Here's that next chapter as promised~~ Thanks for the reviews of the chapter I posted yesterday...some fun stuff coming up and I'm so excited for you guys to read and enjoy it :) :) *Note-Slightly mature themes in this chapter.
Chp 47
Many thoughts ran through Kili's mind as he made his way to the kitchens. Even though it was later in the evening he passed many dwarves bustling about. All bowed when they saw their future King walk by and thought he seemed a little distracted and not returning their bows with his usual hearty, smiling ones. What would he tell his mother, what may she already know...his mind raced. He continued to think, as walked. Surely she would appreciate the fact that she's a good fighter...had saved him, too...not just body and mind...but heart and soul too; that had to count for something, he thought. Knowing his mother...he wasn't sure.
He finally arrived at his destination and walked into the kitchens large entry room. He found Bombur sitting behind a large desk. Large plates that were empty, except for scraps were scattered on the desk. When Bombur saw Kili come in and got off his chair a little more quickly than one would reasonably expect and bowed to the future king. Kili smiled, "Hello Bombur. I'm sorry I missed tonight's feast. I was...catching up with my mother." Bombur bowed his head and replied, "Yes, I had heard that party has arrived, Nori told me. He has interviewed all of them, I believe, and gotten the proper credentials from each." Kili replied, "Good, that is a relief. I'm sure my mother gave him the hardest time," he smiled thinking fondly of her," But if Nori made it back enough to talk with you, then surely she must have been bone tired from her journey, to do him much harm."
Bombur smiled at Kili's comment and Kili continued, "So then, the party is settled in?" Bombur replied, "I believe so Sire. Nori said Dwalin had them bunking in the Guard room until Dori could settle up quarters for everyone; with the exception of your mum, of course. I've already sent them some refreshments, and had just finished dinner myself," he got up and excused himself. After reappearing from around a corner, Bombur was pushing a cart with wheels and Kili saw it full of delicious food. Bombur replied, "I thought you and your mum had some catchin up ta do so I had a little something waiting for you- prepared everything myself, and I was just about to send it up to you," he said a little sheepishly, looking down at all the empty plates on his desk. Kili went over and patted Bombur on the back heartily, "You've done a fine, fine job, Bombur," he smiled at him, and Bombur's very round cheeks, got even redder, if that was possible.
"How are the pantry stores coming along?" he asked. "I've been able to manage, Sire. The messengers and merchants left this afternoon. They will be traveling to various nearby realms to see what they can buy or trade for. Our hunters have been bringing in plenty of game, and there is still quite a large stock of spices and salts in the pantries. A little old, but once cooked, they should add to the food quite nicely," Bombur replied. "That's wonderful. And I have a feeling our garden area will start producing soon," he chuckled. Bombur gave him a quizzical look and Kili smiled, "Our Hobbit friend has visited there already and wants to get started promptly first thing in the morning. So I'll be going along with Tauriel and a few others tomorrow gathering flora to bring back." Bombur perked up, "Sire...would it be possible for you to take someone with you?" he said as he whistled heartily, blowing air through his plump fingers.
A short and rotund dwarf appeared from a back hallway and hurried his way to Bombur's desk. When the dwarf saw Kili he practically stopped in his tracks and fumbling, decided he should stop to bow, as he never been this close to a future King before. Bombur cleared his throat, all the while Kili trying not to chuckle, "A-uh-em, Kili, may I present Coron. He's from the Iron Hills and has been showing me his cooking skills, which, are quite impressive, for one so young. He's created some of the interesting faire that we've been enjoying. Coron bowed again and said, "Thank you sir." When he raised from his bow he found himself looking face to face with Kili. For Kili's part, he gave the shorter dwarf a friendly, toothy smile. Even more off put by one so royal being down to earth and friendly to the likes of him, flustered him even more and he didn't know what to do but say, "Sire!" and bowed again, his nose practically touching the floor. Kili looked over at Bombur who rolled his eyes and Kili had a sweet smile. Kili helped him stand straight and said, "Pleased to meet you Coron. So I have you to thank for this tasty food?" Still a little nervous, but if they were talking about food, he seemed to find his voice finally, "Ah-hh, well, yes...some recipes my mother taught me. And...I was able to find enough spices and such to prepare them, but we have a need, for many more...and if I did...I can whip up things the likes no one has tasted before!" he exclaimed a little more jubilantly than he meant to. Kili, clearly impressed by the dwarf's enthusiasm, said, "Coron, how would like to come with me and few others tomorrow morning to forage in the nearby forest?" He practically squealed his response, "Oh Sire...could I...can I...that would be okay?" Kili said, "I think that's a great idea" as he gave Bombur a wink. Bombur then said, "Coron, please go now though to deliver this food to the Lady Dis' quarters." Coron smiled, then realized he didn't know the way and was about to start stuttering again, Kili chimed in and said, "I am going back there Coron. I will show you the way." He looked relieved for the moment then realized he would walking a very long way next to the future king, and his hands started shaking.
Kili nodded and took his leave from Bombur and they set out. Coron pushing the large cart of food, they weaved in and out of the few dwarves who were coming and going from the kitchens and dining halls. Kili still sensed dwarf's nervousness, so he thought some chatting would help. He started, "So Coron, you know a lot about herbs and things?" He was still a little nervous, being next to the future king, but happy to talk about his home and growing up, "Yes, Sire. I must confess, I never took much to fighting and such. My pa wanted me to be brave fighter like him...but I was pretty clumsy with weapons and such. So in the times I was supposed to be out fighting and sparring with my friends, I was in our quarters' kitchen, with me'mum. She taught me lots about cooking and preparing food. And I found, that in making food and coming up with new dishes...I was, well...less clumsy," he goofily smiled.
Kili smiled knowingly, "Yeah, Coron...I know all about being, a...a, disappointment," he said a little dejectedly. "My father was a great warrior too. He grew up with Thorin, so it was natural to see how he ended up with my mum. Thorin and Nili, my father, and Dwalin were best friends and did everything together. Until...until my father was killed in that awful battle-that's when Thorin took over raising me and my brother, even though he was a young Prince himself." Coron interjected, "Excuse me...but Sire, you are a formidable warrior...I mean, all the amazing tales we've heard about you!" Then Coron stopped and wondered if he had said something to offend or upset, as Kili had stopped too and was looking a little misty eyed. Kili did stop out of a moment of reflection and then hurriedly replied to let Coron know he didn't take offense. "Uh...well...yes, I'm proficient with arms and such; but when it came to taking my royal duties seriously, I mean. Even from a very young age, my father tried to groom me and Fili to be a King one day. Well, of course, most everyone's efforts were focused on my brother. But, my father was always frustrated with me because I was more interested in goofing around, making jokes or trying to sneak off and learn about other cultures. So lately, I've been thinking back to how foolish and reckless I was not to take that training more seriously," he said very downcast.
Coron was beside himself with disappointment thinking he had said something to make this sensitive dwarf prince upset and immediately tried to think of something encouraging to say, "But Sire...Sire...I think...I think you're just great...the diplomatic way you dealt with the recent events, and...and...how you were firm in your belief of rejecting the tainted treasures...well, I think that shows that...that...you speak from your mind, and your heart...and are honestly trying to do what's best for our people..." he stammered out. Kili smiled to one corner of his mouth, shrugged and patted the young dwarf on the back, "Thanks Coron. I appreciate that. I really am trying to do that...I just wished I would have paid attention more," Kili said wistfully.
They had finally arrived at the staircases to the Royal quarters. Kili was not sure how they were going to get the cart up the stairs, but thankfully Coron was familiar with it. There was a flat area in the middle of the stairs, almost like a slide going all the way up, and Coron pushed the cart into some built in notches, where you could hear a clicking noise. From the front of the cart he pulled a length of rope out of a built in slot. They started to ascend the staircase and when they reached the next landing, the rope completely unfurled, Coron began to pull until the cart reached the landing. He repeated the process until they reached the topmost landing. Tulin was still stationed at the top and told Kili as he passed, "My trip was uneventful, Sire." Kili nodded, but then remembered what errand he had sent him on, "Oh...ahh, yes. Thank you Tulin." When they got to Dis' door Kili knocked and that same familiar "Come in," greeted them. Kili opened the door for Coron and he pushed the cart inside to where Balin and Dis were sitting on the couch.
Balin stood up and said, "Ah, your food has arrived. You must be famished from your long journey? I'll take my leave of you now. Thank you for your time," he bowed to her as he left the room, patting Kili on the back. Coron stayed to help unload the plates, cups and trays of food. Kili was also helping and decided to introduce Coron, "Mother," he said, "I'd like to introduce Coron, he's from the Iron Hills and per our Master Chef, can make some very delicious meals. He'll be joining me in the forest tomorrow to look for roots, herbs and such." Coron was still nervous be in the presence of those so Royal, but he remembered to competently bow this time and when he rose, Dis looked him over raised one eye and asked, "For fish, would you use dill or paprika?" Coron replied, "Dill of course, ma'am." She continued, "What makes for a fine rabbit stew?" He didn't even have to think, but replied on the spot, "Well, some orange and red roots, and you can't be leavin' out the parsley or taters...but...my mom's secret," as he looked around from side to side and said quietly, "is to put a little bay leaf in!" Dis hesitated, then gave him a "not bad" nod of her head and smiled, "Excellent Coron, I look forward to trying some of your dishes one day. I see some morning fare here, so you may return the cart to the kitchens and tell the chef to please continue to send the next few meals to room, until I'm up for entertaining in the dining hall." Coron bowed again, "Yes ma'am," as he exited with the cart. Kili shouted out, "We'll see you by Front Entrance in the morning, Coron, don't forget." He replied, "No Sire, I certainly will not forget," and he exited the room.
Kili and his mother were finally alone again, and there was somewhat of an uncomfortable silence between them as they ate and finished their meal; Kili didn't know if this when he should bring up the runestone, or if his mother was...
The silence was broken when his mother said, "So, twas true Son? Mahal himself actually spoke to everyone here in the Mountain?" A little relieved to be talking about something else, " Well...I'm not sure, mum. That's what they said...I was...I was...gone; and then for some how and why, I was brought back." Dis could sense her son getting upset and went over to sit next to him. She rubbed his back and said, "Tis no reason to wonder my son...for yes, you had a reckless and aimless youth, but I have seen you mature and increase your skill through your various jobs and adventures. Let us not forget our royal Durin blood flowing through these veins too," she said as she slapped the inside of her forearm, "you were brave and loyal enough to answer the call of your Uncle, my brother! And undertook this formidable quest of slaying the dragon and returning my grandfather's home for our all kin, and...you were there to the very end, with Thorin and Fili. I couldn't be more prouder or asked for anything more, in a Son of Durin." She patted his back and lifted his chin with her large fingers and had him look directly in her eyes and said, "And lastly, but certainly none-the-least, I am your mother...and I know what resides in your heart and your soul...and there resides incredible courage, strength, bravery and honesty, to do what is right by our people." Kili sniffed but when he looked up again he was smiling at his mother, "I sure hope so, mum." He seemed to brighten a little, "And you'll be here to help and advise me, and so is Balin, and Tau..." he stopped his reply mid word, but thankfully his mom didn't seem to notice, so he continued, "So, it's not like I'm on my own," he chuckled the mistake away.
Dis smiled, then yawned and got up, and touched her forehead to Kili's and said, "Of course my son, we are all here, behind you and to help in what way need be." She yawned again and he stood up too. "Well, I am in much need of rest in a proper bed and many more days to heal from the long arduous journey, but please come round to see me as often as you like, although I know you are extremely busy. And if you don't mind, when I'm up to it, I shall like to walk around and revisit some of the places I remember from my youth here in the Mountain." Kili kissed her on the cheek and said, "Of course Mother," he bowed and turned to exit. He made sure her door was secure after leaving that room and made the short walk to his own chambers.
He entered and securely latched the heavy door behind him. Passing through the small foyer he entered a somewhat large living space and whipped his tunic shirt over his head and flung it towards a small chair, that already contained a few other bits of dirty clothes. Pulling down his woolen pants he also kicked those towards the chair too. In nothing but his underdrawers he walked to the balcony and whistled. A few moments later a pretty brownish black raven with small swathes of blue and purple in her feathers landed on a small outcropping on the balcony. "I have some things to do pretty early in the morning, so please come and rouse me then, Liac." The bird tittered back. Kili smiled and left her some bits of meat and bread he had saved from his dinner. She started snagging them with her beak immediately and he left her to her meal. He closed the bottom shutters to the balcony, but made sure to leave the upper ones open.
He took a left turn and entered the sleeping chambers of his quarters. The blanket still pushed aside to the back of his bed, he wearily grabbed the edge and somewhat spread it to cover most of his bed. He lifted the corner, got under them and lay on his back with his hands behind his head and thought about the day's events. Another tumultuous day, he thought, with the arrival of his mother and and all; and now he knew there will be quite a few dwarves to help restore Erebor, so that was a burden off his mind, including those of his newly arrived kin who he was eager to see from the Blue Mountain's party. He smiled when he thought about that, and started to drift off to sleep, then his thoughts abruptly turned to tomorrow morning and thinking about going out into the forest made him remember Tauriel, and he wished they were going out just the two of them, as he ached to be apart from her for any length of time...and it had been hours now.
He started thinking about what happened earlier. In what he had showed her and the shy way he had even brought up that they might have children some day. He shook his head, not believing that he had actually said that, "Idiot!" he loudly verbalized...but still...she wasn't opposed to the idea and that made him have a goofy smile and he covered his face with his blanket. Underneath the blanket, the fabric rubbed against his bare chest and it felt like when he was rubbing up against Tauriel's soft skin, so smooth, but taut and he could feel she had muscles in her arms and shoulders too. He had felt her grip his body tight, the way her legs ably squeezed his lower half and the way her nails felt when they dug into his back. A low "ohhh" escaped him, and he was dully aware of the erection making the blanket tent up in his midsection region. He stuck his hand down there and adjusted it, very much annoyed at the bothersome thing right now.
He had never lain with a dwarf female before, but had heard plenty from his brother, who had been with many. He knew where he was supposed to put it, but had never gotten to that point with any dwarf women he had been with. And many breasts he had felt and seen, but dwarven women's breasts were full and ample; he thought about Tauriel's smaller ones that fit perfectly in his hands...the creamy, pale skin and perky rosey pink nipples. Realizing he was involuntarily kneading his blanket and moving his legs up and down, he shook his head, punched his pillow a few times and flipped on his stomach to try to quell his racing thoughts and his uncontrollable body. His tilted head looked out the open shutters and watched the sparkling stars and the half moon and eventually, tiredness won over his reposed body and he fell into a sweaty, heavy slumber.