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If you want to know how old Marigold and Bergie are (in my mind at least) read my response to the guest reviewer arrondissement at the end of the chapter. I explain it there.
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Do you have your wedding gifts ready? I bought the bride and groom matching shovels for digging in the dirt. Think they'll like them? I had them monogrammed. ha ha.
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Chapter 176
~X~
"What's this all about, Uncle?" Torin asked, having been invited into the private sitting room of the hobbit hole that his father and mother shared.
"Several things, my lad. But mostly it's about my brother's duty to you…as his son," the white haired dwarf explained, taking a seat and gesturing for Tor and Dwalin to find their own. When the three were at last sitting, with Dwalin looking rather sick to his stomach, Balin continued. "But first, I need to ask, have you crafted the bead you plan on gifting your bride at the wedding? Your father and I noticed that Holly is not wearing a courting or engagement bead in her hair."
Here Torin averted his eyes, looking a bit guilty.
"Well…I kind of skipped that part, since in the Shire they don't give their lasses beads, and no one would have understood what one signified anyway," he explained. "It's simply not a hobbit thing."
"But you are still part dwarf, Torin," Dwalin pointed out firmly. "Besides, your mother, as well as Marigold wear their marriage beads proudly, and they are full hobbit. And should you ever travel to Erebor, Ered Luin, or any other dwarf colony, don't you think it would be wise to have your bead visible in your wife's hair? You wouldn't want anyone thinking Holly was available…would you?"
"I hadn't thought about that," Tor stated, sitting up a bit as his dwarf blood suddenly ran warm with the possessive jealousy of his father's kin.
"Well, now's the time to do so, lad," Balin nodded. "And, what about a ring…don't hobbits at least expect that token to be given at the wedding?"
"I saw one down at the market place that I've been eyeing," he explained. "It's not terribly fancy, but I think Holly will like it. I plan on buying that one."
"Hogwash!" Dwalin growled. "Both bead and ring should be crafted by your own hand. You're a dwarf, and no dwarf would simply buy a ring!"
"I know…but I'm sure you also recall that I'm all thumbs when it comes to forging, Adad!" Torin huffed. "Anything I might make would turn out looking like a dwarfling crafted it, and I want to impress Holly, not embarrass her."
"Well, then aren't you fortunate that you have me and Thorin here to aid you in that endeavor," Dwalin informed him with a proud smile "We'll head down to the forge tomorrow and get the job done in no time. And between the three of us, you can rest assured that Holly will be more than pleased with both her ring and her marriage bead."
"Thank you, Adad," Torin smiled, feeling more than a bit relieved. "It would mean a lot to me if we crafted such tokens together."
"Excellent," Balin grinned. "And what about the bride price? Have you offered Drogo compensation for the loss of his daughter? You know that Thorin will be asking you this at the wedding."
"That I've taken care of a long time ago," Torin said proudly. "Drogo and I discussed it, and since they have no use for gold or jewels, he agreed to accept my work as a gardener in trade for Holly's bride price. I've been working around his home for nearly a year now, digging and planting dozens of flowerbeds and garden boxes all around the Baggins' home. Both Drogo and Prim have said that I exceeded even their expectations, and their place is now the pride of Hobbiton. But really, I just enjoyed the opportunity to spending my days working near Holly."
"Well, that's fine then, as long as you have met your obligations to the lass' father, then Thorin will be satisfied," Balin said with a nod of pleasure. "Now that those points are settled, let's move on to the next reasons for calling this meeting. You see, lad, it's recently come to my attention that Dwalin here has failed to give you the customary talk that all dwarrow give their sons when they come of age. Usually, it involves describing the signs you should look for when finding your one…but since you've apparently already chosen Holly, we can skip that part."
"What other parts are there?" Torin questioned, suddenly very interested in hearing what the two of them had to say.
"Well…the part about how you and your new bride…um…" Balin stopped there and looked over at Dwalin with a stern glare. "Tell him, brother! This is your job, not mine."
"Do I have to?" the bald warrior grumbled, suddenly unable to meet his son's eyes. "Can't the lad just fumble around and figure things out on his own?"
"You would let him go to his marriage bed unprepared?" Balin said in a seething tone. "What kind of father are you?"
"One who's too bloody embarrassed to talk to him about such things!" Dwalin answered. "I…I always thought I'd have a lot more time to plan out what I intended to say…but now, well…"
"The time has arrived," Balin finished for him. "Torin will be married before the week is out, so no more stalling."
"Wait…are you two talking about…well…love?" Torin asked, his own cheeks now turning a bit red at the idea. "As in the…" Here he took a hard swallow, clearing his throat before he could utter the words out loud. "In…the physical sense?"
"Aye, and it's a conversation he should have had with you long before this," Balin nodded.
"He's been here in the Shire for the past ten years!" Dwalin stated in his defense. "How was I supposed to explain things to him from a distance…by raven?"
"Well, he's here now!" Balin interjected, gesturing to Torin. "Start talking."
"I really don't think that's necessary," Torin spoke up, holding his hands out in a halting gesture. "I mean, I think I'm well versed on all I need to know. I've hung out at the Green Dragon enough to have heard quite a few bawdy bar stories. I'm pretty sure I've got things figured out."
"Drunken tales about the lewd exploits of ill-mannered hobbits does not count as having been given the talk," Balin argued. "Every dwarrow needs to be told how to treat a lass right, how to be a good and respectable husband, and to never take advantage of your position in the bedchambers."
"Oh?" Torin said in surprise, as if now eager to know more. Looking over at his father, he asked curiously. "What don't I know, Adad? Will you not tell me?"
"For the love of Mahal!" Dwalin growled, throwing up his hands in defeat. "Fine, I'll speak to the lad…but you must leave!" he told Balin, firmly pointing to the door.
"All right, but you better not be sending me out simply so you can shirk your duty," the older dwarf warned. He then looked over at Torin. "Don't let him weasel out of it, laddie. Make him tell you everything, no matter how embarrassed he gets…and be sure to ask questions. This might be the only chance you get." And after receiving a nod of compliance from Torin, the white haired dwarf left the room, confident that the job would indeed get done.
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Almost two hours later, father and son finally exited the room, and while Torin wore a look of contemplation and genuine excitement, Dwalin looked mortified and ready to vomit.
"Oh, there you two are," Bergie said, walking out of the kitchen as she wiped her hands on a dishtowel. "I was just about to start dinner. Will you be staying to eat with us, Torin?"
"No, I…I think I'll head back to my own place and eat alone tonight," he told his mother, leaning in to give her a quick kiss on the cheek. "I've got a lot to think about."
"Oh, all right," Bergie nodded, unsure why both her males were acting so odd. Yet once her son had shut the door behind him, she turned to her husband with a questioning look. "What was that about?"
"Don't ask," Dwalin all but begged. "Please…don't ask."
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On his way home, Torin was indeed contemplating all that his father had told him, marveling at how much he truly didn't know. Things were much different than what he had overheard at the Green Dragon, and the tips and advice he had just been given had truly been an eye opener. Females were a lot more complicated than he had first thought, and though Holly was a sweet and mild lass, Dwalin had informed him that this would not always be the case…especially at certain times of the month. His advice on how to handle such things would prove invaluable to Torin, and hopefully he would not run the risk of offending his bride as he was certain he would have.
He knew it had embarrassed his father to no end to talk about certain ways to please a lass in bed. And through it all, the future groom had done his very best not to think about the fact that this knowledge had come from Dwalin's experience with…Torin's mother! Still, he was grateful for what he had been told, and promised that he would implement such things with tenderness, care and love.
Torin was so wrapped up in his own thoughts that he didn't notice the two figures sitting beside his door as he approached his hobbit hold. Over the past month or so, the lad had done a lot of work, fixing up the Brandybucks place, doing all he could to transform it into their new home, his and Holly's. When he saw that his visitors were Flinn and Frodo, he greeted them warmly.
"Hello!" he called, watching as they both stood at his approach. "What brings you two here?"
"Frodo wishes to speak with you," Flinn explained, his tone one that caused Torin to become a bit concerned.
"Oh? About what?" he asked, looking from one grim face to the other. "Have I done something wrong?"
"Not yet," Frodo stated, his own voice conveying the fact that what he was here to say was of the utmost importance. "Yet, I believe a little chat between the two of us will go a long way in making sure that you don't do something wrong. Shall we?" He gestured to the door, effectively inviting himself in so that they could chat.
Flinn retook his seat on the bench by the door, looking as if he were settling in to stay for a spell.
"Are you not coming?" Torin asked, kind of hoping the prince would serve as a buffer between the two of them.
"Nope," Flinn told him, with a bit of a grin. "This is between you and Frodo. Although, I don't doubt that one day you will be the one giving this speech when someone decides that Talin is his one. Just like I will be doing when Freya's turn comes. Oh, but I do pity the poor sod."
This caused Torin to sweat just a bit, but squaring his shoulders, he opened the door, escorting Frodo inside.
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Flinn had just about fallen asleep by the time the door reopened, the two males exiting with looks of contentment on their faces.
"Did you two get it all worked out?" Flinn asked, a grin spreading over his face.
"Aye," Frodo stated with a firm nod. "I think Torin and I see eye to eye on the matter of how he is to treat my baby sister. He has assured me that we will have no reason to quarrel over such things."
"I have nothing but respect and admiration for Holly," Torin once more confirmed, his tone putting the hobbit at ease. "She will never want for anything or know a moment of sorrow if I can help it."
"Excellent," Flinn smiled. "Now can we go? Daisy was making a pot roast tonight and I don't want to miss out."
"Yes, we can go," Frodo laughed, not for the first time wondering if his sword brother did indeed have some hobbit blood in him, due to his love of food. Still, he was hardly one to talk, and just the mention of Daisy's cooking had Frodo's mouthwatering. "See you later, Torin!"
As the two headed off, making their way to Bag End, Flinn looked over at Frodo with a sly grin.
"Did you put the fear of Mahal in him?" he asked in a joking manner.
"Of sorts," the hobbit nodded. "I mean, I'm no fool, and I know that Torin could pound me into the ground if he chose to, but I think I got my point across. I always knew he wouldn't do anything to hurt Holly, but as her brother, it was my duty to threaten him just a little."
"Exactly," Flinn laughed. "But I'm curious, what exactly did you say? After all, I should probably start getting a few ideas about what to say when Freya chooses to wed. However, I really hope that isn't for a long, long time." He gave a shiver of revulsion at the mere thought of his baby sister growing up and thinking about such things as love. "How are you doing it, Frodo? Dealing with the idea of Holly turning into a mature lass and all?"
"Not as well as I'm pretending I am," Frodo admitted. "But like it or not, Holly's got her heart set on marrying Torin…and I won't stand in the way of her happiness."
"You're a good brother, Frodo," Flinn complimented. "But then, I've always known that. After all, you've been my sword-brother for a good long time."
"And I plan on being so for a lot longer, too," he assured the dwarf prince.
"I'm counting on it," Flinn grinned. He then got a sly look in his eye. "Race you to Bag End!" And before Frodo could even blink, off he ran, with the laughing hobbit chasing after him.
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The following day, Dwalin and Thorin did indeed take Torin down to the forge and aid him in crafting a stunning ring and marriage bead to gift to his bride on their wedding day. Even though it was not a hobbit tradition, Tor was certain that Holly would agree to wear the bead in her hair, for she had always seemed very open to many of his dwarf traditions, and he suddenly found he couldn't wait to place his token in her hair. The ring he made to match the bead, crafting it out of a fine chunk of Erebor gold that Dwalin had brought with him – apparently for this very reason. He opted not to add any gems, knowing that Holly would not desire anything too ostentatious, and he didn't want her to feel self-conscious about wearing it around the Shire. His bride to be was a bit on the shy side, and the last thing she would want to do was bring attention to herself by wearing a flashy ring. Still, with his father's help, he did manage to carve some very intricate holly leaves around the band and bead, and in the end he was quite overjoyed by how they turned out.
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The night before the wedding, all the males gathered to celebrate Torin's last evening as a single dwarf, toasting the groom to be and plying him with many pints of ale. Still, they made sure to keep him vertical and somewhat lucid…especially since they knew at some point during the party, the lad would be whisked away, kidnapped by the bride's friends for the sole purpose of Holly getting her final chance to steal a kiss.
Thorin couldn't help but think back to the evening of his own wedding, when he and Marigold had been locked in a closet all alone. A smile spread over his lips as he recalled how he had bullied Bergie into allowing him just one minute more…and a second kiss from his beautiful wife. Thorin could only hope that Torin and Holly would find as much happiness as he and Marigold.
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So it was, on a bright, sunny day in spring, Torin, son of Dwalin, son of Fundin, took Holly, daughter of Drogo and Primula Baggins, as his wife. Promising to love and cherish her for the rest of their days.
Frerin had been asked to stand up for Torin, while Holly had her best friend, Pimpernel Took, serve as her bride's maid. Balin was grinning from ear to ear, unable to hide the pure delight at the prospect of his nephew getting married. And while it was usually the mother of the bride who was expected to shed the most tears…instead, it was Dwalin who blubbered like a baby through the entire ceremony.
The wedding was perfect, with Torin's eyes shining with love for his beautiful bride the whole time. When asked if he had properly compensated Drogo in regards to the bride price, the bride's father stood and responded with a firm yes, giving his soon to be son-in-law a look of pride. Holly had teared up when Torin presented her with her matching bead and ring, telling him over and over how much she loved them. And when Thorin at last informed the lad that he could kiss his bride…well, no one had to tell him twice.
Afterwards they all convened under the party tree, where a lavish reception had been planned, with plenty of food, drink, and dancing long into the night. Bofur and Nori had joined the group of musicians on a small raised platform, the thief keeping time with the music by stomping his feet, as the hatted miner blew out a merry tune on his little flute.
Merry and Pippin managed to get into a bit of trouble, the two mischievous cousins sneaking around and snitching any and all tankards of ale that were not carefully guarded. Needless to say, when Saradoc and Paladin caught them, they were put on cleanup duty for the rest of the evening, the two half-drunk hobbits stumbling around picking up dirty dishes and empty cups.
Young Samwise Gamgee, the youngest son of Hamfast, made sure to watch how much he drank that evening, intent on keeping his wits about him. Since Sam had been charged with the task of taking over the groom's gardening duties until he returned from his marriage week, and had no intention of letting Torin down. The young hobbit, who was the only one who inherited his father's talent for growing things, had been working with Torin for the past several years now. Hamfast was getting up in years, with many now calling him The Gaffer, and had turned most of his gardening duties over to Torin and Sam. Yet the two of them could not have had a better teacher, and they were both grateful to Hamfast for his fine lessons.
Bergie had been reduced to tears when Torin came over and asked her to dance, telling her how much he loved her and that he could not have asked for a better mother or teacher. While Holly chose to share the same dance with her father, Drogo, leaving the hobbit misty eyed as well by his daughter's own words of gratitude.
After the cake had been cut, and a short speech thanking all their guests for coming, Torin kissed his mother, shook hands with his father - who immediately pulled the lad into a fierce hug – and then escaped with his blushing bride back to their own private hobbit hole.
It was a good week before the two were seen again.
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While Marigold, Raina, and Frerin remained in the Shire with Bergie, Thorin and Dwalin took Rose, Náin and Flinn with them to the Blue Mountains for a weeklong stay. There the king introduced the elderly councilors to his son, who was still very young at only twenty three, yet everyone who spoke to the lad could see he held great potential. Nain's keen mind and serious attitude impressed everyone, and by the end of their weeklong stay, it was unanimously decided that the dwarves of the Blue Mountains would welcome the young prince one day as their king.
Thorin knew with Rose at his son's side, there was nothing his two children could not accomplish, and he had to laugh just a bit when he realized how much the two resembled him and Dis. Thorin might have long been king…but he would be the first to admit that without his sister's constant support and strong will, he would never have gotten as far as he did. Rose would serve Náin in a similar capacity, seeing that things got done behind the scenes, her forceful nature ensuring that the Ered Luin would be in fine hands. And Thorin felt a swell of pride over the both of them.
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When the group arrived back in the Shire, and the newlyweds had at last emerged from their solitude, they shared many fine evenings together before it was at last time to leave.
"I'll send a message the moment we hear word about any grandchildren," Prim promised Bergie, giving her a warm hug. "You have always been like family to me…even if we were only related very distantly by marriage. But now, we shall be grandmothers together!"
"Oh, I can't wait!" Bergie laughed. "Yet, poor Dwalin is still trying to get used to the idea that his son is married…I'm not sure how he'll take to being a grandfather this soon."
"I would take to it just fine!" the bald warrior broke in, having walked up behind them without their knowledge. "I can't wait to be bouncing a few new bairns on my knee, and more's the better, if you ask me!"
"Well, that answers that," Drogo laughed, also excited about the prospect of Tor and Holly giving him grandchildren.
"Papa!" Holly scolded her father. "We just got married, give us some time to just be together before you go throwing babies into the mix!"
"Oh…I don't know, my love," Torin said with a wolfish grin. "I'm of the same mind as them. I can't wait to see you round and plump, as you carry our child."
"Torin!" Holly gasped, her cheeks turning several shades of red as she buried her face against her husband's chest. "Not in front of everyone!"
This caused all to laugh good-naturedly, finding Torin's enthusiasm for fatherhood quite adorable. Still, all humor ceased when it came time to say goodbye once more. Balin pulled his nephew aside, giving him a long look of approval.
"Now, don't you forget what your adad told you, lad," he warned, shaking a finger in front of his face for emphasis. "I expect you to do right by your wife…and be the dwarrow you were raised to be."
"Yes, Uncle," Torin nodded, knowing that buried within those stern warnings, was also words of love. "Safe journey, and make sure Adad doesn't drive all the dwarrow away who come around eyeing Talin. She might actually want one of them to court her one day."
"Oh, now you're asking the impossible," Balin laughed, hugging his nephew before heading to his pony.
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"We'll miss you, son," Dwalin said, the next to get his turn in saying farewell. "But now you've got a wife to look after…and who will look after you. I'm very proud of you both, and I know that you two will do just fine."
"Thank you, Adad," Torin replied, his eyes misting up at his father's words. "That means a lot to me."
"And don't you dare forget your hobbit manners and go all stubborn-dwarf on your new bride, do you hear?" Bergie lectured her son, reaching up as she held his face between her palms and gave him a stern look. "I expect you to treat her like a queen, and always take your muddy boots off when you come in from working in the gardens."
"Yes, Ama," Torin said with an exasperated roll of his eyes. "I know how to act proper, you know, I wasn't raised by wargs."
"No, not by wargs…but pretty close," she teased giving Dwalin a playful little wink. "Still, I want you to remember to keep your wife happy, and everything else will fall into place."
"Thank you, Mother Bergie," Holly told her, leaning against her husband and giving his arm a warm squeeze. "But I assure you, Torin is the perfect husband. I have no complaints."
"Well, just make sure you keep it that way," Dwalin warned, wagging his finger in Torin's face. He then gave him one last hug, before letting Talin say her farewells.
"It's strange to think of you all grown up and married now," Talin laughed, giving her brother's shoulder a playful sock. "I'm just glad I have no interest in all that mushy stuff yet."
"I'm sure Adad is too," Torin agreed, knowing just how adamant their father was over the subject. "But one day, you will find your one and you will understand just how happy Holly makes me."
"I couldn't be happier for you, really," she told him. "Now be sure to write, and don't you dare go getting all serious and stuffy now that you're a husband. I don't want to come back to visit and not even recognize my twin brother."
"I promise," he chuckled. "I'll be sure to do something silly and childish at least once a week just to keep in practice."
"I would appreciate it," Talin said, turning serious as she threw her arms around him, hugging him tightly. "I love you, brother."
"And I love you, sis," he whispered.
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Flinn and Frodo once more tried to act like adults, doing their best not to tear up at their parting. Things just didn't feel right when they were forced to part, but it was something they had come to expect, being from two different races that lived on opposite sides of Middle Earth. Still, it was an emotional time for both of them.
"Here," Flinn said, handing Frodo a button, this one made of shiny silver with the Durin crest on it. "I brought this one especially for you, since I didn't think you had one this color for your collection."
"Oh, it's perfect," he grinned, the exchanging of buttons having been a long standing tradition between the two of them. "And look at the one I found for you!" He then handed the dwarf a finely polished wooden one with the figure of a jack-rabbit carved into it. "I thought it might make you return even faster," he joked, pointing at the speedy animal with a twinkle in his eye.
"I'm sure it will," Flinn grinned. He then embraced his friend. "They always seem to lead me back to you, sword-brother. Farewell…for now. We shall meet again soon, I'm sure of it."
"Guaranteed!" Frodo agreed, doing is best to smile as well.
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Marigold and Saradoc's parting was especially tearful…with their parents gone, they were all that was left of their original family. Yet the knowledge that his sister would return one day for good eased his mind.
Bilbo and Daisy, always happy to see the dwarves arrive, were again sad to see them leave.
"I think we spend more time saying farewell than anything else, Thorin," Bilbo chuckled, though his heart was not in it. "But I will be sure to let you know when the Proudfoots finally move to Tuckburrow, and your hobbit hole is vacant."
"Yes, do," Thorin nodded, pulling his resident burglar to him in a strong hug. "And keep the teakettle warm, for you never know when we will show up again, old friend."
"I look forward to it," Bilbo assured him.
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So Thorin and his company took their leave, making their way across the wilds, around mountains, and through forests, until at long last…they arrived back in Erebor.
"Well, Marigold," Thorin said with a sigh of relief as The Lonely Mountain came into view. "We're home."
Yep, home in Erebor...for now.
So, how'd you like the wedding. I hope I didn't forget anything.
And Flinn and Frodo are growing up, getting more mature, but still enjoy racing around and having fun.
Fasten your seat-belt...more time jumps ahead.
Guest Reviews:
Feu d'Argent: Oh boy, I'm royalty now, am I? Cool. Where's my crown? Yep, I am on a killing spree now, OFF WITH THEIR HEADS! Yes, Nain can rule the BLUE MOUNTAINS since those dwarves are a bit less staunchy than in other places. Living so close to the Shire, they have come to see how compatible they are with hobbits and all. ha ha. Yes, I am certain that the mountain will still be standing, despite Fili and Kili's best efforts, ha ha. Yep, I will be taking you beyond LOTR by the epilogue. So hang on. Thanks.
dojoson41: Ha ha, been fixating on Fili's mustache all day, were ya? Well, I can think of worse things to occupy your mind. And when did Fili's mustache swing back and forth when he rode a pony? Did I not see that in the movies? Thanks.
abc: ha ha, and whenever I see an updated story I am reading, it drives me nuts until I can read every word...I can hardly wait for a break at work to do so! Glad you have more restraint than me. Yes, I killed off another set of characters...dang, I'm mean! But better to do so when Marigold could be there, and not stuck clear across Middle Earth. I hope you liked how I updated you all on the kids and what they were up to. So, as you saw, you were right about Dwalin having to give Torin 'the talk' ha ha. Poor guy. Balin is mean. Thanks.
arrondissement: Yes, Rory and Menegilda were fun. But time marches on. I figured that Marigold was just about 35 when she met Thorin in 2953 ish, and Bergie was no more than ten years older than her...say 45. So now the year is 2989, so that makes Bergie 77 and Marigold 67. So they would be like late 40s early 50s by man standards...I think. They both still have long lives ahead of them. Rory and Menegilda were probably about 110 or more. And no, Bergie and Marigold will NOT die before I finish the story...so rest assured. Hey, Jorun could do worse than looking like Bard! Thanks.
Emrfangirl: I am really trying to tie up all the loose ends, since I HATE it when I finish a story and then wonder "but what about...?" So if you can think of anything I have not touched on or cleared up, please let me know. Not EVERYONE will be married off, since many of the dwarf children will still be too young by the time I say "The End", but I hope you like what i have planned. Yah, Tor and Holly were a shoe-in...since they were the only two NOT related so closely by blood. ha ha. Can't have cousins marrying cousins...icky. Thanks for enjoying my story so much...it makes me smile.