Hello Everyone!
Thank you again for being patient with me. As I mentioned last time, I'm still having trouble shaking this sinus infection, so I'm trying to get rest when I can. Hopefully as our temps will finally be above freezing these next couple weeks, warmer temperatures always seem to help :)
Here is the start of Coronation day, which will encompass a few chapters. I have been writing a little bit, so I anticipate being able to post the next chapter soon! Enjoy, and thanks for hanging in there with me :) {{Hugs}}
Chp 66
Many fretful dreams he had through the night: Fili's body falling in front of him and as he looked at his handsome face and once impressive form now twisted and crumpled in a heap at his feet; the body of his Uncle Thorin as it laid on his funeral slab, unexpectedly sitting up and looking straight at him pointing and saying, "How dare you take an elf as your Queen! I will never forgive you, you reckless dwarfling!; but most disturbing was the one about his mother diving in front of him, taking a long, metal...dwarven, arrow to her breast and landing at his feet. He woke up thrashing about his covers and reaching for a weapon that was not nearby. His eyes struggled to focus on her, but all he could see was his bedchamber and the covers strewn all around him. He blinked a few times and struggled to make his breathing more regular.
Now, in the brightness of early morning, those terrible images slowly faded away from him and he took a couple last deep breaths to steady himself. He needed a bit of fresh air so he walked over to his balcony. He could see it would be a beautiful day. The sun had already arisen somewhat in the horizon, giving the sky a magnificent pinkish purple tint. He breathed deep and looked down. There was a massive encampment below in the valley. Light and airy the tents were, much different than dwarven kind, so he chuckled and thought that if the mightiest Elf lords had traveled all this way, certainly there was a large army along with them to protect them.
Kili rubbed his face and yawned one more time, and that was about the time Liac had fluttered up onto her perch and looked at Kili quizzically. Kili smiled, "Yes, I am already awake my friend. But, as you know...I am to be crowned King today! So my things will be moving down to yonder balcony...the largest one, so look for me there." The bird looked up at him with her pretty black eyes and tittered back, even letting Kili gently stroke the feathers on her head. She chirped one last time and flew away to her home in the trees to get some rest after a night's hunting. Kili surveyed one last look outside, the City of Dale just across the valley already starting to return to its' former splendor, the large elf encampment in the valley where the grass was already starting to turn a vibrant green. Then he looked past the river in the distance where the special place he had his kin create and smiled at the thought of him and Tauriel being alone there tonight, and he held the last, a scowling look for Ravenhill, which all the snow had melted up there and the hills were turning a somber brown.
He took a deep breath, turned and began getting ready for the big day. After bathing, he brushed his hair and added his beads carefully, a few in the back and two in the front, on each side of his slightly growing facial hair. He looked at himself in the mirror and thought, "I'll never be a proper Longbeard! What is the matter with me? There are lads half my age that can grow a beard!" After he stood there for awhile he sighed, leaving his unanswered plea tabled for now...he had other things to prepare for.
His outfit for the coronation was very royal looking indeed. Midnight blue undershirt and pants, with a beautiful silver mithril breastplate that Dwalin had had brought up to his room yesterday. On Kili's belt, as Tauriel's had, there were places for weaponry, none of which he had received yet. Again, looking in the mirror, he felt he looked pretty regal, but just wished he felt a little more that way, on this day. As he began his long trek to Tauriel's room, he reflected on many of the adventures he's had in short life. Thinking back, he had done some pretty reckless things, but one would never be able to say he wasn't loyal or brave; as he had always been there for his kin, no matter the amount or type of enemy, and had always fared pretty well. And he thought he had handled the situation with the treasure distribution the best way possible, so... maybe he would make good ruler for all the dwarves after all, he thought. And he tried not to permit himself to realize that out of four Durin descendants, he was the one chosen by Aule, Aule himself!, to rule. He shook his head as walked, but now with a slightly brighter smile and bounce in his step.
He finally reached Tauriel's door and knocked jauntily. When she opened it, a small gasp escaped his lips...she looked so beautiful in her coronation attire; the dress he saw last night, matching in perfect hues to his clothes. He couldn't help but hasten into the room and sweep her into a deep kiss. After a few breathless moments, as she was just as enamored with the way Kili looked in his clothes too, they broke apart. The both started to say something, but at that the same time, they both giggled, and Kili indicated Tauriel to go ahead and speak first. She said, "My love, you look every bit worthy of the King of Dwarves, that you will be crowned today, especially with that magnificent silver crown on your head too!" He smiled and held her long arms in the air, at as far distance as he could with his shorter ones and had her turn around in a circle so he could observe her at all angles, "Amralime...I am the luckiest creature in Middle Earth, that I am being crowned King pales to the fact that, today...you will be recognized, in front of all, as my Queen," and he got down on one knee in front of her and kissed her hand. Tauriel had a quick tear, but bade him to rise and they kissed passionately once again.
After they broke apart he had Tauriel sit in the same chair as last night and began brushing her hair, around where he had put the beads in last night. As he brushed, he asked, "So, Amralime...were you able to get some rest last night?" She loved the feeling of Kili brushing her hair, so it took her a moment to realize he was asking her a question. "Oh...yes...yes, my love, I did get enough repose last night. And how about yourself? I fear it was very late after you left my chamber..." Kili smiled from behind her in the chair. He didn't want to detail the awful dreams he had had to Tauriel and worry her; but just chuckled and said he was used to getting much less sleep, and told her yes, he was able to rest.
He reached for those pretty pink and purple flowers and ribbon that were delivered last night. Tauriel sat in the chair for a good long while, while Kili busily whirred and weaved in his task. He finally let her look in the mirror and thought he did an amazing job. The beads still in place, but the rest of her hair was gathered in a high ponytail at the back of her head, letting it cascade down in beautiful curls, to this he weaved the ribbon and flowers in. She reached up an touched the flowers and did feel some comfort for having a part of nature so close to her on this day. They took final looks at each other and asked, "are you ready?" to which they both giggled again. Tauriel put her arm through the crook of Kili's elbow and they headed off.
As they walked, they noticed everyone in the Mountain were dressed up in their best finery, and, in turn everyone admired how handsome Kili looked, and for an elf, they did admit to themselves that Tauriel was one of the prettiest ones they had ever seen-for being tall, not much meat on 'er bones and no facial hair...but most would just smile and say...ahh well...if that's what our King desires...plus she is a fine warrior, they'd chuckle.
The pair arrived at the Royal Dining Hall and as they entered they saw most dwarves of the Company were there, finishing their meals. All present looked at the couple admiringly and rose and bowed, to which Kili and Tauriel (sheepishly for her part), returned, and everyone sat back down and the conversations generally got started up again. They took their usual spots and Balin, Dis, Dori, Ori and Bilbo all commented to them how handsome Kili was and pretty Tauriel looked on this fine day. The couple thanked everyone for their words as breakfast was quickly supplied to them. Breakfast today consisted of layers of sweetbread with a custard filling, sausage links and honeyed berries off to the side. Neither seemed nervous and began to dig into their portions quickly. Most of the other dwarves had almost finished theirs and were excusing themselves from the table to finish their last minute tasks before the Coronation in just a few hours' time. Bilbo, Dis and Balin stayed though and chit chatted with the couple as they ate.
Dis was detailing the seating arrangements, "So, my son...the King's throne will be at the middle, the head of the gathering, on a raised dais. I will be in the seat to your right, and Tauriel will be at the seat to your left, ours will also be on the dais. Tauriel will enter just after me, and we will be in our places, when you enter with Balin in front of you, and Dwalin behind." Bilbo was eager to find out where he was seated, so Dis turned to him and said, "As yes, my good Master Hobbit...when you enter the Gallery of Kings you will see up towards the front are a few rows of finely carved chairs at angle, between the raised dais and great number of rows of benches that the dwarves will be sitting on. To the left of the King's throne, these angled rows will be the assembled host of great elf lords that have made the trip to Erebor to witness the Coronation. You will be seated with them and the wizard Gandalf will be there, next to you." Dis continued, "And to the right, in the angled rows will be Lord Bard of Dale and his family; and other dignitaries and emissaries front the world of men. The dwarves of the Company, not participating in the ceremony, will be in the first row of benches, on the left."
Balin interjected, "Lady Dis, I wanted to inform you that I received word that Lord Auier of the Firebeard clan and Lord Bune of the Broadbeam clan have made the journey for the Coronation and are prepared to swear fealty to Kili, as King of dwarves." Dis had a pleased look on her face with this news, "Ahh...that is very well Balin. It is good news to hear of our close allies' loyalty. And what of the other clans? Have their representatives made the journey?" Balin replied, "Well, yes... King Xen'ab of the Blacklock clan has come for the Coronation and wishes an audience with King Kili after the Coronation." "Hmm...I see," Lady Dis replied. Balin added, "As expected, we have not received word from the Ironfists or Stiffbeard clans," to which, Lady Dis tsk'ed. She replied, "That is a shame, that in this new era of peace, they would not come to offer their congratulations to my son. Not unexpected...but, in time, they will see that my son will be a just and strong ruler for all dwarves, and they may eventually come around."
Kili and Tauriel just looked at themselves and shrugged, and put aside these thoughts of lofty political matters for now, and tried to enjoy the excitement and fun of this day. Balin then handed Kili a piece of paper, "Here is your speech, after you receive the Crown and mantles of Kingship, as everyone will be expecting to hear how you intend to rule. I know you like to speak from your heart, but you should look over these points and try to touch on some of them. In fact, after breakfast, we should adjourn to a private room, where I would like to hear you practice." Kili look a bit taken aback, but replied sure.
Dis then turned to Tauriel, "My Dear...after Kili's speech is when you will be crowned as Queen. After you receive your tokens to rule, it will be your task to distribute the gifts to the main dignitaries and dwarf members that are present." Tauriel looked a tad bit horrified at the prospect of having all eyes in the Gallery on her, and while she was doing something she had not in the slightest prepared for. Dis smiled at her in a motherly way, "I will be right there to help you my Dear. In fact, while Kili is practicing his speech with Balin, why don't you come with me and I will go over the items you will be handing out." Tauriel exhaled a little bit but noticed Bilbo looked a little forlorn. Dis piped up and said, "I am sorry Master Hobbit, but we do not seem to have a task for you, during the ceremony." Bilbo smiled, and said, "That's okay. Being the center of attention isn't one of my favorite things anyway. Seeing as you all will be busy, I think I should like to go find Gandalf and would like to say hi to Lord Elrond and Thranduil, and meet the others that have traveled to the Mountain in the little time we have left before the ceremony starts." Balin replied, "Yes, everything will start in just a few hours time and the guests will start filing in soon, so that should be fine."