Saving Durin {Hobbit/Thorin}

Chapter 57: A seriously long chapter

Chapter 57:

A seriously long chapter

To say that I dread the next morning would be an understatement, for I am practically shaking in my boots. The mere prospect of going door-to-door, inviting dwarves to my wedding, is terrifying to say the least. How will they react to a Phoenix as a queen? Especially when I am the Queen of the Phoenix? I cannot answer either of these questions, so instead, I just pray to the Valar that today goes smoothly. And by smoothly, I mean that there are no threats against my life. Not too much to ask for, but dwarves are notoriously hostile, especially when strangers are concerned.

In preparation of the major sucking-up I will have to do, I dress in my best clothing, not just a single tunic from Thorin's closet. Originally, I am afraid that Thorin will insist that I wear the nice dress from yesterday, but it's quite the opposite in actuality. The dwarf king refuses to let me wear the dress, on the grounds of "its mustiness will horrify all." Not that I am complaining, but I suspect he hates the dress as it brings unwanted attention to myself. And for once, I am grateful for his protectiveness.

My clothes consist of the newly acquired gifts of yesterday: a form fitting cream tunic and black leather pants from Dis and Lyn, the fur boots from Tauriel, and the soft brown cloak from Bard. I gather my hair in a low ponytail, letting small white pieces of hair fall around my face. And, of course, the whole outfit is nothing without my sapphire necklace and engraved ring, the old and new gifts from Thorin.

By the time dawn is peeking around my chamber's door, I am ready to begin my day, Thorin at my side. Just as the day prior, Thorin and I are tasked with different duties, leaving us to our own devices. After a soft and lingering kiss, we depart from the room, Thorin going left as I follow the corridor to my right. I am to meet Tauriel in the library at sun up, so I can only pray I remember the path to the library.

As luck seems to be catching up for the past year, the wish goes granted, finding myself in the wood paneled, old library of Erebor before the sun begins its ascent from sleep. Tauriel awaits my presence, seemingly shocked that I am on time, nonetheless early. I grimace at this observation, as I pride myself on always being early. However, the endless and mindless tunnels of Erebor often hinder such desires of mine.

And although I was meant to be the sole messenger of wedding invites, Tauriel offers to help in my duties, seeing the terrified expression on my face. Usually, I would find no fear in such tasks, scoffing at those who whimper at them. However, when it's your own wedding and you're marrying the king, you have every right to fear their response.

We move from the North wing to the East, West, and finally South, giving out invites by the time dusk comes around. And though the first few invites scare me, I quickly overcome that and find myself enjoying the task. The people of Erebor are more than welcoming of me, as it would seem that my war story has spread through the kingdom. They all seem excited to see Thorin marrying "his savior" rather than some ordinary dwarf. I don't fully understand their thought process, but I am only half-dwarf after all.

I knock on the final door of the kingdom, Tauriel already speaking to the neighbors across the way. It is also surprising to see the dwarven people so willingly accepting an elf into their halls, an elf who will soon be engaged to a dwarf prince. Evidently, this war has changed many more people than the company itself; the people of Middle Earth seem to shrink under the weight of brotherhood, accepting their diverse neighbors with open arms. And it is that thought that brings a smile on my face with the opening of the final door.