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Welcome dear guests, to the Durin's Day celebration. Have your invitations in hand - they are checking them at the door - and do be sure to keep your glasses well filled. For the wine is excellent, the ale is frothy, and the company can't be beat. We hope you have a marvelous time.

Lady Dis, Princess of Erebor

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Chapter 34

~X~

As Sier stood beside Fili and the rest of the royal family, she could not get over the sheer number of dwarves, men and hobbits who continued to file into the enormous banquet hall. Everywhere she looked were banners, decorations, and a sea of smiling faces, all looking forward to the festivities. Thorin had made sure to rotate all those on guard duty, or any other duty for that matter, throughout the evening so that everyone had a chance to attend, even if for only a short while.

Her cheeks were beginning to hurt from smiling so much, as each guest received a hearty welcome.

"Thorin, cousin!" called out a stout looking dwarf with wild red hair and a nose that looked as if it had been broken several times, and never quite healed correctly.

"Dain, you old wart-hog!" the king responded as the two dwarrow embraced warmly, slapping each other on the back as they did. "Glad you could come."

"I wouldn't have missed it, laddie!" the king of the Iron Hills assured him. "Not every day we get to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the evisceration of that damned old dragon and the retaking of Erebor!"

"And you were not about to pass up a free meal either, now were you?" Thorin added with a wicked grin.

"You know me far too well," he laughed, his belly jiggling as he did. "Far too well, indeed."

"And where is your better half, as well as that son of yours?" Thorin asked, looking around, yet not spying them. "You know…the one you so generously named after me."

"After you?" Dain scoffed. "Hardly! I named him after Thorin the first, not some young upstart who thinks he can rule a mountain without knowing the first thing about the job!"

"Is that so?" Thorin growled, narrowing his eyes at his cousin's jest. "Care to explain the past ten years of prosperity then?"

"Pure luck!" Dain roared with laughter, causing Thorin to break down and join him.

"Well…I can hardly fault your thinking there," he agreed, bringing his hand down on his cousin's shoulder, all of it in good fun. "But seriously, where is your family?"

"Left them back in the Iron Hills for this trip," Dain said. "My young Stonehelm is of age now, and I thought it would be a good time to let him try his hand at ruling while I was away. And the wife…well, this is not a good time for her to be doing any traveling, seeing as how she is once again carrying my bairn!"

"What?" Thorin gasped, looking at the elderly dwarf with admiration. "Congratulations! I had no idea you were even trying for more children."

"Can't say that we were, but these things happen!" He seemed more than a bit proud of this fact. He then turned to Dis, who stood beside her brother. "Dis! I swear you get lovelier every time I see you."

"And you, cousin dear, have a tongue that drips with honey," Dis grinned, stepping forward to give him a kiss on the cheek.

Dain chuckled loudly at his female cousin, yet when his eyes fell upon Fili, or more precisely the dam standing beside him, his laughter died, but the smile never left his face. "Well now, had I known there was such a beauty in Middle Earth, I might have insisted that Stonehelm came along after all. Pray introduce me, cousin Fili."

"Dain," he began, his tone light, but the warning glare in his eyes was not to be missed. "May I present Sier…my wife."

"Your wife you say?" the bushy looking king gasped. "Well now, I had heard rumors that some lass had finally made you sit up and take notice, but I told everyone in the Iron Hills that I would not believe it until I saw it with my own eyes." He then reached out and took Sier's hand and brought it up to his bristly bearded face, gracing it with a kiss. "And now that I have, I can see why you chose to keep her such a well-guarded secret!"

"And this, is my son, Flinn" Fili continued, wishing to steer his overly amorous cousin away from Sier.

"No one would doubt that!" Dain almost barked, once he got a good look at the lad standing between the two. "The spitting image of you when you were a wee one, Fili!" He then bent over, peering at the wide eyed dwarfling before him. "Do you know who I am, son?"

Flinn shook his head slowly back and forth, not saying a word.

"I am your cousin Dain, from the Iron Hills. We are family, lad," he said. "What do you think of that?"

"I…I think you are scary!" Flinn cried, scurrying behind his mother's skirts for protection.

This caused Dain to straighten up as he roared with laughter, slapping Fili in the back. "Well, the lad knows how to speak his mind, that's for sure!"

"How about you go in and find yourself a mug of ale, Dain," Thorin suggested, also laughing at Flinn's reaction. "We will be in to join you as soon as we can."

"I will save you a pint," Dain told him, giving him a wicked grin, "But only if you hurry." And then he was off in search of the kegs.

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The next person of royal status to enter was Bard, followed by Bain and Tilda. After the formal greetings, Bard leveled his eyes on Thorin.

"I have a bone to pick with you," he huffed, crossing his arms over his chest. "What is this I hear about you sending out a contingency of warriors to take out a band of orcs…and you didn't invite me?"

"Since when do the dwarves of Erebor need the help of men for one measly skirmish?" the dwarf king responded, putting on a similar haughty appearance.

"If I am not mistaken, we are here tonight to celebrate just such a battle that took place ten years ago," Bard insisted.

"Oh, well, that was different," Thorin conceded. "Then you were needed simply to stop my army from kicking some elvish arse all the way back to Mirkwood. We didn't need you so much for the fight itself, but more for crowd control."

The two kings stared at each other for a few more moments before they both broke out in laughter, their odd sense of humor apparently lost on everyone but them.

"Either way, I am honored to be here tonight to celebrate such an auspicious occasion with you, King Thorin," Bard told him, still smiling.

"It was a fortunate day for the city of Dale as well," Thorin added. "For not even your ancestor, Girion, the last king before the fall, ruled his people better than you. Dale is privileged to have such a wise and benevolent king to look to."

Bard, deeply touched by Thorin's words, placed his fist over his heart and bowed deeply.

"I am honored, oh mighty king of Erebor," he said. "Forever may Dale prosper in the shadow of your greatness."

"And they say we women get sappy at times," Tilda said with a roll of her eyes, yet everyone knew it was not said with malice, but instead to simply lighten the mood. She then walked over and linked arms with Sier. "Why don't we head in, and we can get some girl talk in before the long speeches and revelry begins."

"That sounds lovely," the young dwarrowdam nodded as she grabbed hold of Flinn's hand. She had noted that her son was starting to grow weary of all the formal greetings, and she thought he could use a distraction.

"And you won't mind if I steal your husband for at least one dance tonight, will you?" Tilda asked Sier, glancing over at the crown prince. "Good dancers are few and far between, and I would hate to miss out on our annual turn about the room, just because he went and got himself married."

"It would be my honor to dance with you again, princess," Fili smiled, giving her a bow.

"Careful, brother," Kili joked. "Have you forgotten what happened when you caught Sier dancing with another…turnabout is fair play, or so they say? And you saw what she did to that Ferny fellow." He gave a long and low whistle. "Don't say I didn't warn you."

"I would be more than happy to allow Fili to dance with you, Lady Tilda," Sier laughed. "Just as long as your brother, Prince Bain, will agree to be my partner for a dance as well."

"Now it is I who would be honored!" Bain said with a wide grin, bowing low. "I look forward to it."

"Hey! What about me?" Kili asked, suddenly realizing that no one was vying for his invitation to dance.

"Sorry, Kili," Bain said, with a serious look on his face. "I really do not want to dance with you."

A few seconds of silence passed before everyone broke out in laughter, with Thorin slapping his younger nephew on the back, as even his face finally broke into a wide grin and he laughed along as well.

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Once all the guests had arrived, everyone sat down to a true feast. While there was only a minimal amount of vegetables, there were plenty of breads, meats and other delicacies that had been procured for the evening. King Bard and his family, Dain, Gandalf and Bilbo, along with Bergie, Marigold, and Drogo's family were seated at the King's tables - set up in the shape of a horseshoe so that everyone could speak easily with the others. Dwalin and Balin chose to eat there as well, while the rest of the company preferred the more informal tables, where they could visit with their family and their new hobbit friends, leaving the king to host the dignitaries.

Flinn and Frodo insisted on sitting beside each other, putting Sier and Primula in close proximity. The two lasses hit it off famously, and had already made plans for their sons to spend more time together, even before the second course had been served.

Balin, who had been working with Thorin to coordinate the farming project, was plying Marigold with a plethora of questions. As she answered each one, with clear and concise logic, any who had doubted her abilities to serve as foreman, quickly changed their tune. The elderly, white-haired dwarf was curious as to why Thorin was not more vocal during the conversation, though he noted with great interest that the king never appeared to take his eyes off of the pretty little hobbit lass. He was also fully aware of the heated looks being exchanged between his brother and Miss Bergie. Very interesting.

"So, Miss Bracegirdle," Balin said, his tone a very leading one. "I have heard that you will be the one to teach us all how best to preserve the crops we intend to grow, is that so?" He left out the part where it was Dwalin he had heard this from - his brother not having been able to shut up about the intriguing lass since the moment he arrived back in Erebor.

"Quite so, Master Balin," Bergie nodded, taking a sip of the wine in front of her, enjoying the taste immensely. "From what Marigold tells me, that dragon of yours baked the surrounding lands from underneath for many long years. And while that was no good for things growing at the time, once the earth began to return to normal temperatures, and got a few good years of rain, it has become some of the richest soil this side of the Undying Lands. And we certainly can't have you stuck with a bumper crop the first year, with no knowledge of how to preserve it, now can we?"

"I should say not!" Balin laughed, hoping that this indeed would be their only concern come fall.

"Yet, I also agreed to come along, not only as a chaperone for my niece, but for the pure joy of it all! Nothing like getting out and seeing new and exciting things." At this she leveled her eyes directly on Dwalin, causing the startled dwarf to choke on his bite of food.

"Indeed," Balin replied with a comical raise of his eyebrow. "And what, may I ask, do you find exciting, Miss Bracegirdle?"

"History!" she happily responded. "I'm an avid collector of knowledge. Anything from battles and love stories, to music and folkdances. I devour it all and participate when I may. Though there is not much to glean while cooped up in the quiet little Shire…but I manage."

"Now don't you go being modest, Auntie," Marigold interjected, turning to look at Balin and the rest of the dwarves. "She is famous for her songs and storytelling around the pub tables at night, as well as her ability to teach even the clumsiest of hobbits how to dance. If it were not for Bergie, I would say a fair amount of courting lads would be at a loss on how to woo a maiden, due to their own two left feet!"

"Oh, then you will thoroughly enjoy tonight's festivities," Balin told her with a look of pure joy. "Not only will there be dancing, but songs both old and new, and then story telling until late into the night."

"You don't say!" Bergie's eyes grew wide with excitement. "I might have to run back to my room and grab my notebook then, just to jot them all down so I will not forget a thing!"

"So, tell us, Bergie," Fili broke in. "Was it during dance classes that you learned how to wield that staff of yours? I couldn't help but notice how skilled you were with that thing during the battle."

"Oh, nay," the now slightly blushing hobbit said with a shake of her head. "That was all Bilbo's doing."

"Bilbo?" Thorin repeated, looking at his friend sitting to his right. "And what exactly did you have to do with all this?"

"He insisted that everyone going on the trip learned to defend themselves," Marigold spoke up, before Bilbo could even swallow his mouthful in order to answer. "Made us all take classes in one form of weaponry or another."

"It only made sense," the famous hobbit responded. "After all, I might not have known what to expect when I stepped out my door to follow you all on our adventure, but I was not going to let my companions set off as unprepared as I had been. It is a dangerous business, traveling, and one needs to be ready for anything. As the battle with those nasty orcs proved quite nicely."

"Well, I for one am glad you insisted on it, Bilbo," Fili told him, raising his mug and nodding towards Marigold. "If it hadn't been for Miss Brandybuck, and her well-aimed arrow, I might not be here tonight to toast such a fine shot as she."

"What is this?" Thorin asked, looking from his nephew to the lass and back, both worried and intrigued.

"I was beset upon by several orcs," Fili began, slipping into his storytelling voice. "Surrounded and greatly outnumbered. I managed to defeat all but one, and unfortunately, he proved to be a bit more than I could handle."

"No! Not you, Adad!" Flinn gasped, his father having his full and undivided attention.

"Afraid so, son," Fili said, giving him a quick wink, so as not to frighten the lad. "But that is why a good warrior never fights alone, he has his sword brothers, and sisters, there to help him out. And that is just what Marigold did. When I was down on the ground, facing the ugliest orc I had ever seen, she came up from behind and killed him with a single shot from her bow. Saving my life and placing me in her debt."

"And me as well, it would seem," Sier spoke up, reaching over to lay her hand on Fili's arm, as she looked at Marigold with sincere gratitude shining in her eyes. "I thank you from the bottom of my heart for allowing my husband to return safely to us."

"You have my thanks as well," Thorin added, gazing at the brown haired hobbit lass with renewed wonder.

"I…I only did what anyone would have," Marigold said, lowering her eyes as she blushed profusely over the compliments. "And I am certain that I am not the only one who did so during the fight. After all, if you dwarves had not come to our rescue in the first place, our small group would never have survived."

"Modest, as well as beautiful," Kili laughed, causing several others to join him. "And to top it all off, she can shoot! Maybe I need to make another trip to the Shire!"

This too left most of the occupants of the table laughing, though not Thorin. No, he suddenly was glaring at Kili with an odd look of anger in his eyes. Thankfully, no one noticed. Well, perhaps Dwalin did, but he wisely said nothing.

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After dinner many of the guests rose and began to mingle around the room, visiting and talking with friends, old and new. Thorin was just pouring himself another glass of wine when Dis stood and approached his chair.

"It appears to be time to begin the festivities," she announced. "Perhaps you should say a few words, and then we can begin the dancing?"

Thorin grumbled quietly to himself, never having enjoyed being put on display as he opened the dance at these functions. Yet he knew it was tradition, and there was no getting out of it. So nodding his head, he rose from his seat and pounded his fist loudly on the table, startling many who had not been looking in his direction. When the room became quiet, and all eyes were on him, he cleared his throat and began to speak.

"Friends, neighbors, allies and my fellow dwarves of Erebor," he called out. "Tonight our celebration is twofold. We come together to honor the dwarf for which this day is named, Durin the Deathless, blood of my father and his fathers before him. Yet we have also gathered to commemorate the destruction of Smaug, and the reclaiming of our mountain kingdom - a victory that would not have been possible without the aid of those here tonight. Every dwarf, man…and elf, who fought and bled in the battle of the five armies is to be honored here tonight. We also wish to remember those who fell, who gave their lives defending what they held most dear. To the fallen!" Here Thorin raised his glass in salute, followed by all in attendance, drinking deeply in memory of those long passed.

When everyone was finished he continued. "With us tonight we have many distinguished guests, though each and every one of you are vital to the protection, stability and prosperity of our kingdom. I would like to recognize Dain, Lord of the Iron Hills, and my kin, for coming with his armies when aid was called for. For shoring up our defenses until our own people could relocate from Ered Luin, and for always being there to offer advice and a full mug of ale!"

"Only if I don't get to it first!" Dain shouted out, causing all the dwarves to give a laugh and a roar of approval, having always held great respect for the Ironfoot.

"To King Bard," Thorin pressed on, "for offering us shelter, assistance, and friendship when we first came to Lake Town. For valiantly shooting the arrow that brought down our enemy, the fire-breathing dragon and chief calamity of our age. I also commend him and his people for bravely fighting at our side…even though in my foolishness, I had given him every reason not to." Another roar of cheers rose, and Bard raised his glass to Thorin, nodding his gratitude as well as a look of understanding. They had gone through much back then, and come out all the stronger for the adversity.

"And to the elves…" here Thorin had to pause just a bit, to swallow his pride and get past the bitter resentment that still stuck in his craw. "To Lord Elrond for his assistance and hospitality on our journey, and the elves of Mirkwood for the aid of their swords." It had not been much of a tribute, granted, but it was more than most had expected him to say.

"I also wish to recognize the Eagles and Beorn, for all the help they provided to me and mine on our long journey to the mountain. And last, but certainly not least, I wish to honor Gandalf the Grey, and our most esteemed Bilbo Baggins. For without them, our quest would have failed many times over before it could even begin." He then gestured for his glass to be refilled and he held it high once more. "Myself, my sister-sons, and the other ten who bravely joined our perilous quest...we raise our glasses to you both. To our guide and chief instigator, Gandalf! And to our beloved burglar and fourteenth member, Bilbo!" At this all thirteen dwarves stood and toasted the aged wizard, and the now blushing hobbit.

"To Gandalf and Bilbo!" they shouted, followed by a round of applause from everyone there.

When the final cheers and whooping calls ended at last, Gandalf turned to the king under the mountain and gave him a very pleased smile.

"That was very kind of you to mention the elves," he said, knowing just how much it took from his dwarf friend to have done so. "I do believe you have grown, Thorin Oakenshield. Grown into a king of wisdom that far surpasses those of your ancestors. You have truly done your race credit, King Under the Mountain."

Now it was Thorin's turn to look uncomfortable and slightly embarrassed, and he quickly sidestepped the compliment by reaching out and taking hold of Dis' hand.

"Shall we now open the dancing, dear sister?" he asked, his voice a bit hoarse, both from his speech, and the long buried emotions it had brought to the surface.

"What dance will it be?" Bergie asked, her interest instantly piqued.

"It is the Kaz'ängler," Dis replied. "The traditional dance of the Dwarves, though usually performed now only for very special occasions. I doubt you have heard of it."

"The Kaz'ängler!" the hobbit lass repeated as her eyes grew wide with excitement. "I have indeed heard of it, and know every step as well! It is one of my favorites, and I have tried on many occasions to teach it to my students over the years. Though very few ever caught on to the complicated steps, Mari being one of the few who ever took the time to learn them all."

"You know the Kaz'ängler?" Sier asked in admiration and disbelief. "You are indeed a marvel then, mistress hobbit. For I was born a dwarf and only recently took the time to commit the dance to memory…for this very occasion in fact."

"Well, it would be a shame not to see such skills put to use, Miss Bracegirdle," Thorin mused, a sly grin crossing his lips. "Might I entice you to join us on the dance floor?"

"What? Me?" Bergie gasped. "But I thought this first dance was limited to the royals only."

"True…however, their partners are exempt from this requirement," he pointed out.

"Are you thinking of replacing me, brother?" Dis asked, her eyes full of confusion, but alight with humor as well. "Will I then be forced to enlist the services of Kili, my own son, as an escort?"

"Nay, sister," Thorin assured her. "Yet I do know of one other who holds the title of Lord and is of the line of Durin. He might serve as a fine dance partner for Mistress Bergie." His eyes then drifted over to where Dwalin sat, listening intently, yet only now catching on to where his king was going with all this. His eyebrows shot up nearly to his nonexistent hairline and he began to wave his hands back and forth in protest.

"No, no, no, no!" he stated vehemently. "Don't you dare, Thorin!"

"Come now, Dwalin, would you deny this fine lassie a dance?" Thorin entreated. "Must I make it an order from your king?" The wicked grin on his face left no doubt that he would see it done, one way or another.

There was a moment of silence as the two old friends held a mental battle of wills between them, each one daring the other to back down. Finally, Dwalin gave a low growl and stood up, tossing back the remainder of his ale, and bringing the empty mug down on the table with a resounding thud.

"Miss Bergie…I would be honored to be your dance partner," he told her, though he shot one final murderous glare at Thorin as he spoke.

"Well, what lass could pass up an invitation like that?" the hobbit stated with a wide grin, also standing up and smoothing down her skirt.

"Well, that now leaves only Kili," Dis smiled, knowing that there would be at least a dozen dwarrowdams falling over themselves in hopes of being picked to dance with her handsome son. "Have you chosen a partner yet? For you shall not be the only one left out of the dance."

"I say that Miss Marigold would make a fine choice," Dwalin suddenly spoke up, shooting Thorin a look that spoke of sweet revenge. "Did Bergie not say that she was one of the few who took the time to learn the steps?"

"Oh, but…but I have not danced it in a very long time!" the pretty little hobbit stammered, a look of shock crossing her face. "I couldn't possibly!"

"No, this is perfect!" Kili interjected, looking very pleased with Dwalin's suggestion. "You would literally be doing me a great favor, Miss Marigold." Kili had been dreading this moment all evening, where he would have to choose from all the clingy and forward dams, each hoping to be picked as his partner. And no matter whom he did choose, they always followed him around for the rest of the evening, anticipating a confession of love or a marriage proposal. "Please, say you will agree."

"I…I suppose," Marigold sighed, finding it very hard to say no to the young dwarf's puppy-dog eyes. "But I warn you, your feet may regret it later."

"A chance I am willing to take!" he grinned, leaping to his feet as he hurried over to escort his new dance partner to the floor.

Thorin glared daggers at both his nephew and Dwalin, promising swift and painful retribution to his old friend for throwing Marigold into the arms of young and handsome Kili. The bald warrior just snorted, not at all affected by the icy glare that had been known to send wargs running for the hills with their tails between their legs.

"What do you think that is all about?" Sier whispered to Fili as he took her hand and followed the others to the now cleared dance floor.

"I am not sure…but something tells me I should watch Kili's back," Fili answered, not understanding all the silent signals being traded between his uncle and Dwalin, but feeling there was more there than met the eye. Yet, for now he dismissed it all, and chose to focus on his bride. For even though he knew she had practiced long and hard, Fili could tell that she was still very nervous. "You will do great, I know it," he whispered back to her, giving her one of his heart-melting smiles.

"I wish I had your confidence," she chuckled, taking her place beside him as the rest of the family, and their partners, lined up as well.

"Just focus on me, and forget there is anyone else in the room," he suggested, turning his head to look at her, their eyes locking as he squeezed her hand. "I am right here, and I would never allow you to stumble and fall."

Oh, but you have already made me fall, Fili, my love, Sier thought to herself. I have fallen hopelessly in love with you…and I can't wait to tell you exactly that!

Oh boy, the dance is next!

What a dirty trick Thorin played on Dwalin...but he got even! Serves you right, Thorin.

Did you like meeting Dain and Bard again?

How were the speeches?

More party tomorrow!

Guest Reviews:

nursenan: Wow, all in one sitting. I am shocked you don't have to run to the dentist with all the sugar overload you got from Flinn. ha ha. Agreed, there is only ONE Fili...and we need to either clone him, or keep writing about him. And since I do not know any science...I will write. Thorin and Dwalin are royally screwed, ha ha. Fun with Flinn and Frodo is coming up in the next few chapters...keep an eye on them! Thanks.

kaia: The guards have been warned to NOT let Bina and her dad in even if they TRIED to crash the party. They are NOT invited! But you are, so I hope you are having a nice time.

Guest K: I am happy you do. Thanks for the review!