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Yep, the movie quote for the last chapter was "If this is to end in fire...we shall all (both) burn together." ha ha. Only this time they WANTED to burn. ha ha.

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Now...what IS this bride price going to be?

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Chapter 137

~X~

Thorin and Thranduil were patiently waiting in the council chamber when Dis burst through the door, her stormy look causing even the elf king to take a cautionary step backwards. Flinn, Kili, and Tauriel were right behind her, though they all looked a bit startled as well.

"Thorin! What's this about you forbidding my son to marry the one he loves?" she accused, coming to stand before his desk as Thorin rose to his feet. "Have you taken leave of your senses? Must I knock some sense into that thick skull of yours?"

"While that appears to be a favorite pastime of yours, dear sister," Thorin huffed, "I can assure you that in this instance, it is not required. For never have I said I would not support my nephew's choice of a mate."

"You…you didn't?" Dis questioned, sounding a bit surprised. "You mean, you will?"

"I have decided it would be rather hypocritical of me to deny Kili's love for an elf solely on the fact that she is not a dwarrowdam…especially when I took a hobbit as my wife," Thorin pointed out, a small grin spreading across his face at how his words seemed to stun his sister.

"You're not opposed then?" Kili asked, his eyes bright with amazement. "You'll allow Tauriel and me to marry?"

"I will," Thorin nodded.

"Then…I stormed all the way down here for nothing?" Dis grumbled, having worked herself up for a right good fight.

"Apparently," Thorin nodded, sitting back down, now that he was not expected to defend himself…or flee. "But as long as you are all in attendance, how about we discuss the matter in full?"

"I would like that very much," Dis agreed, gesturing for everyone to take a seat, even Thranduil – who found it quite amusing that a little dam was ordering him around. Still, he complied. "So, what's it going to take to get this accomplished? I'm afraid I'm a bit rusty when it comes to elven wedding customs."

"You know, my love, it might be prudent to ask Kili and Tauriel what they want," Flinn suggested, doing his best not to sound accusing. "After all…it is their wedding we are here to discuss."

"You're right," Dis nodded, looking a bit embarrassed. She turned to the still wide eyed couple. "What do you two have in mind?"

"Ummm," Kili said, looking to his betrothed in a plea for aid. "We…we have not really had a chance to discuss the particulars. Most of our time together has been spent just trying to stay alive, and then figuring out how to break the news to you all. Are there any customs that need to be adhered to that might delay things?"

"No, and I see no need to postpone anything," Tauriel spoke up. "In fact, I would prefer to be wed as soon as possible."

"You would?" Kili's face broke out into a wide grin. "Me too!"

"In three days' time it will be mid-month, and the moon will not be in the sky," Thranduil suggested, his tone calm and void of all emotion.

"And what does the absence of the moon have to do with anything?" Thorin asked, eyeing the elf in confusion.

"It will make the stars all the more visible in the night's sky," Tauriel supplied the answer, a smile on her face at the thought. "All light is sacred to the Eldar, but the Wood-elves love best the light of the stars. It is a traditional time for elf weddings."

"Ah, I see," Dis nodded, pleased by this answer. "Then, we appear to have the when part figured out. Now, where?"

"In the Greenwood, of course," Thranduil stated firmly.

"Nay…Kili is a prince of the line of Durin, he must be wed on Erebor soil," Thorin countered.

"A Woodelf must marry under the trees!" the tall king insisted, apparently not going to back down on this.

"And a dwarf must marry with stone beneath is feet! Erebor stone!" Thorin countered, his voice raising in volume.

"Hold it," Dis ordered, standing up and putting an end to the argument. "I was denied the pleasure of throwing my firstborn a proper wedding, and I will not let your foolish pride and male stubbornness rob me of doing so for Kili. This wedding will happen, and in three days' time, even if it must take place within the branches of the trees! Do you hear me?" She glared at both kings, pointing her finger at each in turn. When neither one spoke a word in objection she cleared her throat and smoothed down her dress, looking every inch the princess she was. "Now, we shall leave you males work out the details." She then turned to Tauriel, offering her a hand in assistance to rise. "Tauriel, let's you and I get to work on the fun part…the dress! I'm not sure what an elf wedding gown looks like, but I'm certain our seamstresses can fashion something for you, even in this short amount of time. Now come, we have lots to do!" Tauriel did indeed rise and follow Dis towards the door, looking rather unsure that she should leave Kili to settle all this by himself, but Dis was not a dam to be denied. She proved this even more when the princess paused to speak to her husband. "Flinn…I expect you to see that these two do not run roughshod over our son. Kili will have a wedding in three days, and that is final! See to it."

"Yes, my darling," Flinn said with a smile. It warmed his heart to know that she trusted him with such an important task, especially since he was still rather new to the family dynamics. He would not fail her…or Kili.

Once the door closed behind them, leaving the four males alone, Thranduil spoke first, turning to Kili and leveling him with a stern glare.

"Are you fully aware of what Tauriel is giving up in order to be with you, young prince?" he asked.

"I…I believe I am," Kili nodded. "She is willing to leave her home and her position in your guard."

"Yes, that…and so much more," he stated, lacing his fingers behind his back as the stood there, a deep frown upon his face. "Tauriel is giving up any chance of a life with a mate who will live as long as she will. Once you die, and you know this is your eventuality, she will be alone…forever more. She will not remarry, like the daughters of men often do when their husband's perish, but instead live the remainder of her days with the pain of loss. Do you understand what I am saying, dwarf?"

Kili was silent, as were Thorin and Flinn, each one giving full consideration to Thranduil's words. It was all true…what he had said, and yet, there was nothing anyone could do to stop it.

"I know it is selfish of me to ask this of her," Kili said at last, his voice wavering slightly. "And we have spoken of the day when I will grow old and die. Yet, when this time comes, it is our hope that she will not be alone, but surrounded by our children, and find a measure of comfort in friends and family. If I could, I would make it so that Tauriel was never sad or shed a tear, but that is not how life works. And all I can guarantee her is that I love her now, that I will love her then, and even when I am gone, my love for her will continue on in the eyes of our children. It pains me to think I'm taking anything from her, but I can only hope that what I have to offer in return is enough to compensate the loss."

Thranduil was impressed with the dwarf prince's answer, though it still pained him to think of all Tauriel was giving up. It was her choice though…and hers alone. But the elf king was determined to see that this was all she would sacrifice. Nothing more.

"Yesterday you asked me to name the price I would take for Tauriel's hand in marriage. Are you still willing to fulfil that promise?" he asked.

"I am," Kili stated, not wavering a bit.

"You what?" Thorin groused. "You owe him no bride price, he's not any blood kin of hers!"

"He stands as her champion," Kili explained. "Like Dwalin did for Sier. They were not related either."

Thorin had no response to that, and wisely shut his mouth on the subject.

"What would you ask of me then, King Thranduil, for I will gladly pay it and much, much more," Kili swore with a bow of his head.

"I require your word, young prince," the elf king sated firmly. "Your word that you will adhere to all elf traditions in your wedding, not depriving Tauriel of any of her heritage and customs. If she is to give up her home among the trees, and bind herself to a mortal being, the least you can do is see that her wedding day is all any young elleth would have dreamed of. If you can promise me this…you will have fulfilled your debt in my eyes."

Everyone was silent for a moment, all eyes on Kili.

"You don't have to do this," Thorin groused, folding his arms over his chest. "He can't hold you to such a promise."

"No, the offering of the bride price is dwarf tradition, and I will fulfil it," Kili told his uncle with stern nod. "I would give anything to secure Tauriel's hand, to make her happy…and my word on this is a small price to pay." He then turned to Thranduil, his head held high and a look of determination on his face. "You have my solemn oath that I will neglect none of the customs important to my bride…though I do not know what they might be."

"It matters not what they might be, as a prince of Durin, you must be wed on Erebor stone!" Thorin continued to argue, giving Thranduil a menacing glare.

"And I say Tauriel must marry beneath the trees!" the elf king countered, his own voice rising as well.

When it appeared that things might actually come to blows between the two kings, their newly formed alliance already being put to the test, Kili stepped forward, wishing to stem any hostilities.

"Might we not find a compromise here?" he suggested.

"There can be no compromise…it is tradition and that is the way it shall ever be!" Thorin growled. "This is important!"

"As are our customs!" Thranduil shouted. "Apparently, this is why elves and dwarves should not marry! Our ways are not compatible."

"Oh, I can think of a few other reasons," Thorin huffed, eying Thranduil venomously.

Kili was not sure what to do, wishing to please both parties in order to allow this marriage to proceed, but then he felt a comforting hand on his shoulder. Turning, he saw the look of confidence in his father's eyes, as if urging him to stand up for himself. And with that added strength behind, that's exactly what Kili did.

"What if I can find a way to appease both parties?" the young prince asked. "If we can fulfil both elf, and dwarf, traditions without stepping on each other's toes? Would that be acceptable?"

Both Thorin and Thranduil stared at Kili suspiciously, not sure how he might go about such a thing. Yet, they also knew that arguing about this amongst themselves would get them nowhere…except perhaps back to enemies.

"And how would you do this?" Thranduil asked, willing to hear the lad out.

"We could get married on Erebor soil," he began, holding up his hand for silence when Thranduil looked ready to object. "But…we could hold the wedding outside in the orchard, beneath the trees. That would meet both elf and dwarf requirements, would it not? After all, Uncle…were you not willing to wed Marigold first in the Shire, and then have a second ceremony here in Erebor when you returned?"

Thorin and Thranduil were silent for a moment, the anger and tension in the room appearing to cool considerably, the two looking at one another as if considering the idea.

"I suppose that could work," Thorin stated at last, doing his best to appear as if he were being generous to concede. "As long as the elf king agrees."

"I see no reason to object," Thranduil nodded. "I mean…if it will keep our newly formed alliance from crumbling so soon."

The two monarchs gave each other a side look, both feeling a bit foolish that their stubbornness might have allowed a rift to form so easily. This getting along thing was going to be more difficult than expected, and was apparently something they would need to keep working at. Yes, they still enjoyed arguing with each other - just a bit - but if it led to discord and the disintegration of Kili and Tauriel's happiness…well, that would never do!

Kili grinned and looked over at his father for approval…and he got it. Flinn nodded his head, giving his son a wink and a proud smile.

"Who will perform the ceremony?" Thorin broached next.

"Do you know how to speak the blessings?" Thranduil asked, looking at the dwarf with a raised eyebrow. When he opened his mouth to speak, the elf added, "In Sindarin?"

"You know very well I do not speak your tongue," Thorin huffed.

"Then I shall do the honors," he stated firmly.

"What about our marriage vows?" the dwarf king pressed. "Might you know them?"

Before this could potentially escalate once more, Flinn stepped in, taking his cue from Kili's idea of compromise.

"How about you both perform the ceremony?" Flinn suggested. "Mix both dwarf and elf marriage customs together?"

"Right!" Kili agreed. "You did the same for Marigold and Bergie, incorporating hobbit traditions into the dwarf ceremony. We will do the same here. You can each take turns, both reciting the vows from their own culture."

"It would appease both parties," Flinn stated, backing his son once again.

"I suppose it would," Thorin nodded, looking over at the elf king for confirmation.

"I am agreeable to this as well," he affirmed.

"Excellent!" Kili said with a brilliant smile. "Are there any other things I should know or do?" he asked, looking at Thranduil questioningly.

"As the bride-groom, you must make for Tauriel a wreath of ivy and flowers to wear on her head during the wedding," he informed him.

"Hey, that sounds a lot like what a hobbit bride wears," Kili pointed out. "Flowers…all right, I can do that," he mused, already planning a trip to the flower shop in Dale for the materials.

"These are no ordinary flowers you must procure, young prince," Thranduil warned. "Within the ivy crown, you must weave in the delicate star-flowers that grow only in the Greenwood. And they are something that you must gather yourself…you cannot send others to do it for you."

"He has no time to make a journey to Mirkwood to pick flowers!" Thorin argued. "He has a wedding to prepare for."

"If there is no flower wreath…there will be no wedding," the elf king stated firmly, unwilling to budge on the subject.

"I'll go!" Kili all but shouted, not wanting things to fall apart now.

"Not alone, you won't!" Thorin insisted.

"He can take whomever he wishes, as long as the flowers are gathered by his own hand," Thranduil agreed.

"Then it's settled? There's nothing more I need to worry about?" He looked between Thorin and Thranduil expectantly. "No ring I must to make…no gift I need to buy? I want to do this right."

"Now that the bride-price has been offered and accepted, you only need to provide the marriage bead…which I believe you crafted some time ago?" Thorin asked.

"Yes, Uncle," Kili nodded, turning to Thranduil once again.

"Elves wear no outward sign of their union, other than the love in their eyes," he assured the young prince. "Gather the flowers for her hair and you have fulfilled your obligation."

Just then, the door opened and in came Fili, still tugging on the hem of his tunic, apparently having been in quite a rush.

"I'm here!" he announced, as if they had all been waiting on him. "Amad came by and said I was needed in here. What's going on?"

"I'll tell you what's going on, Nadad," Kili said with a wide grin. "I'm getting married! But first, you and I are going on a quest!"

"A what?" Fili gaped, looking both confused and stunned. "To where?"

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However, further wedding plans and unexpected journeys would have to wait, for there was a funeral to attend, honoring those who had fallen in both battles. Bard, his family, and their troops, as well as Thranduil and his soldiers filed into the lower halls where those who would be entombed now waited. Tauriel, unsure of her place among Kili's family just yet, had chosen to stand with her own people, her eyes full of sorrow for those they would be interning this day. It was a somber occasion, with the friends and family of those who had died lined up before the caskets. They were carved out of Erebor stone, each one bearing their names and rank in Khuzdul runes. A torch had been lit for each of the fallen, mingling with the many lanterns that illuminated the darkened chamber. As Thorin stepped up on the stone platform, looking over the sea of sad faces, all eyes turned to their king.

"We gather today to sing those who gave their lives in battle into the Halls of Mandos," Thorin began, his deep voice echoing through the room. "We owe them much, and grieve over their parting. From the members of my personal guard, who sacrificed everything in protection of their king and queen, to the brave soldiers who fought to free those imprisoned in the mines. They will not be forgotten." He then began to sing, a rich and resounding tone that brought shivers to those around him. It was an ancient song, one sung many times in the past for those who had passed on, and during the second verse Fili, Kili, Flinn, Dwalin, and the rest of the company joined in.

The two hobbit lasses had worked hard to learn the song as well, stating that as the queen, and wife of the war chief, it was their duty to stand at her husbands' side and support them any way they could. So it was, that when the third verse began, all the dams took over, with Marigold, Bergie, Dis, Sier, Dena and Ilin leading the group. The children, who stood quiet and still beside their parents, were not familiar with the words, thankfully never having had to participate in such a ceremony before.

The final verse was for all the males, the entire room vibrating with the low hum of their baritone voices, until the song ended and the whole room became silent once more.

"We commit their bodies back to the stone from which they were formed," Thorin finished, stepping forward and drawing his sword, holding it up in a salute of honor. "They now wait in the Great Forge with their ancestors until the reforming of the world. May Mahal watch over them until we are reunited once again."

Slowly, one by one, each of the torches were extinguished, signifying the end of the dwarrows life here on Middle Earth. When this was complete, Thorin and the royal family made their way down the line, greeting each mourner and offering condolence, attempting to give some comfort for their loss. When they had spoken to everyone, the chamber was quietly emptied, allowing their kin to say their final farewells in private.

However, the day was far from over, as now many of those in Erebor would journey to Dale, escorting their fallen home for burial as well. Bard and his family led the way, followed by Thorin and his kin, as well as Thranduil and his elves. It was a near silent procession, with only whispers and the sound of their mounts' hooves heard along the way.

When they at last reached Dale, they journeyed to the lone hill set aside for this purpose, the appropriate number of graves already having been dug in the deep, rich earth. This time it was Bard who would speak, saying much the same as Thorin, though referring to how those slain were now in the halls of Mandos, awaiting their released from Arda and the bonds of the world, and thus finding peace and rest from their troubles. When each had been lowered into the ground, their kin filed by, tossing a handful of dirt into each one in final parting.

There were many who had tears in their eyes, Bard and Thorin among them, for they were both caring and compassionate rulers. As the crowds began to disperse, the royal families adjourned at Bard's home, everyone taking a seat around the large table. Bard was the first to break the somber silence, standing up and raising his glass in a toast.

"To the fallen…may their sacrifices not be in vain, and may their memories live long in our hearts," he said in a deep voice, thick with emotion.

"Here, here," Thorin agreed, as everyone present, including Thranduil, drank in their honor.

Things began to lighten up after this, with conversation building until the room was filled with noise. Kili and Tauriel sat beside each other, with Fili and his family on one side and Dis and Flinn on the other. Frerin, who had apparently wore himself out with the day's proceedings, crawled up into Tauriel's lap, placed his thumb in his mouth and promptly fell asleep. The she-elf smiled down at the little tyke, sifting her fingers through his hair in a loving fashion while Kili looked on, beaming with pride. Soon the couple were speaking quietly between each other, the dwarf prince filling his betrothed in on his plans to go to Mirkwood.

"I won't be gone but two days," he assured her when she got a worried look in her eyes. "Fili and I brought our supplies with us, so we will head out as the rest of you return to Erebor."

"I should go with you," she reasoned. "For I am more familiar with the woodland realm than anyone."

"While I would indeed love your company, my little fire-brand," Kili smiled, twisting a strand of her red hair around his finger. "I get the impression that this is something I must do by myself…without you."

Tauriel was silent for a moment, before nodded her head in agreement.

"You are correct, it is custom that the bride-grooms gather the star-flowers himself," she told him. "Yet, it is not something I would require of you. It is an elf tradition, and you are under no obligation to do so."

"I will do so because I love you," Kili insisted, taking her hand in his and placing a kiss on her palm. "I want to give you everything, and if I must make a short journey to pick a few flowers with which to grace your lovely hair, I shall do so gladly. Your traditions are just as important as mine, and I want our wedding to be perfect."

"As long as you are there…it will be," she smiled. "Just please be careful…there are still spiders in the woods and I do not wish to have to save you a second time from becoming their meal."

"Trust me, I want that even less than you!" Kili said with a shudder of disgust at the thought of those massive arachnids.

"And don't worry about Tauriel while you're gone, Son," Dis stated, leaning over and patting the she-elf on the leg. "I will see that she has everything she needs and that the wedding preparations are done to both your specifications."

"And I will offer whatever assistance I can give as well," Sier grinned, excited to be gaining a sister-in-law at last.

"Thank you, all," Kili smiled, glad that his bride-to-be was being welcomed by his family – a fear they had both shared during their return trip home. Yet none of that had come to pass, and in three days, he would have the pleasure of calling Tauriel his wife. "However, what truly worries me is how I'm supposed to keep these star-flowers fresh and nice for three days after I pick them," he grumbled, imagining the blossoms being thoroughly wilted by the time he arrived back in Erebor.

"Star-flowers are different from most," Tauriel informed him. "The stems are more woody than succulent, and the petals dry near perfect and keep their shape and color long after being picked. You only need to avoid crushing them, and they will be perfect."

"Well, that's handy," Kili grinned, his first worry now laid to rest. However, that did not solve the second concern on his mind. "I just hope I can find some, I'm no flower expert, you know."

"Don't look at me," Fili said, holding up his hands in protest. "I'm only going along to keep you out of trouble and make sure you make it back in time. I know less about flowers than you."

"You are in need of a flower expert on this journey?" Bard asked, having overheard what the dwarf brothers had been talking about.

"It would seem so…do you know one?" Kili questioned.

"Aye…Dunner!" Bard grinned, causing the soldier who had been standing against the wall to look over in surprise.

"Da! You can't be serious!" Tilda spoke up, a look of horror on her face.

"And why not?" Bard challenged. "His father is the owner of the flower shop here in Dale. The lad has grown up around all sorts of plants, and could be of great assistance on this mission."

"My Lord," Dunner began in protest, looking from Bard to the dwarf brother with a measure of trepidation. "I…I don't think this is a good idea."

"Oh?" Bard asked with a slight grin. "And why is that, soldier? Are you unwilling to aid our dwarf allies in this important quest? Journeying to storm a mine and kill some orcs is all good and well, but a mission to find a flower is beneath you?"

"Nay!" Dunner quickly assured his king. "It's just that…that…" here he stopped and looked at Fili and Kili, who were both grinning from ear to ear, daring him to speak his reasons. But instead, the young man simply straightened and gave Bard a look of determination. "I have no objections to going, My King," he stated. "I would be only too happy to assist in locating this elusive flower."

"Excellent!" Fili said, clapping his hands together in delight. "It's settled then. We hope to leave within the hour."

"An hour?" Dunner gasped. "I have not yet been to my home to unpack, let alone visit with my family."

"Then you best get going," Bard ordered, waving his hand towards the door. "I'll do my best to hold the princes back as long as I can, but I would not keep them waiting, Master Dunner."

The young soldier gave a quick bow to his king, stole a glance at Tilda, shooting her a look of understandable fear, and then practically fled the room. Once the door was shut, Bard, Fili, Kili, and Bain all burst out in laughter. Many of those at the table looked at the four questioningly, but Tilda was glaring openly at them in anger.

"I do not find his funny at all!" she huffed. "You did that on purpose!"

"Did what, daughter?" Bard asked, feigning innocence, though unable to hide his mirth.

"You know exactly what!" She accused. "I have strictly forbid Fili and Kili from speaking to Captain Dunner after they threatened him, and now you go and send him off on a three day journey with them?"

"Two days," Kili spoke up. "By the third I have to be back. I'm getting married that day."

"You mean on the third night," Tauriel corrected. "The ceremony will be held at night, under the stars."

"Yes, of course," Kili grinned, overly anxious for the moment to arrive.

Tilda gave a growl of frustration and threw her hands up in the air.

"But that still does not solve the problem with Dunner!" she insisted.

"There is no problem," Fili said gently. "Kili and I promise to be on our very best behavior. We will not threaten or harm the lad in any way…we give you our word."

"The word of the two biggest tricksters in all of Erebor is not worth much in my book," the princess of Dale said with narrowed eyes. "But I suppose it is the best I'm going to get from the two of you." She stood up and circled around the table, coming up behind the two brother as she leaned down and spoke with deadly intent. "But if you know what's good for you, you'll be extra nice to him. Because if you aren't…you will have me to answer to. Understand?"

Both Fili and Kili swallowed hard and gave a solemn nod, knowing just how vengeful and vindictive Tilda could be.

They better make nice on the trip, or Tilda will shave their heads!

So, what did you think of Thranduil's bride price?

And this little trip works really fits well in my story for several reasons too...I will explain later as it happens. ha ha. Can't give anything away.

Guest Reviews:

Emrfangirl: Yes, it is a great line that can be used several ways. ha ha. Kili is indeed a lovable dork. Dis can always find it in herself to be mad at Thorin. ha ha. Well, the haggling has happened. Hope you enjoyed the bride price. ha ha.

abc: I think Flinn and Fili liked the private celebration the best. ha ha. Kili was a bit scatterbrained, but he recovered nicely. ha ha. Not speechless, but his demands will take him away from her for a while...and possibly put him in danger!

Aranel Mereneth: Fili and Flinn are two peas in a pod. And yep, Kili gets embarrasses even at the mention of sex...but not for long!