Did everyone notice I temporarily changed the icon of the story to a picture of Kili and Tauriel kissing in their wedding clothes? Not sure who drew it...but I like it.

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Chapter 143

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Dena made it to the entrance of the mountain, through the stunning new gates, and down the long path that led towards the orchards and fields. The land set aside for the crops were vast, for each year they cleared a little more area and expanded the planting, until they were producing enough crops to nearly sustain the mountain, Dale, and Esgaroth for the entire winter. Oh, they still traded liberally with nearby towns and cities, but for the most part they were now self-sustaining. Thankfully, the orchards were not terribly far away, and the dam made the trek in no time at all. All along the way she passed those heading towards the wedding site, most eager to see this wedding between their prince and the mysterious elf. Tauriel would definitely be an oddity for quite a while, but then again, so had Marigold, and they had eventually accepted her.

When Dena arrived, she found Fili and Kili standing near where the ceremony would be held. She hurried to their side and announced that things could begin whenever they were ready.

This caused Kili's eyes to grow wide, and he looked over at his brother nervously.

"Stay calm, Kili," Fili urged, placing a hand on his shoulder. "You'll be just fine."

"I know," he nodded, taking a few deep breaths. "I can do this."

"Yes, you can," Fili chuckled.

"Is Tauriel all right?" Kili asked Dena. "Is she worried?"

"Only about you," the dam laughed, making Kili blush slightly. "You will be amazed when you see her…she is so beautiful."

"She's always been beautiful to me," Kili argued, though now wanting to see her all the more.

"Just wait, Kili…just wait," Dena told him with a wide grin, then headed off to find Gloin and her son amongst the crowd of guests.

"Are you sure you're all right?" Fili asked once she was gone, wanting to know for certain that his brother was not going to faint…for it had become a bit of a habit in the Durin family lately.

"Yes…I promise to stay upright," Kili laughed, though one could tell that possibility had been on his mind as well.

Just then Ilin appeared, having brought both her children and Fili's down from the mountain. Dwalin had apparently walked with them, and was carrying Freya in his muscular arms, with Tor and Tal trailing along beside him.

"I hereby hand over the responsibility of your children back to you," Ilin laughed merrily. "I have my own to worry about now." And as if to punctuate her point, little Tae quickly ran off towards the food tables that Bombur was still fussing over, with Tam and Bram chasing after their little sister. Ilin rolled her eyes and headed off, mumbling something about why in the world they decided to have another one.

"Here you go, Fili," the bald warrior said, passing the fancy dressed little lass to her father. Dwalin then gave Kili a congratulatory slap on the back that nearly knocked him over, before ushered his own children off towards the empty seats, looking for the perfect spot for Bergie to view the ceremony.

"Are you ready to be my bead-bearer, Frerin?" Kili asked, kneeling down as he looked at his nephew.

"I…I think so," he told his uncle, his eyes darting nervously around at the many guests. "Will they all be staring at me?"

"Well, mostly they will be staring at me and Tauriel," Kili laughed. Yet noticing how uncomfortable the little dwarfling appeared, he offered a suggestion. "Would you like your brother to stand with you? You could still be the bead-bearer, he would just be your helper."

"Can he?" Frerin asked, looking very excited by the idea. He then turned to Flinn and gave him a pleading look. "Would you…please?"

"Sure, Naddith," Flinn agreed, more than happy to be of assistance.

"After all, I'm having my brother stand by me…why shouldn't you?" Kili reasoned. "Now, here you go," the dark haired prince reached into his pocket and pulled out a beautiful golden bead, polished to perfection. All around it, were tiny white gems, inlaid within the metal that twinkled in the starlight. It was understated, yet perfect, and Kili knew that Tauriel would appreciate the simplicity of the design. He dropped it into Frerin's eager hands, watching as the lad let it roll around in his palm, eyeing it with a great deal of pride. "Now, put it in your pocket, and don't lose it."

"I won't," he nodded solemnly, knowing this was indeed a big responsibility. "I'll be careful, I promise!"

"I know you will," Kili grinned, ruffling the lad's hair just a bit.

"Hey, now," Fili groused, reaching out and doing his best to get Frerin's hair to lay back down. "Don't go messing him up, or Sier will have your head."

"She wouldn't dare kill the groom on his wedding day," the younger brother laughed.

"Don't bet on it," Fili huffed, having to lick his hand in order to get the last of his son's hair to stay in place.

"Are you prepared to begin, Prince Kili?" came a stern voice from behind them.

Turning they saw that Thranduil had silently approached, looking far more regal than they had ever seen him in a long white robe that nearly glowed with light. He wore an intricately designed circlet of silver on his head, which in Kili's opinion was much better looking than the spiky one made of wood and flowers he usually wore. This must be a ceremonial crown of sorts, he figured. The king was flanked on the right and left by a number of unfamiliar elves, both male and female, each one staring at Kili as if they were sizing him up.

"I am ready," Kili stated firmly, not wavering at all in his reply, though the scrutiny was a bit unnerving.

"These are friends of Tauriel," Thranduil explained, as if reading Kili's mind. "I thought it only right to notify them so that they may be in attendance at her wedding."

"Oh…yes, of course," Kili nodded, his expression turning to one of pleasure. "Glad you could all come. Any friend of Tauriel's, is a friend of mine." When several of the elves gave him curious looks, or attempted to stifle a laugh at his words, he added, "What I mean is…Tauriel's friends are always welcome here."

"We thank you for your hospitality, Prince Kili," the elf in front with the long dark hair spoke up, bowing at the waist. "Tauriel will be sorely missed, she was both our captain and our comrade."

"We have known Tauriel for many centuries, and as her friends, we only desire her happiness," another said, this time a pretty brown haired elleth with a warm smile. "We wish you both peace, long life, and many children."

"Thank you, I'm sure it will mean a lot to Tauriel that you came," Kili assured them, pleased that his bride now had some of her own friends there to support her. With a bow, the other elves then took their leave, heading over to where they would observe the ceremony, their grace and beauty causing many to stop speaking and stare at them as they passed.

"And are you ready as well, young Frerin?" the elf king asked, eyeing the grinning dwarfling. "For I hear you will be the one carrying the marriage bead."

"Yep!" he nodded with a wide grin, holding out his hand. "I've got it right here. And Flinn is going to stand with me so I won't be scared."

"That is a fine idea," Thranduil agreed. "Now, let me show you were you are both to stand." And stepping forward he stooped slightly and placed a hand on Frerin and Flinn's backs, ushering them towards the canopy of trees.

"You'd think he would be more concerned with where I am to stand," Kili huffed. "I am the groom after all."

"Yah, but he likes my sons better," Fili laughed, patting his brother on the back in a placating manner.

"Finn! Fren!" Freya whined, reaching out her hands towards where her brothers had just gone.

"Sorry, my little lass," Fili told her, kissing her cheek. "You're a bit young to be in a wedding. But don't worry, you still get cake."

"Da, da, da!" the dwarfling grinned happily, clapping her hands together in glee. For even if she was not the best talker just yet, she had no trouble understanding some things…and cake was one of them.

This made Fili laugh, but his brows furrowed slightly as he saw Thranduil bending over and speaking quietly to his lads, as if he were giving them directions. When they both nodded with wide smiles, Fili saw the elf king reach into his pocket and pass something to Flinn, though he was unable to see what it was from where he stood.

"What's going on over there?" he asked, narrowing his eyes in suspicion. Yet his attention was quickly stolen by the approach of Bard, Bain and Tilda, each one looking quite regal in their royal finery. Dunner, having arrived not long ago, was a few paces behind them, and he was looking a lot less green than he had that morning. However, he still appeared embarrassed, and was unwilling to look Fili and Kili in the eye.

"Where do you want us?" Bard asked, grinning from ear to ear.

"Anywhere you feel comfortable," Kili told them, very pleased they had come.

"Perhaps someplace near the back?" Bain suggested, eyeing the two long rows of seats that lined both sides of the aisle. "That way we won't block the view."

"That's mighty kind of you, lad," Balin laughed, having come up beside them. "And I have just the spot, come, I will show you." And off they went.

As Kili and Fili watched, more and more guests arrived. The elves, as well as the men and women from Dale, sat mostly in the second row, allowing the shorter dwarves and hobbits to occupy the front where they could see. Bombur was still running around barking out orders near the tables, making sure that every detail was attended to, and would probably keep it up until the last minute.

"I didn't expect so many guests," Kili whispered to Fili as he looked around. The night was lovely, with a warm breeze gently blowing and the moonless sky nearly gleaming from the light of the stars. It appeared that each and every one was shining extra bright just to please Tauriel for her wedding. Thranduil was standing beneath the arch of the trees, looking very stern and powerful, with Flinn and Frerin a short distance to his right.

"It's not every day a prince of Durin marries a lass of the woodland realm," Fili pointed out. "I'm surprised the whole mountain didn't show up, not to mention those from far and wide."

"I'm certain more would have come," Gandalf chuckled as he walked up, apparently having overheard the brother's conversation. "I know for a fact, had he been given time, Bilbo would have loved to be here to see this day."

"Oh, now that would have been grand!" Kili agreed, truly having missed their merry hobbit friend over the past five years. "However, I don't recall him inviting us to his wedding!"

"That's right!" Fili huffed. "All we got was a message later saying the deed was done and over with."

"Much like yours was when we arrived in Erebor ten years ago, Master Fili," Gandalf reminded him, causing the blond prince to blush slightly.

"There were extenuating circumstances," he said in his defense. "It wasn't my fault."

"Nay, it was not," Gandalf laughed, reaching out to pat Fili on the shoulder reassuringly. "And look at what came from those circumstances, as you call them. You have a wonderful wife, and three beautiful children. You should be proud." The wizard then turned his attention back to Kili. "The point is, in your haste to wed, you did not allow any the time to travel here to witness it, thus you cannot fault any for not coming."

"That's fine with me," Kili laughed. "Tauriel and I were not looking to be a spectacle, we just wanted to get married."

"It appears you will get both," the wizard laughed, giving Kili a friendly smile. "I am pleased for you, my lad. It warms my heart to see you, Fili, and Thorin, all so happy in these troubling times. Cherish these moments, draw strength from them…for in time you might be in need of it."

"Now, none of that creepy wizard talk, Gandalf!" Kili insisted, holding up his hand in protest. "Not on my wedding day at least. If you have any ominous predictions, or glimpses of foresight, keep it to yourself. Understand?"

"And who says I have such abilities to see into the future?" the grey clad wizard asked with a chuckle.

"You showed up just in time for Kili's wedding, didn't you?" Fili pointed out.

"Oh, no, that was not foresight," Gandalf denied. "I simply smelled Bombur's delicious cake baking from afar, and came running."

"Sure, whatever you say, Gandalf," Kili laughed. "Whatever you say."

And then there came a loud ringing of the golden bell within Erebor's halls, for it too had been restored back to its place along with the gates. This signaled that the bride was leaving the mountain, and that everyone needed to take their places.

Thorin, who had been milling around, talking to the guests, and in general making sure everyone was properly welcomed, took Marigold by the arm and escorted her to her seat, with little Rose scampering behind. Once they were in place, with baby Raina sleeping in her mother's arms, Thorin moved to stand beside Thranduil. Though he was quite a bit shorter than the elf, he looked no less regal, standing there in his crown and coat that Sier had made him. After the invasion, he had insisted that it be thoroughly laundered, ridding it of any lingering scent of the traitor Hagen.

Bergie was the next to appear, hurrying over to find her chair beside her husband and children. Bomber, apparently at last satisfied with the food preparations, slipped in next to his own wife and family.

Dis came striding into the clearing a moment later, looking more happy and lighthearted than Fili and Kili had seen her in years. She stepped up and removed Freya from her oldest son's arms, before giving both of them a quick kiss on the cheek. Her hand reached up to cup Kili's face, allowing it linger just a moment longer as she gave him a loving smile.

"My baby," she said with a sniffle. "My littlest dwarfling is getting married. Where has the time gone?"

"Oh, Ama," Kili moaned. "Don't embarrass me on my wedding day."

"I wouldn't dream of it," Dis smiled, reaching up to kiss his cheek once more. "But you will always be my baby…don't ever forget that."

She then went to join her husband, Flinn, who was grinning from ear to ear, completely overcome with joy by what was about to take place. The moment Freya was close enough to her grandfather, she wiggled out of Dis' arms and snuggled into Flinn's lap, all the while babbling contentedly to herself.

Fili and Kili moved to stand in front of Thorin and Thranduil, positioning themselves off-center just a bit to make room for Tauriel when she arrived.

"Do you have it ready?" Kili whispered to his brother once they were in place.

"Yep," he nodded with a grin. "It's right behind that bush over there. Don't worry."

"Good." Kili then turned his head and looked around the crowd. Near the front were Bifur and Bofur, however, it appeared that the hatted miner had managed to convince a pretty little dam to occupy the seat on his right. He was currently attempting to engage the shy lass in conversation, and from the wide grin on his face, as well as the slight blush on hers, Kili could only imagine what flowery compliments he was dishing out.

Dori, Ori and Nori were all sitting together, with the youngest of the three brothers holding a tablet full of sketch paper and a charcoal pencil poised in his hand, eager to document the occasion as quickly as his fingers would allow.

Gandalf stood in the back, his grey hat removed as he leaned on his staff, looking quite content with it all. Oin and Gloin were flanked on either side by Dena and Gimli, while Bombur, Ilin and their brood were grinning and waving from their seats up front.

Balin looked genuinely pleased as he leaned over and whispered something to Dwalin, causing the bald war-chief to give a loud bark of laughter. He was quickly shushed by a stern look from his wife, who had originally thought the children would be her biggest worry. Marigold and Rose were smiling at him, the little princess sitting very proper in her chair, so very proud to be a big sister now.

His eyes next fell upon his parents, Dis and Flinn, each one watching him with unshed tears in their eyes. Knowing they were both there, together, and so very happy for him, made this moment all the more special. Kili turned and looked at Thorin, seeing the very same expression on his face. And though he was beyond happy that his father was back, Kili knew in his heart that he would not be standing there today if it had not been for his uncle. Thorin had raised both he and Fili, cared for them, shown them how to fight, and essentially taught them everything they needed to know. And for that, he would be eternally grateful.

Then, there was Fili. His brother, his confidant, his protector, and best friend. Way back when Fili and Sier had married, Kili had feared that their bond would somehow be weakened by this. And yet, it never had…not once. Now, as he stood ready to take that leap into matrimony himself, Kili looked up at his brother, meeting Fili's eyes. And there it was. That look that said everything was going to be just fine. That he was doing the right thing, and that no matter what, his brother would always be there to support him.

Kili was now ready. With no worries, no fears, and no hesitation.

So with everyone he loved present, he turned and stared towards the path that led from the mountain, eager to catch his first glimpse of Tauriel.

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Just around the bend, hidden from view in a grove of peach trees, Tauriel waited impatiently for her signal to proceed. Sier was just in front of her, having offered to be her matron of honor. Kili had mentioned the hobbit tradition to her, and when he had expressed his desire to have Fili to stand up for him, Tauriel had asked Sier to do the same for her. Both agreed readily, and so it was now to be a dwarf and elf wedding, with a little hobbit tradition tossed in.

Tauriel gave a slight shiver, yet it was not from any chill in the air. No, it was from anticipation and excitement, for the day she had long dreamed about had finally arrived. Yet looking back on her childhood fantasies, she had to laugh at how different it had all turned out. Nowhere in her memories had she ever dreamed her groom would be a dwarf, and that she would be marrying him at the foot of the mountain kingdom of Erebor. And still, she knew she would not change a single thing. Kili was her love, her life…and now her future.

"I think they're ready," Sier whispered, looking back at her with a wide smile. "Are you?"

"Oh, yes," Tauriel nodded, eager to see Kili once more.

"Then, let's go," Sier said, turning back around as she made her way from beneath the trees and headed towards where her own husband stood next to his brother.

Tauriel took one final steadying breath and looked up at the stars. The light of Eärendil shown especially bright, giving her the courage and strength she needed to take her first step towards her new life.

All right...seriously...the wedding is next, and it is a LONG chapter. ha ha

Hope you enjoyed everyone arriving and getting ready and in place.

Guest Reviews:

abc: Yes, whole year I have spent with these characters...I will miss them. Bofur has the chair next to him saved and all warmed up for you. Who knew Fili's hidden talent with wreaths? Flinn is overjoyed to be a part of his son's wedding. That's for sure. Dwalin is full of surprises, right? ha ha. Thanks, and I have to ask...what WAS Bofur saying to you while you were waiting for the ceremony to start? You were blushing, don't deny it!

Emrfangirl: I think Kili just spilled food on his pants, grabbing a quick bite to eat before he headed down. Typical. Sorry that Gandalf forgot to pack the Bilbo this time. Happens when you leave in such a hurry, ha ha. And sorry the wedding was more than just A day away...but it will be coming your way tomorrow. ha ha. Thanks for being patient.

Guest: Yep, one full year as of Jan 9th. Wonder what new stories 2017 will bring. ha ha.

Aranel Mereneth: Getting Kili dressed and ready WAS a family affair, wasn't it. I bet Kili was happy Dis was busy with Tauriel and not in there washing behind his ears. ha ha.