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I am just such a sucker for weddings...that here is another early chapter!

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Chapter 15

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The gathering for the wedding was small, with only a few dwarves in attendance, consisting of Fili's family and most of those from the original company. Bofur was still keeping Flinn entertained elsewhere with the help of his cousin, Bifur, and brother, Bombur - knowing that this impromptu wedding would need to be kept a secret from the child as well. As king, Thorin would preside over the ceremony, seeing that things were done right and legal.

When Sier was ushered into the ancient hall, lit all around with candles, she could feel her knees become weak and her hands began to tremble.

"Steady on, lassie," Balin whispered, giving her hand, that was supported on his arm, a comforting pat. "You can do this."

Sier just nodded, doing her best to remain brave. She was already convinced in her heart that this was the best thing for Flinn, as well as an extremely advantageous situation for her…yet it was Prince Fili that worried her. In essence he was sacrificing everything by going through with this, giving up his only chance to ever find his one, as well as a true queen. And should, by some miracle, the dam in question indeed cross his path, Fili would now be honor bound to ignore such an attraction and forfeit all possible happiness with her. Sier found that the idea caused both pity and resentment to flare up within her, pity over the fact that Fili would be grieved by this…yet suddenly resentful towards this unknown dwarrowdam who might seek to claim his heart. Not liking the way such feelings upset her, Sier quickly pushed them from her thoughts, not wishing to add any more of a burden on this already stressful situation. If this was what Fili said he wanted…then who was she to second guess him? Besides, they both had Flinn to think about, and as far as she was concerned, he was the most important consideration in all this.

Yet when she looked up and caught sight of Fili standing before Thorin, looking every inch the prince of all her childhood fantasies, every other thought was quickly brushed aside. If her legs had been weak before, they had completely turned to jelly now. He was truly magnificent, appearing strong and confident, with just the hint of a smile teasing at the edges of his lips, causing his twin braids to sway slightly. Suddenly she had the strangest desire to know if they would tickle her cheek if she dared to kiss him, leaving her both flushed with embarrassment as well as with a sense of longing.

What was wrong with her? These were not the thoughts a respectable dwarrowdam should be having towards a dwarf who was not her one! Fili was only going through with this out of honor and loyalty to their son. Nothing more. So it would be best that she not read too much into it, or get her hopes up in any way, lest they be dashed to pieces. She had made her peace with a life of solitude long ago, she was content, and that is how she needed to remain…at least in the office of love.

"Shall we begin?" Thorin asked, gesturing with his hand in an invitation for Sier to take her place beside Fili.

With a minimal amount of prodding by Balin, who escorted her up to the front of the room, she stood next to her soon to be husband. She kept her eyes lowered, not daring to look in the direction of his resplendent beauty. Fili, however, apparently had no such qualms, and leaned down so that his lips came perilously close to her ear, causing her to jump slightly.

"You look lovely," he told her, pulling her eyes to him against her will. "I could not have asked for a more stunning bride."

"Y-y-you look…very nice too," she stammered back, biting her tongue to keep from blurting out her true thoughts on the subject. She was saved from further embarrassment by Thorin, as he led off with a booming voice.

"Have those in attendance come here out of loyalty, honor and a willing heart?" he asked, looking down at the two standing before him, giving them both a warm smile.

"Aye," Fili replied, while Sier found she could only nod in agreement, her voice temporarily stolen from her.

This seemed to please Thorin well enough, for he then continued.

"And who stands for the bride?' he questioned, looking out at the group gathered around. "Who among you speaks for her character and recommend her to this dwarrow?"

It was a traditional question, one spoken at all dwarf weddings, and yet in Sier's case it was pointless. Normally it would be her father, or some male relative who would answer, yet for her, there was no one. With her cheeks turning red in embarrassment, she opened her mouth to speak, prepared to admit that she had no champion, when a voice cut her off from behind.

"That would be me," came Dwalin's deep and gruff tone, causing several to turn and look at him in shock – Sier not the least. "I will speak for the lass and challenge any who would dare to malign her character."

"And has the groom offered you, her champion, the proper compensation for Sier's hand?" Thorin asked, raising an eyebrow.

"That he has not," Dwalin replied in a brusque manner, folding his arms over his chest as he eyed the blond prince.

"Only because you never declared yourself!" Fili spoke in his defense. "You never claimed rights as her champion…at least not that I knew of."

"Did I, or did I not, warn you that first night to mind yourself?" Dwalin asked. "I thought I made my intentions quite clear."

"Aye," Nori nodded, stepping forward with a sly grin on his face. "It was crystal clear to me."

"To me as well," added Gloin, followed by a nod from Oin. Poor little Ori and his older brother Dori just looked on with confused stares. Balin said nothing, having not been in the room at the time, yet the grin on his face showed his approval.

"Then name your bride price, Dwalin," Thorin commanded, still looking somewhat amused by the gaping look of shock on both his nephew and his intended.

"It is customary to relinquish a fine dwarrowdam for no less than two hundred pieces of gold," Dwalin informed the group. "Yet I ascertain her worth to be more in the range of five hundred. Will any here protest?"

Not a dwarf spoke, most in fact nodding in full agreement. However, here is where Sier finally found her voice.

"Mister Dwalin, I…I am not worth such a price!" she argued. "You cannot expect Fili to pay that much."

"Does he refuse my sum?" Dwalin barked, looking from Sier over to Fili, his eyes narrowing in anger as if it were the prince who had spoken and not her. "If he is not willing to pay what I am asking for the right to your hand, then he is not worthy of it."

"No! I will pay!" Fili called out in protest. He then turned to Dwalin, placed his fisted hand over his heart and bowed low before him. "I, Fili, son of Flinn, do accept the price you are asking for the hand of Sier. However, since I brought no gold with me, are you willing to accept my word that I will pay you before the day is out, and allow the ceremony to continue?"

There was a long pause as Dwalin seemed to be thinking it over, but at last he nodded his head in approval.

"Aye, that I will, laddie," he agreed. "Yet only because I know you to be a dwarf of your word, and I don't think you would dare attempt to cheat me." He then leaned in a bit, his eyes narrowing as his hand reached down to finger a blade at his belt. "Besides…I know where you live."

This caused a bit of laughter to filter through the group, extending even to the groom and the king. Sier was still in shock, mostly over the idea that the fierce warrior would consent to stand up for her in this way. Yes, he had promised that his ax would be at her disposal, but in performing this sacred duty, he was more or less claiming her as family. The gesture brought tears to her eyes as she looked over at the tattooed captain of the guard, not knowing how to express her gratitude and appreciation. Dwalin apparently needed, nor desired, any such words, and gave her a simple nod of his head as he waved his hand for the proceedings to continue.

"Now that the bride price has been settled, we shall move on to the vows," Thorin instructed, turning to Fili first. "Will you, Fili, son of Flinn, son of Durin and heir to the kingdom of Erebor, claim this dwarrowdam as your mate and companion for the remainder of your days? Will you protect her, show her honor, and take on the role of her champion in all things?"

"I accept, and hereby swear to do so," Fili responded, looking down into Sier's eyes, showing no hesitation as he spoke.

"And will you, Sier, ward of Lord Dwalin, son of Fundin, accept this dwarrow as your mate and companion for the remainder of your days? Will you care for him, show him honor, and take on the role of his comforter in all things?"

"I…I accept and hereby swear to do so," she whispered, still feeling as if she were lost in the deep blue pools of Fili's eyes.

"Fili, do you have a token to give to your wife?" the king asked, breaking the two out of their daze.

"Yes," Fili nodded, reaching into his pocket and taking out the little metal clasp, an exact duplicate to the ones he wore in his own hair. He reached up and took hold of her neatly done marriage braid than hung from her left temple, securing the token at the end, thus officially marking her as his wife.

"It is my happy pleasure to announce that the two of you are bound together by heart, mind and body. Fili, I give you your wife. Sier, I present to you your husband. Let it be written in the ancient scrolls of our line that a new daughter of Durin has been accepted."

At the final pronouncement, there rose a cheer throughout the room, followed by a number of hearty handshakes, warm hugs and several tears shed by Dis…and Ori. Sier had wondered just how she was going to feel after it was all over…nervous, afraid, faint? And yet, as she accepted the warm embraces given to her by those present, she could only feel an overwhelming sense of happiness. She had done the right thing, securing a future for her son - how could she feel anything less?

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A private reception had been planned, where little Flinn and his three conspiratorial babysitters were invited to join in, keeping the reason behind the occasion a closely guarded secret from the lad. Bofur, Bombur and Bifur were sorry to have missed the ceremony, especially when they were informed of Dwalin's unexpected, yet highly entertaining, declaration as champion of the bride. Bombur and Gloin's wives were invited to attend as well, along with their assorted children, giving little Flinn an array of new playmates he was only too happy to greet. Food was served and the ale ran free, as boisterous laughter and happy talk reigned on high. Sier was quickly cornered by the two dwarrowdams, both eager to meet the newest member of their tightly knit group, while Fili was swept away to the other side of the room as toasts were made and mugs were drained. Everyone seemed to be having a fine time, eager to celebrate such an auspicious occasion.

"Do not worry," Ilin, Bombur's willowy, blond haired wife said, leaning in so that her voice would not carry. "Your secret is safe with us. Your situation is well known to those of Thorin's company and we would never give you away."

"Yes," agreed Dena, the robust, chestnut-haired wife of proud Gloin. "We are just so happy to have another female in our group. We were beginning to think that none of the rest were ever going to sit up and take notice of a dam!"

"And darling Flinn will fit in just perfectly with my brood," Ilin smiled, looking over to where the new little prince was playing with a young dwarrow twice his size, and two ginger haired lasses. "And you know, out of all the company, our family is the only one not related in some way to the line of Durin…so you know what that means."

"Don't you think it is a bit early to be pushing a love match, Ilin?" Dis asked, coming to sit down amongst the group, handing Sier a glass of wine. "If you want to ply your trade as matchmaker, work your magic on Kili next."

"As if I would ever attempt that hopeless cause," the merry faced dwarrowdam laughed. "Your youngest is far too flighty to be thinking of settling down just yet. Far too many dams have caught his eye, but none have yet been successful in holding it. He will make a fine husband…someday, just not any time soon."

"And why must you be greedy, Dis?" Dena laughed. "You just got yourself a new daughter-in-law, let the rest of us have a chance. I cannot wait for Gimli to find himself a bride, for I am just itching to be called an Ugmil'amad!" She then looked over at her husband and son, standing side by side, both wearing the exact same stoic expression that labeled them as family.

"I do have to say, it is a rather nice feeling," Dis nodded, reaching over and taking Sier's hand and giving it a squeeze. "And it is all thanks to this little jewel, right here."

Sier could not help but blush at her mother-in-law's kind words, and busied herself by sipping at the wine to avoid speaking. Yet over the rim of her glass, her eyes found and locked with Fili's, who was in turn staring directly at her from where he stood by the fireplace. A warm smile crossed his lips as he raised his mug in a sign of admiration for his new bride. Sier could feel her stomach do little flip flops as she realized that for the rest of her life, she would have the privilege of not only being named his wife…but have the pleasure of seeing that smile as well. It was all rather overwhelming.

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As the evening went on, the party was intruded upon by the appearance of two members of the royal guard, one of them bearing a stone chest which was presented to Fili. Setting his mug down, he accepted it with a nod, dismissing them back to their duties, before approaching Dwalin and setting the mysterious container on a small table. Immediately the attention of everyone, except the four children playing in the corner, turned towards the prince and the captain of the guard. Dis, understanding what was about to happen, took hold of Sier's hand and led her over to stand beside them.

"Dwalin," Fili addressed his old friend and mentor, using his official princely voice. "As per your instructions, I hereby offer you the agreed upon price for the bride I have chosen. Do you…belatedly, accept my suit for her hand?" He then opened the chest, showing to all the five hundred shiny gold pieces as payment.

"Aye, laddie, I do," Dwalin nodded, holding out his hand and shaking Fili's firmly. "And in turn, I do officially relinquish all claims upon the lass…yet never think for one moment that I will not hold you to your promise to take good care of her…and little Flinn."

"You have my word," Fili nodded solemnly, placing his hand over his heart in assurance of his vow.

Dwalin then turned to Sier, giving her one of his very rare heartfelt smiles.

"Well, lass, for good or ill, you are his now, fair and legal," he told her. "And while you will now have his sword to protect ya, never forget that my ax is still at your service."

Once more, deeply touched by the stalwart captain's kindness, Sier stepped forward and raising up on tiptoe, she kissed his scruffy cheek.

"I am deeply moved, Mister Dwalin," she whispered. "I don't know how to thank you."

"I think you just did," Balin laughed, noting the way his brother's face had turned beet red. He then turned to Fili and added, "I would watch your back, lad, else Dwalin might decide to reclaim your bride for himself…the hard way!"

This of course caused everyone to burst forth with laughter, even Dwalin and Fili, as they once again shook hands as others slapped them on the back at the merry jest.

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The party carried on for another hour, but soon the little ones were beginning to yawn, and at least one of Bombur's daughters had crawled up on Ilin's lap and fallen asleep, announcing that it was time to call it a night. Scooping up his other daughter, and herding his son out the door, Bombur and his wife waved goodnight. They were soon followed by Dori and Ori, both apparently ready for some sleep as well. Kili, noticing that the ale had become scarce, suggested that they continue the party down in the wine cellar, to which Nori, Bofur and Dwalin heartily agreed. So with one final congratulatory hug to his older brother, as well as a shy and awkward one for his new sister, the young prince led the other dwarrow out the door in search of more libations.

"Not going to join them, Thorin?" Balin asked, noticing that the king had remained behind.

"Apparently, just like you, I am getting far too old…or wise, to be caught drinking late into the night," Thorin laughed. "Besides, I have an announcement to make to the kingdom tomorrow, as well as a naming ceremony I must preside over." He then reached down to pick up Flinn, who had wandered over to the group of adults once the other dwarflings had departed. "At that time, you will be introduced as a royal heir of Erebor, the son of my eldest sister-son."

"Will I get a crown, King Thorin?" Flinn asked, excitement showing in his sleepy eyes.

"Not just yet," he laughed. "But you will get a bead that marks you as from the line of Durin. And since we are family, little Flinn, I think it would be all right for you to call me uncle from now on, just like you do Kili."

"Really?" Flinn seemed shocked by this news and turned to look at his father for reassurance. When Fili nodded his consent, the lad looked back at the majestic king with a big grin. "All right…Uncle Thorin!"

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Flinn bent Fili and Sier's ear the entire way back to their new chambers that night, telling them about Bombur's children and all the fun he had with them.

"Bram is older than me, but really nice and he knows a lot of different games and stories and said he can show me where his father hides all the sweets in the kitchen," Flinn stated, all in one breath. "Tam is older too, but she is really funny, and she can make great silly faces and she didn't cry or anything when Bram won the game, but she did say he cheated. Tae is still kind of little and she don't talk a lot. She did squeal real loud though when Bram took her game piece and wouldn't give it back…then she bit him. I don't think I ever want her to get mad at me!"

"No, I would think not," Fili laughed, moving the lad from one arm to the other as he reached out to grab the handle on the door to their apartment. Swinging it open he stood back and allowed Sier to go in first, noting how hesitant she seemed. He knew what it was that he feared might be the outcome of this night, but it suddenly shamed him that he had not given much thought to her concerns. Surely she knew he would not press her for anything, much less any intimate relations, but still, they would be confined to private quarters for the first time, and that alone would be enough to set her on edge. They really knew so little about each other, and while they had the rest of their lives to learn such things…tonight might be a bit awkward to say the least. Once she had moved through the doorway, Fili followed, still carrying Flinn as he turned to shut the door behind them. He then looked down at Sier, trying to suppress his own doubts while doing all he could to quell any that might be welling up within her. "Welcome home, my lady wife."

And so it begins...awkward! But Flinn is an excellent buffer, so I think they will survive...I hope.

So what did you think of the wedding? The vows? Dwalin playing her champion? And by how much gold he extorted out of Fili for her hand? I just love that sly dwarf.

Guest Reviews:

Guest: Was that a pun when you told Fili to "wake up" and realize she is his one? ha ha. Again, no promises as to if and when or what any further children will be, but hey, never hurts to ask! And since I am only a few chapters away from being done with the story, there is not much I can do to change it now. but I LOVED your vision of Thorin with the baby in court...that made me LAUGH! As for a few of the other things you said...stop being so darn smart! ha ha