Does Tauriel have green eyes or brown? I think brown. I think. I'm not 100%, so forgive me if I make a mistake!

Dain had been brought up to know that royals were second only to the Great Creators. Thrain and Thror would be spinning in their graves if they knew that their heir had decided to take on a Halfling as a mate. Friendships were fine, but mates? No, this would not do. It would not do at all.

For such a small thing, Bilbo could show surprising strength when the mood took him. Like now, he was dragging Gloin to the forgeries, one hand steadying a wheelbarrow holding a circular object covered by a black cloth.

"Come on, Gloin!"

"What's the hurry, Master Baggins?"

"There just is."

To appease his King's mate, he hurried along, only to be faced with a pair of sharp green eyes once they arrived.

"You can't tell Thorin."

"I won't."

"Or Balin. Or Fili or Kili, or.."

"I won't tell anyone! Now what is it?"

Bilbo peeled back the soft material, revealing the shield. Gloin's eyes widened. "You made it yourself?"

"I did."

"It's good. Not bad for woodwork."

"I have no experience with melting metals and the like. I need your help."

"Couldn't Dwalin-"

Bilbo raised an eyebrow. "He's got Ori to bother with."

Oh, yes. "Alright, then. What do you want done?"

It was beautiful. It was conceited to say so, but it was beautiful. He just hoped Thorin would like it. He couldn't carry it to the Dwarf, so he placed it back in the barrow and covered it again. Now he stood outside Thorin's door, heart hammering in anticipation. After several minutes of agonising, he raised his little fist and tapped on the wood.

"Bilbo?"

Oh, no. Those deep, glinting eyes were so intense... He was a fool. Thorin wouldn't like his poor attempt of a gift at all. He edged back.

"Come in."

Seeing no other way around it, Bilbo obeyed the request, miserably pushing the barrow, wishing he'd thought of something else.

"I..I made you a courting..um.."

"The wheelbarrow?"

Bilbo rolled his eyes, smiling slightly at Thorin. "No, it's...oh, just look!" And with that, he tore off the covering.

Thorin's eyes travelled over the carved wood, taking in its smooth, pale surface, the intricate carving of the Durin crest that shone with dark steel, the blue gem glimmering in its centre.

"'Tis for me?"

"Yes. It's not very good, I- HMMLF!"

Thorin interrupted his Hobbit by planting his lips on the soft, smooth rosy one of the Halfling. "It's perfect." He ran his fingers through the honey brown curls. "Just perfect."

Kili had never believed in angels. He'd thought them to be creatures of myth and lore, to soothe frightened people. Now, as he looked at the falme-haired She-Elf, he couldn't understand how he'd been so wrong.
Beautiful, gentle, strong, witty...she was as good as any Dwarrowdam to him. Better, even.

Soft brown eyes met his. He looked away. What would such a regal and beautiful woman want with him?

"How are you faring, Master Dwarf?" Her voice, soft as the summer breeze, caught his attention.

"I am fine. Yourself?"

"I'm well. Last time I saw you, however, you were tearing off to war moments after you could stand."

"I know."

"It was not wise of you." Tauriel lightly murmured.

"I couldn't leave them."

"I understand."

"You were fighting. How are you?"

"It is difficult to harm an Elf. I was unhurt."

Kili sighed slightly in relief. "That's good."

"Master Dw-"

"Kili."

Large eyes blinked at him, surprised. "I'm sorry?"

"Please call me Kili."

"Kili," her voice surrounded his name, sounding like it was made to say it, "I'm glad that you are well."

"Without you, I'd be dead. Thank you, ma'-"

"Tauriel."

"What?"

"Please call me Tauriel." Her mouth was smiling, slightly teasing, but her voice was serious.

"Thank you, Tauriel."

She nodded and her eyes suddenly flashed. "You know, I never told you anything about my life."

"No."

"Would you like to hear it?"

Kili's eyes widened and he nodded his head vigourously. "Yes!"

"I was born on a cool winter's eve..."

Tauriel sat, perched on the wall of Erebor. Above her, thousands of stars glimmered, like Arkenstones spread against a black carpet. She loved the stars. They made her feel safe as though they were her guardians. The Moon shone like a giant pearl making the night sky something truly beautiful.

A pair of footstpes behind her caught her off guard. Pulling her dagger out of her sleeve, she jumped onto the ground only to be met by a small being welding a silver blade.

"Apologies. I thought you were dangerous."

"Thorin once said I was." Bilbo replied, tucking Sting back into its sheath. Then blinked at her apparel that consisted of a thin, long-sleeved green tunic over loose black trousers. "Are you not cold?"

"It can get colder than this in Mirkwood."

"I believe you." Bilbo stuck his pipe between his teeth and rooted for a match. "Do you need a light?"

"No, thank you. I don't smoke."

Moving away from her so she didn't end up breathing in the smoke, he placed the fire into the bowl, before shaking the flame out of existence. "I won't be here too long, Miss."

"Call me by name." she requested.

"Tauriel, isn't it?"

"Yes. You don't have to leave if you don't wish."

"I promised Thorin I wouldn't stay too long. Apparently, I put myself in danger a lot so even Erebor might not be safe."

She couldn't help but laugh. "He's protective."

"You have no idea."

"Oh, yes I do. Thranduil is protective of us all."

"Are you trying to compare them?"

"I wouldn't dream of it." Tauriel answered.

"I hope not. We've just finished one Battle."

"I wish they could put their differences aside. Their dislike of the other makes everything...difficult."

"What is it?"

"Nothing. Don't worry."

"Tauriel, what's wrong?"

"As much as I love him, I do wish he'd kiss and make up with Thorin."

"You like the Dwarves? I mean, it's not like you shouldn't, but some, well, most Elves don't."

"I don't dislike the Dwarves. One of them I like very much."

"Who?"

"He is not like the others. He walks in the sun, sending happiness to those he loves. Eyes the colour of the earth and hair of the colour a raven would wear. He is too close to the King. We can never be."

"Tauriel. Thorin loves those Dwarves as though they were all of his own flesh and blood. You can't keep your feeling away from this Dwarf."

"It is not Oakenshield I worry about. It's my King. I fear what he would do."

"Would he really resent your happiness?"

"I...I do not know. Perhaps. Thranduil is not easy to understand, though we all know that he does love us."

"If he truly loves you, he'll let you be. He might not be too happy, but he'll allow it."

Tauriel nodded. "I hope he will."

"Are you feeling better?"

"I am. Thank you."

"No problem. I'd better go back in. Goodnight, Tauriel."

"Goodnight."

Far above her, the stars shone brighter, as if they too, agreed with what had been said.

I REALLY LOVE TAURIEL! She's one of the most amazing Elves I've ever heard of. I also love you, you gave me so many pleasant reviews, I couldn't believe it! Thank you all so much and I'm glad to know last chapter wasn't as sucky as I thought it was! Do Tauriel's feelings seem alright to you? I'm trying so hard to make this not like Jariadne, it's unbelievable.

Love from Shania. xx