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Important notice:
I seem to have run into a bit of a problem. When I wrote Frodo coming to Erebor, and becoming best friends with Flinn, I never thought my story would go on this long...but now it has. Thus I have written myself into a dilemma when it comes to the little Hobbits' ages. Thus, when they were born - as well as how old they were when they went on the quest - is all mixed up.
BUT...this is MY story, right...so I can do whatever I want...can't I? Thus, for the sake of my sanity, please just go with it, and don't start pulling at loose threads, or my whole little world will begin to unravel. ha ha. Thanks.
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Now, on with the show.
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Chapter 151
Namárië = farewell
Le suilon, mae l'ovannen = I greet you, you are well met
Le hannon, Hîr Elrond = Thank you, Lord Elrond
Im gelir na sî = I am happy to be here
~X~
That night they did indeed feast upon both venison and bear, with everyone wanting to know the story behind the kills. Kili took a bit of ribbing, but he bore it well, with Marigold and Bergie fussing over him almost worse than his amad…or even his wife, would have. Thorin and Dwalin only shook their heads in exasperation.
"And Fili was worried about his lads getting into mischief," the dwarf king chuckled.
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The following day, Kili was indeed relegated to the wagon with the children, yet if truth be told, no one was displeased by this…not even him. The children loved having him around, especially since he played games, and told them stories that kept them all entertained. Flinn and Frerin even abandoned riding their pony in favor of spending the day in the wagon with Kili.
"The prince appears to be taking his convalescence well," Thorongil commented, pulling up beside Tauriel as she trailed behind the wagon. From where they sat, they could see Kili's arms waving wildly as he told some fanciful tale that had all the little ones, Théoden included, hanging on his every word.
"Kili is very…enthusiastic," Tauriel smiled, trying to find the perfect word to describe her husband. "While he is a brave and skilled warrior, I find I appreciate his lighter side the most. He is so very full of life."
"Is that what caused you to fall in love with him?" Thorongil asked, yet the moment his words left his lips he appeared repentant. "Forgive me, it is not my place to ask such personal questions."
"I am not offended," Tauriel assured him, having noticed the way the soldier had been watching them the entire trip. "It is a valid question. I am aware that our situation is rather unorthodox. Still, I will not attempt to hide, nor apologize for, the feelings we both share. Kili is the mate of my heart, and I am his one."
"You are Mahal's choice for him?" Thorongil queried, apparently familiar with the dwarf term. "It must be reassuring to have your union blessed by the Valar."
"Aye, it is," Tauriel nodded. "Yet even if it were not, that makes it no less real. Love need not be defined, nor sanctioned by others…it must only be felt in ones hearts." She then turned and stared at the dark haired man, a Ranger from the north, if Thengel had been informed correctly. She had heard about these men, said to be the last remnant of the Dúnedain, who once populated the northern kingdom of Arnor. And though he appeared no different to her than any other man she had met, Tauriel could sense within him something more. "Might your questions stem from personal reasons, and not simply out of passing curiosity?"
Thorongil bowed his head in apparent regret, yet did not answer.
"Now it is I who should apologize for my bold inquiry," Tauriel confessed, noting the man's reluctance to respond.
"Nay…it is a valid question," Thorongil admitted, giving her a half-hearted smile. "You see much, My Lady. Tis true, my heart longs for what is clearly out of reach. Thus I shall go to my grave in despair."
"Out of reach, you say?" Tauriel questioned. "More out of reach than a mere Silvan elf daring to fall in love with a dwarf prince from the line of Durin? Do not give up in defeat just yet, man of the north, for one never knows what the future holds…for any of us." At this she turned and stared once more at Kili, now laughing along with the children with that adorable smile of his that melted her heart. "If anyone had told me that one day I would know such a love, I would have laughed in their face. Yet now…now I know that anything is possible."
"I thank you for your words of hope," Thorongil told her sincerely. "I will remember what you said." He then gave her a respectful nod of his head and kicked his horse into a trot, moving up alongside his men.
Tauriel watched him go, wondering what the curious man was hiding. She could guess that Thorongil was not his true name, yet she sensed no dishonor in him over the need to keep it hidden. She hoped that one day he would find his happiness…just as she had in Kili.
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By the time they reached Rohan, Kili was back to riding Sugar, his ribs no longer tender and the bruises since faded. Thengel insisted that the dwarves stay in Edoras as his guests for at least a few days, in order to rest up and replenish their supplies, of which Thorin was grateful. The children loved all the wide open spaces, making it easy to play tag and run around while still remaining in their parent's view. Little Théoden was only too happy to show his new friends around his home, guiding them to every small nook and cranny that would only be of interest to a child. Thorin and Kili took the opportunity to send word by raven back to Erebor, telling them of their journey thus far and assuring everyone that they were safe and well. It was decided that they would not mention the incident with the bear…much to Kili's relief.
That night, just before dinner, Bergie, Marigold, and Tauriel were gifted with dresses in the style that were worn by the ladies of the Rohirrim. And while the two hobbit lasses' outfits had to be drastically altered to accommodate their small stature, not one of their husbands complained when they all met up outside the dining hall. Kili was especially excited, seeing as how his wife usually favored long tunics and leggings, so having her in a dress was a special delight.
"You look beautiful," he whispered, taking her hand as they followed their host inside.
"I am not sure how other females can bear to wear such garments every day," the elleth complained, twisting her back slightly as if something were pinching her. This of course only caused Kili's smile to widen, as the movement accentuated certain aspects of her form, which he found very appealing.
"Careful, wife," he warned, his voice husky and full of desire. "Keep that up and we will be skipping dinner. Whereupon I will be forced to take you back to our chambers and remove that dress from your delightful body…personally."
"If the gown keeps restricting my movement like it is, then I might just take you up on that, my love," she laughed. "For if we were suddenly attacked, I am not sure I would be able to fight in it."
"I doubt very seriously that we will be set upon by the enemy within the halls of Edoras," Kili laughed. "And while I am sure such a sight would prove to be a great distraction to an attacker, I would prefer that you did not strip down to your small clothes in order to do battle." He squeezed her hand as he waggled his eyebrows at her suggestively. "Only I am to be privy to such a sight…remember?"
"Ah, yes, my jealous dwarf…I remember," she assured him with a wink. "Now, try to keep it in your trousers long enough to enjoy your dinner."
"Just as long as you promise to be my dessert," Kili grinned wickedly.
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When their two days of rest were over, and the company made ready to ride once more, many of the Rohirrim, as well as the king and queen, came out to bid them farewell.
"I had hoped to ask a favor of you, if it is not too much trouble," Thorongil spoke up, approaching Kili and Tauriel as they made ready to leave.
"We will do what we can," Kili assured the man, having grown very fond of the quiet and astute soldier.
"I have a letter here for Lord Elrond," he began, holding out a piece of folded parchment, sealed with a strange symbol in wax. "And since you have said that you plan on passing through Imladris on your way to the Shire, I was hoping you might be convinced to deliver it for me."
"Lord Elrond?" Kili questioned, taking the letter from him and looking at the inscription on the front, turning it left and right as he squinted at the writing. "Is that what is says? I don't read elvish."
"It is addressed plain enough to those who do," Tauriel smiled, taking the item from her husband and tucking it into her pack. "We will see he receives it, Thorongil, on my honor."
"You have my thanks," the tall man said, bowing to the dwarf and elf. "It has been a pleasure, Prince Kili…Princess Tauriel. Long have the sons of Durin been but a legend to me, I count myself blessed to have met the kin of the renowned dwarf father at last. I wish you all a safe journey."
"And I wish you your heart's happiness, Thorongil," Tauriel replied, hinting at the conversation they had shared on the road. "For if ever I met anyone more deserving…I cannot recall."
"You are too kind, My Lady," the man said with a smile of gratitude. "Namárië."
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"May the remainder of your journey be a pleasant one," Thengel told Thorin, nodding his head to the dwarf king and his companions. "And know that if you are ever again in the land of the horse lords, you are most welcome."
"As are you, and yours, in the halls of Erebor," Thorin assured him, returning the gesture of respect. "May your lands prosper and your sword arm never fail."
And with a final wave, they set off once more, heading around the Gap of Rohan and north towards Rivendell.
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"I am very much looking forward to gazing upon the wonder of Imladris," Tauriel told Kili as they rode. "Tales of the Last Homely House East of the Sea have even reached the ears of those of us in Mirkwood, and I am anxious to see if they are true."
"I can't wait to get there as well," the dwarf said with a wide grin.
"Oh?" his wife questioned. "And why is that? Have you not already been a guest of Lord Elrond once before?"
"Yes. But his sons, Elladan and Elrohir, were not present the last time we came through," Kili pointed out. "And while they have twice now been a guest in our halls, they have yet to play host to us."
"Ah, yes, I know all about how you and your brother have an ongoing battle of wits with the sons of Elrond. I was present both times in Thranduil's halls when Lord Glorfindel and the brothers returned from Erebor, having recently been victims of your pranks upon them." Tauriel laughed and shook her head, recalling the looks on Elladan and Elrohir's faces when they told about the dragon-fire spices in their food, or the gifts they had been given…which Thranduil had tossed in the lake out of irritation. "I have also since heard how rude you all were the last time you passed through Imladris. I do hope you plan to be a better guest this visit. Lord Elrond might be known for his tolerance, but I am willing to bet that even he has his limits."
"Don't worry, I will be on my best behavior where the elf lord is concerned," Kili swore, holding his hand up in a gesture of goodwill. "However…you can't expect me to pass up an opportunity to play a little prank on his sons, now can you?"
"You wouldn't dare!" Tauriel gasped, whipping her head around to stare at Kili in astonishment.
"I would…and I will," her husband assured her, digging out a small pouch from his saddle bag. He began tossing it up in the air and catching it, an evil grin spreading across his face. "Fili and I have been planning this one for a while now. He's only sorry he won't be there to see the looks of surprise on their identical faces."
"Kili… I beg of you to reconsider," Tauriel pleaded. "These are princes of a royal house."
"Then who better to prank them, than two other princes of a royal house?" Kili argued, unwilling to be swayed by her plea. "Don't worry, my little firebrand…all will be well. Trust me."
And while Kili had never given her reason to do otherwise…this time she was a bit unsure.
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After a great deal of travel, with only a few minor incidents with goblins, and the odd wild warg, they reached Rivendell at last. As the weary travelers crested the rise that gave them their first view of the elven home, Tauriel let out a gasp of wonder. For there it was, nestled against a sheer rock wall, with waterfalls, trees, and every color of flower you could imagine surrounding it. At the base, the cascading waters formed a lovely pool, and everything felt peaceful and calm.
"It's beautiful," Tauriel whispered, reaching out and taking Kili's hand in hers. "I heard tell of its splendor…but the tales did not do it justice."
"Yes…I suppose it is rather fair," Kili agreed. "But, it's no Erebor."
Tauriel turned and stared at her husband, watching his eyes flash with humor as he smiled at her.
"You're teasing me," she laughed.
"Yes, but only because I love to see you smile," Kili revealed. "And while I still find Erebor more to my tastes, even I can recognize the beauty held here."
"Thank you for bringing me," Tauriel said, leaning over and kissing his cheek.
"I would take you anywhere you wished to go, my love," he promised. "As long as you let me come too." With a smile, the two of them urged their mounts into motion as the company began to make their way towards the bridge.
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"Welcome to Imladris," Elrond greeted, as soon as they drew near. "Please, take your ease and rest from your travels for as long as you wish. We have been expecting you with great anticipation."
"Oh?" Thorin questioned, giving the elf lord a curious look. "And why would that be? We sent no message that we were coming."
"True," the tall, dark elf agreed. "Yet you were not the only ones in Middle Earth who knew of your plans to journey to the Shire, and it was they who informed me of your impending visit."
"And just who might this spy and informant be?" Thorin demanded, his face creased with anger at the news.
"That would be me, old friend," came a kindly voice off to the side. Everyone turned to see the much beloved grey wizard, leaning on his staff with a wide smile.
"Gandalf!" Thorin laughed, all signs of his ire gone at the sight of his wily friend. He quickly dismounted and stepped over to greet him. "It is good to see you once more. What has it been…nearly a year since your last visit."
"Aye, I fear I have been kept unexpectedly busy as of late," he nodded. "Wizard business, you know…very secretive." The last part he said with a wink, causing Thorin to chuckle softly.
"Of course," the king agreed. "What other kind of business is there?"
"Mister Gandalf! Mister Gandalf!" came the cry of excitement from the wagon, as Flinn, Frerin, Rose, Tor, and Tal all scrambled out the back and came rushing over to surround the old wizard, peppering him with a myriad of questions.
"Did you bring any of your fireworks with you?"
"How long have you been here?"
"Will you be going with us to the Shire?"
"Can you show us some magic with your staff?"
"Do you have any sweets?"
"Can I wear your hat?"
Unable to field all their inquiries at once, he simply broke out in laughter, enjoying the endearing voices of the Erebor children once more.
"And who else, besides these engaging little ones, have you brought to our boarders, Thorin Oakenshield?" Elrond inquired, also delighted by the small guests.
Thorin put his finger to his lips, instantly silencing the children before making his way to the wagon. Taking their sleeping babe from Marigold's arms, he next assisted his wife down before escorting her to where the elf stood.
"Lord Elrond, may I present my wife, and queen of Erebor, Marigold," he introduced. "Though it is my understanding that you two are already acquainted, due to the fact that she was among Bilbo's party when he came through Rivendell a little over six years ago."
"Ah, yes," Elrond smiled, bowing to the diminutive hobbit. "Marigold Brandybuck, if memory serves me correctly. It is indeed a pleasure to see you again."
"You as well, Lord Elrond," she replied, blushing slightly at his warm smile.
"And this is our older daughter, Princess Rose," Thorin continued, waving the dark haired lass over, rather pleased when she gave a stylish curtsy. "As well as our newest addition…Raina."
"Raina?" Elrond's eyebrow rose in surprise over the obvious elvish name, yet he had the decency to hold back his questions…for now. "My lands are now thrice blessed by the beauty of your family, Thorin. You have many precious gems, to be sure."
Thorin only nodded proudly, as if he was personally responsible for each and every one.
"It's very kind of you to offer us shelter, Lord Elrond, especially when we have arrived unannounced," Marigold spoke up sweetly.
"The sons of Durin, as well as their kin, are always welcome in my home," the tall elf assured her, looking over the rest of the party. "And it would appear we are also privileged to entertain one of Erebor's princes as well. My sons have spoken very highly about you...Prince Kili, is it not?"
"It is indeed," the dark haired dwarf nodded, dismounting and stepping towards Elrond, bowing low. "And might I inquire as to where Elladan and Elrohir might be? I had dearly hoped to catch up with them while here."
"They are currently out hunting, for they have since informed me that dwarves require meat at their meals…and lots of it." Here he gave Thorin a look of amusement, recalling the food they had been served the last time the company had passed through Rivendell. Yet, my sons will be back later this evening," he told Kili with a knowing smile. "They too have been eagerly anticipating your arrival, though I am sure they will be disappointed that your brother did not accompany you."
"Prince Fili remained in Erebor, to rule in my stead," Thorin explained. "He will one day be king after me, thus it was required he stay behind to fulfil his duty. The mountain must have her king."
"Such is the burden of rulership," Elrond nodded in understanding. "Still, it is a great pleasure to welcome so many familiar faces once again. Master Dwalin, I hear congratulations are also in order, as I also recognize your bride as well. Welcome again to our humble home, Bergamot Bracegirdle."
"And a more lovely place to rest my weary bones I can't imagine," Bergie stated, stepping down from the wagon as she rubbed her sore backside. "I had forgotten just how far it was from the Shire to Erebor, and I'm tickled pink we'll be spending a good long while in my homeland before our return trip." She then called Tor and Tal to her side, with Dwalin planting himself behind them, arms crossed in an effort to look imposing. "And these are my wee ones, Torin and Talin. Say hello to the nice elf lord."
"Torin…"
"And Talin…"
"At your service," they said in unison, bowing just as their father had taught them.
"I thank you very much for such a fine offer," Elrond replied, nodding to them in return. "And who might these two belong to?" he continued, eying Flinn and Frerin.
"I'm Flinn, son of Prince Fili," the blond dwarfling stated proudly, also bowing respectfully to the elf.
"Me too!" Frerin piped up, though he quickly became a bit flustered. "I mean, my adad's Prince Fili as well…not that my name is Flinn. I'm Frerin."
"And two finer lads I have yet to meet," Elrond chuckled. However, when his eyes fell upon the tall red haired elleth who came to stand beside Kili, his eyes grew wide. "Le suilon, mae l'ovannen," he stated, placing his hand over his heart and bowing to Tauriel.
"Le hannon, Hîr Elrond," she replied, returning the gesture. "Im gelir na sî. Long have I desired to gaze upon the majesty of your home."
"It has been many years since we have been graced by one of our Silvan kin from Mirkwood," Elrond told her. "Though, Thranduil's son, Prince Legolas, has been known to visit from time to time. What brings you, my lady? Do you bear a message from your king?"
"Actually," Kili spoke up proudly, reaching out to take Tauriel's hand in his. "She is no longer under Thranduil's rule. Tauriel is my wife, and has been so for the past year."
Elrond appeared genuinely surprised by this news, and glanced over at Gandalf suspiciously.
"Forgive me, old friend, but I was forbidden to tell anyone of this," the grey wizard explained, looking apologetic. "King Thorin did not wish for the news to get back to Bilbo until he could travel there himself and see his expression personally when he was told."
"And I see you have managed to keep your word, old friend," Thorin laughed, slapping Gandalf on the back.
"Well, this is indeed a surprise…yet a pleasant one, I assure you," the elf lord stated turning back to Kili and Tauriel. "I am very interested in hearing how this all came about. For many years there has been a senseless rift between the sons of Mahal and the first born of Arda. I am overjoyed to see that our races appear to be taking positive steps towards peace at last." He turned and gave Thorin an amused look. "You never fail to surprise me, King Thorin."
"To be perfectly honest…sometimes I even surprise myself," the dwarf king laughed, giving Kili and Tauriel a wink of approval before they all followed Elrond inside.
I kind of felt this was a transition chapter...getting them from point A to point B. But it couldn't be helped. However, to make up for it, I will be posting another one sooner than planned...like this weekend!
So, looks like Kili has something planned...I really hope it goes better than his bucket of water prank he tried to pull on Fili, but got Thorin instead. We shall see...
And looks like Thorongil is in love with a lass who is out of his reach. Boy, I hope he gets her one day...hee hee.
They have arrived! Strike up the band, lay out the food...but hide your breakables and all your pretty elf lasses! Kili is in the building! ha ha.
Guest Reviews:
darkone7142: Yep, Dis is pretty awesome. She can do anything, even birth a baby at her age while fretting about her fainting husband. ha ha. Sorry you got sick. I will send Oin over right away with some herbs and hot soup...that will fix you up. OR...would you prefer another dwarf to deliver it? ha ha. Thanks.
Feu d'Argent: Sleep is highly over rated. Until you start having strange hallucinations...then seriously...get some shut-eye! Ha ha, you thought Thorongil was Legolas? ha ha. too funny. Well it looks like you are going to get quite a few more chapters, with the way things are going now. ha ha. Not sure if I can pull off 200 though. Balin is an old softie. ha ha. Freya was NOT happy to see everyone leaving her behind...AGAIN! Frodo and the others are coming...well the ones who have been born at least. ha ha. I have no idea what an Alcott Daisy verses a Fitzgerald Daisy is. Thanks!
abc: On the road again, they just can't wait to get on the road again...ha ha. Yes, Bilbo's wife is a puzzler...what if he just made her up to that Dis would not feel bad about stomping on his little heart? ha ha. No...there is a Daisy. Honest. Yes, Fili has a very good support system on his side. But I think Kili needs more help than Fili does. ha ha. Tauriel will keep an eye on everyone. I thought it was a nice way to celebrate their first year...and get that dried up old wreath off the wall. ha ha. Glad you enjoyed Aragorn popping up. And I won't let things get too hairy on their journey to the Shire. Well...maybe a little hairy. ha ha. Thanks.
Emrfangirl: Ha ha, no, Fili will not burn the mountain down. He is more responsible than that. Now Kili I WOULD worry about. I think Kili learned his lesson about hesitation in the face of a bear. Glad you caught on to who Thorongil was. Oh, great googly-moogly, don't get me started on hobbit/dwarf genealogy...it makes my heard hurt. But I do suppose Torin is not THAT closely related to most of the little dams. But why chance it? ha ha. Yep, Bomber's kids are free for the taking...no relation at all. Bergie and Marigold will indeed be interrogating this poor Daisy. Man, she won't know what hit her. ha ha. Thanks!