Life and college got in the way again. Hopefully this chapter will keep you all satisfied for now. There is still time to let me know who you all would like to see Aliena end up with. Bain, Legolas, and a dwarf (no specific dwarf yet) are the main contenders. After the next chapter, I will no longer be accepting any thoughts or requests for Aliena's future spouse. Mostly due to the fact that I might have to make changes that would affect some of the later chapters.
Disclaimer: I don't own the Hobbit or its characters.
Remember that years are approximate and rounded to the nearest quarters.
Count down: 48 ½ years till LOTR events. Roughly 16 more chapters to go till then.
Aliena- 15 ½ years old.
Frerin & Durin- 10 ¼ years old, look 8 years old.
Kelda- 6 ¼ years old, looks like a 5 year old.
Balder- 4 ¾ years old, looks like a 3 year old.
Toril- 4 ¼ years old, looks like a 3 year old.
Freya- 3 ¼ years old, looks like a 2 year old.
Rìka (pronounced Reeka) & Kilian- 1 ½ years old, looks like 1 year olds.
Thorin and Inara's bedroom...
It is early morning, and the sun was just starting to peek over the horizon. Two recently made windows sit above a headboard to a four post bed. These windows had been a present from Thorin to his Queen in the spring. She had been complaining about the need for fresh air during an illness she had been suffering from. Over the windows lay sheer, navy blue and gold trimmed curtains, which are lightly blowing in the warm breeze. Since it is mid-summer, the air outside has begun to warm up earlier in the mornings.
Thorin is still in the bed that he shares with the mother of his children. With his back leaned against the headboard, he watches the two sleeping beauties in his bed. The older of the two, is Inara. Her head still laying on the pillow, and her dark brown hair fanned out in her sleep. Before going to bed last night, Inara had allowed him to remove her braids, and brush her hair. That had led them into a bout of lovemaking on her vanity table last night. She is laying on her right side, which has caused the neckline of her night gown to show more of her cleavage. The woman's left arm is laying, in a protective manner, across the form of the other beauty in their bed.
Now the second of the two, is their one and a half year old daughter Rìka. The little princess had cried out during the night, and Inara had brought the babe into their bed. Thorin, at first, was against allowing the little girl into their bed. However, it was when the little girl crawled up onto his chest before settling down, did he finally allow it. His daughter was a force to be reckoned with when she is upset. Now, the little girl is laying on her back on the bed, and the thick, chin length brown hair is mussed up from sleep. In one of her little hands, the girl is tightly holding onto the bottom edge of Thorin's sleep shirt.
As his daughter lets out a sigh in her sleep, Thorin gently moves to place a kiss on Rìka's head. He still finds it hard to believe that this little girl is his daughter. He never thought that he would be lucky enough to have a daughter made of his own flesh and blood.
"Where is mine?" Inara asks in a sleepy tone. Thorin's gentle movements was enough to pull Inara out of her light sleep. She lazily blinks in an attempt to help wake up.
Thorin chuckles softly, before leaning towards Inara. He places a kiss to her forehead before moving down to place a kiss on her lips. The whole time, he is careful not to allow his movements to wake the child between them.
"Good morning, yâsith." Thorin whispers to Inara before moving to get out of bed.
"Where are you going so early?" Inara asks softly. She watches Thorin as he starts to take off his sleeping clothes. Seeing the muscles of Thorin's naked back flex causes Inara to take a quick breath.
"Did you forget what today is?" Thorin asks as he begins to put on his clothes for the day. He puts on a pair of black pants before he starts to search for a shirt to wear. He is slow about choosing a shirt, and he knows that Inara is watching his movements with hooded eyes.
"It is the ten year anniversary of our rule." Inara replies in a low voice. She gets up from the bed, and gently places the still warm bed sheets around her daughter. She makes her way to her wardrobe so that she too can begin to get ready for the day. However, just as she is about to open one of the doors, a large hand settles onto her stomach.
"Would you like me to help you dress for the day?" Thorin whispers as he wraps his arms around Inara so that her back is against his chest. He places a few soft kisses to her bare left shoulder as he tightens his hold on her.
"Thorin." Inara says in a teasing tone before letting out a few giggles at her husband's antics. She can feel the heat from his bare chest through her nightgown. "Oin will be most displeased if we have another child so soon."
Thorin lets out a heavy sigh after placing a kiss to Inara's neck. He remembers Oin's warnings about letting Inara's body recover at least 2 years before trying for another bairn. Especially since Inara had a hard time carrying Rìka. With that warning, Oin had given Inara medicinal herbs to help keep her from becoming with child, and the healer gave Thorin a stern talking to about making sure that Inara takes the herbs before any bedroom encounters.
A noise on the bed causes Thorin and Inara to turn. Little Rìka is attempting to crawl towards her parents while still on the bed. Her little tan night dress tripping her as she crawls, which causes a stern look to appear on her little face. Thorin lets go of Inara, and moves towards his daughter.
"Good morning, nathith." Thorin says to the little girl before picking her up off of the bed. She cuddles into his chest and takes hold of some of Thorin's thick, dark chest hairs. He places a kiss at the top of her head, and hears the little girl giggle.
"Daba." Little Rika babbles out before releasing the chest hairs. She looks up to her father's face, and places a hand on Thorin's chin. "Eemda."
Both Inara and Thorin laugh at their daughter's attempts at words. Unlike her older brothers, Rìka has been a little slower with her use of words or even speaking. Yet, her parents find no fault with her slow progress.
"Someone must have had a good sleep." Inara says as she moves towards Thorin and Rìka.
The little girl lets out a shriek before trying to throw herself from her father's hold to get to her mother. Both of her parents let out a laugh at the girl before deciding to get ready for the big celebration.
Later that afternoon...
Aliena is sitting at her vanity trying to figure out a hair style for her straight, waist length, medium brown hair. Unlike her mother, whose hair has more body to it, Aliena is stuck with limp hair that will not even keep a curl in it. She lets out a sign of frustration.
Dis watches her adopted niece from the bedroom doorway. Seeing the younger woman's frustration, Dis makes her way towards the vanity. The lapis blue skirt of her gown flowing as she walks. The bodice of the Dis's gown is a blend of the lapis blue and silver in color.
"Would you like some help?" Dis asks as she settles in behind of Aliena.
The young woman looks at their reflections in the mirror.
"Do you think that you could make my hair as beautiful as mothers?" Aliena asks Dis.
"I could. Is there a particular style you are looking for?"
"I just want something that will make me look nice. I know braids are important to our people, but I want something different." Aliena says confidently. "Something that will go well with my new dress."
Aliena's dress is a rich boysenberry purple color with Thorin's house symbols in a silver and boysenberry brocade for the bodice. The neck line is a box cut that puts emphasis on her bust. The bodice is showing the new curves that are appearing on her changing body. The sleeves are tight against her arms, and stops just above her elbows. The skirt starts to flow out from the hips before falling to the floor with a small amount that creates the court train of the dress.
"I see. So you do not want any braids then." Dis says as she begins to run her fingers through Aliena's hair. "We will find something that will work for you, my dear. Something that will enhance your beauty and your dress."
Dis begins to work at Aliena's hair with a particular style in mind. She hasn't worn it in years, and it was the hair style that had caught the attention of Vrili before their courtship. Dis pulls back the side hairs into four separate group strands. Then she brings them to the back of Aliena's head. From there, Dis creates a half updo (the Celtic knot) while adding a few silver beads and a few rubies to the design. The rest of the hair is teased to make it look fuller.
"There. All done." Dis says with a smile on her face.
Aliena reaches for a small, hand sized looking glass before turning her back to the larger mirror. Using the small looking glass, Aliena sees the hair style.
"Thank you." Aliena says as tears start to fill her eyes. "Thank you so much."
"You are most welcome, Hôfukel." Dis says as she pulls the young woman into her arms. If there is one thing that Dis regrets, it is not living life to the fullest. Dis let's go of Aliena and carefully wipes away a few of the tears.
In the Main Dining Halls of Erebor...
Thorin is dressed in black pants, a deep blue under tunic, a rich dark blue over shirt with the symbol of his family house in a silver trim design, and at his waist is a belt with a buckle. Attached to his belt, on the right side, is Orcrist. He is standing off to the side, by the back doors, which the royal family uses to enter the dining halls. The head table is visible from where he is standing.
Next to Thorin is his two sons, Frerin and Durin, who are also dressed similar to their father. This also includes how their hair is braided as well. The only different is that Frerin has a braid that show that he is Fili's heir. Both boys have their own swords attached to their belts as well, except that the swords are more for show than use. Thorin had made sure that Dwalin had blunted the swords after the last diplomatic dinner with Thranduil. It is safe to say that Thranduil will no longer be willing to host an event again.
"When will we eat?" Frerin whispers to Durin. The boys' stomach growls in protest of having to wait.
"How should I know, Frerin." Durin whispers back in agitation. Unlike his twin, Durin does not like being in front of large crowds. Large crowds make him nervous.
Thorin looks down at his sons, and lets out a sigh. "We will eat when it is time. You must work on your patience, Frerin."
"Yes Adad." Frerin replies sheepishly as his cheeks flush in embarrassment.
"Frerin! Durin!" comes a collective of little voices from the other side of the dining hall. The owners of the voices are their cousins; who had come in from the other door on the other side of the dining hall.
Kelda is wearing an emerald dress, while Toril is wearing a bronze colored dressed. Both girls have their red hair braided similar to how their mother wears. Balder is wearing a light brown shirt, a medium over shirt, and dark brown pants. His hair has braids that show that he is Fili's son. While Freya is wearing a bright red dress. Her hair is pulled back into a ponytail, which is tied with a braided strand of hair.
All four of the children rush up to their older cousins. However, when they all notice Thorin standing next to Frerin and Durin, the children bow.
"Thanu men." The dwarflings say to Thorin.
"You may go." Thorin says to Frerin and Durin with a smile on his face. He knows that dwarflings have a hard time keeping still. Especially during celebrations when fellow dwarflings are around.
The royal children all run off towards the other dwarflings that are attending the celebrations.
"I see you have released them onto your subjects. Let us hope that there will still be a mountain left when they are done." A familiar voice says from behind Thorin.
Thorin turns to see Inara with Rìka in her arms. Inara is wearing a crimson red dress with a gold shimmer effect in the material. The bodice hugs her curves, and the neckline is a low scoop which puts emphasis on Inara's bust. A necklace made of pale gold drops down from her neck, with a tear drop shaped ruby sitting nestled just before a certain crevasse. Her hair is done up with few braids that are holding a mass of curls in a netting like design. There are several rubies and gold beads in the braids as well. Two of the braids are decorated heavily, which lets everyone know that she is the queen.
Along with seeing Inara and their daughter, Thorin also notices a few others that are with her.
Balin, his most trusted adviser, is wearing a deep burgundy outfit. The overcoat, or vest if you will, has symbols that show that he is a cousin to the king. His snowy white beard has a few gems added to it.
Kili, is wearing a dark blue outfit that has the symbols of the royal family in the silver trim. He too has a sword attached to his waist that is mostly used for show. However, he is able to fight with the sword if necessary. In Kili's arms is his young son, Kilian, who is dressed just like his father but without a sword. Both father and son have somehow managed to tame their unruly dark locks.
Next to Kili is Tauriel, who is wearing a silver dress that shimmers like starlight when she walks. The bodice is very form fitting, and the neckline dips dangerously low. Kili had the dress created for his elf maid as a surprise gift. Her hair is done up in many braids with crystal like gems in them, before the rest of her hair falls down her back.
Finally, there is Fili and Sigrid, who have matching color schemes (browns and golds) to their outfits. Sigrids' dress is modest, and the only real fancy thing she is wearing is the choker necklace that Fili made for her after their first wedding anniversary.
Rìka gives a high pitch squeal when she sees Thorin, and squirms in Inara's arms. Her royal blue dress shifting with the movements.
"Uppyda." She calls out to her Adad while making grabby hands towards Thorin. Her grey eyes locking onto Thorin's blue ones.
Thorin chuckles with a smile on his face before walking the short distance to his daughter and wife.
"Ree." Kilian shouts as he watches his cousin go from her Amad to her Adad. "Nononononono. Ree!" The little boy starts to push away from his own Adad to get to his cousin.
Kili has to tighten his grip as the boy tries to free himself. "Easy Kilian."
Ever since the dwarflings births, both sets of parents have noticed that the two cousins seem to share a bond. That bond has both sets of parents a bit worried about what will take place in the future.
"Easy laddie." Balin says to the little boy. He gestures towards Thorin before continuing. "Can't you see that she is safe with her Adad?"
"Nonononono. Sh'mine!" Kilian says as he tries to reach out towards Rìka. His brown eyes beginning to tear up at not being able to get to Rìka.
"You must share, henig." Tauriel says to her son as she places a kiss on his head.
Kilian gives Tauriel a pout that mimics Kili's, and this causes Fili and Thorin to chuckle at the little boy.
"Ahem." A voice says from behind the group.
As they turn, Dis comes out from the shadows with a smile on her face. She then turns and motions from someone to come out. Aliena steps out from the shadows, and into the light. Everyone lets out a gasp as they see Aliena in her new dress.
"You look wonderful, Aliena." Inara says as she steps forwards to give her daughter a hug. The embrace is easy for the two women since Aliena is now 5ft 3in tall, only 2 inches shorter than her mother. "You look so grown up."
"You sure will break a lot of hearts tonight." Kili says as he gives Aliena a once over with his eyes. He has to admit, his adopted cousin has grown into a beautiful young woman. He looks over to Fili and the two brothers share a look that easily says that they will be having to help Thorin keep the suitors at bay.
Thorin steps towards his adopted daughter. "You look lovely, Hôfukel." he says to her before taking her hand and placing a kiss on her knuckles.
"Should I ask Gandalf if Thorin will be needing to borrow his staff to keep away any young suitors?" a new voice says out of nowhere.
"Bilbo!" Aliena says with a smile on her face. She walks away from her family and quickly pulls the hobbit into an awkward hug.
"You look amazing my dear." The hobbit whispers into Aliena's ears before releasing her from their hug.
"When did you arrive, Bilbo?" Inara asks as she moves to give the hobbit a hug as well.
"Early this morning. You look amazing as well Inara." Bilbo says as he receives a kiss on the cheek from Inara. "And who is this little darling?" Bilbo walks towards Thorin as the little girl in Thorin's arm gives the hobbit a shy smile.
"This is Rìka. Our youngest." Thorin says to Bilbo before pulling the hobbit into a one arm hug. "It is good to see you Master Baggins."
"It is good to be here, Thorin." Bilbo says as he steps away from Thorin after the hug. "I am happy to see you all doing so well."
"Where is your little nephew?" Tauriel asks Bilbo as she glances out towards the ever growing crowd. She remembers how small the little hobbit boy was the last time Bilbo had visited, and she doesn't want the young one to become lost.
"Oh I left him with your children. They were all listening to one of Bofur's stories." Bilbo gestures towards where the funny hat wearing dwarf was sitting in the center of group of dwarflings.
"Thorin." Balin says in a stately voice. "It is time."
Thorin looks towards Balin, then takes a deep breath. "Of course. I suggest you find your nephew and make your way to a table, Bilbo." Thorin says before offering Inara his unoccupied arm.
"Right. Yes. I think that Gandalf and I were told that we are seated at Bard's table." Bilbo gives everyone a quick smile and bow before running off.
Balin steps out in front of the head table in the large dining hall. He had been the one to suggest to Thorin to take three of the five dining halls, and convert them into one extremely large one. So where the walls that divided the three rooms, there is only pillars and high arches to help support the weight. He looks over to the alcove that houses the musicians for the night, and gives the lead musician a nod.
The musicians pick up their instruments and together play one very loud note. This causes everyone in the dining hall to quiet down.
Balin clears his throat before speaking. "I give you all Thorin, son of Thrain, son of Thror. King Under the Mountain. And your Queen Under the Mountain. Inara, daughter of Cohen 'Little Bear', son of Theodore 'Grey Wolf' a chief of the Huron Tribe of Men."
Thorin, holding Rìka in one arm, and Inara make an entrance into the dining halls that causes the dwarves of Erebor and guests to clap and cheer. He leads Inara to their seats at the head table, but they do not sit down just yet.
Balin waits a few moments for the royal children to make their way towards the entrance door, before continuing on.
"Welcome Princess Aliena, daughter of Inara, adopted daughter of Thorin. Princes Frerin and Durin, sons of Thorin and Inara. And Princess Rìka daughter of Thorin and Inara." Balin says with a pause between Aliena, her brothers, and their little sister's names.
Aliena enters the room first, and is followed by her two brothers. She makes her way to stand next to Inara. Frerin stops at the chair to the left of Thorin, while Durin moves to the chair next to Aliena.
"Welcome the Lady Dis. Daughter of Thrain, son of Thror." Balin calls out, and many cheers echo throughout the room.
Once Dis has reached her seat, at the right end of the royal table, Balin continues.
"Welcome the Heir to Erebor's Throne, Prince Fili. Son of Dis, daughter of Thrain, son of Thror. His wife, Lady Sigrid. Daughter of Bard, descendent of Girion of Dale. Their son, Prince Balder, and daughter Princess Freya." Balin says as each one steps out from the entrance. Again he waits till the small family finds their spots to the left of Thorin with Fili sitting next to Frerin.
"Welcome Prince Kili. Son of Dis, daughter of Thrain, son of Thror. His wife, Lady Tauriel. Their daughters, Princesses Kelda and Toril, and their son, Prince Kilian." Balin stays where he is standing till Kili's family finds their places at the table between Durin and Dis. Once the royal family is situated, Balin claps his hands together to signal everyone to find their seats before heading to one of the tables close by.
The first table to the right, close to the royal family's table, is where Balin is seated. Also seated at this table is Bilbo, little Frodo, Gandalf, Bard, Bain, Tilda, Dwalin, Gloin, Skuld, Gimli, Oin, Dori, Ori, Bifur, Bofur, and most of Thorin's council members.
Once everyone is seated, the royal family sits down except for Thorin who still holds Rìka close to his side. He raises his free hand, and everything in the hall goes quiet.
"My family and I are happy to share with you all, this celebration. This year is not only Inara and I's ten year rule. Earlier this year, we took remembrance in those who lost their lives in the Battle of the Five Armies. No matter the race, all were mourned and their sacrifice honored in celebration of their lives. Then we celebrated Prince Frerin and Prince Durin's 10 years that they have lived so far. Erebor has been through a lot these past 10 years. My family included. I would like to thank everyone here tonight, and those who aren't here, for your dedication and your support." Thorin says from his place at the table in a loud, commanding voice. His eyes notice Bombur standing by the main door that leads down towards the kitchen. "Let us eat, drink, and celebrate together!"
Everyone cheers and claps, while a few others chuckle. For you see, little Rìka flung her hands up into the air at her father's mention of food, and nearly whacked Thorin in the face.
Thorin takes his seat, and places Rìka in his lap before placing a soft kiss to his daughters' hair. At once, Bombur and his kitchen staff begin to bring in all different varieties of food and drinks. Bombur, with a large tray of different kinds of meats, comes to the royal table. He places the tray directly in front of Thorin and Inara. He waves over three more kitchen servants. Each one carrying a tray with different items on it.
Inara and Thorin take a few pieces of different kinds of meats before Bombur takes the tray down the table. Inara takes some fruits and veggies, as well as two dinner rolls. She even places some of the fruits and veggies onto Thorin's plate.
Once the main eating portion of the celebration is done, Balin has a few tables moved away from where the musicians are to play. The floor is quickly cleaned up, and a dance floor appears.
This is the part that Aliena has been nervously awaiting all night. Since her birthday this past mid-winter, there have been some inquiries about suitors being able to dance with her tonight. Thorin and Inara had spoken with Aliena about dancing with potential suitors. Thorin had warned Aliena that any dwarven suitor should be accepted cautiously. Dwarven customs dictate that if she was to dance with a dwarf, then she would be open to them starting a possible attachment that could lead to a courtship.
With that thought in mind, Aliena decides to stay seated at the table, while the rest of her family mingles with their people and guests. As the music starts, she watches as her mother and Papa take to the dance floor in an elegant waltz style dance. Also on the floor is Sigrid and Bard. Not too far from them is Fili dancing with Freya, though it looks more like swaying than dancing.
"Why aren't you dancin' lass?" a cheery voice says from Aliena's left side.
She turns to see Bofur standing there with a smile on his face. His dark hair tamed by a few braids, and his clothes looked different from what she usually sees him in.
"Papa warned me to be cautious of any dwarf wanting to dance with me." She says with a hint of mischief.
"Aye. You sure shocked a few males tonight. Though I happen to know, for a fact, that you caused Bard's son to dribble some ale down his front. He was shocked at how pretty you look." Bofur says, smiling as Aliena's cheeks flush. He leans a little bit forward before whispering, "Save me a dance later?"
Aliena giggles softly at Bofur before giving him a smile. "You will have to ask my papa first." She starts to laugh as Bofur's face goes white for a moment before he lets out a belly laugh.
"Agreed, lass. Should warn you now, that I am known to break toes." He wiggles his eyebrows, which causes the two to laugh even more.
Their laughter dies away as Bilbo walks up to where Aliena and Bofur are. Being the respectable hobbit that he is, Bilbo decided to help Fili, Kili, and Thorin keep away any suitors from Aliena. What the hobbit wasn't expecting was the relaxed, playful nature that Aliena and Bofur have between themselves.
"May I have a dance with you?" Bilbo asks Aliena as his cheeks turn a bit pink.
"Why Bilbo. I don't think Thorin would be pleased to see you attempting to court the lass." Bofur says in a teasing tone, and then laughs as the hobbit's face turns white.
"Ignore Bofur. He is just jealous that he has to ask Papa before dancing with me. I will gladly dance with you Bilbo." Aliena says before rising out of her seat. She allows Bilbo to escort her to the dance floor, but could not stop from looking back at Bofur to stick out her tongue at the dwarf. This causes Bofur to laugh even more.
Tauriel had left to take Kilian for a bottom change, so Kili has found himself watching the dance floor from the table that Balin was sitting at. He watches as Kelda and Toril try to get little Frodo to dance with them. 'Poor little hobbit doesn't stand a chance.' Kili thinks to himself before taking a drink of ale.
"Give it a go Ori." Gimli says from his spot at the table.
Kili looks towards where Gimli and Ori are sitting. He follows to where both are looking and sees a young dwarrowdam chatting away with her parents. Kili looks back over towards Gimli and Ori, and an idea pops into his head. He quickly gets up from his seat and moves towards the two.
"What is this? Has Ori finally got a crush?" Kili asks as he sits down, so that Ori is seated between him and Gimli.
"Aye, cousin. He has been watching her for the past year and has yet to introduce himself to her." Gimli says with a smirk on his face.
"I don't know what to say to her." Ori sighs out in defeat as he keeps looking towards the sand blonde haired dwarrowdam.
"Her name is Tali and she works as my records keeper." Oin says as he too comes over towards the group. "You best be cautious though. Her father is on Thorin's council."
"Tali." Ori says softly before his face gets a daydreaming look on it.
Kili and Gimli give each other a smirk before Gimli finds himself pulled out of his seat by a brown haired dwarrowdam.
"And that would be Eira." Oin says with a chuckle before downing his whole tankard of ale.
After dancing to three songs, Thorin and Inara make their way through the crowd arm in arm. Both of them had to do a double take when they saw Aliena and Bilbo dancing together. Yet they agreed that it is better for their older daughter to dance with Bilbo than with one of the many male dwarves.
"I am glad that none of the male dwarrows have asked to dance with her." Thorin says as he looks back towards where Aliena and Bilbo are dancing.
"It is most likely because you, Fili, and Kili have been scaring them away." Inara snickers as she squeezes Thorin's arm.
Thorin gives Inara a playful smile. "Perhaps."
Their little walk is interrupted when Balin walks over with a sleeping Rìka in his arms. "The lass fell asleep a little while ago."
Inara reaches for the sleeping girl, and takes the girl from Balin. "I will take her back to our room to sleep."
Thorin gives his wife and daughter a kiss before watching them leave. "I never thought I could have it all, Balin."
"I know laddie." Balin replies as he too watches his queen leave with the small girl.
"Excuse me." A young male voice says from behind Thorin and Balin.
The two dwarves turn to see Bain standing near them.
"I was told I had to ask for your permission, King Thorin, to be allowed to dance with the Lady Aliena." Bain says carefully.
"That is right." Thorin replies in a gruff tone.
"Then may I be permitted to request a dance with Lady Aliena."
Thorin looks the young man over carefully. He notes that Bain looks much like Bard, but with curlier hair and less muscle tone. As he circles around Bain, Thorin sees that both Fili and Kili have pulled their attention towards him and Bard's son. Coming back to face Bain, Thorin speaks.
"You may claim one dance with my daughter IF she allows it." Thorin says in a cool tone.
"Thank you, your majesty." Bain says before giving Thorin a bow.
Thorin watches Bain walk away, and a grin appears on his face as both Fili and Kili approach the young man.
Both Sigrid and Tauriel watch as their husbands approach Bain after the young man had spoken to Thorin.
"I do hope our husbands will behave themselves." Tauriel says as she takes a sip of ale. She had put Kilian to bed a short time ago, and was now willing to drink an ale instead of tea.
"Da has will step in if Bain misbehaves himself. Though I am surprised that my brother is interested in Aliena." Sigrid says as she glances between where her children are playing and where Fili and Kili are with Bain.
"There has been talk that the council has been sending missives out to any kingdom in search of a potential political marriage." Skuld says as she joins Tauriel and Sigrid. The dwarrowdam takes a drink from the tankard in her hand before continuing. "Balin has been using Nori and his spy network to keep an eye on the council. Too many of those old windbags want to gain some kind of power."
"Then would the council not wish for another marriage between Erebor and Dale." Tauriel says to the dwarrowdam.
"Aye. That is why most of the male dwarrow have been trying to tempt Sigrid's brother to a drinking contest." Skuld says with a smirk. "I must say your brother, Lady Sigrid, is a tough one. He has yet to fall for any attempts by the dwarrows to keep him from Lady Aliena."
Sigrid nods her head in silence as she watches her brother lead Aliena out onto the dance floor.
"Thank you for allowing me this dance, Lady Aliena." Bain says as he places a hand at Aliena's waist. He takes her hand in preparation for a slow waltz. "You look beautiful tonight."
Aliena's cheeks flush as the music starts. She is aware with how close Bain is to her. Even though his hand at her waist has not moved from its place, she can't shake how uncomfortable she is. Aliena is also uncomfortable with how Bain's eyes are trying to read her while they dance.
Bard watches as his son dances with Aliena. He tries to hide his worry about what any implications an attachment between the two might bring.
"I am surprised that your son asked for my permission."
Bard glances down to see Thorin coming to stand next to him. "It should not. He is an honorable lad."
"Has my council sent you anymore letters?" Thorin asks quietly.
"No. Which has me worried." Bard says as he looks back towards the dance floor.
"It has me worried too. May I have your word that if they do send you something that you notify Balin or myself immediately." Thorin asks Bard as he too continues to watch the dancing couple.
"I shall let you know if I hear of anything." Bard replies before going quiet again.
As the night continues on, the festivities are still in full swing. However, most dwarflings have left with their mothers or a relative. Even the young dwarflings of the royal family have left, with Tauriel volunteering to watch over them in the nursery.
Aliena has decided to remain at the celebrations, and has danced with a few partners. Which included dancing a Quadrille with Bofur. However, at this point of the night, an older dwarrowdam is singing the Song of Durin, and the mood has become somber. The whole hall is quiet as she sings, and it is at this point that Aliena decides to step out of the hall. She makes her way towards the entrance to Erebor in an attempt to get a breath of fresh air.
"My Lady, may I offer my service as an escort." A young male voice calls out.
Aliena turns to see that it is Bain who has called out. She stops her walk and waits for him to catch up.
"Thank you for the offer." Aliena says as she takes hold of Bains' offered arm.
"I simply did not wish to see you alone. Who knows what could happen to you." Bain honestly replies as they begin to walk. He has noticed that many of the young dwarrow males and young sons of honored guests had been watching the young woman like a hawk.
Aliena giggles lightly before replying. "I have a few guards in the shadows to help protect me. Also, Master Dwalin has seen to my education in the art of combat."
"Really? You have been taught to fight?" Bain asks with a shocked tone.
"I have. Papa and mother agreed that I should know how to protect myself if anyone should try and harm me."
"Then you are truly an accomplished lady, Aliena." Bain says with a smile on his face. "Any young man would be honored to add you to his family."
Aliena's stride becomes stiff at this. "You included?" she coldly says to Bain.
"I would. However, from what I can gather it will be your choice to whom you will marry. My Da has already told me as such." Seeing Aliena's quizzical look, Bain decides to explain further. "The ruler of Rohan is looking to find a wife for his son or even his nephew. Also, the Steward of Gondor is searching for a wife for his heir as well. However, Da says your parents say that the choice is yours to make when the time comes. " Bain watches as Aliena's face betrays her thoughts.
"Papa and mother told me that the council would still be pushing for an advantageous marriage. Yet, I truly do not wish to leave home. I would stay here in Erebor, as an old maid if necessary." Aliena lets go of Bains' arm. Her legs wobble as she slowly moves to sit at on a bench.
Bain sees the young woman's distress and quickly moves to sit next to her. "I didn't mean to alarm you, Lady Aliena. You should be more aware of what the council is doing. Da says that your father's adviser has been keeping any would be interests at bay. I apologize if I caused you any distress with this information."
"I know you hadn't meant to. It is just. All of this information you have spoken of has me worried." Aliena says while wringing her hands.
Bain places one of his hands onto Aliena's in a comforting gesture. "You should not have to worry on such a festive night. If I could, I would protect you from your fathers' council."
Aliena looks from their joined hands up to Bains' face. He gently pushes a stray hair behind her ear before leaning forward. As his lips brush against hers, Aliena can't help but feel startled by it.
What these two young people don't know is that in the shadows, a male dwarf watches. A low, vibrating growl rips through this male dwarf's chest at the sight of the kiss. The dwarf slips back into the hallway from which he came from.
Yet there is another who has witnessed Aliena's first kiss also, and his heart breaks.
Back in the Dining Hall...
Dwalin has been watching the celebrations from his stop up against the wall, near an exit door. He has taken note throughout the night of where every member of the royal family is. Now that the festivities have slowed down, there are only the passed out or heavily drunk left. The soft rustling of fabric from behind him pulls some of Dwalin's attention away from looking about the hall.
"You are still here?" a female voice says in a sad voice.
"Aye. Until my king leaves, then I shall too leave." Dwalin replies. The tankard of ale in his hand barely shows signs of being drunk.
"Your service to the royal family is honorable." The female voice replies.
"I swore an oath to protect them." He says before taking a small gulp of ale before continuing to speak. "There should be two others, from the royal family, who should have been here. Yet, I swore at their deaths that I would protect the remaining, living heirs of Erebor."
"And you have protected them, for they have reclaimed Erebor."
"It isn't enough." Dwalin says angrily. "It is never enough. I want what I can't have." Dwalin knows who this dwarrowdam is, and he fears hurting her.
"Then," The female voice says as she takes hold of Dwalin's hand that isn't holding his drink. "I shall give to you, what you cannot have."
"I can't lassie. It would be a betrayal to the ones I swore that oath to." Sadness dripping in his voice.
"Then let it be just for tonight. Forget your oath, and you shall have what you cannot." The female voice says as she pulls Dwalin away from the hall. This female and Dwalin enter into a heated lovers embrace before moving themselves to a more private place.
In Inara and Thorin's Bedroom...
Thorin carefully enters his rooms after seeing Aliena back to her rooms. Both he and Bard had taken notice when the two young ones came back into the dining hall hand-in-hand. That had left both rulers with questions to the young ones whereabouts.
Carefully, Thorin looks into the small spare bedroom, and sees that Rìka is fast asleep in her small bed. Soon she will be moved to the royal nursery, but until then Thorin plans to enjoy having the little girl close by.
He makes his way quietly into his bedroom, where he sees the sleeping form of Inara in their bed. Thorin carefully begins to take off his clothes, and eventually gets into bed with just his lower undergarment on.
"Thorin?" Inara says sleepily as she turns towards him.
"Go back to sleep, kurdu." Thorin whispers as he pulls Inara closer to him. However, he is quick to notice that Inara isn't wearing any sleep clothes. "What is this?"
Inara mischievously giggles as she is now fully awake. "I wanted to surprise you." Is all she tells him as she pins Thorin to their bed with her body.
"So surprise me then." Thorin whispers to Inara before she leans down to kiss him.
A nice long chapter for you all. I hope I didn't lose anybody during the Dining Hall bits. I was trying to keep it flowing between the characters instead of sectioning it. I also was trying to be very descriptive about things.
I would also like to point out that you can listen to The Song of Durin, sung by Eurielle on youtube. I really wish I could add it to my IPod.
As for a music list for the dancing parts, pick some music that you like. For instance, the opening waltz I can hear the song Albert and Victoria from the movie, The Young Victoria playing.
I will be attempting to post chapters once every two weeks since college homework has really started to take over my free time.
Selene