Thorin Stonehelm limped into the mountain to find a line of dams waiting for him. "Now, I know ye are mad. . . ," he began when his mother rushed him the moment he crossed the threshold and he was enveloped in a tight squeeze. "Aw, fer cryin out loud, not in front of everyone," he complained and it earned him a tap to his right ear from his mother. He quickly stepped back, rubbing the appendage while Ori laughed. He accompanied the dams when they were waiting at the entrance to take their young miscreant to Thráin's breakfast for the elves. He managed to evade the elven healers and made a break for it before they insisted on bringing him home like a wayward youth.
Before reaching the dining room, he felt a hand slap down hard on his shoulder and was spun into his father. Dáin wasn't smiling like the dams. "It's one thing for me to give you leeway in the mountain, where your reckless behavior causes nothing more than hurt feelings, but out there, when I give an order, I demand everybody from warrior to gopher get their orders correct the first time." As Dáin talked, his voice rose and the formal tone had anyone close enough to hear, pausing to listen to the lord dress his son down.
An old dwarf quietly laughed and spoke to his companion, "Brings back memories of when Thrór took a young Thráin ta task an banished him from the family home. Good thing for this young sprout that he is still ah baby." They both laughed and overhearing, Thorin's ears burned red, while Dáin finally cracked a smile.
"You are hereby reassigned to Balin and whatever tasks he has for you."
Thorin nodded at his father's formal tone. "How long is my punishment?"
"Who says being assigned ta Balin is punishment?" Dáin lightened his tone and offered an arm to Azie.
"I'd rather be assigned ta Dwalin," Thorin pleaded his case as he trudged behind his parents.
"Dwalin only wants those who follow orders," his father reprimanded him over his shoulder.
Balin brushed by Dáin's family to intercept more arriving guests waiting at the entrance. "Mornin all. I trust ye weren't too disturbed at Thorin's early announcement."
"You didn't disturb elves," Elrond assured him. "We were up and bathing when news of your loss broke. On behalf of all elves, I offer our sincere condolences."
"I was honored for one last meeting with lord Gróin at Ered Luin," Círdan added somberly. "He insisted on leading the dwarves and was at the head of the long column when it pulled out of Ered Luin and stayed there until we reached the Shire and dined with Bilbo Baggins."
Balin's smile broadened. "I do miss our burglar."
"He sent a satchel of letters for the Company," Círdan informed him and produced a leather pouch with a wave of his hand, when a servant promptly gave it to Balin.
Balin in turn, showed dwarves as accomplished when with his own gesture had a servant at his side. "Take this to my office." He smiled back at the elves. "This way, please."
Seated in the formal dining chamber of the king, it was Galadriel's turn to speak on behalf of the elves and she stood so all knew who was speaking. "King Thráin, Lord Óin, on behalf of all elves, your loss is also mourned by us. We remember him as an outstanding dwarf of courage when you fled the mountain and his leadership upon dwarves returning home to Erebor. If you need time to mourn and bury him, we can postpone our summit."
Óin's eyes filled with tears and he lowered his trumpet and blew his nose. Next to him, Gimli hung his head and thought of all the times he ditched his grandfather to hang out with Fili and Kili and now regretted his youthful folly.
"I see no reason to delay. We await Glóin," Thráin responded and motioned the servants to serve breakfast of smoked ham and eggs with a side order of large, flaky cinnamon rolls.
Elessar found himself seated with King Bard's children again and this time Bain spoke directly to him and soon they were planning their day. Elrond informed Elessar just before coming to the mountain he was free to join Bain and explore the mountain, but only if they could find a dwarf to escort them. Bain was an acceptable escort around Dale and he cautioned the lad to stay with the older boy.
Erak listened in and made plans to keep an eye on both boys and quietly informed a standing Figwit of his plans, knowing the elf would mentally pass the plans on to Erestor, who in turn would inform Elrond. When Elrond turned and nodded his head once in his direction, he knew elven magic informed the lord.
"I was going to hit Gimli up for a tour of the mountain before news of his grandfather reached me," Bain explained. "Too bad Stonehelm got injured."
"Who is he?" Elessar inquired and shoved a large mouthful of cinnamon roll in his mouth, so all he could do was listen.
"Thorin Stonehelm, Lord Dáin's son. Ori told me he got injured in the battle and just this morning rejoined the dwarves from elven healing tents." Bain pointed to another table where a younger dwarf was slouching between an older dwarf and dam. He looked miserable and let his eyes drift across the room to their location.
"I'll show you the elven compound if you want?" Elessar offered and saw Bain brighten.
"I wasn't allowed in when they pitched tents when here last time. Da said I wasn't to disturb them, and besides I was scared of the guards. Fili ran afoul of them a couple times."
Elessar looked around the room to see where Fili and Kili were seated and saw them with the Company and lesser elven lords and at the table Gimli had been pointed out to him. "Maybe Gimli is free if everyone has to wait for his father."
"We can ask," Bain agreed.
"Can I go with you?" Seven year old Tilda asked.
Both boys looked at her with impatience. "No, you can't keep up," Bain shut her down swiftly.
Sigrid gave her brother a warning look. "Tilda, we are invited by the dwarven dams this morning, along with Lady Galadriel and Lady Arwen, to partake of the dwarven courtship rituals and visit the chambers of the king. That will be much more fun than skinned knees and boys language."
Tilda thought about her choices. "Okay," she meekly accepted.
Figwit, standing along the wall near them breathed a sigh of relief he wasn't forced to inform Lord Elrond that Elessar was being rude to any human child.
The mighty horn blew of approaching dwarves. Thráin quickly exchanged glances with Thorin and Dáin. He decided if important, a servant would be ushered to him with news. Maybe a caravan already reached the mountain he decided.
There was a disturbance at the door and no servant entered, but Lord Glóin stomped in, shedding armor and handing it off to servants. He spotted the eclectic group dining with his king and wasn't surprised with all the elven tents strewn between here and Dale. His attention was captured by Óin, who rose and hurried to intercept him and drew him in for a head-butt and hug.
"How did ye get here so fast, brother?"
"Father sent ah raven before they reached the mountain telling of a coming battle with orcs. I brought a few warriors, but encountered only a handful of fleeing orcs. We took care of them." He hugged his elder brother. "The raven Thorin sent caught up with us early this morning while we broke camp. I know he tried ta make it for me. Don't feel bad he couldn't hold on. I'm surprised he made it at all and was prepared ta never see our father again this side of Mandos' Halls."
"Aye, I was with him at the end. He talked of ye an was proud ye sired ah son ta carry on the family line. He spoke with pride on Gimli an the great deeds the lad will do."
Gimli overheard, as did everyone in the room, for it fell silent when Glóin walked in and all eyes were on the brothers. He wondered what great deeds he would do. "I only dream of great deeds," he stated loudly and was second to rise and hurry to his father; having waited as long as he could for the eldest of the family to greet first.
Galadriel's insight showed her an image of a much older Gimli riding behind Legolas on a horse. She smiled in the young lord's direction at another table.
Legolas caught her smile at him and wondered if he had something on his chin. The swipe of his napkin came away clean.
Glóin hugged his son and the ensuing head butt caused everyone not dwarven to cringe, even if mentally. "Son, ye are ah sight for sore eyes." He hugged the lad he hadn't seen for well over a year and let him lead to their table where another place was set beside Gellett. Glóin leaned over with a hug, pulled her beard down bestowed a kiss before setting between them while talk resumed.
"Glóin will give ah detailed report ta me after they visit the body of their father," Thráin explained to his guests. "The Durin's will pay respect right after breakfast and have a family feast to honor Gróin this evening, so I beg off socializing this evening. Please feel free ta pay respects at yer convenience throughout the week. On the seventh day we seal the door and mark his name in stone alongside our dams because we will fill that crypt with no less than me and several others before assigning a new one for Durin's."
They enjoyed general news and banter until their repast was finished and once again Thráin rose and called for attention. He looked with amusement at the table of visiting lords and their families. He knew all were nervous and not sure if going first, middle or last was the best position, for never in the history of dwarves had so many sought the eye of just one for the main prize.
A servant brought a silver bowl. "Right after our family viewing of Lord Gróin; Thorin will start his courtship walks. Dis, join me an start drawing names," Thráin instructed and held the bowl.
Dis, with head held high, joined her father on a raised step so all could see. Her hand drew and held a stone in delicate fingers. "The first to walk with Thorin this morning is Lass Verdi." Dis loudly read the name.
There was murmurings around the tables and the rotund lass squeaked her delight. "None will compare to my charms, Prince Thorin," she cooed, batting heavy lidded eyes at him.
Thorin looked sick.
"I offer my dungeon instead of walking with her," Thranduil called out.
Thorin nodded he accepted, causing everyone to laugh.
Thráin laughed in glee at his son's displeasure while Dis drew again. "Second will be Lass Yurna of the Blue Mountains."
The comely black haired lass with piercing blue eyes nodded serenely. "I'm sure Verdi and all others will lose to me."
Thorin wanted to jump up and agree and tell everyone he already chose Yurna in place of the rotund Verdi; anything not to walk with her. Instead, he sat quietly, face emotionless, shoulders slumped in defeat.
Galadriel looked extremely amused and Thráin found himself looking in her eyes for a clue. He found none.
Again Dis' hand plunged into the bowl. "Lass Asli will walk with Thorin next."
"My Asli is fairest of all," Lord Asutri spoke for his daughter and the room laughed.
"I hope she doesn't need you to accompany them and do her talking," Thráin joked.
Asli's face flamed crimson and she buried it in a napkin hoping the princess drew another name swiftly.
The hand disappeared again three more times before she pulled and called, "Lass Lióni of Jötunheim."
"I've decided ta pull my daughter from consideration," Dóvad spoke up and the room fell in stunned silence.
Thráin glanced at Galadriel and saw her smile slip. Issuing his own amused look at her, he replied, "Nay, the lass will compete."
Dóvad was relieved his son's actions didn't damage Lióni's chances and he gained a small amount of dignity back among the lords with the king's decree.
The lass by default was Gerti, Lord Garad's niece and Thorin was relieved, for he knew her the longest and wasn't threatened she would disgrace her family name.
"The rules are simple," Thráin explained. "Thorin will walk with each lass an tonight ruminate on those he wishes ah second walk. If he is confident of his choices, tomorrow we will meet an he will divide the lasses amongst the Durin's an other available dwarrow. Hopefully, tomorrow we will know the name of Erebor's future queen; an the elves stated they will honor the lucky lass at ah feast they are preparing for us. Of course, the parents of the chosen lass is invited, but only of the chosen lass," he reiterated. "That is all an thank ye for joining me this morning."
Tall elves moved as a group, while Gandalf joined Óin and Glóin. Soon lost among the crowd, Bain and Elessar moved with the group. They saw Gimli moving away with his family and hurried to waylay him. Explaining their plans, they hoped he could guide them.
"I have ta go right now ta ah viewing of my grandfather an spend the day with my father." Gimli looked for his father, now talking with the king as they left in the direction of the Thrór's Hall with its golden floor. "Tomorrow I'm all yours." As much as an adventure with the boys would be fun, he also wanted to spend time with the father he hadn't seen in well over a year.
"Okay, see you in the morning," Bain said and waved goodbye. He saw the elves were already leaving the entrance and ran to catch up. "Tomorrow we'll climb the steps up the side of the statue to the back door of the mountain. I did it once with Gimli. Thorin can't come due to his injured leg."
"I have something for you," Elessar informed his companion for the day. "It's in my tent."
"I've always wanted to see inside an elven tent," Bain replied enthusiastically and they tore out of the mountain under the watchful eyes of many elves and Erak.
Elessar didn't think twice marching past elven guards, but Bain wasn't so sure. He eyed them carefully; sure he would be kicked out, like Fili told him they tried with him. He breathed easier when all guards they met ignored both of them. He was led ever to the middle of a sea of white canvas with standards in front of many. "Ada's tent it that one," he pointed to a large tent with two armored guards holding spears skyward on each side of the opening. "He is sharing it with his daughter right now, but she lives far away to the south in a place called Lothlórien."
Bain struggled to see inside, but with the bright sun, saw nothing.
"That tent is Lord Celeborn's and Lady Galadriel's," he pointed to one across from Elrond's. Again the identical tent featured like guards with spears. Only the standard was different Bain noticed.
Elessar pointed out Thranduil's tent and Lord Círdan's and Bain saw they all formed a circle with a joint campfire just for the and all heavily guarded. Elves were bustling around, in and out of the large tents. Also inside the circle were two more tents that Elessar pointed to. "The next set of tents is where I'm staying with my mother. The twins share a tent with Erestor and Glorfy and Legolas is also camping in their tent. We always have a circle inside a larger circle for safety. Ada says I have to be kept unharmed and all these warriors," he pointed to many elves milling about, "are to protect me, so we are safe."
Bain stopped and counted how many tents formed the inside circle of lords and there was six, evenly spaced, forming a perfect circle. "So if I were to wrestle with you, they would stop me?" he asked looking around at all the guards seemingly ignoring their conversation.
Elessar laughed. "I doubt it. Elves spar all the time with each other. If you want, we can wrestle, but first let me show you my area." He led Bain inside where several cots were against walls. There was a divider for one and Bain learned Lady Gilraen slept behind that partition.
"I share with my mother, Erak and Figwit, the elf," Elessar explained all the cots.
"I wish I could sleep like this." Bain was impressed. Although, technically a prince, he still felt poor and common. "When we fled Lake-town, we all slept outside and nights were cold."
"Fili and Kili told me all about what happened," Elessar excitedly retorted. "I want to hear all about the arrow and everything." He dropped to his knees and pulled a duffel from under the cot. He dug around inside and pulled a sack out. He handed it to Bain. "This came all the way from the Havens by the sea."
Bain opened the heavy sack and pulled the whale out. "What is it?" It was pretty and looked like a fish.
"It's a whale. The twins saw one in the harbor. It had a baby. See," he pointed to a small one attached to the larger sculpture. "They got to feed the baby when it got lost from its mom. She came into the harbor found it, but not for many days. I'll get them to tell you the story."
"Have you ever seen the sea?" Bain asked. He heard stories and couldn't imagine anything larger than Long Lake.
Elessar shook his head. "Someday I'm going to travel all over Middle Earth like the twins do. Lord Círdan came from the sea and says you can't see across it and it takes over a month sailing in one direction to reach the undying lands."
"What is the undying lands?" Bain was full of questions and listened eagerly while Elessar told all he knew.
Getting bored of staying inside, Elessar asked, "Can we go see Dale now? Ever since I heard of the battle, I wanted to come and see it and Ravenhill and the battles."
They hurried with the speed of young, rambunctious boys, Bain carrying his new sculpture carefully. He looked forward to showing it off. Their first stop was his bedroom, where he showed his few possessions to his new friend.
"I want you to have this." Bain gave an orc scimitar to Elessar. "I took it off a dead orc. These were all over the place, but this one has a jewel set into the end of the handle." He showed a ruby red butt. "Da said it most likely belonged to a captain or legion commander. It's the only one like it."
Elessar ran a finger over the smooth stone. "Are you sure?" He didn't want to take a gift of great value.
"It would please me." Bain smiled and set his new whale on a shelf where he could see it when entering the room. "I have lots of weapons." He opened a door where a closet would normally hold clothes and it was full of various weapons from the Battle of Five Armies. He grabbed another sword and buckled it on. Elessar followed suit and soon they were mock sparing around the room.
"Let's see Dale," Elessar prompted and they hurried through the halls of the castle into sunlight. Erak was just entering another door and saw the boys running down a staircase from a keep, each sporting an orc scimitar and shook his head in amusement and wondered how the elves would react. Elessar was allowed to wear his elven sword on the trip, but instructed not to around dwarves or other children.
Thorin looked at the tunics laid out on his bed. His father and sister were going over each garment and discussing the best event to wear each. He had to admit his father's finest clothes left behind when Smaug came displayed wealth beyond his memory. Rarely had he seen such fine cloth and detail to embroidery. A royal blue tunic completely embroidered with the Durin crest was handed to him by his sister.
"This will bring out the blue in your eyes."
"I don't want to impress any of the lasses and already made my choice the winner." He tossed the beautiful tunic back and grabbed a dull grey one. "This one will do today. Besides it will be hid under layers of gilded accouterments."
"Nay son, ye wear Mithril with that tunic. I know ye didn't grow up owning more than three tunics ta yer name, but here everything is coordinated. Since these are mine, I remember what trappings ta wear with each garment. Yer mother dressed me as I'm going ta do ye like when ye were are wee bairn. And ye might change yer mind after taking walks, so don't be so hasty in declaring ah winner."
Thorin muttered a curse and let Picket tend his hair.
Thorin looked back at those in the escort party. A pregnant Azie and older Dioari were in front of Verda, Verdi's mother and a grandmother he couldn't remember the name of. He refused to offer his arm and stalked off with all falling over themselves to form the proper space and position.
"You're walking too fast, Prince Thorin," Verdi complained and panted on his heels. He decided to hide in the Hall of Tomes until his self-allotted fifteen minutes was up. He found Ori and Erestor searching for older contracts from long ago when the last summit was held during the time Thorin was just a baby. They smirked at him and he glared right back.
"Here it is, Lord Erestor. You will find it matches your copy exactly," Ori exuberantly cried out, holding a bound ledger in his hands.
Erestor bowed from the neck to Thorin and made his escape.
Ori looked at the dams and ran out another door. He was glad his brother's decided he needed another ten years before looking at a lass to marry.
Thorin sat and grabbed the first book his hand found on the table. He looked at Verdi. "Sit, lass."
When she shoved her girth into a chair that creaked, he looked at the title. It was the book he purchased from Lióni written in Sindar Cirth. He would have to inquire how it got into the library and out of his personal possessions. He smiled in remembrance at the hairstyle Lióni sported that night. She might think she was a tough dwarf, but underneath, she was still female.
"Thorin," his name spoken brought him back to the present and the smile wiped in a split second. "is that book one of love? I can't read the language and I bet you can't either. You just grabbed it so not talk with me." Verdi's tone ended in a pout.
Thorin turned his icy blue eyes on her. "What do you favor to do with your time, outside eating that is?"
She giggled at his question. "Oh, I am proficient in sewing and knitting and of course never had an unhealthy day in my life. I expect to birth a long line of Durin males."
"What is your next choice if no Durin takes you?" Thorin's tone grilled her as if a warrior seeking to join the elite guard, but she was too dense to understand the underlying insult.
"With so many Durin's, I'll get one of you," she crowed in delight. "I was born in the perfect age to have so many eligible Durin's to choose from."
"The king has final say, so don't think numbers are in your favor." Extremely bored, Thorin rose, book in hand. He stopped before the dams. "Prepare the next one." Without a glance to Verdi, he rushed away.
"What did you say to scare him off?" Verda demanded of her daughter.
"I spoke exactly how you and grandmother tutored me," Verdi challenged. "Perhaps, Prince Thorin likes another tact and not that of a coy female. If I don't get another chance at him, I won't forgive any of you." She flounced from the Hall of Tomes with her dams trying to keep up.
"One and done," Azie commented softly to Dioari and they smiled conspiratorially at each other. Neither was impressed with any family that would spoil a lass with food and ruin her chances of a good marriage. "Tell me about Yurna's qualities?"
While they walked back to the family wing, Azie looking forward to getting her feet up and letting other's take the next walk, Dioari filled her in.
"Yurna loves Kili, but so do many of the young lasses at Ered Luin. His dark eyes and fair features is a marvel to them. Thorin was hardly ever there and ruling when in residence. He never gave serious thought or attention to the younger ones, so they are scared of him. Of the Blue Mountain crowd, I think Gerti will fare the best. Thorin is friendly to her and she is older."
"Why do you suppose Lord Dóvad wanted to pull Lióni from the race?" Azie wondered aloud.
"Probably because since they've come here, it's been one mishap after another," Dioari replied. "I overheard Lári tell Aneht she didn't think her daughter could win after Tóvad made Thorin so angry."
"Oh tosh, Thorin's been called much worse. I bet it is something else."