One more quick, short chapter before the meeting with Thranduil. Thanks for being patient :)

TinuvielTurner: Thank you ;) lol...yep, more action coming soon

Aenita & Susan: Thank you :)

Celebrisilweth: That's a good thought...I'm sure he will be testing Dis & Balin's patience for sure...and we'll see what other events are thrown his way after the Coronation :)

Jackie9448: you're welcome :) and yes, Royal chambers where they can get busy soon ;)

MiyonzMae, Bienniel, Margaritasc, Lisa Kathyrn: thank you! I'm excited for the future for the two of them too 3

Enjoy {{hugs}}

Chp 62

Tauriel and Tulin in the mean time, chatted briefly on their long walk back to the Gardens. They saw that the horned moon was fully arisen and bright as they opened the small door that led outside to the Gardens and the landing. Tulin said, "Most dwarves in the Mountain are unaware of this Garden area, unless they are from the kitchens, and most of them have not visited this area since it has not produced anything in many a long age. Also there is no access point from below, so you should be very safe here Lady Tauriel. I will be here by the door if you need anything." Tauriel bowed and said, "Thank you Tulin."

She proceeded to descend the stairs. Unsure of her destination, she let her feet carry her and she eventually ended up at the middle of the bridge. She stayed there for many a long while. She enjoyed watching the water flow from it's headwaters at the top of the Mountain, down below her feet under the bridge and on to it's destination- another waterfall at the edge of the Garden area. As there was more a roar of water where it landed in the pool by Bilbo's mushrooms, here in the middle, was a soft, tinkling as the rush and flow of the water carried it on. She found the sound very soothing and also breathed deep the many pleasant smells to be found here. Eventually she made her way back over the bridge and walked along Bilbo's rows of plants. Here again she could sense the new growth and all the interesting smells of new life and it gave her an immense sense of calm and purpose. Whatever Thranduil's judgement, she would not leave her new home and her husband, smiling to herself as she thought that last part; she just hoped Thranduil would give his consent, so that her choice to remain in the Mountain would not go against his wishes. She sighed, and went back to walking about and observing the flora and fauna that surrounded her.

After walking here and there for awhile, she could see the first lights of the morning arising. She stretched, smiled and headed for the door. Tulin was there, looking rather sleepy. She approached him and said, "My good dwarf, I am ready to return to my Chamber, and it looks like you are in need of some rest." He smiled and said, "Yes my'lady, I believe I am." They walked back to her chambers and Tulin made sure she was safely inside and he proceeded back to the Guard's Room to end his shift.

Once inside, Tauriel figured she would still have a little bit of time before Kili arrived. She set about going through all those new clothes Dori had brought for her. She very much admired them, not as delicate as Elven attire, but still well-made and of richly dyed colors. Then, there came a knock at her door, She thought it might be Kili, but was still a little early. She opened the door and a smaller dwarf with a dainty blonde beard had just placed one of her clothes boxes in the hallway and was in the process of turning around but was a little surprised someone was awake this early. She apprised the situation and smiled and said, "Thank you." The dwarf being a bit taken aback that this bundle of laundry was for the future Queen, he managed to squeak out, "Ma'am...yes, ma'am," he said as he was backing away down the Hall. She brought the box inside and found all of the bedding and clothes she had put in there had been freshly cleaned. They were neatly folded in there, so she decided to leave them as she thought she might not remain in this Chamber for too much longer. She did find some fresh undergarments, which she changed into after a quick spongebath. As she was brushing her hair that wasn't in braids, a knock and "Amralime" came from the other side of the door. She smiled, put her brush down and let Kili into her chamber. He also had the same attire on from yesterday, but today had a shiny silver and jewel encrusted dagger on the belt at his side.

They kissed sweetly. "Did you have a nice evening, my Love?" Kili asked, as he brushed the back of his thick hands gently across her cheek. She replied she did and they proceeded to head towards the Dining Hall for breakfast. Before they got too far, Kili decided he should tell her the news, "So...Balin sent word to my room first thing this morning that King Thranduil and another party of elves had arrived yesterday evening and were setting up Camp outside the Mountain. Thranduil had been informed of our request for a meeting and he consented. Our reply was that a small room off of the Gallery of Kings will be set up and ready after breakfast for us to meet. Tauriel gulped and Kili felt her squeeze his hand as they walked. They stopped and Kili looked at her, "I will be right there by your side Amralime, there is nothing to fear, and now that we are betrothed, NO one will keep us apart," he said determinedly. She smiled in return and said, "I agree, my love. Still, my conscience will be much assuaged, if he gives his blessing." Kili sighed and nodded smiling outwardly but inwardly having doubts, from what he knew about the King of Mirkwood. He woud not lose her now, no matter what some tall, lanky silver-haired elf thought. Still...it seemed important to Tauriel to have his approval. He just hoped he wouldn't have to box his pointy ears to get their feelings across. He smiled and couldn't help but let out a chuckle at his last internal thought, and Tauriel turned and gave him an interesting, inquiring look. He just smiled a puppydog smile and they kept walking.

They arrived at the Hall, and after taking their seats, Tauriel told the server she wanted to eat light today and just wanted some bread and fruit. After a few minutes, some bread, butter and jellied fruit was brought to her, with some berries off to the side. Lady Dis entered the Chamber, and everyone stood and bowed, including Kili and Tauriel. She looked very stately in a fine, dark purple dwarven gown, a silver sword at her side and circlet on top of her mass of braids and curls and jewels. After she was seated and the server set her up with her breakfast faire, she turned to Kili and Tauriel on her left and said, "You both look well rested." She could sense both of their's apprehension and replied, "Do not fear my dears. The bonds of marriage are not easily wrested away, no matter what culture. And it is very plain to see you are much in love...I would think the King doesn't have a heart completely of stone and will want happiness for both of you." Kili and Tauriel both smiled, nodding and thanking Dis for her encouraging words. Both of them internally kept their doubts silent, as they knew Thranduil had little of that tolerance she was referring to. Therefore, they finished their breakfast in silence.

After most of their meal was finished, Lady Dis again spoke to the couple, "So, my son...do you know what you will say in front of King Thranduil?" Kili squinted his eyes at her and said, "Mum?" She spoke, a little more sternly this time, "From what Tauriel said, it appears you will need to ask the King for his permission to marry Tauriel. What speech have you prepared?" He furrowed his brow and looked around, then sucked in air quickly but said jauntily, "Oh...I'll think of something, mum," and went back to smiling and grabbed for his mug of water. Dis gave her son a look, such as she hadn't given him in many a year; so much so, that it made Kili stiffen in his chair and sit upright. Dis sighed, remembering this son did not prepare ahead of time, for much. Looking a little more kindly at him this time, she said, "Son...remember, you will be showing the King that you now will be taking care of and providing for Tauriel as her husband, her provider and her protector... you will want to prepare something convincing." Kili gulped and looked down at the floor and Tauriel took his hand for a squeeze and gave him a reassuring smile. He looked over at his mother and said calmly, but firmly, "I will have the appropriate thing to say at the ready Mother." She sighed and smiled and patted his other hand. "Very well, I will see if everything is ready and send for you both, when it is," she replied and exited the Hall.

Tauriel let Kili sit in silence to think, as she finished the last bits of her meal and water. She was grateful for the heaviness of the bread as it seemed to help calm the waviness in her stomach, which was a new sensation for her. After not that much time, a page came quickly into the Hall and went straight towards Kili. He said, "Sire...I was to sent to notify you that the preparations are ready, and you and Lady Tauriel are to come to the Proclamations Room, off the Gallery, immediately." Kili gave his thanks and looked at Tauriel. They shared knowing looks and got up and walked arm in arm to the small appointed room a short ways away.