Here's the next chapter! Thank you all for being patient...busy, busy at school! One last chapter before our couple gets to celebrate their "wedding night!" ;)
Here's for TinuvielTurner~~
Chp 75
It was a warm, late Spring early afternoon in the Gardens. The sky was a beautiful vibrant blue color and a warm breeze rustled the leaves in the trees. The recently planted garden was proving bountiful, especially since the Lady Galadriel's gift had been used. Kili, Tauriel, Dis, Balin and Bilbo entered through the small door where a dwarven guard had been stationed. They all walked out and welcomed the sun shining on them, Bilbo and Tauriel especially. Bilbo hurried off to go examine some of his crops. Kili took Tauriel's arm and they headed off to the bridge. Meanwhile, Dis and Balin chatted by the doorway.
A short time later pages came bearing stately chairs. Dis indicated they should set them up by the waterfall and where the spring ran. It wasn't too much longer they all had to wait as Gandalf ducked through the door and stepped out into the Gardens area. He was followed by Lords Cirdan, Celeborn, Elrond and Thranduil, who all also had to duck a little but marveled at the sight of the trees, birds and crops tucked away in this secret area of the Mountain. After chatting a bit with Dis and Balin, Balin waved Bilbo over to this stately grouping. Bilbo seemed excited and he bade the Lords follow. Kili and Tauriel weren't called over so they went back to their handholding at the bridge. They watched as Bilbo happily walked them to the crops he had planted and seemed to be enjoying explaining to them all that he had planted. Then he took them over to the edge of the small forest of trees that were here in the Mountain. He showed them some of the fruit and nut trees on the edge of this forest. They were more than saplings now, and Bilbo expected a fine harvest by the next Durin's Day. Kill wasn't sure, but it even seemed like some of the sparrows that the ravens allowed to come and live in their forest were flying around the heads of the Elven Lords Celeborn and Elrond and it seemed like they were even having conversations with them. Kili looked on, perplexed, as Tauriel just smiled and held his hand all the more; knowing full well that ones so ancient and powerful could commune with all creatures that are native to their realms.
Bilbo gave the Lords a full tour of flora and fauna here in the Gardens, then lastly they all found their way back to the chairs at the water's edge. Balin then waved Kili and Tauriel over. They arose from the seated area at the bench and made their way over. As they approached Tauriel was first to incline her head at each Elven Lord in turn, then Gandalf and Dis. Each one met her bow with a smile, even Thranduil who seemed cheerier with a slightly happier aire about him. The Lords, including Gandalf, all bowed to Kili and Tauriel. Kili cleared his throat and bowed in return. Then they all took their seats which formed an oval with everyone facing each other. Dwarven guards and a few Elven lieutenants positioned themselves by the doorway, Bilbo noted.
Balin started, "Welcome again to the Mountain, most esteemed Elven Lords, to the Gardens of Erebor. Queen Tauriel suggested we meet here instead of in a Dwarven Hall down below, as she knew Elves enjoy the company and beauty of nature, and we hope you have found it, here. We must thank Bilbo, Halfling of the Shire for planting and tending these crops so lovingly; and let us not forgot the exhalted Lady Galadriel's gift which has inspired fruit and plant to grow here in such haste and short period of time." All the Elven Lords smiled, and Kili looked down briefly to the small vial on the necklace around his neck. It sparkled with a white intensity all its' own, humbling him all the more. Lord Celeborn was first to speak for the Elves, "You are most welcome King Kili. I will be sure to pass along your appreciation to my wife. She laments she could not make the journey here herself to witness your crowning. After a difficult task, she needed stay at our home in Lothlorien to rest and regain her strength, but will be glad that her gift was so well received and used." Gandalf looked down briefly, Bilbo noted this and wondered what would make a wizard have regret.
Shortly though, Lord Cirdan spoke, and Bilbo's thoughts wandered back to the conversation at hand, "And so, King Under the Mountain, thus duly crowned, you are now privy to such knowledge as one in your position of one of the few rulers of a realm in Middle Earth." Kili unconsciously straightened up and sat tall as he wondered what dire news ancient Lords of this esteem had for him. Lord Elrond entered the conversation, "As you may know King Kili, the Mountain has a strategic positioning here in the Lands of the North. The battle for the Mountain was hard fought and our enemies suffered great losses. But, his forges and strongholds in the East will eventually rise again because the ancient evil and servant of Morgoth, Sauron has returned." Tauriel, Lady Dis and Lord Balin both gasped in dread, as they are the only ones learned in the histories of Middle Earth. Kili and Bilbo, who knew the name not, sat at the edge of their seats as more information unfolded.
Gandalf now chimed in, "Yes, it was as we feared. For this blackest of Maiar forms and former servant of the evilest on Middle Earth has returned. He had been quietly amassing all manner of vile creatures and we saw and battled against them. But Sauron is ever intent in seeing the downfall of all things beautiful and good. He will not rest until he reigns over every living thing in this world." As Kili still looked on a little puzzled, Lord Elrond continued, "And so, good King...the position of your realm of Erebor is right in the middle of Sauron's two strongholds. His main base of power, Gundabad and the Lands of Angmar to the further North. We believe it is only a matter of time before he moves to strike all free lands again." Gandalf added, "It will surely be awhile as he builds up his forces again and recruits more to his cause like those from the Haradrim...so this could be many years or an age from now..." Gandalf hesitated and looked to all the Elven Lords. Lord Elrond, being most involved in the causes of all races on Middle Earth, stepped in and finished what they needed to convey to the newly crowned King, "...And so, my very young King, you need to know this because we believe Sauron and his armies will try to march through your lands or even try to retake this Mountain at some point."
Balin, who sat on one side of the King, and Lady Dis on Balin's other side, talked in hushed Kuzdhul briefly. They then both looked at Kili and Balin spoke, "So, what they are trying to say, Lad, is that while the battle that cost the Line of Durin so dear, and was over such a short time ago, we may have to prepare for more and longer onslaughts in the not too distant future." The Elven Lords looked around at each other, and Gandalf and they all nodded, approving of the dwarf's succinctness. Lord Cirdan spoke, "And so, King Kili, know you know what faces you, and those who stay here in the Mountain. We all will return to our lands, and will endeavour to do what is necessary to prepare for the coming war. We encourage you to do the same, here and try to make alliances with as many as you deem necessary, for the final onslaught will be brutal and like a hurricane, once it is unleashed." The Lords looked to Thranduil who demurred to their somewhat harsh glances. He said, "As the closest Elven realm to the Mountain here, of course we will offer what support to this cause, as needed" and somewhat bowed his head. The rest of the Lords looked to themselves and to Gandalf as they had slightly raised eyebrows, but a final nod between them. Kili replied after thinking for a moment, "Of course my esteemed Elven Lords. You have my pledge I will continue the fight against those who seek to destroy the fair realms of this earth. I will forge alliances across the lands, build up our resources here in the Mountain which will benefit all, and rally our kin to continue this fight; a fight that assuredly they will need little persuading after the grievous damage done to us during this last battle." All in the oval looked around approvingly, from the young King's encouraging speech.
Lord Celeborn raised from his chair and walked over the royal couple. He elven bowed to them and said in his usual sing-song manner, "We will then take our leave of you, young King. Thank you for your hospitality. May the grace of the Valar, of which I can see in your eyes, ever be with you." Celeborn placed hand on breast, inclined his head and turned to walk away. When Lord Cirdan, who regularly travels back and forth to Tol Eressëa, stepped up to say goodbye wishes, he too sought out that special light in the eyes of the young King. Once found, he bowed, human style, and knew this was a very special dwarf that the gods had blessed for their own, mysterious reasons. He shot Lady Dis a knowing glance, to which she slightly blushed and lowered her head. He then smiled only to her when she lifted her head. He said his goodbyes to everyone and followed Lord Celeborn out the small door.
Lord Elrond was next. They bowed to each other and the Lord spoke, "And so, King Under the Mountain...being the ruler of a realm twill be no easy task. Take heed, 'for you have many around you for advice and support. I know of your skill as a warrior, good King; and now I have seen firsthand of your compassion and diplomacy. That will continue to serve you well for many years," he said to the young King with a raised eyebrow, but also a smile. "I pledge my realm's support for you. If you or Queen Tauriel are ever in need of any assistance, do not hesitate to ask." He placed hand on breast and nodded. Tauriel and Kili did the same. Bilbo rushed over to Lord Elrond and the two talked while, lastly, Lord Thranduil approached the couple.
To Kili first, he positioned his long frame to talk with, "King Under the Mountain...you also have the support of our realm. Let us get rid of these foul creatures once and for all. For, I did not come to your uncle's aid when I should have..." Tauriel stepped in, "Excuse me, my Lord..." Kili and Thranduil both looked to her, surprised...she continued, "You did come...when it counted. For I saw you slew hundreds of enemies myself. Your silver blades flashing like white lightning. The bodies of our enemies piled at your feet wherever in the battle you went. It was as the days of old, when you and Legolas trained me. You did make the right choice by bringing our army here, and I shall grievously mourn our kin that fell during the battle, but wasn't I right? There are some things worth fighting for." With that, she smiled and took Kili's hand and shot him a loving glance. Kili squeezed her hand back, and fell in love with her all the more for speaking this hard truth in front of her former ruler and father-figure. Thranduil stood unmoving and appraised his former ward, finally with a sort of smirk, "For you Tauriel...I'm glad that it was real. I have considered you more than a ward, these many years, surely you had guessed that. As a father wants only the best for their children, so like you have been to me. I am truly happy for you both and I wish you long fruitful, prosperous and secure lives." He bowed to the couple, maybe not as deep as the other elven Lords, but still, Tauriel felt his words to be genuine. Before he left the couple his eyes flashed momentarily and reminded them he did need to have Tauriel appear back in her homeland when they were able. She nodded and with that, his long cloak swept behind him as he turned and walked away and out of the Mountain.
The Lords said their last goodbyes with Dis and Balin, and before not too long, those few were the only ones left in the Gardens. Bilbo wanted to show Gandalf something so he led him into the small forest of trees he had planted. Meanwhile, Dis walked over to Kili, "Well my son, it is done. The Coronation, the celebration, and seeing off some of your prominent guests. I believe Lords Auier, Bune and Xe'nab from their kingdoms are staying a little bit longer." Balin interrupted, "Probably to glean as much as they can about the resources here in the Mountain," he said distastefully. Dis replied, "That may very well be true. Nevertheless, let it not be said that the Line of Durin is not loyal and generous. We must accommodate our kin as best we are able, lest we not be able to rely on them one day, for we may need to." They all thought on this briefly with dark looks across their faces.
Bilbo and Gandalf returned to joined this small group. Dis began again, "So again, my son...Your rule has begun and there are many pressing matters we must attend to with haste. We shall need to meet soon to discuss these." Kili looked at his mom, leaned up slightly to kiss her on the cheek, hugged her and said, "I completely agree mum. I promise to get to everything, in due course. Right now, my most pressing matter is to be with my new bride! I have attended to every matter of state that has been required of me. For we haven't known each other long, maybe a typical dwarven length, not as long as an elven one; but Tauriel and I have been though battle, fire, death and even rebirth! Assuredly the gods have not returned me to be a lonely King atop a Mountain. For I am here and so is Tauriel, beyond my wildest hope and dream I never knew I wished to come true. We are King and Queen and so we shall tend to every duty needed of us...upon our return." Balin and Dis smiled cheekily at each other, but Gandalf, Bilbo and Tauriel of course shot him quizzical looks. Kili bowed and hugged his mother, knocked heads with Balin lightly, said his goodbyes to Gandalf and Bilbo and grabbed Tauriel by the hand and practically had her run for the door and out of the Gardens. Behind them, Dis explained something to Bilbo and Gandalf and the had knowing looks. The four watched the pair dash out of there, and they all had large grins on their faces.
