"I still can't believe you beat me," Bain said to Elessar the moment he spotted him walking through the streets of Dale. He noticed the elf, Figwit, was with the lad and they appeared to be browsing through the marketplace Dale opened the day after the games concluded.
"I'm surprised myself," Elessar admitted. He fell into step with the older boy. "I seem to have a knack for fighting. Last night, I was introduced to Legolas, King Thranduil's son. It was explained to me that in a few years he would come to Imladris and become my instructor. Adar told me when I returned home, my education would increase until I was studying all day and in the evening sparing with Glorfindel or the twins. I won't even see much of my mother."
"At least you have a mother," Bain said softly. "I miss mine."
"What happened to her?" Elessar asked, curious that a mother was missing from Bain's life.
"She died four years ago when a sickness came upon Lake-town. We lost many that winter."
"I'm sorry for your loss. My naneth came to live at Imladris when I was but two and I was adopted by Lord Elrond himself. I asked him on the way here why they didn't marry and found out the lord has a wife far from these lands. She is in a safe place where wars don't invade. Someday he will join her."
"Did she die?" Bain asked with interest and had heard the tale of elves that died and came back to life.
"No, she sailed. That's where elves go when they leave these lands." Elessar told what he knew.
Bain pondered it in silence while they looked at wares available for sale. "Do you know your future?" he asked after minutes of silence between the boys.
"Only that I am to train to be a warrior," Elessar replied. "I assume my place will be at Imladris or with the Dúnedain. I've not been told much, but am learning to observe what the elves say and don't. I don't think it is an accident that I live in the House of Elrond, but don't know why."
Figwit easily eavesdropped. Upon hearing that the boy was beginning to question, called out to Erestor. 'M'lord Erestor, Elessar is starting to wonder about his origins. Should I intervene?'
Erestor sat in the meeting between elves, dwarves and men. He was listening intently to Thráin and Círdan hash out an agreement for supplies for gold and gems and didn't need this unsolicited interruption. 'Listen and if need be drag Elessar from the other child. I'll inform Lord Elrond of the child's inquisitiveness.'
'Yes, Sir.' Figwit mentally replied and went back to being a silent companion.
"I missed you today," Thorin greeted Lióni with a warm salutation and smooch to her cheek. He hurried from the meeting to her doorstep without any stops or talking to those vying for his attention. Everyone at the meeting watched his hasty departure with amusement.
"How was your meeting?" she inquired after asking him to sit and handed him a tankard of ale.
He downed the glass and belched before answering. "Boring. Father insisted on a written contract for goods from the sea. Lord Círdan humored him and when I left, Lord's Erestor and Balin were pouring over the correct phrasing. When I'm king again, I hope all this is hammered out and all I have to do is extend existing contracts. I may go to war with elves if I have to sit and listen to them pontificate the meaning of the words exiguous or exigent with regards to trade."
"And what fun activity do we have planned this evening and have you eaten?" Lióni asked.
"I'm famished. The elves offered to feed us and Father and the rest accepted, but I made my excuses and came straight here. There is a place that serves food I haven't taken you to yet." He looked around to see Risári acting chaperone and young Tóvad reclining on a sofa with his healing leg stretched out along its length. "Hold on." He hurried to the door and gave orders to one of his guards. "Send for two chaperones from the House of Durin." He returned to the sitting area and sank once again onto a chair before the roaring fire. "After we dine, I think we need to walk through our wedding procession route. It is quite long and detailed."
Tóvad perked up and snickered. "Sis, ye will be on parade, so don't forget yer not ah warrior, but ah bride."
Lióni glared at him and didn't reply, but turned to Thorin. "I look forward to seeing the area we will wed."
They made small talk until a pounding at the door told them the chaperones had arrived. Thorin held his hand out for her to take. Together they greeted Dis and Cái, Balin's eldest.
"Are we wearing out the others?" Thorin humorously quipped when he saw his sister and the youth.
"Azie told me she couldn't do another night without having Dáin as a stand-in for you. I don't think you want a dwarrow chaperoning."
Thorin chuckled at the thought. "Not Dáin or Dwalin or any of the Company or any dwarrow I can think of. No, dams are better suited for this type of chore."
"So courting me has become a chore?" Lióni interjected with a wink to Dis.
"Courting you is a pleasure," Thorin immediately soothed any ruffled feathers. "I meant to say endeavor. Our chaperones may becoming weary of watching us is what I was referring to." He led her away to a rare restaurant within the mountain. On the way he told her most dwarves dined in Dale when wanting to eat out and hoped to see many eating establishments once again in the city and Erebor.
Kolk, a dwarven chef, always dreamed of serving fine food to dwarves. A place where married folk could come to be alone or bring their dwarflings, or soldiers and miners not wanting to be served what the kitchens made for them. He lived among the towns of men for decades and learned their trade. However, he was stunned when the Crown Prince escorted his fiancé and in-laws into the chamber he bought for his establishment. He hurried to greet them with a bow. "Prince Thorin, Princess Dis, welcome an be seated wherever ye want." He watched Thorin take a table near the wall and motion for the chaperones to take the next table over. Telling his waiters Durin's were in residence and to look sharp, he hurried to wait on them personally. "Tonight's choices are fried pork liver an onions or lamb ribs with ah side of coleslaw. For desert we have ah cake from the kitchens made from raisins an spices with ah sugar frosting."
Thorin ordered first. "I'll have the lamb and coleslaw." He looked at Lióni.
It was her first time in a place where she had a choice. "I'll have the same."
Dis and Cái chose the liver and onions.
"I'll have to tell Father about this place," Cái told Dis.
"He was the one that gave approval for its opening and has lunch here regularly," Dis explained. "I hope more restaurants open and serve food that caters to other races like elves and men. I want Erebor to become a cultivated society welcoming all races within our mountain."
Thorin meanwhile focused on Lióni. "Everything is falling in place for our wedding. I saw Lötun walking the honor guards through their assignments as I hurried to meet you. I hope Gandalf returns soon so we can get the wedding over."
"Does he have to marry us?" Lióni asked. She barely got to know the wizard on their trip to Erebor, but he always seemed to favor her and allowed her a ride on the great eagle across the river.
"He would be hurt if we chose another. Whatever he had to do, he'll be back soon. I remember the first time I met him." Thorin regaled her with the tale while they ate. Afterwards they walked to Thrór's Hall where the slab of gold was so pure, they could see outlines of stone blocks underneath. He showed her the raised dais where they would stand above their guests so all had a view. "I'll wear my armor over a black tunic with Durin crests embroidered," Thorin informed her.
"My mother, along with advice from Durin dams are making my wedding gown, but told me I couldn't breathe one word of its design or color to you."
He smiled at that. "I'm sure you'll be stunning," and he leaned over for a kiss.
Thráin, full from feasting with the elves, returned to his lonely chambers. That night he saw Galadriel attached to her husband's arm and Arwen in the company of her father. Upon returning to the mountain, he saw Durin's with chosen lasses becoming acquainted and as future couples would join the ranks of the mighty Durin clan. Footloose, he retired to a glass of wine and book he asked Ori to find for him in the Hall of Tomes. It was lying on the table and he reverently lifted it in his hands. Retiring to his favorite chair, he opened to a passage he long memorized.
Prince Thráin Takes a Bride
Mid-summer heat invaded Erebor on the day Prince Thráin wed the spindly lass from the White Mountains. King Thrór ordered the mountain be ready to accept a new princess into the fold and King Gilead of Dale did likewise to honor their close neighbor. Thrór stepped onto the rampart at break of dawn. The pines smelled of morning dew and the cacophony of birds tuning their songs to greet the morning was louder and happier than ever. At his side, his wife, Queen Dás, looked pleased and grasped his arm with joy.
"Our only child takes a bride today. I pray to Mahal that they are blessed with more than one dwarfling," she said. When he didn't comment, she continued. "Even the weather agrees that today is a fine day for a wedding."
"Since we wed in late fall on a blustery, rainy day, I hope this is an improvement and omen they will be blessed with multiple offspring." Her husband called their wedding into remembrance.
They remembered their wedding day as the sun rose on this most auspicious day.
Deep inside the rock walls, Lass Lis woke late to her last night a maiden and noticed breakfast was already waiting beside her bed. She scooted up until resting on several pillows and drew the repast across her lap. She had trouble getting to sleep for excitement of her wedding day. A knock sounded as she enjoyed her first sip of tea.
"Enter," she called.
Lady Láci, her mother, entered with a wide smile. "Are you ready, my daughter?"
Lis set her cup down and lifted a jelly filled roll. "I've had so little to do with these proceedings, I feel as if today is King Thrór's special day."
Láci quietly laughed. "In a way it is. Queen Dás told me of their wedding and how she wished perfection for their only child on his wedding day after theirs turned into a muddy, cold mess." She watched her daughter nibble at her food. "It will be a long time before tonight's feast. I want that plate cleaned." With that admonishment she left.
Lis sighed and forced a bite of eggs down.
Thráin examined his appearance before the mirror once more. Decked in his finest clothes, he still felt inadequate to marry one so refined. His tailors made him new garments just for today and he looked at his muscular form decked completely in black with a vest of white wolf's hair. On his brow set a lesser version of the raven crown adorned by the king. In the distance a horn broadcast the arrival of the king of Dale and his kin. A knock sounded at his door and he motioned for his servant to open.
"May I intrude?"
Thráin smiled at the reflection in the mirror and turned.
"I hoped you would come, and welcome to my home."
Legolas looked around. "Is this where the lass with live also?"
Thráin gave a deep chuckle. "Aye. We will have our own chambers with a connecting hall to my parent's larger home."
Legolas pulled a wrapped gift from the inside of his cape. "I wanted to give this to you personally."
Thráin unwrapped the small package. As paper dissolved around the item, he was stunned. "After what my father did to yours, this is quite unexpected."
"It is for you and your lady," Legolas told him.
"I've heard of this rumored among the elves, but never saw something so beautiful. I have to ask, how is it made?" Thráin held up a globe and inside the perfectly formed ball of glass was a flawless imitation of him and Lis dancing to a slow tune. At the top was a hook and he took it to the only window that entered his private balcony. He held it to the light and it slowly spun as the sun's rays warmed the globe. "You captured our likeness exactly," he exclaimed softly as if afraid it might break if subjected to a loud noise.
"I made it myself," Legolas bashfully admitted. "I only saw your intended once, but that was enough to commit her features to memory."
"Help me hang it so it hangs into the light," Thráin requested.
Thráin set the book down. He didn't need to read what he remembered so clearly. He let his mind wander back almost two centuries. Gandalf escorted him to Thrór's Great Hall where his guests were already waiting. They applauded when he took his place on a raised dais. His chief advisors were already gathered on the platform and they watched as the Durin family entered, led by his parents. Right behind, carried on a litter was his grandmother and dowager queen, Zairi, and her entourage of ruling dams surrounding her. They took their place on the platform and he watched his Uncle Grór lead the contingent of royal Durin's from the Iron Hills and finally lesser Durin's gathered on the platform.
Then Lord Hárin escorted his daughter through the invited guests and his eyes were for her alone. He vaguely, in his peripheral vision, saw her family join his and form one unit, but her beauty drew her to him. In his mind, he still saw every detail of his love. She was wearing a shear gown of translucent white over a shift of deep burgundy. In her hair were the diamond pins he made for her and around her neck the first necklace he bestowed upon her.
He remembered taking her hands and turning to face Gandalf. The wizard started speaking and he paid attention.
"My fellow beings, a chapter in history is unfolding today," Gandalf began in his storytelling voice. "In your short lifespans, you don't see events as I or the elves do, but this union is foretold by the elves as necessary. For you see, Thráin and Lis play an important part in the history of Middle Earth, although I'm sure that is the farthest from their minds right now…..as it should be."
The crowd chuckled while Gandalf smiled and continued. "Thráin, do you take Lis to be your wife and love her and uphold no other for so long as you live until the end of time?"
Thráin looked deeply into his love's eyes as he responded. "Aye, I Thráin, do undertake an oath before all of you today of my devotion to this lass. I will have no other for eternity."
Satisfied, Gandalf turned to the lass. "Lis, do you promise to uphold the values of your husband and raise his dwarflings to be Durin's in all that entails. Do you vow to love and stand by him until the end of time?"
Lis looked deep into Thráin's one eye and he saw love, even for his deformed appearance. "Yes, I promise to hold to no other except my husband and will faithfully watch over any dwarflings blessed us by Lord Aulë. As wife to the future king of all dwarves, I vow before all to become the queen they deserve until the end of all days."
They both turned to Gandalf and he smiled kindly down at them. "As one of the keepers of Middle Earth, it is my pleasure to unite Crown Prince Thráin and Lass Lis into husband and wife. May it be known from this moment forth, Lis will be titled Princess Lis until such time she becomes Queen Lis." Gandalf looked expectantly at Thráin. "Well, go on and seal the union with a kiss, lad."
The room erupted in laughter as Thráin scooped Lis to him and kissed her soundly.
A horn sounded broke Thráin's memories and he wondered what was happening. He set the book down and stepped out on his private balcony.
A chamber away, Thorin and Lióni were listening to Balin go over various wedding ceremonies. If Gandalf didn't return, Balin would perform the ceremony in a week's time. Negotiations with the elves were all but over and Thorin wanted them gone. The massive horn sounding automatically had Thorin reaching to buckle Orcrist on.
"What Durin is on call tonight?" Thorin demanded to Balin.
"I left young Thorin in charge until midnight; then Ori until morning," Balin replied and checked to see that his own sword was in place.
Thorin glanced at Lióni's parents and grandmother. "I don't know what this is about. You are welcome to join Balin and I. It may be nothing more than an orc sighting or more elves arriving."
Dóvad spoke for his kin. "If ye don't mind, we will come. Might as well learn my job right now."
Thorin nodded and motioned for him to walk on his other side. He carefully made sure Lióni was on his left arm. He was beginning to accept her place and hoped someday he felt lonely without her at his side. It was something his father often commented upon. "Your foremost duties will include security of all Durin's," he told Dóvad.
The group made its way down the long Durin Hall and onto the rampart, where young Thorin, along with his father, was already looking for why the horn sounded. A soldier ran onto the rampart and reported. "In the distance, an eagle was spotted. It is growing closer."
Everyone's gaze turned upward. Not seeing anything in the bright orange setting sun immediately, suddenly Balin pointed. "I see a large flying bird over Dale."
Eyes focused and soon everyone made out the fast approaching eagle. As soon as the form became visible, Thorin ordered, "Open the gate."
It swung outwards as elves gathered nearby to watch the great eagle glide to the entrance and settle on long talons. Thorin and Dáin led the charge down the steep, stone steps to be present when the eagle stopped moving.
"I told you I would return in time to perform your marriage ceremony, Prince Thorin," Gandalf yelled over the greetings of dwarves and elves gathering around Gwaihir, the great eagle.
Thorin's eyes were taken with the small form sitting in front of the wizard. "Master Bilbo Baggins, welcome back to Erebor," his deep voice resounded over the din and all quieted to listen.
Lost in the folds of Gandalf's robes, Bilbo smiled and waved a greeting to everyone. He was surprised to see the elves still at Erebor. On the trip back, Gandalf told him he didn't know if they would still be present.
Gandalf latched onto Bilbo and slid off the back of the eagle effortlessly landing on his feet. He gently lowered Bilbo to the floor. He looked around and saw many elven warriors and in their midst was Elrond, Glorfindel and Erestor and, of course, Lord Círdan and his entourage. His eyes were drawn to the dwarves at the forefront of the eagle. He noticed they first addressed the bird.
"Great Gwaihir, thank you for delivering our wizard and friend to these halls," Thorin gave the salutation. "Hunt our mountain before you return to your keep."
Gwaihir replied, "I greet you, Thorin Oakenshield. Thank you for offering food." He turned and hopped out of the door and with a mighty flap of his wings took flight up and over the mountain.
Thorin was first to reach Bilbo and drew him in for a long hug. Pulling back, he stated. "I never expected to see you again, my friend. I take it you were Gandalf's urgent departure from Erebor?"
Bilbo smiled sheepishly at him. "I was stunned when the great eagle landed on the hill above my home. Naturally, the townsfolk gathered outside my door wanting to know what mischief I was embarking upon. Gandalf told them I would be visiting the dwarves of Erebor and Dale east of the Misty Mountains and not to disturb my belongings while I was gone, or he'd personally have the elves level Michel Delving."
Elrond grinned at his advisors upon hearing that last sentiment. He stepped forward and was rewarded with a broad smile from the hobbit. "Welcome back to the east, Master Bilbo. I look forward to visiting with you, when you can break away from the dwarves that is." He looked menacingly at Thorin and received a smirk in return.
"Gandalf, your bath awaits," Thorin called out as the Company descended upon the group and Bilbo was guided away for food.
Gandalf told the elves he would bathe and join them in a late night beverage. He followed a servant to the lower reaches of the mountain and his favorite bathing pool.
Thráin joined them late and Thorin waylaid him with the news. "Gandalf and Bilbo are here for the wedding. We will see them in the morning. Right now, the Company has Bilbo's attention and after he cleans up, the elves seek an audience with the wizard."
"That's the report I came for. I'm glad nothing requires my attention an I can get back ta my reading."
"Not unless you wish to wait up and get a report in the tents of the elves," Thorin replied as he stepped across stone to where Lióni and her kin waited.
Thráin looked around and spotted Dáin talking with his son. "Dáin," he called out. When the lord joined them, he requested, "Have Gandalf join me for breakfast. He is in the pools, so ye won't have any trouble tracking him down."
Dáin promptly turned to his son. "Run ta the baths an give that message ta Gandalf."
"Yes, Father." Young Thorin rushed away, happy for something to do. His watch started out really boring and to have any excitement was worth the long trek below.
Dáin sighed when the youth disappeared and turned back to Thráin. "Was I ever that young?"
Thráin and the rest laughed. "Ye were," the king reminded him. He turned his attention to Dóvad. "Now that the wizard has arrived, the wedding is only days away."
Dóvad half bowed his head. "We will be ready."
Reunited with the Company, the hours flew until Bilbo yawned widely for the fourth time.
Balin held his hand up quieting the boisterous party. "Before our guest of honor falls asleep in his ale, let's continue this tomorrow.
Grumbling was heard and Thorin issued his decree. "We have to share Bilbo with the elves and Bard, so the best we can do is tomorrow sometime…..providing the elves relinquish their claim on him."
"I'll come and rescue you from them," Kili exclaimed.
Bilbo smiled fondly at him. "I'm here for a few weeks, so we'll have plenty of time to visit. I'm sure the elves won't be here that long and I do wish to visit with them also, especially Lord Elrond and his son's."
Thorin stood, signaling the evening had ended. "Dori will see you to your room. Good night, Master Burglar."
"Goodnight all."
Gandalf, fresh from his baths, joined the elven lords and ladies in Círdan's tent. He knew they would be assembled and waiting a report. He accepted a glass of wine from Erestor with a gracious smile and sank onto a chair. "It's good to be among friends." He drank deeply.
"What did you see?" Thranduil asked impatiently.
"I summonsed Gwaihir to take me west to the Shire."
"Yes, we all saw the eagle land and feed on one of Lord Dáin's sheep," Thranduil testily interrupted. "What foul things did you see?"
"In your lands, King Thranduil, I saw plenty," Gandalf replied. "Ungoliant spiders plague your lands ever closer to your halls." He turned his attention to the great lady. "I flew the Pass of Caradhras on my way to the Shire. Your lands are still safe, especially with the cesspits of Dol Guldur empty and Sauron in the east. I spotted scattered bands of orcs on the east side of the mountains moving northwards towards Gundabad."
"Adar, El and I will be leaving after greeting Bilbo to hunt them," Elrohir proclaimed.
"I think you should stay for the wedding," Elrond sharply reprimanded them. "I'm sure Fili and Kili would be annoyed if they had to attend and you two escaped."
"I refuse to attend another dwarf wedding," Legolas aggressively declared and dared anyone to dispute his announcement. When nobody did, he continued. "I will hunt with the El's."
"I thought you were bound to me," Galadriel calmly retorted.
"I beg leave of your service," Legolas quickly amended.
Galadriel looked into his fëa. "You will be at Imladris in three years to take young Elessar into the wilds and begin his training. I suggest you take this time to explore Middle Earth. Take my daeriôns if you must."
Released from her service, Legolas bowed his head respectfully and didn't dare look at Lord Celeborn or his father.
With their grandmother's permission, Elladan slapped his shoulder. "Let us be your guide to Middle Earth." He looked at his father. "I promise; in three years we will be at your table."
"What will I say to Elessar when his brother's up and vanish for three years?" Elrond played a guilt trip on them. He was pleased to see them squirm.
"Send Bain with him to Imladris for training," Elrohir advised. "That way, he won't miss us too much."
Elrond gave it serious thought and so did all the elves at the table.
"I think if King Bard agrees, that is an excellent suggestion," Erestor spoke up. "That way, the lad can learn how to lead and take on the mantle of a prince. He will be the king of Dale and was ill prepared given his upbringing as a bargeman's son."
"I will speak with Bard tomorrow. If he agrees, you two can shake my overbearing presence," Elrond told his sons. "And," he raised a finger and pointed it at each son starting with his eldest, "in eighteen months you will return to Imladris and escort both boys to the Havens where they will spend an entire summer."
"Agreed," Elladan immediately answered.
Legolas nodded he accepted that decree as well.