Friday came by soon, the boys had seen Svanhilda several times at school, but she didn't come up to them and kept her distance to Kili's relief.
After school they stopped by the restaurant to place the order and Fili was pleasantly surprised with the cost, other restaurants demanded much more for a similar size of meal. They placed the order for the evening and gave the address for the delivery. The boys rushed home to get ready, and at least take a shower and change clothes.
When Frodo came down Bilbo and Thorin were already getting the table ready, and the order had just arrived. Within moments the doorbell rang.
"Please come in!" Bilbo greeted the four people coming in.
"Mr. Baggins this is my wife Eliza." Mr. Linde introduced his wife. "And my younger daughter Cecelia."
"It's a pleasure to meet you both." The younger shy girl didn't reply she just hesitantly smiled, while the woman was confident and outgoing and immediately took the arm of the host and walked into the dining room.
"Frodo get the boys, will you please?" Bilbo asked his nephew, so he ran up the stairs.
Soon Kili and Fili came down and greeted the guests as politely as possible considering the stress of this meeting. But to their surprise the rest of the evening was fine, the adults talked a lot about business and houses. It soon tuned out the Linde family lived just five minutes on foot away from the Durin home, so in the conversation Fili heard he should pick Svanhilda up before school on Monday. He didn't reply anything, just nodded.
Soon the adults landed in the garden drinking drinks and chatting, while the teens were sent off for have some fun together. Frodo just blinked hearing the suggestion, but without fail he suggested watching a film together, so they ended up in the cinema room.
Svanhilda and her sister Cecelia were unusually quiet, but the boys were more silent than usual, but that soon changed as Frodo played a comedy, and before long the five teens were laughing out loud and commenting the film.
The seemingly shy Cecelia soon proved to be a talkative busy body, and she engaged the boys into a light chit chat conversation about the film. After the film and as soon as Cecelia left for a moment to go to the toilet, Svanhilda used her chance to say what she felt the need to tell them.
"I'm really sorry for the mess I've caused." She told the startled Fili and Kili.
"It's safe to say we all overreacted a bit." Kili commented slowly.
"I don't regret a damn thing; I would defend you no matter what." Fili looked at Kili with a spark in his eyes, but then he turned to the girl and gently spoke "Just don't play games with us anymore." He scolded her gently.
"No more games or anything." The girl nodded vigorously. "I'm just very lonely here, I didn't meet any nice people and the girls are driving me nuts with the gossip and crap they talk about at school."
"I know how it feels like." Frodo admitted with a sad voice. "Before I met these two, I always had to eat lunch alone, and it's really hard to get a table when you are alone in our canteen..."
"Imagine how it feels to walk around alone, and hear your name at every corner. When you sit down immediately somebody comes up to you, and it's never someone you would normally want to talk to." Fili complained about his fame. "I'm so fed up with those girls that I can't wait to finally graduate." Fili's voice was bitter.
"You really mean that?" Kili eyes were suddenly watery.
"Now that I have you two I don't think like that anymore." He told his fragile younger brother.
"So will you really pick me up on Monday morning?" Svanhilda asked gently seeing her sister enter the room again.
"Yeah, we can, if you'd like that." Fili finally replied.
"I'd like that very much." The girl smiled and nodded with enthusiasm. "What time do you usually come home?"
"At five pm." Kili told her. "We always go to training and other stuff."
"I still haven't found a club I'd like to join." She admitted. "Most are connected with sports, and I'm not a keen sportswoman."
"There are many other clubs as well..." Frodo started explaining about the art clubs, photography clubs, reading and film club.
"I'm really curious about your drawings." She told Kili all of a sudden. "Do you go to special art lessons?"
"No. It's just something I can do." Kili admitted blushing a bit.
"Like he can cook like nobody else in the family." Fili joked and smiled at him. Kili's blush went even redder.
"I'd like to see your drawings." Cecelia told him slowly. "I really like drawing myself."
"I'll go get my sketchbook then." Kili stood up and walked upstairs. He returned after several minutes and sat in between the girls, and he began showing and talking about his latest works.
"You're really talented!" The younger girl gasped seeing the pictures. "I wish I could draw like this!"
"These are much better than the one I saw." Svanhilda's voice was slightly cold. "Maybe I should keep that drawing in case you become famous. Then I could say you made a special portrait of me." She joked all of a sudden and Kili began laughing.
"I doubt I'll become famous." Kili added when he could catch his breath again.
"Why do you doubt that?" Fili told him. "You're unique."
"Indeed you are." Frodo added.
As the Linde family was leaving the boys were dreading Monday morning and driving with Svanhilda, at least their relation with the girl were becoming friendlier.
Bilbo couldn't believe it was less than a week to the wedding. The crazy organizing, the lack of time for writing, the honeymoon and problems with kids were driving him nuts. Thorin was gently convincing him a trip alone would ease all the stress and that they boys would manage just fine while they would be away.
On Monday the school was shaking with information about the wedding, and all the girls gossiping about Fili were shaken by the information that his uncle was actually marrying another man. All three boys didn't real care about what the school was talking about them, but Svanhilda proved to be a good ally to have. At first the school was at shock she arrived with the gorgeous Fili in his car in the morning, but later when the gossip about the wedding started spreading, Svanhilda would scare away any girl trying to approach Fili and ask him questions. She ate lunch with the boys, and slowly they were seeing a good side to having her around.
The week passed so fast that the family realized with panic it was already Friday and the next day the wedding was going to take place. The venue was beautiful, they decided for romantic scenery in the gardens of one of the palaces nearby. The guest invited to the party arrived as arranged, and most were there for the support. Only some like the Sackvilles were calculating very penny spent on the wedding and mumbling insults when no one could hear them.
Kili was utterly terrified, for him it was the first meeting with many family members. Fili held him tightly as long as they were alone in the morning. He helped him dressed, and had to reassure him with hundreds of kisses that he looked perfect. Being together, but not being together in public was a challenge for both of them, especially at such an event. Helping with the wedding was another challenge, both boys had a list of things they had to make sure were done properly, so as soon as they left their room, it was running around like crazy making sure all the elements were in place.
As they arrived at the reception with Frodo, it was one hour to the wedding. An hour in which they had to oversee the chairs, tables, flowers, music band, and everything else. As soon as the guests began arriving Fili took the role of host, he greeted everyone and directed to their seats. Kili was in the meantime in the kitchen overseeing the crazy trio running the restaurant. The food was already pre-prepared, and now was being heated and plated in the fancy palace kitchen. Bombur was surprised the young host was so interested in the kitchen, but welcomed the interest and carefully explained many things to the young food enthusiast. When the moment came to join Fili, Kili almost had a panic attack. He felt safe in the kitchen, and the perspective of going out and actually meeting everyone was kicking in. Finally Fili came to get him, he forced Frodo to take over greeting the guests, and he took his chance to rush to the kitchen, and without hesitation he pulled Kili out.
"Fili!" A huge bald man yelled towards the boy catching sight of his blond hair. Fili pulled Kili towards his favourite uncles, and he could feel Kili's arm go stiff and firm. Both men were intimidating in their own way, Dwalin was huge, tall and well built. He had many tattoos on his bald head and neck, and anyone who had any sense would avoid him on a dark street. Balin was his opposite, very well dressed, with a perfect haircut, and elaborate manners.
"Uncle Dwalin and uncle Balin! It's fantastic to see you!" Fili greeted them warmly still pulling Kili behind him. "I'd like you both to meet Kili." He pushed the boy to stand right next to him. Kili was looking down and so frozen Fili feared a huge panic attack might come up any minute.
"It's high time you found a boyfriend!" Dwalin grabbed Fili and pulled him into a bear hug. Balin looked at the shy boy standing next to Fili closely.
"He's my brother!" Fili replied swiftly, knowing there was no point in trying to hide the blood relation.
"Your brother?" Balin whispered. "You do look alike to Thorin..." He noticed quietly.
"I'll explain everything after the reception." Fili told them. "The ceremony is going to start in less than ten minutes so we better get going."
Fili grabbed Kili's hand again and pulled him towards the chairs, and Dwalin and Balin slowly followed them. Kili glanced at the huge man with fear, but the smaller elegant uncle had a kind smile and good eyes.
As the guests were getting seated, everything was quieting down. Soon the pianist started playing and the ceremony began. Kili was trembling with emotions, and both Frodo sitting on his left, and Fili sitting on his right were holding him down. It was very emotional to see their beloved uncles join in such a touching union. Bilbo had tears in his eyes, Thorin was clearly happier than ever. Frodo was openly crying on Kili's arm, and many of their closest friends were clapping and cheering the young couple.
Soon everyone went to the ballroom where the tables were placed, and as soon as everyone sat down Balin stood up to say the first toast.
"Dear family and friends, I honestly never thought this day would come. All my life I had been hoping for happiness to find its way to the heart of my dearest cousin! I have always known there must be a soul mate for my King Under The Mountain, and today is living proof true love really exists. Bilbo please make my cousin happy, and if you ever need us to set him straight just give me a call! To love!" He raised his glass, and everyone followed the gesture.
"To love!" The crowd repeated and drank their drinks. Soon the guests focused on the food and drinks.
The food was exactly as Kili wanted it to be, surprising and breathtaking. He was certain the strange trio of brothers running the restaurant would never have to worry about orders ever again. At the end of the reception they had to tell like fifty people which restaurant prepared the food, and where it was located.
When Thorin and Bilbo got into the car to leave for their honeymoon, they waved goodbye to their boys and with happy smiles left.
As the reception turned into dancing and a regular party, Fili told the manager of the palace to take over. They really appreciated the fact that they didn't have to worry about staying all night, and cleaning later.
Fili, Kili and Frodo returned home to an empty house.
The next day before noon they had a Skype call from Bilbo and Thorin who were a bit worried about their boys managing alone. After the call Kili rushed to the kitchen to get some lunch going.
A doorbell startled them, but it was logical some of the guests would want to talk more and spend some time with them.
"Uncle Dwalin and Balin!" Fili greeted the men. "Please come in, we're in the middle of preparing lunch."
"You learnt how to cook?" Dwalin asked surprised.
"Never in your life!" Fili joked and led both men into the open kitchen space.
"Hi kid!" Dwalin yelled to the tall shy boy.
"So we were wondering about you Kili." Balin approached the shy silent boy, who looked at him with fear in his eyes.
"Why don't you sit down and I'll tell you all about it." Fili proposed, and when the men sat down he told them the story how Kili was found in Alaska. Both men looked at the shy silent boy a bit worried, and Fili could understand the reaction, Kili avoided even looking at them.
"He needs lots of care and safety." Fili told them firmly.
"He's just like her." Balin whispered to him.
"No, he might look like her, but he's nothing like her." Fili was decisive.
Frodo joined them soon and he greeted the two men with enthusiasm. Within minutes Kili placed plates with delicious tuna pasta in front of them.
"Great food boy!" Dwalin ate his portion in record speed. "Can I get seconds?" He smiled at the shy reserved boy, who now was looking at him attentively. The boy eagerly nodded and grabbed the plate to put one more potion.
"So Thorin told us you're planning to study in London School of Economics." Balin addressed Fili. "I'm glad you want to step up and take up the business from Thorin."
"That old bastard keeps ignoring his duties in many aspects, so having you on board will ease the workload." Dwalin told the boy with a smile. "What about you kid, are you planning to help out as well?" Dwalin looked at the smallest boy.
"No, I'm not really into business stuff." Frodo spoke shyly. "I was thinking of going into psychology just like Bilbo. But I think you can count on Kili, he did a fantastic job with organizing the wedding."
"He's got talent." Fili admitted. "And he's got a head for maths." Kili blushed slightly but remained silent intimidated by the two men.
"I'm happy to meet you." Balin told the boy gently. "And I'm very happy our family is growing." He looked at both Kili and Frodo. "We're going to Erebor for two days, and then we need to get back on the road."
"Are you going back to China?" Fili asked curiously.
"Ered Luin in South Africa comes first." Dwalin told him. "We need to check up on the mines."
"And later Norway." Balin told them. "We'll get back to China like in three weeks, but Oin is there for now."
"Oin is Gloin's brother." Fili explained to the younger boys.
"So the whole family is in the business?" Frodo asked curiously.
"Not really, but many are engaged." Balin explained. "In the old days it was natural everyone was a part of the family business, but it's not a must anymore."
"The family has always lived off the mines and business, so it's only logical everyone would try to help." Dwalin explained. "Not all into the same part of the business, but there's a place for everyone."
"Kili is going to paint a portrait of Thorin for the family gallery." Fili suddenly told the men.
"You can paint?" Balin asked surprised, and the boy just blushed and nodded.
"He's extremely talented." Frodo told the men.
"We'd like to show you his works!" Fili grabbed Kili and pulled him towards the studio. Both men watched with amazement as the drawings and sketches in the room.
"You're probably as talented as Nain the first!" Balin yelled with enthusiasm.
"Nain?" Kili whispered.
"Nain the first was the seventh King Under The Mountain." Balin explained. "He was a talented artist, but an idiot at the same time. He ruled our people nearly four hundred years ago, and he left a huge collection of paintings and drawings. They are all in Erebor, so make sure Fili shows you everything."
"He was an idiot. He had a crazy idea to sail ships towards China, and he got killed by cannibals on some islands in the pacific." Dwalin explained. "He lost his ship, but his son Thrain managed to sail back with the fleet and cargo, and later he turned it into a fortune and made Erebor one of the most beautiful castles in Britain. He ruled our people the longest so far, and he was one of the wisest, contrary to his father."
"I didn't know out family had such a history." Kili told them almost silently.
"There are many stories; our family had lots of crazy ancestors." Dwalin told them.
Both men stayed for some time, Balin kept telling stories of the old days when their family members were fighting as a clan, and later for the independence of Scotland. He told them about where the title King Under The Mountain came from, and about some of the first kings.
The next two weeks were very peaceful for the three of them. Going to school was the same as always, all the gossip and unwanted attention. Svanhilda was still keeping them company, going to school together, eating lunch and going to training. Kili was struggling with the task set by Mr. Lindir; he had to draw T.S. Eliot's poetry for a contest about visions of literature. Kili was still hopeless with reading, but listening and drawing were two things he could do easily. Soon his collection under the careful supervision of Lindir and Gandalf was reprinted into big format, and along with the selection of poems set to the contest organizers. Thorin and Bilbo would call them every day to make sure everything was fine.
The newly married couple returned a bit sooner than expected, Bilbo later told them it simply felt wrong to stay there alone without their children.
"We missed you!" Kili told Bilbo and hugged him tightly.
"We missed you boys as well." Bilbo hugged the boy back.
"Next time you're all coming with us." Thorin told the boys.
"Next time it's Christmas and we're all going to Erebor." Fili noticed thinking about the closest date when all of them would be free.
"Christmas in Erebor?" Kili smiled and glanced at everybody with hope in his eyes.