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Well, we are back on the regular posting schedule now.
Let's see what Thorin and Marigold are up to this time!
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Chapter 71
~X~
Kili had attempted to remain angry at his uncle, cousin, and brother for as long as possible. Yet, by noon of the following day, the light-hearted lad had forgiven them all completely, and was already palling around with Fili, sparring with Dwalin, and having lunch with Thorin. And while the young prince did have to put up with a few odd stares and snickers behind his back, over the embarrassing prank that had been executed on him, he had to admit that it felt good to have the weight of fear lifted from his shoulders. To no longer be looking around each corner, or waiting for Thorin's ax to fall, felt like a breath of fresh air. Besides, Kili had greatly missed his uncle's company, and was only too happy to catch up on all the things he had missed during the time he had been avoiding him.
Dis, Sier, Bergie and Marigold's little tea session that night had gone well. However, they spent so much time laughing and talking about the foolishness of males, that they never got around to anything Dis had originally meant to discuss. So the four of them agreed to gather again soon to talk about more important matters…with a little more silliness on the side. When Thorin heard about this, he was not quite sure if he liked the idea. The thought of his sister and his intended becoming thick as thieves was more than a bit troubling. But in the end, what could he do…object? Well, that would only get him in more hot water than he already was with Dis. For apparently, publicly humiliating her son did not sit well with her at all. Dams were odd.
With the warmer spring temperatures came the melting of the snow, and the hobbits were finally able to progress past the planning stages and move their project outdoors. The first thing needed to be installed was the irrigation system, which required everyone - dwarves, men and hobbits alike – to be digging the ditches for the already prepared water pipes. In only a few weeks' time they were expertly installed and ready for testing.
"Is everyone ready?" Thorin asked, looking around at all the excited faces, each one eager to see if their labors had paid off.
"Aye!" came the unanimous call.
"Then, Marigold Brandybuck…will you please do the honors," the king offered, stepping aside and gesturing to the lever that would open the gate and allow the water to fill the flume.
"Me?" she squeaked, not having anticipated the honor to be bestowed upon her.
"This was, after all, your design," Thorin reminded her, placing his hand beneath her elbow as he guided her forward. "And as our project leader, it is only right that you have the privilege."
Giving her beloved a warm smile of gratitude, Marigold did indeed step up and take hold of the lever with both hands, pausing only a moment before pulling down on it with all her might. Everyone held their breath as the wooden door that held back the water began to rise, and instantly the flume was filled to the brim with liquid from the River Running. Then the water began to drain into the intricate pipe formation and disappeared underground, only to reemerge at the end of every row as it spilled out the strategically placed holes, running down each and every irrigation ditch that had been dug. A wild roar of triumph erupted from the crowd, all knowing that they had conquered the first hurdle in getting their crops to grow. Now all they had to do was begin the planting process!
Some crops needed to be planted immediately, like the more hearty vegetables and early grains, while others would have to wait a month or two more. The fruit trees would be one of the largest projects, and while they did not expect them to yield any produce just yet, there didn't seem to be any lack of eager hands willing to help with the planting. They knew that the first year would serve as a testing period, seeing what flourished and what did not - as well as what they might need to allocate more land for the following year. The plan was to start by cultivating the area between Erebor and Dale, and then hopefully expand further down towards Esgaroth as time went on. The city on the lake had been producing and storing barrels and barrels of fertilizer for the fields, created from the left over fish parts that went unused from each catch. So between the lake-men's contribution, the assistance of Dale, the ingenuity of the dwarves, and the expertise of the hobbits…it was a well-supported endeavor indeed.
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That night, after the successful test run of the irrigation system, Thorin held a celebratory dinner in the main dining room, where the place was packed full of dwarves, men and hobbits. There was much drink and laughter, yet for some reason, the king appeared distracted.
"What's wrong?" Marigold asked, reaching under the table and squeezing his hand in concern. "You should be happy tonight…and not looking as if you are anticipating a visit from Lord Thranduil." Her little joke did the trick and Thorin did smile…a bit.
"Marigold…I think it is time that we announce our engagement," he informed her, suddenly causing the smile on her lips to fade.
"Here? Now?" she gasped, looking around at the laughing and happy people in the room, including King Bard and his family, who had stayed for the celebration.
"Doing so now would inform the largest amount of people, without having to call a special assembly," he pointed out. "And besides, everyone is already riding high on the success of today's project - which we have you and your hobbits to thank for. Now is the perfect time to announce you as their future queen."
"Oh, Thorin…are you sure?" she whispered, taking hold of his arm and squeezing it tightly for support. "What if they don't accept me?"
"Then I will simply threaten to put little Flinn on the throne…now!" Thorin told her, giving her a teasing, but reassuring wink. "Let's see how they like having a dwarfling as their king, whose idea of ruling a mountain includes toy raids on the elves." He leaned in and gave her a little kiss on the forehead. "Trust me, Marigold, it will be just fine."
Staring up into his eyes, the little hobbit could not find it in herself to argue. Thorin appeared so sure of himself, and of her, that it gave Mari the confidence she needed.
"All right," she nodded. "I am ready."
"Now that's the lass I fell in love with," Thorin told her, having made a point to say those words out loud a lot more often, lest she chance to forget.
He then stood up, taking hold of his empty mug and banging it on the wooden table several times, effectively gaining everyone's attention. Those seated at the royal table all turned curious eyes upon their king and kin…but in a split second, many of them understood what Thorin was about to do, causing them to sit up straight in fearful anticipation. Fili took hold of Sier's hand, giving it a little squeeze, while Kili and Dis exchanged worried looks. Bergie, locked eyes with Marigold and gave her a little wink, telling her that everything would be just fine. Yet when she turned towards her own husband, hoping to receive a supportive look…he was gone. Oddly enough, so was Balin, when the two brothers had been sitting next to her only seconds ago. How strange that the two of them would disappear when Thorin needed their support the most. For even though Dis' spies had reported nothing negative being said about Marigold, or any of the other hobbits, they still had no idea how the residents of Erebor would respond to the news that they wished to wed. Yet for Thorin's sake, everyone prayed it would go well. When the room was at last quiet, and all eyes were on him, Thorin began to speak.
"Citizens of Erebor, as well as honored guests of Dale and Esgaroth," he called out, giving a slight bow of his head to King Bard and his family. "I wish to make an announcement that I believe is long overdue. For a while now, many of you might have seen me in the presence of this lovely hobbit lass," here he turned, holding out his hand to assist Marigold to her feet. "And while it was quite understandable, seeing as how we have been working very closely on the planting project together…there was another reason for me to be keeping company with Miss Brandybuck."
Here a bit of a twitter began to circulate around the room, as if everyone were discussing their thoughts or predictions for what that reason might be.
"We all know that our friends from the Shire sacrificed much, and put themselves in danger to get here," Thorin continued, not deterred by the murmurings of those around him. "They came to assist us in producing our own food that will hopefully see us through the long winters ahead, to aid our attempt at becoming more self-sufficient. And for this, we thank them profusely." Here the dwarves and men all gave a loud cheer, making most of the hobbits present blush a bit. "Yet I have come to realize that I have even more reason to be grateful for the hobbits' arrival. For with them, came she who is my one. My chosen mate by Mahal himself, the one destined to be my wife…Marigold."
At this all the chatter ceased, leaving the room so quiet that you could have heard a hobbit's footstep. No one moved, no one spoke, and no one gave any indication as to how the crowd would react. But then, from the back of the room, a voice rang out, though with the size of the crowd, Thorin was unable to see to whom it belonged.
"You say she is your one?" the strange, yet oddly familiar, voice asked. "Is that even possible?"
"I too was unsure at first, though I knew from the moment I met Miss Brandybuck that she was special," Thorin responded, still searching the crowd for whom had spoken. "Yet as you all know, I am not the only one to have been blessed with a mate from the Shire. Dwalin, my war-chief and captain of my guard, has also been paired with a Halfling as his mate, and they are now expecting their first child as a result. I admit that in the beginning I did try to deny my feelings." Here he paused and looked down at Marigold with apologetic eyes. "Yet I could not deny the inevitable, or Mahal's will. This lass is indeed my one, my only, and I fully intend to marry her and make her my queen."
Again there was a long moment of silence, one that caused poor Marigold to hold her breath in fear.
"Who will you name as your heir then?" came another voice from the opposite side of the room, this one much deeper, yet Thorin could still not see who was speaking. "Who will take the throne after you, if you choose not to marry a dwarrowdam?"
"My heirs have always been, and shall forever be, my sister-sons, Fili and Kili," Thorin answered. "When I complete my reign as your king, I will pass the crown to the eldest, Prince Fili, son of Dis. He has proven himself wise, strong and brave, battling fearlessly for Erebor and all its inhabitants. His rule is made even more secure by the fact that he has already married a fine dwarrowdam, and produced a son to follow after him. And now, as most of you have heard, he and his bride are expecting their second child. There is no question of his lineage or qualifications, thus no need for any worry over the line of succession. While a hobbit shall be my mate and your queen…it is my nephew, Fili, who will be your next king."
At this point everyone began to speak quietly amongst themselves, each apparently weighing this new information carefully. Thorin took this moment to glance over at his sister, her encouraging nod giving him the strength he needed to continue.
"So, dwarves of Erebor…I ask you, will you accept Mahal's will on the matter, and receive Marigold as your future queen?" he asked in a strong and unwavering voice.
The next few seconds that ticked by were like a lifetime for both Thorin and Marigold, but then, from somewhere in the crowd several calls of 'Aye' were heard. This was quickly followed by more and more shouts until the entire room replied unanimously in the affirmative. The cheering and whooping went on for several minutes, with even Bard standing up and raising his mug to Thorin and his lovely bride to be. Their fears had been for nothing, and it would appear that no one present had any objections to the wedding. And to reward them all for the support, Thorin Oakenshield, king under the mountain, took Marigold Brandybuck into his arms, and kissed her then and there for all to see.
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Towards the back of the still roaring crowd, Balin and Dwalin slapped each other on the back for a job well done. They knew that every dwarf there would have eventually accepted Thorin marrying a hobbit, but it didn't hurt to get the ball rolling with a few well-placed questions and supportive yells. Of course they would never tell Thorin of their involvement, allowing him to believe that his people had come to the conclusion all on their own. So, in order to keep their part in all this a secret, the two brothers decided that a private celebration between them would be best.
"Care to share a keg of ale with me in my chambers, little brother?" Balin offered.
"I thought you would never ask," Dwalin laughed, throwing his arm around Balin's shoulder as the two of them headed out the door and down the corridor… smiling the whole way.
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The celebration, which had quickly morphed into an engagement party of sorts, lasted until late in the evening. There was much toasting, well wishes, and an endless number of well-meant questions concerning hobbits being tossed around. Thankfully, Hamfast, Drogo and Prim were on hand to fend most of them, leaving Marigold and Thorin blissfully oblivious, the two completely lost in their own little world.
"Congratulations, Thorin!" Bard cried, having left his place at the man-sized table to come and speak with Erebor's king and future queen. "I have to admit that you could have knocked me over with a feather when you made your announcement, but seeing you two together, I can't imagine anyone more suited for you. She is your match in every way…except beauty, for her looks are far superior to your ugly mug."
"While I should be highly offended," Thorin replied, raising a warning eyebrow at the younger man's jest. "I find I am in complete agreement…my Marigold is truly the gem of the mountain."
"Oh, Thorin, stop," Mari said with a blush. "You are embarrassing me."
"Well, Miss Brandybuck, if you truly fear further embarrassment, I would highly suggest that you end this courtship immediately," Bard laughed, once again getting in a good ribbing at Thorin's expense. "For no one, except perhaps Kili, has the affinity for putting his foot in his mouth more often than our esteemed king here. Isn't that right, Thorin?"
"If you would care to see just where I feel my foot might be best placed at this moment, do keep speaking, Bard," Thorin growled, his good humor only going so far.
"Now, now, uncle," Fili laughed, stepping in before things went ill. "I am sure that our loyal friend is only teasing. For he knows full well that he too has often been afflicted with the foot in mouth disease…isn't that right, Bard?"
"Aye, it is so," the king of Dale stated, smiling at Thorin as he gave a low bow. "Please forgive my tasteless jests, Your Majesty. I fear that I have sampled far too much of your fine ale tonight, and was overcome with mirth at hearing such wonderful news."
"And we thank you very much for your kind words and acceptance," Marigold stated, placing her hand on her betrothed's arm in a calming gesture. "Don't we, Thorin?"
"Yes…of course," he acquiesced, his expression softening as he gazed at her with love in his eyes.
"Oh, you will indeed be the perfect queen, Miss Marigold," Bard laughed. "Especially if you can soothe Thorin's legendary temper with such ease. All of Erebor will be falling at your feet in gratitude!"
"And I think it is time we got you home, Father," Tilda cut in, having been standing nearby and hearing the whole exchange. She jerked her head towards Bain, who was instantly at his other side, supporting Bard as he swayed just a bit. "We don't want you to say anything else that might cause King Thorin's temper to flare up again, do we?"
"Probably best, lass," her father nodded, giving his observant daughter a knowing wink. He then turned and looked at the dwarf and hobbit before him with an apologetic smile. "What would we kings do without our bright women standing at our sides to help us along, Thorin?"
"As soon as I officially make Marigold mine…I pray that I will never have to find out," the dwarf king replied, wrapping his arms around Mari and pulling her close. No…Thorin thought to himself, he never wished to be parted from his love, not now, not ever.
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"Well, I guess that makes it official," Kili laughed, watching as Thorin and Marigold at long last made their way out of the hall, followed closely behind by Bergie, who was currently on chaperone duty for the night. "Uncle is getting married, and you will one day be king, Fili."
"Of course he will," came Dis' instant reply, she and her two sons having stayed behind when the party began to disperse. "He was always meant to, and there is no better dwarrow for the job than my Fili!" However, Dis quickly looked over at Kili with a startled expression. "Other than you, of course!"
"Oh, no, not me," Kili laughed, in no way offended by his mother's unintentional slight. "Fili can have the crown, and with my blessing. I have never had a desire to be king, for I am much too fond of breaking the rules, than seeing them carried out. Besides, I have no interest in settling down and producing heirs simply to ensure the line of succession."
"You think that was my only reason for marrying Sier?" Fili asked in a shocked tone, glad that his bride had taken Flinn back to their chambers and was not around to hear such a thing.
"Of course not!" Kili insisted. "It would be obvious to a blind dwarf that you two are besotted with each other. But you can't deny that by doing so it has made you even more desirable in the eyes of Erebor's residents. You are the full package, Fili. King material."
"As are you, Kili," Dis argued. "You have Durin's blood running through your veins the same as your brother. And even if you do not wish to be king…you are still a royal and our people will look to you for guidance should trouble come. They rely on you just as much as Fili or Thorin, and one day you will understand that, my son."
"Well…let's hope that time is long in the future then," Kili laughed, leaning back in his chair as he took a big swig of his ale. "For I have no desire to be responsible yet…or to take a wife."
"Well, when you do…and I know that time is sure to come," Dis insisted, having already decided this in her heart. "I expect to be informed of your intentions first, and not to let your Uncle in on the secret before me!" At this she turned and gave a scalding look at Fili. "I am still upset with you for telling Thorin about the new baby ahead of me."
"It was not my fault!" Fili insisted, holding up his hands in defense. "I had nothing to do with it."
"Sier explained her reasons, and I accept them, but still…I would like to think I rate above my brother in some things," Dis huffed. "At the very least in the lives of my children."
"Don't worry, Ama," Kili laughed, taking pity on his brother. "I swear that if I ever decide to marry, you will be the first to know."
"Now there is a good lad," she nodded, reaching out and patting Kili's cheek affectionately. "And I will hold you to that, my son."
Just then Nori appeared amongst the group, as if out of nowhere, with a piece of paper and a pencil in his hand.
"Do any of you want to get in on the pool?" he asked, eyeing the three royals eagerly.
"What will we be betting on this time?" Fili chuckled, recalling the last time the thief had taken wagers it had been on whether he would win against the large man in Dale.
"Whether Dwalin and Bergie will have a lad or a lass," Nori explained. "I also have a separate wager going on whether your new wee one will be male or female as well."
"WHAT?" Fili almost choked on his ale as he sat up with a start.
"I will take that bet," Dis interjected, pulling out her coin pouch and handing Nori a considerable sum. "I predict that both babes will be lasses this time…there is a very distinct lack of females in this family, and I hope to see that change."
"Amad!" Fili gasped. "You would wager on the gender of your own grandchild?"
"Why not?" Dis shrugged. "It is not as if I can influence the outcome simply by being related. Why shouldn't I get in on the fun?"
"Put me down for a lad then…for both," Kili spoke up. "If Amad can do it, so can I."
"How about you, Fili?" Nori coaxed. "No one says you can't bet as well."
"Sier would skin me alive if she found out that I was attempting to profit from the birth of our child!" he insisted, shaking his head adamantly. "Although…nothing says I can't bet on Dwalin's bairn." He rubbed his beard in thought for a moment and then tossed Nori several gold coins. "A lass…since I would very much like to see Dwalin beget a little female. That poor dwarrow wouldn't know what to do with one!"
"And you would?" Nori chuckled, causing the prince's smile to instantly fade.
"I…well, I would figure it out!" he huffed, feeling a bit slighted.
"Just like Dwalin would as well," Dis insisted, patting her son's hand affectionately.
In truth, the dam did not care either way what the sex of her newest grandbaby would be, she was simply excited to know that one was on the way. Little Flinn had turned out to be far more of a joy then she had ever anticipated. And while Dis had always dreamed that she and her Flinn might have had more children, had he lived…perhaps even a daughter of their own…being a grandmother was turning out to be a pleasurable alternative. Babies were a joy, no matter what they were or who they belonged to, and Dis was looking forward to having an entire lap-full to play with and spoil!
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Meanwhile, Thorin and Marigold had just reached her chambers, stopping at the door to say their goodnights. Bergie remained at a comfortable distance just down the hall, giving the pair a bit of privacy while still keeping them in full view per her assignment.
"It is official now, my love," Thorin told her, standing as close as he dare to his little hobbit as she leaned against the still closed door. "You will be my wife, and all of Erebor approves."
"Oh, I am willing to bet there are the odd few who do not," she reasoned.
"Like who?" Thorin asked, anger flaring in is chest at the thought of anyone objecting to his beautiful bride to be.
"I am sure there are at least one or two dams out there who had their hopes set on you and being queen," she told him, watching as his face returned to one of amusement.
"Well, if there were, they never dared make their feelings known," he assured her. "Yet it would not have mattered, for you are the only one who ever awakened my heart."
"From what Bergie tells me, your heart was not the only thing that needed to wake up," she muttered, yet instantly regretted having spoken her thoughts out loud. Burying her face in her hands in shame she gave a little squeak of embarrassment. "Oh, I shouldn't have said that…it was terribly inappropriate!"
Surprisingly, all she got from Thorin was a soft laugh, followed by the feel of his gentle hands on her wrists, uncovering her face so that she was once again looking into his deep blue eyes.
"Yet completely true, my dearest," he said with a knowing smile. "Does this knowledge concern you, Marigold?" Thorin had long known just how much he desired his little hobbit, but he had been rather left in the dark on how she felt about him in that regard. He most definitely wanted their relationship to be of a physical nature once they were wed…but was she a shy flower, or a wild rose? He would take her either way, but it would be nice if their appetites for such pleasures were somewhat similar.
"No, not really," she confessed, still blushing profusely. "I mean…it does a little, but it excites me as well. Would you find me brazen if I were to tell you that I am looking forward to our…" Here she paused, taking a deep breath before continuing, "…our wedding night?"
Thorin was both overwhelmed as well as pleased to hear this, and he couldn't stop the wolfish grin that sprang to his lips.
"Not at all," he assured her. "In fact, I find it most…thrilling." He let go of one of her wrists and allowed his hand to trace the outline of her still flushed cheek, relishing the feel of her skin beneath his fingers. Oh how he longed for the day when he might explore further…and to hear that she was also in anticipation of such things caused his body to stir in ways he could not describe.
"Really?" she whispered, her eyes still locked upon his.
"Most assuredly," he nodded, bending forward to punctuate his point with a deep and abiding kiss. Oh, she was like honey on his lips, a sweetness he longed to drown himself in.
However, before things got out of hand, they were intruded by the sound of a small coughing fit – Bergie apparently having swallowed something, causing her a bit of distress. Yet understanding it as a warning, and not something to truly be concerned over, the two ended their kiss and Thorin took a step back.
"Good night, my love," he told her. "I will be counting the days until we will not be forced to say such words, unless they be spoken in the darkness of our own bedroom." And before she could even respond, he brought her hand to his lips and gave it a kiss, turning and leaving the lass to fumble her way inside.
As he walked back to where Bergie waited, fully intending on seeing her safely back to her own chambers, he couldn't wipe the smile off of his face. Marigold wanted him! The idea more tantalizing than he had originally anticipated. He would definitely be needed a cold bath tonight before turning in.
"You know…for a king, you are really a rather smooth talker," Bergie grinned, turning and keeping in step with him as they continued on.
"You heard all that?" he asked, shock springing to his face.
"No…at least not every word," she chuckled, finding that she enjoyed teasing him…even if just a little bit. "But don't worry, your secret is safe with me. You make Marigold happy, and for that you have won my undying loyalty…my king."
"Dwalin is indeed a very fortunate dwarf," Thorin mused, still eyeing Bergie in a suspicious manner.
"And so are you, Thorin Oakenshield," Bergie assured him. "For Marigold loves you very much."
And that bit of news returned the smile back to his lips.
Well, it is official now, they are engaged with a plan to marry. Now if they could just get the job done without being killed in the process!
Balin and Dwalin are the most loyal and sneaky dwarves I know. ha ha. Didn't they do a good job?
So, Dis wants baby lasses? And Kili wants lads. And Fili wants whatever he gets. ha ha. Nori just wants the money.
Awwww, Marigold has the hots for Thorin and now he knows it too. Boy I bet he can't wait till fall!
Attention: I watched something tonight that I had never even heard about. It is a privately made movie called "Born of Hope" and is about Arathorn and Gilraen, Aragon's parents, and how they met and fell in love. You can find it on YouTube and watch it for free. Just go there and type in "Born of Hope full movie" and watch it. It was not bad at all. Too bad no one made a movie about Dis and Flinn Sr. and the birth of Fili and Kili. ha ha. Oh well, we can't have everything, can we?
Guest Reviews:
Mjean: ha ha, yes the SHIELD was little...but maybe not so much what was behind it. ha ha. No telling, but you know he has not awoken from stone yet, so who knows.
Aranel Mereneth: Yep, Poor Kili...but at least he knows the wait is over. And as you can see here, he got over it rather fast. Flinn is wayyyyyy too smart for his own good. ha ha. Yep, can't leave Fili and Sier out of things for too long, I start missing them too much. ha ha. And Fili really didn't know if he should feel bad for Kili or laugh his own pants off at his predicament.
abc: You are welcome for the bonus chapter. Yep, I would say that Sier finished that coat right on time. ha ha. Oh yes, after watching his father and uncles, Flinn will be so good at pranks and stuff by the time he is ten, he will rival even Nori!
Feu d'Argent: You feel free to gush all you want...I LOVE IT. And I love long reviews too. Glad you enjoyed Thorin and Dwalin's prank...even if it went a bit bad in the end for them. ha ha. Hmmm, I might have to think about that...Marigold and Thorin pranking someone? Oh what will the mountain think of that? ha ha. Kili's coat MIGHT be there when he meets his one...you never know. Flinn could convince a host of orcs to do his bidding with as cute as he is. Might not have time to let Fili deal with a tantrum in this part of the story, but maybe the next one with Kili's tale. Thanks for the lovely ideas and kind words. Hope you liked this one too.