Chapter Text
Dûlo was very pleased with himself, so he hummed a merry song while holding the reins of his horse lightly. The animal didn't have to pull too hard; Dûlo had sold all his goods in Imladris, and now there were only his personal belongings, a few woollen blankets, two bottles of "Mauburz' Yuletide Cream Liqueur" and two bolts of finest blue velvet loaded on his sleigh. He had purchased the velvet as a Yuletide present for Dîn, his wife. They had only been married since spring, and he was still somewhat surprised that she had chosen him of all her suitors.
There had been many, and most from older and nobler families, and her father had not been overly delighted when she had made her choice.
"Child, there are stronger Dwarves than him, with greater wealth, from more influential families. And, if I may say so, Dwarves of more appealing appearance."
Dîn had just shrugged.
"That's all very well, father, but wealth can be lost, families broken up, and as for appearances... what are you going to do when you get tired of gazing at each other? No, no, my whiskers are splendid enough for two! I would rather choose a Dwarf who knows how to argue and reconcile, and who can make me laugh. These are the things which keep a marriage alive and strong."
Of this conversation, Dûlo knew nothing, of course, but he knew that Dîn had, in his opinion, the brightest pair of blue eyes in all of Middle-earth and the most splendid whiskers of all Dwarf ladies he knew, and so the blue velvet would make a splendid robe for her. It had been exorbitantly expensive, for Imladris velvet was the finest, but then this was their first Yule, and he wanted to give her something special.
While Dûlo was daydreaming about his wife and the upcoming Yule festivities, he had almost reached the small home where they lived. They'd settled here for the duration of the season's trade and would now return to the settlements of the Dwarves. It was a nice and cosy little hut, but Dûlo longed for the security of a cave and the company of his kin. They hoped to have a family soon, and this was no place for Dwarflings to grow up.
When he approached the hut, Dîn stepped out of the door and waved. Dûlo's heart skipped a beat when he saw her, and he had to smile when he heard the gentle chiming of bells. Dîn always wore tiny silver bells in her braids, a custom he found most charming.
"Dûlo! Mahal be praised, you're back!"
Dûlo reined in his horse and jumped off the sleigh. He took his wife in his arms and swung her around, kissing her heartily.
"I am, my love, and it's been a very successful season! Here's a wealthy Dwarf standing in front of you, and I left some poor Elves behind!"
Dîn laughed and pulled playfully on one of Dûlo's braids.
"Hopefully not too poor or their Yule will be ruined."
"Naw, our prices are fair. It was a good decision to come there; dealings with the Lord of Imladris are pleasant."
"And gainful."
They both giggled, then Dîn raised an eyebrow.
"And? Did you bring something for me?"
Dûlo pulled a face.
"Eh - curse it! I'm afraid I forgot all about you. So many distractions, you know. Business, the pretty Elf maidens..."
Dîn elbowed him in the side.
"You! Want to sleep outside tonight? There might be more snow!"
Dûlo grinned, then he kissed her on the cheek.
"I wanted to give it to you on Yule, but you might make something of it for the Yule feast at my father's home. Go, look at it, it's under the furs on the back of the sleigh."
Dîn clapped her hands and trudged through the snow towards the sleigh. She pulled the deerskins covering the back away, and stood on tip-toe to look inside. Dûlo had to smile upon seeing the anticipation on her face, but then that joyous expression changed to one of surprise and then horror. She opened her mouth, then closed it again, then looked over her shoulder at her husband.
"Dûlo," she finally said, "have you completely lost you mind?"
His face dropped.
"Why? Don't you like the colour?"
"The colour?" Dîn threw her arms in the air. "The colour? Are you insane? The colour is lovely, but how do you intend to explain this to our parents?"
Dûlo came to stand next to her, then he looked into the sleigh. There, curled up in the woollen blankets, holding an empty bottle of cream liqueur with eyes veiled in reverie, a small Elven child slept peacefully, his golden hair held back by two braids.
"Mahal, give me strength," Dûlo gasped.
"Here," Dîn said, and handed him the second bottle of cream liqueur.