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blankdblank · 3 years

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It’s a Mother Flocking Puffin Pt 21

Barefoot in a heavily embellished fluffy layer crazy skirted gown, with a lace full length sleeved top, sheer save for the corseted bodice layered with embroidered flowers and vines all across it you stood in the center of what could only be a lake. Deeply you sighed lifting a surprisingly injury free hand to brush back the bangs blowing into your face on the breeze to the shift of toes on the lone rock you had landed on. This wasn’t the first time you had done this, as if your life couldn’t get more awkward in this tropical sort of paradise you kept zapping yourself off to when times got tough quite randomly somewhere you would find a new friend. Usually absurdly tall Elves or other massive animals who guided you on small adventures or train you to whatever craft they were practicing that you had stumbled across.

But the lake was new. The ocean you had dropped into but not this lake, in fact narrowing your eyes in another scan of the land around you those geode formed trees weren’t familiar either. Even the ground seemed to give off a golden sort of glimmering dust blowing around the shoreline looking far too course to be taken as sand. “Hmm,” the scent of mead and a feast was what forced you to turn fully around on that little island finding a cliff wall just covered in stone statues and runes you couldn’t place alongside weapons and the faces of beasts from one end to the other as best you could manage against its curve and break behind more of those geode formed trees.

Sharply you inhaled and said, “Fingers crossed there’s no pelicans this time.” Foot extending for ice to gather underneath for the start of the stepping stone bridge to the cliff wall.

Half a mile to shore the shadow of the wall fell over you for a stunning chill free path in this pleasantly warm mystery island you found. Even in the shadow the way ahead was clear thanks to the glimmering trails cast by fireflies floating off the tall grass your feet brushed through with flight paths in spirals around your gently glowing self. The heads of the figures carved into the cliffs grew white fluffy brows in the drop of the nearest clouds thanks to the growing breeze shifting directions that wanted away to where Manwe deemed them destined. The drift of musical notes lured your eyes downwards in a wonder to where it was coming from.

Off to your right however the sudden plop of a boulder into the lake had you lifting your skirts allowing the lick of water to spill over your bare feet then recede again to the roll of the new addition towards the shore. Hunched and dull in its split apart an elderly Dwarf began to straighten up on its feet again. The more it did backwards the clock turned with youth seeped into each crack and crevice until alive again the limber younger form of the Dwarf smiled to itself on its eager steps ahead following the same sent their bulbous curled mustache framed nose had caught a whiff of.

Three more stones fell under and rose up to the surface of the same mirror like lake while you hurried a couple steps around a waking badger in its den you were passing hoping not to scare it. Curiously at the sight of you it began to follow along right with the clicking Ravens and Crows above on tiny ledges in the wall hopping forward as you did to keep you in view. Between the legs of one of the figures what appeared to be a wall wasn’t and timidly you walked onward still following the Dwarf now smiling at discovering the hidden doorway that with a hand out you noticed was an illusion hidden archway using the wall behind a narrow entrance hall to complete said disguise. To the right it branches and wound a half turn back jaggedly to open into an endless mountain city. Layers upon layers of floors with fires and joyous Dwarves were to be seen.

“Ahem,” behind your back a burly Dwarf look you over at your prompt glance back.

“Sorry,” you replied with a quick step aside into the hall along the wall. The Khuzdul you spoke however had his eyes fixed on you through your quick flash of a grin. “Taking it all in.”

Stepping inwards he kept his eyes on you allowing the two behind him through to trot ahead in search of someone of something they clearly were expecting. “Hmm, could have sworn I knew you.” His head bowed and curtly he turned and strode past you with grin returning headed to who knows where.

Head tilted slightly again your eyes rose and fell admiring each carved pillar and statue coating the sections of floors with colored glass shifting shades in each of the brave steps you took forward. Once past the first landing down three broad steps you almost had to hop to reach the next in a somewhat graceful way without hiking your skirts all the way up thanks to your little legs the Dwarves behind you took with some irritating sense of ease even in their own heavily layered skirts. A soft breath left your lungs on the edge of a grand ballroom packed with those dancing, feasting and drinking encircled by those sharing grand tales and raucous jokes.

Didn’t take long however for eyes to shift your way in return and off in a distant corner a shoulder was tapped to nod one of the burliest to come and inspect the newcomer. One low hanging decoration turned you around to the wall to get a better look on its gradual spin around the tile you had stepped onto. With a gasp however when you turned back a familiar pair of blue eyes had fallen upon you.

“Durin, you’re, I know you’re him.”

Gruffly he replied in Khuzdul also stunned at you’re knowing his mother tongue. “You seem awfully certain of that.”

That had you giggle and step off of the tile to avoid the decoration passing between you smiling up at him, “No I know you I’ve seen your face on portraits and statues all through the Palace in Erebor and even one in the Iron Hills.”

Ever so slightly his eyes narrowed causing his dark brow to furrow in the process, “I do not know of this Erebor you speak, and these Hills,”

“Well, I’m not fairly certain the exact dates, but your clan moved from the Grey Mountains to a new Kingdom named Erebor, it’s near the Greater Greenwood.” He shook his head, “It’s just past the Misty Mountains kind of North to Rohan and Gondor, if you sort of curve,” you said with a curve of your hand after points on some imaginary map between you involuntarily making the corner of his mouth tick upwards. “Look, I’m not an expert on schematics of where you have dwelled, but your family rule over Erebor, Dale, a sub city of Erebor, and Moria as well as the Blue Mountains, and King Nain rules over the Iron Hills so I think that means he’s either one of your relatives or married into your clan. So I think that counts too.”

“You said Nain?” You nodded and he turned, “Gorpumbden!” (‘Gather my whiskers!’) “Fetch Rtain! The little Lass knows his grandson!”

Outwardly he was smiling now and asked in the rush of one group of Dwarves rushing off to fetch the Dwarf while his hand motioned to guide you onwards back to his own private table with his wives from his lifetimes and their children and all the generations of grandchildren milking about nearby with their own broods. “Tell me, who else do you know from my line, Little Lass?”

“Oh, well, I’ve met nearly everyone in Erebor, well you see, it’s sort of,” you sighed and he glanced over your confused pouting moment luring grins on the faces of others you passed through across the dance floor matching his timed steps to do so with ease between bounding couples. “Ok, I’ll start here, I met my One, Thorin II, son of Thrain and grandson to King Thror. I’m not certain how far down your line they are, and well we weren’t married at first. But then we met and I sort of bumped into him and I thought I’d have a heart song but I never heard one but it turned out these freckles on my back were a Mate Mark,” you said lifting your wrist to show off the bracelet spreading his smile admiring the craftsmanship. “And he’s been so kind to me, whole clan has really, I had some trouble with my adopted clan but then he helped with that too.”

You had reached the table and he faced you asking, “And just how far has young Thorin II reached in his courting of you, Little Miss?”

“Oh we had to elope, so technically we’re married but we’ve picked a cottage and are designing rings and I made him some love spoons.”

Adoringly his hand reached out to cradle your lifted hand inspecting your wedding band, “How precious. I do not know the pain he must suffer at your place here. Though as part of my clan you are amply welcome to wait for him amongst us.”

Rtain arrived beaming and eager to hear more about his son and grandson that you had met through the service only stirring up more confusion for how a clearly non-Dwarf had made it to the Halls of Mahal. A familiar passing Dam had your mouth drop and you said, “Celeste!” Draped in yards of velvet in fuchsia over her pastel pink gown she had been painted in, her hazel eyes scanned over your waving and smiling self, “Oh don’t you look lovely. That is a fitting color on you. Really compliments your mustache.”

Three confused steps later and she reached your table while the males behind you grinned at your bubbly self just blooming in this social circle of their clan and others you had known from portraits in passing. “Forgive me, but I do not seem to be able to place your name.”

“Oh, you don’t know me, Jaqiearae Pear,” you said extending your hand with the name making a Dam dancing stumble and straighten to look you over having recognized the name. She accepted the handshake and you added, “I married into your clan, I’m designing my ring after yours. Hope you don’t mind it is stunning.”

Widely she smiled and accepted a spot beside you to talk about the ring now a ghostly glimmering copy on her finger of the one back in the vault back at the Palace. After the discussion of band changes and her blessing was given she asked in an almost pained tone, “How did you find yourself here?”

“Well, that’s a bit of a winded answer, but, Melkor hated my clans and sent others by some oath after he was killed to attack them. My parents went into hiding but they found them anyways and killed them.” Beards bristled and fists clenched the more you shared, “And I was adopted by a Noldo in Numenor. Then I got accepted to University in Dale where I met Thorin’s nephews Fili and Kili my roommates. They took me along for a break to the Palace where I met the rest of your clan there and bonded with Thorin. Since then they’d helped me to find my birth family. Then this morning the followers of Melkor remaining brought a Fire Drake to the school. And last I remember Thorin just got back to the Palace and was eating while I spoke to Fili and Kili through tea, then I was in the lake. And I heard all of you.”

After a solemn moment from them you asked, “Your clan has faced coups for centuries, a lot of people got hurt and could have died when they were after me, how am I supposed to live with that weight?”

Hands were laid on you and several shared words of wisdom on their own experiences with acceptance of that same weight until Durin asked, “The Beast was brought down?”

You nodded, “I shot him with a wind lance,” rippling proud smiles your way.

“Mahal’s Beard! Very good!” More than one of the clan exclaimed.

“Didn’t take very long, though everyone was scared and Bagheera especially was upset.”

That had his beard puffing up and him smiling widely, “You saw my Bagheera?”

“Yes, he’s back at the Palace. Probably won’t be glad for me to miss a meal. Sometimes it takes days for me to get back from these islands.” Lips parted in confusion for what you meant, “Though this is a first time here and I wasn’t expecting all of you. Not that I don’t-,”

“There you are Little One,” beaming through the crowd that barely reached his hip Tulkas strolled through the dancers with hand outstretched for yours, “I presumed you would meet me by the wading pools, but Manwe’s companions took notice of your waking here.”

“Oh, I have to go,” you said laying your hand on the outstretched one from Tulkas and said to Durin and the others, “It was so amazing meeting you. Perhaps I can wander back here again sometime.” To Durin especially you said, “I’ll give Bagheera some fruit for you. I know he misses you terribly.”

Speechless they watched while Tulkas faded to mist and in a small snow flurry you were gone leaving the Dwarves more confused than ever. A state that had the First Born on his feet in a curious search for Mahal in his wife’s gardens to ask about the curious visitor.

Hand over his mouth Fili woke to Kili’s tug on his mustache and in a turn of his head he knew why he was woken. Across your skin faintly glimmering clan lines mapped out the stretch of your bloodline to the Eldar on your already glowing skin. And sweet and low Khuzdul eased from your lips in half hearted sighs echoing of your deep deep wandering dream none but you could shake yourself from. Taps on Thorin’s nose had his soft snores halting and eyes patting in time to hear your next murmur of, “Durin.” Wide eyed he sat up joining the boys, the younger of whom was already recording your side of the conversation that ebbed in and out only giving part of your side of it confusing them all the more why you were dreaming of talking to their clan father.

Through the door the Emperor peered having heard your voice and from there in his step into view he said, “I see My Yuula is speaking with her friend Meldamalta again.”

Thorin asked, “This is common? For her to speak in her sleep?”

At that the Emperor grinned to himself replying, “That is no ordinary sleep. My Yuula has taken Olórë Mallë, and her fea is within Valinor.”

Fili’s mouth dropped open, “Her soul-!!”

Kili clasped his hands over his brother’s mouth looking to you undisturbed still deep in sleep and the Emperor stated in his move closer, “She cannot hear you, when she was a child I realized as a Vanyar her path to Valinor is much easier than other Elven races might find it. The pathway is a mental one that through the link in her mind her fea may travel there at its whims. When she was younger she was often gone for days at a time, and always after times of troubling circumstances. The Valar will not allow harm to find her there it is quite safe.”

Thorin wet his lips and asked, “She is speaking to Durin though. Not any Meldamalta.”

The Emperor’s lips pursed, “Hmm, perhaps due to your marriage she is allowed there. Often she finds herself in different areas of the Valar’s control, Meldamalta will find her.”

Kili, “Who is Meldamalta?”

The Emperor answered quite matter of factly, “Tulkas.” Dropping their jaws, “Upon her first visit there My Yuula informed me she met a kind giant being with golden hair she couldn’t understand who allowed her to braid a crown of Marigolds into his hair and call him Meldamalta. He is quite fond of her, and his son enjoys their times in Nessa’s gardens.”

Fili, “You’re telling me Jaqi is friends with the Valar Tulkas?”

The Emperor answered, “He loves children and has watched her grow. They all have.”

Kili, “She would have told us! I would have told her if I knew Mahal!”

Thorin asked, “She only knows him by Meldamalta?”

“Correct,” was his answer.

Fili chortled, “You have to be joking! How could she not know! You know!”

The Emperor simply pointed and on the headboard where they hadn’t noticed Bagheera was seated puffed up with golden eyes glowing. “Each trip once she had woken once I had recognized the gardens and lands she had explored and faces of those guiding her and teaching her skills in each try to share where she had been he would stop me. She is not ready to know yet it would seem. Though in my teaching her Valinorian he has calmed to my learning of her travels at least and the times have lessened in her being able to converse with them. They grant her council where my expertise is limited.”

Kili, “Why don’t you go with her?”

“Noldo are forbidden re-entrance to Valinor since the departure from those shores without Valar permission. I grew up in those lands and as a child my parents brought me here. Though I have never witnessed the Halls of Mahal myself, in fact I cannot name an Elf ever noted to have traveled there. It must be due to your union.”

“Celeste,” the name turned their heads and Thorin smiled guessing as the others had why you would speak to her, namely the ring you would share stirring up questions if you would mention them as well to their ancestors.

Fili mused, “Great Gran will be so pleased she went to the Halls of Mahal to wedding plan.”

The Emperor said, “You can rest she will share her adventures upon her return.”

Kili, “So she just knows she has long dreams?”

“No, it is very much a physical journey for her. Several times she has stated she simply wakes up in odd locations in beautiful gowns.”

“Meldamalta,” you sighed out and they blinked curious to know should they arrive in those hallowed halls which Valar they might come to know themselves.

The Emperor chuckled and stated, “You should get some more rest been a long day and she won’t be screaming.” He said to the steady sighed Valinorean wafting out of you like a sweet hummed lullaby that took the trouble out of their drift back to sleep, right away they felt the physical urge to lay back down cuddled around you eased off to their own dreams again. Leaving just the Emperor eyeing Bagheera who he asked softly, “She is growing stronger?”

The owl fluffed up and let out a low chirp in an affirmative response as he usually did for the adoptive father’s question he had repeated through the years in wait while the Valar bolstered your hope and strength. And while he was mostly correct in his assumptions the owl was not keeping him from telling you the name of the beings you had been conversing with but trying to tell him that you already knew deep down just not believing it to be really true. Fear was what he was protecting you from, any fear or possible shame taken in any slight imagined and that path could be lost to you forever without the knowledge of how you were actually sending yourself there.

Though an adult on technicality you were very much a child and far from knowledgeable on deeper things you had not been taught by the elders of your clans as you should have had Melkor not struck his deadly blow. A child with strength you didn’t understand to master without their help all these years with just among the remaining lessons to share how you were waking in those sacred lands. They did miss you when you were away, but the time in between showed such heart warming strength brewing inside you, this time all the more in having arrived in, for all your other kin, an impossible place. But Tulkas had you now and he was assured the master dueler of the Valar would enjoy the story and send you on your way home back to him again. Hoping to himself that even in his exile they might not think too harshly of him now that he’d grown from the boy they once knew.

Smiling widely in the gardens with your friends you sat talking while seated on a blanket for the picnic readied for you while the smiling Valar listened to the whole detailed story on the Drake luring the Elves serving under the cuddling couple across from you to come and listen. Loudly Tulkas laughed with pride for his youngest pupil while Nessa beamed at the clear passing of her swiftness lessons beyond just words that you had picked up in training on your own. His bravery and feats of strength and her agility and speed having aided in your success amongst lessons with Ulmo for the obvious control of water. The others far less obvious in their lessons, granting aid more in tasks and mini adventures during your stays in Valinor, rather hoped to present a chance to find those traits within yourself.

Although a few of their pupils, including one from Aule had aided greatly in the growth of your wood working craftiness, Celebrimbor in a new form had found himself in your path and in those bright eyes of yours found a kindred soul he wished to help and took to teaching you the basics. Among those pupils was Ecthelion of the Fountains, here again relaxed listening to your tale smiling with the others flute beside him in its carrying pouch that he had used to help teach you on the instrument between two more of your music instructors self assigned to ensure some time with spectacular you. No shortage of pupils had prided themselves on passing on what they had learned and a bit more on discoveries of their own to maybe aid you one day.

Off beyond a row of hedges through a disguising stream of water off a fountain a couple stood staring longingly at their child back here again, Jewels cuddled against her husband Lindo’s chest, both smiling faintly that their baby girl was growing so much stronger by the day. Even more so having brought them justice by searching out their attackers, whom Mandos was now taking personal attention to doling out Manwe’s orders for their atonement.

Both parents formerly in their unrest unable to travel here themselves since the date Mahal aided in their resting memorial in Erebor, now had a sort of physical form here in these lands to aid in their coming to terms with their own grief for all they, their clans and you had lost. They adored being close to you for so long however without a proper resting memorial from you they could not have visited you here until now, and even still they were fearful of approaching not to keep their precious girl from returning to her new life, the one you had fought so hard to build and defend.

Behind them however Este crept closer and hushedly began to speak with the pair sharing what they had missed through your trips here. “You will be strong enough to meet again one day, the three of you, you will,” she spoke softly warming their hearts as they nestled closer watching a bright smile split across your face laughing along with Tulkas and Nessa to a joke from their son.

Hours you had lingered and the same telling creep of bluebell vines towards your hand set aside gave you the same gut clench feeling that it was time to go. The look always was evident on your face and smiling still the crowd bid you safe travels. Up you stood with another ring of marigolds in hand you eased onto the glowing golden ringlets Tulkas had tied back from his face with ribbons from his beloved wife. In releasing the crown your fingers curled back in a slow recoil of your hovering hands recalling the first crown you had given him and the meeting of all the larger beings here you had once been unable to understand at all. His eyes lingered on your face with smile still in place through his thanks knowing things were clicking into place on who he was.

And softly you asked, “Are you really Tulkas?” Deeper his smile set in sinking more into his eyes at the bubbling courage in your gaze in asking, “Can I still call you Meldamalta?”

Tenderly his hands rose to cradle yours, “I have been and always will cherish being your Meldamalta.”

On his side Nessa eyed the still creeping bluebells reaching for your legs in your spring forward to loop your arms around his neck, eyes clenched in a tight embrace stirring a deep chuckle to his arms laying across your back, “Thank you for finding me.”

“Ooh now, Little One, you were the one to find me.” His words accented with a brush of fingers against your cheek in your step back brushing away the invisible trail of the tear threatening to fall from the corner of your eye holding it in place somehow.

Nessa smiled adding in her own taking of your hand, “The most welcome snow flurry in our lands, most precious Little One. Your bluebells are calling you to wake.”

Looking down you asked, “How do I keep arriving here?”

She smiled saying, “We have yet to travel that road, only Irmo would know.”

And up you looked finding Manwe approaching to the winding of a vine of bluebells around the layers of skirts folding in around your legs the more they climbed, “Fly safe, brave little Nique-Puifíní. And pray do inform Winge we have greatly missed his company here, his parents might have chosen to sail from these shores, an innocent to their oath, and welcome to return upon finding that doorway of dreams.” Like sinking into a well his voice began to muffle and echo in your ears to the clench of your eyes while from the feet up back into your flurry you shifted. Vana smiled in her stroll through the garden again in another try to find how you were entering these lands exactly to solve the sort of game Irmo had made in keeping the secret of how you arrived here each time.

To the opening of the door by a Butler entering to feed your fire at your side against Thorin’s side from your straight upwards position into him you leaned resting your head against his forehead. The sharp pain in your ribs stopped your wiggle into his side and when your ribs throbbed again a crack of your eyelid not being touched by a strip of his brushed up hair and softly you grumbled which drew a stirring breath from Thorin releasing his own grumble. Off behind his back however the Emperor whispered in a reach over him with dropper in hand containing medicine to help with the pain you were facing, “To ease your pain.” Groggily you parted your lips and with three drops on your tongue he drew back the dropper to add back to its bottle with a kind grin.

After wetting your lips you said, “I know Meldamalta’s real name now, remembered it.” Easing out his smile, “I was asked, Manwe says they miss you,” parting his lips, “Said you are always welcome back when you find the doorway, your parents swore the oath not you.”

Tearily he smiled again, “Thank you for telling me that. How are you feeling?”

“My head itches,”

“Bunnanunê,” Thorin rumbled through a deep inhale beginning to shift to prop himself up pressing a gentle kiss to your mildly bruised cheek between the scrapes there. “You are awake.”

“Just the one night?” You asked and he smiled.

“Just the one, are you in pain?”

“Not so much pain that I have to wash my hair.” Thorin nodded and with the stirring of the boys the bench brought earlier was moved to the side of the tub in a painful shrug he removed the sling hindering his ability to tend to you fully and scooped you up gingerly carrying you to the bath to lay you down on the bench. With care Fili held your neck while Kili turned on the water as Thorin undid your braid to the Emperor easing the bowl of healing oils and creams over with sleeves rolled up and comb in hand to begin recoating those cuts and scrapes aiding in some of the discomfort right away.

From the bottom to top the water was run stopping two inches from your scalp with Thorin tenderly lathering your shampoo lovingly into each curl watching the bloody grimy suds flowing down soon washed away revealing those awe striking curls. Without so much as a tug he wrung out the water he could and with Fili holding the blow dryer, certain to keep aimed away from your scalp that Kili held a hand towel against to act as buffer for the spare heat while the Emperor held you upright. Once dry your courting braid was added again with ribbon and bell intact to match the gentle tug free braid Thorin settled into your hair to keep it in place.

“Thank you,” you whispered in Thorin’s move to settle into your view again smiling at your relieved grin.

Kili however blurted out, “Weird dreams? You talk in your sleep.”

Fili smiled bursting with questions of his own to your weak chuckle, Thorin however scooped you in his arms again saying, “Back to bed, you can share there cozy in bed.”

Around you the group nestled you back in your former place with towel removed from over your pillow stained by your hair added to your empty hamper while covers settled around your waist and Sir Akdâmuthrab clambered over post stretch to plop down on your lap to sleep there instead of far below your feet. By now Dis, Vili, Dwalin and Balin had come to check on you and settled onto the end of your bed having come to check on you to send for your first meal of the day before the Doctors would arrive.

“So, I met Durin,” you started and in the growing group of their kin while the triplets continued to nap against your legs having been set down by their parents having scooted closer to grant more room for others to hear everything.

Kili, “How’d you get there?”

“I, don’t know. I never land in the same place when I go there, but this was the first time I woke up there. I think they thought I was dead. Must have,”

Vili asked, “Have you met Mahal?”

“I don’t know, I know Meldamalta is Tulkas, Manwe is obvious shroud in feathers, the others I am not certain. I might have, there are a few who look similar to etchings I’ve seen on display here, then there are others who are more, not feelings, that’s not the word…”

Dis said, “Un-bodied ones?”

That you nodded to, “Even Meldamalta’s son at times chooses to present out of his body. Mahal’s Halls none of your kin were like that, I think it was just the Elven lands. Even Celebrimbor held our lessons out of himself before as well. He might have been there, sorry to disappoint.”

Thorin’s hand laid on yours, “Oh no, no disappointment at all. Only few of our kin have returned from those halls, each tale is treasured.”

Gloin asked, “Would you mind us calling uncle Nain? Letting him know about his grandfather meeting you?”

“No, is he in the clan by blood or marriage, I didn’t know.”

Thorin smiled again as Frerin answered, “His Amad is of our line, but Firebeards and Longbeards have always been close.”

Your eyes drifted to Dis, “Celeste seemed happy hearing I chose her ring. And the keeper of yours told me to tell you,” for a moment your brows furrowed in repeating the mouthful of words slowly, “Mire the Spring?”

Dis smiled to Vili who explained, “A joke on how my Spring proposal was as troubled as hers had been.”

She patted her hand on your legs, “A good sign, thank you for the message.”

Through them a tray was brought in to rest on top of your lap for the meal the rest of the clan shared their plans for the day to help settle things of their own charge throughout the kingdom to aid in the recovery of the populace from this stunning attack while those in other kingdoms were doing the same. Doctors did follow after and with a sigh you settled into bed as Thorin was off to his own rooms for a private second inspection of his own wounds and warm bath to freshen up before his few tasks of the morning between him and his evening in with you.

Pt 22

All –

@himoverflowers, @theincaprincess, @aspiringtranslator, @thegreyberet, @patanghill17, @jesgisborne, @curvestrology, @alishlieb, @jogregor, @armitageadoration, @fizzyxcustard, @lilith15000, @marvels-ghost, @catthefearless, @imjusthereforthereads, @c-s-stars, @otakumultimuse-hiddlewhore, @mariannetora, @shes-a-killer-kween, @ggbbhehe4455, @xxbyimm

Hobbit/LotR – @abiwim, @jotink78, @pastelhexmaniac

x Thorin – @evyiione, @deepestfirefun, @queenoferebor

X all Rich. A - @abiwim, @deepestfirefun, @thestorybookmistress

#Path Of Dreams #Ollore Malle #Valar #Durin the Deathless #Celeste #Dain's Family #Lost Loves #Afterlife #Halls of Mahal #Gardens of Tulkas #Meldamalta #Back Again #Pass on Messages #Tend to the Hair #Back to Bed #Thorin x Reader OC #Vili x Dis

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blooeyedtroll · 6 years

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Tolkientober Day 30: "Family Outing" featuring~~>Kili! Since I rolled him as a result, I thought I'd be really cute to draw him enjoying his first real autumn, outside the Blue Mountains with his loving family. A magical time where even Thorin would loosen up occasionally and smiled a bit more.

BONUS CLOSE UPS:

Vili: You are doomed beautiful maiden! Prepare to suffer the same fate as your brother. To be eaten by the terrifying leaf monsters!

Dis: Oh Noooooo! They are so scary. Mercy I beg of you. Anything but this doom!

Fili: *RAAAAAWR*

Thorin: Oh the agony! Oh the pain!

Kili: *Squeels**Giggles* Yum! Yum!

Fellow Tolkien geeks, it’s NEVER too late to join in on Tolkientober! Here is my prompt list if you wanna participate or just check it out!

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luna-redamancy · 5 years

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Imagine: Fili being relieved to be able to hold you at night again

Pale moonlight filled the room with a soft glow, the sheets feeling cool to the touch as you climbed into bed. “I missed this,” Fili mumbled, his voice raspy with tiredness as he pulled you closer, now flush against his chest. A soft smile formed on your cheeks as you reached a hand back to comb it through his lion locks. “Missed what?” You questioned in response, curiosity filling your eyes as his swirled with love and affection.

“Not having to worry about being ambushed in the middle of the night, being able to hold you in my arms once more,” Fili responded, pressing a kiss to your temple as he drew lazy circles on your hip. The journey had ended, Thorin reclaimed the throne of Erebor, and now, Fili was more than relieved to be able to hold you once more at the end of a long day.

#fili x reader #erebor #thorin #middle-earth #the hobbit #jrr tolkien #fili #fili son of vili #dis #cuddles #love #affection #hold you #hold you in my arms #i literally forgot the rest of the plan for this fic so have a small imagine?#imagine #the hobbit imagines

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moononastring · 7 years

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Six Ways to Sunday: Part 1 - Fili

Title: Six Ways to Sunday Pairing: Fili x Liliana (OC) Genre: Romance/Humor Rating: PG-13

Author’s Note: This will be a two-shot. The idea has been dancing in my head for a while now and I finally felt inspired! You can read about Fili & Liliana here , here and here.The only point of this was Fili x Lily fluff lol. Hope you enjoy! Feedback is always welcome :)

Liliana heard him coming before she saw him, her lips curling into a smile as the sound of her husband’s tired footsteps came closer. He opened their bedroom door and closed it, leaning against it with a sigh and she looked up at him.

“Hello darling.” she called out to him from her spot in their bedroom sitting area. She was working on some suggestions for an upcoming event but paused, seeing his face. He shuffled over to her with a small frown and tossed two of his many knives on the table then flopped his body down on the long chair next to her. She chuckled softly, amused, then adjusted herself so he could rest his head in her lap more comfortably.

“Tough day?” she asked gently, leaning down to plant a kiss on his lips. Fili closed his eyes at the touch of her lips and let out a groan in response. She chuckled again. “I’ll take that as a yes.”

Fili let out another whine and buried his face in his wife’s lap, rubbing his forehead into her thigh. Liliana held back a giggle. There were times when Fili being near her thighs meant a whole different ending (one that involved a lot less clothes), but this side of Fili was one of her favorites, because all he wanted was a good cuddle.

“It’s so ridiculous how overworked we are. I’m bloody exhausted.” Fili responded with a gruff and Liliana gave him a sympathetic smile, gently running her fingers down his hair. “Sometimes Uncle forgets that there are other things to do besides prep this kingdom. We’ve been going since after the battle. A little break would be nice.”

“Oh, my lionheart.” she whispered and leaned down again to softly plant kisses on his forehead, cheek, and then his lips again. Liliana observed his tired eyes and she hated how simply worn out he was all the time. “You do need a break. We should slip away and spend a day on our own.”

“I would love that.” he mumbled, his eyes still closed, enjoying the sensation of his wife’s fingers in his hair. He turned his body and wrapped his one arm around her legs and pulled her free hand into his other. “Just you and I...But when would we? Uncle throws a fit if we’re a little late…he desperately needs a distraction.”

“Maybe we should just force his hand then.” Liliana suggested and Fili turned his head to look at her with a raised brow and chuckled at her mischievous grin.

“And how exactly would you do that?”

“With logic and a little blunt force.” she replied with a grin. “Don’t worry dear, you know I can be very persuasive.”

“Don’t I know it.” he replied and she squinted at his tone, shoving him gently. He laughed and brought the hand he was holding up to his lips and kissed it. “I meant it in a good sense...it’s very Queen-like.”

“That better be how you meant it.” she mumbled with a shake of her head. “Or else our little adventure for tomorrow will be canceled.”

“Adventure?” he perked up, turning to lay on his back to stare up at his wife and she nodded.

“Yes...dress more comfortably tomorrow with less knives, please.” she said and he chuckled.

“I don’t even have that many on me right now.”

“I beg to differ, darling. I know you have at least ten more on you and where they are on you.”

“True...you know me too well, little dove.”

“Of course, my darling. Otherwise every time I wanted you on me, I’d have gotten stabbed.”

Fili burst out laughing and Liliana giggled. “I’d apologize but we both know it won’t change.”

“Sadly.” she said, placing another kiss on his lips. “I always think you’re extra happy to see me but then it’s just another knife.”

“I am always extra happy to see you.” he replied and gave her a playful pout then pointed to his lips. Liliana laughed and leaned down, giving him a deeper kiss than her previous pecks.

“And I’m always extra happy to see you, my handsome husband.” she said with a smile. “Now why don’t you go change for bed and I’ll join you in a few minutes?”

“Alright.” he said with a sigh and slowly sat up. “But you better be quick and preferably naked.”

She laughed. “Go, you blonde brute!”

Fili chuckled and gave her a kiss before getting up and doing as he was told. As he made his way to their bathing room, he grinned, greatly anticipating this ‘adventure’ she was supposedly going to take him on. Mostly, he was anticipating how she planned to approach his Uncle about it.

Liliana awoke first the next morning. She quietly stretched and turned her body to face her sleeping husband and a gentle smile spread across her face. Even while sleeping, Fili looked exhausted and she decided that letting him sleep in would be the first of what would happen on their day together. If she could spend the whole day just staring at him, she would, she’d never get enough of him; Liliana loved him so much it was actually hard to breath at times. She slowly ran a finger down his face and giggled softly as his nose twitched then quickly slid out of bed.

She hummed to herself as her morning routine took place; washing up, choosing a simple and flowy dress to suit their outing today, and lastly, brushing her hair and leaving it to fall in it’s natural, soft curls.

A soft knock came at the door and Liliana rushed to open it before waking up Fili, who to her relief was still in a deep sleep. Her handmaiden, Arowyn was at the door and about to come in when Liliana put a finger to her lips and stepped out.

“Is something wrong, my lady? I’m usually here to wake up Prince Fili for his meetings. He’s running late.”

“Nothing is wrong.” Liliana said brightly, pulling Arowyn with her down the hall. “But Fili won’t be attending any meetings today. He’s going to be sleeping in and then spending the day with me.”

“Oh.” replied the handmaiden. “D-does King Thorin know this? I believe he’s expecting him.”

“No worries! I will deal with Uncle Thorin.” Liliana said with a smile. “I do have a task for you, though.”

“My lady?”

Still smiling, Liliana paused in front of the girl. “Please warn anyone that thinks to come near my bedroom door and disturb my husband from resting that they will have to answer me and it will be painful.” she said and Arowyn blinked rapidly. “He is tired and I want him to rest as long as he wants. Remind anyone that wants to question this order that I am Dwalin’s daughter and my father taught me very well.”

“Y-yes, my lady.”

“Thank you, Arowyn.” Liliana said sweetly and Arowyn nodded with a nervous smile. “Now, once you do this, will you please meet me down in the kitchens? I need some assistance setting up for my date with my husband.”

“Of course.”

Liliana waved off her very bewildered handmaiden then made her way to the meeting hall that sucked up all her husband’s time. She knew there was a possibility she would get in trouble for this but was willing to risk it for some quality time with Fili. He deserved it and that’s what she would make sure they knew.

As she neared the door, she heard their squabbles inside, her father’s included and winced slightly. He really wasn’t going to like where this conversation would go. Oh well.

Bracing herself, she put on a bright smile and strut into the hall. They didn’t notice her at first and she held back a snort as her eyes fell on Kili’s half-asleep figure seated at the table.

“Fili, it’s about time you arrived.” Thorin’s voice rang out.

“No Uncle, it’s just me.” Liliana replied and all conversation paused. “Good morning, everyone!”

Most of the company was there and Liliana made her way to her Uncle Balin, planting a kiss on his cheek then her father’s, and lastly, Thorin’s, who gave her a confused look.

“Where’s Fili?”

“You’ll have to forgive him, Uncle, but he won’t be making it to today’s meetings.” Liliana began, leaning in to poke Kili’s cheek, waking him right up.

“And why is that?” Thorin questioned, a look of annoyance flashing across his face.

“What’s wrong with your husband, sweetheart?” Dwalin asked.

“He’s exhausted, Da. That’s what’s wrong with him.” Liliana replied, stopping in front of them. “As you all are because you’re always cooped up in here all the time. When’s the last time any of you took a break to relax?”

“Being tired isn’t an excuse.” Thorin replied dismissively. “Go wake him and rush him down here, I need him.”

“I shall not.” Liliana replied and held her Uncle’s gaze as he squinted at her.

“Oy. What do you think you’re talking to your King like that for?” Dwalin asked gruffly.

“I’m not speaking to him as my king, I’m speaking to him as my Uncle and the closest thing to a father my husband has.” Liliana said, crossing her arms across her chest and staring at Thorin firmly. “I miss my husband because I rarely see him due to the high amount of stress and work he deals with. He barely gets sleep and we barely get to spend time together. I miss him. So I’m taking him for the day.”

Thorin sighed and shook his head. “I understand your concern, Lily, but really now. This is important. Go call him and we’ll try to finish our planning earlier today.”

“Once more, Uncle Thorin, I shall not.” Liliana replied and Dwalin gaped at his daughter. Kili who was wide awake now, was grinning widely at this exchange. “I am hogging my husband for the day and I don’t wish to be disturbed. We are going to spend the day together, just the two of us.”

Thorin rolled his eyes and his face settled on an irritated expression. “Our meeting isn’t going to be held up so you and Fili can be lovebirds for the day. I’m not in the mood for this nonsense. You can have him in the evening.” Thorin replied, his tone firm. “Kili, go wake your brother.”

“Kili, don’t move.” Liliana replied and Kili’s eyes widened at the challenge, as did Dwalin’s.

Thorin tilted his head, staring at his niece with a raised brow. “Are you challenging your King’s authority?”

“No. I am demanding that my Uncle stop being stubborn and let a wife take care of her husband.” Liliana replied, walking closer to Thorin and bringing in her special weapon -- the pout. Her lips formed a sad pout as her hands settled on her waist. “Stop depriving me of my husband!”

Balin chuckled and finally spoke up. “Thorin, leave them be. We can always fill in Fili later. Let the lass have her husband.”

“Balin, don’t go encouragin’ her.” Dwalin interjected. “Lily, enough now, I’m shocked you’re acting this way.”

“You act like you haven’t spoiled her.” Balin said with a snort. “She’s had you by your jambags since she was born.”

“As she has you!” Dwalin tutted.

“Frankly, she has everyone here by the jambags.” Kili mumbled.

Thorin rolled his eyes again and let out a huff. “You two can have an hour then I want him down here.” he said. “I can’t believe we’re even negotiating this.”

Liliana’s pout intensified. “I wouldn’t have had to negotiate this if I saw my husband more!” she replied and strut up right to Thorin’s face. “I want to spend the day undisturbed with my husband and if someone does disturb us, I will have him six ways to Sunday on this meeting table and won’t care who’s watching. We’ll see how much work you all will get done then.”

Thorin blinked rapidly in shock, Dwalin sounded like he was choking on his own saliva, and Kili looked like he was about to positively die of laughter.

Dis had chosen this exact moment to walk in and her expressed was identical to her brother’s.

“...I’m not sure if I want to ask what’s going on.” she muttered, taking in the scene.

Balin ran a hand down his beard and tried to hold back his grinning. “Run along, Lily dearie. You won’t be disturbed.”

Liliana’s eyes were still on Thorin, who was dumbstruck at the bluntness of his niece.

“Thank you, Uncle Balin.” she said, after a moment of silence, flashing the room with a wide grin. Quickly pecking Thorin and Dwalin on the cheeks, she winked at Kili whose grin matched her own then dropped a kiss to Balin and Dis, and rushed out; she had a husband to get back to.

The room was silent for a moment and Kili was the having the hardest time keeping his composure and not bursting into laughter.

“Goodness Thorin.” Dis finally broke the silence, her eyes finding her brother’s. “I see Vili and I aren’t the only ones who suffered from your cockblocking. You’re passing it down to the next generation!”

Part Two

#fili x liliana #the hobbit fanfiction #fili #fili fanfic #fili fanfiction #six ways to sunday #the hobbit #myfic #Vili is the popular name for Dis's husband so I went along with it lol.#Thorin #kili #dwalin #balin #dis #the idea that thorin is a major cockblock is my favorite thing because he's so dumb #and he needs to get laid.

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legolasbadass · 3 years

Text

Heart of Gold, Chapter 18

Characters: Thorin, Dis, Thrain, Dwalin, Balin, Original Characters

Relationship: Thorin x OFC

Setting: Post Azanulbizar, Pre Quest of Erebor

Notes: Hi everyone! I hope you are all well and safe! I want to thank you all for your comments on the last chapter, I really appreciate it! About this chapter: It is really long. Like, really long. And it's actually (kind of) a part 1. I decided to separate the chapter in two so that it wouldn't be 20k words, but also, separating it creates a nice contrast between this chapter and the next. You'll understand when you get there... :) Anyways, the next chapter should be posted next week, or early in the last week of June. Please leave a comment if you enjoyed this chapter, it would mean the world to me. 💙💙

This is the 18th chapter to my Thorin Oakenshield fan fiction, Heart of Gold which can be read in full on ao3. Go check it out there to read from the start! Please consider reblogging if you enjoyed this chapter and if you are enjoying the story so far!

Word Count: 9.5k

Chapter 18 - In Your Halls I Will Find A House...

Music and cheers filled the moonlit camp. The Longbeards had suffered decades without cause for celebration, so it was no wonder that they welcomed the opportunity to celebrate as long as they could. It was not just any celebration, either.

Weddings were rare occasions, but the wedding of a princess, that was a once in a lifetime occurrence.

Dania could hardly believe they had come to it so fast. It seemed like only yesterday she had learned of her friend's betrothal, a moment that simultaneously felt like it belonged to another lifetime.

While the festivities that had monopolized the encampment for several nights were no place for young Dwarrows, Dania and Dis still found a way to amuse themselves. Laughter filled their tent, so merry and carefree that it almost drowned out the sounds of the bustling camp. They talked about everything from childhood memories to the sweets they could not wait to taste at the feast the next day.

The music was still loud when they prepared to go to bed, and soon they were dancing when they should have been sleeping. Dressed in only their nightgowns, though their hair was still braided, they took turns being the lord and the lady as they waltzed in the small space between their beds. They even sang to the music echoing throughout the camp, laughing when they realized they were at least half a chorus behind.

But it did not matter. They felt free.

Not only was it an immense relief to know they would not go to bed on an empty stomach or that they did not have to travel many miles the next day, but it felt good just to be. With their duties pushed aside, they could act like normal young Dwarrows. Dania was not sure precisely what normal meant, but she knew it did not involve being exiled from your homeland by a dragon. Even Dis, who loved Vili and — as she reminded Dania every chance she got — could not wait to be married, needed a moment to act like she was still just a girl.

"I just realized something," Dis said as she tried to catch her breath, "this is the last night we will spend just the two of us together."

"You aren't dying, Dis," Dania said, once again trying to ease her friend's nerves by closing the curtain on her dramatics.

"I know," Dis huffed. "I just mean — now I'll be with a boy and we will not have as many moments like these."

"A 'boy'?" Dania chuckled. "You're talking about Vili — you love him! And we will still see each other every day and have plenty more opportunities to act like undignified ladies when no one is watching us, if that is your concern. I'm also certain that when you will not be with him, you will torture me with countless remarks about how much you miss him and how you wish you were in his arms," she added, wrapping her arms around herself and swinging from side to side in a parodic performance.

This brought a smile on Dis' face, though she scrunched her nose and shook her head. "I will not be one of those wives who wilts whenever their husband is not here. I could not stand myself!"

"Then I will make sure that does not happen," Dania said in a teasingly solemn voice. "Though you will be pleased to know that many married couples seem to tire of each other after a few years, so soon you will be complaining about how he steals all the blankets at night or never compliments your dresses — "

Dania was interrupted by a pillow hitting her face. Huffing and pretending to be hurt, she looked to Dis, who was holding her hands against her mouth, surprised by her own actions.

"Or perhaps it will be your husband that will grow tired of you," Dania continued with a smirk as she threw back the pillow, though Dis caught it right on time. "After all, violence is never part of a healthy marriage — "

"Alright, I get your point!" Dis said, rolling her eyes, though a smile tugged at her lips. "I will stop deliberately searching for things to fret about."

Dania smiled back at her. "You really have nothing to worry about, Dis," she said, turning serious. "You will be so happy together."

"I think so, too," Dis said before standing up to sit on Dania's bed. Turning to face her, Dania sat cross-legged over the blankets, frowning when she noticed Dis' expression changing.

"What is it?" Dania asked in concern.

"There is . . . something that worries me. . . ."

"You can tell me anything."

Holding her pillow tightly to her chest, Dis blushed as words slowly tumbled from her lips. "Well, I am quite nervous about . . . you know . . . the wedding night. . . ."

"Oh," Dania sighed in relief, having expected something bad from her tone.

"Amad told me what to expect but . . . it was so awkward — I did not want to ask any specific questions, you know? And then I wondered — well, I realized, actually — that you and Thorin probably . . ."

Trailing off, she looked up to Dania expectantly.

"We have," Dania said, feeling heat rise in her cheeks.

"I mean, I do not want details, he is my brother," Dis said quickly. "But . . . what is it like?"

"Oh, Dis, you have nothing to worry about, trust me," Dania spoke softly as she grabbed Dis' hand.

"But what is it like? I have no idea what I am supposed to do — Will he be expecting me to know?"

"You just . . . know, in the moment," Dania said, recalling how nervous she had been the first time, and yet how natural it had felt.

"What if I don't know — "

"You will. You just need to listen to yourself and tell him what it is that you like and don't like. Everything in a relationship is about trust and honesty, and intimate moments especially so. Even your brother, reserved as he is, finds it in him to be completely open with me in those moments. I have no doubt Vili will do the same with much more ease"

Dis nodded slowly, and Dania felt as though she should have had something more to say, if not detailed retellings of her experiences, then at least something more concrete, perhaps even analytical, but she had never been good at expressing her feelings for Thorin, especially not concerning that night. In fact, she had not been thinking at all. If she had been, things would have unfolded very differently. But that was her mind speaking. Her heart told a different story, one she would never regret.

That was how she knew that none of the planning Dis did in her head would matter. At that moment, her love for Vili would overcome all logic, and her body would guide her, just as she had let herself be guided by her heart.

"Vili is the sweetest person I know," Dania went on. "He will be patient, and attentive to your needs."

"I am sure he will," Dis finally spoke, almost breathlessly. "But I have heard that it hurts and — "

She stopped talking when Dania shook her head, relief and doubt fighting each other in her eyes. "Take your time, and it will not hurt."

"You — you did not experience any pain?" Dis asked shyly.

"It was somewhat uncomfortable for a few moments, but it went away quickly, and it was never painful, no. At least, not nearly as terrible as I had imagined it would."

Dis nodded, then let out a deep sigh as she shook her head. "I do not know what has gotten into me. I have never been one to feel nervous about the way I look, but my mind cannot help but conjure the worst scenarios," she explained, breath hitching. "What if he thinks my hips are not wide enough or — "

Dania raised a hand to interrupt those harmful thoughts. "I will not have you doubting yourself like that," she said sternly. "Dis, not only are you the most beautiful Dwarrow in Middle-earth, but Vili loves you. Such thoughts would never even cross his mind. I mean, have you seen the way he looks at you? That Dwarf worships you!"

"Really?"

"Really," she chuckled, wondering how Dis could not have noticed the pure awe shining in his eyes when he looked at her. "He will want nothing more than for you to enjoy yourself and he will make you feel how much he adores you."

"But Vili is shy," Dis pointed out. "He will be patient and gentle, yes, but what if he does not have the courage to tell me what he likes and it ends up being terrible?"

"Then you must be attentive to his reactions so that you can find the best way to please him."

"But what if — "

"Dis," Dania interjected, giving her a meaningful look.

"No more needless worrying," Dis sighed. "You are right; I am sorry."

"Don't be sorry," Dania said softly. "But you really do have nothing to worry about."

Then, without a single word uttered, they leaned in to engulf each other in a protective embrace. They had grown up together and would continue to be there for the other to lean on for the rest of their lives, like two branches from the same tree. All Dwarves believed that Mahal had crafted for them someone with whom they were meant to live their lives. Dania knew that Thorin was that person for her, but she wondered if Mahal had also created Dis and her with a similar intention, bonding them for life so that they would never be alone.

"I truly do not know what I would do without you, Dania," Dis confessed, holding onto Dania more tightly and resting her head on her shoulder.

Dania smiled in response, then kissed her forehead. "I, for one, would be utterly lost without you."

"No doubt about that," Dis chuckled. "I love you."

A sudden wave of emotions washed over Dania at the casualness and sincerity with which Dis had uttered those words. Friends, sisters, and mothers; that was what they were to each other, all at once. "I love you, too."

***

The next morning, they were dragged by one of Lady Vigga's servants all the way into empty chambers to get ready for the wedding, which would take place later that day. After getting dressed and braiding her hair in a more appropriate hairstyle for the occasion, Dania turned to help Dis. They had been having lots of fun until Lady Vigga arrived and began to criticize everything Dania did.

"Hold still, will you?" Dania whispered in a warning snarl as she carefully braided Dis' hair.

"Do not be so grouchy. This is a special day!" Dis retorted, making an effort to sit as straight as possible nonetheless.

"I know," Dania said, "but if Lady Vigga asks me to redo your hair one more time because it's not good enough for her pretentious arse I swear I will — "

"Oh, that is much better Dania!" Lady Vigga herself exclaimed as she entered the room. Dania and Dis shared a quick, imperceptible glance. Eyes wide, Dis did her best to keep a straight face, though her forceful lip-biting told Dania she was ready to burst out laughing any moment. "See what you are capable of when you really apply yourself?" Lady Vigga added with a satisfied nod before leaving the two of them alone as another voice called her away.

Dis burst out laughing, causing Dania to ruin the braid she had been working on. "Go on," Dis said as her breathing recovered. "What were you going to say?"

"I don't know," Dania said honestly. "Something unpleasant, to be sure. Not important."

Dis clicked her tongue. "You are no fun."

Shaking her head, Dania continued to work, letting the repetitive but delicate task ease out the irritation Lady Vigga had speckled over her. Dis was right: this was a special day. Dania wanted to enjoy it and remember it for years to come as one of the happiest days of her life.

"There," she said after a moment, taking a step back to admire her work. "All done."

A large braid encircled Dis' head like a crown, adorned with numerous sapphire beads, while the rest of her hair, reaching almost to her waist, was plaited in dozens of elaborate braids which would drive any Dwarf attempting to decipher their meanings mad. But only one would ever get to untangle their secrets.

That was an unspoken tradition, one that both Dis and Dania were childishly giddy about. Every braid would, of course, have to be unbraided eventually, and on the wedding night, that trivial ritual became much more intimate. The more braids the bride wore, the more time she would have to tease her husband, make him fall even more madly in love with her.

Dis might have been thinking of the same thing if the blush on her cheeks and the glint in her eyes were anything to go by. They shared a knowing, secretive look before Lady Vigga reentered the room, followed by many maids.

They did not waste even a single second before pulling Dis away and removing her dress. Face reddening, she covered herself clumsily while the maids fretted over her. Lady Vigga let out a disapproving sigh.

"Child," she said to Dis, "do not act like this is the first time you have maids dressing you."

Dania rolled her eyes. Did Lady Vigga think they had this many maids to spare in Dunland? Actually, did she really think they had had this many maids at all? She was the one being silly, though silly was too gentle a word, come to think of it. Ignorant was more accurate. Ignorant of how privileged she was.

Despite her irritation, Dania was impressed by how efficient the maids were. In no time, they were tying the final laces of Dis' gown, which was far from the simple dresses they wore every day, or even the dress Dania wore now — the same one she had worn at all the more formal feasts.

Dis turned around to face Dania and Lady Vigga, and while the latter merely nodded in approval, Dania gasped softly. Dis was always beautiful, but now she had an ethereal elegance, almost otherworldly. The gown was worthy of a princess, that much was certain, with long flowing sleeves and a neckline that teased exposed shoulders but also hid them just enough to appear modest at the same time. Embroidered golden flowers covered the bodice and skirts. When Dis twirled around, they appeared to be floating in the wind, and they shone in the soft candlelight as though they were reflecting the sun's rays.

The door opened to reveal Lady Adis with her hands clasped together above her breasts as she rested her eyes on her daughter.

"Oh, Dis," she spoke softly before moving in to engulf her in a warm hug. "Targ mimê." (my little beard)

"Amad!" Dis whined in response to the endearment.

"Oh, hush," her mother replied, still holding onto her tightly. "You are getting married. This is my last chance to treat you like a child. My child — my beautiful daughter."

Dis looked up to her with wide eyes, seemingly seeing a whole other side of marriage that she had yet to consider. "Amad," she mumbled, "please call me that whenever you like."

With a laugh, Lady Adis bent down to kiss her daughter's forehead and whisper something Dania could not hear. Then, she stepped aside and looked to Lady Vigga, and though Dania could not have explained what changed in her countenance, she seemed to transform from mother to queen, as though her title was a character, a performance. It is a performance, Dania reminded herself, thinking about Thorin and how different he was in public compared to their private moments.

"Thank you for everything you have done, Lady Vigga," the queen said. "These rooms are much more convenient to prepare for a wedding than a small tent."

"Indeed," Lady Vigga responded with a curt nod. "I cannot understand why your husband ever chose to remain outside when you could have enjoyed these comforts since your arrival."

"The king wished to remain close to his people," Lady Adis said in the same tone, any attempt to conceal her dislike for the Dwarrow completely gone. "And I hardly think it is your place to judge his actions."

Lady Vigga appeared startled, but only for the faintest instant. With a smile, she pretended like nothing had transpired. "Does not the princess look lovely?"

"She is more beautiful than the queens of old," Lady Adis said with a fond smile before turning to Dania. "And her hair looks wonderful."

Dania smiled in thanks as she gave a quick curtsy. Lady Adis had told her repeatedly not to bother with such gestures, but Dania did not wish to do anything that might make Lady Vigga complain once more, or worse, whisper behind her back.

"Yes, I thought so, too," Lady Vigga said as she pushed Dis' hair behind her shoulders, inspecting her in the way of a miner with a precious stone.

"And I am certain it looked just right the first time you did it," Lady Adis whispered to Dania as she wrapped an arm around her shoulders.

Dania chuckled in response. The more time she spent with Lady Adis, the more she saw where her children got their wit and their mischievousness.

"I am sorry I had to leave you at her mercy for so long," Lady Adis went on. "I told the florists to trust their instincts but they would not listen. And here I was thinking they would be overjoyed to gain some freedom, which they probably do not get a lot of with her as their employer."

Dania chuckled again. Then, seeing as Lady Vigga was surrounded by her maids examining the back of Dis' dress, she replied, "they probably thought you and Lady Vigga had been conspiring together and giving them more freedom was a trick."

"Oh, of course!" Lady Adis gasped, keeping up their game. "My dear, that is quite an astute portrait of her character, and yet you have not known her nearly as long as I have."

They laughed quietly together until they decided it was time to rescue Dis from Lady Vigga's clutches. As Lady Adis turned to Lady Vigga, Dis and Dania were left to themselves once more.

"What was she on about this time?" Dania asked.

"I have no idea," Dis shrugged with a breathy laugh. She was nervous, much more than she had been last night or even an hour ago. Glancing at the clock, Dania realized why: it was almost time.

"I have to go meet my father," Dania said. She would have liked to stay with Dis through it all, but she would not be part of the ceremony, so she had to make it to the great hall in advance to sit in the audience like everyone else.

"I really wish you could be there with me," Dis said, a frown overshadowing her face.

"I know — so do I," Dania replied. "Next time we will speak, you will be married!"

She had meant for that to cheer up Dis, but the two of them looked at each other with wide eyes, as though the fact that the moment was well and truly upon them was only making them realize now what that truly meant.

She was getting married.

It would no longer be the two of them. It would be Dis and Vili. Dania hoped it really would not change their relationship that much, but she could not bother Dis with such worries, especially not at such a time.

The two embraced each other, but when Dis tightened her hold on her, Dania felt tears forming in her eyes. She wished she did not cry so easily, but she supposed that her reaction could be forgiven given the circumstances.

"It is not fair," Dis said with a sniff, and when they pulled apart to look at each other, Dania saw that her eyes were also damp. "You are my closest friend — you are a sister to me. You should be up there with me. With all of us."

"Don't worry," Dania said, even though she agreed wholeheartedly with those sentiments. "I'll be there. Maybe not right next to you, but I will be there, watching over you. And as soon as it is allowed I will come congratulate you, and I'll give you the biggest hug because I am so thrilled for you."

They hugged each other again, and Dania could not help but feel some resentment toward Lord Thrain for making all of this happen so soon. Then again, Dis and Vili loved each other, and it did not feel right to keep them apart. They deserved to be together, now, and for the rest of their lives. And they would have that.

With that in mind, Dania could not stop smiling as she left and made her way to the great hall.

***

Thorin stood beside his father and Vili, waiting patiently. The Great Hall was quickly filling up with people, all excited to witness the wedding of their princess.

His sister was getting married. This was such a joyous occasion — so why did he feel so forlorn?

As the years went on, he found himself focusing more and more on the unpleasant aspects of every situation, on what was missing. Thorin did not understand where this pessimism came from. His mother, so gentle and nurturing, always cared for everyone around her, and love bloomed in her footsteps where there had once been only a barren wasteland. Though much more reserved like himself, his father always stood up high regardless of how dire the situation was. Everyone around Thorin carried on while he, like a battered soldier, felt his resolve slowly leaking out of him.

Right now, no matter how hard he tried to feel the joy that warmed the room, everywhere he looked, he sensed Frerin's absence, as though there was an immense chasm in the space he should have occupied at his side. And above all this, envy pushed its way into his heart. He was happy for Dis; she deserved this, but he hated that while she could marry the one she loved, he had to bury his feelings and pretend like Dania meant nothing to him.

Unconsciously, his eyes searched the crowd, looking for her. When he found her at last, she was looking up to him. A bright smile lit her face, and he was reminded of all the beauty that bloomed in the world, untouched by the darkness that sought to oppress him. He needed to be strong for her. He would be, for her smile bore a promise. Even despite everything he made her suffer through, she still wanted him; she loved him unequivocally. What he owed her in exchange was honesty. Even if he could not do so openly, he needed to find a way to show her just how much he loved her. Thorin had already found a possible solution, though he was not sure if it was genius or madness.

He smiled back at her, then the two of them looked away to avoid being caught. There was something enticing, even intoxicating, about all this secretiveness. Granted, he was certain it could never compare to marriage — how he wished he could hold her and kiss her whenever he wished — but he could not deny that he relished in the boiling voraciousness with which she touched him after long days apart. He simply had to focus on that and all her other heavenly ways.

At that moment, the crowd began to quiet, and Thorin knew that it was time. He and his father retraced their steps and exited the room; it was tradition for the bride's family to lead her to the groom — a gesture that symbolized her protection passing from them onto him and of their faith in him to ensure her wellbeing.

Dis and his mother stood in the atrium, waiting more or less patiently. His mother held Dis' arm, smiling through the tears beginning to form in her eyes. On the other hand, Dis was twitching nervously, one hand absently fumbling with the fabric of her skirts while she repeatedly tapped the fingers of the other against each other. He suspected only his mother's hold on her was stopping her from pacing in circles. Turning around, Dis acknowledged their presence before her gaze lingered on the empty space beside him for a moment. Thorin knew that feeling all too well.

"It is time, my daughter," Thrain said in an imperious voice, though a trickle of fondness sweetened his words. "How are you feeling?"

Dis gave Thorin a quick, wide-eyed look that said, "is it not obvious?" before she turned back to their father with a soft smile. "I am well, father."

"Good," Thrain said, nodding. "Good."

Then, as though it was an impulse he had tried to control, he stepped forward and wrapped his arms around her, tentatively, in a manner that betrayed a lack of confidence in expressing emotions. Dis did not seem to care for his awkwardness; she returned his embrace by holding him tight against her, smiling widely as she rested her head on his broad shoulder. A single tear rolled down their mother's cheek.

When Dis next turned to face Thorin, they stood in silence for a moment as he stared at her in awe and pride and love, scarcely believing that this elegant Dwarrow was his annoying little sister. Her golden dress made her eyes shine brighter than stars, and her elaborate braids made her appear innocent yet mature at the same time. Thorin could not say how he knew, but he recognized Dania's touch in the hairstyle.

"Dis," he said softly.

She gave him a sheepish smile. "Well?"

He chuckled, the myriad emotions stirring inside him too difficult to translate into words. "Come here," he said, opening his arms.

Her smile widened, and she gladly embraced him. Dis was always so strong. Determined. Tenacious. In his arms, she was still all that, but she was also his little sister. He could scarcely believe she was getting married. It was all happening so fast. His father was to blame for that, but then again, Thorin knew that even if Dis had been a hundred years old, he would have felt the same.

"It really is time now, my dears," Adis said, smiling at her children fondly.

Thorin pulled away and stood to face the doors, now closed, which led to the great hall. When the doors finally opened, and they all proceeded forward, Dis held his hand more firmly. She held onto him the whole way.

The whole room was silent.

Ahead, Vili looked at Dis with wide, disbelieving eyes, like she was a goddess he should not have been allowed to gaze upon. And yet, she returned his gaze with the same ardent yearning. That only made Thorin think of Dania again.

Focus.

It was no use.

Throughout the ceremony, every word spoken by Thrain reminded Thorin of her, and against his better judgment, he saw himself standing in Vili's place with Dania standing before him, a veil of gold glowing against her chestnut hair like the star of Eärendil. He chuckled at the simile; it seemed he had been spending too much time listening to Dania talk about history and mythology. Yet, it would have been foolish of him to pretend that he did not enjoy it, even if Elves were mentioned a bit too much for his liking.

He had never been particularly attracted to abstract scholarly subjects. He appreciated them, and of course, as the heir to the throne, he had been forced to take plenty of lessons in history and politics, but he had always been more interested in physical tasks. Smithing, fighting, playing music, even settling council debates, those were all pursuits he looked forward to mastering. And yet Dania made him want to scour every book he came across for the chance to find a new story or a different translation of an old tale so that he may see that endearing look of curiosity illuminating her face.

Hold on to that, an unknown voice sounded in his head. Hold on to those moments. Let yourself be guided by hope, kindness, and love instead of grief and loss.

As Dis and Vili began to recite the Seven Dwarven Blessings, Thorin found himself looking at Dania once more, and he repeated the vows in his head, imagining her silvery voice following him.

Blessed are you, Mahal, who has created everything for the glory of Eru.

Blessed are you, Mahal, who fashioned the earth, the mountains, and the hills.

Blessed are you, Mahal, who fashioned the gems and metals in the heart of the mountain.

Blessed are you, Mahal, who fashioned the Dwarves and the seven houses.

Blessed are you, Mahal, who taught the Dwarves the skill to work the gems and metals in the heart of the mountain.

Blessed are you, Mahal, who gladdens our Halls through his children.

Blessed are you Mahal who gladdens groom and bride.*

The hall fell silent once more, and Dania smiled as she exchanged a look with her father. When she looked back ahead, her gaze met Thorin's, and she blushed deeply, though she made no effort to look away so that as Dis and Vili recited the last vow, her eyes were locked on Thorin's, and Thorin saw reflected in them the depth of those final words.

"In my Halls you will find a house, in your heart I will find a home," Vili said.

"In your Halls I will find a house, in my heart you will find a home," Dis followed, her smile audible in each syllable.

With those words, Vili and Dis, now husband and wife, shared a kiss as gentle and pure as the Summer wind caressing waters, and at last, the crowd cheered. At that moment, Thorin knew exactly what he needed to do to show Dania how much he loved her.

***

The amount of food covering the tables was staggering. After several formal dinners in Lord Yngvi's Hall, Dania should not have been so dumbfounded by the fact, but there was so much food. Dozens of different roasted meats, served alongside fritters and pies, not to mention wine and cheese, were present in mountainous quantities.

Comforted by the fact that everyone, even those remaining outside in the encampment, was being attended to and would feast to their heart's content, Dania indulged. She wiped her plate clean twice before she rested her eyes on the exquisite puddings and tarts, including — her favourite — blueberry tarts, and now she felt fuller than stuffed pork. At least she did not have to worry about dancing in such a state; who would ever ask her to dance? Not that she minded, of course. The music was inviting, but the one person she wished to dance with would not ask her. Nor should he.

She watched Thorin discreetly from across the room, admiring the way his new silver-blue shirt and tunic hugged his toned muscles, and she hoped he would look in her direction so that she could see him try and hide his smile and fail. What she got was even better than that.

Dis and Vili rushed to Thorin's side, then, looking around, Dis' gaze fell upon Dania and gestured for her to come over, a bright smile on her face. Dania quickly informed her father where she was going before making her way through the crowd to reach the trio.

"Dania!" Dis exclaimed.

Dania curtsied quickly before she let herself share Dis' excitement. "Oh, Dis!"

The two girls hugged each other tightly, giggling softly as the sweets and music flowed through them, making them feel light like birds floating above the clouds. Still holding onto her, Dis leaned in to whisper in Dania's ear.

"Earlier, we were dancing, and his hand moved and touched my hips!" she said with a squeal.

"In public? What a beast!" Dania said playfully.

As Dania moved to congratulate Vili, he hugged her, sending another wave of comforting warmth through her. No one seemed to care that such gestures were not proper. Perhaps the fervid liveliness was to blame for that. Still, Dania did not take it so far as to turn toward Thorin with the same disregard for formality.

"Are you having a pleasant time so far, Dania?" Thorin inquired formally, though his eyes shone with poorly concealed tenderness.

"Very pleasant, Prince Thorin," Dania replied. She could not resist biting her lips, knowing full well how his heart would stumble at sight and how a spark would sizzle in his belly, just as she felt by simply looking at him. "The food has been quite delicious — do you not think?"

"The wine, especially, was a welcome treat. It helped get me through Lord Yngvi's arid tale of boar hunting," he said, leaning in slightly and smirking to accentuate his playfulness. "Did you see — there are blueberry tarts."

Dania smiled. "I never miss them. Unfortunately, I think I may have eaten one too many. I feel slightly sick."

Thorin laughed. "And what will you do if someone asks you to dance?"

"Pray that moment does not come," she said, laughing along with him.

"But Dania, you must dance!" Vili interjected. "Do you not enjoy it?"

Dania had almost forgotten they were there. Damn Thorin and his eyes . . . and his smirk.

"Oh, I do!" she replied. "Very much. But, I doubt anyone will ask me."

"I will dance with you," Vili said with a kind smile. "You are most likely the only Dwarrow with whom my lovely bride would not mind me dancing."

They all laughed at this, Dis especially, but Dania shook her head. "The last thing I desire is to separate you two," she said.

Indeed, Dis was holding onto him tightly, and at that moment, another song began, the soft conversation of strings signalling the beginning of a new dance.

"Oh, let us dance again, amrâlimê!" Dis said, not even waiting for Vili's response before dragging him onto the dancefloor. Dania smiled to herself as she watched them go.

"I'm so happy for them," she mused, then turned toward Thorin, only to find him staring at her with that same, overly tender look. She wanted to slap him for being so heedless, but she melted under his gaze.

Then, shaking himself out of his stupor, Thorin looked ahead at the dancefloor, which was rapidly filling with happy couples ready to spin the night away. She and Thorin should not have been standing there together; he knew that as well as she did. Yet, neither made any attempts to correct that lapse in judgment. And Dania could not just leave. Thorin was a prince; he either had to dismiss her or excuse himself.

He did neither.

Under the cover of her skirts, her foot tapped the floor in an uneven rhythm as she waited for Thorin to do something, anything. Then she realized those around them might misinterpret her silence as a sign of disrespect, so she made a careful attempt to rectify that, hoping he would sense her hesitation.

"Do you not wish to dance, Prince Thorin?"

"I find myself at odds with the politics of it all," he replied as he clasped his hands behind his back.

From the corner of her eye, Dania saw several Dwarrows who had been eyeing him look away. She understood what he meant, but she could not resist teasing him to lighten his mood. "You always do take everything too seriously — My Lord," she said with a smile.

"Hmm, so no one would mind if you honoured me with a dance?"

He spoke in the same teasing tone, yet as soon as the words left his mouth, both of them knew they had crossed an unspoken boundary. Awkwardly, they looked away from each other, knowing they would give themselves away if they kept gazing at each other.

"Then I suppose it is lucky I do not feel well enough to dance and you have no taste for it, Prince Thorin," Dania spoke after a moment, tentatively attempting to cover up the crack in the facade.

This was a joyous occasion. She would enjoy herself, and she would make sure that he did the same. He did take things too seriously. Often, that was necessary, but not tonight. Tonight, he would rejoice in the food and music, and spend time with his friends and family, unburdened.

Unfortunately, that is the moment an unwanted guest chose to appear.

"Oh no," Dania muttered when she noticed Ester walking toward them.

Thorin gave her a quizzical look before turning his attention in the direction of her gaze. Though no sound came from his mouth, his whole body slumped momentarily as though he had released a long, weary sigh.

"Dania — at last, I have you!" Ester said after she had performed her curtsy to Thorin. Dania bit her tongue when Ester's gaze lingered a moment too long on him. "I have been trying to escape from my parents forever to come talk to you!"

"Talk to me? About what?" Dania asked curiously.

"Well, when I say 'talk to you' — I meant talk to the both of you — you know," she waved her hand dismissively and laughed, though Dania felt drained. She had actually thought for a stupid, naive moment that Ester had wanted to see her and speak with her.

"You have caught us at the right time, Lady Ester," Thorin said, causing Dania to frown. "Dania and I were analyzing some of the fashion choices and could do with your expertise."

Oblivious to his teasing tone, Ester beamed and began to talk immediately while Dania glared at Thorin, only to see him smirking mischievously. She loved to see him like this, but now she was forced to listen to Ester go on and on about necklines and ribbons.

". . . and, unlike you, My Lord, the blue does not suit him at all," Ester was saying, "though I must say you would look handsome no matter what you wore, My Lord."

Thorin flushed, clearly uncomfortable and Dania shifted on her spot. Luckily, a Dwarf was passing right by them, holding a tray of wine goblets. Thank Mahal. Dania gratefully accepted one and took a long sip, savouring its fruity aroma, before she spoke. "You see, I don't think orange tights would do him any favours."

Ester looked at her in surprise, clearly unsettled by how playful and informal Dania was toward Thorin. That look made Dania realize she was not cautious enough, but she had been unable to resist making a counterattack to Ester's blatant flattery.

Thorin laughed in response, which seemed only to confound Ester even more, though she laughed along with him after a moment.

"There you are!" Nal exclaimed as she appeared between Ester and Dania and curtsied to Thorin. "I am sick of Orvar — "

"Who?" Ester interjected.

"I told you about him. He is part of Lord Yngvi's council," Nal explained. "Anyways, he asked me to dance and he was nice so I said yes. But I have danced to the last three songs with him and he still will not leave me alone. I had to choose between losing the drink he was getting for me or being stuck with him all night, which is unfortunate since I really could do with wine."

"Here," Dania said as she grabbed another goblet from the tray, which the Dwarf was conveniently holding right next to her.

"Bless you," Nal breathed out before drinking the whole contents of the goblet in one sip. Ester looked at her reproachingly, seeming embarrassed, which made the moment even more entertaining to Dania.

As Ester and Nal continued to talk about trivial subjects, Dania found Dis and Vili in the crowd. Smiling, she watched them dance for a while and felt her spirits revive.

"Are you trying to get drunk?" Thorin asked.

She looked at him questioningly. When he pointed at her goblet, she saw that it was already empty.

"That was not my intention, but I suppose that might make this conversation more interesting," Dania said with a laugh as she nodded to Nal and Ester. Thorin smirked but said nothing.

"Well, well," someone said from behind them. Turning around, they saw that it was Dwalin. Dania was no expert on the matter, but he did seem to be the soberest person in the room. "Ye could leave some ladies for the rest of us, Thorin."

Dania chuckled, causing Thorin to smile fondly at her while Dwalin noticed her for the first time.

"Dania," he said with a nod of his head, "how are ye?"

"I am very well, you?"

"Good company, good food, and good ale. That's all I could ever ask for!" he said with a wink.

Dania smiled, but the mood changed completely in a matter of seconds when Dwalin and Ester turned toward each other. The five of them stood in awkward silence, while all around them, people applauded the musicians. That was when Dania noticed Thorin was no longer beside her. Discreetly, she looked around, only to find him speaking with his father a few feet away. When a new song began, he made his way back toward them, his smile was gone, replaced by a deep scowl. Confused, Dania shuffled on her feet and tried to read his expression, but then he spoke.

"Lady Ester," he said stoically. "Will you do me the honour of accompanying me for this next dance?"

"With pleasure, Prince Thorin," Ester replied with a triumphant smile.

Though Thorin did not look directly at her, Dania felt as though he was staring at her pleadingly, begging for forgiveness. In all honesty, Dania was surprised it had taken so long for this to happen. Not only tonight regarding this dance, but concerning King Thrain and his plans for the future. Now she had proof that he did intend to push Thorin into a marriage, and with Ester of all people.

But Thorin's promise rang hard and fast in her heart. Ester could dance with him all she wanted, but that was the only place she would have him. Dania wondered how Thorin could ever convince his father that he should not marry, but she had promised to trust him, and thus she would not agonize over that more than was needed. With that, she grabbed another goblet of wine.

Nal was once more swept away by Orvar, leaving Dania alone with Dwalin, who had just taken a sip from his own goblet of wine before mumbling something about preferring ale.

"You know, I cannot say I didna find it odd that you and Thorin are such good friends," he began after a moment, looking at Dania intently. She froze, feeling that familiar anxiety whenever someone talked of their friendship. "But now, I am glad for it. As a member of the fairer sex, ye'll be able to help him understand all those confusing signals ye girls send us."

"What do you mean?"

"I dinna care about her," Dwalin said with a strained sigh, "but I care about Thorin. He needs someone he can trust; someone he knows is not using him for power — or Mahal knows what."

"I don't understand," she said with a frown. "I thought you and Ester — "

"Well, ye thought wrong," he said before emptying the contents of his cup.

Both the conversation and the sight of Thorin dancing with Ester rendered Dania dizzy. Or perhaps that was the wine.

She excused herself and headed for the doors, desperate for fresh air. Few people remained seated; most were either dancing or standing in groups, drinking and conversing so that Dania had to push her way through the crowd. In her daze, she accidentally bumped into someone.

That someone turned out to be the queen. And she was surrounded by her husband, Lord Ygnvi and Lady Vigga, and others who were the last people Dania had the strength to deal with at the moment.

"Oh, my — I am so sorry, Lady Adis," Dania stuttered as she curtsied.

"Dania," Lady Adis said with a laugh. "It is alright. This room is so crowded; you cannot be blamed for bumping into me."

Relieved, Dania smiled, only to see that her father was standing next to the king. Knowing it was futile to try to leave without arousing suspicion, she moved to stand next to him. Mimir seemed both concerned and embarrassed by her behaviour, causing uneasiness to fester in her stomach. She hated disappointing him.

As the conversation went on around her, Lady Vigga continued to stare at her disapprovingly so that Dania felt even more like a child. She was doing her best to impress these people, make them believe that she could belong in their world, yet she only seemed capable of embarrassing herself. She was glad, then, when she noticed Airi standing next to Lord Yngvi, offering her a friendly smile.

"Where is Thorin, dear?" Lady Adis asked her suddenly. "I thought he was with you?"

"He is dancing with Ester, My Lady," Dania replied. Lady Adis looked to her husband for a moment, and Dania thought she saw a flicker of displeasure in her eyes, but it was gone in an instant.

The people on the dancefloor applauded as the music came to an end. Dania tried to see if Thorin was coming back, but the crowd prevented her from locating him. In any case, someone near cleared their throat to catch her attention, and she turned her gaze to find that Airi was now standing right in front of her, the same smile marking his features.

"How are you, Master Airi?" she asked politely, though her mind was still preoccupied with Thorin's whereabouts.

"I am very well, thank you," he said. "I hope you are enjoying yourself?"

"Oh, yes, this is a wonderful feast," Dania replied, bored from all the pleasantries the evening was demanding from her.

"Would you care to join me for the next dance?" Airi asked. Dania had not been expecting that.

"Oh . . . well, er . . ."

That was when she noticed everyone around her, including the king, looking at her, clearly expecting her to accept. Dania supposed it would be considered rude of her to decline, but it was only her father's hopeful eyes that propelled her to accept.

"It would be an honour, Master Airi," she said, resigning herself as she took his arm, allowing him to lead her onto the dancefloor.

Face to face, they stood on opposite sides of the rows of dancers, waiting for the music to begin again. They were silent for some time as Dania focused on the whistling of flutes and the veiled quavering of violins to guide her steps. She was not a very skilled dancer, especially compared to those around her, so graceful that they seemed to be floating, but at least her partner did not seem to mind.

"You must be very happy for Lady Dis," Airi broke the silence as they circled one another.

"Oh, yes! There is no one better out there for her than Vili," Dania replied absently, her eyes searching for Thorin amongst the many couples.

After twirling around some of the other dancers, they met again, and he held her hand. "And how wonderful it is that this joyous occasion takes place here. The whole family can enjoy themselves as Lord Yngvi and Lady Vigga did most of the planning."

The whole family.

Dania let go of his hand, momentarily forgetting her place. The music seemed to become low and mournful, and the whole world slowed down around her. The air became heavy, weighed down by his absence. It had been months already, and yet the wound still felt fresh, and Airi's words had scratched away the scab she had managed to grow over it.

"Have I said something wrong?" Airi asked as he grabbed her other hand and spun her, which worked as a hint leading her through the final steps of the dance.

"Er, no, not at all," Dania mumbled as the music slowed down and they return to their initial positions.

When the music finally stopped, everyone around her applauded, but she did so only half-heartedly, focusing instead on getting rid of that sickening feeling that twisted her insides.

"Oh, Durin, I am sorry — I was not thinking — " Airi said suddenly, bringing a hand to his forehead. Then, hesitantly, he took another step toward her and spoke softly. "You were close to Prince Frerin?"

There it was; that name she had crossed out of her mind in the hopes that the pain would lessen. However, with Airi's words, he was brought to life again in her mind, reminding her that all of this was wrong. Frerin should have been there with them.

"Yes," she replied. Then she sighed. Despite the pain tearing her insides, she had no right to be so rude to Airi, who was being so kind to her, albeit somewhat inconsiderate. Then again, he could not have known that they had been friends; he had only been commenting on the general unfolding of the evening. She was about to apologize for her behaviour when suddenly Airi looked behind her and bowed.

"My Lord Thorin."

Dania turned around and found Thorin standing so close to her she could have touched him. She could smell him, too, as she curtsied; hard leather and the sharp yet sweet pine aroma coming from the soap he used.

"Master Airi," Thorin greeted him with a nod of his head before turning toward her. "Are you alright, Dania?"

"Yes, I'm fine," she nodded, though he still seemed hesitant.

"Would it be alright if I stole her for the next dance?" he suddenly asked Airi.

Dania froze, attempting to keep her face blank while also staring at Thorin, trying to read his mind as confusion once again prickled her skin.

"Oh, of course, My Lord!" Airi said. He then bowed to Dania and thanked her for the pleasant time before leaving her alone with Thorin.

Couples moved in and out of the dancefloor all around them as she hesitantly looked up to him. He was watching her intently, tenderly, and when she took the hand he offered her, her heart fluttered wildly in her chest in the way that the slightest of his touches used to render her speechless when she had first fallen in love with him.

He was holding her hand. In public.

Dania could feel so many eyes on them, beholding with surprise and amazement at her being asked — and allowed — to dance with the prince. As though sensing her hesitation, Thorin squeezed her hand, a gesture that would go unnoticed by the curious stares they were attracting, but one which still made Dania hesitate.

"Is this wise?" she asked with a shaking voice as the music began. A waltz, she recognized. He would have to hold her close.

"It is one dance," Thorin replied as he bowed before her. "Hardly a prelude to a scandal."

He spoke flatly, yet Dania could sense hesitation within him, as though he had acted on a whim and was now rethinking his actions.

"You know what I mean," she insisted as she curtsied.

Her breath hitched in her throat when he placed one of his large hands on the small of her back, bringing her even closer to him. He was now so close she would have been able to kiss him if it had not been for the complicated customs and etiquette ruling the evening — and their whole lives. She wondered if everyone could see how unsettled she was by Thorin's body so close to hers and if he could sense how flustered she was.

"You seemed upset," Thorin said when the music swelled, and they began moving around the other couples. His skin was impossibly warm under her touch, and she could not help but squeeze his shoulder lightly, making his tense muscles relax. "I could not just stand by and watch you. What did he say to you?"

"Oh, er . . . nothing," Dania said, avoiding his gaze.

"Tell me." His voice was soft but insistent. Despite wanting to shield him from whatever pain she knew would seize him if she spoke, she knew better than to avoid answering him. It was better to be honest and deal with him as best she could than to risk having Thorin confront Airi in front of everyone; his overprotectiveness often took over his rationality.

"He asked about . . . your brother . . ."

Thorin said nothing, and Dania searched his eyes, but his expression remained unreadable.

"Thorin?"

The sound of his name seemed to snap him out of his stupor, as though he had finally realized how careless he had been. How careless they had been, Dania corrected herself, for she had just uttered his name, in the middle of a crowd, without care for propriety as though he was her equal in this room.

He spun her around, and when she placed her hand back on his shoulder, their eyes met once more, though this time she was looking into Prince Thorin's eyes.

"My Lord?" she asked tentatively.

"I am fine," he said, "truly."

He offered her a tentative smile, which she returned, and from that moment on, everything felt easier, pleasant, even. They forced themselves to act more formally — as was proper and expected — but softness still shone in his eyes. Dania doubted he was even conscious of it, or that he could ever stop himself. Then again, she was certain her face was never fully impassive when she was around him. She just had to pray no one was watching them too intently.

Unlike earlier with Airi, her movements were much more graceful and natural. She was like a bird who had finally learned how to fly, taking off with outstretched wings and windswept feathers as Thorin lifted her into the air. He smiled playfully at her as he set her back down, and she bit her lips to stop herself from giggling, a much too improper reaction. Being with him like this, in front of so many people, was so intoxicating, and it felt so right.

It was hard, then, when the music stopped, and she was forced to let go of him, though Thorin's hands lingered a moment longer on her.

"As soon as no one is watching you, meet me outside, he said in a low voice to avoid being overheard, though Dania risked giving them away as heat rose in her cheeks.

She nodded in response, and from one moment to the next, he was gone. As she wove her way out of the dancefloor, she tried to locate him and found him speaking with Dwalin and Balin. She kept a watchful eye on him as she conversed some more with Dis and Vili, who had finally decided to sit down after four full dances. Dis beamed at her, happier than ever, and from her lack of questioning, Dania deduced that she had probably been too absorbed by her new husband to see Thorin dancing with her. They would talk about it another day.

Soon enough, Thorin managed to sneak out of the great hall, and Dania was about to follow him when she saw Illiana staring at her from across the room. Dania stopped and smiled at her, wondering how on earth she would leave without arousing suspicion. Yet, she was also grateful that Illiana's stare had made her stop because now that she realized sneaking off mere moments after Thorin was a sure way to be caught.

Fortunately, she did not have to wait too long, either. Illiana looked away as Ester and Nal crowded her. No one was watching her anymore, and as she was already as close as she could be to a door, Dania took her chance and followed Thorin's footsteps, excitement bubbling in her chest.

—

Notes:

The Seven Dwarven Blessings were written by The Dwarrow Scholar (https://thedwarrowscholar.com/2013/04/11/whos-the-bride-dwarven-marriage/comment-page-1/)

Khuzdul translations:

Targ mimê: Little Beard

#the hobbit #thorin #thorin fanfic #thorin x reader #thorin x you #the hobbit fanfiction #thorin oakenshield x you #thorin oakenshield x reader #the hobbit fanfic #thorin x oc #thorin oakenshield x oc #heart of gold

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elles-writing · 3 years

Text

The Sounds of Home - Kili x reader

Kili x reader

Requested: Yes, by @terri205

Request: Hello there - I read one of your previous posts about taking requests so here i am asking for a drabble or oneshot with some domestic life / husband x wife with children with Kili even though his character died I really cannot get over him. Hope you are still writing for him . ( dwarf x human if that helps .. also can the height difference be erased for now ? Yk Aidan is a tall boy 😁🙃 ) wish you having a great day!

Word count: around 3k

A/N: Of course!! I write a lot for Kili, because I feel like there’s not a lot of fanfics for him, that people actually think more of Fili and Thorin, but hey, this little cute pup needs love too! (Just like Lindir. He’s also adorable.) And I’ve red somewhere on Pinterest that Thorin is actually tall 5′2 ft, which is like only solid 2 inches smaller than me (okay, I’m barely 5′4 ft)!! And Kili’s only a bit smaller than Thorin!! I’ll look for that picture and if I find it, i’ll put it here.

A/N II: I feel like my writting sucks at most of this one, I’m so sorry! I wanted it to be much, much better, but I just somehow don’t really know how to rewrite it, so I’m posting it anyways. I want to write something similar in the future, so I’ll tag you to it.

A/N III: I wrote some extra part and edited it, so now I can say I’m quite happy with it!

Tw: pregnancy, mentions of sex

Okay, so here it is. I found it on pinterest, but it’s from tumblr @richardarmitagequotes . Here is the link to it.

Playlist you don’t have to listen, but I was writting during listening to these songs: Taylor Swift - cartigan, Taylor Swift - exile, The Chainsmokers - Paris, Porcelain Black - One Woman Army, Taylor Swift - august,

It was such a long time ago when did this happened...

This was how you started your children’s bedtime story, which was their favourite - it was the story of how did their parents - you and Kili - have met and long adventure that was avaiting behind them to reclaim Erebor. About you, a young human girl, who was curious and wanted to see the world, and him, young dwarf prince, who wanted to help to reclaim his home again. And surely wasn’t counting on finding love, but yet you were here - Kili, you and your children - living in a cottage a bit aside from Erebor and Dale.

It was a sunny day, you and your children working at the garden. You were in the middle of placing tomatoes to your handbasket, when a loud scream came to your ears. You looked up and sighed at the sight of your son scaring your daughter with earthworm on a stick, which was moving around.

“Vili, stop scaring Ainiel with that earthworm. Go back to taking out the carrots out, alright? And let Ainiel to pick the berries.” Your son shook his head and went back to taking out the carrots, putting the earthworm to his hand and mumbling something to it before putting it back to the hole, where was one big carrot before.

You looked at him by the corner of your eye. He has the same hair as his father, face features, very similar personality, the only thing was his eyes - they were brown with slight e/c in them. Your daughter has gotten her father’s hair texture, face shape and a bit of his joking personality, but from you she’ve gotten her bookworm-self, able to read all day, and thinking carefully about things. Otherwise, she would be your dupe.

You looked over to your youngest child - your second daughter, who was sitting in the grass and creating a flower tiara from daisies. When she was done, she jumped up and with squealing runned to her sister and putted the tiara on her head. She let out a bubbly laugh, as toddlers do, and runned to you.

“Mama, Ainiel is a princess! I am a princess! Mama is a princess!” And placed flowery tiara she finished earlier in your hair. You smiled and she sat down to you, looking up to sky.

“Is there going to be a storm?” You looked up and noticed the dark clouds, quickly approaching. You took your youngest daughter to your arms, your basket hanging from your forearm.

“Vili, take the carrots, Ainiel, take the basket with berries, Lila...” you looked in the toddler’s eyes.

“Hold your tiara, dearie.” You looked over the garden and noticed movement on the other side of the garden on your backyard. Then someting let out a ‘meow’.

It’s probably just some cat, you thought when a typical little furry tale glimpsed through the grass. It wasn’t unusual for cats to be wondering around your house, since in a Dale many people were having cats as pets.

When you were inside, a hard rain started. You sighed out, placed Lila and the basket with tomatoes down in the kitchen, and went over to fireplace to start a fire.

Once the room was filled with warm light and sound of cracking wood, your children started with washing and clearing the vegetables. Vili and Ainiel only, because Lila was sitting on the chair cuddled in blanket. She was afraid of thunders and storms, and even though there was no thunder, there was sometimes a lightning across the sky and she squealed and jumped up.

You made a luke-warm tea for Lila and while she was sipping it, you were cutting the vegetables and meat and cooking stew.

Once the meal was done, you looked out through the window. It was raining really hard still, so you decided to take your children and cuddle behind the fireplace with tea and either read to them or tell them some story.

Once you and your children sat down, blankets were all over the place and Vili and Lila fighting over one of them.

“Lila, give it to me, you have it all the time!”

“No, I want it! Give it to me!” Vili teared out the blanket from her hands and she squealed when she fell down. She started sobbing and then vailing. Vili’s eyebrows furrowed and he kneeled down to her.

“I’m so sorry, Lila, I didn’t wanted to hurt you! Look, you can take the bla-” She teared the blanket from his hands and stick out her tongue on him. He was surprised and inhaled, but Lila jumped on him and started beating his chest by her little fists.

“I’m as strong as you!” Vili squealed when she took his hair and started to pulling them. You quickly took her off of him, careful not to pull his hair more, but a few of them stayed in your daughter’s grasp.

“You’re getting way too energetic, young lady. What’s all this about?” You sat down and she was sitting in your lap.

“He wanted to take my blanket and I fell down.” She didn’t dared to look up at you.

“It’s because the two men in Dale two weeks ago were doing this?” She mumbled a response and you shook your head.

“Lila, that’s not how you are supposed to solve problems. First, you need to talk about it. Don’t be that-” then a loud thunder and sharp lightning scrossed the sky and Lila squeaked.

“M-momma, I’m so afraid!” She nuzzled to your chest and you wrapped a blanket around the two of you. Vili and Ainiel sat next to you, wrapped in blankets.

“Will you tell us the story, momma?” Ainiel asked you, breaking the silence. A slight smile stretched your lips.

“You already know that one backwards.”

“That’s not true, I cannot say it backwards!” Vili protested and Ainiel shook her head.

“That means we already know it really well, you dumb dwarf.” Lila let out a laugh.

“Will you tell us the part with Master Baggin’s home? The beginning?” Vili made a pleading puppy look, that he surely got from his father, and you sighed.

“Okay.”

“And that one when you confessed your love?” Ainiel asked. You smiled and nodded.

“I will. So, I came here with Balin, and I didn’t wanted to be rude, because, as you know, hobbits are peaceful beings and they don’t like when someone is rude, so I just sat aside. Then, there was another knock on the door, and I told him I will open. I opened the door, and there were two young dwarves, one with blonde hair and blue eyes and the other one with dark hair and brown eyes. Me and the younger one froze in spot and the whole Shire must’ve hear us, because we both screamed: ‘YOU?!’. It was that dwarf I saved from two orcs and kicked his butt before, calling him very...spicy names for doing such a stupid thing.”

“How did you called him?” Vili pleated. You’ve never told them, that first words adressed from you to their father were ‘What were you thinking, you fucking fool?! Two big orcs twice your size?! If I wouldn’t save you, you would be dead by now!’.

It was a few days since you’ve left your home for an adventure, where Gandalf invited you.

You were thankful to the few of dwarves that lived near the village you’ve lived in, whom teached your father how to fight, which he teached you. You could get a few nice hours of sleep at night, because you didn’t have to worry about not being able to defend yourself.

The next day, around a down, settling down your things to prepare for a camp, a loud scream cutted the silence. You looked up. It sounded as if somebody needed a help.

You quickly and as quietly as you could, runned to that spot. You looked through the bushes and noticed somebody - a male - trying to fight with two orcs double size of him. One of them was holding his leg, the other one his arm and he was trying to fight with them, but you assumed they took his weapons, since he had nothing but a dagger. You quickly let out an arrow, which went straight through orc’s head, and he fell dead. You jumped out of your hiding spot and the other one chuckled darkly in black speech. You growled and jumped aside when he was trying to catch you. He tried to stab you with his sword, but you were way too quick. You jumped up at tree stump and stabbed him by your sword in it’s back. The orc fell dead, down to the ground.

You looked over to that male - a dwarf, you thought, because of his ears and he was as tall as you - and he was staring at you with awe in his eyes. Adrenalin was still in you from the fight in your veins and you got angry.

“What were you thinking, you fucking fool?! Two big orcs twice your size?! If I wouldn’t save you, you would be dead by now!” He snapped from his expression and quickly started gathering his weapons.

“I didn’t needed help, you know?! I could-I would be able to win over them!” You snorted in very un-lady like way while taking out your sword and arrow.

“Of course, but before that, you would be their dinner.” You looked over your shoulder and shook your head. No. He has just stupid brown puppy eyes.

“That’s not true!” He got angry, slightely offended. You smirked.

“All right then. You’d be their midnight snack.” You chuckled when noticed his face to redden and looked away to get to your place where you wanted to camp.

You couldn’t stop thinking about that man since then. And your angry behaviour, which you were quite sorry for.

“That’s not appropiate for your ears, children. So, where did I ended? Oh, I know!” Vili and Ainiel shimmed closer to you.

“Then, the blonde one looked at both of us and asked: ‘Where do you know each other from?’. The brown-haired muttered something under his breath and I sighed. ‘I didn’t wanted to be so rude, you know?’ He looked up at me, eyes wide, mouth slightely open and cheeks red. I got into house and...who do you think was that?” You asked your children and Ainiel, the quick thinker, was first one to answer that.

“Uncle Fili and Adad, mommy!” She grinned and you stroke her hair.

“Excellent. Now-” You inhaled to talk again, but Ainiel interrupted you.

“Now the wedding, mommy! How was the wedding? Was it big? Was it beautiful?” Her face lighted up in happiness, that was her favourite part. Vili just snorted.

“Girls. Why the wedding? It’s so boring!” You chuckled.

“One day you will find your own significant other and you won’t be snorting at the mention of weddings, because you will be the eager one to plan it all out.” Said voice behind you. You and your children turned around and found your soaking-wet, but madly-grinning husband. Vili squealed, excited, and while trying to get to him, be tripped over his own legs and blanket and landed at the floor. Lila’s fluttered open and she yawned as she woke up from her slumber, and once she noticed her father, she squealed in joy and tried to get to him, her arms opened for a hug.

“Adad! You’re home!” He picked Vili up from the floor and with a grin on his face, he picked up Lila too and spun them around. The sight of him with your children, his face lighted up with joy and absolute adoration for them was a thing that made you to appreciate every single moment like that you had.

Kili placed his two children to the ground, and even if all three of them were wet now, they didn’t really cared. You stood up.

“Now, I see, you are ready to change in something dry.” Kili looked over to Vili and Lila.

“Who’s going to be the first one changed, gets the most cookies!” Before you could even blink, Vili and Lila were already rushing to their rooms to change, and Kili went to your bedroom to change, too.

Ainiel turned to you.

“What about the wedding, mommy? How was it?” You sat down to her.

“So, at first, it was before the battle of five armies. Me and your father, your uncle, nobody knew if we will survive, so we decided to do it without unnecessary formalities. We just changed vows, gifts, kissed and braided each other’s hair.” And lost our virginities that night.

“After the battle and when Dale and Erebor was rebuilded, we got married with all of the formalities that are necessary in royal family. It was a big and eventful wedding, very loud, too. Something like celebration on Durin’s Day, but three times louder, with more dancing.” She nodded with a serious expression.

* Extra *

After the dinner (and promised cookies, which got Vili and Lila) and when your children went to sleep, you and Kili stayed together in the living room, cuddled under a blanket.

„How was your day, amralime?“ You asked him while making circles inside his palm. Kili softly kissed the top of your head.

„Uneventful and boring, givanshel. Meeting got longer today, and thanks to the storm, I was even more late than I would be. How was today for you, my precious queen?“ You felt his hand lazily making circles over the fabric on your stomach and smiled.

„Just like any other day, my dear husband. Two out of our three children took their personality after you, making every day an adventure,“ He softly chuckled and kissed your temple from the back.

„It all started with one adventure,“ He said in a low voice. You sighed softly.

„Yes, indeed it did. But I saved your butt before that adventure,“ His fingers started to make way to your hips and sides.

„Of course, my dear wife,“ He started tickling you, and you tried to giggle as quietly as possible to not to wake the children. You turned around, so you now faced Kili and sat on his lap. You kissed his nose, then his lips, and he smiled to the kiss. He pulled you closer.

„Mhmm, amralime,“ He whispered when you pulled away for air. You pushed a few strands of his hair out of his face, looking deep to his loving brown eyes

„You should go to sleep. You are tired,“ You said. He raised a brow.

„I can stay awake as long as you’d like me to.“ His eyes got that mischievous spark you knew way too well.

„I may be in love with you, but you cannot fool me, my precious prince.“ You kissed his cheek softly.

„So you want to say you’d turn down an opportunity for making love on the floor, or just right here, right now?“ You gasped and punched his shoulder softly.

„Kili!“ His sparkling eyes were watching you, while his lips tugged up into a smirk.

„You didn��t minded that when we moved in,“ He winked at you and your cheeks burned red.

„You’re right,“ You muttered and he laughed.

„But I wanted to talk to you about something...something else,“ You nervously rubbed your hands together. He furrowed his brows and cupped your cheek in his palm, making you to look at him.

„What’s wrong, Amralime?“ You felt his body tense. He was fully awake, and you just shook your head with a small smile.

„Nothing is wrong.“

„What is it, then?“ You placed his palm to your stomach. Kili’s eyes widened in realization, experiencing this for the fourth time.

„Are you-are you really-do you mean-?“ You slowly nodded.

„Around a week,“ A grin stretched across his lips and he took you to his arms, kissing your whole face, dancing around your living room.

„We’re going to have another baby, I cannot-oh Mahal, I can’t believe that!“ He kissed your lips with a smile.

„You need to rest, givanshel.“ He started walking towards your bedroom.

„I can walk on my own, Kili.“ You laughed and he kissed your temple as he kicked the door to your bedroom open.

„Well, you need to rest a lot now, so no walking for you, my love.“ He placed you down to your shared bed and you giggled.

„I need to walk at some point. Who will cook?“ Kili kicked off his boots and laid to you, placing you to his chest and resting his palm on your still flat belly. He kissed your temple and blinked, so he wouldn’t start crying out of pure happiness.

„You know how it ended up every time you ever tried to cook,“ You reminded him and he grimaced.

„Oh, c’mon amralime, I’m not that bad at cooking!“

„You cutted yourself while cutting the vegetables and then burned the soup.“

„Oh hush amralime,“ He muttered and you laughed.

„Amad was giving me a cooking lessons,“ He blurted out suddenly. You raised a brow and turned to him.

„When we were over for Durin’s day last year. Well, rather Amad was teaching me, while Lila and Ainiel were watching over the kitchens in general, and Vili, well,“ He looked sleepishly down on you.

„Vili was messing around with Fili,“ You rolled your eyes.

„I’ve noticed them, of course. I’m glad Erebor is still standing,“ You both chuckled and he started rubbing small circles on your belly. You sighed and hugged your husband closer. He kissed your forehead.

„Sleep, Amralime. You need to rest.“

„You too, Amralime. Good night.“

„Good night, my princess.“

#kili x reader #kili x you #kili #the hobbit fanfiction #the hobbit x reader #the hobbit au #kili durin #kili-x-reader #request

108 notes · View notes

kibleedibleedoo · 3 years

Text

Hero of your own fate

Chapter 10

A.N. - I got really into the lore while writing this chapter so I thought it would be interesting to talk about it with the dwarves. Plus how else am I supposed to tell Fili and Kili about guns

Word count - 2,223

Pairings - Thorin x Fem!Reader

Warnings - war, death, mental illness, self doubt

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-Your POV-

It was a few hours before you decided to return to the company. Thorin made good on his word everyone was dressed in their proper attire and the troublesome two were on their best behaviour. He gave a gentle nod in your direction causing a fresh wave of red to flush your face. Kili looked like he was going to say something but was rather aggressively elbowed by Dwalin before a single syllable left his lips.

“Did ye find anything good to read in the library lass?” Dwalin asked as you took your place on your bedroll. He was looking for a way to keep conversation away from what happened earlier.

“Not really most of it was in Sindarin which isn't really helpful when you’ve only heard a few words spoken.” You shrugged.

“Typical elves.” Fili grumbled causing the rest of the dwarves to mumble in agreement. Bifur took this moment to pass you a plate of something.

“Ablâg” he gestured moving his hand to his mouth. The plate was full of a collection of meats and cheeses and some bread. The food had gone quite cold but you didn’t mind. Apparently, the elves had delivered food to the company instead of summoning you all to dine together while you were away.

“Thank you, Bifur.” You smiled at the friendly dwarf. “Lord Elrond was kind enough to teach me some of his history when he found me staring at one of the murals. It just seems so amazing that you have confirmation of your creators and nobody thought to tell me Gandalf is a lesser-god.” At this the company looked at you confused. Every single one of them. It felt like their eyes were staring into your soul. “Did you lot not know he was a Miar?” It took a few moments before anyone responded.

“Aye. That we knew” Gloin finally chimed in. “What do you mean confirmation of our creators?”

“Lord Elrond said that Eru created elves and men, one awakening with the stars and the other when the sun was created. He also said that Dwarves were created by Aulë and you slumbered deep underground until after the Elves awakened during the age of stars. He also said that these Valar live in the Undying Lands and something about the elves being able to cross the sea to reach Valinor.” Not a single member of the company had looked in another direction since you began speaking. Even Bombur had stopped chewing whatever he was eating at that particular moment. Anxiety hit you like a ton of bricks. You had started so confident but now it felt like you were talking nonsense. “I think that’s what he said.”

“Lass did your parents not teach you this when you were little?” Bofur spluttered out, tack never had been his strong suit. Gandalf took this moment to finally interrupt the conversation with his arrival. He had an uncanny knack for interrupting conversations precisely when they needed him.

“It would have been hard for them to seeing as they wouldn’t know it themselves” Gandalf cut in. “Our y/n is not of our world master dwarf. She comes from a land very different from this one. A world untouched by Eru himself. A world without great evil but full of selfishness and greed.”

“But who made you and your kin?” Fili directed the questioning back to you. There was a hum of agreement from all of the dwarves except Thorin, who once again refused to look in your direction. You glanced at Gandalf for more help but the wizard had already made himself comfy puffing away on his pipe.

“Well, we don’t really know.” Everyone seemed thoroughly dissatisfied by that answer. “We have theories and dozens of religions but mainly people decide based on the information available, what aligns with their moral compass as well as how and where they were raised. It varies from person to person especially in the modern era where science tells us more about our past than ever before and people are less likely to be persecuted for their beliefs.” That answer seemed to satisfy the majority of the company.

A select few wanted to know more. Fili, Kili, Ori, Bofur, Oin, and Bilbo all got up to sit near you to find out more. Ori brought his book and wanted to write everything you said down, it almost seemed like a fantasy story to him. Oin wanted to know everything about the scientific advancements especially in terms of medical treatments. Not that you were very knowledgeable in that subject but you knew some basic first aid which you told him. He was very happy to hear that and quickly recruited you to be an apprentice healer for the company. To you that meant so much, you were no longer useless, you had a purpose on this quest. Maybe Thorin wouldn’t consider you a burden anymore. The others mainly enjoyed hearing stories from another world especially the technology.

-Thorin’s POV-

The moment Gandalf had said “untouched by Eru” Thorin’s heart dropped. If your existence was not influenced by one of the creators then there is no way Mahal could have made you Thorin’s one. It would be impossible. Yet Thorin couldn’t deny the way he felt about you. It was nothing like he had ever experienced before. I was like there was a physical tie attaching the two of you. He dreamt of your beauty. He wanted to be close by at all times, to share in your happiness. He wanted to protect you, to keep you safe and healthy. He wanted you to want him. No, it wasn’t a want it was a need for those things. He felt the same way that Dis had mentioned feeling when she first met Vili. He was so sure that you were his one that he would have bet all of the gold in Erebor on it and yet here he was.

Every mention of your world stung. He hoped the quiet chatter would drown it out, take his mind away from the mysterious girl who had enchanted him. Yet his nephew seemed insistent on learning more about the weaponry from your world and the things you called guns. In different circumstances he would have loved to learn about ways to better protect his people yet now he just couldn’t stomach it.

With everyone occupied Thorin to the opportunity to leave. He waited until he was out of earshot before he began cursing Mahal. To Thorin it seemed he had been cursed with only misery and pain in his life. It had been far too many years since to joy of his youth, with his whole family around him. Before the dragon sickness tormented his grandfather, before Smaug killed his mother and took Erebor, before the battle of Azanulbizar took three generations of his family from him. He had no time to grieve, he had to look after his young sister and lead his people to prosperity. To work hard, to provide, to make a better life. Now that his end goal seemed within reach it seemed Mahal had taken it upon himself to land another blow by making his one a woman who can’t possibly have him as her one. To him it seemed unnecessarily cruel.

Thorin was unsure how long he had been aimlessly wandering lost in his thoughts. It was now late into the evening with the stars high in the sky. From a small flicker of light, a woody smell, and the sound of cheer he could tell the company had decided to have a late supper though where they got the food he did not know. One of them must have found the location of the kitchen. Likely the hobbit, even Thorin had to admit Bilbo could find food even in a mine, he could give Bombur a run for his money.

He settled on a balcony overlooking Rivendell just around the corner from the rather jovial group. Thorin wasn’t sure if he could face you just yet, the fact that you were nervous around him seemed to be a blessing in disguise. It wasn’t long before his peace and quiet was disturbed, Bilbo had stumbled upon his place of solitude. Though it seemed the hobbit hadn't realised that just yet.

“The throne of Erebor is Thorin’s birth right. What is it you fear?” Thorin knew the elf doubted them the moment he learned of the quest. Gandalf should know it would be no use reasoning with an elf. They sought to stop the dwarves becoming great hubs of power at every opportunity they could. Erebor was the mightiest kingdom of them all and it would be again if the quest was successful. Thorin took a step forward focussing on the conversation, causing Bilbo to become aware of his presence.

“Have you forgotten? A strain of madness runs deep in that family. His grandfather lost his mind. His father succumbed to the same sickness. Can you swear Thorin Oakenshield will not also fall?” It seemed that Mahal hadn’t wounded Thorin enough that night. Thorin shared those doubts though he would never tell a soul, yet to hear another voice those concerns cut deeper than any physical wound. After all he had done, after everything he achieved for his people his reputation revolved around his grandfather's illness.

“Oi people can hear you!” Came a shout from the balcony below. “If you’re going to talk about people at least go where they can’t hear you.”

-Your POV-

You had been looking for Bilbo to offer him another plate before Bombur took it. You found him quickly and noticed Thorin was with him. Both looking out over the city of waterfalls. It wasn’t until you followed their gaze did you notice Lord Elrond and Gandalf talking below. The moment you heard the wizard mention Thorin the noise of the company seemed to fall away, you were shocked to hear of Elrond’s doubts. Especially since they were being expressed out in the open. Your opinion on the pair immediately flipped and in that moment you felt you understood why the dwarves hated elves so much.

Your mouth worked faster than your brain. Before you knew it you had shouted at your host but in your anger you felt no shame. The pair hurried off together into a room out of sight. When your attention returned to Bilbo and Thorin you saw only a shocked hobbit and a heartbroken dwarf at the top of the stairs.

“They had no right to say those things about you Thorin” This was the first moment you had seen a hint of weakness in the dwarf king. They had clearly struck a nerve.

“They had every right.” There was no anger in his voice only sadness. You felt his pain and it cut deep. You wanted to hold him to let him voice his troubles. To help lighten the weight of all that he carries yet you held back. Why would a king trust you, you knew he doubted you and your motives but you could not bring yourself to leave him like this. Slowly you made your way up to the balcony and took your place besides Bilbo leaning against the railings.

“I see there’s a stigma around mental illness here too. I wish people would realise that its nothing to be ashamed of.” You sighed likely realising what you were saying was falling on deaf ears. “I don’t know what happened to your grandfather or father but you can't fear what hasn’t happened yet. If you do then the anxiety spirals out of control until you can no longer get out of bed.” You didn’t dare look at either of them. What had started with you trying to be reassuring had begun turning into a type of therapy for you. “It ran in my family too and I know how much it sucks knowing that all the sadness and worry is coded into your genes but its better knowing and being prepared. I can guarantee every single one of those dwarves down there will help and support you if or when you need them”

You finally decided to turn to Thorin and look him straight in the eyes. It was a bold move and you knew it but you needed to covey how important this was to you. His gaze lacked his usual intensiveness but he did not look away. “You cannot let fear hold you back.” He seemed to be grateful for those words. He gave you a small nod and sighed.

“Then we must leave before they can stop us!” It was only then you were able to look away. The strong self-assured dwarf king was back. “Bilbo take a few dwarves and head to the kitchens. Take foods that will last us on the road. I do not know when we will get an opportunity like this again. Be quick but stay out of view. Y/n start gathering your things. It might be worth changing back into your travelling clothes.” He motioned to the elven dress you were still wearing. Your clothes should be dry enough now that changing wouldn’t be an issue. “We must make haste if we are to be gone by the time the sun rises.”

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Ablâg - food

#king thorin #thorin #Thorin Oakenshield #thorin fic #thorin x reader #thorin oakenshield imagine #slight angst #readerxthorin #fem!reader #thorin x y/n #thorin x you #slow burn #hobbit #the hobbit #king under the mountain #Kilby writes

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blooeyedtroll · 5 years

Note

Oh My God - your Vili! YOUR VILI!!! I LOVE your versions and headcanons about him! It’s so awesome to hear how others depict characters! And you have him with Nori!!! My version of Fili and Kili’s Father ( different name tho ) has the same look as yours - blonde, braided hair and beard, and brown eyes! Thanks so much for sharing this with us!!! Have a good one!

Thank you so much “Nonny”!

Vili holds such a special place in my heart. As well as his relationships with his wife Dis, his sons Fili and Kili, brother in-law Thorin, and best friend Nori. I’m so happy others enjoy my thoughts/ideas on his backstory. Someday if I ever have the time, I’d love nothing more than to ether write and/or draw his story and do him some justice.

I’m currently in the works with @messybitch802 on a fanfiction/fanart collab Hobbit inspired project. In which, we will be using this as Vili’s cannon backstory for whenever Vili is brought up in our works. Really looking forward to those pieces in particular.

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writingfromkitchenator · 3 years

Text

First Yule

Christmas fic

Masterlist

Requested by Anon

Fili x Female Reader

Words: 1,460

Warnings: Fluff, family fluff, excited child

Fili stirred from sleep, stretching to force his mind fully awake, even as he let out a groan, his body aching a little, earning a giggle from you.

He opens one eye to look at you, already sitting up in bed, a book open on your lap. “Morning love, does my pain amuse you?”

You smile at him. “Of course not dear, it’s just that whenever you do that, it’s like you’re making out you are much older than you are.”

Fili chuckles and rolls over to you, burying against your side. “Why are you awake so early?”

“I’ve been waking early most mornings,” You give a soft sigh, running your fingers through your hair. “It seems Vili has given it to me as a bad habit, although, I’m very surprised he’s not awake yet, given how excited he’s been.”

As if on cue, a small voice carries down the hall, making you both laugh softly.

“I’ll get him.” Fili said, climbing from bed, placing a kiss on your cheek.

A few moments later, after hearing a lot of giggling coming down the hall, Fili walks back into the bedroom, a small blonde haired boy in his arms, giving you a toothy grin and holding out grabby hands.

“Mama!”

You chuckle as Fili hands him over, peppering him with kisses. “Good morning Vili, are you excited for today!”

Vili giggles and squirms in your arms, trying to fight you off. “Yule!”

Both you and Fili grin at your son, while he was still too young to understand most of it, he was still sensitive to everyone through Erebor getting excited over it, meaning he got even more excited for it. He had spent weeks pointing out all the decorations, babbling excitedly and curiously about what it was all about.

When you and Fili started gathering presents, this got his excitement up even more.

Sure enough, he climbed down off the bed and tugged your hand. “Mama!”

“I think he wants his presents.” Fili said with a wink. “Shall we?”

You chuckle. “I’m surprised we don’t actually have other company yet either, but yes, before he pulls my arm off.”

Fili scoops Vili back into his arms, making him squeal and you make your way out into the living room, Vili quickly trying to squirm free.

“Easy little one,” Fili chuckled, earning a slightly pouted look. “I know, but we have to give them to you, okay?”

Vili blinks and then nods slowly, understanding.

You smile, quickly getting the fire burning up again. “Okay, which one do you want first?”

Soon, there was paper everyone, Vili almost buried under it, no matter how much he tried to throw it away from him, toys, books and clothes getting lost in amongst it all. The only thing that hadn’t moved from his side so far, was a stuffed rabbit, that you’d spent the last few months making for him. It was probably a little too big for him yet, but Vili did not seem to mind at all.

Vili’s smile didn’t drop as he pulled out another gift, a cute little hat that he quickly pulls onto his head.

You couldn’t help but giggle at this. “Has Bofur been encouraging him again?”

Fili joins in with the laughter as Vili pushes the paper away, his rabbit in his free hand, talking away. “Are you kidding? He can’t get enough of Bofur, keeps trying to steal his hat too.”

Vili hurries over to you and you scoop him up, where he places a very wet kiss against your cheek. “Ta!”

You kiss him, smiling widely. “You are very welcome Vili. Don’t forget to thank Papa too.”

Smiling, Vili holds his arms out for Fili, he quickly takes him, and he gets a very wet kiss too. “Ta!”

Fili chuckles, kissing his cheek before tickling his side. “Alright my little one, let’s go wash up and get dressed. We’ve got to go see Nana!”

“Nana!” Vili throws his hands up in the air, almost losing his rabbit, but he quickly pulls it back to himself, holding it tight and smiling.

There was an organised chaos as you and Fili took it in turns to get Vili ready, who kept wondering back to all his new things, and it only got worse when there was a knock on the door.

Vili rushes over it, although still much too short to reach the handle, and he says something that almost sounded like he was asking who it was.

There was laughter on the other side, even as Fili hurried out, picking Vili up. “How is my little dwarf?”

“Unk Ki!” Vili squealed as the door opened and Fili almost dropped him as he leant over to go to Kili.

Kili takes him, laughing. “Look at you! You get bigger every time I see you!”

Fili chuckles. “Don’t remind us, we swear he grows bigger every night.”

“He does!” Kili nods, even as Vili starts talking to him. “It won’t be long before I can’t pick him up!”

“Then you’ll have to start working hard.” You said, smiling. “Because he’s going to want his uncle running after him, we all know that.”

“Absolutely, Y/N and I do enough of that now,” Fili chuckles. “So it must be your turn seeing as you want him to get bigger quicker.”

“Bah, he’s not so bad,” Kili said. “I’m sure I can handle it.”

“Uh huh.” You and Fili said together before grinning at each other.

Kili chuckles and shakes his head. “Come on, are you two ready to go, or what?”

He kept a hold of Vili, still talking away, as you made your way through the winding halls of Erebor, many voices greeting, Vili always talking at them excitedly, making them laugh. It was as you reached the open hall that he screams even more excitedly.

“Nana!”

Dis turns and breaks into an instant smile, hurrying over to him as he tried to fight out of Kili’s grip. “Vili! Has my boy been enjoying his morning?”

Vili nods and starts to talk at her too, Dis nodding as she listens, greeting the rest of you, and she doesn’t miss a beat as she answers Vili, no matter nonsensical his words seemed.

Fili tugs you close, watching his mother walk easily around with Vili. “I think she has the magic touch, I don’t know how she does it.”

You giggle, kissing his cheek. “She went through it twice Fili, I think she has permission too.”

Vili points at his new hat and talks even more excitedly to Dis, who laughs and nods with him.

“Yep, and that hat is never coming off,” Fili chuckles. “What have I done?”

“Made your son incredibly happy,” You give him a squeeze. “And that’s all we ever want.”

“Tho!” Vili’s voice made you both look over again, a wide smile on his face, practically bouncing in Dis’ arms. “Tho!”

A deep chuckle makes you both turn, Thorin standing there, smiling, eyes alight even as he hugs Kili in greeting. “Sorry I’m late.”

Fili laughs, hugging him. “It’s okay Uncle, we’re used to it by now.”

“I’m going to pretend you didn’t say that,” Thorin chuckles, greeting you as well with a tight hug. “I think your son is trying to get my attention.”

Vili was practically chanting his name now, making Dis laugh hard.

Thorin takes him and almost instantly pretends to drop him, holding him upside down, making Vili squeal in delight, and this goes on for several minutes, Thorin pretending to have him each time before dropping him down again, Vili completely unfazed even as he kept losing his hat, it just made the game more fun.

“Happy Yule my love.” Fili said quietly, placing a soft kiss to your temple.

“And to you.” You smile at him and tug him down for a proper kiss.

“Are the others coming?” Kili asked. “I’m starving.”

You and Fili laugh as Dis hits him. “Have some manners, I raised you better than that. We have presents to do first anyway!”

Thorin joins the laughter, Vili now securely up on his shoulders. “That’s only what I was thinking myself Dis.”

Vili nods, but it wasn’t till he spoke that you all realised he was understanding. “Food!”

She rolls her eyes, but smiles widely. “You are all terrible, anyone would think that you’re related.”

Others began to arrive, but Vili was now set on Thorin’s shoulders and had no intention of moving anywhere, earning more than a few laughs.

Soon, everyone was seated around a table, Vili sitting between you and Thorin, and you all settled down into food and laughter, Vili quiet often making himself the centre of attention, but no one seemed to mind.

#christmas fics #the hobbit #fili #fili x female reader #short #drabbles

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lablass-2882 · 4 years

Text

Soulmark Au with LOTR and Hobbit characters. Part 2

Who’s ready for some character headcannon’s? Anyone?

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Thorin: Thorin is not proud of his soul-mark. In fact, he hated it for the longest time. His mark is a delicate bouquet of Belladonna blossoms wrapped in a burgundy red ribbon with a dagger nestled in-between the petals. The flowers seemed to sway and grow on their own accorded. Hiding the mark was especially difficult during his exiled years. Often laughed at for have such a strange mark; at one point he debated slashing the mark off of his left arm. An old human beggar stopped him. She warned him that if he harmed the mark in any way, that his beloved would be harmed in the same the fashion. Thorin is many things, but he drew the line at harming his “one” in such a petty act of anger. Years later a certain hobbit would explain the meaning of his mark and point out the hidden dagger. Alluding to his “one” being of both natures; delicate and fierce. He gains a new apparition of his mark afterwards.

Bilbo: Bilbo has a shield for their mark. A rather strange shield with twin swords forming a X at its back. From one sword hangs a crown and from the other hangs a blue coat. At the shield’s center their lies a rune that Bilbo has never been able to properly read. The ruin seemed to come and go as it pleased. The crown and coat seemly wonder off from time to time as well. While traveling with the company, Bilbo picked up some runic signs and finally was able to translate the ruin. What they found out was less then illuminating. The ruin was simple a sign of loyalty or maybe royalty. Bilbo still doesn’t fully know.

Dwalin: Dwalin’s soul mark is a closely guarded secret, only four people have every seen his mark. The list is limited to his father, his brother, Thorin and Nori; although Nori will NEVER admit to seeing it. It’s located on the small of his back. Dwalin’s mark is a five-pointed star made of knives. He hates it because he knows exactly what it means and he is very grumpy about it.

Nori: Nori has a soul mark similar to Vili (Dis’s husband) and Biblo. It’s a wooden shield with twin war hammers behind it that form a X. Along the rim on the shields are runes for strength, bravery and loyalty. Several people have seen it and he honestly doesn’t care if people do. This pesters Dwalin to no end. He also knowns exactly what it means and who it’s for. Nori is very salty about it.

Dis: Dis soul mark is an axe and chisel wrapped with a golden cloth. Dis was confused by her mark for the longest time. Its simplicity made it hard to figure out and since most dwarfs are craftsmen of some sort. It wasn’t until she met Vili in the blue mountains did she finally figure it out. Dis and Vili met while building up an outpost in the mountains. She was visiting the outpost with her brothers and Vili was one of the craftsmen. Strapped to his right arm was a small throwing hatchet and a wooden chisel. After meeting Vili, Dis pestered him weeks until he agreed to a date.

Vili: Vili’s mark is equally as simple as Dis’s mark. His mark is a wooden shield with a single sword at the top. Within the shield is the runes for love and beauty. Its located high up on his right arm and is often covered up by his tools or a sleeve. He never believed that he would find his “one” after traveling to the Blue Mountains. So many died during the journey and the chances of him finding his “one” were slim. Then came Dis, daughter of Thain son of Thor. After a chance meeting while working on a project the pesky exiled princess would hardly give him a monuments rest. Vili lasted for three weeks before finally giving in to her demands for a date.

Fili: Like his mother and uncles, Fili was very confused by his mark. It’s a delicate pure white snowflake with northern ruins carved into its pattern. It sits quietly at the top of his right shoulder. Fili swears that there are days where he can feel the marks cold touch. As a child Fili has a very clear memory of his mark burning him. The pain was so bad that he ran crying into his mother’s arms. Dis later explained that something must have happened to his soulmate and that his mark is burning because of it. (Secretly she worried that this meant that Fili’s soulmate was dead, but she never let her worries show.) Fili hated his mark for a while after the pain calmed down. As he got older, he forgot that the mark even existed, it wasn’t until he met Skadi that he remembers his mark. Although, he would take a year to figure out that the runes in the snowflake spelled out Skadi’s name.

Skadi: Skadi’s mark has always trouble her and for the longest time she wasn’t even sure if she still had one. Her mark is/was located on her right shoulder. When she was young her mark took the form of a lion’s face with a sword held in its mouth. But after nearly dying at the claws of a Shadow Lion, Skadi’s mark disappeared completely. It wouldn’t reappear until she hit adulthood. Returning with a searing pain that felt like a hot iron being pressed into her skin. Now her mark shows a Lion’s paw flanked by twin blades with runes etched into the blade. The left blade spells the name Fili and the right says Lionheart. Surprisingly the mark exists over scars on her shoulder and when she touched it, she swears she can feel its warmth. Skadi’s didn’t know what to make of her new mark; it remained a mystery to her until she met Fili. When they met, Skadi’s mark started to heat up again. It would take her another year and a lot of research to figure out what the gods where trying to tell her.

Kili: Kili’s mark is an arrow. A very fancy elven arrow, with vines curling around it. For the longest time, Kili thought that maybe his “one” made arrows. It wasn’t until someone pointed out the elven design of the arrows the Kili began to worry. This caused a lot of self-doubt in Kili’s mind. It didn’t defiantly didn’t mean that his “one” was and Elf. They probably just made arrows for the elves, or were just a really skilled craftsman, right? Right? Wrong! Once he met Tauriel, Kili’s fate was sealed. He fell hard for Tauriel and even harder on his pride.

Tauriel: Tauriel’s is very simple. Too simple for her “one” to be an elf. Elven marks are elegant and meaningful. Not a plain trio of arrows with strange symbols on them. When Tauriel was young she would have done anything to change her mark but as she got older, the more the mark to grow on her. After serving the high elves, Tauriel had her fill of snotty nobles and their rules. She hated breaking Legolas heart, but they both knew better. Meeting Kili was experience for her. Never in a million years would she have ever thought that her “one” was a dwarf. But the more she thought about it, the more it made sense. Stupid, ironic sense.

Legolas: Like many others, Legolas hatted his soul-mark for the longest time. What prince of elves has an axe for a soul-mark! Certainly not the noble or respectable kind. No sir. Legolas would hide his mark for centuries before finally coming to terms with it. For the longest time he believed that battle was is true soulmate, but after the Battle of the Five Armies, Legolas thought differently. Legolas would quietly resign to forget his mark ever existed and submitted to his fate of never finding his “one”. Then he met Gimli, and then his axe grew vines. Vines with bright orange marigolds and pretty little white starflowers. Legolas was begrudgingly sold on the idea of dwarves not long after.

Gimli: He has a strange mark. Gimli’s mark is a bow with elk antlers and stars all around it. No one knew what his mark meant; not his parents, nor his uncle, even his cousins were confused. Gimli took it all in stride, thought. He my not be the smartest dwarf in history, but he knew that the gods had a plan for him. Why else would he have a mark full of stars? Then he met Legolas and……… Gimli realized nothing. Even after fighting together for years, Gimli stilled knew nothing about his mark. It wasn’t until Legolas spelling the whole thing out for him, that Gimli finally understood. He wasn’t completely disappointed.

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Well that was fun to write. I have a fanfic in the works about this whole concept.... but I have no clue who long that will take me to write. Fingers crossed that my writers block stays away for a while. Anywho....

Enjoy the content and Peace out.

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gwynbleiddyn · 3 years

Link

rating: mature -> explicit

relationships: m!eivor x vili

summary: Eivor holds the fated threads of many in his bloodied hands, but for every alliance he might build and every life he might save, it will not be enough to undo what he has lost. Echoes of forgotten lives have shown him that fate cannot be bent or broken, it cannot be twisted or torn - it simply is. Some threads lead to tangles of the heart, betrayal looming beyond a veil Eivor cannot pierce. Others lead to long-awaited reunions, and the building of a future that once existed only in a dream. Can Eivor find peace in knowing that he cannot pick and choose from the threads the Nornir spin?

Chapter 3 → Sigurd closes the gap between them, reaching out to land his hand on Eivor’s shoulder. “Come now. My destiny awaits.” And just like that, hope dies in silence between the bones of his ribcage, confining a bruised and beaten heart to its stubborn and lonely song.

#eivor x vili #m!eivor #fic: for we who fall #tag: nyarmamaitar #ac valhalla #eye horror tw

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legolasbadass · 3 years

Text

Heart of Gold, Chapter 16

Characters: Thorin, Dis, Thrain, Dwalin, Balin, Original Characters

Relationship: Thorin x OC

Setting: Post Azanulbizar, Pre Quest of Erebor

Notes: Hi everyone! I hope you are all well and staying safe! These notes are becoming redundant, but I will still apologize for the long wait I have imposed on you (again)! I had a crazy finals season, and then I had barely any inspiration or motivation to finish/edit this chapter! I have spent the last week and a half editing, so I would really appreciate any feedback on this chapter. I also promise (I know, big word, but I really promise!) that you won't have to wait as long for the next chapter. Some exciting things are happening in the story, and I could not be more eager to share them with you! Without any further ado, here is the long-awaited 16th chapter. I hope you enjoy it! 💙

This is the 16th chapter to my Thorin Oakenshield fan fiction, Heart of Gold, which can be read in full on ao3. Go check it out there to read from the start! Please consider liking or reblogging if you enjoyed this chapter or if you are enjoying the story so far!

Word Count: 6893

Thorin could not for the life of him concentrate on the council meeting. It felt as though they had been at it for hours. Glancing up at the clock, he saw that it was now four o'clock in the afternoon, only to realize he had no idea when the meeting had started. All he knew was that it was probably too long ago.

Four o'clock. That meant Dania would be sitting with his mother and sister for tea time. Despite all his best intentions, he could not help but think of her at the most inappropriate times.

Being the heir was his duty.

But she was his heart.

His One.

Why did his father have to recount their whole eventless journey to Lord Yngvi? It was as though he was inciting Thorin's mind to wander; like he was inviting him to drift down deep, secluded dreams where he and Dania were together, and they faced neither enmity nor aversion.

In this fanciful world, he held her proudly, boldly, and loved her frankly and openly. That was what she deserved. Nothing less. The image of her being his — wearing his clasp in her braid, his colours on her gown, and his hand on her arm — was driving him mad. That image almost made him stand up on his feet at that very moment and profess his undying love for her in front of all these council members — their opinions be damned.

But he knew he could not. He must not because he knew what their reaction would be. He knew the frown that would cover their faces and the scandalized revulsion that would flicker in their eyes. And he knew their opinion did matter, regardless of how much he wished it did not.

Dania deserved nothing less than his undivided devotion and to be adored and respected like the jewel she was. That was why he could not forgo their support and condemn her to a life of shame and shunning because she was not the one their kin approved of. Even though he knew there was no one better for him than her, that there was no one better than her to stand by his side and support him through his life. He had to keep it inside.

He could not stand the fact that she had to suffer because of their closed minds. The sight of her tear-stricken cheeks as she told him of the venture she was forced to undertake to keep their union secret haunted him. He despised all the people in this room because of it.

But he had to keep it inside. Sulking, he pressed his fists into his thighs to stop himself from screaming in rage at the injustice of it all.

A hand on his arm pulled him back to reality. Vili was looking at him; concern etched onto his face. Thorin nodded to let him know he was alright and forced himself to concentrate on the conversation unfolding before him.

"With all due respect, My Lord, we are still recovering from Azanulbizar. At this time of the year especially, our supplies are lower than they have ever been, " one of the council members was saying. He was young, perhaps even younger than Thorin, but already he stood right next to Lord Ynvgi; a sign of the trust his lord had in him, a sign of his influence in this room.

Most of the council members were young, yet already they occupied the most influential positions and already led their families.

We are still recovering from Azanulbizar.

How long would that battle haunt them?

So many people — too many — had perished, had suffered, or had been forced to grow up too fast just as he had, many years ago, on the other side of the world when that wretched worm had attacked his homeland.

"I agree with Master Agnar," one of the eldest members said as he stood up. "However, Lord Thrain, like his ancestors before him, is an ally to the Firebeards*." Thorin looked around at those words, assessing where people's loyalties lay. "He has chosen our Halls for his only daughter's wedding — a most joyous occasion — is it not our duty to lend him our hand?"

Lord Ynvgi gave a slight nod, though whether this was a gesture of agreement or dissent, Thorin did not know.

"Master Mundi is right," said a younger Dwarf whom Thorin recognized as Master Airi, the one who had warned them of the orcs' numbers before the battle. "Besides, a wedding would be a welcomed distraction from the hard winter we have suffered."

Several side glances were shared in response. His words rang true, though perhaps they did not form the most persuasive argument.

At the other end of the table, a tall Dwarrow stood and looked to Lord Yngvi.

"Yes, Lady Ragnhildr," Lord Yngvi nodded.

"Perhaps a bargain may be struck, My Lords," she began in a silvery voice. "I believe it is safe to say that I am not the only one who would be honoured for the wedding to take place here in Lord Yngvi's Hall. We may even lend Lord Thrain a hand as he ventures further South and finds a place to settle permanently — "

"Lay Ragnhildr, I usually applaud your council, but this is preposterous. We do not run a charity," the Dwarf right next to Lord Ynvgi interjected.

Thorin heard his father sigh as Lady Ragnhildr smiled scornfully. "Perhaps if you would let me finish speaking my mind, there would be no need to insult my intelligence and hurt your own in the process."

A few, including Vili, had to stifle their snorts.

"As I was saying," she went on with a side glance to the one who had interrupted her, "Perhaps we may strike a deal. The wedding takes place here, and we offer help as you find a place to settle. In exchange, as soon as your forges are up and running, you must give us a third of the weapons produced within the year, and we have your word that if any orcs, or even Men, come to attack us, we can count on your support."

She and Lord Yngvi were staring at each other as she spoke, and he was nodding in approval as she went.

"This is not charity," she said, scanning the table until her eyes landed on Thrain. "Nor is this a favour. This is business. As many of my colleagues have pointed out: times are hard. We will only survive if we can count on one another."

Thorin found himself nodding in approval. Of course, fulfilling such a deal would be a strain on them, but what other choice did they have? They needed their help. And his father, who was intent on Dis being married as soon as possible — "for the good of the line of Durin," as he put it — would find even more cause to agree to this plan.

Thorin had to admire Lady Ragnhildr's negotiation skills. He only had to place himself in her shoes to see that, given the circumstances, this was the best offer she could make and that it was actually an advantage to both parties.

Fortunately, Thrain agreed with his son's unspoken opinions. It only took one glance between them, and the king was nodding. "Very well, Lord Yngvi."

"I am honoured to host your daughter's wedding, Lord Thrain," Lord Yngvi said formerly, but there was something in his tone that hinted at old friends coming together rather than two lords signing an agreement. "Especially since, long ago, I was very close to Lord Viljar, Lord Vili's father," he added for the benefit of the younger council members. "This wedding shall be a celebration of my friendship with him as well as my friendship with you, Lord Thrain.

"There is much planning to get through before that joyous day is upon us," he went on. "But I think this is progress enough for today. I, for one, would like a very large ale." As soon as he said so, the boy sitting next to him stood to fulfill his request. "This meeting is adjourned, for now."

Finally, Thorin thought with a quiet sigh. He was satisfied with how the negotiations had concluded, but all he wanted now was to rest. He still would not get that. There was to be a feast tonight, and then there would be more negotiations tomorrow, and then soon enough, they would be back on the road.

"Are you alright, brother?"

Thorin turned to face Vili and froze. Images of warm Spring days filled with honeycakes and laughter flashed in his mind, juxtaposed with blood and screams. Brother. Frerin always called him that. Not Thorin. Brother.

"Thorin?"

"I am fine," Thorin said firmly, then, more gently, "I am fine. Thank you."

His father, along with Mimir, Dania's father, and Nar, was still conversing with Lord Yngvi, so Thorin made his way out of the council room. He was halfway down the hallway when he realized Vili was walking next to him.

"So," Vili said tentatively. "How are you, truly?"

"I told you: I am fine."

"I am sorry, I did not mean to offend you by calling you brother, I just thought — "

"You did not offend me," Thorin said as he looked at him. "Really. You did not."

"Alright," Vili said with a tilt of his head. "Then, do you want to talk about it?"

"About what?" Thorin sighed.

"About what is making you so irritable — so . . . distracted," he said.

Thorin frowned, his jaw set. "I am not — "

"Come now, Thorin," Vili chuckled. "I practically had to push you so that you'd listen in there. And your jaw was clenched so tight I was worried you would break your teeth."

How insolent, Thorin thought. He hadn't realized it was Vili's place to study him like he was some sick animal. He had half a mind to tell him off, but then his anger might be interpreted as a sign that there was some truth to Vili's observations. There was truth to it, Thorin did not deny that, but he would not admit it aloud either.

"Is this about Dania?"

Thorin could not hold back his outburst this time.

"What does she have to do with any of this?" he demanded, looking down at him.

His need to protect her — and their secret — mingled with the fear of being discovered, and what that would bring about fogged his mind. He could not let anyone take her away from him. He would not.

"I — I do not know," Vili stammered. "I just thought — "

Looking around, Vili took a deep breath, then looked back to Thorin with softness and determination in his eyes. "Listen, Thorin, I spoke with Dis and from the things she said — I gathered there might be something between you two."

Thorin eyed him intently for a moment. "You mean Dis told you?"

Vili sighed. "Yes, she told me," he admitted as he scratched his pale beard. At least he had the decency to sound embarrassed.

Exasperation stretched Thorin's already overloaded mind. Leaning toward Vili to avoid behind overhead, he groaned, "you cannot tell anyone." He did not even wait for an answer before moving away, though he heard Vili trailing after him.

***

Staring at the soaked leaves at the bottom of her cup, Dania sighed inwardly. The afternoon was passing away slowly, and with each minute, the respite it had promised was diluted like the taste of honey she chased in her tea.

Dania was sick of tea. And most of all, she was sick of the idle chat. Dis didn't seem to mind too much. After all, she was being bombarded with questions about her upcoming wedding, which kept her mind occupied and her cheeks warm and red. Dania, on the other hand, felt out of place.

Sitting on a luxurious, currant red sofa, Dania found herself more easily invested in her surroundings than in the conversation. After all, it went on as it usually did. Ester gossiped, Nal laughed, and Illiana scolded them when they went too far, though a smirk always tugged at her lips. Beside Dania, Lady Adis was silent, while Ester's mother, Lady Inger, and Lady Vigga, Lord Yngvi's wife, participated in the conversation enthusiastically.

Lady Vigga was also quite the gossiper, though everything else about her was still a mystery. The many beads and jewels in her hair and beard marked her as a lady of high standing. She had a handsome face, though her thin lips and her wide-set eyes made her appear stern. The dark red of her dress did nothing to counter that impression.

She obviously had expensive taste, if this room was anything to go by. A stone table stood between the sofa Dania and the queen sat on and the other on which Dis, Illiana, and Nal were sitting. Ester, her mother and Lady Vigga occupied three of the four other chairs, made of some dark wood of which Dania should have remembered the name, and upholstered in faded golden damask. Covering the stone floor was a thick rug, its colours similar to those on the tapestries on the walls. One depicted a large figure with a long beard adorned with dozens of intricate, coloured beads. Dania recognized him as Mahal, their maker. In front of him were seven Dwarves looking up, cowering before him as he raised his hammer.*

Lady Yngvi had offered this sitting room, along with its adjacent chambers, to Lady Adis and Lord Thrain as long as they remained in his Hall. Lord Thrain, however, had insisted on them remaining in their encampment just outside the gates. Whether this was because of pride or simply because he did not wish to abuse their hospitality, Dania was not sure, but she was grateful for it.

When they had first entered the sitting room, Lady Vigga warmly welcomed them, but her eyes soon halted on Dania.

"You must be Dania," Lady Vigga had said with a wry smile. "I have heard a lot about you."

Dania had no idea how to respond to such a greeting. Of course, she was used to people giving her odd looks and whispering behind her back, but that did not make it pleasant. And while she was used to it, it was clear that Lady Adis was not, and somehow she seemed to have taken personally the looks Dania had received.

"Yes, Dania is quite the accomplished young lady," Lady Adis had responded in the same tone as she placed an arm around Dania's shoulders.

Lady Adis and Lady Vigga had glared at one another for a moment as the hand on Dania's shoulder tightened its grip. It was a protective gesture, Dania had realized with embarrassment.

Lady Adis had been quiet since then, and Dania felt terribly guilty. Always, her presence seemed to be asking people to pick a side, as it had now. Dania hated it. Yet, at the same time, she could hardly believe Lady Adis had taken her defence. Did she feel obligated to do so? Or did she actually care? Dania knew her enough to know that the answer probably resided in the latter, but she still could not believe someone would go so far as to ruin their afternoon to defend her. Once again, she was immeasurably indebted to Lady Adis, but even more than this, she was profoundly touched.

As though sensing her inner turmoil, Lady Adis squeezed Dania's hand, a gesture that made her feel like a child, but not in a bad way. It told her that it was alright for her to be upset, that she was not weak for feeling so, and that she was allowed to seek comfort — comfort which Lady Adis wanted to give her.

Promise me that you will tell me if you are feeling scared or lonely ever again. I am here for you, she had said the night the soldiers had returned from Azanulbizar.

Her touch was a reminder of that conversation they'd had, and Dania was so grateful for it.

It was the mention of Thorin's name that brought Dania's attention back to the Dwarrows before her.

"I almost did not recognize him when I saw him yesterday," Lady Vigga said. "He has grown into a very fine young Dwarf. And he looks so much like you, Lady Adis."

"Yes, he does," Lady Adis replied with a small smile.

"I imagine it must be odd for him to see his younger sister married before him," Lady Vigga said.

So they had come to it that quickly. Ester shifted in her seat at those words; that alone was enough to provoke the monster inside Dania.

"Not at all," Lady Adis replied. "I see no reason to rush him into an unwanted marriage. When he finds the right person, he will be ready."

From the corner of her eye, Dania saw Dis glance at her quickly. Dania left her face a blank canvas, yet she could feel moisture forming in her hands, and the ever-present ache she'd fought so hard to bury bloomed again in her stomach.

Whatever Lady Adis said, Lord Thrain did appear to be in a hurry to marry his daughter. Dis, like Dania, was only forty-five years old, and that thought did nothing to ease Dania's worries. Of course, they could not force Thorin to marry, but they could very well place him in a position where he had little choice but to consent to it. Dania hoped it would not come to this because she would have no right to get in the way if it did.

She would not let him sacrifice everything for her.

"Who said anything about 'unwanted'?" Lady Inger said with a chuckle, sounding as though she was attempting to lighten the mood, yet her eyes spoke a different language entirely. She wanted something. "So many young Dwarrows must have their eyes set on him."

Dania hated the way they talked about Thorin. She hated how they talked about him as though he was a piece of meat; a pawn in their grand game of chess.

"I do not think my brother would be overjoyed to learn you were using his personal life as tea time entertainment," Dis said dispassionately. Dania wanted to kiss her in thanks for voicing her thoughts.

"Oh, my dear," Lady Vigga said with a laugh, "this has nothing to do with his personal life."

"You are talking about his marriage prospects — that has everything to do with his personal life!" Dis retorted.

"Not if you are the heir to the throne of Erebor," Lady Vigga said. "Whomever he marries will be a queen one day. This is politics; not love."

"Perhaps these two concepts are not mutually exclusive," Illiana said. "Dis and Vili's upcoming marriage is a political one, but they do love each other."

Smiling softly, Dania and Illiana exchanged a glance. Dis' cheeks had turned a bright red.

"If the prince has his sister's sense then, yes; he will learn to love the one who will make the right queen," Lady Vigga said with a wave of her hand as though they were discussing whether one should wear red or blue to a feast.

"Ah, and the prince is so devoted to his duties. He will make the right choice," Lady Inger said as she shared a look with her daughter. The monster inside Dania coiled its tail and roared.

Nevertheless, Dania could not help but notice that Lady Adis was silent. Everything — or, almost everything — Laddy Vigga had said was true, and yet the queen's silence appeared to Dania as a small beacon of hope. Perhaps it was foolish. It probably was. Yet Dania clung to it like it was a ray of sun, and she was a flower that had bloomed too early in the Spring and found itself in a dark and barren world.

"It is getting late," Lady Adis said as she rose from her seat, "and we must get ready for the feast tonight."

"Yes, and what an event that will be," Lady Vigga replied with a too-wide smile. "I look forward to seeing you there."

Lady Adis nodded, then turned to Dania. "Are you coming, dear?"

Dania smiled shyly at the term of endearment and stood. She gave a quick curtsy to Lady Vigga then gladly followed Lady Adis and Dis out of the sitting room. A long sigh escaped her lips when the door closed behind her.

"Yes, I quite agree with that sentiment," Lady Adis said in response.

Dania blushed, having hoped her most improper display of irritation would go unnoticed, but the queen did not seem to mind.

"I hope you girls will excuse my behaviour," Lady Adis said as they walked down the curved hallway. "It is not like me to lose my temper in this way. But, then again, I have always despised Lady Vigga, and she was particularly bothersome today."

"You mean to say she was an absolute wretch," Dis said with a grimace, causing Dania to snicker.

"Dis!" Lady Adis hissed in reproach, but there was an amused gleam in her eyes. Then a dry cough escaped her lips, causing Dis and Dania to stare at her in concern. "I'm alright — the air was just — quite stuffy in there." When her breathing recovered, she went on, "Dania, I do hope you will not let that viper's words get to you."

"It's alright," Dania said with a shrug. "I'm used to it."

"That does not mean you should accept it," Lady Adis replied.

They had made it back to the crowded entrance hall. Beyond the large stone gate, the sun was beginning to set so that the whole room basked in its warmth.

"Vili!" Dis suddenly called out and walked ahead to where her betrothed had appeared. He smiled widely when he saw her, and the two exchanged a warm embrace, without a care for the stares they were attracting from the crowd of people around them.

"Listen to me carefully, Dania," Lady Adis' voice called her attention away from the couple. "You are a wonderful girl; smart, brave, and above all, you have a kindness that can warm even the coldest of hearts. Many people in this world are close-minded and will seek to tear you down because they refuse to challenge their beliefs. You must not let their words reach your heart."

Dania stared at her with wide eyes, silent as she let the motherly care in Lady Adis' eyes wash over her, feeding her the courage to speak.

"My Lady," she said hesitantly. "What is it that they say?" Lady Adis frowned. Taking this as a sign of misunderstanding, Dania went on. "Lady Vigga said she had heard a lot about me. . . ."

Closing her eyes for an instant, Lady Adis took a deep breath. "Some — like Lady Vigga — believe that you are not one of us; that you are — "

"An outlander," Dania said flatly, looking down at the ground. She only looked up when she felt a gentle hand on her shoulder.

"We are all outlanders in this part of the world," Lady Adis said. "And you are one of us. Never let anyone tell you otherwise. Besides, in what world is it acceptable to scorn someone based on where they come from — something that is out of your control?"

Dania nodded slowly. Lady Adis' words seemed contradictory to her. She was one of them, but she could not be proud of the blood that flowed through her. The blood of their enemies.

As though she heard these thoughts, Lady Adis' grip on her shoulder tightened. "You have nothing to be ashamed of, my dear. You must know that we cannot judge an entire race based on the actions of a single individual. Whatever words you might have heard thrown around behind your back, know that your mother — she did not bewitch your father or do anything ridiculous of the sort; they loved each other, and you carry their love within you every day.

"Lady Vigga was wrong about many things, but about this in particular: not everything is about politics; and in times such as these where grief has its claws on us all, it is more important than ever to cling to love."

Tears stung Dania's eyes, and she knew Lady Adis would have understood — perhaps even more than she did herself — but they were in a crowded space; the last thing Dania wanted was to give these people more cause to stare at her.

"Are you alright, Dania?" spoke the deep voice she knew so well and loved dearly.

She curtsied before nodding, but he could read her eyes better than anyone. Concern marked his features as his mother spoke, but neither of them was really listening. All Dania could think of was the conspiring looks Ester and Lady Inger had shared earlier. Don't let them take you from me, she begged him wordlessly.

"Thorin, love, are you listening to me?" Lady Adis said, causing both Dania and Thorin to blush.

"Sorry, amad, I have a lot on my mind," Thorin said as he tore his gaze away from Dania. "What did you say?"

Lady Adis stared at him for a moment before speaking. "I asked you if all was well? I have not seen your father anywhere."

"Yes, all is well. There are still many things to discuss, but, so far, we have struck a good deal with Lord Yngvi. Father is still with Nar and Master Mimir; I imagine they were finalizing some arrangements with Lord Yngvi."

Dis and Vili reappeared at that moment. Dania frowned as Dis looked at her brother for a moment, then at her, a guilty expression on her face.

"Are you coming to the feast tonight, Dania?" Thorin asked her. She could not read his mind, but it seemed to her as though he was deliberately avoiding his sister's eyes.

"Yes, I am, Lord Thorin," she replied.

"Speaking of which," Dis interjected, "we should go and get ready, don't you think?" she asked her.

"Yes, I suppose," Dania said hesitantly. She barely had time to curtsy to Thorin and the queen and give Vili a small smile before Dis dragged her away from the crowd.

They scurried along the path just outside the gates, passed by the guards, and cut across the encampment until they entered their tent.

"Mahal, what's your hurry?" Dania said breathlessly as Dis started pacing in the small space between the two makeshift beds.

"Oh, Dania I'm sorry — so sorry — I didn't think — I thought it would not matter — but of course it does; you told me it was a secret — "

The world froze around Dania. "What?"

"Thorin already chastised me for it so," — she waved her hands in the air in defence — "there's no need to do it again. It is only that — well, we are going to be married, I should not keep secrets from him. But then Thorin went on and on about how it was not my secret but yours and — "

"You told Vili," Dania said with a relieved sigh.

"Yes and — "

"Well, start with that next time! You had me worried!"

It was Dis' turn to freeze. "You mean — you mean you are not mad?"

Dania did not know what she was feeling. How had Vili reacted? He certainly had not taken the first opportunity to divulge the secret to King Thrain — and she doubted he ever would — yet instead of being relieved — if not outright happy — that someone else knew of their love for each other and was not repulsed by it, Dania felt even more dejected.

Judging by the bits and pieces of information she had gathered, Thorin did not seem overjoyed that Vili knew their secret. She knew how important it was for them to take their time before they could try and convince their kin of the viability of their union and the strength of their bond, but this was Vili, not the whole council chamber. Yet letting even one person know, someone they knew well, and that would soon be part of his family, appeared to Thorin as one stroke too many on the battered barrier that protected their shared heart. That only reminded Dania of how little they could trust anyone with their secret, and by extension, just how fanciful was the idea of their parents blessing their union.

But Dania was not mad. Despite her befuddled thoughts, despite how much she wanted to scream at Mahal for placing the other half of her soul so close to her yet so beyond her reach, that foolish and naive part of her mind was glad that Vili knew. He was her friend, and he would soon be her best friend's husband. It felt . . . right for him to know.

Shaking her head, Dania frowned. "No it's — it's Vili. I trust him. You trust him."

"Thank Mahal," Dis exclaimed, relief flooding her every word. Dania wished she could feel the same relief.

Dania let herself fall onto her makeshift bed. They were silent for a while before Dis sat down beside her, their knees touching, and she gently grabbed her hand.

"Amad was right, Dania," she said. "Don't listen to what Lady Vigga says."

Bitting her lips as a cascade of emotions climbed up her throat, Dania shrugged. "But Dis — she was right. Whoever Thorin marries one day, she'll be a queen — "

"You mean you will be — "

"Dis — " Dania said breathlessly, shaking her head. She opened her mouth to speak but then resigned herself to the fact that she knew not how to translate her feelings into words. "I don't want to talk about this for now, alright? Let's just get ready for the feast."

***

The dining room was even more imposing than the sitting room they had visited earlier. Columns and complex geometric patterns were carved directly into the stone walls and had been polished so skilfully that they shone like marble. Most remarkable were the blue streaks of colour that gave these mountains their name gleaming in the candlelight, rippling through the stones like the waves Dania had once admired on the Long Lake.

Dozens of early Spring flowers and candles decorated the long stone table; an effort made to make the guests feel welcomed, but all it did was make them feel slightly out of place. Dania knew this was not just her own impression. Dis had not let go of her arm since they had walked inside, except to let Dania curtsy.

When the doors opened to reveal Lady Vigga, holding onto Lord Yngvi's arm, all Dania wanted to do was shrink up and disappear, but she was already at the back of the room, and no one paid her any mind. Lady Vigga looked even more imposing than she had a few hours before. She wore purple this time, and the cuffs and neckline of her gown were adorned with golden embroidery that matched the ornamental belt at her waist, attached with a large clasp bearing the sigil of the Firebeards.

Despite having had the chance to discard her travel-worn dress and don her only other gown, which Lady Adis had a seamstress restore to a suitable state, the other Dwarrows' fine attire intimidated Dania. She should have known better than to feel this way. With everything that had befallen them in the past year, fabrics and accoutrements should have been the least of her worries, but they became one of the many things that reminded her that she simply did not belong to this life. Her gown was a dull ash grey where the Dwarrows around her wore bright fabrics, embroidered and bejewelled, and her braids were plain compared to the precious beads that adorned their hair and beards. Even Dis was not so richly dressed, for they could not afford it, but then again, the princess did not require such embellishments to appear more elegant and regal than all the people in this room. Something in her countenance spoke more about her status than any jewel ever could.

"There you are!"

Dania and Dis turned around to see Ester, Nal, and Illiana walking towards them. They all wore their prettiest gowns, but only Ester looked like she belonged with the Firebeard ladies. Dania wondered how Ester could wear such expensive fabrics and so many jewels and not feel guilty when most of them had barely had anything to eat during their journey from Dunland.

"Oh, Dis, you look beautiful!" Ester said. Then, without giving anyone else the chance to speak, she asked, "is your brother here?"

Dis' hold on Dania's arm tightened. "Er — well, if he is not, he should be here any minute," the princess said.

"Ester has been talking about him our whole way here," Nal said teasingly. "I do not think I could stand another minute of it!" Me neither, Dania thought.

"Look, there's Dwalin!" Dis said in an attempt to change the topic. Something flickered in Ester's eyes, but she looked away, perhaps to appear uninterested or perhaps because she truly was indifferent to the warrior's presence. Dania was having more and more trouble understanding her motives. But then she remembered the look in Lady Inger's eyes, and she realized that it was possible that a union with Thorin was not something Ester wanted but that her parents wanted for her. Dania did not know which of these two scenarios bothered her more.

Illiana was talking about Lady Vigga's offer to give them a tour of the Hall the next day when Dania's attention was stolen by a group of people entering the room, or rather, by one Dwarf in particular. Thorin was standing next to his father and mother, along with Balin, Nar, and Mimir, looking as handsome as ever. His hair appeared to have been freshly washed and braided, and he was dressed in the deep blue tunic he usually wore to such occasions. The colours were more faded than Dania remembered, but nothing could affect the majesty of his presence.

As she slowly made her way toward her father, Thorin's eyes met her own, conjuring a deep blush from her cheeks. When she was finally close enough to the group, she curtsied, then grabbed the arm her father was extending toward her, but all she could think of was escaping this room to be alone with Thorin and feel his soft lips scorching her skin. As though he could hear her most improper thoughts, the corner of his lips curled up in a smile. That only made the heat inside Dania grow. Damn that Dwarf!

She was glad when they finally took their seats, if only because it might be easier for her to control herself while they sat at different tables. Mimir led her to a table near the main one where the king and his family were sitting with Lord Ygnvi and his wife, so Dania could still see Thorin quite clearly, but she forced herself not to look, or at least, not look as often as she wished to. Her father sat on her right and immediately began conversing with one of Lord Yngvi's advisors while she turned to another young Dwarf who had just pulled up her chair.

"Oh, thank you," Dania said, startled by his kindness.

"Not at all," he said with a warm smile before sitting down. "My name is Airi."

Dania bowed her head in reverence. "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Master Airi. I am Dania."

"Airi will do; not Master Airi," he said with a chuckle. "And the pleasure is all mine, Lady Dania."

It was Dania's turn to chuckle. "I am no Lady."

"Really? Well, you have the countenance of one," Airi replied.

Blushing, Dania looked away, only to find Thorin staring at her through the many people separating them. He looked at her questioningly, but she could do nothing but give a short, almost imperceptible nod and tear her gaze away from him.

Dania had not thought she could be more confounded by her surroundings until the food was served. There was chicken, roast beef, and sausages, too many kinds of cheese to choose from, freshly baked bread, roasted potatoes, and enough wine to drown in. She had not seen this much food in years.

"Have you been enjoying your stay in the Blue Mountains so far?" Airi asked her as she delved into the dishes. One taste of the potatoes was enough to convince her to fill her entire plate with them.

Dania thought of her afternoon with Lady Vigga, but the delicious taste of the wine made her nod in response. "Yes, it is lovely here."

"Have you had a chance to take a tour of the Hall?" Airi asked.

"No yet, I am afraid," Dania said.

"It would be my honour to accompany you around the place."

"I would be honoured, whenever that may be," Dania replied as she took another mouthful of sausages.

"Well, there should be plenty of time for that, given that you will be staying here for a while, I gather," Airi said. "I am certain there are many things that would interest you. The ballroom for one — "

"Is there a library?" Dania asked before she could stop and think twice about interrupting him. She needed to look for other plants to help with her . . . problem, and a library was the place she would find information.

"Yes, of course there is. I could show you, if you would like," he said with a smile.

"I would like that very much," Dania replied in the same tone.

"What would you like?" Dania's father asked as he leaned in toward her.

"I was just telling your daughter that I would be more than happy to accompany her to the library, Master Mimir," Airi explained.

"You know my father?" Dania asked.

"I was at the council meeting today," Airi said, nodding.

Dania turned to her father. "Yes, about that — How did it go?"

"Quite well, I would say, given the king's fixed ambition." He spoke using courtly equivocations to avoid being misunderstood by overeager ears, but Dania knew he was talking of Lord Thrain's hurry to marry Dis to Vili. "Besides, the important thing is that Lord Ygnvi will lend us a hand when we are ready to make our way further South along the mountains. And he has extended his hospitality so that those who are not fit to travel may stay behind in the meantime."

Dania knew that "those not fit to travel" probably included Dwarrows, meaning she would have to stay behind while Thorin left with his father's chosen companions, for Mahal knows how long. The thought left a bittersweet taste in her mouth.

"You will have plenty of things to do while we are gone," Mimir said as he noted the slight frown on her face. "There is also much to look forward to before that moment is upon us. Do not fret, gehyith."

Dania gave her father a small smile to ease his worries, but she stopped listening to what her table companions were saying. Glancing up toward Thorin, she saw that he was now conversing with Ester and a Dwarf Dania recognized as her father. They were standing next to the seat Thorin had just vacated to greet them, and she was smiling and laughing at every little thing he said. Somehow, Ester looked even prettier than she usually did. Grinding her teeth, Dania tried to look away, but it was as though an invisible hand was holding her head in place, forcing her to watch as her heart was slowly being ripped away from her. Don't let them take you from me.

When the desserts were served, she regained some of her spirits — that was the power of a perfect trifle — but her mind was still preoccupied with Thorin and the dismay the thought of their separation was causing her. Mimir noticed his daughter's change of mood, and as soon as the first opportunity presented itself, he excused them and led her toward the exit. Dania was both thankful for and annoyed by this gesture, for now, she would not even be able to steal a glance at Thorin, who would undoubtedly be stuck at the feast for at least another hour.

Before stepping out of the room, Dania daringly glanced back to the main table, and she noticed Thorin staring back at her, evidently not listening to a word Ester was saying. Even from this distance, she recognized the fiery look he was giving her, full of promises for their next secret meeting. Perhaps her father was right; she did have much to look forward to.

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