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I wanted to say thank you for your story suggestions, I plan on checking out every one of them (that I haven't already read, that is.) Here is one for you to look at if you would like one of my suggestions.
Erebor 3022: Cursebearers Story 1 (revised) by summerald
Trust me, you will NOT be disappointed. It is a Kili/OC story, but with Fili and some of the gang front and center. Sadly, Thorin did not make it through the battle of five armies, but I love every inch of this story and it's sequels to pieces. Try it, you might like it!
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Chapter 23
Namarie, Hiril = Farewell, Lady
Shomakhalinh - Guardian Lady or chaperone
~X~
"Is he really in love, Jade?" Dis had finally begged to know after nearly half an hour of hedging around what she really wanted to talk about. "Does my Little Raven truly have feelings for her?" She gave a sigh and looked down at the cold cup of tea in her hand. "I can live with the fact that she is an elf, honest I can, but only if I know for a fact that she is what's best for him and that he loves her with all his heart."
"I can't read minds or hearts," Jade stated, doing her best to sound reassuring. "And yet, I can tell you that Kili has spoken about her in such a way that it leaves very little doubt in my mind that Tauriel is the one and only female for him."
"When? When did he tell you these things, and why has he never mentioned her to me?" The hurt in Dis' voice was unmistakable, causing Jade to speak quickly.
"During our time in the cave-in," she told her friend and mentor. "I don't think he would have said anything to me at all, but we were kind of stuck together, believing there was a chance we might not make it out alive. In such times one often feels the need to unburden themselves, saying things they might not normally say. I'm sure, given time and the opportunity he would have confided in you as well."
"Perhaps," Dis nodded, not appearing so hurt any longer for not being in the know. "Still, these are not exactly things a lad might wish to share with his mother. If Flinn had lived, Kili might have gone to him for advice, yet even that is only a guess. I know for a fact he would not have told Thorin, given his long-standing dislike for elves, but I'm certain that Fili knew all along. Those two share everything. I used to joke, saying that if Fili caught a cold, it would be Kili who sneezed."
"They are very close," Jade agreed, a warm smile coming to her face. "I envy them that bond. I never had siblings, so I feel like I missed out in that department."
"Yes, I too treasure my relationship with Thorin, as well as what time I did have with Frerin," Dis lamented, thinking of her fallen brother. "And even if they both drove me to distraction at times – with Thorin still doing so – it would have been a lonely childhood without them." She then leaned over and placed her hand on Jade's. "Yet, you have us now. We are your family, Jade, and nothing can ever change that as far as I'm concerned. Even if you and Fili still intend to break off your pretend courtship, I will still always see you as the daughter I never had. And my sons can become your brothers at heart."
Jade knew that Dis was being kind, but the idea of Fili acting in a brotherly fashion towards her made her stomach turn. Fraternal affection was not what she felt for Fili and she knew she never would. And after the kiss they just shared, there would be no going back for her. She must have made some sort of face, for Dis set her cup down and looked directly into Jade's eyes, searching for answers.
"Jade…is there something that you would like to tell me?" Dis prodded. "Something about Fili perhaps?"
Jade's face turned red and she looked down at her hands, biting her lip to hold back the goofy grin she was certain was fighting to be let loose. When she found she couldn't speak without bursting into giggles, she simply nodded.
"I KNEW IT!" Dis crowed, throwing her hands up in the air. "Praise Mahal!"
"Dis! Not so loud!" Jade hissed. "And it's nothing serious…or at least I don't think it is. I mean, Fili and I only kissed once…"
"HE KISSED YOU?" This the dam shouted even louder, making Jade squirm uncomfortably, as well as blush even harder.
"Well…no, he didn't kiss me," she confessed, wishing the floor would open up and swallow her whole. "I…I kind of kissed him."
This piece of news had Dis opening her mouth to speak, shutting it, and then opening up once more, but no words came out. In the end, she simply stared at Jade, a wide grin spreading across her face.
"Don't look at me like that," the younger dam all but begged. "He asked me to! Or at least he asked if he could kiss me, so it's not like I acted on my own."
"It matters not who initiated it, the only thing I want to hear about is how you felt about it," Dis explained, still grinning from ear to ear.
"I…I liked it," Jade confessed quietly. "And truth be told, I didn't want it to end."
"Then why did you?" she questioned.
"Because Kili came running up, shouting about how he was engaged and kind of killed the mood," Jade said with a bit of a huff.
"You mean this happened tonight?" Dis gasped. "As in just a bit ago…in the hallway?" She then slapped her palm against her forehead in mortification. "And then I pulled you in here to talk to me! Oh, Jade, I'm so sorry! I had no idea."
"It's all right, truly," Jade told the worried dam. "But once again, we didn't get a chance to talk about it. So, I have no idea what Fili is feeling, or what he now thinks of me for my brazen actions."
"Oh, I can guess," Dis all but giggled, her eyes bright with mischief.
"Well I can't!" Jade moaned, leaning forward and burying her face in her hands.
"Then what do you hope he is thinking?" the matron prodded.
"That I'm not some dam with loose morals…that I didn't completely mess things up with him…that I wasn't a horrible kisser?" Jade answered, her tone now nervous.
"No one in their right mind would consider you a dam of loose morals, Jade," Dis huffed. "And if he was the one who requested the kiss, then I would imagine you only aided to the situation, not messed it up. As for you being a horrible kisser, well…I guess that is something the two of you will have to judge, since I was not privy to the incident myself." She then leaned forward and once more patted the lass on the arm affectionately. "The bottom line is, you have nothing to be embarrassed, or afraid, about. And if I know my son, which I think I do, he is just as anxious to speak with you about all this as you are. You two simply need time to sort out your feelings. But whatever you decide…whatever comes of this, you must know that my feelings for you will never change. I value your friendship, Jade, and you will always have a home with me, no matter what."
"Thank you, Lady Dis!" Jade all but sobbed, falling into the princess' eager embrace and holding on for all she was worth. She honestly didn't know what she would do without Dis' support and guidance. The past six months had been full of so many new experiences, that often Jade had felt overwhelmed. Yet through it all, Dis had been her rock, her one true north, and the younger dam would never be able to repay her kindness.
"There, there," she soothed, waiting until Jade had fully composed herself before pulling back and wiping at her tears. "You've had quite a long and busy day, and I think it's time you headed off to bed. Tomorrow will be full of announcements, celebrations, and long hours of negotiations, of which your presence has been requested. So, get some sleep, and don't you worry a bit over Fili or that kiss. Things have a way of working themselves out in the end. You'll see."
"You've never steered me wrong before," Jade chuckled, loving how Dis could always make things better with just a few words. "I'll take your advice again, and hope for the best."
"You do that," Dis nodded. "Now, off with you. And I will see you in the morning, my dear."
So, with a final word of farewell, Jade headed back to her room, feeling much better.
Once the door was shut, Dis gave a quiet little squeal of delight and fell back against the sofa cushions, a look of utter glee on her face.
"They kissed!" she giggled. "I might be getting two daughters-in-law!"
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Meanwhile, down in one of the livelier pubs, another keg of ale was tapped, and mugs were once more being filled to the brim.
"TO KILI!" Bofur shouted, raising his frothy drink towards the grinning prince. "May his sword never rust, and his beard grow long…or at least grow a little!" His last little dig was met with a round of laughter and groans, but everyone drank deeply.
"TO TAURIEL!" Fili next called out. "May she never realize what a horrible mistake she had just made by giving her hand to my idiot brother!" This time the jest was met with an elbow to his side, making a good portion of his ale slosh out onto the table. "Hey, Kili! It's a crime to waste such fine drink as this!"
"Then shut your yap and just be happy for me," Kili scolded good-naturedly, unable to stop grinning no matter what was said.
"I am happy for you, Naddith," the blond prince assured him, throwing his arm around his brother's shoulders. "Truly I am."
"Thanks, Nadad," Kili smiled, looking around the table at his friends. "And I thank you all for your support as well. I'm a dwarf in love, and the next three months can't pass quickly enough to my way of thinking."
"We all knew you were a gonner the way you mooned after her in Mirkwood, laddie," Dwalin laughed, also taking a deep swig of his ale.
"Aye, and after spouting all that sappy stuff about how she walked in starlight when you were lying delirious on the table…well, it was sure money that you would be plighting your troth sooner or later," Bofur assured him.
"Sure money?" Nori gasped, spitting out a bit of ale he had just put in his mouth. "Then why wasn't I taking bets on this months ago?"
This had everyone laughing loudly, slapping each other on the back and nearly falling out of their seats. And through it all, Kili kept grinning, everyone continued drinking…but Fili couldn't stop thinking about Jade and the kiss they had just shared.
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Just as Dis had predicted, the following day was indeed jam-packed. First came the early morning breakfast with the visiting elven king and his entourage, where Kili and Tauriel sat side by side - and if Jade's eyes were to be believed, she even spied them holding hands beneath the table. After that, came the long and drawn out negotiations over the marriage contract. And while Dis had ordered both Thorin and Thranduil to iron things out the night before, there were still many, many points that needed to be decided upon.
The wedding would take place in three months when the moon was absent from the sky, and certain beloved stars would be at their height and brightest in the night sky. Thorin had insisted that the ceremony take place in Erebor yet conceded that it would be held on the battlement, thus allowing the event to take place under the stars. Thranduil informed Kili that he must craft two rings of silver, which the couple would wear for the first year of their marriage, whereupon they would then be replaced with ones of gold to signify their full commitment to the union. Not to be upstaged by elven traditions, Thorin also demanded that Tauriel agree to wearing a courting braid, followed by a marriage braid and bead after the wedding. The elleth was only too happy to oblige, and thus the negotiations continued.
Jade did her best to help temper things during the meeting, offering to explain things when the language barrier seemed an issue. Yet not understanding very little of Khuzdul, she often found herself looking to Dis or Fili to translate a word or two into Western before she could then explain them to Thranduil in Sindarin. So, it was, that by the end of five long grueling hours, a contract of marriage was signed. Now all that was left was to inform the dwarves of Erebor…something that Thorin was not looking forward to.
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"Just remember, Uncle," Fili had whispered into Thorin's ear as they stood on the balcony overlooking the main hub of the mountain, where all the dwarves had gathered upon order of the king. "Your attitude towards this marriage will influence all those around you. So, if you act as if it is a death sentence for Kili…no one will see this as a good thing."
"Something that I am still not convinced of myself," Thorin pointed out. Yet, he gave a heavy sigh, nodding his head in understanding. "Yet, for the good of all, and the happiness of Kili, I will put aside my personal feelings and publicly support this union."
"Thank you, Uncle," Fili smiled, patting him on his back. "You're doing the right thing."
"I certainly hope so," Thorin said, taking a deep breath before he stepped to the railing.
As expected, Thorin's words were at first met with shocked silence, all eyes looking at the young prince as if he had been asked to leap to his death from the tip of the mountain. Yet, little by little, the sound of applause grew until all those in the main hub were demonstrating their acceptance to the political match. Most seemed truly impressed that the dark prince would sacrifice his happiness for the good of his people and agree to wed an elf of all things. Still, Kili and Tauriel noticed none of this, the two only having eyes for each other.
However, if the dwarves of Erebor had been surprised by the idea of the political match, it was Thranduil and his fellow elves who were bowled over by Thorin's next words.
"And as a token of good faith, between the mountain and the woods," the dwarf king began, his tone rather gruff despite his best efforts to sound gracious and hospitable. "I do hereby return the White Gems of Lasgalen to their rightful owners, counting any and all past debt over their crafting paid in full by the elves aid in retaking our mountain." He then turned and signaled for Balin to bring out a chest made of wood and iron, one the king of Mirkwood had not laid eyes upon in a very long time. "We discovered these in the vaults not long ago and thought that now would be a good time to see them returned."
Thranduil's eyes grew wide as the chest was opened before him, displaying the necklace he had long ago requested the dwarves craft for his late wife. It had been long been a bone of contention with him that they had fallen into the clutches of the great dragon and lost to him…or so he had assumed. Yet, here they were, once more being offered to him, their brilliance and glory nearly taking his breath away.
However, as he reached out his hand to touch them, the lid of the chest was slammed shut, causing Thranduil to pull back in shock. Did the dwarves mean to cheat him once again? His eyes flew to Thorin, yet in his gaze did not hold animosity or gold sickness, as his grandfather Thrór once did…no, if anything, there was an odd touch of humor.
"Here you go, Your Majesty," Balin bowed, holding the chest out to him with a slight grin. "I think these will be happy to be back in your possession." And once the chest was safely in the elf's grasp, the white-bearded dwarf stepped back without any further efforts to withhold the treasures.
"It would appear that the humor of dwarves is rather twisted," Thranduil commented in a low tone, knowing now that Thorin had crafted the exchange to mirror the previous one long ago…to a degree.
"A king has so few opportunities to engage in wit that it would be a shame to waste the opportunity, don't you agree?" Thorin replied, the slight tug at the corners of his lips the only indication that he had found this amusing. He then raised his voice and addressed all present. "Thus, with the bonding of our two kingdoms in marriage, and the return of the treasures of Mirkwood, I do hereby declare the alliance between our kingdoms good and sound."
A great cheer rose through the crowd, and as Thorin looked over at Thranduil, still clutching the chest as if he feared it would be snatched away at any moment, he knew he had done the right thing. Not only for his people, but for Kili as well. His sister-sons had fought, bled and nearly died while serving him and their quest for Erebor, it was now the least he could do to see that they were happy. And if that red-haired elleth was what Kili wanted…then so be it. He then let his eyes drift over to where Fili and Jade stood side by side, wondering if this pairing was what his heir's heart desires as well. Only time would tell.
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After this came an evening of celebration, where even though they were seated side by side, Jade and Fili were never once left alone so that they could speak about what happened the night before. Legolas had taken Jade aside for a bit, determined to impart all the rules of elven courtship to her since he would be required to depart the next day with his father, leaving none of his own people there to play chaperone. Jade listened carefully and promised the Woodland prince that she would shoulder the duty with all seriousness and care.
Thus, by the time the party was over, and all the guests were heading out, Jade was so exhausted that all she wanted to do was go to bed and sleep for a week. Tauriel had been granted a room in the royal wing, thus she and Fili escorted the newly engaged couple back together, once again leaving them no time to converse in private. Both Fili and Kili placed chaste kisses on the back of their lass' hands before bidding them goodnight. And while Jade tried her best to hide her disappointment, as well as a yawn or two, she could see that Fili was feeling much the same. They would have to find time to be alone…and soon.
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The next morning, Thranduil, Legolas, and their soldiers departed for Mirkwood, assuring the king of Erebor that they would return in three months' time to prepare for the wedding. In the meantime, the elven king charged Thorin with the protection and acceptance of his captain among his people, threatening war should she come to any harm. With a great deal of indignation, the dwarf king assured the elf that he would personally guarantee her safety, though her happiness he left in the hands of Kili.
"Just make certain that her happiness is the only thing his hands are allowed to handle," Thranduil warned, eyeing the roguish prince with narrowed eyes.
"On my honor as a Son of Durin," Kili assured him with a deep bow.
"I will hold you to that," Thranduil threatened, before taking his leave.
Legolas then stepped forward and placed a brotherly kiss upon the red-haired elleth's cheek.
"Namarie, Hiril," he whispered. "May the sun and moon shine upon your lovely smile until we meet again."
"Thank you, My Lord Prince," she responded, taking his hand and giving it a squeeze. "You have ever been my loyal friend and confidant. My happiness is made double knowing that you rejoice for me."
So, with a final wave of farewell, the elf king and his son departed for Mirkwood, much to the relief of Thorin. Still, one elf remained behind, and would soon be joining his family…an idea that would take quite a bit of getting used to. Yet, for Kili he would try.
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Much to Kili's amusement, Fili had now been assigned to play Shomakhalinh for him and Tauriel. Though at least his brother would have his own lady there to keep him otherwise occupied, not leaving him as bored as Kili had been. Thorin had questioned the wisdom of this arrangement, pointing out that it was much like having the fox guard the hen house, so to speak. Yet, Dis waved him off, saying it was quite respectable, and that her lads would never do anything to dishonor the reputations of either Jade or Tauriel. However, she made certain that they heard her statement, which was accompanied by a stern motherly look that sent shivers of fear down Fili and Kili's spine. Oh, no…they would be on their best behavior.
"They do make a lovely couple," Jade whispered to Fili as they trailed behind the mismatched pair the following day.
"Even with the height difference?" Fili questioned, tipping his head to the side a bit and squinting at the back of his brother and his love.
"I think it's adorable," Jade grinned. "And not many males would feel as comfortable in such a position, but Kili appears not to notice at all."
"Yes, it would seem so," the blond prince nodded. "Kili's never been one to care about what others think. You must have guessed that he was teased mercilessly about his lack of a beard back in Ered Luin before we left to reclaim Erebor. He would just smile and laugh right along with them, letting any jests roll right off his back. I've always admired him for that, for I could never be that way. When he wasn't around, I usually punched the offending party in the nose if they even mentioned my brother or his lack of a beard."
"You were trying to protect him," Jade said in his defense.
"Yes, but I would have had a lot fewer bruised knuckles if I could only turn the other cheek like Kili does," Fili said with a sigh, recalling some of the hard-headed dwarves he busted his fists upon over the years. "And really, it wasn't the best example of princely manners either."
"Yet, I'm certain that they all knew you were willing to stand up for what was right and defend those you cared for," she pointed out with a warm smile. "And those are princely qualities to be sure."
"How is it that you can so easily turn a negative into a positive?" Fili laughed, feeling his heart swell with affection over her kind words. "You always know just what to say."
"Oh, no, not always," she chuckled. "But I'm happy I could be of assistance in this case."
Fili had been wanting to get Jade alone for the last two days to speak about their shared kiss, but with Kili now courting Tauriel, there had not been a spare moment. He was starting to become desperate, and knew he had to make his move soon, or literally explode from impatience. Once again, not the most endearing quality for a prince, but this was an emergency.
"Go riding with me," Fili suddenly spoke up, taking hold of Jade's hand and bringing her to an abrupt halt.
"I would love to," Jade smiled, having always enjoyed that activity. "When?"
"Right now," he insisted.
"Now? But I thought we had to chaperone Kili and Tauriel," she protested. "Or do you intend for them to go with us as well?"
"NO!" Fili almost shouted, lowering his voice when his brother and the elf turned around to look at them questioningly. "No, I want it to just be the two of us…and a guard or two, since I'm certain Uncle wouldn't let us out of the mountain without an armed escort." When Jade appeared hesitant, he pressed on. "We can get Amad to watch over those two for a bit, and Thorin has been on me about making a trip to Dale to check on a few of our interests there. Say you will come. Please?"
"Of course I will…just as long as we get someone to stay with Kili and Tauriel," Jade agreed with a wide smile. "He was kind enough to follow us around, so we can't just take off and leave him high and dry."
"Great!" Fili grinned, giving a shout to his brother and calling the two of them back to tell him of their plans. At first Kili did wish to go with them, but one stern look from his nadad and the dark prince changed his mind rather quickly.
No, Kili...you can't come!
And look at how sweet Kili and Tauriel are together, and they got all the wedding arrangements ironed out.
Thorin has a very sick sense of humor, one that Thranduil does not appreciate...but it made me laugh. ha ha.
Now, let's see if they can get some talking done on the ride to Dale!
Guest Reviews:
Aranel Mereneth: Yep, only Thorin to go...we will see what, and if, he interrupts. He might be the only one smart enough not to...but don't hold your breath. ha ha. Thanks.
Nala: Awww, that was nice of you. I hope you get un-busy soon, but in the meantime, have fun!
Guest B: Nice to put a name to several reviews! And here I thought I had THREE different readers. ha ha. Didn't know you had a split personality, did you? I will stick with Guest B then, since you named yourself that first. Yes, The Journey Ahead is a very good read, I had started it not long before I asked for suggestions, and am only a few chapters away from being done! I have enjoyed it very much. I will check out your other suggestions in time. If the snow will just melt, I think I will have a fine week, thanks! I appreciate your kind reviews.
Emrfangirl: Yes, it was a nice one, and best of all it was finished! It was also the number one reviewed story on this forum...so it was the one I was determined to beat! ha ha. I think I only did so due to the abnormal size of my LSoD though. ha ha. Yep, there has been a kiss! And no, Thorin has NOT interrupted them...yet! Kili is over the moon happy for sure! And I think it's silly to have Legolas upset about their pairing, but I think that most keep his anger up just so that he and Gimli can have that rocky start of their friendship and all. But I prefer him happy about his friend finding love. Thanks!