An Even Fifteen (Fili x reader)

(38) Making Peace

Once the betrothal was made public, you and Fili had very little time to yourselves. You were able to snatch a few hours one day for a picnic, taking the Rhosgobels' sled out and having lunch in the sunshine. Sometimes you were even able to find a few moments together in the evening, after eating a meal with Fili's family-- soon to become yours. But as a public figure, you now had new obligations. Your lessons with Balin were fewer and fewer, and your attendance of royal council meetings became more frequent.

You were proud to sit at Fili's side during those meetings, and most of the time the council discussions were very interesting. In your forest dwelling with Radagast, you had no idea that trade and relations could be such complicated topics. It didn't help that the dwarves were such stubborn folk. Fili was a little less stubborn than the others. His uncle, for example. But you thought that might be because of his age.

You spent the first few of these meetings remaining completely silent; watching, observing who had the strongest opinions, sifting through what their personal biases might be and their true desires for the kingdom. Most of the dwarves seemed to truly want what was best for the kingdom and its citizens, but there were a few that had more personal motivations.

This became particularly obvious at a meeting about relations with the people of Laketown, now the people of Dale. Thorin wanted to make reparation for his earlier misconduct, and help them not only rebuild the town, but ensure that their trade thrived. He wanted to be more generous than a few other councilmen did, and offer gems and gold to them as part of a peace treaty which would also ensure long-term relations and trade with the town.

You thought that it should have been a given, especially considering Thorin's promises to them when they were in Laketown. The people of Dale had suffered much, and their new King, Bard, was more than willing to make the treaty work. It was Thorin's council that was reluctant.

About an hour into the meeting, after watching the dwarves bicker over the treaty's terms using selfish motivations for their reservations, you leaned over to Fili and whispered, "How long have you been discussing this treaty?"

"Since we won the battle," Fili replied lowly.

You sat back, shocked. That had been months ago. The people needed help now. You looked from your betrothed to King Thorin, hoping one of them would speak up and end the pointless bickering of their council, but they looked worn out, and not eager to step into the mix.

You battled with your courage for a moment before resigning yourself to your task. You knew what had to be said, and no one was going to say it for you.

You spoke when the bickering lulled. "May I offer a new perspective?"

Thorin turned to you with surprise, but he looked pleased as he motioned you to continue.

"According to my betrothed," you began, trying to keep your voice steady, "you have been debating over the terms in this treaty for months?" You met the eyes of the councilors. Some of them nodded. "From what I hear, and see in the treaty, there is no real objection to the terms. Those who oppose the terms do so out of greed for profits they would never get if Erebor had not been reclaimed. And Erebor would not have been reclaimed had it not been for King Bard and the assistance of his people, which they gave at great cost to themselves.

"They lost their homes. They lost loved ones. And you would deny them terms of peace and prosperity by changing this treaty, which merely upholds the promises your king gave them?" You shook your head, taking a deep breath through the racing of your heart. "You do your folk, and your King, no honor by delaying this any further. Sign the treaty as it is. Erebor will not regret it."

The room was eerily silent when you stopped speaking. You darted a panicked glance to Fili, but he was simply looking at you with adoration.

A wealthy merchant by the name of Gar pounded his fist on the table, his face growing red above his salt-and-pepper beard. He turned to Thorin and said in outrage, "And you would let this human woman dictate our handling of this treaty? She who is obviously biased toward the race of men, who does not seek the good of this kingdom?"

Thorin's fists clenched, but Fili spoke first. "How dare you! She is a member of the Company! She has done more for this kingdom than you know!"

"Aye," grumbled Dain Ironfoot from the other end of the table. All of the council, including you, turned to him in surprise. "I saw Y/N fight with us in the battle. I saw her rush to save the lives of our princes, almost giving up her life. She is a noble lass, and she speaks truth. From her heart, too, which is more than the lot of us have been doing."

The dwarves quieted again, this time with an adjusted attitude. Was it respect that now sealed their lips and bowed their heads? "I fought for Erebor then," you said quietly, but clearly. "I only want Erebor's success now. This is my home." You smiled faintly as Fili reached over and clasped your hand. "But King Bard and his subjects deserve Erebor's respect and assistance. This treaty, in its current terms, does both. I say we close the matter and invite Bard to a signing of it as soon as possible."

Thorin stood. "Any objections?"

Silence from the dwarves. Thorin nodded. "Good. I will send a missive to King Bard now. We are adjourned."

The dwarves stood slowly, talking quietly among themselves as they drifted out the door. Balin, one of the last out, sent you a wink and a smile before slipping into the hall.

King Thorin sighed, turning to you and Fili. "Well done, Y/N. You'll make a decent princess yet."

You couldn't contain your grin. "Thank you, Thorin."

He snorted. "Call me uncle," he grumbled with something that might have been a smile before leaving the room as well, his great robes sweeping the floor behind him.

Fili stood, clasped your face in his hands, and planted a smacking kiss on your lips. "You are wonderful, amralime," he said. "That meeting was five hours shorter thanks to you."

You smiled. "That means we have five extra hours to ourselves. Want to come see how the baby Rhosgobels are doing?" He quirked a brow, and you offered in a singsong voice, "We can name them today."

He chuckled. "All right." He stood and offered his hand with a sweeping bow. "Lead the way, my Fairest of Ladies."

A/N: Happy Monday! I really wanted to get a chapter in that deals with some of the specifics of your royal duties and meetings and all that, so here it is! I hope you enjoyed it! If you did, please leave a comment or give the chapter a vote! And, as always, thank you for reading!
--RA