I hope it's alright. I did originally have plans for a much longer chapter but...well it's taking more time than I thought to complete. Hopefully it'll be ready for the next update. :)
ENJOY!
To Walk in Starlight
9. Rumour has it…
"…Tauriel…you do know I love you, right?"
There was a long silence, in which the elf sat up straighter in her chair. A small, confused frown settled over her features as she considered the dwarf sat across from her on the balcony, twisting his hands anxiously.
"Of course I know, love. Are those words not very last we utter before sleep takes us, and the first we speak when our eyes greet the dawn?"
"Good…that's good."
A small, uneasy smile flitted across his face, and Tauriel's frown deepened when the disquiet refused to leave her beloved's eyes.
"Kíli, whatever is the matter?"
"I'm just…worried is all." He sighed, a heavy sound in the quiet evening air. "You're aware of the…less than favourable rumours about us, yes?"
Tauriel laughed lightly, the sound ringing out into the sleepy sunset air. "I'm afraid you shall have to be more specific Kíli. There are a great number of 'less than favourable' tales pattering about Erebor at any one time."
"I don't really want to tell you. It's not at all pleasant to hear."
"That is perhaps a blessing. If they were, I may just drop dead from the shock."
Kíli managed a weak smile at the joke, before his features fell back into a saddened expression. Tauriel sighed softly, and reached over to take his hands in hers.
"Whatever it is, it has upset you." She murmured, pressing a kiss to his palm. "It is our duty and pleasure to help shoulder one and other's burdens. Tell me."
"Truthfully, most of the rumours are so stupid I hardly spare them a moment of passing interest. I mean, did you know there was one going around a few months back that said I was only courting you to get back at Uncle for not naming me Crown Prince?" Kíli barked a short laugh, before sighing heavily once more. "As incredibly funny that one was, the latest one is especially vicious. It's far more…personal than the others."
Tauriel was suddenly wary.
"Nori told me about it. I suspect he's been spying on that Stonebeard lot for Thorin and didn't want him to catch wind of what they were saying." Kíli continued, "They seem to be under the impression that I'm courting you because I'm infertile, and my whole family was so ashamed they paired me up with you to stop anyone finding out. The rumour goes on to say that since nobody knows if an Elf and Dwarf can even have children, my so-called shame will go unnoticed."
"That's…oh Kíli, that's horrible." Tauriel tightened her hold on his hands. "Show me the brutes who would dare spread such lies, and I shall stopper their mouths once and for all. I'll cut off their precious braids and throw them into the deepest, darkest part of Mirkwood."
Kíli laughed, and it was genuine, bright sound in the fading light of the day.
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Bai. :D
