here's a bit of a longer chapter! Okay, so I wanna alert you guys about something now. It's not bad, I promise! ;) okay, so I know that this is supposed to be humor and romance, and there's gonna be a lot of both, I promise. BUT. (Don't you hate those?) BUT, I will warn you that there are gonna be some serious themes on here. Not bad, just things like Sauron and orcs and- you get the point. I don't want this to be a all-cheesy-the-world-is-perfect-happily-ever-after-never-have-a-problem type story. So, that being said, I just want to let you know. :) so saying please enjoy, and as always, thank you for all of the follows, favorites, and reviews... Is it too much to ask for for just a few reviews? I haven't been getting very many... Anyways, enjoy!
miaraelerina: hey oh yeah, they are. Thanksgiving up soon! Yay!
Chapter 6
I woke up to Saph as usual, and as I tumbled out of bed, stifling a yawn, stumbled over to my closet to pull on the dress that Lady Dìs had fitted me for yesterday. It was royal blue, with silver streaks that made the shape of a dragon and a Phoenix intertwined, and a pair of soft slippers to go with them.
It was comfortable enough for a dress, and I sat down to brush through my hair. After doing it in the two braids and pinning them back with the clip that Father had given to me all that time ago, I brushed Saph. We headed out to breakfast.
Dwarven meals are huge, and often I am given worried looks by the company, who I have reunited with, at the small amount I eat compared to all that they eat. I just shake my head with an amused smile as they try to give me more.
I leaped up when Bilbo and Gandalf walked in, and rushed to get and give a hug. Gandalf laughed as Bilbo scolded me for not visiting. I just pretended to be thoroughly chastened as I sat, and listened as he went off on another tirade at how skinny I looked and how I should be eating more.
Fili and Kili, thankfully, saved me as they dragged me off to show me their favorite places. Gandalf was busy setting up his fireworks, while the rest were preparing their last-minute preparations for the festival. In reality, Ki and Fi only wanted me to help them in their own last-minute preparations... For the big prank they were going to pull on the balcony. Remember, I claim non-association!
After all of that was finally done, I huffed and blew a piece of hair out of my face, and made a face. I was seriously warring internally between a laugh and fear of being found out, though I wasn't so much afraid of being punished by anyone as much as how crimson my face would be. I sighed and instead hurried off with Saph to go see Bilbo.
I arrived in his room and threw the door open, waltzing in and calling: "Bilbo? Sorry I was dragged away so fast! I've come to make up for it-" I stopped at the sight that greeted my eyes. Bilbo was looking down at himself with a morose face, and when he saw me, he turned red and looked so utterly embarrassed that I choked as I laughed.
Poor Bilbo had no idea how to get himself properly dressed in the clothes he had been given, and as a result, the Mithril coat was askew, the belt studded with gems was haphazardly hanging on, dragging down from the weight of Sting that hung from it, improperly fastened. I finally got over my throes of laughter and began to help him.
Finally, it was all on right and everything was ready to go. I asked him about his travels and arrival in the Shire, only to choke down my laughter in the middle of his story about arriving to find the Sackville-Baggins attempting to move into Bag End, only to turn red and pale at the sight of him coming down the road and whistling merrily a dwarven tune, because we had entered the great hall.
It was decided that after the speech and greetings, credits and whatnot, the Company would retire to the balcony to throw decorum to the wind and act as though they were back in Rivendell, using the chairs for firewood and roasting sausages over said fire, not to mention making Bombur fall from his perch... I don't know if that is on the agenda. Okay, maybe I do- nooo, don't make me tell yet!
Bilbo and I were led to the grand dais at the front of the room, and I was seated between Father and Gandalf, four seats down from the throne. Fili and Kili were on either side, Balin and Dwalin were next, and then Gandalf and then me, and then, of course, Father. After everyone was settled, King Thorin tapped the table. It echoed throughout the room, and the hall filled with dwarves from almost all of the kingdoms, men from Laketown, and a few elves of Mirkwood fell silent.
"Dwarves, men, and elves! Welcome to the halls of Erebor!" There was a wild cheer form the dwarves. He raised his hand and then continued. "It is Durin's day, and the anniversary of the day Erebor was reclaimed! We welcome you all from whatever land you hail from, and we wish to give mention to several important people with whom without we never could have reached and found the doors of these halls. You all have heard the story, and I have made it my personal task to give all of the important people honorable mention. Firstly, to Gandalf the Grey, who made the gathering of the company possible," Gandalf stood and bowed, to the eruption of cheers, especially from me and several others.
"And then to each dwarf of the comapany, who each contributed his life, time, effort, and skills to make this journey possible-" he proceeded to name each one, who stood and bowed, to the cheers of everyone.
"To our brave hobbit Bilbo Baggins, whose silent steps made it possible to walk into the halls and scout without being seen all throughout the journey-" and here more cheers erupted, with whistles from the company. I personally testify to the swooning of several women in the crowds.
"And now I wish to present one of our greatest heroes, our good dragon-friend Smaug the Magnificent!" People erupted in such cheers my ears rang, not to mention that my ears are like my father's- much more sensitive than normal beings. Father stood and bowed. Again, I personally testify to, this time, even more swooning women. Hey, what can I say? My Father IS handsome, as far as standards go.
Thorin raised his hand after a few moments, and the halls went deathly quiet. When even the echoes had faded, he continued in a softer tone. "And I want to give special mention to our greatest hero of all on this journey. Not only did she make it possible to form an alliance with he elven kingdom of Mirkwood, not only did she remove the curse from the Arkenstone, not only did she help us in restoring Erebor, but she brought our best friend Smaug to the light, and also made it possible for I and my nephews, and many other dwarves, men, and elves to be alive with her sacrifice in the Battle of Five Armies. For this, we will always be grateful to her. May our kin always look upon her with favor and remember all she has done for us!" All those in the halls, even those on the dais, stood and began to clap and cheer, whistling and stamping. I sat there, stunned. He gave me too much credit! I finally remembered to stand, and did so shakily, giving a curtesy.
I opened my mouth to speak, and after a few moments, everyone sat down to hear me. My voice trembled slightly as I began. "Dwarven kind, my good friends; Men of Laketown and all other men who may be here, to whom I give honor and respect to their Master Lord Bard of Laketown; Elves of my homeland, Mirkwood, my people whom I cherish and love; Gandalf the Grey, the Wandering Wizard, who is like a godfather to me; Smaug, my dear Father; Bilbo Baggins, my brother and bestest hobbit friend, and elf-friend; The company, whom I always remember with fondness; Lord Thorin, who I give respect and honor to for all he has done for his people, and whom I hail as rightful King under the mountain; his nephews, my brothers in arms, Kili and Fili; I thank you all and I wish to give you my love and gratitude." Several cheers arose.
I smiled softly and continued. "I cannot express my thanks to Lord Thorin for his gracious words, and I now stand to refute that he has embellished them rather beyond proportion-" Shouts of stern denial arose from those at the dais, even from Gandalf and Thorin himself. "But I thank them anyway, and hope that Ori, my friend, has written down and distributed among you all the true, unembellished account of all of our parts in the journey. I could not have done it without Gandalf and the Lady of Light, Galadriel of Lothlòrien. I wish I could know the proper words to express my gratitude to you all for accepting my Father and I; and I wish for everyone to know that I have a heart for Erebor, even though I belong with my people in the elfin kingdoms of Mirkwood and Rivendell. So please, as we celebrate this day, please remember that though they are not here, I bring to you the goodwill of both kingdoms and my own fondest feelings!" I finished, and curtsying, sat back down.
After another round of cheers that about made my ears bleed, all began to eat and those on the dais began to disperse to the balcony. I arrived there with Bilbo and Father, who was ribbing Bilbo mercilessly about always being 'the thief in the shadows.' I was smiling and still thinking of my speech when we arrived.
I suddenly tripped and fell over the threshold, but fell into the arms of Bofur instead, who was grinning down at me. I sighed. "Uncle Bofur, I wish I could be more graceful in Erebor. I must remind my feet that you will not always be there to catch me." The corners of my mouth twitched as I made it back on my feet. I pulled my coronet off and settled it properly on my head. It was my most elaborate one that I had, the one for ceremonies that clearly marked me the Princess of Mirkwood for those who were well acquainted in the art of making such pieces. One that the dwarves excelled in.
"Indeed, Narylfiel. I hope you did not trip over some device?" Thorin raised his eyebrow. I looked back at the doorway and grinned. "If Kili and Fili did not remove it, then no, Uncle, I think not."
The protest from the two were swift. Thorin merely shot them a suspicious glance and headed to his chair. I suddenly remembered what the boys had done to the chair and started coughing violently to cover my laughs. Said two were sitting down with innocent looks on their faces. Thorin paused. "Naryl? Are you alright?" It was echoed by several others. He was so close to sitting down! I finally got ahold of myself and choked out, "Yes, sorry, I believe my fall made my dress tug in the wrong place." It wasn't a lie. It had pinched. Hard.
He nodded again and then sat down- only to have the chair legs come flying out from where they had been sawed and precariously balanced beneath the seat. Lord Thorin Oakenshield took an inglorious tumble to the stone floor of the balcony. I stared in pretended shock, then promptly burst out in shrieks of laughter, trying to cover them up- unsuccessfully. I felt the eyes of the dwarves on me and looked up. "It wasn't me, I promise as my honor as a Phoenix!" The dwarves decided it was a good time to laugh heartily.
Thorin growled from where he now settled himself on the floor where he had fallen, to the added merriment of the group, "Whoever did it should be glad that I am in a cheerful mood." The twinkle in his eyes proved otherwise. After picking around, I decided that the best place to sit was- I never got there. "Here lass! Here's a bit o' room!"
"No, over here!" Arguments broke out.
"Enough! She will sit here, and all of you will, if necessary, take turns to sit beside her, if you're going to be so stubborn." Thorin chided, patting the spot next to him.
"You're the one to talk, uncle." I started, taking the spot. "Everyone knows that you are the living definition of stubborn, not to mention YOU get to sit next to me, now." I said airily, sticking my nose in the air. I winked at the group, who was currently trying to look shocked but was failing miserably.
Thorin huffed. "Blasted humor." He mumbled under his breath.
"Humor, or discernment?" Asked Smaug, lounging lazily and cracking one eye open. There was a look there I didn't like. Possessiveness. Father was very possessive of me, and I knew that right now he was rather unhappy that I was not sitting next to him. I flashed him a reassuring smile, and the look faded somewhat. To a safe degree, anyways.
Thorin decided not to answer. As the conversation started, along with much laughter and reminiscing, the dwarves began to come and sit next to me, telling me funny stories and asking me some questions as well. Fili and Kili plopped themselves beside me with characteristic grins and blabbed my ears off. When they finally left, I was gasping for air and holding the stitch in my side. Not that I was complaining, mind you.
Suddenly: "Watch out!" Acting on instinct, I scrambled away- only to hear the muffled yells of the dwarves who had just opened the doors to the balcony and had a bucket of water spilt over them. My stitch grew larger.
After that episode had calmed down, Ori came to sit next to me, his book clutched in his hands. He sat down shyly while I smiled at him. "So, what questions to you have to ask of me now, dear journalist?" I asked, using Thorin's arm as a support for my back, to his disgruntlement and the dwarves' amusement. "About what it's like to live in a palace? I though you knew plenty!" I joked, nudging him.
He smiled shyly and replied timidly: "Well, if you don't mind, I'd like to ask you some questions..." He trailed off.
I grinned. "Oh Ori, I love answering questions of that sort." I said gently. "Now, ask away." I said, squiggling until Thorin's arm decided to feel a little more comfy.
He began. He asked me questions on what it was like to be a princess and what my duties entailed, what I did for sport, what was it like to live in Mirkwood, did I go on patrols, blah blah blah. I answered every one thoroughly. It was rather enjoyable, actually. "Oi, Ori, show her that picture you drew of her from when she worked with us in cleaning the treasure!" Called Dwalin.
Ori blushed furiously and then sheepishly gave me the book after turning a few pages. I took the large volume gently and carefully, and saw the sketched pictures of me. I covered my mouth with my hand and tears beaded in the corner of my eyes. They were well drawn, carefully sketched with effort. On one page, it depicted me with wings, clearly flaming. My eyes were almost blazing on the page and the fire curled around me. I was looking directly at the face of the person looking at the picture. Orcs, goblins, wargs, dwarves, men, and elves alike were staring at me, eyes wide and mouths open.
On the next page, there was me again, tears running down my visible cheek, half a smile on my face and eyes closed in obvious bliss. Ashes coated me in a fine layer, and a human Smaug clutched me where I sat in his lap, face buried in my hair and drops of tears falling off of my hair. It was so well done that for a moment, every emotion that had crashed in me that day came back in a wave.
My hands shook and I smiled through my half sob. "Oh Ori. They're- incredible." I traced my fingers over the page reverently. "Are you sure that you haven't ex-" I hiccuped. "Exaggerated it a bit?" I asked, giving him back the book. He looked pleased.
"Lass, stop under mounting yourself!" Exclaimed Gloin sourly. "It's correct to the last stroke." The dwarves murmured in agreement. I sighed.
"I stand corrected." The last of my tears were whipped away and Ori decided to ask one more question.
"Would you- would you mind if I sketched your crown?" He asked hesitantly. I smiled and took it off, handing it to him. He grew wide eyed and carefully took it from me, handling it gingerly. "It's not heavy." He noted with wonderment. I smiled.
"No, it's not as heavy as it looks. The leaves are supposed to represent mallorn tree leaves, the dragon represents my position as daughter of Smaug, the flames show my own powers, and the starlight gems represent my position as royalty in the kingdom of Mirkwood." I explained, eyes half shut.
"You know, uncle, I think you are very comfortable." I said, faking a yawn. The dwarves were snickering at his offended glare. I just hummed innocently and pulled my coronet back on after Ori had finished sketching it.
"Oi, Bombur! Catch!" Yelled Bofur. Sausage caught, an ominous creaking. Bombur had just enough time to widen his eyes and open his mouth before the chair crashed and he rolled away on the floor- coming to a halt to reveal the words written in black ink on his back: "common courtesy of Bombur to his hosts' floors."
The dwarves were roaring. Kili, Fili, I am going to kill you. My stitch had just gone away not long ago!
Later, as I stumbled my way back to the quarters I shared with Father, a sleepy smile on my face, I remembered the fireworks. I would have to thank Gandalf later. They were magnificent, bursting in flares of shapes and colors, and the one that had seemed to be the most appreciated was the one that took form of all of the company.
He had even done one of Father and I, a dragon sheltering a flaming girl with wings between his claws and tail. Father had been pleased, and I had shrieked with delight like a little girl. The dwarves had been amused and pleased as well.
Yes, I would have to thank him tomorrow, I thought sleepily. As soon as I hit the bed I fell asleep, not even caring that I hadn't undressed.