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Kili strode down the halls of Erebor on a mission, of sorts. He turned this way and that, nodding to those who bowed their heads in respect of their crown prince and Heir presumptive. It was nearly Yule and a year since they reclaimed their ancestral home and began the process of making it home again.
As he rounded the next turn, he was pulled up short by his brother, Fili. He pulled the younger Durin aside and gave him a knowing look. As blue eyes locked with deep brown eyes, Kili stopped his struggling and sighed. How was it Fili always knew when he might get into trouble.
“But Fi, I haven’t seen her in days,” he whined a bit as Fili kept a firm grip on his arm. Fili just shook his head. “Really? I still have to wait?”
“Ki, you know the tradition and when you add all the Elvish stuff on top of our overdone rules, you know you can’t see her until the wedding.” Fili kept his eyes locked on his brother’s.
Kili blew out a breath and slumped against his brother’s grip. “I know and Uncle Bilbo will be petrified if I set one foot in those chambers.” Fili nodded at him. “I was just hoping….” Kili’s voice trailed off.
“It’s only 3 more days and until then, the soon to be Princess of Erebor, your future wife, is off limits.” Fili bent to look his brother in the eyes. He poked him in the ribs and Kili started to shake and burst into laughter. Fili always had a way of making him feel better. “Come on little brother, let’s go to the kitchens. Just because the bride is off limits doesn’t mean all the sweets Bombur is making are too.”
Kili looked up at him and straightened up again. He grinned at Fili and nodded. As they started to walk down the hallway, Kili cast one more wistful look down the hall, hoping to catch a glimpse of the tall redheaded firebrand he would soon be calling his wife.
While the brotherly drama was going on outside, there was a bit of drama going on in the chambers of the King Under the Mountain and his consort. In the dining room, the table had been pushed off to one side to make room for the bride to be in her wedding gown. The tall redhead stood perfectly still as Bilbo was on his knees at the hemline of the dress, drawing pins from the small cushion tied to his wrist, pinning it up to ready it for hemming. It was of luxurious silks and velvets, a blend of woodland greens, Durin blue and candlelight ivory. The blue velvet bodice was covered in small sapphires and diamonds held in place with silver threads. The green silk skirt had gold embroidery of leaves and Elvish script in blessings scattered all over the skirt. The ivory silk train at the back of the dress spread out over the rest of the floor. It had the crests of all the houses of the Dwarves and the Elves embroidered down its length and width in silk threads and accented with appropriate gems.
In the corner of the dining room not occupied by the bridal gown and small Hobbit was Dis. She was coaching Tauriel on the pronunciations of the different Dwarven dignitaries that would be attending the wedding. Tauriel’s fingers fussed and fidgeted over the fabrics of the dress. She touched and traced the lines of embroidery up and down the belled sleeves as she repeated after Dis.
“You know Dis, dear, I think Tauriel needs a break from all that guttural stuff. How about you go check on Fili on guard in the hall." He tipped his head towards the door.
“I know when I’m being dismissed, dearest little brother,” Dis said as she patted the top of Bilbo’s head. “I’ll go and fetch us something sweet to keep up our energy,” she said as she winked. She disappeared behind the closing door.
Bilbo blew out a pent-up breath. “Well, I think I’m done for now so we can get you out of that thing.”
Tauriel laughed and smiled down at Bilbo. Bilbo always thought her laughter sounded like tiny silver bells jingling. “Thank you, Master Bilbo. I was getting ever so weary of all those Dwarven names. I’m going to trust Kili will be glued to me during the reception so I won’t have to worry about which Longbeard and from which part of the kingdom.”
“I know what you mean.” Bilbo stood up and walked around her to start unlacing the back of the dress. “When Thorin and I wed, there were too many details that I couldn’t sleep for 2 weeks before hand. I knew I would be a total mess the day of the wedding so I let Thorin do all the talking.” He laughed. “That was such a reversal for us but he was glad to help out.”
Tauriel shrugged a bit and stepped out of the dress as it slid to the floor. She was clad in her very modest under garments and full crinoline. She reached back to untie the draw cord on the crinoline and stepped out of it carefully as not to step on the dress. Bilbo gently pulled the dress up and laid it over his arms and carried the precious bundle into the other room. Tauriel followed him into the room and laid the crinoline on the bed as Bilbo carefully hung the dress over a large padded hanger and then repeated it with the train hanging the dress on two hangers in the otherwise mostly empty closet.
As Tauriel was pulling on other clothes, Bilbo excused himself to reset the dining room back to its normal state. He pulled the heavy oak table back into the center of the room and he huffed and puffed a bit as he placed the chairs back in place.
Just then Tauriel came into the room and helped Bilbo place the last two chairs. “You should have waited for me to help. I feel as I’m not doing enough to help out, especially with all the fuss you’re going through for this wedding.” She smiled a lopsided grin at him.
He waved her off. “I’m a stout and healthy Hobbit and I can rearrange furniture with the best of them!” He huffed at her in mock annoyance as the door creaked open.
Thorin peered around the large door looking around gingerly. “All safe?” He inquired.
“For now, but your sister is returning shortly so you make your own judgment.” Bilbo crossed his arms over his chest.
“Well, in that case, I’d better make haste.” Thorin stepped quickly over to Bilbo, swept him up in his arms and placed a very passionate kiss on his lips. Tauriel covered her mouth with her fingers as she giggled at the two of them.
“Nice to embarrass our new niece.” Bilbo said as he was trying to catch his breath. Thorin released him and laughed along with Tauriel.
“I think we could probably teach the youngsters a few things about having a passionate marriage,” Thorin said as he winked at Tauriel. She laughed harder as Bilbo slapped Thorin’s arm.
“Remember, we are her guardians until they are wed. We should try and lead by example.”
“I’ll lead you somewhere, my fuzzy little Hobbit.” Thorin said with a lusty grin on his face as he reached down and tweaked one of Bilbo’s ear tips. Bilbo swatted his hand away as the door opened wide.
Dis carried one tray with some plates of assorted sweets as a young Dwarrow carried a tray laden with tea service. Dis carried her tray to the table and indicated where the lad should leave the other tray. She turned and hugged Thorin as the Dwarrow bowed and left the room. She turned back and started to serve all of them from the trays of goodies piled high. As they all took seats around the table, all was contented murmurs as they enjoyed the food and tea.
Later that evening, when all was quiet in the royal apartment and Tauriel was asleep in her temporary quarters, Thorin took Bilbo into his study. He laid a velvet bag on the desk and motioned for Bilbo to open it. There inside lay two coronets. They shone with a brilliance that made Bilbo catch his breath.
“The shorter one is Tauriel’s and Kili’s is the other.” Thorin beamed at Bilbo as Bilbo gingerly touched the shining gold and silver coronets. “I took elements of her life and instilled it into the design.”
Bilbo ran his fingers over the ornate emerald leaves set in gold around the bottom of the band. On top was silver and sapphires set in Dwarvish runes of her title and name. Instead of points on top, there was gold twisted and braided wire much like the Elven coronets. The two metals were stunning together the way Thorin had designed it.
Kili’s coronet blended a bit of both designs with the runes inlaid with sapphires in gold settings. The top points on his was emeralds shaped in leaves set in more gold. The two coronets complimented each other so beautifully, Bilbo was at loss for words.
“I figured Tauriel is the first princess of their generation and deserves to be welcomed and honored properly.” Thorin continued to smile as Bilbo slid the two bejeweled coronets back in the velvet bag. “Of course, when Fili finally marries, I will have to really have to go all out on the designs. He is heir apparent and deserves to look the part.”
Bilbo chuckled quietly. “I thought you did such a wonderful job crafting our crowns but this is stunning!” He looked up at his husband and hugged him.
After they were snuggling up in bed a bit later, Thorin rolled over to look at Bilbo and ran his fingers through his hair. Bilbo shivered a bit and Thorin sighed. “Were you at all disappointed with your crown after you saw what Kili and Tauriel’s look like?”
“No Thorin, I could never be displeased with anything you make for me. I know your heart went into crafting our crowns after you decided to start anew and create something meant for just us two.” Bilbo snuggled into Thorin’s chest and hummed. “The jewels and designs for each of the crowns you have made since we’ve been living here in the mountain have been perfectly suited for it’s recipient. I could not imagine wearing anything other than the consort crown you made for me.”
Thorin squeezed Bilbo against his bare chest and kissed the top of his head. He loved his consort with all his heart and it was easy to see how much Kili and Tauriel loved each other despite his misgivings towards the Elves. They were all one big happy family and there was more than enough love for all of them.
The next morning after breakfast, Bilbo promised to take Tauriel to see her Elven friends and family. She really didn’t have much family to speak of, just a cousin, so the honor of escorting her into court for the wedding fell to Thranduil. He had sent a special courier a few days ago with his acceptance and a gift for the couple; a matched set of daggers with runes and Elvish script on their lengths. She couldn’t wait to show them to Kili, but that would have to wait for now.
As Bilbo and Tauriel entered the special suite of rooms set aside for the Elven party, they were met by Tauriel’s cousin. While they chatted, Bilbo excused himself out to the balcony that looked down onto the main gate of Erebor. He could never get enough of this view and was watching as a work party was bringing in pine trees for Yule and pine boughs to adorn the halls. He knew he should go down to the entry and help supervise setting them up. He had visions of their placements so that the halls would all be festive for the celebration and the wedding.
He excused himself from Tauriel and told he would return in a while and they would do lunch then.
As he conducted which trees should go where, he was accosted by Fili and Kili. He set them to work placing pine boughs in the main dining hall. After the very large tree was settled in its place in the main hall, Bilbo went off to see Thorin. He had a little while until he would be needed by Tauriel and thought he’d spend a little time with his beloved.
On entering Thorin’s office, Bilbo went over and started rubbing his shoulders. “Mmmm, better careful or you’ll find yourself sprawled on my desk,” Thorin’s voice was a growl.
“Must be a good day if you want to just take me on your desk!”
“If only you knew!” Thorin reached up and patted Bilbo’s hands. “I was trying to work out a labor exchange with the Woodland Elves so Thranduil could just sign it when he came up for the wedding but there seems to be a missing group from the negotiations so it will be delayed.” He sighed and leaned his cheek against Bilbo’s arm. “Damn Elves! Maybe I could speak to Tauriel about it and see if she knows anything about the missing group of artisans.”
“Why don’t you come have lunch with us. I’ll have it brought in to the apartment and you can get some input from her.” Bilbo leaned in and kissed the top of Thorin’s head.
“Sounds divine. I’ll be there as quickly as I can.”
“No huge rush. I still have to go collect her from the Elven guest quarters and tell Bombur to deliver lunch. Give us a bit.”
“No problem my love.” Thorin turned in his chair and faced Bilbo who stood over him. He gently cupped the Hobbit’s face and kissed him. Bilbo drew back with his eyes still closed and a little breathless. He quickly regained his senses and left the office.
Lunch was a resounding success since Tauriel knew the head of the guild that Thorin was having issues with. She promised to send a message to them as soon as possible and hopefully end Thorin’s anguish.
After Thorin had returned to work, Bilbo took out the wedding dress to work on the hem he had pinned up the previous day. Tauriel watched fascinated by Bilbo’s stitching and Bilbo gave her a needle and thread to try a bit herself. She tried but after the 3rd time of knotting the thread up while trying to stitch, Bilbo excused her from the activity. “There’s plenty of time to learn this skill, another time.” He said as he looked at her sympathetically.
Tauriel instead decided she needed to send that message to the Guild head so she wrote it out and Bilbo called for a courier. They both smiled and Bilbo held up his crossed fingers and they both laughed.
After supper that evening, Fili came to visit and give an update on Kili’s progress in getting ready for the wedding. He presented Tauriel with a gold leaf shaped broch inlaid with emeralds and topaz. Kili had made it while working on their wedding rings.
“He’s just got some polishing up to do now and they will be entrusted in my safe keeping.” Fili smiled and nodded hoping to gain approval.
“Much better your keeping than Kili’s.” Thorin mused. “I remember when he lost that stuffed bear toy as a pebble and how upset he was.” He turned to Tauriel. “It wasn’t lost, it was exactly where he had placed it, in his bed for safe keeping.”
“I’m very good at keeping track of things so I guess that will fall on me to help with.” Tauriel smiled at Thorin.
The next day was the final day of preparations before the big day! Thranduil had brought the head of the artisan’s guild with him so the final negotiations could be finished. He brought several other Elves too including a protocol officer to make sure everything was being handled the right way. He was pleased to hear the couple had been kept out of sight of each other for the designated time. He approved the dress and the other preparations. Bilbo was greatly relieved all was going well. The throne room was appropriately decked out in Yule decorations with plenty of pine boughs, pine trees lit with candles and festooned with jewels and lots of other candles.
The rehearsal was the bride first walking through all the steps of the ceremony and then the groom got to repeat all the same steps. Tauriel was a bit annoyed when Thranduil wanted to rehearse his entire speech. Thorin cleared his throat and sternly looked at him at which point, Thranduil shortened it and said he could rehearse that part in private. He had escorted Tauriel into the throne room and stood to offer her to Bilbo, who was standing in for Kili.
When they practiced the crowning of the new princess, Bilbo had fashioned a floral crown of winter white blossoms for the occasion. Tauriel shown with such a glow that Bilbo was moved to tears.
After the bride’s rehearsal, Dis took Tauriel to the royal apartment while Kili could rehearse. Bilbo stood in for Tauriel this time and hilarity ensued. Kili had to keep biting his lip to keep from laughing out loud. All went well with the rehearsal and Kili was wisked away by Fili to keep vigil for the night.
After the double rehearsal, Bilbo went back to the royal apartment while Thorin worked with the Elves on the trade agreement. He was whistling as he entered the apartment. He was met with a distraught Dis. She was pacing the sitting room, her face tense, when Bilbo entered.
“What’s going on?” Bilbo inquired as he tipped his head and watched Dis.
“She was right here then when I went in to check on her, she was gone!”
“Tauriel couldn’t have gone far, Dis. We’ll find her.” Bilbo reached out and touched Dis’s arm and stopped her pacing. “Go find Dwalin. He is most likely in the practice arena and he’s better than anyone I know at tracking.”
Dis looked at Bilbo and snorted. “This is just what we need right now with everything in such a delicate balance.” She shook her head and nodded. “I’ll go tell him and beg him to be discreet.” She turned and left as Bilbo sat heavily down in the arm chair.
Dis entered the practice arena and could hear the sounds of arrows hitting a straw target. She knew the sound well with Kili having taken up the bow at very young age. She listened further and heard two voices: Kili and Tauriel’s!! She rushed into the arena and towards the pair.
Suddenly, she was spun around soundlessly by a strong grip on her forearm. She turned and looked wide eyed at Dwalin who was holding his finger to his lips to keep her quiet. He gently led her off the floor of the arena and into a secluded bay off to one said.
“She came in here first and I could tell she just wanted to blow off some steam so I pulled out her bow and she was doing well until Kili came in.” Dwalin said in hushed tones.
“But they aren’t supposed to see each other until tomorrow!” Dis protested.
“Aye, but they are doing what is best for them during this stressful time. We’ll keep an eye on them and when they’ve had enough sparring, we’ll take them off again.
Just then the doors opened again and Fili came storming in. Dwalin stepped out of the shadows and stopped him and pulled him aside with his mother.
“Little beggar got away from me when we stopped in the kitchens looking for some ale and food.” Fili said, fuming a bit.
“We figured they both came here independently with the same thing in mind so we’ll just let them blow off some steam then separate them later.” Dis smiled at Fili and he nodded back. In the meantime, they got comfortable and watched Tauriel and Kili doing an impromptu shooting contest. They kidded and laughed and had a great time. It really was just what they needed.
When they had finished, they walked towards the armory but turned abruptly before that and turned into the bay where they other 3 were.
“How did you know….??” Fili inquired, shocked.
“Elves have superior hearing and we thought we’d just surprise you.” Kili grinned at his brother.
“Remind me never to try and sneak up on you two!” They all laughed. Afterwards, Tauriel went peacefully with Dis and Kili with Fili and they separated for the night with a brief kiss.
“Until tomorrow love.” Kili said to her.
“I can’t wait!” Tauriel replied with a huge smile.
As they walked back to the apartment Tauriel stopped Dis. “You do know we didn’t plan that.”
Dis smiled and hugged Tauriel sideways. “I know but it also proves how much you two were meant to be together.”
They managed to return before Thorin returned and Bilbo was very glad to see them both. “We just won’t tell the protocol officer what happened and it will all be good.”
The next morning dawned without any more incidents and Thorin woke Bilbo with an especially wide grin.
“Do you know what today is?” he tickled Bilbo until he was a fit of giggles.
“Yes, my love, I know very well what today is,” He gave Thorin a mock serious look. Thorin threatened to tickle him more. “Happy Yule and happy wedding day too!”
Thorin leaned in and gave his consort a passionate kiss. “I wish we had time for a more leisurely wake up this morning but we need to get everything rolling.”
“Tonight, you owe me!” Bilbo replied enthusiastically and bounced out of bed. “Your royal robes have been pressed and steamed but please just wear you simple tunic until it’s closer to the wedding. Don’t need to be a rumpled King.” Bilbo smiled over his shoulder as he pulled out his own wedding clothes and laid them on the bed. “Ceremony begins at noon so we should meet back here at 11 to get ready.”
“Check and check,” Thorin replied as he held up a finger to gesture the checks. They both quickly got dressed and went out to see what needed to be done.
Bombur had sent down a magnificent breakfast for them and they found Dis, Dwalin and Tauriel eating and talking. Tauriel was all smiles and looking quite cheerful.
“Are you ready?” Bilbo asked as he and Thorin took their places at the table.
Tauriel nodded and smiled. “It looks to be a perfect day outside and nothing can stop this from being an absolutely beautiful day!”
“Love her attitude,” Dwalin smiled at her. He and Tauriel had gotten quite close since she came to live in the mountain. She, Dwalin and Kili made the best security the mountain could ever ask for.
“As per tradition, you’ll stay here and take your last leisurely morning as a single woman while the rest of us finish the details.” Bilbo said and they all nodded. “I’ve added some special bath salts in your bathroom for a good long soak before you get ready. I have arranged with the hair stylist to come in to help with your hair. Dis and I will be back in plenty of time to help you dress.”
“Please send my cousin over too, if you could.” Tauriel asked Bilbo.
He nodded. “I consider it a privilege to help in any way possible.”
“We’d better get moving then. I have a few stops to make before we hit the throne room for it’s last touches.” Thorin said as he was assembling a messing egg and bacon sandwich.
“Oh dear! Please wrap that in a napkin before you leave.” Bilbo fussed.
Thorin grinned at him. “As always, my fussy and proper Hobbit.” He grabbed the proffered napkin and leaned in and gave him a quick kiss on the top of the head. “See you back here by 11, if not before.” With that, he and Dwalin left.
“I need to get over to Fili’s and make sure the boys are behaving.” Dis reached over and patted Tauriel’s hand. “Not to worry dear, I’ll give him a hug from you.” Then Dis was off.
“I’ll send word to your cousin right away. Is there anything else you need?” Bilbo asked Tauriel.
“Not right now. I’ll go have that soak while I wait.” Tauriel beamed up at Bilbo as he stood to leave. “I’ll be good, I promise!”
He nodded. “I’ll be back as soon as I get some things done. Enjoy a little solitude in the meantime.”
Preparations in the main dining hall were coming along and Bilbo made sure there were enough candles and lanterns to make the whole room glow in a warm light. The kitchen was bustling with activity an Bombur was in rare form. Bilbo reminded him that The Company would be participating in the wedding and he needed to be in the throne room by 11:30 to prepare. Bombur nodded and grinned from ear to ear. “I wouldn’t miss that for anything!”
Bilbo went into the throne room to check on Thorin’s progress. The thrones, all 4 of them, were polished and standing on the dais. A 5th throne stood off to one side, to be added when the new princess was crowned. It was appropriated proportioned for an Elf but still not as large as the rest of the thrones. Dwalin was given them all one last rub with a rag as he walked around them.
“Where’s Thorin?” Bilbo called out to Dwalin.
“He said he had something to do in the forge. He’ll be back shortly.”
“Ah, I hope he minds the time.”
Dwalin nodded. “I’ll make sure he’s back to you by 11.” Dwalin turned back to his work.
All the rows of benches set up in the hall made the large throne room seem a bit merrier and cozier. He watched as some of Dwalin’s men hung flower garlands on the pillars. Bilbo was glad he insisted on those added touches. No wedding should ever happen without flowers!
Soon it was time for them all to get dressed for the wedding. Thorin fumbled and fussed getting dressed so Bilbo assisted. Dis was already dressed and ready so she helped Tauriel. She brought along her own wedding veil to loan to Tauriel. It was a long white sheer silk veil that covered her from her shoulders in front down the hem of the dress in back. They draped it carefully over her head and Bilbo gave her a new floral wreath of white flowers and trailing ivy down the back. Tauriel was moved to tears when she saw her reflection in the mirror.
Dis stayed with Tauriel until Thranduil would come to escort her in. Dwalin would escort Dis in just before the bride and the Elven procession.
Everyone was seated in the throne room. Bofur was conducting the company in a few solemn dwarven songs are the benches filled. Thorin was heralded in and he strode forward with Bilbo on his arm and the boys right behind him. He and Bilbo stepped up to their thrones as Fili and Kili held back at the foot of the dais.
Next came Dis on the arm of Dwalin. Her elegant Durin blue gown trailed behind her as they walked down the aisle with her princess coronet of silver and inlaid with blue sapphires. Dwalin had a small smile on his lips as he escorted her in. They sat in the front row in front of the Company.
Thorin stood and the whole room hushed. “I invite into my court King Thranduil of the Greenwood.”
Thranduil walked in very proudly dressed all in white with silver embroidery all over his coat and long tunic and pants. He was followed by Legolas who was all in silver with green embroidery. They were followed by 6 elves bearing silver trees bearing lanterns. They marched to flank the side of the dais and placed them in holders making it look as if the thrones were surrounded by a silver forest.
“Accept my gift of light to welcome the lengthening of days ahead for both our kingdoms.” Thorin smiled and nodded to Thranduil. Thranduil then turned to address those assembled. He made a speech about the two kingdoms fighting for the freedom of the “evils that exist in the world” and how they were working to maintain the peace. He then strode back down the aisle and returned with Tauriel on his arm. All stood in reverence to the incoming bride.
Kili and Fili stepped forward and Kili took Tauriel’s hand when Thranduil offered it to him. He tried to peek at her from under the veil but knew she was probably as scared as he was in that moment.
They turned towards the thrones and an Elven lady and a Dwarven cleric stepped up from the sides of the dais and stood on one step above the couple. They did a joint blessing and then started the ceremony. Both Kili and Tauriel had their vows \memorized and neither could take their eyes off each other.
After the two officiants declared the couple was married, the Elf helped Tauriel removed her veil and bridal wreath and she and Kili could finally see each other. They kissed and laughed with pure delight.
Thorin stepped down from his throne as the whole of the throne room erupted with applause. He held his hands up to get their attention.
“I’m afraid I have some official business now that these two are officially wed. In creating new coronets for these two, I realized I owed Fili one also.” Bilbo brought down the velvet bags. Each had a runic sigil on them to designate who they were for. “Fili, if you would present yourself, please.”
Fili came around Kili and Tauriel and kneeled. Thorin removed his simple Prince circlet and replaced it with one that was a mostly gold smaller version of Thorin’s own crown. “As Heir apparent, I thought you needed one that resembled mine.” He looked down at Fili and he looked up, mouth open and pure appreciate on his face. Thorin nodded to him and he stood and went over to Kili’s other side.
“And now for my Heir Presumptive and his new bride, Princess Tauriel.” He removed Kili’s simple circlet and replaced it with his very own coronet. Next he smiled at Tauriel who bowed her head and Thorin gently placed the beautiful coronet on her head.
“There is yet one more gift today. Bilbo?” Thorin turned and looked at Bilbo. Bilbo’s mouth gaped as he looked at Thorin. Thorin withdrew from a chest pocket a small gold ring. It was a miniature of his own coronet. “Happy Yule my beloved.”