Updated September 21st, 2021
Original Authors Note and Instruction:
WELCOME BACK MY LOVES! If you are brand new to the reforged universe, you need to go back and read Reforged. This won't make sense otherwise.
A few things before you can read on. This will just be an ongoing work broken into ACT's. Some will be quite substantial I am sure as this first one is already 10 chapters and over 90,000 words. Thought I would try and get it mostly done before posting anything…incase I lose momentum and didn't finish it. Nothing worse than getting sucked into a story and it being left hanging. Apart from a few chapters, ACT one is complete. Some ACT's will be short one-shots though too. I thought this way would be easier than making a bunch of separate stories so you can keep them in chronological order.
I do proofread these before posting, but you will need to forgive me if I miss a spelling error or completely spell something in the Tolkien universe way wrong. It will happen. Sorry. Also, I found some amazing art online through the ever used google with some great pictures of characters I may eventually post on my profile…maybe. Feel free to look…soon-ish.
OH, and this is probably a slower story. This ACT will be filled with drama, mystery, suspense, humor, and a bit of Fili/OC romance though it is still mostly a Kili/Tauriel story. You will simply have to wait and see. Just, hop on the Durin tram and enjoy. Beep Beep. Without further ado ladies and gentlemen, I give you Reforged and Strengthened: ACT I.
Reforged and Strengthened
ACT I:
Chapter One
"All that is gold does not glitter,Not all those who wander are lost;The old that is strong does not wither,Deep roots are not reached by the frost."
― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring
Tauriel sighed when she finally saw the tree line to the forest just before the gates of Ered Luin. It had been a harder journey than she had anticipated, her progressing pregnancy being the main cause for her ongoing discomfort. It was not that she was huge in any way, she thought, looking down at the proof of her son barely visible now through her tunics. It was the constant need to stop because said son was resting on her bladder. Well, that mixed with the aches from being on a horse for hours on end, which she had never before experienced, the constant fatigue plaguing her throughout the day, and her growing list of foods that make her nauseous or sick.
Kili has been nothing but supportive, quickly being able to see whenever she began fidgeting on Galaddal's back that it was either one of three things. Either she needed to stop and…deal with personal matters, she was in pain, or she needed to eat. He also quickly learned that if he guessed incorrectly, he would be on the wrong side of her mood. Fili had already had more than one dagger thrown at him for trying to get her eat, sleep, or take a break when she was not ready.
The young prince watched as Tauriel shifted for the fourth time in ten minutes. Well, he thought, nothing for it. "Amralime, do we need to take a break?"
Bofur in the cart ahead looked behind him at Kili's question, slowing the rams and readying to stop…again. He was really not all that concerned about it, despite Tauriel needing frequent breaks. The small group was making very good time, they were in fact ahead of their previously estimated schedule. So, if Tauriel needed another break, he nor any one of them would fault the expecting eleth…the expecting eleth with very sharp blades she was unafraid to use, that is.
"I am fine Kili. I just want to get to Ered Luin and then I promise I will rest for as long as you would like me to. Can we just please move on? I do not wish to be in this spot. It gives me discomfort."
Kili furrowed his eyebrows and Fili looked around the darkening area. It was only a field, still yellow from the cold winter winds with spots of snow smattered around. They have been lucked with a decent spread of weather. There had been only a few days the group was forced to stay at an Inn due to a small, early spring, snowstorm. However, it was always followed by rain, clearing the snows quickly and allowing them to continue their trek. Cold it may have been their entire journey, but at least it was mostly dry. A sure sign the beginning of spring was among them.
As Tauriel looked around, her mind could not help but go back to the feelings of being watched, mixed with her desperate need to find Kili and Ered Luin as quickly as she could. She looked around seeing the boulder her and Galaddal had stopped at near the stream. She could see where she wandered to find food, and though she knew she was safe now, could not stop the apprehensiveness that overtook her on that day, fill her now as it had two years ago.
So lost in her thoughts, Tauriel failed to see Kili jump off Maryn and approach her. "Budge up love, I am joining you." She looked down to her husband, who seemed even shorter now that she was high up on Galaddal's back.
"Kili…" She warned but he shook his head. "If you won't take a break, and I know you won't get in the cart, then you will just have to settle with your old dwarven stick in the mud riding with you. So, slide back."
Tauriel barely had time to move before Kili hauled himself up just in front of her. He looked back and happily accepted her glare as he took the reins from her hands, forcing her to wrap her arms around him.
What he did not see, was the smile that lit up her features when he turned back around. Fili rolled his eyes from beside them on Kit, those two were nauseating.
"There see? Much more comfy." Tauriel sighed, fully giving in as she leaned forward to rest her weight on Kili, her chin laying on his shoulder as she allowed her spine to relax from the relief of pressure. Kili smiled smugly and the group continued on in the setting sun.
It was still another several hours before they approached the trees. The sky had long darkened and if Fili was going to guess on the time, it was either just nearing, or just past the middle of the night. "Should we stop and finish in the morning? We are just about an hour away, but I do not think embarking through the dark forest would be a good idea." Fili jumped off Kit and went to speak to Gloin and Bombur who had stopped at the front. Tauriel too slid off Galaddal, begging away for a moment and returning just as quickly.
"What did we decide?" Tauriel walked up to the dwarrow still clearly in deep discussion over a plan.
"Well lass," Gloin began, "It looks as if we are three an three. Bofur, myself, and Bombur want teh keep goin'. Kili, Fili, and Bifur think it best we camp fer the night. Looks like yer the decidin' one lass."
Tauriel looked at each one, then back at the forest. It was silent apart from the sound of night creatures calling and stalking through the tall trees. "We really aren't that far, and I can see quite well the path ahead. I do not hear anything unusual either, so I think we should keep going. I will take the lead…"
Kili protested, loudly, causing Tauriel to groan. "I will take the lead WITH Kili," she corrected, "and help guide you through the dark path."
Fili did not really like the plan. These forests were lurking with not just wild animals, but orc parties were also known to lay camp in their depths on occasion. Although, he really did want to sleep in a bed and possibly wake up to his mam's amazing cooking. "Alright. Fine. However, any sign of trouble, we turn around and camp. Understood?"
Tauriel rolled her eyes "Yes Thorin."
"See? Cheek." Kili laughed as Fili threw his hands in the air and stalked back to Kit. Tauriel climbed onto Galaddal while Kili jumped into Maryn's saddle; the two pulling ahead of the carts with Fili in the rear as they entered the dark forest.
Tauriel guided them through, all quietly listening for any warnings she called, but the hour went by without any issues. She could hear the quiet exclaims of excitement when they made it to the closed gate of Ered Luin.
"Alright. Stop righ' there you. Who goes there? These are private lands. We 'ave nothin teh give. But if it is shelter yeh need, state yer name and homeland or clan an' we can see what we can 'elp with."
Tauriel grinned at the familiar gruff voice. It would be Aeodhen running the evening gate. "You know, I much prefer this welcome over the one I received our first encounter. Much more pleasant. You have gone soft in our time away Aeodhen."
"Tauriel!? Lass, is tha' you?" She could see the bearded dwarrow leaning over the top of the heavy gate trying to get a look at the group below, squinting through the darkness.
"Aye, and we are both starvin' and tired Aeodhen. Can yeh open the gate now?" Hearing Gloin's voice Aeodhen called the guards to open the gate as he disappeared from the top to meet them at the ground level.
The massive gate gave a groan as it scraped open enough to get the carts through. All the guards crowding on the grounds ahead to get a look at the returning company. "Welcome home! How faired yer journey?"
"Very well Aeodhen." Kili slid his leg over Maryn and dropped to the ground immediately going to help Tauriel from Galaddal. She was stiff and for once, accepted the assistance. They passed the reins to another guard as did Bofur and Gloin, who handed the rams off to be detached from the carts.
Fili clasped the head guard on the shoulder. "We did it Aeodhen. The mountain, Erebor, is ours. We are here to spread the news. But, the details will have to wait for another, more appropriate time."
Aeodhen gaped at the group. "There were rumors tha's what yeh were up to, but it was quite on the low. Me 'eart is happy you all made it. Tell me, is Balin and our king, did they make it as well?"
"Both old and grumpy as ever. Thorin awaits a reply on our arrival here. We will send it by morning. At the moment, all I want is a warm, soft, bed." Aeodhen chuckled at Fili. Been nearly a year and he has not changed.
"Alright, off with yeh. Dis will be tickled to see yeh home and well. She has been a wreck this last year. Strong as a ram that one, but all who know 'er can tell the toll it 'as taken'." They had several pats on the back and promises for a celebration toast on the morrow, as they made their way out of the courtyard and into the warm halls of Ered Luin.
Tauriel closed her eyes and let the smells of home engulf her. She knew she would have to learn to love Erebor in the same manner, which will be much easier with Dis there, but something in her knew Erid Luin will always hold a special place in her heart.
The eleth hoped her friends would be there too, Leotti and Shaada. It had not bothered her until now that they may stay, and not go to Erebor. Leotti will have to choose between her shop here and starting fresh in a new mountain, and Shaada with her family? Will Aeodhen even want to leave here? She felt selfish, wanting them all to come.
With barely a goodnight, the group broke off and parted ways; Bofur, Bifur, Bombur, and Gloin going to a lower level and Kili, Fili, and Tauriel taking the stairs up to the family chambers. It was difficult to believe what they had all just endured over the last year, as their walk to their family chamber felt like any other night in Ered Luin.
The three stopped as they reached the door, Kili turning to his wife as he peered between the family chamber, and their own. "Amralime, do you want to sleep in our room tonight?"
Tauriel followed his eyes, glancing at the two doors; one leading to her room gifted to them on their wedding night, and the other to where her family resided. She shook her head. "We will sleep in the room we shared with Fili tonight, and then tomorrow, we can go to our own. I want to surprise Dis." Kili agreed, and the trio quietly opened the door to the family chamber.
The sitting room was quiet and devoid of life, which was unsurprising, as it was closer to morning then evening by now. Dis would be rising to begin her day in only four or five hours.
Tauriel was the first to make a move further into the chamber. "I do need to use the washroom. Now!" Kili did not stop her as she sped past both princes, going straight to the toilet.
Kili sighed, looking around as he quietly walked down the hall to his childhood room. "Feels weird. Being home."
Fili nodded at his brother as the two passed Dis's room and kept going until they slowly opened the door to the bedroom that had been theirs their entire life. Kili felt Tauriel come up behind him, placing her hand on each of their shoulders and whispering, "We did it, didn't we?"
None answered the rhetorical question, but all three entered the room and closed the door behind them. Kili found the old lamp still in its place on the middle table and was able to get it lit, filling the room with light.
Nothing had changed, as everything was exactly as it was the day they left; down to the boots and vest Fili had haphazardly thrown on the floor in his haste to leave that final morning. Dis had left this room perfectly entombed, freezing it in time.
Fili glanced around once, then fell hard onto the bed without even removing his boots. The action had Tauriel lifting her eyes to the ceiling then smiling fondly at her brother. She quietly walked over to remove his shoes, before putting one of the extra quilts on the end of the bed overtop the already fast asleep dwarrow.
Kili too was already burrowing into the covers, though he did remove his boots, jackets, and belt. He watched as Tauriel removed her own layers and crawled across him to the other side of the mattress, snuggling into his dwarven heat.
Kissing his wife's head, Kili hummed as he splayed his hand over her belly. He had yet to feel what she had; the bubbling movements of the life held inside she so often spoke of. He could not wait for the day when he could feel it for himself. Kili turned out the lamp, closed his eyes, and fell hard to sleep.
"Tauriel. Amralime." Tauriel was having a very pleasant dream. She was lying in a meadow with Kili's head in her lap as the two discussed baby names. She could still feel the warmth of the sun on her cheeks as she tried to follow the tendril of sleep back into her meadow haven. "Tauriel. Time to wake up love. You do want to see mam, right?"
At first Tauriel batted Kili away. Can he not see the mother of his child needs sleep? Then what he said broke through the fog, and her emerald eyes flew open to stare right into Kili's warm brown orbs.
"Good morning, my greatest love." Tauriel smiled and allowed Kili to lean in for a quick kiss as she moved to stand. Their plan was to follow what their morning routine had once been, Kili would be in the kitchen before Dis, sitting at the table as he usually always was. Tauriel would join him as soon as she heard Dis in the kitchen, and Fili would amble in last…as was typical of Fili.
Speaking of Fili, the lump in the opposite bed was still lost in the land of dreams. Tauriel sighed and pointed to the blonde prince. "I don't fancy a blade coming towards me, or our child. You wake the beast. I will try and sneak into the washroom before Dis rises."
Tauriel moved towards the door leaving Kili with the responsibility of trying to not get stabbed while waking Fili. She peaked out into the quiet, still, dark, hall and made for the washroom door. As an elf, her light and nimble steps meant she could easily get around undetected.
It was only a few minutes later she was walking back into the room only to see Fili holding Kili, his arm clasped around the younger dwarf's neck. "How many times have I told you never to wake me like that again!" It must have been a tight hold because Kili's cheeks were glowing red and he was trying to remove Fili's arm, and failing miserably.
Sighing, Tauriel stepped in. "Let him go Fili, or you will have me to deal with…and believe me, pregnancy has done little favors with my moods lately."
Wide eyed, Fili released a gasping Kili before falling back grumpily onto the bed. "Fili, you can go back to sleep after we greet Dis. I know I plan on it." She turned to Kili. "Are you ready?" Kili nodded. stood, kicked his brother's leg…hard, and flew out of the room before Fili could even rise to retaliate.
Tauriel put her hands on her hips and glared at Fili. "You two! Seriously? Sometimes I wonder how old you both actually are." The blond shrugged, so she let it go, and plopped down onto her and Kili's bed to begin sifting through the drawer beside her.
There were still things of both hers and Kili's that never made it across the hall to their other room. Might as well begin gathering it all up to take with them, since she is awake. She looked up at Fili who had his head back on his pillow. "Do not even think about going back to bed Fili, we have things to do first."
Fili groaned and sat back up. Choosing to follow Tauriel's lead, he started to go through what he wanted to keep, and what he wanted to leave behind or give to others.
Dis began her day, as she always began her day. With her family being gone, she decided that keeping her normal routines helped stave off the fear, sadness, and deep loneliness that was constantly biting at her heart. She had no way of knowing if any of them were still alive, or if she had lost them all once again.
The more time that has passed since the day they had left her, however, the less hope she had of them returning. Surely, over a year after leaving, she would at least received word by now that they were alive. Does that mean they did not make it?
Dis adjusted her dress and furs before entering into the cold, dark, and overly quiet chambers. If she listened hard enough, she could just hear Tauriel yelling at Fili in the room down the hall. Sounds such as these had become frighteningly common, as did the waking dreams of her family still being home.
Sometimes it was Fili and Kili breaking things in their bedroom, Tauriel and Kili's hushed voices in front of the fire, or Thorin instructing Tauriel or the boys in Khuzdul in the sitting room. She may even walk into the kitchen with one, two, or all of her family sitting at the table waiting for her.
As it was, her mind decided it was her baby she needed to see this morning. Kili, with that disarmingly wide grin of his, greeted her with a customary, "Mornin' mam. Can you make those sweet buns today? I have been wanting them for what seems like forever."
Dis sighed, her precious Kili. She could never deny her youngest anything. Even when she was supposed to be angry with him, she always felt herself giving into that beaming smile and those big brown eyes. "Of course, dear." She heard herself saying and decided, if her mental health needed sweet buns, then she would make sweet buns.
"Good morning, Dis." The dam gave a nod to Tauriel when the red-head entered the kitchen just as she was pulling the sweet buns from the cooker.
The elf went straight to the cabinet to grab a bowl for the buns, along with several plates to set the table and a few platters for the food.
Dis stirred some eggs and potatoes on the burner, her brows as she looked between Kili and Tauriel, both of which kept staring at her with bright smiles.
Looking away, the dam shook her head quickly. "Shaada is right, I really need to think about my mental health." Dis sighed to herself as she added more food than necessary to the frying pan. It would be another day she would have a copious amount of leftovers.
How many times has she cooked for five when only one was actually living here? Looking at the visions of her children, she sighed sadly and went back to work cooking. They will fade away eventually, so she will take whatever hallucinations she can get, even if she wastes all her food…again. Was this the madness her grandfather succumbed to? If it is, she would embrace it.
Tauriel helped gather the rest of breakfast, adding a jug of milk to the table. She was looking worriedly over at Kili. Dis had not fared as well as she thought, as it seems as if the elder dwarrowdam did not actually believe they were there.
Catching onto Tauriel's worries, which mirrored his own, Kili gave his mother a concerned look. "Mam, are you well?"
Dis hummed a yes to Kili as she placed the plate of sticky buns on the table. Kili watched her as she went, returning Tauriel's worried expression. "I wonder what you three are really up to." Tauriel heard her saying from the kitchen, as a lump filled her throat. Oh, poor Dis.
Hoping to see more of her family, Dis kept watching the door in muted anticipation. The next to enter should be Fili or Thorin. Though her brother was usually already at the table with Kili. That was different. She thought nothing of it when Fili entered the room.
"Sweet buns?! Oh mam, you do love us." He instantly beelined for the roll; not even sitting at the table, or going to his mother, before stuffing one into his mouth. With a roll of her eyes, Tauriel silently mouthed "manners" to him.
Dis smiled at the display and went back to the stove to plate the eggs; Tauriel coming behind her to get some butter and some utensils. As she stepped up beside her, Dis looked over to the smiling eleth, handing her the serving spoon she was gesturing to before watching her head back to the table.
Dis could not stop her eyes from falling on Tauriel's small belly, her eyebrows lowering as she took in the prominent curve. Her mind has never created a pregnant Tauriel before, and the usually very thin eleth could be nothing else. She tried swatting away the possibility that this was not a dream or a vision, that her children were really, truly, back, in their home, just feet from her. But she just could not accept it, not after all this time.
With a step towards his mother, Fili reached out to her. But Dis stepped back immediately, as if she was afraid to let them get too close. "Mam? Are you sure you are alright?"
Dis's grip on reality snapped back into place as she looked at each one of the three visions in the kitchen. Both Kili and Fili's hair seemed longer, though Kili maintained the shortened length over his forehead and around his face, all of which was a mess as it always was. She could also just make out a scar on his forehead that had not been there when he left.
Tauriel looked mostly the same as she always had, save for the obvious signs of pregnancy, and the dark circles under her eyes. She also was a bit pale, which could also be attributed to pregnancy. This was not the flawless elf her mind typically brought up.
Finally, her eyes turned to her eldest son. Fili seemed to stand a little taller, his beard slightly thicker, and he was favoring his right side ever so slightly as he took another step towards her. Oh Mahal, was it true?
The plate of eggs she was holding fell fast to the floor as Dis threw her hands up to her mouth, smothering a sob. She slid down the cabinets to the floor as tears fell from her eyes. She wanted nothing more than to run to them, to take them in her arms, and never let them go. But, she was afraid this was still all in her mind, that touching them would cause them to instantly fade from her world, leaving her alone in a quiet kitchen with only her thoughts.
Three sets of arms enveloped her, however, nearly the moment she hit the ground. "My children. Oh, my precious ones." She cried as she secured her arms around as much of her three darlings as she could gather.
Each one, Fili, Kili, and Tauriel had tears streaming down their own cheeks as they surrounded themselves with their mother. "Mam, we promised we would come back, and here we are. You will never have to be alone again." Dis kissed Fili's blonde head. Her sweet Fili.
"We missed you, deeply." Tauriel whispered through her tears.
Kili pulled back enough to slide his hand into his pocket to retrieve the small round runestone, then placed it in her own hand. "Never a day went by we did not think of you, mam. We gave you our word to return that runestone together, so here we are."
Dis looked at the stone and handed it back to Kili. "Keep it, and remember to always come back to me." She then held them close once more, rocking them all together, before a rumbling filled the kitchen.
Fili laughed, hard and Kili chuckled as Tauriel went bright red. "Forgive me. I have missed your cooking and, it appears Kili's child has a craving for the sweet buns Kili loves so much."
"Tauriel. You cannot keep blaming the baby for your own cravings. Especially when this would be the first time you have had them while pregnant." Fili deadpanned, causing Tauriel to glare at him as she stood up, with help from Kili.
Dis rose to her feet last, Fili bending to help her as she looked at Tauriel. "Is it true?! Are you really with child?"
Tauriel nodded as Kili beamed. "Aye mam. Another son of Durin on his way."
Before she could move away, Tauriel found herself enfolded once again in Dis's arms. At least she was much gentler than Dain who nearly cracked one of her ribs with his hug.
Dis pulled back, a fresh wave of tears falling down her cheeks as she began bouncing on her toes, barely containing her excitement as she hugged Tauriel again. "What a gift after so much hardship. I am going to be a gran! Wait until I tell Taada!" Tauriel laughed as her mother eventually released her and they all walked back to the table. Although, Dis immediately went back to the stove and made a fresh batch of eggs before joining the group once again.
"Is Thorin…is he alright? Did he make it?"
Dishing herself up, Tauriel nodded her head at Dis. "Thorin is well and sends his love. He gave me a letter to give to you Dis and a list of several things he would like brought back. I also have lists from Oin and Balin who both decided to stay at Erebor to help continue preparing the mountain."
Tauriel had no need for Fili's assistance in loading her plate. In fact, the blonde prince was trying NOT to give any indication that what she was doing highly amused him. Instead, he just watched with a twinkle in his eyes as Tauriel nearly took more food than Fili and Kili put together, and was already well into her fifth sweet bun. Catching his eye, Tauriel narrowed her own dangerously. A look clearly promising pain if he spoke.
"Erebor." Dis said with awe. She dared not have hoped their quest had been successful. But now that it was, she was not sure she wanted to hear the details. However, she also could not stop herself from asking. "How did you do it? What happened?"
Tauriel instantly stopped eating, Kili's fork froze in mid-air, and Fili looked everywhere but Dis.
"It was a difficult journey mam, and one I am unsure you truly want to hear the details of." Dis staired into the eyes of her youngest. She could not miss the ghosts that flashed across his normally warm, brown, orbs, before he blinked them away and looked back down at his plate.
Dis watched as Tauriel placed her hand over Kili's, which lay on the table beside her, and gave it a squeeze. She could not allow them to keep this from her, regardless of how painful it could be to hear.
They were home, and alive, so there could not be a single detail they could tell her that would overshadow that. "I want to know. I want to know everything you went through. I was not able to join and share in your trials, your pains, and your victories. But allow me to share in your burdens my children."
A few moments of silence filled the room, then Tauriel begun their tale. "In a hole in the ground, there lived a hobbit." Fili and Kili smiled widely at the thought of their friend Bilbo, whom they parted with near Bree with promises of seeing each other again as soon as they were able. Gandalf had left them even earlier, feeling his services were no longer needed since they were all so close to home.
Dis listened intently as they weaved a tapestry of their journey. Their meeting the small hobbit, battling trolls, running from orcs, the two weeks in Rivendell as well as meeting its lord, Elrond.
The dam nearly lost it when she found out Tauriel almost died, and realized the haunting look in Kili's eyes must be the residual pain from those weeks he thought Tauriel had been lost to him.
With a bit of quick explaining, Dis learned that Tauriel had been saved by an elf who was in fact her mother's father, though neither knew that until a bit later. She reached across the table and grabbed for Tauriel's hand, giving her a warm smile. Dis loved her, truly and deeply. But, it was good that she found a living member of her family; another elf she can go to who had her best interests in mind. She could not wait to meet this, Naurfaer.
However, as the story continued, the dwarrowdam was not happy that they had been imprisoned in Mirkwood, and she was borderline furious that Kili got shot and nearly killed himself; had it not been for Tauriel, who swooped in to save his life…only for all of them to be put in danger once again by that dragon.
Then, Dis growled when she finally heard the details of the battle, rising from her seat and cursing Thorin. She was going to KILL that idiotic brother of hers, king or not, when she gets her hands on him. It took Fili, Kili, and Tauriel nearly an hour to get her to calm down and pull her back to her seat.
"Is that it then? The battle is won, and the mountain is ours?" All three nodded. "And what of the Arkenstone and the madness? Is Thorin alright? He has not been acting…off?"
Fili shook his head quickly. "Uncle is fine mam. His usual stoic self." Looking around, as if he was afraid someone might be listening, Fili continued in a hushed tone. "What Thorin went through is his story to tell mam, but I think you must know the Arkenstone was destroyed."
Wordlessly, their mother rose from her place at the table and grabbed a few plates and took them to the kitchen; Fili, Kili, and Tauriel cautiously watching her with their eyes.
Dis placed the dishes down and leaned with both hands bracing the counter on either side. "Good." She finally said and turned around to lean back against it. She folded her arms and looked at her surprised children. "I am glad that thing is gone. I knew something was off about that stone. It was the source, wasn't it? Of the madness?"
Tauriel lowered her brows and nodded. "It was. How did you know? Naurfaer was the one who figured it out and told us only after he destroyed it himself."
Dis sighed and stepped from the counter to make her way back to the table. "I was young when Smaug came to Erebor; very, very, young. A dwarfling of barely ten years old, still a babe really. So, there are very few memories I hold of that mountain. One for certain is of the change in my grandfather when the madness took a hold on him. My earliest memory of Thror was when he taught me how to choose the perfect gem. We had spent hours looking at pretty stones in one of the few treasure rooms."
Fili and Kili smiled as they watched their mother fondly recall memories of a dwarrow they knew nothing of, apart from stories marred by his sickness. Tauriel too was leaning forward, entranced by Dis's stories of her youth.
"At that time, I was about five years old, so all of the stones looked perfect to me, and I told him as such. He had laughed joyously, then called me his little jewel, saying I was perfect to him."
Needing to be doing something, Dis turned back to the kitchen, a bowl she had grabbed from the table clutched in her hands. "Then the Arkenstone was found what felt like only days later. I remember its glow, but something about it felt off. It frightened me and I hated being near it. Thorin used to say I should not be afraid of a gem, that I had nothing to worry about as long as he was nearby. Even then he doted on me and looked out for me."
The dwarrow princess sat the bowl on the counter, turning her back to the silent trio. "As dwarrows, especially children descended from the great Durin himself, we are taught to confront our fears, as you boys know. I used to have nightmares of that glowing gem nearly every night after it was found, so I did as any son or daughter of Durin would do, I met my fear head on. I snuck into the throne room, stepped up onto Thror's mighty throne, and took the stone into my hands. I had no desire to take it anywhere or keep it, I simply wanted to hold it."
Kili, Fili, and Tauriel listened from the table, captivated. "My grandfather, however, saw differently. He found me with the stone only moments after I released it from its place. At first, I thought he would simply chastise me and put the gem back where I had taken it from. But I was wrong. Thror was furious. It was the first time I have ever had a hand raised against me. My cries had Thorin surging into the room and stepping between Thror and me before he could raise his hand once again. Thorin scooped me up and stole me from the throne hall. My last vision was my grandfather whom I once loved, cradling that stone in his hands. From that moment on, I was afraid of the man who once called me his perfect jewel and I rarely spoke or was allowed near him alone again. Thorin and Frerin always kept me away. Mother and father believed none of us."
Dis could still recall a perfect image of her grandfather's ire on that day, and the look of horror Thorin had when he discovered them. "I think that was the day Thorin realized something was wrong. Our grandfather was gone, and in his place was this dwarf who no longer coveted his family, only gems, gold, and that Arkenstone. So, I cannot thank Mahal enough for that curse to be gone from this world." She turned around and looked thoughtfully at the three at the table. "Did Naurfaer, was he able to tell you what it was?"
Tauriel nodded. Though they had not been in the room, Thorin and Naurfaer eventually filled them in completely of what had happened. "The stone was planted in the mountain already cursed. Naurfaer will have to be the one to fully explain it should you want to know. We no nothing yet on who had done it, but he said he may be able to look into finding out. He also had a replica of the stone itself, in a manner."
Dis looked confused. "Is that not asking for more trouble? Will it not taint the halls as well?"
Shaking her head no, Tauriel smiled at Dis soothingly. "As Naurfaer says it, it is only the Arkenstone in looks. He used some old elven ability to give the stone its customary glow. Otherwise, he said it is just a pretty gem."
"A gem that will pass as the Arkenstone, so we will have little problems with getting the seven kingdoms to unite under its symbol." Fili added in, leaning back in his chair with his arms folded.
Giving each of them a contemplating look, Dis stepped back towards her own perfect jewels. "I am still going to wring my brothers' neck, but, my heart is filled with the knowledge you are home and safe." Tauriel stood and wrapped her arms around Dis once more, taking comfort in the only mother she had ever really known.
One day she will ask Naurfaer about her own mother and father, and of course, further on, she will actually have the chance to meet Ithildin once more and get the know her herself. But, for now, she was happy being surrounded by her amad.
Dis released Tauriel and pulled back to take her in. "Now. Let me look at you my daughter. I want to see that belly."
Tauriel laughed but stood back. "It is not large Dis, but it is growing. I am starting to feel as big as a troll."
Kili snorted. "Amralime, you are hardly as big as a troll." He stood from the table to step beside Tauriel and placed one hand on her stomach as he lifted the other to her cheek, grazing it softly as his eyes bore into her own. "You are beautiful my star. Never think I would ever consider you otherwise."
"Even when I am twice this size?"
"Even if you were five times this size. Even when your hair is sticking at all ends and you have drool coming from your mouth in the mornings. Even when your hair starts to grey and your eyes crease from years of laughter. Even when you are stooping beside me as we fill our arms with our great granddwarflings. Even when you take your last breath and I take mine before coming back together in the halls of Mandos to live on side by side. Never, ever, will there come a day when I do not consider you the most beautiful creature to have ever existed, my beautiful wife." He brushed a tear that had fallen from Tauriel's eyes and reached up to press the gentlest of kisses on her lips before pulling back.
Dis smiled at the scene, she has never in all her years been happier than she was in this moment. "Have you been able to feel it move?"
Tauriel nodded, but Kili shook his head. A frustrated groan rumbling from his chest.
"I have!" Kili sighed and glared at Fili. Fili swears up and down that he has felt the baby move but Tauriel insists that was impossible. She has only recently been able to feel her son herself. Though, she would not so much constitute what she felt as movements, it was more like little bubbles from deep inside her. Impossible for others to feel, but she knows it was only a matter of days before the strong son of Durin within her will share its presence with those around.
More than anything, Tauriel wants Kili to be the first to feel his child, especially since he was not the first to find out…beside herself. Fili, however, seemed to enjoy the disappointed look Kili gives him each time he rubs in the fact he not only got to be the first to know she was pregnant, but the first to feel the baby…despite her telling him otherwise constantly.
Dis placed her hand beside Kili on the rounded mound of Tauriel's growing belly, and smiled warmly. "I am overjoyed, I do not even know what to do with myself today. I am afraid this is all a dream, and I will awake to a silent home once again." She rubbed her hand on the small, extended, surface.
Tauriel smiled as both Kili and Dis kept their hands in place, as if hoping they would feel the signs of life themselves. Even though she did not want to disappoint them, Tauriel still felt the need to warn them. "He is asleep, so I am afraid you will feel nothing. Even if today were the day, now would not be the time."
Dis looked taken aback. "He? You know that for certain?"
Tauriel nodded and smiled. "I am connected to him in many ways. He cannot speak or think anything, but his spirit is there and he sends out..." She thought for a moment. It really was difficult to explain. "It is temperatures in a way, I think. Warmth is happiness and chills, when he is unhappy. He seems to love it most when Kili is nearby. It is when he is happiest. Especially when he hears him singing or speaking." Her dwarrow beamed and leaned down to place a kiss on where his little one slept.
"A grandson." Dis was to the great moon with happiness.
"Aye, but we think it best to not share that information with others, for his protection." Kili looked up seriously at Dis. He trusted his mother, explicitly, but he wanted her to know they did not want the fact they were having a boy to be common knowledge.
"I fully understand your hesitation to do so. I would have cautioned the same. He is the next in line for the throne, should Fili not have any boys. His safety, and yours daughter, is a priority." Tauriel lowered her head to the floor. She was still not quite comfortable with her royal role and knew changes were coming the moment they stepped back into Erebor's mighty halls. She hopes she can live up to them.
"Have you considered the birth yet? You will need a birthing nurse. Sooner rather than later too." Tauriel whipped her head to level Dis with a startled look. "Birthing nurse?" She truthfully had not considered this yet.
"What is the matter with old Oin?" Fili added in, still sitting at the table. "He has brought both Kili and I into this world."
"But Tauriel is an elf, despite how much we see her as one of us. Their child is also part elf. It would do to have either an elven nurse on hand or a dwarrow who has some knowledge on elven anatomy and births." She looked at Tauriel thoughtfully. "With both your permissions, I will look into it once we return to Erebor."
Kili's expression was hesitant. He would be putting his child's and his wife's safety into the hands of someone he may not know, but he did trust his mother. "I will leave that decision to Tauriel. If that is what she wants, I will not argue IF, you still allow Oin a hand in it as well. I am…uncomfortable with having another unfamiliar set of hands in our lives."
Tauriel placed a kiss on Kili's forehead, he was so protective and always looking out for her. "I agree with Kili. I will be happy to allow you to look into this, but I do not mind having Oin as a secondary to speak with. If he did in fact deliver Kili and Fili, then I am sure he will be a great source of information. I would suggest my friend and mentor Ivethin, but she is one of the lead healers in Mirkwood. I feel she is unavailable for the task."
Dis nodded and gave her a smile. "I will look into it dear. Don't either of you worry." Tauriel could not help but feel the slightest bit of discomfort, but she brushed it away. Dis would never allow for anything or anyone to harm her, or her family, so she tried to let it go.
Fili, however, sat back and watched them carefully. He would make sure to look into whomever they chose. His own heir may be at stake, and more than that, his nephew. He let his chair fall to the ground with a thud and stood, stretching his sore, still healing, muscles.
"We really have a lot to do. First though, we need to send a raven to uncle. He was as against us leaving to come to Ered Luin as you were, mam, to let us go with Thorin to begin with."
"Fili is quite right, he has become most undesiring of us leaving the mountain." Tauriel sighed. Having more than once been stopped by the dwarrow king when she attempted to take Galaddal out. Thorin instead would steer her away from the stables and give her a task inside the mountain claiming he, 'needed her help'. Instead of a nice ride out across the valley, she found herself writing long notes for seemingly endless meetings. Though, they did often go for walks in the mountain together as well, so it was not all bad.
Dis however could not stop the chuckle. "Is that not a double standard?"
"I think he just has not gotten over nearly losing us, again." Tauriel claimed. Dis nodded understandingly. She quite understood that.
"Dis, let me get that note from Thorin. I believe it has instructions for what is to come." With a nod from the dam, Tauriel stepped out of the kitchen and swiftly went to her messenger bag in her room. She shifted through her things, and pulled out the folded envelope with Thorin's seal still keeping it closed.
Stepping back into the kitchen, Tauriel passed the note to a silent Dis; who took a moment to just look the envelope over before finally breaking the seal.
They all watched as Dis took several minutes to read through the long letter. Tears were streaming down her cheeks as she read the words from her brother. Words of love, apology, and promises to never again do something so stupid or reckless…. though she can't exactly hold him to that promise, he is a son of Durin after all; reckless runs in their blood. But still, she felt in her very being that Thorin would never again risk her being left on middle earth, alone.
There were also instructions from Thorin to her. Information of who he thought should be left in charge of Ered Luin, about telling their people, and how he wants all of them to know they are invited to come to Erebor at any time. Though, he made it explicitly clear the first of the caravans was to happen on the families journey back to the lonely mountain.
Folding up the letter and placing it in her pocket, Dis wiped her tears away and nodded. "Alright, a raven to Thorin first. We will also need to send word to all. We will have a great meeting tonight to announce our victory and your homecoming. By the end of the week, we should be able to lead the first caravan back to Erebor. All who will be ready and wish to come are welcome."
A knock sounded at the door stopping Dis from saying anything further. "Dis it is fine. I will get it, go ahead and keep going, I will be right back."
Tauriel left the kitchen before anyone could stop her and crossed the sitting room as a second, louder, knock drummed through the room. She pulled the door open to greet whoever was outside and felt a wide grin stretch from cheek to cheek.
Hands full of clothes, Tauriel could not make out the face, but those braids and that blonde color could only belong to her dearest friend, Leotti. "Dis, good morning! I hope you do not mind me bringing a few projects to work on as we chat. Taada seemed to have given me ALL of her children's clothes to mend in one sitting, and my mother is refusing to help."
Tauriel stepped aside instinctively. "I may not be Dis, but I certainly would not mind the mending, as long as you do not mind me intruding on your time with Dis."
There was a moment of silence, then the pile of clothes fell straight to the floor and Leotti's bright olive-green eyes met Tauriel's emerald orbs and then, the shrieking began.
Kili ran into the room the moment he heard the first high-pitch scream. He stopped in his tracks to see Tauriel bent nearly at the waste engulfed in the arms of a practically vibrating Leotti…who was talking so fast, no one could make sense of a single word she was speaking.
From where he stood, Tauriel seemed fine. She was in fact laughing at her friend, but held her equally as tight; despite the difference in height which was a bit more substantial than himself or his brother. Leotti was on the more average side of height in the dwarven community, coming up to just under Tauriel's chin.
Still, both friends seemed so content, Kili could not find it in himself to say anything. If Tauriel was uncomfortable, she did not show it, so he let them be and leaned against the kitchen doorframe.
Fili too peaked around to see what the ruckus was all about, but the moment he realized who it was, the blonde prince made a beeline back into the kitchen.
For the longest time, Kili actually thought one or the other had something akin to a crush on the other, Leotti and Fili. But that was well squashed when instead of a "love/hate" relationship it was definitely more "tolerate/hate", and only just on both ends.
Kili hoped his brother would find someone though. He wanted for him the joy and happiness he himself felt whenever he thought on his one, whenever she was near, and whenever he felt the evidence of their love as he placed his hand on her growing stomach.
Shaking his head from his thoughts, Kili stepped into the sitting room when the two ladies finally pulled away from the other.
"I cannot believe you are actually here! AND what is this!" The blonde indicated to Tauriel's stomach, and his elf actually giggled. Sure, she did that around him once in a while, but rarely in front of others. He loved that Tauriel had such a friend that she felt comfortable enough with, to open herself up to such a liberty.
"Ah, the lovely Leotti. I am happy to see you have come by."
Leotti looked around Tauriel to see Kili walking towards them, her curls bouncing in her excitement. "KILI! As I am happy to see you alive and well." She quieted her voice and whisper yelled "Did Fili, by chance, happen to fall off a cliff…or sacrifice himself to a dragon?"
"NO YOU OLD SHREW. I SURVIVED TOO!"
Leotti looked towards the kitchen and rolled her eyes, throwing her hands on her hips. "OLD?! I AM YOUNGER THAN YOU! YOU TROLL FACE!"
Fili, it seemed, was not finished. "OHHH, TROLL FACE. THAT STUNG, YOU…."
There was a scuffle in the kitchen which had Fili yelling out. "Ouch! Mam that hurt!"
It was followed by Dis's voice berating Fili, loudly. "Do not talk to girls like that Fili! I thought I taught you better."
Kili was laughing, Leotti smirked with amusement, and Tauriel rolled her eyes. At least some things never change.
"That is not a girl, that is a…"
"Finish that sentence Fili and I will whop you again, I do not care how old you are. Go apologize."
"But mam!"
"Now."
Kili had to sit down to keep his knees from buckling from laughing so hard. Tauriel kicked him in the shins, but he ignored her as both watched a reluctant Fili leave the kitchen and walk up to Leotti.
"Right. I apologize you are a.."
"FILI!"
"I was going to say something nice mam!"
Dis stepped into the sitting room and glared at her eldest son. She never understood this animosity these two held for each other. Fili was usually known as one of the sweetest of the young dwarrows. Jokester absolutely, but rarely did he ever speak ill of another, especially to their faces.
Leotti, however, seemed to get all the mirth he had. If he kept speaking to dwarrowdam's like that, she will never get him married. She looked at Kili and Tauriel, Tauriel trying and failing to get her husband to stop laughing. At least she had one married off, and a grandchild on the way. That will have to account for something for now.
"I apologize, Leotti." Dis rolled her eyes and crossed her arms as Fili gave the blonde dam a small bow then turned on his toes to disappear down the hallway.
Sighing, Dis looked to the smaller dam. "You will have to forgive my son, Leotti. I would say he left his manners on the road, but he never seems to have them whenever you are around. Think nothing of it dear."
Leotti waived it off and smiled. "No worries, lady Dis. I am unharmed in all senses. He must up his game if he thinks he can harm me with his words."
Dis looked about to protest, but seeing this, Leotti quickly added, "I truly do not mind it. Fili is a good person and has a good heart. It is just how our friendship works and I am quite fine with it." She picked up the pile of clothes she dropped and flipped back to them, narrowing her eyes and ordering out, "Never tell him I said that."
Tauriel joined Kili in another round of laughter as Dis rolled her eyes. The two of them, will be the end of her.
Leotti placed her pile on a chair and the four of them spent the better part of two hours chatting about their adventures both to Erebor, and Leotti's time with Dis in Ered Luin.
"I cannot wait to see it." Leotti smiled wistfully. "I have heard so many stories of its halls and marketplaces. Is it as amazing as they said?"
"It is quite extraordinary. Even as damaged as it is. The main marketplace is truly a sight to behold." Before she continued, Tauriel looked at Leotti and leaned forward, afraid to ask despite her friends mention of eventually seeing it. "Leotti, are you going to come? To Erebor that is?"
The blonde dam tilted her head to the side and looked at her elven friend. "Of course. You don't think I would allow you to be the only one in this friendship to have an adventure do you? The truth is, the more I think on it, the more I want to open my own shop. Mam has no intention of me taking over any time soon and to be truthful, I have my own ideas on how to run things and she won't listen to a word of it. I think it is time for me to try on my own. She will not like it, and she is welcome to come with, but I will be coming to Erebor, and I would very much like to join you at the end of the week. The longer I wait, the worse it will be for my mam if she decides to stay."
Tauriel was excited. Excited to have her dearest friend in Ered Luin coming to Erebor. With Leotti and Dis, it will just feel much more complete. She will have to wait to see if Shaada and Aeodhen decide to bring their family, she supposes she will find out no later than tomorrow. At tonight's celebration, Dis plans on getting the names of all those who wish to come on the caravan leaving at the end of the week, so they knew exactly who to expect and could send Thorin an approximate number to prepare rooms and chambers for.
With much to do, Leotti gave Tauriel one final hug and all but ran from the room. She planned on speaking to her mother first then begin preparing her things for the long trip to the lonely mountain.
Tauriel held back a yawn as she sat back on the chair. "Amralime. You should get some rest. You really only had a few hours of sleep."
Dis nodded in agreement. "Why don't you both go to your room and take a few hours. It is not yet mid-day. I will see to getting the meeting going tonight."
Too tired to argue, Tauriel felt herself being pulled to her feet by her very own prince. "Come away with me my love." Kili sung to her. His deep voice acting like a spell of which she had no desire to fight. He pulled her out of the family chambers and opened the door to their own.
Just like their shared room with Fili, their personal chambers looked as if it had not been used or touched. All of their remaining belongings were exactly where they had been on the day they left, with only a smattering of dust on the surfaces and some cobwebs forming in corners acting as a passage of time.
Tauriel felt Kili's arms slip around her as he leaned himself up just the half inch or so to place his head on her shoulder. "It feels like it was only yesterday we were stepping in this room for the first time." She could not disagree.
They had been officially married for a year two weeks ago, celebrating as best they could on the road. Tauriel turned in his arms and leaned in to place her lips softly onto his, Kili pulling her as close as their child would allow him to, and delighting in the time they finally had alone.
Tauriel parted her lips as Kili deepened the kiss, before she pulled back just enough to rest their foreheads together. "As tired as I am, I am much more in need of the bathing tub. Do you think you can help me reach? I think my flexibility now has limitations."
Kili chuckled, his warm breath brushing the hairs in front of her ears near her braids. "It would be my greatest pleasure." He pulled back and let out a groan when his cheeky wife walked away, turning her head to say, "I promise you, it will be."
Original Authors Note at the end: Well, what did you think? I do love a heartwarming return. Stay tuned another chapter will be up soon.