Big thanks to DeadGirlEtarnal for favouriting.
Nice Egan – No he doesn't. But then I wouldn't be able to keep something like that a secret for long.
Celebrisilweth – He is isn't he?
Thatgirl2002 – I always planned for her to find out something about him!
The Wedding…Finally
Three Months Later
Looking at herself in the full length mirror Fira couldn't help her smile. It seemed like yesterday when she had been in her room in Laketown. Watching Kili hold out a ring and ask her to be his wife. Yet it also felt like centuries had passed since that moment. So many things had happened since then. And more often than she would have liked, Fira had been convinced they wouldn't live to see this day. But they had and now it was finally happening.
"Fira?"
Turning round Fira saw Mithiel handing her a cup. Sniffing the contents she then poured it down her throat.
"Just water," Mithiel explained, "To help sober you up."
Smiling Fira thought back to last night. How the nerves had been too much for her and she'd downed drink after drink to stop herself from thinking about it.
"It's a shame Bilbo couldn't make it," Mithiel said. Fira nodded.
"He said he would have if he could. But he'd never have made it in time. Kili and I said we'd visit him at some point over the coming months."
Mithiel nodded, "and how are you feeling?"
Fira shrugged, "I don't understand why I'm so nervous! I've known Kili for almost two years now! I love him and he loves me. I want to marry him. But every time I think about walking down that aisle I want to be sick."
"Nerves are normal," Mithiel rubbed her back, "So I've heard anyway. Besides think how I'll feel when my turn comes! You're marrying a prince. I'm marrying the future King!"
Fira gave an absentminded nod, "I hadn't even thought about that."
"Hmm?"
"I was so nervous about being a good wife for Kili I forgot he was a prince!"
"Fira I didn't mean…" Mithiel trailed off. Fira held her shaking hands together.
"I remember when I first found out. How I avoided him for two weeks because I thought I wasn't worthy enough for him. I mean we joke about it now but… No I can't. I can't do it!"
"Fira..?"
"Kili is a prince! I can't be his princess! I love him but I won't be able to be the kind of wife he wants me to be."
"Fira Kili wants you. He doesn't want anything else."
Shaking her head Fira moved away from the mirror.
"No you don't understand. I'm not a princess. I was born as the illegitimate child of a dwarf and a Dragonborn. I'm a murderer; exiled by my own people. I could never be Kili's princess."
Moving away from Mithiel Fira hurried towards her bathroom. Shutting the door behind her she sank to her knees. Whilst a small part of her brain was telling her she was over reacting; it was drowned out by her fears and nightmares.
Pulling his new tunic over his head Kili ran a hand through his hair.
"Nervous?"
Searching his brothers face Kili realised Fili was being serious. He nodded.
"I'm terrified," he laced up the tunic, "I've never been a husband before."
"That's a relief," Fili grinned, "Unless there's something you aren't telling us."
Smiling Kili shook his head, "No I meant… I've no idea what to do. How to be a good husband to her."
"Kee you don't need to do anything," Fili handed him his leather coat. It was black, unlike his other one, with his crest stitched on the cuffs and collar.
"Just be the same person you've always been."
"I know. I just wish someone was here to help me out."
As soon as he spoke Kili wished he hadn't. He might not have mentioned his father by name but he was obvious he had meant him. Reaching out to Fili he smiled.
"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that."
"No it's fine," Fili wiped his eyes, "Kili I understand you're nervous. I really do. But Fira will love you no matter what happens."
Nodding Kili brushed down his coat when there was a loud banging on his door. Fili bit his lip.
"Expecting anyone?"
"No," moving forward Kili pulled the door open.
"Mithiel!"
The elf didn't bother saying anything as she pushed past him. Kili watched as she smiled at Fili before facing him. He shut the door behind him. Mithiel was meant to be with Fira. She would only be here if..?
"What's wrong?"
She shook her head, "It's Fira. She's worked herself up into a state."
"What do you mean?"
Mithiel gave him an apologetic glance, "She's convinced herself she won't be good enough for you. She's worried about the fact that you're a prince."
Kili shook his head. He had assumed Fira had put that aside. However at the look in Mithiel's eyes it was clear he was wrong.
"She's doesn't think she can be the kind of woman you want as a wife. She believes she's doing you a favour by not marrying you."
"She..?" Kili felt like he'd been punched, "She doesn't want to marry me?"
Fili rubbed his back, "Of course she does you idiot. She's just scared."
Mithiel nodded, "Please. You have to see her. She won't listen to me."
Nodding Kili moved towards the door. However Fili placed a gently hand on his arm, stopping him.
"Kee. You're not supposed to see Fira until the ceremony. It's tradition."
"Tradition can go and hang," Kili freed himself, "I'm not going to let her upset herself if I can help her."
Fili looked like he wanted to say something but instead nodded.
"Okay. I'll wait for you here."
Nodding Kili turned and followed Mithiel out into the corridor.
Hugging her knees to her chest Fira wiped her eyes. She could hear people entering the bedroom but she didn't move. Instead she curled up against the bathroom door and more tears threatened to spill. She knew she was being an idiot. But she couldn't help it. Someone knocked on the door.
"Fira? Fira it's me."
"Kili?" Fira licked her lips, "You shouldn't be here. I thought you weren't allowed to see me until later."
There was silence and then a small thud. Fira realised Kili was pressing his forehead against the door.
"You think I care about that? Fira just open the door and tell me what's wrong? Please darling!"
Fira then heard him talking to someone else. It sounded very much like he was asking them to go. The door shut again. Getting to her feet Fira's hand hovered over the handle.
"Are we alone?"
"Yes," she could almost hear the despair in Kili's voice, "Please open up Fira."
Nodding – although she wasn't sure who to – Fira pulled the door open. Kili stood there in a new tunic and coat. Conscious she wore nothing but her flimsy nightgown Fira forced a smile onto her face.
"You look wonderful."
"So do you," he grinned, "I must say a nightgown is an interesting choice of wedding dress."
Unable to help herself she laughed. Kili's face smoothed out as he took her hand. Leading her towards the bed. Sitting down beside him Fira bowed her head.
"What's wrong," Kili pushed her hair back, "Talk to me Fira."
"I…I don't know," she stared at her hands, "I…I really don't know."
"Do you love me?"
"Of course!" Turning to him she grabbed his hands, "Of course I do! This isn't about that! It's just…oh I don't understand why I'm being like this! I love you and I want to marry you right now! I'm just scared about what happens afterwards."
"Fira," Kili stroked her knuckles, "me being a prince has nothing to do with any of this. You know that right?"
Fira nodded, "I know. I just can't help but think about it. I'll be your wife. I'll be your princess. What if I can't do it? What if I let you down?"
"Hey," Kili kissed her hand, "You could never let me down Fira. You never have."
Shutting her eyes to stop the tears coming Fira wiped her face.
"How can you say that? Kili I could list all the times I've let you down or hurt you. I've lied to you and tricked you so many times! How could you want someone like me for a wife?"
"Stand up."
"What?" Staring at Kili, Fira saw he clutched at her hands.
"Just stand up for me please."
"I…okay." Doing as he said Fira got to her feet. Kili smiled before getting down onto his knees. He still held her hands tightly; looking up at her with those beautiful wide eyes.
"Mahal has blessed me,
He has given me a gift most divine.
She has walked in starlight, in another world,
Yet he has deemed me worthy enough to have her in mine.
It is her smile that causes my own,
Her hold in which I thrive,
Her spirit that keeps me strong.
Her love that keeps me alive.
My life had a darkness that I could not see.
Yet it is her that filled it with light.
And I know if I were to ever lose her.
The darkness would return with it's might."
Fira had no words when Kili was finished. Tears dripped down her face as he kissed both of her hands.
"That was beautiful," her voice seemed lost, "What was it."
Getting to his feet Kili held her close, "An ancient prayer. When a dwarf found their One they would thank Mahal for creating them," he blushed, "That night after we kissed I said it to myself."
Fira had no words. Holding her close Kili kissed her forehead.
"You could be a Queen or a beggar. A compulsive liar or the most honest woman in Middle Earth. You will always have my heart Fira. Always."
Nodding Fira reached up and pressed her lips to his. Kili grabbed at her hair whilst she wrapped her arms around his waist. Pulling apart she grinned.
"I love you."
Kili winked, "Why wouldn't you?"
Easing him back towards the door Fira couldn't help her grin. Kili opened the door and she saw Mithiel standing out in the corridor. Kili bowed and kissed her hand.
"At your service Fira; for the rest of our lives."
"At yours Kili."
As he moved away Fira stood back to let Mithiel in. The other girl clearly had questions but Fira didn't want to hear them. Instead she moved back towards the mirror as Dis entered with her wedding dress.
Standing at the very end of the great hall Kili took a deep breath. He didn't dare look behind him because then he would see the masses of people. Instead he brushed down his jacket and fiddled with his braids. Fili raised an eyebrow.
"Kee just relax. All you have to do is say some words and then that's it."
Kili chuckled, "All this fuss and preparation and it's over in less than an hour."
Fili snorted, "Now you put it like that…"
"Kili."
At Thorin's voice Kili smoothed out his face. His uncle clapped him on the shoulder.
"Your father would have been proud of you. As am I."
Nodding Kili held his hands together. There was a sound from the back of the hall and Thorin nodded.
"Ready?"
"I…" Kili froze. Fili shook him.
"Yes he is."
"Good," Thorin got into place and nodded again. Kili didn't dare breathe as he heard the doors open. He could hear delighted gasps and mutterings coming from the crowd. He wanted to turn around but he knew he wasn't meant to. However; when Fili gasped the temptation was almost too much.
"Oh my…" Fili grinned at him, "Kili you have to see her."
Risking a glance at Thorin who gave a slight nod Kili turned. His mouth dropped.
"She's gorgeous!"
Fira walked towards him; her arm on Balins. Her long hair flowed down her back with golden flowers dotted about in it. Her dress was a deep blue with sheer billowing sleeves. The bodice was done up tightly and stitched with gold and blue flowers and leaves. The skirt was a plain dark blue and as she neared Kili saw the hem had been stitched with his crest. Dark blue leaves had been embroidered in random places. Fira beamed and to Kili it was like she was glowing. Blinking back his tears he could hardly wait as Balin placed her hand in his.
"You're beautiful," leaning in her kissed her cheek, "Absolutely beautiful."
Blushing Fira smiled before they both turned to face Thorin. He gave her a proud smile before raising his hands for silence.
"We are gathered here in the halls of our fathers.
To witness the joining of the two before us.
May Mahal bless them and fill their life with joy and good fortunes.
Side by side they stand.
Side by stand they fight.
Side by stand they shall always be.
In sickness and in health.
In life and in death.
For all eternity"
Thorin gave him a small nod and Kili reached behind to take the ring from Fili. He smiled at the surprise in Fira's eyes as he slid it onto her finger. A simple gold band with blue flowers.
"I made it myself," he whispered.
"It's amazing. Thank you."
As Thorin cleared his throat Kili blushed. Gripping Fira's hands he was happy to find she seemed just as nervous.
"I Kili, son of Vili promise to love you. I promise to see you as my friend, my love and my equal. To protect you with my life and to fight beside you. I promise to support each and every decision you make, and to never leave your side. I will cherish you and keep you safe at my side. I am forever yours and only death will take me from you."
Letting free a sigh of relief Kili glanced over his shoulder to see Fili wink at him. Fira cleared her throat.
"I Fira, daughter of Firan promise to love you. I promise to see you as my friend, my love and my equal. To protect you with my life and to fight beside you. I promise to support each and every decision you make. I will never leave your side and I will always be there for you no matter what. I am forever yours and only death will take me from you."
The pride on her face as she had said her fathers names took Kili away. As she slid his gold band onto his finger he bent down and kissed her hand. Thorin sighed but Kili knew his uncle wasn't angry.
"From this moment until death you are husband and wife. Your union has been witnessed and blessed and we wish you all the utmost happiness from this day forth. You may seal your union."
"You need no encouraging there brother," Fili whispered. Ignoring him Kili drew Fira close and encircled his arms around her. Kissing her deeply he could hear the cheers ringing out from the crowds. Fira kissed him back just as fiercely and it took Kili a little too long to remember they were in public. Letting her go he beamed.
"That wasn't so bad was it?"
Fira shrugged before standing on her toes and leaning into his ear.
"Says the one who was shaking the most."
Blushing Kili turned and kissed her. It was meant to be a quick kiss on the cheek but Fira moved so he caught her lips. Cupping her face he explored her mouth as much as he dared before moving away.
"I…"
Fira put a finger to his lips, "For once I'm saying it first."
She kissed his cheek, "I love you."
Aww they finally made it down the aisle! Not got many more chapters to go after this but that doesn't mean we'll have no more drama! Let me know what you think xxx
