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If you are enjoying my story, please feel free to check out my other Hobbit Fan Fiction.
A Different Kind of Thirst
Little Son of Durin
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Enthralled
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Chapter 20
~X~
{ } around speech means Sindarin
[ ] around speech means Khuzdul
Tauriel sat in a place of honor, completely lost in thought. Three tables had been pushed together to form a sort of horse-shoe shape in order to accommodate all the important guests that evening. She and the other guards sat to the right of Legolas, who was placed at the right hand of his father, King Thranduil. Thorin sat in the middle of the center table, with the elf king on one side, and his sister on the other. The rest had been placed by rank, first Fili, next Jade - as his intended - and then Kili, Balin, and Dwalin. Gloin and Oin would have normally joined them, but due to the elves needing to be shown deference, they had opted to sit elsewhere.
Tauriel found the sleeping chambers she had been given were nothing short of opulent, and a far cry from the accommodations she and her brethren had afforded the dwarves during their stay in Mirkwood. Still, those had been times of suspicion and war, whereas now peace was their objective. Tauriel had found Thranduil's actions thus far coincided with his own hope for mutual relations to grow between him and the dwarves of Erebor, realizing the benefits far outweighed the long-standing feuds of the past. Tauriel agreed, and not simply because she had been unable to get the cheeky dwarf prince named Kili out of her mind…or her heart.
It was odd, and a bit frightening to realize that she had allowed such feelings to grow within her and directed at a male of a different race no less. There were so many reasons this pairing was doomed to failure, and yet, if he but asked, Tauriel knew that she would willingly follow him to the ends of Middle Earth and beyond. Now if only she could discover if he too felt the same way.
Yet, here she sat, while the dwarf in question occupied the seat at the far end of the table opposite her, and while only a dozen yards separated them, it might have as well been a mile. Tauriel had caught him looking in her direction, just as she was certain he had noticed her lingering glances as well. However, speaking to him was out of the question, and the more time that drug on, the more frustrated she became.
Kili hadn't changed much in the past six months or so, not that she had expected him to. For even if he was quite young by her standards, he was a full-grown adult, and though not having her immortal lifespan, dwarves did live much longer than the race of men. Once more she let her eyes rake over him, from his slightly disheveled hair, the stubble on his chin, and the little dimple that formed on his left cheek when he would grin. Tauriel loved it when Kili smiled and enjoyed it even more when he directed it straight at her. He had a playful shyness about him, yet she could tell that a mischievous streak ran a mile wide through the dwarven prince. Granted, Kili was shorter than her by a few hands, but that didn't matter to her one bit, and she found herself willing to spend an eternity looking down into his entrancing brown eyes.
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Dinner was soon over, drinks had been poured, and many of the guests were rising from their chairs to mingle and even dance - a cheery band having struck up a lively tune. From her seat on the left side of the table, Jade had been watching both Tauriel and Kili closely, and while she was certain no one else noticed, to her eyes, their interest in each other screamed out loud and clear. She had been plotting all day and now through dinner, hoping to find a way to allow Kili and his elf lass to get a bit of alone time. Yet, Jade knew she must do so without arising suspicion. It wasn't until the band began to warm up, and many of the tables were pushed aside, did inspiration strike.
"Fili…" Jade began, turning towards him as he sat beside her.
"Yes, my dear?" he answered, lowering his fork as he gave her his full attention.
"If I were to ask another male to dance with me…would that be scandalous?" she questioned. "I don't wish to insult you or do anything wrong."
"Of course not," Fili chuckled. "You can ask whomever you like to dance, though please be assured that should you wish to take a turn around the room, I am more than willing to accompany you."
"And I would enjoy that very much," she was quick to assure him. "Yet, I fear if I do not ask this person to dance, he might not get the opportunity all night, and I don't want him to feel left out."
"Oh…you wish to bolster some poor lad's confidence, do you?" he asked with a grin. In the back of his mind, he imagined Jade was thinking of Ori or Bifur…perhaps even Kili. "That is very kind of you, and I wholeheartedly encourage you do so. Yet, you must agree to save at least one or two dances for me. Agreed?"
"Of course," Jade smiled, patting Fili's arm appreciatively. "Now…if you will excuse me." And up she rose, straightening her skirts as she stepped around the table and headed directly towards where King Thorin and King Thranduil sat.
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It was Tauriel who first noticed the lovely looking dam who had been seated next to the blond prince rise to her feet and make her way around the head table. Tauriel has seen her and the Lady Dis earlier in the throne room, having been rather surprised that female dwarves – or dwarrowdams as they called themselves – had been present. Especially after hearing how much they were valued and protected by their male counterparts. Yet, being royalty…or at least soon-to-be royalty…Tauriel could see why they would be required to attend a gathering such as this.
However, when the Lady Jade stopped and bowed to King Thranduil, as well as Prince Legolas, you could have knocked Tauriel over with a feather when the words out of the dam's mouth were in perfect Sindarin.
"{We are quite honored, King Thranduil, to have you and your kin present tonight,}" the green-eyed dam stated. "{I have heard many tales of how your people aided in the protection of the mountain during the time of war.}"
Tauriel stifled a laugh when she saw her king's eyes grow wide at the use of his own tongue, having apparently been as shocked as she was to hear such things from a dwarf's lips. Yet, if Thranduil appeared surprised, Thorin was even more so, staring open mouthed at the little dam as if she had grown a second head.
"{Your Sindarin is quite good, Lady Jade,}" Legolas broke in, seeing that no one else had the presence of mind to speak. "{Might I inquire as to where you learned such a thing?}"
"I was taught your language in Rivendell," Jade answered with a wide smile, switching back to Western so that the dwarves would not be left out of the conversation. "My father made many trips to the hidden valley of Imladris when I was growing up and I applied myself to learning as much of it as I could."
"Well, you have certainly accomplished your goal, Lady," Thranduil responded, at last breaking out of his stunned silence. "Though I find it very difficult to believe that dwarves would have had much dealings with elves…even our western kin under the rule of Lord Elrond."
"Actually, my adopted father was of the race of men," Jade explained, feeling oddly comfortable speaking to the tall elf king for some unknown reason. "I was raised in a village near the Dunlands, so visits to Imladris were nothing out of the ordinary."
"A dwarrowdam raised by men and who speaks the tongue of the elves? Yours proves to be a very interesting tale," Thranduil continued, looking over at Thorin with a raised eyebrow. "Why have you been hiding such a treasure, King Thorin? Had I known your nephew possessed such a delightful betrothed, I would have insisted she be seated next to me so that I could have conversed with her all evening."
"I too am still discovering all the…delightful secrets the Lady Jade possesses," Thorin told him, doing his best to return his expression to that of a stoic and dignified king.
"Perhaps the lass could be of help during negotiations," Tauriel spoke up, instantly liking the spunky dwarrowdam. "Often much is lost in translation, they say."
"A splendid idea!" Thranduil agreed. "That is, of course, if Prince Fili does not object…nor you, King Thorin."
Fili, who had sat in stunned silence ever since Jade has approached the elven king, snapped out of his trance at the mention of his name. His mother had long ago revealed to him the fact that Jade could speak Sindarin, but this had been the first time he'd heard her use it. Still, he schooled his expression and rose from his seat, bowing to both Thranduil and Jade.
"My Lady can do as she pleases," he informed the elf. "She is my intended, not my servant or slave. If Jade wishes to join in the discussions, she is free to do so."
"I too find no reason to object," Thorin said with a nod of his head, figuring any advantage he could gain would be to his benefit. "The choice is yours, Lady Jade."
"I would love to! Thank you very much for the offer," she grinned, truly hoping she could be of some use and not just a nuisance. "Yet, in the meantime, I was wondering if I might be so bold as to petition Prince Legolas for a dance? It has been some time since I have partaken of any elf dances, but I would very much like to see if I recall one or two."
"You wish to dance…with me?" Legolas stammered, taken aback by her unexpected offer.
"I promise not to step on your toes too much, My Lord Prince," Jade assured him, holding out her hand in invitation. "Would you do me the honor?"
"I would indeed," Legolas nodded, shooting Fili a quick look in order to make sure he would not receive a knife to the back if he agreed. Yet, in the crown prince he saw only confusion and genuine surprise, not animosity, so he figured he was safe. "For I would be a fool to turn down such an offer."
Jade's smile grew wider, yet as she turned towards Tauriel, her face fell.
"Oh, dear!" she said in a forlorn tone. "But that leaves you without a partner for the festivities…Tauriel, was it?"
"Aye, Lady Jade," the red-haired elleth nodded, rising and giving her a polite bow. "Tauriel, Captain of the Mirkwood guard, at your service."
"At yours and your families as well," Jade responded with a dainty curtsy. "Yet, this will simply not do, for I would not have you sitting alone without a partner." Here she spun around and stared directly at Kili, who had also been watching the goings on, his mug of ale frozen halfway between the table and his mouth for the past few minutes. "Kili! Come offer to dance with Captain Tauriel. As a prince of the realm, it would be the chivalrous thing to do."
Once more, those who were privy to the conversation grew silent, this time all eyes turning towards the dark-haired dwarf at the end of the table. Would he agree? Would he deny the elf lass? No one knew for sure…except of course Jade and Fili.
"I…it would be my pleasure!" Kili nearly shouted, once his power of speech was restored. And all but leaping over the table, he came to stand in front of Tauriel, bowing low as he too held out his hand in an invitation. "Shall we?"
"[This is highly irregular!]" Thorin leaned over and whispered in Khuzdul to Dis.
"[Oh hush! This is good diplomacy, and you should be grateful!]" Dis hissed back, elbowing the king in the side as only a little sister could do. "[A dance or two won't hurt anything.]"
Thorin gave a grunt of irritation but remained silent on the matter, watching as Kili escorted the elf lass to the dance floor, followed closely by Jade and Legolas. It seemed like all eyes were on the two couples, their height differences quite noticeable – especially Jade and the elf prince, for he was exceptionally tall, and she was quite on the diminutive side even for a dwarf. Still, they made it work, all the while smiling and laughing at their mishaps. Thankfully, it was a lively dance, and other than a few spins and turns, they were not required to make physical contact much, so they managed. One dance led to two, and soon they were lost among a sea of others, no one giving the odd pairs another glance.
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Fili sat there at the table as his lovely lass spun and laughed, enjoying her time with the elf prince. And while he wondered if he should feel jealous…he was surprised to find he wasn't! Sure, the idea of Jade being with anyone else ate him up inside, but the near comical paring of her and the elf, left no room for such thoughts in his mind. In fact, he found himself grinning. Jade had a kind heart, willing to see that the visiting prince had a good time and didn't feel snubbed in any way. But most of all, Fili could see exactly how she had maneuvered things so that his little brother could spend time with his elf lass, and no one would be the wiser. She was a sly one, that was for sure, and Fili thoroughly admired her for it.
Giving a wide smile, he touched the small box in his pocket, thinking of how she might react to his second courting gift. He had no doubt she would accept it, for that was the plan, but this one was meant to please her, and he certainly hoped it did just that. She never seemed to desire anything or look longingly at items when they passed by the stalls at the market, so Fili had little to go on. But he believed he had found something that was both sentimental and practical, ensuring that she would reward him with one of her amazing smiles in return. But that would have to wait until later, for he was not about to interrupt her masterful plan. So, he watched, smiled, and waited patiently for his turn to dance with Jade.
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"If you fear you have forgotten any of the steps, Lady Jade, I assure you that you haven't," Legolas complimented her during their second dance.
"I think it is all due to you taking the lead," she countered, her cheeks blushing slightly. "Otherwise I would have made a complete fool of myself…and not regretted it for a moment."
"I am glad to see that you are not the type to expect perfection of yourself," Legolas laughed. "I often heard that dwarves tend to lean in that direction."
"Oh, I'm certain they do," Jade assured him. "When it comes to their craft, they would expect no less. Yet dancing is hardly my specialty, thus I can laugh at myself as much as the next person."
"As my father has already stated, you are quite delightful to speak with, Lady Jade," the elf prince told her. "And yet, I am beginning to suspect that asking me to dance held a secondary purpose…am I correct?"
"What?" Jade's smile instantly faded, worried that she might have somehow insulted the royal guest.
"I've seen you glance over at Prince Kili and Tauriel multiple times, and while I am hardly offended, I do believe getting them alone was your ultimate goal," he told her, leaning in a bit so that his words would not be overheard. "Are you perhaps playing matchmaker, Lady Jade?"
"I…I…" she stammered, not sure how to answer. "And…what if I am?"
"Then I believe that you and I can indeed be friends," he chuckled, pulling back as he watched the look of worry on her face morph into one of shock. "Yes, I too know of my friend's feelings for the dwarf prince, and while I realize such a thing might be unwise, I will not deny her the opportunity to follow her heart's desire. You did a good thing here tonight, and I for one thank you for your assistance."
"Then…then you don't mind?" Jade gasped, tickled to have another ally on her side in all this.
"Perhaps I would have objected a year ago, but things have changed greatly between our people, and I care for Tauriel too much to see her hopes dashed simply because of a difference in races," Legolas admitted. "Thus, if dancing with you affords them the opportunity to talk, then I say we continue on until our feet give out!"
"So be it, My Lord Prince," Jade grinned, taking his hand and spinning under his arm a few times, the two gliding across the dance floor with a flourish.
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"I…I was surprised to see you had come to Erebor," Kili had spoken up after nearly a full dance had gone by. "I had often feared I might never see you again."
"And did you desire to see me again, Prince Kili?" Tauriel asked, holding her breath as she waited for his response.
"Kili…just Kili, please," he instructed, always hating the formal use of his title. "And yes, I did…very much in fact!"
"As I you," Tauriel revealed, her cheeks quickly sharing the same tint as her hair.
"You wanted to see me again too?" Kili couldn't believe his luck. He had long imagined his infatuation might have been purely one sided, but to now confirm that it wasn't…well that was astounding. "And might there be anything you wished to say to me…should we have met again?"
"That depends," she hummed, not wanting to be the first to speak of her feelings. "Do you have anything you wished to say to me?"
At this, Kili was stumped. What should he say? How much of his heart dare he reveal? And was doing so in the middle of a crowd of dwarves the best place for such a confession? Quickly deciding it was not, he took her hand and began to lead her off the dance floor, out a side door and down a hall before anyone could say a word…not even Tauriel herself. When he stopped at another door and pushed it open, the elf lass gave a gasp of surprise.
"A garden!" she breathed, stepping forward with a look of awe. "How do you get things to grow within a mountain?" Her hands reached out and touched the leaves of the plants in the raised beds and branches of the potted trees as she walked past them, marveling at the amazing sight.
"We use light tubes," Kili revealed, pointing towards the ceiling. "Shafts were dug to the surface and filled with crystal, allowing sunlight to filter down and feed the plants. It's not a very big garden, but it was something that my grandmother enjoyed immensely, and when we began to restore the mountain, this was one of the places my Uncle Thorin wished to see brought back, to honor her memory."
"It's lovely…truly it is," Tauriel assured him.
"I thought you might like it," he said with a shy shrug of his shoulders. "When I imagine you, I always picture you among the flowers and the trees…for you belong amid growing things. Well, that and the stars you love so much."
"You remember that I love the stars?" Tauriel asked, turning to face him.
"I remember everything you ever told me, which to be honest is not that much since we hardly spent any real time together," he admitted sadly. "Just a handful of conversations conducted between prison bars and then a short one on the shores of Lake Town."
"Where you gave me this," the elf lass stated, reaching into the pocket of her formal gown and pulling out a black stone, holding it out so that he could see it. "Your promise stone."
"You kept it?" Kili didn't mean to sound so shocked by this, for he had hoped she hadn't tossed it away after they parted.
"Of course, I did," she replied. "I had never received anything so meaningful in all my life. I have treasured it ever since, and whenever I look at it, I think of you."
"I have nothing to remind me of you, save the stars, which I do look at quite often as well," he confessed, thinking he sounded rather foolish, and not like the dignified dwarf he wanted her to imagine he was. "Yet, I need no reminders…for your beautiful face is forever before my eyes, no matter where I go or what I'm doing."
"You flatter me greatly, Kili," she blushed, her eyes lowering to the floor.
"It's not flattery if it's the truth," he countered, stepping closer and taking her by the hands, feeling the warm stone within her palm. "But that was not the reason I brought you here, where I knew no others would be. I did it so I could ask you something."
At this, Tauriel raised her eyes and looked directly at him, anxious to hear what he might say.
"Yes, we are indeed alone," she pointed out, loving the feel of his hands in hers. "So, what did you wish to ask me?"
"I wanted to know…well…" he had been practicing this speech all evening, and yet now that it was here, he found himself fumbling for words. "I wanted to know if you…what I mean is…do you think dwarf women grow beards?"
Tauriel was highly confused, for this was not the question she had expected.
"You wish to know if I believe your females grow facial hair?" she clarified, wondering if this was some sort of code for something, or held a deeper meaning that she didn't understand.
"Yes, and whether or not you think by depriving a dwarf meat it will calm him down or not?" Kili pressed on. "Or, most important, if you are under some misconception that dwarves can't engage in interspecies marriages."
"Well," she began attempting to make sense of all this. "I have never heard of this idea that eating meat can cause a dwarf to become disorderly. And while I have seen several of your females and found them to have smooth skin on their faces, I can't say I ever believed otherwise before." Now came the most important part of Kili's question. "As for the belief that dwarves can only marry within their own kind…I can honestly say I hope that is not a true fact."
"Oh, it's not!" Kili quickly interjected, wanting to set her straight as quickly as possible. "We are quite capable of having feelings, as well as bonding, with other species." He then furrowed his brow in thought. "Though I doubt very seriously any dwarf…or elf for that matter…would wish to do so with a cave troll or an orc."
"I highly doubt it as well," Tauriel nodded in agreement. "Yet was that the only things you wanted to tell me? Perhaps you might wish to answer my question from before?"
"I…I guess I wanted to say," here he faltered, nervous about how his words would be received. Suddenly he knew exactly how Fili felt. Wishing to tell Jade of his feelings, yet fearful of rejection. What a pathetic pair he and his brother made. Still, Kili knew he would not get a second chance at this and was determined not to waste the time he had been given. "I would say that our time together in the dungeons was some of the happiest I have ever spent. And I would do it all over again, even if it meant remaining down there for the rest of my life…just as long as you consented to continue visiting me as you once did."
"I have lived many more years than you, Kili," Tauriel responded, taking a step closer to where he now stood. "I have seen a little over six-hundred winters, and yet, I can honestly say that the few days that you were under my care in the dungeons were some of the most memorable I have ever spent as well. Yet, none of that now compares to these past few minutes alone with you here. I do not want them to end."
"Nor do I!" Kili gasped, pulling their clasped hands to his chest as he held them against his heart. "Tauriel, I told you once that you made me feel alive…that I wasn't afraid when I was with you. And I'm not! In fact, you make me so brave that I don't even fear what my uncle or my mother might say…or any of the dwarves of Erebor. I love you, Tauriel of the Greenwood! I never thought it possible, but I do…I honestly do."
"I too feared speaking such words out loud, feeling that we were simply too different, and that there was far too much against us," Tauriel all but laughed, leaning down until her forehead rested against his, their eyes never leaving each other's. "Yet to hear you put voice to what sings in my own heart…I cannot hold it in any longer. I love you as well, Kili. I love you!"
They stood there for a few more moments, lost in the bliss of what they had just confessed. It was fast, it was foolish, and it was so right they couldn't find it in their hearts to regret a word. At last, Kili released her hands, now cupping her cheeks in his shaking palms as he tipped his head up so he could ghost his lips across hers, the exhilarating sensation sending shivers up his spine.
He was kissing Tauriel!
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Meanwhile, out in the banquet hall, Thorin and Thranduil had fallen into an uncomfortable silence. The two monarchs had run out of things to say, and with hardly anyone remaining at the table, there was no one to pick up the slack. Dis had tried several times to suggest a topic, but after a few terse words or grunts from the two males, she had given up.
"That's rather strange," Thranduil muttered at last, his eyes scanning the dance floor.
"What's that?" Thorin questioned, noting the way the blond elf's dark brows furrowed in suspicion.
"Your nephew and my captain…I am unable to locate them," he pointed out, nodding towards the group before them. "Where have they gone?"
Thorin sat up straight, his own eyes roving over the dancers, yet he too was unable to pick out Kili and the elf lass. When he turned and looked over at Dis, she too gave a shrug of confusion.
"They were there a minute ago," she assured him.
"I'm sure they just stepped out to get some air," Fili spoke up, not wanting his brother or the elf lass to get into any trouble…or cause an incident.
"More likely, the dwarf prince lured her away," Thranduil accused, swiftly rising to his feet. "Is this some sort of treachery?"
"OF COURSE NOT!" Thorin protested, also standing up and facing off with the elf. This caused many heads to turn their way, as both conversation and dancing came to a halt. "If anything, I'm willing to bet your captain has abducted my nephew!"
"Uncle, please!" Fili begged, reaching over as he attempted to calm his king down. "No one has abducted anyone!"
"I'm certain they are both fine, just currently out of our sight," Dis sighed, wanting to box the ears of both males over their stupidity.
"Then I insist they be located immediately!" Thranduil loudly demanded.
"Father, what is going on?" Legolas questioned, he and Jade having hurried over the moment their loud voices had reached their ears.
"Tauriel, she is missing!" the tall elf king informed him. "That stubby dwarf has taken her!"
"WHO ARE YOU CALLING STUBBY?" Thorin bellowed, not at all liking the idea of anyone insulting his kin, or his people.
"Please, we all need to calm down," Dis insisted, placing herself between her older son and the rude elven king. "I'm sure if we just go looking, we will find them in no time, all safe and sound. Then won't you all feel foolish for the way you've acted?"
"I'll go find them!" Fili spoke up in a hurry, not wanting everyone to make the search.
"And I will go with him," Legolas chimed in, unsure what they might find, but not wanting his father to be privy to it either way.
"We will all go, and that's final!" Thranduil ordered, unwilling to sit there with the dwarf king another moment, and stomping around the table he began to lead the way to where the couple had last been seen.
"This is not going to end well, is it?" Jade whispered to Fili as he took her hand and hurried along.
"Where Kili's concerned…it hardly ever does," the blond prince sighed, his face creased in worry as he, Jade, his uncle, his mother, and the two blond elves all went in search of the missing pair.
Oh dear! RUN KILI! Or just keep kissing your elf...whatever you think is best.
Jade was a sneaky dam, to be sure, and Legolas wholeheartedly agreed with her.
Wonder what Fili's second courting gift is! Will he get a chance to give it to her?
Poor Tauriel, trying to figure out what Kili was talking about when he asked about beards on dams and if she thought they went crazy when given meat. Not exactly the words of love she had been hoping for. But I think he made up for it with what he did and said next. Kili is smooooooth. ha ha.
Guest Reviews:
Thanks for there being so many this time!
Aranel Mereneth: You are welcome! And tea? Nope, no tea...but they did end up in a room alone, does that count? Sadly, I don't think the door is locked though. Ha ha, I love what you said, Fili needs to dwarf up. Oh, he so does! Thanks.
Guest: Oh no...starting a dwarf/elf incident is not the best way to endear yourself to Thorin, that's for sure. Kili feels like a kind pressing his nose against the candy store window...he can look, but he can't touch...oh, wait, I think he just touched! Thanks for the review.
Nala: Yep, I am a fast poster...mostly because I have no patience to speak of. ha ha. And I do hope you never regret reading any of my stories...for any reason! I like Tauriel just fine, but I have also thoroughly enjoyed other stories where Kili falls for a dam. It's all in how it's written. I'm glad you like my pairing here. As for Fili and Jade...you will have to wait as long as it takes. They are so stubborn and blind it's maddening. The same thing happened to me when I first began reviewing as a guest. I was line "why do some of my reviews show up and others don't?" But I figured it out eventually, I think when I finally made an account and read the part where it said I HAD to moderate my reviews. ha ha. Live and learn. Thanks again. T.O.W.G.
Emrfangirl: Oh yes, 'better than Kili' is not really a glowing review. ha ha. But as you just read, I think she did a fairly good job...now let's see if Kili can mess it up. ha ha. I will hire a minstrel immediately to play and sing that song all around Erebor, especially when Fili and Kili are nearby. Good thinking. Thanks.
Travelbug: Ch. 1 = I'm happy you found my story, and that you got hooked so quickly. Usually it takes me at least two or three chapters before I commit to a story. ha ha. Ch. 2 = Oh yes, Fili knows she's the dam in his bed! And I too love writing adorable brotherly-love scenes for Fili and Kili. Ch. 3 = But if Fili didn't take drastic action, then this story would have been very short. Ch. 4 = They are Durins, nothing ever works out for them like they plan. Hints on Jade's family? Nope, can't give away my secrets. hee hee. Ch. 5 = I see Thorin investing heavily in headache medicine. Ch. 6 = Fili was so bummed that he didn't get to do the braiding thing, but maybe he will one day. And in this story I chose not to have dwarves have 'Ones' per say. They just court and fall in love like everyone else, but when they do, it's for life. Ch. 7 = Fili IS having fun...Kili, not so much. Ch. 8 = What do you mean he's going to START making a fool of himself...I think that ship has already sailed. ha ha Ch. 9 = Yep, Fili and Kili had to be the most adorable dwarflings...otherwise Thorin would have murdered them in their sleep long before now, the scamps. ha ha. Ch. 10 = Yes, I think Jade attempting to find all his daggers would be fun...for both of them. But I fear too much that she would cut herself in the process. And Kili WANTS a wife...but believes he can't have the one his heart desires. Poor thing. LOOK, all caught up! I will sit back and wait for more to answer. I hope you kept reading and found my messages in chapter 13 and 17. It was the only way I could let you know I was getting your reviews. Thanks. T.O.W.G.