Hello All... I really hadn't had much chance to write in the last couple weeks, so I'm not much further ahead then these next chapters. I did want to post this short one for you today though. I'm hoping to have a chance to write more soon in these next few days...so you never know...maybe I can post a couple chapters during these next two weeks as my holiday gift to you :). Amazing reviews from this last chapter- thank you all who took the time to write or favorite the story.

FYI, I think once Kili is coronated King I might splinter off into "another" book, like I did when Kili cannot be dead became Kili King under the mountain...oh...it will be the same story, a continuation if you will...it's just that this one is getting a bit massive and I don't want to put off anyone who might be interested in reading it and see 80K+ words- I know I would ;)

Until next time, very soon (I'm crossing my fingers)...{{Hugs}}

Chp 58

Kili and Tauriel were at their usual places in the dining hall and there was much racucous, celebratory conversation going on around them. Most seemed to be glad that there would crowned a new King soon and the possibility of heirs to the throne even, so they were happy to celebrate with the couple, if not inwardly have doubts about the unusual pairing. The feast consisted of stews and roasts, potato cakes and steamed roots, a hearty thick dark bread with a light colored gravy and pudding and sweet cakes for dessert. Everyone enjoyed their fill and again after the feast, many dwarves had walked up to talk to Kili, or Kili and Tauriel or Lady Dis, who now took the seat to the right of Kili. There had been even a band of musical instrument players that stood next to the couple and tooted on some flutes and horns to much applause. Afterwards, many were leaving the Halls and returning to their chambers for a good night's rest, as the Coronation was only a few days away, and there was still lots to prepare.

Dis leaned over and kissed her son and smiled at Tauriel, she told them, "it has been an eventful day and I should like to to retire to my chambers now. I will be excited tomorrow to oversee the preparations for your coronation in two days time my son. Please send that little lad...what was his name... oh yes... Ori, to my chamber in the morning so I may go over with him the processional." Kili nodded, "Yes mother." Dis continued, "And I will send word when we have received noticed of King's Thranduil's arrival. So please have yourself and Tauriel at the ready for this meeting," she said as she prepared to leave. Her handmaiden followed in tow, still giving the couple an amazed and wide berth.

Since Kili and Tauriel were one of the last in the Hall, they felt they could head to their chambers finally as well. Tauriel spoke as Kili reached out and intertwined Tauriel's forearm with his as they began to walk, "My love...it has been a momentous day. And I am content beyond measure that our announcement tonight has gone favorably. It was wonderful meeting many of your friends from the Blue Mountains and hope to come to know them better with the passing of time too..." Kili was sensing a but in here somewhere, so he stopped walking and looked at her inquiringly. Tauriel hesitated... but when he looked at her like that, with those eyes...she knew she could keep nothing from him. So she breathed deep and started, "As much as I want the rest of our lives to start as soon as possible, I cannot, with a clear conscience, give in to my wants and desires, until I receive the King's blessing. Well or ill...he took me in and raised and provided for me. That should not be forgotten, no matter what has passed recently and I should like the chance to speak with him before you and I go any further." Kili had a somewhat dejected look on his face, but realized this was important to Tauriel, so he reached up and put his hand on the side of her cheek, "I understand Amralime. I would like to be at your side, as I have a few words for King Thranduil myself." Tauriel raised an eyebrow at her Prince and he just smiled coyly back at her.

They finally reached her doorway. He leaned her back against the door, put one hand cupped at her waist and the other he deftly slid up the side between her neck and her flowing hair and gently pulled her head down to his inviting lips. They kissed passionately and she took her long fingers and brushed the hair out of his eyes and took one of his hands and placed it on top of her breast...soon...very soon, my love." They kissed again and Kili opened her door and Tauriel entered her chamber and they said goodnight with a sweet touch of fingertips.

Tauriel did feel the need of repose after the long, eventful day so she changed into her bedchamber clothes and laid on her bed in a peaceful state. A few hours later in the morning, she languidly stayed in bed longer than she normally would have, but felt the need for calm and serenity and to collect her thoughts before the meeting of that day. It had been little while after the sun arisen when there was knock at her door and a cheery Hello came from the other side. Tauriel quickly put her pants and shirt on and went over and opened the door, Dori stood there with two dwarves behind him, each laden with heavy boxes and Dori asked to come in. Tauriel nodded and the three dwarves came into her small chambers. The two dwarves carrying the boxes came in and set them on the floor. They seemed a little timid around the future Queen and stood somewhat behind Dori with embarrassed looks. Dori turned around and thanked and dismissed the dwarves.

After their departure, Tauriel approached the boxes curious as to their contents. Dori happily opened the lid on one of the boxes and showed her what was inside. She gasped a happy sound and said, "Dori...is that what I think...?" She reached in and brought out a few samples of what was in the box. There were pants, shirts, shoes, and stockings of fine materials and in complementary colors for her hair and skin color. Then he lifted the lid off the other box and in that box there appeared to many dresses of various materials and formalities and few delicate undergarments. Very gratefully, she bent down and gave Dori a sweet hug.

When she pulled away he was beaming. "You are very welcome, my dear! As we all knew you were going to be staying here in the Mountain, as promised, here are those extra attire for you. I hope you find they fit you well and will enjoy them. I think they should be of a snug fit, as I remembered your measurements from the last time I was in here and worked at making them the correct size," he said happily. He continued, "If you are ever in need of any other piece of clothing, or any alterations," he coughed knowingly, "please don't hesitate to call for me. This is my present to you for your bethrothal to our young, soon-to-be King... a Queen should be resplendent and well-fitted my Lady," he said as he bowed. Again she hugged him and bowed elven fashion, "Thank you so much Dori... I am ever grateful for this fine clothing and for all your hard work." He also explained that the boxes can be left outside her door with the dirty clothes she might have and to leave the lid up and someone would fetch them and generally will have them back clean the next day.

She asked Dori one more thing before he was to leave. She told him about the meeting with King Thranduil sometime today and she asked his opinion of what she should wear for this all-important meeting. He put his pudgy fingers under his chin and thought for a moment, then he bent down and looked through the chest with the dresses. He selected one that was more on the plain side...not for a formal occasion, but it still had enough ornamentation and was of a flattering color and form to her body. He held it up against her current clothes and asked her if she would feel comfortable, but confident wearing it. She felt the soft fabric, saw that it had a bit of give to it, but also was thick and would be form fitting. She replied that yes, she thought this would be suitable for this day. Dori bowed once again and said, "Again, my deepest congratulations to you and Kili. I must be off now though. We still have about o'hundred guest rooms to outfit...plus we are decorating the Gallery of Kings later today, and I mustn't be late for that!" he smiled. Tauriel thanked him again, and he was quickly off and down the hallway to his errands.

Tauriel sat down on the edge of her bed and looked at the dress that was laid across it. She began taking off her shirt and pants, found some of the new undergarments and put those on. She put some of the clothes she had been wearing that needed a good washing and as Dori instructed, inside one of the boxes. Then she slipped the dress on, it was a warm tan with fine twisted gold stitched trim at the high waist and around the round neckline. There was ivory colored sheer light material hanging from the waistline and gathered behind her for a slight train. She swished a little to see how the fabric moved and it was a comfortable fit. She sighed a happy sigh; then she looked around for any other linens she needed to have washed, which she did find a few things and put them into the box. She opened her door and put the box with the lid open, right outside her door against the wall. She went back in and looked in her small mirror to which she freshened herself up a bit and brushed her hair.

Just as she was finishing, there was a knock at the door and that beautiful word uttered from the other side, "Amralime?" She smiled and went to open her door; they both had very pleased looks when they saw each other. Kili was the first to speak, "You look beautiful, my Lady. I see Dori has brought you the extra clothes. This one in particular looks very lovely on you," he beamed. "My love, you as well are looking very handsome today," she said as she looked him up and down. He indeed looked regal wearing slightly on the fitted side black pants and a deep blue long sleeve shirt, that had a quilted black vest over it. He was wearing his silver circlet on his head and actually it looked like he did brush his hair to which Tauriel mentioned to him. He chuckled and said, "Well I always do brush my hair...it just doesn't look like it stays that way for very long." She smirked at him and gave him a sweet kiss and they headed towards the Dining Hall for breakfast.