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I gathered much information from varies Tolkien sites.
Khîm (For the purpose of this story he is cousin to Dain the King of the Iron Mountain, since there is no mention of Kili and Fili's father…I am taking liberty)
Lissuin-A sweet-smelling flower from Tol Eressëa, "whose fragrance brings heart's ease." Some of these were brought by the Elves to Númenor for the adornment of a feast following Aldarion and Erendis's wedding. The first part of the name apparently derives from Quenya lis 'honey', being a reference to the tree's odor.
Aulë aka Mahal: Aulë was a Vala and one of the Aratar, Smith of the Powers and concerned with rock and metal, nature of substances and works of craft. He was also the third most powerful of the male Valar. He was husband to Yavanna, with whom he dwelt in central Valinor.
Betrothed:
Lúthien was resting peacefully until the sound of the cock's crow woke her. She twisted and snaked under the covers. Suddenly her lids opened wide as green orbs glowed beneath the darkness of her the furs. Lúthien's thoughts drifted of her last meeting with Dis:
Lúthien spun around on her heels. "Betrothed? To whom?" Lúthien stated surprised.
He is called Khîm." Dis replied tangling her thick fingers in her long blonde hair. "He is a high lord from the Iron Hills. A cousin to King Dain." She bit her inner cheek and swallowed hard. "My grandfather and father arranged the marriage several years ago." She looked deeply into Lúthien's eyes. He is from an important family."
Lúthien took her friends hand, scooping it under and over her forearm as they strolled in the garden. "Do you love him?"
Dis stopped suddenly looking into Lúthien's eyes shrugging. "I have ne're laid eyes on him Lúthien…..how can I love him." She stood straight, stiffening her back. "But I am a Princess and tis expected that I marry… and marry well. Tis my…..duty." Dis pulled from Lúthien's arm and walked forward several paces before pausing in front of a Lissuin bush plucking one of the flowers and bringing it to her nose to gently inhale.
Lúthien smiled softly and strolled next to her dearest friend and she too plucked a bug and raised it to her nose to inhale's its splendor. Shoulder to shoulder the two females stood in silence. "I am sure he is most pleasing to the eye and kindly…and gentle…" Lúthien took Dis by the hands and smiled trying to ease her friend's apprehension. "And you will make a wonderful wife Dis.
Dis smiled tightly. "I pray to Aulë that your words be true Lúthien." She squeezed hard Lúthien's hands. "May Aulë bless me…."
Lúthien leaned in enfolding her friend in her arms and whispered tenderly. "He will."
That was two months since Thrain, Lady Anra, had taken Dis, along with Frerin and Thorin for a meeting of her betrothed and his family in the Iron Hills.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
She sprang up flinging the covers from upon her folding her legs beneath her. Her long braid flung over her right shoulder. She stretched and smiled then stretched with a long yawn. Verada just entering the room crossed quickly to open the curtains to invite the morning's sun in. The elder spun around casting her eyes on her charge. "Why the rather large smile upon your lips this morn lamb?" She inquired as she pushed off to head toward the large carved oak wardrobe. She peered over her left shoulder and smiled. "It would not have anything to do with the fact you are headed to Erebor this morn?" She swung open the wardrobe doors and flicked her fingers across the dresses that inhabited the piece of furniture. "Now would it?" She chuckled softly as she reached for an elegant salmon colored satin and lace dress. "This one will do nicely." She smiled and spun around to see Lúthien staring doe eyed out the window. Her hands clasped in her lap. Verada cleared her throat loudly and made her way to the bed carefully draping the dress upon the mattress before taking hold of Lúthien's knee and shaking her. "You'll naught make much head way with the prince sitting there all doe eyed. Up you go." Lúthien rolled her eyes and snorted. "He was not even on my mind." She insisted as she flung her legs off the bed and jumped to the floor padding her way across the room. "I am very excited to see my dearest friend Dis today. She returns with her betrothed."
Verada quirked her brow tilting her head to the side slightly. "I am old Lúthien not half witted." Lúthien hissed and pulled her nightshift off over her head tossing it to the floor in a huff standing near the warm fire of the heath. "I am very glad to see my dearest friend. Tis been nearly a month's time since she left for the Iron Hills." She strolled slowly towards the table where the washbasin and brushing twigs were placed. She picked up the pitcher pouring water into the basin, then reached for the scented oil popping the cork and pouring just enough in. Lúthien stirred the mixture before cupping her hands bending over and washing her face. Afterward she brushed her teeth with the twig and tooth salve. Slender fingers traced the frame of the table as her body slightly twisted from side to side. "Verada?" She looked over her shoulder at the woman heading her way with a dressing robe.
'"Aye lamb?" She said draping the robe over Lúthien's shoulder. "Your mind is vexed dear tell me."
She turned slowly around sat in the chair and began unbraiding her hair. Verada stepped over reached for a brush and began to brush out blonde curls. "I do not understand the pair of you." Verada said breaking the silence. "Tis obvious that he cares for you…and you…well….despite all your protesting to the wiser you know your feelings run deeply for him." The elder twisted and laced the younger's hair before putting it in light meshed metal netting…pulling loose curls through the bottom. Verada placed the brush on the table then placed her hands firmly on Lúthien's shoulders-braced her face with hers cheek to cheek and smiled. "Tell him my sweet lamb…let the young prince know for surety of your heart." She cupped her head and kissed the crown of it. "There is nothing worse than wasted love. I should know." Lúthien looked up at her curiously. "You lost a love?" Lúthien whispered cupping the hand that pressed on her sleeve.
Verada swallowed tears back, pressed her apron firmly, cupped her hands in front of her and smiled tightly as her head turned toward the window. "Twas a long time ago Lúthien…and I like you…..were naught but a foolish girl…and let him slip away." She looked down cupping Lúthien under the chin and lifting her head. "Do not make the same mistake sweet lamb. Tis a cold lonely world without someone to love and be loved by. And if you are not careful….." Her words drifted off as she went to the bed to retrieve the dress returning to Lúthien.
"If I am not careful what?" Lúthien stood up dropping the dressing robe in a pool at her feet.
"Step in the dress Lúthien." Verada helped her slip the dress and tie the bodice. "You will find yourself in marriage of your father's choosing with someone you know naught."
Lúthien gasped. "Like Dis." She whispered.
"Aye." She knelt down helping Lúthien into her slippers.
There was loud knock at the chamber door. "Little mouse." Grunted Peregrin. "Your escort to Erebor has arrived. He smiled, for the day at least, he was free from watching out for her.
The two smiled at one another as Lúthien took Verada's hands in hers and squeezed.
Xxxxxxxx
The large dwarf turned slowly as he heard the approaching company. He bowed- "Dwalin, at your service lady Lúthien. I've come to escort your to Erebor as requested by Princess Dis." He moved aside and motioned her pass. Lúthien inclined her head bid her farewell to Verada with a smile and made her way pass Dwalin.
A pony awaited for her outside the manor. It was Ruby, Dis' pony. "By order of the Princess." Dwalin grunted as he helped her up. The pair rode off toward Erebor. She was finally going there. Erebor. She smiled holding in a giggle as her escort seemed to be unimpressed. It took nearly fifteen minutes to arrive at the great bridge that connected Erebor with the outskirts of Dale. She pulled Ruby's reigns halting the beast just at the edge. Lúthien's breathed hitched as wide eyes marveled at the stone entrance in all its grandeur. Dwalin had not noted that the mortal female had stopped. He turned his body, bracing his hand on the rump of his pony. He smiled tightly as she marveled at the Lonely Mountain.
"The Lonely Mountain" Dwalin huskily and proudly began. "Tis near 3,500 feet tall, as it is snowcapped at spring, Erebor is rich in precious metals and rare jewels with a star-shaped with six ridges radiating as spurs from the peak." He pointed then continued. "The south-western spur contains Ravenhill housing a Dwarven guard-post." Lúthien looked with great interest smiling brightly as Dwalin continued to give her a tour. He pointed to the other side and her eyes followed. "Between the two western spurs is a narrow vale which is the exit of the Back Door, behind an overhanging cliff, just over there." He smiled watching her take it all in. "There are rough steps ascending to the top of the southern ridge along a narrow ledge turning east behind a boulder into a steep bay." He continued in his thick accent. "And inside…. inside, the mountain are dug with passages and tunnels leading to cellars and halls and mansions- such as the great chamber of Thrór near the Front Gate." He pointed to said entry. He turned to face her and leaned in. "A secret tunnel leads to the 'bottommost cellar'." Her eyes widened and he was certain that he heard her oooohhh.
"What's in the 'bottommost cellar'?" She quietly whispered in curiously.
He chuckled heavily. "Just all the treasures of the King, tis all." He continued. "The main entrance into the mountain is just there before us the Gate of Erebor on the south side, opening onto a valley between two great spurs of the mountain. At the end of the southwestern spur is Ravenhill, where there is a lookout post. The River Running springs from beneath the mountain and issues from the Front Gate, forming a waterfall that flows into this valley below." Her necked stretched as far as she could looking over his saddle. "Inside the gate there is a broad paved road that winds alongside the river in a wide curve leading into the mountain. Not very far from the entrance is the Great Chamber of Thrór, where feasts and councils are held." He smiled at her expression. "If you find this indeed a grand sight to behold…..wait until you feast upon its interior. Best keep up m'lady. Dwalin turned and kicked his pony into motion. Lúthien took a deep breath swallowing hard, gently nudging Ruby forward.
There was a massive door within the main gated entrance. They creaked as they opened and Lúthien breathed in short shallow breaths. Her heart pounding beneath her breast as she passed the guards adorned in their thick metal armor, through the door and into- Erebor.
She was speechless. Never in all her days had she seen or even imagined there could be anything of such beauty. Lúthien nearly feel back upon Ruby tilting her head as far back as she could to take the greatness of the main hall the walls glistening and sparkling.
"Lady Lúthien," Dwalin held out his hands to assist her down.
She smiled bracing her hands on thick biceps as she slid out of the saddle. "Thank you master dwarf." She inclined her head. "For the education on Erebor."
"Twas my pleasure." He bowed tucking his thumb in the thickness of his belt. "I will take my leave now."
All she could hear was the giggling of her dear friend Dis as she ran to greet her. "I can scarcely believe my eyes. You are here." The pair hugged.
"Nor I." Lúthien let out a deep breath. "I have …..always…." She could not help but cast her eyes up and slowly spin in a tight circle. "…..always dreamt of this."
Dis took her by the hand and smiled. "Then I shall take you on a tour, come." The young dwarf princess drug her companion. "Come, I've so much to tell you…. So much to show you…." She stopped, turned pulling Lúthien in front of her-taking her by both hands and smiled brightly. "….and someone I want you to meet."
Lúthien smiled brightly. "Khîm?" She inquired cheerfully giggling when Dis' smile broadened. "Then he is pleasing to you after all…..how grand!"
Dis spoke softly, crimson hue brushing her cheeks. "He is more than I could imagine- strong-brave…and….."
"And handsome…." Lúthien laughed as she hugged her friend.
"Very handsome." Dis giggled into Lúthien's hair. "Come let us go to my bed chamber and I will tell you all about it. I shall have food and drink brought up." Dis pulled her along while Lúthien tried desperately to take every sight in. The pair headed wide step stairwell that led to the royal mansion. Flight after flight they climb all the while Dis told Lúthien all about her adventure and her soon to be husband. They laughed and giggled-finally reaching the main floor of the royal chambers. Dis pulled Lúthien along the hall passing massive intricately carved wooden doors until she came to an abrupt stop. She squeezed her friends hand and leaned against her bicep. "Look." Dis whispered. "There is the door to Throin's chambers."
Lúthien looked at Dis, smiled as a crimson hue brushed over her cheeks and she felt very flushed. Lúthien bit her lower lip, released Dis' hand and took two steps toward the door before stopping. Her lids fluttered several times as her hand reached out so she might caress the elaborate carving. Gentle finger tips traced the engravings. Suddenly and without warning the door flung open-she was standing face to face with Thorin, whom was caught by surprise.
"Lúthien." He whispered her name low and sultry as he hurriedly fastened his belt. He was adorned in the deepest darkest blue tunic that bore the finest embroidery. He smiled tenderly at her.
Lúthien gathered her dress in her hands and took a step backward-stuttering. "I…I… I was… merely admiring the beautiful carvings on your door." She lifted her arm pointing and her wrist brushed against his arm. She swallowed hard and took three steps back. For each one she took the young prince matched hers. "I …I …. um…." She inclined her head. "I did not mean to disturb you."
Thorin was now standing so very close to her. His body had pivoted itself between his sister and the beautiful creature next to him. "You did not disturb me 'tall m'lady. Tis …always…a pleasure to see you." He smiled leaning just slightly so he could partake of the sweet aroma of her hair. He looked back over his shoulder at Dis then back at Lúthien. "I was unaware that you were arriving for a visit today."
She smiled messing her lips as she blushed.
"I've only just arrived from our journey early this morn." He locked glances with her. They stared at each for a few moments. Dis leaned over her brother's left side- watching the pair and smiled herself placing her hands in front of her when Throin's head turned to face her, quirking his brow then returning his attention to Lúthien. He was just reaching his hand to hers-planning to take it in his. Thick digits barely brushed over her soft skin when the trio was startled by the opening of Thorin's chamber door. All three heads snapped to that direction when out stepped a dwarf- maiden adjusting her dress and looking well 'sated'. She quickly attempted to fix her tussled hair as she smiled blushing at Thorin. When she swept her reddish tresses up several darken marks could be seen on her neck and shoulder. Lúthien and Dis' mouths dropped. They looked from the she dwarf to each other then back to the trembling body before them.
A deep growl cold be heard coming from Thorin causing her expression to rapidly change as she noted his darkening demeanor and the flaring nostrils and clenched stern eyes. She curtsied with a tremble as he roared.
"Take your leave…..immediately!" He snarled stepping forward with a hostile gesture. The dwarf maiden rushed off quickly and could be heard sniffles from weeping. Thorin spun around on his heels reaching out for Lúthien.
"Lúthien" He whispered huskily as she stepped backward, looked at him with hurt bitter betrayal in her eyes.
She turned to Dis and forced a smile. Stepped toward her friend whose face bore shock and disbelief, scooped her arm through hers and pat Dis' hand. "Come," she said with deep breath. "You and I have much to catc-"
"Lúthien…. My apologies….I….I…" He stammered pointing back towards the fleeing female.
The young blonde looked over her shoulder desperately trying to keep control of the tears that pushed up in her throat. "You owe me ….. nothing…..Prince Throin…..for what am I to you?" She turned and the pair began to walk leaving a pained Thorin behind.
"Oh… Lúthien… I had no idea…. I am….so….." Dis began to make apology….Lúthien turned and smiled tightly.
"You have done noth-" She began until once again Thorin interrupted as he had made his way to the pair. Dis giving him terse looks as though she wanted to through daggers at him. And she did.
Thorin gently took Lúthien by the elbow forcing her to face him. "Lúthien, please…. Let me explain."
She jerked her elbow free, took a step back to collect herself. She swallowed hard straightened her posture and took a deep breath. "Look…. Prince Thorin…." She snorted, "I maybe young….. and ….and… well…inexperienced in ...certain matters…." Her eyes glared at him then looked down the hall before back at him. He was shifting his weight from boot to boot. "But there is nothing for you to explain…. I know the look a female who has just been….." She meshed her lips and breathed out walked over to Dis taking her by the hand and began to walk. She looked over her shoulder. "…..well pleasured. And as stated before…. What am I to you?" She snapped her head forward and was now dragging Dis.
The fists of the young prince clenched tightly then released several times as his head dropped- long dark locks shaking to and fro as his head shook. Thorin turned and began after the pair when a deep throated call of his name stopped him.
"Thorin!" Dwalin called as he fast approached. "King Thror requires you at the council table."
He stopped one boot in front of the other- watched as the females slipped into Dis' room with a heavy thud of the door. His head dropped heavily again as his eyes closed tightly. He swallowed hard and spun around on his heels slowly raising his head so crystal blues met deep dark browns.
"Are you alright?" Dwalin inquired.
Thorin stormed past him cursing in their native tongue.
TBC