So I'm not sure how many people are still into this story, I realized I haven't posted the final chapter on this site. I really pushed this site to the back burner and I'm so sorry to anyone who gave up waiting for an update. I made the transfer over to quotev and I loved it, I apologize for the stories I just left behind. Anyways, here's the final chapter on Forbidden Love. Hope you enjoy.
The mountain was quiet during this time of the night, the only sound was the crackling of the flames she was standing in front of and her own shallow breathing. She looked down at the small bundle wrapped up in her arms, the last of the line of Durin for now, hopefully the lineage would not end with here. Weylin, Caldin, and the last, the only girl, Faeyrin.
Kili and Tauriel had two of their own, sharing ages with her boys, meaning there was hardly ever a moment of peace under the mountain with the kin of Fili and Kili running around. Where had the time gone though, she enjoyed raising children, they were a gift and a blessing, but she often thought back to the days where she had not known such things were possible for her. Days where she would throw herself into battle because it was an escape from the tireless journey she had been on her entire life. Days when she had found love, and fought like hell for it, days when life was much more exciting, and everything stood on the edge of a knife.
She had given her heart, her soul, her body to a mortal, and had not regretted a moment of it. He had taken her down a path filled with hell-fire, but she had made it through unscathed, still reaching for him. He had watched her, waited for her, and eventually made her his queen and the love since then had not died even a bit.
Even with her three times swollen belly, and the permanent marks it had etched into her once smooth skin, he made sure to kiss every one of them making sure she knew nothing would sway his love for her. He had fallen in love with each child she bore to him, and he had raised them like any great father would, and watching him with his children made her heart swell with noting but overwhelming joy and happiness.
The eldest now was beginning to ask to leave the mountain with the others on hunting trips into the forests, the middle wanting to follow in his brother's place was asking for his own sword. Averi liked the youngest one best at this age since all the baby girl ever seemed to want to do is look around and make absurd noises with her mouth.
"Someday you will move mountains, Faeryin." She whispered to the small child, who was sleeping and made no move to wake at her mothers voice. "Will you be standing in front of the fire all night, or were you planning on coming to bed?" A humored voice called from behind her, and though she did not turn to look at him she did smile.
"I was hoping to find you first, seems you've done that for me."
"I've sent the others to bed, tomorrow you'll have the whole day to stand here ominously. Let's get some rest before Caldin wakes and asks me to spar with him once more, I'm spent for the day love." Fili said and she laughed lightly at this picturing the two of them sparring with wooden swords.
"You're actually looking for rest tonight?" Averi whispered, turning to him with a devilish smirk, one to which he only rolled his eyes back. "You're impossible, Averien." But she did catch the flash of lust in his eyes.
After laying Faeyrin down in her own cradle a room over she returned to find Fili already laying under the covers of their shared bed, it was a cold night since winter had been upon the mountain for some time now so she enjoyed the warmth of the body next to her. With a small smile she pressed her cold hand onto his chest and laughed when he tensed up with a hiss.
"You're asking for trouble." He whispered with a smirk, grabbing her wrists quickly and rolling so he sat over her now. "And what should you do about that?" She teased back, and he leaned down just inches from her face as if to explain properly what he was planning to do, but she was too eager reaching her head to meet his in a kiss that would positively burn her to her core.
It was like this every night in variations, and she never once had the urge to turn him away from her. She positively craved his touch, his smell, his breath on her neck. He peppered her with small kisses that trailed down her neck, all over her body, leaving her in a state of pure bliss. He was an addiction, she would not be able to continue a day without him, and wondered what her life had been like prior to this, she could not remember a day before him when he was with her, making her feel like this.
He whispered sweet nothings into her ear as his hands untangled themselves from her wrists and wandered over her skin, stopping to trace over some of her scars, then continuing on their journey.
"You don't know what you're doing to me my King." She whispered with a small smirk, one to which he returned with a hurried kiss, that melted into something more passionate but the urgency in their actions was heightened as they continued on, aching for each other.
It was some time later when they were both awoken by a crying baby, their bodies entangled with one another, both gazing into the others eyes. "It is most definitely your turn." Fili mumbled, brushing a stray hair from Averi's face. "You're such a cheat" She murmured back, knowing Fili hated getting out of bed and would never, even if it was his turn, go to check on the baby.
She kissed him, long and slow before Faeryins cries grew too loud for comfort. Sighing she slid out of the bed, draped in an old tunic of Filis, with hair a mess and went in search of the crying child while Fili watched wondering how Mahal had blessed him with such a partner.
It was only a few years later when Faeyrin was beginning to form sentences and run about the mountain that Averien realized there would only be a limited amount of time left before her children were grown and would begin their own journeys. While she had hoped Faeyrin might be the one to stay under the protection of the mountain, she had already foreseen her daughters future, she would be leaving in time also. Their eldest was leaving with Balin to the mines of Moria in a years time, and their middle was showing interest in life among the Iron hills although he was still much too inexperienced to travel there on his own yet.
Time was pushing her closer to having to make a decision, not only for her children but for herself. She had kept in contact with her father all these years, and even he had shocked her with this new proposal. For if she was willing, he could grant her mortality so that she could follow Fili when he passed. She had made up her mind almost instantly, she would do it right then and there, but there was a price.
The spirit that lingered inside of her was one of a warrior, who's task it was to walk this earth until the end of days. The physical body and soul could leave, but the immortal task must be passed on, Averien would have to pick someone to take her place when she embraced mortality, and it would have to be her daughter.
"My Queen." The golden headed dwarve said with a small smirk as he placed a gentle kiss upon her hand. "You are everything I have ever dreamed, I am not worthy enough even of your presence." He whispered trailing a line of small kisses up her arm, reaching her neck. "My heart has never known a love of this strength, and never will again. You are my one…and only." With the breath of his last word he placed a gentle kiss on her neck, under her ear sending waves of chills down her spine.
"Such a tease..." She whispered, turning her head to capture his lips in a long kiss full of need. With her hands she combed through his thick hair, twisting his braids in her fingers.
"Get a room ya two." A deep voice came form the doorway and both pulled back in shock, Averi with a small smirk, Fili with flushed cheeks. "If you weren't aware this is our room." Fili mumbled back, hardly loud enough for the dwarve in the door frame to hear. "Are you even ready? Slacking off on the job Fili?" Dwalin smirked, arms crossed over his chest.
"We're ready Dwalin, I apologize for keeping your King preoccupied." Averi said with a small smirk. "Let us go, Averi." Fili whispered taking her hand in his, leading her through the doorway Dwalin had just been standing under.
Today was a rather special day for the two, as much as it was bittersweet. A group of Dwarves were leaving the lonely mountain for Moria, Balin and a few others from the company would go with the large group to try and re-open the mines there and re-establish them as Dwarf territory.
The two strolled down the hall silently, listening to their sons banter while Averi carried their only daughter. It was going to be a sad day, for half of the original company would be going to the mines, but Averi was sure she would be able to see them again, she would especially miss her long talks with Balin though.
"I am old enough to handle myself ma, you don't need to worry after me anymore." Weylin said as Averi cast him a stern look. He was heading out on horseback with some men from Dale. There had been talk of orc numbers rising again and to keep the lands free from the wretched creatures they needed to see for themselves if the rumors were true. Weylin was well into adulthood and Averi knew she would need to let him go but she knew there was darkness rising again, she worried for his safety. He would be out looking for the orcs but instead of returning to the mountains he would head for Moria where he would help Balin in re-establishing the mines. She would not see him for some time.
"You may have mastered swordsmanship but you are no more stubborn than your father. Be careful, please come back to me Weylin." She said her voice quiet now as the rest of the company began mounting their horses. "I promise." He said back giving her a small smile, she imagined this is what Fili would have looked like in his younger years.
"I will hold you to that." She whispered, placing a small kiss on his cheek before watching him ride off with the small group of men.
"He's strong, he will come back Averi." A voice called form the base of the mountain. She turned to find Fili standing there with their youngest in his arms. She smiled back walking over to them wishing that time would slow down, wishing that the years wouldn't pass by so fast. If their first born was already setting off on his own then their next son would soon follow in his path.
"I have looked into her future and witnessed something great, she is destined for the life Eru has given to her. She is here to guide and to save." Averi whispered, brushing her fingers through Fili's hair as they sat together in front of the dim fireplace.
"The boys are stronger; I fear for the day Faeyrin is exposed to the world outside of the mountain, for men are cruel, and elves will turn from her because of her blood, she will not be able to handle a life like yours my love."
Averi looked deep into his eyes sensing his fear for their only daughter. She had told him of what would happen in the future, the transferal of power from one being to the next. Faeyrin would inherit gifts that would chain her to this world for all eternity, that would lead her down the same pathway as her mother. It was something that could be avoided, and it was quite selfish of Averi to want to put this upon her daughter but she knew in her heart that Faeyrin was born to guide the world from the darkness.
"She is stronger than you give her credit for Fili. I have looked into her future and have seen her standing with kings. She will be one of the few who will willingly lead this world from the darkness and into the age of men." Cupping her king's face she placed a gentle kiss to his cheek and in turn he wrapped his arms around her waist drawing her in.
"I believe every word of it, yet I am fearful for the day she must face this darkness you speak of. Weylin is a natural born fighter, and in the coming future he will be the next King. Caldin is young yet but his skill with a sword and bow rival mine. Our sons were born to lead, to fight, so let them carry your burden, not our Faeyrin."
Averi just sighed, leaning in closer so that her head rested in the crook of his neck, her breath sending chills down his spine. "Weylin, and Caldin both were born with their own roles to play, I'm afraid you're overlooking how capable and strong a female can be. Fae is young now, but she will grow into a powerful woman and then you will see why it cannot be Caldin or Weylin."
Fili sighed, letting his eyes fall shut and the warmth of his loves body take him over. He had thousands of other ordeals to be worrying about at the moment, he should not be troubled over the future of his children. Yet he could not shake the feeling that Faeyrin would face the same hardships as her mother, and his heart ached at the thought of his little girl experiencing any kinds of pain. If he could he would keep her from the reality of the real world for as long as she lived he would, but he knew Averien was right. He could see it in the little girls eyes, she was born to help people, to guide and to fight in the name of the light. He would have to let her go.
The day had finally come.
"You've grown into a beautiful young woman, you will never know how incredibly proud I am of you." Averi whispered, trailing her fingers through her now grown daughters long curls. "Are you ready for what comes next? I have seen the future and it is dark, an old enemy will return."
"I will never be ready, you know this." Faeyrin laughed, nervously wringing her hands together as her mother spoke. "Is anyone ever really prepared for battle against something so dark? Maybe not, but what have I always told you?"
"Where there is dark, there is bound to be light." The younger recited and her mother smiled, as she started a small braid. "Today you will become the light, and followers of the light will soon look to you for guidance."
Averi sighed, trying to ease the knot in her throat. "As long as you walk this earth you will never be alone, I hope there will be more offered to you than there was me, and that someday you should find your place, I sense you've grown tired of these walls."
"I cannot argue with you there. I want to be free but I am afraid." Faeyrin whispered, glancing up at her mother who only looked down at her with eyes full of compassion and love. "It is okay to fear the unknown, but you will be stronger than the unknown, and learn to outsmart fear. Trust in the light and the light will guide you." She answered, placing a kiss on the girl's forehead as they both rose together.
Two years had passed since the youngest son had left the mountain and Faeryin had been asking about the world outside. Today was the day Faeyrin would receive her King's blessing and sword to guide her on her journey outside the mountain walls.
"You are sure you wish to do this Mellon, I cannot stop you but I will try." Legolas said, conversing with Averi to the side of the ceremonial hall where it would happen. "I cannot imagine a world without your friendship." His eyes were solemn and she could only find it in herself to smile sadly back. "We have many more years together my friend, but I know how time passes for an immortal. I will miss you and will wait to meet you again on the other side."
He could only return her sad smile as they embraced quickly. "I have seen you in my daughters future, guide her when I cannot, and comfort her when she feels alone. She does not yet understand the danger of this earth, I need you to be her teacher when she leaves the mountain. She will be going places that I cannot follow."
"You have my word, I will protect her as my own. She has my bow and my sword." He said back, and they locked eyes in a silent agreement. She knew Legolas would likely not break his promise.
"Faeyrin, daughter of Fili, son of Vili. You stand here as the youngest blood line of Durin, seeking a journey, seeking a new life outside of the walls you came from. When you leave know that you will always find a home under these stones if you should return. Go forth in the name of your ancestors, and those who died for the light, you will do great things, and we will be here waiting on your return, to welcome you home." Kili recited the words with a practiced tone, smiling at his grown niece.
"You are the daughter of warriors, child of the mountain, when you become discouraged or afraid remember where you came from, and who you are." Fili stepped in, holding in his hands a small sword. "May this sword guide you, and protect you for all days to come." He said, and Faeyrin gently took the blade from her fathers hands as she had seen many warriors do before her.
"My king." She whispered holding the blade with light fingers, and her father smiled down at her as she kneeled before him. "My princess" he whispered back, both knowing when she rose the world would no longer be the same.
"She will return, you know this." Kili whispered, grasping both of Averi's hands in his own, but Averi just looked out to the hilltop her daughter had just departed from, Legolas by her side. The sun was setting and the sky was beginning to morph into a gentle purple color, hues of pink and orange twisting together in perfect light. Kili seemed to have gotten the message and squeezed her hands one last time before letting go, allowing his brother to take his place.
"It's not too late to run off after her you know." Fili whispered with a light smile, and Averi managed to smile back at the thought. "I wish, but she wont face anything she cannot handle, if she needs help she will have to return on her own." She whispered, letting Fili wrap his fingers with hers.
"She's going to have to come back to give you her mortality, will she not?"
"No, at the precise moment I wish to transfer her to the immortal world she will feel the exchange, but I'm sure she will wish to return when she feels it. She told me she would come back, but I fear her journey will take her somewhere she cannot return from."
"That is what I've feared also, but she carries us with her, and her with us. We are never apart if only physically." Fili said looking up into the same pair of loving eyes he had looked into for years now. "Trust the journey, it will lead her where she is needed most."
"Aye, it will." She whispered back, turning to her king to be wrapped up in his arms once more before she would have to return to the new emptiness of her home. She would be able to live comfortably though, knowing all of her children were very capable beings, and that she had not sent them outside the mountain unprepared. "We have a kingdom to rule, and our people cannot have a queen who looks so sad, you are their light." Fili whispered, gently fixing the bejeweled ringlet resting upon her head.
"If I am their light then you are mine. As long as you remain by my side, and I by yours I think the coming days will not be so dark." She whispered back, watching as the last drops of light faded behind the hilltop.
Averi sat the rest of her days under the mountain, ruling with her love. Darkness was coming, she could feel it in her bones but she breathed easy knowing soon enough the fate of the world would not have to rest on her shoulders anymore. She was no longer a warrior, but a queen. She would not walk the earth until it turned to ash around her, but would die peacefully with the being who held her heart.
"Averi what if we do not pass together? I cannot live the next life without you by my side." Fili had whispered to her one day, while the two lay in bed together. They had been discussing the future of the mountain when he had suddenly prompted the question.
She gently cupped the side of his face with her palm, looking deep into his eyes wondering if he had been thinking about their fate the entire time.
"All I know is that if we should find ourselves apart I will find my way to you in that life, and every life after that. I will never stop searching for you Fili."
"And I will never stop loving you, Averi." He whispered back, leaning in to seal his promise with a gentle kiss. It was a kiss full of love and passion, full of wonder, and joy, and pure bliss. She never wanted it to end, she never wanted to let go.
She thought back to their first kiss, the younger dwarve she knew then, and the way he had always embraced her wildness. He never tried to cage her, never tired to tame her, instead he set her free. More free than she had ever felt in her life.
"My heart, my soul, my body, everything belongs to you." She whispered, pulling from their kiss. "I have never known a stronger feeling than my love for you." She leaned back in, like she always had never able to get enough.
The world would never know a more powerful tale of love.
It's finally over, I can't believe it! I'm so grateful for everyone who has shown love for this story, it took a lot out of me to find the to drive to finish it but I loved it so much. It gave me something to look forward to in dark times.
I hope the ending was good enough to satisfy most of you, and I hope you enjoyed the ride. It's been a long time since I first started this story so to everyone who had stuck through it all, thank you. You guys have my heart.