DAY-DREAM [noun] a series of pleasant thoughts that distract one's attention from the present ___________ Drabble Masterlist Men & Mountains Series Ongoing series, based on The Hobbit and inspired by Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice Drabble Requests: OPEN [Please read the Request Rules page before submitting a request] Fanfiction Account AO3 Account
i know!!! the stupid liberal government has decided on the plebiscite and even tho it’s a waste of money….. please vote!! IF YOU ARE GOING TO BE 18 BEFORE NOVEMBER 25 ENROLL TO VOTE!!! PLEASE DO NOT THROW YOUR VOTE AWAY THIS IS SO IMPORTANT TO ME AND SO MANY OTHERS!!!!!!! PLEASE VOTE YES ON MARRIAGE EQUALITY!!!!!! WE CAN DO THIS!!!!
Stupid ass fuckin’ government, afaik Abbott is in favour of this method because if it were simply a parliament vote, they would all vote yes, and Abbott is a dick who hates his gay sister. ANYWAYYY, time to vote, too bad my grandparents don’t know I’m gay.
I’ve seen a few people who want to boycott the vote on principle, but here’s the thing: we all know the plebiscite is a real fucking shitty thing, a massive waste of money and time, but it doesn’t matter anymore because IT’S ALREADY HAPPENING. It’s shitty, but it doesn’t make voting in it any less important.
Please, make sure you’re enrolled to vote, and for god’s sake, PLEASE VOTE “YES”!!
The plebiscite may be non-binding, but it’s still incredibly important that you vote in it. We’re finally getting a chance, maybe not on our terms, but god damn are we going to fucking take it and show them that MARRIAGE EQUALITY MATTERS to the majority of Australia!
Please make sure you read the question when you make you vote. Its likely that theyll word it tricky. Like “should marriage laws remain the same” which you should answer no for. Just make sure your answer is in favour of equal marriage
Charlotte strode purposely through the bustling market halls of Erebor, her expression anything but lighthearted. Try as she might, she could not shake off the memory of her meeting with the King Under the Mountain the night before.
He had blatantly insulted her in front of her friends, all the while degrading her chosen profession. She could not believe the nerve of him! To think she would be forced to curtsey and scrape before him for the remainder of her life, simply because he was of royal descent, infuriated her more than she cared to admit. She would do whatever it took to avoid another meeting with His Royal Highness.
“Lady Charlotte! Lady Charlotte!”
So lost in her gripping thoughts, Charlotte did not hear the voice hollering out to her through the crowd until a hand gripped her wrist.
“Lady Charlotte,” said Kee – or rather, Kili – breathlessly, “You certainly walk fast for a dwarrow browsing at the markets.”
Charlotte was not amused by this comment. She released her hand from Kili’s grasp and stepped backward to curtsey low in his presence.
“My Prince,” she said, quite formally. When she rose again, she noticed the formidable shadow that was ever lingering behind Kili. “Master Dwalin.”
She received a grunt in return from the burly dwarf, and she found herself feeling rather foolish that she had not guessed he was a personal guard for the Prince beforehand.
“Really, Lady Charlotte, there is no need for that,” said Kili, timidly, “I am still Kee, you know… just-”
“Just with blue blood?” remarked Charlotte.
“Well… yes,” said Kili, blushing, “Lady Charlotte, I wish to formally apologise to you for my uncle’s behaviour at the Ball last night.”
“It was not of your doing, I’m sure,” said Charlotte.
“As you say,” said Kili, “Only he was unforgivably rude to you, and I would hate for our… friendship to be ruined on his behalf.”
“You would consider me a friend, Prince Kili?” said Charlotte, not wholly without mirth.
“I would,” said Kili, holding his head high, “You have been wonderfully kind to me, and I value your opinion very highly.”
Charlotte could not hide that she was touched by the young dwarf’s words. She softened her expression and smiled warmly at Kili, who immediately grinned in return.
“Then might I ask, as a friend, why you found it necessary to keep your title from me?” queried Charlotte.
Kili hesitated. He looked around him at the crowds of shoppers who were watching the interaction curiously as they made their way through the market stalls.
“Perhaps we might talk somewhere more private?”
Upon agreeing, Kili led Charlotte away from the market and into a small antechamber near the entrance. She could feel Dwalin’s presence lurking behind them as they walked, and she wondered how Kili tolerated it.
“Please, sit,” said Kili, kindly gesturing to the simple set of table and chairs in the centre of the room.
As Charlotte and Kili took their seats, Dwalin closed the door to the chamber, remaining on the outside of the door, leaving them alone.
“I know that it seems a poor way to start a promising friendship,” said Kili, “Lying about one’s lineage.”
“As I recall, you did not completely lie,” observed Charlotte, “You merely… withheld important information.”
“Yes, I suspect you could call it that,” chuckled Kili, “But you must understand… the pressures that come with being Prince.”
“I cannot pretend that I understand, Prince Kili,” said Charlotte, truthfully.
“Please, just Kili. There is no need for such formal titles,” said Kili. He paused for a moment, thinking over his words carefully before speaking. “Being the Prince of Erebor comes with many duties and responsibilities. Not as much as the King of course, or even my brother as the Crowned Prince, but it has its own charges believe me. I know it is ungrateful of me to say such things, for I am more fortunate than many.
“But I cannot help it… I find myself wishing for a simpler life. One without tedious council sessions and meetings with dull arrogant people. One where I do not need to be followed by a fully armed guard wherever I go. One where, if I decide I would like to accomplish something in my life that has nothing to do with the crown I wear atop my head, it is not scrutinised by the entire kingdom!”
Kili pounded his closed fist upon the table, and his eyes were clenched shut in frustration.
“And this is why you did not want me to know your title?” asked Charlotte, gently.
“For once I just wanted to be me – be normal,” sighed Kili, “I thought that, if I might achieve highly in your class on my own accord, the kingdom may not see me as just a Prince, but someone who can hold his own.”
Charlotte reached across the table and placed her hand gently over Kili’s, squeezing it encouragingly.
“You are so much more than the blood that runs through your veins, Kili,” said Charlotte, “And we will make your uncle see that.”
Kili’s head rose to stare at Charlotte with wide eyes.
“You mean… I can continue in your class?”
“But of course,” smiled Charlotte, “However, do not think that just because your uncle is the King that I will be any softer on you.”
“I would expect nothing less,” grinned Kili, a spark forming in his eyes. He rose from his seat and offered Charlotte his arm, which she took with a warm smile.
“Oh! I had almost forgotten to ask,” said Kili, opening the door and allowing Charlotte through first. “Would you care to watch my brother and I train this evening?”
“I would be honoured, of course,” said Charlotte, curiously, “But whatever are you training for?”
“Uncle is holding a tournament!” said Kili, practically bouncing with joy. “And since it has been many a month since I’ve last held a weapon I shall need to keep my training up if I am to stand a chance at winning.”
“What kind of a tournament will it be?”
“Oh, there will be all sorts of competitions,” said Kili, excitedly, “Archery, that is my specialty, sword fighting, axe wielding, body wrestling, everything you can think of.”
“It certainly sounds like quite the affair,” said Charlotte.
“It will be amazing fun,” said Kili, “So will you come? To see our practice?”
Charlotte smiled, “I would not miss it.”
Kili laughed joyously. “Very well, I shall leave you to your shopping. Until this evening, my Lady.”
He bowed low and practically skipped off through the crowd with Dwalin lumbering behind him begrudgingly, leaving Charlotte a great deal cheerier than she had been at the start of the day.
Will you be finishing Your Men & Mountains series, please? I found it really funny, especially the moment of meeting Thorin. You described his attitude just perfect :') Cannot wait for another part :D
I will most definitely be finishing Men & Mountains. Unfortunately life has gotten in my way, as it tends to do, but I hope to have a new chapter posted soon. Thank you for reading, I’m really glad you’re enjoying it!
Drabble Prompts List | Characters: Fili x Reader | Words: 860
From this request made about 1,000 years ago by @JKBVV2
The grand hall of Erebor was a sight to see on Midsummer’s Eve.
Lanterns burnt bright, the ale flowed freely, and there was not a soul as far as the eye could see who was not thoroughly enjoying the festivities.
Had you yourself not endured such hardships for the past 60 years, you could say you were tired of the many festivals and parties that seemed to come by each week. But you could not help yourself.
Erebor had been reclaimed for nearly 5 years now, and it had been 5 years of hard work, celebration, and peace.
You had witnessed the aftermath of the great battle, tended to the wounded, and comforted the mourners, all the while waiting on tender hooks for him to walk through the front gates. And when he finally did, how you sobbed. You had practically thrown yourself at him, nearly knocking him down with the force of your embrace - your best friend, your confidant, your one.
Not that you would admit that, or even him for that matter. Through the many years of hopeless pining and longing, you both seemed to be ignoring the answer that was staring you plainly in the face.
Which is why, on this Midsummer’s Eve, you were not to be found dancing intimately in the arms of your one, but having your toes stepped on as you attempted to dance with a toddler who was only just mastering the art of walking.
“You know, I dare say out of all the suitors you’ve had over the years, he is by far my favourite,” Kili teased, a cheeky twinkle in his eyes.
You winced as little Vili yanked a strand of your hair to prevent himself from toppling over, and giggled at your expression of pain.
“Laugh all you want,” You retorted, “But your son is already a better dancer than you will ever be.”
Kili only just resisted the urge to pull a rude hand gesture in your direction when his wife appeared, a slight fiery-haired girl by her side.
“Well... she’s not entirely wrong,” said Tauriel.
Kili, looking wounded, muttered something about getting sick and tired of being ganged up on.
You and Tauriel shared an amused smirk, at which Vili, upon catching his mother’s eye, released a shriek of joy and stepped clumsily and slowly towards her.
“Whatever will you do without a partner now?” said Kili, his mouth upturning into a mocking pout.
“I’ll dance with her!” cried Tilly, already sprinting towards you. She looked up at you with wide brown eyes identical to Kili’s. “That is, if you want to.”
“And how could I refuse the dance of the most wonderful Princess in Erebor?” you beamed.
Kili scoffed, “Just try not to brainwash my daughter.”
“My Tilly? Brainwashed?” cried an exaggerating voice from behind you, “Who would dream of doing such a thing!”
Tilly gasped, “Uncle Fili!”
As quickly as she had come, Tilly had disappeared from your side and launched herself into the arms of the all too familiar blonde figure.
Fili caught her easily and pressed a loving kiss to her lightly freckled cheek. Together they shared a quiet laugh, and the sight made your heart flutter.
“Now,” Fili said, setting down his niece in a business-like fashion, “What’s this about dancing?”
Tilly’s smile was radiant as she took her uncle by the hand, though you did notice the twinkle in her eyes that so reminded you of her father.
“Well, I was going to have a dance, but - oh! I don’t want to leave you without a dance partner, uncle Fili!”
“Nonsense,” said Fili indulgently, finally meeting your gaze. “I wouldn’t dream of robbing you of your Princess for this dance."
Tilly pouted and stared at you and Fili eagerly as he passed you close enough to whisper, “save me a dance.”
Failing to hide your blush, you gave him a playful shove and resumed your dancing position with Tilly.
“The way you flirt is shameful,” teased Kili, in his brother’s ear, “If you can even call it flirting.”
Fili ignored his brother’s jibes, too absorbed in watching the sway of your hips as you danced, the careless laughter that fell from your lips, and the light in your eyes as you twirled Tilly in your arms.
Before he or you knew it, Tilly had given you one almighty push upon one of your more exuberant twirls and sent you spinning straight into Fili.
You hit Fili’s chest with a gasp of air, and his arms instinctively rose to grip onto your waist. And for a moment you were lost for words, caught staring into his lightly amused blue eyes.
A tinkling giggle pierced both yours and Fili’s daydream.
“Why don’t they just kiss already?”
Shocked, you turned to see Kili and Tilly staring at you, both sharing an identical triumphant grin.
Fili’s hands shifted upon your waist and he cleared his throat, a nervous grin tugging at his lips, "Well... may I have this dance, my lady?”
You smiled, blushing despite yourself, and feeling more courageous than you had in the past 5 years.
Are you planning on finishing Hobbits & Whiskey ?? I really like it, and I'd love to know if we may have another chapter
So funny that this actually isn’t the first question I’ve had about a continuation of Hobbits & Whiskey - apparently people liked it more than I thought. If I’m going to be honest, I think the only reason I continued it into a two part series is because it was requested, but I never really saw it as more than a short funny one shot. I probably just don’t want to ruin it by adding more parts. Thanks for the message though, I appreciate the interest
Hi! I recently found your blog, and I absolutely love your writing! I know it's been awhile since you added to it, but I was wondering if you had any plans to continue Hobbits & Whiskey? Either way, I really love your writing! You truly have a gift ^^
Hey there, thank you so much, this absolutely made my day! I’m so glad you enjoyed Hobbits & Whiskey. I’ve never thought to continue it to be completely honest, as I couldn’t see it going any further.If you wanted to make a request though I’d be happy to write something you’d like to see happen in a third part :)
Drabble Prompts List | Characters: Fili x Reader, Matchmaker!Kili
Words: 1353
From this request by @onceinabloodmoon1
A/N: I cannot apologise enough for the wait you had to endure for this drabble, so I really do hope you enjoy it!
The time had come to take action.
Sitting in a crowded hall of stiff old dwarves, grumbling and fussing over the topics this council meeting was to involve, Kili eyed two familiar figures across the room.
He and his brother Fili had met you after the quest for Erebor, when their uncle had hired you to keep their affairs in order.
Now, after too many months of watching you and Fili ignore an attraction you so obviously shared, Kili had decided enough was enough.
As a dwarfling, Kili had been rather rambunctious. Always lurking where mischief could be found, and never adverse to dragging his brother down with him.
So when he decided to concoct the perfect plan to bring you and Fili together, it came quite naturally to him.
He watched you twirling a lock of your wavy hair between your fingers, too engrossed in your conversation with Fili to notice anything. Fili’s blue eyes, slightly brighter when they met your own, kept drifting to your lock of hair as if mesmerised.
Now was the time to act.
Carefully patting the back of his hair to be sure his braid was still half undone at the base, he approached the two of you in such a dramatic manner you could not hope to miss him. He cleared his throat and draped a casual but carefully placed arm over your shoulders.
Fili’s eyes flickered suspiciously from Kili’s arm to the soft curve of your shoulder on which it was now resting.
“I wondered if I might borrow this beautiful young dwarrow for a moment?” Kili drawled.
“Kili, you do love to tease,” You said, “What could you possibly want with me now? The council is about to begin.”
“Drats to this council,” Kili remarked, “Besides, it will only be a moment... just the two of us.”
His eyes flickered subtly to his brother, who was flushing in suppressed jealousy.
“Save us a seat won’t you, brother,” Kili teased, before sweeping you away to the empty antechamber by the hall.
“This had better not be another one of your ploys to escape council, Kili,” You warned, “I barely escaped the wrath of His Majesty the last time.”
“Incidentally, His Majesty does not know the meaning of fun,” Kili grinned, “Which is why he has me.”
Your lips pursed disapprovingly, a sign which Kili knew meant your patience was running thin.
Dropping his teasing smirk, he moved to place his hand on the back of his head and gasped.
“Kili? What is it?”
“I- I think something just landed in my hair,” Kili muttered, patting the back of his head theatrically.
“Oh, really?” You said disbelievingly, “Let me guess, it is some kind of mutant bug that has crawled its way through the mines of Erebor in search of Durin’s heir.”
“Believe it or not I am not jesting this time,” Kili said, yelping and grasping the back of his neck, “Would y-you just look through my hair and try to get it out-”
“Kili! You know very well I cannot touch your hair,” You gasped, “My entire career would be jeopardised-”
“I think it would be in even greater jeopardy if you let an heir of Durin die from a poisonous bug bite,” Kili implored, now twitching dramatically.
“Mahal above,” You swore, “If this is another game Kili, I will-”
“It is not a game, j-just please!” Kili exclaimed.
He spun around so his back was facing you, waving his hands in discomfort and shaking his head as if to fling the bug from his hair.
“Alright, just stand still will you,” You ordered, approaching him cautiously and peering at his thick dark hair. “Kili, why is one of your braids undone?”
“Are we really going to talk about the state of my braids right now?” Kili snapped.
“N-no of course not,” You stuttered, “Can you feel where it is?”
“I think it’s dug itself under my braid.”
Hands shaking from the pressure of the moment, you took the lock of Kili’s half braided hair into your hand.
“I-I can’t see anything,” You observed, “Are you quite sure it was a bug?”
You lifted Kili’s braid up slightly to get a better look at his scalp and jumped back in shock as the door to the antechamber opened.
Fili entered the room, intending to scold his younger brother for being late to the council meeting, but stopped in utter shock at the sight that met him.
His eyes moved from Kili’s half unbraided hair to your raised hands.
“F-Fili,” You stuttered, cheeks flushing, “This is not what it looks like.”
Fili’s eyes focused once again on the braid and his face fell.
“You... you braided his hair?”
The utter heartbreak that could be heard in his voice would have broken Kili, had he not been completely determined for this plan to work.
“Now just listen, Fee,” Kili implored, raising both of his hands in a salute of surrender.
Fili flushed red. He let out a harsh cry in Khuzdul, before launching himself at Kili.
Kili had been prepared for the heartbreak. But the violence was another thing entirely.
The brothers fell to the floor in a flurry of fists and shouts. Kili had raised his arms over his face to protect himself, whilst Fili was throwing punches without any resolve.
“Fili! Stop this!” You cried, too afraid to attempt to stop them. You had never seen Fili so angry.
“You knew how I felt about her!” Fili bellowed, “You utter arse!”
“Y-you - ouch - don’t understand!” Kili wheezed, “Get off of me you-”
Kili’s insult was cut short as Fili was practically ripped off him and thrown to the opposite side of the room.
“What do ye think yer doin’?” Dwalin growled, fists clenched and glaring at both the Princes, “Brawlin’ like yer two drunks in a pub!”
“He started-”
“I don’t care who started it, I’m finishin’ it!” Dwalin bellowed, “Now ye get yer act’s together before I have ye both locked in the dungeons for the rest o’ yer miserable lives, Princes or no’!”
He took hold of Kili’s front and dragged him up off the floor.
“Go see Oin and get yerself cleaned up before I throttle ye even more,” Dwalin threatened, then spun to face Fili. “And you fix yerself and get yer arse back into that council.”
He pushed Kili ahead of him and marched him out of the antechamber.
Fists still clenched, Fili huffed and straightened the front of his robes so roughly you could hear the seams threatening to snap.
“Fili, please let me explain,” You pleaded.
“You don’t have to,” He snapped, “You love my brother. And I was stupid enough to believe otherwise.”
You could see his anger was starting to simmer, so you braved a few steps towards him.
“What did you mean when you... when you said ‘you knew how I felt about her’?” You asked tentatively.
Fili shuffled uncomfortably and refused to meet your gaze.
“Wait a second... were you- are you jealous?”
He grumbled and cleared his throat.
“It makes no difference whether I am or not now,” he said, his shoulders falling dejectedly, “You’ve chosen him.”
“B-but I haven’t, Fili!” You cried desperately.
Throwing all caution to the wind you ran to him and took his face in your hands, forcing him to look at you.
“I wasn’t braiding Kili’s hair! I- I was...” And suddenly it clicked, and your heart swelled. You laughed loudly, “There was no bug!”
“What bug-?”
“Fili, I’m not courting Kili and I never will,” You confessed, “How can I when I am heartbreakingly smitten with someone else.”
Hope blazed in Fili’s dashing blue eyes. His expression remained tentative until you rose up to press a sweet kiss to his lips.
You couldn’t help but laugh giddily at his shock. And when he had finally recovered enough to smile brightly back at you, you took him by the hand to drag him out of the antechamber.
“Where are we going?” He asked.
“To thank your brother,” You grinned, “And his love bug.”
As a proud Australian, I have never given the slightest of interest towards the politics within the United States. Nor did the 2016 presidential election give me any feelings of foreboding.
This changed when I read a single local article stating the Australian stock market had dropped $35 billion since Trump’s odds in the election increased.
I guess that shows how sheltered and privileged the short 21 years of my life have been. I never thought the electing of a single egotistical moron in a country 15,000 kilometers away could affect me.
This election wasn’t merely about voting for a leader who will run a single country. This leader holds the fate of the world in their hands.
I would gladly take every one of you Americans - joking or unjokingly - wanting out of your country, and hide you under the shade of my Coolibah tree.
But the sad truth is - we’re just as fucked as you.
If ever there were a kingdom as grand a spectacle as Erebor was on the night of the Ball, it was unheard of.
The green marble walls glittered with the reflections of thousands of candles that hung elegantly from the high ceilings. The smells of food wafted and lively music echoed through the halls.
It seemed all in Erebor had been invited to celebrate the wondrous event. The dwarves having braided their beards and slicked back their hair, and the dwarrows sporting tights busts and glittering jewels.
It certainly was a wonder to behold. So much so, that Charlotte did not know where to look, as her father led her and her mother through the grand doors.
Tables lined the outer skirts of the hall, full to bursting with food. The chatter was incredibly loud, combined with the stomping of feet as partners danced merrily to the music.
“Makes you proud to be a Longbeard, eh?” said Harte, his chest puffing out.
“Indeed it does, Adad,” said Charlotte, her eyes sparkling as she took in the merriment around her.
She knew she should be excited about the prospect of finally meeting their enigmatic monarch and his heirs. The entire kingdom had been humming with anticipation for days leading up to the event. However, she could not help but feel an even stronger eagerness to meet the uncle of her newly esteemed student.
Charlotte curiously noted the large queue that was forming towards the end of the hall.
“My goodness, what are they lining up for?” asked Charlotte.
“To meet the King,” said Calnia, fanning herself with her hand. “And of course the Princes, and the Lady Dís herself.”
“Well, they must be quite interesting,” said Charlotte skeptically, watching as a young dwarrow chattered nervously and fixed her hair.
“Oh don’t be silly, Charlotte,” said Calnia, “This may be the only chance the public will have to meet them... I’ve heard the Princes are quite agreeable and extremely eligible.”
"Have you ever heard of an unmarried heir who was not extremely eligible?" asked Harte.
Calnia tutted and straightened her skirts.
“Amad, you cannot believe that I would have any chance of catching the attention of a Prince,” said Charlotte, indignantly. “I am more than twice their ages.”
“Age is just a number, my dear,” said Calnia airily, standing up on tip toes in an attempt to catch sight of the royals.
“I sorely disagree,” mumbled Charlotte, “As much as I would love to grovel at the feet of our monarchs Amad, I really do have a place to be.”
“What could be more important than meeting our King, I ask you?” asked Calnia, heatedly. Her face, however, lost all anger after a moment and she leaned towards Charlotte eagerly. “Have you… met someone, my dear?”
“Certainly not, Amad,” said Charlotte, her voice stern.
Calnia sniffled sulkily, “Oh! There is Efa, I must say hello.” She turned airily to kiss her husband on the cheek, “Find me within the hour and we shall join the queue then.”
And before Charlotte could begin to protest, Calnia was off with a whip of her skirts. She joined a group of dwarrows huddled to the side of the hall, no doubt gossiping about the hot topics of the evening.
"Surely it is possible, as an unmarried dwarrow, to attend a Ball without the specific intent on finding a suitor?" asked Charlotte.
"Ah yes, but a woman thrives on the very idea of finding love... It gives her something to think on," said Harte, in a jesting tone Charlotte knew only too well, "If you were to indeed, find a companion on this night, I believe it would gain you all the distinction with that particular group of dwarrows."
"Adad, you do know how to tease," said Charlotte, smiling lovingly.
"Look around you, Charlie," said Harte, nudging his daughter affectionately, "What do you see?"
"I see... Dwarves, food... happiness?"
"Aye, you or I would see such things," said Harte, clearing his throat, "But to those twittering birds over there-" He nodded to the group Calnia had joined, "-It is merely a bunch of suitors linin' up for the kill."
"Adad!" scolded Charlotte, though she was laughing.
"Food for thought, my Charlie," he said, and winking, he left her to follow a servant carrying a tray of ale.
"Oh, how handsome the Princes are! I'd never imagined I'd see faces so perfect."
"Their beards are a little short, do you not think?"
"The better to see their beauty, I say."
Charlotte and Darla, exchanging looks of exasperation, linked arms and moved away from the chattering group of young dwarrows.
"You would think that at a Ball of such splendor as this," said Charlotte, "People would have better topics to talk about than the attractiveness of the heirs to our kingdom."
"They are quite attractive..." said Darla, her voice trailing off in a sigh.
"I’ve not laid eyes on them and I’ve no inclination to," said Charlotte stubbornly.
Darla merely smirked and attempted to see through the crowd in search of the royals. The queue to meet them had been disbanded; it seemed the royals had had enough of meeting their subjects and were now enjoying the festivities of the ball.
Curious, while adamant not to show any interest in Darla's presence, Charlotte turned her head a mere inch to spy a glimpse. Her shoulder immediately collided with a nearby figure and her right heel dug itself into what was clearly a foot.
"Ouch!"
"Oh Mahal, I am so sorry!" said Charlotte, straightening herself and bowing deeply. "I was not watching where I was-"
"Lady Charlotte?”
Charlotte gasped, "Oh Kee, thank the heavens it's you." She glanced apologetically at his foot, which he was clutching in pain. "I am so sorry about your foot!"
"Not to worry, it served as a hearty wake-up," said Kee, grinning broadly, "This gathering is such a bore."
"I do not believe the intended label of the event was gathering," smirked Charlotte.
Kee laughed. Charlotte noted just how finely he was dressed, in dress robes of deep blue, with his dark hair hanging loosely over his shoulders but for two braids on either side of his face, clasped by intricate silver beads.
"Kee, this is Lady Darla. Darla, this is Kee, son of No One,” said Charlotte, gesturing to her friend who had been silenced by the sudden arrival of the young dwarf.
“A pleasure, my Lady,” said Kee, bowing low.
Darla blushed and squeaked a murmur of a reply before curtseying.
"Darla, what is the matter?" asked Charlotte, brow furrowed. She looked at her friend's face and Kee's awkward gaze. "Do you... know each other?"
"It would be difficult for anyone not to know him,” stuttered Darla, “He is-”
Kee stepped between the two dwarrows, his hands up as in defeat.
“I’m afraid I have not been entirely honest with you, Lady Charlotte,” said Kee.
“How so?” asked Charlotte.
“My name is not Kee – well it is, my brother calls me Kee – only it’s not my true name,” he said. “I am Prince-”
“Kili!”
The booming voice sent a jolt a surprise through Charlotte and she took a step back out of instinct.
Kili stepped aside wearing a sheepish expression and from behind him appeared four royal guards flanking one dwarf at the center of their group.
“Lady Charlotte, may I introduce you to my uncle,” said Kili, his expression slightly embarrassed, “Thorin Oakenshield, King Under the Mountain.”
Dumbfounded and utterly speechless, Charlotte curtseyed as the King came to a halt before her.
“It is an honor, your Majesty,” said Charlotte.
“Lady Charlotte is my tutor,” continued Kili, “And a wonderful one at that.”
The King said nothing, as Charlotte rose from her curtsey to meet his cold gaze. He looked at her momentarily, one dark eyebrow raised in skeptic appraisal.
“I doubt that,” the King said, the corner of his lip rising in a haughty smirk, “How wonderful of a tutor could she be if she does not know who her students are?”
The question left an icy silence in the air between them. Charlotte, temper rising, opened her mouth to retort only to be cut off.
“Let us depart, Kili – I wary of these celebrations,” and with that, the King turned smoothly on his heel and left the hall.
Kili turned his head slightly to give Charlotte an apologetic smile, then followed his uncle out of the hall.
Darla cleared her throat awkwardly, having watched the entire affair from aside.
“Charlie… what just happened?”
Charlotte let out a low breath, “I believe we just met Thorin Oakenshield.”
