.
Just a little something to brighten your weekend.
Enjoy
.
Chapter 152
Hennaid, hîr nín – Thank you, my lord
~X~
Everyone was soon shown to their quarters, including the soldiers in Thorin's guard. Marigold, Bergie and Tauriel were beyond pleased when they were offered the use of the bathing rooms, anxious to be clean and fresh once more. The children, on the other hand, were not quite as happy about the prospect of a bath, but they too complied without much grumbling. Dwalin and Kili were assigned to make sure Torin, Flinn, and Frerin were properly scrubbed and dressed, since Flinn was still unwilling to let any other dam besides his ama see him without his clothes on.
Once they had all washed away the dust from the road, Thorin requested leave to send a message back to Erebor, informing them of their arrival in Rivendell. When he found the keeper of a small flock of ravens used by the elves, the dwarf king was surprised to find that Fili had recently sent a letter to him, apparently figuring his uncle and brother would catch up to it there. Thorin quickly scanned Fili's message, smiling over the news that all was going well, and that his newest niece was happy and healthy - while Dis and Flinn were near exhausted. Babies did tend to take a lot of care in the first few months, but he had faith that his sister and brother-in-law would pull through. Fili wished them all a continued safe journey, and told them not to worry, that Erebor was still standing and in one piece. Thus it was, with a lightened heart, that Thorin sent a letter back to his eldest nephew, enclosing an update of their travels, along with their love.
By the time everyone was ready and headed down for dinner, Elladan and Elrohir had returned, boasting a fine kill of several stags and three wild boar. Thus it was that each guest was offered their fill of savory dishes, which were gladly accepted.
"My Lord Elrond," Tauriel spoke up during dinner. "We were asked by a soldier of Rohan to deliver this letter to you." She then passed the message from Thorongil down to where he was sitting.
"A letter from Rohan?" Elrond questioned, though his look of confusion quickly turned to joy when he recognized the handwriting. "Ahh, it is from Estel!" he announced, causing both is sons to smile in unison.
"Estel?" Kili repeated, looking rather confused. "He said his name was Thorongil?"
"Here in Rivendell he went by the name Estel," Gandalf explained with a weathered grin. "Though he has obviously taken on a new title since attaching himself to the Rohirrim."
"Estel and his mother came to dwell in Imladris when he was very young," Elrond went on to relate. "His mother lives here still, and she will be greatly pleased to have word from him."
"Estel?" Kili whispered to Tauriel. "That's a pretty sissy name for a man, if you ask me."
"Kili, be silent!" Tauriel said with a hiss, guessing that Elrond and his sons could easily overhear what her husband was saying. "Estel is the Sindarin word for Hope."
"Well, Hope sounds even more like a girl's name," Kili grumped, not liking to be shushed.
"So says the dwarf named Kili?" Elladan spoke up teasingly, having of course heard every word from the prince's mouth.
"Hey! Kili is a very honorable and strong name!" the prince insisted, crossing his arms over his chest in protest.
"As is Estel," Elrohir assured him with a smile. "Though Thorongil is a fine name as well." He then turned to Elrond, who had already opened the letter and was scanning it quickly, anxious to hear how his adoptive son was faring. "What does he say, father?"
"He is doing well and he sends his greetings," Elrond announced, a look of pride on his face. "He also asks after the two of you…and requests that we send his regards to your sister."
At the mention of the Lady Arwen, Tauriel noticed the expressions of the three elves fell just a bit, as if a shadow of grief had briefly touched their hearts. Was she the maid that Thorongil's heart yearned for? If so, then the man did indeed reach far beyond his station. Pity blossomed in Tauriel's heart for the young soldier, fearing that his desires might never be fulfilled.
"He also writes that we should ask Prince Kili to tell us of his recent encounter with a bear," Elrond laughed, folding up the letter and turning his attention to the now blushing dwarf. "Please, your highness, won't you entertain us with your story?"
"Yes, Kili," Dwalin laughed, enjoying this far more than he should. "Do tell everyone about your adventure with the bear."
.
.
Due to the fact that everyone was rather tired, it was decided that the grand tour of Rivendell must wait until the following day. Yet, since they had decided to spend at least a week in the home of the elves, the plan was met with accepted approval…by all except the inquisitive children, that is. They, of course, wanted to go exploring right away.
"Tomorrow," was Thorin's firm command, silencing any further debate on the matter. "You will need to be properly rested if you wish to see everything I've heard tell this place has to offer."
"Oh?" Elrond asked, intrigued by the king's statement.
"Just because I spent most of my life holding a grudge against your kind, does not mean I was kept ignorant of your ways and history. Know your enemy, or so it is said," Thorin pointed out, causing Elrond to nod in understanding. "Thus I have read much about your fine home, and this time I don't intend to allow my stubborn pride get in the way of finding out if everything I've heard is true."
"We will endeavor not to disappoint you, King Thorin." Elladan laughed.
"One thing I am disappointed by, however, it the absence of Lord Glorfindel," the dwarf mentioned. "I had hoped he might be in residence during our stay."
"I fear that our Balrog slayer is on a journey at the moment, but he bid me tell you that he will attempt to be present should you stop in on your return trip this fall," Elrond explained. "Might I assume that your friendship with Glorfindel aided greatly in your acceptance of your nephew's desire to marry an elf?"
"I will not deny that my admiration of our blond friend contributed to the softening of my thinking on the matter," Thorin admitted. "Yet, mostly I attribute it to the fact that their union was blessed by Mahal himself." He then gave a wave of his hand and added with a bit of a grin. "That and they appear to truly love one another."
"That is more than obvious," Elrohir agreed, smiling at Kili and Tauriel, the latter blushing slightly at being the topic of conversation. "I must say, I have a new level of respect for you, my friend. For you have found yourself not only a lass of extraordinary beauty, but one of amazing skill as well. You have indeed surpassed even my expectations of your ability in matters of love."
"Nay, My Prince," Tauriel broke in, before Kili could respond to the playful jab. "It is I who has risen above my station in this union. And I am ever so grateful to Kili for accepting my suit."
"Beautiful, skilled, and humble?" Elladan said in awe. He then turned to Elrohir. "Brother, perhaps we need to visit the Greenwood more often."
"Visit all you want," Kili laughed, reaching out and taking Tauriel's hand in his and giving it a kiss. "But since I have already taken the only jewel from that kingdom, you will both be sadly disappointed."
"Kili, please," Tauriel whispered, feeling very self-conscious by this point. "You are embarrassing me."
"Yet from where we sit, fair lady, we see he speaks only the truth," Elladan assured her with a warm smile. "I only wish our sister, Arwen, were not currently staying with our mother's kin in Lothlórien. For she would indeed have loved to make your acquaintance."
"As I would hers," Tauriel nodded, having heard many tales of the legendary beauty, Arwen Undómiel. "Perhaps if I ever chance to be in Lothlórien again, I will have the pleasure."
"You have visited the Golden Wood before?" Elrohir asked in surprise.
"Yes, and was delighted to do so," Tauriel smiled widely at the memory. "I was sent by King Thranduil to deliver a message, and I will never forget the way the mallorn trees spiraled into the sky, or how they blanketed the ground with their leaves of gold. Truly a magnificent place." She then turned to Elrond. "Yet, I have long desired to see your kingdom as well, and I am very pleased that I get to do so at last."
"Stick with me, my lovely wife," Kili told her with a sly wink. "And I will show you all the sights of Arda."
"Even the crypts of Erebor?" Marigold spoke up, causing everyone to turn to her with looks of curiosity. Everyone that is, except Thorin, who just about choked on his drink as he burst out laughing.
.
.
As the days passed, the entire company was indeed given the grand tour of Rivendell, each one marveling at all the splendor and quiet beauty found there. Even Thorin was captivated by what he saw, having been far too resentful and stubborn to have truly looked the previous time. Kili made sure to point out his favorite places to Tauriel, including the large fountain where his brother and he, as well as most of the company, had gone skinny-dipping, much to the continued consternation of Lindir.
"It took my steward months to get it scrubbed and cleaned to his standards," Elrond laughed, showing everyone that he held no grudges due to their rather inappropriate choice of bathing locations.
"You mean you took a bath in here?" Frerin asked, leaning over the rim and peering into the rather deep looking fountain.
"In plain sight of everyone…even dams?" Flinn asked, rather scandalized by the idea.
"Well…yes," Kili admitted, looking a bit embarrassed about it now. "The large bowl there made a really nice slide."
"Well, I suppose it wasn't the last time you were seen buck naked, now was it?" Thorin chuckled.
"And whose fault was that?" Marigold asked, elbowing Thorin gently in the ribs as she gave him a stern glare. "I swear, you all act like dwarflings from time to time."
"And you love it, my dear," Thorin smiled, leaning down to place a kiss on her cheek. "Just as I love you."
"Oh, quit," she fussed, blushing at his words. "We're in public."
"Please do not let that stop you, Your Majesty," Elrohir insisted. "For as we just learned, dwarves have very little sense of modesty." This caused all to laugh, even Kili, who in truth was hardly ashamed of his physique – and he knew for a fact that Tauriel was rather pleased by it as well.
.
.
Elladan and Elrohir were having a great time visiting with Kili, and even though both elf and dwarf were on constant alert, each waiting for some prank to be pulled upon them, nothing happened. Tauriel was hopeful that Kili had forgotten all about whatever it was inside that mysterious pouch he had brought…but knowing her husband like she did, the elleth seriously doubted it. Still, Rivendell did not disappoint, and often when Kili was otherwise occupied with Flinn and Frerin, the former Mirkwood captain enjoyed walking among the trees and intricately carved buildings, drinking in its beauty.
It was on one of these walks, very close to the end of their stay, that Elrond happened upon her admiring a statue in the middle of a fountain.
"My Lady Tauriel," he greeted her kindly. "I had been hoping to find some time to converse with you…might this be a convenient moment?"
"Of course, My Lord," she said with a bow of her head. "Please, speak your mind, for your fine council is widely known."
"I can see that you and your husband, Prince Kili, are very happy," he began, gesturing to a stone bench near the water feature she had just been inspecting. "And yet, I cannot help but sense that you are troubled, dear one. May I be of any assistance in your plight? Perhaps offer you comfort if nothing else?"
Tauriel lowered her head in shame, feeling almost guilty for having her foolish concerns so openly displayed to the wise elf. Still, perhaps speaking to him would be of help, he had after all lived far longer than many of the elves in Adra, perhaps he would be able to provide her with answers.
"I am indeed very happy in my marriage, Lord Elrond," she assured him, lifting her head to face him. "Kili is everything to me, and I could not imagine a more perfect mate in all of Middle Earth. And yet…" Here she faltered, her cheeks coloring just a bit at her next words. "We have been wed for a full year now…and still, we have not been blessed with a child."
"Ah, I see," Elrond nodded in understanding. "And I take it that children are something you both desire?"
"Very much," Tauriel assured him. "Kili has told me that most dwarf women often take a long time to conceive, however, that is not what I have found to be true, at least not where those from the direct line of Durin are concerned. In the past seven years, there has been seven children born into the family…and five of them have been dams!"
"Quite unheard of, if I correctly recall my study of dwarf anthropology," the elf lord agreed. "However, it is also my observation that four of those children came from hobbit mothers. That there could be the reason for so many…as well as three being of their fairer sex. Still, am I to assume what bothers you is that you and Kili have been denied such joys…when others appear to be plentiful in such?"
"Yes…and I feel very small and petty that I should think this way," Tauriel lamented. "But while a year is nothing in the eyes of an elf, in the lifespan of a dwarf…" Here the elleth faltered.
"Time is of far greater importance," Elrond finished for her. "I see your point, and I grieve for your predicament." He was quiet for a while, mulling over his words before he spoke again. When he did, he reached out and took her hand in his, patting it reassuringly. "Love is never easy, there are no guarantees that come with the emotion, and yet, it is something we all seek with a quiet desperation. Rejoice in the love you and Kili share, do not let your lack of a child overshadow that, nor rob you of your happiness. And though the fear of mortality is ever looming, that too you must push from your mind, so that you not be weighed down by a grief that is still many, many years hence. And even then, there is no assurance that you two will be forever parted."
"What do you mean?" Tauriel questioned, looking up at him with great earnest.
"Only that the Valar have often been generous with those they favor," he told her with a knowing smile. "And the fact that they have seen fit to pair an elf with a dwarf…something that has never before happened in all my years…it makes me wonder if they do not already have a plan in place for the both of you."
"You…you mean there is a chance that Kili and I will not be parted forever when death eventually takes him?" she asked, hope shining in her eyes.
"Perhaps," Elrond mused. "My mother's grandmother was once faced with the same dilemma as you, my child. For she too gave her heart to a mortal."
"You speak of Lúthien Tinúviel and Beren," Tauriel deduced, the tale of the elleth, and the man she chose to love, quite familiar to all of her kind.
"Yes," he nodded, his countenance a bit sad. "Yet, when their time came to fade from this world, the Valar gave them special dispensation, allowing them to travel the same path together. Who is to say you will then not be allowed to dwell with your mate in the Halls of Mandos, or the Great Forge of Mahal? While there may be no set guarantees…there is no reason to give up hope either. Do not despair, young Tauriel. For a life beyond this world with your love, might still come to pass."
"Hennaid, hîr nín," she said, touched by his encouraging words. "You have given me hope I had not looked for, and I will treasure your words in my heart and draw comfort from them. Yet…what about children? Do you think it is even possible for Kili and me to conceive?"
"I do not see why not," Elrond mused. "We are all children of the Valar, I see no reason why they would make us incompatible. I fear you have simply placed so much emphasis on the physical act of creating of one, that you are blocking the natural flow of things. Leave off trying for a while, Tauriel. Concentrate on your time with your husband, and do not think on the matter anymore than you must. Clear your mind, open your heart, and set your thoughts on other things…at least until you return home to Erebor. You are on an adventure, Tauriel, take time to enjoy it."
"Your wisdom has not been exaggerated," she told him with a smile. "I will take your advice and concern myself with it no more…for now. And you are right, this is the furthest I have ever been from my one-time home in Mirkwood, and the Shire is even further away still. I will endeavor to enjoy every moment, and revel in the things I will see and do."
"Your heart-song appears lighter now, daughter of the forest," Elrond discerned with a fatherly smile. "I am pleased I could be of assistance. Now, perhaps you should seek out your mate, for I can sense that he is also troubled by these matters, and could use your newfound resolve to strengthen him as well."
"I will, Lord Elrond," she nodded, standing up before bowing to him in gratitude. "And thank you again for all your advice." Then she was off, hurrying down the path that would lead to the practice yard, where Kili had said he was taking the lads.
Yet when she arrived, and saw her husband being double teamed by his two nephews, the three of them laughing and having a wonderful time, Tauriel decided her news could wait. Tonight would be soon enough to enlighten Kili about her new outlook on things. And she had the perfect way to tell him.
.
.
As always, dinner that night was wonderful, and the music and conversation a pleasure. Yet, as the evening came to a close, and the dwarflings began to drift off, each member of the company retired to their own quarters. A nursery of sorts had been provided between Thorin and Dwalin's rooms, keeping the children happy and all in one place as they slept. This allowed Kili and Tauriel to have chambers all to themselves, something they had not had since back in Edoras. On the road, Flinn and Frerin shared their tent, allowing the two adults to watch over them as promised.
Upon entering, Kili moved to take a seat by the fire, pulling out his pipe for a smoke. It was then he noticed that Tauriel had disappeared the moment the door had shut behind them. He guessed she had went to visit the washroom, since there was truly no other place she could have gone. He had just filled his pipe with a bit of Old Toby, when he heard the door open to his left. Turning, his mouth dropped open as he stared at the sight before him. Tauriel stood before him, wearing the very same sheer nightgown she had worn on their wedding night. Over her right arm hung a downy looking quilt, and she held her other hand out to him in a silent invitation.
"What…what's all this about?" he stammered, his mouth suddenly having gone dry.
"I thought that it might be nice to sleep beneath the stars tonight," she suggested, wiggling her fingers a bit in hopes that he would accept her hand.
"Just sleep?" he asked, rising from his seat and coming to stand before her. "I honestly don't think what you are wearing is proper attire for sleeping out of doors…unless you have something else in mind."
"Perhaps I do," she grinned. "So…will you be joining me?"
"Try and stop me!" he laughed, taking Tauriel's hand and allowing her to lead him out the door. "Where are we going?"
"You will see," she assured him.
"Do…do you really think it's wise for you to be out here dressed this way?" he asked, his eyes darting left and right as he suddenly realized exactly how much others might see of his wife, should they run into anyone.
"We will be taking a path that no one will be on at this time of night," she said, calming his fears. "Now, stop your worrying."
True to her word, they did indeed reach their destination without encountering anyone, much to Kili's relief. When they stepped off the cobblestone path and into a small clearing, the sight before him nearly took the dwarf's breath way. At one end of the grassy area there were four trees, growing in a square and allowing their branches to create a beautiful canopy above them. In the center of the little shelter was a large lounging-bed, positioned perfectly so that one could gaze out at the small pond that lay before it. The sky was clear, and not only did the stars shine down upon them, but a full moon lit up the night, making it almost as easy to see as if it were day. Kili could not recall visiting a more serene place in all his days.
"This spot was definitely not on our tour," Kili stated, still amazed at the beauty before him. "Trust me, I would have remembered it."
"It is a special place…a private place for lovers," she explained, guiding him towards the lounging bed and spreading the quilt out over the feather mattress. "I thought since we will be leaving Rivendell in a few days, we might make use of it while we still remain."
"I'm all for that," Kili assured her, taking her hand and assisting her onto the lounge. "What brought this on?"
"In truth, I have been feeling guilty," she confessed, as Kili slid in beside her.
"Guilty…whatever for?" he demanded, looking confused and concerned.
"I have been placing far too much emphasis on wanting a child, when I should have simply been pleased with being your wife," she explained. "I never meant to give you the impression that you were not enough for me."
"I never felt that way," he argued. "You have never shown me anything but love."
"Kili…I am not blind," she sighed. "I have seen the worry in your eyes, the look of concern after each joining…waiting for me to announce that we have conceived, or to break down in despair if we had not. That was a lot of pressure to place on you, when the only thing you should have been thinking about is how much I adore you."
"I wish to give you everything you desire," Kili told her, looking a bit downcast. "And the fact that I cannot give you a child…well, it breaks my heart."
"But it shouldn't," Tauriel told him, cupping his cheek in her hand. "And it stops now. From this moment on, we will not speak about children. We will not specifically try and create one, and we will no longer feel sad if we don't. Agreed?"
"Really?" Kili asked, his eyes filled with confusion. He then looked down at her attire and around at the location they were in. "Then what are we doing here, and why are you dressed like that?"
"We are here so I can show you just what you mean to me," she giggled, reaching up to kiss his lips teasingly. "And just because we are not attempting to make a child, does not mean we can't enjoy the act that would normally create one. Tonight, there is no other reason for us being together than that, and I intend to fully enjoy every moment."
"I'm all for that!" Kili laughed, grabbing her around the waist and rolling her onto her back. "Now…are you sure no one will happen by while we are busy demonstrating our love?"
"If they do…I hope they get an eyeful," she teased, grabbing hold of Kili's tunic and pulling it over his head, tossing it to the side carelessly. "Now, how about you remove those trousers, so they will truly get a show?"
"Why not, as it has recently been pointed out, most of Rivendell has already seen my backside as it is," he laughed, quickly complying with her wishes, and soon the two of them were fully engulfed in their love for one another. And if any elf or dwarf did happen by, they obviously recognized the couple's need for privacy, and silently continued on their way.
.
.
As the first rays of the morning sun came over the hill, warming the quilt that the lovers were still snuggled beneath, a disturbing sound drew Kili from his sleep. It took a moment for him to remember where they were, but when he did, a satisfied smile spread across his face. Yet, when he at last identified the sound that had woke him, it quickly disappeared. His wife was crying!
"Tauriel?" Kili asked, sitting up and turning to face her. "What's the matter, my love?" It tore at his heart any time he saw a tears in her eyes, and at the moment, they appeared to be streaming down her cheeks at an alarming rate. "Tauriel…are you ill, hurt, in pain…what?" His voice was becoming frantic.
"No…no my husband," she replied, doing her best to reassure him, though her sobs made it difficult. "I am none of those things. I am crying because…because I am so happy!"
"You are?" His eyebrows knitted together in confusion. "And what, pray tell, has you so happy that you must express it in such a…disconcerting fashion?"
"Remember what I said last night, about us no longer trying for a baby?" she questioned, also sitting up as she leaned against the back of the lounge.
"Yes," he nodded. "But if you have changed your mind, we can continue our attempts here…or in the Shire. It matters not to me when and where, just as long as you are happy. Is that it, do you wish to keep trying?"
"No…there is no longer a need," she explained, wiping her eyes as a genuine smile graced her lips at last. "For you see, my love, last night…we did indeed create a new life. I felt it this morning when I woke. I can sense our child forming within me as we speak." She took his hand and placed it over her stomach, wishing that he too could feel what she felt.
"You…you're with child?" Kili could hardly believe what she was saying. It had only been a few hours since they had last coupled during the night. Yet, had Tauriel not said that elves can detect the spark of life the moment it happens? "We actually made a baby last night? Out here in the open beneath the full moon?"
"Yes, we did," she grinned. "And without even trying!"
"Well, if you think about it…that is exactly how Fili and Sier begat little Flinn," he told his wife with a goofy grin. "And I do try to emulate my brother, you know."
"Oh, Kili!" Tauriel laughed, swatting his arm playfully. "I am so happy! And all it took was to stop worrying and just let it happen."
"I knew we could do it," he told her confidently. "There was no way a love such as ours could fail. And this little one will be the living proof of that."
"Yes, our little one," she nodded, looking down at her quilt-covered stomach, unable to wait until she began to show. Elrond had been correct. She had simply been defeating herself with all her worry and concern. Yet the moment she let go of that, and focused on her love for Kili, they were blessed with their heart's desire.
"I'm going to be an adad!" Kili suddenly realized, his eyes growing wide. "We're going to have a lad or a lass of our very own!"
"That we are, my love…that we are," she assured him, snuggling into his side as she closed her eyes and gave a contented sigh. "And you will be the best father ever!"
And there you have it. It only took a bit of time and some good advice from Elrond, and BOOM, a baby! Is everyone happy now?
AND, for those worried about Kili and Tauriel being forced to part at death...worry no more. Like I said, "I've got this." ha ha.
Elrond was pretty nice, no? And the twins had a lot of fun teasing Kili.
More to come.
Guest Reviews:
abc: I imagine that Aragorn used his ring, the Ring of Barahir, to make the impression in the wax. The ring that Elrond had just given to him before he left Rivendell, so it would be easily recognized as from him. But that is just my thought on the matter. You are free to imagine whatever you want. Not only did Thorin manage to silence Gandalf on the subject, he also shocked Elrond, who is supposed to have foresight. I guess he was not 'looking' for THAT to happen. ha ha. Elrond is indeed curious about why Thorin's daughter has the same name as Thranduil's wife. I am sure Rivendell will still be standing when they leave...but just barely. ha ha. Thanks.
darkone7142: Lots of Shenanigans! The story is really about the dwarves, but we can't NOT touch on other characters you know...they are too important to just ignore. ha ha. Thanks for understanding about my age predicament. But if I stuck with cannon, then Frodo and the others would not even be born yet. And that's no fun. Thanks!
Emrfangirl: Hmmm, might this prank lead to another 100+ years of Elves and Dwarves upset with each other? ha ha. True, Kili alone without Fili IS putting him at a slight disadvantage. BUT if he had just told the twins he was outnumbered, they would have agreed to a truce...I am sure of it. But he didn't, so they didn't, and now...it's ON! Yes, I think Tauriel gave Aragorn some good advice, and a bit of hope. Frerin is a bit of a sweetie, stumbles over his words a bit, but as cute as a button. And as for everyone's ages being mixed up...there is just no way around it. That's what they get for not being born at the RIGHT time! Shame on them. ha ha. Thanks.
Feu d'Argent: Got it...Protect Frerin. Check! Thanks for the explanation. Kili will never outgrow his mischief. Kili is also very touchey-feelie. ha ha. We will see the little hobbits I have chosen to be born yet. No, Tauriel does not know the future...but I DO! Good, since I doubt I have 200 in me. ha ha. Thanks