Great Majesty

"It is never too late to be what you might have been."-George Eliot

Dís looked at Coruwen with narrowed eyes. In her hands she held gold waves trying to braid them, but found it nearly impossible since Coruwen's hair would untangle itself in mere matter of seconds. The princess growled letting the hair drop. She didn't understand how the elves had found such time for little things like this.

"How do your people braid their hair when they are marrying someone?" Dís asked, finally giving into the fact that she couldn't braid the woman's hair. Coruwen glanced over her shoulder at Dís. "Typically, there is a circlet that is worn by the woman being married that is given by her parents. In Gondolin, maidens being married would braid their hair to resemble waterfalls." Coruwen explained as she fingers ran through sections of her hair. Dís watched intently as the elleth worked her hair into different sections and weaved them to form exactly what she had mentioned. "Its meticulous work and I am certainly no expert at it."

Dís observed the braid. She smiled, "I think I work with this design, my dear." The princess unraveled Coruwen's hair from the sloppy braid and began to rework it into an idea that had popped into her head. The braid would go across the woman's head to resemble the waterfall. "You know, I consider my brother lucky to have found one like you. I thought there might be a problem since you are an elf… But it seems I was wrong."

Dís had been wrong before, but it hurt her pride to say that she was wrong. She was a daughter of Thrain, and to hear that one was admitting they were wrong was simply unheard of. She heard a laugh come to her ears forcing her gaze up. "Balin told me about your brother's luck with woman before." Coruwen laughed. "Many chased him, and it has never been the other way around."

Dís laughed along with her. "Sadly, my brother had that bad stroke of luck. None of them seemed to fit him right," She cleared her throat. "What I am about to tell you, you can't tell him, understand?"

"My lips are sealed." Coruwen replied.

"When Frerin and I were in our middle years, we went off with Thorin to the mines where our Grandfather and Father were. There was a woman down there that had mentally claimed my brother as hers." Dís let out a laugh at the thought of the woman. "Thorin then proceeded to hide behind Frerin and Father until they left."

"Thorin hiding?"

"Well... It wasn't technically hiding, but he would step behind them and stay with me if that woman got close enough." Coruwen laughed as Dís removed her hands from the woman's hair. She smiled in triumph at her own work. "I like that… It suits you a great deal."

Coruwen's hands rose to touch the braid feeling the separate braids conjoin on the side of her head. She faced Dís, giving her a genuine smile. "Thank you, sister."

Dís' heart leapt a bit in her chest as she rested her hands on Coruwen's shoulders. "You're most welcome." She looked into the blue eyes of the elf before her catching a great amount of love in them. "Do you have a dress, Coruwen?"

The woman pursed her lips in thought. There was something wrong with that statement at first, and it was clear to see in the elf's eyes. Dís looked her up and down thinking over ideas in her head. "Gold would best suit you, I think." Dís thought aloud. "Matches your hair and ring; we could use a white cloak as well."

"Dís, you are genius." Coruwen smiled. "It will take time if it is made here though."

Dís silently agreed with her. If it were to be made quickly, it would have to be done by the elves, or people of Dale. Damn her brother and his poor planning! She clenched her hands into fists behind her back. She hated asking the Mirkwood elves for anything, but it seemed all other ideas were being tossed out the window.

"We could ask Mirkwood for help," Dís offered. Coruwen stared at her in confusion, tilting her head to the side. "I know it seems silly, insane almost, but there are no other options considering the way you are put together."

The elleth shrugged. "I see no wrong in it, but Thorin…" Her throat tightened a bit. "Thorin might have a problem with speaking to Thranduil."

"And I understand where my brother is coming from. I hate that man with every bit of my soul, but uh, we've run aground because of planning." Dís sighed deeply. "Would you speak to the Elvenking about this? I fear if Thorin does it, he might rip the elf's head off."

"I will," Coruwen ran a hand across her braid once more. Her soul was light to the point where all other vile thoughts drifted away into nothingness. "I will send a raven off to Mirkwood right now."

"Coruwen," The princess smiled faintly. "Thank you."

"W-What are you thanking me for?"

Dís let out a huff of laughter, placing a hand over her heart. It was nearly aching in happiness for her brother's gain. As she peered up at Coruwen, she shook her head. "Thank you for making my brother happy. He, out of all people, needed it."

Coruwen bowed her head to Dís. The elleth left the room for Cairn's roost leaving Dís with her thoughts. With any luck, she would have everything planned out in a week's time. In the back of her mind, she was mentally chewing Thorin out for inconsiderate planning. However, what fun would there be if there wasn't rushing? She tapped her fingers on the side of the archway, attempting to piece together some things she needed to do next. Whilst thinking, a woman walked up to her.

"Lady Dís, what a surprise," The woman laughed. Dís turned her attention up to the woman. She was an elderly woman, no older than Balin, with long grey hair that was in an artistic braid. This woman had come with Dís from Ered Luin, her name was Gilda.

"Hello Gilda," Dís said in a monotone voice. She went back to her thoughts, but Gilda stood beside her with a snide glint in her old eyes. How Dís hated Gilda… She would say that there were few dwarves that got on her bad side, but Gilda had her own spot in the princess's least favorite list. With a heavy sigh, Dís spoke. "What is it you need?"

Gilda smirked, "I have been hearing that you are helping that elf woman." When she said elf woman it was filled with disgust. "Why would you help an elf weasel her way into your brother's bed, hmm?"

"I suggest you watch your mouth, Gilda." Dís hissed. The fire of disdain for this woman was blazing deep within her heart as she ran her mouth.

"In all honesty, your brother shouldn't even be near that woman. She's poison and will do nothing but corrupt our people." Gilda buffed her nails on her skirts, looking at them intently. "She convinced your brother to kill my half sister's son. A crime most unforgiveable."

Mani was Gilda's half nephew? Dís stared at her like she had lost her mind. In fact knowing Gilda, she most likely had in her sleep without much notice. That aside, Dís knew where the rumors had come from now. She should've known it was this old hag from the start. Mentally, the princess was about ready to pounce on Gilda with a drawn sword.

Gilda sighed dramatically, "Next she's going to start ruining our people's heritage… And knowing elves-,"

"Gilda shut your mouth!" Dís snapped. The woman's mouth shut instantly. "Who all agrees with you on this matter?"

"Oh a few other women and men from Ered Luin," Gilda replied swiftly.

Dís' tone became dangerous, "I need names, woman."

"Now why in the name of Durin, would I do that?"

"Because, by all rights, I am still of noble birth and am your ruler until my brother marries." Gilda's dark eyes widened. "Speak quickly."

"Graham, Nadia, Grimbolt, and Hansel, there!" Gilda belted with shut eyes. Dís backed away withdrawing her dangerous tone and all. "You're not going to hurt me?"

Dís had an innocent look in her topaz eyes as she walked off, "No, of course not. Why would you assume that I would hurt you?" Dís said as she climbed the steps toward the throne room. She slipped inside to find Thorin, Fili, and Balin all speaking between the other. Instantly, Fili's eyes brightened up at the sight of his mother.

"Amad!" Fili cried. Balin and Thorin snapped their gazes to her when she came up to the steps of her brother's throne. "What's wrong?"

Dís gave her son a small smile and then it faded when she looked at Thorin. She had remembered her father looking exactly like Thorin did now when they were younger. Though Thrain wasn't king; when Thror had passed his disposition snapped into that temperament. Thorin had done the same. When she looked up at her brother, she saw her father smiling back at her.

"What do you need, dear sister?" Thorin asked. The smile on his face was fond, but dropped when he met her eyes.

Dís shifted her weight to her heels feeling Thorin's eyes bear down on her. She felt like a little girl again when Thorin would reprimand her when she ran off or did something out of line. She tapped the tip of her shoe on the stone floor. "I know who has been spreading rumors around," She stated. Thorin's eyes narrowed at the remark, and his hands curled around the arms of the stone throne. "It was Gilda, and a group of elders from Ered Luin."

"Damn that woman," Balin grumbled.

"I know there is little we can do, but they will soon have others of younger generations on their side," Dís explained. "Grimbolt and Nadia are just two of the four, and I was surprised that they do not care for Coruwen. However, I've been wrong about people."

"Let me deal with Grimbolt and Nadia, however Gilda has forever been a thorn in my side since I returned to this city. The others of the group might be swayed easily. I will see that they are taken care of," Thorin stated. Dís shared a look of worry with her brother. She tipped her head up, and he nodded to her. She sent a silent prayer to Mahal that her brother knew not to kill them. "Dís, where is Coruwen?"

Her eyes widened at the question, feeling her nerves race up her spine. "She didn't tell me where she was going after I finished speaking with her."

Thorin let out a hum in response as he rose from his seat to leave the hall. She watched her brother stride out of the hall and down a corridor leaving the iron wrought doors wide open. Her heart tightened in stress as she collapsed onto the steps. Fili was kneeling before her in an instant.

"Keep an eye on your uncle for me, Fili," Dís whispered. She ran a hand across her face feeling the stress overcome her like a wave. She felt swallowed by life right now. Fili took her hand and gave it a squeeze before walking off to follow after Thorin.

For I don't know what he'll do when pushed too far.

"You're worried he's going to do something out of line?" Balin inquired stepping down to Dís' level. He took her hand in gloved one and gave it a reassuring pat. "He's gotten over that stepping stone, I believe. Sadly, I've seen both of them fight to protect the other."

"What do you mean?"

"As Thorin fights to protect Coruwen; Coruwen must fight to protect him." The old warrior sighed heavily, worry prodding his spirit. "I will not cloud these coming days with sadness, for it is not the best of ideas."

"Right," Dís stood letting out a shallow breath. "I have been busying myself that I can't seem to get back up anymore."

Balin chuckled. "Are you asking me for help?"

Dís smiled bashfully. "Please?"

"Just tell me what needs to be done, and it shall happen, my dear." Balin rested a hand on Dís' shoulder, gripping it tightly. She smiled knowing that Balin would help her in this crazy endeavor.

Fili was getting tired of nearly having his uncle find him for the fourth time on this little expedition. Why send him on this job, when Kili is the sneaky one? He shook his head at his mother's idea. He tapped his fingers on a granite pillar as he listened to his uncle talk to a man named Grimbolt. The dwarf was an old guard from when Thror had ruled over Erebor many years ago. He had white hair and beard that was forked and he wore a leather cuirass along with black trousers. Fili noted how strong he appeared; his shoulders were rolled back and his arms well toned similar to Dwalin.

Note to self: Do not mess with this man in a fight…

Grimbolt had tried to weasel his way out of talking to Thorin, but found himself staring the king in the eye. Now, the old man was venting to his king. The voices were hushed, but Fili could depict whose voice was whose among the sound of clanking metal hammers and soft songs.

"I'm telling you, I only agreed with Gilda because she wouldn't leave me alone!" Grimbolt whispered. Fili saw Thorin's hands rest on Orcrist's pommel, tightening as the man spoke. Grimbolt fidgeted in his spot. "I am telling you no lie, my lord. You know how Gilda is when she decides to put her mind to something…"

"And I do not doubt you Grimbolt. Then let me ask you one thing," Thorin said, his voice becoming slightly suspicious. Fili slid further back into the shadows, hoping that Thorin's anger wouldn't get the better of him. "Do you trust Lady Coruwen to become your future queen?"

Nothing was spoken. Fili peeked around the pillar to see Grimbolt kneeling before Thorin. This was surprising to Fili; Grimbolt didn't look like the kind of man to bow before anyone. Fili picked up the man speaking again. "I-I do, she is a most trustworthy woman."

"You're not saying that to save your skin, are you?"

Grimbolt's head snapped up. "On my life, I trust your betrothed more than anything, my king." Thorin's grip on Orcrist lessened and his shoulders relaxed a bit. Fili let out a relief laced breath; feeling the tension remove itself from the room.

"Arsel, Grimbolt," Thorin backed away as the old guard stood from his kneel. He bowed his head to Thorin as the king left the room. Once he was far enough away, Fili darted after him. He found it strange that the other two people that had associated themselves with Gilda truly never allied themselves. They only agreed with the woman's logic because she was a gossip queen. Now, Fili knew some of the younger dwarves around his age were starting to listen to Gilda's crazy mutters and would verbally strike at Coruwen if given the chance.

Abruptly, Thorin stopped walking and whirled around. His eyes locked on where Fili would be, had he been walking in full view. The king tapped Orcrist's sheath on the ground, and leaned on it. "Fili, come out. I know you're there," Thorin stated.

Fili slinked out of the shadows, and walked down a flight of steps to reach Thorin's side. "How'd you know I was there?" Fili asked, raising one eyebrow.

Thorin chuckled ruffling his hair. Fili grabbed Thorin's arm in both hands and veered it away from him. "For one thing, you're hair gave you away. Another is you need to stop thinking aloud; voices echo." The king said as if it were obvious. Fili rolled his eyes as he followed after his uncle. "I know your mother doesn't trust my temper now, but I have full control of myself. She doesn't want me purposely cutting off people's heads anymore."

"Don't think about making it look like an accident."

"I never said that."

"Well, you were thinking it. So stop it." Fili bumped into Thorin's back when he came to stop before an open door. "Hey, what are you doing?"

Thorin raised a hand to him in signal to be quiet. When the echoing of his voice ceased, Fili heard a croak like voice talking to what sounded like children. He knew Gilda's voice by ear ever since he was little; she sounded like a frog. Only Mahal knew what kind of poison she was feeding those kids. Thorin turned to face him, and pointed to his spot.

Don't move…

Fili gave him a nod as he watched Thorin slip into the room. Gilda's voice ceased and gasped in surprise. "Why, my king?! What brings you here?" Gilda asked, her voice becoming fretting. Fili played with the gold trim of his tunic as he listened to Gilda spin her web of lies to Thorin. From there, he proceeded to play with a piece of rock by batting it around like a kitten. By the Valar, he was bored.

I bet Kili is getting bored out his skull right now.

His brother had been sent to speak with Bard about something. He couldn't remember what it was, but it wasn't important right now. He could hear his mother's laugh echo up from the halls nearby and the rustling of cloth. He picked up himself up and walked over to the pathway's edge to spy his mother and Balin carrying a rather large chunk of fabric.

"What in the-?" Fili mouthed as he watched his mother drop it, all the while laughing like a mad woman. He heard a familiar deep laugh from below that belonged to Gloín and Gimli as they carried another section of deep blue cloth. "What are they doing?"

A shriek made him bolt up to see Thorin walking out of the room with two guards behind him. They were carrying Gilda under the arms as she kicked and flailed in their grip. Thorin stood off to the side as the guards led Gilda off to a different section of Erebor. The elder woman sent curses flying from her mouth that appalled and angered Fili all at once.

"Where are you sending her?" Fili asked, picking his words carefully. The king inclined his head as he walked away forcing Fili to run after him. "Uncle, where are you sending-,"

"Away," Thorin interjected in a calm voice. The two walked down the corridors and halls until they stopped before the lower mines. "Fili, go and check on the miners. I need to attend to something."

Before Fili could answer Thorin had disappeared from sight. Fili grumbled under his breath as he ventured down into the mines. He could hear the clanking grow louder, and the songs echo off of the walls more and more. The songs kept time with the pickaxes as they chiseled away at veins of gold and rock. As Fili's eyes wandered around he suddenly bumped into something making his tumble to the ground.

"OUCH!" A voice cried. Beneath him lay Dori and Ori, who were both squirming to get free. Fili pulled himself up and wiped the dirt from his face. Ori rolled over and continued to draw in his sketch book. He was being a roadblock. Dori stood, dusting his pants and shirt off, throwing a glare over his shoulder at little Ori.

"Ori, move," Dori said, his voice becoming slightly stern. Ori glanced up at the massive wall of miners and then to his book, drawing each imperfection in detail. Dori sighed in defeat. "Ori, I'll get you a sweet roll if you would move."

Ori scooted over a bit, but still his pencil never moved in his fervent drawing. Dori glanced over his shoulder, shaking his head. "Do you need help, Dori?" Fili offered. Dori perked up at the sound of Fili's voice, nodding overzealously. "What is it you need?"

Dori walked over to his side, motioning up at Nori and Bofur, whom had gotten stuck in a rope bind and were hanging upside down by their feet. Fili held back a laugh by clearing his throat. "Bofur was trying to stop Nori from stealing, and they both somehow, got up there," Dori explained, shaking his head. "I do not know the details. I just know that we should get them down."

"Nori's fault for stealing," Fili pointed out with a small smirk. Dori glared at him, and Fili slinked away. "Fine, I'll help you get 'em down."

Dori led him to a lever that was stuck fast. Dori pushed on it with all of his might but it refused to budge. Fili eyed it, noting that a gear had a piece of rock stuck in it. With two fingers, he pried the rock loose and when Dori moved the lever two thumps were heard.

"You two ok?" Dori shouted. Bofur gave him a thumbs up and Nori's head popped up with a small scowl growing on his face. He picked up himself up and stormed past his brother, dragging Ori with him. Bofur crawled over to Fili and Dori with his floppy hat resting lopsided on his head. "Now you know just to let Nori get caught."

"Yeah, yeah; I was wrong, you were right." Bofur deadpanned. "Thank you for getting me down. The blood was starting to go to my head."

Fili smiled and turned back towards the entrance to the mines. "Oh, Fili, wait a minute." Dori said. The dwarf walked up to him with Bofur not too far behind. "You see, I don't get far away from these mines lately. Would you happen to know when Thorin is marrying Coruwen, would you?"

Fili nodded. "Durin's Day, in a week's time; nobody told you when?" Fili stated, feeling a bit guilty that one of the company didn't know about that event.

"Nope, didn't know anything. We asked Ori, but he told us it was a secret," Bofur put in as he readjusted his hat. Fili sighed, pinching the space between his eyes. "Thanks for telling us!"

"That's silly that Ori didn't tell the two of you. You guys are a part of the company," The heir let out a small growl. "If you guys want to help, you're more than welcome. My mother needs it right now."

"We'll be there when we have time," Dori agreed with a smile. Fili disappeared up into the main halls again in an attempt to find Thorin or Dís. He had no such luck with that idea, thus he decided would go find Balin to see what he could help with.

Coruwen had finally escaped the halls of Erebor for the time being, and decided to visit Ravenhill. She was mentally preparing herself for the coming week knowing that the day she had desired for so long was coming to her. It almost felt unreal to her. In fact, when Thorin had asked her to be his, she was unsure if he truly meant it. She breathed in the autumn air feeling how brisk it was, and how familiar it was to her.

Only a year ago she had climbed these slopes with Faenaur and the company to reclaim Erebor from Smaug. Her eyes observed the golden city of Dale sitting at the feet of Erebor with a dust of green grass on the hills on the Desolation of Smaug. The River Running fed into the rebuilt town of Esgaroth, which was a plain brown-grey dot compared to its grand golden neighbor. Coruwen had remembered when Dale was nothing but ruins, and Esgaroth was a slimy town full of suspicious people. Her home and the two cities were a simple testament to the power of a full bred dragon.

Coruwen's heart ached in longing for her dragoness. How she missed Freya and her playful banter, her grace, and beauty. She let out a long sigh as she walked up to Ravenhill's tower. The flutter of wings made her glance up to see Cairn hovering in flight just above her.

"Cairn, what do you need?" Coruwen asked. Cairn landed on her shoulder with his amber eyes aglow with happiness. "Ok, what has you happy then?"

Cairn let out a happy hum as he rubbed his sleek feathers with his beak. "It has been a long time since two people have married beneath this great mountain, according to my father." Cairn stated. "You should see how nervous your future husband is."

"Thorin isn't the type of man to be nervous. In fact, he seems rather happy to me," Coruwen replied, rubbing Cairn's chest feathers. The raven lord rubbed her hand with his head making a smile come to her face. "Since you seem to think that my beloved is nervous, and then tell me how he is so."

"He has been chewing others out lately. He threw out Gilda, daughter of Hester, because she was spreading lies throughout the kingdom about you." Cairn pointed out. Coruwen found this to be nothing new; Thorin did that whenever someone threatened one his friends or family. "He also has been rather tense."

"Odd…"

"Greatly, my lady. I think a woman's touch is needed to fix him…" Cairn said with a nudge towards her. Coruwen ignored his motions and settled herself on the railing overlooking the Desolation of Smaug. It was here that she knew when Thorin grew worried once. She had graced death here; fought its seductive grip and won, but had been fatally injured as a result. Her scars upon her arm, leg, and abdomen were examples of such injuries. "You could go see him to lighten his mood just a bit, you know."

"Cairn, drop it," Coruwen scolded. Her mind drifted off once more to when she had fallen asleep beside her king here above the tower. She glanced up at the raven, giving him a small flick in the beak. "I know you think I should see him, but I'm a distraction and he needs to focus."

"Fine, have it your way." Cairn turned his head away from her to tuck it beneath his wing when a sky rattling roar was heard upon the high. Coruwen knew that roar anywhere. "What in blazes was that?!"

"Freya!" Coruwen laughed, picking up her skirts she ran towards the roar's origin. It sounded as if it came from the back of the mountain. She ran back inside Erebor, slinking hr way towards a high balcony towards the top. Fili joined her side quickly.

"Is that who I think it is?" Fili asked as he kept up with her.

"Yes it is, Fili," Coruwen replied as she climbed the steps of a balcony to find Dís and Thorin all ready standing there awaiting them. Freya hovered above the great mountain with her head craned so she could look at the people before her. "Freya!"

Freya's amber eyes flicked to Coruwen as she landed in a heavy thump. She shook from nose to flicking tail whilst flinging water everywhere. When she finished, Freya placed her nose up on the balcony's rail gently allowing Coruwen to pet her nose. "It is good to see you, Dear One." Her eyes flicked over to Thorin. "And it is good to see as well, King under the Mountain."

Thorin placed a hand on Freya's nose, watching her intently. "It is good to be in your presence once more, Dragoness." Thorin stated in a clear voice. He backed away from her, allowing Fili to greet Freya in the same manner. Coruwen's heart did flips in her chest at the sight of her Dragon Queen again. "The hawk told us you were to be here in three days, and by my count it has only been one."

Freya smiled wryly. "Tis best to be early than late, Great King," Freya replied smoothly. Thorin's eyes narrowed at Freya as she let out a hearty laugh. "Oh come now, you wouldn't expect me to allow you to marry my Dear One without me nearby, would you?"

"Not really," Thorin grumbled. His face was slightly contorted in frustration, which Coruwen smiled at. She reached over and took his hand. At the contact, his hand gripped hers tightly, a signal that he was nervous. Thus proving Cairn to be right. Carefully, Thorin spoke, "However, I suppose it is to be expected."

"What Thorin is trying to say," Coruwen cut him off from speaking. "Is that we're happy to have you back, Freya."

The dragoness laughed again, but a tad quieter. She nudged Coruwen softly and regarded the dwarves with a great deal of fondness. "Thank you and it is good to be back, little ones." Freya stated happily. "If there is anything you need of me, do not be afraid to call. I must hunt down something for my flight here has left me a bit hungry."

With one flex of her wings, Freya was up in the air controlling the winds with her leathery wings. She flew off towards Greenwood in one simple sweep of her lengthy body. Dís looked at Thorin and Coruwen as if they had lost their minds.

"What was that?!" Dís shouted.

"A dragon, dear sister," Thorin stated flatly. Dís punched her brother in the arm making him flinch. "Her name is Freya, she was Smaug's mother."

"I know that, idiot. Frerin told me about her, but how in the name of the Star Guider is she alive?" The princess growled. Thorin glanced up at Coruwen with an unexplained emotion looming in his eyes. She couldn't tell what it was, but it was enough to make him tighten his hold on her hand.

"It's a bit hard to explain, Amad," Fili put in.

Dís let out a huff and turned on her heel. "I best get an answer before the night is done, Thorin Oakenshield!" She stormed down the steps with Dwalin following her.

Fili stepped near Thorin and glanced over at him with pursed lips. "Oh, you in trouble," Fili muttered accusingly.

"Fili, shut it," Thorin growled. The boy let out a small snicker as Thorin shut his eyes. "She hasn't used my title like that since Ered Luin. I guess I better tell her."

Coruwen wrapped her hand around his wrist and his gaze rose to her face. "We will tell your sister," She corrected. He smiled, giving her a nod. "After all, it was I that summoned our dragoness. Thus, I should be the one to tell her exactly how it was done."

"Do whatever you see fit, love," Thorin replied. "I will find you again later."

His hand slipped free of hers causing a small bite of longing to shoot through her. Yes, she would have to wait… It seemed that Cairn was right; much to her displeasure. Thorin was split in many different directions as ruler of Erebor currently. It upset her to see him spread so thin. She wanted to help him, but couldn't because of her current status. She tightened her hands into fists at her sides. Her heart wanted the day to come faster, but her mind could not prepare fast enough. When the title of Queen fell upon her, much was going to be expected of her.

"Worried?" Balin's voice drew her from her self patronizing. She glanced up to see him smiling at her, the knowing smiles that he so often gave her. The ones that made his eyes twinkle with a certain knowledge that made her curious. "We'll help you through it all, Coruwen."

"I know, but I feel like there is someone more suited for such a title," Coruwen said. "One that would not be questioned as rightful queen."

Balin's hand took hers in a tight grip. "I see no other who would make a better queen than you, lass. You are not perfect, just as anyone should be. However, Thorin chose you above all others for a reason; because of the fact you know how to keep a level head when he cannot."

"Balin…"

The dwarf let out a sigh. "You remind me much of his mother when she was co-ruler of Ered Luin with Thrain. The wife of Thrain knew how to soothe her husband's anger faster than all others, when force pressed down on them. You have that quality, and the ability to command others when needed. A trait queens must have along with grace."

Balin released her hand and took both of them in his.

"You are a queen just as much as Dís or any other ruler of this great kingdom. Don't let contraction blind you. All you need to remember is that he chose you."

Coruwen nodded firmly to Balin, who then walked with her down the steps only to be practically run over by Gimli and Gloín. The two were carrying a large silver banner into the throne room. Balin smiled, letting out a huff of laughter.

"What in the world are they doing?" Coruwen inquired.

"Dís' idea," Balin said simply guiding her to another section of Erebor. Coruwen mentally rolled her eyes at Dís' ideas. "You know, I heard that something came for you just this morning from Mirkwood."

"Mirkwood?"

Balin stopped before a wooden door and pushed it open to reveal Sol and Borni standing over a wooden table, rummaging through different parcels. Sol stood on her tip toes as she watched Borni with big, curious eyes.

Borni, Gloín's wife, was a bit shorter than Dís in height with long, brown hair that was pulled back in a ponytail held together by a shield clip. She worked as a weapons smith, and shown in her roughened hands that were marred by burn scars and cuts. When the door opened, Borni turned to look at Balin with one blue eye. She smiled as she tossed a package to Sol.

"Give that one to Balin, Little Sun," Borni instructed. Sol hefted the package in her little arms and carried it over to Balin. "That came from the Elvenking this morning; said it needed to go to Coruwen."

"Aye, thank you Borni," Balin said as he left the room. The dwarf looked up at Coruwen, who was anxious to see what was inside the brown paper wrapped package. "Follow me."

Coruwen's anxious nerves made her growl as she shuffled after Balin, who led her up a flight of steps to the hall that led to her room. When Balin stopped in front of her room, she sighed and unlocked the door. The elder followed her inside and instructed her to sit.

"Don't look over your shoulder," Balin said with a smirk.

"Balin for the love of the Valar," Coruwen groaned. "Hurry up, suspense will be my downfall."

The ruffling of paper and the sound of beads being unraveled from one another made her curiosity spike. To contain her anxiety, she shut her eyes. Cold pressed against her forehead and she felt fingers pull at her hair slightly.

"Can I look now?" Coruwen asked cracking open one eye.

She heard a small, happy sigh, "Aye, you can look."

Coruwen stood and walked over to her mirror to find a circlet of white silver sitting upon her brow with long cobalt blue beaded strands reach back to fall in the direct middle of her forehead. The threads then conjoined with silver and emerald leaves that glittered in the light. The circlet depicted budding flowers fashioned of the same white silver metal. Such a gift made her about tear up.

"My God," Coruwen breathed. "Are you sure Thranduil gave me this?"

Balin withdrew a note from the package and handed it to her. In long, flowing handwriting said Thranduil at the bottom, and the letters matched the signature and letter's contents.

Coruwen,

I have received word about your upcoming marriage from a little raven. The dress that you require will be brought upon the day I arrive in Erebor. This gift that I sent with the raven is a gift that was given to my wife upon the day I married her many years ago. It befits a woman that is going to be ruling a great empire such as Erebor.

May you find great happiness with your beloved.

-Thranduil, son of Oropher

Her hands lifted the circlet from her brow and placed it back into the yew carved bow that it had been drawn from. Balin looked up at her with fondness glowing in his eyes. She shut her eyes feeling tears sting her eyes a bit.

"I-I can't believe he would give me such a gift," Coruwen whispered.

Balin took her hand. "It befits a queen, my dear. If he believes that you're a queen that I believe that's enough justification." Balin comforted. "We're going to have to hide that from the boys and Thorin."

"I know where to put it," Coruwen stated as she walked up to the box. She picked it up and carried it into her room, sliding it into her end table. "Those three know better."

Balin was smiling at her, and she tilted her head in curiosity. "You will make a fine queen, my dear. When that circlet came to sit upon you, it seemed as if the world had stopped for about two seconds."

"Balin, you're turning into Thorin, stop it." He watched her leave the room. In his heart, he knew she would make a fine queen. Contrary to what she tried to say; she would rule this kingdom alongside Thorin easily.

A/N: And here I thought I wasn't going to be able to do this.. Well, its late(i'm sorry) and Its long! Hopefully, you all won't have to wait four days for this again.

Please, tell me what you guys think, i'd love to hear from you!

Please Review.