An age might have passed as she lingered in her grief. A hundred thousand dances between the moon and stars before she was aware of her King's steps. Unable to summon the energy to startle or even bow her head when he sank low beside her. Trading silences as she carded her fingers through the dark hair pooled in her lap.

"Sometimes it is in times of great despair that we realize what we truly want and that we find the strength to create something new." Kíli fell silent for a moment. Then he smiled at Tauriel. "Sometimes, my mother really has a way with words." - Story follows Kíli and Tauriel after DoS. What will become of the bond that they have formed? Rated M for later chapters.