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Hello! Here is a nice LONG one for you!
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Also, since I am posting so quickly, please make sure you don't accidentally skip a chapter when reading. I have heard several say this has happened to them, and things don't make sense if you skip chapters.
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And this is the chapter where my sub-plot is introduced...it is not ALL about family fluff...just mostly. ha ha.
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Chapter 19
~X~
As it turned out, Fili was rather shocked that neither Dis nor Thorin gave him any scolding words, however, the knowing smiles and poorly concealed snickers were almost worse. As Kili had suggested, they both knew exactly how frightened the two dwarrow had been while Flinn was missing, making the crown prince now feel simply horrible for all the pranks they had once played on them.
"It is a unique form of punishment," Dis told him, patting his cheek in an understanding manner. "That your children turn out just like you. Don't worry, one day Flinn will have a son of his own, and he will come begging for your forgiveness as well."
"Just as I now do to you," Fili laughed, leaning forward to kiss his mother's cheek. "To both of you," he added, giving Thorin a sheepish grin.
"I still say I had it worse…there were two of you, after all," he muttered, crossing his arms over his chest and narrowing his eyes.
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As the days passed, Fili and Sier became more and more comfortable in their roles as husband and wife, behaving less like strangers, and more like careful friends. There were still those awkward moments, like when they would get ready for bed, or if they happened to bump into each other in a doorway, causing a moment of panic as they both quickly stepped aside. Still, the uncomfortable moments were lessened by the fact that there was precious little time when the two of them were left completely alone. For between Fili's mother, brother, uncle, and the rest of the company, all wishing to spend time with Flinn, their little apartment was hardly ever empty of guests.
The only time they were truly by themselves was the hour or so after Flinn had fallen asleep in his own bed, and when he would inevitably come slipping through their door and beg to slumber in theirs. The lad was never turned away, and Fili quickly became used to waking each morning with one, or more, of his son's appendages flung across his chest. Yet, his favorite moment had been the time he opened his eyes to see that Flinn had taken hold of his braid, clutching it tightly throughout the night in order to keep the bad dreams away. That morning, the crown prince truly felt like a father.
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Not long after this, Thorin, Fili, Kili, Dis and the rest of the company were all meeting in his conference room, discussing the project they had planned for the following spring. Ever since the retaking of the mountain, Erebor, Dale and Esgaroth had been dependent on acquiring food supplies from the Iron Hills, cities to the south, and even from the elves of Mirkwood - though Thorin wisely left those negotiations to King Bard. Still, they could not continue to rely on others forever, so a plan was set in motion to make use of the fallow land between Erebor and Dale, the very plains where five armies once waged war for the right to claim a mountain of gold. The dragon's heat and fiery breath had kept it bare for many years, yet now, slowly, life was returning.
This rejuvenation of the land prompted Thorin and King Bard to negotiate a trade with, of all people, the hobbits of the Shire. Word was sent west to Bilbo, who happily agreed to travel back to Erebor with a handful of their best farmers to teach the dwarves and lake men how to till the earth, tend to crops, and possibly even plant an orchard as well. The dwarves had never been ones for growing things, preferring to mine for gold and gems. While the men of Dale and Esgaroth had long forgotten how to grow their own food, instead being forced to become fishermen by trade. And even if there were still plenty of fish to be had, both races deemed it vital that they learned to produce and harvest their own grains and green vegetables – much to Ori's displeasure.
Bilbo and his band were set to arrive in only a few short weeks, and it was hoped they would show up before Durin's Day, thus adding to the merriment of the celebration. Coming in the fall was deemed the wisest course, since soon the passes would be difficult to traverse, with the snows and freezing rain always expected in the highlands. This way, the group of hobbits would spend the winter in Erebor, laying out plans and teaching the dwarves and men all they knew, then assist with the planting in the spring.
In return, Bilbo would also be bringing with him several who wished to learn the finer arts of iron work - for making plows, farming implements and the occasional weapon…just in case. Nowhere in Middle Earth could better craftsmen be found than in the Lonely Mountain, and many kingdoms would have given their eyeteeth for the privilege of seeing the mighty forges hidden deep within Erebor. It was an advantageous trade indeed, for everyone involved.
"Has there been any word from Bilbo?" Thorin asked, looking at Balin with a worried expression.
"No. Not since you asked yesterday," the elderly dwarf stated with an exasperated sigh. "You know exactly how long it takes to get from the Shire to Erebor," the old councilor said, doing his best to sound reassuring. "The last message sent by raven from Rivendell, said that they had arrived there and would rest up for several days before traveling on. Lord Elrond promised to send several of his warriors with them as protection through the mountain pass, and would not leave them until they delivered them safely into the hands of their brethren in Mirkwood."
"So, for all we know, they are currently in Thranduil's dungeons! Languishing in that accursed prison as we speak!" Thorin huffed. It was true that after they had fought side by side in the Battle of Five Armies, the two kings had made peace between their races…and yet, some wounds refused to fully heal.
"Uncle," Fili said, stepping forward. "Bilbo left on very good terms with the wood elves. Besides, word is that Thranduil is not currently at his court, but visiting distant kin in Lothlorien. It is equally possible that any delay is due to the haflings being treated like royal guests, whether the king be there to greet them or not."
"More likely they do not wish to part with Thranduil's fine wine," Dwalin joked, recalling how many barrels of the well-aged drink was stored in the lower halls there.
"We will hear from them soon, I am sure of it," Kili guaranteed his uncle. "They probably just got a late start out of Rivendell…perhaps Bilbo forgot his pocket handkerchief again and they had to double back."
This made all the dwarves present laugh – except for Dis, who did not understand the inside joke – making them even more eager to see their hairy footed friend again.
"How many others did he say he was bringing with him?" Dis asked, anxious to finally meet the little folk she had heard so much about. "We will need to provide accommodations for them, seeing that they are staying throughout the winter, and into the following summer. Do they have any special requirements?"
"Assign them rooms on the ground level if we can manage it," Thorin said after giving it some thought. "Hobbits do not care for heights and would not like anything more than a few flights up. In fact…go down if you must, they are quite used to being underground, and would enjoy it."
"And be sure to have the libraries open at all times, they love to read," Kili suggested.
"And pipe weed," Bofur laughed, recalling Bilbo's love of the Old Toby blend. "Make sure to have plenty of pipe weed on hand."
"But most of all," Fili chimed in, a big smile on his face, "Hobbits love to eat! What was it Bilbo kept complaining about on the journey? Missing out on second breakfast, Elevensies and afternoon tea?"
"Thankfully, they will be bringing a caravan full of supplies with them that will aid us, as well as the men of Dale and Esgaroth, in making it through the winter on more than just salted fish," Thorin stated. "Hopefully by next year we will have enough skill and knowledge to supply that ourselves. Bilbo said he would bring seeds for plenty of root vegetables that will store well and last throughout the cold months." The king then gave a heavy sigh as his face turned somber. "That is, if they would just get here!"
"I am sure the ravens would have notified us if anything were amiss," Dis said, in an attempt to calm her brother. "And if this Bilbo fellow is as resourceful as you say, you would do well not to worry over things that are out of your control."
"That is true," Thorin nodded, then looked around at those in attendance. "Something that is within my control, however, is the consensus of the mountain. Has there been any talk I should know about, concerning Fili, Sier and Flinn?"
"Very little in the way of anything negative," Nori was first to speak up. "And then only coming from disgruntled dwarrowdams who had their eye set on claiming our crown prince for themselves."
This caused Fili to give an exasperated roll of his eyes.
"From what I have overheard, the marriage, and how it was kept secret, makes perfect sense to everyone," Bofur added, having kept his ears to the ground within the mines.
"How so?" Thorin asked.
"Well, they are saying that it explained the sudden change in attitude that came over the prince five years ago," he went on, giving Fili a sympathetic look. "Apparently we were not the only ones who took note of the storm cloud that hovered over you, lad. Yet everyone is now crediting it to the fact that you had been forced to send your one away. Saying that being parted from such a lovely lass would have dampened even the brightest of spirits. No one is questioning your marriage, or the legitimacy of your son, in the least."
"And how could they?" Dis spoke up. "One look at the lad and it is plain as day who his father is. Even I have had to catch myself a few times, accidently calling the child Fili instead of Flinn."
"Then it would seem we are in the clear," Dwalin nodded with a look of finality. "If the rest of the mountain is satisfied, then we need never worry about the truth coming out."
"Unless we decide to press the issue with Lord Colm and Bina, and the devious part they both played in all this," Thorin added, never having fully gotten over their traitorous act.
"If you will but let me, I would be happy to show the both of them the business end of my ax!" Dwalin growled, still taking his promise of being Sier's protector very seriously.
"You and me both," Thorin muttered. "I was willing to let things lie while we had no proof, but now with Sier's testimony against them, we could easily make a case and put them away."
"True," Dis agreed, she too not liking the idea of anyone having tried to harm her son and getting away with it. "However, would this not cause only more pain and suffering? Dredge up old wounds and bring to light everything we have just worked so hard to conceal? Would such actions be in the best interest of Flinn?"
"No one has more cause to wish ill upon Bina and her father, than Sier and I," Fili spoke up, his tone calm and even. "Yet I would not desire any harm to come to my wife or son, and I fear the reopening of this wound would indeed be unwise. I have come to see over the past week that there are more important things to dwell on than revenge and retribution. Sier has shown me that forgiveness is the best course of action in this case. Not that I will simply overlook what has been done, but set my anger aside in light of maintaining peace for my family. We have had no dealings with that branch of the Firebeard clan since that day, and I firmly feel that we never again should. Let them alone – let them wallow in their own misery and regret over what, and who, they are. We will give them no more of our time, thought or energy…unless they cross us again. At that point, our retribution will be swift and merciless."
"Spoken like a future king," Thorin agreed, pride shining in his eyes as he looked at his heir. "If Fili and Sier, to whom the greatest wrongs have been committed, wish the matter be dropped, then I have no reason to disagree. Does any here feel differently?"
"Aye! I still want to hang the wretches from their toes and hear them squeal," Dwalin said in a brusque manner. "Yet…even I would not wish for Sier to have to relive such things again. It should indeed be closed."
"Then if all are in agreement, I declare this matter settled, never to be spoken of again," he commanded, bringing his fist down onto the table in an act of finality.
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And so things went on, Fili doing all he could to balance his duties as prince, with his new ones of husband and father. Dis had taken Sier under her wing, bringing her along each day as she made her rounds, seeing to the needs of each family in Erebor. The king dealt with the political matters, the army and the overall care for those under his rule, but it was Dis who saw to the individuals. She met with mothers worried about their children, heard the petitions of those in need, and generally played mediator to ones who brought their squabbles to her. It was a tedious job, but Dis handled it all with grace and aplomb, assuring Sier that when her time came, she too would be equal to the task.
Flinn had also begun his formal schooling, with Balin taking on the same duties he had shouldered with Fili and Kili – looking to the education of the little dwarrow. There was not only the basic classes to think about, but things he would need to know in order to rule a kingdom one day. And much to Sier's shock and displeasure, Fili announced that the lad was to start his weapon training as well, even if they would be severely limited due to his age. Thus, by the end of the week, Flinn was so tired at night that he could hardly keep his eyes open long enough to hear the end of his bedtime stories.
"Don't you think it might all be too much for him…too soon?" Sier asked as they pulled the door closed behind them, leaving the tuckered out Flinn slumbering in his own room. "He has gone from having no true responsibilities to speak of, to being told he will be a king one day. At least you were born knowing what lay ahead for you…Flinn was not."
"The training is good for him," Fili assured her, doing his best to ease her worry. "You should see how his eyes light up when he steps into the practice ring. I swear, for his size and age, he is doing remarkably well, and has taken to the sword like a duck to water."
"A fact I am not exactly thrilled about," she muttered as she turned away. She had purposefully avoided going down to the training rooms to watch Fili and Dwalin teach her son the art of battle, feeling the cold hand of fear clutching her heart every time they left with him. She had also done her best not to speak out against Fili's insistence either, but she could not keep silent any longer. "I always knew he would want to be a warrior, and follow in your footsteps, but I can't help being concerned. He is still just a baby, Fili, and I worry for his safety."
Fili could see that this was something that truly bothered her, and he had not thought to take her feelings into consideration when he announced that Flinn was to begin his training. By dwarf law, Sier still held the right to forbid the dwarfling from engaging in battle training, at least until he was a full five years. Realizing he had not once asked her opinion on the subject, a wave of shame came over him. This was most likely one of those things that a mother and father were meant to discuss together, and at great length, before a decision was made. But having just been thrown into this role, without any training or book to guide him, Fili had thoughtlessly overlooked his responsibility in this area.
"Sier," he began, stepping forward, his hand reaching out to tip her chin up so that she was looking him in the eye. "Forgive me. I was a fool to act as I did, and not consult you about all this. Often I forget that Flinn belonged to you first, and even if I am his father, I have no right to suddenly take over as if he were mine alone. You are his mother, the one who raised him, and of course you should be consulted, especially in matters that concern his safety. If you feel this strongly about it, I will postpone Flinn's training until he is older, I swear it."
"No, Fili…I didn't mean to say that I disapproved…at least not entirely," she stated, immensely touched by his offer. "Flinn needs to know how to defend himself. I…I simply worry, and yet, I do not doubt this is something every mother experiences as her child grows."
"Then come with us tomorrow when we go to the training ring," he suggested. "See for yourself the precautions I take to insure he is safe. Only wooden practice swords are used, and Dwalin would never allow the lad to take up arms before he is ready. Trust me, I know. For when we first began, Kili and I begged and begged to be allowed to hold a true blade, but he never once gave an inch, saying we had to earn the privilege. Flinn will not be given any true weapons until he is much older and can demonstrate that he is fully competent, I swear. I would never allow him to be placed in harm's way."
"Truly?" Sier asked, hope showing in her voice.
"Yes, truly," Fili laughed. "What did you think we were doing? Sticking a sharp sword in each of his hands and throwing rocks at him, expecting him to block them all?"
"No, of course not," she laughed, though in all honesty, she had been imagining something very similar. "And yes…I will come down and see for myself. It may indeed relieve much of my concerns. Thank you."
"No…thank you, Sier," Fili whispered, his thumb coming up to stroke the side of her cheek as he stared into her eyes. "I do not think I can ever tell you enough how grateful I am that you brought Flinn into my life."
Before Sier had a chance to respond, Fili became aware of a strange sensation in the hand that was touching her, a tingling that ran through his fingers and up his arm. It was not unpleasant, yet it startled him enough that he quickly pulled it away in shock.
"Are you all right?" she asked, noting his sudden look of confusion.
"Yes…yes, I am fine," he nodded, rubbing his hand against his leg in an attempt to quell the prickly feeling that still lingered. "Perhaps it is time to retire. It will not be long before Flinn will be coming in to wake us up, so we best get in as much sleep as we can in the meantime."
"You are the one who started it all by telling him that he could come in and comfort me whenever I got scared," she reminded him, giving him a wink and a grin.
"Don't remind me," he laughed, rubbing his chin. "This morning I got a fist to the face as he flopped over on top of me. He might be little, but that dwarfling can pack a punch!"
"Must be due to all the battle training he is getting," she laughed, feeling no pity whatsoever for her husband prince. "You brought it all on yourself, and you have no one else to blame."
"Such an unfeeling wife I married!" Fili joked, trying to put on a horrified look, but failing. "And yet, I would not change a thing…sore chin and all."
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The next day came, and as Fili opened his eyes, he had the sudden sensation that something was…different. Something was out of place. Looking down he saw the reason, for there, thrown across his chest was not his son's arm, like he had become accustomed to…but his wife's! Sier was still sound asleep, yet in the night she had somehow crept over towards his side, her body only mere inches from him and her head resting on his shoulder. Her left arm was draped over him, offering a pleasing sort of weight, one that brought with it a delicious sense of belonging. It was almost as if there was a tantalizing vibration emanating from everywhere she was touching him, something that brought with it both contentment and exhilaration.
Fili lay there for a few minutes, relishing the warm feelings that radiated through him. He turned his head slightly and deeply inhaled the scent of her hair, closing his eyes as he tried to imprint it upon his mind. This was what he wanted, a close bond with his wife, to be able to see her always looking so peaceful and content. Though he doubted very seriously that she would retain that look, if she woke to find them in such an intimate position. So, going against every fiber of his being, Fili reluctantly lifted her arm, and carefully rolled her over so that she was once again facing away from him. Thankfully, Sier did not stir, and only snuggled deeper into the covers as she continued to sleep. With a heavy sigh, Fili lay back down, feeling oddly alone and empty without her touch. He would give anything to awaken each morning like this, with the feel of her warmth radiating through his body. It was so much more pleasant than a foot in the face from Flinn.
Suddenly, he sat straight up in bed. Flinn!
His movement must have startled Sier, for she too jerked awake, sitting up as she brushed the hair from her eyes. Almost as if she could read his mind, the anxious mother began looking around, instantly aware of the absence of their son.
"Where is Flinn?" she asked, fear laced within her words.
"I…I do not recall him coming in last night," Fili announced, tossing back the blankets as he hurried to the door, opening it up and ushering an equally frantic Sier ahead of him. When the two arrived at Flinn's room, they quietly peeked in, not wishing to alarm the lad with their own fears. But they both gave a sigh of relief when they saw that he was not missing at all, but instead still sound asleep in his own room, lying crossways in his bed and snoring softly.
"He slept here throughout the entire night!" Sier whispered, excitement and pride in her voice.
"See, it didn't take him long at all to begin to feel comfortable," Fili told her, his smile just as wide.
"Yes, just like you said," Sier nodded. "He has great courage."
"He gets that from you," he told her, placing his hand on her shoulder as he looked at his sleeping son. Once again, that sudden spark shot through him, this time moving farther up and into his chest, startling him once more, but not as drastically. Instead of moving his hand, he squeezed it just a bit more, enjoying the sensation it created. He could not tell if it was something Sier experienced as well, but he knew he didn't want the feeling to end, especially when she turned her head and stared up at him with those deep brown eyes, leaving him breathless.
What was happening to him?
Sier was startled by what she saw, the look in Fili's eyes was no longer one of pride for their son…but something new, and it appeared to be aimed directly at her. Was it appreciation? Gratitude? A strong form of friendship? She knew they would eventually bond in some way, they could not help but do so over their love for Flinn, yet she had not expected it to feel so…so surprisingly pleasant. Fili was a fine dwarrow, one that any dam in her right mind would find attractive, and yet it was not only his looks that spoke so well of him. He was kind, considerate and honorable to a fault - and all those things were what made him the perfect mate. Yet, he was not her mate, at least not in the full sense of the word. He was not her one, and she was not his. They were a couple of dwarrow, thrown together by treachery, and over the love of their little son.
Still…did she not feel a strange fire throughout her body every time he touched her? Granted, their physical contact was very limited, mostly by design, yet there was no denying it was there. She wondered if he had felt it too…but she would not dare to ask. They had one goal between them, to live in harmony and raise their son. It would be cruel and pointless if she allowed herself to feel any more for him than friendship, and in the end it would hurt not only her, but Fili and Flinn as well. So pulling herself together, Sier stepped aside, making her way back to their bedroom under the feeble excuse that she was cold and needed to get dressed.
Fili stood there for a few more moments, trying his best to understand what had just happened. He had been happy that they seemed to be coexisting quite peacefully, no latent feelings of awkwardness or unease. And ever since Flinn had taken up his nightly residence in their bed, Fili had not feared sleeping beside her either. But now…now Flinn had slept in his own bed, all night! Would this change things? The fact that he had found Sier snuggled into his side with her arm draped over him that very morning, seemed to prove that it would!
And what was this new sensation that coursed through him whenever he touched her? Were latent feelings from five years past reawakening in him, ones that had been brought on by that vile drug Bina had given him? His old fears of losing control and taking advantage of his trusting wife suddenly resurfaced, leaving him feeling panicked and afraid. He would have to be very careful from here on out, and even though he longed to experience that amazing feeling again…he would make sure he never put himself in a position to do so.
Fili dared not risk it.
Oh, come on...take a chance Fili...TAKE IT. (but you know he will not listen to me...yet)
So, how do you like the idea of Bilbo and the Hobbits heading their way?
Or Sier being a bit worried over Flinn's safety with his weapon's training?
Did you enjoy the morning snuggle? (Fili did!)
And look, their little lad slept in his own bed all night long.
Hmmmm, I wonder what it could be that they are both feeling...hmmm. Curious.
Guest Reviews:
OH BOY...My guest readers are BACK!
Missed you - and I welcome the new ones too!
enilorac44: I am imagining you in bed, glaring at your phone, just waiting for it to bing-bong so you can read and THEN get up out of bed. ha ha. I do hope I never make you late for something or you starve before you can get your bacon and eggs. And yes, since your daily routine rests on it...I WILL keep them coming.
Summer Solstice: Welcome new GUEST! Wow, binge reading 18 chapters at once...did you die of sugar overdose from sweet little Flinn? Thanks for not turning away too fast over the very 'touchey' situation that got them all in this fix to begin with. I really tried to make it as non-offensive as I could and not leave anyone with a bad taste in their mouths. Difficult subject to sweep under the rug...but I NEEDED Fili to have a kid without anyone really to 'blame'...other than Bina. I think Thorin is just so happy to see Fili (and Kili) get payback. ha ha. They really did torment their poor Uncle as kids. Thanks for the review and there will be plenty more apples for you - though it was pointed out that Fili can't stand the smell of apples any more since his ride down the river in the barrel. ha ha.
Robyn: Thanks for liking how I wrote Fili's panic attack! Oh sure, they will both catch on EVENTUALY that they are each others one...but not for a while, I want to have some fun first...before THEY have their fun. ha ha. Dis will reveal more about that whole 'dream' thing in a later chapter. Just wait...(Hint...you are NOT off base). Thanks so much for reading and sending in a review.
Guest: OH that idea about Thorin's crown just cracked me up! Careful...if you keep giving me adorable ideas, I might just STEAL them! ha ha. Hmmm, I did not hear Dis ask for a grand-baby-girl. She just said she wanted a lap full of them. So you can't drag her onto your side in this matter. ha ha. And if Dis were to bug Sier for another kid now...it would be like getting water from a stone (yes that was a euphemism) ha ha. Thanks for the review!
Mjean: Nope, still not in Jail. And definintly not at Starbucks...I don't like coffee. BUT I am still plugging away and have 10 saved up chapters ready to delight you with at a moments notice. I hope to get a few more in the pot this weekend. But chapter 30 is giving me grief! Why will the words not flow?