Hello Everyone~~ I hope you had a great Holiday! I was able to write a little, but not as much as I had thought. Hopefully more this week. Another informational chapter...hoping you're not getting bored with these ;) We're building up to big things :) Enjoy~~

Chp 59

As they walked they nodded their heads to any bows they got along the way. When they arrived, they noticed Lady Dis was almost finished with her meal; and Kili and Tauriel bowed to her before they took their seats. She said, "Good morning, my dears... you are both looking very nice this fine morning." Kili said, "Thank you mother. Yes, I found I was able to get some rest last night." And Tauriel also mentioned the same, "I too felt the need for rest and to contemplate the possible outcomes for today." Lady Dis seemed a little surprised that they did not share the same room last night, since they were now bethrothed. She thought it might have something to do with the meeting for later that day, so she said nothing about that. Since she had finished her meal she excused herself to her meeting with Ori and Balin in the Gallery to oversee the final preparations, but reminded them to be available at a moment's notice for when the word comes in that King Thranduil had arrived. Kili and Tauriel said they would, they then began to dig into their porridge with berries and sweet bread. It took them little time to finish as they found they were both hungry.

They discussed their plans for the day since they could not commit to anything fully since, as their mother said, they needed to be ready at any moment. Kili suggested they tour some of the rest of the Mountain she hadn't seen before and Tauriel was excited at that prospect. Again nodding and smiling to all they passed they took the long walk to the Gallery. Lady Dis was there, as were Balin and Ori, Dori and many others bustling around, polishing sculptures, hanging tapestries or bringing in chairs and benches. This was to be the largest gathering the Mountain had seen in a long while and at least one thousand visitors were expected, so every available chair and bench had to be brought... or made anew, for the occasion. Kili was a little overwhelmed at the sight of all of this pageantry, Tauriel sensing his anxiousness, squeezed his hand and he smiled back at her and they waved towards his mother's direction and they continued walking.

They passed by the Guard's chambers and the Infirmary and continued to the West side of the Mountain. Tauriel could hear loud noises coming from up ahead and knew they were heading for the forges. They walked over the open bridges and passed through the large metal gates that already had been reforged. Tauriel next saw an intricate but immense complex system of pullies, hanging chutes, large machinery and large vats of molten gold. It was an amazing sight, as Elves are capable of producing beautiful and incredible works of art and architecture, objects and design pieces; but nothing so based in mechanism and machinery, and Tauriel found it an amazing sight to behold. Kili smiled as he looked up at her as she was taking it all in. As elves cannot feel heat nor cold, the very warm temperatures here in the forges did not bother her; and dwarves have a high tolerance for heat and all the dwarves busily walking about were also not affected. Kili continued showing and explaining to Tauriel how water comes down from the large carved statues to cool the molten gold; and how the transport chutes carried gold and other finds to the new treasury room. Along the way, they stopped to talk to a few dwarves working in the area and they also explained enthusiastically to the future King and Queen what they were doing.

Kili took Tauriel past the forges to the a large room with lots of other machines and tools, a blacksmith's forge it would seem, as this was the noisiest room yet and Tauriel found it hard to hear what Kili was explaining to her. Many dwarves were wearing heavy aprons and working with hot, molten metals. To Tauriel it appeared that they were creating all manner of items: plates, cups, armor, weaponry and other long pieces of metal that she didn't recognize. Again, they stopped to talk to few dwarves who were happy to show the pair what they were working on.

Further on they walked and this next area seemed to have the most dwarves bustling in and out Tauriel had seen. She could tell from afar that there was an immense open area in the floor, to which a nice metal railing has been placed around the edge. On one side of this opening there seemed to be a platform suspended by another large system of pullies. About twenty dwarves wearing funny hats with candles on their heads were readying themselves and checking the gear they were wearing. Another set of dwarves were just setting down their gear on some wood shelves located against the wall and heading over to sit down at some tables; and yet another group of dwarves were busy loading some iron looking box cars onto a railing system and sending them off to a large hole in the wall and into the next room.

Tauriel indicated she wanted to go over and peer over the railing of the large opening she had seen so they walked over that way. Dwarves have no fear of heights, but elves are not thus equipped, although they have a mastery of their surroundings, Tauriel still felt the need to hold on to the railing as she got closer to huge opening here in the Mountain. She looked down and even though her elven eyes are used to seeing in the dark, even she could not see to the bottom. What she did see was many smaller platforms being constantly lowered or raised from the many pulleys and chains hanging above the opening. There were little lights flickering from the movements of the dwarves who wore them at least a fathom down, she guessed; it was indeed an incredible sight to see such precision and cooperation working in such a difficult environment she thought.

Kili began to escort Tauriel into the next room when they ran into Kili's friend from the Blue Mountains, Eiel. They clasped arms and Eiel began, "My lord...good is it to see you here this fine morning," he saw Tauriel and since this was the first time he had seen her since the Lady Dis had given her approval he bowed and said, "Queen Tauriel." This was the first time anyone had said it to them and Tauriel blushed a little, in addition to the self-deprecating expression she must have had on her face at the time. Kili chuckled slightly too, internally realizing that it was indeed true and beyond his hopes, everyone was starting to accept the fact that Tauriel was his and is here to stay. She returned Eiel's bow, elven fashion and Kili asked him what he was up to. Eiel replied, "I reported to Master Gloin, as you instructed. We talked at length and he said with my experience he thought i would be great as a Delver, so my first shift starts today." Kili smiled and gave him a rough pat on the back and said, "I know you're eager to get started, so we won't keep you anymore. I'm just taking Tauriel here on a tour of some places in the Mountain she had not visited yet." They smiled and bid each other on their way.

They proceeded into the next room where the rail system brought the iron cars through and passed two burly looking guards on either side of the doorway. As they entered, Tauriel could see there were numerous rooms that were linked to this one and the railing system. There were shelves upon shelves upon shelves and dwarves were busily carrying large boxes to and from the shelves to tables that were also in the room. Some dwarves were standing at these tables chipping dirt and stone out of large chunks of earth. Kili and Tauriel could see the glittering veins running through the chunks even from where they were standing.

Just then a dwarf approached them from the side and they saw it was indeed Gloin who had stepped away from in his desk in the corner to greet them. "Laddie, " he said to Kili, and bowed to Tauriel, "Lady. What brings you both to the Treasury rooms?" Kili said they were taking a tour of some of the areas that Tauriel hadn't visited yet. Gloin replied, "Ahh...I see. Well," he said as he made a sweeping look around, "Everything is running, fine...just fine. And we have received expert help from those recently arrived from the Blue Mountains. I have already assigned the fifty or so that wanted to work here or in the forges. And we are already beginning to find new veins of gold and gems from the first delves here." Kili replied, "Yes, we saw...that's wonderful Gloin!" and he patted the older dwarf on the back. Gloin replied, "Oi...while you're both here...cum'here, I want to show ya something." They followed him to a small locked door behind his desk. Gloin produced and immense key ring from his belt and put a large iron one into the lock. They walked into the small room that held a few shelves a table and chair. Gloin grabbed a large newer made box off of the shelf and put it on the table. Again, he twisted his key chain and found a shiny small key that he inserted into the lock on the box. He reached in and Kili and Tauriel both gasped at the beautiful object he produced from the box. It was glittering crown of mithril, fashioned like the one Thorin had worn in his brief time here in the Mountain, but this one shined with a cold light from the silvered color it was made from. It was inlaid with small diamonds, sapphires and purple gems in the creases of where the metal turned different angles; and all around the bottom was etched with Kili's repeating diamond shaped family inlay.

Kili and Tauriel were both in stunned silence and Gloin smiled, pleased with their expressions. It is a fine piece of work, it is... from the Master Jeweler. He just delivered it to me last night," he said proudly. "I'll keep it right here, safe...for the coronation," he said as he placed the crown back in the box and clicked the lock shut. Kili was able to find his voice and said to Gloin, "It is an amazing work of art, I must thank him." Gloin thought for a moment..."Master Trullo...hmm, he will most likely be in his shop at the Market at this time." Kili said, "Great, I shall like to go see him now." Tauriel said with excitement in her voice, "Market? I have never visited there yet." Kili replied, "Then let's head that way now my Lady, we can reach it from these stairs over here." They nodded to Gloin and he went back to his desk and his scales.

He escorted her down an immense flight of stairs that many dwarves were ascending and descending. It took awhile to get to the next level down but once they arrived, they saw it was a bustling place. Tauriel was astounded by the Market area as there was a high ceiling here but very light and airy from all the interconnected torches hanging high above; and most of the storefronts looked like they were two to three levels high, just like their open aire complements in a village of man. There were banners, flags and all manner of wooden signs signifying to the passerby what was contained therein. The only things Tauriel noticed that was different from one of the aforementioned villages, was the absence of glass in the shop windows and there were no street signs. There was however, a large open space in the middle and many of the buildings seemed to be in clusters around this central open area. Tauriel thought about why there was no glass in the openings of the stores. She knew that other species felt different ranges of temperatures, whereas as elves do not, and from what she knew about dwarves, knew they ran hot and could withstand cold temperatures. So she thought it had something to do with the consistent temperatures here inside the Mountain. She would remind herself to ask Bilbo how it felt here in the Mountain, as she could not perceive any difference.

As Tauriel was thinking about Bilbo, Kili found the shop they were looking for. It was in a cluster of buildings across the Market Square, so he escorted her through the Square where there was lots of activity. Groups of musicians were playing for passersby, a few older dwarves were genially arguing while sitting at little tables and chairs playing a game with a varied colored wooden board and gemstones, and yet others were juggling axes to the delight of the few younger dwarves that had recently arrived; and many others were busy peddling their wares to anyone who came within earshot. Tauriel delighted in all the sights and sounds of everything around her, so different than the serene quietness and order of her home. Those too, who recognized the future King and Queen in their midst, bowed with amazed and excited looks their way. The pair stopped to listen to the musicians and clapped gratefully after the tune was over. Kili excused them off to their errand and those that had gathered watched wistfully as they walked across the Square.

They made it over to a cluster of building carved out of the stone. The balconies here of the upper levels stuck out further than that on the first level. These buildings also seemed carved with more details and had a somewhat more prestigious aire about them. Tauriel read the signs and they all had something to do with gems, treasure, jewelry and coinage. They saw a newly carved sign with the words "Trullo-Master Jeweler" hanging above the doorway of a particularly opulent entranceway. Kili and Tauriel entered the shop and saw that a few displays had been set up, but mostly there were trunks scattered about as things had not been arranged and set up yet. No one was about, but Tauriel could hear some noise coming from the upper floors. Kili located a small bell on the counter and pulled the string which made a rough clanging sound. They heard some muttering from the upper floor and soon a clomping noise came from the staircase that was behind the nearest wall. "Alright'chee...I'ma comin, I'ma comin," a voice was heard to say as it descended floors. When the noise seemed nearest, the dwarf rounded the corner and saw who his patrons were and immediately began to quicken his pace. Tauriel and Kili looked upon an older dwarf, rotund...not as much as Bombur, but of the same build, with grizzled grey and white beard and very thick bushy eyebrows. They also discovered the source of the clomping noise...looking down, they saw he had a large, finely carved and decorated dark wood pegged leg. It was carved to look the large hoof of a ram, a favorite beast of the dwarves. "My Lord...and...ma'am" he struggled to think of what to say to Tauriel as he bowed deep. Raising up he continued, "To what do I owe this immense pleasure in your visit your Highnesses?" Kili smiled and said, "Hello Master Trullo. We just came from seeing Master Gloin in the treasury and he showed us your incredible work on the Crown. I wanted to come and personally thank you. It is magnificent and I will be very proud to wear it for the Coronation and other important matters." Trullo bowed and very genuinely gave his thanks to the future King for his efforts. Tauriel concurred that she had seen no finer work in all of Middle Earth and again he bowed and thanked Tauriel for her complement as well.

Kili continued, "Where do you hail from Master Trullo? I'm surprised our paths have never crossed before?" Trullo replied, "Lord Kili, me'self and a small party from my home near the Grey Mountains arrived here a few days ago. After we checked in with the large fellow named Dwalin, he told me and a few others to head to the treasury where I met with Master Gloin. He was familiar with my work so he thought I should set up shop here in the Mountain and he led me to this building," he said as he smiled at the pair. "That's wonderful Master Trullo," Kili said, "You think you will stay here in the Mountain then?" Trullo thought for a moment and said, "Yes My Lord, I believe I will. I was not able to see it in my younger days... that scourge an'all, and there is no finer Halls around, i believe. 'Course...it'll still take a bit o'work fixin up and all, but there seems to be many who have already started, and working hard at it," Trullo gratefully added. Kili said," Yes, we appreciate every one who has come to help, and even stay here in Erebor; and, I think we are well on our way to restoring to the former glory to even compare with my great-grandfather's time. But I intend for it to be community where all will be welcome and we can live and work in peace and prosperity." Tauriel smiled and squeezed his hand and they both looked happily pleased with his words. Trullo seemed a little surprised at them, but bowed and said obediently, "Yes, yes...my'Lord."

He continued, "Lord...if I may ask something?" Kili looked surprised, but genially said," Yes, of course Trullo." So Trullo cautiously proceeded, "Lord...is it, is it true... that the treasure hoard of Thror...of your great-grandfather is no more? Tis rumored that...all of that gold...and gems were just...given away?" Kili had a furrowed brow at his question, and even Tauriel hesitated a little waiting for Kili's response. He finally, slowly, said, "Yes, Master Trullo. For I am sure that above most, you understand and value the fine treasures of our world, because you create works of art with them. However, what I witnessed with my Uncle and what I know to have happened with Thror, I will not permit to ever be again within these Halls. A taint was on all of that gold and I did not want in my presence. Therefore, a third of the treasure was given to Bard, the new Lord of Dale, to honor the promise of my Uncle to help the people of Laketown for their generosity in aiding the company of Thorin Oakenshield. Another part of the treasure was given to our kin from the Iron Hills who responded when our need was most dire; and for them to send home to their families. The rest of the treasure has been used to buy materials or trade or barter for such things we will need here in the Mountain to restore it back to a vibrant and prosperous community." Kili had a firm, but not unfriendly expression after his statement. Tauriel finally found she could breathe out, but also smiled at Kili who returned it with a determined aire. Trullo bit his lip, "Aye... aye, sire...it would have been nice to lay eyes on it but one time," he said wistfully. Kili smiled and patted Trullo on the back, "It was. But do not despair...for we are already finding new treasures here in the Mountain, according to Gloin." Trullo nodded, "Yes, Sire, he told me so himself. So I expect to be seeing many of those customers come through those doors soon." Kili chuckled and patted him again, "Yes, I'm sure they will be Master Trullo. Again, welcome to Erebor, may you be very prosperous here...and with your talent, I'm sure you will be most popular once word of your wares spread. And I'm sure I will have need of your services very often in the future," Kili said and winked in Tauriel's direction to which she gave him a one eyebrow raise. Trullo smiled and bowed one last time, saying "Yes, yes my'Lord." Tauriel and Kili said their goodbyes and exited out of the shop.