Okay so once again I thought I could finish the whole of Mirkwood in one chapter. Then said chapter reached 15000 words and it wasn't even finished. I got too caught up in the fluff. So I have now decided that it will be split up into 3 chapters. 1 and 2 are already finished so I will post part 2 tomorrow. I hope you enjoy x

Introducing Kili probably could have gone better. I felt really bad that I hadn't been able to forewarn him at all. As soon as Ada had said that he wished to meet Kili, Legolas was off in a flash. Readily volunteering his services. He didn't even give me a chance to follow him. Which left me twiddling my thumbs in Ada's study, praying that Kili would be okay.

When he did arrive, Ada wasted no time before going into over-protective Ada mode. Also, I honestly don't think Ada would have reacted any differently if Kili wasn't a dwarf. I could have introduced a lovely elf boy and Ada would still look down upon the person who dared to court his beloved daughter.

I held onto Kili's hand hoping that it helped him in some way. The way he gripped my hand back suggested that it did. The guy was plainly terrified by my Ada. Which I didn't really like. I wanted a happy reunion. Not to have it intermingled with mild threats. I would have to talk to Ada about it at some point.

After Ada had finished giving Kili the third degree, Mum very kindly stepped in. Saying how we'd all had a long day and that some of us needed a bath. The wrinkle Ada's nose made suggested that he was thinking the same thing.

"Legolas, why don't you show Thorin and Kili to the guest quarters. I'll show Leah to her old rooms" said Mum, her hand was still resting on Ada's arm.

Kili seemed simultaneously like he wanted to bolt but that he also didn't want to leave my side. His eyes moved towards the door yet his grip on my hand tightened as my Mum spoke.

"Actually" said Ada "That might not be best. Liriel's rooms have not been touched for near 1500 years. They would need to be seen to first."

Ah.

Well it kind of made sense. Not much point going into a room if it would only cause you pain. But at the same time it kind of ruined my plans to lie in hot soapy water for the next few hours. I needed to wash away the grossness of Mirkwood forest. My clothes were disgusting and my skin wasn't faring much better. Dark smudges of god knows what lined the patches of skin that my clothes hadn't quite covered. There were also small holes in my shirt that had appeared after the spider attack. Whether it was from being hauled across the forest floor or whether spider venom can burn through clothes is anyone's guess.

I quickly turned towards Legolas. "I'm stealing your bath" I said without further thought.

Legolas's rooms had been next to mine anyway. It saved time I guess.

"What, why?"

I simply pointed to myself. Raising an eyebrow. Letting him soak in every gross inch of my face.

"I understand why. What I intended to say was, why my bath?"

"Because you are my wonderful, kind, twin brother and you love me" I replied with a small pout.

"But you will track dirt everywhere" he moaned.

I chuckled "Tough, it's already happening"

Mum had a big smile on her face as she looked between the two of us. As if she had missed our bickering. "Oh Legolas, share your bathroom with your sister will you?"

Legolas knew that he wasn't going to win. A small smile curled at the corners of his mouth. "Of course, Naneth".

With that it seemed like were all going to go our separate ways. Thorin stood a little straighter and uncrossed his arms. Legolas moved towards the door, ready to walk through it. I squeezed Kili's hand and leaned down to his ear. "I'm sorry. I'll find you later, okay. I love you" I whispered quickly. Low enough so that only Kili could catch what I was saying.

Kili nodded in reply. "Amrâlizi" he spoke back. Not a whisper but only one other person in the room would have been able to understand what he was saying anyway. It sounded similar to amrâlimê so I guess it had something to do with love. I would have to ask him later.

Kili relinquished his grasp on my hand with a little reluctance. Then both he and Thorin made to leave the room. Thorin clapped Kili on the back and held onto his shoulder. He whispered something into Kili's ear that sounded like encouragement.

Before they left, however, a sudden thought came to mind. It was like a feeling on the back of your neck. It made me realise a part of the story I was forgetting. Of a halfling who may or may not be wandering around the castle. Now that the dwarves were no longer imprisoned he didn't need to be in hiding. I also had an inkling that Bilbo was somewhere nearby.

"Wait" I said, before they could leave.

They turned around and I got a fair share of raised eyebrows. I ignored them and turned towards the now open door. "Bilbo are you out there? You can probably come out now"

"Bilbo who is this Bilbo?" I heard Ada say from behind me.

Before anyone could answer him, however, a bewildered hobbit face peered around the door. He wrinkled his nose in the way he does when he's anxious and he gave a small wave "Hello"

I turned back to see Ada's confused face. With great difficulty I managed to bite down on the giggle that threatened to escape. "What on Arda?" he whispered "How has this halfling been wandering around my halls without my knowledge?"

Legolas seemed equally as confused "We only found dwarves outside"

"Bilbo, what are you doing here?" asked Thorin, though there was a hint of amazement in his voice.

Bilbo's face went red with all the questions. It deepened even further when Thorin spoke. "Well I was trying to find a way to break you all out," he said. then he looked towards Mum and I. "But it turns out that won't be necessary anymore"

I smiled shyly back at him.

oOo

Legolas's room was simultaneously the same and different. The general layout was as I remembered. The bed was in the same place; as well as the bathroom and the wardrobe. However, there were a lot of new additions. All the wall hangings were different. Which was sort of like when a teenager redecorates their room with 'new' posters because they're 'cooler'. There was also an assortment of weaponry dotted around the room. Bows and arrows. Daggers. Even a huge sword that did not look usable in the slightest.

It was pretty tidy though, so I can see why he was concerned about me tracking dirt through it.

"He's definitely redecorated since we were last here" Mum mused.

She had never seemed as happy as she did right then. Finally back where we belonged. With the people that we love. However, at the same time there was still a hint of sadness that pulled at her eyes. I think seeing how much had changed since we were here made her realise how much we had missed.

At least that's what I felt in that moment. It seemed logical that Mum would feel it too.

Mum led me into Legolas's bathroom. I nearly cried in relief when I saw it. Though I probably had no tears left to cry at that point. My tear ducts needed a rest after today.

Natural light filtered in from more of those mirrored channels in the ceiling. They were angled in such a way so that they would not blind you when you looked up. It wasn't as bright as it had been earlier. Which suggested that quite a bit of time had passed. Thankfully, there were lit torches around the room.

The bath was more like a swimming pool. It was was inlaid into the floor and took up half of the room. A shelf was carved into the wall that held an assortment of soaps. All of which I couldn't wait to get my grubby little hands on. Legolas would have to restock after I was finished in here.

Steam was already rising from it. Curling and condensing in the cooler air. My eyebrows pulled together for a second in confusion. How was the bath already drawn? We'd only just arrived.

Mum saw my bewilderment and chuckled. She seemed to know exactly what my confusion was about. "Don't you remember Leah" Mum said "All the baths are part of an underground river system. There are heating chambers in different parts of the mountain so that the water is always perfect bathing temperature"

A memory quickly swam in focus. Of Legolas and I, using the current in the water to race a pair of toy boats.

I moved closer towards the bath to check for myself. Sure enough the water was all moving in one direction. Not fast enough to jostle you too much but enough to wash away all of the dirt that came off you. I felt sorry for whoever had a bath that was the next one along the river. Hopefully they decided to wait a little before getting into the bath.

"Will the next bath along not get all the grime that I wash off" I smirked at Mum "Doesn't seem very hygienic"

"No Leah" Mum chuckled, then she pointed to the side of the bath. "There are grates on either side of the bath that filter out any impurities"

I peered into the bath where she was pointing. A silver looking metal grid covered the side. There was probably some elven technology involved that improved it's filtering skills too. It also seemed like an added safety precaution. Wouldn't want people drifting away into an underground river now would we?

"How neat."

"I'll leave you to it then, Leah" she patted me on the shoulder "The towels are on that shelf over there." She pointed to the left corner. Then a crinkle formed between her eyes. " As well as a robe I think. Though I don't think your brother would appreciate you taking that"

I felt a grin pull at the sides of my mouth "I'm gonna take it anyway"

Mum sighed and shook her head. Then a smile grew in place. She drew me in for a hug. Kissing my forehead. "We're finally here Leah. We're finally home"

"I love you, Mum" I mumbled into her shoulder.

"I love you too, Leah" Then she let out a breathy laugh and stepped away from me. Her eyes were shiny once again. How she had any tears left was beyond me.

"Right, you get in your bath. I'll make sure that there is some clean clothes for you when you get out"

I shook my head "Don't worry about that mum. Just go back to Ada" I said while gently turning her around. Pushing her in the direction of the door.

I could tell that she was desperate to get back to him. She was trying to put 'Mum duties' over her feelings. But I wasn't going to let her.

She left then with only a little more provocation. Closing the bathroom door behind her. I smiled at the closed door for a moment before returning my gaze to the glory that lay before me. Sweet, sweet water that felt like a blessing from above.

I did not waste a moment longer. My clothes peeled off me in the most disgusting way. Parts of it was stuck to my skin. The clothes themselves were also stiff from the accumulation of grime. I had never been happier to fling them away from me.

There were stairs carved into the sides of the bath. However, I forwent them in favour of jumping straight in. The sudden change in temperature shocked me for a second. But my gasp quickly turned into a sigh as the heat soaked into my body.

All of the soap was used very liberally as I attempted to deep cleanse my entire being. The perfume from all of them was intoxicating. Combining together to make a scent that was nearly overpowering. But after so long with only the smell of rot in the air, it was perfect.

My skin finally felt clean and my hair was soft and silky. This is what dreams are made of.

Eventually, I climbed out of the bath. It's hard to tell how long you were in there when the water never cools. Though the natural light that had been filtering in was now significantly reduced.

I would have happily lay there longer but my eyes were starting to close. Now that I'd finally allowed my body to relax, the day was catching up to me. With all the emotional rollercoasters, this had to be one of the longest days of my life. How had it only been that morning that I was attacked by spiders? It already felt like a million years ago.

Steam rolled off my body as the warm water hit the cool air. The cooler air caused goosebumps to form on my skin. I quickly gathered one of the towels I had laid next to the bath. Wrapping it around me without preamble. It was soft, fluffy and smelled of something floral.

The towel wicked away most of the moisture clinging to my body; almost instantly. Then I patted the towel through my hair. So that it was only damp rather than dripping wet. After it was more manageable I went about rebraiding the courting bead into my hair. It had not tarnished in anyway throughout the journey. Still glowing with an otherworldly pearlescent hue.

Legolas's robe went around me next. A mischievous grin formed at the corners of my mouth. It was a deep green with long bell sleeves. It completely swallowed me up. At least half a foot of it dragged along the floor. It would make a perfect dress if I didn't already know that it was a bathrobe.

Shuffling sounded behind the closed door. Someone was moving about in the room beyond. I tiptoed up to the door and cracked it open slightly. From what I could see, it was Legolas. Which made sense considering it was his room. His arms were loaded with fabric that he haphazardly threw onto his bed.

When I realised who it was I pushed the door open. Legolas turned at the sound. His eyes narrowed at what I was wearing.

"Is that my robe?"

"Maybe"

He shook his head with a laugh "You have only just arrived back and you are already stealing my things"

"Borrowing is a better word"

"Oh, is that what it is" he laughed again. "Anyway, I assume these are yours. Nana practically threw them at me as I was walking passed and told me to give them to you"

I craned my neck to see what Legolas was pointing at. The pile of fabric he had been carrying appeared to be clean clothes. Though they were a bit rumpled now thanks to Legolas's careful handling of them. I didn't mind though. The joy of having clean clothes far outweighed the potential creases.

"Aw, thank you" I said with a smile.

"I guess I will leave you to change then" he said before heading back towards the door.

Though I did hear him say "Cannot believe I'm being kicked out of my room again" in a kind of stage-whisper. It made me smile. It had been so long since I'd been able to have a normal sibling conversation with him. I was savouring every one.

As soon as he closed the door I moved towards the pile of clothes. There was some underwear mixed in that I happily snatched up first. It felt good to wear clean underwear again. Next, I looked at the dresses. There were a couple that were clearly for everyday wear while the other seemed to be some kind of pyjamas.

They were all more opulent than anything I'd ever worn on earth. The fabric was thick, yet soft and was obviously very expensive.

I decided to put on a proper dress for now and save the pyjamas for later. While I desperately wanted to sleep, I also needed to go and see the dwarves. I needed to know that they didn't hate me now that they knew who my Ada was. A small part of me was terrified that they would hold it against me and think differently of me. After spending months getting to know them all, it would really hurt if they turned against me.

Thankfully, the dresses were easy to get on. No corset or need of a maid to help you get into them. The one I chose was a luxurious, soft gold colour. It had long sleeves and a long skirt. Yet surprisingly it didn't drag on the floor. Considering the height of all the other elves, it baffled me.

I lifted up the bottom of the dress and inspected the hem. It was as neat as one would expect a dress of elven make to be. However the thread at the bottom was a lot brighter than the thread on other parts of the dress. It was clearly newer.

How long had I been in the bath for that someone had managed to hem an entire dress? That's elves for you I guess.

I combed through my hair before it got the chance to tangle up too much. Not that it really tangled that much these days. The hair was one of the best things about being an elf.

The last thing I put on was a pair of soft slippers. When I seemed to be mostly decent, I dared to venture out from Legolas's room. The corridor was empty when I peered out. Ada and Mum were probably somewhere together and Legolas had gone somewhere to give me privacy.

That did leave me with a bit of a problem though. I didn't know where the dwarves rooms were. Ada said that they were to be housed in the guest chambers but I could only vaguely remember where they were. Young me had not needed to venture there very often.

Still, I decided to try anyway. I wandered down the corridor. In the direction I knew would lead to the centre of the mountain. My mind was set on waving down the first person I came across and ask them for help.

It was a few corridors later before I came across another person. She was carrying a large basket of clothes. Her hair was almost black and was styled into a simple braid. She hummed happily as she walked.

I waved her down when I saw her. As soon as she looked at me, the basket fell from her arms. She gasped loudly and covered her heart with her hands. The clothes she was carrying were strewn across the floor. I instantly felt bad for scaring her.

"I'm sorry" I said quickly, heat building in my cheeks. I bent down and began to put the clothes back into the basket "I didn't mean to scare you"

"Oh no, gwinig iell" Tears had gathered in her eyes. Her hand covered her mouth as a sob bubbled up. She dropped down next to me. "Baby girl. You did not scare me." She placed a hand on my cheek "By Eru, it's really you"

Now that I was looking at her face I could recognise her. "Emiel" I said with a smile. She was one of the maid servants assigned to the royal chambers. My mind began throwing me memories of all the times she had wrestled me to get dressed or combed my hair.

I didn't protest as she brought me into a hug. For a second she held me tightly. Then she let me go and smiled at me.

Her eyes widened in shock as she only just seemed to realise what she had just done. "Oh your highness, I apologise. I shouldn't have just thrown myself at you" Then she looked at the clothes still on the floor "And you shouldn't have to pick these up my lady"

I was slightly taken aback by the shift in tone. It felt very strange to be treated with such reverence. I still felt like a normal person after all. Not royalty.

"No, no it's fine Emiel" I said with an encouraging smile "You can hug me whenever you want to"

The clothes were quickly thrown into the basket and we both stood up. A huge smile was still on her face.

"I kind of need your help"

The basket was back at her hip "Of course, my lady, whatever you need"

"I was trying to find my way to where the dwarves are but I can't quite remember the way"

"The dwarves?" confusion was clear in her voice. then she shook her head. "I, I mean of course my Lady. I'll show you the way"

Emiel span around and began walking back the way she came. I diligently followed along after her. We encountered many other elves along the way. Some I more easily recognised than others. All of them confessed their happiness at my wellbeing. While bowing or curtseying. It felt surreal. I managed to shyly say thank you every time it happened.

I could tell that I was nearing the guest chambers by the change in sound. The raucous laughter and the deep voiced shouting could be no one other than the dwarves. If the laughter was anything to go by, then I would say that their spirits seemed to be higher than they'd been in a while. Getting out of that god forsaken forest would cheer anyone up.

I relaxed slightly at the sounds. Some of the tension I'd been feeling-at the thought of facing the dwarves-eased out of my shoulders. If they were happy then that meant that there was less chance of them hating me. Right?

Emiel led me up to a door where all the noise seemed to be emanating from. She turned towards me with a smile, indicating her head towards the door. "The dwarves are housed here your highness" Then a smile tugged at her mouth "Though you may have already guessed by the sound"

"Dwarves aren't known to be a quiet bunch" I chuckled, then I smiled back at her "Thank you, Emiel"

"You are welcome your Highness. Do you require anything else?"

I shook my head "No, thank you. You can get back to whatever you were supposed to be doing before I dragged you away"

Emiel curtseyed, before she left.

Once she was gone I turned back towards the door. The voices hadn't changed, which indicated that they hadn't heard us on the other side. Now that I was alone, the tension had returned. What would I say to them?

I rubbed my face in a bid to compose myself. Come on Leah, buck up and be brave.

My hands lowered and I straightened myself up. With all the confidence I could muster, I raised my hand to knock against the door (I wasn't just going to barge in unannounced after all).

The knock was hesitant but was evidently still heard. As the voices behind the door began to quiet down. Gone were the shouts, now they were replaced by conspiratorial whispering. Whispering that I just managed to pick up.

"Who's knocking on?"

"Do we let them in?"

I decided to quell their worries. "Err it's Leah...Can I come in?" I asked nervously.

The whispering picked up in full force. Everyone speaking at once until it became just a mishmash of noise. For a second, I thought that they weren't going to let me in. My face fell at the thought.

However, the door finally opened. I blinked at how suddenly it was opened. On the other side. I could see a large living area. There were four large settees facing each other in a square formation. With a low lying table in the middle. Which was currently ladened with food. Well, it looked like it may have been full originally but had been reduced drastically. Most of the dwarves and one hobbit seemed to be sat there. Digging into the spread.

They did seem a lot happier. Their eyes a lot brighter. Though I could detect a hint of nervousness from a few of them.

Dwalin was the one who opened the door. His broad frame with taking up most of the entryway. He crossed his arms over his chest and levelled me with a hard gaze.

His look made me shrink back slightly.

"So the Princess deigns to grace us with her presence" said Dwalin in a mocking voice.

"Dwalin don't be cruel" I heard from somewhere behind Dwalin.

Kili's voice. I craned my neck around Dwalin's frame until I could see his figure standing close to the door. He gave me a small smile when our eyes met.

Dwalin however decided not to listen to Kili and persevered. "Do ye want us to start kissin' yer feet now or something?"

The accusation stung.

"Dwalin!" huffed Kili

"You can if you want to Dwalin they are freshly washed now" I said tentatively, trying to play off the hurt with a joke.

Dwalin stared at me for a moment longer before bursting out laughing. Then he moved out of the way and gestured into the room.

I took that as a good sign and hurried into the room. Kili was next to me in an instant. There was a smile on his face and he was clearly still happy to see me. It felt like the breath I'd been holding had finally released. I happily folded myself into his arms and hugged him tightly.

"I'm glad you're here" he whispered.

"Me too"

We separated from our hug but Kili still held my hand in encouragement. I looked back around the room. Most were crowded around the table or dotted around the room. Thorin was standing by the fireplace, a goblet in hand. His eyes weren't full of hatred which seemed like a good sign. Everyone was looking at me. An expectant air hung in the room.

"Hi" I said, with an awkward wave.

There were a few moments of tense silence before it was graciously broken by Nori. Who was also stuffing his face.

"I can't believe that your related to that pointy eared prick, lass" said Nori around a piece of meat pie "You seemed so nice"

"Seemed?" past tense, didn't sound like a good sign. "Am I not nice anymore?"

"That's not what I meant. I meant that it's hard to wrap my noggin around the fact that he could produce someone half as decent as you"

"Thank you?..I think"

I know he was insulting my Ada but I couldn't really blame him for that. Ada isn't one of the most well liked people.

"Does that mean you don't hate me now?" I asked hesitantly.

I heard a few scoffs and grumbles. "O' course we don't hate ye, lass." said Bofur, who was sat between Bifur and Bombur.

Bifur pointed to his head "Ye the one who fixed my head. Am not just gonna start hatin' ye just because ye Adad's an arse" he said with sincerity.

"Some of us are just a bit hurt that you didn't tell us" said Fili, who was leaning over the back of the sofa to look at me.

"Annoyed more like" whispered Dwalin from by the door.

"Dwalin you're not helping" said Kili.

Dwalin just shrugged and crossed his arms again.

"I'm sorry" I said, meaning it. I didn't know what else to say really.

"It's alright lass. Some may take a bit of time to get used to the idea. But we're not gonna cast ye out" said Balin "Ye did sign a contract after all. We can't get rid o' ye that easily" he chuckled.

I smiled back.

"Come and have some food, Leah" encouraged Kili.

Before I could agree (Which I really wanted to because I'd hardly eaten all day) Thorin interrupted.

"I would like to speak with you first" he stood away from the fireplace and put his goblet down on a side table.

He didn't give me much chance to reply before he gestured to a door. Not wanting him to be find further reason to be displeased with me, I followed on without question. Kili squeezed my hand before letting it go.

Thorin opened the door which appeared to lead to someone's bedroom. It was a rather strange place to have a chat. It felt rather like I was invading someone's space. Thankfully, thorin didn't stop in the room he carried on to a different door. Once opened, a fresh breeze drifted in. Which I breathed in with eagerness.

It led to a small balcony that ran across the edge of the mountain. There was another door at the far end which suggested that it was shared with another room. However, I doubt that anyone was going to interrupt us. A blanket of stars hung high above us. The air was cool, as night had fallen. It felt wonderful against my heated face and helped me to clear my head

I leaned against the stone railing. The door closed softly behind me. My hands traced the patterns on the stone. It was smooth beneath my hand. I was scared to look at Thorin. Not wanting to face him. But I knew I had to. It was inevitable.

I squeezed my eyes shut for a second: steeling myself. Then I opened my eyes and finally turned to face Thorin. His arms were once again crossed. His presence seemed looming even though he was shorter than me.

"Why did you not tell me of this?" He asked gruffly.

I knew this was coming but I also didn't know how to explain myself properly "I was scared okay. What was I supposed to say?" I blurted "Hey Thorin you know that guy you really hate, well that's my dad"

Thorin gave me a displeased look. "I still would have wanted to know. This is something that affects this quest"

I shrunk a little at his tone. "It worked out though didn't it. You're not being held prisoner anymore" My voice became higher pitched as I got defensive.

Thorin pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed, "That's not the point Leah. The point is that you withheld important information."

"In my defense I only found out when I found my mum again. It was a surprise to me too"

Thorin levelled me with another look. "Leah, that was over two weeks ago" Said Thorin, clearly unimpressed.

My face heated up. Okay technically it was, but a lot of things had happened during that time. We were in a death forest for a lot of it.

Thorin sighed and uncrossed his arms. The tension in the air eased as Thorin's posture did. His body language made me hopeful that he had, at least partly, forgiven me. "In the future I need to know that you will not withhold something like this. My reaction shouldn't matter. If it affects this company then I need to know of it"

"Of course" I agreed quickly. Anything to bring this conversation to an end.

"Good" Thorin nodded, then looked out into the night. You couldn't see the lonely mountain from this vantage point. But the stars still illuminated the tops of the trees. They blew gently in the breeze, No hint of the rotting forest we just left.

Thorin leaned against the railing next to me. "I guess I can't begrudge you for who your parents are. We should not be judged based on what our families have done"

I could sense that there was more to what he was saying. He wasn't only talking about me. Thorin was also including himself in that sentence. People tried to judge him because of his grandfather's deeds.

"You're right" I whispered.

We stood in silence for a few moments. Just soaking in our surroundings. "If everything I've heard is true, then Thranduil has been half mad for over 1000 years"

I felt my breath catch in my throat. Where was this going?

"That is why he left my people to fend for themselves when Smaug came"

"Maybe" I said, my voice barely a whisper. It hurt to think about.

Thorin's jaw clenched and his nostrils flared. "Then he should not have been King. If his sanity was being called into question then the crown should have gone to his son" Anger was clear in his voice.

The thought of Legolas as King didn't sit well with me. He always prefered adventure. Too much of a free spirit. Even though he is loyal to his home, I feel like he would grow resentful if he was tied down to it.

Thorin's statement was also reminiscent of another situation. Of a Dwarf King, who's gold sickness brought his sanity into question. If the crown had been passed to Thrain when the first signs of gold sickness arose in Thror, then Smaug may never have attacked.

Things were never that simple. Situations like these are always so much more complex than they first appeared.

"That sounds familiar to me, Thorin" I said, finding the confidence to look him in the eye. "Like another King"

Hurt and anger flashed across Thorin's eyes as he comprehended what I was saying. His mouth opened as if he was ready to hit back. But then his mouth closed and the anger in his face melted into something more forlorn.

"Ada should be better now." I said, hopeful. "He's got the other half of his soul back now so the madness should be gone"

"Forgive me if I don't jump at the chance to trust him." Thorin was looking away again. Back out into the night. "I'll believe it when I see it"

oOo

When Thorin remained resolutely silent, I took that as my cue to leave. I rushed back inside. Back to the drawing room where all the dwarves were. As soon as I re-entered, Kili was at my side.

"He wasn't too harsh on you was he?" Kili asked, his voice was gentle.

"No, no I'm fine" I said, shaking my head.

Truthfully, I didn't really know how to feel in that moment. On the one hand, it was obvious that I wasn't being cast out but on the other it was obvious that Thorin wasn't pleased with me.

Kili looked expectantly at the door I had just come out of. Waiting for Thorin to emerge.

"I think he might be spending some time on his own"

"Oh right, in that case would you like some food"

"Yes please" I said eagerly.

Kili led me over to one of the sofas. I ended up squeezed in between him and Fili. The cushion sank below me as I sat down. I caught sight of a few dust motes escaping the fabric. It was also very plush and would be a little difficult to extricate myself when I wanted to stand. Despite that, it felt good to sit down on something so comfy.

Normal conversation seemed to resume once I was settled. Which I was infinitely grateful for. The dwarves went back to eating and laughing amongst themselves. The food seemed to have reduced further during the time I was outside. I frowned down at the table. How did they eat that much food so fast?

Fili then, unexpectedly, leaned down next to me. His forehead nearly touching the floor as he grabbed for something stored underneath the seat. Just as I was about to ask what he was doing he re-emerged. Plate in hand, overflowing with food.

"You're dinner, your Highness" he said with reverence, handing me the plate.

I narrowed my eyes at him for the jab but smiled at him nonetheless. "Thank you, Fili. I was about to say that it didn't look like you'd left me much" I said, looking down at the table.

"Well you wouldn't have much if these lot had a say in it" Kili indicated with his head to the other dwarves. "I had to fight some of them for it"

"My hero" I beamed at him.

Kili's eyes crinkled at the corners.

Without further preamble I turned to dig into my food. My plate was piled with all sorts. Small pastries, cured meats, various cheeses. As well as what seemed to be a thin layer of dust at the edge of the plate. It must have accumulated when it was stored under the chair. I blew air at the spot and a small cloud of dust floated into the air.

"Oh yeah, the place is a bit dusty" said Kili

"A bit" scoffed Dori. "Poor Bilbo can't stop sneezing"

"No I AH-CHOO" Bilbo further hammered in Dori's point. Thankfully, he seemed to have a new handkerchief to use.

"In all fairness I don't think the guest chambers have been used in a few hundred years"

"They could have at least give it a tidy" said Dori

"They probably did but it was a bit short notice so evidently they didn't get the chance to deep clean"

I heard a few scoffs "Well at least you have rooms" I added "Mine hasn't been opened in 1500 years so now probably has god knows what growing inside it"

I saw a few dwarves wrinkle their nose

"Where are you staying then?" asked Kili with concern.

"My brother's room I think" I said around a piece of goats cheese tart I was shovelling into my mouth.

My answer seemed to satisfy him.

The food was just as good as I remembered. Even the dwarves found few things to complain about. They were most grateful for the meat. It had been too long since they'd had any.

Thorin came back in eventually. He resumed his place by the fire and picked up his goblet.

It got to the point where some of the dwarves were yawning and their eyes were drooping. The excitement of food was wearing off in favour of sleep.

Bofur stood up and stretched, a large yawn escaping his mouth. His hat was precariously balanced on the arm of the sofa. The momentum of him standing up nearly knocked it off but it stayed where it was.

It was then that I realised that he wasn't wearing his own clothes. His shirt was distinctly elven. A pale blue with leaf patterns stitched around the collar. The shirt stopped just below his knees. It was nearly long enough to be a dress, though not quite. I also realised that it was also the only thing he was wearing. His legs, which had been hidden by the table before, were now very clearly out.

"I cannae believe yer wearing that elven crap they gave us" Gloin commented.

"I don't know what ye mean. I think I look quite dashing" Bofur raised his eyebrows flirtily. "And it's always nice to get a bit of a breeze ya know"

Wait, was he implying what I think he was?

Dwalin was the only one brave enough to voice our suspicions. "Bofur, are ye wearing...undergarments?"

"No o'course not mine are filthy. I'm free as a bird"

I covered my mouth in a bid to not laugh out loud. Many shouts of protest echoed around the room.

"We've got to sit there you animal"

"Have some decency"

"There are ladies present"

"Surely they offered you some underwear Bofur" I said, amusement evident in my voice

"Look, I'm not gonna wear someone else's undercrackers. I've got standards"

I couldn't help the laugh that burst out of me.

Out of the corner of my eye I caught sight of Nori edging closer to Bofur. There was a mischievous glint to his eye. I saw him overdramatically stretch and yawn. Ultimately knocking Bofur's hat onto the floor.

"Hey Bofur is that your hat down there?" asked Nori, seemingly helpful.

Bofur turned around "Ah, so it is"

Then, in what felt like slow motion, Bofur started to bend over. It was accompanied by screams of NOO. As well as at least two different hands being slapped over my eyes.

Nori's booming laugh was countered by Dori's scolding.

"How about we go outside Leah" said Kili, clearly exasperated.

"Good Idea"

I let Kili lead me outside. Not quite ready to open my eyes just incase. When I did open them I realised that he had led us out of the guest rooms completely. He tugged my hand gently until he came across a wide set of stairs. They were only about 6 steps high and they were flanked by patterned pillars. He must have decided that they were the perfect place to sit as he guided me down next to him. My hand was held in both of his. His finger traced patterns on the back of it.

"How is your family?"

"They're...perfect. Seeing us all together is just… I can't put it into words" Once more I felt a rush of so many emotions at once.

"I'm happy for you Leah. So happy" His words were genuine and sincere. "Where are they all now?"

"Well Legolas left to give me some privacy but I'm not actually sure where he went off to. And I think my mum and ada are probably getting 'reacquainted' if you catch my drift"

Kili's cheeks heated up slightly at the insinuation. "Ah, I see"

A giggle bubbled up at his reaction.

We lapsed into silence and Kili looked back down at our joined hands.

"Sooo" Kili drew out the sound "You're a Princess"

Here comes the discussion I'd been dreading.

"Yeah" I breathed

"Well that was...a surprise" he wasn't looking me in the eyes. Instead he was focused on my hand.

"I'm so sorry Kili, this isn't how I wanted you to find out. I should have told you before. I didn't realise that my Ada would want to see you straight away"

"Yeah that was a bit of a shock" Kili let out a breathy laugh "One minute I'm scared you're dying in a ditch somewhere and the next I find out that your father is King Thranduil."

I felt my chest tighten. I'd caused him such heartache and panic without meaning too. "I pulled on the bond to let you know that I was okay"

Kili began to look a little sheepish. "My imagination may have gotten the better of me"

"I think we need to come up with some kind of code so this confusion doesn't happen again." I suggested "How about we pull it once if we are okay and twice if we are in danger"

"That would probably work better" said Kili, the corners of his mouth turning upwards.

"Can you forgive me?" I implored, searching Kili's face for any sign that I wasn't forgiven.

His eyes were intense when he finally looked up at me. "Of course I forgive you Leah. It's just...Why didn't you tell me? I can understand not telling Uncle as his reaction may have been rather explosive but why couldn't you tell me?"

I looked down at where are hands were joined. "I wanted to. I nearly told you back at Beorn's house but I chickened out." I sighed "I was scared. I just kept thinking that you would think differently of me when you found out who I was"

"I remember you saying that. And here's me thinking that it was just because you found out you were a woodland elf" Kili let out a small chuckle.

Then he lifted his hand up to my chin. Turned my face so that I was looking at him. "Leah, I would never think badly of you. I need you to know that. Even if your Adad is terrifying"

The statement made me giggle. "We should probably arrange it so that you are never on your own with him. Always have a buddy with you. God knows what sort of things he'd try to say to you otherwise."

An image popped into my head of Ada having a "what are your intentions with my daughter?" conversation with Kili. I had to bite my lip to stop myself from smiling. Though Kili clearly still caught the action.

"That sounds like a good idea"

Kili's eyes softened as he looked at me. I could look into those soft brown eyes for days. His thumb traced my cheekbone. "I love you, Leah. Amrâlizi"

"What does amrâlizi mean?" I remembered him saying it earlier.

"It means I love you, in Khuzdul"

"You love me so much you said it twice" I couldn't stop the smile that spread across my face. Kili's smile mirrored my own.

"Exactly"

"I love you too, Kili" I said softly. Then I leaned in and placed my lips over Kili's.

The kiss was gentle and chaste yet it still sent my pulse racing. I felt Kili's lips turn into a smile.

However, the sudden appearance of an unexpected cough had us reeling back from one another. I had been so caught up in the moment that I forgot that we were actually in a public space. Quickly, I turned to see who it was that had stumbled upon us. To my horror at the bottom of the stairs stood a very amused Legolas. One eyebrow raised accusingly at me.

"Am I interrupting something?"

I felt my cheeks flame. "No" I said, almost too quickly. Then I shook my head "What are you doing here anyway?"

"Well I was rather concerned when I found you missing but one of the maids told me that you were with the dwarves" Legolas tilted his head to look at Kili "I did not realise that she meant you were with the dwarves. Hello there" he waved at Kili.

I felt Kili sputter next to me. Legolas was clearly enjoying this too much. "Oh, shush you" I said in Legolas's direction. He looked like he was about to say more but I got there first. "If you don't stop, then I'm going to make all the dwarves call you Lassie and you can't stop me"

Legolas's eyes narrowed "You wouldn't"

"Try me"

We looked at each other for a few beats longer before we both started laughing.

"Anyway, I assumed you would be ready to drop down in exhaustion by now" said Legolas.

He had a point. I was tired before I'd even gone to the dwarves.

"He has a point Leah, night has fallen and you've been using a lot of your energy recently. You need sleep" Kili concurred.

I nodded at him before standing up. Kili followed suit. "I guess I'll see you tomorrow"

"Yes, sleep well, amrâlizi"

oOo

Legolas began a slow meandering walk back to his room. We walked together, with my arm looped through his. Gone was the fast pace that we'd seemed to be at all day. There was no longer a need to run through the corridors.

Once we were back in the room I all but fell face first onto the bed. I bounced as I landed.

"Is that how you're sleeping?" Legolas chuckled.

"Of course," I mumbled into the covers.

"I had some food brought in but I assume you already ate"

I lifted my head up from the bed to look over at Legolas. On the table next to him was a large tray of food. So that's where he disappeared to, he was getting me food. I felt bad for vanishing on him.

"I did. But thank you though, that was very kind" I finally sat up and shuffled to the head of the bed. So that I was leaning against the headboard.

"It's okay" said Legolas with a shrug. Then he reached across the table and lifted up a rather hefty jug. "However, there is still wine. I think after the events of today we could all do with large amounts of if"

"No truer words have ever been spoken"

Legolas smirked and poured the first cup. "If Adar has taught me anything it's that a situation can always be improved with more wine"

I snorted as he handed me a cup "You make him sound like a wine mum from facebook"

"What in Arda do any of those words mean?"

I just smirked at him and refused to explain further. Taking a big sip of wine instead.

The wine was actually delicious. Normally I hated wine, thought it tasted like rotten vinegar. But this one was sweet and fruity; and rather strong. I quickly descended into giggly mode.

We ended up talking about all sorts. It was surprisingly easy to talk to Legolas. Even after so long apart. He was the kind of person that you could feel at ease with. When he wanted you to anyway, he also knew how to make people feel uneasy just as easily. Kili in particular had felt that so far.

Legolas wanted to know about Earth and I wanted to know about the things I'd missed.

"What is that thing on the wall anyway?" I said with a grin, taking another sip of wine.

"Obviously it's a sword" he said matter-of-factly.

"It's bigger than I am"

Legolas laughed into his cup. He was sat across from me at the other end of the bed "That's not hard"

"Oi" I kicked his leg halfheartedly. He simply laughed more. I just shook my head at him. "Surely it's not practical, you couldn't use that in a fight"

"I bet I could" said Legolas smugly.

I smiled amusedly.

At one point my eyes started to close of their own accord. It was taking progressively longer for me to open them back up again. When I opened them back up again I saw that Legolas had moved to sit next to me. He had a sad sort of smile on his face and I could see that his eyes were shiny.

"I've missed you, Liriel" His thumb was tracing the pattern on his goblet. "So much" his voice broke.

"Look at me," he said with a small laugh, wiping the moisture away from his eyes. "You're making me all emotional. I don't think I've cried this much in years. I'm losing my aloof exterior"

"Boohoo for you" I smiled to show that I wasn't genuinely mocking him. "I've missed you too" my voice was tight and my smile wobbled as I said it.

I lay my head on Legolas's shoulder. He leaned his head down on top of mine. Tiredness quickly overcame me. When my eyes closed this time, sleep finally won out.