Evie woke up and froze, immediately sitting up in her bed. She could not tell what time it was (there were no windows in her little room and so she could only imagine that it was morning and her body had awakened her as it usually did by a certain time), and it took her a moment to remember even where she was and why she was here.

The hobbit was startled by the sudden and overwhelming memory of what had happened the night previous. Or what she thought had happened the night previous. How could she know for sure that it hadn't been a dream? A perfect, faultless, wild cloud of a dream she would have been happy to let carry her away had she not been such a practical creature. Yet it had felt so real… He had felt so real…

Two hesitant fingers moved to dust across her pink lips, as if to wonder at their memory of him. She closed her eyes, recalling the indescribable sensation of his body pressed against hers, shielding her from the cold night breeze and the cares and worries of their circumstances, capturing her, body and soul, and finally surrendering to their shared passion and saying those perfect words she had been waiting to hear for so many long years…

Evie took a deep breath, getting out of bed and padding over to her trunk. She picked out her most stunning pink dress, hoping it would give her courage to face whatever the day would bring. The fabric had little patterns stitched into its surface, and the soft, deep pink complimented her rosy cheeks. It seemed to be a very undwarven color, she realized as she slipped it on over her underclothes, but she was not in the mood for trying to be someone she was not. Evangeline Took was a hobbit through and through, and she was not going to try and hide it.

Besides, it must be nearly breakfast time.

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Evie had found her way downstairs and was wandering back to the dining hall (to which she had been directed by a passing dwarf who looked as though he was coordinating a group of others in their housekeeping duties for the morning), when she heard a heated conversation that stripped all her attention from breakfast and onto an entirely different subject (which was a very great thing indeed for a hobbit).

"So it is true? You wish to take this, this Shireling as a bride?!"

Evie stiffened, knowing she should not be hearing this. Or that she should, but that her place was by Thorin's side, her chin in the air and her dazzling grey eyes alight with the pride the healer felt she had earned after her time in service of Durin's Folk. This was not the sort of conversation she should be eavesdropping on, and yet she could not tear herself from the doorframe where she stood, paralyzed, as she heard Thorin defending her honor. He spoke of her natural nobility, her readiness to help others and a kindness which would earn the love of his people…

"I know the dwarves of Erebor and I know Evangeline Took. They will be surprised by one another, yet I am sure they will grow to understand and care for each other as she becomes their queen."

As. Not if. As. It made her heart flutter like it was a living thing, outside of her power.

"Your father never would have allowed it. And your grandfather…"

It was as if Belinir could not even form the phrase, he found it so undignified that he should have to say anything at all. His silence seemed somehow much worse than if he had made a more lively accusation. There was a pause, and Evie tried to imagine the look of disciplined anger which must have struck Thorin's characteristically brooding countenance, to think of how his strong brow had probably knit together in one of those uncommon displays of emotion which always meant so much more for their rarity…

"He is not here to speak for himself, and while I always respect your advice, Belinir, you were Thrór's adviser, not Thrór himself."

The hobbit's eyes widened. She did not know much of Belinir but that he had been the king's adviser in Erebor and that he was seen as the eldest and grandest adviser of the dwarves, but she knew this was a great assault on his pride. He had questioned Thorin's judgment before, and it seemed he would not have the opportunity to do so again. Evie remembered distinctly the last stolen conversation she had overheard, on a similar topic, and the way Thorin had so definitely cast aside the good opinion of his closest friend… She could not imagine, now, how far they had come since that day. He had been sure then, perhaps, and he was even more certain now. The very thought made her tremble, and Evie knew she should leave before one of them exited the room and caught her there, a guaranteed way to damage whatever small favorable inkling Belinir might have felt for her. She worried that the king's harsh words might make it more difficult to befriend the older dwarf, but she proposed simply to work even harder at earning his trust and approval. It seemed, according to Thorin, this was not altogether necessary, but that meant it was all the more important.

And what's more, she realized as the reality of her circumstances set in, it meant that the life changing events of the night before had indeed taken place, and that Thorin Oakenshield did intend, at long last, to take her as his bride.

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Evie was sitting with Dis in the dining hall, sipping tea and munching on biscuits and whatever other little delights could be foraged from the kitchen at such an early hour. The hobbit found herself pleasantly surprised by the diversity of the offerings given by Thorin's cooks. It was certainly not as delicately flavorful as Shire food, but there was a deep richness to dwarven cooking which she could appreciate.

The healer contributed some tea she had collected in her travels, and she and Dis were sampling some with their morning cakes. Dwarves were not great tea drinkers, but they could enjoy it, she thought, at the right time and with the right palette.

Dis had been telling her of Ered Luin; their customs, the way they liked to have things done, and (of great interest to Evie) the times at which they dined. The hobbit was absorbing all she could, although underneath the casual conversation her heart pounded with thoughts of what she had heard earlier, and of the wonderful possibilities that had suddenly become realities and which lit her soul on fire.

As if summoned by her thoughts, Thorin entered the room. Dis and Evie turned to look at him at once, as if they both knew by the heavy sound of his footfalls that something was wrong. He did seem to look more haggard than usual... The king was rubbing his eyes, no doubt out of fatigue, but whether it was for lack of sleep or from a heaviness of heart neither female could begin to guess at. Evie supposed it could be both, and she desired nothing more in that moment than to be able to comfort him, to take his hand in hers, to kiss his temple in that way which displayed the utmost of feminine tenderness, to massage the tension from his tired shoulders… She was consumed with the thought of it. After the intense closeness they had shared the previous night, her physical desire for him had become tenfold. To know what it was to be more intimate with him, to feel his lips on hers, his arms around her… She ached inside to know that it would no doubt be some time before she could experience the rush of his nearness again, to feel in her very soul her every desire being satisfied by the force of his love for her.

And yet, she acknowledged, simply to know that it would come again and that they would have the rest of their lives together (oh, what a thought!) was enough, for now. To secure that future for herself, she would do anything. And that included keeping her distance from him, if that was what propriety, that malcontent spirit she had always managed to keep at bay until now, demanded.

This all meant little as Thorin came to join the two ladies, and Evie was offered a thrill as his blue eyes fell upon her and a smile lit up his face, banishing the frown which had twisted upon his lips before he had noticed her. His smiles had always been so rare, to see them now in abundance was beyond her imagining. A grin lit up her own face, and Dis stared at them both in silent awe. She had been confident in their coming together as a couple, but after their somber exchanges at dinner she doubted Evie would have received such a fine reception from her brother in the morning. Unless… Was there something they weren't telling her!? The audacity of her new friend to have kept something so consequential from her all throughout their shared breakfast was too much for Dis. Her curiosity was beginning to get the better of her royal poise, for she knew it would tirelessly gnaw at her until she said something, so the dwarf opened her mouth to demand an explanation for what seemed quite obvious before her eyes when a small troupe of gentlemen entered the room and she was forced silent by the angry look on Nrerin's face as he came to sit down at the end of the table, eyeing Thorin as though he had just committed some great offense.

"Belinir does not feel well this morning and will not come to breakfast."

He announced, his face pulling up in haughty disdain. So he would be another Evie would have to work to befriend, she acknowledged. Thorin nodded, trying to be respectful even as the hobbit noticed him bristling beside her. She sighed lightly, tucking a curl behind her ear and sneaking a supportive glance toward the king, who sat down beside her once more at the head of the table. He noticed, it seemed, and his shoulders eased back into his chair as if in acquiescence to the situation. If Belinir would not come to breakfast, so he would not come. His honor had been offended, and Thorin was sorry for that, but he would not be questioned on such a matter as the desires of his own heart. He knew that Evangeline was the right choice not only for himself, but for his people. Although sometimes he wondered if it was a choice at all – if she had not been brought to him by Durin himself to become his heir's wife. It certainly had not been Thorin's choice to fall in love with her, to learn to care for her the way he did… Everything in his nature suggested that he rule over his people alone, and yet – and yet Evie had come to him, again and again, as summer followed the long winter. How could he deny himself, and his people, her warmth? So perhaps it was not so much a choice at all; perhaps it was fate which had brought them together at last. Belinir would see that, if only he would give Evangeline Took a chance to show him the good she could affect wherever she went.

Evangeline sensed how pensive the king was, and while it worried her she felt assured in her future with him and in his determination to let nothing separate them now that they had come together. She noticed Tekar down the table, who was looking at her with a strange light in his eyes. Had Belinir told the other advisers of Thorin's proposal? Or perhaps Thorin himself had informed them? In any case, although he said little, Evie suspected that Tekar, at least, approved of the match. He had not spoken much with the hobbit the night before, but he seemed of a good sort, even though he was not much younger than Belinir himself.

Dwalin and Balin seated themselves next to Thorin, therefore across from Evie, and an empty chair was saved beside Dis for her husband, who was yet absent. Food was brought out aplenty for the assembled group, and Evie realized that she could get along quite well here if this was what was offered in the mornings – large, round sausages which looked ready to burst from their wrappings, all sorts of cooked meats and delicacies, some very good sugared porridge that was just to Evie's taste, and a few plates she couldn't name but were also quite marvelous.

Fildur came in a few minutes after everyone had begun eating, excusing himself for being late but not offering an explanation. He sat beside his wife, who chided him appropriately for his tardiness and joked that he must have woken to the smell of food, which earned a merry chuckle from all who heard. Evie did her best to raise Thorin's spirits, and it seemed to work as she managed to finish up her meal (it was truly second breakfast, as she had risen early and nibbled on quite a bit that morning with Dis) with a light heart. She caught Dwalin's glance across the table, and was surprised by the astounded look on his face. She would have questioned it, but thought that perhaps it was not so great a thing to bring up in the present company, in case he wore it due to a private reason.

As everyone began to stand and go about their business for the day, Thorin turned to his hobbit and explained, "I have much business to attend to, but if you like you may spend the afternoon with Dis, who can show you more of the mountain."

The blonde nodded, "I would very much like to meet some of the dwarves who live here, if that would not be strange for me to do…"

The king's thin lips morphed into a smile, and Evangeline realized she had pleased him.

"That would be well. There is a market in the foothills of the mountain; I can assemble a company to take you there. You should not go with only Dis."

"Thank you, my lord."

She replied, and the formal words felt strange on her tongue after their pledges of the previous evening. Their eyes met, and Evie knew at once that he was feeling a similar internal tension, a desire to be able to act as though they were already married and display that closeness they both currently felt but which would be the ruin of their future plans.

"It is my custom to eat at midday with my advisers. You may do so at the market if you wish, and I will see you again at dinner."

The dwarf announced, and Evie bowed her head in agreement. She wanted to seem the picture of a dutiful companion, respectful and gentle and whatever else it was she imagined a queen should be. Granted, when she was actually queen (when! what a gorgeous word!) and had little reason to put on such a show, she doubted she could do so much to be quiet and dignified, but would rather do all she could to be a part of her people, whatever that might mean. She wanted to become involved in their community, to care for her people and always work to improve their society, even if it meant leaving things like delicacy or propriety behind. Her People. It was new and very exciting to consider – for the dwarves of Ered Luin would be hers, soon enough, and she would be theirs. It was a delightful thought, and she kept it close as she watched Thorin leave the room, followed by his troupe of advisers, who never seemed far behind.

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As Evie was getting up to go to her room and prepare for the walk down the mountain to visit the market, she found the exit blocked by Dwalin and Dis, who both wore very stern looks on their faces. She was almost taken aback, but recognized the playful sparkle in Dis' blue eyes which reminded her all too much of the look of one of her neighbors in the Shire whenever Evie came home from an adventure. It was curiosity, sharp and incredulous, and the blonde had a feeling she would not be going anywhere until she answered a few questions.

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"Dwalin, Fildur, and I will take you into the marketplace, but we're not going anywhere until you tell us what has happened."

Evie tried on an expression of utmost innocence, and placed a small hand on her chest as though feigning disbelief.

"I am very sorry, but I do not know whatever you could mean…"

A smile cracked at the corner of her full lips, betraying the hobbit even as she attempted the façade.

Dwalin said nothing, but the look on his rugged face could have curdled milk.

"I should not say."

Evie countered, in all seriousness. She looked to Telchar for help, as he had also stayed behind with the group of thugs come to interrogate her, but he offered little assistance.

"It is for Thorin to tell you, it is not my place…"

The hobbit argued, feeling defenseless. Dis clung to this, however, and Evie realized she had already said too much.

"So there is something to tell! Did he propose? Oh, Evangeline, you are quite the worst friend I have ever had!"

Dis exaggerated, throwing up her arms. Yet when she saw the expression on her future sister's face she knew at once that it must be true. The dwarf made a delicate noise of delight and Dwalin's eyes widened even more than they had at breakfast.

"So it is true! By my beard!"

The expression was so loud that Evie thought the rest of the mountain must have heard it, as well as the following thundering reverberation of Dwalin's large hands as they clapped together in amazement. Evie blushed, trying not to look too pleased with herself or to admit too much. Yet how could they not know? It seemed Thorin's advisers had been told, so why not his closest friends, and his family? They were to be hers, as well, so all courtesy aside she supposed they might as well find out now, and from her. Although, she contrived, the healer could spare herself reprimand as she had not truly come out and said it.

"It is only after he had received my approval, you know," Dwalin continued, a smirk on his face. It was strange to see the tall, tattooed warrior smiling in such a way; almost unnatural. "I told him that if he was to marry outside of our folk, the only one suitable to lead us would be you. It surprised me even as I said it, but you have proven your mettle as if one of our kin, though you be made more of Shire dirt than mountain stone."

It was quite a speech coming from one such as Dwalin, and Evangeline appreciated every word. She was, indeed, made more of the flowers of the Shire and perhaps the rolling hills of the Wildlands than the hard, coarse stone of the mountain, yet she believed the two complimented each other, in their own way. They were in Eriador, after all, and perhaps a hobbit's touch might do well to further the prosperity of the dwarves of Ered Luin, as they were now. For at their core they would always be of Erebor, yet there was little she could do to save them of that longing but to make their new home as bright and as wonderful as it could be.

"I knew something was different – I have never seen Thorin with such a smile on his face. Not since we were young and he killed his first stag."

Evie almost didn't catch Dis' words, she was so wrapped up in her own contemplations of the future and trying to think out how she might meet it.

"Well, if you're all done questioning me, I think it may well be time to go down to the market."

The hobbit insisted, puffing up and trying to look authoritative. Fildur chuckled at the attempt, but indeed the group dispersed and Evie was permitted to go upstairs and prepare for the short trip down the mountain. As she bounded up the stairs to her room, past the balcony door and down the hallway she guessed she must share with Thorin himself, the blonde could barely keep the wide grin off her face. Today was going to be a wonderful day.

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Author's Note: I hope that last chapter was everything you were hoping! It's very exciting to pass that great landmark, and now to discover Evie and Thorin's relationship now that they have both been very clear with each other about their feelings. Those of you who have guessed that it won't just be a ride on an eagle's back from here are right, but that doesn't mean that there won't be wonderful things to come! I'm really looking forward to introducing Fili and Kili, and maybe some more new characters as well….

But first, I think, we've all got a wedding to look forward to! (And on the way do forgive me if I make any errors in culture, etc – there really isn't a whole lot on Dwarven culture in Tolkien's notes so I'm going to do what I can based on what I have read… Hopefully it will be lovely! I'm having a lot of fun with this, but I do want to do it as well as I can!)