There was much activity in the mountain following the news of Kili and Tauriel. Talk of marriage, parties and even children. Thorin was going over plans with Balin. "We need to make as much light as possible." Thorin nodded. "The starlight gems. Can they be strung down from silver chains, leading up to the throne?"

Balin smiled an drew something out. "Like this?" Thorin smiled and nodded. "Perfect. Now, Dis is in Dale, looking for a dress." Meanwhile, Fili was with his children with Kili. Kili happily tickled the dwarflings as he sat next to his brother. Fili looked at him. "I never imagined the day you would get married." Kili looked at him and smiled. "I am happy."

Fili nodded. "Then I am glad. Now…" he got up and walked over to a cupboard, looking at it. "It is a wonder this survived that foul dragon…" Kili looked. "What is it Fili?"

Fili paused, before opening it up and pulling out a regal set of armor. "It was our fathers. He married mum in this and.. Uncle and mum have given their consent for you to wear it." Kili got up, Thara and Kirin following him. "It… It was dad's?" Kili asked quietly, looking at it. Fili nodded. "Yes, I saw it many times when I was my sons' age."

The uniform was blue and gold with rubies on the shoulders and gold buttons. It would be perfect for the wedding day.

Kili frowned. "I wanted to see it!" Fili laughed, holding it against his brother. "Perfect fit. You were only a babe and never asked to see it. I think.. No. I know he would be proud of you."

"And you Fili." Fili smiled. "And me." He put it back in the wardrobe. "Why didn't you wear it?" Kili questioned picking up Thara. Kirin, being left on the ground and rather forgotten, began to wail. Fili picked him up and shushed him. "I had thought about it, but I wanted to keep it for you, for your day." Kili smiled at his brother gratefully.

In Dale, Dis was looking at some dresses at a stall. She frowned as people rushed past and followed them, her curiosity high. She stopped as she saw the people around Bard's house, she winced as the door opened and a man walked down the stairs, followed by Bard's cry. Dis pushed forward, hurrying up the stairs and opened the door carefully.

"Bard?" Bard was sitting on the bed, holding something. Dis moved forward, it was something wrapped up in a blanket, she stopped as she saw hair at the top and covered her mouth, tears springing to her eyes. The oldest children were sitting down, crying. Dis waited, before moving forward and placed a hand on his shoulder.

Bard jumped and looked. "Dis… I… I tried, I tried.."
"I know.. I know Bard, but she is at peace now." Bard sobbed, rocking back and fourth. "Dale still… still needs building and.. And now…" Dis looked at him and looked at the child. "I will speak to Thorin, we will arrange a funeral for her."

"I.. I don't want her buried in the dark, some-somehwhere light… to see the sky." Dis nodded. "She will be. I am so sorry." She looked at the youngest and sighed. "Life is a cruel game we must all play." Bard rocked back and fourth. Dis got up and walked over to the kitchen. Bard looked at her. "what-what are you doing?"

"Bard, what I am about to tell you, you must never repeat to my sons. I have lost a child as well. Dili, a girl. She died when she was seven summers old, before Fili was born… Sh-She just wasn't growing and then… One day, Thorin picked her up and she was cold. I then knew. Then Fili came along, then Kili. I still have two children to look after, as do you." She made up a small fire and began to cook.

Bard gulped. "Thank you Dis. Bain?" Bain looked up. "Run along to the mountain… Ask to speak to Thorin, tell him of his sister's plan." Bain nodded and stopped by the door. "It's not fair." Bard watched him. "We have to fight to make it fair." Bain nodded, walking out, people touching their hearts and then his shoulders as he headed towards the mountain.

Back in the mountain, Thorin was going over some plans with Kili, it would be both their days, when a dwarf guard hurried in. Thorin paused and looked up. "What is it?"

"Bain, son of Bard has arrived at the mountain, he wishes to speak to you direct my king." Thorin frowned. Bain instead of Bard? It had to be urgent. He looked at Kili. "Kili, go and find Fili and Merira, they will help you." Kili could tell by his uncle's tone and nodded, watching his uncle go. Thorin hurried outside followed by Balin and Dwalin.

"Bain? What is it?"
"My.. My sister…" Thorin took a moment and then looked away. "I am sorry lad…" Balin and his brother looked away. Bain took a deep breath and continued. "You.. Your sister, asked if.. if there could be a funeral pr-.. provided. Dale is still too much in ruin and… and there might not-" Thorin stopped him.

"We will see it done. When do you expect?"
"Four days from now." Thorin nodded, two days after the wedding. "Very well, I will send some of my finest craftsmen for the task." Bain nodded and turned. Thorin paused and reached into his pocket. "Bain? Take this, for your family."

Bain held out his hand, Thorin gave him a large red ruby, like a glowing coal. "This will help." Bain smiled a bit and nodded before setting off. Balin watched the boy. "That poor child. Bard still has him and the other lass to look after." Dwalin nodded. "Aye, ain't no easy job."

Thorin nodded, thinking about his niece. "No, tis not… we will aid them in this time, I will give the child a good send off, though it pains me to do so." Balin and Dwalin nodded, keeping silent

That night, Kili was on his bed, snoring, having been worn out. Thorin, Dis and Fili were talking. Fili lit his pipe, staring into the fire. "I cannot imagine what Bard is going through. First his wife, now his youngest…"

Thorin nodded and looked at Dis, saying nothing. "Aye. Tis a hard thing loosing a child. You feel helpless and angry at the world. But it doesn't bring them back. I will not forget the kindness Bard and his family showed towards my kin. She will have… Have a fine send off." Dis and Fili nodded, saying nothing else.

They were unaware that Kili was in bed, eyes open. Eyes that were now full of tears as he listened to the fate of Bard's youngest. His wedding was in two days. But he had to do something.

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So the day of the wedding looms and yet… There has been tragedy in the story as well, sorry if it made you sad *huggles everyone* I hope you enjoyed the chapter!