#the union of dale & erebor

[anneangel]

I can understand why Elrond allowed Bilbo live in Rivendell, in his halls, around several others of grandeur, allowing Bilbo to creating poems, music and translating files from Elvish into Common Speech, about Ancient history, Tales and Legends.

Have you ever stopped to think that Bilbo made everything said about him come true, and even went further?

He proved to be “The thief wants a good job, a lot of excitement and reasonable reward” or “Expert Treasure-hunter”. He really was “the expert thief and even gives the dwarves some ideas or suggestions” (even more than expected, given that Thorin believed that the problems would only come from Lake-town, the same with Gandalf announcing that the problems would occur much earlier).

So Bilbo went faced Trolls, met and charm elves, found the One Ring, spared Gollum's life, confront spiders, freed the dwarves from the elven dungeons of Mirkwood, overcame his fears of heights, put the dwarves in barrels and he entered a river even without knowing how to swim, entered Erebor and stole from the dragon Smaug, then spoke to that dragon and discovered its weak point (information brought to Bard by a bird, without which he would not have been able to kill the beast). And then Bilbo even used the Arkenstone as a ruse to try to avoid bloodshed, even if it meant enmity with his dwarven friends, and even so he returned to the mountain to be on their side (Bilbo still considered himself friend and loyal to them, he just had the courage to go against them on something he believed they weren't right: not negotiating with others).

Bilbo was in the Battle of the Five Armies and came out alive, and in end he forgave Thorin (after Thorin almost threw him for dead). It was because of him (and Galdalf's) that an king returned to reign in Erebor (Dáin) and another king returned to Dale (Bard). So, There was friendship between elves, dwarves and humans in those parts, after their union in battle.

So Bilbo returned to Bag End, had to repurchase his possessions and was not well received by the other Hobbits, but he was not subjugated by The One Ring over the years, and he did not become lonely and elusive, on the contrary; continued friend to dwarves and elves and humans for years, adopt Frodo (which would change the future course of Middle-earth forever, since this adoption would determine the future Ring-bearer), taught Sam to read, welcomed Merry and Pippin into his home, who was liberal with money and helped the poor and needy, and threw lively parties with food and gifts for the entire Shire, and even after decades in possession of the One Ring he managed to give it up (albeit with Gandalf's help).

Yes, the same Bilbo who had in possession a blade of Gondolin, the One Ring, the Arkenstone, and the mail of Mithril at the same time. And in the end he was able to get rid of each of these things of so much value and power.

Yes, I understand why Elrond and other elves wanted him around.

[bisexualbumblebee-writes]

Fluffuary 2023 Day 4: Love Letters- Fili Durin x OC

Fili Durin x Celeste Nasrin

Description: While Fili is away on business with Thorin he and Celeste exchange letters.

Word Count: 1k

Challenge made by the lovely @darthglitterfanfiction

“My Lady, a letter has just arrived for you. It’s from Prince Fili,” Celeste’s lady in waiting, Kerala, informed her as she walked into the Princess’ room. In an instant the girl was up and meeting her halfway, trying to contain her excitement. 

“Thank you, Kerala. You may go.” The older woman nodded and bowed before leaving, closing the door behind her. Once Celeste was sure she was alone she all but ripped the envelope open. Inside was a single flower. It was a golden flower from a Laurinquë - an Elvish tree. It made sense, considering Fili was in Mirkwood with Thorin. 

They’d been away for nearly a month at this point to Dale, the Iron Hills and Mirkwood. Ever since Erebor had been reclaimed, part of Fili’s job as the crowned Prince was to go on business trips with his uncle to establish alliances and make deals. Celeste didn’t quite know exactly what went on as she had never gone on trips like those, but she knew that they were important for the kingdom. 

Nevertheless, Celeste missed him dearly. They had only recently been married and had re entered the honeymoon phase of their relationship after their union. Each day passing felt as if it were growing harder and harder to continue without him by her side. She’d even begun having trouble sleeping without him by her side. They’d sent several letters to each other over the time that he’d been gone, but by this point she hadn’t heard from him in almost a week. It was safe to say she was excited to hear she had a letter from him again. After setting the flower down she pulled the letter out of the envelope and began reading. 

My darling Celeste,

It feels like eons since we have seen each other. I miss you more and more every day that we are apart. While I am happy to be traveling to learn what I will need once the crown rests on my brow, it hurts me to know that you are alone. To make up for it, I hope these words will bring you comfort in my absence.

I wish to tell you how you've been a wonderful part of my life. Whenever I think of you I can only fall deeper in love with you and I thank the gods for blessing me with such an ethereal wife. There is just something about you which I can't help loving.

What person could not appreciate such shimmering hazel eyes such as yours? They remind me of the Bloodstone, which represents a courageous spirit such as yours. Not to mention the positive aura it's said to give off. It brings back memories of the journey to reclaim our kingdom, when you would offer comfort when all seemed lost. That is just your heart, which I believe I love about you most of all. You are one of the kindest women I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting and knowing. 

I believe one of the things I have missed most with being away from you is going horseback riding together. Just the two of us alone without a care in the world. I have never felt so at peace as when I am with you and you alone. Perhaps we can go again when I return, it feels like it has been so long. 

Until then, I am afraid that is all the time I have to write to you, but I promise to be home soon so I may tell you all this in person. I am giving you this flower for your collection. It is a bloom from an Elven tree called Laurinquë (though I’m sure you already knew that. You’re incredibly smart). I love and miss you more than life itself. My love grows stronger with every beat of my heart

Yours forever, with all my heart,

Fili

Celeste couldn’t help but smile as she finished reading the letter. It was almost as if he could sense her missing him even from leagues upon leagues away. Perhaps he just knew her that well. Despite her best efforts, tears welled up in her eyes. Oh, how she missed him. She missed him more than anything - even if he truly hadn’t been gone that long. Without a word she sat down at the desk that resided across from their bed and grabbed a piece of parchment along with a quill and ink, and she got to work. 

My dearest Fili, 

Words cannot express just how dearly I miss you. Not a day goes by where I do not think about you. During the day all I can do is think about you and how much I yearn for your tender embrace. At night I lay down holding a pillow, imagining that it is you wrapped up in my arms and my head laying on your chest the way it does when you are here. 

Although I am without you, I continue to treat everyone to the same smile I would give you in hopes that one of the returning grins would be yours soon. I treat them with the same kindness, understanding and compassion that I have learned from you. This is but one way I can cope with your absence, and it has been working well enough. 

I believe Lemon and Shadow would appreciate us going for a ride when you return. Our ponies have long been wishing to stretch their legs again, but it just doesn’t feel the same to ride without you. 

Nevertheless, I pray that all is going well with you and your uncle’s travels, and I pray King Thranduil isn’t as impossible as he was before the war haha. I do hope you will get all business done with soon so that we may finally be reunited again. I love and miss you more than life itself. 

Yours today, tomorrow and every day after that, 

Celeste

[cassiabaggins]

Wedding

A/N: Part/day six! Thank you all so much for your support! Please leave a comment/reblog if you enjoy this!

Wordcount: 2k

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Tags: @anjhope1 @deathlikessodaandpizza @guardianofrivendell @myrin1234 @wettomatodude @lothloriien @annkdarar @artsywaterlily @hmmm-what-am-i-doing @drowingintheempty @estethell @claraofthepen @kilielweek

Warnings: mention of miscarriage

Summary: Kili and Tauriel are finally wed

Kili has been quiet all day. That's unusual. Tauriel carefully combs her fingers through his hair and rests her chin on his shoulder. He's staring into the fire. 

"You seem distressed," she says gently.

He grunts wordlessly, so she gives him a kiss on the cheek and strokes his hair. "Kili. Talk to me. What ails you?"

Kili is quiet for a little bit longer, putting his hand over hers, before letting out a long sigh. “They want me to get married,” He says.

“Who is ‘they’?” She asks gently. 

“The Council.”

“All of them?"

“No, not all of them, but those that do are quite loud.” He draws his knees up to his chest and rests his chin on them. “They want me to produce an heir.”

“What about your brother? He’s already married!”

“They think his child won’t be ‘pure’ enough.” He puts quotations with his fingers around the word ‘pure’. “First they tried to get him to annul his marriage, then they tried to get him to take a mistress, but he’d rather die than disrespect his wife like that, so they gave up and focused on me.” He clenches his fist. “It makes me so angry! Arranged marriages go against everything I’ve ever been taught about how dwarrow love. All of this does! It goes against our nature!”

Tauriel moves so she’s no longer sitting behind him, but beside him, taking his hand. 

“What do you mean by that, meleth nin?”

“I mean dwarrow don’t arrange marriages! We only love once, and only one person. Mahal, most of us don’t even experience sexual desires until we meet our One!”

“What if you don’t find the One? Or what if they don’t feel the same?”

“Then we don’t marry. We dedicate our lives to our crafts!”

“Is that what you would have done if I hadn’t come back?”

“Yes. Of course I would have.” He notices the sadness on her face and squeezes her hand. “Don’t look like that, amrâlimê, it’s not so bad. You don’t need love to be happy.”

She leans forward and kisses him. “There’s something awful romantic about that, loving only one person your entire life.”

“Aye, it is.” Kili frowns. “But now they want me to go against that and marry some lass from Rhun. She’s nice enough, I suppose, her name is Mhaite, but—”

“But you don’t love her.”

“But she’s not you.”

Tauriel smiles gently at him. 

“I don’t want to marry anyone but you,” Kili says, flopping down into her lap. She strokes her hand through his hair. 

“And I don’t want you to marry anybody but me.”

He sighs melancholically, taking her hand and kissing her wrist. She continues stroking his hair with her free hand when suddenly she is struck by an idea. 

“What if we eloped?”

Kili sits right up and stares at her. “What?”

“What if,” she repeats, “we eloped. If we got married, they couldn’t make you marry her, right?”

“They could try to get me to divorce you.”

“But you can refuse them, correct?”

“Well, yes. They cannot force an annulment if both parties refuse. Especially if Fili doesn’t approve, since only a king or queen can annul marriages.”

"So your brother is behind us, who else?"

"I'm sure I could get Dwalin to represent you," Kili says, excitement leaking into his voice and gestures, "he likes you, though he won't admit it. Ori can draft up marriage documents, Dori can make us wedding clothes, and Bombur and Cassia can cook and—"

She stops him with a finger over his lips, laughing softly. "This is becoming less of a secret elopement and more of a wedding the longer you talk," she teases. 

Kili shrugs and kisses her fingers. "I can't help that I want to get my friends involved."

"Too many people and the secret will leak," she cautions. "The Council will put a stop to it before it can even begin."

He sighs. "Yes, I suppose you're right."

.

In the end, they limit it to just Kili's family, Balin, and Dwalin. The sons of Fundin agree to represent Tauriel's family surprisingly easily, and Kili's mother and younger sister will represent him. Fili will officiate and his wife will be a witness. The wedding will take place in the council chamber of Erebor in two months time, long enough that the wedding beads can be made, but soon enough that the council members who are against the union do not have the time to put a stop to it. 

.

King Fili is looking over a trade agreement in King Bard’s office, the end of his quill in his mouth and his face all scrunched up with concentration in a way that makes him look unnervingly like his younger brother. Tauriel sidles up to him and taps him on the shoulder. She really shouldn't be distracting him, but she needs his advice. Fili scratches out some letters and looks up at her, dipping his quill back in ink. "Hullo, Tauriel," he says with a smile. "What can I do for you?"

"I need help," she declares and the smile vanishes for a worried frown. 

"Is something wrong?" 

"Not in the way you think," she says. Fili gives her a baffled look and Tauriel twiddles her thumbs awkwardly. "Dwalin mentioned I was meant to make beads for when I marry Kili," she explains, "only… I've not the slightest idea how!"

"Is that all?" Fili asks with relief.

"...Yes."

The king slides the paper he's been looking at out of his way. "Well, you came to the right dwarf. Do you have a material you're planning on using?" 

She shakes her head.

"Do you have a design?"

Another shake of the head. Fili sighs. "Oh dear."

"I don't even know where to begin! I've no idea how to craft jewelry!"

"Well, don't panic, there's no rule saying you have to make them. You just have to design them. It's common enough for a dwarf to commission a close friend to help create their wedding beads." 

Tauriel lets out a relieved sigh. "Oh, good." Then she frowns. “Kili will be making mine, though, won’t he?”

“Aye, most likely. His craft is jeweling after all.”

“Then I want to make his,” She declares.

“It won’t be easy,” Fili cautions.

“I don’t care. I want to try.”

"If you do, then far be it from me to try and stop you. Now, let's talk about materials. The most common are stone or metal, but wood or some sort of gemstone isn't unheard of. Any of those catch your attention?" 

Tauriel shakes her head. "I feel as if I need to hold the materials to see what I think."

Fili nods. "Next time I visit Dale, I'll bring you some examples."

She grins. "Oh, good! Oh, thank you!"

"Think nothing of it."

.

The next day, Fili arrives at her home as promised with the materials. He's brought some silver and gold and jewels, but what really catches Taurile’s eye is a beautiful piece of wood. She picks it up and turns it over in her hands. Fili sees her interest.

“That’s walnut wood,” he says. 

“It’s lovely.”

“Is that what you want to use?”

Tauriel turns the wood over in her hands. “Yes.”

“Good choice.”

“Only…” she frowns. “I can see why a material like metal or stone would be used, that can last for centuries, but wood? How do you keep the beads from wearing out?”

“We have charms for that,” Fili says, “to make them last. Don’t worry about that.”

“Oh, good.”

He begins to tie his hair back, pulling out tools from his bag, along with a sketchbook. “All right, let’s get to work.” He flips through his sketchbook to a fresh page and picks up a charcoal stick to draw with. “Any design ideas?”

Tauriel frowns, tapping thoughtfully on the wood. “Well… no.”

“Well, what makes you think about him? When I was designing beads for my wife, I thought of all the things that made me think of her and used those for my design. So, what makes you think of Kili?”

Tauriel thinks. “Uh, stars, and the moon, and mountains, mostly.”

“That’s a good start!” Fili says, passing the sketchbook and drawing stick to Tauriel. “Just… start drawing.”

She frowns and takes them gingerly. “I’m not much of an artist.”

“We can clean up the sketch later, just put down some ideas,” he says reassuringly.

.

In the end, she decides on an image of the Mountain with the moon rising behind it and a star above the moon. It’s simple and pretty, and Fili gives his stamp of approval. Then, the carving lessons begin. Woodworking is not something Tauriel has ever done and it’s not Fili’s craft, but he's a patient teacher and she’s a quick learner. She doesn’t expect to become such close friends with her future brother in law, but she and Fili end up having much more in common than they initially think, including but not limited to their affections for knives and Kili.

It takes time, and lots of practice, but by the day of the wedding, the final beads are done. They’re wide and flat beads with the pattern she came up with carved on one side and their names on the other. 

“Just promise me something?” Fili asks as he looks over the beads one final time. 

“What is it?” She queries. He looks up at her. 

“Please don’t leave him again. I don’t think he could bear it.”

Tauriel wants to tell him she hasn’t the slightest intention of doing that, that she came back for Kili and only for Kili, that not even wild horses could keep her away from him… but she doesn’t. “I won’t. I promise.”

.

There’s no fancy decorations or clothes for the wedding, no festive lights or stars or firemoons, just the dim torches illuminating the council chamber, and Kili’s smile illuminating her heart as they walk to stand together before Fili to be wed.

Tauriel takes Kili’s hand and he smiles up at her. “You look like a dream, amrâlimê,” he murmurs. 

“A good dream?”

“Yes. A fantastic dream.” He turns her hand over and kisses the inside of her wrist. “I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

Together, they turn towards Fili and the wedding begins.

Their vows are in Khuzdul, the traditional words, so no dwarf can say the wedding is invalid. The words are foreign on her tongue, but she knows them and their meaning even in her sleep. 

Bone of my bone, flesh of my flesh, we are two bodies but one soul and my heart is tied to yours. I vow to walk with you and treasure you like the finest of jewels, through this life and the next. 

With those words, they weave the braids and beads into each other’s hair, Tauriel bites her lip as she does so, worried her wooden beads look shabby and silly next to the fine diamond-flecked beads he’s made her. But then, he smiles up at her, and looks at the beads like they’re pure mithril, and she knows he thinks they’re beyond precious. Fili says a few more words in Khuzdul, declaring the marriage complete and valid and handing them each a quill to sign the marriage document. As soon as that is over, Kili swings Tauriel into his arms and kisses her like she's water in the desert and she kisses back just as passionately. She can hear the family, no, her family now, laughing around them. She cups his face in her hands and nuzzles her nose to his. “I love you,” she whispers. 

“I love you, too,” he responds, wrapping his arms around her waist. “My wife.”

“My hus—"

Before she can fully respond, the door to the council chamber slams open. Lord Khar is standing in the doorway. "What is the meaning of this?!" He shouts, "why is that elf in the mountain?!"

"This," Fili says, picking up his quill and signing the marriage document, sealing the wedding as complete, "is a wedding."

"A wedding?! What?! Between who?!"

"Between my brother, Prince Kili, and Captain Tauriel of Dale, formerly of Mirkwood."

"No! Never! I will not accept it!"

"You don't have to accept it, you simply have to be quiet," Fili says. "I wear the crown, not you. And I have signed this document and officiated this marriage. It is done."

Khar looks positively apoplectic, his face turning an impressive shade of red. Kili squeezes Tauriel's hand reassuringly and looks up at her. She knows he won't let anything tear them apart, and she feels the same, responding to his look with a soft smile. 

Lord Khar lets out a wordless, angry noise at the sight of their joined hands and storms toward them, arms outstretched as if he will try to force them apart with pure physical strength alone. Tauriel acts on instinct, swinging Kili behind her (as if a warrior prince of the Line of Durin would need protection) and halting Khar with a harsh blow to the shoulder. "Do not lay your hands on us," she spits. 

The dwarf lord goes purple, holding his shoulder. "You cannot—"

"I suggest you listen to her, Khar," Kili says smugly, "my wife is rather deadly when she is angry." He says the words ‘my wife’ with utter relish, rubbing it in the older dwarf’s face, who snarls angrily and steps away from the two of them. "My Lord King," he turns to Fili, attempting a different tactic, "surely you cannot condone this! This elf has bewitched you, can you not see it?"

"I have bewitched no one!" Tauriel cries indignantly. "I'm no wizard, I wouldn't even know where to begin!"

Cassia, peeking around Fili, lets out a little titter of laughter. Kili laughs as well, but the dwarf is well warned away from him. He turns his blazing eyes on the Hobbit Queen. "Don't think you are any better, halfling! You who would put weak, sickly halfbreeds on the Throne of Erebor, if you could only manage to carry one long enough for it to live."

The uproar is instantaneous. Cassia makes a soft, pained little whimper, placing her hand over her abdomen, Dwalin reaches for a weapon, Balin exclaims condemningly, Dis and the princess cry out in indignation, Kili and Tauriel both step forward, either to protect their friend or hurt the dwarf lord, they don't know. They don't make it far enough to find out. 

Fili punches Khar in the nose, knocking him to the ground. Khar howls with pain, holding his face.

"You've said enough," Fili spits, his eyes blazing with something feral and unhinged. It's an expression Tauriel has never seen on any face, especially not kind, gentle Fili. "Shut your mouth before I shut it permanently."

Cassia gently takes his arm and he takes a deep, steadying breath. “Khar, son of Zodar, as King of Erebor, I am relieving you of your position on the council of Erebor!"

"On what grounds?!"

"Disrespect of your queen, constant undermining of your king, and," Fili crouches down and reaches into the dwarf's pocket, pulling out a golden seal, "unlawful possession and use of the council seal." 

“You cannot just---!”

“I can, actually.” Fili turns to Kili, "I believe you two have a wedding night to get to. I can handle this here."

“Are you sure?” Kili asks. His brother nods. “All right.” He takes Tauriel’s hand and draws her toward the door. “Yasith, let’s go.”

She looks down at him. “Will they be---”

“Fili can handle it.”

They leave the mountain together, returning to Dale, to Tauriel’s home on the outskirts of the city. No one stops them in Erebor at Kili’s command, and no one stops them in Dale at hers. “I have something to show you,” she says, shutting the door behind them. Kili takes her waist and draws her near him. 

“Is it you?” he asks cheekily, standing up on his toes to kiss her. She kisses back, laughing a little. 

“No,” she says, and then hums, “well, yes, but not yet, just… come with me.” She gives him one last kiss and draws away, taking his hand. He weaves his fingers through hers and lets her lead him through the house to the very top floor, and from there, up another flight of stairs and through a door into the open air. 

“You lead me around all secretly to show me the roof?” Kili asks, “Amrâlimê, I’ve been here before.”

She laughs and pulls him forward. Set up in the center of the open space is a mattress and a huge pile of pillows and blankets, surrounded by many candles and lanterns (as yet unlit), a basket of food, and several bottles of wine. “It’s tradition for the marriage to be consummated under the stars,” she says softly, looking down at him. “We don’t have to, but---”

Kili swings her into his arms for a kiss. “This wedding has been all about my traditions,” he murmurs when they come up for air, “I would be honored to partake in some of yours.” And, hand in hand, he leads her toward the bed.

.

The next morning as Tauriel awakens to birdsong, wrapped in Kili’s arms beneath the open sky, she knows this is where she is supposed to be, and she will fight for it with everything she has.

[arofili]

[Image description: A colored pencil drawing of Fíli and Sigrid from the Hobbit movies. Sigrid is a human woman with blonde hair, light blue eyes, and pale skin; she is wearing a pink and purple dress and orange earrings. Fíli is a dwarf man with golden hair, dark blue eyes, and pale skin; he is wearing a teal shirt, a blue cloak with silver lining, green earrings, and a red ring. His hair and beard are braided and decorated with purple beads. Fíli and Sigrid stand side by side, looking at one another knowingly with slightly open mouths as if they are gossiping to one another. End image description.]

@aspecardaweek day four | worldbuilding | based on this post by @electroniccollectiondonut

Many dwarves chose their craft over marriage, but princes are not always afforded the luxury of choice when it comes to their marital status. With Thorin marrying Bilbo and Kíli marrying Tauriel, there’s pressure on Fíli to get married as well - but that’s the last thing he’s interested in.

Enter Sigrid, newly crowned princess of Dale, who faces the common Mannish pressure to wed and produce heirs for her father and brother, except she’s of the same mind as Fíli.

The two unlikely companions become friends and eventually announce their own betrothal, completing the trifecta of interspecies relationships among the Line of Durin - except Fíli and Sigrid aren’t marrying for love or drama. It’s a political alliance between Dale and Erebor, yes, but mostly an excuse to get everyone off their backs. Here they are snarking to one another about everyone else’s assumptions and the scandal they’re causing.

It’s not much of a secret, and in later days their unconventional “union” will inspire many fictionalized versions of the events, all woefully inaccurate, and give a handful of stubbornly single dwarves and women the historical precedent they need for a marriage of convenience alone.

[sunnyrosewritesstuff]

Bagginshield Bingo- Arranged Marriage

Sorry about not getting this in yesterday! I had a shit Monday at work, but a much better Tuesday and I could not get this one to end! I legitimately want to turn this into a full length fic, but I already have so many WIPs...

Still taking asks for this. Feel free to make a request because it’s now very apparent which bingo I’m going for. Please enjoy!

Title: Trapped by Blue Eyes

Summary: Bilbo thought it was his chance to be an ambassador to one of the greatest kingdoms in Middle Earth. He should have known it was a ruse and run while he could. However, a dwarf prince’s plea and beautiful blue eyes trap him in what will be an insane adventure in marriage.

When Bilbo had been asked to represent the Shire in Erebor, this wasn’t at all what he had in mind. Dreams of being an ambassador in the wealthiest and most influential kingdom in all of Middle Earth was quickly dashed by the reality of the situation. He was presented as a suitor for their prince along with twenty other representatives. Bilbo still didn’t know if his grandfather knew ahead of time and didn’t tell him, or if he had been deceived the same as Bilbo. That the Shire mattered enough to this eastern dwarf kingdom to encourage trade between their lands. Either way, he had been made the fool.

He stood at attention amongst willowy elves, strong dwarves, and youthful men. Males and females amongst all their races as he remained the lone hobbit. It was a jest. He stood no chance of winning the affections of a prince. He was merely there for the propriety of not excluding a member of the free race. It was a waste of his time, and he was certain, a waste of the prince’s time. Yet, he remained in line waiting until his name was called to enter the conference room and present his candidacy. He hoped he would at least have time to tour the mountain before they threw him out.

“Bilbo Baggins, Grandson of Thain Gerontius Took of the Shire.” The herald announced.

Bilbo resisted the urge to sigh as he stepped forward. The white haired advisor who had been leading the others in one at a time raised an eyebrow at Bilbo.

“A hobbit? How unusual.”

Bilbo crossed his arms behind his back as he held his head high.

“I believe there is quite a bit about this situation I would label unusual, but I am not one of them.” He answered coolly.

The dwarf’s eyes widened in surprise, but there was a twinkle to them showing he was not offended by Bilbo’s retort. Which was good news for Bilbo. He had a bad habit of letting his mouth run away from him.

“Right this way, Master Baggins.” The dwarf instructed bowing, rather unnecessarily, before him. “The prince may ask you a few questions. Just answer honestly. This is not a game of politics, just a dwarf looking for his match.”

“Yes, of course.” Bilbo answered brusquely as he tugged at his best receiving jacket.

The burgundy clashed beautifully against the pea green of his waistcoat with it’s golden embroidered vines. His grandma Laura used to tell him all the time that it was his best outfit for highlighting the Baggins brown in his hair and eyes. While desirable in the Shire, he knew it made him look a bit plain elsewhere in the world. Perfect for getting an eccentric prince to pass over him as husband material.

It was a mere few paces before Bilbo got his first good look at his potential husband to be, and it was almost enough to stop him in his tracks. The dwarf before him stood regal and proud with his flowing ebony locks flashing with silver beads and crown. His nose was straight and small when compared with other dwarves Bilbo had met, but his eyes. It was as if Aule captured the sky above and pinned it into those fathomless depths.

“Bilbo Baggins, grandson of Thain Gerontius Took, may I present Thorin Oakenshield, son of Thrain, son of Thror, Prince of Erebor.” The older dwarf introduced.

Bilbo blundered through a bow, almost forgetting it entirely in his stupor. Thorin approached him, an appraising hand on his chin as he circled Bilbo. The hobbit was taken aback by the blunt sizing up, but he held his silence as he awaited the prince’s verdict.

“Tell me, Master Baggins, why should I pick you as my husband?”

Sweet Yavanna, his voice was just as sinful as his eyes.

“I’m sorry?” He tried to clarify, his tongue feeling clumsy.

Thorin looked seconds away from rolling his eyes as he retook his place in front of Bilbo with his arms crossed.

“I’m asking, what could the Shire offer Erebor out of this union? Flowers?” He mocked.

Bilbo’s eyebrows furrowed as heat rose from his chest to pool in his cheeks. He cleared his throat as he fought to maintain control of his voice. Clearly, his earlier musings at the dwarf’s beauty was merely surface deep.

“I did not come prepared to make any negotiations on behalf of my homeland, Your Highness.”

The dwarf’s eyes narrowed as his chin jutted high. “So you came merely to take advantage of Ereborian hospitality.”

“I came on behalf of my Thain after being summoned by your king!” Bilbo snapped, unable to reign himself in any longer.

“Be careful how you speak, Hobbit!” Thorin growled.

“I do apologize, Your Highness, and I certainly mean no disrespect to your grandfather,” Bilbo continued, unable to stop the growing tirade. “But this entire farce has been the epitome of wasted time. What can the Shire do for you? How about bellies full of good food because it is clear to me, there isn’t rich farmland for miles! The better question is what can Erebor do for us? You may be rich in gold, but we have no need for it out west. I had hoped to at least get a good story out of this venture, but you have done a decent job of dashing that hope! Now we both have known from the moment I walked in that you weren’t going to pick me, so let’s end this with our dignities still mostly intact.”

Bilbo finished with a nod as he tugged on his jacket hem once with finality. It was only then he was aware of Thorin’s raised eyebrow and slack-jawed expression. The advisor looked similar gobsmacked, and Bilbo found himself embarrassed for an entirely new reason now.

“Yes, well, thank you for your time, Your Highness.” Bilbo mumbled, fumbling through another bow.

Neither dwarf reacted, and Bilbo awkwardly excused himself from the room. Bilbo kept his head down as he passed the entrance where the rest of Thorin’s potential suitors still stood, hurrying back to the guest halls. He’s had quite enough of dwarven kingdoms, and he figured he was about to be thrown out on his bum. He only wished Gandalf was still around to escort him back home. Oh well, he would wait for him in Dale if he had to, but by Eru’s will, he was leaving Erebor tonight!

Once back in his room, Bilbo had to lean against the stone door to fight the jelly sensation traveling up his legs. Did he really just yell at a prince? It didn’t matter how they chose to look at his grandfather’s position, he certainly did not hold enough power and influence in the world to be able to get away with that. His need became that much greater, and he swiftly threw his belongings in his pack. A few wrinkles here and there was a sacrifice he was willing to make to stay clear of the dungeons.

He had just finished tying the drawstrings when there was a knock on his door. He froze debating on whether or not he should answer. He could fake his absence, but the guards standing in the corridor would know he had not vacated. Cold sweat dripped down the back of his neck as there was another knock. He twisted his hands around each other as he slowly crossed the room and answered with shaking nerves.

“Good evening, Master Baggins.” The advisor from before greeted with a bow.

“Master Dwarf.” Bilbo nodded in return. “Before you say anything…”

“Balin.” The dwarf interrupted with a wide grin.

“Pardon?” Bilbo sighed.

“Balin, son of Fundin, at your service.” He introduced. “Might I borrow a moment of your time?”

Bilbo looked around him, more than a little surprised it was only the older dwarf outside his room.

“I’m afraid our Prince is not with me.” He explained, trying to guess Bilbo’s thoughts.

“No, no! I didn’t think...please, come in.” Bilbo stepped aside wondering how many ways he could look like an idiot that day.

“Is the room not to your liking?” Balin questioned upon entering.

“It’s quite comfortable.” Bilbo reassured.

“I only asked because you packed up as if you were hoping to transfer quarters?”

His nose twitched under the older dwarf’s knowing stare.

“Yes, about that…”

“I thought you handled yourself well today.”

Bilbo’s head gave a light thrum as the conversation continued to twist in circles.

“You...do.” Bilbo concluded dryly.

“Yes, the bluntness of a dwarf, but still retaining an air of manners. Fine qualities when looking for a consort.”

Bilbo replayed that last line over in his head a few times with a sickening realization.

“Master Dwarf…” Bilbo began once he found his voice.

“Balin.” The other reminded him gently.

“Master Balin,” Bilbo started again. “Prince Thorin isn’t putting serious consideration in the idea of...me? Right?”

The soft smile and the twinkling gaze was far from reassuring.

“Our prince would like to extend the invitation of dinner tonight to make amends for your first meeting.”

“Why?” Bilbo asked in morbid curiosity.

“He feels you may have gotten the wrong impression…”

“Master Balin.” Bilbo interrupted him this time. “You know clearly what I meant.”

Balin nodded his head, his grin still wide as if pleased with Bilbo’s wit.

“Ask Thorin. Tonight. We will send a runner when it’s time. Please, let us know if there is anything we can do to make your stay more comfortable.” Balin declared giving a final nod to Bilbo’s packed bag.

With that, Bilbo was left alone, and a thought that hadn’t quite occurred to him before seeped into his very being, filling him with dread. That damned, arrogant dwarf was actually about to pick him. And for what reason? Spite? Furthermore, if that was the case, he would be stuck here in Erebor. Never again to see his Shire, his beloved Bag End. What started off as a high-spirited adventure to distant lands was quickly morphing into a bleak, stony prison. 

His gaze wandered to his pack. How far could he make it before he was caught? Would they even bother or would Thorin just move onto the next suitor in line? The temptation was only subdued by his duty to the Shire. It would reflect poorly if he left without giving the dwarf a second chance. Besides, surely, there was no law that would force him to marry? He heaved a heavy sigh as he unpacked his next best outfit for dinner.

***

By the time the runner came for him, Bilbo had smoked two pipefulls of Old Toby, changed his clothing three times, and marked a path in the fireplace rug from his pacing. For once in his life, Bilbo’s stomach rejected the mere idea of food, and his desire to run was all but reality. Still, his sensibilities and courage took hold, leading him down the hall after the servant, and into the most gorgeous dining room Bilbo had ever seen.

The table was long and stone like most dwarven furniture, but there was a solid gold inseam that ran like a stripe straight down the middle. Lavish tapestries and weaponry decorated the walls, and right in the center was a massive chandeleur that Bilbo was willing to bet was made with real diamonds. It caught the candles within, and bounced the light a hundred different ways making the room practically sunlit in spite of the hour.

Thorin, himself, was dressed in deep blue and dark furs, contrasting against the fireplace at his back at the head of the table. Even without his crown, there could be no doubt that he was a prince, hell a king in his element. The dwarf rose to meet him, and the palpable tension that he carried earlier was gone. His guard was still up though, and Bilbo found that just made him even more unreadable. The prince nodded his head mere paces from him.

“Master Baggins.” He greeted evenly.

“Your Highness.” Bilbo returned with probably his most natural bow of the day.

Thorin reached out his hand, and Bilbo hesitantly gave his expecting a handshake only for his ears to burn when Thorin’s lips grazed his knuckles. He was staring at Bilbo now, his eyebrows furrowed just slightly as his mouth open and closed a few times as if unable to decide on his words.

“Your...vest...thing is very nice. It highlights your...feet.”

That was quite easily the strangest compliment Bilbo had ever received. He had to glance down to make sure there wasn’t something wrong with his appearance.

“Thank you?” He finally offered.

Thorin nodded again, a little relief bleeding into his countenance. He swept his hand out indicating a place setting next to Thorin’s own. Bilbo moved towards his seat, pausing as Thorin pulled out his chair for him. His gaze settled on the empty plate before him as he struggled to make sense of the prince’s change in behavior. A silence pressed on them both as Bilbo tried to find a polite way to ask after his purpose in being there.

“So…” They both started at the same time.

“No, please you first.” Bilbo insisted.

“Please, go ahead.” Thorin offered at the same time.

They gave an awkward chuckle before Thorin decided to speak again.

“How are you finding Erebor?” 

“The mountain is very lovely.” Bilbo answered stiffly. “I must confess, I haven’t had much time to explore.”

“That...is a shame. I will have to give you a tour soon.” Thorin mumbled in response.

“I would hate to impose, Your Highness.” Bilbo politely declined.

Thorin looked a little crestfallen, and Bilbo found it tugged at his chest in a way he didn’t understand.

“But if you did, where would you take me? What are your favorite aspects of your kingdom?” Bilbo blurted.

Thorin blinked in surprise before a small, but genuine, smile spread across his face. Bilbo’s throat felt clogged and he was thankful when the servants brought out their first course to hide his burning face behind a spoonful of soup.

“These are all things that wouldn’t be on an official tour.” Thorin explained with a smirk. “But I love to walk deep into the diamond mines with nothing but torchlight and watch the room glitter like stars in the sky. I love being near the forges with the sweltering heat and the pounding of hammers on the anvils. But my favorite place is the ravens’ roost. There is a spot up there where you can see for miles, and it feels like all of Middle Earth is before you.”

Bilbo felt himself smile, enthralled by Thorin’s passion for his home. He paused for a moment, just soaking in the images described to him that were so different from his home, but somehow just as beautiful. 

“What about the Shire, Master Baggins? Tell me about your own home.”

Bilbo clumsily began to talk about the rolling green hills, the sun-kissed summers, the gardens and farms, and an evening smoke filled with a field of fireflies. Things he was certain held no interest to a dwarven prince, but if Thorin was bored by his narration, he never showed it. After that, their conversation seemed to be a little easier, if not still polite and distant. They were closing out the evening when Bilbo finally had to ask.

“Your Highness, with all due respect, why me?”

Thorin blinked before his expression slowly closed off once more.

“You were the strongest candidate that I felt I could have a...relationship with.” Thorin explained, his words practiced even as he stumbled over the word relationship.

Bilbo felt ice drop into his stomach. Even after what he considered a lovely evening, this was all still a ruse. A political maneuver of some kind.

“Prince Thorin,” He barked, as surprised as Thorin by the hard edge to his words. “If I may be frank, I came here tonight with no intention of staying in Erebor through the night. I will be leaving for the Shire, unless you can give me a real reason to stay.”

Thorin’s hands tightened into fists, and for a brief moment Bilbo feared Thorin would order his guards to lock him in his room. His expression pinched, and he released a breath through his nose as the tension slid out of him once more.

“I hate it when Balin is right. He told me you would not be idly swayed, but I chose to ignore him.” Thorin mumbled more to himself than to Bilbo.

Bilbo narrowed his gaze. “Sorry, I was not stupid enough to be tricked.”

“No!” Thorin gasped. “I...it’s just…”

A hand rubbed down his face, and Bilbo found he looked far older and more tired than his initial impression. A sympathetic tug at his heart held him to remain and hear Thorin out. The prince stood up and led the way to a different doorway than where Bilbo entered.

“We can’t talk here.” Thorin explained when Bilbo merely stared at him in confusion.

Heaving his own sigh, Bilbo got up and followed the dwarf through the new passage. It wasn’t long before Bilbo was completely lost on how he would find his rooms from here. Maybe that was Thorin’s plan to keep him here. He would be a prisoner of the mountain, lost in its labyrinth. They finally reached Thorin’s destination, and Bilbo entered after the prince. He was a little confused as to the nature of this room. It opened into a sitting room with expensive furniture and what appeared to be a personal armory. However, there were several doorways that branched out, and peeking down one Bilbo caught a glance of what appeared to be a bedroom.

“Where are we?” He asked curiously.

Thorin had immediately gone to the liquor cabinet in the corner and poured them both a drink.

“These are my chambers.” He answered.

Bilbo jumped and took a step backwards. He was torn on how he should feel: outrage at the dwarf’s presumptions, indignant at being tricked into the prince’s bed, or the small part of him that wanted to be just a little exhilarated at the fact that Thorin chose him.

“Now see here!” Bilbo began.

Thorin rolled his eyes as he interrupted what was about to be an impressive tirade on Bilbo’s part. “Peace! I merely wanted to speak away from prying ears and eyes.”

Bilbo’s jaw clicked shut. Thorin invited him to sit on the settee, and it was with stilted movements that Bilbo perched himself on the edge of the seat. He took the glass offered to him, but made no move to drink. Thorin on the other hand threw back the strong brew in one gulp glaring down in the empty glassware. The air was heavy as Bilbo waited for Thorin to give his reasons before he threw the drink in his face and marched out. 

“My grandfather is unwell.” Thorin whispered.

Bilbo almost wasn’t certain he heard him correctly at first until Thorin pinned him with a desperate and intimidating glare.

“Your grandfather...I don’t understand. Does he need a healer?” Bilbo finally asked.

Thorin snorted staring off to the right with a dark look.

“It’s not a physical illness, but one of the mind.”

Bilbo nodded, still relatively unsure what this had to do with anything.

“I’m afraid I don’t know much about how to help with that.” Bilbo finally stated.

Thorin gave a mirthless laugh, his eyes softening some when he looked back at Bilbo.

“I shouldn’t think so, Master Baggins. None do. He has been consumed with his riches, Dragon Sickness, they call it. My only hope now is to soften the effects of his rule until I can inherit the throne. My father and I were ruling Erebor together behind the scenes until his…passing.”

“Please, don’t think me uncaring, Your Highness. But what exactly does this have to do with me?” Bilbo sighed.

Thorin was silent for another long moment, and Bilbo was afraid he had overstepped when Thorin spoke once more.

“I love my grandfather. I mean, I want to love my grandfather, I loved him once long ago. But he has become...cruel and careless, and I fear for Erebor. I have sent my sister Dis to live with her husband and sons in Ered Luin years ago because I don’t know how he will react to having more heirs.”

“Surely, not his great-grandsons.” Bilbo tried to protest, but Thorin’s somber look stopped him.

“The war I fought in that earned me the title Oakenshield, I was supposed to perish along with my father and brother.”

Bilbo’s heart clenched as his hands tightened around his glass. These were secrets he shouldn’t be hearing. There was no way he, a simple hobbit of the Shire, was to know of royal family plots and shame.

“Thorin...why don’t you leave? Go to your sister and nephews!” Bilbo cried aghast.

It was the first time he had spoken so casually to the prince, and yet neither of them noticed. The dark haired dwarf’s gaze was so sad, and yet filled with a firm strength Bilbo couldn’t help but admire.

“Erebor is my home. Besides, I worry for its people if I were not here to protect them.” He explained. “No, once Balin and I learned the...truth. No matter how hard it was to swallow, we had to come up with a plan that would make me look less...threatening in my grandfather’s eyes. I fear he thinks I want to take his throne from him by force, and I dare not dwell on what measures he is cooking up to remedy it.”

Bilbo forced himself to swallow against the pain that threatened to overtake his chest. To live in fear of one’s own grandfather...he couldn’t even imagine. He certainly disagreed with his own quite often and was frequently annoyed by him, but he has never feared the Old Took.

“So if I were to appear as a fool in love…” Thorin purposely hid his gaze from Bilbo. “Especially with someone below my station with no hope of giving me heirs…”

At his pointed gaze, everything suddenly fell into stark clarity. Thorin intended to use him as a shield against his grandfather’s paranoia. It made perfect sense. Hobbits had no desire for gems and riches. A simple, country male who managed to snare the heart of the heir to the most powerful kingdom in all of Arda. It was so brilliant, and yet he felt sick to the very pit of his stomach. He numbly set down his untouched drink as he stood and stepped away towards the fire. His hands were antsy, and he had a strong desire for his pipe. 

“Why are you telling me this?” Bilbo demanded spinning around. “Are you trying to blackmail me into going along with this deranged plan?”

“You asked!” Thorin snapped, jumping to his feet as well.

“Stop treating me like an idiot!” Bilbo snapped, fury written in his every nerve. “I’m done with the half-truths. You brought me into this, why?!”

Thorin was a puppet with his strings cut. This, whatever it was, it was clear this was not Thorin’s game. From what Bilbo knew before meeting him, he was a leader, a warrior, a hero. He wasn’t a politician or spy, he wasn’t one for mind games, and it seemed as if Bilbo’s words stripped him of that leaving him bare.

“Because I need your help. I didn’t expect you to be...you.” He explained gesturing to Bilbo. “A head of wit and a spine of mithril, but after you spoke to me in the conference room, Balin and I both realized you were exactly what people would expect out of a consort. It would...sell easier, especially considering you’re not...a dwarf.”

Bilbo wanted to stomp his foot, burst into tears right there, and pull out his hair. Never in his wildest imaginations did he expect he was being summoned for something like this. A fake marriage to make a mad king take his heir less seriously in terms of succession all because he was a qualified candidate.

“Please.” Bilbo turned to Thorin fully only moments from falling to his knees in a plea. “You must know that this is insane.”

However, it was only after he said it that he knew Thorin did. He didn’t even have to look into the haunted blue eyes before him. This insanity was Thorin’s everyday life.

“Dwarven engagements are notoriously long. No one would bat an eye if it was two or three years before we married. With your Shire being months away, we could even drag out the process. In the meantime, those loyal to me will be working on a solution. It’s possible you wouldn’t have to marry me at all.”

Bilbo’s eyes fell to his feet. “What if I don’t want this?” He asked hoarsely.

Thorin sighed as he hesitantly put his hand on Bilbo’s shoulder giving it an encouraging squeeze.

“I understand. I won’t hold you here, I just ask for your...discretion.”

Bilbo nodded numbly refusing to let himself be taken by Thorin’s broken voice.

“I need time to think.” He finally told him. “I’ll give you my answer in the morning.”

Thorin nodded before leading him back to Bilbo’s room. Bilbo didn’t mind the silence this time, although he felt anyone looking at the two would think they were heading to an execution rather than two wayward lovers. There’s no way this would work. As Bilbo tossed and turned through the night, he was certain he would be telling Thorin no upon dawn’s arrival and running for the Shire.

However, all it took was one look into Thorin’s hopeful blue eyes, and a ‘yes’ fell from his lips. For one small moment, the shine of gratitude and relief made it worth it. It was like Thorin said. They had years to consider an alternative solution. In the meantime, Bilbo would play the happy in-love consort to be. Thorin barely gave Bilbo a moment to grasp what he had signed up for before he was taking him to meet the king.

Thorin and Balin did a good job of building some fairy tale worthy story of love at first sight and other such nonsense as Bilbo fought to keep from squirming under Thror’s dark, cold glare. When they finished the king gave a mocking smile, and when he spoke, Bilbo’s world toppled out from underneath him.

“Why wait? If it’s true love, I say we get started with the wedding planning now. Thorin and...Master Baggins will be wed by the end of the month.”

[ao3feed-thehobbit]

For The Good of Our People

read it on the AO3 at https://ift.tt/3cx8ucn

by WinterAssassin

An entire year has passed since the Battle for The Lonely Mountain.

Much has happened over the course of time, Dale is still in the process of being restored and the Dwarves of Erebor have managed to get the Dragon stink out of the mountain – as well as having rebuilt what was lost and damaged over time and ruin. Things were slowly returning to normal.

However, the fragile alliance which formed between the elves and dwarves is wearing thin – and Thorin and Thranduil are begrudgingly looking to mend the alliance that once existed between the two races. They come to an agreement neither like and loath to admit that it will help strengthen their alliance nonetheless.

It begins with the oldest heir from each King and ends with their union through marriage. Fíli and Legolas hate the idea equally and want nothing to do with each other. Their Kings, however, are forcing this upon them for the good of their people.

For the future.

Words: 2501, Chapters: 1/?, Language: English

Fandoms: The Hobbit - All Media Types

Rating: Mature

Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply

Categories: M/M

Characters: Fíli (Tolkien), Legolas Greenleaf, Thorin Oakenshield, Kíli (Tolkien), Thranduil (Tolkien), Thorin's Company, Dwalin (Tolkien)

Relationships: Fíli/Legolas Greenleaf

Additional Tags: Arranged Marriage, Post-Battle of Five Armies, Enemies to Friends to Lovers, Uneasy Allies, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder - PTSD, Scars, Friendship/Love, Family, Eventual Fluff, Slow Burn

read it on the AO3 at https://ift.tt/3cx8ucn