.
Well, now let's go see what Thorin and Thranduil have to say to each other!
Should be interesting.
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Chapter 134
~X~
Thorin poured two glasses of wine, handing one to Thranduil, who had already taken a seat. No words had yet been spoken between them, and the elf was determined to out-wait the dwarf. Yet, even though a hundred years was but a blink of an eye for an elf…Thranduil found himself rather impatient to hear what Thorin had to say.
Still, the dwarf king remained silent, easing himself into a chair of his own and taking a long, slow sip of the wine, before at last turning his eyes to his companion.
"So," he began, drawing out that one word as if it conveyed all he wished to say. "What do you think of this new development?"
Thranduil paused, doing his best to decipher the mood of the dwarf…yet in the end, he could not read him at all.
"I am…intrigued," he responded at last. "And you?"
"Too old and too tired to fight it," Thorin replied, sipping at his wine once more. "Besides…it is Mahal's will. I would be a fool to stand against that."
"Ah, yes," Thranduil nodded. "I have heard tell of the way your kind identifies your mates…also very intriguing."
"There is no doubt in our minds, no way to deny the match," Thorin argued, not caring for the elf's tone. "Do you reject my nephew's claim?"
"No, I simply find it…intriguing," Thranduil stated again, still showing no sign of emotion, for good or ill.
"I think we will quickly grow tired of that word," Thorin huffed, downing the last of his wine and rising to refill his glass. "So now you know my thoughts…care to share yours?"
"I am not opposed to the match, as long as Tauriel is amiable to the attentions of your nephew," the elf king stated. When Thorin raised an eyebrow at his words, he quickly added. "Of which she has assured me she is."
"Then it is settled," Erebor's king said with a sigh, sitting back down. "Neither you nor I will stand in their way."
"Yet, will others?" It was a loaded question, encompassing everyone from Erebor and Mirkwood…as well as all of Middle Earth.
"Undoubtedly," Thorin nodded. "Have you ever heard of such a pairing before?"
"Not to my recollection, and my memory is very long," Thranduil assured him.
"Still…this world is changing, and if we do not change with it, we will be left behind." He had been told this many times, and after finding his one in Marigold…Thorin was even starting to believe it. And now this? Kili and an elf? Suddenly his eyes grew wide and he sat up, a horrible thought coming to his mind. "This doesn't mean we will be related…does it?"
Thranduil almost lost his composure, having to swallow his drink quickly, lest he choke. Still, even he could not completely school his expression and a slight smile touched his lips.
"No, Tauriel is no blood kin of mine," he guaranteed the fretting king. "She became a ward of my kingdom after the death of her parents, nothing more. Yet I have grown very fond of her over the years, and I would see that she is happy and well treated."
"You need not worry about Kili, there is not a deceptive bone in his body," Thorin told the elf firmly. "If he claims to love Tauriel, loved and cherished she will be."
"I am not concerned over the prince…but by you, and your people, Thorin Oakenshield," Thranduil revealed. "Long have our races been at odds, and only recently have we been able to bridge that gap…somewhat. Can you guarantee me that my captain will be accepted within your kingdom? That she will be shown the honor and respect she deserves?"
"As a king, you know as well as I that no one rules with absolute power," Thorin told him, a sadness in his tone. "Even I could not convince the dwarves of Erebor to accept my children as a legitimate heir to the throne, solely because of their mixed blood. This recent invasion only served to confirm such prejudice, stating that I dishonored the crown by taking a hobbit instead of a dwarrowdam for a wife. And yet, I would do no different."
"It was my understanding that the queen was much loved by your people." Thranduil could not imagine anyone not finding the little hobbit anything but delightful.
"By most…yes," Thorin nodded. "However, not everyone can be made to think the same way. There will always be those who argue, simply for the sake of opposition. I fear that Kili and Tauriel must deal with the same." He gave the elf king a pointed stare. "Can you guarantee that they would not find the same disapproval in your kingdom as well?"
"I cannot," he admitted sadly. "Yet I would do all in my power to lessen such hostility."
"As will I," Thorin promised. "I will do all I can to assure that Tauriel is looked upon kindly, that her worth is recognized, and her union to my nephew is approved of."
"That is all I ask," Thranduil said with a nod of gratitude.
"So…I suppose that leaves only one question," the dwarf king said with a sigh.
"And what is that?" Thranduil asked, taking another sip of his drink.
"Who pays for the wedding?" Thorin stated.
And this time, Thranduil did indeed choke on his wine.
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The food had been served and the ale had been freely flowing for some time before Thorin and Thranduil entered the banquet hall. Upon seeing the elf at his uncle's side, Fili rose and vacated the seat next to Thorin's chair, leaving it for the honored guest. Flinn and Frerin were fine with sharing a chair anyway, so Fili took one of theirs.
"I was beginning to wonder if you were planning to join the celebration, husband," Marigold said as he sat down beside her. "Though, to be honest, everyone is having such a fine time, that only I seemed to be missing your company."
"I'm glad to hear that, at least," Thorin smiled, taking his wife's hand and kissing the back of it gently.
"Yet, now that you have arrived, I feel I must take my leave," she stated, standing up from her place at the head of the table. "Raina is in need of her supper and I am quite exhausted."
"Do you wish for me to accompany you?" he asked, moving to stand, but she placed a hand on his shoulder, urging him to remain.
"No, I'll be fine," she smiled reassuringly. "Stay and entertain your guests, it is your duty."
"One I am becoming weary of at times," he told her, giving her a tired smile. "Rest well, my love."
"I will warm the bed for you," she promised, leaning in to whisper her words, and causing his eyes to brighten considerably. She then went over to retrieve Raina from Fili's arms, his turn to hold the princess having finally come around. The blond prince pouted a bit, but handed her over with a cheeky grin, assuring Marigold that they had a real gem there. The queen did not disagree. Rose was still enjoying herself, talking with Flinn, Frerin, and the twins, so she was left behind in Bergie's care, as Marigold headed for her chambers.
Thorin had watched her go, still amazed at how much he loved and desired his little hobbit wife. Over the years, he had truly come to realize how foolish he had ever been to try and deny his love for her, simply due to his fear that their lifespans were not compatible. For now, he couldn't imagine his life without her…and he could see that Kili felt the same about Tauriel. It did grieve him to know that his nephew would one day be parted from his love…yet that was far in the future, and not something he was likely to live to see. Still, they would have each other for what time they had left, and that would undoubtedly be enough. It had to be.
"Would you care for something to eat?" he asked Thranduil, taking on his assigned role as host.
Thranduil nodded, noticing with an exasperated sigh that the king reached to hand him the bowl of greens and not the delicious looking roast duck. Yet before he could even speak, a voice was heard at his right.
"While I am certain the vegetables are delicious, might I interest you in something more substantial, Lord Thranduil?" Fili asked, sliding the platter of pork in his direction. "Or, if you prefer…we have venison and duck as well."
"The duck would be nice," the elf nodded, a bit shocked at the prince's offer. Yet if he was surprised by Fili's words, Thorin, it seemed, was even more so.
"You…you eat meat?" the dwarf king asked in a stunned voice. "I thought elves ate only greens!"
"Apparently we were mistaken, Uncle," Fili smiled, reaching over and handing Thranduil the plate containing the cooked foul. "On our trip, we learned that we dwarves had a lot of misconceptions about elves. And Tauriel was shocked to learn a few things about us that she had not known either."
"I can imagine," Thorin nodded, noticing that his younger nephew and the she-elf were sitting rather close, their heads together as they spoke in hushed tones. "I trust you didn't let them become too familiar with each other on the journey." He eyed Fili sternly, trying to read his expression.
"I was a very studious chaperone, as was our adad, and all the others in our company," Fili assured him with a wide grin. "Everything was kept on the up and up." He then looked around curiously. "Speaking of our adad…do you know where he might be? And how is Amad?"
"Your mother simply needed a breather," Thorin told him. "Your adad is with her, and I can assume they have much to talk about. I wouldn't expect them to attend tonight."
"Nor I," Fili laughed. He could only imagine all the things they had to discuss, yet he hoped they didn't sequester themselves away for too long. He had just got his father back, and he too wanted to spend time with him. Still, he would not begrudge his mother and father their long awaited reunion.
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Fili had just returned to his meal when he noticed something rather interesting, as well as amusing. Bain, who had been taking all the attention he had been receiving with grace and aplomb, had suddenly gone red in the face. Was the lad actually blushing? The dwarf prince followed his gaze, noting that Bain was staring at a lovely dark haired girl a few tables away. Only a small group of men and women from Dale had accompanied Bard and his family to greet those returning, and he wondered why this particular girl was among them. It was then that he recalled what Tauriel had told them…about Bain secretly wishing to court some lovely lass. Might this be her? As Fili continued to watch the two, he became more and more convinced of this, as they seemed incapable of keeping their eyes off each other. Still, it was clear that they were both trying to do so without being noticed, but Fili could have spotted their attraction a mile away. Perhaps the couple only needed a bit of encouragement?
"Sier, my darling," Fili began, leaning over to whisper in his wife's ear. "I have a favor to ask." Sier seemed intrigued and after hearing his idea, she nodded enthusiastically with a wide grin.
Fili rose from his chair and made his way around the tables until he stood before the pretty lass from Dale.
"Might I have the pleasure of a dance, my lady?" he asked, with a bow.
As expected, the girl was stunned, looking over at the man beside her - most likely her father - for advice on what to do.
"Go on, Brenna," the older man urged. "When a prince asks you to dance…you dance." He said this with a hint of humor, though his intentions were clear…don't insult the nephew of your host.
The nervous lass rose to her feet, her eyes flitting towards where Bain sat, an almost pleading look on her face. Fili could tell he had shocked the girl, and hoped that what was about to happen next would serve to soothe her concerns. Once she had placed her hand in his, Fili made a big show of escorting Brenna to the dance floor, walking directly in front of the table where Bain was sitting, his own wide eyes starting directly at them. Yet just before they passed, Sier came hurrying to Fili's side.
"Oh, my dear," she began, looking somewhat worried. "I'm sorry to interrupt, but I need your help with the children…right away!"
"Now?" Fili questioned, looking as putout as he possibly could. "Can it not wait?"
"No, I'm afraid not," she insisted. She then turned to the dark haired lass at her husband's side. "You don't mind, do you? Often our lads get out of control and their father is the only one who can set things to rights."
"No…I don't mind…please, don't worry about me," she stammered, pulling her hand out of Fili's with a look of relief.
"But I can't just leave you unescorted," the dwarf prince lamented, making a big show of looking around. When his eyes fell upon Bain, he brightened. "Bain! Do me a huge favor and dance with this pretty lass, would you. I fear I am unable to fulfill my obligation to do so. You would be doing me a service if you would."
"I…I would be happy to," the young prince stammered, standing up and giving the blushing lass a deep bow.
"You're a real friend, Bain," Fili said with an over-dramatic sigh of relief. He then bid the lass farewell and followed his own wife back to their table. "You did beautifully, my dear," he whispered in her ear as he pulled out her chair and helped her back into her seat.
"And you did a very nice thing as well," she told him, nodding to where Bain and Brenna were dancing, their eyes alight with joy and a smile on both their lips. "I doubt he would have had the nerve to ask her himself."
"Perhaps, but I kind of get the impression they are trying to keep things hush, hush…though I don't know why," Fili mused. "She seems like a lovely girl."
"Well, at least this way they get to dance and no one will suspect a things," she giggled. "To everyone watching, he is simply doing you a favor."
"Well, after all he did for me on our journey, I owe him this much…and more," Fili stated matter of factly.
"You have a very kind heart, and a romantic streak in you a mile wide," Sier told him, leaning over and kissing his cheek. Yet before she could pull away, he quickly turned his head and captured her lips, savoring a stolen moment before pulling away.
"I don't know about that," he chuckled. "But if I do, it's you who brings it out in me. Only you, my love."
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As the evening continued, the band set up and soon there was music and dancing, creating a very lively party. Dwarves were known for such things and as the noise grew and the ale continued to flow, the place got more and more rowdy, yet everyone seemed to be having a marvelous time. Bombur and his three children showed up just in time to get a serving of dinner before the plates were cleared and taken back to the kitchens, making room for the upcoming desserts. When asked where Ilin was, the rotund dwarf laughed and said that after a hot bath, she snuggled into bed and ordered him to take everyone as far away from their chambers as he could, for at least a couple hours, so she could sleep. Bombur was only too happy to comply.
Flinn and Frerin had come around to stand between Thorin and Thranduil, the blond dwarfling staring up at the elf king with a wide grin.
"Hello King Thranduil," he greeted the tall monarch. "Do you remember me?"
"How could I forget one such as you, young Flinn?" Thranduil said, gracing the child with a warm smile. "And if I recall correctly, this is your younger brother, Frerin."
"Yep, that's him!" Flinn nodded.
"I have been informed that you two were rather sly and stowed away with your father on his mission, is that correct?" he asked, raising an eyebrow and giving the lad a stern look.
"You…you heard about that?" Flinn appeared rather chagrinned over this.
"It was quite the talk throughout the mountain, I assure you," the elf told him. "Might I assume you have learned your lesson for disobedience?"
"Oh, yes!" Frerin stated firmly. "We won't ever do anything like that again, we promise!"
"And adad says we have to do a lot of chores as punishment too," Flinn revealed. "Not to mention earn back his trust."
"That will indeed be the harder of the two," Thranduil agreed. "Yet…I believe, in time, you will prove your word is reliable once again.
Flinn and Frerin glanced up at Thorin, looking to him for confirmation.
"In time," was all he would agree to, but it was enough for the two dwarflings.
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Fili, who had been enjoying his wife's continued attention, had glanced up in time to see Bain escort Brenna back to her table, giving her father a deep bow of respect before heading over to ask his sister to dance. Fili watched as Tilda seemed to hesitate, much like Brenna had done when he had asked her to dance, which the dwarf prince thought was rather strange. Yet as he continued to watch, Tilda's eyes drifted to where Dunner sat, a few seats away. It was suddenly very clear to Fili that the young princess had been hoping that the handsome soldier would ask her to dance…not her brother. Still, when the young man made no move to intervene, the princess of Dale allowed Bain to drag her out on to the floor, whirling her around until they were both laughing merrily.
Fili and Kili had always had a soft spot for Tilda, ever since the day they had climbed out of Bard's toilet back in Lake Town. Yet as he watched, the blond prince saw how Dunner also followed her with his eyes, even going so far as to get up and walk to the edge of the dancefloor in order to get a better view. Fili knew that young man was honorable, as well as an excellent fighter…yet this was Tilda, and he felt obliged to give the soldier his opinion on the matter. So excusing himself from Sier's side, he headed over to where Kili sat with Tauriel.
"If you will allow it, My Lady," Fili began, bowing to the red haired elf. "Might I borrow my brother for a moment? I believe he and I have a duty to perform."
"What duty?" Kili asked, not understanding what Fili was talking about.
"Follow me and you'll see," he instructed, taking him by the arm and pulling him out of his seat.
By the time the two circled around the tables and came up behind where Dunner stood, Kili had been fully informed of Fili's intentions, and was in complete agreement. Approaching the young star-struck lad – for to the elder dwarves, that is all he truly was – they took their stand on either side of him.
"Lovely, isn't she?" Fili asked, not even bothering to look up at Dunner.
"I…I beg your pardon?" the soldier stammered, caught off guard by their sudden appearance, as well as Fili's words.
"Tilda," Kili explained, as if it needed to be said. "The princess of Dale is rather lovely, is she not?"
"Yes…I mean, no…I…what I meant to say is, I had not really noticed," Dunner was now sounding like a bumbling idiot, and he knew it.
"Oh, I think you have noticed," Kili grinned, though there was little humor in it. "And perhaps Bard and Bain might see their way clear to counting you worthy enough to stand in her shadow, but know this…Fili and I consider Tilda to be one of our dearest friends. And dwarves are not exactly the forgiving sort."
"That's right. We never forgive…and we never forget," Fili added, having taken out one of his many knives and was now nonchalantly cleaning under his fingernails with the sharp tip – the insinuation quite clear.
To his credit, Dunner held his ground, though the color in his face paled a bit.
"I assure you, Your Majesties, that I have nothing but the highest regard for Princess Tilda," he told them. "And I would sooner cut off my right arm than ever do anything to cause her sorrow."
"That's good to hear," Kili nodded. "Just remember that…because we'll be watching."
"And should you fail to live up to your word, your arm won't be the only part of you in jeopardy," Fili told him with a stern glare, waving his blade back and forth for emphasis.
"Enjoy your evening, Dunner," Kili said, his face splitting into a wide smile, though his eyes still held a measure of threat. "Been nice talking to you."
And with that, the two dwarves walked away, rather pleased with how they had left the fearful man. They knew he would think twice before doing anything to hurt their precious Tilda.
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"What was that all about?" Tauriel asked as Kili sat down next to her, the two brothers having parted on the way back, as Fili stopped to talk to Gloin and Gimli.
"Oh, nothing," he responded giving a slight shrug. "Just a little small talk."
"Really?" Tauriel's eyebrow raised skeptically. "Well, that small talk, as you put it, made that young man appear ready to faint."
"It did?" Kili's eyes brightened. "Good!"
"What did you do, Kili?" Tauriel asked suspiciously.
"Nothing! Really!" he stated in his defense. "We just talked to him. Honest."
"Mmmmhmmm," she hummed, still not exactly believing him. Yet his adorable grin and puppy-dog eyes ensured that she could not be mad at him. So in the end, she let it drop and returned to her meal, loving that she could feel his heated gaze on her the entire time. "I've noticed that your uncle and King Thranduil have been speaking rather pleasantly. Is that a normal occurrence?"
"Not really," Kili told her, giving the two monarchs a curious side glace. "I mean, they have been civil around each other, but this…this is something knew."
"Do you think it bodes well for us?" Tauriel asked hopefully.
"It couldn't hurt," he nodded.
"Kili, I fear for what will happen if King Thorin disapproves," she revealed, laying her hand on his arm with a worried look. "I do not wish for you to get into trouble because of me."
"Trouble?" Kili sounded shocked by her concerns. "Why would I be in trouble for accepting my one? I would be in far more if I chose to ignore Mahal's will!" He reached out and took her hand, pulling it to his chest as he cradled it there between his palms. "Tauriel, no matter what, I love you. I need you. And I will never allow us to be parted, not on anyone's command. I do not fear what my uncle, my mother, or even Thranduil might say…you are the one I have chosen to be with. Only you."
"And you are mine as well," she smiled, touched by his words. "Yet I still know things would go so much smoother if we did indeed have their blessings."
"Agreed, and we might yet obtain them," he reminded her. "Still, it is not something we need to be concerned with at this very moment. Let's enjoy ourselves, and celebrate this victory, before we take on another battle."
"I love how you can live in the moment," Tauriel said with a warm smile. "You manage to put everything into prospective, making me forget about tomorrow, or what comes next. You are my today, Kili, as well as my future."
"As you are mine," he told her with a serious look on his face, wishing that he could lean in and kiss her temping lips. Yet, even he was smart enough to know that now was not the time, nor the place, for such a public display. And the last thing they wanted to do was push their luck with Thorin. So far he was acting rather accepting…Kili only hoped it would last.
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"Would you care for more ale, Bard?" Balin asked, returning to his seat next to the Dale king. The white haired advisor had just been to the refreshment table and had brought back two mugs, both full of the frothy beverage.
"Don't mind if I do, King Balin," Bard laughed, accepting the drink with a smile. He knew he was close to his limit…and if he partook of much more, he would not be able to stay on his feet. Yet they were all having such a good time, what would one more hurt?
"I really wish you wouldn't call me that," Balin said with a slight cringe. "I fear that my short stint as ruler of Erebor was rather harrowing and not something I would ever wish to repeat."
"What's this about Balin being king?" Dwalin spoke up, instantly interested in the teasing Bard was giving his brother. He turned his attention towards where Thorin sat, watching as his cousin rolled his eyes and gave a slight laugh. "Has there been a shift in power in my absence?"
"Something like that," Thorin stated, though he was rather reluctant to say more, having not wished to inform everyone about the invasion until after the celebration. "Yet, everything has returned to how it should be, so there is nothing to worry about."
Yet before Dwalin could say another word, there came a rather loud shout from two tables away.
"EREBOR WAS INVADED BY BLACKLOCKS WHILE WE WERE GONE?" Fili yelled, causing everyone who had been with them on the journey to stop what they were doing and join the crown prince in looking at the king for an explanation. "Thorin! Why didn't you tell us?"
"Uncle?" Kili questioned, standing up as he stared at Thorin. "Is this true?"
"It's a long story," the king sighed, not at all liking the small smirk that sprang to Thranduil's lips at his discomfort over the subject. "Perhaps it is best if we retire to my council chambers to have this discussion."
And so they did…with quite a few following the already tired king, eager to hear all about the Blacklock's attempt at taking over Erebor.
Well...quite a bit happened here.
First Thranduil and Thorin talked...then Thorin found out that elves eat meat. Next Fili helped Bain...then Fili and Kili scared Dunner to death. Flinn and Frerin talked to Thranduil, and it looks like the cat is out of the bag about the Blacklocks. Who do you think blabbed...Gloin or Gimli?
I am sorry to say there will not be a chapter posted on Thursday this week, I have a big day at work and then something planned for that evening and I won't be able to get the next chapter up until Friday. So look for the next one then!
Guest Reviews:
abc: Fili will agree with you on that. Anytime he can get Sier alone is a win for him. Freya is indeed a Durin through and through. Fili will have grey hairs before she gets to marrying age. ha ha. Yep, Tauriel has her beads and she got to hold the baby...awww. And maybe they will both be so drunk by the time they do have 'the talk' that they won't remember a word of it. ha ha. No...I think Kili knows better than to ask Thorin for information. ha ha.
Aranel Mereneth: Well, since Fili was away and Sier was in Erebor...yes, there has been a lack of THEM lately. ha ha. I am glad you like them so well though, they are my favorite too.