Hello

Thank you all for being patient...I know, the usual refrain...I've just been really busy with work, kids, plus to top it off I was really sick this past week, so I didn't feel good enough to concentrate on writing.

This chapter finishes up the night before the Coronation, which likely might be a few chapters...and then...finally...we'll be onto the next (set) of "books" - "The Reign of King Kili and Queen Tauriel" (a working title) :)

Chp 65

As they arrived in the Dining Halls, they noticed it wasn't as full as it normally was. For one, it was past the usual dinner rush; plus, many dwarves had either retired for the night to get enough rest for tomorrow, or more likely, they were still busy with their appointed tasks for the Coronation. Lady Dis was in her seat, talking to Balin next to her and upon seeing the four enter, she gave a tired smile to them. After introducing Gandalf to his mother, Kili took his usual seat and Gandalf took the seat to the left of Tauriel, Bilbo to his left. The server quickly brought them their meal. Tonight's seemed to be chunks of meat on small metal skewers, interspersed with carrots and there were smashed potatoes and toasted bread on the side. Dessert tonight was a creamy pudding with berries in it.

Lady Dis and Balin had long finished theirs, so they waited for Kili and his friends to finish their meal. They had said that they would need to take Kili after dinner and rehearse for the Coronation. Kili did not want to be away from his friends, nor Tauriel, but understood the need to practice so everything ran smoothly for tomorrow. Lady Dis also told Tauriel a gown had been sent to her room for her to wear at the Coronation and Tauriel gave the Lady her thanks. They said they would send for her later, to practice her part of the Coronation. After they finished eating, Bilbo indicated he would be ready to retire for the evening, so Tauriel suggested she and Gandalf walk him back to his room and would give Gandalf a tour until she was needed in the Gallery.

Kili kissed Tauriel's hand as he departed with his mother and Balin. In turn, Bilbo said his good nights to the departing dwarves and turned to go with Tauriel and Gandalf. On the way back to his room, Bilbo was excitedly detailing all his preparations for tomorrow. "I had Dori get me some polishing wax for my shoes and the buttons on my coat; and I requested my formal wear has been freshly laundered...well, he said it would be ready by this evening...oh, I hope so, I do want to look respectable tomorrow..." Bilbo was saying, almost to himself, not really looking at Tauriel or Gandalf. The elf and the Wizard just smiled at each other as they walked, and Bilbo continued on with his recitations. They finally arrived at Bilbo's quarters and he rushed inside eager to see if everything had been returned to him. Happily, his things were all waiting for him and he gave a grateful smile and said, "Oh I must thank Dori tomorrow for getting those things for me. I think he would make a proper Hobbit, don't you Gandalf?" Gandalf smiled and said, "Yes Bilbo, I couldn't agree more." Bilbo then explained he wanted to get everything polished and ready tonight, as he wanted to take a good grooming in the morning. Tauriel and Gandalf then bade him a good night's rest, and Bilbo closed his door and got to work on his tasks.

Now fully alone with the wizard for the first time, Tauriel was a little intimidated by him and wasn't sure what to say. Gandalf, sensing her apprehension, took the initiative and started, "So, my dear...tell me again, how you and Kili first met?" Speaking freely about a beloved topic, helped to ease her anxiousness, so she began the long tale of that day in the forest with all the spiders. They decided to stay close to the entrance of the Mountain, for when Tauriel was needed, so they walked around the Inner Chamber and by the Kitchen and Dining Halls. Continuing her tale all the way up until Kili's return, Gandalf too inquired like Thranduil. "Yes please my dear, I am very interested to hear how Kili was returned." Tauriel told him of the voice that spoke, what it had said and how the golden light surrounded him and how he finally awoke from his death slumber and everyone present was overjoyed with wonder and amazement at how this event had come to be. Gandalf chuckled, "Yes, Aule is very protective of his children. He loves to create...that one; and with the seeming end of his direct Durin descendants, well...I hear he petitioned Mandos himself to let one return; and of the four, Kili was chosen by the other three, and approved by Aule," Tauriel was in awe of the wizard's insight into such lofty matters.

As they walked, Tauriel felt a little more comfortable in asking her next inquiry, "And so, is it really true that the mighty elven Lords are indeed just outside the Mountain? I never thought in all my days would I ever be privy to such a gathering." Gandalf stopped, which made Tauriel hesitate thinking maybe she had said something wrong, "My lady Tauriel, are you not going to be crowned Queen on the morrow? If you had not thought of such things before, then you should prepare yourself quickly for those are the duties of a Royal," he said, but looked at her kindly. Tauriel sighed, and was a few moments before she replied, "Yes Mithrandir, I do know that to be true. I guess in my wildest imagination, I never thought, that myself, only a Sylvan elf, an orphaned one at that, would be dealing with such important people and affairs; but you're right...I will need to face that reality, tomorrow," she gulped. Again looking at Tauriel with kind eyes, "And do you not think Kili is not scared too? For he was the younger brother, never intended to rule and not trained as such...and yet, he has proven himself brave and compassionate and wise...from what I have heard about the events after the battle. And you two will grow and draw strength from each other in your new roles and rule wise and steadfast for I wish, many a long year." Tauriel bowed, elven fashion to the wizard for his kind words, which did put her mind and heart somewhat at ease.

Gandalf continued, "Oh, and in speaking with the Lords I traveled with, they are eager to meet you. They want to see the elf that has so captivated the young dwarven Prince; and now having spent most of the day with you, I can easily see how Kili has found his true one. You are also a charming and brave warrior, and yet I can see the love and compassion in you...for, yes, I know of your deeds against your King," Gandalf said as Tauriel hung her head. He continued when she was able to look up into his eyes, "It takes a mighty amount of courage to stand up for what you believe to be right, especially against one who had taken you in, raised you and provided you with everything you had ever known. So, in this, I think you both make a perfect couple," he said as he smiled at her.

They continued walking through the hallways and even though it was late evening, many dwarves were bustling about. Some were carrying provisions and foodstuffs, others were carrying linens to and from, and others still were laden down with chairs or decorations for the Gallery. Gandalf furthered inquired of Tauriel, "My dear...may I ask you a question?" Tauriel looked quizzically at the wizard, but responded she would. Gandalf asked, "So, if it is not too sensitive of a subject, I would ask...how the other, besides those in the Company, have taken to your's and Kili's pairing?" Tauriel thought for a moment, and replied, "No, I do not judge your question to be too personal, for I know that you are very fond of Kili and are just looking out for his best interests. There were a few incidents at first..." Tauriel went on to detail what had happened with Nott, Wott and Grule all the way to the treatment she had received from the female dwarves when they had arrived. She ended with, "...so things seem a little better now, at least I am not getting scowled at whenever I walk down the corridors."

Gandalf chuckled, "Yes my dear...the stubbornness and refusal to accept change or something new is legendary with this race. I am actually surprised that many had accepted your pairing this quickly." Sensing Tauriel's wide eyed expression, Gandalf hastily added, "Forgive me, my Lady, it's just have known many a dwarf, and it takes long years and many deeds and shows of loyalty to win over a dwarf...so I think it just goes to show how lovely you are, that they have already been smitten with you." Her tension relieved slightly, but Gandalf added, "However...I would caution you and Kili to always prepare for the fact that there might still be those few who could never accept your pairing; and might be willing to act on that prejudice. It is an unfortunate reality my'Lady, and I don't always mean to seem I'm the bearer of ill tiding...but it's best to be prepared for the worst, I've found that that usually results in the most favorable outcomes," he said as he smiled at her, reassuringly.

Tauriel didn't have much time to reflect on Gandalf's portents, as a page had just run up to them and said Tauriel's presence is requested in the Gallery. Gandalf and Tauriel chatted a little more on their way there. When they arrived, Gandalf excused himself for the evening, to return to converse with the elf lords outside the mountain, and said he would return in the morning. Tauriel noticed just about everything was set for tomorrow's Coronation here in the Gallery. Numerous large statues set at regular intervals against the walls had been polished and set on plinths; however, Tauriel noticed a few plinths had nothing on it. Half of them seemed to be empty, and she stooped down to read the nearest one's plaque, "Nain I, 1832-1981 T.A." Tauriel figured they had not made, or had fixed up all the statues of the previous Dwarf Kings in time for the ceremony. She continued walking along the row of statues, as she got to the end, the last two plinths did display amazingly carved likenesses of Thorin and Kili. Tauriel, blushed, but smiled at seeing her love's image carved in stone, making the impending Coronation seem all the more real for her.

Kili, seeing Tauriel looking at his statue, came over and she noticed he was a bit pink in his cheeks and was chewing on a bit of his lip. "Hard to believe that's me up there, huh?" He blushingly asked her. She replied, "I think that it is an amazing likeness my Love; and you will do your forebears proud and will have more than justified your place of being up there, at the time of our life's end my King." She bowed her head humbly. "And if there were to be a reason for that, Amralime...it would be because of you, and therefore there should be a statue of you there, as well," he said as she smiled at him and he leaned up for a sweet kiss.

Balin and Lady Dis were walking up, Balin said, "Okay my dear. Kili has run through his part, now we just wanted to have you familiar with what will be happening tomorrow and what part you will need to play. For the next hour or so, they practiced again their parts of the Coronation. Balin and Dis, well satisfied with the progress, both yawned and said their good nights. Lady Dis had a tear in her eye, but smiled and gave her song a strong hug. "Sleep well, my son, for tomorrow will be a most amazing...but tiring day for you. Your father, your uncle and your brother would be proud to witness this day. I will be here humbly in their stead and will also be here for you as long as you need me." Kili got down on one knee and bowed. When he rose, he gave his mom a hug and kiss on the cheek, "I know mum...thank you," he said. He watched as she walked away, handmaiden in tow.

He looked over at Tauriel, who was beaming at him and he took her arm in the crook of his. Yawning, he said, "Where to on this fine night, my Lady?" She smiled and said, "I do not feel a tiredness at this moment; however, I think it prudent for both of us to try and get some fashion of rest for tomorrow, so I think I will return to my chamber for the night." Kili smiled, "That is good. I know elves do not need to sleep every night, as we dwarves do, but I should like to wash and braid your hair for the morrow, if that suites you, my Love?" She batted her eyelashes, but smiled coyly and Kili knew that was her mark of consent, so they walked arm in arm to Tauriel's room.

When she entered, she saw the beautiful dress she was to wear tomorrow was hanging from a hook on the wall. She gasped, it was truly stunning and almost more beautiful than the prettiest elven gown she had ever seen. She walked over and felt the fabric, it was lusciously soft to the touch and of an incredibly deep midnight blue color. It looked like the gown was robed over another, more sheer bodice material, but they had been sewn together and there was gold thread cross laced over the white silky and iridescent material of the bodice. Around the edges of the outer robe were a finely weaved in silver thread pattern that signified it was Kili, the King's symbol. She noticed the sleeves were long and delicate and there was black leather strap hanging with the dress. She carefully examined it and determined it was a shoulder harness and also a belt. It appeared to be a warrior's garment; with places for sword or axe, provisions bag and a holder in the back for quiver and a bow. Tauriel looked at Kili puzzlingly and Kili just gave her a sweet smile and indicated she was to wear that with her dress tomorrow.

Kili was ready to wash Tauriel's hair, so he placed her chair in the middle of the quarter's and lovingly removed each of the six silver beads and set them on the dresser. Then he had her dunk her long hair in her wash basin. He stood beside and poured the contents of a small bottle in with the water. He apologized as he massaged her scalp with his thick strong fingers, "This water is cold, and for that I must apologize; but when you are moved into the Royal chambers, we have access to hot water, if you remember when we took a look around in there. I must say it is amazingly refreshing...to bathe in warm water. Tis a great feeling and soothes down to the bones, if you will." He continued as he washed her hair, "Do...do elves bath in warm or cold water? He asked curiously. Tauriel replied from her bent over position, "In our bathing area inside our cavern home, the water is warmer there, not hot; but as a warrior, you are trained to cleanse in the wild, if need be. We do not feel much difference between hot or cold, though, my love." He indicated she could lift her head and he proceeded to wrap the towel around all that hair. He had her sit in the chair and he removed the towel, but helped to dry her hair with it.

When sufficiently dry, he reached for her brush and began to brush her long, silky hair. Tauriel could feel him deftly pin her hair up and began doing some intricate braids. After awhile of working her hair, he reached for the beads and weaved a few in the front, the rest in the back. Just then, there was a knock at her door and Kili said, "I will answer it Amralime." He opened the door and a young page nodded at the Prince and handed him a basket. Kili thanked the page and shut the door. "Ahh...the items I requested have arrived." He showed Tauriel what was in the basket and in there were long silver ribbons and delicate early Spring flowers of prettiest purples and pinks. She reached her long fingers in the basket and brushed them against the soft petals. "These are lovely Kili...should I be wearing them with my outfit?" she asked. He smiled, "In a manner. I am going to weave them in your hair tomorrow. I thought you would appreciate having some tokens from your home on the momentous day tomorrow when I am crowned King, and you...my Queen. I will be here in the morning to fetch you and can add them then. He embraced her from behind, putting his strong arms around hers and kissed her on the cheek.

"I will take my leave of you tonight my love, so you may rest." He leaned up and they kissed passionately. He added, "And let this be the last night that we sleep apart from each other," he said as the passion burned fiercely in his eyes and they kissed again. Tauriel bade him rest too, and he secured her door on his way out. Little did Tauriel know that Kili had many errands to run at this late hour, before he could retire to his chambers for the evening. First he found Dwalin in the Armory and discussed the pressing matter for tomorrow. Next, he found Bofur and Twain and a number of dwarves just riding up on horses near the entrance to the Mountain. He asked of them, "Ahh, my good kin...is everything ready and set up for tomorrow night?" Twain replied first, "Yes m'lord. We encountered no one on our ride out there, or back." Bofur added, "It has all been set up to your specifications, and fully stocked and ready," he winked at the young Prince. Kili's cheeks got a little red and he replied, "Umm, well...very good. Thank you so much to both of you, and all our kin who helped create this special place. I know we will both have many moments to cherish there." Twain and Bofur both smiled knowingly at each other and bowed and took their leave of the young, tired Prince.

Kili could finally head to his Prince's chambers, as he knew this would be the last night he would be sleeping in them. He yawned as he ascended the long staircase, for it was way after the moon was at its' highest point in the sky. Before he could access his chamber, he knew he had to check on just one more thing. He knocked on his mother's chamber door, announced himself and waited until a tired handmaiden opened the door. He was let in and found his mother in her bedchamber. She was reading a tattered looking red leather tome and when the handmaiden let her son into the chamber she also yawned. Kili bowed and apologized for coming so late. His mother smiled, "I was almost asleep a number of times, but I know your schedule is much more busy than mine and more people and events to tend to. Still...I am very concerned you will not have enough rest for tomorrow. I wanted to let you sleep in a little, as the Coronation is not due to begin until midday, now I fear you will need to sleep in until then." Kili smiled, "Do not fret mum. Many times, during my adventures we would be lucky if we got a few hours of wink. I am headed to bed right now and I will be fine. I will have Liac let me sleep in a little." She gave her son a knowing smile and said, "Alright my son. Rest well. I will see you in the morning at breakfast." Kili remembered as he was about to leave, "Oh...I almost forgot, you have made arrangements for the gifts?" She smiled at her son once more, "Yes, everything is ready." He replied, "Thanks mum," and bowed and made his exit.

He finally made it to his chambers and looked around wistfully as this would be his last night in them. After telling an impatient Liac to let him sleep in a little in the morning, he watched her fly away towards the forest. He then wearily shed his clothes, all but his underdrawers, and pulled his bearskein over his body, feeling a bit chilled on this night. He shivered, not sure if it was the chill of the night or the impending weight of tomorrow's events making his blood cold. He sighed deeply and stared up at the carven stone ceiling of his bedchamber. Before exhaustion took over his body, his mind swam of thoughts of Thorin, Fili and his father, and the long line of Durin Kings that had come before him; and if he could really make a mighty and just ruler as they had been. His eyes already closed, but a smile appeared on his face as he perceived Fili being nearby giving him a smile and wink.