Well, we know how Thorin and Marigold feel...now let us see what the rest of the company think about their engagement. Shall we?
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Chapter 68
~X~
"Congratulations!" came the call once more, followed closely behind by a round of "Finally!" as everyone met in the company room to hear Thorin and Marigold's big news.
"I believe that both those words truly express how we all feel," Dis laughed, giving her brother and his hobbit lass a big hug. "And while we have been inundated with wonderful news lately, I am quite over the moon about this one."
"As am I," Thorin nodded, looking down at his bride-to-be with a wide smile.
"I only wish I did not have to hide these lovely beads," Marigold lamented. "Though I understand why I must."
"Not for long, my jewel. I see no reason to keep our engagement a long drawn out secret. I will soon need to announce our engagement to my people, and see how they react," Thorin assured her, looking up at his sister with questioning eyes. "Yet I hear that you have been doing some snooping around on that very subject, Dis."
"I only wished to get a feel for what our people are thinking," she said with an offended look. "It is not as if I am taking a public poll, just doing a bit of… eavesdropping is all. Perfectly harmless."
"Harmless is the last word I would ever use to describe you, or your actions, little sister," Thorin laughed, giving her a wink. "However, I would be very interested in what you find out."
"Do you truly think they might oppose you marrying me, Thorin?" Marigold asked, looking very concerned.
"I do not know," he responded truthfully. "I would like to imagine not, yet it does not matter either way. You are my one, the lass I love, and nothing shall stop me from making you my wife come fall."
"Fall?" Dis asked, looking rather shocked by this news. "Why wait, brother? I know we must give enough time for everyone to be invited, but that is going a bit overboard, don't you think? I could easily have things well in hand within the month, maybe two!"
"Nay," he said, bringing himself up to his full height, as if preparing himself for the fight that was bound to come. "Marigold has requested that we take our vows in the Shire, so that her parents might attend the ceremony. I have agreed, and thus we shall accompany the hobbits home after the harvest, and wed with her then."
"What? You would deny me the privilege of throwing you a royal wedding here, Thorin?" Dis asked, the idea quite unthinkable. "And while I hope our people may be willing to accept Marigold as their queen, they will not take kindly to being deprived the chance to witness her becoming so!"
"Why not simply invite the lass' parents to the wedding here?" Balin asked, being the voice of reason.
"I fear they would not come," Marigold explained, sounding rather ashamed to be causing such a fuss. "Not all hobbits are as adventurous as those who came on this trip. In fact, had Bergie not agreed to accompany me, they would never have allowed me to set foot out of Hobbiton."
"Marigold has a point," Bilbo broke in. "Old Rory and Menegilda Brandybuck put up quite a fuss over the notion of Saradoc coming all this way, but they really hit the roof when Marigold chose to go in his stead. They are not the sort who tend to go traveling, especially on a journey that would take over months to get here. Informing them that they would be sleeping under the stars in the wild, would do little to entice them to come…in fact, they are such homebodies, you would think they had Baggins' blood in them!" When a few of the dwarves gave Bilbo a raised eyebrow, or a skeptical look, he elaborated. "Remember, I am no longer considered to be a respectable Baggins. I have successfully soiled my good name for all time."
"As I fear all those who chose to come on this journey might have as well," Drogo spoke up, stepping forward with his wife, Prim, in tow. "But I say the Shire was due for a little shaking up, and Bilbo was just the one to pioneer the way."
"Yet he is not exaggerating the situation either," Prim added. "I should know, for Marigold's father, Rory, is the oldest of my six brothers and sisters. And while Brandybucks are a bit more adventurous than Baggins, they are no Tooks. Rory has been the patriarch of our family ever since my parents' death, and to take off for parts unknown would be unthinkable for him. Marigold, it seems, takes after her mother's side I think…the Goolds are a rather unpredictable bunch." She gave her niece a little wink, which earned her a knowing grin - obviously playing on some longstanding private joke amongst their family.
"Thus it is not feasible for her family to come here, nor would I ask them to risk such a journey in the wilds alone, even if they were willing to travel," Thorin continued, shooting his sister and Balin a look that firmly told them that the subject was closed. He would accept no more protests to his already made up mind…and from the way they pulled back slightly, he could tell they understood this. "However, when Marigold and I return the following spring, you are more than welcome to throw us a second wedding, Dis. The mountain will have their celebration, and Mari can be crowned queen," Thorin huffed. He knew there would be those upset by his decision, and yet what else could he do? He would not see Marigold's dreams denied, and he did not wish for her to be berated for them either.
He then looked over at Fili, who stood beside Sier, his mouth still gaping open at this shocking news. "Besides, I have Fili to look after things for me in my absence. He has stepped in and shouldered the duties of king in the past when I was forced to leave the mountain."
"Yes, for a time, but never six months!" Fili protested, trepidation setting in at the mere thought. "I'm not ready, Uncle."
"Well, we have all spring and summer to prepare you then," Thorin nodded. "After all, you will be inheriting the crown at some point, you might as well get a taste for it now."
Fili opened his mouth to protest, but then suddenly his expression changed, as if something had just occurred to him.
"You…you still mean for me to follow you as king?" Fili asked, his eyes darting from Thorin to Marigold and back in confusion. "But…if you two have children of your own, would they not be the ones in line for the throne?"
"I named you my heir the day you were born, Fili," Thorin said sternly. "You and Kili have always been the ones who stand to inherit, and now little Flinn has joined that list as well." He gestured over to the corner, where his littlest nephew was busy playing with his hobbit friend.
"I will not steal my future cousins' birthright," Fili stated adamantly, crossing his arms over his chest.
"Nor will they take yours," Thorin assured him, placing a hand on Fili's shoulder in a calming gesture. His eyes flickered understandingly to Sier, knowing that she had chosen not to address this issue with her husband, leaving such a weighty matter between the two males. "And while the dwarves of Erebor may be convinced to accept Marigold as my one, they would never condone anyone but a full blooded dwarf from the line of Durin to claim the throne. I fear our people are not yet ready for such change, and I am already pushing the limits custom and convention as it is. You will be king after me, Fili…and we are content with that. Marigold and I discussed it, and we feel it is a blessing to give our children the right to choose their own path, able to live among dwarves or hobbits, depending on their aspirations."
"And while they shall never rule, that does not mean they will not be highly respected and retain important posts in the kingdom," Dis insisted, trying to placate her adamant son. "It is the way things must be, Fili. But perhaps in your lifetime, as king, you can begin to change such staunch ideas…slowly."
"You still wish to be my heir, do you not, Fili?" Thorin questioned, looking suddenly concerned. "Have you changed your mind and no longer desire to inherit the throne?"
"No! That's not it at all, Uncle," he was quick to object. "I…I just wish to be fair, to not take something that should rightly go to another."
"You earned the right to be my successor the moment you agreed to follow me on our quest - you and your brother," Thorin told him with a proud smile. "You will make a fine king, Fili. And Kili," he turned and gazed at his younger nephew, his eyes no less full of pride, "You will be his right hand, his shield, and sword arm, protecting our mountain and making me proud."
"Thank you, Uncle," Kili whispered, always in awe when Thorin chose to dole out praise. It didn't come often, but when it did, it was heartfelt.
"So it is settled then," Thorin stated, his tone one of finality. "Marigold and I will leave for the Shire in the fall when the hobbits return home, and get married there."
"Not without me you won't!" Dwalin protested, huffing in indignation at the idea of being left behind.
"Nay, Dwalin," Thorin told him with a rueful smile. "You will be needed here. I would not trust the safety of this mountain to anyone but you in my absence. Fili will need your wisdom, and both your axes, should trouble come knocking while I am away." He then looked over at Bergie, whose eyes had grown wide with concern over her husband's offer. "Besides, will you not be preparing for the birth of your child around that time…or perhaps already holding it in your arms? A journey to the Shire would not be wise for you, my friend, not wise at all."
Dwalin seemed torn by this news. Never in all his days had he allowed Thorin to journey into danger alone. After the death of Frerin, Dwalin had become as close as a brother to Thorin, in every way that counted - taking his side, watching his back, and making sure his king and kin was protected. Yet to imagine him heading off, over goblin infested mountains and orc ridden trails…not to mention the inevitable run in with elves, made the old warrior shudder. It went against every fiber of his being! However…one look in his wife's eyes was enough to convince him of the truth in Thorin's words. How could he possibly think of leaving Erebor when Bergie and his little one needed him there? No…Dwalin was not going anywhere!
"Well, then at least allow me to handpick a battalion of soldiers that will accompany you on your journey!" he huffed. "And I would also recommend you take several from our original company to play chaperone, until you two are officially wed!"
"What do you think I have been doing for the past month or so?" Bilbo interjected, looking rather offended. "I have been running my feet raw trying to keep up with these two…they are incorrigible!"
"Perhaps it was your persistent meddling that kept this from happening sooner!" Nori laughed, slapping Bilbo on the back. "You know, I could have watched over the two love birds for you, while you remained snug and warm in your bed."
"But knowing you," Bofur chimed in, "You would have let them get away with murder!"
This caused everyone to laugh, and even Nori had to agree that that was most likely the case.
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And so the party continued, with everyone eating, drinking, and toasting the happy couple. Only Balin, Dwalin and Dis seemed to be a bit subdued, and it was Bilbo who took notice of it.
"Is there something I should be concerned about?" he asked, keeping his voice low so as not to dampen the otherwise joyful mood of the room.
"No, no, laddie," Balin began, doing his best to appear untroubled, yet at the pointed glare from Bilbo, he relented. "It is just that…well, this is not a good time for Thorin to be leaving the mountain, in fact it is quite bad."
"Bad time?" Dwalin scoffed, downing his mug of ale in one swallow. "It is the worst possible thing that damned fool could be thinking of doing, regardless of the time!"
"Why?" The hairs on the back of the hobbit's neck were now standing on end from the warning tone in the councilor's voice. "Why now?"
"Thorin, and those closest to his council, have been attempting to keep this quiet," Dis continued, her eyes full of fear. "We don't wish to alarm anyone, but the truth is, over the past few months, there have been reports that Mordor is beginning to stir. And there are those who fear that the evil that once attempted to dominate Middle Earth is beginning to take shape once again."
"Before he left, Gandalf told us of his fears, that since the Lonely Mountain is strategically placed, it would be a formidable stronghold should Sauron ever gain control of it. For military reasons, the dark lord will more than likely set his sights on overtaking Erebor first, and then all the kingdoms north of Mordor, allowing him to rule with an iron fist," Balin added, looking equally troubled.
"We have even learned that a price has been placed on Thorin's head, offering a fortune for any who can capture the king of Erebor and deliver him to Mordor," Dwalin revealed, looking none too happy.
"If the enemy were to gain control of Erebor, Rohan and Minas Tirith would soon fall as well, followed by everything west of the Misty Mountains," Dis said in a sad voice.
"Should Thorin choose to leave Erebor lands," Balin continued with a heavy sigh, "the news would undoubtedly reach the ears of our enemy, and an attempt would be made to either capture…or kill him. The mountain must have her king, Bilbo, and while I have full confidence in Fili's abilities to stand in for Thorin, if he were to go missing or be held prisoner as a bargaining chip, there is no telling what power the dark forces would have over us. It is simply a very, very bad time for the king to be abroad."
Bilbo was now seeing just how serious this all was. "Has Thorin not considered these things?"
"I doubt he is thinking of anything except pleasing Marigold, much less his own safety," Balin revealed. "However, I would not see him taking less than several battalions of warriors to help protect everyone on the journey, and yet by doing so, he would leave Erebor light on defenses as well."
"This is a no win situation, isn't it?" Bilbo sighed.
"I fear so," Balin nodded.
"We should try and convince them otherwise then," the hobbit decided. "Tell Marigold of the dangers and get her to talk Thorin out of it."
"Here, here!" Dwalin agreed, liking Bilbo's idea very much.
"Nay," Dis protested, yet looking sad in doing so. "Thorin has made it more than clear that we are not to frighten Marigold with such news. And while it worries me to no end, I also fear that such a revelation could possibly rock the very precarious boat their newfound relationship is resting on. Learning of the dangers that surround her betrothed, could cause the lass to rethink her answer to his proposal. Thorin's mind is made up. We will simply need to take all precautions, and plan for the worst…while at the same time, hoping for the best."
And while it seemed Balin, Dwalin and Dis had resigned themselves to this plan, it did not sit well with Bilbo…not at all. There had to be something he could do. Something!
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The party soon broke up, with Marigold and Bergie heading off to write letters home, announcing the good news that she was engaged! It had also occurred to Bergie that she had not bothered to send words about her newly married state, or her current condition either…so that would need to be told as well. Ori had claimed that a caravan was heading out of Dale for the west very soon, and that if the lasses could pen their missives quickly, he would personally see they were delivered in time to go along. So off they hurried, eager to get the job done.
Sier had invited Prim and Drogo back to their chambers for tea and a light snack before dinner – knowing that hobbits were always up for a bite to eat – so that Frodo and Flinn could play. As they all walked back to the royal chambers, the two younglings were abuzz with questions.
"Ama, if Uncle Thorin and Marigold get married…does that mean Frodo and I will be related?" Flinn asked, looking up at his mother questioningly.
"Well," Sier thought about it for a moment. "I don't know."
"Actually…in a roundabout way, it would," Prim laughed. "Since Marigold's father is my eldest brother, that makes her my niece. And should she marry Thorin, he would actually become my nephew by marriage…and thus a cousin to Frodo. So, one could say that Frodo and Flinn would then be considered cousins…twice removed?"
"Or we could look at it this way," Drogo spoke up, a humorous smile spreading across his face. "Frodo and I are related to Bilbo, through my great grandfather, Balbo Baggins. And Bilbo's mother was a great aunt of Esmerelda Took, who is currently engaged to Saradoc Brandybuck, brother to Marigold. So, through his Baggins' blood….that would make Frodo and Flinn related by…by…" he stumbled there, doing his best to count on his fingers and furrowing his brow in confusion.
"By far more that I care to figure out," Sier laughed, enjoying this convoluted conversation more than she cared to admit. "Is it safe to assume that everyone in the Shire claims family ties to everyone else?"
"Pretty much," Primula laughed. "Makes for a right big mess when we attempt any family gatherings. You never know where to stop inviting, and so most of the time parties are just open to anyone who wishes to attend."
"So…we won't just be sword brothers…we will be family?" Frodo asked, his smile as bright as his eyes.
"It would seem so," Sier nodded, watching as the two children threw their arms around each other and squealed with glee.
"And…" Drogo added, still trying to figure this all out in his mind. "If you think about it, there is a way to link Flinn and Frodo through Bergie's lineage as well. Since she is step-sister by marriage to Marigold's mother, who is, or will be, related to the Baggins, Tooks, and Brandybuck line, all of which Frodo is part of as well. Then we can connect Bergie to Dwalin by marriage and then down to Thorin, Dis, Fili and Flinn! Yes indeed, I think it is safe to say that between these two marriages, we have linked the Shire and Erebor forever…in a very strange and convoluted way."
"And all for the better, my love," Prim nodded, taking hold of his arm and leaning her head against his shoulder. "All for the better."
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Fili and Kili, who had remained behind to talk, were two of the last to leave the room. Both sitting at a table in the back, sharing a couple pints of ale.
"I am still rather shocked by all this," Fili admitted, taking a deep swig of the frothy brown liquid before setting his tankard down on the table with a thud.
"How do you think I feel…Uncle actually looked at me for the first time in a month without scowling," Kili nodded in surprise. "Do you think perhaps he has finally forgiven me for the prank and the misunderstanding with Marigold?"
"I am sure that Thorin has forgiven you long ago…but that is not to say he has forgotten, or that he does not plan on getting even," Fili replied, grinning a little as he saw Kili's face fall. "But that is not what I meant. I am talking about him still wishing for you and me to inherit the crown over his own children."
"Who is to say they will have kids?" Kili pointed out. "I mean, I know they can…Dwalin and Bergie cleared up that question for us…but will they? Nothing is guaranteed."
"I know…but Marigold is his one, so the odds are there," Fili deduced. "I would feel strange being crowned king while Thorin's children, my own cousins, looked on. It does not feel right."
"Would it be any more right for someone else to take the throne, should Thorin and Marigold's children be disqualified to rule because of their mixed blood? I am not saying that is right, but don't you think Uncle is glad that it would be you, and not some other dwarf? Nothing has changed. No one ever thought Thorin would get married and have children anyway – least of all him. So it has always been you in line for the crown. Just accept it. Apparently it is what everyone wants."
"Is it what you want?" Fili asked, always having had deep respect for his brother's opinion.
"As long as it is YOU that becomes king, and not me, then it is exactly what I want," Kili laughed. "I never desired the job and you know it. I am happy just being your brother."
"And I am happy that you are my brother," Fili smiled, feeling a bit more at ease now that he had spoken with Kili. "I couldn't imagine life without you, Nadadith."
"Thankfully, you never have to," he grinned, his infectiously joyful spirit rubbing off on Fili. "You are stuck with me, forever."
"I wouldn't have it any other way," he laughed, holding up his tankard as they both clanked them together and drank deeply.
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"Do you think they will be upset?" Marigold asked, looking up from her parchment with a worried expression. "I mean, not only am I marrying a dwarf, instead of a hobbit, but it means I will also be leaving home for good."
"Well, I can't say they won't be shocked, but if I know your parents, and I think I do, they will be happy as long as you are happy," Bergie mused. "Now it is more likely me they will have an issue with."
"You? Why?" the younger hobbit looked confused.
"Because it was my job to keep all those young bucks away from you, that's why!" she laughed. "And look what happened, not only did a dwarf court you and propose marriage, but he turns out to be a king no less! Yes…my name is going to be mud no matter how you look at it, while you will come out smelling like a rose. Perhaps it is a good thing that I will be too fat to travel back to the Shire…your parents might skin me alive!"
"I am sure you are exaggerating," Marigold chuckled, her hand automatically reaching up to toy with the silver rose at her neck – as it so often did when she thought of Thorin. Yet then her eyes grew sad. "It breaks my heart to think that you will not be there to stand up for me as my matron of honor," she pouted. "I had so hoped to ask you to be that for me, just as I was for you."
"Well, you could always ask me to fill that role when you come back, for the wedding you will have here," Bergie suggested. "By then I will no longer be the size of a smial, and would be honored to stand up with you."
"But who will I get for my wedding in the Shire?" she lamented.
"Well…any of your friends would be tickled pink to be asked. How about Esmerelda Took…soon to be Esmerelda Brandybuck?" Bergie suggested.
"Oh…Esme would be a perfect choice," Marigold said with a wide grin. "After all, by the time we get back, I am willing to bet that she and Saradoc will be planning their own wedding, and she will practically be my sister-in-law!" Marigold and Esme Took had been friends ever since they were children, and it had come as no shock to anyone when Saradoc had began making cow eyes at her. Thankfully, her feelings were returned, even if by doing so it put a kink in his plans to come to Erebor. However…now that she thought about it, if Saradoc had come as intended, leaving Marigold home with her family…then none of this would be happening! She would never have met Thorin, they would never have gotten engaged and she would not be deliriously happy, like she was right now. She would have to make a point in thanking Esme for putting all of this in motion by falling in love with her brother!
"Still…I hope you are right, that my parents will be accepting of this marriage. I do love him Bergie, I love Thorin Oakenshield with every fiber of my being, and I can't imagine living without him. Especially since he is willing to bend over backwards to see that my dreams of having my family there at our wedding come true. I will be eternally grateful to him for that."
"Just as he will be grateful to the end of his days for you saying yes," Bergie smiled, placing her hand over her niece's, giving it a little pat. "You have made our king very happy."
"Our king," Marigold repeated. "I guess that is true…we are both now subjects of Erebor, thus under the rule of King Thorin."
"Got any issue with that?" Bergie asked, with a curious raise of her eyebrow.
"None whatsoever!" Marigold assured her, grinning madly as she delved back into her letter.
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Late that evening, Bilbo came knocking at Dis' door, blushing slightly when she answered in her house robe and slippers.
"Master Baggins, what brings you here at such an hour?" She instinctively poked her head outside the door and looked around, searching for danger. "Is anything wrong?"
"Yes…and no…I mean, maybe," he muttered uncomfortably.
"Then come in, and let's see if we can figure out which it is," she suggested, stepping aside to clear the doorway.
After Bilbo was seated on the sofa and had a cup of tea in his hand, she began her questions.
"So…tell me, what has you looking so perplexed?" Dis asked.
"I feel somewhat responsible for all this," he said with a heavy sigh. "I mean, I know it was Thorin's idea to ask us to come, to help with the crops and all, but it was I who badgered Rory and Menegilda to let Marigold come."
"Are you feeling guilty over the fact that my brother fell in love with her?" The pure absurdity of the idea making her laugh out loud. "Bilbo, you take far more credit than you are due. If Mahal has seen fit to pair my brother with a hobbit lass, then they would have met whether you had brought her or not. I, of course, have no idea how this would have come to pass, but I do not doubt it would have. Otherwise, Thorin would have grown old alone, never knowing the happiness a one can bring. I do not blame you in the least, Bilbo, in fact, I am grateful. Truly grateful."
"Are you sure?" Bilbo questioned, still looking worried. "I mean, even if it means your brother and Erebor are put in danger over it?"
"We are from the line of Durin," Dis said with a heavy sigh. "Danger has surrounded our line since the day we were awoken from stone. This is simply another chapter in the story of our lives, my dear hobbit. It is nothing we can't handle or anything we shall not face again. But for now, we are at peace, we are happy and my brother has found love. I can't be sorry about that."
"But I still wish there was something I could do to do fix it all, to make it better," Bilbo huffed, having long ago given up the urge to sit by and simply let things happen.
"But what? Can you defeat Sauron? Topple the forces of Mordor?" Dis asked. "While you are the most renowned of hobbits, I fear that not even you have such power at your disposal."
"I suppose not," he agreed sadly.
The two sat in silence for a long while, lost in thought while they shared their tea. It was soothing, the two of them having become rather comfortable together…but Bilbo supposed that is what comes from plotting with someone. Yet, suddenly his eyes grew wide and a glimmer of hope crossed his face.
"Dis…how far do the ravens of Erebor fly?" he asked. "I mean, do they only go as far as the Misty Mountains…or would they be willing to go farther?"
"I am not sure," she mused. "I know they have gone as far as Rivendell…but even that took weeks there and back. Why?"
"I was wondering…would you be willing to help me send a message by them tomorrow at dawn?" Bilbo's voice was full of excitement. "While I have the ability to understand them, I fear that I carry little weight where commanding them is concerned."
"The dwarves of Erebor do not command them either," Dis explained. "They serve us willingly, offering to deliver messages out of loyalty for the long history shared between us. But I will certainly go with you to make the request, provided that you tell me your reasons, Master Baggins. For I fear I am more than curious to what you have in mind."
"It is a long shot, for sure," Bilbo confessed. "But if it works…it just might be the answer we are looking for!"
Hmmmm, Bilbo...what do you have up your little hobbit sleeve? I hope it is something good!
So Thorin is trying to do a nice thing, but there is danger involved...wonder what they will decide. Trip or no trip?
Did everyone enjoy the lesson in hobbit family lineage? I stared and stared at the diagram in the back of the books trying to make sure I got the relationships right. What a confusing mess. ha ha.
Fili and Kili are such good brothers, aren't they? Just love them.
Guest Reviews:
Feu d'Argent: Welcome aboard...and three and a half hours to read part one? Man you read FAST! I am glad that you are enjoying your first Fili fan fic. Although it has turned into a Fili/Thorin/Dwalin/Kili fan fic. ha ha. Everyone finds love! I do hope you like how much I am sticking Fili and Sier in there though...they WERE the original reason I wrote this story, you know. ha ha. Sorry you are all caught up now...I could offer you some suggestions on other stories to read if you like while you wait for my updates. Yep, Thorin is going to Marry Gold...love how that worked out. And Sier will always be Fili's addition. Thank you so much for all your kind words about my writing, they made my day! I wish I could draw as well, I would have tons of scenes depicted from my story if I could. But you do not want to see stick figures...do you? ha ha. I post a chapter every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. So keep your eyes open! And getting an account would allow me to respond to you personally, as well as let you put the story on your alert list and then you would be notified the moment a new chapter comes out. Thanks again!
Emrfangirl: Ha ha, yes, I am sure Dis and Bilbo would have made a great couple...but she already found her one, so there is no getting seconds, even if they are in the shape of a cute hobbit. A drunken tumble? oh man, could you just imagine the implications? Talk about a shot gun wedding if Thorin or the boys found out!
dojoson41: Yep, right now, Two weddings seems to be the idea. And of course Kili will look amazing in his coat. He looks great in anything...or nothing. (see what I did there...get it? Tauriel's line from the jail cell, ha ha.)
Aranel Mereneth: Yes, Thorin would have to wear a flower crown in the Shire. And for Marigold, he would do it too. Not sure if guests have to wear flowers as well...but hey, for them they could make a concession. ha ha. Two weddings does seem to make the most sense at this point. It will please everyone! The issue is GETTING to the Shire and not being killed on the way.
abc: Yep, there is no taking it back either, she said yes and we all heard it. It is a done deal. I will see what I can do about getting an RV or something to haul them all in across Middle Earth. It would be much faster and sooooo much more comfortable. Thorin hopes they will accept his one as well...because he will NOT be getting another ONE. ha ha.