Aftermath: Ending One

Tauriel repeated and rephrased all the healing words she knew, her eyes shut with the effort of sending some of her own life's energy into Kili's failing body. Eventually, though, she ran out of words.

"Please," she choked out, unable to stop her tears from falling. "Save him."

And in the midst of the battle's casualties, Tauriel began to sob, the sounds echoing throughout the plains and off the rocks. It took some time before her eyes dried up, and her shoulders stopped shaking, and Tauriel could regain some composure. She packed up her things.

She reached out, one last time, to take Kili's hand in hers. "It was never a question of 'could have'," she whispered. "I did… I do love you." She brought his hand up to her lips, whereupon she placed a light kiss.

His grasp tightened.

Eyes widening, she gasped, staring at Kili's face. His eyes opened.

"Kili?" she breathed.

He smiled. "Tauriel." His voice was hoarse, and the word quiet, but the sound of it made Tauriel beam. "My gimlinh. You have saved me yet again."

"And hopefully this shall be the last time my help is required," she replied. "Kili, I feared for the worst."

Bringing Tauriel's hand to his face, he pressed his lips to the smooth skin. "The worst is over now," he said. "Help me up?"

Tauriel nodded. She helped him up without letting go of his hand. After nearly losing him (again), she was reluctant to let him go. They began to walk in the general direction of Laketown, a comfortable silence between them.

After a while, Tauriel asked, "What now?" Leaning heavily against her body, Kili looked up at her questioningly.

"You are the only direct heir to the throne of Erebor," she said.

Kili looked away, pausing to think for a moment. Tauriel let him. "I feel too young for the throne," he said quietly. "And I would not wish to be alone in the Lonely Mountain."

"Alone?"

"I would have to be, as I doubt my people would allow an Elf to be their Queen."

Tauriel's ears turned pink. Kili noticed, and smirked. "You never said no," he reminded her softly.

"Hmm," was all she said, but she had a smile on her face.

They walked on in silence again. Soon, they were able to see Laketown far below them, bustling with people after the victory against the enemy. They stopped to catch their breath, and sat down.

The sun was beginning to set by now, casting a warm glow on everything. Hands clasped, the Elf and the Dwarf enjoyed the company.

"Look," said Kili, pointing toward the sky. "The first star of the night."

Tauriel looked up. "That is Luinil, the Blue Star."

"I prefer red stars, myself," said Kili quietly, though it was loud enough for her to hear. Flattered by this unexpected comment, Tauriel found herself speechless.

"I think," said Kili, changing the topic, "I shall not return home. Not yet. I don't think I could face Ma after losing Fi…" He trailed off, and she gave his hand a reassuring squeeze. "And I don't want the throne," he continued. "What does that leave us with? Or will you be returning to Mirkwood?"

Tauriel gave a sad smile. "After all this, I highly doubt that King Thranduil would allow me to step foot in Mirkwood, let alone return to live out my days." Locking her jade eyes with Kili's bronze ones, she saw hope dawning in them. "I suppose we are in the same situation."

"Yes," agreed Kili. "I think so too."

For a time, they just gazed at each other.

"I meant what I said, mell nín," murmured Tauriel, her face pale in the night.

"Oh?"

She smiled. She knew he had heard her, but merely wanted to hear her say it again.

"Le melin," she said, feeling the truth of her own language wash over her body. She repeated it in Westron; "I love you."

Kili beamed, their expressions matching.

"Men lananubukhs menu," replied Kili. "And I love you."

Then, in the starlight, their lips met for the first time.


Alternate Title: The Author's Preferred Ending

Glossary:

Gimlinh – Dwarven, "star-lady".

Mell nín – Elvish, "my love".

Le melin – Elvish, "I love you".

Men lananubukhs menu – Dwarven, "I love you".

(Dwarven language is approximate, please forgive any mistakes made.)