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Now...shall we have a wedding?

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Chapter 144

~X~

Kili was fidgeting where he stood, craning his neck in hopes of spotting her soon. Sier stepped forward, coming into view and causing his heart to speed up. Tauriel would be next…in just a moment he would see her. His brother's wife flashed him a happy smile, telling him to hold on just a little longer, before she came to stand across from them both.

And then, there she was…his Tauriel, appearing from the trees like some mythical queen from stories of old. She was beautiful…no, more than that, she was exquisite! Her white gown nearly glowed, as did the star-flowers within the wreath upon her head. The torches that illuminated the orchard caused her hair to look as if it too were on fire, and her lovely green eyes were trained solely on him. She was perfection, and soon she would be all his. Kili watched her walk towards him, her dress trailing behind her along the grassy path. The wind suddenly picked up, causing a myriad of pink blossoms to shower down around her like snow, taking his breath away at just how amazing the moment was. He would remember and cherish this sight of her for the rest of his life, never allowing it to fade, or his appreciation to wane.

Tauriel too was overcome by the sight of Kili. He was groomed to perfection with a stunning blue and gold tunic that bore the crest of Durin on the front. He was smiling from ear to ear, and she could easily see the love shining in his eyes as he watched her approach. Her heart leapt in her chest and she couldn't help but quicken her pace, eager to be with him once more.

When she at last was standing beside him, he reached out and offered her his hand, blushing slightly when he realized it was shaking. Still, Tauriel only smiled, took it in hers, and the two of them stepped forward, presenting themselves to Thorin and Thranduil.

The elf and dwarf king had talked about how they would proceed, wishing for the ceremony to go smoothly, without either of them growing angry with the other and ruining this night. It spoke highly of their desire for peace between their people, as well as their affection for the couple before them.

"Have you both come here out of loyalty, honor and a willing heart?" Thorin began, speaking the opening words of a traditional dwarf wedding.

"Aye," Kili answered, then looked up at Tauriel.

"I have," she assured him, meeting his gaze. "A very willing heart."

This left Kili grinning from ear to ear, his enthusiasm over her reply almost making him miss Thranduil's next words.

"We gather this eve, under the boughs of the trees, which have sheltered our people in times of plenty and need," he began, gesturing to the branches and leaves above them. "To unite together two who wish to be bonded together in love. Let those who seek this union be named."

"Kili, prince of Erebor, son of Flinn, son of Frár." Here Kili paused and looked over at his parents, both of them beaming with pride. "Also son of Dis, daughter of Thráin, son of Thrór. The second heir to Thorin Oakenshield, king of Erebor, and from the line of Durin. I come to be wed." Kili stated, his voice firm and strong.

"Tauriel, Silvan daughter of Derhawn and Gwenï, captain of the guard and elleth of the Greenwood," Tauriel spoke next, listing her lineage as well. "I too come to be wed."

"We welcome you to this grove with joy, and ask that the blessings of the Valar be upon you tonight…and for the rest of your days." Thranduil stated, spreading out his palms in greeting. He then stood tall and began to speak in Sindarin, repeating the age old blessing given to those who chose to unite in marriage. It was a long, flowery bunch of words, which rolled off his tongue with ease and sounded more like music to those in attendance. When he was finished, all the elves present repeated the final word back in a hushed tone, apparently offering their approval to the couple as well.

"What did he say?" Kili whispered, understanding none of what had been said.

"I'll tell you later," Tauriel answered, her eyes sparkling with hidden tears. "But it was beautiful."

Thranduil then turned and looked at Thorin, offering him the opportunity to speak next.

"As king of Erebor, and uncle to the groom, I ask, who stands for the bride? Who among you speaks for her character and recommend her to this dwarrow?" And while he knew the answer, Thorin waited for Thranduil to speak.

"I hold that honor," the elf king stated, bowing slightly to Tauriel as he gave her an unexpected smile.

"And has Prince Kili offered you proper compensation for the bride's hand?" Thorin continued, also knowing the answer before it was given.

"He has," Thranduil replied a bit stiffly, offering no more confirmation than that…though none was needed.

"Then we shall commence with the vows," Thorin nodded, knowing that they had decided that he would go first in this part. "Kili, son of Flinn and Dis, son of Durin, do you claim this maiden as your mate and companion for the remainder of your days? Will you protect her, show her honor, and take on the role of her champion in all things?"

"I accept, and hereby swear to do so," Kili stated, his voice never wavering nor his smile dimming.

"And will you, Tauriel, daughter of Derhawn and Gwenï, ward of Lord Thranduil, accept this dwarrow as your mate and companion for the remainder of your days? Will you care for him, show him honor, and take on the role of his comforter in all things?"

"I accept and hereby swear to do so," she assured him, but where they expected her to stop, she continued on. "I also swear to be his protector and stand as his champion if ever the need arises."

This was quite unheard of, a lass promising to protect her mate, but instead of being offended by her words, Kili burst out laughing.

"And I accept her offer gladly," he said in a loud voice. "For Tauriel has saved my sorry hide more times than I can count, and I'm extremely grateful for her skill and protection." He then raised her hand to his and gave it a loving kiss.

This caused the rest of the guests to breathe a sigh of relief, having been afraid that such a statement might have proven ill for their union. Yet, knowing Kili the way most did, they knew that he would in no way have seen it as a slight. Instead, viewing it as the proclamation of love, as it had been intended.

"Kili, do you have a token to give to your bride?" the king asked, also rather amused by the elleth's words and Kili's reaction to them.

The dark haired prince nodded and looked over at Frerin, who already had his hand in his pocket, digging around for the bead it held. Once he had fished it out, he raced over and held it up for Kili to take, his childish grin rather infectious. Taking the bead, he gave Frerin a wink of appreciation, watching as the lad returned to stand proudly beside his brother.

Kili turned back to Tauriel, raising the gold and diamond bead to her braid and securely snapping it in place. He then let the plait and bead fall back against the bare skin above her neckline, loving how it caressed the flesh that he so longed to touch himself. Yet that would have to wait for later, and with one last look at his bride's smiling face, Kili turned his attention back to Thranduil who was now speaking again.

"Tauriel of the Greenwood, by your words and actions, you have thus claimed Prince Kili as your mate. Let the setting of the sun, the rising of the moon, and the shining of the stars bear witness to this." He then turned to Kili. "And you, Prince Kili of Erebor, by your words and actions, you have also claimed Tauriel as your mate. Let the setting of the sun, the rising of the moon, and the shining of the stars bear witness to this." Thranduil then turned and gave little Flinn a slight nod, causing the lad to hurry over and hand the elf king a length of green ribbon from his pocket, a wide smile of pride on his face.

"Thank you, young Flinn," Thranduil said in acknowledgment, making the dwarfling grin ever wider, before he too returned to his place beside Frerin. "As the trees must bend to survive a storm, you two must be willing to bend as well. When troubles arise, change harsh words to whispers, your tears to joy, and your anger to love. For there is no weakness in admitting a wrong…only strength in the lessons learned." He then took the green ribbon, and nodding for them to extend their arms, Tauriel's hand laid over Kili's, he loosely draped the ribbon around their wrists, letting the ends fall down on each side. "As this binds your hands together, so are you now bound as one. By the laws of the Children of Ilúvatar, you are wed."

"And in the eyes of the Khazad, the two of you are hereby bound together in heart, mind and body," Thorin all but reiterated. "Kili, I give you your wife. Tauriel, I present to you your husband. Let it be written in the ancient scrolls of our line that a new daughter of Durin has been accepted."

At that, a loud cheer rose from the crowd, mostly from the dwarves and men, while the elves simply smiled and nodded their silent approval. When the audience simmered down a bit, Thorin gestured to Kili and Tauriel with a smile.

"Will you be kissing your bride now?" Though he hardly thought he needed to encourage such a thing from his impulsive nephew. Yet instead of taking his uncle up on his offer straight away, Kili instead turned and looked at his brother expectantly.

"Oh…right!" Fili all but leapt into action, heading for a nearby bush and extracting a sturdy box that had been hidden behind it. Returning quickly, Kili stepped aside, allowing his brother to place it down in front of Tauriel. And with everyone looking on in shock and wonder, the dark haired prince leapt atop it and stared his bride directly in the eye…for they were now of the same height.

"I figured our first kiss as husband and wife should be done on equal footing…or at least equal height." And before she could say a word, he took her in his arms, bending her back just slightly and kissed her firmly. Once more the crowd cheered…and this time, even the elves joined in.

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It didn't take long for a throng of well-wishers to crowd around them, hugging, kissing, and telling them both how happy they were. And while Kili and Tauriel took it all in stride, accepting their happy words, what they truly wanted was to have a few moments alone. Yet this did not happen, as they were immediately whisked away to the reception area, where Bombur had indeed provided a feast fit for a king…three of them, in fact.

Kili and Tauriel sat next to each other, with Sier on one side and Fili on the other, the rest of the table filled with family and friends. And even if they were not totally alone, the two did find a way to connect with each other, by interlinking their hands beneath the table, and exchanging looks of utter love as they ate.

The evening was a success, with everyone present having plenty to eat, drink, and celebrate. Even the elves, who often came across as sullen, seemed to be having a good time, mixing with men and dwarves alike. It would appear that having one of their own - and their captain at that – marry into the race of dwarves had softened their opinions somewhat. Possibly taking a cue from their king, who was currently sitting beside Thorin, politely conversing. Thorin made sure that the elves were served meat this time, not wishing to make that mistake again.

"Well…it's done," Thorin said, giving a bit of a sigh. "Did you ever think you would live to see this day?" When Thranduil raised an eyebrow at his choice of words, Thorin rolled his eyes and rephrased his question. "Did you ever think this day would happen?"

"No, I did not," Thranduil confirmed, taking a sip of his wine as he looked out over the gathering before him. "Makes me miss the days when I could simply toss you into my dungeons without a second thought."

This made Thorin snort just a bit, but he covered it well by drinking deeply from his mug of ale.

"Aye, and the days when I didn't have to watch my tongue around your kind, referring to elves with every manner of foul speech," Thorin added, once he had swallowed successfully.

"Do not play false with me, Thorin Oakenshield," Thranduil told him imperiously. "I know full well that you still harbor such thoughts in the privacy of your own rooms…or at least your own mind." And while the sentiments might have seemed harsh, the tone in which he spoke them contradicted his resentment.

"True…yet no more so than you," Thorin agreed, giving the elf a side glance, the two of them unable to keep a brief smirk from appearing on their lips.

Marigold, who had been listening to the two of them, and all the while shaking her head in exasperation, finally spoke.

"I believe this union will be good for both of you," the queen said, her gaze drifting to where Kili and Tauriel sat. "For now, you two will have even more reason to lay your differences to rest. Not only will it be prudent for our kingdoms, but it will ensure the happiness of those we care about. For if we cannot get along peacefully…how can we expect Kili and Tauriel to remain here, or in Mirkwood? And you wouldn't wish to drive them away…would you?" Here she gave them both a very stern glare, which was not easy for such a lovely little hobbit.

However, even if it was like a bunny-rabbit trying to look vicious, the two kings bowed their heads in acquiescence.

"You are correct, Your Highness," Thranduil stated, raising his glass to her in a gesture of honor. "Your husband and I will indeed continue to strive towards more peaceful and amiable relations for our people."

"It would be most prudent," Thorin agreed, reaching over and squeezing her hand. "We will see it happen."

"Good," she nodded, looking as if she had just won a war. And perhaps she had…in a small way.

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When the music began to play, and the bride and groom made their way out to the clearing set aside for dancing, everyone was anxious to see how the pair looked. The height difference was still a bit comical to some, though other than the use of the box to kiss her for the first time, Kili didn't seem to notice at all. In fact, her long legs were something he found rather appealing.

"Kili…I don't know any dwarf dances," Tauriel whispered, her eyes looking rather nervous. "I will make a fool of myself."

"Never," he countered. "And I'm not the best dancer in all of Middle Earth myself, you know. But that's the beauty of dancing…you can't ever go wrong. Just move to the rhythm, and have fun!"

And as Kili took her by the hand, and began to twirl her around to the beat of the music, Tauriel couldn't keep the happy smile off her face. They danced with such abandon, such joy, that each and every guest had to admit that they made a lovely pair.

"You dance divine," Kili told his wife, as they took another turn around the clearing, others soon joining them as the area began to fill. "I'm the luckiest dwarrow around to have you as my partner."

"Partner in all things, from here on out," Tauriel assured him, always enjoying this side of Kili. He was exuberant, energetic and extremely animated, and it made her feel more alive than she had in the past several hundred years. He was exactly what she needed in her life, and she thanked the Valar every day for throwing him into her path.

And around and around they went again, laughing and dancing until their legs nearly wore out.

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Bard, who had been standing near the edge of the dance area was watching the bride and groom with a rather wistful smile.

"You're thinking of Mum, aren't you, Da?" Tilda asked, recognizing that look on her father's face quite well. It was something he often did, though perhaps not as much as he used to. Time always had a way of dulling the edges of an old ache, even ones of the heart.

"Aye, she would have loved this night," he nodded, taking another swig from his tankard. "It is nice to see Kili so happy, and though I've not known Tauriel for long, the two seem a very good match."

"I think they complement each other well," Tilda nodded. "He is wild and headstrong, and she is steady and calm. One will even the other out well."

"I would like to see you so well matched, my daughter," Bard stated, turning to look at her in a serious manner. "I do not want you to remain alone. I wish for you to find love as well."

"Da…I don't think…" she was halted there by Bard's hand coming up to stop her, silencing her words as he gave her a small smile.

"Do you know that I fell in love with your mum the moment I laid eyes on her?" he asked, watching as his daughter shook her head, never having heard this from her father before. "Oh, yes, I was instantly besotted by her, yet I never dreamed that she would ever think me good enough for her…nor her father, for that matter. I wasted quite a lot of time, time that could have been better spent together. It was she who finally spoke first, telling me that if I didn't finally act on my feelings, she would stop waiting and go find someone else who was willing to court her. Well, that set me straight…and not two weeks later, I asked her to be mine forever." Again, Bard got that far away look in his eyes, and this time his brows came together in a frown. "Yet no one is guaranteed forever, my darling Tilda. Not you, not me, and certainly not Dunner. So my advice is to act upon your feelings and don't let life pass you by."

"You…you know of my feelings for Dunner?" she gasped, having already suspected, yet it was unsettling to have him say it out loud.

"I have for some time now," he nodded, getting a rather goofy grin on his face. "I'm your father, I see many things…including what happened down in the parlor last night."

At this, Tilda's hand flew to her lips as her eyes grew wide in horror.

"Oh…Da!" she whispered.

"Now, now, I'm not upset," he assured her quickly. "And if you are delaying in any way on my account, don't. While I would love to keep you at my side forever, I will not stand in the way of your happiness. At least with Dunner, I know that you will remain in Dale, and not go running off to Rohan like your sister did. Besides, I want more grandchildren! And not the kind I only get to see once a year, if I'm lucky."

"Grandchildren?" Tilda repeated, a giggle escaping her now upturned lips. "Da…I have yet to even tell him of my feelings and you're already talking about grandchildren?"

"Well, Bain is certainly not going to give me any at the rate he's going!" Bard huffed. "I swear, that boy is as tight lipped as you, when it comes to that pretty lass, Brenna!"

"You know about Brenna too?" Now this was news to Tilda.

"I'm not as old and foolish as you two think I am," Bard snorted, looking a bit offended by their attempts to keep him in the dark. "Now, Dunner is standing right over there," here he paused and pointed towards a nearby table where a few of the soldiers were standing around talking. "Why not go ask him to dance? If he does not take the hint after that…well, then maybe I was wrong about him being good enough for you."

"Do you truly think him so? Worthy I mean?" Tilda asked, her eyes straying to where the object of her affections stood.

"No man will ever truly be worthy of you, my precious Tilda," Bard stated. "Yet, if he pleases you…then who am I to disagree?"

"You're my Da, and that means you're everything," Tilda countered, reaching up on her tiptoes and kissing him on the cheek. "I love you."

"And I you," he said. "Now go, before I change my mind and lock you in a tall tower and never let you leave."

"Dale has no tall towers to speak of," Tilda laughed.

"Then I'll build one," Bard laughed. "I'm in pretty good standing with some dwarves I know, and they're mighty handy with stone. And if I tell Fili and Kili what it's for, I'm willing to bet it would get done a lot faster."

"Da! You wouldn't!" Tilda gasped.

"No, of course not," he assured her with a wink, giving his daughter a gentle nudge in the direction of Dunner.

Tilda rewarded her father with one last loving smile, before turning and heading over to where her soldier stood talking. When the group saw her approach, they all stiffened and stood at attention, bowing to their princess in respect.

"Captain Dunner," she began, her voice firm and full of confidence. "Might I impose on you to escort me in a dance?"

"A dance? Me?" he gasped, looking from her to his comrades, and then back in surprise.

"You do dance, do you not?" she questioned in a teasing tone. "If not, I suppose I could ask Bofur…or perhaps Nori. They do not seem otherwise occupied." She quickly turned to leave, yet a smile tugged at her lips as she heard him speak behind her.

"No! Wait…I would be honored, Your Highness," he stammered, reaching out and taking her hand in an effort to stop her. "I would be very pleased to dance with you."

"Excellent," she smiled. "Shall we then?" And without another word, she led him away from his stunned friends and out among the other dancers.

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Bain, who had been talking to Dwalin and Bergie, spotted his sister and Dunner, and after politely excusing himself, he headed straight for his father.

"Do you see what Tilda is doing?" he hissed, eyeing Dunner with suspicious eyes. "What are you going to do about it?"

"Not a blasted thing," Bard told his son, acting as if nothing was amiss as he downed the last of his ale.

"What? Why not?" Bain barked out.

"Because I'm the one who told her to go dance with him, that's why," the king of Dale laughed. "Just as I'm now going to tell you to go ask Brenna to dance was well."

"B-b-brenna?" Bain sputtered, almost choking on the word. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, get your sorry arse over there and dance with the girl," Bard ordered, pointing his empty mug in the lass' direction. "You have been mooning over her for months now, and I'm getting tired of acting like I don't have a clue."

"You knew…all this time?" Bain asked in a surprised tone.

"Why do all my children think I'm both blind and addle-brained?" Bard huffed incredulously. "They didn't make me king on my looks alone, you know. I have a mind, as well as two good eyes. In fact, I have already spoken wither her father, and we both agree it would be a fine match. We are willing to set down and work up a marriage contract whenever you like…assuming you ever get up the nerve to ask the lass."

"Marriage contract…us?" All thoughts of Tilda and Dunner had now completely left his mind, leaving Bain in a state of utter shock. "You approve of her? You would accept her as my choice in a bride."

"Of course I would, Brenna is a lovely girl," Bard nodded. "She is a kind and respectful lass, and her family is well spoken of in the city. But if you two keep skulking around and meeting in secret – which has truly not been all that secret – her father and I might insist you get married simply to salvage your reputations. I mean, don't you think it was a bit obvious the other night when Fili foisted her off to you to dance with? You don't honestly believe that was purely by chance, do you?"

"You mean…Fili did it on purpose?" Bain's head whipped around to stare at the devious dwarf who was busy talking with his wife.

"Those blinded by love often do not see what is right in front of them," Bard laughed with a shake of his head. "Now…I will tell you the same thing I told Tilda. Go, ask Brenna to dance, and for goodness sakes, lad…ask to court the girl openly!"

Bain looked at his father for a few moments more, before a wide wolfish smile spread over his face. He then pulled him into a manly embrace, slapping him on the back several times in happiness.

"Thank you, Da," Bain told him as he pulled back. "Thank you."

"None needed," Bard told him with a jerk of his head. "Now, get going, your lass is waiting."

And off Bain went, his feet hardly touching the ground as he hurried to her side, taking her hand and whispering something in her ear before the two made their way to the dance area. When Bain's eyes met with Tilda's, they exchanged approving looks, each one pleased for the other. Yet no one appeared as happy over this as Bard.

"Yep…Dis was right. Grandbabies are a parent's true reward." He then looked down at his empty mug with a frown. "But right now I think I need a reward of another kind…one in liquid form." And off he went towards the refreshment table, his eyes keenly focused on the keg of ale.

Well, at least Bard knows what HE wants. ha ha.

And Bain and Tilda have the green light from their Da. Or perhaps Bard still might commission that tall stone tower. ha ha. How long can you grow your hair, Tilda?

Well, did you like the wedding? The vows? Flinn being the ribbon bearer? Tauriel adding in her own lines? THE BOX?

Guest Reviews:

JayJay: I am just happy the weather was nice! It snowed five inches on my wedding day, so you can imagine my concern. ha ha. There is a part of me that does not want it to be over either...but then there is this other part of me that seems to think I need my life back. ha ha. Real life is highly over rated though...right? ha ha. Thanks

Aranel Mereneth: I thought this was a good time for Kili to reflect on all his blessings. He has great friends, a wonderful family and soon a beautiful wife. And your request about the snippets is duly noted. Thanks

Qwikshot16yahoo: Of course we will see some chicklets for Kili and Tauriel. but not sure what 'newvsprog' is...is it some strange food I don't know about. ha ha. Thanks

Guest: Oh, yes, an infinity loop of dwarfy-goodness. I LIKE IT. ha ha. Well, it ain't over yet. ha ha. Thanks.

dojoson41: ha ha, no, the new picture will not be staying, it was just put up there for a few days to let you all see what I based their outfits on. I will go back to my original one this weekend. Sorry I scared you. ha ha. And if I were done with the story...man was that ever a sucky place to leave you all hanging. ha ha. Sorry about you working nights...maybe Fili can sit with you one night while he is on watch duty? And sorry about the cliffhanger there. oops.

gginsc: Who are sweet? There were a LOT of different characters in that chapter. And they will all give you cavities. ha ha. thanks

Emrfangirl: Yes, it had a lot of touchy feely stuff. in it. Yep, Tauriel's peeps came to support her. Freya is a daddy's girl...and a grandaddy's girl. ha ha ha, yes, I could see him tripping. ha ha. Yes, only one more day and you get your wedding. Well, less than a day now...like six hours. Thanks

abc: Yes, everyone is in place (even you) and now the ceremony can start. I am glad you had a good view, but you keeping all that sweet talk he said to yourself is just downright selfish! ha ha. You will have to wait and see what Thranduil is up to. As you know, I am starting on the snippet chapters now...we will see how fast I can crank them out. I too appreciate those who draw our favorite characters and share with us. I used to draw a long time ago...but I think I forgot how and now my fingers only know how to type. ha ha.

Feu d'Argent: Well I hope so. ha ha. The snippets will be longer. ha ha. Sorry about your math test. I think Flinn Freya and Frerin COULD take over the world! Flinn is indeed where he should be...he belongs with his brother. I do like tying my story together...but the epilogue will do that the best...I hope. ha ha. Thanks