Warrior's Bride

Bilbo stared into the only mirror in his room, Dwalin's courtship bead dangling from a plait on the left side, he can't believe that this was happening. He was actually in a Courtship. With Dwalin. A grin slowly appeared on his face, and excitement started to course through him. Humming a merry little tune, Bilbo left the room and started making his way to the kitchen, he had much to do today. Hobbit Courtship consisted of food, and flowers. Every food made and every flower given, all meant to convey what the Courters felt toward one another. Sadly, there wasn't many flowers here, but Bilbo could make due with cooking and baking.

"Going shopping?" Belladonna asked when her son came into the living room looking for the shopping basket.

"Yes, I need ingredients for tonight," Bilbo nodded, making a pleased sound when he found the basket in the corner.

"Ah," Belladonna smiled, "well, happy shopping."

From where he was smoking his pipe, Nori stood, "I'll come with you" he said, "carry your bags, and all that."

Ignoring Belladonna's look, Nori put out his pipe, waited for Bilbo to finish getting ready before following his Hobbit out the house, and to the market.

"What are you making anyway?" Nori asked as they walked through the surprisingly thin crowd.

"A stew." Bilbo answered, actually the stew was for another day in the Courtship, but details.

They head to the Butcher, which was crowded as usual.

"I'm really starting to hate shoes." Bilbo grumbled when his foot was stepped on a second time.

Nori grinned, before asking for the money, and what Bilbo wanted. Pushing through with practiced ease once he got both. He came back a few minutes later, with the wrapped meat. Thanking the Dwarf, Bilbo headed over to vegetable and fruit carts, which of course barely had anyone.

"What do Dwarves have against vegetables?" Bilbo asked as he examined a head of cabbage.

"Not all vegetables" said Nori as he poked at a melon

"Just the green ones."

"Exactly."

Shaking his head, and wondering if he should tell Nori that his mother had been sneaking the green vegetables in their meals since the two had arrived here, Bilbo picked what he wanted, and paid. As Nori followed him to his next destination, the Hobbit wondered when the Dwarf will finally tell him whatever was on his mind. When they stop at the fabric stall to browse, Nori finally spoke about why he really joined Bilbo on his errand.

"It's not too late," the Dwarf said, "to give Dwalin back the bead, to back out."

From where he was looking at a petty purple pattern, Bilbo looked up and at the Dwarf, "And why would I do that?" he asked.

"Because this won't be easy," Nori answered moving closer, "a regular relationship between two Dwarves is hard enough as it is, but you're a Hobbit, different cultures aside. There is also the fact that you will have to face prejudices, on both sides. And if you somehow make through the courtship—"

"Do you know why mother came here?" Bilbo interrupted.

Nori nodded, "I do."

It made him sad, and angry when he thought about it.

"Then you know, I can handle it, more so because you are here with me. As well as Dori, and Ori."

"But—"

Bilbo took his hand, and snuggled up against the Dwarf, "Everything will be okay, Nori. I want to do this."

Bilbo isn't sure what to call the face Nori made, but it must be a good thing, because after a while he sighed. "If he hurts you, I'm not stopping your mother, and Dori from killing him."

"I'm assuming this is after the poison attempt failed."

"That's plan B."

"What's plan A?"

"It involves Trolls."

~.~

Bilbo baked a loaf of honey bread.

Nice, warm, soft, and waiting for Dwalin when the Dwarf arrived at the Ri home. He was dressed in his best, and indeed looked quite handsome, the purple and blue of his clothing made the Captain's eyes pop. He also looked very nervous, which didn't help Bilbo's own nervousness one bit.

"Erm," Bilbo said fidgeting with his hands, "afternoon."

"Afternoon."

There is an awkward silence between them, to which Bilbo was sure his mother would be shaking her head….or laughing, most definitely the later. Clearing his throat, Bilbo indicated for Dwalin to enter the house, he softly closed the door before leading the Dwarf to the leaving room.

"Please, have a seat." Bilbo instructed, indicating to the chair at the tea table, before going into the kitchen.

Dwalin sat down, he looked at the tea set, taking notice that the cups and everything else but the pot was set out. Bilbo came back with the plated honey bread expertly sliced, and stylishly placed. He sat the plate down, and went back to the kitchen. When he came back, it was with the teapot, when it was placed down, Dwalin was surprised to see it was glass. Seeing the Dwarf's look, Bilbo gave an almost mischievous smile before bending down to pick up the box he had placed underneath the table.

Dwalin watched with interest as Bilbo opened the box, to his surprise it was a rather large blueish flower bud. Even more to his surprise, Bilbo dropped the bud into the teapot.

"Watch," Bilbo said when Dwalin looked curiously at him.

Dwalin did, patiently waiting for something to happen.

The happen, happened.

Eyes widened as the bud slowly opened, the inside petals a lovely light purple, and blue.

"In Hobbiton," Bilbo explained as he plated slices of bread on smaller plates, "we make flowered teas on special occasions. Such as Courtship." Bilbo's cheeks go a light pink.

Dwalin found it a very pleasing look.

After that, conversation flowed easily, Dwalin talking about his day. Mostly about his brother, and his soldiers, both seemingly determined to seen him to an early grave. Bilbo on the other hand, talked about Hobbiton, speaking fondly of the rolling hills, the animals, and gardens

"Sounds like paradise," Dwalin commented after swallowing his tea, it was rather good for basically flavored water.

"I suppose it can be," the smile on Bilbo's face told a story that was filled with sadness, and hurt. Not liking it, Dwalin reached into his pocket for his first, technically second, courtship. Hoping upon seeing it, the Hobbit's expression would change to bright and gentle, something that Dwalin had quickly found he wanted to protect.

"This is for you," Dwalin said as he held out the tiny box.

Curious, Bilbo took it, he opened it and his eyes widen.

It was another bead, a pearl in the shape of a heather flower.

"It's lovely," Bilbo breathed not looking away.

Pleased, Dwalin stood, "May I put it on?" he asked formally.

Bilbo nodded, and watched as the Dwarf came over to his side. The Hobbit's cheeks going warm, though whether it was because of how close the other was standing, or because of the heat the solider was radiating, he wasn't sure. Dwalin is gentle as he unbraided Bilbo's plait, slipping both beads on after re-braiding.

Fingers lingering.