Chapter 4
Meanwhile in Erebor Thorin, Fili, and Kili were all dressing for their annual celebration, commemorating the defeat of Smaug eight years ago. People from all over came for the festivities and single women, dwarves, elves, and hobbits for a chance to win the hearts of one of the princes. The females had given up years ago to be with Thorin after he had gotten married to Bilbo.
"Why do I have to go?" Kili whined to his brother, grimacing at the thought of all the women fawning all over him.
"Because if I have to endure it then you must as well!" Fili frowned at his brother.
"We all know the women there will only try to flirt with us. Try to get us to court them," Kili said, still grimacing.
"I know," Fili frowned.
"I may be heir, but none of the females thus far have caught my eye," Kili complained. (Keeping with the Hobbit, Chapter 8 in which Kili is supposedly named as the heir.)
"Yeah. If you don't beget any little heirs . . ." Fili shuddered at the thought of his brother having children.
"UGH!" Kili yelped. "Little ankle biters. You can be crown prince." Kili was grimacing; Fili laughed at the truly terrified look on his brother's face. He could face trolls, orcs, and even a dragon, but children?
"Now we all know I'm not the dark prince. I'm the golden prince. So I cannot impostor you," Fili said cheekily. The door opened and Kili's guard Numen poked his head through.
"Apologies, Your Highness'," Numen bowed. "But I have an urgent visitor for you." Kili looked intrigued at who would dare to ask to speak to him whilst in his private chambers.
"Let him in," he finally conceded. Fili smirked and waited for the visitor. Only this visitor was someone truly shocking.
"Legolas!" Fili hissed as the blonde haired, blue eyed Elvish prince stepped inside the door. The same one who rooted for the killing of them! He bowed to the Durin brothers.
"I pray to Valar that you accept my apologies for appearing on this day," Legolas began. "I am here as a friend, not a foe."
"What are you here for?" Kili finally asked, breaking the silence after several moments.
"I bring news. News of a matter better discussed with everyone present." Legolas admitted.
"You want us to get Uncle to receive you," Fili realized.
"We aren't dogs," Kili spat. "If you want something done, do it yourself!" He turned away, angry at the air that he presumed Legolas was taking with them.
"It concerns the prophecy!" Legolas tried desperately to make them see reason. Both brothers turned to face him.
"What prophecy?" Kili fairly growled at the elf.
"The one concerning the Durin line!" Then Legolas saw his mistake. "You knew nothing of it – did you?"
"If he's telling the truth," Fili pleaded with Kili.
"What if he's not?" Kili fixed his brother with a look. Kili finally sighed. "Fine. Come with us," Kili and Fili both led him down a few corridors before coming to a halt. The princes knocked before waiting for a sign to enter.
"Come in!" Thorin's deep voice came from within. Silently the brothers pulled Legolas in with them and bowed to their uncle. Upon rising from their obeisance, they spotted Gandalf in the hall as well.
"Why do you bring an elf here, in my own domain?" Thorin roared as he caught sight of the Elven princeling.
"He said he knows something that concerns the prophecy," Kili said. Thorin shut his mouth and fixed Gandalf with a look.
"I suppose that is why you are here."
"Yes, Thorin Oakenshield, I am here to bring you the girl," Gandalf said.
"It is true then Mithrandir?" Legolas asked, a little in awe of the thought of such a girl.
"Yes Legolas – it is true. Your own father was enamored, so I had to bring her here before I wished to." Gandalf looked disappointed. "Even though Thranduil knew that she was not the one for him."
"From the land of the Valar
To the line of Durin
Vast and far
Come a girl fair, their child.
Who is brave and strong
Will capture the heart
Of a prince and right wrongs
Done to the people," Legolas recited.
"How can you be sure she is the child of the Valar?" Thorin demanded, sitting forward on his throne.
"Because she is able to speak all languages of Middle Earth, in addition to Valarian," Gandalf stated.
"How do you know she can speak Valarian?" Thorin leaned back.
"Glorfindel," Legolas realized. "He died and was sent back."
"Good, Legolas. You are quite correct."
"Fine. Bring the girl in," Thorin said, sounding defeated. Gandalf went to a room and emerged with a cloaked figure.
"King Thorin, Queen Bilbo, consort of Thorin, and Princes, Fili, Kili, and Legolas, meet High Princess, Ariava." (Ar – EE – Ah – Va.) The High Princess lowered her hood.