Reforged and Strengthened

by jezzibee83

A sequel to Reforged. Reforged and Strengthened follows the Reforged Universe and the lives of our favorite Sons of Durin and their elf, Tauriel. Watch as they fill their lives with adventure, love, and family in a world they earned through hardship and battle. Read Reforged first.

54. ACT IV Chapter SEVENTEEN

Authors Note: I'M BBAACCCKKK! Thank you, thank you for all the amazing continued reviews. I am SO SOOO sorry this took WAY too long, but I REALLY wanted to just finish this ACT, THEN post chapters. So, I don't have just one, not two, but FIVE chapters all written and ready for proofing…well I guess one is proofed or I would not be posting it. So I should be posting pretty regularly every few days until they are all posted. They are pretty long because….I don't ,now how to shut up….if you have not noticed by now XD. Sorry, not sorry. At this point, I am just owning it. Anyway. I will try to get the next chapter to you by Saturday if not sooner. But until then…here ya goooooo.

Chapter Seventeen

"FILI!" The blonde prince lifted his eyes from the anvil he was focusing on and turned to a fuming Leotti. Even Tauriel looked up from the blade she was sharpening, pulling it off the stone that slowly spun to a standstill. It's a good thing Naurfaer had Finli, her son never responded well to others being angry around him. He would likely be in tears just from Leotti's shrill tone.

"And what can I do for you, little Otti?" Fili's calm voice seemed to annoy the dam more as she glared at the prince who was back to inspecting the axe he was trying to shape. He would have to get it reheated now. Fili sighed and thrust it back into the furnace and turned to stare at the blonde dam as he folded his arms and leaned back against the counter, his hammer hanging loosely in his grip.

"What did you say to Viltarra?! She is crying in my shop, and I KNOW you said something to her! What did you do!?"

Fili dropped the hammer, not even caring where it landed. "My wife is crying!?" He moved to leave but Leotti stood in the way. "Move Leotti." Fili growled, no longer in the mood to be the calm, pleasant, prince he usually was.

"Not until you calm down, or you will just make it worse!" Leotti huffed.

However, Fili easily pushed past her, moving towards Leotti's shop as if he was on a mission.

"What did she say to you, Leotti?" Tauriel stood and cringed when she felt her unborn son shift uncomfortably. Just a few more weeks, she told herself over and over again. Just a few more weeks and this will be all over. She also keeps reminding herself she will be working harder on her control over getting pregnant for at least several years. Why had she so foolishly thought it would be easy to control her reproduction system?

At least they made it sound easy when she was taught they had such abilities as a youngling, it should be almost unconsciously done. In fact, she should not even become pregnant unless she willed it herself. Yet, this would be their second child she became pregnant with, with no true intention of becoming pregnant. Valar above, she either was terrible at her control...or her children's spirits were so stubborn, they did not wish to wait. She sighed, it was probably a mix of the two, she never had any semblance of control when it came to her handsome husband. A smile broke out on her face as she wondered if she would really have it any other way anyway. The answer was an easy no, no she would not.

Tauriel looked to her friend who had yet to answer her. "Was she crying when she got to your shop?"

"No." Leotti kept her eyes on her door she could see from where she stood. Fili had just disappeared behind it. "She came in and stood there staring at the mirror, then burst into tears. I am certain Fili said something to her; Viltarra never cares what she looks like."

"Or maybe, she does." Tauriel placed the weapon on the rack and smoothed out her dress, letting her hands rest on her large belly. "I am sure you will find out one day, Leotti, that pregnancy can have rather profound changes on one's mind. Not to mention it makes one feel a bit…"

"Beautiful? Vibrant?...Sexy?" Kili grinned broadly, his sparkling eyes bright as his brows wagged suggestively. It was nearly lunch and he felt ravenous, which likely meant his wife was starving and amplifying her wants through their link. He also knew she would continue to work until she was either finished, about to pass out from lack of food, or he came and intervened. So here he was, collecting his star to make sure she eats.

"I was going to say very large and a bit undesirable." Tauriel lifted a brow. "You're hot, tired, your ankles swell twice their size along with several other body parts, not to mention the mood swings and nausea."

"Oh, that is awful." Kili sighed, stepping into the forge and sitting up on the counter Tauriel leaned back on. "I got sick this morning after eating breakfast, and that, was unpleasant. Plus I somehow fell asleep at my workstation when I hadn't even realized I was tired." He shook his head. "The worst part is, not moments after you get sick, you are instantly starving and want more food…only to get nauseous again. How do you do it?"

Tauriel chuckled and leaned up a bit to kiss his cheek. The counter he sat on was a higher counter making Kili a bit taller than her. "Come now, you are doing it now." She smiled. "Did I not fall asleep yesterday at the dinner table? I would say I am past being mortified at this point, but it is still rather embarrassing. In fact two days ago, Klinkus decided he would use a new soap incensed with something I could not place. But whatever it was, it was strong, and my senses just could not take it. I was fleeing the room rather quickly to the closest toilet I could find. Naurfaer forced him to swear he would not be using that soap again in the near future."

Huffing, Tauriel folded her arms. "It was also the last time I was allowed in to lead conditioning."

Kili gave his wife a gentle smile, and pulled her to stand between his legs, massaging her shoulders and back a bit before he leaned forward to rest his lips on the back of her head. "That, was Oin's orders, amralime."

"You were still training?" Leotti gaped at the elf. "Tauri...I can't even fathom how you are able to remain upright without tipping...just exactly how are you training?"

"I was doing just fine, thank you." Tauriel glared at her friend. "And I am quite balanced. But Oin thinks I am just too close to my due date to be partaking in such activities. Rest, rest, and more rest are all I am allowed."

"And walking, my star." Kili added soothingly, feeling both her agitation and restlessness that came across constantly through their bond. If there was one thing his Tauriel could not stand, it was inactivity. "You are allowed to walk as much as you wish...just as long as it..."

"Is INSIDE the mountain." The eleth grumbled. "Yes, I am well aware of the rules Kili."

Kili lifted a brow. "Are you now? Because I quite remember making the same request with Finli, and where did your labor begin? OUTSIDE the mountain, Tauriel. So I realized that I had to be more specific in my requests this time around."

"It's what you get for marrying someone clever who has absolutely no regard for rules." Leotti giggled. "Besides, you would get bored with anything less."

"I would never get bored with my Tauriel." Kili growled good naturedly. He was serious too. He loved his wife, with everything he was, and he would take her however he can get her. Even if that meant she grew into some aristocratical snob. She had him under her spell, and he would blindly follow her to any life she chooses. But that does not mean he won't do all he could to keep her the spirited, kind, intelligent, but altogether frustrating and stubborn eleth she was.

"Yes, well, I have no desire to be what I am not." Tauriel smiled wide. "And I am not interested in a life that begets boredom. Though I would very much like a life where I can see my feet. If you ask me, I really do not think Fili said anything wrong to Viltarra. We came down to the market together and she had been just fine. Oin had even said she was okay to continue baking as long as she took regular breaks, much like his orders for me working the forge. Though I had to sign a contract." The eleth rolled her eyes.

"And are you keeping to that contract? If I am not mistaken, it was primarily written up to ensure you would keep your word about taking breaks and taking care of yourself. Did I, or did I not, hear the lunch bell on my way over?" Kili cocked his head to the side as he leaned over Tauriel's shoulder and gave her a side look. "So where is your lunch?"

Tauriel rolled her eyes. "I was going to stop by the bakery to have lunch with Tarrah and Viltarra as soon as I finished those two blades. Though since you are here, perhaps, we can get something together."

"Mmm. That would be a lovely idea." Kili hummed and kissed her cheek. "We should see what is wrong with Viltarra though."

"She's alright." Fili walked back into the forge, his sleeves rolled up and his hair mussed far more than what was customary for him. He picked up his hammer, dusted it off, and tried to go back to what he was doing. At least, until he realized everyone was staring at him expectantly. "What?"

"What do you mean...what?" Leotti snickered, her voice lowering as she tried to mimic Fili's. "What happened?"

Fili stared at them for a moment, then turned back to the axe blade he was forging. "It is none of your business little Otti, and leave my wife alone about it too."

"Where is she, Fili?" Tauriel looked down the path a bit to the bakery, but didn't even see Vin or Tarrah let alone Viltarra. "Can we help with anything?"

Fili sighed and placed the hammer down, pinching the bridge of his nose. He glanced at the bakery, then pushed his family...and Leotti, to the corner furthest from Viltarra's family shop. "Look, I don't want anyone saying anything to her, because it will make it worse. But Viltarra is a bit self-conscious right now and is having a difficult time feeling...herself. So please, just, try and be supportive."

"I know exactly how she feels." Tauriel bit her lip. "It is not easy, especially the first time around, to see your body just grow in size. It is hard enough to envision yourself to be desirable, let alone imagine anyone would see you as anything but large."

"AMRALIME!" Kili grasped her face and pulled their brows together. "I never want to hear you say you are anything but a vision. Has anyone made you feel any less than you are?"

Tauriel shook her head, which was still connected to Kili's. "They do not have to, meleth nin. I have mirrors that show me what I am, and clear memories of what I was. Fear not though..." She smiled and placed her hand on his cheek, her fingers idly gracing the short hairs on his very trimmed beard. "I can feel your desire for me, and I know it is true. But I also know how I felt when I was with Finli, before we were as connected as we are now. Though all is forgiven..." She shot out as Kili was about to interrupt likely to apologize again. "…that does not mean that I have forgotten those feelings I had, those thoughts that you did not want me in the way a husband desires his wife. I was quite wrong, which I know now."

"We were both wrong." Kili hummed and pecked her on the lips. "And for the record, I would very much like to take you now. Maybe...we can make a stop to my office on the way to lunch."

"Ewe." Leotti scrunched her nose in distaste. "I think that, is my cue to leave. I could have lived happily not hearing that." She grumbled in passing. Though she did pause beside Fili. "So...you did not say anything to upset her?"

Fili shook his head. "No. I would never. She is the best thing to come into my life." He placed a hand on Leotti's shoulder, his expression softening. "Little Otti, I know you may not understand this yet, and I say this not in any way to jest or pick at you, because I want you to believe what I am about to say." He waited for her to nod, which she did after a minute though her expression was skeptical. "Good. There is nothing, more attractive to a dwarf, than seeing his dam carrying his child. Nothing. But that does not mean she is not justified in her feelings. Which means, we..." He gestured to Kili and himself, "...have a responsibility to make certain the precious jewels who accepted us into their lives never believes such lies as being 'undesirable' because nothing could be further from the truth."

Leotti looked to Kili who nodded his agreement, then back to Fili. "Alright. I believe you. Is she alright now than?"

Fili smiled. "Ya. We sorted it out." His grin broadened and Leotti blinked, then scowled.

"WAIT! You better not have done what I think you did in my shop! Of all the places..." Leotti pushed passed Fili who was laughing so loud, Vin had leaned out to give him a look before shaking his head and taking an order from a dam who had just walked up to his counter.

"Did you?" Kili asked, staring at his brother.

Fili shrugged, the grin still in place. "Don't you have similar plans in your office? Don't worry about those blades Tauri. They can wait...what...two minutes?"

Kili's previously teasing expression turned into a glower within seconds. "Two minutes?!" He ground his teeth and glared at his brother. "I will have you know..."

However, before he could say anything, Tauriel was pushing him out of the stand. "Some things just should never be argued about in a busy marketplace Kili." He looked back at her cheeks tinged pink, then at the snickering crowds around them clearly privy to what was being said in a tone much louder than they meant.

Though Fili was laughing loudly once again as he began pounding away at the red hot axe he pulled from the fire. "Two minutes." Kili huffed as he grasped his wife's wrist. "I will show him!"

All too happy for this line of thinking, Tauriel smirked as she now let her husband drag her to his office which was not far from the main market. They did not come out for nearly two hours...both ravenous for food...but equally satisfied.

Higher up in the mountain, Thorin hummed softly to himself as he glanced over the contract before him, marking it here and there, before signing the bottom and placing it in a pile and grabbing another. Contracts, contracts, and more contracts. Contracts for work to be done in the mountain, contracts to approve marriages, contracts for trade...it never ends.

"I really don't see why it is necessary to outline our children on this thing, when we won't be having any?" Nyaunni lifted her eyes from the rather long contract, which had not one, not two, but FOUR sections referring to children and what their rights would be.

Looking up from a contract requesting for additional space to store grains from Bombur, Thorin held his hand out as a silent gesture to see for himself. He glanced over the sections, scanning them with an expert eye...and when one spends hours of their day going over these kinds of document, it certainly made him an expert. "We have to have it, Nya." Thorin finally said, handing the contract back to her and watching as she sat back down to look it over again. "If I took it out, Fili and Kili would have to rework their own contracts. I took on the responsibility of being their father, so it pertains as much to them as it does to any other."

Thorin stood and moved to stand behind Nyaunni, leaning over her to take a second look. "But maybe, we can reword it a bit. Balin...can you change this bit?"

Balin, who was just waiting patiently in a chair by the fire, smiled softly. "I can change anthin' yeh want."

"Can you just name Fili and Kili here than? I already named them my direct heirs." Balin, who was privy to the situation since Thorin had discussed it with him at length since he was the one writing the contract, nodded.

"Aye Thorin, anythin' else?"

Nyaunni looked back at the document Thorin was still reading over her shoulder. She forced her mind to focus as he began running his fingers through her thick, tight, curls. She wondered if he even realized he was doing it, or if he just now did it out of habit since it is how he fell to sleep each night. "I want there to be some accommodation for Dis on here, Balin."

The records keeper lifted a brow in question. "Dis? I mean, course Thorin, whatever you want. Bu' what do you want it to say?"

Thorin sighed as he straightened. "I just want there to be a guarantee that she is fully taken care of in any case she may be left alone. I don't foresee it being a problem, but, should the regrettable and unforeseen happen..."

"She will be provided for." Nyaunni finished, nodding her head in full agreement. Dis had been nothing but supportive and kind to Nyaunni, taking on extra work after she finished teaching her class in order for them to get everything ready for the ceremony. She was mostly handling the food, spending her free time in and out of the kitchen as she planned the menu for the feast that would follow the ceremony itself.

Balin smiled. "I do no' doubt she will be provided for regardless of wha' tha' contract says, but I will add it in. Anythin' else?"

Glancing at the contract, Thorin shook his head. "Everything else seems to be in order, Balin, as usual. Anything more you wish to add Nya?"

Nyaunni sighed and rested her chin on her palm as she thought on his question, her eyes tiredly scanning the document for what felt like the tenth time in an hour. Their wedding was in three days, and so far, everything has been a whirlwind of planning a menu, deciding how they wanted the ceremony to go, and hearty congratulations from the dwarves who seemed to be beyond ecstatic to have yet another thing to celebrate. Though they all seemed to be both intrigued, and impressed, by the dam who will soon be their queen. Word about her saving their royal family, and her reputation from the dwarves of Minam painted Nyaunni in a good light to the dwarves of Erebor.

Only a few seemed skeptical, though once it was announced that she was a direct descendant of Uri, even those who murmured against the union, were now at the forefront of accepting it. Blood and courageous deeds where the two greatest factors for respect among the dwarven royalty, and Nyaunni had claims to both. The contract was just another thing to finish before the big day, and one of the more important factors, since as soon as it was signed, their marriage for all intents and purposes was legal and binding.

As far as the rest of the planning goes, pretty much everything else was taken care of. Nyaunni gave up on the dress days ago, since she simply had just too many other things to concentrate on than something she will wear once in her life. She knew Leotti was talented, and from what both Tauriel and Viltarra had warned...the dam would do whatever the dam wanted to do regardless of what Nyaunni made requests of...so she just let Leotti have free reign. She had no idea what was fashionable these days anyway, and a dress to her, was a dress. It mattered not a drop of warg drool to her if she wore her normal clothes, armor, or some heavy, over decorated gown.

Thorin tried to ask her what she wanted as far as the ceremony itself went, to see if she wanted to add any traditions from her own clan. But being so disconnected from the firebeards, meant Nyaunni knew little of their ceremonies…so she had eagerly scoured every book Balin had given her. She even enlisted the help of Tauriel who had been sitting at the breakfast table looking rather bored after being ordered by both Thorin and Oin to cease and desist her training with her team.

Though Tauriel seemed rather displeased with the order, Nyaunni frankly could understand why they told her to stop. Poor thing looks ready to go any day now, if you asked her. But the eleth is quite adamant she still has a few weeks to go; yet Nyaunni doesn't give it half that time.

Still, together the pair had spent several hours looking through books and scrolls while Finli played around their feet. If Tauriel found something interesting, she would ask Nyaunni, and Nyaunni would either make note of it, or shake her head no. She already had a clear idea of what the ceremony looked like for a son of Durin, and the more research she did, gave her a good picture of how a descendant of Uri took a partner.

Between her and Tauriel, Nyaunni was able to write a list of things she wanted in the ceremony that touched her spirit when she read them, and then gave it to Thorin who was more than supportive with uniting the ceremonies. The wedding was just around the corner, so was there really anything else she wanted in the ceremony?

Nyaunni rubbed at her eyes tiredly, shaking away her thoughts and focusing back on the parchment before her. She stared at Balin's neat penmanship, read each statement carefully again, then passed the contract back to Thorin who gave it to Balin to complete.

Nyaunni attempted to rub the headache away forming behind her eyes as she sat back. "I think with that one addition for Dis and reformatting future children to read Fili and Kili, it's fine. Everything is just falling into place. So much so, I feel as if pressure is stirring in the furnace…and it is only a matter of time before it blows up on us."

"Oh lassie, yeh know who you are marryin' right? Maybe you should not pu' such things out in the universe." Balin chuckled, accepting Thorin's good natured glare.

Before he could say anything, however, there was a thump at the door followed by incessant scratching. "What in the blazin' forge..." Balin was first to reach the door, opening it and only stepping back when a mass of ruffled black and white flew into the room like a miniature tornado. Large wings stirred up the pile of contracts on the desk, scattering them to the floor, and an incessant cawing disturbed the earlier peace.

"Kaw!" Thorin moved to the clearly disturbed bird who was not only limping, but walked with his wing slightly dragging at his side.

"Mahal, he is hurt. Balin, hand me that water!" Nyaunni jumped up, forcing her senses to focus on the raven who kept ducking out of her reach and mumbling. "What is he saying?!"

"I can't quite make it out. Balin, go get Tauriel and Kili. Maybe they can make hilt or blade of what is going on."

"NANA!" Kaw finally called out. "NANA!" Nyaunni felt his pain, and his desperation for the being he believed to be his mother.

"He is distressed, he wants his mother." Nyaunni sighed when he ducked away from her yet again. Could she force her gift on him to help calm him? Yes, she believes she could. But she won't. He was no danger to himself yet, so she will just try and get him to hold still so she could see the extent of his injuries.

"Kaw? Do you have a message from Dryok?" Thorin tried, but the raven was just too worked up to communicate properly. So instead, Thorin just tried to move things out of his path before they were pushed to the ground.

It felt like an eternity later when Kili rushed into the room, Tauriel not far behind apologizing. "Forgive me Thorin, it takes me a bit longer than normal to traverse the mountain with haste." She did not wait to hear Thorin's response, as she rushed to her beloved raven. "Oh my. What has happened?!"

Homing in on the one being Kaw wanted, the raven instantly limped to the edge of Thorin's desk, letting out a pathetic whimper as he finally lifted his wing. "VALOR!" Tauriel watched as several drops of blood fell to the desk.

"How did we miss that?!" Nyaunni stepped up beside Kili who watched the bird with worry. "Look! There's something there!"

Tauriel nodded and leaned forward, and Kaw allowed her fingers to graze what looked like some sort of wooden dowel.

"Did he fly into somthin'?" Balin asked from a few steps away.

Not answering, Tauriel pulled away a bit and looked to Nyaunni and Kili. "I need to get that out, so Kili, will you hold him, and Nyaunni, if you can be ready to put some pressure on the wound..."

Nyaunni nodded and watched as Kili scratched Kaw on the head. "Come here Kaw." The raven did not hesitate to hobble closer to Kili who carefully lifted him, cradling him almost like a baby.

"Meleth nin, I need you to move your hand away from his wing...yes...perfect." Kili resituated his hands giving Tauriel the perfect angle to inspect the dowel. "That is no natural object...if you asked me...it is clearly carved."

"A dart, maybe?" Thorin asked, peering over Kili's shoulder as Tauriel hummed, then nodded.

"Let us hope if it is, it is not tinged or tainted with poison." Tauriel sighed. "Hold him steady, he won't really like this." Taking a breath, Tauriel grasped the thick dart, and waited for Nyaunni to get ready to place the small bit of cloth over the wound. Then, she pulled.

Nobody was prepared for Kaw to cry out and bite Kili's hand so hard, it broke the skin, which caused the young prince to accidentally release the raven who took off, flying straight into the far wall and landing in a heap on the ground as he mumbled and cried brokenly in three different languages.

"What the..." Kili looked down at the gash in his hand, which Tauriel had turned her focus to, since the pain echoed through her. She spent maybe a second pushing some of the wrapping Nyaunni had found in Thorin's desk at her husband before going back to Kaw who was refusing to let anyone near.

"Just...let's give him a second." Tauriel ordered, watching Kaw carefully before turning back to Kili and once again inspecting the wound. "You won't need stitches but it may sting for a few days. Keep it…"

"Cleaned and wrapped." Kili chuckled. "It is not my first wound, amralime. And I dare say it will be my last. I think I was more startled Kaw actually bit me, than hurt. I will be fine." He then walked over and got to his knees. Of course, Kaw limped back into a corner, letting out a small hiss. "Hey now, it will be alright."

Kili dug through his pocket and pulled out a small satchel of crackers then some waxed cloth containing dried meats. He happened to catch his uncles incredulous look and shrugged. "The crackers help settle my stomach, and I was craving the dried meat so mam let me have what was left over."

"Both sensations are my fault." Tauriel sighed, but smiled. She could not help but feel even more connected to Kili now that he knew what she was going through in a way no male normally could. It somehow made it more special for Kili, and more bearable for Tauriel.

Thorin nodded, so Kili turned back to Kaw, holding out a bit of cracker. "Come on, I know you must be hungry. Nyaunni…" Kili looked up at his soon to be aunt. "Can you pour some of that water into uncles cup?" The dam immediately did as he asked and placed the cup beside him, but since Kaw hissed and growled at her, she decided it was best she stayed back.

Eventually, Kaw began to inch towards Kili once again an leaned forward to accept the cracker, dipped it in the water to soften it up, then began to slowly eat. "There you go, good job Kaw. Do you want some of this?" Kili held out some of the meat and Kaw paused, but eventually limped the few inches between he and Kili, and accepted the food straight from Kili's hand.

At first, Kili thought he might duck away again, but since Kaw stayed where he was, Kili slowly and gently scratched him on the head. He smiled when Kaw let out a soft coo as he nudged his hand for more…to which Kili happily obliged. "That's my good boy." Kili's smile widened even more when the raven clumsily crawled up on his lap and rested his head just beside the now wrapped up bite.

Being both careful and cautious, Kili secured his free hand around the raven making certain Kaw not once felt as if he was in a position he could not easily get out of. It took a moment, but Kili was able to get to his feet and moved to sit in one of the chairs in front of the desk, gently placing Kaw down so Tauriel could more easily get to him.

"Well done meleth nin." Tauriel sighed. "Alright my darling, let me have a look." Kaw barely moved from eating another bit of meat handed to him from Kili as Tauriel once again looked him over, sighing again as she did. Kaw was in a right state. It looked as if he had a jarred toe and several out of place feathers…both of which could have been from just a clumsy landing.

That, however, was not what worried her most. It was the dart that hit him. She lifted his wing, and inspected the wound which was not bleeding anymore…a good sign. It seemed as if it pierced where his wing met his chest, nearly going all the way through. "I do not know how he made it to Erebor, but I am glad he did." Tauriel finally said, letting the wing she held go, as Thorin placed the water cup back on the desk.

Kaw croaked and dipped his beak in the cup then lifted his head and gulped the water down…droplets landing all around him as he repeated the action several times. "It is a wonder he is not more grievously injured." Nyaunni agreed. "Do you think he can relay what happened?"

Biting her lip, Tauriel watched her raven for a few moments. She waited for him to finish drinking his fill and stop accepting food from Kili before she sat in the chair Balin pushed towards her and asked Kaw, "Do you have a message my darling?"

At first, Kaw remained silent, then he began rambling again. "Bad dwarf. Bad dwarf. Arrow in the sky. Bad dwarf." Over and over, Kaw repeated himself, getting more agitated by the minute.

"Bad dwarf…" Thorin hummed in thought. "Maybe he was intercepted?"

"Or maybe, he was no'." Balin suggested eyeing the raven who was now saying something in Khuzdul that sounded like fight, and then something possibly in elvish or ravenspeak he could not decipher.

"Khazad battle thangail! Bad dwarf."

"Wait…" Thorin hollered out, bending to the same level as the raven. "Kaw…did you just say dwarven battle? Tauriel…what was that word…the one he just said?"

"Thangail." Tauriel whispered, wide eyed. "Army."

"Bad dwarf…dwarven battle…army…" Nyaunni rubbed her chin in thought. "Do you think he came across a battle and got hit in the crossfire? Maybe there was an ambush he flew over?"

"Or…" Kili said darkly, "…he is not saying it in order. Mahal I hope I am wrong, but what if it is a warning. What if he is trying to say there's a dwarven army going to battle, led by a bad dwarf."

"Bad dwarf. Battle. Thangail. Home." Kaw croaked. "Bad dwarf. Bad dwarf. Bad dwarf. Bad dwarf."

"Home…that was new." Nyaunni hummed in thought.

"Home." Thorin sighed. "I think Kili, may unfortunately be right. Balin, go get Aeodhen and Naurfaer. I am afraid we might just need to prepare the mountain for some visitors."

Kili watched Balin leave and stood to follow. "I am going to go get Fi." Thorin nodded and watched him go.

"Could he be talking about Dain?" Tauriel wondered. "He usually comes with an army for protection during his travels and he is due to arrive tomorrow…is he not?"

Thorin sat in his chair looking thoughtfully at the desk, then the raven who was drinking once more from his cup. "I suppose they could be separate thoughts. He could have had a run in with a bad dwarf, then got hit by some hunter, and is just relaying what he saw on his way to Erebor. He is injured, he may not be in the right mind."

"What about Dryok?" Tauriel suggested.

"Bad dwarf! Bad dwarf!" Kaw repeated again, pushing the cup over causing the remaining water to spill over the desk and onto the floor.

"You don't suppose…he's referring to Dryok do you?" Nyaunni asked, feeling the fear and agitation coming from the raven even as she said it.

"Bad dwarf!" Kaw croaked again.

Thorin ran his hands over his face and grumbled. "I am starting to think that is exactly who he is referring to. I would suggest you take Kaw to your room, Nâtha, but I am afraid we may yet still need him for information."

Sighing, Tauriel nodded as she pulled herself forward a bit so Kaw could crawl onto her, where he lay with his head hidden in her hair making the softest of cries that wrenched her heart in two. She softly ran her fingers through his feathers and whispered back in Sindarin words he knew, mostly because her first tongue happened to be a language that almost sounded like a song, so it was naturally calming.

Across from her, Thorin just watched while cleaning up the water spilled across his desk, and Nyaunni picked up the scattered contracts around her feet; she then placed them in a neat pile on the corner of Thorin's desk. The last thing she picked up, was her and Thorin's marriage contract which was sitting on the chair Balin vacated.

Slowly lowering herself into Balin's empty chair, Nyaunni just stared at the contract. If it was indeed Dryok coming with an army, it was, in a way, her fault. She did not know how to feel about that. Maybe she should call off the wedding.

"No."

Both Tauriel and Nyaunni's eyes shot to Thorin who was standing and coming to kneel before her. "Nya. Whatever you are thinking in that head of yours, the answer is no."

"What makes you think I am considering anything?" Nyaunni stared at Thorin who lifted a brow.

"One, let's just say I am an expert in deciphering that expression you are displaying, Nya. It betrays you quite thoroughly." He placed a hand on hers; the one gripping their marriage contract, then used his free hand to guide her chin so she was looking at him. "Let's just figure out what is going on, and go from there. No need for drastic decisions."

Nyaunni nodded, her fingers grazing his jaw. "Alright. No drastic decisions."

Thorin leaned forward and kissed her brow. "Good." He pulled away just as Naurfaer and Aeodhen stepped into the office and between them ran Finli, going straight to his mother. "Mama!" He froze when he saw the mass of feathers and squealed with glee. "KAW!"

Of course the toddler immediately attempted to get up on his mothers lap, tugging on her dress which caused Kaw to look down. With Finli unable to pull himself up, Kaw instead hobbled down to the floor where the toddler plopped and accepted the raven as he came to lay in between his legs. "Kaw, mama!"

"Yes my little star. Kaw. Be gentle, he is hurt." Tauriel watched with a small smile as Finli gently pet the raven who had his head on Finli's leg.

"He really loves him." Nyaunni hummed. "The raven, I mean. He really loves Finli."

"I think he sees him as a sibling." Tauriel chuckled. "I saved Kaw when he was just a hatchling. He was already a part of the family when Finli came into this world, and the two are nothing but incredibly close."

"Amazing how someone so young, could be so in tune with another creature." Nyaunni smiled at the scene before her, but looked up when Kili and Fili entered the room, and Viltarra right behind them. It did not surprise anyone she was there as well.

"What's going on uncle?" Fili shut the door, looking around and nodding to Balin and Naurfaer who were both standing quietly with their arms folded, and Aeodhen who was staring into the fire. "Did I hear Kaw was hurt?"

"Indeed he was. But by whom we are still uncertain." Thorin rubbed his chin. "It seems as if we should prepare ourselves for the worst…whether or not it truly is to come."

"Should we get mam?" Fili asked, pushing Viltarra into a vacant chair.

Thorin shook his head. "She is teaching, and Bilbo is with her. When she gets out, we will inform her of the situation. Aeodhen, I want you to send several ravens to scout in all directions. Also send one to see where Dain is at, and while you're at it, why don't you send a message informing of the situation in case he comes across anything on his way."

"Aye. Anythin' else?" Aeodhen reached for some parchment, wrote a note to himself, and waited for further orders.

Thorin nodded. "I want the guards tripled at all entrances, and guard teams to be on high alert."

"Should we inform Bard?" Kili asked from where he stood beside Tauriel's chair. "Or Thranduil?"

Tauriel looked up at her husband, then at Thorin. "It might be a good idea. Regardless on whether or not we would be in need of assistance, if an army is coming, they very well could be marching past Mirkwood forest, and Dale."

"Or…" Aeodhen huffed. "They could be commin' from a completely different direction. Did I hear yeh are suspectin' Dryok?"

Thorin nodded. "We don't know for sure, but it is a possibility."

"Than 'e would be commin' from behind Erebor, no' by way of the forest or Dale." Aeodhen stuffed the parchment in his pocket and shook his head. "I know Dryok is a salty sort…bu' turnin' on yer king is an offence tha' will have the clans rallying against him before yeh could say bellows."

Thorin sat forward, staring hard at the fire, his voice low and ominous. "I am king." His eyes turned to Balin. "Whether or not this comes to heads, contact the other lords. If Dryok wants a battle, then he will have one, and he will lose. Either his life, or his kingdom. I allowed for his attitude to prevail when he was here, I allowed him to treat my son as if he were nothing but a naive bartering tool, and I allowed him to keep his tongue when he spoke out against my daughter. If he wants to come here to pick a fight, I will be more than happy to give him exactly what he wants."

Aeodhen smirked and nodded. Everyone in the room knew of the power behind Erebor's full force. They have been growing both in numbers and skills since Erebor was reopened. The mountain not only held the largest army in all of the dwarven clans, nearly tripled in numbers in comparison, but their captain…in Thorin's opinion…was the best in the entire kingdom. It would be a bloodbath and a suicide mission if any clan were to even try and revolt.

In fact, with just a summons, Thorin would have the armies of not just the lonely mountain, but also the clans he calls. Dain was already due to arrive within a day, and he always brought a good amount of guards with him out of habit. It would not take much to get the other clans to come to their aid.

Furthermore, thanks to hard work and not a bit of humility, Thorin had very tight alliances with both Bard and Thranduil. He prayed to Mahal he would not have to use those alliances though. In fact, he hoped this entire situation was a misunderstanding.

However, after another hour of speaking together, half of which was trying to get more information from the bird, it became apparently clear that Kaw was either spot on with his information…or too upset to relay what really happened.

"Get those messages out." Thorin ordered to Balin and Aeodhen. "Naurfaer, as a precaution, go speak to Bard. More than anything to give them a chance to prepare their borders just in case. I see no reason to inform Thranduil. No dwarf lord is foolish enough to even trespass the forest path let alone pass through Mirkwood."

"Course." Aeodhen nodded already moving to the door. "I will report to yeh what I find out." Thorin nodded and watched him go.

"I'll be going to Dale than. I shouldn't be long." Naurfaer stood and kissed Tauriel on the brow as he passed and patted Kili on the shoulder. Without any further ado, he too was stepping out.

"What do you want us to do uncle?" Fili, who had his hand on Viltarra's shoulder asked.

Thorin sat back in thought. "I need you to rally the guard. Tauriel, how would you say your team is doing in archery and other distance fighting?"

"They are improving, from what I saw several days ago." Tauriel sighed. "But nowhere near where I want them to be in a battle. There are a few, however, who are quite naturally gifted…and could in fact be quite successful in hunting with a bow."

"But not battle." Thorin hummed, running his fingers through his beard. "They will have to do. Work with Kili and Fili to put together a group of anyone on your team who can shoot proficiently. I want them on the ramparts if this comes to heads."

"Do you really think an army is approaching." Viltarra asked, worry clear in her tone.

"I cannot answer that." Thorin shook his head. "All I can do is hope it is nothing, but prepare for the worst. If it is what it seems to be, I will not be letting a clan leader think me weak. I am his king, I rule over all clans. If he thinks for even a moment that he can come to my mountain, and threaten me, well…than he will find himself in a rather life-threatening situation."

"What about the dwarves that follow him?" Nyaunni asked. "Thorin, you know as well as I they may not have had a choice. You go where you are ordered. Is it right they die following a tyrant?"

Thorin sat forward, his elbows on his desk as his eyes rested on Nyaunni. He said nothing for several minutes, then let out a long, slow, breath. "If it is Dryok coming, and he does have an army, then I will give them one chance to stay their weapons and side with me. One chance, Nyaunni. It will be their choice to choose their final fate. Follow their true king…or die behind one who only seeks false power."

"Foolishness." Tauriel whispered darkly. "He would risk his entire kingdom, his army, and his title to come here…for what purpose?"

"Power, amralime." Kili sighed. "During trade deliberations, it did not take long for me to key in on a particular trait Dryok had…and that was he wanted to be the one in the room holding the power. He only swore fealty, because he was pressured into it by the other lords, I am sure of it."

"I have to agree." Fili nodded. "Dryok was nothing but nasty and took advantage of every situation he could when he was here. Not to mention his complete lack of empathy when Tauri collapsed and needed Kili. Instead, he tried to control Kili…an heir to the dwarven throne…and threatened to end all negotiations if he left to care for his dying wife."

"He what?" Nyaunni asked in surprise. "What kind of being could be so cruel? I worry for the firebeards, if this is the kind of leader who rose to power in my father's stead."

"Remember Nya, this is just speculation at this time." Thorin stood and stepped around the desk only to lean back against it. He could not help but smile as he looked down to see Finli asleep on his fur rug with Kaw in his arms, also seemingly asleep. How he wished he could freeze moments like this, moments with his family, and the dam he was soon to marry, moments of peace before the storm.

Taking a moment to think, Thorin looked to his nephews. "Kili, Fili, go to the guards wing and see what you can do to get teams together for rounds of training. I want your efforts focused there right now."

"Of course uncle." Fili moved to the door, opening it for his brother who squatted down to press his lips to his son's head, then drew Tauriel into a kiss.

"I do not doubt I will be seeing you in a bit." Kili chuckled, knowing full well exactly where his wife will be headed after this meeting. He did not agree with it, but he married someone with a free spirit, and that came with its own set of consequences…like stubbornness and refusing to rest when she was nearly about to deliver their second son. He also knew she would do all she could to protect their unborn son, so he left the decision to her this time.

Of course, Tauriel nodded and smiled, brushing a lock of hair from his eyes. "I will be there as soon as I get Finli taken care of." She felt him press his lips to her temple, then followed his brother out the door.

Once Fili and Kili left, Thorin looked to Tauriel and Viltarra. "I know I cannot ask either of you to sit this out with any solid guarantee, but I am going to urge you both to remain deep in the mountain where it is safe." He gave them both a stern look. "Once you get your team together, Tauriel, let them do what they were trained to do. You are both far too close to your delivery dates to put yourselves in any kind of situation that could bring you harm."

"We will be fine adad. If there is an army, we will need all able bodies to defend this mountain. Viltarra has come a long way with a bow and I have had more experience shooting than anyone in Erebor; we will stand with our team, on the overhang. It will be safe enough."

"And what about your son?" Thorin growled. "No. You will be inside the mountain. End of discussion. Find me some archers, and Naurfaer can direct them. Mahal, Kili can even lead them. But you, both of you, will absolutely not be NEAR a battle. I will not risk either of you, nor your children. Understood?"

"Thorin." Nyaunni stood and placed a hand on the dwarven king's rigid shoulder. "If they are needed, I will watch Finli. I have far less experience in battle than anyone in this room which I will be remedying and getting some training sooner rather than later." She turned to Tauriel and Viltarra. "Would the overhang be safe? Is it out of reach enough for you to direct a team but be protected?"

"It is." Tauriel answered, ignoring the look of frustration on Thorin's face. She was more than confident in her abilities, and even more confident Kili will be throwing a fit…as will Fili…when they find out she wants to be a part of the battle itself…and not just the preparation…but pregnant or not, she will defend her home and her family.

"Then is there any point in arguing?" Nyaunni hedged. "Is it not more important to protect those who cannot protect themselves? If there is an army coming, I will do whatever is necessary to protect this mountain, and those who live within its walls whether that be fighting, or keeping as many as I can away from danger."

Thorin pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration. If there was one thing he was completely confident about in this moment, it is he currently was on the losing side of an argument with these three stubborn females.

"I think, we should hold off on making solid plans until we know what we are really facing." Viltarra quietly added. "Otherwise we are setting the oven before we have the ingredients to make the dough; as my father puts it."

Thank Mahal there is some sense in this room, Thorin sighed. "Very good advice Viltarra. Why don't you and Tauriel go ahead to the guard's wing and gather a team of archers. GATHER….nothing more. I am fully aware of what Oin has ordered as far as what is okay for you both to be doing, and what is out of bounds. Let's not push boundaries we may not need to push until absolutely necessary." Thorin sat forward. "And before you think I am giving you permission to fight, I want you to know I am completely against either of you being anywhere near a battle. In fact, if I had it my way, I would lock you both in your rooms as I am more than certain Kili and Fili will be of the same mind to do. I am willing to listen to your thoughts, but we will not be making plans for any such attacks until we know what we are up against. Now go, I need to meet Dis in the suites, so Nya and I will make sure Finli and Kaw get home. We will see you up there soon."

Tauriel sighed but nodded. She leaned over just a bit...as much as she could that is...to brush her fingers through Finli's hair, then stood and followed Viltarra out.

It seemed word got out fast, as the guard's wing was a flurry of activity when Viltarra and Tauriel arrived. It also seemed as if the mountains entire army was already gathered...and with how in order Aeodhen was...Tauriel did not doubt he had called everyone in for instruction.

"An wha' are yeh two doin' here?" Gloin lifted a brow and folded his arms. "This ain' no place for anyone in your condition."

Both Viltarra and Tauriel rolled their eyes. "Your concern is noted." Viltarra huffed, more than tired of everyone looking at her as if she was going to burst before their eyes. "And Thorin sent us."

"Willingly?" Gloin narrowed his eyes, Gimli chuckling beside him. It took a lot of begging, but Gloin finally relented...against Mizim's better wishes...for Gimli to come along with him. Gloin had to assure his wife that Gimli is only coming to help PREPARE for POSSIBLE battle and will be returning to the safety of the inner mountain long before the RUMOURED army can even be seen approaching.

It would not be long, however, before Gimli comes of age. In fact, he is a mere few years away from his 85th birthday, which will be marking him as a fully accountable adult in Erebor. So Gloin, was more than alright with Gimli joining the guard if he wanted to. He has already signed up to join Tauriel's team in the new season along with a few others his age, and has had regular training with Dwalin in the axe and sword. He was in no way lacking in talent or skill, it was more his mother was just not ready to let the lad go.

"Does Kili and Fili know yer here cousins?" Gimli taunted.

Folding her arms and narrowing her eyes, Tauriel shot Gimli a look. "I am free to do as I please, I thank you. And yes, Kili is in fact expecting me. We are here on orders to gather and prepare the team."

"Can I join?" Gimli asked, eager to be included in any way he can.

However, Tauriel shook her head as her expression softened. "Gimli, battle is nothing anyone should be thirsty for; especially when one lacks in experience doing so. Your life is far too precious to go unexperienced into the throws of war."

"And yours is not, amralime?" Kili smirked as he sauntered towards her. She gave him a look laced with confusion until he tapped on his temple, leaning in to whisper in her ear. "Did you forget about our bond? I also know you, my star. It will be a fruitless effort to control where you will be IF a war does come to Erebor...since you will just do what you want anyway." He leaned back, his smile turning to worry. "Am I wrong?"

"If you're saying she will be rushing into a blood thirsty hoard, than I put my money on the answer being yes...yes she will be. And we, will be tasked with making certain she doesn't get herself killed." Fili snickered, his arm landing across Viltarra's shoulder, pulling her close.

"Or end up delivering our child on the battlefield." Kili sighed. "That goes for you to sis." He leveled Viltarra with a look. "Mahal sure loves to test us. Why can't they just send a raven and schedule an assault on the mountain, rather than just showing up at the most inconvenient seasons."

Gloin let out a hearty laugh. "Is there ever a convenient time teh battle laddie?"

"Of course..." Fili answered for his brother. "I am sure we can figure something out for early winter, possibly late spring."

"Or they can just not come at all." Viltarra grumbled. "But if they do...perhaps now is as good a time as ever because I am NOT in the mood. I am tired, my back and feet hurt ALL of the day long, as soon as I eat...I am starving again so I keep packing on weight, and I am as foul tempered as an orc on parole. I'd very much like to see them TRY to get past me."

Fili blinked down at his wife, then at the group. "Well, there you have it. We will just put my wife at the door with Tauri...and this thing will be solved in seconds. They will be running with their axes tucked between their legs before even passing the bridge to the main gate."

Gloin rolled his eyes as Gimli and Kili chuckled. "I would prefer it if this is all a misunderstanding." Tauriel hummed and kissed Kili on the head. "But I am quite in agreement with Viltarra. I am most assuredly far more foul tempered at this stage than I normally am. Which leads me to wonder if the reason Oin took me out of training, was more for the benefit of my team...than my own."

Both Fili and Kili made eye contact but said nothing. It was, just a bit true, that many of the members of Tauriel's team may have begged Oin to temporarily relieve the eleth until she gave birth. For one thing, Klinkus had passed out three times that same week from all the laps Tauriel made him do when he either complained, was late, or was not listening to instruction.

There was also the fact one of their newer members, a young dam who had just come of age named Braundee, had found Tauriel clutching her stomach in a back room after showing them a move. She tried to get Tauriel to go to Oin, but the eleth may have lashed out at her resulting in the dam to get upset and almost quit the team completely.

Of course, Tauriel profusely apologized; several times in fact. Braundee was one of the better archers in the group, and listened far better than any of the others. She was also incredibly apt in throwing daggers. Her father and mother were butchers and she spent all her life learning under them. It was not until a few months ago, the dam decided she wanted to train to be a warrior. Her father was beyond proud, and even bought her the best daggers and bow he could find in Erebor, as well as some armor custom made just for her.

Braundee still had a long way to go in her training, but Tauriel knew one day, she will be one of the best Erebor has if she keeps working at her skill and doesn't give up. Which she told the young dam over tea, apologizing again and requesting that Braundee not listen to her when she gets snippy, it is most certainly not about anything Braundee was doing, and had everything to do with her hormones.

The dam had smiled, and assured Tauriel she was not going to leave the team, and even beamed when Tauriel agreed to still help her...one on one...with her archery. It was the ONE thing Oin still let her do...or she believes he would let her do if he KNEW she was doing it.

Kili knew about it, and he was alright with Tauriel helping Braundee as long as she didn't over do it...and he would know better than anyone if she did. So Tauriel felt she didn't need permission from Oin anyway. As long as Kili did not object, she was content to continue helping where she was needed. Viltarra joined in too so she could both get some exercise, and keep her skill with archery growing.

It was always a highlight of Tauriel's day, to get her bow out, and join in with Braundee and Viltarra just shooting targets and laughing really about nothing at all. At least until Viltarra and Tauriel were picked up by their husbands, who always forced them to stop before they wanted to.

"Jokes aside, and foul tempered or not..." Kili hummed. "...you, going out to battle, is unacceptable; and before you throw a fit, I am not ordering you to do anything, I am just sharing my opinion on the matter. Now, we were sent here for a reason, were we not?"

"Mhm. To gather a team of archers." Viltarra chimed in.

"Well off with yeh than." Gloin ordered. "Ain' goin' to get tha' done standin' around the hall."

The group bid farewell to Gimli and Gloin and together, walked into the large, two story, training room. There were in fact, four different training grounds in this particular wing all ranging in size and accommodations. Aeodhen had made sure this room was suitable for whatever Tauriel and Naurfaer needed to train newer guards and existing guards...including an archery range.

As Tauriel had anticipated, her team was standing together, listening to something Aeodhen was saying. He paused, however, when he saw the young royals step into the room. "Ah, here we go. I am goin' teh leave you all in good hands then." The captain of Erebor's guard stepped away from the group and towards Kili, Fili, Tauriel, and Viltarra, leaning in close. "I 'ave news for Thorin I jus' received. Things don' look good. A raven carrying another landed jus' atop the overhang. They were mates, and she was carryin' him home for help. I am afraid, he did no' make it. Bu' from what it looked like, 'e was shot down the same way Kaw was. A dart. She keeps crowin' somethin' about a dark flock three day's flight away. This is really happenin'." He shook his head.

"Go tell uncle." Fili said, eyeing the group of young dwarves several meters away. "Did you get those messages out already? Or do you need one of us to send them?"

"No. I sent those first." Aeodhen followed his gaze and sighed. "An' don' worry about 'em. They will be fine. I am putting most of this group in charge of guarding the family quarters and markets. We have more than enough teh guard the outer most parts of the mountain. They will 'ave their chance at battle...bu' not one like this if wha' I am hearing is correct." His voice got lower. "Nobody wants teh fight their own." There was a sadness that flit across his expression, but it was followed swiftly by a look of resolve and even anger. "Bu' nobody threatens my king, and my home. Nobody."

Fili clapped Aeodhen on the shoulder. "I could not agree more. Go tell uncle, we will get this group assigned."

"There are a few who will be seeing this battle." Tauriel's voice was matter of fact, her elven captain showing through the softer, emotional eleth Aeodhen was used to seeing. "I still need a team of archers."

Aeodhen nodded and hummed. "They are yours to assign. May Mahal watch over us all." He bowed his head in farewell, and swiftly walked out of the room.

"Wha' is goin' on Tauriel? Are we really goin' in to battle?" Tauriel looked to Braundee who was the first to approach her.

"Aye. About time we put our learnin' to use" Dynni said, excitedly clutching his axe.

Annik beside him gave him a look as he held his bow. "Did you no' hear him? We ain' goin' into any battle. We are guardin' the inside...no' the outside. Use those big ears yeh got an' listen."

"Alright, enough! In formation, if you please." Tauriel called, the team instantly getting in line, awaiting her orders.

Fili was impressed. He knew his sister was a captain, and he had been in several times when Naurfaer was here, but only once or twice when Tauriel trained in the morning. Mostly because Fili hated mornings and spent a good part of if trying to wake up, and the rest getting the forge prepped far earlier than he liked...thanks to his baker wife who woke long before dawn...and expected him to get up as well. "Practice for the baby." She would say with a smile. "Because if I don't get sleep...neither do you."

It was something Kili also warned Fili of. Even though Finli was practically a perfect baby, it doesn't mean Kili and Tauriel did not suffer sleepless nights. Especially when little Finli broke teeth. Fili cringed. That was not something he was looking forward to as a soon to be parent. He had some time for that stage though.

"Fili, pay attention. Tauri is talking to you!" Viltarra elbowed the crowned prince who blinked then looked to his sister who was giving him a look that screamed she was quite displeased with him. Though the team of young guards before her just chuckled.

"Sorry Tauriel, I was lost in thought there. What was it you needed?"

"Arrows Fili, the ones I was working on. Are they still at the forge?"

Fili nodded. "Of course. Though I did crate up the ones you finished."

"Good. We will need all of them. I want Annick, Braundee, Givyn, Tynk, Hadyk, and Vork to remain here, the rest of you are to report straight to Dwalin for further assignments." Tauriel turned to Kili. "Meleth nin, I need you and Viltarra here, Fili, would you mind retrieving those arrows?"

"Should only take me a few minutes, then do you need me to help train?" Fili pulled away from his wife and waited as Tauriel took a moment to think, then she shook her head. "I think it might be best to check in with Dwalin. He may need your help in leading a team; unless we get further orders that is."

"THERE'S AN ARMY APROACHIN' THE GATE!" One of the guards called out in the hall. It was loud enough for the entire wing to be on instant alert.

Dwalin was already calling out orders. "SECURE THE GATE!"

Fili and Kili did not even wait for their wives as they burst from the room and ran past Dwalin.

Back in the room Tauriel was passing out bows to those she had indicated earlier. "We are going to the overhang. Follow me. The rest of you get to the troops for orders. Let's go!"

The group of five archers, along with Viltarra and Tauriel who each had a bow and quiver as well, marched to the overhang and climbed the steps to the top. Tauriel signaled her team to stop as she stepped beside Kili who lifted his eyes to hers and smirked. Fili, just beside him, was casually leaning against the wall and observing the approaching group.

It took one look for Tauriel's entire being to relax. The approaching dwarven army, was none other than Dain and his guards from the Iron Hills. "Do they not know who that is?"

"To be fair, everyone is on high alert, and the four up here are rather new to Erebor." Fili eyed the approaching dwarves than looked to his sister and wife. "They were just about to be replaced by a more experienced team who was getting their armor and weapons as well as being briefed by Dwalin."

Viltarra sighed and stepped up beside her husband. "Well, it is better to have this kind of mistake, than them not saying anything if it were another army."

"Quite true, nunguame." Fili kissed her temple. "Looks like Naurfaer is coming back too." It was true, in fact, Tauriel watched with a smile as her grandfather rode Galaddal right up to Dain atop his massive boar. "Perfect timing. Let's go meet them at the gate, I am sure uncle will want to speak to him directly."

"I am going to let you go meleth nin. I think I prefer to work with my archers, if that is alright with you." Tauriel adjusted the strap to her quiver as she looked to her husband.

However, Kili just shook his head. He could feel the mess of emotions coming from Tauriel…worry, apprehension, exhaustion, and even some fear. He was not about to leave her, in fact, he thinks it would be best just to remain with her and help her in any way he can, and since he is one of the best archers in Erebor…next to his wife…what better way to help than to aid her in training exercises. "I will come with you." He gave her a smile and turned to his brother. "Fi, you and Viltarra go meet Dain and take him up to uncle. I am going to stay with Tauriel and continue to help here."

Fili nodded and clapped Kili on the shoulder, then he and Viltarra left the overhang, passing teams of guards running to and fro as they went. "DWALIN!" Fili called out stopping the large dwarf in his tracks. "It's only Dain and his company coming, there is no threat."

"Yeh sure lad?" Dwalin gripped his axe, even as Fili nodded.

"Positive. He should be at the gate any moment."

Dwalin sighed and smiled. "He's early, but tha' is a good thing for us. Well go on than lad. I will cool things down here." Giving Fili a small bow of the head, Dwalin once again began hollering out orders at the teams of guards running about the hall to get to their stations. This time, however, he was ordering them to stand down and go back to their previous activities.

"Come on." Fili tugged on Viltarra's hand, pulling her out of the guards wing and towards the gate. He made sure to send any guards he came across back to Dwalin for instruction.

At the gate, Fili pushed himself and his wife through. "Get that gate open! It is Dain of the Iron Hills. He is expected."

"Aye. As yeh command." One of the guards called and with another on the opposite side, pushed the lever to the massive double doors that opened to the bridge over the river the before the mountain. The same river that bled directly from Erebor's heart.

However, it was not the gates Dain came marching in through. Instead, he came bounding in through the hall that led to the stables. "FILI! Is tha' a dragon there in the stable?"

Sighing, Fili turned to his cousin. "Sort of, but not really. I can't quite remember what she is called, but, she's kind of like a dragon...bird...but neither a dragon or a bird. If that makes sense."

"She is an aelúg." Viltarra helpfully added, smiling at Dain.

Dain turned his eyes to the dam beside Fili and smiled wide. "Viltarra! Yer looking mighty healthy lassie. Ahhh. An' do me old eyes deceive me? Are yeh carryin'?"

Viltarra placed a hand on the swell of her child and smiled, nodding her head. "Nearly due, in fact."

"HA HAAA." Dain lifted Fili off the ground in a massive embrace...which looked rather comical as Fili was actually taller than the red-headed dwarf by several inches. "Tryna' catch up with yer brother ya? Good on you lad. Good on you."

"Tauriel is due soon as well." Fili chuckled. "They would have to take a break for us to pull ahead. Even then...I am pretty sure Ki and Tauri plan on having a small clan of their own from what I have heard...and what I know of them both. They will surpass Bombur one day if you ask me."

Dain let out a loud chortle as Naurfaer stepped up to the group. "Bard is making precautions and closing his city gates for the time being. He said to send him a raven if we need anything. I told him we do not want him or his city to intervene if there is to be a battle, but he assured me that he has our back...if we need him."

Fili nodded as Dain huffed. "Wha' is this I hear about an army commin' to Erebor? Who has a death wish teh do somethin' so stupid as tha'?"

"Let's go talk to uncle. He will fill you in on what is going on." Fili took Viltarra's hand and began heading towards the royal wing where Tauriel said Thorin would be.

Dain followed, but Naurfaer ran up and stopped Fili. "I am going to go back to the guards, will you pass what I told you to Thorin? I know he will want to know of Bard's response."

Fili nodded and watched Naurfaer go to the guards wing, then turned back and led Dain up to the royal suites.

"Uncle!" Fili barely had a chance to step inside when Finli was launching himself at his uncle, talking incessantly about something that Fili could not for the life of him figure out.

"He woke up before we brought him up, and has been an energetic little hatchling ever since." Nyaunni chuckled as she held Uri in her hands. He had been asleep in Thorin's large pockets all morning long and only just woke up. The tiny aelúg was getting larger by the day, and his sleeping schedule meant he was likely about to go through a much more prominent growth spurt. "I was just getting him something to eat. We had to take care of Kaw first, Thorin should be out here in a moment, he was bringing Kaw some fresh water."

"Kaw, ouch." Finli lay his head on Fili's shoulder, his large, sad, brown eyes staring up at his uncle.

Fili kissed him on the head and nodded. "Ya, Kaw is hurt isn't he?" Finli nodded and finally remained quiet as if mourning his friend who thankfully, was alright. "How is Kaw?"

"He is resting." Nyaunni relayed, slipping Uri onto her shoulder and gesturing to the pile of blankets where Kaw lay sleeping. "I believe he will be fine, as long as we keep that wound of his clean and he takes the time he needs to recuperate."

Nyaunni looked past Fili to Dain who was looking at her as if he was trying to see her for the dam she had been long ago. "Hello." She finally said when Dain remained uncharacteristically silent.

"Dain!" Thorin carelessly dropped the bowl of water onto a table where it spilled over its sides. The dwarven king marched up to clasp his cousins hand tightly. "I could not have asked for better timing."

"Aye, so I have heard. Bu' first. Is this your bride?" Thorin followed Dain's eyes to Nyaunni.

"She is." Thorin gave a small smile and held his hand out for Nyaunni to take, pulling her close. He didn't even flinch when Uri moved from her shoulder to his, burrowing into his hair which is currently one of his favorite places to be other than in a pocket. "Dain, may I introduce Nyaunni, daughter of Draupnir formally of the firebeard clan."

"Formally?" Dain asked, lifting a brow.

Thorin hummed in affirmation. "It appears my father, and her father, entered an agreement to have her records moved to Erebor, relinquishing her own clan for her protection if he passed before she came of age."

Dain whistled. "Tha' is a mighty great thing they did." He shook his head. "An' one not normally done. Bu' having a wee lass myself, I can understand it. My Marda is a spitfire, an' runs the house at jus' 25 years old. Even have suitors constantly at my door." Dain growled, rubbing his hands down his face. "Me oldest lad Thorin, an' his brother Kain, has had a time tryna drive the fear into the hearts of the lads tryna gain Marda's attention. Bu' she us much too young to court, and won't be doin' so for at least another two hundred years. If I had it me own way."

Fili laughed but Dain turned to him with an expression laced with warning. "Yeh think it's funny lad? Yeh jus' wait. Marda is a force teh be reckoned with on a good day, bu' lucky for me, she don't seem to interested in male attention at the moment, too busy trainin' with her brothers." Dain folded his arms and stared hard at Fili, his eyes flickering to Viltarra. "Jus' yeh wait until yeh have a lassie of your own. Yeh won' be laughin' then…will yeh?"

The blonde prince's laughter, turned into a broad smile as he tightened the arm not holding Finli around Viltarra. "I look forward to that day."

"It will be here soon enough." Dain chuckled. "Any guesses on wha' yer havin'?"

"Boy."

"Girl."

Both Viltarra and Fili answered at the same time, then looked at each other with matching expressions of challenge. Over the last several days, Viltarra has been adamant she was having a girl. She couldn't explain why. She was not connected to her child in the same way Tauriel was, so really it was just a guess, and one that slightly worried her.

Fili, however, was adamant they were having a boy. He had found Viltarra a few days earlier staring at an infant gown with flowers across the bottom almost longingly. It was the first time she looked at him and said she believes she was wrong what she said weeks ago about thinking their child was a boy, rather, that there was something in her that felt their child would be a girl. "Would that upset you, Fili?" She had asked, her eyes moist with tears.

A crack formed in his heart at the soft question, almost if she knew he would be disappointed in her if they had a daughter, rather than an heir. Fili just smiled and took the gown, handing the elder dwarf who ran the stand some coin. "No. But you know the likelihood of it being a girl, is very slim."

"Would Thorin be upset?"

"Uncle? Absolutely not." Fili guided her away from the market and pulled her into his forge, enfolding her into his arms as best he could. "Honestly, I think he is hoping it is a girl. He is rather fond of Finli."

"Who isn't." Viltarra chuckled.

"But I know, uncle will love whatever we have, just as I will. Girl, boy, whatever. It will be a part of you, and a part of me, and that, that alone is the greatest gift I could ever be granted." He pulled away just enough to pull her lips to his, then leaned back...a sly grin on his face. "I bet you one hundred gold pieces, and a new throwing blade it is a boy though."

"Add early morning changes for a year and you have a deal." Viltarra smiled wide.

Fili chuckled at the memory. He already had a blade picked out from the main forge. It was not mithril like Naurfaer's, but it was a beautiful blade and well worth winning when his son is born. He looked at his wife beside him who was giving him an appraising look, she will be eating her words when she has changing duty for a year.

Pushing his memories away knowing there were far more important things to discuss with Dain than the sex of his unborn child…such as a possible approaching army, Fili looked to his uncle. "Do you want to talk here, or go to your office."

"We probably should just remain here. I told Tauriel I would watch Finli until they returned." Thorin eyed his grandson who still sat quietly in Fili's arms. "But let's take this to the kitchen. Dis should be back within the hour, if Tauriel and Kili have not returned by then, I am sure she won't mind watching Finli."

"My parents could take him as well." Viltarra volunteered. "Mama loves him as if he were her own grandchild, and I know they would be more than willing to keep an eye on him."

Thorin seemed to contemplate this, then nodded. "If you think she will be alright with that, I am sure Tauriel and Kili will not oppose. But for now, we will remain here. Dain, you must be hungry after your journey; we didn't order anything from the kitchens, but we do have food."

"Well than, let's ge' to it." Dain followed the small group to the kitchen, and sat down watching as Nyaunni and Viltarra brought food to the table. "Now…wha' in the fiery forges of Mandos is goin' on Thorin?"

For the next hour, Thorin explained the situation…as much as they can get from it. For the most part, Dain just listened, asking questions intermittently as the dwarven king spoke. The moment Thorin finished, was the moment Dis walked in…listening to the tail end of the report.

"Wait…Kaw is back?" Dis sat beside Fili, accepting her grandbaby into her lap. "And what is this about the mountain on high alert? Why was I not informed?"

"You were teaching Dis." Thorin tried but Dis glared hard at him.

"And I could have had another take my class." Dis's voice was dripping with frustration. "Mahal, Thorin, I have responsibilities to this family and this mountain that supersede teaching. The instructors know this." She looked around. "Where is my other daughter?"

Thorin shifted and Fili looked everywhere but his mam, so Viltarra sighed. "She is working with her team. Kili is with her."

"She is WHERE?" Dis roared. "She is not WEEKS away from giving birth…and Oin specifically put her on rest with activity to the bare minimum in her final weeks. What in the name of our great creator is she thinking?!"

"Mam, Kili is the best judge of what Tauriel's true limits are." Fili tried, attempting to placate his mam. "You know as well as I he will step in if she shows signs of over doing it."

"And just how well has that EVER worked?" Dis huffed, glaring at her son as if it was HIS fault his sister did as she pleased.

But Fili just shrugged. "She's going to be alright mam, and your upsetting Fin." He looked at his nephew in his mam's lap who had his lower lip trembling and tears already leaking down his red cheeks.

"Oh…oh I am sorry my darling." Dis's voice immediately turned soft and she pulled the sensitive little tot into her arms. "Nan is not mad at you."

Nyaunni ran her fingers through the hair on her chin. It really needed to be trimmed again. "Dain, what is your opinion on Dryok?"

Dain sat back in his chair and folded his arms. "He's yer cousin. Do yeh really wan' my opinion on yer own blood?"

Nyaunni nodded. "A cousin he may be, but I know next to nothing of him. I recall no meeting between us as I grew up here in Erebor, before Smaug came and I was taken to live in that orc slave pit." She was tired of having to explain her past, but she also knew it was something she will just have to get used to doing, especially with visiting royals who could not keep their curiosity of the soon to be queen under the mountain to themselves. Specifically one who had a lineage as she…true blood of a first father. "We might as well have no familial connection at all with all I know of him."

Dain snorted and nodded. He personally was rather intrigued by Thorin's bride to be. Of course he knew of her existence, or was told stories. He was a babe of three years when Erebor was taken by the dragon; just a bit older than wee Finli. Yet he knew of the tempest that grew between Uri's folk, and Durin's folk when their princess and their lord were pronounced dead…and it was whispered to be Thror's fault. Thror…and the madness in his blood.

Since then, there was always a rift between the firebeards and the longbeards. But Dain wonders if that had as much to do with the deaths of the leaders, as it did with a thirst for power. He was not going to lie, that Erebor being lost granted the lords a bit more power than they ever had under Thror's reign…when Erebor stood proud among the dwarven clans as the center of their power.

But when Erebor fell? Though their king was still very much alive and ruling as best he could from exile…it gave the other lords new freedoms and power they did not previously have. Now…that being said…Dain personally felt no real difference in the freedoms he had now, verses the ones his father had when Thror ruled. In fact, Thorin was more than happy with how Dain ran his clan and gave him the power to continue as he was.

Same as the other lords as far as Dain knew. But Dryok…was not like the other lords. Dryok was much happier running his mouth, than his clan. And from the reports Dain has received from his tradesman, Dryok has also been running his clan into the ground.

A more recent insider report is what brought greater concern to Dain than anything. According to a former head guard in Dain's private company, Dryok is in severe debt, his food stores are dropping, and economically, his clan has reached a point where if they do not act fast…there will be mutiny in Dryok's halls before the winter season.

All of this reasoning comes to head at listening to Thorin's own accounts with Dryok during his visit to Erebor several years ago and why he was asking such high prices for things they all knew…though held a high market price…were not worth what the dwarven lord was asking for. Was it really Dryok coming? Had he rallied his army to storm Erebor on a last-ditch effort to save his clan from destruction he alone brought them?

Dain sighed and pressed his hand to his temple. "Thorin…yeh may wan' teh pour yourself a drink…because I have a few things to share yeh won' like…and they concern Dryok."

Thorin sat forward, his eyes darkening as he growled. "What do you know?"

"I canno' say with full certainty he is stupid enough to think for a momen' he can overtake Erebor, cousin. Bu', he may be desperate enough."

"In my experience…" Nyaunni said darkly. "…I have seen enough souls reach a desperation so severe, they thought they could singlehandedly take on several thousand orcs on their own. So if you ask me, in the right circumstances desperation and stupidity are quite married."

"Lass, yeh are a true miracle to survive wha' you did without goin' mad." Dain shook his head. "Yer first father was watchin over ya, an yer father. I am sorry fer yer loss. Me father said there was no' many souls like Draupnir. A good dwarf, kind, honorable, and humble."

Nyaunni bowed her head and nodded. "I will not sit here and say I did not make my own mistakes…or put myself in situations that nearly got me killed on my own volition…but…I also cannot sit here and say there was nobody watching over me. Because there was. Or I would not be here. But that is not the matter we are here to discuss. What do you know of Dryok?"

Dain nodded and sat forward. "Before I came teh Erebor, after yeh asked me to head yer weddin', I had someone return from visitin' the firebeards clan. He brought with him an old guard who had quite a bit teh say about his home clan…an not a lick of it good."

"A bit odd." Dis said readjusting Finli so he wouldn't reach for the empty plate. "I was in the meeting with Balin when we got all the reports from the lords. Though the firebeards were certainly not the highest on the clan list of profits and sustainability…they seemed to be doing quite well according to what they sent."

"Than they were falsified…if wha' I was told was true." Dain shook his head. "Wouldn' be the first time in history a lord padded his ledgers."

"Nor the last." Thorin sighed. Which was true. Accepting that a clan padded their ledgers a bit was just what one did. That is why Thorin was always taught, even by his grandfather, to make plans accordingly and keep a buffer in their stores to account for such differences as they came up. "Most clans do such things whether on accident, or on purpose. Sometimes it is just bad accounting….but I am sure other times it is to hide larger purchases one doesn't want others…especially the lead clan…to know of."

"Or foul practices like gambling." Dis hissed. She had no qualms with a bet or two. It is what dwarves do, make bets against each other. But it was one thing to bet some gold coin here and there…and another to gamble so grievously you destroy your clan. Thank Mahal none in her family were of the mind to be so foolish. Bet with what you have to give, not with what you don't have to lose. Their father ground that in them deeply.

Nyaunni nodded in agreement. "My father was meticulous with numbers. He wrote everything in a ledger…every coin spent, every jewel acquired, every piece of land they owned was accounted for by him directly...even when he was away at Erebor. We were the wealthiest clan in Arda next to the longbeards when my father led. What has happened?"

"This is only speculation, Nya." Thorin gave her a look. "Let's not assume it is all true. We should handle things one issue at a time, beginning with whether or not there is a dwarven army, or any army, marching to my mountain."

"Have any ravens returned yet with reports?" Fili asked, taking Finli who was already trying to crawl into his lap.

Thorin shook his head and Dain gave Thorin a thoughtful look. "If I may make a suggestion than…" Thorin nodded for him to continue. "I will fill yeh in on everythin' I know of Dryok…bu' until we know more…why don' we jus' plan yer weddin'. It is still on isn't it?"

"OF COURSE!" Thorin all but shouted. "Nothing is stopping me from marrying Nyaunni. Nothing. If an army wants to come to Erebor to challenge me, then so be it. They will be met at the gate with Erebor's full force."

"An tha' force will stand by their king." Dain hummed thoughtfully, giving Thorin a smile. "A king who has proven time an' time again he has THEIR best interests at heart…no' power or gold. A king who is honorable…and fought alongside them. A king who does no' put worldly enticements over his people nor his family. Your people love yeh Thorin, they love yeh deeply. An' they love yer family. Erebor is ripe with happiness, joy, and prosperity an' yeh have only been here for only wha'…three years? I have seen it take decades teh earn both the sustainability, an' the trust you have with yer people…with our people."

Dain shook his head and placed his massive arms on the table. "An' wha' is more, yeh have the backing of Dale…and Mirkwood. Can' say tha' has ever happened in recent history. Now le' me ask you this…do yeh think a dwarf who has run his clan to the ground…has the same loyalty?"

Thorin just looked to Dain, choosing to remain silent, so Dain added one last request. "If I may ask…as a lord who loves his clan…IF Dryok does come teh Erebor with an army…don' slaughter them tha' followed. Give those dwarves who came with 'im out of fear, or misguided loyalty for what they once had…a chance teh keep their lives. Yeh don' know wha' desperate circumstances tha' they may be in."

Thorin sat back and looked to Nyaunni, then Dis, and finally to Fili and Viltarra. His eyes then fell on his grandson in Fili's lap, who had his thumb in his mouth. He had told Tauriel not long ago, that civil war within the clans…though a possibility…was not something he thought he would see for many years to come. Yet here it might be right on his own doorstep; right at his own gates.

Lifting his eyes to Dain, Thorin nodded subtly. "I gave my word to Nyaunni I would give those dwarves one chance to choose their side. There has been enough blood spilt in that valley...if there is a way to stop a battle...I will take that chance as it comes. But if they choose to fight, I will destroy them."

"Tha' is all yeh can do cousin. Now…we wait for news from yer ravens." Dain popped a cube of cheese into his mouth.

"I am going to call a meeting with Balin, let's move this to my office. Dis, Nya, go ahead with planning the wedding. I will not be threatened or intimidated, the ceremony goes on as planned." Thorin ordered. "Fili and Viltarra, tell Aeodhen to meet me in my office, then check in on Kili and Tauriel. The gate is to remain closed. I also want the wagon entrance secured, and the stable entrance as well."

"Of course uncle. What about Fin?"

"We will watch him." Dis said, eyeing her grandson fondly as he turned his brown eyes and grinned at his nan. "Nyaunni and I."

"And we will speak to Oklan in the stables. I need to go see to Dajnel anyway." Nyaunni volunteered. "That way Fili and Viltarra can just go straight to the guards wing."

"With Finli? I am not sure it is a good idea for him to be outside the safety of the royal suites." Thorin folded his arms. "We could be under attack any moment; it is safest for him to remain up here until we absolutely know it is safe."

"Thorin…" Nyaunni placed a hand on his tense shoulders. "We will have enough time to get Finli out of danger before anyone even crests the hills. He can go with us for a short trip to the stables."

Dis nodded her head in agreement. "He will be fine Thorin. I am more concerned with the state of his mother." She huffed. "I want Tauriel out of the guards wing and in her room resting…where she should be."

"Aye lady Dis, an admirable and wise request…bu' I think I have spent enough time around the lass to say…she will do as she pleases." Dain laughed out. "As stubborn as the dwarves she chose as a family."

"Alright, enough is enough." Thorin huffed. "Do as you need Dis. But one sign we are under siege, and I want you, Viltarra, Tauriel, and Nya taking Finli up to the suites, and REMAINING there. Understood?"

Three sets of blazing female eyes ground into the dwarven king, and not one uttered a word of promise causing Thorin to roll his eyes and stand. "What am I wasting my breath for." He moved to the door and paused expectantly looking to his cousin who chuckled and followed out.

"Order us about will he?" Nyaunni grumbled. "I doubt that ever gets far with this family."

Dis snorted a laugh. "Not remotely. Come on than, let's go. We got things to do and a wedding and war to get ready for."

"It is becoming a nasty tradition to have drama with weddings around here." Fili mumbled, passing Finli to Nyaunni and helping Viltarra to her feet.

"Perhaps it is one tradition we can do without." Dis shook her head as she bid her son and daughter farewell; the group going directly to their appointed tasks.

Back at the guards wing, Tauriel forced another wave of pain away as she corrected Annick on his stance. "You must keep your arm straighter, where it directs, the arrow goes. If you keep it leaned away like that, your aim will always be off."

"Tauriel…"

"Braundee! That arrow is on the wrong side of the bow! You know this!" Tauriel called out, eyeing the young dam about to shoot. "You have got to put it in the right position."

"Tauriel…"

"On my word…lock your target…RELEASE!"

"TAURIEL!"

"WHAT Kili!" The eleth turned her blazing green eyes to her husband who gave her a matching expression.

"You first, will calm down." Kili growled quietly. "Then you will take a breath…and a seat. We have been in here for six hours, and it is past the dinner bell. The team is exhausted, you're exhausted, and everyone needs to eat." His voice softened and he stepped up to his wife. "Amralime…they will be no good to anyone if they are not rested and re-energized." He ran his fingers along her jaw. "And you will be no good to anyone if you exhaust yourself into early labor. You are in pain. I can feel it. But I trust you enough to tell me if these were labor pains you're experiencing…rather than something less worrying."

Tauriel sighed and allowed Kili to guide her to a bench, Naurfaer ordering the group to take a water break for the moment as he watched the pair step away. He decided to let them be knowing Kili would best handle this situation.

"It is not labor Kili" Tauriel sighed as she reached around herself to rub some of the pain away from the base of her spine. "It is much different than the pains I had with Finli, so I know not to worry about baring our son in this room." She accepted the water Hadyk brought over, the eleth thanking the dwarf who nodded and went back to the group without a word.

Kili sat beside her and placed his hand on their unborn son, closing his eyes. "Why is it he feels so…unhappy…all the time." Kili leaned down and whispered a few words, the child within her shifting and suddenly a bright warmth filled her mind. It was the closest thing to pure joy her unborn could communicate.

"I know not what you mean. He is most happy to hear you. What I want to know is why our child does not seem as happy when it is just me around. Yet when you are nearby it is instantaneous joy the moment he hears you; Finli was very much the same." She smiled. "Always the favorite, my Kili is. But, in a way I do understand, because you are MY favorite too." Tauriel ran a finger through Kili's hair as he rested his ear on the swell of her stomach…almost as if he was listening for something.

"Don't be silly, he loves you. But he has you around constantly. I am just a guest to his world right now." Kili pressed his lips to her stomach and sat up straight, his hands cupping her jaw tenderly. "Tauriel, I need you to be okay."

"I am okay Kili." At Kili's incredulous expression, Tauriel sighed. "I am just cramping. Standing for any length of time has become a chore. Nothing more, Kili. I assure you."

Kili released her and looked to the group, then back at his wife. "Let's call it a night." When Tauriel began to argue, he pressed a finger to her lips. "Enough is enough amralime. These are dwarves, not elves. We do not possess the ability to remain awake for days on end, or the energy stores to train non-stop without food or rest. Mortals, need certain necessities to live and being deprived of even one of those will affect us in a way that could mean our life in the wrong situation. Let them rest, and we will discuss further training with Naurfaer."

Tauriel stared into her cup, then trailed her eyes to the group of archers now collecting their arrows and waiting for orders. Without a word to Kili, Tauriel stood, again pushing down the pain that rippled through her spine at her actions. "Alright, let's call it for tonight. You are all doing very well. We will come back together tomorrow morning. Please replace your bows to their stands and go get something to eat."

A round of "Aye meh lady" filled the air followed by shuffling as the five dwarves and one dam, who made up the archery team, deposited their weapons and left the room.

Naurfaer was the last to place his bow on the rack, wiping his hands as he slowly made his way to his granddaughter and Kili. He would have loved to say something to her, but he knew of anyone in the room, Tauriel would likely only listen to one person…and that was Kili.

Thankfully he was right, and he did not have to intervene. Tauriel was the one person in this mountain that Naurfaer liked to keep on the good side of.

"An this, is where our Tauri trains the young and eager to be the bes' they could be." Bofur's voice filled the training hall, Kili, Tauriel, and Naurfaer looking to the door as Bofur ushered Bilbo into the room.

"Did I hear something about a war?" Where Bofur looked to be perfectly at ease, Bilbo was shifting and eyeing the team who were filing out of the room, most eyeing the hobbit with mixed looks of interest, curiosity, and a few who seemed more interested in getting out before their leader…who was supposed to be out of commission…called them back, opting to surge out the door with barely a glance at the hobbit.

Kili looked to Naurfaer who shrugged and plopped down beside Tauriel, taking the spot Kili just stood from.

"Might as well tell 'im. No' as if the entire mountain don' know by now somthin' is up." Bofur said as he handed Tauriel a bag which she quickly realized was filled with some of her favorite pastries from Vin and Tarrah. "They gave me tha' when they heard where yeh were. Guess they knew yeh probably were no' taken care of yerself as yeh should." Bofur lifted a brow and smirked as he watched the eleth devour two full tarts and a cheese bun.

"Believe me, I tried to get her to stop." Kili huffed, accepting a cookie Tauriel passed to him.

"Oh, we know tha'. Bu' we also know she will do as she wishes. Won' yeh Tauri?" Bofur laughed as Tauriel scowled, though she did not deny it either.

"Is that a yes than? Are we to have another war so soon?" Bilbo asked again, a bit tired of always being left out of plans involving danger…until that danger was at his doorstep.

Naurfaer dug into the bag Tauriel held out to him, taking a berry scone. "If you aske me, it's more likely to be a skirmish than a war." He gave Bilbo a smile. "I really don't think there is much to worry about. There are more than enough prepared on our side, and Thorin has the army rallied so it's mostly just a waiting game now. Whoever is coming, is nothing short of a great fool. Not only does Thorin have the largest army in the entire dwarven kingdom, he currently has quite a few guards from the Iron Hills here, and with just a raven and a half a day, he can have Thranduil's army, and Bards as well."

The group sat silently contemplating Naurfaer's words before Kili clapped Bilbo on the shoulder. "I think what is to come is now in Mahal's hands. It's getting late, and I want to stop by the kitchens to get some real food on the way up to get my son. Bilbo…try not to worry too much. We have been through far worse together; we can get through this too."

"Aye, least it's no' a dragon." Bofur grinned.

"Ever the optimist, Bofur." Tauriel laughed as she accepted Kili's hand and stood, mussing Bofur's hat as she walked by.

"Oi!" Bofur readjusted his hat, giving Tauriel a mock glare as she paused and looked back. "Are you two coming?" She lifted her brow at Naurfaer and Bilbo, both nodding and following along leaving Bofur with a wave and goodnight.

"What about the wedding?" Bilbo asked as they entered the hall...a hall filled with dwarves shining, dusting, and pushing the small smelter into place.

"Looks to me like it's still on." Kili smiled as he watched his mother yell at a young dwarf who accidently broke a piece of the blade off one of the stone statues because he was roughhousing on the ladder with his brother.

Kili looked, nodding at Gimli as he passed by...snickering at the dwarf a few years younger than him who just got yelled at by the most formable dam in the entire mountain.

"DA! DA DA DA DA DAAAAA! MAMA!" Kili dropped to his knee gathering his racing son up in his arms, a broad matching grin on both of their faces. "How's my little star doing?"

"Nan yelling." Finli pointed at Dis who rolled her eyes.

"Only at those who deserve it." She hummed, staring at the two young brothers who had the mind to look away as they worked with a sculptor who also gave them a piece of his mind for mussing about near statues who were not only honored hero's of old, but who were far older than they are...surviving even a dragon...only to be destroyed by a couple of young, careless, fools; playing where they should be working. Said sculptor was working his magic on the broken stone. By the time he is finished, it will likely look as if no damage had been done at all.

However, Kili did feel for the pair, having been the receiving end of his mother's ire far more times than he could count. Not that she could remain angry at him...or Fili...for all that long. "Mam, where's Nyaunni?" He asked as he stood and looked around.

"I AM HERE!"

The group turned to see the missing dam attempting to tug Dajnel into the room. By attempting, it meant dragging as the fellbeast...or aelúg...fought tooth and nail as Nyaunni gripped what looked like a lead attached to a golden breastplate Dajnel donned about her entire midsection. She looked far more than displeased by both the armor, and the dam trying to force her inside. "Come on you overgrown hatchling; you were fine just seconds ago!"

What made the display even more humorous, was Uri running about Nyaunni's feet, his chirps sounding almost like pleasing laughter. At least until Dajnel snorted indignantly at him, and lowered herself, using her snout to flick him several meters away. "DAJNEL!" Nyaunni chastised.

"I have him." Naurfaer jogged over and picked up the hatchling who shook his head and immediately attempted to hide in Naurfaer's shorter hair. The thing is, he was growing, and though he was still small enough to be concealed in Thorin's or Nyaunni's thick hair, Naurfaer's shorter hair did not quite do the job.

"What's all this about?" Bilbo asked stepping away from the doorway beside the animal who obviously was not interested in being in this room.

Nyaunni went back to tugging but huffed and dropped the lead in frustration. "I need her to cooperate so I can use her in the ceremony...but it is currently looking hopeless." She turned back and placed her hands on her hips, glaring at the aelúg with a look a mother gave when her child was acting up in public.

After just a moment, her severe look softened and Nyaunni let out a quiet, resolved, sigh. She stepped forward and took Dajnel's long face in her hands. "You have been rather upset for some time now, and I know it is because I am not around as often as I was in Minam, and I also have realized you do not like to share." She chuckled and shot a look to the tail and back-end of Uri...which is all you can see of the smallest aelúg. She turned back to Dajnel. "I am sorry if this is too much of an adjustment for you." The creature once called a fellbeast purred and nuzzled Nyaunni as if she understood what the dam was saying. Maybe she did.

Nyaunni wrapped her arms around Dajnel's long neck and held her tight for several moments then pulled away and pressed her forehead to the space between Dajnel's large eyes. "Alright. I will never force you to do something you are not ready for." She smiled and stepped away and moved to retrieve Uri, sighing as she went. "I should just take her back to the stable."

However, as soon as Nyaunni walked into the hall, Dajnel seemed to get over whatever issues she previously had and followed Nyaunni...looking around the room at the dwarves who paused to take in the horse sized, scale and feather covered, creature. It caused Nyaunni to beam with pride. "That's my girl." She tossed Dajnel an apple, the aelúg catching it and eating it whole.

Shaking her head and smirking, Dis walked down from the front and stood before the group. "Do you think she will be alright?"

Nyaunni patted her beloved creature on the neck. "I think so. The armor was just finished, so I think that might have something to do with it. But it is tradition, and I wanted to see how she did. Besides, it is good for her to get used to wearing armor while she is young, just in case. Her safety is important to me and she is a rare creature. Actually, I am hoping, when Uri comes of age, I can pair them. But both are really just babies right now so that is quite far in the future." She chuckled as Uri tried to hide further into Naurfaer's hair. "Besides...it appears...at the moment...they barely tolerate the other."

"Jealousy, I believe is the main culprit there." Tauriel lifted a brow. "It is amazing how many emotions we share with creatures we call beasts. If the races of Arda just opened their eyes and their minds to those that fly, crawl, swim, and run the plains of this world...they would see the intelligence and the emotions of those they consider inferior."

"Are you sure you are not a daughter of Uri?" Nyaunni laughed out causing the group to chuckle as she plucked Uri out of Naurfaer's hair and placed him on Dajnel's back. The large feathered aelúg let out a low growl of displeasure, but did nothing to remove him... though she did happily accept another apple and a praising pat from Nyaunni. "I did say you have to get used to him. But for now I will take whatever allowances you can give. Now..." Nyaunni looked around the room. "...the aisle looks perfect, and I think there is plenty of room at the front. So, we should have no problems."

"Perfect." Dis clasped her hands together. "I suppose as soon as this place is cleaned, we are ready in here than. Anything else we are missing, or that you want to do to the hall?"

Nyaunni's azure eyes trailed around the room, then back to Dis as she shook her head no. "I want to walk Dajnel up and down the aisle several times both today, and tomorrow to get ready. The ceremony is the day after, so that should be enough time to get her comfortable."

"What about the dress?" Tauriel asked, surprised her little friend is not running amok at Nyaunni's feet...hissing and huffing at the dam who would not sit still so she could pin.

"Dress?" Nyaunni asked, then nodded in recollection. "Oh, yes. I gave Leotti full freedom to do whatever she wanted. She took my measurements, and told me to come down tomorrow night for a fitting to make necessary adjustments. All I asked was it would suit me, but I do understand I have a station to dress to. But the only knowledge I have of fashion, came from nearly two hundred years ago." She laughed. "I am quite sure things have changed since then, and she would know far better than I what is acceptable."

"Mahal, you have no fears at all do you?" Kili blinked, then shuddered. For one, he remembers just HOW upset Tauriel had been the days before their wedding and how some of it had to do with Leotti and the dress. He also had firsthand experience with the little dam, and her hard headiness when it comes to styling...it is always a fight to get her to change something she was dead set on. Though in Leotti's defense, she was the master of her craft, and neither Fili nor Kili boasted about being fashion forward. They just wore what they had and what was necessary for a particular ceremony. Which was whatever Leotti made for them or what their mam ordered them into.

Nyaunni lifted a brow at the young prince. "Whatever should I fear Leotti for? She is the one who spent most of her years training in the area, not I. If I needed consulting on jewels, I was told you were the expert to go to, if I had questions about archery, Tauriel, if I needed a cook, Bombur. We all have things we work hard to become masters in, our knowledge is to be shared and trusted. It is how we work youngling, and how our clan runs. My father always says that it only takes a few selfish souls to run things to the ground. Let us not be that way. We work together, or we fall together."

"You will make a wise queen." Naurfaer bowed his head respectfully.

"Only with the help of the family I am very fortunate to join." Nyaunni gave each of them a small smile. "King, queen, lord, governor...none of these titles are meant to do things alone. We are to be a team."

"A family." Kili placed the arm not holding his son around Tauriel who placed her hand on Naurfaer's shoulder. "We are to be a family, aunt Nya."

"A family." Nyaunni repeated, her eyes filling with tears of joy at the prospect of once again, belonging to something so precious. The only thing she longed more for, was for her father to join her down the aisle. Though he may not be there in person, she knows he will be there in spirit.

"Here you are! Do you know we have been searching for you for the last hour?" Fili huffed as he walked into the hall, Viltarra just behind him. "We made ONE stop on the way to the guards wing...and suddenly you are no longer there."

"In their defense..." Viltarra folded her arms. "You spent nearly an entire hour talking to Dwalin and that head guard from Dain's company. I told you they probably would have gone back."

"Since when does Tauri quit before she was forced to!?" Fili glared at the eleth who glared right back.

Bilbo chuckled. "Well, we did intervene, or at least Kili and Naurfaer put a stop to whatever they were doing as it looked quite like they were winding down and releasing the group when Bofur and I arrived. It must have been sometime before you came."

"And we stopped by the kitchen." Kili grinned, tightening his grip around his wife, his hand sitting near enough her belly to feel the contentment his son still in the womb was sharing, though the unborn seemed to be asleep to Kili...he thinks...though he was also getting awake and satisfied so it was one of those. This pregnancy even confused Tauriel who more than once shared with Kili that she had a difficult time reading their unborn son, as one moment he would communicate his satisfaction, while at the same time send waves of displeasure. It did cause Tauriel some stress as she wanted to do all she could to make him happy, as any mother would.

Kili sighed, shaking his head. Maybe he was getting something from Finli who was laying his head on his shoulder obviously ready for bed. "Bombur was in there about to head to the guard's wing to speak to Dwalin. We just stayed in the kitchen and filled him in while he put something warm together for us to eat. We just ate there. Where's uncle? Is he with Dain?"

"Yes, they are in his office with Aeodhen." Fili answered. "I think we should call it a night. The watch will let us know if anyone comes. He began walking towards the steps leading up to their rooms, nodding to the guard in passing. Without a word, everyone followed except Nyaunni and Dis. "Mam?"

"We will be up in a few dear. Nyaunni wants to walk Dajnel up and down the aisle and I want to stay down here to see a few projects through. We will probably go check on your uncle as well. You go ahead."

"Do you need any assistance?" Bilbo asked, but Dis shook her head.

"Your offer is very kind, but we have everything under control. Get some sleep and hopefully we will have news in the morning." Dis pushed Bilbo towards the stairs.

Naurfaer, however remained. "I am going to go check in with Thorin." When he got looks, he waived the group away. "I do not need rest like you, I will see you tomorrow." He turned and left the room, making sure to pat Dajnel on his way by.

Suffice it to say, the evening was silent and still. No army but Dain's came to Erebor, and though Erebor was still on high alert, Thorin returned to the suites not long after Dis and Nyaunni had finished up in the throne room. He ordered them to retire, having already sent Dain up to his room to get some rest…despite the lord of the iron hills assuring Thorin he was fine and opted instead to go with Naurfaer to get some whiskey from Thorin's stores before heading up to bed.

It had been a hard night for Thorin, who tossed and turned through the night so much, Nyaunni too got very little sleep as a result to her bed mate being so restless. He had apologized, but Nyaunni shook her head and smiled, pulling some parchment from the desk along with an ink-filled pen. Thorin smiled softly, happy to have someone who understood him so well, and the pair sat together, discussing options and scenarios of the impending battle until pure exhaustion had their heads hitting the pillows before the parchment ink could even dry.

Despite the little sleep, both Thorin and Nyaunni were up long before the family, but since they had no new reports or news, the pair decided to throw themselves into final preparations for the ceremony. Yet, sitting in his throne the day before the wedding, Thorin's mind was torn between thinking about the ceremony, and trying to come up with solutions he and Nyaunni had not thought of regarding the army that could…or could not…be coming their way.

With the exception of the information about Dryok which can only be supported by paper reports and a disgruntled ex-head guard…there was nothing truly gained from the evening meeting with Dain. Thorin refused to believe Kaw was giving false or misleading information about the 'bad dwarf' he associated with the leader of the firebeards, so the dwarven king knew, in his gut, Dryok was up to something. Whether or not he was marching to Erebor with an army was the one thing he was unsure of...prepared for yes, but hopeful it was just speculation. However, the lord of the Iron Hills, Balin, and Naurfaer all thought it would be a good idea to appraise the other lords of the situation. By raven, the news would take about a week, two for the clans further away.

It meant, both the wedding, and likely whatever battle loomed on the horizon, would be long over by the time the lords were informed.

Now, as high king of the dwarven people, one might think the lords would have to be both informed and invited to the wedding…but the thing is…Thorin needed nobodies' permission to marry. He had said that to Balin who had originally suggested it. He didn't need their approval of Nyaunni, he already had the approvals that meant something to him. First and foremost, he had the approval of his family. He knew though Dis was still getting to know Nya, she already thought of her as part of their family.

Kili, Fili, Tauriel, and Viltarra had already highly praised her and thought the world of her so Thorin needed nothing there. Even the people seemed more excited than subdued about the news their king found a mate. Though it did come as a bit of a shock with how fast things progressed. However, when word got out that Nyaunni was both a first daughter of Uri, and her and Thorin were childhood companions, it was understood there must have been an arrangement in the royal family at some point, and the two being reunited as they were was a sign from Mahal and their ancestors beyond that they both approved and sustained the match.

Which brings Thorin to the other approval he had, the approval of his father. Thrain's signature on that letter meant that he thought very highly of both Draupnir, and Nyaunni to even consider taking responsibility for her and redirect her records to Erebor as he had done so many years ago. It also meant Thrain felt secure in Thorin's and Nyaunni's friendship, seeing the signs they would only grow in love and companionship. It warmed Thorin deeply that those opinions he most cherished, all supported his decision.

No, Thorin did not need the lords to approve, but they should be informed. So he agreed, and before they retired from the meeting, a missive was written, copied, and given to ravens donned with special armer to protect them without impeding their flight. Only the ravens of Erebor possessed the strength, stamina, and size to fly with such armor. Normally, it was not necessary, but with one raven being carried back dead, and Kaw returning with severe injuries, Thorin felt it necessary to give protection to the ravens…and the ravens appreciated the kindness and safety.

The dwarven king has even commissioned a special set of mithril armor for Kaw, being Tauriel and Kili's beloved raven, who did most if not all of the delivering for the royal family. He deserves to be honored with armor befitting his position, and there is enough mithril in Erebor to make a raven sized set. Hopefully the mines will be open soon, and the mithril ore flowing once again.

Thorin sat on the throne staring at the hall filled with dwarves running about, his eyes watching Nyaunni whisper softly to Dajnel as she guided her up to the throne, then back to the entrance hall over and over. He then looked to his daughter who was rubbing her stomach and repeating lines to Viltarra, nodding when the dam got it right. Fili and Kili were tossing a laughing Finli back and forth, also practicing their lines as they did; the toddler more than entertained with the game that kept him out of trouble.

Bilbo was beside Dis who was telling him about what to expect, assuring him though he may not understand the words, he should still be able to follow along. He could also here her warning the hobbit not to share what he sees, as to the dwarven people, it is a sacred ceremony and one never meant to be talked about in other races. Bilbo nodded in full understanding swearing he will not tell a soul or write one word about what he sees. He is just honored to be invited.

Dain was at the front with Balin, reading over the additions to the ceremony Nyaunni had requested; the pair working to merge the ceremony in a way that was cohesive but still allotting for both traditional verbiages. The only one missing was Naurfaer who was in the guards wing with Aeodhen training and keeping the guards on their toes as they waited for warning of what may come.

Apart from the possible army approaching, things seemed rather relaxed in the mountain considering their king was a day away from getting married. The family too kept things calm...likely for the two females nearly at the end of their pregnancy. Nobody wants those little ones to enter the world until they are ready to. Thus, there were no days on end of practicing, no long rehearsals, and little yelling and stress over missed lines. The family had been through enough in the past years to realize, perfection is for the gods, and as long as those who were in the ceremony knew what was to happen and when, everything will be fine. Thorin already knew what to say having helped both Fili and Kili through their ceremonies and Nyaunni read through it each night, the pair practicing together before bed.

Well, before Nyaunni pushed him on his back after tossing the parchment to the floor, opting to spend her last moments of wakefulness expending their energies in much more pleasurable ways than rehearsing lines. Thorin never argued, happy to go along with whatever Nyaunni wanted….as long as Uri was secured in the pen Thorin made for him to sleep in in their room. Uri fought it, but he eventually would settle and stay...at least most of the night. Somehow, he would just end up back on the bed in the morning...but Thorin suspected his other half retrieved him and brought him to the bed sometime in the night.

As it was, with all those evening rehearsals with Thorin, Nyaunni felt perfectly confident with her ability to speak her parts in the ceremony, as did Thorin. Both Fili and Kili as well as Tauriel had been part of each other's wedding, which meant the only one nervous about speaking and slipping up was Viltarra…who was grumbling as Tauriel shook her head and corrected her again.

Thorin chuckled. He cared less if his niece botched up a line or four. He would still end up married to Nyaunni, regardless of how well...or not...Viltarra recited her lines.

"A copper for your thoughts?" Thorin lifted his blue eyes and smiled as Nyaunni perched herself on the arm of the large throne. He will be commissioning a second throne not only for his soon to be queen, but for Viltarra when she takes the title, and any who follow. A queen deserves her place beside her mate. "Are you ready for this?"

Thorin hummed a yes. "More than. I was just observing. The energy is much more…subdued and relaxed then the last wedding we had in this hall."

"And whose was that?" Nyaunni plucked a stray bit of string from Thorin's vest.

"It would have been mine." Viltarra grunted as she sat on the steps and staired at the piece of parchment in her hands.

"VILTARRA!" Dis huffed. "Do you really need that dear?"

"I do." The young dam growled. She was not in the mood to be chastened by anyone, not even the matriarch of the family and her mother by marriage. She was not only tired, but she kept getting these awful, shocks, coming up her spine when she stood too long. Not to mention, Fili has been driving her crazy all morning with his hovering when she complained about the pressure and pain in her chest a little bit ago likely from the large swell she carried around constantly.

Though Oin warned her of the pain that may come from her body getting ready to nurse another life. She definitely has gotten larger in the last week in several prominent areas, but Tauriel…poor Tauriel…was still larger. Viltarra thanks Mahal every day she is not that round. It is hard enough the size she was, not to feel as if she defied gravity just standing up like Tauriel did.

Viltarra eyed her sister who was actually RUNNING after Finli who escaped his uncle and began racing towards Dajnel who was trying to eat. Tauriel was RUNNING. Viltarra cannot imagine speed walking…let alone running. That's not even it either. Tauriel can also be up and around from dawn to dusk…or close to it…without once coming back for a break or a nap. Viltarra passes out at the bakery at least twice in the day…if not three times, while her sister would train, or come to work at the forge without leaving until either Fili forces her out, or Kili retrieves her for lunch and dinner. Though Kili says Viltarra could not be more incorrect, and told her that Tauriel takes several naps a day…and he has even found her sleeping at the lunch table on more than one occasion. But since Viltarra has yet to see it even once, she thinks Kili was just trying to make her feel better about herself.

Emotionally, Tauriel also has the upper hand. Though her sister can be a bit short in temper, far more than normal, and does tend to tear up in any situation happy or sad, Viltarra…oh Viltarra felt like a complete mess. It was like chaos reigned in her mind and her emotions ruled her day.

Just that morning, both her and Fili were over an hour late to come down and help all because Viltarra was torn between killing her husband…and wanting to throw him to the nearest flat surface and make passionate love to him. How did she get to that point? It began when said husband was simply trying to greet her and hold her as he slowly came to consciousness.

However, Viltarra was warm. Too warm. Too warm, and she had to use the washroom. But Fili would not move, oh no, he tightened his arms around her causing Viltarra to shove him away as she made a hasty retreat to the toilet. When she came back, Fili had been giving her a look laced with hurt. "You could have just said you needed to go."

"I DID." Viltarra remembers her seething temper, cringing at the recollection and the upset expression on Fili's face. "Yet YOU refused to budge."

Fili remained silent for a moment, then wordlessly stepped out of bed and walked into the washroom, slamming the door shut so hard, the painting on the wall fell to the floor cracking the frame.

"Really?! You are SUCH a CHILD!" Viltarra shouted through the door then stomped around the room as she got ready for the day that she had been looking forward to….but now dreaded. Did he have to be so sensitive? It was as if HE was the one carrying nearly thirty pounds of extra weight and dealing with the associated pains, body changes, and hormones that came with growing a life…not her. She paused before the mirror and stared at her reflection, then huffed again as she left the room to pace the sitting room.

Should she just go downstairs? No. No. She couldn't do that. Viltarra sighed as she looked to Hiril who stretched as she came to sit at her feet. "Calm. Think calm." Closing her eyes, Viltarra forced her raging temper down, reflecting on the morning. Before she could stop them, tears were cascading down her cheeks almost relentlessly. Hiril pawed and whined but Viltarra had shut down.

Sitting on the couch, Viltarra buried her face in her hands and sobbed. Which is how Fili found her, at some point. Viltarra felt as if her world shut down for hours, days, months…time meant nothing. All she felt was crushing anxiety, frustration, and exhaustion. It was as if her emotions where her heartbeat and all she wanted was to crawl into the corner and be left alone.

But she also wanted Fili. She wanted to crawl into Fili and melt into him where safety was, where love was, where reprieve from the world was. It was a war…a battle of need verses independence…and her hormones led the siege.

"Viltarra…" Fili squatted, but Viltarra only moved away.

"No! Just…go." She pushed Fili as he tried again to take her hand.

So, Fili nodded and stood, thinking maybe she just needed some space and time to herself. However, the moment he took a step away, Viltarra cried harder.

"You're leaving?" She blinked, tears blurring her vision. "You are leaving me, aren't you? Of course, I deserve it."

"What! No." Fili turned back and sat, but his wife was already moving away again.

"No, no. Just go ahead and go." Viltarra ground out, wiping the tears from her eyes. When Fili tried again Viltarra glared at him. "I SAID JUST GO!"

Staring at her for several minutes, Fili finally nodded and stood. Swiftly moving to the door, at least until Viltarra began sobbing again. "I'm sorry Fili. I really don't want you to go."

Fili closed his eyes, gathering his thoughts, then turned away from the door. "Okay….what would you like then?"

"I….space….just some space. But stay. I want you to stay."

Fili nodded and moved back to the sofa, sitting beside the dam he loved more than himself, but leaving several feet between them to give her the space she requested. He scratched the warg behind her ears when she rested her head on his knee, likely as confused as he was about what to do with Viltarra.

After nearly a quarter hour of silent sniffling, Viltarra slowly scooted across the distance between them, and lifted Fili's arm to nuzzle up to him. Mahal was Fili even more confused now. Hold her, don't hold her, stay, go…it was as if no matter what he did…it was opposite what Viltarra needed. Kili never said anything about going through this with Tauri.

Viltarra burrowed into Fili's side, hardly caring she was already beginning to overheat and cramp up. All she wanted was her Fili. "I should not have yelled at you."

Fili chuckled and kissed her head. "I probably should not have acted like a petulant child in response. Are you okay?"

Shaking her head, Viltarra sighed. "I was hot, and you feel as if you were just pulled from the fire, you are so warm. But that really wasn't bothering me as much as the fact that I had to use the toilet…and was quite near messing the bed." She peaked an eye up at Fili who lifted a brow. "Fili, I think I am ready to get this child out of me so I can think rationally again."

At this, Fili laughed, pressing yet another kiss to her head. "Well, you do deserve a break after all you are going through.

"You're too good to me." Viltarra hummed and leaned back, but not far enough to leave the safety of his side. "I was out of line."

"Viltarra, you have a child growing inside of you. You are allowed to have mornings like today. This is a safe place." Fili moved a lock of waves from her eyes, his fingers brushing away stray tears still falling down her cheeks. "You are safe here to feel and say what you want. I just want you to be comfortable and happy. If that means you need an hour or two to yourself, then I am alright with that. Kili gets to know what Tauri is experiencing, he can feel what she needs which gives him a bit of an upper hand with this kind of stuff….but the rest of us males get to guess…and sometimes…a lot of the time…we guess incorrectly."

Viltarra chuckled, leaning in so her lips grazed his neck. "More often than not, you are far more correct, then incorrect. But I will share a small secret." She pressed a kiss to the skin beneath Fili's ear, the crowned prince shivering in pleasure as she continued a path down his jaw and paused at his lips. "I don't even know what I want…until I see you walking away and know that is exactly what I do not want. Ever."

"And it is never something you ever have to worry about. At your word, I will always be right back at your side." Fili grasped her face and pulled her lips to his, devouring her and matching her passion. He smiled as he felt a kick from their unborn son, and he leaned back. "He probably wants breakfast."

"Or, SHE is cramped and has no place to stretch." Viltarra's stomach grumbled and Fili lifted a brow as Viltarra pulled his lips back to hers, pushing him back and straddling his lap. Sod breakfast…she had other needs right now.

"Are you alright Viltarra, you look flushed. Should I call Oin?" Kili kneeled down and gave Viltarra a soft smile as her cheeks went scarlet. She blinked the images of what her morning led to away, and shook her head.

"Just thinking about the lines I have to remember." Viltarra fibbed, having no desire to say out loud what she was really thinking about on the steps of the throne room, surrounded by not only her family…but well over two dozen dwarves and a few dams working to prepare for the kings wedding happening tomorrow.

Kili nodded and sat beside her, causing Viltarra to fidget as she again tried to calm her racing heart. "Try not to worry about it too much. You did amazing at your wedding, and you have maybe, three things to remember." He passed her a mug of cool water. "You probably should drink this. Staying hydrated is important." He grinned cheekily, his eyes sparkling with barely constrained mirth. "Especially when you are staying so…active."

Viltarra spit her water out, coughing, as her cheeks went redder. Kili just laughed, patting her on the back. "You forget my wife is pregnant as well. I feel it all."

"KILI!" Tauriel shouted across the hall as she accepted a squirming Finli from Gimli who had caught him before he stole some of the fruit from a growling Dajnel. She would never bite, but she does not like it when others stick their hands near her when she is eating. Nyaunni was working with her about it, but it was a work in progress. "LET VILTARRA ALONE!"

"Ahh, but amralime! I am only offering brotherly advice and concern….that's all."

Tauriel glared at Kili and Kili in response gave her the most endearing grin he could muster. They must have been communicating something silently, because both of their expressions softened and Kili turned to Viltarra. "Sorry, I was only teasing. But really, if you miss something, it's no big deal. Fili knows what to do and say."

"Ya, it's not like it's our wedding nunguame." Fili added, plopping down beside her and handing her an apple. "We are just the support group this time with not much to say. Ki and Tauri are doing the harder part preparing the rings with Fin again…"

"RING! POP POP POP!" Finli called out as he kicked and wiggled until Tauriel rolled her eyes and let him go, watching him with folded arms as Finli ran right up to Thorin and tugged and pulled until the dwarven king helped him up onto his lap. "Ring." He handed Thorin a small cookie which was round, and lacked a center, likely from Vin who was baking late last evening and left several out for the family.

Thorin smiled and nodded. "Very good Finli." Appeased, the dwarfling sat in his lap and chewed happily on the treat as Thorin wondered just where he had been hiding it…as he knew he did not have that cookie a few minutes before.

"Gama, cookie?" Finli held out a soggy bit of the treat to Nyaunni who looked taken aback.

"What did he just call me?" She looked to Thorin, then to Kili and Tauriel who had just walked up to stand beside the steps Kili was still sitting on next Viltarra and Fili.

"I believe, grandma…in his own way." Fili chuckled. "If you had not noticed, Fin's not the best with words."

"He's not the only one." Viltarra lamented as she looked back down at the parchment in her hands before she balled it up and threw it across the hall. "I suppose at this point, what will be, will be." She finally said, eliciting a laugh from Fili who kissed her on the temple.

"You, will be perfect." Viltarra rolled her eyes but smiled as she looked back up at Nyaunni who seemed lost…and touched at the same time.

"He thinks I am his grandmother?" Nyaunni was so surprised, she did not quite know how to feel.

"Well, technically, you will be after tomorrow." Kili smiled softly. He may have been the one to entertain the idea to his son as they drew pictures together last evening. Finli had been pointing at his blobs and giving them names of the family, until he paused at a scribble of red unsure what to call it. Since the rest of the family was accounted for, Kili knew he was trying to communicate that it was Nyaunni…but he did not know how or what to call her.

She was not his uncle…that was Fili. She was not his aunt…that was Viltarra. Nan was there, and pop…Dis and Thorin. Even gamp, Naurfaer, was accounted for, and of course she was also not mama or da, so who was this dam who he spent many mornings with. Seeing Finli's desire to know, Kili helped him along. "That could be grandma, Fin."

"Gama?" Finli looked to the drawing, his eyes moving to the black blob as he pointed. "Nan?"

"Like nan, but different." There was no use trying to fully explain to a two year old, so Kili did not bother elaborating any more. Besides, Finli looked back at the drawing and nodded.

"Gama!" He grabbed another red wax stick and scribbled more, a broad grin on his face as he repeated 'gama' over and over again while he added more red scribbles to the picture. That was last evening as they were winding down after a hard day…and the disturbing news of an approaching army.

Tauriel had been in the bath, soaking her sore muscles, while Kili volunteered to get their son ready for bed. But Finli politely requested to draw for a bit, and Kili could absolutely not deny such a request when he got the full force of his son's wide brown eyes. So they spent a good half hour sitting at Kili's desk in the sitting room, just drawing together.

Eventually Finli had fallen asleep in his arms, his hand still clutching the red wax stick. Kili had carefully stood and placed him in his crib…since the toddler vehemently refuses to go into the larger one, declaring it to be Kaw's bed until the baby comes. Kili glanced at the raven who was asleep in a crate that sat inside the new crib, then he turned down the lights and joined his wife in the tub. Telling her about the suggested name for Nyaunni…to which Tauriel fully agreed.

"Thorin is Finli's grandfather." Kili continued, his mind coming back to the present. "He not only raised Fili and I alongside mam, but he also adopted Tauriel into his heart as his own." Kili's eyes trailed to his wife, who gave Thorin a warm smile. He felt her love for Thorin, a love so deep and so precious, it felt no different than the love Kili felt for his mam, or for that matter, the love he felt for his son. They were an odd family, but it worked for them. "So, by marriage, you, are his grandmother. If you are comfortable with that."

"Comfortable?!" Nyaunni scooped Finli up, standing as she did, and holding him tight. "I truly don't even know what to say!" It took a moment for the family to realize the dam was crying. "Grandmother." She repeated softly.

"Gama." Finli soothed, tenderly wrapping his arms around her neck. "S' okay." He added, his little hand patting her hair just as he has seen his father do when his mother cries. Or what his mother does when he is crying.

Nyaunni just held Finli…her grandson…tight. Grandson. Her eyes moved to Tauriel, then to Viltarra, and the words Thorin had said played again in her head. Children will be a part of her life, a part of their life, for some time to come. At the time, it just did not resonate with her, but now, holding Finli, she realized not only will they be a part of her life…but she will be a part of their life as well. "I have a grandson."

"And two more on the way." Fili said proudly.

"Or one grandson, and a granddaughter." Viltarra corrected, giving Fili an incredulous look. The blonde prince just grinned and pulled her close.

"Could be two granddaughters." Bilbo added. "One of the greatest joys in life, is speculating on what one is to have. In the shire, we often get a great wager going on boy or girl. When the babe is born the family has a wonderful feast, and the losers do all the baking and supply all the food. The winners get to spend time with the babe first."

"Ya, well, Bofur already has something like that going." Kili sad, holding out his hand to give Tauriel something to help stabilize her so she doesn't topple over as she sits. "He has two going if you had not noticed in the great hall. Even made it more challenging by declaring one does not win unless they have both the date AND the sex correct.

Bilbo nodded. "I did see that. I already gave my guess, but I am not sharing it. Bad luck."

"Wha' is bad luck now?" Dain lifted a brow as he and Balin joined the conversation.

"Sharing your bet, apparently." Kili chuckled.

"Oh aye." Balin agreed, nodding to Bilbo. "Though I don' believe it to be a matter of luck, it is just no' a good practice in case yeh have an insiders view."

"What do you mean?" Kili asked, still confused.

"Well lad, is it better te win a full pot...or share it among a bunch of others who bet followin' yer vote?"

Kili scrunched his nose in distaste. "The full pot for sure." He looked to Tauriel then his eyes widened. "Oh, right. The majority will follow someone who may know more, which ruins the bet."

Balin put his finger on his nose. "There ya have it, lad. Spot on."

"THORIN!" The family looked up to see Nori racing in, his brother Dori right behind him.

The dwarven king rose, already heading towards the pair running into the throne room. "What's going on."

"We go' a raven back." Dori took a deep breath. "Another in bad condition. She will live, bu' she looks like she was nearly sho' down like Kaw. She was coherent though...an adamant dwarves had shot at her...and were comin'. An hours flight away north-east she said."

"An hours flight, making them just under thirty miles away. At top speed, they will be here in three or four hours. Five to seven at the most." Thorin rubbed his chin as Kili and Fili stood on either side, Viltarra and Tauriel just behind them.

"Are you going to go out and meet them?" Bilbo asked, the concern evident in his voice.

"Meet them?" Thorin lifted a brow. "Whyever would I do that? No. If they want to come to my mountain, and challenge me, they can do it here. Nori! Get every citizen inside the mountain and have Oklan pen up as many of the animals we can, inside. Dori, I want every gate and entrance closed and guarded with tripple the usual guard."

"Aye." Both brothers answered simultaneously.

"Gimli!" Thorin called to the young dwarf who was more than eager to run up. "Go get the rest of my company and have them meet me in the guards hall in an hour."

"As you wish, Thorin." Gimli nodded, happy to help and be a part of what was to come.

"Tauriel, Viltarra..."

"Don't even think about ordering us up to the room." Viltarra seethed. Thorin nearly had to take a step back. He was expecting Tauriel to be the first to argue, but he misjudged his niece again.

"Nunguame..."

"Absolutely not. Need an archer, sister?"

"Always, muinthel." Tauriel answered, a smile on her lips as all three sons of Durin gave them incredulous looks.

"FINE!" Thorin growled. "You can take your team to the high lookout, not the one above the gate, the one above that. It is either go there, or you stay in your room. Your choice."

Tauriel rolled her eyes. "As you wish." She stepped back to the throne and retrieved her bow, having decided to keep it with her just in case something like this happened, while Viltarra just used one of the bows Erebor supplied, not having one of her own.

"I WISH you would both stay well away." Thorin growled, then sighed as he turned frustrated eyes to his nephews who watched their wives with wary looks. "Are you both okay with this?"

"Not really." Fili grumbled but neither did he argue.

"That is also a no for me, but is it any different if I went out?" Kili asked, watching his wife with worry. "Let's just hope it won't come down to drawing blood." He stepped away from his brother and uncle, and up to Tauriel, pulling her down so their foreheads met. "Be safe, do not do anything reckless, and for Mahal's sake, keep away from any close contact fighting if you can."

"You as well, meleth nin. Do not forget, your fate, is my own." She whispered as their lips met.

As Kili pulled away from his wife, he rested his hand on his unborn child then looked up into Tauriel's blazing emerald green eyes. "How could I ever forget we are forged together as one, my Tauriel." He sent love to both her, and the babe through their bond…which she immediately met with love of her own… then he watched her go with Viltarra, Hiril trotting behind them. His eyes lingered on the doorway they passed through for a moment, then he twisted around. "Let's go."

"DA!" Finli ran up to Kili who froze, then got to his knees.

"You go with gama and nan, Fin." Kili pulled his son into his arms, then passed him to Dis as she sped towards them.

"Go Kili. I have him." Dis accepted her grandson, holding him close as Kili stood. "Come back to me, all of you."

Thorin smiled and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Dis, this is not even a fight yet." He looked to Nyaunni who held Dajnel's lead, the aelúg following her obediently to the door, while Uri sat on Nyaunni's shoulder chirping like a bird.

"I need to put Dajnel in her pen, and I will help make sure the animals are inside."

Thorin nodded. "Alright. Then I want you inside as well."

Nyaunni gave him a small smile, then left the room, Nori following directly having need to go there as well.

With nothing more to say or direct, Thorin left the hall followed by his nephews, Balin, and Dain. To his surprise, Bilbo followed as well. Instead of saying something, however, Thorin just let him come. Bilbo never ceased to amaze him, and surprise him with his courage and his desire to make the world, and those around him, better. Thorin will likely never find a truer, more selfless soul outside his mountain again.

The group followed their leader through the halls, Thorin ordering any dwarves not part of the guard to get further into the mountain for their safety. These dwarves trusted their royal family with their lives, so they went without hesitation or question.

"Thorin! We go' the gates all shut an' teams of guards on all lookouts." Aeodhen came storming down the steps, meeting Thorin at the bottom of the guards wing and joining him as he headed up.

"The company is meeting us here. Where's Naurfaer and Dwalin?" Thorin pushed into the war room where Bofur, Gloin, Oin, and Ori already waited.

"Both are up in the raven room, Naurfaer tryin' to see ahead and Dwalin tryin' teh get one o' the birds teh fly out again." Aeodhen walked to the small window and looked out at the still empty valley.

"Do…do…do you think they will break into the mountain?" Bilbo stuttered, clearing his throat and shifting as he looked around. He knew he should have kept sting with him, rather than leaving it in his travel bag.

Silence permeated the room for several heartbeats, before the dwarves around him broke into roaring laughter. "Break into the mountain?" Gloin said, wiping tears from his eyes. "Listen to our 'obbit. Come lad, have yeh seen our gate? Nobody is breakin' into anything."

Fili even grinned, placing a hand on the hobbits shoulder. "This mountain has only ever been broken into once…and that was by a dragon. You do remember Smaug right? You were the one to speak to him were you not."

"I, I, was, yes." Bilbo nodded. "Of course. So, just a dragon…Smaug. He has been the only one to get in by force?"

"Aye." Kili added. "An' only the once, right uncle?"

Thorin hummed. "You have nothing to worry about my friend. Erebor is quite safe, or I would have sent my grandson, along with my daughter and niece to Mirkwood for their protection. Consider this just…being prepared for the worst. I do not anticipate blood being spilt today unless absolutely necessary." The dwarven king patted Bilbo on the shoulder and turned to his company as they entered.

"We have little time to discuss, but I believe we are quite prepared for what is to come." Thorin nodded to Bombur as he shut the door, being the last one to enter along with Gimli, who was allowed to remain. There was not much to discuss, Aeodhen and Naurfaer laid out the plan, where they thought guards should be in the VERY unlikely case the oncoming attack was successful, and it was understood that not one dwarf in Erebor was to attack first. Defense only.

"Does everyone understand?" Thorin stood staring at the group all nodding and giving firm, "Aye, Thorin."

"Good. Tauriel and Viltarra are gathering the archers. As soon as that army crests the hill, we move into position." Thorin glared out the window at the empty valley. "I will not be intimidated. This is MY mountain. These are MY people. I rule. My word is LAW. Whoever leads that army, be it lord or not, will rue the day he chose to stand against me. Mahal mark my words."

Authors Note: I know…it's cliffy. But stay tuned for another in a few days. Thank you for being so patient! These thinks take SO long to write, and a lot of times I have to do SOME research here and there. Also, life. BTW, my cat, can now open my front door…which is a bit frightening…but she only does if I am the one leaving. Lol. She has separation anxiety.