," Fili hummed. "He's pretty good at schooling his emotions. But he's also been staring at her for the past hour at least. Probably working up the courage to ask her to dance is my guess."
"Wouldn't it be nice if they fell in love?" his bride asked, looking rather keen on the idea.
"If they did, Jorhild would never want for anything," Fili laughed. "Nori has claim to one-fourteenth of the treasure in Erebor after all. And what he couldn't afford to get her, he could always steal. Sounds like the perfect match to me."
This had Réann laughing as well, wishing only the best for her fellow candidate. Just then another couple came waltzing by, both grinning from ear to ear and faces flushed with joy.
"Bofur, Estur!" Réann greeted, knowing that the lass from the White Mountains had also been extended an invitation by her cousins to join the festivities. "Having fun?"
"The best!" Bofur assured them. "Estur here is both light on her feet and has the grace of a swan. Too bad I can't say the same for me."
"Oh, Bofur, you're doing just fine and you know it," the Broadbeam lass chided. "Or are you simply fishing for a compliment?"
"If you got one to spare, I'll gladly take it," he chuckled, giving Fili and Réann a wink before the two of them whirled away, mingling back into the crowd of other dancers.
"Maybe Thorin should assign Nori to be watching those two, instead of us," Fili hinted at suggestively.
"What? Bofur and Estur?" Réann was shocked. "But…they're cousins!"
"Very distant cousins," he reminded her. "Four times removed on her mother's side…if I recall. Easily far enough away from blood kin to form an attachment."
This had Réann staring after the two, suddenly seeing them and their actions in a whole new light.
"If you say so," she shrugged, figuring it was their business what took place between them, and not hers. "And I'm all for Nori's attentions being focused elsewhere – be it on Jorhild, or Estur and Bofur. Just as long as when the time comes, he lets us leave this party…alone," she warned, giving Fili a rather suggestive look.
"Oh? And when might that time come, my wife?" he asked, his eyes growing wide with anticipation.
"I would say very soon, my husband," she snickered. "For we have done our duty, spoken to our guests, thanked them for coming, and all that's left is to say a few words before we depart."
"In that case," Fili stated, grabbing her hand and all but dragging her off the dance floor. He then climbed the few steps of the dais and turned to face the room, Réann at his side. "Friends, family, and honored guests," he called out, getting everyone's attention. "My One and I would like to thank you all for coming and sharing this wonderful day with us. It has been a marvelous wedding and a party we shall not soon forget." Here he paused as everyone cheered and raised their drinks in agreement to his words. "I want to thank my mother, my uncle, and my younger brother for all their help and support. Both with the festivities today, and for aiding me in finding my mate from Mahal." Thorin and Dis both nodded their acceptance and appreciation, while Kili graced his brother with a wide smile that told him all he needed to know. "And my gratitude to the Lord of the Grey Mountains can never be measured or fully expressed. For I know her father and brothers are entrusting me with their greatest treasure this day."
Here Fili placed his hand over his heart and bowed deeply to Lord Darmin and his three sons. Réann smiled and blew them each a kiss, her eyes becoming moist as she thought of the day they would all be heading back home…without her.
Darmin felt his throat constrict at his son-in-law's words, and just about lost it when he saw his little lass blow him a kiss like she used to when she had been little. And as happy as he was for the both of them, it would be a very bitter pill to leave her in Erebor when it was time for them go. Thankfully, they would be returning to far better circumstances, now that the trade agreement was in place, and King Thorin had promised to give them aid throughout the winter. Yes…he was happy for his daughter, and as Princess Dis reminded him, they now had grandchildren to look forward to. Which softened the blow just a little bit for Lord Darmin.
"Yet, as they say, all good things must come to an end, and I fear it is time for us to depart this happy gathering," Fili continued. "Thus, we would like to bid you goodnight, for my bride and I wish to retire and be alone." Once more the cheers were heard throughout the room, accompanied by a few catcalls and knowing looks. So, amid the ruckus, Fili swooped his wife into his arms and headed for the door, all the guests parting to make a pathway for an easy exit.
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"You could have allowed me to walk out on my own, you know," Réann said in mock irritation when they reached the royal chambers at last.
"I know, but I was in a hurry," Fili confessed, kicking the door open with his foot and then shutting it behind them the same way. "For all I could think of was getting you here…alone."
"No Nori then?" she asked, pretending to scan the room as if she expected to see him lurking somewhere.
"If he values his life, he better not show his face tonight," Fili threatened, gently setting her down on her feet. "For tonight…and every night after, I plan on having you all to myself."
"And how did I get such a greedy and possessive husband?" Réann teased, reaching up as she wrapped her arms around Fili's neck, looking up at him with all the love in her heart.
"I'm a dwarf…and from the line of Durin," Fili reminded her. "We are greedy by nature, but I must also fight gold sickness as well. Which, I believe can manifest itself in the form of lust for an individual as well. Mainly, you."
"I'm your obsession?" Réann rather liked the sound of that.
"Indeed…and if you will allow me, I would be most happy to demonstrate," Fili offered suggestively.
"By all means…Commander Dwalin," she responded, giggling as she watched his body go rigid and his eyes narrow.
"I would greatly appreciate it if you never called me that again," Fili instructed, his tone quite serious. "Especially when we are here in this room and about to engaging in intimate activities. Understand, wife?"
"Yes, Fili," she smiled, loving how jealous he got over her. And before he could dwell on her jest any longer, she turned around and lifted her hair from off her shoulders, exposing the lacings of her gown. "Would you be willing to assist me…my Fili?"
The blond dwarf had never been more eager to render aid in his life, and his nimble fingers made quick work of the satin ties, leaving Réann standing in only her lacy under slip – her red wedding dress now pooling at her feet.
"Shall I now offer to help you?" she asked, gesturing to the clothes he still wore. Yet before Réann could lift a finger, Fili was ripping off his tunic, trousers, and boots at lightning speed, until he too matched her state of undress.
Réann had meant to speak, to say something flippant or teasing about his speed in undressing, but once she got a good look at his nearly naked form, all words were lost. Staring at him now, she could feel her insides turn to mush and her knees go weak. What a fine specimen she married, and it thrilled her to know she had the rest of their lives to take her time and inspect every inch of him. Yet, suddenly, she felt the strong need to copy her husband in speed, for the fire he had lit within her was burning out of control.
However, before she could do anything, Fili reached out to finger the owl-shaped medallion hanging from its chain around Réann's neck, his knuckles grazing over her bare skin in the process.
"You wore it today?" he asked, not having noticed it hidden beneath her collar.
"I wear it every day," she assured him. "You made it for me, and I love it. Not as much as I love you…but a close second."
"I will make you many more tokens of my affection, my dearest wife," he promised.
"How about instead, you demonstrate your affections for me in a more physical way?" Réann suggested, letting her own hands slip around his trim and rock-hard body.
"As you wish," he grinned, bending down to seal his lips to hers…for the night was young, and so were they. And Fili planned to make the most of every second they were given.
And they lived happily ever after, I'm sure.
What? Don't want to take my word for it? Well, fine...then one more chapter to go. ha ha
How was the wedding? The reception? The honeymoon? (wink wink)
Guest Reviews:
BloodyTink : I'm glad you're happy for them...they are rather pleased themselves. ha ha. And that's what a good family does...shows up and rescues people from a loveless marriage! Of course Gimrin got jealous when he saw how good looking Kili was, he was worried his lass might have eyes for another...as if. Dwalin always knew he was a hit with the dams, but it's nice to hear it every once in a while...much to Balin's displeasure, I'm sure. Yep, Nori is on the job, which could go one of two ways. He could take his assignment seriously (as he seems to be) or just let them do whatever they want and not care. I'm going with the first choice. ha ha.
Emrfangirl: No...Thorin was only being Thorin. HE wasn't about to chaperone them, and he knew asking Kili would be pointless. So giving the job to Nori was in everyone's best interest...except Nori's. ha ha. Nope, Nori is NOT appreciated enough, that's for sure, and I bet he would love to know you think so. *Marches over and tells Nori what you said* He said thanks! He fully agrees with you.