By the end of the week Tauriel was itching to stretch her legs.
Both princes and even the King saw that she stayed on bed rest until she was sure that she was going to have to kill all of them. She assured them that she felt better and that three days of just lying there was more than enough. She was seven months pregnant, not dying.
She missed the sunshine and walking. The spring was giving way to summer and she was missing it.
"If you tell me that I cannot see Fili off, I just might scream." She threatened Kili as he dressed for the day.
Kili chuckled as he buttoned his vest. "No, no I know when I've lost my cause." He said, turning to look at her as she put on her dress. She favored wearing a lighter blue colored dress that flowed to the floor, its sleeves stopped at her elbows and it came with a darker blue sash. "I'm done poking the beast with a stick."
She glared at him as she reached around herself to tie her sash. Her nimble fingers were not as they once were and the material was tangling with her long hair. Kili watched her struggle for a moment before he walked over and took for her. He tied it in a bow and straightened it up where it twisted under her arms.
"There you go." He said, patting her on her back. Normally he would've placed a playful swat to her behind, but he could sense that she wasn't in the right mood for it.
She nodded her thanks and sat on the bed reaching for her shoes. She still favored her well-worn in boots from home, learning that the only race that could handle leather were elves. She slid them onto her feet and reached for the buckle. It was then that she realized that she couldn't reach it.
A small groan escaped her lips as frustration billed through her. Kili turned around from the bureau to watch her for a moment with concern on her face. "Hey, what's wrong?" He asked walking to stand in front of her.
"I cannot buckle my boots." She said after a few moments, she refused to look Kili in the eye.
He smiled softly and cupped her cheek to get her to look at him. "I can fix that." He said wiping the tear that escaped her eyes. "What is bothering you?"
She shook her head. "I don't even know." She said biting her lip, trying to keep her tears at bay. "I've been a prisoner to my own bed for three days, my fingers have gotten so large that I cannot tie a simple knot and I can't reach my feet."
Kili bit his lip to keep himself from chuckling at her predicament. He pulled her to his chest and held her tightly against him, allowing her a moment to put herself together. She shook her head against his chest as the tears began to fall. "I do not know why I am so upset."
He pulled back and lifted her chin to look up at him. "It is because you are pregnant, my love." He said with a soft chuckle. "All of it."
She shook her head and buried her face into her hands. "I feel like everything is out of my control!" Cried the elf. "I don't like it."
Kili pulled her against him again while she cried. He had caught on that she didn't want to be consoled, she just wanted to cry. He understood, she had been patient with their request for bed rest and he knew that she was bored out of her mind. He had tried to keep her occupied by teaching her how to carve wood, brought her books to read. Fili had asked her to patch up a couple of his shirts and Bofur kept her company with his story telling.
Even Thorin had stopped by a couple of times for a few minutes to check on her, but did not offer her any work.
"Listen to me." Kili said after a few minutes and her sobs subsided. "How about we eat outside on the mezzanine, the sun is finally warm."
She looked up at him, her eyes red and cheeks streaked with tears that she wiped away angrily. "I am certainly a mess."
"No you're not, you are absolutely beautiful." He argued, he kneeled down and did up her buckles. He stood up to full height and looked her over. "There you go."
She bit her lip and looked away shyly, she hated feeling like she was a burden. He placed a hand on her cheek and pressed his lips to hers in a soft kiss. When he pulled back, he rested his forehead against hers and her eyes fluttered closed. "I'm sorry." She whispered. "I cannot control my tears."
He chuckled and pressed a kiss to her forehead. "It's quite all right." He said before his face broke into a grin. "I won't tell anybody that you are just a big softie."
Tauriel's frown turned into a smile as she playfully placed her fist into his stomach. "You better not." She said, her voice deadly. "I would not want to have to end the father of my child."
He laughed and tugged her to her feet. "I sure hope not." He said leading her to the door. The hallway was quiet, most of the company was preparing for Fili and Bofur's trek to the Greenwood.
The pair stopped at the kitchen to grab a plate of food before heading out to the mezzanine. Her mood drastically changed as soon as she stepped into the warm sun. She sat her plate down and stretched her arms out willing the light to surround her.
The sky was blue and not a single cloud sullied it.
Kili watched her bask in the sunlight with a chuckle before reminding her that she needed to eat. She sat down with the plate in her lap and ate quietly, he was glad to see her truly in a better mood.
After a few minutes of silence, Ori stuck his head out of the door. "Kili, Fili needs you for a moment." He said looking at Tauriel, offering her a small wave and she returned it. She genuinely enjoyed Ori and even though he was older than Kili, but only just, she enjoyed his youthfulness.
"Okay." He said, he looked at Tauriel. "Will you be okay out here by yourself for a few minutes?"
Her face fell into one that was clearly asking if he was really asking her that question, but Ori spoke up before Tauriel could. "I can sit with her for a few minutes." He offered.
"Thanks Ori." Kili said giving Tauriel a look, she only glared back as he kissed her on the top of her head. "Go easy on him."
Kili watched as Ori sat down on the edge and immediately started to ask her questions. He sighed as he trekked back inside, secretly hoping that Ori would not trigger an emotional outburst. Kili knew that Tauriel had the patience that he could only envy, but the last few days had left her short tempered and volatile.
His thoughts were cut short when he reached the throne room. Fili, Thorin and Balin stood over a table pointing at a map, but looked up when they saw Kili walk in. Kili clapped his brother on the shoulder. "Ah Kili, there you are!"
"I was out on the mezzanine, Tauriel needed some fresh air before she went stir crazy." He answered. "She threatened my life if I didn't allow her to see you off today."
"How is she doing today?" Asked Thorin, of all people. Kili looked at him in surprise.
The dark haired archer nodded. "It was a little rough this morning." He said and gained curious looks from the others. "She was upset because she couldn't buckle her boots."
The older dwarves shared a look. "It seems like high emotions are a common trait between our females and elf-maids." Balin commented with a slight chuckle. "Do you remember when Dis threw a knife at you because you tracked mud into her kitchen when she was with Kili?"
The brothers shared a look, it had been awhile since everybody was settled enough to be candid about the past. Thorin chuckled, actually chuckled at the memory. "And then she cried for three days because she blunt the knife."
"I cannot imagine ma crying over a knife." Commented Fili with wide eyes. He knew that his mother was a bit high strung, but she knew when to pick her battles and with raising Kili, she knew very well.
"Normally no, but one does not question the many moods of a woman with child." Thorin answered. "I learned very quickly with my sister to keep my head down low and do not make eye contact with the beast when she was with you Fili."
The brother's shared a laugh, one more nervously than the other. "Good luck little brother." Fili said. "You have that to look forward too." Fili missed teasing his brother, they had gotten way to serious recently and finally had a chance to loosen up.
Fili laughed at his brother's expense which Kili returned with a glare. "You guys called for me?" He asked turning to his uncle and advisor.
Thorin nodded and sobered up. "Dwalin has finally come to his senses." Started his uncle and Kili's face fell. "He wishes to talk with you and with the she- . . . Tauriel." It was the first time that he had ever said her name.
The first thought through his head was absolutely not, he didn't want the dwarf that attacked Tauriel near her ever again. Kili bit his lip, unsure of what to say. "He also wishes to see Fili's company off, but doesn't want to cause a problem for you or her." Thorin continued slowly. It hurt him playing peacemaker between his oldest friend and his nephew. "Bombur has fashioned a chair with wheels for him to move around easier."
"He is restless sitting in the medical chamber." Balin said sadly. "He will not eat anything and he barely speaks, guilt is buried deep with in him."
Kili dropped his shoulders and looked up at his uncle. "I know that you do not have to ask me about my thoughts on the matter, but I do appreciate it." Kili said with a sigh. "But I cannot speak for Tauriel, I cannot make her speak with him if she doesn't want too."
Thorin nodded. "Fair enough."
A smile came to his face. "I understand his restlessness, Tauriel felt the same way lying in bed for the last three days and I know getting some fresh air will help him tremendously." Thorin and Balin shared a look before they both excused themselves to finish preparing for the farewell.
As he left, Balin placed a hand on Kili's arm. "It wasn't Thorin's idea to ask you for your opinion, it was Dwalin's." He said honestly. "He feels horrible."
Kili was touched, not a week ago both of them wore heavy prejudice for the elf and now both of them cared deeply for her wellbeing. Balin disappeared before Kili could respond leaving the brothers alone in the throne room.
"Never in my lifetime had I thought I would see Thorin accept an elf, let alone attempt to fix our alliance with one." Fili commented with a smile.
Kili returned the smile. "She's quite amazing." He answered with a raised brow. "Come on brother, I need to go rescue Ori from Tauriel and you need to finish getting ready."
Kili walked back to the mezzanine feeling lighter than he had in a long time. It was nice to see his uncle come around to the idea that Tauriel was permanent in his life. He stepped out into the sun light to hear Tauriel laugh and he stopped to watch her for a moment as she looked up from Ori's journal on her lap with the quill moving against the paper. ". . . How could you possibly know, you escaped in a barrel."
Ori sat next to her and pointed at something. "Kili told me." He answered in almost a retort. "He's surprisingly really good paying attention to detail."
"Hey!" He cried and both pairs of eyes looked up at him. "Don't sound so surprised, Ori. What are you guys doing?"
He sat on the other side of Tauriel to see what they were doing in Ori's book, Tauriel was sketching out the landscape, the outline of Dale and the lake in such detail that he was impressed. "Wow."
"She's good, ain't she?" Asked Ori proudly.
"Elves, especially Wood Elves, have always valued the arts, most of us choose one to study in when we are young." Tauriel commented, looking back down at her picture and filled in a couple of more lines.
Kili watched her finish the picture impressed. "Dwarves don't usually have the time or the need to do art, but we do love our music. Ori plays a mean piano." Kili said and looking up to see Ori blush.
"I'm nowhere near as good playing the piano as Kili is playing the fiddle." He said meekly and Tauriel looked up wide eyed in surprise.
"You will have to play for me." She said with a smile and he returned it.
"I will play for you." He said standing up, Tauriel closed the book and returned it to Ori. "But it will have to wait, Fili and Bofur are about ready to leave."
Ori walked ahead, but stopped when he reached the door. "Thank you for the drawing." He said excitedly.
Tauriel bowed her head slightly. "The pleasure is all mine, Master Dwarf." Ori returned the bow and disappeared into the halls.
The couple stood on the mezzanine for a minute longer before Kili took her hand in his and gave it a squeeze. "I think he likes you." Commented the dwarf.
Tauriel shrugged. "I think he is sweet." She answered. If she didn't know that Kili was slightly younger than him, she would've guessed that Ori was a lot younger than him. She would have to ask Kili more about him when they had a chance. "Where did you go?"
"Thorin wished to speak to me about Dwalin." Kili said as he watched her closely for any reaction.
But none came. "Is he doing well then?" She asked.
Kili nodded as he repeated the conversation that he had with Thorin and Balin regarding the old warrior. She surprisingly didn't shy away from any chance of seeing him again, seemingly to have forgiven and forgotten easily. "I appreciate your concern, Kili." She answered, pressing a kiss to his cheek. "I would very much like to see him."
"Then let's go!" Kili said enthusiastically.
/
The company of thirteen and one more stood at the front entrance gate saying goodbye to two of their own for a few weeks. Fili and Bofur were to make the trek back to Mirkwood to meet Legolas who would assist in getting their kin across the forest and back to the Lonely Mountain.
The late spring promised to be gentle for their journey.
Bombur hugged Bofur tightly before he was swallowed up by Bifur, whereas Fili hugged his uncle tightly with the promise that he would not lead his people astray. "Just take care of yourself." Thorin said and Fili nodded in understanding.
Soon after Kili wrapped his arms tightly around his brother, both in whispers so softly that Tauriel couldn't catch what they said to each other. The trek to the other side of the forest and back was going to be the longest the two had been apart. When Kili let go of Fili, he immediately scooped up Tauriel into his arms. "Take care of my brother while I'm gone." He whispered to her.
"I cannot make any promises, he is very reckless." She said as she pulled back to wipe tears that escaped her eyes.
"Ma is going to love you." Fili answered patting her affectionately on the cheek, before laying it on her stomach. "You be good for your ma, don't not come before I get back." He whispered to her stomach, gaining a small kick in response.
Her breath hitched as another tear escaped her eye. She rolled her eyes and turned away, willing herself to get in control of herself. "I'm sorry, I am a mess today."
Kili wrapped an arm around her waist and she laid her head on top of his. "I will be back in three weeks." He said and stepped away from the pair, waving to the rest of the company as him and Bofur grabbed their packs, heading towards Dale.
Most of the Company slowly filtered away in to finish their daily work before dinner, leaving Dwalin, Thorin and the couple alone at the gate. Tauriel turned around and looked at the dwarf who sat in the wheeled chair. He had lost some weight since she had last seen him and the bags under his eyes made him look hollow. Kili and Tauriel took a couple of steps to stand in front of him and he dropped his gaze.
"I just wanted to apologize for what happened." He said, his voice hoarse and full of emotion. After a few moments he looked up at her, his eyes red. "I can't even. . ."
In the blink of an eye, Tauriel had wrapped her arms around his neck as he silently cried against her shoulder. "I do not blame you." She whispered, he clung to her tightly for a few minutes before he calmed himself, assuring himself that she was really okay. "You did not have any control over your hallucinations."
"I could've seriously hurt you or your babe." He cried, he looked over at Kili who watched unsure. "Oh Kili, I'm so sorry." If Tauriel could forgive him without batting an eyelash, so could Kili.
Kili kneeled next to him, taking his big hand his. "All that matters now is that you all are okay, Dwalin." He said softly. "I know you would never hurt her intentionally."
The young dwarf stood up and pat Dwalin on the shoulder. "Now you focus on healing." Tauriel whispered to him and he nodded.
Thorin looked at the pair and nodded his thanks. "Come on Master Dwalin, I think I am ready for something to eat." Thorin announced to his oldest friend who had nodded. Thorin pushed the chair from the great hall and it left Kili and Tauriel alone.
Tauriel wiped the streaks off of her cheeks and looked at Kili, who looked up at her. "Would you like to get out of here for a while?" He asked her with the intention of taking a walk to Dale or even to the forest just to the west of the main gate, somewhere for her to clear her head and get a grip of her emotions.
"I would like that very much." She answered and they exited in the same path that Fili had took away from the mountain.