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A/N:
As the forever sharp and clever StephCalvino mentioned there was a seemingly nasty timeline mess up in Thorin's and Balin's discussion about Eilin's dad Othin. It was on purpose and it will be discussed in the next chapter by the same characters.
Turn the kites loose...
To say that the day of the coronation was blessed by the Gods themselves, would have been a serious understatement. Ever since the sun dawned behind the rolling hills of Rhun, it was evident by the amazing colours that broke in the horizon that this was going to be a bright summer's day. As the soft breeze transferred the most soothing flower scents from the blooming forest of the River Running up to Dale, it also offered the up-drifts needed to help lift up the kites that the children had turned loose. They ended up sailing far above Erebor as the sun made it's bold appearance in the bluest sky the people of Esgaroth had seen in ages. Flocks of birds flew under the kite lines from the forest and then up to the top of the Lonely Mountain filling the plain next to the river with their happy chirping. The caws of Erebor's crows echoed stronger than any other bird, but that didn't scare away the smaller birds from making their appearances again and again around the hard rocks of the stronghold. Coming and going and trying to find small recesses in order to make their nests. Swallows, sparrows and thrushes had overtaken not only the forest of Erebor, but the stronghold itself and also Dale and Mirkwood forest.
A rippling cheerfulness was running all over Dale from the moment the sun came up and many if not all it's citizens were cleaning their homes and trying to find nice clothes to wear as this day was deeply important not only for Erebor, but for its moon city as well. As Dale's mayor, Bard had declared his allegiance to Erebor since the beginning, the people saw Thorin Oakenshield as their very own King, so his coronation was a major event for their city and they felt very protective towards it. They were getting ready to flock the gates of Erebor from very early on in order to manage to get a good spot in order to be able to witness the legendary King and his wife first hand. Mothers and daughters, sons and fathers were enveloped in euphoric excitement, as they wanted to look their best for this remarkable event. Besides everyone wanted to be able to partake in this unique experience so they could describe to their grandchildren one day that they had participated at the coronation of the renowned King of the North.
Dale's excitement though was a mere nothing in comparison to what was taking place in the Lonely Mountain. Every level, every cavern, every home and gathering area was overflowing with dwarves and dwarrowdams who were brimming with anticipation for this unforgettable day. Today they would be able to celebrate not only the reclaiming of these ancient lands, but also the rise of a King who was going to rule every single dwarven Kingdom of Middle Earth. Their kin hadn't experienced such glorious days since the raise of Durin and nobody wanted to miss the opportunity to partake in the creation of this new legendary era. From the lowest delvers to the highest Lords, everybody woke up at the first chimes of the golden bell. Dwarrowdams were rushing to clean themselves and makes each other's hairs and their husbands brushed thoroughly through their beards in order to create intricate braids. Their sons and daughters if old enough they helped their parents and if too young they tried to understand what this fuss was all about. The elders were gathering in all the common areas ready to share their old stories about these mighty strongholds of the north and how their honourable forefathers have lived through similar distinctions before these proud kingdoms were taken over by forces of darkness.
Nobody was left untouched by the illustrious events that were going to take place in Erebor's throne room today. Everybody knew that renowned cavern couldn't fit all of Erebor, Dale, the emissaries of Mirkwood and the Northmen, but still they hoped for a place close by, or at least a spot en route to it. Many were going to be left behind in this endeavour to view their King and Queen first hand and nobody wanted to be the unlucky ones. So one and all were rushing to get quickly down to the great entrance, the grant antechamber, the King's Halls and above all close to the throne room, if not in and around it. Something that was almost impossible to accomplish since that cavern was cut off to the common people by the royal guards. As it contained only three long dangling bridges, they kept that restricted available space for the King's court and the emissaries from the other cities. They did allow the commoners to flock the lower decks below the throne room, though. If one hurried they could get into a position where from the right angle they could catch a glimpse of the corridor the King was going to walk on and blessed Mahal, even a crooked view of the throne itself, but that spot had already been acclaimed by commoners since the first hours of dawn.
The excitement that had overtaken both Dale and Erebor, did not extend to the royal corridors and rooms though. Those were overburdened by extreme worry and anxiety. Thorin had bid his wife farewell in the morning, telling her that she needed to be prepared by her ladies without him present. When she refused he explained patiently that he wanted her to surprise him with her dress. Eilin was apprehensive to let him go, but when he reassured her that by the end of this day all this anxiety would be gone and they would be together again away from the public eyes, she felt defeated. She could certainly wait for this to be over, couldn't she? She would be able to waddle on that long bridge between all the prominent members of their kin watching her like hawks and stand next to his throne, right? Her puffed up ankles wouldn't be in pain and her knees wouldn't unlock under her, correct? She tried to reassure herself that she'd be able to carry the immense weight of her body, without the support of Dis and that she'd look as regal as Thorin would no doubt look and not utterly ridiculous. She wanted to believe that she wouldn't sweat like a pig and stain her amazing wedding dress. That she wouldn't look like a heaving walrus in a wedding gown, ready to faint. Each time she tried to convince herself that none of these things were going to happen, she only managed to make herself more anxious.
She picked up her thick curls and lifted them away from her back. Then she fanned her nape that was running rivers of heat. "I am hot...too hot." She muttered.
Lis stood up on a chair and took Eilin's hair in order to allow her hands to rest a moment. "You need to put them up my Lady. You won't be able to remain cool enough with this thick mane covering your back."
"He asked me to let them loose..." Eilin frowned.
"Who did?" Valdis asked as she pulled the strings behind Eilin's back in order to tighten the golden embroidery under her bosom, which allowed the rest of the dress to fall airily around her large belly and reach just above her ankles.
Eilin groaned as Valdis pulled harder. "Thorin...he wants my hair down."
Valdis pressed her lips and tied down the strings. "He doesn't like braids, we all know now."
Eilin exhaled in annoyance. "I am going to faint with my hair covering me like a bloody quilt."
Valdis looked at them for a few moments. "Maybe I can fix something for you, just give me a moment to tie down the strings of your dress. Is it too tight?"
Eilin shook her head. "No that's fine."
Valdis finished and then came around to check on Eilin's bosom. Without feeling any embarrassment she placed her hand on the side of Eilin's breast and pulled it up, then she repeated from the other side and checked her work critically. She cupped Eilin's breasts and pushed them together. "That's an eye catcher alright." She said thoughtfully.
Eilin looked down at her rather voluptuous cleavage and cringed. "Do I want to catch many eyes? That will probably piss Thorin off." She pulled his golden dove out of the canyon of her cleavage and aligned it properly.
"You want to catch his eyes too!" Valdis said and went behind Eilin. She picked up her voluminous hair and looked at them deliberately.
"Don't I have them already?" Eilin's mouth broke in a small smile.
Valdis tilted her head. "A woman must foster her husband's romantic interest, pregnant or not. Especially on your wedding day you must look absolutely stunning!"
Eilin exhaled and fanned her face and neck. "What am I going to do with all this hair?"
"Hmmm..." -Valdis hummed and turned to Lis- "I have an idea, do you mind if I give it a try?"
Eilin flicked her shoulders. "It'd be a pleasure, especially if it helps me keep them off my back in some manner. All this anxiety that is pooling in my stomach, is turning into rivers of sweat. I am staining my precious dress already."
"Ladies bring over some hand fans to cool down the Queen!" Valdis commanded and Eilin's mouth broke into an honest smile at seeing this tortured soul slowly recovering.
"Now let me see what I can do...Lis can you bring me every hair pin you can find on the table?" Valdis turned to the little girl who was trying to dress up for the event also. To her mother's dismay she had chosen to dress like a soldier. She allowed her trousers to fall down to her ankles and then shuffled to the table in order to pick up all the items Valdis asked, only wearing her pink panties, which were a huge contradiction to her leather trousers.
Something that made Eilin smirk before she turned her attention to Valdis again. "Thank you so much for helping me out."
Valdis smiled back at her. "Believe me it's a pleasure. I need the distraction." She pulled Eilin's thick mane up at a loose ponytail and then began twisting it around until she created a rather large bun which resembled a rose on the back of her head.
Eilin's lips turned down. She hesitated slightly. "How are you feeling?"
Valdis flicked her shoulder sadly and started placing the pins under the bun. "Too many feelings have been buried in me for too long...There was always so much pressure to be perfect, too many demands. I am trying to start over. It's difficult, but I am going to do it."
Eilin looked down at her hands solemnly. "You miss her?"
Valdis looked critically at the bun and began to pull out several long locks, which she allowed to cascade down Eilin's back. "She was my sister and I loved her, no matter how much I suffered at times. This is a newfound freedom I am living...nevertheless it is a freedom I never wished for."
Eilin felt her eyes burning. "I never understood how bad things were for you."
Valdis smiled and split the locks she had freed from the bun into three parts. "Nobody had...or at least that is what I thought. Maybe my father understood. He knows I tried to take my own life and he knows what I have suffered because of my sister all these years. He never admitted it to me, but I see it by the way he is taking care of me now. He is full of guilt..."
Eilin looked up. "It's never too late to make changes, is it?"
Valdis shook her head and chose a diamond bead with the Longbeard sigil to hold the braid together. "It's never too late, but I wish I was brave enough to reveal my suicide attempt to my father and he was brave enough to admit that he knows what happened. My mother is still in denial, but I cannot expect anything more from her. Our relationship was always kind of competitive and cold." She threw the braid above Eilin's shoulder and her warrior braid above the other shoulder. Then she looked at Eilin's face on the mirror.
Eilin's hands run down both braids. "Wow..." she muttered.
Valdis smiled softly and turned Eilin's head sideways so she could see the bun on top. "You like it?"
Eilin felt a few tears running down her face. "It's amazing."
"Our King hates braids, but I bet he's going to love these ones!" Valdis beamed.
Eilin nodded happily. "I hope so!"
Valdis pressed her shoulders. "Do you feel cooler now ?"
Eilin shook her head. "I can breathe again, thank you for doing all this for me."
Valdis' bright smiled didn't waver. "Anytime my dear, anytime!"
Little did the women know that outside their doors Dis was standing in front of Fili, with Rhiannon on tow. She was holding a golden tray that had an intricate, but very dainty net of diamonds on it that were sparkling under the bright light of the lamps. She was looking at Fili's fist that he was quick to hide behind his back with a deep frown. "Are you ready son?" She looked at his flawless royal attire. The dark maroon tunic and his leather vest with the Longbeard sigil on it. His shiny boots and the leather coat with the dark fur on it's lapels. His hair was brushed to perfection and his beard braids were made fresh. A look of happiness was on his countenance that she didn't want to destroy, but the tightness of her stomach was too hard to overlook.
"Yes I am and so are you by the looks of it!" Fili smiled at her.
Dis' lips upturned slightly. "I think so."
Fili pointed at the tray. "For Eilin?"
Dis nodded thoughtfully. "Yes, from the King."
"Nice choice." Fili rejoined impressed.
Dis cleared her throat and looked back at Rhiannon who stood there with her hands crossed, looking at her boots. They had cleaned her thoroughly and dressed her up, but she still looked rough and rather ill. She was weak, but she wasn't going to miss Eilin's wedding so she begged the princess to attend. Dis did the best she could and hoped the girl wouldn't collapse during her brother's coronation. "You want to go in? Eilin is probably waiting for you." She said quietly.
Rhiannon gave a fleeting look at both Dis and the impressive Prince. "Fuck yeah I do!" -then she cringed regretfully- "I mean ...I mean, yes ma'am, can I?"
Fili snorted amused.
Dis inhaled deeply and pointed at the door with her head. "Keep it down with the swearing and go right in, I'm coming in a moment."
Rhiannon opened the door and the moment Eilin saw her she released Valdis' hands and ran up to her friend. They embraced fiercely and they began hopscotching like kids.
"I don't believe you are getting married!" Rhiannon yelled.
"I don't believe it either!" Eilin reciprocated.
"To a King!" Rhiannon screeched.
"To the love of my life! To the father of my children!" Eilin cried and pulled Rhiannon into a tight hug.
"You look dazzling!" Rhiannon pushed back to admire her best friend and Dis steadied the tray on the wooden panel and drew the door closed.
"I wanted to go in too, why did you close it?" Fili frowned.
"Because I want to have a word with you." Dis said solemnly.
Fili crossed his arms and leaned back to the wall. "Alright let's hear it mother."
"Why are you becoming so defensive with me?" Dis felt her eyes burning.
"Because I've heard this so many times, I am getting fed up." Fili pursed his lips.
"Isn't a mother allowed to give advice to her only son?" Dis rejoined.
"One time, yes. All the time no...and by the way, you can give advice, but you don't have the right to enforce it!" Fili raised his brow coldly.
"When did I ever try to enforce myself on you?" Dis' voice elevated.
"All the time! The only thing that stopped you was us leaving with uncle Thorin for this quest! Something you tried to stop likewise!" Fili rebuked heavily.
"I wish I managed to stop you! Your brother would have still been alive..." Dis' voice crawled with anger.
Fili averted his eyes and his face paled. He remained silent at that.
Dis closed her eyes and leaned against the wall after a few tense moment. "You felt I was too controlling?"
"Always," her son spat.
Dis nodded. "That is the fate of a mother. No matter her constant sacrifices for the well being of her children, they are bound to blame all their miseries on her."
"Don't victimise yourself," Fili crossed his arms and his jawline flexed.
Dis looked at him sharply. "Victimise myself?! Do you think it was easy to lose your father when you were just barely six years of age and your brother was one?!"
Fili felt his throat closing down, but he remained silent.
"Shut your mouth and be more respectful of the people who sacrificed everything to raise you and your brother!" Dis spat angrily.
Fili looked at her sideways, but he had lost all his bravado in view of his mother's fiery counter attack.
"After that accursed battle our poor family was decapitated! My husband, my brother, my grandfather...they all died! Thorin escaped by a hair's inch that day! When he returned heartbroken and drenched in blood to announce to me that everyone apart from him and our father was dead I felt the world opening up to swallow me! I remember little of those few days after the battle. Thorin had taken over you boys and I had locked myself up in my rooms, denying to get out of bed. I still don't know how I managed to pull myself together. You believe you know everything don't you? Just because you fought bravely in some battles, you have witnessed death and now you think you are in love..."
"I don't -think- I am in love! I am!" Fili spat straight to her face.
Dis' brow clouded. "Do you now? Then put Valdis in your father's place and imagine yourself losing her in a battle..."
Fili face blanched and his lips parted.
"Now you may have felt a small morsel of the pain I experienced back then, you arrogant young man!" Dis continued relentlessly.
Fili's eyes filled with tears.
"If there is anyone entitled to express their opinion about your life choices...repeatedly then that's me! And right after me is the man who raised you like a father!" Dis grumbled and kicked the wall behind her in anger.
"I am sorry mother," Fili's voice was diminished.
"Telling me I have no right! I have every right and I will use it to the maximum to remind you to be careful! No matter your choices you have to be careful and keep your eyes open! Sometimes the heart can deceive us! Let your mind judge the people around you, not your heart for it might deceive you!" She continued with the same authoritative tone.
"You have every right to tell me your opinion, but why would you use it to suffocate me? What have I done so wrong? I love a woman...didn't you love a man? Doesn't my uncle love a woman? Isn't this natural mother?" Fili looked at her yearningly.
Dis gritted her teeth. "It is, but you must choose who to love, wisely."
"Does such a thing exist? Love and wisdom together? You mean to tell me that when your heart ached for my father, it was your logic that led you to him?" Fili raised his brow.
His mother glared at him.
"Or do you want to convince me that uncle Thorin used his immense wisdom to choose an interracial maiden with a shady past?" Fili tilted his head.
Dis' face paled.
"No, you both used your instincts and listened to your heart. I know that might fail sometimes, but neither in your case, nor in uncle Thorin's did it fail. Why am I not allowed to try the same then?" Fili spoke with ever growing confidence.
Dis inhaled deeply and her nose flared.
"I know Valdis belongs to a family that almost destroyed us. Uncle Thorin loves her father and uncle Dain, but her sister almost tore us apart. Where is Valdis in this equation? I know that worries you, for none of us know if her loyalty is with Fain and Dain, or if she has taken more after her sister than we would like. Allow me mother to tell you that from the few things I have seen that she has no traces of Karunn in her blood. They may have been sisters, but they are two different people. Didn't her attempted suicide speak to our hearts? She was as much a victim as the rest of us..."Fili continued fiercely.
"Yes, but..." Dis tried, but he spoke over her.
"Yes, but what? Am I still not allowed to try and fail...? Why?"
Dis hesitated. "Because I don't want to lose you too..." She whispered and felt the tears that had been pooling in her eyes releasing.
Fili frowned. "Lose me?"
She swallowed a dry throat. "I lost one son...I don't want to lose the second one."
Fili approached his mother and cupped her cheek. She averted her eyes, but he drew her head to him again. "Why didn't you tell me that was your fear?"
She shook her head, not knowing what else to say. The tray in her hands began shaking.
"You lost Kili to war...I might get lost in love. Is it the same?" Fili's voice became more loving and caring upon witnessing the pained emotions that abounded in the heart of his fierce mother.
"It is the same to me...I will have neither of you anymore." Her voice broke.
His brows creased. "I won't leave Erebor. I will stay here with Valdis, if ...if we end up together in the end. Besides you won't be alone. You have uncle Thorin and your nephews are about to be born..."
"Or nieces..." Dis' lips cracked in a sad smile.
Fili smiled down at her sweetly. "And maybe...maybe after a long time where I will allow my mind to collaborate with my heart, me and Valdis might offer you some grandchildren?"
Dis sobbed and laughed at the same time. "You think so?"
He pulled the tray out of her hand and gave it to the guards standing at the flanks of the royal chambers. "You said our family was decapitated in the Battle of Moria."
Dis nodded and Fili drew her in a warm embrace that she reciprocated quickly. "Now I see our family blooming. We may have lost my brother, but I see hope. Can't you?"
She sobbed on his chest and shook her head. "I don't know...I cannot stop thinking about him even in my happiest hours."
"Who can judge a mother who has lost a child? I cannot, for I have no lived through such hell." Fili pressed his lips.
"I wish this hell to no one. Not even Fain who lost Karunn." Dis whispered.
Fili pressed her tightly. "Kili cannot be forgotten by any of us. You know how many times I have seen uncle Thorin down at the burial vaults, sitting in the dark all alone in silent vigil?"
Dis nodded. "I have seen him too."
"Even now, with a wife full of children and one step from his coronation and he's still mourning the loss of my brother. He was down there at the first hours of dawn three nights ago." Fili continued.
"I know," Dis clasped Fili's back.
"We all mourn, but we also know that my brother is at peace. " he smiled and pulled back to see his mother's face.
She wiped away her tears and smiled. "That is what I want to believe."
"Kili knows we are safe mother, and he is at rest. Maybe in time we can all move on, but you have to allow us...to allow me...to try." Fili continued with quite patience.
Dis swallowed heavily. "I will try."
Fili kissed her forehead. "I love you mother."
"I love you my son," she said and drew him into a fierce hug that blew all the air out of his lungs.
He kept holding her until she drew back and reached behind to grasp his hands. She brought them forth and looked down at them. "Why were you waiting outside Eilin's doors?"
"I wanted to talk with Valdis." He spoke quietly.
Dis turned his hand around and opened up his tight fist. She looked at the golden royal bead in it. "This for her?"
His cheeks blushed. "I was hoping she would accept to wear my bead for the coronation."
Dis' eyes overflowed with tears again only this time they were of happiness. She pushed him back and pointed at the door. "Well, what are you waiting for then young man? She's in there. Go on!"
Fili's lips came up into a dazzling smile that mellowed Dis' heart. Seeing her boy so happy was priceless. "You won't cause any trouble?"
Dis composed herself and run her fingers above her intricate braids in order to settle down any stray hair. "What do I have to do with all this? I am just going to give Eilin the jewellery Thorin wishes her to wear."
Fili nibbled his bottom lip and pulled her in. He gave her a sloppy kiss on the cheek. "I love you mom!"
She pushed him away. "Get away! You are messing me up! Enough...now go in!" She commanded.
He gave her one last grateful smile and opened the door. Dis allowed it to close and took a moment to recollect before following her son inside. When she did, her smile was sparkling more than the diamonds that were meant for Eilin.
It was several hours later when Eilin grabbed hold of Dis' hand for support and looked with perturbation at the open area of the King's Halls that was full to the brim. The crowd was kept open by the soldiers who had created a path for her. At the landing of the staircase were two royal guards and in front of them stood Lieutenant Dongar. The moment Eilin and the Princess appeared they presented arms creating an echo of clashing axes that extended all through that grand hall, the great entrance and reached the long bridge that led to the throne room. Everyone was looking at Eilin with a silent expectancy that was sending waves of cold sweat down her back. She squeezed Dis' hand and the princess reciprocated.
"Stand straight and walk down to them. They were sent here by my brother to escort you." She spoke quietly and kept her regal bearing lofty and untouched. The people's quiet anticipation that twisted like a vice around Eilin's poor mind, didn't seem to touch Dis at all.
"I will step down this staircase and I am going to break my face..." Eilin whispered.
Dis placed her steady palm on Eilin's waist and pushed her slightly. "Nothing is going to happen. Think of something that will calm you down...anything."
Eilin closed her eyes briefly and exhaled. "His face..." she murmured.
Dis looked at her and a ghostly smile appeared on her lips. "Think of him and walk down proudly. You will see him soon. Allow that thought to give you comfort."
Eilin's head gave a small nod and her hand grasped the railing lightly as she took the first step down. She thought that her pained legs and the heaviness of her belly would have made it impossible to to do this alone, but the image of Thorin and the smiles of pride and admiration that slowly began filled up the room as she approached the people, fed her with courage with each step she took. Instead of allowing her heart to get saturated in fear, she raised her eyes and steeled her thudding heart. When she stopped at the landing, the royal guards presented arms again and lieutenant Dongar bowed and placed his fist above his heart.
"Your majesty." He said with a loud and clear voice.
Dis pressed Eilin's forearm.
Eilin tilted her head. "Lieutenant." She acknowledged.
Dongar smiled and gave Dis a brief affectionate look that made the Princess' cheeks catch on fire. He took the lead of the progression and Eilin was placed between two huge guards who offered her their elbows, instead of just walking next to her like etiquette commanded. She frowned and hesitated, but Dongar answered her unspoken question.
"King's orders my Lady." He smiled.
Eilin engaged the elbows of the two formidable guards and Dis leaned close to her. "Thorin knows you have a difficulty walking. He is trying to help. Do as Dongar says."
Eilin felt a wave of love towards towards her husband rushing through her heart which was followed by a ripple of relief. Knowing that she was being held up by two strong men was enough to steady her through this dreaded long progression to the throne room. She tightened her elbows with them and they reciprocated by lowering their military pace to match that of the Queen.
"My lady, this is for you...please accept it..." a common woman offered her a bouquet of flowers and Eilin's lips curled up gratefully.
"Thank you," she whispered, but Dis pressed her fingers on Eilin's waist and spoke in a hushed tone. "Allow Lis to take the flowers and don't address each and everyone. Incline your head and smile."
Eilin swallowed and did so. Lis took the flowers and placed them in her basket. While Eilin walked down the King's Halls with the help of the Royal guards the people slowly eased up from their frozen curiosity and excitement began floating through them as they praised the Queen's beautiful face, her astonishing gown, the blinding diamond net on her long hair, but above all her gracious smile. Eilin heard whispers of deep awe overtaking the original forbidding silence of those tall caverns. It's echo travelled and reverberated between the endlessly tall columns. Those whispers of subdued admiration fed her heart with courage, that kept erupting with adrenaline when an abrupt cry meant to draw her attention appeared out of the darkest corners, now and again.
"Our Queen! Here, here! We are here!" a voice said and she tried to locate it, but failed as many hands were waving at her eager to make her notice them.
"She's so beautiful!"
"So regal!"
"Look at her mom, she's amazing!"
"She's got a belly full of people! Look!"
"We love you!"
"Can I touch your dress my Lady?!"
"I want to kiss her hand!"
"Let me touch your belly my Lady, it's good luck!"
"Me, look at me, up here!"
"Here here my Lady...we are here by the columns!"
They few sparse cries gave courage to the rest and in the end everyone began yelling out to her. A heavy vocal carpet of reverence began pulsating around her, like a living organism, making her slightly dizzy. She inclined her head majestically as Dis had advised her and smiled back to every bright and eager face she could see. She felt her dress being pulled and first thought that someone had stepped on it's long tail, but when she turned around she saw a woman on her hands and knees holding tightly the hem of her dress and offering it a kiss.
Eilin's heart skirted.
That action of humble love, truly boggled her poor mind. She felt confused, lost and close to a panic, but she forced herself to smile at that woman and immediately received back a heartwarming smile before allowing the guards to lead her on steadily. When she reached the antechamber that led to the throne room all this explosive devotion from the commoners was starting to break her. Even though Dis told her not to approach any of them, or address them personally, when Eilin witnessed an older lady falling to her knees in order to crawl and touch her dress she disengaged her arms from the guards and came down to one knee. Dongar gave the Queen a look of apprehension and tried to intervene, but Dis' curt nod stopped him.
Eilin's hand reached out and touched the old woman's shoulder and everyone froze in anticipation. "Don't crawl for me please." Eilin felt her eyes overflowing with tears.
The old dwarrowdam remained like a statue in front of her, shocked into silence.
Eilin took the hem of her dress and grasped the woman's hand. She opened it up and placed the hem in it. The old woman closed it tightly and her eyes filled with tears. "I thought I was never going to see a worthy Queen by the side of our King in this golden city. The holy Maker has blessed me to witness the most beautiful and honourable Queen our kin has ever had." She whispered.
Eilin smiled at her brightly. "Thank you."
The old dwarrowdam brought the hem to her mouth and kissed it firmly. Then she reached out and touched Eilin's growing bump. She leaned down and kissed it with gentle reverence. "Thank you for giving me the opportunity to tell my grandchildren that I have met the mighty Queen of Erebor and I have touched her pregnant body as it is carrying the holy heirs of Durin!" she said with a loud voice and the tense silence that had covered the admiring crowd erupted into an applause that shook the ground under Eilin. She felt her heart racing and her head spinning as the people tried to show their appreciation. They had just witnessed a Queen who was not afraid to come down to the level of the commoners and embrace them lovingly, much like their King had done so many times. It was Dis who helped a shaken Eilin up as the people around them shouted in joy and praise. The tears in Eilin's eyes released and she didn't want to wipe them off. At that moment it mattered little to her if she was going to be impeccable for her husband's coronation and their wedding. It was more important to allow her feelings to channel through, as she witnessed the love and acceptance of the people for her.
When once upon another lifetime she was hiding in the shadows afraid to show herself, now she was embraced not only by one the mightiest kings of Middle Earth and his family, but also she was received wholeheartedly by the whole of Erebor. She inhaled deeply and took up courage as the guards led her steadily under the Royal archway with the runes of power carved upon it. The long bridge that led to the throne was lined with people who held candles and bowed respectfully as she passed. These were the Lords and Ladies of this stronghold. All the brave military officers, master scribblers, master masons and builders. Anyone who had a title of nobility in their family or in their work had taken over the three bridges of the throne room, but what Eilin couldn't see were the several bridges beneath them that were overflowing with common people who held candles likewise, making the darkness below the throne room seem like a night sky. She looked at the right side of the throne and saw Thorin's company and close friends. Her eyes fell on Bofur who puffed up proudly and waved at her. Her lips cracked a sweet smile and she looked at the other side where Gandalf the grey and Radagast the brown were standing. Next to them stood the mayor of Dale, the impressive delegation of the Mirkwood Elves surrounding their majestic King and several other official looking people she had no way of knowing.
All were here, waiting to welcome the King and the Queen. Every single soul in Erebor, standing high or low, anticipated to see the new rulership of Erebor rising and with it a new era for Middle Earth. They wanted to witness first hand the alliances that had formed and feel secure under this unison of the Seven families. As Eilin approached the throne everyone bowed in respect. Even King Thranduil tilted his head slightly to give her his acknowledgment. Balin stood regal and dressed in golden robes in front of the throne. He pointed elegantly to the right of it and the guards led the Queen there. Dis and Valdis took Eilin's flanks and Lis stood in front of her with the basket full of flowers.
"Are you feeling okay?" Dis asked in a hushed tone and run her fingers above Eilin's simple braid.
"Yes my Lady." Eilin's voice was slightly trembling and so were her hands. It was impossible to remain calm throughout all this. Nobody would have been, not even Thorin...she was certain. Even though he was born in royalty all this representation of love wouldn't leave him untouched.
"You feel like faint?" Dis murmured and Valdis looked apprehensively at the Queen.
"No...no...just excitement...anxiety...where is he?" she looked towards the corridor feeling her overloaded stomach full of butterflies...or were the babies becoming too active again?
"He's coming soon." -Dis' lips broke into a subtle smile- "My brother always needs to make a grand entrance."
Valdis smiled and looked at the other side of the throne were Lieutenant Dongar stood behind the haughty looking Prince Fili. He offered her a look that had a trace of playfulness in it and she felt her heart speeding up. Her cheeks became crimson and she averted her eyes, not noticing her father who stood at the first rows of the bridge giving them both a proud look and engaging the elbow of his wife who looked way too glowering for the brightness of that day.
Eilin tried hard not to fidget nervously while Dis and Valdis fixed her hair and straightened her dress for what felt like an eternity. All the noble Lords and Ladies were watching her like hawks. Unlike the common people who had no reservation at showing her their love, this gathering seemed less warm, but nonetheless it was brimming with unspoken admiration towards her, that was betrayed upon their faces as they leaned close to each other in order to gossip about the Queen's superb dress and expensive jewellery. The common people may have admired Eilin's beauty and growing bump, but the court of Erebor was picking apart every single detail of the Queen's appearance and they were not able to find any faults apart from her hairless face. Something that nobody ever gave attention to anymore. So Eilin stomached this silent scrutiny, steeling her heart with the thought of seeing Thorin soon enough and the moments rolled by with her becoming more and more nervous. She wanted to ask a question that sounded stupid even to her own ears, never mind the ears of the princess. How did they know that Thorin was alright and that he was coming?
She counted inwards trying to calm down the tightness of her stomach, questioning Thorin's well being until the deafening ring of Erebor's war trumpets gave her all the answers. She remembered their hair raising deep roar when Erebor welcomed it's King home when they returned from the Shire. Nevertheless hearing them from the inside of the stronghold, where every sound was enhanced as it resonated upon the stone walls was a whole different experience. She felt her back breaking in goosebumps repeatedly as the trumpets rang exactly three times.
"All bow for the King!" the command came strong from Balin's mouth.
Eilin's lips parted as she saw everyone kneeling down and touching the ground, Thorin's company, the military, the Mayor of Dale, the representatives of the Northmen and Rohan. The only ones who didn't kneel, but bowed were the wizards, the Elves and their King. Eilin looked back at Dis and Valdis who came down to one knee also and she was about to do the same, when Dis' hand stopped her. "You don't kneel. You bow."
Eilin held her breath and looked at the corridor that led up to the bridge impatiently. First she heard the salutation of the guards who presented arms as Thorin was passing in front of them and then she saw him and her heart did an excited somersault and skipped many beats leaving her breathless. He walked majestically in front of the six Lords, dressed in royal blue, matching the colour of his mesmerising eyes. His golden frilled vest and his belt that was full of precious gems were sparkling under the brightly lit cavern, but nothing was more bewitching to her than his face. His blue velvet coat had white fur all around the lapels and dragged along behind him and all she could think of was how amazing it would be to snuggle into that coat and inhale his scent deeply while he wrapped his arms around her. He had no gems on his hair or braids, and the rings he wore were his usual ones. The only thing that was placed on his handsome head was the prestigious Raven Crown.
A monumental silence fell all over Erebor like a heavy blanket. Every whisper quietened and all eyes looked to the floor even at the lower levels, were the King couldn't see. The monumental respect he inspired in everyone was enough to silence even the darkest and deepest chasms of the Lonely Mountain and even the caws of his crows that were flying around the ramparts. Nobody dared speak or possibly even breathe as Thorin marched up to his throne. Eilin bowed deeply feeling her heart exploding with her love and devotion to him. When he passed close to her she felt the air that his body carried with it, touching her senses with it's usual comforting scent and she inhaled deeply, taking courage from it. The Lords aligned at the flanks of his throne. Three on each side with Durar and Dain being the ones closest to the Arkenstone as they ranked higher than the rest.
Balin struck his golden staff three times upon the polished black stone that was covering the floor. Then with a deep voice he roared. "All hail the King of the North!"
The Lords behind him cried in unison. "All hail the King of the North!" and came down to one knee.
Then every single cavern that led up to the throne room erupted in a united cry of pride that send a tremor under the very foundations of the golden city. "All hail the King of the North!"
Eilin cried louder than anybody else and felt the tears in her eyes releasing as her body erupted with shivers. She reached behind her blindingly searching for Dis' hand. The princess clasped it gently and Eilin exhaled in relief.
Thorin remained immovable and expressionless for several moments before walking up the three steps that led to his throne. As he turned around and sat on it, his long coat covered the stony steps.
He leaned back and gazed at his court regally. "Stand up." His rich voice echoed in the royal cavern.
His court remained respectfully silent and modestly careful to show their admiration to their acclaimed King in a quiet and obedient manner, but the other levels below didn't have the same restrictions of etiquette. They exploded in cherry exclamations and cries of praise and veneration that overflowed the throne room with a positive energy that didn't leave anyone unaffected. Not even Thorin who was supposed to hold on a cold facade. He turned to Eilin and when their eyes engaged the doting smile that blossomed on her mouth was enough to break a soft smile on his lips in turn. He averted his gaze with great difficulty and gave a silent signal to Balin, who began presenting the King of the North with the delegations that had arrived to present their allegiance and requests to him.
The first ones to stand in front of the King were the Northmen that resided west, between Anduin and the Misty Mountains. They presented him with handmade clothes, furs and quilts of the utmost quality for him, his wife and his children and he accepted them graciously. They expressed their blessings for Thorin's rulership to be long and fair and had only one request from him.
"Your majesty, will the Dwarven Road that runs through Mirkwood remain open for us? We wish to start trading with Erebor soon. Our races have a long history of buying and selling goods to each other. It is our deepest desire to reestablish these relationships of old with your blessings, under your new powerful rule. We in turn can ensure the safe passages of your people across the Misty Mountains for many years to come." The leader bowed respectfully.
"It will be a pleasure to trade again with your people and exchange in favours." Thorin inclined his head majestically and the Northmen left with satisfied smiles on their faces.
Then it was the turn of Lord Bard, who wore the famous Necklace of Girion above his impressive clothing. He bowed for the King. "King Thorin, you know that Dale always saw the Kings of Erebor as it's Kings, since the era of your grandfather, the mighty Thror. Today we are here to admire our King sit under the King's Gem and to remind him not to forget Erebor's moon city, Dale, in his long and just rulership."
Thorin smiled down at Bard and caressed his bearded chin. "That means that Dale is ready to bow to the laws of Erebor, correct?"
Bard inclined his head respectfully. "Yes, my King."
Thorin inclined his head. "Very well, so shall it be."
The Dale delegation fell to their knees and offered Thorin their gift, which was a golden harp that their craftsmen had managed to make from scratch. It had runes of power on it's body and precious gems on it's crown.
Thorin smiled knowingly. "Where did you find those gems?"
Bard smiled knowingly. "Our King brought them to us when we were in need. He showed us that day his fair judgment and we wanted to show our gratitude by giving some back to him." He bowed.
Thorin's smile deepened. "We may have had a rough start, but thank you."
Bard's smile was wide. "Thank you for supporting us when we were mostly at need."
A small shadows passed above Thorin's clear brow and it took him several moments to speak again. "Forgive me for bringing that hell upon you..." He said.
Bard averted his eyes and so did Balin and all of Thorin's company. The Lord of Dale remained thoughtful for a few moments before meeting Thorin's eyes again. "There was no other way. I know now, so let us forget the past and look only at the future."
Thorin's lips turned down. "Before we do, I have a request for you."
Bard bowed deeply. "At your orders my King."
"I will provide you with masons. I want you to rebuild what remains of Esgaroth and let become a monument to human greed. A sin that can destroy even the most noble of hearts." Thorin said quietly.
Bard's eyes pooled with tears. "It shall be done...your majesty."
Thorin inclined his head and averted his eyes as the Dale delegation walked away leaving the King more emotional than he would have wanted at that moment.
It was King Thranduil's presence that drew Thorin out of the darkness that had overtaken him momentarily. The Elven King inclined his head loftily and his soldiers bowed in respect. Thorin wished he could have remained as cold as his grandfather Thror would have been in the face of this ancient foe, but different emotions and another kind of understanding was now connecting him with this ancient being. He pushed himself up and walked down the steps of his throne. He extended his hand to Thranduil and waited. Thranduil smiled and clasped Thorin's forearm.
"I am glad that your stubborn Dwarfish head finally realised that you had to return to this throne." Thranduil said in a low tone and tilted his head.
"You made your threat come true, didn't you? You withdrew your allegiance to my people. How do you know I am not absolutely mad at you?" Thorin raised his brow.
"I warned you at Dol Guldur. My allegiance is to you personally, not your kin. Now if your kin proves throughout the years that it will act as honourably towards me as you have, then I will vow once more to fight next to your kin, may you be on that throne or not." Thranduil replied calmly.
Thorin humphed.
"Besides the Lady of Light has seen a great future for your family. One of your children holds an ancient spirit inside him. A spirit of great legacy if I am not mistaken." Thranduil leaned over to Thorin and whispered.
Thorin's eyes sparkled, but he remained silent.
Thranduil withdrew his hand and presented his soldiers with an elegant wave of his hand. "A gift to the King of the North, from the Elves of Mirkwood."
Thorin frowned as the Elven guard unwrapped a velvet case and revealed a golden tray that held in it the shards of a broken blade. Anyone else would have been offended by such a gift, but not Thorin. He reached out and touched it's handle. "How did you manage to get this out of Elrond's grip?"
Thranduil smiled. "You kindly requested my help for it and I found that request justified after you informed me about Telchar's family line. I convinced Elrond that it needed to return to your kin so you can reforge it into a mighty sword. A sword that will be wielded by prestigious Kings in the future."
Thorin raised his brow. "Thank you."
Thranduil tilted his head. "Your Kin forged it, it is yours to give to whomever you wish when the time comes, but be aware. A child was born ten years ago in the west. The son of Arathorn the second."
Thorin frowned. "Isildur's heir?" He whispered.
Thranduil nodded and came close to Thorin's ear again. "He is fostered in Rivendell and his lineage must be kept a secret."
Thorin's fingers tightened around Thranduil's forearm. "I understand."
"He might claim this sword one day." Thranduil spoke in hushed tones.
Thorin frowned deeply and then gave a deep thoughtful look at his wife who was looking at her hands. "Telchar's descendant shall pass this sword on to it's rightful owner when the time comes."
Thranduil looked at Eilin pleased. "Who shall reforge it?"
Thorin inclined his head haughtily. "I will."
Thranduil smiled to him satisfied. "May you rule wisely and long King of the North."
Thorin's lips curled up to a soft smile. "Thank you."
Thranduil bowed again slightly and so did Thorin who gave the remains of the Narsil to Dwalin and walked back to the throne. When the delegation of the land of Rohan arrived in front of the King, it was the wizard Gandalf who was mostly interested on what was going to be spoken between them. The brave men of the south spoke respectfully and kneeled in front of Thorin. "King of the north, we come as messengers from King Thengel to offer his deepest respect for this mighty alliance between Dwarves, Men and Elves. We wish to enter this alliance as our lands are lately troubled by men that shouldn't have questioned our authority north of Gondor. The great Steward Turgon trusts on Rohan to protect its lands to the north, but also to the west. Since your alliance has expanded almost down to Lorien, we would like to request a meeting in order to discuss about the problems we have with Fangorn forest and it's master. We have brought you and your Lady two of our best horses. They were born and bred like our own children. May they serve you long, may they ride you into the fiercest battles and may they die for you." The man didn't raise his eyes as he delivered the message of King Thengel.
It was Gandalf who interposed carefully. "King Thorin must be informed beforehand that the man against whom the Rohirrim have a feud with, is a member of the white council."
Thorin frowned. "The white council? Who?"
"Saruman the white." Gandalf raised his brow and looked at Radagast who pursed his lips.
Thorin sighed deeply and gazed down at Thengel's emissaries. "We will discuss this at a more appropriate time, but be aware that my allegiance to the Lady of Light will not waver. As she is a member of the white council and an ally of Saruman our collaboration might be at risk. Nevertheless you must inform King Thengel that I know the long history of his people and I admire their bravery and courage to the utmost. If I can offer my help without troubling the already build alliances then so I shall."
Gandalf straightened up rather pleased and Radagast smiled. The Rohirrim guard pressed his fist above his heart and bowed his head. "Thank you my Lord!"
Gandalf approached when the emissaries of Rohan retreated and smiled at Thorin. "After our long and rather tremulous history I didn't expect you to act with such loyalty to the Lady of Light."
"You underestimated me then. That's common for you Mithrandir." Thorin's lips turned down in annoyance.
"You might find yourself surprised that I always did the exact opposite." Gandalf leaned on his staff and his eyes blinked at Thorin. They held in them a flare of ancient wisdom that couldn't be debated.
Thorin raised his chin imposingly. "Let the past go. Talk about the present."
Gandalf tilted his head and bowed gently. "Very well King of the North. I am afraid me and Radagast brought you a gift that pales in comparison to all the previous ones."
Thorin's brow rose slowly.
"We brought over just some barrels of Old Toby." Gandalf smirked.
Thorin gave Gandalf a majestic smile that made everyone smile with him. "You and the bird tamer need not bring me any presents. You have already offered them to me through your magic, several times."
Gandalf raised his brow. "Did I now?"
"You saved me, my wife and my child. I cannot ask for anything more..." A ghostly shadow passed from Thorin's previously clear brow.
The first honest sweet smile appeared on Gandalf's lips. "Are we over the difficulties of our relationship then?"
"I don't know." Thorin raised his brow.
Gandalf's lips twisted testily.
"Yet I will never forget what you did for me." Thorin had a hard time hiding the emotion from his voice.
Gandalf nodded and smiled. "The Gods always favoured you, King under the Mountain. I am glad I was there to help." -Then Gandalf's eyes fell on Thorin's bride who was almost shaking in anticipation.
"Still Mithrandir, I won't give my consent to you meddling in my kingdom. That will never change." Thorin raised his brow in a warning.
Gandalf engaged Radagast's elbow. "Don't fear King Thorin for I will not. You don't need my advice anymore."
Thorin's lips cracked in a smile and he inclined his head as the wizards drew back.
Eilin wished to look at him, but she was also so afraid. All the High Lords were profoundly majestic, but none of them even came close to the glory that emanated from Thorin's presence, as it was overtaking the whole room. The splendour and magnificence that surrounded him, the King's gem shining above his head, his immaculate royal military attire and the pride with which he carried his imposing body was overwhelming for her. The crown of immense legacy that he wore on his head and the respect everyone was showing him, were enough to break her apart. With every word uttered she felt more and more distanced from him. What was she doing up here next to his throne? She grew up in the gutter, didn't she? Why was she wearing this stunning dress of the finest silk and shoes that had on them precious gems? Why was her head full of diamonds and why were her fingers so cold and having such bad shakes? Why was she both sweating and freezing and why were the babies not kicking her now? Could they feel her anxiety and distress? She knew that if he was holding her hand, maybe she would have felt more in touch with her environment, but at that moment she was full of perturbation. She heard his melodic voice talking to the emissaries, but didn't even notice what they were saying. She was just counting inwardly hoping that someone would offer her a seat, lest she collapsed next to his throne and send everyone in a terrified frenzy.
It was the hand of Dis squeezing her forearm that notified her. Eilin looked up and felt her mouth parting with the need to breathe faster. She felt dizzy and unstable. Dis frowned at her. "We need to move."
Eilin frowned. "What?" she whispered.
"He's waiting for you," Dis smile and nodded towards the King.
Eilin turned and looked at him. He was standing there calmly, the most impressive man in the whole Kingdom, in front of his elaborate throne, surrounded by his court and allies and his eyes were only for her. She swallowed heavily and grabbed Dis' hand so tightly the Princess frowned worried. Nevertheless she led Eilin steadily to her brother. When they stopped in front of him Dis kneeled to the ground and when Eilin tried to do the same Dis stopped her again. "It is my honour to present you the Queen, your majesty."
He gave a sweet smile to his sister and took Eilin's hand in his. He frowned at how frozen it was and pulled her closer. She came at a breathing distance and kept her eyes between the golden embroidery of his velvet vest and the blue collar of his tunic. "Hey..." he whispered with such a low voice that only she could hear him.
Her eyes flickered up, but she felt too embarrassed to look at him at that moment. It didn't feel like she was being held by her Thorin, but by the King of the north. Even though they were one and the same, Eilin was put to shame by the glorious presence of this legendary man in front of her, momentarily forgetting how many times she had made passionate love with him and that she was carrying his children. She couldn't remember that this man loved her to death and so did she. Her frozen fingers twisted painfully around his. She needed him to ground her in some manner.
"Are you going to collapse on me now?" his voice held the tone of affectionate warmth she loved so much.
She shook her head. "I hope I won't."
"Look at me." -he said with a steady voice and she lifted her eyes to him. That was it. The moment his azure eyes captured hers affectionately, every single fear, doubt, shame, anxiety and worry got lifted away from her body. Her shoulders felt lighter and her extremities began warming up under his beloved gaze. Her lips upturned in a soft smile- "Better?" He asked.
She nodded and felt the movement of her babies in her belly. She didn't know if they had felt their father and tried to make their presence known, or now she could feel them because she felt less nervous. "Yes..." she whispered.
"Are you going to become awkward?" He smirked and raised his hand to caress the long braid that was resting above her shoulder.
"I'll try not to..." she murmured gently.
His eyes admired her for several burning moments. When his eyes seared into hers again her heart was already thudding like mad in her ears. "You look absolutely mesmerising..." he whispered.
"And you utterly regal..." she reciprocated and her fingers twisted around his desperately.
His lips curled up in a loving smiled that warmed her heart.
She felt so sheepish. It was as if she was meeting him for the first time all over again. She began fidgeting with his sleeves nervously. "Do you mind that I put my hair up like this?"
He pulled her head up by the chin and his eyes burrowed into hers. "Whatever you do, you will always take my breath away."
Her cheeks felt on fire and her heart ready to erupt. She nibbled her bottom lip and averted her eyes shyly.
His thumb traced her chin and he frowned. "I have never told you and I don't think I can find a more appropriate moment to do so."
She looked up to him longingly. "Tell me what?"
"Sometimes I feel like I've known you forever. Like I always knew your name" -he caressed her jawline gently- "Like I always knew your beloved face."
Eilin inhaled sharply.
"After Siv I thought I would never love again, yet I loved you more fiercely than I thought was humanly possible." He whispered.
Eilin's eyes pooled with tears and her bottom lip began trembling.
"You...the little bashful maiden, hiding her breathtaking beauty behind that dark hood..." the hairpin of his mouth curled up.
She blinked and a single tear run down her cheekbone.
His thumb wiped it off softly. "You were right..."
"About what?" she whispered breathless.
"On not wanting to show your face..." Thorin trailed off with a gentle smile.
"Why?" she exhaled and looked at his mouth. Her whole life was hanging from his lips at that moment and every discomfort in her body or fear in her heart was all but forgotten.
He frowned slightly and looked at her mouth. His thump caressed her bottom lip carefully. "Because the moment I saw you, you stole my heart."
Eilin's chest released a quiet sob and another tear run down her cheek, which he quickly wiped away.
"Look at you now..." Thorin tilted his chin at her.
Eilin's lips curled up and her heart galloped like a wild horse on an endless field.
"Your beauty is overshadowing even the most brilliant lights of crystal hue*" Thorin whispered.
Eilin closed her eyes and another tear run which this time he kissed away so gently that her heart melted in a pool of love. "Thorin..." She muttered, but his finger closed her mouth gently.
"Hush..." he spoke close to her mouth and all her cells came into attention for him.
"Everybody is here to admire the most august Queen Erebor had ever seen and I am truly humbled by your presence tonight." He whispered gently and Eilin's body broke in goosebumps.
She reached up and curled her thin fingers around his wrist.
"I am so proud to have you by my side..." he said quietly and pulled back. He nudged her head tenderly with is hand and she opened up her eyes to look at his.
Her lips parted and more tears run down her cheeks. Once more he had rendered her speechless...in front of all his kingdom this time.
"Thank you for giving me this chance to love you as fiercely as my heart demanded..." he continued.
Her hand squeezed his wrist and she closed her eyes tight as she was trying desperately not to break down in front of him.
"Thank you for giving me the opportunity to father two children. A gift for me that is of inestimable value." He frowned at her.
She nodded. "I know."
He leaned over and touched the hairpin of her mouth with his warm lips. "Without you I would still be lost, angry, full of hate, self doubt and remorse. I'd still be dead inside even though I was revived up in Ravenhill. You are the one who gave me true life and I will forever trust this life in your hands."
She pressed her lips and felt her salty tears wetting them. "I will hold it like the greatest treasure."
He nodded with a small smile. "I know you will my precious Eilin. I know you will."
Eilin leaned over and touched her forehead to his.
Thorin turned to Balin who immediately approached holding a golden tray. On it was a coronet made out of white gold and diamonds of breathtaking beauty and of extremely delicate artwork. A similar ring was in the middle of the coronet that had the same artwork engraved around Thorin's sigil. The King released Eilin's hands and took the coronet. "You once gave me a humble flower crown, shyly admitting that you wanted me to court you" -he spoke loud with his richly deep voice and Eilin was in rapture- "I am honoured to offer you a real crown, Queen of my heart, boldly declaring to everyone in Erebor that I wish for you to be my wife."
The Throne room exploded with a thundering exclamations when Thorin placed the coronet on Eilin's head. She felt her eyes bordering with tears. He smiled and took the ring that was on the tray. "I am blessed to offer you this ring as a token of my undying love for you. May you wear it till the end of my days."
Eilin's tears trickled down her cheeks when he placed the ring on her middle finger. He twisted it around a couple of times and then looked at her. "I love you..." he whispered.
She closed her eyes and more tears cascaded down her cheeks. She looked back at Dis who approached with a smaller golden tray of her own. She took a much bigger golden ring that was made by the same jeweller. There was a daisy facing up on it between all the delicate carvings. She took his hand and looked at him through blurry eyes. "I offer you this ring as a token of my unfading loyalty to you and to our family. If what I carry inside me is not enough to speak of the immeasurable love I feel for you, then let this ring declare it openly to the whole world. I wish the Gods will allow me to depart before you. I wish to see this ring on your hand the moment I close my eyes forever..." Her voice was broken.
Tears welled in Thorin's eyes.
"...because I swear my love...I cannot bear the thought that the Gods will curse me to remain behind without you. If that shall happen, I will follow you the very next moment."
He shook his head with a frown and opened his mouth to talk, but she stopped him.
"Don't frown, just smile for me please. One of your smiles is worth more than all the gold in Erebor. I love you so much." She whispered.
His palm cupped her cheek and pulled her close. His finger caressed her lips gently and when he blinked all those tears cascaded down his face. "My wife, my heart, my life." He murmured and leaned down to give a soft peck on her lips.
A deafening explosion of applause shattered the Throne room and subsequently all the areas that were crammed full of people. Thorin pulled back and looked at Eilin's beautiful green eyes that spoke so much to his heart and beamed down at her. She laughed then...and it was carefree. She wrapped her arms around his neck as he dipped down to kiss her more fiercely...and everybody was drawn into that love as it unfolded in front of the whole kingdom.
Women leaned into the embrace of their men and smiled at them wistfully. Children made yucky faces, only to be scolded by their mothers. Fathers picked up their sons and placed them on their shoulders in order for them to see better. Thorin's guards greeted their teeth and kept their strong bodies straight and proper when all they wanted to do was go and find their Ones in order to kiss them to oblivion also. His best scribblers wanted to take out their scrolls in order to document the events they were participating in, so the next generations would have the ability to study this historic day in full detail and back there in some dark corner Nyrthrasir reached out to clasp Myrna's hand in his. He brought it up to his lips and gave her a gentle kiss that dawned a ghostly smile on her pale lips.
As for Thorin's family...they had their own share of love running through them. Dwalin was looking nostalgically at Loa who was scolding Lis for the disgusted noises she was making. Fili was looking with devotion at the woman who stood next to his mother and Dis knew that sooner or later there would be another wedding in the family. As for the Princess, she allowed her eyes to drift to the royal guards in order to admire Lieutenant Dongar who looked imposingly handsome and forever modest. When their gazes engaged he lowered his eyes respectfully, but a small smile dawned on his lips and Dis smiled at her stippled fingers too.
When the trumpets sang again, the day that the kites were turned loose, everyone knew they were celebrating the rise of a King...but also the rise of a Queen.
A/N:
* Not mine, well not all of it...whose was it?
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