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Thanks to your outpouring of support, we passed 700 reviews and you earned your bonus chapter. My thanks to Robinbird79 for sending in the specific review.

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Now for a little of something you have been waiting for, and a few other landmark things as well.

I hope you enjoy what I have done with the chapter.

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Chapter 33

~X~

As the hobbits left, and the crowd of dwarves began to disperse, the royal family did as well. Fili, who still held Flinn in his arms, looked down at Sier with an anxious and expectant gaze. He then took her by the hand, and began to lead her towards the stairs, eager to continue their conversation in private. Yet he was halted in his endeavors by the voice of his uncle.

"Fili, Kili," he called out, leveling them with a pointed glare. "I will need you dressed and down at the banquet hall in one hour."

"But…Uncle," Fili protested, his eyes desperately going from his bride to the king and back again, begging him to understand.

"No buts," Thorin stated firmly. "It is Durin's Day, we have hundreds of guests that will be arriving soon, and it would be an insult if all the royal family is not there to greet them. Dis, Sier and Flinn, will all need to be there as well. One hour…no more," he ordered, pointing a strict finger in their direction.

"Come along, then," Dis huffed, knowing he was right, but hating it when he took that authoritative air with her. "Your king has spoken, and Mahal save us should we dare to defy his majestic orders."

"I heard that," Thorin grumbled.

"You were meant to," she responded back, giving everyone a gentle push in the direction she wanted them to go.

Once everyone was gone, leaving only Thorin and Dwalin standing there alone, there was an awkward silence. Finally Dwalin spoke.

"What was that all about?" he asked his king, referring to the uncharacteristic behavior of his friend's greeting to the pretty little hobbit lass. "I ain't never seen you act like that before."

"I…I have never felt that way before," Thorin replied, his eyes still glued to the spot where he had last seen Marigold Brandybuck. "What is wrong with me?"

"Looks to be the same thing that has snuck up and grabbed me by the arse as well," Dwalin admitted, picturing the spunky Bergie in his mind.

"Not Miss Brandybuck?" Thorin gasped, looking at his friend as if he had in some way suddenly betrayed him.

"No!" Dwalin was quick to explain. "Miss Bracegirdle…Bergie. There is something about that lass that won't let me find peace. She has haunted my mind since the moment I clapped eyes on her."

"Do hobbits know magic?" Thorin asked, trying to find a logical explanation for the turmoil he was now experiencing.

"Not sure, but that Bergie has bewitched me for sure," Dwalin grinned.

"Well…I do not have time for this," Thorin muttered, shaking his head as if to clear his thoughts. "And neither do you! So look alive, and pull yourself together, we meet in the banquet hall in one hour. Tonight we must keep our heads, for there will be a lot of people in attendance and if we get distracted, even for a moment, this could turn into a disaster."

"Are you expecting trouble?" Dwalin questioned, his mind suddenly all on business.

"No, but if you plan as if there will be some, you might end up being pleasantly surprised," Thorin pointed out, "instead of woefully unprepared. Now, let's get to it, and try not to think of either hobbit lass!" Though he knew that was easier said than done.

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Meanwhile, Dis and the others reached the hallway that housed the royal chambers, the guard on duty standing up a little straighter as they all passed.

"You three don't dilly-dally around now," the bossy dwarrowdam instructed. "I will see that Kili is dressed and looking sharp, but I leave the other two to you, Sier."

"I can dress myself!" Kili huffed, pouting like a child.

"History has proven otherwise," Dis scolded, giving him a stern look. "Now stop grousing or I will throw you in a tub of water and scrub you myself."

"Ama! You wouldn't dare!" the dark haired dwarf gasped in shock.

"It is all right, Uncle Kili," Flinn spoke up, taking pity on him. "She is your ama, she is allowed to see you naked."

"I thoroughly disagree!" he yelled, running into his room and slamming the door behind him.

"Always a handful, that one," Dis mumbled as she rolled up her sleeves and stormed after him.

Fili could not help but chuckle, as he led Sier into their own chambers, setting Flinn down. He was still in his armor and most of his battle gear, and he honestly could not wait to bathe and feel clean again. But what he wanted most of all, was to speak with Sier in private, even if it was for only a moment. So pulling the sheath that held his twin blades from off his back, he handed it to Flinn.

"Here, take these into the bedroom for me and set them on the bench by the wall," he told his wide eyed son, who held out his arms to accept them as if they were made of gold. "Don't try and take them out, or do anything other than what I told you to. These are not toys, and you are not to touch them, do you understand?" he warned.

"Yes, Adad," Flinn nodded, proudly turning to carry them away.

The moment he was out of hearing range, Fili took Sier gently by the shoulders and turned her to face him, looking into her eyes as he desperately tried to read her thoughts.

"You…you said you had something to tell me?" he asked hopefully.

"Yes, I do," she nodded, suddenly shy. "It is something I only realized when you were gone, and I was so desperately worried that you might not come home…to me."

"But I did come back…and here I am," he prodded, eager to hear more of this revelation.

"Yet, what I have to say really cannot be told in just a few moments," she lamented, not wanting to rush such a momentous confession. Besides, what if he rejected her offer of love? There would be no way she could paste on a smile after that, and be expected to get through the night. It was better that they wait. "It is a conversation best left until after the celebration, for we dare not anger the king by being late."

Thorin could be damned, for all Fili cared at the moment, but he saw her point. If she did indeed tell him anything close to what he hoped it was, there would be no way he would ever wish to leave their chambers again. Perhaps it was prudent to put it off for a few hours longer…though he feared the wait might literally kill him.

"Yet…you will tell me?" he pleaded, pulling her hands up as he held them against his chest, rubbing his thumbs across her silky skin. "Promise that the sun will not rise tomorrow, without us having spoken."

"I promise," she whispered, transfixed by the deep emotions reflected in his blue eyes.

"I did it!" Flinn announced, running back into the room. "Now what can I do?"

"You," Fili said, reluctantly breaking away from Sier as he scooped up his eager son, "can join me in the bathing room while we both hustle through a bath and get ready for the party! Me in the tub and you in your barrel." And since the little dwarrow was so excited to have his adad home, not to mention a new hobbit friend, and a huge party to attend, he did not fuss at all.

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Sier couldn't help but smile as she listened to the splashing and singing from her two favorite dwarrow, coming from the wash room as she changed and fixed her hair.

Roll-roll-rolling down the hole!

Heave ho! Splash plump!

Down they go, down they bump!

Roll-roll-rolling down the hole!

Fili did have a wonderful singing voice, and with her son mixed in, it was truly a joy to listen to. She had laid out everyone's clothes and then slipped into her new dress, one not even Fili had seen yet. It was a deep shade of red, with gold embroidery at the sleeves, hem, and neck, playing well against her dark hair. And while no one would call the bust-line immodest, it did show off her assets rather nicely, if she did say so herself. She chose to braid her hair in an intricate pattern and then sweep half of it up, allowing the remainder to fall down her back in a series of curls. When she was all done, she looked in the mirror and for once in her life, truly felt like the princess Fili had made her. Now if she could only get through the opening dance, everything would be perfect.

"Baths are done," Fili announced, as he and Flinn came out of the washroom, the older dwarrow still towel-drying his hair. He had slipped on the clean pair of trousers she had sent in with him, while Flinn was bundled up in his father's fluffy robe, most of it dragging behind him like a train. "Now, do you want to get him dressed first, or should I work on his hair?"

Sier turned to answer him, but her words died on her lips as she saw the shocked look in his eyes as he lowered the towel in his hand and stared slack jawed at her.

"Sier…" he began, having to stop and lick his lips as well as swallow a few times before he could speak again. "You are…absolutely perfect."

While the compliment he gave her made her blush, it was the tone of his voice that had her heart racing, and the smoldering look in his eyes…well that was doing things to her that she dare not even think about.

"Thank you," she was able to get out at last. "Your mother helped me pick out the dress. I hope it will do."

"You could be dressed in a flour sack, Sier, and still you would look no less like a queen," Fili assured her, walking over as he raised his hand and let the back of his fingers slide down the side of her cheek, never taking his eyes off of her. "I did not say your dress looked perfect. I meant you."

Sier was melting, absolutely melting into a puddle on the spot. Did he have any idea what he was doing to her? And even though she had been looking forward to the Durin's Day celebration for months now, suddenly she wished it was all over and it was just the two of them, locked away in this room with the entire night ahead of them to speak. For she indeed had a lot to say.

Yet none of it could be spoken now, and when they heard the knocking at the front door, they knew their time was quickly running out.

"I…I will go get that, while you finish getting dressed," she stammered, taking a shaking step back as her legs protested the action. "I will start on Flinn and then you can do his braids." She reached down and grabbed hold of the long tie on the robe, using it like a leash as she led the giggling little dwarrow out of the room with her.

When they reached the door, she opened it to find a completely ready Dis, wearing a stunning gown, her hair neatly coifed, and sporting her elegant crown.

"Well, you do not appear quite ready," she hummed, eyeing the little dwarfling with a disapproving look. She then turned her attention to Sier. "While you, my dear, look splendid! Even better than I imagined you would in that dress." She then leaned in and gave Sier a look of excitement. "Did my son like it?"

Sier couldn't help but blush again as she lowered her eyes and nodded her head enthusiastically, her body growing warm as she recalled the look in his eyes upon seeing her.

"Good," Dis nodded. "Shows I must have done something right in raising him," she laughed. Now, let's get to work on this this little fellow."

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Between the two of them, they were able to get him dried off and dressed. Flinn insisting that his N'anad turn her back until he was modestly clothed. By the time they were finished, Fili himself was ready and emerged from the bedroom with a comb and hair clasps in hand, ready to perform his solemn duty as Flinn's father.

Sier could not help but admire the way Fili looked in his royal garb, the Durin blue in his tunic matching his eyes perfectly, and the silver clasps at the end of his braids shone and gleamed in the firelight. Yet nothing screamed prince, more than the crown he wore on his regal head, somewhat smaller than Thorin's, but no less majestic in Sier's eyes. Fili sat down and corralled his son as he set to work, swiftly taming his unruly mane into something even a mother could be proud of.

"I think I got Kili's hair fixed well enough," Dis informed them as he worked, snapping in the Durin clasps at the end of each braid. "He still wiggles a lot and whines when you pull his hair, but for the most part, he is ready."

"Thorin will be pleased to hear that," Fili laughed.

"Thorin!" Dis cried, throwing her hands up in the air. "I forgot to check on Thorin! Keep getting ready, I will be right back!" And out the door she ran, mumbling about her brother, incompetence and how she had to do everything.

Now that the little family of three was alone again, Fili stood up and walked over to a cabinet by the fireplace, opening one of the drawers and removing a wooden box. He came over and laid it on the table and called them both over.

"Tonight is a very special occasion for everyone in the mountain," he began in an almost solemn tone. "And it is very special for me as well. For tonight I get to officially present to everyone my wife and son, the new princess and prince of Erebor. Yet that cannot be done properly, without these."

Fili then opened the lid on the box and brought out two gold crowns. One was smaller than the other, a simple circlet that sported three gems on the front, a diamond, an emerald and a sapphire. While the other was a more subtle and feminine version of the one he himself wore, linking the two of them for all to see. Setting Sier's down on the table, he turned and knelt before his son, who was now twitching and fidgeting like his pants were full of ants, his smile so wide it might have split his face.

"I present to you, my son and heir, your first royal crown," he told him, holding up the item for him to see. "Each gem holds deep meaning, signifying loyalty, honor and a willing heart." As he spoke he touched each stone. "These are qualities you will need to cultivate as you grow, and every time you look at these three gems, you will be reminded of your duty to your king, your family and the dwarves of Erebor." And without further ado, Fili lifted it over his son's head and brought it slowly down in place. "My son, Prince Flinn."

Fili barely got the words out before the little dwarrow threw his arms around his father's neck and hugged him tight, his repeated words of heartfelt thanks muffled but still very discernable.

Sier found that she could not contain her tears any longer and allowed them to slip down her cheek without shame. It was moments like this that she knew she now lived for. Moments that would remain clear and unstained in her heart till the end of day.

"Can I go look at it?" Flinn asked, pulling back as he reached up to touch his shiny new crown.

"Yes, but hurry back, we must be leaving soon," Fili chuckled, watching him scurry off to the washroom to look in the mirror.

"And now for you, my beautiful princess," Fili announced, picking up the crown he had made for her in secret. It was a smaller, daintier, version of Fili's, with the same angled raven wing design that graced Thorin's, now mimicked in the intricately designed golden circlet he held out to her. "I patterned it after mine, so that there will never be any question as to whom you belong. You are my wife, my princess and one day, my queen." And with that, he reached up and gently set it in place, a perfect fit amid her braids and curls.

"When did you have time to do all this?" she asked in awe, reaching up to touch the ornamental symbol of her royal status.

"You thought that Thorin was making me spend all my time on party preparations?" he laughed. "You are not the only one who was keeping secrets as to where you were going, and what you were doing. Though, catching me down in the gem room with Bofur, or the forge with Thorin, would not have been as suspicious as me finding you in Dwalin's room."

"No, I suppose not," she grumbled, giving him a sly smile.

"And…" Fili quickly continued, before she had a chance to say more. "I have something to go along with it." He then pulled a leather pouch from the box and after undoing the string ties, he poured the most stunning necklace into his palm that Sier had ever seen. It consisted of rubies, diamonds, and intricate beads of gold, all strung together in the most stunning design.

"Fili!" Sier gasped, her hands flying to cover her now gaping mouth. "It…it is beautiful."

"Not half as beautiful as the dam whose neck it shall grace," he amended, indicating that she should turn around so he could set it in place. Doing as she was told, she pulled her hair to the side, allowing him to work the clasp unhindered. She felt his fingers drift over her neck as he finished, his touch like fire on her already heated skin. "There…now you look every inch the princess you were born to be."

"Oh, Ama!" Flinn cried as he came back in the room and spotted the crown and necklace she now wore. "So pretty!"

"Yes, she is," Fili nodded, never taking his greedy eyes off of her. "Shall we go?"

"No…wait!" Sier cried, having almost forgotten that she too had a surprise for the two of them. "I have gifts for you two as well, though by far not as grand as the ones you gave us." She then hurried to the wooden chest next to her favorite sewing chair and pulled out two finished coats, one small and one large. "I finished them just the other night. They are ready to wear…if you would like to, that is." She suddenly felt very self-conscious about her work, worried that perhaps they were not quite regal enough to merit being sported at a Durin's Day celebration.

"Of course we will wear them!" Fili said, his eyes wide with amazement as he held his up for inspection. "These are fabulous! You truly are an artist!"

"Put it on me, put it on me!" Flinn begged, holding up his arms.

The two of them were made from the softest fur, leather and royal blue fabric just like Thorin's, although the design was very different. And on Fili's she had painstakingly stitched his sigil, labeling him the crown prince and heir to the throne of Erebor. Flinn had yet to be given such a marking, so on his she had stitched many of the bold geometric shapes her race was fond of. Both had enough similarities though to make them stand out as father and son, while keeping a hint of individuality.

Fili had hardly had time to slip his arms through the sleeves when the door opened and in walked Thorin, who was also sporting the coat that Sier had made for him. She took note that the golden raven-wing crown he wore did indeed match the buttons Flinn had chosen back in Himros. Thorin looked at Fili, as if sizing him up, and then turned his attention to Flinn, resting his hand on the hilt of his sword, Orcrist, as he gave a slight huff.

"Trying to upstage your king on such an auspicious occasion could be seen as an act of treason, you know," he grumbled, indicating his nephew's new attire.

"You're just grumpy because you are no longer the only one with a hand-made original by Sier," Fili laughed, securing the belt around his coat that held it in place yet still allowed everyone to see his royal tunic beneath.

"Look at mine!" Flinn cried, running up and spinning around in front of Thorin, showing off his coat. "It has ten gold buttons on it, see? I counted them! And Adad made me a crown too! Look!"

"Yes, I see," Thorin nodded in approval. "You wear it well, my sister-son's-son."

"You all look amazing!" Dis exclaimed, coming through the door behind Thorin, with a still grousing Kili in tow. The younger prince appeared to be dressed well, with his hair braided appropriately and a crown similar to Fili's on his head. "But if we do not hurry along, no one will get a chance to see how majestic you all appear."

"Hey!" Kili cried, pointing from Thorin, to Fili and then to Flinn. "Everyone gets a fancy coat but me?"

"You are the very next one on my list, I promise, Kili," Sier laughed, watching his look of gloom turn to one of pure joy.

"I want mine to be gold!" he announced, having already imagined it in his mind after seeing Thorin's for the first time. "With fox-fur trim and a silver buttons!"

"Yes, yes," Fili said with a roll of his eyes. "But you are still paying full price. No family discounts!" he warned, causing everyone to burst out laughing.

And amid such mirth, the six of them headed out the door and down the stairs, making their way to the banquet hall to greet their guests.

This night was shaping up to be one they would not soon forget.

Dear Guests,

King Thorin II, Lord of Erebor, and direct descendant of Durin the Deathless, hereby invites you to attend the celebration of Durin's Day, and the 10th Anniversary of the destruction of Smaug. Food, drink, desserts, and a spectacle of entertainment will be held in the banquet hall.

While at the party, we hope you find time to greet our honored guests, Lord Dain, of the Iron Hills; King Bard, of Dale, and his family; Gandalf the Grey, wizard extraordinaire; Bilbo Baggins, most excellent hobbit of the Shire; and all the Halfling ambassadors from the west that arrived in his company. It will prove to be a very exciting evening, and we hope you are able to attend.

Arrive promptly on Monday, and plan to stay a while…it will be a three chapter extravaganza!

Sincerely,

The Lady Dis, Princess of Erebor

Well, there you have it. Your Bonus chapter.

Did you like Thorin and Dwalin commiserating together?

Dis running herd on Kili?

Fili and Sier getting ready?

Fili's gift of the crowns - Flinn getting his crown at LONG last?

The coats?

Guest Reviews:

Man there was a LOT of them this time! So happy!

Guest: I am very excited for Durin's Day too...a lot is going to happen! And Yep, Thorin and Dwalin have been love-struck for sure. Hope it does not leave a bruise, ha ha. What will they do? you will have to wait and see. Thanks.

Guest: A kiss would have been amazing...but yes, those 'forges' would have fired out of control and burned down the mountain, ha ha. Best keep them contained a bit longer.

Guest: I never consider anyone who expresses their opinion, especially in such a polite manner, as a Debbie Downer. And everyone is entitled to their own ideas on how Tolkien's world is translated. Me...well, I guess I am not THAT tied to any certain theory, and went with the hobbit/dwarf paring mostly for fun. Just to shake things up a bit, ha ha. Maybe Mahal just has a quirky sense of humor, and thought, hey, why not...could be fun! And while I do not claim to be an expert...I read somewhere that Mahal (Aule) married Yavanna - who was the maker of growing things and trees and stuff - and that the hobbits looked to her as their patron goddess. So if those two godlike creatures were each other's ones...why not their 'children' as well? Just a thought, but I have no proof behind it. As for having to deal with three romances at once...not really. I will let you in on a little secret. I never PLANNED on Thorin or Dwalin having these issues...until much farther into my writing. And then this is only a 'introduction' to their story, which will be continued later on...AFTER I deal with Fili and Seir. THIS is their story, and while you get a taste of hobbit/dwarf love, they will not be the focus. There will be some hints, some talk and a little bit at the Durin's Day celebration...but we are sticking with Sier and Fili till the bitter end. ha ha. Thanks for your thoughts, and thanks for reading.

enilorac44: Ha ha, well, glad they did not cart you off to the funny farm for shouting "Totally Called It" out loud as you were eating your Froot-loops. ha ha. Thorin is a cuttie pie in love...aint he just?

Guest: Stock piling? Hope you have more saved up than I do now...I am running low! More of everyone heading your way at the part. And I am so glad you like Bergie and Marigold.

Mjean: ha ha ha, Yes, indeed. I would have to bump it up to an M rated story for sure, and I only do smut-light. ha ha. I am NOT a fan of Bilbo and Thorin stories. I just do not see them as a pair. And it would be a crying shame to take TWO fine looking studs like them and put them out of commission. ha ha. The hobbit lasses and dams would cry buckets of tears. Thanks for your continued reading and lovely guest reviews.

Guest H: I am glad you approve of Thorin and Marigold. I still have no idea what I am going to do with Kili, but for now, I want him wild and free. ha ha. He is so much more fun that way, and he has PLENTY of time to figure things out. Thorin needs a woman NOW! ha ha. And Hop, Hop, Hop, Hop...was that fast enough for you? ha ha.

Makindeor: Thanks, I am having such fun with Bergie! And I hope Dwalin will too. Thanks

Guest: Glad you thought it was adorable. Wow...did Fili and Sier get bumped into second place now by Flinn and Frodo? OH well, kids are cute, what are you gunna do?

Guest: I am glad it is one of your favorite stories! More Dwalin and Bergie huh? Well, we will see what we can do for you.