"Do ye regret marrying me?"
"I regret the circumstances that forced me to marry you, but always thought you kind of cute, even when I was a dwarfling."
"I don't want our daughter ta have regrets, even this forced wedding if she is adamant not to marry."
"You are a little late with recriminations," Lári reminded him.
"When I first held her in my hands, I vowed to not be like all the other father's and force her ta marry, but look at me. I'm no better than that lot. I do love our daughter an only want the best for her. I hope we aren't making the biggest mistake of our lives. She always was more independent than other lasses."
Lári took Dóvad's larger hands in her slender ones. "Our daughter is falling in love, just like I finally did. When you love your mate, it will never be a mistake."
"I will miss her in our home," he finally confessed his real reason for hesitancy.
Lári pulled him in for a kiss. "Well, I am young enough to make more." She laughed at his stunned look and wide eyes.
"I can wait for granddwarflings," he swiftly decided and chuckled at her relieved look.
Gandalf had a joyful morning. He started his day by breaking the fast with the high elves. "One more nail is being pounded into Sauron's coffin today," he spoke with confidence.
"The seventh Durin must come from Thorin's line," Galadriel gave of her wisdom. "If it is forced through the line of Dáin Ironfoot, I foresee generations before Sauron is defeated. There is something about Thorin Oakenshield and Sauron is scared. He hasn't ever paid this kind of attention to dwarves, but has placed many a bounty on Oakenshield's head."
"Has your waters displayed this information?" Erestor asked.
She shook her head. "Not in detail; just vague images of two paths; one where the age ends soon and another where it lingers for hundreds of years; waiting for another Durin incarnate."
Gandalf's mood dampened slightly, but he recovered just as fast. "Well, I need to see King Thráin and insure all is ready within the mountain." He let his eyes linger on Galadriel and wondered if she knew of today's plans.
Her smile told him she knew more than she would ever tell the elves. He rose and hurried away before he blurted the plans to the other elves. He wanted them to be surprised also and not give anything away.
"Any news of Celeborn or Glorfindel?" Elrond asked Galadriel.
"They are returning and should arrive in time for tonight's party," Galadriel serenely replied. "I will insist they bathe first."
"I'm sure Glorfindel will take the pools deep inside the mountain and leave Celeborn the cold waters of the Celduin," Elrond replied sarcastically.
Galadriel rose. "Come Arwen, it's time to ready ourselves."
Elrond kept his face impassive, but Galadriel smiled as she left and threw over her shoulder. "I don't care if it's only a dwarven wedding, we are representing the elven race and appearances matter."
Thranduil scowled at the elleth's departing backs. "I was going to wear my armor among so many treacherous dwarves."
Elrond sighed. "I will be in my best robes."
Círdan smiled fondly at the lesser lords in his midst. "I'm sure we will all manage to be presentable."
"I'm still wearing my armor," Thranduil grumbled like a petulant elfling.
"I'm sure Celeborn will also, if he bothers to make an appearance," Elrond counseled.
"I suggest everyone leave my tent and get ready," Círdan ordered.
Thorin glared at Gandalf, while Bilbo lurked in the background sporting a huge smile. "I will not wear the diadem today. My head is better with all the prissy elves fussing over it, but when I put it on the pain returns in short order. I don't care if I'm the first dwarf ever to buck the Durin tradition."
"Lass Lióni will be sorely disappointed." Gandalf tried reason, even though he knew logic and dwarves were not acquainted. "You are quite dashing in it."
"How would someone that wears a floppy rag of a hat know what dashing is?" Thorin retorted in disgust. "I will be bareheaded and she will understand. Besides with all this glitter from what I'm forced to wear will draw all eyes off my bare brow."
"If you don't have a diadem on, then Dwalin must discard his," Thráin recited from memory. "When the Crown Prince weds, all in the wedding party must present themselves in similar fashion."
"You sound like Ori," Thorin snorted. "I'm sure Dwalin doesn't care what he is wearing today…," he quickly shut up and saw Gandalf give a knowing smile.
"What would you have me do today, Thorin?" Bilbo took the moment of silence to ask.
Thorin's frown quickly dissolved into a fond smile. "I want you as a witness once again on the document. If I am bucking tradition, I'm going to make the historians shake their heads in dismay at my non-traditional wedding."
"You know," Thráin mused, "I expected you ta be the first ta wed outside the mountain in hundreds of years, but here we are again for the next Crown Prince's wedding."
Thorin nodded that he understood the incredible journey between his father's wedding to his. "On that note, I'm ready to be escorted to my doom."
Those present laughed.
A knock sounded and Picket immediately opened to Dwalin, Balin and the rest of the Company.
"Dáin is waiting to escort the Durin dams and lasses, and General Lötun is heading to the bride's chambers as I speak. If we don't want to have the bride waiting for us at the altar, I say we get a move on." Balin looked Thorin over after his short speech and nodded his approval. "I recall the king hated that tunic, but it looks good on you."
"I hated the blasted thing because of the color. Who in their right mind chooses white for ah dwarrow?"
"I believe yer wife did, Thráin," Óin replied in a jocular tone and again the dwarrow laughed. "I still remember the fuss ye tossed back then."
Thráin gave a soft smile in remembrance. "I wish yer mother were here today, son."
That sobered the room as they gave remembrance to their missing dams.
"I'm sure I wouldn't be wearing your castoffs. I told Lióni I would wear black with my gilded armor," Thorin replied.
"Lis would have my head, crown an all before letting the Crown Prince be seen in anything I had worn or ye wearing black an armor at yer wedding. The dams laid out my outfit of dark green tunic an gold trimmings over black pants an boots," Thráin reminded his son. "Just be glad ye aren't wearing my wedding attire or the mountain would never stop gossiping."
This brought a round of chuckles as once again a knock sounded at the door.
"At this rate we'll miss the wedding," Thráin complained and motioned for Picket to do his duties once more.
"Good, I got here in time. May I enter?"
"Yer always welcome here, Lord Elrond." Thráin beckoned with his hand and saw Lord Erestor shadowing the great lord. "What brings ye both ta my door minutes before Thorin faces his doom?"
The lords smirked at Thráin's witticism and Elrond replied. "Galadriel."
"Has the great lady seen something that will stop the wedding?"
Everyone quieted down to listen to the elf's reply.
"The mountain folks are still adjusting and anything outside normal behavior from you or Prince Thorin, or any Durin today, will be taken as an foul omen. Galadriel rushed a message to me that she had a flash of insight that Thorin isn't wearing his diadem. He must." Elrond and Erestor both saw the prince bareheaded and knew Galadriel's insight was flawless, as usual.
"My head is almost healed, but still sore where the sutures are," Thorin complained.
"I'm here to take them out and impart healing, and also a draught to deaden everything above the neck."
"Some of the pain meds you gave me while I was in your healing halls?" Thorin guessed.
Elrond smiled. "Not quite as strong. We don't want you sleeping through your vows and Gandalf's long, boring speech, or more importantly, your wedding night."
"My speeches are never boring….or long," Gandalf thundered over the laughter, but had a gleam in his eyes. He was relieved Elrond could do what he couldn't, make Thorin conform to standards.
"This will only take a moment. I took the liberty of sending Figwit to Lord Dóvad's chambers. I will inform him when we are at the throne so the father of the bride can usher his daughter through the crowded halls."
Relieved they didn't have to rush; Thráin motioned for Thorin to take a seat.
To keep his mind off what Elrond was doing to him, he stared at Dwalin. He'd never seen him looking so fine. Dwalin was wearing a deep burgundy tunic over black trousers and boots like his. Instead of a floor length robe, Dwalin favored a black leather vest; short enough for easy access to his sword that swung prominently on his hip. Thorin also wore Orcrist, but the length of the mantle hid his weapon. He obediently drank from the flask Erestor produced and pain evaporated. He nodded and Gandalf gingerly set the diadem on his head. It was the one worn by all Durin Crown Princes on their wedding day for generations and official crown of heir to the throne. It was made of Mithril and carved of ravens, but a different design than the king's.
"Erestor and I will take our leave now and scurry to our assigned places," Elrond stated and Picket held the door open for the hastily departing lords.
Gandalf checked for himself all was in order among the Durin's. Then with much pomp and his staff striking the floor loudly, he led them for their public walk through the residents of Erebor; all gathered and straining to glimpse the royal procession.
Thorin accepted well-wishes, blessings and prayers for a long and happy marriage. They got to see how their prince and king were attired on this most important of days and of course see all the Durin's in their finery. Dams would gossip for years on what each was wearing and if anything was said to them, would repeat the words until all the mountain knew every sentence uttered. Because of the threat, nobody was allowed within touching distance of the royals and guards walking to each side and aft looked menacingly at anyone reaching out. More than one hand was roughly slapped away with orders not to touch.
Thráin was wearing the king's crown and Durin crested robes of dark blue over an embroidered navy tunic and black pants shoved into polished knee high boots. His armor gleamed of gold and the tips of his boots had gold inlayed Durin crests. It was the same ceremonial armor his father sported when he wed Lis. A few of the old dwarves remembered and were delighted to see it once again worn by the king and hoped another tradition was in the making.
Thorin made a dashing figure with a silver wolf pelt robe over a tunic of pure white with the Durin crests embroidered in royal blue down the outside of each arm. His forearms were encased in black polished leather bracers with gold overlaid designs of Smaug and knuckle dusters sported gilded hooks resembling Smaug's talons. His pants were royal blue and shoved inside new, knee-high black boots, also with toes of gold design like his father's.
Likewise, all Durin males sported new black knee high boots with gilded Durin crests on the toes. The youngsters were the proudest of their formal attire and stood tall as they passed the masses.
All invited were present when Thráin and Gandalf led the Durin males into Thrór's Hall, with its gilded floor and decorations not seen since Thráin's wedding. They greeted their chosen guests personally and thank Elrond when they came to him.
"I am honored to be here," Elrond replied.
The elves were standing along a wall where they could see over the heads of the dwarves and had an advantageous position to see the bride enter before the dwarves.
Gandalf stepped onto the daisies situated between two stone dwarven warriors facing each other and motioned the king to stand at his side facing the audience. He placed Thorin and Dwalin to his left and they waited for the bridal party.
Erestor issued his mental command. 'All are in position, Master Figwit.'
Figwit, who told the bridal party there was a slight delay due to Thorin getting one last dose of elven healing, rose from the chair they provided him. "All is ready." With a bow to the waiting party, he slipped out first and hurried to join his elven companions.
Dáin snorted and replied. "About time. I want this wedding over an get back ta my serious drinking."
"Aye, I'll need ta join ye. I didn't know weddin off ah daughter was so hard and thirsty work," Dóvad heartedly agreed and offered an arm to each of his ladies. He was in awe of their beauty and refined garments. His wife wore a pale green gown and diamonds for accoutrements, and his daughter took his breath away. When she entered the main chamber he got to see her gown for the first time. The royal blue was a perfect balance to her light hair and bright blue eyes. The jewelry had to be some of the finest in the Durin vaults. He rushed to her. "Lass, ye take my breath away." He gently took her hands in his large, rough ones. "Last chance ta back out. Say the word an I'll sent Dáin with ah message that we will go back ta Jötunheim an ye won't have ta ever marry if ye don't want ta."
Lióni leaned up and kissed his cheek. "You don't mean a word you just said, but thank you all the same for the sentiment. I do wish to marry Thorin Oakenshield."
"Well, lass, Thorin isn't known for his patience," Dáin interrupted, but wondered if he would have a hard time when actually giving his own daughter away. He was happy to have several decades before crossing that bridge. He hurried to Dóvad's chambers after escorting the Durin dams and lasses to Thor's Hall.
"Lead the way, Lord Dáin," Dóvad ordered and escorted his ladies from the chambers, aware only one would return.
There were gasps of delight when the bride started her walk through the citizens of Erebor. Once again the guards were extra vigilant. All were secretly ordered to look for anyone not happy for the bride and mark their location and appearance, keeping a closer eye on any dam wishing to touch their new princess.
One step behind the bride and her mother was Dis. She could have held, by right, the vanguard position, but the looks on the faces of her father and guests, when they realized two of Thráin's children were wedding this day, made her smile seem mysterious to all who greeted her. She held herself regally and appeared almost like a bride as she walked at the side of General Lötun.
Lióni clung tighter to her father's arm when they entered the massive hall and started their walk down a long isle with dwarves lining both sides. Everyone was clapping and smiling at her and she hoped she didn't pass out from nerves and fright.
Galadriel looked into the girl's mind. 'Don't be afraid, Lass Lióni. I foresaw this union and you and Thorin will be blessed with long life together.'
Lióni sought out the bearer of the message over the heads of dwarves and met the wise gaze of Galadriel. She relaxed slightly and issued her own smile and nod at the tall elf and saw the beautiful elf's smile widen as their eyes met. She turned her gaze forward and there he was, standing tall before her. She hadn't realized she was purposely kept from his sight by the layout of the isle until turning a corner brought her to the foot of the dais where the wedding party was waiting.
Thorin watched his intended's eyes meet his for a moment and then shift away to scope the area. He wasn't sure if that was normal, or the lass wasn't thrilled with marrying him and looking for an escape route. He started to doubt the wisdom of his actions in choosing her and gave a startled look to Gandalf. He whispered, "I've always been told the bride would only have eyes for me."
Gandalf choked and started coughing, to the amusement of the elves, who overheard the remark. "Why don't you just grill her before exchanging vows," he snapped back, louder than he intended, for everyone stopped looking at the bride and focused on the exchange and nary a sound escaped a lip and the room fell into stunned silence.
At the deadening silence, Thorin turned red, for even the approaching party had stopped and were looking at him and he saw Lióni's eyes firmly on him. This wasn't how he planned his nuptials to go.
Thráin, standing to the left of Gandalf, started laughing. "My son, ye have ah lot ta learn about women. I was watching her; an she is in awe of all she sees. Can I say the same for ye?"
Thorin's face burned a shade darker and he snarled in true dwarven fashion. "I will have the blasted event painted on the walls, so everyone can witness our vows."
"That's a fine idea," Gandalf quickly inserted and motioned for the party to approach and hoped Dáin Ironfoot could wipe the grin off his face and say his part without doubling over in laughter. Why did he think marrying dwarves was a good idea?
Even Bilbo, standing near the king was grinning like a fool and Thorin plotted revenge against all who dared make light of his dilemma. "I believe we have a surprise for everyone."
That took attention away from him in a hurry.
Gandalf hit his staff on the floor and an amplified sound told everyone present the wedding had begun. "My fellow beings, I am delighted once again to marry a Durin. In fact today I will be marrying two Durin's….err, no, make that three Durin's."
Aneht wanted to stand up and demand what that fool of a wizard was yammering on about; because she would know if more than Thorin exchanged vows this day.
Dáin wiped the grin off his face and looked puzzled and then all eyes turned to the king.
Thráin whipped his head upwards looking for the joke and thought the timing was bad. Gandalf was smiling and so was his son and Dwalin. Then he realized what he was seeing when Dis moved to stand beside Dwalin and he belted out a laugh. He raised his hand and the murmuring around the chamber died down. "It seems like ah little joke was played on me. As king, I have ta approve all marriages. Does the second wedding party wish ta seek my approval?"
Balin stepped before the king. "As elder brother and oldest living of my family, I formally seek permission for my brother, Dwalin, to wed your daughter, Princess Dis, this day."
Once again the room broke into murmurings until Gandalf slapped the butt of his staff on the floor and bellowed, "I want silence or will clear the hall."
Thráin stood tall and looked every inch a king. "Although, I should deny permission due to not being informed before hand, I grant your petition, Lord Balin."
There was applause and those outside the Hall wondered what was happening inside.
Balin reached for Dis' hand and placed it in Dwalin's. He returned to his place beside his brother, leaving Dis to stand beside Lióni, where Thorin would flank her other side and his own wife, Cát, would stand as matron of honor to both females.
Dóvad was stunned. He assumed only his daughter would be in the spotlight and wasn't sure he liked this unexpected arrangement. Before he could voice an objection, Gandalf was motioning for the next part.
Dáin's grin was back when he stepped forward. "King Thráin, I seek permission to have my position as your heir apparent supplanted by Prince Thorin Oakenshield. I have no doubt in a year or two, an heir will be born and my job done."
This, Thráin was expecting and part of normal proceedings for a formal petition to the king. He remembered his own wedding and his uncle, Lord Grór, stood in that same spot and his petition to King Thrór. 'My elder brother, it is my duty to bring a petition before you to allow my nephew, Prince Thráin to take a wife and continue the Durin line.' He was so proud to have a high ranking Durin make the petition.
Gandalf saw Thráin pause and nudged him surreptitiously with his foot.
"Your petition is denied, Lord Dáin." He had to stop as voices once again invaded the room. When it died down, he continued. "As long as there is no actual heir, you will still be heir apparent and the line will pass to you, but Thorin is making progress now that he has taken the first step in procuring what I desire. It is my hope that this time next year you can petition me again and I will grant your petition while Thorin is holding his son for my blessing."
"In that case, King Thráin, I petition you to grant marriage of my cousin, Thorin Oakenshield, to the lovely lass from Jötunheim, Lióni, daughter of Lord Dóvad."
Thráin listened to the formal vernacular and just as formally replied. "I grant this day, my son, Thorin, to wed Lass Lióni." Done with his part, he stepped to one side and allowed Gandalf his due.
Dáin turned where Dóvad was waiting to hand off his daughter. He reached out and took her hand from her father's arm and led her up two steps and placed it in Thorin's left. With a wink to Thorin, he and Dóvad melded to the front line to stand beside their wives.
Gandalf looked over the entire arena. "This is a most monumental occasion for Erebor. Today marks a return to life under the mountain as of old. From this day hence marriages, births and deaths of Durin Folk will remain in Erebor until Durin VII takes all dwarves to their own version of an undying land. It has been many generations since a Durin reincarnation has happened and each Durin male to open the womb is one generation closer to that day.
"Today will go down in history for the unprecedented marriage of multiple Durin's. I see the Company is speechless and stunned and anytime that happens, write the moment down."
The guests snickered and laughed. Those standing just outside the great hall wondered what was going on. They would be told in detail once the wedding party left to another chamber for a feast and dancing.
Gandalf raised his hand for silence. "Since this is a duel wedding, the vows will be spoken together. I'll start with Thorin and Dwalin." He looked with fondness at them. "Thorin and Dwalin, you will be wed for all eternity. Last chance to back out."
Thorin exchanged a look with Dwalin and saw the shake of his head. He looked squarely at Gandalf. "I can speak for both of us when I say, we will suffer and bleed from Warhammer wounds from our future dams until death do us part."
"That wasn't rehearsed," Gandalf rebuked, but saw both dwarrow laughing at him. He smiled back. "I hope that was the only change you two made to your vows."
Thráin didn't know one could enjoy a wedding this much and all he remembered of his was stumbling through the vows Gandalf had him repeat after him. He decided being father of the groom and bride an enjoyable diversion.
"Dis and Lióni, I ask the same question to you. Are you ready to commit to these two whose maturity in the domestic arena I question?"
The ladies exchanged a look and Dis spoke first. "I understand Dwalin's faults and take him as is."
Dwalin smirked at her and his hand squeezed hers tightly for a second.
Lióni looked up into the open expression of Thorin. "The first time you get all autocratic on me, I'll take your Warhammer to you and visit King Thranduil for a year."
"I'll take that as a yes," Gandalf quickly replied.
'I bet you're the first elf to make it into a dwarven wedding vow,' Círdan replied mentally to Thranduil, but made sure the elves in attendance heard.
Thranduil sighed melodramatically. 'My fate seems to be tied to Oakenshield. Maybe I should go and stand with the wedding party.'
'Is this your first dwarven wedding?' Erestor asked Thranduil.
No, I've been to a couple, but plan on this being my last,' the king replied. 'I don't think they bind fëas as eldar do. It would make my year to see the princeling struggle to control his passions.'
They went silent when Gandalf started talking again.
"All are in agreement and the wedding can proceed. Thorin and Dwalin; take the rings you have for your mates and place it on their left ring fingers."
For the first time Dis and Lióni got to see what was chosen for them. Dwalin purchased a gold band with a large white diamond and ringed with smaller gems; all of great value. He had Rinid, son of the great artificer, Hónid, design and make the item only a couple days before. He took possession only that morning and was worried his gift would be substituted until this one finished. It was beautiful and he saw Dis smile broadly and mouth, 'thank you' to him.
Thorin was actually nervous that Lióni wouldn't like the ring he personally designed and crafted for her. He took her small hand in his large one and gently slid the ring into place. He let his eyes travel upwards, taking in her attire and jewelry until seeking approval in her eyes.
Lióni was spellbound and kept gazing at the beautiful creation now adorning her finger for all to see. It was the Durin crest fashioned from gold with a perfect blue diamond cut into the crest shape inserted in the middle and white diamonds cut with precision to fill the geometrical pattern around the centerpiece. It gleamed brightly in the light. She never dreamed that such a stunning ring would be hers. In many ways, marrying the crown prince was still so new to her and the wealth he owned beyond her imagination. "It's beautiful," she breathed and realized she spoke out of turn and colored, eyes meeting Thorin's amused blues.
Inwardly, he breathed a sigh of relief. Both couples turned back to the wizard.
"Thorin, son of Thráin and Dwalin, son of Fundin, repeat after me. I this day, the twentieth of July, 2942 of the Third Age." He waited until they complied in tandem. "Pledge love, loyalty and fidelity to Lióni and Dis until we die in this age and are reunited in the next life."
Two strong voices rang out.
"Princess Dis and Lass Lióni, repeat after me. On this day, July twentieth of the year 2942 of the Third Age of this world, I accept the vows of the dwarrow."
Emboldened by Dis' strong voice, Lióni matched her for timbre and loudness.
"And pledge love, loyalty and fidelity and companionship until your dying days when you leave this world and reunite in the next."
They repeated the simple commands.
Gandalf looked out over the guests and back to Thráin. With a nod, he stepped back and the king took his place.
Thráin drew his sword; the elven one that belonged to Verthenwë. He laid it on the shoulder of Thorin first and then Dwalin. "As king, it is my duty and honor to pronounce to all of Erebor and Middle Earth the weddings of Prince Thorin to Lass Lióni and General Dwalin to Princess Dis." He made a motion with his hand and watched as Thorin helped Lióni to kneel. He touched each of her shoulders. "Today, Lass Lióni is titled Princess Lióni and in due time will become Queen Lióni." He again motioned and Thorin helped his bride up. "Thorin and Lióni and Dwalin and Dis, may your lives together be long and bountiful, and by that I mean a gaggle of granddwarflings for me to spoil in my old age."
The assembly laughed at his sentiment. Thráin continued. "And I end with, may Mahal bless and keep you in love and protection."
The room responded with, "May Mahal keep an bless ye."
The wedded couples turned and applause and a horn rang out and everyone in the mountain knew they had a new princess and hurried to the entrance where Thorin would present his wife.
'That's briefer than an elven wedding,' Elrond commented to his fellow elves.
'I'm glad I came to witness the splendor of Erebor and see King Thráin so happy after all he's been through,' Arwen replied.
'Now that the wedding is over, and knowing your daeradar, he will want to leave tomorrow.' Galadriel's statement to her granddaughter had all the elves acknowledging it was time to depart for their own realms.
The elves gave traditional elven blessings when the couples greeted them as they moved towards the balcony.
'I don't see a bonding in their eyes,' Thranduil commented silently. 'Aulë sure messed up trying to create his own race off the perfection of the eldar.'
'I discretely inquired to Ori as to what and how a bonding happens,' Erestor added his wisdom. 'He informed me the bonding happens when they join for the first time.'
'What if a lass is violated? Is she then bonded to whoever did it?' Elrond asked and was interested. He loved knowledge and was always glad to learn from Erestor, who loved learning as much as he.
As the group of elves slowly moved towards the balcony for a firsthand account of the displaying of the brides, Erestor entertained them. 'According to Ori, Mahal directly bonds the souls and if a violation occurs, there will be no bonding. Only those approved by the dwarves are sanctioned by Mahal.'
'That is almost exactly like the elven bonding,' Galadriel added. She glanced at Thranduil. 'They may be more like elves than you would ever admit.'
'They don't have pointy ears. Mahal go that wrong,' Thranduil groused right back, to the amusement of the elves.