Sorry for the delay in posting this chapter. This one gave me problems with the overall feel and flow i was trying to develop. Its still rough, but I'll be going back through with a fine tooth comb after I've finished this story. I plan to flesh out alot more of the plot.
Special shout out to the Dwarven Scholar for all the of Khuzudul terminology, and the wedding vows. LIFESAVER haha. It isnt exactly how a dwarven wedding ceremony would go, but I took some liberities, especially since there are both elves, men, and hobbits in attendance.
happy reading! Hope it was worth the wait.
Chapter 16
*Thorin*
He could hear the dull roar from the crowd waiting in the Great Hall, as countless, excited conversations melded into one. He paced, slow and deliberate, from one end of the room to the other. Things were running slightly behind schedule, but he kept a calm head. He had been expecting some kind of delay to take shape in some form or another. The realization that he would wait for her, no matter how long, wasn't an alarming one for him to come to terms with. He had resigned himself to the fact that he would do anything for her, and strangely enough, that thought didn't scare him in the slightest. It was the most natural thing for him to accept and carry with the utmost honor.
The door opened, drawing him away from his musings. It was Fili, looking slightly out of breath. "It's Mistlynn. She's asking for you."
He raised a dark eyebrow. "Asking for me?"
Fili nodded emphatically. "Yes, now, this very moment. Amad is in the middle of a righteous rampage and is demanding you get there quickly."
Fighting to contain a surge of alarm, he followed his nephew from the room and walked briskly beside him. "What happened?" He whispered low and urgent, trying to keep a low profile as they hastened down a private hallway towards the royal suites.
Fili shrugged in exasperation. "I don't know. Everything was fine until Bifur showed up to escort her and she just started demanding to talk to you, I guess. Amad, Sindri, Gemlinn, even Tauriel tried to help but she refused to talk to anyone but you."
He couldn't help but feel dread, as it settled cold and heavy in the pit of his stomach. "She said nothing else?"
"No, nothing."
He sighed. He looked straight ahead and braced himself. They reached the room quickly. Dis was pacing the hall like a caged lion, combative and short tempered. When she saw him, she walked directly to him, a firm purpose set ablaze in her eyes. "I don't know what to do with her brother. Obstinate woman refuses to talk to anyone. Says she needs to speak to you. But you cannot see her! Its tradition you don't see her until she walks down the aisle to you in front of the anvil. So, you will have to speak to her Royal Stubbornness from the other side of the door. Its ajar. She's waiting. Fix it! Mahal knows you're the only one who can!"
Thorin couldn't help but snicker at his irate sister. "Don't worry yourself. Ceremony can't start without us." he teased.
Dis glared at him, unimpressed. "If you don't hurry, I am going to throw Kili and Tauriel up there! The house of Durin is never late." She huffed before motioning everyone away from the door to give them their privacy.
Thorin smirked as he looked over at a shocked Tauriel. "Don't scare her away now, your son will never forgive you."
Dis proceeded to smack and push him towards the door as he laughed, holding his hands up in sign of admitted defeat. He took a deep breath and approached the door that was left ajar. He noticed the shadow at the bottom on the door, as if someone was crouched in front of it. "Mistlynn?" he called gently, trying to exude calmness in his voice.
He heard a rapid rustling of fabric, then some muffled cursing and thuds as he imagined her scrambling clumsily to her feet. He couldn't help but smile, "Thorin?" he heard her voice squeak.
"Yes. I am here."
He watched in amusement as her hand appeared along the edge of the door, reaching out and seeking his hand. "Dis says you can't see me before the ceremony because of some superstitious hogshite." He heard her grumble.
He chuckled as he linked his fingers through hers, allowing her to clench them tightly. He stood as close to the edge of the door as he dared, running his thumb over the back of her hand comfortingly. "What is wrong M'eudail?" He found himself wishing that most of their conversations didn't start along that topic point.
"Nothing is wrong!" he heard her growl as her grip tightened on his hand, clinging to him as if he was her only lifeline. "I…I just wanted…I wanted to hear your voice. I needed to hear your voice." Her voice was shaking as she stammered as if bashful of such an admittance.
He let out a sigh of relief, closing his eyes briefly as he pushed all negativity out of his head. She just wanted to talk to him, calm her nerves. He had no doubt she was nervous. He slowly raised her hand up to his lips and kissed it tenderly. He felt her grip lessen.
"It's okay to be nervous you know. You should have seen Dis on her wedding day. Her knees wobbled like a newborn fawn as our father walked her down to Vili." He smiled fondly at the memory. He heard a faint giggle from the other side of the door, and he allowed himself to smile at the victory.
"You don't seem nervous." She sounded nervous stating this fact. He looked down at her dainty hand that was firmly clasped in his calloused, scarred hand. He drew his thumbs over her knuckles again, attempting to soothe the slight tremor he felt.
"That's because I'm not." He stated truthfully. A brief silence fell over them.
"Why are you not nervous?" her voice had become timid.
"Because you are my One. The other part of my soul that I have been blessed to share this life with. I have no doubt of that."
Her grip tightened again. "Thorin, what does M'eudail mean? I've been meaning to ask you; I've never heard it before." Her voice sounded closer, as if she had moved closer to the edge of the door as well. He could have sworn he saw a little platinum curl sway out from the edge of the door before he heard another rustle of fabric as she adjusted her position against the door to get as close as possible to him.
He cleared his throat and took a moment to carefully select his words. "Well, you wouldn't. It's from the Iron Hills, they have their own tongue besides Khuzdul. My Amad was from the Iron Hills, so she taught my siblings and I bits and pieces of it. M'eudail means 'My darling, or sweetheart."
He was met with silence as she processed this revelation. "But…but you've been calling me that since we first met."
"I'm aware." He couldn't help but sound amused. "I told you; you've had my heart from the very moment I looked into your eyes. It just took my head a moment to catch up with my heart, so to speak."
He felt her grip relax completely. The door creaked slightly, the gap between them widening slightly. "Thorin…" Her voice sounded like she was right next to him. Her hand pulled his gently, urging him to step closer towards the edge. He peeked around the edge and was greeted by her bright sea green eyes shining with unshed tears. He smiled gently as he looked at her with all the love he possessed within him. Their eyes spoke volumes more than words could ever express. After a moment he watched her eyes crinkle with happiness. "I'll see you up there."
He couldn't help but grin at her words. He brought her hand back up to his lips for a final kiss. "I'll be eagerly waiting."
He walked down the long aisle that led to where Balin stood behind the ceremonial anvil of Mahal. He couldn't help the small smile on his face as he strode proudly, nodding occasionally at his guests and subjects as they smiled and bowed in respect as he passed. Dwalin, Fili and Kili followed behind him so they could take their place beside him as his witnesses.
Balin was beaming at him with uncontained joy and pride as he took his place in front of the anvil. He nodded toward his oldest friend and closest advisor before he turned back around to face the filled hall. As his eyes scanned their numerous guests, he felt Dwalin tap his shoulder. He looked back and was surprised to see an actual toothy grin on his normally serious friend. Dwalin nodded towards his far left, guiding Thorin's gaze to see two people he didn't expect to see.
There in the front where the original company of Thorin Oakenshield sat in their places of honor, sat no other than Gandalf the Grey and Bilbo Baggins. He fought to keep his emotions under control at the sight of his close friends. He couldn't believe that they had made it in time. Bilbo was grinning from ear to ear, not caring that his eyes were brimming with the happiest of tears, seeing one of his dearest friends finally happy. He watched Bilbo wipe his eyes with a handkerchief with great amusement, the irony not lost on him as he remembered the beginning of their journey just a few years prior.
Gandalf was smiling smugly, obviously pleased that he had managed to surprise the stoic dwarf king.
Thorin's attention was diverted to the main doors of the hall as airy music began to play from the orchestra and choir, and Dis, Sindri and Tauriel walked out behind one another dressed in elegant, flowing gowns of sapphire blue. Dis was now smiling broadly, sending her brother a conspiring wink as she stepped up to stand as Mistlynn's witness.
Tauriel was behind Sindri, taller than everyone on the platform but she fit in none the less, her long copper hair braided intricately in dwarven fashion, proudly showing off Kili's courting braid and beads.
Thorin couldn't believe they were all here, present in this very moment; all unified and celebrating his impending union with his One in the great halls of his forefathers. Dwarves, Man, and Elves alike.
Everyone in the hall simultaneously turned towards the elegantly carved doors and gasps of awe echoed in waves through the audience. Just the sight of her stole Thorin's breath from his chest.
His mind went blank as he watched Bifur, dressed in his absolute finest as one of the highest honored warriors in Erebor, guide Mistlynn in all her breathtaking beauty down the aisle. Her dress was a work of art, the perfect blend of white silk, pearls and crystals glistening like the salt crystals of a crested wave, flowing perfectly into the deepest color of Durin's blue towards the bottom of the skirt and train.
Her hair was down, a flawless river of smooth platinum curls cascading down her back. She held in her hand one of the most beautiful array of flowers he had ever seen; he knew they were not the flowers her and Dis had chosen. Dreamy white Larkspur were broken up by sapphire blue hydrangeas. Sprigs of lavender were strategically placed along with Lily of the valley. Bluish purple sweet peas, tweedia and clematis made up the rest of the body of the bouquet. No doubt the handiwork of his ever loyal and supportive burglar.
He couldn't control the tears that suddenly threatened to overtake him as he fought to regain his breath. Shifting his weight from one foot to another, he brought a clenched fist up to his lips to keep the unshed tears in his eyes in check.
Mistlynn's eyes found his, and a beautiful smile enhanced her already striking face. A rare, blissful grin graced Thorin's, making his friends and family lose their fight to not shed tears of joy. It was as if the weight of being a King was forgotten and he was just a Dwarrow, marrying his One. Thorin and Mistlynn were unaware of the teary eyes and smiles that surrounded them, having eyes only for each other.
Bifur speaking his part in transferring Mistlynn's hand from his into Thorin's passed in a dreamlike haze, as they became lost in each other's eyes. Balin began his speech, about the blessing and sanctity of finding your One and being bound for life in matrimony. They stood facing one another, hands clasped in-between them. Thorin caught a glimpse of Mistlynn's bare toes peeking out from the front of her skirts before she shifted to hide her bare feet again. Thorin raised an eyebrow at her, unable to contain an amused smirk as she gave him a daring wink. She must have kicked off her shoes when Dis wasn't looking.
"Thorin, repeat after me the seven blessings. 'Mamahdun Mahal ku' muha sullu Khama-akrazu Sulladad. Blessed are you Mahal who has created everything for the glory of Eru.
Mamahdun Mahal ku muha kamin, abbad ra hanad. Blessed are you Mahal who fashioned the earth, the mountains, and the hills.
Mamahdun Mahal ku muha ibin ra ritih ni kurdu id-abad. Blessed are you Mahal who fashioned the gems and metals in the heart of the mountain.
Mamahdun Mahal ku muha khazad ra barraf haded. Blessed are you Mahal who fashioned the dwarves and the seven houses.
Mamahdun Mahal ku gashara khazaa atrab d'amzur ibin ra tithih ni kurdu id-adab. Blessed are you Mahal who taught the dwarves the skill to work the gems and metals in the heart of the mountain.
Mamahdun Mahal ku mahgayada dumma tur naddanhu. Blessed are you Mahal who gladdens our Halls through his children.
Mamahdun Mahal ku' mahgayada mayasthun ra mayasthuna. Blessed are you Mahal who gladdens groom and bride."
Thorin's deep baritone carried confidently as he repeated the vows flawlessly, not once taking his eyes off Mistlynn. When it was her turn to repeat after Balin, she tightened her grip on his hands as she spoke with conviction. He couldn't help but smile brightly as the blessings rolled off her tongue flawlessly.
"Thorin, repeat after me your vow to Mistlynn. 'Ni dume zasamkhikiya zahar, ni kurduzi zamkhihi azhar. In my Halls you will find a house, in your heart I will find a home.' "
Mistlynn's heart raced as Thorin recited his final vow to her, his thumbs tracing her knuckles as she felt shiver run down her spine.
"Mistlynn, repeat after me your vow to Thorin. 'Ni dumzu zamhkiki zahar, ni kurdume zasamkhihi azhar. In your Halls, I will find a house, in my heart you will find a home."
She couldn't help the tremor that slightly shook her voice as she repeated her final vow, squeezing his hands again as if apologizing for her sweaty palms. Thorin's smile only grew brighter as she finished her vow.
"You may now exchange the rings that will symbolize your love and dedication to one another." Balin instructed.
Dwalin and Dis handed the couple their rings. Mistlynn's eyes grew wide in shock as Thorin slid a gorgeous cushion cut sapphire surrounded by glittering diamonds on a gold band bearing the elegantly carved rune of Durin's house. Her throat became tight with emotion as she watched it glitter brightly on her finger, radiant against the pale skin of her hand, a perfect reflection of her new house and of her husband's eyes. With a slight tremble she slid Thorin's ring onto his finger before grasping each other's hands.
Balin turned to grab the marriage ale that had been placed on a small table behind him. Normally the marriage ale was served to the newlywed couple by the Groom's father, and Balin was given the distinctive honor of stepping into Thrain's place.
He handed the frothy cold pint to Thorin to drink from first. Thorin new Mistlynn despised ale, unbeknownst to everyone but Balin, he had changed the ale to her favorite apple cider. Thorin had to fight not to laugh as he watched Mistlynn take the pint with a fake bravado from his hands and bring it to her lips, expecting the bitter taste of ale to flood her mouth. Her eyes grew comically wide as soon as she took a big gulp of the cider before wrinkling her nose at him accusingly as she fought the urge to smile as well.
"It is with the greatest honor than I now pronounce you as Husband and Wife. You may now kiss the bride." Balin announced exuberantly.
Thorin stepped forward, placing a hand gently to the side of her face before dipping down and capturing her lips tenderly with his. A deafening roar of cheering, clapping, and whistling thundered around them as they reveled in their first kiss as husband and wife. Getting lost in the moment, she threw her arms up around his neck and pulled him closer.
Thorin chuckled against her lips at her vigor. He pulled back after a moment, nuzzling his nose against hers before placing a final kiss on her forehead before turning towards the cheering crowd. "Shall we, my Queen?"
When Fili had told her that his mother knew how to throw a party, he hadn't been joking. Their reception was being held in the gardens King Thror had built for Thorin and Dis's grandmother. Not one seat remained empty as all were eager to experience the reception. Dwarven parties were legendary, and the King of Erebor's wedding reception was going to be no exception.
It was the first event that had welcomed outsiders to witness the majesty and beauty of Erebor, a monumental occasion that would be the first in dwarven history. King Thorin was becoming quickly known, far and wide, for his free thinking and unprejudiced views towards the other races of Arda, a far cry from his attitude and views just a couple years prior. And now that he had taken a bride of elven lineage, Erebor was the pinnacle of equality and forward thinking, and their wedding was the event of the century besides the taking back of Erebor and defeating Smaug.
White garlands of silk and giant clusters of various white and dark blue flowers were strewn across the courtyard on tall poles holding giant, glittering lanterns cut from the purest crystal that sent starlike prisms across the stone floor. The sun was setting behind the distant mountains, cascading vibrant hues of pink, orange, and purples across the darkening sky. The stars were starting to emerge, twinkling, and sparkling through the gossamer canopies that sheltered the tables and banquet tables. Bright, merry fires were burning in strategically giant vats, emitting heat for the guests against the slight chill of the impending night.
"Dis, you have truly outdone yourself! This is just gorgeous!" Bilbo stammered in awe as he followed Dis out into the courtyard.
"Thank you, Bilbo. Mistlynn let Dori and I have full reign; she was so overwhelmed with everything else. I do hope her and Thorin don't think it's too much."
Bilbo couldn't help his incredulous stare. He looked over at Dori who was flitting from table to table, checking to make sure everything was perfect. "He sure has found his calling, hasn't he? Hard to think we were all slaying goblins and orcs together just two years ago."
Bofur laughed, overhearing Bilbo as he approached his friends, escorting a beautiful red headed Dam on his arm. "Oh aye. The dressmaker, event planner, tea taster extraordinaire. We are all boring and old now."
"Not boring or old, Amralime." The dam scolded playfully as she smiled fondly at the toymaker. "Master Baggins, I have heard so much about you from these fools. It's a pleasure to finally meet your acquaintance. My name is Raila."
Bilbo's eyes twinkled. "The pleasure is mine, Miss Raila."
"The bouquet you brought was beautiful. You must share with me your knowledge of such blooms, yours put mine to shame."
Bilbo blinked as he looked at Bofur and Dis in confusion. "She owns the biggest flower market here in Erebor. That is how we met, when I helped Thorin buy out the entire market after he proposed to Mistlynn." Bofur laughed, obviously proud of his One's achievements.
The hobbit flushed. "Oh, I am terribly sorry, I didn't mean to replace or downplay your work. It was a beautiful bouquet. I picked those flowers from my own garden, as a representation of them as a couple. I had Gandalf preserve it with one of his spells so that she may keep it if she likes."
Raila smiled brightly. "Do not apologize! As I said, I want to expand the blooms I carry and learn more of their meaning. Bofur told me how you use flowers as a sort of language of expression which is just fascinating and so romantic. I was even hoping to ask you if you would be interested in making my bridal bouquet when the time comes." The red headed beauty smiled as she twirled her courting braid in her fingers.
"I would be delighted! I didn't know you had proposed! My congratulations to you both!" Bilbo drew his friend into an excitable hug.
"MASTER BOGGINS!"
Bilbo jumped back from the grinning toymaker to turn and greet the Durin princes that were making their way over to him. Bilbo's eyebrows were raised in surprise when he saw Tauriel was on the youngest Durin's arm.
"Kili! Tauriel!" He greeted before embracing the grinning prince.
"Hey, don't be greedy, it's my turn brother!" Fili shoved his brother playfully to the side to embrace their friend.
Bilbo couldn't help the grin on his face. His dear friends were happy and thriving better than he ever could have hoped. "What's this Fili? No dam on your arm?"
Fili laughed as he shrugged. "No, I am as free as a bird at the moment." His grin was sheepish.
"Much to the delight of the young noble dams." Kili teased, wiggling his eyebrows at the eldest prince.
Fili cringed, making everyone laugh. "Durin's beard Kili, it's not funny. I had to run and hide under uncles desk the other day. I had a whole swarm of them stalking me."
"Aye, Thorin was crying he was laughing so hard." Bofur snickered.
"Who knew the one thing to make him laugh was my never-ending torment and misery." Fili pouted, as he tried to ignore the group of giggling dwarrowdam's that were eyeing him from across the courtyard.
"Oh rubbish." Dis tutted. "Your uncle served his time being the most sought out bachelor in our kingdom. That honorable title now falls to you."
Kili snickered, earning him a glare from his brother. "Watch yourself brother. I may just convince Tauriel here that I am the better choice, and you can have the coveted title of most eligible bachelor prince of Erebor."
Tauriel's musical laugh joined everyone else's at the brother's playful banter. "Too bad we already banter like siblings, otherwise I would be tempted."
"Knock it off the lot of you." Dis tried to disguise her laughter with playful scolding. "Dearest Bilbo, see what I must put up with? Thank goodness I now have Mistlynn on my side. One down, two more to go!"
"She's the worst one out of all of us!" Fili snorted.
Horns sounded, announcing the arrival of the King and of his new Queen. Thunderous applause and cheers erupted around them as Thorin and Mistlynn stepped through the doors and made their way down the stairs leading into the courtyard.
Bilbo couldn't believe how much Thorin looked like he was a century younger, his face radiating a happiness he had only caught in brief moments that were too few and far between. The newlywed couple were beaming as they waved at their guests before they made their way towards their group of friends.
"Bilbo! I can't believe you were able to make it in time!" Thorin grinned as he drew Bilbo into a giant bear hug. "Mistlynn said you managed to sneak back there before the ceremony."
Bilbo chuckled. "I've got to keep my burglar skills in practice, just in case they are needed again."
"Durin's beard I hope not!" Thorin laughed heartedly as he stepped back from the hobbit and put his arm around a smiling Mistlynn.
"With all the tales I've heard, I feel like I already know you." Mistlynn grinned. "Thank you for the bouquet again, they are the most beautiful flowers I have ever seen."
"I harvested them from my own garden. It is a gift to the both of you, wishing you both a peaceful and harmonious life together. They also represent purity of heart and beauty of spirit; a returning to happiness after trials; of your devotion and friendship to one another as well as the perseverance you both possess. Least of all praising Mistlynn's beauty, ingenuity, and wit. The perfect trifecta for Erebor's queen."
Mistlynn hugged Bilbo after his explanation of her flowers, touched by the thoughtfulness he put into picking them and arranging them for her.
"Perfect indeed." Thorin smiled. "Now, I am curious as to how you got here so quickly. Is there a shortcut I am not aware of?"
"A wizard never gives away his secrets." A playful chuckle answered him, as Gandalf the Grey approached. The wizard smiled warmly at Mistlynn, bowing his head slightly. "It is truly a pleasure to meet you my dear, I have been most eager to make your acquaintance."
"Aye, he led us on a longer route for the mere sport of it." Dwalin's voice groused as he approached with his date, the strawberry blonde Rosalynn on his arm, much to Mistlynn's obvious delight. She left Thorin's side to pull her friend into an excitable hug.
Bilbo's eyes grew wide in surprise. "You too Dwalin? Great Yavanna, you all have been slacking regarding the tea in your letters." He looked accusingly back at Dis, Dori, Bofur and Ori, his most frequent correspondents.
"I have been frightfully busy; I'll have you know Master Baggins." Dori retorted, waving his hand around at their surroundings.
"You all have been busy! Looks like I'll have to consider another three weddings in the near future."
"He started it." Bofur laughed, motioning towards Thorin.
"Kili started it actually. Uncle was a close second." Fili pointed out.
"Aye, he has a whole year on me. We didn't even have the front gates fixed before he was harassing me to allow him to court Tauriel."
Gandalf raised his bushy eyebrows, humored by the dwarves banter. He took this moment to study Mistlynn as she talked to Rosalynn, Tauriel and Dis. She had been most unexpected, and the gossip of her lineage and the White Kingdom that was starting to spread throughout Arda. She was a rare beauty that couldn't help commanding the attention of every being in the room with her radiant smile, sparkling green eyes and musical laugh. But what lay underneath her femininity was a powerful body of a fearless warrior, along with that certain fiery glint in her eyes that spoke of a fierce determination. Things were being set into motion beyond what most could see, in a pattern so intricate and far reaching not even he couldn't fully fathom the countless possibilities that lay ahead.
Thorin was seemingly unaware of how influential he had become and how far reaching the stories were of his new reign as he rebuilt Erebor from the rubble and ash into a beautiful stronghold of the North. His strong alliances with Dale and Mirkwood were particularly surprising, especially for other elven kingdoms when Thranduil was renowned for being difficult and a recluse, seldom open for outside negotiations.
He could see how much Thorin had changed, how his very being exuded a powerful happiness and strength unlike anything he had seen in centuries. He was far more dangerous to the dark forces now than ever before, especially with Mistlynn at his side as his Queen. They were a formidable couple, on the brink of something so beautiful yet delicate he dared not breath a word of it in case he jinxed it.
He would be keeping a close eye on Erebor, without raising the suspicion of his fellow guardians or the wary natures of the dwarves.
As the night overtook the dusk, the frivolity reached its peak. The food was excellent and was hailed as Bombur's greatest achievement yet and the wine and ale flowed freely as the guests mingled without any ensuing drama.
Thorin had managed to convince Mistlynn to join him on the dance floor under the white gossamer tent that was alight with the twinkling prisms of the crystal chandeliers and led her into a graceful waltz.
She forgot her nerves as their eyes locked. His hand was splayed on the small of her back, his other hand holding hers aloft as he guided them across the floor, seemingly floating. Her dress billowed like a sparkling cloud behind her, making all the ladies and young girls gasp and sigh as the crystals played with the torch and firelight.
"You've been practicing.' Thorin gave her a disarming smile, his eyes soft and tender.
She giggled, unable to tear her gaze away from his as she felt herself soaking in their ocean blue depths. "Fili, Kili and Dis have been most generous with teaching me all the lively dances. It was Balin who taught me how to enjoy the waltz."
Thorin laughed in genuine surprise. "Balin? I haven't seen him dance since I was a lad."
"He gave me a few lessons in the library after my studies. Bofur was kind enough to play the fiddle for us."
His eyes twinkled brightly, identical to the way waves crashed and sparkled in the sunlight. "You are truly remarkable. I feel like I don't tell you that enough."
She couldn't help a faint blush from coloring her cheeks, her blood becoming hotter with his praise. She bit her bottom lip shyly as she looked up from under her lashes. He pulled her closer, as he fought to find the right words to explain how he felt his heart was so full it could burst at any given moment. He had never known such intoxicating happiness.
"I am yours, Mistlynn. In every way. You have brought me such happiness, I never thought I could be capable of feeling such joy. You are everything that I have been fighting and searching for my entire life, the moon that lights my way in the darkest night."
She couldn't help the watery laugh that escaped her lips as she felt his beautiful words wash over her as they glided to the beautiful melody of the orchestra. "And you have my heart Thorin, blackened and bruised, but yours. You are the water that soothes my soul, as the ocean shapes the shore you ground me, bringing me to a home I've always yearned for."
The waltz came to a graceful end, allowing Thorin to kiss his new bride under the picturesque tent and starry night sky.
Applause for the royal couples first dance as husband and wife surrounded them before the sound of Gandalf's fireworks diverted the crowds attention. Mistlynn let out a startled gasp as she jumped at the abrupt crackle then thunderous pop as showers of glittering color rained down from the sky.
Thorin chuckled as he watched her take in the beautiful display, her face lighting up with an awestruck joy as the fireworks showered down around them as if made by stardust.
Gandalf smirked at the crowds reactions to his fireworks. With a puff of his pipe, the smoke turned into bird like shapes that spun and arched into the air. With a flick of his hand more shot out into the night, a collective gasp of awe rippling through the crowd.
Mistlynn giggled as sparkling birds of golden light swooped and fluttered between her and Thorin.
"Show off." Thorin chuckled as he shot the wizard an amused look.
He felt Mistlynn reach for his hand and thread her fingers through his. "He is giving us the perfect cover to sneak out." She whispered shakily, excitement and nervousness coloring her voice as she gave him a shy smile.
His lips quirked into knowing smile. He brought her hand up to his lips, kissing her knuckles tenderly as he gazed lovingly into her eyes. "Excellent observation, M'eudail." With that, he stepped back, tugging her gently to follow him towards the arched exit.
*Mistlynn*
She tried not to think about the fact that they were now alone, and that they were no longer required to have chaperones nearby. Because they were married. Great fire balls of dragon breath, it was their wedding night! All her prior bravado and lustful daydreaming vanished into the night air like a wisp of smoke.
Her hands gripped the skirt of her dress tighter as she heard the door close behind her. She swallowed thickly. Thorin was now her husband. Blessed Yavanna, now what?
She turned quickly, working up her nerve to look him in the eye. "Now what?"
Thorin had been in the middle of shrugging off his heavy formal jacket. He paused, trying to process her abrupt question. He observed her with a raised brow, her hands clenching and unclenching in her shimmering skirt. Her chin was held high, poised. Too poised, he noted with a smirk.
She was nervous. He couldn't help but laugh as he finished removing his jacket and tossing it over the back of one of chairs by the fire.
Mistlynn blinked rapidly. "I'm sorry, that came out aggressive."
"How about we get a drink and just relax?" He chuckled; an amused smirk still present on his face.
Mistlynn nodded eagerly, relieved at his suggestion. "Yes, that sounds perfect." She was rooted to where she stood, watching him from a safe distance as she watched him pour two glasses of wine from the decanter. With that infuriating smirk still on his face, he approached her slowly, his ocean eyes shining brightly in the darkened room. Her throat was suddenly dry, as she remembered how he felt under her exploring hand the night prior. He was once again down to just a dark blue tunic, laces undone and showing off a fair amount of his sculpted chest.
He held out her glass to her, breaking her dazed stare from his chest. His smile became wicked. "My eyes are up here." He teased, enjoying the effects of his words as she flushed crimson across her cheeks. She took a big gulp of her wine, adverting her eyes to the floor, the safest place she could find.
He threw his head back and laughed, "I was joking!"
"I know that! I just, I mean I'm not meaning to ogle you rudely, I am just admiring your…shirt. It's a nice shirt."
Thorin, greatly amused by her stammering, looked down at his shirt before returning his teasing gaze back to her. "You like my shirt? Is that all?"
"It is a … very n-nice shirt. It's well fitted and…well." She threw back the rest of her wine In one big gulp, to stop herself from making a bigger, blithering fool of herself.
Thorin stepped close to her in alarm, grabbing her hand that held the now empty wine glass. "Slow down Mist. This isn't a race."
"Fili called it liquid courage. And I need some of that!" she giggled as she wiped her mouth with the back of her free hand. "Another please?" She wiggled the glass towards him, batting her eyelashes at him.
"Am I making you nervous, my Lady? I haven't even tried wooing you yet." His eyes were twinkling with a beautiful, mischievous glint.
Yes, she was in danger of submitting to his wiles there was no denying that fact. He removed the glass from her hand, holding it skillfully in the same hand he held his in so that he could kiss the back of her proffered hand.
'You have been undressing me with your eyes ever since you put this ring on my finger, you blue eyed devil." She pulled her hand out of his grasp and waggled her finger at him as she walked around him and towards the blazing hearth.
He growled playfully, watching her walk away from him with a hungry gaze burning in his eyes. "My wife is a goddess, as radiant and breathtaking as the stars in the heavens. How can I help but not ravish you with my eyes?"
Mistlynn's giggle was music to his ears as she swayed her hips until she stood in front of the hearth before looking over her shoulder. "Flattery won't get you anywhere. But that wicked tongue of yours just might."
It was his turn to blush slightly as he laughed, walking back to grab the wine decanter before approaching her again. "My wicked tongue? You're one to talk M'eudail."
Instead of sitting in a chair she sank to the floor cross-legged. The skirt of her gown billowed up around her like a fluffy cloud. She giggled at the absurdity of it and pushed her hands down on the skirt, making air rush out.
He sat down across from her, setting the decanter down beside him before handing her the refilled glass. "Thank you." She purred.
"You're welcome." He stretched his legs out, crossing one over the other than stretched back against the front of the couch.
She eyed his empty hands suspiciously. "Where is your glass?"
"I've had enough for tonight. I had several drinks with dinner before we came up here."
She watched mesmerized as he rolled his sleeves up to his elbows before crossing his arms over his chest and settled in comfortably. She licked her lips distractedly. "Bastard." She muttered before taking a sip of her wine.
He cocked an eyebrow. "What was that?" he chuckled, knowing full well what she said.
She held his gaze as she twirled the wine in her glass. "You heard me. Rolling up your sleeves like it's a perfectly normal thing to do. You don't play fair."
He chuckled, deep and rumbling in his chest as he pushed himself upright in order stretch and flex his arms, his muscles rippling like powerful waves under the thin linen before bracing his hands behind his head and resettling against the couch once more. "I didn't realize we were playing a game." His eyes were dark and hooded as he smirked at her from underneath his thick dark lashes, obviously enjoying her growing frustration.
She clicked the roof of her mouth with her tongue before downing the rest of her wine. She set the glass down firmly before she began to sift through her hair, removing the pins that held her curls in place. One by one, they fell around her face, framing it within their platinum luster.
His fingers twitched behind his head as he ached to thread his fingers through her luscious river of curls. He watched her slowly rise to her knees to shake out her hair fully before gathering it all in her hand and twisting it all over her right shoulder. He adored her hair, how its color rivaled that of the purest starlight as it twisted and spiraled in its untamable splendor.
Her green eyes twinkled as if they were cut from the finest peridot in Erebor, molten with both desire and apprehension. Her cheeks were rosy from the two glasses of wine she had managed to devour, her lips swollen and rosebud red from her teeth nibbling them nervously. She was a vision, and he felt a surge of both joy and pride that she was his, in all her wild beauty and fiery spirit.
He unlaced his fingers from the back of his head and rested his elbows on the cushion of the couch, his smile soft as he reveled in the sight of her. "You are so beautiful Mistlynn." He whispered; his voice deep yet soft like crushed velvet.
She bit her bottom lip as her blush deepened, "So are you. Wait, no, n-not beautiful but handsome. Very handsome. Oh, for heaven's sake the wine isn't helping at all!"
His smile and laughing eyes made her heart stutter, then melt. She was consumed with a fire she was struggling to identify that made her skin hot and tingly. Her fingers were itching to reach for him, to feel his hard body firmly against hers.
Before she could think twice, she launched herself at him, rather clumsily due to the bulk of her dress. She found herself half laying on his chest, half splayed on the carpeted floor from her dress catching. 'Infernal dress." She muttered, cursing her clumsy, failed attempt to jump him. Before she could pull herself up, she felt his hands encircle her waist and lift her effortlessly onto his lap as if she weighed nothing.
She was now looking down into his captivating eyes, her nose just a breath away from touching his. His shoulders where strong and warm under her palms. It was hard for her to focus as she felt the heat of his hands seep through the bodice of her dress, scorching her skin gloriously.
"We will go at your pace, M'eudail. Nothing must happen tonight if you don't wish it to." His whisper was soft and caring, as he felt her tremble against him.
Her eyes widened in surprise. "I-I thought it was…I thought certain marital acts were expected…or required…"
He cupped the side of her face soothingly. "No. I want you to want this. To lay with me without fear or because it is expected. I will be perfectly content to hold you in my arms tonight. And we can see how you feel tomorrow." He brushed her cheek with his thumb gently as he watched her process his words.
For a moment, she searched his gaze before she reached a decision. She breathed in deeply as she ran her hands achingly slow up the sides of his neck until she reached his lower jaw. She tilted his head up slightly as she brought her lips down to meet his with a slow yet powerful kiss. They soon lost themselves in the kiss as they explored and tasted one another, their lips moving effortlessly in a sensual dance as they taught one another. He had one hand buried in her hair as the other rested on the small of her back, steadying her as she explored his torso with her curious hands.
Thorin's surprised gasp turned into a breathy moan against her lips as her hands found the hem of his tunic and proceeded to continue their exploration on his bare skin. Featherlight touches of her fingers traced his abdominals inch by glorious inch, mapping each rippled muscle with a growing hunger she was fighting to keep tame. She ran her hands slowly up his side, making herself pull away as she looked at him, seeking his permission.
He gave her subtle nod and lifted his arms up so that she could remove the offending garment with ease. He leaned back against the couch, watching her look at him with awe and hunger shining in her eyes.
He swallowed thickly as she ran her hand up over his well-defined pectorals and traced the outline of his tattoos inked in black and grey, starting in the middle of his pec muscles and moving up onto his broad shoulders and down both biceps. "I've never seen such detailed tattoos such as these." She marveled in a quiet voice, as she traced the detailed feathers of a raven's wing artistically etched into his skin. "They are beautifully done."
"I am fortunate to know a couple skilled artists." His voice was raspy and thick as he fought to keep his self-control present, knowing she didn't realize the effect her hands on his bare skin had on him.
Her gaze landed and stopped on his left shoulder, focusing in on the raised scarring that disrupted the tattoo there. Her eyes widened is horror as she realized the shape the scars made. "You were bitten by a dire wolf?" She gasped.
He shook his head, his smile rueful. "No, a warg. It's a nasty wolf like creature the Orcs like to breed and ride."
Her hands shook as she traced the giant bitemark that had broken most of the left side of his torso. "When did this happen? They don't look very old."
"Almost two years ago now. It was from Azog's white warg. It was during our journey here, to reclaim Erebor that they had cornered us. I had thought he was dead, and I was blinded by anger, so I attacked him hoping to allow some time for the boys and the rest of the company to escape. It was Bilbo who saved me, distracted Azog until the others joined the fight."
Mistlynn caressed the scars as she listened to him. "Balin and Ori told me a little about your journey, and the perils you faced. They told me that if It hadn't been for the mithril mail you, Fili and Kili wore during the Battle of Five Armies you would all be dead by Azog's hand." Her voice become choked, it fully hitting her how close it had been to losing them, losing him; taken from her before they ever had a chance to meet. The very thought sent a jolt of pain through her chest.
He placed his hand over hers, removing it from the offending scar and brought it up to his lips, allowing him to gently kiss her fingertips. "No good comes from thinking about what could have happened." He soothed. "Especially when you have me at a very distinct disadvantage, shirtless and entirely at your mercy."
She giggled softly. "You're right, How inconsiderate of me." She smiled a coy smile as she placed her hands behind him on the couch cushions and pushed herself to her feet. She stepped back from him, and turned around, gathering her hair over her shoulder to expose her back. "Would you care to assist me in removing my dress, Yasun?"
*Yasun - Khuzdul for husband. Thank you Dwarven Scholar!