Hello~~ I'm back...sorry for the delay :) more to come VERY soon...*wink *wink
Chp 27
Kili ordered a fine feast brought to the chamber for all those assembled. He also sent for Gloin, who was the best at keeping track of finances. He gave him orders to assemble a team of dwarves to start inventorying all the treasure and getting it ready for dispersement. Meanwhile, everyone was enjoying the feast. Kili and Bard were talking excitedly about the properties of boats and which made for the best excursions. Dalen and Galen were quietly talking amongst themselves and Ori, now sitting next to Bilbo, were having a laugh about some mountain trolls they had run into on their journey while Tauriel listened to their humorous tale. She was sitting at the opposite end of the table as Kili and kept stealing glances at him. He was easily laughing with the men and she couldn't help but smile and be proud of how he acted and his decision. She knew that had been the right thing to do with all the gold; knew the aire of corruption that came with it. And if she had any hesitancy that Kili might be tempted by it like Thorin had, at least now there would be no chance the sickness could creep into his heart with the treasure gone. She also wondered if Kili had felt that way all along about the treasure or just came upon that thought during the meeting. She didn't have long to wonder as Bard excused himself from his seat and started walking straight towards Tauriel.
Before Tauriel knew it, Bard was in front of her and grasping her hand and kissing her knuckles. Kili noticed the gesture and hurried over to her side. Bard said, "Lady Tauriel, I never did get a chance to thank you for saving my children." Kili went whew, Bard not even noticing, so Kili pretended he was talking to Bilbo. "For I heard it was you and your kin who came in and dispatched of the orcs that were following the dwarves. Thank you so much for protecting them. For this, I can never repay you. But, I wanted to make sure you knew how much it meant to me," Bard finished. Tauriel was completely taken aback, but grateful for his words nonetheless. "Of course Lord Bard. I could never sit idle when any innocents are in danger. It is not in our nature to let orc filth wantonly pillage and destroy and I am glad they are safe." Now it was Kili's turn to beam at Tauriel, thinking of how lucky he is that this incredible, beautiful creature who cares for him; is also a strong and capable fighter, and for that he was sure his mother and Thorin would be proud of.
Everyone chatted for a little longer, then Balin stood up and nodded to Ori to grab his quill, "Thank you everyone for joining us. We request that you remain or return here at the kingdom, for at the next full moon, Prince Kili will be crowned as King of Erebor and there will be a joyous feast and celebration!" Tauriel then looked at Kili, who had a sheepish smile on his face, and to all the cheers, he stood up and gave a few quick bows. Looking around, Tauriel with her heightened elf senses noted that not everyone was cheering, Dalen and Galen were giving each other knowingly dark looks and sneers, which made her pause momentarily from her celebrating for Kili. She sighed, and thought internally that she will need to keep a closer eye on them.
Bard and his men bid their farewells to the dwarves and left to return to their city, much happier than when they had come. Meanwhile Balin spoke to the rest that were assembled, "Dalen and Galen, we hope ye be stayin here for Kili's coronation right?" The dwarves looked at each other and said, Aye...of course...we wouldn't miss it." Balin said, "splendid" but Tauriel was the only one to notice their very slight winks to each other. Balin continued, "and Lady Tauriel and Master Bilbo we would also be honored to have you stay here in the mountain to be present for this joyous event?" Bilbo answered first, "while, yes, I am very anxious to return to my home after our long and eventful journey; I would be honored to see Kili become king, and deservedly so. So yes, I will stay," he smiled at Kili. Kili again, blushed and nodded at Bilbo, then they all looked Tauriel's way. Now she could feel her cheeks flush and she thought for a moment, "nothing would make me happier," and her beaming smile went across the table and all just for Kili. Kili locked eyes with her, silent emotions exchanging between them. "Well, er...wonderful. Now will you all excuse us," he nodded towards Balin and Ori. Everyone else got up to leave. "Umm, Tauriel... I'd like to speak with you after my brief meeting here, would you mind staying around for a little bit?" She replied, "yes, of course" so she sat back down in her seat.
Now that it was just the three dwarves, and Tauriel, Kili felt a little more relaxed. "Okay lads...what's next?" he said. Balin proceeded to go over the many responsibilities that needed to be taken care of, "Ori, make sure your getting all this- Firstly, we need to make ready as much of the common areas as possible and that it is cleaned and repaired. This includes many guests rooms on the upper levels- there will be many folk a'travelin from far and wide for your coronation." Kili replied, "of course, let's see...have Bofur head that up." Balin thought that was a good decision because Bofur had helped build many of the chambers in their home in the Blue Hills and carved many fine things out if stone. "Bombur, of course, can make arrangements for the food," said Kili, and all around the table had a good laugh.
"So Balin, what else is there?" Kili said as he looked across the table at Tauriel, who was sitting patiently in her chair and smiling at him; he stretched his arms out and cracked his elbows, and let out a humongous yawn. "Well, there's more...but...I suppose it can wait until tomorrow mornings briefing...oh...should I have Dwalin arrange for guards at the gates and at the treasure hoarde?" "Kili yawned again, but was smiling Tauriel's way at the same time, "yes, yes, yes...that will be fine," he replied through one last yawn. "Very well, we will reconvene in the morning, lord Kili," said Balin. He and Bilbo and Ori got up from their chairs and started to leave the chamber, Kili thought of something all of a sudden, "Ori, a moment, please." "Yes, your lordship?" He said as he went over to Kili's side. Kili bent down slightly to whisper in Ori's ear for a few moments. Ori smiled and looked at Tauriel then hurried to catch up with the others. Kili sighed and slowly rose from his seat. As he walked over to Tauriel, she noticed a very slight limp in his right leg. "Would you take a walk with me Tauriel? I've been wanting to show you something." She replied demurely, "yes, of course Kili."