Updated January 15th, 2022
Original Authors Note: Look! I was able to get a chapter out on my lunch break, so you get one today AND one on Sunday. Thank you for the birthday wishes too! I love you guys, you're so sweet.
AND yes. The Ukdam are a clan of dwarves. They are really a band of traveling merchants and entertainers. They never settle, and they always remain together. You'll be seeing them for pretty much this entire ACT so you'll get to know them a bit. See you at the bottom!
Chapter Three
"Great king Thorin, we are honored by your invitation into Erebor. I am Sudri, current azbudi of this great clan." Thorin watched with a small smile as the leader of the Ukdam presented himself, bowing low. Thorin's eyes wandered to the large group of what looked like around 500 dwarves following suit, some on animals and carts bowing their heads low, others kneeling before him at the gates of his mountain.
With a nod of his head, Thorin acknowledged Sudri and his gesture. "It is we who are honored to have you. May I introduce to you my sister, Dis and my nephew and his wife, Fili and Viltarra." Sudri kissed Dis's hand, doing the same for Viltarra who had to resist the urge to pull her hand away. It was just not in her nature to accept attention like this, but looking at Dis, she was compelled to allow it. Apparently, it was just another thing she would have to add to a list of royal etiquette she needed to work on.
Subtly wiping the back of her hands on her pants, Viltarra took in the dwarf smiling at her. The leader was not something one would call, unique, among dwarrows…though he would be considered startling to outside races. His hair was much more adorned with beads, and what seemed to be fine metals that hung from a multitude of braids that appeared to take up every inch of his thick, black, white, and silver mane. His beard was equally adorned and was so long, he had it looped up and re-braided into his hair. It was in fact, difficult to tell where his hair ended and beard began. What was his most prominent feature, were his two different colored eyes, one practically teal, and the other, a rich gold. He was lean for a dwarf too, if he did not have such a healthy glow about him, Viltarra would wonder if he was malnourished. However, he was an Ukdam and they are heavy travelers. They all were leaner than the normal, mountain bound dwarrow.
Viltarra still was too new to understand protocol so she just, waited beside Fili who looked about excitedly until Balin joined them and whispered something into Thorin's ear who nodded in gratitude and turned towards Sudri, who was now quietly speaking to Dis. "We have a place for all of you to reside. Please direct your carts and beasts to the eastern entrance. As for the rest of your group, if you will follow me, I will be happy to show you where to go." With another deep bow, Sudri turned to his people, gesturing some to the suggested entrance and the remaining to follow.
Looking out at the vast group of brightly colored dwarrow, Viltarra squinted in the bright sun and curiously watched as several slower moving dwarves made their way to the main group. Something about them made her uncomfortable. She always thought the Ukdam were a group of inclusion when it came to their numbers. They moved only as fast as their slowest members as a means of protection for their numbers. Yet, there were quite a few who had broken off and seemed to be moving at a very subdued rate, and with hoods covering their heads. Perhaps these where their elders? Too old to keep up? Unlikely. She let herself be pulled into the mountain and quietly followed beside Fili.
"You look unimpressed." Fili had been observing his wife since they entered, mostly looking for signs of discomfort. She was, after all, still recovering. Even if she has been making incredible progress these last few months.
"It is not that.." Viltarra sighed. "…it's just, I have a feeling."
Fili lowered a brow in concern. "How so?" But Viltarra only shrugged, unable to put words to her fears. "We won't let anything happen Viltarra. Let's just try and enjoy the exuberance around us." He caught her glare and he could read the look she was throwing him with ease. "I am not making little of your concerns nunguame, on the contrary, I feel the same as you. However, at the moment we have no leads or reasons to be suspicious. Let us keep our guard up, but not in a way which would keep us from the splendor of the Ukdam." He watched Viltarra sigh again and wrap her arm tightly around his as they followed Thorin and Dis inside without another word.
Thorin led them out of the main hall and down several staircases. He could hear the proclamations of awe and wonder as they went down, from the masses behind him and the leader beside him. "We still have likely, many years of work to do, but Erebor is slowly re-awakening to her former glory." Sudri nodded, his eyes taking in the brightly lit halls and archways. He got a glimpse of the golden floored throne room just before they entered the stairs and Thorin could see a spark of lust fill the dwarrows multi-colored eyes. He would have to have someone watch that room too, it would seem. "I would be happy to give you an extended tour once you are settled and rested."
"Aye, I would be honored my Lord. I have heard tales and stories of Erebor in her golden age near my entire life. It is wonderful to be in her halls for myself." Thorin nodded and smiled. If there was one thing he prided more than anything, apart from his family and kin, it was Erebor.
They passed the stairwell that went down to the markets completely and instead took several more flights down to the depths of the mountain until they filed into the space where Kili was found just a year ago. His nephew really was a magnet for danger. Thorin had thought long and hard about ways to keep Kili from harm but nothing he came up with would work. Not to mention Kili would have a fit if he found out. He was a son of Durin and had the pride to go with it. No, Thorin will just have to keep a better eye on his nephew…and his niece for that matter.
"If you follow me, there is a hall we have just made secure that will be more than enough space to house your entire clan and give you space to set up a market of sorts to sell your wares." Thorin bypassed where Kaulithah brought Kili, weaving the group between the now newly stabled columns and through a massive doorway. In its glory days, this was a sort of ballroom with its vast open floor, and three levels of balconies overhead reachable by the stairway on either side of the very large entrance door.
"This is, more than what we need." Thorin watched as Sudri, with tears in his eyes, turned to the king under the mountain. "I cannot thank you enough my Lord." Smiling, Thorin gestured with his hands for Sudri to go ahead and lead his people in, the Ukdam filling the large room as they began to strip the travel bags off and wait for their gear to be brought down in crates.
"I will leave you to set up. We have already arranged for food to be brought in. Please let us know if you need anything further." Thorin went to turn but was stopped by a hand on his shoulder. Dis, Viltarra, and Fili watching curiously as Sudri cleared his throat.
"Part of the reason we requested to come is to sing for those lost in your great battle for this mountain. Correct me if I am mistaken…" Sudri looked over Thorin's taller shoulder to Fili then back at Thorin. "But you had two heirs from the stories I have been told. May we have the honor to sing for your lost sister-son?"
Lowering his brow in confusion then realizing what Sudri was asking, Thorin shook his head in negative. "My other nephew lives and resides in Erebor. He had other obligations this morning. I will bring him down to introduce him by days end. However, we will be happy to participate in songs for the fallen. I will make the appropriate announcements. Anything further?" Sudri shook his head and with a final low bow, set his attention on guiding his people into setting up for their stay.
"They know of Kili, but they know nothing of Tauriel?" Thorin, Dis, Fili, and Viltarra were heading back up the archway. Balin stayed behind along with several guard who were assigned to the Ukdam. It was both expected by the visitors and for Erebor's protection as well as the Ukdam's.
Thorin turned his head slightly towards Viltarra. "I suspect as such. Kili and Fili are known heirs of Erebor. Not all may know of them, but, those in high places such as leaders and advisors will at least know of their existence and tie to the throne."
"Then, would not they know of…" She trailed off, but everyone knew of whom she was speaking of.
Thorin sighed. "No. Despite the official announcement, rarely does word of a birth leave the clan they are birthed in. It is for their protection more than anything. Younglings are so rare even among this great mountain. Out of the nearly 10,000 dwelling here right now, the number of our young are at the moment, less than 60 in total; 10 of those being Bombur's alone. As more dams come to stay and find partners, however, more will eventually be born."
Thorin's thoughts swam to Tauriel who was bringing yet another life into their halls. "Our people in Erebor will sing and celebrate any new life in our family, and word will be sent to the seven Lords in our kingdom, but, nothing further of them will be known until they reach a greater age and begin making names for themselves. Fili and Kili began to be known around age of 10. I have the silver streaks to prove it." He narrowed his eyes at Fili who grinned broadly, unrepentant in every way.
"We learned from the best, uncle." He laughed. Thorin grumbled something under his breath and the family continued to their hall. It was true and a blessing in many ways that they kept their young all but a secret to the outside world. Tauriel had pulled Thorin aside and asked that he hold off on announcing her pregnancy for a bit longer. She still is not showing quite yet so he allowed it. She wanted Kili to be in a better place for a large gathering and Thorin was want to agree. It really was their choice when they did it so he was fine with her request.
The family dispersed, each having things to do for the day and knowing they will gather again before the evening bell. Fili grabbed Viltarra's hand and pulled her towards where the Ukdam were offloading animals and supplies. Thorin had put Fili in charge of supervising. Aeodhen was there along with several guards, but Fili knew he should be there as well. Viltarra, however, ground her feet into the stone and refused to budge.
"Fili! I have my own responsibilities." She laughed at her golden prince's pout. "Stop giving me that look, you know it is true. I have to go and help Dis prepare for a meeting with the Ukdam dams. She said it would be like nothing I have ever encountered, and I am truthfully excited to be a part of it as is Tauriel." Fili grumbled but nodded, releasing her hand. Viltarra chuckled and leaned up to place a kiss on Fili's waiting lips. "I will see you before the evening meal." She released him and patted her leg, Hiril who was not far trotted up to take her place beside her and Viltarra turned to leave. She did, however, twist around and beamed at Fili who was still watching her go. She blew him a kiss then continued around the corner and out of sight.
"Yeh commin' laddie?" Fili nodded and turned to see Aeodhen at the door of the cart entrance, flanked by Dwalin and Nori who both had their eyes on the constant stream of Ukdam dwarves coming in by beast and wagon to unload.
Fili joined in and made use of his afternoon mostly passing out instructions given to him by Thorin. He was under strict rule to watch for any untoward notions, hostile actions, or affects brought by the caravan which could be a danger to any inhabitants…such as morning glories. It was a rather, interesting, demand made, according to the Ukdam, before they were even allowed into the mountain. No morning glories of any variety…stem, plant, and especially no seeds. They of course agreed and now Fili was not only making sure they stuck to their word, but no other contraband made it past the gates.
Heaving a deep sigh, Fili approved yet another crate and sent them and the two young dwarves to carry it down. He paused when he felt a slight pressure at his side. Any other being may have not even noticed, but Fili was a trained warrior and his senses quite acute, even for a dwarf. He snapped his head to his side just in time to see two small beings racing away. Something in one of their grasps caught the reflection of the torchlight and after checking his side, Fili realized they had nicked one of his beloved knives.
"Why you little…" Fili instinctively took to chase. He launched himself over a crate Dwalin was just opening, catching the attention of the large dwarf as he exclaimed a rather annoyed, "OI! Watch it!"
Fili ignored him and continued to chase the thieves ahead of him. He raced through the corridor, trying to keep an eye on the two trolls that stole his dagger. "Hey! Stop!" They ignored him and kept going to Fili's great annoyance. They weaved between columns and slid under boxes trying to get away.
"Fili? What is going on dear?" The golden-haired prince raced past his mother and wife, both of which had their arms full of what looked like blankets. "Fili?"
"Not now, they stole one of my blades!" Fili kept going but slowed and let out a loud whistle, Hiril's ears perking up from where she stood beside an amused looking Viltarra. "Hiril, retrieve!" Fili pointed at the two runaways and the warg obeyed quickly, launching forward ahead of Fili. The young warg made things much easier, as dwarves ahead quickly jumped away, clearing the path.
Fili quickly realized these two were not Erebor dwarves, as they obviously had no idea where to go, which was apparent when they took a turn down a corridor that was very well known to be a dead end. It had not been cleared of rubble yet, perfect. Fili caught up to Hiril who was growling with her hears plastered to her head as she backed the two, what Fili realized now were mere dwarflings, into the pile behind them. With no place to go and a set of teeth baring at them, the duo huddled together looking terrified.
"Good girl Hiril, now sit." The large creature instantly plopped onto the ground and turned her head to Fili, but only enough to see him while keeping her charges in eyesight. Fili scratched her behind her ears and looked at the two before him, his hands now folded against his chest. "Now what do we have here? You know, thievery is a crime here in Erebor."
"We ain't stole nuffin, you big numpty."
"Quiet Toki! Forgive my brother." What looked like the older of the two spoke, trying to push his brother behind him.
"Your brother hmm?" Fili chuckled. "I have a brother and I remember quite a few times we got into trouble much like this."
"We ain't in trouble, but you will be if you don't…."
"TOKI!" Once again, the elder of the two snapped at his brother, this time, reaching around and forcing his hand over his brother's mouth. It took everything in Fili not to laugh. He felt like he was literally looking at himself and Kili.
"What in the name of Mahal is going on? Fili?" Fili did not have to look to know who had joined them, nor did he have to try hard to envision the stern expression on his mam's face.
Without even turning around, Fili answered his mother. "One of these two little creatures stole one of my daggers, and was just about to give it back."
"No I ain't!" Came a muffled reply from the dwarfling, Toki. His bright green eyes glaring as his brother rolled his own eyes.
"We don't want no trouble, honest. My brother sometimes can't seem to control himself." With his free hand not keeping his brother in a headlock, the taller of the two reached in and took the dagger in Toki's satchel and placed it on the ground. He was obviously still afraid of Hiril who kept her eyes on the pair but remained quiet and seated beside Fili.
Dis came forward and tsked at the pair. The boys took one look at her, and their eyes widened. "Are you the queen?" Fili looked over and smiled at his mam. No matter what she wore or was doing, even in Ered Luin, she stuck out like a sore thumb. Dis emanated regality and with the jewels twinkling around her neck and simple circlet on her brow, it definitely made her look like a queen.
The dam only chuckled though and looked at the pair, both in awe of her. "No, but my brother is the king, and this here, is my son, Prince Fili." She pointed to another just behind her and Fili realized Viltarra had come as well. "Viltarra here, as Fili's wife, will be queen one day though as Fili will be king after Thorin."
The elder brother's eye's widened in fear. "TOKI! You stole from the crowned PRINCE!" He turned back to the pair. "My Lord, and ladies. Please 'ave mercy on me younger brother."
Dis chuckled and looked to Fili who kneeled low enough to be at eye level with the pair. "What is your name?"
"Regar, my Lord. If it pleases ya, and this here is Toki." He pointed at his brother who was eyeing Dis's necklace.
"Oh, just Fili is fine. Now. How about we call this little incident a warning. The halls of Erebor are no place to be running around like you did. We have many staircases without railings, and halls like these that are dangerous. We need to keep our fingers to ourselves and you both should not stray from your company. Understood?" He waited for them to both nod their heads and continued. "AND, if I find out you have stolen something again in these halls, I will be forced to take you to the king. He is not averse to utilizing the cold, dark, and wet dungeons deep below the mountain." The pairs eyes widened and again, both nodded in agreement.
Fili stood tall and clapped his hands together. "Good. That's settled and property returned." He lent down and snatched his knife, placing it back in his side pocket. He glanced over at his wife who was rolling her eyes at him and shaking her head.
"Alright you two. I think we should get you back to your mother and father." There was some shuffling and groans but Dis ignored them. "Where can we find them, hmm?"
Regar answered quietly. "Da's helping the rams and ponies get released."
Dis nodded. "And your mother?"
"Mama's sick." Toki answered quietly. "She had a babe a fortnight ago, he did no' make it . Mama's been sick eva' since."
A lost babe. Nothing is so terrible then a lost babe, especially among the dwarrow. That would explain the mischief. Grief shows itself in many forms and is particularly difficult on younglings who may not fully understand.
Fili relaxed his pose and knelt down again. "I want you two to meet Hiril here." The pair looked at the warg warily and Fili chuckled. "As long as you are not causing trouble, she has no reason to chase you. But really she's just a big softy. Let me show you." He turned to the warg and began to scratch her chest. Instantly, the warg plopped down and onto her back, groaning and wagging her tail. Fili looked up at Regar and Toki. "See, wanna try?"
Toki just shook his head but Regar stepped forward, hesitantly reaching his hand out and into Hiril's long, soft, fur. When she did not turn to growl and nip at him, he gained more confidence and joined Fili in rubbing her belly with both of his hands. It took a few moments before Toki meandered over and sat on his knees, placing his own hands in the wargs cream colored fur.
"See, softy to the core." Hiril had her tongue lolling out the side as she kicked one of her back legs when they hit her favorite spot. "Now, how about we take you back to your company. I am sure by now someone has noticed you two missing."
Regar nodded and stood, pulling his brother up. "We should check on mam." His voice low but resolved. They allowed Fili to guide them out and back to where the Ukdam were staying.
"Those poor dears. I will have a basket put together for their father." Dis sighed and turned towards Viltarra. Hiril once again at her side.
The young dam looked over at her husband's retreating form. Even from a distance she could see him laughing at Toki who was now holding his hand, his brother, Regar, on Fili's other side. "To lose a child at birth. I cannot imagine the pain." Viltarra heard Dis hum from beside her.
"There is little more painful as a mother, than losing a child in the birthing bed, after carrying the life within you for so many months. Tauriel could have had that fate, had Mahal not blessed Finli with a strong spirit. I pray neither of you ever endure that, but it is a very real reality many face in our world." Dis looked over at Viltarra who was still staring where Fili had disappeared. "Come. We still have much to do. You know as well as I there is nothing that can be done, the Ukdam do not approve of outside help. Their healers will do all they can and the rest, they believe is in Mahal's hands alone."
Viltarra sighed but moved to follow Dis who had already began to retreat back to where they had been gathering blankets for their visitors as a gift to pass to the dams when they met them. That poor family. She did not know why it unsettled her so much, but ever-since the group arrived, she has been anxiously waiting for something to go wrong. Shaking her head and patting her leg, Viltarra turned around and followed Dis, Hiril trotting happily beside her.
Authors Note: Azbudi is Khuzdul for leader by the way. I don't think there is much to share, but I will see you all again on Sunday with another chapter. :)