To Our Most Honorable Lords, Ladies, and Scribes,
We are delighted to welcome you to Erebor. Your accommodations have been arranged. Princes Kili and Fili will escort you to the guest wings where you are invited to refresh yourselves before the ceremony. Servants have been instructed to prepare a light meal after your tiring journey. The ceremony will take place at night fall, and you are our special guests at the feast following. King Thorin and Lady Relianna bid me make you most welcome, so if there is anything we can do to ensure your comfort, you have but to ask.
Your Servant,
Lord Balin
Son of Fundin
"You should be in your chambers behind a bolt ..."
She whipped around.
" ... sweetheart."
Frain stalked out on the balcony with a frown on his face. Looking around him, he peered behind the door and checked every dark area to make sure no one else was hiding—not that he expected to find Thorin lurking about, but stranger things had happened.
"And what are you doing up?" she asked with raised brow and crossed arms. Frain's stern expression turned guilty, and she looked from him to the door. "You weren't trying to open another door, were you?"
He pulled a face and shook his head. "No, sister, dear, I just couldn't sleep."
"Me neither."
"I thought a short walk might help, and then I saw the door ajar," he said with a shrug. Opening his arms, he gestured her forward and kissed her temple. "How are you doing? Today your life changes forever. Are you sure about this? About Thorin?"
She picked her head off his shoulder and stood with her arms around his waist. "How can you ask that? Of course, I'm sure. What's gotten into you?"
"Just a last-minute check. I don't doubt what I see from either of you, but this is forever. Thorin Oakenshield is nothing if not territorial, so come what may, he will not let you go."
"No, I will not let him go." Her answer satisfied him, and he laughed and kissed her forehead. "Good. Just had to make sure."
"I am a little worried about being queen though. I have no idea what to do."
One eye squinted while he thought through her question. "Well, we're healers, aren't we? I suppose it's not too much different. We helped the sick get well, and now we're going to help the well prosper. Not too much different."
She hugged him hard, and he returned the favor. "I'm going to miss you, Flame-rider, but I couldn't be more relieved you chose Thorin. He's the one for you."
"And she's the one for you, brother. Just promise to visit often."
"I promise, and you too."
The door opened again, and Thorin strode out onto the balcony wearing his usual robes. He rounded the corner and saw Frain first.
"What are you doing up?" he asked, just as stern as Frain was minutes ago.
"I could ask you the same question," he said, moving aside to reveal Relianna. "Mahal, Thorin, do you sleep in those?"
The King of Erebor gave him a withering glance before turning to his sister. His eyes lit up with an eager shine, and he took her hands in his and stroked her fingers with his thumbs. His eyes never left hers and even Frain's obvious cough didn't break his focused stare.
"I couldn't sleep," she said.
"Nor I."
"Didn't we have this conversation already?" Frain asked, looking from one to the other with an impish grin. The door opened again.
"Hello? Is anyone out here?" With wide eyes straining to see in the dim light, Bemma picked her way forward.
"What are you doing up?" Relianna asked. Bemma motioned to the door.
"I couldn't sleep, so I thought I'd walk around a bit, but I saw the door cracked, so ... you know, I could ask you the same question."
Frain stuck his pinky in his ear and wiggled it around. "Enough already."
The four stood there a bit sheepish at being caught out, but before they could say another thing, the door creaked.
"Who's out here? Show yourself!"
Fili and Kili rounded the corner with belt-knives in hand, and their surprise turned to puzzlement.
"What are you all doing up?"
"We couldn't sleep," Thorin said.
"This has to stop!" Frain said over them.
"Us neither," Fili said, "so we thought we'd take a stroll, but then we saw the door open."
Frain rubbed his hands over his face. "Good night! I'm leaving. Plum? I'll walk you back to your room."
"Oh, no, you won't," Kili said barring his way. Thorin turned to Relianna and held out his arm for her to take, but Fili stepped in between them.
"Sorry, uncle," he said. "You told us to keep them out of trouble."
"I meant that for Frain," Thorin muttered.
"Oh, you did, did you?" Frain said with mock sarcasm. "Fancy meeting you here then."
"To bed!" Thorin ordered.
"Each to his or her own," Fili added. The rest turned to him, offended it needed saying. "That you're all out here says enough."
No one slept well, but early in the morning, Relianna and Bemma slipped out for fittings. Thorin had the royal chambers scrubbed, polished, and made ready to spend a few days behind closed doors. The bath in his set of chambers was a fairly large, open pool, and he imagined them spending much time there. Making sweet music in the music room was worth a few hours, and their bedrooms were worth the rest. Frain would have to wait. He wasn't about to cut short his honeymoon for his brother-in-law.
He can afford to cool his heels a while.
One thing he was willing to cut was the ceremony. Balin had hinted at the various breaches of protocol Thorin was committing, but he didn't care. A royal wedding was a solemn occasion of pomp and splendor that took months to plan, and in comparison, Thorin's hasty wedding was almost a revolt.
"I want it short," he said. "I see no reason to plan another spectacle after the month we've had, and I'll not stand up there with her for hours, so dispense with the Reading of the Durin Lineage."
"Dispense with?"
"Aye, and cut out Duties of Monarchy."
"But Thorin!" Balin said aghast. He was about to argue his point but stopped at the look on his king's face. "Very well then. Is she to be crowned queen today?" That gave Thorin pause. It was a long ceremony with many speeches, many good wishes, many toasts, and little time together.
"No. We have plenty of time for that later. Understand me, Balin. I'm not ignorant of what needs to be done, but I've waited long enough."
However, despite his wish to keep things simple, wiser heads knew the wedding wasn't for him alone, and Lord Kerba and Frain rallied the troops to make it special for Relianna.
"As you know, she likes honeysuckle," Frain said, "also fire lilies. My love, would you and the ladies here care to take charge of the decorations?" They eagerly agreed.
"You can have the run of the treasury," Balin said, "and all tailors and seamstresses are at your disposal."
"Do you have large crystal urns, my lord?"
"Gold and green velvet embroidered bunting, my lord?"
"Pin light candles, my lord?"
"I'm sure we must," Balin said, "not that I've a head for such things," and he snapped his fingers. A clerk came forward "See they have access to whatever they need."
"Right away, my lord!"
"What else?" Fili wanted to know.
"Music," Frain said. "She loves music, not that she's had much opportunity to play."
"She plays?" Kili asked.
"The pipes," Frain said. "I taught her. Anyway, we need music. Can anyone play "Song of the Whippoorwill or Dance of the Egrets?"
"Aye," Bofur said, "I know those from when I was a wee babe. I'll round up the lads. Don't you worry."
Bemma and the others popped by in shifts for fittings of their own as well as to help Relianna prepare. Her dress was almost done. It looked like a cream and gold cloud with a tight bodice, full skirt, and sprays of luminous pearls appliqued throughout. The pearls were an especially rare offering being so far from the sea.
"Oh, Reli," Bemma said breathlessly, "it's perfect for you. Now hold still and don't muss your hair."
There was so much to do that time passed quickly. Many hands had helped Relianna get ready, and after much to-doing, finding lost ribbons, and adjusting the fit of many gowns, she and the maids were dressed with an elegance none had experienced before. Lady Carba joined in with suggestions, and a late tap on the door admitted Lady Ariella who couldn't contain her curiosity any longer. Relianna's hair was parted in the middle and loose like Thorin preferred, and the diamond dust scattered on her cheeks and chest made her sparkle. A twisted crown of honeysuckle added the perfect touch.
"I bet a week's wages he cries when he sees her," Furla said, but no one was willing to meet her bet.
"So what will he look like, I wonder?" Bemma asked.
"Devastating," Derlig said. "Absolutely devastating."
Lord Kerba entered the suite where dressers were brushing Thorin's fur robes. "Anything you need?" he asked while tailors dressed Thorin in silver robes with diamond accents. He had taken a long bath with fragrant oils and scented his hair with musk oil. His beard and mustache had been trimmed, and his hair was left in long waves. He looked devastating.
"I thank you, Kerba, but no. I have all I require."
One thing needed saying though, and Kerba cleared his throat, not sure where to start. He didn't want to take advantage of his new-found kinship with Thorin, yet as a husband, he knew from experience something Thorin didn't.
"One thing though, if I may," he said, drawing Thorin's attention. He looked over at Lord Kerba and waved him to continue. "Don't think me impertinent, Thorin, but one thing you may not know is that she needs to lead the first time."
That got his attention, and he stood there both confused and perturbed. "What do you mean, Kerba? That's not been my experience."
Kerba pursed his lips, knowing he needed to tread carefully. "That may be because it wasn't the first time for her. Do you understand?"
"I'm not sure I do. Don't dance around me. Speak your mind."
"Very well," Kerba said after a deep breath. "The first time will likely be painful for her, Thorin, but it will help if she's ready. Let her body prepare."
That gave the soon-to-be bridegroom much to think on, and he scratched at his beard while gathering his thoughts. The dressers and others slipped into another room.
"How will I know when she's ready then?" He walked over and sat next to Kerba. "I don't want to hurt her. Mahal, it would destroy me."
Now he's listening, Kerba thought. Good.
"Take it slow, Thorin, take it slow. Don't rush. You have all the time in the world now. She'll let you know."
The Hall of Audiences was transformed into a spring garden with large crystal urns holding branches of honeysuckle and lilies lining the center aisle. Light from huge gold candle toppers reflected patterns of leaves and flowers on the gold and green velvet bunting above, and small trees in moss-covered pots were placed in random spots to simulate natural growth. It looked like the outside had come inside, and two larger trees decorated with tiny pin lights glittered and twinkled on each side of the platform.
"Never underestimate the power of a maid," Fili said looking around.
At last it was time, and the hall was filled to the brim with dwarves packed in every available space. A general murmur quieted when trumpets heralded the arrival of Thorin and those standing by his side. A smattering of applause turned to thunderous cheers and shouts of good wishes, and he inclined his head in thanks, pleased at their approval. He was completely at ease now, all anxieties and insecurities gone, his new-found knowledge another cause for confidence. He had thanked Lord Kerba for both his concern and frankness, and both left content.
"It's time, Relianna," Bemma said. "Are you nervous?"
"Of all the people staring, a little," she said, "of becoming Thorin's wife? Not at all."
The maids came out first carrying posies of firelilies and bursting with pride. Behind the doors, Frain took his sister into his arms and kissed her forehead.
"Mother and grandfather would be so proud, sister. You're beautiful inside and out, and I'm proud, most proud to be your brother."
She laughed. "No teasing, Frain?"
The look on his face told her he was serious, and her grin gave way to trembling lips.
"Not this time. I love you, and I'm honored to walk you down." Relianna had asked him to walk her down and Dain to help give her away. She handed him a handkerchief when he started sniffling. "Ready?" She took the bouquet of honeysuckle and lilies from Bemma and nodded.
The doors opened, and Thorin rocked back on his heels. She entered on Frain's arm back-lit by a stray shaft of light, and Thorin could have sworn the Valar had descended. She was the answer to all his anguished nights and empty days, and he could only marvel at how his initial disgust at having to find a wife had transformed into a desperate desire to wed. Trying to keep steady, he stood erect with his head held high, but he couldn't help a single tear from rolling down his cheek. She took in the wonder of what her friends had done for her, but then her eyes fixed on Thorin, and they stared at each other, both blinking hard. Bofur struck up the music, and she choked on a sob as the songs of her childhood when she danced with her grandfather and brother filled the hall. Erebor had never looked so beautiful.
"All right there, Thorin?" Balin asked. The dwarf king merely shook his head, unable to tear his eyes away.
Frain looked splendid in pale blue, and his wide smile grew brighter when he spied Bemma with the other maids. With a bright red face and more than a little sweat, Dain waited at the end of the aisle. Turning aside, he took a quick moment to wipe his forehead before resuming his position. His chest swelled with pride.
"Who gives this woman to this man?" Balin asked.
"Her father ..."
"... and brother do," and together they helped her up the few steps to her husband.
The ceremony was over within minutes and neither Thorin nor Relianna remembered much, only the exchange of rings and their vows.
"My home is in your heart," he said. He kissed the pulse of her wrist, "and I put all my worldly goods at your feet. My sword, my honor, and body will defend you 'til my last breath. I swear to love and protect you and our children with all that I have and all that I am. I am yours and only yours forever until death closes my eyes."
She struggled not to cry, and it took her a few moments to compose herself. Guests and subjects watched closely and saw for themselves the depth of their affection.
"Looks like true love to me anyway," said a sentry. "What do you see?"
"Aye," said the other, "no mistaking that look. Better want to than have to, I say."
"Your life is my life," she began, "and all I have is yours. I will strive always to meet your needs and supply your wants. As long as I am alive, you will know love. I promise to respect and trust you always through whatever may come. I am yours and only yours forever. My heart is in your keeping where I know it's safe. "
Thorin leaned his forehead against hers. "Aye, it is."
Balin moved on to the various blessings, but they didn't hear him.
"The game is over, love," Thorin whispered. "Checkmate." Afterward, they joined the banquet and went from table to table to meet their guests, but long before it was tradition to bow out, Thorin took his wife by the hand and left.
After a knock on the door of the queen's chambers, Thorin entered the candlelit room and stared at his bride. Her hair was down, and she wore a filmy gown with a thin satin robe that barely covered her. He could look where he wanted now, and he took his time. Eyes heavy-lidded with desire roamed over her voluptuous body, all ripe and all his. Beautiful and his. A thrill tightened his abdomen and groin. The time had come to claim his woman, and he was more than ready, but when he reached for her, she frowned and he stopped at once.
"Relianna, love, what is it?"
She was well aware of what went on between a husband and wife, and she looked forward to it eagerly, but when he came in wearing his robes, she no longer felt on equal footing.
"Relianna?"
She gestured at him and then at herself. "You look quite comfortable, but I feel a draft."
He almost laughed but squelched it at once when he saw she was in earnest, and he remembered what Lord Kerba had said. Of course, that could be remedied in a way that would bring them both pleasure, and as soon as the delicious thought came to him, one side of his mouth pulled up. He walked up to her and held out his arms.
"Undress me then." She looked up in surprise.
"You want me to …?"
"I want you to take off my clothes." Shrugging off his royal robe, he toed off his boots and stood before her wearing his silver tunic and black breeches. "I'll not have you uncomfortable. I want us to fully enjoy each other without hesitation. Touch me. I'm yours to know."
In the honeyed glow of the room, they stood before each other anticipating the feel of each other's skin. She hesitated for a second then tugged at his tunic, and he shivered at her fingers running up his back. The coolness of her fingers was quenched by the heat of his body. After he helped her pull the heavy tunic over his head, he stood before her naked to the waist and felt a moment's fear that she would find him old, but she stared with wide-eyed admiration at his heavy muscles. Seeing his approving nod, she palmed his chest and ran her hands over his bare shoulders. He watched her closely, enjoying the look of concentration on her face as she took in the strong lines of his body. Running two fingers down his taut stomach, she traced the line of thick, black hair that led into his breeches. He sighed and closed his eyes. With an eager breath, she loosened the string of his breeches, and he grinned, his eyes still closed. Her fingertips slipped inside his waistband, and he jolted. Whipping her fingers out, she leaned away, but he shook his head, put his hands over her fingers, and guided them back.
"Touch me. As you are mine, I am yours, and I want this. You didn't hurt me. Quite the contrary."
When he could stand it no more, he loosened the tie on her robe and slipped it off her shoulders. Her thin gown hid nothing, and he exulted in what he saw. Holding his desire in check, he rested his hands on her hips, determined not to go farther until she was ready. She fingered his ears, neck, chest, and abdomen, stroking and exploring, and he kneaded the fullness of her hips, occasionally slipping behind to stroke her back. His excitement was rising fast, and he hoped that she would be ready soon—very soon.
"Such beauty. Such loveliness," he said through a thick throat. "I'm honored to behold it first. Ah, that time when Frain barged in on your bath doesn't count."
She laughed at the memory. "He was mortified, but the bubbles hid everything, so you are the first. I love you, Thorin."
"And I you forever."
They touched each other tenderly then, their hands stroking and caressing. Tilting her head, he placed the merest touch of his lips on her scar.
"No, don't."
She flinched and tried to pull away, but he held her head and kissed it again.
"I know you think it's horrible, love," he whispered against her ear, "but it's proof you risked your life to be with me, and I will honor it for the rest of mine."
He ran his finger over her lips. "You see I have scars as well."
Touching lower, she laid her hand over the one his battle with Azog had left, an ugly wound in his side. She traced it with sad eyes.
"Oh, Thorin."
He hushed her and lifted her face.
"It's in the past, love. That and others are the scars of a warrior, but now my life as a man begins. Come to me, sweet Relianna, and let me take us to a place neither has gone before, a place that is ours alone."
Her gown opened under his fingers, and he pushed it down to pool at her feet. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she kissed him under his ear, and he cried out and pressed himself flush against her. He felt her hand on his bare hip. Shuddering, he arched his neck.
"My wife, what you make me feel."
Their gasps and moans grew more urgent as their excitement built to ecstasy. "My love, are you … are you?" he asked, grunting his desperate question against her cheek. In answer, she took his hand from around her back and placed it on her chest. Her heart pounded against his palm. Once again he backed her up against his bed. Once again she fell backward and he with her, but this time she didn't push away.
Soooo I'm sure you all enjoyed yourselves at the wedding and feast. Of course, some of you may not be reading this since you're still there. In fact, I could have sworn I saw Fili and Kili dancing with a few Most Noble Readers. Anyway, I hope this is what you were waiting for. If so, send a review letting me know. Next up, Frain and Bemma and maybe someone else!