The next morning Dwala woke from a long and peaceful sleep, groggily rolling over in bed and not being awake enough yet to realize what day it was. Ila had not woken either, but was lying on the other side of the bed and Sam was happily dreaming in between them. What was left of the tray of desserts now lay on the floor and the book Ila had read from was at the foot of the bed.

Ila stirred a little bit then and it kept Dwala from falling asleep once more. Dwala slowly opened her eyes and took a second to register Ila next to her. The sight of Sam in bed was one she was well used to now.

Ila….why was Ila in bed with her….

"Oh!" Dwala said, bolting upright in bed, it having finally dawned on her. Today was the day, and a moment ago she felt very much as though she could have slept right through it.

Ila opened her eyes and began to rub them, well aware what day it was. She turned towards Dwala who had already gotten out of bed.

"It's still early Dwala, you have plenty of time…" Ila said groggily as she pulled her Sam to her chest. He woke quickly and full of energy, his wagging tale beating the bed.

"I should have been up by now! I have so much to do!" Dwala said frantically.

"You need only bathe and get ready, which you have hours to do." Ila corrected her.

"But I have to dress you, and then there is all your laundry, and –"

"You are not troubling yourself with me today! I can dress myself, or at the very least Thorin can lace my dresses just once, he has plenty of practice unlacing them." Ila pointed out as she got up and Sam bounded down after her, very happy to have slept with his master and ready to face the day with her.

"Why don't you have a nice, hot bath. A long and relaxing one. I'll have breakfast brought to you in the meantime." Ila said taking Dwala by the shoulders.

Dwala looked thoughtful for a moment and decided she had enough time for that, but also because Ila was very insistent.

"Well, alright…"

"This is your day Dwala, do not be so anxious." Ila said and kissed her forehead and Dwala smiled for the first time that morning. Ila remembered how very nervous she had been, and she had had her mother, Dwala and other servants to fuss over her that day. Dwala just had her.

"Now, take a bath and eat something, I'll be back later. I have to go make sure the party did not get out of hand last night." Ila said and left the room, Sam thinking that he was coming with her. It broke her heart when she had to close the door on him, he not understanding and she knowing Thorin would not appreciate being wakened by the licks of a dog, no matter how well intentioned and loyal Sam was.

Ila went to the royal bedchamber and entered slowly lest she wake her husband. She was sure he would still be asleep, and as she closed the door to their antechamber behind her heard him snoring loudly. He always did snore rather loudly when he'd had a bit too much to drink, and likely he had spent most of the night drinking ale.

Ila walked into their bedroom and sure enough Thorin was face down and snoring like a log. He'd managed to get his shirt and boots off before collapsing on the bed but his trousers were still on. Oh, if only Erebor could see its regal and majestic king now, Ila thought with a loving smile.

Gently, she sat on the side of the bed and leaned over him, pushing his mane to the side so she could place wet kisses up his spine. It must have tickled him, because he began to twitch a bit and shift under her. Ila giggled and moved up to bite at his exposed ear where half of his face was visible and not pressed into the pillow.

Thorin made some guttural sound and seemed to wake himself with his own snoring then. He slowly rolled onto his back and opened his eyes just barely, peering up at his wife from tiny slits.

He quickly closed his eyes again but wrapped his arms around Ila to pull her into his embrace. She allowed it and snuggled into him and his warm chest, gently playing with the few hairs he had between his neck and pecs.

"So," she began just above a whisper, "did you enjoy yourself last night?"

"Mmmhmm." Thorin mumbled. "Can't you tell?"

"Well, you do smell…" Ila replied and Thorin opened an eye just to narrow it at her.

She couldn't help but giggle. "…like ale that is. Thankfully I am well over my morning sickness."

"Well, if I reek that badly perhaps you should give me a bath," Thorin replied again with his eyes closed.

"Hmmmm, a nice trip to the baths downstairs does sound lovely. The weightless feeling that water gives me now is rather nice." Ila said thinking out loud.

Thorin placed his hand on her belly. "And how is my baby?"

"Fine of course, he had a guard dog to watch over him last night."

"Stop sleeping with that dog, you are a queen."

"You gave me that dog! And he has slept with dwarves his whole life, he can't stop now. Which reminds me, can he sleep here with—"

"No."

"Thorin-"

"No."

"Not on the bed, on a little dog bed on the floor—"

"You know he wouldn't stay there. And you know how I feel about that. I especially will not have an animal sleeping near the baby." Thorin said to end the conversation.

Ila pouted but decided to fight this battle another day. "Well, did the guest of honor enjoy himself last night as well?" Ila asked as she twirled a strand of Thorin's hair.

"It took a little for him to loosen up but yes. I was by far the most sober of all the party."

"Oh my, judging by the look of you everyone else must look wretched. Will Dwalin be decent by tonight then?" Ila asked mildly concerned.

"Of yes of course. He was always a heavier drinker than me anyway."

"Good, I don't want anything to taint this day for Dwala." Ila said more to herself than Thorin, who looked as though he was going to fall back asleep.

"Come on, get up my love." She said tugging at his arm. "You said you would take a bath with me, remember?"

Thorin grumbled but slowly got up. Ila threw a robe over him and grabbed one for herself, eagerly leading her drowsy and hung over husband down to the baths.

Several hours later the sun was setting outside the lonely mountain and the final hour of Dwala's maidenhood had arrived. Ila was almost finished getting her into her dress and tying the laces in the back, but Dwala could do nothing but look down and twiddle her fingers. The dress was a simple one, nothing compared to what Ila had worn for her wedding day. It was white and with a simple geometric pattern on the bodice and the skirts were plain. It was simple but very pretty and very fitting for Dwala, it had been what she wanted after all. Ila had her seamstresses make it for her, and they did as Dwala had described to them.

Besides her dress, Dwala wore no jewelry except for her ring and small silver hoops in her ears. Her hair was down as usual, but Ila had managed to get it to curl a bit more by rolling it when it was wet and letting it dry that way. All she needed now was her veil.

Dwala was looking down at her hands still, not even noticing that Ila was done.

"Dwala?" Ila called gently.

"Is it time already?" she asked with a shaky voice.

"Almost, but you are done save for your veil."

Dwala nodded and walked to the mirror to look herself over. She was not displeased, only it didn't seem like herself. It didn't seem real that she should be marrying, that this was her wedding night. She had never imagined this would happen to her, and then she and Dwalin fell for each other so quickly. It was as if yesterday she had laid eyes on Dwalin for the first time and now she was about to be his wife.

"Dwala, aren't you happy?" Ila asked from behind her, seeing her strange expression in the mirror.

"Oh, well, of course I am, I just, I,oh well I am sure you know." Dwala stampered out.

Ila came up behind her and put her hands on her shoulders, peering around her and meeting her eyes in the mirror. "It will be alright dear," Ila said rubbing her arms from shoulder to elbow. "Don't you want to be intimate with him? You've been so nervous I begin to wonder…"

"Well of course I do! But you said yourself it hurts at first."

"Only at first….and it is well worth it." Ila said with a smirk but then gave Dwala a reassuring smile. "All will be fine, my friend. He loves you and will worship you I am sure." Ila said and saw a small smile just barely turning up the corners of Dwala's mouth.

"And if he does not….he will have the queen of Erebor to deal with." Ila finished.

That got a giggle from Dwala which Ila was glad for.

"Come on, we must get you downstairs. Everyone will be waiting for your entrance." Ila said with a smile. Ila then fixed her veil and the two left her rooms, the last time Dwala would sleep there having already passed. She would be sleeping in their new shared room when they retired for the evening.

The two dwarves left the room and made their downstairs and towards one of the smaller, private halls reserved only for use by the royals. It was early evening but there were not many dwarves about. Most were taking dinner in the great hall and those who were to attend the wedding were already there and waiting. Dwala felt weak in the knees, wondering how she would be able to walk down the aisle once she entered the room and saw Dwalin.

Somehow, the journey downstairs that time was the shortest of all. They stood before the doors. It was time.

Ila turned to her briefly to give her hand a reassuring squeeze. "You look beautiful, my friend. I love you." She said and bid the guards open the doors. Every eye within turned towards them, and Ila walked down the aisle first to take her place across from her husband. He was dressed down a bit for such an occasion. He wore his crown but with his signature blue tunic and no furs. Next to him on the dais was Dwalin, dressed up for him with a dark crimson tunic. He was without his armor and furs as well, but looked very smart. He noticed nothing as his eyes were fixed on the door.

Ila and her husband exchanged adoring smiles, then they both turned towards the door as well. Dwala was walking towards them now but very slowly, fearing her legs wouldn't work if she went any faster. Ila smiled to herself and waited patiently. All eyes were on Dwala as they should have been, except for one pair in particular. Ila felt the sensation that someone was looking at her, and she naturally turned towards the direction from wince the feeling came.

She met Kili's eyes and he almost averted them, but instead he held her gaze. He did not smile, and continued to hold her gaze long after he should have. Ila couldn't account for that, and cocked her head slightly to inquire of him what was the matter. He shook his head so slightly she almost didn't see it and turned his head towards Dwala. Ila wondered now if he was not cross with her indeed. She felt a little unsettled, wanting things to return to the way they had always been between them, when they were like brother and sister. Ila cast her eyes down for a moment, wondering what had happened to part them so and what must be done to amend it.

Dwala had reached the dais then and Dwalin reached his hand out for her to take and join him. They turned and faced one another, holding hands, and Balin began the ceremony. As with Thorin and Ila's wedding, Balin presided over the rites. As it had for Ila, the ceremony passed largely unheard to Dwala. Her eyes and ears and soul were fixed on Dwalin. His face was serious and intense, but Dwala could see the tenderness there. The tenderness that only she got to see and no one else dared believe he could possess. A few moments and it was done, all they needed was to kiss.

Dwalin stepped towards her and pulled back her veil, quickly capturing her mouth in a deep kiss. Dwala made a small noise of surprise, as she had expected a chaste kiss. He held her face with both of his great hands and she heard the room erupt in cheers and clapping. When they parted all she saw was the room in an uproar of celebration. Ila was wiping away tears and Thorin was smiling widely, clapping his old friend hard on the back.

The newlyweds descended the dais and led the way to the other room Thorin had set aside for the feast. Everyone followed with Thorin and Ila waiting to bring up the rear. He held his arm out for his queen who wrapped herself around it.

"Is he happy? I can never tell with him." Ila asked about Dwalin and Thorin assured her he was.

"His expressions are not varied it is true, but yes I can tell you that tonight is among the happiest of days of his life."

Ila squeezed her husband's arm and laid her head on his shoulder even as they walked. Ila then thought again of Kili and the strange look that had passed between them. She started to mention it, but then thought better. This was a happy night, she would not taint it with anything. She would share her thoughts with her husband tomorrow.

The feast was a success, as any feast among dwarves is, though Dwala ate nearly nothing at all. Ila noticed but said nothing, besides, she was eating so much it likely accounted for what Dwala would have eaten. The dwarf in her belly must be a boy, Ila thought. Its appetite was big even for a dwarf, so it must be a son.

Thorin was also not helping as he never seemed to think she was eating enough. He pushed more food towards her and she gave him a look as to say he was being ridiculous now. Fili dropped into the seat next to her then and he also pushed more food onto her plate with his hand that wasn't holding his ale.

"I cannot possibly eat so much food!" Ila protested to the both of them.

"But you must, the heir will be hungry and need his strength," Fili said loudly as he had already drank too much.

"I am about to burst! And I promise he eats plenty," Ila urged.

Fili, being less reserved with the ale in his blood, leaned his head down to place his ear on Ila's belly.

Ila giggled and Thorin eyed his nephew with apprehension. Ila told him with her eyes it was fine. Fili rose smiling to proclaim, "He says he is still hungry mother, he wants more steak and less greens!"

Ila giggled and placed her hand on his. Fili smiled and leaned towards her, his head leaning against hers. Ila squeezed his hand and leaned into him. She liked seeing him loosen up a bit and have a good time. He was the more serious and responsible brother, so it was good to see him enjoy himself sometimes.

Ila looked to Thorin who was unsure of what he thought of Fili being all over his pregnant wife, but Ila gave him a reassuring gaze and he went back to eating. Across the table Dwala and Dwalin sat, Dwala still only picking at her plate and Dwalin eating sparingly for his usual self. Ila secretly thought it was adorable that he was obviously a bit nervous, though she would never tell him that.

It wasn't long before Ila felt that the time had drawn near for the newlyweds to depart the celebration, which could go on well into the night without them and without doubt would do just that. Ila kissed her husband's cheek and advised him that she would be back soon. She then rose to go to Dwala and take her by the hand to lead her from the hall. Dwala gave Dwalin a parting look and he kissed her free hand, not so much as blinking as he watched her go. They said nothing, but truly neither of them knew what to say at the moment.

Ila tugged Dwala towards her new room. Dwala was certain Ila could hear her heart beating it was so loud now. They entered her and Dwalin's new chambers, not in the royal wing but very near it and only one level down. Dwala had not actually been there yet, she had had too many other things to entertain her thoughts and time leading up to the wedding. She barely looked around at it now though, only noting there was a large fireplace and a fairly large bed not far from it. It contained other things of course but Dwala looked over those presently.

Ila then helped Dwala change into a night gown that she didn't think was nearly modest enough. Dwala protested as much but Ila pointed out that she would not be wearing it for long.

Dwala blushed down to her toes and wrapped her arms around herself.

Ila didn't know what else to say, feeling she had said it all already. She had told her about the joys of coupling soon after becoming a wife herself, and lately she had given her all the encouragement she knew how to give. So now, Ila could only giver her friend a big huge and bid her goodnight.

"I should go, he won't be long now I'm sure. Do not feel you must come to me tomorrow; I can manage for a while on my own." Ila said and turned to go, stopping for at the door. "Unless you want to get away, then of course."

Dwala gave her a half smile to say that she wasn't sure how she would feel tomorrow or what would happen tonight, and Ila remembered what that felt like. She had only been married for a little more than three months after all. Ila wished her friend well once more and left the room, leaving Dwala to pace back and forth in front of the fire. These rooms were bigger than the chambers she had near the royal bedchambers, naturally since it was meant to accommodate two instead of one. She wondered what Dwalin's room looked like. She was allowed to go there now, technically, but he would soon be moving his things here so it didn't really matter, she was about to share everything with him.

Twisting her fingers as she held her hands, she tried to make herself calm down by taking deep and controlled breaths. She tried to remind herself that this was supposed to feel good, that Ila loved this part of her married life. And she was thankful that she had Ila to tell her things and let her know what to expect, but she still could not help but be anxious.

Dwala paced until her bare feet where finally too cold on the stone floor and she sat down by the fire. Almost as soon as her bottom connected with the seat though the door opened.

Dwala shot up like she had set on hot coals, standing straight and staring at the threshold.

He came in slowly, his great body blocking out what little light shown behind him from the hall. He closed the door slowly and latched it behind him. Dwala wondered who he thought might dare enter, or care to at all.

Dwalin's face was serious and marked with a look she had seen before. It was very close to anger but Dwala knew it as lust. With there being so few females among dwarves it was not an unknown sight and one females made sure they knew well so as to avoid if needed.

But she belonged to Dwalin now, and she vowed she would do as her husband pleased.

She didn't say anything, but stood there by the fire waiting for him to do something. Anything. For a moment, he simply stood there and took her in, trying not to frighten her and to decide how to proceed. He began to approach her slowly, and Dwala inched towards him but let him come to her. He took her by the arms, firm but gentle, and pulled her to his chest. Dwala tilted her head up to touch noses with him and he tilted his head down to tentatively meet her lips.

His body was screaming, raging against him to throw her on the bed and mate with her. But he knew he needed to exercise some self-control, at least tonight. He needed to introduce her to the marriage bed slowly and gently, and make sure that she felt she could trust him.

As such, he let her lead the kiss. She pressed her lips to his and laid her hands on his muscular forearms to grip and steady herself. He commanded his hands to lie on the small of her back and hold her to him. Dwala felt the heat from those large hands through the thin material of her gown and felt like she would melt into his equally warm body. He radiated heat like a furnace, and he was more welcoming than the fire behind her.

Dwala deepened their kiss and felt Dwalin push forward into her and crush to her to his chest so that he could barely breathe. She moaned into his mouth and he growled in return. Instead of frightening her it excited her, and Dwala gave his lower lip just a tiny nibble.

Dwalin was on fire now. His clothes were going to melt off of his body at any moment. Against his will, he drew back from Dwala but held onto her waist. Her lips were pouty, more than usual from his assault and he tried to breathe deeply but that and anything at all was growing harder to do.

"Undress me," he said lowly as he stared into her warm brown eyes. They widened like a doe's but quickly fell to his chest and lower, trying to decide what to do first.

Dwala's hands were shaking as she pulled at his tunic to push it up and he helped her, pulling it over his head and tossing it without a glance to the floor behind him. Hard, defined muscles were practically all he was composed of. Budging veins and raised scars marked his body here and there and Dwala barely knew where to look. He had not an ounce of fat on him that she could see, but brown hair that covered the top half of his chest ad reappeared below his navel. Dwala wanted to touch him before she went any further and unveiled his manhood, which would quickly set other things in motion. She tentatively raised her hands to lie on his hard chest. He was pouring heat and she wanted to wrap up in him.

"Like what you see, lass?" he asked bringing her attention back to his face.

"I—I—Dwalin—" she said as he now pressed her firmly into his chest again. He dipped his head to capture her lips in a greedy and insistent kiss that took Dwala's breath away. There was so much passion and so much need in it, Dwala felt overcome. She felt possessed by him.

"You're not finished," he reminded her and Dwala swallowed hard. She let her fingertips gently slide down his rippled abdomen and reach his breeches. She gingerly pulled the laces apart and gave the material a push and it quickly crumpled around his feet. What now lay between them was both exciting and terrifying.

It looked like a great pale serpent. Dwala hated that was her first thought but she couldn't help it. Not that she didn't like it.

Dwala's eyes had grown wide and her lips were parted as she stared without shame. Dwalin effortlessly kicked off his boots and breaches off without using his hands and Dwala looked expectantly up into his eyes, her chest rising and falling rapidly.

"Your turn," he said and she knew he meant for her to get undressed, but she had no time to begin that process as he brought both large hands up to her chest and ripped the fabric of her gown in two.

Dwala yelped in surprise. "Dwalin!"

"I'll get you another," he said and with another great tug, ripped her nightgown completely down the middle and off of her body. He tossed it aside and pressed her into his chest again, one hand gripping her bottom and the other traveling all over her back. He was making all sorts of hungry and animal like noises, Dwala feared he would devour her. Fear was a bad word actually. She was nervous but could not have been more willing now. Something had given way inside of her. She was ready to surrender to him completely, which she did as he suddenly picked her up off her feet and carried her to the bed.

Dwalin had told himself firmly and many times on his journey to their bedroom from the hall that he would take things slowly. But her small and timid gestures of willingness were enough to enflame him and burn what little restraint he had to nothing.

Laying her out on her back, he grabbed both her wrists in one large hand and held them over her head while his other hand explored her body. He rubbed and grasped her from her face to her knees, carefully avoiding what lay between her legs for the moment. His mouth joined the exploration of her body now, biting her neck, ears, and shoulders. Dwala could do nothing but watch him ravish her, which was a surprisingly enjoyable experience. She felt herself growing wet between her legs, something that had happened a bit when they spent long hours in each other's arms kissing but not nearly like this. A strange sensation in her lower belly that she had never felt before either became more and more prominent too. She sighed loudly, not being able to help herself anymore and Ila had told her if she found what Dwalin did pleasing she should let him know. Sighing felt the most natural thing to do at the moment.

Dwalin's hand found a breast to knead and Dwala sucked in her breath. He looked at her bosom like it was some treasure he had just unearthed and was mesmerized by. He suddenly leaned down and covered her breast with his mouth, sucking it as she had seen little dwarflings nurse before.

Ila had told her how that was one of her favorite things for Thorin to do, and she had thought that strange at the time, but now she understood. The pleasure it immediately brought her was not something she would have believed until now.

After he had thoroughly sucked the nipple until it was almost painful, Dwalin moved to the other breast and repeated his ministrations. Dwala started to moan in pleasure and Dwalin released her hands, which flew to his head. Dwala pressed him into her. She didn't want him to stop, ever. She never wanted to wear clothes again, she wanted to spend the rest of her life naked and pressed into his warm, powerful body.

Dwalin ceased devouring her breasts and Dwala whimpered in response. He came up even with her again and attacked her mouth once more, but this time he was met with fervor that matched his. He broke it off abruptly though and began to kiss down her body, making a path in the valley between her breasts and down onto her belly. A quick flick of his tongue into her navel made her squirm and then he was positioned over her opening.

Dwala had not forgotten the most shocking thing Ila had told her about the married bed. That husbands could use their tongues in surprising ways. He looked up at her to gauge her reaction to his very obvious intentions. He saw her staring back at him from between her peaks that were rising and falling with her quickened breath. Seeing no apprehension in her eyes, he started to smile and then plunged into her virgin depths.

Dwala's back arched and her head went back into the pillows. Her mouth was open in silent shock as her husband's tongue probed her insides. His hands gripped her thighs and held them apart as he feasted on her, burying his face as deep as he could. Dwala felt something tighten in her lower belly and below, something that built and built as he went. She struggled to keep her muscles relaxed but it was difficult, as everything in her screamed for release. Dwalin suddenly let go of one of her thighs and slipped his finger into her folds, at the same time increasing the speed of his tongue. Dwala whimpered loudly and gripped the sheets with both hands. Dwalin's finger was probing quickly and his tongue was like lightening over her and it was no time at all before she felt something burst in her core. More like something erupted deep inside her and she cried, no-wailed towards the ceiling as it did.

Dwalin raised up to get a good look at what he had caused, pleased with his work. Knowing well just how wet she was and not wanting to give any fear the time to set in, he grabbed his wife's hips and pulled her to him as he rose to his knees. Her body was a bit limp as she attempted to recover from the life altering experience she had just had, but she obediently clung to her new husband and wrapped her arms around his neck as he brought her body up against his.

He quickly wrapped her legs around his waist and brought her down on so that her seam nearly touched his erect and eager member.

Dwala just registered what he was dong, not having thought he would take her this way but on her back, but she had no time to protest as Dwalin brought her hips down and surged up at the same moment.

Dwala felt his manhood enter and separate her, forging into her heat and burying to the hilt. A bolt of searing pain shot through her, but Dwala didn't try to break away from him. Instead she dug her nails into his shoulders and shut her eyes tight as she tried to stifle her cry of pain.

Dwalin held her butt in place with one arm under her and the other was rubbing her back, soothing her.

"Shhhhh," he whispered in her ear and began to gently pump in and out of her. Her breathing was short but she steeled herself for his next thrust and held on to his shoulders. She let him lead and tried to focus on something other than the pain, which was lessening with each motion.

Dwalin kissed her parted lips gently and she returned it, wanting him to know that she did not dislike what he was doing despite the pain. She opened her eyes a bit and saw him staring back at her. She gave him a little smile and he pressed his face in her neck, kissing her as he quickened their pace.

Dwala gasped and held on tight. He pumped faster and faster until he felt himself coming undone, which didn't take long for several reasons. Dwala silently prayed it was about to be over, she didn't think her body could take much more. A few more seconds and she felt Dwalin explode inside her, and he slowed to a stop but still pressed her body into his. They had both begun to sweat and Dwala gently separated from him and he let her go, she stretching out on her back on the bed.

Her body glistened in the dying candlelight from the sheen of sweat that covered her, and Dwalin sat there for a moment admiring what was now his and only his. He had never imagined he'd be so lucky, not in all his long life.

Dwala's breathing was returning to normal and she smiled weakly at him. He slowly stretched out beside her and brought the covers up to their chests and pulled her into his arms. Dwala turned her head towards him and him towards her, so that their noses touched and they stared into each other's half closed eyes, expressions both sated and emotional.

Dwalin gave her a gentle and chaste kiss and she closed her eyes in a sweet smile. Turning her head into his neck, Dwala was soon fast asleep, exhausted from the day's events and emotionally and physically spent.

Dwalin held onto her and regarded her for a moment or two, then fell asleep himself. No words were uttered between them, none were necessary. They knew how much they loved each other, and they knew they would never love another so long as they lived. Theirs was an honest and uncomplicated love, and they knew how very lucky they were that that was so. And so the newlyweds slept happily intertwined as new lovers do, with peaceful and contented hearts that neither most dwarves nor any creatures at all would ever be lucky enough to know.

A/N: I suppose I am a one week poster now with everything else I've got going on, but at least I am making them a little longer, right?