Later that day, Thorin had Balin announce that Thorin wanted all the Dwarves to gather in the Great Hall so that Thorin could make his proclamation. It didn't take long for all the Dwarves of Erebor to make their way into the Great Hall. There was excitement in the air as the Great Hall filled with Dwarves; it wasn't often that King Thorin made announcements to the entire mountain.
Once everyone had arrived, Thorin stood up, and the hall went quiet. They looked at Thorin expectantly, "My people, today is an auspicious occasion. As you know, next month is our Yule holiday; I had thought to forgo this year's celebration due to insufficient supplies to sustain us through the winter. But thanks to our future queen and her family," Thorin said with a smile as he looked at Alina, "We will be able to celebrate the Yule holiday."
All of the Dwarves cheered. They had not been able to celebrate Durin's Day in the Mountain, so the Yule holiday was what they were looking forward to doing. Thorin held his hand and waited for the Dwarves to settle down, "There will be some new traditions added to our festivities this year."
A murmur went through the crowd. The Dwarves wondered what new traditions would be added. As a race, Dwarves were unaccustomed to change; it was hard for them to accept it. But with Thorin's One being human and from a different world, some Dwarves were finding it more comfortable to accept change, especially those from the Iron Hills who knew what Alina and her friends had done for them.
Once again, Thorin held his hand, "From here on out, we will add some traditions from my future wife's homeworld."
Thorin then explained what traditions would be added to their holiday. He told the Dwarves about the decorations, the trees, and the gift-giving. Thorin had decided that at the end of the twelve-day celebration, the gift exchange would occur. The Dwarves talked amongst themselves and found adding these traditions quite pleasing. Slowly, people started clapping and cheering their approval of the change.
Thorin smiled. He knew that these new additions would go over well with his people and that it would be something they would look forward to seeing. After making his proclamation, Thorin Dismissed the Dwarves. The Dwarves left the hall talking excitedly about what they could do as gifts and how the gift exchange would occur. Also, what decorations would they use for the mountain? They would have to speak to their future queen about it; they were sure she would have some beautiful ideas.
Several Dwarrow and Dwarrowdams waited for Alina to finish talking with Princess Dîs and Natasha Romanoff. As soon as Alina finished her conversation, she was swarmed by the Dwarrows, who had many questions for her. Alina gladly answered their questions and suggested what they could use to decorate their homes. She went as far as to provide decorations to show the Dwarrows what her people used on Earth. Alina informed them that if the Dwarrows wanted, they could each have a small Christmas tree in their homes to decorate as they saw fit.
"We usually place the wrapped gifts underneath the Christmas tree until the gift exchange day. Since there will be so many people involved, I think it would be better that each family do that in their homes and then come to the Yule party," Alina explained. The Dwarrows and Dwarrowdams agreed. They were very excited about adding this new tradition.
As the Mountain prepared for the Yule holiday, Thorin, Dwalin, Logan, and a few Iron Man suits went out to find suitable Christmas trees for the Great Hall. They traveled a few miles from the Mountain to find the perfect trees. Thorin wanted the first yule back in Erebor to be perfect for him and his people, but also Alina. He didn't want his mate to become homesick, so Thorin would do his best to make it as unique for her as possible.
Thorin and the others went deep into the forest, and as they walked, Thorin questioned Logan about what kind of tree was used for Christmas trees.
"Either pine, fir, or spruce trees. They can be anywhere from five to eight feet tall. It should have dense branches and good shape, color, and fragrance. The needles should look shiny and green—not dull or brown—and no needles should fall off when you do a pull test on branches," Logan answered.
Thorin nodded and kept his eye out for the perfect tree. He wanted to get an eight-foot-tall tree for his and Alina's chambers. The tree for the Great Hall had to be enormous. He would have the Iron Man suits take the large tree into the dining hall. It took a while for the group to find the right tree. Finally, Thorin spotted the tree he wanted. It was a beautiful spruce tree; he and Logan walked around it, inspecting it. It was complete and dense with shiny green needles and perfectly shaped. Logan and Thorin looked at each other and nodded. Thorin wanted this tree, and he knew that Alina would love it.
Dwalin had also found the right tree for him and Natasha, while JARVIS found the one they would take to the Great Hall.
Thorin took his axe and began chopping down the tree. Logan offered to help, but this was something that Thorin wanted to do himself. While Thorin chopped the tree, Dwalin worked on the other one, and JARVIS cut down the tallest one. Once they finished, JARVIS had the Iron Man suits carry the tall tree toward Erebor. Thorin and Dwalin hefted their selections onto their shoulders and brought them back to Erebor with ease.
When they reached the mountain, the guards offered to take their king and the Captain of the Guard's burdens and take them to their chambers. The two Dwarves declined and headed to the royal halls. While they did that, JARVIS brought the massive tree into the Hall. Logan followed JARVIS to make sure that the tree was put in an appropriate spot. The Dwarves of Erebor were awed by the majestic tree and were excited to help decorate it.
After seeing what Logan and JARVIS brought back, many families decided that they, too, wanted to get a tree for their homes. They asked Logan about the aspects of a tree, and several Dwarves left to find Christmas trees for their families. Meanwhile, an excited Dîs decided that she, too, would get into the spirit of things and begin shopping for her family and friends. She, Alina, and Natasha, along with several guards, went to the market and explored the stalls looking for gifts Dîs could get for Thorin, her sons, and the Company. She would also make gifts, but Dîs wanted to see what the market offered.
The three women walked through the market, chatting with Dîs about their Christmas traditions. Well, more Alina than Natasha; Natasha did have the most ideal childhood. But Tony made sure that Alina had the best Christmases she could have. He always planned something special for her. Tony even learned how to bake Christmas cookies, the only thing Tony could make without causing a catastrophe.
When Alina was a child, Tony spent every Christmas and New Year's with her; Tony would invite Rhodey and his family over so that Alina could play with Rhodey's little brothers and sisters and her school friends. As she got older, the parties became bigger until she was old enough to attend adult parties. But Christmas morning was for the two Starks; eventually, Pepper was added, but it remained an intimate occasion.
After hearing about the Christmas cookies and gingerbread house, she decided they should make cookies for the Company. "That's fine, Dîs, but I know Tony's going to want to help; it's our tradition," Dîs told Alina that it would be wonderful to have Tony join them.
The women continued to wander through the market when Alina paused in front of a merchant selling jewelry. The merchant sold beautiful jewelry that she found out he had made himself. Alina examined the rings and sighed. She hoped that by this time, Thorin would have formally asked her to marry him. Alina understood that she and Thorin were mated and betrothed, but it would have been nice for Thorin to propose the Human way and give her an engagement ring. But Alina was sure that wasn't going to happen. A marriage braid was what Dwarves used. Alina knew they had to make their marriage official before the kingdom, but it still saddened her that her traditions may not be added. Alina always dreamt of getting married in a white wedding gown, with Tony walking her down the aisle. She knew Thorin wanted to add her traditions to their wedding, but Alina didn't think it would happen. She knew the most important thing was to make their marriage official, especially before the children were born.
Alina sighed and bought a bracelet from the merchant as a gift to Natasha. She wondered if Natasha and Dwalin were getting married any time soon. Natasha was beginning to show, not that it mattered to either. Alina shook her head to Dispel her troubled thoughts and caught up with Dîs and Natasha. They continued to walk through the market, buying gifts for everyone; by noon, Alina and Natasha were starving, so Dîs led them to a pub to get something to eat and rest for a bit.
After Alina and Natasha ate and rested, they were energized to go to the market in Dale to shop. They would pick up Sigrid and Tilda and then head to the market. When Dîs informed her brother that they were going to Dale, four Iron Man suits showed up to replace the Dwarven guards. Thorin trusted his guards, but he felt better knowing that JARVIS was with his queen, knowing that JARVIS could get them out of danger faster.
When the suits showed up and the guard withdrew, The women took the carriage to Bard's house. Thorin insisted that Alina, Natasha, and Dîs take a carriage to Dale; he didn't want the two pregnant women to walk such a long distance or accidentally get hurt. The three women arrived at Bard's home, and Dîsembarked from the carriage. They walked the path to the front door. Before Dîs could knock, the front door was thrown open by an excited Tilda.
"Alina! Natasha! It's so good to see you," The little girl cried.
Alina and Natasha smiled at the little girl, and Alina opened her arms. Tilda rushed forward to hug Alina and then Natasha. She curtsied to Dîs, "Princess Dîs, it's so nice to see you again."
Dîs chuckled, "There is no need for formalities between us, Tilda; we will soon be family," Dîs told Tilda and hugged her when Tilda rushed towards Dîs.
Tilda invited the women into the house and told them that Sigrid was almost ready. Bard walked out of his study to greet the women. He kissed their hands and bowed.
"Greetings, my ladies. What brings you to Dale?"
Dîs smiled at Bard, "We plan on taking Sigrid and Tilda to the market to shop," Dîs informed Bard.
Bard nodded, "Ah, yes, for Alina's holiday tradition, correct?"
Alina smiled at Bard, "Yes, in our world, this time of year, we celebrate Christmas," Alina informed Bard.
Bard chuckled, then nodded, "Aye, Thorin sent me a letter explaining your holiday and invited us to The Mountain to celebrate with you. I was so intrigued by your tradition that I, too, implemented it in Dale. It will give my people something to look forward to," Bard commented to the ladies.
At that moment, Sigrid and Tilda entered the room, and Dîs greeted her soon-to-be daughter-in-law. After hugging Dîs, Sigrid hugged Alina and Natasha. After that, they bid goodbye to Bard and left the house. Bard sent a few guards along to add more protection. The group of women walked toward the market in Dale to continue their shopping. They continued shopping for a few more hours, then returned to Bard's house to drop off the girls. The three women bid goodbye to Bard and his family and told them they couldn't wait for them to attend their Yule ball.
While that was going on, Thorin was in his chambers with Tony and Pepper. They helped Thorin find the perfect spot for the tree and set it up. Thorin thought they should decorate the tree before Alina and the others arrived, but Tony and Pepper informed him that Alina enjoyed putting the decorations on the tree. So, they decided to wait for the women.
Tony and Pepper took the opportunity to go to the kitchen and talk to Bombur about making some eggnog. They explained to him what it was and how to make it. Bombur was excited by the drink and began making it immediately. Tony told Bombur to make two kinds of eggnog, a bowl with rum and another without, for Alina, Natasha, and Sigrid. Bombur nodded and made the eggnog; he didn't plan on making an entire bowl for Alina and Natasha since Sigrid wouldn't be there today. Tony and Bombur continued talking about Tony and Alina's Christmas traditions. Bombur informed Tony that he would have everything ready for him when he and Alina decided to make cookies.
Meanwhile, Thorin was in his office, writing down what gifts he planned to get for his family. He had decided that along with the engagement ring he made for Alina, he'd have the tailor make clothes for Alina more in the style of Middle Earth. He knew no one would complain if Alina wore her usual attire, but he thought he would give Alina a wide range of clothes to look for.
Thorin went down his list, making notes. He wanted to make sure that he got everyone gifts they would love. When he got to Kili, he paused. What would Kili love more than anything? "Tauriel," Thorin concluded.
So, Thorin penned an invitation for Tauriel, inviting her to not only attend the party but to live in the mountain with them. Thorin knew that Tauriel had been exiled from the Woodland Realm and was wandering the wild. Thorin meant to send a letter to Tauriel much sooner, but so many things happened that he forgot. Once Thorin finished his invitation to Tauriel, he called Roarc and told him to find Tauriel and deliver his message. Roarc bowed and took the letter; Thorin knew that if anyone could find the Elf, it would be his raven.
It didn't take Roarc too long to find Tauriel. The she-elf was on the other side of Mirkwood, staying with Beorn for the winter. Roarc spotted Tauriel talking to Beorn as he chopped wood. The Raven called out to the pair. Beorn sheltered his eyes from the winter sun and peered at the Raven.
"It would seem that Oakenshield has found you," Beorn told Tauriel
She looked at the skin-changer, surprised, "How do you know? Why would King Thorin be looking for me?"
"That is Raven from the Lonely Mountain. They are larger than other Ravens and are loyal to the royal family," Beorn explained, "As far as what Oakenshield wants, let us ask the Raven."
Beorn held out his arm for the gigantic bird to land on. Roarc accepted the invitation and landed on his arm. The Raven bowed to the Skin-Changer, then held Thorin's letter to Tauriel. Tauriel took the note and thanked Roarc. She broke the seal and read the letter. Her eyes widened as she continued to read. When Tauriel finished, she looked at Beorn with her mouth hanging open.
"What does Oakenshield want?" Beorn asked.
It took a moment to answer him, "The king is offering a place in his mountain. He said that he would give his blessing if Kili and I wanted to continue with our relationship," Tauriel whispered to her new companion.
"And do you plan on returning to the Mountain?" Beorn enquired.
Tauriel thought momentarily, "Yes, I want to be with Kili," She answered, "King Thorin mentioned that they are celebrating Yule in a few weeks, and he would like it if I could be Kili's surprise gift. He arranged for me to stay with King Bard until Yule."
Beorn nodded, "Then, I wish you well on your journey. When will you leave?"
An excited gleam sparkled in Tauriel's eyes, "I will leave as soon as the preparations are ready. I must send a response to King Thorin."
Roarc looked at the Skin-Changer and began cawing at him. Beorn nodded, "The Raven says that you only need to him, and he will ensure the message gets to Oakenshield."
Tauriel nodded and turned to Roarc, "Tell King Thorin I accept his offer. I will wait in Dale until Yule," Tauriel said with a smile.
Roarc bowed and took to the sky. He flew as quickly as he could back to the Mountain. When the Raven arrived, he went straight to King Thorin and delivered the message. He told him that Tauriel accepted and would stay in Dale until Yule. Thorin was pleased with Roarc's work; he thanked Roarc. Once the raven ate and drank water, he rejoined the others. Now that it was settled that Tauriel would join them for Yule, Thorin decided that if Kili and Tauriel wanted to get married, as long as his sister approved, he would allow them.
Now that Kili's gift was settled, Thorin moved on to his other friends and family. Thorin decided that for Tony, he would give him a deposit from the cache of Mithril so that he could make a Mithril Iron Man suit. Though Thorin gave Tony a vein of the material, this came from Thorin's store. Last but not least was his beloved. Even though Thorin had her engagement ring finished, he wanted to give Alina something else. Thorin also decided to make earrings and a necklace to match her engagement ring. Once Thorin finished his list, he got to work on the gifts, but he ensured that JARVIS kept him informed on the women's safety.
