Authors Note: Ha, it is 10:23 PM on Sunday evening for me, so still Sunday as promised…just late Sunday. This is really mostly a filler chapter, gotta ride the slow hill before you get to the roller coaster drop XD.
I don't think I have anything to address….nope. I think my brain is just mush so I probably have something to say…but I can't think of it.
Thank you for reading this though. OHHH, a shout out to Meee and docnikki….thank you so much for your lovely words! It really makes my day whenever a kind review pops up. See you guys at the bottom. 😊
Chapter Three
"How do you tell someone their mother never wishes to see them again?" Tauriel pushed her eggs she could not stomach around on her plate while Dis flittered around the kitchen, cleaning up. The family had already all left, leaving Tauriel alone with Dis.
After speaking about a plan of action, it was decided that Tauriel and Dis would be the ones to initially speak to Leotti. Viltarra had wanted to be there for her friend, but the three of them thought the fewer the better in such news, so she had volunteered to take Finli down to the bakery so Tauriel and Dis were free to speak to Leotti without any distractions. It also meant that Viltarra was nearby to offer her support if needed, and so Tauriel could pick Finli up on her way to the forge where she would be helping Fili with final preparations to officially open it up tomorrow before meeting Kili for lunch.
Dis paused and turned from the sink and looked at Tauriel. Her daughter was taking this quite hard, and she was tempted to tell her to remain here, that she would handle it. But Dis knew Tauriel well enough to know, the eleth would not allow such a thing. So Dis placed the rag she was drying the pan with down, and took a seat beside the red-head. "It will not be easy my darling. But she will not be alone. Are you finished? You really ought to eat more, but I understand you are upset. Come on, let us get to Leotti. Kaw already returned with a note from her saying she closed her shop for the morning to meet with us so let's not keep her waiting any longer."
Nodding, Tauriel picked up her plate and set it on the counter just as Kaw flew in, croaking at the eleth's feet. Tauriel chuckled and lifted her hand in invitation, which Kaw immediately flew up and landed on her arm so she could scratch his head. Bending to the floor, has become rather difficult in her condition, to Tauriel's great annoyance. Kili, however, found it rather endearing whenever his wife would huff in frustration trying to bend over and pick Finli up. She just can't believe how much larger she is with this one, than Finli. If she gets larger every time she is with child, after her next one, she wonders if she will even be able to get through the door.
"How about some breakfast, my feathered love?" Kaw gave a purr and Tauriel smiled and placed him on the floor, then gave him a bowl of some seasonal fruit and the rest of her eggs from her plate. She will clean the up when she gets back, she no longer wishes to put off the inevitable. "I am ready Dis, let us go speak to Leotti."
With Dis holding a basket with the letters and the note, the pair left the chambers and made their way to the market. Leotti's shop was unlocked and opened, even though the sign on the door said closed. The small dam knew they were coming, so they did not bother to knock, instead, they simply walked in.
Tauriel was happy to note Ori was there as well. She wonders if Kili or Fili told their friend Leotti would need them, the clue they might have was the grim smile on Ori's face as he greeted them. Almost as if he knew what was to come. Bless her husband and brother for their foresight, this would be hard enough for Leotti to hear, let alone tell another. At least this way, she had someone to support her who loved her deeply, just as they all did.
"Dis, Tauri! Do you need to be fitted for something? Or is that little one giving you wardrobe problems!" Leotti laughed brightly and came over, to press a hand to Tauriel's belly. "You better be a troublemaker…Finli is a saint. Your mama needs a greater challenge."
"LEOTTI!" Tauriel huffed, glaring at her friend. "Do not say such things. I am challenged enough by Kili and Fili, I'd like to think I have enough on my hands."
But Leotti only laughed as she stood straight. "So if you don't need any clothes, how can I be of service?"
Before Tauriel could say anything, Dis gestured to the chairs in the dams lobby. "Let us take a seat dear, we bring…well…ill news I am afraid. Ori, be a gem and bring that chair over here, will you?"
Ori started at being acknowledged, but nodded and pulled a double chair over to the chaise, then he sat down.
Giving everyone a troubled look, Leotti slowly sat beside Ori. "I hope everything is alright. Viltarra is not sick is she?" The small dam looked at the door as if her friend would appear, but Dis shook her head.
"No dear, everyone is fine. We bring you news of…of Estae." Dis simply stated.
"Mama?" Leotti jumped up. "I knew I needed to go to Ered Luin! Is she sick!? Has she been hurt?! I need to prepare to go immediately."
However, Tauriel stood and gently grasped her friends wrist, turning her around and shaking her head. "Estae is…she is fine Leotti."
"If mama is fine…then what ill news do you bring?" Leotti asked, refusing to take a seat.
Tauriel gave her dearest friend a sorrowful look, and Leotti's eyes widened. "She…she does not wish to see me." Was all Leotti said before she found herself enveloped in Tauriel's arms.
Without even needing to tell her, the little dam knew, which broke the eleth's heart even more. "I am so sorry Leotti." Tauriel whispered to her now sobbing friend.
The eleth held her friend close for several minutes, until finally, Leotti's breathing slowed and she pulled away, accepting the handkerchief from Ori who was now standing, pulling her to him as a fresh round of tears began falling down the small dam's cheeks.
"We received word last evening, dear. Estae wishes to cut connections…completely." Dis sighed. That dam did not deserve to be a mother, if you asked her. Leotti was a wonderful dam, so she will happily take on the responsibility. She after all, adopted an elf into the family, why not add another. Leotti was much like a daughter to her already. She had been there every day in Ered Luin when Thorin had taken her children to reclaim the mountain. There was even some nights Leotti stayed over, when they became too hard for the elder dam to bare alone.
Finally, Leotti nodded and stepped out of Ori's arms. "She was furious I came to Erebor. I had never seen her so angry in my life, after I told her of what I wished to do. I…I had hoped time would have given her a chance to understand why I did it, and why I stay. It appears, I was mistaken."
Rising from her seat, Dis walked over to the small, trembling, dam. She ran a hand through her curls and pulled her into her own embrace. "That, was a very difficult decision you made for yourself dear, and look at all you have accomplished. I am so proud of you. You have taken a path not many would have the courage to take. You left your home behind, to build a new one with little in the way of means. You created a thriving business all on your own. You did not take over a family stand, or inherit wealth, instead, you acquired it yourself. What is more, is I am incredibly proud of your wonderful choice in a mate. Ori, is one of the best." Dis peeked over Leotti's curls, to see Ori's cheeks light up with a brilliant blush. She gave him a smile before turning back to the dam in her arms.
With a gentle push, Dis stepped back just inches from Leotti, who had her olive eyes staring at the taller dam before her. "My darling Leotti, I want you to know I am here for you, as is Tauriel, Viltarra, and the rest of the family. You will never lack from love and support, you are always welcome." Dis brushed a curl away from Leotti's eyes and pressed a kiss to her warm brow.
Leotti smiled, taking a deep, cleansing, breath. "Thank you, all of you. I have never once regretted my decision to come to Erebor, and I believe I never will."
"And we will never regret having you here little Otti." Dis rolled her eyes as Fili stepped into the shop, a basket in his hands with a small cloth over the top.
Leotti's eyes widened, and she could not stop the genuine smile that broke out onto her face. Fili had not called her little Otti since they were in their twenties. He stopped when a rumor was filling Ered Luin that the two were moving towards courting, which was nauseating to consider, even back then. Especially considering how young they were.
"Viltarra wanted me to bring this over. I would be careful with some of the cookies though, it appears Finli was helping cook and she said she could not guarantee that some of the raisins were not in Finli's mouth before they were in the cookies." Fili gestured to the basket in his hands. "I also wanted to make sure you were alright." He placed the basket on the chaise and looked Leotti over.
"Thank you Fili. I will be fine. It really should not have been as big of a shock as it was. In fact, I am far more shocked that you are even here." Leotti lifted a teasing brow, but the genuine smile made it lose a lot of her customary edge.
Fili chuckled as Tauriel rolled her eyes and Dis shook her head. "You know as well as anyone I can be nice, when the occasion calls for it." Fili grinned and moved to pull the smaller dam into a tight hug but she quickly side-stepped him and hid behind a laughing Ori.
"He is possessed!" Leotti squeaked.
"Aww, come on little Otti. You know you love me as much as you hate me." Fili laughed out.
Leotti stuck her tongue out at Fili from where she still stood at Ori's back, but did smile and come out, finally allowing Fili to pull her into a tight hug.
Dis smiled from where she stood beside Tauriel. She knew deep down, the two were quite fond of each other. It appears she has adopted another into the family. She is perfectly alright with it growing, Leotti has always been more than just a friend to her boys, and more than that to her as well. She is a special dam, and Dis will be keeping an eye on her from now on. "Darling, I do not wish to bring you more pain, but, with the news, came your letters. Would you like them back…or would you like me to take them?"
Leotti pulled away from Fili and looked to Dis. All the humor and teasing leaving her face instantly; replaced by a deep look of sorrow. She looked at the basket Dis was now indicating to and a new round of tears began to fall from her eyes. For some reason, seeing her letters returned, made this all that much more real. She could pretend she was just waiting for a letter from her mama all she wants, but the physical evidence was just as painful as any bleeding wound would be. "Can you just, take them away? I cannot look at them."
"Of course, darling." Dis nodded, and pushed the basket to the side. With nothing more anyone could say, and Leotti wanting to simply move on with her day, Dis, along with Tauriel and Fili, moved to give the dam one final hug which she eagerly accepted, although Leotti refused to allow Fili near again. Fili was not hurt in the least, rather, he laughed, knowing the small dam was herself enough to not need his added comfort.
"I have to go and stop at the school we just opened and see that the instructors have all they need. Are you coming Tauriel?" Dis just closed the door and looked to her elven daughter who simply shook her head no.
"Not today, Dis. I am going to retrieve Finli from Viltarra so we can finish a few last minute projects at the forge with Fili…" She looked to her brother who smiled and nodded. "…then I am meeting Kili in his office. He is waiting for us to give him an update on how everything went with Leotti." Tauriel responded with a smile.
Dis hummed in agreement. "Alright dear. I will see the both of you at dinner tonight in the hall." She kissed each of them on the cheek and moved out.
"I am surprised you aren't training your team, little sister." Fili chuckled as the pair walked together the short distance between Leotti's shop, and Viltarra's family bakery.
Tauriel sighed. "Oin does not think I should be doing daily exercises at my stage, so I am limited to only spending three days a week administering training exercises. Naurfaer, is handling the remainder of the week until I give birth. Then I shall take a more daily role in their training."
Fili frowned and looked at her. "Training and working at the forge? Isn't that a bit much, Tauri?"
"Not really." Tauriel hummed. "Training only consists of five of the seven days of the week, and only for three hours. The team is not a militia, we are simply adding to skill sets Aeodhen's guards have, and doing some basics. My team is rather new, but I enjoy the challenge they bring. We shall do our morning exercises each day, then, I will come to the forge and spend some time here."
Fili lifted a brow, then gestured to her stomach. "Mhm…and are you planning on doing all of this with an infant strapped to your chest, and Finli at your back? Tauri, you are setting yourself up to overdoing it. I am worried you are taking on too much, kind of like a certain dark-haired dwarf…who ended up sick because he decided to take on the world during clan negotiations a few years back, and not ask for help. We have limitations, Tauri, we are not impervious beings like your Valar."
Tauriel rolled her eyes. "Fili, three hours of training five days a week, and a few hours at the forge is not overdoing it. I used to train three times that daily, and hold my duties to the crown. I think it is fine."
Seeing he was getting nowhere, Fili decided to let it go. Kili will step in if she's doing too much anyway, so what was the point in even trying. His baby brother is hyper aware of Tauriel, and knows better than any if she is overdoing it.
A cry of, "MAMA!", filled the air, and Tauriel turned from Fili to gather up her little shining star as he ran right under the counter and into her arms; the eleth needing to carefully squat to gather him up. She was slowly accepting that bending, was just no longer an option. However, Tauriel did find squatting when she had something nearby to keep her balance, was a viable alternative.
"Sorry about the flour, he may have dropped a bowl of it all over himself." Viltarra, who was leaning against the counter, smiled at the small dwarfling…or dwelfling really, who was now trying to hand Tauriel a smashed cheese bun he had in his fist when he ran to her.
Having had worse, Tauriel happily accepted the bun and devoured it, to Finli's absolute enjoyment. "Thank you for watching him, Viltarra. I hope he was not too much with all your baking and customers." Tauriel began dusting off the flour in Finli's dark hair, while her son babbled on excitably about something she could not quite understand.
"No problem at all, Tauriel." Viltarra smiled as she happily accepted a kiss on the cheek from Fili who had lifted the counter and stepped inside before helping himself to a scone Tarrah had just passed to him. "In fact, he was very helpful. Weren't you Fin? He is now a master dough roller."
Finli smiled a toothy grin. "Roll!"
A round of laughter filled the room before Fili kissed Viltarra's brow and grabbed a few more scones. "I really need to finish setting up the forge, then prepping for opening tomorrow. Are you doing alright?" He brushed a lock of Viltarra's golden hair back that had fallen out of her customary knot on top of her head that she wore when she was working in the bakery. "Baby isn't giving you any problems?" Fili looked down to the small swell where life was growing.
Viltarra shook her head and smiled. "Unless you have some miricle cure for foot pain when standing, and back pain when sitting or lying down, I don't think you can do anything for me, Fili. Just another two months and it will all be gone."
"Then you will have other blessingly joyous pains…like no sleep." Tauriel added with a laugh as she nuzzled Finli's cheek.
"I am hardly getting any sleep right now." Viltarra huffed. "No matter how I try, I cannot get comfortable. What is worse, every time I lay down…I get nauseous. So I have to get up and pace the room for a few moments to allow my stomach to settle, then try again."
"Have you talked to Oin about that?" Tauriel readjusted Finli, then nodded gratefully at Tarrah who wordlessly passed her a warm, moist, cloth to help clean more flour off the toddlers face and hands.
Viltarra grumbled and scrunched her nose in clear annoyance. "Do you tell Oin every little annoyance that you have? The few times I have, all I get is 'tha' is wha' it is ta create life lassie."
Tauriel had to laugh at Viltarra's near perfect imitation of the old healer's voice. "It is true. We must go through a lot to bring a new soul to this world. But, I also think in this case, he may have something to help."
"He doesn't." Fili huffed. "I already talked to him, and he shot me down."
"You were at his chamber door at 2am, ordering him to administer to me Fili! I was not dying." Viltarra folded her arms and narrowed her eyes at her husband.
"You were upset, and not able to sleep, I was worried." Fili shot back. "I have not seen you so upset and uncomfortable since you were sick with that plague. I just don't want anything to happen to either of you."
Viltarra sighed and leaned into Fili, unable to resist his earnest blue eyes. "I know Fili." She wrapped her arms around him tightly, Fili immediately pulling her to him as best he could.
"I am afraid the sleeping will not get any better. The last weeks are the worst." Tauriel hummed. Remembering her own inability to get comfortable those last few weeks she carried Finli, as well as the constant need to walk and move despite the pain it caused her feet and back.
Speaking of pain, that was another thing Tauriel needed to address with Kili. Since they were now fully bonded, he will no doubt be subjected to much of her discomfort when she delivers. Tauriel sighed internally. She hates the idea of bringing Kili any kind of pain, and she does not think she would be able to block it while focusing on her son who would likely be panicking, if Finli was anything to go by.
"You okay Tauri?" Fili released Viltarra and looked at his sister.
Tauriel nodded. "Yes, but, I really should get what I wanted to finish done at the forge before Kili comes and finds me. We are having lunch outside today with Finli since the weather is warm. I wanted to walk Galaddal around, and Kili thought Maryn could use some fresh air as well."
"It is lovely out. Vin and I went for a walk this morning to collect some fresh herbs. The sun was already out several hours before the first bell." Tarrah beamed, as her husband walked out of the kitchen with a tray full of freshly baked cheese buns and buttered tarts.
Tarrah, seeing Tauriel's eyes go wide, chuckled to herself as she placed several of the still steaming buns in a small basket with some scones, a few cookies, and several tarts. She placed a cloth over the top to keep it all warm, and passed it to the practically drooling elf who grinned widely at the dam as she reached out and retrieved the basket.
"Mae govannen, Tarrah!" Tauriel smiled, bowing her head. "These will go nicely with our picnic."
"Well, Finli helped." The dam gave the smallest prince a tickle under the chin, Finli squirming and laughing as she pulled away. "He is welcome here anytime."
Tauriel nodded. "Thank you again, for everything." She grasped the basket in one hand, and held tightly to Finli in the other before making her way over to the forge; which was well within viewing range of the bakery.
Fili watched as she put Finli down on a stool and pulled some color sticks and parchment out for him before setting to work. The golden-haired prince then turned back to Viltarra. "I will just be across the way if you need me."
Viltarra rolled her eyes. "I am fine Fili, but thank you." She leaned up and pulled him to her for a deep kiss, then smiled wide as she stepped away. "I will bring you lunch in a few hours, mama is making sandwiches for us."
Tarrah nodded from where she was setting fresh buns in the display before their next rush, and Fili gave her a grateful smile before placing his lips on Viltarra's brow, pressing his hand to their child, then turning and going to join Tauriel at the forge.
Life in the mountain had reached a level of normalcy that now rivaled Ered Luin. With dwarflings numbers growing, a school had just opened which now had three instructors; Lofi, Tórhethin, and Henningur who acted as the head of the small school. Each was a master at instructing and came highly referenced and recommended by their home clans.
With the need for adequate study spaces for the next generation as well as anyone wishing to further their own learnings, Thorin recently had the great library of Erebor opened and accessible to all within her halls. This also meant, they would need dwarves to run the library, and Thorin spoke in length with Balin about who would be the best candidates for the task.
Balin had already taken on a young dwarf as an apprentice after Ori respectfully declined when he had learned how much of his time was necessary to learn everything a records keeper needed to learn. Which essentially entailed following Balin around all day, then spending a good part of the evening copying records and learning the finer points of maintaining and overseeing the dwarves intricate records system.
The young dwarf loved journaling and reading, but he also loved Leotti, and the long hours copying and preserving records Balin insisted they needed, meant less time with his one. However, when Thorin pitched his name as one of the three dwarves needed to run the library, Ori practically begged for the opportunity. It would be significantly less training, and a far better use of his skillset. What made it all the more appealing was, because there were two others helping, it would mean less demand on him, and he would have the time he desired to spend with Leotti.
Balin was a bit heartbroken, but he understood Ori and his obligations to his partner. Besides, the white-bearded dwarf could think of no other to run Erebor's great library than Ori, and still planned to challenge him whenever he could with some records training. One day, Ori will make a fine scholar, Balin will see to that. Besides, he could not hold it against the young dwarf for choosing a dam as good as Leotti. She will certainly keep him on his toes.
In regards to their slightly older friend and company comrade, Fili and Kili had bets on when Ori would work up the courage to finally ask for Leotti's hand. Tauriel, however, knew he was waiting to hear about her mother. With no father in Leotti's life, it was likely Ori wanted to ask Estae for Leotti's hand, but with the new development, she does not doubt he would be asking her quite soon. They make a good match, he calms Leotti's energy, and she brings him out of his shell.
Balin did not really need to worry about getting an assistant anyway, as it seemed there was one in the mountain by the name of Litin who was quite eager to take the position. The young dwarf who had only just reached his seventy-fifth year happily stepped in with impressive gusto, doing anything and everything he could to impress the white-bearded master.
Kili jokes that he was in fact, a mini Balin, as he always shadowed the elder dwarf and took note of everything he said, quite literally doing whatever Balin asked…and then some…which did not always work out in the young prince's favor. In fact, Kili came home one evening just a few nights back, muttering curses under his breath and swearing out at Litin. When his wife asked what was wrong, Kili huffed and growled out that he had been in a meeting earlier with Balin who was happily wrapping things up, when Litin…his name said with several curses…opened his mouth and made the meeting go from one hour, to five.
Needless to say, Kili was not pleased, and has been avoiding the dwarf at all costs. Fili finds it rather amusing, and has no problems with the quiet, but severe young dwarf who trailed Balin like a lovesick warg pup. Whatever makes Balin happy, and keeps him from having to make copies of records again, is fine with Fili.
Thorin, however, seemed to be of the same mind as Kili when it came to Litin. He was, in fact, currently quite exasperated by the young dwarf, who was staring at him from across the table as they sat in a meeting with Bard, who had come to the mountain with final arrangements on the markets that will be open just after the weekend. Thorin sighed and lifted a brow at Litin who only stared back at him even more intensely.
Shaking his head, Thorin turned his eyes from the staring dwarf, to Balin who was writing down the last of the notes and pulling numbers up. "It appears we will have twenty-seven of our merchants selling wares, but not all will be opening a stand. A few have opted to use small carts, and some will be free-standing sellers and requested only for a blanket to lay their goods on."
Thorin and Bard both nodded. "The weather is to be quite fair." The bowman hummed, leaning back in his chair. "I think that will do just fine, we would be happy to accommodate for whatever they would like. How long do you think they will all need to set up? We already have teams working on clearing the streets and even have some stalls up and ready. Would you need the weekend to prepare?"
"No, only the morning I believe." Balin answered.
"An estimated two hours and fifty-seven minutes will suffice. I personally interviewed all who are on the list to participate, and averaged out their requested setup time. They will not need more than that." Litin sniffed and pushed a thick pair of spectacles up his face. Thorin nodded then lifted a brow when the young dwarf went right back to staring at him. His eyes magnified by the lenses only made his stare more intense.
Trying not to get outright annoyed, Thorin turned away once more. "Good work." He addressed nobody in particular before looking to Bard. "Our merchants will be in your markets a few hours before the bazaar opens. They will bring their own carts and we will provide rugs for those who wish for them. I have also made the announcement, so we are expecting many in the mountain to come and visit, though I do not doubt there will be quite a few who opt to decline. I hope you understand, our people often choose to remain in their walls."
Bard nodded. "Whoever wishes to come is welcome. I know my children are quite excited for the event, and I cannot help but to look forward to it as well." Bard smiled and stood. "I should be getting back, we have a lot to do, and I left Bane in charge of getting the teams organized."
Thorin nodded. "He will do well. Our children have a way of surprising us and being much wiser than we ever dreamed." He thought back to his nephews, who took on any task he gave them with eager determination to prove themselves. This mountain will be in good hands when he passes the throne to Fili in a hundred years or so. He is quite certain he will look forward to stepping down and watching his eldest nephew rise to be a great ruler with his brother at his side.
"Indeed they do. Sigrid has been taking lessons and is doing a fine job with running the treasury." Bard gathered his notes and hat.
"She is a good lass. Smart as a whip and if my understanding is right, quite on her way to becoming a good leader in the future." Balin lifted a brow, and smiled wide when Bard nodded in agreement.
The dwarven people were a line of male leaders. Though dams were held in high regard, their clans and mountains will always be led by the males, even if a king or lord were to have a female first. If all they had were females, which was incredibly rare, then the crown would go to the next male heir. It was something nobody questioned, as it was just their way, and dwarves, held tight to tradition…for the most part.
However, in some cities of men and elves it mattered not whether the eldest heir was male or female, he or she will be the next leader of their people. Dale, though historically had male heirs, may just see their first female in lady Sigrid. She was quite young yet though, barely 19 years old. Still very much a babe in comparison to the dwarven people, but in terms of man, she was now a full-fledged adult and member of their society. Sigrid has plenty of time to learn and grow into herself though, as Bard is not going anywhere anytime soon.
Thorin stood and clasped the lord of Dale's hand tightly. "We will send a raven if anything changes." Bard nodded and left the room, trailed by one of his own guards as well as a guard of Erebor.
The dwarven king sighed and turned to Balin, but leveled Litin with a glare when he realized the young dwarf was staring at him again. Isn't there some…law…that prohibits subjects from staring at him like that? If there isn't…he may be creating one…or in the very least having a talk with Balin.
Shaking his head and trying to ignore the young dwarf, the annoyed dwarven king looked to his longtime friend and confidant. "What else do we have to do today?" Thorin eyed Balin as he shuffled through his stacks of parchment, trying with all he was to not meet the eye of the staring dwarf.
"Naurfaer should be in your office any minute with an update on the new team he and Tauriel are trainin', then Aeodhen has a few matters to discuss, Mitkin requested a moment of yer time as he has an update on the mining tunnels, and we need to begin makin' plans for expanding into some of the vacant parts of the mountain. We are startin' to outgrow." Balin chuckled. "Not a bad problem to be had." He sighed and smiled. "Speakin' of growin'…I have heard the littlings are likin' goin' to school, an we may need more instructors in time."
Thorin nodded and pushed in his chair heading to the door, sighing at the thought of another day filled with meetings. He will need to make some time to go and see Fili tomorrow at the forge and see how his nephew and Tauriel were doing on their first official day open. He made a mental note to clear part of his schedule as he made for the door. His office was in another part of the mountain with the companies meeting room, this was a space meant for more formal meetings with visiting dignitaries. "Let us get the day on then."
Naurfaer sighed and sat in one of the chairs as he waited for Thorin to come in the room. The king under the mountain, and family patriarch has barely said more than a word to him since the whole dinner debacle. Dis, however, gave him a right talking to which made him wonder if that is what it felt like to be an elfling being scolded by a parent. He hummed to himself and chuckled. Dis, the mother to all. He has a feeling she would not hesitate to scold their maker if the situation ever called for it.
The red-headed elf stood when the door opened and Thorin walked in, nodding a greeting to Naurfaer before sitting behind his desk and waiting for Balin and his noble squire to come in. Balin took the free chair, but Litin chose to stand. Naurfaer shuddered as the young dwarf scanned the room. It was not that he disliked Litin, per say, but the young dwarrow tended to be stern and had the ability to suck the joy from you with his piercing stare.
"You have an update on the group you and Tauriel are heading?" Thorin grumbled, irritation lacing his voice as he spoke. Naurfaer could see him side eye the younger dwarf, clearly annoyed, then level his blue eyes at the elf across from him.
"I do." Naurfaer smiled, and sat forward. "For the most part, the team is coming along quite well. Fili said he will be able to get enough bows done by next week with the forge reopening. He mentioned it is the first project on his list and Tauriel will be helping him with it."
"I heard from Kili they caused Tauriel a bit of trouble last week. Is this true?" Thorin growled.
Naurfaer sighed and nodded. "I would not say trouble. I am afraid like many males, they believe in her condition, she is incapable and frail."
A lightness came over Thorin, and he chuckled. Anyone calling Tauriel frail is in store for quite the tongue lashing from his elven niece. "Kili had said he walked in on her fighting. Naurfaer, I have no issues with her training the team, I am just worried about her getting injured trying to prove herself. Kili would not have told me, if he was not worried as well."
Naurfaer sat back in his chair and stared at the dwarven king for several moments before sharing his thoughts. "I have complete confidence Tauriel can handle whatever they throw at her. The fact they were concerned about her, means they won't do anything they think could hurt her. Besides, after several hours' worth of running laps, I believe they have yet to challenge her since."
"Oh aye." Balin laughed. "I would not want to cross her either, lad. I walked in on them a few days back and she is certainly keepin' them in line."
Thorin hummed and sat back in thought. "She will do them well, if they are willing to listen. What are your thoughts Naurfaer? Are they listening? You have had no issues have you?"
"Well I can't say they have not tried to push their boundaries or made remarks, but nothing I had not expected." Naurfaer smiled. "They are progressing though, and learning. They have a way to go yet, and physical training is…challenging for a few of them. Klinkus has had the hardest go of it, and I believe Dynni and Krump have been going to Oin deeming themselves too injured to partake in conditioning." He rolled his eyes. "Of course, Oin sent them back with a clean bill of health, so I may have made them stay late to accomplish everything the others had done. I am with Tauriel when it comes to training strictly. In battle, there is no pauses or breaks. Poor slothful training, will only lead to death."
"I completely agree." Thorin nodded, as did Balin. Litin just stared so Thorin ignored him. "Good work Naurfaer. Keep me updated. Do you need anything?"
Naurfaer paused, then looked to Balin. "Might I have a private word?"
"Course laddie, Thorin are you okay with that?" Balin stood as Thorin nodded, and the records keeper pushed Litin from the room. He must have caught on to Thorin getting annoyed with the young trainee, since as they left, Balin was lecturing him on proper etiquette and not staring at a sovereign like he was.
Naurfaer chuckled then turned to Thorin, who was lifting a brow. "I wanted to take a moment and apologize, Thorin. Dis and Tauriel have made it rather known both last evening, and this morning, that not only had I upset you, but from now on, I was to come to them before I made plans to help in such a way again."
Thorin sat back and folded his arms. "Or maybe…don't help." He narrowed his eyes and glared.
"Now that, I cannot promise." Naurfaer smiled wide, but his smile softened into something true and he bowed his head. "I am very old, and I would like to say, equally wise…despite how some would beg to differ. But, though my intentions were for good, I understand when I have wronged another. For that, I am truly sorry, ai latunsuwê, Thorin."
Naurfaer never ceased to surprise the dwarven king. He would wager a guess, that two-hundred years down the road, this elf will still keep him on his toes. His apology was genuine, so of course he will forgive him. Though he was rather infuriated with him, but he will let this go…eventually. He thinks he will keep all that to himself though. With a barely perceptible nod, Thorin grabbed a piece of parchment and slid it towards Naurfaer. "This is a list of merchants going to Dale. Speak to Aeodhen and see that you and he put together enough guards to accompany them to the human city. I don't think we need many. It is just a precaution. But I want a few available at all times for our people."
Feeling like he was, in a way, being dismissed, Naurfaer stood and took the parchment. "Of course. Anything else?"
At first, Thorin shook his head…then he changed his mind and sighed. "You are working directly with Tauriel, and Kili is worried about her. I believe she is fine, but, if anyone knew, I think you would know for certain."
Ah, so he was backtracking to his fiery granddaughter. Naurfaer shook his head at her overprotective dwarven family; Thorin certainly plays the role of adoptive father quite seriously. "I must say, she is extremely well versed in training. The team is much further along than expected, because of her. Is she overdoing it? I do not think so." Naurfaer smiled. "Truthfully, I think it is bringing her joy and a sense of accomplishment to be leading the training. It has now been over four years since she left Mirkwood behind, and her place as a captain, which is what she was quite talented at, according to Legolas. What is more, I feel like since she gave her immortality away, she lost a piece of herself. She has never said it outright, but I see it in her. She gained so much, a family, a people, a true home…but…she lost some things as well."
Thorin nodded, placing his hands on his desk and leaning forward. "I cannot speak for the immortals, for I feel as if they live a different life. But, in my experience and understanding, all beings who are born live a life fraught with losses and gains. It is those who count their joys and blessings above sorrows and losses that live the fullest life." He paused and thought about the eleth who gave away her eternity for him and his family. She really was a gift to all of them in so many ways. In the last four years, Thorin had finally figured out, he was happiest, when his family was happy. Thus, if Tauriel found joy and peace in training a group of motley dwarven soldiers, so be it. "As long as she is happy." He smiled and nodded.
"Well, I think she is where she wants to be, with her family, in this mountain." Naurfaer's smile softened as he gave Thorin a knowing look. "So, I do not believe for a moment she is unhappy, but I do believe being able to train once more is giving back the part of her she feels she may have lost. The piece she worked hard to gain, the piece she earned."
Thorin nodded. He will not intervene if she is happy and unharmed. He knows she can handle anything they could throw at her, therefore, he will let it go.
"Would that be all? I need to meet my team in an hour and I want to talk to Aeodhen about security in the bazaar in Dale sooner rather than later." Naurfaer moved towards the door, and bowed a goodbye when Thorin's only request was to have Aeodhen come by when he was finished. The taller elf paused with his hand on the door, and looked back at the dwarven king who already had his pen scratching away on a roll of parchment. The sound paused, however, when Thorin lifted his eyes and caught Naurfaer staring at him, raising his brow in either curiosity, or annoyance. Likely the latter knowing him. Naurfaer chuckled and left the room, leaving the king to his task so he could get to his own.
In a deeper part of the mountain, Dis was smiling at a room full of young dwarflings. Regar had his head bowed in a book he was sharing with Hillanna who was giggling at something he had said to her while Tombis, one of Bombur's sons, rolled his eyes at the pair. In total, the room held about fifteen younglings ranging from ages fifteen to twenty years old. There was also a younger class for the ten- to fourteen-year-olds, and an older class as well.
In traditional clans, dwarflings study in schools such as this from ages ten, to forty years old. Then, they are able to choose a craft in which they shift their general studies to something they can master in. Some take a few years to pick, opting to try several out before making a decision, others know exactly what they want to do. Kili, for one, went right into jewelry making as Fili knew from even a very young age, he wanted to be like his uncle, and work the forge. There was never a wonder for her sons, they always seemed to know what they wanted and went after it.
That, she believes with a chuckle to herself, is how she ended up with both an elven daughter, and a baker. Fili and Kili have never been afraid of what others think, her precious boys, they just wish to follow their hearts. Dis, for one, feels incredibly blessed and overjoyed they do, for Kili and Fili are her greatest treasures and as long as they are happy, she has succeeded as a mother…in her opinion at least.
"Lady Dis, what do you think of our classroom? It still has some work to do, and Balin is continuously bringing crates of scrolls and books, but I like to think we are well on our way to building a great school here." Dis moved her eyes from the dwarflings and looked to the short, stout, dwarf beside her. He was one of the top teachers from the Iron Hills who chose to come to Erebor after hearing a school was to open. He, and two others, made up the only instructors they had at this time. But, as the school grew, Balin and Thorin said they would put word out and look into getting some of the best tutors and instructors in the dwarven people to come to Erebor.
"Yes, Master Henningur, I quite agree. I was just visiting with Master Lofi in the younger class. I am afraid he has his hands quite full with Toki and some of the younger dwarflings." Dis chuckled as she remembered the young, very spirited son of Gronti. He was quite amusingly arguing with the elder dwarf about the correct name of a plant. "I feel Lofi may need to enlist some assistance in his room for that particular group. How are the elder classes going?"
Henningur grinned and let out a deep laugh. "Toki is a good little lad, if not a fair bit expressive. He is smart as a whip, however. The few arguments I have been in with him, he had been rather correct. I was most humbled to remember, that sometimes, a ten-year-old can know more than I." He shook his head, the braids laden with beads tinkling together at the motion. "The elder classes are fine, quite fine. I think the school being new is a novelty to the lings. They all seem eager to be here, and to learn. That will likely ware off, I am afraid, in short time. Thank you, again, for your assistance in getting us going, however. We are most grateful to have these positions here."
Dis nodded her head and looked back over the students. "Of course. I hope these walls see many students in the years to come."
"There is always a position for you too, my lady, if you should so desire it." The elder dwarf gave Dis a knowing look and she whipped her head over to him.
Her, an instructor? She never really thought on it. But, now that it was brought up, it would give her something to do. Her children are grown, and married. They have even begun families of their own, and Erebor was well on her way to running herself. Dis was finding she had less and less to do each day. Most of the time when she was free, she happily took her grandson, giving Tauriel the opportunity to train her team, or take a nap. She will likely be needed even more when her two daughters give birth just about eight or so weeks from now. Then again, Tarrah and Vin were there as well.
Dis sighed. Now that she thought more on it, she had been growing a little anxious that she was less needed now than she had ever been. Maybe, teaching would be good for her.
Before she could respond, however, the door slammed open and a red faced Lofi came stomping in. His dark auburn hair almost perfectly matched his flaming cheeks as he glared at both Dis and Henningur. "I am givin' my formal resignation as of this very moment. I ain't teachin' that class no more."
"Now now, Lofi. What has happened?" Henningur asked in a patient, but stern voice. He caught his students staring and crossed his arms and gave his pupils a steely look. "If this is not about you, I suggest you continue your chapter. I want that essay done in runes before lunch bell." There was some groans before the dwarflings went back to their books and parchment. To keep from any other interruptions, Henningur motioned for the door and both Dis and Lofi followed closely.
The school of Erebor was located deep in the mountain and took up an entire floor. It was a one of a kind set up, and housed enough rooms to be able to teach all the younglings of the lonely mountain. Erebor itself, is large enough to hold well over forty-thousand if not fifty-thousand dwarves. With just under a third of those being female, there were never really that many younglings. But, Thorin had said there was always a full school.
Along with the classrooms, the floor had spaces to give dwarflings a chance to try different trades, so when the time came to choose, they had a better idea of what they wanted to master in. Not all clans had this, and it was one thing that had made Erebor's education system above any other. Of course, there was quite extensive damage down here, and half the school was in dire need of repairs. Even the classrooms now were lacking in supplies and students. But in time, it too will be fully restored.
"What has you all worked up now, Lofi. Please do not tell me this is about Toki again. I will not tolerate your dislike for the lad, he is right far more than he is wrong." Henningur warned. Many in the mountain were wary of Gronti and his two sons, having had left the elusive Ukdam life behind. Some thought them to be bad omens, hogwash if you ask him.
Henninger interviewed every parent before their littlings entered the school. Of all of them, Gronti seemed the most eager to give his boys a full and true education. He found the blond dwarf to be a gentle, down to earth, and quite well educated soul despite his limited access to a formal education himself. Perhaps, it was his exposure to the outside world and it's wonders that had the small family a bit above the bar then the other students and dwellers of the mountain.
"Oh aye. That little hard stone is refusing to be instructed. Everythin' I say is questioned, an he burned a hole in me desk tryin' to prove a point! Almost caught the entire place to blaze! I'll not do it!" Lofi bellowed, his voice echoing down the hall. "So I bid ya farewell. I am goin' back to me position in Rhun! Ya canno' make me stay." With that, Lofi spun on his heals, and marched off.
Henninger shook his head as Dis stared wide eyed at the retreating dwarf. "Oh sweet Mahal." Henninger sighed. "I never thought I would lose an instructor in the first week, and only halfway through the day." He looked at Dis in thought. "I don't mean to ask this of you so soon, but, I do not have enough instructors to step in for the remainder of the day. Would it be too much to ask, if you can mind my room so I can take over Lofi's class?"
Dis lifted a brow and folded her arms. "No. You will mind your own class, I will take Lofi's place."
"Are you certain?" Henninger asked. "They are quite young and, Toki…"
"Is a good little dwarfling, who has lost far too much in such a short time." Dis finished for Henninger. "I understand his pain." She sighed.
The elder dwarf rubbed his silver whiskers and nodded. "I will have a replacement as soon as possible, my lady. Do not be afraid to retrieve me at any time."
"That will not be necessary, Henninger." Dis smiled as she began walking towards the room. "I will take on the position, permanently."
Dis did not wait for Henninger to reply, not that he could say anything to her anyway. She was the kings sister, and she was quite well educated herself. Just as much as that ridiculous Lofi, if not more so. She, after all, taught her own children all they knew until Balin took over when they were fifteen, so it would be no different.
Stepping in the room filled with chaos, Dis observed the dwarflings laughing and running amuck. "Well, this will certainly not do." She shut the door and walked fully inside, placing her hands on her hips and clearing her throat.
At first, the chaos continued, until none other than Toki stopped laughing and sat up straight, giving the stern dam a wide-eyed stare. "Lady Dis!" He continued to give her a shocked look, then smiled wide and ran up to her, and tugged her hand to come fully into the room.
"Now Toki, I do believe we have something to discuss." The classroom went silent, and murmurs filled the air. "Did you try and set this room on fire?"
"NO!" Toki huffed. "I was jus' provin' to tha' pebble fer brains teacher tha' he was wrong."
Dis shook her head and squatted down to the dwarflings level, which was only a few inches above her grandson. "Toki…" She began in the same soft but stern voice she has had to use with Kili on many occasions growing up. "There is a time to argue and debate, and a time not to. I understand you are incredibly bright for your age, but some, who have lived quite longer, do not particularly like to be questioned."
"So I am supposed ta listen ta 'im, even though he won' listen ta me? AN' he's wrong?" Toki huffed.
Lifting a brow, Dis hummed in response. "One of the greatest lessons we can learn in life, is when to speak, and when to not. Allow me to teach you like this." Dis gestured for him to take his seat, which of course he did right away. Toki liked the royal family, and he loved coming to visit, so he doesn't want to upset any of them. Least of all Dis, who always makes him pancakes whenever he and Regar spends the night with Finli.
With the room silent, Dis was able to continue. "We all have limits, my darlings. Gurt, come here dear." Gurt was another of Bombur's sons, him and his only sister, Baara, were together in this class. The rather round little dwarfling waddled up to the front of the class and gave Dis a bow.
"Yes, Lady Dis?" Gurt asked curiously.
Dis picked up a book and passed it to the young dwarf. "As we grow, we begin to pick things up, and learn." She grabbed another book, and passed it again to the dwarf. "When we read, we fill our minds with lessons learned from scholars and teachers of old. When we pick up a hammer…" She leaned down and grabbed the large hammer that was sitting of to the side and passed it again to Gurt who struggled, but kept hold of the hammer and the books. "We learn skills like forging, crafting, and defense." She looked around the room, and hummed as she zeroed in on a stack of parchment. "As we learn to write, we learn how to put our thoughts to paper and make them real." She placed the parchment on the growing pile in Gurts arms. She removed the circlet from her brow, and placed it on Gurt's head, the room instantly filled with laughter. "When we take upon us mantles like teaching, ruling, and mastering, we learn the art of managing our time, thoughts, and those around us."
Finally, Dis took a small portrait off the wall of her great grandfather and precariously placed it in Gurt's arms, who was nearly about to fall over with all he carried, the dam having to help keep him steady. "My darlings, we can not carry all things ourselves, and we cannot expect others to do so as well. We all have limits on what we can learn, what we can take on, and how far we can push ourselves." She looked down at the dwarfling who was trying so hard to hold everything. Slowly, she began removing the objects until Gurt only had her circlet on his brow.
"It is always okay to ask questions, and to question things you believe are wrong. But, remember, all those around you have limits of how much they can take and carry, before they collapse. We have to always remember to honor another's limits. You can never yell a wall into submission my dears." Dis chuckled. "Some, especially elders, will likely never change their beliefs and those who do, should be respected all the more for doing so. You pushed Master Lofi to the point of collapse."
Dis gave Toki a meaningful look, and the little dwarfling scrunched his nose and huffed, but did not argue, rather, remained silently seething. "He was here to instruct you, and teach you, and guide you. He had much in his grasp taking on such a new mantle in our mountain, so it did not take much for him to crumble. This is not the way, my children. If you want to debate something, then have a discussion about it, do not turn to anger to get your points across. It will never do any side good. Do you understand?"
There was a round of "Yes, my lady" that rang through the classroom, and Dis nodded, and clasped her hands. "Alright. Enough of that. I will be taking over as your instructor."
"WHAT?!" Toki yelled, excitement clear in his voice. The rest of the room filled with cheers and exclamations of joy. Many had come from Ered Luin, and knew Dis quite well. "Alright, enough is enough. I want each of you to come up and grab some parchment. We will begin."
There was shuffling about, and Dis spent the remainder of the day teaching her young class. As she walked into the main hall that night at dinner, she was greeted by her little treasure of a grandson who yelled out to her from Thorin's lap, Kili and Tauriel were speaking to Naurfaer who was laughing at a look Viltarra was giving him while Fili glared at the elf. Dis sighed, she will likely have to look into that.
Before she could say anything, however, her arms were full of her favorite little dwarfling. "Well hello my little darling." Dis kissed Finli on the nose while he laughed as she sat in the chair beside her brother.
"I heard through the quartz veins today, that you are now teaching, dear sister." Thorin lifted a brow and smiled as Finli attempted to crawl onto the table, but was stopped by his nan who repositioned him in her lap and began dishing up her plate…with a little extra for the squirming tot.
"So I am." Dis responded with a grin. "To be honest, I quite enjoyed myself today. Toki is in my class. He did not give me nearly as much trouble as Lofi had proclaimed. He is just unafraid to say what he believes and feels. Many would find that to be an admiral trait. I for one, refuse to dampen such a gift, rather, I encourage it." Thorin chuckled at his sister as he filled his own plate. Dis will make a wonderful instructor, and he is pleased she found something she could do that seems to make her happy.
The family all tucked into their food, each one feeling fulfilled in their roles in the mountain. Viltarra was always happy with her family, Tauriel and Fili were set to open the forge tomorrow and get started on the list of projects already piling up that the main forge has not gotten to, Kili was finally able to focus on his craft, Dis was now instructing, and Thorin running his mountain as he always dreamed he would. Even Naurfaer had a bounce in his step knowing he was finally part of something great, and enjoying the time he had working with his granddaughter to train a team of guards.
Tauriel smiled brightly as Kili told Viltarra the story of how he had accidently put Maryn's saddle on wrong, and ended up falling right back to the ground when he tried to pull himself up after he had one too many ales in Ered Luin. She was content and happy, listening to the timbre of her husbands voice when something unfamiliar rumbled to her very soul. She tried to hone in on the sound, but it was if only she could hear it. Though Naurfaer seemed to sit up straighter and look her in the eye. Yet, after a moment, he shrugged it off and went back to speaking to Tarrah.
"Amralime? Are you alright? What is it?" Tauriel startled and looked to Kili. She felt off, but the feeling was suddenly gone completely as if it was never there at all.
Shaking her head, Tauriel tried once more to hone all her senses in on anything out of place or unfamiliar, but everything seemed perfectly fine, so she gave Kili a smile. "I do not know, meleth nin. It felt, odd, for a moment. But everything seems to be fine. I think I am ready to retire though…perhaps I am just getting tired."
Kili gave her a once over, both physically and mentally, but she was telling the truth so he smiled and nodded. Viltarra too seemed to have reached her limit, as she rose along with Fili and with an already sleeping Finli in his arms, Kili and the family made their way to their rooms.
Nothing out of the ordinary came from the remainder of the weekend. Tauriel and Fili opened the forge with no incidents and got to work on making the bows they had promised Thorin. Dis, who was not needed in the classroom until the start of the week, took care of Finli while Tauriel worked the forge, and Kili met with a few eager young dwarves interested in his craft. Thorin, of course, had meetings to attend and also spent time with the smallest prince who more than once, accompanied him in his meetings.
No. Nothing out of the ordinary came. But something was stirring deep below the grounds, and it was only a matter of time, before their world shifted once more.
Authors Note: So a few things just happening around the mountain. Thought it was time to have a school, and of course, Toki makes a grand appearance. Love that little munchkin. Stay tuned for more to come. Be back in a few days. OH, I for some reason, have not been getting any email notifications from . So I hope you guys are getting them. I honestly have no idea, lol. Anyway…I got to work in the morning, so I am going to bed. Good night! See you soon. :D