ReForged

by jezzibee83

Reforged is about second chances, new life, and lost love. Journey through middle earth from the perspective of the Durin's. Given a second chance, the sons of Durin and our treasured Tauriel are sent back two years before the battle of five armies, only having the knowledge they died. Is it enough to change the future? Will they be able to save what was lost? Can life be reforged?

27. Chapter Twenty-Six

Authors Note: I literally have nothing to say to you so go ahead and read on. (Not that you needed my permission to anyway.) See ya at the bottom.

Chapter Twenty-Six

"Are you certain. It could be no other?" Thorin was pacing the balcony looking out towards Dale. Dain will not be here for still another day. Even with the weapons and armor Naurfaer found the previous day, in no way could thirteen dwarves and a hobbit defend a mountain against an army of hundreds of trained elves. He did not even know if he could ask his niece to put up arms against her own kin. Then again, he looked over at her. She looked like stone, her face showing no signs of fear or anxiety. Very few would be able to see the signs she was fighting an internal battle. The white knuckled grip she had on the banister, the way her other hand was loosely wrapped around one of her dangerous daggers, and the look in her eyes. She was not even looking at him and he could see the struggle and almost feel the suffering burning from her like the fires in the forge. Naurfaer too had joined them, as did Bilbo who looked anxiously over at Dale, his eyes searching for whatever Tauriel was seeing that he could not.

"I have heard that sound my entire life. It is not one I would ever mistake…or forget." Thorin studied her for another moment then sighed. "Someone is coming." Thorin whipped his head to where she was now looking and watched as a solitary figure rode out of Dale and raced up the path to the mountain. It only took a few minutes before Thorin recognized the figure to be none other than Bard, who stopped just before the non-existent gate. Thorin stood leaning over "Master Bard. I would wish you a good afternoon, however, it would seem you are here to share a message. If your haste has anything to go by. Come inside, I will meet you in the hall."

Bard nodded and disappeared under the balcony to the inside gate. "Bilbo, go to Bombur and see if he can put together lunch." Bilbo nodded and left without a word. "Tauriel, Kili, I need you with me. Naurfaer, if you have any insight, I could use you as well." The elf in question nodded, Thorin looked to the last one on the overhang "Nori, stay here. I will send Dori and Ori up to take their place. I seems we will be having unexpected company sooner rather than later." He finished darkly. Tauriel looked at Kili with slight worry, Kili eyeing his uncle with not a little concern but both followed obediently, trailed by Naurfaer.

They met Fili at the bottom of the stairwell and the group, together, filed into the great hall where Bard stood, waiting. "Welcome Bard. Bombur is getting some food together. Come. We will speak in the meeting room." Bard gave a quick nod and followed the dwarven king and the small group to the room they met in just barely a week before. Bombur came in almost the moment they entered the door with a small platter of food. "Bombur, find Dori and Ori and tell them to report to Nori at the gate balcony. I want eyes up there all hours." Bombur nodded and quickly left the room.

Thorin then turned to Bard. "I have been made aware a certain elven king may be making an appearance. What do you know of this?" All eyes turned to Bard who leaned forward, hands clasped and stared hard at the king. "It is true. He came moments before I came to you with carts of food and provisions. He said he had heard we needed aid. He did not come alone, in any regard."

Tauriel closed her eyes. Thranduil rarely if ever left his sanctuary for anything apart from war. She looked to Bard, muttering "His army is with him." Bard nodded solemnly to Tauriel. She looked to Thorin who did not seem surprised "He does not come without reason. He is here for something. He will want something, or, someone." The last she spoke barley above a whisper. Kili straightened and Fili growled, while Bard looked at the table, nodding.

"He did not mention someone, but he did mention something." He watched everyone in the room relax which puzzled him, but he did not ask. "I offered him my gratitude, but said we were well on our way to having a plan to survive the winter. Although, his offerings would make it easier, for both our kingdoms." Thorin was on the verge of giving a biting remark on where that elf can shove his provision when Bard continued "He said my gratitude was misplaced. He was here for one thing, and one thing alone. A necklace." Thorin crossed his arms over his chest and glared at the table while Fili, Kili, and Tauriel looked confused.

"A necklace?" Fili finally asked. "What kind of necklace? Surely, he could just go to a merchant and have one done. Mahals forge. Would he like a matching bracelet and tiara?" Fili grumbled something in Khuzdul under his breath, Tauriel only able to make out 'princess' and 'ponce' in his mumbles. Bard shook his head "He said it was made of white gems that glowed like starlight."

Thorin closed his eyes and rumbled out "The white gems of Lasgalen." Tauriel gasped, looking wide eyed at Thorin. "Truly?" She had heard of these gems, knew of them and whom they were for. In all she has been through this last year, she had completely forgotten about them. Thorin nodded "What do you know of them, Tauriel."

Tauriel thought for a moment, pulling up the memories she had of Legolas telling her the story he knew of the glowing necklace. "From the story I was told, it is a piece Thranduil had commissioned by the dwarves of Erebor for Elerrion, the queen of Mirkwood and Thranduil's beloved wife. It was to shine as bright as his brightest star at his side." She only slightly remembered the lady of Mirkwood. "Elerrion was killed in Gundabad. Thranduil took many years to escape the demons of her death. Legolas tells me when he remembered he had commissioned the necklace, he rode to Erebor to meet with the king under the mountain." She looked to Thorin who was nodding and picked up the end of the tale.

"I remember this. He stood before my grandfather who refused the elven king. It was the first time I really saw the sickness in him. Even after the fall of Erebor, Thror stood by his word that Thranduil had not paid for the necklace." The room fell silent. "Did he, uncle? Did he pay for the gems?" Thorin sighed, looking to Kili. "I do not know. If he did, there is not record of it ever found." He stood and went to the window, looking over the city beyond. "He had asked for them in exchange for our freedom when we were imprisoned in Mirkwood."

Tauriel turned her green eyes to her uncle, staring at the back of his head. "Did you agree?" Thorin whipped around, eyes narrowed as he gazed back at her "Of course not. I told him he 'ishkh khakfe andu null'." It took everything in Tauriel to not roll her eyes at the king before her. However, Naurfaer burst out laughing, all eyes turning to him as he wiped tears from his eyes. "Perfect. I wish I was there for that." Fili gaped at the elf, Kili chuckled, and Thorin sighed, pinching his nose.

Bard looked around the room. This was getting nowhere. "There is more." The room silenced once again as everyone looked to Bard. "He is willing to go to war for them." Thorin looked to Tauriel for confirmation.

"I do not doubt he would. If Thranduil's pride is as great as his desire for those gems, then he will stop at nothing to obtain them. He will send his army in to battle for them." Thorin leaned forward, hand braced against the stone around the slit of a window, shoulder tense as he stared at nothing. "Will you give him the gems?"

Thorin turned and looked to the bow man across the room. "I will think on it." He growled and left the room without another word, slamming the door hard behind him. "What are we to do?" Bard lamented as he sat back. Fili let out a deep breath "We have to wait. Hopefully uncle will make up his mind soon."

Bard nodded and stood. "I must go." Naurfaer stood with him "I will see you out." The two then left the room leaving Fili, Kili, and Tauriel sitting somberly at the table.

"We are doomed." Fili lamented as Kili sighed and leaned forward, resting his hands on his face and running them through his hair, making it appear messier than usual. Tauriel instinctively reached forward and ran her fingers through the knots in the hair that framed his face before leaning in and pressing a kiss to the crease in his brow, feeling with her lips the area relax nearly as soon as her lips met it. She pulled away, nuzzling his nose with hers and sat back.

"Should we speak to Thorin? Would that help?" Both princes shook their head, Fili grumbling "You know Thorin. If he wanted our council, he would have asked for it. This is something he obviously wants to decide on his own." He stood and walked towards the door. "I am going to see what Balin thinks. I will see you two for dinner."

The last two in the room looked at each other. "I fear Thranduil will stop at nothing to get what he wants. If Thorin does not agree to give those gems, Fili is correct. We are all doomed." Kili pulled her forward, enfolding her slightly taller form in his arms. Tauriel going willingly as she tucked her head under his chin.

"Do not fear Amralime. Thorin will come around. He is no longer under the dragon sickness, the Arkenstone is gone. We have nothing to fear." Tauriel was not so sure about Kili's confidence in Thorin. This was not about greed, this was about old wounds. She almost wishes she could speak to Thranduil. She once had his confidence. Perhaps she could do something to give them more time. She almost suggested it but the words refused to leave her lips. Legolas had warned her to never go back. Unfortunately for her though, living, even in a mountain, on the outskirts of Mirkwood meant the elven king will find out where she is. She does not know what will happen on that day.

Thorin never turned up again for the remainder of the afternoon, or evening. She slightly remembers footsteps coming into their new quarters well into the evening, but since they all now had separate rooms, it was difficult to decide who it was. Naurfaer had taken the fourth room, offered by no other than Fili who insisted the elf stay in the family quarters. This brought a beaming smile to the elf's young face and he happily accepted though he rarely used the room itself. His need for very little sleep allowed him to spend most nights either taking on rehab tasks or offering his services to grateful, and very exhausted dwarves on night-watch duty.

On the opposite end, as far as elves go, being with child often made Tauriel sleep longer, often well beyond Kili. She would drag herself from the warm bed, go immediately to their private washroom in their spacious bedchambers, and then join whoever was still eating in the kitchen for breakfast. This morning, it was only Bilbo sitting at the table, everyone else was off on their duties for the day. "Good morning, Tauriel. Kili told me to tell you if you needed him, to send Bofur who is in the next room. He was sent by Thorin to the deeper portion of the mountain for some important job. He mentioned the elven king, but not what he was doing." Tauriel nodded. Kili never said he had something to do today, though Thorin may have just given him the assignment this morning. "Where is Fili and Thorin?"

Bilbo placed a small plate with porridge and some bread in front of her with a cup of fresh water. "Fili is with Kili. I do not know where Thorin is, to be honest. It would not surprise me if he is with Balin." Tauriel nodded. "Did he have something for me to do?" She asked, between spoonfuls of the warm oats. The hobbit smiled "In fact he did. He said you can accompany me. I will be doing some work in the green room. Oin said you were keen on making some additions and suggestions of your own." Tauriel was confused. They were on the brink of war and Thorin wants her in the green room…dealing with plants? As if seeing her thoughts, Bilbo hushed out "Perhaps we can discuss other plans for our day there." She studied the hobbit, his words seemed a bit, cryptic, to her but she nodded in agreement.

The hobbit and elf duo entered the green room which really was a sight to see. It was built in the mountain in such a way that allowed the sun to stream into the cavernous room at any time of year. Massive windows acted as the roof of the structure and the soft soil had evidence of recent tilling and weeding, though there was still quite a bit of work to do. Even so, it looked as if Bombur had in fact planted several things in a corner of the massive garden room. "This is looking wonderful." She had been in here before, Kili taking her to see it knowing of her love for plants and greens. It was much more…wild…at that point. Now it was well on its way to becoming a functioning garden.

Tauriel bent over to study some of the small buds just visible through the dark soil, but stopped when Bilbo addressed her. "Tauriel, you are an elf…" He stopped, causing Tauriel to wonder if he was asking if she was indeed an elf or if he just did not know how to phrase his thoughts. "Yes. You know this." He blushed in embarrassment muttering a quick 'of course. Of course.'

"What I mean to say is, you are an elf, and Kili said you grew up in Mirkwood so you must know the elven king, could you not, speak to Thranduil? I am sure this could be cleared up, right?" Tauriel froze, her posture rigid. She busied herself with removing some growing weeds at her feet, pulling them before they overtook the good sprouts. "I am afraid you are mistaken, Master Hobbit. Me going to Thranduil will, more than likely, cause more harm than good." Bilbo looked at her, shuffling his feet before he bent forward and began his own section of tending.

"Do you really think so?" Tauriel nodded from her kneeled place on the ground. "I do not think I have ever told you, but I was once in his service. Shy of just two years past. I did not leave on good terms." She glanced at the hobbit who was looking directly at her.

"But that was two years ago. Surely, he would not have a mind to do anything now. You are married to the kings nephew. He cannot do anything to harm you without causing a war in itself." She leveled Bilbo with a skeptical look. "He is already going to war over a jewel, I do not think giving him a possible second reason would be wise."

"Perhaps you are right. I just…I just thought if there was something we could do, to even buy time, it would work." Buy them time. Time is exactly what they needed. Thranduil will not wait long to launch an attack. She knew Dain would be here, any day now. What she did not know, is how many he was bringing with him. Would they even have enough to face off the large elven army even with Dain? She knew the elves training; she had trained them herself. They were in no way inadequate in battle, despite the rarity of them doing so recently. Many had seen war in their centuries of living and were well versed in its art.

The more she thought on it, as her hands mindlessly sifted through soil and roots, the more she began to agree with Bilbo. If they could buy some time, it could mean they would have larger numbers. Going to battle with a mere fifteen was a suicide mission. Not one of them would survive. She sat back on her heals, laying a hand on her abdomen. The life inside her was growing every day. She had yet to connect feelings with it, but its spirit, her sons spirit, was strong and bright. If Thorin was not going to make a decision, they were going into a losing war. Maybe. She thought. Maybe if she could speak to Thranduil, she could get them the time they needed. Perhaps Bilbo was right. Thranduil had only threatened with execution, not sentenced her. Time may have softened his regard of her choice.

"I will do it." Bilbo dropped the plant he was working and stared at her. "Are you sure? It was only an idea?" Tauriel stood and wiped the dirt from her knees and nodded. "I will go alone."

Bilbo lowered his eybrows "A..a…alone? No no no, I will go with you. We can even go and get Kili. I am sure…"

"NO!" Tauriel all but shouted. She stepped up to the hobbit "Kili must never know, he would not agree to it, but it is our only chance. We will go now and quietly. We can be back by late afternoon." She swept from the room before Bilbo could argue and he stumbled after her.

"Tauriel!" Bilbo called the retreating form of the red-headed elf. She turned quickly shushing him. "Tauriel" he whispered, she looked back at him waiting "How are we to get past the gate?" Tauriel thought for a moment then pushed him in another direction. "Kili and I found a side entrance. It is difficult to trespass and locked, but I am sure I can pick it." She pulled him down several flights of stairs, through a corridor, and into a hall where they had to climb over and under rocks. True to her word, a massive gate sat undisturbed embedded into its rocky sides.

Tauriel pulled a pin from her hair and leaned forward through the bars, around the gate, and began twisting the pin into the lock. Bilbo sat watching the princess of the dwarves mesmerized. She truly was a wonderous creature to behold. With a slight 'click' the door squealed open. The old hinges stiff with lack of use in nearly 200 years. The pair went through the gate, Tauriel making sure to close it securely behind her. She would just pick it again to get back in, she was not going to risk any intruders getting in the mountain they were working so hard to protect.

The cavern opened to the side of the mountain closest to Dale, a great luck for them. They could not get the horses, so they ran on foot to the city, Tauriel needing to slow her normal pace to allow for the hobbit to keep up with her. It took only a half hour to reach the city, twice the time it took on horse. Tauriel had her hood up and over her head. It would be best if she was not recognized until she absolutely needed to be. Her heart was hammering wildly in her chest. Kili would not be pleased with her. Pushing thoughts of her overprotective husband aside, she made her way through the ruined streets.

"They are everywhere." Bilbo looked all around at the streets filled with elven soldiers. It was true, Thranduil really did bring his entire militia. She knew he would, but part of her hoped he had not. "It would seem so." She finally responded, adjusting her hood. None gave her too much attention which she was grateful for as they pushed through the busy streets. Bilbo could not see where they were to go, his stature being shorter than even the dwarves made it difficult to see past anyone in the chaos around them.

"How do we know where to go?" Tauriel sighed. It was true. Short of asking, they had no way of knowing where Thranduil even was, and she was running out of time to waste. There was no help for it. Stopping in her place, she took a deep breath. She could see the hobbit continue into the masses of former Lake Town dwellers, unaware she had even stopped. It would probably be for the best he is not seen with her. She stepped up to one of the leads of the guard line.

"Move along." He called to her. She took a breath and lowered her hood. "Galloron. It is well met seeing you." She spoke in Sindarin. The elven guard instantly setting into motion. "Tauriel!" He gave her a cold look "You are a fugitive of Thranduil." He waived his hand at his unit "Seize her and take her to the king." The guards stepped forward, Tauriel not making a move to fight them off. The taller, dark haired elf sneered at her "I am sure our lord is eager to see you returned." Tauriel allowed them to bind her hands and push her forward. Galloron had never been fond of her. Always said she was too much of a child to play captain, despite her talent in battle or her work to earn her place. The moment she recognized him, she knew he would be happy to deliver her straight to the king, making him the hero. Galloron loved nothing more than playing the hero to Thranduil.

This plan was risky and in many ways. She could not even guarantee she would be set free. She just hoped the time apart truly would soften Thranduil's look on her and he would hear her out and let her go, if he knew she was acting as messenger to Thorin. What she did not want to tell Thranduil is who she was to the dwarven king. She was already taking a risk doing this, but if it was going to save her family, she would do anything. However, if Thranduil knew her place in the line of Durin, he would undoubtedly exploit it. She will tell him only she is associated with the dwarves, not her place with them.

It was not far into the city, the large tent where it appeared Thranduil resided. "My king. I have something you should see." Tauriel was shoved hard onto her knees on the floor, her hood falling over her head covering her features. "Is that so, and why would a human interest me?" The guard smirked. "She is no human, my lord." He stepped forward and yanked the hood down, revealing Tauriel's long hair and large pointed ears. The king stood and stared down at his former captain with his dark brows lifting in suprise.

"Tauriel. Fate does smile on me today. How good it is to see you returned." Tauriel glared at the king but said nothing, only moved to stand on her feet. "You will kneel before your king, silvan!" The guard pushed her back but she was quicker and with a simple move, had him rolling over her back and used the momentum to kick him down to the ground. Galloron rose to stand and retaliate but Thranduil lifted his hand to stop him. "Captain, leave us." The guard began to protest, but one look from the elven lord had him leaving the tent.

"Funny. I never expected to see you again. I know why I am here. What mystifies me is why are you?" Tauriel stood straight and stared hard at her former king. "I come on behalf of the dwarves of Erebor." If Thranduil was expecting anything it certainly was not that. He managed to cover up his surprise quickly and stepped away from her, going back to sit in a large chair before her.

"Is that so. Tell me. Why would dwarves of Thorin Oakenshield want anything to do with an escaped, fugitive, elf." Tauriel ignored the question entirely and took a step closer to the king, the guards on either side drawing their blades in warning. She rolled her eyes and stepped past them, Thranduil waiving his hand to allow her approach. "I come to speak to you about the gems of Lasgalen." This did have the regal elf's attention and, though his face was set in a bord stare.

"Oh? And what has that dwarf decided?" Tauriel tried to hide the apprehension and put as much confidence in her response as possible. "He has not yet decided. I am here to speak on possibility of negotiations." Thranduil smirked at her and stood. "Negotiations?" He asked. "Perhaps I can begin them." He turned to his guard. "Bind her." Tauriel's eyes went wide and the elven king bent down to stare into her face. "I do not want to risk you running off again."

"Release me!" She pulled at the ropes being placed around her as she was shoved to the ground, hard, and chains were brought in, linking her to one of the large poles in the tent. Tauriel tried to stave off her panic. This was not how she thought this would go. She and Bilbo had been wrong. Tauriel should have known Thranduil would not forget or forgive. "Thorin knows I am here." She lied through her teeth "If you want your gems, I will need to give him your answer on negotiating." Thranduil only laughed and shook his head.

"Child. Of course Thorin Oakenshield knows you are here. He sent you. You are the negotiation pawn. He must have known you were wanted and sent you as a means to divert my attention from the gems. What he does not know is I have no intention of letting you go back. I will not negotiate. He either gives me those gems, or they will all die." Tauriel tried to fight her bindings, pulling hard at the chains. The king only tsking at her like a petulant child throwing a fit "The harder you pull, the tighter that will get. I would not advise that."

"He will come for me." She growled, but the elven king just gave her a mocking laugh "That dwarf cares nothing for the life of an elf. He sent you straight to me. He was simply eliminating possibilities and cleaning house. You are nothing to him, you can be sure of that. Now, I tire of speaking of dwarves. Let us change the subject to something more, relevant, like…you." Tauriel glared at Thranduil but remained silent to which he tutted "Is that any way to address your king? Speak when you are spoken to child!"

"You are not my king!" Tauriel had no time to move or react as Thranduil's hand lifted to strike her cheek hard, causing spots to form in her eyes and her nose to run red with blood. She refused to give in and turned an even darker look on the elven king. He turned to one of his guards "I tire of her voice. Muzzle her. Tell Galloron to prepare for an execution. Tauriel will die by the sword this very day, before the sun sets. I will not have her slip from my hands again." The guard nodded and left the room. Thranduil stared at her for a moment and turned to back to his seat.

Tauriel had failed and would pay the price. Thranduil believes she was freely given as a divergence to the gems. Her mind laughed at the thought. Thorin would sooner give his own life than risk hers, of that she was sure. She knew her place in the family. Although, with Thranduil's attention diverted to her and her execution, it would stop any advancement on Erebor and give them at least until tomorrow so in part, her plan had some success. She hoped Thorin was right and Dain was coming. They needed the numbers and now.

Bilbo was shuffling through the crowd, he nervously looked around. How had he lost Tauriel? If they do not return soon, he did not know what the three sons of Durin would do to get their beloved elf back. Why had he even suggested this? He peered around a corner to see a very large tent set up right in what he assumed was a square in the street. He tried to get closer but was stopped by a guard who ordered him to leave. He attempted to look around the elven guard but was pushed back just as he caught a view of bright red hair. Tauriel was in there, of that he was positive. Shuffling back, he went to the side of the tent, trying to listen until he finally found a spot where he could make out clearly what was being said, and it was not what he wanted to hear.

Tauriel was to be executed. Today. No, no no no no no. Not good. This was very, VERY not good. He had tried to find Bard, but the bowman was nowhere in sight. His only choice was to get to the mountain, and fast. Looking to the sky, he figured he only had a few hours before nightfall, and it would take a quarter of that to get back to the mountain. With no time to waste, Bilbo turned from the tent and ran as fast as his bare feet would allow through the city and towards Erebor.

He did not even stop when Nori yelled out to him "BILBO!? LAD? How did you get out there? Bilbo?" Bilbo ran, his lungs burning as he collapsed against one of the tall pillars just through the large entrance gates, Nori running down from the watch tower to meet him "Hey. Take a breath there. Yeh okay?" Bilbo only shook his head, huffing out "Thorin. Where is Thorin?" Nori looked taken aback but responded that he was with Balin in the records room. "Maybe yeh should rest?" But Bilbo ignored him and ran down the flights of stairs leading to where the mountain king was said to be. He could make out Thorin's voice as he got closer.

"Balin, those gems are ours by right. I owe him nothing. Why should I give in when he is the one who turned his back on us? Let us suffer? He refused us in our greatest time of need and expects some sort of payment or reward? I will not do it Balin. Dain will be here soon. If it is war he wants, it is war he will get." Bilbo felt the chill run through him as he stopped in place. Thorin had no plans on giving the gems. It was all for naught. He shook his head, that is a thought for later. Tauriel. They had to save Tauriel.

He ran the remaining length of the hall, throwing open the door and rushing into the room startling the two dwarrow inside. "Tauriel! In trouble. We need to go now!" Was what he meant to say, but between gasping breaths and his burning lungs, even he did not recognize the words that left his mouth.

Balin walked up to the heaving hobbit and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Easy now lad. What has yeh all worked up?" They did not have time for this. He stood up and took a breath, forcing himself to slow his breathing enough to enunciate. "Thranduil has Tauriel. He plans on executing her. Tonight."

"WHAT!" Thorin roared, jumping to his feet and seizing Bilbo by the coat. "Explain. Now."

"She thought she could give us time. It…it was my idea. Truly. I did not know she would be in danger. She being an elf, I thought she would be able to speak to him. I thought…wrong." He finished. Thorin released Bilbo and ran from the room, clearing stairs two at a time as he ran down to the lower levels where Fili and Kili were searching for the white gems in the treasure room. He cleared the door just as Fili was leaving the two colliding into each other but neither falling.

"Uncle! We found them. They were in a locked box, but Ki was able to get it open." He indicated to his brother who was hefting the chest forward. Kili took one look at Thorin and stopped and froze. "Uncle? What has happened?" Thorin could not stop the look of fear cross his features. Kili had already lost Tauriel once, he did not know if his young nephew would survive losing her again along with their unborn child.

Kili seemed to sense something was wrong and it involved Tauriel. He released the chest he held allowing it to fall hard to the ground and surged forward to the patriarch of their family. "Tell me. Tell me it is not her. Tell me she is up in the green room, hands covered in dirt, and in desperate need of food. Please uncle. Please." Thorin shook his head. "Thranduil has her." Was all he said. Fili had the foresight to grab Kili before he fell to the ground. "Bilbo said she is to be executed tonight." Kili pushed his brother off.

"I will KILL him before he has time to raise his blade." Thorin grabbed his shirtsleeve stopping the livid prince from leaving the room, Kili turning a menacing look to his uncle. "Release me." Thorin shook his head.

"This is not the way." He turned to Fili. "Grab the gems. I think it is time we pay the elf king a visit." Kili stared at Thorin. "You will give him the gems?" Thorin placed both hands on Kilis shoulders and looked directly into his eyes. "Kili, Tauriel is our family. I admit I had no plans on giving them up, but know this, for any one of you three I would give all I have to get you back." He pulled Kili forward placing their foreheads together. "We will get her back. Alive. You have my word." Kili nodded and they pulled apart and left the room, all running at full speed up the many flights of stairs to the main gate where Bilbo and Balin stood beside a confused looking Naurfaer and Nori. Bofur and Bifur were both leaning through the stair well entrance listening.

"Can someone explain to me what is going on?" Kili turned to Naurfaer. He was Tauriel's family, her kin. He had a right to know. "Tauriel has been taken by Thranduil. He has plans to execute her." The change in the elf's normally jovial features was night and day. His eyes darkened, his mouth drew into a snarl, and his demeaner shifted to one screaming danger. This elf no longer looked like a young, carefree, youth. Here was the elf who had seen ages spread before him. His hands fell to his blade and he stepped towards Kili. "I will be coming with you." It was not a request, and all present knew that. Kili nodded and they wasted no time in grabbing the two horses. Thorin riding with Fili on Galaddal and Kili jumping up on Maryn with Naurfaer. Fili had thrown the gems into a pack, emptying the chest on their run up, so he had it securely strapped to his back as they made their way at full speed to the city.

They did not slow even for a moment when they sped into Dale. A series of guards, elven guards, stepped in their way, causing Galaddal to rear up. Thorin and Fili held fast as the large horse, well, large to them, fell back forward. Stamping his feet in warning at the approaching guards.

"You will go no further." Thorin was about to give the elf a piece of his mind when an order echoed through the streets. "Let them through! These are guests in the city. You have no say in their coming and going." Bard jumped from the short wall he stood on stepping up to the elven guard who stared indifferently at him. Deciding he was not worth the time turned on his heals and his unit stepped back and disappearing around the corner.

Bard walked up to Thorin "Welcome to Dale. Have you come to speak with Thranduil?" What Bard was not expecting was four livid and volatile faces staring back at him, all having jumped from the two mounts as Thorin advanced on Bard. "Did you know of this? Did you have a hand in him taking her?" Naurfaer stood, his hand secure on his unsheathed blade, the sun reflecting in its shining, deadly, metal. Fili and Kili flanked him, enclosing Bard, both with their swords drawn. It was a good thing they stood in an empty part of the city. "I know nothing of what you speak. Took who?"

He looked between them and his heart stopped. Thorin had said took 'her'. There was only one her in their company. The one elf who happened to be a very valuable member of the family. "Tauriel." He released a breath. "How did Thranduil get her? He has not left the city as far as I know." Thorin gave him one final look and stepped back. Fili too took a step away but Kili and Naurfaer still remained in attack stance. Thorin knew telling them to do otherwise would fall on deaf ears so he turned back to Bard.

"There is no time to explain. Can you take us to him or not?" Bard turned away from the four beings and their blades and began down the road. "He is this way." He called, the group following him instantly, leaving the horses behind.

Tauriel watched with dying hope as the sun began to drop over the city. With her wrists bound and chained behind her back, she could not even lay a comforting hand on where her unborn child lay innocent and unknowing of his fate. He would never come to this world. Never feel the loving embrace of his parents. Never hear Kili's beautiful voice singing to him. Never know the devotion of his uncle. Never learn the mastery of the forge from his grandfather or how to make butter cake from his gran. Tears began to fall from her eyes in earnest at the thought of not only never seeing her child, but never seeing Kili again. Her beloved who would never forgive her for what she had chosen to do.

The elves around her all but ignored her. Some snickered at her show of emotions, but a few looked on sympathetically. She cared not who saw her tears anymore, as an elf she knew well, sharpened a large sword sending her sneering looks every now and then. She had made little in the way of friends by advancing in the ranks as fast as she did, then abandoning them all and choosing a mortal life. She struggled as much as she could when two guards released the chain and pulled her to the block set in the center of the large tent just for her execution. Her struggles were in vain as she was forced to her knees.

Thranduil took the sword from Galloron. He stood before her and watched as the guards pushed her head down and strapped her shoulders to the block, keeping her in place. "You wanted to be mortal. You wanted the chance to die. I offer you your wish. For crimes against the elvish people, for crimes against the Valar and their gift, I sentence you to death."

Tauriel could see nothing through her tears. This was just one big nightmare she wished nothing more than to wake up from. She could barely make out the shadow of Thranduil standing over her and she closed her eyes as the sharp sword's shadow rose on the canvas tents walls. "Goodbye, daughter of the forest." Thranduil rose the sword high.

"STOP!" The elven king stilled his hand as the tent filled with three dwarves, Bard, and another elf he thought he would never have to meet again.

"What right have you to come in here to disrupt a trial of my people." Thranduil glared at the five intruders, his hand still steady on the sword. Tauriel turned her green eyes up to meet Kili's brown ones. He was looking from the sword to her then when he caught her eyes, he let them stay locked. She looked terrified. He was furious with her, absolutely, but she did not need his anger right now, she needed his support and whatever comfort he could give. He lifted his hand to his heart and mouthed the word 'breath' to her. Knowing what he was trying to do, Tauriel attempted to steady her heaving gasps of air. In. Out. In. Out. She forced herself to follow Kili's exaggerated, silent breaths.

"She is not yours to try, Thranduil. Release her." Thranduil turned his cold, blue eyes to Naurfaer. "And who are you to have claim on her. Her lover?" Naurfaer could hear Kili growl in the background. The elf stepped up to the elven king. Naurfaer was taller than Tauriel, but Thranduil still stood a head higher than him. Still, Naurfaer was in no way intimidated by his petty display of power.

Not even trying to hide his blade, Naurfaer stared down Thranduil. "Release my granddaughter and I will not kill you. I care less for the guards around, or for any ability you may have to remove this blade from my hand as I will happily take my place in Valinor knowing I took you down with me should you or they try to do so." With that, Naurfaer, with the flick of his wrist, flipped the blade up, pointing it directly into Thranduil.

"What is going on in here! Have you all gone mad!" Nobody in the room moved or even gave any indication of hearing the well-known voice of none other than the grey wizard himself.

Thranduil instead stared hard at the elf digging a blade into his abdomen. "Granddaughter? Impossible. This silvan she-elf has no family." Naurfaer's response was lost when another, deeper voice growled out "Oh now that is where you are very, very wrong."

The elven king could not contain his surprise when he lifted his eyes to the approaching dwarven king, the two younger dwarves approaching with him. He watched as the dark haired one, though walking forward, not once lost eye contact with Tauriel. Tauriel's eyes too never leaving his as if they were linked together in a force pulling them to each other in any way possible. Thranduil turned back to Thorin who stood just behind Naurfaer who continued to stare unblinkingly at the taller elf.

"Are you saying you have claim, on an elf, Thorin Oakenshield." Thranduil for one second did not believe what they seemed to be insinuating. "I do. Now release her." Thranduil glared at the dwarven king. He did not like games.

"What trick is this. You gave her to me. She said she was sent to begin negotiations for the gems. What game are you playing Oakenshield?"

"Gave her to you?! I would NEVER even consider such a thing! She came on her own accord. A reckless stupid idea we will be discussing in length later, she probably came in some foolish attempt to try and save us with little regard of her own life. She is making a terrifying habit of it as of late." He flicked his eyes to his niece who had looked from Kili to him, before looking down at the stone and closing her eyes in shame.

Thranduil moved to step forward, but Naurfaer was not having it and twisted the blade just enough to cut into his long robes, so instead Thranduil stayed put, addressing Thorin. "Is it negotiations you want now then? What is the life of an elf worth to you, Thorin Oakenshield? As the last I heard, it was not worth much." Thorin did not answer, instead he held his hand out to Fili, silently requesting the bag. Fili instantly shrugged it off his shoulders and handed it to the dwarven king, who not once removed his eyes from Thorin himself, though they flicked to the bag once or twice.

Thorin glared at the elven king "An elf's life may not be worth much to me, but my daughters life is worth far more than I have to give. However, it appears I have something in my possession YOU want more than anything." Thorin threw the bag to the ground, the contents spilling out before the elven king who looked wide eyed at the glowing jewels scattering over the ground.

"What I offer, is these gems, for the life of one who is as a daughter to me, though she legally be my niece…by marriage." Thranduil gaped at Thorin, eyes ripping from the gems to the dwarven king. "Niece? Marriage? Of what do you speak?"

"He speaks of me. He gave you a deal, and the gems you so cherish. We will not ask again. Release. My. Wife." Kili growled through clenched teeth. The elven king gaped at the dwarf then back at Tauriel. "Is this true? Are you married to this dwarf?" Still unable to speak due to the tie around her mouth, she nodded as much as she physically could. He snickered at Kili and the absurdity of their union.

"Do not address me in such an informal manner. I am prince Kili, son of Dis, sister of Thorin, King under the mountain. Not some mere dwarf. You are about to execute a member of the royal family. I do not think you want to deal with the ramifications of such an act. I will ask no more. You will release her, now." If they were not in such a dire situation, Thorin would beam with pride at his nephew who rarely took his title seriously. He was truly growing up.

Thranduil looked from Kili to Thorin then back at the jewels. "You are trading these for her life? Nothing else?"

"For her life and freedom. You will release her to us, and never come for her or harm her again. She is a protected member of the line of Durin. If you refuse or if you relent on your end of this bargain, there will be consequences. Of a severe nature." Thorin threatened.

"My lord Thranduil, release her. If the gems are what you came for, you have them. There is no need for blood to be spilled this night." Thranduil looked to Gandalf then turned to Thorin. After a few moments, he loudly ordered "Release her." However, Naurfaer was not done "You did not pledge your agreement to the bargain. Accept the gems with the terms, and never come near her again. Say it." He pushed the blade in, causing the elf to jump as the tip nearly pierced his skin.

"Tauriel, formerly of the woodland realm, now of Erebor, is released with a full pardon. She will not be pursued from this moment forward. Release her." Naurfaer looked at the elven king, then removed his blade, stepped back, and pushed the guards out of the way to release Tauriel himself, Kili too falling forward to help. Naurfaer cut through the bindings keeping her bent over the block and Kili pulled down the tie around her mouth. As soon as she was free, Tauriel launched herself into Kili's open arms, wrapping herself around him tightly and sobbing un-ashamedly as Kili rocked her on his knees. Naurfaer stood back and let out a sigh of relief. Fili knew she would be getting more than one good lecture later, he was placing himself in line for one of his own, but he could not stop himself from dropping to the floor and wrapping his arms around his little world, pulling both Kili and Tauriel in close, happy to have them safe.

Thorin watched Thranduil. He pitied the elf and his cold demeaner. Thorin made the mistake once of prizing treasure over his family, a mistake he will never make again. As much as he dislikes this being, he just could not turn a cold eye on the elven king, who was kneeling on the ground and fingering the gemmed necklace with a look which only spoke of grief. "May I offer one piece of advice." Thorin's deep voice broke the silence. If the elven king was listening, he did not look it, though a barely perceptible twitch of his head in the dwarven lord's direction indicated he had heard Thorin. "I made the mistake once of choosing to cherish the wrong treasure. I chose cold metals, rock walls, and pride as my most valuable possessions. I lost it all, in the end." Thranduil was fingering the necklace, refusing to look at Thorin. Thorin sighed. He knew in a previous life he was looking at a mirror of himself and could not stop the shame slipping into his heart for being so cold and harsh. "Don't make my mistakes. The greatest and most valuable possessions you will have are not the gold, jewels, and power you seek. It is not piling up in grand halls or behind locked doors. It is the treasure that walks by your side every day, the ones you come home to, the ones who will come to you when you need them most. Family, Lord Thranduil of Mirkwood, is a far greater treasure than even the most invaluable gemstone."

He gave the elven king one final look then turned to Kili and Tauriel wrapped up with Fili. Kneeling down to their level on the ground, he ran a comforting hand through Tauriel's long red hair and placed a kiss on the crown of her head not even caring the elves, human, and wizard in the room were gaping at the public affection he rarely showed. He looked up to see a smile form on Gandalf's face and returned it with a nod of his own, then pulled back and looked down on his greatest treasures. "Kili, take her home." Kili nodded and pulled away from a reluctant Tauriel who was clearly not in the best frame of mind. Fili helped Kili stand before the dark-haired prince scooped the eleth up in his arms, where she re-burrowed herself into his warmth and comfort as he turned and swiftly left the tent without a word.

"I will go too, to make sure they arrive safely." Naurfaer declared but stopped at the wizard still standing at the entrance. "Gandalf! It has been too long my friend. You look terrible." The grey wizard looked at Naurfaer and let another larger smile grace his features.

"Ah, Naurfaer! My old friend. It certainly has. It has been well over 1000 years, hasn't it? I thought you to be lost." Naurfaer clasped Gandalf's wrist, the wizard grasping Naurfaer's tightly in return. "No. Still around. We must catch up, but at the moment, my family needs me. Please excuse me." He released Gandalf and ran after Kili leaving a mildly intrigued wizard behind, but he would have to question that for another time. At present, they were all in very grave danger. Thorin and Fili were speaking to Bard and just turning to leave the tent when Gandalf stopped them.

"It is fate you are here at this time, Thorin Oakenshield. Do not think we will not discuss the mountain and the dragon. I warned you to wait. But that time has come and gone. I have news you all must hear." Thorin looked to Fili then back to the wizard stepping back further into the tent. The grey wizard's words seemed to be the only thing that pierced Thranduil's attention, as he placed the gems he held into a secure casing and passed it to one of his guards before joining the group. Bard too stood beside the door, arms folded and watching the wizard warily. He knew nothing of the being. Thorin must have noticed as much.

"Gandalf, this is Bard, unofficial leader of Dale. He felled the dragon and has been working with our company these last few weeks." Thorin then turned to the leader of man "Bard. May I introduce you to Gandalf the Grey. Wizard and a part of my original company. He traveled with us for the majority of our quest. Worry not, he is a friend. You can trust him." The wizard gave Thorin a grateful nod, Thranduil, however, looked bored as he poured himself some wine and sat in his tall chair, watching the proceedings without even the slightest bit of curiosity.

"I am afraid what I have to say will not be pleasant or comforting." Gandalf paused looking around the room. "War is coming. The cesspits of Dol Guldur have been emptied. We are all in mortal danger." All at once the room erupted with questions.

"How came you by this information?" Launched Thorin as Fili stood tall, eyes flickering between the wizard and his uncle.

"What are you talking about?" Bard asked at the same time as Thorin, walking forward to stand close to Fili.

Thranduil drained his cup in one go and stood, walking back to the large pitcher of wine, uncorking it and refilled his glass. He looked around at the faces in his tent unconcerned by the wizard's words. He rolled his eyes and addressed Bard "I can see you know nothing of wizards. They are like winter thunder on a wild wind rolling in from a distance breaking hard in alarm." He sipped his wine and stared at the wizard, looking him up and down "but sometimes a storm is just a storm."

Incensed Gandalf ground out "Not this time." He looked straight at Thorin "Armies of orcs are coming. Even now they are making their way here."

"Why now, after all this time. What would be the reason for them to choose this time to show themselves. It makes little sense Mithrandir." Gandalf fell silent for a moment, looking at Thranduil. "Because we forced him." He sighed, knowing what he was about to say would not bode well in present company. He looked back at the dwarven king. "You and your company were never meant to reach that mountain. Azog the defiler was sent to make sure of it."

Thorin stared hard at Gandalf "They are coming for Erebor." The wizard nodded. "Yes, and not just for the gold inside, but for the location. Azog does not work alone. He has a master, one who wants that mountain for what is inside, as well as where it lies. It is a strategic location and one which would be a benefit to whichever side possesses it. It is the gateway to reclaim the lands of Agmar in the north." Gandalf walked from the tent, the group following him as he looked over the gate of Erebor.

Thorin looked at his kingdom from the wall of Dale. He could see the small outline of two horses now nearly at the gate. Naurfaer, Kili, and Tauriel were just arriving. Good, they are safe. But for how long? If Gandalf is right, it would not be long before his company and his family were once again forced into the throws of danger and possible death. Will they never escape their previous fate? Will their entire existence be one battle after the next? He was growing weary. Out of the corner of his eye he could see Fili watching his brother disappear through the still open gate, the setting sun casting shadows from where they stood.

They equally felt the dread of Gandalf's next words "If Agmar should rise again, Rivendell, Lorien, the shire, even Gondor itself will fall."

"What are we to do then? Where are these orcs you speak of Mithrandir?" The wizard fell silent.

"We fight. We protect what is ours. We do it together. All of us." All eyes turned to the young blond prince whose own eyes had not strayed from the gate of Erebor. Thorin placed a hand on his nephews and heirs shoulder. He could not be prouder of both his nephews. The sons of his heart.

Thorin turned to Bard and slightly reluctantly to Thranduil as well "All of our kingdoms are at stake when this orc army arrives. I think we all can agree on one thing. Our common enemy. What say you? Will you fight to protect your lands and your people?"

Bard looked over Dale. His people's birthright. In no way were they prepared to fight but what choice did they have? "I will pull together any willing and able men. I am afraid it will be of little help. We are not a warring people. They have no weapons and only very basic training."

Thorin hummed thoughtfully before placing a hand on Bards tall shoulder and looking up at him "We have weapons aplenty but little in ways of numbers. We can offer all you may need in blades, bows, and armor. As for training, we can help there as well. Gather all you can as soon as possible and meet us at the gates in Erebor in one hours' time. I am afraid there will be no rest tonight. If an army is indeed marching, then we will spend every waking moment preparing." Bard thanked the dwarven king and both turned to Thranduil who had not said a word.

"What say you, Lord of Mirkwood. Will you join us?" Thranduil only stared silently between Thorin and Bard, eyes watching the gates of the lonely mountain beyond.

"If the orcs are marching from Dol Guldur, then they will too, fall within the borders of your realm. Tauriel had told me once how those ruins abut your borders. Thranduil, should we lose, orcs will take this mountain, and soon after, your forest. We have never agreed, our people, but in this we have little choice. Our kingdoms must work together, or we will fall together." The elven king stared down the dwarven king who had extended his hand to the tall being, waiting for his answer.

Gandalf never once thought he would see the day when the proud and majestic Thorin Oakenshield would seek help among the elven people. He has changed. Whatever worries Elrond had of dragon sickness or madness were for not. This son of Durin was obviously of clear mind and setting their kingdoms, Dwarrrow, Human, and Elven alike before his pride and gold. He wondered if having an elf in his own family had anything to do with it. Perhaps. Yes. Perhaps.

Thranduil looked to the dwarf's large hand. For a minute Thorin was sure he would turn away and leave them. They would fight regardless. But in the last minute, the tall elf's hand clasped itself in his own. "Very well. If you are willing to open a bridge to our people, then I too will see it done." They clasped hands for a moment then stepped away.

"My numbers are few in the mountain, but more are coming. My cousin Dain will be here any day, but I will send a raven to ensure he makes haste. We do not have the time in our favor to wait. Thranduil," He looked to the elven king "Our halls have rooms available, warm water, and places to sharpen weapons. I invite you and any in need to come." Thranduil nodded saying something in Sindarin to his guard who had just walked up to him at his behest. Fili listened, his mind translating instructions to send guards and troops to Erebor in shifts for rest. Thorin turned to Bard "I will see you within the hour. Come Fili." He then turned and left the small group, the duo hastily walking out of the gates of Dale and towards their mountain.

Kili still said nothing as he swung his legs over Maryn and jumped down, Tauriel not once leaving his arms. She had calmed some on the way back though if it was not for the fact he could see her open eyes, he would have thought her to be asleep.

"Bofur, will you tend the horses, I need to…" He did not need to say more, Bofur was already taking the reins and turning Maryn back, grabbing Galaddal's on his way past as well "Don't yeh worry lad. Go." Kili nodded gratefully. Bilbo must have filled them in in their absence as not one asked a single question. Naurfaer stayed close, opening one of the large doors closing off the royal wing where many of them stayed followed by the door to their families personal chambers as well. Naurfaer let Kili walk past him and into his and Tauriel's bedchambers as he set to work lighting a fire to add warmth. He knew Kili would take care of Tauriel, so he let them be.

Kili place Tauriel on the bed and worked to remove her boots and helped her out of her hooded cloak. The entire time, Tauriel had not once made eye contact with him, her eyes cast down. He sighed and sat beside her on the bed. "Tauriel. Look at me." When she refused to meet his eyes, he hooked a finger under her chin and gently turned her head to his. "Amralime. Please." His voice a pleading whisper.

"Kili, I cannot." Her eyes closed, so he lifted his hand to lay on her cheek, his thumb brushing comforting circles on the pale skin beneath it. He used his free hand to pull one of her family braids forward and ran a hand down its length, fingering the bead at the end. "You know. I heard this tale once of a goddess who fell in love with a mortal. She had watched him from a far, high up in the stars as he lived day in and day out." He released the braid back into her hair and pulled the one he had personally woven into her red hair. He grazed the betrothal bead softly. "She knew she had to see him, to meet him, so she went to the only one who had the power to grant her greatest desire. The enchantress of the gods. One who was both powerful and cunning. She begged the creature to give her the ability to go to her love, claiming it was all she desired."

Tauriel listened but still would not open her eyes. "Taking pity on her," He quietly continued "The mystical being gave in, but her intentions were not pure. For she was jealous of the goddess and her love, having never felt such a thing herself. So, as she granted the boon she ended with a curse. If the one she sought did not share in her affections, one glance from the goddess would all it take for him to turn to stone, freezing instantly to never come to life again. The goddess was horrified, without warning, the enchantress flung her to earth, laughing madly at the fate cursed love. The goddess felt around her, refusing to open her eyes in fear her love was nearby and she would doom him to death with one look. To be safe, she tore the hem of her dress, and tied the long strip tightly around her eyes. She would not risk it, she would rather live a life of blindness, then lose that which her heart called for most."

Kili looked at Tauriel, though she was refusing to look at him, she was leaning towards him. A clear sign she was listening intently. "The goddess lay there, on the earth, unsure of what to do when footsteps approached. With no way of knowing who it could be, she tensed with fright. She had seen how mortals treat each other, knew of the dangers, yet she had ignored them all and chose to come despite the risks to her. She felt the mortal come near and kneel before her 'are you well, fine lady' the voice asked. The goddess nodded but said nothing. She could not be sure this being was her love. She was only able to watch from above and had never heard the sound his voice. This could be him, or it could be another. Not wanting to risk it, she kept the covering firmly in place and remained still.

"The man then asked 'are you in need, can I help?' the goddess thought for a moment then replied 'I, yes. I do not know where I am.' Taking pity on her, he bent down and scooped her up in his arms, carrying her to his homestead. For the next month, he cared for her, fed her, and helped her learn to live without her sight. One day, he had asked her how she came to lose it. Unsure of what else to say, she spoke the truth. That she could see, but was cursed. She had fallen in love, unrequited, and one look from her and he would forever sit, a stone statue. The man laughed, saying such things were untrue and only belonged in legends and fables. He begged her to remove the covering, but fearing this man was her beloved, she refused to do so. So, one night, as she slept, the man snuck into her room. He sat on the bed beside and looked down on her beauty."

Kili leaned forward and placed his forehead against Tauriel's his eyes staring into her closed ones and softly continued, his warm breath brushing across her face. "He carefully removed the covering over her eyes as she slept peacefully and admired her just before leaning down and pressing his forehead softly to her own. He called her name gently, as he stared into her closed eyes. Slowly, the goddess began to stir, and before she could stop herself, she opened her eyes and he saw the most beautiful shade of green he had ever beheld." Kili smiled as his eyes met Tauriel's emerald green ones.

"Hello." Kili breathed. Tauriel looked into his deep, brown, eyes before asking "What happened then?" Kili pressed both hands to the sides of her face and pulled her the remaining distance and covering her lips with his own. Tauriel hummed, allowing him to deepen the kiss, enjoying the soft caresses of his lips on hers. He gently pulled away, his hand grazing her cheek as he looked into her eyes. "There are actually many endings to the story. Some versions he turns to stone, having not fully loved her for more than her beauty, in some he was not her love she had longed for, but she learned what true love was and found a deeper love in the one she was with, choosing a mortal life. My favorite is the version when he was the one she searched for and over the time he cared for her, he fell fully in love with her and they lived on happily on earth before hand in hand returning to her place in the heavens. It depends on who is telling it and what is to be learned. I just figured it could get you to open your beautiful eyes, my precious goddess."

"How can you say such things, when I practically threw myself into certain death, nearly killing our son. Kili, you should not be comforting me, you should be angry, screaming, and calling me a fool and a horrible mother. You should hate me for what I did. I hate me for what I did." She softly finished, looking away once again.

"You are right." Tauriel flinched and felt a tear slipping from her eyes "I am angry with you. But Tauriel, amralime, I can never, ever hate you. Would I like to scream at you until my voice goes coarse, yes, absolutely! What you did was dangerous and could have cost us everything. It was a fool's errand, but, it does not make you a horrible mother." Tauriel looked up at Kili, who reached out to wipe the tears from her eyes. "Why didn't you come to me, Thorin, or Fili? Why did you choose to sneak out and put yourself in such a position? What were you thinking?" Kili's voice was gentle but stern and Tauriel sighed as she thought of what was going through her mind to make such an error in judgement.

"I knew we were no match for Thranduil's army. It was to be a one-sided war, taking only moments for his army to decimate our tiny group. I thought, knowing Dain was coming, if I could just do something to stay Thranduil's hand and buy us some more time, whether it be by begging him or…"

"Or offering yourself?" She nodded. "I should have come and spoken to you. I have never been so wrong in my life Kili, and our son had nearly paid the price." Kili sighed and shook his head. "Tauriel, not just him. You as well. I would have lost you both." She nodded. There was a knock at the door. Kili looked at Tauriel for a moment, then stood and moved to open the door nodding at who was on the other side before stepping away and making room for a concerned Thorin and equally worried Fili to file into the room, the two closing the door behind them.

Kili went back to his place on the bed and Tauriel looked up, feeling the need to see the disappointment and anger on the faces of the other two members of her family. She deserved all the shame she would be given. Instead, her eyes met only worry. Fili seeing the look of bewilderment was first to speak "From where I am standing, it looks as if you are punishing yourself far worse than we could ever. You have nothing to fear little sister. We are not here to lecture you as it seems Kili may have been already working on that."

"I do have something to say on the subject." Tauriel looked down again, hearing the stern timbre of Thorin's voice. "Never, ever, do anything like that again. If you think you have an idea or a thought, you are to come to us. We are a family Tauriel. I am not speaking to you as a king, but as an uncle, as a father. Gold, gems, jewels, Mahal's forge apparently even the Arkenstone can all be replaced. You cannot be. I should have included all of you in my thoughts of the white gems, this entire episode could have been avoided if I had allowed you in my council. So, I accept some of the blame falls on me." Tauriel lifted her eyes to protest but Thorin raised his hand to silence her. "I want to make something clear, that I in no way agree or condone the choice you made or the actions they led you to do. In the future I hope you will think to speak to us. However, your plan, as foolhardy as it was, worked." This did not make Tauriel feel any better.

"I do not care if it worked or not. You will never do that again. Understood?" Tauriel looked to Kili and nodded saying "Never." He gave her a small smile and leant forward to leave a lingering kiss on her forehead. As much as he would like to remain furious with her, Fili was right. She seemed to be doing a good enough job punishing herself and he refuses to add to insult to injury. He trusts she learned her lesson and will at least come to them in the future. It was in no way an order, Thorin, Fili, nor himself would ever order her. She was free to choose, but she needed to know her choices affected all of them.

Kili noticed Thorin and Fili lingering, both looking anxious. Thorin rarely looked anxious so it instantly put Kili on edge. "There is more isn't there." Thorin sighed and walked towards the bed.

"Aye, and it is not good. There is an army approaching Erebor." Kili jumped to his feet as Tauriel whipped her eyes up to meet Thorin's. "But I thought you said Thranduil was not advancing?" Thorin nodded in agreement. "I did. It is not the elven army. It is an army of orcs."

"Orcs!?...Azog the defiler." Kili looked to his uncle. "It is him isn't it." Thorin nodded again and filled them in on what happened when they left. Tauriel gasped and her eyes went wide. "Azog's master! I know of who it is!" All eyes looked to her as she sat forward.

"When I fell from the cliffs, before I woke, I found myself in the throes of another vision. In it I was stuck in a world of grey where I met a hooded figure claiming to have the ability to turn me into a dwarrowdam." She looked to Kili who furrowed his eyebrows "He told me it would ease all our problems. None would ever again question our love, and any worries of our children not being accepted would be erased entirely." She hesidtated looking down at her hands "As would my fears of not being accepted." Thorin's eyes widened and Fili sighed. Kili could not stop the feeling of sorrow at seeing his strong, stubborn, and confident elf admit her insecurities in dwarven society. Tauriel pushed on, ignoring their sympathetic looks. "In return, he asked for mine and my families loyalty. Our complete loyalty."

"Oh Tauriel. Amralime. I do not want you as anything other than what you are." Tauriel nodded and smiled, running a finger over his jaw "I feel the same, my precious Kili, I only want you, my handsome dwarrow prince." She kissed his jaw and pulled away continuing. "Still, the temptation was there. I could see his promise, reflected in the watery surface around me, my figure as a dam. But I knew it was not to be. If I was meant to be a dam, I would have been born one. No. I am and will always be just as I am right now, pointy ears and all. This did not go well with the figure, who quickly revealed himself as, as Sauron."

"Impossible." Thorin muttered, Fili adding in "I thought he was dead?"

"He isn't" came a voice from the door. All eyes turned to Naurfaer who was leaning against the frame. "He was defeated, yes, but not vanquished. He lives on, powerless but seeking retribution. Many believe him to be little more than a myth after all the time that has passed between his fall, others naively choose to believe he can never again come to power."

"Your visions Tauri, has he had a hand in them?" Tauriel nodded at Fili "I believe so. When he discovered I would refuse him, he transported me from the misting plains I was in, to the snow-covered hill, where thousands of ravens flew high above. It was the same hill I saw every time I was thrown into a vision. Sauron had said he chose me, sensing my fear, hoping it could be used to gain a hold on our family…and the mountain."

"Oh amralime."

Tauriel looked to Kili but continued "Fear not, meleth nin, I was not alone. Just as Sauron went to attack, three creatures appeared and stood protectively around me. Two with deep blue eyes, and one with my favorite shade of brown. I knew exactly who they represented, but they were not the only ones. Aulle too came. He claimed I was protected and banished the hooded creature from my mind. He was the one who told me to wake and return, though each of you played a part, Dis too, holding her runestone, bid me to return." The room fell silent.

"Was that the last of your visions Tauriel?" The eleth looked to Thorin and nodded. "I have not had one since."

"I think these seem too convenient to not be connected. Tauriel having visions with Sauron who claimed himself he wants this mountain, then an orc army lead by someone who is seemingly after the same prize? It has to be orchestrated by one in the same. It appears an age of peace is over. Sauron is returning." Naurfaer pushed off the doorframe and entered into the room before continuing. "That is for neither here nor there. We need to focus on what is coming at us first before anything else can be done. We need to deal with this army approaching."

"The elves and men should be here any minute and we have a lot of work to do. Fili, Kili I need you to go with Dwalin and ready the armory for use. The elves may not need weapons, but Dale's people will have none. We will give them what we have. Naurfaer, I will ask that you handle the elves that come. I trust that you can both keep them under control and show them areas of the mountain they can reside in. Keep them out of the deeper parts of Erebor. I trust you, but do not ask me to trust them. At least, not yet."

Each one agreed to their assignment as Thorin turned to Tauriel. He hesitated for a moment. "I know that look. Please allow me to help. I know I may have lost your trust, but my place is with the family, defending this mountain." Thorin let his look soften for a moment as he came to the opposite side of the bed Kili was on. "Tauriel. You have my trust. Do not worry of that, it has not been lost. I am more concerned of your wellbeing. I do not like the idea of you being in battle."

"I will not be left behind. If we fall, we fall together. I will stand with you." Kili sighed, as much as he wished he could hide her away deep into the mountain, he knows despite her promise, she would somehow find her way to his side even if she had to dig her way, bare handed, out of the mountain itself. "Of course, amralime, and by our side you shall always remain."

Thorin looked between the pair and nodded. "I will be running the forge. We will need as many weapons and pieces of armer as we can get and I have found several unfinished pieces which would only need minimal work to complete. I could think of none better to be by my side for the task, hilting blades and sharpening." Tauriel wrapped her arms around Thorin, gratitude filling her for both his love and his trust. "Please forgive me."

Thorin smiled into her hair. "There is nothing to forgive." She pulled away and they stood. Even from their room, they could hear approaching masses. One of the things Tauriel loved most about this chamber she had discovered instantly. It had been one of the reasons Thorin had insisted on them taking it to begin with. The main bedroom was on the side of the mountain facing Dale and had a beautiful veranda extending from the mountain with a view of not only the city beyond, but the forests as well. Tauriel had been out on it nearly every day, looking to the city and forest by day or at night watching the stars with Kili beside her. At present, the small family all stepped through the door and walked to the balcony banister and looked over at the men and elves coming towards them. "I hope this will be enough." It looked like maybe several hundred at most from the city of Dale were willing to fight.

Tauriel looked up just as a large black bird landed on the balcony. Over the course of the year she spent in Ered Luin, she had gotten used to the ravens coming and going and even spent time with Balin learning how to communicate with them. They spoke neither common tongue, nor Khuzdul but had a language of their very own. The mastery was not in the language itself, rather, in communicating in a way a raven would understand and be able to relay. It was truly an art. The bird stood tall, one thing she noted as a difference in these birds over the ones in Ered Luin was not only were the ravens of Erebor larger, but they were in many ways more regal as well, and more willing to bite, Fili found out rather quickly.

The raven looked at each one, turning its black head to the side so its eye could study them then cawed when its eye landed on Thorin. In its own language it spoke.

"Mountain King. The flock from the hills over will be landing on first light." Thorin nodded reaching into his pocket for a gold piece which the bird took and flew off. One of the first lessons Balin taught was always, always pay a raven. They can be spiteful beasts if they feel snubbed and often retaliate with false messages or complete refusal to cooperate. They accepted anything from a treat to shining metal or anything that shined really, even gold, they had a great love for gold, which was odd to Tauriel for, that a bird would have the same lust as any race in middle earth. It was important, however, that no matter how or with what you paid with, the bird more than anything, knew their efforts are compensated.

"That is just the news we needed. Dain will be here in the morning. Let us all pray the armies will not arrive before then." He moved towards the balcony "It looks as if our time has come. Come, everyone has their assignments. We have much work to do." Kili placed a soft kiss on Tauriel's lips saying he will check in on her later, Fili too grabbing her hand and leaving a quick kiss of his own on it before following his brother. Naurfaer gave her a smile and too left the room just as Tauriel turned to Thorin. "Are we ready?" Thorin nodded and they closed the door behind them as they made their way to the hall below.

Tauriel and Thorin greeted the elves and men once they entered the large entryway just beyond Erebor's massive gates. Kili and Fili were already standing near the archway leading down to the armory. Naurfaer took immediate control of the elves, some who seemed to know him others looking at him like an anomaly which Tauriel thought, perhaps his is. She knows she is for sure and he is related to her so, she supposes it is a family thing. She laughed when Naurfaer cursed at Galloron who had made the mistake of saying something snide to the red-headed elf "Gal, your grandfather was only half the pain in the orcs ass as you are. Speak to me like that again and I will introduce you to my friend Dwalin, who would not hesitate to put his axe straight up to help dislodge that massive stick." The elf in question immediately silenced and quietly followed Naurfaer up to the opposite steps with several companies of elves following. Tauriel looked to Fili and Kili, both red with barely contained laughter.

Shaking his head at what he just witnessed, Thorin addressed the remaining humans. "Welcome to Erebor. I want to introduce you to my nephews. Prince Fili and Prince Kili. They will take you down to the armory to get fitted and receive weapons. Their word is law as much as mine. Listen to them." He scanned the crowd "They are both also very well trained in combat. I suggest you take advantage of their skills and training. I have several of our company down to help, should you have questions, go to them." There was a murmur of understanding, just as they were about to follow the two princes, Thorin stopped them, addressing them once more. "One final note, this mountain is yet still unsafe. I will only give you one warning and one alone. Do not travel where you have not been shown lest your death be on your own hands." The men gulped but filed by and followed Fili and Kili.

The final man in the hall was Bard who stood in front of Thorin and Tauriel. "I hope you are well?" Tauriel nodded "I am. Thank you." Bard turned his eyes to Thorin "I want to say thank you, not only for agreeing to work with Thranduil, I know it could not have been easy, but for opening your halls and providing weapons and protection. It may yet turn the tales of war in our favor." The dwarven king looked to where the men disappeared. "Let us not celebrate victory yet. Your men are farmers, fishers, and traders. One evening will not turn them to warriors. But, it is far better than sending them into battle with no way to defend themselves. We will do all we can to protect our lands it its people." He gave Bard one final look and walked towards the stairwell leading to the forge which was only a small flight of stairs and a hallway away from the armory. "Tauriel?" The eleth smiled at Bard and followed Thorin down.

The evening in the mountain was filled with sounds as men, elves, and dwarrows spent the night training and prepping for the inevitable battle ahead. Fili and Kili spent several hours passing out weapons while Dwalin and Nori worked to fit the taller, thinner men with dwarven sized armor. Some pieces fit others were useless. Bilbo worked as a runner, going from the forge to the armory carrying finished pieces to Fili and Kili and bringing blades needing sharpening or pieces of armer which could be tailored using the forge back to Thorin and Tauriel.

Thorin, after lighting the fires of the forge, not once put the hammer down, working tirelessly through the night with no break to forge and reforge piece after piece. Tauriel too rarely moved from her place at the sharpening stone, or from the area Thorin cleared for her work on the hilts. Her fingers nimbly lacing leather straps to create grips and holds. She was forced to stop by Bilbo who brought her some food and water, insisting she take a break and eat, having brought enough for Thorin as well who quickly waived him off. It took threatening to get Kili to get the eleth to roll her eyes, stop her sharpening and cram food into her mouth.

Sometime into the early morning hours, Thorin rested his hammer on the table to wipe the beading sweat from his brow. He looked over and smiled as he saw Tauriel leaned forward, leather strips still in hand, and fast asleep. He grabbed his fur lined, floor length, vest coat and placed it over her slumbering form, making sure to move the sword she was nearly resting on so she would not harm herself in her sleep. He stood and sent her one last look before stepping back to the anvil, grabbing his hammer, and going back to work.

It was barely an hour later when Fili and Kili walked through the abandoned market city and into the forge. Kili looking and immediately going to his sleeping wife. He adjusted the coat and placed a kiss on her head then went back to his brother and uncle. Thorin was using a cloth to wipe his hands and head as he leaned back against the counter. He had long ago shed his outer layers, leaving only his innermost tunic, the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. It was less about heat and more about trying not to ruin the only clothes he had. Dwarrows after all were sturdier by nature and much more resistant to extreme temperatures. Hot or cold.

"What do you have to report? Does the outlook seem promising?" Fili sighed and rubbed his forehead, mildly shaking his head.

"Some are picking it up quickly. Uncle they know next to nothing of battle and combat. Our greatest hope is the humans can at least guard Dale, allowing us and the elves to handle the main combat." Fili crossed his arms and leaned back against the pillar in the forge. His eyes went to Tauriel and he smiled at her softly before going back to the conversation at hand.

"Fi is right. We will be lucky if we were able to get some rudimentary lessons to stick. But I would take each one of them over nothing at all. I have seen orcs with worse training and skills then them." Thorin looked down at the forges stone floor. They have done all they could, the rest is up to fate.

"Uncle…" Thorin looked up at Kili, inviting him to continue "I think this is it." Thorin looked confused for a moment, then allowed his eyes to slowly turn to Tauriel. Of course. How had he not seen it, how had he not connected the pieces. The small images coming to mind of snow-capped, blood laden hills. The sounds of battle echoing in his mind. A tall, imposing figure standing over him. Their original end is near. He could not stop himself from pulling his nephews in close, wrapping his arms around them and tightening his hold.

Over their head, he watched Tauriel sleep. He suddenly felt a deep regret for not telling his sister how much he loved her, how much she meant to him. Besides his nephews and Tauriel she was the only family he had. Though that was not quite true. He smiled as he remembered the new addition who will make an appearance in the near future…if they survive that is.

Thorin released his nephews but kept his hands firmly clasped to each one of their shoulders. "No matter what happens in the next few days, I want you both to know how proud I am of who you became. I could not ask for more or better." Kili reached up and clasped his own hand over his uncles and nodded. "There is no one better to follow, as a king, or a father." Fili responded his own eyes staring into Thorin.

A small shuffle from the back of the forge had the three turning to the rising elf who looked at them concerned. "What has happened?" Thorin shook his head and Kili went over to enfold her into his arms pulling her close. "Kili, you are scaring me. Please, tell me." She muttered into his neck. Kili had a difficult time controlling the tears trying to fall from his eyes. This could be the last time they were all together. One or more of them will more than likely fall.

"Is this a goodbye?" She hushed out, as she allowed Kili to take whatever comfort he needed from holding her. She could just make out Thorin and Fili in the background, both solemn and somber, both with eyes strained from holding back tears. "We have reached it, haven't we?" She pulled back and stepped closer to Thorin and Fili, Kili coming to stand beside her.

"What a journey this has been, has it not?" She looked at each one. "Trolls, thunder giants, dragons…Naurfaer" She let a water laugh escape her as the three other dwarrows joined in. "We were gifted with a chance to live. No matter what happens tomorrow or the day after, I want you to know that I have lived happier and fuller in two years then in my 600 years of life before. Life is not a long arduous journey of birth and death, it is making each day count and filling it with love, laughter, and family." She grabbed Fili and Kilis hands and stared at Thorin, who took each of his nephew's free hands. "If we find ourselves in the halls of Valinor or Mandos, we do it knowing we gave all we had, never giving up for one moment. We do it knowing we started this journey together, and will end it together, as a family." Thorin nodded, the lump in his throat making him unable to speak.

One by one, as if pulled by magnets, the four leaned forward, resting their heads together. They stayed close for a moment before pulling away. "I think we have done all we can. We should try and get some rest. Come. Let us go to our chamber." Thorin turned out the fire and the group left the now silent marketplace, quietly going up the stairs and into their chamber. They each looked at one another one last time, then disappeared behind their individual doors.

Neither Tauriel nor Kili even removed their boots as they directly climbed into the large bed and turned on their sides facing each other. Tauriel reached for Kili's hand and locked her fingers in his as he pulled their entwined hands up to his mouth, leaving a lingering kiss on the back of her hand. "I love you, Tauriel. More than I have ever loved anything in my life. I…" He did not know what to say. What do you say to the person you cannot live without knowing there is a possibility she or both of you will meet your end?

"I love you, Kili. My Kili. My heart and soul." Kili smiled and lifted himself up, releasing her hand. She watched as he leaned down and lifted her tunic to expose her bare stomach. Her heart filled as he placed the softest, most loving of kisses on the skin over where their son grew. "I love you too, my little one. My little son. I wish I could promise you the moon and stars. I wish I could tell you of how one day I will teach you all I know of the bow or watch as your mother and your uncle Fili share their love of daggers and throwing blades. I wish more than anything that one day I could hold you close in my arms that one day you will get the chance to live and see just how much you are loved. Why can I not keep you safe? Why does it feel I am failing already as a father when I have barely had a chance to begin?" His voice cracked as Kili buried his face on her abdomen and broke down. Tauriel was beyond the ability to hold the tears back as she slid her hands into his long dark-hair soothingly, trying to comfort him when she felt no different. There was only a small chance they would make it out of this alive and together. The odds were in no way in their favor.

Using both her hands, she pulled Kili up to her face and brought his lips down to her own. He barely pulled away and looked down at her "Kili, you are not failing as a father. You are here now, you are trying to protect us the best way you can, and you are the rock of my soul, sturdy, firm, and true. Let us go into battle as one. We have proven time over time that together we can overcome all, let this not be any different. If the Valar did not think there was a chance we could get through this, they would have not bothered to send us back. Have hope, meleth nin, for hope is the greatest gift and ally one can have."

Kili watched her carefully before whispering "You are my greatest gift." Tauriel smiled and pulled him back to her lips, tugging until Kili was completely resting on top of her. The two spending the remainder or their final night taking comfort in the knowledge that right now, this very moment, nothing outside their mountain mattered. This moment was for them and for them alone.

Tauriel weaved through the masses of elves and dwarrows to find Thorin. Thranduil had just arrived with the remainder of the elvish army. He had told Naurfaer he wanted to spend the day on drills with the dwarves and the people of Dale. Naurfaer had not been able to locate the dwarven king so he sent Tauriel knowing she would have better luck than he. It turns out she did. Thorin was in the armory, he had been looking through crates and cabinets, seemingly searching for something. "Thorin, Thranduil is here. He wishes to do some training exercises and thinks it best we all be there. Are you looking for something?"

For a moment, Tauriel thought Thorin had not heard her then he seemed to have found what he was looking for and slammed the cabinet closed coming towards Tauriel. "I know you refused to take the mithril chainmail the other day and I see your reasoning. Bilbo indeed has no training and very little skill in battle. He needs it more than any of us. But I worry for you. Early this morning, I remembered I had seen something, this." He lifted his hand to reveal what looked like a section of chainmail. "It is mithril, but not in it's full. I believe my grandfather received this as a sample of what was available. It has little value, as small as it is, but still carries the strength and protection mithril armor can bring." He stepped toward Tauriel.

"I know you are not accustomed to armor. I have seen the way you move and fight. But you have more to protect then just yourself." Thorin turned from her and grabbed some of the armor straps and began attaching them to the small mithril band. She watched as he approached her and signaled for her to lift her the protective battle leathers she wore. She did so, just watching curiously as Thorin placed the mithril over her abdomen and strapped it behind her, adjusting it. The band was almost as if fate had made it. Its width spanned from just below her chest and fell barely above her hips. The length wrapping nearly her entire narrow waist leaving only a two-inch gap at her back were the straps held it in place. Thorin made one final adjustment to secure it to her leather tunic itself so it would not fall before he stepped away, allowing her to let her top drop into place. It was almost as if she wore no armor at all, the mithril mail being incredibly light and easily moved with her.

"I cannot stop you from joining us in battle, but I will do all I can to protect you and my grandchild." Tauriel drew Thorin into a hug. "Thank you, a'dad." He held her for a moment and the two pulled apart and headed out to meet the elven king.

As Thorin and Tauriel walked into the entrance of Erebor, Thorin's eyes fell on the thirteen other members of his party and the one hobbit. The dwarrows were lined up, each in their armor, each standing tall, as they waited for their king. Fili and Kili as crowned prince stood side by side just in front of the line, Tauriel walking past Thorin to take her place by Kili's side.

"My king. We are ready for your orders." Fili called proudly. Thorin looked to each of them. He could not feel more honored by who he stood with in battle than he felt right now. Not breaking tradition, and knowing they were alone, Thorin spoke in Khuzdul to his proud people.

"Are you prepared for the battle ahead? Are you ready to lift your axe to defend your home, your land, and your people?"

"Aye!" They all called in unison.

A raven flew into the hall and landed on a piece of stone on the ground. "The flock has landed." Was all it said. Thorin smiled, throwing it a coin and looked up at his family and his company. "They are here." The group ran out of the hall through the broken gate where Thranduil stood tall on his great elk in front of his army. He was speaking to Mithrandir. Bard stood further down, the people of Dale lined up before him as Naurfaer was showing them a few techniques, Galloron surprisingly standing beside him helping him instruct.

All stopped when they heard the sound of something approaching in the distance. They all turned in the direction as a lone figure seemed to be riding a boar to Erebor. "That is cousin Dain." Tauriel looked at the flaming red hair, he seemed to be yelling something. She turned to her uncle "Thorin, did you by chance tell him we are aligned with the elves?" Thorin looked at her wide eyed and shook his head. "I had not had the time and it would not be a message to be delivered by raven." He looked between his approaching cousin and the elves. "Oh, kakhuf inbarathrag." He cursed. "Kili, I need Maryn." Kili nodded as Thorin disappeared into the hall to the small stable just at the entrance, grabbed Maryn, and climbed onto her bare back. They watched as the dwarven king raced on the small black horse out of the gate and up to meet his cousin before he said something to sabotage the already delicate alliance.

"Can you hear what they are saying Tauri?" Tauriel looked off to the distance watching Thorin and Dain. She turned to Fili and shook her head. "They are too far. I can see Dain's facial expressions though, he seems rather surprised." Kili laughed "I am sure he is, look at the welcoming party." She watched as the dwarves who came with Dain crested over the hill and stopped. Thorin jumped back on Maryn and rode up to greet them as well, Dain continuing down the hill on his boar and stopping at the bottom, staring at the masses of elves before him.

Fili and Kili and the company all ran over to meet him, Tauriel opting to stay behind. It was one thing to find an army of elves, and something completely different to find a family member married to one. Thorin joined them soon after having led the rest of the Iron Hill dwarves down to gather in their numbers at the bottom of the hill in ranks. They had brought with them battle rams and some dangerous looking war machines.

Hope rose in Tauriel as she looked at their numbers and what they had brought. All the dwarrows combined with the elves and the people of Dale gave them enough to possibly win this. She turned her eyes to her own dwarven prince who had just seemed to notice she was not beside him and turned a concerned eye towards her, trying to wave her over. She could hear Dain loudly exclaiming something about elves and she chose to remain where she was.

Not having it, Kili broke from the dwarven welcome party and ran back to Tauriel, grabbing her hand tightly in his own and trying to pull her with him. "Amralime, I want you to meet our cousin." But Tauriel stood frozen to the spot, as if she could not hear Kili. She had been about to protest when she had seen her husband coming towards her, but something in the distance caught her attention. She was not the only one to take notice either. Thranduil silenced the elves he was speaking with and Naurfaer and Galloron both stood still ceasing their training. It would seem as if all elves were staring into the same direction.

"Amralime?" Kili looked at her, then at the other elves and let his eyes fall where they seemed to be staring. He saw nothing except the hills beyond, all was quiet and still.

"Tauriel? What is it?" Kili's eyes went between his elf and the hills beyond where every single elf in the valley currently faced. He could see Thranduil on his great elk slowly make his way towards the front of his army who were all now in ranks and at the ready, awaiting command from their king.

"Anyone wan' teh fill us in?" Tauriel did not recognize the voice nor had she noticed the three other dwarves walk towards where she stood. She tore her gaze from the hills beyond to see Thorin and Fili looking at her, Dain beside them trying to figure out who they were looking to as his eyes met hers. She flicked her eyes back to Thorin just as a rumble filled the air. "We are out of time. They have come."

Authors Note: In case you wanted to know, when Thorin said "kakhuf inbarathrag" it means 'goat turd' :D thank you once again to the fabulous Dwarrow Scholar who has an entire section of insults. I really need to buckle down and get fluent in the language. Dear Rosetta Stone people and school administrators, I want to learn Khuzdul, so if you can just add that to the curriculum, that would be great.

On a completely different note, I know I made Thranduil a bit, probably crueler than he normally would be, but he eases off eventually. Also, I figure there are a lot more people from Esgaroth aka Lake Town given Kili, Fili, Bofur, Naurfaer, and Tauriel's work to save as many as possible before Smaug hit the city making the numbers in Dale much larger than they would have been in the movie. Not sure about the book, still have not read it. Should just get it on audio book and put that sucker on for my commute to work…which is only ten minutes so literally would take forever to finish :D. Also, school is starting up again but no bit deal, I am almost done with this anyway. Next chapter is the big battle. Who will make it through? Will the elves, dwarves, and humans really work together? Will Azog realize his deep love for teas and cakes and abandon his quest to destroy Durin's to pursue his real dream to open a little shop called Azog the Teafiler? Does anyone actually read these authors notes or have I completely gone mad talking to myself? Find out next time on the next episode of Reforged.