nrgburst | Curtainfic (The Hobbit fanfiction) (Reply)

Title: (Untitled) (An Elf's new clothes?)
Fandom: The Hobbit (Jackson films)
Characters: Tauriel, Dis
Rating/Warnings: G, same BotFA AU as To Catch a Falling Star (only Kili survives)
Word Count: 530
Summary: Because Elves and Dwarves have different ideas as to what makes for suitable wedding preparation

The choosing of tapestries and furniture; wedding dresses, jewelry and underthings is the happy work of a dwarrow bride-to-be.

Tauriel doesn’t mind it exactly—it’s exciting to prepare for their future together, and Elves have as much appreciation for finely made things as Dwarves. But she has to wonder how much simpler things would be if Kíli were anyone other than Erebor’s King.

Dwarves expect a bride’s trousseau to befit her status, and Tauriel’s practical choices are quickly dismissed by Dis.

“Why, imagine the scandal! A single dress! We’d never live it down!”

Tauriel blinks, bemused by the implication that spending sensibly could somehow be considered worse than a Dwarf King taking an Elven bride. Kili’s been telling her about the letters coming in from the other Dwarf Kingdoms. Many think she addled his wits because of his inexplicable decision to bury the Arkenstone with Thorin. Others wonder rather frankly about his heirs, or rather, about the unlikeliness of heirs from the senior line of Durin with such a bride. It’s all rather grim and accusatory, and the lot of them will be descending on Erebor for the wedding in spring.

They have several months to prepare, at least. So Tauriel thinks wasting material and labor on things she is expected to wear only once is ludicrous—surely they should be preparing for their guests, who look to number in the hundreds.

“My formal dress fits perfectly and has been well cared for; the stitching and material are as new. Surely marriage is simply the uniting of two lives. Elves only require a marriage to be consummated after the speaking of vows.”

This declaration utterly horrifies Dís, rendering her speechless and staring before she recovers.

“Well! Of all the ridiculous... A king who can’t provide for his bride is a king who can’t provide for his people! Hasn’t Kíli asked you to spend as much as pleases you?”

Tauriel’s brow furrows. Kíli spends a great deal of gold, as if he can hardly wait to be rid of it, but always on things for the people. “Yes, but what pleases me-“

“No buts. A royal wedding is no time to be thrifty. The other clans will see it as a sign of weakness! Just imagine the outrage of seeing Erebor’s new queen going before Mahal dressed in old clothes like some beggar bride! And you’ve chambers to furnish as well! I’d wager you’d thought to go without tapestries and carpets? Why, Kíli might take a chill!”

And Tauriel swallows her protests, understanding what Dis is actually pushing for.

“I see I have a great deal to learn about such things. I would be grateful to have your guidance in such matters.”

Dis smiles and nods pompously, satisfied. “Well, I suppose it’ll be possible to accompany you to the market to prevent any possible mistakes. In fact, I have a bit of free time tomorrow. We can start first thing—you tell your healer friend not to expect you. You have a queen’s work to worry about now.”

Tauriel inclines her head and her brow furrows slightly. Such a dramatic way to label a trip to market. But she supposes she can see the truth to it, and she will do what she can to help prevent misunderstandings.

Shopping as preventive diplomacy. Just when she thought she understood dwarves.