Hello all...

a little time to write, here and there these past few days, so wanted to get this chapter up for everyone. We are getting closer to finally our pair having some intimate time together...I know! Seems like we've been waiting forever for it~~but all at right place, right time ;) A few more duties of State (chapters) to get out of the way and we will be there. Thanks for all your reviews at the end of the last book, and the first chapter of this new book; and to all my new followers of the stories :)

Special thanks to:

MagicBookWyrm- thank you for finding my stories and glad you have been enjoying them...the gifts you will find out about here-I thought it something that would happen in dwarven culture as gold & treasure are so important to them as their "subjects" would get rewarded for their fealty/loyalty at the Coronation. But other guests will too as we shall see :)

Aneita- Thank you :) Well, yes...according to dwarven custom they are married, but not elven...yet...we'll see if this poses any problems for our couple ;)

Susan- awwwwww...thank you!

TinuvielTurner- Thank you! Yep, we shall see how life in a Erebor unfolds for them :)

jackie9448- yes, we shall find out soon :)

Helena1414- lol, yep...at their "special" place where they finally will get to be alone ;)

And thanks to Bienniel, LisaKathyrn, Megumisakura, Celebrisilweth and Nenithiel for their reviews and following the story! {{Hugs}}

Chp 70

Tauriel knew it was her turn to have all eyes and attention on her. She rose slowly from her chair, stopped to bow in front of Kili, which was more part of the ceremony than anything that Kili would have demanded, but this is what Dis had instructed her to do yesterday when they practiced this part. She spoke, and endeavored to speak so that everyone in the immense Hall could hear her, "Thank you my King. Now...I wish to thank everyone for their support and fealty in the rule of King Kili. I have been instructed by the King and his council to present these gifts thusly." After this, her and Dis and a few helpers, including Gloin's son, walked over to the seated elves in their rows. She stood in front of Celeborn and bowed deeply elven style. He surveyed her with almost a childlike gleam in his eye as she reached back and Dis handed her a bow and quiver that was similar to one that she had received, but was more elegant than her practical one, with gleaming jewels and decorations on it. Celeborn stood and slowly said liltingly, "Thank you, Queen Tauriel and King Kili. On behalf of the Lady Galadriel and my peoples, I accept this magnificently wrought weapon," and bowed in their direction.

They moved down the line to where Lord Cirdan was sitting. Again Dis handed Tauriel something to pass along. After Tauriel bowed, she handed him a somewhat small, golden colored instrument. She spoke, "Tis from our Master Craftsman, Bifur. He had studied ship traveling and created it so that it will help guide your ships. It is called a compass, I'm told." Lord Cirdan looked at the instrument in wonder and graciously accepted it. She again went to the next seated elf which was Lord Elrond. For him, Dis handed him a large vestment, but weighed naught more than a feather. "To Lord Elrond, I present a mithril vest, wrought by the smiths here in the Mountain, especially for you, in acknowledgement of the help and protection you had offered the dwarves in their time of need. May it protect you and keep you safe." She bowed as she handed it over to him and Lord Elrond held up admiringly and thanked them for his gift.

Tauriel took a deep breath, and slowly walked to the next Lord. For this, she finally looked up and locked eyes with King Thranduil and tried not to demure. He appraised her with a cold stare, but not unfeeling eyes. Tauriel broke the connection and turned around to receive something from Gloin's son. He lifted up a large flat, leather bound box and handed it to Tauriel. Before she spoke, she halted, and took a deep breath. "Upon the direction of King Kili, he bade me return these to you." A silence had fallen over the crowd, and all of the Company guessed to themselves what could be in the box, but only Gandalf and the other High Elves knew what an incredible gift this would be, tis if what was on their minds was in the box.

Taking the box, she put it forward demurely and continued, "Even though these white gems were unearthed from a dwarven stronghold, they never shined as bright and as beautiful until they belonged to your wife, for it was only her they sparkled for and it is long past when they should have been returned to her husband." Looking up at her former King and father figure a tear rolled down her cheek as she remembered stories about Thranduil's wife from Legolas himself and twas said this was her favorite possession in all of middle Earth, as they reminded her of the twilight of Arda at the Mere of Cuivienen. Everyone's eyes were on King Thranduil and as he stood up, Tauriel bowed and opened the box and said, "The White Gems of Lasgalen." For practically the first time in his long life, Thranduil seemed overcome with emotion as tears streamed down his face. It was so unusual for Tauriel to see him like that when he had been as stony as ice, most of her six hundred years. Lord Elrond, who was closest to Thranduil hurried to help support him for a moment and when Thranduil regained his composure somewhat, he stopped his slightly hitching breath enough to reply, "Thank you King Kili...and Queen Tauriel...for this means much to me that you will never know." He deeply bowed and sat back down, caressing the gems in his hands.

It took a few moments for a Tauriel to compose herself as she looked over at Kili and he winked at her, she smiled and breathed deep, ready to move on to the next beneficiaries. Dis and Tauriel moved over to the left side of the room, where Bard and his family were. As they approached, Tauriel bade his family to rise. She looked at Bard, handsomely dressed, but nothing extravagant as he was assuring his peoples that he was not becoming the new "Master;" linen pants along with silken shirt with a fairly plain iron breastplate over it and a small sword at his side. His son Bain was dressed similarly, without the breastplate, but a small sword in a plain scabbard at his side. His daughters Tilda and Sigrid both looked very lovely dressed in silken gowns. The younger, Tilda, in a pretty yellowish gold color dress who's hair was hanging down in ringlets and looking very pretty; and the older, Sigrid, dressed in a pretty olive green dress and looking very mature with her hair pinned up.

A few dwarves and Dis had followed behind Tauriel, the dwarves carrying something long and wrapped in cloths. Tauriel began, "To Tilda and Sigrid, for helping myself and Kili, when he was injured, we wish to bestow these jewels on you as they are fit for princesses, such as you are." Tauriel thoughtfully added, "And I hope we remain friends for a very long time." Tilda went over and thanked and hugged Tauriel who gratefully embraced the child, and Sigrid also too hugged Tauriel. Gloin's young son again stepped up with small flat boxes which he opened for them. Inside the one that was presented to Sigrid was a gold necklace with sparkling inlaid red rubies and there was also a matching ring. It was a chunky band, with numerous large rubies interplaced within the braided metal; truly a beautiful piece. And Tauriel opened Tilda's box and inside hers was a necklace made of thin gold strands, each with small emeralds interspersed at different parts of the necklace giving a stunning sparkling effect. And instead of a matching ring, there was a thick gold bracelet with small diamonds and emeralds encircling it. Again Tilda and Sigrid thanked Tauriel and Kili and took their seats.

Tauriel moved on to Bane. "Master Bane, for the courage you showed for protecting your sisters and helping your father defeat Smaug the terrible, may we present you with arms fit for a Prince." Another dwarf stepped up and handed her a shiny breastplate and sword with a matching scabbard to pass on. Bane looked at them in wonderment and Bard helped his son remove his old and tarnished weaponry and into the new breastplate and they both admired the thick, but light and deadly dwarvish sword. He slipped it back into its scabbard and attached to the holster at the bottom of the breastplate. He bowed at the waist to Tauriel, dumbstruck at such an incredible gift. Lastly Tauriel went in front of Bard. "Lord Bard, for helping to rid Middle Earth of one of the servants of Morgoth, no gift could be of immeasurable worth; so King Kili wanted me to present something else to you. Tauriel was handed a gold key by Dis and Tauriel passed it over to him. He held up the key and genuinely seemed appreciative of receiving it, but a little perplexed, Tauriel smiled and said, "May this key symbolize the openness of our two kingdoms and the friendship that has been forged between our two houses. The men of Dale, and the dwarves of Erebor- let this key be a reminder that our two realms are not only close in proximity, but shall be close in friendship too. And that we pledge to share in the great wealth and prosperity of this region, but also to protect and defend our kin together; and that you are, and will always be a great friend and ally of Erebor." Bard bowed deep and thanked Kili and Tauriel aloud. He went to take his seat, but Tauriel said, "There is one last gift King Kili wishes the Lord of Dale and his descendants to have," the other dwarves behind her unveiled the long shrouded items they carried, and Bard chuckled when he saw what it was. This time Lady Dis spoke, "Lord Bard of Dale, my grandfather had the last of these forged right here in the Mountain, and seeing as your stock has been depleted, my son King Kili decreed that more were to be made and given to you, but also in the hopes that they will never have to be used," she smiled. Everyone in the hall strained to see what had been unveiled. Under the cloth was a set of 8 new black arrows fit for a large windlance; the metal twisted into a very sharp point at the end. Again Bard graciously accepted his gifts and he could see Kili was chuckling too as Bard took his seat.

There were a few other dignitaries from nearby human realms and Tauriel passed along their gifts of various jewels and treasure. Lastly, she and Dis and few of the dwarves that were helping went to stand by the Dwarf Lords seated in the front row of the other column of benches. This time Lady Dis spoke, "Lord Auier, we thank you for making the long journey to witness my son be crowned King of the Dwarves. In honor of your fealty, may we present a share of the last of the Treasure of Thror. Many of the more important jewels, rings and cups were saved, and we would be glad for you to have them for you and your descendants." The Lord looked through the large treasure chest that had been set in front of him, he grunted his acceptance with a smile on his face. Next Dis and Tauriel stood by Lord Bune and gave the roughly the same spiel and he too was pleased with a treasure chest full of coins, chalices and jewelry. Next, Dis said, "King Xen'ab, we wish to thank you for your long trip from your lands to Erebor. Kili will honor your request of a meeting with him before you would recognize him as King. Please accept these gifts in the mean time." Tauriel appraised this King as he stood to look in the chests that had been brought to him, and found him to be darker skinned and dressed in more free flowing robes from the dwarves she normally has seen. She too looked into the 5 large wooden boxes that were laying on the ground, there were lots of gold items, but also many bolts of brightly dyed fabrics, and many small boxes filled with different heady aromas that Tauriel could smell from where she was standing. The King stuck his lower lip out as he slightly nodded his head from side to side and said, "I will accept these gifts upon my original condition of getting to speak with Kili after the ceremony." Dis, speaking on behalf of her son, "Yes, you have been granted an audience with him." King Xen'ab also grunted his approval, but sat down a bit huffily.

Satisfied that the main gifts had been distributed, Kili rose from his throne-like chair and clapped his hands, he said, "Thank you my Love," as Tauriel headed back to her seat. Kili continued to the assembled crowd, who were starting to move around in their seats. Kili knew everyone was ready for the long ceremony to be at its end, so he said lastly, "Thank you everyone, once again for making the journey here to the Mountain for this joyous occasion on this fine Spring day. Myself, Queen Tauriel, Lady Dis and the rest of my council will avail ourselves here for a little while if you have any concerns and would like to speak with us. Or, please feel free to tour the Mountain as there are many here who have worked tremendously in a short period of time to fix up our home to its former glory. And I'm sure our shopkeepers down the the Marketplace would be happy to show you their wares. Light refreshments are available now in the Dining halls, but the main feast will be due to start at sunset, in a few hours time, where there will be much fine food, fare and merriment to be had, and I and Queen Tauriel invite everyone to attend! Please look for the lads dressed in light tan, they are our pages and can lead you to your chosen destinations. Again, thank you all!"

There was much noise and generally happy excitement as most got stiffly up from their chairs and began conversations with their neighbor's, or started to move towards their next chosen activity. Kili and Tauriel, Balin and Dis, Gandalf and Bilbo stayed at the front of the dais, while a line started queuing next to them. As expected, Bombur quickly waddled off in the direction of the kitchens, but the rest of the Council remained at the front also, a little off to the side of King Kili, and a small line formed to the opposite, waiting to talk to them.

Most were interested in congratulating Kili, but a few stopped briefly and chatted with Dis or Tauriel. Gandalf smiled as he watched the elves in their slow procession head back out of the Gallery and back to their encampment. Bilbo noticed it to and seemed upset about it and Gandalf smiled, knowing the hobbit's concerns and replied, "Oh...do not worry Master Halfling. The elves hold no ill will against anyone here...its just their way. It is very difficult for them to be underground for so long, save Thranduil maybe, and they need to get back into the fresh air. They will return for supper and have promised to stay at least until tomorrow when they are to meet with the King and Queen." Bilbo, feeling relieved, said, "Okay...I didn't know if something was done or said to offend them," he smiled.

For the next hour or so, there was much bustling around. People and dwarves were being shown to their accommodations, chatting excitedly about items they had purchased in the Market area, looking around the Mountain or coming back from their refreshments in the Dining halls. After awhile, the Council, not including Dwalin, had long since dispersed to errands and other requests, and it was just the six up at the front. The line to speak with the Royals had finally winded down so Dis suggested they all sit down to rest before making their way to the Royal Dining Hall for the feast. After chatting for a bit, a dwarf dressed like no other Tauriel or Bilbo had seen before came up to the grouping and said, "Excuse me Lady Dis, I was wondering if you were ready yet to be escorted back to the Burial Chambers to return the Arkenstone?" She replied, yes, she should do that before the feast started. Kili requested, "Dwalin, would you please go with my mother and the priest and make sure the jewel gets back to Thorin safely?" Dwalin of course replied, Absa'lutely laddie."

Bilbo nodded and said rather quietly to Gandalf, "Ah...a priest. I had never seen a dwarf dressed in all white before!" Kili, Balin and Dis smiled, but it was Kili who spoke, "Yes Bilbo. In dwarven culture there is much mystery surrounding our dead. We do not know what happens to the bodies...only that we are rumored to return to the stone from whence we came. And only our priests, which are very few in number, are generally allowed to be around the dead, once they are set in their tombs. Therefore mum needed to be escorted...but there will also be guards set at the entrance of the burial chamber night and day; now that everyone knows the Arkenstone resides there," he said a little grimly, internally hoping there will be no more trouble over that stone.

Kili looked over at Tauriel who didn't seem tired, but in a very contented state of wonderment, which made him smile to think of how far they had both come, from those elven jail cells. Kili excused himself and his Queen to the others, who said they would meet them in the Royal Dining Hall in a little bit for the start of the feast. Balin went to check on some things and Gandalf and Bilbo headed to the Gardens for some fresh air. Kili held Tauriel's hand and they went happily walking off in search of some privacy, which was very hard to do with so many people bustling around. They finally found a deserted corridor past the guard room and armory. They sat on a bench that was there and in no time, Kili slid one strong hand up the side of Tauriel's neck and pulled her mouth close for a deep kiss, simultaneously while using his other hand at her hip, pulling her whole body close. After many moments, they paused, breathless...Kili sighed when they both leaned back against the cold stone wall. "Amralime...is it not hard to believe how far we've come? It seems like not that long ago that we were talking about stones and stars." She squeezed his hand back, because it was laying softly in hers, "Yes my love. Were anyone had told me in a few seasons time I would go from a simple Sylvan elf guard-to Queen of a realm...I would have not believed them, or even punched them in the arm just for saying so!" Kili scrunched his face into a smirk...he loved it when his beloved talked of things such as that...so much that it made him sweep her into his strong arms again, this time his hands roamed freely about the front of her body. When they broke apart, Kili ventured to let her in on the secret he had kept for awhile, "Amralime?" She looked raptly into his eyes and replied, "My love?" He continued, "I was truly hoping tonight we could finally be...you know...together, on the night of our Coronation for I have had a special surprise prepared...but I fear with the festivities and all...plus the meetings, I don't think it will be possible for at least a night or two." Suddenly he cursed aloud, making Tauriel sit straight forward. "What is it my love?" she hurriedly said. Kili swore again, "Oh...I forget about that meeting with King Xen'ab. He's probably waiting...we should go. I was just in such a hurry to finally be alone with my wife." Tauriel smiled with slightly reddish cheeks at the mention of that title and she replied, "Let us go find him then." They got up, still holding hands, and walked towards the Gallery again.