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Travelbug:

Just in case you missed my first message in chapter 13 (I have no idea where you are in the story at this moment) I wanted you to know that I'm getting ALL your wonderful reviews, and I will respond to them in the next chapter I will be posting (#20)...you will just have to wait till then to catch up on my comments to your kind reviews. But know I am getting them and loving them! Keep them coming!

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Chapter 17

~X~

Fili had requested a kiss! Jade was shocked beyond belief. Sure, she had dreamed of such a thing, but never had she dared to believe it might actually come about. As she was escorted back to the mountain by the five young lads, each one talking a mile a minute about how they had tracked her and Fili, Jade found she didn't hear a word. Fili wanted to kiss her? Why? There had been no one around to see, so it wasn't in order to perpetuate their ruse. Could he honestly have some kind of feelings for her? Was it possible?

"And then we discovered the tracks that led over the rocks, they were very faint, but I saw them right away," Gimli was saying, not even noticing that Jade was lost in her own mind.

Perhaps it was simply due to the fact that she had been lying rather scandalously on top of him, Jade thought to herself. She might not know much about dwarves in general, but Fili was still a male, and she had spent almost eighty years living among the men of her village, and she had seen how they reacted to their womenfolk. Males of nearly any species could easily be aroused by both sight and touch - her mother had told her that much at least. Was that what she had inadvertently done? Had she prompted the prince to request a kiss simply to alleviate some need she had caused in him by her actions. She hadn't meant to.

"Kili says that we are the best trackers in the group," Gimli droned on. "He even handpicked us for today's exercise out of all the cadets that Commander Dwalin was working with."

So, what did she do now? How could she ever face Fili again, having left his entreaty unanswered. Would he petition her for such a thing again, or would he now avoid all mention of their shocking conversation due to the fact that she had not given him an answer. Yes, would have been what she should have said, Jade decided. In fact, if given the chance to do it over, she might have actually shouted her reply. She knew his lips were soft, for he had kissed her hand many times, but to experience such a thing on her own mouth…well, that was currently only the stuff of dreams, not reality. Oh, but if it only could be! Jade honestly wished another chance might truly arise, and yet, she found that doubtful.

"Ah, there you are, lads," came the voice of Dwalin, standing at the entrance to the stables where they were currently passing. He looked around, not seeing who he expected, and raising an eye at Jade in their midst. "Did you leave Kili somewhere without his cane?"

"Oh, no, Commander Dwalin!" another lad spoke up, Jade having heard him called Dag. "Prince Kili remained behind while we escorted the Lady Jade back to the mountain. We rescued her, and she's our prize!"

"Is she now?" Dwalin asked, giving an uncharacteristic smirk as he eyed the lass questioningly.

"It was a game, Master Dwalin," Jade explained, blushing slightly at being called a prize. "Prince Kili suggested that Prince Fili and I lead the cadets on a merry chase, so they could practice their tracking skills. They succeeded in finding us and thus I was rescued from my pretend captor."

"Fili was an orc!" Gimli confirmed. "So, we saved her. Not that it looked like she needed our help, when we found them, she already had him on the ground and at her mercy. The Lady Jade is tough."

"Had the mangy orc pinned to the ground, did she?" Dwalin repeated, this time, both his eyebrows raising to his imaginary hairline, his expression morphing into a sly smirk. "Yes, I would say she is very resourceful."

"I…I must be going now," Jade interrupted, not wanting to stand there a moment longer and be on the receiving end of any more knowing looks. Besides, weren't she and Fili supposed to be courting? Still, the last thing she wanted was for anyone to imagine that she and the prince were acting immodestly. She wanted both of them to come out of this with their reputations intact. And turning on her heel, she marched away, not looking back once as the cadets continued to recount the lesson with Lord Dwalin. Still, she could feel his eyes on her back, not to mention the grin that was undoubtedly still plastered on his lips.

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Fili and Kili too had at last returned to the mountain, the two brothers having talked the whole way.

"So…do you think Jade would have kissed you if Gimli and the others hadn't found you when they did?" Kili questioned, feeling badly about how proficient his group of lads had been.

"I don't know," Fili admitted. "She looked more startled than anything when I suggested it, but she didn't automatically say no either."

"She is still new to our ways and customs, and maybe kissing is not done between non-married couples where she's from," Kili suggested.

"That has not been my observation of men and their womenfolk," Fili snorted, recalling all the stolen kisses and other lascivious actions he had stumbled upon during his frequent trips to the many villages outside of Ered Luin. "From what I can tell, men have very little restraint, and quite a few women are not exactly opposed to offering up the goods before marriage."

"Do…do you think Jade has ever…you know…done that?" Kili questioned, his eyes growing wide with shock.

"NO!" Fili barked, appalled that his little brother would even suggest such a thing. And yet, did he truly know for sure? "I mean…at least I don't think she has. I asked her once if she had any suitors, and she said no."

"Then I'm sure she never…" Kili stated firmly, though he was still unwilling to speak the words to describe the actions he meant.

"No, I'm sure she's never either," Fili agreed. "Yet…do you think she might have kissed me? I mean, if we hadn't been interrupted?"

"Fili, I have no idea," Kili moaned, now feeling quite uncomfortable with the turn this conversation was taking. "You're talking to a dwarf who's been pining for a lass who he may never see again, so how would I know if a dam would or wouldn't want to kiss you?" He then got a goofy grin on his face. "I know I wouldn't want to, but hey, that's just me."

"And if you tried, I would sock you in the nose!" Fili laughed, loving how his naddith could always lighten the mood with a joke.

"Your Highness!" came the call from in front of them, a guard hurrying in their direction. "Prince Fili, you are needed in the throne room, by order of King Thorin."

"Oh? For what reason?" Fili asked, giving his brother a worried look.

"A delegation from Rohan has just arrived seeking audience with the king," the dwarf explained. "You are requested to join him there in all haste."

"Rohan?" Fili's brows furrowed in confusion. "King Thengel was just here and left…why would he have returned?"

"It is not the king, but one of his captains and several men," he was informed. "I know no more. Now please hurry," the soldier urged.

"I'm coming too," Kili insisted, not wanting to be left out of things a second time where the Horse Lords were concerned. "Whatever it is…we will face it together, just like always."

Fili was certain it wasn't anything as dire as a declaration of war, but he still appreciated his brother's assistance and support. And so, with the dark-haired prince limping along, the three of them headed for the throne room, eager to see what all the fuss was about.

Fili and Kili entered through the side door of the throne room, finding Thorin in his usual seat, his raven-wing crown placed majestically on his head and staring at a group of men at the bottom of the dais. He did not appear angry, or upset, though as usual, there was no sign of joy in his expression either.

"You sent for me, My King," Fili asked, bowing at the waist with his hand over his heart in a sign of respect. While in private, they referred to him simply as Uncle, or Thorin, but when in official capacity they knew it was important to show the proper reverence…especially in front of guests.

"Yes," Thorin nodded, taking his eyes off the men and turning to look at Fili. "It would appear that these men, and this one in particular, have come to ascertain your worthiness."

"My…worthiness?" Fili stammered, quite perplexed by his uncle's words. "I don't understand."

"May I introduce Brayden, soldier of Rohan and member of the fourth Eorod of the Riddermark…and apparently a cousin to the Lady Jade, your intended," Thorin said by way of explanation.

Fili's mouth gaped a bit as he turned and stared at the young man standing a few paces in front of the others, currently eyeing the dwarf prince with a mixture of suspicion and awe. This was Jade's cousin? She had spoken of him, and even broken protocol in order to question the King of Rohan about his whereabouts, but for some odd reason, Fili had never expected to meet the man!

Now he was in a pickle, for dwarfish custom demanded that he not only show this man deference as Jade's cousin, but as her only male relative, he must also entreat with him for the right to her hand in marriage. And since those very same delegates that had caught him on the floor in Jade's room were present and currently watching from the sidelines, he couldn't exactly act in any other manner. He could also tell that Thorin knew this, and he was giving his nephew a warning look, reminding him that the ruse was still in play.

However, Fili was becoming more and more unsure whether this was all for show…at least for him. And if this man was here to determine if he was worthy of Jade's hand, by Mahal's axe, he was going to prove he was.

Stepping forward, he now gave an equally polite bow to the man who was perhaps only a quarter of his own age, pasting on a smile that hid his nervousness.

"Master Brayden, it is indeed a great privilege to make your acquaintance. I would have come to you sooner, yet like my betrothed, we did not know of your whereabouts in order for me to petition you properly for consent. However, now that you are here, I wish to formally ask for your permission to court your cousin. I also look forward to getting to know her family better, for she has spoken of you and your mother many times and with great affection," he told the wide-eyed lad.

"I wish I could say the same about you, Lord Prince," Brayden responded, doing his best to temper his suspicion with the proper amount of respect one afforded royalty. "Yet, I would prefer to hear from Jade's own lips that this courtship is something she willingly consents to, and that she is not simply being pressured into such a commitment."

At this, Fili visibly bristled. "You would suggest that I am forcing Jade into such a thing…against her will? I am a Prince of Erebor and a direct descendant of the line of Durin, I would never conduct myself in such a deplorable manner. I assure you, good sir, that your cousin is in full control and her wishes alone are my main concern. As a dwarrowdam, she may call off our courtship at any time with no reprisal to herself or her reputation, despite the fact that I am a prince of the realm."

"Again, Your Highness, I am happy to be assured of this, yet, as I stated before, I would very much like to hear such things directly from Jade," Brayden insisted, doing his best to remain calm yet firm.

"If you will, Your Majesty," Captain Falsted spoke up, coming to stand beside Brayden as he addressed Thorin. "My Lord Thengel was hoping that the lad could see, and perhaps spend some time with, his cousin in order to ease his worries over her safety and wellbeing. Neither he, nor any of the Rohirrim, believe that the lass is in any way being mistreated, yet you must understand the concerns of a family member where a lovely dam such as the Lady Jade is concerned. Would you not also act in a such a manner, if you found your own sister in a similar situation?"

"I would indeed, and we take no offence to the insistence of the man," Thorin nodded. "In fact, I have already sent a messenger to request that Lady Jade join us. I will not deny her cousin the opportunity to see and speak with her. In fact, I invite him, and the rest of you, to remain in our halls for as long as it takes to satisfy his curiosity and concerns."

"That is very generous of you, King Thorin," Falsted said with a bow. "Very generous indeed."

It was then that Dwalin entered through another side door, holding it open as Jade stepped through, looking very confused and a bit afraid. Being summoned by the king was not something that usually ended well, but Thorin was impressed that she had conceded, and doing so under her own power as well. Yet, before Thorin could speak and offer her his assurance that she was not in any trouble, the anxious man at the bottom of the steps let out a cry of delight.

"JADE!" he yelled, lunging forward in excitement. He was, however, halted by the crossed swords of several of Thorin's guards, stopping him in his tracks.

"BRAYDEN?" the perplexed dwarrowdam responded, her eyes now wide with shock. "Is it truly you?" And before he could even get a word out in answer, she was flying down the steps, ducking under the guard's swords and throwing herself into his awaiting arms.

"Hello, Cousin!" Brayden laughed, lifting her up and spinning her around with little to no effort. "I guess that answers my question of if you still remember me."

"Remember you?" she scoffed, still unwilling to release him. "How could I forget such a brash and irritating lout such as yourself? It would be quite difficult to do after having put up with your teasing and torment over the past twenty years!"

"ME?" he balked, though the smile never left his face. "If I recall, you were the wild one of the family…I simply did my best to keep up with you!"

"What are you doing here?" Jade asked, still unable to believe it was him.

"Looking for you, of course," he informed her, setting her back on her feet, though going down on one knee so that they were closer to eye level. "Imagine my shock when my King told me that you were here in Erebor…and engaged to a prince no less!" Here he let his eyes drift back to where Fili stood, the dwarf watching the familial exchange with a tinge of jealousy. "Care to explain how this all came about, Cousin? For I assure you, I am all ears!"

At this, Thorin rose to his feet, drawing all eyes on him.

"Perhaps you two would care to speak in private, for I am certain you do not wish for such a reunion to continue in a public forum," he offered, more for the sake of keeping certain things quiet, but also for their comfort as well. "You may make use of my private office, just through that door, if it be your desire, Lady Jade. Once you two have had sufficient time to talk and explain matters, I would like to invite you and your cousin to join us for dinner in the main dining room. In the meantime, I will see that Captain Falsted and the others are given quarters and settled in. Take as long as you wish."

"I thank you very much, King Thorin," Jade told him with a curtsy. "Your generosity is greatly appreciated." And after giving Fili a quick look, one that brought a blush to her cheeks upon recalling their last conversation, she took hold of Brayden's hand and led him to the door that Thorin had indicated.

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Once they were gone, Balin stepped forward, and playing the gracious host he offered to show the men of Rohan the way to their rooms. The others in the hall also dispersed, there no longer being anything of interest to hold them there. Finally, when the room was cleared, Fili, Kili, Thorin and Dwalin were free to speak.

"What do you think Jade will tell him?" Kili hissed, suddenly concerned about the cat being let out of the bag. "Will she lie to protect you, Fili…or will she tell him the truth?"

"The truth?" Dwalin questioned, looking from Thorin to Fili and then back again. "What does the lad mean by that?"

"Fili and Jade's courtship is…well, a fraud," Thorin admitted, having wanted to confide in his closest friend, but having been reluctant to involve him in their web of deceit. Balin had agreed that his brother not be told either, for the hardened warrior was far too forthright to deal well with deceit. "It was a ruse we crafted in order to protect their reputations when those irritating delegates discovered them in a, shall we say, rather intimate position inside the lass' private chambers."

Dwalin's eyes grew wide, followed by instant anger, as he stared at Fili in disgust.

"You didn't! I thought you better than that, lad!" he growled, even daring to take a threatening step towards Fili.

"NO! I didn't! I swear!" the blond prince stated in his defense, holding up his hands as he leapt backwards, attempting to remain out of striking distance from the bald warrior. "It was all a misunderstanding, and a very innocent one at that."

"Fili is telling the truth," Thorin sighed, returning to his seat and looking as if another headache was coming on. "The Lady Jade was in no way dishonored, and yet fearing that the delegates would not see it that way, we concocted this ruse to protect all involved. Fili and Jade will pretend to court until they leave, then mutually break things off and part as friends. No harm, no foul."

"But…" Fili spoke up, suddenly feeling honor-bound to inform his uncle about the more recent developments in his plans. "I'm beginning to feel as if I do not wish to break things off."

"I hope you're not considering toying with the lass' affections, Fili! I thought your uncle and I taught you better!" Dwalin growled, his temper rising once more.

"He's not toying with her!" Kili spoke up, instantly coming to his brother's defense. "It's just…well, complicated."

"Is it now?" Thorin asked suspiciously. "And when did this new revelation come about?"

"Recently…or maybe not so recently?" Fili shrugged, not quite sure when his feelings for Jade had begun to change. "Perhaps I always felt something for her, but I'm more certain than ever that I would like this to continue. I can only hope she feels the same."

"Does your mother know about this?" Thorin pressed.

"No…other than Kili, no one knows," he then cringed just a bit. "Including Jade, it would seem."

"And why haven't you told her?" Dwalin demanded, having quite taken a liking to the lass, her feisty nature and quick mind already convincing the warrior that she would make a fine queen one day.

"I've tried!" Fili insisted. "Well…sort of. I mean, it's hard when she believes all my attention and actions are simply done to fool those around us. Other than locking us both in a room completely alone and stating my intentions, I don't know how to get my point across. And if I do that, what if she says no? I would like to have at least a bit of hope that she returns my affections, before I open myself up for rejection and ridicule."

"Oh, trust me, she definitely feels something for you, Nadad," Kili informed him. "But to what extent, I'm afraid you have to find that out yourself."

"So…you wish to continue your courtship, only doing so for real now, is that it?" Thorin clarified.

"Yes, Uncle," Fili nodded firmly.

Thorin was silent for a while, with Fili holding his breath in anticipation of what his king might say. At last, the dark-haired monarch sighed.

"Well, I have no objections with the lass," here he stopped, a sly grin spreading across his face. "Other than her penchant for getting into troubling situations and not following my express orders. Still, she has spunk and appears genuinely kind at heart, and if my sister recommends her – with or without kin to stand behind her – I will not hinder you. I want both you and Kili to be happy, and if she might be the one to offer you such a thing…then so be it."

"Thank you!" Fili beamed, throwing his arms around his uncle and giving him a very undignified hug.

"Mind yourself, Nephew!" Thorin barked, forcing the enthusiastic dwarf off him, though his tone held no malice. "Here, in this room, I am your king, not your uncle."

"Yes, of course, Your Majesty," Fili nodded, stepping back and pasting on a sober look. "Forgive me, My King." He then gave Thorin a wink. "I will simply have to wait until later to officially show my gratitude."

"I can hardly wait," Thorin said with a dramatic roll of his eyes, noting that both Kili and Dwalin were fighting back laughter. "Now, shall we retire and prepare for dinner? It would seem we'll be hosting some very important guests…one in particular that you will be required to impress, Prince Fili."

"I will do my very best," the blond dwarf stated, giving a worried glance towards the closed door where Jade and her cousin had disappeared. And he only hoped his best would be good enough.

I would say locking them in a room alone together sounds like a fine idea...but look where that got them last time!

And Brayden does not seem to keen on Fili courting his cousin. Let's hope she can talk some sense into him about that.

So, now Thorin - and Dwalin - know the truth. Fili DOES like Jade in a courting kind of way. Good thing Dwalin didn't rip his head off over his misconstrued ideas. ha ha.

Thanks

Guest Reviews:

Aranel Mereneth: So you think Thorin needs a shot at interrupting them? Ok, I think I can handle that. ha ha. But first, let's see if we can solve this Brayden issue first. ha ha. Thanks.