A/N – Sorry about the length of time it took to publish this, but the good news is that it's almost 3x as long as normal. Yay! Enjoy!

A big thank you to Maggiemaye on A03 for proofreading the chapter for me!

Since it is taking longer for me to get updates out I've been putting sneak peaks up on tumblr. So, if you would like to stay updated follow me at warstang. Tumblr . com, minus the spaces.


Tauriel POV

I slowly rose to my feet after I was certain the little one inside me remained in good health. My side stung where the arrow had struck me, but I cared only for the defenseless child that I had nearly failed to protect. The thought of losing her before she even had a chance to grow terrified me. How could I have been so careless? The lack of battle and action had given me far too much comfort in the peace, causing my failure to hear the group of rangers surround us. It was unacceptable.

To add to these troubles, I struggled to comprehend the scene that had unfolded before me. Kíli continued to heave out of anger, but he lowered his weapon as the elf Prince had come forth. I stared at my oldest friend in both surprise and confusion.

"Le suilon, Tauriel. Le maer?" he asked rather formally. I was disappointed in the tone, for it was as if our friendship had been forgotten. So much time had passed and I feared that my thoughts were correct.

"She is well," Kíli practically growled. I was annoyed by his insistence to answer for me, but considering my shock at everything that happened I did not argue. Legolas appeared surprised that the dwarf understood his words but his glare quickly returned. "What are you doing here?"

Legolas smirked, "and here I almost believed that I was beginning to miss the company of dwarves."

Kíli mumbled an unkind word in his language before returning his attention to me. His hand came up to cover my injury. "We need to clean that."

"Allow my healer to attend to that," the hooded man offered.

"You will not go near her," he threatened in a dangerous voice.

"Perhaps you should allow her to make her own decisions, dwarf." I wanted to sigh as Legolas provoked my flustered dwarf, knowing that any argument between them would not end well.

"It is my duty to protect her, princeling." Kíli clenched his fists.

"What makes you believe that she needs protecting?" the elf challenged before glaring at me. "You allow such behavior? The dwarves have changed you in an unfavorable sort."

"Legolas, I only allow Kíli to be my protector. No other has such a right," I found my voice as anger clouded my mind. I forced myself to remain composed. I glanced nervously at Kíli for a moment, wondering if it would be wise to divulge our title to the group. However, I remembered that I no longer cared what others believed and I met the elf's eyes firmly. "He is my husband."

If the situation had not been so heated, I would have burst into laughter at the fallen jaws of each ranger. Legolas however, only darkened his glare at Kíli. I stole a quick glance at the dwarf, suddenly worried that he might not have agreed with revealing the information but he appeared rather smug standing beside me.

"It's not possible," one of the rangers mumbled. "They are taking us for fools."

"They are no threat to us," Legolas quickly hushed his companion. He looked desperate to utter more words, most likely ill words, but to his credit he withheld them. "We should camp here for the night. Prepare a fire."

"You are certain that they can be trusted?" the hooded man asked.

"It was your son who released the first arrow, Nyle. It is them who should be concerned about you," Legolas reminded him. The man name Nyle appeared grim at his words, but nodded nonetheless before turning to help the others set up camp. I felt a hand grip my fingers and I was forced to follow Kíli as he guided me to sit upon a fallen log. Before I had the chance to deny the help, he tore a small section of his shirt and moistened it from the water of his canteen.

"Lift your shirt," he commanded gently as he closed the container.

"Kíli, it is nothing…"

"What are you not telling me?" he asked in frustration. Legolas looked annoyed at Kíli's choice to speak in Khuzdul, but I understood that this was a private conversation. "Do not say it's nothing…"

"Not here," I cupped his cheek gently. "We shall speak of it later, I promise."

"Shall I come back later since you insist upon speaking in nonsense?" Legolas scuffed.

"What has brought you this way, old friend?" I spoke to him before Kíli had the chance to respond with distain. Thankfully, he distracted himself by returning his attention to my wound. His fingers gently lifted the cloth to reveal the gash and I could have sworn that the child shivered within me as he pressed against the wound. I hissed slightly at the pain, but the strange feelings brought me greater emotions.

"I travel alongside one of the rangers. He desired to return to the valley where he was raised," he explained. He stepped forward and glanced over Kíli to catch sight of the severity of the wound. I was thankful that he kept his distance to avoid irritating the dwarf as he tended to me. "They did not expect to see any living souls between here and Rivendell. Your presence put them on edge."

"We took notice," I attempted a smile but the sting increased as Kíli finished his work.

"Did you speak truly?" He asked. "You have bound yourself to the dwarf?"

"The dwarf has a name," Kíli grumbled but I massaged the back of his healing hands to calm him.

"Yes, my friend. You know that I would not lie about such a thing," I pointed out to the elf. His expression turned to sorrow before he recomposed his glare. I was disappointed in his behavior. After receiving the support from Thranduil, I would have assumed that Legolas would feel only joy for my happiness. However, it appeared that I was wrong.

Approaching footsteps caused us all to turn our gaze to see the ranger return.

"Lady elf, my wife is preparing a medicine for your wound. If you will accompany me I will guide you to her," he removed his hood as he spoke to me. I could feel the dwarf tense beside me but I nodded to the man before meeting Kíli's gaze.

"You should track the deer's whereabouts, I do not think he would have gone far," I offered, hoping that the hunt would distract him from arguing with Legolas. He glanced between me and the ranger, debating whether or not the man could be trusted. I smiled and gripped his hand, "I will be fine. I am capable of looking after myself."

"I know," he glared for a moment, annoyed that I would accuse him of having a lack of faith in me. His expression was conflicted as he glanced at the others in embarrassment. I was confused by the behavior until he leaned forward to place a quick kiss to my lips. I was faintly aware of Legolas shifting uncomfortably nearby, but Kíli's eyes held my gaze after we parted.

"I will search for no more than an hour. I will return even if it cannot be found," he promised.

"Legolas, assist the dwarf in the hunt. After all, it was by our doing that they lost the beast in the first place," the ranger Nyle instructed. I do not know who appeared more disgusted at the order, but Kíli and Legolas both exchanged angry glances with one another.

"I can handle the task by myself," Kíli said firmly but the man did not budge.

"You will lose the sun soon, master dwarf. Legolas has keen eyes. Your quest will be over in a matter of minutes and you can quickly return to your… uh… wife," he remained flustered over the idea that our marriage could exist. Kíli looked as if he would protest further but surprised me by nodding gathering his bow and stomped off towards the deer's path.

His departure was unsettling and I had a strong desire to follow him or at least call him back to me. I realized that this was the first time that we had been separated since the wedding and without him I felt… homesick. I swallowed anxiously, wondering if it would always be this way. Would I ever be able to step away from the dwarf without this longing? My love for him ran deeper than the vast seas, but I was not certain that I enjoyed this new dependency. I had always been on my own, yet now I would have to adjust to this strange lifestyle of needing the company of another.

I forced my gaze away from him and turned my attention back to the ranger. Legolas watched me carefully with sorrow painted all over his features. He ducked away from my gaze before reluctantly following in Kíli's path. His stare had only left me feeling even more unsettled. Had I hurt him? I had thought that our days of conflict were over after our last meeting, but it seemed that he still harbored ill thoughts towards my relationship with a dwarf.

"My Lady," the ranger snapped me from my thoughts. "Come with me, I shall take you to my wife."

Kíli POV

I suppose that after so much time of nothing but peace we were due for some conflict, but today had become very trying. First, Tauriel had been silent on her troubles, then the foolish boy took aim at her when his arm was not properly conditioned to maintain hold on his bow, and now I was forced to leave her with a group of strangers while I trekked into the forest with a grumpy elf.

I stomped through the foliage in irritation as the elf Prince stalked behind me. I did not know exactly where this frustration stemmed from, but I felt jealous of the elf. It was foolish to feel such a way. Tauriel was pure and faithful, yet the Prince's presence continued to annoy me.

"You are a poor tracker," he grumbled. "Your careless noise will frighten anything within range."

"If you do not like it, track your own bloody dinner," I snapped back. "If it were not for you and your crew, I would already have two steaks over the fire with my wife safe at home."

"She does not need safety, she is a warrior. You have chained her fiery spirit by the way you try to coddle her," he spat.

"I do not coddle her," I had to bite my tongue to keep from shouting.

"She handled her injury as that of a child; cowering behind another while cradling herself. The Tauriel I knew would have readied her bow before you had the chance to reach for an arrow," he scuffed.

"Not that it is any of your business, but she is having an off day. Now, if you say another ill word over her I will have you cowering as well," I spoke firmly but he only smirked.

"I do not think she would appreciate it if I were to return her dwarf battered and bruised." My pride nearly triumphed over my control, but I forced my fist to remain steady.

"You don't seem to like me very much do you?" I chuckled while stating the obvious. "Tell me, Leg-lass, what exactly is it that spurs your distain? Tauriel told me that you knew about her feelings before you left, is the sight of us together truly so shocking?"

"You married her," he said in a dangerous voice.

"Of course I married her! That is what happens when a courted pair loves each other, or did your father fail to mention how that process works?" I smirked.

"Do not take me for a fool, dwarf."

"Then what did you expect would happen?" I could not help but ask.

"I do not know," he growled in confusion. "I expected her to realize that a dwarf and an elf could not possibly have a life together. I did not expect her to hand over her very soul to a dwarf."

"Oh for the love of Mahal… Is our marriage truly so foul to you?" my temper began to rise.

"Yes." I was surprised by his answer. I knew that he was annoyed with our relationship, but I did not think he held so much distain. I stopped dead in my tracks to face him.

"You love her… don't you?" My voice was even.

"Of course," he narrowed his eyes and my heart clenched uneasily.

"So… you were hoping that she would realize a life with me could never exist and she would return to you. Is that it then?" I glared at him in accusation but I was surprised to see him recoil at the idea.

"Of course not! I love her, yes, but not in the way you do."

"Then why does your hatred run so deeply?" I scowled.

"You will be the death of her," he stated plainly. My eyes grew in shock at his words but he continued before I had the chance to deny his nonsense. "We may not be of the same blood, but she is family. I knew her when she was but a few days old. I watched her grow into a strong elleth. I watched her cry… I was there for her when her parents were lost to her. She barely survived the news of their death. The tears consumed her for three days… she was so young."

As he spoke, all anger evacuated my mind as my heart swelled up in sadness. A vivid image of the small fire-haired elf child curled up in a puddle of her own tears weighed heavily in my mind. I knew very little about Tauriel's childhood, but I knew that it was a dark tale.

"I remained behind by my father's orders. What few of us who remained in Mirkwood banded together while the rest waged war in distant lands. It was not the first time that we had met, but it was the first that I had dedicated time for her. I do not know how, but she began to look up to me. At first I had thought her to be… annoying," he smirked at the memory. "She had clung to my side the entire time after her parents departed, but after a while I began to enjoy her presence."

His eyes drifted into the distance and I wasn't even sure if he remembered that I was here anymore. "I remember going with my father to deliver the news of their death… She had been one of the first to reach the returning soldiers. She searched the faces with more excitement than I had ever seen upon an elf's face before… but she never found them. I remember the pain of losing my mother, but I can only imagine what darkness crept into her mind at the loss of both. My father gave affection very few times after he lost mother, but that was a day when allowed his love to shine.

It is rare for an elf to be orphaned, for marriages only happen in times of peace, but the conflict was unforeseen and her parents were needed. I could do nothing but stand and watch as my father held her for quite some time. I remember watching her beg for him to remove the pain. She would not eat… she would do nothing but stare into the distance for nearly a week. We all thought for certain that she would fade."

His eyes rose to meet mine in a glare. I did not realize until then that tears had clouded my eyes as I struggled to look at him clearly. "She barely survived her grief and a short number of years later she was placed into training. She had to mature quickly to combat the darkness that prodded her mind. I thought her days of pain were behind her, until you came."

"I would never hurt her," I said weakly.

"Not intentionally, but your mortality will be her end."

"I refuse to believe that," I shook my head defiantly. I desperately grasped at the shredded thoughts that she was unique from other elves and that she would be able to combat the fading process. "She is strong, she…"

"She is not strong enough," he said rather calmly. I went to argue but his expression had changed. He no longer scolded me; instead he looked as if he was merely trying to inform me. "She had learned from her parent's passing that love was a dangerous emotion. She never gifted a single male with a second glance. She had built strong walls around her heart… it remains a mystery to me how you managed to brake them."

"More like crashed into them," he smirked through the tears. For a moment it appeared that I had amused the elf Prince, but his expression quickly turned to sorrow once more.

"You do not understand how deeply an elf can love after their souls bond. My mother's passing destroyed my father's heart. I have no doubt that yours will shatter hers. You are right that she is strong, but the bond is much stronger. You have ended her life by marrying her."

"What would you have preferred?" I groaned as a tear spilled onto my cheek. "For us to have parted ways after the battle? To ignore our feelings? To live with the sadness of what could have been?"

"She could have healed then. She would have struggled for quite some time, but without the bond she could have moved on. Now, it is too late." He stared at me accusingly. "Now, I will be forced to watch her grieve once more."

His eyes fell to the ground in sorrow. I wanted to be angry with him, I wanted to hate him… but I could not. His words jumbled my mind, but the truth pierced my heart fiercely. The day would come when she would be forced to grieve, when she might just gain more grief than she can handle… and it would be my fault. I could very well be the reason that her life ends far much sooner than an elf should ever live. All of the joy that I held from the past several weeks quickly turned to guilt. I was selfish.

"We need to get moving," Legolas commanded softly. "Darkness will be upon us soon."

I nodded without meeting his eyes and turned to walk in the path of the deer. My heart was filled was a terrible emptiness. I wanted to rush back to her and allow her kiss and touch to save me from this pain, but I feared that I did not deserve such a thing. I trekked quietly to avoid any further conversing with the elf Prince.

"Up ahead," he whispered from behind me. I glanced up to find the buck grazing a short distance ahead. "It is your hunt, you take the shot."

I wanted to strike the elf for giving me an order, but my mind continued to swim in a pool of emotions from his story. The anger was unable to reach my heart so instead I carefully readied my bow before taking aim at the animal. I released the arrow and was pleased to see the buck fall to the ground in an instant. Tauriel had taught me the importance of valuing the animals that provided their gifting nourishment and I could not stand to see them suffer. I waited to give the animal a moment of peace before walking quietly to the animal. Remembering Tauriel's example, I knelt beside the deer and place my hand upon his neck. The deer glanced at me nervously, but as I began the elven prayer his breathing calmed. As I spoke, I softly stroked the animal's soft neck and as I finished the prayer he took his final breath.

"Farewell, my friend," I thanked the buck by patting his neck one final time.

"She taught you this?" I glanced up at Legolas. He watched me curiously and I was pleased to see that his expression had softened.

"Aye," I answered before grasping the deer and hauling him to my shoulders. I staggered under the weight but quickly regained my balance. I desperately need to get back in shape. I glanced up at the falling sun and quickly turned towards the ranger's camp. I could not hear the elf following, but I cared not if he bothered to join me. My conflicted heart ached to see Tauriel.

"Dwarf." I nearly jumped as his voice was suddenly right beside me. I scowled at him for appearing in such a matter but he was glancing at the ground awkwardly. "You are wrong, I do not hate you."

"What?" I stopped walking to look at him properly.

"She is happy." His gaze rose to meet mine. The anger was still evident, but something had changed in his features. "In all of our years together, I have never seen her so joyful. For that, I thank you."

My pride desired to snap that I have done nothing for him. However, as I searched his gaze I could see the sincerity of his words. I did not know what to say to the elf, so I simply nodded in appreciation before turning back towards the camp.

Tauriel POV

"I cannot apologize enough, my Lady. My son was told never to take aim as he did… he has much to learn." The woman was frantic as she applied the medicine to my side. I was unsure how many times I must inform her that the child's mistake was forgiven.

"No harm was done," I promised her.

"Yet here I am repairing your wound," she smirked.

"No serious harm was done," I smiled. "How is the boy's arm?"

"His name is Rashaad," she told me. "He will be fine, my husband is tending to his injury. Though, I believe he is quite frightened of the dwarf."

"He is much softer than he appears," I promised. "He was flustered."

"He could have killed him," her tone became protective.

"No," I quickly denied. "Kíli is the greatest marksman that I have ever known. If it had been his intent to kill he would have done so, but he is no murderer."

"So my husband spoke truly, you are married to the dwarf?" she glanced at me curiously.

"Yes."

"An interesting pairing," she voiced her thoughts as she covered the wound.

"I suppose that you are right," I smirked, not knowing what else to say. Thankfully, before either of us had the chance to speak, the flap of the tent opened and Nyle stepped inside.

"How is she?" he asked his wife.

"I am fine." I wanted to roll my eyes. I began to tire of others responding in my stead. The man merely smiled in understanding before turning his gaze back to the entrance.

"Rashaad, come." It took a moment, but a small figure slowly made his way into the tent. He held his arm and stared anxiously at the ground. He scouted the room quickly before glancing worriedly at his father.

"Da'… the dwarf isn't here is he?" his voice shivered. My heart ached for the little one, but more so because he held so much fear of Kíli. My dwarf was harmless and it pained me to see the boy think otherwise. The father only smiled reassuringly before nudging him forward. He swallowed deeply before meeting my eyes. "I'm sorry about my arrow."

The tears in his eyes and the sincerity in his voice made it impossible to be angry with the child. I smiled and reached out my hand for him to take. He flinched for a moment but slowly placed his tiny hand within mine. "It is alright little one, you have nothing to fear. You frightened us, that is all. We do not wish to harm you."

The boy stroked his wounded arm, trying to decipher if he could trust my words. He glanced up to each of his parents and after accepting their smiles, he appeared to relax. He looked as if he wanted to speak to me further, but the men stirred outside and his father peeked out of the tent.

"They have returned. It appears that we shall eat well tonight," he smiled to the boy. "How does venison sound?"

Rashaad merely smiled and tugged at my hand for me to rise. His actions surprised me but I rose to my feet in an instant. I had meant to follow him, but a strange prickling feeling stirred my insides and I fell back in the chair with a gasp.

"My Lady?" I felt the hands of the woman grasp my arm. I clutched my stomach, fearing the health of my own little one. "Go assist them, I will remain with her."

I could hear her order her family away before she crouched beside me.

"What is it you feel?" she asked.

"I… I think… I do not know," I sighed. The pain subsided and I was left anxious and confused. I waited for another song, a voice, or anything that would reassure me, but it never came. I could not help but wonder if my instincts were accurate in believing that a child filled my womb. The flutters had begun to subside and instead these furious prickling feelings invaded my stomach. Had I imagined it all? What is happening to me? I desperately wished that my mother was here. I knew nothing of carrying a child, nor anything about raising one. Not to mention that I was unable to decipher whether or not my thoughts were accurate.

"Breathe, my Lady," she commanded me. I had not realized that I had been holding my breath until she spoke and I quickly relieved my lungs with fresh air.

"Kíli," I called in a whisper, desperate to have him with me. "Where is he?"

"He will be along soon. He is cleaning his kill," she answered. For a moment we sat in silence as she caressed my back for comfort. If I had not been so flustered, the gesture would have made me uncomfortable.

"How old is your son?" I forced myself to speak.

"He will be eight soon," she answered. "They certainly grow quickly."

I attempted a smile, but was too nervous to give the proper gesture. "How did you come to learn of your pregnancy?"

Her head snapped up in surprise and I feared that the question was improper.

"I am sorry, I should not have inquired about such a thing…"

"No, do not fear. I simply was not expecting such a question," she chuckled. "It was quite some time after our marriage. I had begun to think it impossible for us to conceive, but I began to show the typical signs and I suppose it simply became clear after a while."

"What are these signs you speak of?" I asked in a quiet voice.

"Did your mother never speak of this subject to you?" she glanced at me curiously. I suddenly felt foolish for asking and my cheeks flushed. "Oh, I see… I am sorry."

"It is alright," I swallowed. I felt childish as I played with my fingers nervously. It was not often that my body required to sweat, but I could feel the uncomfortable moisture soak into my clothing.

"Tell me dear, what is it you wish to know?" she grasped my hands before sharing in her knowledge. I was uncomfortable discussing the topic, but my curiosity triumphed over my discomfort and I asked her several questions. Much of her information frightened me as she told of what pain would accompany the process, but she assured me that the outcome was well worth the troubles. "You should speak to a healer in Rivendell. I believe that elves vary slightly."

"Thank you," I swallowed before nodding. "Please, do not speak of this to anyone."

"Of course, my Lady," she smiled.

"Tauriel," I corrected her. She only had time to widen her smile before two figures entered the tent. My heart jumped as Kíli made his way towards me. Legolas stood at the entrance, but my gaze was fixated upon the dwarf. "Kíli."

"Amralime," he whispered while bringing his forehead to rest against mine. I smiled as his familiar scent filled my senses and I instinctively nudged my nose against his. He smiled before taking my face in his hands. "How are you feeling?"

"I will be fine," I assured him but he inspected the wound regardless. "Kíli…"

"I just wanted to be sure!" He chuckled at my groan. I slowly rose to my feet, keeping my hand within his. I noticed the woman standing nearby smiling at our interactions, while Legolas struggled to hide his glare. I tugged the dwarf's hand towards the entrance.

"You must speak with the boy," I glanced at him. "He is quite shaken from your attack."

"Defense," he corrected with a scowl. "I did not fire the first arrow."

"I know this." I brought a hand up to hold his cheek. "He is only a child. You must not fault him."

"Aye," he groaned. "I know."

"Don't be so stubborn," I scolded his tone with a smile. I turned back towards the entrance and glanced at the elf standing awkwardly nearby. I wanted to speak with him, but no words could form. How had it come to be this way? We had always been close and conversation would come easily, but now everything had changed.

"After you, blondy." I tensed as Kíli spoke to him. However, to my amazement the elf merely smirked before slipping out of the tent. Kíli guided me forward and we all exited. I spotted the child quickly as he sat prodding the fire with a small stick. Legolas began walking into the forest and I stared after him for a moment, desiring to speak to my old friend. I glanced back at the dwarf with the intent to nudge him towards the boy, but his gaze stopped me.

"What troubles you?" I asked in worry.

"Nothing," he quickly masked his sorrow. I searched him carefully and it was evident that something bothered him deeply. I was annoyed that he chose not to speak with me, but after recalling the events from today I knew it would be unjust to be angry with him. I pushed him away when he inquired about my strange behavior, but even now I was unsure what to say to him. What if I was wrong? There was no doubt in my mind that he would be overjoyed at the news of my pregnancy, but if I was wrong it would crush him. I wanted the little one to sing once more, to assure me that what I felt was real, but she remained silent.

Kíli gazed at me strangely and a silent tear crept in the corner of his eye. My heart fell at the sight and irritation began to grow. However, it was not formed from him and instead at my old friend. What happened on their hunt?

"He is over there," I pointed to the boy. I had no right to prod Kíli for answers, however there was one other that I desired to question relentlessly.

"You are making me go alone?" Kíli raised his eyes in confusion and a hint of worry.

"He will not bite you," I smirked.

"Yes, yes." He rolled his eyes but a smile remained. His eyes glanced in the direction where the elf Prince recently disappeared. "You should speak with him. He cares about you."

I nodded softly as he returned his gaze. He took my arm and pulled me down to claim a kiss. My hands came up to grip his neck as he attempted to pull away far too quickly. A part of me enjoyed having the company of others, but I had far too little of him to myself today. He finally forced himself to part with a smile. "On second thought, perhaps we should venture home."

"Go," I smiled as I gently pushed him away. He chuckled before walking off towards the child. I watched him as he plopped down right beside the boy near the fire. Rashaad's eyes widened in fright, but it only took a few moments of listening to the dwarf speak before he began to calm. I watched fondly as Kíli smiled while telling a story. The little one's eyes glowed brightly as he gazed in fascination at the dwarf's tale. My hand instinctively made its way to my tummy. My eyes clouded in a strange assortment of tears and I was quick to blink them away. My emotions ran wild as I envisioned the little girl inside me staring in wonder as her father shared our tales.

"Are you alright, my Lady?" I jumped at a voice beside me.

"Yes," I quickly wiped away a tear before facing the ranger. "I am fine."

He watched me curiously but pressed no further. His expression was kind as he gazed at me and though he appeared youthful, his eyes shown with great wisdom. "You are from Mirkwood?"

"Yes," I answered. He smiled before bringing his hand to his chest and spoke in perfect elvish as he greeted me properly. I looked at him in surprise. "You are the one Legolas spoke of? The man raised in Rivendell?"

"I am Strider," he nodded before glancing at the dwarf. I expected to hear him comment on how strange a pair we were, however he simply stated, "your peace is admirable."

"What is your meaning?" I looked at him curiously.

"I have seen many confrontations… it is rare to see them end without a fight," he explained.

"You are just a boy," I observed in surprise. He appeared to be the same age as young Sigrid, perhaps a bit younger. "How could you possibly have seen so much bloodshed?"

"No bloodshed, only squabbles." He smiled to reassure me, but I must have appeared flustered. "You do not know much about the world of men. Problems seem to arise much easier than in the dwarven and elven kingdoms."

He sighed in disappointment, but I merely smirked. "I should share in the tale of what troubles we encountered in our own kingdoms."

"I suppose that I have much to learn," he chuckled quietly before glancing at something behind me. "Legolas."

"Nyle has requested for you to take first watch over the horses," he ordered the young man. Strider nodded before walking off into the woods and I turned my attention to the elf. He smiled at me but my irritation towards him was fierce. "It is good to see you again mellon."

"What did you say to him?" I snapped. He appeared surprised at my behavior, but I only darkened my glare. "Something troubles him. It was not until he returned from the hunt that he felt this way… What did you say?"

"We simply talked," he shrugged but I refused to back down.

"Do you think me foolish?" I practically growled.

"We began to argue," he sighed. I waited for him to continue, but he foolishly believed that his story would end after the simple statement.

"Legolas…" I scolded. "What did you say to him?"

"I told him of your childhood," he lowered his gaze. "I told him how you grieved… and how you will grieve once more by his doing."

I must have looked fierce because a slight hint of fear crossed his features. I had to remind myself that there were several rangers nearby and it would be unwise to strike the elf Prince. "What was your purpose in speaking to him about this? Do you delight in the pain of others?"

"Of course not," he appeared offended by the accusation but I was unfazed and continued to glare. "I was angry… he could not see what damage his greed has caused."

"Greed?" I scuffed. "You are as stubborn as the mountain King… Not all dwarves succumb to the evils of greed. Kíli cares not for treasure."

"You are treasure to him," he narrowed his eyes. "He may not possess mountains of gold, but his greed runs just as deeply as Thror's."

"You are wrong," I spoke in a dangerous tone. "Do you know what we have faced together? What he has sacrificed on my behalf? He abandoned his home, his family, all that he has ever known… he has done all of this for me. You dare to call him greedy…"

It was not a question, but instead a threat. I did not consider myself to be a violent being when it came to an allied race; however, I had a fierce desire to defend my husband.

"I am sorry," he lowered his eyes in shame. If the situation had been different, I would have pitied him. However, I desired to break him even further for what he had done. "I did not realize what you have been through."

"Did you believe our path to be easy?" I scuffed in disbelief. "Did you foolishly believe that we chose to leave behind our homes?"

"Is he bothering you, love?" I glanced behind me to find Kíli glaring at the Prince. In his hand he held the handle of his sword, while the blade rested on his shoulder. It was not until I noticed the entire camped had stopped to watch our squabble that I realized I had been shouting.

"Go about your business," Legolas ordered the crowd grumpily before returning his gaze upon us. Kíli stepped forward until he was right beside me.

"I thought we were resolved?" Kíli glared at him.

"I did not intend to seek conflict," he admitted.

"Yet you found it after all," his fists clenched.

"Gentlemen," Nyle appeared. His expression was calm yet fierce at the same time. I could easily see why the man was chosen to lead. "We do not need further conflict tonight. Dinner is being served. Let us gather around the fire."

I did not want to obey the man, but his narrowed eyes made it obvious that he was not negotiating. Kíli reluctantly sheathed his sword and offered his hand. I was not in the mood for a comforting touch, but I forced my pride away and took his hand. The rangers had returned to their conversations as we took our seats beside the fire. Legolas remained nearby, but kept his distance. It took me unnaturally long to calm my anger, but I was pleased that no one attempted to force me to speak. By the time my meal was finished I began to remember that I was not the only one to be affected by the elf Prince's harsh words. I glanced at Kíli and was pleased to find a smile upon his face. Rashaad sat at his side while gazing upon the dwarf with great interest. It must have been the child's first encounter with the race because he asked many questions. Most dwarves would have taken offence to his curious questions, but Kíli merely smiled and answered all that he wished to know.

"Why are your hands so small?" he asked while playing with the dwarf's fingers.

"Rashaad!" His mother scolded. "Leave him be."

"It is alright," Kíli chuckled.

"I've got a question for ye'," a man struggled to maintain his laughter from across the fire. He glanced between the two of us before asking, "how does it work between ya?"

"What do you mean?" I ignored the snickers that spread throughout the camp. Kíli also appeared to understand the question because he quickly hid his smile in his mug.

"You know…" the man trailed off suggestively and I began to blush madly.

"Well, the biggest difference in height falls below my waist, so it's not much diff… ugh!" I elbowed the dwarf a bit harder than I intended. The others burst into laughter, while Legolas appeared disgusted at the conversation. I could feel my face burning, but Kíli brought my hand up to his lips. "Sorry, love."

His apology was as sincere as it could possibly be through his muffled laughter. I rolled my eyes and tried to ignore their inappropriate humor.

"What do they mean mama?" Rashaad asked. His mother's dark glare immediately silenced the entire crowd.

"Nothing, sweetheart. They are just a bunch of fools," she scolded the rangers.

"In all honesty, master dwarf," Nyle glanced at us. "I desire to know how the two of you are managing this marriage. I would have never thought it possible before this day for an elf and a dwarf to exist together in such a way."

"I do not know why it is so difficult for others to comprehend," he sighed. "I love her."

"But you are so different…" I smirked at the man's comment.

"We are not as different as we appear, master Nyle." I ensured him. Kíli's fingers weaved into mine and I smiled as he clasped them to my hand. "The differences that we do wield merely make the bond stronger."

"Gazardul menu ked gamelu pethem," he kissed the tip of my shoulder tenderly. I smiled at his words and met his forehead with my own lips.

"Eww," the little one beside the dwarf made an interesting face that caused the camp to chuckle. I pulled away with a smile to ease the child's discomfort, but Kíli rested his cheek against my shoulder.

"How is it you married?" the woman asked. "Your homelands did not approve? That is why you are here, is it not?"

"Lord Elrond has been kind to us. He allowed us refuge and saw us married, as did Lord Thranduil." I stole a glance at Legolas. He appeared surprised to learn of his father's support, but he continued to remain silent. I told them how we were asked to leave Erebor and how we ventured to Rivendell. I left out the details of Erebor's ill King, thinking it unwise to spread the news. Several moments passed as I shared in our tale. Finally, I reached the end of our tale by telling them how Kíli had repaired the old cabin where we were now living.

"Ah, quite the romantic, aren't ye' dwarf?" A ranger chuckled.

"Mmhmm," he mumbled tiredly into my shoulder.

"Kíli, go to sleep." Many of the other campers had begun to prepare their make-shift beds and I urged the dwarf to rest. Nyle picked up his son who had already fallen asleep and carried him to their own tent.

"Iamasleep," his slurred words were comical. I gently moved him so that his head rested comfortably in my lap. "Are you certain that you don't want to make for home?"

"You cannot even talk properly. You think that you could walk home?" I chuckled.

"Lily's 'round here somewhere. Just throw me up on her."

"My arms to not have the strength to do such a thing." I began to stroke his cheek softly with my thumb.

"Are you callin' me fat?"

"Of course not," I smiled. "All muscle you are."

"That's my Lady," he managed a smile. I could not maintain my chuckle before bending down to meet his lips. He attempted to respond, but his exhaustion took over and his body went limp. I pulled away from him and continued to massage the sides of his face.

"Goodnight, melleth nin." I told him even though his mind had already escaped into slumber. I watched him for several moments. The light of the flames danced across his skin as I softly stroked the rough texture of his check. I thanked his will-full heart for every beat and his lungs for every breath.

"You plan to sit like that all night?" Legolas smirked. I had forgotten about his presence before he had spoken.

"Until he wakes," I said without looking up. I was pleased that my anger had fled, but I remained frustrated with my old friend.

"And here I was criticizing him for treating you as a child," he chuckled. He intended his words as a joke, but they struck a nerve regardless.

"I treat him as a husband," my eyes snapped up to meet his.

"I did not mean to offer insult," he sighed. "Please mellon, forgive me for my actions today. I wish to fight no longer."

I watched him carefully as I tried to decipher whether he spoke sincerely or not. I finally sighed before nodding to the elf. He smiled at my approval and moved to sit nearby. "How did you convince my father to leave Mirkwood?"

"Lord Elrond reached out to him. Though, I do not know what magic he conjured to lure the elf King." We shared in a soft laugh. Kíli stirred slightly but only rolled onto his side before returning to his slumber. I instinctively reached out to move the strands of hair from his face. His beard poked through the thin fabric covering my leg and I was unsure how he could find comfort against the hard bone of my knee. However, he appeared to sleep peacefully with my warmth close-by.

"It is strange to see you this way," he whispered. I glanced back up at him in question. "You had been so confused when last we met over your feelings for the dwarf. It seems that it was only yesterday. Yet, now you are married."

He was calm as he spoke with wonder in his eyes. He smiled as he stared at the fire.

"I never thought that you would take a spouse," he admitted. "I always believed you to be too stubborn to allow any man to acquire such a role."

"I had never planned to marry," I agreed with a smile. We sat in silence for quite some time before he spoke again.

"I had spent many years watching you ignore the gazes of other men, or perhaps you were simply oblivious. None could ever capture your gaze. Yet, it took a matter of moments for the dwarf to do what no other could. I am curious, my friend, what drew you to him so easily?"

"Many things I suppose," I smiled and returned to stroking his cheek. "I was curious of his kind at first, but it quickly turned to fondness."

"No doubt he charmed you with his tale of the firemoon?" he smirked.

"How do you know of this?" I asked in surprise.

"I was curious of your absence at the feast and scouted for you in the dungeons," he explained.

"You were spying on me?" I narrowed my eyes playfully.

"Not for very long," he defended with a smile. "Tell me more."

I smiled before diving more thoroughly into the story. I felt entirely content as we spoke the way we used to. He kept me company during the night as Kíli rested against my leg. All tension faded as we shared tales with each other and my heart fell into complete content.

"I am glad that we crossed paths once again," he finally stated and I could not help but smile in agreement.

"Me too."

Translations
Le suilon, Tauriel. Le maer? – Formal greeting. Are you well?
Gazardul menu ked gamelu pethem – Your wisdom is as ancient as stone.


A/N – Ok, I know very little about Aragorn so I kept his cameo short but I hope you all like his small presence here!

Review Replies – If you don't see your name, it is on the previous chapter.
Sofasoap –
Thanks for reading! I couldn't leave Legolas out of the picture forever right? xD
kansa –
lol! I love your phrase of being tainted. Thanks for reading!
TaurielKíli1976 –
Well thank you! Nope, there will be no abandoning this story. We are nearing the end but we still have plenty of chapters to go! Thanks for reading!
Frodo Baggins – Thanks! I hope you liked Aragorn's short cameo! I don't know a whole lot about him so I wanted to keep his involvement little. Thanks for reading!
helciakuras – Thanks! Lol nope, the fool wasn't Aragorn but he is there. Thanks for reading!
lordKíliel –
Thanks for reading!
WoodElfJedi – lol glad you are excited! Legolas! Thanks for reading!
RuinofDarkness –
Glad you liked it! Thanks for reading!
Nenithiel – Yay dwelflings! She didn't tell him just because it was all so sudden and surprising, there really isn't much meaning behind her silence. Thanks for reading!
awesome-bri66 –
Legolas is back indeed! Thanks for reading!