Notes- Sending my best of wishes and thoughts to everyone through this difficult and horrible worldwide pandemic. Internet hugs and kisses to all.


Daril's eyes opened suddenly at the second that he heard footsteps approaching. He turned his head to the left where the sounds were getting closer, piercing through the darkness. The hairs on his arms stood up as he saw Melori approaching with Alros right by her side with a torch at hand.

No one spoke until Daril grinned at them and became the first one to break the silence. He blinked several times as his eyes accustomed to the sudden light.

"Well thank you for the visit to my cozy chamber" he teased as he looked around the dark cell. Thick iron bars stood between him and the elves who looked still as statues. They found no humor in his comment and at this realization Daril shifted uneasily where he was sitting.

"We came to negotiate with you" Melori then announced with a cold tone. Her icy blue eyes showed no emotion as Daril stood up from the rock bench. He came closer with narrowed eyes, and Melori knew that his attention had certainly been caught.

Perfect.

"Negotiate?" he asked as he looked between both elves. Their faces did not give anything away as their eyes remained cold and distant.

Alros then gave him a single nod. "You will aid us in a very specific way"

"And which way is that?"

"We will set you free" Melori stated "But in return for that freedom you will serve as our eyes and ears"

Daril's attention and curiosity spiked even further yet he still appeared suspicious. He crossed his arms as Melori moved closer to the iron bars of the cell. Her eyes were dark and something about her presence made Daril want to run as far away as possible from her.

"This will have to be kept secret of course" she whispered even though she knew no one could possibly hear. "We want to know if any of the other dwarves or anyone for that matter could possibly want to bring Tauriel harm"

"Or Kili" Alros added.

Daril chuckled. He could not believe what he was hearing.

"Why would you be foolish enough to trust me?"

Melori had the key to the cell in her hand in one second and the cell door opened in the next. She grabbed Daril by the shoulder taking him out of the cell and backed him into the wall. Daril had barely enough time to catch his breath.

"We don't trust you for a single second" she hissed. "But you agree to this and you will be rewarded"

Daril took a deep breath and realized that his feet were not touching the floor as Alros took out a diamond. Even at its small size it seemed to sparkle brighter than a star in the darkest of nights. Melori finally allowed him back on the ground and she then stepped away.

"And if I refuse?" he whispered in awe. His voice was quiet as he couldn't stop looking at the diamond.

Melori promptly unsheathed her dagger from her waist and held it with such a casual manner that Alros had to smile. Daril gulped as he looked at the dagger.

"I kill you and it's done, and we find another way, or you agree and live"

After one brief moment Daril nodded.

"If we suspect any sign of treason I will make your death as painful as I can" Melori then threatened without a hint of hesitation. "More rewards will come as you prove your loyalty"

"Alright, when do we start?" Daril asked as he clapped his hands together and extended one to grab the diamond from Alros' hand. But the elf closed his hand before the dwarf took the first step forward.

"Tomorrow" he announced motioning him back into his cell.

Daril sighed as he walked back into the darkened room.

"I will be waiting right here"

He laughed loudly at his own wit as Alros lifted a brow.

Melori locked the cell with a shake of her head and both elves made their way down the long hall. Daril smiled in the dark as he heard their footsteps fade.

"I don't trust him" Alros said in a shake of his head as they walked side by side. "He will betray us as soon as he is free wandering these halls"

"I'm counting on it"


Both Melori and Alros stopped by the treasure hall. It was an enormous chamber with a ridiculously high ceiling that was filled with an extraordinary amount of gold and precious jewels. Only the ones who were trusted were allowed in the room. Guards were posted at each entrance and were told to be alert.

"Is it done?" Thorin asked as the elves came to his side both in awe of such a treasure hoard.

They both nodded, walking towards Thorin, trying to avoid stepping on coins and jewels.

"We don't trust him" Melori stated as she looked at the working dwarves who were hauling broken stones out of the room.

Thorin gave them both a small smile. "And that is the reason this will work"

"I am sure it will" Alros then said.

Melori then shook her head as she looked around the huge hall. "Thorin. This will take long to organize"

Thorin laughed as he sighed. "There is too much gold I agree"

He bent down and picked up a thin gold bracelet that was decorated with small rubies and held it in his hand as he spoke.

"We have managed to build this kingdom inside the mountain and we shall manage to restore it"

"It is truly magnificent" Melori said in awe as she stared at the stone work on top of the entrance which led down some stairs.

Thorin bowed his head slightly in gratitute. She could see both pride and sadness in his eyes. To see his home once again must give him a happiness that could be greater beyond comprehension but she also knew that the memories of death surrounded him.

"Winter will pass soon and your kin will be reunited once again and I assure you that the sadness will be easier to bare"

Thorin sighed. "Thank you Melori"

"Your nephews are at your side" Alros then continued. "They will have the chance to witness their uncle rule with great responsibility"

Thorin gave them both a warm and thankful smile. He then chuckled and narrowed his eyes.

"You both are being too nice. Is there something you want?" he accused as he crossed his arms.

The three of them laughed together as Dain called Thorin over.

"If you two want something let me know" Thorin teased as Melori shook her head.

"We are quite alright your majesty" she shot back.

Thorin handed her the bracelet with the rubies. "You could have just asked for it"

Alros chuckled as Melori was quick to deny everything, shaking her head and playfully rolling her eyes.

"He's correct" Alros said as Thorin and Dain disappeared down the stairs. "They will reconstruct this place in no time"

Melori gave him a nod as she threw the bracelet into the hoards of gold below.

"Their intricate work on the stone and columns is beyond breathtaking. Such talent that they possess" she whispered as she looked around. "Did you ever think that we would be standing inside Erebor? In the middle of its treasure"

Alros held her hand as he shook his head. "I wouldn't have even begin to believe I would be inside here with you"

He looked at her with a fiery stare that made her feel weak. She tugged at his tunic and brought him closer to her as they both walked out of view. Their lips crashed and continued to move in a soft and slow rhythm that soon turned into a fast tune. Their passion was turning into something they could not extinguish and it was fully noticed by both of them.

"It's getting much harder to stop" she whispered against the skin of his neck. Alros responded by kissing her again and again. Their breaths did not slow down and it felt as if dragon fire filled the hall as their bodies felt hot.

"We don't have to stop" he murmured, kissing the tip of her nose.

"We are capable of stopping" she teased as she fixed her hair.

"Why?" he asked before he could stop himself. He was in no hurry to take the next step in their relationship but he wasn't fully aware of the reason that she wanted to stop their actions from escalating.

She stopped fixing her dress as she looked up at him. Her eyes became warm as she ran a hand down his cheek.

"I want to take my time" she whispered. "Trust my word, my love. I only wish to savor the moment of this desire that is building up"

He deeply sighed and nodded. "As you wish my lady"

She bit her bottom lip and conquered his mouth with hers once again.

"Though if you catch me alone in a room with a door closed…" she trailed off as his hand began caressing her waist with intent.

But at that moment where everything became hazy and she was left seeing stars, voices could be heard. Dwarves passed them with various tools at hand as some were pushing wheelbarrows. Some of them smiled at the couple and murmured good mornings.

After admiring dwarven architecture some more and small hills of diamonds, both elves made their way to the dining hall. Melori wanted to check in with Tauriel but she was nowhere to be found.

"She's with Sigrid" Kili informed, biting into a piece of bread topped with butter. Fili sat on the other side of the table, clearly enjoying the contents of his plate.

"I don't like her being alone, that's all" she said as her eyes looked at the exit door as if with intent of going to look for her. "How is she feeling?"

Kili read into her question. "Due to the babes?"

She nodded, sitting beside him at the table while Alros fetched them some food.

"She's alright. She hasn't complained to me about anything unusual. But as you are aware she does not always communicate her discomforts"

Melori chuckled and shook her head. "Very well aware. What about the nightmares?"

Kili looked down at his plate of food and sighed. "They haven't left entirely. But I know that they are not as bad as they've been"

He then looked up at the golden elf with warm eyes. "I think that you have helped her with that immensely"

She smiled to herself and touched his shoulder. "Anything for her"

"I do have to admit that I am not the best at trying to help her so Im thankful for your help"

Melori shook her head and grabbed his hand in hers. He needed to know that by existing, he helped Tauriel.

"By being by her side you help her more than you realize. Your presence gives her a peace that I can feel"

Kili sighed in relief. He truly hoped that it would be enough.

"Thank you so much, Melori. Now if you don't mind, I need to go help Balin with some tasks"

Melori gave him a nod as he got up and left.

Alros then came along with setting down plates of food before her. It all looked tasty.

"There was this very bright-eyed lass who insisted I tried her bread"

Melori eyed the small stacks of bread that filled one plate. Small columns of faint steam rose from the loaves which seemed to embrace her in a warmth that she gladly welcomed. The smell that filled her brought a small smile to her face.

"Hastos must have enjoyed her enthusiasm as I heard he's been in this hall all day"

Alros laughed at her comment. "I wonder where he is now?"

Fili was the one who answered that question and took a quick break between bites.

"I last saw him with Bard and Dwalin. They're working at the entrance"

Melori turned her attention towards the oldest of Thorin's nephews. The Heir Apparent.

"Fili" she began turning her head towards him so she could grab his attention away from the plate in front of him. He obliged.

"Continue" he kindly assured.

"I wanted to ask you some questions about the battle that took place"

Fili visibly gulped and cleared his throat. He knew that Melori could not ask Tauriel nor Kili such details, so she entrusted him to talk about them.

"Only if you are comfortable speaking about it. I've heard many versions, but I would like to hear yours" she quickly assured. Alros sat across from them both as Fili seemed to steady his thoughts.

"It went from an argument between dwarves and elves to something far more intense" Fili began as his voice seemed to fade and connect with the past."It was chaotic and we were all swimming in that chaos. Orcs led the charge"

Melori's eyes darkened at the word.

"They attacked Dale and laid further destruction to it. We all had to unite and fight the common enemy. So much death and blood"

He then looked up at Melori as if he was suddenly back to the calm dining hall. But as soon as he returned, he left once again. His gaze appeared hazy and far away.

"I saw that thing who had Tauriel. He somehow knew that she is expecting"

Alros grabbed Melori's hand which she rested at the table and gave her a gentle squeeze as Fili continued, right after taking a deep breath. He looked up at Melori to make sure she wanted him to continue. She hesitated at first but nodded and held her breath.

"I heard Tauriel's screams. The agony in her voice is something I can never seem to forget. That monster had her lifted in the air by her hair and a blade pointed at her stomach while my brother helplessly watched without being able to do anything. She was bleeding from her neck… crying in desperation"

Fili's voice cracked as he remembered walking into such a scene of despair.

Melori got up hastily from her chair, almost pushing it back across the room, and tried to steady her breathing to no avail. Her chest rose and fell violently as Alros was frozen in his chair. But then she finally closed her eyes and steadied herself.

"Thank you, Fili" was all she said as she gave a small smile to Alros and then walked off.

"Maybe you should go comfort her" Fili said as he turned to Alros who shook his head.

"Melori is someone who is very hard to read but I have known her for a long time. She doesn't want me to follow her"

Fili gave him a nod and took a sip from his ale as he stared at the elf in front of him.

"But you want to go after her"

Alros chuckled. "Of course I do, but she might cut me in half if I do"

Fili laughed as Alros bit the bread he held in his hand and tried to erase the image of what had been told.

"It is unfortunate that you had to watch your family go through something so horrible" Alros then said.

Fili gave him an appreciative smile. "As each day passes we all heal a bit more"

Alros looked at the young dwarf sitting in front of him who would rule after Thorin. Kindness was written in his face and humility was etched in his eyes.

"Then to healing we shall toast" Alros proposed, raising his cup high into the air.


Melori rushed into the closest room she could find when she finally felt like screaming and hurried inside. Her eyes were filled with tears as she stubbornly clenched her fists. She took a deep breath as she surveyed the shelves that were packed with books. The fireplace roared with fire and a warmth that calmed her down. With a deep, lingering breath she wiped her cheeks clean of the tears that managed to spill.

She was about to sit down on one of the cushioned chairs when the door opened. Her eyes took a second longer than usual to recognize who it was.

"What are you doing here?" she asked the human standing before her. Her blade was in her hand as she walked closer to him. "Why are you unsupervised?"

Theo raised his arms above his head as he paled. "My siblings and I are in the chamber across the hall, there are dwarven guards at each end of the hallway"

Melori lifted an elegant eyebrow. Right. She did notice passing three dwarves standing guard yet she did not deem it questionable while in the state she was currently in.

"So what are you doing here? Now?" she asked, dropping her armed hand to the side and returned her blade to its sheath.

"My brother loves to read. I was just getting him a book"

He then noticed her tear stained cheeks.

"Are you alright?" he then asked. Concern was stitched into his tone and curiosity made him step closer to her.

Her eyes narrowed and every evidence of emotion left her face.

"Im fine" she harshly whispered under her breath as she turned around and brought her attention to the endless shelves that covered the walls from floor to ceiling. It was apparent that attention was recently paid to the library as every surface was dust free yet the books were awaiting such care.

As Melori appreciated the impressive amount of books surrounding her, Theo's eyes followed the length of her golden curly hair which was as bright as the sun. She wore a black, long sleeved dress with a train that glided across the room. His eyes moved quickly away from her body as her curves left him feeling breathless.

He thought to himself that it was strange because she walked like the very ground was blessed to have her there. Yet she did not even notice this because her fingers touched the spines of the books. The lucky books that were awarded her soft delicate touch looked dusty yet she touched them with utmost care.

His eyes could not leave her for a second and instead stood there in awe. Her waist was decorated by a golden loop chain that wrapped around and hooked onto itself. That's where her dagger hung, concealed in a leather sheath but he could see the pearl colored handle. With a daring, closer look he saw a small golden leaf, dangling at the end of the chain. He knew that chain must be worth more than all of his belongings put together.

All of his senses became attacked by her being just as they had done when he had first seen her. He didn't even notice that she was talking to him because he was so busy looking at her soft pink lips. Breathtaking would not even begin to describe her beauty.

"Are you there?" she repeated. She narrowed her eyes as the human in front of her blinked numerous times.

"Forgive me" he then said through a dry throat as he stood tall.

She shook her head and her curls bounced around her. "It's alright. Though I was asking what your purpose is?"

"We got lost" Theo quickly answered. "I promise that we mean no ill will as I have explained to Thorin"

She walked closer to him with suspicion in her blue eyes but Theo was too busy admiring them that he did not notice.

"I don't believe that" Melori hissed as they were now at eye level and close. Too close, because he could smell her tantalizing scent.

But Theo's eyes grew darker even as having her close made him dizzy. "I am not lying. If I was up to no good then I would not have brought my younger brother with me"

At that moment, the door opened once again. Theo's sister walked in and halted at a stop as she saw her brother and Melori giving off a tense aura.

"Brother" Einar said in an urgent tone. "Are you alright?"

Theo nodded, motioning her to stop her walk towards him. Melori looked at him and then to Einar.

"I have many who I care for under this mountain" she began. "You cause any harm for any reason to them and I will show you no mercy"

Melori's threat resonated around the library. Both Theo and Einar saw her leave but Einar turned to her brother just in time to see his eyes.

"Don't be a fool, brother!" she warned with wide eyes and disbelief.

"What are you talking about?" he shot back trying to regain his breath as he stared at the closed door.

Einar shook her head. "I saw the way you looked at her!"

Theo's eyes flared. "I do not know what you are assuming, but I assure you…"

"Do not lie" she hissed, anger boiling within her. "Lying does not suit you. You cannot be infatuated with an elf, brother! She is dangerous and clearly enamored by the other elf we saw outside with them"

"I am not infatuated!" he hissed.

Einar chuckled. "Brother, I know you better than I know myself"

"Then you must know I am no fool" he shot back louder.

"Do not fall for her. She is beautiful, I am aware, but she is an elf! We both saw how dangerous she is"

And it was then that she saw Theo take a deep breath and knew he had lost his control over any sense of mind. He knew she saw that and stayed quiet.

"Choose a book to take to our brother" was all he said as he walked to the door.

"We are not here for this" she reminded. "Remember the plan Theo!"

He took a deep breath and looked back at her.

"We can still choose to not do this. Tauriel is pregnant, sister. We can find another way"

Einar was left in the quiet room as the door silently closed. She sighed as she closed her eyes in frustration and stared at warming fire.

"There is no other way"