Aria the Black (Book 2 of the Daughters of Durin Trilogy)

Chapter 4: The Council of Elrond

Aria sat on her floor, peering into her closet with apprehension. She was packing- the meeting with Elrond and Thranduil had proven successful. They had agreed on a second meeting with the rest of the rulers of Middle Earth, in Rivendell. Everyone was a fan of Aria's idea- Ravonna had suggested bringing the idea to them. They had suspicions that they would approve- everyone was desperate for a solution to the Orcs terrorizing their kingdoms.

"That closet isn't going to pack itself." A very handsome dwarf leaned in the doorframe, his cheeky smirk conveying amusement.

"Kili!" She exclaimed, jumping up and pulling him in a firm hug. Any visit from her cousin was a special one- his job in Erebor's armies kept him busy.

"How are you?" He asked Aria, kissing her cheek and entering the room.

"I'm good!" She nodded, gesturing towards her suitcase. "Packing to leave. You've heard?"

"Of course." He nodded. "Your very first adventure! The trainees are buzzing all about it. They're very excited the princess is finally getting outdoors."

She smacked him on the arm as he laughed. "That's not true! You took me hunting in the forest many times."

"And taught you how to fight." He shrugged, as if to say it was no big deal.

It was her turn to laugh. "No, that was your twin, genius."

"I helped!"

She made a face, raising an eyebrow. "Sure you did. Now help me pack!"

Kili plopped down next to her, beginning to toss riding pants and tunics into the bag. Aria pulled out items from her drawers, occasionally asking his opinion as she progressed.

"How's Tauriel?" she asked.

"Good!" His face lit up as he thought about the Elf. "She's happy to rest. We just moved in together."

"That's great!" She smiled. "But when are you going to ask, cousin?"

He sat up at her outburst. "Ask what?"

"Come on, you are dying to marry her!"

"Actually-" he smiled to himself.

"Really!" She gasped, hugging him. "I am beyond happy for you."

Kili laughed. "She hasn't even said yes yet!"

Aria smiled. "She will."

Kili beamed. "Thank you. It means a lot."

"Anytime." She responded, the two of them growing silent. "Better late than never, anyway..."

"Hey!" They laughed. "It was only-"

"Twenty-five years!" She giggled, the pair practically rolling on the floor with glee.

Once they calmed down, she held up a short, flirtatious summer dress, shaking it to get his attention. "This?"

"No! You don't need any extra items for that "just in case" occasion. Only necessities."

She held her breath. "So, no dresses?"

"No."

"Oh thank god!" She tossed the dress back in the closet, sighing in relief. "Anyway, how are the trainees?"

"Good." He nodded. "They're always so expectant at the beginning- they practically jump at the chance for extra credit."

"How do you give a training class extra credit?" She inquired.