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Chapter 7

Shomakhalinh - Guardian Lady or chaperone

~X~

As soon as the two were left alone outside the dining hall, Fili felt the need to further apologize for his part in all this. While deep down he still relished the situation, how it afforded him the opportunity to be around Jade and get to know her better, he would still have preferred it to have been her choice. Not forced into it by his uncle, simply to save his and her reputations.

"I'm truly sorry about all this, Jade," Fili said in a low voice, noting that they were receiving a few curious looks from those passing by. "If I had known the true reason for your visit to my room that night, I would never have dared to intrude upon yours. I do hope you can forgive me."

"There is nothing to forgive, it was all a horrible misunderstanding," she quickly assured him. "I'm the one who should beg your forgiveness. I'm still trying to find my way, and comprehend things which are new to me, and I feared that announcing one more oddity about myself would not be looked upon approvingly. Especially that of my sleepwalking into other dwarves' bedrooms. I'm fully aware of how it must have appeared, and I don't blame you in the least for being confused…and curious. You are not to blame, you only wanted answers."

"And now that I have them, I'm completely shamed by my actions," Fili interjected. "I fully intend to make it up to you, Jade. I will endeavor to see that our time together is as pleasant and comfortable as possible. Our pretend courtship will not pass idly by…I promise you."

"Please, don't go to more trouble than you already must on my account," she whispered, also noticing the inquisitive stares. "Obviously, as the crown prince, you are very busy. Your time and attention are not always your own, and you certainly don't need the added grief of having to entertain me. You're already under such scrutiny…and once King Thorin makes his announcement, it will only get worse."

"I don't care," he assured her. "While it's true my life has ceased being mine alone the moment my uncle reclaimed the throne, it's the price that must be paid to ensure the continued success of Erebor. Kili too feels the pressure, even though he may never ascend the throne, but he's done much to rise to the challenge. My brother and I fully support Thorin, and are willing to go to any lengths to see that his kingship succeeds. We followed him through goblin filled mountains, battles with orcs, and even the spider infested forests of Mirkwood for that very reason. So if he now asks that I spend some time with a beautiful dwarrowdam, who am I to argue?" This last part he said with such an endearing grin, that Jade could not help but reciprocate. "You have a very beautiful smile. I will endeavor to see that you do so more often."

Jade found herself blushing at his words, and while there were still many butterflies racing around in her stomach…at least they were now flying in formation. Fili's calm and assured manner had done much to put her mind at ease. Yet the moment they heard Thorin begin to speak from inside the room, all her panic returned.

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"Friends, comrades, citizens of Erebor, and honored guests," he began, looking around the room as he addressed those listening. "Tonight I would ask you to join me and my kin in a toast. For not only do we have the good fortune of regaining the company of my much beloved sister, Princess Dis, to the mountain, but I have news concerning my first nephew and heir, Prince Fili. It is my great pleasure to announce that he, and a newly relocated dwarrowdam by the name of Jade, have consented to begin a formal courtship with the view to marriage." At this the room erupted into loud cheers, clapping and stomping of feet as the dwarves of Erebor became elated by the news.

Thorin saw the shocked looks on the faces of several from the original company, probably wondering why they had not been notified of this auspicious occasion sooner. In fact, Dwalin, who was now sitting beside his brother, sent the king a murderous glare, obviously believing news such as this should have already been run by him. Not because the stalwart warrior believed he had any say in whom Fili should or shouldn't court, but due to security reasons and for the protection of the royal family – which was his main priority. When things had calmed down a bit, Thorin raised his hand to bring the room back to silence.

"I do not have to tell you how pleased I am, and that the prospect of a marriage for either of my sister-sons only strengthens my rule and the illustrious line of Durin. So, I ask you to raise your glasses, as I wish them only the best. To Prince Fili and Lady Jade!" At this he picked up his goblet and held it high, hearing all repeat his toast before downing whatever they too were drinking.

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When Fili heard Thorin's final words, he gave Jade a reassuring smile as he tucked her shaking hand in the crook of his arm, leading her into the room with his head held high. As he expected, the room once more exploded in a round of applause and calls of congratulations. A few of the more familiar dwarves even reached out to slap him on the back, offering their good wishes as he and Jade made their way to the royal table.

Fili courteously pulled out the chair beside him for his intended, making sure she was seated before he too sat down, taking his place at his uncle's right hand. It took a while for the room to return to a normal din, and even longer before everyone stopped staring at the new couple. This was indeed a very momentous occasion in the Lonely Mountain, for should the two choose to marry, it would be the first wedding in Erebor since the eradication of Smaug.

"You did wonderfully," Dis whispered to Jade as she leaned in closer to her. She had noticed how the dam had not taken her eyes off the floor the whole way, looking like a rabbit among a pack of wolves, but she had held her ground and not run. A victory for sure, in Dis' eyes. "Now, try to relax and eat something. Have a drink of the wine, it will help settle your nerves."

Jade was not sure about that, but she smiled back at Dis nonetheless. Fili, either having heard what his mother said, or just simply trying to be helpful, reached out and began to fill her plate with the contents of several dishes nearby. After watching him heap on more than she could possibly consume, she placed her hand over her plate to stop him.

"I'm perfectly capable of serving myself," she insisted, yet her smile conveyed only gratitude for his concern. "If I were to eat all that, I would surely burst!"

"As the one now courting you, it is my duty to see to your care," he explained, already having noted several nods of approval over his actions from those in the room. "One of the things a suitor must prove, is that he can properly provide for his wife-to-be. And while I cannot claim to have grown this food myself, or hunted for it personally, the least I can do is see that you receive a good portion before my ravenous brother devours the lot."

"Hey!" Kili interjected, trying to sound offended around the oversized mouthful he was currently chewing on. "If I recall, it was you that Mother called a glutton when we were growing up."

"I was no glutton, I was simply a growing dwarf," Fili shot back. "And I was always twice your size, so I needed more food than you."

"That's only because I was younger, and mostly since you ate the majority of my portions as well!" Kili continued to tease.

"That is enough, you two," Dis broke in, silencing their entertaining squabble. "It would not do for you to embarrass yourselves in front of Jade so soon. Let the poor lass at least imagine that my sons are somewhat civilized before she learns the horrible truth." She then reached over and patted Jade's hand sympathetically. "I blame their uncle when they get like this…for they certainly never inherited any such behavior from me!"

The sudden, and rather loud snort that came from Thorin, startled not only Jade but a few others sitting nearby.

"Is that so, little sister?" the mighty king under the mountain questioned, leaning forward so that he could make eye contact with her around Fili and Jade. "If I recall correctly, and I very much believe I do, you and Frerin were far worse than your two sons ever were. You were thick as thieves and caused twice as much havoc. If Smaug had not invaded Erebor when he did, you and my little brother would have certainly brought the mountain to its knees long ago!"

Jade's eyes went from Thorin to Dis, and then back again, eager to hear more about any trouble her mistress might have caused as a dwarfling. Yet she was not oblivious to the brief look of sorrow that crossed the princess' face at the mention of Frerin. Jade knew the younger prince had lost his life in the battle for Moria, and Dis had mentioned him several times, yet always with a hint of sadness. It was clear that she still grieved over the loss of her brother, just as she did Flinn, her husband and sons' father. Yet, tonight, surrounded by family and a lighthearted mood, the mention of Frerin did not seem to dampen her spirits. If anything it seemed to fuel her determination to defend herself against Thorin's accusations.

"Of course we would team up, we had to when pitted against you, Brother!" she explained. "You were far too big for your britches, and we felt it was our solemn duty to take you down a peg whenever we could." She then gave him a very pointed glare, one filled with humor, yet a bit of fire as well. "And if you should ever let that crown and title go to your head, Thorin dear, I would be more than happy to give you a reminder of just how irritating a little sister I can be. And don't think I won't!"

By now all those at the table, Balin and Dwalin included, were roaring with laughter, for they all knew just how serious it was to cross Dis in any way. Jade was enjoying this little episode, feeling like she was being included in this illustrious family…even if it was only make-believe. She had loved her adoptive parents and extended family very much…yet deep down she had always felt like a piece of her heart was missing. Now, to be surrounded by those of her own kind, to be laughing and joking with them, was filling the hole that had lay empty for decades. She was a dwarf, and ever since she had traveled to Ered Luin, and now Erebor, she felt like she had finally come home.

Fili took note of how Jade seemed to have relaxed, her smile genuine and her laughter infectious. It was strange to him that such small gestures tugged at an unknown part of him, one that had lay dormant for over eight decades.

"Are you having a good time?" he asked, leaning over to whisper into her ear. The act seemed to startle Jade, causing her smile to fade and a nervous look to take its place.

"Yes…I am, Your Highness," she stammered, becoming a bit flustered by his sudden nearness.

"Fili…you must remember to call me Fili," he told her, the little metal clips at the end of his mustache braids tickling her neck as he spoke. "And it would not do for you to appear so nervous whenever I go to speak with you in private like this. Smile…or at least pretend that I said something funny, and laugh. It will go a long way in convincing those watching that we are comfortable with each other." When she still seemed a bit confused and unsure, he continued on. "Just imagine Kili sitting over there with a chicken on his head. The old hen has just laid an egg, now two, and then three, each one stacking up on the other, making the bird rise higher and higher. Until, at last, they can no longer hold the weight and they all crack, covering my brother in a gooey mess and wiping that smug look off his face."

This did the trick, and not only did it make Jade smile, but laugh out loud as well, causing a few dwarves to turn to see what might have been so amusing. Yet even their stares did not wipe the smile off her face, as Jade was left picturing Kili, just as his brother had described him.

"That's more like it," Fili smiled, pulling back as he gave her a playful wink. "Now all the gossips can spend the next half an hour wondering what scandalous things I might have said to cause you to smile and blush so prettily." And with a prideful look, he turned his attention back to his plate, yet continued to steal little side glances at his intended every now and again.

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They had just finished their meal when the four delegates rose from their seats and approached the King's table, bowing low to Thorin before turning their attention to the young couple. Fili steeled himself for a reprimand, figuring he had it coming for being caught in such a compromising position earlier. Yet he was surprised when instead, they offered him sincere congratulations, as well as a few less then dignified compliments he could have done without.

"Glad to see you have done the honorable thing by the lass, Your Highness," one of them said, his eyes straying from Fili to Jade. "Though I can't say I would have blamed you, had you been sampling the goods a bit early. You have chosen well, Prince."

"Aye, there are not many dwarrowdams to be had between here and the Misty Mountains," another one added. "I can see why you wasted no time choosing her as a gem for your royal crown, wise not to let any other suitors beat you out of her hand…or any of her other lovely parts."

Fili could feel his temper rising as he saw Jade look away, her face turning several shades of red at the ambassador's crude and rather thoughtless words. While anywhere else, he might have simply accepted their backhanded praise and laughed it off as typical male dwarf talk, Fili knew their speech had insulted Jade, and he would not stand for it! He was in the process of standing up, prepared to give them a stern dressing down for speaking about her in such a manner, when Thorin, who had heard every word, spoke up.

"While I am certain you meant no disrespect to my nephew's intended, I would advise you to rethink your speech and remember that you are not in some backwater tavern talking about a willing barmaid," the king warned, his tone calm, yet stern. "I explained the situation to you, and I would advise that you accept what I said without further question or insinuation. Fili and Jade's courtship will be carried on with the utmost decorum and morality, befitting a prince of Erebor. Now, I believe an apology to the lady is in order."

The delegates stood there with their mouths gaping open for a moment before they regained their composure, all four – even the ones who said nothing – began falling over themselves to offer words of regret.

"A thousand apologies, my Lord and Lady," the one who had been the most offensive begged. "My words were not intended to insult in any way. Please forgive me."

Fili sat back and crossed his arms, but seeing nothing but sincerity, and honest fear, in the eyes of the men before him, his ire cooled.

"I am willing to overlook the incident and blame it on the wine and good cheer," he began, glancing over at Jade as he reached out and took her hand in his, giving it a little squeeze. "But only if my intended sees fit to excuse you as well."

Jade's eyes followed her arm to where her hand was now held in his gentle grasp. Fili had touched her a few times already that day, but somehow this was different. This time it was done out of his wish to comfort her, to offer her his strength in the face of the embarrassing situation she now found herself in. She hated being the center of attention and yet as the one being courted by the prince, she realized she had best get used to it. Jade knew she needed to speak - to offer forgiveness or condemnation for the perceived offense. And with Fili's strong fingers wrapped around hers, she somehow found the courage to do so.

Lifting her head and giving the nervous dwarves an understanding smile, she nodded her head politely.

"I do indeed pardon your words, and harbor no ill-will or malice against you," she informed them, earning her several wide grins and heavy sighs of relief from the lot. "And I do apologize as well, for the odd and rather unexpected situation you walked in upon today. I hope you will not think any less of Prince Fili, or myself, over the silly misunderstanding."

"Not at all!" the spokesman for the group assured her. "And your willingness to overlook our thoughtless tongues is the mark of your fine character. We would be honored to call you a princess of Erebor, when the time comes. You have our loyalty and support, Lady Jade," he said, bowing before her as the other three followed suit. They next turned to Thorin and did the same to him. "As do you, Your Majesty."

The four of them quickly excused themselves, wishing to leave on good terms and not risk further insulting the royal family in any way. Fili could not help but beam with pride as he brought Jade's hand up to his lips and brushed the back of her knuckles with a brief kiss. She had withstood not only a rowdy and rambunctious dinner with his family, but she also held her head high and conducted herself like a princess. His admiration for her was growing by leaps and bounds.

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The rest of the evening was spent talking, either between those at the royal table, or with others who approached to offer their congratulations and good will. Jade met many that night, including a large number of the ones who had accompanied Thorin on his quest to retake Erebor. Of the ones she was introduced to, she liked the friendly Bofur, the shy Ori, and the cheeky Nori the best. Balin and Dwalin had intrigued her from the start, for while they were obviously brothers, they were as different as night and day. There appeared to be a considerable gap between their ages, for Balin's long white beard betrayed his advancing years. Yet the twinkle in his eye, and his quick and generously offered smiles, made him one of Jade's favorites.

His brother, Dwalin, however, with his gruff manners and intimidating appearance, left her a bit uneasy. She could tell that winning his good graces would not be done easily, yet once had, the warrior would prove to be a fierce ally. She hoped to meet more of the illustrious dwarves who braved a dragon to aid their king, for there were several who had not been present for dinner, either taking care of other duties, or back in their chambers dining with their own families.

As the evening drew to a close and diners began to disperse, several calls were sent up from one of the more rowdy tables in the back, encouraging their prince to grace them all with a display of affection towards his intended. This was not altogether unexpected, and the two would have been well within their courting rights to give in to the request. Yet Fili immediately knew that this was neither the time nor the place…at least not for Jade. Besides, if and when he chose to steal his first kiss from Jade, he would much prefer for it to be done in private, and not given out of some sense of duty. So before Jade had a chance to become shocked or nervous, robbing him of her much desired smile once again, Fili got to his feet and held up his hands for silence.

"My friends," he began, addressing them in a kindly manner. "While I would like nothing better than to oblige you in your request, I fear that I must respectfully decline. For should I share even the most innocent of kisses with this fair lass, I am certain that my heart would be lost forever, and I fully intend to allow the Lady Jade to set the pace of our courtship. I trust you understand my internal battle and will forgive my noncompliance in this matter."

Fili's words won him a round of cheers from those who had made the request, showing that they did indeed respect his decision. Some even shouted out encouragements to remain strong and hold true to his word. And while their response left a small grin on his face, it got even larger when he turned and glanced down at Jade, instantly catching her look of gratitude over what he had done. At first he had been a bit disappointed that he had not been able to fulfil their request and kiss the lass like he wanted, yet to have gained her trust and admiration by turning them down…that was worth more to him than gold. And for a dwarf, that was indeed saying a lot!

"Might I have the privilege of walking you back to your quarters, My Lady?" he asked, extending his hand to her as he helped her rise.

Jade was still speechless from his gallant act, and so she could only nod her agreement. However, having already had to avert one diplomatic crisis, and not wishing to chance another, Thorin quickly spoke up.

"Kili…you go with them and serve as Shomakhalinh," he ordered, much to the instant dismay of the younger prince.

"What? Why do I have to play chaperone?" he whined, tossing his napkin down on his empty plate and standing up. "That's a job for an old spinster or someone who knows all the rules of propriety."

"Perhaps," agreed Thorin, stroking his beard thoughtfully. "And while I realize that you know little to nothing on the subject of decorum, I intend to see that you pay for the part you played in all this. Thus, you will serve as Fili and Jade's escort whenever and wherever I deem necessary. Now go, and if there is even a whisper of any further scandal…I will hold you personally responsible."

Jade instantly felt pity for Kili and his displeasure over the king's words, but apparently she was the only one. For no sooner were Thorin's orders given, Fili burst out laughing, followed by Dis, Balin and Dwalin.

"Well, if this isn't a case of the fox watching the hen house!" the gruff, tattooed warrior roared, slapping his palm on the table several times in merriment. "I suppose the lad would at least know what tricks to watch out for."

"And who better to anticipate Fili's actions, since he was the one who most likely taught them to Kili in the first place," Balin added, laughing just as much as his brother.

"Now, stop it, both of you," Dis ordered, trying her best to appear somewhat serious, yet unable to stop her own giggles. "You do wrong to insinuate that Kili learned all his scandalous behavior from Fili. For as their mother, I am quite certain that much of them Kili discovered quite on his own…and the rest he got from you, Thorin!"

While this statement had everyone practically rolling on the floor, Thorin sobered up immediately, appearing offended by such accusations. Yet even he could not hide the small grin that snuck out as he nodded his head, as if contemplating the possibility of his sister being right…again.

So it was, amid this merry scene, Fili escorted Jade out of the dining room and back to her chambers for the night – with Kili following close behind, keeping an ever watchful eye on the two. When they arrived at her chambers, the crown prince bowed low and once more kissed the back of her hand.

"Thank you for a very enjoyable evening, My Lady," he told her. "I look forward to conducting you around the mountain tomorrow, as we continue our ruse. I trust that I will see you at breakfast?"

"I…I suppose so, if your mother can spare me from my duties," she replied, her hand all tingly from where his lips had touched.

"Your one and only duty is to be seen with me," he explained. "Amad will be the first to agree with this, and you need not concern yourself with any responsibilities as my mother's maid. She is quite capable of taking care of herself."

"While I have always thought so, not even sure why she bothered to take me on, I still feel I need to discuss this with her before I abandon my position altogether," Jade insisted. "I owe your mother a great deal, and I will not so easily leave her by the wayside when I value her friendship so much."

"Your loyalty does you credit," Fili nodded. "Then I will call upon you in the morning and we will speak with Amad together, working out an amicable solution that pleases all. But until then…I bid you goodnight." With a final bow and a playful wink of his eye, Fili turned and rejoined his brother, who had been waiting just out of earshot, yet still in full view.

Jade watched Fili go, smiling as he threw his arm over Kili's shoulder and the two of them made their way down the steps, off to who knew where. Her heart was full that night when she entered her chambers, practically floating across the room as she readied herself for bed. A year ago, Jade had felt lost and alone, having no family and few friends to fall back on. Yet now, she had a home, at least one new friend, and a sense of belonging that had eluded her most of her life.

What had begun as a disaster, was slowly turning into what could possibly be the best thing to ever happen to her. So with the image of Prince Fili dancing behind her eyelids, and a secret smile on her lips, Jade fell into a very peaceful sleep.

Well, she made it through dinner...let's hope she can keep it up for a bit longer. ha ha.

Fili appeared to have fun, and is looking forward to his duty of escorting Jade around the mountain.

Kili is less than pleased with HIS new role as Chaperone.

More fun to come!

Thanks

Guest Reviews:

Emrfangirl: An avalanche of Fili loving? Well...I could do with some of that! I think Fili will do his best to keep it under control at first, since at this point even HE doesn't know his true feelings. And that's fine, it will give them time to get to know each other and build something...if that be my desire, mind you...and if it is, I'm not saying. ha ha. Thanks for the kind review.