Many many Thanks to my beta reader They call me Mary

Italics are Bombur's thoughts.

Enjoy!

"Come on! Wake up, Bombur!" said Bofur "We'll be late for the feast!"

"What ?" asked Bombur sleepily.

"For Durin's day, you fool! The New Year's festivities have already begun. Everybody is going to be there!"

"Oh, yes, I remember now… but it doesn't matter if I come or not…" he replied sadly.

"And why not?"

"Because you won't let me eat whatever I want! You are so obsessed with me losing weight!" replied the Dwarf irritably. His brother was driving him mad lately. He was determined to make him look like one of those young, hot-shot warriors always strutting around. Something Bombur didn't like at all, but he could not do anything otherwise. "Anyway I am almost sure that you are going to make me babysit…won't you? Someone has to care for the little ones…"

"Ah… that one…As you know it is a tradition to exchange gifts on Durin's Day. So, I shall let you know what my gift is for you now, only if you promise me that you will get up and get ready. We are running late, you know!"

The mention of a gift peaked Bombur's interest. "I promise!" he answered, now excited. He had a healthy appetite for presents (much like his one for food!), as with most Dwarves.

"You may eat all you want today! No rules, no restrictions! I won't intervene at your dinner, not even once!" his brother informed him merrily.

"Really? Hurray! Wait for me! I'll be ready in a minute!"

Bombur got up faster than he had ever done before. He moved around like a hurricane, all the while singing a song,; something quite unusual for him. After several minutes he joined Bofur and his sister-in-law outside the house. In the distance Bombur could see his nephew and nieces where heading to their grandfather's home alongside some other children. He was too old to attend feasts now, so he had apparently volunteered to babysit and let the adults enjoy themselves.

How kind of him! I shall prepare for him tomorrow his favourite meat pie.

They began walking towards the central square, side by side. The passageways were decorated with banners bearing the sigil of the House of Durin. All those they passed were dressed in their best finery. Sparkling jewels and precious metals were draped around necks and glistened on fingers. The braids in their hair and beards were magnificent and well groomed. Everyone wore huge smiles for none had any reason to be worried or sad on this day.

When they reached their destination, he saw that it too was adorned with great banners and tapestries. Flowers of different kinds sat in corners: blue lilies, red and white roses, there were even some orchids. Such was a rare sight in the Dwarf cities, as they needed sunlight to grow, so only on special occasions would they fetch flowers from the foot of the mountain.

Bombur noticed people were starting to fill the seats of the tables; which had been placed in a large circle. All would be treated as equals today. In the middle the space was left empty for the dancing to come. Along the eastern edge of the hall were the hearths used to prepare the meals. On the opposite side many musicians were setting up and tuning their instruments.

They found a place to sit next to their cousin Bifur. He started talking to them as soon as they were seated; he was especially delighted as Thorin Oakenshield had asked him to perform a song in ancient Khuzdul. Bifur could not help but puff up his chest in pride. Fortunately for Bombur, he did not demand any kind of comment, so he was free to guess what courses corresponded to the different smells filling the air.

Thorin's deep and regal voice interrupted his musings. The hall immediately went silent, all paying attention to their lord.

"I am glad that I am here, amongst such excellent Dwarves. I wish that the following year will be as productive and plentiful as the one just past. Let the feast for the New Year begin!"

All the Dwarves clapped cheerfully as it was a good and short speech, unlike their leader's usual style. He usually went on and on, reminiscing about their glorious ancestors, without noticing his audience was becoming drowsier by the second. Furthermore, it was the beginning of the feast that everyone awaited so much.

The dinner consisted of seven courses, one dedicated to each one of the great Dwarven leaders. The first course was a nice spicy onion soup. It was called the "Misty Mountains' Soup" as it is always steaming when served, and most Dwarves tend to become a bit "misty" after eating it due to its spices. Bombur had to admit that he had never savored a better one; even his own was of lesser quality. He made a mental note to find out who the cook was and ask for tips. He liked keeping a cookbook with new recipes and variants of the old ones. One day he would like to pass down his cookbooks to his nephews.

While his sister-in-law was too hot to continue eating the soup, second course was served. It was a cold pie full of cheese and vegetables, served with a mug of milk (for those who required it). It was the perfect choice to follow on from the spicy soup.

At that point many people began exchanging their gifts. Bombur pulled from his pockets his presents for his brother, sister-in-law and cousin. They all laughed a lot when they saw the toys he had made for them; their favorites as kids. A wooden sword for his cousin, a drum that could be put to music for his sister-in-law and a small wooden dog for Bofur. Bifur gave him his present, too. A new cookbook, because "you finish your old ones quickly!". His sister-in-law gave him a beautiful new clip for his long braid. The polished copper cuff complemented his auburn beard nicely.

The next courses arrived after that: a hearty meat pie, a stew made of red wine, tomato, rabbit and lots of pepper. Mead, wine and ale were served as well. Bofur was true to his word; he let him eat as much he wanted; he served himself twice from each course. And by the time the meat of the hearths was served he had eaten a lot more than he had the last couple of days!

While he enjoyed the food and the company of his half-drunk companions; musicians began playing music. Shortly afterwards many people began to dance merrily. Bombur didn't join them, but he was enjoying seeing them while he ate the sixth course, sweet cakes, pastries and biscuits. At his third refill of the pastry, Bifur sang his song. He had a pleasing voice. Bombur made a note to ask him to sing for them more often from now on their family meals.

During the seventh course (dried fruits and aged cheeses), Bofur joined his brother, he had been dancing with his wife for the last few songs and now needed a quick break. After taking a swig of ale Bofur looked over the rim to his brother, Bombur was starting on another honey cake and Bofur smirked at the sight.

"I suppose you're enjoying yourself then?"

Bombur could only nod as a response.

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