Fíli

It was the day of Bain's wedding and Sigrid seemed to feel better. She had gone to Dale and some healers there had given her herbs to help settle her stomach. Still, Fíli feared it was more serious than she said. He had a feeling she was hiding something from him. But what she refused to say, he had no idea. She had spent most of her time in Dale, no doubt in preparation for the wedding, and when he asked her about her health, she remained evasive, as if she did not want to worry him. What was it? He feared that her state was worse than she wanted to admit.

"Are you sure you're strong enough for the feast?" he asked as they both got dressed. "We can leave after the ceremony so you can rest, if you don't feel up to it."

She shook her head. "I assure you, I'm quite alright. Actually, I'm looking forward to the feast. And the dance."

And indeed, she looked well, her cheeks glowing pink as she smiled at him, eyes bright with joy. She was more beautiful than ever, in her light blue gossamer dress. The most perfect diamonds were hanging from her neck and ears, but she had left her hair without any ornament. Even so, she was the most precious gem in all the Mountain and his heart swelled as he looked at her. For the first time, he realized he would not know what to do if he lost her. Why such negative thoughts on such a lovely day? Her illness worried him so much that he could not help it.

But she seemed not to notice his concern as she helped him tie his hair, a light smile on her lips.

"And maybe if you're not too tired after all that, we can spend some quality time together" she teased, blushing a little.

He had kept away from her during those days of sickness, waiting for her state to improve. He missed their lovemaking. Much more than he had expected. He wanted nothing more than to be inside of her, but he had not wanted to bother her. If she felt strong enough, though, there was still time before the ceremony.

"Why wait until tonight?" he said, catching her in his arms, but she laughed as she snaked away.

"Oh, but the wait makes things better, doesn't it?" she exclaimed. "Come, we don't want to be late."

Always the voice of reason, he thought with a sigh. But she was right. It would not do to make Thorin wait.

They all left the Mountain in a procession, Thorin and Dís up front, followed by Sigrid and Fíli arm in arm, and Kíli alone at the rear. The day was clear and sunny, and the birds, which had returned in flocks after the dragon's death, were singing. Bright colors hung from every window. The rebuilding was going well, it seemed. Although Thorin remained stern the whole way, Fíli smiled gracefully at the people of Dale who had amassed in the streets to greet them.

They were met in the great market place by Bard and his daughter Tilda, and the ceremony began. It brought back memories of his own wedding and how doomed he had felt at the time. But fate had given him the most wonderful wife, he thought, holding Sigrid's hand to his lips fondly. She stared at him as if that was the most inappropriate thing to do. He did not care. He wanted everyone to witness the love he had for her. And indeed, he could not focus on anything that was not her. In his mind still resonated the promise she had made.

At last, the ceremony was over and they all took their place at the royal table, Thorin at Bard's side, Sigrid next to her sister-in-law Hilda. There were countless trays and benches for all the people of the city who made merry with their new wealth. Fíli kept a close eye on his wife, worried that all that rich food might make her sick again. But she ate with good cheer, although he noticed she kept away from all that was fat. She was offered wine but she declined, asking for water instead. She talked a lot with Hilda, laughing and holding the other girl's hand in hers. She seemed merrier than ever, and the sun shining bright in the sky lent some gold to her hair. She was right, she did not need any jewels to shine. Already, the people of Dale were calling them "the golden couple". He did not know how he felt about that sudden popularity. He had never wanted the attention.

Suddenly, he felt a little hand on his arm and a pair of grey eyes, so much like Sigrid's, gazing at him eagerly.

"Lord Fíli, will you come and dance?" Tilda asked, hopping up and down excitedly.

He had not noticed that music had started and people were beginning to gather in a round. One look at his wife was enough to know that she approved, so he let Tilda guide him in the round. People cheered at them as the little girl showed him the steps. He searched for Sigrid at the royal table, and there she was, clapping her hands in support.

After a while, people called for both royal couples to dance and he went to fetch Sigrid. They clasped hands with Bain and Hilda and the four of them entered the round to the crowd's delight and applause. Sigrid was laughing with utter joy and Fíli reflected he had never seen her so joyful, even when they were together. they turned and whirled until both of them were out of breath, and he led her out of the round for a well-deserved rest.

They walked away hand in hand. Evening had fallen but the lights from the city lit up the whole sky. In the distance, the Mountain loomed over, its peaks white with everlasting snow. Sigrid was humming a tune along with the music from the wedding, her hand clutching his as she had never done before. They used to walk arm in arm, but she had a dislike for holding hands.

"You are in pretty high spirits tonight, my love" Fíli said as they made their way under flower-woven trellis.

"Isn't Hilda the cutest thing on this earth?" Sigrid asked with a smile. "I loved her flower crown, that was a really nice touch."

"I wouldn't know" Fíli answered. "I had only eyes for you."

They were on the stairs leading down from Dale now and he stopped, one step higher than Sigrid.

"You're too sweet" she replied, gazing into his eyes.

They stood lost in each other's eyes for the longest time, unaware of the sounds from the feast continuing in the distance.

"I don't know what it is, but you are certainly glowing today" Fíli finally said.

"Am I?" she asked, a small smile gracing her lips. "I guess. They said it happened to some women when-"

She interrupted herself, looking down at her feet.

Placing a finger under her chin, Fíli raised her face to gaze at her, brows furrowed.

"When what, Sigrid?" he asked.

She took a deep breath before replying. "I'm with child."

He gaped. She was pregnant. She was carrying his child. Their child. A million different thoughts collided in his mind as he stood there, staring at her with widening eyes. He had always known it had to come to this, but so soon? He was not prepared. What was he supposed to do?

Fireworks exploded in the sky to celebrate the newly-weds, startling him from his

thoughts. His eyes focused back on Sigrid, still waiting, expectant. She was biting her lips, visibly anxious. But words eluded him. He was too overwhelmed with conflicting emotions. He turned away, pacing on the steps, trying to calm the turmoil in his head.

"Oh, I see now" he heard her say, her voice a little shrill. "I shouldn't have waited so long to tell you. But I wanted to be sure. Absolutely sure."

He spun on his feet, finally breaking his silence. "How long have you known?"

"A week now" she said, looking at him with hopeful eyes. "Please tell me you're not angry" she continued, getting hold of his hands.

He was thinking fast now. A week. It matched the beginning of her illness. He had known she was hiding things from him. He had supposed the disease was more serious than she wanted to say. He had been so worried! But instead, she was with child. And his mother knew. She had to. That was why they had stayed so long in the kitchen that evening. He sighed with relief, finally allowing himself to recognize his emotions. She was not sick. Another life was growing inside of her, a tiny being born out of their love. It was the most amazing news in the world. His face relaxed into the widest grin and he took her in his arms.

"Oh, Sigrid" he murmured in her ear. "This is wonderful!"

"You're not angry, then?" she asked, voice trembling.

He cupped her face in his hands. "How could I ever be angry at you?" he replied. "This is the happiest day of my life!"

He kissed her as the fireworks displayed their most beautiful colors, high up in the sky.

"Are you still up to some quality time together?" he asked, rubbing his nose on hers. "Because I'm really not feeling sleepy."

She smiled. "Always."

After so many days of abstinence, he could not wait any longer. As soon as they were home, he sat her on the table in the middle of the common room, crushing her mouth in his haste. His hands lifted her dress, caressing the whole length of her legs in the process. She pressed herself against him with urgency, getting rid of his belt and cloak. Her flesh was warm under his hand and he could tell she was already aroused. His fingers dipped into her wetness, grazing her bud.

"Fíli" she cried out, grabbing his shoulders.

He had been wanting to try that out for weeks now, but he was unsure if she would like it. Her squeals encouraged him and he rubbed his thumb on her button. She bucked her hips, moaning louder, as he stroked her gently. She closed her eyes, arching her back and he let her lie down on the table.

"Just tell me if there's anything you don't like" he said, moving to kneel between her legs.

Still rubbing her hot center, he started kissing the insides of her thighs, getting closer to the apex.

"What are you doing?" she asked, lifting her head as his mouth tentatively kissed her bud.

He raised his face to look at her. "You don't like it?"

"I don't know" she said. "Do it again."

He went back between her thighs, his fingers grabbing her butt as he licked her, lapping at her juices. His tongue lingered on her button and she moaned a long "yes", legs tightening. He sucked at it for a while, and she seized the edges of the table.

"Don't stop, please" she whimpered.

He continued sucking at it until her breath quickened and she writhed with her orgasm. She lied on the table, limp and out of breath, a smile painted on her lips.

"That was-" she started, unable to finish her sentence.

He looked at her, still in her dress and jewels, her large braid splayed on the table. He still wanted her. In fact, he wanted her more than ever. Giving her pleasure had only aroused him more, but he did not know if she would want to have him. She seemed to have had enough, so he just undid his breeches and started stroking himself to find some release.

She opened her eyes and raised herself, looking at him, fascinated. She advanced her hand to touch him as he had touched her, her fingers grazing his tip. Slowly, she encased him as he was doing, and he exhaled a moan.

"Please, continue" he rasped, guiding her hand back and forth his shaft, making her squeeze harder.

She slipped on the ground, kneeling, as she went on with her ministrations. He closed his eyes, releasing her hand, letting her take control. Suddenly, he felt her mouth on his member. She was kissing him as he had kissed her, all around his tip. He groaned as she finally licked the whole length of him. She stopped, as if unsure what to do next.

"Tell me what you want" she said in the lightest of whispers. "I want to please you as you pleased me."

Fíli swallowed hard, breath coming faster as he thought of all the things he wanted her to do.

"Take me in your mouth" he hissed.

She complied, placing her mouth around his tip, sliding forward. He groaned again and his fingers grabbed her hair. She sucked at him slowly, back and forth.

"Faster" he requested, tugging at her hair, but refraining from forcing her head down his shaft.

After a while, his breath became more ragged and he pulled away from her. He knelt in front of her, kissing her hard as he lifted her butt to slide inside of her. Still kneeling, he pinned her on the ground, his hips clashing on hers as he thrust eagerly.

"Yes" she moaned. "Take me, my lion."

Her words made him go wild and he unleashed all he had, pounding her mercilessly until he could no longer hold it back. He came with a loud grunt and she held him close in her arms, kissing his face.

"You are aware that I'm already pregnant" she murmured with a slight chuckle.

"Yes" he said. "But that doesn't mean we have to stop having sex. Unless it's not comfortable for you."

"In that case, I guess we still have a little time" she sighed happily. "And many other things to learn."