Shooting Starlight Ch.8 Blue

Kíli had finished his shift at Café Bree and was currently in Bifur’s workshop, where he was making his present for his uncle Thorin.

Bifur was an old family friend of the Durins. He was very creative, using his workshop to make unique traditional Erebor toys for children. However he liked to dabble in all different forms of art. As a young adult Bifur had gotten into a fight during which he had gotten badly wounded especially his head. While the rest of his body had healed extremely well, part of his brain had been permanently damaged, which had given him speech impairment. At first it hadn’t been very bad, but so the years went on, it had gotten worse. He was now only able to talk with a heavy low voice, sometimes merely grunting.
His cousins Bofur and Bombur had been very helpful during his recovery and were able to understand his current speech. After the fight, Bifur had completely thrown himself into his art as a way of expression. He enjoyed whenever he had visitors and was more than happy to help Kíli with his gift.

Thorin had never wanted nor needed much. He was happy with small things and signs of affections. This made it very hard for Fíli and Kíli to think of gifts to give him. Finally Kíli had decided on something practical. He was going to fashion his a belt. He’d bought some fine quality black leather that was both supple but firm. Now he wanted to make a buckle, which was going to be of an old Durin design. It would be made from silver and decorated with Ereborian patterns. He wanted to transform the simple belt into an item of power. But it also had to be relatively subtle enough so that Thorin could actually wear it.

Kíli came from a family where working with metals and gems was as normal as playing outside, so he didn’t have too much trouble. However Bifur helped him give the buckle its basic shape that Kíli would later polish and smooth out himself. Working in the workshop meant that he had all the time in the world, no fear of getting caught by his uncle, and he had everything he needed.

Kíli pushed his chair back and looked happily at the metal in front of him. It had a regular hexagon shape and slowly but surely the decorative patterns were starting to come together. He figured he needed two more days before the buckle was be done and could be attached to the leather.

He went out to grab himself some more coffee and checked his phone. Right as he did so he received a text, from no other than Tauriel. He knew she was out today, shopping with Arwen and Celebrían. She had slightly looked up against the trip, since twirly dresses wasn’t something his girlfriend felt very comfortable in, to his great amusement. Curiously he opened the message and laughed as he read the simple text.

‘Help! I’m being consumed by miles of pink fabric! ☹’

‘Haha, it can’t be that bad! I am sure the pink looks lovely ’ he replied smiling. Within seconds he got a response.

‘No I swear, it’s horrible. There’s nothing normal here!’

‘Well you could always wear nothing ’

‘Haha yeah I don’t think so love. Want to make a good impression.’

‘Trust me, you’ll make the best one ’

‘Pervert Ok what colour? Green or blue?’

‘Hmmm they’d both look great on you…’

‘Awww thanks ☺ But still choose!’

‘Haha ok blue? Are they allowing you to choose your own dress now?’

‘Yes finally! ’

‘Show me? ☺’

‘Nope! It’s gonna be a surprise! ’

‘Aw man really? It’s not your wedding dress! ’

‘No I’m keeping it a secret! Be prepared to be blown away ’

‘I always am ’

‘You’re sweet ☺’

‘And you’re gorgeous and too kind’

‘Still not gonna show you ’

‘Damn it!’

‘Can’t you wait two weeks?’

‘Nope’

‘Too bad ’

‘Why do you make me suffer, o fair maiden?’

‘Because I want to surprise you dear sir.’

‘Fine, I just hope it confines to the dress rules.’

‘…Dressing rules?’

‘Yep, didn’t I tell you about them, they are very specific.’

‘Asshole, there are no dressing rules… I checked the invitation.’

‘Nice language ’

‘Haha stop trying, I won’t show until the party.’

‘What if I want my tie to match?’

‘Its blue, there you go ’

‘Fine, I’ll leave it… for now… ’

‘How’s your gift coming along?’

‘Going great actually, it’s almost done ’

‘Wow that’s great! I am sure it’ll look amazing and your uncle will love it!’

‘He better! It’s costing blood, sweat and tears!’

‘Drama Queen ’

‘Haha Gotta go work on it, talk to you later!’

‘Good luck! Xxx’

‘You too xxx’


Smiling Kíli grabbed his now cold coffee and went back to work, not seeing Bifur shake his head amused.


Meanwhile Tauriel was still standing in the dressing room in Míriel’s store. She had lost count of how many dresses she’d tried on, but many had been pastel coloured and very flowing… something she didn’t really like. Had she just been with Arwen it would have been different, but Celebrían was there, and to the surprise of all women, Lady Galadriel, Arwen’s grandmother and Celebrían’s mother decided to come along too.

Tauriel wasn’t someone who was easily scared but Galadriel had something about her that was intimidating. Not that the woman was unkind, it was the opposite, she was very friendly, but she had an air of authority and it was obvious that she was incredibly intelligent. Despite her older age, she still worked as the Secretary General of the United Earths, the head of the multinational organisation that brought the nations of Arda together and tried to establish peace.

She had long golden thick hair shot with silver that fell in waves to her hips. Her high cheekbone face was beautiful and her light blue eyes twinkled happily, though Tauriel could imagine them turn icy blue when angry. Galadriel had passed on her good looks down to her daughter and granddaughter. But Celebrían like her father Celeborn had silver hair that she also kept long. Her eyes were sky blue that seemed to be constantly smiling.

Being in the company of such beautiful women made Tauriel nervous and unsure, and she found it hard to refuse the dresses Arwen and Celebrían picked out. Galadriel had been looking very amused, and it was actually she who had picked out the midnight blue dress Tauriel was currently wearing. Finally a dress she liked. There was a loud knock on the door and Arwen’s voice floated through.
“What are you doing in there? Do you have the dress on?” Tauriel laughed and slipped away her phone.
“Yes, yes! I am coming out!” She opened the door and stepped through the arched doorway into the waiting room.

It was a large oval space surrounded by mirrors to show of every single detail of all the beautiful gowns Míriel had made. Arwen, Celebrían, and Galadriel sat in the comfortable chairs in the middle, enjoying some tea and looking through some more designs. When Tauriel entered they looked up and Arwen gasped.
“Wow! Taur, you look… just amazing… enchanting really!” Tauriel smiled at her gratefully. She twirled around, liking the feeling of the soft fabric caressing her ankles. Celebrían and Galadriel smiled at her.
“It’s true darling, it’s like its made especially for you.” Celebrían said.
“You look like a star.” Galadriel agreed and a blush formed on Tauriel’s cheeks. Arwen came up to her and started inspecting her from up close. She playfully poked her ribs and toned abdomen.

“Gosh, you’re so fit!”
“And so flat. This dress gives the illusion of curves.”
“You do have curves! They’re just smaller.”
“Hmmm…”
“Oh god, you look amazing and don’t you think otherwise. Kíli is going to faint when he sees you and the rest of his family won’t be able to take their eyes off of you.”
“You don’t think it’s too…?”
“Too what?”
“Sexy?”
“Don’t you want to look sexy?”
“Well yes, but not too much, I mean, I’ve never met his family and want to make a good impression.”
“You will make the best impression and no it’s not too sexy, don’t worry!” Tauriel gave her friend a careful hug.
“Thanks Arwen!’
“No problem! Now, time for dress number two, for the wedding!” And Tauriel groaned.

She was given another dress, again given to her by Galadriel. This time the dress was a light beige colour, decorated with golden beading, making it shimmer. Tauriel didn’t care for such glitter, but she agreed to try it on. Carefully she slipped into the thin fabric and turned to the mirror in her dressing room and gasped.

She really should have known that anything Galadriel would pick out would have been wonderful. The fabric was soft and had several light sheer shimmering layers. It hugged her waist and hips, running down the length of her legs, before widening a bit by her ankles, creating a slight mermaid effect and allowing for room to walk. From her waist up the dress was covered with golden beading that formed a round neckline and her long sleeves, looked like glittering lace. The golden colour highlighted her red hair, bringing out her creamy complexion and bright green eyes. She stood mesmerized for a few moments and wished Kíli was here to see her.

Slowly she opened the door to show the others and received the same reaction she had just had herself.
“I don’t know what to say, you’re a goddess.” Arwen told her in awe. “I almost think you should wear this to the birthday instead and wear the blue one to the wedding. What do you think mum?”
“I think both dresses are gorgeous, but I think the blue one is more appropriate for the birthday, especially since we don’t know what the others will wear. But this one, child, you could wear this during your own wedding as well as Éowyn’s wedding, it’s enchanting.”
“Well then, I guess I found my dresses… finally.” Tauriel said and Arwen laughed.
“Yes, come on, we’re done here, you look exhausted. Go get changed and I’ll tell Éowyn we’ll be on our way for dinner.”

Gratefully Tauriel slipped back into her jeans and blouse and carefully handed the dresses to Míriel, who was going to make a few minor adjustments to them so they would be perfect for her. All women had found themselves a beautiful dress for the wonderful event ahead of them. Tauriel knew Thranduil would be proud of her for buying both dresses. He always thought she was too careful when buying things, especially when she had money enough. But while it hadn’t been easy, Tauriel was happy with herself, and for the first time in a while she couldn’t wait until she was allowed to slip into those beautiful gowns again.


Together with Arwen, Tauriel went over to the restaurant where they would be meeting Éowyn, Faramir, Aragorn, Éomer, and Théodred. Legolas had planned to come at first, but he had been called to a scene to report on that day. Tauriel didn’t mind too much. While they were talking again, it still felt awkward at times, especially when Arwen loved to ask her questions about Kíli and the rest always reacted curiously, since none had seen him yet.

The restaurant served a tapas style menu, which was great since everyone had different preferences with food. Arwen was a vegetarian and Tauriel wasn’t always too found of heavy meat like beef or pork. Éowyn and her brother and cousin weren’t overly fond of fish, while Aragorn and Faramir indulged in everything they were given. But the restaurant provided something for everyone, which helped the evening along. The seven of them had become very good friends over time, with many adventures to look back upon. But the main topic of conversation was Éowyn and Faramir’s wedding.

It was obvious that the two loved each other very much. Éowyn had always looked radiant with her pale golden hair and bright blue eyes. She had a strong and healthy physique that radiated life. Tauriel could relate with her no-nonsense attitude, while Arwen had discovered her inner romantic side, which had bonded the three of them very closely.
Faramir and his older brother Boromir were quite alike in appearances. Both had sea green eyes, prominent facial features and dark strawberry blond hair. But Boromir was the taller of the two and also had the stronger physical build like their father, with a strong upper body and wide shoulders. Faramir in comparison was more delicate, although no less powerful. He looked more like his mother, also inheriting her softer character and personality. This was a cause of strain with his father Denethor. Finduilas had died when Boromir and Faramir were still children. Faramir had gotten sick with a virus that Finduilas also picked up when treating him. But while Faramir survived, she didn’t. Denethor was inconsolable, and during fits of anger and sadness, had blamed Faramir for her untimely death. Her death had impacted the entire family, with Faramir trying to prove to his father that he was worth life, while Boromir had decided to become a doctor to prevent this from happening to other families. But Denethor had seemed to cheer up quite a bit with the prospects of a wedding and had been very helpful. Faramir suspected that Éowyn reminded him of his lost wife and the older man couldn’t wait for grandchildren to fill up his life.

During dinner Tauriel at times wished Kíli could be there with her. Arwen and Aragorn were happy to see each other again after months of separation and Faramir and Éowyn couldn’t keep looking at each other, to the great annoyance of her brother Éomer, who, though accepting Faramir with open arms, finding in him a new friend, was still very overprotective of his little sister. He and Théodred were very close, seeming more like brothers than cousins. They had been quite rebellious in their youth and found in each other a comrade for adventure. Tauriel enjoyed the blonds company, who enjoyed to joke around, especially making fun of Aragorn. But Arwen’s dark haired prince didn’t mind and enjoyed the banter as well.

They had finished dinner and were enjoying some tea and coffee when Aragorn’s phone went off and he excused himself.
Arwen looked at him worriedly and Tauriel reached over to squeeze her hand.
“I am sure it’s fine Arwen.” And her friend sighed.
“I just hope they aren’t calling him to work, he’s enjoying his time at home at his family’s hospital. I know Aragorn and if they ask him he generally can’t refuse. It’s in his blood to travel.”

To stir the conversation away from Aragorn, Tauriel started to tell Éowyn about the dresses they had bought today for her wedding. Distracted Arwen enthusiastically joined the conversation. They didn’t notice the time that passed that Aragorn was away. But when he did return back to their table, the mood immediately shifted. One look on his face told everyone that something was not right. He was pale with a faraway look in his eyes. Arwen stood up and supported him, her arms around him.
“What’s wrong love?” she asked as the rest looked at him questioningly. It took him a while to speak, but then his eyes found Faramir’s and he took an agonizing deep breath.


“It’s Boromir…”