Okay all~~ without further adieu...

Chp 56

Walking arm in arm, heedless of what others thought now that his tokens were weaved in his chosen's hair, the others' thoughts be damned, Kili was thinking to himself. And they did pass quite a few dwarves bustling about with their work and tasks and errands as the denizens of the Mountain were working in a fever pitch to get it ready for all the guests that would be arriving soon. Most gave surprised glances at the beads as they bowed to the trio passing by.

They approached the staircase to the Royal chambers and nodded at the guard stationed there. Tauriel hitched up her dress, as not being used to wearing fancy attire in many a long while, and they started ascending to the third floor. At the top floor, Tulin the guard saw Kili and Balin and bowed, when he raised, he saw the beads in Tauriel's hair and couldn't help but smile. They said hi and continued towards the second door. Upon arriving, Balin knocked and said, "Lady Dis...it is Balin, your son Kili and Lady Tauriel of the Mirkwood Realm; may we enter?" Tauriel heard a resonant, "You may," from inside, and she looked over at Kili who squeezed her hand and gave her one of his cutest puppydog like expressions, and that, more than anything gave her the courage to step over the threshold as Balin opened the door. Balin also gave her a reassuring wink as she followed inside behind Kili, leaving Balin to close the door and enter last.

Tauriel was not surprised by the opulent chambers, as she had already been in the King's a few doors down; trying masterfully not to blush, thinking about what she was doing in that chamber, not so long ago. Still holding hands, she followed Kili through the foyer to the living area and as they entered the Lady Dis got up off of her couch and looked right into Tauriel's eyes. Kili went over and kissed his mother on her cheek, which she received warmly. Turning her attention back to Tauriel she quickly looked her over and had kind of a smirk on her face. Tauriel, for her part, did not look away or demure, she rarely had a moment's cowardice in her long, hard life and she wasn't about to start now just because her beloved's mother was giving her the once-over. She felt her back stiffen and she took a deep breath in and squared her shoulders and returned the Princess's gaze with equal, yet friendly, intensity. Lady Dis smiled and Kili took this as his cue, "Mother...may I introduce Tauriel, Captain of the Guards and Maiden of the Mirkwood Realm." Tauriel put her hand on her chest, elven fashion, and gave the deepest of bows.

When she stood back up Dis was still appraising her with an interesting look on her face. As the two females looked each other in the eye, almost being level, Tauriel the slightly taller of the pair, Dis blinked, smiled and said, "Please, won't you all take a seat." Kili escorted Tauriel over to the couch and he sat in between Tauriel and his mother, Balin took the chair next to the couch. There was a bit of silence, but Kili felt this was his chance to explain to his mother about the choice of his beloved. "Mother..." he was having a bit of a hard time thinking how to start, but when he found his voice, it was clear and strong, "It is obvious who I have chosen for now that I have weaved my beads in her hair, we are betrothed. My choice may not be what you, or even uncle Thorin had in mind for me as a Prince of Durin, let alone King of all dwarves; but Mother..." He spoke a little more softly now, "For since the moment I saw Tauriel, the very ground beneath my feet made my limbs shake, my eyes came alive as I had never seen something so indescribably beautiful in front of my vision, and my heart awoke to the sounds of birdsong and twinkling streams; and for, at the time, I did not know what it meant, but every time I was close to her, I could not be satiated and need to be in her presence at all times. The moment I was returned and united with her, I knew that I would give every last breath and drop of my blood to protect her and make her happy and no one in all of Middle Earth will dissuade me from this course," he got out finally and took a deep breath and reached for Tauriel's hand. Tauriel, for her part, was completely dumbstruck at Kili's profound statement and looked into his eyes and deep love and understanding she conveyed back.

Dis sighed very deep, but was smiling. Balin, Kili and Tauriel sat on the edge of their seats, waiting for what possible wrath might be returned their way by this very stately dwarrowdam. Instead, as Dis began to speak, her words were warm and soft, "A mother's only wishes are for her child to be healthy and happy," she said slowly, looking the two of them in the eye. "For now that you have professed yourself and I know the full depth of your feelings my son; I must ask Tauriel if she feels the same?" Dis asked, looking right at Tauriel. Kili and Balin hesitated, not sure how Tauriel was going to respond. They were both surprised when Tauriel got up and took the intricately weaved basket she had brought and laid it at Dis's feet, she got down on one knee and put her arm across her chest and bowed deep. Still kneeling, but she raised her head and spoke, "For as I return this to you Lady Dis, know that I did not help deliver it, and Kili, back just for you, but also for myself and our future together, that awaits. Tho I have lived thrice the lifetime of anyone in the Mountain, I too only just felt alive the moment I saw him. I have fought, healed and grieved for him; and I pledge to you, his mother, I will do everything to what power I do have, to see that he comes to no further harm and will endeavor to please him and make him happy for the rest of his days," she said as she bowed her head again in front of the seated Dis.

A tear streaked down Dis's cheek and she reached down to pick up the basket. It was beautifully woven of living materials such as thin supple branches and interspersed with various colors of leaves and such few petals Tauriel was able to find. Dis examined it as she had never seen anything of such delicate, light beauty. She looked inside and was barely able to reach in the small interior enclosure and brought out a blue stone, smoothly polished except for the few lines carved in it. Dis ran her fingers over the runes carved therein and her tears flowed free. After a brief moment, she reached down and lifted Tauriel's chin gently with her strong fingers. Tauriel also had watery eyes but let her head be lifted up and squared her back and shoulders to let what decision may come. Dis began, "Thank you Tauriel. Not only for the return of this precious stone...but for aiding my son and my brother in this almost impossible task. Much was lost and much we still have to grieve for, but I could ask for nothing for my son but one who will love him and be at his side until his forebears call him to Halls of Aule." Then Dis bent over and touched her forehead to Tauriel's. Tauriel knew this was a sacred gesture between dwarves and she felt overwhelmed by all that had transpired. She stood up and again bowed elven fashion and stepped back to allow Kili to approach his mother, which he did and Dis also touched his forehead with hers but also hugged him and kissed him on the cheek.

Balin sniffed and dragged a sleeved arm across his eyes and nose and said in a happy tone, "Well, then...I think, we are in order of a fine banquet...to present the happy couple to everyone." Dis responded, "I quite agree Balin. It would be fitting and proper for me to say words and give my blessing for them, in front of everyone. Can it be arranged for tonight Balin? Balin sighed and tsk'ed, "Lady Dis, I will try my best to see it done. I will send word soon, if I can get it arranged," he bowed. "I should make haste with the preparations then, if you will excuse me. I trust everything here is in order?" he questioned the occupants of the living quarters. Dis smiled, "Yes Balin, i cannot thank you enough for your unwavering loyalty and service to the Royal House of Durin. Yes...we will be just fine," she looked over to Kili and Tauriel, now standing by the couch, hand in hand. Balin took his leave and hurried off on his errand.

She once again bade Kili and Tauriel to sit and poured them some water in the three mugs that were sitting on the table. Without looking up, she asked, "So...tell me all about your adventures. Balin has filled me on some of it, but I would like to hear both of your take's and in your own words." Kili and Tauriel both took a deep breath, looked at each and Kili started. It took a long while for Kili to detail all of the parts of the tale he could remember. Tauriel added in a few bits and parts here and there, but mostly Kili did the talking. Kili of course made certain to emphasize the times Tauriel had been there for him and the other dwarves of Thorin's company.

He also told his mother all the help she has been inside the Mountain since the end of the battle; and he said lastly, "Mother...we had mentioned I had been shot by a MorgulShaft and Tauriel and her friend arrived in Laketown. After dispatching the orcs, things looked bad, Oin and Fili feared I would not survive as the poison began to overcome my body. Bofur had found this plant and Tauriel used it to heal me...but in doing so, she...she gave up her immortality...to save me," he said as he sniffed and reached over and took Tauriel's hand. Dis too, had tears in her eyes and she rubbed the runestone in between her hands. She bade Tauriel to come sit next to her on the couch, and took her slender pale hands in her thicker strong ones and said, "My dear, most precious to me are my children...alas, blessed Mahal saw fit to return one of my sons, but not only through his interventions. I think, he also made it possible for you and Kili to come into each other's lives; and as many obstacles you two have had to bare, in addition to those that will come, I couldn't be more happy that he has found his one and you, yours, and they are one in the same." With this Dis took Tauriel's hand and placed it in Kili's and placed hers on top and her warmth radiated to the other two. After much cheerful tears and laughing by all, they sat back and made small talk and there was a much more relaxed manner than at the beginning.

Dis continued, "Tauriel, tell me...King Thranduil, he raised you from a babe? You were under his tutalege and he watched over you?" Tauriel thought for a moment and responded, "Yes, I was, I suppose. He felt responsible for what happened to my parents, you see...so, yes, he did take the role on, of raising me. He paired me with his own son, Prince Legolas, who was already hundreds of years old. We became good friends and spent much time together, him teaching me the ways of our kin: hunting and tracking skills, fighting and of course, archery; for the Prince and his father were known far and wide to be the mightiest and skilled warriors of our kind. So I trained under the King and his son, but there was little warmth and regard over the long years. I honed my craft, and I suppose, having the King's favor did help me attain Captain of the Guard status, but there would have been little of what others call 'love' in my upbringing. Kili felt the need to squeeze Tauriel's hand again, which he did, and smiled at her.

When he looked back at his mother, she had a bit of a troubled expression on her face. "Mother, what is it? Is there a problem?" he asked her. Dis was unaware she was making a face and snapped back to the present. She replied, "Ahh...nothing, my son. But...I was just thinking, if King Thranduil did assume the role of a father to Tauriel, to what seemly end it was, he still must be asked for his permission for your betrothal to come to fruition." Kili and Tauriel looked at each other darkly. Now it was Dis's turn to question the couple on their puzzling expressions. "Did the last meeting with the King go ill?" Tauriel sighed deep and told Dis of her initial departure from Mirkwood to go and help the party of Thorin Oakenshield, despite the King's proclamation of closing his kingdom off from the rest of Middle Earth. And then how she found out she was banished; and finally, how she barred Thranduil's exit and drew weapon on him for deserting with his forces before Kili and the others could be warned about the descending Orc army.

Kili noticed his mum give a slight twinged expression at the mention of this last part. Tauriel also seemed a little upset at the telling of the next part of the story, "And as I lay next to Kili's broken form, protecting his body from further harm, the King did come upon me and find me in that horrible state. I had never felt such unending pain and distress and i asked the King to take it away. His last words to me were somewhat of a comfort though. He rescinded his earlier statement about my love for Kili, and could perceive that my feelings were indeed, real. I think it was his way of apologizing. I went back to grieving and with a swish of the King's long coat, he was gone...and I have neither spoken to, nor seen him since. I do not know what his feelings, to me or our relationship," Tauriel said as she looked over to Kili and reached out her hand, and he gladly took it in his, "...will be. His mind has always been hidden to even his closest kin, so I could not even begin to guess what his judgement will be."

As Tauriel said these last words, the trio just sat there in long contemplation each in their own thoughts for a few moments. Abruptly, a knock came at the door and right after that, "Lady Dis...it is Balin. May I come in?" could be heard from the other side of the door. Dis replied yes and Balin appeared in front of them a moment later. "All the preparations are ready my lady. We will meet in the Gallery for you to introduce the couple and they we will all adjourn to the dining halls after." Dis replied, "Spendid, thank you Balin. Has there been word when the party from Mirkwood will arrive for the coronation?" Balin said, "Yes, we recently received word they will be arriving sometime tomorrow." Dis nodded her head, "Very well Balin, we will need you to arrange a private meeting between the King and those present here after their arrival tomorrow. I have given my blessing; however, it has come to my attention that Tauriel has been a ward of the King, therefore Kili must ask his permission for Tauriel's hand." Balin put his two fingers on his chin and nodded thoughtfully, "Aye...yes...I wasn't sure of your, erm...relationship to King Thranduil my dear...but yes, yes...tis the proper thing to do. However when it comes to dwarf and elven pairings, there is very little precedence to go on." Balin chuckled and Dis nodded in agreement.

Balin asked his permission to sit and when granted he did. He turned towards Tauriel and asked, "My dear, can you please enlighten us on elvish courtship customs...so...we may prepare for the meeting tomorrow." Everyone turned their attention to Tauriel, and she thought for a moment as she was not very learned in the matter. With everyone waiting for her answer, she swallowed hard and began by explaining this was something she knew little about. "I had very few female kin to share things with. My mind and most of my time was focused on learning weaponcraft and defending our home. So, little was shared with me when one went into a courtship," she said as they all looked at her kindly. "Typically," she continued, "if a pair had realized they were meant to be together, a long courtship would begin. Parents were introduced and both sides of each family got together often...to become more acquainted. This happened over a long period of time, as Elvish bonds are expected to last for all time. Once consent was given for matrimony, rings would be exchanged and a joyous wedding celebration was planned. This would last from one moon to the next with the tracing of lineage, feasting and much song and tributes to the couple."

Balin, Dis and Kili all had pretty astonished looks on their faces and left Tauriel wondering what she may have said. She blushed and said, "Tis it, much different...in dwarven culture, then?" The three looked at each other and Balin was the first to reply. He slowly said, "Well...yes...quite different my dear," smiling pleasantly at her. "In the context of our society...you and Kili...are already considered married." Tauriel's eyes got pretty large at this last revelation. He continued, "We only require that parental consent be given and then matrimonial beads are woven into each other's hair to seal the pact. Even though Aule blessed us with naturally long lives, tis said our purpose is to couple and procreate, as quickly as possible, so there isn't much in the way of long courtships I'm afraid. This thereby ensures the continuation of our kind through our usual labours, stone craft and other such pursuits that dwarves are known for...and yes...to ensure there is enough of us for a fine army."

Tauriel was definitely surprised by this. Not that she didn't want to be betrothed and spent the rest of her life with Kili...she just didn't realize she WAS already...and with such little pretense; very different from her own culture, she thought. AND...to what was expected of them to start doing, soon! But she smiled happily to let on she was alright with the situation. Balin started again, "As I said, I'm sure there is practically little ever noted down in our histories about the pairing of a dwarf and elf. I will have Ori double check right away though." He continued thoughtfully, "Perhaps we can ask King Thranduil tomorrow if he is aware of the protocol, for this...situation." Dis agreed, "Yes, we shall do that Balin. Now, if you all will excuse me, I need to prepare for dinner," everyone took that as their cue to stand up and prepare their leave. Kili excused himself from Tauriel's side for a moment and went over to talk with his mother quietly. After a brief few moments, he returned and suggested they go see what Bilbo was up to. Balin said he wanted to go check on the preparations for tomorrow so everyone said goodbye and went about their separate ways.

Wow...okay...I hope everyone enjoyed this chapter...there was quite a bit of pressure to deliver something good ;) I'm sorry to those who may have been hoping for more conflict. I guess as a mother, this is just how I feel I would respond, just wanting my kids to be happy, no matter who they decided to choose to be with. That doesn't mean there might not be more conflict down the road ;) ;) but again, I just wanted Dis to be grateful for everything Tauriel has done so far for Kili and the rest of the dwarves :)

So again, I hope this chapter lived up to everyone's expectations and desires for the meeting of Tauriel and Kili's mum~~Please let me know what you think, good or bad, I always appreciate everyone's time and thoughts. Love you! {{Hugs}}