Authors Note: This is it. The final chapter of this book. Enjoy.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
It felt, to Tauriel at least, that the journey down from Ravenhill to the valley before Erebor took hours. She watched Fili, growing more concerned with each passing minute and jostle of the cart as he grew increasingly pale, though remained conscience the entire journey. "Fili, try resting, it will help. There is no need to suffer and force yourself to remain awake." Fili only shook his head at her.
"If I fall asleep, I am afraid I will not wake or that surviving this, all of us together, will have been nothing more than a dream of a dying dwarf. No. I would rather stay awake at least until we make it down." Tauriel sighed at her stubborn dwarven brother but did not argue. She could not fault his logic, she half expected herself to be shaken awake by Kili telling her it was time to meet Thorin to ready for battle. This all felt, surreal.
As they hit the bottom of the hill, Legolas went ahead to see if his father needed assistance. He jumped on his white mare and pushed her forward. Naurfaer was going to go with, but it seemed whatever allowance Maryn had given the elf to ride her in battle was long gone as the moment Naurfaer tried mounting her, she sat, bottom down, on the ground and refused to move. It appeared since the horse saw Kili was well, she refused to be parted from him, or ridden by any other. Tauriel was not even sure the small black horse would even have allowed herself to ride. Maryn only finally stood and moved, sans Naurfaer, when a chuckling Kili called her, not with a whistle, but by her name. She happily trotted up beside the cart and lifted her head past Tauriel, in far enough to allow Kili to pat her nose fondly. Though she removed her head, the rest of the ride she kept pace right beside the cart where Kili sat.
True to his word, Thranduil had personally oversaw the setup of healing stations. He must have sent for more elves, as many of the healers of Mirkwood were flitting in and out of the newly risen structures. While the elves tended to the wounded of any race, Dain worked with another group to clear the dead and make room for more space for additional stations needed by Thranduil. Many were in desperate need of care and currently only a few tents stood.
"AH, there yeh are. We 'ave a tent ready for yeh." Dain rode up on his beloved pig, who miraculously survived the battle, despite Fili's bets it would not. He hated that pig and was looking forward to roasting its dead carcass over the fire for the great feast. He looked up when he heard his name "FILI!? Bless the maker! Las' I 'eard yeh were walkin' the halls o' Mandos. Good I see yer not." Fili gave Dain a nod and a small smile. He hurt too much for anything else and could not wait to be out of this damned cart.
"Thorin has been in and out this entire ride, I think it best we get him settled and comfortable. Do you think we ought to take him to Erebor?" Kili shook his head at Tauriel. As much as he knew his uncle would rather be inside his mountain, being in the healing grounds with full access to the elves would be best for at least the moment. "I think we should get him into a tent to be tended first, along with Fili and you." Tauriel was about to argue when Kili leveled her with a full Durin glare, silencing her instantly "Do not even think about not being seen. You will be looked after immediately. Not just that wrist either, I would like one of your own people see that our child is alright as well." One look and Tauriel knew arguing with him would be a waste of time and energy. This Kili was a force to be reckoned with and as immovable as that mountain in the distance. Dwarven stubbornness to its fullest, this is.
Bombur and Bofur were able to steer the cart close to the outskirts of the tents and all who were able, piled out of the cart, Naurfaer helping Tauriel and turning to help with Thorin and Fili as well. Fili seemed to have taken a turn for the worse having endured the entire ride conscience. Not once did he smirk, joke, or try and push anyone away, which only increased Tauriel's worry for him. He mostly kept his eyes shut tight, jaw clenched, and held his breath as they helped him down. Due to the location of his wound, him walking would be the best way to get him to a tent.
After just a few steps, Legolas appeared in front of them and guided them to a dedicated structure just for them "Come. We already have healers ready and waiting." Several dwarrow Tauriel could not name swiftly walked past her with a stretcher in hand going towards the cart. They must be getting Thorin. She could not watch, however, as her eyes were focused on Fili who looked in more pain with each step. "Fili, breath slowly. Holding it in will only cause more pain." She tried to sooth her brother, but he seemed only to be focused on getting inside a tent as soon as possible, which lucky for them, was now right before them and she watched as Fili, held by Kili and Dwalin disappeared behind the flap.
"Place him on his side, quickly." She heard but before she could enter, a hand grabbed her good arm. "Tauriel! Thank the Valar somebody with a gift. I could use your skills immediately." Tauriel looked to her old friend Ivethin, one of the few elves who actually took a liking to the fiery silven. Tauriel glanced at the tent then nodded at her old friend and followed her into another tent just across the way. Kili will hopefully be distracted and not notice her gone…right….her mind argued, but she pushed it away to focus on what she was needed for.
On the table was a young boy, barely into his teens, who looked as if he had one foot well rooted in the world beyond. He was deathly pale and the only breaths he took were great, heaving, gasps every few seconds after which his entire being would shudder violently before going still once again. Ivethin spoke in Sindarin "He was found under an orc, we thought him dead until he took a breath. I believe we can save him, but we must work fast." Tauriel nodded her head and used her good arm to get some water and clean cloth on the table beyond. She walked up to the young boy after setting the things down beside her. Her broken wrist throbbed, and she was getting nauseous, but she pushed it all away. Her friend was so invested in her charge, she had not seemed to notice Tauriel's current state, instead threw orders at the red-headed elf having her help remove the layers of makeshift armor to find where the child was wounded.
More than once, Tauriel had to catch herself with her good arm so she would not fall to the floor, but she forced her mind to stay present. Without her help, this young man will die. After several minutes of searching, she found the wound. A jagged cut up his side just under his ribcage. "Do you have any athelas?" Ivethin nodded and passed the already prepared paste over to her. Tauriel scooped it up and placed it on the wound after cleaning it well. The wound needed to stay open for the time being, stitching it in such a state will only cause it to fester increasing the boy's likelihood of succumbing to infection and death. She helped her friend wrap it with clean linen. "That will need to be changed frequently then once the irritation goes down and healing begins, we can stitch it…I will..." A wave of nausea hit her hard stopping her instructions. Tauriel made the mistake of looking down on her now blood covered hand and her stomach heaved. She stumbled to her knees where a sick-pot lay abandoned on the ground and emptied her stomach.
For what felt like hours, Tauriel's constitution rebelled against her. "TAURIEL!?" That was not the voice of Ivethin! She felt a warm hand pull her hair away from her face as Kili's voice filled her ears. "It's alright, amralime. Let it out." She listened as his voice turned away from her, though he not once leaving her side "Forgive me, I do not know your name, but would you get her some water?" There was a shuffle about the tent then silence. Finally, Tauriel's stomach seemed to have nothing left to give, though it still rolled with anger. She sat on her knees, hunched over the pot for another minute before leaning back only to have a cup placed on her lips. She allowed for Kili to help fill her mouth with the cool liquid. She spit the first gulp out, trying to clear her mouth of the taste of sick, then gulped down a few small sips. Her belly protesting only slightly but accepting the water without her heaving it back up.
"Did I not say you needed care?" His voice was laced with frustration and Tauriel sighed. "That was my fault. I was not paying attention; I did not see she was injured." Kili turned to the blond elf maid looking at Tauriel with concern. Seeing she seemed stable, Kili stood and slowly helped her to her feet. Tauriel closed her eyes, a bout of dizziness overtaking her. "You, are going right to our healing tent and sitting while you are tended. You will kill yourself while trying to save another." Tauriel did not open her eyes as Kili steered her out of the tent, and across it into their larger family one. Kili guided her to a cot and sat her down. She felt a cool hand grab her wrist and she could not stop a cry from leaving her lips in surprise.
"Next time, tell me you are injured, my friend. As much as I want to tend to the wounded, I do not want it to be at the expense of my friend." Kili stood stubbornly by her side, only moving when the blonde healer asked him to get wraps. "This is broken and will take time to heal, but it does not need to be set. You can thank the Valar for that, it is a most painful procedure." Ivethin sat a few small, thin, rods on either side of the break and wrapped them in place to keep Tauriel's wrist secure. Once that was tended, the eleth looked at her other injures, a bruise rib, the gash on her thigh which needed stitches and seemed to be the source of much bleeding, and a slight concussion.
"Can I ask you to check the baby?" Ivethin moved her eyes to look to Kili, her brows lowered questioningly "Baby?" She looked around the room looking for a sign of any infants, but all that was in the tent were to two royal dwarves both being tended to by other elves, and the three of them. All others must have been expelled from the tent, only injured were allowed so the healers had room enough to work without others getting underfoot. Normally she would ask this young dwarf to leave as well but she sensed he would refuse and she was not in the mood to yell at a stone wall. She sighed "Of course, point me in the direction of the infant and I will do all I can." Ivethin stood straight and waited for Kili to take her to her new charge but he remained steadfast.
"Tauriel is with child. There is no other." Ivethin stared aghast at Kili before looking to her friend for confirmation. Tauriel nodded slowly, only because she feared moving her head too fast would cause her dizziness to engulf her and she would be bending over a sick-pot sooner than she wanted. "TAURIEL! You did not say! Stubborn silvan. You will be the maker of your own death child."
"You needed my assistance!" The other elf tsked and huffed at Tauriel but said no more. Kili looked between the two and sighed. "Can you check the baby or not?" He really was trying to be patient, but with both Fili and Thorin down, and Tauriel being her stubborn self, he was past the point of containing his frustration.
"Lay down Tauriel. I will check your child." Tauriel glared at the eleth and at Kili. "It is fine. I can already tell you." Kili only glared back until Tauriel relented and groaned before laying back to lay flat on the cot. Ivethin slowly lifted the layers of leather and cotton, taking note of the slices through the abdomen layer with mild worry. Tauriel would say if she was sliced in her abdomen...she hopes. Ivethin smiled once she reached the final layer "Is this mithril?" Kili nodded, standing on the opposite side of the cot. The eleth nearly forgot he was there. Before she removed it, she first looked at the two unconscious forms on the other cots, still surrounded by elves, she then looked up at the male dwarf across from her. "She is safe in my hands. Would you give her some privacy? I will let you know when she is decent, and you may come back in."
Kili was about to protest when it was Tauriel's voice that broke silence "It is alright Ivethin, he is my husband and this his child. I do not want him to leave." Despite her annoyance with Kili being tremendously overprotective once again, she did not want him to go where she could not see him. She laced the fingers at her side, which was her good hand, with his and he leaned over to place a kiss on her forehead.
"Husband? A dwarf?" Tauriel sighed. "Dwarrow. Ivethin, this is prince Kili of Erebor. Normally he is much more cheerful and approachable, but I am afraid I have put him in a mood with my lack of self-preservation once again." Kili snorted and rolled his eyes before leveling her with a playful, only half serious, glare. "Kili, my friend Ivethin. She trained me in all I know in healing. My mentor, teacher, and friend." Ivethin gave Kili a nod then looked back to Tauriel "At least until someone decided to quit and join the guard, then leave us all. I am beginning to see why though." Tauriel smiled but stayed silent.
Ivethin went back to work, pressing her belly then placing her hands just over it and closing her eyes. "This one is a strong one." She looked to Kili who seemed to have let out a long breath of relief. "You have nothing to fear, prince Kili. Your child is healthy as is its mother. I would like to address a few concerns, however." Both parents gave the eleth a worried look.
"I have never seen nor heard of an elf and dwarf conceiving. Really, I have never even heard of the two mating either. I would say proceed with caution. Elves carry for a year, from what I have studied, dwarves just shy of that. It would not be out of the realm of possibility this one will come somewhere between the two gestation periods." Tauriel had figured this so she nodded in understanding. In a little over ten months, she would be holding her son. "I have delivered countless elflings, but the dwarrow people, as you say, are secretive in such matters. I know nothing of their deliveries or early child development."
"Worry not, my friend. I know several dwarrodam's, and one who had just given birth before we left to come on our quest to this mountain. There is little difference between births of our two races. Even the sizes are comparable, though, dwarflings tend to be slightly smaller." Tauriel remembered holding Taurin for the first time, Shaada passing the infant to her when she had visited her that same day. He was so tiny, barely fitting in her arms. They had declared him healthy and a good size so, even though he was small, it seemed he was an average size for their people.
"Then I will defer any questions I cannot answer to the dwarven healers. Despite it all, your child is growing strong. You should have no worries at this time." She stood tall and bowed to the two of them "I must be getting to others in more need. It was a pleasure seeing you again Tauriel, and with you residing in this mountain, perhaps we will see each other often. Prince Kili." She gave Kili another bow and left the tent.
"Have you been looked over meleth nin?" Kili shook his head but stopped Tauriel's movements to rise and see to it herself. "Tauriel, I am fine. My leg aches but not horribly, and I have no severe wounds. My greatest complaint is a headache which is hardly life threatening. I will have Oin take a look when he comes in to see to Thorin once the elves are finished. I might need a stitch or two on my head, but I think I will live." Tauriel lifted her eyes to the spot on his forehead still slightly bleeding. Her brows furrowed in concern as she lifted her hand to the injury, but Kili caught her good wrist "It is fine amralime. I assure. A few hours will not cause it to fester." Tauriel did not look appeased.
"It needs to be cleaned Kili." Kili sighed at her stubbornness "Kili, let me clean it at least." He gave her a look then huffed and helped her to rise. He was not going to win this anyway, so no point in creating a battle. Kili did make her remain still as he grabbed a cloth, some water, and even the stitching kit one of the other elves passed to him to give her. He then sat directly beside her, lifting his leg to sit sideways on the cot to face her.
Tauriel went straight to work, carefully cleaning away the blood until only the cut nearly completely hidden in his dark locks remained. She studied it for a few minutes, then had Kili thread the needle. She could easily stitch one handed, but threading was much more difficult without the second limb. He passed her the clean, threaded, tool and Tauriel gently pulled his face forward and closed the wound with only four stitches. She closed the remaining distance and placed a kiss on his forehead then sat back as Kili cleaned up the mess.
The next several hours were quiet. Kili never once left the tent, going between Thorin, Fili, and Tauriel as well as helping the elves with whatever they needed. Eventually, Oin came pushing in, the last elf in the tent going over Thorin's injuries before Fili's. Oin would be taking over complete care from this point on. Kili listened from his place beside a now sleeping Tauriel. In addition to Thorin's sword wound which was well on its way to healing, he had four cracked ribs, abundant bruising, and the wound in his foot needed stitching on both sides. All would heal if Thorin would remain still and rest. "Good luck." Kili sighed out, Oin giving him a look before returning his attention back to the elf who was moving on to Fili. Fili too had a severe stab wound. It was currently packed, and they gave instructions to stitch it in the morning. Fili also had a strained knee and shoulder, a broken wrist to match Tauriel's but did need setting which Kili felt terrible for not even noticing, and a sprained ankle. No wonder his brother was in so much pain. None bore any mortal wounds, but all were in desperate need of time to heal.
The last elf left in the tent asked Oin if he needed anything, the dwarven healer shaking his head and giving his thanks for all the work they had done, the elf nodding and disappearing out the tent door. "Oin, do you need any help? Should we wake them when Bombur brings food?" Oin was checking Fili's wound, his brother resting on his stomach to give them all access to his wounds without putting pressure on the bruising or his other injuries. "Nay, lad. Let em rest. Once awake, it will be damn near impossible to get em I sit still. You Durin's. Goin' I kill yerselves you are. Stubborn as a ram." Kili rolled his eyes. "You'll be wantin' to wake the lass though. It would not do for her to miss a meal, expecting as she is." Kili nodded and sat quietly watching, only moving when Bombur brough in a tray of food.
It took three days for Thorin to remain conscience for more than a few minutes at a time, and another two for Fili to wake. During that time, Tauriel rarely left the tent for anything short of personal matters. She would spend her days helping Oin tend to the two unconscious and even helped clean them up as much as she could. Using washing rags to wipe excess dirt and blood from the two sons of Durin. The only visitors allowed were the dwarven company, all of which Tauriel was happy to see survived the battle. Naurfaer too came frequently, often bringing food and water with him for Tauriel and Kili. Most came and went, helping with other tasks throughout the valley. Although Bilbo, once allowed in, remained.
"Do you plan on staying in Erebor Mister Boggins?" Bilbo put his pipe down to look at Kili who sat with his feet up on the cot Tauriel was sitting at, reading a book Balin had brought her. Bilbo shook his head "As much as I love this company, I do miss my home. I will stay a bit longer though. I want to see Thorin and Fili both back on their feet before I return to the Shire." Kili nodded, looking to his brother and uncle quietly resting.
"You will be missed, Master Hobbit, and there will always be a place for you here, in Erebor." Tauriel's book dropped to her lap and Kili nearly fell from the chair he was leaning back from as all turned to the now fully awake Thorin Oakenshield. "UNCLE!" Kili jumped to his feet and crossed the tent, stopping at the eldest of the sons of Durin who was trying to sit up. "You should not be moving!" Tauriel admonished as she too rose from her cot to go to the struggling dwarrow king, who just waived her concerns off. 'Now the real fun begins' she thought, rolling her eyes at his stubbornness.
It took a few minutes, but between Kili and Tauriel, they were able to help Thorin sit up straight. His injuries were well on their way to healing, so he was in really no danger to himself as long as he stayed off his still stitched foot. "How is everyone else? How many did we lose?" Before anyone could answer, Oin stepped in, seeing the king sitting he went straight to him pushing Kili out of the way but letting Tauriel stay and help. "I will go tell the others." Kili ran out of the tent. He was only gone a few minutes before the flap was moved and 10 dwarves and one elf poured through the opening and surrounded their now awake king. It was a night filled with stories of battle, spoken in hushed tones enforced by Tauriel who kept admonishing them for being too loud. Fili still needed his rest to heal.
When Fili finally stirred two days later, the real celebrating took place. The blonde prince tickled that they had waited for him. "As if we could have any joy without you Fi." Fili smiled over the rim of his cup, which to his great annoyance was only water. Tauriel would not let him have the ale everyone else was drinking to which he quipped that she needed to stop mothering him, Tauriel snapping back then he needed to stop acting like a child. This would cause the prince to pout and the group to laugh heartedly.
Within another week Oin and the healers among the elves gave both Thorin and Fili the clear to go back to the mountain with the understanding they would be off their feet for at least another week if not two. Both agreed a bit reluctantly. Kili smiled as he left the tent to get the cart. He had a surprise for them both that he thought they would like, Tauriel remaining behind to help them prepare to leave and pack up the few books she had.
A trotting sound followed by creaking wheels stopped before the tent opening, Kili poking his head back inside to see that all were ready to go. "Let's get home, I think my back hurts worse now from that damn cot then it did on the snow at the bottom of the wall." He leaned heavily on two crutches made by Bofur and Bifur who had also fashioned a set for the king as well, the king who was refusing to look at them let alone use them.
"Thorin, just from the bed to the cart, then you can put them aside until the mountain." The mountain king narrowed his eyes at Tauriel then huffed and grabbed one, using it as a walking stick. Tauriel sighed, at least it was better than nothing, as she followed him out of the tent. Thorin stopped as he looked out around him. He felt Fili just behind him as the two got their first look in two weeks of the valley. The majority of it was filled with canvas tents spanning from the bottom of Ravenhill halfway to the mountain itself. Though, Tauriel told them one by one, the tents were being taken down as the injured have been released, or…she did not finish and let her thoughts trail. Many did not make it, elf, dwarf, and human alike.
"We will have a ceremony for the dead and honor them all as soon as possible. Have Dain meet me in my room when we arrive." Kili nodded and made a mental note to grab Dain as he helped Thorin and Fili into the cart. Fili looked around then froze, pulling the cart were not Maryn and Galaddal, in their place was a brown shaggy horse and beside it, one of a cream coloring. "KIT! And Rhya!" Thorin looked ahead and smiled fondly at his horse and Tauriel nodded smiling.
"Beorn delivered them a few days ago. Kili thought it would be a nice surprise." Kili beamed as he climbed up and waited for Tauriel to join him before pushing the cart forward to the mountain.
"It is good to see yeh where yeh belong, Thorin. Very good." They were greeted in the mountain by the entire company and Dain. Despite being in the tent with the sons of Durin, she still had yet to say a word to the red haired dwarven lord. He only set foot in the tent once which happened to be when she had stepped away. Instead, Dain mostly spoke to Kili, since the young prince was the only Durin awake. Though no decisions were imperative that Dain could not make himself for the most part. It was mostly the cleaning up of the orc bodies which they carted away several miles and burned. He also, with help of Balin, had a list of all the dwarrow lost in battle. Kili had suggested a memorial which Thorin loved and put Kili directly in charge. His talent for creating will help make it something to behold, Tauriel was sure.
Other then all that, Dain stayed in the mountain making sure it was secure. He even helped clear out several other sections and found the great dining hall. His men quickly clearing and making the large kitchen usable for the masses of dwarves needing food. What Dain did not know, is the strange elf who rarely was seen away from the company was actually related to the company.
It was after Thorin and Fili were settled in their room. Dain had not thought anything of the elf helping the dwarven king up the stairs to the royal wing, assuming she was there as a healer not as such as anything more. Make no mistake, he had seen her flitting about the company, but with all the chaos of the battle, he figured she was tending more than anything. He had told his guards at the bottom of the steps to not let anyone up save it be family or the company living up there. The dwarven guards, not one, knew of either of the elves living in the mountain.
Tauriel stuck to the room both to allow herself the time to heal after Kili lectured her about constantly putting herself in dangerous situations then not giving herself the time to process and heal. Usually, she would have bit back her own retort about how she can manage herself, but after nearly losing all she loves dear, she quietly accepted the stern words of her doting husband and took the time to allow her wrist to heal while spending her days between Thorin and Fili.
Naurfaer had rarely been in his room. Thorin had again requested he be the go between for the dwarrow and elven people, considering he was the only elf the dwarven king trusted apart from Tauriel. Naurfaer spent most of his days, however, helping Kili with plans on the memorial. He had personally gone to both Dale and Thranduil to get the list of all that were lost while Kili procured from Dain those lost in the dwarven side while he drew up plans for the design. Tauriel tried peaking once or twice when he lay beside her late into the evening sketching away but he would shut the book as soon as she got close, threw it across the room, and distracted her the best way he knew how.
She did leave their personal chambers and joined Bilbo, Gloin, and Bombur who were in the main sitting common area. It was the larger part of the royal wing and Thorin said was usually only meant for the royal family and occasionally their guest. As the mountain has opened, fewer of their company were living in its halls. Both Bombur and Gloin had already found chambers for their families, Bombur excitedly describing the size of his families new quarters which would be large enough for his large family. Gloin was not far from him but since his family only consisted of his wife and son, Gimli, he had chosen a much smaller set of rooms. Even Bofur and Bifur had decided to room together picking a place near the main market, so he can once again set up a place for a toy shoppe.
Despite them not residing in the royal halls, however, the entire company often visited to get assignments from Thorin, check on herself and Fili, and even take up guard duty at the bottom of the royal halls to keep others out of this area of the mountain. Thorin said it was for their safety and even when the halls were filled with only dwarrow, she should get used to seeing it well guarded. As a princess of Erebor, she would herself have guards. Great, she later lamented to herself. Tauriel had to constantly be reminded she was now royalty, something she was still, not quite comfortable with since Thorin had sat her down and explained her role would be much different here as it was in Ered Luin as her place in the family would warrant more responsibility in ruling once they had the coronation. Until then, he wanted her to focus on being well for herself, the family, and the baby.
Eventually, Tauriel decided to leave the wing. She had left one morning, sleeping well after Kili once again and made sure to say hello to Gloin and Nori who were standing guard that morning at the base of their wing. They smiled and the three chatted for several minutes before bidding them goodbye. She quickly made her way to the new eating area, listening to the sounds of laughter and picking up on the amazing smells of eggs, potatoes, and "Sausage! Lovely. Do you want sausage little one? 'amad want's sausage." Only, as she attempted to pass the large open door, she was instantly stopped and not allowed in. "Sorry lass, elves are welcome to eat in the designated areas only, this is for the dwarven inhabitants. Please continue on your way up that flight of steps. You will be happier with your own people."
This incensed the elf "Dwarven inhabitants only? We have an alliance! Why is there even separation?" The dwarrow only shrugged and to her greater annoyance, then ignored her completely until she left. She was starving and this was the first time she made it out of their chambers to eat with the company. She missed eating with the company, but it looked as if she won't be doing that now. She would definitely need to speak with Thorin.
After over an hour of looking for food, it seemed the 'designated area' was empty, obviously either the elves decided not to even eat in Erebor, or they were long gone before she even woke. Her stomach grumbled, it was now past noon and she had not eaten since the early dinner the night before. Where was Kili? Or anyone? Giving up she made her way back to the royal wing. Maybe she can speak to Thorin now, and if she is lucky, grab Bombur who typically delivered meals and ask to follow him to the kitchen for food. "Sorry little one, just a little while longer." She lamented as her stomach gave a particularly loud rumble.
Her afternoon only got worse when the guards at the base of the royal wing were not her friends from Thorin's company but a pair of Dain's personal dwarven guard. "Well, this will be fun." Not looking at either, she went to march right past them only to be stopped when two large axes halted her progress. "This area is restricted." Sighing and trying to be polite, Tauriel stepped back and placed a smile a smile on her face despite her fowl mood.
"I live in these chambers. Please let me through." In all honesty, her feet hurt, her head was beginning to throb, and she really needed food. She would even accept fried greens, anything really. The guard, however, refused to let her pass. "Nice try. Elves do not live in this part Erebor. You are obviously turned around. Your people are staying in the wing past the gate, up the.."
"MY FAMILY LIVES IN THIS WING." Tauriel was fast losing her temper, she could blame pregnancy, but she knew that had little to do with it. What kind of message was Dain's men sending to the elves for keeping them separated and not giving the dwarrow a chance to get to know the other race? Fed up, Tauriel turned to walk away, then flipped around and taking a running leap, easily clearing the two dwarves who were a head shorter than Kili.
The guards did not like this and took to chasing the eleth up the stairs. She flew through the sitting room, past the doors to the personal chambers, and pushed her way into their rooms. Thorin's door was closed but Fili's was wide open. She could hear the guards closing in, so she ran into Fili's room, the prince looking up from his lunch to smile at her only for the smile to instantly leave his face at her look of desperation.
"FILI! Tell them I am no threat! Tell them I live here!" Fili dropped his fork as two dwarves burst in and grabbed Tauriel slamming her against the wall.
"STOP IT! You're hurting her!" Fili went to climb from the bed, but the guards tried to calm him with "Do not worry my lord, this elf will be taken to her people." Tauriel's knees were shaking, and Fili could see her losing her struggle as the stronger dwarrow worked to subdue her.
Fili was about to dive at them when Thorin limped through the door "RELEASE HER!" Confused the guards struggled with listening to the king and trying to keep hold of the seemingly wild eleth. "Your highness, this elf ran past us after being repeatedly told this area is off limits. We are taking her to Dain then back to her people."
"Are you deaf or just stupid. When I say release her, I mean now!" Thorin was walking angerly towards them, Tauriel having had slid to the ground. One of the guards still clutching it to keep her from running again despite Thorin's orders. Her wrist had been mostly healed, now throbbed and ached from all the force. They were just about to have more trouble, as seconds later, Kili walked through the door followed by Dain. "What is going…TAURIEL!"
"If you think you were not before, your both definitely in trouble now." Fili warned the two guards. Kili was the last person who these two wanted to see as they harmed the red-haired she elf. Kili was livid. He grabbed one of the guards and threw him off Tauriel, the surprise causing the second to grasp the eleth harder by her injured wrist making, her to whimper at the increase in pain.
Seeing red, Kili lifted his fist and thrust it right into the nose of the second guard, knocking him back against the wall before he fell to the floor, finally releasing the elf's wrist. Angerly, he pulled himself to his feet and made his way to Kili. "Why yeh little…"
"I dare not think you should finish that sentence." Thorin growled as he stepped in front of Kili before the second guard could retaliate. "Not only did you harm my niece, but you were also going to hit a prince of Erebor? I think you can be relieved of duty for the time being." The guard gaped at Thorin as Dain helped the other to his feet, he then glared at the eleth and stormed from the room. "Kili, help Tauriel." Fili was frozen in place looking at his brother who was seething, fire filling his eyes. The fire instantly cooled when he turned away, leaning down to scoop Tauriel up in his arms and carry her to the bed.
"I am fine Kili. He jostled my wrist and startled me, nothing more." Kili was not having it though and ordered for Oin to come up as Fili sat back in the bed, making room for his sister to sit beside him. Kili gave him a grateful look as he lifted a protesting Tauriel and placed her right beside Fili where she folded her arms and huffed. "Come on Tauri, don't you want to keep me company? I will be ever so board all by myself." The elf leveled him with a look then sighed, giving up completely.
"Can someone kindly tell me wha' is bloody goin' on?" Kili turned to Dain but Thorin beat him to an explanation.
"I came in here to find Tauriel being overtaken by your guards." He turned to Tauriel and limped to the bed to sit beside her. Kili moving to stand and give Thorin a place to sit. "What happened?"
Tauriel launched into how she tried to go and eat but was not allowed in the hall. Then when she tried to get back up, the guards were not ones she recognized and who did not seem to know her. They refused to allow her up so she ran past them…well jumped over them really…and it appears they did not like that much. Fili chuckled but Thorin turned to Dain. "What does she mean elves are not allowed to eat with the dwarven people?" Dain shifted and starred at Thorin, meeting his gaze.
"What is tha' supposed I mean? Come now Thorin. Yeh really don' expect the dwarrow to instantly take a liken to elves do yeh? We are already allowin' them here. The dwarves don' want I be eaten with the pointy eared ninnies." Thorin sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. "Dain. We are forming an alliance. They need to get used to each other. Have them eat together. If they do not like it, then they do not need to eat."
Dain grumbled but relented. "As yeh wish cousin. An what of this here elf?" Thorin's eyes went wide "Dain, do not tell me you do not know who this is after being here for weeks?"
"Aye, she's yeh healer elf." Fili burst out laughing and Kili's mouth fell open. He had sworn Dain knew about Tauriel's place, but the more he thought about the last two weeks the more he realized not once had she been officially introduced. Well, this was an issue easily remedied. Thorin stood from the bed, extending his hand to Tauriel to help her up. Kili at first protesting her being out of bed but one look from Thorin had him instead at her other side as they stood together beside the bed Fili still sat in.
"Dain, may I formally introduce Tauriel, my niece, and wife of Kili." To his credit, the larger red-headed lord remained standing despite the shock to his system. Tauriel could not wait to hear the protests from the loud dwarrow. He would probably choose denial first 'this can't be right' then he will go with stating the obvious 'but she is an elf' and end with something like 'are you all bewitched' or some variation of her asserting some imaginary extinct power to lure Kili in.
"Kili's wife? Your niece? Well I'll be ha! Never though' I would see the day when yeh settled down lad. Come 'ere lass, let me take a look at yeh." That was not what she had been expecting, at all. She felt her legs step her forward before she was pulled into a tigh…a very tight, hug. "Family! HAH!"
Tauriel let out a squeak and a yelp as all the breath left her lungs at the pressure the dwarf was exerting in the embrace "DAIN NO! SHE IS WITH CHILD!" All at once Tauriel found herself freed but the surprise had her nearly tumbling to the ground, Kili catching her in the last minute. "Oh lass, I am so sorry." He helped Kili right her then pulled Kili in for an equally tight embrace "Well done lad! More Durin's on the way eh? Tha's me boy." Kili laughed breathily, his cousin's restricting arms not allowing for air to properly enter his lungs until finally Dain released him, scooping up Tauriel's hand to leave a kiss on it.
"I am sure no' the firs' I say it, but welcome I the family lass. But let me be the firs' to apologize for me boys. They don' no know better but I will talk to them." He gave a small bow and left the room singing loudly a song about Durin's sons enduring. Tauriel smiled but was pushed back into the bed beside Fili.
"Kili, really, I am alright." Kili not budging responded "I have to go and finish a few things for Thorin. I would feel better if you stayed here until I know the guards have been spoken to." She sighed and plopped down beside a smirking Fili "Shut up." He only shrugged and sat back on the headboard beside her grabbing his lunch. In the excitement of the last few minutes, Tauriel had forgotten how hungry she was and could not stop the look of pure desire from passing over her face. Fili, seeing it, pushed his plate towards her but Tauriel shook her head. "No Fili, that is yours. I will have something brought up."
"Tauriel, when is the last time you ate?" Tauriel looked at Kili and bit her lip. "Dinner."
"Last night?! Amralime, it is past noon!" Fili hearing this forced his tray into her hands, refusing to take it back. "I will call up for more, little sister. Eat. You need it much more than I. I had breakfast not two hours ago." Tears filled Tauriel's eyes as she looked at the tray. It just had some soup and bread with a small meat pie. "Amralime, don't cry. I will have Bombur bring up more, okay? It will be up within the hour so neither of you will go hungry. Eat. Is there anything else you want?" Tauriel sniffed but shook her head, the beads at the end of her braids tinkling at the motion. Kili leaned in and pressed a kiss to her cheek and made for the door.
"Kili wait!" Kili stopped in his tracks and turned to his wife "Sausages. I want sausages." The young prince smiled and gave her a bow. "As you wish, my love. Sausages it will be." He then disappeared out of sight, Thorin following suite slowly.
True to his word, Kili had almost too much food brought up, including an entire plate of sausages. The dwarven prince did not return himself, however, until well after dinner. He had assumed Tauriel eventually made her way back to their sleeping chambers but when he found it empty, he went back into his brother's room only to lean against the doorframe and smile. His elf lay fast asleep on top of the covers, her head pillowed in Fili's lap as his brother sat straight up reading aloud. The blonde only stopping when he noticed Kili at the door.
"She had a headache and was having a hard time focusing on the words so I thought I would read to her. Honestly, I did not even realize she had fallen asleep." Kili smiled and pushed himself off the frame and came over to the bed. He picked Tauriel up and bid his brother goodnight before going to his own chamber to sleep.
It took another several days for Tauriel to venture out again, this time it seemed her name was a bit more well known. Dain did open the eating halls to elves and dwarves, neither race seemed too upset by it although, only a handful of elves opted to eat in Erebor. Tauriel was never stopped again, no matter where she went. Much of the time it was probably because she was with Kili, which did help the matter despite her husband once again, not wanting her out of his sight. He did not trust Dain's dwarves after what they did and Tauriel quickly found herself rarely alone, even on the day's Kili was not beside her. On those days it was Bilbo, Bofur, Bombur, even Dwalin at her side, all sent by her overprotective husband. As annoyed as Tauriel was, she let it go and just enjoyed their company knowing several weeks ago, she did not know if she would even see them again. The battle was over, however, and they survived.
Tauriel did run into Legolas a time or two. He spent most of his days helping Thranduil, but once in awhile she spotted him walking with Naurfaer who she seemed to see less and less these last few weeks. He was nearly as angry as Kili when he had found out what had happened to Tauriel and pulled his blade on an unsuspecting Dain. Tauriel had to pull the elf back. "It was not his fault Naurfaer. Let it be. All has been resolved and I am fine. So stop acting like a troll." The older elf narrowed his green eyes at the large dwarf who was glaring equally hard at the elf. Eventually, Naurfaer sheathed his blade and extended his hand to the dwarven lord who grasped it after only a moment of hesitation. The two seemed fine from that moment on, even spending evenings getting very drunk with Bofur, the three of them singing loud and quite off key as Tauriel rolled her eyes and walked well away. She was not going to be associated with that trumpeting.
Legolas and Naurfaer also seemed a common pairing. Tauriel had walked into the dining hall for the evening meal beside Kili to see the two elves with heads bowed speaking in hushed voices. She could not hear what they were discussing, but she could make out that it was Sindarin they were speaking. Before she could see what it was all about, however, Kili pulled her towards Fili and Thorin at the head tables. The two having been cleared by Oin that day to finally leave the royal wing, as long as they did so with care and not overtaxed themselves. He had actually made each of them sign a contract written by himself and Balin to secure those promises. Both Fili and Thorin reluctantly signing if only to be able to leave the rooms they were imprisoned in, well, imprisoned according to Fili who had been caught on more than one occasion trying to sneak out.
Tauriel could not stop her eyes from constantly roaming to her grandfather and eldest friend who barely touched their meal as they discussed whatever it was they were locking heads with. "They were there when we came in too." Fili shared, his mouth so full of food, Tauriel had to ask him to repeat what he had said after he swallowed. "Aye, seems as they are discussin' somthin' important." Dain said, after taking a swig of his ale. "Speakin' only elvish as they are."
Sighing, Tauriel stood from the table as Kili moaned. "Amralime. We just sat down. You need to eat." Kili giving her a pleading look. "I will only be a moment Kili, go ahead and eat without me. I will be right back." She did not wait for his response as she walked between full tables and around laughing dwarrows, as she made her way to her goal.
Dain was right, the closer she got, she began to pick up on words spoken quietly in her native tongue "That is not right and you know it. It was three large, twelve goblins which we did not factor in, five regular, and two Durin's. Making it 42 for me and 32 for you."
Legolas quickly adding in "You used my bow for the blonde, I should get some points for that, plus I think we should factor in the goblins. I it would be fair to make them one point, making my total, including half the points for it being my bow, a 57 claiming me as the victor." Naurfaer narrowed his eyes but looked up when he saw the shadow of an eleth looming over them. An eleth who was looking angerly at the two males below her.
"What in the name of Manwe are you two on about? Do not tell me you turned a serious battle into a game?!" The two at the table widening their eyes as if they were children getting caught with their hand in the sweet jar. "Ah, come on Tauriel. Just making something serious we all survived into something light. No need for a lecture." The eleth lifted her eyebrow at them and rolled her eyes before stalking away. It was not worth her energy to argue with the two elflings at that table.
"She was not happy." Legolas commented, watching his friend leave. Naurfaer lifted his ale to his lips and smiled over the cup, seeing his granddaughter join the head table once again and watching as Fili loaded a plate with food and set it before her. "Nope. But it is only because she was unaware of the point system and could not count up her own score." Legolas smirked and the two went back to their meal.
"Are you ready Thorin?" Tauriel stood beside her uncle at the top of the stairs. Today was the memorial for the fallen. Kili was unveiling what he had been working on which stood covered outside the gates of the mountain, where dwarves, the men of Dale, and the elves would all gather to remember those who lost their lives during what has been dubbed the battle of five armies.
"Aye. Let us go." Fili and Kili stood on either side of Tauriel and Thorin and the royal family slowly made their way down the stairs and out the gate. The valley was filled with survivors, all those who fought stood in a place with honor at the front, each holding a decent sized stone handed out by the dwarves. All the dwarrow knowing what they are for, but the elves and men simply holding them as if awaiting instruction. Thorin took his place, standing on a stone dais placed directly attached to the monument Kili had oversaw the construction of.
Looking to the masses in front, then giving a nod to Thranduil and Bard who stood on the dais beside him, he addressed the crowd.
"We cannot repay the lives that were lost defending this land. We can only remember them for their sacrifice, their strength, and their honor to stand tall in the face of darkness. To give all they have to protect their people and their families. For all that fell, we have created a memorial so that their names and deed will live on in the memory of all those who owe our victory to them that laid their life down for each one of us." He turned to Fili and Kili, the brothers moving to uncover the monument.
Tauriel felt overwhelmed with pride for her husband's beautiful talent. The monument was stunning. It consisted of three pieces of tall, polished, slats of stone standing tall side by side. One for each army of elves, dwarrow, and man. The symbol of the town of Dale was etched into the far-left stone slat, names filling the smooth surface with the words "May these brave souls live on forever in the hearts and minds of those they gave their life for. Always remembered. Always Honored. Never Forgotten. Walk in Peace." The middle stone had the symbol of the mountain and runes depicting each fallen dwarrows name and house with the same words, also in runes etched just below the mountain carving. Finally, a great tree marked the elven stone, their names flawlessly writing in the elvish language, the same saying over top in Sindarin. Tears fell from her eyes, and she looked among the crowd to see even many of the elves with drops streaking down their cheeks. They were obviously touched to see their own language depicted in a dwarven monument.
Nodding his thanks to his nephews, he waited as they returned to their place beside Tauriel, Kili slipping his hand into hers and Fili pulling three stones and handing one to each Kili and Tauriel. The heavy stone was a good size and required Tauriel to release Kili's hand to use both hers to hold it. She peered down looking at the writing.
"Tym Cantrin. 18. Dale. A lad with a kind heart, but strong spirit. Always stood for what is right. Loved and remembered by his mother and sister."
The stones etching filled her eyes with a fresh wave of tears, as did the words of her uncle. "To a dwarrow, stone represents longevity. It is what we are made of and why our halls endure. We come from stone, and we return to stone. To go with the monument, each of those who fought in battle has been given a stone with the name, age, home, and something about them etched into its face in the common language. We will line the path from Dale to Erebor with these stones so that all who may walk it, will stop to see and remember these great men, elves, and dwarves not just for a name, but for who they left behind and for who they were. Stone will live on, as will their memory, far longer than many of us. If you have a stone. Please, place it down, side by side on the outline of path as we all take a moment for each and every one who died for us."
There were only quiet murmurs around her as Tauriel followed Kili and Fili past several elves, dwarves, and men who were one by one, laying their stone down. They stopped and placed their own side by side, all three kneeling and reading the inscriptions on each out loud, before giving a moment of silence. This could have been them, any one of them, and she leaned into Kili as Fili placed his arm tightly around her on her other side. They eventually made their way back stopping occasionally to read several stones on their way. They even paused to watch Thorin, Bard, and Thranduil place stones they held, joining them for another moment of silence. Looking around, Tauriel saw hundreds of each race bowing their heads at the stones. Some kneeling down, obviously family, and holding each other close at a particular stone, others going to each one, reading, and giving their gratitude for the fallen warrior.
She saw Naurfaer bowing his head at one, his hand not leaving the stone before him. Tauriel walked up and knelt beside the elf who was her grandfather. "He was only twelve, Tauriel. A human boy of just twelve years. I have lived so many years, I cannot even tell you how old I am. Yet this child has lived only a blink of my time." Tauriel looked at the stone and nodded. She pulled his hand and placed it into her own. Naurfaer looked at her and gave her a small smile and rose to his feet, pulling her with him and enfolding her in his arms. "I keep thinking I will see your name on one of these stones, but here you are alive and well. I thank the Valar for this gift, yet I cannot find full joy knowing so many lost for my gain." Tauriel nodded and let him hold her until he pulled back and kissed the crown of her head then made his way back inside the mountain. There was to be a great feast tonight not just to honor the fallen, but to celebrate their victory.
Days passed and slowly lives returned to some semblance of normal. With the healers all done with their work, and deciding it was time to return to the forest, Thranduil bowed to Thorin, thanking him for his hospitality in allowing them to stay in the mountain. Thorin, surprisingly, organized a grand sendoff for the elves who had joined them in battle. Tauriel was astonished at the two had been amicably working together. Thorin still muttered his grievances about the elf king only among their little family, but was polite to him in his company. She could not ask for more as they worked to secure an alliance with both Mirkwood and Dale.
As for Dale, Bard unsurprisingly won the election, officially becoming the lord and master of Dale. His only running mate? Alfred who received one vote…his own. The dwarves continued to work with the humans in the city even after Thranduil had returned to the forests. The two trading and helping one another with repairs from both the war and the dragon.
Thorin also made sure to send ravens far and wide to all the dwarrow lords and clans inviting them to come help fill Erebor's great halls. It would seem their lives were beginning to normalize in the few months beyond the battle. The only thing left to do is for Tauriel, Fili, and Kili to get their uncle to allow them to go personally get their mother and the people of Ered Luin.
"Uncle, we are well enough to travel, and I want to see mam. Plus, it will take only a quarter of the time as with Azog gone, we can now use the roads safely." Kili was trying for what seemed like the tenth time to get Thorin to agree to them leaving. Thorin who had vehemently refused to let any one of the three outside the gates of Erebor save it be for the memorial ceremony and sending off the elves. He had nearly lost them once and was not ready to let them out of his sight any time soon.
"We won't be alone either uncle. Bofur, Bifur, Bombur, and Gloin will be coming with. They want to get their families and pack up their shop to bring it over." Fili tried, hoping that with the older dwarrows with them, he would be more apt to let them go.
Thorin looked unconvinced. "And what of Tauriel, who is nearing four months pregnant? Surly you don't expect me to agree to her leaving."
"She can make her own decisions, I thank you. I am well enough to travel and we will have the horses. It will be of no danger to myself or your grandchild." Thorin huffed.
"Why am I even trying when I know I will not win this." Fili let out a whoop and Kili grinned excitedly. Thorin promised not to send a raven to Ered Luin which was his next task, as the three wanted to surprise Dis.
"Make sure you are back as soon as possible. Should only take about six weeks, eight at the most to get there and back again. By then the repairs should be enough to hold the official coronation. All three of you are expected to be there so do not go missing and absolutely no lingering for any reason. That means no side missions or sightseeing. You are to go straight to Ered Luin, help your mother pack up, and bring our people directly home to Erebor. Understood?"
The three each gave their affirmative and went straight to gather what they would need for the journey to Dis and the people of the smaller blue mountains. Two days later, they were joined by Bifur, Bofur, Bombur, and Gloin. Dain had given them several rams to pull two carts in addition to Tauriel, Kili, and Fili who will be taking their horses. They stood at the gate, the rest of the company waiting to see them out. Naurfaer had already said his goodbyes, having come up to the small family in their quarters as they gathered their supplies and had draped his arm over the shoulders of a now annoyed Thorin as the trio hauled their things to the common sitting room in the royal wing.
"Ahh, our legacy. Off on their own. They grow up so fast." Thorin glared at the elf and used his hand to lift the elf's arm and push it off his shoulder. He may like this elf, but that did not mean he wanted to be touched by him. Naurfaer shrugged it off and went and bid farewell to each of the two young princes and gave Tauriel a hug. She was still a little, standoffish, with the elf but she was warming to him. He left the room and Thorin spent the next hour attempting to get them to take Naurfaer with them, only to fail miserably.
"Are you all ready to go?" Standing at the gate, Thorin pulled them each close one last time, pressing his forehead to each of them, one at a time.
"We are. Do not worry about us uncle. We will be back in a few months." Kili smiled after pulling away from yet another embrace. His uncle really was having a difficult time with them leaving.
Fili smiled tightening his arms around the dwarven king next. "Goodbye uncle, next you see us, we will have mam and our people back where they belong." He pulled away and walked to Kit.
Tauriel was the last to enfold Thorin in a quick hug as he umbling "Be safe, daughter." She kissed his forehead and smiled. "I will uncle. I will see you again." He stepped back and allowed for the company to say their own goodbyes. The small group was about to leave when another voice broke out.
"WAIT!" Tauriel could not stop the smile as it was a mirror of what had happened what felt a lifetime ago as a small hobbit called for a group of dwarves to stop as he ran, barefooted and all, through the trees trying to catch up with a contract trailing in his wake.
"Master hobbit, and Gandalf. You aren't leaving us as well are you?" Bilbo smiled at Thorin and nodded. "Gandalf thinks it is time to get back, and I am eager to see my home. I will be back for a visit though. I want to see those two's newest edition when it finally arrives." Thorin smiled and gave the hobbit a hug.
"You are always welcome in the halls of Erebor, my dear friend." Bilbo sniffed back the tears and nodded. "Get the hobbit a pony."
"No, no no no, that will not be…okay." Too late as Fili and Kili picked the hobbit up and helped him onto a pony. Gandalf chuckling from his own horse. "Farewell Gandalf. May the road find you well." The wizard tipped his hat at Thorin.
"Did Naurfaer not want to come an say goodbye" Ori was looking around for the other elven resident of Erebor. "He did this morning." Fili filled in, adjusting the last strap on Kit before climbing on.
"Still, I am surprised he is not here." Oin pushed past Ori, only nodding at the younger dwarf, as he passed Tauriel a list of things he wanted her to bring back from his stores. She placed it with the longer list from Thorin.
"I don' think he will be 'ere as las' I checked 'e was in the treasure room." Thorin whipped his head to Oin. "The treasure room? Whatever was he doing in there?"
Oin only shrugged and smirked. "I can no' be sure, as I hadn't grabbed me trumpet. But it sounded like e' was sortin stuff. Saw 'im sittin straight on the ground dividin' pieces evenly in fifteen piles. E' was umbling' names fer each pile 'e was makin'. Also mentioned sendin' the hobbits share in deferred payments."
Thorin's eyes widened and he turned swiftly back into the mountain after one final, and very brief wave. The remaining company laughing at the retreating kings form. "I will pay anyone who writes down the end to that story." Fili laughed out.
"Goodbye lads and lass. Be safe." Oin called as Bofur gave a whack of the reins and pushed the rams forward. Kili, Fili, and Tauriel kicking their own horses as they turned and waived at the party at the entrance to the mountain.
Their journey will have them going through Dale and into Mirkwood by evening, where they would have dinner with Thranduil and the elves before leaving the next day to continue their journey.
"Well. Did either of you think we would end up here? Because let me tell you, I had my doubts." Kili laughed at Fili and Tauriel chuckled, replying. "Of course. I personally figured we would all live happily ever after." She sent a smile at Kili who winked in her direction.
There was a snort from the cart as Bofur turned from his seat at the reins. "Happily ever after lass? Come now. Yeh are married to a son of Durin. Might be a better bet to say yeh lived, end o' story. Those boys are magnets for trouble."
"Oi, I will have you know Tauriel is just as much trouble as we are, believe me." Bofur laughed at Kili.
"Well lad, then yeh are perfectly matched." Bofur turned back in his seat and faced the road once again beside his brother Bifur. Gloin and Bombur were leading the group in the cart ahead.
Tauriel listened from Galaddal, laughing at the banter around her. It would be naïve of her to think they will truly live happily ever after, Bofur is right, they are a magnet for danger and trouble. Tauriel smiled at her husband, her beloved Kili who was grinning widely at something Fili was telling him. She knew it would only be a matter of time before they found themselves facing a new enemy, a different battle, or some great trial. She placed her hands on her growing stomach, which only a week ago began to show proof of the life inside. She smiled to herself and joined in the jovial ambience of laughter and singing around her. There were certainly dark times ahead, but that is for tomorrow. Today, she will do all she could to enjoy the peace of just living. Living a life now completely, reforged.
Authors Note: I cannot believe I finished this thing in like, three months :D. It is longer than even Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. I don't want to hear any more authors excuses of taking years to finish a book. TOTALLY JOKING. I know a lot goes into it. Anyway. Thanks for taking this journey with me. You all have been such an amazing support. I know this is in no way perfect, but I am grateful for your acceptance of my little spelling errors and dates as I worked through this thing.
What happens next? Well. I have been contemplating a sequel. There really is a lot to answer. How does Dis react to her children coming home? Will Fili find love among the dwarrow people? How will Thorin handle choosing between dwarven lords and his new outlook on his family? IS their family as secure as they think or will one crack in their stone cause it to crumble? What about Kili and Tauriel's little one? Will he arrive into this world safely? So many questions which may be answered in Reforged and Strengthened Book two of the Reforged Universe. That is, if I can get the motivation to write it between work and school :D :D :D.