Gandalfs party arrived in Dale very early in the morning. There was no fanfare. No bell rang. King Brand simply welcomed them inside is palace and fed them breakfast. The King eyed Hiroc at the table. Then his gaze shifted onto Jeven. He had seen both of them at the Gathering of Kings but had not had the chance to speak to them much.

"Hiroc." Brand began. " You are a guardian like Hannibal aren't you." He said in a curious way.

Hiroc smiled "I am a guardian but I am not like Hannibal. Each of us were and are different." He responded and took a bite of one of the best biscuits he had ever eat. " My compliments to the baker these are delicious."

Brand chuckled and leaned back in his chair. " Go on and have more. There are plenty. " He called out over his shoulder. "Bertha we will need more biscuits please."

A rather short round woman in a long brown dress came from the kitchen with a large covered bowl in her hands. On her head was a white head covering that kept her long brown hair back and managed. There were streaks of grey all through it. Her face had a few lines yet her eyes sparkled with a youthful quality.

"Our Guest Hiroc just told me your biscuits where the best he has ever eaten." He motioned to Hiroc.

Bertha's cheeks reddened a bit and she looked to him. "ay me Thank you Sir. " She said with a wide smile. She uncovered the bowl and poured the piping hot biscuits into the bowl on the table.

Hiroc scoot himself over on the bench and motioned for her to sit a moment. "You must tell me how you make them. My woman is a baker and I do love the bread she makes but these biscuits I believe would be very popular."

Brand watched them talking about biscuits and the finer points of making them and rolled his eyes and turned to Jeven. "So you married Tauriel. She was very close to both my Grand Da and my Da. I remember her coming to visit when I was but a wee lad. I have fond memories of her. I am glad she has you. She deserves happiness."

Tauriel's eyes widen and now she began to blush. "Brand." She said and laughed softly. "Thank you. I remember you when you were small as well. I remember teaching You how to use a bow. Much to Bain's chagrin. I also remember you accidentally firing an arrow that hit your father in the backside."

Everyone went silent then and Brand began to laugh heartily. His hand slapping his thigh. "Da was both mad and amused. It was but a small child's practice arrow but he had a hard time sitting down for a few days. Mam peppered my behind though and I had a hard time as well" Now everyone at the table laughed. "I deserved it . I was being careless. Luckily My boy Bard has not done that."

Glorfindel and Gandlaf finally come to the table and sit down . Bertha rises "I need to get back to the kitchen. " She placed a hand on Hiroc's massive shoulder and leaned close. "I will get you that recipe. Your Lass will thank you." She winked and patted his shoulder before walking back to the kitchen.

"Hannibal should be here today. He left Erebor last night. " Brand tells Gandalf. "This mission I take it will be dangerous and vital. What can I do to help?" Gandalf pulled out his pipe and scraped the insides a bit . " You will need to protect the north. Erebor, Dale and Northern Greenwood as much as possible. There is no doubt that they will try and attack here when they believe it will be weak. However, they will find it to be pretty well fortified. The King under the mountain and all his forces are staying. The dwarves of the Iron hills will march south and join with the forces of Elves and Men that march south east."

"I hope this is it Gandalf. I hope the need to war will end. I would have never thought we would be facing the oldest evil now. " Brand said solemnly.

"I as well my friend I as well." Gandalf sighs.

Glorfindel looked over to them and grinned. "What shall we call our Fellowship? I mean we are on a secret mission. It should have a name."

Minogos who everyone believed to be asleep on a bench near the fire spoke up. "We are the Fellowship for the Arda. After all if we fail everything will fail and the Arda will fall."

Glorfindel grinned a bit and looked around the table and then to Minogos who still lay with his arm over his eyes. "I like that. The Fellowship for the Arda."

Gandalf smiled widely before taking a draw from his pipe. "Well that was easy enough."

The day progressed a bit lazily. The fellowship rested . It was perhaps the last day they would be able to fully relax. At least until they reached the Iron Hills.

Hannibal arrived from Erebor. He and Hiroc faced each other . Equal in size . At first it appeared as if they would square off. Each eyeing the other in an almost menacing way.

Tauriel leaned over to ask Minogos in a whisper. "Will they fight?"

Minogos answered with a grin. " If they do we should count ourselves lucky to witness such an event."

She lifted her eyes and looked at him with a raised brow.

"Brother." Hannibal said in that deep rumbling tone of his.

"Brother." Hiroc answered back in his own deep tone. Then the two ancient beings embraced and laughed.

"Its been too long." Hiroc said with joy. "Indeed brother. I wish our reunion was under better circumstances." Hannibal said just as joyful.

Tauriel looked relieved. "I guess we will not be so lucky this day." Minogos looked down to her and winked. Then they looked back to the ancient beings and watched them break the hug but their hands remained on the others shoulders. Their foreheads leaned in and touched. A moment of communion was all it took for them to know the millennias worth of knowledge each possessed in their memories.

Hannibal looked wide eyed at Hiroc as they leaned back from each other. "Oh brother we do have much to discuss don't we."

Hiroc agreed "Yes My brother." Hiroc said and looked to Minogos from over a broad shoulder. "That's my cue." Minogos said softly to Tauriel and he stepped away moving towards them. Hiroc held out his hand and spoke . "This is he. This is the son of Minol."

Tauriel watched this exchange and was joined by Jeven and Glorfindel. "What's going on?" Glorfindel asked in a whisper.

"I am not sure." She said in confusion. Hannibal embraced Minogos as if he too were long lost family. Then their foreheads met for a moment of communion. The Hannibal staggered back from Minogos and gasped as his hand went to his chest. There were tears in his eyes.

"I am so sorry young one. There is so much pain that comes with this path. I pray for the mother to grant you a peaceful future." Hannibal spoke softly and embraced Minogos again.

Tauriel, Jeven and Glorfindel stood there upon the steps of the Palace of Dale in shock.

The dwarves that had come with Hannibal approached Glorfindel and Tauriel . Yet the attention was on Jeven. They trying to figure out just what he is without seeming too rude. yet dwarves are not known for being subtle. Finally they pulled their eyes from Jeven and one spoke to Glorfindel. "I am Durin son of The King Under the Mountain. Where might I find Gandalf?"

Tauriel looked very closely at the dwarves who spoke. He looked so much like Kili. It appeared as if he had been reborn. Her lips began to quiver and tears began to form in her eyes. She could not stand there any longer. "excuse me ." Her voice quivered and she turned and hurried away.

It was then that Durin realized just who the female elf was and for a moment he moved to go after her but Glorfindel stopped him with his words when Jeven turned to hurry after her. "Gandalf is inside the palace speaking with the King of Dale. Come friend I will take you to him. I am Glorfindel."

Hiroc, Hannibal and Minogos had seen what happened and now watched Glorfindel lead the 2 dwarves inside. Confusion on all of their features.

The dwarves and Glorfindel entered the palace and there in the front room by the fire sat Brand and Gandalf. They both rose when Glorfindel entered with the Dwarves.

"Durin did you arrive with Hannibal?" Brand asked . "Indeed we came to give a message to Gandalf then we are on our way to visit The King of the Woodland Realm." He said and Brand actually crouched down and hugged Durin. He leaned back and held the dwarves shoulders. " I wish I would have known I would have had you greeted properly My Friend." Brand looked so happy to see Durin which was a surprise to Gandalf.

"We were practically raised together" Brand rose and spoke to Gandalf. "Durin is the best friend I have."

This made Gandalf chuckle heartily. "Well this news warms my heart." He said and now the four of them sat before the fire . Tankards of beer were brought for them and they drank and spoke.

"I have come to tell you Gandalf that my cousins in the Iron Hills are expecting you. Though it is a guarded secret. Do not be surprised if you are treated unkindly before you are taken to the halls. These are dark times . Much like the treason the elves experienced the dwarves of the Iron Hills have had some treason as well sadly. Those who's greed has become like dragon sickness. They were lucky to discover the plot but that is a tale for another time."

Gandalf nodded and sighed sadly. "It greatly saddens my heart to hear of the troubles in the Iron Hills. We will proceed with caution. Tell me how does Gimli fair. I thought he may come with you."

Durin chuckles. "Gimli is convalescing in the care of Lady Raga. He has broken his leg while trying to show off for her in the mines. I assure you he is well on the mend but unfortunately will not be joining the foray . I am delivering a message to the Prince about this. "

Gandalf chuckles. "Well while I am saddened to hear of his broken leg I am amused to hear of how it was broken. I am glad he had met someone to care for him."

That evening Tauriel sat with Jeven in the garden. Her eyes still puffy from the tears she had shed. She finally told Jeven the whole story about Kili. Jeven understood why she still bore pain over it. Even so many years later. Even after finding her happiness with him.

It was a beautiful garden. They sitting in the gazebo. Listening to the fountain bubble away. The evening was chilled yet neither were really effected by it. Jeven held her hand and caressed her palm with his thumb. Neither had heard the dwarf approaching and looked up a bit startled when he spoke.

"Excuse me. I really do not mean to interrupt. May I have a moment with the Lady? I promise my intentions are pure." He spoke to Jeven who now leaned over to kiss her temple.

" Are you alright to speak for a moment with him?" He asked softly. She nodded and gave him a small smile . Jeven rose and walked past the dwarf and out into the garden.

Durin stepped closer and took a seat on the bench beside Tauriel. She looked at her hands . They just sat in silence for a moment then Durin began to speak. "The moment I saw how you reacted to seeing me I knew who you were." He began. "After all this time his memory still hurts you."

"It hurts. It does hurt. We never had the chance to do more than talk and get to know each other in the time he spent has my adars prisoner. I hate to admit that but if that had not have happened we would have never grown feelings for each other . No matter how forbidden it was for each of us. Adar says the Valar made it happen . Bringing us together so that our peoples could begin to heal the old wounds. I like to think of it that way."

He took her hand and lifted it to kiss her knuckles then released it . Her eyes looking on him widely. He smiled and lowered her hand and pat it tenderly.

"I too see it that way Lady Tauriel. If an elf and a dwarf could find love in the middle of a war against each other it was a sign that both sides had been foolish. The stories that are told about you both among my people say that and you and he are heroes. I am so happy you have found new love. It is my hope that you will no longer look back on what happened with sadness but with joy. Joy in knowing you both dared to fall in love and that love healed the rift between our peoples. Please no longer carry that sadness."

He smiled at her and rose from his seat. "I best be going before your husband takes issue." He bowed before her. "Do take care Lady Tauriel and know in my heart and in the hearts of my people you are the hero that opened our eyes." She looked on him and smiled. Then watched him walk away.

Jeven returned to find her not in tears but smiling. He pulled her into his arms. "Is everything ok?" He asked softly.

She nodded and buried her face against his shoulder. "yes Melamin. Everything is good."

Early the next morning. The Fellowship for the Arda rode to the east and the two dwarves headed south to the Woodland realm.

The dwarves were stopped along the road to the fortress. They explained why they were there and were then escorted safely to the fortress. They were treated with the upmost care and respect. Given quarters and all the food and wine they could eat or drink. Much unlike their predecessors had been treated long ago.

Thranduil, Legolas and the Queen sat in Thranduil's public office. Juniper sat next to her husband and Legolas on the couch looking out the windows. The door opened and the dwarves were announced and lead inside. First she noticed Thranduil's reaction. His eyes going wide and he pushed himself back into his seat . Legolas now stood with the same wide eyed look .

This made her crease her brows . Neither of them seemed to be able to speak and looked between them both. She snorted and rose from her seat and walked around the desk. "Please excuse them. I have no idea what is wrong. They both look like they have seen the dead walk in. I am Juniper I am very pleased to meet you both. " She bowed a bit to them and smiled widely.

"This is Garric my attendant and I am Durin son of Thorin Stonehelm." She gasped . "It is really an honor to meet you Prince Durin. I really like your father. He made me the most wonderful dress from Mythril and I had the pleasure of speaking with him when he was here not long ago. He made me laugh so much."

Thranduil was blinking now. He realized he was not looking at the dead enter his office and quickly apologized. "I can not express my apologies enough for my rude behavior. You look so much like..."

Durin smiled and lifted a hand and shook his head. " No need to apologize King Thranduil I know why You look at me so. It is the same look I saw on Tauriel's face in Dale. " Now Juniper looked confused.

Legolas finally breathed. It was a loud intake of air and he sat down suddenly. Juniper just glared at him then looked to her Husband. "Melamin what is going on?"

Durin just smiled. "My Lady please I can explain." She looked to Durin then and He took a seat in one of the chairs. "I am told I look like My cousin Kili. So much so in fact I am told I look as if he has been reborn. "

She thought about that a moment. " Kili? " Then her eyes widened and she gasps. " Like ... Kili ohhhh. " Her hands went to her mouth. " Tauriel's Kili." She said softly and he nodded gently.

Thranduil finally lowered into his seat . He and Legolas both looked as if they were still recovering. Thranduil managed to speak again. " Still I do apologize. Seeing you was quite the shock. for My Son and I . To what do we owe the honor of this visit Prince Durin?"

Juniper backed up to stand beside Thranduil's desk ." First off I have a message for Prince Legolas." Durin looked to the still rather shocked looking Legolas. " Gimli sends his apologies." Druin sighed "Please allow me to dispense with the formalities. Gimli was showing off for Lady Raga in the mines and has broken his leg. I am afraid he will be sitting this one out. He says that is going to have to let you win this round."

Legolas soon found himself laughing. "You tell him if he wanted to stay home with his woman he didn't need to go so far as to break his leg. Tell him I will kill enough orcs for he and I both and that I hope he heals quickly."

Durin motioned to Garric who now approach with a nice sized wooden box. "This, Queen Juniper is for you." Durin said as Garric placed the box upon the desk . Thranduil began to grin . He knew what this was. Garric opened the box and she gasps as do Thranduil and Legolas.

It was a mythril helm. Just her size. Around the face opening was lined with gold and along the brow were the 3 clear gems . The tears of Nienna. "My Father says it is to match your dress." She gingerly reached out to touch it.

Durin chuckled and rose . Taking the helm from where it sat he turned and looked her in the eyes. His brown eyes were so calming and gentle . He lowered the helm onto her head and it fit perfectly . The inside well padded and soft. There were holes right where her ears were so she could still hear. He stepped back and looked at her. "Now you are a proper Warrior Queen." He said and bowed to her.

She turned and hopped on the sofa beside Legolas. Standing on it so she could see into the mirror on the wall over it. She giggled and bounced up and down. "I love it I really so love it so very much. " She bounced from the sofa and threw her arms around Durin. "Thank you . Tell your Father I love it and Thank him for me ." She stepped back and looked to Thranduil who nodded in approval.

"Your father has out done himself. " Thranduil spoke to Durin as Juniper removed the helm and just stared at it some more.

"I'm going to go show Elthian." She tucked it under her arm and started to run from the room then stopped. " I mean please excuse me. " Durin chuckled because she looked like she was about to explode with excitement then turned and ran from the office.

Durin looked back to Thranduil. "I bet she is difficult to keep up with sometimes."

Thranduil just nodded. "You have no idea. Now lets speak of other matters shall we. "

Durin sat back. "Indeed. I did not want to worry Her too much with all the talk of war. " He motioned with his head towards the door before it was closed.

She ran through the corridors and halls. Elves jumping out of her way. She calling out her apologies. She ran all the way to the training grounds were Elthian was . He training along with other elves in Jeven's fighting style . Having learned it well in all the time he had spent with Jeven.

She bounced up and down well out of the way . Waiting for them to be finished . Her bouncing caught Elthian's attention and he dismissed them. They had done enough that day anyway. As the elves began to disperse she ran for him giggling.

"Look Elthian look what King Thorin made for me. " She held out her new helm and showed him. "Is it not beautiful." He smiled though inwardly seeing it made him worry. He knew she would be in danger and this would help protect her but he wished she would not need that protection.

"It is beautiful Melamin. The King under the mountain has an eye for detail. I suspect it matches your armor." He said with a smile. Her smile was simply stunning and her enthusiastic joy was infectious. He crouching down placed his hands on her shoulders. "As beautiful as it is I pray you never had need of it."

Her brows lifted. Her lavender eyes softened their gaze. Even her smile softened . "Kiss me." She suddenly demanded and he just chuckles softly.

" Well that was a sudden change Melamin." She blinked at him and sighed.

"Would you just shut up and kiss me. " He pulled her in closely . His arms wrapping around her. One large hand slides up her back and through her golden hair to the back of her head. Holding her there as he partakes of her sweet lips.

She dropped her helm. It fell with a small thud against the dirt covered ground. Her arms wrapped around him pulling herself in even closer to him . It was becoming quite true what Minol had warned about. About her needs becoming greater now that she had transitioned.

She whispered against his lips "Take me somewhere more private."

He leaned back and looked her in the eye. "Now?" She blinked and began to look hurt.

"Well if you do not wish to be with me." She stepped back and picked her new helm up . He grabbed her suddenly and pulled her back to him.

"That is not what I meant." He said firmly and looked around. "I feel like a young elon trying to sneak off with an elleth whos parents do not approve of him." He laughed and rose carrying her off with him.