Idunn

Fili at your service!

I watched the hobbit movies and I have a new favourite guy

no colour under the cut

Touch prompt from Idunn

“Lass” came a soft yet spine tingling familiar voice from behind-

it had been a month or so since the wedding celebration, surrounded by family and friends, well wishes and support that took so long to finally see, but now it was just them, always alone, in their quarters. And after the family gatherings had dwindled, the constant longing for one of their own began to creep into their conversations, they their dreams, in passing when they came home from their respective tasks in the mountains ‘i saw the thickest baby in the market today’ and ‘i bought new boots and they had the smallest pair on display I’ve ever seen, i couldn’t leave without them’ and similar happenings but they always stepped around it as they just only been married for not long enough in their opinion, but they were adults now.. right?

“Aye my husband” Idunn offered, the feeling of tender’s lips against her temple, a broad warm chest at her back, and large hands encompassing her hips continued as the room was quiet save for the dimming fire in the room. They had just winded down for the night, ate dinner, bathed and were ready to relax and enjoy their evening but fili had plans apparently for his little wife.

“I ‘wanted t’ ask ye something” he stated lowly a slight riled tone in his voice yet the focus was forwardly leaning in the conversation “speak then?” she continued feeling the heat rise to her neck and cheeks steadily as the giddy feeling she found to love never faded as many said it would, at least it wasn’t possible when the dwarf constantly engaged in actions such as these. Her finger fingers overlayed his as he nuzzled into the make of her neck tenderly offering gently kisses between pauses

“I think it’s time we start trying for a wee one” he said calmly as he smiled against the shell of her ear “its been enough talks of them, me have the knowledge of the process.. and we should start trying, an’ not jus’ fer fun”. He stated and paused as he rocked her in his arms before turning her around to look into her eyes his arms firmly holding her there so she couldn’t escape the conversation as he usually let her escape but now he was sure and wanted to see her emotions and get a read

“I know we ‘ave interest, but. Are ye ready lass?” He asked her before planting tender lingering kisses to her lips and another and another as she thought further “lass” he pressed again and she smiled “i was enjoying the kisses i don’t ‘ave t’ think love” she said with a beaming smile as she watched him light up like the sun

“Oh you’ve made me the happiest dwarf in Arda lass!” He exclaimed happily picking her up and swinging her around with joy, but when he placed her back down he scooped her up and marched her over to the bed with determined steps kissing her with firm and playful pecks showing his gratitude before he tossed her into the bed “oh no no no i change me mind!” She teased as he climbed up over her with a playful smirk “oh no ye can’t take it back, ye can’t go back on a deal with a dwarf!” He said as he then tickled her a bit nuzzling his nose in her neck before he stopped and relaxed the sensation with lingering kisses and sultry laughs knowing he had her right where they longed to be but now they were ready to go further and make it count that night and nights following in hopes of a child.. or two.

•

“Ye feel any different lass?” Fili asked gently as they were walking through the markets in erebor. New merchants came in to the free square and they were making a day of perusing, though he was curious if his wife felt any different. It had been weeks since they started trying for a child, and if he was honest he didn’t have the slightest clue of what to look for. Since said the lady would glow, but she always did to him, she was his light and she was always beautiful, and now that they are married he admitted to seeing her with a healthy weight gain now as well but was it a child or happy weight??

She wasn't completely sure, though she thought there might be some signs. She had been more tired lately, and she had been more tender on her chest, but she didn't want to believe it until she had confirmation. These things could easily just be her mind tricking her, and she would hate for them both to be disappointed. She bit her lip before she turned to Fili, "we can always check woth Oin or Bodil?" She offered even though neither would guarantee the possible secret from reaching their families.

“Yes i do think we should check with either of them, either way we know all leaks came out of yer family” he stated half joking but honest as they were all her family “im sure we can have peace for a little while at least. If anythin’ they will just start buyin’ us things or lingerin’ so we’ll know then.” Fili smiled and saw a food cart roasting some mushrooms and chicken meat with a savory sauce and he navigated them to the cart as they looked over the menu, and being a bit surprised seeing a dwarf from the white mountains here but worried if he’d be seen as rude to point out they were different.

Idunn covered her mouth with her hand to hide her laughter. He wasn't wrong. Her family tended to share news with each other without thought of what might have been meant to stay secret between one of two people. "At least it usually never goes beyond the company and family," she pointed out with a smile.

She smiled and giggled a bit as he wasn't wrong. If they had for some reason not wanted to know, their family would not be subtle enough to hide it from them. Idunn looked over the menu, trying to decide what she wanted to eat. She would admit to not being a big fan of mushrooms, and she was uncertain about the sauce. Idunn looked at the other dwarf before speaking, "Pardon me, might i ask about the savory sauce? I am uncertain how yours might differ since you might have access to different ingredients than the ones we have here."

She said and quickly grilled some more chicken quickly and then placed many pieces on a piece of steamed leaf and with little knotted wood picks she individually dipped each in a different sauce and placed it back on it before handing off the food to fili and he smiled “oh that looks delicious” he said as he pointed a bit “which one is the spicy one?” He asked and she smiled with a little mischief “the reddish one with the red flakes” she said watching intently and he looked back as he grabbed it and took a big bite but left enough for idunn to try it too and he waited for it to kick in “oh that ain’t to bhaa-hoo, oh wait” he said as it felt the heat grow at the back of his tongue much to the hilarity of the dwarf in the cart

“Yeah it’s a grower” she said laughing at him sucking in air with hope “i wasn’t prepared! “ he said laughing back “how do i cool it???” He asked as gods eyes started to water a bit and she grabbed a cup and poured a sweet fruity and creamy drink for him to drink for the heat ,she also poured one for idunn as well “ here it’s pretty good, and the sauces aren’t all spicy, that’s just one i like but i don’t have them all set up correctly but the rest of the sauces arnt spicy, he just started with that one haha” she said with a bright smile her nose ring hitting her lip as she smiled

“That one in the very middle us savory with a hint if sweet to it. The one next to it has a very very mild heat, just like black pepper and is savory as well. Honestly they all are with variations in flavor because of the herbs i use.” She said as she waited for her to try it while fili recovered enjoying the sweet drink “ oh thas good”

Idunn covered her mouth with her hand, already having an inkling of what was going to happen. She did her best to stiffle her laughter as she instead reached for one of the ones that she'd been told wasn't as spicy. She hoped that she would like the spicy one when she tried it, but she didn't want to burn her tongue immediately.

Idunn took her time trying and chewing each piece so she would get the full effect. She found that she didn't dislike any of them, though she had some that she favored more. She was down to the spicy one left, and her eye twinkled a bit in mischief. If she was able to eat it without making a fool of herself, she would definitely be bringing it up with the company and letting them tease Fili, after they tried it themselves at least.

Idunn picked up the spicy piece and took a smaller bite, not from fear but because she had a theory on how she could best eat it. She felt the burn not long into chewing, and her eyes started to sweat a bit, but she put the rest of the piece in her mouth, and it soothed her throat at least temporarily.

She hummed happily, reaching for the cup to soothe it the rest of the way. It was in her top three favorites. The bite of it definitely made her sweat, but the flavor was so good she wanted to keep eating it. The repeated burn and soothe of the spices made her want to laugh a bit. "This one is definitely in the top 3 of my favorite sauces you have," Idunn told her, sending Fili a teasing smile.

“I’m startin’ t’ belive those stories of shapeshiftin dragons ‘re true!” He said with-a bit of a laugh earning a laugh from the merchant too “oh, back home, the ones with red hair have higher tolerances for spice, possibly she is superior to you sir” she joked and he laughed looking to idunn with a loving look “aye i believe so, i feel i will ‘ave t’ get used t’ spicy meals” he said with a smile as he then looked “i suppose if’n ye c’n give us a variety of each meal suited fer each sauce we’ll be grateful if it isn’t too much trouble fer ye?” He asked and she lit up and turned into the tent connected to the front in a different dialect than them as she turned back and smiled “it will be done soon! I’ll even do one with full spice and one with a quarter spice for you” she said happily and fili smiled and nodded “ aye yess that sounds fantastic!” He said and smiled grabbing his coin purse “how much do i owe ye?”

She camouflaged how much it would be and it came up to about 3 gold and he smiled and gave her double that and she frowned “ no no it’s just 3” “ no your food is delicious please take it” he said as he handed out back to her and she sighed and took it “ it will take a bit of time, about 20 minutes of you could come back?” And he smiled and said “ oh of course yes ill come back” he said as he then looked at idunn with a smile as he then offered his arm back to idunn “ here lets keep shopping and then come back” he said finishing his drink happily before he placed the cup back on the counter for her to take back and then started on their way

Idunn laughed again, "Well, if our attempts have bore fruit, you may be out numbered if you don't," she teased, not outright saying they were trying for children, but Fili would likely understand it either way. While it wasn't all they talked of, it had become a bit more common between them, and they had just been talking of it. She set her empty cup down gently.

She couldn't wait to eat more, even thinking of making a bet to entice the company members to try some. She was also simply happy to eat such delicious food, and she wondered if she could try to barter for recipes. She could try to get Runa or Bombur to make more if this stall ever disappeared. Idunn unconsciously clenched her fists with excitement that were just level with the section of her body that was between her chest and stomach.

Hearing the dam try to reaffirm the 3 gold coins, Idunn also added, "he did the same before we wed, left a whole sack of coins instead of the amount i told him. I think i still owe him more daggers for all that gold." She rolled her eyes before glancing at him with another teasing smile. She wanted to tease something, but she knew it was more a mannish concept rather than a dwarrow one and didn't want to offend the Dam nor possibly upset Fili with bad humor.

Idunn took his arm, but one of her hands moved until their fingers met. Her fingers closed around his hand, and the warmth of them had her relaxing again. She found most comfort from his hands on her. They both had blood on their hands, but she trusted his hands more than any non-relative. She would trust them with a blade and at her throat.

Idunn smiled and waved at the dwarrowdam before the left. Her eyes wandered about the various stalls until they landed on a stall with various stuffed animals. She found herself curious but also longing in a way. She hadn't enjoyed her hand-me-down dolls all that much as they hadn't felt relatable to her, she had always wanted to play in the mud or climb a tree or help her 'adad in the forges instead. Eventually, they had been put away so she wouldn't ruin them in boredom.

She had then began sneaking out, which is when she found her way to the stables. Her love of ponies had been quick to grow from there. She didn't know if she was pregnant yet, but if she was or when she was, she wanted her pebble to have something they could love even if they couldn't see the exact perspective. She wanted them to find something that they could love as she had the ponies.

"Fili, look." She prompted only loud enough for him to hear while pointing for a moment. She wasn't worried if others heard, but she just couldn't seem to speak louder in the moment.

Quickly they found themselves stopping at a shop as she pointed gently to the stuffed animals bringing a smile to hoods lips “ oh what do ye think they would gravitate too??” He asked as his hand moved to wrap about her waist as he hugged her gently as he looked about the toys “ what kind did ye have as a wee one?” He asked as he smiled thinking of his own, he didn’t have stuffed animals “ i ‘ad like a little doll i suspect was me uncle frerin and ‘amad made little accessories with it. Uncle even made wee swords and armor fer it but one day i got beat up and they took it. I came home covered in mud and didn’t tell them what happened to it, when they asked me i just told them i out them away and it was time he learned how to fight since i was beginning a older brother soon and i needed to help me mother. But in reality i wanted to get revenge. Eventually i did but the kid said he ripped it up and burned it. So i never got it back, but i became that doll i lost essentially “ he said not thinking exactly how deep that was concerning being puppeted until he was tried by fire.

“But hopefully our future wee pebbles let us know things no matter the circumstances.” He said and a “ but i wonder just what they’d like” he said fondly as he picked up a bear with movable legs and a jaw openable by a little button. “These are all really cute, but what to choose??” He said with a smile “maybe somethin’ soft”

Perhaps the words were unnecessary, but Idunn always felt the need to speak the unnecessary things because they felt needed to her. Once finished, she turned back around as she wasn't sure she wanted to see his expression to her own story. "Mine was a hand-me-down doll. I couldn't seem to connect with it as young dwarflings were meant to. My family was quick to put it in storage to ensure it didn't get broken or given away." She admitted with a shrug as if not slightly embarrassed.

"I was always more interested in climbing trees, finding frogs, and making mudpies. Once they took the doll, i first found my way to the stables. I did make myself some practice weapons from tree branches." She told him with a small laugh, remembering how she had made makeshift spears, bows and arrows, swords, and axes. She had been so pleased despite them being just wood and not having many people to play with.

Idunn hummed in agreement. She would not care what their pebbles liked as long as they knew they could be honest about it. She moved closer to the stall to get a better look and found her hands reaching out.

First, she found a black bear toy that almost reminded her of Beorn. She remembers she had once asked if she could touch his bear fur and he had made her laugh when he had joked with her about it being forward but he had allowed her the honor of it. The fur was just about what she remembers Beorn's feeling like. It had coarse hair, but there was also softer hair underneath that made Idunn like it even though she wasn't sure if her potential Pebble would like it.

Second, her hand found its way to something she had only seen in laketown. It looked like a descendant of a warg; when she had asked Bard on the quest about them, he had told her they were dogs, which were related to wolves, which were apparently different than wargs. She remembers Tilda guiding her hand until she felt the fur of the dog she had seen. It was again similar to the bear toy she had found, but it was still just different enough. The fur was again coarse on top and softer underneath.

Both toys could be warm, she could tell. They would keep a Pebble nice and comfortable when it was colder, though she wasn't sure how they would react to warmer temperatures. She paused in thought. Perhaps a sheep toy would be better as it could handle both temperatures, but she wasn't as drawn to them.

She found herself unable to keep from fretting as she held the bear and the dog toys while also glancing broodily at the sheep toys. She only liked sheep for their wool, really, and she didn't particularly like the traits people associated with them. She knew she was probably putting for too much thought into this, but she just wanted everything to be the best she could make it, especially if she was with child.

Idunn looked around in what felt like a frantic manner. Her dress was pretty to look at but the fabric made her skin crawl, the dress was far as one could get in her opinion from practical, while also feeling as if it was suffocating her. Her family was somewhere around the gigantic room that was holding some sort of celebration that the adults had decided merited a ball. She couldn’t even remember what the specific occasion was; She had been distracted when they were prepared for it by the riddle Runa had asked her that she had been pondering.

She spotted her father off to one side talking with one of his friends, one that he had fought at Azanulbizar with, while Edain was farther down the hall looking slightly flushed from the obvious ribbing his friends were giving him. Glain and Tofferi, her One whom was courting her, were on what could only be described as the dance floor.

She had always hated these sorts of things. no one ever asked her to dance aside from Edain, knowing she loved to dance, and Tofferi, also knowing her love of dancing but also because he was kind. he also knew them getting along would make Glain very happy even if it wasn’t a hardship to him to dance with his One’s sister who was generally friendly with him.

Unlike most celebrations, this one was one typically held only for those that could be considered nobles, even if most of the nobility had to live and work just as hard as everyone else. Idunn and her family were only allowed because her Aunt Freyja had married Gloin who was distantly related to the king.

She hated the stuffiness and rules of talking of it all. it all felt fake which she hated more than anything else. how was she suppose to know if someone was being polite because they had to or because they actually liked her? She was almost certain at least half of these people were two-faced toward at least her if not Glain as well.

Her eyes landed on Princess Dis, a beautiful Dwarrowdam that Glain tried to subtly emulate in manners and tried to constantly teach Idunn to do the same, who was turned to talk to the two younger dwarrow at her side that could only be her sons. She had heard from Bodil that they were quite the pair of mischievous rascals thought other dwarrowdams had been giving them speculative looks as they grew older even though neither was yet of age for such things.

She always recoiled from such things but had not heard similar about them; while not one to judge, Idunn wondered if they reveled in the attention despite the general grossness of the implications of it. Despite that, She had never had the chance to meet them herself and she doubted they would care to meet her. She wasn’t anyone special; She was just a simple dwarrowdam that was raising a pony, a raven, and an owl. Just a dwarrowdam that knew what her Craft was and wanted to eventually have a shop of her own to share her passion with others.

~~

Runa had always gently said “you are kind and always offer help should it look like someone might need it even if it is a simple task. You go out of your way to help collect the herbs for Bodil, Oin, and I. You always buy an extra chunk of Erik’s favorite cheese that our ‘Amad can’t afford to get him and will spend your free time playing with him.”

Bodil had rather bluntly said ”Idunn, you make snap judgements based on seemingly innocuous things. if someone fails whatever test or judgement you make, you either ignore them as unimportant or uninteresting or if you decide they are a threat than you can lash out or snubbed them.” Idunn must have looked hurt by the assessment because Bodil continued “You have had a hard time. people have been cruel to you without you knowing why, You adapted to that to guard your heart and avoid wasting effort on those that won’t reciprocate.”

“Don’t dislike the part of you that knows you deserve niceness, Idunn.” Bodil urged giving her hand a gentle squeeze before adding “If someone is kind or treats you well, you would move mountains for them and set yourself alight to warm them. you also will listen to reason if your judgements are questioned and change your mind if the reason is sound. You also aren’t cruel about it all even if you don’t like someone, you are still kind or at least polite and only have lashed out when they hurt you first”

~~

The sounds around her feel loud and overwhelming. A loud woman’s laugh, one that rings false to her ears as if the one laughing is faking, fills the air even as the music played on instruments reaches a crescendo. She can tell her breathing is faster than what it should be. it was an unfortunate consequence of a run in late in the night with a crowd of older drunken dwarrows with a penchants for violent shoving games, something she had breathed not a word of especially when they had spoken so vilely toward her ‘Amad who was feeling ill again.

“Thas’a shame, lasses should be asked t’ dance” he said as he looked back at her and smiled when she said she would ‘love’ to dance and he smiled happily “aye, lets finish up our food an’ go dancin’” he said with a warm smile. He had been so focused on their conversation that moria had disappeared from the bench and was talking to Nori near the ale fountain now, though he was a bit reserved and quite simple dark brown clothing but a beautifully embroidered tunic but he seemed quite recused and obviously uncomfortable and looking around sort of nervous as she spoke to him.

But after a gentle and obviously short conversation he took her hand and kissed it and then with a nod he started away again walking past him and idunn with a hesitant slow down in pace as he gave a nod and hurried away from sight and Moria watched him leave a bit with a too small smile before she came back and sat down again noticing idunn smiling at her ale and plate, but fili looking at her with furrowed brows “I’ll tell ye later lad it’s okay” she said with a smile as she drank more of her ale and fili nodded and smiled again “me and idunn are going to go dance soon, ‘re ye goin’ t’ be okay?”

“Aye yes, it’s fine i’ll find somethin’ t’ do, an’ tha’s exciting” she said happily and then said “if ye’ done with yer plates i c’n get rid of ‘em go ‘ave some fun” she said with a bright smile and basically shooed them away with a little clap and fili basically inhaled his food at that knowing it was no use to try and stay there and pry

“Aye let’s get going!” He said with-a smile placing the plate and cup on top of the plate before he stood up and brushed the crumbs off his tunic, pants, and beard with a smile

Idunn was unable to stop a small smile from reaching her lips. She had always thought that everyone should be asked to dance, but she knew that other dams took not being asked harder than their male counterpart. She nodded and focused on her food. She had always been a bit faster at eating, always more excited to be in the forge than at a table even if food was her second favorite thing.

Idunn had missed most of the conversation involving Moria, not out of rudeness but because she often was more lost in her head than paying attention to the people around her. Hearing Moria offer to deal with their dishes, Idunn smiled and thanked her. She took a calming breath as she checked that she wasn’t covered in crumbs and hadn’t stained the dress.

Once she was sure that she was clean, she turned her attention to Fili. She tried to ensure that she didn’t seem like the sort of Lass that took a dance to mean more than it did. “Ready?” She asked with nerves visible in her small shy smile.

-

“I thought ye said ye saw them at the food???” “ i did! But they move again” replied kili to runa as he then spotted moria and at a blink and pointed back towards the dancing she laughed “aye ye missed them, they went t’ dance” at that runa furrowed her brows “i’m sorry but ‘ave ye seen a red haired dwarrowdam with a green velvet dress? It probably has a stain on it from what I’ve heard” “like i said they went dancing” Moria said again and runa was shocked “prince fili and Idunn ‘re dancin’??” She asked and kili lit up “thank you! Quick before they leave again!” He said and hurried back into the crowd and runa followed him

-

Fili recognized the apprehensive look on her face starting to grow as everyone looked at her and he looked in her eyes “i’ll protect ye, ye should enjoy this night too, it’s yer right” he said making a few of the lasses beside to swoon at his words “if she doesn’t want t’ i’ll dance with ye!” Said a mousy dam with a blush and a smile and he laughed and shook his head and pulled idunn out as he grabbed her hands and walked backwards into the area as the were all at a party where the male spun the lass around for a number of counts before they get to the dance steps and he said “c’n ye spin lass?” He asked her as he lifted her hands to start the movements ready to catch beat again at the start of the next count again the cheers and hoots of the dwarves surrounding the dancing gave him the motivation to entertain again ready to take over if she needed him to.

Idunn had been starting to relax and almost nodded, but the interruption of another dwarrowdam had her wanting to shrink in on herself, though she forced herself to remain standing tall. Fili shaking his head and pulling her with him eased any remaining uncertainty. Idunn took a deep breath, noting the steps of the dance before offering a shy smile, and replied, "I think i could spin circles around you."

She wasn't sure if her attempt at humor and competitiveness was understood, but she followed his movements as he started to spin her. The familiar motions of dancing had Idunn relaxing, and she was quick to move in a flourish of movement. She followed most of the steps, and occasionally, she found herself adding steps as the music seemed to be speaking to her. She wasn't as good as a professional dancer, but she adored dancing.

Touch prompt from Idunn

•Wearve of Life•

The waiting period had been full of anxiousness and frustrations, he had endured so many arguments with his uncle but it was, in fíli’s opinion, he knew that he had many plans to find a suitor for his longtime heir or at least regent of thinya sired an heir, for him but the night proceeding this was a breaking point :

•

“I asked you both here tonight because i know ye refuse to talk to me about this, and though i have reservations ONLY because ye refuse t’ speak t’ me and think i only want t’ harm ye lass- i don’t know how to express that i only feared if she was up to the task, from what i have seen yes she is capable in war, yes she knows her craft and others, i believe she is a good match fer ye but what i NEED reassurance in is if she can defend you when things get hard and can she pick up where you stop, and can ye use yer voice t’ say EXACTLY what ye believe?”

He rambled but he felt he would get cut off. After his first offense Fíli refused to talk to him or let him talk to her because he felt thorin was hypocritical, when he found his one he never let anyone get in the way of it, he feigned protocol and duty to bolster his own ego, he wanted things to be perfect and after so much pressure from the mountain And back he developed an unshakable habit of perfection noone could live up to and the fact that he had upheld him into that same structure and never gave much air to see what he truly wanted always sort of depressed him but when he finally found idunn he felt that was their common ground but when he saw opposition Fíli held tighter and stood his ground causing the strife they were in now. But looking at his uncles face he felt he knew the real reason this all was happening and he puffed up his chest and prepared to reply but he saw the reddened cheeks of his one and was surprised at the force that exploded

“It seems t’ me that a mighty dwarf such as yer self could have summoned such a so called lowly dwarrowdam as me!” She said dripping with sarcasm “in all the years ye had a chance t’ know me ye did nothing but ignore me, the only time ye looked truely at me was when fili made a choice YOU didn’t make fer him! Ye don’t let ‘im live even when he nearly died fer your quest! And EVEN after that he STILL WAS NOT ALLOWED TO BREATHE!” She said stepping to him and thorin looked heartbroken at this and blinked in shock and despair looking to Fíli but he found his eyes away from his glance confirming his feelings

“Have ye ever asked him TRUELY wha’ he wants? Have ye ever even cared?? I’m sorry but ye do a lot of judging and ye treat yer loved ones as pawns and ye never stop and think of how they would feel because ye are the leader, the king… yer acting like a tyrant t’ the one ye wanted to give the world to but did he ask that?? He ONLY asked ye t’ accept his choices and by all accounts i am a harmless one!” She continued not backing down, it had been months of strife and anger and things that would have ended peaceably was held up because of his iron grip and she had held her tongue out of respect and so had fili, it had been enough.

But after a silent break, the words hitting thorin heavily his heart aching at the realization of all this now, and the confirmation he saw on his beloved nephews face, he moved back to find an arm chair in the sitting room they stood in. He wasn’t ready for such a reaction and he found he was ill informed at the prospect of idunn yet again. Now he realized that he had been severely mistaken and that he was taking advantage of the respect he had- if he had any left at all

“Fíli is this true” he said more as a statement “uncle-“ “lad please. Ye don’t have t’ answer that i know it is.” He said rubbing his face with his palm and inhaled his tears back knowing he had failed again because of his reoccuring narcissism. “Lass i was wrong, and i offer my sincerest appology, i was being told and my stubborness wouldn’t allow me to believe ye would be good fer him, i see him as a son and after all this i wanted him to be happy but i neglected t’ see truly what that meant and that it wasn’t my opinion that mattered.” He said and fili moved to speak and thorin raised his hand because if fili said it or lied to spare him he would break again

“No lad don’t” he said and looked back to idunn “i apologize fer my behavior. I apologize for disregarding you, i apologize for not seeing you as worthy and deserving of such a match. I am sorry fer not recognizing the Bind ye bith have and i am sorry fer my obstinance and i vow to amend it. I wish ye both the best and ye have my blessing. And anything ye need for your celebration please allot me to fulfill yer requests.” He said eyes looking between them solemly. He had heard what he needed to hear even if it hurt him deeply to realize it.

“i’m sorry-” idunn started realizing what she had just done but he then laughed at her reverting to the idunn he knew “no no, it’s alright, i needed that, i’d rather a kick from ye anyways i think i woud have died if he said it, an yeprooved t’ me ye can handle it if ye can stand up t’ me and make me sit.” He said looking at the chair he sat in now “i have nothing else t’ say beaides ye have my blessing.” •

That night was full of stress but now that they had full permission fili was shaking as he braided his final set of betrothal beads framing her face now in brilliant sparkling mythril and sapphire before his hands encased her cheeks a bit too emotional to speak to her

“Ye ‘re so beautiful lass” he breathed happily his thumb stroking her cheeks as they sat on a balcony bench feeling the sun on their skin and relaxing, having a thought to themselves finally that wasn’t full of resentment and worry he could have flown away looking at her now

Idunn had always known she let herself be walked on, but she had never allowed the same for those she loved. So to see Thorin, the uncle of her One, hurting Fili even out of concern; after a certain point, Idunn couldn't bite her tongue anymore even if she had respected him, even if it meant he wanted her exiled or dead because only Fili mattered to her in that moment.

Seeing Thorin sit as if she had struck him, it had been startling, and she had felt instant remorse. She also found herself understanding when he had said he preferred her to say it rather than Fili. She could imagine it would be a dagger in the gut in comparison.

Idunn's mind returned to the present, feeling Fili's warm hands on her cheeks. Idunn couldn't help the shy smile she gave at his words. She doubted she would ever get completely used to the compliments he gave, but she could likely cry at how the love and adoration for him filled her chest. "So you say," she started slightly mirthful before adding, "but i am almost certain most of everyone that sees us has always been focused on how handsome you are."

Idunn's eyes were sparkling as she held back most of her mirth for his sake since he was in a more serious mindset. She had felt similar, but she found herself suddenly happy in the way that almost reminded her of when she was tipsy. She felt like she could dance for hours or instigate a huge game of tag throughout the mountain.

“Asyûngal i c’n onle’ hope t’ make ye this bright each day, i love ye so much” he said smiling as he felt so light sitting with her face to face like a lovesick pup. He wanted dearly to kiss her as the moment felt right but he felt that he would lose himself and hoped he wouldn’t get too drawn into the way he felt in this moment so he pulled back a bit and instead gave her a kiss onto her forehead, he knew she probably could feel his hesitation and obvious cop out and he decided to expulsion himself

“If i rightfully kiss ye i’ll never stop meself.” He admitted with a blush “an after ai this fighting jus t’ do things out of order would be wrong” he said blushing brighter knowing exactly where his thoughts were and he was a bit embarrassed but he was still by all accounts a young dwarf, a sure one, but young still.

Idunn smiled at him before speaking, "Perhaps not all day every day, but at least when we're together, i have no doubt it's possible." She would likely feel like she was floating for quite a while but she knew her emotions did shift often so she didn't want him to feel downtrodden if he found her in a moment when she was feeling another emotion.

She blushed, recognizing just why they weren't sharing a kiss, and the implications had her feeling warm in a completely different way. Her Namad would never let her live it down if they went out of order like that. Edain and her 'adad would likely share different but still similar reactions. Edain would probably want to murder Fili for what he would see as Fili dishonoring her while her 'adad would turn what this was into a speedy wedding at weapon-point.

Still, Idunn found her mischievous side taking control of her for just a moment. Idunn leaned forward just enough to leave a small light kiss on the corner of his lips. Afterward, she was quick to stand, aiming a mischievous and mirthful smile at him, and make a hasty exit, which had her greeting and claiming the arm of Kili as he was passing by.

“Jus’ ye wait when i catch ye lass!” He said already longing for her then she had the gaul to run away after planting the sweetest experience of his life onto his lips. He was happy and enjoyed the high of this saccharine turn of events as he started to search for her happily

“Kili i’mma shake ye fer takin’ off with me future wife!” He shouted laughing knowing it wouldn’t raise any brows in the private quarters but he just may earn a sweet giggle from his one and figure where to go next.

Kili might not know why exactly they were running from his brother, but he had recognized the mischief in Idunn's face, and he had always been up for mischief. He had had to shoosh Idunn at least twice so far, though it was mostly half-hearted as he much preferred she be happy and laughing rather than as she had been.

Hearing Fili, both Idunn and Kili stifled their laughs before Kili asked, "Just what did you get me into, Idunn?" It was only his smile that kept Idunn from worrying. As it was, Idunn felt a shiver go through her at Fili, referring to her as his future wife. She couldn't wait until it was just Wife, Idunn flushed while smiling.

"I may be being a bit counterproductive.... he mentioned not wanting to do things out of order... i may have essentially tested his restraint, " Idunn admitted with a blush and smile. She giggled when Kili gave a fake gagging sound. They were trying for sneaky, but the sound of them was definitely audible. It was only lucky that they were still moving.

-

“Oh, so ye started ‘im, tha’s like messin’ with Thorín lass!” He fussed in a whisper as they hurried round the corner keeping to short passageways so they could stay out of sight. “We’re gonna’ be running forever an i jus’ ate!” He complained a bit But though he was sure they were safe, but the silence he was experiencing was unnerving and he paused and held a finger up to his lips and ducked into a curtained area and looked at her with a wistful smile pointing at his ear to listen and he could hear the soft yet quick fit fans and slight jangle from his hair and his eyes widened as he heard him pause in the walk was a bit too long for comfort before he carried on and kili took a breath before he pointed in the other direction to get back to an open space.

-

He saw where they were hiding but he thought it would be better to let them feel safe first and he smirked when he heard them start back down the hallway and he smiled before he started going back. Hearing they took the bait

-

“no no this feels wrong we need to change pattern”

'You wanna be bait or escape?' She signed to him as a plan was already forming in her mind. This was a bit like Runa and Bodil's time hiding from Bofur and the time they had barely managed to nick one of Nori's knives if only for a short minute.

If Kili decided to be bait, Idunn thought she might be able to find a hiding spot that he would not find without help. Though she would feel bad if Kili did act as bait since she hadn’t realized he had just eaten and knew that was never fun.

She planned to ditch her shoes as soon as they finished planning as she had heard the lack of shoe sounds, which meant her One was being a sneaky one. She was almost thrilled at this game of cat and mouse as it was one thing that they hadn't tried. It also would let them see more of the others' skills than the journey had done.

Silently, she prayed the courting ended quickly as she had eyes and knew that she wanted to melt against his side without needing to leave it again. She forced herself to focus while also trying not to flush at her minds less than proper timing.

-

At her sign kili smiled and nodded signing back “aye i can defiantly be bait” signed back watching her take her shoes off after they turned a corner behind a large statue as she read his hands quickly as he replied “let’s get to a crowd and split up but ye go towards home an i’ll stall and just mess his journey up”. He signed and then continued “be sporadic so the trail doesn’t made sense” he said this and it was obvious that he wasn’t the smarter of the siblings and the hope and surety kili had in his face was a bit sad as it wasn’t a very thought out plan, surely mahal favorited the lad giving him unearthly luck “lets go”

he finished signing but gave thumbs up to idunn before he looked around the corner to see if he could see his brother but he didn’t know Fili saw him first staying yards away; just enough to be paranoid. But he wasn’t seen that time but he could see the silly eyebrow raise thing he did when he felt he was being sneaky and sure off himself and as fili saw this he said under his breath “Oh lad, of course i’m goin’ t’ find ye cause ye got me lass. I’m guilded to ye arse” he said a bit proud and watched them run away and saw idunn without her shoes and he nodded “that-a girl” he said lovingly as he admired her choice and wondered what they were going to do now waiting to be able to tail behind again.

She stood out less now that her hair was covered. Not many covered their hair, but there were just enough that it would help her hide a bit better. Once finished, she carefully joined back with the crowd while heading to the market. She was certain that at least a few of the dwarrow she was looking for would be there.

Seeing them scattered round, Idunn let out a low whistle that was almost completely lost in the sounds of the market, almost. She spotted the heads turning and the bodies moving toward each other. Idunn calmly made her way over and smiled, pressing her finger to her lips before they could call her name.

"Hello, darling dwarflings," Idunn teased and chuckled at the groans. They were bigger than they had been when she used to babysit them, but she still could see the little dwarflings they had been. "Up for a favor exchange?" She asked and grinned at their perking up.

"What favor? And what terms for our favor?" Erik asked taking lead, and Idunn wanted to pinch his cheeks. He had learned well from Runa, Bodil, and Idunn about terms before he had even started any schooling. Idunn was very proud of him, though she would be jokingly mad if he refused the favor.

"Distracting the blond princeling is my favor. Yours? Everyone gets one favor, Anything reasonable that doesn't make yer parents want to take a weapon to my hide." Idunn replied with a raised eyebrow, and she pressed her lips to keep from grinning as they turned from her to communicate in rapid Iglishmêk.

When they turned back, Erik gave a wicked smile as he replied for them all, "Deal, we'll distract him until dinner time." He eyed her to see if she would negotiate the time, but Idunn smiled and nodded, holding out her hand for them all to shake.

"Deal, remember the conditions. Also, ye never saw me, if he asks." Idunn pointedly said, and the dwarflings laugh and fake groan as if she had ruined their plans. Idunn nodded her head before slipping away to hide for a moment just in case Fili was near.

So after waving everyone off he continued into the direction and sighed when he realized he had in fact lost him but the best thing he knew he could make up some ground was to just directly go to her comforts and check each one until he found her. The first place he decided to search was her father’s shop, if she wasn’t there he knew the next would be either her home, moria’s shop, or getting her pony, either way he was sure she would get tired of running but her competitive nature made him know for a fact that she wouldn’t be any time soon

“Mahal where now.” He said as he got to the end of the hall and then decided to put on his boots back on but when he didn’t see any signs of either’s escape he just started on his plan and went straight to her crafting place hoping to find her hiding behind her father knowing he couldn’t repay her for her deeds with him around.

She took a moment to gently touch and admire the braid and bead that Fili had finished before the game had started. She knew it would likely be seen as priceless in monetary value, but it was priceless to her because it came from Fili. Because it meant she would be able to stay by his side and support him for as long as he would have her. From how he acted, she doubted she would have to be concerned with premature separation.

With thinking of that, Idunn found herself not wanting to drag the game much longer. She was competitive, but her desire to be near Fili and to just shower him with proof of her affection for him was a stronger motivation. She didn't want to just throw the game, though. Before she could think too much longer, Zigil appeared carrying her small pouch of scrap paper, quill, and small ink set, as if pulled to deliver a letter, and the thought had Idunn perking up. "Oh, you clever dear." Idunn told the raven.

She accepted the pouch from Zigil before giving an appreciative scratch. She hummed as she tried to find what to write as she sucked at riddles but didn't want to outright give away her position. Finally, she decided on a few lines and hoped that would motivate him. The letter read:

"High above the city view,

Around where hobbits drew near,

By where kings threw him down,

Look for the embers,

That once drew you close.

- Your loving One "

Idunn handed both the letter and the pouch back to Zigil before directing, "To Fili, alright, you clever thing?" The Raven gave a cheeky bob before flying off in search of his query. Afterwhich, Idunn removed the shawl from her hair and retied it to her waist.

“LAD! What’rye doin’!?” He exclaimed and fili stepped back a moment and caught his breath “sorry sir, me , Idunn, and kili are basically playing hide and seek” he said raising his hands acknowledging that it was a bit childish yet explaining WHY they were playing was out of the question, not his father in law. “Oh, well… she’s not here” he said plainly and fili pierced his liks a bit “ that’s exactly what i expected you to say” and at that he laughed heartily “oh, okay, well take a look around, yer no going to find the lass, last i heard she was with you” he said continuing and fili willed down his face thinking of the next place to find her at and bowed to him before he said “ okay, we’ll sorry again, for startlin’ ye, ill return her as soon as i find her “ he said to him with a laugh “ oh no, yer uncle may not agree but she’s yer one now, ye can’t return her!” He said and at that fili smiled lovingly “aye that she is” he said as he started out the door “okay i’ll see you later” he said and Lalin shook his head and went back to work.

As he started back to a stairway facing the open levels off the mountain and he looked around sighed a bit thinking of where she could be next but he then heard familiar flapping overhead and and he wondered if that was her bird and he sighed wondering if it was coming or going to her but the second he saw it look to him is when it turned round and landed on a banister beside him. A small scroll was attached to his ankle and he smiled gingerly untying it and then reading the beautifully cryptic message upon it and he smiled brightly as he knew exactly where she was now hiding and he sighed kissing the note and putting it into his chest pocket and have Zigil a loving pet and slight head scratches as he saw Idunn do many times.

“Thank you my friend” he said as he started up the stairs and then made his way to pavilion rehearing the exact moment that stressed them all out at that time, thorin was so unwell and it was such a stressful time but he was excited to create new memories especially after it was beautifully restructured now .

-

“Thank you” fili said from the doorway as he looked to her sitting on a bench “mahal i wasn’t expecting you to be that sneaky lass you should have been our burglar” he said with a chuckle officially well ran out, now he was simply happy to be near her again “as much as it would have pleased me to catch you love i feel it would have taken forever. I even scared yer ‘adad” he said with a laugh as he sat beside her and caught her hand in his with a sigh.

"He really must not have been expecting anyone. He is usually hard to spook." She said with a shake of her head. She could remember trying more than ten different times with the help of Bodil and Runa to scare him, but he never spooked once.

"It would have been fun, but i didn't want to keep it up longer either." Idunn replied as she gave his hand a gentle squeeze. "Did it at least distract you?" She asked cheekily as she glanced at him. It hadn't been her motivation, but if it had worked, then it was a bonus even if she was feeling a bit impatient as well.

Touch prompt from Idunn

•Wearve of Life•

The waiting period had been full of anxiousness and frustrations, he had endured so many arguments with his uncle but it was, in fíli’s opinion, he knew that he had many plans to find a suitor for his longtime heir or at least regent of thinya sired an heir, for him but the night proceeding this was a breaking point :

•

“I asked you both here tonight because i know ye refuse to talk to me about this, and though i have reservations ONLY because ye refuse t’ speak t’ me and think i only want t’ harm ye lass- i don’t know how to express that i only feared if she was up to the task, from what i have seen yes she is capable in war, yes she knows her craft and others, i believe she is a good match fer ye but what i NEED reassurance in is if she can defend you when things get hard and can she pick up where you stop, and can ye use yer voice t’ say EXACTLY what ye believe?”

He rambled but he felt he would get cut off. After his first offense Fíli refused to talk to him or let him talk to her because he felt thorin was hypocritical, when he found his one he never let anyone get in the way of it, he feigned protocol and duty to bolster his own ego, he wanted things to be perfect and after so much pressure from the mountain And back he developed an unshakable habit of perfection noone could live up to and the fact that he had upheld him into that same structure and never gave much air to see what he truly wanted always sort of depressed him but when he finally found idunn he felt that was their common ground but when he saw opposition Fíli held tighter and stood his ground causing the strife they were in now. But looking at his uncles face he felt he knew the real reason this all was happening and he puffed up his chest and prepared to reply but he saw the reddened cheeks of his one and was surprised at the force that exploded

“It seems t’ me that a mighty dwarf such as yer self could have summoned such a so called lowly dwarrowdam as me!” She said dripping with sarcasm “in all the years ye had a chance t’ know me ye did nothing but ignore me, the only time ye looked truely at me was when fili made a choice YOU didn’t make fer him! Ye don’t let ‘im live even when he nearly died fer your quest! And EVEN after that he STILL WAS NOT ALLOWED TO BREATHE!” She said stepping to him and thorin looked heartbroken at this and blinked in shock and despair looking to Fíli but he found his eyes away from his glance confirming his feelings

“Have ye ever asked him TRUELY wha’ he wants? Have ye ever even cared?? I’m sorry but ye do a lot of judging and ye treat yer loved ones as pawns and ye never stop and think of how they would feel because ye are the leader, the king… yer acting like a tyrant t’ the one ye wanted to give the world to but did he ask that?? He ONLY asked ye t’ accept his choices and by all accounts i am a harmless one!” She continued not backing down, it had been months of strife and anger and things that would have ended peaceably was held up because of his iron grip and she had held her tongue out of respect and so had fili, it had been enough.

But after a silent break, the words hitting thorin heavily his heart aching at the realization of all this now, and the confirmation he saw on his beloved nephews face, he moved back to find an arm chair in the sitting room they stood in. He wasn’t ready for such a reaction and he found he was ill informed at the prospect of idunn yet again. Now he realized that he had been severely mistaken and that he was taking advantage of the respect he had- if he had any left at all

“Fíli is this true” he said more as a statement “uncle-“ “lad please. Ye don’t have t’ answer that i know it is.” He said rubbing his face with his palm and inhaled his tears back knowing he had failed again because of his reoccuring narcissism. “Lass i was wrong, and i offer my sincerest appology, i was being told and my stubborness wouldn’t allow me to believe ye would be good fer him, i see him as a son and after all this i wanted him to be happy but i neglected t’ see truly what that meant and that it wasn’t my opinion that mattered.” He said and fili moved to speak and thorin raised his hand because if fili said it or lied to spare him he would break again

“No lad don’t” he said and looked back to idunn “i apologize fer my behavior. I apologize for disregarding you, i apologize for not seeing you as worthy and deserving of such a match. I am sorry fer not recognizing the Bind ye bith have and i am sorry fer my obstinance and i vow to amend it. I wish ye both the best and ye have my blessing. And anything ye need for your celebration please allot me to fulfill yer requests.” He said eyes looking between them solemly. He had heard what he needed to hear even if it hurt him deeply to realize it.

“i’m sorry-” idunn started realizing what she had just done but he then laughed at her reverting to the idunn he knew “no no, it’s alright, i needed that, i’d rather a kick from ye anyways i think i woud have died if he said it, an yeprooved t’ me ye can handle it if ye can stand up t’ me and make me sit.” He said looking at the chair he sat in now “i have nothing else t’ say beaides ye have my blessing.” •

That night was full of stress but now that they had full permission fili was shaking as he braided his final set of betrothal beads framing her face now in brilliant sparkling mythril and sapphire before his hands encased her cheeks a bit too emotional to speak to her

“Ye ‘re so beautiful lass” he breathed happily his thumb stroking her cheeks as they sat on a balcony bench feeling the sun on their skin and relaxing, having a thought to themselves finally that wasn’t full of resentment and worry he could have flown away looking at her now

Idunn had always known she let herself be walked on, but she had never allowed the same for those she loved. So to see Thorin, the uncle of her One, hurting Fili even out of concern; after a certain point, Idunn couldn't bite her tongue anymore even if she had respected him, even if it meant he wanted her exiled or dead because only Fili mattered to her in that moment.

Seeing Thorin sit as if she had struck him, it had been startling, and she had felt instant remorse. She also found herself understanding when he had said he preferred her to say it rather than Fili. She could imagine it would be a dagger in the gut in comparison.

Idunn's mind returned to the present, feeling Fili's warm hands on her cheeks. Idunn couldn't help the shy smile she gave at his words. She doubted she would ever get completely used to the compliments he gave, but she could likely cry at how the love and adoration for him filled her chest. "So you say," she started slightly mirthful before adding, "but i am almost certain most of everyone that sees us has always been focused on how handsome you are."

Idunn's eyes were sparkling as she held back most of her mirth for his sake since he was in a more serious mindset. She had felt similar, but she found herself suddenly happy in the way that almost reminded her of when she was tipsy. She felt like she could dance for hours or instigate a huge game of tag throughout the mountain.

“Asyûngal i c’n onle’ hope t’ make ye this bright each day, i love ye so much” he said smiling as he felt so light sitting with her face to face like a lovesick pup. He wanted dearly to kiss her as the moment felt right but he felt that he would lose himself and hoped he wouldn’t get too drawn into the way he felt in this moment so he pulled back a bit and instead gave her a kiss onto her forehead, he knew she probably could feel his hesitation and obvious cop out and he decided to expulsion himself

“If i rightfully kiss ye i’ll never stop meself.” He admitted with a blush “an after ai this fighting jus t’ do things out of order would be wrong” he said blushing brighter knowing exactly where his thoughts were and he was a bit embarrassed but he was still by all accounts a young dwarf, a sure one, but young still.

Idunn smiled at him before speaking, "Perhaps not all day every day, but at least when we're together, i have no doubt it's possible." She would likely feel like she was floating for quite a while but she knew her emotions did shift often so she didn't want him to feel downtrodden if he found her in a moment when she was feeling another emotion.

She blushed, recognizing just why they weren't sharing a kiss, and the implications had her feeling warm in a completely different way. Her Namad would never let her live it down if they went out of order like that. Edain and her 'adad would likely share different but still similar reactions. Edain would probably want to murder Fili for what he would see as Fili dishonoring her while her 'adad would turn what this was into a speedy wedding at weapon-point.

Still, Idunn found her mischievous side taking control of her for just a moment. Idunn leaned forward just enough to leave a small light kiss on the corner of his lips. Afterward, she was quick to stand, aiming a mischievous and mirthful smile at him, and make a hasty exit, which had her greeting and claiming the arm of Kili as he was passing by.

“Jus’ ye wait when i catch ye lass!” He said already longing for her then she had the gaul to run away after planting the sweetest experience of his life onto his lips. He was happy and enjoyed the high of this saccharine turn of events as he started to search for her happily

“Kili i’mma shake ye fer takin’ off with me future wife!” He shouted laughing knowing it wouldn’t raise any brows in the private quarters but he just may earn a sweet giggle from his one and figure where to go next.

Kili might not know why exactly they were running from his brother, but he had recognized the mischief in Idunn's face, and he had always been up for mischief. He had had to shoosh Idunn at least twice so far, though it was mostly half-hearted as he much preferred she be happy and laughing rather than as she had been.

Hearing Fili, both Idunn and Kili stifled their laughs before Kili asked, "Just what did you get me into, Idunn?" It was only his smile that kept Idunn from worrying. As it was, Idunn felt a shiver go through her at Fili, referring to her as his future wife. She couldn't wait until it was just Wife, Idunn flushed while smiling.

"I may be being a bit counterproductive.... he mentioned not wanting to do things out of order... i may have essentially tested his restraint, " Idunn admitted with a blush and smile. She giggled when Kili gave a fake gagging sound. They were trying for sneaky, but the sound of them was definitely audible. It was only lucky that they were still moving.

-

“Oh, so ye started ‘im, tha’s like messin’ with Thorín lass!” He fussed in a whisper as they hurried round the corner keeping to short passageways so they could stay out of sight. “We’re gonna’ be running forever an i jus’ ate!” He complained a bit But though he was sure they were safe, but the silence he was experiencing was unnerving and he paused and held a finger up to his lips and ducked into a curtained area and looked at her with a wistful smile pointing at his ear to listen and he could hear the soft yet quick fit fans and slight jangle from his hair and his eyes widened as he heard him pause in the walk was a bit too long for comfort before he carried on and kili took a breath before he pointed in the other direction to get back to an open space.

-

He saw where they were hiding but he thought it would be better to let them feel safe first and he smirked when he heard them start back down the hallway and he smiled before he started going back. Hearing they took the bait

-

“no no this feels wrong we need to change pattern”

'You wanna be bait or escape?' She signed to him as a plan was already forming in her mind. This was a bit like Runa and Bodil's time hiding from Bofur and the time they had barely managed to nick one of Nori's knives if only for a short minute.

If Kili decided to be bait, Idunn thought she might be able to find a hiding spot that he would not find without help. Though she would feel bad if Kili did act as bait since she hadn’t realized he had just eaten and knew that was never fun.

She planned to ditch her shoes as soon as they finished planning as she had heard the lack of shoe sounds, which meant her One was being a sneaky one. She was almost thrilled at this game of cat and mouse as it was one thing that they hadn't tried. It also would let them see more of the others' skills than the journey had done.

Silently, she prayed the courting ended quickly as she had eyes and knew that she wanted to melt against his side without needing to leave it again. She forced herself to focus while also trying not to flush at her minds less than proper timing.

-

At her sign kili smiled and nodded signing back “aye i can defiantly be bait” signed back watching her take her shoes off after they turned a corner behind a large statue as she read his hands quickly as he replied “let’s get to a crowd and split up but ye go towards home an i’ll stall and just mess his journey up”. He signed and then continued “be sporadic so the trail doesn’t made sense” he said this and it was obvious that he wasn’t the smarter of the siblings and the hope and surety kili had in his face was a bit sad as it wasn’t a very thought out plan, surely mahal favorited the lad giving him unearthly luck “lets go”

he finished signing but gave thumbs up to idunn before he looked around the corner to see if he could see his brother but he didn’t know Fili saw him first staying yards away; just enough to be paranoid. But he wasn’t seen that time but he could see the silly eyebrow raise thing he did when he felt he was being sneaky and sure off himself and as fili saw this he said under his breath “Oh lad, of course i’m goin’ t’ find ye cause ye got me lass. I’m guilded to ye arse” he said a bit proud and watched them run away and saw idunn without her shoes and he nodded “that-a girl” he said lovingly as he admired her choice and wondered what they were going to do now waiting to be able to tail behind again.

She stood out less now that her hair was covered. Not many covered their hair, but there were just enough that it would help her hide a bit better. Once finished, she carefully joined back with the crowd while heading to the market. She was certain that at least a few of the dwarrow she was looking for would be there.

Seeing them scattered round, Idunn let out a low whistle that was almost completely lost in the sounds of the market, almost. She spotted the heads turning and the bodies moving toward each other. Idunn calmly made her way over and smiled, pressing her finger to her lips before they could call her name.

"Hello, darling dwarflings," Idunn teased and chuckled at the groans. They were bigger than they had been when she used to babysit them, but she still could see the little dwarflings they had been. "Up for a favor exchange?" She asked and grinned at their perking up.

"What favor? And what terms for our favor?" Erik asked taking lead, and Idunn wanted to pinch his cheeks. He had learned well from Runa, Bodil, and Idunn about terms before he had even started any schooling. Idunn was very proud of him, though she would be jokingly mad if he refused the favor.

"Distracting the blond princeling is my favor. Yours? Everyone gets one favor, Anything reasonable that doesn't make yer parents want to take a weapon to my hide." Idunn replied with a raised eyebrow, and she pressed her lips to keep from grinning as they turned from her to communicate in rapid Iglishmêk.

When they turned back, Erik gave a wicked smile as he replied for them all, "Deal, we'll distract him until dinner time." He eyed her to see if she would negotiate the time, but Idunn smiled and nodded, holding out her hand for them all to shake.

"Deal, remember the conditions. Also, ye never saw me, if he asks." Idunn pointedly said, and the dwarflings laugh and fake groan as if she had ruined their plans. Idunn nodded her head before slipping away to hide for a moment just in case Fili was near.

So after waving everyone off he continued into the direction and sighed when he realized he had in fact lost him but the best thing he knew he could make up some ground was to just directly go to her comforts and check each one until he found her. The first place he decided to search was her father’s shop, if she wasn’t there he knew the next would be either her home, moria’s shop, or getting her pony, either way he was sure she would get tired of running but her competitive nature made him know for a fact that she wouldn’t be any time soon

“Mahal where now.” He said as he got to the end of the hall and then decided to put on his boots back on but when he didn’t see any signs of either’s escape he just started on his plan and went straight to her crafting place hoping to find her hiding behind her father knowing he couldn’t repay her for her deeds with him around.

She took a moment to gently touch and admire the braid and bead that Fili had finished before the game had started. She knew it would likely be seen as priceless in monetary value, but it was priceless to her because it came from Fili. Because it meant she would be able to stay by his side and support him for as long as he would have her. From how he acted, she doubted she would have to be concerned with premature separation.

With thinking of that, Idunn found herself not wanting to drag the game much longer. She was competitive, but her desire to be near Fili and to just shower him with proof of her affection for him was a stronger motivation. She didn't want to just throw the game, though. Before she could think too much longer, Zigil appeared carrying her small pouch of scrap paper, quill, and small ink set, as if pulled to deliver a letter, and the thought had Idunn perking up. "Oh, you clever dear." Idunn told the raven.

She accepted the pouch from Zigil before giving an appreciative scratch. She hummed as she tried to find what to write as she sucked at riddles but didn't want to outright give away her position. Finally, she decided on a few lines and hoped that would motivate him. The letter read:

"High above the city view,

Around where hobbits drew near,

By where kings threw him down,

Look for the embers,

That once drew you close.

- Your loving One "

Idunn handed both the letter and the pouch back to Zigil before directing, "To Fili, alright, you clever thing?" The Raven gave a cheeky bob before flying off in search of his query. Afterwhich, Idunn removed the shawl from her hair and retied it to her waist.

Idunn looked around in what felt like a frantic manner. Her dress was pretty to look at but the fabric made her skin crawl, the dress was far as one could get in her opinion from practical, while also feeling as if it was suffocating her. Her family was somewhere around the gigantic room that was holding some sort of celebration that the adults had decided merited a ball. She couldn’t even remember what the specific occasion was; She had been distracted when they were prepared for it by the riddle Runa had asked her that she had been pondering.

She spotted her father off to one side talking with one of his friends, one that he had fought at Azanulbizar with, while Edain was farther down the hall looking slightly flushed from the obvious ribbing his friends were giving him. Glain and Tofferi, her One whom was courting her, were on what could only be described as the dance floor.

She had always hated these sorts of things. no one ever asked her to dance aside from Edain, knowing she loved to dance, and Tofferi, also knowing her love of dancing but also because he was kind. he also knew them getting along would make Glain very happy even if it wasn’t a hardship to him to dance with his One’s sister who was generally friendly with him.

Unlike most celebrations, this one was one typically held only for those that could be considered nobles, even if most of the nobility had to live and work just as hard as everyone else. Idunn and her family were only allowed because her Aunt Freyja had married Gloin who was distantly related to the king.

She hated the stuffiness and rules of talking of it all. it all felt fake which she hated more than anything else. how was she suppose to know if someone was being polite because they had to or because they actually liked her? She was almost certain at least half of these people were two-faced toward at least her if not Glain as well.

Her eyes landed on Princess Dis, a beautiful Dwarrowdam that Glain tried to subtly emulate in manners and tried to constantly teach Idunn to do the same, who was turned to talk to the two younger dwarrow at her side that could only be her sons. She had heard from Bodil that they were quite the pair of mischievous rascals thought other dwarrowdams had been giving them speculative looks as they grew older even though neither was yet of age for such things.

She always recoiled from such things but had not heard similar about them; while not one to judge, Idunn wondered if they reveled in the attention despite the general grossness of the implications of it. Despite that, She had never had the chance to meet them herself and she doubted they would care to meet her. She wasn’t anyone special; She was just a simple dwarrowdam that was raising a pony, a raven, and an owl. Just a dwarrowdam that knew what her Craft was and wanted to eventually have a shop of her own to share her passion with others.

~~

Runa had always gently said “you are kind and always offer help should it look like someone might need it even if it is a simple task. You go out of your way to help collect the herbs for Bodil, Oin, and I. You always buy an extra chunk of Erik’s favorite cheese that our ‘Amad can’t afford to get him and will spend your free time playing with him.”

Bodil had rather bluntly said ”Idunn, you make snap judgements based on seemingly innocuous things. if someone fails whatever test or judgement you make, you either ignore them as unimportant or uninteresting or if you decide they are a threat than you can lash out or snubbed them.” Idunn must have looked hurt by the assessment because Bodil continued “You have had a hard time. people have been cruel to you without you knowing why, You adapted to that to guard your heart and avoid wasting effort on those that won’t reciprocate.”

“Don’t dislike the part of you that knows you deserve niceness, Idunn.” Bodil urged giving her hand a gentle squeeze before adding “If someone is kind or treats you well, you would move mountains for them and set yourself alight to warm them. you also will listen to reason if your judgements are questioned and change your mind if the reason is sound. You also aren’t cruel about it all even if you don’t like someone, you are still kind or at least polite and only have lashed out when they hurt you first”

~~

The sounds around her feel loud and overwhelming. A loud woman’s laugh, one that rings false to her ears as if the one laughing is faking, fills the air even as the music played on instruments reaches a crescendo. She can tell her breathing is faster than what it should be. it was an unfortunate consequence of a run in late in the night with a crowd of older drunken dwarrows with a penchants for violent shoving games, something she had breathed not a word of especially when they had spoken so vilely toward her ‘Amad who was feeling ill again.

“Thas’a shame, lasses should be asked t’ dance” he said as he looked back at her and smiled when she said she would ‘love’ to dance and he smiled happily “aye, lets finish up our food an’ go dancin’” he said with a warm smile. He had been so focused on their conversation that moria had disappeared from the bench and was talking to Nori near the ale fountain now, though he was a bit reserved and quite simple dark brown clothing but a beautifully embroidered tunic but he seemed quite recused and obviously uncomfortable and looking around sort of nervous as she spoke to him.

But after a gentle and obviously short conversation he took her hand and kissed it and then with a nod he started away again walking past him and idunn with a hesitant slow down in pace as he gave a nod and hurried away from sight and Moria watched him leave a bit with a too small smile before she came back and sat down again noticing idunn smiling at her ale and plate, but fili looking at her with furrowed brows “I’ll tell ye later lad it’s okay” she said with a smile as she drank more of her ale and fili nodded and smiled again “me and idunn are going to go dance soon, ‘re ye goin’ t’ be okay?”

“Aye yes, it’s fine i’ll find somethin’ t’ do, an’ tha’s exciting” she said happily and then said “if ye’ done with yer plates i c’n get rid of ‘em go ‘ave some fun” she said with a bright smile and basically shooed them away with a little clap and fili basically inhaled his food at that knowing it was no use to try and stay there and pry

“Aye let’s get going!” He said with-a smile placing the plate and cup on top of the plate before he stood up and brushed the crumbs off his tunic, pants, and beard with a smile

Idunn was unable to stop a small smile from reaching her lips. She had always thought that everyone should be asked to dance, but she knew that other dams took not being asked harder than their male counterpart. She nodded and focused on her food. She had always been a bit faster at eating, always more excited to be in the forge than at a table even if food was her second favorite thing.

Idunn had missed most of the conversation involving Moria, not out of rudeness but because she often was more lost in her head than paying attention to the people around her. Hearing Moria offer to deal with their dishes, Idunn smiled and thanked her. She took a calming breath as she checked that she wasn't covered in crumbs and hadn't stained the dress.

Once she was sure that she was clean, she turned her attention to Fili. She tried to ensure that she didn't seem like the sort of Lass that took a dance to mean more than it did. "Ready?" She asked with nerves visible in her small shy smile.

Touch prompt from Idunn

“Lass” came a soft yet spine tingling familiar voice from behind-

it had been a month or so since the wedding celebration, surrounded by family and friends, well wishes and support that took so long to finally see, but now it was just them, always alone, in their quarters. And after the family gatherings had dwindled, the constant longing for one of their own began to creep into their conversations, they their dreams, in passing when they came home from their respective tasks in the mountains ‘i saw the thickest baby in the market today’ and ‘i bought new boots and they had the smallest pair on display I’ve ever seen, i couldn’t leave without them’ and similar happenings but they always stepped around it as they just only been married for not long enough in their opinion, but they were adults now.. right?

“Aye my husband” Idunn offered, the feeling of tender’s lips against her temple, a broad warm chest at her back, and large hands encompassing her hips continued as the room was quiet save for the dimming fire in the room. They had just winded down for the night, ate dinner, bathed and were ready to relax and enjoy their evening but fili had plans apparently for his little wife.

“I ‘wanted t’ ask ye something” he stated lowly a slight riled tone in his voice yet the focus was forwardly leaning in the conversation “speak then?” she continued feeling the heat rise to her neck and cheeks steadily as the giddy feeling she found to love never faded as many said it would, at least it wasn’t possible when the dwarf constantly engaged in actions such as these. Her finger fingers overlayed his as he nuzzled into the make of her neck tenderly offering gently kisses between pauses

“I think it’s time we start trying for a wee one” he said calmly as he smiled against the shell of her ear “its been enough talks of them, me have the knowledge of the process.. and we should start trying, an’ not jus’ fer fun”. He stated and paused as he rocked her in his arms before turning her around to look into her eyes his arms firmly holding her there so she couldn’t escape the conversation as he usually let her escape but now he was sure and wanted to see her emotions and get a read

“I know we ‘ave interest, but. Are ye ready lass?” He asked her before planting tender lingering kisses to her lips and another and another as she thought further “lass” he pressed again and she smiled “i was enjoying the kisses i don’t ‘ave t’ think love” she said with a beaming smile as she watched him light up like the sun

“Oh you’ve made me the happiest dwarf in Arda lass!” He exclaimed happily picking her up and swinging her around with joy, but when he placed her back down he scooped her up and marched her over to the bed with determined steps kissing her with firm and playful pecks showing his gratitude before he tossed her into the bed “oh no no no i change me mind!” She teased as he climbed up over her with a playful smirk “oh no ye can’t take it back, ye can’t go back on a deal with a dwarf!” He said as he then tickled her a bit nuzzling his nose in her neck before he stopped and relaxed the sensation with lingering kisses and sultry laughs knowing he had her right where they longed to be but now they were ready to go further and make it count that night and nights following in hopes of a child.. or two.

•

“Ye feel any different lass?” Fili asked gently as they were walking through the markets in erebor. New merchants came in to the free square and they were making a day of perusing, though he was curious if his wife felt any different. It had been weeks since they started trying for a child, and if he was honest he didn’t have the slightest clue of what to look for. Since said the lady would glow, but she always did to him, she was his light and she was always beautiful, and now that they are married he admitted to seeing her with a healthy weight gain now as well but was it a child or happy weight??

She wasn't completely sure, though she thought there might be some signs. She had been more tired lately, and she had been more tender on her chest, but she didn't want to believe it until she had confirmation. These things could easily just be her mind tricking her, and she would hate for them both to be disappointed. She bit her lip before she turned to Fili, "we can always check woth Oin or Bodil?" She offered even though neither would guarantee the possible secret from reaching their families.

“Yes i do think we should check with either of them, either way we know all leaks came out of yer family” he stated half joking but honest as they were all her family “im sure we can have peace for a little while at least. If anythin’ they will just start buyin’ us things or lingerin’ so we’ll know then.” Fili smiled and saw a food cart roasting some mushrooms and chicken meat with a savory sauce and he navigated them to the cart as they looked over the menu, and being a bit surprised seeing a dwarf from the white mountains here but worried if he’d be seen as rude to point out they were different.

Idunn covered her mouth with her hand to hide her laughter. He wasn't wrong. Her family tended to share news with each other without thought of what might have been meant to stay secret between one of two people. "At least it usually never goes beyond the company and family," she pointed out with a smile.

She smiled and giggled a bit as he wasn't wrong. If they had for some reason not wanted to know, their family would not be subtle enough to hide it from them. Idunn looked over the menu, trying to decide what she wanted to eat. She would admit to not being a big fan of mushrooms, and she was uncertain about the sauce. Idunn looked at the other dwarf before speaking, "Pardon me, might i ask about the savory sauce? I am uncertain how yours might differ since you might have access to different ingredients than the ones we have here."

She said and quickly grilled some more chicken quickly and then placed many pieces on a piece of steamed leaf and with little knotted wood picks she individually dipped each in a different sauce and placed it back on it before handing off the food to fili and he smiled “oh that looks delicious” he said as he pointed a bit “which one is the spicy one?” He asked and she smiled with a little mischief “the reddish one with the red flakes” she said watching intently and he looked back as he grabbed it and took a big bite but left enough for idunn to try it too and he waited for it to kick in “oh that ain’t to bhaa-hoo, oh wait” he said as it felt the heat grow at the back of his tongue much to the hilarity of the dwarf in the cart

“Yeah it’s a grower” she said laughing at him sucking in air with hope “i wasn’t prepared! “ he said laughing back “how do i cool it???” He asked as gods eyes started to water a bit and she grabbed a cup and poured a sweet fruity and creamy drink for him to drink for the heat ,she also poured one for idunn as well “ here it’s pretty good, and the sauces aren’t all spicy, that’s just one i like but i don’t have them all set up correctly but the rest of the sauces arnt spicy, he just started with that one haha” she said with a bright smile her nose ring hitting her lip as she smiled

“That one in the very middle us savory with a hint if sweet to it. The one next to it has a very very mild heat, just like black pepper and is savory as well. Honestly they all are with variations in flavor because of the herbs i use.” She said as she waited for her to try it while fili recovered enjoying the sweet drink “ oh thas good”

Idunn covered her mouth with her hand, already having an inkling of what was going to happen. She did her best to stiffle her laughter as she instead reached for one of the ones that she'd been told wasn't as spicy. She hoped that she would like the spicy one when she tried it, but she didn't want to burn her tongue immediately.

Idunn took her time trying and chewing each piece so she would get the full effect. She found that she didn't dislike any of them, though she had some that she favored more. She was down to the spicy one left, and her eye twinkled a bit in mischief. If she was able to eat it without making a fool of herself, she would definitely be bringing it up with the company and letting them tease Fili, after they tried it themselves at least.

Idunn picked up the spicy piece and took a smaller bite, not from fear but because she had a theory on how she could best eat it. She felt the burn not long into chewing, and her eyes started to sweat a bit, but she put the rest of the piece in her mouth, and it soothed her throat at least temporarily.

She hummed happily, reaching for the cup to soothe it the rest of the way. It was in her top three favorites. The bite of it definitely made her sweat, but the flavor was so good she wanted to keep eating it. The repeated burn and soothe of the spices made her want to laugh a bit. "This one is definitely in the top 3 of my favorite sauces you have," Idunn told her, sending Fili a teasing smile.

“I’m startin’ t’ belive those stories of shapeshiftin dragons ‘re true!” He said with-a bit of a laugh earning a laugh from the merchant too “oh, back home, the ones with red hair have higher tolerances for spice, possibly she is superior to you sir” she joked and he laughed looking to idunn with a loving look “aye i believe so, i feel i will ‘ave t’ get used t’ spicy meals” he said with a smile as he then looked “i suppose if’n ye c’n give us a variety of each meal suited fer each sauce we’ll be grateful if it isn’t too much trouble fer ye?” He asked and she lit up and turned into the tent connected to the front in a different dialect than them as she turned back and smiled “it will be done soon! I’ll even do one with full spice and one with a quarter spice for you” she said happily and fili smiled and nodded “ aye yess that sounds fantastic!” He said and smiled grabbing his coin purse “how much do i owe ye?”

She camouflaged how much it would be and it came up to about 3 gold and he smiled and gave her double that and she frowned “ no no it’s just 3” “ no your food is delicious please take it” he said as he handed out back to her and she sighed and took it “ it will take a bit of time, about 20 minutes of you could come back?” And he smiled and said “ oh of course yes ill come back” he said as he then looked at idunn with a smile as he then offered his arm back to idunn “ here lets keep shopping and then come back” he said finishing his drink happily before he placed the cup back on the counter for her to take back and then started on their way

Idunn laughed again, "Well, if our attempts have bore fruit, you may be out numbered if you don't," she teased, not outright saying they were trying for children, but Fili would likely understand it either way. While it wasn't all they talked of, it had become a bit more common between them, and they had just been talking of it. She set her empty cup down gently.

She couldn't wait to eat more, even thinking of making a bet to entice the company members to try some. She was also simply happy to eat such delicious food, and she wondered if she could try to barter for recipes. She could try to get Runa or Bombur to make more if this stall ever disappeared. Idunn unconsciously clenched her fists with excitement that were just level with the section of her body that was between her chest and stomach.

Hearing the dam try to reaffirm the 3 gold coins, Idunn also added, "he did the same before we wed, left a whole sack of coins instead of the amount i told him. I think i still owe him more daggers for all that gold." She rolled her eyes before glancing at him with another teasing smile. She wanted to tease something, but she knew it was more a mannish concept rather than a dwarrow one and didn't want to offend the Dam nor possibly upset Fili with bad humor.

Idunn took his arm, but one of her hands moved until their fingers met. Her fingers closed around his hand, and the warmth of them had her relaxing again. She found most comfort from his hands on her. They both had blood on their hands, but she trusted his hands more than any non-relative. She would trust them with a blade and at her throat.

Idunn smiled and waved at the dwarrowdam before the left. Her eyes wandered about the various stalls until they landed on a stall with various stuffed animals. She found herself curious but also longing in a way. She hadn't enjoyed her hand-me-down dolls all that much as they hadn't felt relatable to her, she had always wanted to play in the mud or climb a tree or help her 'adad in the forges instead. Eventually, they had been put away so she wouldn't ruin them in boredom.

She had then began sneaking out, which is when she found her way to the stables. Her love of ponies had been quick to grow from there. She didn't know if she was pregnant yet, but if she was or when she was, she wanted her pebble to have something they could love even if they couldn't see the exact perspective. She wanted them to find something that they could love as she had the ponies.

"Fili, look." She prompted only loud enough for him to hear while pointing for a moment. She wasn't worried if others heard, but she just couldn't seem to speak louder in the moment.

Touch prompt from Idunn

“Lass” came a soft yet spine tingling familiar voice from behind-

it had been a month or so since the wedding celebration, surrounded by family and friends, well wishes and support that took so long to finally see, but now it was just them, always alone, in their quarters. And after the family gatherings had dwindled, the constant longing for one of their own began to creep into their conversations, they their dreams, in passing when they came home from their respective tasks in the mountains ‘i saw the thickest baby in the market today’ and ‘i bought new boots and they had the smallest pair on display I’ve ever seen, i couldn’t leave without them’ and similar happenings but they always stepped around it as they just only been married for not long enough in their opinion, but they were adults now.. right?

“Aye my husband” Idunn offered, the feeling of tender’s lips against her temple, a broad warm chest at her back, and large hands encompassing her hips continued as the room was quiet save for the dimming fire in the room. They had just winded down for the night, ate dinner, bathed and were ready to relax and enjoy their evening but fili had plans apparently for his little wife.

“I ‘wanted t’ ask ye something” he stated lowly a slight riled tone in his voice yet the focus was forwardly leaning in the conversation “speak then?” she continued feeling the heat rise to her neck and cheeks steadily as the giddy feeling she found to love never faded as many said it would, at least it wasn’t possible when the dwarf constantly engaged in actions such as these. Her finger fingers overlayed his as he nuzzled into the make of her neck tenderly offering gently kisses between pauses

“I think it’s time we start trying for a wee one” he said calmly as he smiled against the shell of her ear “its been enough talks of them, me have the knowledge of the process.. and we should start trying, an’ not jus’ fer fun”. He stated and paused as he rocked her in his arms before turning her around to look into her eyes his arms firmly holding her there so she couldn’t escape the conversation as he usually let her escape but now he was sure and wanted to see her emotions and get a read

“I know we ‘ave interest, but. Are ye ready lass?” He asked her before planting tender lingering kisses to her lips and another and another as she thought further “lass” he pressed again and she smiled “i was enjoying the kisses i don’t ‘ave t’ think love” she said with a beaming smile as she watched him light up like the sun

“Oh you’ve made me the happiest dwarf in Arda lass!” He exclaimed happily picking her up and swinging her around with joy, but when he placed her back down he scooped her up and marched her over to the bed with determined steps kissing her with firm and playful pecks showing his gratitude before he tossed her into the bed “oh no no no i change me mind!” She teased as he climbed up over her with a playful smirk “oh no ye can’t take it back, ye can’t go back on a deal with a dwarf!” He said as he then tickled her a bit nuzzling his nose in her neck before he stopped and relaxed the sensation with lingering kisses and sultry laughs knowing he had her right where they longed to be but now they were ready to go further and make it count that night and nights following in hopes of a child.. or two.

•

“Ye feel any different lass?” Fili asked gently as they were walking through the markets in erebor. New merchants came in to the free square and they were making a day of perusing, though he was curious if his wife felt any different. It had been weeks since they started trying for a child, and if he was honest he didn’t have the slightest clue of what to look for. Since said the lady would glow, but she always did to him, she was his light and she was always beautiful, and now that they are married he admitted to seeing her with a healthy weight gain now as well but was it a child or happy weight??

She wasn't completely sure, though she thought there might be some signs. She had been more tired lately, and she had been more tender on her chest, but she didn't want to believe it until she had confirmation. These things could easily just be her mind tricking her, and she would hate for them both to be disappointed. She bit her lip before she turned to Fili, "we can always check woth Oin or Bodil?" She offered even though neither would guarantee the possible secret from reaching their families.

“Yes i do think we should check with either of them, either way we know all leaks came out of yer family” he stated half joking but honest as they were all her family “im sure we can have peace for a little while at least. If anythin’ they will just start buyin’ us things or lingerin’ so we’ll know then.” Fili smiled and saw a food cart roasting some mushrooms and chicken meat with a savory sauce and he navigated them to the cart as they looked over the menu, and being a bit surprised seeing a dwarf from the white mountains here but worried if he’d be seen as rude to point out they were different.

Idunn covered her mouth with her hand to hide her laughter. He wasn't wrong. Her family tended to share news with each other without thought of what might have been meant to stay secret between one of two people. "At least it usually never goes beyond the company and family," she pointed out with a smile.

She smiled and giggled a bit as he wasn't wrong. If they had for some reason not wanted to know, their family would not be subtle enough to hide it from them. Idunn looked over the menu, trying to decide what she wanted to eat. She would admit to not being a big fan of mushrooms, and she was uncertain about the sauce. Idunn looked at the other dwarf before speaking, "Pardon me, might i ask about the savory sauce? I am uncertain how yours might differ since you might have access to different ingredients than the ones we have here."

She said and quickly grilled some more chicken quickly and then placed many pieces on a piece of steamed leaf and with little knotted wood picks she individually dipped each in a different sauce and placed it back on it before handing off the food to fili and he smiled “oh that looks delicious” he said as he pointed a bit “which one is the spicy one?” He asked and she smiled with a little mischief “the reddish one with the red flakes” she said watching intently and he looked back as he grabbed it and took a big bite but left enough for idunn to try it too and he waited for it to kick in “oh that ain’t to bhaa-hoo, oh wait” he said as it felt the heat grow at the back of his tongue much to the hilarity of the dwarf in the cart

“Yeah it’s a grower” she said laughing at him sucking in air with hope “i wasn’t prepared! “ he said laughing back “how do i cool it???” He asked as gods eyes started to water a bit and she grabbed a cup and poured a sweet fruity and creamy drink for him to drink for the heat ,she also poured one for idunn as well “ here it’s pretty good, and the sauces aren’t all spicy, that’s just one i like but i don’t have them all set up correctly but the rest of the sauces arnt spicy, he just started with that one haha” she said with a bright smile her nose ring hitting her lip as she smiled

“That one in the very middle us savory with a hint if sweet to it. The one next to it has a very very mild heat, just like black pepper and is savory as well. Honestly they all are with variations in flavor because of the herbs i use.” She said as she waited for her to try it while fili recovered enjoying the sweet drink “ oh thas good”

Idunn covered her mouth with her hand, already having an inkling of what was going to happen. She did her best to stiffle her laughter as she instead reached for one of the ones that she'd been told wasn't as spicy. She hoped that she would like the spicy one when she tried it, but she didn't want to burn her tongue immediately.

Idunn took her time trying and chewing each piece so she would get the full effect. She found that she didn't dislike any of them, though she had some that she favored more. She was down to the spicy one left, and her eye twinkled a bit in mischief. If she was able to eat it without making a fool of herself, she would definitely be bringing it up with the company and letting them tease Fili, after they tried it themselves at least.

Idunn picked up the spicy piece and took a smaller bite, not from fear but because she had a theory on how she could best eat it. She felt the burn not long into chewing, and her eyes started to sweat a bit, but she put the rest of the piece in her mouth, and it soothed her throat at least temporarily.

She hummed happily, reaching for the cup to soothe it the rest of the way. It was in her top three favorites. The bite of it definitely made her sweat, but the flavor was so good she wanted to keep eating it. The repeated burn and soothe of the spices made her want to laugh a bit. "This one is definitely in the top 3 of my favorite sauces you have," Idunn told her, sending Fili a teasing smile.

Touch prompt from Idunn

•Wearve of Life•

The waiting period had been full of anxiousness and frustrations, he had endured so many arguments with his uncle but it was, in fíli’s opinion, he knew that he had many plans to find a suitor for his longtime heir or at least regent of thinya sired an heir, for him but the night proceeding this was a breaking point :

•

“I asked you both here tonight because i know ye refuse to talk to me about this, and though i have reservations ONLY because ye refuse t’ speak t’ me and think i only want t’ harm ye lass- i don’t know how to express that i only feared if she was up to the task, from what i have seen yes she is capable in war, yes she knows her craft and others, i believe she is a good match fer ye but what i NEED reassurance in is if she can defend you when things get hard and can she pick up where you stop, and can ye use yer voice t’ say EXACTLY what ye believe?”

He rambled but he felt he would get cut off. After his first offense Fíli refused to talk to him or let him talk to her because he felt thorin was hypocritical, when he found his one he never let anyone get in the way of it, he feigned protocol and duty to bolster his own ego, he wanted things to be perfect and after so much pressure from the mountain And back he developed an unshakable habit of perfection noone could live up to and the fact that he had upheld him into that same structure and never gave much air to see what he truly wanted always sort of depressed him but when he finally found idunn he felt that was their common ground but when he saw opposition Fíli held tighter and stood his ground causing the strife they were in now. But looking at his uncles face he felt he knew the real reason this all was happening and he puffed up his chest and prepared to reply but he saw the reddened cheeks of his one and was surprised at the force that exploded

“It seems t’ me that a mighty dwarf such as yer self could have summoned such a so called lowly dwarrowdam as me!” She said dripping with sarcasm “in all the years ye had a chance t’ know me ye did nothing but ignore me, the only time ye looked truely at me was when fili made a choice YOU didn’t make fer him! Ye don’t let ‘im live even when he nearly died fer your quest! And EVEN after that he STILL WAS NOT ALLOWED TO BREATHE!” She said stepping to him and thorin looked heartbroken at this and blinked in shock and despair looking to Fíli but he found his eyes away from his glance confirming his feelings

“Have ye ever asked him TRUELY wha’ he wants? Have ye ever even cared?? I’m sorry but ye do a lot of judging and ye treat yer loved ones as pawns and ye never stop and think of how they would feel because ye are the leader, the king… yer acting like a tyrant t’ the one ye wanted to give the world to but did he ask that?? He ONLY asked ye t’ accept his choices and by all accounts i am a harmless one!” She continued not backing down, it had been months of strife and anger and things that would have ended peaceably was held up because of his iron grip and she had held her tongue out of respect and so had fili, it had been enough.

But after a silent break, the words hitting thorin heavily his heart aching at the realization of all this now, and the confirmation he saw on his beloved nephews face, he moved back to find an arm chair in the sitting room they stood in. He wasn’t ready for such a reaction and he found he was ill informed at the prospect of idunn yet again. Now he realized that he had been severely mistaken and that he was taking advantage of the respect he had- if he had any left at all

“Fíli is this true” he said more as a statement “uncle-“ “lad please. Ye don’t have t’ answer that i know it is.” He said rubbing his face with his palm and inhaled his tears back knowing he had failed again because of his reoccuring narcissism. “Lass i was wrong, and i offer my sincerest appology, i was being told and my stubborness wouldn’t allow me to believe ye would be good fer him, i see him as a son and after all this i wanted him to be happy but i neglected t’ see truly what that meant and that it wasn’t my opinion that mattered.” He said and fili moved to speak and thorin raised his hand because if fili said it or lied to spare him he would break again

“No lad don’t” he said and looked back to idunn “i apologize fer my behavior. I apologize for disregarding you, i apologize for not seeing you as worthy and deserving of such a match. I am sorry fer not recognizing the Bind ye bith have and i am sorry fer my obstinance and i vow to amend it. I wish ye both the best and ye have my blessing. And anything ye need for your celebration please allot me to fulfill yer requests.” He said eyes looking between them solemly. He had heard what he needed to hear even if it hurt him deeply to realize it.

“i’m sorry-” idunn started realizing what she had just done but he then laughed at her reverting to the idunn he knew “no no, it’s alright, i needed that, i’d rather a kick from ye anyways i think i woud have died if he said it, an yeprooved t’ me ye can handle it if ye can stand up t’ me and make me sit.” He said looking at the chair he sat in now “i have nothing else t’ say beaides ye have my blessing.” •

That night was full of stress but now that they had full permission fili was shaking as he braided his final set of betrothal beads framing her face now in brilliant sparkling mythril and sapphire before his hands encased her cheeks a bit too emotional to speak to her

“Ye ‘re so beautiful lass” he breathed happily his thumb stroking her cheeks as they sat on a balcony bench feeling the sun on their skin and relaxing, having a thought to themselves finally that wasn’t full of resentment and worry he could have flown away looking at her now

Idunn had always known she let herself be walked on, but she had never allowed the same for those she loved. So to see Thorin, the uncle of her One, hurting Fili even out of concern; after a certain point, Idunn couldn't bite her tongue anymore even if she had respected him, even if it meant he wanted her exiled or dead because only Fili mattered to her in that moment.

Seeing Thorin sit as if she had struck him, it had been startling, and she had felt instant remorse. She also found herself understanding when he had said he preferred her to say it rather than Fili. She could imagine it would be a dagger in the gut in comparison.

Idunn's mind returned to the present, feeling Fili's warm hands on her cheeks. Idunn couldn't help the shy smile she gave at his words. She doubted she would ever get completely used to the compliments he gave, but she could likely cry at how the love and adoration for him filled her chest. "So you say," she started slightly mirthful before adding, "but i am almost certain most of everyone that sees us has always been focused on how handsome you are."

Idunn's eyes were sparkling as she held back most of her mirth for his sake since he was in a more serious mindset. She had felt similar, but she found herself suddenly happy in the way that almost reminded her of when she was tipsy. She felt like she could dance for hours or instigate a huge game of tag throughout the mountain.

“Asyûngal i c’n onle’ hope t’ make ye this bright each day, i love ye so much” he said smiling as he felt so light sitting with her face to face like a lovesick pup. He wanted dearly to kiss her as the moment felt right but he felt that he would lose himself and hoped he wouldn’t get too drawn into the way he felt in this moment so he pulled back a bit and instead gave her a kiss onto her forehead, he knew she probably could feel his hesitation and obvious cop out and he decided to expulsion himself

“If i rightfully kiss ye i’ll never stop meself.” He admitted with a blush “an after ai this fighting jus t’ do things out of order would be wrong” he said blushing brighter knowing exactly where his thoughts were and he was a bit embarrassed but he was still by all accounts a young dwarf, a sure one, but young still.

Idunn smiled at him before speaking, "Perhaps not all day every day, but at least when we're together, i have no doubt it's possible." She would likely feel like she was floating for quite a while but she knew her emotions did shift often so she didn't want him to feel downtrodden if he found her in a moment when she was feeling another emotion.

She blushed, recognizing just why they weren't sharing a kiss, and the implications had her feeling warm in a completely different way. Her Namad would never let her live it down if they went out of order like that. Edain and her 'adad would likely share different but still similar reactions. Edain would probably want to murder Fili for what he would see as Fili dishonoring her while her 'adad would turn what this was into a speedy wedding at weapon-point.

Still, Idunn found her mischievous side taking control of her for just a moment. Idunn leaned forward just enough to leave a small light kiss on the corner of his lips. Afterward, she was quick to stand, aiming a mischievous and mirthful smile at him, and make a hasty exit, which had her greeting and claiming the arm of Kili as he was passing by.

“Jus’ ye wait when i catch ye lass!” He said already longing for her then she had the gaul to run away after planting the sweetest experience of his life onto his lips. He was happy and enjoyed the high of this saccharine turn of events as he started to search for her happily

“Kili i’mma shake ye fer takin’ off with me future wife!” He shouted laughing knowing it wouldn’t raise any brows in the private quarters but he just may earn a sweet giggle from his one and figure where to go next.

Kili might not know why exactly they were running from his brother, but he had recognized the mischief in Idunn's face, and he had always been up for mischief. He had had to shoosh Idunn at least twice so far, though it was mostly half-hearted as he much preferred she be happy and laughing rather than as she had been.

Hearing Fili, both Idunn and Kili stifled their laughs before Kili asked, "Just what did you get me into, Idunn?" It was only his smile that kept Idunn from worrying. As it was, Idunn felt a shiver go through her at Fili, referring to her as his future wife. She couldn't wait until it was just Wife, Idunn flushed while smiling.

"I may be being a bit counterproductive.... he mentioned not wanting to do things out of order... i may have essentially tested his restraint, " Idunn admitted with a blush and smile. She giggled when Kili gave a fake gagging sound. They were trying for sneaky, but the sound of them was definitely audible. It was only lucky that they were still moving.

-

“Oh, so ye started ‘im, tha’s like messin’ with Thorín lass!” He fussed in a whisper as they hurried round the corner keeping to short passageways so they could stay out of sight. “We’re gonna’ be running forever an i jus’ ate!” He complained a bit But though he was sure they were safe, but the silence he was experiencing was unnerving and he paused and held a finger up to his lips and ducked into a curtained area and looked at her with a wistful smile pointing at his ear to listen and he could hear the soft yet quick fit fans and slight jangle from his hair and his eyes widened as he heard him pause in the walk was a bit too long for comfort before he carried on and kili took a breath before he pointed in the other direction to get back to an open space.

-

He saw where they were hiding but he thought it would be better to let them feel safe first and he smirked when he heard them start back down the hallway and he smiled before he started going back. Hearing they took the bait

-

“no no this feels wrong we need to change pattern”

'You wanna be bait or escape?' She signed to him as a plan was already forming in her mind. This was a bit like Runa and Bodil's time hiding from Bofur and the time they had barely managed to nick one of Nori's knives if only for a short minute.

If Kili decided to be bait, Idunn thought she might be able to find a hiding spot that he would not find without help. Though she would feel bad if Kili did act as bait since she hadn’t realized he had just eaten and knew that was never fun.

She planned to ditch her shoes as soon as they finished planning as she had heard the lack of shoe sounds, which meant her One was being a sneaky one. She was almost thrilled at this game of cat and mouse as it was one thing that they hadn't tried. It also would let them see more of the others' skills than the journey had done.

Silently, she prayed the courting ended quickly as she had eyes and knew that she wanted to melt against his side without needing to leave it again. She forced herself to focus while also trying not to flush at her minds less than proper timing.

-

At her sign kili smiled and nodded signing back “aye i can defiantly be bait” signed back watching her take her shoes off after they turned a corner behind a large statue as she read his hands quickly as he replied “let’s get to a crowd and split up but ye go towards home an i’ll stall and just mess his journey up”. He signed and then continued “be sporadic so the trail doesn’t made sense” he said this and it was obvious that he wasn’t the smarter of the siblings and the hope and surety kili had in his face was a bit sad as it wasn’t a very thought out plan, surely mahal favorited the lad giving him unearthly luck “lets go”

he finished signing but gave thumbs up to idunn before he looked around the corner to see if he could see his brother but he didn’t know Fili saw him first staying yards away; just enough to be paranoid. But he wasn’t seen that time but he could see the silly eyebrow raise thing he did when he felt he was being sneaky and sure off himself and as fili saw this he said under his breath “Oh lad, of course i’m goin’ t’ find ye cause ye got me lass. I’m guilded to ye arse” he said a bit proud and watched them run away and saw idunn without her shoes and he nodded “that-a girl” he said lovingly as he admired her choice and wondered what they were going to do now waiting to be able to tail behind again.

She stood out less now that her hair was covered. Not many covered their hair, but there were just enough that it would help her hide a bit better. Once finished, she carefully joined back with the crowd while heading to the market. She was certain that at least a few of the dwarrow she was looking for would be there.

Seeing them scattered round, Idunn let out a low whistle that was almost completely lost in the sounds of the market, almost. She spotted the heads turning and the bodies moving toward each other. Idunn calmly made her way over and smiled, pressing her finger to her lips before they could call her name.

"Hello, darling dwarflings," Idunn teased and chuckled at the groans. They were bigger than they had been when she used to babysit them, but she still could see the little dwarflings they had been. "Up for a favor exchange?" She asked and grinned at their perking up.

"What favor? And what terms for our favor?" Erik asked taking lead, and Idunn wanted to pinch his cheeks. He had learned well from Runa, Bodil, and Idunn about terms before he had even started any schooling. Idunn was very proud of him, though she would be jokingly mad if he refused the favor.

"Distracting the blond princeling is my favor. Yours? Everyone gets one favor, Anything reasonable that doesn't make yer parents want to take a weapon to my hide." Idunn replied with a raised eyebrow, and she pressed her lips to keep from grinning as they turned from her to communicate in rapid Iglishmêk.

When they turned back, Erik gave a wicked smile as he replied for them all, "Deal, we'll distract him until dinner time." He eyed her to see if she would negotiate the time, but Idunn smiled and nodded, holding out her hand for them all to shake.

"Deal, remember the conditions. Also, ye never saw me, if he asks." Idunn pointedly said, and the dwarflings laugh and fake groan as if she had ruined their plans. Idunn nodded her head before slipping away to hide for a moment just in case Fili was near.

Touch prompt from Idunn

“Lass” came a soft yet spine tingling familiar voice from behind-

it had been a month or so since the wedding celebration, surrounded by family and friends, well wishes and support that took so long to finally see, but now it was just them, always alone, in their quarters. And after the family gatherings had dwindled, the constant longing for one of their own began to creep into their conversations, they their dreams, in passing when they came home from their respective tasks in the mountains ‘i saw the thickest baby in the market today’ and ‘i bought new boots and they had the smallest pair on display I’ve ever seen, i couldn’t leave without them’ and similar happenings but they always stepped around it as they just only been married for not long enough in their opinion, but they were adults now.. right?

“Aye my husband” Idunn offered, the feeling of tender’s lips against her temple, a broad warm chest at her back, and large hands encompassing her hips continued as the room was quiet save for the dimming fire in the room. They had just winded down for the night, ate dinner, bathed and were ready to relax and enjoy their evening but fili had plans apparently for his little wife.

“I ‘wanted t’ ask ye something” he stated lowly a slight riled tone in his voice yet the focus was forwardly leaning in the conversation “speak then?” she continued feeling the heat rise to her neck and cheeks steadily as the giddy feeling she found to love never faded as many said it would, at least it wasn’t possible when the dwarf constantly engaged in actions such as these. Her finger fingers overlayed his as he nuzzled into the make of her neck tenderly offering gently kisses between pauses

“I think it’s time we start trying for a wee one” he said calmly as he smiled against the shell of her ear “its been enough talks of them, me have the knowledge of the process.. and we should start trying, an’ not jus’ fer fun”. He stated and paused as he rocked her in his arms before turning her around to look into her eyes his arms firmly holding her there so she couldn’t escape the conversation as he usually let her escape but now he was sure and wanted to see her emotions and get a read

“I know we ‘ave interest, but. Are ye ready lass?” He asked her before planting tender lingering kisses to her lips and another and another as she thought further “lass” he pressed again and she smiled “i was enjoying the kisses i don’t ‘ave t’ think love” she said with a beaming smile as she watched him light up like the sun

“Oh you’ve made me the happiest dwarf in Arda lass!” He exclaimed happily picking her up and swinging her around with joy, but when he placed her back down he scooped her up and marched her over to the bed with determined steps kissing her with firm and playful pecks showing his gratitude before he tossed her into the bed “oh no no no i change me mind!” She teased as he climbed up over her with a playful smirk “oh no ye can’t take it back, ye can’t go back on a deal with a dwarf!” He said as he then tickled her a bit nuzzling his nose in her neck before he stopped and relaxed the sensation with lingering kisses and sultry laughs knowing he had her right where they longed to be but now they were ready to go further and make it count that night and nights following in hopes of a child.. or two.

•

“Ye feel any different lass?” Fili asked gently as they were walking through the markets in erebor. New merchants came in to the free square and they were making a day of perusing, though he was curious if his wife felt any different. It had been weeks since they started trying for a child, and if he was honest he didn’t have the slightest clue of what to look for. Since said the lady would glow, but she always did to him, she was his light and she was always beautiful, and now that they are married he admitted to seeing her with a healthy weight gain now as well but was it a child or happy weight??

She wasn't completely sure, though she thought there might be some signs. She had been more tired lately, and she had been more tender on her chest, but she didn't want to believe it until she had confirmation. These things could easily just be her mind tricking her, and she would hate for them both to be disappointed. She bit her lip before she turned to Fili, "we can always check woth Oin or Bodil?" She offered even though neither would guarantee the possible secret from reaching their families.

“Yes i do think we should check with either of them, either way we know all leaks came out of yer family” he stated half joking but honest as they were all her family “im sure we can have peace for a little while at least. If anythin’ they will just start buyin’ us things or lingerin’ so we’ll know then.” Fili smiled and saw a food cart roasting some mushrooms and chicken meat with a savory sauce and he navigated them to the cart as they looked over the menu, and being a bit surprised seeing a dwarf from the white mountains here but worried if he’d be seen as rude to point out they were different.

Idunn covered her mouth with her hand to hide her laughter. He wasn't wrong. Her family tended to share news with each other without thought of what might have been meant to stay secret between one of two people. "At least it usually never goes beyond the company and family," she pointed out with a smile.

She smiled and giggled a bit as he wasn't wrong. If they had for some reason not wanted to know, their family would not be subtle enough to hide it from them. Idunn looked over the menu, trying to decide what she wanted to eat. She would admit to not being a big fan of mushrooms, and she was uncertain about the sauce. Idunn looked at the other dwarf before speaking, "Pardon me, might i ask about the savory sauce? I am uncertain how yours might differ since you might have access to different ingredients than the ones we have here."

Touch prompt from Idunn

•Wearve of Life•

The waiting period had been full of anxiousness and frustrations, he had endured so many arguments with his uncle but it was, in fíli’s opinion, he knew that he had many plans to find a suitor for his longtime heir or at least regent of thinya sired an heir, for him but the night proceeding this was a breaking point :

•

“I asked you both here tonight because i know ye refuse to talk to me about this, and though i have reservations ONLY because ye refuse t’ speak t’ me and think i only want t’ harm ye lass- i don’t know how to express that i only feared if she was up to the task, from what i have seen yes she is capable in war, yes she knows her craft and others, i believe she is a good match fer ye but what i NEED reassurance in is if she can defend you when things get hard and can she pick up where you stop, and can ye use yer voice t’ say EXACTLY what ye believe?”

He rambled but he felt he would get cut off. After his first offense Fíli refused to talk to him or let him talk to her because he felt thorin was hypocritical, when he found his one he never let anyone get in the way of it, he feigned protocol and duty to bolster his own ego, he wanted things to be perfect and after so much pressure from the mountain And back he developed an unshakable habit of perfection noone could live up to and the fact that he had upheld him into that same structure and never gave much air to see what he truly wanted always sort of depressed him but when he finally found idunn he felt that was their common ground but when he saw opposition Fíli held tighter and stood his ground causing the strife they were in now. But looking at his uncles face he felt he knew the real reason this all was happening and he puffed up his chest and prepared to reply but he saw the reddened cheeks of his one and was surprised at the force that exploded

“It seems t’ me that a mighty dwarf such as yer self could have summoned such a so called lowly dwarrowdam as me!” She said dripping with sarcasm “in all the years ye had a chance t’ know me ye did nothing but ignore me, the only time ye looked truely at me was when fili made a choice YOU didn’t make fer him! Ye don’t let ‘im live even when he nearly died fer your quest! And EVEN after that he STILL WAS NOT ALLOWED TO BREATHE!” She said stepping to him and thorin looked heartbroken at this and blinked in shock and despair looking to Fíli but he found his eyes away from his glance confirming his feelings

“Have ye ever asked him TRUELY wha’ he wants? Have ye ever even cared?? I’m sorry but ye do a lot of judging and ye treat yer loved ones as pawns and ye never stop and think of how they would feel because ye are the leader, the king… yer acting like a tyrant t’ the one ye wanted to give the world to but did he ask that?? He ONLY asked ye t’ accept his choices and by all accounts i am a harmless one!” She continued not backing down, it had been months of strife and anger and things that would have ended peaceably was held up because of his iron grip and she had held her tongue out of respect and so had fili, it had been enough.

But after a silent break, the words hitting thorin heavily his heart aching at the realization of all this now, and the confirmation he saw on his beloved nephews face, he moved back to find an arm chair in the sitting room they stood in. He wasn’t ready for such a reaction and he found he was ill informed at the prospect of idunn yet again. Now he realized that he had been severely mistaken and that he was taking advantage of the respect he had- if he had any left at all

“Fíli is this true” he said more as a statement “uncle-“ “lad please. Ye don’t have t’ answer that i know it is.” He said rubbing his face with his palm and inhaled his tears back knowing he had failed again because of his reoccuring narcissism. “Lass i was wrong, and i offer my sincerest appology, i was being told and my stubborness wouldn’t allow me to believe ye would be good fer him, i see him as a son and after all this i wanted him to be happy but i neglected t’ see truly what that meant and that it wasn’t my opinion that mattered.” He said and fili moved to speak and thorin raised his hand because if fili said it or lied to spare him he would break again

“No lad don’t” he said and looked back to idunn “i apologize fer my behavior. I apologize for disregarding you, i apologize for not seeing you as worthy and deserving of such a match. I am sorry fer not recognizing the Bind ye bith have and i am sorry fer my obstinance and i vow to amend it. I wish ye both the best and ye have my blessing. And anything ye need for your celebration please allot me to fulfill yer requests.” He said eyes looking between them solemly. He had heard what he needed to hear even if it hurt him deeply to realize it.

“i’m sorry-” idunn started realizing what she had just done but he then laughed at her reverting to the idunn he knew “no no, it’s alright, i needed that, i’d rather a kick from ye anyways i think i woud have died if he said it, an yeprooved t’ me ye can handle it if ye can stand up t’ me and make me sit.” He said looking at the chair he sat in now “i have nothing else t’ say beaides ye have my blessing.” •

That night was full of stress but now that they had full permission fili was shaking as he braided his final set of betrothal beads framing her face now in brilliant sparkling mythril and sapphire before his hands encased her cheeks a bit too emotional to speak to her

“Ye ‘re so beautiful lass” he breathed happily his thumb stroking her cheeks as they sat on a balcony bench feeling the sun on their skin and relaxing, having a thought to themselves finally that wasn’t full of resentment and worry he could have flown away looking at her now

Idunn had always known she let herself be walked on, but she had never allowed the same for those she loved. So to see Thorin, the uncle of her One, hurting Fili even out of concern; after a certain point, Idunn couldn't bite her tongue anymore even if she had respected him, even if it meant he wanted her exiled or dead because only Fili mattered to her in that moment.

Seeing Thorin sit as if she had struck him, it had been startling, and she had felt instant remorse. She also found herself understanding when he had said he preferred her to say it rather than Fili. She could imagine it would be a dagger in the gut in comparison.

Idunn's mind returned to the present, feeling Fili's warm hands on her cheeks. Idunn couldn't help the shy smile she gave at his words. She doubted she would ever get completely used to the compliments he gave, but she could likely cry at how the love and adoration for him filled her chest. "So you say," she started slightly mirthful before adding, "but i am almost certain most of everyone that sees us has always been focused on how handsome you are."

Idunn's eyes were sparkling as she held back most of her mirth for his sake since he was in a more serious mindset. She had felt similar, but she found herself suddenly happy in the way that almost reminded her of when she was tipsy. She felt like she could dance for hours or instigate a huge game of tag throughout the mountain.

“Asyûngal i c’n onle’ hope t’ make ye this bright each day, i love ye so much” he said smiling as he felt so light sitting with her face to face like a lovesick pup. He wanted dearly to kiss her as the moment felt right but he felt that he would lose himself and hoped he wouldn’t get too drawn into the way he felt in this moment so he pulled back a bit and instead gave her a kiss onto her forehead, he knew she probably could feel his hesitation and obvious cop out and he decided to expulsion himself

“If i rightfully kiss ye i’ll never stop meself.” He admitted with a blush “an after ai this fighting jus t’ do things out of order would be wrong” he said blushing brighter knowing exactly where his thoughts were and he was a bit embarrassed but he was still by all accounts a young dwarf, a sure one, but young still.

Idunn smiled at him before speaking, "Perhaps not all day every day, but at least when we're together, i have no doubt it's possible." She would likely feel like she was floating for quite a while but she knew her emotions did shift often so she didn't want him to feel downtrodden if he found her in a moment when she was feeling another emotion.

She blushed, recognizing just why they weren't sharing a kiss, and the implications had her feeling warm in a completely different way. Her Namad would never let her live it down if they went out of order like that. Edain and her 'adad would likely share different but still similar reactions. Edain would probably want to murder Fili for what he would see as Fili dishonoring her while her 'adad would turn what this was into a speedy wedding at weapon-point.

Still, Idunn found her mischievous side taking control of her for just a moment. Idunn leaned forward just enough to leave a small light kiss on the corner of his lips. Afterward, she was quick to stand, aiming a mischievous and mirthful smile at him, and make a hasty exit, which had her greeting and claiming the arm of Kili as he was passing by.

“Jus’ ye wait when i catch ye lass!” He said already longing for her then she had the gaul to run away after planting the sweetest experience of his life onto his lips. He was happy and enjoyed the high of this saccharine turn of events as he started to search for her happily

“Kili i’mma shake ye fer takin’ off with me future wife!” He shouted laughing knowing it wouldn’t raise any brows in the private quarters but he just may earn a sweet giggle from his one and figure where to go next.

Kili might not know why exactly they were running from his brother, but he had recognized the mischief in Idunn's face, and he had always been up for mischief. He had had to shoosh Idunn at least twice so far, though it was mostly half-hearted as he much preferred she be happy and laughing rather than as she had been.

Hearing Fili, both Idunn and Kili stifled their laughs before Kili asked, "Just what did you get me into, Idunn?" It was only his smile that kept Idunn from worrying. As it was, Idunn felt a shiver go through her at Fili, referring to her as his future wife. She couldn't wait until it was just Wife, Idunn flushed while smiling.

"I may be being a bit counterproductive.... he mentioned not wanting to do things out of order... i may have essentially tested his restraint, " Idunn admitted with a blush and smile. She giggled when Kili gave a fake gagging sound. They were trying for sneaky, but the sound of them was definitely audible. It was only lucky that they were still moving.

-

“Oh, so ye started ‘im, tha’s like messin’ with Thorín lass!” He fussed in a whisper as they hurried round the corner keeping to short passageways so they could stay out of sight. “We’re gonna’ be running forever an i jus’ ate!” He complained a bit But though he was sure they were safe, but the silence he was experiencing was unnerving and he paused and held a finger up to his lips and ducked into a curtained area and looked at her with a wistful smile pointing at his ear to listen and he could hear the soft yet quick fit fans and slight jangle from his hair and his eyes widened as he heard him pause in the walk was a bit too long for comfort before he carried on and kili took a breath before he pointed in the other direction to get back to an open space.

-

He saw where they were hiding but he thought it would be better to let them feel safe first and he smirked when he heard them start back down the hallway and he smiled before he started going back. Hearing they took the bait

-

“no no this feels wrong we need to change pattern”

'You wanna be bait or escape?' She signed to him as a plan was already forming in her mind. This was a bit like Runa and Bodil's time hiding from Bofur and the time they had barely managed to nick one of Nori's knives if only for a short minute.

If Kili decided to be bait, Idunn thought she might be able to find a hiding spot that he would not find without help. Though she would feel bad if Kili did act as bait since she hadn’t realized he had just eaten and knew that was never fun.

She planned to ditch her shoes as soon as they finished planning as she had heard the lack of shoe sounds, which meant her One was being a sneaky one. She was almost thrilled at this game of cat and mouse as it was one thing that they hadn't tried. It also would let them see more of the others' skills than the journey had done.

Silently, she prayed the courting ended quickly as she had eyes and knew that she wanted to melt against his side without needing to leave it again. She forced herself to focus while also trying not to flush at her minds less than proper timing.

Idunn looked around in what felt like a frantic manner. Her dress was pretty to look at but the fabric made her skin crawl, the dress was far as one could get in her opinion from practical, while also feeling as if it was suffocating her. Her family was somewhere around the gigantic room that was holding some sort of celebration that the adults had decided merited a ball. She couldn’t even remember what the specific occasion was; She had been distracted when they were prepared for it by the riddle Runa had asked her that she had been pondering.

She spotted her father off to one side talking with one of his friends, one that he had fought at Azanulbizar with, while Edain was farther down the hall looking slightly flushed from the obvious ribbing his friends were giving him. Glain and Tofferi, her One whom was courting her, were on what could only be described as the dance floor.

She had always hated these sorts of things. no one ever asked her to dance aside from Edain, knowing she loved to dance, and Tofferi, also knowing her love of dancing but also because he was kind. he also knew them getting along would make Glain very happy even if it wasn’t a hardship to him to dance with his One’s sister who was generally friendly with him.

Unlike most celebrations, this one was one typically held only for those that could be considered nobles, even if most of the nobility had to live and work just as hard as everyone else. Idunn and her family were only allowed because her Aunt Freyja had married Gloin who was distantly related to the king.

She hated the stuffiness and rules of talking of it all. it all felt fake which she hated more than anything else. how was she suppose to know if someone was being polite because they had to or because they actually liked her? She was almost certain at least half of these people were two-faced toward at least her if not Glain as well.

Her eyes landed on Princess Dis, a beautiful Dwarrowdam that Glain tried to subtly emulate in manners and tried to constantly teach Idunn to do the same, who was turned to talk to the two younger dwarrow at her side that could only be her sons. She had heard from Bodil that they were quite the pair of mischievous rascals thought other dwarrowdams had been giving them speculative looks as they grew older even though neither was yet of age for such things.

She always recoiled from such things but had not heard similar about them; while not one to judge, Idunn wondered if they reveled in the attention despite the general grossness of the implications of it. Despite that, She had never had the chance to meet them herself and she doubted they would care to meet her. She wasn’t anyone special; She was just a simple dwarrowdam that was raising a pony, a raven, and an owl. Just a dwarrowdam that knew what her Craft was and wanted to eventually have a shop of her own to share her passion with others.

~~

Runa had always gently said “you are kind and always offer help should it look like someone might need it even if it is a simple task. You go out of your way to help collect the herbs for Bodil, Oin, and I. You always buy an extra chunk of Erik’s favorite cheese that our ‘Amad can’t afford to get him and will spend your free time playing with him.”

Bodil had rather bluntly said ”Idunn, you make snap judgements based on seemingly innocuous things. if someone fails whatever test or judgement you make, you either ignore them as unimportant or uninteresting or if you decide they are a threat than you can lash out or snubbed them.” Idunn must have looked hurt by the assessment because Bodil continued “You have had a hard time. people have been cruel to you without you knowing why, You adapted to that to guard your heart and avoid wasting effort on those that won’t reciprocate.”

“Don’t dislike the part of you that knows you deserve niceness, Idunn.” Bodil urged giving her hand a gentle squeeze before adding “If someone is kind or treats you well, you would move mountains for them and set yourself alight to warm them. you also will listen to reason if your judgements are questioned and change your mind if the reason is sound. You also aren’t cruel about it all even if you don’t like someone, you are still kind or at least polite and only have lashed out when they hurt you first”

~~

The sounds around her feel loud and overwhelming. A loud woman’s laugh, one that rings false to her ears as if the one laughing is faking, fills the air even as the music played on instruments reaches a crescendo. She can tell her breathing is faster than what it should be. it was an unfortunate consequence of a run in late in the night with a crowd of older drunken dwarrows with a penchants for violent shoving games, something she had breathed not a word of especially when they had spoken so vilely toward her ‘Amad who was feeling ill again.

“I’ll be right there lass” said said with a smile as she plucked up her hem chain to walk into the room to aid her, but she stopped at the door and gave a gentle gasp “oh mahal aren’t ye the prettiest lass i’ve ever seen!” She said looking at how the dress perfectly amplified her features and didn’t overpower her at all “you look amazing, oh this dress was truely made fer ye i am so happy it fits ye like a glove!” She gushed as she moved over to her after closing the door and locking it so she could finish dressing her

“Now turn around miss and all get you tied in-“ she said with a smile first lacing the supportive stays inside before buttoning up the back each citrine button shining just behind her hair and moria finished with tying the silk belt into a soft bow to rest perfectly on her backside and letting it trail with the ending tassels that would kick out as she walked. “Okay now turn around i want’t see ye in yer full glory! Then we can do ye hair and if’n ye don’t want t’ wear the necklace as a neck piece we c’n braid it into ye hair”

She said as she watched her turn about and the rosy hue of her cheeks warmed her up even more and she smiled as she admired her in the dress “oh my jus’ look at ye, how do ye feel???” She asked her with a smile clapping happily.

-

Idunn started to turn at the sound of the door opening and couldn’t help but be slightly startled at the resulting gasp. Her hands had instinctively come up to hold the top of the dress to her front. Hearing her speak, Idunn’s face flushed, and her eyes moved to look at the ground while she couldn’t help but fidget. She couldn’t find her voice even to thank Moria for the compliment, but then again, she wasn’t the best at accepting compliments either.

Idunn turned when asked to and did her best not to make it harder to do the laces. The laces were an unfamiliar feeling for her, but she tried to breathe calmly through it until Moria finished. The lacing wasn’t hurting even if it was a bit tighter than most of Idunn’s usual clothes would be.

Idunn turned again when directed even as her face felt warm. She wasn’t sure about what to do with the jewelry, though as a necklace she thought it might make return the dress and jewelry a bit easier. “I don’t quite know how to describe it… a bit of a mix between a beloved doll and an imposter. ” Idunn admitted unconsciously picking at the skin around her nails. She knew that technically, she did count as noble enough to be at this event, but she was just a dwarrow that lived most of her time in the forges. She knew more about having coal under her nails and metal burns on her fingers than about looking like some jewel shown off.

“Most of these nobles are only nobly by name and audacity, but it’s how ye carry yerself is the difference. The ONLY reason i maintained me status when i moved to this mountain is because of connections and i refused to let anyone speak down on me and i stood up for meself. DONT let these raggedy lassies treat you less than ye deserve and if ye belive ye do ye have only yerself t’ blame.”

Moria chided as she looked at her hair “now, may i ‘ave permission t’ style yer hair?” She asked as she went over to the sink, pumping the water so she could wash her hands rolling up her sleeves so she could get to business.

Besides, it wasn’t as if she wanted to be treated poorly or that she thought herself better than everyone. She would need to find a middle ground between the two while not letting others tilt that scale. She took a calming breath before speaking, “Yes, you have permission to style my hair.”

“Should i sit somewhere or anything?” Idunn found herself asking. She didn’t want to tire Moria’s arms out before she could enjoy the festivities. Idunn also had always enjoyed letting others have their fun dressing her or styling her even if she didn’t generally care about most of it. In a way, she considered it to be a bonding experience even if she rarely mentioned it or did it with anyone aside from her family.

And because of this she chose to do a bit of fringe to frame her face and the rest to do four sweeping braid weaves from her temples and behind her ear braided with ribbons she found from the dress that seemed quite too girlish for her style and braided them into her locks before then transitioning into a 5 plaited braid that weaved down her back beautifully and she then plucked at a bit of the braids to create volume in the intricate design to make it feel more plush once she had completed the braid she made sure to drape the necklace on her clavicle before closing the clasp and she smiled

“Okay lass i think it’s time t’ show them who ye are. Ye don’t have to dress like this to demand respect an fer people t’ watch their actions. The second ye push back they fall in line and find someone else to stamp out, don’t let them treat ye low.” She encouraged again “ye are worth respecting. Now lets get a look at ye in tha big mirror out there and tell me if ye like what ye see, then we got to get back to that prince, he’s a bit overly loyal, he can’t take not seeing somethin’ through, i bet the lad is still standin’ out there”

-

‘Gosh lasses take forever… and i hope tha poor lass with my brother isn’t getting her ear talked off’ he wondered staring off now lost in his thoughts but he was beginning to run out if things to think on and he turned around looking for a bench and finding one he sat upon it grabbing his comb and started grooming himself peacefully and just relaxed a bit watching dwarves straggle into the party giving curious looks as to why the prince was stationed outside the oarty and he smiled and gave waves as they went inside excitedly.

-

“Okay, now tha, ye feel more confident, enjoy ye night and don’t let jealousy get t’ye.” She stated again “no lets get outside we’ve lost enough night as it is, ye look beautiful lass” she said with a smile as she walked to the door ready to leave that room hoping she encouraged her enough to get through the night but she knew she had it in her she just needed to tap into it.

Idunn wanted to sputter at the comment. She was hardly someone that he should feel the need to show any such loyalty to, but she had already been moving toward the mirror. Catching sight of herself, Idunn was speechless. She could barely recognize herself, yet she also wouldn’t know who else it could be except herself.

“Oh,” Idunn found herself saying quietly, still unable to find words beyond that. She wasn’t sure if she was conveying that she wasn’t unhappy with the styling as she didn’t want Moria to think she disliked her work. She carefully moved her hand to gently touch her hair and couldn’t help the smallest tilt of her mouth. She looked pretty, and she wasn’t sure if perhaps Moria was secretly a wizard.

Idunn forced her eyes away from the mirror and followed Moria to the door. She paused before the door, suddenly feeling anxious at the prospect of anyone else seeing her much less Fili who had taken his time out of enjoying the celebration to deal with her. She closed her eyes for a moment and took a deep breath.

She could do this. Walking out a door was easy, and the only opinion that mattered was her own. She thought she looked amazing, and that was all that mattered tonight. Idunn opened her eyes and smiled shyly when her eyes met Moria’s. “Let’s go have a great time,” she said even as her stomach did a small flip. She was used to being nervous outside of the forges, so she wasn’t going to let it keep her hiding.

-

Fili was just finishing up his grooming as he pocketed his comb but as he heard the doors open he looked to see the well awaited transformation and he stood up with a smile saying “about time! What were ye doing maa-gic?” He said faltering a bit in his words and steps as he watched her seemingly in slow motion floating now and her head held up more confidently now. Her face determined as she continued through the door and turned to look at him. Her face was flush and beautiful and the way she was dressed made her look like an apparition and a completely different Dwarrow that he met

“Mahal lass ye look stunnin’” he breathed with a bit too much astonishment and he silently cursed himself as he started to sputter “i mean- ye were already pretty, but this is an enhancement- i’m sorry. This fits ye” he said with a smile and a blush, he didn’t know what to do with the feelings he was experiencing and he pushed his hair back nervously as if he hadn’t already groomed his hair. And he cleared his throat

“Well, shall we. Um, go back in?” He asked her and moria ignoring the obvious smirk she had behind the lass and a knowing smile that made him blush a bit more before he heard her suggest something

“Would ye like t’ walk in with me lass or with Fíli??” She asked and fíli looked to her and smiled “it would be quite the spectacle if’n ye came back in with me, but if ye don’t want that added stress ye c’n enter after me with Moria. Either way. Is fine it’s yer life that’s changing i feel” he said in an unrecognized warmth to her and he was a bit shocked himself. He never paid much attention to lasses because he was always busy, but now he found himself considering things he hadn’t before and was curious why.

His next comment had Idunn’s heart pounding a bit harder even as he seemed to stumble over his words. Her eyes had instantly moved to the ground as her mind seemed to freeze. She took a shallow breath as she mentally swatted butterflies that she didn’t know what to do with. He was just being kind. She knew he was, and she wasn’t about to be a hopeless fool that took kindness to mean something it didn’t.

“Thank you,” she replied to the compliments even if she wasn’t sure she believed all of it quite yet. She looked up at Moria’s words and faltered. She wasn’t sure what to pick, Moria had been so kind to her, and she was beginning to feel safe with her. Fili had been kind too, and she had enjoyed talking with him, but she also didn’t want to make things awkward. Him leading her in would probably make people assume one or both were interested in things they weren’t.

“So shall we get drinks, food or find friends?” He asked as everyone near the entrance were bow staring and whispering to eachother. The ones who knew them all by name started to fill in ithers confused at how close the lass was to the royal family, some seemed visibly worried amongst some of the younger noble girls and others admiring, other outright pouting. But the older dwarrowdams bowed to fili as they parted the crowd to get a good look at the 3. Eventually the chatter reached the the dance area and kili heard that fili was back with a red headed lass. He had been talking to runa after dancing to 2 songs together yet it was evidently didn’t know how to actually talk to lasses, and heavily relied on fili to fill in the more awkward conversations but she didn’t seem to mind.

“Wasn’t yer friend red headed? I just heard my brother returned ye think she’s with ‘im?” He said as he shared a drink on the fringes if the dance floor and she looked towards the door seeing many heads turned towards it but her height denied her clearance

“Ah, yes but i imagine she escaped, but we should see, i hope she stayed” she said a but worried but knew she was alright but kili smiled and nodded his head in the direction “lets go then i need to talk t’ him anyways fer not dancin!” He said with a lighthearted fuss.

Idunn ducked her head in thanks to the guards that held the door. She also tried not to focus on if she might know them or not. She didn’t want to know if they were ones that would be cruel, or at least ignore her, or not. She focused again on Fili when he spoke to both Moria and her. She pressed her lips in thought. She wanted to check in on Runa, but she also wasn’t quite ready to see what Runa would react like.

“Maybe everything in that order?” Idunn suggested tilting her head. She would be able to sate her thirst, fill her stomach some, and then check in on Runa, which suited her. She could only hope that afterward she would have the chance to dance with someone, it would probably be what made the night perfect for her if she was honest.

“Aye that they did, there were so many barrels i tell ye, but I’m glad it’s out of our hair now” moria stated sipping on it’s contents. The food was roasted meats and hardy vegetables and pastries just beyond them with meats and cheeses all around and little grazing plates all around for quick plucking up of foods. He grabbed a few pastries and sliced pork before he waited for them to gather their items

“Lets find a clearer area so we c’n eat” he said and moria looked around “i think over there is a good place, there’s even a bench” she said happily seeing some familiar silhouettes in that direction but she couldn’t be sure. But what was sure it was thiner kept and they could hear themselves think.

Fili was finding it quite enjoyable to keep them company and he wanted to hurry and get his food finished before too much time had passed; because he knew he already was on his way to ask her for a dance before this all started but now that she’s re-debuted herself, the ale and wine has been flowing he knew the requests and nervousness were waring off and there may be a person asking a dance before he could offer it but he didn’t want to ask before eating, it seemed too forward. But he hated to see if she would be whisked away before he could.

‘Whisk her away fili? Who even are ye’ he mused to himself as he finally reached the bench area and just sat down before anyone else had

Hearing Fili, Idunn reached out and took hold of his arm with an unconsciously tight grip, barely thinking of being embarrassed by it with her nerves in the crowd distracting her. Once they were by the fountain, idunn relaxed just enough that her grip loosened. She accepted the cup, taking a slight sniff before allowing herself a sip.

Idunn hummed her agreement. The ale was delicious, and it was already helping to settle her nerves some. Idunn was quick to grab up some of what she thought was steak chunks, some cheese, some of the rolls that she recognized, and some potatoes. While it was only a bit, she didn’t go for any pastries as she knew her sweet tooth would see her overindulge which she wasn’t in the mood to do.

Idunn allowed herself to be directed and steered in the direction of the benches. She focused on not spilling her ale or food, both of which would be a tragedy in her opinion as it would waste them, and she would lose out on the deliciousness.

Idunn found herself relieved to finally be sitting and getting the chance to actually enjoy parts of the festivities. It was one of the only parts that she was ever sad about when she left. She always left before actually getting to enjoy any of it since she was always found before she could.

“I’ll admit it, the food and drinks do make returning worth it… anything else will be a bonus, ” Idunn spoke only loud enough for Moria and Fili to hear. She knew it would have made her family laugh as her being rather food motivated despite her forgetting to eat was rather humorous.

Fili said as he smiled looking out at the crowd. On the bench moria and him sort of sandwiched idunn between like a support sandwich and they enjoyed the tiny break after the flurry of damage control earlier and as they got done bites in fili washed what he had in his mouth down before he continued what idunn had spoke earlier

“I feel the next best thing after the ale gets runnin’ is the dancin” he started leaning to her a bit and Morris acted as if she was focused on her food but her eyes fluttered back into the corner of the room near their bench a like smile on her lips as she was nicely distracted now but fili didn’t notice as he was doing the nonchalant action of speaking to a lass with interest but not looking at her then finding their eye, though he naturally did this and his looks didn’t help matters either,

“What-do ye say? After we eat did ye want t’ go dance? I was going to ask ye but ye know, rude jealous lassies” he said with a small nudge as he continued to clear his plate “but ONLY if ye want to , or, i can wait till ye feel more comfortable “ he said also offering, ashtrays the gentleman.

Idunn glanced at Fili when he started speaking, uncaring that she had her mouth full of food, almost making her cheeks puff out. She had found herself relaxing to an extent it almost felt as if she was sitting between Edain and Runa. It was easy to just be without caring around them, and it was nice that she was getting so comfortable already.

Idunn blushed slightly, knowing she probably looked silly as she quickly but carefully finished her mouthful. As it was, hearing that he had planned to ask her to dance before everything had happened, all but stunned her. "You were?" Idunn found herself asking, unable to help how surprised she looked. "No one but family has ever asked me before." She found herself explaining.

"I would love to dance, Fili," Idunn replied, assuring him that she genuinely did want to dance, in general, but also with him. She found herself nervous but also very excited at the prospect, her eyes sparkling and unable to hide her excited smile.

Touch prompt from Idunn

“Lass” came a soft yet spine tingling familiar voice from behind-

it had been a month or so since the wedding celebration, surrounded by family and friends, well wishes and support that took so long to finally see, but now it was just them, always alone, in their quarters. And after the family gatherings had dwindled, the constant longing for one of their own began to creep into their conversations, they their dreams, in passing when they came home from their respective tasks in the mountains ‘i saw the thickest baby in the market today’ and ‘i bought new boots and they had the smallest pair on display I’ve ever seen, i couldn’t leave without them’ and similar happenings but they always stepped around it as they just only been married for not long enough in their opinion, but they were adults now.. right?

“Aye my husband” Idunn offered, the feeling of tender’s lips against her temple, a broad warm chest at her back, and large hands encompassing her hips continued as the room was quiet save for the dimming fire in the room. They had just winded down for the night, ate dinner, bathed and were ready to relax and enjoy their evening but fili had plans apparently for his little wife.

“I ‘wanted t’ ask ye something” he stated lowly a slight riled tone in his voice yet the focus was forwardly leaning in the conversation “speak then?” she continued feeling the heat rise to her neck and cheeks steadily as the giddy feeling she found to love never faded as many said it would, at least it wasn’t possible when the dwarf constantly engaged in actions such as these. Her finger fingers overlayed his as he nuzzled into the make of her neck tenderly offering gently kisses between pauses

“I think it’s time we start trying for a wee one” he said calmly as he smiled against the shell of her ear “its been enough talks of them, me have the knowledge of the process.. and we should start trying, an’ not jus’ fer fun”. He stated and paused as he rocked her in his arms before turning her around to look into her eyes his arms firmly holding her there so she couldn’t escape the conversation as he usually let her escape but now he was sure and wanted to see her emotions and get a read

“I know we ‘ave interest, but. Are ye ready lass?” He asked her before planting tender lingering kisses to her lips and another and another as she thought further “lass” he pressed again and she smiled “i was enjoying the kisses i don’t ‘ave t’ think love” she said with a beaming smile as she watched him light up like the sun

“Oh you’ve made me the happiest dwarf in Arda lass!” He exclaimed happily picking her up and swinging her around with joy, but when he placed her back down he scooped her up and marched her over to the bed with determined steps kissing her with firm and playful pecks showing his gratitude before he tossed her into the bed “oh no no no i change me mind!” She teased as he climbed up over her with a playful smirk “oh no ye can’t take it back, ye can’t go back on a deal with a dwarf!” He said as he then tickled her a bit nuzzling his nose in her neck before he stopped and relaxed the sensation with lingering kisses and sultry laughs knowing he had her right where they longed to be but now they were ready to go further and make it count that night and nights following in hopes of a child.. or two.

•

“Ye feel any different lass?” Fili asked gently as they were walking through the markets in erebor. New merchants came in to the free square and they were making a day of perusing, though he was curious if his wife felt any different. It had been weeks since they started trying for a child, and if he was honest he didn’t have the slightest clue of what to look for. Since said the lady would glow, but she always did to him, she was his light and she was always beautiful, and now that they are married he admitted to seeing her with a healthy weight gain now as well but was it a child or happy weight??

She wasn't completely sure, though she thought there might be some signs. She had been more tired lately, and she had been more tender on her chest, but she didn't want to believe it until she had confirmation. These things could easily just be her mind tricking her, and she would hate for them both to be disappointed. She bit her lip before she turned to Fili, "we can always check woth Oin or Bodil?" She offered even though neither would guarantee the possible secret from reaching their families.

Touch prompt from Idunn

•Wearve of Life•

The waiting period had been full of anxiousness and frustrations, he had endured so many arguments with his uncle but it was, in fíli’s opinion, he knew that he had many plans to find a suitor for his longtime heir or at least regent of thinya sired an heir, for him but the night proceeding this was a breaking point :

•

“I asked you both here tonight because i know ye refuse to talk to me about this, and though i have reservations ONLY because ye refuse t’ speak t’ me and think i only want t’ harm ye lass- i don’t know how to express that i only feared if she was up to the task, from what i have seen yes she is capable in war, yes she knows her craft and others, i believe she is a good match fer ye but what i NEED reassurance in is if she can defend you when things get hard and can she pick up where you stop, and can ye use yer voice t’ say EXACTLY what ye believe?”

He rambled but he felt he would get cut off. After his first offense Fíli refused to talk to him or let him talk to her because he felt thorin was hypocritical, when he found his one he never let anyone get in the way of it, he feigned protocol and duty to bolster his own ego, he wanted things to be perfect and after so much pressure from the mountain And back he developed an unshakable habit of perfection noone could live up to and the fact that he had upheld him into that same structure and never gave much air to see what he truly wanted always sort of depressed him but when he finally found idunn he felt that was their common ground but when he saw opposition Fíli held tighter and stood his ground causing the strife they were in now. But looking at his uncles face he felt he knew the real reason this all was happening and he puffed up his chest and prepared to reply but he saw the reddened cheeks of his one and was surprised at the force that exploded

“It seems t’ me that a mighty dwarf such as yer self could have summoned such a so called lowly dwarrowdam as me!” She said dripping with sarcasm “in all the years ye had a chance t’ know me ye did nothing but ignore me, the only time ye looked truely at me was when fili made a choice YOU didn’t make fer him! Ye don’t let ‘im live even when he nearly died fer your quest! And EVEN after that he STILL WAS NOT ALLOWED TO BREATHE!” She said stepping to him and thorin looked heartbroken at this and blinked in shock and despair looking to Fíli but he found his eyes away from his glance confirming his feelings

“Have ye ever asked him TRUELY wha’ he wants? Have ye ever even cared?? I’m sorry but ye do a lot of judging and ye treat yer loved ones as pawns and ye never stop and think of how they would feel because ye are the leader, the king… yer acting like a tyrant t’ the one ye wanted to give the world to but did he ask that?? He ONLY asked ye t’ accept his choices and by all accounts i am a harmless one!” She continued not backing down, it had been months of strife and anger and things that would have ended peaceably was held up because of his iron grip and she had held her tongue out of respect and so had fili, it had been enough.

But after a silent break, the words hitting thorin heavily his heart aching at the realization of all this now, and the confirmation he saw on his beloved nephews face, he moved back to find an arm chair in the sitting room they stood in. He wasn’t ready for such a reaction and he found he was ill informed at the prospect of idunn yet again. Now he realized that he had been severely mistaken and that he was taking advantage of the respect he had- if he had any left at all

“Fíli is this true” he said more as a statement “uncle-“ “lad please. Ye don’t have t’ answer that i know it is.” He said rubbing his face with his palm and inhaled his tears back knowing he had failed again because of his reoccuring narcissism. “Lass i was wrong, and i offer my sincerest appology, i was being told and my stubborness wouldn’t allow me to believe ye would be good fer him, i see him as a son and after all this i wanted him to be happy but i neglected t’ see truly what that meant and that it wasn’t my opinion that mattered.” He said and fili moved to speak and thorin raised his hand because if fili said it or lied to spare him he would break again

“No lad don’t” he said and looked back to idunn “i apologize fer my behavior. I apologize for disregarding you, i apologize for not seeing you as worthy and deserving of such a match. I am sorry fer not recognizing the Bind ye bith have and i am sorry fer my obstinance and i vow to amend it. I wish ye both the best and ye have my blessing. And anything ye need for your celebration please allot me to fulfill yer requests.” He said eyes looking between them solemly. He had heard what he needed to hear even if it hurt him deeply to realize it.

“i’m sorry-” idunn started realizing what she had just done but he then laughed at her reverting to the idunn he knew “no no, it’s alright, i needed that, i’d rather a kick from ye anyways i think i woud have died if he said it, an yeprooved t’ me ye can handle it if ye can stand up t’ me and make me sit.” He said looking at the chair he sat in now “i have nothing else t’ say beaides ye have my blessing.” •

That night was full of stress but now that they had full permission fili was shaking as he braided his final set of betrothal beads framing her face now in brilliant sparkling mythril and sapphire before his hands encased her cheeks a bit too emotional to speak to her

“Ye ‘re so beautiful lass” he breathed happily his thumb stroking her cheeks as they sat on a balcony bench feeling the sun on their skin and relaxing, having a thought to themselves finally that wasn’t full of resentment and worry he could have flown away looking at her now

Idunn had always known she let herself be walked on, but she had never allowed the same for those she loved. So to see Thorin, the uncle of her One, hurting Fili even out of concern; after a certain point, Idunn couldn't bite her tongue anymore even if she had respected him, even if it meant he wanted her exiled or dead because only Fili mattered to her in that moment.

Seeing Thorin sit as if she had struck him, it had been startling, and she had felt instant remorse. She also found herself understanding when he had said he preferred her to say it rather than Fili. She could imagine it would be a dagger in the gut in comparison.

Idunn's mind returned to the present, feeling Fili's warm hands on her cheeks. Idunn couldn't help the shy smile she gave at his words. She doubted she would ever get completely used to the compliments he gave, but she could likely cry at how the love and adoration for him filled her chest. "So you say," she started slightly mirthful before adding, "but i am almost certain most of everyone that sees us has always been focused on how handsome you are."

Idunn's eyes were sparkling as she held back most of her mirth for his sake since he was in a more serious mindset. She had felt similar, but she found herself suddenly happy in the way that almost reminded her of when she was tipsy. She felt like she could dance for hours or instigate a huge game of tag throughout the mountain.

“Asyûngal i c’n onle’ hope t’ make ye this bright each day, i love ye so much” he said smiling as he felt so light sitting with her face to face like a lovesick pup. He wanted dearly to kiss her as the moment felt right but he felt that he would lose himself and hoped he wouldn’t get too drawn into the way he felt in this moment so he pulled back a bit and instead gave her a kiss onto her forehead, he knew she probably could feel his hesitation and obvious cop out and he decided to expulsion himself

“If i rightfully kiss ye i’ll never stop meself.” He admitted with a blush “an after ai this fighting jus t’ do things out of order would be wrong” he said blushing brighter knowing exactly where his thoughts were and he was a bit embarrassed but he was still by all accounts a young dwarf, a sure one, but young still.

Idunn smiled at him before speaking, "Perhaps not all day every day, but at least when we're together, i have no doubt it's possible." She would likely feel like she was floating for quite a while but she knew her emotions did shift often so she didn't want him to feel downtrodden if he found her in a moment when she was feeling another emotion.

She blushed, recognizing just why they weren't sharing a kiss, and the implications had her feeling warm in a completely different way. Her Namad would never let her live it down if they went out of order like that. Edain and her 'adad would likely share different but still similar reactions. Edain would probably want to murder Fili for what he would see as Fili dishonoring her while her 'adad would turn what this was into a speedy wedding at weapon-point.

Still, Idunn found her mischievous side taking control of her for just a moment. Idunn leaned forward just enough to leave a small light kiss on the corner of his lips. Afterward, she was quick to stand, aiming a mischievous and mirthful smile at him, and make a hasty exit, which had her greeting and claiming the arm of Kili as he was passing by.

“Jus’ ye wait when i catch ye lass!” He said already longing for her then she had the gaul to run away after planting the sweetest experience of his life onto his lips. He was happy and enjoyed the high of this saccharine turn of events as he started to search for her happily

“Kili i’mma shake ye fer takin’ off with me future wife!” He shouted laughing knowing it wouldn’t raise any brows in the private quarters but he just may earn a sweet giggle from his one and figure where to go next.

Kili might not know why exactly they were running from his brother, but he had recognized the mischief in Idunn's face, and he had always been up for mischief. He had had to shoosh Idunn at least twice so far, though it was mostly half-hearted as he much preferred she be happy and laughing rather than as she had been.

Hearing Fili, both Idunn and Kili stifled their laughs before Kili asked, "Just what did you get me into, Idunn?" It was only his smile that kept Idunn from worrying. As it was, Idunn felt a shiver go through her at Fili, referring to her as his future wife. She couldn't wait until it was just Wife, Idunn flushed while smiling.

"I may be being a bit counterproductive.... he mentioned not wanting to do things out of order... i may have essentially tested his restraint, " Idunn admitted with a blush and smile. She giggled when Kili gave a fake gagging sound. They were trying for sneaky, but the sound of them was definitely audible. It was only lucky that they were still moving.

Idunn looked around in what felt like a frantic manner. Her dress was pretty to look at but the fabric made her skin crawl, the dress was far as one could get in her opinion from practical, while also feeling as if it was suffocating her. Her family was somewhere around the gigantic room that was holding some sort of celebration that the adults had decided merited a ball. She couldn’t even remember what the specific occasion was; She had been distracted when they were prepared for it by the riddle Runa had asked her that she had been pondering.

She spotted her father off to one side talking with one of his friends, one that he had fought at Azanulbizar with, while Edain was farther down the hall looking slightly flushed from the obvious ribbing his friends were giving him. Glain and Tofferi, her One whom was courting her, were on what could only be described as the dance floor.

She had always hated these sorts of things. no one ever asked her to dance aside from Edain, knowing she loved to dance, and Tofferi, also knowing her love of dancing but also because he was kind. he also knew them getting along would make Glain very happy even if it wasn’t a hardship to him to dance with his One’s sister who was generally friendly with him.

Unlike most celebrations, this one was one typically held only for those that could be considered nobles, even if most of the nobility had to live and work just as hard as everyone else. Idunn and her family were only allowed because her Aunt Freyja had married Gloin who was distantly related to the king.

She hated the stuffiness and rules of talking of it all. it all felt fake which she hated more than anything else. how was she suppose to know if someone was being polite because they had to or because they actually liked her? She was almost certain at least half of these people were two-faced toward at least her if not Glain as well.

Her eyes landed on Princess Dis, a beautiful Dwarrowdam that Glain tried to subtly emulate in manners and tried to constantly teach Idunn to do the same, who was turned to talk to the two younger dwarrow at her side that could only be her sons. She had heard from Bodil that they were quite the pair of mischievous rascals thought other dwarrowdams had been giving them speculative looks as they grew older even though neither was yet of age for such things.

She always recoiled from such things but had not heard similar about them; while not one to judge, Idunn wondered if they reveled in the attention despite the general grossness of the implications of it. Despite that, She had never had the chance to meet them herself and she doubted they would care to meet her. She wasn’t anyone special; She was just a simple dwarrowdam that was raising a pony, a raven, and an owl. Just a dwarrowdam that knew what her Craft was and wanted to eventually have a shop of her own to share her passion with others.

~~

Runa had always gently said “you are kind and always offer help should it look like someone might need it even if it is a simple task. You go out of your way to help collect the herbs for Bodil, Oin, and I. You always buy an extra chunk of Erik’s favorite cheese that our ‘Amad can’t afford to get him and will spend your free time playing with him.”

Bodil had rather bluntly said ”Idunn, you make snap judgements based on seemingly innocuous things. if someone fails whatever test or judgement you make, you either ignore them as unimportant or uninteresting or if you decide they are a threat than you can lash out or snubbed them.” Idunn must have looked hurt by the assessment because Bodil continued “You have had a hard time. people have been cruel to you without you knowing why, You adapted to that to guard your heart and avoid wasting effort on those that won’t reciprocate.”

“Don’t dislike the part of you that knows you deserve niceness, Idunn.” Bodil urged giving her hand a gentle squeeze before adding “If someone is kind or treats you well, you would move mountains for them and set yourself alight to warm them. you also will listen to reason if your judgements are questioned and change your mind if the reason is sound. You also aren’t cruel about it all even if you don’t like someone, you are still kind or at least polite and only have lashed out when they hurt you first”

~~

The sounds around her feel loud and overwhelming. A loud woman’s laugh, one that rings false to her ears as if the one laughing is faking, fills the air even as the music played on instruments reaches a crescendo. She can tell her breathing is faster than what it should be. it was an unfortunate consequence of a run in late in the night with a crowd of older drunken dwarrows with a penchants for violent shoving games, something she had breathed not a word of especially when they had spoken so vilely toward her ‘Amad who was feeling ill again.

“I’ll be right there lass” said said with a smile as she plucked up her hem chain to walk into the room to aid her, but she stopped at the door and gave a gentle gasp “oh mahal aren’t ye the prettiest lass i’ve ever seen!” She said looking at how the dress perfectly amplified her features and didn’t overpower her at all “you look amazing, oh this dress was truely made fer ye i am so happy it fits ye like a glove!” She gushed as she moved over to her after closing the door and locking it so she could finish dressing her

“Now turn around miss and all get you tied in-“ she said with a smile first lacing the supportive stays inside before buttoning up the back each citrine button shining just behind her hair and moria finished with tying the silk belt into a soft bow to rest perfectly on her backside and letting it trail with the ending tassels that would kick out as she walked. “Okay now turn around i want’t see ye in yer full glory! Then we can do ye hair and if’n ye don’t want t’ wear the necklace as a neck piece we c’n braid it into ye hair”

She said as she watched her turn about and the rosy hue of her cheeks warmed her up even more and she smiled as she admired her in the dress “oh my jus’ look at ye, how do ye feel???” She asked her with a smile clapping happily.

-

Idunn started to turn at the sound of the door opening and couldn’t help but be slightly startled at the resulting gasp. Her hands had instinctively come up to hold the top of the dress to her front. Hearing her speak, Idunn’s face flushed, and her eyes moved to look at the ground while she couldn’t help but fidget. She couldn’t find her voice even to thank Moria for the compliment, but then again, she wasn’t the best at accepting compliments either.

Idunn turned when asked to and did her best not to make it harder to do the laces. The laces were an unfamiliar feeling for her, but she tried to breathe calmly through it until Moria finished. The lacing wasn’t hurting even if it was a bit tighter than most of Idunn’s usual clothes would be.

Idunn turned again when directed even as her face felt warm. She wasn’t sure about what to do with the jewelry, though as a necklace she thought it might make return the dress and jewelry a bit easier. “I don’t quite know how to describe it… a bit of a mix between a beloved doll and an imposter. ” Idunn admitted unconsciously picking at the skin around her nails. She knew that technically, she did count as noble enough to be at this event, but she was just a dwarrow that lived most of her time in the forges. She knew more about having coal under her nails and metal burns on her fingers than about looking like some jewel shown off.

“Most of these nobles are only nobly by name and audacity, but it’s how ye carry yerself is the difference. The ONLY reason i maintained me status when i moved to this mountain is because of connections and i refused to let anyone speak down on me and i stood up for meself. DONT let these raggedy lassies treat you less than ye deserve and if ye belive ye do ye have only yerself t’ blame.”

Moria chided as she looked at her hair “now, may i ‘ave permission t’ style yer hair?” She asked as she went over to the sink, pumping the water so she could wash her hands rolling up her sleeves so she could get to business.

Besides, it wasn’t as if she wanted to be treated poorly or that she thought herself better than everyone. She would need to find a middle ground between the two while not letting others tilt that scale. She took a calming breath before speaking, “Yes, you have permission to style my hair.”

“Should i sit somewhere or anything?” Idunn found herself asking. She didn’t want to tire Moria’s arms out before she could enjoy the festivities. Idunn also had always enjoyed letting others have their fun dressing her or styling her even if she didn’t generally care about most of it. In a way, she considered it to be a bonding experience even if she rarely mentioned it or did it with anyone aside from her family.

And because of this she chose to do a bit of fringe to frame her face and the rest to do four sweeping braid weaves from her temples and behind her ear braided with ribbons she found from the dress that seemed quite too girlish for her style and braided them into her locks before then transitioning into a 5 plaited braid that weaved down her back beautifully and she then plucked at a bit of the braids to create volume in the intricate design to make it feel more plush once she had completed the braid she made sure to drape the necklace on her clavicle before closing the clasp and she smiled

“Okay lass i think it’s time t’ show them who ye are. Ye don’t have to dress like this to demand respect an fer people t’ watch their actions. The second ye push back they fall in line and find someone else to stamp out, don’t let them treat ye low.” She encouraged again “ye are worth respecting. Now lets get a look at ye in tha big mirror out there and tell me if ye like what ye see, then we got to get back to that prince, he’s a bit overly loyal, he can’t take not seeing somethin’ through, i bet the lad is still standin’ out there”

-

‘Gosh lasses take forever… and i hope tha poor lass with my brother isn’t getting her ear talked off’ he wondered staring off now lost in his thoughts but he was beginning to run out if things to think on and he turned around looking for a bench and finding one he sat upon it grabbing his comb and started grooming himself peacefully and just relaxed a bit watching dwarves straggle into the party giving curious looks as to why the prince was stationed outside the oarty and he smiled and gave waves as they went inside excitedly.

-

“Okay, now tha, ye feel more confident, enjoy ye night and don’t let jealousy get t’ye.” She stated again “no lets get outside we’ve lost enough night as it is, ye look beautiful lass” she said with a smile as she walked to the door ready to leave that room hoping she encouraged her enough to get through the night but she knew she had it in her she just needed to tap into it.

Idunn wanted to sputter at the comment. She was hardly someone that he should feel the need to show any such loyalty to, but she had already been moving toward the mirror. Catching sight of herself, Idunn was speechless. She could barely recognize herself, yet she also wouldn’t know who else it could be except herself.

“Oh,” Idunn found herself saying quietly, still unable to find words beyond that. She wasn’t sure if she was conveying that she wasn’t unhappy with the styling as she didn’t want Moria to think she disliked her work. She carefully moved her hand to gently touch her hair and couldn’t help the smallest tilt of her mouth. She looked pretty, and she wasn’t sure if perhaps Moria was secretly a wizard.

Idunn forced her eyes away from the mirror and followed Moria to the door. She paused before the door, suddenly feeling anxious at the prospect of anyone else seeing her much less Fili who had taken his time out of enjoying the celebration to deal with her. She closed her eyes for a moment and took a deep breath.

She could do this. Walking out a door was easy, and the only opinion that mattered was her own. She thought she looked amazing, and that was all that mattered tonight. Idunn opened her eyes and smiled shyly when her eyes met Moria’s. “Let’s go have a great time,” she said even as her stomach did a small flip. She was used to being nervous outside of the forges, so she wasn’t going to let it keep her hiding.

-

Fili was just finishing up his grooming as he pocketed his comb but as he heard the doors open he looked to see the well awaited transformation and he stood up with a smile saying “about time! What were ye doing maa-gic?” He said faltering a bit in his words and steps as he watched her seemingly in slow motion floating now and her head held up more confidently now. Her face determined as she continued through the door and turned to look at him. Her face was flush and beautiful and the way she was dressed made her look like an apparition and a completely different Dwarrow that he met

“Mahal lass ye look stunnin’” he breathed with a bit too much astonishment and he silently cursed himself as he started to sputter “i mean- ye were already pretty, but this is an enhancement- i’m sorry. This fits ye” he said with a smile and a blush, he didn’t know what to do with the feelings he was experiencing and he pushed his hair back nervously as if he hadn’t already groomed his hair. And he cleared his throat

“Well, shall we. Um, go back in?” He asked her and moria ignoring the obvious smirk she had behind the lass and a knowing smile that made him blush a bit more before he heard her suggest something

“Would ye like t’ walk in with me lass or with Fíli??” She asked and fíli looked to her and smiled “it would be quite the spectacle if’n ye came back in with me, but if ye don’t want that added stress ye c’n enter after me with Moria. Either way. Is fine it’s yer life that’s changing i feel” he said in an unrecognized warmth to her and he was a bit shocked himself. He never paid much attention to lasses because he was always busy, but now he found himself considering things he hadn’t before and was curious why.

His next comment had Idunn’s heart pounding a bit harder even as he seemed to stumble over his words. Her eyes had instantly moved to the ground as her mind seemed to freeze. She took a shallow breath as she mentally swatted butterflies that she didn’t know what to do with. He was just being kind. She knew he was, and she wasn’t about to be a hopeless fool that took kindness to mean something it didn’t.

“Thank you,” she replied to the compliments even if she wasn’t sure she believed all of it quite yet. She looked up at Moria’s words and faltered. She wasn’t sure what to pick, Moria had been so kind to her, and she was beginning to feel safe with her. Fili had been kind too, and she had enjoyed talking with him, but she also didn’t want to make things awkward. Him leading her in would probably make people assume one or both were interested in things they weren’t.

“So shall we get drinks, food or find friends?” He asked as everyone near the entrance were bow staring and whispering to eachother. The ones who knew them all by name started to fill in ithers confused at how close the lass was to the royal family, some seemed visibly worried amongst some of the younger noble girls and others admiring, other outright pouting. But the older dwarrowdams bowed to fili as they parted the crowd to get a good look at the 3. Eventually the chatter reached the the dance area and kili heard that fili was back with a red headed lass. He had been talking to runa after dancing to 2 songs together yet it was evidently didn’t know how to actually talk to lasses, and heavily relied on fili to fill in the more awkward conversations but she didn’t seem to mind.

“Wasn’t yer friend red headed? I just heard my brother returned ye think she’s with ‘im?” He said as he shared a drink on the fringes if the dance floor and she looked towards the door seeing many heads turned towards it but her height denied her clearance

“Ah, yes but i imagine she escaped, but we should see, i hope she stayed” she said a but worried but knew she was alright but kili smiled and nodded his head in the direction “lets go then i need to talk t’ him anyways fer not dancin!” He said with a lighthearted fuss.

Idunn ducked her head in thanks to the guards that held the door. She also tried not to focus on if she might know them or not. She didn’t want to know if they were ones that would be cruel, or at least ignore her, or not. She focused again on Fili when he spoke to both Moria and her. She pressed her lips in thought. She wanted to check in on Runa, but she also wasn’t quite ready to see what Runa would react like.

“Maybe everything in that order?” Idunn suggested tilting her head. She would be able to sate her thirst, fill her stomach some, and then check in on Runa, which suited her. She could only hope that afterward she would have the chance to dance with someone, it would probably be what made the night perfect for her if she was honest.

“Aye that they did, there were so many barrels i tell ye, but I’m glad it’s out of our hair now” moria stated sipping on it’s contents. The food was roasted meats and hardy vegetables and pastries just beyond them with meats and cheeses all around and little grazing plates all around for quick plucking up of foods. He grabbed a few pastries and sliced pork before he waited for them to gather their items

“Lets find a clearer area so we c’n eat” he said and moria looked around “i think over there is a good place, there’s even a bench” she said happily seeing some familiar silhouettes in that direction but she couldn’t be sure. But what was sure it was thiner kept and they could hear themselves think.

Fili was finding it quite enjoyable to keep them company and he wanted to hurry and get his food finished before too much time had passed; because he knew he already was on his way to ask her for a dance before this all started but now that she’s re-debuted herself, the ale and wine has been flowing he knew the requests and nervousness were waring off and there may be a person asking a dance before he could offer it but he didn’t want to ask before eating, it seemed too forward. But he hated to see if she would be whisked away before he could.

‘Whisk her away fili? Who even are ye’ he mused to himself as he finally reached the bench area and just sat down before anyone else had

Hearing Fili, Idunn reached out and took hold of his arm with an unconsciously tight grip, barely thinking of being embarrassed by it with her nerves in the crowd distracting her. Once they were by the fountain, idunn relaxed just enough that her grip loosened. She accepted the cup, taking a slight sniff before allowing herself a sip.

Idunn hummed her agreement. The ale was delicious, and it was already helping to settle her nerves some. Idunn was quick to grab up some of what she thought was steak chunks, some cheese, some of the rolls that she recognized, and some potatoes. While it was only a bit, she didn't go for any pastries as she knew her sweet tooth would see her overindulge which she wasn't in the mood to do.

Idunn allowed herself to be directed and steered in the direction of the benches. She focused on not spilling her ale or food, both of which would be a tragedy in her opinion as it would waste them, and she would lose out on the deliciousness.

Idunn found herself relieved to finally be sitting and getting the chance to actually enjoy parts of the festivities. It was one of the only parts that she was ever sad about when she left. She always left before actually getting to enjoy any of it since she was always found before she could.

"I'll admit it, the food and drinks do make returning worth it... anything else will be a bonus, " Idunn spoke only loud enough for Moria and Fili to hear. She knew it would have made her family laugh as her being rather food motivated despite her forgetting to eat was rather humorous.

Idunn looked around in what felt like a frantic manner. Her dress was pretty to look at but the fabric made her skin crawl, the dress was far as one could get in her opinion from practical, while also feeling as if it was suffocating her. Her family was somewhere around the gigantic room that was holding some sort of celebration that the adults had decided merited a ball. She couldn’t even remember what the specific occasion was; She had been distracted when they were prepared for it by the riddle Runa had asked her that she had been pondering.

She spotted her father off to one side talking with one of his friends, one that he had fought at Azanulbizar with, while Edain was farther down the hall looking slightly flushed from the obvious ribbing his friends were giving him. Glain and Tofferi, her One whom was courting her, were on what could only be described as the dance floor.

She had always hated these sorts of things. no one ever asked her to dance aside from Edain, knowing she loved to dance, and Tofferi, also knowing her love of dancing but also because he was kind. he also knew them getting along would make Glain very happy even if it wasn’t a hardship to him to dance with his One’s sister who was generally friendly with him.

Unlike most celebrations, this one was one typically held only for those that could be considered nobles, even if most of the nobility had to live and work just as hard as everyone else. Idunn and her family were only allowed because her Aunt Freyja had married Gloin who was distantly related to the king.

She hated the stuffiness and rules of talking of it all. it all felt fake which she hated more than anything else. how was she suppose to know if someone was being polite because they had to or because they actually liked her? She was almost certain at least half of these people were two-faced toward at least her if not Glain as well.

Her eyes landed on Princess Dis, a beautiful Dwarrowdam that Glain tried to subtly emulate in manners and tried to constantly teach Idunn to do the same, who was turned to talk to the two younger dwarrow at her side that could only be her sons. She had heard from Bodil that they were quite the pair of mischievous rascals thought other dwarrowdams had been giving them speculative looks as they grew older even though neither was yet of age for such things.

She always recoiled from such things but had not heard similar about them; while not one to judge, Idunn wondered if they reveled in the attention despite the general grossness of the implications of it. Despite that, She had never had the chance to meet them herself and she doubted they would care to meet her. She wasn’t anyone special; She was just a simple dwarrowdam that was raising a pony, a raven, and an owl. Just a dwarrowdam that knew what her Craft was and wanted to eventually have a shop of her own to share her passion with others.

~~

Runa had always gently said “you are kind and always offer help should it look like someone might need it even if it is a simple task. You go out of your way to help collect the herbs for Bodil, Oin, and I. You always buy an extra chunk of Erik’s favorite cheese that our ‘Amad can’t afford to get him and will spend your free time playing with him.”

Bodil had rather bluntly said ”Idunn, you make snap judgements based on seemingly innocuous things. if someone fails whatever test or judgement you make, you either ignore them as unimportant or uninteresting or if you decide they are a threat than you can lash out or snubbed them.” Idunn must have looked hurt by the assessment because Bodil continued “You have had a hard time. people have been cruel to you without you knowing why, You adapted to that to guard your heart and avoid wasting effort on those that won’t reciprocate.”

“Don’t dislike the part of you that knows you deserve niceness, Idunn.” Bodil urged giving her hand a gentle squeeze before adding “If someone is kind or treats you well, you would move mountains for them and set yourself alight to warm them. you also will listen to reason if your judgements are questioned and change your mind if the reason is sound. You also aren’t cruel about it all even if you don’t like someone, you are still kind or at least polite and only have lashed out when they hurt you first”

~~

The sounds around her feel loud and overwhelming. A loud woman’s laugh, one that rings false to her ears as if the one laughing is faking, fills the air even as the music played on instruments reaches a crescendo. She can tell her breathing is faster than what it should be. it was an unfortunate consequence of a run in late in the night with a crowd of older drunken dwarrows with a penchants for violent shoving games, something she had breathed not a word of especially when they had spoken so vilely toward her ‘Amad who was feeling ill again.

“I’ll be right there lass” said said with a smile as she plucked up her hem chain to walk into the room to aid her, but she stopped at the door and gave a gentle gasp “oh mahal aren’t ye the prettiest lass i’ve ever seen!” She said looking at how the dress perfectly amplified her features and didn’t overpower her at all “you look amazing, oh this dress was truely made fer ye i am so happy it fits ye like a glove!” She gushed as she moved over to her after closing the door and locking it so she could finish dressing her

“Now turn around miss and all get you tied in-“ she said with a smile first lacing the supportive stays inside before buttoning up the back each citrine button shining just behind her hair and moria finished with tying the silk belt into a soft bow to rest perfectly on her backside and letting it trail with the ending tassels that would kick out as she walked. “Okay now turn around i want’t see ye in yer full glory! Then we can do ye hair and if’n ye don’t want t’ wear the necklace as a neck piece we c’n braid it into ye hair”

She said as she watched her turn about and the rosy hue of her cheeks warmed her up even more and she smiled as she admired her in the dress “oh my jus’ look at ye, how do ye feel???” She asked her with a smile clapping happily.

-

Idunn started to turn at the sound of the door opening and couldn’t help but be slightly startled at the resulting gasp. Her hands had instinctively come up to hold the top of the dress to her front. Hearing her speak, Idunn’s face flushed, and her eyes moved to look at the ground while she couldn’t help but fidget. She couldn’t find her voice even to thank Moria for the compliment, but then again, she wasn’t the best at accepting compliments either.

Idunn turned when asked to and did her best not to make it harder to do the laces. The laces were an unfamiliar feeling for her, but she tried to breathe calmly through it until Moria finished. The lacing wasn’t hurting even if it was a bit tighter than most of Idunn’s usual clothes would be.

Idunn turned again when directed even as her face felt warm. She wasn’t sure about what to do with the jewelry, though as a necklace she thought it might make return the dress and jewelry a bit easier. “I don’t quite know how to describe it… a bit of a mix between a beloved doll and an imposter. ” Idunn admitted unconsciously picking at the skin around her nails. She knew that technically, she did count as noble enough to be at this event, but she was just a dwarrow that lived most of her time in the forges. She knew more about having coal under her nails and metal burns on her fingers than about looking like some jewel shown off.

“Most of these nobles are only nobly by name and audacity, but it’s how ye carry yerself is the difference. The ONLY reason i maintained me status when i moved to this mountain is because of connections and i refused to let anyone speak down on me and i stood up for meself. DONT let these raggedy lassies treat you less than ye deserve and if ye belive ye do ye have only yerself t’ blame.”

Moria chided as she looked at her hair “now, may i ‘ave permission t’ style yer hair?” She asked as she went over to the sink, pumping the water so she could wash her hands rolling up her sleeves so she could get to business.

Besides, it wasn’t as if she wanted to be treated poorly or that she thought herself better than everyone. She would need to find a middle ground between the two while not letting others tilt that scale. She took a calming breath before speaking, “Yes, you have permission to style my hair.”

“Should i sit somewhere or anything?” Idunn found herself asking. She didn’t want to tire Moria’s arms out before she could enjoy the festivities. Idunn also had always enjoyed letting others have their fun dressing her or styling her even if she didn’t generally care about most of it. In a way, she considered it to be a bonding experience even if she rarely mentioned it or did it with anyone aside from her family.

And because of this she chose to do a bit of fringe to frame her face and the rest to do four sweeping braid weaves from her temples and behind her ear braided with ribbons she found from the dress that seemed quite too girlish for her style and braided them into her locks before then transitioning into a 5 plaited braid that weaved down her back beautifully and she then plucked at a bit of the braids to create volume in the intricate design to make it feel more plush once she had completed the braid she made sure to drape the necklace on her clavicle before closing the clasp and she smiled

“Okay lass i think it’s time t’ show them who ye are. Ye don’t have to dress like this to demand respect an fer people t’ watch their actions. The second ye push back they fall in line and find someone else to stamp out, don’t let them treat ye low.” She encouraged again “ye are worth respecting. Now lets get a look at ye in tha big mirror out there and tell me if ye like what ye see, then we got to get back to that prince, he’s a bit overly loyal, he can’t take not seeing somethin’ through, i bet the lad is still standin’ out there”

-

‘Gosh lasses take forever… and i hope tha poor lass with my brother isn’t getting her ear talked off’ he wondered staring off now lost in his thoughts but he was beginning to run out if things to think on and he turned around looking for a bench and finding one he sat upon it grabbing his comb and started grooming himself peacefully and just relaxed a bit watching dwarves straggle into the party giving curious looks as to why the prince was stationed outside the oarty and he smiled and gave waves as they went inside excitedly.

-

“Okay, now tha, ye feel more confident, enjoy ye night and don’t let jealousy get t’ye.” She stated again “no lets get outside we’ve lost enough night as it is, ye look beautiful lass” she said with a smile as she walked to the door ready to leave that room hoping she encouraged her enough to get through the night but she knew she had it in her she just needed to tap into it.

Idunn wanted to sputter at the comment. She was hardly someone that he should feel the need to show any such loyalty to, but she had already been moving toward the mirror. Catching sight of herself, Idunn was speechless. She could barely recognize herself, yet she also wouldn’t know who else it could be except herself.

“Oh,” Idunn found herself saying quietly, still unable to find words beyond that. She wasn’t sure if she was conveying that she wasn’t unhappy with the styling as she didn’t want Moria to think she disliked her work. She carefully moved her hand to gently touch her hair and couldn’t help the smallest tilt of her mouth. She looked pretty, and she wasn’t sure if perhaps Moria was secretly a wizard.

Idunn forced her eyes away from the mirror and followed Moria to the door. She paused before the door, suddenly feeling anxious at the prospect of anyone else seeing her much less Fili who had taken his time out of enjoying the celebration to deal with her. She closed her eyes for a moment and took a deep breath.

She could do this. Walking out a door was easy, and the only opinion that mattered was her own. She thought she looked amazing, and that was all that mattered tonight. Idunn opened her eyes and smiled shyly when her eyes met Moria’s. “Let’s go have a great time,” she said even as her stomach did a small flip. She was used to being nervous outside of the forges, so she wasn’t going to let it keep her hiding.

-

Fili was just finishing up his grooming as he pocketed his comb but as he heard the doors open he looked to see the well awaited transformation and he stood up with a smile saying “about time! What were ye doing maa-gic?” He said faltering a bit in his words and steps as he watched her seemingly in slow motion floating now and her head held up more confidently now. Her face determined as she continued through the door and turned to look at him. Her face was flush and beautiful and the way she was dressed made her look like an apparition and a completely different Dwarrow that he met

“Mahal lass ye look stunnin’” he breathed with a bit too much astonishment and he silently cursed himself as he started to sputter “i mean- ye were already pretty, but this is an enhancement- i’m sorry. This fits ye” he said with a smile and a blush, he didn’t know what to do with the feelings he was experiencing and he pushed his hair back nervously as if he hadn’t already groomed his hair. And he cleared his throat

“Well, shall we. Um, go back in?” He asked her and moria ignoring the obvious smirk she had behind the lass and a knowing smile that made him blush a bit more before he heard her suggest something

“Would ye like t’ walk in with me lass or with Fíli??” She asked and fíli looked to her and smiled “it would be quite the spectacle if’n ye came back in with me, but if ye don’t want that added stress ye c’n enter after me with Moria. Either way. Is fine it’s yer life that’s changing i feel” he said in an unrecognized warmth to her and he was a bit shocked himself. He never paid much attention to lasses because he was always busy, but now he found himself considering things he hadn’t before and was curious why.

His next comment had Idunn’s heart pounding a bit harder even as he seemed to stumble over his words. Her eyes had instantly moved to the ground as her mind seemed to freeze. She took a shallow breath as she mentally swatted butterflies that she didn’t know what to do with. He was just being kind. She knew he was, and she wasn’t about to be a hopeless fool that took kindness to mean something it didn’t.

“Thank you,” she replied to the compliments even if she wasn’t sure she believed all of it quite yet. She looked up at Moria’s words and faltered. She wasn’t sure what to pick, Moria had been so kind to her, and she was beginning to feel safe with her. Fili had been kind too, and she had enjoyed talking with him, but she also didn’t want to make things awkward. Him leading her in would probably make people assume one or both were interested in things they weren’t.

“So shall we get drinks, food or find friends?” He asked as everyone near the entrance were bow staring and whispering to eachother. The ones who knew them all by name started to fill in ithers confused at how close the lass was to the royal family, some seemed visibly worried amongst some of the younger noble girls and others admiring, other outright pouting. But the older dwarrowdams bowed to fili as they parted the crowd to get a good look at the 3. Eventually the chatter reached the the dance area and kili heard that fili was back with a red headed lass. He had been talking to runa after dancing to 2 songs together yet it was evidently didn’t know how to actually talk to lasses, and heavily relied on fili to fill in the more awkward conversations but she didn’t seem to mind.

“Wasn’t yer friend red headed? I just heard my brother returned ye think she’s with ‘im?” He said as he shared a drink on the fringes if the dance floor and she looked towards the door seeing many heads turned towards it but her height denied her clearance

“Ah, yes but i imagine she escaped, but we should see, i hope she stayed” she said a but worried but knew she was alright but kili smiled and nodded his head in the direction “lets go then i need to talk t’ him anyways fer not dancin!” He said with a lighthearted fuss.

Idunn ducked her head in thanks to the guards that held the door. She also tried not to focus on if she might know them or not. She didn't want to know if they were ones that would be cruel, or at least ignore her, or not. She focused again on Fili when he spoke to both Moria and her. She pressed her lips in thought. She wanted to check in on Runa, but she also wasn't quite ready to see what Runa would react like.

"Maybe everything in that order?" Idunn suggested tilting her head. She would be able to sate her thirst, fill her stomach some, and then check in on Runa, which suited her. She could only hope that afterward she would have the chance to dance with someone, it would probably be what made the night perfect for her if she was honest.