The Dwarves had regained Erebor during the Battle of Five Armies, Thorin had slain Azog the Defiler but was badly wounded during the battle. He survived thanks to the elves best healers and he was crowned by the rest of his people. His nephews Kili and Fili survived the battle thanks to the elf woman Taurial, though Fili was wounded badly to the point the dwarves did not think he should be the next king of Erebor.

Which is why they had decided in a counsel that after a few successful years of ruling Thorin should take a wife and father his own heirs to the throne. He was not pleased by this but he would do what was best for his people as he had always done.

That was when they were told that they would be entertaining the idea that outside races would be allowed to offer there women of noble birth for consideration for marriage. Thorin did not like that this opened up the floor for grandstanding by the elves, humans, and whatever else decided to come forward.

For Thorin that was only the start for him. He had much to do for heavy is the head that wears the crown.

Things had changed for his nephews Kili and FIli as well. Fili had suffered the misfortune of falling to the blade of the orcs during the battle and had been made infirm as a result. He needed care from nurses most of the time and got around on a cane though he struggled with even that much. Fili was a stubborn dwarf like all in his line so he refused help on most occasions, he was withdrawn from the others due to his injuries.

Kili on the otherhand had had it a bit better since the battle. He had married the she elf Tauriel and they had moved from Erebor to the edge of the Mirkwood. They traveled together always searching out new skies to lay there heads under. They had no children as of yet but he promised to send word back to his family if she ever found out she was having a baby.

Bilbo had since left Erebor and had been on a few adventures since they had given him a taste of the dangerous life. He stayed in the Shire most of the time and wrote the dwarves often, he even told them of the progress on the tree he had planted. He was even making plans to travel to the mountain once again, he wanted to catch up with the others.

Most of the dwarves had remained at Erebor the only ones who had continued to travel was Dori, Gloin, Dwalin, And Balin. They had returned to the mountain though to see Thorin select his bride.

Gandalf had been traveling the world twice over trying to protect it from the growing evil he could sense growing in the lands. With Orc packs and goblin hordes growing larger each day he was living in constant fear for the people of the world. He wanted to know that he was doing his part to protect them, it was his duty to this world. He had also heard of the approaching choice that laid on the King Under the Mountain so he had made plans to travel with Bilbo to the mountain.

Bard the Bowman and his people had moved to the city of Dale, they restored it as much as they could for the wreckage that the city had become. The dwarves had been a big help with their skill with stone work. He had been made the official leader of the city when his heritage had been found out and he was the dragon slayer after all. He was hero and had lead the city well in his time as Lord, he was also putting two brides before the king to be selected.

Thranduil the king of the wood elves of Mirkwood had a rocky truce with the dwarves and had sent word that he would be putting a young bride forward for consideration. He knew his bride would not be top of the pick but he also knew that they all relied on trade with one another to survive. He had more respect for Thorin and his people since his wife’s diamonds of pure starlight had been returned to him.

Legolas had been out into the world where he had met the man Strider his father had mentioned. Though he is briefly returning to the mountain to be sure the bride arrives safely. he was expected to be there to escort the young lady to the halls in safety.

*** Chapter One ***

Bilbo arrived at the mountain with Gandalf the Grey just as the afternoon sun was setting on the first day of spring. A perfect season for a courtship, Bilbo thought with a slight chuckle. He didn’t think that Thorin was too happy about the impending marriage with a woman he was only going to know for a few weeks before he married her.

“There is something I don’t understand Gandalf and maybe you could help me.” Bilbo said with a twitch of his nose.

“Oh and what is that dear Bilbo?” Gandalf asked glancing down at him.

Bilbo came to a stop before they had arrived onto the bridge heading up to the gates of Erebor.

“Why are they asking Thorin to marry now? He has only been a king for three years and he is showing no signs of infirmity or old age. So why does it matter that he marries this spring or the next?” Bilbo asked frowning.

“They are wanting to ensure that someone born of Durin is made King after Thorin is gone from this world. Fili is not fit anymore to be a King and Fili has chosen a life of wandering over being king. If they had children there would not be a press on Thorin but neither of them have had children, and only one had married.” Gandalf explained softly.

“Oh so they are just wanting him to marry so that he can…