Tiki, the Son of Kili
By Suzanna Kelton
Chapter 1 The Birth of a Son
Kili was worried, as he watched Tauriel, in the healing pool of Sebastian's hovel. His kin were there to help, as Tauriel labored to give birth to his son, Tiki. Susy and Lilybelle were next to the pool, as they waited for the healer's instructions.
"Tauriel, do you need me to remove any pain? "asked Kili, as his brother, Fili stood by his side. Fili felt sorry for Tauriel, who was breathing heavily, as she was bearing down. The she-elf smiled at her husband, who was more scared than she was.
"Kili, as I told you before. I hardly feel any pain at all, "reassured Tauriel, who was resting in the pool.
"You are doing fine, Tauriel, "said Sebastian. "Do you need any healing water? Lilybelle be ready to give me the mug. "
"No thank you, Sebastian. I only feel a little discomfort, but no pain. "
"It is probably because you are an elf, and they can endure more pain than the other races, "explains the healer.
"I feel something, Sebastian. I think the baby is coming, "stated Tauriel, as she felt something leave her body.
Sebastian was quick to get a hold of the baby, and handed it to Susy, who was smiling. The healer felt Tauriel to make sure she was fine, as Thorin's wife dried little Tiki, with a blanket.
"He is adorable, Tauriel, "said a smiling Susy. Thorin looked at the baby, and frowned.
"This baby is a small looking elf. I was hoping he would look more dwarfish, "stated Oakenshield. Thorin muttered some dwarfish cuss words under his breath, as he backed away from the baby.
"Tiki, you should not be relieving yourself on your great-Uncle Thorin, "said a smiling Susy, as she try not to laugh.
"That is not funny, wife, "said Thorin, as his wife smiled at him. Thorin scowled at the baby, as Balin and Dwalin patted Oakenshield's back. Susy got a second blanket, and wrapped it around the baby.
"Can I hold my son, Aunt Susy? "asked Kili. Susy walked over to a trembling Kili, and put his son into his arms. A big smile broke out on Kili's and Fili's faces, as they looked down on Tiki, who was trying to kick his legs.
"He is beautiful, Tauriel. He looks a lot like you…but small, "said a surprised Kili. Balin took a peek, and said, "Well, the size is probably the dwarfish part of him. The rest looks a lot like elfish. " Balin touched Tiki's fingers, and smiled. "He is a nice lad, Tauriel. "
Tauriel smiled at Balin, as she rested against Sebastian, who was still checking to make sure she is fine.
"I think you should stay a bit longer in the pool, just to be safe, Tauriel. Then Kili, I want you to help your wife to the drying area, so she can get dry, "explained Sebastian. " I need to check on Bombom. "
"Bombom is here? "asked Susy, as she stood next to her husband. Dwalin and his wife, Mer were looking at Tiki, when they looked up at the healer. No one knew that Sebastian had Bombom in his hovel. Bombur's wife, Devie must have brought their youngest to see the healer.
"Nothing serious. He put two pebbles into his nose, and could not get them out, "explain a smiling Sebastian. "Poor Devie was frightened about the whole thing. I have a feeling that as soon as she gets him back to the inn, she will let him know what she thinks of him, scaring her as he did. "
"Devie is suppose to be watching Baby Xander. I wonder who is watching our son, "asked Thorin.
"Devie brought Baby Xander with her, "explained Sebastian.
When Sebastian left, Xander and his friends arrived. The wizard and his friends: Griff, Ren, and Steven had become good friends of the dwarves of Erebor, and their kin.
"We heard that Tauriel was having her child, and we hurried over as fast as we could, "said Xander.
"The baby is born, Xander. My son, Tiki is here in my arms, "said a smiling Kili. The dark-haired nephew of Thorin Oakenshield walked over to Xander, Griff, Ren, and Steven. He show them little Tiki, who was starting to burp.
"He is full of air, like his father, "said a laughing Dwalin.
"Kili, you were the same way, when you was a baby, "teased Thorin. Kili looked at Thorin and Dwalin, and gave a weak smile. The dwarves laughed at Kili, who just sighed and smiled at his son.
"Kili, I am ready to come out now, "said Tauriel, who was happy that her kin and friends were here.
"I will hold my nephew, Kili, "said Fili, as he smiled at the baby. Kili handed Tiki to Fili, and went to help Tauriel. Lilybelle, Fili's wife joined Fili, as he held the baby. The baby released some gas, making Fili hold the baby away from him.
"Fili, that is not how you hold a baby, "said Lilybelle the hobbit, who took Tiki from his arms. Fili, Xander, and his friends, backed away from Tiki and Lilybelle.
"It is when the baby is releasing air, "replied Fili.
"Just like his father, "said Dwalin, as he and Thorin laughed out loud. Susy shook her head, and joined Lilybelle. The baby smiled at the two females, who were touching his fingers.
"I hope we have a baby like Tiki one day, Fili, "said a smiling Lilybelle.
"Well, I hope our baby does not smell, "said a laughing Fili.
"Hey! Our baby does not smell, "said a frowning Kili, as he helped Tauriel sit in the drying area. Tauriel smiled, as she looked at the three other females, who just shook their heads, and smiled at the she-elf.
"Let us hope the child does not get into trouble, like his father, "said a smiling Thorin.
"I do not know Thorin, he is already showing signs of being another Kili, "answered a smiling Balin.
Thorin looked at Balin, and sighed. Everyone laughed at the thought of another Kili, as the happy parents of Tiki hugged each other.
Sebastian returned with Bombom and Devie, who was carrying the ten months old Baby Xander. Bombom was a miniature version of his father.
"Da da! "said Baby Xander, when he saw his father, Thorin, who took the baby from Devie. The resemblance between father and son was starting to be noticeable.
"Is Bombom doing fine? "asked Susy.
"He is fine for now, "said Devie, "But wait until I get him home. " Bombom pouted sadly. He looked up, and saw Xander standing next to his friends. The heavy little dwarf ran to the wizard, who smiled.
"Gag father! Are you here to see the baby?! "shouted Bombom.
"Yes, my boy. Were you ill? "asked a smiling Xander.
"No, he put two pebbles into his nose, "said an annoyed Devie.
"Well, Bombom…warriors do not put pebbles in their nose, unless they fall down into the pebbles, like Steven, "teased Xander. Griff and Ren laughed, as did the dwarves.
"Hey! I never got pebbles into my nose! "said an irate Steven.
"You have fallen on pebbles, have you not? "teased Xander.
"The pebbles made me slip, "answered an annoyed Steven. Steven's friends laughed at the embarrass womanizer.
"Xander, stop teasing Steven. Do not let Xander upset you, Steven that is what he wants, "advised Susy.
"You told him my secret, "said the laughing wizard, as Steven frowned at his friend.
Devie went to look at little Tiki, and smiled. "He is such a precious baby, "she said to Kili and Tauriel. The she-elf was finally dry, and went to see her son.
Tauriel took the baby from Lilybelle, and said to Tiki, "Greetings my darling son. I heard you met your Da, Kili. " Tauriel kissed the baby on his head, as the baby smiled.
"Da, "said the baby. Everyone was startled, and looked toward the baby.
"Did the baby just say 'Da' or was I hearing things? "asked Dwalin.
"He did say 'Da'. I have a feeling that this child is special, and will do great things one day, "stated Xander, as everyone looked at the baby, with wonder on their face.
Chapter 2 Handling A Baby
Kili and Tauriel enjoyed their baby son, Tiki, who was a smart child, and very small for his age. The baby would listen to his parents, and mimics a few words that they had said in front of him. At a month old, Tiki could say 'Da, Ma, no, and mine'. Kili was surprise how quickly the baby was learning words, but Tauriel told him that the baby was copying sounds. She does not believe the baby understood what he was saying.
So, life went on peacefully in their household. Tauriel would care for Tiki, clean their home, and make the meals for Kili, who was getting tired of eating a lot of vegetables. Kili would go every morning to feed the horses, clean the stalls, and then exercise the horses. He sometimes would take Tiki out to look at the horses. Since he had started the stable, Kili had sold five horses, and bought five more to replace the old ones, that were sold. He did not want to sell the beautiful grey mare, so he decided to keep her. He named the mare, Mist after the grey mist that sometimes enters the forest area that they are living in. Living in the elfish section of Little Logan was a great blessing to Tauriel, who miss the Wooden Realm, dearly.
One morning, after Tiki reached his third month of being born, Kili and Tauriel was awaken, by Tiki's crying. Tauriel turn to her side of the bed, and Tiki was not in his cradle.
"Kili! Tiki is not in his bed! "yelled Tauriel, who quickly got out of bed. A half-asleep Kili heard Tauriel, and fell out of bed onto the floor of the bedroom.
"I hear him crying, "said a drowsy Kili, who slowly got up off the floor. Kili awkwardly put on some trousers, and then he struggled to put on his boots.
Tauriel looked in their bedroom, but knew Tiki was not in the room. She could hear her baby crying down stairs, and was worry that someone was stealing their baby. Tauriel hurried to the stairway to go down stairs, when she saw her son at the bottom of the stairs. The she-elf hurried down the stairs, then came Kili in a hurry, stumbling down the stairs. Tauriel quickly pick up Tiki, as Kili joined her.
"Tiki, did you fall down the stairs? "asked a worried Tauriel, who held her baby. Tiki stopped crying, and smiled at his Ma. Tauriel checked the baby, and sighed in relief.
"How is he, Tauriel? "asked Kili, who was trying to put on his tunic.
"He does not look hurt, but I would feel better if Sebastian looked at him. Kili, hold the baby, while I get dressed, "said Tauriel, as she handed Tiki to his father.
"Alright, Tauriel, "said Kili, as he watched his beautiful wife go back upstairs. Kili was checking the baby's body, when Tauriel came down stairs dressed, and carrying a blanket for the baby. She smiled at Kili, who had his face closed to the baby's tummy, checking for bruises. The baby was laughing with glee, at his Da. Tauriel sigh as she touched Kili, who looked up at his wife.
"Come on, Kili. Let us go see, Sebastian, "said Tauriel, who wrapped the baby in the blanket.
The couple was hurrying through Little Logan's marketplace, as they headed to the healer's hovel. The shop keepers were getting their shops ready for a new day. The couple quickly waved to Bombur, who was heading out of The Blue Mountain Inn. Bombur love being the owner of his own inn, and enjoy the many visitors there. He was also Thorin Oakenshield's neighbor, whose home was next to the inn. The borderline separated the inn and the home, as well as the village of Little Logan and the city of Logan.
Bombur was checking a fenced area to see how his two goats were doing. The female goat was expecting a kid any day now, and the children were excited.
"Tiki, stop wiggling. You are going to make me drop you, "said Kili, as he held Baby Tiki. Tauriel looked over to check on the baby, who was laughing.
They hurried on the road that was in front of Oakenshield's, Thorin and Susy's home, movement was seen behind the windows' curtains. Thorin and Balin were heading toward the forge behind the house, when they saw Kili and Tauriel, with the baby.
"Kili? Is something wrong? "asked Thorin, with concern.
"Yes, Thorin. We are heading to Sebastian. We think Tiki fell down the stairs, "explained Kili, who was hurrying past his kin. Thorin and Balin looked at each other.
"Hmmm….How can the baby get to the stairway? "asked a confused Balin.
"I do not know, but I better tell, Susy. She would want to be told, "said Thorin, who hurried to his home.
Kili and Tauriel turn onto the main road of Logan, and went two hundred yards to the small road that the healer's place is located at. Sebastian's hovel does not have a door, and anyone can come see the healer, whenever he is needed.
When the couple enters the hovel, Kili called out, "Sebastian, we need you! "
The albino came from the back of the hovel, and saw Kili and Tauriel, with Baby Tiki. "What is wrong? "asked Sebastian.
"We think Tiki fell down the stairs, because we found him at the bottom of our stairway, "said Tauriel.
"Hand him to me, Kili, "said the healer, who gently took the baby from his father. Sebastian made a funny faced, and smiled.
"Are you sure, he fell down the stairway? The only bruises Tiki has are on the palm of his hands, and the bottom of his feet, "proclaimed Sebastian.
"What?! "asked Kili and Tauriel, with surprise.
"I wonder how he got out of his cradle. Babies at his age are barely lifting their heads, and rolling on to their stomachs, "stated the healer. "Do you mind if I put him on the rug? " Kili and Tauriel shook their heads, as Sebastian put the baby on his tummy, on top of the rug. Thorin, Balin, and Susy, carrying Baby Xander enter the healing hovel. The healer, Kili, Tauriel, and Tiki turn to the new arrivals.
"Is Tiki alright? "asked a worried Susy, as her son, Baby Xander looked down at Tiki, who looked back.
"He just bruised the palms of his hands, and the bottom of his feet, "stated Sebastian.
"But how did he get out of his cradle? "asked Thorin.
"I think I know how he got to the stairs, "said Balin, as he pointed to Tiki. "Look at him. "
Everyone looked at Kili and Tauriel's son, as he wiggled on the rug toward a heavy tall table.
"He is wiggling like a worm, "said Thorin, as everyone watched the baby. When Tiki got to one of the legs of the table, he grabbed the leg with his hands and feet and slowly crawled up the leg. Tauriel quickly grabbed her baby, so he would not fall again.
"Are you sure the baby is not part goblin? "asked a teasing Thorin. Susy hit her husband, as Kili and Tauriel frowned at a chuckling Thorin.
"Tauriel, was the baby at the center bottom of the stairway, or underneath the banister? "asked the healer. Tauriel thought about Sebastian's question.
"He was underneath the banister, "said Tauriel.
"What does that mean, Sebastian? "asked a worried Kili.
"That he did not fall down the stairs, but slid down the banister. And he probably slid off the banister onto the palm of his hands and feet. That would explain the bruises. There is no way you can stop him from doing that, so I suggest you put big pillows at the bottom of the banisters to break his fall. I'll heal his bruises, and then you can take him home, "said the smiling healer. Kili and Tauriel were relieved, but knew that they will have to be careful with their adventurous son.
"Just like his father, always into trouble, "said a smiling Thorin, as Kili looked at his uncle and sigh.
"I am glad it was not a serious injury, Tauriel. Maybe you would like to bring Tiki to play with Xander? "said Susy, with a smile.
"I would love that, Susy. I think it is time, that Tiki met his father's cousin, "said a smiling Tauriel.
"Good luck, wife. I have a feeling that this child will be a handful, "teased Thorin. Tiki eyed Thorin, and stuck his tongue out at Oakenshield, who frown as the others laughed.
Chapter 3 Tiki And Xander
The next day, Susy heard a knock on the front door, and went to open it. Outside the door were Tauriel and Baby Tiki, who was smiling at Susy. Susy smiled back at the baby, and told Tauriel to come into her home.
"So, how is Tiki's hands and feet, Tauriel? Does the baby still gets out of his cradle, and slid down the banister? "asked Susy, as she led the she-elf into the gathering room. Baby Xander was in his playpen, playing with a rubber ball, rubber blocks, and a stuffed warg, his favorite toy. Baby Xander had his first birthday last month, and was playing with some of his presents.
"His hands and feet are fine. And…yes, he still gets out of his cradle. This morning I found him on our first floor of our house, wiggling across the floor. Luckily, he is not tall enough, or strong enough to undo the bar across the front door, "answered Tauriel. The she-elf placed her baby next to Baby Xander, in the playpen. Tiki said some baby jabber to Xander, who jabbered back. "Thank you for inviting me to lunch. I had already fed Tiki, so he will probably play awhile, and then take a nap. " Susy smiled at the babies.
"I had already fed Xander, as well. So, they should be fine to play, until they get sleepy. Have you ever tried grilled vegetables, Tauriel? "asked Susy, as she led the she-elf to the dining area.
"No, but I am willing to try it, "replied Tauriel. The two females heard the door to the garden opened up, and in entered Thorin and Balin, from the forge.
"What is for lunch, wife? "asked Thorin, as he kissed his wife.
"I made some steaks, roasted potatoes, and grilled vegetables for lunch. I had invited Tauriel for lunch, Thorin. And she brought Tiki to play with Baby Xander. " Thorin nodded at Tauriel, who smile and nodded back. "Thorin, go wash your hands, before you eat. " Balin smiled, while Thorin frown.
"Women, and their habits, "teased Thorin, as Oakenshield and Balin went into the kitchen to wash their hands. The dwarves return, and sat at their favorite spot at the dining table.
"Balin, I know how much you love grilled vegetables, so I made some for lunch just for you, "said a smiling Susy.
"Yes, I do Little One…thank you. Good day to you, Tauriel. How is your fine lad today? "asked Balin, who smiled at the she-elf. Balin took a mug that Thorin had offered him, as Susy place the plates on the table.
"He is doing well, so thank you for asking, "said Tauriel, as Susy finished laying out lunch by putting a large pitcher of beer, near her husband. Thorin's wife started serving her husband his steaks, when they heard Baby Xander started to cry. They all looked at the play pen, and saw that Tiki had gotten all the toys away from Baby Xander.
"He took all my son's toys away, "said an upset Thorin, who stood up, and was about charged over to where the babies were.
"It is alright, Thorin. I was prepared for that, "said Susy, who stopped her husband. Thorin's wife got her red anything bag off the serving table. She pulled out an identical rubber ball, and rubber blocks from the bag. She gave the new toys to Baby Xander, but took the stuffed warg from Tiki. Tiki started crying, reaching for the stuffed warg. Susy gave him a lighter color warg, so she know which one was her son's. But Tiki still wanted Xander's stuffed warg. The small baby would not touch the light color warg, which just lay in the playpen, next to him.
"He is not getting my son's warg, wife, "warned Thorin, as Tauriel looked quickly to her husband's uncle, with concern.
"Hmmm…Tauriel, does Kili ever take the baby to go see the horses at the stable? "asked Susy, as she picked up Tiki to stop his crying.
"Yes, Tiki love the horses. But his favorite horse is our grey mare, Mist, "answered Tauriel.
Everyone watched as Susy pondered, and then she put Tiki back into the playpen. Susy reached into her anything bag, and took out a stuffed grey horse and gave it to Tiki. Tiki looked at the horse, and smiled just like his father. He hugged and wrestles with the grey horse, as Baby Xander watched him. Tiki was happy with his horse, while Baby Xander held tightly to his warg. Susy sigh in relief, and hope they do not start fighting again. She went back to the table, and finish serving lunch. Everyone started to eat their meal.
"So, how is the stable doing, Tauriel? Have you been selling many horses? "asked Balin.
"Yes, Kili had just sold three more horses, and had bought a big bay horse. The poor horse last owner use to beat him a lot, "answered Tauriel.
"I hate men who mistreat poor animals, "said Thorin, as he sharply cut his steaks.
"Poor horse. But are not mistreated horses dangerous? "asked Susy, with concern.
"Yes, Kili is having trouble calming the poor creature down. It still does not trust anybody to go near him. Kili is not bringing Tiki to the stable, when the bay is in the fenced area. And when he does bring Tiki, the bay is in his stall. Kili is being careful with the horse, until he is sure the horse is not going to stomp anyone, "explained Tauriel.
The group was almost finished with lunch, when they heard Baby Xander crying again. They looked at the playpen, and saw that Baby Xander had Tiki's horse in his hands, and Tiki was biting down on one of Xander's arm.
"Tiki no! "shouted Tauriel, as she went to go get her son. But Thorin grabbed Tiki first, as anger show on his face.
"Thorin Oakenshield, you better not harm that baby! "shouted Susy, as she got up. Balin got up as well, not sure what to do.
"He was hurting my son! "snarled Thorin, who was glaring at Tiki, who eyes got big.
"He has no teeth, Thorin. How can he be hurting Xander? "replied a worried Tauriel, who was scared to move.
Thorin kept glaring at Tiki, who slowly started crying. Sighing, Thorin hugged the baby to him, and sat down on the couch.
"I am sorry, Small One. But I love my son, and you were hurting him…or scaring him, "said Thorin, who was rocking back and forth on the couch. Tiki held on to Thorin, rubbing his face into the dwarf's shoulder. Susy walked over to the playpen, and picked up Baby Xander. Xander was sniffling, and Susy checked his arm. There were no teeth mark, but a slight reddish mark where the gums pressed down on the baby's arm. Susy took the horse from Baby Xander, who started to cry.
"Xander! You are such a spoiled child! This toy is not yours, "stated Susy, who hand the toy to Thorin. Thorin show the toy to Tiki, who quickly grabbed his horse. Susy walked over to the anything bag, and pulled out a black horse, like Baby Xander's godfather's horse, Archer. Baby Xander grabbed the stuffed black horse, hugged it to his face, and stopped crying. Susy sighed, and joined Thorin on the couch. Balin and Tauriel sat at the table, glad that the fighting was over. Susy smiled at Thorin, who shook his head.
"A lot of trouble, just like his father, "said Thorin. Unknown to the dwarves, woman, and she-elf; Tiki and Baby Xander smiled at each other, because they both gotten new toys.
After lunch and a nap for both babies, Susy and Tauriel took their sons to go see Kili at the stable. Tauriel was carrying a cloth bag that had Tiki's stuffed warg, rubber ball, and rubber blocks. Tiki and Baby Xander were carrying their stuffed horses. The females walked through Little Logan's marketplace, and turn left towards Furr's Toy shop, which belonged to Bofur and Bifur. Behind the toy shop, that was next to the border of Logan was Kili and Tauriel's home and the stable, Kili's Stable. Tauriel insisted that Kili put his name on the stable. The two females, with babies saw Kili pitching hay into the stalls. The new horse kept stomping and snorting in his stall, as it turn to look at the new arrivals.
"Greetings Kili! "shouted Susy, as the females stopped at the fenced. Kili turn around, and smiled at the two females, as he walked over to talk to them.
"So, how is the new horse? "asked Susy, as Baby Xander reached for Kili.
"He is still unpredictable. He just now bit me in the shoulder. So, I put him into his stall to calm him down, "said Kili, who reached over and touched Baby Xander's hand.
"Did the bite break your skin, Kili? "asked a worried Tauriel.
Kili smiled at Tauriel, and said, "I think it did, Tauriel. But after I finish putting the hay in the stalls, I will go see Sebastian. It will probably not take long for him to heal my shoulder. " Kili played with his son's hand, as well. They could hear the bay horse whinny, and snorting in his stall.
"So, how was lunch, Tauriel? Did Tiki get along with Baby Xander? "asked a smiling Kili. The dwarf noticed the looks that went between the two females.
"Lunch was wonderful, but…, "said Tauriel.
"Tiki and Baby Xander fought in the playpen for toys, "said a smiling Susy. "That is normal for children to fight for toys. "
"Shame on you, Tiki. Fighting with your Cousin Xander, "scold Kili, as Tiki giggled. "What is in the bag, Tauriel? "
"The toys your Aunt Susy gave Tiki, so he would not fight with Baby Xander, "said a smiling Tauriel.
"It worked for while, and then I have to give Baby Xander a new toy, so he would not take Tiki's stuffed grey horse. Xander got the stuffed black horse, "answered Susy. Baby Xander held on tight to his black horse.
"The grey horse looks like Mist, and the black horse looks like Archer. They are wonderful, Aunt Susy. I would had desire something like this when I was a young dwarf, "declared Kili, as he touched the stuffed horses.
"I think you desire them now, "teased Tauriel, as Kili smiled at his wife.
"Am I that open that you know my thoughts, Tauriel? "asked Kili, as they laughed.
"Yes, Kili. Did you enjoy lunch at Fili and Lilybelle's home? "asked the she-elf, as she smiled at her husband.
Before Kili could answer his wife, they heard a loud crashed, and he turn to see that the big bay horse had broken the gate to his stall.
"Go inside the house! "shouted Kili, as he went to stop the horse, which ran into the fenced area. The bay horse reared up to stomp Kili, with his hooves. One of the hooves hit Kili a glance on his forehead, making him fall. Tauriel went pale, and quickly gave Tiki to Susy, while tossing the bag of toys to the ground. The she-elf quickly jumped the fence, and hurried to where the horse knocked Kili to the ground. Kili was knocked out and motionless, near the horse, which was panicking.
Tauriel hurried to Kili to see how hurt he was, as Susy turn to run to Kili and Tauriel's home, with the babies. But the big bay horse spun around, and jumped the fence. He landed in front of Susy, who was trying to back away from the horse. Thorin's wife tripped, and landed on her back, with the babies landing on her. The weight of the babies knocked the breath out of her, as she tried to get up. The horse was trying to stomp on the woman, so she rolled away from the horse, with the babies in her arms. The woman covered the babies' heads with her hands, as she rolled. Baby Xander started crying, feeling his mother's fear. Tiki was about to cry as well, but did not. A small tree stopped Susy from rolling completely to safety, with Tiki and Xander.
Tiki wiggled out of Susy's arms, and headed to the horse. Susy was trying to reach out to get Tiki, but he wiggled too fast for her to get him. Kili awoke, and saw what was happening outside the fenced, he managed to whisper, "Tiki. " Tauriel turn to see what Kili was looking at, and frozen with fear. She knew that if she moved that the horse would panic and hurt her son.
"No! "screamed Susy, as she watched the horse bend down to bite Tiki. But the baby elf moved quickly, and grabbed the horse's mane. Tiki started saying, "Shh shh shh shh. " The bay pulled its head up trying to shake the baby off its mane, but Tiki held on to it. The bay spun around hoping the motion would remove the baby, but Tiki's hands still gripped the mane.
"Shh shh shh shh, "repeat Tiki, as he remembered what his Ma use to say, when Tiki was upset. The bay stopped stomping and spinning, and moved his ears to listen. The horse was listening to the baby, as the child continue to say, "Shh shh shh shh. " Finally, the horse calm down, and whinny.
Tiki climbed onto the horse's head, using his hands and feet. As Tiki sat, he continued to make the hushing sound. Tauriel slowly got to her feet, and helped Kili to stand. The she-elf told Kili not to move, that she is going for Tiki. The she-elf slowly walked to the fence, and opens the gate to the yard. Tauriel was talking to the horse in elfish, which made the horse turn its head. The bay slowly walked to Tauriel, who gently took a hold of Tiki, who was still making hushing sounds. The she-elf led the bay back into the fenced area, and closed the gate. With Tauriel talking and Tiki hushing, they slowly put the horse back into his stall. Kili limped over, and put a bale of hay in front of the doorway of the stall, hoping the horse will not push it to one side. Kili sighed and kissed his son, and then hugged both his wife and baby.
"Is Tiki alright? Are you alright, Kili? "asked Susy, who was slowly getting to her feet. Thorin's wife never let go of her son, and she checked to see if he was hurt. Baby Xander stopped crying and was sniffling, as his mother slowly walked to the fence. Baby Xander was fine, but Susy had hurt her back when she fell down.
"Tiki looks fine, but I think the horse gave me a knot on my forehead. And I twisted my leg, when I fell, "said Kili. "How are you, Aunt Susy? How is Baby Xander? " Kili and Tauriel slowly walked to the gate, and left the fenced area, with Tiki. Tiki had finally stopped his hushing sounds. Kili closed the gate, and slid the bar across.
"Xander is fine, but I think I hurt my back, when I fell, "replied a pale Susy, who was slowly joining them.
"Give me Baby Xander, Aunt Susy, "asked Tauriel, who took Xander as she held Tiki. "Kili, help your Aunt to walk to Sebastian. I think you can help each other, as you walk. "
"Good idea, Tauriel, "said Kili, as he put his arm around his aunt. The dwarf and woman held each other, as they slowly headed to the entrance of Logan. Tauriel followed the pair, as she carried the two babies.
"This is so strange. The first year I was here in Logan, I only saw Sebastian twice. This year, I am going to see the healer a third time, and it has been only three months, "said a smiling Susy. They slowing passed Furr's Toy Shop, and were walking in front of the inn.
"I am so sorry, Aunt Susy. I need to get rid of the horse, "said an upset Kili.
"Kili, you better not. It is not the horse fault, that he was scared. I think after today, he will be calmer now, "answered Thorin's wife.
"She is right, Kili, "added Tauriel, as the babies acted as they understood what was being said. The babies started jabbering at Kili, who smiled at the babies.
"Fine everyone, I will keep the horse. But if he acts like he is going to hurt anyone again…he is gone from my stable, "said a smiling Kili.
They saw Devie and Grady, her thirteen years old daughter heading toward the inn, with a basket full of bread, from Mer's Bakery. Dwalin insisted that Mer change the name of the bakery to her name. Mer suspected that Dwalin was a bit jealous of her late husband, Grigg.
"Is something, wrong? "asked an alarmed Devie, who gave her daughter the basket, full of bread. "Grady, take this to your father, then go check on your sisters.
"Yes, Ma, "replied Grady, as she looked at Kili and Susy, and then quickly went to do what her mother had ordered.
"My new horse had knocked me down and made Aunt Susy falls, and hurt her back. We are heading to Sebastian, "said Kili.
"Devie, help Kili walk, since he had injured his leg, "asked Susy. "I can walk, but not fast. " Bombur's wife hurried to give Kili support, as Susy released him. The group was walking in front of the forge, which was silent. Then, they were walking in front of Oakenshield's and looked, but it was silent as well.
"I wonder where Thorin is? "asked Susy, as the group walked on toward the main road of Logan. Just as the words were leaving Susy's lips; Thorin, Xander, and Balin were turning onto the road to Oakenshield's. The two dwarves and wizard stopped, when they saw the small group heading their way. Thorin saw how pale his wife was, and hurried to her.
"Susy, what is wrong? Why do you look so pale? "asked a worried Thorin, who stopped his wife.
"I am fine, Thorin. I just fell, and hurt my back, "replied Susy.
"Why did you fall? " Thorin put his arm around Susy, so she could lean on him.
"It was the new horse, Thorin. He tried to stomp on me, and Aunt Susy. Tauriel got him calmed down, and he is back in his stall, "replied a worried Kili, as Devie stayed quiet. Kili knew how his uncle would react to the news, and so did Devie.
"That horse tried to kill you, wife? "asked an angry Thorin.
"Thorin, calm down. It is only an animal, it did not know what it was doing, "said Xander, who knew how quickly Thorin express his anger. Balin was silent, because he was angry as well. The small dwarf loves his Little One very much, and the thought of Susy getting killed by the bay horse, upset him.
"I want that horse destroyed! "ordered Thorin, as he glared. Kili, Tauriel, Devie, and Xander were speechless.
"But Thorin…"started Susy, as Thorin put his hand up to stop her talking.
"Was Baby Xander in your arm, when the horse tried to kill you, wife? "asked an angry Thorin. Susy tried to talk, but could not.
"Yes, Thorin. Susy was carrying both Baby Xander and Tiki, when the horse tried to stomp her, "confessed Tauriel. "But the horse is not your property, so you cannot have it destroyed. " Thorin glared at Tauriel, who returned the glared back to him.
"Kili, is your kin important to you? "
"Yes Thorin, but…, "started Kili.
"But what?! Are you going to put that horse's life before your aunt? Your cousin? Your child? "asked an incredulous Thorin.
Tiki was trying to reach for Thorin, who look at the baby with surprise. Tauriel reluctantly gave Tiki to Thorin, who was confused as he took the baby into his arms. Tiki grabbed Thorin's hair, and started the hushing sound again. Susy started laughing, as everyone looked surprise.
"What is the child doing? "asked a confuse Thorin, as Tiki continue to make the hushing sound.
"Tiki is trying to calm you down, Thorin. Kili forgot to mention, that it was really Tiki, who calm down the horse, "said Susy. Thorin, Xander, Balin and Devie all said, "What?! " Susy smiled at the others.
"It was the most unique thing I have ever seen. While I was on the ground with the two babies, Tiki had wiggled away from me. He wiggled toward the big horse, who tried to bite Tiki. Tiki grabbed a hold of the horse's mane, and held on as the horse tried to shake him off. Tiki started making a hushing sound, and that slowly calm the horse. Then Tauriel came and talk elfish to the horse, and she took Tiki off the horse. Then they both got the horse back into its stall. It was so amazing to watch, "stated an excited Susy.
"Wife, are you drunk? "asked Thorin, who gave a slight smile. Tiki continued hushing Oakenshield. Thorin looked at Tiki, and said, "Child, I am not a horse. " Tiki smiled at Thorin, as he stop hushing the dwarf.
"Do you want to get slapped, Thorin? "asked an annoyed Susy.
"Well, she is not drunk, Thorin, "said Balin, who was smiling.
"I told you that baby was special, Thorin, "said Xander, as he watch Thorin look at the baby.
Thorin finally smiled at Tiki, and said, "Thank you, Tiki for saving my family. " Thorin hugged the baby, and gave him to Tauriel, who smiled at Oakenshield. Balin took Baby Xander from Tauriel, while Thorin helped his wife walked toward Sebastian's.
"Wife, no cleaning the house today or tomorrow, "stated Thorin.
"But if Sebastian heals my back, I can do the housework, Thorin, "said Susy.
"No, "said Thorin, as he pat Susy's hip.
"Thorin, you big bully! I am not hiring another housekeeper, "said Susy.
Thorin smiled, and said, "I do not have any more nephews to marry off. " Susy started laughing, as did the others. The group finally turns to the small road to Sebastian's hovel. They could see Griff, Ren, and Steven entering The Rusty Spoon Tavern at the end of the road.
"If you need me, I will be with my comrade at the Rusty Spoon, "stated Xander, who bowed to the group. The wizard smiled at the babies, and left to go to the tavern.
The group entered the healing hovel, and Thorin made Susy and Kili to sit down. They could hear Sebastian talking to someone, and then he came walking into the front room. The healer stopped as he saw the group.
"Tiki got hurt again? "asked Sebastian.
"No, this time it is my Aunt Susy and I, Sebastian, "said Kili.
"I hope you two were not sliding down the banister, "teased Sebastian, as he went to Susy first. The healer put his hand on Susy's head, and frowns. "You pulled a muscle in your lower back. I can heal this with no problem, but no cleaning for two days, "said Sebastian.
"Two days?! Thorin said one day, "complained Susy. Sebastian laid his hand on Thorin's wife's back, and concentrates on the injured spot.
"If Sebastian says two days, then it is two days, wife, "scold Thorin. Susy pouted at Thorin, as the two babies giggled.
"And who is going to clean the house, and do the laundry? "asked Susy, as she folded her arms.
"It will not hurt the house or the clothes to not be cleaned for two days, "stated Thorin, who pinched Susy's nose as he smiled. The others smiled at the couple.
"And who is going to bath and changed Baby Xander? And cook? "asked Susy, as she looked at Thorin.
"Thorin, if you cook and clean the dishes, I will bath and change Baby Xander, "said Balin, with a smile.
"Balin, you going to bathe Baby Xander? Good, because Thorin might accidently drown his son, "said Susy, nonchalantly.
Thorin frown, as everyone laughed, including the healer. Thorin bend down, and kissed his wife. She hugged Thorin, and smiled.
"The pain is gone, Sebastian, "stated Susy, as she look over her shoulder at the healer.
"Yes, I can sense that the pain was gone, Lady Susy. Just stay sitting for a few minutes, until I check you again, "said Sebastian. Thorin sat next to his wife, as Balin stood on the other side of Susy. Susy gently touched her baby, Xander. The baby smiled at his mother.
"Now, I need to see about Kili injuries. " The healer touched Kili's head, and frown. "Tauriel, did you hit Kili in the head? "
"Of course not, Sebastian! "said an upset Tauriel.
"Did the baby bite him? "
"Sebastian! "shouted Kili and Tauriel, as the others smile.
"Hmmm…Then these injuries must have been done by a horse. Did you bite him back, Kili? "asked a smiling Sebastian. Kili and Tauriel gave a stony look at the healer, who laughed. "I can heal your wounds quickly, Kili. But no more wrestling with horses, unless the baby helps you. "
"Let us say, that I was not planning to fight with that horse. But hopefully, he will calm down now, "said Kili, as Sebastian laid his hand on Kili's forehead, which was the most serious of his three injuries.
"Kili, why do you not let Tauriel deal with the bay horse, until he is calm, with others, "suggested Susy.
"That is a good idea, wife. But until that horse is sold, I forbid you and Baby Xander to go to the stables, "ordered Thorin.
Susy's mouth dropped, but she nodded her head. She understood why Thorin told her that. She and her baby could have gotten killed, and Thorin would have been inconsolable. Susy hugged her husband, and said, "I am so sorry, Thorin. I will wait until the horse is gone. " Thorin kissed his wife, and smiled.
"Did you say a bay horse? "asked Sebastian, who was healing Kili's horse bite.
"Yes, a big beautiful gelding, "said Kili, as he looked at the healer.
"I need to tell Captain Patric. His bay horse, Bronzer died last month, and he had been hoping to find another bay horse, "explained Sebastian.
"Yes, I remember Fili telling me about Bronzer yesterday, at lunch, "replied Kili.
"Captain Patric is great with horses. If he spends some time with this horse, it might help the horse do better and bond with the Captain, "stated the healer.
"I like that, "said Kili.
"Well, since Susy and Kili are doing better, I better go back to the inn. No telling what my children are doing now, "said Devie.
"Thank you, Devie for your help, "said Susy. Everyone thanked Devie, and told her farewell for now. The small she-dwarf hurried back to The Blue Mountain Inn.
"Until the horse is sold, Tiki can come over to our home to play with Baby Xander, Tauriel, "said Thorin.
"Thank you, Thorin, "said a smiling Tauriel, who looked at her smiling husband.
"Do you understand Tiki and Xander? Play, and no fighting, "said Thorin to the two babies, as he shook his finger at them. The babies laughed, and Thorin sighed.
"Why I have the feeling that these two babies are plotting against us, "said Balin.
"I feel the same way, Balin, "said Thorin, as he watched the healer working on Kili's injured leg.
The elders looked at the babies, as they jabber at each other, and laughed.