Mirkwood seemed little changed since the last time Náriel had been present. Well, it wasn't as populated, mainly because the majority of the soldiers and guards were still near Erebor and helping out with Dale. Though there were some back here, it came as little less than a surprise to spot a familiar face. "Fancy seeing you here, what were the chances?" Náriel commented sarcastically while rolling her eyes.
"Yes, what were the chances?" Legolas commented back simply.
"What bought you back here?" Náriel asked curiously.
"Someone has to keep watch while father is away." Legolas said while looking over his shoulder. He had travelled back a few days earlier with a group of soldiers who were healed enough to return home. Needless to say those relatives were more than happy to see their loved ones. It was quite a touching reunion in some places. Though naturally where there was happiness there was also sadness. Legolas had had the personal task of telling those whose loved ones wouldn't return.
"Anything?" Náriel questioned while gesturing to the sudden corridor which opened up in front of her. Aranhi still stood close by, though she honestly thought he'd leave her be as soon as he saw she was with her cousin. Clearly not. Clearly he had been given orders to stay with her at all costs. Like she was going to do a runner or something. She had something to get back to. Something and someone.
"Sightings of orcs have lessened. Either they are now dead, lost and dying, or have retreated to a safe place which we do not know of." Legolas answered simply.
Náriel gave a nod. "Are you still hunting for them?"
"For the time being? No." Legolas sighed heavily and closed his eyes only to open them and smile at her. "I do believe we have other matters to discuss."
Náriel gave a short quick nod. "You're attending, I take it?"
"I am not missing your wedding day, Náriel." Legolas said awkwardly. He still wasn't wholly acceptant of her and Thorin being together. But he couldn't voice anything. If he did he'd just be ignored. And plus, if Thranduil seemed quite fine with it, what basis did he have to comment?
She raised an eyebrow, at him, she wasn't an idiot; she knew of his feelings. "That reassures me. I dreaded uncle keeping you here to keep watch some more." Náriel smiled and crossed her arms. "Say, maybe you can help me?"
Legolas looked sceptical over this, "Depends with what."
"Well for one thing I am aware not everyone can attend. So please, will you accompany me to those who cannot come?" Náriel asked politely. "It also gives us time to spend together." She commented quietly. Which was true, between everything that had happened they had seen less and less of each other.
"Who cannot come?"
Náriel frowned at this, "I am not wholly sure. Just, uncle alerted me to it."
"Be practical on the matter then." Legolas said while they walked down one of the light stone staircases. Náriel looked at him curiously, practical summed up Legolas a little too well, she wasn't surprised this was the outlook he had on the matter. "Close friends, family, and anyone with special privileges."
Náriel twiddled her fingers, "That is very few people." She commented with a sigh.
Legolas frowned and shook his head. "You are not, and I don't mean offence, Náriel. But you are not one for fancy, and fuss. You know you're not." Náriel looked up at him with wide eyes, she slowly smiled. "Surely, the fewer attending means the more peaceful and simple it'll be?"
"Peaceful?!" She laughed. "I've left family and friends in charge of organising Erebor's end. Family and friends who are dwarf-kind. Ever known them to be peaceful and simple?"
Legolas looked thoughtful before shrugging, "That's unfortunate." He looked at her as they continued on their way. Náriel frowned up at him not liking his reply too much. "I mean it in the way of it being unfortunate that you have not left someone to sort it out in your leave."
Náriel smiled slowly, "Ah, well, I did ask Bilbo to keep an eye on Thorin for me. I do believe that he will also keep an eye on this matter. I have faith that he will."
"And if he doesn't?"
"Then I'm walking back to chaos."
"And don't you just love chaos?" Legolas smirked.
"As much as I love waking up to spiders trying to get through my window. Yes, I can't get enough of chaos." Náriel quipped back with a smile. She had memories of being at Rhosgobel and waking to a scuttling outside her window. Only to peer out and see the thick black probing leg of a spider. With a shudder, she looked back at her cousin. "You are good with opinions," Náriel said suddenly, he looked at her confused. "Maybe...considering Tauriel is not here, you could help me with something else?" She questioned, he raised an eyebrow at her words. "And I need someone who is going to be honest with me. And all my life, you have always been very honest with me, Legolas. So, I am asking for you to give your opinion on a dress."
"That's a heavy responsibility."
"Can't deal with it?" She smirked.
"I didn't say that," Legolas placed a hand on her shoulder. "I would be honoured to help you with this task. Though...if my opinion gets ignored, I will not help."
Náriel smiled which caused him to smile lightly too. "I shall remember that."
Looking over her shoulder, he nodded slowly, "Suiadan and Helinniel seem to be your first port of call." Náriel looked slowly over her shoulder and looked to the small residence of the elderly couple which he had named. Though not elderly appearance wise, they were perhaps two of the eldest elves Náriel had ever come across. When she was younger she had joked that they were as old as Mirkwood itself, this didn't get an answer just a sigh and shakes of the head.
—
Yára, Náriel slowly learned, was just as opinionated as Legolas. It seemed they both ended up agreeing several times on little things on several different dresses. Náriel was standing cross armed and looking down at herself. She was trying to figure out what they found so wrong to criticise why it didn't suit her. Yára and Náriel had only crossed paths a few times when they were younger, since then neither had a reason to see or talk to each other. Those times had changed considering Yára seemed to have the talent of sewing and creating beautiful items of clothing.
In all honesty, Náriel did already own a few dresses she had made. And because of this, she couldn't think of anyone else better to put in charge of her wedding dress. Though, standing and being subjected to what would look better and what she should avoid, Náriel was slowly feeling irritable. Who knew finding a dress could honestly be this hard? Náriel certainly didn't. Dress searching usually wasn't hard. She honestly thought she'd find the right dress after the first few she'd stumble across; that didn't happen.
Walking around the small building which housed the clothes which Yára made, Náriel tilted her head to the side. "Yára?" Náriel called out, in moments the taller fair haired elf appeared by her side. Her amber coloured eyes looked at her curiously and then at the dress.
"One similar to that, but in white?" Yára's voice questioned, Náriel slowly nodded. Yára hummed and looked from her to the dress and nodded. "Try it." She put the dress in her hands and nudged Náriel into another room to change.
By this point it was just them two. Legolas had been called away with other matters, but he apologised considering he was going back on his words. Náriel didn't mind, she had spent all day with him, and that was enough time to roughly catch up. Though it also filled her with a deep longing sadness. How often would they see each other once she moved away? Shaking her head, she tried to ignore this rather blatant question.
Walking back out, she was yet again subjected to Yára's opinions and fussing. The fussing she didn't mind because that involved pinning and rolling material. The opinions she didn't really appreciate. Mainly because most involved how she'd have to make a dress considerably smaller for her smaller form. Too many times Yára had bought this up. And each time Náriel was close to saying something. The first few times Legolas had stopped her. But now she had very little restraint left.
"I think we may have a winner." Yára smiled while pushing herself up off of her knees. She just finished pinning up the hem and sorting out the trail.
Frowning, Náriel tilted her head to the side and looked Yára over. "Will you come?"
Yára seemed taken back by the question. "Well, I...well-"
Náriel smiled. "You are the maker of my dress. And we knew each other as children. Come, the more familiar faces the better. Because I have a distinct feeling us elves are going to be outnumbered." Náriel laughed quietly over that fact, which was so evidently true.
"Sure," Yára said with a nod.
Náriel looked at her, "Good. Thank you." Náriel smiled again and turned to change back out of her dress.
—
Returning to thick stone doors was something which caused Náriel to smile slowly. It started to look more and more like the Erebor she first visited when she was younger. It was really quite a wonder what doors could do. While she was clearly admiring the workmanship which went into creating them, Aranhi had moved forwards away from her side. Shaking her head, she moved after the seemingly ever silent guard.
Both journeys were silent. Going to Mirkwood seemed somewhat torturous. Returning seemed doubly so. Mainly because she was so excited to return. Only, when she did enter the Mountain she didn't expect to be confronted with bustling dwarves. It was something which caused Aranhi to sigh and step back. He almost got knocked over, much to his annoyance.
Spotting a familiar figure, Náriel rushed forwards. "Gandalf!" She exclaimed happily. The grey robed figure turned and smiled brightly down at her.
"Náriel! It is so good to see you have returned." He replied while patting her gently on the shoulder.
"I am sorry I never said farewell to you. But I couldn't find you."
"Oh," Gandalf said while coughing lowly. "Radagast and I had business to attend to."
"Is Radagast still here?" Náriel questioned curiously. She didn't know whether he would return back to Rhosgobel. Just like Beorn returned to his little home.
This tentatively asked question caused Gandalf to beam. "Of course he's still here! Though where he is, I have to admit I don't know. He was saying something about exploring the gardens."
Náriel raised an eyebrow, "I doubt the gardens are like they once were." She mumbled.
"You know Radagast," Gandalf said in such a way which caused her to laugh and nod. His words held some truth. No matter what he'd be somewhat easily amused.
Náriel shook her head and looked around. "Do I dare to ask?" She asked while gesturing to the busying dwarves around them.
Gandalf narrowed his eyes. "Do I dare to answer?" He smirked as Náriel looked worriedly around and then at him. "You've been gone three days. May I just admit, though don't let slip, that two of those days have been spent doing nothing particular, from what I heard. I arrived back yesterday to this chaos."
Náriel frowned, chaos, she knew it. Rolling her eyes, she crossed her arms. "From what you heard, from who?"
"Did you know Dís is a very informative woman?"
Náriel smiled and laughed. "She's been informing you on what you've missed?"
"She'll likely do the same for you." Gandalf said while shifting his grip on his staff and looking around.
Hearing exclaiming, both turned to see Bofur waving rather excitedly over. "What are you two doing just loitering around here?" He asked, there was no hello, no welcome back, just this.
And this caused Náriel to frown lightly yet smile. "I've just got back I'll have you know. And I was just catching up with Gandalf."
"I hope he hasn't told you too much." Bofur said sounding worried.
"Oh...all right, what?" Náriel frowned confused.
"Nothing!" Bofur said in a somewhat high pitched voice when he got a look cast down at him by Gandalf. The wizard shook his head and frowned down at the dwarf. That was enough for him to not say anything else.
"Nothing...you say nothing, and I say you're lying." Náriel looked between them both. "Should I be worried?"
"No! No, not at all." Bofur said while waving a hand casually at her. He looked over her shoulder and shook his head slyly when he spotted Dwalin and Glóin walking through the door carrying things which they had collected from Lake-town. They got the hint and quickly walked down another corridor. Noticing how his gaze had shifted, Náriel looked over her shoulder and narrowed her eyes.
Looking back at him, she sighed. "I'm suddenly rather fearful over what plans have been put into action."
"Just be rest assured that Dís has not been such an influence." Bofur said with a smile and a wink.
"That worries me."
"Eh?"
Náriel sighed and ran a hand through her hair. "I told Thorin to intervene, not to stop his sister from helping. I'm sorry, but allowing him to fully take over? I'm worried."
"Oh, he's had help."
"That worries me even more."
"Bilbo has been most helpful."
"I'm worried a little less."
"And Balin."
"Even less worried now."
Bofur smiled and nodded happily that he had seemingly put her mind to rest, sort of. Clapping his hands, he looked from her to Gandalf and back again. "Well! I best be off. Let you settle back in and all that." He waved and darted off before either could say anything else.
Náriel looked up at Gandalf, "Answer me honestly. Should I be concerned at all, Gandalf?"
Gandalf smiled at the hesitant look which flitted across her face. Reaching down, he placed a hand on her shoulder and gave it a light pat. "You must understand, there has not been a gathering like this for many, many years. Let alone the cause of this gathering being a wedding. You must understand how excited everyone is. They all just wish to help." Gandalf said, Náriel nodded slowly. "But then," he said lowly with slightly wide eyes and a thoughtful cough. "You know how dwarves can be when looking forward to something, or when they have a task in mind." Gandalf said with a thoughtful tone which matched his expression, Náriel looked up at him. "Would it reassure you to know that your uncle has helped too?"
"What?!" Náriel exclaimed. She didn't know whether to be shocked, happy, or laugh. Shock seemed to come first. Followed by happiness that he was getting involved, which also meant that both him and Thorin would have to socialise. Then she let out a laugh, because the thought of it all made her laugh. "That's good." She said eventually, it'd explain what the other business was that he had to take care of, this was the reason why he couldn't come back to Mirkwood with her.
"Come," Gandalf patted her shoulder. "Let's not loiter in the doorway." He started forward with her stepping in line beside him. "Let's try and find where Radagast has disappeared to. Do you know I've not seen him for several hours? I am wanting to say he may be lost."
Náriel looked at him, "He'll be totally lost."
"Hm, well, let's hope we can find him then." Gandalf said while they walked down the corridor and turned to walk to the nearest small garden which was within the Mountain.
—
Silence. Silence wasn't a normal thing, well at least not now considering the amount of people who seemed to make Erebor their home. Náriel was standing in a corridor tapping a finger to her chin in thought. Gandalf had left to attend to some other business or rather. In truth she hadn't wholly paid attention. They had earlier found Radagast and the three had spent quite some time together before the two wizards parted ways. But from them leaving her, it just bought her to her predicament. Being alone in a corridor, in the early evening, at a loss.
"Oh, come on," Náriel muttered irritably. Looking over her shoulder, she looked back to the corridor in front of her. Shrugging, she continued on her way, she may as well unpack the things she bought with her from Mirkwood.
Hearing whispered voices coming from a room, she leaned close to the door and narrowed her eyes. Reaching up and knocking, she couldn't help but roll her eyes and smirk. Wincing when there were sounds of tumbling, she looked to the crack which just appeared between the door and the doorframe. "Náriel!" Kíli said happily with a large smile. "When did you get back?"
"What are you doing?"
"Sleeping." He answered shiftily.
Náriel rubbed a hand to her forehead and shut her eyes. "I arrived back earlier on." She replied, she looked at him quizzically. "This isn't your room."
"Oh, know where my room is, hm?" He smirked and then yelped when something impacted against his head. Náriel merely raised an eyebrow when Kíli's form disappeared and was replaced by his brother.
"Náriel, fancy seeing you here. How are you? How was your journey? What can we help you with?" Fíli asked with a smile.
"Look," Náriel leaned against the wall and crossed her arms. Tilting her head, she looked to the fair haired dwarf. "I don't really, honestly, whole-heartedly care what you are doing in there. Though...I am curious, I think I'm better off not knowing." She paused, Fíli nodded at her, Kíli appeared from over his shoulder and nodded too. "Just, where is everyone?"
Fíli and Kíli exchanged a look and looked to her. "Getting ready," they answered in unison.
Náriel looked at them seriously and then down at the floor. Letting out a quiet snort, she nodded, "When for?"
"How about-"
"No," Fíli clapped a hand over Kíli's mouth to stop him talking. "I do believe you need to go see uncle. He, last time I checked, was with mother, Balin and Bilbo."
"And they are where?"
"The main hall, of course." Kíli said while pushing his brother away and saying it in such an obvious way that Náriel should already know.
Narrowing her eyes, she pushed her hair over her shoulder and nodded slowly. "Thank you for your help. I'll let you get back to sleeping." She smirked and started to move away.
"Hey-!" Kíli exclaimed and suffered listening to his brother laughing.
"Hey, I'm not questioning the need to still sleep in the same room as your sibling." Náriel quipped back while waving over her shoulder.
"Oi-!" Kíli exclaimed and peered around the door just to see Náriel smile at them before turning the corner and disappearing from view.
Now she had a destination in mind, she quickly sped down the corridors to get to where she needed to be. Stopping at the door she peered in, Bilbo was the first to spot her. He rather nervously looked from her to the surrounding group and then back again. "Private party?" Náriel asked, of course upon hearing her voice the group, minus Bilbo, jumped slightly and turned to look at her. Dís had a rather over dramatic reaction by exclaiming and running over. She pulled her into the room and before Náriel's legs could falter her she was scooped up in a tight embrace. Coughing awkwardly, Náriel reached up and patted her. "I can't breathe." She whispered harshly, she didn't mean to sound harsh, just her airways were getting blocked and her voice was straining.
"Sorry! Just, it is so good to see you again. I've missed you," Dís put her at arm's length, hearing a cough she looked over her shoulder with a blunt look. "Fine, we have all missed you." She corrected with a polite smile.
Patting her hands, Náriel walked tentatively into the room. "This looks all very serious."
"You don't need to worry," Dís said while putting an arm around her shoulders.
"That makes me worry."
"Nah," Dís waved a casual hand and moved away when they stopped in front of the three males.
Bilbo was the first to get pulled into a light embrace, then Balin, and Thorin practically got the life squeezed out of him just like Náriel had been. "I have missed you all," she said while still holding tightly onto him. Peering over his shoulder, she narrowed her eyes at the table and at the papers scattered across them. "You seem to be taking this wedding planning to a new level." She said lightly only to be playfully nudged back so she couldn't see what was written.
Thorin raised an eyebrow at her, "I do believe I was left in charge."
"With help," Dís mumbled and smiled when he shot her a look.
Náriel looked from one to the other. "Thank you for your help, Dís." Náriel looked cautiously up at Thorin who just nodded slowly. That action said it all, though not projecting as much as she once was, it was clear she was still there to pop in and help and give advice when needed, or not needed.
"Oh! You're welcome," Dís beamed.
A rather odd silence flitted into the room then, Náriel looked from each of them in turn. Frowning, she pointed to the door. "I have things to unpack, I'll leave you to it...I guess." She smiled and started to back off. She got the oddest feeling that whatever they were discussing, she wasn't to be a part of it.
Feeling rather shunned, she shuffled off and kicked her feet along the corridor. "Oh, lass, what's with that look?" Stopping and shuffling back, she looked to a balcony. She looked from Glóin to Dwalin and stepped forwards.
"Let me guess," Glóin said while waving a hand at her while lowering his pipe from his mouth. "Feeling left out?"
"Just leave them to it," Dwalin waved at her nonchalantly.
Glóin raised an eyebrow and looked to the dwarf by his side. The two were leaning against the stonework rail. "Just leave them to it'? Is that your grand advice, eh?"
Dwalin sighed and looked to his friend. "Aye."
"That's awful advice."
"How is it?"
"Well-"
"It's fine!" Náriel smiled and waved her hands at the two of them. She could see a possible argument was going to appear, and she didn't exactly want to witness it. The two dwarves turned slowly and looked to her. Sighing, she scratched the back of her neck. "I actually think Dwalin has a point. Leaving them to it seems like quite a good idea. They all seem...sorted..."
"So, you don't want to have a say?" Glóin asked.
Frowning, Náriel tilted her head to the side and smiled. "No." She said firmly, "I have faith, and trust, that everything will be fine. Also, it's a little exciting to see what'll happen, don't you think?" Náriel smiled and rocked on her heels.
Glóin and Dwalin exchanged a look and then looked back at her. "If you say so, lass." Was all either of them could surmise.
—
Stretching her arms and sitting up in bed, Náriel yawned and rubbed her eyes. A new day had arrived and already she could hear people bustling around. With slow movements, she got up and dressed. Tightening up the green sash around her waist, she walked out of her room while tying her hair up. Upon reaching the end of the corridor, she raised her eyebrows at the sight of people running to and fro. "That's it," pouting and following after them, she picked up her dark green skirts and ran down the corridor in the direction to where most people were going.
She was hunting out answers. She was all for preparations, and all that. Though she hadn't exactly played much of a part in this, but this was a little extreme. "Dearest, I do believe I need to pester you for a moment." She said while linking her arm with Thorin's.
He looked down at her and walked with her down the corridor. He seemed to just be enjoying a walk. Seemingly oblivious to all the bustling busy people around him. "I knew this was coming, I could see it when you found us last night." Thorin said quietly while guiding her into an unused room. She walked over and sat down at the window seat, she watched as he slowly walked over. Sitting down, he turned and looked to her. "Go on then, what questions do you have? I'll try and answer to the best of my ability."
"When?"
"How's tomorrow?"
"You don't waste time, do you?" Náriel smiled, though it dropped slightly. "A year, it seems is the usual wait before a wedding."
"You wish to wait?" Thorin asked fidgeting slightly.
Náriel laughed, "No! I'm merely pondering that...we may be bypassing traditions."
Thorin rolled his eyes, "I thought you was aware of this already?"
"It's just dawned on me."
"And?"
"Nothing, really, honestly. Nothing." She fell silent. Sighing, she straightened in her seat and looked out of the window. "May I ask how we're bypassing our ceremonial traditions?"
"We're not bypassing them." Thorin replied, Náriel frowned confused. "We're doing both." This caused her eyes to widen slowly. He smiled and reached out to hold her hand. Giving it a light pat, he nodded. "Doing one or the other wouldn't work. I can only foresee some troubles if we did that. So, after much deliberation, and your uncle's words of wisdom," he said awkwardly which caused her to laugh. "We shall do both."
—
"Don't look like that," Dís scolded with a wag of her finger. Náriel pouted and looked at her simply. "It's only fair, come, we must go. Let them have one last hurrah."
"Hurrah," Tauriel whispered and looked to Náriel. Náriel looked as lost as she did, "Where do you propose on going, Lady Dís?" Náriel had to try and not laugh over Tauriel layering on the politeness.
Dís narrowed her eyes at the auburn haired elf and coughed awkwardly. "There are parts of Dale which are up for habitants. And it's only for one night, so don't look at me like that!" Dís said while pointing this time at Náriel's expression.
Náriel kicked her feet against the stone beneath her. She and Thorin hadn't that long parted ways. She was trying to figure out his words. Both, both ceremonies was something she could not quite grasp. She had found Tauriel and confided in her the confusion she was feeling. Tauriel seemed slightly lost for words too. Náriel and Tauriel were deep in conversation in comparing what the two ceremonies would be like only for Dís to pop up and interject. The two elves looked at her with uncertain looks, even more so when she declared they were to leave Erebor. Thus bringing them, mainly Dís, to the problem at hand; trying to get Náriel to leave.
"I suppose," Tauriel had picked up the conversation again. "It would only be right." Náriel looked up at her, Tauriel smiled slowly. "Is it not a mortal tradition that it is bad luck to see each other before the big day? You two have already broken that rule."
Dís scoffed at this, "We don't believe in such things."
"And nor do we," Tauriel quickly replied. "I'm merely saying, the men of both Dale and Lake-town would find it fit to comment."
Náriel looked between the two as they commenced a strained conversation. With a sigh, she hung her head. On the face of things they seemed to get along. But it was clear that they secretly and evidently didn't. "I think we've all had enough bad luck." Náriel's voice cut their conversation short, they both looked to her as she looked up from the floor. Looking between them she sighed, again. She was doing too much sighing she discovered. "Being parted, being chased out, separated, locked away, fighting, battles, orcs...dragons..." Náriel trailed off with a roll of her eyes. "That's too much bad luck for two people to have already. I don't believe we can have anymore."
"Don't go tainting it!" Dís exclaimed, though she didn't seem so superstitious a moment ago, it seemed she was slightly superstitious.
Náriel smiled and gestured to the corridor behind her. "To Dale?"
Tauriel rolled her eyes, "It would be easy to travel with the elven guard from there." She didn't exactly wish to travel over on a small barge first thing tomorrow morning, or even this evening.
"And my uncle," Náriel piped up, and looked to her friend. He was down in Dale, seemingly inhabiting one of the finished buildings.
"And the guests?" Tauriel said awkwardly, the two looked at each other. "Never come across a wedding procession, I must admit."
Looking to Dís when she let out a laugh, they looked to her waving a hand at them. "Such processions are normal in our culture."
Náriel looked to Tauriel, Tauriel just nodded. This was perhaps one such thing Náriel had commented on earlier on how the two cultures differed. She really was struggling to come to terms with it. She couldn't do anything though, it seemed Thorin had it all sorted out, or at least she presumed he did. This caused her to shudder and let out a groan.
"Are you all right, Náriel?" Tauriel asked concerned for her Princess, and her friend.
Náriel leaned against a wall and nodded. "Yes."
Dís looked her up and down and narrowed her eyes. "You're fretting." Náriel shot her a look. "Hey! I'm merely stating the truth. Come, fresh air will do you good." Dís said nonchalantly while putting an arm around her shoulders and leading her out of the corridor they were walking down. Tauriel shook her head and quickly walked after them, frowning when she looked to the side, she smiled at the sight of Kíli almost laughing. He had clearly heard all of their conversation. Rolling her eyes, she darted after the two retreating figures.
—
It was safe to say that in both locations, both Erebor and Dale, had been subjected to rather merry figures, singing, dancing, and other such enjoyments until the early hours of the morning. Náriel was practically pulled out of bed whereas in Erebor, Thorin was already up and about. Sitting in a chair, Náriel just sat and let whoever it was behind her tug a comb through her hair.
With a sigh, she looked to her hands, looking to the side, she smiled, "Good morning, little one." Tilda suddenly appeared sitting on a chair by her side. She looked rather bright and cheery considering the early hours it was. Or wasn't, judging by the sun in the sky it was about nine. Then why did it feel a lot earlier?
"You've only have about five hours of sleep." It was as if her mind had been read. Tauriel sat down opposite to Tilda and looked to Náriel. Náriel smiled and looked her up and down, even though she was seated, Náriel could clearly see the formal guard uniform she was wearing.
"They've arrived, haven't they?"
"They have."
"How many?"
"Many."
"I tried not to go overboard."
"You didn't succeed, Náriel. I am sorry to tell you this." Tauriel shook her head yet smirked.
Tilda had ran to the window only to appear again. "There are so many elves out there!" She said excitedly.
Náriel looked to the young girl with a smile. She seemed so excited over it. Frowning, she had to remind herself that she only saw the elven host before the battle when they were in Lake-town. Looking to her hands, she wasn't sure whether she'd have even seen them then. She wasn't too sure Bard would want his children getting involved with elves. Shaking her head, she looked towards the door. "Is it normal for one's mind to be tittering about?"
"You're still fretting!" Dís appeared drinking from a steaming cup.
"Aren't you meant to be back in Erebor?" Náriel questioned curiously.
"I'm travelling up with the guests here. Obviously not your kin. They'll follow your uncle and yourself, of course." Dís explained simply. Smiling, she ruffled Tilda's hair and put a hand on Náriel's shoulder. "I wanted to stay to wish you luck. You will be fine." She kissed her on the cheek before moving away. "I will see you soon."
Náriel smiled and reached up to place her hand against Dís's cheek. "Thank you, my friend."
"Hey, after today we'll be as good as related."
"Sister, then?"
Dís laughed, "I always wanted a sister! Instead look who I got stuck with." She joked laughing wholeheartedly.
Náriel couldn't help but laugh too. She needed to laugh. It was taking her mind off of the nerves. Even Tauriel let out a laugh and shook her head slowly. "Your brothers are not that bad." Náriel commented once she had finished laughing. The tugging of her hair had lessened which signalled to her that her hair had been styled and finished.
Dís eyed her oddly. "Try growing up with them. Overprotective, and annoying."
"I was always a fan of the overprotective nature. It was so seldom shown, that when it did appear, it was pleasant. Not to be taken for granted though," she commented while standing up. "That's Frerin I'm talking about of course, Thorin is just annoying." She joked which caused Dís to burst out laughing again. Looking at her simply plaited hair in a mirror, Náriel smiled. Flicking her eyes to look at Dís she continued to smile. "I don't think I need to tell you that my earlier words do count for Thorin too."
"Oh, no need," Dís held up a hand. "Though...the latter part is more exact."
Náriel raised an eyebrow simply. "To you. Not to me." She turned and walked to another room in the small building they were in. An elven maid followed after her, so that was who was doing her hair. Náriel smiled, she had done it exactly how she would have if she was left to her own devices. There were two plaits which connected at the back of her head and rested over her lightly curled hair. Needless to say these were kept from undoing by the metal clasp which practically lived in her hair.
"I'm going to go now!" Dís exclaimed from beyond the door. "I do have a brother to give a talk to. Or you know...hunt out."
"Hunt out?!" Náriel exclaimed worriedly. Her nerves were going, now they were back thanks to Dís.
"I joke! Sorry, couldn't help it. Knowing Thorin like I do he will most likely already be prepared. Can fault him for few things, but can't fault him on preparation." Dís said.
Náriel let out a breath when the white band which was wrapped around her waist got suddenly pulled and tied tightly. "See you soon then, Dís." Náriel said when she heard thoughtful humming from beyond the door, Dís was still there seemingly unmoved.
"Oh! Yes, quite, I should go, shouldn't I? See you there, Náriel!" With that there were quiet footsteps which left Náriel in silence to continue getting help with her dress.
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Reedited: 6/Nov/2023