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Ok, I had to laugh, because I split this chapter once already and it still ended up being 18 pages long! ha ha. I think it is the longest one I've posted yet!
Do you have your popcorn in hand, and your soda at the ready? Story time!
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Chapter 189
~X~
~Several months ago ~
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"Do you think she'll remember me?" Gimli asked, as the two approached the gates of the Iron Hills, both still sharing the horse from Rohan named Arod.
"I am unfamiliar with the lass, therefore I could not hazard a guess as to what her mind might choose to dwell upon," Legolas replied, having dealt with nothing but fret and worry from his friend over the past several hundred miles.
"It's just that I've been gone for a very long time," Gimli continued, unaware that he had been fixating on nothing else for days. "And I'm not even sure I'll be welcome in her eyes."
"Then should we turn around here and just leave?" Legolas asked, only half joking.
"WHAT?" Gimli sputtered. "Leave now? Are you mad?"
"If I must listen to you vacillate back and forth over your fears about the lass, I just might become so," the elf said with a heavy sigh. "Now, do try and act like the dwarrow you are, and not a whiney-warg."
"Some friend you are," Gimli mumbled beneath his breath. "The least you could do is give me a few words of encouragement."
"Your beard is longer than any other's I've ever seen, and you can use an ax with precision and skill," Legolas said with roll of his eyes, having heard every word with his keen elven ears. "Happy now?"
Gimli chose not to respond, but Legolas was sure he could hear his friend smiling as he rode behind him, leaving the elf to suspect that his words had indeed lifted his spirits.
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"Welcome, Cousin!" Dain bellowed, as Gimli slid down from the back of the horse. "Word has reached us here of your brave deeds in the service of the new king of Gondor! To what do we owe this unexpected but delightful visit, Gimli, son of Gloin?" The red bearded lord of the Iron Hills stood outside the gates of his mountain city, flanked by his wife, Dilora, and his two children. Thorin Stonehelm had grown into a fine dwarrow, looking every inch the warrior prince his father had raised with pride. While their daughter, Dis, who took after her mother, was the picture of beauty.
"I've come…well, what I mean to say is…I am looking for…" here Gimli gave up, unable to get the correct words to pass his lips.
"He has come to claim a wife," Legolas finished for him, leaping down from Arod and coming to bow before the dwarf lord.
"And who might you be?" Dain questioned, eyeing the elf up and down skeptically.
"Legolas, Prince of Mirkwood and son of King Thranduil," he introduced himself, showing no sign of shame or fear.
"I should have known," Dain groused, crossing his arms over his chest. "You do favor your father in looks…let's just hope you don't take after your sire in temperament."
"Prince Legolas has won the favor of King Aragorn of Gondor, and earned the title of dwarf friend from me," Gimli said in defense of his comrade. "And if he is not welcome in the Iron Hills…then I shall take my leave as well!"
"Now, now," Dain stated, holding up his hands in defense. "I never said he wasn't welcome. And if my cousin, Thorin, can forgive his past grievances with the wood-elves and their king…I suppose I can as well." He then gave a rather stilted, yet sincere bow to the Mirkwood elf. "Please, enter and take your ease, Prince Legolas. You are welcome in my kingdom."
"I thank you, Lord Dain," he bowed in return.
"Now, how about we all go inside and chat a bit more about your reason for coming," Dain chuckled, throwing his arm around Gimli's shoulders and steering him through the massive gates, with Legolas falling into step right behind them. "You say you're looking for a wife, are ya?" he asked, a wide smile crossing his lips. "Well, you'll not find a finer selection of dams than here in the Iron Hills." Dilora only rolled her eyes, while Princess Dis, had to cover her mouth with her hand to stop from laughing, the two of them rather amused by Dain's bragging claims.
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Dain took them to a comfortable sitting room, with Dilora joining the three males. Thorin and Dis excused themselves to tend to other duties, while the queen instructed a servant to have a selection of tasty treats and mugs of ale brought in. Once they were all seated and had refreshments in their hands, Dain began to pump Gimli for information.
"So, do you have a particular lass in mind, or are you hoping I might line a bunch of them up for your inspection?" he questioned.
"Dain!" his wife chastised him, looking none too happy by his offer. "Dams are not cattle or ponies that Gimli can simply pick and choose from! He must find his one, and then she must consent to the match!"
"Aye, but the more dams he meets, the more likely he is to find her!" the tactless dwarf countered.
"But…I have found her," Gimli broke in, attempting to defuse a spat between Dain and his wife over the subject. "I simply need to make my intentions known to the lass, and hope she feels the same."
"Oh? And just who might this fortunate dam be?" Dain queried, a glint of excitement in his eye. "And how might you have met her while on a yearlong quest that led you nowhere near the Iron Hills?"
"She was among your personal guards you brought with you when you came to Erebor, just before I departed for Rivendell," the younger dwarrow explained, blushing slightly at the remembrance of how they had first run into each other. "Astra, daughter of Munro, is her name, and I have known now for some time that she's my one."
"I see," Dain stated, his expression turning to one of concern. "And while I rejoice with you over your fortune in finding the one Mahal has destined as your mate…I fear I must warn you that many of my fine soldiers fell in battle when the orcs attacked us last spring."
"Was…was Astra among them?" Gimli gasped, desperate to know if his one still lived.
"I am unsure," Dain revealed. "Though I will summon the captain of my personal guards immediately so that we might inquire over her fate." At this he rose and pulled on a silken cord, calling for a servant, whom he sent running to do his bidding.
Gimli sat there in fear and panic, never having given any thought to the chance that Astra might not be waiting for him when he arrived. Many times he had nearly met his own doom during battle over the past year, yet the thought of his precious one having been cut down had not occurred to him.
"Do not let despair take hold of you," Legolas warned him, easily reading his friend's mind. "You know nothing for certain, and it will do you no good to assume the worst."
Yet that was exactly what Gimli was now picturing, and try as he might, he could not stop the cold sweat from washing over him as he sat there and waited for the worst.
When the door opened and a stout dwarrow entered, Gimli rose to his feet, staring at the Iron Hill's warrior and knowing that his happiness now hung on his next words.
"Ah, Tolbar, thank you for coming so quickly," Dain said, nodding to his captain. "I asked you here to inquire about a soldier under your command. Can you tell us if there is still an Astra, daughter of Munro, among your guards?"
"Astra?" he questioned, cocking his head to the side as if thinking for a moment. "As it turns out, no, she is no longer among my ranks, My Lord."
"WHAT?" Gimli cried, having to reach out and steady himself, fearing he might topple over from grief. "Is…is she dead?"
"Dead? No, of course not," the dwarrow assured him, giving the red-bearded dwarf a curious look. "As I said, Astra is no longer one of my soldiers, but instead a squad leader, having been promoted due to her excellent skills in battle during the war. Why is it that you ask after her, master dwarf?"
"It would appear that my cousin, Gimli, has come to petition the lass for her hand in marriage…as well as her other fine parts, I would assume," Dain chuckled, his good humor over the subject returning now that the lass' safety had been assured.
"Well then, I do hope you are a sturdy sort," the captain snickered, looking Gimli up and down. "For Astra is a warrior, through and through, and not what one might call the gentle sort."
"I'm fully aware of her fine character and I wouldn't have her any other way," Gimli huffed, not at all appreciating this dwarf's jest, or his assessment of his one. "Now, if you would be so good as to tell me where I might find the lass, I will trouble you no further."
"Come now, Master Gimli," the captain said, holding up his hands in a gesture of surrender. "I assure you, I have nothing but respect for the dam you seek, for she was one of my most valued soldiers. You are a fortunate dwarrow indeed if she is truly your one."
"Well, why don't you go fetch the lass so that Gimli can find out?" Dain suggested, waving his hand at his captain in an effort to get him moving. "And don't you go letting the cat out of the bag about why she's being summoned, do you hear?"
"Aye, Lord Dain, I will be discreet," the captain assured him, still unable to wipe the smile off his face as he left.
"There, you see, your lady fair is alive and well," Legolas said with a nod of satisfaction. "And it would appear that she is also highly favored among her comrades in arms."
"And why wouldn't she be?" Gimli huffed. "Astra is as fine a lass as you will ever meet, and if she will have me, I fully intend on asking her to be my wife."
"Excellent!" Dain cheered, slapping his hands together and rubbing them in anticipation. "Dilora will make all the arrangements for the wedding and I will officiate!"
"I…oh, Lord Dain," Gimli stammered, not sure how to speak his mind without hurting his royal cousin's feelings. "While I thank you for your kind offer, and fully intend on marrying the lass, I figured I would take her back to Erebor first, to meet my family."
"Nonsense!" Dain grumbled, looking rather put out at the idea. "If she is your one, you should wed her now! Tomorrow in fact!"
"Tomorrow?" Gimli was shocked.
"Tomorrow? Are you mad?" Dilora protested. "I cannot throw a wedding together on such short notice! Even if I am the queen!"
"Sure you can!" Dain told her with full confidence. "A dress, a cake, and a bead and there you have it…instant wedding." He then turned back to Gimli. "And why wait? You two have already known each other for over a year."
"Known of, yes," Gimli protested. "But we've yet to spend more than an hour in each other's company! And what if Astra wishes to wait? I won't force the lass to marry me!"
"Then you will simply remain here in the Iron Hills until you two decide you are ready," Dain stated, matter of factly.
"My family will be greatly disappointed if they are not present for my marriage," the younger dwarf once again objected.
"Oh, they'll get over it," Dain assured him with a dismissive wave of his hand.
"Dain!" Dilora scolded him, not at all happy with his attitude. "Would YOU get over it if Thorin chose to wed some lass without us present?"
"Well…no, but that's completely different. He's a prince!" Dain reasoned, not willing to back down. "Besides, what kind of monarch would I be if I allowed a lass from my own kingdom to travel in the company of two males without being married to one of them? I will not allow the lass' honor to be called into question or besmirched. So, either you two leave as husband and wife…or Astra does not leave at all."
"You can't be serious!" Gimli barked, shocked at such a command.
"Deadly serious," he guaranteed, his expression telling everyone that this was no longer open for discussion. Thankfully, any more talk was halted by the knock on the door, followed by the hesitant entrance of Astra, looking somewhat bewildered by her summons. She was dressed in her battle gear, having apparently just come back from patrol, and her eyes were focused directly on Dain, not even noticing the others in the room.
"You…you sent for me, Lord Dain?" she asked, stepping forward and bowing to her king. "How may I serve?"
"Well, you can give my cousin here an answer to his very important question, for starters," he responded, gesturing with his hand to where Gimli now stood, his eyes riveted on her.
"GIMLI!" Astra gasped as she caught sight of him at last, her heart nearly beating out of her chest with joy. "You're back from your journey at last?"
"Aye…I am, Lady Astra," the red-bearded dwarf replied, bowing respectfully to her. "You…you are looking…in good health."
"Oh…well, thank you," Astra replied, and while his words were not exactly a declaration of love, she was still thrilled to see him – and looking just as handsome as she remembered. So many nights she had dreamed of him arriving to sweep her off her feet and carry her away with him. And now that he was actually there…oh, might her fantasies finally be coming true? Astra had never been one to waste her time on day-dreams and silly thoughts of romance, but ever since she had laid eyes on Gimli…well everything had changed. "You've been away for a long time, fighting, battling, and all around becoming a hero…so what has brought you back here now?"
"I…what I mean is…you see…" Gimli knew he was stuttering like a fool, but he couldn't help himself. Everything he had planned to say had flown from his mind, and all he was left with was a tongue tied in knots. And as he looked around the room, noting that all eyes were on him, he blurted out the first thing he could think of. "Well, you're the one who invited me to come…remember?" The moment the words were out of his mouth, he instantly wished he could take them back, shutting his eyes and giving a low moan of misery.
"Yes…I do remember," she nodded, her eyebrows furrowing together in confusion. Was Gimli angry with her for some reason? "And it would appear that you have chosen to accept my offer. But…tell me, what led you to your decision to come?"
"It would seem, dear lady," Legolas broke in, seeing that his friend was floundering and in serious danger of drowning in his own stupidity. "That Master Gimli has been able to think of nothing else but you the entire time he was away. He has spoken of little else except your great beauty, your dulcet tones, and the way the moonlight sparkles in your eyes. I assure you, that the dwarf before you is quite smitten…and wishes to ask you a very important question." Here Legolas gave Gimli a slight shove, causing the stiff dwarf to stumble forward, looking more like a toppling statue than the lovesick dwarrow he was.
"Is this true, Gimli?" Astra questioned, also taking a step closer to him, though much more gracefully. "Does the elf speak in earnest?"
"He…he does," Gimli was able to get out at last, his face now as red as his beard at having someone else confess his feelings for him.
"And what might this question be, that you wish to ask?" she prodded, once more her heart in her throat as she prayed it was what she had been hoping for.
"I want to know…" but here Gimli stopped, his eyes looking about as he noted his overly eager audience. "I want to know…if you will please join me outside for a private talk," he finished, marching forward and grabbing her hand, leading her towards the doors before she could even respond. The two quickly exited the room, leaving Legolas, Dain, and Dilora a bit disappointed at not being able to witness Gimli's triumph...or defeat.
"I think I will take my leave now," the queen announced. "If all goes well, and the lass says yes, I apparently have a wedding to plan." And exiting through another door, she left her husband and the elf alone.
"Well, now what?" Dain huffed, sitting back down and crossing his arms.
"I am unsure," the elf told him, looking rather uncomfortable. "I do not know how long it might take to convince the lass that Gimli is not a blithering idiot and that she should accept his offer of marriage."
"Dams are funny that way," Dain nodded. "Some agree right away, while others…" here he looked at the door his wife had just left through, chuckling slightly. "Others…well, they make us work for it. We will just have to see what kind Astra turns out to be." He was then silent for a while, fidgeting as he stared at the elf prince before him. "So…what does your kind do for fun?" Dain probed, not quite sure how to entertain his unexpected guest. "Do you by chance like to… drink?"
"I've been known to indulge from time to time," Legolas nodded, recalling the strange contest he and Gimli had engaged in back at Edoras.
"Well, then, laddie!" Dain bellowed, calling out for someone to bring him a keg and a couple of mugs. "Let's see how well you can hold your liquor!"
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Gimli had dragged Astra down the hall and onto a small balcony, overlooking a pleasant rock-garden, complete with a small waterfall. It was a nice enough place for what he had in mind, and much better than doing this in front of a roomful of witnesses. When they stopped, he turned quickly and faced her, locking eyes with the lass who had haunted his thoughts for so very long. This was it…do or die…and Gimli was not about to go down without a fight.
"Astra," he began, attempting to sound in control of his emotions. "I've thought of nothing and no one but you ever since we've parted. From the moment we first met, I've known that you are my one…my only. I would have spoken sooner, but I had a duty to perform, a quest that required my full attention and strength. Yet now that it is complete…and I'm again a free dwarf, I find that my mind is once more centered only on you." He took a deep breath and spoke from his heart. "What I'm trying to say is…Astra, will you do me the honor of wearing my courting bead?" Gimli held his breath, praying that he would not walk away from this with a broken heart. Yet, once again, Gimli was taken aback by Astra's bold words.
"After a full year of keeping me waiting, and you only offer me a courting bead?" she questioned, crossing her arms over her chest and raising a skeptical eyebrow. "I thank you for the proposal, but I won't be accepting anything less than a marriage bead from you, Gimli, son of Gloin."
"You…you would agree to marry me?" he gasped, not having expected that! "So quickly? But we hardly know each other!"
"I know enough. And I don't just agree to be your wife…I demand it!" she laughed, stepping forward and bringing her forehead close to his. "I knew you were the one I wanted from the moment I fell on you in Erebor, and if you are here to ask for my hand, I wholeheartedly give it to you. You just need to tell me when and where, and I promise to be there with a smile on my face and a yes on my lips."
"Well, in that case…how about tomorrow?" Gimli suggested, suddenly liking Dain's suggestion very much. And since it was an order from a king, his parents couldn't be all that upset with him…could they?
"My, my," Astra laughed. "You are the eager one, aren't you? But fine by me!"
"Is there someone I should talk to about the bride price?" Gimli questioned, wishing to do things correctly. "Your father, perhaps?"
"Both my parents died some time ago," she revealed. "Yet I do have a couple of brothers I suppose you could speak with. Though I don't see any reason why you should be compensating them for anything, it's not as if I live under their roof or contribute to a common household. Both my brothers are soldiers and live in the barracks, so they have no say over what I do, or whom I choose to wed."
"Still, it is tradition," Gimli stated firmly. "And I intend to do right by you, Astra."
"Oh, my gallant warrior," she said with a smile. "As you wish. I can take you to meet them now, if that be your desire."
"My true desire would be to stay here with you a bit longer," he told her with a wicked grin. "And maybe, if you're willing…I might steal a kiss to seal the deal?"
"It ain't stealing if I offer it willingly," she teased, taking his face in her palms and pulling him in for a very long and passionate kiss.
Gimli could once again feel that odd sensation coming over him, and easily recognized it as his body waking up in response to finding his one. How had he lived through the past year without her in his arms?
When the two parted at last, Gimli felt as if he were floating on air, wishing for nothing more than to kiss her over and over again.
"Now…shall we go see my two brothers and get this over with, so that we can get hitched?" Astra questioned, apparently now as eager as Gimli to get things ironed out.
"I can't think of anything better in this world," he agreed, now more than eager to take Dain up on his kind offer.
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"Three hundred gold pieces!" Astra's older brother, Bander, demanded, eyeing Gimli as if he were a fox in the hen-house. "And not a penny less!"
"And a cow…as well as two sheep!" the younger added, doing his best to emulated his brother's stance and expression.
"A cow?" Astra repeated, looking aghast at the idea. "And just where is Gimli supposed to find a cow on such short notice, Binder?" She then glared at her brothers, causing the two sturdy warriors to take a step back in fear. "You two are being ridiculous. I am not worth that much and you know it!"
"I disagree!" Gimli stated firmly. "I think you are worth twice that…maybe three times the amount, easily!"
"You're not helping!" Astra hissed out of the corner of her mouth.
"I stand by my assessment," Gimli told her, stepping forward and staring at the two dwarves before him. "However, I fear that I'm not in possession of any livestock at the moment, having just arrived in the Iron Hills this very day. But I can, and will, meet your bride price…and then some. I will offer you one-thousand pieces of gold, allowing you to buy several cows and a whole herd of sheep, if that be your wish. Do we have an accord?"
And while Bander and Binder's mouths dropped open in shock, it was Astra's voice that rang out.
"WE DO NOT!" she all but shouted. "Gimli, you're being foolish. Where are you going to get such a sum? I will not have us start our lives in debt, simply to please my silly brothers and your pride."
"Astra," Gimli began, turning to face her as he took her hands in his. "I do not come to you a penniless beggar. I am not only a cousin to both your king and mine, but I also have the favor of King Aragorn of Gondor, and a title of my own. I may have left Erebor as a simple soldier, but I stand before you now as the Lord of Aglarond…the Glittering Caves of Helm's Deep."
"You…what?" this was news to Astra, and certainly not something she had anticipated.
"If you agree to marry me, you will be a true Lady, and rule by my side," he informed her. "Thus, I assure you, I have both the means and the desire to stand by my offer." Gimli turned back towards her brothers. "Will you accept?"
Bander and Binder were now as dumbstruck as their sister, and both nodded mutely, suddenly realizing what an advantageous match Astra had made.
"Then it is settled," Gimli stated firmly. "I will have the gold delivered this evening, and tomorrow I shall take Astra as my wife."
"Now you just wait one minute!" the dam barked, placing her hands on her hips and glaring at Gimli with fire in her eyes. "When I said I would marry you, I was saying yes to a soldier…not a king! If I agree to this now, does that mean I must give up my life as a warrior and wear dresses and throw fancy tea parties or some such nonsense? I'm not that kind of dam, Gimli, and if that's what you want…then I'm not the dam for you!"
"Be silent, sister!" Bander hissed out of the corner of his mouth. "Are you truly that foolish to turn down such a life…as well as a title?"
"I will not become something I ain't!" Astra told him firmly. "And I don't care one hoot about fancy living or being called a lady."
"If you accept my marriage proposal, Astra of the Iron Hills," Gimli spoke up, looking at his one with even more love in his eyes…if that was at all possible. "You will never be asked, or expected, to be anything other than what you are to me…perfectly wonderful just the way you are. As the lord of a newly founded kingdom, I will need a great deal of help to establish our city. And on the top of my list would be someone to organize an army and fighters to defend it. Might you be interested in the job…my warrior queen?"
"You mean you would let me fight at your side?" she gasped, knowing that many husbands would never allow their wives to leave the safety of their homes. "You would not treat me as some helpless female?"
"I would be the biggest fool in Middle Earth if I did," Gimli laughed. "I fell in love with you knowing what a strong and determined lass you were. Why would I ever wish for you to change?" He then took her hands in his, giving them an encouraging squeeze. "So, will you allow me to pay your family the bride price, and once again agree to be my wife?"
In answer, Astra threw her arms around Gimli and kissed him quite soundly, right there in front of her brothers, answering the question for all.
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The following day Dain and Dilora threw Gimli and Astra a very fine wedding, even if it had been put together on very short notice. Dain's eyes were a bit bloodshot, and he flinched every time someone spoke too loudly…including himself. For apparently he and Legolas had indulged long into the evening, until Dain had passed out, leaving the elf feeling only a bit numb in the fingers.
Still, the Lord of the Iron Hills did an admiral job of officiating over the ceremony, saying all the right words - even if they might have been a bit more colorful than Thorin would have spoken – until the two were officially wed. The king even made sure the newlyweds had a private room set up for them to have their shut-in week, as well as keeping Legolas highly entertained during his friend's absence. Yet once the happy couple finally emerged, it was their wish to leave for Erebor as soon as possible.
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Her brothers were sad to see her go, but overjoyed at the advantageous match Astra had made.
"Our parents would be very proud of you, Astra," Bander told her, giving her a warm hug. "Not only for finding your one, but due to your achievements in battle as well."
"Aye, you've done well for yourself, sister," Binder agreed. "The Iron Hills won't be the same without you."
"Then you'll have to come visit us in the Glittering Caves, brothers," Gimli told them, earning looks of gratitude from both. Then, with one final tearful hug for her brothers, Astra turned to Lord Dain.
"You will indeed be missed, Lady Astra," Dain told her next. "My captain speaks very highly of you, and hates to lose you from our ranks."
"And I will miss being in your service as well, Lord Dain," she told him, bowing courteously.
"None of that now," Dain told her with a waggle of his finger. "You're as good as a queen yourself now, remember? And besides that…you're also family!" At this, he stepped forward and pulled her into a warm embrace. When he stepped back, Astra's eyes were as wide as saucers.
"I…I believe this will take some getting used to," she said with a nervous laugh.
"Take all the time you need," Dain told her with a laugh, turning next to Gimli. "I expect you to take good care of her, cousin. I'll be checking up on you often, just to make certain she's happy."
"And you will not be disappointed," Gimli assured him.
"And you, elf," Dain laughed, slapping Legolas on the back with a look of admiration. "You're always welcome in the Iron Hills! Anyone who can drink me under the table is most assuredly worthy of my friendship!"
"Then I count myself doubly blessed to have two such dwarrow who consider me as such," Legolas said with a respectful bow of his head. "I look forward to sharing a pint or two with you again soon, Lord Dain."
"As do I," he agreed. "Now, it's time to bid each other farewell, yet I hope it won't be for the last time. Travel safe and return in the same manner as you left…as friends."
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~XXXX~
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"And so we left," Legolas finished, his story coming to an end. "Arriving in Erebor only a month ago."
"Well, that was well worth hearing," Flinn laughed, reaching over and slapping his now blushing cousin on the back. "Got a bit tongue-tied did ya, Gimli? And here I would have thought you were a real smooth talker."
"You try speaking eloquently when faced with your own one, laddie," Gimli told him, his eyes narrowing just a bit.
"Oh, don't you let them get to you," Astra instructed, leaning in as she placed her head on his shoulder, snuggling in just a bit closer. "I thought you did a fine job, and I will treasure each and every word for as long as I live."
"And I meant every last one of them…when I at last could get them out," Gimli chuckled. He then pointed a finger at Flinn. "Just remember this, laddie, for one day it'll be you stumbling over your words, and I'll be the one laughing then!"
"Oh no, not me," Flinn chuckled. "I've long ago decided that I will not be tied down and forced to eat husband-vegetables on a daily basis. Frerin, Frodo, and I have made a pact to be confirmed bachelors."
"Is that so?" Sier questioned, her own eyes now narrowing in anger over her son's words. "And are you prepared to deny Mahal's will, should your one come along?"
"Now, Amad," Flinn said with a heavy sigh. "Frerin and I aren't even of age yet…as you so often love to point out. And who's to say I shall ever meet this elusive creature?"
"That's exactly what I once thought," Fili laughed, reaching out and taking Sier's hand, bringing it up to his lips as he gave it a gentle kiss. "And yet, here we are, happily married with three beautiful children. So, son…never say never."
"And don't be surprised if you find love in the most unlikely of places either," Kili added, also giving Tauriel a look that spoke of his devotion. "For once your heart has been set ablaze, there's no denying it."
"I couldn't have said it better myself," Thorin agreed, entwining his fingers with Marigold's beneath the table.
"Nor I," Dwalin chuckled, leaning in to plant a loud kiss on Bergie's cheek.
"Now you stop that, you big brute!" the hobbit laughed, pushing Dwalin away playfully.
"Yes, please!" Talin begged, with a roll of her eyes. "There are children present!"
This got everyone laughing, and as the night wore on, there was much more to be had. Flinn and Frerin were very excited to at last be introduced to their new little cousin, Elenaur, with each taking turns holding the delicate red-haired baby. Ithil and Anor, being the protective big brothers they were, kept a close eye on their sister as she was passed from one set of arms to the next.
Just about then, Talin recalled that she had promised to deliver a package to her younger cousin…from Pippin! So, getting up and heading over to where Raina sat, she plopped herself down beside her, a wide grin on her face.
"I have something for you?" she told the bubbly little princess.
"Oh? You brought me back a present?" she asked, looking quite excited by the idea.
"Well…yes and no," Talin chuckled. "Yes, I brought back a gift, but no, it is not from me."
"Then who's it from?" Raina asked, looking rather perplexed. Yet then her eyes grew wide with excitement. "Is it from Pippin?" she squealed, clapping her hands together in glee as Talin nodded yes. "What is it?"
"I don't know," her cousin told her. "I didn't open it." She then handed over the little package, watching as Raina tore into it, revealing a small box and a hand written letter. Setting the letter aside, she lifted the lid, revealing a lovely silver chain with a pendant hanging from it. Pressed between the two small pieces of glass, and sealed with a silver edging, was a pink flower with a yellow center, just like the one she had stopped to care for in Gondor.
"Pippin planted the seeds I gave him!" the princess gasped, holding the treasure up to admire it. "He made me a necklace out of one of the blooms!"
"It's very pretty," Talin agreed. "And a very thoughtful gift. What does the letter say?"
"Oh, right!" Raina said, grabbing the note and opening it, scanning the page quickly as her eyes grew wide with shock.
"Don't keep it to yourself!" Talin complained, dying to know what the letter said. "I'm the one who carried it all the way across Middle Earth, I deserve to know what he said!"
"Us too!" Rose broke in, she, Freya, and Lili having apparently been eavesdropping from where they sat as well. "Share sister!"
"Fine…but not here," she agreed with a blush, her eyes glancing nervously at her parents, who were still within hearing distance. "Let's go to my room."
The five dams quickly rose and excused themselves, heading for the door among a plethora of giggles.
"I had hoped she'd gotten over that," Thorin huffed, watching as his youngest left the room in a tizzy. "I swear, I'm going to have to kill that hobbit yet, aren't I?"
"Oh, you stop!" Marigold scolded him. "There is nothing wrong with young Pippin, or the fact that your daughter might find him fascinating. Do you wish for her to be alone all her life?"
"No, of course not," Thorin grumbled. "But…but couldn't she wait to fall in love after I am dead and in my grave? Because, if she accepts a marriage proposal, I swear that it would kill me dead anyway!"
"Don't worry," Dwalin broke in, throwing his arm around his sword-brother's shoulders. "It's not as bad as you think, and if I can survive it, so can you."
"That's different! For you, it was your son who found himself a mate…not your daughter!" Thorin pointed out. "How do you plan on taking things when Talin finds her one?"
"Not well," Dwalin assured him, his own expression now turning to one of fear.
"Exactly!" Thorin said, throwing up his hands. "Daughters simply should not marry…ever!"
"Now you listen here, Thorin Oakenshield," Marigold told him firmly, pointing her finger at him in a threatening manner. "I understand that you're not happy, nor ready, for any of your children to find love. But I am! You and I are not getting any younger and I want grandchildren! And if Raina and Pippin decide that they are meant to be together, then we will not be standing in their way. Do you hear me?"
"I think the whole room heard you," Thorin responded, noting that many heads had turned to stare at them when Marigold's voice had rose in volume.
"Good! Then there will be no mistaking my thoughts on this matter, or the fact that you will not try and dissuade our daughter from pursuing this if that be her wish." She then turned and leveled her eyes at Dwalin. "That goes for you too! Talin will one day find her one, and you are forbidden to hinder her either. And that is an order from your queen!"
"You tell him, Marigold!" Bergie agreed, cheering her niece on. "Because he refuses to listen to me on the subject!"
"Now, Thorin, I want to hear it from your own lips that you will do as directed and not act all threatening and possessive when our daughters decide to marry," the hobbit queen instructed. "Say it!"
"Yes, my love," the king agreed with a sigh of defeat. "I promise not to argue with any of our children if they should ever find love."
"And you, Dwalin?" Marigold pressed.
"Aye…I will do as you say," he nodded, looking very humbled by the scolding.
"Good," she said, apparently satisfied by their answers. "I'm glad we got that settled, once and for all." Giving her husband a kiss on the cheek, she and Bergie went back to talking with Dena and Astra, leaving the males to themselves.
"What's the big idea of just caving like that?" Dwalin hissed, eyeing Thorin as if he were a traitor. "You're just going to let some upstart march in and take your daughters away without a fight?"
"Do you honestly think I would ever allow such a thing?" the king huffed, shaking his head in frustration.
"But you said…" Dwalin insisted.
"What I said was that I would not argue with any of my children if they should ever find love," he pointed out, a sly smile coming to his lips. "I never said I wouldn't argue the fact with the lad who comes to steal my daughters! Marigold never said I had to act in any way cordial to them…now did she?"
"No…she didn't," Dwalin agreed, now seeing the wisdom behind his friend's idea. "So, you won't argue with Raina…but Pippin better watch out. Right?"
"Exactly," Thorin nodded. "They didn't make me king for nothing, you know."
"Well, it certainly wasn't based on your looks, that's for sure," Dwalin laughed, slapping Thorin on the back. For this he earned a majestic scowl from his friend and kin.
.
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Meanwhile, up in the royal chambers, the four dams crowded around Raina as she unfolded the letter in order to read it out loud.
"I'm surprised you would be interested in such things, Talin," Freya said, noting that her warrior cousin appeared just as excited as the rest of them. "I thought you said this love stuff was silly."
"It is…for my rock-for-brains brother," she explained with a wide smile. "But I'm quite interested in Raina's love life."
"Now stop," Raina said with a blush. "One can hardly call it a love life…I mean, this is the first time Pippin's written me…ever!"
"And we're dying to know what he said!" Lili squealed, bouncing on the bed in anticipation. "Read it! Read it!"
"Fine," Raina agreed, clearing her throat as she began.
My Dearest Raina,
"Oh, he called her his dearest!" Freya sighed, placing the back of her hand against her forehead in a swooning manner. "How romantic!"
"Hush up and let her continue!" Rose ordered, eager to know what this lad had said to her little sister.
"Thank you, Rose," Raina smiled, starting over once again.
My Dearest Raina,
I hope this letter finds you well. I have been very busy here in the Shire since returning, but I managed to find time to plant the seeds you gave me, resulting in a very fine crop of flowers. The pink petals remind me of your rosy cheeks, and the yellow centers of the gold flecks in your beautiful hair. I hope it was not too forward of me to craft one into a necklace and gift it to you. It is just that…well, it was pointed out to me that I might have missed some signals that you were sending to me at our last parting. And if that is true, I want you to know that I would welcome such feelings with all my heart.
I have always thought very highly of you, Princess Raina, yet never dared to believe that one as amazing as you might in turn deem me worthy of your attentions. There is no other maid in the whole Shire that compares to your beauty and kind nature, and if you would accept my gift, and wear it close to your heart, I would be the happiest hobbit in Middle Earth.
I know this letter could never contain, or adequately express, the extent of my feelings for you, yet I do hope it has given you a clue as to what's in my heart. I will refrain from saying more until I know if my attentions might be welcome…or if you are at this very moment laughing at my feeble attempts to describe my intentions.
Please write me soon and indicate if I should continue to have hope…or if I should give up and bother you no further. I do pray it will be the former and not the later.
With great joy and expectation,
Your devoted servant,
Peregrin Took
"He loves you!" Lili gushed, grabbing hold of Raina's arm and squeezing it tightly. "You have to write him back and tell him that you love him too!"
"Now wait a moment," Rose spoke up. "This is Raina's decision, and she first needs to figure out if she truly does love him…or if it is just some passing fancy. It is not kind to string a lad along, especially if there is no hope."
"But…but I do like him!" Raina insisted. "I've been able to think of nothing but him for months now! Doesn't that mean I love him?"
"Not necessarily," Talin stated. "I mean, for a dwarf, it would be a done deal. You meet your one, and you have two choices…marry them, or devote yourself to your craft. But for a hobbit, or even one who is only part hobbit, you have to decide if it is meant to be or not. Remember, Torin and Holly courted for nearly ten years before they were wed. Maybe that is what you need to do as well, spend time with Pippin, and see if he is your true mate."
"But how can I do that when I live in Erebor and he lives in the Shire?" Raina moaned, hating all this indecision.
"Well…aren't your parents talking about moving to the Shire…and soon?" Lili asked, having heard her parents discussing that very subject on several occasions.
"Yes, they are," Raina agreed.
"Well, there you go," Freya nodded. "You go with them, spend time with Pippin, and if you two decide to get married…"
"Then our father will run him through with Orcrist," Rose finished, the tone in her voice telling everyone she was only half joking.
"He wouldn't dare!" Raina gasped, placing her hand over the flower pendant in horror.
"Oh, I'm sorry…have you met our father?" Rose challenged, rolling her eyes in exasperation.
"Yah…I mean, I know my adad is on the protective side, but yours makes mine look like a pushover," Talin said, giving out a low whistle.
"What am I going to do?" Raina moaned, knowing that her father could be a very big obstacle in all this.
"Go right to the top…appeal to Amad," Rose instructed. "He can't say no to her."
"Yes, mothers can always get fathers to see things their way," Lili agreed. "Just get her on your side and you are set."
"And in the meantime, write Pippin and tell him that you are interested in finding out if this might truly go somewhere," Freya suggested. "Don't commit to anything just yet, and wait till you two are able to spend time in each other's company before you go making any declarations of love."
"If he's truly your one, then he'll be willing to wait for you to make up your mind," Talin nodded.
"But most important…do not let Adad know you are writing to him!" Rose said firmly. "For if he did, he would forbid the Ravens to carry your letters back and forth."
"Good thinking," Raina nodded. "I will do just as you've all said, and I trust that you will keep my secret?"
"Of course we will," Freya confirmed. "We won't tell a soul."
"What are cousins for?" Lili said with a sly grin.
"Now, go find some paper and let's get that letter written!" Talin instructed, as all the dams giggled in agreement.
.
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When the feast was at last over, just as she had said, Sier did indeed have Oin check Flinn and Frerin over, making sure they were not hiding any other wounds or scars from her and Fili. Once she was satisfied that both her lads were in fine health, Sier and Fili led the way back to their chambers. Flinn and Frerin were happy to be home and eagerly snuggled down in their own comfortable beds, having missed them greatly.
Yet, later that night, Sier, unable to sleep, crept to her sons' door and opened it just a crack - the low-glowing embers in the fireplace allowing her to gaze upon the comforting sight of them right where they should be.
"Sier…what are you doing?" Fili whispered, coming up to stand behind his wife as he too peeked inside.
"I couldn't sleep, and I just wanted to check and make sure they were really home and safe," she explained, leaning back against him as her husband wrapped his arms around her. "I can't believe how much they have grown. Where are the little babes I once carried in my arms? Soon they will be adults…with wives and families of their own. I miss my babies."
"Amad has told me and Kili the same thing more than once," he chuckled softly. "And yet, just think…if they do find love and choose to marry, we then have grandchildren to look forward to!"
"Yes…I know, but still, it won't be the same," she sighed. "Do you really think they will choose to marry? You heard what Flinn said at dinner tonight."
"It doesn't matter what he said," Fili assured her. "If by Mahal's will they find their one…they will be helpless to resist. Just as I was when faced with your beauty and kind heart. Do you even realize how much joy you have brought to me, Sier? I can't imagine my life without you and our little ones."
"We do have some very wonderful children, don't we?" Sier smiled, turning her head to look into Fili's loving eyes.
"Most of the time," he agreed. "Still, every now and then they can act like Kili, and get into a bit of trouble."
"Like Kili?" Sier questioned. "I think they take after you!"
"Me? But, I'm the responsible and trustworthy one!" Fili argued, leaning down to kiss Sier's cheek. "However, my sweet, if you would prefer…I suppose I could take you back to our room and show you just how spontaneous and wild I can be, when properly motivated."
"You know we can hear you, right?" came the muffled voice of Frerin from within the darkened room, alerting them to the fact that their sons were not asleep as they had assumed.
"We both can, and believe me, what I just heard is going to give me nightmares!" Flinn added, his voice was tinged with humor.
Sier let out a gasp, covering her mouth with her hand as she turned beet red.
"Sorry!" Fili choked out, grabbing hold of the door handle and quickly pulling it shut, yet even the wooden barrier was not thick enough to drown out their embarrassed laughter.
Fili leaned against the door and looked down at Sier, the two of them doing their best to control their giggles.
"So, my wife, should we go check on Freya and give her disturbing dreams as well?" Fili asked, his shoulders shaking from his mirth.
"Oh, Fili, you're terrible!" Sier nearly snorted, giving her husband a playful swat. "What must our lads think of us?"
"That their ama and adad love each other very much," he told her, reaching out and taking her into his arms. "And I, for one, intend on proving them right."
"Oh, and how is that?" Sier asked, cocking her head to the side as she gazed up at him.
"Allow me to demonstrate," Fili said, scooping her up in his muscular arms. "Might I escort you to our chambers, my lady?"
"By all means, my prince," she giggled, feeling decades younger as she beheld the look of passion in Fili's eyes. "By all means."
.
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Back in the room, Flinn rolled over, still chuckling as he stared at his brother across the room.
"I don't think I'll be able to get back to sleep now, how about you?" he asked.
"I feel like I need a stiff drink just to get that image out of my mind," Frerin agreed, sitting up and rubbing his hands over his face vigorously. "I mean I know they are married and all…but they're our parents! Can't they control themselves?"
"I know!" Flinn laughed. "But if they were able to, I wouldn't have a brother, now would I? Or a sister?"
"Oh, gross!" Frerin barked, throwing his pillow across the room and hitting his brother in the face. "Stop putting images in my mind or I swear I will never get any sleep!"
The two laughed for a bit longer, then they began to simmer down, sitting up in their beds as a comfortable silence came over them.
"Flinn?" Frerin said at last. "I'm glad we're home."
"Me too," the older sibling agreed. "I didn't know I missed Erebor so much until I saw it again…or Adad and Ama."
"I even missed Freya!" Frerin chuckled.
"Yah...I did too," Flinn nodded. "There's nothing as wonderful as family and friends, is there?"
"Not in my book," Frerin said, settling back down in his bed. "And I, for one, intend on enjoying every moment with them."
"I just wish I felt better about Frodo," Flinn mumbled, laying back down as well. "The way he acted still worries me."
"Write him a letter in the morning and it will make you feel better," Frerin instructed. "You'll see, everything will be fine."
"I hope you're right," Flinn said with a heavy sigh.
"Hey, Flinn?" Frerin spoke up across the dark room.
"Yes?" his brother responded.
"Can I have my pillow back?" he asked.
"No," came his one word answer.
"Please?" the younger dwarrow whined.
"You threw it at me…now it's mine," he reasoned.
"Then I guess I'll just have to come and take it back," Frerin growled, launching himself out of his bed and landing on Flinn with a mighty roar. "Hand it over or die!"
"Death before dishonor!" Flinn cried out, hitting his brother with the pillow in question as the two wrestled and laughed, enjoying the wonderful bond of brotherhood.
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The End
(Epilogue to Follow)
Well, that's it folks. The end of 'the story' but there will be an epilogue coming next. The very one I had planned and half written before I decided the last 39 chapters had to be written out and not just glossed over in remembrance. ha ha.
So, how did Legolas do in telling Gimli's story?
Do you think Raina and Pippin's love story is off to a good start?
Poor Flinn and Frerin, having to hear their parents talking all lovey-dovey like that.
Guest Reviews:
Guest: Soooooo, how did Legolas' story measure up? And nope, there was nothing ever written about Gimli and Astra before, so it was ALL NEW. ha ha. Yes, there will be come upcoming sadness, but some happy stuff too! Honest. I just didn't know what else to do with the end, since Frodo going to the undying lands was a very pivotal point in the story...and how else would Sam get Bag End? ha ha. You might be smiling over Pippin and Raina...but THORIN is not! ha ha. Thanks.