AN: You know what sucks? Having your internet card go bad. Also I'd really appreciate some feedback in the form of Reviews. I'm kinda hitting a slump on the chapter I'm writing and could use some feedback be it "OMG YAY I LOVE THIS CHAPTER" or constructive critisism. Also I'm aware of any plot holes, I'm posting this unedited and I'm just kinda going with whatever pops into my head. Next thing I'd like to mention is I originally made Elise just a little side character that was a slight parody on Disney Princesses. I did not intend for this to take the turn it did but I'm loving where my brain is taking it! So read, enjoy, review 3
The next few days came and went, Elise having the overwhelming job of planning a wedding with Dis, of whom she was honestly terrified of. I assisted when I could, but it was mainly a job for the bride and mothers of the bride and groom. Of course, with Elise being an orphan, Dis took on both roles.
Before we knew it guests where arriving…
I sat on the roof of the house that I was beginning to almost call my home, watching the blue sky and wishing more than anything to live upon the clouds when I saw a familiar figure on a boat making its way down the river.
"Lady Dina!" I smiled, waving to the slender figure as she lowered her hood, her long strawberry-blond hair tied back into an elegant braid.
She smiled up at me, getting out of the boat and tying it to the bridge before approaching.
"Lady Fritillary, what are you doing up there?" she chuckled.
"Being as close to the sky as I can," I smiled, climbing back down to the ground.
"Where is Lady Elise?"
"At the dressmaker's. I can show you the way," I offered.
Dina nodded and followed me into town, her movements fluid and gentle. We came to the dressmaker's, walking in to see Elise in a chair, crying. Dina was instantly by her side, comforting her.
"What is it, child?" she asked, stroking Elise's cheek.
"I'm making a mistake. I know it! I may be of pure, royal dwarven blood, but I do not know Fili nearly enough to marry!"
"Hush, young one, do you not think that if I thought you were making a mistake, I would have come earlier to stop it? The stars of you and the one called Fili are crossed. This is fate and you will learn to love the future king of Erebor," Dina comforted.
"Can it not wait until I learn to love him? Must I marry now?"
"I am afraid you must. I see dark things if this union does not happen soon. Now, I have brought you something," Dina reaching into her own satchel and pulled out a gown of cream colored silk, folded and held with satin ribbon.
"This was your mother's. I am sure you will find it fitting," she smiled, giving it to Elise.
Elise took the ribbon off and looked at the dress, tears returning to her eyes as she smiled at the beautiful white dress. The dressmaker helped her put it on and began fixing the hem.
"It's perfect," she gasped as she saw herself in the mirror.
"You are the most beautiful dwarven bride I have ever seen," I smiled, hugging her.
Suddenly, the door burst open, an elven woman with blazing red hair standing in the doorway.
"Finally I have found you!" she grinned, running up to Elise and hugging her.
"Lady Aster! You have arrived!" Elise laughed, hugging her back.
"Ai, and I have brought a fine wedding gift!" she smirked, holding up a vial, "The damn most potent fertility potion you will ever try!"
This caused Elise to blush and fidget.
"Oh, don't worry, Elise. Sex ain't bad once you get used to his size. You know, if he's any big. I don't know 'bout dwarves but my late husband, may he rest in peace, was hung like a horse!" the elf chortled heartily.
"Well, with that, I think I'll take Aster here to the house," I smiled, taking Aster and leaving Elise and Dina at the dressmaker's.
"Why would you say such crude things?" I demanded when were far enough away.
"You know I don't approve of this. Marriage is a horrid thing," Aster frowned, looking towards the distant mountains.
"Yours maybe, but Dina said only good of Elise and Fili's!"
"I do hope so," Aster sighed, brushing her bangs out of her face and then turned to the house as we approached it.
"I may sleep outside," she commented, taking note of the already crowded home.
"You and Elise and Dina will be in my room so fear not, it will be comfortable."
"I was referring to the dwarves. I may have nothing to do with what happened at Erebor but I have only received kindness from you and Elise and no other dwarf."
"I'm not a dwarf, Aster."
"Accept your blood and embrace, Fritillary."
We entered the house where Dis was making the best of the chaos as all the men drank and ate. They turned and the merriment almost immediately stopped as Dwarves grabbed for their weapons.
"Woah! I am no enemy! I am Lady Aster of the Flame and bringer of great news! If the bride follows my advice and takes the potion I have supplied her, you may expect an heir in the time of nine full moons!" Aster smiled, holding her hands up to show no weapons.
"How can you guarantee such things, Elven scum?" Thorin stood and approached Aster who laughed and was about to speak but I stopped her.
"She deals in potions of…interesting use," I said, hoping she would leave it at that.
"Fertility spells, penis growth lotions, and a few love potions!" Avery was abnormally proud of this.
A few interests were clearly piqued which made her laugh.
"If I can speak to the groom, I can give him something as well that will surely pleasure my dear friend, Elise, and possibly make for twins or more," she winked.
They all pointed to Fili who was in the corner smoking his pipe who seemed interested to say the least.
"Come, we will speak in private," Aster said, ushering for Fili to follow her outside.
He obliged and left his spot, following her outside.
"She's an odd one," Thorin commented.
"You've only known her for a mere minute," I told him, "she gets much worse as you get to know her!"
I joined the crowd of dwarves, sitting next to Kili who was the only one I really knew. Dis gave me some ale and I happily drank it.
"Quite crazy these last few nights for the bride," Kili commented.
"Yes, Elise is quite nervous as well. Aster will aid her in readying for the night, after the ceremonies. Dina has also arrived and will act as her mother which should take some stress of Dis. As for myself, well, I fear I have not been of much help," I sighed, looking at my ale, "I even caused all this stress for her. It was a mere tease, I thought nothing more of it until your uncle decided it to be true."
Kili patted my back.
"You know what? I would like to spar! Who's up for it?" I announced, standing.
I heard many cheers as the dwarven men grabbed their weapons and made their way outside.
"You rest your feet. You've been so busy," I said to Dis, sitting her in her rocking chair.
"Thank you, Fritillary," she smiled gratefully at me.
I nodded, grabbing my sword and heading out with Kili.
"Come, you shall spar with me!" Kili grinned.
I agreed and readied my sword, a gift from Dina on my 40th birthday. She said it was my Mother's at one point. It was a thin short sword with elvish engravings down the blade. It was said to be so sharp it could cut the winds itself, though that was long ago.
Kili and I took ready and charged at each other, Kili swinging first but I easily dodged, spinning to his side so I was behind him and just as quickly had my sword to his neck.
"Too easy," I frowned, letting him go.
"I did not think such a fair maiden would be so agile with a sword," Kili laughed and lunged at me again.
I wasn't expecting this next attack and barely blocked it, laughing as I did so.
"I am no fair maiden," I smirked, deflecting the attack and kicking Kili in the side and sending him to the ground.
"No fair!" he snapped, standing and stomping up to me.
"All is fair in Love and War," I smirked, kissing his cheek before walking away.
"I shall be in my quarters," I stated simply and went back inside, sheathing my sword.
I did not see Kili follow me in and up to my room.
"What was all that?" he spoke, making me turn to him.
"Hm? What? The fact I kicked your ass?" I smiled, opening the door to my room.
"Yes…wait, no! Why did you kick me when we were merely sparing? And that kiss!? What is wrong with you? Your moods seem to be everywhere!" Kili was clearly flustered.
"Hm? I don't know, Kili, and believe me, it's not normal. I just…I don't feel like I can control myself like I should, lately," I sighed, ushering for him to follow me.
"What do you mean?"
"Witches have to keep their emotions under control or else bad things can happen, though ever since I came here I fear my emotions are getting the better of me. I fear I will have to leave immediately after the wedding and cannot return. Not until I understand what is wrong," I told Kili, sitting on my bed and pulled my knees to my chest.
I looked up at him to see sadness in his eyes.
"What's wrong? It is not as if I was to stay forever. As for the quest to Erebor, well, I may have to meet you there and then be on my way when we are done," I said, resting my chin on my knees.
"I don't understand, though. What about this place and all of us makes you so odd?"
"I'm not sure, Kili. All I know is it is dangerous. I am meant to wander on my own, training and studying in the healing arts. I have no home, Kili, and that's the way it is meant to be," I tried to explain.
"You would have a home if you just allow us to let you in," Kili was getting frustrated again.
"Why are you so intent on my staying?" I frowned, also becoming frustrated.
"Because I care for you!" Kili snapped which made us both blush.
The wind howled loudly outside.
"Leave this room, Kili," I said as calmly as I could.
Kili huffed and slammed the door behind him as he left.
I sprawled out on my bed and groaned, focusing my emotions until I was calm again. The wind calmed as I did, allowing me to breathe easy.
"Why must I always leave?"